so that the enemies of the gospel may no longer vaunt themselves on account of it.
The more I think of the Cardinal’s letter the more I despise those who, through cowardice and an evil conscience, breathe out defiance with their last breath, trying to hide their ignorance through violence. But the Lord, who knows I am a wicked sinner, will conduct His cause through me, or some one else.
MARTIN LUTHER.
Wittenberg.
XLV
TO HERR WITTIGER, CANON IN BRESLAU
July 30, 1520.
At first I had no intention of writing you, most excellent sir, as Herr Schleupper, our common friend, could tell you everything better than I.
For he knows all that is going on, only he insisted I should send a line, so I obey. A great many pamphlets are being issued against me in Germany and Italy, but it does not put me about, for they are written by the most stupid of the stupid, who affront themselves through their work. I am pretty well in body and mind, only I should like to sin less, and yet I sin more and more every day.
The faction of the Dominicans are now keeping quiet, for they were forbidden writing against me, but their place has been filled by the Bishop of Bavaria.
If they overcome, they do so through coarseness and audacity. I never read such stuff, for they do not mind whether they win or lose. How sad for the people who have such wolves set over them! But the Lord sees it, in whom may you find refuge. MARTIN LUTHER.
Wittenberg.
XLVI
TO JOHN LANGE
Staupitz, Lange, and Link all begged Luther to suppress his dangerous book, To the German Nobility, but it was already in the press.
