preparatory and experimental stages of a new movement. His strength lay in a wise, cautious,
peaceful diplomacy. But at this time valor was the better part of discretion.
The only man who could check the wild spirit of revolution, and save the ship of the
Reformation, was Luther.
§ 67. Luther returns to Wittenberg.
Walch, XV. 2374–2403. De Wette, II. 137 sqq.
Luther was informed of all these disturbances. He saw the necessity of some changes, but
regretted the violence with which they had been made before public opinion was prepared, and he
feared a re-action which radicalism is always likely to produce. The Latin mass as a sacrifice, with
the adoration of the host, the monastic institution, the worship of saints, images and relics,
processions and pilgrimages, and a large number of superstitious ceremonies, were incompatible
with Protestant doctrines. Worship had sooner or later to be conducted in the vernacular tongue;
the sacrifice of the mass must give way to a commemorative communion; the cup must be restored
to the laity, and the right of marriage to the clergy. He acquiesced in these changes. But about
clerical vestments, crucifixes, and external ceremonies, he was indifferent; nor did he object to the
use of pictures, provided they were not made objects of worship. In such matters he asserted the
right of Christian freedom, against coercion for or against them. As to the pretended revelations of
the new prophets, he despised them, and maintained that an inspired prophet must either be ordinarily
called by church authority, or prove his divine commission by miracles.
He first went to Wittenberg in disguise, and spent three days there in December, 1621. He
stayed under the roof of Amsdorf, and dared not show himself in the convent or on the street.
When the disturbances increased, he felt it his duty to reappear openly on the arena of
conflict. He saw from the Wartburg his own house burning, and hastened to extinguish the flames.
The Elector feared for his safety, as the Edict of Worms was still in force, and the Diet of Nürnberg
was approaching. He ordered him to remain in his concealment. Luther was all his life an advocate
of strict submission to the civil magistrates in their own proper sphere; but on this occasion be set
aside the considerations of prudence, and obeyed the higher law of God and his conscience. His
reply to the Elector (whom be never met personally) bears noble testimony to his sublime faith in
God’s all-ruling providence. It is dated Ash Wednesday (March 5, 1522), from Borne, south of
Leipzig. He wrote in substance as follows:^480 —
"Grace and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, and my most humble
service."Most illustrious, high-born Elector, most gracious Lord! I received the letter and
warning of your Electoral Grace on Friday evening [Feb. 26], before my departure [March
1]. That your Electoral Grace is moved by the best intention, needs no assurance from me.
I also mean well, but this is of no account .... If I were not certain that we have the pure
gospel on our side, I would despair .... Your Grace knows, if not, I make known to you,(^480) In De Wette, II. 137-141. De Wette calls the letter "ein bewunderungswürdiges Denkmal des hohen Glaubensmuthes, von welchem
Luther erfüllt war."