Martin Luthers Letters

497 letters

1507-1515
TO JOHN BRAUN, VICAR IN EISENACH
The first extant letter of Luther. He invites Braun to come to his ordination as priest in Erfurt. April 22, 150 . To the saintl! and "i#ht "everend $riest in %hrist, &ohn Braun, vicar in Eisenach, m! 'eloved friend in %hrist, #race and peace in %hrist &esus our Lord. ( )ould 'e afraid, 'est of friends, to trou'le !ou )ith m! letters and re*uests, did ( not +no) from the man! 'enefits !ou have sho)ered upon me ho) +indl! !ou feel to)ards me. Therefore ( have no hesitation in addressin# !ou, confident that our mutual friendship )ill secure the favora'le consideration of these lines. ,or seein# the hol! -od has, of His manifold #oodness, so hi#hl! exalted me, an un)orth! sinner, and deemed me )orth! to enter His service, then ( must 'e #rateful, and tr!, as far as ( can, to fulfill the duties entrusted to me. .! father has arran#ed that, )ith -od/s help, ( shall 'e consecrated to the office of the priesthood on 0a''ath four )ee+s. The da! has 'een fixed to suit m! father. $erhaps ( ma! 'e presumin# too much on !our love, )hen ( hum'l! 'e# for !our presence also. ( do not as+ !ou to ma+e this trou'lesome 1ourne! 'ecause of an! services ( ma! have rendered !ou, for ( +no) of none, 'ut 'ecause ( experienced so much of !our #oodness )hen )ith !ou latel!. 2ou )ill then, perhaps, 'est 'eloved father, lord, and 'rother 3the first title 'elon#s to !our a#e and office, the second to !our merits, and the third to !our order4, if !our clerical and

domestic duties permit, honor me '! standin# '! me )ith !our dear presence and intercession, so that m! offerin# ma! 'e accepta'le in -od/s si#ht. And, lastl!, ( )ould remind !ou that !ou pass our cloister, and must not see+ other *uarters5 But one of our cells must content !ou. .a! !ou 'e preserved in %hrist &esus our Lord5 (n our cloister at Erfurt. .artin of .ansfeld. ( scarcel! li+e to moot it, 'ut if it )ere not 'eneath the di#nit! of their order, and did not #ive too much trou'le, ( )ould esteem the presence of the mem'ers of the %olle#e at m! ordination at Erfurt a #reat honor.

TO JOHN BRAUN
Luther had 'een hurriedl! summoned '! ,rederic+ the 6ise, on the recommendation of 0taupit7, to 'e $rofessor in 6itten'er# in 15089 he apolo#i7es for not 'iddin# adieu. .arch 1 , 150:. To the saintl! and "i#ht "everend ,ather in -od, Herr &ohn Braun, priest in Eisenach, m! 'eloved lord and father. -reetin# from Brother .artin Luther, the Au#ustinian mon+5 0top )onderin#, honored father, that ( stole secretl! a)a! from !ou as if no friendship existed 'et)een us, or as if ( had 'een un#rateful enou#h to root out of m! heart all remem'rance of !our #reat +indness to me, or let a rou#h north )ind 'lo) a)a! m! love for !ou. (ndeed it is not so, althou#h m! actions ma! lead !ou to suppose this. ( have certainl! left ; that ( must confess, and !et ( have not #one a)a!, for the 'est part of me, at all times, remains )ith !ou. ,or althou#h ( have departed in 'od!, ( am ever )ith !ou in thou#ht )herever !ou are, and ( hope !ou )ill never feel differentl! to)ards me from )hat !ou do no). But to come to the point. (n order to #et *uit of the dreadful idea that !our love mi#ht perhaps 'e#in to dou't m! fidelit! to !ou, ( have torn m!self a)a! from m! manifold occupations to )rite !ou, as it is so difficult to conve! an!thin#. And )hat do !ou thin+ is m! sole o'1ect in )ritin#, 'ut to send !ou m! love, and as+ !ou to have as much confidence in me as ( have in !ou5 And althou#h ( cannot compare m!self )ith !ou in an!thin# #ood, still m! love for !ou is ver! #reat, and havin# nothin# else to 'esto), ( once more assure !ou of it. ,or ( +no) !our #enerous heart desires nothin# from me, 'ut that )e ma! 'e one heart and soul in the Lord, even as our faith is one and the same in Him. But !ou must not 'e offended at m! leavin# so *uietl!, for m! departure )as so sudden that even those in the house scarcel! +ne). ( al)a!s intended )ritin#, 'ut had no time. Ho)ever, ( felt ver! sorr! not to see !ou. ( am no), '! -od/s command or permission, settled in 6itten'er#, and ver! )ell, onl! the stud! of philosoph! is most disa#reea'le to me9 for from

the first ( )ould have preferred theolo#!, vi7. the theolo#! )hich #oes to the +ernel of the nut and touches the 'one and the flesh. But -od is -od, and man often erros in his 1ud#ment. He is our -od, )ho )ill #uide us lovin#l! to all eternit!. <indl! note all this, )hich has 'een )ritten in the #reatest haste. And )hen !ou have a messen#er !ou )ill honor me )ith a line, and ( shall do the same. 6ith all #ood )ishes from first to last, and credit me )ith )hat !ou )ould li+e to 'elieve of me. =nce more fare)ell. .artin Luther, Au#ustinian. 6itten'er#.

TO THE ORDER OF AUGUSTINIANS IN ERFURT

Luther attains the hei#ht of his am'ition, havin# 'een invited to accept the di#nit! of >octor of Theolo#!, )hich ena'led him to expound the Hol! 0criptures. 0eptem'er 22, 1512. -race and peace, honored and 'eloved fathers5 0t. Lu+e/s da! is approachin#, )hen (, in o'edience to m! superiors and hi#hl! esteemed ?icarius, am to 'e solemnl! set apart to the di#nit! of >octor of Theolo#! ; )hich ( trust !ou have heard, throu#h the honored $rior in 6itten'er#. ( )ill not apolo#i7e for acceptin# it, or tal+ of m! un)orthiness, as if '! m! humilit! ( )ere see+in# m! o)n #lor!. -od +no)s, and m! conscience also, )hether ( feel )orth! of such almost fulsome expressions of honor. Therefore, ( plead )ith !ou, for %hrist/s sa+e, to commend me to -od )ith one accord, for !ou +no), accordin# to the ri#hts of love, it is !our dut! to do so ; that His hol! )ill ma! 'e accomplished in me9 also, that !ou )ould, if possi'le, honor me, and sho) this respect to our order, to 'e present on the occasion. ( )ould not as+ !ou to ta+e such a toilsome 1ourne! and incur so much expense had ( not 'een deputed to do so '! the honored $rior, and also, ( )ould consider it most unseeml! not to let m! Erfurt friends +no) the da! of m! promotion, and invite them to 'e present. >ou'tless !ou )ill act as )e hope and expect, and )e shall remem'er the +indness )ith #ratitude. .a! !ou prosper in the Lord, to )hom all of us commit !ou and !our 'rothers in pra!er. .artin Luther, Au#ustinian. 6itten'er#.

1516
TO GEORGE SPENLEIN, AUGUSTINIAN IN MEMMINGEN
(n this !ear 'e#an Luther/s ac*uaintance )ith Tauler/s )or+s. This letter contains an ex*uisite passa#e on true ri#hteousness. April , 151@. -race and peace in -od and the Lord &esus %hrist5 >earest Brother -eor#e5 ( )rite to let !ou +no) that ( have reali7ed t)o #ulden and a half, for )hat ( sold for !ou. =ne florin for the Brussels ro'e, half a florin for the Eisenach volume, and one for the co)l, etc. 6e cannot dispose of the rest, so have handed the mone! to the honored $rior for !ou. "e#ardin# the halfA#ulden !ou still o)e him, !ou must see to the pa!in# of it, or let him remit the de't. This )ill not 'e difficult, as the esteemed father is )ell disposed to !ou. Bo) ( )ould li+e to +no) ho) it is )ith !our soul, if it has at len#th learned to despise its o)n ri#hteousness and see+ comfort and 1o! in %hrist/s. ,or, at present, the temptation to rest in one/s o)n )or+s is ver! po)erful, especiall! )ith those )ho lon# to 'e #ood and pious. The! are i#norant of -od/s ri#hteousness, )hich has 'een so richl! 'esto)ed on us in %hrist )ithout mone! and price, and tr! to do #ood of themselves, till the! fanc! the! can appear 'efore -od adorned )ith ever! #race. But the! never #et thus far. 2ou, !ourself, )hen )ith us in Erfurt suffered from this illusion, or rather delusion, and ( also )as a mart!r to it, and even !et ( have not overcome it. Therefore, dear 'rother, learn %hrist and Him crucified. $raise and laud His name, and despairin# of self, sa! to Him, CThou, Lord &esus, art m! ri#hteousness, 'ut ( am Th! sin. Thou hast ta+en )hat is mine, and #iven me )hat is Thine. Thou hast assumed that )hich Thou )ert not, and #iven me )hat ( had not.D Be)are, m! 'rother, at aimin# at a purit! )hich re'els a#ainst 'ein# classed )ith sinners. ,or %hrist onl! d)ells amon# sinners. ,or this He came from heaven, )here He d)elt amon# saints, so that He mi#ht also so1ourn )ith the sinful. 0trive after such love, and thou )ilt experience His s)eetest consolation. ,or if '! our o)n efforts )e are to attain peace of conscience, )h! then did %hrist dieE Therefore thou )ilt onl! find peace in Him )hen thou despairest of self and thine o)n )or+s. He, Himself, )ill teach thee ho) in receivin# thee He ma+es th! sins His, and His ri#hteousness thine. 6hen thou 'elievest this firml! 3for he is damned )ho does not 'elieve4 then 'ear patientl! )ith errin# 'rothers, ma+in# their sins thine. (f there 'e an! #ood in thee, then receive !e one another, even as %hrist received us, to the #lor! of -od. CLet this mind 'e in !ou, )hich )as also in %hrist &esusF )ho 'ein# in the form of -od, thou#ht it not ro''er! to 'e e*ual )ith -od.D Be thou the same. (f thou esteem th!self 'etter than others, do not pride th!self on that, 'ut 'e as one of them, 'earin# their

'urdens. ,or he is a pitia'le saint )ho )ill not 'ear patientl! )ith those )orse than himself, and lon#s onl! for solitude, )hen he, throu#h patience, pra!er, and example, mi#ht 'e exercisin# a salutar! influence over others. This is 'ur!in# his Lord/s talent, and not #ivin# his fello)Aservants their due. Therefore, 'e thou a lil! or rose of %hrist, +no)in# that th! )al+ must 'e amon# thorns. =nl! see that throu#h impatience, hast! 1ud#ments, or secret pride, thou dost not th!self 'ecome a thorn5 C%hrist/s +in#dom,D sa!s the psalmist, Csu'sists in the midst of its enemies.D 6h! then re1oice in 'ein# surrounded onl! '! faithful friendsE (f He, th! Lord, had onl! lived amon# the #ood, or had died onl! for His friends, for )hom then )ould He have died, or )ith )hom could He have livedE "emem'er this, 'rother, and pra! for me. The Lord 'e )ith thee. ,are)ell, in the Lord5 2our 'rother, .artin Luther, Au#ustinian.

TO GEORGE LEIFFER
Luther comforts a 'rother in Erfurt. April 15, 151@. 0alvation in the Lord, most cherished Brother. ( hear that !our 'rotherl! love is deepl! tried '! manifold )aves of temptation. But -od, the ,ather of mercies and all consolation, has placed over !ou the 'est of comforters and advisers, ,ather Bartholome). =nl! see that !ou +eep a ti#ht hand over !our thou#hts, and ma+e room for His )ord in !our heart. ,or ( +no) from m! o)n experience, as )ell as from that of all trou'led souls, that it is solel! our o)n selfAconceit )hich is at the root of all our dis*uietude. ,or our e!e is a +nave, and, alas, )hat miser! he has caused me, and still pla#ues me to the utmost. The cross of %hrist is distri'uted throu#h the )hole )orld, and each receives his portion. Therefore pra! do not cast th! portion from thee, 'ut cherish it as a precious relic, certainl! not enshrined in a cas+et of #old or silver, 'ut in a #olden heart filled )ith lovin# charit!. ,or, even as the )ood of the cross is consecrated throu#h comin# in contact )ith the flesh and 'lood of %hrist, so that henceforth the! are esteemed to 'e the costliest of relics, ho) much more )ill the in1ustice, persecution, and hatred of men, )hether it 'e ri#ht or )ron#, not throu#h contact )ith His flesh, 'ut throu#h union )ith His lovin# heart and >ivine )ill, )hich consecrates ever!thin# )hich is in touch )ith it, there'! transform the curse into a 'lessin#, sufferin# into #lor!, and the cross into a cro)n of 1o!. ,are)ell, dearest friend and 'rother, and pra! for me. .artin Luther, Au#ustinian 6itten'er#.

TO JOHANN BERCKEN, AUG. PRIOR IN MAINE

Luther than+s him for his +indness to a fu#itive mon+. .a! 1, 151@. Honored and 'eloved $rior. ( )as sorr! to hear that Baum#aertner, from our cloister in >resden, )ho had fled in a hurried manner, and for #ood reason, had found refu#e )ith !ou. ( must than+ !ou for receivin# him so +indl!, so that the scandal mi#ht 'e put an end to. He is m! lost sheep, )ho 'elon#s to me, therefore ( must tr! to restore the errin# one, if -od )ill. 0o, ( 'e# !ou, '! our common faith in %hrist, and the order of 0t. Au#ustine, that !ou )ill either send him to >resden or to 6itten'er#, or lovin#l! tr! to persuade him to return of his o)n free )ill. ( shall receive him )ith open arms, if he come9 he need have no fear on account of havin# in1ured me. ( +no) that offenses )ill come, and it is no marvel )hen a man falls, 'ut it is a miracle )hen he recovers himself and remains steadfast. $eter fell, so that he mi#ht +no) he )as human. Even in the present da! the cedars of Le'anon, )hose 'ranches almost reach heaven, fell. 2es, even an an#el in heaven fell, )hich )as indeed a marvel ; and Adam fell in paradise. 0o, is it to 'e )ondered at that the reed should 'end 'efore the storm, and the #limmerin# torch 'e extin#uishedE .a! the Lord &esus ena'le !ou to perfect this #ood )or+. Amen. ,are)ell. ,rom our cloister in >resden. .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
&une 8, 151@. Than+s for !our #ood )ishes, dear 0palatin. Throu#h the #race of -od ( reached home in #ood health, at least 'odil!. -od +no)s if also spirituall!. All this ( o)e to !our love. ( #ot !our letter from the 'rothers. 2ou )rite that our 0erene $rince )ishes to ma+e our esteemed ?icarA-eneral 30taupit74 a 'ishop, and desires !our cooperation. 2ou are actin# upri#htl! as a friend, 'ut ( )ould li+e that !our entreaties )ith the honored father )ere not so full of fire9 for ( shall act differentl!, so that he )ho is 'ein# overApraised ma! hesitate in his purpose. >o !ou )onder at thisE %ertainl! not 'ecause ( despise !our counsel, 'ut 'ecause love prompts the desire, conse*uentl! the 1ud#ment is in a'e!ance. C,or true love,D sa!s %hr!sostom, Cseldom 1ud#es ari#ht.D ( sa! this 'ecause !ou are s)a!ed '! the $rince/s favor, and ( do not )ish the esteemed father to do )hat !ou

ur#e to please the $rince. 2our $rince is fascinated )ith much that appears lovel! in his si#ht, )hich is far from pleasin# to -od. ,rederic+ the 6ise is ver! clever in )orldl! thin#s, 'ut in those pertainin# to -od and the salvation of souls ( consider him sevenfold 'lind, even as !our $feffin#er. ( do not sa! this in a corner to mali#n them, 'ut to their faces at ever! opportunit!. 6ere ( certain that !our pro1ect came from -od, then, )ould that !ou had a ton#ue of fire, and the $ater )ere pure stu''le5 But remem'er that )hat !ou and the $rince are discussin# secretl! is +no)n, for 'efore ( #ot !our letter ( heard that the esteemed father )ould 'e made Bishop of <imsche. These happ! times are lon# #one '! )hen it )as considered a #rand thin# to 'e a 'ishop, 'ut no) there can 'e no more misera'le position, for it means leadin# a life of #lutton! and de'aucher! such as that of 0odom and "ome. 2ou see this )hen !ou compare the life and )or+ of the old 'ishops )ith ours. Ho) man! are immersed in )ars, )hile their homes have 'ecome a ver! hell of insatia'le #reed5 Botice ho) far this man is removed from such vices, so that )hen the time comes for him to 'e lured into the terri'le vortex of the Bishop/s courts !ou )ill tr! to prevent the calamit!. But enou#h of this5 (f !our petition reall! admits of no dela! tell me at once, 'ecause the esteemed father does not return from Ant)erp till autumn, so ( must send a special messen#er to %olo#ne, )here he told us to for)ard his letters. ,are)ell in the Lord, and pra! for us. ,rom the cloister at 6itten'er#. .artin Luther, Au#ustinian.

TO MICHAEL DRESSEL
Au#ustinian $rior in Beustadt, )hom Luther deposed 'ecause he could not +eep the peace )ith the 'rethren. &une 22, 151@. 0alvation and peace5 But not such peace as is manifest to the natural man, 'ut that )hich lies 'eneath the cross, vi7. the peace )hich passeth all understandin#. Thou art lon#in# for peace, 'ut in the )ron# )a!9 for thou see+est it as the )orld #ives it, and not as %hrist does. >ost thou +no), dear father, that in this matter -od deals in a )ondrous manner )ith His people, havin# placed His peace in the midst of dispeace, na!, in the ver! thic+ of temptation and dissensions. C"ule thou in the midst of thine enemies.D Therefore it is not he )hom no one distur's )ho has peace ; that is the )orld/s peace, 'ut he )ho is trou'led on ever! side, and 'ears all *uietl! and 1o!full!. Thou sa!est )ith (srael, C$eace, peace, and there is no peace.D %r! rather )ith %hrist, C%ross, cross5D And !et there is no cross. ,or, as

soon as thou canst 1o!full! sa!, CBlessed cross, of all +inds of )ood there is none li+e unto thee.D Then, in that moment, the cross has ceased to 'e a cross. 0ee, then, ho) #raciousl! the Lord is leadin# thee to true peace in surroundin# thee )ith so much of the cross. ,or he )ho see+s peace )ill find it. And the 'est )a! to see+ it is, )hen affliction overta+es !ou, to receive it )ith 1o!, as a sacred relic, and cease searchin# vainl! for a peace )hich commends itself to !our lo)er nature. ,or -od considers an! such peace far inferior to His peace, )hich is insepara'le from the cross and the trou'les of this life. ,are)ell, and pra! for me, dear father. .a! the Lord rei#n in !ou. .artin Luther, ?icar. 6itten'er#.

TO JOHN LANGE, PRIOR AT ERFURT

(t )as in Lan#e/s church in Erfurt, still standin#, )here the first evan#elical sermon )as preached. Luther 'e#ins lecturin# on -alatians. =cto'er 2@, 151@. ( )ould re*uire t)o secretaries, for ( do nothin# almost all da! 'ut )rite letters, therefore if ( repeat m!self !ou )ill understand )h! it is. ( am lecturer in the cloister, reader at meals, preach dail!, and direct the students/ studies, am the $rior/s vicar 3)hich means 'ein# vicar eleven times over4, inspector of fishAponds at Leit7+au, must espouse the Her7'er# people/s cause at Tor#au, expounder of 0t. $aul and the $salms, 'esides m! letterA)ritin#. Behold )hat a leisurel! man ( am, and in addition am pla#ued '! the temptations of the )orld, the flesh, and the devil. ( sent several of the 'rethren !ou sent me to .a#ister 0pan#en'er#, to ta+e them a)a! from this pestilential air. ( felt much dra)n to the t)o from %olo#ne, and havin# such a hi#h opinion of their a'ilities, +ept them )ith me, althou#h at much expense. 6e support t)ent!At)o priests, fort!At)o !ouths, etc., out of our povert!. But the Lord )ill provide. 2ou )rite that !ou 'e#an to lecture on the 0entences !esterda!. ( shall 'e#in to expound the Epistle to the -alatians toAmorro), althou#h ( fear that )ith the pla#ue here ( shall not 'e a'le to continue. (t has alread! ro''ed us of t)o or three, 'ut not in one da!. The smith opposite lost a son, )ho )as in #ood health !esterda!, and the other is infected. 2es, indeed, here it is, and is 'e#innin# to ra#e )ith #reat vehemence especiall! amon# the !oun#. 2ou counsel me to flee for refu#e to !ou. But )h!E The )orld )ill not come to an end althou#h Brother .artin perish. But if the pla#ue spread, ( shall send the 'rothers out into the )orld. As for me, seein# ( have 'een placed here, m! vo)s of o'edience demand that ( remain till ( am ordered else)here. Bot that ( have no fear of death, for ( am not the Apostle $aul, 'ut onl! his expounder, and ( still hope the Lord )ill deliver me from this fear also.

,are)ell, and thin+ of us. Amen. .artin Luther, Au#ustinian.

1517
TO CHRISTOPH SCHEURL
This letter sho)s Luther/s modest!, 0cheurl espoused Luther/s cause, thou#h later he 'ecame estran#ed from it, )hen practicin# la) in Burn'er#. &anuar! 1 , 151 . ( have received !our letter, m! excellent %hristoph, )hich )as most a#reea'le, and !et displeasin# to me. 6h! +nit !our 'ro)s over thisE 6hat could please me more than to hear !ou praise our 0taupit7, or rather the Lord &esus, )ho d)ells in our ?icarA-eneral, so hi#hl!E Bothin# could re1oice me more than to hear %hrist/s voice resoundin# throu#h him, and 'earin# fruit. But, on the other hand, )hat could 'e more disa#reea'le than that !ou should strive for m! friendship '! loadin# me )ith praiseE ( )ill not 'e !our friend, for m! friendship can 'e no credit to !ou, if the prover' 'e true, C,riends must have all thin#s in common.D Bo), if )hat ( have 'ecame !ours, !ou )ould onl! 'e richer in sin, foll!, and i#nomin!. ,or these are m! possessions )hich !ou di#nif! '! ver! fine names. 0till, ( +no) !ou mean to sa!, C(t is not !ou, 'ut %hrist ( admire in !ouD ; to )hich ( repl!, CHo) can %hrist )ho is pure ri#hteousness d)ell alon#side sinED And is not this the #reatest pride )hen a man ima#ines himself to 'e the temple of %hristE =nl! an apostle dare 'oast of this. ( )ish !ou 1o! in the friendship of our ?icarA-eneral, 'ut do not dra# !ourself do)n throu#h m! friendship. Bo dou't our honored father praises me ever!)here, to m! #reat #rief and peril, sa!in# it is %hrist he lauds in me, and people tr! to ma+e me 'elieve this. Trul! a hard demand5 The more of such eulo#ists one has, and the closer the! cleave to us, the more hurtful the! are. CA man/s foes shall 'e the! of his o)n household,D etc. ,or -od/s favor decreases as that of man increases. -od )ill either 'e all or nothin#. And the )orst of it is, the more thou hum'lest th!self, and puttest praise and favor from thee, the more do these pursue thee to th! #reat in1ur!. =h, ho) much are hatred and 'lame to 'e preferred to praise5 ,or hatred onl! in1ures us once, )hile love threatens us )ith dou'le dan#er. ( do not )rite thus to thee, 'est of all friends, 'ecause ( scorn !our no'le heart, 'ut 'ecause ( have so little confidence in m! o)n. 2ou act li+e a true %hristian )ho li#htl! esteems no one except himself. ,or all are not %hristians )ho esteem others for their learnin#, virtue, piet!, and reno)n 3for the heathen do this also4, 'ut it is the! )ho love the poor, need!, and sinful, )ho are %hristAli+e.

The psalmist calls those 'lessed )ho receive, not the learned, )ise, and pious, 'ut the poor and need!. And, lastl!, %hrist declares that )hat is done to the least of His little ones is done to Him, )hen He mi#ht have said the opposite. But )hat is #reat in man/s e!es is often despica'le in -od/s si#ht. Bo), if !ou )ould 'e m! friend, do not cause me to 'e despised of -od, '! praisin# me 'oth to m!self and others. But if !ou cannot refrain from praisin# %hrist in me, then mention His name, and not mine. 6h! should %hrist/s cause not have the stamp of His name upon it, or 'e 'randed )ith mineE 2ou see ho) elo*uent ( am5 0o, 'e patient, m! friend. ,rom our cloister in 6itten'er#. .artin Luther, of the Au#ustinian =rder.

TO JOHN LANGE
A'out Erasmus. .arch 1, 151 . ( am at present readin# our Erasmus, 'ut m! heart recoils more and more from him. But one thin# ( admire is, that he constantl! and learnedl! accuses not onl! the mon+s, 'ut the priests, of a la7!, deepArooted i#norance. =nl!, ( fear he does not spread %hrist and -od/s #race sufficientl! a'road, of )hich he +no)s ver! little. The human is to him of more importance than the divine. Althou#h un)illin# to 1ud#e him, ( )arn !ou not to read 'lindl! )hat he )rites. ,or )e live in perilous times, and ever! one )ho is a #ood He're) and -ree+ scholar is not a true %hristian9 even >r. Hieron!mus, )ith his five lan#ua#es, cannot approach Au#ustine )ith his one ton#ue, althou#h Erasmus vie)s all this from a different standpoint. Those )ho ascri'e somethin# to man/s freedom of )ill re#ard those thin#s differentl! from those )ho +no) onl! -od/s free #race. ,rom our desert 6itten'er#. .artin Luther, Au#ustinian.

TO CHRISTOPH SCHEURL
Luther/s modest! as to his o)n classical attainments. .a! @, 151 .

.! #reetin#5 To 'e#in )ith, 'est of friends, ( must than+ !ou for 0taupit7/s pamphlet, 'ut ( am *uite ashamed that the honored father should circulate m! insi#nificant )ritin#s amon# !ou. Trul! ( did not )rite them for the cultured Burn'er#ers, 'ut for our rou#h 0axons, for )hom reli#ious instruction must 'e 'ro+en into infinite particles. Even )ere ( to do m! utmost, ( never could furnish an!thin# )hich )ould find favor )ith men so versed in classical literature, and ho) much less in !our e!es, seein# m! sole endeavor is to 'rin# m!self do)n to the capacit! of the common people. Therefore, pra! +eep )hat ( )rite from the learned9 and ( too+ #reat pains, accordin# to !our instructions, to )rite a friendl! letter to Ec+, avoidin# ever!thin# disa#reea'le. ( do not +no) if he has received it. ( send !ou these theses or propositions, and throu#h !ou to Lin+, or to an! one )ho ma! li+e such trifles. (f ( do not deceive m!self9 the! are not %iceronian, 'ut those of our %arlstadt, rather of 0t. Au#ustine, )hich are far more su'lime and superior to those of %icero, even as Au#ustine, or rather %hrist, is exalted a'ove %icero. These propositions are a standin# reproach to the i#norance of those )ho consider them paradoxes 3ver! stri+in# ones4, rather than loo+ upon them as orthodox 3that is, in accordance )ith the pure doctrine of the %hurch universal4, not to spea+ of those )ho are shameless enou#h to mali#n them as errors, a class of people )ho neither read 0t. $aul/s Epistles, or, at least, read them )ithout comprehendin# them, thus leadin# themselves and others astra!. To modest men )ho do not *uite see throu#h them the! appear )onderful, and ( re#ard them as fundamental truths in their primitive purit!. $raise 'e to -od )ho causes li#ht to arise out of the dar+ness. ( presume our father vicar is not )ith !ou. 6e hope he ma! come to us. >r. %hristian "euter has departed this temporal life. .a! -od #ive him eternal life. Amen. Amsdorf and all friends #reet !ou. ,are)ell. .artin Luther, Au#ustinian. 6itten'er#.

TO JOHN LANGE
Luther 'oasts that true theolo#! is flourishin# in 6itten'er#. .a! 18, 151 . =ur theolo#! and that of 0t. Au#ustine, '! the #race of -od, is ma+in# rapid pro#ress in our universit!. Aristotle is continuin# to fall from his throne, and his end is onl! a matter of time9 and all o'1ect to hearin# lectures on the

textA'oo+s of the 0entences, and no one need expect an audience )ho does not expound this theolo#!, vi7. that of the Bi'le or 0t. Au#ustine, or some other of the honored %hurch teachers. ,are)ell, and pra! for me. .artin Luther. .aster %hristian -oldschmidt, )ho is here, sends #reetin#.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN, AT THE SCHLOSS

0alvation5 0ee that !ou, )ith the father confessor and his friend, come a'out nine o/cloc+. (f Herr %hristopher, the am'assador, is )ith !ou, 'rin# him also, for ( have #iven orders to invite him. ,are)ell, 'ut see that !ou procure )ine for us, as !ou are a)are that !ou are comin# from the court to the cloister, and not from the cloister to the court. .artin Luther.

TO CHRISTOPH SCHEURL
0eptem'er 11, 151 . To m! hi#hl! esteemed Herr %hristoph 0cheurl, m! #reetin#. Althou#h ( have no pretext for )ritin# to such an excellent man as !ou, still ( thin+ the fact of havin# recentl! ac*uired such a )arm, upri#ht friend is reason enou#h for doin# so. And even should one, once in a )hile, have to complain of #ettin# no letters, surel! even this silence )ould merit a fe) 1ocular lines, and ho) much more a re#ular correspondence to maintain the friendship, not to sa! rivet it closer. Even the hol! Hieron!mus 'e##ed his friend that he )ould at least )rite to sa! he +ne) of nothin# to )rite a'out. Therefore ( determined to tal+ nonsense, rather than 'e silent. But, dear -od, ho) seldom does this Brother .artin, )ho has 'een falsel! called a #reat theolo#ian, ta+e up the pen )ithout pratin#E But it seems as if ( )ould )rite a 'oo+ instead of a letter. .! o'1ect in addressin# !ou )as to sho) ho) hi#hl! ( esteemed !ou, and not to cause !ou to express a similar opinion of me, 'ut onl! to convince !ou that !ou mi#ht trust me as !ou )ould !ourself. (t 1ust occurs to me, that in sendin# me the )ritin#s of our ?icarA-eneral throu#h Glrich $indar, ( o)ed !ou t)o ducats9 ( have partl! sold them, and #iven some to the esteemed friends of this #ood man.

The mone! )hich ( dre) from those ( sold ( #ave, accordin# to !our directions, to the poor, vi7. to m!self and m! 'rother mon+s. ,or, upon -od/s dear earth, ( +no) of no one poorer than m!self. ( no) 'e# !ou to send me a #ulden more of those )ritin#s, and ( shall remit the mone! )hen ( have sold them. There are still man! )ho )ish them. At the same time, ( send !ou m! sin#ular propositions, )hich seem *uite unreasona'le to man!. 2ou can direct the attention of our learned and thou#htful Ec+ to them, so that ( ma! +no) )hat faults he finds in them. All !our friends here, of )hom Herr Licentiate Amsdorf and >r. Hieron!mus are the dearest, send #reetin#s, also $eter the Bar'er, )hom !ou honor )ith !our friendship. ,are)ell, and pra! for me. .artin Luther, Au#ustinian %loister. 6itten'er#.

TO ALBRECHT OF MAYENCE
=n this da! Luther nailed the ninet!Afive theses on the door of the 0chloss <irche in 6itten'er#, 'ein# the first time he opposed the %hurch authorities. =cto'er H1, 151 . To the "i#ht "everend ,ather in %hrist, Lord Al'recht, Arch'ishop of .a#de'ur# and .a!ence, .ar+A#rave of Branden'ur#, his esteemed lord and shepherd in %hrist. The #race of -od 'e )ith him. .a! !our Electoral Hi#hness #raciousl! permit me, the least and most un)orth! of men, to address !ou. The Lord &esus is m! )itness that ( have lon# hesitated, on account of m! un)orthiness, to carr! out )hat ( no) 'oldl! do, moved thereto '! a sense of the dut! ( o)e !ou, ri#ht reverend father. .a! !our -race loo+ #raciousl! on me, dust and ashes, and respond to m! lon#in# for !our ecclesiastical approval. 6ith !our Electoral Hi#hness/s consent, the $apal (ndul#ence for the re'uildin# of 0t. $eter/s in "ome is 'ein# carried throu#h the land. ( do not complain so much of the loud cr! of the preacher of (ndul#ences, )hich ( have not heard, 'ut re#ret the false meanin#, )hich the simple fol+ attach to it, the poor souls 'elievin# that )hen the! have purchased such letters the! have secured their salvation, also, that the moment the mone! tin#les in the 'ox souls are delivered from pur#ator!, and that all sins )ill 'e for#iven throu#h a letter of (ndul#ence, even that of revilin# the 'lessed .other of -od, )ere an! one 'lasphemous enou#h to do so. And, lastl!, that throu#h these (ndul#ences the man is freed from all penalties5 Ah, dear -od5 Thus are those souls )hich have 'een committed to !our care, dear father, 'ein# led in the paths of death, and for them !ou )ill 'e re*uired to render an account. ,or the merits of no 'ishop can secure the salvation of the souls entrusted to him )hich is not al)a!s assured throu#h the #race of -od, the apostle admonishin# us Cto )or+ out our o)n salvation )ith fear and trem'lin#,D and, that the )a! )hich leads to life is so narro), that the Lord,

throu#h the prophets Amos and Iechariah, li+ens those )ho attain to eternal life to 'rands pluc+ed from the 'urnin#, and a'ove all, the Lord points to the difficult! of redemption. Therefore, ( could 'e silent no lon#er. Ho) then can !ou, throu#h false promises of (ndul#ences, )hich do not promote the salvation or sanctification of their souls, lead the people into carnal securit!, '! declarin# them free from the painful conse*uences of their )ron#Adoin# )ith )hich the %hurch )as )ont to punish their sinsE ,or deeds of piet! and love are infinitel! 'etter than (ndul#ences, and !et the 'ishops do not preach these so earnestl!, althou#h it is their principal dut! to proclaim the love of %hrist to their people. %hrist has no)here commanded (ndul#ences to 'e preached, 'ut the -ospel. 0o to )hat dan#er does a 'ishop expose himself, )ho instead of havin# the -ospel proclaimed amon# the people, dooms it to silence, )hile the cr! of (ndul#ences resounds throu#h the landE 6ill %hrist not sa! to them, C2e strained at a #nat, and s)allo)ed a camelDE (n addition, reverend father, it has #one a'road under !our name, 'ut dou'tless )ithout !our +no)led#e, that this (ndul#ence is the priceless #ift of -od, )here'! the man ma! 'e reconciled to -od, and escape the fires of pur#ator!, and that those )ho purchase the (ndul#ences have no need of repentance. 6hat else can ( do, ri#ht reverend father, than 'e# !our 0erene Hi#hness carefull! to loo+ into this matter, and do a)a! )ith this little 'oo+ of instructions, and command those preachers to adopt another st!le of preachin#, else another ma! arise and refute them, '! )ritin# another 'oo+ in ans)er to the previous one, to the confusion of !our 0erene Hi#hness, the ver! idea of )hich alarms me #reatl!. ( hope that !our 0erene Hi#hness ma! #raciousl! dei#n to accept the faithful service )hich !our insi#nificant servant, )ith true devotion, )ould render !ou. The Lord +eep !ou to all eternit!. Amen. 6itten'er#, the ni#ht 'efore All 0aints/ >a! 151 . (f a#reea'le to !our -race, perhaps !ou )ould #lance at m! enclosed theses, that !ou ma! see the opinion on the (ndul#ences is a ver! varied one, )hile those )ho proclaim them fanc! the! cannot 'e disputed. 2our un)orth! son, .artin Luther, Au#ustinian, set apart as >octor of 0acred Theolo#!.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Bovem'er 151 . .! #reetin#s5 ( had decided, dear 0palatin, to tell no one of the dialo#ue )ith Erasmus, m! sole reason 'ein# that it )as so deli#htful, so full of humor, so clever, and, ( )ould almost sa!, )oven to#ether in such an ErasmusAli+e manner, that the reader is tempted to lau#h and en1o! the failin#s in the %hurch of %hrist, )hich ou#ht rather to #rieve all %hristians, and 'e 'orne 'efore the Lord in pra!er. But seein# !ou plead so earnestl! to see it, here it is, and after perusin# it, return it to me. 2ou )rite that the

$rince has promised me a ro'e, so ( )ould li+e to +no) to )hom he has entrusted the matter. ,rom our cloister. B"=THE" .artin, Au#ustinian. 6itten'er#.

TO THE ELECTOR FREDERICK OF SA ONY

The founder of 6itten'er# Gniversit!, )ho did so much to protect the pure #ospel, ; upon a tax levied. Bovem'er or >ecem'er 151 . .ost #racious and dear lord, Elector ,rederic+ of 0axon!. 0ome time a#o ( )as promised, throu#h >r. Hersfelder, a ne) ro'e, so ( no) )ish to remind !our -race of it. But ( )ould 'e#, #racious lord, that if $feffin#er is to arran#e the matter, as he did 'efore, he )ould do it in realit!, for he is ver! #ood at spinnin# fine )ords, 'ut these do not al)a!s produce #ood cloth. ( have heard throu#h $rior Lan#e at Erfurt that !our Electoral -race is displeased )ith our )orth! ,ather 0taupit7 'ecause of somethin# he has )ritten. 0o ( called upon him )hen he came to see !ou at Tor#au, and said ( could not 'ear to thin+ His Excellence )as in dis#race )ith !our -race. ( soon found that no one had such a hi#h place in his heart as the Elector of 0axon!, and he does not +no) ho) he can have offended except '! lovin# !ou too much. ( pra! !our -race )ould continue to him !our favor, even as he has ever 'een lo!al to !ou. Thus ( )ish to prove m! fidelit! to !ou, to let !ou see ( merit m! %ourt dress. ( have also heard that at the end of the present financial !ear !our -race purposes la!in# another and heavier tax upon us, so ( 'eseech !ou do not despise a poor 'e##ar/s pra!er, for m! heart, as )ell as the hearts of man! )ho love !ou dearl!, are, 'ecause of the extra tax, ver! heav!, and it has ro''ed !our Electoral Hi#hness of much of !our #ood name and favor amon# the people. -od has endo)ed !our -race )ith #reat )isdom, so that no one sees farther in these matters than !ou9 'ut sometimes -od )ills it so that #reat )isdom ma! learn somethin# from one )ith less, so that one ma! depend on -od alone, )ho, it is to 'e hoped, ma! spare !ou to us for our #ood, and after)ards preserve !our soul unto life eternal. Amen. 2our Electoral Hi#hness/s o'edient chaplain, .artin Luther. Luther/s first -erman letter9 his extant letters till this date are all in Latin.

Luther at the -eneral Assem'l! of Au#ustinian mon+s at Heidel'er#, )here he pu'licl! defended his theses. Luther cited to appear at "ome, 'ut the Elector arran#ed he should appear at Au#s'ur# instead, 'efore %a1etan.

151!
TO GEORGE SPALATIN
,e'ruar! 15, 1518. A'out the motives )hich should accompan! #ood )or+s. 0alvation5 6hat !ou )rite, or rather prescri'e to me to do, that ( am doin#, most excellent 0palatin. And ( than+ the most 0erene $rince, throu#h !ou, for the princel! piece of venison that he sent our ne) ma#ister, and ( have told them )hat an honor it is. But ( am the one )ho is most deli#hted, for human nature loves a cheerful #iver. 2ou as+ me t)o *uestions. The one, C(f one )ishes to sacrifice somethin#, or do a #ood )or+, )hat ou#ht to 'e his motiveED ( ans)er 'riefl!, a man must 'e animated in all he does '! a feelin# of despair as )ell as confidence. The despair appertains to th!self and th! )or+, 'ut the 1o!ous confidence is founded on -od and His merc!. ,or the 0pirit sa!s, CThe Lord ta+eth pleasure in them that fear him, and in those that hope in his merc!.D The other *uestion concerned the po)er of the (ndul#ence, and )hat it can accomplish. This matter is still dou'tful, 'ut ( shall sa! privatel! to !ou and our friends that ( consider presentAda! (ndul#ences as a deceivin# of souls, and of no use except as an encoura#ement to la7! %hristians. And this is 'e!ond dispute, m! enemies and the )hole %hurch 'ein# o'li#ed to admit it is, vi7. that alms and +indness to)ards one/s nei#h'or are far hi#her than the (ndul#ences. Therefore, ( admonish !ou to 'u! no (ndul#ences, as lon# as !ou have poor nei#h'ors to )hom !ou can #ive the (ndul#ence mone!. (f !ou act other)ise, ( am 'lameless9 the responsi'ilit! is !ours. ( firml! 'elieve that those )ho ne#lect the poor and purchase (ndul#ences merit condemnation. ( shall tell !ou a #reat cause of anno!ance to me, vi7. the 'us!'odies have invented a ne) mode of attac+, '! circulatin# ever!)here that our 0erene $rince is at the 'ottom of all ( do, as if he caused me to ma+e the Arch'ishop of .a#de'ur# hated5 >ear one, advise me ho) to act, for ( am deepl! #rieved that the $rince should come into illArepute throu#h me, and ( fear 'ein# the cause of dispeace 'et)een such #reat princes. But ( shall #ladl! permit the $rince to lead me into a disputation, or place me on m! trial, if he )ould openl! #ive me a safeAconduct, 'ut ( disli+e the innocent $rince 'ein# 'lamed on m! account. The! are trul! perverse people )ho love the dar+ness and hate the li#ht.

The! have traversed three lands to la! hold of &ohn "euchlin, and have dra##ed him hither a#ainst his )ill, )hile ( am at the door, and pleadin# to 'e ta+en, and the! leave me alone and )hisper in corners that )hich the! cannot defend. ,are)ell, and for#ive me for ma+in# so man! )ords a'out this, for ( am tal+in# to a friend. ,rom our cloister. .artin Luther, Au#ustinian. 3Both free and 'ound in the Lord.4

TO CHRISTOPH SCHEURL
Luther laments the spread of his theses. .arch 5, 1518. To the learned Herr %hristoph 0cheurl, m! esteemed friend in %hrist, m! #reetin#5 ( have received t)o letters from !ou, a Latin and a -erman one, na! #ood %hristoph, alon# )ith a present from that superior man, Al'recht >urer, and m! Latin and -erman propositions. 2ou )onder ( did not tell !ou of them. But ( did not )ish to have them )idel! circulated. ( onl! intended su'mittin# them to a fe) learned men for examination, and if the! disapproved of them, to suppress them9 or ma+e them +no)n throu#h their pu'lications, in the event of their meetin# )ith !our approval. But no) the! are 'ein# spread a'road and translated ever!)here, )hich ( never could have credited, so that ( re#ret havin# #iven 'irth to them ; not that ( am un)illin# to proclaim the truth manfull!, for there is nothin# ( more ardentl! desire, 'ut 'ecause this )a! of instructin# the people is of little avail. As !et ( am still uncertain as to some points, and )ould have #one into others more particularl!, leavin# some out entirel!, had ( foreseen all this. ,rom the rapid spread of the theses ( #ather )hat the #reater part of the nation thin+ of this +ind of (ndul#ence, in spite of them havin# to dis#uise their opinions for fear of the &e)s9 still ( must have the proofs of m! propositions in readiness, althou#h ( cannot pu'lish them !et, havin# 'een dela!ed throu#h the Bishop of Branden'ur# ; )hose advice ( as+ed ; 'ein# so lon# in returnin# them. 2es, )hen the Lord #rants me leisure, ( purpose issuin# a 'oo+ on the use and misuse of the (ndul#ences, in order to suppress the 'eforeAmentioned points. ( have no lon#er an! dou't that the people are deceived, not throu#h the (ndul#ences, 'ut throu#h their use. 6hen ( have finished these propositions ( )ill send them to !ou. .eantime, pra! remem'er me to Al'recht >urer, that excellent man, and assure him of m! continued #ratitude. But ( expect 'oth of !ou to discard !our exalted opinion of me, and not to expect more from me than ( can render, for ( am nothin#, and can do nothin#, and am dail! 'ecomin# more of a cipher. ( )rote latel! to >r. &ohn Ec+, to !ou, and to all the others, 'ut fear !ou have not received the letter. ( am most anxious that the pamphlet of our hi#hl! esteemed vicar CGpon Love,D )hich appeared the other da! in .unich, and made such sensation, should 'e reissued amon# !ou. ,or )e all hun#er and thirst after love.

( commit !ou to -od. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO JOHN LANGE
Luther complains of his opponents ra#in# a#ainst him. .arch 21, 1518. The vendors of (ndul#ences are thunderin# at me from the pulpit, so that their stoc+ of insultin# epithets is exhausted. The! tell the people that ( shall 'e 'urned in fourteen da!s ; another ma+es it a month. The! are also issuin# counterApropositions, so that ( fear ere lon# the! )ill 'urst )ith fur!. ( am advised not to #o to Heidel'er#, so that the! ma! not accomplish throu#h deceit and )iles )hat the! are una'le to achieve throu#h force. But ( shall render o'edience, and come on foot, and, if -od )ill, pass throu#h Erfurt9 'ut do not )ait for me, for ( shall scarcel! 'e a'le to start till the 6ednesda! after Juasimodo. =ur $rince, )ho devotes much time to the stud! of this theolo#!, and loves it, is a )arm protector of %arlstadt and me, and )ill not permit me to 'e lured to "ome. The! +no) this, and are furious at it. 0o that !ou ma! not have an exa##erated account of the 'urnin# of Tet7el/s theses, ( shall tell !ou the facts. The students, )ho are heartil! sic+ of sophistical teachin# and lon#in# for the sacred 0criptures, are most favora'le to me. Havin# heard that Tet7el, the ori#inator of them, had sent a man from Halle, the! immediatel! )ent and as+ed ho) he dared 'rin# such thin#s here. 0ome 'ou#ht a fe), )hile others ro''ed him of several, and 'urned the rest ; a'out ei#ht hundred copies ; after proclaimin# that the 'urnin# and funeral of Tet7el/s ans)er to them )ould ta+e place at the .ar+et at t)o o/cloc+. And all this )as done )ithout the +no)led#e of the $rince, the To)n %ouncil, or an! of us. 6e all thin+ it ver! 'ad of our people treatin# the man so. ( am innocent, 'ut feel certain ( #et all the 'lame. (t has caused much tal+, especiall! amon# Tet7el/s follo)ers, )ho are naturall! ver! an#r!. ( do not +no) ho) it )ill all end, onl! it has placed me in a more perilous position. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO JOHANN VON STAUPIT"

To 0taupit7, his 0uperior and ,ather in %hrist &esus.

.arch H1, 1518. .! #reetin#5 Althou#h over)helmed '! 'usiness, ( feel constrained 'riefl! to address m! father in the Lord. To 'e#in )ith, ( am *uite )illin# to admit that m! name is in 'ad odor )ith ver! man!. ,or these #ood fol+s assert that ( despise psalters and other forms of pra!er, na!, even #ood )or+s themselves. But 0t. $aul himself )as often treated in the same )a!, some accusin# him of sa!in#, CLet us do evil, that #ood ma! come.D But ( have +ept firm to Tauler/s theolo#! and that other treatise )hich !ou had printed throu#h our Aurifa'er. ( teach that man must trust solel! in %hrist &esus ; neither in pra!er, merit, nor )or+s, 'ut hope for 'lessedness onl! throu#h -od/s merc!. (t is from this that these people extract poison and disseminate it ever!)here, as !ou see. =nl! as it )as neither #ood nor 'ad report )hich made me act so, therefore ( ta+e no notice of all this, althou#h it is those thin#s )hich 'rin# do)n the hatred of the schoolmen a'out m! nec+. Because ( prefer the m!stical )ritin#s and the Bi'le to them, their )rath and 1ealous! are un'ounded. ( do not read the scholastics 'lindfolded, as the! do, 'ut ponder them. The apostle told us to prove all thin#s, and hold to that )hich is #ood. ( do not despise all theirs, neither consider it all #ood. But these creatures #enerall! +indle a fire out of a spar+, and ma+e an elephant out of a flea. 6hen it )as permitted to a Thomas to stand out a#ainst the )hole )orld, and a 0cotus, -a'riel, and others to contradict him, and )hen, even amon# the scholastics, there are as man! sects as there are heads, or rather ever! sin#le head dail! 'uilds up a ne) s!stem of divinit!, )h! should ( not have the same li'ert!E But )hen -od lifts up His hand no one can sta! it, and )hen He rests no one can arouse Him. ,are)ell, and pra! for me, and for the cause of divine truth )herever it ma! 'e hidden. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO JOHANN VON STAUPIT"

Luther 'e#s his ?icarA-eneral, )ho hated theolo#ical strife, to send his C"esolutionesD to $ope Leo K. .a! H0, 1518. ( remem'er, reverend father, that amon# the man! comfortin# )ords )ith )hich !ou consoled me, )as that of "epentance ; that )ord )ith )hich the Lord &esus in such a marvelous manner )as )ont to stren#then His people. ( received !our )ord as a voice from heaven. True repentance al)a!s 'e#ins )ith a lon#in# after ri#hteousness and -od. This !our )ord pierced me li+e a sharp arro), and (, at once, 'e#an to compare the portions of 0cripture )hich treat of repentance, and, 'ehold, )hat a treat )as in store for me ; the

)ords )ith that meanin# cro)din# upon me, from all directions, so that this )ord, )hich up till no) had 'een the 'itterest in the Bi'le to me, sounded dearer and s)eeter than an! other. 3Here follo)s an exhaustive anal!sis of the -ree+ for repentance, )hich means a chan#e of disposition ; conse*uentl! not primaril! of )or+s, 'ut a revolution of sentiment.4 Then 1ust as m! heart )as filled )ith such thou#hts, there 'e#an to resound around us proclamations of (ndul#ences for the for#iveness of sins, 'ut no exhortation to true spiritual conflict )ith sin. (n short, not a )ord )as heard of true repentance, 'ut the (ndul#enceAmon#ers )ere 'old enou#h to #lorif! and praise themselves, )hile hurlin# invectives a#ainst repentance. ( had to listen to all this laudin# of self in a )a! hitherto undreamt of, and certainl! a most unimportant part of confession. (n addition, the! tau#ht so man! #odless lies 'oldl!, that )hoever differed from them )as at once denounced as a heretic, condemned to the flames, and counted )orth! of eternal damnation. Bot 'ein# a'le to chec+ their madness, ( set m!self modestl! to thro) dou'ts on their teachin#, confident in the testimon! 'orne '! the doctors and the )hole %hurch, )ho, from time immemorial, thou#ht it 'etter to repent than purchase (ndul#ences. Havin# discussed the matter openl!, ( unfortunatel! roused the opposition of all )ho are concerned a'out the dear #old, or shall ( sa!, the dear soulsE ,or these dear fol+ are )ondrous cunnin#, and 'ein# una'le to refute me, the! declare the $ope/s authorit! )ill 'e in1ured throu#h m! disputation. This is the traffic, most esteemed father, )hich compels me )ith much personal dan#er to come to the front ; (, )ho have ever loved o'scurit!, and )ould vastl! prefer 'ein# a spectator of the livel! #ame )hich these )orth! and learned men are carr!in# on at present, than 'e the center of o'servation and ridicule. But ( see )eeds #ro) up amon# ca''a#e, and 'lac+ is placed alon#side )hite, to ma+e it more attractive. Therefore ( 'eseech !ou to for)ard m! poor C"esolutionesD to the #ood $ope Leo K., so that the! ma! plead m! cause )ith His Holiness a#ainst the )ic+ed intri#ues of evilAdisposed persons. Bot that ( )ish to lead !ou into dan#er, for ( ta+e the entire responsi'ilit! of all ( do. .a! %hrist 1ud#e )hether ( have said )hat is His, or m! o)n, )ithout )hom even the $apal ton#ue can utter nothin#, and in )hose hand is the heart of +in#s. ( expect to receive %hrist/s verdict throu#h the $apal throne. ,or the rest, ( can onl! ans)er the )arnin#s of m! friends )ith "euchlin/s )ordsF CHe )ho is poor need fear nothin#, for he has nothin# to lose.D ( have neither #old nor possessions, nor do ( desire them. (f ( had a #ood reputation and honor, ( am 'ein# ro''ed of them '! Him )ho #ave them. .! useless 'od!, )ea+ened '! man! hardships, still remains. (f the! deprive me of this in -od/s service, the! onl! render me poorer '! an hour or t)o of life. .! s)eet "edeemer is sufficient for me. ( shall praise Him all m! life. .a! He +eep !ou throu#h all eternit!, m! dearest father. Amen. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO POPE LEO .
Luther )rites su'missivel! to the $ope, in )hose 1ustice and love of truth he seems to have implicit confidence. .a! H0, 1518. .artin Luther, Au#ustinian mon+, desires everlastin# salvation to the .ost Hol! ,ather, Leo K. ( +no), most hol! father, that evil reports are 'ein# spread a'out me, some friends havin# vilified me to !our Holiness, as if ( )ere tr!in# to 'elittle the po)er of the <e!s and of the 0upreme $ontiff, therefore ( am 'ein# accused of 'ein# a heretic, a rene#ade, and a thousand other ill names are 'ein# hurled at me, enou#h to ma+e m! ears tin#le and m! e!es start in m! head, 'ut m! one source of confidence is an innocent conscience. But all this is nothin# ne), for ( am decorated )ith such mar+s of distinction in our o)n land, '! those honora'le and strai#htfor)ard people )ho are themselves afflicted )ith the )orst of consciences. But, most hol! father, ( must hasten to the point, hopin# !our Holiness )ill #raciousl! listen to me, for ( am as a)+)ard as a child. 0ome time a#o the preachin# of the apostolic 1u'ilee of the (ndul#ences )as 'e#un, and soon made such head)a! that these preachers thou#ht the! could sa! )hat the! )ished, under the shelter of !our Holiness/s name, alarmin# the people at such malicious, heretical lies 'ein# proclaimed to the derision of the spiritual po)ers. And, not satisfied )ith pourin# out their venom, the! have disseminated the little 'oo+ in )hich their malicious lies are confirmed, 'indin# the father confessors '! oath to inculcate those lies upon their people. ( shall not enlar#e upon the dis#raceful #reed, )hich call never 'e satisfied, )ith )hich ever! s!lla'le of this tin! 'oo+ ree+s. This is true, and no one can shut his e!es to the scandal, for it is manifest in the 'oo+. And the! continue to lead the people captive )ith their vain consolation, pluc+in#, as the prophet .icah sa!s, Ctheir s+in from off them, and their flesh from off their 'ones,D )hile the! )allo) in a'undance themselves. The! use !our Holiness/s name to alla! the uproar the! cause, and threaten them )ith fire and s)ord, and the i#nomin! of 'ein# called heretics9 na!, one can scarcel! 'elieve the )iles the! use to cause confusion amon# the people. %omplaints are universal as to the #reed of the priests, )hile the po)er of the <e!s and the $ope is 'ein# evil spo+en of in -erman!. And )hen ( heard of such thin#s ( 'urned )ith 7eal for the honor of %hrist, or, if some )ill have it so, the !oun# 'lood )ithin me 'oiled9 and !et ( felt it did not 'ehoove me to do an!thin# in the matter except to dra) the attention of some prelates to the a'uses. 0ome acted upon the hint, 'ut others derided it, and interpreted it in various )a!s. ,or the dread of !our Holiness/s name, and the threat of 'ein# placed under the 'an, )as allA po)erful. At len#th ( thou#ht it 'est not to 'e harsh, 'ut oppose them '! thro)in# dou'ts upon their doctrines, preparator! to a disputation upon them. 0o ( thre) do)n the #auntlet to the learned '! issuin# m! theses, and as+in# them to discuss them, either '! )ord of mouth, or in )ritin#, )hich is a )ellA+no)n fact. ,rom this, most hol! father, has such a fire 'een +indled, that, to 1ud#e from the hue and cr!, one )ould thin+ the )hole )orld had 'een set a'la7e.

And perhaps this is 'ecause (, throu#h !our Holiness/s apostolic authorit!, am a doctor of theolo#!, and the! do not )ish to admit that ( am entitled, accordin# to the usa#e of all universities in %hristendom, openl! to discuss, not onl! (ndul#ences, 'ut man! hi#her doctrines, such as >ivine $o)er, ,or#iveness, and .erc!. Bo), )hat shall ( doE ( cannot retract, and ( see )hat 1ealous! and hatred ( have roused throu#h the explanation of m! theses. Besides, ( am most un)illin# to leave m! corner onl! to hear harsh 1ud#ments a#ainst m!self, 'ut also 'ecause ( am a stupid dunderhead in this learned a#e, and too i#norant to deal )ith such )ei#ht! matters. ,or, in these #olden times, )hen the num'er of the learned is dail! increasin#, and arts and sciences are flourishin#, not to spea+ of the -ree+ and He're) ton#ues, so that even a %icero )ere he no) alive )ould creep into a corner, althou#h he never feared li#ht and pu'licit!, sheer necessit! alone drives me to cac+le as a #oose amon# s)ans. 0o, to reconcile m! opponents if possi'le, and satisf! the expectations of man!, ( let in the li#ht of da! upon m! thou#hts, )hich !ou can see in m! explanation of m! propositions on (ndul#ences. ( made them pu'lic that ( mi#ht have the protection of !our Holiness/s name, and find refu#e 'eneath the shado) of !our )in#s. 0o all ma! see from this ho) ( esteem the spiritual po)er, and honor the di#nit! of the <e!s. ,or, if ( )ere such as the! sa!, and had not held a pu'lic discussion on the su'1ect, )hich ever! doctor is entitled to do, then assuredl! his 0erene Hi#hness ,rederic+, Elector of 0axon!, )ho is an ardent lover of %hristian and apostolic truth, )ould not have suffered such a dan#erous person in his Gniversit! of 6itten'er#. And also, the 'eloved and learned doctors and ma#isters of our Gniversit!, )ho cleave firml! to our reli#ion, )ould certainl! have expelled me from their midst. And is it not stran#e that m! enemies not onl! tr! to convict me of sin and put me to shame, 'ut also the Elector, and the )hole Gniversit!E Therefore, most hol! father, ( prostrate m!self at !our feet, placin# m!self and all ( am and have at !our disposal, to 'e dealt )ith as !ou see fit. .! cause han#s on the )ill of !our Holiness, '! )hose verdict ( shall either save or lose m! life. %ome )hat ma!, ( shall reco#ni7e the voice of !our Holiness to 'e that of %hrist, spea+in# throu#h !ou. (f ( merit death, ( do not refuse to die, for Cthe earth is the Lord/s,D and all that is therein, to )hom 'e praise to all eternit!5 Amen. .a! He preserve !our Holiness to life eternal. .artin Luther, Au#ustinian.

TO #EN"EL LINK
6en7elaus Lin+ studied in 6itten'er#, and )as after)ards pastor in Burn'er#. &ul! 10, 1518.

=ur vicar, &ohn Lan#e, sa!s that %ount Al'recht of .ansfeld has )arned him not to let me leave here, as some #reat people have #iven orders that ( should 'e suffocated or dro)ned. ( am li+e &eremiah, the man of strife, )hom the $harisees dail! tormented )ith ne) doctrines, as the! called them. But ( have onl! tau#ht the pure #ospel, therefore ( al)a!s +ne) that ( )ould 'e a stum'lin#A'loc+ to the &e)s and foolishness to the -ree+s. But it )ould ill 'ecome me not to do all this for the Lord &esus, )ho sa!s to all His people, C( )ill she) him )hat #reat thin#s he must suffer for m! name/s sa+e5D The more the! threaten, the more confident and 1o!ful ( 'ecomeF m! )ife and child are provided for9 m! land, house, and all ( have are in order, and if the! ro' me of m! #ood name, nothin# remains 'ut m! misera'le 'od!. ,rom the 'e#innin# -od/s )ord is on this )ise, that all )ho cleave to it must )ith the apostles 'e hourl! prepared to suffer the loss of all thin#s, na!, even to meet death itself. 6ere it not so, then it )ould 'e no )ord of %hrist, for it has 'een made +no)n and spread a'road, throu#h the death of man!, and )ill #o on, 'ein# thus maintained and rene)ed throu#h manifold deaths. ,or our Bride#room is a 'loodAstained Bride#room. Therefore pra! that the Lord &esus ma! stren#then the confidence of His faithful sinners. ( preached the other da! upon the t!rann! of the officials and vicars, etc. The people marveled that the! had never heard an!thin# of this 'efore. 6e no) )ait to see )hat ( shall have to endure on this account. ( have li#hted a ne) fire, 'ut the )ord of truth does this also, the si#n that shall 'e spo+en a#ainst. ( do not concern m!self a'out the faultfinders. To %hrist alone ( shall defer in the ministr!. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
.elanchthon )as onl! t)ent!Aone )hen sent '! "euchlin to teach -ree+ at the Elector/s re*uest. Au#ust H1, 1518. To the learned -eor#e 0palatin, m! faithful friend in %hrist, salvation5 6hat !ou )rote of our $hilip has all come to pass, and )ill also 'e verified in the future, as !ou +no). The fourth da! after his arrival he #ave a learned and elo*uent address, to the deli#ht of all )ho heard him, so !ou need not laud him to us, for )e have alread! formed the hi#hest estimate of his person and intellect, and are most #rateful to the $rince for conferrin# him upon us, and also for !our services in the matter9 and see ho) s+ilfull! !ou can praise him to the $rince. 0o lon# as he lives ( desire no other teacher in -ree+. ( onl! fear that our coarse food )ill not suit his delicate constitution, as ( hear he is #ettin# too

small a salar!, so that the Leipsic people are alread! 'oastin# that the! )ill deprive us of him. ,or the! )ished him at first. (, and others, fear Herr $feffin#er has 'een too faithful a ste)ard, as usual, to his Electoral Hi#hness, in #ivin# $hilip as little as possi'le. Therefore, dear 0palatin 3( spea+ freel!, for it is )ith m! 'est friend ( tal+4, see that !ou do not li#htl! esteem his !outh and 'o!ish appearance, for the man is )orth! of all honor. And ( do not )ish that )e and our Gniversit! should do such a mean thin#, there'! causin# our detractors to spea+ evil of us. ( send !ou m! hurried opinion of the coarse and rude 0!lvestrum 3hi#h official in the $ope/s household4, m! sophistical opponent, for ( scarcel! deem him )orth m! attention. ( than+ -od and !ou for protectin# me and m! cause. ,are)ell, and love me in %hrist. .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
Luther at the >iet of Au#s'ur#. $reached in 6eimar 'efore the Elector on the )a! thither. =cto'er 11, 1518. 0alvation5 There is nothin# ne) here, onl! ever! one is tal+in# of >r. Luther )ho has li#hted such a #reat fire. 0ho) !ourself a man, and teach the !oun# people )hat is ri#ht, 'ut ( #o hence to offer m!self up for them and !ou, if -od )ills it. ,or ( )ill rather die and 'e deprived of !our dear societ!, hard as that )ould 'e for me to all eternit!, than 'e the means of ruinin# the li'eral studies and ele#ant learnin#, thus causin# the enem! to triumph. (tal! is, as E#!pt )as lon# a#o, enveloped in thic+ dar+ness, 'ein# entirel! i#norant of %hrist and all that appertains to Him, and !et )e must su'mit to them rulin# over us, and teachin# us in their o)n )a! 'oth faith and morals. Thus does -od manifest His )rath to)ards us in the lament of the prophet, C( )ill #ive children to 'e their princes, and 'a'es shall rule over them.D ,are)ell in the Lord, dear $hilip, and turn a)a! the )rath of -od throu#h !our fervent and earnest pra!ers. .artin Luther. Au#s'ur#.

TO ANDREAS VON CARLSTADT

%arlstadt had never seen a Bi'le )hen he 'ecame >octor of Theolo#! in 6itten'er# in 1510. Later he destro!ed the ima#es in churches.

=cto'er 1L, 1518. .a! !ou have all #ood for time and 'lessedness hereafter, esteemed Herr >octor5 ( am pressed for time, 'ut shall )rite more a#ain. .! cause has assumed a ver! dismal aspect these three da!s, so that ( have lost hope of returnin# to !ou, full! expectin# to come under the 'an. ,or the Le#ate is determined ( shall not hold a pu'lic disputation, refusin# to ar#ue )ith me alone, and declares he )ill not 'e m! 1ud#e, 'ut )ill treat me as a father. Bevertheless, the onl! )ords he )ill listen to from me are, C( recant, and confess ( have erred,D and ( )as un)illin# to sa! those )ords. But the +eenest discussion has 'een over these t)o articlesF ,irst, that ( have said that the (ndul#ence is not the treasure 30chat74 of the merits of our dear Lord and 0avior %hrist9 and the next, that the man )ho desires to approach the Lord/s hol! ta'le must 'elieve. After the Le#ate had dealt )ith these matters )ith a hi#h hand, ( have, throu#h the intercession of man!, #ot permission to ans)er in )ritin#. And if harshl! dealt )ith '! the Le#ate ( purpose pu'lishin# m! ans)er to the t)o propositions, to let all see his i#norance and tactlessness. ,or man! heretical and extraordinar! ideas proceed from his standpoint re#ardin# the t)o articles. Althou#h he ma! 'e a soAcalled Thomist, he is a muddleAheaded, o'scure, and incapa'le theolo#ian, or %hristian, and as incapa'le as an ass of 1ud#in# this matter. 0o, seein# m! affairs are in such 1eopard! throu#h havin# 1ud#es )ho are not onl! full of enmit! and deceit, 'ut una'le to understand m! cause, ( ma! )ell trem'le. Be this as it ma!, -od the Lord lives and rei#ns, to )hom ( commit all, and have no dou't that help )ill come throu#h the pra!ers of -odAfearin# people. =n these ( rel! as firml! as if the! )ere offered for me alone. Therefore, ( shall either return to !ou unin1ured, or see+ refu#e else)here9 so fare)ell. %ontinue steadfast, and exalt %hrist )ith all confidence. ( en1o! the favor of all men, except those )ho cleave to the %ardinal, )ho calls me his dear son, and tells m! vicar that ( have no 'etter friend than he, and ( +no) he )ould 'e hi#hl! pleased )ith me if ( )ould onl! sa!, C( recant,D 'ut ( shall not 'ecome a heretic, throu#h the chan#e of opinion '! )hich ( 'ecame a %hristian. ( shall sooner die, 'e 'urned, 'anished, and persecuted. ,are)ell, dearest sir, and sho) m! letter to our divines, Amsdorf, $hilip, etc., so that the! ma! pra! for me, also for !ou. ,or !our cause too is 'ein# discussed here, vi7. faith in our Lord &esus and in the #race of -od. .artin Luther, Au#ustinian.

TO CARDINAL THOMAS CAJETAN

0taupit7 and Lin+ tried to alla! the strife '! #ettin# Luther to !ield, so Luther )rote this letter to see )hat a'1ect humilit! )ould accomplish.

=cto'er 1 , 1518. Hi#hl! esteemed in -od the ,ather5 ( approach !ou once more, not in person, 'ut in )ritin#. And !ou )ill #raciousl! lend me !our ear. >r. &ohann 0taupit7 has ur#ed me to hum'le m!self, and #ive up m! o)n opinions, su'mittin# them to the 1ud#ment of pious people )hose characters are a'ove suspicion, and he has so lauded !our fatherl! love, that ( am convinced that !ou are anxious to do !our utmost for me, and that ( ma! commit m!self to !our lovin# care. ( re1oice to hear all this from the messen#er, for this man 30taupit74 is )orth! of m! confidence, for ( +no) no one )hom ( )ould more #ladl! o'e!. .! 'eloved 'rother, >r. 6en7elaus Lin+, )ho studied )ith me, has also tried to influence me in the same )a!. ( no) confess, honored father, that ( have not 'een hum'le enou#h, and have 'een too vehement, not treatin# the superior Bishop )ith sufficient reverence. And althou#h ( had #ood cause for all this, ( no) confess ( should have 'een more #entle, and treated His Eminence )ith more respect9 'ut it is done, and ( admit that it is not al)a!s )ise to ans)er a fool accordin# to his foll!, and thus 'ecome li+e him. ( am ver! sorr! for all this no), and plead for merc!, and )ill point out all this no) and a#ain to the people from the pulpit, as ( have often done. And )ith -od/s help ( shall henceforth 'e more careful ho) ( spea+. 2es, ( am *uite read! to thin+ no more a'out this traffic in (ndul#ences, and )hen thin#s have *uieted do)n to return to m! repose, 'ut m! opponents must also 'e compelled to +eep silence, for it )as the! )ho 'e#an the )hole distur'ance, and caused me to interfere in the matter. 2our Excellenc!/s su'missive son, .artin Luther, Au#ustinian.

TO THE ELECTOR FREDERICK

Luther left Au#s'ur# =cto'er 20, and on Bovem'er 28 appealed from the $ontiff to a -eneral %ouncil. Even Luther/s opponents admit this letter to 'e a masterpiece of elo*uence. Bovem'er 2:, 1518. .ost 0erene and -racious Lord5 ( have received )ith #reat 1o! a pamphlet from m! dear friend, -eor#e 0palatin, alon# )ith a cop! of the esteemed %ardinal/s letter to !ou, )hich #ives me an opportunit! of explainin# all the details of m! case to !our Electoral Hi#hness. ( merel! hum'l! plead that !our -race )ould #raciousl! listen to an insi#nificant, despised mendicant 'rother, and ta+e m! uncouth relation in

#ood part. 3Here follo)s a particular account of his dealin#s )ith the Le#ate in Au#s'ur#.4 Therefore ( once more 'eseech !our Electoral Hi#hness not to 'elieve those )ho declare that Brother .artin said )hat )as not ri#ht, and tau#ht )hat )as )ron#, )ithout definite proof that this )as the case. 0t. $eter erred even after he had received the Hol! -host, so a cardinal can also err no matter ho) learned he ma! 'e. Therefore !our -race )ill, ( hope, ma+e it a point of conscience and honor that the! do not send me to "ome, for this !our Electoral Hi#hness could not insist upon, let the man 'e )hat he ma!, for ( )ould not 'e safe in "ome. (f !our -race did this it )ould 'e 'etra!in# an innocent %hristian/s 'lood, and 'ecomin# m! murderer. Even the $ope is not sure of his life for an hour. The! have paper, pen, and in+ in "ome, and notaries enou#h, so it )ould 'e eas! to )rite do)n in )hat ( have erred. (t )ould cost much less to instruct me at a distance than to demand m! presence, and ma+e an end of me throu#h their cunnin# and )iles. =ne thin# vexes me #reatl!, and that is, that the Le#ate should sneerin#l! insinuate that ( have acted as ( have in reliance upon !our Electoral Hi#hness9 and some liars amon# ourselves falsel! assert that ( undertoo+ the disputation on the (ndul#ences '! !our -race/s advice, )hen the fact is, that not even m! dearest friends )ere a)are of it, except the %ardinal of .a!ence and the Bishop of Branden'ur#. ,or ( admonished these t)o, )hose office it )as to prohi'it the scandal, most hum'l! and respectfull! in )ritin#, 'efore ( let the disputation come to the li#ht of da!. But no) that the Le#ate is tr!in# to stain !our -race/s honor and that of the no'le house of 0axon!, and 'rin# it into 'ad repute )ith His Holiness, ( )ill explain ho) the! #o a'out it. $eople no)ada!s 'elieve firml! that %hrist is 'uried, and cannot no) spea+ even throu#h an ass9 hence the! ima#ine that His disciples and their follo)ers )ill also 'e o'li#ed to 'e silent, even should the stones cr! out. Therefore, that no evil ma! 'efall !our 0erene Hi#hness, )hich ( do not )ish, ( shall leave !our -race/s land in -od/s name, and )ill #o )herever the everlastin# and merciful -od directs, and shall su'mit to His divine )ill, lettin# Him do )ith me as He )ill. Here)ith ( 'less and #reet !our Electoral -race, in deep humilit!, committin# !ou to the merciful -od, and than+in# !ou )ith all m! heart for the 'enefits !ou have 'esto)ed upon me. And )herever m! d)ellin#place ma! 'e, ( shall never to all eternit! for#et !our -race/s #oodness to me, or cease to pra! earnestl! for !our Hi#hness/s salvation and prosperit!. At present ( am full of 1o! and #ratitude to -od, that His dear 0on counted a poor sinner li+e me )orth! to suffer tri'ulation and persecution for His #ood and sacred cause. .a! He maintain !our Electoral -race to all eternit!. Amen. 2our -race/s un)orth! chaplain, .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO JOHN REUCHLIN
The #reat -erman humanist, )ho )as the first to spread the +no)led#e of He're) in -erman!. >ecem'er 1L, 1518. The Lord 'e )ith !ou, m! valiant hero5 ( praise the merc! of -od, )hich d)ells in !ou, m! learned and esteemed sir, throu#h )hich !ou have at len#th stopped the mouths of those )ho spo+e a#ainst !ou. %ertainl! !ou are an instrument of >ivine $rovidence, althou#h !ou ma! not +no) it. But those )ho have the cause of sacred learnin# at heart have for lon# earnestl! desired one such as !ou, and -od/s purposes )ere ver! different from )hat !our actions )ould have led people to suppose the! )ere. ( )as one of those )ho #reatl! desired to 'e )ith !ou, 'ut the opportunit! never presented itself. 0till ( have 'een ever )ith !ou, )ith m! )ishes and pra!ers, 'ut )hat )as not possi'le for the !oun# comrade has 'een #ranted in rich measure to his successor. ( am no) 'ein# attac+ed '! the Behemoth, )ho are anxious to aven#e upon me the dis#race the! have suffered at !our hands. >ou'tless ( am forced to encounter them )ith much fee'ler )eapons of )it and learnin#, 'ut )ith as much coura#e and deli#ht as !ou. The! )ill have no dealin#s )ith me, so determined are the! onl! to use force a#ainst me. But %hrist lives, and ( can lose nothin#9 for ( have nothin#. Ho)ever, the horns of these animals have rather lost effect throu#h !our coura#e. ,or -od has achieved this throu#h !ou ; that the lord of the 0ophists has found that the ri#hteousness of -od must 'e met )ith #entleness, so that -erman!, throu#h the teachin# of the Hol! 0criptures, )hich, alas, for so man! hundred !ears has 'een smothered and suppressed, has a#ain 'e#un to 'reathe. But it is presumptuous of me discussin# matters so confidentiall! )ith such as !ou. (t is 'ecause ( am so devoted to !ou ; 'oth for !ourself and !our 'oo+s. (t )as $hilip .elanchthon, )hom ( am proud to call m! dearest friend, )ho persuaded me to )rite, sa!in# !ou )ould not ta+e it amiss, ho)ever poor the production mi#ht 'e. 0o 'lame him if !ou do not perceive that it is )ritten to prove m! devotion to !ou. ,are)ell, m! much honored master. .artin Luther, Au#ustinian. 6itten'er#. Leo the K. no) sent his cham'erlain, <arl von .iltit7, to #ain over Luther, and the! met in 0palatin/s house in Alten'ur#. His Holiness also sent the C-olden "oseD to the Elector ,rederic+ '! .iltit7, )ho persuaded Luther to )rite a conciliator! letter to the $ope.

151$

TO THE ELECTOR FREDERICK

Luther narrates ne#otiations )ith !ou .iltit7, )hom the $ope had sent to convert this son of 0atan. &anuar! 151:. .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, .ost -racious Lord. (t is reall! too 'ad that !our Electoral Hi#hness should have so much anno!ance throu#h 'ein# involved )ith m! affairs9 'ut seein# necessit! and -od have )illed it so, ( 'eseech !ou #raciousl! to ta+e it in #ood part. Herr <arl von .iltit7 pointed out !esterda! the dis#race and distur'ance )hich have accrued to the "oman %hurch throu#h me, and ( have offered to do all ( can to atone for it. 0o ( 'e# !ou to ponder the matter, as ( )ish to do somethin#. To 'e#in )ith, ( shall do nothin# more in the affair, and let it, so to spea+, 'leed to death 3if the other part! are also silent4, for, if m! )ritin#s had 'een allo)ed to circulate freel!, the )hole thin# )ould have died a natural death lon# ere no), for all are sic+ of it. 0o see to it, for if this precaution 'e ne#lected, the matter ma! assume alarmin# proportions, and dis#race ensue. ,or m! )eapons are read!. Therefore ( deem it 'est that there should 'e a truce. (n the second place, ( shall )rite His Holiness, and su'mit hum'l! to him, confessin# that in the past ( have 'een too vehement, althou#h ( did not intend to in1ure the %hurch, 'ut onl! to sho) the true reason of m! opposition, in com'atin#, as a faithful son of the %hurch, the 'lasphemous teachin# )hich has occasioned so much mischief, and aroused the #eneral indi#nation a#ainst the "oman 0ee. (n addition, ( shall issue a pamphlet exhortin# the people to cleave to the "oman %hurch, and 'e o'edient and respectful, and not consider this )ritin# as tendin# to dis#race the Hol! "oman %hurch, 'ut rather to exalt her9 and ( shall also admit that ( expressed the truth in a too vehement manner, and perhaps at an inopportune time. (n the fourth place, .a#ister 0palatin has proposed that the matter 'e referred to the verdict of the Arch'ishop of 0al7'ur#, alon# )ith other learned people, )hose reputation is a'ove suspicion, )hile ( +eep to m! appeal. But ( fear the $ope )ill not put up )ith a 1ud#e, and (, too, )ill not su'mit to the $ope/s verdict. 0o, if the first means fail, then the result )ill 'e, that the $ope )ill dra) up the conditions, and ( shall suppl! the #lossar! thereto. This )ould not 'e #ood. ( have also tal+ed it over )ith <arl von .iltit7, )ho does not thin+ this )ould suffice, !et does not demand a revocation, 'ut )ishes all to express an opinion on the *uestion under discussion. (f !our -race thin+s ( can do an!thin# more, )ill !ou #raciousl! tell me ho) to actE ( shall #ladl! do or suffer an!thin# that ( ma! not a#ain have to enter the arena of conflict. ,or nothin# )ill come of the revocation. 2our Electoral Hi#hness/s o'edient chaplain, .artin Luther.

TO HER"OG GEORGE OF SA ONY

The vehement enem! of Luther and the "eformation, )hich seemed to him li+e revolution. ,e'ruar! 1:, 151:. .! poor pra!ers are ever at the service of !our "o!al Hi#hness, .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, .ost -racious Lord5 The )orth! >r. &ohn Ec+ )rites that he has 'esou#ht !our -race, #raciousl! to permit a disputation in Leipsic, in !our -race/s Gniversit! there, )ith the excellent %arlstadt But seein# >r. Ec+ professes to desire the disputation )ith >r. %arlstadt, )hose opinions he has scarcel! attac+ed, )hile he has com'ated m! doctrines )ith all his mi#ht, ( shall appear m!self in defense of m! propositions, or to receive instructions in the 'etter )a!. Therefore, ( hum'l! re*uest !our -race, out of love for the truth, to allo) this disputation. ,or the hi#hl! esteemed #entlemen of the Gniversit! have 1ust )ritten me, that the! have promised >r. &ohn Ec+ 3)hich ( had heard4 to refuse m! re*uest. The! accuse me of havin# made +no)n that a disputation )as to 'e held 'efore ( received !our -race/s permission thereto, 'ut m! excuse must 'e, that ( hoped ( )ould not 'e denied )hat >r. Ec+ )as 'oastin# had 'een alread! #ranted to him. ( plead that !our -race )ill #raciousl! for#ive m! offense. .a! -od mercifull! spare and uphold !our Hi#hness. Amen. 2our Electoral -race/s o'edient chaplain, .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO CHRISTOPH SCHEURL
,e'ruar! 20, 151:. .! #reetin#5 ( often reproach m!self, m! excellent Herr >octor, for )ritin# so seldom, havin# received so man! +ind messa#es from !ou. But m! excuse must a#ain 'e the mass of )or+ )hich )ei#hs me do)n. Gp till no) our Ec+ has 'een a'le to restrain his )rath a#ainst me, 'ut no) he is lettin# it have full scope. -od alone, )ho is in the midst of the #ods, +no)s )hat )ill 'e the outcome of this conduct. Beither Ec+ nor ( am )or+in# for ourselves alone. (t seems to me as if all this proceeded solel! from the )ill of -od. ( often sa! that up till no) it has onl! 'een child/s pla!. But from henceforth ( must proceed in earnest a#ainst the "oman pontiff and "omish pride. ( commend to !ou, most )arml! and in all unselfishness, Gdalrich, our $indar, that excellent and learned man. 2ou )ill tr! to help him, seein# he is

!our compatriot, and spea+ hi#hl! of him to !our counsellors ; perhaps the! ma! deem him )orth! of some assistance. 6e hear that the 0ua'ian lea#ue is re'ellin# a#ainst the >u+e of 6urtem'ur#. .elanchol! outloo+5 .a! -od not re'u+e us in His )rath, 'ut chasten us accordin# to His tender merc!. Amen5 -reet all our friends. ( here)ith commend !ou to -od. .artin Luther, 6itten'er#. Au#ustinian.

TO POPE LEO .
Luther/s conciliator! letter to the $ope. .arch H, 151:. .ost Hol! ,ather. Becessit! once more compels me, the most un)orth! and despica'le creature upon earth, to address !our Holiness. Therefore, )ould !ou, in %hrist/s stead, #raciousl! 'end !our fatherl! ear to the petition of me, !our poor sheep. The esteemed Herr <arl von .iltit7, !our Holiness/s treasurer, has 'een here, and complained 'itterl! to the Elector ,rederic+, in !our Holiness/s name, of m! insolence to)ards the "oman %hurch and !our Holiness, and demanded a recantation from me. 6hen ( heard this ( felt a##rieved that all m! efforts to do honor to the "oman %hurch had 'een so misrepresented, and considered foolhardiness and deli'erate malice '! the Head of the %hurch. But )hat shall ( do, most hol! fatherE ( am *uite at sea, 'ein# una'le to 'ear the )ei#ht of !our Holiness/s )rath or to escape from it. ( am as+ed to recant and )ithdra) m! theses. (f '! so doin# ( could accomplish the end desired, ( )ould not hesitate a moment. But m! )ritin#s have 'ecome far too )idel! +no)n, and ta+en root in too man! hearts ; 'e!ond m! hi#hest expectations ; no) to 'e summaril! )ithdra)n. Ba!, our -erman nation, )ith its cultured and learned men, in the 'loom of an intellectual rea)a+enin#, understands this *uestion so thorou#hl! that, on this account, ( must avoid even the appearance of recantation, much as ( honor and esteem the "oman %hurch in other respects. ,or such a recantation )ould onl! 'rin# it into still )orse repute, and ma+e ever! one spea+ a#ainst it. (t is those, = hol! father, )ho have done the #reatest in1ur! to the %hurch in -erman!, and )hom ( have striven to oppose ; those )ho, '! their foolish preachin# and their insatia'le #reed, have 'rou#ht !our name into 'ad odor, sull!in# the sanctit! of the sacred chair, and ma+in# it an offense9 and it is the! )ho, in reven#e for m! havin# rendered their #odless endeavors a'ortive, accuse me to !our Holiness as the ori#inator of their plots. Bo), hol! father, ( declare 'efore -od that ( have never had the sli#htest )ish to attac+ the po)er of the "oman %hurch or !our Holiness in an! )a!, or even to in1ure it throu#h cunnin#. 2es, ( declare openl!, that

there is nothin# in heaven or on earth )hich can come 'efore the po)er of this %hurch, except &esus %hrist alone ; Lord over all. Therefore do not 'elieve those malicious slanderers )ho spea+ other)ise of Luther. ( also #ladl! promise to let the *uestion of (ndul#ences drop and 'e silent, if m! opponents restrain their 'oastful, empt! tal+. (n addition, ( shall pu'lish a pamphlet exhortin# the people to honor the Hol! %hurch, and not ascri'e such foolish misdeeds to her, or imitate m! o)n severit!, in )hich ( have #one too far to)ards her, and '! so doin# ( trust these divisions ma! 'e healed. ,or this one thin# ( desired, that the "oman %hurch, our mother, f: should not 'e sullied throu#h the #reed of stran#ers, nor the people led into error, 'ein# tau#ht to re#ard love as of less importance than the (ndul#ences. All else, seein# it neither helps nor in1ures, ( re#ard of less importance. (f ( can do an!thin# more in the matter ( am )illin# to do it. .a! the Lord %hrist preserve !our Holiness to all eternit!. .artin Luther, >octor. Alten'ur#.

TO THE ELECTOR FREDERICK OF SA ONY

Luther excuses himself for his discussion )ith Ec+. .arch 1H, 151:. .! poor pra!ers are al)a!s at the service of !our -race, .ost 0erene Hi#hA 'orn $rince, .ost -racious Lord. -od +no)s that ( )as most anxious that the #ame should 'e at an end. 0o ea#er )as ( for this, that ( +ept m! a#reement, even after !our Electoral Hi#hness/s chaplain, Herr .a#ister 0palatin, for)arded some points to me, at the insti#ation of the $ope/s commissioner, Herr <arl von .iltit7, and ( left Herr 0!lvester $rierat/s repl! unans)ered, althou#h there )as much in it )hich )ould have 'een a #ood pretext for 'rea+in# m! resolution9 'ut ( refrained from doin# so, even a#ainst the advice of m! friends ; therefore our a#reement made at Alten'ur# has not 'een 'ro+en ; that ( )ould 'e silent, if m! opponents )ould also 'e silent, and this Herr <arl +no)s. But no) that >r. Ec+ thus attac+s me )ithout an! provocation, see+in# not onl! to dis#race me, 'ut the )hole Gniversit! of 6itten'er#, it is not ri#ht that ( should disre#ard such cunnin#l! devised assaults, and permit the truth to 'e held in derision. ,or, should m! mouth 'e 'ound, )hile ever! one else is free to spea+, !our Electoral Hi#hness can )ell 'elieve that ( shall expose m!self to all manner of attac+s from those )ho mi#ht other)ise not have presumed to raise their e!es to)ards me. ( am still inclined to follo) !our -race/s counsel and 'e silent, if others )ill do the same, for ( have other thin#s to occup! me, and find no pleasure in such dissension. But if this 'e not possi'le, ( 'e# !our -race not to 'e displeased )ith me, for m! conscience )ill not allo) me to leave the truth in the lurch. ,or

althou#h in m! disputation )ith Ec+ ( shall have to dispute the assertion that the %hurch of "ome is superior to all others, ( shall do so )ith the reservation of full su'mission and o'edience to the Hol! 0ee. .a! -od #raciousl! spare !our Electoral Hi#hness. Amen. 2our Electoral Hi#hness/s most hum'le chaplain, .artin Luther, Au#ustinian. 6itten'er#.

TO THE ELECTOR FREDERICK THE #ISE

Luther 'e#s to 'e allo)ed to 'uild an addition to the cloister, and pleads for t)o co)ls. .a! 151:. .ost -racious Lord. 6e are compelled to 'uild an addition to our cloister. 6e hum'l! 'e##ed the councillors to do this, 'ut have received no ans)er. Therefore )e pra! that !our -race )ill #raciousl! #rant our re*uest. ( also 'eseech !our Electoral -race to present me at the Leipsic ,air )ith a )hite and a 'lac+ co)l. 2our -race o)es me the 'lac+ co)l, and ( hum'l! plead for the )hite one. ,or t)o or three !ears a#o !our Hi#hness promised me one, and ( have never received it, althou#h $feffin#er a#reed to it, 'ut perhaps he has 'een deterred '! other matters, or has dela!ed doin# so, as people sa! he is ver! un)illin# to spend mone!. At an! rate ( had to procure one, so up till no) !our -race/s promise remains unfulfilled. (n m! present need ( no) hum'l! 'e# for one ; if the $salter merits a 'lac+ co)l, and if the Apostle 'e )orth! of a )hite one. $lease let me have it, 'ut do not depend a#ain on $feffin#er #ivin# it. 2our Electoral -race/s o'edient chaplain, .artin Luther, Au#ustinian at 6itten'er#.

TO MARTIN GLASER, PRIOR IN AUGUSTINIAN CLOISTER IN RAN"AU

Luther tells his friend of his proposed disputation )ith Ec+ over the $ope/s supremac!, )hich lasted from &une 25 till &ul! 15. (n &une %harles ?. )as elected Emperor of -erman!.

.a! H0, 151:. To m! 'eloved friend in the Lord. 2ou, a'ove all, have a #ood ri#ht to marvel, na!, to 'e offended, most honored father, that up till no) ( have not sent !ou a sin#le line. Althou#h ( am not )ithout excuse for thus actin#, ( shall rather confess m! fault. %oncernin# !our horse, ( hope, throu#h the mediation of our esteemed vicar, !ou )ill have merc! on me. ,or, )ithout dou't, !ou presented it to -od, and not to me. ( )as deli#hted to hear from our vicar that )e are soon to have the pleasure of seein# !ou here a#ain. ( fanc! !ou have alread! heard of m! proposed disputation at Leipsic, and other thin#s as )ell. ( am lecturin# upon the $salms for the second time, and )ith #ood results. The to)n is cro)ded )ith students, and "ome is lon#in# for m! do)nfall9 )hile ( lau#h at their malice. ( hear that the paper .artin has 'een pu'licl! 'urned there, and openl! cursed and condemned. ( anticipate their )rath. The Epistle to the -alatians is no) actuall! in the press ; !ou )ill see it in a fe) da!s. (n other respects )e are peaceful and contented here, and not so 'adl! off as formerl!. =ur Heldt loo+s after thin#s )ell, 'ut onl! +itchen matters, for he is al)a!s much concerned as to )hat he is to eat and drin+, and )ill continue so. ( have read )hat !ou )rote me a'out the tattler .;, 'ut ( am used to the stin# of env!. The )hole )orld seems to 'e in motion, 'oth ph!sicall! and morall!, and )hat the outcome )ill 'e -od alone +no)s. ( predict murders and )ars. -od have merc! on us. ,are)ell, and pra! for me. .artin Luther.

TO THOMAS FISCHER, PREACHER IN MILAU

Luther sa!s ho) despisers of the #ospel should 'e treated. Au#ust 2@, 151: -race and peace to m! 'eloved 'rother in the Lord5 "e#ardin# )hat !ou have )ritten to me, m! dear man of -od, a'out these #odless scorners ; this is m! opinion. Even as no one can 'e compelled to accept the #ospel, so no ma#istrate must suffer an! one to traduce it, 'ut, if an! one do so, the ma#istrate must have him up and admonish him, and hear his reasons for actin# as he does. (f he can #ive none, then he must 'e 'ound over to silence, so that the seeds of dissension ma! not 'e so)n. ,or )hoever )ill spea+ a#ainst it must do so openl! ; the ma#istrate 'ein# called upon to put do)n all private disputes )ith all his authorit!. This is ho) )e do in 6itten'er#, and counsel others to do the same. ,rom this !ou )ill see that the ma#istrac! dare not tolerate )hat !ou spea+ of in the communit!. ,or it is nothin# short of a secret scandal. Therefore call them out to the li#ht of da!, so that the! ma! either 1ustif! themselves or 'e van*uished.

Alon# )ith the >ecalo#ue and the %atechism, inculcate civil 3'ur#erliche4 and domestic virtues, and these ou#ht most fre*uentl! to 'e the su'1ect topics of preachin#, and the people 'e compelled to attend, so that the! ma! 'e instructed as to the duties of a su'1ect and social life, )hether the! approve of the #ospel or not, to prevent them 'ecomin# a stone of stum'lin# to others, '! deli'eratel! settin# at nau#ht political la)s. ,or if the! live in a communit! the! must learn the la)s of the same and o'e! them, even a#ainst their )ill. And the! must do this, not onl! on account of their possessions, 'ut for the sa+e of their famil!. %hrist, )ho )ill sustain !ou, )ill teach !ou all else. .artin Luther. This !ear Luther issued the three #reat "eformation treatisesF (. CTo the %hristian Bo'ilit! of the -erman Bation.D ((. C=n the Ba'!lonian %aptivit! of the %hurch.D (((. C%oncernin# %hristian Li'ert!,D or CThe ,reedom of a %hristian .an.D

15%0

TO THE EMPEROR CHARLES V.

Luther places himself under %harles/s protection as 'ein# the defender of truth and ri#hteousness. &anuar! 15, 1520. -race and peace from our Lord &esus %hrist5 >ou'tless ever! one marvels, most #racious Emperor, that ( presume to )rite !our (mperial .a1est!. ,or )hat is so unusual as that the <in# of +in#s and Lord of lords should 'e addressed '! the meanest of menE But )hoever can estimate the enormous importance of this su'1ect, )hich so intimatel! concerns the divine verities, )ill not )onder. ,or, if it 'e )orth! of 'ein# 'rou#ht 'efore the throne of His .a1est!, ho) much more 'efore that of an earthl! prince9 for even as earthl! princes are an em'lem of the heavenl!, so it 'ecomes them to follo) their #reat exampleF vi7. to loo+ from their hei#hts upon the lo)l! of the earth, and Craise the poor out of the dust, and lift the 'e##ar from the dun#hill.D Therefore, (, poor misera'le creature, thro) m!self at !our (mperial .a1est!/s feet as the most un)orth! 'ein# )ho ever 'rou#ht for)ard a matter of such importance. 0everal small 'oo+s ( )rote dre) do)n the env! and hatred of man! #reat people, instead of their #ratitude, )hich ( meritF 314 Because a#ainst m! )ill ( had to come for)ard, althou#h ( had no desire to )rite an!thin#, had not

m! opponents, throu#h #uile and force, compelled me to do so. ,or ( )ish ( could have remained hidden in m! corner. 324 As m! conscience and man! pious people can testif!, ( onl! 'rou#ht for)ard the #ospel in opposition to the illusions or delusions of human traditions. And for so doin#, ( have suffered for three !ears, )ithout cessation, all the malice )hich m! adversaries could heap upon me. (t )as of no avail that ( pled for merc! and promised henceforth to 'e silent. Bo attention )as paid to m! efforts after peace, and m! ur#ent re*uest to 'e 'etter instructed )as not listened to. The one thin# the! insisted upon )as, that (, )ith the )hole #ospel, should 'e extin#uished. Therefore seein# all m! la'or lost, ( appealed to the example of 0t. Athanasius, to see if perhaps -od mi#ht not, throu#h !our (mperial .a1est!, support His cause. Hence, = lord, prince of the +in#s of the earth, ( fall hum'l! at !our 0erene .a1est!/s feet, 'e##in# !ou )ill not ta+e me, 'ut the cause of divine truth 3for )hich cause onl! -od has put the s)ord into !our hand4 under the shado) of !our )in#s, protectin# me till ( have either )on or lost the cause. 0hould ( then 'e declared a heretic ( as+ for no protection, and onl! plead that neither the truth nor the lie 'e condemned unheard. ,or this is onl! due to !our (mperial throne. This )ill adorn !our .a1est!/s empire5 (t )ill consecrate !our centur!, and cause its memor! never to 'e for#otten, if !our 0acred .a1est! do not permit the )ic+ed to s)allo) up him )ho is holier than the!, nor let men, as the prophet sa!s, C'ecome as the fishes of the sea ; as the creepin# thin#s that have no ruler over them5D ( here)ith commend m!self to !ou, hopin# for all that is #ood from !our 0acred .a1est!, )hom ma! the Lord &esus preserve to us, and hi#hl! exalt to the everlastin# honor of His #ospel. Amen. 2our (mperial .a1est!/s devoted servant, .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO THE ELECTOR FREDERICK OF SA ONY

Luther dedicates a little 'oo+ of consolation to the Elector, for the comfort of 'elievers under disappointment. ,e'ruar! 1520. .ost 0erene Lord. =ur 'eloved 0avior has commanded us to visit the sic+, li'erate the prisoner, and perform )or+s of merc! to)ards our nei#h'or, even as our Lord Himself set the example of marvelous love, in descendin#, from the Almi#ht! ,ather/s 'osom, to share our captivit!, and ta+e our sins and )ea+nesses upon Himself. 6hoever despises this most 'lessed t!pe and command )ill at the last da! hear the )ords, C-o into everlastin# fireF ( )as sic+, and !e did not visit me.D

This is m! apolo#! for compilin# this small 'oo+, so that ( ma! not 'e accused of in#ratitude in 'ein# una'le to reco#ni7e m! Lord &esus/ ima#e, in the illness )ith )hich !our Electoral Hi#hness has 'een smitten '! m! Lord -od, and ( cannot pretend not to hear -od/s voice from the person of !our -race, )hich sa!s, C( am sic+.D ,or )hen a %hristian is ill, it is not he alone )ho suffers, 'ut %hrist our 0avior, in )hom the %hristian man lives. As %hrist Himself sa!s, C6hat !ou have done unto the least of m! disciples !e have done unto me.D And althou#h this command of %hrist refers to the )hole human 'rotherhood ; still, it is speciall! applica'le to our 'rothers in the faith, and a'ove all, must 'e exercised to)ards our friends and relatives. Besides, it is incum'ent upon me, )ith all !our -race/s su'1ects, to s!mpathi7e in all !our afflictions, as our head on )hom all our prosperit! depends. But (, )ho for man! reasons am entitled to loo+ upon !ou as m! protector, could, in m! povert!, find nothin# )orth! of !our acceptance, till m! dearest friend, -eor#e 0palatin, put it into m! head to prepare !ou a little 'oo+ of spiritual consolation dra)n from the Hol! 0criptures. Therefore ( present this 'oo+let 3Tafel4 to !our -race, )hich is divided into fourteen chapters. (t is not a ta'let of silver, 'ut a spiritual one, not to 'e placed in the churches, 'ut in the heart. The first part consists of seven meditations upon evil, trial, and disappointment9 the second part also contains seven meditations ; upon prosperit! and thin#s pertainin# thereto. .a! !our Electoral -race, )ith !our usual princel! 'eni#nit!, #raciousl! receive this m! little treatise. And ( hum'l! commend m!self to !ou. 2our Electoral -race/s hum'le servant, .artin Luther.

TO HER"OG JOHN OF SA ONY

Encoura#ed '! the Elector/s #racious acceptance of his little 'oo+, Luther dedicated his lar#e -erman treatise, 0ermon on -ood 6or+s, to his 'rother $rince &ohn. .arch 2:, 1520. .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, -racious 0ir. .! hum'le service and poor pra!ers are ever at !our -race/s disposal. ,or lon# ( have )ished to sho) m! devotion to !our -race '! offerin# !ou some of m! spiritual )ares9 'ut al)a!s thou#ht them too insi#nificant for !our Hi#hness/s acceptance. But seein# m! #racious lord, ,rederic+, Her7o# of 0axon!, and .arshal of the Hol! "oman Empire, etc., !our -race/s 'rother, received m! little 'oo+ so #raciousl!, ( presume once more on the ro!al 'lood, trustin# !ou )ill not disdain m! hum'le offerin#, )hich ( consider the most important of all m! small 'oo+s ; such a commotion havin# arisen on the #reat *uestion of #ood )or+s, throu#h )hich more

deception is 'ein# practiced and more simple people are 'ein# led astra! than '! an! other means. And our Lord &esus has commanded us to C'e)are of false prophets )hich come to !ou in sheep/s clothin#, 'ut in)ardl! the! are ravenin# )olves.D Althou#h ( +no) that man! despise m! povert!, and sa! ( onl! ma+e little 'oo+s and sermons for the unlearned lait!, ( am not upset '! this. 6ould to -od that ( had devoted m! )hole life to the improvement of one la!man ; ( )ould have than+ed -od, and let m! 'oo+s perish. ( leave others to 1ud#e if )ritin# man! lar#e 'oo+s is a science, and tends to the improvement of %hristendom. (f ( desired to )rite lar#e 'oo+s, perhaps )ith the >ivine help ( could do so, )ith 'etter results than the! could imitate me in )ritin# a little treatise. (f )e cannot all 'e poets, )e )ould all li+e to 'e 1ud#es. -ladl! do ( leave the honor of accomplishin# #reat thin#s to others, and am not ashamed of )ritin# and preachin# -erman for the unlearned, althou#h not ver! *ualified to do so. And it seems to me that if )e had done this hitherto %hristendom )ould have derived no little advanta#e therefrom, much more than it has reaped from the lar#e 'oo+s and learned discussions in the universities. Besides, ( have neither as+ed nor compelled an! one to read m! )or+s. ( have served the people freel! )ith )hat -od has #iven me, and )hoever does not care for this can read somethin# else, )hich )ould not distress me #reatl!. ,or it is more than enou#h if some of the lait!, includin# those of hi#h ran+, demean themselves to read m! sermons. And if for no other reason, this is sufficient, that !our -race appreciates such little 'oo+s, 'ein# anxious to +no) more a'out #ood )or+s and faith, and it 'ehoves me to 'e as useful as possi'le to !ou in this matter. Therefore, ( hum'l! 'e# !our Hi#hness )ill #raciousl! accept m! #ood intentions, till, if -od #ive me the time, ( shall pu'lish an exposition of faith in -erman. =n this occasion ( have tried to sho) ho) faith must 'e exercised in all #ood )or+s, and ho) it is the 'est )or+ of all. A#ain, if -od )ill, ( shall discuss the *uestion of faith, and ho) )e should dail! pra! and practice the same. ( here)ith commend m!self to !our -race. 2our -race/s o'edient chaplain, .artin Luther, Au#ustinian. 6itten'er#.

TO NICOLAS VON AMSDORF

Luther/s friend Amsdorf )as $rofessor in 6itten'er#, and later Bishop of Baum'ur#. &une 2H, 1520. The #race and peace of -od5 Honored dear sir. The time to 'e silent is past, and the time to spea+ has come, as )e read in Ecclesiastes. ( have put to#ether some o'servations, as )e a#reed upon, to place 'efore the %hristian no'ilit!, to see if -od )ill help the %hurch throu#h the lait!, seein# the

cler#!, )hose dut! it is, have 'ecome indifferent. ( send this to !our Excellence for approval, and, if need 'e, correction. ( +no) that (, poor despised creature, )ill 'e accused of presumption in haran#uin# such exalted people upon such )ei#ht! matters, as if there )ere no other than >r. .artin Luther to espouse the cause of %hristianit! and #ive advice to such learned men. $erhaps it )as decreed ( should one da! commit a foll! in the e!es of -od and the )orld, and this is the time ( have chosen, and if ( succeed, ( ma! at len#th 'ecome %ourt fool, for ( must verif! the sa!in#, CA mon+ must 'e present at )hatever is 'ein# done in the )orld.D .ore than once a fool has uttered )ise sa!in#s, and )ise people have often tal+ed foolishl!, as 0t. $aul sa!s, C6hoever )ill 'e )ise in this )orld, let him 'ecome a fool.D 0o, seein# ( am not onl! a fool, 'ut a s)orn doctor of divinit!, ( am happ! to fulfill m! oath in this foolish fashion. $lease apolo#i7e to those of ordinar! understandin# for me, for ( do not +no) ho) to #ain the favor of the intellectual, )hich ( )as )ont lon# a#o to desire so ea#erl!, 'ut )hich ( no) despise. -od help us not to see+ our o)n, 'ut solel! His #lor!. Amen. (n Au#ustinian cloister. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther heard from von 0chaum'ur# that one hundred ,ranconian +ni#hts )ere read! to defend him. &ul! 10, 1520. ( here)ith send the letter of the ,ranconian +ni#ht, 0!lvester von 0chaum'ur#, and should li+e it alluded to in the $rince/s letter to %ardinal 0t. -eor#io, so that the! ma! +no), that althou#h the! 'anish me from 6itten'er# )ith their 'an the! )ill onl! ma+e 'ad )orse. ,or, even in Bohemia, there are people )ho )ill protect me, if ( am exiled, a#ainst the enem!/s thunder'olts. And then )ith such protection ( mi#ht attac+ the $apac! still more vehementl! than ( can from m! theolo#ical chair in the $rince/s domain. Gnless -od prevent, this )ill happen. 0o let them +no) that the reason ( have not !et attac+ed them is solel! due to m! #reat respect for the $rince and the interests of the students in the Gniversit!. ,or me the die is cast, and ( despise "ome/s displeasure as much as her favor. ( shall never 'e reconciled to her, let her condemn or 'urn me as she )ill5 But if ( can #et a fire ( shall pu'licl! 'urn the )hole $apal code, this serpentine piece of treacher!, and ma+e an end of the humilit! ( have hitherto displa!ed in vain, so that the enemies of the #ospel ma! no lon#er vaunt themselves on account of it. The more ( thin+ of the %ardinal/s letter the more ( despise those )ho, throu#h co)ardice and an evil conscience, 'reathe out defiance )ith their

last 'reath, tr!in# to hide their i#norance throu#h violence. But the Lord, )ho +no)s ( am a )ic+ed sinner, )ill conduct His cause throu#h me, or some one else. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO HERR #ITTIGER, CANON IN BRESLAU

&ul! H0, 1520. At first ( had no intention of )ritin# !ou, most excellent sir, as Herr 0chleupper, our common friend, could tell !ou ever!thin# 'etter than (. ,or he +no)s all that is #oin# on, onl! he insisted ( should send a line, so ( o'e!. A #reat man! pamphlets are 'ein# issued a#ainst me in -erman! and (tal!, 'ut it does not put me a'out, for the! are )ritten '! the most stupid of the stupid, )ho affront themselves throu#h their )or+. ( am prett! )ell in 'od! and mind, onl! ( should li+e to sin less, and !et ( sin more and more ever! da!. The faction of the >ominicans are no) +eepin# *uiet, for the! )ere for'idden )ritin# a#ainst me, 'ut their place has 'een filled '! the Bishop of Bavaria. (f the! overcome, the! do so throu#h coarseness and audacit!. ( never read such stuff, for the! do not mind )hether the! )in or lose. Ho) sad for the people )ho have such )olves set over them5 But the Lord sees it, in )hom ma! !ou find refu#e. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO JOHN LANGE
0taupit7, Lan#e, and Lin+ all 'e##ed Luther to suppress his dan#erous 'oo+, To the -erman Bo'ilit!, 'ut it )as alread! in the press. Au#ust 18, 1520. (f m! little 'oo+, that !ou, m! father, name a trumpet 3$osaune4, is reall! so fierce, ( leave !ou and others to 1ud#e. Bo dou't it is vehement and fearless, 'ut it pleases man!, and is not displeasin# to our %ourt5 ( am no 1ud#e in this matter. $erhaps ( am the forerunner of our $hilip, )hose )a! ( am sent

to prepare. 6e firml! 'elieve here that the $apac! is the personification of Antichrist/s throne, and feel )e are 1ustified in resistin# their deceptions and )iles for the sa+e of the salvation of souls. ( declare that ( onl! o)e the $ope the o'edience due to Antichrist. $hilip is marr!in# %atherine %rappin, and ( am 'lamed for promotin# it. ( did it for his #ood, and do not let the outcr! distur' me. .a! -od #ive His 'lessin#. ( hate men/s sins, and a'hor the child of destruction, )ith all his +in#dom of sin and h!pocris!. ,are)ell in the Lord. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO HERMANN TULICH, PROFESSOR IN #&''()*(+,

Luther dedicates his treatise on the Ba'!lonian %aptivit! to Tulich. =cto'er @, 1520. 6hether ( )ill or not ( am 'ecomin# more learned dail!, as the esteemed doctors, time a'out, insist upon m! ta+in# up the cud#els. T)o !ears a#o ( )rote on the (ndul#ences, and no) that the 'oo+ is out ( re#ret it. ,or then ( )as steeped in superstition, and thou#ht the (ndul#ence not to 'e despised, as ( sa) so man! enli#htened men ta+e it. But later, than+s to 0!lvester and his comrades, ( sa) the (ndul#ence )as onl! pure deception of the $apal flatterers throu#h )hich faith in -od )as destro!ed. Therefore ( )ould li+e the printers, and those )ho have read the little 'oo+, to destro! it, and read instead )hat ( have )ritten on this su'1ect. Ec+ and Emser opened m! e!es as to the $ope/s soverei#nt!9 for althou#h at first ( maintained his ri#ht to the human title, ( no) see that the $apac! is the +in#dom of Ba'!lon, and the t!rann! of Bimrod, the mi#ht! hunter. ( must no) #o and lecture on #ivin# the sacramental cup to the lait!, and den! the seven sacraments, retainin# onl! three ; Baptism, "epentance, and the Lord/s 0upper, in all )hich the "oman %ourt has imposed a misera'le captivit! upon the %hurch. The (ndul#ence is sheer t!rann! of the "oman flatterers. .artin Luther.

