Luther gives his advice to the duke regarding the participation in the war against the Turks demanded by the prince of Brandenburg as the ruler of the empire.
From Faber's collection of letters, p. 41, in De Wette, vol. V, p. 474 and in the Erlangen edition, vol. 56, p. 26.
1) "thun" put by us instead of "yhm".
Your Serene Highness, Most Reverend Prince, Most Gracious Sir! I was very pleased to receive E. F. G.'s letter, as well as the secretary's verbal solicitation. I also ask, as before, that Your Grace (as you heartily request) see to it that the sectarianism does not break down; for attention must be paid, because the enemy is not a painted or carved image, but, as Christ says, a living, yes, a ruling prince and God of the world, as we well experience every day.
I am glad to hear that the Royal Prince of Brandenburg 2c. requires us to wage war against the Turks, and I would like to see such a great and powerful enemy resisted in a fitting manner. But that it should be a vocatio, that is nothing, because E. F. G. are not required by the empire. It should be a friendly service as from a neighbor, because of which E. F. G. can stay at home without any danger to their conscience, as well as it is necessary. Where E. F. G. would want to go out of a sense of duty, only for friendship, then E. F. G. would have, [their] 2) request, the two scholars here who are capable enough for the army preaching office, eight also, where they would demand E. F. G., should they be found willingly. For the sake of the surgeon, I do not know how to answer this question, since they are not here or have already all been requested. Our dear Lord Christ bless E. F. G. and keep her in all graces, Amen. Friday after Trinity [June 9] 1542.
E. F. G.
Martinus LutheR.
No. 2926.