Luther informs him that M. Georg Schnell does not want to accept the position offered to him.
The original is in the Dessau Archives. Printed in Lindner, Mittheilungen, Vol. II, p. 90, No. 65; in De Wette- Seidemann, Vol. VI, p. 377 f. and in the Erlangen edition, Vol. 56, p. 244.
To the most illustrious, highborn prince and lord, Lord George, Bishop of Mersburg, Prince of Anhalt, Count of Ascania and Lord of Bernburg, my gracious lord.
G. and F. in the Lord. Sublime, highborn Prince, gracious Lord! I had to hear M. Georgen Schnell, and I did not like to hear that he cannot accept the condition with E. F. G.; because he prefers so much for the sake of his person that I could not penetrate further into him, although he is especially inclined to serve E. F. G., wherever it wants to be done, since it is ever fair to serve E. F. G., because we all know how warmly E. F. G. means God's word and promotes it with earnestness. The celibacy makes people dear to us. Thus, the married state also hinders us everywhere in this kingdom of the devil, who cannot stand anything that God wants to have 2c. I humbly write this to your honor as an apology to M. Georgen Schnellet, because he asked me for it, because he is concerned that your honor might understand his refusal to be unkind. God, the merciful Father, grant E. F. G. His Spirit abundantly to do His divine will and good pleasure, Amen. Friday in Pentecost [May 29] 1545.
E. F. G. williger
Martinus Luther, D.
No. 3228.
Elector Johann Friedrich to Luther.
The Elector asks Luthern to express his opinion about the pastor of Rochlitz (Martin Wolfs) appointed by the congregation in Colditz.
The original concept with many corrections is in the Weimar Archives, Reg. Ll, p. 51. n. 40. 1. Printed by Burkhardt, p. 469.
Our greeting before. Venerable and reverend, dear devotee! After the worthy, our also dear devotee, He Augustinus Himmel, pastor at Colditz, has now 1) been vocated and appointed as pastor and superintendent here at Altenburg, to which he is also to be appointed, the council at Colditz has now come to us for the sake of another pastor and pastoral caretaker by a supplementary document, which we are sending to you enclosed, from which you are to hear what they intend to appoint for a pastor. When we have to remind ourselves that you mentioned 2) another one, who should be appointed for Colditz, and that you note letters from the congregation of Colditz that they have a good will towards the pastor of Rochlitz, who, according to their indications, is willing to leave, we have not refrained from hearing your concerns, We did not want to refrain from hearing your concerns in this matter, and therefore we graciously request that you inform us of your concerns as to what should or should not be done in this matter, in addition to sending us a copy of your letter, so that we may be heard on this matter, and you do us a gracious favor by doing so, and we are also inclined to you with graciousness and all good. Date Altenburq, Friday after Urbani [May 29] 1545.
No. 3229.
To the Elector Johann Friedrich.
Luther approves the proposed filling of the parish at Colditz.
The original is in the Weimar Archives, Reg. Ll, pag. 51. n. 40. 1. Printed by Burkhardt, p. 470.
G. u. F. and my poor Pater noster. Most Serene, Highborn Prince, Most Gracious Lord! In response to E. C. F. G.'s letter, this is my most humble concern. If those in Colditz want to have the preacher in Rochlitz, especially because he is perhaps tired of the Jewish regiment, I am very happy to see that he is transferred from there to Colditz, and I wish them that they will be lukewarm and eternally fond of such a preacher. For Augustine [Heaven] gives him a very good testimony. With our Rosenberger, previously stated, God will find another condition. To me it is
1) "now" put by us instead of: "no longer".
2) "before" set by us instead of: "by". See the following number.
It is a special joy to hear that people like their parish priests and the parish priests like their people, and they consider it a special grace. It is so mean that the parish priests can be ill-suffering, which makes the devil resent the office they hold. But it does not help them. Hiemit dem lieben GOtte befohlen, Amen. Tuesday after Trinity [June 2] 1545.
E. C. F. G. submissive Martinus Luther, D.
N o. 3230.