Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/334

 I could not have believed (but pray do not spread this) that this man could have had so many strange opinions, and could have strayed so far from our doctrine. But, as I say, if we irritate him further we would only cause greater offence, and fresh disturbances would ensue which it is better to avoid. If you are satisfied with our counsel, we trust that this business may, through time, quiet down, and he meantime draw nearer to us.

We lose nothing through forbearance, while, if he do not repent, he will only injure himself through his obstinacy.

May the Lord smooth all these disturbances.

I commit you to Him, my brother. Greet Dr. Thomas Venatorius, and I hope he will not be displeased because the publication of his theses has been so long delayed. We have reasons for this, waiting tor this dark cloud to pass away.

Luther directs a pastor how to treat despisers of the sacrament.

May 13. We threaten those who despise the services of the sanctuary and neglect to partake of the Lord's Supper, with our Prince's wrath, and with being denounced as blasphemers of God. Then, if they do not improve, the pastors must instruct them for a month or longer, to try to make them see their error. But if found to be quite hardened, then they must be expelled from the congregation and avoided as heathen. The Holy Scripture (Titus iii. 10-11) is explicit on this point regarding the ban. If the general remedy is ineffectual, then you can write again regarding the matter.