To Nicolas von Amsdorf letter 27 - Martin Luther

TO NICOLAS AMSDORF

Concerning the dispensing of unconsecrated wafers. January 11, 1546.

Grace and peace in Christ! As Dr. Cruciger and Dr. Major are absent, Pommer and I must answer you. First. It is not heedlessness, but rightdown wickedness of that curate to declare that consecrated and unconsecrated wafers (Hostien ) are the same. Let him go to his Zwinglians. It is not necessary that a man who is not one of us should be kept in prison, whose word, and even oath, cannot be believed. Further, he who has partaken of an unconsecrated wafer has not sinned; for his faith has saved him, because he believed that he received the true sacrament, and trusted in God’s Word, just as he who believes is baptized, although he who baptizes him plays with the ordinance, or uses some other fluid for the purpose. But we need not discuss this so minutely, in case of inflaming unenlightened consciences. It is enough that all is possible to him who believes. Regarding adulterated wafers, it would be well to burn them, although really not necessary, because they are no sacrament except in their actual use. Even as baptismal water, except in its application in the rite, is no sacrament, even so Christ in this sacrament only operates on those who eat and believe. But on account of the scandal,

the vicar has done well to burn it. M. Philip left for Torgau yesterday. The Prince wishes to send him to the Regensburg Conference, from which I have tried to dissuade him with all my might, as Philip is too ill to be sent on such a useless errand, where we shall only be made a fool of, and time and money be wasted. They think we are donkeys who do not understand their coarse jokes, which is only less foolish than the laughable wisdom of the Meissen folk.

Farewell in the Lord. MARTIN LUTHER . (Walch, 21. 1560.)