TO POPE LEO

Luther had seen the $apal 'ull condemnin# him. He sent the 'oo+ on the ,reedom of a %hristian .an to the $ope. =cto'er 1H, 1520. To the .ost Hol! ,ather in -od, Leo K., $ope in "ome, all 'lessedness in %hrist &esus our Lord5 (n conse*uence of the disputes in )hich ( have 'een em'roiled for three !ears, throu#h some )orthless men, ( have had occasion to loo+ to)ards !ou, as it is thou#ht !ou are the cause of this dissension. ,or althou#h ( have 'een driven '! some of our #odless flatterers to appeal from !our Holiness/s 1ud#ment to a #eneral %hristian %ouncil, still ( have never 'een so alienated from !ou that ( did not pra! earnestl! for the )elfare of the "oman 0ee. And ( declare ( am not a)are of ever havin# spo+en of !ou except )ith #reat respect. ( have called !ou >aniel in Ba'!lon, and an! one can tell !ou ho) ( stood up for !our innocence a#ainst !our defamer, $rierias. 2our #ood name has 'een far too hi#hl! lauded '! eminent men ever!)here, to ma+e it possi'le for an! one to attac+ it, ho)ever hi#h he ma! 'e, so ( am not fool enou#h to 'elittle him )hom ever! one praises. Bo dou't ( have ea#erl! attac+ed m! opponents for their unchristian teachin#9 and in this ( have %hrist/s example, )ho spea+s of His enemies as serpents, C2e fools and 'lindD9 and 0t. $aul sa!s, C%hildren of the devil, full of all su'tilt! and all mischief,D and some false prophets he names Cdo#sD and Cdeceivers,D etc. 6ere an! fastidious people no)ada!s to hear such lan#ua#e the! )ould sa!, CBo one )as so 'itter as the Apostle $aul.D And )ho are more so than the prophetsE;&eremiah cursin# the man )ho doeth the )or+ of the Lord deceitfull!. Therefore, most hol! father Leo, pra! accept m! apolo#!, and 'e assured ( never attac+ed !our person, althou#h ( confess to havin# spo+en a#ainst the "oman 0ee, the %ourt of "ome, )hich not even th!self can den!, that it has 'een a ver! 0odom, -omorrha, and Ba'!lon, and is, so far as ( can see, in a hopeless state. .eantime, thou sittest, most hol! father, li+e a sheep amon# )olves, and li+e >aniel in the lions/ den, and E7e+iel amon# scorpions. 6hat canst thou do a#ainst such li+eE And even if there 'e three or four pious and learned %ardinals, )hat are the! amon# so man!E -od/s )rath lies upon the %ourt of "ome, for it )ill not su'mit to a -eneral %ouncil, nor to counsel or reform, so )hat )as predicted of her mother ma! 'e fulfilled in her, C6e )ould have healed Ba'!lon, 'ut she is not healed,D etc. (t should 'e th! )or+, and that of the %ardinals, to put an end to this misera'le state of thin#s9 'ut the malad! defies the remedies, the horse and carria#e pa! no heed to the driver. ( have ever re#retted, thou pious Leo, that thou shouldst no) 'e $ope, )hen thou )ert )orth! of 'etter times. The "oman 0ee is not )orth! of thee ; the Evil 0pirit should 'e $ope, )ho rules more than thou in this Ba'el. =h that thou )ert free, and could live from th! paternal inheritance5 0uch a post should 'e reserved for &udas (scariot and such li+e, )hom -od has cast a)a!. The "oman %ourt surpasses that of Tur+e! in )ic+edness. =nce it )as a #ate of heaven, no) it is the ver! 1a)s of hell. This is )h! ( have attac+ed it so mercilessl!, most hol! Leo5

And m! efforts not havin# 'een vain, the Evil 0pirit raised up &ohn Ec+, a special enem! of the truth, and persuaded him to dra) me una)ares into a disputation at Leipsic, a'out a )ord ( dropped as to the $apac! ; and all under the pretext of disputin# )ith >r. %arlstadt. And then at Au#s'ur#, )hen %a1etan, to )hom ( committed m! cause, dealt so un1ustl! )ith me, and after him came <arl von .iltit7, also sent '! !our Holiness, )ho, after much runnin# to and fro, tried to arran#e matters, and it is at his re*uest, and at that of the Au#ustinian fathers, )ho )ill not 'elieve the cause is lost, if the hol! father Leo )ould stretch out his hand to help, that ( no) )rite to !our Holiness. ( lon# for peace that ( ma! have *uiet to devote to 'etter studies. ( no) plead that a limit ma! 'e set to the flatterers, the enemies of all peace. (t is needless to as+ me to retract, for ( )ill not, nor can ( suffer an! interference )ith m! expositions of 0cripture9 'ecause the 6ord of -od must not 'e 'ound. (f this 'e conceded ( am read! to do and suffer an!thin#. Therefore, most hol! father, do not listen to the s)eet music of those )ho tell thee thou art not a mere man, 'ut a mixture of -od and man, )ho has ever!thin# at his disposal. This is not the case. Thou art not lord over all. ,or a $ope in )hose heart %hrist does not rei#n, instead of 'ein# %hrist/s vicere#ent ; is Antichrist. $erhaps it is presumptuous of me to tr! to teach so exalted a persona#e, 'ut ( do it from pure love and a sense of dut!, for m! nei#h'or/s #ood, and in this ( follo) 0t. Bernard/s example, )hen he #ave his 'oo+ to $ope Eu#ene ; a 'oo+ ever! $ope should read. (n conclusion, and not to come empt! handed 'efore !our Holiness, ( 'rin# a little 'oo+, )hich came out )ith the sanction of !our name, in the fervent hope that it mi#ht 'e the 'e#innin# of 'etter times, and to let !our Holiness see the sort of profita'le )or+ ( love to pursue, if !our flatterers )ould #ive me leisure. (t is a tin! 'oo+ 3The ,reedom of a %hristian .an4 in respect of paper, 'ut it contains the )hole +ernel of a %hristian life. ( am poor, and have nothin# else '! )hich ( can sho) m! devotion to !our Holiness, 'ut thou re*uirest onl! spiritual )ares for !our hi#her )elfare. ( here)ith commend m!self to !our Holiness, and ma! &esus +eep !ou to all eternit!. Amen. Luther does not si#n this, his third letter to the $ope, evidentl! not )ishin# the consideration due to an Au#ustinian mon+ to 'e ta+en into account.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther re1oices that 0palatin at len#th sees one cannot rel! on man. The $ope/s Bull reached 6itten'er# on =cto'er 11. Bovem'er L, 1520 0alvation5 ( )onder ho) it is, m! dear 0palatin, that !ou do not #et m! letters, for ( have )ritten t)ice and #ot no ans)er. ( am #lad !ou no) see that the -ermans/ hopes are in vain, and that !ou are learnin# not to trust in princes, and are disre#ardin# the )orld/s 1ud#ment )hether it praises or

condemns m! cause. (f the #ospel could 'e promoted or maintained '! )orldl! po)ers -od )ould not have committed it to fishermen. Bo, m! dear 0palatin, it is not the )or+ of the princes and hi#h priests of this )orld to protect the 6ord of -od ; therefore ( crave no one/s protection, for the! )ould rather re*uire to help one another a#ainst the Lord and His %hrist. But ( am sorr! for those )ho have heard and +no)n -od/s 6ord, for the! cannot, )ithout ris+in# everlastin# perdition, den! or forsa+e the same, and it is much to 'e feared that man!, )ith ourselves, ma! 'e found amon# them ; therefore let us pra! for coura#e. (t is ver! hard to 'e of a different opinion from all the 'ishops and princes, 'ut it is the onl! )a! to avoid -od/s )rath and hell. ( )ould, if !ou did not so press me, commit the )hole 'usiness to -od, so that He mi#ht arran#e matters accordin# to the counsel of His )ill. >o )hat the 0pirit 'ids !ou, and fare)ell. .artin Luther, Au#ustinian. 6itten'er#.

TO JOHN LANGE
Luther determined to stand '! his appeal from an illAinformed to a 'etterA instructed $ope, in spite of Her7o# -eor#e. Bovem'er 28, 1520. To the honored &ohn Lan#e, >octor of the Hol! 0criptures in Erfurt, m! friend in the Lord. .! #reetin#5 6e re1oice over our $rince/s return, and ( 'eseech !ou, honored father, to pra! for our cause. Her7o# -eor#e is foolish ; ver! mad. 6e dul! expect thunder and li#htnin# from that *uarter. ( am determined to stand '! the appeal. ( see trou'lous times ahead. .a! -od direct all )ell5 6e have read !our $rince/s learned and 1udicious ans)er to the $apal dele#ates, Aleander and .arinus, from )hich )e see the! have achieved nothin# in that *uarter. ( shall send them to !ou soon. This Aleander has 'een mercilessl! attac+ed in a )itt! lampoon 'ecause of his man! vices. .! )ritin#s have 'een 'urned in %olo#ne and Louvain. ,are)ell in the Lord. =ur father vicar has set off for 0tren'er#, under the escort of the la! 'rother &ohannes. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN

The Emperor )rote to the Elector, as+in# him to 'rin# Luther )ith him to 6orms, to 'e 1ud#ed '! learned men. =n 10th >ecem'er Luther 'urned the $ope/s Bull at the Elster #ate, 6itten'er#, in presence of hundreds of students, )ho flun# Ec+ and Emser/s )or+s into the flames, and then san# the CTe >eum.D >ecem'er 21, 1520. 2ou as+ )hat ( shall do if the Emperor demands m! presence. (f ( am summoned, ( declare ( shall 'e 'orne thither sic+, if ( am not )ell enou#h to #o, for if the Emperor call me, dou'tless it is -od/s call. But if the! use force to)ards me, )hich is pro'a'le, for the! )ill not summon me in order to 'e enli#htened, then the cause must 'e committed to -od, )ho still rei#ns ; to Him )ho upheld the three !ouths in the +in# of Ba'!lon/s fier! furnace. But if He )ill not deliver me, then m! head is of no importance compared to the shameful death )hich )as meted out to %hrist. ,or, in a matter such as this, neither dan#er nor prosperit! must 'e considered, ; for )e must onl! see that the #ospel is not turned into ridicule '! the #odless throu#h our conduct ; or that our opponents should 'e a'le to 'oast that )e had not the heart to confess, nor the coura#e to shed our 'lood, for the doctrines )e tau#ht. .a! the merciful &esus #uard us from such co)ardice, and them from such 'oastin#. 6e cannot +no) )hether our life or death ma! 'e most 'eneficial to the #ospel. 2ou +no) that the truth of -od is a roc+ of offense set for the fall and risin# a#ain of man! in (srael. 6e have onl! to pra! -od that %harles/s rei#n ma! not 'e desecrated throu#h the sheddin# of m! 'lood, or an! one else/s, and as ( have often said, ( )ould rather perish in $apal hands than have him and his entan#led in this matter. ( +no) the misfortunes that 'efell the Emperor 0i#ismund throu#h Huss/s murder. He never after had an! prosperit! ; d!in# )ithout children ; and his name 'lotted out, )hile his consort Bar'ara 'ecame a reproach amon# *ueens. But if it 'e decreed that ( am to 'e delivered, not onl! to the hi#h priests, 'ut to the heathen, the )ill of the Lord 'e done. Amen. This is m! opinion and counsel. 2ou can fanc! an!thin# of me 'ut fli#ht or recantation. ( shall not flee, and much less recant, if the Lord &esus #ive me the po)er thereto. ,or ( could do neither )ithout dan#er to holiness and the )elfare of man! souls. ,are)ell, and 'e stron# in the Lord. 6itten'er#, on 0t. Thomas the .art!r/s da!, as man! 'elieve. .artin Luther. This is the !ear of Luther/s #rand appearance at 6orms, after )hich the Elector had him spirited a)a! to the 6art'ur#, )here he 'e#an his #reatest )or+, the translation of the Bi'le.

15%1

TO THE ELECTOR FREDERICK OF SA ONY

&anuar! 25, 1521. .ost -racious Lord and $atron, .ost 0erene $rince5 .! poor pra!ers and most hum'le service are ever at !our -race/s disposal. Havin# 'een informed, throu#h !our Hi#hness, of the opinions and intentions of His "oman, (mperial, and 0panish .a1est! re#ardin# m! affairs, ( offer His .a1est! and !our Electoral -race m! most hum'le than+s, and re1oice that His .a1est! )ill espouse the cause )hich, if -od )ill, is that of -od, a universal %hristendom, and of the )hole -erman nation, and not that of a sin#le man, much less mine. Therefore ( am still read! to do or leave undone all that is consistent )ith the #lor! of -od and a %hristian/s honor, or )hatever the Hol! 0criptures command. 0o ( hum'l! 'eseech !our -race to 'e# His .a1est! to provide me )ith a safeAconduct a#ainst all violence, and to command that the matter ma! #et a 1udicial hearin# 'efore learned %hristian men, la! and clerical, )hose characters are a'ove suspicion, and )ho are )ell #rounded in the Bi'le, +no)in# ho) to distin#uish divine from human la)s, and that these men ma! 'e for'idden to proceed a#ainst me till it has 'een proved that ( have acted )ron#. And as a )orldl! head of a sacred %hristendom is to preside over this Assem'l!, m! opponents the $apists must meantime cease ra#in# a#ainst me in such an unchristian manner, la!in# snares for m! honor and life, 'efore ( am refuted or even tried. 0o, althou#h hitherto m! anxiet! has 'een mainl! to save the honor of the #ospel rather than m! un)orth! self, ( hope ( shall henceforth 'e excused if ( use means for m! o)n protection, as )ell as for the safet! of the >ivine 6ord. To ena'le me to do this, ( loo+ confidentl! to the protection of the Emperor and !our Electoral Hi#hness. ,or ( am read!, )henever ( #et a safeAconduct, to appear at the >iet of 6orms 'efore learned, pious, and upri#ht 1ud#es, so that all ma! see ( have not acted thou#htlessl!, or sou#ht )orldl! honor or m! o)n advanta#e, 'ut o'e!ed conscience, as a hum'le teacher of the Hol! 0criptures, to the praise of -od, and for the salvation of a common %hristianit!, the #ood of the -erman nation, and the deliverance of a united %hristendom out of an a'!ss of t!rannical narro)ness and 'lasphem! a#ainst the .ost Hi#h. That !our Electoral Hi#hness, alon# )ith His (mperial .a1est!, ma! extend a lovin#, )atchful e!e over the trou'led condition of %hristendom, is ever m! earnest pra!er, as is onl! the dut! of a poor hum'le chaplain and su'1ect. At 6itten'er#. =n the da! of 0t. $aul/s conversion. 2our Electoral -race/s o'edient chaplain, .artin Luther.

TO JOHN STAUPIT"

The $ope accused 0taupit7 to the Arch'ishop of 0al7'ur# of 'ein# an adherent of Luther, and 0taupit7 a#reed to su'mit to the Arch'ishop/s verdict. ,e'ruar! :, 1521. ( re1oice that !ou have 'een assailed '! $ope Leo K., and can no) let the )orld see ho) the cross )hich !ou have so often preached to others ma! 'e 'orne. ,or ( do not desire that )olf to derive more satisfaction from !our too complaisant ans)er than he should receive, else he )ould fanc! that !ou have repudiated me and mine )hen !ou suffer him to 'e umpire. Therefore, if !ou love %hrist, ma! this letter lead !ou to recant, for all !ou have preached and tau#ht up till no) of the merc! of -od is condemned in this Bull. And it appears to me that as !ou are )ell a)are of this, !ou cannot, )ithout insultin# %hrist, appoint one of His opponents as 1ud#e ; one )hom !ou see empt!in# the vials of his )rath a#ainst the )ord of #race, ; for it )as !our dut! to re'u+e him for such #odlessness. This is no time for co)ardice, 'ut for raisin# the alarm )hen )e see our Lord &esus slandered and condemned. Hence, as !ou admonish me to humilit!, so much the more )ould ( exhort !ou to pride. ,or, !ou are far too hum'le, )hile ( am too proud. This is a serious matter. 6hen )e see the 'eloved 0avior, )ho #ave Himself for us, 'ein# held up to derision ever!)here, ou#ht )e not to fi#ht for Him, and offer up our nec+s for HimE .! dear father. The dan#er is #reater than man! suppose. The #ospel 'e#ins thusF C6hosoever therefore shall confess me 'efore men, him )ill ( confess also 'efore m! ,ather )hich is in heaven. But )hosoever shall den! me 'efore men, him )ill ( also den! 'efore m! ,ather )hich is in heaven.D ( )ould not 'e ashamed of 'ein# accused of an! vices, or 'ein# called an enem! of the $ope, if no one can accuse me of +eepin# a #odless silence )hen the Lord criesF C( loo+ed on m! ri#ht hand, and 'eheld, 'ut there )as no man that )ould +no) meF refu#e failed me9 no man cared for m! soulD 3 M1:E20LN $salm 1L2FL4. ,or ( hope, throu#h the po)er of such a testimon!, to 'e purified from all m! sins. And this is )h! ( have so 1o!full! sho)ed the horns a#ainst this "oman idol and true Antichrist. ,or the 6ord of -od is not one of peace, 'ut of the s)ord5 Behold the simple teachin# the )ise5 ( )rite this in all #ood faith to !ou9 for ( much fear that !ou )ill hover in suspense 'et)een %hrist and the $ope, althou#h the! are at open defiance )ith each other. But let us pra! that the Lord &esus ma! destro! this child of perdition )ith the 'reath of His mouth5 0o if !ou do not follo) no), let me #o on alone. (f -od )ill, ( shall not 'e silent as to this monstrosit!. 2our declension has indeed vexed me not a little, and sho)ed me another 0taupit7 than he )ho )as )ont to preach free #race and the cross. Had !ou acted thus 'efore !ou +ne) of this Bull and %hrist/s reproach, it )ould not have #rieved me so. ?on Hutten and man! others )rite 'oldl! on m! 'ehalf, and son#s are 'ein# dail! produced )hich )ill certainl! not 'e cause of re1oicin# to that Ba'el. =ur $rince is not onl! actin# 1udiciousl! and 'elievin#l!, 'ut is also steadfast. $hilip f11a sends #reetin#, and )ishes !ou

a #reater and more 1o!ous spirit. $lease #reet >r. Lud)i# the ph!sician, )ho has )ritten ver! learnedl! to me. ( had not time to )rite him, for ( have to superintend three printin#Apresses, all alone. ,are)ell in the Lord, and pra! for me. 2our son, .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO HER"OG JOHN FREDERICK, AFTER#ARDS ELECTOR

.arch 10, 1521. To the 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, &ohn ,rederic+ of 0axon!, -racious Lord. ( have received !our 0erene Hi#hness/s #racious letter, )ith its comfortin# contents, )ith #reat pleasure. As ( have 'een so lon# hindered throu#h m! opponents/ attac+s in expoundin# the C.a#nificat,D ( no) ta+e the opportunit! of sendin# these fe) lines )ith the little 'oo+. ( need not enlar#e upon the causes of the dela!, )hich ( ac+no)led#e )ith shame, for it mi#ht )ound the tender suscepti'ilities of !our Hi#hness, )hose heart is inclined to all that is #ood, for the furtherance of )hich ma! -od #rant His #race. Ho) important it is that so #reat a prince, upon )hom the )elfare of so man! depends, should 'e #raciousl! directed of -od, for ho) much mischief ma! one left to himself do5 ,or althou#h the hearts of all men are in -od/s hands, it is not )ithout cause, )e are told, that the +in#/s heart is in the hand of the Lord as the rivers of )ater, He turneth it )hithersoever He )ill. The actions of other men mostl! affect onl! themselves, at most 'rin#in# 1o! or sorro) to a limited num'er, 'ut lords are set over us )ho are intended to 'e useful or pre1udicial to a lar#er or smaller num'er of people accordin# to the si7e of their land. Hence -odAfearin# princes are called Can#els of -odD 3 1 0amuel 2:F:4 in the Bi'le ; na!, even C#odsD 3 $salm 82F@4. =n the other hand, )ic+ed princes are called Croarin# lionsD 3 Iephaniah HFH4, Cdra#onsD 3 &eremiah 51FHL4, )hich -od Himself num'ers amon# His four pla#uesF pestilence, famine, )ar, noisome 'easts 3 E7e+iel 1LF1HA1:4. Therefore it is most necessar! that all rulers should fear -od, seein# the! do not re*uire to fear men, and should reco#ni7e His )or+s, and )al+ circumspectl!, as 0t. $aul sa!s. Bo), ( +no) nothin# in the Bi'le so )ell adapted for the instruction of the +in#s and rulers of the earth, as )ell as for all, than this sacred son# of the hol! .other of -od. (t sin#s so s)eetl! of the fear of the Lord, and of His #reat po)er, and of His mode of dealin# )ith hi#h and lo). Let others deli#ht in )orldl! son#s, 'ut let princes and lords listen to this pure maiden sin#in# her spiritual, pure, and salutar! son#.

(t is not inappropriate that this #rand h!mn should 'e dail! sun# in all the churches at vespers, and should fre*uentl! at other times 'e su'stituted for other h!mns. .a! this tender .other of -od have imparted to me of her spirit, so that ( ma! 'e a'le to expound in a practical manner her son#, from )hich !our princel! -race, and all of us, ma! derive assistance to lead a praise)orth! life, and after)ards to all eternit! praise and sin# this everlastin# C.a#nificat.D 0o help us -od. Amen. ( here)ith hum'l! commend m!self to !our princel! -race, 'e##in# !our Hi#hness )ill #raciousl! accept m! poor effort. 2our Electoral -race/s hum'le chaplain, .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO JOHN LANGE
Luther promises to visit him at Erfurt. .arch 2:, 1521. .! #reetin#5 Bext 6ednesda! or Thursda! ( shall visit !ou, most honored father, on m! )a! to 6orms, )ith m! spiritual escort Ehren'old ; if nothin# prevents m! comin# to Erfurt. Be sure to meet me on m! )a! from Eisenach. Than+s for the ducats !ou sent. 2ou see from the enclosed treatise ho) ( have )elcomed m! ass Emser. .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
0palatin )as so alarmed at Luther/s temerit!, that )hen near 6orms he sent a messen#er to him to remind him of Huss/s fate. Luther sent him 'ac+ to sa! that he )ould come to 6orms if there )ere as man! devils there as tiles on the houseAtops. April 1L, 1521. Health5 6e come, m! dear 0palatin, althou#h 0atan has tried to prevent me throu#h illness. ,or the )hole )a! from Eisenach to here ( have 'een ver! )ea+, and am still much )ea+er than ( ever felt 'efore. But ( also perceive that the Emperor %harles/s mandate has 'een printed in order to fill me )ith fear. But %hrist lives5 and )e shall enter 6orms in defiance of the #ates of hell and all the po)ers of the air5

6hen once there )e shall see )hat is to 'e done, and 0atan need not puff himself up, for )e have ever! intention of fri#htenin# and despisin# him. 0o #et a lod#in# read! for me. ,are)ell. .artin Luther. ,ran+fort.

TO LUKAS CRANACH
The cele'rated painter, and )arm friend of the "eformation, )ho accompanied his Elector, &ohn ,rederic+, into 'anishment, and died at 6eimar, in 155H. April 28, 1521. To the excellent .eister Lu+as %ranach, painter in 6itten'er#. .! dear coA sponsor and friend, ( commend !ou to -od. ( shall su'mit to 'ein# hidden a)a!, and as !et do not +no) )here. ( )ould have preferred 'ein# put to death '! the t!rants, especiall! '! the furious Her7o# -eor#e, 'ut )as o'li#ed to follo) the advice of friends, and )ait m! time. The! did not expect me to #o to 6orms, and !ou all +no) ho) the! +ept faith )ith me, as to the conduct, demandin# that m! )ritin#s should 'e delivered up. ( ima#ined His (mperial .a1est! )ould have assem'led man! doctors, )ho )ould have overcome me in a strai#htfor)ard manner, 'ut the! onl! cried, CAre the 'oo+s !oursED C2es.D C6ill !ou retract them or notED CBo.D CThen #et a)a!.D =h, )e 'lind -ermans5 Ho) childishl! )e act ; imitatin# the "omans in such a pitiful )a!. f12 -reet !our dear )ife, m! coAsponsor, and sa! ( hope she is )ell. The &e)s must sin#, &o, &o, &o. Easter da! )ill come to us also, and then )e shall sin# CHallelu1ah.D But )e must first suffer a little. CA little )hile and !e shall not see me,D sa!s %hrist, Cand a#ain a little )hile and !e shall see me.D ( hope that it shall 'e even so no). But -od/s )ill is the ver! 'est, and ma! it happen here, even as in heaven. Amen. -reet .eister %hristian 3the #oldsmith4 and his )ife, and than+ the To)n %ouncil for the conve!ance to 6orms. (f Licenciate ,eld+irche is no ta'le, as+ Amsdoff to preach. He )ill #ladl! do so. ( commend !ou to -od, and ma! He +eep !our hearts in peace in %hrist, in presence of the "omish )olves )ith their follo)ers. Amen. .artin Luther. ,"AB<,="TA =BA.A(B.

TO GRAF ALBRECHT OF MANSFELD

Luther relates proceedin#s at 6orms. .a! H, 1521. .ost -racious Lord. Herr "udolph von 6at7dorf 3the %ount/s ste)ard4 'e##ed me to send a private account, of )hat happened to me at 6orms. To 'e#in )ith, the! did not expect me to appear, for althou#h ( had a safeconduct ( )as condemned 'efore ( )as tried, and as+ed if ( )ould diso)n m! 'oo+s. 2ou +no) m! ans)er. His .a1est!, indi#nant, )rote )ith his o)n hand, orderin# the 0tates to proceed a#ainst me, as )as seeml! for a %hristian Emperor and >efender of the ,aith to act to a hardened heretic. ( )as admonished '! some ma#nates of the realm to su'mit m! 'oo+s to the Emperor and >iet, and )as then summoned 'efore the Bishop of Treves, Elector &oachim, etc. The Elector of Baden #ave me a most in#enious admonition, sa!in# the! did not intend disputin# )ith me, 'ut )ould 1ust admonish me in a 'rotherl! )a!, 'e##in# me to consider )hat confusion had arisen throu#h me, and that ( should honor the po)ers that 'e, and !ield in much ; even althou#h the authorities ma! at times have erred, and such li+e. ( said ( )as )illin# to su'mit m! 'oo+s, not onl! to His .a1est!, 'ut to the least of his su'1ects, provided nothin# should 'e decreed a#ainst the #ospel, and also that ( had never tau#ht an! one to despise the authorities, and )as not attac+in# $ope or %ouncil for their evil lives, 'ut for false doctrine. ,or )here false doctrine is, there o'edience has no s)a!. ( pointed out the article condemned in %onstanceF CThere is onl! one universal %hurch, )hich is the compan! of the elect.D This 'ein# an article of our faith, ( )ould not have condemned it. 6e sa!, C6e 'elieve in one hol! %hristian %hurch.D 6e must avoid offense in )or+s, 'ut cannot in doctrine, for -od/s 6ord is ever an offense to the #reat, the )ise9 and the saints, even as %hrist Himself )as made of -od, a si#n )hich )as spo+en a#ainst. Therefore m! Lord of Treves, in despair, summoned >r. Hieron!mus Behns, Amsdorf, and m!self. (t )as a misera'le disputation, their sarcastic allusions missin# their aim entirel!. ( said the %hristian must 1ud#e for himself, even as he must live and die for himself, and that the $ope )as not umpire in spiritual thin#s ; -od/s 6ord 'ein# the propert! of all 'elievers, as 0t. $aul sa!s, and so )e parted. =nce more >r. $eutin#er )ished me to su'mit m! 'oo+s to His .a1est!, for ( ou#ht to 'elieve the! )ould come to a %hristian conclusion. 6hen hard pressed, ( as+ed the %hancellor if the! )ould counsel me to trust the Emperor and others, as the! had alread! condemned me and 'urned m! 'oo+s. After)ards m! Lord of Treves sent for me alone9 for all throu#h His -race )as more than #racious, and 'rou#ht up the old topic, 'ut ( +ne) no other ans)er, and he dismissed me. Then a count came )ith His .a1est!/s %hancellor, as notar!, and 'ade me leave 6orms, )ith a safeAconduct of t)ent!Aone da!s, and His .a1est! )ould treat me as seemed #ood to him. ( than+ed His .a1est!, and said, C(t has happened as the Lord )illed. His name 'e praised5D ( )as for'idden to

preach or )rite on m! 1ourne!, and promised all, except to let -od/s 6ord 'e 'ound. And thus )e parted. ( am no) in Eisenach ; 'ut )atch5 The! )ill accuse me of preachin# at Hersfeld and Eisenach. ,or the! ta+e it literall!. ( commend m!self to !our -race. 2our Excellenc!/s chaplain, .artin Luther. Hastil! )ritten in Eisenach on the da! of the Hol! %ross, 1521.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
Luther )rites from the 6art'ur#. .a! 12, 1521. All hail5 And !ou, m! $hilip, )hat are !ou a'out meantimeE Are !ou pra!in# that m! enforced seclusion ma! dra) do)n some #reat thin# to the #lor! of -od, and therefore ( )ish to +no) if !ou approve of it. ( feared it mi#ht loo+ as if ( )ere fleein# from the conflict, 'ut ( thou#ht it 'est to #ive in to those )ho had arran#ed it thus. ( lon# earnestl! to encounter m! enemies and van*uish them in the strife. 6hile sittin# here, ( ponder all da! lon# on the state of the %hurches as represented in the 88th $salm. C6h! hast Thou made all men in vainED 6hat a dreadful picture of the )rath of -od is the cursed +in#dom of the "omish Antichrist9 and ( lament m! hardAheartedness, that ( do not )eep rivers over the destruction of the dau#hters of m! people. (s there no one )ho )ill arise and plead )ith -od, or 'ecome a )all for the defense of the house of (srael, in those last da!s of the )rath of -odE Therefore 'e up and doin#, !e servants 3>ieher4 of the 6ord, and 'uild up the )alls and to)ers of &erusalem till the! close round a'out !ou. 2ou +no) !our callin# and #ifts. ( pra! earnestl! for !ou, if m! pra!ers ma! avail 3)hich ( hope the! ma!4. >o the same for me, and let us share this 'urden. 6e are still alone upon the field. 6hen the! are done )ith me the! )ill see+ !ou. 0palatin )rites that a terri'le Edict has 'een issued, ma+in# it a matter of conscience for ever! one to search out m! )ritin#s to destro! them. The >resden "eho'oam re1oices, and is ea#er to promote such doin#s. The Emperor has also 'een insti#ated to )rite to the <in# of >enmar+ not to favor the Lutheran heres!, and m! enemies no) chant, C6hen )ill he 'e destro!ed, and his name perishED Hartmann von <ronen'er# has renounced his pa! of 200 ducats, and told the Emperor that he )ill serve him no lon#er. ( 'elieve this Edict )ill have no effect, except )ith the a'ovementioned "eho'oam, and )ith !our nei#h'or )ho is afflicted )ith a #reat love of honor. -od lives and rei#ns to all eternit!. Amen. -od has visited me )ith #reat 'odil! sufferin#. ( have not slept all ni#ht, and had no rest. $ra! for me, as this evil )ill 'ecome un'eara'le if it #o on increasin# as it has hitherto done.

The %ardinal of 0al7'ur# accompanied ,erdinand, the fourth da! after our return, to his 'ride at (nns'ruc+. (t is said ,erdinand )as not #reatl! pleased )ith his convo!, and neither )as the Emperor, 0palatin )rites. 6rite particularl! ho) thin#s are #oin# on )ith !ou. And ma! !ou 'e happ! )ith !our )ife. (n the re#ion of the 'irds. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF
Amsdorf accompanied Luther to 0chloss Altenstein, near 6altershausen, )here an armed force captured him. .a! 12, 1521. Health5 -race 'e )ith !ou5 ( )rote !ou all a fe) da!s a#o, dear Amsdorf, 'ut ( listened to counsel, and tore up )hat ( had )ritten, as it )as not considered safe to send letters. ( have no) )ritten a'out the 'oo+s and sheets to >r. Hieron!mus, and am also )ritin# to the $rior a'out them in this letter. 2ou )ill order )hat is necessar!. -od is tr!in# me sorel!, 'ut pra! for me, 'ecause ( al)a!s pra! for !ou, that -od )ould stren#then !our heart. Therefore 'e of #ood cheer and proclaim the 6ord of -od )ith 1o!, as often as !ou have the chance. Tell me a'out !our 1ourne!, and )hat !ou heard at Erfurt. $hilip has 0palatin/s letter to me. =n the da! ( )as torn from !ou, ( reached here at 11 at ni#ht, tired and )ear!, in the #ar' of a +ni#ht. Here ( sit, a free man amon# the 'ondmen. Be)are of the "eho'oam in >resden, and the Benhadad in >amascus, !our nei#h'or. ,or a terri'le Edict has 'een issued a#ainst us, 'ut the Lord )ill lau#h at them5 .a! !ou prosper in the Lord. -reet all our friends. (n the re#ion of the air. .artin Luther.

TO JOHANN AGRICOLA, EISLEBEN

Luther as+s his friend )ho lived )ith him in 6itten'er# ho) the #ospel )as pro#ressin# there. .a! 12, 1521. Health5 Althou#h ( 'elieve that all ( have )ritten to $hilip and the others has fallen into !our hands, still ( seem to feel that since m! departure m! friends have almost 'ecome stran#ers to me, )hich -od for'id5 0o ( )rite direct to !ourself. Accept m! 'est love, and meditate on these )ords, CThe servant is

not #reater than his Lord.D -reet all !our relations and !our )ife from me. The Lord 'e #racious to her. ( am a )onderful prisoner, for ( sit )illin#l!, and !et a#ainst m! )ill here ; )ith #oodA)ill, 'ecause it is the )ill of the Lord9 a#ainst m! )ill, 'ecause ( lon# to 'e free, in order to defend the #ospel, althou#h not )orth! of this honor. 6itten'er# is hated '! its nei#h'ors, 'ut the Lord )ill lau#h her enemies to scorn. 6rite a'out the preachin#, and )hat part each ta+es, so that ( ma! +no) )hat to hope or fear re#ardin# the #ospel. But !ou that have 'een called to preach to the children, see that !ou do it faithfull!, and 'ear )hat. -od la!s upon !ou. .a! !ou and !ours prosper5 (n the a'ode of the 'irds. .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
A comprehensive letter. .a! 2@, 1521. >ear $hilip ; ( for#et )hat ( )rote in m! sealed letter, so )ill 1ust ans)er !ours. ( am un)illin# to ans)er &aco' Latomo, for ( prefer peaceful studies, and it is most anno!in# to have to repl! to such a prolix and ill)ritten document. ( intended to expound the Epistles and -ospels in -erman, 'ut !ou have not sent me the postils, )hich are no) in print. ( send !ou the psalm )hich )as sun# toda! at our #reat feast, )hich, if the press is empt!, !ou can print, for ( )or+ed at it 1ust to occup! m! time as ( had no 'oo+s, or #ive it to #ood friends and %hristian Aurifa'er to read, or place it in Amsdorfs hands. ( do not #rud#e >r. Lupino a 'lessed exit out of this life, in )hich, )ould to -od, )e did not live. 0till ( feel his loss deepl!, and thin+ of (saiah/s )ords, CThe ri#hteous perisheth, and no man la!eth it to heart.D =ur =Ecolampadius has 'een 'efore us )ith the 0ermon on %onfession, havin# )ritten a 'old treatise on that su'1ect, )hich )ill 'e a fresh trial to Antichrist and his cre). ( fancied 0palatin )ould have sent it to !ou, or ( should have done so, )ith !ou Hutten/s letters to the Bishops and %ardinals at 6orms. ( shall, if possi'le, supplement it )ith somethin# in -erman. ( am surprised that the ne) hus'and in %am'ra! has so fearlessl! stepped into the fra!. .a! -od mix some pleasure in his 'itter cup. 6h! have !ou not sent me !our .ethod of Teachin# 3Lehrart4 no) that it is printedE ( )ish to +no) )ho fills m! pulpit oftenest, and if Amsdorf is still sleep! and idleE .a! -od maintain and increase the pro#ress of learnin#5 Amen. >o not 'e anxious a'out me, for ( am ver! )ell, 'ut m! )ea+ faith still torments me. .! )ithdra)al from the scene of conflict is of no #reat moment9 for, althou#h #lad to 'e excluded from the heav! responsi'ilit! connected )ith -od/s 6ord, !et for the honor of that 6ord )e )ould rather 'urn amid fier! coals, than rot solitar! and halfAalive, if it )ere -od/s )ill.

6e have often tal+ed of faith and hope, so let us tr! for once to put our theor! into practice, seein# -od has 'rou#ht it all a'out, and not )e ourselves. (f ( perish it )ill 'e no loss to the #ospel, for !ou far surpass me, and as Elisha )as endued )ith a dou'le portion of Eli1ah/s spirit after his ascension, so ma! !ou 'e ena'led to follo) on. Amen5 >o not 'e trou'led in spirit9 'ut sin# the Lord/s son# in the ni#ht, as )e are commanded, and ( shall 1oin in. Let us onl! 'e concerned a'out the 6ord. (f an! man 'e i#norant, let him 'e i#norant5 (f an! man perish, let him perish5 But )e must see that no one can la! the fault at our door. Let the Leipsic people 'oast9 this is their hour. 6e must #o out from our land, and our +indred, and so1ourn for a time in a stran#e land. ( still hope to come to !ou a#ain9 'ut if the $ope sei7e all )ho a#ree )ith me, then -erman! )ill raise a hue and cr!. And the more he attempts this, the sooner )ill he and his perish, and ( reappear. -od rouses man! hearts, even those of the populace, so it is not li+el! this 'usiness can 'e frustrated '! force, or, if the! tr! to do so, it )ill 'ecome ten times as po)erful as 'efore. .urner is silent. 6hat the heA#oat 3Emser4 )ill do, ( +no) not, 'ut ( do not 'elieve that !ou )ill )rite. 2ou )ould 'e led astra!, )hich )ould 'e the 'itterest ne)s ( could hear. 0o lon# as !ou and Amsdorf, etc. are there, there is no lac+ of shepherds. >o not an#er -od '! spea+in# thus, and ma+e us appear un#rateful. 6ould that all, even cathedrals, had a fourth part of the teachers of the 6ord that !ou have. 0o than+ -od for enli#htenin# !ou. ( have expended man! )ords on !ou. The %ardinal of .a!ence has a hundred s)orn enemies, and >r. 0chifer is ver! ill )ith fever. 0ome sa! he is dead. A 'ishop )ho )as ver! hostile to me at 6orms has come to #rief. ( have no other ne)s, for ( am a hermit, a ver! mon+ )ithout co)l and ro'e9 !ou )ould see a +ni#ht and scarcel! reco#ni7e me. Tell Amsdorf that the pastor in Hirschfeld 3,eld+irche4, an upri#ht man, has also married, so it is not !ou alone )ho have a ne)l! married provost. ( fear that the provost in %am'ra! ma! 'e dismissed, and no) that there ma! 'e other mouths to fill it )ould 'e serious. (f he can onl! 'elieve that the Lord, the universal 0hepherd, still lives, )ho )ill not suffer even a 'ird to starve. -reet and admonish him, and ( shall do the same, so that all ma! re1oice to#ether. B! doin# so !ou )ill do me a favor, and it )ill 'e a 1o! to -od, and a #rief to the devil and his follo)ers. 2our despondenc! is m! #reatest trial, !our 1o! is mine also9 so live at peace in the Lord, to )hom ( hope !ou commit me even as ( do !ou. .aintain the %hurch of %hrist over )hich the Hol! -host has made !ou 'ishops, 'ut not #ods. -ive all m! friends m! love, of )hom there are man!. 2ou need not #reet .. Eisle'en, or the fat ,lemmischen, for ( am )ritin# them. But remem'er &ohann 0cherdfe#eru, $eter 0uaven, and all the church in !our house, Henricus Iutphen, and all the 'rothers. ( have )ritten to the $rior. Also #reet .. Lucano and %hristianum, >r. Eschhausen, and )hoever occurs to !ou. &ust loo+ at this misera'le paper )hich ( have to use. =nce more fare)ell5 (n the re#ion of the 'irds )ho sin# 'eautifull! on the trees, praisin# -od ni#ht and da!, )ith all their mi#ht. .artin Luther.

TO FRAN" VON SICKINGEN

Luther dedicates his treatise on %onfession to this +ni#ht. &une 1, 1521. The #race of -od and peace in %hrist 'e )ith !ou5 6e read, )orshipful sir, in &oshua, ho) -od led the children of (srael into the promised land of %anaan, overthro)in# thirt!Aone +in#s )ith their to)ns, and no to)n save -i'eon )as hum'le enou#h to sue for peace. (n &oshua, 11th chapter, it is )ritten ; CThere )as not a cit! that made peace )ith (srael, save -i'eonF all other the! too+ in 'attle. ,or it )as of the Lord to harden their hearts, that the! should come a#ainst (srael in 'attle, that he mi#ht destro! them utterl!,D etc. The historian seemed to )ish to set them up as an example to our $apistABishops, and other spiritual t!rants, )ho no) see that the people are tired of their )a!s, the li#ht of the #ospel havin# exposed their doin#s. And !et the! )ill not hum'le themselves to see+ peace, and thus at last the! perish. The! 'lame me, and !et the! must +no) ho) ( have often 'e##ed for peace, and offered to ans)er an! *uestions, and even )ent to a second (mperial >iet, 'ut all has 'een of no avail. (n order not to 'e idle in m! $atmos, ( have )ritten an Apocal!pse, )hich ( shall send to prove m! #ratitude to !ou. (t is a sermon on %onfession. (n the next fastin# time ( shall issue a 'oo+ of instructions for !oun# communicants, 'e##in# our spiritual &un+ers and t!rants to permit those simple creatures to en1o! it in peace, and sho)in# them ho) their t!rann! has almost put an end to confession.... But the! )ill not listen to reason ; )ell ; )ell5 ( have seen more 'u''les than the! ; and even once ; a dreadful smo+e, )hich threatened to o'scure the sun, 'ut the smo+e has vanished lon# a#o, and the sun still shines. ( shall continue to declare the truth fearlessl!. Beither of us is !et over the mountain, 'ut ( have one advanta#e, ( am sin#le. -od ma+e the truth victorious. ( commend Glrich !ou Hutten and .artin Bucer to !our 6orship. -iven in m! $atmos. .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther sends 0palatin some )ritin#s to 'e printed. &une 10, 1521. All hail5 ( have not onl! received !our lon# epistle, dear 0palatin, 'ut that of =Ecolampadius, and no) send !ou the C.a#nificatD complete, )ith the pamphlet on %onfession dedicated to ,ran7 von 0ic+in#en, )hich ( should li+e printed first. The 21st $salm is off to the printers. 0ee if no alterations 'e necessar!, for ( do not !et +no) if ( shall annex the 11:th $salm to

somethin# else, 'ut ( shall decide )hen ( hear )hat !ou all thin+. ( must also ans)er Latomus of Louvain, )ho ma+es so much of his lord the $ope. ( marvel #reatl! at =Ecolampadius, not 'ecause he is pleased )ith )hat ( do, 'ut that he is so full of 1o!, and so 'ri#ht and %hristAli+e. -od maintain and stren#then him. ( am at one and the same time 'oth idle and ver! 'us!. ( stud! -ree+ and He're), and )rite )ithout ceasin#. .! present host entertains me much 'etter than ( deserve. The illness from )hich ( suffered in 6orms is )orse, so that ( almost despair of recover!. The Lord tries me sorel!, so that ( ma! never 'e )ithout the cross. His name 'e praised. Amen5 ( am surprised that the (mperial Edict has never 'een made pu'lic. (t is said here that 0chifer is dead, and has left a million #ulden to >r. %arola. He )ould indeed 'e a 'old %hristian )ho )ould not dread such a mountain of #old. ( have not replied to the !oun# $rince/s letter, seein# m! a'ode is to 'e +ept secret, so ( must not 'etra! it '! constant )ritin#. $ra! earnestl! for me, as ( need nothin# else. ( have ever!thin# in a'undance. (t is nothin# to me ho) the )orld treats me. ( am here at peace. ,are)ell in the Lord, and #reet all )ho ou#ht to 'e #reeted. ,rom the isle of $atmos. Hinricus Besicus. Opseudon!m. Besicus P Gn+no)n Q GndefeatedR

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
Luther 'lames his friend for missin# him so much. &ul! 1H, 1521. ( am displeased )ith !our letter for t)o reasonsF 314 Because !ou do not 'ear the cross patientl!, !ieldin# to !our emotions, as is !our )ont9 324 That !ou ascri'e so much to me, as if ( alone could loo+ after -od/s concerns, for here ( sit, careless and idle, consumed '! m! fleshl! desires. (nstead of 'ein# ardent in spirit ( am the pre! of sinful appetites ; la7iness and love of sleep. ,or ei#ht da!s ( have neither pra!ed nor studied, throu#h fleshl! temptations. (f ( do not improve ( shall #o to Erfurt and consult the ph!sicians, for ( can endure m! malad! no lon#er. And even -od seems to tempt me, '! ma+in# me )ish to escape from this )ilderness. ( shall not ans)er Emser9 as+ Amsdoff to do it, if he is not too #ood for such filth. ( shall put !our apolo#! for the $arisian asses )ith all their drivel into -erman, )ith annotations. ( )ish !ou could issue =Ecolampadius/s 'oo+ on %onfession in -erman to anno! the $apists. ( am also puttin# the -ospels into -erman, and )hen enou#h are read! shall send them to the press. 6hen thin#s are #oin# so )ell )ith !ou ( am not needed. 6h! do !ou not spare !ourselfE ( )arn !ou al)a!s of this, 'ut !ou remain deaf. As to the la)fulness of the s)ord, ( a'ide '! m! opinion. 2ou expect me to *uote a -ospel command on the su'1ect. ( a#ree )ith !ou that no such command or precept is to 'e found in the Bi'le. (t )ould not 'e seeml! that it should9 for

the -ospel is a la) unto the free, and has nothin# to do )ith the ri#hts of the s)ord, althou#h such a ri#ht is not for'idden, 'ut rather praised, )hich does not appl! to an!thin# merel! permitted. ,or out)ard ceremonies are neither commanded nor commended in the -ospel, even as too #reat carefulness a'out earthl! thin#s is not considered 1ustifia'le. ,or the -ospel la!s do)n no hard and fast rule in this matter, for its domain is the spirit, and not the letter. But are the! therefore not to 'e usedE >o not the necessities of this life rather 1ustif! their useE 6ere all %hristians ; such ideas )ould 'e ver! )ell. (f the s)ord )ere sheathed, ho) lon# )ould the %hurch stand in the )orld, for neither life nor #oods )ould 'e safe. But )hat do !ou ma+e of A'raham, >avid, and the saints under the old dispensation, usin# the s)ordE And the! )ere #ood menS. And stran#e to sa!, it is not for'idden in the -ospel, 'ut the 'elievin# soldiers )ho as+ed &ohn for counsel )ere rather confirmed in its la)fulness. ( fear, dear $hilip, ( reap more satisfaction from )hat ( have )ritten to !ou than !ou )ill derive from it. There is no passa#e in 0cripture )here )e are commanded to despise those in authorit!, 'ut rather to honor and pra! for them. ( )ish Amsdorf much happiness upon 'ecomin# rich, 'ut it )ould 'rin# him even more happiness should he prove )illin# to !ield up an apostle. 2ou have alread! enou#h, and ( do not see )h! !ou lon# so for me, or )h! m! services are so necessar! to !ou. 2ou lecture 3leset4, Amsdorf lectures, and &onas also. >ear one5 >o !ou )ish the +in#dom of -od to 'e proclaimed to !ou aloneE .ust the #ospel not 'e preached to othersE 6ill !our Antioch not contri'ute a 0ilas, $aul, or Barna'as to help the 0pirit/s )or+E ( tell !ou plainl!, that althou#h ( love to 'e )ith !ou, ( )ould settle in Erfurt, %olo#ne, or )herever -od mi#ht #raciousl! open a door for me, to proclaim the 6ord. =ne must not thin+ of oneself, for the harvest is #reat. ( +no) nothin# of m! return. 2ou +no) )ith )hom that rests. 0palatin )rites that the $rince commands a part of the %onfession to 'e +ept intact, at )hich ( am much displeased. $ra! do not re#ulate !our actions '! the )ill of the %ourt, )hich ( have hitherto done. The half )ould not have 'een accomplished had ( al)a!s listened to such counsel. The! are onl! human li+e ourselves. ( shall ma+e 0palatin spea+ out. 0uch complaisance encoura#es our opponents and sho)s our co)ardice. .! 'est )ishes for !our health. This letter has lon# 'een finished, 'ut he )ho promised to ta+e it has for#otten. All of !ou pra! for me. ,or ( shall 'e immersed in sin in this solitude. ,rom m! desert. .artin Luther, Au#ustinian.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN

Luther relates his experiences at a hunt. Au#ust 15, 1521. ( have received the third sheet of %onfession, dear 0palatin, $hilip sendin# it alon# )ith the first9 'ut the printin# is execra'le. 6ould that ( had sent nothin# -erman. 0ee he does not print m! -erman postils, 'ut rather returns )hat ( have sent !ou, and ( shall #et them done else)here. ,or )h! should ( )or+ so hard onl! to have thin#s turned out in so slovenl! a mannerE ( should not li+e the Epistles, etc., to 'e so sinned a#ainst, so shall send no more at present, althou#h ( have ten lar#e sheets read!, and till these shameless mone!Ama+ers, the printers, cease loo+in# solel! to their o)n interest, no more shall 'e sent. $hilip has sent me three sheets of Latomus, )ith )hich ( am much pleased. ( )ish %arlstadt )ould )rite in a more polished )a! a#ainst celi'ac!, for ( fear he )ill affront us. (f he )ere onl! 'etter adapted for the praise)orth! )or+ he has underta+en9 for our opponents slander the ver! 'est that can 'e )ritten, so )e must 'e careful not to 'rin# discredit on the 6ord, for )e are a spectacle unto the )orld, as 0t. $aul teaches. $erhaps ( am mixin# m!self in thin#s that do not concern me9 'ut )hat can 'e more dan#erous than to incite people to matrimon!E ( )ould li+e the *uestion of matrimon! left free accordin# to %hrist/s command, 'ut ( am po)erless in the matter. >o not trou'le !ourself as to m! 'earin# m! exile patientl!. (t is all one to me )here ( am, if ( am not a 'urden to these people, 'ut ( fanc! ( live here at the expense of the $rince, or ( should not remain an hour lon#er if ( thou#ht ( )ere consumin# this #ood man/s su'stance, althou#h he supplies m! )ants a'undantl!. Tr! to shed li#ht on this, for he al)a!s declares it comes out of the $rince/s poc+et. ( am so constituted that ( )orr! incessantl! for fear of 'urdenin# an! one. ( follo)ed the chase for t)o da!s last )ee+, to #et a taste of the pleasures )hich fine #entlemen love so )ell. 6e cau#ht t)o hares and a fe) poor roes. Trul! a )orth! occupation for idle people5 Amid the nets and the do#s ( pondered over theolo#ical matters. ( could not 'ut feel sad at the deep m!steries )hich la! concealed 'eneath the #a! scene. ,or, does not the devil )ith his do#s, those #odless teachers, 'ishops, etc., thus pursue and ta+e captive innocent creatures ; those poor 'elievin# souls9 'ut )orse is still to come. ( had mana#ed to save a poor hare, and hid it under m! coat, 'ut the do#s discovered it, and 'it its le# throu#h the coat, and cho+ed it, so )e found it dead. Thus do the $ope and 0atan, despite m! efforts, tr! to ruin saved souls. ( have had enou#h of this +ind of huntin#, and thin+ it finer to sla! 'ears and )olves, and #odless creatures such as these. 0ee that at %ourt !ou learn to hunt for souls, so that one da! !ou ma! find !ourself in $aradise ; a piece of #ame )hich it #ave %hrist, the 'est huntsman, much trou'le to catch and +eep. ( have chan#ed m! mind and send the rest of the postils. But let them 'e printed on #ood paper, )ith Lotter/s letters, for it )ill 'e a lar#e 'oo+, and (/ll spread it over the four *uarters of the !ear, so that it ma! not 'e too heav!. But it must not 'e as ( )ish, 'ut as !ou can arran#e there. Let the .0. 'e returned to me. ( +no) )hat 0atan is after. ( )onder if m! C.a#nificatD )ill ever 'e read!.

,are)ell, and pra! for me. .artin Luther.

TO THE CHRISTIANS IN #&''()*(+,

6ith this letter Luther sends an exposition of the H th $salm. $ossi'l! in Au#ust. To the poor little compan! of %hristians at 6itten'er#, >r. .artin Luther sends #race and peace from -od the ,ather and &esus %hrist. 0t. $aul, )ho preached in man! places, and no) sat as a prisoner in "ome, never ceased to pra! for those )ho had 'een converted throu#h his means, and to comfort them '! his )ritin#s, to )hich his Epistles 'ear ample testimon!. ,ollo)in# his example, ( cannot refrain from anxiet! on !our 'ehalf 3seein# it is partl! throu#h me, poor creature, that it has 'een revealed to !ou4 that )olves ma! follo) me into the sheepfold. And althou#h, '! the #race of -od, man! have ta+en m! place, )hich mi#ht ma+e such anxiet! unnecessar!, !et ( cannot overcome it. 6e are not )orth! 3( especiall!, alas4 to suffer an!thin# for the truth, let alone havin# hatred, shame, reproach, env!, and all manner of i#nomin! heaped upon us '! the $apists. Had -od not )ithstood them, those 'loodthirst! murderers of souls )ould have s)allo)ed us up *uic+, and torn us )ith their teeth. Till no) the! have merel! called us 6!cliffites, Hussites, heretics, ventin# their )rath upon us '! callin# us evil names, and attac+in# our %hristian profession. But let them do it, dear friends. He is a'ove ; the &ud#e of all5 6e ma! re1oice that so far )e have never dreaded the li#ht, as the! do ; even as an evil conscience trem'les 'efore a la) court. (t must 'e a #reat trial to them that ( have three times appeared 'efore m! enemies to testif! of our faithF ,irst at Au#s'ur#, 'efore the %ardinal9 then at Leipsic, 'efore those )ho )ould #ladl! have extin#uished us, and !et their ra#e and cunnin# )ere of no avail9 and no) at 6orms, )here 'ishops and doctors did their 'est to #et me to recant. But -od ena'led me to resist the efforts of princes and di#nitaries, so that ( )ithstood all their po)er. Had it 'een other)ise, ( should have 'een ashamed of m! -erman land, allo)in# the $apal t!rants thus to 'efool us. But )e all +no) that the devil )as at the 'ottom of it. Bo), ( do not 'oast of these three appearances, as if the #lor! )ere ours9 'ut to ac+no)led#e the #race of -od in order to trust Him at all times. And, as ( do not pretend to 'e 0t. $aul, )ho out of the a'undant riches of his spirit could comfort his spiritual children, ( have ta+en it upon me to put into -erman the H th $salm, )hich is full of consolation, and send it to !ou, it 'ein# so suited to our circumstances, for it exhorts us to Ccease from an#er, and forsa+e )rath,D assurin# us Cthat !et a little )hile, and the )ic+ed shall not 'e.D %ertainl! our enemies resem'le those )ho are re'u+ed in this $salm, and )e are comforted. ,or )e, )ho '! -od/s #race cleave to

the 0criptures, are those )ho are feared and hated '! those )ho 'laspheme the truth. But let them5 Had the! 'een )orth! of the truth the! )ould lon# a#o have 'een converted throu#h m! numerous )ritin#s. ( teach them9 the! revile me. ( pra! for them9 the! despise m! pra!ers. ( scold them9 the! scorn me. 6hat more can ( doE for %hrist sa!s, CAs he deli#hted not in 'lessin#, so let it 'e far from him9 he clothed himself )ith cursin# li+e as )ith a #arment.D 6hat does not 'elon# to heaven, no one can ta+e into it, althou#h he tore it into pieces. But that )hich is destined to #et in shall enter, in spite of the efforts of the )hole arm! of devils to prevent it. But )e must pra! for the poor little compan! )ho are 'ein# led astra! '! them, that the! ma! 'e delivered out of the cla)s of the murderer of souls at "ome, and of his apostles. ( commit !ou to -od, and ma! !our faith and confidence 'e #raciousl! preserved in %hrist &esus. Amen. Amen. 3Exposition of H th $salm follo)s.4 ( send !ou this $salm, dear friends, for !our consolation and instruction, accordin# to 0t. $aul/s precept, C0pea+in# to !ourselves in psalms and h!mns and spiritual son#s, sta#in# and ma+in# melod! in !our heart to the Lord9D C-ivin# than+s al)a!s for all thin#s,D etc. ( send this for the 'enefit of those )ho are )ea+ in the faith9 for, as to the stron# ones amon# !ou, ( )ould rather learn from them. Therefore ta+e comfort and remain steadfast. >o not 'e alarmed throu#h the ra#in# of the #odless9 for, -od 'e praised, )e have 'eaten them so far that the! can onl! ra#e, )hich sho)s the! are i#norant of divine thin#s9 and the lon#er the! act thus the 'linder the! 'ecome, and displa! their foll! all the more.... ( commend !ou to -od. $ra! for me. ( do not concern m!self a'out m! enforced a'sence from !ou. B! -od/s #race ( am as coura#eous as ever. Be of #ood cheer, and fear no one. The #race of -od 'e )ith !ou. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO THE LEARNED AND SAINTLY NICOLAS GERBEL

Luther con#ratulates him on his marria#e. Bovem'er 1, 1521. -race in %hrist5 2our letter, dearest -er'el, )ritten 'efore Ascension, onl! reached me at .ichaelmas, and this is All 0aints/ >a!. 6hen )ill it reach !ouE $erhaps 'efore next Ascension >a!, or the -ree+ <alends ; never. 2ou see the cause of m! silence. ( ris+ much in )ritin#. Attri'ute all to the hidden )ill of -od. ( hope !ou have alread! received an ans)er from others to !our anxious in*uiries as to m! condition. ( have )ithdra)n from our common cause '! the advice of #ood friends ; ver! un)illin#l!, it is true, and uncertain as to )hether ( had acted ri#htl! to)ards -od. ,or m! part, ( fancied one )as 'ound to sacrifice his nec+ in the universal fra!.

But this )as not desired, so ( )as 'orne off '! horsemen, in the dis#uise of a +ni#ht, on m! )a! from .ohra, and placed in a secure spot, in rei#ned imprisonment, )here ( am treated ro!all!. But 'elieve me, in this solitude, )ith nothin# to do, ( am the pre! of a thousand devils. (t is much easier to fi#ht a devil in the flesh 3men4 than evil spirits in heavenl! thin#s 3or under heaven4. ( often fall, 'ut the ri#ht hand of the .ost Hi#h raises me a#ain. 0o, )illin#l! as ( )ould strive for freedom, ( shall remain )here -od has placed me. (t is not safe to send !ou m! )ritin#s, therefore ( have )ritten to 0palatin to arran#e this. .eantime ( have )ritten a treatise a#ainst Antichrist, also one on %onfession in -erman, and have sent it as a letter of consolation, )ith an exposition of the H th $salm, to the %hurch in 6itten'er#. $hilip has issued a pamphlet a#ainst the $arisians )hich ( have translated into -erman. This too is printed. ( am )ritin# a -erman Exposition of the Epistles and -ospels, )hich )ill 'e printed all throu#h the !ear. ( have also a pu'lic casti#ation of the %ardinal of .a!ence read! 'ecause of the (ndul#ences, )hich he has once more erected in Halle9 and in addition, a dis*uisition on the #ospel of the ten lepersF all in -erman. ( am 'orn for m! -ermans, )hom ( desire to serve. ( should li+e to )rite openl! a#ainst the universities, 'ut as !et have decided upon nothin#. ( have made up m! mind not to expound .atthe). ( had 'e#un to lecture upon 'oth Testaments in a popular manner in 6itten'er#, and had reached the H2nd chapter of -enesis, and in the -ospels had #ot to the voice of &ohn the Baptist. At this point m! voice )as *uenched. Bo) that is all !ou )ished to +no). -ive m! 'est love to !our dear one, and ( hope that she ma! love !ou dearl!, and that !ou too ma! love her. (t is #ood that !our former state of celi'ac!, )ith all its accompan!in# evils, has 'een replaced '! marria#e. Endure all that this condition of -od/s appointment 'rin#s )ith it, and than+ -od. ( am dail! #ainin# more insi#ht into the #odless lives of the unmarried of 'oth sexes, so that nothin# sounds )orse to me than the )ords mon+, nun, priest, for ( re#ard a married life of deep povert! as paradise in comparison. -reet Brunsfels, %aspar Gr7i#ereum, and all Evan#elicals from me. ,rom m! hermita#e. .artin Luther.

TO HANS LUTHER
Luther tells his father that he is no) free from his mon+ish vo)s, and sends him his 'oo+ on the ?o). Bovem'er 21, 1521. To his dear father, Hans Luther, from .artin Luther, his son.

.! reason for dedicatin# this 'oo+ to !ou )as not to honor !our name 'efore the )orld, thus diso'e!in# 0t. $aul/s admonition, not to see+ honor after the flesh, 'ut to explain its contents. (t is almost sixteen !ears since ( too+ the mon+/s vo)s )ithout !our +no)led#e or consent. 2ou feared the )ea+ness of m! flesh, for ( )as a !oun# fello) 3Blut 4 of 22 3( use Au#ustine/s )ord4 and full of fire, and !ou +no) the mon+ish life is fatal to man!, and !ou )ere anxious to arran#e a rich marria#e for me. And for lon# this fear and anxiet! made !ou deaf to those )ho 'e##ed !ou to 'e reconciled to me, and to #ive -od !our dearest and 'est. But at last !ou #ave )a!, althou#h !ou did not la! aside !our care9 for, ( )ell remem'er tellin# !ou ( )as called throu#h a terri'le apparition from heaven, so that, )hen face to face )ith death, ( made the vo), and !ou exclaimed, C-od #rant it )as not an apparition of the Evil =ne that startled !ou.D The )ords san+ into m! heart as if -od had uttered them, 'ut ( hardened m! heart a#ainst it, till !ou exclaimed, CHast thou never heard that one should o'e! his parentsED (n spite of this most po)erful )ord ( ever heard out of a human mouth, ( persevered in m! o)n ri#hteousness, and despised !ou as 'ein# onl! a man. But )ere !ou then una)are that -od/s command must 'e o'e!ed first of allE Had !ou 'een a'le, )ould !ou not then have exercised !our paternal prero#ative, and dra##ed me from 'eneath the co)lE Had ( +no)n, ( )ould have suffered a thousand deaths rather than have acted as ( did. ,or m! vo) )as not )orth such deception.... But -od, )hose merc! is 'oundless, has 'rou#ht a'out #reat #ood throu#h m! errors and sins. 6ouldst thou not rather have lost a hundred sons than not have 'eheld such marvelous 'lessin#E 0atan must al)a!s have foreseen this, for he has poured out the )hole vials of his fur! upon me.... But -od )illed that ( mi#ht learn the )isdom of the hi#h schools and the sanctit! of the cloisters for m!self.... >ear father, do !ou as+ me to renounce mon+ish ordersE But ; -od has 'een 'efore !ou, and has 'rou#ht me out Himself... and has placed me, as thou seest, not in the misera'le, 'lasphemous service of monachism, 'ut in the true divine )orship, for no one can dou't that ( serve -od/s 6ord. $arental authorit! must !ield 'efore this divine service9 for, C)hoever loves father or mother more than me is not )orth! of me,D sa!s %hrist. Bot that parental authorit! ceases )ith this9 'ut )here %hrist/s authorit! clashes )ith that of parent/s, the latter must #ive )a!. Therefore ( send !ou this 'oo+, from )hich !ou )ill see ho) miraculousl! %hrist has redeemed me from m! mon+ish vo)s, and endo)ed me )ith such freedom, that althou#h ( am the servant of all men, ( am su'1ect to Him alone. ,or He is m! sole Bishop, A''ot, $rior, Lord, ,ather, .aster5 ( +no) no other. ( trust He has deprived !ou of !our son, so that, throu#h me, He ma! help the sons of man! others, and prevent !ou re1oicin# alone. ( +no) !ou )ill do no more in this matter. Althou#h the $ope should assassinate me, and cast me into hell, he cannot raise me up a#ain to sla! me once more. ,or should he condemn me, and 'urn me, m! heart and )ill shall still stand out a#ainst his a'solution. ( hope the #reat da! is approachin# )hen the +in#dom of )ic+edness )ill 'e cast do)n and destro!ed. 6ould to -od )e )ere considered )orth! to 'e 'urned '! the

$ope, that our 'lood mi#ht cr! out for ven#eance, and there'! hasten his end. But, if not )orth! to testif! )ith our 'lood, let us cr! to Him alone, and plead for merc!, so that throu#h our life and voice )e ma! 'ear )itness that &esus alone is our Lord and -od ; 'lessed to all eternit!. Amen. (n 6hom ma! !ou 'e 'lessed, dear father ; and the mother ; th! .ar#aret, alon# )ith our )hole connection ; all of )hom ( #reet in %hrist &esus. ,rom the )ilderness. .artin Luther.

TO ARCHBISHOP ALBRECHT OF MAYENCE

=ut of deference to 0palatin and the %ourt, Luther had +ept 'ac+ his 'oo+ a#ainst the idol at Halle, 'ut no) tries to stop the scandal. >ecem'er 1, 1521. .! services are ever at !our disposal, esteemed lord5 >ou'tless !our Electoral -race remem'ers that ( )rote !ou t)ice in Latin. ,irst )hen those l!in# (ndul#ences )ere issued, under !our -race/s name 3=cto'er H1, 151 4, )arnin# !ou a#ainst those corrupt, mone!Alovin# preachers, and their heretical 'oo+s. And althou#h ( could have traced the )hole uproar to !our havin# #iven !our sanction to the pu'lication of these 'oo+s, still ( have spared !our -race, and the House of Branden'ur#, fanc!in# !our Hi#hness did it out of i#norance, led astra! '! false flatterers, )hom ( attac+ed as !ou +no). But m! faithful admonition )as turned into ridicule, and m! services repaid )ith in#ratitude instead of than+s. The other occasion 3,e'ruar! L, 15204, ( hum'l! 'e##ed to 'e instructed '! !our -race, in ans)er to )hich ( received an un+ind, un'ishopAli+e ans)er, referrin# me to a hi#her tri'unal for instruction. Althou#h these t)o letters produced no effect, ( send a third )arnin#, in -erman, to see if this perhaps uncalledAfor petition ma! avail. 2our -race has a#ain set up the idol at Halle, )hich ro's poor simple %hristians 'oth of their mone! and their souls. $erhaps !ou fanc! !ou are safe 'ecause ( am out of the )a!, and that His .a1est! )ill extin#uish the mon+. ( do not o'1ect9 'ut shall do )hat %hristian love demands, and pa! no attention to the #ates of hell ; not to spea+ of the popes, cardinals, and 'ishops. ( shall not hold m! peace )hen the Bishop of .a!ence declares it is not seeml! to instruct a poor mon+ )ho 'e#s to 'e enli#htened, and at the same time +no)s ho) to deal )ith mone!. The dishonor is not mine, 'ut must 'e sou#ht else)here. Therefore, ( hum'l! re*uest that !our -race )ould prove !ourself to 'e a 'ishop, and not a )olf, permittin# the poor floc+ to 'e ro''ed. 2ou +no) that the (ndul#ence is sheer +naver!, and that %hrist alone ou#ht to 'e preached to the people. 2our Electoral Hi#hness must remem'er out of )hat a tin! spar+ this #reat fire arose ; the )hole )orld fanc!in# that one poor 'e##ar

)as too insi#nificant for the $ope to meddle )ith. -od still lives, and no one need dou't that He can overcome the Bishop of .a!ence, )hose end no one can foresee.... Therefore ( openl! declare that unless the (ndul#ence is done a)a! )ith, ( must pu'licl! attac+ !our -race, as )ell as the $ope ; tracin# Tet7el/s former excesses to the Arch'ishop of .a!ence, and lettin# the )orld see the difference 'et)een a 'ishop and a )olf. (f ( 'e despised another )ill appear )ho )ill despise the despisers, as (saiah sa!s. And it is time to re'u+e the evilAdoers, that offenses ma! 'e driven from the +in#dom of -od. ( also 'e# !our -race to leave the married priests in peace, and not ro' them of )hat -od has #iven them, else a cr! )ill arise that the 'ishops should first ta+e the 'eam out of their o)n e!es, etc. 0o ( 'e# !our -race to ta+e care, and permit me to +eep silence, for ( have no pleasure in !our Hi#hness/s shame and dis#race9 'ut if !ou are not, then (, and all %hristians, must stand up for the #lor! of -od, even althou#h a %ardinal should 'e plun#ed in dis#race. ( expect !our -race/s ans)er )ithin fourteen da!s. f1: (f not, then m! 'oo+ a#ainst the idol in Halle )ill appear9 and if !our -race/s counsellors should tr! to prevent its circulation ( shall use means to hinder this. .a! -od endo) !our Electoral Hi#hness )ith #race to do the ri#ht. ,rom m! desert. 2our Electoral -race/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO THE #&''()*(+,ERS
A fra#ment. $ro'a'l! )ritten after Luther had 'een in 6itten'er#. He disapproves of their )a! of reformin# a'uses. $erhaps >ecem'er 1521. ( cannot al)a!s 'e )ith !ou. Ever! one must die for himself, and loo+ for)ard to the pan#s of departure alone, for no one can counsel or help. ( shall not 'e )ith !ou, nor !ou )ith me. 6hoever is then a'le to overcome sin, hell, and the devil is 'lessed ; )hoever cannot do so is accursed. But no one is a'le to do so unless durin# life he has learned to appropriate and practice the consolations and maxims of the #ospel a#ainst sin. The soul onl! ta+es )ith it )hat it has received in the )orld, and nothin# more. Bo one can resist the devil until he has come to a +no)led#e of %hrist, and +no)s that it )as speciall! for him %hrist died, 'ecause -od desired his salvation. (n that case that soul must 'ecome 'lessed, althou#h all the devils )ere dead a#ainst it. 6e )ere all 'orn sinners, and ruined throu#h Adam/s fall, so that )e can do nothin# 'ut sin, 'ein# in 'onda#e, and Care '! nature the children of )rath, even as others.D These innovations have 'een accompanied '! attac+s on the mass, pictures, and the sacrament, and other la)less proceedin#s, )hich destro! faith and love, there'! )oundin# the tenderest feelin#s of man! pious people, )hich is surel! the devil/s )or+.

>ou'tless it )ould 'e a ver! #ood thin# )ere such chan#es made, )ere it #enerall! desired, and no one o'1ected. But this )ill never 'e the case. 6e cannot all 'e so learned as %arlstadt, therefore )e must #ive in to the )ea+, else those )ho are stron# )ill run into all excesses, and the )ea+ )ho cannot +eep up )ith !ou )ill perish. -od has 'een ver! #racious to !ou in 6itten'er#, #ivin# !ou the pure 6ord, so !ou should have patience )ith those )ho never heard it, or )here is !our loveE 6e have man! 'rothers and sisters in Leipsic, .eissen, and else)here, and these )e must ta+e to heaven )ith us. Althou#h Her7o# -eor#e, etc., are ver! an#r! )ith us at present, still )e must 'ear )ith them, and hope for the 'est. The! ma! 'ecome 'etter than )e. 2ou have #one a'out the 'usiness in a )a! of )hich ( cannot approve, usin# !our fists, and if this happen a#ain ( shall not ta+e !our part. 2ou 'e#an )ithout me, so carr! it on )ithout me. 6hat !ou have done is )ron#, no matter ho) man! %arlstadts approve of it. 2ou have in1ured the consciences of man! )ho have ta+en the sacrament, and attac+ed it, tearin# do)n pictures, and eatin# e##s and meat. 2ou are to 'lame for this, and !et !ou consider !ourselves %hristians, and 'etter than others. Believe me, ( +no) the devil )ell, and he is at the root of all this, and has led !ou to attac+ the sacrament, etc., so that he mi#ht in1ure -od/s 6ord, and meantime faith and love are for#otten. Bo) )e shall examine the nature of the thin#s )hich have 'een done in m! a'sence. There are thin#s )hich -od has commanded, and these must 'e +ept, for no man, 'e he pope or 'ishop, has po)er to alter them. =ther thin#s -od has left free to us, such as eatin#, drin+in#, marr!in#, etc. -od has not for'idden these. $opes and 'ishops have tried to deprive us of this freedom, '! settin# up priests and mon+s, to )hom marria#e is for'idden, appointin# fast da!s, and suppressin# true fastin#, there'! leadin# man! to the devil, of )hom 0t. $aul sa!s, C(n the latter times some shall depart from the faith, #ivin# heed to seducin# spirits and doctrines of devils.... for'iddin# to marr!, and commandin# to a'stain from meats,D etc. ,or no ma#istrac! nor an! man has po)er to chan#e the 6ord of -od, therefore an!thin# popes or 'ishops ma! ordain is of no account )hatever. 0till, one must not insist upon these free thin#s 'ein# carried out to the letter. 6hen the $ope sa!s, CThou shalt not eat meat or e##s on ,rida!s,D then it is a sin to do so9 'ut if it 'e an!thin# vital, !ou must resist, sa!in#, CHo) shall ( eat, for !ou have for'idden )hat -od permitsED >eal thus )ith the o'stinate, 'ut 'e +ind to the )ea+, feedin# those )ho are !oun# in the faith )ith mil+, even as a ne)A'orn 'a'e is fed on mil+ to 'e#in )ith, after)ards #ettin# soup, 'read, and cheese. And it is the same )ith )ea+ %hristians. Leave !our nei#h'or alone till he too 'ecomes stron#, and th! e*ual. 6hen 0t. $aul )as )ith the &e)s he suited himself to them, and )hen )ith the -entiles he lived as a -entile. (n these open *uestions act accordin# to the circumstances. (f a sic+ person cannot eat fish, then he #ets meat. (f "ome permits this for mone!, ( ma! do it )hen necessar! )ithout pa!ment. (t is the same )ith marria#es and such li+e. But the +in#dom of heaven does not consist in eatin# and drin+in#. 0t. $aul sa!s, C(f meat ma+e m! 'rother to offend, ( )ill eat no flesh )hile the )orld standeth, lest ( ma+e m! 'rother to offend.D

0o, no one must #o a#ainst -od/s 6ord ; )hether he 'e $ope, Bishop, Emperor, or $rince. Listen to this simile. The sun has #reat 'rillianc! and heat. (ts 'rillianc! neither Emperor nor <in# can avert, so the 6ord of -od can no one hinder9 'ut one can escape from the hot ra!s of the sun into the shade, and this is )hat love does )hen it !ields to its nei#h'or. ( )ould do even as much for m! enemies 3in the hope of their conversion4 and for the )ea+, and )ould thin+ nothin# of )earin# this co)l if it )ould do them an! #ood. .artin Luther.

TO JOHN LANGE, AUGUSTINIAN

The first intimation Luther #ives of puttin# the Be) Testament into -erman. >ecem'er 18, 1521. ( do not approve of the storm! 'rea+in# up, for !ou mi#ht all have parted in peace and friendship. 2ou )ho propose attendin# the (mperial >iet, see that !ou defend the #ospel. ( shall remain here in seclusion till Easter, and )rite postils, and translate the Be) Testament into -erman, )hich so man! people are anxious to have. ( hear !ou also are occupied there)ith. -o on )ith )hat !ou have 'e#un. 6ould to -od that ever! to)n had its interpreter, and that this 'oo+ could 'e had in ever! lan#ua#e, and d)ell in the hearts and hands of all. 2ou )ill #et all the rest of the ne)s from the 6itten'er#ers. ( am, -od 'e praised, sound in 'od! and )ell cared for, 'ut much tried '! sins and temptations. $ra! for me, and #o on prosperin#. ,rom the )ilderness. .artin Luther.

TO #EN"EL LINK, NURNBERG

%oncernin# monastic vo)s. >ecem'er 20, 1521. -race and peace5 .ost excellent 6en7el, ( am deli#hted that m! ans)er to the %atherinas pleased !ou, for ( value the verdict of an upri#ht man. But remem'er, )hoever starts )ith #ood premises cannot repudiate the conclusions to )hich the! lead, and the results !ou no) see in this cloister.

,or if it 'e contrar! to the #ospel that one sin in the use of meats, etc., )hat )ould 'ecome of vo)s, cloisters, +in#doms, etc.E 6hose o'edience )ould !ou compelE 6hom )ould !ou recall, after *uittin# the cloisterE 6hom )ould !ou accuse as a distur'er of the peace, )hen !ou are 'ound over to teach that such freedom or license is no sinE 2ou perhaps as+ m! advice in this matter, and ( tell !ou that !ou do not re*uire m! counsel. ,or ( +no) !ou )ill underta+e nothin#, nor permit an!thin# that is in opposition to the #ospel, althou#h all the cloisters should 'e destro!ed. ( am indeed deepl! displeased at the storm! upheaval of )hich ( have heard. ,or the! should a#ree to let them leave in peace, 'ut perhaps this ma! 'e the punishment of unri#hteous vo)s, )ic+edl! cast aside, so that )hat )as 'ound to#ether throu#h an evil unanimit! mi#ht 'e a'ruptl! severed. But to recall them does not seem to me expedient, even althou#h the! have not acted )isel!. And ( do not 'elieve !ou can for'id it. But if there are some still )ho )ish to leave the cloister, it )ould 'e 'est not to retain this chapter 3capital4, and follo)in# the example of %!rus, #ive those )ho )ish to leave their freedom throu#h a pu'lic edict, )ithout expellin# an!, or forcin# an! to remain. But mean)hile !ou )ill continue to share the #overnment of this Ba'el )ith &eremiah. ,or ( should li+e the dress and usa#es of the order to 'e retained. ( see no other )a!, for ( do not )ish to represent a la)less 'od!, or to 'e a rin#leader of unri#hteousness. (f !ou read m! pamphlet on the ?o) !ou )ill find m! opinions. ( )as in 6itten'er#, 'ut did not dare enter the cloister. 2ou must help us, for the times and -od/s cause demand this. ( must admit that unheardAof thin#s are happenin#, 'ut it is a#ainst our )ill. This is clear as the sun to me. (n addition, !ou have $hilip .elanchthon, and others, )hom !ou can easil! as+ for counsel. ,or )e )ould li+e if !ou retained the capital 3chapter4 at 6itten'er#. 6here our dearest ,ather 0taupit7 is ( do not +no). But ( hear he is at the %ourt of the 0al7'ur# #od. ( compassionate the excellent man9 still !ou ma! #ive him m! love. ,or, from m! )ritin#s, he must alread! have seen )ho ( am and )hat ( am doin#. ( am 'us! at the %hurch postils and the -erman translation of the Bi'le. ,are)ell. ,rom the )ilderness. .artin Luther. $ope Leo K. died. The -erman Hadrian succeeded. Luther returned to 6itten'er#, .arch , and preached a#ainst ima#eA'rea+in#, etc.

15%%

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther informs him )h! he )as a'out to leave his $atmos. &anuar! 1 , 1522. Health5 ( have received all, m! 0palatin, even the pac+et, althou#h rather late. (t is not 'ecause of the I)ic+au prophets ( have come, nor )ill the! influence me in the least. But ( do not )ish our people to put them in prison. "umors have 'een set afloat as to the Eulen'er#ers re#ardin# innovations in the Lord/s 0upper. ( )as so an#r! that ( determined to #o to 6itten'er# and see for m!self, 'ut ( am dail! hearin# far more important thin#s. Therefore, if -od )ill, ( shall soon return, if not to 6itten'er#, certainl! else)here, or )ander a'out. ( do not )ish the $rince to 'e anxious a'out me, althou#h ( )ish he had m! faith, or ( his po)er. (f so, dou'tless he )ould, )ithout 'loodshed, extin#uish the smo+in# fire'rands. The unhapp! Her7o# -eor#e acts in this matter, even as He )ho is terri'le in His 1ud#ments to)ards the children of men has determined. He cannot see that his rancor a#ainst this part! is pure hatred. .a! the Lord have merc! on him, if he 'e )orth! of it. 0ee that our $rince does not soil his hands )ith the 'lood of the I)ic+au prophets. ,are)ell, and pra! for me. Beither the Bishop/s nor %apito/s letters please me, 'ecause of their duplicit!. ( have )ritten to ,a'er that ( +no) his spirit. ( #rieve over the destruction of the pictures, 'ecause ( 'ecame suret! for their preservation. ,rom the )ilderness. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR FREDERICK

Luther admonishes the Elector to steadfastness and patience. End of ,e'ruar! or .arch. To m! .ost -racious Lord ,rederic+, in m! o)n hand. -race and prosperit! from -od the ,ather to the ne) relic5 0uch is m! #reetin# to !ou, most #racious lord, instead of sendin# !ou m! s!mpath!. 2our Electoral Hi#hness has for lon# 'een tr!in# to procure sacred relics from all lands, 'ut -od has no) #ranted !our desire, and )ithout mone! or trou'le has furnished !ou )ith a cross, full! e*uipped )ith nails, spears, and scour#es. =nce more, ( repeat, prosperit! from -od to the ne) relic. >o not let !our Hi#hness fear, 'ut stretch out !our arms cheerfull!, and let the nails 'e firml! inserted9 na!, #ive than+s and 'e 1o!ful, for thus must it 'e )ith all )ho love -od/s 6ord ; the! must put up )ith the ra#e of Annas and %aiaphas, and remem'er that &udas, too, )as an apostle, and 0atan appeared amon# the children of -od.

2our -race must onl! 'e )ise and prudent, and not 1ud#e accordin# to human )isdom, nor )ith respect of personsS. And a'ove all, do not despair, for 0atan has not accomplished )hat he meant to do. (f !our -race )ould onl! 'elieve a fool li+e me9 for ( am too )ell ac*uainted )ith such li+e assaults of 0atan to fear them, and that vexes him #reatl!. As !et it is all pretense. Let the )orld raise a hue and cr!, let those )ho fall, fall ;even if it 'e 0t. $eter and the apostles ; the! )ill reappear on the third da! )hen %hrist rises from the dead. ,or 2 %orinthians @ must 'e fulfilled in us, CAs chastened and not +illed.D 2our Electoral Hi#hness )ill ta+e this in #ood part9 for, in m! #reat haste, the pen has run a)a! )ith me, and ( have no more time, for ( am anxious to 'e there m!self, if -od )ill. 2our Electoral -race must not trou'le )ith m! affairs. 2our Electoral Hi#hness/s hum'le servant, .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR FREDERICK OF SA ONY

6ritten in Borna on the )a! to 6itten'er#, in ans)er to a letter from the Elector, tr!in# to dissuade Luther from comin#. His coura#e is displa!ed. .arch 5, 1522. To the 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince ,rederic+, Elector of 0axon!, etc. -race and peace5 .ost #racious lord. 2our Electoral -race/s )ritin# and +ind remem'rance reached me on ,rida! evenin#, the ni#ht 'efore ( 'e#an m! 1ourne!. That !our Electoral Hi#hness had the 'est intentions to)ards me is manifest. And this is m! ans)er. .ost #racious lord, ( here)ith desire to ma+e it +no)n that ( have not received the #ospel from men, 'ut from heaven, throu#h our Lord &esus %hrist, so that ( ma! )ell 3)hich ( shall henceforth do4 #lor! in 'ein# a'le to st!le m!self a servant and evan#elist. That ( desired to 'e cited 'efore a human tri'unal to have m! cause tried )as not 'ecause ( had an! dou'ts as to its truth, 'ut solel! 'ecause ( )ished to allure others. But no) that ( see m! #reat humilit! onl! serves to a'ase the #ospel, and that 0atan is read! to occup! the place ( vacate, even if it 'e onl! '! a handA'readth, m! conscience compels me to act differentl!. ( have done sufficient for !our -race this !ear in remainin# in m! forced seclusion. ,or the devil +no)s it )as not done out of fear. He sa) into m! heart, )hen ( came into 6orms, that althou#h ( had +no)n there )ere as man! devils read! to sprin# upon me as there )ere tiles on the houseAroofs, ( )ould 1o!full! have sprun# into their midst. Bo) Her7o# -eor#e is far from 'ein# e*ual to one devil, especiall! seein# the ,ather has, out of His lovin#A+indness, made us, throu#h the #ospel, 1o!ous lords over all the devils and death itself, and has permitted us to call him 'eloved ,ather. 2our -race can see for !ourself that it )ould 'e the

#reatest insult one could pa! to such a ,ather not to trust Him entirel!, sho)in# that )e are lords over Her7o# -eor#e/s )rath. 6ere thin#s in Leipsic as the! are in 6itten'er#, ( )ould nevertheless ride in, even if it )ere to rain Her7o# -eor#es for nine da!s, and each )as nine times more vehement than this one is. He loo+s upon m! Lord &esus as a man of stra). But ( confess ( have often )ept and pra!ed for Her7o# -eor#e that -od )ould enli#hten him. And ( shall once more )eep and pra! for him, and then never a#ain. And ( 'eseech !our Electoral Hi#hness to help me to pra! that )e ma! 'e a'le to avert the 1ud#ment )hich is han#in# over him continuall!. ( )rite all this to let !our -race see that ( come to 6itten'er# under hi#her protection than that of the Elector, and ( have not the sli#htest intention of as+in# !our Electoral Hi#hness/s help. ,or ( consider ( am more a'le to protect !our -race than !ou are to protect me9 and, )hat is more, if ( +ne) that !our #racious Hi#hness could and )ould protect me ( )ould not come. (n this matter -od alone must mana#e )ithout an! human intervention. Therefore he )hose faith is #reatest )ill receive the most protection. 0o, as ( see !our faith is ver! )ea+, ( cannot re#ard !ou as the man )ho could either protect or save me. And seein# !our -race )ishes to +no) ho) to act, as !ou seem to fanc! !ou have done too little, ( )ould respectfull! inform !ou that !ou have alread! done too much, and must no) do nothin# at all. ,or -od )ill not suffer !our Electoral Hi#hness/s or m! )orr!in# and activities. He )ishes it to 'e left to Him, to Him and no other, so let !our -race act accordin#l!. (f !our Electoral Hi#hness 'elieves this, then he )ill 'e in securit! and peace9 if not, ( do and must allo) !our Electoral -race to 'e tormented '! care, )hich is the portion of all )ho do not 'elieve. Therefore, seein# ( decline to follo) !our -race, then !ou are innocent in -od/s si#ht if ( am ta+en prisoner or +illed. 2our Electoral Hi#hness shall henceforth act thus re#ardin# !our dut! to)ards me as Elector. 2ou must render o'edience to the po)ers that 'e, and sustain the authorit! of His (mperial .a1est! )ith all !our mi#ht, as is onl! seeml! for a mem'er of the Empire, and not oppose the authorities in the event of their imprisonin# or sla!in# me. ,or no one must oppose the authorities except He )ho has instituted them9 for it is re'ellion a#ainst -od. But ( hope the! )ill 'e sensi'le, and reco#ni7e that !our Electoral Hi#hness is 'orn in a hi#her cradle, and should not 'e expected to )ield the rod upon !ourself. (f !our -race a'ide '! the Electoral safeAconduct, then !ou have done enou#h to sho) !our o'edience. ,or %hrist has not tau#ht me to 'e a %hristian to the in1ur! of others. But should the! command !our -race to la! hands on me !ourself, then ( shall sa! )hat to do. ( shall protect !ou from in1ur! to 'od!, soul, and estate 'ecause of m! affairs, )hether !our -race 'elieves it or not. ( here)ith commit !ou to the merc! of -od, and shall discuss thin#s )hen necessar!. ( have )ritten this hurriedl!, so that !our -race ma! not 'e upset '! m! arrival9 for ( must rather 'e a comfort to ever! one than occasion of in1ur! if ( )ish to 'e a true %hristian.

( am dealin# )ith a ver! different man from Her7o# -eor#e, )ith one )ho +no)s me )ell, and )hom ( do not +no) at all 'adl!. 6ere !our -race onl! to 'elieve he )ould see the #lor! of -od, 'ut as he has not !et 'elieved, he has seen nothin#. To -od 'e love and praise to all eternit!. Amen. -iven at Borna '! m! escort. 2our Electoral -race/s o'edient servant, .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS GERBEL
Luther/s touchin# letter to the pious la)!er in 0trass'ur#. .arch 18, 1522. ( ta+e it for #ranted, m! 'eloved -er'el, that !ou #ot m! letter from the desert throu#h $hilip, 'ut althou#h !ou have not ans)ered it, ( cannot let !our #ood cler+ return )ithout a fe) lines from me, to send !ou m! love and 'e# for !our pra!ers. ,or 0atan ra#es as )ell as those a'out me, and threatens me )ith death and hell, and tries to destro! m! floc+. Therefore ( cast m!self alive amidst the fur! of Emperor and $ope to tr! to drive the )olf from the fold, and m! onl! protection is from a'ove, )hile ( d)ell amon# m! enemies, )ho can destro! me an! hour. But %hrist is Lord over all, the ,ather havin# put all thin#s under His feet, even the )rath of Emperor and devils. (f He )ishes me to 'e +illed let them do it in His name9 'ut if not, )ho then can destro! meE %leave to the #ospel )ith fervent pra!er, for 0atan )ishes to root out the #ospel and delu#e -erman! in its o)n 'lood. And he )ill do it, for no one is read! to stand as a )all to)ards -od for the house of (srael, and 'ecause of our deep in#ratitude in proclaimin# the #ospel onl! in )ords, not s)eetened '! love. 0o let all pra! earnestl!, for dan#er is ahead, and the devil means to assail us )ith incredi'le cunnin# and all his mi#ht. .a! !ou 'e happ! )ith !our 'eloved )ife, and #reet all our friends. .artin Luther.

TO JOHN LANGE
.arch 28, 1522. -reetin#5 6ithout dou't !ou did not leave the cloister )ithout #ood reasons for doin# so, althou#h ( )ish !ou had risen a'ove all reasons. Bot that (

dispute !our ri#ht to do so, 'ut 'ecause ( do not )ish to #ive our opponents occasion for slanderin# us, even as 0t. $aul preached the #ospel in Achaia )ithout 'ein# char#ea'le to an! man, thus retainin# his apostolic freedom, etc. But ( remind !ou of all this too late. 6hen ( have time ( shall )rite to the %hurch in Erfurt, althou#h !ou and !ours far surpass us in +no)led#e of the 6ord. But the po)er of the 6ord is either ver! faint or *uite latent )ithin us, else )e should not 'e so cold, hardened, 'old, *uarrelsome, and drun+en. (n short, the old to+ens of %hristian love are not visi'le, 0t. $aul/s )ords 'ein# inverted, C6e have the +in#dom of -od in )ords, 'ut not in po)er.D ( cannot come to !ou, for it is not ri#ht to tempt -od '! needlessl! runnin# into dan#er, especiall! as ( have enou#h here9 'ein# attac+ed throu#h the $apal and (mperial Edict, and en1o! as much freedom as the 'irds of the air, )hose onl! protection is -od Almi#ht!. ( see that man! of our mon+s leave the cloister for the same reason the! enter it, vi7. to indul#e their sensual appetites, throu#h )hich 0atan 'rin#s the #ospel into evil repute. But the! are idle creatures, so are 'etter to #o to ruin )ithout the co)l than 'eneath it. -reet all friends, for ( do not +no) )ho ma! 'e )ith !ou 1ust no). %arr! our cause and the life of our Elector to the Lord in pra!er, else ( fear he ma! not 'e a'le to hold out lon#. And if this our head )ere a)a!, there mi#ht 'e an end to the salvation )hich -od ma! #ive to our 0!ria. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther )ishes names of precious stones. .arch H0, 1522. All hail5 ( send !ou the letter !ou )ere expectin#, m! 0palatin. ( cannot remem'er )hat ( )rote to Her7o# &ohn ,rederic+, except that ( advised him not to introduce innovations unless it could 'e done )ithout #ivin# offense to the )ea+, and that all must 'e done in love. ( )rote the same to Her7o# <arl. ( have not onl! translated the -ospel of 0t. &ohn in m! $atmos, 'ut the )hole of the Be) Testament, and $hilip and ( are no) 'us! correctin# it, and, )ith -od/s help, it )ill 'e a splendid )or+. .eantime )e need !our help, to find out proper )ords, therefore 'e read! to suppl! us )ith the common terms for some thin#s )e re*uire, 'ut not those used at %ourt, for this 'oo+ is to 'e )ritten in the simplest lan#ua#e that all ma! understand it9 and so that ( ma! 'e#in at once, send the names of the precious stones mentioned in "evelation chapter 21, and )ould that !ou could #et permission from %ourt to let us have the loan of some to see )hat the! are li+e. ( am 'us! )ith a treatise upon the #ospel method of receivin# the sacrament, and althou#h it is a most trou'lesome piece of )or+, !et ( am not

afraid. %hrist lives, and for His sa+e one must not onl! 'e a s)eet savor in them that are saved, as )ell as in them that perish, 'ut also 'e )illin# to 'e slain for Him. ,are)ell, and #reet all at %ourt. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther sends letters from the Lo) %ountries a'out #ood )or+s. April 1L, 1522. -race and peace in the Lord5 ( here)ith send !ou )hat &aco', the $rior of Ant)erp, )ho )as delivered '! a miracle, and is no) )ith us, 'rou#ht me from the Betherlands. ( have received the Be) Testament up to 0t. &ohn/s last sermon, )ith other thin#s. ( fanc! Amsdorf has ans)ered !our in*uiries as to #ood )or+s9 for one sin#le passa#e li#hts up the )hole. An evil tree cannot 'rin# forth #ood fruit. ,or as the fruit can never ma+e a tree #ood, so )or+s can never ma+e a man pious. =n the contrar!, accordin# to the tree, so is necessaril! the fruit9 thus it is after the man is pious that #ood )or+s follo), not that the! ma+e him #ood, 'ut the! prove that he is #ood. 0o )hat the Bi'le sa!s concernin# #ood )or+s must 'e thus understood, that the man does not 'ecome #ood there'!, 'ut that the! testif! he is #ood. Therefore, at the last da! %hrist )ill cite #ood )or+s in proof that those )ho practiced them )ere pious. ,are)ell, and pra! for me. There is nothin# ne) here except the %hancellor of Baden/s 'oo+let a#ainst me, 'ecause ( exposed him for t)istin# m! meanin# to the Bishop of Trier, as !ou are a)are. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO THE BURGHERMASTER AND TO#N COUNCIL OF ALTENBURG

Luther recommends -a'riel I)illin# 3>id!mus4, formerl! Au#ustinian mon+ in 6itten'er#, as preacher in Alten'ur#. April 1 , 1522. .ost excellent -entlemen and ,riends. The #race and peace of -od and m! most )illin# service 'e )ith !ou5 Honored sirs. ( )as #lad to receive !our

letters a'out a pastor, and to see ho) ea#erl! !ou lon# for the 6ord of -od. Therefore ( am most )illin#, and consider it m! dut! to #ive !ou an! assistance and counsel ( can. There is one called -a'riel, no) in >ue'en, )ho is considered an excellent preacher )ith much experience, so ( )ould advise !ou to ta+e him. Bo dou't some feel a sli#ht aversion to him, 'ecause he left the order, and no) #oes a'out in the dress of an ordinar! priest, 'ut it )as )ell that he should come out, so that man! mi#ht have the 'enefit of his ministration, to the edification of their souls. (f !ou do not feel sh! of him on this account, then ( do not +no) ho) ( can advise !ou 'etter. And ( have )ritten him to place himself at !our disposal, so that !ou ma! see him and 1ud#e for !ourselves. But if !ou are not pleased, there are still t)o secular 3)eltliche4 priests here, capa'le men9 so if !our Excellencies let me +no), ( shall help !ou to #et one or other of them. 6ere it possi'le ( )ould rather come to !ou m!self, to satisf! !our ardent lon#in#s, than see !ou at a loss. But if !ou #et -a'riel !ou have no need of me. ( here)ith commit !ou to the #race of -od, )ho can enrich !ou )ith faith and love throu#h His Hol! 6ord. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO GABRIEL "#ILLING
Luther advises him to accept the call to Alten'ur#. April 1 , 1522. -race and merc! from -od our ,ather and the Lord &esus %hrist5 The To)n %ouncil of Alten'ur# as+ed me to recommend an Evan#elical pastor to them9 so if !ou are chosen, accept the call, loo+in# upon it as a call from -od. ,or ( have recommended !ou to them. 0o ( plead in the name of the Lord &esus, )ho throu#h me and $hilip calls !ou to accept it. -o thither in peace, and ma! !ou 'e a 'lessin# to man! thousands. But see that !ou 'ehave in a circumspect manner, #oin# a'out in an orderl! priest/s dress9 and for the sa+e of the )ea+, do a)a! )ith that 'road an#ular monstrosit! of a hat, remem'erin# that !ou are sent to those )ho must still 'e fed )ith mil+Atill the! are freed from the meshes of the $ope9 and this !ou cannot achieve )ithout the 6ord, as ( have often told !ou, and )hich !ou )ill see in the last small 'oo+ ( have issued. The ,ather desires to dra) people to Himself throu#h %hrist, not to coerce them throu#h ordinances of ours. =ne must first instill in them a hatred of all #odless )a!s. Then #odlessness )ill fall a)a! of itself, )ithout compulsion. A love and lon#in# for purit! must first 'e implantedAthen piet! )ill follo), and the +in#dom of heaven )ill suffer violence, and the violent )ill ta+e it '! force. The Lord #ive !ou )isdom and understandin#, that !ou ma! 'e a )orth! servant of His 0on, and ma! He 'less !ou in the proclamation of His 6ord. Amen.

.artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther sends him a specimen of his translation of the Bi'le. .a! 10, 1522. All hail5 ( send !ou the 'e#innin# of our Bi'le, 'ut on no account let it 'e printed. ( am expectin# the precious stones, )hich )e shall ta+e the #reatest care of and faithfull! return. Also pra! as+ Bernard Hirsfeld to petition His Electoral Hi#hness to persuade his %hancellor to remit a certain sum, )hich our $rior is due upon a valua'le possession, and for )hich ( am securit!, till )e can pa! it. And there has 'een no remission of interest. And no) that it is not customar! to 'e# 3for the cloister4, )e are H00 florins a !ear poorer. Here there is nothin# 'ut love and friendship. .a! all prosper )ith !ou, and send a favora'le ans)er. .artin Luther.

TO #EN"EL LINK
Luther presses Lin+ to ta+e up his a'ode in 6itten'er#. &ul! L, 1522. -race and peace5 2ou must either, dearest father, 'e a'le to #ive a #ood reason for +eepin# a)a! from us, or !ou must hate our societ!. ,or )h! sit thereE Both north and south are shut up to !ou, so there is no place )here !ou can 'e more secure or 'etter cared for than )ith us. =r does the reputation of our order fri#hten !ou, and do !ou fear association )ith us 'anished ones, in case of offendin# those )ho seem 'orn to see+ cause of offense in %hristE But come speedil!, for -od/s sa+e, so that )e ma! enlist !ou in the Lord/s service. 6e are )aitin# for !ou9 see that !ou do not turn us into ridicule. 6e )ish !our advice on man! necessar! matters connected )ith our faith, to promote the #eneral )eal. ,are)ell in %hrist. .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther is 'us! translatin# the Be) Testament. &ul! L, 1522. -race and peace in %hrist5 ( hope, dear 0palatin, that !ou have received the -ospel of 0t. .ar+ and the Epistle to the "omans, )ith letters from #ood friends. The -ospel of 0t. Lu+e and the t)o Epistles to the %orinthians )ill soon 'e finished. ( must repl! to the #ro)lin# lion )ho calls himself <in# of En#land. The i#norance the 'oo+ displa!s is not to 'e )ondered at in a ro!al author, 'ut the 'itterness and lies are #i#antic. Ho) 0atan ra#es5 But ( shall em'itter him more. The $icard! people sent to as+ m! advice as to their faith. ( o'1ect to their o'scure )a! of expressin# themselves, instead of usin# 'i'lical phrases. And the! underestimate infant 'aptism, )hile usin# it, and also reA'apti7e some )ho come from us, and teach the seven sacraments. As to their celi'ate priesthood, ( am pleased in so far that the! let ever! one do as he sees fit. But pure doctrine is a rare thin#. 6hether the! hi#hl! esteem faith and )or+s ( do not +no), 'ut am dou'tful of it. ( do not thin+ them )ron# a'out the Lord/s 0upper, unless the! use deceptive )ords, as the! do )ith Baptism. ,are)ell, and pra! for me. ( do )ish !ou )ould tr! to have $hilip set free from teachin# #rammar, and devote himself to theolo#ical lectures. (t is hi#hl! improper, as ( have )ritten, that he should earn one hundred #old #ulden )ith #rammar lessons, )hile he is #ivin# t)o valua'le theolo#ical lectures. 6e have teachers enou#h )ho can #ive #rammar lessons as )ell as $hilip, )ho are 'ein# deprived of the )or+. .a! -od root out all false teachers, so that the mone! ma! 'e 'etter spent. ( hi#hl! commend this Burn'er# $rior to !ou. .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther sends a 'oo+ for his host in the 6art'ur#. 0eptem'er 25, 1522. -race and peace5 ( 'e# of !ou to send this cop! of m! 'oo+ to the &ohn in the re#ion of the 'irds, vi7. to m! host, as ( )ished him to have it 'efore more came. ,or ( am reall! an#r! at the Lotter 'usiness, and am not !et on spea+in# terms )ith him. 2ou )ill see )hat our 6en7el )rites. ( ardentl! desire that the $rince )ould onl! attend to his o)n affairs, and leave me to mana#e 0atan and his hosts. As ( have alread! )ritten, the

heaven )ill not fall althou#h ( fall. (f His -race does not 'elieve this, ( do, and am sure of it. But )h! ma+e so man! )ordsE 6ho does not see that throu#h this present )or+ of -od He has turned their threats into ridiculeE He )ho has done this )ill do so to the end. The )hole 'usiness is conducted at m! ris+, and )ill continue to 'e so conducted. ,are)ell, and pra! for me. -reet our friends. ( am 1ust startin# for Leipsic, 'ecause ( have 'een so often entreated to come. .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther recommends a poor man. =cto'er L, 1522. -race and peace5 ( found !our letter )hen ( returned, dear 0palatin, 'ut the do# had 'itten a piece out of it upon the ta'le, so that ( could not ma+e out the )ords a'out the Lord/s inheritance. But the other part a'out the Lord/s +in#dom and ri#hteousness runs thusF CThe +in#dom of -od is the %hurch of %hrist, )hich must 'e ruled throu#h the 6ord of -od.D CThe +in#dom of -od is ri#hteousness and peace, and 1o! in the Hol! -host.D CThe +in#dom of -od is )ithin !ou.D The ri#hteousness of -od is faith. ,or in the -ree+ one reads clearl!, CThe +in#dom of -od and his ri#hteousness.D 0o let us see+ first the +in#dom of -od, so that the +no)led#e of %hrist ma! 'e spread a'road, and all )orldl! thin#s )ill 'e added thereto, for the la'orer is )orth! of his hire. ( )ould li+e !ou to help this man accordin# to !our a'ilit!, for he seems poor and need!. &ohannes $omeranus is to 'e married shortl!, and )e 'e# !ou to spea+ a #ood )ord for him, that he ma! 'e supplied )ith #ame for the occasion, not onl! on his o)n account, for certainl! he is )orth! of it, 'ut 'ecause of us, his #uests, as to )hom !ou are a'le to 1ud#e )hether )e deserve it or not. 0o tr! to procure some, so that others ma! see that )e are held in some estimation at %ourt, and ma! inspire them )ith hope for the future. 0omethin# definite )ill soon 'e announced as to his lectures. ,or !ou +no) !ourself that he is a stran#er and poor, for )hich reason he should receive more, and )ill certainl! repa! it in the future. =f that ( am certain. ,are)ell. .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN

Luther announces that he preached pu'licl! in 6eimar and Erfurt, and )ill pu'lish an exposition of Hosea Bovem'er H, 1522. ( have no notes of )hat ( preached in 6eimar and Erfurt, and do not re*uire to )rite them, for !ou +no) all alread!, 'ecause ( have tau#ht nothin# 'ut faith and love there ; except that ( )as as+ed in 6eimar to ma+e pu'lic )hat ( had once preached a'out the +in#dom of -od and )orldl! authorities. (t has 'een printed and dedicated to $rince &ohn. The passa#e Hosea 2F1:, C( )ill 'etroth thee unto me in ri#hteousness,D etc., contains simpl! this ; that )e shall one da! 'ecome the 'rides of the #racious, merciful, for#ivin#, and 1ustif!in# -od ; not throu#h )or+s, 'ut '! the #ospel. As to Len#mann and $omeranus, )e shall do )hat )e can. (n the translation of the =ld Testament ( have reached the third 'oo+ of .oses 3Leviticus4. ,or it is incredi'le ho) ( have 'een hindered '! letter)ritin#, 'usiness matters, compan!, and man! other thin#s. Bo) ( shall shut m!self up at home, and hurr!, so as to have .oses in the press '! &anuar!. ,or )e shall pu'lish it separatel!, and after)ards the historic 'oo+s, and lastl! the prophets. ,or the si7e and the price of the 'oo+s compel us to issue them piecemeal. $ra! for me. .artin Luther. $ope Hadrian died. "eformation pro#resses. The first mart!rs, Heinrich ?oes and &ohann Esch, 'urned at Brussels. Birth !ear of the -erman h!mn.

15%TO HER"OG GEORGE OF SA ONY

Her7o# -eor#e as+ed Luther if he reall! )rote to von <ron'er#. Luther admitted he did. &anuar! H, 152H. %ease fumin# a#ainst -od and His %hrist, on account of )hat ( have done, most un#racious $rince5 ( have received !our un#racious document, alon# )ith m! letter to !ou <ron'er#, and have paid particular attention to the part of )hich !ou complain, as in1urin# !our soul, honor, and #ood name. As !ou )ish to +no) the meanin# ( attach to m! )ords, ( ans)er, that it is all one to me ho) !our un#racious Hi#hness ma! ta+e them.

,or, ho)ever ( ma! act or spea+ a#ainst !our un#racious -race, )hether secretl! or openl!, ( consider ( am entitled to do so, and mean to maintain the ri#ht. ,or )ere !ou reall! in earnest, and did not tell so man! lies as to in1urin# !our soul, honor, and #ood name, !ou )ould not slander and persecute the truth so shamefull! as !ou do. And this is not the first time that !ou have mali#ned me, so that ( have more cause to complain of !ou. But ( am silent as to all this, for %hrist commands me to 'e +ind to m! enemies, and hitherto !ou have had m! poor pra!ers and service, and if that 'e treatin# !ou )ith contempt then ( can do no more, nor shall ( 'e fri#htened '! an! )ater 'u''le. But if m! Lord &esus )ill, He can enli#hten the heart of !our most un#racious Hi#hness, and turn !ou into a #racious and +ind $rince to)ards me. .artin Luther.

TO #EN"EL LINK
Luther promises to come to his )eddin#. April 8, 152H. -race and peace5 (, $hilip, the $rovost, >r. Hieron!mus, $ommer, our $rior, and &aco', and also &ames, )ill certainl! come to !our )eddin#, if the Lord )ill. %arlstadt is from home, 'ut Hieron!mus, Trappe, and .eister Lu+as )ill also come. 6hether the )ives of the $rovost and Hieron!mus ma! accompan! them is uncertain. ( heard !esterda! that nine nuns have left cloister Bimpschau, their prison, amon# )hom are the t)o 0essat7ers, and the 0taupit7. .a! !ou prosper )ith !our 'ride. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
Hausmann, li+e Bu#enha#en, had the #ift of %hurch or#ani7ation, and insisted on the insepara'le connection 'et)een doctrine and life. He died )hen preachin# his first sermon in ,rei'er# in 15H8. >eepl! mourned '! Luther. .a! 2L, 152H. -race and peace5 This man returns to !ou, and 'rin#s as much as ( could spare, 'ut insisted upon havin# a letter to !ou. >o then as %hrist teaches. As to the rest ( am )ell in 'od!, 'ut out)ardl! so occupied )ith 'usiness, that m! soul is )ellAni#h *uenched for )ant of time to attend to it.

$ra! that ( ma! not 'e s)allo)ed up '! fleshl! concerns. -reet all our companions in the faith, and ma! !ou prosper in the Lord. .artin Luther.

TO THREE BANISHED YOUNG LADIES

Luther comforts the three ,rei'er# !oun# ladies )ho had 'een 'anished from %ourt for readin# his 'oo+s. &une 18, 152H. To the honored and virtuous Hanna von >rasch)it7, .ilia von =lsnit7, and Grsula von ,eilit7in, m! special friends in %hrist. -race and peace5 Honored ladies. Herr Bicolas vou Amsdorf has told me of !our dis#race 'ecause of m! 'oo+s, and 'e##ed me to )rite !ou a letter of consolation. But althou#h ( do not li+e )ritin# to people ( do not +no), and !ou do not need comfort from me, still ( could not refuse his re*uest. ,irst, ( 'e# !ou, as a friend, to let !our hearts rest in peace, and not )ish evil to those )ho have 'rou#ht this upon !ou, 'ut C'ein# reviled 'less,D as 0t. $aul sa!s. And %hrist sa!s, CBless them that curse !ou,D etc., so do the same, seein# !ou are illumined '! the #race of -od, and the! are 'linded and are in1urin# their o)n souls '! runnin# a#ainst -od, not seein# ho) the! are destro!in# themselves, )hen the! fanc! the! are in1urin# !ou. =nl! )ait and let %hrist mana#e matters. He )ill a'undantl! re*uite !our reproach, and raise !ou even hi#her than !ou desire, if !ou commit !our cause entirel! to Him. And even if !our conscience tell !ou that !ou are in fault, !ou must not despair on that account. ,or it is a precious si#n that -od has so soon led !ou to repentance. And reflect that if even !ou )ished to in1ure them, !ou could accomplish nothin#. ,or it is a sacred matter for )hich !ou suffer, )hich -od )ill permit no one 'ut Himself to reven#e. CHe that toucheth !ou, toucheth the apple of his e!e,D He sa!s. ( fanc! that misera'le 'linded creature, >r. 6olf 0tehlin, is master there, 'ut he )ill 'ecome entan#led in a )a! he does not dream of in other matters. 0o act thus, m! dear sisters, and the peace of -od shall 'e )ith !ou. Amen5 And ta+e m! letter in #ood part. .artin Luther.

TO THE CHRISTIANS IN HOLLAND, BRABANT, AND FLANDERS

Luther/s first poetical effusion )as in honor of the t)o mart!rs Heinrich ?oes and &ohann Esch, Au#ustine mon+s.

&ul! 152H. $raise to the ,ather of mercies for permittin# us ane) to see His marvellous li#ht, )hich has 'een hidden from us 'ecause of our sins. But the time has a#ain come for the voice of the turtle to 'e heard in our land, and the flo)ers to appear on the earth. 6hat a 1o! it is, dear ones, that !ou should !ield us this #reat deli#ht5 ,or to !ou it has 'een #iven, not onl! to confess %hrist, 'ut to 'e the first to endure shame, imprisonment, and reproach for His name/s sa+e, and no) !ou have proved the stren#th of !our faith '! sealin# !our testimon! )ith !our 'lood. And also that %hrist/s t)o precious #ems, Heinrich and &ohann in Brussels, should have held their lives of so little account as to !ield them up to His honor. =h, ho) shamefull! )ere these t)o souls slain, 'ut ho) #loriousl! shall the! reappear )ith %hrist, and 1ud#e them '! )hom the! have 'een unri#hteousl! slau#htered. 6hat pleasure the an#els had in these t)o souls 5 Ho) ea#erl! the fire freed them from this sinful life to open the door into everlastin# #lor!5 -od 'e praised to all eternit! that )e have lived to see hol! mart!rs. 6e up here have not !et 'een esteemed )orth! to 'ecome such a precious offerin# to %hrist, althou#h man! of us have not 'een )ithout persecution, and are still endurin# it. Therefore, )ell 'eloved, let us 'e 1o!ful in %hrist, and render than+s for this #reat miracle )hich He has 'e#un to )or+ amon# us. $ra! for us, and for one another, that )e ma! reach out a helpin# hand to each other, and let all cleave )ith one mind to %hrist our Head, )ho )ill stren#then !ou )ith His #race, and perfect !ou to the honor of His hol! name, to )hom 'e praise from all of us, to all eternit!. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO BARTIME VON STERNBERG

A peculiarl! 'eautiful letter. 0eptem'er 1, 152H. -race and peace in %hrist5 .ost #racious sir. ?incent 6ernsdorfer has persuaded me, a stran#er, to )rite expressin# m! %hristian s!mpath! )ith !ou in !our trial. Therefore ( trust !our Excellenc! )ill #raciousl! appreciate the motives )hich prompt me. He tells me ho), since the departure of !our dear consort to -od, !ou have constantl! occupied !ourself )ith #ood )or+s, particularl! masses, vi#ils, etc., for the repose of her soul, there'! sho)in# !our love and lo!alt! to one )ho, throu#h her life, certainl! merited it9 and he 'e##ed me to )rite !ou ; a re*uest ( could not refuse, as it )as meant for !our Excellenc!/s #ood. 2ou must recall &o'/s )ords, CThe Lord #ave, and the Lord hath ta+en a)a!9 'lessed 'e the name of the Lord5D Thus must !ou sin# to !our lovin#

-od, )ho first 'esto)ed such a faithful )ife upon !ou, and has no) removed her. 0he )as His 'efore He #ave her, and she is still His, even as )e all are ; no) that He has ta+en her. Therefore, althou#h this is a #reat #rief, that He has recalled His o)n, still the heart can find s)eeter consolation in His most perfect )ill than in all His #ifts ; so to fulfill His )ill is somethin# hi#her than to possess the 'est and no'lest )ife. Althou#h one cannot feel this to 'e so, still faith does perceive it. Therefore ma! -od #ive !ou #race to 'e 1o!ful, and ac*uiesce in the rich exchan#e !ou have made, havin# no), instead of a tender lovin# )ife, the )ill of a tender lovin# -od ; and -od Himself in addition. =h ho) 'lessed )ould )e 'e if )e could #o on, ma+in# such exchan#es )ith -od5 And )e could do this if )e understood ho). ,or -od meets us dail!, 'ut )e are not read! to )elcome Him. And ( )ould 'e# of !ou, #racious sir, to cease from masses, vi#ils, and dail! pra!ers for her soul. (t is sufficient if !our Excellenc! pra! once or t)ice for her, for )e are told that if )e 'elieve )e shall receive )hat )e pra! for. =ther)ise, if )e al)a!s as+ for one thin#, it is a si#n )e do not 'elieve -od, and thus an#er Him more throu#h un'elievin# pra!er. But ( particularl! 'e# !ou )ould leave off the vi#ils and masses for the soul, for it is most displeasin# to -od, there 'ein# neither realit! nor faith in them, 'ut a mere mummer!. =h, people must pra! other)ise if the! )ish an!thin# from -od. -od ridicules such vi#ils ; primaril!, 'ecause -od did not institute the mass for the dead, 'ut as a sacrament for the livin#, and it is a dreadful thin# for man to presume, )ithout -od/s permission, to turn a sacrament for the livin# into a sacrifice for the dead. Be)are of 'ecomin# a partner in this terri'le error, )hich the priests and mon+s have instituted for the sa+e of their 'ellies. ,or a %hristian must do nothin# that -od has not commanded, and there is no command as to such masses and vi#ils, 'ut it is solel! their o)n invention, )hich 'rin#s in mone!, )ithout helpin# either livin# or dead. 2our Excellenc! can inform !ourself as to all these thin#s '! appl!in# to the 'efore ; mentioned 6ernsdorfer, )ho has a deep interest in !ou, impellin# me to )rite !ouS .a! %hrist illuminate and stren#then !ou in %hristian faith and love to)ards !our nei#h'ors. 2our Excellenc!/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS GERBEL
Luther as+s if ,rancis Lam'ert )ould 'e li+el! to find a livin# in 0trass'ur#. >ecem'er L, 152H.

