Page:Luther's correspondence and other contemporary letters 1507-1521.djvu/204

 during his life-time, was exposed to the contumely of all the higher clergy, and for which he was hated, mocked, cursed and called a heretic by them, and for which, in short, he was at last, though an innocent man and a splendid preacher of the divine word, burned so unjustly by the Council of Con- stance.

But enough of him now. If necessary and if you order it, I will gladly send you the record of his trial with other things. I will only add that I am sure that what John Huss formerly was in Bohemia, that are you, Martin Luther, in Saxony. What then do you need? Watch and be strong in the Lord, and beware of men. Do not quail if you hear yourself called a heretic and excommunicated, remembering what Christ and the apostles suffered and what all men who wish to live piously in Christ suffer even to-day.

Farewell, Martin, and love me though unknown to you, for be sure that you are loved by me.

162. HENRY STROMER OF AUERBACH TO GEORGE

SPALATIN.

G. Wustmann : Der Wirt von Auerbachs Keller. Dr, H. Stromer von Auerbach, Leipsic, 1902, p. 90. Leipsic^ July 19, 1519.

... At Leipsic in the castle I attended the theological debate of Eck, Carlstadt and Luther. Eck, the loud the- ologian, and Carlstadt disputed on free will. Martin Luther, a man famous for eloquence, divinity and holiness of life, disputed with Eck on the power of the Pope, on purgatory, indulgences and the power of priests to loose and to bind, whether they all have it or not, and on some other obscure theological points. It is extraordinary how much holy the- ological learning was modestly distilled by Martin. He seems to me a man worthy of immortality. He uttered nothing but what was sound and wholesome, omitting all heathen learning and content only with the majestic gospel and writ- ings of the apostles. Some, infected either with unbecoming legality or with malice, reviled him; he was like a harmless sheep among wolves, and the more hostile they were to him the greater and more holy was his learning. Did I not know that you were already favorable to him, I would write you to

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