Luther writes to him that he cannot serve him in the duchy of Duke Moritz of Saxony.
From your Cod. äsn. L. 24. n., fol. 181, in De Wette, vol. V, p. 549.
1) "Mecum" is De Wette's conjecture instead of "man" in Walch.
No. 3001.
To the Elector Johann Friedrich.
Renewed intercession for his brother-in-law, Hans von Bora.
The original is in the Weimar Archives, Reg. Aa, pag. 437. n. 5. Printed by Burkhardt, p. 423.
G. u. F. and my poor Pater noster. Most noble, highborn Prince, most gracious Lord! My dear brother-in-law, the House of Bora, has been able to send this letter to E. C. F. G., showing me how E. C. F. G. intends to change the monasteries and sequestration, which I have often heard (but not understood) and desired from many good people. God grant that it may also become better, amen. Now Haus von Bora asks E. C. F. G. to graciously let him see that he does not have to be in harm's way, but because he has begun to damage the monastery with his darthun, that he may receive it. There is no doubt about E. C. F. G.'s heart and courage. But C.F.G. sees and experiences how the people are now, and how difficult the regime has become, so that it would be necessary for a gentleman to have eyes and ears in all corners. There is no more conscience nor faithfulness. God help you regents. You are poor, afflicted people, to whom few people are kind, all devils are grudging, even friends are not firm friends. May God and His people be and remain gracious and kind to you. You may well, especially in this last furious malice of all devils and men. E. C. F. G. will know how to graciously show that the good journeyman is not in harm's way. Hiemit dem lieben GOtte befohlen, Amen, Die Gertrudis [March 17] 1543.
E. C. F. G. subservient
Martinus Luther, D.
No. 3002.