-race and peace5 Althou#h this letter ma! 'e useless, m! 'eloved -er'el, ( must )rite, as ( heard !ou )ere in 0trass'ur# at present. 6e have a ,renchman )ith us 1ust no), ,rancis Lam'ert, )ho )as a preacher amon# the apostolic .inorites, as the! call them, and he has ta+en a )ife here, and thin+s he )ould 'e 'etter off nearer ,rance, and )ill not 'e advised, 'ein# so full of his o)n affairs. ( 'elieve there are man! )ith !ou not too prosperous, )ho feel more inclined to come here, than )e have people )ishin# to #o to !ou. But if ( am to have an! peace ( must do him this favor. Therefore pra! sa! if there is an! prospect of him earnin# sufficient to live upon. He is alread! prett! )ell versed in the Bi'le, althou#h not up to our Barna'as and $aul. He hopes later to put m! )ritin#s into ,rench in order to ma+e mone! on ,rench soil. =ur $rince often presents him )ith silver mone!, and this !ear he has fleeced him of fort! ducats. (f !ou do not repl!, neither of us shall have an! peace. 0o !ou can see )hat ( suffer from such people )ho, throu#h me, 'ecome a 'urden to m! #ood friends. .a! !ou live prosperousl! )ith !our )ife. .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther expresses disli+e of the famous or infamous Thomas .un7er. >ecem'er 2@, 152H. ( 'e##ed the official of AltA0tadt to 'e)are of .un7er/s spirit of prophec!. 6hat has happened meantime ( do not +no), 'ut ( cannot endure such a spirit, )hoever the man ma! 'e. He lauds m! doctrine, and !et tries to tear it to 'its. Then he tal+s and pra!s in such an insipid manner, usin# such unscriptural expressions, that an! one )ould fanc! he )as mad or drun+en. He insists upon an intervie) )ith me, and 'oasts 'e!ond measure. ( therefore 'e##ed the official to arran#e a meetin# )ith him, to discuss his teachin#. ( do not +no) if he )ill mana#e it. 6e are not of such a spirit that he need fear havin# his teachin# put to the test. ,are)ell, and pra! for me. .artin Luther.

TO JOHANN HESSE
Luther approves of Hesse/s Latin paraphrasin# of Ecclesiastes. This, the real 'irthA!ear of %hurch h!mnar!, mostl! founded on the $salms.

OBo date.R -race and peace5 Accept m! #reetin#, thou preacher of Ecclesiastes, 'ut see that !ou and he preach the same thin#. ,or ( too )ill hear his voice in !ou, and certainl! read it. 0o send us !our %ommentar! upon this 'oo+. (t is desira'le that it should 'e translated into the mother ton#ue9 therefore ( ta+e the opportunit! of admonishin# !ou to this, in advance, that )hen the spirit moves !ou to the )or+ !ou ma! let me +no) at once. ( sa) the man !ou sent me. (t is no ne) thin#, that man! should )ish to ma+e the #ospel a source of profit. (n )as so in 0t. $aul/s da!s, and ho) much more in ours5 ,reedom is re#arded as a cloa+ for evil. But there is =ne )ho )ill speedil! 1ud#e them. ,are)ell, and pra! for me. .artin Luther. ,irst -erman H!mnABoo+ appeared. $easants/ 6ar. Luther more distressed '! this, and the distur'ances caused in 6itten'er# '! the fanatics, than '! %harles ?. declarin# that the Edict of 6orms should 'e enforced.

15%.
TO LAMBERT THORN
The Au#ustinian mon+, Thorn, suffered a mart!r/s death in the Betherlands. &anuar! 1:, 152L. -race and peace5 %hrist, )ho is )ith !ou, m! dear 'rother, 'ears )itness )ithin me that !ou need no comfort from me. ,or He suffers, and is #lorified9 He is captive and rei#ns9 He suffers violence, and !et triumphs 'oth in and )ith !ou, havin# made !ou 1ust and hol!, throu#h the +no)led#e of Himself, )hich is hidden from the )orld, 'ut )hich He has so richl! 'esto)ed upon !ou. There'! !ou are not onl! stren#thened in)ardl! '! His 0pirit in !our affliction, 'ut '! the example of the t)o 'rothers, Heinrich and &ohann. Both !ou and the! have 'een a #reat comfort to me, and a s)eet savor to all %hristendom, and a #lorious ornament to the #ospel of %hrist. 6ho +no)s )h! the Lord did not permit !ou to perish )ith themE $erhaps He spared !ou that He mi#ht do some mi#ht! )or+ throu#h !ou. This encoura#es me much, that the faithful 0avior has not onl! permitted me to come to the +no)led#e of His truth, 'ut has allo)ed me to see His #race flourishin# so #loriousl! in !ou three. ( mi#ht deem this a misfortune, for it )as ( )ho first 'rou#ht this teachin# ; for confessin# )hich these t)o )ere 'urned, and !ou no) sit in captivit!

; to the li#ht of da!. ( fear ( shall not 'e counted )orth! to suffer such tri'ulation as !ou three for %hrist/s sa+e. Bevertheless, ( shall comfort m!self thus ; that !our 'onds are m! 'onds, !our prison m! prison, and !our fire m! fire. (n addition, ( shall preach, and openl! confess, 'efore the #odless )orld, princes and an#els, the 6ord for )hich these t)o )ere 'urned and !ou sit in captivit!, and 'ecause of )hich ( 'oth suffer and re1oice )ith !ou. But the Lord &esus, )ho has 'e#un the #ood )or+ in !ou, )ill perform it until the da! of His #lorious appearin#. But pra! for me, as ( do for !ou, and remem'er !ou do not suffer alone, 'ut He )ho sa!s, C( )ill 'e )ith him in trou'le9 he shall call upon me, and ( )ill ans)er himF ( )ill set him on hi#h, 'ecause he hath +no)n m! name,D suffers )ith !ou. =nl! )ait upon Him )ho has said, C(n the )orld !e shall have tri'ulation, 'ut 'e of #ood cheer, ( have overcome the )orld.D >o not dispute )ith 0atan, 'ut turn !our e!es to the Lord. Be firml! rooted upon the pure faith, and never dou't that )e shall 'e 1ustified and sanctified throu#h the precious 'lood of %hrist, the spotless Lam' of -od. =ur )or+s can as little ma+e the man ri#hteous, as the! can 'e mista+en for %hrist/s 'lood ; neither can the! condemn us or la! sin to our char#e. -od 'e praised, in our Elector/s land )e have peace. The >u+e of Bavaria and the Bishop of Trier cause man! to 'e slain, and 'anish some. There are other 'ishops and princes )ho are not 'loodhounds, althou#h the! )orr! their people throu#h threats, and do them much in1ur!. 0o %hrist is a#ain despised of the people, )hose mem'er !ou no) are, throu#h the hol! callin# of our ,ather in heaven, and ma! He perfect this call in !ou, to His honor and #lor!. Amen. All our people #reet !ou, especiall! &aco' $raepositus, and the 'rethren from Ant)erp, etc. The! commend themselves to !our pra!ers. .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE BRUCK, CHANCELLOR OF SA ONY

A marria#e case. Luther complains of the unrul! %arlstadt. &anuar! H0, 152L. -race and peace5 .ost excellent Herr %hancellor. .. 6olf#an# has told me of the sad separation case. The man accuses his )ife of )ic+ed desertion, declarin# he can prove he is 'lameless. But he has not done so as !et, so one must act accordin# to .atthe) 18, as the man has hitherto 'een too modest to prove his )ife/s #uilt in her presence, or 'rin# for)ard the testimon! of the )hole to)n that she left her hus'and )ithout cause. ,or it is not ri#ht to condemn her unheard, or )ithout havin# convicted her of #uilt. (t seems AE#idius of Erfurt onl! heard part of the matter, and then #ave his opinion, )hich is even more contrar! to the #ospel than to la). (n the

next place, 'est of men, pra! su'mit the follo)in# to !our $rince at m! re*uest. %arlstadt has set up a printin#Apress at &ena in order to print )hat he pleases, desirin# to indul#e his )ea+ness for teachin# )here he is not )anted, and maintainin# a persistent silence )here he has a call to act. Althou#h this cannot do much in1ur! to our ministerium, still it is apt to 'rin# dishonor upon our $rince and Gniversit!, as 'oth have promised that nothin# should 'e pu'lished )ithout censorship '! proper parties. 0eein# the $rince and )e have +ept the 'ar#ain, %arlstadt and his adherents cannot 'e allo)ed in the $rince/s land to emancipate themselves from all authorit!. 6ould the $rince, therefore, order him to send an! )or+ to an! censor he pleases, or suppress his underta+in#, so that )e ma! not come into 'ad odor throu#h 'rea+in# our promiseE ,are)ell in the Lord, and #ive m! respects to the $rince. .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
The first evan#elical h!mnA'oo+ appeared this sprin# in 6itten'er#, containin# ei#ht h!mns ; four '! Luther. CAus tiefer Both schrei ich 7u >irD 3$salm 1H04 )as in this collection. ,e'ruar! 2H, 152L. -race and peace5 ( )rite, dear 0palatin, onl! 'ecause ( )ished to )rite !ou. ,or !ou are sittin# at Burn'er# as still as if !ou )ere in "ome, so that )e do not +no) )hether !ou ma! not all 'e sound asleep, some)here. ( #ot a letter from !ou lon# a#o, 'ut no) all is so *uiet that )e do not +no) )hether to expect a $ope or a >iet. But '! Easter )e expect that the princes )ill 'e so stirred up '! their priests and father confessors that as a )orth! )a! of cele'ratin# the sacrament of the Lord &esus the! )ill 'e#in a fresh persecution of the #ospel. ( am )aitin# to hear if !ou have put some of the $salms into metre as ( su##ested. Ever!thin# #oes )ell here. The translation of &o' #ives us immense trou'le on account of its exalted lan#ua#e, )hich seems to suffer even more, under our attempts to translate it, than &o' did under the consolations of his friends, and seems to prefer to lie amon# the ashes. Evidentl! the author never )ished it to 'e translated. .ean)hile this hinders the printin# of the third part of the Bi'le. >o )rite and let us +no) )hat is #oin# on in the )orld. .a! all #o )ell )ith !ou, and pra! for me. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR /FREDERICK OF SA ONY

Luther )ishes .elanchthon to 'e set apart to expound the Hol! 0criptures. .arch 2H, 152L. -race and peace in %hrist5 .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, etc. >ou'tless !our -race +no)s that '! the #race of -od )e have man! promisin# !ouths amon# us, from distant lands, all thirstin# for the 6ord of -od, )hile endurin# man! hardships, some livin# merel! on 'read and )ater. Bo) ( have 'een ur#in# .. $hilip to lecture on the Hol! 0criptures, 'ecause he is so much 'etter *ualified to do so than (. ,or althou#h ( )ould #ladl! do it, it )ould necessitate m! #ivin# up the translation of the Bi'le into -erman. But )henever )e plead )ith him to do so ; the )hole Gniversit! desirin# it ; he defends himself thus, that he )as appointed and is paid '! !our -race to teach -ree+, and must do so. Therefore ( am re*uested '! all to 'e# !our Electoral -race, for the sa+e of the dear !oun# people, and for the furtherance of -od/s 6ord, to see if it 'e not possi'le to have his salar! directed for the exposition of the Hol! 0criptures, as there are man! !oun# people *ualified to teach -ree+9 and it is not seeml! that his time should 'e ta+en up )ith elementar! teachin#, )hile hi#her )or+, )hich mi#ht produce much fruit, and could not 'e repaid )ith mone!, 'e left undone. 6ould )e had more )ho )ere thus fitted to lecture, for, alas, there are enou#h )ho thin+ themselves a'le, and occup! the place of others, 'ecause the! happen to 'e there. But the time )ill come, as )as formerl! the case, )hen such )or+, no matter ho) un)illin#l!, must 'e left undone for the )ant of the ri#ht people to do it. Hence )e must no) train people )hile )e can, and do our utmost for our successors, and if it 'e !our -race/s #ood pleasure, ( 'e# !ou to 'ind over the said $hilip to lecture on the Bi'le, even if he re*uire a lar#er salar! to do so. ( commend !our Electoral -race to the tender mercies of -od. Amen. 2our -race/s o'edient servant, .artin Luther.

TO ERASMUS OF ROTTERDAM
Luther turns lovin#l! to Erasmus, and for#ives him for his )ant of coura#e in espousin# his cause. April 152L. -race and peace from our Lord &esus %hrist5 ( have remained silent lon# enou#h, dear Herr Erasmus, )aitin# till !ou, as the #reater and elder, should

'rea+ the silence, 'ut havin# )aited so lon# in vain, charit! impels me to ta+e up m! pen. ( do not reproach !ou for havin# +ept aloof from us, +no)in# !ou did not )ish to complicate the cause !ou )ere maintainin# a#ainst m! enemies the $apists. And ( even have not ta+en it #reatl! amiss, that in order to conciliate the favor of some, or insti#ate the fur! of others, !ou have issued pamphlets in )hich !ou attac+ us )ith a 'itterness )e did not expect from !ou. ,or )e perceive that !ou have not 'een endued '! -od )ith such steadfastness and coura#e that !ou can confidentl! #o for)ard )ith us to com'at this monstrosit! ; hence )e do not expect )hat is 'e!ond !our a'ilit! to render. But )e have 'orne !our )ea+ness patientl!, and hi#hl! appreciated !our #ifts. ,or the )hole )orld must confess that it is throu#h !ou there has 'een such a revival in letters, throu#h )hich people have #ot access to the Bi'le in its purit!, and that !ou possess #reat and #lorious talents, for )hich )e must ever 'e #rateful. Hence ( have never )ished !ou to min#le in our affairs, to the detriment of !our #ifts9 for althou#h !our common sense and elo*uence mi#ht accomplish much, still, if !ou do not heartil! enter into it, it is 'etter that !ou should onl! serve -od )ith the talent committed to !ou. But ( fear our enemies mi#ht persuade !ou to condemn our doctrine, and then )e )ould have to contradict !ou to the face. 6e have hitherto prevented some enterin# into conflict )ith !ou throu#h their )ritin#s, therefore ( )ished that Hutten/s challen#e had not appeared, and still less !our 0ch)amm, )hich, )ithout dou't, !ou have learned for !ourself. Ho) eas! it is to tal+ of modest!, and 'lame Luther for )ant of it9 and, on the other hand, ho) difficult, na!, impossi'le it is to act accordin#l!, except throu#h a special #ift of the 0pirit. (f (, )ho am easil! moved to )rath, have often in the heat of the moment )ritten too 'itin#l! 3'ei7end 4, ( have onl! done it to stu''orn people. And ( can testif! that m! tenderness to)ards the #odless, no matter ho) un1ust and stupid the! ma! 'e, has not onl! the testimon! of m! o)n conscience, 'ut has 'een experienced '! man!. Gp till no) ( have held m! pen in chec+, in spite of !our conduct to)ards me, and have also )ritten to friends, that ( )ould restrain m!self till !ou attac+ed me openl!. ,or althou#h !ou )ere not of us, and re1ected some of the principal points pertainin# to everlastin# 'lessedness, or h!pocriticall! refused to #ive !our opinion on the matter, still ( shall not accuse !ou of o'stinac!. 6hat am ( to doE The 'usiness is a 'ad one on 'oth sides. (f ( 'e mediator, ( )ould as+ these people to #ive up assailin# !ou, and permit !ou, at !our advanced a#e, to fall asleep in peace in the Lord. The! )ould do this if the! considered !our )ea+ness and the ma#nitude of the *uestion at sta+e, )hich is far a'ove !our head. But !ou, too, dear Erasmus, must remem'er their )ea+ness, and not practice !our po)ers of sarcasm on them, and )here !ou cannot or dare not espouse our opinions, then leave them alone, patientl! a)aitin# the success of !our cause. ( sa! all this, excellent Herr Erasmus, to prove m! earnest )ish that the Lord ma! #ive !ou a mind )orth! of !our #reat name, and if He dela! doin# this, ( 'e# of !ou onl! to 'e a spectator of our tra#ed!, and not unite )ith our opponents, nor )rite a#ainst me, seein# ( shall not pu'lish an!thin# a#ainst !ou. As to those )ho complain of sufferin# 'ecause of

Luther, remem'er the! are men, even as !ou and (, upon )hom )e should have compassion, 'earin# one another/s 'urdens. There has 'een more than enou#h 'ac+'itin#, so )e must see that )e are not devoured one of another. This )ould 'e a most pitia'le spectacle, as on neither side is an! one reall! at heart an enem! of the #ospel of %hrist. Ta+e m! childAli+e simplicit! in #ood part, and ma! !ou prosper in the Lord. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO JOHANN OECOLAMPADIUS
Luther expresses satisfaction at the decision of the %ouncil at Basle a#ainst the Bishop/s vicar. April 152L. -race and peace5 ( have nothin# to )rite, dear 'rother, except to #reet !ou, and commend m!self to !our pra!ers. &oachim, our trusted friend, )ill tell !ou ever!thin#. ( do not +no) )hether $hilip )ill come to us )ith the accused, )hom ( should li+e to see. ( have )ritten Erasmus, expressin# a desire for peace and unit!, so that this melanchol! spectacle ma! come to an end, and !ou )ill do !our 'est to achieve this. 6e have had enou#h of disputin#, and 'oth of us have lost our tempers, so it is hi#h time that %hrist should come to the rescue, and compel 0atan to ma+e )a! for the Hol! -host. The decision of the %ouncil and ma#istrates of Basle a#ainst the Bishop/s vicar has deli#hted me 'e!ond measure. And pra! for me. ,are)ell in the Lord. .artin Luther.

TO JACOB STRAUSS, PREACHER IN EISENACH

Luther no) 'e#ins to interest himself in education. April 25, 152L. -race and peace5 2ou must not ima#ine, 'est of men, that ( have not the hi#hest opinion of !ou9 for, ( +no), throu#h the #lorious po)er of the #ospel, that )e have 'een raised a'ove ever!thin# else ( 'eseech !ou to la!

to heart the instruction of the !oun#9 for the #ospel is threatened )ith untold evils throu#h ne#lectin# this dut!. (t is one of the most important duties. -reet 0chal' and 0chultetus in m! name. ( )ould have )ritten them, 'ut it is incredi'le ho) ( am over)helmed )ith all sorts of )or+, scarcel! 'ein# a'le to overta+e m! correspondence, not to mention other thin#s. The #lo'e seems to rest on m! head, so that ( )ish either to die or 'e 'orne a)a! from the )orld, in order not to 'e *uite annihilated. -reet !our )ife and child, and smile s)eetl! upon them in m! name. Bear )ith !our )ea+ health, as is seeml!, seein# !ou are in -od/s hand. $ra! for poor me, and fare)ell. 0t. .ar+/s >a!, )ithout cele'rations or procession. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS GERBEL
Luther re1oices that the #ospel is dominant in 0trass'ur#. .a! @, 152L. -race and peace in the Lord5 Althou#h ( have nothin# to sa!, dear -er'el, ( could not let the messen#er leave )ithout sendin# love to the 'rethren in the Lord, and commendin# m!self to !our pra!ers. ,or ( hear that the 6ord of -od prevails )ith !ou. 6ith us, the more hindrances that are put in its )a! the more it spreads. (t has no) reached .a#de'ur# and Bremen, and )ill soon 'e in Bruns)ic+, ( hope, as $rince Henr!, )ho )as once its 'itter enem!, is no) a chan#ed man. 0atan has founded another sect amon# us, )ho are neither ac+no)led#ed '! the $apists nor '! our o)n people. The! 'oast that the! are animated '! celestial spirits, and are independent of the )itness of the 0pirit )ithin them. ,rom this )e ma! perceive that our )ord is the 6ord of -od, for it suffers not onl! from violence, 'ut from fresh heresies. .a! -od #rant !ou and !our loved ones health. -reet all in the Lord. .artin Luther.

TO #OLFGANG CAPITO
Luther denies that Bucer and he are not friendl!, etc. %apito )as $raepositus in 0t. Thomas/s %hurch, 0trass'ur#. .a! 25, 152L.

-race and peace in the Lord5 (f !ou and Bucer did not so persistentl! declare that some people said !our actions )ere condemned '! us, and that )e differed entirel! in opinion from !ou, ( )ould attri'ute this to !our )ea+ness and 1ealous! on account of our silence9 for the letter )hich the 'rothers 'rou#ht three da!s a#o declared the same thin#. But seein# %hrist rei#ns in !ou, !ou have nothin# to fear, althou#h our opinions mi#ht differ from !ours, or that )e should despise those !ou hold. 0till, it is almost un'eara'le for me to hear that our differences have 'een the topic of conversation, especiall! )hen such perfect unanimit! of spirit rei#ns amon# us. This is speciall! tr!in# to me, for ( #ladl! conceal and overloo+, as much as ( can, an! difference of opinion amon# ourselves9 hence ho) much less dare ( put up )ith these suspicions )hich are thro)n upon our %hristianit! and spiritual peaceE Therefore, if ( )ere not so much occupied, ( )ould, throu#h the pu'lic press, expose such lies, and prove that in the thin#s pertainin# to %hrist )e are at one. ( am deli#hted to hear of the marria#es of the priests, mon+s, and nuns amon# !ou9 and that the former are no) hus'ands in defiance of 0atan, and am pleased )hen the! #et livin#s. 6hat more shall ( sa!E Am sorr! ( have heard nothin# further of !ou. -o on and prosper, for all 'ear )itness to !our )onderful teachin#9 the people 'ein# struc+ do)n under it amid the enemies of the <in#. ( thin+, hitherto, too much consideration has 'een allo)ed for the )ea+9 so, as the! are dail! 'ecomin# more hardened, one must spea+ plainl! to them. ,or some da! ( shall cast aside the co)l, )hich ( have hitherto )orn, to stren#then the )ea+, and turn the $ope into ridicule. The! are 'lind leaders of the 'lind. ( 'elieve the report of our dissensions has arisen out of m! letters to !ou translated into -erman. (t is enou#h to terrif! me from )ritin# )hen the! are immediatel! 'orne a)a! to the printers a#ainst m! )ill9 for amon# close friends one )rites more confidentiall! than it )ould 'e advisa'le to spread a'road. But then !ou )ere a different man, and a courtier, )hile no) !ou are %hrist/s freeman, and a servant of the #ospel, and 'elon#in# to me, and ( to !ou. -reet .. Bucer from me in %hrist, )ith his dear )ife and children, and all the recentl! made hus'ands, especiall! Hedio. =ur %hurch #reets !ou. -race 'e )ith !ou. .artin Luther. $.0. ; $lease apolo#i7e to Bucer and the others for not ans)erin# their letters. ( shall )rite )hen ( have time.

TO JOHANN OECOLAMPADIUS
Luther praises him for havin# *uitted the mon+ish life. &une 20, 152L.

-race and peace in %hrist5 ( 'e# !ou, dearest =Ecolampadius, not to ascri'e m! not )ritin# to !ou to in#ratitude or sloth9 for ( have not heard from !ou since !ou *uitted !our order, and fancied that since %hrist had stren#thened !our heart throu#h the po)er of the 0pirit, !ou had overcome !our superstitious conscience, and )ere no) too #reat to )rite me, or need a letter from me. Trul!, ( hi#hl! approve of the praise)orth! step !ou have ta+en, and $hilip never ceases spea+in# of !ou, and re1oices that !ou +eep him in remem'rance. .a! the Lord stren#then !ou in !our #reat underta+in# ; the exposition of (saiah ; althou#h ( +no) Erasmus ta+es no pleasure therein. But do not let his displeasure distur' !ou. He has performed the tas+ to )hich he )as called ; he has reinstated the ancient lan#ua#es, thus defraudin# #odless learnin# of their cro)ds of admirers. $erhaps, li+e .oses, he )ill die in the land of .oa', for he is po)erless to #uide men to those hi#her studies )hich lead to divine 'lessedness. ( re1oiced )hen he ceased expoundin# the 0criptures9 for he )as not e*ual to the tas+. He has done enou#h in exposin# the evils of the %hurch, 'ut cannot remed! them, or point the )a! to the promised land. Ta+e m! prolixit! in #ood part. ( +no) !ou do not need m! consolation, for %hrist )ill not forsa+e !ou. $ra! for me, for ( am so occupied )ith out)ard thin#s that m! health is in as #reat dan#er of 'ein# in1ured as m! spirit. The mon+s and nuns )ho have left their cloisters ro' me of man! hours, for ( am expected to find homes for them all, etc. ,are)ell, dear =Ecolampadius. The #race of %hrist 'e )ith !ou5 -reet all )ho are of one mind )ith us. .artin Luther.

TO HIERONYMUS BAUMGARTNER, NURNBERG

A !oun# patrician, )ho studied at 6itten'er#. =cto'er 12, 152L. -race and peace in the Lord5 ( must as+ !our services, dear Hieron!mus, on 'ehalf of this poor !oun# man, -re#orius <eser. He )ishes to settle, and as+ed me to introduce him to some one in Burn'er#. Althou#h ( could not #ive him much hope, for ( +no) ever! place is full, still ( 'ade him -odA speed, in -od/s name, )ho feeds the ravens. .oreover, if !ou intend marr!in# <atherine vou Bora, ma+e haste 'efore she is #iven to some one else, for %. -lat7, pastor in =rlamunde, is read! )aitin#. 0he has not !et #ot over her love for !ou. ( )ish that !ou t)o )ere married. ,are)ell. .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther dissuades 0palatin from leavin# the %ourt, and resi#nin# his post, unless he )ishes to marr!. Bovem'er H0, 152L. -race and peace5 As !ou as+ m! advice as to leavin# %ourt, dear 0palatin, ( )ould sa!F 2ou have perhaps cause to do so, 'ut unless !ou have some other reason for #ivin# up !our post, the )ron#doin# of others does not 1ustif! !our doin# it, if it 'e not the idea of marria#e, )hich is drivin# !ou a)a!9 and ( can thin+ of nothin# else, especiall! as !ou are so at home at %ourt, and so useful to man! princes9 and if some one else #ot !our situation, ho) much he )ould have to learn5 And even if !our )ish )ere accomplished, it )ould 'e lon# 'efore the $rince could have the same confidence in an! other, !ou havin# 'een so lon# )ith him. Therefore remain, leavin# onl! to marr!. ( fanc! !ou are su'stitutin# another reason for the true one, 'ut ( see no o'1ect in this, for it must 'ecome pu'lic )hen it ta+es place. 2ou can than+ Ar#ula von 0taupit7 for )hat she )rites a'out marr!in#. ( cannot )onder at people #ossipin# a'out me )hen the! do it a'out others. But tell her from me that ( am in the hands of the Lord, as His creature, )hose heart He can turn )hither He )ill. But accordin# to m! present frame of mind ( have no intention of marr!in#, not that ( am insensi'le to the emotions of the flesh, 'ein# neither )ood nor stone, 'ut 'ecause ( have no desire to, and dail! expect to die a heretic/s death. Ho)ever, ( shall not limit the po)er of the Lord )or+in# in me, nor depend on the sta'ilit! of m! o)n heart. But ( hope He )ill soon ta+e me a)a!. ,are)ell, and pra! for me. .artin Luther.

TO KATHERINE SCHUT"IN
Luther con#ratulates this excellent lad! on her marria#e to the famous preacher, .atthe) Iell, in 0trass'ur#. >ecem'er 1 , 152L. To the virtuous <atherine 0chut7in, m! dear sister in %hrist, 0trass'ur#. -race and peace5 .! dear friend. ( )ish !ou 1o! in havin# so richl! received the #race of -od, so that !ou not onl! 'ehold His +in#dom 3)hich is hidden from so man!4, 'ut that He has #iven !ou such a hus'and, from )hom !ou can learn

all that is #ood. ( )ish !ou #race and stren#th to en1o! this #ood #ift )ith #ratitude till that da! comes )hen )e shall all meet and re1oice to#ether, if -od )ill. $ra! for me, and #reet !our lord Herr .atthe) Iell from me. ( commit !ou to -od. .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther sends specimen of ne) edition of the Be) Testament, and 'e#s for an income for Bu#enha#en. 152L. -race and peace5 Here !ou have the )hole of the Be) Testament for !ourself and the Elector, except the preface to the "omans, )hich )ill 'e read! tomorro). ( also send a cop! to the !oun# $rince 3&ohn ,rederic+4, )hich !ou ma! praise to !our heart/s content. Lu+as %ranach and %hristian counsel this. ( fanc! 6olf#an# 0tein has alread! sent one for the old $rince 3&ohann4. And ( hope !ou )ill underta+e to persuade the Elector to 'esto) one of the 'ursaries, or stipends, on &ohann $omeranus, )hich )as so 'adl! 'esto)ed upon the sophist9 for, next to $hilip, he is the first theolo#ical lecturer in the to)n, indeed, in the )hole )orld. ( am most anxious to +eep him here, for it is said ; and it is true ; the! )ish to have him in Erfurt, and )ho +no)s ho) lon# ( ma! 'e allo)ed to remain5 .ore of this a#ain. ,are)ell, and pra! for me. .artin Luther. (n this !ear ,rederic+ the 6ise died in the 'osom of the "oman %atholic %hurch. &ohn the 0teadfast )as a )arm friend to Luther. Luther finishes lecturin# on >euteronom!. Luther married in &une. $easant revolt.

15%5
TO JOHN BRISMANN, KONIGSBERG
Luther sent Brismann to <oni#s'er# to promote the "eformation in $russia, )hich he did. &anuar! 11, 1525.

-race and peace in the Lord5 (t is the letterAcarrier/s fault, m! Brismann, that !ou have not heard from me, and ( almost lost this chance also. %arlstadt, )ho is *uite #iven over to the devil, ra#es a#ainst me, havin# issued various )ritin#s full of poison. He, )ith his follo)ers, denies that the 'od! and 'lood of %hrist are present in the 0acrament. ( am read! to confute him, althou#h throu#h artifice, as he has led man! astra! in different places. ( shall ans)er Erasmus as soon as ( have leisure. That Amand has forsa+en our part! does not #rieve me9 perhaps ( am rather #lad, as he seems to 'e animated )ith %arlstadt/s spirit. =ur Henr! von Iutphen, the Bremen evan#elist, )as han#ed and 'urned )ith cruel fanaticism in >ietmarschen. These prophets/ tur'ulent doin#s prevent me #ettin# on )ith m! >euteronom!. All else pursues its ever!da! course. 6e have received the hi#hl! esteemed $eter 6eller )ith 1o!. Thomas .un7er is meanderin# a'out, uncertain )here to settle. He made a dan#erous distur'ance in .uhlhausen. The prophets are increasin# steadil!, a trial for true 'elievers. The $apists re1oice over our differences, 'ut -od )ill expose %arlstadt in His o)n time. ,or it seems as if %arlstadt despaired of 'ecomin# a parta+er of %hrist/s +in#dom, and has cast himself a)a!, in order to plun#e man! others into destruction, and )ith a #reat follo)in# hurr! on to hell, )hich he has 'een actuall! heard to declare. $ra! for me, and remem'er me )ith the hi#hest esteem to Herr Bishop. ( am much occupied, and over and a'ove am a prisoner throu#h a 'urnin# a'scess on the thi#h. $erhaps !ou do not !et +no) that Anna -ras)it7inn vou 0ausselit7, )ith three others, Bar'ara Bec+en'er#, %atherine Tau'enheim, and .ar#aretha Iirstorf, have escaped from their prison. The first of these remained here, and married Hans 0cheide)ind. 0he desires me to send !ou her compliments. Her7o# -eor#e himself undertoo+ to visit the cloister, and seein# the a'omina'le excesses, at once 'anished the 'rothers, fathers, 'ride#rooms, or rather relations of those no'le ladies, from the place. ,are)ell. .artin Luther.

TO THE ABBOT FRIEDRICH OF NURNBERG

Luther con#ratulates him on his marria#e. &anuar! 1 , 1525 -race and peace5 ( have dela!ed )ishin# !ou happiness on !our marria#e, esteemed sir, and am sure !ou 'elieved ( had cause for this, and ( had. ( have 'een ill, and had 'oo+s to pu'lish, letters to )rite, friends to help, etc.,

and, in addition, the thin#s most nearl! concernin# the house and %hurch ; not to spea+ of the )orries caused '! 0atan and m! enemies. But ( have remem'ered !ou in m! pra!ers, and re1oiced over !our happiness, and trust !ou ma! receive much 'lessin# in this estate ordained of -od, and therefore see clearl! that it has 'een instituted '! Him )ho )ill maintain it to His o)n #lor!. ,or )here )ere the +in#doms and rulers of the )orld )hen Adam and the patriarchs lived simpl! as married menE ,or ho) man! +in#doms have come and #one since then, and marria#e continues over allE Therefore, than+ -od for 'esto)in# this privile#e upon !ou, and conductin# !ou out of the storm! 'illo)s into the haven, and from the )orld into $aradise. (n such a relation there ma! 'e trou'le in the flesh at times, as 0t. $aul sa!s, 'ut there is consolation of the spirit, and, as 0olomon sa!s, he )ill receive 1o! from the Lord. And )h! are the po)ers that 'e so averse to marria#eE (s it not 'ecause the! dread the trou'les )hich ma! ensueE The )orld is co)ardl! enou#h to avoid it for that reason, 'ut '! and '! the! )ill most surel! experience that evil in themselves )hich the! al)a!s considered peculiar to matrimon!. .a! %hrist #ive us a 'etter spirit, and ena'le us to overcome tri'ulation, disre#ardin# dra)'ac+s, 'ecause of the man! 'enefits it 'rin#s )ith it. .an! so love a little #lor! or )orldl! advanta#e that the! are insensi'le to the countless evils of celi'ac!. The! resem'le the soldier )ho is so prodi#al of his life, !et pri7es a #olden #ulden more than his temporal and spiritual )elfare. 0o let us en1o! present 'lessin#s, that )hen misfortune comes )e ma! consider it a 'lessin# in dis#uise. .! pen runs a)a! )ith me )hen ( extol -od/s )or+s. .a! the Lord 'less !ou, and ever remem'er me in pra!er. -ive m! +indest re#ards to !our ,rederi+a, 'ut in Latin9 the rest she )ill understand for herself. 6ritten in #reat haste at supper, so for#ive me if ( have eaten too much, or 'een too prolixS .artin Luther.

TO FREDERICK MYCONIUS IN GOTHA

This letter acted li+e the de) of the mornin# on his friend. .a! H, 1525. -race and peace in %hrist, )ho has said, C(n the )orld !e shall have tri'ulation9 'ut in me !e shall have peace. Be of #ood cheer9 ( have overcome the )orld.D ( )rite this to !ou, dear ,rederic+, as one stran#er to another, 'ecause ( )ould #ladl! share )ith !ou all the consolation ( en1o! in %hrist. 0o, seein# that %hrist has overcome the )orld, then all )hich is done, except '! Him, is mere out)ard sho)9 and the victor! is His alone, and His

)ill 'e the #lor!, )hen the )orld )ith all its pomp has passed a)a!. Bo one )ho 'elieves in %hrist can reall! dou't this. ( pra! Him to counsel !ou )ith His 0pirit, and stren#then !ou and !ours '! His Almi#ht! po)er. $ersevere, dear ,rederic+, in the Lord. -reet and admonish m! Basil in the Lord. .artin Luther.

TO THE MAGISTRATES OF DANT"IC

0o earl! as 1518 the ne) teachin# )as proclaimed in >ant7ic, and &ohannes <nade, preacher in the .arien %hurch, married that !ear. Luther )rote of the C)onderousD thin#s %hrist had done in >ant7icD in 1521. .a! 5, 1525 -race and peace throu#h %hrist our 0avior5 Honored dear sirs and friends. (n accordance )ith !our re*uest ( have done m! 'est to send !ou an a'le preacher. But it )as not to 'e that !ou )ere to have &ohann $omeranus, for )hom !ou as+ed, and )hom ( )ould have #ladl! sent to !ou. But our con#re#ation here )ould not part )ith him, )ishin# to retain such as he to train others )ho ma! do #ood service in other to)ns. 0o ( send .. .ichael Hanlein, an excellent and learned man, )hose e*ual ( do not +no), and hope that !ou )ill cherish him, and li+e him the 'etter the lon#er !ou +no) him. ( commend him to !our tender care and )isdom, seein# that he leaves us to #o into a stran#e land. And ( hope !ou )ill attend to his 'odil! comforts in a %hristian manner, as %hrist and 0t. $aul so often inculcate, CThe! )hich minister a'out hol! thin#s live of the thin#s of the temple,D and CThe! )hich preach the #ospel should live of the #ospel.D ( 'eseech !ou also, m! dear sirs and friends, do and suffer ever!thin# in order to preserve peace amon# !ourselves, and to prevent fanatics #ettin# in amon# !ou, )ho, alas, have done much mischief amon# us in Borth -erman!, as !our Excellencies ma! perhaps have heard. (f there 'e an!thin# to alter or destro!, such as pictures, or )hatever it ma! 'e, see that it ta+e place throu#h an order from the %ouncil, and do not let the mo' attac+ them, )hich has happened else)here, and )hich has led to the ma#istrac! 'ein# held in contempt, )hom -od commands to 'e feared and honored. But in particular, see that !ou are not tau#ht to 'ear rule accordin# to the la) of .oses, and still less accordin# to the #ospel, )hich is a spiritual la), and must 'e +ept entirel! apart from a )orldl! #overnment, and proclaimed throu#h the mouths of the preachers. And no one must 'e coerced in spiritual matters, each exercisin# his o)n free )ill as to )hat he shall 'elieve9 for, it is not the s)ord )hich must 'ear rule here, 'ut the spirit of -od. ( have discussed all these matters )ith !our pastor, Herr .ichael, )ho )ill instruct !ou, and )hom !ou must o'e!. (

commend !ou to -od, )ho )ill stren#then and prosper !ou, to His praise and honor. .artin Luther.

TO JOHN FREDERICK OF SA ONY, CALLED THE MAGNANIMOUS

Letter of consolation on the death of his uncle, ,rederic+ the 6ise. .a! 15, 1525. -race and peace in %hrist5 ( must tr! to console !our -race )hen the Almi#ht! has so tried us9 for )e have not onl! lost peace in the land, 'ut also our head, of )hom )e stand #reatl! in need at present. -od is )onderful in His )or+in#, sendin# at once misfortune, and then removin# it, so that )e ma! stren#then ourselves in Him, sin#in# )ith %hrist in the $salter, C( am desolate and afflicted.D But )e must remain steadfast. (t is impossi'le the old Adam should not suffer throu#h all this, 'ein# too )ea+ to 'ear the trial, 'ut the inner man finds comfort in -od/s )ords that He is ni#h unto those that are of a 'ro+en heart. There can 'e no other consolation than -od/s 6ord, )hich 'ids us trust and call upon Him in all our afflictionF C%all upon me in the da! of trou'le, and ( )ill deliver thee,D etc.9 and a#ain, C( )ill 'e )ith him in trou'le9 ( )ill deliver and honor him,D and such li+e s)eet lovin# )ords, of )hich the $salms are full. And, indeed, our $rince/s death has nothin# mournful in it in itself, for it seems as if -od had ta+en him a)a!, li+e <in# &osiah, from the evil in the )orld, 'ecause he ruled in a peacea'le, *uiet )a!, deservin# his name C,riedrichD 3peace4. And one re1oices )hen such peaceAlovin# souls are not forced to live on amid such confusion, )hich )ould #rieve us more than to see his last da!s passed amid )ar. 0till it is a #reat affliction, and )e hope -od )ill a'undantl! compensate us for the #reat loss. Amen. ( have tried to prove m! devotion in this letter, althou#h ( 'elieve !our -race is too firml! rooted in %hrist to need an! encoura#ement from me, and ( pra! as time passes there ma! 'e even less need of it. ( here)ith commend m!self to !our -race. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN OF SA ONY, SURNAMED THE STEADFAST

The first -erman $rince )ho died in the Evan#elical faith. .a! 15, 1525 -race and peace in %hrist5 0erene $rince. (f a'le to )rite at all ( have #ood cause to do so, seein# the Almi#ht!/ has ta+en our #racious lord, !our -race/s 'rother, from us in such tr!in# times, leavin# us to mourn his loss, )hich falls heaviest upon !ou, so that )ith the $salmist !ou ma! exclaim, C(nnumera'leD evils have compassed me a'outF the! are more than the hairs of m! head9 therefore m! heart faileth me.D But -od is faithful, and does not let His )rath rest on those )ho trust in Him, 'ut inspires them )ith coura#e, ena'lin# them a#ain to exclaim )ith the $salmist, CThe Lord hath chastened me soreF 'ut he hath not #iven me over unto deathD9 and once more, C.an! are the afflictions of the ri#hteousF 'ut the Lord delivereth him out of them all.D And %hrist Himself sa!sF C(n the )orld !e shall have tri'ulationF 'ut 'e of #ood cheer9 ( have overcome the )orld.D This is the school in )hich -od chastens His people, and teaches them to trust Him, so that their confidence ma! not al)a!s hover on the ton#ue, 'ut in the heart. 2our Electoral -race is most surel! in this school also, and dou'tless -od has removed the head in order that He Himself ma! ta+e His place, and teach !ou to derive stren#th and consolation solel! from His #oodness and po)er, )hich is far a'ove all human love and consolation. ( have hurriedl! )ritten all this to comfort !ou. .a! !ou #raciousl! receive it, and deli#ht !ourself more and more in the $salter and the Hol! 0criptures, )hich are full of all sorts of consolation. ( here)ith commit !ou to -od. 2our Electoral -race/s o'edient, .artin Luther.

TO JOHN RUHEL
Luther/s 'rotherAinAla), a la)!er in .ansfield. The peasant insurrection endan#ered the "eformation more than an!thin# else had ever done. A'out the Elector/s death. .a! 15, 1525. To the learned &ohn "uhel, m! #ood, +ind 'rotherAinAla). -od/s #race and peace5 ( than+ !ou, dear sir, for !our last ne)s, )hich ( )as #lad to hear, especiall! a'out .un7er. ( should li+e to hear ho) he )as ta+en prisoner, and ho) he 'ehaved, for it is )ell to +no) ho) such hau#ht! spirits act. That the poor creature should 'e so treated is pitia'le. But )hat can )e doE and it is -od/s )ill that fear should 'e instilled into the people. (f this )ere not done, then 0atan )ould do even more mischief. The one misfortune is prefera'le to the other. (t is the 1ud#ment of -od. He )ho ta+es the s)ord shall perish '! the s)ord. 0o it is a consolation that this

spirit should 'e made manifest, to let the peasants see ho) 'adl! the! have acted, and perhaps the! ma! cease plottin# and improve. >o not ta+e all this so to heart, for it ma! 'e for the #ood of man! souls, )ho, throu#h fear, ma! desist. .! #racious lord, the Elector, died 'et)een five and six on the da! ( left !ou, 1ust as the! )ere desolatin# =sterhausen. He passed *uietl! a)a!, retainin# his senses to the last, havin# parta+en of the sacrament in 'oth forms, 'ut )ithout extreme unction. His funeral )as a most imposin# si#ht, althou#h )e performed no masses or vi#ils over him. 0ome stones )ere found in his lun#s, and three else)here, )hich )as stran#e 0o he reall! died of stone. He did not +no) much a'out the insurrection9 'ut )rote to his 'rother, $rince &ohn, that he must use ever! means to pacif! the people 'efore he resorted to arms. His )as a %hristAli+e and 'lessed death. The si#ns of his death )ere a rain'o) )hich $hilip and ( sa) one ni#ht last )inter over the Lochau, and a child )as 'orn here in 6itten'er# )ithout a head. ( here)ith commit !ou to -od, and #reet !our vine 3Hansre'en 4 )ith her fruit 3Trau'en 4. Also comfort %hristofel .einhardt, and 'e# him to suffer the )ill of -od, )hich can onl! promote our hi#hest )elfare, althou#h )e are not !et a)are of it. Bo) is the time to +eep *uiet and let -od act, and soon )e shall see peace. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther/s marria#e had reall! ta+en place on 1Hth &une. He no) invites 0palatin to the )eddin# feast. &une 1@, 1525 -race and peace5 >o not for#et, dear 0palatin, that m! marria#e )ill 'e on 6ednesda!, and the #reat 'an*uet at midAda!. Therefore see that the #ame does not arrive too late, 'ut let us have it in time, '! tomorro) evenin#, if possi'le. ,or ( )ish the )hole entertainment to 'e over in one da!. ( )rite this to !ou, for L. <oppe did not #ather from m! letter that !ou )ere not in the same position. ,are)ell. .artin Luther.

TO LEONHARDT KOPPE OF TORGAU

(t )as <oppe )ho rescued the nine nuns from the cloister near -rimma, amon# )hom )as <atherine von Bora. &une 1 , 1525. -race and peace in %hrist5 ( )ish !ou to read this ver! depressin# letter, honored sir, to see if !ou +no) of no one )ho could help in this matter, for it is too much to expect one in !our hi#h position to do so. (f !ou +no) of none, then return the letter, so that ( ma! see+ help else)here, for ( am *uite unhapp! a'out the t)o children. .ost )orth! ,ather $rior, !ou +no) )hat has happened to me, vi7. that the nun that )ith -od/s help !ou carried off from the nunner! t)o !ears a#o is nevertheless returnin# to the cloister, not this time, ho)ever, to ta+e the veil, 'ut as the honored )ife of >r. Luther, )ho, up till no), has lived alone in the old empt! monaster! of 0t. Au#ustine at 6itten'er#. 0o pra! come to m! homeAcomin#, )hich is on the Tuesda! after 0t. &ohn/s festival, 'ut )ithout an! )eddin# present. .artin Luther.

TO JOHANN VON DOLT"IG, ELECTORAL CHANCELLOR.

(nvitation to feast and re*uest for #ame )hich the Elector sent throu#h 0palatin. &une 21, 1525. To the excellent &ohann >olt7i#. .! #racious lord and #ood friend5 >ou'tless the outcr! has reached !our ears that ( have actuall! ventured to enter the married state. Althou#h m! chan#e of condition seems ver! stran#e to m!self, 'ein# as !et scarcel! a'le to 'elieve it, still the fact is attested '! so man! honored )itnesses that ( must 'elieve it to 'e true, and in order to put the seal of certaint! upon it, ( am #ivin# a collation next Tuesda!, and expect m! father and mother and other #ood friends 3Lin+ of Alten'ur#, Amsdorf of .a#de'ur#, "uhel from Thurin#en, .uller from .ansfeld, <oppe from Tor#au, 0palatin, etc. etc.4. Therefore ( 'e# of !ou, in a friendl! manner, if it 'e not 'urdensome to !ou, to see that )e are supplied )ith #ame, and to 'e present !ourself, to help to imprint )ith 1o! the seal upon the transaction, and all that appertaineth thereto. ( here)ith commit !ou to -od. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO KING HENRY VIII. OF ENGLAND

This letter )as )ritten '! re*uest of the fu#itive <in# %hristian of >enmar+. 0eptem'er 1, 1525. -race and peace in %hrist our Lord5 .ost 0erene <in#. Althou#h ( mi#ht )ell fear to )rite !our .a1est!, havin# deepl! offended !ou throu#h m! little 'oo+ hurriedl! )ritten at the insti#ation of people unfriendl! to !our "o!al Hi#hness, still ( am impelled to do so '! !our natural #oodness of heart, )hich ( hear dail! praised, and also +no)in# that !our .a1est!, 'ein# a)are he is mortal, )ill not +eep an und!in# enmit!, and over and a'ove, ( am informed '! trust)orth! people that the little 'oo+ a#ainst me, so far 'eneath the di#nit! of the <in# of En#land, issued under !our .a1est!/s name, )as not reall! )ritten '! !ou, as those craft! sophists dare affirm. The! surel! do not +no) the dan#er of thus dishonorin# !our ro!al name, and 'rin#in# into notice that monstrosit!, hated of 'oth -od and man, the %ardinal of E'orac+, the destro!er of !our .a1est!/s +in#dom. And throu#h shame ( can scarcel! raise m! e!es to)ards !ou for havin# 'een s)a!ed '! such )ic+ed people a#ainst so mi#ht! a potentate, compared to )hom ( am a ver! )orm. ,urther, contempti'le as ( am, still ( am prompted to )rite, 'ecause !our .a1est! )as )ell disposed to the #ospel to 'e#in )ith, )hich ne)s )as a ver! evan#elium to m! heart, that is, tidin#s of #reat 1o!. Therefore, ( thro) m!self at !our .a1est!/s feet )ith m! )ritin#s, entreatin# for#iveness for the sa+e of %hrist/s sufferin#s, and to 'e told ho) ( have offended !ou, even as %hrist commanded us to for#ive one another. And in the next place, if !our .a1est! 'e a#reea'le, ( shall issue another 'oo+ to the honor of !our name in contradiction of the last. ,or, althou#h ( am a mere no'od! compared to !our .a1est!, still ( feel it )ould 'e no in1ur! to the #ospel, nor to the #lor! of -od, )ere ( to )rite on #ospel su'1ects to His "o!al -race of En#land. -od #rant that He ma! perfect in !ou the #ood )or+ He has 'e#un, so that !ou ma! o'e! the #ospel )ith all !our heart, and shut !our ears to those poisonous ton#ues and softAspo+en h!pocrites )ho decr! Luther as a heretic. But rather sa!, C6hat ill can Luther teach )hen he onl! maintains that )e attain to everlastin# 'lessedness throu#h faith in the 0on of -od, )ho suffered, died, and rose a#ain for us, as the -ospels and apostles/ )ritin#s testif! ED ,or this is the corner ; stone of m! doctrine, after )hich ( teach 'rotherl! love and o'edience to the po)ers that 'e, and crucifixion of the flesh, as %hrist tau#ht. 0o )hat is )ron# in such doctrinesE =ne must )ait and listen, and then 1ud#e. 6h! should ( 'e condemned )ithout 'ein# refutedE ( )ould also punish the t!rann! of the 'ishops, )ho t)ist the articles of our %hristian faith, meantime strivin# after dividends, pomp, sensualit! ; na!, even +in#doms, principalities, etc., ; so that no one can )onder that even the common man sees and condemns it. Let them repent, that the! ma! not 'e hated and punished. 2our .a1est! must see for !ourself ho) man! $rinces in -erman!, as )ell as to)n councils, and hi#hl! intellectual people, are un)illin#, -od 'e

praised, to permit the #ospel doctrines )hich ( have 'rou#ht to li#ht to 'e condemned. 6ould to -od that %hrist ma! class !ou amon# this num'er. (s it an! )onder that the Emperor and some $rinces ra#e a#ainst meE 3 $salm 2F24. (s it not almost a miracle )hen a +in# or prince loves the #ospelE =h, ho) ( lon# to 'e a'le to re1oice over such a miracle in !our .a1est!5 6ould that -od, 'efore )hom ( )rite this, )ould endue m! )ords )ith po)er, so that the <in# of En#land ma!, ere lon#, 'ecome a devoted disciple of the Lord %hrist and a confessor of the #ospel, and also Luther/s most #racious lord. Amen. (f it please !our .a1est!, ( a)ait a favora'le ans)er. 2our .a1est!/s o'edient, .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN OF SA ONY

Luther 'e#s the Elector to espouse the cause of the Gniversit!. 0eptem'er 15, 1525 To m! most #racious lord, etc. -race and peace in %hrist5 Althou#h ( )ith others have entire confidence in !our Electoral -race/s #racious promise re#ardin# our Gniversit!, !et )e cannot 'ut see ho) its fulfillment is 'ein# hindered throu#h man! needful thin#s, especiall! the >iet, therefore ( )ould hum'l! 'e# !ou to send either >olt7i# or some one else, or #ive directions in )ritin# that matters here should 'e in*uired into ; for man! classes have #one do)n, )hile others are unpaid ; the teachers havin# #one a)a!, so that it )ill soon 'e impossi'le to +eep those #oin# that remain. ,or the treasur! is empt!, hence lon#er dela! )ill 'e fatal. ( felt ( could not +eep !our -race in i#norance of all this. ( 'elieve the Gniversit! intends )ritin# !our -race itself. ( commit !ou to -od. 2our -race/s o'edient, .artin Luther.

AN ADMONITION TO THE PRINTERS IN NURNBERG

0eptem'er 2@, 1525. -race and peace5 6hat is all this, dear sirs, that one should openl! ro' and steal )hat 'elon#s to the other, thus ruinin# one anotherE Have !ou no) 'ecome street ro''ers and thievesE =r do !ou reall! ima#ine that -od )ill

'less and cause !ou to prosper throu#h such +naver!E ( have #one on )ith the postils up till Easter, )hen the! )ere secretl! a'stracted from the printin#Apress '! the compositor, )ho maintains himself '! the s)eat of our 'ro), and )ho himself conve!ed m! )ritin#s to !our most estima'le to)n, )here the! )ere hurriedl! printed and sold 'efore the )hole )as finished, to the #reat detriment of all concerned. But ( )ould even have put up )ith all this in1ur!, had the! not treated m! 'oo+s as the! did ; printin# them so hurriedl! and falsel! ; that )hen the! reach m! hands ( scarcel! +no) them to 'e mine. 0ome 'its are left out, here the! are displaced, there falsified, and other parts not corrected. And the! have learned the art of )ritin# 6itten'er# on the top of some )hich have never seen 6itten'er#. This is do)nri#ht +naver!. 0o let ever! one 'e)are of the postils for the six 0a''aths, and let them sin+ into o'livion, for ( do not ac+no)led#e them as mine. Therefore ta+e )arnin#, m! dear printers, )ho thus steal and ro'. =ther to)ns on the "hine ; 0trass'ur#, etc., do not do this9 and even if the! did, it )ould not harm us so9 for their pu'lications do not reach us in the same )a! as !ours do, 'ein# so much nearer. ,or !ou +no) )hat 0t. $aul sa!s to the ThessaloniansF CThat no man #o 'e!ond and defraud his 'rother in an! matter, 'ecause that the Lord is the aven#er of all such.D =ne da! !ou )ill experience this. 0hould not a %hristian out of 'rotherl! love )ait for a month or t)o 'efore he copies his )or+E 6e have put up )ith this till it has 'ecome un'eara'le, and has prevented us #oin# on )ith the printin# of the prophets, as )e do not )ish to see them spoiled, so #reed and env! are dela!in# the spread of the >ivine 6ord, and the fault lies at !our door. (ndul#e !our #reed as much as !ou )ill, till )e -ermans are called 'rutes, 'ut pra! do not do so in the name of -od. The 1ud#ment )ill most surel! descend. .a! 'etter times soon come. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO LEONHARDT BEIER
Luther as+s Beier/s intercession for a dau#hter. =cto'er 8, 1525. -race and peace in %hrist 5 Amon# the other maidens )ho latel! escaped from the cloister, and )ho are sta!in# )ith me, is a certain -ertrude von .!len, )hose mother or #randmother lives 'eside !ou in -u'en, to )hom she )rites '! this messen#er. Bo) it is !our dut! to admonish her to receive her dau#hter or #randAdau#hter, or if she refuse to do so, ( shall see to her trousseau, )hich mi#ht perhaps after)ards offend her. ,are)ell, and pra! for me. .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
,our !oun# no'lemen, )ho 'lamed Luther for their sister/s escape from their convent, )ere l!in# in )ait to murder him. Bovem'er 11, 1525 >ear 0palatin ; -ladl! )ould ( 'e present at !our )eddin# to re1oice )ith !ou, 'ut a hindrance has come in the )a!, )hich ( cannot overcome, vi7. the tears of m! )ife, )ho 'elieves !ou )ould 'e deepl! #rieved )ere m! life imperilled. 0he has a presentiment that m! life is in dan#er, havin# dreamed last ni#ht that murderers )ere loo+in# out for me on the )a!. ( thin+ this not unli+el!, since ( hear that the rescue of the ,rei'er# nuns has roused the )rath of the no'les in Her7o# -eor#e/s lands. Althou#h )ell a)are that, )herever ( ma! 'e, ( am under the Almi#ht!/s protection, )ithout )hom not a hair of m! head can 'e in1ured, still ( am full of pit! for m! dear <athie, )ho )ould 'e halfAdead )ith anxiet! 'efore ( returned. 0o do not #rieve that ( cannot 'e )ith !ou on the occasion of !our )eddin#. .a! -od/s #race and 'lessin# rest on !ou. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN

Luther, at the Elector/s re*uest, #ives his opinion as to ho) the %hurch livin#s should 'e visited and maintained. Bovem'er H0, 1525. -od/s #race and peace in %hrist5 .ost 0erene Hi#h'orn $rince. 2our Electoral -race has replied to m! letter as to a #eneral visitation of the %hurch livin#s. Bo), ( never meant that all the funds for their support should come out of !our -race/s treasur!9 'ut 'ein# as+ed for m! opinion, ( hum'l! venture to su##est that !ou should order all the churches in !our dominions to 'e visited9 and )here the people desire Evan#elical preachers, and the funds are una'le to maintain them, let them receive so much !earl!, either from the to)n council or else)here. ,or )hen the people desire pastors, it is !our -race/s dut! to see the! re)ard them9 for Cthe )or+man is )orth! of his hire,D as the -ospels sa!. This visitation mi#ht 'e arran#ed '! !our -race dividin# !our domains into five parts, and sendin# t)o visitors either from the no'ilit! or the officials to each part, to examine those livin#s, and find out )hat is necessar! for the pastors9 and then arran#e that so much of the !earl! taxation 'e set aside to au#ment their incomes. But if this )ere too much trou'le and expense to !our -race, then !ou could summon the citi7ens of certain to)ns and discuss the matter. =nl! do )hat seems 'est in !our e!es. Also, one must consider the old pastors, and )here these are pious men, and not disinclined to the #ospel, the! ma! 'e allo)ed to read the -ospels,

alon# )ith the postils, themselves to the people 3)hen the! are not *ualified to preach4, thus ministerin# instruction to their floc+s, so that the! ma! 'e o'li#ed to maintain them9 for it )ould 'e )ron# to e1ect those )ho have 'een lon# in office, )ho are friendl! to the #ospel, )ithout compensation. ( have ta+en the li'ert! of pointin# out those thin#s at !ou Electoral -race/s re*uest. ( commit !ou to -od. Amen. 2our Electoral -race/s hum'le servant, .artin Luther. At the >iet of 0pe!er the Evan#elical $rinces ran#ed themselves for the first time as adherents of the ne) doctrines, and it )as a#reed that Cin reli#ious matters each 0tate shall live, #overn, and 'ehave itself as it shall ans)er to -od and His (mperial .a1est!.D 0palatin and A#ricola preached re#ularl! 'efore the Elector in his o)n house at 0pe!er.

15%6
TO LEONHARDT BEIER
%oncernin# -ertrude von .!len. &anuar! :, 152@. -race and peace in %hrist5 ( am deli#hted and approve hi#hl! of !our intention to marr! -ertrude von .!len, if -od #ives her to !ou. 2ou have m! 'est )ishes for !our success. ( prefer her in man! )a!s to her companions. Therefore ( compl! )ith !our re*uest to )rite her mother. .a! the Lord #ive His 'lessin#. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN OF SA ONY

A'out .elanchthon/s salar!. ,e'ruar! :, 152@. -race and peace in %hrist5 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, .ost -racious Lord. (n the reAor#ani7ation of the Gniversit! !our -race ordered that .elanchthon should have 200 #ulden a !ear as salar!. Bo) the man 3.ensch 4 o'1ects to accept so much )hen he cannot underta+e )ith a clear

conscience to expound the 0criptures dail!. (t is useless m! spea+in# to him, for he declares !our -race expects him to lecture re#ularl!. Therefore ( hum'l! 'e# !ou to let him +no) that !ou )ill 'e satisfied if he help )ith the theolo#ical lectures and disputations as 'efore, even should it 'e onl! once a )ee+. ,or even should !our -race present him )ith this salar! for a !ear or t)o, he is )ell )orth! of it. ,or he expounded the 0criptures )ith #reat success for a'out t)o !ears )ithout an! salar!, and perhaps to his in1ur!. ( am most anxious to have the Bi'le spread a'road here, for it is 'ein# ea#erl! in*uired after from all directions. ( here)ith commend !ou to -od. .artin Luther.

TO JOHANN AGRICOLA
Teacher in Eisle'en, died as %ourt preacher in Berlin 155@. =ecolampadius and I)in#li refuted. Jueen of >enmar+/s death. ,e'ruar! 18, 152@. -race and peace5 Althou#h ( have reall! nothin# to )rite a'out, still ( )ish to #reet !ou and !our )ife, dear A#ricola9 for !ou must no) +no) )hat !ou as+ed a'out in !our letter, vi7. fresh heresies. .a! -od convert them5 ,or the most learned men in 0)a'ia have )ritten a#ainst =Ecolampadius and I)in#li, and the 'oo+ has 'een printed here. ( fear the! )ill not 'e pleased no) )ith )hat the! )ere so proud of 'efore. The one heres! has #iven rise to five different sects, all of )hom 'elieve the same thin#9 'ut for different reasons, the! )ill soon disappear. Jueen Eli7a'eth ; the consort of the <in# of >enmar+ ; has passed a)a!, as <in# %hristian himself has )ritten. But she departed 1o!ful in the faith, after receivin# the Hol! %ommunion in a trul! %hristian fashion, inspite of the efforts to ma+e her return to the $apal faith. But %hrist evidentl! )ished to have a *ueen in heaven for once. $ra! remem'er the ro!al children/s tutor 3Hofmeister4 in !our pra!ers, and #reet !our Elsie and all 'elon#in# to !ou. .! <athie also respectfull! #reets !ou all, and al)a!s holds !ou in esteem. 6ishin# !ou the 'est of health. .artin Luther.

TO FREDERICK MYCONIUS OF GOTHA

(n &une of this !ear an Evan#elical alliance )as si#ned in Tor#au, the Elector &ohn and his heir 'ein# present. .arch or April 152@.

-race and peace5 As =s)ald !our viceA'ur#herAmaster is al)a!s travellin# 'ac+ and for)ard to !ou, dear ,rederic+, ( )ished to send !ou m! love. ,or ( am full of 1o! )hen ( hear of !our )ellA'ein#, and that the 6ord of -od is ta+in# effect amon# !ou. Than+ -od )e are )ell, 'ut ( commend m!self to !our pra!ers that %hrist ma! not suffer us to 'e overcome of temptation. 2ou )ill perceive ho) 0atan is at present ra#in# amon# the %atholic priests, and )e hear the #odless 'ishops are conspirin# to#ether, and $hilip )rites that in &ena the! are threatenin# me )ith )ar. Therefore, exhort the people to 'e steadfast in the faith, and pra! earnestl! to -od to overcome the 6ic+ed =ne, so that peace ma! 'e maintained. ,rom )hat ( hear ( see plainl! that it is necessar! to 'e constantl! in pra!er, for 0atan is up to some mischief. Therefore, pra! call the people/s attention to this ver! )ei#ht! matter to convince them that the! are in the #reatest dan#er9 'ein# suspended 'et)een unsheathed s)ords and the fur! of 0atan. .a! !ou 'e sustained throu#h the #race and po)er of -od. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO JOHANN AGRICOLA
.a! 11, 152@. To m! 'rother in the Lord, &ohn -ric+el, in Eisle'en. -race and peace5 ( send !ou this cr!stal #o'let mounted )ith tin 'efore it #ets another o)ner, for m! <athie has a #reat fanc! for it. ( am pleased )ith !our estimate of Erasmus, and still more )ith that of the head of !our educational esta'lishment. Thus, even in those tr!in# times one hears somethin# cheerin#. 2our 6enall, the schoolmaster, )ill soon start from Halle to !ou. ( have )ritten him enclosin# !our letter. (nvite him to !our house, for !ou +no) he merits this. Tell !our Eli7a'eth, if she does not alread! +no) it, that >r. >rache is no) married, and that 0!rus has come here )ith similar intentions. .a! !ou +eep )ell, and pra! for me. .artin Luther.

TO HER"OG JOHN FREDERICK OF SA ONY

$etition for retired pastor. .a! 1L, 152@. -race and peace5 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, .ost -racious Lord. The 'earer of this letter, Herr Bi#and, #ave up the livin# of 6altershausen to the %ouncil, as the result of an arran#ement )ith !our -race that he should receive thirt! florins !earl! from the church funds. Bo), it seems he does not #et this mone!9 pro'a'l! 'ecause the %ouncil cannot #et it out of the livin#. But !our -race )ill learn the true reason. .eantime, the poor old man must run to and fro for his maintenance. 0o, as he is m! schoolmaster, it is m! dut! to render him all honor, therefore ( hum'l! plead that !ou )ill not permit him to lie out of the mone!, 'ut )ill #raciousl! help him to #et it, to prevent him #oin# a'e##in# in his old a#e. ( here)ith commit !ou to -od. Amen. 2our -race/s o'edient servant, .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
A'out a teacher. Luther 'us! )ith Ha''a+u+. &une 2, 152@. -race and peace in the Lord5 The maiden, Hanna, )ho )as here has returned to her people, so the school is vacant. $erhaps she did not feel e*ual to the duties, so left. But at present )e +no) of no one so )ell educated and fit for the post. $hilip )ould have 'rou#ht the $rophet Ha''a+u+ )ith him, 'ut it )ill not 'e read! for ei#ht da!s. There is nothin# ne) at present except that our to)n is 'ein# fortified, althou#h )e +no) of no enem!. .! )ife, &onas, and the rector 3%ruci#er4 #reet !ou, as )ell as the others. .! <athie is devoted to !our memor! on account of the handsome #lass !ou sent her. ,are)ell, dearest Bicolas. .artin Luther.

TO JOHANN RUHEL
Luther announces the 'irth of his son. &une 8, 152@.

-race and peace5 ( here)ith send !ou the $salter, dear Herr >octor and BrotherAinAla), and shall proceed )ith the $salms )ith all m! mi#ht. 6ill !ou sa! to .. Eisle'en 3A#ricola4 from me that m! dear <athie presented me )ith a Hans Luther !esterda! at t)o o/cloc+, and then he )ill not marvel that ( send this messa#e, for at this time of da! he )ill +no) )hat it is to have sons. -reet !our dear )ife from me, and Eisle'en/s Elsie. ( here)ith commit !ou to -od. Amen. ( must stop, for the sic+ <athie is callin# for me. .artin Luther.

TO JOHANN AGRIOLA
The >iet of 0pe!er closed 2 th Au#ust, )here the foundations of the -erman Evan#elical %hurch )ere laid. 0eptem'er 20, 152@. -race and peace5 ( )rite !ou, m! excellent &ohannes, merel! to sa! ( have nothin# special to )rite a'out, as $hilip, a livin# epistle, is )ith !ou. ( )as #lad he )ent to let the people see of ho) much importance such thin#s are, and that )e are loo+in# after these in earnest. -od #rant that !our olive 'ranches ma! thrive. -reet Elsie and !our superiors, as )ell as inferiors, also !our Anna and $hilip. >o let us have some more of those 'erries, for m! <athie li+es them #reatl!, also ,rau E'er. -ive m! respects to %ount Al'recht if !ou have the opportunit!. -reet >r. &ohann "uhel and his )ife, %onrad the scri'e, and &ohann >urer. ( no) than+ the last for the fur coat5 ( have 1ust received it. (t is far too expensive. ( shall )rite him. ,are)ell to all in the Lord. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
A'out his literar! )or+. =cto'er 1L, 152@. -race and peace5 ( have nothin# ne), dear Bicolas, to send !ou, for the little 'oo+ a'out )ar is not throu#h the press !et. ( intend 'e#innin# Iechariah after Ha''a+u+ and &onah are finished.

Ecclesiastes #ives us an immense deal of trou'le, 1ust as if he did not )ish to 'e read, and !et )as compelled to su'mit. (t has 'een much too lon# in o'scurit!. 2ou are ri#ht in sa!in# the )orld is #oin# to ruin. But ( hope the da! of the comin# of the -reat -od is approachin#, for )e hear onl! of fires, murders, and fur! over all. .a! all #o )ell )ith !ou, and pra! for me. .artin Luther.

TO MARIA, 0UEEN OF HUNGARY

0ister of %harles ?. Her hus'and fell fi#htin# a#ainst the Tur+s in Au#ust. Luther dedicated $salms H ,@2, :L, and 10: to her. Bovem'er 1, 152@. To Her 0erene Hi#hness ,rau .aria, 'orn Jueen of 0pain, Jueen of Hun#ar! and Bohemia. .! most #racious lad!5 -race and comfort from -od our ,ather and the Lord &esus %hrist5 .ost #racious *ueen. ( determined, at the insti#ation of some pious people, to dedicate those four $salms to !our .a1est! as an exhortation, 1o!full!, to maintain and further -od/s Hol! 6ord in Hun#ar!9 for ( received the #ood ne)s that !our "o!al Hi#hness )as inclined to)ards the #ospel, 'ut that #odless 'ishops, )ho have all the po)er in Hun#ar!, tried to hinder it spreadin# and turn !ou a)a! from it. Also, that the! have shed innocent 'lood, and set themselves in arra! a#ainst the truth of -od. But seein#, alas, that the matter has ta+en another turn throu#h the providence of -od, and the Tur+ has caused so much miser! '! sla!in# that no'le !oun# monarch <in# Lud)i#, !our .a1est!/s 'eloved hus'and, ( no) re#ard thin#s other)ise. Had the 'ishops allo)ed the #ospel to spread, all the )orld )ould have declared that these evils came upon Hun#ar! 'ecause of the Lutheran heres!, and )hat a scandal that )ould have 'een5 6e shall see )hom the! )ill no) 'lame, for -od has mercifull! prevented such an accusation 'ein# made. 0t. $aul )rites that the Hol! 0criptures )ere )ritten for our learnin#, that )e, throu#h patience and comfort of the 0pirit, mi#ht have hope, so ( have pu'lished these $salms to comfort !our "o!al Hi#hness 3)ith such comfort as -od pleases to #ive4 in this #reat and sudden affliction )ith )hich the Almi#ht! -od has seen fit to visit !ou, not in an#er, as )e have ever! ri#ht to hope, 'ut as a chastisement so that !our "o!al Hi#hness ma! learn to trust onl! in the true ,ather )hich is in heaven, and to 'e comforted '! the one Bride#room, &esus %hrist, )ho is also our Brother, na!, our ver! flesh and 'lood, and to find !our deli#hts )ith !our true companions the dear an#els )hoever surround and care for us. ,or althou#h it )as a 'itter trial for !our "o!al Hi#hness to 'e left so earl! a )ido), and ro''ed of !our dear hus'and, still there is much consolation to 'e found in the 0criptures, particularl! in the $salms9 and the ,ather and the 0on )ill sho) !ou a'undantl! )here everlastin# life lies hidden.

And trul!, to )homsoever it is #iven to see and feel the ,ather/s love to)ards us in the 0criptures can easil! endure all the miser! )hich ma! 'e in the )orld, )hile )hoever does not reall! feel this can never 'e trul! 1o!ful, althou#h he ma! 'e revellin# in all its pleasures and deli#hts. Bo such affliction can overta+e an! one so #reat as )hat -od endured in seein# His 'eloved 0on re)arded for all the miracles and #ood deeds He did to sinful man '! 'ein# mali#ned, scorned, and at last su'1ected to the most shameful death on the cross. Each thin+s his o)n cross the heaviest, and ta+es it more to heart than the cross of %hrist, even althou#h He had endured ten crosses. This ma! 'e 'ecause )e are not so patient as -od is, therefore a much smaller cross is infinitel! more painful to us than %hrist/s cross. But the ,ather of all mercies and the -od of all consolation )ill comfort !our "o!al Hi#hness in His 0on &esus %hrist, and throu#h the Hol! -host, so that !ou ma! soon for#et !our present miser! or 'e a'le to 'ear it 'ravel!. Amen. At 6itten'er# at the first )inter moon. 2our .a1est!/s o'edient servant, .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN OF SA ONY

The church visitation. Bovem'er 22, 152@. -race and peace5 .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince. ,or lon# ( have as+ed nothin# of !our -race, so the re*uests have accumulated, therefore !our -race must have patience )ith those ( proffer. The complaints of the cler#! ever!)here have reached a climax. The farmer )ill #ive nothin#, and there is so much in#ratitude amon# the people for the 6ord of -od that there is no dou't He )ill send a pla#ue amon# us. And if ( could reconcile it )ith m! conscience, ( )ould prevent them #ettin# a pastor at all, and let them live li+e s)ine, as the! are doin#. There is neither fear of -od nor discipline 'ecause of the $apal 'an, and ever! one does as he li+es. But as )e are commanded, especiall! those in authorit!, to loo+ after the poor children, and train them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, it is necessar! to have teachers and preachers. (f old people do not )ish these the! can al)a!s #o to the devil. But )hen the !outh are ne#lected it is the fault of the authorities, and the land )ill 'e filled )ith la)less people, )ho not onl! diso'e! -od/s commands, 'ut 'rin# us all into dire distress. But no) that the $apal rule is at an end in !our 0erene Hi#hness/s land, and all the cloisters have reverted to !ou as the head, then these 'rin# o'li#ations )ith them ; the settin# of them in order ; duties )hich devolve on !ou, and )hich no one else should ta+e up.

Havin# discussed all this )ith !our -race/s %hancellor and Herr Bicolas, )e thin+ it )ill 'e necessar! that !ou, 'ein# appointed of -od for such a purpose, arran#e for four persons to visit all the countr! ; t)o )ho understand 'usiness matters, land and interest 3Iin7en 4, and t)o )ho understand teachin# and preachin# ; so that the!, '! !our 0erene Hi#hness/s command, ma! esta'lish and see to the maintenance of schools and %hurch livin#s. 6here an! to)n or villa#e is a'le, then !our -race can compel them to maintain churches, manses, and schools. (f the! are not )illin# to do so for the sa+e of their future )ellA'ein#, then !our Electoral Hi#hness, as #uardian of the !outh and all )ho re*uire it, is *uite 1ustified in compellin# them to do it, even as the la) o'li#es people to ma+e 'rid#es, roads, etc., for the pu'lic 'enefit. Bo), the most necessar! of all is to educate those )ho come after us and are to 'ear rule. 0hould this press too heavil! on the people, then there are the cloister possessions, )hich )ere founded mainl! for this purpose, and still can 'e appropriated for the common )eal. ,or, !our Electoral Hi#hness can )ell ima#ine the outcr! )hich )ould throu#h time arise )ere the schools and 'enefices to 'e permitted to run )aste )hile the no'ilit! )ere appropriatin# the riches of the cloisters, )hich, it is said, some are alread! doin#. 0o, as !our Electoral -race is derivin# no advanta#e from such #oods, and as the! )ere instituted to maintain the pu'lic service of -od, the! should, first of all, 'e applied to this purpose. Then )ith )hat remains !our -race could suppl! the needs of the land and the poor. And another point. >r. %arlstadt has 'e##ed me to )rite to !our Hi#hness to as+ if he mi#ht 'e allo)ed to live in <em'er#9 for, he cannot exist an! lon#er in the villa#es, on account of the )ic+edness of the peasants, as !ou can read in his pamphlets, and also learn from Hans von -rafendorf, and !et he shrin+s from )ritin# to !ou himself. Althou#h almost one of ourselves, he has not complained openl! as !et. ( 'e#, if it seem #ood to !our Electoral Hi#hness, to as+ the $rovost of <em'er# to loo+ after him. Althou#h ( +no) !our -race has alread! done enou#h to create much tal+ on the su'1ect, !et ( )ould earnestl! entreat !ou to permit this also. -od )ill re*uite it all the more richl!. He )ill see to his soul and 'od!, and )e should do #ood to His people. The #race of -od 'e )ith us. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO CONRAD CORDATUS, PASTOR IN AUSTRIA

%ordatus no) entered into the circle of Luther/s most intimate friends. Bovem'er 28, 152@.

-race and peace5 2ou )rite me trul! )ondrous thin#s of !our Lie#nit7 friends ; of the po)er of the spirit and of the flesh in that place, )here the one part of the people seem to love intellectual pursuits, )hile the others live after the flesh. The #reatest evil here is lu+e)armness, indifference, a#ainst )hich )e must constantl! strive. 6ho +no)s if -od has not turned it upside do)n )ith !ou, so that )hen the #ospel has 'een )arml! received at first it cools do)n throu#h time, )hile here, on the contrar!, and at variance )ith all precedent, it is em'raced coldl! to 'e#in )ith, and then slo)l! #athers stren#th, till at last it 'ursts forth in flame. -od #rant this people ma! resem'le that son )ho at the 'e#innin# refused to #o into the vine!ard, and after)ards repented and )ent. He )ill 'e preferred to him )ho at first promised to #o and after)ards did not. 0o #o on !our )a! un)eariedl!, and the Lord )ill 'e )ith !ou, and do not 'e afraid of those hi#hl! enli#htened spirits 3in their o)n e!es4. Bothin# is more foolish in -od/s si#ht than such self ; deception. .a! the Lord %hrist ever 'e )ith !ou. 6rite as often as !ou can. 2our letters )ill al)a!s 'e )elcome, partl! 'ecause the! testif! to the upri#htness of !our heart, )hich is so much needed '! !our people as )ell as ours, and partl! 'ecause the! contain so much information calculated to satisf! our curiosit!. ( here)ith commit !ou to -od. .artin Luther. This )as the !ear of the first church visitation in Electoral 0axon!. $la#ue in 6itten'er#. 0ac+ of "ome

15%7
TO JOHANN AGRICOLA
&anuar! 1, 152 -race and peace5 <athie, m! )ife and commander, ordered me to than+ !ou for the cloth !ou sent, 'ut such a costl! #ift is not seeml! for poor people li+e us. (t is 1ust as it should 'e, that Eli7a'eth should enter !our Eli7a'eth/s service. -od #rant that she ma! 'e trul! o'edient. 6e are all )ell, and amusin# ourselves '! 'eautif!in# 6itten'er#, so that it ma! have a uniform appearance, )hile )e are 'ecomin# lamenta'l! indifferent to the 6ord of -od. ( am at present preparin# to attac+ the fanatics a'road. $ra! to -od for me that He ma! crush 0atan. =ther)ise there is nothin# ne) here. .a! !ou and !ours prosper. All here #reet !ou. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
The Elector accedes to church visitation. &anuar! 10, 152 . -race and peace in %hrist, dear Bicolas5 ( have no ne)s, except that the Elector )ishes the church visitation 'e#un at once. And after the churches are put on a #ood footin# )e can settle the *uestion of excommunication 3Bann 4. (t )ould 'e impossi'le to do that no), )hen all is in confusion. Iechariah is in the press, and the 'oo+ is dail! #ro)in# under m! hand. ( am also attac+in# the 0acramentarians. $ra! %hrist to #uide m! pen so as to refute 0atan successfull!. ( am #reatl! re1oiced over !our testimon! that !ou are untainted '! such ru''ish. But ( never dou'ted !ou. ( am #rieved that that estima'le man =Ecolampadius has fallen into the mire throu#h such childish nonsensical ideas. 0atan ur#es him on. .a! -od save him5 Gr'anus "he#ius also inclines the same )a!, or has fallen in. .a! -od preserve His o)n5 2ou )ill have heard that the Emperor has 'een successful in (tal!. The $ope is 'eset on all hands, so that he ma! 'e demolished, for his hour has come, althou#h persecution is rife, and man! are 'ein# 'urned. .! <athie #reets !ou respectfull!. .artin Luther.

TO EBERHARDT BRISGER.
,e'ruar! 1, 152 . -race and peace5 2ou as+ me, m! )orth! E'erhard, to send !ou ei#ht #ulden9 'ut )here am ( to #et themE 2ou +no) the state of m! finances, and this !ear alone ( have contracted 100 #ulden of de't throu#h m! )retched mana#ement. ( have pled#ed in one *uarter three #o'lets for #ulden. The Lord )ho thus punishes m! foll! )ill a#ain dra) me out of the net. (n addition, Lu+as 3%ranach4 and %hristian )ill ta+e no more such pled#es from me, for the! +no) the! )ill either receive nothin# or ( 'e ruined. At len#th ( pressed a fourth #o'let upon them for 12 #ulden, )hich the! lent me, upon m! )ord of mouth, to #ive to the fat Hermann. Ho) could ( let m!self 'e so drained, and plun#e m! small 'elon#in#s in such de'tE Bo), it )ould not 'e #ivin# m! o)n, 'ut other people/s mone! as alms. 0o no one can sa! ( am mean or #reed! seein# ( have 'een so lavish to others. Bo) ( shall arran#e thus. ( shall tal+ it over )ith them, and perhaps satisf! them, and if ( can la! hands on more mone! ( )ould not hesitate to advance it. And, lastl!, ( )ould li+e to visit !ou m!self, and tal+ over matters )ith !ou, and see !our #le'e. 6h! not let !our empt! houseE (t )ould have 'rou#ht in a 'it of mone!. ,are)ell.

2ours, .artin Luther.

TO ELSIE VON KANIT"

The visitation of the churches and schools 'e#an in ,e'ruar!. .elanchthon 0churf, and t)o no'les )ere sent to the 6itten'er# district. .a! 2, 152 . To the honora'le and virtuous maiden, Elsie von <anit7. .! dearest friend in %hrist5 -race and peace in %hrist5 ( have )ritten !our dear aunt, Hanna von $lausi#, to let !ou come to me for a time, as ( could emplo! !ou in teachin# !oun# #irls, and thus set an example )hich others mi#ht follo). 2ou )ould live in m! house and eat at m! ta'le, so !ou )ould 'e safe and free from all care9 therefore pra! come. ( hear the Evil =ne is tormentin# !ou )ith evil thou#hts. =h, dear !oun# lad!, do not let that trou'le !ou, for those )ho suffer from the devil here )ill not 'e trou'led )ith him a'ove9 so this is a #ood si#n. %hrist also had to endure the same, and man! hol! prophets and apostles, as the $salms plainl! sho). Therefore ta+e comfort, and #ladl! suffer the ,ather/s rod. He )ill deliver !ou in His o)n time. 6hen !ou come ( shall discuss the su'1ect full! )ith !ou. ( commit !ou to -od. .artin Luther.

TO LEONHARDT KAISER
6ho )as imprisoned and finall! 'urned for his reli#ion. .a! 20, 152 . To the esteemed dear 'rother in %hrist, the faithful servant and prisoner of %hrist, Leonhardt <aiser. -race and peace5 That !our old man should 'e a prisoner, dear Herr Leonhardt, is the )ill of %hrist !our 0avior, )ho #ave Himself up for !ou and !our sins into the hands of the #odless, so that He mi#ht redeem !ou )ith His 'lood, and ma+e !ou His 'rother and coAheir of eternal life. 6e are in deep sorro) on !our account, and pra! earnestl! that !ou ma! 'e set free, not so much for !our sa+e as for the 'enefit of man! and the honor of -od, if it 'e His )ill.

But if it 'e the )ill of Heaven that !ou should not 'e free, still !ou are free in spirit. =nl! see that !ou are stron#, and constantl! overcome the )ea+ness of the flesh, patientl! 'earin# )ith it in the stren#th of %hrist, )ho is )ith !ou in !our cell, and )ill stand '! !ou in all !our affliction, as He has promisedF C( )ill 'e )ith him in trou'le.D Hence !ou must confidentl! call upon Him in pra!er, sustainin# !ourself )ith $salms of consolation amid 0atan/s fur!, so that !ou ma! 'e stren#thened of the Lord, and not succum' too readil! to the teeth of Behemoth 3 &o' L0F154. ,or !ou +no) he cannot in1ure !ou if !ou cr! to %hrist, )hose presence and po)er are over all. As 0t. $aul sa!s, Cif -od 'e for us, )ho can 'e a#ainst usED and He )ill help all )ho are tempted. Therefore, m! 'eloved 'rother, 'e stron# in the Lord and in the po)er of His mi#ht, so that !ou ma! reco#ni7e, endure, love, and praise out of a full heart the fatherl! )ill of -od, )hether free or not. To ena'le !ou to do this, the ,ather of our Lord &esus %hrist )ill )or+ in !ou, accordin# to the riches of His #lor!, )ho is the ,ather of all mercies and the -od of all consolation. Amen. ( here)ith commit !ou to -od9 also pra! for us. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
(n &ul!, .elanchthon, .!conius, and .enius of Erfurt, )ith three la)!ers, 'e#an church visitation in Thurin#ia. &ul! 1H, 152 To the esteemed Bicolas Hausmann of I)ic+au. -race and peace5 The church visitation has 'e#un in earnest. Ei#ht da!s a#o Herr Hieron!mus and .a#ister $hilip set off. .a! the Lord #uide them. Amen. "ome has 'een devastated in the most merciless manner. %hrist has so overruled it that the Emperor, )ho, 'ecause of the $ope, persecuted Luther, should no) 'e o'li#ed to overthro) the $ope on Luther/s account. 0o all thin#s have 'een made su'servient to the )elfare of -od/s people a#ainst the adversar!. ( have no other ne)s. .! <athie and m! Hans #reet !ou. ,are)ell in the Lord. ( have had a terri'le attac+ of #iddiness, so that ( can neither read nor )rite. .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN

(n this visitation the Elector le#all! esta'lished the office of superintendent, to +eep an e!e on the efficienc! of the cler#!. Au#ust 15, 152 . ( am #lad to hear !ou are a#ain )ell, and than+ -od for this. $ra! that ( ma! 'e +ept in health, if it 'e the )ill of -od our 0avior. The $rince sent me the report of the visitation to see if it )as )orth printin#. (t is all ri#ht, if the! onl! stic+ to )hat is arran#ed. The pla#ue is certainl! here, 'ut it is not 'ad. Ho)ever, the people are so terrified that the! are runnin# a)a! in ever! direction. ( have never seen 0atan so successful. The more he can fri#hten them the happier he is9 and that he has scattered our Gniversit! is a #reat 1o! to him. But onl! ei#hteen have died. (n the fishers/ *uarter no one has died of it, 'ut all are 'uried there. Toda! )e have 'uried ; Ts )ife, )ho died !esterda!, almost in m! arms. This is the first death in the middle of the to)n. The other ei#hteen are round a'out the Ester -ate. Amon# them )as Bar'ara, !our E'erhardt/s dau#hter, )ho )as marria#ea'le, and &ohn <ronen'er#/s dau#hter. Hans Luft has recovered, and man! others #et 'etter if the! ta+e medicine. But man! are so excited the! )ill do nothin#, and die defiantl!. &ustus &onas has lost his son &ohannes. He, )ith his household, has #one to his fatherland, 'ut ( remain here, as the people are in desperation. 0o $ommer and ( are here alone )ith the chaplain, 'ut %hrist is )ith us, )ho )ill overcome the old murderous serpent, )ho 'rou#ht sin into the )orld, even althou#h he ma! 'ruise our heel. $ra! for us, and ma! -od protect !ou. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
Au#ust 1:, 152 . The visitation )ill not 'e allo)ed to drop, dear Bicolas, so let us 'e of #ood cheer. 6e hope the pla#ue ma! soon 'e over. (t pla#ues us in manifold )a!s, especiall! me, )ea+enin# m! faith and loadin# me )ith care. The pest has 'een three times in the house. The little son has 'een ei#ht da!s ill, and is onl! +ept alive '! li*uids9 'ut no) he is recoverin#. ,or man! months ( have suffered from faithlessness. $ra! that our faith ma! not fail. .! <athie sends mone! for linen. ( do not )ish to trou'le !ou. $ommer, )ho comforts me in m! solitude, as the pla#ue too+ the chaplain/s )ife a)a!, #reets !ou )arml!. <athie also commends herself to !our pra!ers. ,are)ell, 'eloved 'rother. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
Luther re1oices over his friend/s recover!. 0eptem'er 2, 152 . Accept m! #reetin#, for ( have reall! nothin# to )rite. But ( )ould than+ m! Lord &esus, m! excellent Hausmann, that He has restored !ou to us. $raised 'e His name to all eternit! for doin# this5 Amen. ( hope that the visitors )ill, after a short rest, #o on )ith their )or+. .eantime comfort !ourself in patience. At the same time pra! for us, so that the Lord ma! remove the epidemic and #ather a#ain the scattered ones, that His 6ord ma! 'e spread a'road more and more. -od #rant this. ( commit !ou to Him. .artin Luther.

TO GERHARDT ANTIS
Luther expresses 1o! over his friends/ intercession for him, on account of the a'sence of his helpers in &ena. 0eptem'er 2, 152 . To m! honored 'rother in %hrist, -erhardt Kantis. -race and peace5 The other da! ( )rote to .ontanus, and not to !ou. Bo) ( )rite to !ou, and not to .ontanus, for ( perceive !ou are one heart and soul in the Lord. Therefore sho) him this letter, and than+ him on m! 'ehalf for 'ein# so constantl! remem'ered in pra!er. All of us, and especiall! m!self, stand much in need of such intercession, and ( re1oice that such pious men feel so deepl! interested in me. The %ommentar! upon Iechariah, )hich )as half finished, has 'een dela!ed 'ecause of m! health. The $rophets, )hich )e had 'e#un to translate into -erman, have a#ain 'een o'li#ed to han# their harps, throu#h the dispersion of our collea#ues '! the pla#ue. Let our &aco' +no) this, that he ma! pra! more earnestl! for us, that %hrist, our $h!sician, ma! alla! the fear, not so much of the fre*uent deaths, as of a most infectious disease, so that our people ma! a#ain return and our )or+ 'e resumed. (t is 0atan himself )ho has spread these evil reports and fears to impede the #ospel, 'ut %hrist )ill, in ans)er to !our pra!ers, tread him under our feet. -od #rant this. =ur )ives are full of 1o!, and than+ !ou for !our present, and #ood heart. .elanchthon unites in than+in# !ou )ith me. The Hi#h 0chool has 'een removed to &ena. $ommer and his )ife #reet !ou )arml!, and also mine. And ( #reet !ou )arml!, and promise, )ith -od/s help, to do )hat !ou prescri'e. And !et one more #reetin# from m! son. ( here)ith commit !ou to -od.

.artin Luther.

TO THE CHRISTIANS IN HALLE

Halle lon# shut to the "eformation, 'ecause of Her7o# -eor#e, althou#h in 152 their Evan#elical preacher, -eor#e 6in+ler, )as murdered '! order of the Arch'ishop of .a!ence. 0eptem'er 152 . To the dear friends of %hrist in Halle. -race and peace in %hrist our 0avior5 Amen. >ear sirs and friends ; ( have lon# intended )ritin# !ou a letter of admonition and consolation under the trials )ith )hich 0atan has visited !ou, throu#h the murder of that #ood man, .a#ister -eor#e, thus ro''in# !ou of a faithful pastor, )ho declared to !ou the 6ord of life. But one thin# after another has prevented me, especiall! m! )ea+ health, and althou#h not !et )ell ( can dela! no lon#er. But althou#h una'le to derive an! comfort from such an unto)ard event, still it )ould 'e )ron# to allo) such a perfidious murder to 'e passed over in silence, and let such 'lood rot in the earth instead of 'earin# )itness to -od/s Hol! 6ord. Therefore ( shall help it to cr! to Heaven, in order that so much as in us lies, such a murder ma! never 'e for#otten till -od the merciful ,ather and ri#hteous &ud#e hears the cr!, as He heard that of ri#hteous A'el/s 'lood, and executes 1ustice upon the murderer. And -od #rant that .a#ister -eor#e/s 'lood ma! 'e a divine seed, )hich althou#h so)n in the earth '! the hands of 0atan and his mem'ers, ma! 'rin# forth seed an hundredfold, so that instead of the murdered -eor#e a hundred other faithful preachers ma! arise, )ho )ill in1ure 0atan a thousand times more than the one man has done9 and 'ecause he )ould neither suffer nor listen to the one he )ill 'e o'li#ed to suffer and listen to man! others, even as happened to the $ope throu#h Huss/s 'lood, )hom he )ould not permit to exist *uietl! in a corner, 'ut must no) hear its cries over the )hole )orld, till it has reached "ome itself, and there seems no prospect of its 'ein# silenced. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO MICHAEL STIEFEL
A'out Leonhardt <aiser/s death. =cto'er 22, 152 .

-race and peace5 ( have received the histor! of Leonhardt <aiser, 'ut meantime his cousin has sent me all his )ritin#s in his o)n hand. ( shall have them printed at once. $ra! earnestl! that %hrist ma! not forsa+e me, for ( am driven almost mad '! the assaults of 0atan/s an#els. .isera'le creature that ( am5 Ho) unli+e Leonhardt5 ( preach the #ospel )ith man! )ords, 'ut he is a po)erful doer of the 6ord. =h that ( )ere counted )orth! to 'e endued, not )ith the dou'le 'ut )ith the half of his spirit, so that ( mi#ht 'e a'le to overcome 0atan and *uit this life. -od 'e praised that amid so much evil He has #ranted us poor misera'le creatures a #lorious #limpse of His lovin#A+indness as a to+en that He has not forsa+en us. $ra! for me, m! 'rother .ichael, and ma! %hrist #rant that )e too ma! 'e follo)ers of Leonhardt. He is not called a +in#, 'ut a +aiser, for he has overcome him )hose po)er is so #reat that no one on earth can 'e compared to him. (n addition, he is not onl! a priest, 'ut a true 'ishop, na! pope, )ho has offered up his 'od! as a sacrifice )ell pleasin# to the Hol! -od. Also, he is ri#htl! named Leonhardt, that is, lionAheart, for he has proved himself to 'e a stron# and fearless lion. All that this name si#nified )as foreseen )hen he received it. He is the first of his race )ho has so consecrated the name. -ive !our dear )ife m! than+s, and m! little prattlin# Hans must send his respects to !ou. ( and m! <athie hope that she ma! live happil! )ith her child in %hrist. $ommer #reets !ou )arml!. ,are)ell in %hrist. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF
A letter full of complaints. Bovem'er 1, 152 . -race and peace5 >ear Amsdorf. ; (t seems to 'e -od/s )ill that ( )ho up till no) )as )ont to comfort !ou all, no) need it #reatl! m!self. .eantime m! sole petition is that !ou )ill help me to pra! that %hrist ma! perfect His #racious )ill in me9 so that ( ma! 'e )ell pleasin# in His si#ht, and never 'e un#rateful to Him, after havin# up till no) 7ealousl! preached His #ospel and honored His name, althou#h often havin# #rieved Him )ith m! sins. 0atan 'e#s that a &o' ma! 'e delivered into his hands, 'ut %hrist 'ids him spare his life. And to me He sa!s, C( am th! salvation,D )hich ma+es me sure that He )ill not forever 'e )roth over m! sins. ( should li+e to ans)er the 0acramentarians, 'ut if ( do not #et stron#er ( cannot. .! house has 'een turned into a hospital. Au#ustine/s Hanna had the pla#ue in)ardl!, 'ut is no) 'etter. .ar#aret .ochim alarmed us )ith a

sore and other 'ad s!mptoms. ( am also ver! anxious a'out m! <athie at present. .! Hans has 'een three da!s ill, and eats nothin#. 0ome sa! it is the teeth, and 'oth seem in dan#er. The )ife of -eor#e, the chaplain, is also ill of the pla#ue, and her condition is perilous. .a! &esus 'e #racious to her. 0o there are ri#htin#s )ithout and fears )ithin. Trul!, the Lord is tr!in# us sorel!. =ur one consolation is, and )ith this )e can def! 0atan, that )e have -od/s 6ord, throu#h )hich 'elievin# souls can 'e saved, althou#h He consumes the 'odies. 6e send #reetin# to the 'rethren and !ourself, and 'e# !ou to pra! for us that )e ma! patientl! endure -od/s chastenin# hand, and )ithstand 0atan/s po)er and cunnin#, 'oth in life and death. 6itten'er#, All 0aints/ >a!. (n tenth !ear of the overthro) of the (ndul#ence, to )hose memor! )e are drin+in# a toast, and to 'oth our healths. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
A sad letter. &onas in Bordhausen durin# the pla#ue. Bovem'er 10, 152 . -race and peace in -od our 0avior5 Than+s, dear &onas, that !ou pra! for us, and sometimes )rite. ( hope !ou #ot !esterda!/s letter. ( have not read Erasmus/s )ritin#s nor those of the 0acramentarians, except somethin# '! I)in#li. The! onl! do ri#ht in tramplin# a misera'le creature li+e me under foot, there'! follo)in# &udas/s example, and ma+in# me utter m! complaints to m! Lord &esus of 'ein# persecuted on all sides, and havin# to 'ear -od/s indi#nation for havin# sinned a#ainst Him. The $ope, Emperor, Bishops, and the )hole )orld attac+ me9 and as if this )ere not enou#h, m! ver! 'rethren pla#ue me, na!, even m! sins, death, and the devil )ith his an#els, ra#e )ithout measure. 0o then )hat )ould 'ecome of me )ere %hrist to forsa+e me 'ecause of )hom all these are m! enemiesE But He )ill not desert me, poor misera'le sinner, for ( esteem m!self the least of all men. 6ould that Erasmus and the 0acramentarians experienced for one *uarter of an hour the sorro)s of m! heart, then ( )ould declare the! )ere trul! converted. But no) m! enemies are mi#ht!, and heap an#uish on him )hom the Lord chastens. But enou#h of this, so that ( ma! not seem impatient under -od/s rod, )ho chastens and heals, +ills and ma+es alive a#ain. Let His hol! and perfect )ill 'e praised no) and forever5 6ere )e of the )orld it )ould love its o)n. ( am also ver! anxious a'out m! )ife. The Lord has done #reat thin#s for me, so ( must suffer #reat thin#s. .a! %hrist 'e m! roc+ and m! stren#th. Amen.

.! Hans can send no #reetin# in his sic+ness, 'ut 'e#s for !our pra!ers. ,or t)elve da!s he has lived onl! on fluids. He no) 'e#ins to eat a little. The child )ould #ladl! pla! as he used to do, 'ut is not a'le. .ar#aret .ochim/s a'scess )as opened !esterda!, and she is no) a little 'etter. ( do not )ish "ome to 'e 'urned9 that )ould 'e a marvellous si#n. 6ould to -od that )e could meet a#ain in our homes, and )or+ at Ecclesiastes, so that it ma! 'e issued 'efore )e die. ( commend m!self to !our pra!ers. 6e 6itten'er# people are hated of all, and the! are terrified on account of the pest. As the $salm sa!s, C6e are a '!)ord amon# the heathen, a sha+in# of the head amon# the people,D 'ut )e hope a 1o! and cro)n of the an#els and saints. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
Luther than+s him for comfort received. Bovem'er 1 , 152 . -race and peace in %hrist5 .a! our Lord %hrist one da!, dear Bicolas, comfort !ou )ith the comfort !ou have #iven me. But (, poor sinner, than+ m! Lord that up till no) He has not permitted 0atan to do as he pleased )ith me, althou#h he has tried )ith all his mi#ht and cunnin# to do so. $ra! that %hrist ma! overcome him and his onslau#ht upon me. ( do not 'elieve that it is one devil that is attac+in# me, 'ut that the ver! prince of devils has risen a#ainst me, so #reat is his po)er of assailin# me )ith 0cripture, so that m! o)n +no)led#e of the Bi'le does not suffice for m! protection if ( )ere not stren#thened '! )ords of 0cripture out of the mouths of m! friends. This is )h! ( as+ so earnestl! for !our pra!ers9 and if ever !ou are in the same position, the sport of the devil, !ou )ill understand m! re*uest. .a! %hrist 'e )ith !ou. Amen. .artin Luther

TO JUSTUS JONAS
Luther lon#s for his friend/s return. Bovem'er 2:, 152 . -race and peace5 That !ou are so earnest in !our pra!ers for me, dear &onas, is a ver! #reat 'oon to me, poor tortured creature. ( also pra! much for !ou that %hrist ma! ta+e pit! on !ou, for ( hear !ou suffer from stone.

( )ould counsel !ou to return to us, for %hrist 'e praised, the pla#ue has a'ated, and our to)nspeople are 'e#innin# to marr! and live in securit!. 2our *uarters since ; Ts death are no) *uite purified up to the $farr church and the mar+et. .a! the Lord #uide !ou to )hat is )ell pleasin# to Him and #ood for !ourself. Amen. -reet !our <athie and &ustelchen. Au#ustine/s )ife is 'etter. (f onl! .ar#aretta .ochim )ould recover, 'ut no) )e have hope. 0he has 'een some )ee+s ill, and can scarcel! hear or spea+. $.0. ; 2our house, )hich is no) clean, ( have lent to the other chaplain/s )ife and famil!, for she )as so distressed over the death of her friend, the chaplain/s )ife, that it )as the onl! )a! to comfort her, 'ut the t)o hus'ands sleep here in the manse. ( hope !ou )ill excuse us ma+in# so free )ith !our 'elon#in#s, 'ut ( promised that if the pla#ue attac+ an! of them the! shall at once 'e 'rou#ht 'ac+ here. .ean)hile ma! %hrist #ive !ou a house in Bordhausen, as )e in our dire need had to ta+e !ours. =ur Brunoni/s little son )ill not live over the da!, for death has mar+ed the orphan for his o)n. ,are)ell in %hrist. .artin Luther.

TO JOHANN #ALTHER, IN TORGAU

6alther )as three )ee+s in Luther/s house helpin# to arran#e the %hurch music, the "eformer himself composin# the melodies for the -erman h!mns, to 6alther/s ama7ement. Luther said ?ir#il had tau#ht him this. >ecem'er 21, 152 -race and peace5 ,rom this letter !ou )ill see, m! 6alther, that ( ans)ered !our last, as ( )ished to offer !ou help and counsel. The messen#er should have fetched this letter earl! in the mornin#, as !ou )rite, 'ut ho) can ( +no) )here the! spend the ni#ht, or run after themE (t is their custom, )hen the! have #iven the letters to m! servants, to disappear, as if carried a)a! '! the )ind, and the! do not reappear. Therefore ( )rite once more, as !ou re*uest. ( here)ith commit !ou to -od. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
Luther expects the return of the Gniversit! from &ena. >ecem'er 2:, 152 .

-race and peace5 ( marvel much, m! &onas, that !ou have not !et returned, seein# the pla#ue is #one. 2ou mi#ht at least have paid us one visit in our affliction ; of course, at our expense. The people )ho had fled are no) returnin# in shoals ; indeed, the )hole of the citi7ens. Tomorro) the To)n %ouncil )ill also 'e here, and )e expect the Gniversit! shortl!, as .a#ister $hilip )rites. -od has manifested His love to)ards us in a marvellous manner, lettin# us perceive that our earnest pra!ers are accepta'le in His si#ht, althou#h )e ourselves are sinners. .ar#aretta .ochim is restored from the 1a)s of death, for )e had #iven up hope, as she could neither hear nor understand. =ther)ise )e are all )ell. .! <athie, )ith the little 'a'! Eli7a'eth, is )ell, and sends !ou #reetin#s, 'ut is lon#in# to see !ou all here a#ain in #ood health. ( am )ell in 'od!, also in mind, so lon# as m! Lord %hrist upholds me, and the slender thread '! )hich He +eeps hold of me, and ( of Him, is not snapt asunder. But 0atan has tried to dra# me do)n )ith po)erful cart ropes and ships/ cords into the a'!ss, 'ut the )ea+ %hrist has overcome as !et, throu#h !our pra!ers, and stru##les 'ravel! for the victor!5 -o on and cause the )ea+ %hrist )ithin me to 'ecome stron# throu#h !our pra!ers, that He in His )ea+ness ma! def! the mi#ht and insolence of the devil. "even#e me on him, and turn his pride into shame, )hich ( have exposed throu#h the discover! of his arts and cunnin#. 6e are all one in %hrist. .a! !ou prosper much in Him5 -reet all !our people, and return speedil!. .artin Luther.

15%!
TO GERHARDT ANTIS
The second visitation of the churches 'e#an in =cto'er ; 0palatin, .elanchthon, Luther, &onas, .!conius, ta+in# part. The follo)in# !ear the Elector ordered Luther to remain at home, as 6itten'er# lost one hundred students throu#h his and .elanchthon/s a'sence. &anuar! 1, 1528. -race and peace5 ( received !our last letter of consolation )ith much 1o!, m! -erhardt. .an! than+s. .a! %hrist comfort !ou for this. Bo dou't this

temptation, )hich has afflicted me from m! !outh up, is ver! #reat, 'ut ( could not have 'elieved that it should so have #ained the upper hand. Bevertheless, up till no) %hrist has al)a!s con*uered. ( commend m!self to !our pra!ers and those of the 'rethren. ( have helped others, 'ut cannot help m!self. $raise to m! %hrist, )ho, amid povert!, murmurin# a#ainst -od,F and even in death, )ill #ather us to#ether into His +in#dom. .eantime )e +no), that firml! as )e ma! trust His 6ord and )or+, these )ill not 1ustif! us. 6e are ever faithless, althou#h )e ma! 'oast of havin# led a %hristian life in this )orld, in spite of its accompan!in# trials. But one thin# is certain, %hrist is our life and ri#hteousness, and it is hidden in -od. 3Ho) difficult, ho) alien to the flesh, is it to comprehend this.4 ( am #lad ( no) understand 0t. $eter/s allusions to 'ein# parta+ers of %hrist/s sufferin#s, )hich are the portion of our 'rethren in this )orld9 'ut as life dra)s to a close the! 'ecome more 'itter. -reet .ontanus and all the 'rothers. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
The little 'oo+ on the ?isitation. .arch 2, 1528. -race and peace5 The 'oo+ on the ?isitation is not finished, for the printers ran short of paper, 'ut it )ill soon 'e read!. ( am deli#hted to hear !our #ood opinion of Herr $aul, A''ot of 0a#an, and that he sent !ou such an honest ans)er. .a! )e )ith one heart and mouth praise the ,ather to all eternit!. Amen5 There is nothin# ne) here, except the terri'le threats of the priests, )ho hope much from the "e#ens'ur# >iet. $ra! earnestl! )ith !our people for the $rinces of -erman!, that -od ma! endue them )ith #race, so that the! need not al)a!s re*uire to come to#ether at such #reat expense, and in vain, 'ut ma! desire peace and ri#hteousness, as is seeml!. 6e have had so man! diets latel!, and see no results, 'ecause -od has forsa+en us9 )hile the devil hinders all that is #ood. ,are)ell, and #reet $aul !our evan#elist in the Lord, )ith all the 'rethren. .artin Luther.

TO CONRAD CORDATUS
Luther invites his friend to 6itten'er#, as he thin+s he cannot 'e happ! in <in# ,erdinand/s land.

.arch @, 1528. -race and peace in the Lord5 >earest %ordatus ; ( have +no)n for lon# that !ou had left Austria, and )ere livin# on the estate of -luc+ in 0ilesia, )aitin# to 'e recalled '! that no'le lad! in the "iesen#e'ir#e, )ho promised to send for !ou, 'ut ( fanc! )ill not do so. (f !ou are not comforta'le there, do not hesitate to hasten to me, or )herever !ou )ould li+e to #o. (f it should ever occur to the lad! to recall !ou, she can find !ou as easil! )ith us as an!)here else, and ( thou#ht !ou could have more con#enial societ! here than amon# people so unli+e !ourself. ,or m! part, ( have no hesitation in 'e##in# !ou to set aside the lad!/s promises and 'e#in )or+ in the Lord/s vine!ard. 0o come )ith !our )ife and sister till %hrist arran#es somethin# else. The $apists, triumphant throu#h ,erdinand/s mandate, are )axin# 'old, and pro'a'l! )ill not #rant the #ospel/s servants an! authorit! in these lands9 and )h! should !ou 'uo! !ourself )ith vain hopesE (t is no) three months since the pla#ue left 6itten'er#, -od 'e praised5 ( hope !ou have read m! treatise a#ainst the Ana'aptists. ( flatter m!self that ( have rescued some from their errors. The rest !ou )ill hear from our "orar, %hrist/s faithful servant. The #race of -od 'e )ith !ou5 .artin Luther.

TO LEONHARDT BEIER
Luther invites him to 6itten'er#. .arch , 1528. -race and peace5 6hen 0atan ra#es, m! Leonhardt, he is onl! actin# in accordance )ith his office and name. ,or, as the 0criptures sa!, nothin# else is to 'e expected from him. But 'e steadfast, and stru##le and pra! a#ainst him in spirit and in deed. There is =ne )ho is mi#ht!, and He d)ells )ithin us. To -od 'e honor and #lor!. (f !ou 'e driven a)a!, a refu#e is )aitin# for !ou here, and all that the Lord has #iven us is at !our service. ,or man! 3Exultanten 4 )ho have to flee from ,erdinand/s +in#dom settle amon# us, )ho at least resem'le %hrist in His povert!. ( commend m!self to !our pra!ers and those of !our friends. ,are)ell in the Lord. .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther announces his arrival in Borna. .arch 18, 1528. -race and peace5 ( have this moment arrived in Borna, dear 0palatin, almost fro7en, and starvin# of hun#er. 6hat a dreadful 1ourne! )e have had, 'ut )e have done it in t)o da!s, havin# cra)led rather than traveled, for )e )ere determined to sup )ith !ou toni#ht. ( )rite this in order that !ou ma! excuse us to the $rince. ,or, the letter demandin# our presence onl! arrived the other ni#ht, and )e hurried as much as )e could, 'ut the roads, )ind, and cold hindered us. 0o, if -od )ill, )e shall 'rea+fast )ith !ou tomorro). $ommer and &onas are m! travellin# companions, as the! did not )ish me to #o alone. .a! !ou prosper in the Lord5 .artin Luther.

TO #EN"EL LINK
Luther sends 'oo+s, and tells of the Electress of Branden'ur#/s fli#ht. .arch 28, 1528. -race and peace5 ( have #iven &ohann Hoffmann copies to distri'ute amon# !ou, a#ainst the 0acramentarians. -od #rant that the! 'rin#, forth much fruit, for ( have resolved to stop )ritin# a#ainst them, for the! do not understand lo#ic, so it is impossi'le to 'rin# them to reason or convince them that the! have 'een refuted. The Electress has, )ith the help of her 'rother the <in# of >enmar+, fled from Berlin 0chloss to our $rince here, her uncle9 for it is said the Elector intended )allin# her up on account of her havin# parta+en of the sacrament in 'oth +inds. $ra! for our $rince. The pious and #oodAhearted man is much pla#ued, and deserves the help of our pra!ers. .a! !ou prosper )ith )ife and child5 .artin Luther.

TO A STRANGER
%onsolation to one dou'tin# his election to eternal life. &ul! 20, 1528.

