Page:Luther's correspondence and other contemporary letters 1521-1530.djvu/158

 than it has, because we permit men who are not only wicked, but open sinners, to serve in divine and sacred things, which ought to be approached with fear and trembling, for nothing else than their own base gains? I have preached that even though they must be allowed to continue in their impiety, it is the duty of the magistrates either to prohibit their fornica- tions or else to compel them to marry. No one either can or ought to be compelled to piety and faith, but public offences ought to be done away. I wish that the Elector would at least put a stop to the daily masses which he supports by a contri- bution from the treasury, so that we might begin a reforma- tion. I shall talk more about this matter with Amsdorf.

When I wrote some time ago in behalf of John Bugenhag^, asking for game for his wedding, you were afraid that the Elector might lay himself open to the charge of favoring the marriage of priests, and gave it to me yourself. Now I have another case on hand. Two good fathers here, John Wester- mann^ and Gottschalk of Hervord,* will ^-eceive this month the papal decree of Doctor of Theology, and will celebrate the completion of the festivities, if you will ask the Elector for some game for us. For although they know things well enough, they are yielding to their superiors and becoming fools ; who knows, however, what fruit of wisdom their folly may some day produce? So you see there is no danger in this case if the Elector grants the request ; indeed, there is an op- portunity for a deception which may remove the former sus- picion. Do this work of charity, therefore, and help us serve their folly.

I would not conceal from you that it has hitherto been the pride of our university that the lectures were given gratis by the bounty of the Elector. But now Bugenhagen, out of dire necessity, lessens this reputation by the lectures he is giving, for he cannot teach for nothing, and yet his students think it a hardship to have to buy what they are not willing (M. A. October, isaa; Dr. of Theol., February 3, isaj). He returned to Lipp- stadt 1524, but was driTen out of the city iS33- Pastor at Geismar after 1534. £aden ir, S5» n. 3.

'Gotticbalk Crop of Henrord (died 1540), matriculated at Wittenberg is»t- (M. A. Norember, is^a; Dr. of TbeoL, February 3, 1523). pastor at Cimbeck 1S25-40.

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