Page:Luther's correspondence and other contemporary letters 1521-1530.djvu/503

 853. MELANCHTHON TO THE ELECTOR JOHN OF SAXONY. CR^ i, Z096. German. (Majbbusg^ October 4,(?) 1529.}

The earlier part of thb somewhat lengthy letter contains a summary of the arguments presented on both sides at Marburg. The letter is undated and contains no indication of the place where it was written.

. . . When it was all over Zwingli and Oecolampadius ear- nestly desired that we should acknowledge them as brethren. This we were not willing to grant by any means. They have attacked us so severely that we wonder with what kind of a conscience they would hold us as brethren if they thought we were in error. How could they permit our views to be taught and held and preached alongside their own? But this would have to be allowed unless we excommunicate each other.

In order that the discussion might not be fruitless, how- ever, articles were adopted dealing with other subjects, so as to prevent further errors, if that be possible. For we have found that there have been improper utterances about the ar- ticles indicated above.* They have accepted our views on all points except the presence of the body of Christ in the Lord's Supper. We think, too, that if this matter is not to go too far it ought never be taken up again ; it is to be hoped that if they are dealt with in the right way they will yield. In other respects they have showed themselves not unfriendly to us, but we find that they are not sufficiently informed about the doctrine which Dr. Martin teaches, though they can repeat the words.

854. MICHAEL MAI TO THE EMPEROR. Gayangos, 1529-30, no. 186. Teranni (Terni), October 11, 1529.

Respecting the Lutherans, the Pope agrees that some sort of remedy must be thought of in time. He thinks that their pertinacious errors may be condoned to a certain extent, pro- vided they do not touch on matters of faith. In all other things he says he cares not a straw, even if they should be left in possession of their churches.

855. LUTHER TO JOHN AGRICOLA IN SAALFELD." Enders, vii, 168. Jena, October 12, 1529.

1 Original sin. Word and sacrament, the Trinity, and the righteousneai o£ faith. "Agricola had removed from Eisleben to Saalfeld because of the preralence of the English plague.

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