Tuesday, March 15, 2005

#1728-To Johann Brismann in Riga

His very dear brother in the LOrd, Johann Brismann.the faithful and entirely plain servant of Christ in Latvia.
Grace and peace in the LOrd! Already a long string of years since you have received a letter from me and neither have I seen a letter from you, my dear Brismann; but since my house guest, Peter Weller, is about to go there it seemed right that I should finally at least once write to you. I hope that through the power of Christ it goes very well with you in the matter of the Gospel since I have heard nothing up to now although if there were something evil at hand the rumor would have already been brought to us long ago even though you had written nothing. God be with you always, Amen.
With us there is rumor and speculation about evil things. No doubt you would likely wish to know that our Prince was condemned by a public Edict from the Emperor together with the Bishops and other Princes inciting disturbance which could be averted by God. At first after our Confession was heard the common voice and opinion of all was that we likely taught nothing contrary to any article of faith whatsoever nor anything against the Scripture but that we were not supported by the Councils and the Fathers. In this matter there were tireless efforts to bring about harmony; as this could not be achieved by either side namely because they would not yield in any matter and we on our part had to pronounce everything good and so it was ordered that everything should be returned to the old order and also that we were not to alter anything at all without the authority of the Pope. Thus our unreolved matters have been done away with bringing the expectation of horrible and frightful threats so that the danger of a great rebellion looms if God does not provide something different. This is the sum total (summa) from the Diet. Yet there are on the other side several good people who are favorable to us mainly the Bishop of Augsburg. Ours however by God's grace are yet strong and expected these threats but do not fear them trusting a good conscience and that they have a good cause. Christ will stand by with help and these outrages will be duly dealt with since the Turks are at their throats and in their face and yet they seek after war and disunity. In sum the whole devil rages to the very worst; therefore pray for us. All the rest Weller will relate since who can write every single detail about everything?
Greet all of ours and at the same time your wife and children. My house is right well only that I am losing strength especially in the head. Pommer has traveled to Lubect and is teaching the Word. It is hoped that the Sacramentarians, at least the Strassburgers, will agree with us. Bucer has sent it out that he has dealt with this matter with in a confidential conversation in Coburg and if there is no decption about what he said (since I admonished him not to pretend anything false) there is a slight hope. One must pray against the devil. The LOrd be with you, Amen. Wittenberg on the 7th of November 1530. Your Martin Luther.

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