To D.Martin Luther, his highly-honorable father.
Heil in Christ Jesus! The letters which this messenger is bringing to you,highly-honorable father in Christ, I wanted to take with me provided by your friends I wanted to deliver myself if the rainy weather had not frightened me off. Therefore I will stay here until better weather settles in. It is said that the Emperor is leaving here tomorrow. (Actually Charles V left Augsburg on Nov.23).He is very distraught over the steadfastness of the Augsburgers who will not subscribe to the exceedingly godless decree; therefore the poor citizens should be cautioned in many ways of imminent danger both as to the angered Emperor as well as that of the people (who have consented to the Emperor's opinion). There are certain rumaors about the election of Ferdinand; the crowning is to take place in Aachen with the Emperor starting the process. (Ferdinand was elected at Cologne on 5 January 1531 and crowned at Aachen on January 11.)I do not doubt that if this proceeds the ruin of our Germany will be imminent. Not only the fate of Ferdinand but also this terrifying flood which a condsiderable part of lower Germany is undergoing is a completely certain indication of a coming great evil.About this matter (the flooding) I am sending you a printed list of particulars.
A new factor in the disputeis the letter which the Elector has sent to our Council (Nuernberg) in which he admonishes ours to prepare to repel the unjust use of force by the Emperor. It is the opinion of his Counselors and Doctors (he didn't attach anything from the theologians) that this would be good . Secretly this has been divulged to me by Spengler and he himself has likely written to you about this matter. Ours are not much moved by this curious matter especially those who are perceptive.They are suspicous of Albrecht (of Mansfeld?) of whom it is said that he has all decisions in common with the Macedonian (Philip of Hesse- named after Philip, father of Alexancer the Great).More about this I dare not say. My dear father, take this upon you that through your prayers the sorrowful evil which we fear will either be averted or moderated. Our sins do not permit us to expect anything more moderate. Perhaps there are five righteous in the holy Church of God through whose prayers and tears we might be spared,Amen. Be it right well with you in Christ with your wife Catharina and the children and your entire house-fellowship.
My case has not yet reached its goal as I would wish. It is partly because of the threatening fears and dangers and partly because of the stupidity of my prevailing temperment. Brenz in Hall has taken a widow to wife and the marriage celebrated without ostentation.
Billicanus the Nordlingen has received a dispensation from Cardinal Campegius releasing him from the priestly-ordination and preaching office and he dresses commonly and pursues the trade of merchant. Also a good number of the priests who held him in repute have returned to the old vocation and stubbornly defend the Pope and execute the Papistic official duties.
The Council in Neulingen has recently written our Council that testifies to a very great confidence in the faith: they will follow the Word in the midst of the greatest dangers; it makes no difference whether the enemies of the Word bring them to the ground or whether they are freed, and death and life is in the hand of the LOrd. I will take care that I bring a copy of this letter with me and I will return when better weather settles in. Now, live well, my dear father in Christ.
On the Sunday after Elizabeth (20 Nov.) in Nuernberg. Your Veit Dietrich.
NOTES: Would you say Veit is terrified both of the weather and of taking a wife? Eoban Hesse mentioned a propspective marriage of Veit in #1735.
The day of Elizabeth is Nov. 19.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Monday, March 28, 2005
#1734 and 1735 Sumarized by St. Louis Edition
(Don't know why Some (very few) letters are summarized in Vol.XXIa of the ST.Louis Edition.)
#1734- Elector replying to #1730 of Jonas,ML and Melanchton.The Elector opines that the income of the withdrawn land-lease should be returned to Egidius Hofer pending further amelioration of his condition. The same will be reported to the addressess.
#1735-Eoban Hesse writes to ML that he regrets that ML did not visit him as he traveled near the environs of Coburg. He observed many asses riding on asses as he traveled. Hopes to greet ML in Wittenberg.Veit Dietrich was unable to meet with him because he was involved with much and found someone to become his wife. Finally he complains that his income has been curtailed by evil men.
#1734- Elector replying to #1730 of Jonas,ML and Melanchton.The Elector opines that the income of the withdrawn land-lease should be returned to Egidius Hofer pending further amelioration of his condition. The same will be reported to the addressess.
#1735-Eoban Hesse writes to ML that he regrets that ML did not visit him as he traveled near the environs of Coburg. He observed many asses riding on asses as he traveled. Hopes to greet ML in Wittenberg.Veit Dietrich was unable to meet with him because he was involved with much and found someone to become his wife. Finally he complains that his income has been curtailed by evil men.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
#1733-To Friedrich Myconius in Gotha
(This letter alternates between Latin and a German translation of the same. I've translated the German)
To th e worthy man, Herr Friedrich Myconius, the faithful bishop in Gotha, his brother in the LOrd.)
Grace and peace in Christ. Bernhard Doelen was absent when your letter came. However, if he should return I will not permit his returning to be under the tyranny of this official.
If the officialdom is more learned and powerful than the land's-prince himself that they understand how to judge and change those whom the Prince has sent: I will let them henceforth create preachers and send them no more.One must trick the scratching-Hans and give them a head-pastor of their liking. I will keep still then and let the the people cry to heaven about these slave-drivers and rippers. I advise you to do the very same. I cannot not send them a Luther or a Pommer and it is not necessary to do so. Bernhard is so learned that he was good enough preacher for all the enslavers for a good ten years. Well, they will worship a much lesser preacher in time.
I request that you send us the story of the twice dying youth which you reported to Philip especially with a statement of his name, time and circumstances carefully noted. It is worthy for us to publicize it. Greet Justus Menius who patiently bears with the worthlessness of the officials and nobility. We also must bear the same and more from them. "It is called the Plague". I write briefly as I am overloaded with many projects. Be it well with you and all your adherents and pray for me. On the Sunday after Martin (13 Nov). T. Martinus Luther, D.
