Luther resisted his acceptance of the position of provost in Nuremberg, and asked him for his opinion on the book of the Angular Mass.
From Aurifaber's unprinted collection, p. 180, in Schütze, vol. II, p. 304 and in De Wette, vol. IV, p. 499.
Grace and peace! What is this, my dear Amsdorf, that you quarrel with me in such a great dispute, that there has been no answer to your so many letters, that you invent and interpret it in such a way, that it is perhaps your fault, while you should rather have thought so: If I had sinned, he would have answered, and indicated the fault; now, 6) since he answers nothing, it is a sign that all is well. For I was completely of the opinion that no letter from me to you was necessary, since there was no reason to write, especially since I am so busy, sick and troubled. But this for our old and firm brotherhood in Christ.
With regard to the position of provost in Nuremberg offered to you, I dare not advise anything, for my mind may be mistaken, or not mistaken. But if my soul has an inkling, I do not know by what pressure I am inclined to think that this position is not for the free and sincere Amsdorf, who in what he undertakes is plain and straightforwardly forward.
4) Burkhardt: "his".
5) Burkhardt: "were", and immediately following: "deserted".
6) Instead of nam we have assumed nunc.
Letters from the year 1534. no. 2029. 2030. 2031.
and I would like to fear that you would regret the acceptance of this position too quickly. This city has its own way, which does not suit everyone. But, as I said, I can be wrong. I only like to think that our friend (noster), who sits in peace and quiet, would not be carried away in turmoil and floods, as the proverb says [Prov. 17, 1.]: Better is a morsel of bread with quiet than a hans full of riches. You are a wise man, you will mean what is best and most pleasant. I see that this error is also increasing among princes and cities: they are looking for preachers who are quite loquacious, who can argue and boast, as it were, before others. "There is the devil in the world," or rather the world itself. In concreto or in abstracto 1) I wish to know what you think of my book "von der Winkelmesse". Many accuse me as if it were harmful to pious and weak consciences. My Käthe greets you respectfully. Be well in Christ. On January 3, 1534.
Your Martin Luther.
No. 2030.