how, ye gods, could that Brother Martin, falsely called a theologian, write anything but nonsense, since he has been reared amidst the hissing and frying of syllogisms, and has had no time to cultivate his pen ? . . .
Of the valuable^ books of Staupitz, which you sent me by Ulrich Pinder,* I sold part; part I gave to good friends of the reverend author, and as you bade, I devoted the money to the poor; that is, I spent it on my brothers and myself, for I know none poorer. Please send me, if possible, some more books with the same command, worth a gulden, which I will repay you. For some persons still want the books.
I am sending my propositions,' which will seem paradoxes, if not heterodox, to many, which you may show to our learned and ingenious Eck, so that I may hear and see what he has to say about them. . . .
Brother Martin Luder, Augustinian of Wittenberg.
41. CHRISTOPHER SCHEURL TO LUTHER.
Enders, i. iii. Nuremberg, September 30, 1517.
Greeting in Jesus Christ. You have certainly done well, reverend and learned Father, to write and excuse your silence, for it is known to many that I am an Augustinian who think it base to be conquered in love. Our special friend, Wenzel Link, a good and learned man, bears witness to this. . . . Among others, the most conspicuous for learning and sanctity is Jerome Ebner, the honey and darling of Nuremberg, a duumvir,* and of all men the kindest and most upright. He is most devoted to your eminence, at table he hears and speaks of you, he has, reads and admires your Decalogue, Proposi- tion/ and other publications.* ... I will send you fifteen
^"Ferine pro a aureis." worth about two gulden* or one dollar, the purchasing power of money at that time being nearly twenty times what it is now.
K){ Nuremberg, matriculated at Wittenberg 151 1, studied law, and becanc professor of it in 1525. The next year he was sent on an embassy by the elector to the Emperor in Spain.
- On scholastic philosophy, ef. last letter.
•Nuremberg, a free city, was ruled by two officers called in German "Losunger." Ebner (January 5, X477*August a6, i53a)» became second Losnnger 1515, first Losunger and judge of the Empire 1514.
- See last letter.
•The Gtrman Theology or the Seven PenUentiai Psalms,
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