Page:Luther's correspondence and other contemporary letters 1507-1521.djvu/397

 334. THOMAS GRAMAYE TO THE THEOLOGICAL FACULTY

OF PARIS. Gess, i. 144. Antwerp, November 10^ 152a

Gramaye was at this time secretary, councillor and mint-master of Charles V. For many years he had been Duke George's banker and general representative in the Netherlands. Earlier in this year he had written to the Sorbonne on behalf of Duke George for their opinion; the professors deliberated on the question on July 17, appointing James Barthelemi and Noel Beda to consider the answer. The pra- cnt letter was apparently received and discussed on November 15. The final condemnation was dated April 15, 1521. See Gess, he. cit., and Smith, op. cit., p. 453, where for "Frederic" should be read "George" — both names being represented in contemporary documents simply by the words "Dux Saxoniae."

Most learned Fathers and venerable Sirs! Your kindness has again made me bold to write. Recently, in behalf of the most illustrious Duke of Saxony, I asked your worships, for the love of truth, which doubtless occupies your minds, to deign either to approve if true or to reprove if false the writings of Martin Luther, which have taken hold of the minds of many everywhere and are embraced as most true by some. According to your habitual benevolence, you an- swered that you were busy day and night reading and dis- cussing them and would take no rest until you had discovered the truth which Martin seems to seek, and had pronounced on it. Truly, the aforesaid duke, anxious to know the truth, received this letter with high honor and read it with great pleasure, hoping that your worships would soon do what you promised. But as this is delayed he awaits anxiously, hear- ing various opinions, some saying that Luther is good, others shouting that he seduces the conunon people. . . . Now the tumult increases, and no small tragedy is excited here in the sight of the world and with the connivance of our professors at Louvain, while others of sounder mind weep and wail, and all await your judgment. . ..

335. LUTHER TO SPALATIN. Enders, ii. 523. Eoenburg, November 13, 1520.

Greeting. I have received the "Bull"^ you sent, Spalatin,

''A pseudonjrmout satire which appeared about this time under the titl^ Dialogus Bulla.

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