Since he himself is unwell, Luther wants to send him an expert opinion from others about the arrangements of the ceremonies. He advises him not to insist on their uniformity.
From the von Ludwig collection in Halle in Schütze, Vol. I, p. 254 and in De Wette, Vol. V, p. 539. German in Walch, Vol. XXI, 1499.
To Caspar Zeuner, superintendent at Freiberg.
Grace and peace! I will give others to read and act on what you write to me, my dear Caspar. I suffer so much from various illnesses and weaknesses of the head that I can neither write nor read anything, especially when I have not yet learned to read.
1) In the editions: "Cyner, Cyesrus"; in the ^ldurn, p. 79: Czeuner. Cf. St. Louis edition, vol. XXII, 1777, note.
I would have eaten, even if I wanted to; then it will be shown to you what they have judged. But, if I could direct this matter according to my! But if I could direct this matter according to my wishes, I would prefer that you follow your own way in these matters in your own area. For if we begin to make all things equal, these things will become articles of faith and cords everywhere, as they were under the Pabstacy; but if they are unequal, this will be a very wholesome remedy against this evil. Thus, under the papacy, it was of great benefit that it was not considered 2) that a church should be equal to the Roman church, but that each one should follow its own customs without a rope of conscience. For if equality and conformity in the most important things and in the main thing, that is, in doctrine, remain inviolate, then consenting to unequal outward ceremonies will be easy, just as, if head and body are equally healthy, the diversity of works in the various members will not cause discord in the body, yes, rather a beautiful harmony of different voices, as in music. The other you will understand. Fare well in the Lord. Friday after Agathe [9 Feb.] 1543.
Mart. Luther.
No. 2992.
To the Elector Johann Friedrich.
Intercession for D. Curio, whom they tried to oust from the university. Cf. No. 2986.
From the original in the Weimar Archives, Reg. O, p. 143, in De Wette, vol. V, p. 540 and in the Erlangen edition, vol. 56, p. 51.
To the most illustrious, highborn Prince and Lord, Johann Friedrich, Duke of Saxony, Archmarshall and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, Landgrave of Thuringia, Margrave of Meissen and Burgrave of Magdeburg. Roman Empire's Archmarshall and Elector, Landgrave of Thuringia, Margrave of Meissen and Burgrave of Magdeburg, my most gracious lord. To S. C. F. G. Hands.
G. and F. in the Lord. Most noble, highborn prince, most gracious Lord! I am
2) Instead of pateretur we have adopted putaretur. - huic we have referred to the Roman church; e.g. Milan had its own ceremonies.
Letters from the year 1543. No. 2992. 2993.
to write to E. C. F. G. again about D. Curio, whether I consider it unnecessary, because E. C. F. G. graciously allows him to serve the most illustrious, highborn Prince 2c. of Meckelburg. However, because the useless mouths want to interpret it as if he is thereby deprived of his lection 2c.: so my humble request to E. C. F. G. is: You want to control such mouths with a public word. For I want to report my poor thoughts to E. C. F. G., not speak Doctor Curio pure or impure. But I have investigated it (I must), and I find that it is quite a devil's ghost, who has begun to scandalize this school, as he did before, and will continue to do, where he cannot go through strangers, but among ourselves (as the Scripture says that the devil is among God's children). Yes, we have among us his seed, that is certain; today it is D. Curio, tomorrow another. He cannot rest because this school is standing; I do not condemn him either, because he has been annoyed enough by this school, and has been shaved with a sharp sickle. Be it what it may, I ask that E. C. F. G. keep a merciful eye (as you do) on this school, on which the devil has a scowling and ungracious eye, and help so that he does not have to turn his stink into a balm here; and whether something has happened, been said, or suffered, turn it all onto a cleanser and throw it into the oven, but with seriousness (as E. C. F. G. is ready to do). C. F. G. has done), that they would not suffer fornication, neither of high nor low. Truly the devil seeks us, that we must pray and be humble; otherwise we are lost.
E. C. F. G. graciously accept my letter. I would like to spare dear E. C. F. G., also myself even more; but it will not be, I must write myself to death. Herewith ordered to the dear God. Scholasticae [10 Feb.] 1543.
E. C. F. G.
subservient
Martinus Luther, D.
I thank E. C. F. G. most sincerely for the honest gift, and send the ray (stral) again, whether it would perhaps be more gracious than others.
No. 2993.