and serious debate under the presidency of Andrew Boden- stein of Carlstadt, a man who, as far as one can judge from that debate, has much theological erudition. In the debate there were earnest and serious proposals made for the aboli- tion of masses. . . .
It is certain that we shall soon communicate in both kinds, even if the Pope and his whole rascally following burst, unless Melanchthon lied, who said in public, I believe we desire to institute the communion under both kinds." . . .
As a gift I send you the picture of the Roman Antichrist.* I also send Luther's judgment on monastic vows," which he sent here to be debated. I also send the German work on Confession and whether the Pope have power to command it* which you desired to see.
Capito was here for two days.* He once went to the uni- versity to hear Melanchthon lecture.
At Halle, in Saxony, indulgences are sold by the Cardinal of Mayence.
512. LUTHER TO SPALATIN. Enders, iii, 246. (Wastbusg), November 11, 1521.
Greeting. I have scarcely ever read a letter that displeased me more than your last. I not only put off my reply, but I had determined not to answer you at all. For one thing, I will not suffer what you say, that the Elector will not allow me to write against Mayence* nor anything that can disturb the public peace. I will see you and the Elector and the whole world to perdition first. If I have resisted his [Albert of Mayence's] creator, the Pope, why should I give ground before the creature?
Your idea about not disturbing the public peace is beauti- ful, but will you allow the eternal peace of God to be dis-
^ Passional Christi ei AnUchrisii, Weimar, ix, 677^,
'Luther's Ttumata dg Votis, Weimar, viii, aijff.
■ Von dsr Beicht, etc., Weimar, riii, i38flF, Cf, supra, no. 493.
- Capito and H. Auerbach came to Wittenberg September 30, in order to treat
with Mdanchthon and Jonas, and prevent Luther's attack on Albert of Mayence for selling indulgences.
- The tract which the Elector had suppressed was Wider den neuen Abgott mu
HaiU, an attack on the Archbishop of Mayence, who had reopened the sale of indulgences. Cf. Smith, pp. i27fF., and Kalkoff, Capito tm Dienste des BrM" hischofs A., pp. 75ff.
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