To Nicolas von Amsdorf letter 14 - Martin Luther

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF

Luther dissuades him from going to Nurnberg. January 3, 1534.

Grace and peace! Why complain so vehemently, my Amsdorf, about my not answering your letters, and fear you have offended me? You should rather have argued thus: “Had I erred, he would certainly have written, pointing out my mistake. His not writing proves that all was right, and there was no

hurry to answer, especially as I was an ailing and worried man.” This is written in the brotherly spirit of our old and tried friendship in Christ. I fear to advise as to the Provostship in Nurnberg. For I might

err, and yet not err, and I dread greatly that this call would not suit the open-hearted Amsdorf, who takes the direct path to the object he has in view, and that you might soon regret the step. But I may be wrong. Only I fear our friend might be deprived of his repose and launched into unrest and storms. You are a clever man, and will weigh what is most conducive to your peace. On the other hand, I see that the wind has changed, and the princes and towns are most anxious to get eloquent preachers, if only to vie with and boast of to others. I am curious to hear your opinion of my pamphlet on private mass. It is said that I have offended many good and weak consciences.

My Kathie sends greetings. I commend you to Christ. MARTIN LUTHER .