To Nicolas von Amsdorf letter 26 - Martin Luther

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF

Luther writes about a gathering of ecclesiastics at Trent and an embassy to the Sultan. July 17, 1545.

Grace and peace in the Lord! I am not at all disquieted, most honored in Christ, at what has taken place. All say no attention must be paid to dreams, and the Scriptures teach this also, unless one be a prophet (Numbers chapter 12.). But this sacristan is no prophet, and I saw the Prince’s statue in wood in Lukas’s house before it was erected in Torgau. It is no wonder it fell, but rather a marvel that it has stood so long. Everyone said it would fall next day, even without wind, so badly was it put together. They write from Trent that twenty-three bishops and three cardinals are there, and are so idle that they know not what to do. The Bishop of Mayence, the knave of knaves, has sent an under-bishop, along with a certain African, there. I know not whether he means to ridicule them or us by this laughable embassy, such a great man to send such people to so many distinguished men. But the Council is worthy of such an abortion. Their courage will ooze away when God’s wrath descends upon them. Now listen to this. The Pope, the Emperor, Francis, and Ferdinand have sent a gorgeous embassy to the Sultan laden with precious gifts to sue for peace, and the best of it is each has discarded his paternal costume and donned long coats such as the Turks wear, in order not to be an offence in his eyes. It is said they sailed from Venice on June 21. These are the people who hitherto decried the Turk as the enemy of Christianity, and under this pretext extorted money and roused their lands against the Turks. And the Roman Satan has, through no end of devices, robbed the people through indulgences and exhausted the world. Oh, can these be Christians?

Nay, they are rather the devil’s demons. I hope this is a joyful sign of the end of the world. So long as they worship the Turk we shall pray to the true God, who will hear us and humiliate the Turk, along with themselves, through His glorious appearing. Amen.

Your most devoted MARTIN LUTHER . (Walch, 21. 1551.)