To Anton Lauterbach letter 2 - Martin Luther

TO ANTON LAUTERBACH Concerning private communion. November 26, 1539.

To Anton Lauterbach, Bishop at Pirna. Grace and peace! As to administering the sacrament to the sick, dear Anton, you can read that for yourself in our Church Service, which you know so well. For my part

I wish private communion were completely done away with everywhere, and that the people should be told in the preaching to communicate three or four times a year, to partake of the consolations of the gospel, and fall asleep whenever God calls them. For this administration of the sacrament will, with time, become impossible, especially during the plague. And it is not seemly that the Church should serve the people with the communion as a servant waits upon her master, especially those who have so long despised it, and then demand it at the end from her, whom they have never served. But till

this matter is settled, do the best you can. Meantime only dispense it to the sick people, but let it thoroughly be understood that it will not continue. For we must soon come to an arrangement in this matter.

MARTIN LUTHER . WITTENBERG.

P.S. — Kathie wishes the carved house door made according to the measurements sent. The master will take the length and breadth himself. She wishes no other door. Do the best you can. (Walch, 21.

1193).