To Chancellor Bruck letter 4 - Martin Luther

TO CHANCELLOR BRUCK

About the elevation of elements in the sacrament. January 6, 1543.

Grace and peace in Christ, esteemed, deeply learned dear sir! Your son brought me your letters yesterday, but my head has not been in a state to look at them. I know Dr. Stephen of Hof well, and that he has long wished for a change, but I knew of nothing good enough or better than he now has; but so long as the Prince will put up with him, I do not advise him to flee, for this scurrilous poem is too trifling to make him play into the devil’s hands through flight or despondency. For his servants go about murdering and plaguing the poor people, and he must be willing to suffer with his brethren; for, he who will not suffer with Christ and His saints takes the part of the devils and their angels, and he will hear the angels in heaven laugh at him. Concerning the elevation of the elements in the sacrament, I shall await Philip’s return. These godless ceremonies are giving us much more trouble than greater and more essential matters, as they have always done. I doubt if it be wise to publish anything on the subject. I fear we shall never agree in all the churches concerning forms of church service, even as it was impossible to do so in the Papacy. For although we arrange this or that here, others will not be led by us. Even the Apostles themselves found it equally difficult with their rites, so had to leave each free as to eating, dressing, and behaving himself. But more of this when I have considered the matter. I commit you to God. Amen. I beg you sometimes to plead with God that I may have a tranquil departure. I am quite overworked and exhausted, and the head is useless. I crave grace and mercy, and these I have received, and shall receive increasingly. Amen.

MARTIN LUTHER . (De Wette.)