We are compelledto build an addition to our cloister.
We humbly begged the councillors to do this,but have received no answer.
Therefore we pray that your Grace will graciously grant our request.
Electoral Grace to present me at the LeipsicFair with a white and a black cowl.
Grace owes me the black cowl,and I humbly plead for the white one.
For two or three years ago your Highness promised me one, and I have never received it,althoughPfeffinger agreed to it,but perhaps he has been deterred by other matters, or has delayed doing so, as people say he is very unwillingto spend money.
I had to procure one, so up till now your Grace's promiseremains unfulfilled.
I now humbly beg for one ^ merits a black cowl,and if the Apostle ^ be worthy of a white one.
Please let me have it,but do not depend again on Grace's obedient chaplain, Augustinian at Wittenbej'g.
Luther tells his friend of his proposeddisputation with Eck over the Pope's supremacy, which lasted from was elected Emperor of Germany.
To my beloved friend in the You, above all, have a good rightto marvel, nay, to be offended,most honoured father,that up till now
I have not sent you a singleline.
Although I am not without excuse for thus acting,I shall rather confess my fault.
Concerningyour horse, I hope, through the mediation of our esteemed vicar,you will have mercy on me.
1 Expounded by Luther, and dedicated to the 2 Exposition of Paul's Epistle to the you presentedit to God, and not to me.
I was delighted to hear from our vicar that we are soon to have the pleasureof seeingyou here again.
I fancy you have alreadyheard of my proposed disputation at Leipsic, and other thingsas well.
I am lecturingupon the Psalms for the second time, and with good results.
The town is crowded with students, and Rome is longing for my downfall I laughat their malice.
I hear that the paper Martin has been publicly burned there,and openly cursed and condemned.
I anticipate their wrath.
Galatians is now actually in the press " you will see it in a few days.
In other respects we are peaceful and contented here, and not so badlyoff as formerly. Our Heldt looks after thingswell, but only kitchen matters, for he is always much concerned as to what he is to eat and drink,and will continue so.
I have read what you wrote me about the tattler M I am used to the stingof envy.
The whole world seems to be in motion, both physically and morally,and what the outcome will be I predictmurders and wars.
God have mercy on us.
Farewell,and pray for me.
Luther says how despisers of the gospelshould be treated.
Grace and peace to my beloved brother in the Regardingwhat you have written to me, my dear man of God, about these godlessscorners
" this is my opinion.
Even as no one can be compelled'to accept the gospel, so no magistrate must suffer any one to traduce it,but, if any one do so, the magistratemust have him up and admonish him, and hear his reasons for actingas he does.
If he can give none, then he must be bound over to silence,so that the seeds of dissension may not be sown.
For whoever will speak againstit must do so openly