Page:Luther's correspondence and other contemporary letters 1521-1530.djvu/442

 thing to the contrary. But if my gracious lord the Landgrave, or they of Magdeburg/ were attacked, then my gracious lord is bound by the terms of the agreement to aid them as though it were his Grace himself that was attacked, for it is God's will that men keep faith.

794. THE LANDGRAVE PHILIP OF HESSE'S REPLY TO

LUTHER'S OPINION.*

Enders, vi, 238. dssEL, April 11, 1528.

This letter did not move Luther from his previous opinion, which is repeated substantially in the advice g^ven by him and MeUuichthon in April (Erlangen, liii, 450). Philip's "foolish idea" was carried out, however, at least in part. His letter of May 17, to Duke George (Walch,* xvi, 38of!.), called forth an indignant denial of the whole plot {ibid,, 382ff.} and led to the final settlement of the matter.

I have heard Luther's advice and the first part of it pleases me well, but I observe that Dr. Martin is not sufficiently in- ^ structed about the case when he says that it is not yet fully known and proved. On this point it is necessary only to refer to the report of the whole matter and to say that I have seen it and read it, and also hope, God willing, to get the original into my possession. For this reason Dr. Martin can be as- sured that the case is certain; and also for another reason. Why should I prestune to bring such a charge against a man who is my close friend, because of my sister and his daughter,* unless I certainly knew the truth ? For I must confess that he has been of far more help to me than has the Elector. But I am moved thereto by God's Word, which I would not will- ingly see quenched, for if their plans are carried out it will not only be quenched, but suppressed; all good people, too, would be hanged for it, drowned, driven out of the country; their property would be taken, the books would be destroyed, the preachers would be displaced, and what more shall I say ? Wives and children would be put to shame, idolatry and the

^It was reported that the city of Magdeburg had been placed under the ban

of the empire, and that Joachim of Brandenburg and George of Saxony had been

appointed executors of the decree.

' Contained in the document addressed to the Chancellor Bruck (supra, no. 793) •


 * Duke George, whose son John was the husband of Philip's sister, and whose

daughter Christine was Philip's wife.

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