To Nicolas von Amsdorf letter 9 - Martin Luther

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF

This letter accompanied Amsdorfs defense of Luther against Erasmus. March 12, 1530.

Grace and peace! I return your notes on Erasmus, as you request. I was struck by your remark that Erasmus had long ago declared before Luther that faith without good works justified a man, but that he said later, this was how he understood the Mosaic law. If Erasmus really said this I know not, but I know you were always very sure of what you asserted, that you might not play into the hands of our enemies. Now be brave, for Agramus is writing in defence of Erasmus. But likely it may end as Eck’s defence of the Pope did. If the fools kept silence it would be better for Erasmus, but God sends him such champions in His wrath. If spared I shall comb their locks for them in a way they will feel. I have still weapons in my armoury which they have not. May you prosper in the Lord Jesus, who lives not only during Erasmus’s life, but to all eternity! Amen.

MARTIN LUTHER .