Intercession for Bernhard Zettler. - He received 40 fl. support annually for the duration of his service.
The original is in the Weimar Archives, Reg. O, pag. 125. Printed by Burkhardt, p. 460.
God's grace through His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, our Savior, beforehand. Most Sublime, Highborn, Most Gracious Prince and Lord! E. C. F. G. know that there is a poor man here, Bernhard Zettler, who was schoolmaster at Jesse, to whom E. ch. F. G. a long time a gracious Elemosyna [ge]geben. Now his face is so corrupted that he cannot be used in service, although he likes to work and is well learned and able to speak. Because God has given him through E. ch. F. G., we ask in submission and for the sake of God that E. ch. F. G. may graciously grant him a stipend as an elemosyna for the time being, in exchange for which he may engage in useful work, which he has done diligently until now, namely, to instruct the ordinands who come here, for which we often use him and others. For we find in the work that this work is necessary and useful. Therefore, the ordination should not only be a ceremony, but it should also be a serious investigation of doctrine and instruction, as many confess to us that they are usefully reminded by such instruction. To this good work may this E. ch. F. G.'s work, God will undoubtedly reward it abundantly; may He always be gracious to E. ch. F. G. always graciously preserve it. Date, Wittenberg, on the 16th day of Decembris Anno 1544.
E. ch. F. G. subjects * Johannes Bugenhagen, Pomer., D. Martinus Luther, D.
No. 3169.
To the Elector Johann Friedrich.
Intercede for the Kemberger to be granted a scholarship.
The original is in the Weimar Archives, Reg. Mm, fol. 47 d. N. 26. Printed by Burkhardt, p. 461.
G. and F. in the Lord. Most Serene, Highborn Prince, Most Gracious Lord! The people of Kemberg have asked me to send this letter to E. C. F. G.. After E. C. F. G. has graciously written to almost all cities to name a citizen son to the scholarship of their studia, they shall be stuck to wavy transitions, which they would have to consider as a special, yet unconscionable, or ever unconscious disgrace. Because Kemberg (Kemrig) is located so close to Wittenberg, and is not one of the least spots in the Electorate, the good people ask E. C. F. G. to graciously remember them among other small towns, and to also grant a 1) boy of their citizen sons power to the scholarship.
Because I do not know zero E. C. F. G. in this all kinds of opportunity, I ask nevertheless, E. C. F. G. want to show themselves mercifully against them. Who knows what it can serve in this strange, strange time. Hiemit dem lieben GOtte befohlen, Amen. 1544, Monday after St. Thomas' Day [Dec. 22].
E. C. F. G. Martinus Luther.
No. 31 70.