Volume 15

Documents related to the history of the Reformation.

From the years 1517 to 1524.

Foreword.

This fifteenth volume brings together the documents against the papists from the years 1517 to 1524, which belong to the history of the Reformation. It may seem strange to some tha

Content

The first part of the fifteenth volume of Luther's complete writings. which contains the documents on the history of the Reformation from 1517 to 1524.

Reformation Writings.

A. Against the Papists. The first chapter.

The first section.

1. Bull of Pope Boniface VIII, Anno 1300, in which he decrees that every hundred years there should be a Jubilee Year, in which Christians who come to Rome and perform certain devo

Second Section.

45 Cardinal Pallavicini's historical account of how the construction of St. Peter's Church and the continuation of the same, since there was no money, caused Julium II to issue thi

The second chapter.

Beginning of Luther's Reformation, and papal countermeasures up to the Diet of Augsburg in 1518.

First section.

This is the story told by Myconius about how Luther first preached his sermons against indulgences in the old, small, dilapidated church of the Augustinian monastery in Wittenberg.

The second section of the second chapter.

This and the following document is taken from the Papal Secretary, Petrus Bembus, Writings, lib. XVI, no. 17 and 18, x. 376. Translated into German.

First Section.

164 Emperor Maximilian I requires the prelate of the church at Herrenalb to attend an Imperial Diet at Augsburg scheduled for St. Catharine's Day (Nov. 25) 1517. Oct. 1, 1517. The

The second section of the third chapter.

173 Raynaldus reports how Cardinal Farnesius was supposed to take up this legation, but because he hesitated too long, the pope chose Thomas de Vio, or Cardinal Cajetan, in his pla

The fourth chapter

Of the negotiations about Luther's cause continued by the papal nuncio Carl von Miltitz under the direction of Cajetan, both at the electoral court and with Luther himself.

First Section.

This letter is found in Latin in Tentzel's historical report, vol. II, p. 53; in Löscher's Ref.-Acta, vol. II, p. 550 and in Seidemann, "Karl von Miltitz", p. 3. - The gaps are fil

The third section of the fourth chapter.

See Luther's preface to the first part of his Latin books, Walch, St. Louis Edition, Vol. XIV, 445. Luther's report of this to Joh. Egranus, in which he says, among other things, t

Section Four of Chapter Four.

Tetzel's letter of apology to the Papal Nuncio Carl von Miltitz that he could not come to Altenburg without risking his life. Leipzig, Dec. 31, 1518. According to Spalatin's own tr

Section Five of Chapter Four.

How Luther's matter, after Miltitzen's arrival at the Cardinal Cajetan at Coblenz, according to the agreement made with Luther and also with the Cardinal's approval, was to be sett

Section Six of Chapter Four.

About Miltitzen's return to Saxony and finally the delivery of the golden rose that had been promised for so long, in which Chursachsen proves to be rather cold. This document is f

Section Seven of Chapter Four.

From the colloquium at Liebenwerda, which was requested in writing by Miltitz during his presence in Saxony at that time, and which was approved by both the Elector and Luther. 315

Section Eight of Chapter Four.

A. As Miltitz reports to Chursachsen that the papal court is very unwilling about the delay and has sent him stricter orders - therefore he wants to come to the Elector in Torgau.

Chapter Four, Section Nine.

332 Miltitzen's letter to Chursachsen, in which he informs him that he has been with Bishop Adolph at Merseburg; he wants to give an oral report of his dealings with him upon his r

Section Eleven of Chapter Four.

See Appendix, No. 41, § 4. Luther's letter to Spalatin, in which he reports to him how he had become one with Miltitz at Lichtenburg, that he wanted to write to the pope again and

Section Twelve of Chapter Four.

349 Miltitzen's letter to the Elector of Saxony, in which he reports that Luther's cause in Rome is now better than one would think, and asks that the Elector write to the Pope or

The fifth chapter.

Of the very famous disputation held in Leipzig in June 1519 between D. Eck on the one hand, and D. Carlstadt and D. Luther on the other. Luther on the other hand at Leipzig.

