To Nicolas Hausmann letter 18 - Martin Luther

TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN

On June 25 the Augsburg Confession was publicly read by Chancellor Bruck in Latin, and by Christian Beyer in German, before the Emperor, Elector John Ernest of Luneburg, Philip of Hesse, etc. The Latin copy was handed to the Emperor with these words, “This Confession can withstand the very gates of hell.” July 6, 1530.

Grace and peace, much-loved man! Our Horning will tell you more minutely what is taking place at Augsburg and here than I can. After coming here, Dr. Jonas wrote telling me that our Confession, which our Philip drew up, was read by Dr. Christian Beyer before his Imperial Majesty and the Princes and Bishops of the Roman Empire in the Emperor’s palace. The Elector of Saxony, Margrave George of Brandenburg, John Frederick the Younger, Prince Wolfgang of Anhalt, the towns of Nurnberg and Reutlingen, etc., all signed the Confession. The Imperial party is now debating whether they shall answer it or not. Many bishops wish peace, and pay no attention to Eck’s and his friends’ proposals. One bishop said at a private gathering, “It is only the truth — we cannot deny that.” The Archbishop of Mayence is much praised for his love of peace; and Duke Henry of Brunswick said to Philip, whom he invited to dine with him in an easy way, that he could not deny the articles of the bread and wine in the sacrament, the marriage of the priests, etc. And we hear that no one at the Diet was kinder and more moderate than the Emperor, who entertained our princes sumptuously and paid them every attention. Philip writes, one cannot express the great love every one feels towards the Emperor. God

grant that, as the first Emperor was the worst of Emperors, this last may be the best. Let us only go on praying. For the power of our prayers is being manifestly displayed at present. Tell Cordatus and the others this, for it is their due.

The Lord be with you. Greet all friends. MARTIN LUTHER .