[703] Above, vol. i., p. 88.
[704] To Spalatin, Dec. 14, 1516, “Briefwechsel,” 1, p. 73 f., where he begins by humbly confessing his unworthiness to receive any attention from the Elector (“talis tantusque princeps”), at whose Court Spalatin held a post.
[705] To Joh. Lang, Feb. 8, 1517, “Briefwechsel,” 1, p. 86. “Quid enim non credant, qui Aristoteli crediderunt, vera esse, quæ ipse calumniosissimus calumniator aliis affiingit et imponit tam absurda, ut asinus et lapis non possint tacere ad illa?” (ib., p. 85).
[706] Köstlin-Kawerau, 1, p. 44, from Dietrich’s MSS.
[707] To Hier. Weller, July (?), 1530, “Briefwechsel,” 8, p. 160.
[708] “Videbis,” Staupitz had said, according to him, “quod ad res magnas gerendas te ministro (Deus) utetur. Atque ita accidit,” Luther goes on. “Nam ego magnus (licet enim hoc mihi de me iure prædicare) factus sum doctor.” Such utterances, he continues, have in them something of the “oraculum et divinatio.” Then follows the statement quoted above concerning the other prophecy of his future greatness: “huius dicti sæpissime memini,” and again he declares such words contain “aliquid divinationis et oraculi.”
[709] Above, p. 102.
[710] Reprinted in Luther’s “Briefwechsel,” 1, p. 79: “De tua præstantia, bonitate, eruditione creber sermo incidit.” After having spoken of Luther’s “celebris fama,” Scheurl expresses the wish “to become his friend.” The words are simply those in common use among the humanists.
[711] Jan. 27, 1517, “Briefwechsel,” 1, p. 82 ff.
[712] Weim. ed., 1, p. 30; “Opp. lat. var.,” 1, p. 57: “Nolunt audire, quod iustitiæ eorum peccata sint.… Gratiam maxime impugnant, qui eam iactant.”