1536 LETTERS OF MARTIN LUTHER 337 should be administered by His professing servants, because Christ says it was instituted in memory of Himself, which is, in St. Paul's words, to show the Lord's death till He come ; and at the same time he condemns those who wish to partake of it alone without tarrying for one another. And no one can baptize himself. For these sacraments belong to the Church, and must not be mixed up with the duties devolving on the head of a house. So although there is nothing specially said on this subject in the Bible, it must not be lightly undertaken without special directions from God, for no good would ensue. You may say this, dear pastor, to your friend from me. I commit you to God. Amen. Martin Luther. (De Wette.) CCCLII To Philip Melanchthon Luther, Amsdorf, Agricola, and Spalatin had now finished the articles for the future Diet by the Elector's command. {No date.) Grace and peace in the Lord ! As Dr. Anton himself is coming to you, I have nothing special to relate of our life and doings. See that you prove a good friend as well as combatant to both emissaries, for the honour of their King and also of our Prince. I am glad that Dr. Anton is at length free from the courts of justice. For my part I already fear the worst, as the other ambassador is linger- ing too long. For people's patience might easily be exhausted, considering what sort of gentlemen these highly esteemed Cardinals are, for they as well as the Popes are deceivers, thieves, robbers, nay, very devils in the flesh. Would that there were more kings of England to slay them ! For the Ambassador, Paul Vergerius, said to me here, "Ha! the King of England causes the Cardinals and Bishops to be murdered. But . . .," etc. He then made a movement with the hands, growling and threatening the King with evils such as no potentate has ever endured, certainly not expressed in so many words, but with com- pressed lips. They are rascals through and through, even to the heart's core. God make you believe this.
