Page:Luther's correspondence and other contemporary letters 1521-1530.djvu/48

 Wishes that some Deus ex machina would bring to a happy conclusion the tragedy which Luther has so inauspici- ously b^^n. He has put a sword into the hands of his foes, and seems bent on his own destruction, though often advised by Erasmus and other friends to moderate the sharpness of his style. His bitterness is such that even if all he writes were true, it would not turn to good account. Fears that the Jacob- ites and the theologians will use their victory immoderately, especially those of Louvain, who have had a private hatred against Erasmus, and have found a most convenient instru- ment for that purpose in Aleander. He is furious enough by nature, and requires no additional prompting. The most abusive pamphlets fly about on all sides ; all of which Aleander attributes to Erasmus, though of many he had never heard except from Aleander. Luther acknowledges his own books, and attributes the Captiznty of Babylon to Erasmus. Must be very prolific to produce so many books while so hard at work in revising the New Testament and correcting St. Augus- tine, besides other studies. There is not a syllable of his in all Luther's books, and he has never published anything abusive.

They are now showing that Luther has taken a great deal from his books, as if he had not taken still more from Paul's Epistles. Sees now that the Germans * wish to drag him into Luther's affairs against his will. It is a foolish plan, more likely to alienate him. What help could he give Luther, if he shared his danger, except that two would perish for one? Cannot sufficiently admire the spirit in which he writes. He has taught many things, but spoilt them by intolerable evils. Everyone has not strength for martyrdom. Fears that if any tumult were to arise he would imitate St. Peter; and, there- fore, follows Popes and Emperors when they make good laws, and bears with them when they pass bad ones. They are again attacking him for the dialogue upon Julius, and leave nothing tmtried to hinder, not so much him as learning, which they do not like to see so flourishing. Christ will protect him, whose cause all his writings will serve when Luther has

'Eftpecially Albert Dfirer, who saw Erasmus at Brussels about this time. Cf, Kslkoff: Die Anfdngt der Gegenreformaiion in den NUdgrldnden, 1904, i, 5if.

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