NOTES: Recently a youth in Gotha was said to have been dead for several hours, revived and spoke of seeing Christ and joys inexpressible and admonishing all to prepare for the same and thereafter died again.
Regarding the preaching of Bernhard Doelen I'm not sure whether ML is saying that he did more than all the other preachers could have done in ten years or that, as translated, that he was good enough to be their preacher for ten years. Check it out with the experts.
To th e worthy man, Herr Friedrich Myconius, the faithful bishop in Gotha, his brother in the LOrd.)
Grace and peace in Christ. Bernhard Doelen was absent when your letter came. However, if he should return I will not permit his returning to be under the tyranny of this official.
If the officialdom is more learned and powerful than the land's-prince himself that they understand how to judge and change those whom the Prince has sent: I will let them henceforth create preachers and send them no more.One must trick the scratching-Hans and give them a head-pastor of their liking. I will keep still then and let the the people cry to heaven about these slave-drivers and rippers. I advise you to do the very same. I cannot not send them a Luther or a Pommer and it is not necessary to do so. Bernhard is so learned that he was good enough preacher for all the enslavers for a good ten years. Well, they will worship a much lesser preacher in time.
I request that you send us the story of the twice dying youth which you reported to Philip especially with a statement of his name, time and circumstances carefully noted. It is worthy for us to publicize it. Greet Justus Menius who patiently bears with the worthlessness of the officials and nobility. We also must bear the same and more from them. "It is called the Plague". I write briefly as I am overloaded with many projects. Be it well with you and all your adherents and pray for me. On the Sunday after Martin (13 Nov). T. Martinus Luther, D.
NOTES: Recently a youth in Gotha was said to have been dead for several hours, revived and spoke of seeing Christ and joys inexpressible and admonishing all to prepare for the same and thereafter died again.
Regarding the preaching of Bernhard Doelen I'm not sure whether ML is saying that he did more than all the other preachers could have done in ten years or that, as translated, that he was good enough to be their preacher for ten years. Check it out with the experts.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
#1732-To Nicolaus of Amsdorf in Magdeburg
Grace and peace in the LOrd! How have we sinned against you, I ask, my dear Amsdorf,that you do not want to report to us how it stands with your life, and your silence disturbs us so very much? From your mother we have learned that she was summoned to you with these words: that she come if she wants to see you for the last time. I do not know if you are announcing with these words that you are sick unto death or that you are going away elsewhere. I plead with you for the sake of Christ that you do not think about a departure nor that also you do not let yourself be disheartened by the pride of the boastful-talking of the Papists. They do not have what they hope to have and their boasting is entirely nothing and will soon come to shame ,or, to use your expression, it will be known by the month of May. The Bishop of Mainz may be who he wants to be but will accomplish nothing humanly, so I say. But look! as I was writing this word "say" there comes a letter to my Kaethe which relates the monstrosities which , the Papists say, the Emperor is to undertake. "O let them boast for the sake of God.! They will learn." Herwith I am beginning to understand now what you have written to your mother: "if you want to see me," namely that you are speaking in scoffing irony. Kaethe says thanks for your frienship and will soon be writing to you.
Concerning Otto Pack I have nothing only that the matter being before Duke Georg is impossible as if it were before a completely obviously possessed and raging man. At another time I will write to Otto and send what he wants. Since now I am so afflicted with dizziness in the head yet so that I cannot read and write much; so dull Satan has made me in the wilderness (Coburg). Ach,that you yet would be personally present! Christ be with you and you admonish yours that they be strong and ridicule the boastful-talking priests. Wittenberg on the day Briccius [13 Nov.] 1530. Your Martin Luther.
Concerning Otto Pack I have nothing only that the matter being before Duke Georg is impossible as if it were before a completely obviously possessed and raging man. At another time I will write to Otto and send what he wants. Since now I am so afflicted with dizziness in the head yet so that I cannot read and write much; so dull Satan has made me in the wilderness (Coburg). Ach,that you yet would be personally present! Christ be with you and you admonish yours that they be strong and ridicule the boastful-talking priests. Wittenberg on the day Briccius [13 Nov.] 1530. Your Martin Luther.
Monday, March 21, 2005
#1731-To Veit Dietrich in Nuernberg
To the worthy young man, Master (of Arts?), Veit Dietrich of Nuernberg,his brother in the LOrd.
Grace and peace in Christ! Already I have received three letters from you, my dear Veit, and I say thank you for your diligence and faithfulness in relating all these things to me. In response we have no news since you know everything for certain about the overflowing of the Tiber.
Over your matter I cannot give advice since I am absent and have no insight on the relationships.It is best if you follow the counsel of the there present friends who have everthing before the eyes and understand counseling. The messenger is in a hurry so I cannot write anything detailed; I have not been able to write to our host in Coburg yet nor to anyone else.I have stepped in in Pommer's absence, I preach, I read,I have taken up manifold matters, I am occupied with letter writing and I cannot now write more. You will greet everyone in my name. I must steal the time with force and cunning if I am do something beyond the current activities.My head is dizzy and at times quite strong so especially in the morning hours. Otherwise, thank God, we are all well. All the colleagues greet you and my Lord Kaethe (she has expressly told me to do this) so that you do not believe that she is angry with you. More details at another time. Wittenberg on the Sunday after Martin [13 Nov.] 1530. Martin Luther.
NOTES: ML has just completed his 47th year (Nov.10) and 47th Anniversary of his baptism, St. Martin's Day (Nov.11). Erlangen is mistaken, according to Editor, in saying it was a Sunday for Nov.11 fell on a Friday in 1530.
