Page:Luther's correspondence and other contemporary letters 1521-1530.djvu/353

 I am sorry that Zwkigli and the rest are offended because I said, "What I say must be true." They show that their minds are poisoned a|;ainst me. Why do they boast of their experience of faith? Is it not a haughty word, if we con- sider the flesh, but a helpful and saving word if true, as Peter says;^ for he would have us speak thus as men who are certain that they speak the word of God. If they them- selves had any of this certainty they would not thus con- demn my certainty and assurance. What is the certitude of faith and the testimony of the Spirit, if we are able only to boast of it ourselves and are not able to hear anyone else boasting of it?

The matter will produce more arguments when we b^n to discuss it. We are certain that they are in error; let them see to it how certain they are that they are not in error. The Lord grant that they may not be in error ; that is, that they may come to themselves. Amen.

You, my dear Casel, will tell them the rest, for you sec that our time is taken up with more than one or two matters.

Mart. Luther.

714. THE ELECTOR JOHN OF SAXONY TO LUTHER. Enders, v, 268. German. Tobgau, November 7, 1525.

Greeting. . . You wrote us last week," and, among other things, asked our pardon because you urged us so much re- garding the organization of the university. We have read your letter, with its further contents, and are graciously and well satisfied with your excuses, for we know that what you did in this matter was well meant and has turned out for the best.

You go on to say that the parishes everywhere are in such a miserable condition that no one gives anything or pays an3rthing, that the offerings and mass fees have ceased, and that it is our duty as temporal lord to investigate and make a law whereby the priests and preachers may be properly sup- ported. Now it may well be the case that the offerings and

»I Peter It. ii. *Smpr&t no. 709,

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