Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/355

 1535 LETTERS OF MARTIN LUTHER 315 how long such an outcry has existed in German lands against you, 1 must inform you it began about fifteen years ago, dating from the indulgences, and all against so holy a man. If you wish to get rid of this evil reputa- tion forbid the outcry in other places besides Halle, especially that regarding the Pope's ban, which finds little favour with the merchants, and these seldom allude to Hans Schanz's business. For being forcibly prevented speaking of him at Halle does not injure his cause, but the Cardinal's conduct does, even as the cry of Magister George Winkler's blood (of which I wrote your Grace) becomes, with time, the longer, the louder, and I believe it will never be stilled till it is avenged. This is the last letter which I shall write to your Grace, even as the Prophet Elijah wrote to King Jehoram to justify himself", for I look for no improvement, even as little as did Elijah from his Jehoram. I must console myself with the thought that your august Holiness cannot hang every one who wishes you evil (although it would be possible to hang all who wish you well), but permit our Lord God to let the ring hang on the doors of His Church, and allow some to live, till the real tormentor {^Henker) attacks yourself. Amen. Martin Luther, Wittenberg. Preacher at IVittenberg. (De Wette.) CCCXXIX To THE Elector John Frederick Luther begs the Elector to allow Melanchthon to go to France, whither the King invited him, and other matters regarding his absence. August 17, 1535. Grace and peace with my paternoster, Most Serene High-born Prince, most gracious Lord ! I most respect- fully beg of you, in God's name, to allow Philip to go to France. I am moved to make this request because of the pitiful appeal I have received from some honoured and pious people who have narrowly escaped the flames, and it was Philip who, with infinite trouble, induced