Luther givesof puttingthe I do not approve of the stormy breakingup, for you might all have partedin peace and friendship.You who propose attendingthe
ImperialDiet,see that you defend the gospel.
I shall remain here in seclusion till Easter,and write postils, and translate the German, which so many peopleare anxious to have.
I hear you also are occupiedtherewith.
Go on with what you have begun.
God that every town had its interpreter, and that this book could be had in every language, and dwell in the hearts and hands of all.
You will get all the rest of the news from the Wittenbergers.I am, God be praised, sound in body and well cared for,but much tried by sins and temptations.Pray for me, and go on prospering.From the wilderness.
Concerningmonastic vows.
I am delightedthat my answer to the Catherinas pleasedyou, for I value the verdict of an uprightman.
But remember, whoever starts with good premises cannot repudiatethe conclusions to which theylead,and the results you now see in this cloister.
For if it be contrary to the gospelthat one sin in the use of meats, etc., what would become of vows, cloisters, kingdoms,etc. }
Whose obedience would you compel } Whom would you recall,after quittingthe cloister?
Whom would you accuse as a disturber of the peace, when you are bound over to teach that such freedom or license is no sin ?
You perhaps ask my advice in this matter, and I tell you that you do not requiremy counsel.
I know you will undertake nothing, nor permit anythingthat is in opposition to the gospel,althoughall the cloistersshould be destroyed.
I am indeed deeplydispleased at the stormy upheaval of which For they should agree to let them leave in peace, but perhapsthis may be the punishment of unrighteous vows, wickedlycast aside, so that what was bound togetherthrough an evil unanimity might be abruptlysevered.
But to recall them does not seem to me expedient, even althoughthey have not acted wisely.And I do not believe you can forbid it.
But if there are some stillwho wish to leave the cloister,it would be best not to retain this chapter (capital), and followingthe example of Cyrus,givethose who wish to leave their freedom througha publicedict, without expelling any, or forcingany to remain.
But meanwhile you will continue to share the government of this Babel with Jeremiah. For I should like the dress and usages of the order to be retained.
I see no other way, for I do not wish to represent a lawless body, or to be a ringleader of unrighteousness.If you read my pamphleton the Vow you will find my opinions.
I was in Wittenberg, but did not dare enter the cloister.
You must help us, for the times and God's cause demand this.
I must admit that unheard-of thingsare happening, but it is against our will.
This is clear as the sun to me.
PhilipMelanchthon, and others,whom you can easily ask for counsel.
For we would like if you retained the capital (chapter) at Wittenberg.
Staupitzis I do not know.
I hear he is at the Court of the Salzburggod.
I compassionatethe excellent man ; stillyou may give him my love.
For, from my writings, he must already have seen who