Grace and peace in Christ! Already I have received three letters from you, my dear Veit, and I say thank you for your diligence and faithfulness in relating all these things to me. In response we have no news since you know everything for certain about the overflowing of the Tiber.
Over your matter I cannot give advice since I am absent and have no insight on the relationships.It is best if you follow the counsel of the there present friends who have everthing before the eyes and understand counseling. The messenger is in a hurry so I cannot write anything detailed; I have not been able to write to our host in Coburg yet nor to anyone else.I have stepped in in Pommer's absence, I preach, I read,I have taken up manifold matters, I am occupied with letter writing and I cannot now write more. You will greet everyone in my name. I must steal the time with force and cunning if I am do something beyond the current activities.My head is dizzy and at times quite strong so especially in the morning hours. Otherwise, thank God, we are all well. All the colleagues greet you and my Lord Kaethe (she has expressly told me to do this) so that you do not believe that she is angry with you. More details at another time. Wittenberg on the Sunday after Martin [13 Nov.] 1530. Martin Luther.
NOTES: ML has just completed his 47th year (Nov.10) and 47th Anniversary of his baptism, St. Martin's Day (Nov.11). Erlangen is mistaken, according to Editor, in saying it was a Sunday for Nov.11 fell on a Friday in 1530.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
#1730-Luther, Melanchton and Jonas to Elector Johann of Saxony
(I am understanding "Lehen" as the bestowal of land usage by the Prince to knights for war service and faithful duty. Evidently the recipient could transfer the use to others. My translation is "land-lease" for a want of a better phrase.)
Most illustrious, high-born Prince, and Lord!At the outset, Most-gracious Lord,(be assured of) our obedient service at all times.During the visitation (1529) to Grimma we received from Ern Egidio Hofer a good land-lease and out of necessity put the same in the common treaury and because we found him to be not untalented in regard to doctrine we placed him as head-pastor of Seiferthain for oversight as it was previously under a Papist through and through.Now it is reported to us that after numerous requests from Andreas Pflugs,official in Leipzig,that the above named Hofer should be removed from the pastorate and another ordered in but with the most-gracious assurance that the mentioned Hofer should be provided for by your electoral grace in another way but as we,Martin Luther,Just Jonas, Probast and Doctor, and Philip Mleanchton were returning to Augsburg and stopped in Grimma he related to us complaining of his need and that the enclosed writing of assurance by Your Electoral Grace was not yet fulfilled and appealed to us to be helpful. Because up to this time we knew nothing as to how he might be provided for and because the poor man together with his (family) were in difficulty and not delighted completed with waiting especially because this announcement was spread abroad and he was coming to ruinous harm, we plead that Your Electoral would consider the poor man with grace if there should be another vacated land-lease that could be granted to him again. We hope to merit the same from Your Electoral Grace as we are found to be in humble obedience. Dated at Wittenberg on the Tuesday after Leonhard (8 Nov.)Anno XVXXX. Your Electoral Grace's humble obedient ones: Just Jonas, Rector and Probst:Mart.Luther,Doctor, and Philip Melancton.
NOTES: E.ch.G. or Gn. is repeatedly the abbreviation of Your Electoral Grace.
Notice no titles or position for Melanchton.
G
Most illustrious, high-born Prince, and Lord!At the outset, Most-gracious Lord,(be assured of) our obedient service at all times.During the visitation (1529) to Grimma we received from Ern Egidio Hofer a good land-lease and out of necessity put the same in the common treaury and because we found him to be not untalented in regard to doctrine we placed him as head-pastor of Seiferthain for oversight as it was previously under a Papist through and through.Now it is reported to us that after numerous requests from Andreas Pflugs,official in Leipzig,that the above named Hofer should be removed from the pastorate and another ordered in but with the most-gracious assurance that the mentioned Hofer should be provided for by your electoral grace in another way but as we,Martin Luther,Just Jonas, Probast and Doctor, and Philip Mleanchton were returning to Augsburg and stopped in Grimma he related to us complaining of his need and that the enclosed writing of assurance by Your Electoral Grace was not yet fulfilled and appealed to us to be helpful. Because up to this time we knew nothing as to how he might be provided for and because the poor man together with his (family) were in difficulty and not delighted completed with waiting especially because this announcement was spread abroad and he was coming to ruinous harm, we plead that Your Electoral would consider the poor man with grace if there should be another vacated land-lease that could be granted to him again. We hope to merit the same from Your Electoral Grace as we are found to be in humble obedience. Dated at Wittenberg on the Tuesday after Leonhard (8 Nov.)Anno XVXXX. Your Electoral Grace's humble obedient ones: Just Jonas, Rector and Probst:Mart.Luther,Doctor, and Philip Melancton.
NOTES: E.ch.G. or Gn. is repeatedly the abbreviation of Your Electoral Grace.
Notice no titles or position for Melanchton.
G
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
#1729-To Nicolaus von Amsdorf in Magdeburg
Grace and peace in Christ! Through Ciring there will be more , my dear Amsdorf, but now lack of time does not permit more than to indicate that I am writing briefly to you as well to our Otto whose petition-writing I am returning. The raging farmer (Duke Georg of Ducal Saxony) has been delivered to Satan for destruction without recall. Now there is no news except that what you, I believe, know that Florenz has yielded to the Emperor and the Emperor has delivered it to the Pope and a new Duke has been installed, namely Alexander, the son of the Pope who will marry the unmarried daughter of the Emperor. And the bridegroom was already adopted in Augsburg with great ostentation. What do you think, will not the Pope give a public example to the priests to take a wife or whore around? However, that is enough until another time. Now be it well with you and meanwhile greet all of ours espescially the banned Herr Otto. God comfort him, Amen. On the Monday after Leonhard (Nov.7), Wittenberg, 1530. Your Martin Luther.
