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 kill somebody, and who has a command to kill Luther, and that he is coming hither next Simday^ when the> relics are shown. This is a persistent rumor. Farewell.

247a. GUY BILD TO LUTHER. Zeitschrift des historischen Vereins fur Schwaben und Neuberg,

1893, XX. 221. Augsburg, April 16, 1520.

Greeting in Christ. Some years ago, reverend Father, when I was writing to my intimate friend George Spalatin, I included a note to be given by him to your Reverence, in which among other things I humbly sought to commend my- self to your Reverence, so that by his mediation I might de- serve to receive a little letter from your Reverence. But as hitherto most merciful God has willed to try your Reverence with various storms, that he might crown you victor with the crown of righteousness, so at present all have not a little hope that your Reverence will soon reach a port of quiet rest ; wherefore, relying on your kindness, I was not able to omit giving a letter for your Reverence to our common friend George Spalatin. For I am bound by such love to your Rev- erence that I do not believe any mortal could break the bond. For neither by chance nor lightly (Spalatin is witness) did I conceive great love for your Reverence, but it was in grati- tude for a service. For your Reverence's writings so changed and renovated my mind oppressed as it was by the conscious- ness of the stuff over which I had formerly sweated, that they instilled into my nostrils not only the sweet savor of doctrine, but the splendor of it. I thank God greatly that by you I desired to learn the words of Christ (which are the words of life) and that I began under your guidance to weigh and keep before my eyes the salvation of my soul. Your friends and supporters, Bernard Adelmann, John Oecolam- padius and the Prior of the Carmelites, once your host,* know with how much love and praise I follow you. May your Rev- erence accept the greeting of a poor little monk like me and if possible when you plan writing to our Bernard Adelmann,

Rttmori of attempts against Luther's life were common at this time.
 * April 22. Tbe elector's relics were exhibited eyery year on this Sunday.

^While Luther was at Augsburg in October. 15 18, he lodged at the convent of the Carmelites, because there was no Augustinian chapter in that city.

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