Recommendation of a former monk to the preaching ministry.
From the Gleichische Collection at Dresden in Schütze, Vol. III, p. 216 and in De Wette, Vol. V, p. 639.
To the respectable man, Mr. Georg Spalatin, the extremely faithful bishop of Altenburg and the neighboring churches, his brother in the Lord.
Grace and peace! This monk Simon, who has become a citizen (civem), I recommend to you, since no honorable position was available, otherwise I would have kept him. Guided by holy zeal for GOD, he wishes to become a servant of the Word; help him if you can. And if
he must be postponed, and in the meantime nothing becomes free with you, we will call him back to uus. Farewell. Tuesday after Judica [April 1] 1544.
Your Martin Luther.
No. 3106.