First section.

1. Eck broke the good friendship in which he had stood with Luther by the insidious scattering of his obelisks, under the pretext that it was done at the request of the bishop of E

The second section of the fifth chapter.

Of Duke George's and the University of Leipzig's partly doubtful, partly even dismissive answer to D. Eck's and Luther's request to be allowed to debate in public. This letter is f

The third section of the fifth chapter.

376 Speech by Petrus Mosellanus at the castle, on the proper way to debate theological matters, with which he opens the act, exhorting the disputants to modesty, love of truth, and

Section Four of Chapter Five.

A. How the Acta of the Leipzig Disputation were sent to the theological faculties of Paris, Erfurt, Cologne and Leuven, in order to obtain their opinions about it. See the 395th Do

The sixth chapter.

The first part of the book is a description of the papal ban and its consequences under the newly elected Emperor Carl, despite all of Luther's humble ideas, which were carried out

First Section.

428. D. Martin Luther's letter to Emperor Carl the Fifth, in which he writes nothing against the Pope, but only asks that he not be condemned unheard. August 30, 1520. This letter

Section Three of Chapter Six.

He tells of Eck's return from Rome, of the papal bull of excommunication against Luther that he had brought with him, and of the difficulties that occurred during its publication,

Section Five of Chapter Six.

484 Luther's report to Staupitz on how his books were burned in three places, at Louvain, Cologne, and Mainz, but at Mainz with great contempt and danger to the burners. See Append

Section Six of Chapter Six.

This writing is found in the Eisleben Collection, vol. I, p. 26; in the Altenburg, vol. I, p. 549 and in the Leipzig, vol. XVII, p. 380. When in 1520 the pope with his Romanists an

The seventh chapter.

From Luther's standing before the emperor at the Diet of Worms, his Declaration of Eight, and Patmos, to his return to Wittenberg.

First Section.

A. How Chursachsen had the imperial ministers request the emperor not to do anything against Luther before he was heard, and what the ministers did and answered the Elector. 518. D

Chapter Seven, Section Two.

How the pope sought to thwart the emperor's sincere intention in Luther's cause by repeatedly banning him, but how the papal envoys at Worms sought to thwart the emperor's sincere

Section Three of Chapter Seven.

How the cunning plots of the papists harmed them themselves, since the imperial order issued by them to hand over Luther's books to the authorities in all places and to force him t

Section Four of Chapter Seven.

From the imperial citation to Luther to come to Worms in person under free, secure, imperial as well as electoral and princely escort, despite the fact that the papists had used ev

Section Five of Chapter Seven.

It tells of Luther's arrival in Worms and his solemn interrogation before the imperial majesty and the imperial assembly, as well as of the malicious attempts of the papists to dep

Section Six of Chapter Seven.

Of Luther's fearless and confident courage before and at the Diet of Worms; how fervently and devoutly he had prayed there, and how the faithful God had publicly honored this faith

Section Eight of Chapter Seven.

The first part of the book is a description of the sharp edict of Worms, which was written after Luther's departure, as well as that of many princes and rulers, at the instigation

Section Ten of Chapter Seven.

Luther's Patmos, or how the Elector Frederick the Wise of Saxony, on his return journey from the Diet of Worms, had Luther, who had been put under guard and was in great danger of

First Section.

1. how the Augustinians, at the lonvent or chapter held in Wittenberg at the beginning of 1522, abolished the private or angle masses by joint resolution, and declared the monastic

Section Six of Chapter Eight.

Of other, in part from Carlstadt's evil example originated ravings, errors, impetuous preachers and such aergernissen, all of which Luther has bravely resisted. See Luther's prefac

First Section.

711 Emperor Carl V's invitation to the Imperial Diet in Nuremberg, addressed to Michael Freiherr von Wolkenstein. Nuremberg, February 12, 1522. From Lünig's first part of the "xiei

Chapter Nine, Section Two.

The new Imperial Diet at Nuremberg, which was to begin on December 11, 1523, was attended by the Elector of Saxony at the beginning of December, but was not opened until January 14

Section Three of Chapter Nine.

