Andreas Hügel, who had come to Amberg on Luther's recommendation, had had to leave Amberg because the Protestant service was suppressed by the papists, and we find him already in 1541 as Diaconus in Wittenberg (Seidemann in De Wette, vol. VI, p. 514, note 3). When later the service was again permitted, albeit only in silence, Rudel took its place. However, he was disturbed by the Catholic priest in the exercise of his office and was therefore inclined to leave his position. Luther resented this.
Handwritten in Aurifaber, vol. III, p. 401. Printed in Schütze, vol.I, p.247 and in De Wette, vol. V, p. 526. German in Schenkl's Chronik von Amberg, p. 215.
Grace and peace! M. Andreas Hügel, the elder (presbyter) of our church, has asked me, my dear Laurentius, to admonish you by letter in the Lord that you should not leave the service of the word in the church at Amberg, which I do not do unwillingly, especially since I learn that you are loved and desired by the people. Indeed, I hear that you are not unreasonably upset because the priest has disgraced you by keeping you from performing the baptism by trickery, but it is up to us to recognize the tricks of the devil and to make an effort that we do not give way to evil, but overcome evil with good, but not be overcome. Satan is intent on something much different than driving you away from the performance of baptism, for he has set his sights on extinguishing the Word by your departure. A
How much less of an evil it is not to baptize than not to preach. Therefore, I ask you for Christ's sake to prevent future remorse and not to grant Satan this triumph so that he can laugh. For he will clap his hands and rejoice when he has cast you out of the service of the word through the false 1) church, and escapes in his wickedness. Therefore, send thyself to overcome and disgrace his attempts by patience, and thwart his glory and triumph. This will bring you comfort and joy later on. Then you will be safe and will not have to suffer any tears of remorse, which you would have brought upon yourself by impatience. May the Lord guide your heart so that you may realize that my counsel is beneficial for you, amen. January 4, Anno 1543.
Your Martin Luther.
No. 2982.