>ear sir and friend ; ( )ish !ou a'ove all the #race and merc! of -od throu#h his 0on &esus, our sole 0avior. 0ome da!s a#o, m! 'rother, %aspar %ruci#er, doctor of the Hol! 0criptures, informed me that !ou )ere afflicted )ith stran#e thou#hts as to -od/s omniscience, and had 'ecome *uite perplexed, so that it )as feared !ou mi#ht ta+e !our o)n life 3)hich ma! -od Almi#ht! prevent4. 2ou find difficult! in 'elievin# that the Almi#ht! +ne) from all eternit! )ho should 'e saved, )hether the! )ere alread! dead, alive, or as !et un'orn. Bo), all must admit this, for He +no)s all thin#s, and nothin# is hidden from Him )ho counts the stars in the heavens, the leaves of the trees, na!, even the hairs of men/s heads, from all )hich !ou seem to fanc! !ou ma! do )hat !ou )ill, #ood or evil, for if -od has ordained )hether !ou shall 'e saved or not 3)hich is true4!our thou#hts are more ta+en up )ith damnation than salvation, and !ou sin+ into despair and 'ecome a pre! to despondenc!. 0o (, as m! Lord %hrist/s servant, send this letter of consolation to let !ou +no) -od/s thou#hts to)ards !ou, )hether !ou 'e destined to 'lessedness or perdition. Althou#h the Almi#ht! +no)s ever!thin#, and no one can #o a#ainst the decrees of His )ill, still it is His earnest desire, na! command, decreed from all eternit!, that all men should 'e parta+ers of everlastin# 1o!, as is clearl! seen from E7e+iel 28F2H ; CHave ( an! pleasure at all that the )ic+ed should dieE saith the Lord9 and not that he should return from his )a!s, and liveED 0eein# He desires the salvation of sinners, )ho s)arm 'eneath heaven/s loft! vault, )h! )ill !ou )ith !our foolish thou#hts prompted '! 0atan separate !ourself from them, there'! cuttin# !ourself off from the #race of -odE C,or as the heaven is hi#h a'ove the earth, so #reat is His merc! to)ard them that fear Him,D and cr! for help. ,or He is rich to)ard all )ho call upon Him. But it is onl! stron# filth )hich can drive a)a! such despairin# thou#hts as in "omans HF22, CEven the ri#hteousness of -od, )hich is '! faith of &esus %hrist, unto all and upon all them that 'elieve.D .ar+ these )ordsF unto all , and upon all. (f not amon# that num'er, at least !ou can rec+on !ourself amon# the sinners, )hich is a #reater reason that !ou should pra! and 'e certain of the ans)er should -od dela! comin# speedil! to !our help9 for He )ill never forsa+e those )ho call upon Him, nor fail to drive a)a! !our despairin# dou'ts )hich are the fier! darts of the devil and his emissaries. 6h! )ander in false )a!s )hen so #ood and strai#ht a path is 'efore !ou, and the ,ather cries, CThis is m! 'eloved 0on5D Listen to His counsel5 And even althou#h in !our despair !ou )ere so hardened as not to hear -od/s voice, !ou cannot overloo+ that of the 0on, )ho stands across the path )hich all must tread, cr!in# in trumpetAli+e tones, C%ome unto me, all !e that la'or and are heav! laden, and ( )ill #ive !ou rest.D He not onl! uses the )ord Ccome,D 'ut Call.D Bo one is excluded, no matter ho) )ic+ed he 'e. 0o, seein# all ma! come, do !ou run )ith them, leap and sprin#, and do not remain amon# those lost cro)ds. ,urther, He sa!s Cto me 5D )ho +no)s ever! foot of the )a!, and )ill not let th! foot slide. 6h! )ander aimlessl! a'outE But )ho are to comeE The )ear! and heav! laden5 And )hat +ind of compan! )ould that 'eE ( do not +no) .essrs. 6ear! and Heav! Laden. The! ou#ht to have hi#hAsoundin# names, such as 'ur#herAmaster, and such li+e ; these master minds, )ho love to #rovel in -od/s 6ord )ith their human reason, li+e the so) in a

turnip field 5 Bot at all. (t is he )ho is )ear! and heav! laden, 'orne do)n )ith sad thou#hts direct from the Evil =ne, )ho is called, ; the man )ho does not +no) to )hat hand to turn, and is read! to sin+ into despair. 0o that is )h! He sa!s Cheav! laden,D as if He had +no)n our 'urdens, and )ished to help us to 'ear them, na!, even relieve us of them entirel!. And consider that -od Almi#ht! created and elected us, not to damnation, 'ut to everlastin# life, even as the an#els in the first sermon proclaimed to the shepherds on the fieldF C-lor! to -od in the hi#hest, and on earth peace, #ood )ill to)ard men5D And it )as inner, not 'odil! peace the! meant. (t )as not from those )ho in1ured them, 'ut from the )orld, the flesh, and the devil, the! )ere to 'e delivered. Hence one can see from the 0criptures ho) #reat is -od/s merc!, and these and such li+e thou#hts can ena'le him to form an opinion as to -od/s foreseein#, and then there is no occasion for a man to torture himself, nor )ould it avail even )ere he to )orr! his flesh from his 'ones. 6hat 'usiness is it of !ours that -od causes the dear sun to shine over #ood and 'ad, over arid and #reenE -od has ordained that the sun should endue the moisture of the #round )ith its vital po)ers, thus causin# the roots and 'ranches of the trees to fructif! and !ield fruit. And if a driedAup tree should nevertheless remain impervious to the ra!s of the sun, still the tree is not so much at fault as the soil )hich is marsh!. ,or C#ood #round, #ood corn,D as the prover' sa!s. Thus, )here the preachin# is #ood and full of consolation, there are sure to 'e tender consciences and 1o!ful hearts. Therefore as !ou cannot hinder the natural sun, )hich is a tin! spar+ compared to the starr! firmament, ; the smallest star 'ein# lar#er than the )hole )orld, ; from spreadin# her ra!s a'road, still less can !ou limit -od/s #race, 'ein# fathomless, havin# neither 'e#innin# nor end. >ear one, do not rec+on so close )ith -od. ,anc! if the 0on of -od had as+ed the hi#h priests and Levites at the crucifixion if He should receive the malefactor into Heaven, )hat )ould the! have saidE >ou'tless the ans)er )ould have 'eenF C(f thieves and murderers desire to enter Heaven )e do not o'1ect,D and mi#ht have added, C(f he 'elon# to $aradise )e should not have hun# him upon a #allo)s, and it is as li+el! he )ill enter Heaven as that !ou are -od.D Thus spea+s a scornful )orld and man/s reason. Ho) )ell %hrist ans)ered His disciples )ho as+ed, as &ohn la! asleep on His 'osom, C6hat shall this man do ED C(f ( )ill that he tarr! till ( come, )hat is that to theeED as if to )arn him not to fall. CLet ever! one s)eep 'efore his o)n door, and then )e shall 'e saved5D This )ould prevent much heartA'urnin# as to )hat -od in the eternal counsel of His )ill has decreed concernin# those )ho should 'e saved or lost. He )ho )ill not accept a certaint! for an uncertaint! )ill at len#th come a)a! empt!handed, 'esides 'ein# the o'1ect of ridicule. He )ho )ill not 'e counselled in time and despises -od/s 6ord )ill fall a pre! to a ra#in# devil as sure as -od is -od. (f thin#s )ent )ith us accordin# to our thou#hts, prompted '! the flesh and the devil, )e should all 'e #iven over to death, therefore )e have the )ord of promiseF CBlessed is he that )aiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirt! da!s. But #o thou th! )a! till the end 'e9 for thou shalt rest, and stand in th! lot at the end of the da!s.D

(f )e persevere to the end )e ma! console ourselves that devilish thou#hts shall 'e expelled, and )e ma! raise our hearts in faith to -od, and 'e certain that )e have received for#iveness of sins, and shall 'e, na!, are 1ustified, accordin# to %hrist/s promise, '! faith of &esus %hrist, as 0t. $aul testifies in -alatians HF22. That is )hen )e are cast do)n, and ever! path seems shut up to us, )e shall once more stand erect in faith, restin# on -od/s promises of %hrist, or in %hrist. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF
(nvitation to .ar! .ochim/s marria#e. &ul! H1, 1528. -race and peace5 6e have 'etrothed .ar! .ochim to Herr ,-eor#io, and the marria#e ta+es place on 0t. La)rence >a!. As )e thin+ this is a #ood opportunit! for !ou to visit us, )e plead )ith !ou to come, )hen, if -od )ill, )e shall have a 1o!ous )eddin# feast. As to the rest ; pra! to %hrist for us in )hom !our soul flourishes. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
Luther than+s him in his 'o!/s name for to!s. Au#ust 5, 1528. -race and peace5 .! Hanschen than+s !ou, dear Bicolas, for the 'eautiful to!s, )hich he is ver! proud of. ( purpose )ritin# a'out the Tur+ish )ar. .! little dau#hter Eli7a'eth has 'een ta+en a)a! from me, leavin# me almost in )omanl! sorro), so deepl! am ( #rieved. ( never dreamt that a father/s heart could have 'een so soft to)ards his children. $ra! to -od for me, and ma! !ou prosper in Him5 .artin Luther. $.0. ; As to the ,re!'er#erin, the escaped nun, 'ein# carried a)a!, ( have m! o)n thou#hts, so let it rest.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN

"e*uest to appoint .. 0tiefel as pastor in Lochau. 0eptem'er H, 1528. To the .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, Elector &ohn. -race and peace5 .ost #racious lord5 .. ,ranciscus, the pastor in Lochau, has fallen asleep in -od, and the people have as+ed ; to 'e appointed. But ( have referred them to !our -race, as ( have nothin# to do )ith that. Bo), ( am most anxious to retain .ichael 0tiefel in the land, for he is pious and )ell ac*uainted )ith the 0criptures, and a #ood preacher. 0o, if it please !our Hi#hness, )e all thin+ he should meantime 'e settled in Lochau, till perhaps another turn up, for the #ood man is *uite unhapp! in case he is a 'urden to me 3he is here 1ust no), 'ut ( can scarcel! prevent him leavin#4. ( am most anxious to have pious learned people a'out us, for )e lose so man! such. 6ere he to 'ecome pastor in Lochau )e )ould tr! to #et him to help the poor )ido) )ith her t)o children, she 'ein# left in #reat povert!, perhaps '! marr!in# her, 'ut if not ; -od/s )ill 'e done. ( relate all this to !our Electoral Hi#hness and 'e# a favora'le ans)er. But it occurs to me that !ou +no) .. 0tiefel, )ho traveled )ith us to 6eimar9 !ou presented him )ith five #ulden. .a! %hrist ever 'e )ith !ou5 Amen. 2our -race/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO JOHANN AGRICOLA
.elanchthon in Thurin#ia on the visitation. =cto'er 25, 1528. -race and peace5 $hilip is a'sent on the visitation, so )e are deprived of his counsel in see+in# a schoolmaster. But ( shall consult .ilich and -eor#e .a1or to see if one can 'e sent at once, althou#h ( am told that ?eit )as )ith !ou 'efore, )hom meantime !ou could have a#ain. 6ithin ei#ht da!s )e shall tell !ou )hat )e have arran#ed. ( am 1ust startin# for Lochau to marr! .. 0tiefel to the )ido) of the Bishop of Lochau, and to introduce him to his ne) char#e. =ne thin# al)a!s seems to come upon the top of another. ( could not +eep the man 3.ensch 4 )ith me, for he )as far too modest, fanc!in# he )as a 'urden to me, so preferred livin# an!ho) else)here, thus compellin# me at len#th to let him #o. He here)ith sends !ou '! me some letters invitin# !ou to his marria#e. ( fear the! are a little late, 'ut dispose of them as *uic+l! as possi'le. ,are)ell to !our Hans Al'ert and the other 'ranches of !our vine.

.artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther comforts him over calumnies caused '! his marria#e. =cto'er 2:, 1528. 2ou must not vex !ourself over the outcr! !our marria#e has caused, 'ut rather re1oice9 for it is a condition )hich has -od/s approval, and is lauded '! the an#els, and held in honor of all saints. (n addition it has this seal, that it is distin#uished '! the cross 'ein# vilified '! devils and false 'rethren, to )hich ever! )ord and )or+ of -od are su'1ected. Therefore re#ard the priestl! utterances as so man! precious stones )hich 'lac+en !ou in the )orld/s e!es, 'ut ma+e !ou allA#lorious in the e!es of a pure -od, and comfort !ourself that the )orld is not esteemed )orth! to perceive the #lor! of such a )or+ of -od as !ou are permitted to see. Let the )orld )ith its princes indul#e in their foolish, presumptuous 1ud#ments and 'lasphemies. The )ic+ed must 'e rooted out, so as not to see the #lor! of -od. ( have no dou't the priests are hurr!in# !ou into Bethaven, 'ut 'e that as it ma!, !ou have received the office of the visitation, and have a #racious Lord )ho )ill not suffer !ou to )ant the necessaries of life. .a! the Lord &esus stren#then !ou '! His 0pirit 5 Amen. .artin Luther.

TO CHANCELLOR BRUCK
$etition for lon#er leave for Bu#enha#en. Bovem'er 11, 1528. -race and peace5 Honored and learned Herr >octor5 A messen#er has 1ust arrived from the To)n %ouncil of Ham'ur# to as+ permission from m! #racious lord that Herr &ohann $ommer ma! 'e allo)ed to remain lon#er there, as the enclosed documents testif!. Althou#h ( had )ritten to the #ood man not to )orr! as to oversta!in# his leave, if -od/s )or+ re*uired it 3for our lord has no desire to hinder the 6ord of -od, if Bu#enha#en/s presence can further it4, 'ut the #ood man had no peace till our #racious lord himself assured him of it. Therefore, pra! procure a )ritin# from m! lord, as+in# him to return as soon as he can, )ithout imperillin# -od/s )or+ throu#h his haste, 'ut empo)erin# him to defer his return if necessar!. 2our Excellenc! )ill +no) ho) to mana#e it, and send it '! this messen#er. ( commit !ou to -od.

2our Excellenc!/s o'edient .artin Luther

TO MICHAEL STIEFEL
Luther re1oices in his friend/s happiness. Bovem'er 1528. -race and peace5 ( am deli#hted, dear .ichael, that !ou are so pleased )ith !our )ife and her children, and that she loves !ou. .a! -od maintain this unit!5 6ill !ou sa! to the overseer that it is impossi'le for me to come to his marria#e, as ( have not a free hour that da!. ( expected )e )ould have 'een in 0ch)erit7 then, and could sacrifice half a da! in his honor, 'ut the 'usiness connected )ith the church visitation has increased so enormousl! that all our plans have 'een upset. 0o please apolo#i7e for me. -reet !our Eve )ith the olive 'ranches committed to !our care. The evenin# ( #ot !our letter. .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
Luther sends letters to his friend, )ho is on the visitation. Bovem'er H0, 1528. -race and peace5 ( send !ou, as )ell as Lu+as %ranach, letters )hich have lain lon# here. The %hancellor )ill tell !ou the rest. 0a! to Lu+as that #loves and a 'lac+ cap )ere sent )ith the other thin#s from Au#s'ur#. (f an! of the letters tell !ou for )hom the! are, let them )rite. ,or )e have received all our thin#s, 'ut did not )ish to open an! of the letters. Toda! ( am a#ain a pre! to the tempter. >o pra! in such times of siftin# for me as ( do for !ou, that m! faith ma! not fail. 6e have paid all due honor to the %hancellor. 2our famil! and ourselves are all )ell. .! <athie #reets !ou respectfull!, and lon#s for !our return. .a! %hrist 'e )ith !ou5 Amen. ( trust all our fol+s )ho are )ith !ou ma! +eep )ell. .artin Luther.

TO MARGARETTA N.
%onsolation on the death of her hus'and. >ecem'er 5, 1528. -race and peace in %hrist &esus5 Honored and virtuous lad! 5 Havin# heard from !our son of the #reat trial )ith )hich !ou have 'een visited, vi7. the death of !our hus'and, ( am moved out of %hristian love to )rite this letter of consolation to !ou. ,irst, !ou must ta+e comfort that in the hard conflict )hich 'eset !our lord 3Herr4, the Lord &esus at len#th #ained the victor!, and that !our hus'and at last passed a)a! full of trust and confidence in the Lord, )hich ( )as deli#hted to hear. ,or even thus did %hrist Himself stru##le in the #arden and rise a#ain from the dead. (t is even possi'le that !our hus'and inflicted an in1ur! upon himself, for the devil has po)er over the mem'ers of the 'od!, and ma! have forci'l! #uided his hand a#ainst his )ill. ,or if he had done it )illin#l!, it is unli+el! he )ould have come a#ain to himself and turned to %hrist )ith such ample confession of sin. Ho) often does the devil 'rea+ arm, nec+, 'ac+, and all the lim'sE He can #ain the master! over all the mem'ers, therefore 'e satisfied in -od, and ran+ !ourself amon# those of )hom %hrist sa!s, CBlessed are the! that mournF for the! shall 'e comforted5D All the saints must sin# $salm LL.F C,or th! sa+e )e are +illed all the da! lon#9 )e are counted as sheep for the slau#hter.D There must 'e sufferin# and misfortune if )e are to parta+e of the consolation. Therefore than+ -od for His #reat merc! in not sufferin# !our hus'and to lin#er in conflict and despair, as is the case )ith so man!, 'ut he )as '! -od/s #race delivered and at len#th restored to the %hristian faith, and num'ered amon# those of )hom it is saidF CBlessed are the! )ho die in the Lord.D And CHe that 'elieveth on me, thou#h he )ere dead, !et shall he live.D .a! -od the ,ather comfort and stren#then !ou )ith such )ords in %hrist &esus5 Amen. .artin Luther. (n this !ear the >iet at 0pe!er )as held, also the %onference at .ar'ur#, 'et)een the -erman and 0)iss divines, on the *uestion of the Lord/s 0upper. Luther/s Lar#er and 0horter %atechisms appeared simultaneousl!.

15%$

TO NICOLAS VON AMSDORF

,e'ruar! 12, 152:. That !ou are pleased )ith m! little 'oo+ a#ainst Her7o# -eor#e is a #reat pleasure to me. ,or all are do)n upon me, for#ettin# ho) he has treated me, and act to)ards him as if he )ere innocent. ( shall not sho) them !our letter, or the! )ould class !ou )ith me. Henceforth ( shall not ans)er the t!rant, as he as+s me to let him alone in future. .uch is 'ein# said here a'out ,erdinand/s t!rann! and extortion. $ra! that -od ma! stren#then me that ( ma! not 'e left in 0atan/s hand. The Lord &esus maintain and 'less !ou5 Amen. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
,e'ruar! 15, 152:. ( am deli#hted that the church visitation has come to such a happ! end amon# !ou. .a! other church matters soon 'e arran#ed. 6e sin# the Litan! 'oth in Latin and -erman here. $erhaps a printed form ma! soon 'e issued. Then the da!s of humiliation, the 'an, and the other litur#ical arran#ements connected )ith our con#re#ations )ill follo). This is enou#h to 'e#in )ith. ( have 'een sufferin# from #iddiness, not to mention )hat ( endure from 0atan/s emissaries. $ra! that -od ma! stren#then me. ( shall never a#ain ans)er Her7o# -eor#e. .! sermon a#ainst the Tur+s )ould have 'een printed lon# a#o had not the first printed sheets 'een lost throu#h the servant/s carelessness. .! <athie #reets !ou, also &onas and $hilip. 6e fear $ommer )ill not return 'efore Ascension. %hrist 'e )ith !ou5 Amen. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
Luther complains of temptations. .arch H, 152:. -race and peace5 The %atechism is not read!, 'ut it )ill soon 'e, m! Hausmann, also the sermon a#ainst the Tur+s. But in spite of m! soul 'ein# )ell, ( am al)a!s ill, so dreadfull! does 0atan pla#ue me '! preventin# me

stud!in#, for ( must have societ! to hinder him attac+in# me in m! solitude. $ra! for me. Bo) that !our $aul has 'een dismissed as 0palatin )rote, !ou must 'e thin+in# of a successor. (f !ou have none in vie), ( thin+ %ordatus )ould 'e the most suita'le. He is an excellent and learned man, and a staunch confessor of his faith. ,are)ell, and pra! for the impendin# >iet. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS VON AMSDORF

Luther sends a letter invitin# him to Holstein. .arch 21, 152:. -race and peace5 ,rom this letter !ou )ill see )hat the Her7o# )ishes re#ardin# !ou. But as ( do not thin+ it )ould 'e %hristianAli+e to tear !ou a)a! from .a#de'ur# so soon, it )ould 'e 'etter to serve him other)ise. 0ho) this document to 0tein and <lot7 in the %ouncil, and let them see !ou ma! accept, )hich ma! 'rin# them to reason, and cause them to do somethin# for the schools. >o let them thin+ !ou are in earnest. And if the! plead )ith !ou to remain do not 'e too easil! persuaded to do so. ,or ( am still dou'tful )hether !our departure )ould #rieve them. 2ou )ill +no) that Lan#efeld has 'een called a)a!, and that .arcus 0charrte in Hesse is dead. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS VON AMSDORF

At >iet of 0pe!er the Elector and $rinces protested a#ainst the Edict a#ainst the Lutherans, hence the )ord $rotestant. .arch 2:, 152:. -race and peace5 ( am pleased that !ou proved 0tein thus, and have found neither him nor others )antin#. Bo) that ( have a pretext ( shall )rite, and earnestl! exhort them to promote learnin#. -o on as !ou are doin#, and help the #ood )or+ as much as !ou can. The 'ride#room Bruno has as+ed me to invite !ou to his )eddin# on Thursda!. The 'ride 3-ersa von <rosse4 )ill come to m! house on Tuesda!, or rather to m! )ife/s. 0o arm !ourself, not )ith s)ord of steel, 'ut )ith #old and silver, for !ou shall not escape )ithout a present. Bo ne)s from 0pe!er, 'ut !ou hear ever!thin#. ,are)ell in %hrist. $ra! for me. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
%ordatus, Hausmann/s assistant, 'rou#ht this letter. .arch H1, 152:. Here)ith, 'ehold the sharer in !our ministerial cares and helper in !our )or+, Herr Licentiate %ordatus, an estima'le man. ( hope he )ill help !ou, and do much #ood in !our parish. Althou#h i#norant people ma! not 'e satisfied at first the! )ill appreciate his )orth after)ards. .a! %hrist comfort !ou in all !our tri'ulations5 (t is a miracle that )e are not s)allo)ed up of the devil in our impotence. Those )ho have e!es to see must 'ehold in us one of -od/s #reatest )or+s, that )e insi#nificant creatures have 'een ena'led to )ithstand so man! po)erful enemies and remain steadfast. =ut)ardl! )e are much harassed, and in)ardl! 0atan ta+es up his a'ode amon# the children of -od. But it is onl! a rei#nin# %hrist )ho can triumph over us )ea+ ones, and )ill at len#th #ive us a #lorious deliverance on the #reat da!. -od #rant it. %hrist )ill teach and confirm it out of %ordatus/s mouth. ,are)ell, and pra! for me. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS VON AMSDORF

A marria#e case. .a! L, 152:. This is )hat ( should recommend. >o not 'elieve this faithless 'ride#room. ( a#ree )ith !ou to send him 'ac+, either to prove that he has never promised 3)hich he is tr!in# to do4, or to ta+e the 'ride, or remain unmarried. ( have told him this. But if matters 'e as !ou sa!, then he must not marr! for a punishment, unless he marries her. 6e +no) nothin# definite as to the "eichsta#. 6e dail! expect $hilip .elanchthon. ( can scarcel! lecture 'ecause of m! cou#h. 2esterda! and toda! ( expounded (saiah, 'ut )as ver! hoarse. $ra! for us. .artin Luther.

TO #EN"EL LINK
Than+s for a #ift, etc. .a! @, 152:.

-race in %hrist5 The )atch, dear 6en7el, has arrived all ri#ht. But it is either )ear! )ith its 1ourne! or not accustomed to its ne) o)ner, for it has stopped. Ho)ever, )ith time, it appears inclined to run. ( than+ !ou )arml! for it, 'ut, 'ein# a poor man, can ma+e no return. ,or the 'oo+s )hich came out latel! !ou must alread! have, and the! are of such a nature that the! cannot 'e called #ifts. The! are onl! old thin#s 'rou#ht out afresh. -od has #iven me a little dau#hter .a#dalena, and the mother is ver! )ell. The >iet is at an end, and almost )ithout result, except that the persecutors of %hrist, the t!rants of souls, could not vent their fur! on us as the! desired, and )e could expect no more from -od. There is tal+ of a %ouncil, 'ut it )ill 'e fruitless. There is a ?enetian here 1ust no), and he sa!s that in the last ,rench )ar a#ainst the $ope there )ere ei#ht hundred Tur+s, of )hom three hundred )ere unin1ured, and 'ein# tired of the )ar returned home. ( thou#ht !ou did not +no) these dreadful thin#s, as !ou too+ no notice of them. 0oon midni#ht )ill come, )hen the cr! )ill 'e heard, CBehold, the Bride#room cometh9 #o !e out to meet Him.D $ra! for me. -reet our friends. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN

Luther 'e#s the Elector to recall Bu#enha#en from Ham'ur#. .a! 12, 152:. -race and peace5 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince. Herr &ohn $ommer has )ritten from Ham'ur# that he has arran#ed to return, 'ut the people are holdin# him so fast that he cannot #et a)a!, and he sa!s the! intend )ritin# !our -race to let him remain al)a!s. ( have )ritten him to resist such action, and hope the! )ill not thus re*uite our #oodness in lendin# him to them. 0o he no) )rites, 'e##in# that !our Electoral -race )ould )rite demandin# his presence in 6itten'er#, to prove his hurr!in# home is not his o)n )ish. Therefore )e hum'l! re*uest !our -race )ould furnish us )ith such a document to for)ard, )ith those from the Gniversit!, orderin# his return, for the classes have lain lon# enou#h )aste, especiall! as, -od 'e praised, students are dail! arrivin#, principall! from 0axon!, so Bu#enha#en cannot 'e lon#er spared. 2our -race )ill +no) ho) to act in the matter. .artin Luther.

TO #EN"EL LINK

.a! 25, 152:. ( commend to !ou this 0cotchman, m! 6en7el, )ho has 'een 'anished from his fatherland 'ecause of the #ospel. He 'e##ed me to )rite !ou, hopin# he mi#ht #et some assistance. He seems of #ood famil!, and )ell #rounded in scholastic theolo#!. %ould he spea+ -erman )e could find plent! for him to do, and, despite our povert!, have +ept him )ith us, 'ut he has reasons for )ishin# to tr! his fortune else)here. (n $hilip/s a'sence, and durin# m! illness, ( translated the 'oo+ of 6isdom 3$rover's4, )hich $hilip had ta+en in hand. (t is in the press. That )hich Leo &udais of Iurich has translated is misera'le in the extreme. ,are)ell, and pra! for me. .artin Luther.

TO JACOB MONTANUS, PREACHER IN HERFORD

A'out Erasmus of "otterdam. .a! 28, 152:. -race and peace5 ( am )ell a)are, m! &aco', of all !ou tell me of Erasmus, )ho ra#es a#ainst us. ( #athered as much from his )ritin#s, for in them he displa!s the soreness of the )ound he has received. But ( despise him, and do not consider the creature )orth! of an! other repl!, and should ( )rite shall onl! refer to Erasmus in the third person, and doin# this more to condemn his opinions than to refute them, for he is a thou#htless C(ndifferentist,D )ho ridicules all reli#ion in his Lucian fashion, and is onl! in earnest )hen he )ishes to #ratif! his reven#e. 6e are all )ell here, than+s to !our pra!ers. Than+s for the present ; a proof of !our #ood feelin#. ( shall send !ou m! latest )or+s. ,are)ell in %hrist, and continue pra!in# for me. .artin Luther.

TO LANDGRAVE PHILIP OF HESSE

Luther a#rees to a %onference )ith =Ecolampadius and I)in#li. &une 2H, 152:.

-race and peace5 0erene $rince, .ost -racious Lord5 ( have received !our -race/s invitation to .ar'ur# to the disputation )ith =Ecolampadius and the other 0)iss divines, to see if )e cannot see e!e to e!e re#ardin# the sacrament. Althou#h ( have little hope of this, still !our -race/s anxiet! for unit! and peace is most lauda'le, and ( am )illin# to cooperate in such vain and for us perhaps dan#erous efforts, for the other part! must not have the #lor! of outstrippin# me 3if -od )ill4 in the desire for unit!. ( 'eseech !ou to learn if the! feel inclined to !ield their opinions, to prevent the evil 'ecomin# )orse. (t seems as if the! )ere tr!in#, throu#h !our -race/s 7eal, after)ards to 'oast that the! had moved #reat princes to interfere to prove that the! )ished peace )hile )e )ere its enemies. -od #rant ( am no prophet, 'ut if the! )ere reall! in earnest the! do not need such mi#ht! princes to represent them9 for, -od 'e praised, )e are not such )orthless characters. The! mi#ht have )ritten us lon# a#o, sa!in# ho) the! )ished peace, or could still do so, for ( cannot !ield to them, 'ein# convinced our cause is ri#ht and theirs )ron#. Therefore pra! consider )hether this .ar'ur# conference )ill do #ood or harm9 for if the! do not !ield )e shall part )ithout fruit, and our meetin#, as )ell as !our -race/s outla! and trou'le, have 'een in vain. And then the! )ill 'oast, and load us )ith reproach, as is their )ont, so thin#s )ould 'e )orse than ever. "e#ardin# !our -race/s fears that 'loodshed )ould ensue from such discord, !ou +no) that )hatever happens )e are innocent, and -od )ill 'rin# our innocence to the li#ht of da!. (f this spirit of union should result in 'loodshed, such action is in accordance )ith its nature, as )as seen in ,ran7 von 0ic+in#en, %arlstadt, and .un7er9 and there, too, )e )ere 'lameless. ( )rite all this to prove ho) read! ( am to serve !ou. .a! %hrist tread 0atan under our feet5 Amen. 2our -race/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO CONRAD CORDATUS
Luther sa!s the #ospel messen#er must suffer persecution. &ul! 1L, 152:. -race and peace5 Be stron# in %hrist, m! %ordatus, in order to put up )ith those un#rateful people in I)ic+au. >o not thin+ of chan#in# !our post. This is a more testin# temptation than an! !ou have had. The )orld is the enem! of -od and His 6ord. (t is therefore a miracle if amon# -od/s enemies an! are friendl! to His children. The )orld loves its o)n, so )e ma! +no) that )e are not of this )orld )hen she hates and despises us. Hence !ou have merel! to put up )ith an incarnate devil, )ho, throu#h the flesh, his slu##ish tool, harasses and enervates !ou, 'ut cannot, much as he )ishes, in1ure !ou. But resist him )ith all !our mi#ht. Therefore !ou act in a 'rotherl! )a! in comfortin# me so lovin#l! and )ishin# me all #ood.

%ontinue so to do and pra!, as ( do for !ou, that )e ma! 'e set free, and till that da! comes, 'rin# forth fruit in patience. -od #rant this5 -reet !our 'eloved other half in the Lord. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF
Luther hears that Amsdoff is not satisfied )ith his post. Au#ust 1, 152:. -race and peace5 Althou#h !ou have not complained to me, m! Amsdorf, ( hear ho) little !ou have 'enefited from the promotion !ou have received from the $rince. But 'e steadfast. The Lord )ill ma+e an end of the trou'le. The %ourt is the devil/s seat. (f thin#s do not improve ( shall support !ou '! )ord and deed, so that !ou ma! leave I)ic+au, and sha+e its dust from off !our feet ; !ou and %ordatus also. ( shall consider $aul/s affairs9 meantime put up )ith all, sho)in# !ourselves men amon# those trou'lesome people. 2ou did not leave %ellarius/s notes on (saiah here. ( searched ever!)here, and found nothin#. $erhaps he )ill pass !our )a! and visit !ou. $ra! to %hrist for me, a poor sinner. <athie sends friendl! #reetin#. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
-race and peace in %hrist5 >ear &onas ; Last 0a''ath -od the Lord too+ a)a! from our $hilip one of his children, called -eor#e9 so !ou can ima#ine ho) much )e have to do in tr!in# to comfort this tenderhearted and emotional man. He is #rievin# too much over the loss, not 'ein# used to such trials. $ra! that the Lord ma! comfort him, and then, in !our 'est rhetoric, )rite him a letter of consolation. 2ou +no) ho) important it is for us that he should 'e spared in health. 6e are all sic+ and sad in his sic+ness and sadness. ( can thin+ of nothin# 'ut him, except the most intimate concerns of m! dail! life. But the -od of the hum'le and afflicted )ill not allo) him to 'e van*uished, althou#h he is still ver! )ea+. ( shall )rite of other thin#s )hen the #rief is a little assua#ed. ,are)ell in the Lord, and #reet !our fello)A'ishops respectfull! in the Lord. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN OF SA ONY

Luther sends than+s for present of #arments. Au#ust 1 , 152:. -race and peace in %hrist5 .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, .ost -racious Lord5 ( have dela!ed lon# in returnin# than+s for the #arments !our -race has so +indl! sent me. But ( hum'l! 'e# !ou not to 'elieve people )ho tr! to ma+e !our Electoral -race thin+ ( am in )ant. ( have, alas, more than ( can reconcile it )ith m! conscience, especiall! from !our Electoral Hi#hness, to accept. And as a preacher it is not seeml! for me to have superfluit!. Therefore ( sometimes trem'le 'ecause of !our -race/s #enerosit! to)ards me, incase ( ma! 'e found in this life amon# those to )hom %hrist sa!s, C6oe to !ou richF for !ou have !our re)ard here.D But to use common lan#ua#e, ( have no desire to 'e 'urdensome to !our -race, for !ou have so much to #ive a)a! that ( +no) !ou have little over, and the purse ma! 'e rent asunder if so man! demands 'e made upon it. (t )as superfluous sendin# the leatherAcolored cloth, 'ut ( feel much inde'ted to !our -race for it, and ( shall )ear the 'lac+ coat in honor of !our munificence, althou#h too costl! for me9 and )ere it not !our -race/s #ift ( )ould never appear in such a #arment. Therefore, ( 'eseech !our -race to )ait till ( m!self complain and 'e#, so that !our +indness ma! not ma+e me sh! of as+in# favors for others )ho are much more )orth! of !our 'ount!. ,or !our -race loads me )ith too man! 'enefits. %hrist )ill #raciousl! reim'urse !ou for all this. ( pra! for this )ith m! )hole heart. Amen. 2our -race/s hum'le servant, .artin Luther.

TO JOHN BREN", IN SCH#ABIAN HALLE

Luther praises his exposition of Amos, etc. Au#ust 2:, 152:. -race and peace in %hrist5 ( perused !our Amos, m! esteemed and learned Brentius. ,ar 'e it from me to su##est an! alterations, for ( cannot set up as a master in the divine )ritin#s. ( onl! )ish to 'e a learner in that school. The friend to )hom !ou entrusted its pu'lication intentionall! dela!ed it, fearin# attac+s from the printers. But it shall 'e printed, if he/ll listen to me. %oncernin# the Hesse %onference, of )hich !ou )rite, and to )hich !ou are summoned, !ou are ri#ht. Bothin# #ood is li+el! to ensue from such a holeAandAcorner comin# to#ether of the %hurches of -od. Therefore ( 'e# of !ou not to appear, and, if !ou have not promised to #o, remain a)a!. At first

)e a'solutel! refused, 'ut as this !oun# Hessian Alexander so )orried our $rinces, )e had to promise, 'ut persisted it )ould result in no #ood, and onl! ma+e matters )orse. But he stuc+ to his point, so )e !ielded9 if he )ould also invite some talented $apists, )ho could 'ear )itness a#ainst these 'oasters and remar+a'le saints )ho are to 'e there5 Althou#h ( lon# to see !ou, ( shall rather for#o the pleasure than en1o! it to the detriment of the cause. .a! %hrist 'uild !ou up to His o)n #lor!5 Amen. $ra! for me a sinner. .artin Luther.

TO HIS #IFE
(n 0eptem'er I)in#li, )ith the -ree+ professor in Iurich, started for .ar'ur#, Bucer, Hedio, =Ecolampadius, etc., 1oinin# them in 0trass'ur#. =n 0eptem'er H0, Luther, .elanchthon, &onas, %ruci#er and .!conius, =siander, Bren7, etc., also came. =cto'er L, 152:. -race and peace in %hrist5 >ear <athie ; =ur friendl! conference at .ar'ur# is almost ended, and )e have a#reed upon nearl! all points, except that our opponents maintain that onl! the 'read and )ine are present in the sacrament, althou#h admittin# %hrist/s spiritual presence in the elements. Toda! the Land#rave is ma+in# ever! effort to unite us, or at least to ma+e us consider each other 'rethren and mem'ers of %hrist/s 'od!. He is doin# his 'est to accomplish this. But althou#h )e o'1ect to 'e 'rethren, )e )ish to live at peace and on #ood terms. ( fanc! )e shall set out tomorro) or next da!, and #o to !our #racious lord in ?o#tland, )hither His Electoral -race has summoned us. 0a! to Herr $ommer that I)in#li/s ar#ument )as the 'estF C%orpus non potest esse sine 1oco, er#o %hristi corpus non est in paneD9 that of =Ecolampadius )asF C0acramentum est si#num corporis %hristi.D ( consider -od has 'linded them, that the! cannot achieve an!thin# #ood. ( have much to do, and the messen#er )aits. -oodAni#ht to all, and pra! for us. 6e are all )ell and livel!, and livin# li+e princes. <iss Lenchen and Hanschen for me. 2our o'edient servant, .artin Luther. $.0. ; The! are all *uite excited over the s)eatin# sic+ness. ,ift! )ere sei7ed !esterda!, of )hom t)o have died.

TO JOHN LANGE
=cto'er 28, 152:. -race in %hrist5 ( commend .a#ister 6olf#an# to !our love, m! Lan#e, so that if possi'le !ou ma! help him to a situation. He is a #ood man, and )ell up in the sciences, and thorou#hl! #rounded in our faith, so is )ell fitted to 'e pastor, secretar!, or teacher. 2ou +no) ho) the Tur+s destro!ed ?ienna, and then fled in their despair from -erman!, )hich )e re#arded as a miracle of -od. =nl! )e dear -ermans slum'er on. ,are)ell in %hrist, and #ive !our little son, as )ell as his mother, man! +isses as a #reetin#. .artin Luther.

TO FREDERICK MYCONIUS, AT GOTHA

Luther )ishes to hear of &ohn Hilten in Eisenach. Bovem'er , 152:. -race and peace5 2our letters, m! ,rederic+, )ere most )elcome, 'ein# full of 'rotherl! love, and also a proof of !our +indness in findin# out )hat ( )ished. ( expect !our promised letter shortl!. 2ou )ill alread! +no) all a'out the Tur+s. -od fou#ht for us, drivin# them a)a! throu#h a marvellous fri#ht. 6e must 'e# -od to 'e our )all, and send His an#els to help us. 6e cannot sufficientl! laud !our faith, in pra!in# a#ainst the Tur+s and the #ates of hell, )ith !our con#re#ation. -od hear !ou in our da! of trou'le9 even as the an#el could not destro! 0odom 'ecause of one Lot, so ma! it 'e )ith us on account of the man! pious people here. Amen. There is nothin# ne) here. $hilip is from home, or he )ould have )ritten. He and Amsdorf are honorin# the marria#e of Herr Trutle'en in ,re!'er# )ith their presence. .an! #reetin#s from m! <athie, the head of the house. -reet !our )ife, )ho ma! 'e !our lord as )ell, and our hostess, and Basilius, and !our 1usticiar!, and ma! !ou prosper #reatl! in %hrist5 .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
A'out the Tur+ish )ar, etc. Bovem'er 10, 152:.

-race and peace5 Be stron# in the Lord, m! dear Bicolas, and do not 'e afraid of the Tur+s. %hrist lives, and the $rophet >aniel 3)hich $hilip and &onas are at present pu'lishin#4, so )e hope he )ill not 'e a'le to su'due -erman!, althou#h he is punishin# us for our ne#lect of the #ospel. ,or it is reall! a miracle that the Tur+ has vanished from his camp, leadin# people to 'elieve that the da! of 1ud#ment is at hand, )hen -o# the Tur+ and .a#o# the $ope, the political and the spiritual opponents of %hrist, )ill 'oth 'e overthro)n. ( )ish !ou much happiness on 'ein# ridiculed as a pietist, and that !ou are deemed )orth! of 0atan/s hatred, )ho can onl! in1ure !ou '! stirrin# up poisonous ton#ues a#ainst !ou. Lau#h at his impotence, for !ou cannot )ound him more than '! 'ein# invulnera'le to his stin#. ( )ish the 'ride %hristina 1o!, and )hen loo+in# for a )ife ( trust !ou )ill 'e as fortunate9 'ut if !ou have no desire, and can do )ithout one, !ou )ill 'e far happier, and ( shall )ish !ou 1o! all the same. Bot that ( )ould mali#n matrimon! ; that -odAappointed institution ; 'ut 'ecause !ou are free from manifold trou'les and household cares9 to this ( )ish !ou 1o!. .a! %hrist teach !ou and +eep !ou )ell, and cause !ou to pra! for me5 ,are)ell in Him. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN

"e*uest to have Emser/s Be) Testament suppressed. "ostoc+ 'ecame Evan#elical in 152 throu#h the earnest preachin# of 0luter, the "ostoc+ reformer, )ho )as poisoned in 15H2. Bovem'er 2H, 152:. To the 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, the Elector &ohn of 0axon!. -race and peace in %hrist5 0ome prominent citi7ens of Lu'ec+ have )ritten informin# us that some Lollards have caused Emser/s Be) Testament to 'e printed in "ostoc+, in 0axon, throu#h )hich the! fear much mischief ma! 'e done, and have 'e##ed me to re*uest !our -race to petition the Her7o# of .ec+len'ur#A0ch)erin, for -od/s honor and the #ood of souls, to for'id its pu'lication. ,or althou#h ( have nothin# a#ainst the Emser Testament, )hose contents the rascals have )ic+edl! stolen from me 3for it is precisel! m! text, )ith a fe) harmless alterations4, !et since he has reissued it, so scandalousl! man#led )ith his annotations, and accompanied '! a #lossar! )hich prevents it 'earin# an! fruit, 'ut rather does harm, ( 'eseech !our Electoral -race #raciousl! to present this petition to the hi#hl! esteemed Her7o# Heinrich, and let us have the ans)er '! the messen#er )ho 'rin#s this, for as much as in us lies )e must defend ourselves a#ainst the devil. .a! %hrist our Lord 'e )ith !our -race to all eternit!5 Amen. 2our Electoral Hi#hness/s o'edient

.artin Luther.

TO DOROTHEA MACKENROD, LUTHER1S SISTER

Luther promises a #ospel sermon. >ecem'er 2, 152:. >ear 0ister ; ( see from !our letter to me ho) earnestl! !our heavil! laden conscience lon#s for an Evan#elical sermon of consolation, and, if possi'le, in !our o)n church in "ossla. ( am deli#hted to hear this, and have made up m! mind, in -od, to come to !ou on the approachin# %hristmas Eve, and to preach, )ith -od/s help, the first #ospel sermon at "ossla and upper "ossla as a memorial. -reet !our hus'and and the little .ar#aretta, to )hom ( shall 'rin# somethin# )ith me. ( commit !ou to -od. .artin Luther. 3>ate dou'tful.4

TO FRIEDRICH, ABBOT IN NURNBERG

>ecem'er 2:, 152:. To the much honored in %hrist, Herr ,riedrich, superintendent in 0t. =E#idius, Burn'er#, m! superior in the Lord. -race and peace in %hrist5 ( have nothin#, and !et a ver! #reat deal to )rite to !ou, m! honored friend in %hrist. %oncernin# m!self ( have nothin#, except to commend m!self to !our sacred pra!ers, 'ut in re#ard to the 'ride#room, !our fello)Aciti7en, that most excellent !oun# man, %onrad .auser, ( have a #reat deal. >ou'tless !our lar#e heart )ill +no) that )ere ( to )rite a letter at all commensurate )ith the #reatness of this 'urnin# love )hich has 'een +indled in the 'ride#room/s heart, perhaps the )hole )orld could not contain it. But ( am onl! 1o+in# in order to #ain !our s!mpath! for .auser/s marria#e. ,or he desires throu#h !ou to #ain his parents/ consent to his happ! union. This )ill certainl! 'e accomplished if !ou can ma+e the father see that his son has reall! chosen a prett! and, )hat is even 'etter, a capa'le and virtuous maiden, and ( )ould add %hristian, if the value of the term had not sun+ in the estimation of the people throu#h its indiscriminate use, althou#h it is not so )ith us.

And the 'ride/s father is not nearl! so 'adl! off as the most of the 'ur#hers are here, 'ut is a mem'er of the To)n %ouncil and )ellAtoAdo ; in short, a most honora'le man, )ho loo+s )ell to the )a!s of his household, and has a most industrious )ife, )ho is universall! loved 'ecause of her amia'ilit!. 2ou )ill have the #oodness to 'rin# all this to the +no)led#e of .auser/s father )hen !ou have the opportunit!, so that he ma! not #rieve his son, 'ut cause him to re1oice throu#h his consent, )ithout )hich he )ill not marr!. (t is much to 'e desired that the father, to sho) his approval, should appear at the )eddin#. And )e are most anxious to have !our presence also, 'ut )e fear to present an impossi'le re*uest to !ou. .a! the +indness of !our heart prompt !ou to do )hat is ri#ht in !our e!es, and ma! !ou prosper in %hrist5 Amen. .artin Luther. >iet of Au#s'ur# held. The Elector started for Au#s'ur#, April H, )ith a 'rilliant retinue. Luther )as left at %o'ur#. %harles ?. made his #rand entr! into Au#s'ur#, &une 15. The Au#s'ur# %onfession read on &une 25, and the "oman %atholic %onfutation of the same )as presented Au#ust H. .elanchthon prepared the CApolo#!D of the Au#s'ur# %onfession, a no'le and learned document, )hich the Emperor refused to receive till man! alterations )ere made upon it.

15-0
TO HIS SICK FATHER, HANS LUTHER
,e'ruar! 1@, 15H0. To m! dear father, Hans Luther, 'ur#her of .ansfeld. -race and peace5 .! 'rother &aco' has )ritten sa!in# ho) ill !ou are. ( am ver! anxious a'out !ou, as thin#s seem so 'lac+ ever!)here 1ust no). ,or althou#h -od has hitherto 'lessed !ou )ith #ood health, still !our advanced a#e fills me )ith concern. ( )ould have come to !ou had ( not 'een dissuaded from temptin# -od '! runnin# into temptation, for !ou +no) ho) interested 'oth lords and all are in m! )elfare. (t )ould 'e a #reat 1o! to us if m! mother and !ou )ould come here. .! <athie and all as+ this )ith tears9 and )e )ould nurse !ou tenderl!. ( have sent %!riac to see if !ou are a'le. ,or ( should li+e to 'e near !ou, and, in o'edience to the ,ifth %ommandment, cherish !ou )ith childAli+e +indness to sho) m! #ratitude to -od and !ou. .eantime ( pra! -od to +eep !ou throu#h His 0pirit, so that !ou ma! discern the teachin# of His 0on, )ho has called !ou out of the 'lac+ness of error to preserve !ou to %hrist/s 1o!ous appearin#. ,or He has

set this seal to !our faith, that He has 'rou#ht much shame, contempt, and enmit! upon !ou for m! sa+e. ,or, these are the true si#ns of our li+eness to %hrist, for as 0t. $aul sa!s, C(f )e suffer, )e shall also rei#n )ith Him.D 0o remem'er in !our )ea+ness that )e have an Advocate )ith the ,ather )ho died to ta+e a)a! our sins, and no) sits )ith the an#els, )aitin# for us, so that )hen our hour comes to leave the )orld )e need not fear 'ein# lost, His po)er over death and sin 'ein# so complete. He )ho cannot lie has said, CAs+, and !e shall receive.D And the $salms are full of such precious promises, especiall! the :1st., )hich is so suited for sic+ people. ( )rite thus 'ecause of !our illness, and as )e do not +no) the hourSso that ( ma! 'e a parta+er of !our faith, conflict, and consolation, and #ratitude to -od for His Hol! 6ord, )hich He has so a'undantl! 'esto)ed on us at this time. (f it 'e His >ivine 6ill not to transplant !ou at once to that 'etter life, 'ut let !ou remain a little lon#er )ith us for the help of others, then He )ill #ive !ou #race to accept !our lot in an o'edient spirit. ,or this life is trul! a vale of tears, )here the lon#er one remains the more )ic+edness and miser! one sees9 and this never ceases till the hour of our departure sounds and )e fall asleep in &esus, till He comes and #ives us a 1o!ful a)a+in#. Amen5 ( here)ith commit !ou to Him )ho loves !ou 'etter than !ou do !ourself, havin# paid the penalt! of !our sins )ith His 'lood, so that !ou need have no anxiet!. Leave Him to see to ever!thin#. He )ill do all )ell, and has alread! done so in a far hi#her de#ree than )e can ima#ine. .a! this dear 0avior 'e )ith !ou, and )e shall shortl! meet a#ain )ith %hrist, as the departure from this )orld is a much smaller thin# )ith -od than if ( said fare)ell to !ou in .ansfeld to come here, or if !ou 'ade adieu to me in 6itten'er# to return to .ansfield. (t is onl! a case of one short hour/s sleep, and then all )ill 'e chan#ed. ( hope !our pastors render !ou faithful service in such matters, so that m! chatter ma! not 'e needed, 'ut ( could not refrain from apolo#i7in# for m! 'odil! a'sence, )hich is a #reat trial to me. .! <athie, Hanschen, Lenchen, .uhme Lene, all salute !ou and pra! for !ou. -ive m! love to m! dear mother and all the relations. 2our dear son, .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
Luther spea+s of his Bi'lical )or+, etc. ,e'ruar! 25, 15H0. -race and peace in %hrist5 2our last letter, dear Hausmann, )as a #reat pleasure to me 'ecause of that no'le simplicit! of spirit )hich characterises all !ou )rite, as )ell as 'ein# an expression of !our heart! #ood)ill to)ards m!self. $lease dra) out once more a list of )hat !our church

re*uires. ,or it must al)a!s 'e 'efore me, as ( cannot 'urden m! memor! )ith it, so that )hen ( have leisure and the opportunit! ( mi#ht fulfill !our desires. .! mind 'ein# so occupied )ith m! dail! concerns, it is for#otten, and time passes )ithout !our )ishes 'ein# attended to. 6e are 'us! )ith the pu'lication of >aniel, as a consolation in those latter da!s. 6e have also underta+en &eremiah and the rest of the prophets. 6e shall offer the Be) Testament for sale at the approachin# ,air 3.esse 4 in ,ran+fort, and in such a )a! as to create fresh alarm amon# the $apists. ,or )e have )ritten a lon# preface to the Apocal!pse, and furnished it )ith notes. %ontinue to pra! for us. .! <athie sends friendl! #reetin#s. .artin Luther.

TO THE HONORABLE ADAM ADAMUS

.arch 5, 15H0. -race and peace in the Lord5 ( am deli#hted )ith !our 7eal as to the true teachin# of the sacrament, and read !our treatise. $erhaps !our ideas onS are a little sharp, 'ut )hat of that )hen nothin# )ill convince themE 6hen ( have time ( shall )rite on the @th chapter of &ohn9 and is it stran#e if ( sometimes )rite vehementl!E 6ere !ou in m! place, perhaps !ou )ould 'e more violent. Ever! man is differentl! constituted, hence the impressions )hich out)ard thin#s ma+e on him var!. There has 'een no discussion amon# !ou, so !ou onl! see thin#s from afar, 'ut Copportunit! ma+es the man,D as the prover' sa!s. That our .ar'ur# %onference should have offended man! is no )onder, for the other part! )ould not let themselves 'e instructed. The I)in#lians have 'een convicted of so man! errors, even accordin# to their o)n sho)in#, that it is provo+in# one article should have prevented them a#reein# )ith us. But can )e force the van*uished to a confessionE ,or %hrist, in spite of havin# often convicted the $harisees and 0adducees of sin, could never #et them to confess their faults. 2our 'est plan is not to listen to such people, )ho al)a!s loo+ for offenses, )hile the! studiousl! avoid havin# an open e!e for )hat is #ood, and from )hich the! mi#ht profit. ( disli+e comin# in contact )ith such people, )ho al)a!s find somethin# to calumniate. ( commit !ou to -od9 pra! for me. .artin Luther. $.0. ; ( have )ritten to the $rince of Lie#nit7, 'ut have little hope of arran#in# an!thin# throu#h letters.

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF
This letter accompanied Amsdorfs defense of Luther a#ainst Erasmus. .arch 12, 15H0. -race and peace5 ( return !our notes on Erasmus, as !ou re*uest. ( )as struc+ '! !our remar+ that Erasmus had lon# a#o declared 'efore Luther that faith )ithout #ood )or+s 1ustified a man, 'ut that he said later, this )as ho) he understood the .osaic la). (f Erasmus reall! said this ( +no) not, 'ut ( +no) !ou )ere al)a!s ver! sure of )hat !ou asserted, that !ou mi#ht not pla! into the hands of our enemies. Bo) 'e 'rave, for A#ramus is )ritin# in defense of Erasmus. But li+el! it ma! end as Ec+/s defense of the $ope did. (f the fools +ept silence it )ould 'e 'etter for Erasmus, 'ut -od sends him such champions in His )rath. (f spared ( shall com' their loc+s for them in a )a! the! )ill feel. ( have still )eapons in m! armor! )hich the! have not. .a! !ou prosper in the Lord &esus, )ho lives not onl! durin# Erasmus/s life, 'ut to all eternit!5 Amen. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
"e#ardin# the comin# >iet. .arch 1L, 15H0. All hail5 The Elector has )ritten to !ou, $omeranus, $hilip, and me, to leave ever!thin# and arran#e '! next 0unda! all that is needful for the (mperial >iet. ,or the Emperor %harles )ill, accordin# to his proclamation, 'e at Au#s'ur# himself to tr! to come to an amica'le settlement. Therefore toda! and tomorro) )e three shall )or+ as hard as )e can in !our a'sence 3on the visitation4. Bevertheless enou#h )ill remain for !ou to do to 1ustif! !ou in leavin# !our colle#e )or+ and 1oinin# us tomorro). ,or )e must hurr!. -od #rant that all ma! redound to His #lor!5 Amen. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
The theolo#ians tried to prevent the Elector #oin# to Au#s'ur#, 'ut he said, C( too shall confess m! Lord %hrist alon# )ith !ou.D

April 2, 15H0. Leonhardt has 'rou#ht me the 'oo+ !ou have )ritten. ( shall discuss it )ith m! friends, for ( admit that )ere %hrist/s histor! and deeds to 'e reproduced 'efore the children in a dramatic form it mi#ht interest the !oun# and )in their love. ( accompan! the $rince to %o'ur# )ith $hilip and &onas till )e +no) the course of events at Au#s'ur#. .eantime, !ou )ith !our con#re#ation must pra! earnestl! for this >iet, also for me. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
April 18, 15H0. -race and peace5 %ordatus )ill have told !ou that )e are still in %o'ur#, and do not +no) )hen )e ma! #o further. ,or )e heard !esterda! that the Emperor +eeps Easter at .antua, and that the $apists are tr!in# to prevent the "eichsta#, fearin# )hat mi#ht 'e decreed a#ainst them there. And the $ope is an#r! at the Emperor, )ho )ishes to hear 'oth sides, interferin# in spiritual matters. His Holiness intended him onl! to 'e his executioner a#ainst the heretics, and restore his authorit!. ,or the $apists/ sole )ish is that )e should 'e condemned and the! reinstalled in their former position9 and thus the! shall perish5 The $rince has ordered me to remain at %o'ur#, )hile the others #o to the >iet. ,lorence has neither 'een ta+en nor reconciled to the $ope, a #rief to His Holiness9 for those inside declared for the Emperor therefore those outside )ould not proceed a#ainst them, 'ut raised the 'loc+ade. 2ou see )hat our pra!ers can achieve. The Tur+ promises peace next !ear, 'ut threatens to return to -erman!, and even 'rin# Tartars )ith him. But -od/s 6ord and our pra!ers shall fi#ht a#ainst them. ,are)ell, and pra! for me. .artin Luther.

FRAGMENT OF LETTER TO #EN"EL LINK

April 22, 15H0.

0o far )e are sittin# *uietl! in %o'ur#, +no)in# nothin# certain a'out the "eichsta# or the Emperor/s arrival. 2ou )ill perhaps have more relia'le ne)s than )e have. Althou#h m! #ood friends ma! follo) the Elector to Au#s'ur#, he is determined that ( shall remain. 2ou )ill meet $hilip, &onas, Elsie'en, and 0palatin there, and learn from them if the >iet still #oes on. .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
April 22, 15H0. -race and peace in %hristi 6e have at last reached our 0inai, m! dear Herr $hilip, 'ut out of this 0inai )e shall ma+e a Iion and 'uild three ta'ernaclesF one to the $salter, one to the $rophets, and one to AEsop. But time is needed for this. This is a most a#reea'le spot, most suita'le for stud!, onl! ( miss !ou #reatl!. ( #et *uite excited )hen ( thin+ of the Tur+s and .ahomed, and of the dia'olic fur! )hich the! vent on our 'odies and souls. But at such times ( shall pra! ferventl! till He )ho d)ells in Heaven shall hear m! petition. ( see !ou are much distressed at the si#ht of those co)led mon+s )ho seem *uite at home. But it is our fate to 'e spectators of the fierce onslau#hts of these t)o realms and remain steadfast9 and this onslau#ht is a si#n and har'in#er of our redemption. ( pra! that !ou ma! have refreshin# sleep, and +eep !our soul free from care and from the fier! darts of the Evil =ne. Amen. ( )rite this to )hile a)a! m! idle time, as m! 'ox )ith papers, etc., has not arrived. ( have not seen the castle ste)ard !et. .ean)hile ( )ant for nothin# necessar! to a solitar! 'ein#. The #reat 'uildin# )hich pro1ects from the castle has 'een placed entirel! at m! disposal, and the +e!s of all the rooms have 'een put into m! hands. There are over thirt! men in the castle, amon# )hom are t)elve )atchmen and t)o )arders for the to)ers. But )h! )rite all thisE onl! ( have nothin# else to )rite. -reet >r. %aspar %ruci#er and .a#ister 0palatin from me. ( shall #reet Eisle'en and Adler throu#h >r. &onas. ,rom the re#ion of the 'irds. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
Luther )rites a'out the 'irds )hich enliven his solitude, althou#h ?eit >ietrich and his nephe) )ere )ith him. April 22, 15H0.

-race and peace5 At last )e are sittin# here up amon#st the clouds, in the +in#dom of the 'irds, )hose harsh tones, all screamin# to#ether, produce a ver! Ba'el, the da)s or ravens havin# ta+en up their *uarters 'efore our e!es, formin# a forest in front of us. ( can assure !ou there )as a shrie+in#. (t #oes on from four in the mornin# far into the ni#ht, so that ( 'elieve there is no other place )here so man! 'irds #ather as here. And not one is silent for a moment, old and !oun#, mothers )ith dau#hters, sin#in# a son# of praise. $erhaps the! sin# thus s)eetl! to lull us to sleep, )hich -od #rant )e ma! en1o! toni#ht. The da) is to m! mind a most useful 'ird. ( fanc! the! si#nif! a )hole arm! of sophists, etc., )ho have assem'led from the ends of the earth so that ( ma! profit '! their )isdom, en1o! their delicious son#, and re1oice in their useful services in 'oth the secular and spiritual realm. At present the ni#htin#ale is not to 'e heard, althou#h its forerunner and imitator, the cuc+oo, is raisin# its ex*uisite voice. ( am scarce of ne)s, 'ut rather send a 1ocular letter than none, especiall! as the da)s fill heaven and earth )ith their melod!. The Lord 'e )ith !ou5 Let us pra! for each other, for )e need it ur#entl!. -reet all friends. ,are)ell. from the +in#dom of the da)s. .artin Luther.

TO HIS #IFE AND HOUSEHOLD

April 28, 15H0. -race and peace, m! dear <athie, sirs, and friends5 ( have received all !our letters tellin# me ho) !ou #et alon#. ( must no) inform !ou that (, .a#ister ?eit, and %!riac are not to 'e at the >iet, althou#h )e have one here. ,or there is a thic+et 1ust under our )indo) li+e a small forest, )here the da)s and cro)s hold their diet, and such a runnin# to and fro, and screamin# ni#ht and da!, that ( often )onder the! are not hoarse. As !et ( have not seen their emperor, 'ut the courtiers are al)a!s prancin# a'out dressed simpl! in 'lac+, )ith #re! e!es, and all sin# the same melod!. The! pa! no heed to castle or hall9 for their salon is vaulted '! the 'eautiful canop! of heaven, )hile their feet rest on the 'road fields )ith their #reen carpet and trees, the )ails of their house reachin# to the ends of the earth. The! are independent of horses and carria#es, for the! have leathered )heels '! )hich the! escape the sportsmen/s 'ullets. ( fanc! the! have come to#ether to have a mi#ht! onslau#ht on corn, 'arle!, )heat, etc. .an! a +ni#ht )ill )in his laurels here. 0o here )e sit, )atchin# the #a! life of son# led '! princes, etc., preparator! to a vi#orous attac+ on the #rain.

( al)a!s fanc! it is the 0ophists and $apists ( see 'efore me, so that ( ma! hear their lovel! voices and their sermons, and see for m!self )hat a useful +ind of people these are )ho consume all the fruits of the earth, and then strut a'out in their #rand clothin# to )hile a)a! the time. Toda! )e heard the first ni#htin#ale. The )eather has 'een splendid. ( commit !ou to -od9 see )ell to the house. ,rom the >iet of malt Tur+s. .artin Luther.

TO #EN"EL LINK
Luther )rites a'out his )or+. .a! 8, 15H0. -race and peace5 2ou accuse me, dear 6en7el, of silence, even of indifference, and 'lame me, althou#h !ou have had four livin# epistles from me, 'esides the letter a'out &ohn Ernest. 0o ( have #ood cause for puttin# !ou in the )ron#, for volumes )ould not ans)er m! four epistles. =ther)ise ( have complete repose and en1o! ever! luxur! here, and have 'e#un translatin# the remainin# $rophets, havin# finished &eremiah. $erhaps ( shall issue some $salms )ith an exposition so as not to 'e idle. ( also propose translatin# AEsop/s ,a'les for the -erman children. 0o ( no) see ho) to fill up the time, althou#h ( should prefer 'ein# )ith !ou. But ( am pleased )ith )hat -od )ills. %ertainl!, ( )ould have 'een more useful at home, throu#h teachin# and counsel, 'ut ( dared not )ithstand the call. There is nothin# ne) at 6itten'er# except that >r. $ommer )rites that the Lu'ec+ and Lune'er# people are em'racin# the #ospel, and that the preachin# there is most earnest and faithful. -od 'e praised5 ( fear -od ma! pour out the phials of His )rath on Borth -erman!, as ( hear of nothin# 'ut murders and contempt of -od and His 6ord. $ra! for me, as ( do for !ou. ,or the Tur+ is not armin# himself for nothin#. ,rom the diet of the da)s, )hich is 'ein# held here. .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
Luther complains of headache, pro'a'l! from over)or+. .a! 12, 15H0. -race and peace5 >ear Herr $hilip ; =n .a! 8 ( 'e#an to ans)er !our letter from Burn'er#, 'ut )as prevented finishin# it.

( have sent m! admonition to the cler#! to 6itten'er#. Besides, ( have translated the t)o chapters in E7e+iel, concernin# -o#, )ith a preface. ( then 'e#an translatin# the $rophets, intendin# to have them finished '! Ascension, alon# )ith AEsop, and )ould have mana#ed it, so smoothl! did the )or+ proceed, )hen, alas suddenl! the out)ard man collapsed, una'le to sustain the fervor of the inner rene)ed man. ( felt a loud 'u77in# and roarin#, li+e thunder, in m! head, and had ( not stopped at once ( )ould have fainted, and )as useless for t)o da!s. The machine )ill do no more, m! head havin# d)indled into a short chapter, )hich '! de#rees )ill shrin+ into a tin! para#raph, and then into a sin#le sentence. This is )h! ( sit in idleness, 'ut the noise in m! head is su'sidin# throu#h medicine. This accounts for the dela!. The da! !our Burn'er# letter came ( had a 0atanic em'ass! )ith me, and, to ma+e matters )orse, ( )as *uite alone, neither ?eit nor %!riac 'ein# here, so 0atan remained so far master of the Held, compellin# me to see+ societ!. ( impatientl! a)ait the time )hen ( shall 'ehold the almost su'lime ma1est! of this spirit. 0o much for our o)n little concerns, )hile )ei#ht! events are ta+in# place. 2ou sa! that Ec+ alon# )ith ; are 'e#innin# a conflict. 6hat are the! a'out in the "eichsta#E The coarse asses palaver a'out important affairs in our churches. 6e hope their do)nfall shall 'e hastened there'!. .a#ister &oachim has sent me dried fi#s and raisins, and )rites me in -ree+5 6hen 'etter ( shall repl! in Tur+ish, to let him have somethin# to read )hich he cannot understand. 6h! should he )rite to me in -ree+E 0hall )rite more a#ain in case of tas+in# m! head no). Let us pra! for each other. ( must )rite to the Electoral $rince a'out the Land#rave, as !ou advise, and also to the Elector. The Lord 'e )ith !ou. Ta+e care of !our health, and do not in1ure !our head, as ( have done. ( shall re*uest our friends to tr! to prevent !ou oversteppin# the limitations )hich !our health demands9 spare !ourself, so that !ou ma! not 'e a selfmurderer, and then declare that -od )illed it so. =ne can serve -od in repose, and there is no 'etter )a! of servin# Him. This is )h! He insists on the 0a''ath 'ein# strictl! +ept. Bo) do not thro) this counsel to the )inds. (t is -od/s 6ord ( )rite !ou. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN THE STEADFAST OF SA ONY

%oncernin# Evan#elical preachin# in Au#s'ur#. (t )as here the Elector )on the name of C0teadfastD throu#h refusin# to allo) Evan#elical preachin# to 'e suppressed.

.a! 15, 15H0. .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince5 ( have read $hilip/s Apolo#!, )ith )hich ( am deli#hted, and do not thin+ it can 'e improved, or re*uire an! alteration9 and it )ould 'e unseeml! for me to tr! to do so, for ( could not )ord it so softl! and s)eetl!. .a! %hrist our Lord #rant that it ma! 'rin# forth much fruit, as )e hope and pra!. Amen. As to the *uestion )hether, if His (mperial .a1est! for'ids the Evan#elical preachin#, !ou should su'mit, m! opinion is still the same. The Emperor is our lord, the to)n and all 'ein# his, so that as no one should diso'e! !ou in !our o)n to)n of Tor#au, neither should it 'e done in Au#s'ur#. Bo dou't it )ould 'e )ell if he )ere hum'l! as+ed not to for'id the preachin# )ithout hearin# it, 'ut to send some one to hear ho) the! preach 'efore condemnin# it. %ertainl! His .a1est! should not for'id the pure preachin# of the 6ord, as nothin# seditious is 'ein# proclaimed. (f this do not avail, then mi#ht must stand for ri#ht. 6e have done our 'est, and are 'lameless. ( have hum'l! tried to ans)er the *uestion. .a! the Lord mercifull! support !ou throu#h His Hol! 0pirit5 2our Electoral -race/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
Luther 'e#s him to tell &ustus &onas of his child/s death. .a! 15, 15H0. -race and peace5 ( ordered this letter to 'e #iven to !ou, for ( +ne) of no other )a! of lettin# &ustus &onas hear of his son/s death. %ommunicate it to him ver! #entl!. His )ife and famulus certainl! prepared him for it. .! people )rote that the! stood over his deathA'ed, and he died of the same illness )hich so latel! deprived him of his first ,rit7. The child )as al)a!s sic+l!. ( shall dela! )ritin# in case of increasin# his sorro). ( am tormented on all sides, 'ut )e shall not let our coura#e sin+. This is our hour of sorro), 'ut, li+e the )oman )ho re1oiced )hen her son )as 'orn, )e too shall loo+ for)ard to a 1o!ful time. 0o let us 'id adieu to our foolish lamentin#9 for our cause, pra!ers, and hopes rest )ith Him )ho is faithful to His promises. 0pea+ comforta'l! to the man )ho, in the )orld/s e!es, is 'o)ed do)n )ith sorro), causin# it to re1oice in our affliction. The Lord 'e )ith !ou5 .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN OF SA ONY

The Elector )ould not permit the preachin# to 'e stopped. .a! 20, 15H0. -race and peace5 .ost 0erene $rince5 ( have dela!ed ans)erin# !our most #racious letter from Au#s'ur#, )ith all its ne)s and admonitions not to let the time han# on m! hands. (t is most +ind of !ou trou'lin# a'out me, and here )e are most anxious a'out !our 0erene Hi#hness, and pra! constantl! for !ou. ( do not find the da!s lon#. 6e live li+e lords, and this last )ee+ seems hardl! three da!s. But !our -race is at present in a most tiresome spot. 2our Hi#hness is certainl! endurin# all this trou'le, expense, dan#er, and ennui solel! for -od/s sa+e, as no one can find an! fault )ith !ou except on account of the pure 6ord of -od, for all +no) !ou to 'e a 'lameless, pious, and *uiet $rince. And it proves that -od loves !ou dearl!, seein# He considers !ou )orth! to suffer so much enmit! for conscience/ sa+e. ,or -od/s friendship is more precious than that of the )hole )orld put to#ether. Besides, the merciful -od is displa!in# His lovin#A+indness in ma+in# His 6ord so fruitful in !our -race/s land. ,or there is a #reater num'er of excellent pastors and preachers therein than in an! other land, )ho teach the truth, thus helpin# to preserve peace. The !oun# people, too, are so )ell instructed in 0cripture and %atechism that ( feel *uite touched )hen ( see !oun# 'o!s and #irls pra!in# and tal+in# more of -od and %hrist than the! ever could do in all the cloisters and schools of '!#one da!s. Trul! !our -race/s land is a 'eautiful land for such !oun# people, and -od has, so to spea+, erected this paradise in !our -race/s lap as a special to+en of His favor, placin# them under !our protection that !ou ma! 'e their #ardener. ,or -od, )hose 'read all !our su'1ects eat, )ishes !ou to care for them, even as if -od Himself )ere !our Electoral Hi#hness/s dail! #uest. =ne sees the in1ur! !oun# people receive at the hands of #odless princes, )ho, out of this paradise of -od, ma+e idle, sinful servants of the devil. ,or )ith all their )ealth -od does not thin+ them )orth! to spread His )or+, or even #ive a cup of cold )ater ; na!, the! had nothin# 'etter to #ive the 0avior on the cross than vine#ar and #all to drin+. (n conclusion, !our Electoral -race has ever had the earliest pra!ers of all %hristians in !our lands especiall!, and )e +no) our pra!ers )ill 'e heard, 'ecause )hat )e as+ is #ood. =h that the !oun# people ma! 1oin, and )ith their innocent petitions commend !ou, as their dear father, to the merciful -od5 2our -race )ill #raciousl! accept this letter, for -od +no)s ( spea+ the truth and do not dissem'le. ( am sorr! that 0atan is #rievin# !our heart. He is a doleful, disa#reea'le spirit, )ho cannot 'ear to see an! one happ!, especiall! in -od, so ho) much less )ill he suffer !our Electoral Hi#hness to 'e of #ood coura#e, for he +no)s ho) man! depend on !ou for edification throu#h the livin# 6ord in !our domains5 0o )e must stand '! !ou )ith our pra!ers and love, for )hen !ou are 1o!ous, then )e live9 'ut )hen !ou sorro), then )e are sic+.

But our dear 0avior )ill send the Hol! -host, the true %omforter, )ho )ill protect !our -race a#ainst the poisoned darts of this sour, 'itter spirit. Amen. 2our Electoral -race/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
Luther spea+s of the pil#rima#e to %o'ur#. &une 2, 15H0. 2esterda! Hans "einec+e from .ansfeld and -eor#e "omer )ere )ith me, and toda! Ar#ula von 0taufen. Bo) that so man! are findin# their )a! here, ( intend either not to let it 'e +no)n ( am at home or #o out for the da!, so that people ma! thin+ ( have left. $ra! tr! to prevent people comin# here. ( )rite in &ohannine haste, for ( shall remain hidden. The! sa! the 'ishops )ill succeed in postponin# the "eichsta# till, at least, the provisions are all consumed, compellin# the people to return home. The Emperor is usin# ever! device to prevent the Elector of Treves comin# to the >iet. ,are)ell. .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
Luther spea+s of his father/s death. &une 5, 15H0. -race and peace in %hrist5 (n m! last ( complained, m! $hilip, of !ou returnin# a messen#er empt! handed to me, and t)o have come since ; Appel, and no) the driver )ith the %o'ur# #ame. And so man! of !ou there )ho have usuall! a mania for )ritin#5 ( do not +no) if it 'e carelessness, or if !ou are displeased )ith me, for !ou +no) in m! solitude ho) ( lon# for letters, as in a dr! and parched land. 6e hear the Emperor has ordered the Au#s'ur# people to dismiss the hired soldiers and remove the 'arricades. Ar#ula von 0taufen told me of the ma#nificent reception the Elector of Bavaria #ave the Emperor in .unich, there 'ein# pla!s and entertainments an his honor. ,rom Burn'er# ( hear the $apists )ish to prevent him visitin# Au#s'ur#.

(f this 'e true, then it sho)s -od/s hatred to)ards them in not ans)erin# our pra!ers for them. Hans "einec+e )rites that m! 'eloved father, old Hans Luther, died at one on 0a''ath mornin#. This death has cast me into deep #rief, not onl! 'ecause he )as m! father, 'ut 'ecause it )as throu#h his deep love to me that m! %reator endo)ed me )ith all ( am and have, and althou#h consoled to learn that he fell asleep softl! in %hrist &esus, stron# in faith, !et his loss has caused a deep )ound in m! heart. Thus are the ri#hteous ta+en a)a! from the evil to come and enter into rest. ( am no) heir to the name, 'ein# the eldest Luther in the famil!, so it 'ehemoth me to follo) him into %hrist/s +in#dom, )ho #ave him unto us. ( am too sad to )rite more toda!, and it is onl! ri#ht to mourn such a father, )ho '! the s)eat of his 'ro) made me )hat ( am. But ( re1oiced that he lived to 'ehold the li#ht of the truth. Amen. -reet all our friends. .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
Luther a#ain 'lames his friends for not )ritin#. &une 11, 15H0. -race and peace5 ( no) see that !ou have all entered into a compact to torture us '! !our silence. But ( here)ith announce that )e shall no) vie )ith !ou in !our silence, althou#h possi'l! that )ill not distur' !ou. ( must praise the 6itten'er# people, )ho, althou#h as 'us! as !ou, have )ritten thrice 'efore !ou slu##ards )rote once. ( have received letters of condolence from ever! *uarter, on m! father/s death. (f !ou )ish, !ou can hear the particulars from .ichael %oelin/s letter. ( la! do)n the pen, so that m! constant )ritin# ma! not drive !ou into a more persistent silence. -reet our people. The #race of -od 'e )ith !ou5 Amen. .! )ife )rites that the El'e is dr!, for no rain has fallen. .uch )ater, man! adventures. ,are)ell. .artin Luther.

TO CASPAR VON TEUTLEBEN

?on Teutle'en )as a 'rotherAinAla) of Amsdoff, and mana#ed the Elector/s 'usiness in "ome. &une 1:, 15H0.

-race and peace5 Esteemed and deepl! learned >octor and #ood ,riend ; ( )as deli#hted to hear that !our 0ophie and !ou are )ell. ( have nothin# ne) to )rite, for our silent &un+ers send no letters from Au#s'ur#, )hich anno!s me #reatl!. And ( +no) !our 'rotherAinAla), m! #ood friend Herr Bicolas Amsdorf, )ould 'e indi#nant if he +ne) the! had 'ecome so taciturn, especiall! at this time. He can 'e their 1ud#e. ,rom hearsa! ( learn that ?enice has sent several thousand #ulden to the Emperor, and ,lorence offered him five tons of #old, )hich cannot 'e accepted, as the $ope has promised to suppl! him )ith all that is needful, and the ,rench, )ith their Cpar ma foi,D have done the same ; trul! a #ood 1o+e9 'ut )ho )ould rel! on such promisesE But ( have heard from >r. .artin Luther himself that even )ere ?enice, the $ope, and ,rancis lo!al to the Emperor, and not each thin+in# of his o)n advanta#e, still the! are three different 'ein#s in one person, each of )hom has an inconceiva'le hatred a#ainst His (mperial .a1est!, mean)hile deceivin# him, throu#h h!pocris! and lies, till the! either perish themselves, or dra# that pious, no'le !outh into difficult! and distress. ,or Cpar ma foiD cannot for#et the defeat at $avia, and the $ope, 'ein# an (talian, and a ,lorentine to 'oot, and a child of the devil, cannot for#et the dis#race of the plunder of "ome, no matter ho) cheerful he tries to appear9 and as for the ?enetians ; the! are onl! ?enetians ; and excuse their )rath under the pretext of reven#in# .aximilian/s death. .a! -od help the pious %harles, )ho is trul! a sheep amon# )olves5 Amen. -reet !our dear 0ophie from me. ( commend !ou to -od. ,rom the desert. .artin Luther.

TO CONRAD CORDATUS
=n &une 15 %harles entered Au#s'ur#, the Elector of 0axon! 'earin# the s)ord 'efore him. &une 1:, 15H0. -race and peace5 ( )rite, dear %onrad, to sho) !ou ( have not for#otten m! promise. ,or ( sit here, and there is little hope of m! 'ein# called to the "eichsta#9 'ut, should ( #o, ( shall let !ou +no). 2our dear vicar 3collea#ue4, Herr Hausmann, tells me that !ou are determined to #o, 'ut ( *uestion if it )ould 'e expedient, as !our )or+ )ould suffer9 and it is still dou'tful if the reli#ious *uestion )ould 'e dealt )ith, and if it is, )hether it ma! not 'e in secret, as the Emperor has for'idden a pu'lic discussion. 6e hear no ne)s, as our Au#s'ur# friends never )rite9 'ut it seems certain that the Emperor entered the to)n on &une 15. .a! %hrist #ive His 'lessin# thereto5 Let us pra! )ithout ceasin#. The Lord &esus still lives and rei#ns. B! the #race of -od and !our petitions ( am prett! )ell, althou#h 0atan trou'les me )ith a 'u77in# in m! ears, 'ut in spite of this ( have put &eremiah into -erman. Bo) ( shall 'e#in

E7e+iel, 'ut first of all must send a fe) thin#s for our poor printers, amon# them m! C%onfitemini,D )hich ( shall finish in t)o da!s. -reet m! dearest Herr Hausmann, and sa! ( shall ans)er his letter ver! soon. .artin Luther.

TO HIERONYMUS #ELLER
Luther than+s him for loo+in# after his son. &une 1:, 15H0. -race and peace5 ( have received t)o letters from !ou, m! 'eloved Hieron!mus, t)o charmin# letters, the second of )hich )as the most deli#htful, in )hich !ou spea+ of m! son Hans as his peda#o#ue, and he !our dili#ent pupil. -od #rant ( ma! some da! 'e a'le to re*uite !ou for this. .a! %hrist ma+e up for m! shortcomin#s5 .a#ister ?eit tells me that at times !ou are a pre! to a spirit of melanchol! ; a temptation )hich is most pre1udicial to the !oun#. The 0cripture sa!sF CA 'ro+en spirit drieth the 'ones.D And the Hol! 0pirit, in various parts of the Bi'le, 'ids us tr! to 'anish these fore'odin#s. (n Ecclesiastes )e read, C"e1oice, = !oun# man, in th! !outh9 and let th! heart cheer thee in the da!s of th! !outh.D CTherefore remove sorro) from th! heart,D etc. A 1o!ful heart is life to a man, and an unceasin# fountain of health, and prolon#s his !ears. .an! have allo)ed themselves to 'e consumed of #rief, and it has 'een of no avail. But 'e sure that these 'lac+ thou#hts proceed from the devil, for -od is not a -od of sadness, 'ut of consolation and 1o!. (s not 1o! in the Lord real lifeE 0o drive a)a! such thou#hts. The stru##le is hard to 'e#in )ith, 'ut it #raduall! 'ecomes easier9 and it is common to all the saints, 'ut the! stru##le and achieve the victor!. The #reat secret in this conflict is to disre#ard these thou#hts and despise their hissin#s as if the! )ere a floc+ of #eese, and pass '!. "emem'er the (sraelites, )ho overcame the fier! serpents '! directin# their #a7e to the 'ra7en serpent. This is certain victor! in this conflict. Therefore 'e)are, m! &erome, of lettin# them lod#e in th! heart. A )ise man, in repl! to one sorel! tempted, saidF C2ou cannot prevent 'irds fleein# over !our head, 'ut !ou can hinder them 'uildin# in !our hair.D -od ta+es no pleasure in such sorro). 0orro) over our sins is ver! different. (t is a s)eet sorro), in vie) of for#iveness9 'ut that )hich proceeds from the devil has no promises annexed. (t is of no avail. 6hen ( return )e shall discuss this. -reet !our 'rother, to )hom ( have 'e#un a letter, 'ut the messen#er )aits. .a! %hrist comfort and cheer !ou5 ( commend !ou to !our pupils. .artin Luther.

TO HIS SON HANS

&une 1:, 15H0. -race and peace in %hrist 'e )ith thee, m! dear little son5 ( am ver! pleased to see !ou so dili#ent, and also pra!in#. %ontinue to do so, m! child, and )hen ( return ( shall 'rin# !ou somethin# from the #reat ,air 3.esse 4. ( +no) a 'eautiful #arden, )here there are man! children )ith #olden ro'es. The! pic+ up the ros! ; chee+ed apples, pears, plums, etc., from under the trees, sin#, 1ump, and re1oice all da! lon#. The! have also prett! ponies )ith #olden reins and silver saddles. ( as+ed )hose #arden it )as, and to )hom the children 'elon#ed. The man said, CThese are the children )ho love to pra! and learn their lessons.D ( then said, C>ear sir, ( also have a son, Hanschen Luther9 mi#ht not he too come into the #arden and eat the 'eautiful fruit, and ride upon these prett! ponies, and pla! )ith those childrenED C(f he loves pra!er and is #ood,D said the man, Che can, and Lippus and &ost9 and the! shall #et )histles and drums, and all sorts of musical instruments, and dance, and shoot )ith little crossA'o)s.D And he sho)ed me a lovel! la)n, all read! for dancin#, )here )histles, flutes, etc., hun#. But it )as earl!, and the children not havin# 'rea+fasted, ( could not )ait for the dancin#, so ( said to the man, C>ear sir, ( must hurr! a)a! and )rite all this to m! dear little son Hans, and tell him to pra! and 'e #ood, that he ma! come into this #arden9 'ut he has an Aunt Lene, )hom he must 'rin# also.D CThat he can,D said the man9 C)rite him to do so.D Therefore, dear little sonn!, learn !our lessons and pra!, and tell Lippus and &ost to do so too, and then !ou )ill all #et into the #arden to#ether. ( commend !ou to -od, and #ive Aunt Lene a +iss from me. Th! dear father, .artin Luther.

TO PETER #ELLER
&une 1:, 15H0. As the messen#er has dela!ed his departure for an hour, ( shall #reet !ou '! letter, althou#h )e have no relia'le ne)s of the Au#s'ur# proceedin#s. ,irst of all, accept m! 'est than+s for !ou and !our 'rother sta!in# in m! countr! house to protect m! famil!, )ho are deli#hted to have such protection. ( onl! hope ( ma! some da! 'e a'le to repa! the service. ,or m!self ( am prett! )ell, althou#h ( suffered from ; not a 'u77in#, 'ut a roll of thunder in m! head, and cannot thin+ )hence it came. =ur heroes at the >iet are runnin# a'out helterAs+elter, or rather drivin# a'out in carria#es, steerin# throu#h the air )ith their rudders. The! enter the arena of conflict earl!, then #ive us a truce durin# the da!, and )ith the sound of the trom'one proclaim their victor! in our ears, )hile the!

plunder, steal, and devour ever!thin#, 'ein# at )ar )ith the fruits of the #round. At ni#ht the! return home and snore peacefull! till mornin#. Latel! )e made a raid into their palaces to catch a #limpse of the splendor of their realm, startlin# them #reatl!, for the! fancied )e had come to frustrate their plans and cunnin# %ourt devices. 6hat terrified cries ensued5 6hen )e sa) ho) fri#htened these Achilleses and Hectors )ere, )e )aved our hats in the air. 6e had seen enou#h, and )ere more than pleased to have turned them into ridicule, for even our presence terrified them. But this is all a 1o+e, althou#h it mi#ht serve as an alle#orical picture, or a si#n that these da)s, na!, these harpies, trem'le 'efore -od/s 6ord, or, to put it other)ise, that the no'le lords at Au#s'ur# )himper li+e children and $apists. -reet -eor#e von -rum'ach from me. ,rom m! solitude. .artin Luther.

TO #EN"EL LINK
Luther sends letters to his friend. &une 2 , 15H0. -race and peace5 The messen#er )ho appeared scarcel! #ave me time to )rite to our people in Au#s'ur#. But he 'e##ed so for letters that )e send !ou those received from 6itten'er#. $lease see that our Au#s'ur# friends #et them. ( fanc! !ou can easil! do this, as !ou have so much communication )ith that to)n. The exposition of the $salm C%onfiteminiD is 'ein# sent to the 6itten'er# printers, )ith an exe#esis )hich is a disappointment to me 'ecause of its len#th. .ean)hile #reet >r. 0pen#ler, A''ot .ichael, &oachim, %o'an Hesse, =siander, from me. (f !ou can procure from !our #ood friends threescore 30choc+ 4 oran#es for m! %atherine, ( shall #ladl! pa! for them, as there are none in 6itten'er#. .a! !ou and !ours prosper, and 'e in health. ,rom m! *uiet solitude. .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
=ne of those remar+a'le letters '! )hich Luther tried to cheer his friend. &une 2 , 15H0.

-race and peace in %hrist5 (n %hrist, ( sa!, and not in the )orld. Amen5 As to the Apolo#ia 'ein# the cause of !our silence, of that ( shall spea+ a#ain, dear $hilip. ,rom the 'ottom of m! heart ( am inimical to those )orr!in# cares )hich are ta+in# the ver! heart out of !ou and #ainin# the upper hand. (t is not the ma#nitude of the cause, 'ut the )ea+ness of our faith )hich is at fault9 for thin#s )ere much )orse in &ohn Huss/s da!s than in ours. And even )ere the #ospel in as #reat dan#er no) as then, is not He )ho has 'e#un the #ood )or+ #reater than the )or+ itself, for it is not our affairE 6h! then ma+e a mart!r of !ourselfE (f the cause 'e not a ri#hteous one, then let us repudiate it9 'ut if it 'e, )h! ma+e -od a liar in not 'elievin# His )onderful promises, )hen He commands us to 'e of #ood cheer and cast all our care upon Him, for He shall sustain usE CThe Lord is ni#h unto all them that call upon Him,D etc. >o !ou thin+ He thro)s such )ords to the )indsE (t is !our philosoph!, not !our theolo#!, )hich is such a torment to !ou, and it torments !our friend &oachim in the ver! same )a!, 1ust as if '! !our useless fore'odin#s !ou could achieve an!thin#. 6hat more can the devil do than sla! usE ( plead )ith !ou, for -od/s sa+e, to fi#ht a#ainst !ourself, for !ou are !our o)n #reatest enem!, and furnish the devil )ith )eapons a#ainst !ourself. %hrist has died for sin once for all, 'ut for ri#hteousness and truth He )ill not die, 'ut )ill live and rei#n. 6h! then )orr!, seein# He is at the helmE He )ho has 'een our ,ather )ill also 'e the ,ather of our children. ( pra! earnestl! for !ou, 'ut am onl! sorr! that !ou should court sorro) as ea#erl! as the leech does 'lood, thus nullif!in# m! pra!ers. As for me 3)hether it proceed from -od/s 0pirit or from stupidit!, m! Lord &esus +no)s4 ( do not torment m!self a'out such matters. -od can raise the dead, and He can also maintain His cause, althou#h it loo+s read! to fall9 and He can even raise it up a#ain if it has fallen. (f )e do not lend our assistance to)ards its maintenance, others )ill9 and if )e do not console ourselves )ith the promises, )ho then can #ive us consolation in the )orldE .ore of this a#ain, althou#h ( ma! onl! 'e carr!in# )ater to the sea. .a! %hrist comfort, stren#then, and teach !ou '! His 0pirit. (f ( hear !ou are still despondin# ( shall scarcel! 'e a'le to prevent m!self hurr!in# to !ou to see ho) dreadful it is to 'e in the fan#s of the devil, as the 0cripture sa!s, C6ilt thou pla! )ith him as )ith a 'ird ED .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
Luther tries to cheer his friend after hearin# the 1o!ful ne)s of the pu'lic readin# of .elanchthon/s Apolo#!. &une 2:, 15H0. -race and peace, dear Herr $hilip5 ( have read the 'eautiful speech in )hich !ou apolo#i7e for !our silence, and mean)hile ( have sent t)o letters

satisfactoril! explainin# m! not )ritin#. Toda! !our letter came, full of unmerited reproaches, as if '! m! silence ( had increased !our )or+, dan#er, and tears. >o !ou reall! ima#ine that ( am sittin# in a #arden of roses and not sharin# !our caresE 6ould to -od that ( could indul#e in tears. Had !our letters not come the evenin# the! did, ( )ould have sent a messen#er at m! o)n expense to find out )hether !ou )ere dead or alive. Herr ?eit can testif! to this. ( have received !our Apolo#! , and )onder at !our as+in# ho) far one ma! !ield to the $apists. ,or m! part ( thin+ too much has 'een conceded. (f the! do not accept it, )hat more can )e doE ( ponder this 'usiness ni#ht and da!, loo+in# at it from all sides, searchin# the 0criptures, and the lon#er ( contemplate it the more ( am convinced of the sure foundation on )hich our teachin# rests, and therefore am 'ecomin# more coura#eous, so that, if -od )ill, not a )ord shall 'e )ithdra)n, come )hat ma!. ( am prett! )ell, for ( fanc! throu#h all !our pra!ers the spirit )hich has 'een tormentin# me is 'e#innin# to #ive )a!, 'ut ( feel ver! lan#uid. 6e mi#ht arrive at #reat honor if )e onl! denied %hrist, 'ut C)e must throu#h much tri'ulation enter into the +in#dom of -od.D ( am not pleased that !ou sa! !ou have follo)ed me, as !ou re#arded me as the principal adviser in this matter. ( )ill not 'e re#arded as such. (s not this 'usiness !ours as much as mineE And ( shall allo) no one to la! the responsi'ilit! on me, 'ut if it 'e mine alone ( shall act for m!self. ( tried to comfort !ou in m! last letter. -od #rant it ma! 'e a lifeA#ivin# epistle, and not a dead letter. 6hat more can ( doE 2ou are torturin# !ourself over the issue of the event 'ecause !ou cannot comprehend it9 'ut if !ou could comprehend it ( )ould not li+e to 'e a partner in the concern, much less its author. ,or -od has placed it in a spot )hich is not to 'e found in !our rhetoric nor !our philosoph!. This spot is called faith, and includes all one does not see or understand, and )hoever tries to understand all this receives tri'ulation and tears as his re)ard, as !ou +no). The Lord has said CHe )ould d)ell in the thic+ dar+ness,D and CHe made dar+ness His secret place.D 6hoever )ishes somethin# different can tr! to find it. Had .oses )aited till he understood ho) (srael could elude $haraoh/s armies, the! mi#ht have 'een in E#!pt still. .a! -od so increase !our faith that the devil and the )hole )orld ma! 'e po)erless a#ainst !ou. Let us comfort ourselves )ith the faith of others if )e have none ourselves. ,or some have faith, else there )ould 'e no %hurch on earth9 and %hrist )ould have ceased to d)ell )ith us. ,or if )e are not the %hurch, or a part of it, )here is itE Are the >u+es of Bavaria, or the $ope, or the 0ultan the %hurchE (f )e have not -od/s 6ord, )ho then has itE ( pra! )ithout ceasin# that %hrist ma! 'e )ith !ou. Amen5 After sealin# this ( find ( have not ans)ered !our *uestion ver! full! as to ho) much should 'e conceded to the adversar!. But !ou do not sa! definitel! )hat the! expect from us. ( am as read! as ever to #rant them ever!thin# if the! onl! leave us a free #ospel, 'ut ( cannot #ive up the #ospel. 6hat else can ( sa!E .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTORAL PRINCE JOHN FREDERICK

Luther inspires him )ith coura#e. &une H0, 15H0. To the 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, Herr &ohannes ,riedrich, >u+e of 0axon!. -race and peace in %hrist, most #racious Lord5 2our -race sees )ith his o)n e!es )hat +ind of lord the devil is, )ho leads captive throu#h his )il! )a!s so man! #reat people. Althou#h ( +no) that !our Hi#hness is )ell armed 3than+ -od4 a#ainst his )ic+ed devices, !et (, in m! anxiet! for !ou, )rite hum'l! to 'e# !ou not to )orr! over the )ic+ed onslau#hts of !our nearest 'lood relations. ,or )hen the devil is po)erless to do more, he ma+es the heart heav! throu#h our friends/ persecution. The H th $salm is an excellent medicine a#ainst such trials. (t exposes the malice of 0atan/s emissaries, )ho unceasin#l! tr! to provo+e us to an impatient )ord, act, or #esture, so that there'! he ma! accuse us of diso'edience and re'ellion. But it is )ritten, C(f -od 'e for us, )ho can 'e a#ainst us ED And )e must put up )ith the +naver! of )ic+ed people and Covercome evil )ith #ood.D Bo dou't the Emperor is a pious man and )orth! of all honor, 'ut )hat can one man do a#ainst so man! devils if -od do not #ive him His po)erful helpE ( am sorr! that !our Hi#hness/s 'lood relations 'ehave so dis#racefull!9 'ut ( must have patience, else ( )ould 'e )ishin# all manner of evil. Ho) much )orse then must it 'e for !our -raceE But for -od/s and the dear Emperor/s sa+e 'e patient, and pra! for the misera'le creatures )ho have not !et con*uered. (f ( err in sa!in# !our -race has suffered throu#h !our friends/ malice, it is a #reat 1o! to me, and !ou )ill for#ive me, as ( said it out of the #oodness of m! heart, for as ( sit here ( thin+ CsoAand Aso )ill feel this,D and ma+e him unhapp!, Cand another that,D for ( attri'ute all )ic+edness to the devil. ( commit !our $rincel! Hi#hness to -od. Amen. -iven at %o'ur#. 2our $rincel! Hi#hness/s devoted servant, .artin Luther.

TO THE ABBOT FRIEDRICH OF NURNBERG

(n 1525 ,riedrich made over his cloister possessions to the poor. Learned men often dedicated their 'oo+s to him, as Luther did his commentar! of the 118th $salm. &ul! 1, 15H0. To the esteemed Herr ,riedrich, A''ot at 0t. (l#en, Burn'er#. -race and peace in %hrist our Lord and 0avior5 >ear sir and patron, ( )ish to sho) m!

#ratitude for !our love and favor to me, 'ut as the )orld #oes ( am onl! a poor 'e##ar. And althou#h ( had much ( )ould scarcel! presume to send an!thin# to such as !ou. 0o havin# searched m! possessions, )hich are m! riches, ( have selected m! dear psalm, the lovel! %onfitemini, and have committed m! thou#hts on it to paper as ( sit idle in m! desert, 'ecause at times ( must rest m! head and stop m! #reat )or+ of puttin# the prophets into -erman, )hich ( hope to finish shortl!. ( present and dedicate these thou#hts to !ou, for ( have nothin# 'etter. Althou#h some ma! consider it a useless medle!, ( +no) there is nothin# evil in it, for it is the psalm )hich ( love. Althou#h the $salter and Hol! 0criptures are all dear to me, 'ein# m! onl! consolation and life, still ( am speciall! attached to this psalm. ,or it has helped me out of man! a sore trou'le )hen the help of emperor, +in#s, learned men, saints, etc., )as of no avail. And it is dearer than an! riches or honor that $ope, Tur+, or Emperor, or all the )orld could 'esto) on me9 indeed, ( )ould not exchan#e it for them all put to#ether. But should an! one deem it stran#e that ( 'oast of this psalm 'ein# mine, )hich is the propert! of the )hole )orld, let him +no) that )hat no one seems speciall! ta+en up )ith is m! o)n. But %hrist is also mine, and is still the %hrist of all the saints9 and )ould to -od the )hole )orld )ould claim this psalm as ( do, and then there )ould arise such a friendl! rivalr!, to )hich no unanimit! or love could 'e for a moment compared. But, alas5 there are fe) )ho could sa! to an! portion of the Bi'le or to a psalm, CThou art m! favorite 'oo+D or C.! o)n dear psalm.D And it is trul! sad that the Hol! 0criptures are so despised, even of those )hose office it is to expound them. All other thin#s, art, 'oo+s, etc., occup! people ni#ht and da!9 and the! never )ear! of the trou'le, )hile the 0criptures are left l!in# as if the! )ere of no use. And )hen people do them the honor of readin# them, ho) *uic+l! the! #et throu#h them. There is no 'oo+ upon earth )hich is so easil! mastered '! all as the Hol! Bi'le. And the! are reall! the )ords of life, not )ritten for speculation, 'ut to 'e acted on in life. But )h! complain, for no one pa!s an! attention. .a! %hrist our Lord help us throu#h His 0pirit to honor His #racious )ord. Amen. ( here)ith commend m!self to !our pra!ers. ,rom the desert. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
=n &une 25 the Au#s'ur# %onfession )as pu'licl! read '! %hancellor Bruc+ in Latin, and '! %hristian Be!er in -erman, 'efore the Emperor, Elector &ohn Ernest of Lune'ur#, $hilip of Hesse, etc. &ul! @, 15H0. -race and peace, muchAloved man5 =ur Hornin# )ill tell !ou more minutel! )hat is ta+in# place at Au#s'ur# and here than ( can. After comin# here, >r. &onas )rote tellin# me that our %onfession, )hich our $hilip dre) up, )as read '! >r. %hristian Be!er 'efore his (mperial .a1est! and the

$rinces and Bishops of the "oman Empire in the Emperor/s palace. The Elector of 0axon!, .ar#rave -eor#e of Branden'ur#, &ohn ,rederic+ the 2oun#er, $rince 6olf#an# of Anhalt, the to)ns of Burn'er# and "eutlin#en, etc., all si#ned the %onfession. The (mperial part! is no) de'atin# )hether the! shall ans)er it or not. .an! 'ishops )ish peace, and pa! no attention to Ec+/s and his friends/ proposals. =ne 'ishop said at a private #atherin#, C(t is onl! the truth ; )e cannot den! that.D The Arch'ishop of .a!ence is much praised for his love of peace9 and >u+e Henr! of Bruns)ic+ said to $hilip, )hom he invited to dine )ith him in an eas! )a!, that he could not den! the articles of the 'read and )ine in the sacrament, the marria#e of the priests, etc. And )e hear that no one at the >iet )as +inder and more moderate than the Emperor, )ho entertained our princes sumptuousl! and paid them ever! attention. $hilip )rites, one cannot express the #reat love ever! one feels to)ards the Emperor. -od #rant that, as the first Emperor )as the )orst of Emperors, this last ma! 'e the 'est. Let us onl! #o on pra!in#. ,or the po)er of our pra!ers is 'ein# manifestl! displa!ed at present. Tell %ordatus and the others this, for it is their due. The Lord 'e )ith !ou. -reet all friends. .artin Luther.

TO CONRAD CORDATUS, PREACHER AT "#ICKAU

The readin# of the %onfession. &ul! @, l5H0. -race and peace5 2ou have here, m! dear %ordatus, a livin# and a dead letter, vi7. Hornin#/s and m! letter to !our Bishop, from )hich !ou )ill learn all ( +no) a'out the >iet. &onas )as present durin# the t)o hours/ readin# of the %onfession, and )atched its effect upon the countenances of those present, the details of )hich he has promised to #ive me ver'all!. The enemies tried to prevent the Emperor acceptin# it and havin# it read. =f course it )as not read 'efore the populace9 this the! )ere determined to prevent, and did prevent9 'ut it )as after)ards read 'efore the Emperor and the 0tates of the Empire. ( re1oice to have lived to see the da! )hen %hrist )as proclaimed '! so man! dear confessors, in such a distin#uished assem'l!, throu#h the readin# of this #lorious %onfession, thus verif!in# the )ords of 0cripture, C( )ill spea+ of th! testimomies also 'efore +in#s.D 2es, and )hat follo)s )ill also 'e fulfilled, Cand )ill not 'e ashamed.D C,or )hosoever shall confess .e 'efore men,D sa!s He )ho cannot lie, Chim also )ill ( confess 'efore .! ,ather )hich is in heaven.D =f other matters !ou )ill have heard, for an account of the Emperor/s #rand entr! into Au#s'ur# has 'een printed. ( see plainl! that -od ans)ers pra!er 3$salm @2.4. The )hole )orld proclaims the fact. 0o pra! on, particularl!

for the dear !oun# Emperor, so loved '! 'oth -od and man9 and do not for#et our #racious Elector and patient crossA'earer, and our $hilip, )ho 'urdens himself )ith all sorts of cares. (f ( am called, !ou ma! rel! on me sendin# for !ou. The Lord 'e )ith !ou. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
Luther thin+s peace )ill ensue throu#h the >iet. &ul! :, 15H0. -race and peace in %hrist5 6e have received man! letters from !ou, dear &onas, and this is our sixth after our lon# silence. 2our letters are a #reat pleasure to us. Thin#s are no) 'ein# put on a proper 'asis, and )e expect a satisfactor! conclusion, )hile the enem! dreads the opposite. There can never 'e entire unanimit! in doctrine. ,or ho) can one reconcile %hrist and BelialE $erhaps the marria#e of the priests and the 0acrament in 'oth +inds ma! 'e left an open *uestion, 'ut this is after all onl! a Cperhaps.D 0till, ( hope that the reli#ious *uestion ma! 'e deferred, and meantime a )orld)ide peace 'e esta'lished. (f '! %hrist/s 'lessin# this 'e achieved, then much has 'een accomplished at this >iet. ,irst, and #reatest of all, %hrist has 'een pu'licl! proclaimed throu#h our #lorious %onfession, so that the #reat ones of the earth cannot 'oast that )e have fled and )ere afraid to confess our faith. =nl! ( #rud#e !ou the privile#e of 'ein# present at the readin# of this #rand %onfession. ,or it has 'een m! lot, even as it )as that of our #reat )arriors at ?ienna last !ear9 the! had no share in defendin# it a#ainst the Tur+s, so none of the honor of the victor! )as theirs. Bevertheless ( am )ell pleased that m! ?ienna has 'een defended '! others. Ho) can )e hope for #ood from the Emperor, as he is surrounded '! num'erless devilsE %hrist lives, and does not sit at the Emperor/s, 'ut at -od/s ri#ht hand, else )e )ould have 'een lost lon# a#o. 6ould that $hilip, )hen his faith fails, could share this, m! 'elief. But perhaps it is Au#s'ur# alone )hich is disputin# a'out there 'ein# a ri#ht hand of -od, so that )e ma! 'e forced to 'elieve that %hrist has, throu#h the 0acramentarians, 'een cast do)n from -od/s ri#ht hand, and that the $apists have #iven another renderin# of >avid/s psalm. (f this 'e so, )e +no) nothin# of it at %o'ur#. 0o, dear &onas, tell me if this 'e the case, for then ( shall see+ another %hrist, and compose another psalm )hose ever! line )ill not moc+ me. But a truce to this 'lasphemous 1estin#. .a! !ou 'elieve that %hrist is Lord of Lords and <in# of <in#s. (f He have lost the title in Au#s'ur#, He has lost it neither in heaven nor on earth. Amen. ,rom the )ilderness. .artin Luther.

TO LA"ARUS SPENGLER
Luther explains the device on his seal. &ul! 15H0. -race and peace5 Honored dear sir and friend ; As !ou )ished to +no) the real meanin# of m! seal, ( shall )rite m! thou#hts on m! coatAofAarms as indicative of m! theolo#!. The first thin# is a cross, 'lac+ on a red heart, to remind me that the 'lood of the %rucified =ne ma+es the man 'lessed. 6hoever 'elieves this is 1ustified. Bo), althou#h it 'e a 'lac+ cross and inflicts pain, it does not +ill, 'ut rather ma+es alive. 0uch a heart is placed on a )hite rose, to sho) that faith !ields 1o!, consolation, and peace, and not the peace and 1o! of the )orld9 and that is )h! the rose is )hite and not red. ,or )hite is the color of the an#els and the spirits. This rose should 'e placed on a field tinted )ith the hues of heaven, to si#nif! that the 1o! and faith of the )orld to come have alread! 'e#un to 'loom here 'elo), and throu#h hope )e are even no) in possession of that )hich is onl! manifest to the e!e of faith. And on such a field there is also a #olden rin#, to sho) that the 'liss of heaven endures forever, and that its 1o!s and possessions are far a'ove all earthl! pleasures, even as #old is the most precious of metals. .a! %hrist, our dear Lord, 'e )ith !our spirit till it attain to this life. ,rom the )ilderness of %o'ur#. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
Luther admonishes him to steadfastness. &ul! 1H, 15H0. -race and peace5 >ear >r. &onas ; ( sit here plannin# and si#hin# for !ou, no) that thin#s are comin# to a climax, 'ut hope for the 'est. =nl! let us not 'e timid, for that )ould onl! ma+e them prouder. ( am sure the! thin+ !ou )ill !ield, if the! stand '! )hat the Emperor commands. But it is manifest that the Emperor is onl! reelin# to and fro. 0o if !ou remain steadfast the! )ill chan#e their opinion. Let us insist upon them #ivin# us 'ac+ Leonhardt <aiser and others, )hom the! made a)a! )ith in so dis#raceful a manner. Let them restore to us the man! souls )hich )ere led astra! throu#h their false teachin#, and return to us the possessions the! deprived us of throu#h their letters of (ndul#ence and other modes of deceit. Let them a#ain 'esto) upon us the honor of -od, )hich the! so shamefull! vilified, and the purit! of the %hurch, )hich the! have so soiled. But )ho can narrate allE ( am not sorr! that -od has so left them to their foolish devices that the! are not ashamed to 'rin# for)ard such matters.

He )ho permitted them to do so )ill continue to help us. ( comfort m!self thus. But perhaps !ou consider these old ne)s 3=ld -erman Theidin# 4. .a! the Lord &esus, our Life and 0alvation, 'e )ith !ou. This is m! hope. ,rom the )ilderness. .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther expects no #ood from the Emperor. &ul! 1H, 15H0. -race and peace5 ( also 'elieve, dear 0palatin, that the Emperor is a #ood, pious man, )hich !ou al)a!s said he )as. But ( have no hope of him favorin# our cause, even if he )ould li+e to. ,or )hat can one man do a#ainst so man! devilsE Therefore, the Lord alone must 'e our refu#e, for He loves to comfort the despondin# and help those )ho are forsa+en of the )hole )orld. But ( )ish to +no) )hat has happened since ( last heard from !ou. ,or ( suppose thin#s )ill no) 'e settled, and !ou are not onl! condemned, 'ut the enem! is heapin# insults and contempt upon !ou. ,or the opponents are 'oastin# of their triumph at Au#s'ur#, and despise and lau#h at us. CBut 'e of #ood cheer,D sa!s %hrist, C( have overcome the )orld.D He )ho d)ells in heaven )ill lau#h at them. ( am sure this )ill 'e the case. 6e cannot loo+ for help unless )e have 'een forsa+en. 6e have assumed the office and duties of those of )hom it is )ritten, C2e )ill 'e hated of all men for .! sa+e,D and !et )e are surprised )hen )e are su'1ected to such hatred. (f )e are un)illin# to have this promise verified in ourselves, )e ou#ht not to have ta+en this office upon us, or should have seen that such a prophec! never )as uttered. But no) it is too late to reap favor and than+s.... ( am *uite pleased that Her7o# -eor#e should 'ehave thus. -od )ill re)ard him accordin# to his actions. .a! the Lord comfort and stren#then !ou all. ,rom the )ilderness of %o'ur#. .artin Luther.

TO JOHN AGRICOLA, EISLEBEN

The Emperor )as indi#nant at the Elector/s steadfastness, and refused to confirm him in his Electorate and ratif! his son/s en#a#ement to 0!'!lla of %leves. &ul! 2 , 15H0.

