To George Spalatin letter 27 - Martin Luther

TO GEORGE SPALATIN

The Torgau people wished to have their excellent preachers dismissed, under the pretext that they were not heard in church. December 1534.

Grace and peace! We learn from your letter to Jonas, my excellent Spalatin, that they are pressing you and the other superintendents to remove the pastors in Torgau because their voices are too weak to fill the churches. This is not the first time we have heard this old song, especially as they hear Wolfgang Fuss when he preaches. But do not let yourself be talked over, my Spalatin, into making such a doubt- ful alteration solely because of the single recommendation of voice, which would offend many. For if

we once began to permit the people to dismiss their pastors whenever they felt inclined, how long would we retain our pastors? Take yourself, for example. Would you allow yourself to be set aside merely on account of your voice or health? Gabriel and the other clergy in Torgau possess so many other good qualities that they not only cast Magister Wolfgang’s voice into the shade, but eclipse his other properties. Therefore pray spare us this trial, which we feel would deeply insult us. It would not be easy anywhere to find such superior men as those in Torgau, and it would be a disgrace to us, merely because of their weak voices, to exchange such excellence for what is so much worse, especial- ly when they do so much good by their faithful teaching and reading of the Scriptures. The others through their loud tones tickle the ears of the mob, but really do less good, or only benefit themselves. The Lord be with you, my Spalatin.

MARTIN LUTHER . (Schutze.)

The Conference at Cassel took place in January between Melanchthon and Bucer, etc. The Pope sent his legate, Vergerius, to confer with Luther about a Council. Thirteen years later Vergerius became Protestant, gave up his bishopric, and took refuge with Herzog Christopher of Wurtemburg, where he circulated the Bible. In December the Elector John Frederick renewed the treaty with the Evangelical Princes at Schmalkalden for ten years, even England and France sending their representatives.