NOTES: Margaretha was born of Charles V and Johanna von Ghaenst in 1522. She was betrothed to Alexander von Medici the natural son of the Pope in Bologna.The marriage was not consummated until 1536. On 7 January 1537 Alexander was murdered by his Uncle Lorenzo. Then in 1538 mARGARETHA Was married to Octavio Farnese the thirty year old grandson of Pope Paul III.In 1559 she became Statthalter of the Netherlands. Duke Alba suceeded her there and she returned to her husband and died in Ortonna, Italy in 1586.
Otto is Otto von Pack.
NOTES: Margaretha was born of Charles V and Johanna von Ghaenst in 1522. She was betrothed to Alexander von Medici the natural son of the Pope in Bologna.The marriage was not consummated until 1536. On 7 January 1537 Alexander was murdered by his Uncle Lorenzo. Then in 1538 mARGARETHA Was married to Octavio Farnese the thirty year old grandson of Pope Paul III.In 1559 she became Statthalter of the Netherlands. Duke Alba suceeded her there and she returned to her husband and died in Ortonna, Italy in 1586.
Otto is Otto von Pack.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
#1728-To Johann Brismann in Riga
His very dear brother in the LOrd, Johann Brismann.the faithful and entirely plain servant of Christ in Latvia.
Grace and peace in the LOrd! Already a long string of years since you have received a letter from me and neither have I seen a letter from you, my dear Brismann; but since my house guest, Peter Weller, is about to go there it seemed right that I should finally at least once write to you. I hope that through the power of Christ it goes very well with you in the matter of the Gospel since I have heard nothing up to now although if there were something evil at hand the rumor would have already been brought to us long ago even though you had written nothing. God be with you always, Amen.
With us there is rumor and speculation about evil things. No doubt you would likely wish to know that our Prince was condemned by a public Edict from the Emperor together with the Bishops and other Princes inciting disturbance which could be averted by God. At first after our Confession was heard the common voice and opinion of all was that we likely taught nothing contrary to any article of faith whatsoever nor anything against the Scripture but that we were not supported by the Councils and the Fathers. In this matter there were tireless efforts to bring about harmony; as this could not be achieved by either side namely because they would not yield in any matter and we on our part had to pronounce everything good and so it was ordered that everything should be returned to the old order and also that we were not to alter anything at all without the authority of the Pope. Thus our unreolved matters have been done away with bringing the expectation of horrible and frightful threats so that the danger of a great rebellion looms if God does not provide something different. This is the sum total (summa) from the Diet. Yet there are on the other side several good people who are favorable to us mainly the Bishop of Augsburg. Ours however by God's grace are yet strong and expected these threats but do not fear them trusting a good conscience and that they have a good cause. Christ will stand by with help and these outrages will be duly dealt with since the Turks are at their throats and in their face and yet they seek after war and disunity. In sum the whole devil rages to the very worst; therefore pray for us. All the rest Weller will relate since who can write every single detail about everything?
Greet all of ours and at the same time your wife and children. My house is right well only that I am losing strength especially in the head. Pommer has traveled to Lubect and is teaching the Word. It is hoped that the Sacramentarians, at least the Strassburgers, will agree with us. Bucer has sent it out that he has dealt with this matter with in a confidential conversation in Coburg and if there is no decption about what he said (since I admonished him not to pretend anything false) there is a slight hope. One must pray against the devil. The LOrd be with you, Amen. Wittenberg on the 7th of November 1530. Your Martin Luther.
Grace and peace in the LOrd! Already a long string of years since you have received a letter from me and neither have I seen a letter from you, my dear Brismann; but since my house guest, Peter Weller, is about to go there it seemed right that I should finally at least once write to you. I hope that through the power of Christ it goes very well with you in the matter of the Gospel since I have heard nothing up to now although if there were something evil at hand the rumor would have already been brought to us long ago even though you had written nothing. God be with you always, Amen.
With us there is rumor and speculation about evil things. No doubt you would likely wish to know that our Prince was condemned by a public Edict from the Emperor together with the Bishops and other Princes inciting disturbance which could be averted by God. At first after our Confession was heard the common voice and opinion of all was that we likely taught nothing contrary to any article of faith whatsoever nor anything against the Scripture but that we were not supported by the Councils and the Fathers. In this matter there were tireless efforts to bring about harmony; as this could not be achieved by either side namely because they would not yield in any matter and we on our part had to pronounce everything good and so it was ordered that everything should be returned to the old order and also that we were not to alter anything at all without the authority of the Pope. Thus our unreolved matters have been done away with bringing the expectation of horrible and frightful threats so that the danger of a great rebellion looms if God does not provide something different. This is the sum total (summa) from the Diet. Yet there are on the other side several good people who are favorable to us mainly the Bishop of Augsburg. Ours however by God's grace are yet strong and expected these threats but do not fear them trusting a good conscience and that they have a good cause. Christ will stand by with help and these outrages will be duly dealt with since the Turks are at their throats and in their face and yet they seek after war and disunity. In sum the whole devil rages to the very worst; therefore pray for us. All the rest Weller will relate since who can write every single detail about everything?
Greet all of ours and at the same time your wife and children. My house is right well only that I am losing strength especially in the head. Pommer has traveled to Lubect and is teaching the Word. It is hoped that the Sacramentarians, at least the Strassburgers, will agree with us. Bucer has sent it out that he has dealt with this matter with in a confidential conversation in Coburg and if there is no decption about what he said (since I admonished him not to pretend anything false) there is a slight hope. One must pray against the devil. The LOrd be with you, Amen. Wittenberg on the 7th of November 1530. Your Martin Luther.
