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 place have private feelings in such a public matter ? Indeed, if hard feeling begins to enter into the differences of opinion, I do not see how anyone can do justice to so great a subject. I observe that Luther is well disposed, toward you^ and. .this makes me liopeful that he will only answer^ou. On the ofKef Tfahd, it "is your duty, my dear Erasmus, to beware lest you make the case more difficult by any ill will, since it is clearly supported by Holy Scripture; then lest you con- demn yourself as one who seems to act against his own con- science by too vigorous an opposition. Finally, you know that prophecies are to be tested, not despised.

You can safely trust me with whatever you write. I would rather die than betray a confidence. I wish to convince you also that we honor you and love you. . . . Luther rever- ently salutes you. I do not wish to burden you with a longer letter, else I should have written more. Farewell.

(538. MELANCHTHON TO SPALATIN.

CRn i» 673. (Wfttenberg, September, 1524.)

Greeting. Erasmus has written on the free will. We have sent you the book. He seems to have treated us without abuse. I had a letter from him yesterday, which you will see ; it will come, to you by this same youth. I greatly wish that this subject, which is surely the chief thing in the Christian religion, may be threshed out diligently, and for this reason I am almost glad that Erasmus has taken up the battle. I have long hoped that Luther might have some wise antagonist in this matter, and if Erasmus is not that, I am greatly de- ceived. . . . Philip.

639. LUTHER TO SPALATIN. Enders, v, 32. (WnrENBERc), October 3, 1524.

Grace and peace. The book on my acts at Jena and Or- lamtinde^ pleases me greatly, because it shows that these in-

^ The Acta Jtnensia containing an account of the interview between Luther and Carlstadt at Jena, August 24, 1524, and of the relations between Luther and the church at Orlamiinde. Its author was Martin Reinhard, pastor at Jena, a friend and sympathixer of Carlstadt, whose conduct is put in the most favorable light. The Acta is printed in Erlangen, Ixiv, 3850, and Walch*. xv, 202BS.

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