-race and peace5 That our opponents load us )ith terms of reproach and are tr!in# to #et the Emperor to 'uc+le on his armor a#ainst us is a sure si#n that the! feel the! )ill 'e defeated. ,or it is an old device of 0atan that )hen he is 'eaten '! the truth he diverts people/s attention to secondar! matters, so preventin# them attendin# to the main thin#. He did this )ith his emissar!, Ec+, at Leipsic, in re#ard to %arlstadt, and in man! other cases. Let us therefore cleave to our cause and not !ield. Bo) these #apin# fools, as ( call them, must admit, 'ut )ill not, that ( exalted the authorit! of the Emperor and the )orldl! po)ers at the time the! )ere vilif!in# them, and hurlin# 'ans at them, oppressin# +in#doms and monarchs )ith their curse, as 0t. $eter prophesied. Bo) their foll! is manifest. But it is -od )ho is 'efoolin# them. .! 0taupit7 )as )ont to sa!, C6hen -od )ishes to torture an! one He first shuts their e!es.D ( am sure their e!es are shut, for ( re#ard them as devils incarnate. Bo more senseless demand has ever 'een made than that ever!thin# should remain as it )as and their ideas 'e accepted, )hile ours are cast aside, especiall! as the! themselves admit that )e are ri#ht in man! respects. ,or this is tantamount to expectin# that our Apolo#!, )hich even the! praised, should 'e disavo)ed '! us 'efore the )hole )orld. Trul! this manifest ven#eance of -od on His enemies affords me no little consolation. .a! the Lord &esus #uide !ou throu#h His Hol! 0pirit. -od #rant this. ,rom the )ilderness. .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
Luther/s illAhealth and 0atan/s assaults ena'led him to s!mpathi7e )ith others in their dar+ hours. &ul! H1, 15H0. .! dear 'rother, #race and peace in our Lord5 Althou#h ( have nothin# to sa!, ( did not )ish the man )ho 'rou#ht the #ame to return )ithout letters. ( 'elieve !ou have all )restled manfull! )ith the devil this )ee+, and ( presume this is )h! 6eller/s and 0chosser/s messen#er has not returned from !ou. (n spirit ( am ver! near !ou. But ( am sure this muchAmali#ned %hrist is even nearer. Therefore ( cr! earnestl! to Him to stand '! !ou. -od #rant !ou ma! not desert our cause. ,or ( +no) the adversaries tr! to dra) a)a! the timid and despondin#. >o not 'e anxious a'out me, for it is no or#anic disease from )hich ( suffer, so ( scoff at 0atan/s an#el )ho 'uffets me so severel!. (f ( cannot read and )rite ( can still meditate and pra!9 also sleep, pla!, and sin#. =nl! do not )orr! undul!, $hilip, over a cause )hich is not in !our hand, 'ut in the hand of Him )ho is #reater than the $rince of this )orld, and from )hom no one can rend us, so that )e ma! verif! His 6ord. C(t is vain for

!ou to rise up earl!, to sit up late,... to eat the 'read of sorro)s, for He #ives it to His friends sleepin#, or in sleepD 3Luther/s version4. %ast !our care upon -od, )ho raises the dead and heals the 'ro+en in heart. The -od of all consolation, into )hose hands ( commit !ou all, has chosen us to spread a'road His honor and #lor!. ,rom the castle so full of devils, 'ut )here, nevertheless, %hrist rei#ns in the midst of His enemies. ,are)ell. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
Luther admonishes his friend to industr! at Au#s'ur#. Au#ust H, 15H0. ( send m! nephe) %!riac to !ou, m! excellent &onas, to see+ Hans !on (rene in Au#s'ur#. Help him to find him. ( could not permit the !oun# man to return, )hen so near, )ithout #ettin# a #limpse of the pomp there, so that he mi#ht 'e a'le to tell a'out it, the -ermans 'ein# so slo) at )ritin# histor!. $. 6eller told me ho) much time !ou have at present. CThen )h! does he not )rite an exposition of the $salm, TBlessed are all/ED C( do not +no),D he said. But )hat are !ou a'outE .a+e use of !our head )hile !ou can, 'efore !ou are afflicted )ith stone and una'le to )or+. ( too have much leisure, 'ut m! head prevents m! usin# it. Hitherto ( have overloo+ed !our shortcomin#s in this respect 'ecause !ou )rite me often, for )hich ( am most #rateful. ( still expect the exposition. >o not presume to leave Au#s'ur# empt!Ahanded. ( am 'us! )ith the 11 th $salm, C$raise the Lord, all !e nations.D (t )ill 'e a channel for m! elo*uence, as ( had to stop translatin# the prophets. ( onl! finished Hosea, and for this had to sei7e ever! fra#ment of time and ever! 'ri#ht moment. The difficult! of translatin# E7e+iel stopped me. The attac+s of Bucer and his friends please me, for, as ( have said, the! )ho dishonor the 0on of -od )ill 'e 'rou#ht to shame. (f !ou hear an!thin# more of %arlstadt tell me. The Lord 'e )ith !ou. Amen. ,rom the desert, )here the da)s have lon# a#o finished their diet 'efore !ou had )ell 'e#un !our ne#otiations. .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE BRUCK, CHANCELLOR TO THE ELECTOR OF SA ONY

.!conius said that Bruc+ )as more learned in the 0criptures than all the theolo#ical doctors, althou#h onl! a la)!er. Au#ust 5, 15H0. -race and peace in %hrist5 Hi#hl! esteemed lord and sir ; ( have )ritten several times to !ou and others, as if ( fancied ( experienced more of -od/s help and consolation than )as afforded to his Electoral -race. But ( )as impelled to do this throu#h the depression into )hich some of our friends had sun+, as if -od had for#otten them. But He cannot do so unless He for#et Himself first. C%an a )oman for#et her suc+in# child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her )om'E 2ea, she ma! for#et, !et )ill ( not for#et thee.D CBehold, ( have #raven thee upon the palms of .! hands.D Latel!, ( sa) t)o )onders. ,irst, as ( loo+ed out of the )indo) ( sa) the stars shinin# in -od/s 'eautifull! vaulted heavens, and !et there )ere no visi'le pillars supportin# this firmament, and still the heavens fell not. Bo) there are al)a!s some )ho search for those pillars to #rasp them, and, failin# in their *uest, the! #o a'out in fear and trem'lin#, as if the heaven must fall 'ecause the! cannot #rasp the said pillars. (f the! could, then all )ould 'e ri#ht, the! fanc!. 0econd, ( 'eheld #reat clouds hoverin# over us, 'orne do)n '! their #reat )ei#ht, li+e unto a mi#ht! ocean, and !et ( sa) no foundation upon )hich the! rested and no shore )hich 'ounded them, and still the! did not fall, 'ut, #reetin# us stiffl!, fled on apace. But )hen the! had vanished, a rain'o) fee'l! lit up earth and s+!, till it too disappeared li+e a mist amon# the clouds, ma+in# us fear as much for the foundation as for the )aterchar#ed clouds a'ove. But in ver! deed this almost invisi'le mist supported the heavil! char#ed clouds and protected us. 0o there are some )ho pa! more attention to, and are more afraid of the )aters and the dar+ clouds than #ive heed to the tin! 'o) of promise. The! )ould li+e to feel the fine mist, and 'ecause the! cannot the! fear a second flood. ( )rite in this 1ocular )a! to !our Excellence, and !et it is no 1est, for ( am much pleased to hear ho) coura#eous !ou are, and )hat a deep interest !ou ta+e in all that concerns us. ( hoped )e )ould have 'een a'le at least to maintain )orldl! peace, 'ut -od/s thou#hts are far a'ove our thou#hts, and this is )ell, for 0t. $aul sa!s He hears us, and does a'ove all )e can as+ for. 6ere He to hear us )hen )e plead that the Emperor mi#ht #rant peace, then it mi#ht redound to the Emperor/s honor, and not to -od/s. 0o He Himself )ill procure peace, so that He alone ma! have the #lor!. These 'lood! men have not done half the mischief the! intended, and have not !et reached their homes. =ur rain'o) is )ea+ and faint, 'ut )e shall see )ho con*uers. 2our Excellenc! )ill pardon m! #arrulit!, and comfort .a#ister $hilip and the others. %hrist )ill comfort and support our most #racious lord, to 6hom 'e praise to all eternit!. Amen. ( commend !our Excellenc! to His lovin# faithfulness. ,rom the desert. .artin Luther

TO HIERONYMUS #ELLER
"efutation of Au#s'ur# %onfession, read Au#ust H. %harles insisted on the $rinces a#reein# )ith ever! )ord, for he )ould have no schism. $hilip of Hesse responded '! secretl! *uittin# Au#s'ur#. Au#ust 10, 15H0. (f in m! for#etfulness ( should repeat m!self a'out melanchol!, !ou )ill for#ive me, for our temptations are common to all, and dou'tless !ou suffer for me even as ( do for !ou. 6e are persecuted for %hrist/s sa+e, 'ut let us honor Him '! 'earin# each other/s 'urdens. >o not )orr! over )hat !ou suffer, such a spirit 'ein# fatal to %hristian 1o!. -od has no pleasure in selfAtorture. 0o, seein# such despondenc! displeases Him, )e should 'ear 0atan/s onslau#hts patientl!, trustin# in -od. True, it is not al)a!s eas! to sha+e off such thou#hts, 'ut if )e cast all our care upon Him the! )ill not #ain the master!. The Lord &esus, that uncon*uera'le %on*ueror, )ill help !ou. ,rom m! solitude. .artin Luther.

TO KATHERINE, LUTHER1S #IFE

Au#ust 1L, 15H0. -race and peace in %hrist, m! dear <athie5 The messen#er has scarcel! a second to )ait, 'ut ( must send !ou a line. Tell $ommer and the others that ( shall soon )rite. Bo ne)s from Au#s'ur#, 'ut expect letters hourl!. (t is reported that our ans)er to the "efutation )ill 'e read pu'licl!, 'ut the! refuse us a cop! of it, to ena'le us to ans)er it. (f the! are so afraid of the li#ht, our people )ill not remain lon#. 0ince 0t. La)rence/s >a! ( have 'een almost )ell, havin# had no 'u77in# in m! head, )hich ena'les me to do m! )ritin#, for till latel! ( )as much pla#ued )ith these noises. -reet ever!'od! and ever!thin#. .ore a#ain. -od 'e )ith !ou. Amen. $ra! confidentl!, for !our pra!ers )ill 'e ans)ered and -od )ill help. .artin Luther.

TO KATHERINE, LUTHER1S #IFE

Au#ust 15, 15H0.

To m! dearest <athie Luther at 6itten'er#. -race and peace in %hrist, m! dear <athie5 After closin# !our letter, ( received letters from Au#s'ur#, so ( detained the messen#er to let him ta+e them )ith him. 2ou )ill see thin#s remain much the same in Au#s'ur# as ( descri'ed them latel!. Let $eter 6eller and Herr $ommer read them to !ou. .a! -od #raciousl! continue to help, as He has hitherto done. ( can )rite no more at present as the messen#er is impatient. -reet our dear 0ac+ and Hans Luther, )ith his tutor, to )hom ( shall )rite shortl!. -reet Aunt Lene, and all the rest. 6e are eatin# ripe #rapes althou#h )e have had much rain this month. -od 'e )ith !ou all. Amen. ,rom the desert. .artin Luther. $.0. ; ( am much anno!ed at the printer/s dela! in sendin# the proofs. ( )ished to send a)a! copies, so hope the! )ill soon 'e read!.

TO FRIEDRICH, ABBOT AT NURNBERG

Luther sends him his dedication of the 118th $salm. Au#ust 22, 15H0. .ost honored and hi#hl! esteemed A''ot in %hrist ; ( here'! send the psalm %onfitemini, )hich has appeared )ith !our name. (t is the onl! )a! in )hich ( can ac+no)led#e !our +indness. But ( fear that havin# !our name alon#side m! execrated name ma! dra) do)n as much hatred upon !ou as association )ith !our honored name increases m! influence. 0hould this 'e so, ( 'e# !our for#iveness for havin# done it in the innocence of m! heart solel! to please !ou, and ( am sure !ou/ll for#ive me )ith !our usual amia'ilit!. The! have onl! sent me these t)o copies from 6itten'er# ; the other ( am sendin# to %o'an Hesse9 ( )ould have li+ed to send copies to those excellent men ; 0pen#ler and Lin+. .eantime ( have committed them to our fl!in# messen#er )ithout even readin# them, and have not +ept one. .a! the Lord &esus, our salvation, +eep !ou till His da!. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
"eports from Au#s'ur# reach Luther. Au#ust 2L, 15H0.

-race and peace5 ( fanc! !ou +no) ere this, dear $hilip, of the ne) commission of fourteen men at Au#s'ur#, !ou and Ec+ 'ein# the principal, and 0palatin, the scri'e, )hich ( almost )onder at. And )hat is more, the $ope, after the raisin# of the sie#e of ,lorence, )as surrounded in 0t. En#els'er#, "ome, '! the "oman arm!. 6e poor hermits have nothin# to do 'ut )rite the ne)s to !ou orators, )ho resem'le the fro#s on the island of 0eriphos. ( enclose the treatise on the schools ; a real Lutheran document, )hose prolixit! even its author cannot den!. (t is m! nature. The little 'oo+ a'out the <e!s has the same fault. -od )illin#, ( shall next )rite on 1ustification. ( hear the pla#ue is in 6itten'er#, the Leipsic students havin# 'rou#ht it. ,our have died, and t)o houses are shut up. Bo one except Lufft )rote me a'out it ; not even m! )ife. The %aptain and the !oun# $rince Hans Ernest are still there, so !ou need not 'e anxious. The Lord, )ho sent !ou to Au#s'ur#, ma+e !ou #reat and #lorious there5 ( am a#ain trou'led )ith hoarseness, and fear a return of m! old malad!, 'ut perhaps it is onl! an onslau#ht of 0atan, 'ut if %hrist con*uers let Luther perish. Are %!riac and %aspar .uller )ith !ouE The! left here three )ee+s a#o and have never )ritten. ,rom the )ilderness. .artin Luther.

TO COBAN HESSE
Luther sends translation of the 118th $salm. Au#ust -race and peace5 ( send m! promised psalm, excellent Hesse, in the form into )hich m! pen has transformed it, or deformed it. ( received !ours alon# )ith the letter, )hich ( read dail!. ( do not expect !ou to 'e as much deli#hted )ith mine as ( am )ith !ours, althou#h it is the same psalm. ,or ( never )ould compare m!self to such a poet. ,or !ou are the +in# of poets, and the poet of +in#s9 or rather the ro!al poet, and poetical +in#, )ho ma+es the ro!al poet tal+ so 'eautifull! in a stran#e ton#ue. Accept m! than+s for #ivin# me such pleasure. =ut of a fat sophist ( have turned into a sordid theolo#ian9 and 'esides this despica'le store of theolo#! ( have nothin#. Accept this instead of a present, and #reet !our *ueen and princes tenderl! from me, also 6en7el. ( shall not )rite him no), as last ni#ht ( had such pain in a tooth that ( am *uite limp toda!. .a! the Lord #uide and maintain !ou. ,rom the desert. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS

The Emperor uses artifice to unite the t)o parties. Au#ust 2@ or 2 , 15H0. ( #ot a si#ht of our people/s opinion concernin# our affairs, 'ut )hat ( )rote $hilip ( )rite to !ou, that for %hrist/s honor and to please me !ou )ould 'elieve that %ampe#ius is a perfect devil. ( have 'een much upset throu#h our opponents/ propositions. As sure as ( live this is a tric+ of %ampe#ius and the $ope, )ho first tried '! threats to ruin our cause, and no) '! artifice. 2ou have resisted force and )ithstood the Emperor/s imposin# entr! into Au#s'ur#5 And no) !ou must put up )ith the tric+s of those co)led mon+s )hich the "hine conve!ed to 0pe!er, and their arrival is closel! associated )ith this tal+ of unit! of doctrine. This is the )hole secret. But He )ho ena'led !ou to )ithstand violent measures )ill stren#then !ou to overcome fee'ler. But more of this to $hilip and the Elector. Be valiant and concede nothin# )hich cannot 'e proved from 0cripture. The Lord &esus 'e )ith !ou. Amen. ,rom m! hermita#e. .artin Luther.

TO HANS VON STERNBERG

Luther dedicates the ne) edition of the 11 th $salm to the careta+er at %o'ur# %astle. Au#ust 2 , 15H0. -race and peace in %hrist our Lord5 .ost excellent and honora'le sir and friend ; ( latel! 'rou#ht out a little 'oo+ on the 11 th $salm, 'ut did it hastil! and issued it )ith no dedication, so ( have a#ain placed it in the oven to have it 'etter fired, that it mi#ht 'rin# forth more fruit. ,or the Hol! 0criptures are )ell )orth! of 'ein# adorned and made the 'est of, so that the! ma! )in as man! admirers as the! have enemies. ( )ish it to #o out under !our name, so that it ma! receive more consideration from certain parties, )ho +no) that there are man! excellent people amon# the no'ilit!. ,or the ma1orit! of the upper classes are actin# so dis#racefull! that the! are a stone of stum'lin# to the common man, ma+in# him fanc! that all the no'ilit! is corrupt. And it is most disastrous that the masses should despise and li#htl! esteem those )ho 'ear rule in the )orld. (t is certain to 'ear evil fruit )henever the devil has time to stir up mischief, as in the .unster distur'ances and the $easant "isin# 315254. 6e have the cler#!/s example 'efore our e!es, )ho lived so securel! and shamefull! that the! )ere despised of all, never dreamin# the! should sin+ into such contempt. But this has happened, and )e must see that the! never a#ain are held in the same esteem. The no'ilit! are follo)in# their example, and )ill inherit the lot of the cler#!. To prevent such ideas ta+in#

possession of the people, it is #ood that those )ho deserve it should 'e praised. ,or -od al)a!s arran#es that there should 'e some excellent people in hi#h positions so that He ma! not have made His people in vain, even should there onl! 'e one Lot in 0odom.... Therefore as -od has endo)ed !ou )ith #reat love to His Hol! 6ord and to all virtue, ( could not refrain from laudin# His #race in !ou 3for it is -od/s #race and not !our merits4, to see if perchance !our example mi#ht not move some of the rec+less no'ilit! to act )orth! of their pedi#ree and not in such a 'oorish manner. (t is the 'ounden dut! of those )ho desire to rule in the )orld that the! set an honora'le and virtuous example to those 'eneath them. -od demands this. ( trust !our heart ma! have as much pleasure in this and suchAli+e little 'oo+s as those )ho ma+e a pil#rima#e to &erusalem have. Bot that ( despise such a pil#rima#e, for ( )ould #ladl! ma+e the 1ourne!, and no) that it is too late, ( listen and read ea#erl! a'out it, as ( did latel!, onl! )e have not a ver! hi#h opinion of such pil#rima#es. And it mi#ht happen to me as it did at "ome, )hen ( )as such a 'i#ot as to rush throu#h all the churches and cloisters 'elievin# all the lies the! told. ( said one or t)o masses at "ome, and it )as actuall! a #rief to me that m! father and mother still lived, so #ladl! )ould ( have delivered them from pur#ator! throu#h #ood )or+s, masses, and pra!ers, etc. There is a sa!in# in "ome, CBlessed is the mother )hose son holds a mass on the 0aturda! of 0t. &ohn/s5D Ho) #ladl! )ould ( have made m! mother 'lessed5 But the church )as so full that ( could not #et in, and ( ate a +ippered herrin# instead. 6ell, )ell, this )e did, for )e +ne) no 'etter, and the $apal chair did not punish such monstrous lies. But -od 'e praised that )e have the #ospels, psalms, and other sacred )ritin#s from )hich )e ma! dra) refreshment )ith profit and 'liss, and visit the true promised land ; the real &erusalem ; na!, the ver! paradise and +in#dom of heaven, and not '! means of the #raves of the saints, 'ut ma! )ander at )ill throu#h their hearts, thou#hts, and spirits. ( here)ith commit !ou and !ours to -od, and for#ive m! #arrulit!, for it is a 1o! to me to see pious no'ilit!, as there is such an outcr! a#ainst them. -od help us all. Amen. 2our o'edient, .artin Luther.

TO KATHERINE, LUTHER1S #IFE

0eptem'er 15, 15H0. To m! 'eloved house)ife, <atherine Luther, at 6itten'er#. -race and peace in %hrist, m! dear <athie5 The messen#er is so hurried that ( can onl! )rite a note, 'ut ( hope to come soon m!self, for )e have letters from Au#s'ur# sa!in# matters have 'een discussed, and the! are onl! )aitin# for the Emperor/s decision. But it is thou#ht it )ill 'e postponed to a future council, for the Bishops of .a!ence and Au#s'ur# are so decided that the %ount $alatine of Tre!es and

%olo#ne )ill not consent to dissension or )ar. The others are indi#nant and tr! to stir up the Emperor. -od/s )ill 'e done, if onl! the >iet )ere at an end. 6e have done and conceded enou#h. The $apists )ill not !ield a hairA 'readth, 'ut one )ill come )ho )ill compel them to do so. ( )onder )h! Hans 6eiss has not printed the psalm 311 4. ( never thou#ht he )as so particular as to refuse a second edition, for it is a choice specimen. 0end it at once to -eor#e "hau. (f the pamphlet on the <e!s pleases Herr $ommer and %ruci#er, let it 'e printed. ( cannot understand )ho told !ou ( )as ill, )hen !ou see the 'oo+s that ( )rite. ( have translated all the prophets except E7e+iel, )hich occupies me at present, also a treatise on the 0acrament, not to spea+ of letterA)ritin#, etc. ( have no time to )rite more. -reet all and ever!thin#. ( have a lovel! lar#e su#ar 'oo+ for Hanschen Luther9 %!riac 'rou#ht it from Burn'er# out of the 'eautiful #arden. ( commit !ou to -od and pra!. "e#ardin# $olner, act as $ommer and 6eller advise. ,rom the )ilderness. .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
=n 0eptem'er 1L, $rince &ohn ,rederic+ visited Luther in %o'ur# %astle. 0eptem'er 1L, 15H0. -race and peace5 2esterda! the Electoral $rince and -raf Al'recht appeared unexpectedl! on their )a! home. ( )as #lad the! had escaped from the turmoil, and hope that !ou, too, ma! soon 'e free. 2ou have done enou#h. (t is no) time for the Lord to )or+, and He )ill do it. =nl! 'e of #ood cheer and trust Him. ( am an#r!, and !et #lad, that Ec+ and our opponents ma+e this )ic+ed accusation a#ainst us that in declarin# the necessit! of en1o!in# the sacrament in 'oth +inds )e are condemnin# the )hole %hurch and the Emperor himself. These misera'le creatures have no resource left them 'ut to flee to the Emperor in their distress and flatter him to his face. 6ell, let them misuse the Emperor/s name as the! )ill, so that the! ma! dra) do)n upon themselves the )rath of Him )ho in heaven is preparin# His 'o)s and arro)s a#ainst them. This is ho) the Tur+s tal+, and !et )e must not fanc! that such a mi#ht! people shall all 'e damned. 6ere this so, )hat article of our faith could )e maintain )ere it dependent on the mo'E But )h! discuss this in a letterE =nl! remem'er, m! $hilip, that !ou are one of those )ho are called Lots in 0odom, )hose ri#hteous souls are vexed da! and ni#ht )ith the filth! communications of the )ic+ed. But )hat follo)sE The Lord +no)s ho) to deliver the #odl! out of temptation. 2ou have confessed %hrist, !ou have pled for peace, !ou have o'e!ed the Emperor, 'een loaded )ith shame, and have not re*uited evil for evil9 in short, !ou have conducted the sacred )or+ devolvin# on !ou in a )a! 'ecomin# a saint. 2ou have #one lon# enou#h )ith do)ncast head, and ( )ould no) 'id !ou raise !our e!es to)ards heaven as a true mem'er of %hrist.

( lon# for !our return, that ( ma! )ipe the perspiration from !ou after this hot 'ath. Toda! m! head )as ver! 'ad. The )inds ho)lin# round the castle 1ust no) must have their pla!#round in m! head. The $rince #ave me a #old rin#, )hich fell from m! fin#er, as if to sho) that ( am not 'orn to )ear #old, upon )hich ( said, CThou art a )orm and no man.D Ec+ or ,a'er should have had it, for lead or a cord round the nec+ is more seeml! for me. He )ished to ta+e me home )ith him, 'ut ( said ( must )ait for !ou. ( pra! and hope !ou ma! 'e of #ood coura#e, and not distress !ourself needlessl! over the unpromisin# aspect of present events, nor 'e afraid, for !ou +no) the )hole matter rests in the hands of Him )ho in a moment can cover the heavens )ith clouds, and then suddenl! ma+e the sun shine 'ri#htl!, and deli#hts so to do, into )hose 'osom (, poor sinner of sinners, commend !ou poor sinners, althou#h ( den! 'ein# a defender of sin. -reet our 'rethren in the Lord. Amen. .artin Luther. $.0. ; 2ou must not 'elieve there is an infectious disease in 6itten'er#. All #oes )ell there, -od 'e praised. 30chut7e and 6alch, 5F1@. 28H8.4

TO #EN"EL LINK
Luther defends .elanchthon a#ainst Baum#artner and =siander, )ho complained he )as too !ieldin# in the union ne#otiations. The Elector/s la)!ers )ould have #iven )a! for the sa+e of 'rotherl! love, 'ut the Elector )as firm, sa!in# it )as not a case for %hristian love. 0eptem'er 20, 15H0. -race and peace5 Be an#r! and sin not. ( have read !our heav! accusation a#ainst m! $hilip, dear Lin+, and had ( not learned from our people/s letters from Au#s'ur# last 0aturda! that the! had committed our cause to the Emperor ( )ould have 'een much shoc+ed. ( trust !ou no) +no) that our 'usiness 'ears *uite a different aspect from )hat it did then. (f it )ere not so, ( )ould )rite sharp letters to them, )hich 0pan#en'er# )ould for)ard. But ( have alread! let it 'e understood that ( )as not inclined to approve of such articles and conditions. ( fanc! the! no) see for themselves that these are dis#raceful churchAro''in# conditions )ith )hich our opponents, those 'old, impudent #entlemen, tr! to moc+ our )ea+ little part!. But %hrist, )ho has permitted them to 'ecome so 'linded and hardened as not to 'elieve the #ospel, is thus preparin# them for the "ed 0ea5 The! are on the 'rin+ of irremedia'le ruin, and must perish, for the! )ill have it so. The Lord 'e )ith us5 Therefore la! aside !our )rath. $hilip is still ne#otiatin# some points, 'ut nothin# is !et arran#ed. But ( 'elieve %hrist has used such false appearances to moc+ our revilers, '! fillin# them )ith false 1o! and hope, and ma+in# them 'elieve )e )ould #ive )a!, and then the! )ould con*uer.

But after)ards the! )ould see the! )ere onl! 'ein# 'efooled. ( am certain that, )ithout m! consent, theirs is useless. And even )ere ( to consent to such #odless monstrosities, the )hole %hurch and the #ospel teachin# )ould 'e a#ainst it. $ra! for me, and fare)ell in the Lord. -reet !our Eve and the children. .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
0eptem'er 20, 15H0. To the learned $hilip .elanchthon, servant of the Lord. -race and peace in %hrist5 2ou could not credit, m! $hilip, )hat a s)arm of ver'al and )ritten complaints ( received after ( #ot !our letter, and ver! speciall! concernin# !ourself. ( tell !ou this most un)illin#l!, for ( am tenderl! solicitous not to #rieve !ou in the sli#htest, for !ou should receive onl! consolation from me, )ho ou#ht to help !ou to 'ear !our 'urden. And hitherto ( have al)a!s tried to do so. But no) ( have our people/s letters and the other part! to contend )ith. ( defend m!self thus. At first our Au#s'ur# friends sent me ver! different accounts. But ( am determined rather to 'elieve !ou than others, and hope !ou )ill conceal nothin# pertainin# to the cause from me. ,or ( am convinced that !ou )ill concede nothin# )hich could in1ure the confession and the #ospel. But to 'e#in )ith, it is not necessar! to explain explicitl! )hat the #ospel and our confession reall! are5 But )e must a'ide '! our old a#reement ; to concede ever!thin# in the interests of peace )hich is not at variance )ith the #ospel and our recent confession. ( have no fear for the #ood cause, 'ut dreaded force and cunnin# on !our account. $ra! )rite, via Burn'er#, all that has happened since ( #ot !our last letter. ,or the tra#ic letters of our people )ould ma+e us fanc! that our affairs have assumed a serious aspect. The ni#ht 'efore last some one mum'led somethin# li+e this 'efore the $rince at supper, 'ut ( said, )ith assumed indifference, that no one had )ritten me a'out it. 0o ( lon# for letters. -ive me a true account to stop their mouths. The! pa! no attention to me. .a! the Lord #uide and maintain !ou. Amen. ,rom the desert. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN

Luther relates the course of ne#otiations since the $rince left. 0eptem'er 2H, 15H0. -race and peace5 As !ou )ish to hear all that has ta+en place in Au#s'ur# since the $rince/s departure, dear Bicolas, ( shall 'riefl! relate ever!thin#. 2ou +no) that certain umpires have 'een chosen to deli'erate over unit! of doctrine and peace, and Herr $hilip is amon# them. But as the! could not a#ree the! a#ain referred the matter to the Emperor, and no) a)ait his decision, althou#h in the last letter the! said the )a! )as 'ein# paved for an a#reement. (n our former peace ne#otiations our opponents demanded )e should permit private masses, retain 'oth canons )ith the #lossar!, and the )ord sacrifice, etc., and call it an open *uestion )hether one ta+es the sacrament under 'oth +inds or not, and allo) the married mon+s to leave their )ives and return to the cloister, and cease 'ein# considered married men. (f )e concede these, then the! )ill tolerate the sacrament in 'oth +inds, and ac+no)led#e the )ives for the sa+e of the children till a future council. 2ou here see 0atan/s presumption, dear Bicolas, in ma+in# such dis#raceful proposals to those )hom he leads captive at his )ill. But our people have not !ielded, althou#h the! have offered to restore the 1urisdiction to the 'ishops if the! )ill permit the preachin#, and do a)a! )ith the a'uses and some of the fast da!s. But nothin# has !et 'een done. As ( )rite, letters have come from the dear Elector sa!in# the Emperor permits him to leave toda!. The Emperor %harles is a %hristian )ho see+s to esta'lish peace and unit!, 'ut )hether he ma! 'e a'le to do so ( +no) not, as he is surrounded '! so man! mas+ed devils 3devils in dis#uise4. ,are)ell. .artin Luther. %o'ur#.

TO KATHERINE, LUTHER1S #IFE

0eptem'er 2L, 15H0. -race and peace in %hrist, m! dear <athie5 ( hope, '! -od/s #race, )e shall 'e )ith !ou in fourteen da!s, althou#h ( fear our cause )ill not remain uncondemned. Efforts are 'ein# made to)ards this end. The! )ill have difficult! in forcin# the mon+s and nuns to return to the cloister. 0till ;; has )ritten9 he hopes all )ill end peacefull! in Au#s'ur# )hen the! disperse. (t )ould 'e a merc! if -od #ranted this, for the Tur+ is determined to 'e at us. ( here)ith commit !ou to -od. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN

=n 'iddin# the Elector adieu at Au#s'ur# the Emperor saidF C=hm, =hm, ( did not expect this of !ou5D And it )as most coura#eous to oppose %harles ?., )hom t)ent! +in#doms o'e!ed. =cto'er H, 15H0. To the Hi#hA'orn Elector &ohn. -race and peace, most #racious Lord5 ( am deli#hted that !our Electoral Hi#hness is emer#in# from the Au#s'ur# hell, and althou#h the e!e of man ma! 'e displeased )ith this, still )e hope that -od ma! finish the )or+ He has 'e#un in us, and stren#then us more and more. 2ou are in -od/s hands, even as )e are, and our enemies cannot hurt a hair of our heads except -od )ills it. ( have committed the matter to the Lord, )ho has 'e#un it, and )ill complete it, ( full! 'elieve. (t is 'e!ond man/s po)er to 'esto) such a #ospel 3Lehre 4, so ( shall )atch to see )ho dare def! -od in these thin#s, for C'lood! and deceitful men shall not live out half their da!s.D The! ma! threaten, 'ut to carr! out is not in their o)n po)er. .a! !our Electoral -race 'e stron# in the spirit of 1o! and steadfastness. Amen. Also, seein# ( have +ept house at %o'ur# for half a !ear, ( must mention some dra)'ac+s, 'ut do not )ish to 'urden !our -race there)ith, 'ut feel it m! dut! to ma+e them +no)n, as an order from !ou to the officials )ould 'e sufficient to rectif! them. ( heard of them throu#h su'ordinates, 'ut have seen them m!self, and all details can 'e had from Herr von 0tern'er# and the +eeper 3<astner 4, 'oth of )hom privatel! complained to me, 'ein# much distressed over it, and !et )ere po)erless to ma+e an! chan#e. The! enumerate defects in enclosed paper, and hum'l! plead that !our -race )ould issue orders )hich cannot 'e disre#arded. 2our Electoral Hi#hness/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF
Luther )as no) in 6itten'er#. He preached 'efore the Elector in Tor#au on the first 0unda! after his return. =cto'er H1, 15H0. 2our accusin# me of not )ritin#, most excellent Amsdorf, 1ustifies me in retaliatin# upon !ou for !our continuous silence. ,or althou#h +no)in# ho) solitar! ( )as, !ou did not send me a line of consolation, 'ut heaped in1ur! upon in1ur! '! persistin# in the said silence. And no) !ou accuse me of a ne#lect )hich is not mine, 'ut !ours. ( )onder if !ou have, perhaps, mean)hile 'ecome Arch'ishop of .a#de'ur# and $rimate of -erman!, that !ou have so easil! for#otten poor me, and administer re'u+es in such a hi#hAhanded fashion.

,or ( do not thin+ !ou should 'lame me for callin# him of .ain7 "everend, unless !ou thou#ht !ou )ere there'! 'ein# deprived of !our la)ful title. ,or ( onl! used the )ord in %ourt fashion, even as one sa!s C-racious 0irsD )hen perhaps spea+in# to ra#in# devils. But !ou have #iven me one pleasure in expressin# !ourself pleased )ith m! last pu'lication. ( could issue nothin# more 'ecause of m! health, and can scarcel! revise it, it 'ein# )ritten '! stealth, and much a#ainst the )ish of m! disease, and its pro#ress at the printer/s is as slo). .ore of this )hen !ou come to visit us, )hich ( hope !ou )ill do, so that )e ma! have deli#htful converse 'efore departin# this life. ,or ( feel s!mptoms of approachin# a#e. .a! the Lord 'e #raciousl! )ith !ou in truth. Amen. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF
Account of the Emperor/s coronation at Bolo#na. Bovem'er 2, 15H0. -race and peace5 =ur people )ill have told !ou a'out our Emperor, for it is a lon# stor!. But this is certain. He intends comin# to -erman! soon, and it is expected he )ill 'e ver! indi#nant a#ainst us if the Tur+ does not 'rin# him to another )a! of thin+in#, as )as the case at ?ienna, )here he compelled the proudest >u+es of Bavaria to )rite hum'l! to the heretical princes for help. ,or the Tur+ is onl! puttin# off his time in Hun#ar!, 'ein# determined to return to -erman! in sprin#. =ne of our am'assadors )as here, )ho )as sent '! our $rinces to the Emperor, and ta+en captive '! him. He told of the pomp )ith )hich the $ope received his .a1est! at Bolo#na, )here he has 'een cro)ned. After the Emperor had +issed the $ope/s feet his Holiness saidF C2our .a1est! must for#ive me, 'ut ( disli+e havin# m! feet +issed, 'ut the ancient ceremonial demands this.D The Emperor then +nelt, and the $ope +issed him repeatedl! on the chee+, after )hich his )hole retinue )as admitted to +iss the $apal feet. ,our thousand ducats )ere scattered amon# the people. %harles honored the $ope )ith a purse containin# four thousand pieces of #old, )ith his o)n and his 'rother/s li+enesses. The! )ere called presentation #ulden. The canons ma! triumph no), for the! )ill soon perish, )hile for the disciples it is a time of sorro). The 1o! )ill soon come to an end. Let us onl! pra!, and the #ates of hell )ill not prevail. .artin Luther.

TO #EN"EL LINK
%harles ?. tried to #et his 'rother ,erdinand chosen as "oman +in#, havin# 'ri'ed five Electors )ith lar#e sums )hich he procured from the ,u##ers. The Elector &ohn summoned the $rinces to a conference at 0chmal+alden. >ecem'er 1, 15H0. To the esteemed 6en7el Lin+, preacher in Burn'er#. There are no ne)s here, for !ou +no) more of )hat is ta+in# place in %o'ur# than )e. 6e hear of floods in Ant)erp and ,landers. (f it 'e true, then it is an evil omen a#ainst 'oth their .a1esties ; the $apal as )ell as the (mperial. ,or these are si#ns throu#h )hich %hrist is preparin# for comin# to 1ud#ment. The end of the )orld is dra)in# ni#h, )hile the rei#n of the saints 'e#ins to da)n. $ra! that m! faith ma! increase. (n 'od! ( am prett! )ell, except that ( am afflicted )ith a dischar#e in the teeth and nec+. -reet all our people, =siander and the A''ot >ominic, 0pen#ler, and our ?eit. ,or ( cannot )rite them all. ,or ( am not onl! Luther, 'ut $ommer and >ome $rovost, and .oses and &ethro, and )hat not5 2es, all in all5 But trul! the more numerous the o'1ects )hich distract his attention, the less capa'le does he 'ecome of mana#in# even one. $ommer/s )or+ in Lu'ec+ is most successful, 'ut 0atan #ives him much trou'le throu#h a maiden )ho is possessed. The devil tries )onderful )a!s of attac+in# people, )hich !ou )ill find in the enclosed letters, )hich !ou can read and return. -reet !our )ife and child from me. .! <athie #reets !ou. .artin Luther. $.0. ; $ra! send enclosed to 0trass'ur#, and have it put into dear Bicolas -er'el/s hands.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN

Luther advises the Elector to vote for ,erdinand as "oman Emperor. >ecem'er 12, 15H0. -race and peace, .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, .ost -racious Lord5 .! dear friend >r. Bruc+ has, at !our -race/s re*uest, secretl! as+ed m! opinion as to the election of a "oman Emperor, as His .a1est! )ished !our opinion on this matter. Althou#h m! mean )orldl! position should preclude m! mixin# in such hi#h matters, a'out )hich ( cannot advise, not 'ein# sufficientl! ac*uainted )ith all the circumstances, still ( shall communicate m! thou#hts to !our -race. ,irst, ( thin+ that it is most desira'le that, in the choice of a +in#, !our -race should, in -od/s name, vote, and for this reasonF (f !ou refuse to vote, then the! mi#ht have a pretext for deprivin# !ou of !our Electorate. =n the other hand, if !ou do vote, then !ou )ould 'e confirmed in the tenure of !our Electorate, and thus their cunnin# devices to

deprive !ou of !our lands )ould 'e frustrated, even as -od defeated their )ic+edness at Au#s'ur# )hen the! fancied !our -race dared not appear, and then the! )ould have had a pretext for condemnin# !our Electoral Hi#hness. 0o a#ain their )iles )ill 'e foiled, and !ou )ill retain !our lands )ith all the more #lor!. 2ou ma! rest assured that it is no sin to choose an enem! of the #ospel in a )orldl! sense as Emperor, as !ou cannot prevent it, and then !our -race must o'e! the <in#. And a#ain, should !our Hi#hness refuse to vote, the choice mi#ht fall on Her7o# -eor#e, or such another, and then the title mi#ht descend to his heirs, and cause unendin# 1ealous! and dissension. Therefore, should !our -race, throu#h refusin# to vote, 'urden !our conscience )ith so man! evil conse*uences, it )ould 'e a #reat #rief to me, and perhaps most offensive to -od. (t )ould 'e 'etter to vote, trustin# in -od, )ho is a'le to shape the future far 'etter than )e, and !our Electoral -race can al)a!s cleave to the #ospel in spite of <in# ,erdinand, as happened under the Emperor, and 'esides -od can arran#e the future for the 'enefit of those )ho 'elieve in Him. And ( should not li+e !our -race/s confidence in -od, )hich shone so #loriousl! in Au#s'ur#, to suffer in1ur! throu#h fear of the future, especiall! as )e have no 0cripture )arrant or necessit! for actin# thus, and )hich mi#ht 'e our ruin. The third reason is, )ere !ou not to vote, then the +in#dom is torn asunder and -erman! divided, throu#h )hich )ar ma! ensue, for one part! )ill not !ield to the other unless coerced throu#h )ar. -od +no)s these are no li#ht matters, 'ut ma! He help us not to ma+e them harder. The future is not at man/s disposal, as an old Histor! tells us, and )hen -od is not at the helm, thin#s turn out ver! differentl! from )hat one expects. (f the $ope and Emperor did not #et their o)n )a! at Au#s'ur#, henceforth the! )ill certainl! fail, as the! trust their o)n )isdom. =nl! let us cleave to -od, and not to an uncertain future, as the! did. The Land#rave of Hesse has caused himself to 'e inscri'ed as a citi7en of Iurich, )hich is no cause of re1oicin# to me, and if -od do not prevent, a #reat )ar ma! ensue, in )hich the error of the sacrament ma! 'e defended and )e 'e 'lamed, a calamit! )hich ma! %hrist avert. ,or the 0)iss have not !et retracted, 'ut maintain their error. Ah, Lord -od, ( am far too much of a child for these )orldl! affairs5 ( shall pra! -od to protect and #uide !ou #raciousl!, as He has hitherto done9 or should an!thin# unto)ard happen, that He ma! provide a )a! of escape. Amen. 2our Electoral -race )ill ta+e m! unintelli#i'le pratin# in #ood part. ( spea+ as ( understand, 'ut desire that !our -race/s conscience ma! 'e clear, for it )ould 'e m! #reatest trial should it run into dan#er. ( here)ith commit !ou to the #race of -od. 2our Electoral Hi#hness/s devoted .artin Luther. (n conse*uence of ,erdinand/s election as <in# of "ome, and the ne)s that %harles ?. )as collectin# troops in Bra'ant, the 0chmal+ald lea#ue )as formed '! Hesse and 0axon!, )ith the support of <in# ,rederic+ of >enmar+, for the protection of $rotestantism.

15-1
TO THE TO#N COUNCIL OF GOTTINGEN
Luther sends them a preacher. &anuar! 11, 15H1. To the honored .a!or and %ouncil of -ottin#en. -race and peace in %hrist5 ( here)ith send the preacher of )hom ( )rote latel!, Herr Birnstiel, and althou#h he ma! not 'e master of the 0axon ton#ue, still ( trust he ma! please, as in Bruns)ic+ the Borth -erman dialect satisfies them in the pulpit. The other licentiate, Basilius, )ill soon follo). He cannot sell his #le'e, implements, and cattle so hurriedl!, hence the dela!. The cler#! are 'ecomin# scarce 3dunne 4 here. The harvest is #reat and the la'orers fe), so the! must 'e treated accordin#l!. ( trust !our Excellencies )ill find them learned and capa'le men. Herr Basil spea+s 'oth #ood 0axon and Borth -erman, so ( confidentl! recommend them. $ra! provide them )ith mone! for the 1ourne!. .eantime ( 'ade them 'orro). -od #rant the! ma! 'rin# forth much fruit, to the honor of His name and !our salvation. Amen. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
A'out the 0acramentarians 3I)in#lians4. &anuar! 21, 15H1. Honored in the Lord, #race and peace5 (t is hardl! necessar! for me to )rite, as &onas, a livin# epistle, is startin# for !ou. ,rom him !ou can hear )hat is ta+in# place here and else)here. The 0acramentarians are most anxious to communicate )ith us, and are concedin# some thin#s and adoptin# a milder tone. 6e shall pra! that the harmon! ma! 'e complete. $ommer is )or+in# dili#entl!, 'ut 0atan 'uffets him throu#h a maiden )ho is possessed. &onas, this >emosthenes, )ill enlar#e upon all this )ith his usual elo*uence. ( )onder that Bernard is not 'ac+. 6rite him to return immediatel!, for the livin# of 0e'astianA"otterit7 is )aitin# for him. (t is near Leislin#, and ( thin+ )ill suit him. (f not, ( shall see+ somethin# else. Tell him he )ill not eat me into the poorhouse in three or four )ee+s9 so mana#e this for me. 6e are reissuin# the -erman $salter 'ecause of the

enem!/s aspersions. %hrist, )ho has 'e#un the )or+, )ill finish it, to His honor and our salvation. .! )ife and household #reet !ou respectfull!. 2ours o'edientl!, .artin Luther.

TO JOHN GUTEL, PREACHER IN GOTTINGEN

Luther introduces the 'earer of this letter to his future collea#ues. &anuar! 22, 15H1. Here, excellent 'rother, is one of the promised preachers, Hans Birnstiel9 the second )ill follo) )hen he has sold his farm and 'elon#in#s. ( 'eseech !ou, further %hrist/s cause, and introduce no innovations into the services, if in accordance )ith !our vie)s. ,or the common man #ladl! sei7es an! such pretext for dama#in# -od/s 6ord. ,or althou#h such ceremonials do not promote holiness, still the! arrest the attention of coarser natures. ( spea+ chiefl! of the rites connected )ith the mass, altars, etc., and of vestments, torches, and suchAli+e trifles, )hich can 'e retained, if not alread! done a)a! )ith, as in 6itten'er#. (f so, restore them #raduall!, 'ut let -od/s 6ord have the first place, so that no one/s conscience ma! 'e offended. ,or the! are useful for children and fee'le fol+s, )ho must 'e considered. But !ou have reached the hi#hest de#ree of perfection, for love and unit! rei#n amon# !ou. .a! the Lord continue this9 and pra! for me. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO MARTIN BUCER, PREACHER IN STRASSBURG

%oncernin# the Lord/s 0upper. &anuar! 22, 15H1. -race and peace in %hrist5 6e read !our confession of faith, and hi#hl! approve of it, and than+ -od that )e are so far at least a#reed that the 'od! and 'lood are reall! in the Lord/s 0upper, and #iven as food to the soul. But )h! maintain that I)in#li and =Ecolampadius are of the same opinionE (f )e sa! that %hrist/s 'od! is reall! offered as food to the soul, and that it is no contradiction to assert He is as much offered to a %hristless soul,

althou#h it cannot at once perceive it, even as the sunli#ht illuminates the e!es of the 'lind as )ell as of those )ho see, ( )onder !ou should 'e loath to admit that )e out)ardl! put the 'od! into the mouths of the #odless as )ell as of the pious. ,or admittin# that all are allo)ed to parta+e of it, then it cannot 'e denied that the 'od! is present in several places at once. (f this opinion does not !et prevail amon# !ou, then the ne#otiations must 'e stopped, a)aitin# further enli#htenment from -od. ( cannot recede from this position, and if !ou do not feel that this idea lies in %hrist/s )ords, then ho) can there 'e an endurin# union 'et)een us unless ( am )illin# to so) the seeds of still #reater dissensions in our con#re#ations, thus causin# a split )hich )ill prevent an! unanimit!. Therefore, ( 'eseech !ou, let us not ratif! such a false a#reement, )hich )ill cause all manner of offences, 'ut leave the matter to -od, and see+ meantime to maintain this understandin# that 'oth parties admit that the 'od! of %hrist is reall! present in the sacrament, and parta+en of in)ardl! '! 'elievers. ,or )ere )e to do more than this, !our people )ho parta+e of the sacrament )ith us, and ours )ho do so )ith !ou, )ould necessaril! receive it in opposition to )hat the! 'elieve, thus 'etra!in# the faith of those )ho do not +no) of the compact, or 'e #uilt! of open sacrile#e to)ards them )ho are a)are of it, and )hether this )ould 'e to edification or %hristAli+e !ou +no) !ourself. 0o let us 'e satisfied )ith this empt! union, rather than a closer one, )hich )ould end in a more tra#ic separation, and produce all +inds of distur'ance. 6ould that ( could convince !ou of )hat ( told !ou in %o'ur#, that ( desire #reatl! to heal this rupture, even should it cost three lives, for unanimit! is necessar! for us, and our dissensions have in1ured the #ospel, so that ( 'elieve all the #ates of hell, the papac!, and the Tur+, alon# )ith the )orld and the flesh, could not do us so much harm if )e )ere onl! of one mind. 6ere it possi'le, ho) #ladl! )ould ( #ive m! hand to)ards this end5 ( expected #reat thin#s from the %o'ur# discussions, 'ut m! hopes have not !et 'een fulfilled. .a! the Lord &esus enli#hten and dra) us to#ether throu#h a real union5 ( pra! for this. ( commit !ou to -od. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO KATHERINE "ELL, MATTHE# "ELL1S #IFE

This letter sho)s Luther/s relation to the 0trass'ur# people. &anuar! 2L, 15H1. To the virtuous lad!, the )ife of .atthe) Iell, in 0trass'ur#. ( have not !et ans)ered !our letter, m! #ood friend, )hich ( received some time a#o, thin+in# it premature to discuss matters, 'ut seein# 3-od 'e praised4 that the situation is sli#htl! altered, ( no) )rite to 'e# !ou to do ever!thin#, )ith

!our hus'and and others, for the maintenance of peace and unanimit! 3if -od )ill4. ,or !ou +no) that love must #o 'efore ever!thin#, except -od, )ho is over all, even a'ove love itself. 6herever -od and His 6ord d)ell, there love )ill have the upper hand next to -od. 0uch a hi#h concern is too much for us to mana#e alone. (t must 'e committed to -od in earnest pra!er, for it is -od/s concern, not ours. 6e are impotent. $ra!, pra!, and let Him 'ear the 'urden. ( commit !ou to -od. "emem'er me to !our dear hus'and. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
A'out the 0trass'ur# people. ,e'ruar! 2, 15H1. There is nothin# ne), dear Bicolas, to tell !ou. The 0trass'ur#ers have #one over to the 0)iss, and )ill oppose the Emperor <arl. ( have 'een a true prophet, for ( al)a!s said that the 0acramentarians )ere filled )ith a spirit of secret sedition. (f -od do not prevent, a ne) .un7er ma! arise amon# them, to their o)n hurt, and the! )ill 'e punished 'ecause of their contempt for the #ospel. There is a rumor that the Tur+s are approachin#, and another that %harles is returnin# to 0pain. The $apists are *uite alarmed, and !et )ill not search their o)n hearts. En#land is em'racin# the "eformation, and the <in# loo+s at it throu#h his fin#ers. The %ardinal, )ho )as )orshipped as a demi#od in En#land, na!, over half Europe, has 'een condemned to lifelon# captivit!. (n ,rance and 0pain -od/s 6ord is also loo+in# up. The 0acramentarians hate us more than ever since the .ar'ur# %onference, and are sorr! )e have not 'een cau#ht in their net. $ra! for me.,are)ell. .artin Luther.

TO THE TO#N COUNCIL OF GOTTINGEN

Luther announces that the t)o preachers refuse to come. .arch 1, 15H1. To the )ise .a!or and %ouncil in -ottin#en. -racious sirs and #ood friends, #race and peace in %hrist5 ( have had !our form of church service printed, as !ou see. The reason for the Licentiate Basilius not comin# !ou )ill #ather from his letter. ( do not come )ell out of this 'usiness in havin#

raised the poor man/s hopes, and then havin# to leave him sittin#. .! simplicit!, or rather foll!, is to 'lame for not first in*uirin# into all the circumstances. But it is not m! first mista+e, and )ill not 'e m! last. -od #rant that henceforth !ou ma! first 'e sure of !our cause, and a'ove all unanimous, 'efore em'ar+in# on a similar proceedin#. ( here)ith commit !ou to -od. .artin Luther.

TO JOHN GUTEL, PREACHER IN GOTTINGEN

Luther complains of the people/s meanness. .arch 1, 15H1. -race and peace5 ( have had !our %hurch 0ervice printed, dear -utel, and )rote a preface for it, and dedicated it to the heads of !our con#re#ation. 0ee that it 'ears fruit. (t )ill fare 'adl! )ith !our people if the! re1ect an! more servants of the %hurch. ( have #reat difficult! in findin# servicea'le people, for in 6itten'er# the scarcit! is ver! #reat. ,ormerl! thousands )ere s*uandered on useless creatures )ho )ere deceivers in addition9 no) the! )ill scarcel! expend one hundred #ulden on a pastor 30eelsor#er 4. Therefore ( )ill ta+e nothin# more to do )ith them. The! fanc! )e must 'e proud of them, and that the! cannot 'e )anted. ( cannot ans)er !our in*uiries as to )hether one ma! dispense the Hol! 0acrament )ithout tonsure and priestl! consecration. ,or if the! are not in earnest there, ( )ould prefer !ou to let it alone. But other)ise !ou should openl! ordain them 'efore the altar )ith pra!er and the la!in# on of the hands of the other servants of the 6ord, thus empo)erin# them to dispense the sacrament. Excuse those hast! lines. ( see so much in#ratitude that ( am un)illin# to advise or have an!thin# to do )ith those (sraelites )ho are satiated )ith the manna. "emain steadfast in %hrist. .artin Luther.

TO THE TO#N COUNCIL OF GOTTINGEN

.arch 28, 15H1. -race and peace, honored sirs5 The licentiate of )hom !ou )rote is no) 'e!ond !our reach, havin# 'een called to -oslar. As ( told !ou, such people are scarce and precious, and )ill 'ecome more so, and ( +no) of no one

sufficientl! versed in the 0axon ton#ue to suit !ou at present. But ( have discussed it )ith !our messen#er, and he )ill tr!, )ith a letter from me, to arran#e matters )ith one %!riac at %othen, )ho till no) has preached at Ier'st. (f he/ll accept (/ll promote the call. ( commit !ou to -od. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
Luther mourns over the in#ratitude of the I)ic+au people. .a! 1L, 15H1. -race and peace5 ( )rite a fe) lines in the #reatest haste, to 'e# !ou to come here as soon as !ou can. 2ou )ould 'e the most )elcome of #uests. >o not distress !ourself over !our people/s in#ratitude. ( am #lad )e have this opportunit! of despisin# them. 2ou must not resi#n !our livin#, 'ut under the pretext of visitin# me leave them in order to see the issue of events. .ore '! )ord of mouth. >o not )orr! !our nei#h'ors throu#h !our anno!ance. (t is not !our fault. .ean)hile, re1oice in 'ein# reviled for the truth and 'lamed '! these un#rateful people. The Lord 'e )ith !ou5 -reet %ordatus politel! from me. .artin Luther.

TO HIS MOTHER
Letter of consolation in her last illness. .a! 20, 15H1. -race and peace in our Lord and 0avior &esus %hrist5 Amen. .! dearl! loved mother, ( have heard of !our illness from m! 'rother &aco', and am much #rieved that ( cannot 'e )ith !ou in person, 'ut am )ith !ou in spirit, alon# )ith the others. Althou#h ( trust !our heart has for lon# 'een richl! supplied )ith the comforts of -od/s 6ord, and )ith preachers and comforters, still ( shall contri'ute m! mite thereto, as is the dut! of a child to his mother. ,irst, dear mother, !ou +no) )ell that !our sic+ness is a proof of -od/s fatherl! love, and that the uplifted rod is a small punishment compared to that )ith )hich the #odless are visited, na!, even that )hich He 'rin#s upon man! of His dear children, one 'eaten, the other 'urned, and so on, so that all must cr!, C,or Th! sa+e )e are +illed all the da! lon#.D

Therefore, all such sufferin# ou#ht to 'e received as a mar+ of -od/s favor, seein# it is a mere trifle compared to that of His dear 0on, our Lord &esus, )hich He endured for us. And !ou, dear mother, +no) the foundation of !our 'lessedness, %hrist &esus, the cornerAstone, )ho )ill never fail us, for He is the 0avior of all )ho in their deep need call upon His name. He sa!s, CBe of #ood cheer9 ( have overcome the )orld.D And no) that death and sin have 'een overcome, )e ma! 'e full of 1o!, and )hen sin fri#htens us )e ma! sa!, C( )ill not listen to th! alarms, 'ut to m! 0aviour/s )ord of consolation, TBe of #ood cheer./ This is m! sta!9 upon it ( )ill depend. (t )ill not deceive me.D 0t. $aul also #lories in it, def!in# the fear of death, exclaimin#, C>eath is s)allo)ed up in victor!.D =ccup! !our heart, dear mother, solel! )ith such thou#hts, and 'e than+ful that -od has 'rou#ht !ou to the +no)led#e of these thin#s, not leavin# !ou to trust in !our o)n )or+s and re#ard our 0avior as a cruel 1ud#e and t!rant, from )hom )e must flee to .ar! and the saints for the comfort He onl! can #ive. But )e no) +no) the fathomless merc! of our Heavenl! ,ather, and that &esus is our .ediator and Bishop, dail! intercedin# for us in -od/s presence so that all )ho call upon Him ma! parta+e of His consolation, for He 'are our sins on the tree, so )e ma! 'oldl! approach Him, callin# Him '! the s)eet name of 0avior and %omforter, the true Bishop of our souls. Therefore, 1o!full! than+ the Lord for such to+ens of His #race. He )ho has 'e#un the #ood )or+ )ill #raciousl! finish it. ,or )e are po)erless to help ourselves. 6e cannot con*uer sin, death, and the devil '! our o)n )or+s, 'ut there is =ne )ho can, and )ho sa!s, CBe of #ood cheer9 ( have overcome the )orld.D And a#ain, CBecause ( live, !e shall live also9 and !our 1o! no man ta+eth from !ou.D The -od of all consolation #rant !ou a firm, 1o!ful faith, so that !ou ma! overcome this, and all other distress, and at last experience the truth of these )ords, C( have overcome the )orld.D ( commend !ou, 'od! and soul, to His merc!. Amen. All !our children pra! for !ou, also m! <athie. 0ome )eep, others eat and sa!, CThe #randmother is ver! ill.D .a! the #race of -od 'e )ith us all. Amen. 2our dear son, .artin Luther.

TO CONRAD CORDATUS
Luther )ishes %ordatus to visit the Eisle'en livin#. .a! 2:, 15H1. -race and peace5 ( am deli#hted )ith !our call to Eisle'en, m! native to)n, for then !ou )ill 'e an anta#onist of 6icelius, to)ards )hom !ou have a ri#hteous hatred. But !ou should first #o and in*uire into ever!thin#, and if !ou are pleased, then !ou need not re#ret leavin# that terri'le hole. That -od/s )ill 'e done is m! sole desire. There !ou )ould perhaps 'reathe a

purer atmosphere, )hich is cleansed '! the furnaces 'urnin# ni#ht and da!, and not, as in I)ic+au, inhale such damp fumes. 2ou +no) the prover', C(ma#ination often ma+es thin#s appear real.D ( than+ -od !ou feel a little 'etter. But la! aside these fancies, )hich have made !ou thin+ !ou had man! serious illnesses. ( have often to contend )ith these fancied ailments also, for our adversar! the devil )inds himself a'out us, not onl! to devour our souls, 'ut to mart!r our 'odies )ith tormentin# thou#hts. <no)in# )ell that the health of our soul depends ver! much on that of the 'od! ; Ca merr! heart doeth #ood li+e a medicine, 'ut a 'ro+en spirit drieth the 'onesD ; ( can tal+ 'eautifull! to !ou, 'ut do not follo) m! o)n counsel. ,are)ell in the Lord. .artin Luther.

TO THE CHRISTIANS IN "#ICKAU

Letter of consolation. &une 21, 15H1. -race and peace in %hrist5 ( +no) )ell, -od 'e praised, that man! amon# !ou are deepl! #rieved that !our t)o preachers are 'ein# so 'adl! treated. Trul! the! have learned the #ospel )ron# )hen the! act thus to)ards their pastors. But it must ever 'e so that -od and His servants are treated thus, out)ardl! throu#h t!rann!, in)ardl! '! false 'rethren and un#rateful people. .! advice is, let the creatures muddle themselves )ith drin+ )hile !ou possess !our souls in patience. The! are -od/s enemies, and so -od is their enem!, and it is punishment enou#h for them to have so po)erful an enem!, )hom the! at present despise, 'ut )ho )ill in His o)n time let them feel His )rath. As for !ou, remain true to the doctrine !ou have em'raced, and )ait on the ministrations of !our faithful pastor and the sacraments till !ou see )hat the $rince )ill do. -o to 0t. <atherine/s to service and for the sacrament, or put up )ith the preacher in the $farr <irche, as it suits. Listen to them in so far as their preachin# is pure, and parta+e of the sacrament )ithout scruple, for the 6ord and sacrament is, and remains, a -odAli+e thin#. But do not praise or ac*uiesce in their shameful doin#s. ,or, seein# the! are installed, it is not !our place to remove them pu'licl! from office or to avoid them till the $rince issues his decree. ( commit !ou to -od, that He ma! stren#then !ou in this and all tri'ulation. .artin Luther.

TO MICHAEL STIEFEL

Luther announces a visit at the cherr! season. &une or &ul!, 15H1 -race and peace5 .an! #reetin#s, dear .ichael. ( +no) of nothin# to )rite a'out, so, in case of 'urdenin# !ou, do not )rite, 'ut )ished to send !ou this #reetin# as a letter, and to announce that, if -od )ill, )e shall shortl! pa! a visit to !our cherries, )ith a num'er of cherr!Alovin# 'o!s. ,are)ell in the Lord. .artin Luther.

TO BERNARD VON DOLEN

%oncernin# the marria#e of this preacher. &ul! 1H, 15H1. -race and peace5 .! <athie #reets !ou, dear Bernard. 0he orders me to )rite !ou. 6hat !ou )rite of the carelessness of the preachers and the contempt of the peasants is onl! too true. Here patience is not onl! salutar! 'ut indispensa'le. ( laud !our resolution to marr!, 'ut see that the manse is first 'uilt, so that !ou ma! occup! it alone )ith !our )ife. ,or it is an insuffera'le thin# to lod#e in someone else/s house )ith a )ife. ( +no) the maiden, Hanna Iet7schin, )ell, and trust she is an upri#ht and estima'le person. ( also +no) that she has 'een )ell 'rou#ht up, for she learned house+eepin# under a strict disciplinarian, and had a #reat deal to do and put up )ith. 0till !ou must not rel! on m! 1ud#ment or that of an!one else, 'ut must see her for !ourself in favora'le surroundin#s. ,or there is nothin# special in her personal appearance, it 'ein# rather ordinar!, if !ou )ish #ood loo+s. ,are)ell in the Lord, and pra! for me. As !et )e are, -od 'e praised, all )ell. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN OF SA ONY

The Tur+s threatened )ar. The Emperor consented to peace ne#otiations 'ein# opened in ,ran+fort in &une, 'ut the Elector )as emphatic as to purit! of doctrine 'ein# maintained, )hich )as secured '! the 0chmal+ald lea#ue to the $rotestants. Au#ust 1L, 15H1.

-race and peace, .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, most #racious Lord5 The learned >r. Bruc+ #ave me !our #reetin#, )ith the re*uest that ( )ould pra! for !our Electoral -race. ( hum'l! than+ !ou for the #reetin#, and for all the unmerited favors !ou have sho)ered upon me. But it is m! dut! to pra! for !our -race, and ( have al)a!s done so 'oth in the pulpit and secretl! in m! closet, and shall continue to do so as lon# as ( live, for it )ould 'e a sin if ( #ave it up, +no)in# ho) much !ou have to endure, 'oth out)ardl! and in)ardl!, and ho) heav! !our 'urden is. But the #reat and #racious -od, )ho has counted !ou )orth! to suffer so much for His 6ord, and to 'ear so man! 'urdens connected )ith the 0tate, )ill not forsa+e !ou, for He has said, C%ast th! 'urden on the Lord, and he )ill sustain thee,D )hich He has hitherto so marvelousl! done, especiall! in re#ard to the late >iet. ( shall also faithfull! serve !our dear son, Her7o# Ernest. .a! %hrist #uard !ou on !our proposed 1ourne!, and forever5 Amen. 2our Electoral -race/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF
Luther introduces Barnes to Amsdorf. 0eptem'er L, 15H1. -race and peace5 ( commend to !ou this En#lishman, Herr >r. Anton, m! Amsdorf, for he passes !our )a! on his 1ourne! to Lu'ec+. 2ou can hear of us from him. 0imon Hafrit7 is here, and ( do not +no) in )hat nest to place this 'ird, for !ou #entlemen of the Treasur! have endo)ed his numerous famil! scantil!. But Luther has a 'road 'ac+, and )ill 'ear this 'urden also. Than+s for suppl!in# the )ants of the others !ou sent 'ac+ here. The Lord 'e )ith !ou, and pra! for me. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
Luther invites his afflicted friend to visit him. =cto'er H1, 15H1. -race and peace in %hrist, )ho d)ells a'ove all the I)ic+au distur'ances5 2es, m! excellent friend, the reason ( have not )ritten sooner to comfort !ou is as much due to the difficult! of sendin# letters as to the multiplicit! of m! concerns. ( am sorr! that !ou )ill not return to me, as ( li+e so much to have !ou )ith me. =nce more ( plead )ith !ou to return. 2ou )ould 'e

no 'urden to me, 'ut a true source of consolation and help. ( shall have a room prepared for !ou and arran#e ever!thin#. 6hat distresses me most is the in#ratitude of the I)ic+au people in )ithholdin# from !ou )hat is !our due after !ou have exhausted !our means and stren#th in their service, )hich devotion the! re)arded '! #ivin# !ou less and less ever! !ear. %hrist )ill deliver !ou from them, and re*uite them as the! deserve. And this same Lord, our hope and cro)n, our life and peace, )ill encoura#e and re1oice !our heart, and ena'le !ou to despise their poisonous 'ac+'itin#. (t is an honor to 'e hated of the #odless. The #race of -od and the anointin# of the Hol! 0pirit 'e )ith !ou. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
Bovem'er 20, 15H1. -race and peace, dearest friend5 The other da! ( a#ain )rote 'e##in# !ou to come to me, 'ut as !ou have not replied ( fear !ou have not #ot the letter. Therefore ( once more plead )ith !ou to come at once. An empt! room is )aitin# for !ou. Have no hesitation in comin#, for !ou )ill 'e a comfort to me, and )ould to -od !ou could spend !our )hole life )ith me. (t )ould 'e eas! to entertain !ou, and a #ood opportunit! of refusin# those un#rateful people their re*uest, )hich other)ise could not 'e denied them. This $astor Buchhol7 )ill tell !ou )hat ( mean9 'ut come speedil!. >o not trou'le a'out mone!. ,are)ell in %hrist. .artin Luther. 36alch, 5F21. 1H::.4

TO JOHANN BUGENHAGEN, VISITOR IN LUBECK

Bovem'er 2L, 15H1. -race and peace5 6e expect !our return as soon as !our )ife/s health )ill permit. 6e have served the Lu'ec+ people sufficientl!, especiall! throu#h !ou, )hose a'sence is no) 'ecomin# un'eara'le to us. ,or ( am oppressed )ith )or+ and often sic+, and the %hurch/s mone! matters suffer, as ( cannot attend to them. >o !ou +no) that the devil has 1ust sent a )olf, a I)in#lian, to !our people in Bruns)ic+E And no) that %ampanus is enterin# the fold of this )olf, ( +no) not )hether -od is punishin# our

to)n/s in#ratitude or tr!in# our patience to the utmost. 2ou can )rite them on the su'1ect, or spea+ of it to the ma#istrate on !our )a! home. ( fear this spar+ )ill li#ht a fire )ith man!. But =ne has said to %hrist, C0it thou at m! ri#ht hand5D and CThou art m! 0on5D (f He lies, then )e can )orship %ampanus and his -od. Amen. The Lord has 'esto)ed a .artin upon me throu#h m! <athie. Thin#s #o )ell )ith us, except that the farmers, )ho are ver! )ell off this !ear, are causin# ver! 'ad times throu#h their #reed, as a to+en of #ratitude for the #ospel, it is said, )hich has freed them from so much evil. -reet !our Eve and 0arah in the name of me and mine. .artin Luther.

TO HANS LOESER, HEREDITARY MARSHAL OF SA ONY

Luther sends him an exposition of the 1L th $salm. >ecem'er 1@, 15H1. -race and peace, honored dear sir and friend5 6hen ( )as )ith !ou latel! !ou did me the #reat honor to ta+e me )ith !ou to the hunt to tr! if the di77iness and )ea+ness in m! head mi#ht not 'e dispelled throu#h 'odil! exercise. As ( sat in the carria#e ( undertoo+ a spiritual chase, and expounded the 1L th $salm 3Lauda &erusalem4, )hich 'ecame to me the most deli#htful huntin#A#round )here the no'lest #ame )as to 'e found. Havin# 'rou#ht it home and )or+ed it up, ( )ished !ou to see it, so that ( mi#ht not secretl! retain, to the in1ur! of m! conscience, a possession )hich ( ac*uired upon !our #round. Therefore ( send it to !ou, it 'ein# !our propert!, and +eep it entire for me. ,or such #ame is )onderfull! adapted for distri'ution amon# friends, for each receives the )hole, and no one is defrauded. ,avor me '! acceptin# it, for ( am read! to serve !our -race. ( here)ith commit !ou to -od, )ith !our dear house vine and olive 'ranches. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS GERBEL, DOCTOR OF LA#S IN STRASSBURG

Bo date.

( can onl! )rite a fe) lines, m! -er'el, 'ecause 0atan/s onslau#hts are dail! 'ecomin# )orse. ( shall #ladl! help the %ount Hohenlohe )ith letters to %ourt. 6e are firml! convinced that ,erdinand )ill not ma+e )ar on Hesse this !ear, for he is rather afraid of him, and could do nothin#. All of us marvel at -od/s )ondrous acts, and than+ Him for havin# turned into derision the terri'le threats at the >iet of Au#s'ur#, so that )e ma! en1o! peace, for all thou#ht that a terri'le )ar )ould 'rea+ out in -erman! this summer. But -od is lettin# us see that He has the hearts of +in#s and all men in His hands. ( commit !ou to -od, and pra! for me. .artin Luther. (n this !ear Luther/s #ood friend &ohn the 0teadfast passed a)a!, and )as succeeded '! &ohn ,rederic+. The $rotestants also united )ith %harles ?. to protect themselves a#ainst the Tur+s, )ho )ere happil! defeated. The "eformation spread rapidl!, and the $rotestants )ere promised a council to arran#e reli#ious matters.

TO MARTIN GORLIT", SUPERINTENDENT IN BRUNS#ICK.

&anuar! H, 1H52. -race and peace5 ( have alread! )ritten to !ou, m! .artin, that ( thou#ht of callin# !ou else)here. ( no) do so in the name of the Lord. 0o set !ourself free as soon as !ou can. 2ou are expected at the livin# of <alen near &ena, )hich is )ithout a pastor at present. (f this do not please !ou, then )e shall exchan#e it for that of Bel#er, or some other. Excuse m! 'revit!, 'ut ( have much to do. $erhaps Bruns)ic+ is un)orth! of the pure )ord, and )ishes to imitate .uhlhausen and Iurich. -od for'id. Amen. %arlstadt has succeeded I)in#li in Iurich, )hom the! no) declare to 'e one of %hrist/s mart!rs, that the! ma! fill up the measure of their ini*uities. .a! !ou prosper in %hrist. .artin Luther.

15-%
TO #EN"EL LINK

Luther had heard )ith much concern of a misunderstandin# amon# the preachers in Burn'er#. &anuar! H, 15H2. -race and peace in the Lord &esus5 ( have not )ritten to !ou for lon#, m! 6en7el, and, considerin# ho) much ( have to do, m! letters are not necessar! to !ou. 0till it )as !our dut!, seein# !ou have more leisure than (, to )rite oftener to me. ( onl! hope that the little rumor ( have heard is not true, that there is some misunderstandin# amon# !ou servants of the #ospel at Burn'er#, a calamit! almost sadder than an! other ( could hear of. Therefore ( 'eseech !ou, for ( +no) the upri#htness of !our heart, help me to com'at this evil and to +eep )atch over these unrul! spirits )ho are not satisfied )ith stirrin# up strife on earth, 'ut )ould #ladl! shoot their fier! darts even a#ainst the saints and -od/s +in#dom, )hich )e are ; to lead us astra!. (f it 'e =siander )ho does not approve of our vie)s of 'aptism, )e shall have patience and not irritate him, even as he must have patience )ith us and not provo+e us till %hrist unravels this +not. 6e are no) seein# -od/s 1ud#ments for the second time ; first on .un7er and no) on I)in#li. ( prophesied that -od )ould not lon# suffer such 'lasphemies, callin# us canni'als, 'loodAdrin+ers, and other horri'le names. The! have 'rou#ht it upon themselves. >o !ou cleave to the Au#s'ur# %onfession. 2ou do not #ive me an! relia'le information a'out %arlstadt, and ( )onder at the stor! remainin# so lon# secret and then reachin# us in such a rounda'out )a!, so that )e are not certain as to its truth. $hilip sa!s that if -od does not la! hold of %arlstadt throu#h his )ondrous po)er and )isdom, He )ill never 'e a'le to do so '! ordinar! means, so manifold are the resources of this monstrosit!. But the prover', CHe )ho stirs up strife )ill himself perish there'!,D shall 'e verified in him. -reet La7arus 0pen#ler and all our people in a friendl! )a! from me. .a! !ou and !ours prosper in %hrist. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN

The Elector &ohn made over the cloister 'uildin#s and #arden in 6itten'er# to Luther in his last illness. ,e'ruar! 12, 15H2. -race and peace, Hi#hA'orn $rince and -racious Lord5 >r. Bruc+ has sho)n me the articles )hich are to 'e arran#ed '! the Electors of .a!ence and $fal7 ; in vie) of a treat! 'et)een the $rinces and the Emperor, and ( have #iven m! opinion as to the form in )hich the! mi#ht 'e accepted. ,eelin# certain that -od has ans)ered our pra!er '! #rantin# peace, ( could not refrain from presentin# m! hum'le petition to !our -race. ,or ( fear the article a'out the <in# )ill #ive !ou ample cause for anxiet!.

But, seein# that !our virtuous opposition to his unri#hteous election is +no)n over the )hole )orld, ( )ould hum'l! 'eseech !ou, for the honor of -od, to let said articles pass and not hinder peace. ,or even if it came to )ar, and that )ar )ere successful, peace must at last 'e concluded, and the terms after all the dama#e done mi#ht 'e much harder than no). Also, !our -race must see ho) firml! the to)ns and confederations are holdin# to#ether, their ma#nanimit! 'ein# a marvel to all9 'ut onl! let the parties come into collision ; then this unanimit! )ill vanish li+e )ater ; and neither citi7en nor to)n )ill ris+ life and propert! for the sa+e of a prince. (t is true if -od sends human aid it is )ell, 'ut to depend on this never prospers. But no) that the Emperor ; the authorit! of -od/s appointin# ; commands that peace should 'e concluded, this should 'e re#arded as if -od )ere holdin# out His #racious hand to us, and )e must not let Him do so in vain. (t is eas! for an ordinar! person to loo+ for)ard to )ar, for he has little to lose and can cra)l easier out of the mire than the $rince he has perhaps dra)n into it. But ( am 'ecomin# too )orldl! )ise and #arrulous, 'ut it is m! anxiet! for m! dear soverei#n $rince )hich prompts me. Ho)ever, ( 'elieve !our -race )ill mana#e 'etter than ( fear, and ( shall cr! earnestl! to -od for !ou, for it is He )ho must 'e#in, carr! on, and perfect an!thin# #ood. .an/s thou#hts are onl! foolishness. 2our Electoral -race/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO HIS #IFE
,rom Tor#au, )here Luther is detained '! the Elector/s illness. ,e'ruar! 2 , 15H2. To m! 'eloved )ife <atherine. -od #reets !ou in %hrist. ( hope if >r. Bruc+ #ets leave for me that ( shall accompan! him home tomorro) or the da! after. $ra! -od to 'rin# us 'ac+ fresh and )ell. ( sleep six or seven hours runnin#, and after)ards t)o or three. ( am sure it is o)in# to the 'eer. But in the mornin# 'efore ( have eaten an!thin#, ( am fit for nothin#, as in 6itten'er#. >r. %aspar sa!s that our #racious lord/s foot is not mortif!in# further. But no prisoner on the ladder in the to)er suffers as much from Hans 0toc+meister as does his -race from the sur#eons. His )hole 'od! is as sound as a fish, 'ut the devil has his foot in his #rip. $ra!, #o on pra!in#5 ,or -od has 'e#un to hear us. As &ohannes is leavin#, honor demands that ( shall #ive him an honora'le dischar#e. ,or !ou +no) ho) faithfull! he has served us, and ho) hum'l! he has 'ehaved in accordance )ith the #ospel, havin# put up )ith ever!thin#, so do not let him )ant for an!thin#, for it )ould 'e )ellpleasin# to -od. There is little availa'le, 'ut ( )ould #ladl! #ive him ten #ulden if ( had them ; 'ut under five !ou must not let him #o, for his clothin# is scant!. $ra! #ive him more if !ou can. The to)n treasur! )ould honor itself '! #ivin# him somethin#, seein# ( +ept him for the use of their churches. But as

the! )ill9 let nothin# 'e )antin# on our part9 loo+ round to see )here !ou can #et an!thin#. -od )ill re*uite it9 that ( +no). Amen. <iss little Hans, and 'id him, Lenchen, and Tante Lene pra! for the dear $rince and me. ( can find nothin# here, althou#h it is the ,air, for the children, so provide somethin#, if ( 'rin# nothin# special. .artin Luther.

TO ELECTOR JOHN OF SA ONY

Luther )ishes him 1o! on his partial recover!. .arch 28, 15H2. -race and peace, .ost 0erene $rince, etc. ( have received !our Electoral Hi#hness/s 1o!ful letter )ith #reat deli#ht, and than+ -od )ho has not despised our pra!ers, and has so #raciousl! restored !our -race/s health. 6e can )ell 'elieve all that !our Electoral Hi#hness )rites of the stran#e thin#s he has experienced in this illness. But -od, )ho is a -od of life, of consolation, of health and of 1o!, )ill continue and perfect )hat He has 'e#un, in opposition to the devil, )ho is the #od of death, of mournin#, and of sic+ness, and )ill compel him to stop his attac+s. Amen. 6e pra! earnestl! that !our -race shall )ant for nothin#, either here or there, althou#h !ou must eat a little )orm)ood and 'ite a sour apple. $ra! ta+e these a)+)ard lines in #ood part, for m! head is still in su'1ection to the enem! of all #ood and health, )ho at times promenades throu#h m! 'rains, so that ( can neither read nor )rite. .a! %hrist, our consolation and 1o!, 'e )ith !ou to all eternit!. Amen. 2our -race/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO N. "INK
Luther comforts him on his son/s death. April 22, 15H2. -race and peace5 >ear friend, !ou )ill no) have heard of !our son/s death ; )ho )as stud!in# here. He )as sei7ed )ith serious illness, and althou#h ever!thin# )as done for him, the disease #ot the upper hand and 'ore him a)a! to our Lord &esus. He )as ver! dear to all of us, especiall! to me 3for he shortened man! an evenin# for me '! sin#in# tre'le in m! house4, and in addition he )as *uiet and )ell 'ehaved, and a dili#ent student9 so his death )as a #reat #rief to us, for )e )ould #ladl! have retained him9 'ut he )as

even dearer to -od, )ho desired to have him. 0o it is onl! natural his fate should affect !ou and !our dear )ife, seein# it has #rieved me so. 0till rather than+ -od for #ivin# !ou such an amia'le pious son, upon )hom all !our trou'le and expense )ere so )ell 'esto)ed. But comfort !ourselves )ith the thou#ht of his fallin# asleep )ith such a testimon! of his faith on his lips, )hich )as a marvel to us, so that there is as little dou't that he is )ith -od, his true father, as that the %hristian reli#ion is true. And 'e #rateful that he li+e so man! others did not come to an untimel! end, and even had he lived, !our means could have helped him to nothin# hi#her than a profession of some +ind. And no) he is in the place he )ould not exchan#e for the )hole )orld. 0o ta+e comfort that he is not lost 'ut onl! sent on 'efore to 'e +ept in everlastin# 'liss9 therefore C)e must not sorro) as those )hich have no hope.D .a#ister ?eit >ietrich )ill comfort !ou )ith a fe) of the 'eautiful sa!in#s he uttered 'efore his death. But m! love for the pious 'o! causes me to send !ou these lines. ( commit !ou to %hrist, our Lord and %omforter. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF
&une 2H, 15H2. -race and peace5 .! not )ritin# !ou, dear Amsdorf, )as caused '! the state of m! head, 'ut in ans)er to !our pra!ers it is no) #ettin# 'etter. ( am sorr! to hear that !ou have 'een ill. .a! %hrist restore and preserve !ou to us for lon#. ( do not +no) )hat to hope for re#ardin# the peace ne#otiations 'et)een the Emperor and us in reli#ious matters. =ur fol+s )rote that the Tur+ )as advancin# )ith an enormous arm! on -erman! to attac+ ,erdinand and %harles. The $ope is ,rench, and he and the <in# of ,rance refuse help a#ainst the Tur+s. Behold this mone!, )hich the $opes have 'een collectin# from the (ndul#ences for so man! centuries, to use a#ainst the Tur+s. (t is said that the Emperor )ill appeal to the -erman princes for the promised help, so the >iet and peace ne#otiations ma! soon 'e ended. %arlstadt has #one to ,riesland to see+ a fresh hidin#Aplace, havin# onl! #ot the post of land overseer in 0)it7erland of )hich he had more than enou#h here. .a! the Lord do )hat is )ellApleasin# in His e!es, to )hom ( commend !ou. .artin Luther.

TO THE PRINCES JOHANN AND JOACHIM OF ANHALT

Luther re1oiced in the accession of the Anhalt $rinces to the Evan#elical faith in 15H2. He sent them Hausmann as %ourt preacher. .a! or &une 15H2. -race and peace in the Lord, .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rinces and -racious Lords. That pious man, Bicolas Hausmann, comes to !our Hi#hnesses as %ourt preacher. ( hum'l! commend him to !ou. He is an excellent man of the hi#hest character, and a faithful expounder of -od/s 6ord, )hich he loves )ith his )hole heart. .a! %hrist cause him to 'rin# forth much fruit. Amen. ( do not dou't !ou )ill cherish him. ( commit !ou to -od, and if m! poor pra!ers are of an! avail, the! are ever offered on !our -races/ 'ehalf. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO SOMEONE UNKNO#N
=n &ul! 25 the Emperor and ,erdinand most un)illin#l! si#ned a reli#ious truce, +no)in# it )ould stren#then heres!, so the Elector succeeded in havin# the $rotestant %hurch reco#ni7ed for the first time. Au#ust 1:, 15H2. -race and peace, honored friend5 Herr %hristoph 0troe'el and Herr Bicolas Hausmann have told me ho) -od has not onl! 'lessed !ou in temporal thin#s, 'ut )hat is a thousand times 'etter, has *uic+ened !ou spirituall! )ith love for the #ospel, )hich ( am deli#hted to hear, and pra! -od to stren#then and maintain !ou in this #racious condition till His appearin#. ,or these are dan#erous times, o)in# to seditious persons, false doctrines, and teachers. These mischievous persons creep a'out ever!)here, and 0atan does the same, tr!in# to overthro) our faith9 and at all times our reason 'lindl! stru##les a#ainst the truth, anno!ed that our cause rests solel! in -od/s po)er and stren#th. ( can onl! )rite a fe) lines no), for )e are all in deep #rief at the departure of the pious $rince from this vale of tears. ( commend !ou to the #race of -od our 0avior, and 'eseech !ou to help poor %hristoph 0troe'el in an! )a! !ou can, )hich %hrist )ill re*uite as done to Himself, and ( shall than+ !ou )hen told of it. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#

TO KING FREDERICK OF DENMARK

Luther pleads for the captive <in# %hristian of >enmar+.

0eptem'er 28, 15H2. -race and peace in %hrist our Lord, )ho died for our sins, and rose a#ain for our life5 2our .a1est! must perceive ho) -od is the true and #racious &ud#e, seein# !ou al)a!s )ished to 'e at peace )ith !our cousin, <in# %hristian, and -od has ever #iven !ou the victor! over him, for )hich !ou )arml! than+ed -od, as )ell as used the victor! in a -odAfearin# )a!9 still, ( am moved '! the miser! and the complaints of m! #racious Lord, <in# %hristian, and the fear of !our proceedin# a#ainst the captive, there'! dama#in# his faith in -od, hum'l! to plead that !our .a1est! ma! follo) %hrist/s example and have merc! on !our captive cousin. ,or %hrist died for His enemies, )hile )e are onl! expected to sho) them merc!. ,or had he 'een ta+en prisoner in 'attle, instead of after he had thro)n himself upon !our merc!, !ou )ould dou'tless have treated him in a cousinl! manner. Ho) much more no), seein# he has resi#ned all and !ielded himself up, li+e the prodi#al son, to !ou as his fatherE 6e must all plead for merc! from -od, therefore !our .a1est! )ill do a #lorious service in -od/s si#ht '! treatin# the poor prisoner #raciousl!9 and such an act )ill 'e a source of consolation to !ou on !our death'ed and a )ellsprin# of 1o! in heaven, 'esides 'rin#in# !ou honor and #lor! on earth. ,or it is a no'le )or+ )hen #reat persons act no'l! in hi#h affairs, and is an example to all the )orld as )ell as a 1o! to the saints in heaven, and )ellpleasin# to the >ivine .a1est!. 0o act thus, as a fruit of !our faith and a than+Aofferin# to -od, and for the prisoner/s consolation, and a deli#ht to us all. And at last !our .a1est! )ill confess )ith #ratitude ho) #rieved !ou )ould have 'een had !ou done other)ise. .a! %hrist endue !our .a1est! )ith His 0pirit to act accordin# to His #ood pleasure in ever!thin#. And pra! ta+e this presumptuous letter in #ood part, for thus does -od command us to 'e solicitous for others. 2our .a1est!/s o'edient .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO THE LEIPSIC PEOPLE, #HO #ERE BANISHED FOR THE GOSPEL

=cto'er L, 15H2. -race and peace in %hrist5 Bo)here else is peace to 'e found till the Lord comes and overthro)s the archenem! of peace. 6olf Breunlein has sho)n me !our petition to Her7o# -eor#e, )ith )hich ( am much pleased9 also, that !ou have li#hted t)o torches to the devil, for this )ill 'rin# #reat confusion on that stu''orn head. (f !ou cannot procure a certificate of !our upri#ht )al+ from him, still !ou have achieved much, seein# 'oth -od and the )orld, also Her7o# -eor#e/s adherents, testif! that !ou suffer all this

'ecause of him, and solel! for %hrist/s sa+e, for all +no) that !ou are 'ein# persecuted 'ecause the Emperor has #ranted peace to the Lutherans, )hich is a #reat #rief to the misera'le creature. But stand fast5 %hrist 'e#ins to rei#n, and )ill put an end to the drama. Here no one )ill taunt !ou )ith 'ein# 'anished, or hinder !our 'usiness, for our #racious Lord stands firm '! the %onfession 3Au#s'ur#4. Therefore, pra! spea+ onl! #ood )ords to the madcap, and for#ive nothin# ; even as !ou have so )ell expressed matters in the petition. (f it help, #ood9 if not, it )ill do no harm, 'ut rather further !our cause in -od/s si#ht, )ho )ill soon ma+e short )or+ )ith the devil and his follo)ers. (t is )ritten, CThe Lord hath respect unto the lo)l!, 'ut +no)eth the proud afar off.D 0o ta+e comfort, dear friends5 He onl! can appreciate )hat is s)eet )ho has tasted the 'itter. Before attainin# to #lor!, the heart must suffer deepl!. CAnte #loriam conteritur cor.D .a! -od the ,ather stren#then !ou throu#h His o)n 0pirit in %hrist, and not in Her7o# -eor#e. ,or %hrist lives ; Her7o# -eor#e dies. This is certain, and )ill soon 'e proved. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
Luther con#ratulates him on his settlement in >essau. Bovem'er @, 15H2. -race and peace5 ( have allo)ed this letter to lie so lon#, dearest Hausmann, hopin# to #et it sent a)a! an! hour, 'ut Aurelius al)a!s said he had no relia'le messen#er, till in m! a'sence the in+A'ottle )as spilt over it, as !ou see. $ra! for#ive this. ,or the rest, than+ %hrist )ho permitted !ou to reach !our destination in #ood health, and receive a #racious reception from the $rince. Than+ him from me, not so much for the )ild 'oar as for his love to -od/s 6ord, )hich is a remar+a'le trait in this #reat hero. %ommend me to -od in !our pra!ers, and after)ards to this excellent $rince. ( have invited &ustus &onas, $hilip, $ommer, and %ruci#er to dine )ith me as !ou )ished, to cele'rate the 'irthda! of 0t. .artin, of .artin the son, and .artin the father. 6ould that !ou, too, could 'e present. There is nothin# ne) here, except that, '! the $rince/s command, the church visitation )ill 'e#in ane), and &ustus &onas is one of those chosen. After)ards the se*uestration )ill 'e set a'out in earnest, and ( fear it )ill 'e too strin#ent. .a! our dear Lord cause it all to turn out for #ood. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO JONAS VON STOCKHAUSEN

Luther counsels him ho) to com'at his satiet! of life. Bovem'er 2 , 15H2. -race and peace in %hrist5 >ear sir and friend ; -ood friends have informed me that !ou are afflicted )ith )eariness of life, and lon#in# for death. =h, dear friend, it is hi#h time for !ou to mistrust !our o)n thou#hts, and listen to others )ho have overcome such temptations ; na!, put !our ear close to our mouths, and let our )ords sin+ into !our heart, and -od )ill comfort and stren#then !ou there'!. ,irst, !ou +no) one must o'e! -od/s )ill, for He has #iven !ou life, and as !et does not )ill !our death9 so !ou must su'mit !our thou#hts to the said >ivine )ill. =ur Lord %hrist had much that )as 'itter in His life, 'ut He )ould not la! it do)n )ithout His ,ather/s )ill, retainin# it as lon# as He could, sa!in#, C.! hour is not !et come.D And Elias, &onas, and other prophets cried for death, throu#h their sufferin#s, even cursin# the da! of their 'irth, and !et the! )ere compelled to live on and put up )ith this )eariness till their hour came. Therefore, pluc+ up heart, and 'id defiance to !ourself, exclaimin#, C.! #ood fello), )hen thou art so un)illin# to live, then thou must live in spite of th!self, for -od )ills it so and ( also. Thro) !our devilish thou#hts into the a'!ss of hell, )ith their d!in# and death, for the! are of no avail here, and #rind !our teeth to#ether, determined to repulse those )hich have found refu#e in !our head, ma+in# !ou as stu''orn as the )orst of peasants, or a )oman ; na!, even harder, for the! are not made of castiron5D (f !ou thus stru##le a#ainst !ourself, -od )ill assuredl! help, and our pra!ers, )ith those of all pious %hristians, )ill do the rest. ( here)ith commit !ou to our dear Lord, the onl! 0avior, %hrist &esus, )ho )ill retain the master! in !our heart a#ainst the devil, and cause us all to re1oice in the marvelous help accorded to !ou, for )hich )e hope and pra!, as He has commanded and promised. Amen. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO FRAU VON STOCKHAUSEN

Luther )rites re#ardin# her hus'and/s depression of spirits. Bovem'er 2 , 15H2. -race and peace in %hrist, honored, virtuous lad!5 ( have )ritten a hurried letter of consolation to !our hus'and. The devil is !our enem!, and that of !our hus'and, 'ecause !ou love his enem! %hrist. This is ho) he aven#es himself on !ou, 'ut %hrist sa!s, CBecause ( have chosen !ou out of the )orld, therefore the )orld hateth !ou.D

The sufferin# of his saints is ver! precious 'efore -od. (n m! haste ( can )rite little no). But 'e)are of leavin# the man a moment alone, or leavin# an!thin# in his )a!, in case he do himself an in1ur!. 0olitude is sheer poison for him, and that is )h! the devil drives him to it. But if he )ere entertained )ith all sorts of stories and ne)s, perhaps even )ith those )hich mi#ht turn out to 'e false, or )ith fa'les a'out the Tur+s, Tartars, and such li+e, to ma+e him lau#h, and then immediatel! after *uote comfortin# passa#es of 0cripture to him, all this )ould do him no harm. But )hatever !ou do, see that he is not left solitar!, in case he sin+ into meditation. Bever mind althou#h he is an#r! at such conduct, loo+ as if !ou )ere sorr!, and 'e a little cross. Accept these hast! lines. %hrist, )ho causes !our heartfelt sorro), )ill help !ou as He did latel!. =nl! 'e steadfast, for !ou are the apple of His e!e, and )hoever touches it touches Him. Amen. .artin Luther 6itten'er#.

TO JOHANN BUGENHAGEN
Luther approves of his intention to repu'lish some of Athanasius/s )ritin#s, especiall! that upon the Trinit!. 3Bo date.4 -race and peace in %hrist5 2our intention, most excellent of men, to reissue some of Athanasius/s )ritin#s upon the Trinit! has m! )arm approval. Amon# these ( en1o!ed immensel! that )hich )as held 'efore an approvin# 1ud#e, under %onstantine the -reat, vi7. the disputation 'et)een Athanasius and Arius. The ver! thou#ht of the deli#ht )ith )hich ( devoured it as a !oun# mon+, )hen it )as put in m! hands '! m! spiritual director in Erfurt, dou'tless a true %hristian, even 'eneath the accursed co)l, is to this da! one of m! pleasantest recollections9 and !et this )as onl! a personal pleasure for m! special 'enefit. But )hat !ou propose is somethin# much #reater. ( 'ehold %hrist/s spirit )or+in# in and throu#h !ou in desirin# to preserve and defend those doctrinal articles concernin# the Trinit! in their purit! in the church of -od, for )hose maintenance that saintl! man Athanasius did not shrin+ from dra)in# do)n upon himself all the demons in hell, in the )orld, and the )hole +in#dom of -od. 2our resolution is therefore, most excellent $ommer, salutar! and #ood in this depraved a#e, )hen all our articles of faith are 'ein# assailed '! the emissaries of 0atan, especiall! those on the Trinit!, )hich certain s+eptics and epicureans are 'e#innin# audaciousl! to scoff at9 and the! are a'l! assisted, not onl! '! these (talian #rammarians or rhetoricians, )hich the! thin+ the! are, 'ut '! certain (talianA-erman serpents, )ho '! )ord of

mouth and in their )ritin# scatter 'roadcast the 'ad seed, )here'! the! excite the admiration of their o)n follo)ers and 'oast of their success. But these >evils, or Epicureans, or 0+eptics, or Lucians, or )hatever +ind of adventurers, (talian or -erman, the! ma! 'e, are no)here )hen 'rou#ht into the presence of Him )ho said to our servant &esus %hrist, CThou art m! 0onD9 and a#ain, C0it thou at m! ri#ht hand.D Let us a)ait the laurels these #iants )ill carr! a)a! )ith them from those seemin#l! #lorious assaults upon -od. 0uch a #i#antic )ar is nothin# ne)9 an Euseladus or a T!phaus has nevertheless 'een overthro)n once in a centur!, )hile our servant &esus %hrist has nothin# else to do 'ut overthro) these #iants, and )ill not cease doin# so till at last, as (srael sa!s, the seed and the root shall alon# )ith the 'ranches 'e rooted up, and all the #iants destro!ed. 6e dail! loo+ for this, and pra! that it ma! soon ta+e place. Amen. The #race of -od 'e )ith !ou. .artin Luther. (n this !ear &ohn ,rederic+ spent fourteen da!s in 6itten'er#, Luther preachin# dail! 'efore him. =n &une 18, Bu#enha#en, %ruci#er, and Apius of Ham'ur# )ere made doctors of theolo#!. The Elector, )ith his )ife 0!'illa, and his 'rother, Her7o# ,ran7 of Lune'ur#, and .a#nus of .ec+len'ur#, etc., )ere present at the disputation. The En#lishman, >r. "o'ert Barnes, and the 0cot, Alesius, alon# )ith .elanchthon, too+ part. >r. &onas presided, and after)ards the Elector entertained them at the %astle.

15-TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN

Luther, .elanchthon, and %ruci#er had visited the Anhalt $rinces in Bovem'er at 6orlit7. Luther found them )ell versed in the 0criptures, and in his o)n )ritin#s, as )ell as in those of I)in#li and =Ecolampadius. At ta'le the! conversed on the Bi'le. &anuar! 2, 15HH. -race and peace5 Three times, most cherished friend, the opportunit! of )ritin# !ou has, much a#ainst m! )ill, 'een snatched from me. ( have 'een over)helmed )ith )ritin#, as the 'oo+s and prefaces, )hich )ill appear at this Leipsic ,air 3.esse 4, )ill testif!. Therefore ( 'eseech !ou to for#ive m! dela!. .! love to !ou is and ever remains unchan#ea'le, althou#h ( ma! not al)a!s 'e a'le to #ive expression to it, 'ut ( am ever at !our service. 0o, as ( )as finished )ith the 'oo+s earl! this mornin#, ( )rote the letters )hich had to 'e sent to Leipsic and Burn'er# this evenin#9 and no) that

these also are dispatched, ( shall devote m! leisure to )rite full! to !ou, and to m! #racious lord, $rince -eor#e, $rimate of .a#de'ur#, to atone for m! seemin# ne#lect. ( )ish !ou much 1o! on !our restoration to health. .a! %hrist maintain !ou in #ood health, so that !ou ma! pra! for me. .! last sermon at 6orlit7 is printed, and ( enclose it. ( fanc! !ou have all m! latest 'oo+s, for ( +no) .a#ister -eor#e/s 7eal in such matters. (t is said here that %hrist has stric+en the shrie+er in Leipsic in the pulpit amid his 'lasphem!. A canon in Ham'ur# )ho opposed the #ospel committed suicide, and a 0acramentarian plun#ed into a )ell, and )hile the! tried to rescue him he la! do)n on his 'ac+ in the shallo) )ater, and )as dro)ned. His last )ords resem'led those of &udas, C( have led man! astra!, therefore ( have no hope.D Thus, = Lord, must thine enemies perish5 -ive m! respects to !our #ood and upri#ht $rince, to )hom, )hen ( have leisure, ( shall )rite a friendl! letter. .! <athie #reets !ou respectfull!, and hopes !ou )ill pra! for her. .artin Luther.

TO HANS VON LOSER

Luther as+s him to 'e sponsor for his son. &anuar! 2:, 15HH. .ost excellent honored sir and coAsponsor ; ( entreat !ou for the sa+e of our Lord &esus %hrist that !ou )ould hum'le !ourself for -od/s sa+e and for that of m! !oun# son, )hom -od has 'esto)ed upon me toni#ht throu#h m! dear <athie, and come to m! help, so that he ma! 'e translated from the old Adam to the ne) 'irth in %hrist &esus, throu#h the hol! sacrament of 'aptism, and thus 'ecome a mem'er of the %hristian %hurch, so that perhaps -od ma! in him raise a fresh enem! of the $ope and the Tur+. ( )ish him christened a'out vesper time, so that he ma! not remain a heathen an! lon#er, settin# m! mind at ease. 2our Excellence )ill a#ree to this, and help to perfect the offerin# to the praise of -od. ( shall ever 'e read! to re*uite the o'li#ation. ( commit !ou and !ours to -od. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO JOACHIM, PRINCE OF ANHALT

Luther exhorts the $rince to cleave to the #ospel, despite the efforts of #reat $rinces to detach him from it.

.arch 28, 15HH. -race and peace in %hrist, .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince5 2our %ourt preacher, Herr Bicolas Hausmann, has told me of !our heartfelt leanin#s to)ards the #ospel, and ho) hard it is for !ou to 'e faithful to it, not onl! from lon# ha'it, 'ut on account of several po)erful $rinces )ritin# to tr! and detach !ou from it. (t is no dou't true that t)o such thin#s as these, old ha'its and the persuasion of #reat people, have influenced more deepl!Arooted %hristians than !our #racious Hi#hness is !et9 'ut )e must learn throu#h time, if )e cannot do so at once, that %hrist is a'ove all these, and that -od the ,ather )ill have Him honored over all. A council or pope ma! have the Hol! -host, and throu#h it achieve much, 'ut %hrist has no devil. 0o ( pra! -od to teach !our -race this one thin#, that %hrist and His 6ord are hi#her, #reater, and more to 'e relied upon than a hundred thousand fathers, councils, and popes, for the Bi'le classes them all under the name of sinners and lost sheep. Therefore 'e 'old, and not fear earth/s potentates, for %hrist is #reater than all devils, and more to 'e feared than $rinces. ( commend !ou to His merc!. 2our -race/s o'edient servant, .artin Luther.

TO #OLF #IEDEMAN
Her7o# -eor#e of 0axon! )as incensed at a letter of Luther/s to his Leipsic adherents, and he as+ed the Bur#hermaster to in*uire if he ac+no)led#ed it. April 2 , 15HH. To the hi#hl! respected Bur#hermaster of Leipsic, m! #ood friend. ( am read! to o'li#e !ou in an! )a!, dear sir. ( have received !our letter, and understand its o'1ect, and in repl! to !our petition ( present a counterinterro#ation. 6ho 'ade !ou )rite such a letter to meE 6as it the clerical #entleman at %olo#ne, or the assassin at >resden, or !our 1un+er, Her7o# -eor#eE 6hen !ou tell me this !ou shall receive an ans)er, printed and full of matter, if -od )ill. ,or ( am read! to serve !ou. .artin Luther, >octor. 6itten'er#.

TO FRAU JORGER
,rau &or#er )as the first lad! )ho #ave 500 #ulden to Luther for 'ursaries for poor students.

.a! @, 15HH. Honored, virtuous lad!5 2our letter concernin# the 500 #ulden, )hich should have reached Leipsic at Easter, came too late. But ( have sent !our petition to .artin 0eldener to Burn'er# throu#h La7arus 0pen#ler, 'e##in# him to promote the matter throu#h a )ritten document and send it to Burn'er#, althou#h ( should have preferred, as ( )rote !ou, that !ou had done this !ourself, )hich )ould have 'een !our safest plan9 for ( sa) from !our letter that !ou )ished such alms to 'e #iven direct to poor students rather than have it invested, and ( hope !ou )ill continue in this mind. Bever mind 'ecause a preacher is ma+in# !ou anxious a'out !our son, as Herr .ichael tells me, threatenin# him )ith la). Let them #o to la) if the! )ill. (t is no concern of !ours. The la) )ill decide 'et)een them, so do not 'urden !our conscience )ith it. ( here)ith commit !ou and !ours to -od. 2our o'edient, .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
&ul! 2H, 15HH. -race and peace5 2our .. Bris#er a#ain returns to !ou. 6ould to -od that )e had 'een a'le to entertain him as he deserved in 6itten'er#, 'ut as he is poor, he )ill have s!mpath! )ith us. There is nothin# ne) here, for !ou must have seen m! little 'oo+ a#ainst Her7o# -eor#e lon# a#o. <ind re#ards to Bris#er and !ou. $ra! for me. ,are)ell in haste. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
A'out Hausmann/s health and a pamphlet. 0eptem'er 2L, 15HH. 2our illness, dear 'rother, is a #reat #rief to me. .a! %hrist stand '! !ou, and not onl! restore !ou to health, 'ut ena'le !ou to 'ear !our illness patientl!. ,or He loves !ou 'ecause !ou are sufferin# for Him and proclaim His )ord. Be stron#, and despise him )ho hates !ou and hates Him )hom !ou preach, &esus %hrist. B! -od/s help, ( am so occupied that ( could not send

!ou a line '! Aurelius this mornin#. Her7o# -eor#e has issued a pamphlet )hich certainl! does honor to his talents and character. But -od 'e than+ed, )ho there'! lets ever!one #et a #limpse of his foolish heart, and trul! he has merited this throu#h his constant persecution of the 6ord. He has no) 'ecome his o)n accuser and 1ud#e, proclaimin# himself to the )orld as a liar and traducer of the 6ord. ,or our o)n sa+es, not for his, )e shall ans)er him in a di#nified manner. $ra! for us. .! <athie, )ho holds !ou in affectionate remem'rance, #reets !ou. 2ou must #ive m! respectful #reetin#s to !our no'le and hi#hl!Aesteemed $rinces, )hose reputation, throu#h the #race of -od, is dail! increasin#, 'ein# a s)eet savor to all. The Lord 'e )ith !ou. 6ritten )hile !our 6eller is conductin# the music durin# supper. .artin Luther.

TO ANDREAS OSIANDER
>issensions still continue amon# the Burn'er# cler#!, especiall! 'et)een =siander and Lin+. =cto'er 8, 15HH. -race and peace in %hrist5 ( read !our former epistle, and also that to the Burn'er# ma#istrate, m! excellent 'rother in %hrist, as )ell as the letters and pamphlets of the other part!, and %hrist +no)s )hat a mart!rdom these divisions and scandals are to me. But from )hat ( can #ather from these )ritin#s, it seems as if no one )ould !ield. And )h!E (f no one )ill admit 'ein# convinced '! the other part!, )ill !ou *uarrel throu#h all eternit!, to the #rief of all pious soulsE But if it 'e a matter of conscience )ith !ou, then !ou merit for#iveness. 0till, if the other side also cannot violate their convictions, then the! too must 'e treated )ith for'earance. 0o let there 'e mutual for#iveness, and each 'ear the other/s 'urden, accordin# to the la) of %hrist, and thus the misunderstandin# )ill 'e cleared a)a!, and the *uestion cease to 'e pu'licl! discussed, and so, throu#h time, it )ill die a natural death. .eantime, cleave to !our o)n opinions, and do not 'e distur'ed '! the continuance of pu'lic a'solution in !our con#re#ation. Let the others also +eep to their o)n opinions a'out a'solution till time softens the feelin#s and the former unit! is reesta'lished, and then a decision can 'e arrived at )ithout 'itterness. At present, )ith the stron# feelin#, nothin# #ood can 'e achieved, and these dissensions mi#ht easil! cause a 'eam to 'e made out of the mote, and a #reat distur'ance ensue, )hich )ould re1oice 0atan and his follo)ers, and 'e ver! difficult to alla!. ( fanc! !our commonAsense and learnin#, m! friend, could advance #ood reasons for so actin#. 0till there are points on 'oth sides )ith )hich ( am far from pleased.

6e are human, and our flesh can easil! lead us astra! )hen one )ill not listen to the other, 'ein# filled )ith selfAconceit. Therefore, ( 'eseech !ou, throu#h %hrist, as ( see no other )a! of endin# the dispute, suppress and mutuall! 'e)are of openin# the vexed su'1ect, and do not, on an! account, 'rin# it for)ard pu'licl!. (f !ou do this, )hich is certainl! accordin# to the mind of %hrist, then He )ill #ive the desired peace. ( +no) that !ou too are a)are of this, m! friend, and ho) ver! near m! heart it lies that the manifold #ifts )ith )hich -od has endo)ed !ou ma! 'e #lorified. Ho) other)ise )ould ( have #iven m!self so much trou'le in this matterE Therefore, do not despise m! candid )a! of spea+in#, m! 'rother in the Lord, and strive to extin#uish this spar+, to prevent it 'urstin# into a flame )hich )ill consume us alon# )ith !ou. .a! our comforter, &esus %hrist, direct !our hearts into His love and patience5 .artin Luther.

TO #EN"EL LINK
Gpon the same su'1ect. =cto'er 8, 15HH. -race and peace in %hrist5 6e shall )rite to !our ma#istrate concernin# the dispute a'out pu'lic a'solution, m! 6en7el, and ( have also )ritten to =siander. Bo) ( 'eseech !ou and !our collea#ues not to shut the e!es of !our 'rotherl! compassion upon those )ho have such opinions, 'ut treat them as sic+ persons, not turnin# them into ridicule, so that the tin! spar+ ma! not 'urst into a flame, 'ut tactfull! tr! to reclaim them from their errors. =ne must ponder )ell ho) to redeem the soul of this 'rother. ( could not have 'elieved 3'ut pra! do not spread this4 that this man could have had so man! stran#e opinions, and could have stra!ed so far from our doctrine. But, as ( sa!, if )e irritate him further )e )ould onl! cause #reater offence, and fresh distur'ances )ould ensue )hich it is 'etter to avoid. (f !ou are satisfied )ith our counsel, )e trust that this 'usiness ma!, throu#h time, *uiet do)n, and he meantime dra) nearer to us. 6e lose nothin# throu#h for'earance, )hile, if he do not repent, he )ill onl! in1ure himself throu#h his o'stinac!. .a! the Lord smooth all these distur'ances. ( commit !ou to Him, m! 'rother. -reet >r. Thomas ?enatorius, and ( hope he )ill not 'e displeased 'ecause the pu'lication of his theses has 'een so lon# dela!ed. 6e have reasons for this, )aitin# for this dar+ cloud to pass a)a!. .artin Luther. >r. $ommer and ( 'e# !ou not to sho) this letter to an!one except 0pen#ler.

15-.
TO NICOLAS AMSDORF
Luther dissuades him from #oin# to Burn'er#. &anuar! H, 15HL. -race and peace5 6h! complain so vehementl!, m! Amsdorf, a'out m! not ans)erin# !our letters, and fear !ou have offended meE 2ou should rather have ar#ued thusF CHad ( erred, he )ould certainl! have )ritten, pointin# out m! mista+e. His not )ritin# proves that all )as ri#ht, and there )as no hurr! to ans)er, especiall! as ( )as an ailin# and )orried man.D This is )ritten in the 'rotherl! spirit of our old and tried friendship in %hrist. ( fear to advise as to the $rovostship in Burn'er#. ,or ( mi#ht err, and !et not err, and ( dread #reatl! that this call )ould not suit the openAhearted Amsdorf, )ho ta+es the direct path to the o'1ect he has in vie), and that !ou mi#ht soon re#ret the step. But ( ma! 'e )ron#. =nl! ( fear our friend mi#ht 'e deprived of his repose and launched into unrest and storms. 2ou are a clever man, and )ill )ei#h )hat is most conducive to !our peace. =n the other hand, ( see that the )ind has chan#ed, and the princes and to)ns are most anxious to #et elo*uent preachers, if onl! to vie )ith and 'oast of to others. ( am curious to hear !our opinion of m! pamphlet on private mass. (t is said that ( have offended man! #ood and )ea+ consciences. .! <athie sends #reetin#s. ( commend !ou to %hrist. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
Hausmann invited '! the $rince of Anhalt to preach 'efore him. ,e'ruar! 8, 15HL. -race and peace5 .a#ister -eor#e Held as+ed me, in !our name, to let !ou +no) ho) !ou should preach on 'aptism, as the Arch'ishop of .a!ence and his 'rother are to 'e present. ,irst of all, handle the doctrine in an amica'le spirit, not tr!in# to refute the opposite part!, so that this -odAfor#otten oppressor ma! not fanc! the sermon )as intended to em'itter them. And then enlar#e on 'aptism, even as the $apists themselves )ould have to do, 'ut never name them, to avoid occasion for reproach, #ivin# a simple exposition of the su'1ect.

The prero#atives of 'aptism are these. The sacred )ater is administered accordin# to -od/s 6ord, and is not of man/s invention ; that it is a fresh covenant 'et)een -od and the nations, to their everlastin# salvation, and is -od/s )or+, and therefore cannot 'e sullied '! an! sin on the part of the dispenser. That there is one 'aptism, )hich must 'e appropriated throu#h faith to 'e efficacious, and dare not 'e repeated, except throu#h a 'lasphemous denial of the first ceremon!, cannot 'e denied. (t must accompan! us throu#h life, adornin# the )al+ )ith the fruits of faith, thus surpassin# all vo)s and )or+s of an! +ind, even precedin# o'edience to parents and #uardians. (t has 'een #lorified '! the appearin# of the ,ather in the voice from heaven, of the 0on in human form, and of the Hol! -host in the shape of a dove, all havin# 'een em'odied in the )ords ; C(n the name of the ,ather, the 0on, and the Hol! -host.D The )ords, CThis is m! 0on5D ( handle thusF That the 0on has 'een offered us '! the ,ather, and #lorified as Lord of all and Bishop of souls, in )hom all is )ellApleasin# to Him, and )ithout )hom nothin# is of an! avail )hich )e do. He alone is <in#, 'ecause the 0on is the heir of all thin#s. Herr -eor#e )ill tell !ou the rest. 0unda!. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK

$etition for a house for a preacher. .arch 11, 15HL. -race and peace in %hrist, .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince5 .a#ister Leonhardt 3Beier4, pastor at I)ic+au, has 1ust 'een here, 'e##in# me to intercede )ith !our -race to let him have one of the priests/ houses in I)ic+au, )hich is or )ill soon 'e empt!, for his )ife and child, )hom he cannot leave an! lon#er 'ehind him, as in these times it is impossi'le to #ather an!thin#, and one is #lad to live from hand to mouth. His #ood friends at %ourt havin# promised to help him all the! can, if ( )ould onl! )rite for them, ( #ladl! 'ear testimon!, as he has #ro)n up under me, that he is )orth! of this favor. And such houses must 'e cleared out, so ( hum'l! plead, if it 'e not 'urdensome to !our -race, that !ou )ould #ive him one of them. He is one of the most pious of the cler#!. ( am as sure of it as it is possi'le to 1ud#e. 2our Electoral -race )ill act in a #racious manner. .a! %hrist stren#then and direct !ou. 2our -race/s hum'le servant, .artin Luther.

TO FRAU DOROTHEA JORGER

April 2 , 15HL. -race and peace, honored, virtuous lad!5 ( )ish to tell !ou that !our mone! has 'een )ell expended, and man! poor have 'een assisted, so that ( cannot dou't that -od, )ho prompted !ou to do this, is openl! sho)in# His pleasure in !our than+Aofferin#. ( could not have 'elieved that in this little to)n and universit! there )ere so man! talented and pious !ouths )ho, !ear in and !ear out, lived on 'read and )ater, endurin# frost and cold, so that the! mi#ht stud! the Hol! 0criptures. To man! of these !our 'ursaries have 'een a #reat 'oon. ( have alread! #iven a)a! the half, and received receipts for the mone!, and proofs that it has 'een 'esto)ed on honest fello)s. ( #ave Andres the most, first ten #ulden, then another ten9 and the others, t)o, three, and four #ulden, and all are deli#hted and #rateful. .a! %hrist 'e )ith !ou and !ours5 Amen. .artin Luther.

TO JOACHIM, PRINCE OF ANHALT

Luther )ishes the $rince a speed! recover! from his depression. &une 18, 15HL. -race and peace in the Lord, in addition to consolation and stren#th of 'od! from %hrist &esus our 0avior, most #racious lord5 As .a#ister Hausmann is a#ain returnin# to !our -race, ( send a line )ith him, althou#h ( mi#ht have nothin# to )rite except #ood evenin#. ,or ( hope 'etterness )ill soon set in, althou#h it is lon# in comin#. ( still repeat m! poor paternoster, 'ut al)a!s thin+, havin# m!self 'een so )ea+ and help havin# 'een sent, and often more than ( have as+ed for, that )ith !ou it )ill 'e the same. =f course ( spea+ of spiritual consolation, for no earthl! comfort is of an! avail unless it promote this, as >avid sa!s in the 5 th $salm, CA)a+e up, m! #lor!9 a)a+e, psalter! and harp.D And all the saints made themselves 1o!ful )ith psalms and violinApla!in#. Therefore, ( re1oice that Herr Bicolas Hausmann comes to !ou no), for he )ill #ladden !our heart )ith %hristian converse, sin#in#, and cheerful intercourse. ( pra! for !our -race/s salvation and happiness, and that the! ma! tend to the restoration of !our health and the overthro) of the tempter. Amen. ( shall also come m!self, althou#h ( lie do)n and die '! the )a!, )hen ( can tear m!self free from the fan#s of the printers. ( commit !our -race to -od. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO KATHERINE LUTHER
Luther visited the Elector, from )hom he #ot a )arm )elcome at Tor#au. The! tal+ed of man! lands and times, till the! should reach the 'etter land. &ul! 2:, 15HL. -race and peace, dear <athie5 ( do not +no) )hat to )rite !ou, for Herr $hilip and the others are returnin# home. ( must remain lon#er here on account of the pious $rince. 2ou must )onder ho) lon# ( am li+el! to sta!, or rather ho) lon# !ou )ill #et *uit of me. ( fanc! ,ranciscus )ill set me free, even as ( have set him free, 'ut not so speedil!. 2esterda! ( had to ta+e a nast! drin+, and ( do not li+e )hat is not #ood. ( +eep thin+in# )hat #ood )ine and 'eer ( have at home, as )ell as a 'eautiful )ife, or shall ( sa! lordE And !ou )ould do )ell to send me over m! )hole cellar of )ine and a 'ottle of th! 'eer, or else ( shall not 'e 'ac+ 'efore the ne) 'eer is read!. ( here)ith commit !ou to -od alon# )ith our !oun# fol+s and all the servants. Amen. Th! lovin# .artin Luther. 3Tor#au.4

TO #OLFGANG SIEBERGER, LUTHER1S #EAK-MINDED SERVANT

%omplaint of the 'irds in the 6itten'er# )ood to Luther. 3Bo date. 4 To our #ood and +ind >r. .artin Luther, preacher in 6itten'er#. 6e thrushes, 'lac+'irds, linnets, #oldfinches, alon# )ith other )ellAdisposed 'irds )ho are spendin# the summer at 6itten'er#, desire to let !ou +no) that )e are told on #ood authorit! that !our servant, 6olf#an# 0ie'er#er, out of the #reat hatred he 'ears to us, has 'ou#ht some old rotten nets to set up a fo)lin#A#round for finches, and not onl! for our dear friends and finches, 'ut in order to deprive us of the li'ert! of fl!in# in the air and pic+in# up #rains of corn, and also to ma+e an attempt upon our lives, althou#h )e have not deserved such a punishment at his hands. Thus )e poor 'irds hum'l! 'eseech !ou to prevent him carr!in# out his intentions, or if that 'e impossi'le, compel him to scatter corn for us in the evenin#, and for'id him risin# 'efore ei#ht in the mornin# to visit the fo)lin#A#round, and '! doin# this )e shall ever 'e #rateful to !ou, as it )ill ena'le us to ta+e the route throu#h 6itten'er#. But if he continue his )ic+ed attac+s upon our lives, then )e shall pra! -od to restrain him, and suppl! him )ith fro#s, locusts, and snails instead of us, and visit him )ith mice, lice, fleas, and 'u#s in the ni#hts, so that nothin# ma! interfere )ith our freedom of fli#ht.

