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 conviction ; but the King asks whether he was not heard before the Cardinal of St. Sixtus [Cajetan] when legate in Germany; whether he has not been heard publicly disputing in Saxony; and everywhere else by his books. Doubts not that he has been rightly condemned, as Luther himself condemns the Pope and the College of Cardinals. Reminds him that his opinions ' were condemned by the University of Paris, and others, and by the Emperor at the Diet of Worms; but that he refused to submit to their judgment, and appealed to the next General Council, assembled in the Holy Spirit ; thus leaving a loophole for escape, if condemned by any future council. Defends the Pope and the papal court from his aspersions. Refuses his oflFer to write a book in the King's praise. Advises him to give up his wife, bewail his errors, and the fate of those whom his doctrine has destroyed ; and either publicly to preach the truth, condemning his former errors, or else to retire to a

convent.

738. LUTHER TO WENZEL LINK. Enders, v, 377. (WrrrENBERc), August 28, 1526.

. . . The Diet at Spires is being held after the manner of German diets; there is drinking and gambling and nothing else. There is nothing new here except that Wittenberg is be- ing fortified with great labor. Comparing the present Wit- tenberg with the old, you would scarcely recognize it. I am lecturing on the Preacher.^ It is wonderful how impatient he is and unwilling to be read; there are so many Hebraisms and obstacles of an unknown tongue, but by God's grace I shall get through. Pray for me, and farewell, with your rib. May God soon make you parents. My son is alive and well, thanks to God. Philip sends you his good wishes. He is a little better, and would be still better if he would rest a little from his work. Martin Luther.

739. LUTHER TO NICHOLAS HAUSMANN. Enders, v, 383. (WrrrcNBERG), September 13, 1526.

Grace and peace. Oh, for grace and peace in Christ ! I be- lieve it is not necessary, my good Nicholas, to tell you the

1 The lectures on Ecclesiastes were delivered between July 30 tnd Norember f. Cf. Koestlin-Kawerou, ii, 150.

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