the children of Israel were weak in the faith that they would receive food and drink, though by faith they had overcome Pharaoh, with many miracles. So then, we must not be sus- picious of everything that the papists receive, or else bap- tism and the whole Bible would be under suspicion. But we I must be the more suspicious of this doctrine because Carlstadt J wasthe first to proclaim it, and now Zwingli and Oecolampa- 1 dius reject all his proofs for it, though they attempt to defend it on other grounds, and yet the foolish fellows offer only the chief arguments of Carlstadt, which they have already con- demned. It seems to me a ridiculous spirit which first pro- claims a doctrine supported by worthless proofs, and then promising other proofs, brings forward almost the very same proofs, thus totally contradicting itself. These men are con- tending for the glory of their doctrine. I see nothing else in it, but, perhaps, after awhile you may see something else. The Lord aid you with His grace. Amen.
Martin Luther.
707. LUTHER TO JOHN LANG AND THE OTHER PASTORS
AT ERFURT.
Enders, v, 257. Wittenbesg, October 28, 1525.
Grace and peace in Christ, dear brethren. Your anxiety for the preparation of proper forms of worship pleases us greatly, and the form^ which you have sent us is not bad, even if Erfurt alone consents to use it. I think it matters not if other churches are tmwilling to give way to it Who will compel them if they do not wish it? We ourselves outlined a form of worship and sent it to our Elector, and by his com- mand it is now elaborated. Next Sunday' it will be given a public trial in the name of Christ. There will be a German mass for the laity, but the daily services will be in Latin with German Scripture lessons, as you may see, in brief, when the printed copies are out. Then, if you choose, you can make your worship conform with ours, or you can use
- ^Di0 ituische Messe, d. i, eine Porm odir Weite det Sonntags in Uutsehir
Sprache mit Singen und BeUn su kalten. The work of Lang and his associates at Erfurt.
'On the XX Sunday after Trinity, October 29. The German Mass was not published until the following January.
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