their use of the words is not only a mockery and deception, but is even impious. Therefore, in order to be safe, we ought to learn that they also consecrate, and although a priest ought not to be such an unbeliever, nevertheless he can consecrate in the faith of the Church when he acts by the command and authority, of the Church. For it is not he that speaks the words, but the Church, and he is the minister of the words which the Church speaks. From this you can readily draw further con- clusions. Again farewell.
Martin Luther.
551- LUTHER TO JOHN STAUPITZ AT SALZBURG.
Enders, iii, 406. WrrxENBERG, June 27, 1522.
In 1520 Staupitz resigned his position as vicar of the Augustinian Order and retired to Salzburg. He obtained (April 26, 1522) a dis- pensation to change his Order, and entered the Benedictine monastery of St. Peter in Salzburg, August i, 1522. The next day he was chosen abbot.
Grace and peace in Qirist, reverend Father. I have learned of your abbacy not only from the Prior of Nuremberg/ but also by a rumor so persistent that I should have been compelled to believe it if I had not seen your letter. In the same way, I suppose, lies about us are carried to you. Although I am willing to yield to the will of God, nevertheless I cannot see, in my ignorance, how it can be God's will that you should become an abbot, nor do I think it advisable. However, I wish neither to oppose you nor to judge you. f One thing I beg of you by the mercies of Christ,— do not believe the accusations that are made against either Wenzel * or me. You say that my doctrines are praised by those who frequent the brothels, and that my recent writings have given great offence ; I am neither surprised nor afraid. We have tried here, and are trying, to publish the pure Word without any disturbance; the good and the bad are both using it, and how they use it is not. in our power to determine, as you know. We have set our- selves the task of driving out by means of the Word that un- clean celibacy, the impiety of private masses, the tryanny that is exercised over the monks, and whatever else has been in-
- • Wolfgang Volpracht • Link.
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