6h! does he not vent his )rath on the sparro)s, ma#pies, cro)s, mice, and rats )hich inflict so much in1ur! on man, stealin# the corn from the 'arns, )hich )e never do, for )e onl! pic+ up little fra#ments and sin#le #rains of corn, )hich )e re*uite a hundredfold '! s)allo)in# flies, #nats, and other insectsE 6e put our case 'efore !ou in a commonAsense )a!, to see if )e are not cruell! treated in havin# so man! snares laid for us. But )e trust -od )ill allo) us to escape from his foul rotten nets this autumn. -iven in our celestial retreat amon# the trees under our common seal and si#nature. CBehold the fo)ls of the airF for the! so) not, neither do the! reap, nor #ather into 'arns9 !et !our heavenl! ,ather feedeth them. Are !e not much 'etter than the!ED

TO LANDGRAVE PHILIP OF HESSE

Luther expresses himself )illin# to !ield in relation to the doctrine of sacrament. =cto'er 1 , 15HL. -race and peace, .ost 0erene $rince5 ( have received !our letter, 'e##in# that ( should ta+e the doctrine of the sacrament into %hristian consideration, so that an endurin# concord mi#ht ensue 'et)een us and the 0)iss. Bo) !our -race +no)s ho) anxious ( have al)a!s 'een for unit!, havin# 'een much tried '! such dissension, +no)in# ho) in1urious it is to %hrist/s +in#dom, and that the $ope )ould have 'een hum'led lon# a#o had !our -race mana#ed to carr! throu#h the muchAdesired ne#otiations )ith Bucer and his friends. And even !et ( am read! to concede all that ( can )ith a clear conscience, 'ut ( fanc! that even amon# the forei#n 30)iss4 preachers there are fe) )ho adhere to Bucer, and 'oth parties )ill perhaps later decr! 'oth one and the other. Bothin# could 'e dearer to m! heart than an endurin# concord, 'ut if its foundation 'e 'rittle and precarious, then peace is at an end. $ra! do not )ithhold an! counsel !our -race can #ive. (f ( can do an!thin# a#ainst the murderers and 'loodhounds, the $apists, )ho al)a!s 'oast that the! have overcome the %hristians, nothin# shall 'e )antin# in m! poor pra!ers, efforts, speech, and pen. .a! %hrist our Lord stren#then !our Hi#hness to do His )ill in His hol! %hurch, to the discomfiture and )rath of the $apists. Amen. Amen5 2our 0erene Hi#hness/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
Letter of con#ratulation.

Bovem'er 1 , 15HL. To m! 'rother, Herr B. Hausmann, #race and peace5 6e are almost 'eside ourselves )ith 1o! at -od/s #oodness in 'esto)in# a son and heir upon the 'est of princes. $ra! #ive him our )armest con#ratulations, and assure him that )e pra! that -od, )ho has #iven him this 'lessin#, ma! perfect it to His honor and for the )elfare of the land. -od #rant this. There is nothin# ne) in re#ard to the ne) +in# in .unster and his apostles, )hom he sent to 0usat, of )hom ei#ht have 'een 'eheaded. (n Borth -erman! there seems a movement a#ainst the (mperial 'an, )hich the 0upreme %ourt is a'out to declare a#ainst the I)in#lian to)ns. ( trust the! are not aimin# at us. %hrist rei#ns and cares for us. Amen. ( commit !ou to Him, and pra! for me too. Tuesda! after 0t. .artin/s >a!. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
Luther )ishes to discuss peace proposals )ith the I)in#lians. >ecem'er 1@, 15HL. -race and peace to !ou, dear &onas, 'ut death to !our stone, throu#h the po)er of %hrist. ( am most anxious to have a tal+ )ith !ou and others 'efore Herr $hilip sets out, onl! !ou cannot come to me, nor ( to !ou. 6hat ( dra) up tomorro) shall 'e )ritten do)n, and ( shall retain a cop! to sho) !ou and the others. ,or in this ( shall not act alone, althou#h ( fear no a#reement can 'e arrived at 'et)een them and us. $hilip also sa!s he )ill not ta+e up this )or+ on his o)n responsi'ilit!. (t is too #reat for even t)o or three of our most prominent men to accomplish, so it seems as if our $hilip/s 1ourne! )ould 'e fruitless. ( stic+ to m! conviction even should the #lo'e 'urst a'out m! head. Therefore come to me as soon as !ou can. ( commit !ou to -od. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
Luther announces the 'irth of a dau#hter. >ecem'er 1 , 15HL.

( )ish !ou happiness, m! &onas, on !our ailment havin# left !ou, and ( hope it ma! never return. Amen. ( must inform !ou that at t)elve o/cloc+ toda! m! third dau#hter )as 'orn. $rince &oachim of Anhalt )as to 'e sponsor, 'ut the )eather ma! prevent his comin#. ( )ish !ou could 'e at the feast, if !our health permit. .a#ister -eor#e )ill have informed !ou of m! opinion, )hich ( communicated to $hilip. The more ( ponder upon it, the #reater is m! distrust of this ver! dou'tful union, for the! are so divided amon# themselves. The! )rote me that the Her7o# of 6urtem'ur# thin+s so hi#hl! of 0chnepf and Blaurer. (f this 'e so, )hat can 'e expected from this part of Borth -erman!E .artin Luther.

TO PRINCE JOACHIM OF ANHALT

Luther retains his "oman %atholic vie)s on 'aptism. >ecem'er 1 , 15HL. -race and peace, .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, most #racious Lord5 The Almi#ht! -od has 1ust 'esto)ed a dau#hter on me throu#h m! dear <athie. Bo), as !our -race promised to stand sponsor on this occasion, ( plead that for %hrist/s sa+e !ou )ould not disdain performin# the %hristian office of helpin# the poor little heathen out of her sinful state '! nature into the most 'lessed ne) 'irth, thus 'ecomin# her spiritual father throu#h the sacred )aters of 'aptism. And the )eather 'ein# so cold, ( should li+e to spare !ou the ris+, if !ou could send someone instead from >essau or else)here. .. $hilip and .. ,ranciscus are not at home. 2our -race +no)s ho) to perform !our #ood pleasure. -od )ill re*uite the service. ( should li+e the 'aptism to ta+e place tomorro). .a! -od 'e )ith !our -race5 2our #racious Hi#hness/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO EBERHARDT BRISGER
A house )as offered to Luther for purchase. >ecem'er 20, 15HL. 6hat shall ( )rite to !ou a'out the sellin# of !our house, m! E'erhardtE ,or !ou +no) that in such transactions ( am a ver! novice, and !ou have man! around !ou )ho can advise !ou much 'etter than (, not to spea+ of !ourself, )ho +no) so much of such matters.

( can onl! sa! that ( shall not as !et repl! to !our offer, althou#h ( do not )ish to 'oast of m! povert!, 'ut cannot refrain from sa!in# that it )ould 'e impossi'le for me to 'rin# to#ether even the half of that sum. ( ma+e a #reat appearance )ith the treasures entrusted to me, 'ut ( should not li+e !ou or an!one else to 'e in m! place 3Haut 4. Therefore !ou )ill not find a purchaser in me, even if !ou offered it a hundred times. But ( )ould su##est Bruno to !ou, and if m! opinion has an! )ei#ht, ( )ould li+e !ou to sell it to him for four hundred and fort! #ulden, )hich ( hear is the valuation. 6h! should !ou )ish to drive such a hard 'ar#ain )ith !our #ood 'rother, seein# the Lord has 'lessed !ou )ith this 'it of propert!, a fact !ou should remem'er in all !our dealin#sE The Lord can re*uite !ou if !ou 'elieve He )as and is !our %reator accordin# to the flesh. 6h! )orr! needlessl! a'out !our children/s futureE %hrist, )ho has ever cared for us, )ill provide a'undantl! for those )ho trust Him. >ou'tless ( have man! cares for those 'elon#in# to me, as ( have much less than !ou, 'ut ( am a)are that m! cares are fruitless. Therefore ( commit them to Him )ho has hitherto supplied m! )ants so a'undantl!, and )ill continue so to do if ( 'e )orth! of it, or ta+e those a)a! for )hom ( )orr! so needlessl!, if He do not see fit to provide for them. .a! the Lord teach !ou that all our anxiet! )ill neither increase nor lessen the necessities of life5 .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
The Tor#au people )ished to have their excellent preachers dismissed, under the pretext that the! )ere not heard in church. >ecem'er 15HL. -race and peace5 6e learn from !our letter to &onas, m! excellent 0palatin, that the! are pressin# !ou and the other superintendents to remove the pastors in Tor#au 'ecause their voices are too )ea+ to fill the churches. This is not the first time )e have heard this old son#, especiall! as the! hear 6olf#an# ,uss )hen he preaches. But do not let !ourself 'e tal+ed over, m! 0palatin, into ma+in# such a dou'tful alteration solel! 'ecause of the sin#le recommendation of voice, )hich )ould offend man!. ,or if )e once 'e#an to permit the people to dismiss their pastors )henever the! felt inclined, ho) lon# )ould )e retain our pastorsE Ta+e !ourself, for example. 6ould !ou allo) !ourself to 'e set aside merel! on account of !our voice or healthE -a'riel and the other cler#! in Tor#au possess so man! other #ood *ualities that the! not onl! cast .a#ister 6olf#an#/s voice into the shade, 'ut eclipse his other properties. Therefore pra! spare us this trial, )hich )e feel )ould deepl! insult us. (t )ould not 'e eas! an!)here to find such superior men as those in Tor#au, and it )ould 'e a dis#race to us, merel! 'ecause of their )ea+ voices, to

exchan#e such excellence for )hat is so much )orse, especiall! )hen the! do so much #ood '! their faithful teachin# and readin# of the 0criptures. The others throu#h their loud tones tic+le the ears of the mo', 'ut reall! do less #ood, or onl! 'enefit themselves. The Lord 'e )ith !ou, m! 0palatin. .artin Luther. The %onference at %assel too+ place in &anuar! 'et)een .elanchthon and Bucer, etc. The $ope sent his le#ate, ?er#erius, to confer )ith Luther a'out a %ouncil. Thirteen !ears later ?er#erius 'ecame $rotestant, #ave up his 'ishopric, and too+ refu#e )ith Her7o# %hristopher of 6urtem'ur#, )here he circulated the Bi'le. (n >ecem'er the Elector &ohn ,rederic+ rene)ed the treat! )ith the Evan#elical $rinces at 0chmal+alden for ten !ears, even En#land and ,rance sendin# their representatives.

15-5
TO A COMPOSER
&anuar! 18, 15H5. -race and peace in %hrist5 %ertainl!, m! dear, #ood friend, ( have 'een slo) in than+in# !ou for the son# !ou sent and the ?orsdorf apples. But Hieron!mus is m! )itness ho) often ( intended )ritin#, 'ut could #et no one to ta+e a letter. Therefore ( 'e# !ou to for#ive me, for ( +no) !ou )ish me )ell from !our heart, and ( feel the same to)ards !ou, althou#h it is not al)a!s eas! to express it. 6e sin# as )ell as )e can at ta'le, and continue after)ards. (f )e ma+e some mista+es it is not our fault, 'ut that of our s+ill, )hich is still ver! limited, even after #oin# over the air three or four times. But ?ir#il sin#s )e are not all ali+e, and )e )ould rather sin# it correctl! than incorrectl!. And even if composers ma+e it firstAclass, our ideas transcend even that, so )e hope !ou )ill not ta+e offence if )e do our 'est. .! <athie trusts !ou )ill not ta+e this 1o+in# amiss, and she sends !ou +indl! #reetin#s. ( here)ith commend !ou to -od. .artin Luther.

TO JOHANN LONICER, DILIGENT SERVANT OF THE LORD IN MARBURG

Luther 'e#s him not to 'e impatient to have a chan#e of a'ode.

,e'ruar! 8, 15H5. -race and peace5 ( see all !our motives, m! Lonicer, 'ut ( cannot approve of !our 'ein# overcome of the first or even second onslau#ht of 0atan, ma+in# !ou desire a chan#e of residence. 0atan cannot 'e van*uished throu#h an! such chan#e, for he is a spirit )hich roams ever!)here9 still, if !ou )ere to #et a call soon !ou )ould 'e 1ustified in leavin#. =ur &un+ers are almost all, if not enemies, at least open despisers of the 6ord and its servants, and %hrist has suffered it thus far, 'ut )hen He appears in the full #lor! of His po)er the! )ill have to atone for this. ( +no) of nothin# ne) except that there are rumors of a future council at )hich reli#ious matters )ill 'e settled. 6hat ma! 'e arran#ed -od onl! +no)s, to )hom ( commend !ou, )ith !our house vine and olive 'ranches. .artin Luther. $.0. ; This !outh Emmer, the 'earer of these lines, is house tutor to >r. &onas/s sons, and )ishes to 'ecome ac*uainted )ith other cele'rated men on his 1ourne!.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther 'e#s him to find another place for a certain 0tro'el. ,e'ruar! 2L, 15H5. -race and peace in %hrist, dear 0palatin5 2ou are a #ood, +ind man9 therefore ( 'eseech !ou to find a #ood post for %hristopher 0tro'el )hen !ou can. He is an excellent man, as !ou +no), and cannot live in the s)amps here )ithout in1ur! to his health, 'ein# used to mountain air. Beither our meats nor drin+s suit him, and )e must not 'e an#r! )ith him on this account, for )ho +no)s ho) lon# an! of us ma! 'e spared in 6itten'er# )ith such stran#e meat and drin+E 6ith !ou the air is 'etter, and !ou live nearer the 'irds in the heavens, )hereas )e are too near the fish of the sea, or rather the a'!sses of the earth9 hence )e have )orse food. ( )ish ( could help Herr Hausmann from such a lo)Al!in# place to 'etter air, for it is not #ood that his declinin# !ears should 'e spent amid the smells )hich a'ound in this place. 0o do help me. -reet !our )ife and olive 'ranches from me, and pra! for me. .artin Luther.

TO HIERONYMUS #ELLER1S SISTER

%oncernin# the 0acrament.

.arch , 15H5. The #race of -od and peace of %hrist, honored and virtuous lad!5 2our 'rother has told me ho) earnestl! !ou desire to en1o! the muchApri7ed sacrament of the Lord/s 0upper in 'oth +inds, and )ish to +no) if it ma! 'e privatel! parta+en of in !our o)n house. And althou#h this )as usual in the $apac!, ( cannot advise it for the sa+e of the example to others. ,or throu#h time ever!one mi#ht so ta+e advanta#e of the permission, that at len#th the churches )ould 'e empt!, instead of 'ein# the meetin#Aplace of all, )here the! ma+e a pu'lic profession of their faith. But if !ou are set upon it, and li+e to ris+ it, !our conscience approvin#, then do it in -od/s name, to )hom ( commit !ou )ith m! poor pra!ers. .artin Luther.

TO AUGUSTINE HIMMEL
Luther 'e#s for a small house for his servant. April 5, 15H5. -race and peace5 2ou ma! have heard, m! #ood Himmel, that our 0erene $rince, )ho hitherto divided the allo)ance 'et)een >r. Andreas and m! 6olf, has, of his o)n free )ill, 'esto)ed it solel! on the latter. ( hope it has 'een officiall! si#ned '! !our %ourt official. (f not, )e shall send !ou a full! attested cop! of the $rince/s decree, )ith his seal. Therefore, pra! lift the )hole pension, as !ou have al)a!s done, and send it to him here. .! 6olf )ill 'e most #rateful to !ou, and send a little ac+no)led#ment, so that !ou ma! not )atch over %hrist/s #rave unre*uited. ( should li+e a little house to 'e 'ou#ht for m! #ood 6olf, into )hich he mi#ht retire after m! death, as he has a )ea+ arm, and needs a roof of his o)n, so that he ma! not have to see+ refu#e in an institution, poor and forsa+en. (t is not necessar! for me to ur#e !ou, as !ou +no) the man. .a! !ou and !ours prosper. $ra! that ( ma! have a happ! transit out of this )orld. .! stren#th is failin#. .artin Luther.

TO #ENT"EL LINK
Luther tries to dissuade his friend from comin# to 6itten'er#. April 25, 15H5.

-race and peace in %hrist5 2our letter, dearest, did not depress me so much as !ou expected, especiall! as ( sa) from it that, althou#h %hrist )as lettin# !ou 'e led into temptation, He had not forsa+en !ou. ( am #rieved to hear that the old tra#ed! is 'e#innin# ane), 'ut if !ou )ould onl! 'elieve that this misunderstandin# is not caused so much '! !ou as throu#h the tattlin# of a third part!, incited '! 0atan, !ou )ould easil! 'e ena'led to set aside the anno!ance thus caused. $erhaps %hrist is punishin# us for our slu##ishness in this )a! for not 'esie#in# Him )ith our pra!ers. Trul! He never slum'ers, even )hen )e sin+ into deep sleep. 2ou cannot thin+ ho) much )e have to endure from the insolence and intri#ues of the &un+ers and ra''le, so that ( am sure that )ere !ou here !ou )ould have more to endure from the man! than !ou have there from the calumnies of a sin#le man. ( am certain that the $apac! is the devil/s +in#dom, )hich -od in His an#er has sent upon the )orld9 and )hat +in#dom could 'e more in unison )ith the )orld, for the )orld )ills to have the devil for its #odE =nce it seemed to 'e the dut! of the Bishops to suppress this t!rann!, 'ut the means used )ere too violent. ,or in hum'lin# this a'omination the %hristian %hurch )ould speedil! have 'een extin#uished. Bo) this fur! is a#ain raisin# her head, 'ut there is no lac+ of coura#eous men )ho could ta+e those t!rants captive in the ver! chains the! have for#ed around the $opes. =nl! ( do not )ander in the counsel of these people, 'ut cleave to those )ho fear -od, for our +in#dom is a'ove. ( )rite this to !ou to sho) ho) m! heart 'eats in unison )ith !ours, and to 'e# !ou not to leave !our con#re#ation. Thin+ of 0t. $aul/s )ords to TitusF C,or this cause left ( thee in %rete,D to proclaim the 6ord to -od/s elect and else)here, all for the sa+e of the elect. Let this 'e !our aim. 2ou are a servant of -od/s chosen ones, and the tar#et of the repro'ate. (f )e onl! could render #ood service to the elect and the least of %hrist/s servants5 =h that !ou could endure to the end, dear 6en7el5 And althou#h there is no man on -od/s earth ( )ould rather have near me than !ou, not onl! 'ecause of our old 'rotherl! friendship, 'ut 'ecause ( ever found in !ou a comforter, a man full of faith in -od, )hom ( )ould li+e to have '! m! side in m! d!in# hour, still ( )ould rather sacrifice m!self than see !our con#re#ation suffer. 6ho +no)s )hat advanta#es -od is preparin# for !ou throu#h this trialE Let us onl! pra! and arm ourselves in patience. 2ou as+ our $rince/s opinion of !our proposal. 6hat if ( came, or rather fled, to !ouE He is the 'est of $rinces9 'ut exceptin# him, there is no one )ho )ould not suspect me. ,rom this !ou ma! see )hat a 7eal there is for -od/s 6ord in the )orld. .eantime sin# this psalm, C6ait upon the Lord.D Ah, it cannot 'e other)ise5 6e must el'o) our )a! throu#h #lor! and shame, throu#h reproach and error, throu#h evil and #ood, throu#h ; and ever throu#h ; devils and an#els, to that onl! =ne )ho alone is #ood. Therefore ( 'eseech !ou, dear 'rother, listen to no one, 'ut commune solel! )ith Him alone. All others, althou#h the! ma! 'e the 'est of men, have more sense of 1ustice than endurance. ,or )e are all human, and the flesh com'ats the spirit on the 'attleA#round. But if it #ets the len#th of def!in# !ou to !our face, and openl! sho)in# their hatred to !ou, then it )ill 'e time to thin+ of other remedies. -od help us5 Ho) stron# -od permits the devil to 'e, and us so )ea+5 >o not 'e offended )ith me, and consider that -od is perhaps provin# us, and that it is not perhaps a 'lessed

thin# to trust in man, even if he 'e a prince, )hile it is shameful for a %hristian to fear men. .a! %hrist, our life, salvation, and #lor!, 'e )ith !ou and all 'elon#in# to us. -od #rant it. 0unda! cantate. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK

,ear of the pla#ue drove the Gniversit! staff to &ena. &ul! :, 15H5. -race and peace in %hrist, )ith m! poor paternoster, .ost 0erene Hi#h'orn $rince, most #racious Lord5 >r. Bruc+ has sho)n me !our Electoral Hi#hness/s #racious re*uest, occasioned '! the fli#ht of so man! here, )ho are in mortal dread of death, and ( hum'l! than+ !ou for !our solicitude and offer, of )hich ( shall #ladl! avail m!self )hen necessar!. But m! )eatherA coc+, on )hom ( implicitl! rel!, is the overseer 3Landvo#t 4 Hans .etsch, )ho has a marvelous ha)+/s nose for the pestilence, and )ould smell it even )ere it hidden five ells 'elo) #round. >ou'tless a house or t)o is infected, 'ut the atmosphere is not !et poisoned. ,or since Tuesda! there has neither 'een a corpse nor a sic+ person. But as the do#Ada!s are at hand and the !oun# 'o!s are fri#htened, ( have allo)ed them to #o out )al+in#, to tran*uili7e their minds till )e see ho) thin#s turn out. But ( notice that the !oun# fol+s li+e to hear this outcr! a'out the pestilence, for some are tired of sittin# on the hard 'enches9 some thin+ the! #et cramp from the 'oo+s, )hile others declare scurv! is secreted amon# the pens and paper. And there are those )ho devour their mothers/ letters, )hich ma+es them homeAsic+ and lon# for the fatherland, and perhaps there are man! more )ea+nesses than ( am a'le to recount. (f parents and #uardians do not tr! to stem the tide of these evils, perhaps )e shall not 'e a'le to #et pastors and schoolmasters, till at len#th s)ine and do#s )ill 'e the 'est animals remainin# to us, to)ards )hich end the $apists are steadil! )or+in#. But ma! %hrist our Lord endue !our Electoral -race, as He has hitherto done, alon# )ith the %hristian authorities, )ith #race and merc!, to His honor and the anno!ance of 0atan, so that !ou ma! +no) )hat strin#ent remedies to appl! to this sic+ness. 2our Electoral -race/s o'edient .artin Luther. $.0. ; ( hum'l! 'e# !our -race not to for#et m! poor Hieron!mus 6eller.

TO THE CLERGY IN AUGSBURG

The Au#s'ur# people sent an em'ass! to 6itten'er# to prove their desire for unanimit! in the matter of the sacrament.

&ul! 20, 15H5. -race and peace in %hrist5 ( )ould li+e !ou to learn )ith )hat pleasure ( received !our letter, dear 'rethren, from the livin# letters, vi7. !our >r. -ereon 0eiler and %aspar Hu'er, rather than from these dead letters, for nothin# has 'een a #reater 1o! to me in the course of the "eformation than to see an end of the lamenta'le division, and at len#th to hope for an entire a#reement. Herr -ereon tells me, and !our letter forces me to 'elieve this, so that m! )ound, vi7. m! distrust, is so far healed that not even a scar remains. Therefore ( 'eseech !ou, throu#h %hrist, )ho has 'e#un such a )or+ in !ou, to persevere in this fruit of the 0pirit. >ou'tless !ou )ill manifest such heartfelt %hristian love to)ards us, )hich shall 'e responded to on our part )ith true love and fidelit!, and la! nothin# upon us )hich )e cannot 1o!full! accept. 6hen this concord is ratified, ( shall sin# )ith tears, CLord, no) lettest Thou Th! servant depart in peace5D ,or ( shall leave peace to the %hurch, -od/s house, and the punishment of the devil, etc. .a! %hrist perfect this )or+ amon# !ou, so that m! 1o! ma! 'e full, and ( ma! loo+ for)ard, after so man! crosses, to a 1o!ful d!in# hour. Amen. $ra! for me, as ( pra! for !ou. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR ALBRECHT, ARCHBISHOP OF MAYENCE

The Elector threatened Lud)i# "a'e for havin# spo+en at Luther/s ta'le of the un1ust fate of Hans 0chan7. &ul! H1, 15H5. "epentance and for#iveness of sins, .ost Hi#hA'orn $rince and #racious Lord5 ( address this letter to !ou, not in the hope that an!thin# advanta#eous )ill come of it, 'ut to relieve m! conscience 'efore -od and the )orld, in case m! silence should 'e construed into ac*uiescence of the in1ustice perpetrated. Lud)i# "a'e allo)ed me to read the letter in )hich !our -race threatens and for'ids him a#ain spea+in# of the #lorified Hans 0chan7. As he is m! 'oarder and sits at m! ta'le, ( can testif!, and dou'tless !our Hi#hness is also a)are, that this is not true, so ( can onl! conclude that !our -race is sta''in# me throu#h a fence, 'ein# an#r! at )hat #ood people hear tal+ed of9 for ( can testif! that Lud)i# "a'e sits at m! ta'le li+e a maiden, and often spea+s more #ood of his fine Arch'ishop than ( can ta+e in, and does not run a'out the to)n, 'ut sits *uietl! in his room. Besides, the )hole to)n )as rin#in# )ith 0chan7/s misfortune 'efore Lud)i# and ( heard of it, and )e could hardl! credit that Hans 0chan7 should 'e han#ed in such a shameful manner '! his dearest lord.

Beither Lud)i# nor ( invented this tale, and the %ardinal/s name )as held up to execration )ithout our aid. As it is no) thou#ht that the accusation is aimed at me, ( no) 'e# of !ou to leave m! ta'le and house #uest unmolested, for ( shall rather 'elieve )hat honest people sa! of 0chan7 than listen to )hat !our #racious or un#racious Hi#hness 3it is all one4 should assert. ,or ( do not sit here at !our -race/s )ill that ( should shut the mouths and punish the lies of those )ho spea+ )ell of Hans 0chan7 and evil of his %ardinal, and ( trust !our -race )ill not hurr! me off so s)iftl! to the #allo)s as !ou did Hans5 ( shall al)a!s express m! opinion freel!, and repeat an! #ossip ( ma! hear of !our -race to #ood friends, even as ( am compelled to put up )ith !our -race/s conduct to)ards me. ,or althou#h ( do not 'elieve )hat is said of Hans 0chan7 and in favor of his %ardinal 3althou#h as !et ( have heard nothin# of the +ind4, still ( shall 'e pardoned for such sins )ithout an! indul#ences from !our -race. And should !our -race han# all those )ho not onl! in this 'ut in other thin#s spea+ despitefull! of !our -race, there )ould not 'e rope enou#h in -erman! to do it, not to spea+ of man! )ho )ould not so easil! permit themselves to 'e han#ed, and thus some )ould needs remain unhan#ed '! the dou#ht! %ardinal9 and even the han#in# of man! )ould not suppress the outcr!. And ( 'elieve 3and no cardinal han#man shall for'id this, for thou#hts are not taxa'le4 that had Hans 0chan7 'een tried outside Halle he )ould have remained unhan#ed, )hich is the #eneral opinion. $erhaps the! ma! still sin# this son# )here !our -race has not the po)er to han# the people. ( further 'elieve that had Lud)i# 'een sei7ed in Halle, as !ou tried to sei7e him in Leipsic, he )ould have 'een han#ed lon# a#o, and then he )ould have had to 'e silent a'out Hans. 0hould !our Electoral -race )ish to +no) ho) lon# such an outcr! has existed in -erman lands a#ainst !ou, ( must inform !ou it 'e#an a'out fifteen !ears a#o, datin# from the indul#ences, and all a#ainst so hol! a man. (f !ou )ish to #et rid of this evil reputation for'id the outcr! in other places 'esides Halle, especiall! that re#ardin# the $ope/s 'an, )hich finds little favor )ith the merchants, and these seldom allude to Hans 0chan7/s 'usiness. ,or 'ein# forci'l! prevented spea+in# of him at Halle does not in1ure his cause, 'ut the %ardinal/s conduct does, even as the cr! of .a#ister -eor#e 6in+ler/s 'lood 3of )hich ( )rote !our -race4 'ecomes, )ith time, the lon#er, the louder, and ( 'elieve it )ill never 'e stilled till it is aven#ed. This is the last letter )hich ( shall )rite to !our -race, even as the $rophet Eli1ah )rote to <in# &ehoram to 1ustif! himself, for ( loo+ for no improvement, even as little as did Eli1ah from his &ehoram. ( must console m!self )ith the thou#ht that !our au#ust Holiness cannot han# ever!one )ho )ishes !ou evil 3althou#h it )ould 'e possi'le to han# all )ho )ish !ou )ell4, 'ut permit our Lord -od to let the rin# han# on the doors of His %hurch, and allo) some to live, till the real tormentor 3Hen+er 4 attac+s !ourself. Amen. .artin Luther, $reacher at 6itten'er#. 6itten'er#.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK

Luther 'e#s the Elector to allo) .elanchthon to #o to ,rance, )hither the <in# invited him, and other matters re#ardin# his a'sence. Au#ust 1 , 15H5. -race and peace )ith m! paternoster, .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, most #racious Lord5 ( most respectfull! 'e# of !ou, in -od/s name, to allo) $hilip to #o to ,rance. ( am moved to ma+e this re*uest 'ecause of the pitiful appeal ( have received from some honored and pious people )ho have narro)l! escaped the flames, and it )as $hilip )ho, )ith infinite trou'le, induced the <in# to ma+e an end of the 'utcher! and 'urnin#. Therefore, if these people are deprived of their consolation, then the 'loodhounds ma! 'e#in their 'lood! )or+ afresh, so ( do not see ho) Herr $hilip can, )ith a clear conscience, desert them in their deep need, and ro' them of their muchAneeded consolation, especiall! as it mi#ht ma+e the <in# and those a'out him ver! mistrustful of all of us, for he has #raciousl! )ritten himself re*uestin# $hilip/s presence, 'esides sendin# a messen#er. 2our princel! -race )ill, '! the #race of -od, permit $hilip to leave for three months. 6ho +no)s )hat -od ma! mean to do, )hose thou#hts are at all times hi#her and 'etter than ours5 ,or m! part, ( should 'e ver! sorr! )ere so man! pious hearts deprived of the comfort for )hich the! so touchin#l! and so confidentl! cr! and )ait. And one could not )onder if the! and man! others thou#ht 'adl! of us. Therefore ( plead once more that !our Electoral -race )ould most #raciousl! #rant $hilip/s re*uest. 6e pra! dail! to -od for !our Electoral Hi#hness, and '! our dili#ent la'or tr! to promote !our cause. .a! -od lead and stren#then !our Hi#hness '! His Hol! 0pirit to do His #ood and #racious )ill5 Amen. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
Luther contradicts the report of epidemic in 6itten'er#. Au#ust 1:, 15H5. -race and peace5 ( )ish !ou 1o! on !our recover!, m! excellent &onas. The report of an infectious disease here is most unfounded. But Heaven seems to )ill it that the devil should succeed in separatin# us at least 'odil!, and )ho +no)s '! )hat means. $hilip has 'een called to ,rance '! the <in#, and he )ould #ladl! have #one, 'ut the Elector )ould not permit it. He then )ent off in rather a 'ad humor to &ena. 6e had a small #atherin# of doctors on the ,east of the Hol! %ross, and a disputation on the precedin# 0aturda!. 6e received a sta# at m! re*uest from our #racious $rince. Bu#enha#en )as laid hold of on his )a! home, and !ou also )ill soon come, and the )hole &ena Gniversit!, if it can 'e called the &ena Hi#h

0chool, )hich is reall! that of 6itten'er#. =ur to)n is *uite desolate, 'ut )e are in #ood health and spirits, except for one thin# ; the 'eer is finished all over the to)n. (t is )ell for me that ( have still some in m! cellar. The other citi7ens have none. 6hat is 'ein# 're)ed is ne), and is 'ein# consumed )arm from the pans, so the 're)ers )ho can are forced to 're). .! <athie #reets !ou and !ours. .! 'o! Hans Luther )ould have ans)ered !our &ustus, 'ut havin# scented the old &onas in the letter, he could not, on account of the press of )ritin#, ans)er throu#h the elder Luther. But he )ill )rite ere lon#, as )ell as his !ears permit. =nce more fare)ell. .artin Luther. $.0. ; ( )ould #ladl! assist Bernard, 'ut cannot )ith m! o)n means, -od havin# laid the dut! upon me of providin# for a numerous famil!, and, 'esides, ( have man! de'ts. ( cannot help )onderin# )h! so stron# a man, )ith such a health! )ife, should 'e in such deep povert!, and an alms here and there is of little avail, and to help )ith alms people )ho could earn somethin# 'ecomes impossi'le at len#th. -ive me a hint ho) ( ma! help them, for ( )ould #ladl! do an!thin# for the #ood man, seein# he is a #uest in the %hurch of the -entiles and a mem'er of the &e)ish %hurch. ( commend !ou to -od.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
=n 0eptem'er 1L, Hieron!mus 6eller, )ho had 'een called to ,rei'er#, and Bicolas .edlar, chaplain to the Electress of Branden'ur#, then livin# in 6itten'er#, )ere made doctors of divinit!. &ocular invitation to 'an*uet. 0eptem'er L, 15H5. -race and peace5 ( hope !ou have received the letters and disputations, )ith the directions, sent from a ver! incompetent person, to teach !ou )hat to sa! at the ceremon! of conferrin# doctors/ de#rees9 and no) our head coo+, <athie, 'e#s !ou )ill, )ith this thaler, send us 'irds and )hat !ou can find in !our re#ion of the air, )hich creatures -od has appointed for man/s use. But send us no ravens, 'ut sparro)s in an! num'er, and if !ou la! out an!more it shall 'e refunded to !ou9 and if !ou can #et a hare, or shoot an!thin# for nothin#, or purchase some ve#eta'les, then send these also, for the principal thin# is that !ou all #et somethin# to eat, for one must not depend on 'eer alone, of )hich m! <athie has 're)ed fourteen tuns, in )hich she has put thirt!At)o 'ushels of malt to suit m! taste. 0he hopes it ma! 'e #ood9 !ou )ill 1ud#e for !ourself )hen !ou taste it. There is no other ne)s, except that the Emperor is carr!in# ever!thin# 'efore him in Africa. But Her7o# -eor#e and the Bishop of Halle have issued an order to their people to fast three da!s a )ee+ for the Emperor and receive the sacrament in one +ind, so that thin#s ma! improve even more. 0o if the Emperor <arl should con*uer %onstantinople, )hich -od #rant he ma!, then it )ill 'e these thin#s and not -od )ho has done it. But %hrist lives, so let us re1oice even amid the ra#e of devils and men, en1o!in# the #ood

thin#s of life, till the! come to a misera'le end, especiall! if !ou confer !our deli#htful societ! upon us, )ith !our captives, )ho, under the s)a! of the head coo+, )ill 'e consi#ned to the captivit! of the pot. .! <athie and all #reet !ou respectfull!. ,are)ell in the Lord. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK, IN CONJUNCTION #ITH OTHERS

"e*uest for a private audience for the En#lishman Barnes, etc. 0eptem'er 12, 15H5. -race and peace )ith our poor paternoster, .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, most #racious Lord5 His .a1est! the <in# of En#land/s messen#er, >r. Antonius, has 'e##ed me to re*uest !our -race to #rant him a private intervie), for he does not )ish his 'usiness to 'e +no)n till he +no)s ho) he stands. As !our Electoral Hi#hness +no)s the man, and )e 'elieve he 'rin#s #ood tidin#s, )e hum'l! pra! that he ma! have a hearin#. And 'esides, he has mana#ed matters ver! )ell in re#ard to .. $hilip/s promise to the <in#, and has achieved much in ma+in# the <in# so anxious to have him, and so un)illin# that he should #o to ,rance9 and also in sendin# such a statel! escort, )ith such a hosta#e, for a #uarantee. 0o )e 'e# !our -race, if not 'efore, then immediatel! after !our 1ourne! to Austria, to receive him. 6ho +no)s )hat -od, )hose )isdom is hi#her and His )ill 'etter than ours, ma! achieve. 0o if .. $hilip, )ho is invited in such a splendid manner, cannot fulfil his promise, it )ill 'e a #reat #rief to him, especiall! as he has al)a!s 'een over'urdened )ith )or+, melanchol!, and temptations, and needs no additional sorro). 2our Electoral -race )ill +no) ho) to act in a #racious manner. %hrist our Lord 'e )ith !ou to all eternit!. Amen. 2our Electoral -race/s hum'le .artin Luther, &ustus &onas, %aspar %ruci#er, &ohn $ommer.

TO FRAU JORGER
%oncernin# an Evan#elical service in her house. 0eptem'er 12, 15H5.

-race and peace in %hrist )ith m! poor paternoster, honored and dear lad!5 ( have seen Herr Andres, and received !our letter, and than+ !ou for !our present, especiall! the small #roschen, )hich ( )ould li+e to +no) if it )ere #ood, for it loo+s so ne) it mi#ht 'e counterfeit. Herr Andres also tells me that !ou are anxious to +no) if !ou mi#ht, )ith a #ood conscience, have preachin# in !our house 3as !our pastor has no o'1ections4, solel! for !our o)n people, and no outsiders 'elon#in# to the church. (f !our pastor permit it, then !ou ma! have it till it is for'idden !ou, for !ou are not expected to please ever!one, althou#h eventuall! !ou ma! 'e compelled to #ive )a! to the po)ers that 'e. Each one in thin#s li+e these ta+es the responsi'ilit! upon himself. And do not mind althou#h the preacher ma! not have 'een consecrated '! a 'ishop, for it is not to the office of preacher he is set apart, 'ut rather to the practice of private mass, and such priests are Baals and &ero'oams. 6hoever is called is consecrated, and ma! preach to those )ho have called him9 that is our Lord/s consecration and ordination, and is a ri#ht honora'le one. .! house)ife sends her +ind re#ards to !ou all. ( commit !ou to -od. Amen. At 6itten'er#, 0unda!. .artin Luther.

TO GEREON SEILER, DOCTOR OF MEDICINE IN AUGSBURG

Luther )rote seven letters on this da!, althou#h ver! )ea+ at this time. =cto'er 5, 15H5. -race and peace in %hrist5 2our letter, m! excellent Herr >octor, )as a #reat 1o! to me, not onl! for itself, 'ut 'ecause so man! dear travelers accompanied it, )hom ( received as emissaries of #ood tidin#s of peace and salvation )ith ever! respect and deli#ht. %hrist, )ho laid the foundation of this unanimit!, )ill perfect His )or+. Amen. At !our re*uest ( communicate to all the 'rethren, )ith ever! expression of esteem, m! heartfelt satisfaction at the rene)ed efforts for union. 2ou can discuss m! proposal for meetin# to#ether )ith !our part!, and communicate !our decision to me, so that ( ma! let the $rince and all our people +no). Herr .elanchthon has, for man! )ei#ht! reasons, #iven up his proposed 1ourne! to ,rance. ,or )e have 'een informed of the faithlessness of the ,rench from man! distin#uished men. But ( am sorr! for this people )ho #roan under so hard a !o+e. 6ould that ( could #ive them the help for )hich the! plead. $erhaps if the! fled the! mi#ht find a home else)here. .a! %hrist have merc! on them, and deliver them, and afflict those )ho oppress them. Amen. ( commend m!self to !ou, m! most esteemed Herr >octor in the Lord, )ho, ( pra!, ma! #uide and maintain !ou and !ours to all eternit!.

.artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
?arious topics. =cto'er 28, 15H5. -race and peace in %hrist5 Ei#ht da!s a#o >r. %hristian Baume departed this life. .. $hilip )rites that he cau#ht fever on a 1ourne!, and the phle#m descended from the head to the chest. ( enclose .. $hilip/s letter. Bruc+ is not in $ra#ue, $hilip declares. As !et )e hear nothin# of the Austrian 1ourne!. Last 0a''ath the pla#ue carried a)a! 0chade)ald, the 'est citi7en in the to)n, 'ut since that all is *uiet. ( have catarrh, at times accompanied '! a cou#h. .an! students have returned. ( have no other ne)s. ( should li+e to +no) )here the $ope/s Am'assador is, for there seems to 'e a m!ster! in re#ard to the )hole council. -reet !our flesh and 'lood from me, and pra! for me. ( am at present occupied )ith 0imon and &udas, and the preparation of the thesis a#ainst secret mass9 further, )ith %orinthians chapter 1H, and also )ith some other passa#es )here the doctrine of 1ustification is to 'e found. .! <athie, )ho rides, drives, so)s her fields, 'u!s cattle, and turns them out on the meado)s, and 're)s, sends !ou her +ind re#ards. =ver and a'ove, she has a 'et of fift! florins that she )ill read the )hole Bi'le '! Easter. 0o she is in earnest. 0he has 'e#un the fifth Boo+ of .oses. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
Luther/s intervie) )ith the $apal le#ate ?er#erius. Bovem'er 10, 15H5. -race and peace5 ( than+ !ou for the hare and the 'irds, m! dearest &onas. ( had much to )rite a'out, 'ut ( am ver! tired, and the topics are too numerous even to touch upon )ith m! arrears of )or+. The $apal le#ate once more appeared amon# us in 6itten'er#. He is no) )ith the .ar#rave. =ne )ould fanc! the man flies rather than rides. He invited Bu#enha#en and me to 'rea+fast, 'ecause the da! 'efore ( had for'idden the sacrament 3Bachtmahl 4 in the 'ath. ( ate )ith him in the castle, 'ut as to the conversation, no human soul could repeat it. All throu#h the repast ( )as not

onl! Luther, 'ut represented the En#lishman Barnes, )hom he also invited, 'ut such lan#ua#e as he used to)ards !ou5 But more '! )ord of mouth. The ,ran+fort people )rite me complainin# that the Arch'ishop of .a!ence purposes forcin# mass and the other $apal rites upon them. Ho) necessar! is it for me to have !ou all here5 (nstead ( must act alone, decide ever!thin#, and all 'ecause of the pla#ue, at )hich the devil lau#hs heartil!, 'ein# deli#hted that he has succeeded in scatterin# us all solel! 'ecause of a fe) deaths. But -od )ill defend and uphold His )ord. ( here)ith send !ou the letter of Herr Au#ustine, pastor at %oldit7, from )hich !ou can catch a #limpse of this ver! fine Epicurean sect, 'ut can also perceive that -od +no)s ho) to reven#e contempt of His name. 2ou need have no dou't that our $rince has arrived safe in $ra#ue. .elanchthon has )ritten thrice that >r. Bruc+ is in &ena. $erhaps it is Blei+ardt )ho accompanied the $rince, and it is onl! a mista+e in the name. ,or as Bruc+ had 'een ill, Blei+ardt )ent instead of him on this 1ourne!. .! <athie #reets !ou and !ours. 0he is #oin# on steadil! )ith her Bi'le readin#. But all the distur'ance )ith that )oman ro''ed her of ei#ht da!s/ time. %oncernin# !our proposed transaction a'out the linen, she sa!s !ou can easil! #uess )hat she )ould do in such a critical case, especiall! )hen she )as so anxious to #o on )ith her readin#, and !et so afraid of losin# this chance. .! #reetin#s to all !our famil!. 0t. .artin/s evenin#. .artin Luther. The En#lish Em'ass! sent '! Henr! ?(((. still lin#ered in 6itten'er#, and in .a! Bucer, %apito, .!conius, etc., also arrived, and the disputes concernin# the sacrament )ere happil! arran#ed, preachers of the one communion 'ein# accepted '! the other, and 'oth parties partoo+ of the Lord/s 0upper to#ether. =n &une 2 the $ope issued a Bull summonin# a council for the follo)in# !ear, for the furtherance of peace, '! extirpatin# heres!. %harles sent his ?iceA%hancellor Held to 0chmal+alden to #ain over the $rotestants, 'ut he did not succeed.

15-6
TO VEIT DIETRICH, PREACHER IN NURNBERG
%on#ratulations upon his marria#e. &anuar! 1L, 15H@.

-race and peace in %hrist5 6e re1oice #reatl!, m! >ietrich, over the )elcome ne)s of !our marria#e, and )ish !ou much happiness. And !et not too much, so that should !our 'liss exceed the ordinar! lot of hus'ands, !ou ma! not turn 0t. $aul into a liar, )ho snarls at us happ! and complacent married men, and taunts us )ith the )ords, C0uch shall have trou'le in the flesh.D (f this should happen, and !ou find 0t. $aul has 'een nearer the truth than !ou desire, then sho) !ourself to 'e a man )ho can 'ear )ith the faults of a )ife, #ivin# honor unto the )ife, as 0t. $eter commands. "ather +eep the little *ueen in a #ood humor than 'e al)a!s loo+in# for ri#hteous cause of an#er a#ainst her. 0till, !ou must not let !ourself 'e treated an!)a!. But )h! should ( choose such an inopportune moment as that of the 'urnin# time of first love to instruct !ou, especiall! as ( +no) !ou could #uide a hundred )omen, amon# )hom !our )ife is onl! first novitiate5 ( )ish !ou even more heartil! happiness to !our ne) call to !our church post. ( pra! !ou not to depart from the form of doctrine )hich !ou im'i'ed here in no sparin# *uantities. ( impressed upon >r. Hieron!mus 6eller to tell !ou not to 'e overcome '! that national )ea+ness called selfAconceit in -erman, althou#h it ma! sometimes tic+le !ou. 2ou +no) ho) )e have 'een )orried '! those )ho )ere afflicted )ith it and deserted us. Therefore, #reet !our )ife from me, and sa! she must exert herself )ith all her heart to prevent !ou succum'in# to that dan#erous and fascinatin# rival called selfApleasin#. 0he must come first, and 'e the receptacle of !our love. 2ou understand )hat ( )ish. .! )ife )ishes !ou much 1o! in !our )edded life as )ell as in !our ne) post. $ra! for us. .artin Luther 6itten'er#.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK

Luther than+s him for his present. >iscussion )ith En#lish envo!s. &anuar! 25, 15H@. To the 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, &ohn ,rederic+, Elector of 0axon!. -race and peace in %hrist and m! poor paternoster5 The castellan at 0ch)enit7 has told me of !our Electoral Hi#hness/s present of six eimers of )ine, for )hich accept m! most hum'le than+s, as )ell as for the )ild 'oar, althou#h ( am most un)illin# to 'e 'urdensome to !our -race, )ho has alread! enou#h to do in #ivin# and in 'earin# the 'urdens of others. ( hoped to #et rid of the En#lish Em'ass! in three da!s, 'ut the! have no intention of leavin# for a lon# time. ( have far more )ei#ht! matters to deal )ith, and have often done as much in four )ee+s, )hereas the! have *uarreled for t)elve !ears over this sin#le point, and the! )ill never, in accordance )ith their present attitude, either advance or retreat unless -od )ills it. And as the expense is too #reat for

!our -race to 'ear alone, as the! themselves admit, the! are anxious to support themselves. 2our -race )ill +no) in this case also )hat is 'est. And ( )ould respectfull! inform !our Hi#hness that the 0trass'ur# and Au#s'ur# people have appealed to me to fix a time for us to hold the consultation. ( )ished first to consult !our -race as to the ans)er ( shall #ive them, for this C%oncordD cannot 'e concluded till )e have discussed it thorou#hl! amon# ourselves9 and the! )rite that man! )ish to come, amon# )hom )ould 'e some *uarrelsome people, )ho )ould spoil all9 so ( respectfull! 'e# !ou to fix a place for the #atherin#, for the! are )illin# to #o an!)here except to %o'ur# and its vicinit!, )here the! )ould have to su'mit to the forei#n rule of the 'ishops9 other)ise, no spot in Hesse or in !our -race/s lands )ould 'e too remote for them. ( here)ith commit !ou to the dear -od. Amen. 2our Electoral -race/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
Luther )rites of Her7o# $hilip of $omerania/s marria#e at Tor#au to the Elector/s sister. .arch 11, 15H@. -race and peace in %hrist, 'eloved 'rother5 ( hi#hl! commend to !ou the 'earer of this letter, )ho hopes to #et a school )ith !ou, and )ished me to recommend him. ( am the more )illin# to do this as he has a testimonial from %ount Ho!a in 6estphalia addressed to me, to remove suspicion. 0o if !ou re*uire an! such person, do !our utmost for him. There is nothin# ne) here except that ( purpose pu'lishin# a pamphlet a#ainst the crocodile in Halle. ( )rote to him, callin# him the dra#on and the devil/s cardinal. $ra! that %hrist, )ho has 'e#un to pour out 1ud#ment upon him, ma! finish the )or+, especiall! as he )ill not cease persecutin# those )ho at len#th shall attain to the #race of -od. ( can tell !ou nothin# a'out the )eddin# at Tor#au except that it )ent off splendidl!. ( #ave the 'ride and 'ride#room to each other in the evenin#, and in the mornin# >r. $ommer pronounced the 'lessin# upon them 3as ( )as sei7ed )ith #iddiness and could not4. Ever!thin# )as done as is prescri'ed in the %atechism, for the $rince )ished it so. This ro!al 'ride#room is a fine accomplished !oun# man, most temperate and modest, so that ( am charmed )ith his appearance, manners, and 'ehavior. .a! %hrist maintain and 'esto) ever! 'lessin# upon him, to the furtherance of all that is #ood in him. Amen. .! <athie #reets !ou respectfull!. ,are)ell in the Lord, and pra! for me. .artin Luther.

TO #EN"EL LINK
Luther as+s for -erman son#s. &ocular letter. .arch 20, 15H@. -race and peace in %hrist, dear 6en7el5 As it is some hundreds of !ears since ( either spo+e or )rote Latin, ( almost fear ( have for#otten )hat ( +ne), and pro'a'l! !ou are in the same condition9 so ( hope such fears )ill 1ustif! an! mista+es ( ma+e, )ithout an! #ood or evil )or+s, for !ou are a #racious lord to)ards such offenders, even as !ou desire similar sins to 'e lenientl! treated '! !our friends. ( had nothin# to )rite a'out, 'ut did not )ish ,rau >et7elin )ith her dau#hter to leave )ithout letters. ( should have li+ed to send some mountains of #old, 'ut in late !ears our El'e has overflo)ed and ta+en all the #old sand )ith it, leavin# onl! #ravel and sand 'ehind, some of )hich has #ot a lod#ment in &ustus &onas/s 'od!. ( must al)a!s 1o+e )hether sic+ or )ell, )ea+ or stron#, a sinner and !et 1ustified, )ellAni#h dead and !et alive in %hrist. As !ou are seated amid #old and silver streams, send me not poetical dreams 'ut son#s, )hich )ill #ive me #reat pleasure. 2ou understand. ( )ish to tal+ -erman, m! #racious Herr 6en7el, if it 'e not too difficult or too tiresome, too hi#h flo)n or too deep. ( 'e# of !ou to as+ a 'o! to collect all -erman pictures, rh!mes, son#s, 'oo+s, etc., )hich have 'een painted, composed, and printed '! !our -erman poets and printers this !ear, for ( have a reason for as+in# this. 6e can ma+e Latin 'oo+s here ourselves, 'ut )e are 'us! learnin# to )rite -erman 'oo+s, )hich )e hope to ma+e so #ood that ever!one shall 'e pleased )ith them. ,are)ell in %hrist. $ra! for me. The Lord 'e )ith !ou and !ours. -reet all our people. .artin Luther.

LUTHER #RITES TO HIS HONORED BROTHER IN CHRIST, MARTIN BUCER C2)3(+)&), '4( C2),+(55.
.arch 25, 15H@. -race and peace in %hrist5 ( must )rite shortl! to !ou, dear Herr Brother, 'ecause for fourteen da!s ( have 'een prostrate )ith a dreadful cou#h, and have hardl! 'e#un to recover. As to our %on#ress , this is our opinion. =ur Elector has chosen Eisenach as the place of meetin#, 'ein# close to Hesse. &ulius .enius is superintendent there. The fourth 0a''ath after Easter seems to me the most convenient. >iscuss it )ith !our friends and let me +no). 6ere the third or an! other more convenient for !ou, )e have no

o'1ections. =nl! let Brentius, 0chnepf, and an!one else !ou )ish to have, hear throu#h !ou. ( shall inform =siander and the other Burn'er# people, 'ut leave !ou to inform the 0outh -ermans. .a! !ou prosper in %hrist9 pra! for me. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK

Luther )as tired of the discussions )ith the En#lish. (n .arch, Henr! ?(((. replied to the 0chmal+alden document, sa!in# he could onl! a#ree to it if the Au#s'ur# %onfession and the Apolo#ia )ere toned do)n. &ohn ,rederic+ replied that if he )ould not admit pure doctrine into his +in#dom, it )as no use concludin# a treat! )ith him. .arch 28, 15H@. -race and peace, .ost 0erene Lord5 6e have received !our -race/s directions in re#ard to the En#lish, and )ill #ive the articles of a#reement to the ?iceA%hancellor, ,ranciscus, from )hich !ou ma! see ho) far )e have #ot. But as the! do not +no) if their <in# ma! 'e pleased )ith them, especiall! the last four, )e have first announced the matter to him, leavin# a loophole for escape. (f His .a1est! accept the conditions, the alliance shall 'e ratified, for the articles harmoni7e )ith our teachin#, and after)ards, if desired, an em'ass! ma! 'e sent to explain thin#s more full! to the <in#. But if His .a1est! )ill not accept, or )ishes alterations in these articles, then )e cannot for his sa+e launch our %hurch into fresh trou'le )hen )e have scarcel! #ot it into smooth )aters. 2our Electoral Hi#hness can from all this dra) !our o)n conclusions as to the ro!al marria#e *uestion, or sa! if it )ould not 'e as )ell for us to defend ourselves in as far as )e have approved of it. (n Her7o# -eor#e/s affair our people have acted most imprudentl!, )hich has incensed me #reatl!. But !our -race has a #ood conscience, havin# offered to drop all enmit!9 -od )ill not for#et it. But this *uarrelsome, reven#eful man continues 'loodthirst! and lon#s for murder, so that one da! Chis mischief shall return upon his o)n head, and his violent dealin# shall come do)n upon his o)n pate.D But the 'est of it is, he cannot even 1oin in pra!er )ith those )ho cleave to him, for he does not need pra!er, so proud is he9 )hile, -od 'e praised, )e can pra!, for)e see+ peace and for#iveness, )hich -od )ill #rant if )e hum'l! confess our sins and see+ His #lor!. .a! our dear Lord stren#then !our Electoral Hi#hness/s heart a#ainst the devil/s threats and sour loo+s. 2our Electoral Hi#hness/s o'edient .artin Luther. $.0. ; >r. %aspar %ruci#er 'e#s me to as+ !our Electoral Hi#hness #raciousl! to #rant him the use of 0chloss Eulen'ur# for his marria#e, as he +no)s of no other place to cele'rate it, as it cannot 'e at Leipsic or

6itten'er#. 2our Electoral -race )ill +no) ho) to act #raciousl!. ,or one must help in such matters.

TO VICE-CHANCELLOR BURKHARDT
A'out a#reement )ith the En#lish. April 20, 15H@. .! opinion is, dear Herr %hancellor, that as m! lord )ishes to +no) ho) far )e ma! #ive )a! to the En#lish <in# re#ardin# those articles, that )e cannot concede more. (f the! )ish to have the articles expressed in other lan#ua#e ( do not o'1ect, 'ut ( shall permit no alterations in the matter of faith and teachin#, other)ise )e mi#ht rather have seen e!e to e!e )ith $ope and Emperor at Au#s'ur#, and even no) it )ould 'e dis#raceful to concede more to the <in# than )e )ould do to Emperor and $ope. Bo dou't people should have patience, for in En#land thin#s connected )ith doctrine cannot so speedil! 'e put into practice9 still, the principal articles must not 'e chan#ed or #iven up. The ceremonials are temporar! thin#s, )hich )ill arran#e themselves throu#h time )ith the help of sensi'le rulers, so it is useless disputin# or )orr!in# over them till the ri#ht foundation is laid. But if the alliance )ith the <in# is to 'e entered into, althou#h the <in# does not a#ree )ith us as to all the articles, then ( shall leave it to the dear lords, alon# )ith m! #racious lord, for it is a )orldl! matter9 still ( consider it to 'e a #reat dan#er to unite out)ardl! )here the people are not of one mind. But ( do not )ish m! opinion to stand in the )a!, for -od +no)s ho) to turn the thou#hts of the pious as )ell as of the enem! and of all men to #ood account )hen He desires to 'e #racious. .artin Luther.

TO THE MARGRAVE GEORGE OF BRANDENBURG

As Luther )as too )ea+ to #o to Eisenach, %apito, Bucer, and .!conius )ent to 6itten'er#, .a! 21. .!conius relates that Luther preached on Ascension >a!, C-o !e into all the )orld and preach,D etc. ; a #lorious sermon. =n the 25th the form of the %oncord )as si#ned '! all in the lod#in# of %hristian -oldschmied/s )ido), and on 0a''ath, 28th, Bucer, %apito, etc., partoo+ of the 0acrament )ith the 6itten'er# people. .a! 2:, 15H@.

-race and peace in %hrist, .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, most #racious Lord5 ( have received t)o #racious communications from !our -race. The first, informin# me that -od had called a)a! !our #racious father, %ount ,rederic+, )as ver! pleasin# to me9 for ( sa) in )hat hi#h honor !ou held him, seein# !ou announced it to so insi#nificant a person as m!self, for it )as +no)n ho) hi#hl! !ou esteemed !our illustrious father in his lifetime. The other, as+in# a'out the students stud!in# here, man! of )hom !our -race supports, ( can onl! sa! thin#s are #oin# on )ell, the loiterin# a'out the streets and the noise at ni#hts not 'ein#, -od 'e praised, so 'ad as of !ore. But !our Electoral -race ma! depend on me lettin# !ou +no) if an!one distin#uishes himself in this )a!, and sendin# him home, as ( have done more than once. But ( often am not told of thin#s done in secret, althou#h the! are dili#entl! spread a'road. 2our Electoral -race )ill 'e +ept informed of all that is ta+in# place here concernin# the 0acrament, '! the princes, lords, and preachers )ho have an!thin# to do )ith the matter, for )ithout such +no)led#e nothin# can 'e satisfactoril! concluded. But the! have alread! #iven )a! thus far that the! )ill faithfull! maintain and teach our %onfession and Apolo#!. 0till, )e have discussed article '! article )ith them, so that no dan#er ma! lur+ in corners and )e ma! have a proper %oncord. 6e shall send all this to !our -race, for as !ou are at one )ith us as to the %onfession, therefore !ou )ill desire all the others to 'e present, or )ish them to +no) ho) such a %oncord is concluded. 2ou )ill do !our utmost )ith the preachers, so that old matters ma! not 'e ra+ed up, thus scarin# the timid a)a!. ( consider the! are in earnest, and if not, the accepted apolo#! )ill 'e their punishment. (t is of no importance )hether the! condemn the $apal processions and ci'orium, )hich )e too have not retained. ( commend !ou to -od, and )ill shortl! )rite a#ain. 2our -race/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
&une 10, 15H@. -race and peace in %hrist5 This <. Iimmermann, )ho has either 'een 'anished or fled, 'e#s us to find a situation for him. But as poor people come here from all *uarters, there is no vacant post, so he has 'e##ed for an introduction to !ou. ( here'! )arml! commend him, as he is a native of Alten'ur#. 6e have nothin# ne) to relate, except that a terri'le tra#ed! has ta+en place in En#land. A'out !our Asmodi 3houseAdevil4 ( shall )rite as soon as ( can. .eantime ma! %hrist ena'le !ou to 'ear )ith her patientl!. -reet !our dear )ife, and tell her )e thin+ most +indl! of her, and hope she )ill 'ear the motherl! or rather stepAmotherl! reproofs patientl!. Thin#s )ill 'e sure to come ri#ht at last9 and those )ho have calumniated her )ill 'e covered )ith confusion. .a! !ou prosper in %hrist )ith all )ho 'elon# to !ou. Amen.

.artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
Luther )ishes him to leave >essau. 0eptem'er 20, 15H@. To the learned >octor Bicolas Hausmann, servant of %hrist at >essau. -race and peace, dearest 'rother in %hrist5 =nl! a fe) )ords, for !ou al)a!s +no) )hat is #oin# on here, as ne)s reaches !our court sooner than )e #et them. The t)o .ar#raves have fallen a)a! from the #ospel. (f !ou did not +no) this, no) !ou are a)are of it9 and ( +no) not )hat evil thin# ma! 'e smolderin# amon# us. ( am still of the same mind re#ardin# !ou. ( purpose invitin# !ou to 'ecome an inmate of m! house, so that !ou ma! have some rest and *uiet. 2our 'rother has promised to maintain !ou in m! house, for ( see it is impossi'le for !ou to remain )here !ou are. >r. Hieron!mus 6eller is ver! happ!, havin# left to occup! his o)n house close '!. This is a #reat pleasure to me. The Emperor has not 'een so fortunate as )e expected. (t is said the famine has deprived him of five thousand officers ; 'rave men ; such as the .ar#rave ,rederic+, %aspar von ,rons'er#, and ( +no) not )ho else. The %ouncil seems to me onl! a sham, althou#h ( hear Her7o# -eor#e is )ritin# a 'oo+ a#ainst the Bishops. =ur Alesius )rites from En#land that the ne) Jueen, &ane, is an enem! of the #ospel, and )ill shortl! 'e cro)ned. Thin#s appear no) *uite different in that +in#dom, so that Antonius is o'li#ed to remain hidden and +eep silence. The <in# continues to despise the $ope9 and it has 'een determined, )ith the consent of this )hole +in#dom, that no one shall start for the >iet till the <in# consents to it 'ein# held, )hich )ill never ta+e place. 0o lon# as the <in# is a#ainst it, the >iet is a m!th, or at least it )ill not 'e held at the appointed time9 and )hen that has once #one '!, )ho )ill vouch for another time 'ein# fixedE The )orld is full of +naver!. ,are)ell in %hrist, and pra! for me, m! 'rother9 ( need it #reatl!. -reet !our no'le $rince from me. .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther complains of )ant of 'enevolence. 0eptem'er 2L, 15H@.

To the hi#hl! esteemed -eor#e 0palatin, shepherd and Bishop of the %hurch at Alten'ur#, m! 'eloved in the Lord. -race and peace in %hrist5 ( 'e# of !ou, dearest 0palatin, that as soon as Bris#er returns, !ou )ill arran#e )ith him to help this poor person, Elsie von "eins'er#, and see that no one treats her harshl! or spea+s un+indl! to her. ,or )ho +no)s in )hat insi#nificant person )e ma! have the opportunit! of honorin# the Lord &esus. ( fear #reatl! that at len#th )e shall 'e deprived of the 6ord of -od, 'ecause of our horri'le in#ratitude and our ne#lect of it. Almost all the churches thin+, C6e shall steer clear of the poor and send them to 6itten'er#,D and this )e are dail! experiencin#. Bo one is )illin# to do #ood and help the poor. ,are)ell, and pra! for me. .artin Luther.

TO THE KING OF DENMARK

Luther approves of Bishops 'ein# driven a)a!. >ecem'er 2, 15H@. -race and peace in %hrist our Lord, and m! poor paternoster, .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, most #racious <in#5 ( have received !our .a1est!/s letter, and am much pleased that !ou have extirpated the Bishops 3)ho are al)a!s persecutin# -od/s 6ord and intri#uin# in )orldl! matters4, and ( shall repl! to !our .a1est!/s epistle to the 'est of m! a'ilit!. But ( most hum'l! 'e# !our .a1est! to reserve sufficient funds out of the %hurch propert! 'elon#in# to the %ro)n for the 'enefit of the churches and pastors. ,or if ever!thin# 'e dispersed ho) are the preachers to 'e maintainedE $erhaps this admonition is not necessar!, for dou'tless !our .a1est! )ill act in a %hristian manner9 'ut there are so man! amon# us )ho )ish to #rasp ever!thin#, and if -od had not #iven us such pious $rinces, )ho conscientiousl! see to the )elfare of their su'1ects, man! churches and parishes )ould lie )aste. 0o if 0atan should tr! to )rest some of the %hurch funds in !our lands throu#h his emissaries, ma! -od cause !our .a1est! to remem'er the needs of the %hurch, )hose office it is to proclaim the 6ord of -od, throu#h )hich !our su'1ects, 'oth no) and in future, ma! learn the )a! to everlastin# 'liss, and ho) to escape eternal condemnation, for all this is contained in the 6ord of -od. .a! %hrist, our dear Lord, 'e )ith !our .a1est! no) and forever. Amen. 2our .a1est!/s o'edient servant, .artin Luther.

TO CHANCELLOR BRUCK

The Arch'ishop/s complaints of Luther. >ecem'er :, 15H@. To the learned >r. Bruc+, %hancellor to the Elector of 0axon!. -race and peace in %hrist5 After !ou told me that !ou had 'een ordered '! m! most #racious lord, at the insti#ation of the Elector of Branden'ur# and his cousins, to as+ me as to the proposed pamphlet a#ainst the Arch'ishop of .a!ence, ( 'e# to sa! 3althou#h ( 'elieve the #ood $rinces mean )ell, and ( )ish them ever! prosperit!4 that ( informed Their "o!al Hi#hnesses '! )ord of mouth, 'oth here and at Tor#au, that ( )ould rather the! tried to improve their cousin the %ardinal, and prevent him castin# contempt on the Lord &esus %hrist and tormentin# poor people, )hich )ould 'e more salutar! than )orr!in# over )hat ( )rite. And ( am convinced that ( cannot 'e convicted of insultin# a )hole race )hen ( am forced to tell the truth to a +nave9 and if the house of Branden'ur# feels itself insulted throu#h )hat ( have )ritten of the %ardinal, it )ould 'e more seeml! if the! felt the honor of their house in1ured throu#h his conduct, and punished him themselves, instead of leavin# it to me to do. (t is reall! somethin# *uite ne) to defend one )ho does evil, and persecute those )ho punish it. The tri'e of &udah )as the hi#hest and no'lest of the )hole human famil!, and !et it did not feel itself insulted )hen <in# Aha' )as punished '! the prophet Eli1ah, even as prophets punished man! +in#s. And there is no race so #ood that it has not at times an un)orth! mem'er. Ho) )ould it 'e if 1ud#es, na!, even princes and lords, )ere to 'e called traducers 'ecause the! 1ustl! condemned one of #ood famil! to 'e 'eheaded or han#edE Ever! thief )ould then have cause to sa! that he )as 'ein# i#nominiousl! treated 'ecause he )as to 'e han#ed. 2es, 'ut, m! dear fello), )h! stealE =h, dear sir, are !ou not, )ith all !our )isdom, accusin# me thusE (n conclusion, +in#s and princes are su'1ect to -od, )ho first uses #entle means to reclaim them, even )hen the! are ver! )ic+ed. 6hen these are of no avail, then -od punishes them throu#h His )rath. (f the! moc+ the first punishment, the! must )eep to all eternit! over the second. (f ( do the %ardinal in1ustice, ( sit here under an Elector of 0axon! to 'e 1ud#ed. $lease accept this hast! summar! of the matter. (f ( had time ( could, '! the #race of -od, do it 'etter. But ( shall 1ustif! m!self to the %ardinal himself. ,or he must 'e lau#hin# in his sleeve at the )hole affair. ( commend !ou to -od. Amen. 2our o'edient .artin Luther.

TO ANTON LAUTERBACH
Lauter'ach )orried in his pastoral office. >ecem'er 2 , 15H@.

-race and peace in %hrist5 Act thus, m! dear Anton9 'e stron# in silence and in hope, and so !ou )ill overcome in %hrist this sophistical #rammarian. Throu#h silence one can do much in selfAdefense in such cases, till )e can set !ou free and place !ou else)here, as )e hope to do. .ean)hile it is much more di#nified to put up )ith the in1ustice than to act. The ri#ht asserts itself at the end. As to the excellent &ohannes, !ou have *uite upset me. ( hear he is imprisoned in %astle Leuchten'er#, from )here that letter )as )ritten. .artin Luther.

TO #OLFGANG BRAUER, PASTOR AT JESSEN

=n private communion. >ecem'er H0, 15H@. -race and peace in %hrist, )orth! Herr $astor5 "e#ardin# the *uestion )hich !our #ood friend at Lint7, 0i#mund Hau#reuter, )ished to 'e laid 'efore me, this is m! ans)er, that it is not the dut! of himself and household to communicate thus, havin# no call or command to do so, althou#h his t!rannical superior refuses to administer the sacrament, in spite of it 'ein# his dut! to do so. ,or he can 'e saved throu#h 'elievin# the 6ord. (t mi#ht 'ecome a #reat scandal )ere the sacrament of the Lord/s 0upper handed a'out in the different houses, and in the lon# run do much harm, causin# divisions and creatin# sects9 for no)ada!s people are so stran#e and the devil so mad. ,or the earl! %hristians in Acts did not speciall! parta+e of the sacrament in their o)n houses, 'ut all came to#ether to do so, and even had the! done it, such an example does not no) hold #ood, even as it is not customar! no) to have all possessions in common, as )as the case then, for no) the #ospel is proclaimed alon# )ith the sacraments. But it is onl! proper that the head of the house should teach -od/s 6ord to those under him, for -od has commanded us to instruct our children and servants. But the sacrament and confession should 'e administered '! His professin# servants, 'ecause %hrist sa!s it )as instituted in memor! of Himself, )hich is, in 0t. $aul/s )ords, to sho) the Lord/s death till He come9 and at the same time he condemns those )ho )ish to parta+e of it alone )ithout tarr!in# for one another. And no one can 'apti7e himself. ,or these sacraments 'elon# to the %hurch, and must not 'e mixed up )ith the duties devolvin# on the head of a house. 0o althou#h there is nothin# speciall! said on this su'1ect in the Bi'le, it must not 'e li#htl! underta+en )ithout special directions from -od, for no #ood )ould ensue. 2ou ma! sa! this, dear pastor, to !our friend from me. ( commit !ou to -od. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
Luther, Amsdorf, A#ricola, and 0palatin had no) finished the articles for the future >iet '! the Elector/s command. 3Bo date. 4 -race and peace in the Lord5 As >r. Anton himself is comin# to !ou, ( have nothin# special to relate of our life and doin#s. 0ee that !ou prove a #ood friend as )ell as com'atant to 'oth emissaries, for the honor of their <in# and also of our $rince. ( am #lad that >r. Anton is at len#th free from the courts of 1ustice. ,or m! part ( alread! fear the )orst, as the other am'assador is lin#erin# too lon#. ,or people/s patience mi#ht easil! 'e exhausted, considerin# )hat sort of #entlemen these hi#hl! esteemed %ardinals are, for the! as )ell as the $opes are deceivers, thieves, ro''ers, na!, ver! devils in the flesh. 6ould that there )ere more +in#s of En#land to sla! them5 ,or the Am'assador, $aul ?er#erius, said to me here, CHa5 the <in# of En#land causes the %ardinals and Bishops to 'e murdered. But...,D etc. He then made a movement )ith the hands, #ro)lin# and threatenin# the <in# )ith evils such as no potentate has ever endured, certainl! not expressed in so man! )ords, 'ut )ith compressed lips. The! are rascals throu#h and throu#h, even to the heart/s core. -od ma+e !ou 'elieve this. $riest Al'recht in Halle has ta+en a)a! the A''ot/s staff at Iinna and the .onstrance in &utter'oc+ )ith other vessels, )ith all due ceremon!, leavin# 'ehind the )ritten and sealed certificates testif!in# the! )ere once there. The staff and the .onstrance )ill 'rin# in #reat sums. He is in ver! deed )orth! of the ran+ of %ardinal, one )ho in cunnin# mi#ht successfull! vie )ith and speedil! surpass all other %ardinals if the reins )ere onl! left in his hands. ,or even thus the! plundered the churches and stole altar trappin#s, mass mone!, and precious stones in "ome and over (tal!, and the! continue to do so. 2ou perhaps fanc! )hen !ou read %icero that ?erres and >ion!sius )ere #reed! vultures. But no)ada!s one hi#hl! esteemed %ardinal of the Hol! %atholic %hurch is possessed '! a hundred ?erreses and a thousand >ion!siuses, not onl! in heart, 'ut he openl! perpetrates such rascalit!, as these deeds testif!. 6e loo+ for !our return, and if an unpleasant rumor reaches !ou, pa! no attention to it. 6e hope that even if an epidemic should spread a'road )e shall have moderatel! pure air for our little 'it of s+!. Thin#s )ould loo+ other)ise if it )ere reall! an epidemic. Ever!)here on the face of this earth men are lia'le to deca!. 6e cannot all remain alive here upon earth or )e )ould never reach !onder. .! )ife sends !ou #reetin#s, and often thin+s of !ou. Be)are that !ou do not ma+e me 1ealous, in case ( mi#ht reven#e m!self upon !ou in a similar manner. ,are)ell in the Lord, and #reet %aspar %ruci#er and all our people, and pra! for me. .artin Luther. The $rotestants held their con#ress in 0chmal+alden in ,e'ruar! 15H , )here Luther )as ver! ill. (t )as resolved to restate the articles of the Au#s'ur# %onfession, )hich )as considered too mild for the times, and for this it )as not .elanchthon/s smooth pen )hich )as called into re*uisition,

'ut that of Luther. This )as the ori#in of the soAcalled 0chmal+aldischen articles, )hich )ere an elucidation and supplement of the Au#s'ur# %onfession, and stren#thened the Evan#elicals in their faith.

15-7
TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK
Luther sends the articles to the $rince. &anuar! H, 15H . -race and peace in %hrist, and m! poor paternoster, .ost 0erene Hi#h'orn $rince, most #racious Lord5 B! command of !our -race ( arran#ed )ith Herr Bicolas Amsdorf, .. Eisle'en, and .. 0palatin 3for .enius and .!conius )ere too far a)a!4, )ho )ere here a'out 0t. (nnocent/s >a!, to revise the articles as !ou )ished, 'ut on account of m! )ea+ness, caused '! 0atan, ( am sure, )ere several da!s over them instead of one, as ( hoped. These 'ein# confirmed and si#ned '! them, ( no) send to !our -race '! our #ood friend, .. -eor#e 0palatin. 6e all hum'l! plead, as some re#ard us )ith suspicion, fanc!in# )e )ish to imperil !ou princes and lords )ith !our lands throu#h our rec+less pro1ects, that !our -race )ould re'u+e them, for )e )ould rather run an! ris+ than endan#er !our -race/s lands and those of other lords. Therefore !our -race )ill +no) ho) far such articles ma! 'e accepted '! them, for )e do not )ish them to 'e 'urdensome to an!, for each must 'e left free to adopt them or not as he pleases. ( here)ith commit !our -race to the dear -od. 2our -race/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
6ritten on the )a! to 0chmal+alden. Luther left 6itten'er# &anuar! H1, sta!in# in Tor#au, -rimma, Alten'ur#, 6eimar 3)here he preached ,e'ruar! L4, Arnstadt, and 6altershausen. ,e'ruar! 1, 15H . -race and peace5 Althou#h ( fear this letter ma! 'e late, still ( shall )rite to sa! ( firml! hope !ou have 'een free from !our pain up till no), and thus m! pra!ers have 'een ans)ered. A report has #ot a'road that His Holiness

the Bishop of Aix is on the )a! from Burn'er# to our $rinces. This )as )ritten direct from %o'ur# to the $rinces, )ho replied that should he come he must 'e sent strai#ht to 0chmal+alden. 0o if he reall! come he is expected there. 2es, if he reall! come5 And if he do, dou'tless it is not from fear, 'ut to tr! to #et help for the Tur+s, other)ise ;; ,or )hat are )e Lutherans 'ut lam's )ho are 'ein# led to the slau#hter )henever that destro!er re*uires their helpE 6e shall see. The Emperor/s %hancellor, >r. .atthias Held, shall also 'e present. $erhaps this convention ma! 'e more numerous than )as thou#ht. -od #rant it ma! 'e an authori7ed council5 A canon )ho has resi#ned his canonr! and ta+en a )ife is here from Ieit79 a handsome man, )ho s)ears '! all that is sacred that far more learned men )ill 'e there than at the .antua %hurch %on#ress, if it ever ta+es place. ( )rite this for !our consolation. ( +no) ho) anxious !ou are. ,are)ell, and visit m! people, and also Bu#enha#en/s "ome )ith his little CJuiriten.D 6e are all )ell and in #ood spirits, and have 'een sumptuousl! entertained in the castles of Alten'ur# and -rimma. 6e fancied )e should have slept at our old $!lades/ and Theseus/s. Therefore, accordin# to our custom, )e announced ourselves throu#h some verses. ( enclose mine, and $hilip, our Homer, also sends his. Alten'ur#, t)o o/cloc+ in the ni#ht. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
Luther preached 'efore the $rinces )hen he arrived in 0chmal+alden. ,e'ruar! :, 15H . -race and peace in %hrist5 ( )rite )hile ( have leisure, for soon )e shall have enou#h to do, and there is no chance of our separatin# 'efore 0a''ath Latare, so sorel! are )e pressed '! people and )or+. .an! 'elieve that not even at the .antua %on#ress )ill more learned men con#re#ate. 2es, dou'tless more mules, asses, and even horses, )hose riders are #reater asses than themselves, )ill assem'le there, as it is )ritten 3accordin# to $eter Bal'inus/s interpretation4, CBe !e not as the horse or the mule, )ho have no understandin#.D 2esterda! the Land#rave and the Her7o# of 6urtem'ur# entered in #reat state. Toda! the $rinces are havin# a private conference )hile ( )rite. 2esterda! 0palatin preached, and ( toda!, 'efore the $rinces in the to)n church, )hich is so enormous that our voices sounded li+e a shre)Amouse to the people. The air is #ood, and )e are )ell seen to. 2ou must re#ret not seein# so man! #reat men, and 'ein# seen '! them. 2esterda! ( suffered #reatl!, 'ut shall 'e content if the pain disappear as easil! as formerl!, and not torture me more. ( )ish !ou the same happiness. The $apal le#ate )ent from 6eimar to Halle to the %ardinal. $erhaps he )as anno!ed not to #et spea+in# to the $rinces. He has not appeared here. (t is no matter althou#h the $apal pride 'e turned into #all. ( have nothin# else to )rite a'out. -reet

>r. Hans A#ricola from me )ith his -rin+el. ( fanc! the 'oxes )ith the po)ders and pac+ets )hich )ere amon# the lu##a#e 'elon# to him. He must let us +no), in case )e appropriate other people/s possessions. ( am sure !ou could easil! find messen#ers to send '! the help of the ste)ard, if it please His Excellenc!. -reet !our )ife and children from me. .artin Luther. $.0. ; $ra! )ith %aspar %ruci#er for us, and ma+e others do so also.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
Luther )as ver! ill. The $rince sent for the Erfurt ph!sician, -eor#e 0turt7. ,e'ruar! 1L, 15H . -race and peace in %hrist5 2esterda! ( )rote !ou, ?alentine/s Eve, and toda! ( a#ain )rite on 0t. ?alentine/s >a! itself. 0t. ?alentine has turned the invalid into a convalescent. But not the 0t. ?alentine, the #od of frail humanit!, 'ut the one sole ?alentine, )ho heals all )ho trust in Him. Hence ( hope '! His #race at len#th to 'e made )hole. 6e are alread! here ei#ht da!s doin# nothin#. All are sic+ of the place and of this idleness, and lon# to depart. The $rinces and to)ns are occupied )ith entirel! different matters from )hat )e ima#ined, and do not as+ us to 1oin. .a! the Lord &esus 'less their deli'erations. >r. Benedict and >r. Blei+ardt have 'ecome the $ope/s enemies. Ah, ho) mercilessl! the! torture him throu#h his o)n decrees5 .ore '! )ord of mouth. The Emperor/s am'assador arrived last ni#ht. Toda! )e shall perhaps hear >r. Held. 6e are 'e##ars here. 6e eat the 'read of the Land#rave and the Her7o# of 6urtem'ur# 3for these have the 'est 'a+ers4, and )e drin+ )ine )ith the Burn'er#ers. 6e receive meat and fish from %ourt. But !ou +no) from experience that the firm, heav! 'read is a seed for stone. $erhaps ( shall learn this also, for the 'read 'oth at %ourt and in to)n is the same. The! have also excellent trout, 'ut the! 'oil them in the same )ater )ith other fish, and serve them up in the soup5 =h, )hat food5 Therefore ( 'e# the coo+s to deliver them alive, and ( then have them prepared '! the Burn'er# coo+s. %ertainl! it is the express command of the $rinces that )e should 'e supplied )ith ever!thin#, and that all should 'e delicatel! coo+ed, 'ut it is consumed and spoiled '! tradesmen and servants, as is the )a! at %ourt. ( have nothin# else to )rite a'out. ,are)ell, and pra! for us. .artin Luther.

TO KATHERINE, LUTHER1S #IFE

Luther )as seriousl! ill. .!conius, the Elector, .elanchthon, and 0palatin pra!ed earnestl! at his 'edside, and he )as ta+en in a ro!al carria#e to Tam'ach )ith Bu#enha#en. ,e'ruar! 2 , 15H . -race and peace in %hrist5 .eantime !ou must hire horses, dear <athie, for )hat !ou re*uire, for m! #racious lord )ill +eep !our horses, and send Herr $hilip home )ith them. ( left 0chmal+alden !esterda! and drove hither in ;;/s o)n carria#e. ( )as ver! ill in 0chmal+alden, not three da!s )ell9 could neither sleep, eat, nor drin+. (n short, ( )as almost dead, and commended !ou )ith the children to -od and to m! dear Lord, never expectin# to see !ou a#ain. (f -od had not had merc! upon me, ( )ould have 'een in m! #rave. But the earnest pra!ers and tears of so man! people have effected )hat medicine )as po)erless to do, and last ni#ht ( #ot relief, and feel as if ( had 'een 'orn ane). Therefore let the dear children, )ith Tante Lene, than+ -od, the faithful ,ather, )ithout )hom this father )ould certainl! have 'een lost. The pious $rince sent messen#ers fl!in# in all directions for help, 'ut it )as of no avail. 2our remed! )as useless. ?eril! -od has done )ondrous thin#s for me this ni#ht, and )ill continue to do this throu#h the pra!ers of pious people. ( )rite all this to !ou, 'ecause m! most #racious lord ordered !ou to 'e sent for, fanc!in# ( )ould die on the road, and )ished !ou to see me9 'ut no) it is not necessar!, so !ou can remain at home, for -od Himself has a'undantl! helped me, and ( can loo+ for)ard to a 1o!ful homeAcomin#. Toda! )e are in -otha. ( have )ritten !ou four times, and )onder that nothin# has reached !ou. .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
Luther calls Tam'ach his $eniel, for there the Lord delivered him from his sore distress, for the time at least. ,e'ruar! 2 , 15H . Blessed 'e -od, the ,ather of our Lord &esus %hrist, the ,ather of merc! and all consolation, )ho sa) !our pra!ers and tears, and in the second )atch of the ni#ht, m! dearest $hilip, contrar! to all expectation, #ave the deliverance )hich had 'een so lon# loo+ed for in vain.... ( send !ou the ne)s at once. Let m! 'eloved lord and the others +no). ,or ( +no) ho) #ladl! the! )ould have helped me. ( am no) prepared for )hatever -od ma! send, 'e it life or death, 'ecause ( am no) out of the pit and have reached our o)n land9 therefore ( feel impelled to )rite those hurried letters. The rest !ou )ill hear from the messen#er Tipontius, )ho )as so elated that he )ished to flee to !ou at once. Than+, )ith me, the

,ather of all #race, that the dear -od ma! perfect His )or+, that throu#h this experience )e ma! learn to pra! and loo+ for help from heaven. .a! -od protect !ou all, and crush 0atan under His feet alon# )ith all the monstrosities of the "oman %ourt. Amen. At halfApast t)o in the ni#ht in Tam'ach, the spot )here ( )as delivered, for this is m! $eniel, )here the Lord appeared to me. .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther )rites from 6itten'er# on his recover!. .arch 21, 15H . To the hi#hl! esteemed Herr -eor#e 0palatin, Arch'ishop of .eissen. -race and peace in %hrist5 At last ( )rite !ou, dear 0palatin, havin# for man! da!s o'served 0a''atical repose )ith m! pen. ( no) 'e#in to eat and drin+, althou#h m! le#s can scarcel! carr! m! 'od!. ( have lost more stren#th than ( could have 'elieved, 'ut )ith rest and )arm compresses ( hope to re#ain it. .! <athie #reets !ou respectfull!, and re#rets that she 'rou#ht nothin# for !our dear dau#hters, 'ut is havin# little 'oo+s 'ound to send as a remem'rance, hopin# !ou )ill ta+e the )ill for the deed. 0he is al)a!s extollin# !our 'enevolence. .a! !ou prosper in %hrist, and pra! for us. .artin Luther.

TO CONRAD CORDATUS
A'out %ordatus/s call to Eisle'en. .a! 12, 15H . -race and peace in %hrist5 ( am ver! pleased at !our call to m! fatherland, m! %ordatus, for there !ou )ill 'e an everApresent com'atant a#ainst 6., )hom !ou a'hor )ith a 1ust and ri#hteous hatred. (f it please !ou, and !ou can leave Bimmern )ithout re#ret, then )hat -od has ordained and )hat ( desire )ill ta+e place. The air ma! 'e 'etter than on marsh! soil, for it is purified throu#h furnaces 'urnin# ni#ht and da!. ( than+ -od that !ou are 'etter, 'ut pra! cur' !our suspicions, or the! )ill cause future illnesses. -et rid of such ideas, as ( also must do, for our enem! the devil #oes a'out tr!in# not onl! to destro! the soul, 'ut to )ea+en the 'od! throu#h such thou#hts, for he +no)s that the state of the soul depends in #reat measure on the condition of the 'od!, for a mournful spirit consumes the flesh and the

'ones, )hile a merr! heart ma+es a 1o!ful old a#e. ( tell !ou all this althou#h ( do not li+e to appear to teach !ou. ,are)ell in the Lord. .artin Luther.

TO JOHANN SCHREINER, PASTOR AT GRIMMA

Luther )as an#r! at the no'les expectin# too much from the cler#!. &ul! :, 15H . To the )orth! Herr .a#ister &ohann 0chreiner, pastor and superintendent at -rimma, m! #racious friend. -race and peace in %hrist, dear ma#ister and pastor5 0a! to the no'ilit!, )hich 0palatin refuses to do, that one cannot have the cler#! exactl! as the! )ish, and the! should than+ -od for the pure )ord, )hich the! no) hear out of one 'oo+, )hen the! thin+ of past times under the $ope and the nonsense the! had to listen to and pa! dearl! for. Ho) can the no'les expect to procure >r. .artins and $hilips for such a 'e##arl! serviceE (f nothin# short of 0t. Au#ustines and 0t. Am'rosiuses )ill satisf!, then let them suppl! them themselves. 6hen a pastor pleases the Lord &esus and is faithful to Him, then a no'leman, )ho is certainl! of much less importance, ou#ht also to 'e pleased )ith him. A prince re1oices )hen he has three outstandin# and competent no'les in his #overnment, and exercises patience )ith the less #ifted )ho fill up the #aps. But the! expect to have the 'est of ever!thin#, for#ettin# the! are far from that themselves, and have no desire to 'e. 2ou must arran#e these matters !ourselves, for )e are over)helmed )ith 'usiness from ever! countr!, so that )e have no rest. This letter ma! 'e read '! princes and lords, or )herever !ou desire. ( have no o'1ections. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO #OLFGANG CAPITO, DOCTOR OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, AND FAITHFUL SERVANT OF THE CHURCH IN STRASSBURG.
&ul! :, 15H .

.! 'eloved 'rother in %hrist, #race and peace in %hrist5 ( intended ans)erin# !our letter, dear %apito, and sendin# it throu#h the ,renchmen to )hom !ou introduced me, 'ut the! ma! perhaps tell !ou )hat the! have seen and heard themselves. (t is a #reat effort to me to arran#e the different parts of m! 'oo+s9 indeed ( )ould rather see them destro!ed, for ( scarcel! care to o)n an! of them, except that on the 'onda#e of the )ill and the %atechism. But ( have remitted the matter to %ruci#er, )ho )ill see if an!thin# can 'e done. ( heard that !ou )ould help also, 'ut at the same time ( pra!ed that the Lord &esus )ould not permit !ou to )or+ in vain. ( have heard a'out the Au#s'ur# devil, 'ut )e shall loo+ to Him )ho 'e#an his )or+. He )ill appear at the ri#ht time and not tarr!. ,or ( am convinced that !ou and Bucer are actin# honestl!, and all )ho spea+ or )rite to me thin+ the same. .! <atherine than+s !ou for the #old rin#, and ( have never seen her more anno!ed than )hen she found it )as either stolen or lost throu#h her o)n carelessness 3)hich ( hardl! 'elieve, althou#h ( al)a!s cast it up to her4, for ( assured her that this present )as sent as an omen that !our church )as at one )ith ours, and this is a #reat sorro) to the poor )oman. ( )rite thus to !ou to let !ou see our hearts are set on unit!. .a! %hrist Himself conclude the matter. Amen. But one thin# ( must add, do not send an!thin# else to m! )ife, in case of a##ravatin# her sorro). ,or %hrist is sufficient for 'oth parties. -reet all 'elon#in# to !ou )arml!, and 'id them thin+ the 'est of us, as )e do of them. .a! the Lord &esus set His seal on this desire, to )hom, )ith the ,ather and the Hol! -host, 'e #lor! to all eternit!. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO COBAN HESSE
Luther than+s him for Latin translation of $salter. Au#ust 1, 15H . To the cele'rated poet of our da!, the honored %o'an Hesse, m! 'eloved 'rother in the Lord. -race and peace in our Lord &esus %hrist, dear %o'an5 ( have received !our $salter, cherished 'rother in the Lord, and have read it )ith #reat deli#ht, and )ill al)a!s read it, so much do ( pri7e the la'or !ou have expended on the 'oo+ )hich is so dear to me. And ( than+ !ou from the heart for ena'lin# me to see this 'eautiful and sacred poetr! )hich )as so loved '! the He're)s, in the Latin ton#ue. ,or ( laud and admire the industr! of those )ho '! translation, explanation, or other means tr! to elucidate this ex*uisite poetr!, althou#h all ma! not 'e ali+e fitted for the tas+, for )e cannot all do ever!thin#. Therefore ( praise !our )or+ )ith all m! heart, for perhaps !ou are the onl! one sufficientl! ac*uainted )ith the Latin ton#ue )ho could have translated this hi#hl! spiritual poetr!. 2ou have #iven ample evidence in this )or+ that !ou are possessed of the true poetic spirit, )hich is Heaven/s #ift, and )hich has 'een more

a'undantl! 'esto)ed upon !ou than upon others9 for no other poet has +no)n ho) to reproduce this ro!al poet as !ou have done, and !ou never could have done it, even )ith !our a'ilit!, had !ou not 'een impre#nated )ith the spirit of the )hole. But such emotions of the heart do not sprin# from nature, nor from the ordinar! poetic #ift, 'ut are certainl! a #ift of the 0pirit and an impulse from heaven. Therefore ( )ish !ou not onl! much happiness, 'ut praise m! Lord &esus that He has throu#h His 0pirit *ualified !ou for this divine )or+, )hich )ill 'e speciall! useful to the !oun#, )ho ma! reap not onl! culture and poetr! from this poem, 'ut also spiritual +no)led#e, throu#h the assistance of a faithful teacher. ,or ( confess to 'ein# much more touched and s)a!ed '! such poetic effusions than '! the spo+en )ord, even )ere it out of the mouth of a >emosthenes or a %icero. 0o if ( experience this )ith minor poems, ho) much more must the contents of the $salms move me, a 'oo+ )hich ( have studied from m! !outh, and )hich, than+ -od, has never failed to deli#ht and 'enefit me. ,or althou#h ( )ould never despise the #ifts of others, !et ( venture to assert in hol! 1o! that ( )ould not, for the thrones and +in#doms of the )orld, exchan#e the deli#ht ( have experienced in the $salms throu#h the Hol! -host. ,or ( have none of the foolish humilit! )hich )ould den! -od/s #ifts to me. (n m!self ( have trul! enou#h to ma+e me hum'le, 'ut ( must re1oice in -od as ( do in m! -erman $salter, and no) much more in !our %o'an one, 'ut all to the praise and #lor! of -od to all eternit!. .a! !ou a'ide in Him forever. Amen. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#

TO FRIEDRICH MYCONIUS, PREACHER IN GOTHA

%on#ratulations. Luther ma+es 1ocular allusion to .!conius refusin# him 'urial in -otha, )here he too+ so ill on his 1ourne! from 0chmal+alden to 6itten'er#. &ul! 2 , 15H . -race and peace in %hrist5 ( re1oice )ith !ou, dear ,riedrich, that -od has at len#th #iven !ou a ,rit7. Havin# seven dau#hters, ( can *uite 'elieve !ou are deli#hted to have a son. 0o once more ( )ish !ou happiness, and pra! that he ma! continue health!, and 'e endo)ed )ith even richer #ifts than his father. Amen. ( laud !our determination not to let me 'e 'uried )ithin !our 'ishopric 3-otha4, althou#h since then ( have often lamented it. ,or no) that m! life has 'een prolon#ed, ( see thin#s ( )ould not have seen had ( 'een at rest in -od, or in -otha. But He )ho has put all thin#s under His feet )ill also overcome this insi#nificant evil. Even as the an#els are round a'out those )ho 'elieve, so those )ho have e!es to see find themselves surrounded '! much #ood. .! <athie #reets

!ou, and )ishes !ou much happiness over the 'irth of !our son, and advises !ou stron#l! that all the mil+ that can 'e spared should 'e +ept for the little son till he can ta+e other food, and that !our )ife should 'e made to ta+e ver! #ood care of herself. But as a hus'and !ou +no) all this !ourself, althou#h m! <athie seems to have dou'ts on the su'1ect. ,are)ell in the Lord. .artin Luther.

TO THE COUNCIL AT TORGAU

"e*uest for #round for a house for their pastor. Au#ust 21, 15H . -race and peace in %hrist5 Honored and prudent #entlemen and friends, ( have often spo+en )ith !our pastor as to his )a! of livin#, and )hat he can leave to his )ife and children. He said he )as *uite contented, althou#h his Elsie )ould li+e a little house, )hich is onl! reasona'le. There is no house to 'e had, so the! sho)ed me a piece of #round upon )hich the! thou#ht of 'uildin# one, next to the sexton/s. Bo) ( la! this matter 'efore m! most #racious friends, thin+in# it )ould onl! 'e praise)orth! 3seein# it is in !our po)er4 to sho) !our #ratitude to !our faithful pastor, )ho has served !ou fourteen !ears, '! providin# him )ith )hat he re*uires, )hich it is usual for the citi7ens to do. 0o ( )ould re*uest !ou in a friendl! manner either to present him or help him to procure such a piece of #round, )hich ma! 'e l!in# ne#lected. B! so doin# !ou )ill there'! #ive a proof of !our love to the 6ord and its servants, )hich, alas, too seldom receive an! to+en of favor. ( am sure !ou )ill act in a %hristian manner in this matter. ( here)ith commend !ou to -od. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO AMBROSIUS BERNDT
Berndt, an ..A. of 6itten'er#, a )ido)er, )ho after)ards married Luther/s orphan niece. Bovem'er 15H . 2ou are a)are, dear ma#ister, that -od/s merc! is much #reater than our misfortunes. Althou#h, as !ou o'serve, !ou have #ood cause to mourn, !et it is onl! a little vine#ar mixed )ith !our #ood su#ar. ,or !our )ife it is far 'etter, for she has passed a)a!, and no) lives in %hrist. 6ould to -od ( too )ere that len#th5 ( )ould not lon# to return here.

2our sufferin# is onl! temporal, vi7. the natural lon#in# for !our dear one. Althou#h !our )ife is dead, she has left pleasant memories 'ehind her, the memor! of a pious, lovin#, o'edient inmate of !our house. 2ou must comfort !ourself )ith such thou#hts, and let it 'e seen, '! not for#ettin# her, that !ou )ere an affectionate hus'and. 2ou are a #ood dialectician, and teach it to others, so no) !ou have an opportunit! of practicin# the same, and lettin# !our friends see it 'ein# exemplified in !our present 'ehavior. 6hen !ou compare !our misfortune )ith that of others, !ou )ill perceive that !our )ife/s death is not in itself a circumstance to 'e deplored, except as it affects the deepest feelin#s of !our heart, )hich is ever the case )hen people are deprived of parents, children, and suchAli+e. =ne )ould do )ell to recall )hat the Emperor .aximilian said in tr!in# to comfort his son $hilip over the loss of a faithful, 'rave, and pious man )ho fell in 'attleF C>ear $hilip, !ou must accustom !ourself to such trials, for !ou )ill still lose man! )ho are dear to !ou.D 0o %hristians must do the same9 there is no other )a!. .artin Luther.

TO THE BURGHERMASTER AND COUNCIL OF THE REFORMED S#ISS TO#NS

Luther expresses his 1o! at the 0)iss 1oinin# the 6itten'er#er %oncord. >ecem'er 1, 15H . -race and peace in %hrist, our Lord and 0avior, honored and dear sirs and friends5 ( have dela!ed far too lon# in ans)erin# !our letter, )hich ( received at 0chmal+alden. But ( hope !ou )ill excuse the dela!, for ( +no) !ou are )ell a)are ho) much rests upon m! shoulders dail!, especiall! no) that ( am old and )ea+9 and ( have had to tear m!self a)a! from friends and 'usiness to steal the time to )rite this. ( have a#ain read !our letter, and am hi#hl! pleased to see that all former sharpness and suspicions have 'een lulled to rest, and that !ou are reall! in earnest as to 1oinin# the 6itten'er# %oncord and doin# !our 'est to promote it. The -od and ,ather of all unit! and love )ill dou'tless complete the #ood )or+ )hich He has #raciousl! 'e#un, as it is )ritten in $rover's 1@F F C6hen a man/s )a!s please the Lord, He ma+eth even his enemies to 'e at peace )ith him.D (t is evident, and cannot 'e other)ise, that such #reat dissension as has existed 'et)een us cannot 'e healed all at once )ithout leavin# rents and scars 'ehind it. ,or )ith !ou, as )ell as )ith us, there must 'e some )ho are suspicious of such %oncord. But if )e are in earnest on 'oth sides, and ma+e up our minds to adhere to it, the dear -od and ,ather )ill #rant His #race, so that others ma! throu#h time #ive )a!, and the trou'led )aters )ill a#ain 'e at rest.

Therefore, ( 'eseech !ou, set limits to those amon# !ou )ho are raisin# a hue and cr! a#ainst the %oncord, and see to it that competent people are appointed to teach the people the si#nificance of this matter, so that it ma! not 'e hindered. Even as )e here, 'oth in our )ritin#s and sermons, avoid doin# an!thin# to inflame the people a#ainst !ou in case of doin# in1ur! to the %oncord, )hich )e are most anxious to see 'ecome an accomplished fact, and have vo)ed to -od to ma+e an end of the fi#htin# and disputin#, of )hich )e have had more than enou#h )ithout an! #ood results 'ein# achieved. And ( )ould once more hum'l! plead, as 'efore, that !ou )ould 'elieve that ( mean )hat ( sa!, and shall do m! uttermost for the furtherance of the 'ond. -od is m! )itness that ( shall do this. ,or these dissensions have helped neither me nor an!one else, 'ut have done much harm. Excuse the short ans)er ( must ma+e to !our letter, for m! head is dail! 'urdened )ith 'usiness, not to spea+ of thou#hts, so ( cannot )rite and discuss matters )ith ever!one as if ( had nothin# else to do. ( here)ith commit !ou, )ith all 'elon#in# to !ou, to the ,ather of mercies and all consolation. .a! He #rant to 'oth parties of us His Hol! 0pirit, so that our hearts ma! dissolve in %hristian love, and all the scum and rust of devilish human )ic+edness and suspicion ma! 'e s)ept a)a!, to the praise and honor of His hol! name, and to the salvation of man! souls and the destruction of the devil and the $ope, )ith their follo)ers. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO MARTIN BUCER
Luther encloses this letter to the 0)iss, and tells of Bu#enha#en/s )or+ in %openha#en, )here he ac*uired a )arm friend in Her7o# Al'recht of $russia. >ecem'er @, 15H . -race and peace in %hrist5 At last, dear Bucer, ( have ans)ered the letter of the 0)iss )hich !ou #ave me at 0chmal+alden. Excuse the dela! to them as 'est !ou can, for !ou +no), 'esides the sloth of a#e, ho) the care of our %hurch rests upon me, as )ell as man! hateful matters. ( send !ou a cop! of the letter, so that !ou ma! have the rudder to steer the ship. ( have referred ever!thin# to !ou and %apito, else ( )ould have had no reason for )ritin# so lovin#l! as ( have done9 for !ou t)o have made it difficult for me to do so, as !ou told me m! letter mi#ht reach the hands of some )ho )ere opposed to the %oncord. But !ou )ill settle ever!thin# accordin# to the #ift that has 'een #iven !ou. ( have at least )ritten openl! and honestl!. ( do not approve so hi#hl! of the Latin %onfession of the 0)iss as of the -erman one of the to)ns, especiall! in the article of the sacrament of the altar. The other is )ell enou#h as the times #o. -reet the honored Herr >r. %apito from me, and all !our people. $ommer is still in >enmar+, and '! the 'lessin# of -od is pro#ressin# favora'l! )ith his underta+in#. He has

cro)ned the <in# and Jueen li+e a real 'ishop. He has also esta'lished a school, etc. ,are)ell in the Lord. .artin Luther. The (mperial %hancellor Held, perceivin# the $rotestants/ 7eal, thou#ht it time for the %atholic $rinces to act, so he mana#ed to #et Al'recht of .a!ence, the Arch'ishop of 0al7'ur#, the >u+es of Bavaria and Bruns)ic+, Her7o# -eor#e of 0axon!, )ith the Emperor and his 'rother, to si#n a treat! at Burn'er# to protect one another. The $rotestants received the .ar#rave of Branden'ur#, Henr! of 0axon!, and the <in# of >enmar+ into their 'ond. Luther pu'lished his 0chmal+aldischen Articles in this !ear.

15-!
TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK
&ohn <ar#, )ho )as later convicted of heres!, arrested on suspicion of false doctrine. &anuar! L, 15H8. To the 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince &ohn ,rederic+, Elector of 0axon!. -race and peace in %hrist, .ost 0erene $rince5 B! !our -race/s orders ( at once sou#ht an intervie) )ith .a#ister -eor#e <ar# in the sacrist!, and spo+e ver! sharpl! to him, in the presence of &onas, %ruci#er, and $hilip, concernin# the note. At first he tried to den! he had )ritten it, 'ut )hen it )as found proven )e ordered him to send us his opinion in fe) )ords, )hich he promised to do. As )e )ere discussin# matters an official appeared to ta+e him to the castle and place him in securit! '! !our -race/s command, 'ut upon our o)n responsi'ilit! )e caused him to 'e ta+en to his lod#in#s. But soon after the 'ailiff immured him in the castle, )hich )e are no) #lad of on our o)n account. But as .a#ister <ar# did not )rite !esterda!, ( sent the t)o chaplains to him, in m! name, to demand the promised document. At first the! )ere refused admittance, and no one )as allo)ed to see him )ithout an order from !our -race9 'ut the 'ailiff chan#ed his mind and sent for them, and the! induced him to send me the enclosed. At his o)n re*uest ( )ent to him toda! m!self, )ith >r. &onas, and tal+ed )ith him, and found that the priest 3$faff4, of )hom he spo+e in the document, )as the true +nave, and that he had 'een un1ustl! treated. ( am ver! an#r! that the! let him a)a! from ,rei'er#, for it put the poor !oun# fello) up to discuss matters in a )a! ( never heard of 'efore9 'ut seein# he allo)ed us to point out his mista+e toda!, and confessed he had 'een t)ice led astra!, )e hope that he )ill 'e trul! converted. ,or he is an inexperienced !outh, and perhaps at first o'1ected to our persons, and

then to our doctrine. (t has al)a!s 'een so )ith those )ho differed from us. The! first dispara#ed ourselves, and then plotted a#ainst our doctrine. But in order not to ma+e li#ht of this peculiar assault of 0atan, ( shall not as !et as+ !our Electoral -race to set him free till )e have sifted the matter thorou#hl!, for ( have some stran#e thou#hts a'out certain people )ho are perhaps innocent. But !our -race )ill +no) 'est ho) to conduct thin#s in a princel! manner. The devil is in earnest, and sends his servants 3amon# )hom )as certainl! the ,rei'er# priest4 amon# us, )ho creep in un#reeted '! us. ( commend !ou to -od. Amen. 2our Electoral -race/s o'edient servant, .artin Luther.

TO MAGISTER JOHN AGRICOLA IN EISLEBEN

A#ricola a'used Luther/s permission to lecture '! disseminatin# his Antinomian errors9 Luther )ithdre) the permission. &anuar! @, 15H8. .! #reetin#5 ( announced to the school rector, m! A#ricola, that !ou should discontinue the theolo#ical lectures )hich, at !our re*uest, ( permitted !ou to deliver, and that henceforth !ou should entirel! renounce theolo#!. ( communicate this decision to !ourself in the present letter, so that !ou ma! +no) that in future !ou must receive permission from the Gniversit! to hold such lectures. 6hat !ou ma! sa! a#ainst us 'ehind our 'ac+s ( neither can nor )ill prevent, 'ut 'e upon !our #uard. $ra! and hum'le !ourself 'eneath the mi#ht! hand of -od. .artin Luther.

TO FRAN" BURKHARDT
>isputations )ith the Antinomians. &anuar! , 15H8. To the )ellA'orn Herr ,ran7 Bur+hardt, 0axon %hancellor. -race and peace in %hrist5 As !ou )rite that no one has sent !ou m! thesis contained in the third and fourth disputation a#ainst the Antinomians, ( for)ard them to !ou, for !ou sa! !ou have #ot the t)o previous ones9 and ( am astonished that no one has as !et sent !ou this trifle, especiall! as ever!thin# else is at once

transmitted to %ourt, not even the ne)s of the sli#htest fleaA'ite 'ein# for#otten. Bext 0aturda! ( shall hold the next disputation, and a#ain listen to those Antinomians, if the! desire it. All the stories from ,rei'er# concernin# &aco' a#ree so )ell that ( am forced to 'elieve them, 'ut )ith deep #rief. ( shall not as !et sa! an!thin# to the $rince a'out .eister <ar#, as he ma! 'e reformed, for he receives correction #reedil!, a si#n of a man )ho has 'een misled. He indul#es in odd fancies )hich have no foundation. But more of this a#ain. .a! !ou and !ours prosper in the Lord. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
Luther defends himself for not )ritin#. ,e'ruar! @, 15H8. 2ou do )ell, m! &onas, in )ritin# so often to me. But it )ould 'e even 'etter if !ou sho)ed consideration for m! ne#li#ence. (t does not proceed from la7iness, 'ut 'ecause, as !ou are a)are, letterA)ritin#, li+e the composition of poetr!, can onl! 'e indul#ed in )ith a li#ht heart. .! 'rain is often so )orn out )ith thin+in# that ( neither can nor dare )rite an!thin#. But %hrist the con*ueror lives, )ho has ro''ed the po)ers of these northern re#ions of their mi#ht, to )hom 'e honor to all eternit!. ( commend !ou to Him9 pra! for me. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN
Luther spea+s of his health and politics. .arch 2 , 15H8. -race and peace in %hrist5 ( here)ith send the t)o pamphlets a#ainst the &e)s, and the %ardinals/ proposals for the reformation of the %hurch. >r. &onas has #one instead of me to Bruns)ic+, as ( could not ris+ the 1ourne! on account of m! health. ( have no ne)s that !ou have not lon# +no)n, vi7. that there is no peace 'et)een the Emperor and the ,rench. The ?enetians are in a dilemma on account of the 0ultan. He has 'loc+ed up their fleet, so that the! cannot #et out to the open sea. (f the Emperor and the (talian $rinces do not come to their aid the! )ill a#ain 'e compelled to ma+e a treat! )ith the 0ultan.

.a! -od for#ive our sins and hasten the da! of redemption. -od #rant this. ,are)ell in %hrist, and pra! for me. -reet .eister $eter. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
>r. &onas represented Luther at Bruns)ic+. April 8, 15H8. -race and peace in %hrist5 ( shall not tr! to emulate !ou, dear &onas, in letterA)ritin#, for !ou far surpass me in #enius and rhetoric, as )ell as in inherited #ifts9 and !ou have more to )rite a'out, for !ou are in the midst of heroes and heroic deeds9 for, ( veril! 'elieve the armies of Tro! and -reece )ould onl! have 'een 'ands of co)ards had the! not 'een inflamed to heroic deeds throu#h the #lorious poetr! of Homer. 6e, for our part, confess %hrist in *uietness and in hope, and often far too fee'l!, for .a#ister $hilip and (, especiall!, have 'een over)helmed )ith cares and 'usiness of ever! +ind, so that (, a )ornAout old man, )ould prefer )anderin# in the #arden 3)hich is the old man/s 1o!4 to 'ehold -od/s )ondrous )or+s, as manifest in trees, shru's, flo)ers, and 'irds. This is the recreation ( most dearl! love, 'ut of )hich ( am deprived, throu#h the sins of m! !outh, '! 'ein# 'urdened )ith so man! trou'lesome and fruitless occupations. .a#ister &ohannes from 0axon!, m! present messmate, )ill tell !ou all !ou )ish to +no). (n !our house all are )ell. Herr $hilip/s dau#hter, Hanna, )ith her hus'and and child, have arrived from the Halloren. Her hus'and is deli#hted to 'e a'le to parta+e of the sacrament here. ( hope this tra#ed! ma! !et end )ell, so that )e ma! 'oast it has 'een a tra#ic comed!. .a! %hrist #rant this. 0a! to .!conius ( shall not ans)er his t)o letters, and that ( env! him his leisure, and onl! )ish that a health!, stron#, handsome !oun# man such as he )ere onl! thou#ht )orth! to have a taste of m! leisure. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
The $rinces of Anhalt had offered to send a carria#e to 6itten'er# to ta+e Luther to the countr! for a rest. .a! 12, 15H8. -race and peace in %hrist5 The 0erene $rinces of Anhalt as+ed me to fix a da! on )hich ( mi#ht 'e conve!ed to %os)ic+ or 6orlit7. Havin# no

messen#er ( have not !et ans)ered, and could not in one )ord. $erhaps !ou, as a livin# and elo*uent $ericles, ma! tell them that on 0aturda!, 0unda!, .onda!, Tuesda!, and 6ednesda! ( shall 'e full! occupied preachin# and readin# lectures, as !ou and $ommer are a'sent, and A#ricola has 'een dismissed, not to spea+ of the num'erless minor matters )hich constantl! surround me. Therefore ( must almost steal the time to 'esto) on the $rinces, so Thursda! after %antate )ill 'e most convenient for me, and ( can start on 6ednesda! after the sermon, and arrive that ni#ht, either in 6orlit7 or %os)ic+, for the place is nothin# to me, onl! the time. ( can then remain all Thursda!, returnin# on ,rida! for the 0aturda!. After ?ocem &ucunditatis ( shall have no more time, for ( must rest the entire )ee+ except ,rida!. (f it 'e necessar! to )rite the $rinces, ( shall do so tomorro) or next da!. (n !our house all is as !ou left it, except that the little 0ophie is rather feverish, 'ut in no dan#er9 and little .artin and $aul have 'e#un to shiver, 'ut the )eather is ver! )arm here. .! <athie #reets !ou. -reet the $rinces respectfull! from me. .ore a'out the Emperor and Tur+s )hen ( )rite direct to the $rinces. .artin Luther.

