Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/221

 I purpose writing about the Turkish war. My little daughter Elizabeth has been taken away from me, leaving me almost in womanly sorrow, so deeply am I grieved.

I never dreamt that a father’s heart could have been so soft towards his children.

Pray to God for me, and may you prosper in Him! MARTIN LUTHER.

P.S. — As to the Freybergerin, the escaped nun, being carried away, I have my own thoughts, so let it rest.

CLXIX
TO THE ELECTOR JOHN

Request to appoint M. Stiefel as pastor in Lochau.

September 3, To the Most Serene High-born Prince, Elector John. Grace and peace!

Most gracious lord! M. Franciscus, the pastor in Lochau, has fallen asleep in God, and the people have asked — to be appointed. But I have referred them to your Grace, as I have nothing to do with that.

Now, I am most anxious to retain Michael Stiefel in the land, for he is pious and well acquainted with the Scriptures, and a good preacher. So, if it please your Highness, we all think he should meantime be settled in Lochau, till perhaps another turn up, for the good man is quite unhappy in case he is a burden to me (he is here just now, but I can scarcely prevent him leaving). I am most anxious to have pious learned people about us, for we lose so many such.

Were he to become pastor in Lochau we would try to get him to help the poor widow with her two children, she being left in great poverty, perhaps by marrying her, but if not — God’s will be done. I relate all this to your Electoral Highness and beg a favorable answer. But it occurs to me that you know M. Stiefel, who traveled with us to Weimar; you presented him with five gulden. May Christ ever be with you! Amen. Your Grace’s obedient MARTIN LUTHER.