Luther testifies that the presentation of the envoys of the Bohemian brethren showed him sufficiently that they agree in doctrine, and that now, in Christian love, they also want to overlook each other's shortcomings.
We can do this, and must be content with the fact that this letter is addressed to an outstanding elder, Benedict, together with his fellow elders. - Two redactions of the text are available, one in Seidemann I. c. according to Johann Lasicki's handwritten Brüdergeschichte, which is in the possession of the Brüdergemeinde at Herrnhut, the other (according to Aurifaber) in De Wette, Vol. IV, p. 599. According to the content, both are completely the same, according to the wording, they are often different. It must be assumed that one of the two is a retranslation into Latin from a foreign language, either Bohemian or German. We stick to the text given by De Wette and give here its translation.
Letters from the year 1535. No. 2137. 3138.
From Aurifaber's unprinted collection in Schütze, vol.II, p.335; comparing Cod. HeImst.1O7 at Wolfenbüttel in De Wette, Vol. I V, p. 599; in the "Büdingische Sammlung Einiger in die Kirchen-Historie Einschlagender Sonderlich neuerer Schriften. The XVIth piece. Leipzig in Commission bey D. Körte. 1744." 8. p. 563, at the same time with German translation; from the handwritten Brüdergeschichte of Johann Lasicki, Lasitius (Burkhardt writes: Lasatius), in Seidemann, Lutherbriefe, p. 41 ff.
Grace and peace in Christ. Most esteemed man, Mr. Benedict! We, M. Philip and I, have listened very carefully to these two brothers sent by you. And they will again report our opinion to you, for it has pleased us exceedingly that they have set forth the right way in the faith of the Sacrament, and have interpreted the words which have moved me several times in such a way that I confess I have been satisfied, and that I see no discord in the matter itself or in the opinion, although we use other words. For (as it is said) it is in vain to dispute about the name where the matter itself is agreed upon. We were very pleased that the baptism of little children was also put right with you. For if these two sacraments are properly maintained, everything can easily be put in order, as the brothers themselves will tell us more widely. Therefore you have no reason to doubt, as long as you are of the same mind with us, and we with you, that we will act in sincere love toward you all; even if there should be some deficiency in one or the other part (as we are not all perfect saints in this life), we will bear with each other in Christian patience. It is superfluous enough for the holy Catholic Church 1) to be unanimous in faith and doctrine; necessity compels that the customs and usages be different. For this is how the apostles teach and write, and this is how Christ himself commands the brethren to be forgiven, if only they are and remain in Christ, and indeed we insist most strongly on the distinction of doctrine and life. Doctrine makes either Christians or heretics, life makes either saints or heretics.
1) Here, instead of sancta est Ecclesia catholica, we have assumed according to the sense of the other redaction: sanctae Ecclesiae catholicae.
or unholy people. The unholy are to be punished and excluded, but (as Paul teaches) first 2) admonished as brethren and not immediately cast away. Be well in Christ, and pray for us as we pray for you. On Sunday Jubilate [April 18] Anno 1535.
Your Martin Luther, D.
No. 2128.