Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/337

 IS34 LETTERS OF MARTIN LUTHER 297 all vows and works of any kind, even preceding obedience to parents and guardians. It has been glorified by the appearing of the Father in the voice from heaven, of the Son in human form, and of the Holy Ghost in the shape of a dove, all having been embodied in the words — " In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost." The words, " This is my Son ! " I handle thus : That the Son has been offered us by the Father, and glorified as Lord of all and Bishop of souls, in whom all is well-pleasing to Him, and without whom nothing is of any avail which we do. He alone is King, because the Son is the heir of all things. Herr George will tell you the rest. Sunday. Martin Luther. CCCVIII To THE Elector John Frederick Petition for a house for a preacher. March ii, i 534. Grace and peace in Christ, Most Serene High-born Prince ! Magister Leonhardt (Beier), pastor at Zwickau, has just been here, begging me to intercede with your Grace to let him have one of the priests' houses in Zwickau, which is or will soon be empty, for his wife and child, whom he cannot leave any longer behind him, as in these rimes it is impossible to gather anything, and one is glad to live from hand to mouth. His good friends at Court having promised to help him all they can, if I would only write for them, I gladly bear testimony, as he has grown up under me, that he is worthy of this favour. And such houses must be cleared out, so I humbly plead, if it be not burdensome to your Grace, that you would give him one of them. He is one of the most pious of the clergy. I am as sure of it as it is possible to judge. Your Electoral Grace will act in a gracious manner. May Christ strengthen and direct you. Your Grace's humble servant, Martin Luther. (De Wette.)