Page:Luther's correspondence and other contemporary letters 1507-1521.djvu/352

 did not disapprove than approved the plan for writing an epis- tle to the German nobility/ For our friend was urged to do so by some whose opinion we must both respect. Moreover the thing itself, being of God, I would not try to obstruct. I would not rashly hinder Martin's spirit in this cause, to which he seems to have been called by Providence. Besides, the book is now printed and distributed and cannot be recalled. • • •

287. LUTHER TO SPALATIN. Enders, ii. 464. Wittenberg, August 23, 1520.

Greeting. ... I forwarded your letters to Nuremberg. The additions to the book^ will be put in the second edition, which Lotther is bringing out. The book will also be corrected. I send my statement and letter to be corrected.*

The tenor of my letter to Cardinal Carvajal is as follows : As his fame is great in the world, I desire to ask that, with all possible zeal, he should make himself the agent for compos- ing the present affair. I offer all conditions of peace, except that I will not recant, suffer the stigma of heresy or be de- prived of the freedom of teaching the Word. I do not fear censures and force, for I can be safe in the midst of Ger- many. Rather let them beware lest if they crush me they should arouse many. In talent and learning I am, with God's aid, equal to my enemies.

Farewell and pray for me.

Martin Luther, Augustinian,

P. S. — I commend Giinther to you. Please give these letters to the elector.

288. THE ELECTOR FREDERIC OF SAXONY TO HIS

BROTHER, DUKE JOHN.

C. E. Forstemann: Neues Urkundenbuch sur Geschichte der evan- gelise hen Kir chen-Re formation, Hamburg, 1842, i. 2.

LocHAU, August 25, 1520. High-bom Prince, kind, dear Brother and Kinsman. Here-

1 Luther's pamphlet of this title is meant.

sSeTeral important changes and additions were made in the second impression of the Address to the German Nobility.

Charles V. Smith, op. cii., g^S.
 * Lather here means his Offer and Protestation and his letter to the Emperor

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