The theologians promised to draw up an objection for the day at Schmalkalden and the settlement negotiations to be held there with the popes. This was done (see St. Louis edition, Vol. XVII, 319, No. 1295), and Luther sent it on January 18 together with his letter to the Elector. This letter is the answer to No. 2611.
From Cod. Palat. 689, p. 84, in De Wette, vol. V, p. 256; in the Erlanger Ausgabe, vol. 55, p. 272 and (comparing a copy in Cod. Galli, I, p. 50) in Corp. Ref., vol. III, 920.
God's grace and peace through our Lord Jesus Christ before. Most Serene, Highborn, Most Gracious Prince and Lord! E. C. F. G. Writings, concerning the discussion, what in case, if one might come to a settlement, to leave out of external and middle things or ceremonies, we have received in submission together with the Carlowitz Reformation. And although such a patchwork is very dangerous and painstaking, we nevertheless want to bring together our submissive concerns, and E. C. F. G. We also do not consider it necessary to require the other predicators this time, but want to write to them and inform them in writing what we are based on. And there will be little disparity among them. For as far as we understand, the question is not what is to be done about doctrine and necessary things, but only about the outward and middle things. For we hope that princes and estates in this part will finally be mindful not to make a mishap in doctrine and necessary matters.
The following table shows the number of pages that can be used for this purpose.
And although some would like to be moved to such a devil's specter, as no doubt the Italians and the French will bring such pebbles - as we know that they are now discussing such pebbles in Rome and Paris - we, by the grace of God, do not want to have anything to do with sophistry, and would much rather put our miserable skin on it. Nor do we want anyone to take care of us who has no desire to do so. What destruction the Concordirn in the Synod of Sirmio has caused in the trade of the Son of God! So now the devil also tries sophistry.
By the grace of God, the doctrine in our part is so light and bright, and written with such diligence, that it needs no glosses, and that all God-fearers in all countries must confess that it is the right, pure, Christian doctrine. The same is true of necessary and external things, such as the abjuration of all private masses, all invocation of the saints, monasticism, marriage and the use of the sacrament. Since, then, of these two pieces, namely, of doctrine and necessary external things, there is no need for any further discussion, we hope that the third piece of matters of substance will not be the subject of much controversy. Thus, little can be said about it before we hear whether the bishops want to renounce the persecution and accept the Christian doctrine and necessary things. Then one may seek comparison, or mend in means. For how would it rhyme if they were the enemy of doctrine, as they are in principle, and yet should have authority, ordination, jurisdiction. But we want to indicate our opinion about this further in our objections. We also want to bring together our answer and confutation of the bells in necessary parts. For without a doubt, these bells will be the most important action. We cannot see how it is possible for the bishops to drop their idolatry without the pope's permission, unless it were to happen as it did in Cyro. For when Cyrus made war with Croesus, and sought favor and good from the Jonians, that they would not help Croesus, he wished to let them remain in their old freedom, and to give them such
Letters from the year 1540. No. 2617. 2618.
they came to Cyro, since the game had turned and Croesus was captured, and stopped, Cyrus wanted to leave them with their freedom. Then Cyrus gave them this answer. At one time there was a fisherman who whistled a dance for the fish to jump out, but they would not. So he had to make an effort to see them with a yarn. When he brought them to shore in the yarn, they began to jump, as is their way. Then the fisherman said, "No, it has been too long. When I whistled, you did not want to dance; now you want to, if it is not easy for me. So when this part suggested ways and means of settlement, they did not want to: now they will not get there. But, most gracious lord, we want to prepare ourselves, according to E. C. F. G.'s most gracious order, for the written record, and E. C. F. G.'s order. C. F. G. the same and in a conducive manner. We also want to show ourselves to be respectful that we will come to Eisenach at a certain time by further gracious order of E. C. F. G.. And Doctor Martinus will, on his own behalf, ascribe his subservient answer to E. C. F. G.. For we are always willing and ready to render submissive and obedient service to E. C. F. G.. Date Wittenberg, January 7, 1540.
E. C. F. G.
Martinus Luther D. own manuscript. Justus Jonas D. own manuscript. Johannes Bugenhagius Pommer D. own manuscript.
Philippus Melanchthon's own handwriting.
No. 2618.