#1727-To Johann Apel in Koenigsberg
To the highly renown man, Herr Johann Apel, Chancellor of Prussia, Doctor of Law, his very good friend and superior.
Grace and peace in the LOrd! I wish you happiness, worthy man, for an untroubled beginning in Prussia and more so that it would be granted to you a good livelihood and to live honorable. Peter Weller written to me about the above while I was yet I Coburg. The LOrd strengthen you at last and make you to be a Manasseh, that is, one who forgets all previous temptations and evil, Amen. There is nothing I can write to you about the Diet and the state of our situation; the eye-witness and ear-witness,Peter Weller, is present with you. (Weller delivered this letter). The Bishops and the monks are laboring precipitously toward their destruction in that the Duke, the well-known farmer (Duke Georg of ducal Saxony) who is entirely possessed by the devil is their Counselor. Ours are valiantly ready to suffer the extremist for the Word. God support and protect them, Amen. I am to an extent healthy in body except that this summer I suffered a new sort of roaring in the head and also I am not yet free of it. Thus Satan strikes with the fist and is intent on making a corpse out of my body. Christ Jesus support me. Greet Herr Poliander (Graumann) and all of ours. The LOrd Jesus be with you. Wittenberg the 7th of November 1530. Your Martin Luther.
NOTES: It is said that in a later day the residents of Koenigs berg would set their clocks by the afternoon walks of Immanuel Kant.
Just came to me why ML is continually calling Duke Georg "the farmer". In Greek Georg means earth worker.
Grace and peace in the LOrd! I wish you happiness, worthy man, for an untroubled beginning in Prussia and more so that it would be granted to you a good livelihood and to live honorable. Peter Weller written to me about the above while I was yet I Coburg. The LOrd strengthen you at last and make you to be a Manasseh, that is, one who forgets all previous temptations and evil, Amen. There is nothing I can write to you about the Diet and the state of our situation; the eye-witness and ear-witness,Peter Weller, is present with you. (Weller delivered this letter). The Bishops and the monks are laboring precipitously toward their destruction in that the Duke, the well-known farmer (Duke Georg of ducal Saxony) who is entirely possessed by the devil is their Counselor. Ours are valiantly ready to suffer the extremist for the Word. God support and protect them, Amen. I am to an extent healthy in body except that this summer I suffered a new sort of roaring in the head and also I am not yet free of it. Thus Satan strikes with the fist and is intent on making a corpse out of my body. Christ Jesus support me. Greet Herr Poliander (Graumann) and all of ours. The LOrd Jesus be with you. Wittenberg the 7th of November 1530. Your Martin Luther.
NOTES: It is said that in a later day the residents of Koenigs berg would set their clocks by the afternoon walks of Immanuel Kant.
Just came to me why ML is continually calling Duke Georg "the farmer". In Greek Georg means earth worker.
Friday, March 11, 2005
#1726-Johann Brenz to ML
{Evidently ML had written a glowing foreword, in Brenz's opinion, to his commentary on Amos.]
To the highly renown man, Herr Martin Luther, in Christ, his ever highly-honorable father.
Heil in Christ! I have received my Amos, most honorable father, but what you have written in the foreword I neither accept nor admit to. Rather, to be sure, I would wish from my innermost being that the Spirit of Christ, the all-worthy Shepherd (Amos was a Shepherd) would dwell in me but I do not know how you can ascribe to my lack of eloquence some sort of art and loveliness (nitorem)- and when I read that I become red as a beet with shame since I very well know that I never had such gifts not even in (my)dream. You yourself indicate thereby in a marvelously worthy way have very humbly disparaged yourself below me and equally about my eloquence so that the Word of Christ [Luke 22:26] is fulfilled: "Who would be the greatest, let him be the least."
As to the rest I believe you accurately know how it stands (rationem) with the Diet in Augsburg and likely you laugh that in such a long time so much was attempted and with so many dealings so little was completed. However, I am of the opinion that never in any sort of Diet with so many dealings has been more accomplished than in this one in which nothing was completed. You ask: WHAT Are these things which were accomplished? I will tell you in a few words. Our opponents in this Diet have been made known and revealed for true Pharaohs and Anti-Christs. Previously one yet hoped that in these opponents there would yet be a fleshly heart, that they would do some sort of penance; now, however, though all have sought every means of compromise and those of ours for this cause suffered often the most evil reports the opponents have never acknowledged this nor repented of it but have done the opposite in condemning and raging; do not they thus reveal themselves as Pharaohs and Anti-Christs? If there were a trace of godliness in the entire Papal body it surely would have been known in the attempted means (of reconciliation) of these (the Evangleicals) people.
In addition there is this that previous Diets have often freely admitted that in their church there were many errors and abuses but now however they will not stipulate any at all. They make themselves out to be such a pure and holy people in the presence of the Emperor. This is the way they write in the Article on the Holding of a Council: Because perhaps there are some errors in the Church we want to hold a Council."etc.Did you hear that well? They don't say anything more as the previous Diets: There are errors in our Church but rather:"Perhaps there are errors." Oh, for the shamelessness! Therefore, now not from the Scriptures but also from experience can it be proclaimed and publicly preached that the Papists are first of all Pharaohs who neither enter the promised land nor permit the people of God to go in. Secondly, they are Anti-christs who forbid the doctrine of blessedness and command godlessness. And this has been brought forth at the Diet of Augusburg so that surely you cannot say it is "nothing". Since they have written of the Holy Scriptures in so many words, so many sentences, in so many chapters, in so many books as it were the Anti-christ writing. These have been revealed at the Diet of Augsburg in a very few days.However the LOrd will bring this child of perdition to the ground and free us in Christ Jesus. Be it well with you in the LOrd and I commend myself at every opportunity to the prayers of your love. From Schwaebisch-Hall on 4 November Anno 30.Your Joh. Brenz
To the highly renown man, Herr Martin Luther, in Christ, his ever highly-honorable father.
Heil in Christ! I have received my Amos, most honorable father, but what you have written in the foreword I neither accept nor admit to. Rather, to be sure, I would wish from my innermost being that the Spirit of Christ, the all-worthy Shepherd (Amos was a Shepherd) would dwell in me but I do not know how you can ascribe to my lack of eloquence some sort of art and loveliness (nitorem)- and when I read that I become red as a beet with shame since I very well know that I never had such gifts not even in (my)dream. You yourself indicate thereby in a marvelously worthy way have very humbly disparaged yourself below me and equally about my eloquence so that the Word of Christ [Luke 22:26] is fulfilled: "Who would be the greatest, let him be the least."
As to the rest I believe you accurately know how it stands (rationem) with the Diet in Augsburg and likely you laugh that in such a long time so much was attempted and with so many dealings so little was completed. However, I am of the opinion that never in any sort of Diet with so many dealings has been more accomplished than in this one in which nothing was completed. You ask: WHAT Are these things which were accomplished? I will tell you in a few words. Our opponents in this Diet have been made known and revealed for true Pharaohs and Anti-Christs. Previously one yet hoped that in these opponents there would yet be a fleshly heart, that they would do some sort of penance; now, however, though all have sought every means of compromise and those of ours for this cause suffered often the most evil reports the opponents have never acknowledged this nor repented of it but have done the opposite in condemning and raging; do not they thus reveal themselves as Pharaohs and Anti-Christs? If there were a trace of godliness in the entire Papal body it surely would have been known in the attempted means (of reconciliation) of these (the Evangleicals) people.
In addition there is this that previous Diets have often freely admitted that in their church there were many errors and abuses but now however they will not stipulate any at all. They make themselves out to be such a pure and holy people in the presence of the Emperor. This is the way they write in the Article on the Holding of a Council: Because perhaps there are some errors in the Church we want to hold a Council."etc.Did you hear that well? They don't say anything more as the previous Diets: There are errors in our Church but rather:"Perhaps there are errors." Oh, for the shamelessness! Therefore, now not from the Scriptures but also from experience can it be proclaimed and publicly preached that the Papists are first of all Pharaohs who neither enter the promised land nor permit the people of God to go in. Secondly, they are Anti-christs who forbid the doctrine of blessedness and command godlessness. And this has been brought forth at the Diet of Augusburg so that surely you cannot say it is "nothing". Since they have written of the Holy Scriptures in so many words, so many sentences, in so many chapters, in so many books as it were the Anti-christ writing. These have been revealed at the Diet of Augsburg in a very few days.However the LOrd will bring this child of perdition to the ground and free us in Christ Jesus. Be it well with you in the LOrd and I commend myself at every opportunity to the prayers of your love. From Schwaebisch-Hall on 4 November Anno 30.Your Joh. Brenz
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
#1725-Bugenhagen to ML,Jonas, Melanchton
[In the St.Louis Edition this letter is summarized but it seems so interesting and Luther Index kindly supplied me with both the Latin (original) and the German. Thanks AF if you are reading this. Following is my translation from the German. Bugenhagen, several years earlier, was sent to Hamburg because of his ability in Low German. Perhaps that is why he comes to Lubeck on October 28,1530. His letter is on All Saints Day (Nov.1),1530.]
On the day of Simon and Jude we happily came to Luebeck by God's grace.When I came there the Devil made himself known openly and let himself be recognized in a possessed and secured young woman who before was well. Previously one had questioned whether he was by her; now, however, he said he was there present and had come through the curse of an old woman. When the young woman (he said) reminded the same of a pound (piece of money) which she owed she answered: I want to give the Devil a body! Further the Devil said (as the parents of the young woman said when I was with her and she was better but not completely settled down when there was concern that he might come back as before): Are there not enough preachers here? why is it that one brings one from Wittenberg? And further: Bugenhagen has come, I know him well,I have often been with him etc. When I heard this from the father of the young woman in her presence, I laughed and was reminded of the verse in Act 19: Jesus, I know well and Paul I know well etc. He had well often tempted me and troubled me through his thousand arts that my doctrine and faith was false but through Christ, who stood by me he accomplished nothing except inciting me to battle against him. I have not forgotten what he sought through the Schlessichen Sacramentarians etc. In other sins he seemed to be victorious at length . However, thanks be to Christ, he might well have come to me but he could not prevail. Herewith I admonish you once again to pray for me etc. But to come back again to the matter, I asked the young woman, about 18 years of age, and composed or proper: whether she also knew when she again comes to herself and she is feeling better how she blasphemed and cursed and she answered that she had not done but the Devil in her did it and she did not know what she had done.She said further that yesterday when the Devil was tormenting the father attempted to speak her from the Word of God and since it did not help he took the book of the German New Testament and handed it to her. But she turned her face away and bit the pillow which she had under head etc. I spoke much with the young woman and she gave me Christian answers and a good account of Baptism etc. Above all, I turned earnestly to persuade her that she should not be thinking about the Devil being around to torment her etc.
