To Johann Screiner,Pastor at Grimma - Martin Luther

TO JOHANN SCHREINER, PASTOR AT GRIMMA

Luther was angry at the nobles expecting too much from the clergy. July 9, 1537.

To the worthy Herr Magister Johann Schreiner, pastor and superintendent at Grimma, my gracious friend. Grace and peace in Christ, dear magister and pastor! Say to the nobility, which Spalatin refuses to do, that one cannot have the clergy exactly as they wish, and they should thank God for the pure word, which they now hear out of one book, when they think of past times under the Pope and the nonsense they had to listen to and pay dearly for. How can the nobles expect to procure Dr. Martins and Philips for such a beggarly service? If nothing short of St. Augustines and St. Ambrosiuses will satisfy, then let them supply them themselves. When a pastor pleases the Lord Jesus and is faithful to Him, then a nobleman, who is certainly of much less importance, ought also to be pleased with him. A prince rejoices when he has three outstanding and competent nobles in his government, and exercises patience with the less gifted who fill up the gaps. But they expect to have the best of everything, forgetting they are far from that themselves, and have no desire to be. You must arrange these

matters yourselves, for we are overwhelmed with business from every country, so that we have no rest. This letter may be read by princes and lords, or wherever you desire. I have no objections. Amen. MARTIN LUTHER . (De Wette.)