For although I have nothing against the Emser Testament, whose contents the rascals have wickedly stolen from me (for it is precisely my text, with a few harmless alterations), yet since he has reissued it, so scandalously mangled with his annotations, and accompanied by a glossary which prevents it bearing any fruit, but rather does harm, I beseech your Electoral Grace graciously to present this petition to the highly esteemed Herzog Heinrich, and let us have the answer by the messenger who brings this, for as much as in us lies we must defend ourselves against the devil. May Christ our Lord be with your Grace to all eternity! Amen. Your Electoral Highness’s obedient MARTIN LUTHER .
CXCVIII
TO DOROTHEA MACKENROD, LUTHER’S SISTER
Luther promises a gospel sermon.
December 2, 1529.
Dear Sister — I see from your letter to me how earnestly your heavily laden conscience longs for an Evangelical sermon of consolation, and, if possible, in your own church in Rossla.
I am delighted to hear this, and have made up my mind, in God, to come to you on the approaching Christmas Eve, and to preach, with God’s help, the first gospel sermon at Rossla and upper Rossla as a memorial. Greet your husband and the little Margaretta, to whom I shall bring something with me. I commit you to God. MARTIN LUTHER .
(Date doubtful, as it is improbable no gospel sermon had been preached there so late as 1519.)
CXCIX
TO FRIEDRICH, ABBOT IN NURNBERG
December 29, 1529.
To the much honored in Christ, Herr Friedrich, superintendent in St.
OEgidius, Nurnberg, my superior in the Lord.