Afterward I kneeled together with those who were present, laid my hands on her head and prayed. When I left she thanked me. Meanwhile, as I was writing this, behold, there comes a messenger and says that the Devil has once again tormented the young woman that she threw herself naked from the bed and under the table and afterward under the chair and so turned her neck that she would have died had not her father run to her; therefore the young woman's parents pleaded for me to come. So I went there and when I came to the house I heard a great cry ; but when I came and was near the beleagured young woman stood and I heard with my own ears the words: Bugenhagen the betrayer has come! O the betrayer, he wants to punish me, he won't permit me to be here! O I must get out! I stood and marveled over this not that I believe the liar but yet such a word pointed not only to the besieged girl but to the whole city wherein the kingdom of the devil would not be tolerated by me. This grant and work the Father of all mercy through Jesus Christ our LOrd! Amen.
All who were there said that the young woman had not previously known my name as I said that before I entered the house she horribly blasphemed . Now when she cried, I cried there again her name: Elisabeth! Then the devil answered: Ja, Elisabeth, Elisabeth. Then I said: Ei,Ja, do you despise it? Why should I not name her Elisabeth? Did you not yet this day acknowledge that you received that name in the baptism through which we become a Christian. Then he raised a great cry and romped about so that no could hear. I fell down on the knees and prayed earnestly with heaviness (the misery and trouble of the young woman moved me) and loudly so that everyone there might hear that the LOrd would quiet her for He had said: In my Name the devil will be driven out. I believe that the others also prayed while I had my back turned. Meanwhile the devil cried: I must go out! O I must go out! and punished the young woman terribly. However, her father held her and finally she lie still so that the father did not have to hold her any longer and she laid as if in a trance like she was about to expire. Meanwhile the father told me how the devil had spoken yesterday before I came:Do you doubt whether I am present? Look, I have given a certain sign! and he pointed to a hole in the window which he had broken; there through there I have come in now etc.
As I sat and waited for such anxiety of the young woman to come to end it was as if she gone away but yet her body was resting but then mercifully she raised her eyes as if awakening from sleep. I spoke to her with a quiet voice: Elisabeth! She answered: What? I spoke further: Do you know what you have done and how you have blasphemed? She answered: No. Then I admonished her once again as I had previously earlier the same day. Thereafter I kneeled down and prayed over her head that she would be settled down etcc. When the prayer was finished I called upon her to say Amen. That she did willingly. Then I went away from there. However, one told me that she was tormented by the devil in the same night like we read of in the Gospel of the son etc., and cried: I must go out and where shall I dwell? There is a horse in Lueneburg which I want to ride or in the lumber wagon! Since the father was of that trade (wagon maker?) and very adventurous man, as one says. When he was first certain that the devil (had gone?) he spoke to me very freely that I began to marvel:If it were not a sin, I would ask much of the rogue and he must tell me everything. I ordered him that he should not ask anything secretly of the deceiver nor permit anything else. More I did not ask about what had taken place. I began to wonder whether Satan can also control the man. Nevertheless he can say or do what he wants but he has to be clear that he is a perverse, damnable spirit. These things happened on the eve of All Saints Day , the year 1530. God grant us graciously a victory over all his fiery darts through Jesus Christ our LOrd. Amen.
On the day of Simon and Jude we happily came to Luebeck by God's grace.When I came there the Devil made himself known openly and let himself be recognized in a possessed and secured young woman who before was well. Previously one had questioned whether he was by her; now, however, he said he was there present and had come through the curse of an old woman. When the young woman (he said) reminded the same of a pound (piece of money) which she owed she answered: I want to give the Devil a body! Further the Devil said (as the parents of the young woman said when I was with her and she was better but not completely settled down when there was concern that he might come back as before): Are there not enough preachers here? why is it that one brings one from Wittenberg? And further: Bugenhagen has come, I know him well,I have often been with him etc. When I heard this from the father of the young woman in her presence, I laughed and was reminded of the verse in Act 19: Jesus, I know well and Paul I know well etc. He had well often tempted me and troubled me through his thousand arts that my doctrine and faith was false but through Christ, who stood by me he accomplished nothing except inciting me to battle against him. I have not forgotten what he sought through the Schlessichen Sacramentarians etc. In other sins he seemed to be victorious at length . However, thanks be to Christ, he might well have come to me but he could not prevail. Herewith I admonish you once again to pray for me etc. But to come back again to the matter, I asked the young woman, about 18 years of age, and composed or proper: whether she also knew when she again comes to herself and she is feeling better how she blasphemed and cursed and she answered that she had not done but the Devil in her did it and she did not know what she had done.She said further that yesterday when the Devil was tormenting the father attempted to speak her from the Word of God and since it did not help he took the book of the German New Testament and handed it to her. But she turned her face away and bit the pillow which she had under head etc. I spoke much with the young woman and she gave me Christian answers and a good account of Baptism etc. Above all, I turned earnestly to persuade her that she should not be thinking about the Devil being around to torment her etc.
Afterward I kneeled together with those who were present, laid my hands on her head and prayed. When I left she thanked me. Meanwhile, as I was writing this, behold, there comes a messenger and says that the Devil has once again tormented the young woman that she threw herself naked from the bed and under the table and afterward under the chair and so turned her neck that she would have died had not her father run to her; therefore the young woman's parents pleaded for me to come. So I went there and when I came to the house I heard a great cry ; but when I came and was near the beleagured young woman stood and I heard with my own ears the words: Bugenhagen the betrayer has come! O the betrayer, he wants to punish me, he won't permit me to be here! O I must get out! I stood and marveled over this not that I believe the liar but yet such a word pointed not only to the besieged girl but to the whole city wherein the kingdom of the devil would not be tolerated by me. This grant and work the Father of all mercy through Jesus Christ our LOrd! Amen.
