To Andreas Osiander - Martin Luther

TO ANDREAS OSIANDER

Dissensions still continue among the Nurnberg clergy, especially between Osiander and Link. October 8, 1533.

Grace and peace in Christ! I read your former epistle, and also that to the Nurnberg magistrate, my excellent brother in Christ, as well as the letters and pamphlets of the other party, and Christ knows what a martyrdom these divisions and scandals are to me. But from what I can gather from these writings, it seems as if no one would yield. And why? If no one will admit being convinced by the other party, will you quarrel through all eternity, to the grief of all pious souls? But if it be a matter of conscience with you, then you merit forgiveness. Still, if the other side also cannot violate their convictions, then they too must be treated with forbearance. So let there be mutual forgiveness, and

each bear the other’s burden, according to the law of Christ, and thus the misunderstanding will be cleared away, and the question cease to be publicly discussed, and so, through time, it will die a natural death. Meantime, cleave to your own opinions, and do not be disturbed by the continuance of public absolution in your congregation. Let the others also keep to their own opinions about absolution till time softens the feelings and the former unity is reestablished, and then a decision can be arrived at without bitterness. At present, with the strong feeling, nothing good can be achieved, and these dissensions might easily cause a beam to be made out of the mote, and a great disturbance ensue, which would rejoice Satan and his followers, and be very difficult to allay. I fancy your common-sense and learning, my friend, could advance good reasons for so acting. Still there are points on both sides

with which I am far from pleased. We are human, and our flesh can easily lead us astray when one will not listen to the other, being filled with self-conceit. Therefore, I beseech you, through Christ, as I see no other way of ending the dispute, suppress and mutually beware of opening the vexed subject, and do not, on any account, bring it forward publicly. If you do this, which is certainly according to the

mind of Christ, then He will give the desired peace. I know that you too are aware of this, my friend, and how very near my heart it lies that the manifold gifts with which God has endowed you may be glorified. How otherwise would I have given myself so much trouble in this matter? Therefore, do not despise my candid way of speaking, my brother in the Lord, and strive to extinguish this spark, to prevent it bursting into a flame which will consume us along with you. May our comforter, Jesus Christ, direct your hearts into His love and patience!

MARTIN LUTHER . (Schutze.)