The first of these was the Regensburg Private Convention of Papal Princes, Bishops, and Estates, which took place soon after these two imperial congresses, and the constitution dra

Section Four of Chapter Nine.

About the death of Pope Hadrian VI at Nuremberg between the two above-mentioned imperial congresses, after he had canonized Bishop Benno of Meissen a quarter of a year before, agai

Section Five of Chapter Nine.

Of the visitation of the Electoral Lands by the Bishops of Merseburg and Meissen, presumably at Duke George's instigation, in compliance with the resolution published by the Imperi

Appendix of Luther's letters,

which are listed in this fifteenth part of his complete writings and have now all been newly translated into German from the Erlangen "Briefwechsel Luthers". After a remark about t

Luther to Johann Lang.

Luther sends a part of Carlstadt's interpretations of the book de Spiritu et litera, reports on the raging of the preachers of indulgences against him, and that he is advised not t

Luther to Spalatin.

On the attitude in which one must perform good works; on the value of indulgences, and that alms are better without proof. Luther regrets that it is claimed that he was inspired by

Luther to Johann Staupitz.

Luther declares that he will confidently continue in the assertion of truth and will answer the Prierias even more sharply if the latter does not desist; then he reports on matters

Luther to Spalatin in Augsburg.

Luther wants the Elector to have no inconvenience from his dealings and to leave everything up to him. A proposal to change the curriculum at the university. An expression of displ

Luther to Spalatin.

Luther repeatedly defends the Elector against being the author of the indulgence controversy (cf. No. 4 of this appendix), denies the usefulness of dialectics in theology, and repo

Staupitz to Luther.

Staupitz fears for Luther, because he will have few friends in his fight for the truth, because of the fear of the adversaries. He invites Luther to come to Salzburg to live and di

Luther to Spalatin.

Luther reports on his arrival in Augsburg on October 7, and that he will now speak with Cajetan only after three days, after he has previously rejected the impositions made on him

Luther to Staupitz in Salzburg.

Luther reassures Staupitz about his matter by reminding him of a word he himself had spoken earlier and expresses confidence about the bold step of burning the bull. All kinds of n

Luther to Spalatin.

Luther sends some letters back to Spalatin, reminds him of the delivery of the letter from the university and his letter to the Elector, in which he answers Cajetan's letter, and a

Luther to Staupitz.

Luther indicates his return to Wittenberg; that those which the prince did not want to be published are now finally being printed with his permission. He complains about Cajetan's

Luther to Link.

About Miltitzen's arrival, the Augsburg Acts that Luther sent, the Protestation and other of his writings; about the death of the provost at Kemberg and the flourishing of the Witt

Luther to Spalatin.

Luther apologizes for the announcement of the appeal and the Augsburg Acts, which the printer had issued in sheets without his prior knowledge. His joy about the answer of the Elec

Luther to Joh. Sylvius Egranus.

Luther reports on the negotiations with Miltitz, admonishes Egranus to stay in Zwickau, reports the upcoming disputation with Eck, and sends Carlstadt's writings. Printed in Aurifa

Luther to Staupitz.

Complains about Staupitz's silence; about the negotiation with Miltitz; about the Leipzig disputation, which the Leipzigers initially refused; about the Basel edition of his small

Luther to Spalatin.

Luther finds it ridiculous that Miltitz summons him to Coblenz to appear before Cajetan without being authorized to do so from Rome or by the Archbishop of Trier. He wants to write

Luther to Johann Lang.

From a matter of order. Luther sends his and Eck's theses for the Leipzig disputation, and reports that Duke George twice gave an evasive answer. About Miltitzen's letter. The inte

Luther to Joh. Staupitz.

Luther sends the interpretation of the Epistle to the Galatians, writes about the forthcoming discussion with Miltitz; also about religious affairs; about the two letters from Bohe

Luther to Spalatin.

Luther does not want to write the letter to the pope that he promised Miltitzen, because Eck has arrived with the bull of excommunication. He leaves it undecided whether he should

Luther to Joh. Sylvius Egranus.

