182 LUTHER'S CORRESPONDENCE AND Let $»$
thing for them with our gracious Lord/ you would be doing a wonderfully Christian work. There are some of them who will not go back to their relatives even if they were to ask them, because they would be in Duke George's land and would have to do without the Divine Word. Pray be the friend at court for these honorable maids.
I have not been able to get our father Dr. Martin to stay at home.* He will not listen either to Philip or me, but gives us this answer : I cannot be troubled ; I shall arm myself with prayer, and if necessary, I shall certainly perform a miracle." Then he laughs. That is the way he declined our proposals. We shall not lose many lectures, for we shall come straight back.
585. FREDERIC AND JOHN, DUKES OF SAXONY, TO
HENRY Vni.
Letters and Papers of Henry VIII, iv, no. 301. Altbnbubg» May 3, 15^.
Thank him for his letters, dated Greenwich, 20 Jan., de- livered by his herald, and for his benevolent admonition, which is most agreeable to their minds. Would be exceedingly sorry to see errors arise against the Christian faith, especially under their patronage, or with their permission. Have no other wish than to be faithful to the Church, and would regret any injury done to Henry on account of the old alliance in blood between the English and the Saxons. Had no idea of protecting the doctrines and preaching of Luther, but have left him to defend himself.
As to Henry's advice that it would be unseemly to dispute with such a man, the King may judge how little qualified they are to do so. At the last diet at Nuremberg, a nuncio of the Pope demanded by what means these evils were to be met, and was answered by the Emperor's lieutenant and the Elec- tors (the Dukes of Saxony being there by proxy) that the only way they could see was a free Christian council. Would have the greatest confidence in the decisions of a council, consider- ing the promises of Christ, "Wherever two or three," etc., and that the gates of hell should not prevail against the Church.
^Ttae Elector, to whom Sfwlatln sent this. 'Prom Link's wedding. Cf, tupra, no. 582.
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