ignobly lie about my coming too near your soul, honor and reputation, you would not so shamefully hurt and persecute Christian truth. This is not the first time that I have been belied and evilly entreated by your Disgrace, so that I have more cause than you to complain of injuries to soul, honor and reputation. But I pass over all that, for Christ commands me to do good even to my enemies, which I have hitherto done with my poor prayers to God for your Disgrace. I oflFer to serve your Disgrace in anything I can, save in what is v/rong. If you despise my offer I can do no more, and shall not trem- ble for a mere bladder, God willing. May He lighten your Disgrace's eyes and heart and please to make me a gracious, kind prince of you. Amen.
Martin Luther, by the grace of God Evangelist at Wittenberg.
566. FRANQS CHIEREGATO, BISHOP OF TERAMO, TO THE
MARQUIS OF MANTUA.*
Brown, 1520-1526, no. 616. Nuseicberg, January 10, 152^
We are occupied with the negotiations for the general war against the Turk, and for that particular war against that nefarious Martin Luther, who is a^greater evil to Christendom than the Turk. It is not known what will be the result of these two most important matters. Prays God to bring them to the like good end as obtained by the first [Diet]. To this effect fails not to employ all possible diligence. Assures the Marquis that the affair of Luther is so rooted there that a thousand men would not suffice to eradicate it ; still less can he, being alone by himself, accomplish this result. Will do what he can. Is subjected to threats, outrages, defamatory libels, and all such insults as can possibly be borne. Believes that the affair has gone such lengths that it can proceed no further. They have now commenced to preach that the sacra- ment of the altar is not the real sacrament, land should not be adored, but merely celebrated in memory of Christ. They have also alleged that the blessed Virgin was entitled to no merit for bearing Christ in her holy womb, and that she had
> Frederic Gonnga. Vide Vol I, p. 487.
�� �
