possession of bishoprics, as newly he hath snatched to himself the
bishoprics of Utrich and Luttich, to the end he may get also partem
de tunica Christi.


A fearful Example of Covetousness.

A covetous farmer, well known at Erfurt, said Luther, carried his
corn to sell there in the market; but holding it at too dear a rate,
no man would buy of him nor give him his price; he being thereby
moved to anger, said, "I will not sell it cheaper, but will rather
carry it home again and give it to the mice." As he came home
therewith, an innumerable number of mice and rats flocked about his
house and devoured up all his corn. And the next day following,
going out to see his grounds, which were newly sown, he found that
all the seed was eaten up, and no hurt at all done upon the grounds
belonging to his neighbours. This certainly, said Luther, was a
just punishment from God, and a token of his wrath against the
unthankful world.


Wealth is the least Gift of God.

Riches, said Luther, is the smallest thing on earth, and the least
gift that God hath bestowed on mankind. What is it in comparison of
God's Word? yea, what is it to be compared with corporeal gifts, as
beauty, health, etc.? nay, what is it to the gifts of the mind, as
understanding, art, wisdom, etc.? Yet are men so eager after it
that no labour, travel, nor danger is regarded in the getting of
riches; there is in it neither Materialis, formalis, efficiens et