About a certain Herzheimer, who seems to have been depressed by the Cardinal at Mainz.
Printed in the Wittenberg edition (1559), vol. XII, p. 20Ib; in the Jena edition (1568), vol. VI, p. 115 b; in the Eisleben edition, vol.II, p.328; in the Altenburger, vol. VI, p. 161; in the Leipziger, vol. XXI, p. 79; in Walch, vol. XXI, 368; in De Wette, vol. IV, p. 503 and in the Erlanger Ausgabe, vol. 55, p. 39.
To the respectable, highly esteemed Mr. Johann Rühel, Doctor of both rights, my favorable master and dear godfather.
Grace and peace in Christ. Respectable, esteemed, dear Lord and Godfather! Magister Philippus does not want to report anything in writing to Herzheimer, and has his reasons. But I think that your Früchtlin and Kräutlin of Halle have now pretended, and have carried the tree long enough on both armpits, and will now work hard at his nettle, the pious. Therefore Herzheimer is to be advised, that he should tear out in time and with honor; the devil believes the pokers and priests more, as you have often deceived me with him. God help me, I want to send more people and armor after the angular mass, and enrage the devil completely. The first anger would have been the best, but you have been the one to prevent it. No more than this commanded by God, amen. My Käthe greets you kindly. Greetings to me your flesh and blood. All that I can and know serve Herzheimer, you have me willing and ready. 1534, January 25.
Martinus Luther, D.
Letters from the year 1534. No. 2033a.
No. 2033a.