To Casp. Löner, preacher, and Nie. Medler, Schulrector, both in Hof (Bavaria).
June 7, 1531.
To the venerable brothers in Christ, Caspar Löner, the minister of the Word, and Nicolaus Medler, schoolmaster, the faithful in the city of Hof, grace and peace in the Lord!
I have read your writing addressed to me, brethren, wherein you desire my counsel, whether you should yield and give place to the crafty enemies of the gospel among you, who pose as friends?
My answer and opinion to this is brief, that you do not yet give way in your bodies, so that it does not have a reputation that you leave your sheep as hirelings. Therefore, both of you continue in your ministry, as commanded by your church. Suffer all that you have to suffer, until they expel you by force or drive you out by order of the authorities; otherwise you shall not yield to the fierce rage of Satan.
You are not alone who suffer such things; these
Secret persecution, which happens among ourselves by false brethren, affects and oppresses us all among our orthodox rulers, not among the tyrants and enemies of the Word. But since we are now free and unchallenged by external persecutors of the Word, praise God, and since it is the nature of the Gospel that it cannot be without persecution, much less grow and spread, we should suffer this secret persecution inflicted on us by our fellow countrymen. It wants and must be suffered, whether by enemies or friends.
Therefore be strong and take up this cross of yours and follow Christ the Lord, and you will find rest for your soul. Christ, the Lord, who is the Duke and Comforter of all godly crucifixionists, sustain and strengthen you with his joyful Spirit, Amen. Wittenberg, June 7, 1531.
Martin Luther.