Melanchthon speaks about his doctrine of good works, which Cordatns calls erroneous; he explains himself briefly and wishes to be in agreement with the other theologians. About the occupation of the Pädagogium by 51 Holstein or Marcellus.
Printed in Corp. ref. vol. III, 179.
To the highly famous men, Doctor Martin, D. Justus Jonas, and the pastor of the church at Wittenberg and D. Cruciger, his highly admired teachers.
Hail. Men of great renown and dear to my heart! I hear that Cordatus here has a great
The Lord has caused tragedy over some of my words, in which, it is said, I have spoken falsely about the doctrine of works. I have spoken falsehoods about the doctrine of works. I have been moved by this rumor, and although at this time I am plagued by other troublesome concerns, I have felt that I must confront it as soon as possible. I have never wanted to teach other things, nor have I taught other things, especially about this matter of dispute, than what 1) you teach together. But since I saw in the beginning that from many, especially elsewhere, this sentence: We are righteous by faith alone, is taken on this opinion: We are justified by this new being (novitate) or by the infused gifts (that is to say, not by faith alone), so it was necessary for me to transfer the matter in the Apology to the imputation by grace alone and to say some things more clearly. From this, as you know, questions arise: If we are accepted by grace alone, what is the new obedience for, or what is it required for? The scriptures are there. And I do not evade your judgment, not even that of Amsdorf. And I have never had anything else in mind than to explain in the most accurate way what you teach, because I knew that many have clumsy opinions about such great things. And for the youth a way suitable for teaching is necessary, sometimes also dialectical words. I do not hide the fact that I like to praise good works as much as I can, but I have never adorned them with false praises. I clearly say that they are neither a payment nor a merit for eternal life. And I am not so unlearned that I should not know what a thing means without which it is not possible (causa sine qua non). I ask, therefore, for the sake of Christ, that you may consider that I have put forward what I have taught in good endeavor, and not with the intention of teaching differently.
I have never wanted to separate my opinion from yours, but if I am weighed down with suspicion or by the slander of certain people, and I have to fear an alienation of good will, I would much rather go somewhere else in the world. I know that some have spoken horribly about me, which I gladly forgive them. And this I would rather complain to you than to others. For I do not wish to be the author of any discord among us. And I love every one and
1) In Corp. ref.: quam quam. Either delete the second quam or read quam quue.
Letters from the year 1536. No. 2305. 2306.
Adore him with all my heart. And I want to do good for the common cause. And if my works and my not 1) small diligence in every kind of fulfillment of duty do not testify to this, then I speak of this cause in vain. But I hope that my mind is sufficiently known to you. And I have never avoided admonition and friendly conversation. There are many gifts. I do not presume to do anything, nor do I want to bring up anything new. I have collected yours and have tried to explain it as much as I could in the most simple way.
I am told that another complaint has been made about the appointment to the Pedagogy. Doctor Caspar knows how much and urgently I asked and insisted that the election be postponed. Since they did not want to do this, and ordered me, according to my duty, to propose suitable directors, I named four: Freder, Wendelin, Holstein and Marcellus, but I said that these two, namely Holstein and Marcellus, seemed to deserve preference over the others. I also said that Holstein was to be preferred because he was a Saxon and that consideration had to be given to this nation. Then we went to the vote. I certainly did not want to vote. Even in my letter, when I had written my judgment about Holstein, that he was a Saxon, this was again erased according to the will of all of them, because it was displeasing. Therefore, as far as this matter is concerned, I am without blame. Secondly, I know that Marcellus, because I heard it from him himself, was willing, if you wanted it, to cede this minor position to someone else. For he has never desired it and puts the decision about this matter in your hands. I felt I had to tell you these necessary things, so that my silence would not confirm I don't know what kind of suspicion. And I especially wish to be cleansed before you. Be well and happy. On the day of All Saints [Nov. 1] 2)
I am not so amused by this letter that I could have copied it, so forgive me.
Philip.
No. 2306.