rived. Perchance he is a fine Thomist, but a puzzle-headed, obscure, senseless theologian and Christian, as well fitted to deal with and judge this business as an ass to play the harp.
Therefore my cause stands in so much the more danger, be- cause it has such judges who are not only bitter enemies, but are unable to understand it. But the Lord lives and rules here as elsewhere, to whom I commend myself and all mine, and I doubt not that some God-fearing people will help me with their prayers, for it seems to me that prayer is said for me.
But whether I come to you again safe and sound, or whether under the ban I go to another place, be brave and hold fast to Christ and exalt him.
Christopher Langenmantel^ is so faithful to me that I am ashamed of his great care for me. I have the favor and support of all. men except the crowd who hold with the cardinal, although the cardinal himself always calls me his dear son, and said to Staupitz that I had no better friend than he. But, as I said above, I think he does it for the sake of honor. I know that I would be the most agreeable and dearest of all, if only I would say this one word : "Rev- oco," that is, "I recant." But I won't make myself a heretic by contradicting the opinion which made me a Christian. I will die first by fire, or be exiled and cursed.
Be of good cheer, dear sir, and show this letter to our theologians, Amsdorf, Melanchthon, Otto Beckmann and the rest, so that you may all pray for me as I do for you. For your business is being done here, namely, the faith of the Lord Christ and the grace of God.
86. JOHN VON STAUPITZ TO THE ELECTOR FREDERIC OF
SAXONY.
Zeitschrift fur historische Theologie. Leipsic. 1837. VII. Jahrgang. Heft II., p. 122. German. T. Kolde: Die Augustiner-Congrega- Hon, 443. Augsburg, October 15, 1518.
Serene, highborn Prince, my most gracious Lord! . . . The legate from Rome acts as (alas!) they all do there: he
- A canon of Freising and an Imperial Councillor, who had matriculated at
Ingolstadt 1500, at Tubingen 1506. About 15 10 he became treasurer of Cardinal Matthew Lang.
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