To the elector John Frederick letter 6 - Martin Luther

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK

Luther was tired of the discussions with the English. In March, Henry VIII. replied to the Schmalkalden document, saying he could only agree to it if the Augsburg Confession and the Apologia were toned down. John Frederick replied that if he would not admit pure doctrine into his kingdom, it was no use concluding a treaty with him.

March 28, 1536.

Grace and peace, Most Serene Lord! We have received your Grace’s directions in regard to the English, and will give the articles of agreement to the Vice-Chancellor, Franciscus, from which you may see how far we have got. But as they do not know if their King may be pleased with them, especially the last four, we have first announced the matter to him, leaving a loophole for escape. If His Majesty accept the conditions, the alliance shall be ratified, for the articles harmonize with our teaching, and after- wards, if desired, an embassy may be sent to explain things more fully to the King. But if His Majesty will not accept, or wishes alterations in these articles, then we cannot for his sake launch our Church into fresh trouble when we have scarcely got it into smooth waters. Your Electoral Highness can from

all this draw your own conclusions as to the royal marriage question, or say if it would not be as well for us to defend ourselves in as far as we have approved of it. In Herzog George’s affair our people have acted most imprudently, which has incensed me greatly. But your Grace has a good conscience, having offered to drop all enmity; God will not forget it. But this quarrelsome, revengeful man continues bloodthirsty and longs for murder, so that one day “his mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.” But the best of it is, he cannot even join in prayer with those who cleave to him, for he does not need prayer, so proud is he; while, God be praised, we can pray, forwe seek peace and forgiveness, which God will grant if we humbly confess our sins and seek His glory. May our dear Lord strengthen your Electoral Highness’s heart against the devil’s threats and sour looks.

Your Electoral Highness’s obedient MARTIN LUTHER . (De Wette.)

P.S. — Dr. Caspar Cruciger begs me to ask your Electoral Highness graciously to grant him the use of Schloss Eulenburg for his marriage, as he knows of no other place to celebrate it, as it cannot be at Leipsic or Wittenberg. Your Electoral Grace will know how to act graciously. For one must help in such matters.