Luther speaks courage to Egranus against Ochsenfart's attack on his doctrine of the three Marys; about Eck's obelisks; about the ignorance of the Leipzig theologians in the Holy Sc

Luther to Johann Lang.

Congratulations on Längs' upcoming graduation; Luther reports that Eck is provoking him to serious argument against Rome, and asks for the dismissal of a Father Matthew. Handwritte

Luther to Joh. Lang.

Of Tmtfetter's death. Luther reports that he is busy editing the explanation of his thirteenth thesis against Eck. He has not yet received a definite answer from Duke George about

Luther to Spalatin.

The original is in the Anhaltisches Gesammt-Archiv. The postscript II is on a special slip of paper. Handwritten in Oo<1. vsssav. No. 42. There is postscript II as a special letter

Luther to Johann Lang.

Of the boast of the Leipzigers that Erfurt would decide against Luther; of Emser's forthcoming rebuttal and of Rubeus' German rhymes. Handwritten in 6ock. Ootbav. 399, koi. 127 b.

Luther to Spalatin.

Ueber einen Abgesandten der böhmischen Brüder und die Antwort auf die Briefe derselben (No. 422 und 423 in diesem Bande); von des Rubeus Schmähschrift, einen Briefe des Rectors zu

Luther au Spalatin.

The original of this letter is in the Anhaltisches Gesammt-Archiv. Printed in Aurifaber, vol. I, p. 219 b; in Löscher's Ref.-Acta, vol. Ill, p. 994; in De Wette, vol. I, p. 371 and

Luther to Spalatin.

Luther sends the letter of responsibility against Eck's letter to the Elector; complains that Eck is interfering in a hostile manner in Luther's dispute with the Franciscans at Jüt

Luther to Johann Lang.

Luther's reply against the Louvainers and the Cologneers is printed. Von Eck's journey to Rome. About the imminent death of D. Eschhausen's wife. Postscript on the imminent death o

Luther to Spalatin.

About the matter of the widow Landmann; about the additions to the second edition of the Scripture to the Christian Nobility. Luther sends his "Erbieten" (No. 433 in this volume) a

Luther to Wenceslaus Link.

Luther wants to write against Ambrosius Catharinus. He sends books and all kinds of news. Printed in Aurifaber, Vol. I, p. 312; in De Wette, Vol. I, p. 569 and in Erlanger Briefwec

Luther to Spalatin.

Recommendation of a young clergyman and news. The original is in the Anhaltisches Gesammt-Archiv. Printed in Aurifaber, Vol. I, p. 313; in De Wette, Vol. I, p. 570 and in Erlanger

Luther to Wenceslaus Link.

Printed in Aurifaber, Vol. I, p. 299b; in De Wette, Vol.I, p.545 (with the wrong date: January 21) and in Erlanger Briefwechsel, Vol. Ill, p. 72. 6) The legacy of D. Heinrich Schmi

Luther to Johann Lang.

Luther sends writings; reports that he answers Emser. About his new adversaries, his overload of work. About the papal bull and the hostile behavior of the bishops of Meissen and M

Luther to Melanchthon.

Luther wants to know what Melanchthon thinks about his concealment, into which he has reluctantly submitted. He admonishes him to stand firm and faithful to the cause of the Gospel

Luther to Amsdorf.

Since Amsdorf had been Luther's companion during his capture, Luther asked him for news about the continuation of his journey and told him how he had fared. Handwritten in 6oü. Isn

Luther to Nic. Gerbet in Strasbourg.

In response to his inquiry (of May 18), Luther gives him news of his stay and his writings so far, the most recent of which is the one against the Archbishop of Mainz concerning th

Luther to Johann Agricola.

Luther wishes Agricola's wife a happy delivery and exhorts him to be faithful in his office, Handwritten in dock. llen. L. 24. n, 1.151; Ooä. üatLenderser; Ooä. OotUan. 1048, 1. 58

Luther to Spalatin.

