To the Elector John letter 9 - Martin Luther
TO THE ELECTOR JOHN
The Elector John made over the cloister buildings and garden in Wittenberg to Luther in his last illness. February 12, 1532.
Grace and peace, High-born Prince and Gracious Lord! Dr. Bruck has shown me the articles which are to be arranged by the Electors of Mayence and Pfalz — in view of a treaty between the Princes and the Emperor, and I have given my opinion as to the form in which they might be accepted. Feeling certain that God has answered our prayer by granting peace, I could not refrain from presenting my humble petition to your Grace. For I fear the article about the King will give you ample cause for anxiety. But, seeing that your virtuous opposition to his unrighteous election is known over the whole world, I would humbly beseech you, for the honor of God, to let said articles pass and not hinder peace. For even if it came to war, and that war were successful, peace must at last be concluded, and the terms after all
the damage done might be much harder than now. Also, your Grace must see how firmly the towns and confederations are holding together, their magnanimity being a marvel to all; but only let the parties come into collision — then this unanimity will vanish like water — and neither citizen nor town will risk life and property for the sake of a prince. It is true if God sends human aid it is well, but to depend on this never prospers. But now that the Emperor — the authority of God’s appointing — commands that peace should be concluded, this should be regarded as if God were holding out His gracious hand to us, and we must not let Him do so in vain. It is easy for an ordinary person to look forward to war, for he has little to lose and can crawl easier out of the mire than the Prince he has perhaps drawn into it. But I am becoming too worldly wise and garrulous, but it is my anxiety for my dear sovereign Prince which prompts me. However, I believe your Grace will manage better than I fear, and I shall cry earnestly to God for you, for it is He who must begin, carry on, and perfect anything good. Man’s thoughts are only foolishness.
Your Electoral Grace’s obedient MARTIN LUTHER . (De Wette.)