To the Elector John letter 7 - Martin Luther

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN

On bidding the Elector adieu at Augsburg the Emperor said: “Ohm, Ohm, I did not expect this of you!” And it was most courageous to oppose Charles V., whom twenty kingdoms obeyed.

October 3, 1530. To the High-born Elector John. Grace and peace, most gracious Lord! I am delighted that your Electoral Highness is emerging from the Augsburg hell, and although the eye of man may be displeased with this, still we hope that God may finish the work He has begun in us, and strengthen us more and more. You are in God’s hands, even as we are, and our enemies cannot hurt a hair of our heads except God wills it. I have committed the matter to the Lord, who has begun it, and will complete it, I fully believe. It is beyond man’s power to bestow such a gospel (Lehre ), so I shall watch to see who dare defy God in these things, for “bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days.” They may threaten, but to carry out is not in their own power. May your Electoral Grace be strong in the spirit of joy and steadfastness. Amen. Also, seeing I have kept house at Coburg for half a year, I must mention some drawbacks, but do not wish to burden your Grace therewith, but feel it my duty to make them known, as an order from you to the officials would be sufficient to rectify them. I heard of them through subordinates, but have seen them myself, and all details can be had from Herr von Sternberg and the keeper (Kastner ), both of whom privately complained to me, being much distressed over it, and yet were powerless to make any change. They enumerate defects in enclosed paper, and humbly plead that your Grace would issue orders which cannot be disregarded.

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