Luther expresses his dissatisfaction with the printing of the book "von der Beichte" and writes about the printing of the Postille. He rebukes the way Carlstadt argues against celi

Luther to Melanchthon.

Luther criticizes Melanchthon for missing him too much, since everything in Wittenberg is going well without him. He is ill and intends to go to Erfurt; he does not want to answer

Luther to Spalatin.

Luther rejects the advice of Erasmus and Capito that moderation and peaceableness must be practiced. About his condition. He wishes that Melanchthon be persuaded to preach. The ori

Luther to Amsdorf.

Luther wishes Amsdorf luck in increasing his income and indicates to him that he wants to leave solitude because of illness. He instructs him how to answer the Emser. Printed in Au

Luther to Joh. Lang.

Luther wants to translate the New Testament. Lang is already busy with it, and Luther encourages him to continue. Printed in Aurifaber, vol. I, p. 295 d (with the wrong year: 1520)

Luther to Spalatin in Lochau.

The original is in the Anhaltisches Gesammt-Archiv. Printed in Aurifaber, vol. II, p. 55; in De Wette, vol. II, p. 176 and in Erlanger Briefwechsel, vol. Ill, p. 324. To Georg Spal

Luther to Spalatin.

This letter contains, besides some small matters, the answer to several exegetical questions. The original is in the Anhaltisches Gesammt-Archiv. Printed by Aurifaber, Vol. II, p.

Luther to Spalatin [in Nuremberg].

About Gabriel Zwilling's removal from Altenburg; Luther's apology for his harsh writing against his opponents. He sends a part of the New Testament and gives news about the complet

Luther to Spalatin.

Luther intercedes for a prisoner, he gives thanks for a booklet sent to him by Hirschseld, in which he finds a reference to the King of England. In the postscript of the Anabaptist

Luther to Amsdorf.

Luther speaks out about his theses from the vows he sends along; he rebukes Carlstadt and expresses the wish that Melanchthon explain the Bible in public German. Handwritten in Ooä

Luther to Spalatin.

This letter appears twice in Walch's old edition, namely in the 19th volume and here. Since we have already included it in the 19th volume of our edition, Col. 560, we leave it out

Luther to Melanchthon.

Luther's opinion on the vows of chastity of the clergy and monks; he wants the former to be abolished, about the latter he is still uncertain. On the consumption of the Lord's Supp

Luther to Johann Lang.

Printed in Aurifaber, vol. II, p. 54; in De Wette, vol. II, p. 175 and in Erlanger Briefwechsel, vol. III, p. 323. To Johann Lang, theologian and evangelist of the church at Erfurt

Luther to Caspar Güttel.

This letter is duplicated in the 15th volume of Walch's old edition, namely No. 663 and here. Because we have already included it there, we leave it out here.

Luther to Spalatin.

The original is in the Anhaltisches Gesammt-Archiv. Printed in Aurifaber, vol. II, p. 67; in De Wette, vol. II, p. 201 and in Erlanger Briefwechsel, vol. Ill, p. 377. His friend in

Lucher to W. Link in Altenburg.

Luther reports that he will come to Link's wedding with several Wittenberg friends, and that nine nuns who had left m Wittenberg had arrived. Printed in Aurifaber, vol. II, p. 130d

Luther to Christoph Hofmann.

Luther warns Hofmann, who had presented certain questions to Carlstadt, against such opinions as the Zwickau prophets had harbored, which even Carlstadt had not yet sufficiently re

Luther to Melanchthon in Jena.

Of Melanchthon's illness, Carlstadt's removal, a passage in the visitation order, Luther's melancholy, Erasmus's rebuttal 2c. Handwritten in the Zwickau Rathsschulbibliothek, vol.

Luther to Spalatin.

Luther sends a letter to Weimar; he expresses his displeasure about the marriage of the court preacher there with a rich old woman. The original is in the Anhaltisches Gesammt-Arch

Luther to Amsdorf in Magdeburg.

Because there are many printers to be employed in Wittenberg, Luther cannot give anything to those in Magdeburg. News about Carlstadt and Münzer. The Landgrave of Hesse also tries