First printed in 1830, after the original, in Lindner's "Mittheilungen," vol. II, p. 86; then in the Erlangen edition, vol. 56, p. 241 and in De Wette-Seidemann, vol. VI, p. 352.
To the illustrious, highborn princess and wives, wives Margarethen, née Margravine of Brandenburg 2c., princess of Anhalt, countess of Ascanien and wives of Bernburg, my gracious wives and godparents.
Your Serene Highborn Princess, Madam 2c.! I have written to m. gu. H., Prince Wölfen, a strong letter written with strong
1) See No. 3056.
I have received a short reminder that S. F. G. does not want to burden their conscience with great damage to his dear cousins and natural heirs 2c. S. F. G. answered that they would shortly report to me verbally or in writing on what grounds S. F. G. had done so. If now God wants that S. F. G. would thus enter into the dispute with me, then I will certainly do my part (whether God wills it). For I would not wish such harm on any of my enemies as would be encountered by H. F. G.'s rule in this; and I am almost sorry and disgusted that Satan seeks such displeasure among and between such close cousins. God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, forbid him, and give me or others who can prevent it, word and blessing that it may ever be prevented.
I believe it well, madam, that E. F. G. does not always walk on roses, especially at this shameful time, when the devil rages against God's word and causes all misfortune. I also experience more than enough of his raging every day; but it is said: He is greater who is in us, neither he who is in the world. He will finally be enough for us, when all things fail, to bring us all happiness. To this I commend E. F. G. with all yours, Amen. Thursday after Elizabeth [Nov. 22] 1543.
E. F. G.
willing Martinus Luther, D.
No. 3064.
To D. Joachim Mörlin, pastor in Arnstadt.
Luther advises him to leave his position.
Manuscript in Aurifaber, vol. III, p. 415 and in Cod. Goth. Printed in Schütze, vol. III, p. 215 and in De Wette, vol. V, p. 604. German in the Altenburg edition, vol. VIII, p. 276; in the Leipzig edition, vol. XXII, p. 574 and in Walch, vol. XXI, 483.
To the respectable man, Joachim Mörlin, Doctor of Theology, the faithful bishop and pastor of the church at Arnstadt, his brother in the Lord.
Grace and peace in the Lord! What else can I advise you but what Paul, yes
even the Lord himself advised, my dear doctor, who says Matt. 10:14, "If they will not receive you, go out of that city, and shake off the stall from under your feet." For thou hast not rejected them, that they should not hear thee; but they reject thee, that thou shouldest not teach them. "They have not rejected thee, but me," said the Lord to Samuel [1 Sam. 8:7.], "that I should not be king over them." And Paul [Acts 13:46.], "Because ye cast away the word of salvation, behold, we turn unto the Gentiles." And thou canst not burden thy conscience with strange sins, especially those who defend them by contradicting the priest. Therefore give place to your anger, and depart, for this house is not worthy that our peace should rest upon it. And as much as it is in me, they shall have no other priest after thee, whom they shall propose to me, 1) neither shall I esteem him a good man, but rather a faithful shepherd, who shall confirm their sins and wickedness, that is, who shall dare to take thy place. It is the Lord who will judge him, and at the same time those people; we are innocent, let their blood be on their head. This is my opinion; I will tell this to the count 2) because I hear that he will send a delegation to me. And you have done well that you have explained the matter to me, so that I knew what I should answer. Fare well in the Lord. Wittenberg, on the day of Cecilia [Nov. 22], Anno 1543.
Your Martin Luther, D.
No. 3065.