Page:Luther's correspondence and other contemporary letters 1521-1530.djvu/494

 can reconcile with my conscience ; it becomes me, as a ministei;, not to have superfluity, and, moreover, I do not wish it. I feel your Grace's too favorable kindness so much that I fear for myself, for I would not willingly in this life be found with those to whom Christ says : "Woe unto you rich, for ye have received your consolation." Moreover, even from worldly reasons, I would not be burdensome to your Grace, as I know that you are obliged to give so much that you can hardly have anything left over for me, for too much bursts the sack. The liver-colored cloth is too rich for me, albeit I thank your Grace for it, but I shall wear the black one in your Grace's honor, although even that is too costly for me, and were it not your Grace's gift I could never wear such clothes. I beg your Grace hereafter to wait until I ask for things my- self, that I may not be bashful, on account of your Grace's kindness, to beg for others who are worthier of your favor. Without such gifts your Grace already does too much for me. I pray from my heart that Christ will reward you richly. Amen.

Your Grace's subject, Martin Luther.

846. LUTHER TO JOSEPH LEVIN METZSCH AT MILAU. DeWette, iii, 498. German. (WrrrENBERc), August 26, 1529.

Metzsch (ti57i), Lord of Reichenbach and Friesen, Councilor of the Burgraves of Meissen, attended the Leipsic Debate, by which he was converted to the Evangelical faith. He remained at Leipsic until 1522, when he removed to Mila. In 1526 he inquired of Luther whether polygamy were permissible, Enders, v, 413. In 1528 Luther wrote him about his marriage with a niece, saying it was not forbidden, De Wette, iii, 300. His wife was a daughter of Gunther von Bunau, Enders, vi, 237. He had thirteen children. Luther's last extant letter to him, March 12, 1530, concerns his debts. Enders, i, 350, with the wrong date 1520; cf. Enders, vii, 249.

Grace and peace in Qirist. Faithful and dear sir and friend! I answer the pastor's question in my letter to him. No one is to be compelled to profess the faith, but, on the other hand, no one should be permitted to injure it. Let them give their objections and hear the answers. If by this means they are converted, well and good ; if not, let them hold their tongues and believe what they wish. Our friends at Nurem-

�� �