To the elector John Frederick letter 8 - Martin Luther

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK

John Karg, who was later convicted of heresy, arrested on suspicion of false doctrine. January 4, 1538.

To the Serene High-born Prince John Frederick, Elector of Saxony. Grace and peace in Christ, Most Serene Prince! By your Grace’s orders I at once sought an interview with Magister George Karg in the sacristy, and spoke very sharply to him, in the presence of Jonas, Cruciger, and Philip, concerning the note. At first he tried to deny he had written it, but when it was found proven we ordered him to send us his opinion in few words, which he promised to do. As we were discussing matters an official appeared to take him to the castle and place him in security by your Grace’s command, but upon our own responsibility we caused him to be taken to his lodgings. But soon after the bailiff immured him in the castle, which we are now glad of on our own account. But as Magister Karg did not write yesterday,

I sent the two chaplains to him, in my name, to demand the promised document. At first they were refused admittance, and no one was allowed to see him without an order from your Grace; but the bailiff changed his mind and sent for them, and they induced him to send me the enclosed. At his own request I went to him today myself, with Dr. Jonas, and talked with him, and found that the priest (Pfaff), of whom he spoke in the document, was the true knave, and that he had been unjustly treated. I am very angry that they let him away from Freiberg, for it put the poor young fellow up to discuss matters in a way I never heard of before; but seeing he allowed us to point out his mistake today, and confessed he had been twice led astray, we hope that he will be truly converted. For he is an inexperienced youth, and perhaps at first objected to our persons, and then to our doctrine. It has always been so with those who differed from us. They first disparaged ourselves, and then plotted against our doctrine. But in order not to make light of this peculiar assault of Satan, I shall not as yet ask your Electoral Grace to set him free till we have sifted the matter thoroughly, for I have some strange thoughts about certain people who are perhaps innocent. But your Grace will know best how to conduct things in a princely manner. The devil is in earnest, and sends his servants (among whom was certainly the Freiberg priest) among us, who creep in ungreeted by us. I commend you to God. Amen. Your Electoral Grace’s obedient servant,

MARTIN LUTHER . (De Wette.)