Intercession for the Reverend George Jericho)
The canzellei letter with original signatures is in the Weimar Archives, O, pag. 397. Lit. H. X. 3. Printed by Burkhardt, p. 452.
God's grace and peace before. Most Serene, Highborn Prince! E. ch. G. our submissive, obedient and completely willing services are ready in constant diligence beforehand. Most gracious Lord! E. ch. G. will graciously take note of this document,
1) Burkhardt notes: Georg Jerich appealed to the Consistory for support on the day of Galli (Oct. 16), because 33 years ago he had been burned down in the feud against the Schenken von Teupitz, who had reduced the village to ashes, but in addition had had to take over the Gelet office at Hohenbuckau out of compulsion by order of the Elector, as a result of which he had been impoverished, as by hail and locusts (1542).- On Friday after Nicolai (Dec. 12) the Consistory was ordered to send in the original petition. Original petition of the pastor to be sent in. Further is not known.
Letters from the year 1544. No. 3153. 3154. 3155.
what a poor priest, the pastor of Hohenbuckau, has come to the deputies of the Consistory for his entertainment. Since we know of the poor man's age, incapacity and infirmities, and also that last summer, because of his infirmity, we allowed him to consecrate the chalice of the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that it could be given to the people by the sexton, we have sent a submissive request to E. C. G. that the priest of Hohenbuckau be allowed to consecrate the chalice of the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. G. our submissive request, that E. C. G. show mercy to the said priest, so that something may be given to him for his abstinence for the rest of his life, and that he may not suffer hardship and poverty in his old age in view of his protracted church service. Thus, there are more such old priests in E. C. F. G. lands, who, because of age and infirmity, can no longer perform their duties. For this reason, we especially ask that the C.F.G. be graciously mindful of how these poor people and ministers of the divine word may be advised and helped in their old age and due need. E. C. F. G. want to show themselves with grace in this; we are willing to earn this for the sake of E. C. F. G. humbly. Date Wittenberg, Thursday after Simonis and Judä [Oct. 30] Anno 1544.
E. C. F. G. subject Martinus Luther. Johannes Bugenhagen Pom., D. Philippus Melanthon.
Caspar Creutziger.
No. 3154.