Page:Luther's correspondence and other contemporary letters 1507-1521.djvu/180

 these points, partly because they are mine, partly because that wily sophist drags in the Pope. This would either put Carlstadt in danger of offending the Pope (intolerable to one who holds a prebend),* or else by scaring him in this way would crush him without a real fight or a real victory. But they will debate on other things, not on the power of the Pope or on indulgences. For these impious men, who themselves foully transgress the commandments of God, con- sider such things as the papal power and indulgences the only thing against which a Christian man can sin. All fear that I shall be worsted on my twelfth proposition.* But although I do not expect to catch that crafty, loud-mouthed, arrogant sophist, yet with Christ's help I will defend my own position. For this will give me a chance to expose publicly the folly of these clumsy, impious Decretals* by which we Christians have been terrified in vain, for, stuffed with lies as they are, they are recommended by the name of the Roman Church. Christ will expose these bugbears, and as Job says: "He will pull aside the covering of his countenance, and will enter into the midst of his mouth."*

The Leipsic theologians and the Bishop of Merseburg have done their best, and are still trying to prevent the debate. They would almost have moved their duke, but finally, strengthened by a word from our elector, he acted authorita- tively. My university has answered and consented. The duke writes that he will let us debate as soon as I convince him that Eck wants to debate with me, and I am now taking measures to do so. For the duke thinks only Carlstadt has a dispute with Eck.

Meantime, the theologians are reviling me, especially that bull, ox and ass," not the ox that knoweth his owner, but

^Carlstadt held a benefice of the Pope. Cf. Smith, op. cit., p. 59.

'Asserting that the supremacy of the Roman Church dated only four centuries back. Cf. Smith, p. 59.

Cf. Smith. 61 f.
 * The Canon Law, which already excited Luther's indignation to a high degree.

ours. In our rersion the Terse is no. 13.
 * Job, xli. 4, according to the Vulgate translation, which differs entirely from

^This allusion is referred by Enders to Jerome Dungersheim ron Ochsenfurt, who wrote Luther sereral letters, the first of which is dated by Enders January 18, X5i9» i- 355* In reality this letter should be dated October 7, 15T9 (Knaake in Tkeologuchg Studien und Kritiken, 1900, p. 369). Luther is eridently speaking

�� �