To a princely confessor at the Imperial Diet in Augsburg. 1530.
First, whether it is enough to take the sacrament under the form of bread alone, and not necessary to drink from the chalice, since in many places it has been forbidden to drink from the chalice?
Secondly: If one desires both forms and one does not want to give him the chalice, whether it is excused before God to take the sacrament under the form of bread alone, or whether he should go on, since it is gladly given to him?
Thirdly: Or whether one should take it secretly in the chamber and not be allowed to confess it publicly?
Fourth, whether one can excuse oneself before God by using only the One Form, because one is concerned that one might disobey the authorities, since some authorities punish the disobedient with banishment?
Fifth: If one did not have a special desire to receive both forms, would it be enough to remain under the form of bread and so remain with the common custom?
Why do you not answer yourselves to the questions addressed to me? But one likes to put a saddle on the unfit ox.*)
First of all: If someone is certain that both forms of the sacrament are a divine order and command, and that one form of the sacrament is contrary to such God's order and command, he, knowing God's command so certainly, should not consider that the use of the chalice is withdrawn; for one must obey God more than men. On the other hand, if he is still ignorant of this whole matter, or if he doubts it, let him act in such a way that he learns and tries to acquire what he does not yet know; for ignorance of a fact is no excuse. For a Christian must know the ordinances of Christ his Lord.
To the other: If someone desires the cup and is denied it, it is not enough for him to take one form, but it is better for him to go where it will be gladly given to him. Or, if he cannot do this, it is better that he leave one form and enjoy the sacrament spiritually, namely, by strengthening his conscience with faith through the words of the sacrament and contemplation of the Lord's suffering.
Thirdly, the sacrament should not be administered or received secretly or in secret, for Christ has instituted it for a
2230 L vii, ii. 12. VI. main st. - B. On the Sacrament of the Altar esp. W. x, 2743-2746. 2231
public office to remember him by preaching and confessing, as he says: "Do this in remembrance of me," that is, as St. Paul interprets it, 1 Cor. 11, 26, "to proclaim the death of the Lord."
To the fourth: No one is excused by the fact that his authorities are so harsh in giving him the cup, as if obedience and fear of punishment could excuse us here. For against God's word one should not render obedience to some creature, for that would be setting the creature above God.
To the fifth: If one does not have a special desire to receive both forms, and would be satisfied with one form alone, that is much less enough. For the sacrament is not instituted to be used by us according as we have more or less desire for it: but it is to be given and received according to the command and word of God; for the use of the sacrament itself is not in our power, nor in the work, manner, or desire, but in God's command and out of His word.