Intercession for two students, former monks.

The original is in Cod. chart. Goth. 380. fol. Printed in the Leipzig Supplement, p. 107, no. 201; in Walch, vol. XXI, 496; in De Wette, vol. V, p. 646 and in the Erlangen edition, vol. 56, p. 90.

To the illustrious, highborn Prince and Lord Johann Ernst, Duke of Saxony, Landgrave of Thuringia and Margrave of Meissen.

G. u. F. in the Lord and my poor Pater noster. Sublime, highborn prince, gracious lord! E. F. G. have graciously received the two, Johannes Helnecker and Otto Bleydner, from the devil's bonds, the monasticism, out of princely charity, here in Wittenberg in the studio One year, in which they have well judged themselves and finely skillful.

to theology and other arts. But they are very neglected in their monastery. They ask and desire that E. F. G. maintain them for God's sake for another year, so that they can get fully on their feet and strengthen themselves in that which they have understood. For they now see how far they have come and where they lacked. Therefore, it is my humble request to E. F. G., because such a thing is well planned, and they may become fine useful men, that E. F. G. may graciously maintain them for another year in praise and honor, and where it cannot be otherwise, take hold of the monastery goods. For to promote such work, chalices and monstrances should also be melted, much more or even so much more, as they would have to be melted for the Turkish tax. In this E. F. G. is doing a work that pleases God and is necessary and useful to the Church. Hiemit dem lieben GOtt befohlen, beide zu Land und zu Haus, Amen. Tuesday after Vitalis [April 29] 1544.

E. F. G. submissive Martinus Luther, D.

No. 3112.