Luther endorses the articles and approves of proceeding with the negotiations to establish an alliance between the Smalcaldic League and the King of England, provided that the King accepts the articles and makes no efforts to change them. Luther also tells his Sovereign that, compared with the articles, the King's divorce is of minor importance. Then Luther chastises his old foe, Duke George, for his latest effort to harass the evangelicals in the Duchy of Saxony. In an enclosed note Luther, in behalf of his colleague, Caspar Cruciger, asks the Elector to make available the castle at Eilenburg for Cruciger's wedding, since this wedding could not take place in Leipzig or Wittenberg.
On Elector John Frederick, see LW 48, 181 f.
Text in German: WA, Br 7, 383–384.2
To the Most Serene, Noble Sovereign and Lord, Sir John Frederick, duke in Saxony and elector, etc., landgrave in Thuringia and margrave in Meissen, my Most Gracious Lord
Grace and peace in Christ Jesus, our Lord, together with my humble prayer!3 Most Serene, Noble Sovereign, Most Gracious Lord! From Master4 Francis, the vice-chancellor,5 we have humbly received
Your Electoral Grace's order concerning the English, etc.6 Said Master Francis will turn over [to Your Electoral Grace] the articles, all of them translated into German,7 from which Your Electoral Grace will see how far we have progressed with the English by this time.8 Since they do not know, however, how their Lord King9 will react to these articles, especially to the last four,10 they have taken a recess in order to inform His Royal Majesty accordingly. If His Royal Majesty should accept these articles,11 then one may proceed to form the alliance.12 For these articles are certainly in agreement with our teaching.13 And14 then in due time one may, of course, dispatch a legation to England—since the English desire it15—to inform the King in greater detail. If His Royal Majesty should not accept these articles, however, or if he searches in them for much to be discussed or changed,16 then, indeed we are not in a position again to confuse or upset our congregations—which have hardly been brought to peace and quiet—just because of the Your Electoral Grace may exclude from these theological issues the matter of the King's marriage; or, should it be considered wise, [Your Electoral Grace] may offer to defend it to the degree to which we have approved of it.17
Regarding Duke George's matter18 our people have acted quite carelessly, and this has deeply troubled me. But Your Electoral Grace [may have] a good conscience [regarding this issue] since Your Grace has honestly and with a Christian attitude offered to let all bad will fall by the wayside. Thus God's will has been fulfilled, and in his time he certainly will not forget it. But that man, eager for revenge and without any peace, remains as he has always been, ravenous for blood and murder; one day he is going to discover, as Psalm 8 states: You execute the enemy and him who is eager for revenge.19 The best thing20 is that he, together with all his hangers-on, is unable to pray because of such unrepenting wickedness; of course he is not in need of prayer, so haughty is he. Yet we who are seeking and offering peace and pardon are able to pray—praise be to God. Therefore God will listen to us, provided that we humbly confess our sins and seek his honor.
May Jesus Christ, our dear Lord, strengthen and comfort Your Electoral Grace's heart against the devil's threats and gloomy thoughts. The devil had worse things in mind [on other occasions]. Amen.
Your Electoral Grace's dedicated MARTIN LUTHER, DOCTOR and the others, etc.21
Further, Doctor Caspar Cruciger22 has asked me to write to Your Electoral Grace and ask that Your Electoral Grace would graciously grant him [the use of] the castle at Eilenburg for his wedding. For otherwise he does not know where to go, since his wedding cannot take place at Leipzig23 or Wittenberg.24
Your Electoral Grace certainly will know how to act graciously in this matter. For in such matters one has to help [others to] overcome obstacles.25 Herewith [Your Electoral Grace] be commended to God. Amen.
Wittenberg, April 9, 1536