To Nicolas von Amsdorf letter 16 - Martin Luther

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF

Medler, Superintendent in Naumburg, was created Doctor of Theology in Wittenberg, where he acted as chaplain to the fugitive consort of the Elector of Brandenburg.

January 6, 1542.

To the honored Herr Bishop Nicolas Amsdorf at Naumburg. Grace and peace! I am very angry at Medler’s high-handed conduct, my excellent Bishop. Were I in your position I should act in the opposite manner and enforce silence and conciliation towards him till the approaching church visitation, when it will be decided who is patron. Meantime it would be imprudent forcibly to deprive the possessor of his rights, and even more, to coerce him into resigning them. This is how we acted in our church

visitation. Those who would not be persuaded to resign the old privileges we permitted to abide by their decision. So the Junkers continued to give away the livings as before, without consulting the Princes of the Church. If Medler has placed that potter under the ban, then, as their upper shepherd, exhort them to acquiesce, and admonish Medler to conciliatory measures. Medler must not be permitted to treat you as a mere shadow, seeing you are responsible for the Naumburg community, which has been entrusted to you. Should it be necessary, I would write him sharply for needlessly breaking the peace. Meantime be steadfast and long-suffering. Although he will never be able to achieve anything contrary to God’s will, yet you have managed to extract this devil’s claw, which will bring forth fruit. May you prosper in the Lord. I have a dreadful headache, therefore write you today. MARTIN LUTHER . (Schutze.)