To Wolfgang Brauer,Pastor at Jessen - Martin Luther

TO WOLFGANG BRAUER, PASTOR AT JESSEN On private communion.

December 30, 1536.

Grace and peace in Christ, worthy Herr Pastor! Regarding the question which your good friend at Lintz, Sigmund Haugreuter, wished to be laid before me, this is my answer, that it is not the duty of himself and household to communicate thus, having no call or command to do so, although his tyrannical superior refuses to administer the sacrament, in spite of it being his duty to do so. For he can be saved through believing the Word. It might become a great scandal were the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper handed about in the different houses, and in the long run do much harm, causing divisions and

creating sects; for nowadays people are so strange and the devil so mad. For the early Christians in Acts did not specially partake of the sacrament in their own houses, but all came together to do so, and even had they done it, such an example does not now hold good, even as it is not customary now to have all possessions in common, as was the case then, for now the gospel is proclaimed along with the sacraments. But it is only proper that the head of the house should teach God’s Word to those under him, for God has commanded us to instruct our children and servants. But the sacrament and confession should be administered by His professing servants, because Christ says it was instituted in memory of Himself, which is, in St. Paul’s words, to show the Lord’s death till He come; and at the

same time he condemns those who wish to partake of it alone without tarrying for one another. And no one can baptize himself. For these sacraments belong to the Church, and must not be mixed up with the duties devolving on the head of a house. So although there is nothing specially said on this subject in the Bible, it must not be lightly undertaken without special directions from God, for no good would ensue. You may say this, dear pastor, to your friend from me. I commit you to God. Amen.

MARTIN LUTHER . (De Wette.)