To the elector John Frederick letter 12 - Martin Luther
TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK
About the Greek chair and assistance for Melanchthon. August 3, 1541.
Grace and peace in Christ, Serene High-born Prince, most gracious Lord!
It is not easy to fill the vacant chair, and the gentlemen of the University say they would rather give it to M. Veit, not because M. Sachse is not worthy of it, but because M. Veit is older, and has done more for education here than anyone except M. Philip. Now all this is true, and M. Holstein (Sachse) did not ask for the chair, not wishing to push himself forward before M. Veit, and he would have been satisfied with M. Fach’s post, which I asked for him at first. It is an unfortunate business, as your Grace will soon see. But you tell me that Philip will not give up the Greek class, for he is eager to serve the
University, so that the salary for the Greek chair will revert to the University, and thus save the salary,
your Grace having given him a hundred florins additional on the new foundation.
- M. Philip is so just and modest that he will not accept this addition unless he teach Greek, so that your Grace and the University may not be burdened with this money on his behalf. So it now depends on your Electoral Grace distinctly saying if M. Philip may, with a good conscience, appropriate the hundred florins although he should cease to teach Greek, but should continue to lecture upon the Greek
authors. It appears to me he has done enough hard work those twenty years to entitle him to a little rest, seeing there are, God be praised, young M.A.’s who can teach Greek and look after the classes. For your Grace knows well what a Famulus Communis he is in this University, for all Christendom is indebted to him; and, thank God, he and his followers are now more feared by the Papists than any of the other scholars. Your Grace will know how to arrange all this, for your Electoral Highness must be head rector, pastor, and director in these lands. I herewith commit you to God. Amen.
Your obedient MARTIN LUTHER . (De Wette.)