TO ED#ARD, BISHOP OF HEREFORD, IN ENGLAND

$eace 'ein# in prospect 'et)een %harles ?. and ,rancis, Henr! ?(((. )ished to unite )ith the -erman $rotestants, so, at his re*uest, the Elector sent Bur+hardt and .!conius of -otha to London, )here the! )ere )arml! )elcomed '! the <in#. .a! 12, 15H8. -race and peace in the Lord5 As our #ood friends and am'assadors )ere 'ein# dispatched on a 1ourne! to !our exalted <in#, ( could not refrain from #ivin# them letters to !ou, not )ishin# to appear for#etful in !our e!es9 for, 'esides havin# had the pleasure of ma+in# !our ac*uaintance )hen in 6itten'er#, !ou have since then done me a #reat service in #ivin# me counsel re#ardin# m! enem! %alculus, a +indness )hich ( can never for#et. 6e often tal+ of !ou, especiall! as, )ith so man! chan#es in !our +in#dom, !ou either cannot )rite, or the letters have #one astra!, )ith )hich possi'ilit! )e tr! to console ourselves, for )e feared that this persistent silence )as a si#n of somethin# havin# happened to retard the pro#ress of the #ospel9 for, some actuall! assert that !our <in#, led astra! '! $apal )iles, meditates a reconciliation )ith the $ope. Bet)een hope and fear, )e have 'een pra!in# that 0atan mi#ht 'e crushed under !our feet. As !et )e are i#norant of the state of the #ospel amon# !ou. But )e hope, )ith the return of our em'ass!, to receive a 1o!ful evan#elium and to hear a verita'le #ospel of !our En#lish %hurch. "e#ardin# the position of %hurch and 0tate in our -erman!, !ou can hear all the details from our people. .a! the Lord

&esus endue !ou )ith more of His #ifts and #race, to the #lor! of -od the ,ather. Amen. .! <athie sends her #reetin#s to !our Eminence. .a! !ou prosper in %hrist, and accept m! respectful compliments. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
(n reference to a letter of .a! 12. .a! 21, 15H8. -race and peace in %hrist5 ( am ama7ed that m! letter )as so lon# in reachin# !ou, or that !ou )ere so dilator! in ans)erin# it. ( am )illin# to do )hatever is most convenient for the $rinces. ( hope ( ma! 'e a'le to appear on the appointed da!, and at the place fixed, of )hich ( am dou'tful, o)in# to the state of m! health and the assaults of 0atan9 'ut '! the po)er of %hrist ( ma! #et a respite. The reports )e have heard a'out the Tur+ are, alas, too true. 6e hear the cr! of 'lood and the voice of the oppressed a#ainst -erman!. ,erdinand/s hands are stained )ith 'lood, as he listens to the 'lasphemies of the $ope and the assaults on the truth. 6ho )ill have merc! on those )ho provo+e -od and +no)in#l! )orship liesE But %hrist )ill remem'er His poor people, and at len#th manifest His po)er upon the proud enem!, the cruel .ahomed. -od #rant it. -reet the .ost 0erene $rinces. ( shall inform !ou '! )ord of mouth of the future preacher in Ier'st. ( have noted do)n several topics of conversation. ( can determine nothin# in re#ard to 6eller. (n !our house all are )ell, except that !our Lieschen is not !et free from fever. These parox!sms are not peculiar to this *uarter and season onl!. .a! !ou prosper in the Lord, and pra! for me. .artin Luther.

TO ANTON UNRUHE, LA#YER IN TORGAU

Luther than+s him for procurin# 1ustice for a poor )oman. &une 15, 15H8. -race and peace in %hrist, dear )ise sir and friend5 Timete >ominum, erudimini, 1udices terrae. This should 'e the dail! motto of the 1ud#e, and (

'elieve it is !ours, for all )ho +no) !ou testif! that !ou are a pious, %hristian 1ud#e. ( must than+ !ou for helpin# .ar#aretha >oroten in preventin# the no'le Hans from deprivin# her of all she has. 2ou +no) that >r. .artin is not onl! theolo#ian and defender of the faith, 'ut defender of the ri#hts of the poor, )ho flee to him from ever! *uarter see+in# help and letters to the ma#istrates, so that he )ould have enou#h to do )ith onl! this. But >r. .artin serves the poor #ladl!, as !ou also do, for !ou fear -od, love &esus %hrist, and search the 0criptures dail!. The Lord &esus )ill one da! re)ard !ou for this. But )as it not enou#h to prove !our love to me '! #rantin# m! re*uest )ithout presentin# me )ith a cas+ of Tor#au 'eer of !our o)n 're)in#E ( am un)orth! of !our +indness, for althou#h ( +no) !ou are not poor, -od havin# #iven !ou a'undance, still ( )ould rather !ou had #iven it to !our poor people, )hose united pra!ers )ould have 'rou#ht do)n a richer 'lessin# upon !ou than that of poor .artin alone. But ( must than+ !ou for the to+en of #ood)ill. And ma! -od re)ard !ou. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO THE HER"OGIN ELI"ABETH OF BRUNS#ICK

Eli7a'eth )as the dau#hter of &oachim (. of Branden'ur#. 0he visited Luther )ith her mother, )ho had fled from her hus'and. 0eptem'er L, 15H8. -race and peace in %hrist, .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rincess, most #racious Lad!5 ( and m! dear <athie than+ !our -race for the cheese. The present is most )elcome althou#h it )ere much smaller, and proves that !ou are )ell inclined to -od/s Hol! 6ord. 6e pra! that the ,ather of all mercies ma!, throu#h His dear 0on, richl! endo) and maintain !ou )ith His Hol! 0pirit till the da! of our everlastin# redemption. 6e are ever !our -race/s devoted servants. Amen. ( here)ith send !our "o!al Hi#hness some slips of mul'err! and fi# trees, the onl! rare thin#s ( have at present. 2our $rincel! Hi#hness/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO JACOB PROBST, PASTOR IN BREMEN

Luther recommends a poor preacher. 0eptem'er 15, 15H8.

-race and peace in %hrist5 ( seldom )rite to !ou, dear &aco', and do not ans)er !our letters as !ou perhaps )ish, 'ut ( +no) !ou do not ta+e it ill, for !ou are a)are ho) ( am 'orne do)n '! heaps of 'usiness, )or+, !ears, and temptations9 and ( also thin+ !ou do not stand in need of m! letters, for -od has endo)ed !ou so richl! that !ou are a'le to rule and comfort 'oth !ourself and others in this evil )orld, )hich is so full of in#ratitude and contempt of -od/s 6ord. But enou#h of this5 There are t)o upri#ht and learned men here from Lo)er 0axon!, 'ut )e are ver! poor ourselves, and are overrun )ith troops of the destitute, )hom it is impossi'le for us to maintain, ho)ever )illin#. But as the! cannot 'e of much use here, on account of the lan#ua#e, Herr $hilip thin+s )e should send one to !ou, on the chance of a vacant church, so as to prevent them 'ein# idle, especiall! as !ou are rich, and !our superfluit! could 'e turned to #ood account in relievin# their povert!. But if the people a'out !ou are too un#rateful to support him till he #ets a livin#, then send him 'ac+ to us, and )e shall share )hat )e have )ith him. The latest ne)s is that (, an old man, so laden )ith )or+ and so )ear!, am 'ecomin# dail! !oun#er, 'ecause ne) sects are constantl! risin# a#ainst me, to com'at )hich the ener#! of !outh is re*uired. (f )e had no other proof that )e )ere called and chosen of -od and possessed His 6ord, this alone )ould 'e sufficient ; that )e had to put up )ith so man! sects, )ho are al)a!s 're)in# some mischief, some of )hom proceed from ourselves, not to spea+ of our spiritual conflict )ith the $ope and the devil, and our friends/ scorn of the >ivine 6ord9 'ut )e are not 'etter than the apostles and prophets, nor than our Lord Himself. (t is constantl! 'ein# reported that the Emperor of the ,rench and the ?enetians have united their fleets a#ainst the Tur+s, and that the! are ver! successful at sea a#ainst the archAfoe. .a! -od #raciousl! hear the pra!ers of the %hristians. .! <athie and !our #odchild, m! dau#hter, #reet !ou, for the latter of )hom ( hope !ou )ill provide a #ood pious hus'and after m! death. ( )rite nothin# a'out m!self, except to 'e# that !ou )ill pra! for me, that the Lord ma! deliver me from the attac+s of 0atan/s an#els, and, if it 'e His )ill, #rant me a peaceful exit from this )retched )orld. The Lord 'e )ith !ou. -reet !our dear )ife from me and m! <athie. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS SPECHT, RECTOR OF THE SCHOOL AT BAUT"EN

Luther )ishes him 1o! on his marria#e. >ecem'er 12, 15H8.

-race and peace in %hrist5 ( )ish !ou and !our 'ride all that is #ood, m! Herr Bicolas, and pra! the Lord that He ma! 'e )ith !ou )ith His #race, and preserve !ou to all eternit!. As ( cannot come to !our )eddin# m!self, on account of m! health, and still more on account of m! )or+, ( send !ou throu#h Anton a remem'rance, no dou't a small and insi#nificant one, 'ut the portrait of the saintl! &ohn Huss, )hich ( hope !ou )ill appreciate, not solel! 'ecause of the thin# itself, 'ut for the sa+e of the feelin#s )hich prompted me to send it, as ( )ish !ou )ell from the 'ottom of m! heart. .a! !ou 'e happ! in %hrist. .artin Luther. %harles ?., after ma+in# peace )ith ,rancis (., summoned the Evan#elical and "oman %atholic theolo#ians to ,ran+fort in ,e'ruar! to tr! to find a 'asis of a#reement. %alvin 1oined the %ouncil, )here he met &ohn ,rederic+ of 0axon!, $hilip of Hesse, etc. He had deli#htful intercourse )ith .elanchthon, in )hom ,arel and he found an important all!. Her7o# -eor#e of 0axon! died this !ear, and Luther had the pleasure of esta'lishin# the "eformation in Leipsic under his 'rother Henr!. The *uestion of $hilip of Hesse/s dou'le marria#e also came up, and he succeeded in so far #ainin# the "eformers/ consent thereto, to the #rief of the Elector, that Bucer and .elanchthon )itnessed the ceremon! in "othen'ur# on the ,ulda, .arch L, 15L0. &oachim of Branden'ur#, )hose mother )as Luther/s intimate friend, introduced the "eformation into his Electorate this !ear.

15-$
TO NICOLAS AMSDORF
Luther sends some ne) exe#etical )ritin#s. &anuar! 11, 15H:. -race and peace5 ( have reall! nothin# to sa!, dear Amsdorf, 'ut could not let the messen#er depart )ithout a letter. .uch is 'ein# said a'out the Emperor/s arrival. (t is amusin# to hear the $apac!, that #reat mart!r, 'oastin# in her perilous position of her deliverer. Aleander, not a cheese merchant, li+e the mon+s, 'ut a traffic+er in +in#s, is runnin# a'out ta+in# +in#s captive. .a! -od render his attempts a'ortive. Amen. ( here)ith send the annotations on 0t. .atthe), a mutilated piece of )or+, )hich the printers have ver! properl! printed on torn and stained paper. ( send it to !ou 'ecause !ou al)a!s sa! that !ou never #et an!thin# sent !ou. ( also send !ou a cop! of the exposition of the 0on# of 0olomon. 2ou )ill perceive that it has 'een hastil! )ritten out '! our people, or that ( have

added notes in a slipshod manner. But our 'rethren snatch a)a! ever!thin# from under our hands. ,are)ell in the Lord, and pra! for me. .artin Luther.

CIRCULAR LETTER TO ALL THE CLERGY IN CHRIST #HO LOVE THE GOSPEL
,e'ruar! 2, 15H:. 6e have 'een so led astra! latel! '! reports of the Tur+s/ approach, that )e scarcel! +no) )hat to 'elieve. And in case -od/s )rath should 'e nearer than )e thin+, and )e should 'e surprised '! the Tur+, )hen, li+e the )olf, )e have 'ecome so accustomed to the outcr! that )e feel secure, let us arm ourselves throu#h pra!er, pleadin# )ith -od to +eep the house and prevent such a visitation, and for#ive our #reat and manifold sins, to the #lor! of His hol! name. The $apists have lon# intended to ruin our -erman lands, and their ra#e increases9 and the! are 'linded enou#h to for#et that, althou#h a'le to set a thin# a#oin#, it ma! not 'e in their po)er to stop it, and the! themselves ma! perish in the #eneral destruction. 6ere such a fearful )ar to 'rea+ out, -erman! mi#ht 'e ruined. But as the sins of 'oth parties have )axed #reat ; theirs throu#h l!in#, 'lasphem!, murder, and persecutin# innocent 'lood ; ours throu#h ne#lect of -od/s 6ord, in#ratitude, and avarice, ( fear much that -od )ill visit us and our land )ith one or 'oth of these scour#es. 0o ( 'e# the cler#! faithfull! to admonish their people, holdin# up 'efore them these t)o pla#ues, for this is no 1estin# matter9 and ( disli+e pla!in# the part of a prophet, for )hat ( predict usuall! comes to pass. Let us pra! earnestl! that -od ma! #raciousl! visit us )ith some other scour#e, pestilence, or )hatever it ma! 'e, so that our rulers ma! 'e spared to us, so that )e ma! not suddenl! 'e attac+ed '! the Tur+s, or, )hat )ould 'e )orse, throu#h the devil fall out amon# ourselves and devour one another. ,or the devil never sleeps, and the Tur+ never fails to use an opportunit!, and the $apists never rest, so their 'loodthirstiness )ill never 'e *uenched. As no human po)er can restrain these 'loodhounds, -od Himself must do so, as He has hitherto done9 so 'e pious and pra! that -od ma! not )ithdra) His protectin# hand, and let us receive the penalt! 'oth parties merit for their heav! sins. The $apists do not pra!, so let us do so, and have the assurance our pra!ers are heard, even as )e have hitherto experienced )hat #reat thin#s our pra!ers have achieved. .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
.elanchthon at the %onference at ,ran+fort )ith the Elector and .!conius, met the dele#ates of the Emperor and ,erdinand. =n April 1: an a#reement )as si#ned. Luther than+ed -od in the church in 6itten'er# on 0a''ath for a#ain #rantin# peace. .arch 2@, 15H:. -race and peace in %hrist5 ( am afraid this letter )ill not find !ou in ,ran+fort9 for, from !our last letter, ( #athered !ou )ere lon#in# to #et a)a!, and 'esides, ( have almost #iven up hope of a #eneral peace ensuin#. 0till, let the issue 'e )hat it )ill, ( do not !et despair of our pra!ers 'ein# ans)ered, and that %hrist )ill, althou#h contrar! to a certain rumor, cause the aspect of matters at 0chmal+alden and !our o)n dream to 'e reali7ed, in spite of our havin# #rieved -od in man! )a!s, and ver! speciall! throu#h in#ratitude and contempt of His 6ord. And further, our farmers )ithout cause seem determined to starve us to death. The mali#nit! of our cornAdealers in concealin# the #rain has alread! driven most of our students a)a!. (s there no police to preserve order in the landE 2ou +no) the prevailin# anarch!, )hich opens the door for the most un'ridled la)lessness, )hich throu#h time it ma! 'e impossi'le to stem. But m! #reatest sorro) is to see the 'eautiful universit! 'ein# #raduall! dispersed. .a! %hrist crush 0atan5 2our famil! is )ell. >r. &onas is a#ain prostrate )ith his old malad!. ( commend !ou to %hrist. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK OF SA ONY

Luther as+s the Elector/s aid in the unexpected famine. A CcornerD had 'een created in #rain. April :, 15H:. -race and peace in %hrist, and m! poor paternoster, .ost 0erene Hi#h'orn $rince, most #racious Lord5 This land has 'een visited '! a sudden famine, so that )e are compelled to see+ help and counsel from !our -race, as the lord and father of the land. >ou'tless !our Electoral Hi#hness +no)s the exact amount of the provisions in the to)n. But at present 6itten'er# is o'li#ed to suppl! the small to)ns of <em'er# and 0chmiede'er# )ith 'read, so that the provost declares more 'read is ta+en out of the to)n than is eaten in it. And some 'elieve that the scarcit! does not proceed so much from lac+ of corn as from the #reed and )ic+edness of the rich &un+ers. This is #ivin# rise to much tal+, 'ut ( shall not enlar#e on this. (t )as even said that B. B. )as heard to sa! that he )ill not sell a #rain of corn till he

received a #ulden for the 'ushel, and that is )h! the corn is 'ein# sent out of the land. But the El'e is also to 'lame in preventin# the corn 'ein# #round, as the mill has to stand idle 'ecause of hi#h )aters. (t is a small affliction, 'ut ma! 'ecome ver! #reat if !our Electoral -race do not help and advise. Therefore )e all 'eseech !our #racious Hi#hness not onl! to #ive prompt assistance in our present need, 'ut to pass a la) preventin# the no'ilit! from tradin# in corn, there'! practicin# usur! in such a shameless manner, to the detriment of !our -race/s land and people. The! are rich enou#h )ithout this, and it is not necessar! for them, solel! throu#h #reed, to sla! the poor '! starvation. But !our Electoral -race )ill +no) ho) to act in the matter in a princel! manner. ( here)ith commend !ou to the dear Lord %hrist. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO MARTIN BUCER, SUPERINTENDENT OF STRASSBURG CHURCHES

Luther )ishes to 'e +ept informed of the spread of the #ospel. April 1@, 15H:. -race and peace in the Lord5 ( thin+, dear Bucer, that !ou must see !ou cannot expect so man! letters from me. ,or !ou have more leisure and fe)er !ears, not to spea+ of the )or+ )ith )hich ( am hourl! over)helmed. Therefore ( ans)er all !our letters at once, for ( flatter m!self that ours is a #enuine friendship, free from compulsion, and ( trust that it is the same )ith all !our coA)or+ers, to )hom ( send m! +indest re#ards. ( am al)a!s deli#hted to hear of matters pertainin# to the crucified 6ord. The prophec! of 0t. $eter is 'ein# fulfilled, CThe! shall utterl! perish in their o)n corruptions.D And no) the! are a#ain 'reathin# out threatenin#s a#ainst us, and 'oast not )ithout effect. -od )ill render their counsels of no avail, as He has hitherto done, althou#h our sins, in#ratitude, and coldness )ill dra) do)n heav! penalties. Alread! the )inds and )aters have 'een so tempestuous that the oldest men have never seen the li+e. =ur %rato )ished me to preface our postils, 'ut as ( have for#otten m! Latin, havin# used -erman so lon#, ( )ished him to appl! to !ou, )hich ( no) also do. "e#ardin# the <in# of En#land, ( fear he )ill deceive !our hopes. The En#lish here often complain of their <in#, and laud the freedom )e en1o!. .a! -od #uide his and the hearts of all other +in#s to His #lor!. 6e ma! 'elieve the reports of the Emperor havin# had no luc+ since he allied himself to the -odAforsa+en $ope. Bo) )e are 'lamed for ever!thin#. -reet Herren &ohn 0turm and &ohn %alvin )arml! from me, )hose )ritin#s ( read )ith #reat pleasure.

( )ish that 0aloder could 'e persuaded that -od is also the %reator of the human race outside (tal!, 'ut it is impossi'le to plant this conviction in the heart of (talians, )hose sole feelin#s in re#ard to others is that of proud superiorit!. ( commend !ou to -od. .artin Luther.

TO KING GUSTAVUS I. OF S#EDEN

The <in# as+s Luther for a tutor for his son, )hom he after)ards made his confidant, and raised to a hi#h post. April 18, 15H:. -race and peace, .ost 0erene Lord and <in#5 Herr Bicolas, !our .a1est!/s excellent am'assador, tells me he received orders to provide a #ood tutor for !our .a1est!/s !oun# $rince. This )as a #reat 1o! to me, for ( there'! perceived -od had endued !our .a1est! )ith a #reat love of piet! and learnin#, fittin# !ou to set an example to others. ,or it is necessar! for +in#s to 'e either '! nature more in#enious than others, or to attain to this '! thorou#h trainin#, so that the! ma! see )ith their o)n e!es instead of trustin# to others/ opinion. .a! %hrist cause !our .a1est!/s )or+ to permeate the )hole realm, especiall! the cathedrals, so that schools ma! 'e opened for trainin# !oun# people for the ministr! and service of the %hurch in connection )ith them9 for this is the chief and hi#hest dut! devolvin# upon +in#s )ho love the #ospel, and !our .a1est! has the reputation, 'e!ond all others, of lovin# ri#hteousness. And )e pra! -od to rule !our .a1est!/s heart throu#h His 0pirit. B! the #race of -od, most capa'le instructors have 'een selected for the $rince. Herr Borman is a man of 'lameless life, modest, upri#ht, and learned, full! fitted to 'e the $rince/s instructor, and ( )arml! commend him to !our .a1est!. .ichael A#ricola accompanies him as travellin# companion. He )as 'orn in !our .a1est!/s dominions, and althou#h !oun# in !ears is ver! learned and sensi'le and of pleasin# manners, and ma! achieve much #ood in !our .a1est!/s lands. ( pra! that %hrist ma! have much fruit throu#h this man, )hom ( hope !our .a1est! )ill appoint to an office. .a! -od throu#h His Hol! 0pirit richl! 'less all !our "o!al Hi#hness/s deli'erations and underta+in#s. Amen. 2our .a1est!/s devoted .artin Luther.

TO URSULA SCHNEIDER#EIN
Luther 'e#s her to consent to her son marr!in# a 6itten'er#erin.

&une L, 15H:. To the honored and virtuous ,rau Grsula 0chneider)ein, citi7en of 0tol'er#. -race and peace in %hrist, m! #racious #ood friend5 ( have alread! )ritten !ou concernin# !our son &ohn, )ho has fallen in love )ith an excellent maiden, and ( hoped for a favora'le ans)er9 'ut no attention havin# 'een paid to !our son/s re*uest, ( am constrained to )rite a#ain, for ( do not )ish him to lose heart and sin+ into despair. But as he loves the #irl so dearl!, and she is *uite his e*ual in station, 'esides 'ein# a #entle, *uiet creature, ( thin+ !ou ou#ht to 'e satisfied that he has sho)n his childli+e o'edience in hum'lin# himself to as+ !our consent to the marria#e, as 0amson did9 and no) do !our part, as a lovin# mother, '! #ivin# !our consent thereto. ,or althou#h )e have )ritten that children should not 'ecome en#a#ed )ithout their parents/ consent, still parents should not hinder their children from marr!in# those the! love. The son must not 'rin# a dau#hter to his parents a#ainst their )ill, 'ut the father must not force a )ife upon his son. The! must 'oth #ive )a!, else the son/s )ife 'ecomes the father/s dau#hter a#ainst his )ill. And )ho +no)s )hat happiness -od ma! #rant him throu#h this maiden, a happiness )hich he mi#ht never experience other)ise, 'ecause the #ood damsel, )ho is in his o)n position, mi#ht in her distress utter an evil 3'ose 4 pra!er. (n short, ( trust !ou )ill not )ithhold !our consent an! lon#er, so that the #ood fello) ma! 'e at rest. ( could )ait no lon#er for !our letter, 'ut thou#ht it m! dut! to )rite a#ain. But pra! do not tell !our son of this letter till all is settled, in case he should 'ecome too confident and 'old9 for, ( love him on account of his virtues, and )ould not )ish him to 'e 'adl! advised. Therefore, do !ou also act li+e a mother, and help him out of his mart!rdom, so that he ma! not fall into despair. ( here)ith commend !ou to -od. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO #EN"EL LINK AT NURNBERG

A'out presents, and Her7o# -eor#e, )ho died April 1 , havin# outlived all his famil!. &une 2H, 15H:. -race and peace5 <no)in# ho) plentiful the #old #uldens are )ith !ou, ( am all the more deli#hted that the little #ift ( sent !our )ife throu#h Herr 0tromer should have accomplished its o'1ect, and appeased !our )rath, and stopped !our threats. 2our lon# haran#ue )as certainl! of no avail9 still )e must excuse !ou, 1ust as if !ou had 'een 1ustified in complainin# of m! silence. 0o )e mi#ht dail! listen to similar declamations here, and the! do as little #ood as the #old #ulden )ith !ou, onl! furnishin# us )ith material for mirth. At the same time !ou order me or m! <athie to sa! )hat )e )ish in

return. (f !ou are determined to send somethin#, let it 'e a lamp, 'ut not a common one, such as )e used as mon+s, 'ut one upon )hich t)o or three candles could 'e placed9 and let it 'e stron# enou#h to stand all the +noc+s it ma! receive in cleanin#, or )hen it is thro)n do)nstairs, or even onl! sent on in advance9 or, 'etter still, if !ou could find one )hich does not re*uire cleanin# 3for !ou +no) the )a!s and love of ease of the servants of the da!4, then it )ould 'e secure a#ainst the illAtreatment of the maids )hen the! are in the sul+s or have a fit of la7iness. There is nothin# ne) here that !ou do not alread! +no). ( had solemnl! declared that Her7o# -eor#e )as not entirel! vicious and -odAforsa+en. %ertainl! he )as far from 'ein# as )ic+ed as that monstrosit! in .ain7. -od )ill perfect )hat He has 'e#un if )e onl! persevere in pra!er. Trul! the end is near. .a! the Lord %hrist receive our souls in peace, and thus shall 'e fulfilled )hat is )ritten, CThe ri#hteous shall 'e ta+en a)a! from the evil to come.D -reet all !our people and ours. .artin Luther.

TO HER"OG ALBRECHT OF PRUSSIA

Another allusion to Her7o# -eor#e/s death. &une 2H, 15H:. -race and peace in %hrist, 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, most #racious Lord5 Althou#h ( have nothin# particular to )rite a'out, ( must than+ !our Electoral -race for so +indl! in*uirin# a'out m! health throu#h !our am'assador, and than+ !ou for !our solicitude in order not to appear un#rateful or rude for !our -race/s constant concern as to m! )elfare. There is nothin# ne) here except that -od has achieved a marvelous )or+ in the death of Her7o# -eor#e of 0axon!9 for, had not -od extended His protectin# hand, -erman! )ould have 'een plun#ed in miser!. But no) -od has #iven peace, and slain the )ic+ed man )ith his evil desi#ns, althou#h this stri+in# manifestation of -od/s )rath has not converted him of .ain7 and other 'ishops, )hose utter ruin no entreaties or calamities can prevent. ,erdinand and the Bavarians are no) 'e#innin# to persecute the #ospel in earnest, other)ise thin#s loo+ peaceful in -erman!9 'ut ever!thin# has 'een ver! dear, althou#h )e have no) the prospect of a plentiful crop of corn and fruit. -od 'e praised for this, and ma! He ma+e us #rateful. ( here)ith commit !ou to the dear -od. Amen. 2our -race/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK

Luther complains of his -erman Bi'le 'ein# pirated in Leipsic. &ul! 8, 15H:. -race and peace in %hrist, and m! poor paternoster, .ost 0erene Hi#h'orn $rince, most #racious Lord5 That )ic+ed rascal 6olra' at Leipsic 3a most unscrupulous man, )ho ruined a splendid 'usiness as )ell as himself and famil!4, )ho has hitherto 'een foremost in printin# all the calumnies a#ainst us, has ta+en it into his head to plunder our -erman Bi'le, there'! ta+in# the 'read out of the mouths of our printers. 2our Electoral -race +no)s ho) hard it is that the rascal should 'e allo)ed to use our la'or for his o)n advanta#e, especiall! after havin# profited '! the pu'lication of all manner of )ritin#s a#ainst us. ( )ould therefore hum'l! re*uest that !our -race )ould prevent 6olra' committin# this #reat evil, and reapin# such #reat advanta#es at the expense of !our Electoral Hi#hness/s o)n su'1ects. And )hat particularl! anno!s me is that the 'lasphemer and pirate should have the chance of so misusin# m! hard la'or, and perhaps turnin# it into ridicule at the same time. ,or )hat he merits at -od/s hands and ours ( shall leave -od to re*uite for his scandalous pu'lications a#ainst us. ,or it )ould 'e no hardship, seein# the Leipsic printers have so lon# enriched themselves throu#h these, should the! for a time 'e prevented from doin# so further, and 'rin#in# our printers to ruin. ,or it is eas! to see that the mar+ets 'ein# all held in Leipsic, the! can sell thousands of copies easier there than our fol+s can sell one hundred. 2our Electoral -race )ill 'e a'le to devise a princel! )a! out of this dilemma. ( commit !ou to the dear -od. 2our Electoral -race/s o'edient .artin Luther

TO #EN"EL LINK
Luther )rites concernin# Lin+/s call to Leipsic. =cto'er 2@, 15H:. -race and peace5 ( have received the lamp, m! excellent 6en7el, and than+ !ou for it. 2ou have interpreted m! silence ari#ht, vi7. that ( )ould have )ritten had the messen#er come for letters. %ertainl! ( do not )ish !ou to #ive up !our present post to #o to Leipsic, )here the! are not as !et a#reed a'out )hom the! )ish, or as to ho) the servants of %hrist are to 'e maintained. Althou#h the common man is )ell inclined, the upper classes still retain their old disli+e to an!thin# pertainin# to 6itten'er#. Her7o# -eor#e is not !et defunct in spirit, and it is uncertain if he )ill ever die. ( detest this 0odom, a sin+ of vice, 'ut one must stretch out a helpin# hand, if it )ere onl! to rescue one Lot. Enou#h is 'ein# done for the people of the to)n, and thus far the #ospel is spreadin# most satisfactoril!.

A +ind of epidemic is 'e#innin# to ra#e amon# us. As !et the to)n is not affected, onl! one or t)o houses havin# 'een visited. But it has no) attac+ed the third house, after no death havin# ta+en place for ei#ht da!s. And this is >r. 0e'ald/s house, )hose )ife died toni#ht, and he too is in #reat dan#er. But the terror occasioned '! the visitation is the )orst pla#ue of all. Beither 'athers nor nurses are to 'e had. ( am certain the devil has entered into the people, fillin# them )ith such dis#raceful terror that 'rother forsa+es 'rother, and the son the parents. >ou'tless this is the punishment for the contempt of the #ospel and their consumin# #reed. ( have 'rou#ht the 0e'ald/s four children into m! house. -ood -od5 )hat a fearful outcr! is 'ein# raised a#ainst me. $ra! for us )ith !our con#re#ation, and fare)ell in the Lord. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK

After Her7o# -eor#e/s death his 'rother, Her7o# Henr!, invited Luther, .elanchthon, &onas, %ruci#er, and .!conius to come and further the )or+ in Leipsic. The! did so, the t)o latter remainin# for a time. Eventuall! %ruci#er/s dau#hter married Luther/s son &ohannes. Bovem'er L, 15H:. -race and peace in %hrist, .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, most #racious Lord5 The Leipsic To)n %ouncil has )ritten us 'e##in# that >r. %ruci#er ma! remain, )hich he has promised to do should )e consent, so the %ouncil hopes !our Electoral -race )ill #rant their desire at m! re*uest. 6e )rote sa!in# )e could neither promote nor hinder the matter, so it no) lies )ith !our Hi#hness to decide. But as >r. %aspar +ne) no other )a! of protectin# himself a#ainst this people/s persistent importunit! than '! referrin# them to us, he )rites that he )ould far rather 'e here9 and )e are certain he could 'e far more useful here, as there are man! more )ho, '! the #race of -od, have 'een trained in our schools )ho are )aitin# to 'e sent out to all lands than there are, or )ill 'e, for man! a lon# da! in Leipsic. Therefore, feelin# sure that >r. %aspar cannot accomplish as much in Leipsic as in 6itten'er#, )e thin+ it a pit! he should leave so much undone here and achieve so little there, and that little could 'e as )ell done '! someone not nearl! so important9 and our universit! must not 'e left destitute, especiall! as ( have arran#ed that >r. %aspar should fill m! place in the theolo#ical department after m! death. ( therefore hum'l! re*uest 3for it all rests )ith !our Electoral -race4 that !ou )ill not permit >r. %aspar to leave 6itten'er#, for )ho +no)s )hat -od ma! do shortl!. 2our Electoral Hi#hness )ill #raciousl! excuse m! expressin# m! opinion thus freel! on this su'1ect. ( here)ith commit !ou to the dear -od. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO ANTON LAUTERBACH
%oncernin# private communion. Bovem'er 2@, 15H:. To Anton Lauter'ach, Bishop at $irna. -race and peace5 As to administerin# the sacrament to the sic+, dear Anton, !ou can read that for !ourself in our %hurch 0ervice, )hich !ou +no) so )ell. ,or m! part ( )ish private communion )ere completel! done a)a! )ith ever!)here, and that the people should 'e told in the preachin# to communicate three or four times a !ear, to parta+e of the consolations of the #ospel, and fall asleep )henever -od calls them. ,or this administration of the sacrament )ill, )ith time, 'ecome impossi'le, especiall! durin# the pla#ue. And it is not seeml! that the %hurch should serve the people )ith the communion as a servant )aits upon her master, especiall! those )ho have so lon# despised it, and then demand it at the end from her, )hom the! have never served. But till this matter is settled, do the 'est !ou can. .eantime onl! dispense it to the sic+ people, 'ut let it thorou#hl! 'e understood that it )ill not continue. ,or )e must soon come to an arran#ement in this matter. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#. $.0. ; <athie )ishes the carved house door made accordin# to the measurements sent. The master )ill ta+e the len#th and 'readth himself. 0he )ishes no other door. >o the 'est !ou can.

TO HIS SISTER DOROTHEA

Luther announces he )ill preach at "ossla. >ecem'er 2, 15H:. To ,rau >orothea, Herr Balthaser .ac+enrothen/s 'eloved )ife, at "ossla. >ear 0ister ; ( see from !our letter ho) earnestl! !our 'urdened conscience lon#s for a #ospel sermon of consolation, and that !ou )ish to hear for once such a sermon in !our "ossla church. ( am deli#hted to hear this, and have no) resolved ; -od #rantin# me life and health ; to 'e )ith !ou on %hristmas Eve, )hen ( shall, )ith -od/s help, preach the first Evan#elical sermon at "ossla as a remem'rance for !ou all. -reet !our hus'and and the little .ar#aretta, for )hom ( shall 'rin# somethin#. ( commit !ou to -od. .artin Luther. at Eisle'en.

TO THE ELECTOR JOACHIM OF BRANDENBURG

Luther #ives his opinion of the %hurch %onstitution compiled '! Buchhol7er on the introduction of the "eformation into Branden'ur# in 15H:. >ecem'er L, 15H:. -race and peace in %hrist, and m! poor paternoster, .ost 0erene and Hi#hA 'orn $rince, most #racious Lord5 ( have received !our Electoral Hi#hness/s em'ass! )ith #reat pleasure, and than+ the ,ather of all #race, and pra! earnestl! that the dear -od ma! #raciousl! perfect His #ood )or+ in !ou to His honor and #lor!. ,or 0atan )ill tr! to hinder the #ood )or+, )hich he has alread! attempted )ith us. ( am deli#hted )ith !our Electoral Hi#hness/s preface to the aforesaid document, 'ut there is one point ( o'1ect to, vi7. a'out processions, extreme unction, and the sacrament, upon )hich ( have #iven m! opinion to !our -race/s messen#ers. To carr! the sacrament in one +ind in the procession is onl! moc+in# -od, for, as !ou +no), it is onl! a half ; indeed no sacrament. But should it 'e carried a'out in 'oth +inds, that is still )orse, and )ill #ive the $apists occasion for ridicule. 0o ( hum'l! re*uest that, as !our Electoral Hi#hness has so far defied the devil in these #rand articles, !ou )ould let those minor matters rest, so that the devil ma! not ma+e a lau#hin#Astoc+ of the )hole "eformation. 6e mi#ht permit extreme unction and ta+in# the sacrament to the sic+, if not done accordin# to $apal usa#e. 0eein# !our Electoral Hi#hness la!s so much stress on these matters, ( )ould hum'l! su##est that althou#h the! ma! 'e retained for a time, the! should not 'e em'odied in the tenets of the "eformation and printed. ,or, as the preface declares, it is a "eformation #rounded on the Bi'le, and on the usa#es of the purified %hurch. ,or from earl! times the %hurch usa#es 'ecame most corrupt. ,or %hrist did not ma+e anointin# )ith oil a sacrament, nor do 0t. &ames/s )ords appl! to the present da!. ,or in those da!s the sic+ )ere often cured throu#h a miracle and the earnest pra!er of faith, as )e see in &ames and .ar+ @. The carr!in# of the sacrament to the sic+, althou#h continued, must not 'e imperative or put in print. ,or it is of human institution, and not -od/s command, so it can 'e retained till a 'etter )a! is found. Also that the sacrament must 'e ta+en from the altar in the mass, and not put in the ci'orium. ( have told the rest to !our em'ass!. ( here)ith commend !ou to the dear faithful ,ather of our Lord &esus %hrist, and pra! for !ou. 2our Electoral Hi#hness/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE BUCHHOL"ER, PROVOST IN BERLIN

=n the same su'1ect. To this da! the )hite surplice is often )orn in the Bicolai and .arien churches, the oldest in Berlin. >ecem'er L, 15H:. To the esteemed Herr -eor#io Buchhol7er, m! dear 'rother in %hrist, #race and peace throu#h %hrist5 >ear Herr $rovost ; ( cannot )rite much 'ecause of the )ea+ness of m! head. 2ou )ill see from the letters )hat )e thin+ of the form of %hurch #overnment of !our Elector, m! most #racious lord. (n re#ard to the thin#s of )hich !ou complain, the co)l and surplice in the procession on feast da!s, and the )al+in# round the church!ard on 0unda!s and at Easter, etc. etc., this is m! adviceF (f !our lord, the .ar#rave and Elector, allo)s !ou to preach the #ospel of %hrist purel!, )ithout man/s additions, and permits the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord/s 0upper accordin# to %hrist/s appointment, and does not insist upon the )orshippin# of the saints as mediators and intercessors, and the carr!in# of the host in the procession, nor upon dail! masses for the dead, nor hol! )ater nor responses and son#s, Latin and -erman in the processions, then in -od/s name #o round )ith them, carr!in# a silver or #old cross, and co)l or surplice of velvet, sil+, or linen. And if one of these 'e not enou#h, then put on three, as did Aaron, the Hi#h $riest, each one more 'eautiful than another, from )hich church vestments in the $apac! are named =rnata. And if !our lord the Elector 'e not satisfied )ith one procession, then #o round seven times, as &oshua )ent round &ericho )ith the children of (srael 'lo)in# trumpets, and if !our lord has an! desire let him #o on in front, sprin#in# and dancin# )ith harps and c!m'als, drums and 'ells, as did >avid )hen the! 'rou#ht the ar+ of the Lord up to &erusalem. ( have no o'1ections to that. ,or such thin#s, if not a'used, neither add to nor ta+e from the #ospel, 'ut the! must never 'e re#arded as necessar! nor made a matter of conscience. As to the elevation of the elements in the .ass, this too is an open *uestion )hen nothin# is added thereto, so in -od/s name raise them as lon# as !ou li+e. 6e in 6itten'er# had #ood reasons for ma+in# an end of the custom ; reasons )hich ma! not exist in Berlin. And )e shall not a#ain 'e#in it, for it is a free thin# and not ordered '! -od, for -od/s command alone is necessar!. 2our lord/s messen#ers )ill #ive !ou all further ne)s. -od, the ,ather of our Lord &esus %hrist, )hose servant !ou are, )ill support !ou '! His 0pirit, and see that His name 'e #lorified, His +in#dom come, and His )ill 'e done. ,or this ( pra! dail!. Thursda! after 0t. Andre)/s >a!. .artin Luther. A %on#ress of Evan#elical $rinces )as held in 0chmal+alden in .arch, to )hich the Elector, .elanchthon, Bu#enha#en, &onas, and %ruci#er )ent. .elanchthon )as present at Land#rave $hilip/s marria#e on .arch L. The Emperor arran#ed a conference of "oman %atholic and $rotestant $rinces in Ha#enau. .elanchthon dan#erousl! ill on his )a! thither. $rotestants at Ha#enau )ould not listen to the proposed union 'et)een the conflictin# parties, so another conference )as held at 6orms in =cto'er. %alvin, then resident in 0trass'ur#, )as present at 'oth conferences.

15.0
TO CHANCELLOR BRUCK
Luther )ishes the $rince to remed! a cr!in# scandal. &anuar! H, 15L0. -race and peace5 ( hoped, dear sir, to have had !ou )ith us at the feast, so instead must send !ou a petition, 'e##in# !ou to plead )ith m! #racious lord that he )ould for'id the no'ilit! actin# as the! do to)ards those for )hom the! stand 'ail in his lands. (t is a dis#race that such oppression and ro''er! should 'e permitted in the pu'lic inns under princel! protection, )here the no'les 'ehave so a'omina'l!, devourin# all that comes in their )a!. (t is said that four no'les, throu#h riotous livin# in the inns, have s*uee7ed H00 #ulden out of .artin List for a de't of H0 florins. Ho) much 'etter )ould it have 'een had each #iven a fe) florins and set poor .artin free5 6hat devil has #iven such po)er to the no'ilit! to plunder thusE (f the $rinces do not punish this, -od )ill surel! punish them, alon# )ith us. ( thin+ of pu'lishin# a pamphlet on the matter, and addressin# it to the $rinces. But m! )ritin# is of little use if !ou do not dili#entl! prevent this from !our exalted position. (n ho) man! )a!s can the devil in1ure usE (f the Tur+ do not s)allo) us up, or the pestilence s)eep us a)a!, or the Emperor consume us, then )e devour and ruin one another throu#h #reed and usur!. -od have merc! on us, and if not, then ma! the da! of 1ud#ment da)n. Amen. ( commit !ou to -od. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO JOACHIM II. OF BRANDENBURG

$etition to permit export of purchased corn. &anuar! , 15L0. To the .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince &oachim, Elector of Branden'ur#. The #race of our Lord &esus %hrist 'e )ith !ou, most #racious Elector and lord5 6e hum'l! desire to let !our -race +no) that the church here did its utmost durin# the #reat scarcit! to 'u! corn for the poor, and those deputed to do this had to visit man! places. But )hen at len#th the excellent >ietrich von "ochau had secured 21 6ispel 3.edlar4 for our church and the poor, he

)as #iven to understand that !our -race )ould #raciousl! permit it to 'e ta+en out of !our land. Althou#h )e no) +no) that !our Electoral Hi#hness has interdicted this on account of the exi#ences of !our o)n domains, !et )e venture hum'l! to plead that this statute ma! 'e modified, or perhaps entirel! set aside, in re#ard to !our nearest nei#h'ors for the sa+e of the poor in their dire need, even as &oseph, in the #reat famine in the East, distri'uted corn not onl! to the E#!ptians, 'ut to those of other lands. And 0olomon sa!s that people shall curse him )ho )ithholdeth corn, 'ut 'lessin#s shall 'e upon the head of him that selleth it, )hich sa!in# all should call to remem'rance at this time, and act upon it, so that -od ma! 'less us '! #ivin# us once more a plentiful !ear, and '! feedin# His poor a'undantl!9 for, )e are told that -od #iveth to the 'east his food and to the !oun# ravens )hich cr!. 0o )e must pra! earnestl! that -od ma! have pit! on the poor, and for their sa+es send an a'undant harvest. Therefore )e trust !our Electoral -race ma! sho) !ourself #raciousl! disposed to)ards the poor in those dear times, and #rant the petition )e are compelled to present, vi7. that permission ma! 'e #ranted to >ietrich von "ochau to export the corn he has purchased. -od )ill surel! re)ard this accordin# to His promise. And )e shall earnestl! 'eseech -od to prosper and 'less !our Electoral Hi#hness. 2our Electoral -race/s o'edient .artinus Luther. &ustus &onas. &ohannes $ommeranus. $hilippus .elanchthon.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK OF SA ONY

Topics to 'e discussed at 0chmal+alden sent to the Elector. &anuar! 18, 15L0. -race and peace in %hrist, and m! poor paternoster5 6e here)ith send !our Electoral -race our opinions, '! )hich )e shall a'ide. ,or thin#s have come to a desperate pass )ith the $apists, even as )ith their #od, the devil. The! sin +no)in#l! a#ainst the truth, vi7. the Hol! -host, so one can neither hope nor pra! for them.... ( )ould #ladl! #o to Eisenach )ith our people on their )a! to 0chmal+alden, 'ut ( do not see that ( )ould 'e of an! use. (t )ould onl! cause fruitless trou'le and expense9 'ut ( am read! to do )hat !our -race )ishes, althou#h it )ould matter little if ( closed m! e!es once for all and never a#ain 'eheld the )orld in its 'lasphemous fur!. -od 'e praised, surel! $hilip and >r. &onas are *uite capa'le of dealin# )ith these thin#s. ( did not thin+ it necessar! to call the mem'ers of the lea#ue 30chmal+aldischen4 to#ether a#ain, for matters mi#ht have 'een

satisfactoril! arran#ed other)ise. Hopin# m! advice )ill meet )ith !our -race/s approval, ( here)ith commit !ou to the dear -od. Amen. 2our Electoral -race/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO THE LEARNED JUSTUS JONAS, POMMER, AND PHILIP

,e'ruar! 2@, 15L0. This is the second letter ( have )ritten !ou, and did ( not hope that !our ans)er )as on its )a! hither, ( )ould 'e ver! an#r! at !our lon# silence, for it seems as if !ou had 'een lon# enou#h a)a! to 'e 'ac+ a#ain. 6e hear the >iet has 'een postponed, therefore some of !our fol+s have 'een expectin# !ou for t)o da!s. -od 'e praised, all are )ell here, onl! !our dau#hter, m! $hilip, #ave us a fri#ht, as she seemed ver! ill for some hours. ,or ,ama, this sorceress, #ro)s as it spreads. 6e had t)o da!s/ sunshine, and then the 'ad )eather returned, 'ut the El'e is #ettin# smaller. (t is )ell ( did not accompan! !ou, for ( #ot no sleep last ni#ht from pain in the muscles of the arm 'et)een the shoulder and the el'o). ( do not +no) )hat it can 'e, for it does not pain me even if ( stri+e it. ( fanc! it is the tooth of the serpent, )hich )ill not let me 'end the arm. ( often thin+ of Hans "einec+e, )ho, 'efore his death, complained of num'ness in the arm. Bevertheless, if )anted, ( shall appear amon# !ou, for other)ise ( feel prett! )ell, and m! <athie/s appetite is returnin#, and she is creepin# round the ta'les and chairs )ith her hands. .a! !ou prosper in the Lord9 pra! for me. .artin Luther.

TO ANTON LAUTERBACH, SUPERINTENDENT IN PIRNA

The #reat indifference to the #ood cause at >resden. .arch H, 15L0. -race and peace in %hrist5 ( see clearl!, m! Anton, the astoundin# indifference )hich prevails at the %ourt of >resden to the cause of -od and man. $ride and #reed seem to rei#n there. The old $rince can do little, and the !oun# ones are po)erless. .a! -od Himself #overn His churches till He finds #ood instruments to do it. There is nothin# ne) here, except the mad pamphlet of .e7entius a#ainst the allied $rinces. The Tur+ is ma+in#

#i#antic preparations, 'ut )e dine and amuse ourselves nevertheless. The Emperor, ,rancis, and ,erdinand are 'an*uetin# in ,landers. =ne must pra! that the da! of -od/s #lorious appearin# ma! soon da)n. 2ea, come Lord &esus5 Amen. .! <athie has recovered in the most marvelous manner from the 1a)s of death, and is no) learnin# to )al+. (t is manifestl! the )or+ of -od. 0he sends +ind #reetin#s to !ou and !our A#nes and Eli7a'eth. ,are)ell, and pra! for us, as )e do for !ou. .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
Luther excuses the Emperor/s indecision. April 8, 15L0. -race and peace5 2ou )rite, dear $hilip, that the Emperor has promised a private conference, and ( )onder much )hat it si#nifies. ( 'elieve he does not +no) himself )hat to underta+e. His heart must have man! secret recesses, 'ein# placed amon# so man! vipers, )hich ma+es it impossi'le for him to satisf! either part!. ( often thin+ )hat ( )ould do )ere ( in the hands of such people. =ne must pra! to -od for him. (t is trul! a marvelous miracle that -od has restrained the Emperor/s hand for so lon#, althou#h the 'ishops and cardinals have 'een em'itterin# and stirrin# him up a#ainst us, and for this )e ou#ht to than+ -od. But )hatever aspect matters ma! assume, )e can achieve all throu#h pra!er. This alone is the almi#ht! *ueen of human destin!. There)ith )e can accomplish ever!thin#, and thus maintain )hat alread! exists, amend )hat is defective, patientl! put up )ith the inevita'le, overcome )hat is evil, and preserve all that is #ood. But the $apists, those despica'le creatures, +no) not )hat pra!er can achieve. ,or the! cannot repent, havin# stained their hands )ith %hrist/s 'lood. ,or althou#h )e poor sinners are still livin# in the sinful flesh, still )e are pure from 'lood, and hate those 'lood! men and the #od of 'lood )ho has them in 'onda#e. ( have received !our letters, and hope !ou )ill receive some. -reet all our people, and sa! their households are )ell. 6e pra! for !ou, and 'elieve )e shall 'e heard. ( )ish !ou )ere home. 2our o'edient .artin Luther.

TO ONE UNKNO#N
(n 0ocial -erman! in Luther/s Time )e learn that the recipient of this letter )as Bicolas 0astro), )ho, 'ecause of the BruserA Levelin# la)suit, had for man! !ears a'sented himself from the communion ta'le.

April 1L, 15L0. 2our dear son, .a#ister &ohannes, after expressin# his sorro) at !our havin# +ept a)a! so lon# from the hol! communion, )hich a'sence is a 'ad example, re*uested me to rescue !ou from that dan#erous path. Bot one hour of our lives reall! 'elon#s to ourselves. His filial solicitude, therefore, induced me to send !ou these lines. Let me, therefore, exhort !ou in a %hristian, 'rotherl! fashion, as is m! dut!, to chan#e !our mind, and consider that -od/s 0on, )hose sufferin#s )ere so much #reater, for#ave His executioners. "emem'er that, at !our last hour, !ou )ill have to for#ive, even as a thief on the #allo)s for#ives. A)ait the decision of the court, 'efore )hich !our suit is pendin#, 'ut never for#et that nothin# should prevent !ou participatin# in the Hol! 0upper. 6ere it other)ise, ( m!self and our $rinces )ould re*uire to +eep a)a! from the Lord/s 0upper till our differences )ith the $apists )ere settled. Leave the la)!ers to arran#e matters, and meantime appease !our conscience thus, sa!in#F C(t is the 1ud#es/ place to decide )ho is ri#ht, so mean)hile ( for#ive those )ho have )ron#ed me, and shall parta+e of the Hol! %ommunion.D Thus !ou do not approach the ta'le un)orthil!, for, considerin# !ourself )ron#ed, !ou have appealed to the la), and are )illin# to a'ide '! its decision. Bothin# can 'e more simple. $ra! ta+e this admonition, prompted '! !our son, in a friendl! spirit. ( commit !ou to -od. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO GRAF ALBRECHT OR ALBERT VON MANSFELD

Luther intercedes for his 'rotherAinAla). .a! 2L, 15L0. -race and peace in %hrist, most #racious lord5 (t is lon# since ( as+ed for an!thin#, 'ut in case the hi#h)a! of intercession should 'ecome over#ro)n )ith #rass, ( no) approach !ou, hum'l! 'e##in# !our -race to listen to me, so that ( ma! not 'e suspected of havin# incurred !our displeasure, )hich ( do not thin+ ( have deserved. Latel! ( )as at %ourt, )here ( do not care to #o, and, amon# other thin#s, ( heard that !our -race )as treatin# the proprietors of the smeltin#Ahouses ver! harshl!, )ho do not deserve this at !our hands, and that, in conse*uence, the earldom mi#ht forfeit its prosperit!9 and much )as 'ein# said on the su'1ect )hich ( do not thin+ it ri#ht to conceal from !ou. ( then as+ed ho) it affected m! relations, and ( )as told that m! 'rotherAinAla), .ac+erode, feared he )ould 'e reduced to 'e##ar!. C-od cannot desire that,D ( said, Cfor the! have nothin# 'ut the furnace the! inherited, so ( shall )rite m! lord on the su'1ectD9 for, m! 'rotherAinAla) has not )ritten to me a'out it, onl! it occurred to me at %ourt that ( once called him in 1est a drossAdriver instead of a furnaceAmaster

30chlac+entrei'er for 0chlac+enherren 4, at )hich he lau#hed, and said the time mi#ht not 'e far distant )hen such )ould 'e the case, and )ent a)a!. Therefore ( plead, most #racious lord, that !ou )ill #rant m! petition, and prove a #racious lord to the #ood .ac+erode and his heirs, especiall! as !our -race must see that so #reat and rich a lord can #ain nothin# throu#h the povert! of #ood people, 'ut )ould most surel! dra) do)n -od/s )rath upon him, to )hom it is a ver! small matter to ma+e the rich poor and the poor rich. ( do not plead for 1ustice 3as ( neither +no) nor )ish to +no) the ri#hts of the case4, 'ut for !our favor, for !our -race also needs -od/s favor and protection. ,or if )e insist too much on our ri#hts re#ardin# our nei#h'ors, )ithout leavin# room for merc!, then -od )ill act in the same manner to)ards us, and merc! )ill 'e o'scured. ( hope m! lord )ill see from this letter that ( trul! love m! soverei#n $rince, and have his )elfare at heart, therefore disli+e hearin# an!thin# to his disadvanta#e, or 'e silent )hen ( fear -od ma! pour out His )rath upon him. ( 'e# for a #racious ans)er. ( commit !ou to -od. Amen. 2our -race/s most o'edient .artin Luther.

TO ANTON LAUTERBACH
Luther as+s help for a preacher )ith a 'ad )ife. &une 15, 15L0. -race and peace5 -eor#e 0chaumer, for )hom !ou have #ot a church, as+s a letter of introduction to !ou. But he has a ver! 'ad )ife. (f she remains here, and does not follo) her hus'and, as she threatens to do, )e shall #ive her a 'ath in the El'e, or di#nif! her )ith an admonition. 0hould she reall! follo), !ou )ill treat her as 'efits !our office, most decidedl!, thus comin# to the man/s help. And should she run a)a!, all the 'etter, for he )ill #et rid of the #odless )oman. 0ee to it that she does not in1ure the #ospel nor unfit her hus'and for the pulpit. Here nothin# is tal+ed of except the stran#e stor! of the Land#rave, )hich some excuse, others den!, )hile some #ive it a *uite different aspect. The sister of the Land#rave, the $rincess of "ochlit7, is much 'lamed9 'ut time )ill declare it. ,are)ell, and pra! for us, and let !our church plead the cause of the #ospel, no) 'ein# discussed at Ha#enau, and for .. $hilip, )ho has 'een sent into the midst of the enem!, that -od ma! #ive His an#els char#e over him, and +eep him in all his )a!s. Amen. He set off ver! sad and depressed. .a! the Lord comfort him. .! )ife sends #reetin#s. The Bi'le for .a#ister Latomus is )aitin#, 'ut ( have no one to ta+e it to him. ,are)ell. .artin Luther.

TO JOHN LANGE
Luther promises to 'rin# .elanchthon on a visit. .elanchthon nearl! died at 6eimar on the )a! to Ha#enau, and )as restored mainl! throu#h Luther/s presence and pra!ers. &ul! 2, 15L0. -race and peace5 Bo) then loo+ for us, dear Lan#e, either on 0unda! or .onda!. ,or it has 'een arran#ed that )e should sup at Erfurt, if -od )ill. $hilip comes )ith us. 6e travel strai#ht to Ha#enau to see perhaps for the last time that terri'le Behemoth )ith )hich ( have had to deal, more or less, for t)ent! !ears, and over )hich He that sitteth in the heavens shall lau#h, )hich the! cannot understand till the a)ful conclusion of the $salm is fulfilled in them. CThe! shall perish )hen His )rath is +indled 'ut a little,D 'ecause the! do not pa! homa#e to the 0on. Amen. 0o let it 'e5 The! deserved )hat the! have #ot. ,are)ell, and pra! for us. $hilip is rather lo) after his severe illness. He )as almost dead. Throu#h a miracle of -od he no) lives. ,are)ell. .artin Luther.

TO KATHERINE, LUTHER1S #IFE

6ritten on the )a! to Eisenach to meet the Elector and Land#rave $hilip to discuss the latter/s dou'le marria#e. &ul! 2, 15L0. -race and peace, m! dear <athie5 ( )ish !ou to +no) that ( am )ell. ( eat li+e a Bohemian and drin+ li+e a -erman, for )hich -od 'e than+ed. Amen. The reason for this is that $hilip )as veril! dead, and, li+e La7arus, has 'een raised from the dead. -od, the dear ,ather, hears our pra!ers. This )e can understand, althou#h often )e do not 'elieve it. ( have )ritten to >r. $ommer that the %ount of 0ch)ar7'ur# )ishes a pastor for -reussen, so !ou mi#ht, li+e a clever lad! and doctoress, confer )ith Herr -eor#e .a1or and .. Am'rosio, to see )hich of the three )hom ( mentioned to $ommer could 'e persuaded to #o. (t is not a 'ad livin#, 'ut do !ou 'e clever and ma+e it 'etter. ( have received the children/s letters )ith that of Baccalarien 3)ho is no child4, 'ut nothin# from !our -race, therefore ( trust !ou )ill ans)er the four letters all at once )ith !our #racious hand. ( here)ith send the silver apple to $aul, the #ift of !our hand, )hich, as ( said 'efore, !ou must divide amon# the children, and as+ ho) man! cherries and apples the! )ould ta+e for it, and pa! them in read! mone!, and +eep the stem. 0a! to our dear 'oarders, particularl! >r. 0chiefer, )ith m! love, that ( hope the! )ill loo+ after ever!thin# connected )ith churches, schools, and house, and )herever necessar!.

Also ( trust .. .a1or and .. Am'rosio )ill 'e a comfort to !ou in the house. And, -od )illin#, )e shall leave 6eimar on 0unda! for Eisenach, and 'rin# $hilip )ith us. ( commit !ou to -od. 0a! to 6olf that he must attend to the mul'erries, and not idle his time a)a!, and dra) the )ine a)a! at the proper time. Let all 'e 1o!ful and pra!. Amen. .artin Luther, th! )ellA'eloved. 6eimar.

TO KATHERINE, LUTHER1S #IFE

Luther in Eisenach. The Elector )ould not allo) him to #o to Ha#enau, 'ut sent %ruci#er and .!conius. %alvin )as also present. &ul! 1@, 15L0. -race and peace, dear <athie5 2our -race must +no) that, -od 'e praised, )e are here fresh and )ell, eat li+e the Bohemians, drin+ li+e the -ermans, 'ut in moderation, and are full of 1o!. ,or our #racious lord of .a#de'ur#, Bishop Amsdorf, is our nei#h'or at ta'le. =ur onl! ne)s is that %aspar 3%ruci#er4, .enius, and .!conius have left Ha#enau for 0trass'ur# to pass the time. .. $hilip is a#ain all ri#ht. -od 'e praised. 0a! to m! dear >r. 0chiefer that his <in# ,erdinand )ill have an outcr! raised a#ainst him, as he seems to )ish the Tur+ to stand sponsor to the Evan#elical $rinces. ( hope this ma! not 'e true. (t )ould 'e too #ross. 6rite and sa! if !ou #ot all ( sent !ou, such as the ninet! florins ( sent throu#h 6olf $aermann. ( commit !ou to -od. Let the children pra!. The heat and drou#ht here are almost un'eara'le, da! and ni#ht. The Bishop of .a#de'ur# sends !ou his compliments. Th! 'eloved .artin Luther.

TO KATHERINE, LUTHER1S #IFE

&ul! 2@, 15L0. To the )ealth! lad! of Iulsdorf, ,rau >octoress <atherine. Luther, )anderin# in spirit in Iulsdorf5 -od )illin#, )e shall start for 6itten'er# tomorro). The Ha#enau conference has turned out a farce, all the )orr!, trou'le, and expense 'ein# in vain9 still, if )e have done nothin# more, )e have dra)n Herr $hilip out of hell, and shall 'rin# him home )ith 1o!, as it )ere out of the #rave. Amen. The devil is ver! 'us!. .ore than a thousand acres of )ood 'elon#in# to m! #racious lord has 'een set on fire in the

Thurin#ian ,orest, and toda! )e hear that the )ood near 6erder has 'e#un to 'urn, and no )ater can extin#uish it. This )ill ma+e )ood ver! dear. $ra!, and as+ all to pra! a#ainst 0atan, )ho not onl! assails soul and 'od!, 'ut fiercel! assaults our possessions and our honor. %hrist )ill come from heaven and +indle a fire a#ainst 0atan and his emissaries. Amen. Bein# uncertain )here !ou are ( do not )rite of other thin#s. -reet our children, 'oarders, and all. Th! 'eloved .artin Luther.

TO CASPAR GUTEL
Epidemic in 6itten'er#. A#ricola invited to Berlin '! the Elector &oachim. He 'ecame %ourt preacher there. 0eptem'er H, 15L0. -race and peace, honored Herr >octor and $astor5 Althou#h ( am over)helmed )ith )or+, 'ein# a frail old man, still ( am doin# dut! for $astor &ohann $ommer, )ho is ill. Bearl! all are ill here, includin# >r. &onas and >r. %ruci#er. (n m! house alone ten are l!in# dan#erousl! ill. This fever produces )onderful effects. Epileps! sei7es man!, 'ut carries fe) a)a!. .. -ric+el is doin# the praise)orth! )or+ of la) and ima#eA 'rea+er. He slipped a)a! secretl! to the .ar#rave, thus a'usin# the $rince/s confidence. The tree is +no)n '! its fruits. The faithless, a'andoned man )ill indul#e his )rath '! tellin# all manner of lies a#ainst me there. .a! !ou prosper in the Lord. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther/s )ife )ishes 0palatin/s mediation re#ardin# a present of )ood. Bovem'er 10, 15L0. -race and peace5 That )hich m! )ife tal+ed to !ou a'out )hen !ou )ere here latel!, she is most anxious should 'e #ranted. 0he 'e#s !ou to hand the addressed letter to !our $rince/s functionar!, and arran#e that she should receive #ood and useful )ood, particularl! stems of oa+, so that one ma! not 3as often happens4 have cause to re#ret receivin# the $rince/s present 'ecause of the officials/ ni##ardliness, sendin# useless )ood.

-od desires that all of us, especiall! the servants of the 6ord, ma! 'e maintained in a li'eral manner. 0o let the treasurer +no) that she )ould li+e the 'ranches, not the 'rush)ood, 'ut the thic+er stems )hich 'elon# to the officials, and these she )ould #ladl! purchase from the treasurer. 0he )ishes them for the fireplaces in her ne) propert! of Iulsdorf. But !ou +no) far more of these matters than (, therefore !ou )ill faithfull! dischar#e this commission. 6e shall pa! )hat is re*uisite, so that the ne) proprietress ma! have her +in#dom suita'l! e*uipped. ,are)ell. ( enclose the ne) pamphlet a#ainst the Bruns)ic+ people. There is nothin# ne) here, not even an! ne)s from 6orms. =nce more ma! !ou and !ours prosper5 .artin Luther.

TO ANTON LAUTERBACH
The conference of "oman %atholic and $rotestant dele#ates )hich discussed %hurch union at 6orms )as as 'arren of results as that of Ha#enau had 'een. %alvin )as present there also. Bovem'er 2 , 15L0. -race and peace5 .! )ife had left for her ne) possession 'efore !our letter came, so ( must than+ !ou, m! Anton, instead for the cheese. But ( am not #reatl! enamored of that +ind of cheese, 'ein# pleased )ith our o)n simple cheese, made of the commonest material, so !ou need not ta+e so much trou'le on our 'ehalf. (t is sufficient that )e en1o! !our #ood)ill, of )hich )e can ta+e advanta#e )hen necessar!, and do so perhaps too often. 6e have heard no more from 6orms, except that a #reat num'er of learned people from ,rance, 0pain, and -erman! have met, and $hilip )rites that for no other $apal council have such extensive preparations 'een made. 6hat ma! further ta+e place -od +no)s. (f the Emperor means honestl!, as )e presume he does, this #atherin#, )ithout 'ein# di#nified '! the name of %ouncil, ma! turn out to 'e a true provincial %ouncil, under the appellation of a special %onference, so that the $ope ma! not feel insulted at the name of %ouncil failin#. He has mean)hile appointed the Bishop of ?alitra 3Thomas %ampe#ius4 as his le#ate, )hom our people )ill neither ac+no)led#e as 1ud#e nor as president, even )ere the $ope himself present, for the! have 'een for'idden so to do. Let us pra!, pra!5 And let all pra!. ,or it appears as if a #reat crisis )ere imminent. .a! all #o )ell )ith !ou and !ours. 6ritten in #reat haste, and over)helmed )ith )or+. .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
Luther had little hope of a happ! termination to the 6orms %onference. He )as 'us! revisin# the Bi'le, 'ut )as often interrupted '! illness, from )hich he suffered durin# this )inter. >ecem'er , 15L0. -race and peace5 ( )as sorr!, m! $hilip, to hear !ou had not received m! letters. But !ou are not i#norant of the %ourt and its )a!s, nor !et of 0atan. ( full! 'elieved that !ou had alto#ether four letters )ritten )ith m! o)n hand since !ou )ent to 6orms, onl!, on account of m! indolence and m! advancin# !ears, the! )ere all addressed to !ou to save trou'le. 2our last letter came to hand !esterda!, )hich contained an account of -ranvelle/s speech, also of the articles !ou )ere as+ed to suppl!, )hich seem most %hristian, and not difficult to accede to9 and, last of all, our ans)er. ( had #reat deli#ht over the foll! of the devil, or rather in %hrist/s mi#ht! po)er, )hich forced these people to underta+e so foolish a cause. (f ( ever indul#ed an! hope as to the result of this conference, for )hich such vast preparations )ere made, such hopes have no) completel! vanished. 6hat should 'e doneE Ever!thin# that those )ho seem possessed of the devil do, assumin# to themselves a ma1est! ; na!, see+in# to surround themselves )ith an almost an#elic #litter ; )ill onl! precipitate their fall. But He )ill #ive !ou His 0pirit, as He has promised, for it is not !ou )ho spea+. 6e are pra!in# here, and hope the conference )ill melt into )ater for them. 6e have received the (mperial proclamation, and have ordered it to 'e printed, that the )orld ma! learn the Emperor/s )ill. At the first #lance ( reall! thou#ht it )as for#ed in order to complicate this discussion. But it is more in1urious to 0atan himself than to us. ,or he must feel that nothin# has 'een invented, 'ut that ever!thin# is true )hich has 'een said a#ainst him. %ome, Lord &esus5 Amen. ,or Thine enemies trem'le 'efore the 'reath of Th! nostrils. Hasten Th! #lorious appearin#. Amen. Here the! )ill not cease punishin# the incendiaries. And, '! the #race of -od, Hans von 6olfen'uttel is more and more hated. 2ou need have no anxiet! re#ardin# !our household, for all are )ell. 6e send !ou the printed confession of the En#lishman, "o'ert Barnes. .a! the Lord 'rin# !ou 'ac+ speedil! and in #ood health. ,or !ou )ill never achieve an!thin# there, no matter ho) stron# !ou ma! 'e in %hrist &esus. ,or out of that )ilderness and a'!ss !ou cannot ma+e fruitful soil. Let it remain a )ilderness. (n %hrist )e can accomplish all, and do even #reater thin#s than He does, 'ut in the devil )e can do nothin#. Therefore )e leave him alone. ( hope that !ou and %aspar have run !our e!e over the Be) Testament. 6e ventured to send &o', the $salms, the $rover's, the 0on# of 0olomon, Ecclesiastes, (saiah, and &eremiah to the printer )ithout !ou. 2ou )ill scarcel! find an! of E7e+iel, for, as !ou are a)are, ( turned ill over him 1ust as ( had 'e#un it, and perhaps this )ill happen a#ain if !ou do not speedil! return. ,are)ell, and #reet all our people. .! )ife <athie sends friendl! #reetin#s. 0he is 're)in# 6itten'er# 'eer )ith )hich to re#ale !ou on !our return.

The Lord 'e )ith !ou5 Amen. .artin Luther. The discussion at 6orms 'e#an on &anuar! 1L, 15L1. Ec+ and .elanchthon represented the t)o parties, 'ut the Emperor, )ho stood ur#entl! in need of help a#ainst the Tur+s, 'ro+e it up in four da!s. (t )as resumed, April 2 , at "e#ens'ur#. .elanchthon, %ruci#er, Bucer, and &. $istorius represented the $rotestants. The $ope dispatched %ardinal %ontarini as his le#ate ; a superior man9 'ut all efforts to come to an a#reement proved a'ortive, and the "e#ens'ur# (nterim )as re1ected. The "eformation )as no) ma+in# rapid pro#ress in Halle, )hich )as near Al'recht of .a!ence/s favorite residence .a#de'ur#. >r. &onas had 'een preachin# there, and had introduced the sacrament under 'oth forms amon# the lait!. (t )as here, too, that 6in+ler had preached, )hose 'lood, Luther often said, cried to heaven for ven#eance.

15.1
TO FRIEDRICH MYCONIUS
.!conius had 1ust returned from Leipsic. He had 'een over)or+ed, and )rote to Luther, his dearest friend on earth, in his )ea+ness. This is Luther/s ans)er. Lon# after, .!conius )rote that the effect of this letter )as ma#ical. .!conius survived Luther and )as a comfort to man!. &anuar! :, 15L1. To the honored ,riedrich, Bishop of the %hurch in -otha and of the Thurin#ian %hurches, m! 'eloved 'rother. -race and peace in %hrist5 ( have received !our letter, m! dear Herr ,riedrich, in )hich !ou sa! !ou are sic+ unto death, or, to express it in a more %hristian manner, sic+ unto life. Althou#h it is a #reat 1o! to me that !ou are a'le to loo+ for)ard so peacefull! and fearlessl! to death, )hich, accordin# to the 0criptures, is not a death, 'ut a s)eet sleep to the saints ; na!, that !ou have a #reat lon#in# to depart and 'e )ith %hrist, in )hich frame of mind )e 'elievers should al)a!s 'e not onl! upon a sic+A'ed, 'ut in perfect health, as 'eseemeth %hristians )ho have 'een made alive a#ain )ith %hrist, and placed )ith Him in heavenl! places, )ho )ill 'e the &ud#e of the an#els, till all that remains to 'e done is the dra)in# aside of the veil of separation and of the dar+ )orld. Althou#h it is a #reat 1o! to hear all this, still ( 'e# and plead )ith the Lord &esus, our Life, 0alvation, and Health, that He )ill not permit this misfortune to overta+e me, that ( should live to see !ou #et in advance of me '! the veil 'ein# pushed aside and !ou enterin# into rest, leavin# me 'ehind in an evil )orld, the pre! of )ild 'easts and devils, from )hom (

have suffered enou#h for over t)ent! !ears, to merit 'ein# released 'efore all of !ou, and allo)ed to fall asleep in the Lord. Therefore ( plead that the dear -od )ould smite me )ith illness instead of !ou, and command me to la! aside this )ear!, )ornAout frame, )hich can henceforth 'enefit no one. ( earnestl! admonish !ou to 1oin us in implorin# the dear -od, for the #ood of His %hurch and the discomfiture of 0atan, to maintain !ou in life. ,or %hrist, our Life, also sees )hat manner of persons and #ifts His %hurch no) and then re*uires. After )aitin# five )ee+s )e have received letters from 6orms, some of )hich -eor#e "orer )ill send !ou. -od 'e praised our part! is doin# ever!thin# in a )ise, strai#htfor)ard )a!, )hile our opponents are actin# foolishl! and childishl!, full of cunnin# and lies, from )hich )e ma! #ather that 0atan, seein# the approach of da)n, )ri##les into a thousand corners, see+in# refu#e in su'terfu#e and lies, 'ut all in vain, for #lor!, po)er, and victor! 'elon# to the Lam' )ho )as slain and rose a#ain. 6e hope our people ma! soon return from 6orms. .a! all #o )ell )ith !ou, m! dear ,riedrich, and ma! the Lord not permit me to hear that !ou are dead, 'ut allo) !ou to survive me. This shall 'e m! petition, this is m! desire, and m! )ill shall 'e done. Amen. ,or m! )ill see+s the honor of the >ivine name, and not m! o)n honor and pleasure. =nce more fare)ell in the Lord. 6e pra! earnestl! for !ou. .! <athie #reets !ou, she, li+e all of us, 'ein# much distressed at !our illness. .artin Luther.

TO PRINCE #OLFGANG OF ANHALT

Luther )ishes him 1o! on representin# the Elector at "e#ens'ur#. .arch 12, 15L1. To his 0erene Hi#hness $rince 6olf#an# of Anhalt. -race and peace in %hrist our Lord5 ( )as deli#hted to hear that !our -race re*uested our pra!ers on !our 1ourne!, and dou't not that He )ho put this desire in !our heart )ill #rant it. ,or <in# 0olomon/s pra!er )as )ell pleasin# to -od, in that he as+ed for )isdom, and not for riches and suchAli+e, and -od #ranted his desire, and #ave him all other thin#s in addition. 0o )e, too, shall hover in spirit in "e#ens'ur#, and %hrist, as is His )ont, shall rei#n amon# His enemies. ,or, un)orth! as )e ma! 'e of such a cause, it must 'e a #ood and ri#hteous one, for it is -od/s o)n cause, and not ours. (s He then li+el! to forsa+e itE ,or -od cannot 'e the losin# part!, so at len#th )e shall con*uer )ith Him. These )ords are ever trueF C6hosoever, therefore, shall confess .e 'efore men, him )ill ( confess also,D etc.9 so in this promise )e shall trust. ( than+ !our -race for the #o'let, and commit !ou to the dear -od, )hose le#ate !ou no) are. .a! He #ive !ou the heart to +no) this, and then !ou )ill 'e full of 1o!. ,or it has al)a!s 'een m! comfort that the cause ( conduct is not m! o)n, 'ut -od/s, )ho has an#els enou#h to uphold me9 or

if the! forsa+e me here, the! )ill loo+ far 'etter after me up there. Amen. 2our o'edient .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
$hilip .elanchthon met )ith an accident on his )a! to "e#ens'ur#, and )rote ver! de1ectedl! to Luther. April 12, 15L1. -race and peace5 .! dear $hilip ; 6e received !our letter, and althou#h ver! sorr! to hear of !our ri#ht arm 'ein# 'ro+en, )e shall not 'elieve it to 'e an evil omen either for !ou or me. =ur cause cannot 'e the sport of chance, 'ut is under the #uidance of -od, and not under our control. The 6ord flees and pra!er 'ecomes more earnest, )hile hope endures and faith at len#th con*uers, so that if )e )ere not flesh )e could sleep in peace, ponderin# .oses/ )ordsF CThe Lord shall fi#ht for !ou, and !e shall hold !our peace.D ,or althou#h )e mi#ht act )ith all vi#ilance, still all )ould 'e in vain if -od did not fi#ht for us. All is )ell in !our home, so do not )orr!, for -od is near. Let Henr! 3the Ei#hth4, the Bishops, na!, even the Tur+s and the devil incarnate, do )hat the! )ill, )e are the children of the <in#dom9 and althou#h scorned '! the said Henr!, )e loo+ for the appearin# of the slain 0avior, )hom )e hi#hl! honor. ,are)ell, and pra! for us, as )e do for !ou. .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
Luther )arns his friend a#ainst poison. April 21, 15L1. -race and peace5 Toda!, April 21, ( received !our letters, dearest $hilip ; fourteen in all ; )ith the 1o!ful tidin#s of the Emperor/s friendl! sentiments. .a! -od perfect )hat He has 'e#un. ( have al)a!s for#otten to remind !ou to 'e on !our #uard at 'an*uets. >readful stories are #oin# a'out re#ardin# poisoners. (t )as discovered that the medicine in Erfurt and also the seasonin#s )ere poisoned. (n Alten'ur# t)elve persons at one ta'le s)allo)ed poison contained in the different dishes, and died therefrom. The devil also sends his poisonAmixers to &ena and else)here. ( )onder that the #reat are not more on their #uard a#ainst 0atan.

Throu#h the #race of -od all #oes )ell here. >r. &onas preached in Halle durin# Easter, much to the anno!ance of the %astle, 'ut )ith the appro'ation of the $rince and the To)n %ouncil. ( am still 'us! )ith the 'oo+s of .oses, and at the same time a mart!r to a dischar#e in the ears, at the one moment contemplatin# life, and at the next death. The )ill of the Lord 'e done. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO CASPAR CRUCIGER, DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY

=n April 28 the soAcalled "e#ens'ur# (nterim )as at len#th placed 'efore the Evan#elicals, 'ut not accepted. The Elector ur#ed no halfAmeasures in reli#ious matters, and said even if >r. .artin )ould #ive in, C)hich, -od for'id, )e shall not.D .a! 1, 15L1. -race and peace5 ( see from the fifteen articles )hich !ou have 1ust sent me )hat 0atan is attemptin#. But he ma! turn and t)ist as he )ill, his slipper! nature has led him into captivit!. =nl! continue to act as %hrist/s am'assador. Toda! )e heard #ood ne)s of the Emperor, )hich, ( fanc!, reached me throu#h a letter from the $rince of Anhalt to our people. The Emperor summoned 'oth sets of theolo#ians into his cham'er, and exhorted them to put aside all thou#ht of their princes and all part! spirit, and, loo+in# to -od alone, see+ for the truth onl! and the )elfare of the %hurches and 0tate. .a! -od stren#then this sacred )or+. Amen. ( cannot )rite more. .! hearin# is #raduall! returnin#, 'ut the head is still useless and inflated )ith all sorts of storm! )inds, li+e the spirits incarcerated in Aeolus/s hell. %hrist lives, even as )e live, amid death. .eantime ( can sleep as usual and ta+e nourishment. $erhaps 0atan is in his 'ath for a time. >r. &onas has 'een preachin# %hrist in Halle for over three )ee+s )ith #reat 'lessin#, and )ith the appro'ation of the people and the .a!or, althou#h to the dissatisfaction of some. The .a!or continues steadfast in spite of the fur! of the mon+s and priests. 6hat ( )rite to !ou is meant for $hilip also. All are )ell at home. .a! !ou prosper in the Lord. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS

"espectin# affairs in Halle, and the revision of the Be) Testament. .a! 22, 15L1. -race and peace5 ( al)a!s expect consideration from !ou, )hether ( am lon# in ans)erin# !our letters or not. .! health is not such that ( can read or )rite for an hour )ithout in1ur!. ( have often tried to, 'ein# so anxious to )rite. 6hatever m! malad! ma! have 'een, it )as most severe. .! hearin# has not entirel! returned, 'ut -od )ill do as seemeth #ood to Him, and ( feel rather 'etter. "e#ardin# the Bur#raviate, !ou sa! !ou had letters from %ourt. But the $rince is too prudent to interfere in Halle, as it is 'e!ond his 1urisdiction, except in the matter of the Bur#raviate9 and )ho )ould advise him to do so, especiall! as )e teach that each must attend to the thin#s devolvin# on himE And it is no small victor! that the #ates of hell, '! the mere virtue of the aforesaid title and the shado) thereof, should 'e compelled to endure !our presence, &onas, the enem! of 0atan and the %ardinal, in their midst. Let us than+ -od for this5 0a! to those timid ones to 'e at ease as to the alienation of their title. -od, )ho calls into 'ein# )hat does not exist, )ill ma+e this insi#nificant title #reat, for He ma+es all out of nothin#. ( shall 'e deli#hted to do )hat !ou as+, as ( consider it m! dut! to pra! for the %hurch at Halle, and even for Balthaser himself. 6e all )ish that the Lord )ould ma+e him alive. (n future do not expect such lon# letters from me, for tomorro) ( 'e#in to revise the Be) Testament. The pu'lishers, our lords, insist upon this, for ( 'ear a'out )ith me in m! sic+ness the mar+s of the )ounds of those #entlemen, the pu'lishers. The Lord 'e )ith !ou, m! 'eloved. -reet our friends in %hrist. .artin Luther.

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON
=n &une : $rince &ohn of Anhalt, Alesius, etc., appeared 'efore Luther '! command of the Elector of Branden'ur#, at the insti#ation of the Emperor, to induce him to permit the disputed articles to remain and an a#reement to 'e made, 'ut Luther )as as steadfast as .elanchthon. &une 25, 15L1. -race and peace5 ( shall anticipate !our letter, )hich ( dail!, na! hourl!, expect to receive, and rehearse )hat happened in "e#ens'ur#, vi7. that !ou )ere summoned 'efore the Emperor, )ho proposed that !ou should do !our utmost at the conference for the restoration of unit!. (n a Latin haran#ue !ou declared !ou )ould do !our 'est, 'ut felt !ourself po)erless for so difficult a tas+.

But Ec+, as is his ha'it, cried out, C.ost -racious Emperor, ( shall maintain that our part! is ri#ht, and that the $ope is the head of the %hurch5D This is all that happened. ,rom %ruci#er/s last letter to .a#ister -eor#e ( sa) that !ou and he are to meet the da! after tomorro). ( re1oice that .a!ence shall 'e extin#uished. There is a #reat outcr! here over the rumor that 5,000 Tur+s have 'een +illed at =fen. ( have no more ne)s. ( a#ain 'e#in to hear '! de#rees, althou#h m! dead ear still sometimes refuses to perform its functions, and the dischar#e in m! head and the phle#m cause me much uneasiness, 'ut ( al)a!s )as, and shall ever remain, a rheumatic man, a mart!r to all sorts of catarrh. .! <athie #reets !ou respectfull!. Love to all our friends. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK

A'out the -ree+ chair and assistance for .elanchthon. Au#ust H, 15L1. -race and peace in %hrist, 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, most #racious Lord5 (t is not eas! to fill the vacant chair, and the #entlemen of the Gniversit! sa! the! )ould rather #ive it to .. ?eit, not 'ecause .. 0achse is not )orth! of it, 'ut 'ecause .. ?eit is older, and has done more for education here than an!one except .. $hilip. Bo) all this is true, and .. Holstein 30achse4 did not as+ for the chair, not )ishin# to push himself for)ard 'efore .. ?eit, and he )ould have 'een satisfied )ith .. ,ach/s post, )hich ( as+ed for him at first. (t is an unfortunate 'usiness, as !our -race )ill soon see. But !ou tell me that $hilip )ill not #ive up the -ree+ class, for he is ea#er to serve the Gniversit!, so that the salar! for the -ree+ chair )ill revert to the Gniversit!, and thus save the salar!, !our -race havin# #iven him a hundred florins additional on the ne) foundation. .. $hilip is so 1ust and modest that he )ill not accept this addition unless he teach -ree+, so that !our -race and the Gniversit! ma! not 'e 'urdened )ith this mone! on his 'ehalf. 0o it no) depends on !our Electoral -race distinctl! sa!in# if .. $hilip ma!, )ith a #ood conscience, appropriate the hundred florins althou#h he should cease to teach -ree+, 'ut should continue to lecture upon the -ree+ authors. (t appears to me he has done enou#h hard )or+ those t)ent! !ears to entitle him to a little rest, seein# there are, -od 'e praised, !oun# ..A./s )ho can teach -ree+ and loo+ after the classes. ,or !our -race +no)s )ell )hat a ,amulus %ommunis he is in this Gniversit!, for all %hristendom is inde'ted to him9 and, than+ -od, he and his follo)ers are no) more feared '! the $apists than an! of the other scholars. 2our -race )ill +no) ho) to arran#e all this, for !our Electoral Hi#hness must 'e head rector, pastor, and director in these lands.

( here)ith commit !ou to -od. Amen. 2our o'edient .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK

B! the "e#ens'ur# (nterim the Emperor hoped to prevent the $rotestants attac+in# "omish doctrines, 'ut the $rotestants re1ected it, and eventuall! the $ope declared a#ainst tolerance. Au#ust L, 15L1. -race and peace, .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince5 ( perfectl! understand )hat !our Electoral -race has )ritten me concernin# the pamphlet )hich is at present in the press9 and it )as not m! intention that it should appear )ithout a preface and )ith no dela!. 6hether those )ho issued it meant )ell in their conceited i#norance in doin# so or not, the devil/s )ic+ed malice has foiled their efforts9 for, nothin# more in1urious has 'een underta+en a#ainst us since our #ospel 'e#an to spread, and it seems as if -od, '! a miraculous exercise of po)er, prevented the $apists acceptin# it at the >iet. The reason )e )ere so lon# in ta+in# up the matter )as that $hilip )as on his )a! home, so no), '! his and >r. %aspar/s advice, )e have decided to print it9 and the printers, in the hope of a preface from me, have ta+en it in hand, and althou#h, to 'e#in )ith, ( decided to add no notes, no), if -od spare me, ( shall interlard it )ith as man! annotations as ( can, for the devil has deserved it. ( here)ith commit !ou to the dear -od. Amen. 2our Electoral -race/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTORAL PRINCES, FREDERICK AND JOHN #ILLIAM

Luther re1oices over the $rinces/ pro#ress in learnin#, etc. 0eptem'er @, 15L1. -race and peace, .ost -racious 0erene $rinces5 ( )as deli#hted to receive !our Hi#hnesses/ letters, from )hich ( sa) )hat a #ood and solid foundation !ou are la!in# 'oth in the sciences and reli#ion9 and ( than+ -od, throu#h %hrist His 0on, )ho has 'e#un such a #lorious )or+ in such exalted persona#es, and 'eseech Him to perfect the )or+ He has 'e#un.

And )e must all as+ this )ith our )hole hearts, for )e +no) that !our Electoral Hi#hnesses are 'ein# trained to conduct the hi#hest and most )ei#ht! matters in the 0tate as )ell as in the %hurch. ,or the Evil =ne is ever #oin# a'out )ith his )il! artifices tr!in# to la! countless traps for !ou, especiall! in !our o)n home, throu#h false friends and courtiers, even as )e read happened to <in# >avid and ever! #ood prince. Hence the poet/s fa'le of Atlas supportin# the heavens, and 0t. %hristopher carr!in# the )hole hemisphere on his shoulders, )hile he onl! 'ore the child &esus. 2our Hi#hnesses/ father has dou'tless often experienced this. And even althou#h a #ood prince possesses #enius, po)er, ener#!, piet!, and spiritual )isdom, still he constantl! stands in need of the perseverin# hum'le pra!ers of those a'out him, that -od, despite the po)er of 0atan, ma! #ive him the victor!. ( commend !our Hi#hnesses to the protection of this #ood -od forever and ever. <eep me al)a!s in !our #racious remem'rance. .! son shall )rite a#ain, as he has no time at present. ( did not )ish to send the messen#er 'ac+ empt! handed. .artin Luther.

TO KATHERINE, LUTHER1S #IFE

Luther desires his )ife to return from Iulsdorf. 0eptem'er 18, 15L1. -race and peace, dear <athie5 ( am sendin# Gr'an to !ou, to prevent !ou 'ein# alarmed throu#h a rumor of the Tur+s comin# in !our direction. ( marvel much that !ou never )rite or send an! orders, for !ou are a)are that )e are not )ithout anxiet! on !our account, 'ecause .ain7 and man! of the no'ilit! in .eissen are our s)orn enemies. 0o sell, and arran#e ever!thin# !ou can and come home, for it seems to me as if -od )ere a'out to visit us )ith the rod of His )rath. ( here)ith commit !ou to -od. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO ANTON LAUTERBACH
Luther )ishes him to execute a commission for him, etc. 0eptem'er 25, 15L1. -race and peace5 Ho) often !ou have as+ed me for the measurements, m! dear, and ho) often ( have 'een almost sendin# the si7e of the 'athE But )e )ere al)a!s )aitin# for someone to ur#e us on, and no one did so, therefore

it has remained undone. But ( no) enclose the plan, )hich !ou )ill carr! out to the 'est of !our a'ilit!, in accordance )ith !our voluntar! promise. ( do not )ish to 'urden !ou. ( )as deli#hted to hear that !our oppressors are 'ein# #raduall! hum'led9 so ( trustF thin#s )ill improve. 6e have #ood hopes of $istorius, the former %hancellor. ,or the! sa! he spo+e fran+l! out at "e#ens'ur#, and in the end admitted that one thin# pu77led him much, vi7. ho) %hrist could 'e Hi#h $riest to all eternit! )hen He )as succeeded '! $eter, )ho )as follo)ed '! the $ope, and then succeeded '! a fresh pontiff. (f these thin#s once 'e#in to da)n upon him, then the li#ht of da! )ill speedil! 'urst upon him. ( hear !ou have 'ad ne)s of the Tur+s, and !ou sa! the truth that our insuffera'le Tur+s, and the usurers, and the mi#ht! of the earth, are also in a dilemma. ( have no other ne)s. $ra! for us, as )e do for !ou. -reet !our A#nes and Lischen. .! <athie also #reets !ou. ( commit !ou to -od. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
Theolo#ical doctor and first faithful missionar! at Halle. Bovem'er 10, 15L1. -race and peace5 ( have received the t)o fat ; na!, ri#ht fat, .artinmas #eese ; na!, the ver! fattest ( ever received. Accept m! than+s for them. Hei#ho5 ho) is it that !ou have such superfluit!E Have !ou perhaps in Halle an Ethiopian 'an*uet or Halio/s ta'leE But more of this a#ain. 2ou as+ for ne)s of the Tur+s. ( have none. (t is currentl! reported that the Emperor %harles has ta+en '! storm a haven called 0pecus from Bar'arossa, and there is another rumor 3)hich ( fear is the true one4 that Andreas >oria has lost all the (mperial troops fi#htin# a#ainst the said Bar'arossa. -od have merc! on us5 ( am afraid that all our efforts a#ainst the Tur+s )ill 'e fruitless so lon# as )e har'or these t!rants, these ra#in# Tur+s ; #reed, usur!, and the excesses of the no'les ; )ith t!rann! and #odlessness, even #oin# the len#th of indul#in# in dia'olic contempt of the >ivine 6ord, and castin# into ridicule the 'loodshed for us in our in#ratitude. 6hat )ill it avail us, althou#h )e succeed in 'anishin# those Tur+s after the flesh, so lon# as )e permit these spiritual Tur+s to occup! a place at our firesides, )hose mad fur! has made -erman! a more arid )aste in -od/s e!es than an!thin# the Tur+s could have accomplished, even as -od repented havin# made man on the earth, at the ver! moment the human race seemed fairest 3-enesis @.4, 'ecause of the )ic+edness of the children of men, the ima#ination of )hose hearts )as onl! evil continuall!E (t is even the same toda!. The earth is destro!ed throu#h incura'le vice, and )ill perish in the last fier! 1ud#ment. 6olff Hein7e, as ( )rote, has not sent an! messa#e a'out his present of a Bi'le, )hich lies '! me. "emind him. ,are)ell. 0t. .artin/s Eve.

.artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK

Luther 'e#s for a post for his )ife/s 'rother. Bovem'er 1 , 15L1. -race and peace, and m! poor paternoster, .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, #racious Lord5 Latel! ( #ave m! dear 'rotherAinAla) a letter to !ou, )hich he lost, so ( must )rite a#ain, and if the other 'e found, and if in ever! )ord it does not a#ree )ith this, !ou )ill #raciousl! point out the difference, for ( +eep no copies of m! letters. The matter is this. ( hum'l! 'e# !our -race to provide him )ith a post, ho)ever small. He is faithful and pious, that ( +no), also active and industrious9 'ut he has not enou#h to +eep himself and child in a proper manner. He )as superintendent of a convent in Leipsic, and althou#h the! tried to in1ure him, his accounts )ere found correct, and his enemies/ mouths )ere shut. ( made them admit this. The! )ished to add )hat 'elon#ed to the nuns, as the! used to do. $erhaps he suffered on m! account, as >r. $istorius )as a#ain in po)er, and mi#ht remem'er the 'oo+ of stolen letters. But !our Electoral -race )ill deal +indl! )ith Hans, and #ive him a comfortin# ans)er. 2our -race/s o'edient .artin Luther. The Bishop of Baum'ur# died in 15L1, and the to)n 'ein# Evan#elical, the Elector appointed Bicolas Amsdorf, re1ectin# the %athedral cler#!/s choice, &ulius $flu#, in spite of Luther/s remonstrances and the opposition of %harles ?. =n &anuar! 18 the Elector, )ith Amsdorf, Luther, and .elanchthon, his 'rother &ohn Ernest, Her7o# Ernest of Bruns)ic+, and a statel! retinue, entered Baum'ur#, and on the 20th the ne) 'ishop )as consecrated. The "eformation in Halle no) made rapid pro#ress under >r. &onas. 6ar 'ro+e out in -erman!. ,erdinand as+ed help a#ainst the Tur+s, 'ut the 0chmal+aldischen $rinces refused, unless an a'idin# peace )ere secured. Luther/s dau#hter .a#dalena died this !ear, to Luther/s deep #rief.

15.%
TO NICOLAS AMSDORF

.edler, 0uperintendent in Baum'ur#, )as created >octor of Theolo#! in 6itten'er#, )here he acted as chaplain to the fu#itive consort of the Elector of Branden'ur#. &anuar! @, 15L2. To the honored Herr Bishop Bicolas Amsdorf at Baum'ur#. -race and peace5 ( am ver! an#r! at .edler/s hi#hAhanded conduct, m! excellent Bishop. 6ere ( in !our position ( should act in the opposite manner and enforce silence and conciliation to)ards him till the approachin# church visitation, )hen it )ill 'e decided )ho is patron. .eantime it )ould 'e imprudent forci'l! to deprive the possessor of his ri#hts, and even more, to coerce him into resi#nin# them. This is ho) )e acted in our church visitation. Those )ho )ould not 'e persuaded to resi#n the old privile#es )e permitted to a'ide '! their decision. 0o the &un+ers continued to #ive a)a! the livin#s as 'efore, )ithout consultin# the $rinces of the %hurch. (f .edler has placed that potter under the 'an, then, as their upper shepherd, exhort them to ac*uiesce, and admonish .edler to conciliator! measures. .edler must not 'e permitted to treat !ou as a mere shado), seein# !ou are responsi'le for the Baum'ur# communit!, )hich has 'een entrusted to !ou. 0hould it 'e necessar!, ( )ould )rite him sharpl! for needlessl! 'rea+in# the peace. .eantime 'e steadfast and lon#Asufferin#. Althou#h he )ill never 'e a'le to achieve an!thin# contrar! to -od/s )ill, !et !ou have mana#ed to extract this devil/s cla), )hich )ill 'rin# forth fruit. .a! !ou prosper in the Lord. ( have a dreadful headache, therefore )rite !ou toda!. .artin Luther.

TO THE THREE PRINCES OF ANHALT, BEGGING FOR GAME

&anuar! 11, 15L2. -race and peace in %hrist, .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rinces, #racious Lords5 Althou#h most un)illin# to 'e 'urdensome to !ou, still ( must 'e# that !our 0erene Hi#hnesses )ould, if at all possi'le, send some #ame, for ( have to help a !oun# relative )ho lives )ith us into the hol! and divinel! appointed state of matrimon!. ,or there is little of that sort of thin# to 'e had here, for the officials, and courtiers especiall!, have eaten up ever!thin#, so that neither fo)ls nor an! other sort of #ame are to 'e had, and ( have to satisf! m! hun#er )ith sausa#e and liver, etc. ( have never than+ed !our Hi#hnesses for the por+, 'ut no) do so, althou#h ( expressed m! )arm than+s '! )ord of mouth for the #ift. ,or ( have constantl! experienced !our -races/ manifold +indnesses to)ards m!

un)orth! self9 and, had the said pi# arrived after the en#a#ement, it )ould have 'een set aside for the marria#e, and !ou )ould not have 'een trou'led no). But !ou )ill #raciousl! ta+e m! 'e##in# in #ood part. The )eddin# da! is the .onda! after 0t. $aul/s %onversion, or &anuar! H0. ( here)ith commit !ou to the dear -od. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
Luther 'lames the letterAcarriers for carelessness. ,e'ruar! @, 15L2. -race and peace5 ( repeat )hat ( said to our excellent Herr <ilian, that !ou need expect no more letters from me unless !ou arran#e that !our messen#ers ta+e the trou'le to )ait for an ans)er to !ours. ,or the! deliver them in such a manner, or rather toss them to the first one )ho comes in their )a!, as if the! )ere pressed )ith 'usiness, or had to stran#le the Tur+s in the interim. (f !ou do not see to this, then depend upon it, it is impossi'le for me to ans)er. 2ou +no) that ( am too poor to send a special messen#er to !ou, and too 'us! to 'e al)a!s as+in# )ho is #oin# to Halle. 0o much for !our last four, if not more letters. Herr <ilian )as a most )elcome #uest, and )ould have 'een more so had he remained as an inmate of m! house9 'ut he )as in such haste that ( pled in vain. But the union of hearts is the most deli#htful of 'an*uets, no matter ho) far apart people ma! 'e in the 'od!. The communion of saints is the %hurch. ,are)ell, and pra! for me. The Lord 'e )ith !ou. Amen. 6e all send )arm #reetin#s to !our dear )ife, )ho has enriched !our house )ith so man! olive 'ranches. ( )ould li+e to hear if %arlstadt died repentant. His poor )ife is to 'e here at Easter, and then )e shall hear all. =nce more ( commend !ou to -od. Amen. $.0. ; The pla#ue has deprived Bucer of his )ife and son, and also of his dau#hters. 2ou are a)are that man! learned men are a'sent. The friend from Basel )ho told me of %arlstadt/s death told me a )onderful stor! a'out himF that people )ere spittin# on his #rave and at his house, 'ut it is not ri#ht to spea+ evil of the dead. 6e hear '! )a! of Hun#ar! that the 0ultan/s eldest son has 'ro+en a)a! from his father and is stirrin# up )ar in 0!ria, 'ecause the father )ishes to #ive the +in#dom to the !oun#er 'rother. Ec+ has )ritten a foolish pamphlet a#ainst the "e#ens'ur# proceedin#s, pourin# out the vials of his )rath a#ainst Bucer, althou#h he vilifies others as )ell. .artin Luther.

TO ANTON LAUTERBACH
Letter of consolation. .arch 10, 15L2. -race and peace5 6ait upon the Lord and act li+e a man, m! dear Anton. 6ere there no such thin# as temptation to tr! %hristian faith, )hat )ould 'ecome of so man! overAconfident, la7!, and selfAindul#ent %hristiansE .ost certainl! 1ust )hat has 'efallen the $apac!. Bo), as temptation serves as m!rrh, aloes, rhu'ar', and a counterAirritant to the fleshl! sins of the %hristian/s 'od! of death, therefore it ou#ht not to 'e li#htl! esteemed, and )e must 'e on our #uard a#ainst )illfull! choosin# our afflictions, 'ut must accept those )hich -od sees fit to visit us )ith, and )hich )ill 'e most salutar! for us, no matter ho) heav! the! ma! 'e. Therefore 'e steadfast, and consider that )hen )e have to endure temptation, as is onl! ri#ht, )e ou#ht #ladl! to endure those that are meted out to us rather than ris+ 'ein# visited )ith severer trials, such as fire and s)ord, )hich the $apists )ould #ladl! inflict upon us. And do not )orr! a'out !our mother 'ecause she prefers livin# in 0tolpe, under $apal rule, rather than at $irna. $ra! al)a!s for her, and !ou have done enou#h. The Bishop of %olo#ne is 'e#innin# to reform a'uses in his diocese. 6e have heard nothin# ne) of the Tur+, nor of our preparations. The Emperor has issued an Edict in the Betherlands for'iddin# the persecution of the Lutherans. After a t)o !ears/ pause the Bi'le #raduall! slipped into ,rance amon# other 'oo+s. 6hen $arliament, the mon+s, and sophists heard this, the! )ere so furious that the! 'urned fift! of them9 'ut the populace )ere so enra#ed, that the <in#, fearin# an insurrection, #ave )a!. (n much haste, and pra! ( ma! have a happ! release. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK

Luther than+s the $rince for a le#al decision in his favor. .arch 2@, 15L2. -race and peace in %hrist, and m! poor paternoster, most #racious lord5 ( must dischar#e m! de't to !ou, for it is lon# since ( )rote !ou, and than+ !ou for the verdict in connection )ith m! <athie. 6e are much pleased )ith it, for !our #oodness )ill do much to promote peace and harmon!. Bext, ( must than+ !ou for the )ine, althou#h it is *uite a superfluous #ift. (n the third place, )e have let the rector and the universit! +no) that !our -race does not )ish me to 'e taxed upon m! house and #oods, 'ut that its valuation should 'e ta+en, for )hich ( render m! hum'le than+s. But ( deem it ri#ht to let !ou +no) m! thou#hts on the su'1ect, and plead for them !our #racious consideration.

( )ould #ladl! estimate, if ( could, the value of the #reat cloister house, 'ut ( fear that after m! death m! <athie or the children mi#ht dispute the assessment, seein# ( have al)a!s had difficult! in +eepin# it in repair )ith #lass, iron, etc. Hearin# that the house mi#ht throu#h time 'e used for militar! purposes, ( purchased Hans Brun/s house for m! <athie and the children for L00 florins and 20 for repairs, 'ut have onl! paid 120 )hich ( o)e, therefore ( can hardl! estimate it, seein# it is 'onded up to its value. But ( hum'l! 'e# !our -race to let me value the rest, vi7. the #arden for 500 florins, the court )ith the #arden :0, and a small #arden 20 florins. ( )ould #ladl! 'e an example to others and pa! m! mite to)ards the Tur+ish )ar expenses, for man! #ive #rud#in#l!. ( do not )ish them to 'e envious of >r. .artinus, 'ecause he does not need to #ive. And )ho +no)s if -od )ould not 'e as pleased )ith our offerin# as He )as )ith that of the poor )ido)9 and ( )ish to 'e amon# those )ho )ould in1ure the Tur+. ,or )ere ( not too old and frail ( should li+e to 'e amon# the )arriors. Bevertheless, our pra!ers have lon# 'een )ith those on the field, for ( fear our -ermans have 'een too foolhard!, havin#, to 'e#in )ith, underrated the enem!, )ho is '! no means to 'e despised, havin# all the devils in hell on his side9 and if -od )ith His an#els does not 'ecome reconciled to us, ( place little dependence upon our mi#ht or our preparations. ( here)ith commit !ou to the dear -od. Amen. And ( hope !our Electoral -race )ill not 'e offended 'ecause ( dela!ed in ans)erin#, for at present ( am 'us! tr!in# to put .ahommed into -erman, )hich prevented me thin+in# of an!thin# else. 2our Electoral -race/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther still anxious to receive the $rince/s present. &ul! 1H, 15L2. Althou#h ( do not trou'le m!self much a'out food, )hich concerns onl! m!self, !et as a married man and a de'tor to m! household, )ho, if he provide not for those of his o)n household, is )orse than an infidel, as 0t. $aul declares, ( pra! to !ou to see that ( am not a#ain cheated out of the $rince/s #ift, )hich ( value hi#hl!. 2ou +no) those 'irds of pre! )ho see to themselves, and let nei#h'orl! love #o to the )all. ( fear fe) of those stems are to 'e had in this *uarter, hence their ea#erness. ( )ish to retain those purchased '! m! orders, )hether firs or oa+s, instead of those )hich have 'een sold, if the! can 'e +ept unin1ured till ( re*uire them. ,are)ell in the Lord. (n haste. Loaded )ith 'usiness. .artin Luther.

TO #EN"EL LINK AT NURNBERG

A'out Bi'les 'ein# dela!ed, etc. &ul! 25, 15L2. Health and 'lessin# in the Lord5 2ou are anno!ed, dear >octor, a'out the Bi'les 'ein# so lon# of reachin# !ou, 'ut ( told !ou ho) over)helmed our 'oo+'inders are )ith )or+. Thus it is that man! cannot receive their copies in less than six months. ( #ave three to 'ind, and it )as )ith the utmost difficult! ( #ot one of them out of their hands a month a#o9 the others ( do not expect to see 'efore .ichaelmas. -reat people all send theirs here to 'e 'ound, and naturall! the! precede us. =ne must not 'e offended )ith these people, 'ut consider the advanta#es the! reap from the press of 'usiness. Ho)ever, !ou shall soon receive !our t)o copies. %oncernin# !our -enesis ( can promise nothin#, for the pu'lishers o'1ect to lar#e )or+s, 'ecause the! +no) from experience that if the! do not sell it is a #reat loss to them. (f a preface from me can 'e of an! service to !ou, )h! plead for it, as !ou +no) ( am al)a!s read!. 2ou )ould have 'een )iser to #ive !our )or+ to 0ocerius or someone in %entral -erman!, as ( )rote !ou, for these do nothin# at all, so ( am indi#nant seein# #ood paper, 'eautiful letterin#, and hard )or+ 'esto)ed on such contaminatin# )ritin#s. Bucer and suchAli+e, )ho ou#ht not to )rite, do so constantl!. 2ou understand. ( commend !ou to -od. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
Luther advises that 0t. .orit7 in Halle, )hich the Elector Al'recht had shut up, should 'e opened for Evan#elical service. Au#ust 18, 15L2. -race and peace5 .! dear Herr &onas, )h! hesitate as to openin# the third churchE The time has come to )hich )e loo+ed for)ard )hen !our 'ur#hermaster and s!ndic, >r. <ilian, )ere here. The 0on of -od, )ho has hitherto 'een trampled under foot, has at len#th 'een #lorified amon# His enemies, havin# )on such a victor! as neither )e nor His enemies could have 'elieved possi'le. %hrist has 'een openl! manifested9 and althou#h ( have no desire that the .a!ence monster should fall a victim to -od/s )rath and eternal perdition, still ( re1oice that the old +nave has lived to see the confusion and irrevoca'le failure of his dia'olic pro1ects. $raise 'e to -od, )ho is 1ud#e upon the earth, and destro!s the )or+ of the #odless, so that 'lood! and deceitful men shall not live out half their da!s. Let him no) )eep as he deserves, and a)ait his punishment for havin# re1oiced in )ic+edness and all that is a#ainst -od, as )ell as in all that is -odli+e. >o 1oin )ith us in than+in# Him )ith loud voice, for He has sho)ed us

)ondrous thin#s to His o)n #lor!, and has not despised the si#hs of the destitute, 'ut has heard their cries. Thus, Lord, shall thine enemies perish. Amen. .artinus Luther. &ohannes $ommeranus. %aspar %ruci#er. $hilippus .elanchthon.

TO MARCUS CRODEL, SCHOOLMASTER IN TORGAU

Luther )ishes his son educated at a pu'lic school. Au#ust 2@, 15L2. -race and peace5 ( send !ou m! son Hans, as )e arran#ed, m! dear .arcus, so that he ma! 'e instructed in #rammar and music alon# )ith the other 'o!s, and at the same time ( hope !ou )ill attend to his manners and morals. ( am committin# a #reat trust to !ou in the Lord. ( shall never #rud#e the outla!, and !ou )ill report his pro#ress and let me +no) )hat should 'e done )ith him. ( send ,lorian, one of his schoolmates, )ith him, for it is important that 'o!s should have others to vie )ith. But !ou must 'e more strict )ith the latter, and if !ou can, 'oard him )ith a 'ur#her9 if not, send him 'ac+. -od 'less !our efforts. (f the! succeed, then ( shall, if spared, send the other t)o 'o!s9 for in future )e shall not easil! find such un)earied instructors, especiall! in the lan#ua#es, and such strict disciplinarians as !ou. Therefore, one must sei7e the opportunit!, for time flies, and competent teachers disappear even more *uic+l!. ,or more advanced studies the! )ould 'e 'etter here. ,are)ell in the Lord, and sa! to Hans 6alter that ( pra! for his )elfare, and commit m! little son to his care in music. ( can train theolo#ians, 'ut )ish m! children to have #rammar and music. 0o once more fare)ell, and #reet -a'riel and his famil!. And for the third time ( )ish !ou continued prosperit!. .artin Luther.

TO MARCUS CRODEL
Luther sends for his son to see his d!in# sister. 0eptem'er @, 15L2. -race and peace, m! dear .arcus5 ( 'e# of !ou to conceal from m! son &ohn )hat ( no) )rite. .! dau#hter .a#dalene is nearin# her end, and )ill

soon depart to her true ,ather in heaven unless -od see fit to spare her. 0he lon#s so to see her 'rother that ( send a carria#e to fetch him. The! loved one another tenderl!, so perhaps a si#ht of him )ill revive her. ( do m! 'est, so that m! fatherl! heart ma! not after)ards 'e torn '! remorse. >esire him therefore, )ithout tellin# him )h!, to return at once. ( shall send him 'ac+ as soon as she has either fallen asleep in the Lord or 'een restored to health. ,are)ell in the Lord. 0a! to him )e must have somethin# private to communicate. All here are other)ise )ell. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
Luther tries to convince &onas of the Elector Al'recht/s insincerit!. 0eptem'er 2H, 15L2. -race and peace in the Lord5 ( a'ide '! m! opinion, m! &onas, that the .a!ence 0atan )ill never alienate the Bur#raviate of Halle, especiall! at such a price, and )ith the stipulation that the #ospel should have free course there. 6hatever this son of perdition sa!s and does is pure deceit and lies. 2ou remem'er that ( often said that the sun had never loo+ed do)n upon an!thin# so craft! upon -od/s earth as this man. He turns our $rince into ridicule, even as he ma+es fun of ever!one. Therefore, ( consider that !ou Halle people are 'ein# needlessl! alarmed throu#h false rumors9 and this monster deli#hts in 'eholdin# the miser! of the )retched, )hether the torment 'e real or fanciful. At !our re*uest ( have earnestl! admonished !our son to o'e! his father, and such a father, remindin# him ho) #rateful he should feel to -od for lettin# him en1o! such a 'lessin# till he is nearin# the !ears of maturit!, one )ho can counsel and help him in the slipper! paths of !outh, in a )orld so full of the machinations of the devil. He promised to follo) !our advice and that of his teachers. ( fanc! that !ou have heard that m! 'eloved .a#dalene has 'een re'orn into %hrist/s everlastin# <in#dom. Althou#h m! )ife and ( ou#ht to re1oice on account of her happ! end, still the tenderness of the father/s heart is so #reat that )e cannot thin+ of it )ithout so's and si#hs, )hich tear asunder the heart. ,or the ima#e of this most o'edient and tenderl! lovin# dau#hter ever hovers 'efore our e!es, )ith ever!thin# she said and did in life as )ell as in death, that even the death of %hrist 3and )hat are all deaths compared to thatE4 is almost po)erless to o'literate the memor!. Therefore than+ -od for us. ,or has He not honored us #reatl! in #lorif!in# our childE 2ou +no) ho) affectionate and sensi'le she )as, na!, ho) charmin#. %hrist 'e praised for choosin# her, and callin# her a)a!, and #lorif!in# her. ( pra! -od that ( and all of us ma! have such a death, na!, such a life. This is m! one petition to the ,ather of all consolation and merc!. (n Him ma! !ou and !ours prosper. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF
"epl! to letter of consolation on .a#dalene/s death. =cto'er 2:, 15L2. -race and peace5 .an! than+s, most excellent friend, for tr!in# to console me on m! dearest dau#hter/s death. ( loved her not onl! 'ecause she )as m! flesh, 'ut for her placid and #entle spirit and her dutifulness to me. But no) ( re1oice that she is sleepin# s)eetl! in her Heavenl! ,ather/s home till that da!. Alas, for the da!s in )hich )e live5 And the! are dail! 'ecomin# )orse. ( pra! that )e and all dear to us ma! 'e #ranted such a 'lessed hour of departure as )as her lot. ( )ould call this reall! sleepin# in the Lord, not experiencin# one pan# of fear. This is the time of )hich (saiah spea+s, CThe ri#hteous is ta+en a)a! from the evil to come9 the! shall rest in their 'eds, each one )al+in# in his upri#htness,D 1ust as )hen one #athers the )heat into the 'arn, and commits the chaff to the flames, a punishment the )orld has deserved for her in#ratitude. Trul! it is a 0odom. ( should li+e to )rite !ou oftener, 'ut !ou )rite so seldom. ( a#ree )ith !ou as to the reports a'out Hein7/s 1ud#ments and threats. 2our .eissen people are 'ecome a '!)ord throu#h this man at .erse'ur#, )here the! portra! themselves as so coura#eous and us so timid. The )ar prospects #ive #ood reason for fear. ( never thou#ht )e could achieve an!thin# a#ainst the Tur+s except s*uander our mone! and reap ridicule. 6hat could -od accomplish )ith such toolsE 0o )e must pra! )ithout ceasin# that He )ould overcome this monstrosit!, even as He did )ith the $apac!, )ith all its a'ominations. >id !ou #et m! letter as+in# for a post for >r. Hieron!mus 6eller, )ho complains of the indifference of the ,rei'er# people to the >ivine 6ordE But as thin#s are not !et settled )ith !ou, this re*uest ma! come at an inopportune time. %omfort !ourself in the Lord and 'e steadfast, for !ou are %hrist/s servant, )ho called !ou to this post, even if !ou merel! remain *uietl! in !our place, preventin# the devil occup!in# it, althou#h !ou should do nothin# more all !our life. And thus ho) much more are !ou His servants )hen !ou are not onl! not idle, 'ut maintain a constant conflict, and purif! the people from sin throu#h the 6ord of -od. ( commit !ou to -od. .! <athie #reets !ou, althou#h she often 'reathes a si#h over the memor! of her 'eloved and o'edient dau#hter. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
Luther tries to comfort his friend on the death of his amia'le )ife. >ecem'er 28, 15L2.

