S18. LUTHER TO JOHN LANG AT ERFURT. Enders, iii, 256. The Wilderness (Waktburg), December 18, 1521.
I do not approve of that ttunultuous exodus from the clois- ter/ for the monks should have separated peaceably and in charity. At the next general chapter* you must defend and cherish the evangelical cause, for I shall lie hidden until Easter. In the meantime I shall continue to write my Postils and shall translate the New Testament into German, a thing which my friends demand and at which I hear that you also are working.' Would that every town had its interpreter, and that this book alone might be on the tongues and in the hands, the eyes, the ears, and the hearts of all men. Ask for other news at Wit- tenberg. I am well in body and well cared for, but am buffeted with sin and temptation. Pray for me and farewell.
Martin Luther.
S19. ALBERT OF MAYENCE TO LUTHER, Enders, iii, 265. German. Halle, December 21, 1521.
My dear doctor. I have received your letter,* and I take it in good part and graciously, and will see to it that the thing that so moves you be done away, and I will act, God willing, as becomes a pious, spiritual and Christian prince, as far as God gives roe grace and strength, for which I earnestly pray and have prayers said for me, for I can do nothing of myself and know well that without God's grace there is no good in me, but that I am as much foul mud as any other, if not more. I do not wish to conceal this, for I am more than willing to show you grace and favor for Christ's sake, and I can well bear fraternal and Christian punishment. I hope the iner-
1 It is uncertain whether this refers to occurrences at Erfurt, or the desertion of the monastery by the Augustinians of Wittenberg. Cf, Smith, 136, and supra, no. 516, p. 78.
'This chapter was held at Wittenberg, January 6, 152a, and Lang presided. It was decided to leave the members of the order free to stay in the monasteries or to leave them, as they chose. The text of the resolutions in C. R., i, 456ff., though wrongly dated "October, 1521'*; reprinted in Kidd, no. 49 (b), and in German by W. Reindell: W. Linck, pp. 273^, Lang's articles on leaving the monastery, ibid, p. 27 2f. . .
' Lang had already published his translation of the Gospel of Matthew.
^Of December i (supra, no. 515). This reply was a little late, for Luther had given the Archbishop only fourteen dajrs.
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