164 LUTHER'S CORRESPONDENCE AND Let i^
have printed your collected works, as you will learn fror Froben's gift, and within six weeks after the Frankfort Fai sent them to Italy, France, Spain and England, in this cor suiting the public welfare, which we think is advanced b having the truth spread abroad as widely as possible. Natui by means of truth allures even an enemy to love her. Foi give me for recently telling you of Erasmus' opinion,^ whic was bringing owls to Athens.'
128. LUTHER TO DUKE GEORGE OF SAXONY. Enders, i. 428. De Wette-Seidemann, vi. 10. German.
Wittenberg, February 19, iS^^
My humble poor prayers and lowly service to your Grace Serene, high-bom Prince, gracious Lord! The worthy Dt Eck writes that he has applied to your Grace to permit aft< graciously to favor a debate against the worthy Dr. Carlstad in your Grace's university at Leipsic. But although Dr. Ec^ proclaims that he will debate against Dr. Carlstadt, yet b hardly notices his articles, but falls with all his might on fC^ position. Therefore, it would become me to meet this pf^ sumptuous giant' and defend my position or let myself t better instructed. Wherefore it is my humble petition i your Grace, for the love of the truth kindly to allow such debate. For now the worthy gentlemen of the universit have written that what I formerly heard they had promise to Dr. Eck has been refused by them, for they lay it u against me that I let my propositions for debate be publishc before I asked permission of your Grace; this was because had confidence that your Grace would not forbid me, bi would be ready, as Dr. Eck has boasted you promised hin I pray you graciously forgive me, and may God mercifull spare and uphold you. Amen.
Your Grace's obedient chaplain, Dr. Martin Luther, Augustinian.
^Cf. supra, no. 78.
«/. e., "coals to Newcastle."
'**Dcnn ttnuorwamtenn ryssen. rcu empfaeu." I follow Uoppe's raodemtzatioi
- 'Den unverwarnten Riesen ru erapfahcn" (St. Louis Walch, xxi. A. p. 148).
have also thouj^ht that "ryssen" might atand for "Rcisc," i. e., "undertake th unexpected journey."
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