Melanchthon reports the election of the six negotiators and the names of the assessors. Of Eck's moderate, but thus all the more dangerous behavior.
2) Franz Groß from Oschatz.
3) Luther's answer to Cruciger, however, did not take place until on
May 1.
Letters from the year 1541. no. 2780. 2781.
The original, in Melanchthon's handwriting, is in the Weimar Archives, Reg. H, fol. 329, no. 133. Printed in Corp. Ref., vol. IV, 238.
To the highly famous and valuable man, Mr. Martin Luther, Doctor of Theology, the restorer of the pure doctrine of the Gospel, his extremely dear father.
Hail! Finally, six have been chosen to discuss the doctrine: Julius, Eck, Gropper of Cologne, Bucer, the pastor of Nidda and me. There are: the Count Palatine Friedrich, Granvella, the Count of Manderscheid, the Chancellor of the Elector Palatine, the Chancellor of the Duke of Saxony, Elector, the Chancellor of Hesse 1) and Jakob Sturm. We would already be relieved of all this arduousness if Eck fought in his usual manner, but either his colleagues or others temper his impetuosity. He does not argue about the article of justification, he only looks for loopholes in words. He is afraid to accept our formulas, and now we are arguing about his formula. Yesterday I had rejected their whole formula, but they improve it in such a way that they do not let us break the deal. Today, again, will be new disputes. Ask God to govern these extremely dangerous actions. If I had to answer privately for my part, I would speak my mind and not let myself be entangled in such ropes. Be well and happy. April 30.
Philip Melanthon.
No. 2781.