-race and peace in %hrist, )ho is our salvation and consolation, m! dear &onas5 ( have 'een so thorou#hl! prostrated '! this unexpected calamit! that ( do not +no) )hat to )rite. 6e have all lost in her the dearest of friends. Her 'ri#ht presence, her e!e so full of trust, all dre) forth our love, especiall! as )e +ne) that she shared 'oth our 1o!s and sorro)s as if the! had 'een her o)n. A 'itter partin# in ver! deed, for ( hoped that after ( )as #one she )ould have 'een the 'est of comforters for those ( left 'ehind. The deep lon#in# after one so distin#uished '! piet!, propriet!, and amia'ilit! ma+es me )eep. Therefore ( can easil! ima#ine !our feelin#s. Temporal consolation is of no avail here. =ne must loo+ solel! to the unseen and eternal. 0he is our precursor into the re#ions 'e!ond, )here )e shall all 'e #athered on our dismissal from this vale of tears and this corrupt )orld. Amen. .ourn, therefore, as !ou have #ood cause to do, 'ut at the same time comfort !ourself )ith the thou#ht of the common lot of humanit!. Althou#h accordin# to the flesh the partin# has 'een ver! 'itter, nevertheless )e shall 'e reunited in the life 'e!ond, and en1o! the s)eetest communion )ith the departed, as )ell as )ith Him )ho loved us so, that He purchased our life throu#h His o)n 'lood and death. (t is ver! true that -od/s merc! is 'etter than life. 6hat does it matter thou#h )e should suffer a little here, )hen there )e shall parta+e of 1o! unuttera'leE =h, )hat a #ulf separates those Tur+s, &e)s, and, still )orse, those $apists, %ardinals Hein7 and .ain7, from this #lor!5 6ould the! could )eep no), so that the! ma! not mourn eternall!5 ,or )e, after mournin# a little )hile, shall enter into 1o!, )hither !our <athie and m! .a#dalena have #one, and are no) 'ec+onin# us to follo). ,or )ho is not )ear! of the a'ominations of our time, or rather of this hell, )hich pains spirit and e!e da! and ni#htE ( am too #rieved on !our account to )rite more. .! )ife )as thunderstruc+ )hen she heard the ne)s, for she and !our )ife )ere as one soul. 6e pra! -od to #ive !ou temporal consolation. ,or !ou have #ood cause to re1oice )hen !ou +no) !our pious )ife has 'een snatched from !our side to en1o! everlastin# life in heaven. And of this !ou cannot dou't, as she fell asleep in &esus )ith so man! pious expressions of her faith in Him. Thus also slum'ered m! little dau#hter, )hich is m! #reat and onl! consolation. -od, )ho has tried !ou, )ill comfort !ou no) and forever. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO HIS SON HANS LUTHER

Luther 'e#s him to moderate his #rief. >ecem'er 25, 15L2. -race and peace, m! dearest Hans5 ( and th! mother and all the household are )ell. >o endeavor manfull! to con*uer th! tears, that thou ma!st not add to th! mother/s distress, for she is onl! too prone to #rieve. ='e! -od,

)ho, throu#h us, desires !ou to )or+ )here !ou are, and then thou )ilt easil! overcome !our )ea+ness. Th! mother cannot )rite, and does not thin+ it necessar! to repeat )hat she said to !ou, vi7. that !ou can come home if thin#s #o 'adl! )ith !ou, 'ut she meant if !ou )ere ill. (f this happen, let us +no) at once. =ther)ise she hopes !ou )ill cease this lamentation, and pic+ up heart and #o *uietl! on )ith !our studies. .a! all #o )ell )ith !ou in the Lord. Th! ,ather, .artin Luther. Luther had done a)a! )ith the elevation of the sacramental elements in the 0chloss %hurch in 15L2, and Bu#enha#en had done the same in the 0tadt %hurch. Bucer and .elanchthon )ere in %olo#ne, promotin# the "eformation there. (n &une the $rotestants met in 0chmal+alden, and received the <in# of 0)eden into their 'ond. A ne) version of the Bi'le )as pu'lished, and .atthesius #ives a #limpse of those en#a#ed in the la'orious )or+ of supervision in Luther/s house. .elanchthon, that master of -ree+, )as there, )ith %ruci#er, so )ell versed in He're) and -ree+ as )ell as in %haldean, alon# )ith Bu#enha#en )ith his intimate +no)led#e of the ?ul#ate. And &ustus &onas and Auro#allus, $rofessor of He're), )ere also present, )hile -eor#e "orer acted as corrector. =ther learned #uests from afar often lent their aid.

15.TO CHANCELLOR BRUCK

A'out the elevation of elements in the sacrament. &anuar! @, 15LH. -race and peace in %hrist, esteemed, deepl! learned dear sir5 2our son 'rou#ht me !our letters !esterda!, 'ut m! head has not 'een in a state to loo+ at them. ( +no) >r. 0tephen of Hof )ell, and that he has lon# )ished for a chan#e, 'ut ( +ne) of nothin# #ood enou#h or 'etter than he no) has9 'ut so lon# as the $rince )ill put up )ith him, ( do not advise him to flee, for this scurrilous poem is too triflin# to ma+e him pla! into the devil/s hands throu#h fli#ht or despondenc!. ,or his servants #o a'out murderin# and pla#uin# the poor people, and he must 'e )illin# to suffer )ith his 'rethren9 for, he )ho )ill not suffer )ith %hrist and His saints ta+es the part of the devils and their an#els, and he )ill hear the an#els in heaven lau#h at him. %oncernin# the elevation of the elements in the sacrament, ( shall a)ait $hilip/s return. These #odless ceremonies are #ivin# us much more trou'le than #reater and more essential matters, as the! have al)a!s done. ( dou't if

it 'e )ise to pu'lish an!thin# on the su'1ect. ( fear )e shall never a#ree in all the churches concernin# forms of church service, even as it )as impossi'le to do so in the $apac!. ,or althou#h )e arran#e this or that here, others )ill not 'e led '! us. Even the Apostles themselves found it e*uall! difficult )ith their rites, so had to leave each free as to eatin#, dressin#, and 'ehavin# himself. But more of this )hen ( have considered the matter. ( commit !ou to -od. Amen. ( 'e# !ou sometimes to plead )ith -od that ( ma! have a tran*uil departure. ( am *uite over)or+ed and exhausted, and the head is useless. ( crave #race and merc!, and these ( have received, and shall receive increasin#l!. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO #EN"EL LINK
Luther 1ustifies himself. The ?enetians complain of sacramental disputes, and Luther 'lames the I)in#lians. &anuar! 20, 15LH. -race and peace5 2ou complain, dear one, that ( do not ans)er !our letters, and said !ou had not enclosed !our annotations on .oses 'ecause )e scholars loo+ed do)n on such crude )or+. (t is not ver! #ood taste to flin# such an accusation in an! man/s face. 2ou must +no) that ( have less leisure than !ou. (, fee'le, )ornAout old man, am )ithout such thin#s, over'urdened )ith letterA)ritin#, and am lon#in# for m! last hour in order to rest from )or+. ( can see no other end of this everlastin# )ritin# and tempestuous life. And ho) could !ou fanc! ( despised !our )or+ )hen ( accompanied m! remar+s )ith a la'orious prefaceE That ( have not than+ed !ou, proceeds merel! from )eariness of )ritin#, )hich ma! 'e pardoned in an old exhausted man over)helmed )ith )or+. ( no) send !ou m! lectures on the first fort!Aone chapters of -enesis, throu#h .r. -eor#e "orer, )ho also has his hands full, and is himself the servant of the printer/s servants. He is not to 'lame if the! please !ou as little as the! do me. The! have too man! )ords for m! taste, and more stress mi#ht have 'een laid on such an important su'1ect. ( have nearl! finished the first 'oo+ of .oses, 'ein# at chapter L5th. .a! the Lord ena'le me to finish the )or+, or ta+e me a)a! from this transient, sinful life5 &oin me in pra!in# for this. ( had a #limpse of the $ope/s letter to the Emperor, and of the Bull of the %ouncil of Trent, )hich opens on 0unda! Latare. .a! the Lord %hrist once more defeat those #odless scoffers5 ( am much pleased )ith =siander/s pamphlet a#ainst the I)in#lian rascals. 0palatin still lives, 'ut is so )ea+ that he often cannot taste food. The Lord +eep him. He is an excellent man. .! <athie than+s !ou for the *uins! 1uice, and ( for the poetess !ou sent, and for !our +ind offer to serve me, )hich !ou 'est can do '! pra!in# that (

ma! have a happ! exit out of this )orld. ( am )orn out and fit for nothin#. .a! !ou and !ours prosper in the Lord. Amen. .artin Luther

TO JUSTUS JONAS
Letter of s!mpath!. &anuar! 2@, 15LH. -race and peace5 ( have had such severe headaches, dear &onas, that ( could neither read nor )rite, so ( have not !et read !our translation. ( can easil! 'elieve that !our recent loss is dail! 'ecomin# harder to 'ear9 and no) that !ou are recoverin# from !our prostration the lon#in# for communion )ith the 'est of )omen is revivin# )ithin !ou. But the unaltera'le must 'e overcome throu#h patience. -od Himself, the #reat Healer, )ill heal this )ound also. =ur onl! ne)s is that the Elector of Branden'ur# is in ver! 'ad odor 'ecause of the )ar he is )a#in# in Hun#ar!. And ,erdinand himself is not much 'etter spo+en of. ,rom all ( hear the most dis#raceful treacher! is at the root of the )hole enterprise9 and ma! -od Himself prevent )orse evils. =h, the mad ra#e of the devil5 The messen#er is in haste, so ( must close. .ore a#ain. ( commit !ou to -od. .artin Luther.

TO HERR PANCRAT", PREACHER AT DANT"IC

Luther re1oices at the spread of the #ospel in >ant7ic. .arch , 15LH. ( devoured !our letters )ith the #reatest deli#ht, re1oicin# to hear of the )onderful pro#ress the 6ord of -od is ma+in# in >ant7ic. .a! the Lord perfect His )or+, )hich He 'e#an throu#h !ou5 2ou sa! the +in# and 'ishops have for'idden the sacrament to the people, for )hich the! are lon#in#. (f the! had sufficient faith and coura#e to do -od/s )ill, in preference to that of man, then ( )ould advise them to ris+ parta+in# of it. An! ma#istrate )ho is not opposed to the rite could find excuses for them )ith the +in#. He could sa! it )as not his dut! to interfere in church matters or introduce innovations, or, in other )ords, to teach -od +no)led#e. ,or )hen the +in# for'ade preachin# in >ant7ic there existed another state of

matters there, serious distur'ances 'ein# rife amon# the citi7ens. Bo) that the! are at one, havin# received the #reater, vi7. the 6ord of -od, )h! should the! 'e for'idden acceptin# the lesserE ,or, in an exi#enc!, one can do )ithout the sacrament, 'ut not )ithout the >ivine 6ord. But should thin#s 'e other)ise no), that out)ei#hs the reasons for this participation in the sacrament. Bevertheless do not desist from preachin# the 6ord or forsa+e the church, 'ut steadfastl! proclaim the doctrine of the sacraments. 0o, if the! cannot have the ordinance no), let 'elievers still lon# earnestl! for it, and comfort themselves throu#h their faith in it, till the Lord hear their earnest pra!er, and stren#then them to confess their faith openl!, and enter into the full en1o!ment of the sacrament. The main point has alread! 'een achieved )hen the administration of the church has 'een reformed. .a! the Lord stren#then !ou and all !our 'elievin# ones )ith His Hol! 0pirit, that !ou ma! have coura#e to 'rin# matters to a happ! conclusion. -od #rant this. .artin Luther. 6itten'er#.

TO FRIEDRICH MYCONIUS
Luther pleads for a deposed pastor. April L, 15LH. -race and peace5 The 'earer, %onrad, )ho declares, m! excellent .!conius, that !ou deposed him from his char#e at Ersnod, insisted ( should )rite !ou. He complains that after lon# !ears of )or+ he is plun#ed into povert! )ith five children dependin# on him. To #et rid of him ( send him 'ac+ to !ou, pleadin# !ou )ill listen to him and help him to the utmost, so that he ma! not perish of hun#er. ( am not reflectin# on !ou in the sli#htest, havin# al)a!s had the hi#hest opinion of !ou. But ( could not turn a deaf ear to his miser!. ( shall 'e trul! deli#hted if !ou are once more restored to health9 and ( pra! -od to spare !ou. 6hen ( )as so often at the #ates of death this !ear, ( felt as if ( )ere suffocated '! the 'urdens of the )orld. .a! the Lord #rant me a 'lessed release and hasten that #lorious da!. .a! it 'e soon ; ver! soon, Amen ; so that the )orld ma! cease to ra#e a#ainst His Bame and 6ord. -od #rant this. .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE HELD, COUNSELOR TO PRINCE JOACHIM OF ANHALT, #HOSE CLERGY CONDEMNED SACRED PLAYS
April 5, 15LH. -race and peace5 =ur &oachim has as+ed m! opinion as to sacred pla!s founded upon Hol! 0cripture, )hich some of our cler#! disapprove of. (n fe) )ords ( shall tell !ou )hat ( thin+. All are commanded to ma+e +no)n the 6ord of -od in some )a! or other, not onl! '! )ords 'ut '! pictures ; carved )or+, )ritin#s, psalms, h!mns, and musical instruments9 as the $salm sa!sF C$raise the Lord )ith harp,D etc.9 and .oses sa!sF CThou shall 'ind them for a si#n upon thine hand, and the! shall 'e as frontlets 'et)een thine e!esF and )rite them upon the posts of th! house.D .oses )ishes -od/s 6ord to 'e ever 'efore men/s e!es, and this cannot 'e more easil! attained than '! means of such pla!s, )hich are at the same time serious and modest and free from the 1u##ler! )hich tainted them in $apal times. 0uch pla!s have often more influence over the people than pu'lic preachin#. (n 0outh -erman!, )here Evan#elical preachin# is for'idden, man! have 'een led to receive the #ospel throu#h such representations of the la) and #ospel. 6hen #iven )ith a desire to further the pro#ress of truth, and represented in a serious and modest manner, the! are '! no means to 'e condemned. .a! !ou prosper )ith !our excellent $rinces, )hom ( hope -od )ill lon# spare to !ou for the sa+e of His %hurch. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
%oncernin# his friend/s second marria#e. .a! L, 15LH. -race and peace in the Lord5 ( have no intention, m! excellent &onas, of standin# in the )a! of !our marria#e, or of an!thin# pertainin# to !our prosperit!, 'ut )ould rather tr! to promote 'oth. ( onl! pleaded for dela! in m! last letter, and this solel! 'ecause of the calumnies of the enem! and of those )ho tr! to 'lac+en our actions9 and althou#h such scandal does not in1ure us, still, as %ato sa!s, it is a heav! 'urden to 'ear )ithout an! cause. 0till, if !ou feel !ourself stron# enou#h to rise a'ove the illA)ill of the devil and his friends, then #o on in -od/s name and do not dream of dela!. -ive up ever! dream of shuttin# people/s mouths and of )innin# their favor. 2ou need not hesitate 'ecause of our $rince9 he spo+e ver! +indl! of !ou latel!. 0till ( )ish !ou to stir up as little malice in our opponents as possi'le. ( have heard !our 'ride hi#hl! praised. -od #rant she ma! possess the man! virtues of !our <athie ; na!, surpass her )hose memor! is sacred. .a! the

children and stepmother love each other dearl!, and ma! she ma+e up for the loss of the 'est of mothers. .artin Luther.

TO EBERHARDT BRISGER
Luther pleads for one 'ehind in his pa!ments. Au#ust H0, 15LH. -race and peace5 ( can *uite 'elieve that !ou re*uire !our mone!. =n the other hand, ( also see that )ith the #ood Bruno, ( +no) not ho), nothin# seems to succeed. He re*uires assistance from all *uarters. The farmers are so #reed! that the! #rud#e their pastors a 'it of 'read. ( therefore plead )ith !ou ; especiall! as !ou can do )ithout !our mone! )ith little in1ur! to !ourself ; to have patience )ith Bruno. 6e are plannin#, if possi'le, to have him transferred to a richer livin#. ( )ould not trou'le !ou )ith this re*uest did ( not thin+ !ou could do me this favor )ithout dama#in# !ourself. %oncernin# 0palatin, ( also 'e# !ou, as far as !ou can, to 'e patient )ith this, in other respects, so #ood and excellent man. 0o as 0atan once upon a time appeared amon# the children of -od ; na!, even amon# the an#els in heaven ; )hat )onder then if he mixes amon# us to sift and )inno) usE And )ith 0palatin old a#e is 'e#innin# to tell upon him, and especiall! the )ant of the repose )hich he en1o!ed under three $rinces. Therefore he must 'e treated )ith the consideration due to an experienced man, and not as a novice )ho can 'e t)isted li+e a 'ranch. =ld stems can 'e 'ro+en 'ut not 'ent9 and old do#s cannot 'e 'ridled. 0o in order to live in peace, patience is necessar!. This is merel! a reminder. 2ou +no) 'est !ourself )hat to do. ( here)ith commend !ou to -od. .artin Luther.

TO CHRISTOPH FROSCHAUER, PRINTER AT "URICH

Au#ust H1, 15LH. -race and peace in the Lord, honored and #ood friend5 ( have received the present of the Bi'le )hich !ou sent '! !our mana#er, and ( than+ !ou for it. But seein# it is the )or+ of !our preachers, )ith )hom neither ( nor the %hurch of -od can have an! communion, ( am sorr! that their la'or should

'e in vain. The! have 'een sufficientl! )arned to *uit their errors and not ta+e the poor people to hell )ith them. But admonition is useless, therefore the! must #o their o)n )a!, 'ut never a#ain send me an! of their )or+. ( shall 'e no parta+er of their damnation or damna'le doctrines, 'ut pra! and teach a#ainst them to m! end. .a! -od convert them and help the poor churches to #et rid of such false, seductive preachers. Amen. Althou#h at present the! lau#h at all this, one da! the! shall )eep )hen the! find themselves sharers of I)in#li/s fate, )hom the! follo). .a! -od preserve !ou and all 'lameless hearts from their spirit. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO VEIT DIETRICH
Luther re*uests his friend to prosecute his Bi'lical )or+. Bovem'er , 15LH. -race and peace5 .a#ister "orer, )ho has the master! over me, ordered me to )rite to !ou, m! dear >ietrich. $erhaps ( mi#ht have paid no attention to m! master/s command, 'ein# rather incensed a#ainst him, had he not used all his elo*uence to convince me that it )as necessar! to spur !ou on to continue !our la'ors on m! first 'oo+ of .oses. $erhaps ( mi#ht have resisted him )ith a flo) of rhetoric, had ( not at len#th 'een mollified '! the dialectic commonplacesF C6hen a 'e#innin# has once 'een made, it is dis#raceful to retreat, in case .oses himself should up'raid us in that )ellA +no)n prover', T"ather do not allo) the #uest into the house than thro) him out of the )indo)./ C 2ou also could chant suchAli+e phrases from the -ree+. ( must confess to not 'ein# at all pleased )ith m! )or+s. Ho) much is )antin# that ou#ht to 'e found in themE But ( comfort m!self )ith 0t. $aul/s )ordsF C6ho is sufficient for these thin#sED (f )e refused to open our mouths till )e felt *ualified to do so, then %hrist )ould never 'e preached. But it is )ell for us that out of the mouths of 'a'es He prepareth stren#th, and throu#h .oses/ stammerin# lips, or, as it is in the ori#inal, throu#h him )ho )as slo) of speech, he demolished the land of E#!pt and the %anaanites9 and '! means of unlearned apostles transformed the face of the #lo'e. 0o #ive ample satisfaction to m! master, .. "orer. Ho) can ( 'e #racious to !ou if !ou are un1ust to himE $ra! for me. ( commit !ou to -od. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF
Luther re#rets that his health has prevented him visitin# his friend.

Bovem'er , 15LH. -race and peace in the Lord5 ( am *uite indi#nant at m!self, m! honored Bishop, that ( have so often 'een prevented visitin# !ou. 2esterda! ever!thin# )as pac+ed for settin# off, and then somethin# came 'et)een to prevent me. (t seems as if -od permitted 0atan to hinder it. Therefore, if -od )ill, ( shall hurr! to !our arms on the first favora'le opportunit! )ithout ma+in# previous plans. ,or ( am anxious to see !ou once a#ain 'efore ( die. .! head has 'een a #ood deal 'etter, and althou#h the ph!sicians have made a )ound in m! foot, that )ould not have prevented m! 1ourne!. The! did it to tr! to heal m! head, 'ut as !et )ithout result. ( fear m! disease is old a#e, alon# )ith over)or+ and man! conflicts, and, a'ove all, the assaults of 0atan. .edical science is po)erless a#ainst all these. .eantime ( let them do as the! )ill, in case the! loo+ upon me as m! o)n enem!, or fanc! ( thin+ them in error. .! head is a#ain 'e#innin# to ache )ith no apparent cause. ( 'elieve it is the devil. ( )rite all this to let !ou +no) ho) ( lon# to come to !ou as soon as -od permits. ( have no ne)s, and no desire to hear an!. The )orld is the )orld, has ever 'een the )orld, and )ill remain the )orld, )hich +no)s nothin# of %hrist, and has no desire to. ,or the unspea+a'le ne#lect of the 6ord and the inexpressi'le si#hs of the pious are palpa'le si#ns that the )orld is hastenin# to destruction, and that our redemption is near. Amen. -od #rant it. Amen. (t )as thus 'efore the flood )ith the )orld, and 'efore the destruction of 0odom, and 'efore the Ba'!lonian captivit!, and 'efore &erusalem/s fall, and the devastation of "ome, and the calamities in -reece and Hun#ar!9 and it )ill 'e, and no) is, 'efore -erman!/s do)nfall. The! )ill not hear, therefore the! must 'e made to feel. ( should li+e to discuss those matters more full! )ith !ou for our mutual comfort. 0till )e must sin# )ith &eremiahF C6e )ould have healed Ba'!lon, 'ut she is not healed.D ,are)ell in the Lord, )ho is our salvation, and )ho )ill 'less us to all eternit!. ,rom the heart of .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther promises to )rite a preface to a 'oo+ of 0palatin/s. Bovem'er 2H, 15LH. To the hi#hl! esteemed Herr -eor#e 0palatin, Bishop of .eissen, faithful shepherd at Alten'ur#, m! superior in the Lord. -race and peace5 2our little 'oo+ pleases me #reatl!, dear 0palatin, except the allusion to the conventual life of the nun, a#ainst )hich ( shall )arn the readers in the preface, or if !ou prefer to do this !ourself, !ou can have it 'ac+. Besides (

do not li+e to cut 1o+es in prefacin# other people/s 'oo+s9 thus it shall 'e printed at once. .! <athie 'e#s that if m! people re*uire !our counsel or help, !ou )ill #ive it unhesitatin#l!. ,or she sends her horses and carts to fetch the remainin# pieces of )ood )hile the )eather and roads are #ood. 0he sa!s the eleven )ere he)n, 'ut t)ent!Afour 'elon#in# to her still remain to 'e he)n. 0he )ill procure )hatever ma! 'e necessar! for the )or+. .a! !ou and !our )ife prosper in the Lord. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK

%oncernin# the He're) %hair in 6itten'er#. >ecem'er H, 15LH. -race and peace in the Lord, and m! poor paternoster, .ost 0erene Hi#h'orn $rince, most #racious Lord5 The He're) %hair is no) vacant throu#h the death of Auro#allus, and as some ma! 'e appl!in# for it, ( )ould most hum'l! 'e# !our Electoral -race to 'esto) it upon .. Lucas Eden'er#er, not onl! 'ecause he has difficult! in maintainin# himself in these times, 'ut 'ecause he is )ell +no)n to !our -race and all of us as a faithful and industrious man, and 7ealous for the purit! of the faith, all of )hich are ver! necessar! for one )ho is to teach He're). ,or there are man! He're) scholars )ho are more "a''inical than %hristian, and !et the fact is, )hoever does not see %hrist in the =ld Testament and in the He're) ton#ue sees nothin# and tal+s li+e the 'lind a'out color. Bo) .. Lucas is a thorou#h theolo#ian and )ell *ualified to teach He're), and has served !our -race. Bo) )ho +no)s or has proved those recentl! arrived hereE 2our Electoral Hi#hness )ill #raciousl! #rant m! hum'le re*uest, as+ed )ith #ood cause and from no )ron# motive. ( commend !ou to -od, )ho )ill help !ou and all pious princes and lords in these difficult times, )hen 0atan is so full of evil devices. Amen. 2our Electoral Hi#hness/s hum'le .artin Luther.

TO JOHANN MATTHESIUS OF JOACHIM1S THAL

Luther/s former 'oarder, )ho )rote the first Life of Luther, #iven in a series of lectures to a Bi'le %lass. >ecem'er 1L, 15LH.

-race and peace in the Lord5 .. %aspar )rites me that !ou are much dis*uieted over the t!rann! of this most )retched <in# ,erdinand, )ho has decided to 'anish all married pastors from his dominions. ( should 'e surprised if the Bohemians consented to this mad act. 0till, the! ma! do so. But )hat )ould 'e the resultE Are ,erdinand/s the onl! lands in the )orldE Has %hrist no other land )hich )ould #ladl! receive His #raceE And )ill not He )ho casts do)n +in#s forsa+e ,erdinand/s +in#dom as the land of His )rathE 6h! fear ni#htmaresE "ather 'e full of confidence in -od/s stren#th. >espise this )aterA'u''le, )ho does not +no) )hether he ma! 'e a +in# or a )orm tomorro). But )e shall rei#n )ith %hrist to all eternit!, )hile he shall 'urn in hell )ith the devil. ( here)ith commit !ou to -od. .artin Luther.

TO JUSTUS JONAS
Luther receives a cop! of the Bull condemnin# him in "ome t)ent!Afive !ears 'efore. >ecem'er 1@, 15LH. -race and peace5 ( received !our letter, m! &onas, )ith the enclosed cop! of the Bull in )hich Luther )as condemned t)ent!Afive !ears a#o. 2ou +no) )hat, since then, has 'een )ritten, spo+en, and attempted in ever! )a! to accomplish our destruction. And )hat do the! still leave untriedE This fur! a#ainst us is, as the 0cripture sa!s, everlastin#, li+e that eternal fire )hich )ill never cease, and )hich a)aits them. ,or even in hell the! )ill not stop mali#nin# -od/s 0on. $raise 'e to -od, )ho has separated us from their societ! throu#h His hol! callin#. %oncernin# the pro#ress of the )ar, a'out )hich !ou )rite us, )e onl! +no) that the Emperor put the ,rench to fli#ht, avoidin# a 'attle. He is pro'a'l! imitatin# the cunnin# of the Tur+s, )ho )ear! out the enem!, refusin# to fi#ht unless compelled to9 mean)hile the expense incurred dis#usts and tires us out. >id !ou hear that the Emperor said to the Her7o# of &ulichF C( have paid more mone! for !our #enerals than for the )hole )ar.D And the $rince of Bassau =ran#e said to his uncleF CAh, dear uncle, )hat )ill !ou #ain from the EmperorE 2our officers have cost him more mone! than all the )ar.D 6hat )ill 'e the outcome of all this treacher! on the part of princes and +in#sE 6ar is no) carried on )ith mone!, not )ith arms. The soldiers are paid '! their princes, and receive presents from the enem!. Throu#h such valor )as Luxem'ur# ta+en, the ,rench #eneral pa!in# 20,000 ducats to the Emperor/s mercenaries to deliver up the to)n and pretend the! )ere con*uered. (t is also said that Andrea von >oria concluded a secret understandin# )ith Bar'arossa at sea, sa!in#F CAre )e amon# friendsE 6h! should )e destro! one anotherE Th! as )ell as m! lord )ill still remain Emperor5D Trul! a heroic )a! of 'leedin# +in#s, princes, and

peoples5 6hat )ill 'e left for the poor man if )e have to satisf! these insatia'le demandsE 6e shall soon feel this dia'olic #reed in our poc+ets. And lastl!, it is reported that the Tur+s have massacred three thousand citi7ens and old men and also pastors in 0tuhl)eissen'ur#, so that their corpses )ere heaped over the to)n )alls. 0atan is 'ecomin# afraid, and ra#es, 'ecause his time is short. .a! the Lord protect His o)n, or ena'le them throu#h His 1o!ful spirit to moc+ at his )rath, )hether the! ma! 'e preserved or destro!ed. (t is said that the Emperor intends to reinstate the Her7o# of Bruns)ic+, 'ut throu#h )hat means ( +no) not. Let us pra! for our princes. ,or ( dou't not, if a )ar 'ro+e out, that our %entauren )ould do as the &ulich people did ; after the! had s*uee7ed ever!thin# out of our princes, the! )ould sell them for mone!. .one!, onl! mone!5 This is the maxim of those in po)er. The! )ill sacrifice nothin# for the ,atherland. The! onl! )ish to enrich themselves, and under the pretext, or '! means of the opportunit! )hich )ar affords, s)allo) up ever!thin#. C>evourD in the devil/s name9 hell )ill #ive !ou enou#h of this. %ome, Lord &esus, and hear the si#hs of Th! %hurch5 Hasten Th! appearin#, for the evils are comin# to a hei#ht. ( have )ritten this in order to )rite somethin#. ,are)ell, and teach !our church to hasten the da! of the Lord throu#h their pra!ers. -od )ill listen to the si#hin# for the da! of redemption. All the si#ns foretell this. 2our o)n .artin Luther. 6itten'er#. The >iet of 0pe!er met on ,e'ruar! 20. The Elector came )ith a 'rilliant retinue, and )as received )ith #reat respect '! %harles ?., )ho re*uired help a#ainst the ,rench, as ,erdinand did a#ainst the Tur+. The $rotestants tried to #ain favora'le terms for themselves. The *uestion of secret marria#e en#a#ements came up this !ear. The )orr! this caused, and the rene)ed disputes on the 0acrament )ith the 0)iss, made Luther ill. He said he )ould leave 6itten'er#, 'ut '! his 'irthda! .elanchthon )rote 1o!full! to >ietrich that he, %ruci#er, Bu#enha#en, &onas, etc., had dined )ith him, and lovin#l! discussed %hurch matters.

15..
TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK
The 6itten'er# la)!ers ratif! %aspar Beier/s secret marria#e en#a#ement. &anuar! 22, 15LL. -race and peace and m! poor paternoster5 ( hum'l! desire to inform !our -race that secret en#a#ements are a#ain common here. .an! !oun# people

are here from man! lands, so that the maidens have 'ecome ver! 'old, and pursue the students into their rooms, offerin# them their love9 and ( hear some parents are orderin# their sons home, declarin# that )e han# )omen a'out their nec+s, deprivin# them of their sons, and thus #ive this fine school of learnin# a 'ad name. ( fancied !our -race had ordered secret en#a#ements to 'e done a)a! )ith. 0o, as ( sat securel! here, ( )as shoc+ed '! a verdict of our %onsistorium upon a private en#a#ement. Therefore ( )as moved to preach a po)erful sermon a#ainst them on the follo)in# 0a''ath, sa!in# )e must adhere to the old paths, )hich from time immemorial have 'een inculcated in the Hol! 0criptures and amon# the heathen, as )ell as amon# ourselves, vi7. that parents shall dispose of their children )ithout an! previous en#a#ement, )hich is an invention of the $ope, at the devil/s insti#ation, to undermine the -odA#iven authorit! of the parents, ro''in# them of their children, to their deep #rief, instead of said children honorin# them accordin# to -od/s command. This )ould have happened to $hilip and his )ife had ( not preached this sermon. The! )ould have pined for their son, )ho had 'een led astra! '! evil companions till he secretl! and solemnl! en#a#ed himself, and ( had difficult! in settin# him free. ( also recall the case of Her7o# $hilip )ith his son Ernest and 0tarstedel/s dau#hter, of )hich !our -race +no)s, and somethin# similar nearl! happened in m! house. Bo), as these secret vo)s are certainl! the )or+ of the devil and the $apac! to undermine -od/s command to prevent them enterin# into a happ! marria#e, ( shall not suffer this church of %hrist, of )hich ( am pastor, and of )hich ( must render account to -od, the Hol! -host, to tolerate them. ( have proclaimed from the pulpit that a child cannot 'ecome en#a#ed himself9 and that if he do, it is no en#a#ement, and a father must not ac*uiesce therein, no) that )e +no) )hat is the ori#in of all this miser!. Therefore ( hum'l! re*uest that !our -race )ould once more, for -od/s sa+e, exercise !our authorit! )ith the princel! po)ers a#ainst $ope and devil, so that )e ma! 'e in a 'etter position to drive out of our church this devil, the secret oath, so that poor parents ma! 'e a'le to train and retain their children in securit!. Therefore ( plead that %aspar Beier, )ho has appealed from the %onsistorium to !our -race, should 'e set free 'efore !ou leave for the >iet, for it has 'een a slo) process. ( could have arran#ed it in a da!, 'ut the! have 'een at it since 6hitsuntide, and have merel! discovered a private vo) and the )ea+ )ill of the father, )ho declares that he never )ished it should ta+e place, 'ut the! seemed determined not to understand. %ertainl! the son in his four !ears/ en#a#ement neither as+ed his parents/ consent nor that of the maiden/s parents, )hich is unusual )hen !oun# men are in love9 'ut let the vo) fall into a'e!ance till the maiden/s people appeal to the father. 0till all this is nothin# so lon# as the poisoned vo), the oath, remains unrefuted. 2our Electoral -race )ill act )isel!, for in this insi#nificant )or+ !our -race )ill 'e doin# a #lorious service to -od and to man! others, 'esides affordin# consolation to all parents and preventin# num'erless dan#ers to man! souls. .a! the ,ather, 0on, and Hol! -host, to )hom 'e praise to all eternit!, help !our Electoral -race in all such matters. Amen.

2our Electoral -race/s hum'le servant, .artin Luther.

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther accounts for dela! in printin# a little 'oo+, etc. &anuar! H0, 15LL. -race and peace5 2ou sometimes )rite in an anno!ed tone, dear 0palatin, as if !ou did not +no) )here !our little 'oo+ )as. ( do not ta+e !our love to)ards the fruit of !our humor 3)it7 4 in 'ad part, seein# !ou 1o+e a'out !our love for me. But ( must inform !ou that the 'oo+ is in the hands of the printers. But the press is so full that it cannot 'e finished as *uic+l! as !ou )ish. 2ou perhaps do not +no) ho) )e are driven, 'ut ( ma! tell !ou that never in m! life have ( had more )orr! in connection )ith the #ospel than in the !ear upon )hich )e have entered. ,or ( have a ver! hard 'attle )ith the la)!ers over secret en#a#ements. And it is from those )hom ( re#arded as the truest friends of the #ospel that ( have had most opposition. (s that not enou#h to anno! me, dear 0palatinE Therefore, have patience )ith m! remissness, if that is )hat !ou mean. ,or if ( did not love !ou dearl!, ( )ould not 'e )ritin# !ou no) )ith so much to )orr! me. But !our little 'oo+ shall 'e seen to as far as ( can, for ( li+e it )ell. ,are)ell, and pra! for the church ; that is, ourselves. =ur enemies in our midst do more harm than out)ard foes, li+e &udas amon# the apostles. But the crucified triumphs and the crucifiers perish. -reet !our dear )ife. .! <athie sends !ou those roots, )hich !ou ma! not have, and ( thin+ them a ver! #ood remed! a#ainst stone. (t has helped me and man! others. =nce more fare)ell, and 'e assured ( do not despise !our 'oo+. 2ou are m! oldest and 'est friend, and )ould 'e the last to 'e li#htl! esteemed '! me, and ( )ished to explain to !ou all m! )orries, and if ( ma! apparentl! sometimes 'e found )antin# in re#ard to )hat is due to !ou, still !ou are ver! dear to me, and )ill al)a!s remain so. A#ain fare)ell in the Lord. .artin Luther.

TO THE #IDO#ED ELECTRESS OF BRANDENBURG

Luther than+s her for sendin# a pastor to Brettin. ,e'ruar! 10, 15LL.

To the 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rincess ,rau Eli7a'eth of the ro!al line of >enmar+. -race and peace5 ( )as deli#hted to see from !our -race/s letter that !ou are )illin# to appoint .. &ohannes ,a'er to a livin# in Brettin. 2our Electoral Hi#hness has there'! done a #ood )or+, and as the! +no) him there, ( hope the! )ill accept him out of #ratitude, and that he )ill 'rin# forth fruit, and -od #ive His 'lessin# thereto. (t is ever m! dut!, and ( am onl! too )illin# to serve !our -race. .a! the dear -od and ,ather of our Lord &esus %hrist 'e )ith !our Electoral Hi#hness at all times. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO FRIEDRICH MYCONIUS
This letter sho)s Luther/s opinion of the com'atant at -otha. ,e'ruar! 2H, 15LL. -race and peace5 ,or#ive a short letter, dear ,riedrich. .ore a#ain )hen ( have more leisure. 2ours, tellin# me that !ou )ere faithfull! fulfillin# the duties of !our office in reconcilin# .orlin )ith the Arnstadt people, #ave me the #reatest pleasure. ,or this misunderstandin# placed me most a)+)ardl! at a time )hen unanimit! and pra!er are so necessar!. >o not trou'le consultin# me, for ( am *uite satisfied )ith !our mediation. 6homsoever !ou for#ive is for#iven '! me. ( *uite 'elieve some preachers are too read! to flare up, 'ut ( also +no) that in to)ns there are man! despotic people, and ver! man! no'les )ho torment their pastors. .ore of this a#ain. ( )ish !ou )ere stron#er, 'ut )hen !ou feel !ou cannot spea+, ( 'eseech !ou thin+ of !our health. (t is 'etter that !ou should live, even if half dum', than die )ith a clear voice. 2ou can, even if half dead, serve the %hurch throu#h !our counsel and position. And !ou must see ho) necessar! are the old and tried com'atants for %hrist, that throu#h them the #ro)in# and still tender #enerations, )ho are one da! to fill our place, ma! receive stren#th. ,or althou#h the Hol! 0pirit does not need our help, still it )as not for no purpose that He called us to office, 'ut to ma+e us His tools to carr! out His desi#ns. ,are)ell in the Lord, and pra! for me. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTRESS SIBYLLA OF SA ONY

Luther comforts her under her hus'and/s a'sence at 0pe!er. .arch H0, 15LL.

To the 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rincess and Lad!, etc. .! most #racious lad!, #race and peace5 ( )ould most hum'l! than+ !our Electoral -race for as+in# so particularl! after m! health and a'out m! )ife and children, and also for all !our #ood )ishes. -od 'e than+ed that thin#s are much 'etter )ith us than )e deserve. That m! head should at times 'e #ood for nothin# is not to 'e )ondered at. =ld a#e 'rin#s man! ailments )ith it. The pitcher that #oes lon# to the )ell 'rea+s at last. ( have lived lon# enou#h. -od #rant me a peaceful end, so that the useless, mothAeaten carcass ma! come under#round to its people, and the )orms not 'e done out of their due. &ust )atch. ( have seen the 'est ( shall ever see upon earth, for it loo+s as if evil times )ere at hand. -od help His o)n5 Amen. That !our "o!al Hi#hness finds herself ver! solitar! in the a'sence of her hus'and ( can easil! understand, 'ut seein# it is necessar! for the #ood of %hristianit!, )e must patientl! su'mit to the >ivine 6ill. And )ith others )e have our dear -od/s 6ord, )hich comforts and sustains us in this life, and promises us 'lessedness in the life to come. And )e have also pra!er, )hich 3as !our -race )rites4 )e +no) is )ell pleasin# to -od, and )ill 'e heard at the ri#ht time. T)o such unspea+a'le #ems neither devil, Tur+, nor $ope can have, and thus the! are poorer than an! 'e##ar upon earth. ,or these #reat 'lessin#s )e must than+ -od, the ,ather of all mercies in %hrist &esus, His dear 0on, that He has #iven us such a costl! treasure, and called us throu#h His #race, un)orth! as )e are, to such an inheritance, so that )e ma! not onl! 'e a'le to endure patientl! the passin# evils of this 'linded, misera'le )orld, 'ut ma! have compassion on those exalted heads )ho have not 'een considered )orth! to parta+e of such #race. .a! -od !et enli#hten them, so that the! also ma!, )ith us, see, +no), and understand it. Amen. .! <athie offers her poor paternoster on !our 'ehalf, and hum'l! than+s !our Electoral -race for so +indl! thin+in# of her. ( here)ith commit !ou to the dear -od. Amen. 2our "o!al Hi#hness/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO KING CHRISTIAN OF DENMARK

Luther re*uests $eutin#er/s removal from 0)eden. April 12, 15LL. To the .i#ht! 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince %hristian of >enmar+, Holstein, etc. -race and peace and m! poor paternoster, mi#ht! and #racious +in#5 The poor forsa+en )ife, <atherine $eutin#er, has as+ed me to )rite !our .a1est! a'out this matter. There is a )ic+ed scoundrel )ith the <in# of 0)eden )ho calls himself >r. $eutin#er, and throu#h his lies and arts is no) %hancellor, and ( hear lives li+e a lord. This same rascal is a furrier/s son at ,ran+fortAonA.ain, is no doctor, and has )andered throu#h the land practicin# all sorts of +naver!, amon# )hich is this, that he married ,rau

<atherine, of #ood famil!, livin# )ith her openl!, and deserted her some !ears a#o, leavin# her destitute. =ver and a'ove, he 'oasts that he has 'een divorced from her 3)hich is not true4 throu#h >r. Luther and .. $hilip, and has married another ; of the <oc+erit7 famil! ; )ho is no) )ith him in 0)eden. Bo) His .a1est! has 'een )ritten to on the su'1ect, and ( also have )ritten him, 'ut the fello) +no)s ho) to ma+e a)a! )ith letters. Therefore the onl! hope of reachin# His .a1est! of 0)eden is throu#h !our .a1est!. Hence it is m! most hum'le re*uest that !ou )ould perform this )or+ of merc!, and #raciousl! see to it that those letters come into the hands of the <in# of 0)eden, for no one dou'ts that did His 0)edish .a1est! +no) the truth concernin# this rascal, he )ould see that he #ot 1ustice. .a! !our .a1est! #raciousl! ta+e this, m! hum'le petition, in #ood part. ( could not refuse to )rite !ou, for the matter is notorious, 'oth land and people 'ein# a'le to vouch for its truth, and the poor )ife has almost to 'e# her 'read of penur! from her friends. ( here)ith commit !ou to the dear -od. Amen. 2our .a1est!/s o'edient servant, .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF
Luther purposes visitin# Amsdorf. .a! 2H, 15LL. -race and peace5 (t is not necessar!, most esteemed father in the Lord, to send an escort to meet me. ( intend travellin# over our $rince/s lands '! -rimma and Borna. 6hen ( leave Borna 3close to m! villa Iulsdorf4 for Ieit7 ( shall let !ou +no). ( purposed leavin# the .onda! after Exaudi, 'ut as there is to 'e a creation of doctors that )ee+ ( must alter m! plans. But ( shall start as secretl! as possi'le the 6ednesda! after Ascension if m! health, !ears, and time permit. ,are)ell, and pra! that nothin# ma! prevent m! lon#edAfor 1ourne!. ( am tellin# no one, and do !ou the same. ( once more commit !ou to -od. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF
&ourne! deferred. &une L, 15LL.

-race and peace in the Lord5 ( )as resolved to 'e in Leipsic toda!, )hence ( )ould have )ritten re#ardin# the escort, as ( never dreamed of 'ein# sent to >i'on. ( purposed travellin# to Leipsic in one da!. (f m! letter )hich >r. Bruc+ handed to the $rince/s messen#er has not arrived, ( must inform !ou that the $rince himself )ill 'e in Ieit7 in fifteen da!s, )hen >r. Bruc+ and ( shall meet !ou. >r. Bruc+ has told me this '! the $rince/s desire, so )e must o'e! him, else the $rince mi#ht fanc! )e sli#hted his )ishes. ( hope this ma! hasten rather than dela! m! 1ourne!, so !ou must have patience. >r. Bruc+ thin+s it unsafe to travel at present, as the peasants are a#ain sei7ed )ith a fresh parox!sm of ra#e a#ainst the $rince, and it is feared the! intend assaultin# him, so )e must not tempt -od. .a! %hrist prosper our meetin#. ,are)ell. Late on evenin# ( received !our letter. .artin Luther.

TO HIERONYMUS BAUMGARTNER1S #IFE

Luther comforts her under her hus'and/s imprisonment. &ul! 8, 15LL. -race and peace in our dear 0avior, honored and virtuous lad!5 -od, )ho hears m! si#hs, +no)s ho) ( #rieve over !our misfortunes. 2es, all feel deepl! for the #ood man )ho has fallen into the hands of the enem!. .a! -od hear our pra!ers and those of all pious hearts. ,or man! supplications are ascendin# for him, and such pra!ers are al)a!s ans)ered, 'ein# a#reea'le to -od. .eantime let us comfort ourselves )ith the >ivine assurance that He )ill never forsa+e His o)n. The $salms are full of this, and )e +no) that our Hausherr is stron# in the faith that is in %hrist &esus, 'ein# adorned )ith man! lovel! fruits of the same. Therefore it is impossi'le that -od should cast him from His presence, havin# called him throu#h His sacred 6ord, so He )ill ever +eep him under His protection. He is the same -od )ho has protected him all his life lon# till this misfortune 'efell him, and remains the same, althou#h for a little He ma! appear other)ise to tr! our faith and patience. He said in &ohn, C2e shall )eep and lament,D etc. And our sufferin#s are nothin# in comparison to those of His dear 0on. 6e )ould not 'e true %hristians if )e did not suffer )ith %hrist. The devil and his an#els, )ho no) re1oice over our misfortunes, )ill one da! have to ho)l and )eep, )hile ours )ill 'e the #lorious assurance that Call thin#s )or+ to#ether for #ood to those )ho love -od.D Therefore, dear lad!, suffer and 'e patient, for !ou do not suffer alone. .an! #odl! hearts s!mpathi7e )ith !ou, )ho )ill fulfill .atthe) 25FLHF C(n prison, and !e visited me.D 2es, trul!, thousands of us visit dear Baum#artner in captivit! ; that is, )e cr! unto the Lord, )ho is ta+en captive in His mem'er, that He )ould deliver him, and let us all re1oice )ith

!ou. .a! the same Lord &esus comfort and stren#then !our heart, throu#h His 0pirit, in a patient endurance to a 'lessed conclusion of this misfortune and all misfortunes, to )hom 'e praise and honor and #lor! to all eternit!. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO PRINCE JOHN OF ANHALT

Luther 1ust home from Ieit7, )ea+ and )ear!. Au#ust 2 , 15LL. -race and peace in the Lord, .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, most #racious Lord5 ( )ould #ladl! come to Bern'ur#, 'ut have 1ust returned from Ieit7, so tired of drivin# that ( can neither )al+ nor stand, and scarcel! even sit, from )hich ( au#ur the speed! approach of death. .a! -od #raciousl! help. Therefore ( must +eep *uiet and rest till ( improve, )hether throu#h life or death, as -od )ills it. .a! our dear Lord &esus impart to m! #racious $rince -eor#e the rich spirit of #race to rule his 'ishopric, for there has 'een much to do, and the )or+ has 'een much ne#lected '! the former Bishops. But He )ho has 'e#un )ill perfect the )or+. Amen. %ommendin# !ou to the dear -od. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF
A letter of than+s. Au#ust 2 , 15LL. Honored ,ather in the Lord ; (n the first place ma+e m! excuses to !our ste)ard. ( )as most anxious for him to return )hen )e reached Borna, and still more so )hen )e came to Eulen'ur#, for then ( )as almost at m! o)n door, 'ut he persisted in accompan!in# me to 6itten'er#. And ( must accuse !ou also of havin# 'orne the )hole expenses of the 1ourne!, so that ( have not spent a farthin#. And !our episcopal possessions are not as !et so #reat that !ou can afford to 'e so lavish. (n addition !ou have, un+no)n to me, put a silver cup and spoon, as did the patriarch &aco'/s host, there'! almost ma+in# me the thief of !our 'elon#in#s a#ainst m! )ill, perhaps )ishin# to follo) &oseph/s example, )ho caused his cup to 'e placed in his 'rother Ben1amin/s sac+. But !ou are a)are ho) ill it 'efits me, a poor divine, 'orn and livin# in a small place, to drin+ out of #old or silver, thus #ivin# cause of offence to man! of the enemies of the 6ord amon#

ourselves. 0hould ( 'ecome lifted up there'!, ( shall 'lame !our in1udicious prodi#alit!. Than+ !ou ver! )arml! for !our +indness, and if the pra!ers of an old sinner have an! po)er, the! shall not 'e )antin# on !our 'ehalf, althou#h it is m! dut! to remem'er !ou at all times, )ithout an! presents, accordin# to the >ivine command and the extreme need of all of us. ,are)ell in the Lord, and ma! He #uide !our steps and prosper the )or+ of !our hands to the 'enefit of man!. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK

Luther )ishes >r. &onas to 'e left at Halle. Bovem'er 8, 15LL. -race and peace and m! poor paternoster, .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, most #racious Lord5 .! dear friend >r. &onas is here and has told me all, so ( #ive him this letter, )ith m! hum'le opinion of the matter. (n the first place, the lectureship must 'e filled up at once, as )as arran#ed, and no one can presume to interfere )ith the manner in )hich !our -race does it. But as >r. &onas cannot, )ithout in1ur! to the church at Halle, 'e removed, it is advisa'le to let him remain there, as the )ic+ed )orm in .a!ence still lives, )ho must 'e +ept in constant uneasiness so lon# as &onas is there, )ho deprives him of his adherents and anno!s him more than he li+es. This is ho) the matter stands, if !our Electoral -race )ill onl! permit him to remain at Halle, #ivin# him for ei#ht or nine !ears 1L0 florins !earl!. .! dear >r. Bruc+ has also )ritten a'out this to !our -race, and >r. &onas )ill #ive !ou the letter, so if it 'e settled that he 'e set free from his chair, !our -race )ill #raciousl! #rant him the said num'er of florins for these !ears. He )ill al)a!s 'e read! to o'e! an! call hither, as mem'er of the Theolo#ical ,acult!, not onl! in the service of !our -race, 'ut of the )hole Gniversit!, for he does not )ish to 'e loosed from the Gniversit! here, and Halle )ould #ladl! fall in )ith this arran#ement. Therefore ( hum'l! re*uest !our -race to accede to this, for he is no) one of the oldest mem'ers 3>ieners4 'oth in church and schools, and is )orth! of this, and far more, and )ho +no)s ho) -od )ill re*uite it. His children are #ro)in# up, and there is much to consider. 2our -race )ill +no) ho) to act in a #racious and %hristian manner. ( commend !ou to the dear -od. 0aturda!. 2our Electoral -race/s hum'le servant, .artin Luther.

TO ANTON LAUTERBACH
Luther complains of over)or+ and old a#e. >ecem'er 2, 15LL. 2ou are al)a!s ur#in# me to )rite a little 'oo+ upon %hurch >iscipline, 'ut !ou do not sa! )here ( am to find leisure and stren#th to do so, no) that ( am an old and )ornAout man. And ( am 'urdened )ith letterA)ritin# )ithout end9 'esides, ( promised the !oun# princes a sermon upon drun+enness. ( have promised others to )rite upon secret en#a#ements and a#ainst the 0acramentarians9 )hile a#ain some demand ( should leave ever!thin# else alone and )rite a commentar! upon the )hole Bi'le, )hile meantime, )ith so man! importunities, ( do nothin#. ( fancied that (, a usedAup old man, )ould not have 'een #rud#ed a little *uiet and peace 'efore ( fell asleep. But thus ( am pressed on all sides to lead a life of )orr!. But ( shall do )hat ( can, and the rest must 'e left undone. .an! than+s for all !our +ind feelin#s to)ards me. .a! !ou prosper in the Lord, and pra! for me, as ( do for !ou all. ( am sorr! to hear that >r. >aniel 3-resser4 is thin+in# of leavin# the floc+ at >resden. .a! the Lord do )hat pleaseth Him. -reet !our dearest )ife from me. .artin Luther.

TO JACOB PROBST
Luther complains of 'ad times, and spea+s of his dau#hter/s illness. >ecem'er 5, 15LL. -race and peace in the Lord5 ( shall )rite !ou ver! shortl!, m! dear $ro'st, to let !ou hear from me in case !ou mi#ht fanc! ( had for#otten !ou or did not esteem !ou. ( am )ear!, tired, and chilled9 in short, an old man )ho is of no more use. ( have run m! race, and nothin# no) remains 'ut that ( should 'e #athered to m! fathers, and the )orms and corruption receive their pre!. ( have lived lon# enou#h, if this 'e life. $ra! for me that the hour of m! departure ma! 'e )ell pleasin# to -od and salutar! for me. The Emperor and the )hole +in#dom does not concern me, except that ( commend them to -od in pra!er. (t appears to me as if the )orld itself )ere approachin# its end, and, as the $salm sa!s, )axin# old li+e a #arment that is soon to 'e rene)ed. Amen. The $rinces are no lon#er inspired )ith the coura#e and virtues of heroes, 'ut are filled )ith #odless hatred and discord, #reed and selfishness. The 0tate can no lon#er 'oast of possessin# men, and its head and mem'ers resem'le those descri'ed '! (saiah in the third chapter of his prophecies. 0o there is nothin# #ood to hope for, except that the da! of our #reat -od and our redemption should speedil! da)n.

.! dau#hter .ar#aretha than+s !ou for !our #ift. 0he, alon# )ith all her 'rothers, too+ measles, 'ut the latter are )ell lon# a#o, )hile she has 'een com'atin# an attac+ of fever for ten )ee+s, and it is still dou'tful )hether she ma! recover. ( shall not re'el a#ainst -od if He ta+e her to Himself, a)a! from this devilish )orld, from )hich ma! He soon release me and mine. ( lon# for this ever!da!, and to see an end of the fur! of 0atan and his follo)ers. ,are)ell in the Lord &esus %hrist. A #reetin# to !ou and !ours from m! <athie and all our fol+s. .artin Luther.

#RITTEN IN NICOLAS OEMLER1S BIBLE

To m! #ood old friend, Bicolas =Emler, )ho more than once carried me in his arms to and from school, neither of us then 'ein# a)are that one 'rotherA inAla) carried another. Anno 15LL. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF
Luther promises to visit him a#ain. >ecem'er 2 , 15LL. -race and peace, most )orth! Bishop in %hrist5 ( )rite this letter to >r. .edler a'out the theolo#ical lectureship, of )hich !ou +indl! reminded me, and ( fanc! !ou )ill find it easier to send it to him than (, as at present there is a scarcit! of messen#ers. .oreover, ( have firml! decided, if at all possi'le, to come to !ou at the Leipsic ,air, for head and feet are prett! )ell 1ust no) considerin# m! !ears. Throu#h the #race of -od ( have preached t)ice durin# the ,east )ithout an! difficult!, far 'e!ond m! hopes and the hopes of others. 6e hear of all sorts of dan#ers )hich are to 'e dreaded from the peasants, )ho have 'ecome 'older throu#h the Emperor/s successes, and thin+ the! can achieve somethin# even a#ainst the )ill of the $rince. But should ( not 'e a'le to come to Leipsic, could !ou tell me )here )e could meet ; either in the Eulen'ur# %astle 3)hich )e can easil! #et from the Her7o#4, or at Herr Theodore von 0chopfeldt/s in 6ilto), 'et)een Leipsic and >i'on, or if !ou +no) a more suita'le spot tell meE ( should li+e to see Leipsic a#ain, 'ut perhaps, for certain reasons, !ou do not care to #o there.

=ur meetin# could easil! 'e arran#ed some)here in our nei#h'orhood. ( )rite to !ou earl!, as, if m! 1ourne! 'e prevented, )hich ( )ould not li+e, another place could 'e arran#ed. ,are)ell, dearest 'rother in %hrist and most honored Bishop, 'ecause of !our #reat services to the %hurch. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS MEDLER
Luther offers his friend a post. >ecem'er 2 , 15LL. -race and peace in the Lord5 ( do not at present, dear .edler, most honored sir, comfort !ou under !our heav! cross, )ith )hich the Lord has crucified !ou. But the Lord and 0avior is #ood and +ind. 2ou +no) this )ell, and tell others that our Heavenl! ,ather, )hose #oodness is infinite, and )hose )ill is al)a!s the 'est, althou#h the flesh and reason cannot see it, is onl! chastisin# us, that )e ma! learn ho) #ood and lovin# the Lord is. And this can never 'e learned ari#ht unless the flesh 'e lacerated in ever!)a!, so that the spirit ma! 'e driven to si#h and lon# to see the Lord in the land of the livin#. This is -od/s )a! of teachin#, 'ut it is to 'e hoped it ma! not 'e much needed '! !ou. And no) ( have somethin# to tell !ou. The hi#hl! esteemed and much loved of -od and man, Bicolas Amsdorf, 'ishop, has )ritten me that there is a theolo#ical lectureship vacant in Baum'ur#, )hich he desires !ou to fill. Therefore ( 'e# of !ou, if possi'le, at once to accept the post, for !our reputation merits it, or to ans)er '! return, that ( ma! appoint someone else. ( )rite ver! 'riefl!, as ( have much to do, for it is onl! a fe) da!s since ( )as raised from the dead. ( have preached t)ice since, )ith no difficult!, )hich has 'een a )onder to man!. .a! !ou and !ours prosper, and 'e assured that all of us have 'een plun#ed in almost as deep #rief as !ourself over the loss of !our dear son of such hi#h promise. But he has 'een ta+en a)a! from the evil so that he mi#ht not 'ecome corrupted. -od/s )a!s are other than ours, and at all times far 'etter. .artin Luther. The >iet of 6orms )as held durin# this !ear. %harles ?. )as present, 'ut none of the 6itten'er# theolo#ians. 0palatin died &anuar! 1@. ,irst part of Luther/s 'oo+, A#ainst the $apac! in "ome, ,ounded '! the >evil, appeared. Lu+as %ranach at once issued a series of )oodcuts, turnin# the $ope into ridicule. The Iurich divines issued a treatise on the sacrament. Luther, in readin# %alvin/s pamphlet on the su'1ect, said the author must 'e a learned and pious man, and if =Ecolampadius and I)in#li had so expressed themselves, no discussion )ould have arisen. Luther )as a #reat sufferer this !ear, and this ma! 'e )h! he too+ a #loom! vie) of life and

left 6itten'er#, intendin# never to return, and tellin# his )ife to sell their house. >r. Bruc+ tried to console the Elector '! sa!in# the houseAsellin# mi#ht 'e a slo) process. The Elector )rote Luther a 'eautiful letter, still extant, lamentin# that he had not let him +no) his intention, in order that he mi#ht at least have supplied him )ith mone! for the 1ourne!. Luther )as softened at once, and returned )ith .elanchthon and Bu#enha#en, )ho had 'een sent '! the Gniversit! to 'rin# him 'ac+. (n Bovem'er Luther concluded his ten !ears/ course of lectures on -enesis, sa!in#, C.a! our Lord -od send some one after me to expound them 'etter. ( can do no more, for ( am )ea+. $ra! -od to #rant me a 'lessed release.D

15.5
TO NICOLAS AMSDORF
$ro1ected visitation in Baum'ur#. &anuar! :, 15L5. -race and peace in %hrist5 The Lord 'less !ou out of Iion, and #rant !ou !our heart/s desire, honored father in %hrist. -o on in the name of the Lord, attendin# thorou#hl! to the duties of !our office, and doin# the )or+ of a 'ishop, to )hich !ou are called, '! at least visitin# the churches under !our 1urisdiction, over )hich !ou have full authorit!. The Lord 'e )ith !ou. 6hen this or that CcentaurD o'1ects to !ou holdin# a visitation, then !ou are not to 'lame, 'ut as the -ospel teaches, sha+e the dust from off !our feet over them. ( shall alter the preface to the 'oo+ on ?isitation, 'ut it )ill ta+e time. As soon as the printers return from the fair 3.esse 4 ( shall arran#e )ith &ohann Luft and the 'oo+sellers to set to )or+. Later it ma! 'e found that some alterations must 'e made 'ecause of the Baum'ur# 'ishopric constitution, and of the dissimilarit! of the circumstances. (t )as after the visitation our people first issued the visitors/ Boo+ on the ?isitation. And it )ill 'e no #reat hardship for the cler#! themselves althou#h the! do not #et copies at once. ( have seen the $ope/s Bull, and consider it a farce. The! sa! at %ourt that the $ope has 'rou#ht a sin#ular monstrosit! into the )orld, and that he )ill soon openl! )orship the 0ultan, and even the devil, 'efore he )ill improve matters, or act accordin# to the 6ord of -od. 6e have had a'undant proof of this alread!. But the Lord &esus, )ho sla!s His enem! '! the 6ord of His mouth, )ill overthro) him throu#h the splendor of His appearin#. 0till ( shall never cease to portra! this Bestie to the life, if ( live lon# enou#h to do so. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO THE ELECTOR JOACHIM II. OF BRANDENBURG

6arnin# a#ainst the &e)s and petition for the sons of Buchhol7er, $rovost of Berlin. .arch :, 15L5. -race and peace in the Lord, and m! poor pra!ers, .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, most #racious Lord5 The hi#hl! esteemed Herr -eor#e Buchhol7er, $rovost in Berlin, #ave me !our #racious #reetin#, and )onders that ( have not )ritten !ou. He tells me also that !ou )ish me to )rite a#ainst the dou'leAdealers. .an! than+s for !our #racious #reetin#. But !our -race must not impute m! not )ritin# to an! un)illin#ness to do so9 for, ( have no illAfeelin# to an!one on earth, and ( pra! dail! for !ou princes and lords, as 0t. $aul inculcates in 1 Timoth! chapter 2. ,or ( see ho) tr!in# it is to 'e a ruler in those scandalous times )hen there is so much treacher! amon# those in po)er9 and the %ourt devil is such a po)erful lord, )ho causes so much dissension amon# +in#s and princes. Hence ( had no cause to )rite !our -race, so !ou must not ascri'e it to illAfeelin#, ( have often said and preached that ( have no illA)ill even to the Arch'ishop of .a!ence, not )ishin# him even an hour of m! catarrh, althou#h ( ma+e furious onslau#hts on him, as ( do not li+e to see him hurr!in# on to hell, as if he feared he mi#ht arrive too late if he )ent at an ordinar! pace. But )arnin# is vain there. ( fear !our -race ma! fall a pre! to some of the &e)s/ tric+s, 'ut as !ou have such confidence in them, ( +no) no credence )ill 'e #iven to m! )arnin#. Therefore ( pra! -od to protect !our -race and the !oun# .ar#rave from their )iles, that !our trust ma! not 'e 'etra!ed, to our #reat sorro). ( am #lad that the $rovost is so severe on those &e)s, )hich is a proof of his lo!alt! to !our -race9 and ( encoura#e him to continue in the path he has chosen, for this practicin# of alchem! is a dis#raceful deception, for all +no) mone! cannot 'e made '! such sophistr!. Herr -eor#e has also as+ed me to re*uest !our -race #raciousl! to #rant a 'ursar! to his t)o sons for the prosecution of their theolo#ical studies, for it )ould 'e a pit! should the! 'e forced to #ive them up. (n short, !our -race must not consider me an enem!9 'ut ( cannot 'elieve that !our -race reall! ima#ines that the &e)s are dealin# upri#htl! )ith !ou, and the alchemists are certainl! 'efoolin# !ou, that the! ma! #ain all, and !our -race nothin#. ( here)ith commit !ou, )ith the !oun# $rinces, to the dear -od. 2our o'edient .artin Luther.

TO THE HER"OG ALBRECHT OF PRUSSIA

Luther introduces the son of an East $russian -rand >ucal %ounselor to the Her7o#. ?on <unheim/s son, -eor#e, married Luther/s dau#hter, .ar#aretta, in 1555, and too+ her to East $russia, )here she and her children lie 'uried in her hus'and/s 'ur!in#A#round of .uhlhausen, 12 miles from <oni#s'er#. .a! 2, 15L5. -race and peace in the Lord, .ost 0erene Hi#h'orn $rince5 Al'recht von <unheim has re*uested me to )rite to !our Electoral Hi#hness. Althou#h ( had nothin# special to sa!, ( sei7e this opportunit! to do so in introducin# Al'recht von <unheim to !ou. Althou#h ( have nothin# ne) to communicate ( +no) !our -race has al)a!s #reat patience )ith m! letters. =ne sa!s the Tur+ is approachin#, another that he )ill remain outside. But one thin# is certain, neither Emperor, <in#, nor $rinces ma+e an! preparations. The Emperor is 'e#innin# to persecute the #ospel vehementl! in the Betherlands. .a! -od avert his )rath. Amen. The Bishop of %olo#ne remains steadfast '! the #race of -od. The %ount $alatine ,rederic+ has em'raced the #ospel )ith us, and the Electress has pu'licl! parta+en of the sacrament )ith us, this Easter, in 'oth forms. To -od 'e the praise and #lor!, and ma! He stren#then them all. Amen. The $apal monstrosit! continues to moc+ the Emperor and empire )ith the promise of a council, )hich has a#ain 'een deferred till .ichaelmas9 'ut it is said in ,errara that it )ill 'e a ver! lon# time till then, and for once these liars have spo+en the truth, for a council is a thin# the! )ill never suffer to all eternit!. ( here)ith commit !ou to the dear -od. Amen. ( also commend this von <unheim to !our -race as a most superior !oun# man, )ho )as hi#hl! thou#ht of in 6itten'er#. 2our Electoral Hi#hness/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO THE TO#N COUNCIL OF HALLE

Luther/s cele'rated letter to the Halle To)n %ouncil, in )hich he admonishes them to persevere in their 7eal for, and lo!alt! to the #ospel. .a! , 15L5. -race and peace in the Lord, honored and circumspect #entlemen and #ood friends5 ( have tal+ed over !our affairs )ith m! dear friend, >r. &onas, and ( )as deli#hted to hear from him that the church in Halle is increasin# and flourishin#, throu#h the 'lessin# of the Hol! -host9 that the people 'ehave )ell9 and that the teachers are united amon# themselves, 'ein# of one heart and mouth, )hile the %ouncil is favora'le to the #ospel. .a! the merciful ,ather of all 1o! and harmon! #raciousl! maintain this 'lessin# amon# !ou, and perfect the )or+ He has 'e#un in !ou a#ainst that da!.

(t is a ver! precious thin# )hen a to)n can, )ith one accord, sin# CBehold, ho) #ood and ho) pleasant it is for 'rethren to d)ell to#ether in unit!5D ,or ( dail! see ho) ver! rare such a #ift is, 'oth in to)n and countr!. Therefore ( could not refrain from expressin# to !ou m! 1o!, and also admonishin# !ou, as 0t. $aul did the Thessalonians, to continue as !ou are doin#, and not 'e )ear! in )ellAdoin#, 'ut ever increase in stren#th. ,or )e +no) 0atan is a#ainst us, as he cannot 'ear to see -od/s )or+ prosper, 'ut #oes a'out see+in# )hom he ma! devour. 0o )e must )atch and pra!, that )e ma! not 'e surprised '! him. ,or )e are not i#norant of his devices, and ho) he carried them out upon .orit7'ur# and at Aschen'ur#9 and 1ust no) he has 'lessed, or rather cursed, t)o nuns 3-od )ill redeem their souls4. All this proves the mischief he is anxious to do. Therefore ( have pled earnestl! )ith m! dear >r. &onas, that he )ould tr! to +eep church, council, preachers, and schools closel! united, so that throu#h earnest pra!er !ou ma! )ithstand the devil, and prevent him doin# further mischief, )hich >r. &onas has up till no) faithfull! done. ( here'! commit preachers, sacristans, and schools to !our %hristian love, especiall! >r. &onas, from )hom )e )ere most un)illin# to part. ( especiall!, for ( )ould #ladl! al)a!s have him 'eside me. 6e dail! experience ho) precious such faithful, pure preachers are. The! are ver! dear to -od Himself, )ho sa!s Cthe la'ourers are fe).D Therefore He commands them to 'e treated )ith dou'le honor, and ac+no)led#ed as a peculiar #ift of -od, )ith )hich He honors the )orld, as the @8th $salm sin#s, CThou hast received #ifts for men,... that the Lord mi#ht d)ell amon# them.D And it is no small #ift that -od has #iven !ou the heart to call such men, and love, cherish, and honor them. (n man! places such men )ould 'e li#htl! esteemed, and 'e o'li#ed to #o else)here, na!, even 'e compelled to flee. After)ards, )hen too late, the! see )hat the! have done, and thin+ of the prover', C( +no) )hat ( have, 'ut do not +no) )hat ( ma! #et.D (t is eas! to ma+e a chan#e, 'ut to improve matters is al)a!s du'ious. .a! the ,ather of our dear Lord &esus %hrist stren#then !ou a#ainst the )ic+edness of 0atan, and preserve !ou from his cunnin# devices, and at len#th #ive !ou ease and relief from the insidious attac+s of flesh and 'lood. Amen. 2our Excellencies/ o'edient .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF
Luther )rites a'out a peculiar +ind of fox, and concernin# the conduct of the authorities of Burn'er#. &une H, 15L5. -race and peace in the Lord, honored father in %hrist5 ( have communicated !our opinion of this prodi#! amon# foxes to those conversant )ith the hunt, and the!, to 'e#in )ith, said it could not 'e true.

But )hen the! sa) !our letter, the! )ere #reatl! astonished, and all a#reed in sa!in# that the fox is sl! enou#h not to harm the spot )here he has his lair, and adduced as a proof of this that )hen the! ma+e their nest 3nisteln 4 in the moat round the to)n, the! do no in1ur!. ( do not +no) )hat all this portends, except it 'e that a mi#ht! chan#e, for )hich )e lon# and pra!, is imminent. Amen. ( am not concernin# m!self a'out the "eichsta# and councils. ( 'elieve in nothin#, ( hope for nothin#, and thin+ of nothin#. All is vanit! of vanities. The Burn'er# people have ta+en a certain no'leman prisoner in order to procure the release of their Baum#artner. (f -od do not step into the 'reach, this seems to 'e a spar+ sent to +indle a #reat fire in the future, for the punishment of the -erman lands. But -od )ill remove us 'efore then. There is no 1ustice and no #overnment in the land, )hich is, in ver! deed, onl! the dre#s and end of the +in#dom. 2our nephe) -eor#e has sho)ed me the paintin# of the $ope. But .eister Lu+as is a coarse artist. He mi#ht have spared the female sex for the sa+e of -od/s creatures and our mothers. =ther)ise he mi#ht have painted the $ope more )orthil!, that is, representin# him in a more dia'olic form. But !ou can 1ud#e 'etter in the Lord. ,are)ell in %hrist. .artin Luther. $.0. ; The Emperor has ordered the Au#s'ur# people a#ain to restore the %ardinal and the principal 'ishops, alon# )ith the cler#! and the $apal ceremonies. But the! )ill defend themselves '! force of arms if necessar!. The priests do not desire peace, nor do the! even )ish to en1o! their o)n in peace.

TO ANDREAS OSIANDER, PREACHER IN NURNBERG

A letter of consolation. &une H, 15L5. -race and peace in %hrist, )ho is our consolation and our ver! o)n, even as )e are His, Cfor )hether )e live or die,D as 0t. $aul sa!s, C)e are the Lord/s.D 6e have heard, m! excellent =siander, that !ou have a#ain 'een visited '! a cross, and a t)ofold cross, throu#h the deaths of !our dear )ife and 'eloved dau#hter. (, too, +no) from the death of m! dearest child ho) #reat must 'e !our #rief. ( often marvel that ( am una'le to for#et the loss of m! Lenchen, althou#h ( +no) she is in the re#ions a'ove, in the ne) life, saved and redeemed, and that -od has there'! #iven me a true to+en of His love in havin#, durin# m! life, ta+en m! flesh and 'lood to His ,atherl! heart. But this love of )hich ( spea+ is onl! natural love, )hich, althou#h #ood and natural, must still 'e crucified )ith us, so that the #racious )ill of -od ma! 'e done. ,or )hich cause His dear 0on, throu#h )hom and '! )hom all thin#s exist, freel! #ave His life, unto the death. ( )rite all this to

testif! that )e are parta+ers in !our trial, even as -od has made !ou true and faithful participants of our faith and doctrine. Thus !ou must !ield up !our (saac as a 'urntAofferin#, for a s)eet savor to -od9 not !our dau#hter nor !our )ife, for these live and are happ! in the Lord, 'ut that natural stron# and imperious love )hich asserts itself too po)erfull! in us. ,are)ell, and 'elieve that )e love !ou. .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF
Luther )rote this letter )hile in #reat sufferin#. &une 15, 15L5. .an! than+s, m! honored father, for the present of )ine. ( neither slept nor rested the )hole of last ni#ht, the pain caused '! 0atan/s executioner )as so intense. Hence ( am #ood for nothin# toda!, and the pain has not !et #one9 for, this thorn in m! flesh still lies concealed in m! 'od!, 'ut not )ithout lettin# itself 'e felt. ( do not +no) )hen ( shall #et rid of it, for ( a'hor this a#on!. Bevertheless, if it 'e the )ill of the #ood -od that ( should depart amid such pain, He )ill #ive #race to 'ear it, and if not to pass a)a! pleasantl!, still to die cheerfull!. Enou#h of this. (f ( live ( shall see that the painter, Lu+as %ranach, exchan#es this indecent paintin# for a more 'ecomin# one. ( had commenced the second part of the 'oo+ a#ainst the $apac!, and also the pamphlet a#ainst the 0acramentarians )hen, 'ehold, ( am sei7ed '! m! illness. 6ould to -od that the $ope and all the %ardinals had a taste of )hat ( suffer, so that the! ma! learn that the! are human. ,are)ell in %hrist. 2our devoted .artin Luther.

TO ANTON LAUTERBACH
Luther desires him to in*uire a'out a !outh )ho )as )ooin# his niece in 6itten'er#. &ul! 5, 15L5. .! 'eloved 'rother in the Lord, there is a certain !outh here, m! Anton, )ho calls himself Ernest $euchter, from 'e!ond >resden. This individual has made up to the )ido) of Am'rosius Bernardi, m! niece .a#dalena, and has )on her )ith #randAsoundin# )ords, so that it loo+s as if under the pretext of marria#e he )as after her little 'it of mone!. 0ince hearin# this (

have 'een ver! uneas!, for it seems to me as if this un+no)n and ver! !oun# fello) 3under t)ent!4 is preparin# a pitfall for me9 for, )ithout consultin# us, or producin# a testimonial from his parents or #uardians, he is tr!in# to delude the poor foolish )oman. Therefore, ( 'eseech !ou, find out a'out his parents and #uardians, and )hat are their means, and especiall! if the! +no) )hat he is after. ,or he ma! have )ritten that he has the run of m! house and m! consent. Tell them this is a lie, for )e shall oppose it )ith all our mi#ht. ,or this proposal )ould suit neither the one nor the other9 and ( )ould li+e the parents to recall their son 'efore ( am driven to harder measures, for m! office )ill not permit that he, )ithout his parents/ +no)led#e, should enter the married state in this church, much less )ith m! niece, as !ears a#o ( condemned the la)!ers in a similar case. Therefore )rite me minutel!. ,or ( shall prevent this marria#e under the pretext that up till no) he has not #ot his father/s consent, and there'! sets m! authorit! at nau#ht. And thus ( shall elude the devil, )ho )ishes to ma+e me and m! church a lau#hin#Astoc+. ,are)ell, and do as ( )ish. .artin Luther.

TO JOHN LANGE
Luther )rites respectin# private en#a#ements, and the parta+in# of the sacrament. &ul! 1L, 15L5. .! 'est 'eloved Lan#e, #race and peace in %hrist5 ( am ver! much pleased )ith !our vie)s on private en#a#ements, not onl! 'ecause !ou are on our side, 'ut 'ecause !our universit!, )hich is in hi#h repute, shares our opinions, )hich must 'e a trial to the $apists, )ho )ere not a)are of the side !our school too+, and ma! no) fanc! others are of the same )a! of thin+in#. Be coura#eous for the truth, for this is the path to heaven. "e#ardin# the other *uestion !ou are ri#ht. Those )ho aspire to 'e %hristians should confess, at least once in the !ear, that the! 'elon# to %hrist, althou#h all throu#h life the! should do so. But the! )ho excuse themselves '! sa!in# the! feel no need of it, there'! sho) the! have conceived a nausea of the #race of -od and of the heavenl! manna, 'ein# spirituall! dead, and are lon#in# for the foods of E#!pt, and therefore cannot 'e considered %hristians an! lon#er. Those a#ain )ho as a pretext for not communicatin# adduce the prolon#ed )ar, these also cannot 'e exonerated, 'ecause at an! moment the! ma! 'ecome the pre! of death9 and )hat )ould the! then do in the face of deathE 6ould )ar and disputes not 'e placed in the 'ac+#roundE ,or the soul meantime cannot 'e left )ithout faith, )ithout %hrist, and )ithout the 6ord9 therefore such pretexts as )ar, etc., )ould not hold valid then. Thus the! den! %hrist and the faith, for throu#h )ar and disputes all these thin#s are hindered. ( also have had much dissension )ith the $apists, as )ell as )ith the la)!ers here, for a !ear past, and have appealed to the Elector, 'ut this has not prevented me, na!, it has

rather caused me, to parta+e oftener of the sacrament. 2ou have no) m! opinion. But !ou, )ith !our #ifts, +no) much 'etter ho) to act in this matter than (. .a! !ou 'e 'lessed in %hrist, and pra! for me, a d!in# sac+ of )orms5 .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF
Luther )rites a'out a #atherin# of ecclesiastics at Trent and an em'ass! to the 0ultan. &ul! 1 , 15L5. -race and peace in the Lord5 ( am not at all dis*uieted, most honored in %hrist, at )hat has ta+en place. All sa! no attention must 'e paid to dreams, and the 0criptures teach this also, unless one 'e a prophet 3Bum'ers chapter 12.4. But this sacristan is no prophet, and ( sa) the $rince/s statue in )ood in Lu+as/s house 'efore it )as erected in Tor#au. (t is no )onder it fell, 'ut rather a marvel that it has stood so lon#. Ever!one said it )ould fall next da!, even )ithout )ind, so 'adl! )as it put to#ether. The! )rite from Trent that t)ent!Athree 'ishops and three cardinals are there, and are so idle that the! +no) not )hat to do. The Bishop of .a!ence, the +nave of +naves, has sent an underA'ishop, alon# )ith a certain African, there. ( +no) not )hether he means to ridicule them or us '! this lau#ha'le em'ass!, such a #reat man to send such people to so man! distin#uished men. But the %ouncil is )orth! of such an a'ortion. Their coura#e )ill oo7e a)a! )hen -od/s )rath descends upon them. Bo) listen to this. The $ope, the Emperor, ,rancis, and ,erdinand have sent a #or#eous em'ass! to the 0ultan laden )ith precious #ifts to sue for peace, and the 'est of it is each has discarded his paternal costume and donned lon# coats such as the Tur+s )ear, in order not to 'e an offence in his e!es. (t is said the! sailed from ?enice on &une 21. These are the people )ho hitherto decried the Tur+ as the enem! of %hristianit!, and under this pretext extorted mone! and roused their lands a#ainst the Tur+s. And the "oman 0atan has, throu#h no end of devices, ro''ed the people throu#h indul#ences and exhausted the )orld. =h, can these 'e %hristiansE Ba!, the! are rather the devil/s demons. ( hope this is a 1o!ful si#n of the end of the )orld. 0o lon# as the! )orship the Tur+ )e shall pra! to the true -od, )ho )ill hear us and humiliate the Tur+, alon# )ith themselves, throu#h His #lorious appearin#. Amen. 2our most devoted .artin Luther.

TO KATHERINE, LUTHER1S #IFE 6FROM LEIPSIC7

Luther )rites as+in# his )ife to sell his house, and retire to Iulsdorf. &ul! 28, 15L5. -race and peace, dear <athie5 Hans )ill #ive !ou all the details of our 1ourne!9 'ut as ( am not !et sure )hether ( shall not +eep him )ith me, then >r. %aspar %ruci#er and ,erdinand )ill #ive !ou all the particulars. Ernest von 0chonfeldt entertained us most hospita'l! at Lo'net7, and Hain7 0cherle still more ro!all! at Leipsic. ( )ould #ladl! arran#e not to return to 6itten'er#. .! heart is so cooled to)ards the place that ( do not care to live there an! lon#er, so ( )ould li+e !ou to sell #arden, land, house, and court!ard9 and then ( shall restore the lar#e house to m! most #racious lord, and it )ould 'e !our 'est plan to retire to Iulsdorf )hile ( am in life, and could help !ou to improve the propert! )ith m! income. ,or ( trust m! most #racious lord )ould continue m! salar! for at least one !ear of m! closin# life. ,or after m! death the four elements )ill not suffer !ou to remain in 6itten'er#9 therefore it )ould 'e 'etter to do durin# m! life )hat )ould 'e necessar! after)ards. $erhaps the po)ers at 6itten'er# ma! eventuall! find themselves sei7ed not )ith 0t. ?itus/s dance, nor )ith 0t. &ohn/s, 'ut )ith the 'e##ar/s dance, no) that the! are permittin# the )ives and maidens to expose their nec+s and shoulders 'efore and 'ehind, and no one for'ids it, there'! 'rin#in# the 6ord of -od into derision. =nl! to #et a)a! and clear of this 0odom5 ( have heard more in the countr! of the proceedin#s in 6itten'er# than there9 hence ( am )ear! of the to)n, and shall not return, -od helpin# me. The da! after tomorro) ( drive to .erse'ur#, )here $rince -eor#e has )arml! ur#ed me to come. Therefore ( shall )ander hither and thither, and rather eat the 'read of penur! than ma+e m! last da!s misera'le throu#h the disorderl! proceedin#s at 6itten'er#, )ith the loss of all m! hard )or+. >o as !ou li+e a'out lettin# >r. $ommer and .a#ister $hilip +no) of this, and if >r. $ommer here)ith pronounces a 'lessin# on 6itten'er# ( have no o'1ection, for ( cannot control m! indi#nation and #rief an! lon#er. ( here)ith commit !ou to -od. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO SOME ONE UNKNO#N

%aution a#ainst )orr!in# over the doctrine of election. Luther ordained $rince -eor#e of Anhalt as Bishop of .erse'ur# on Au#ust 2, and preached there and at Halle, )here his collea#ues overtoo+ him. Au#ust 8, 15L5.

.! dear friend B. tells me that at times !ou are tempted to dou't the decrees of -od/s eternal providence, and re*uested me to )rite !ou on the su'1ect. Bo dou't this is a severe temptation, 'ut )e must remem'er that )e are for'idden to in*uire into such m!steries. ,or )hat -od desires to +eep secret )e must not )ish to +no)9 'ecause this )as the apple, the eatin# of )hich 'rou#ht death to Adam and Eve, )ith all their posterit!. Even as murder, theft, and s)earin# are sins, so it is also sinful to tr! to investi#ate such matters, and the devil is at the root of this, as he is of all other sins. =n the other hand, -od has #iven us His 0on &esus %hrist, )hom )e should ma+e our example, dail! meditatin# on Him, )hich )ill cause -od/s decrees to assume a most lovel! aspect in our e!es. ,or )ithout %hrist ever!thin# is vanit!, death, and the devil9 'ut )ith Him all is pure peace and 1o!. ,or if a man is constantl! tormentin# himself as to the decrees of $rovidence, he onl! reaps anxious fore'odin#s. Therefore esche) such thou#hts as comin# from the serpent in paradise, and instead loo+ at %hrist. .a! -od preserve !ou. .artin Luther.

TO PRINCE GEORGE OF ANHALT

Letter of consolation. Au#ust :, 15L5. -race and peace in %hrist, )ho is our sole consolation and 0avior5 .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince ; ( have 'een informed of the serious accident )hich has 'efallen !our -race/s consort, for )hich ( am deepl! #rieved. .a! %hrist cause it to conduce to our release from such trou'les. But her lad!ship must remem'er that she is still here 'elo) )ith all the saints, in this valle! of tri'ulation, and has not !et attained to our eternal ,atherland, )hich )e hope to reach. Therefore )e cannot expect to 'e 'etter off than our 'rethren in the )orld, )ho sail in the same ship )ith us, )ho suffer at the hands of the devil from the )inds and the storms. 6e have no cause of offence a#ainst him if he 'e the means of ma+in# us cleave closer to %hrist. 2our -race must not 'e too timid to do this. 6e have a -od )ho can arran#e ever!thin# 'etter than )e can conceive, and #ive far more than )e could ever dream of. Let us commit ourselves to Him, puttin# our affairs into the hands of Him )ho careth for us, as 0t. $eter admonishes. And >avid, too, tells us to commit our )a! unto the Lord9 and if )e do not do this then our cares are in vain, for our fruitless )orr!in# onl! prevents -od from carin# for us. .a! m! dear Lord &esus comfort and stren#then !our -race throu#h His Hol! 0pirit to do and to suffer His hol! )ill. Amen. ( offer m! poor paternoster on !our 'ehalf, and )ish !ou and m! #racious lord, $rince &oachim, all that is #ood, and than+ 'oth of !ou for the #ame. .artin Luther.

TO THE TO#N COUNCIL OF TORGAU

Luther sends a petition on 'ehalf of their pastor, -a'riel I)illin#. Au#ust 18, 15L5. To the honored and )ise citi7ens and %ouncil of Tor#au. .! #racious lords and friends, #race and peace in the Lord5 2our pastor, .. -a'riel, has 'e##ed me to present this petition for him. He havin# received a present of one cas+ of 'eer from the honored %ouncil, and havin# purchased t)o in addition, and 'ein# o'li#ed to purchase a fourth, )e desire that the fourth should also 'e a #ift. Althou#h ( am sure he could have #ot this )ithout m! intervention, he )ished me to intercede for him. As the honored to)n and %ouncil +no) ho) lon# and faithfull! he has served, and has enlar#ed his house )ithout an! special assistance, ( 'e# of !ou to present him )ith the fourth cas+ of 'eer also. ,or he is one )ho should receive t)ofold honor, as 0t. $aul inculcates. ( )ould not as+ this did ( not +no) it could 'e easil! #ranted. ( am ever read! to help the %ouncil in an! )a!. ( here)ith commit !ou to the dear -od. .artin Luther. $.0. ; ( fanc! ( have than+ed the honored %ouncil 3for in the multitude of m! thou#hts and 'usiness ( for#et4 for the present of the cas+ of 'eer. (f not, ( no) do so most )arml!, for it )as excellent.

TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK OF SA ONY

Luther returns than+s for #enerous presents. Bovem'er 8, 15L5. -race and peace and m! poor paternoster, .ost 0erene Hi#hA'orn $rince, most #racious Lord5 Earl! this mornin# ( received !our -race/s handsome present, vi7. a half cart of 0uptit7er, the same of -orn'er#er, four pitchers of &ena )ine, in addition to three score carps and a hundred)ei#ht of pi+e ; 'eautiful fish. (t is far too much to send all at once. =ne of them )ould have 'een enou#h. 6ell, ( render !our -race m! most respectful than+s. =ur Lord -od )ill recompense !our Hi#hness. ( do not +no) ho) to merit all the favors )hich !our -race dail! so richl! 'esto)s upon me. But ( shall do the 'est ( can, accordin# to m! poor a'ilit!. ( here)ith commit !ou to the dear -od. Amen. 2our -race/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO KING CHRISTIAN OF DENMARK

Luther recommends a certain -eor#e 0tur. Bovem'er 2@, 15L5. -race and peace in the Lord, and m! poor paternoster, .ost 0erene Hi#h'orn $rince, most #racious <in#5 .a#ister -eor#e 0tur, a native of the principalit! of 0chles)i#, 'e##ed me to )rite !ou after receivin# !our .a1est!/s promise of a stipendium, part of )hich mone! he has received, and pleads that !our .a1est! )ould #raciousl! remem'er him and complete the matter. ,or he has a ver! #ood name here, 'ein# pious and honest, a dili#ent student, and one from )hom )e expect much9 therefore ( could not refuse his re*uest for a recommendation to !ou. Therefore ( hum'l! plead that !our .a1est! )ould #raciousl! +eep him in remem'rance, )hich )ould 'e a #ood )or+, )ell pleasin# to -od, )ho #ives richl!, and re*uites all that is done for Him. To Him ( recommend !our .a1est!, alon# )ith the !oun# $rinces, land, and people, )ith the )hole -overnment. Amen. 2our devoted .artin Luther. $.0. ; ( have received !our .a1est!/s #racious #ift of 50 thalers throu#h >r. $ommer, and send m! )armest than+s for it. .a! -od re)ard !ou a'undantl! here and there.

TO COUNT ALBRECHT OF MANSFELD

<ostlin, in Luther/s Life, sa!s that Luther and .elanchthon spent %hristmas in the %astle of .ansfeld, 'ut Luther had to hurr! home on account of .elanchthon/s poor state of health. Luther preached in Halle on their )a! 'ac+. >ecem'er @, 15L5. To the hi#h and no'le lord, Herr Al'recht, m! #racious and dear lord. -race and peace in the Lord, and m! poor paternoster5 =nce more ( intended 'ein# )ith !ou next .onda!, as ( previousl! announced, 'ut ( have this moment received a note from -raf $hilip and -raf Hans -eor#e, in )hich, to m! #reat 1o!, the! #raciousl! ans)ered m! last communication '! re*uestin# me to fix a da! after the Leipsic ,air. 0o once more ( must remain here instead of spendin# %hristmas at .ansfeld, as ( intended. As the! so politel! re*uest, ( shall come after the Leipsic ,air to .ansfeld, leavin# !ou t)o parties to name a da! !ourselves, and to sa! )hom !ou )ish to accompan! me and to have )ith !ou. But ( must have a mar#in of ei#ht da!s, 'ecause there is so much to do, so that ( ma! lie do)n 1o!full! in m! coffin after ( have seen m! dear Lords reconciled to each other, and a#ain one heart and one soul.. ( do not dou't 'ut that !our lordships )ill fulfil !our promise and 'e #lad to see these

dissensions at an end. ( here)ith commit !ou to the dear -od. 2our o'edient .artin Luther. Luther/s last !ear. >iet of "e#ens'ur# opened in &anuar!. The Emperor conceded this to humor the $rotestants till he )as read! to compel them to su'mit to the %ouncil/s decrees. Luther/s last underta+in# )as to reconcile the %ounts of .ansfeld. He preached for the last time on ,e'ruar! 1L at Eisle'en. =n 1 th he si#ned a paper, and the %ounts 'e##ed him to rest. At supper he )as ver! 'ri#ht, discussin# death and everlastin# life. After supper he )as much oppressed, and Aurifa'er fetched %ountess Al'recht, )ho tried remedies. He slept till one, )hen >r. &onas tried to persuade him that the cold s)eat he complained of )as salutar!. CBo,D he replied, Cit is the cold s)eat of death.D He pra!ed constantl!, and said three times in Latin, C-od so loved the )orld,D and $salm @8F20, committin# his spirit into -od/s hands. He died 'efore three, in presence of >r. &onas, %olius, Aurifa'er, and his t)o sons.

15.6
TO THE ELECTOR JOHN FREDERICK
Luther )ishes .elanchthon to remain in 6itten'er#. &anuar! :, 15L@. -race and peace in %hrist, and m! poor paternoster, .ost 0erene Hi#h'orn $rince, most #racious Lord5 ( as+ respectfull! )hether it 'e necessar! to send .. $hilip to the present vain and fruitless discussion at "e#ens'ur#. ,or the! have no man on their side )ho is )orth an!thin#, and >r. .a1or is more than sufficient for all that is needed, even should he onl! 'e a'le to sa! C2esD or CBoD to )hat is 'ein# enacted. 6hat )ould 'e done )ere $hilip dead or ill, as he reall! is, so that ( trul! re1oice that ( #ot him home alive from .ansfeldE Hence he must no) 'e spared, for he is of more use l!in# in 'ed here than at the >iet. He is )illin# to ris+ his life if it 'e desired, 'ut )ho )ould counsel thatE (t )ould 'e a temptin# of $rovidence. The !oun# doctors must come to the front, for )hen )e are #one the! must proclaim the 6ord. As >r. .a1or and others are a'le to preach and teach, it )ill 'e eas! for them to dispute )ith such sophists, for the! have dail! to com'at and )ithstand the devil himself. ( respectfull! )rite this for !our Electoral -race/s consideration. .a! the Lord %hrist ma+e !ou act in accordance )ith his >ivine )ill. Amen. 2our Electoral -race/s o'edient .artin Luther.

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF
%oncernin# the dispensin# of unconsecrated )afers. &anuar! 11, 15L@. -race and peace in %hrist5 As >r. %ruci#er and >r. .a1or are a'sent, $ommer and ( must ans)er !ou. ,irst. (t is not heedlessness, 'ut ri#htdo)n )ic+edness of that curate to declare that consecrated and unconsecrated )afers 3Hostien 4 are the same. Let him #o to his I)in#lians. (t is not necessar! that a man )ho is not one of us should 'e +ept in prison, )hose )ord, and even oath, cannot 'e 'elieved. ,urther, he )ho has parta+en of an unconsecrated )afer has not sinned9 for his faith has saved him, 'ecause he 'elieved that he received the true sacrament, and trusted in -od/s 6ord, 1ust as he )ho 'elieves is 'apti7ed, althou#h he )ho 'apti7es him pla!s )ith the ordinance, or uses some other fluid for the purpose. But )e need not discuss this so minutel!, in case of inflamin# unenli#htened consciences. (t is enou#h that all is possi'le to him )ho 'elieves. "e#ardin# adulterated )afers, it )ould 'e )ell to 'urn them, althou#h reall! not necessar!, 'ecause the! are no sacrament except in their actual use. Even as 'aptismal )ater, except in its application in the rite, is no sacrament, even so %hrist in this sacrament onl! operates on those )ho eat and 'elieve. But on account of the scandal, the vicar has done )ell to 'urn it. .. $hilip left for Tor#au !esterda!. The $rince )ishes to send him to the "e#ens'ur# %onference, from )hich ( have tried to dissuade him )ith all m! mi#ht, as $hilip is too ill to 'e sent on such a useless errand, )here )e shall onl! 'e made a fool of, and time and mone! 'e )asted. The! thin+ )e are asses )ho do not understand their coarse 1o+es, )hich is onl! less foolish than the lau#ha'le )isdom of the .eissen fol+. ,are)ell in the Lord. .artin Luther.

TO JACOB PROBST, PREACHER IN BREMEN

=n this da! Luther preached for the last time in 6itten'er#, )arnin# the people a#ainst the lovel! s!ren, the devil/s 'ride, "eason 3?ernunft4. &anuar! 1 , 15L@. -race and peace5 (, old, )ear!, la7!, )ornAout, cold, chill!, and, over and a'ove, oneAe!ed man, no) )rite !ou. And )hen ( flattered m!self that, halfAdead as ( am, ( mi#ht 'e left in peace, it loo+s as if ( had neither )ritten nor done an!thin# heretofore, so over'urdened am ( no) )ith )ritin# and tal+in#. But %hrist, )ho is all in all, is almi#ht!, to )hom 'e praise to all eternit!. Amen.

( am deli#hted )ith )hat !ou tell me a'out the impertinent and 'old )a! the 0)iss )rite a'out me, condemnin# me as the most misera'le slave of reason. ,or this is exactl! )hat ( )ished )hen ( )rote the pamphlet )hich has so enra#ed them ; that the! should openl! avo) themselves m! enemies. ( have achieved this, and, as ( sa!, ( am #lad. (, the most despica'le of men, am more than satisfied to 'e a parta+er of the 'lessedness of the $salm, CBlessed is the man )ho does not )ander in the counsel of the 0acramentarians, nor standeth in the )a! of the I)in#lians, nor sitteth )here the Iurich people sit.D 2ou no) have m! opinion. 2ou 'eseech me to pra! for !ou, )hich ( do, and ( also as+ !ou to do the same for me9 and, as ( have no dou't of the efficac! of !our petitions, ( am convinced !ou have as little of mine, and if ( depart 'efore !ou, )hich ( desire, ( shall dra) !ou after me. And if !ou pass a)a! 'efore me, then !ou )ill do the same for me. ,or )e 'elieve in one -od, and )ait )ith all the saints for our 0avior/s appearin#. ( intend, -od helpin# me, to )rite a#ainst the Louvain people. ,or ( am more indi#nant at the senseless asses than it is seeml! for such a theolo#ian as ( am to 'e, and an old man to 'oot. Bevertheless, 0atan/s partisans must 'e encountered, even should ( expend m! last 'reath upon them. ,are)ell, and remem'er that !ou are not onl! one of m! oldest and 'est friends, 'ut that ( love !ou for %hrist/s sa+e, )hom )e 'oth teach and love. Amen. 6e are sinners, 'ut He is our ri#hteousness, )ho lives to all eternit!. Amen. 6e all #reet !ou and !ours )ith much respect. .artin Luther.

TO KATHERINE, LUTHER1S #IFE

Luther arrived in Halle on the 25th )ith his three sons, their tutor, and a servant. He preached there next da! on 0t. $aul/s conversion. &anuar! 25, 15L@. To m! +ind and dear <athie Luther at 6itten'er#. -race and peace in the Lord, dear <athie5 6e reached Halle toda! at ei#ht o/cloc+, 'ut could not #o on to Eisle'en9 for, )e encountered a #reat Ana'aptist, )ith hu#e )aterA 'illo)s and #reat 'loc+s of ice, coverin# the land, and threatenin# us )ith a re'aptism. Beither could )e return on account of the .ulda9 therefore )e have to remain *uietl! at Halle 'et)een the t)o rivers. Bot that )e have an! desire to drin+ the )ater, for )e re#ale ourselves )ith #ood Tor#au 'eer and "hine )ine, and let the 0aale ra#e at its )ill. 6e did not ris+ em'ar+in# on the river, as )e and our servants and the ferr!man )ere much afraid, and )e did not )ish to tempt -od. ,or the devil is enra#ed a#ainst us, and he d)ells in the )ater floods9 and it is 'etter to evade him than after)ards to complain of him9 'esides, it is needless to deli#ht the $ope and his emissaries throu#h our death. ( could not have 'elieved the 0aale could have made such a 'oilin# noise, 'urstin# over the paved stones, etc. Bo more at present. $ra! for us and 'e pious.

( 'elieve, had !ou 'een here, !ou )ould have advised us to do exactl! )hat )e have done, and so for once )e should have follo)ed !our counsel. ( commend !ou to -od. Amen. .artin Luther.

TO KATHERINE, LUTHER1S #IFE

A 1ocular letter. =n &anuar! 28 Luther left Halle, accompanied '! >r. &onas. A statel! cavalcade )elcomed him into the .ansfeld land. He preached on 0unda!, &anuar! H1, in Eisle'en. ,e'ruar! 1, 15L@. To m! dearl! 'eloved house)ife, <atherine Luther, o)ner of Iulsdorf and the 0aumar+et, and )hatever else she ma! 'e. -race and peace in %hrist, and m! old, poor 3and as ( am a)are4, )ea+ love to thee5 >ear <athie, ( 'ecame extremel! )ea+ )hen ( )as close to Eisle'en, 'ut it )as m! o)n fault. Ho)ever, hadst thou 'een there, thou )ouldst have said that either the &e)s or their -od )ere at the 'ottom of it. ,or )e had to pass throu#h a villa#e close to Eisle'en )here man! &e)s lived, and perhaps the! 'le) upon me, for there is no dou't that at the villa#e a stron# )ind 'le) in at the 'ac+ of the carria#e, penetratin# throu#h m! doctor/s hat, threatenin# to turn m! 'rain into ice. 6hen the principal matters are arran#ed, ( must endeavor to 'anish the &e)s. %ount Al'recht does not li+e them, and has tried to expose them, 'ut as !et no one has meddled )ith them. (f -od )ill, ( shall help %ount Al'recht, and spea+ a'out them from this pulpit. ( drin+ Baum'ur# 'eer, )hich !ou praised so hi#hl! at .ansfeld, and it a#rees )ith me excellentl!. Th! sons left .ansfeld the da! 'efore !esterda!, as Hans von &ene seemed determined to have them )ith him. ( do not +no) )hat the! are a'out. (f it is cold the! ma! help us. But no) that it is mild the! must do or suffer )hat the! )ill. ( here)ith commend !ou and all at home to -od, and #reet all the 'oarders. ?i#ilia purificationis. .artin Luther, th! old lover.

TO KATHERINE, LUTHER1S #IFE

=n the same da! Luther )rote to .elanchthon, )ho )as left at home 'ecause of his health. A'out riches 'ein# called thorns. ,e'ruar! @, 15L@.

To the deepl! learned lad!, <atherine Luther, m! #racious consort at 6itten'er#, #race and peace5 >ear <athie ; 6e sit here in mart!rdom, lon#in# to 'e a)a!, 'ut ( fanc! that cannot 'e for ei#ht da!s. As+ .. $hilip to correct his exposition, for he does not seem to understand )h! the Lord calls riches thorns. This is the school in )hich to learn that. But it is disa#reea'le to me that the thorns should al)a!s 'e threatened )ith fire in the 0criptures9 therefore ( should 'e the more patient in order, )ith -od/s help, to 'e a'le to achieve somethin# #ood. Th! sons are still at .ansfeld. 6e have enou#h to eat and drin+, and )ould other)ise have a ver! #ood time if this trou'lesome 'usiness )ere onl! at an end. (t seems as if the devil )ere moc+in# us, 'ut -od )ill re*uite him )ith the same. Amen. $ra! for us. The messen#er is impatient. .artin Luther.

TO KATHERINE, LUTHER1S #IFE

Luther 1o+es over his )ife/s anxiet! a'out him. ,e'ruar! , 15L@. To m! dear )ife, <atherine Luther, doctoress and selfAtormentor at 6itten'er#, m! #racious lad!. -race and peace in the Lord5 >o thou read, dear <athie, the -ospel of 0t. &ohn and the little catechism of )hich !ou once said, CThis 'oo+ tells all a'out meDE ,or thou must needs assume the cares of th! -od, as if He )ere not Almi#ht!, and could not create ten >r. .artins if the old one )ere suffocated in the 0aale or in the stove, or... Leave me in peace )ith th! cares5 ( have a 'etter $rotector than thou and all the an#els. He it is )ho la! in the man#er and )as fondled on a maiden/s 'reast, 'ut )as at the same time seated on the ri#ht hand of -od, the Almi#ht! ,ather. Therefore 'e at rest. Amen5 ( thin+ that hell and the )hole )orld must at present 'e free from devils, )ho, perhaps 'ecause of me, have all no) #athered in Eisle'en, to such a pass thin#s seem to have come here. (t is said that at "it7dorf, close to Eisle'en, )here the )ind 'le) so fiercel! upon me, four hundred &e)s )al+ and ride out and in. %ount Al'recht, )ho o)ns all the land round Eisle'en, has refused his protection to the &e)s. There are often as man! as fift! in one house here, as ( )rote to !ou. 0till no one )ill in1ure them. The %ountess of .ansfeld, )ido) of 0olms, is loo+ed upon as their protector. ( do not +no) if all this 'e true, 'ut ( have #iven m! opinion prett! freel! on the su'1ect toda!, )hether it )ill help or not. $ra!, pra!, pra!, and thus help us to ri#ht matters. Toda! ( felt inclined to mount m! carria#e and set off, 'ut m! anxiet! as to m! ,atherland held me 'ac+. ( have no) 'ecome a la)!er 31urist 4, 'ut that )ill lead to nothin#. (t )ould have 'een 'etter had the! allo)ed me to remain a divine. (f spared, ( should li+e to appear amon# them as a ho'#o'lin, so that (, throu#h the #race of -od, mi#ht set 'ounds to their pride. The! tr! to pose as -od, 'ut the! )ould 'e )ise to retreat in time 'efore their -odhead is chan#ed into a devil, as happened to Lucifer,

)ho could not remain in heaven on account of his pride. 6ell, )ell, the )ill of the Lord 'e done5 Let .. $hilip read this letter, for ( have not time to )rite to him, so !ou ma! comfort !ourself that ( love !ou dearl!, since, as !ou +no), ( al)a!s )rite )hen ( can, and he )ill understand this, havin# a )ife himself. 6e live )ell here, and the %ouncil sends me for ever! meal a'out a ho#shead of #ood "hine )ine. 0ometimes ( drin+ it )ith m! friends. The Baum'ur# 'eer is also ver! #ood. The devil has ruined all the 'eer in the land )ith pitch, )hich causes the phle#m to accumulate in m! 'reast, and )ith !ou he has destro!ed the )ine )ith 'rimstone. But here the )ine is pure, except )hat is made in the district. And +no) that all the letters thou hast )ritten have arrived, and toda! ( have received those !ou )rote last ,rida! alon# )ith .. $hilip/s, so that !ou ma! not 'e an#r!. Th! 'eloved lord, .artin Luther.

TO KATHERINE, LUTHER1S #IFE

Luther a#ain teases his )ife as to her useless )orr!in# over him, and the narro) escape the! had made. He sa!s that he is )ell, 'ut lon#s to return. ,e'ruar! 10, 15L@. To the saintl!, anxious lad!, <atherine Luther, o)ner of Iulsdorf, at 6itten'er#, m! #racious dear )ife. -race and peace in %hrist5 .ost saintl! lad! doctoress, )e than+ !ou +indl! for !our #reat care for us, )hich prevented !ou sleepin#, for since !ou 'e#an to 'e so anxious )e )ere nearl! consumed '! a fire in our inn 1ust outside m! room door9 and !esterda!, dou'tless on account of !our anxiet!, a stone fell upon our heads and almost crushed us as in a mouseAtrap9 and over and a'ove, in our o)n private room, lime and mortar came do)n for t)o da!s, and )hen the masons came ; after onl! touchin# the stone )ith t)o fin#ers ; it fell, and )as as lar#e as a lar#e pillo), and t)o handA'readths )ide. 6e had to than+ !our anxious care for all this, 'ut happil! the dear, hol! an#els #uarded us also. ( fear if !ou do not cease 'ein# anxious, the earth ma! at last s)allo) us up and the elements pursue us. (s it thus thou hast learnt the catechism and the ,aithE $ra! and leave it to -od to care for us, as He has promised in the 55th $salm and man! other places, C%ast th! 'urden on the Lord, and He shall sustain thee.D Than+ -od )e are fresh and )ell, except that )e are #ettin# tired of the )hole 'usiness, and nothin# )ould satisf! >r. &onas 'ut to have a sore le# also, havin# +noc+ed it a#ainst a chest9 so #reat is the po)er of human env!, that he )ould not permit me to 'e the sole possessor of a lame le#. ( here)ith commit !ou to -od. 6e )ould #ladl! 'e free and set out on our home)ard 1ourne!, if -od permitted it. Amen. Amen. Amen. 2our o'edient servant,

.artin Luther.

TO LUTHER1S #IFE, KATHERINE

Luther/s last letter to his )ife is preserved in the room in )hich he died in Eisle'en. He preached for the last time on .atthe) 11F25, exhortin# the people to cleave to the Lord and .aster, )ho calls the )ea+ and )ear! to Himself9 C( could sa! much more, 'ut am )ea+, so )ill leave it alone,D he concluded. Luther died on ,e'ruar! 18. ,e'ruar! 1L, 15L@. To m! dear, +ind )ife, <atherine Luther, at 6itten'er#. -race and peace in the Lord5 >ear <athie ; 6e hope to return home this )ee+, if -od )ill. -od has richl! manifested His #race to)ards us here, for the lords, throu#h their %ouncil, have arran#ed ever!thin#, except t)o or three thin#s, one of )hich is that the t)o 'rothers, %ounts -e'hardt and Al'recht, should a#ain 'ecome 'rothers, )hich ( shall tr! to accomplish toda!, throu#h invitin# them to 'e m! #uests ; so that the! ma! converse )ith one another, for till no) the! have 'een dum', em'itterin# each other )ith letters. (n other respects the !oun# #entlemen have 'een ver! happ!, ridin# out to#ether on sled#es )ith the tin#lin# of fools/ 'ells, the !oun# ladies accompan!in# them, all 1o+in# and in hi#h spirits, %ount -e'hardt/s son 'ein# amon# the num'er. ,rom this one ma! see that -od is the hearer of pra!er. ( send !ou some trout, )hich the %ountess Al'recht has sent me. 0he is deli#hted )ith the reconciliation. Th! sons are still at .ansfeld. &aco' Luther )ill see )ell to them. 6e are provided )ith meat and drin+ li+e lords, and have ever! attention paid us ;indeed too much, so that )e mi#ht for#et !ou at 6itten'er#. ( am ver! )ell. But >r. &onas/s le# has 'een ver! 'ad, holes appearin# in the s+in, 'ut -od )ill help. 2ou ma! sho) this to .a#ister $hilip, >r. $ommer, and >r. %ruci#er5 (t is reported here that >r. .artin has 'een snatched a)a! '! the devil. The report comes from Leipsic and .a#de'ur#. (t is the invention of these )iseacres, !our countr!men. 0ome declare that the Emperor is thirt! miles from here, at 0oest in 6estphalia9 others that the ,rench are enlistin# recruits, and the Land#rave also. But let us sa! and sin#, that )e shall )ait and see )hat -od )ill do. ( commend !ou to -od. .artin Luther.