To the Margrave George of Brandenburg - Martin Luther
TO THE MARGRAVE GEORGE OF BRANDENBURG
As Luther was too weak to go to Eisenach, Capito, Bucer, and Myconius went to Wittenberg, May 21. Myconius relates that Luther preached on Ascension Day, “Go ye into all the world and preach,” etc. — a glorious sermon. On the 25th the form of the Concord was signed by all in the lodging of Christian Goldschmied’s widow, and on Sabbath, 28th, Bucer, Capito, etc., partook of the Sacrament with the Wittenberg people.
May 29, 1536.
Grace and peace in Christ, Most Serene High-born Prince, most gracious Lord! I have received two gracious communications from your Grace. The first, informing me that God had called away your gracious father, Count Frederick, was very pleasing to me; for I saw in what high honor you held him, seeing you announced it to so insignificant a person as myself, for it was known how highly you esteemed your illustrious father in his lifetime. The other, asking about the students studying here, many of whom your Grace supports, I can only say things are going on well, the loitering about the streets and the noise at nights not being, God be praised, so bad as of yore. But your Electoral Grace may depend on me letting you know if anyone distinguishes himself in this way, and sending him home, as I have done more than once. But I often am not told of things done in secret, although they are diligently spread abroad. Your Electoral Grace will be kept informed of all that is taking place here concerning the Sacrament, by the princes, lords, and preachers who have anything to do with the matter, for without such knowledge nothing can be satisfactorily concluded. But they have already given way thus far that they will faithfully maintain and teach our Confession and Apology. Still, we have discussed article by article with them, so that no danger may lurk in corners and we may have a proper Concord. We shall send all this to your Grace, for as you are at one with us as to the Confession, therefore you will desire all the others to be present, or wish them to know how such a Concord is concluded. You will do your utmost with the preachers, so that old matters may not be raked up, thus scaring the timid away. I consider they are in earnest, and if not, the accepted apology will be their punishment. It is of no importance whether they condemn the Papal processions and ciborium, which we too have not retained. I commend you to God, and will shortly write again.
Your Grace’s obedient MARTIN LUTHER . (De Wette.)