To Chancellor Bruck letter 2 - Martin Luther

TO CHANCELLOR BRUCK

The Archbishop’s complaints of Luther. December 9, 1536.

To the learned Dr. Bruck, Chancellor to the Elector of Saxony. Grace and peace in Christ! After you told me that you had been ordered by my most gracious lord, at the instigation of the Elector of Brandenburg and his cousins, to ask me as to the proposed pamphlet against the Archbishop of Mayence, I beg to say (although I believe the good Princes mean well, and I wish them every prosperity) that I informed Their Royal Highnesses by word of mouth, both here and at Torgau, that I would rather they tried to improve their cousin the Cardinal, and prevent him casting contempt on the Lord Jesus Christ and tormenting poor people, which would be more salutary than worrying over what I write. And I am convinced that I cannot be convicted of insulting a whole race when I am forced to tell the truth to a knave; and if the house of Brandenburg feels itself insulted through what I have written of the Cardinal, it would be more seemly if they felt the honor of their house injured through his conduct, and punished him themselves, instead of leaving it to me to do. It is really something quite new to defend one who does evil, and persecute those who punish it. The tribe of Judah was the

highest and noblest of the whole human family, and yet it did not feel itself insulted when King Ahab was punished by the prophet Elijah, even as prophets punished many kings. And there is no race so good that it has not at times an unworthy member. How would it be if judges, nay, even princes and lords, were to be called traducers because they justly condemned one of good family to be beheaded or hanged? Every thief would then have cause to say that he was being ignominiously treated because he was to be hanged. Yes, but, my dear fellow, why steal? Oh, dear sir, are you not, with all your wisdom, accusing me thus? In conclusion, kings and princes are subject to God, who first uses gentle means to reclaim them, even when they are very wicked. When these are of no avail, then God punishes them through His wrath. If they mock the first punishment, they must weep to all eternity over the second.

If I do the Cardinal injustice, I sit here under an Elector of Saxony to be judged. Please accept this hasty summary of the matter. If I had time I could, by the grace of God, do it better. But I shall justify myself to the Cardinal himself. For he must be laughing in his sleeve at the whole affair. I commend you to God. Amen.

Your obedient MARTIN LUTHER . (De Wette.)