All who were there said that the young woman had not previously known my name as I said that before I entered the house she horribly blasphemed . Now when she cried, I cried there again her name: Elisabeth! Then the devil answered: Ja, Elisabeth, Elisabeth. Then I said: Ei,Ja, do you despise it? Why should I not name her Elisabeth? Did you not yet this day acknowledge that you received that name in the baptism through which we become a Christian. Then he raised a great cry and romped about so that no could hear. I fell down on the knees and prayed earnestly with heaviness (the misery and trouble of the young woman moved me) and loudly so that everyone there might hear that the LOrd would quiet her for He had said: In my Name the devil will be driven out. I believe that the others also prayed while I had my back turned. Meanwhile the devil cried: I must go out! O I must go out! and punished the young woman terribly. However, her father held her and finally she lie still so that the father did not have to hold her any longer and she laid as if in a trance like she was about to expire. Meanwhile the father told me how the devil had spoken yesterday before I came:Do you doubt whether I am present? Look, I have given a certain sign! and he pointed to a hole in the window which he had broken; there through there I have come in now etc.
As I sat and waited for such anxiety of the young woman to come to end it was as if she gone away but yet her body was resting but then mercifully she raised her eyes as if awakening from sleep. I spoke to her with a quiet voice: Elisabeth! She answered: What? I spoke further: Do you know what you have done and how you have blasphemed? She answered: No. Then I admonished her once again as I had previously earlier the same day. Thereafter I kneeled down and prayed over her head that she would be settled down etcc. When the prayer was finished I called upon her to say Amen. That she did willingly. Then I went away from there. However, one told me that she was tormented by the devil in the same night like we read of in the Gospel of the son etc., and cried: I must go out and where shall I dwell? There is a horse in Lueneburg which I want to ride or in the lumber wagon! Since the father was of that trade (wagon maker?) and very adventurous man, as one says. When he was first certain that the devil (had gone?) he spoke to me very freely that I began to marvel:If it were not a sin, I would ask much of the rogue and he must tell me everything. I ordered him that he should not ask anything secretly of the deceiver nor permit anything else. More I did not ask about what had taken place. I began to wonder whether Satan can also control the man. Nevertheless he can say or do what he wants but he has to be clear that he is a perverse, damnable spirit. These things happened on the eve of All Saints Day , the year 1530. God grant us graciously a victory over all his fiery darts through Jesus Christ our LOrd. Amen.
#1724-Stephan Agricola to ML (summarized)
(Editor summarizes this letter the original is in Hamburg; a handwritten cope in Dresden; also printed by Kolde and in Erlangen. Why some letters are summarized I am not certain.Probably following Walch.)
SUMMARY: Agricola and Frosch have been in Exile for a month and do not know where they will find a home city for themselves and their wives and children. For the time they are living in Nuernberg at the Aegidien-cloister. They are yet receiving salary from Augsburg but are uncertain whether they will be called back there. To be sure the Council there has declared that in matters of faith they will not go along with the Emperor's orders. Yet, God only knows, whether this is out of fear of the common people or because of love for the Word. The Sacramentarians are boasting that Luther has yielded to them; the Papists cry from every chancel that Agricola and Frosch have led Augsburg astray and infected them with heretical doctrine. They request that if they are not able to return that the Elector (of Saxony) would find a position for them and that Channcelor Brueck has also been made aware. Luther might interced for them with the Prince.
The letter is said to be of Nov.1,1530 from Nuernberg. NOTES:This is not the Eisleben Agricola.
When we were visiting Augsburg several years we were at the Church where Evangelical services were held during the Diet but I don't remember the name but it's not far down the main drag as I remember.
SUMMARY: Agricola and Frosch have been in Exile for a month and do not know where they will find a home city for themselves and their wives and children. For the time they are living in Nuernberg at the Aegidien-cloister. They are yet receiving salary from Augsburg but are uncertain whether they will be called back there. To be sure the Council there has declared that in matters of faith they will not go along with the Emperor's orders. Yet, God only knows, whether this is out of fear of the common people or because of love for the Word. The Sacramentarians are boasting that Luther has yielded to them; the Papists cry from every chancel that Agricola and Frosch have led Augsburg astray and infected them with heretical doctrine. They request that if they are not able to return that the Elector (of Saxony) would find a position for them and that Channcelor Brueck has also been made aware. Luther might interced for them with the Prince.
The letter is said to be of Nov.1,1530 from Nuernberg. NOTES:This is not the Eisleben Agricola.
When we were visiting Augsburg several years we were at the Church where Evangelical services were held during the Diet but I don't remember the name but it's not far down the main drag as I remember.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
#1723-To the Council in Herzberg
(ML repeats a request for a woman as his first received an unfavorable response from the Council according to Editors)
To the honorable and wise Mayor and Council in Herzberg, my favored Lords and Friends.
Grace and peace.Honored, wise, dear Lords! I have received your answer to my writing and I infer that I might well be meriting your anger but my opinion was for nothing other than to ameliorate and set the matter to rest by my help. What otherwise would be my motive to be involved in a matter that does not concern me and why would I need to create for myself or others aggravation in a matter indifferent to me? Thus it is my friendly request that my letter be better regarded than your letter indicates. If I cannot bring about good I certainly don't want to bring about something bad.So since you might suffer me to be judge otherwise except upon your writing I ask you once again to let the matter drop and if it pleases you to send me the Ellen (?proceeds,measures?) acknowledging that you can do nothing that would help should you give the woman such an insult and because it is still in your discretionary power to pass over the matter and your conscience would likely make you repent and pain you that you could not help in a better way and that you did not respect her petition but that in a straightforward way have to admit to having acted in vengenace. Otherwise in such a slight matter you would arouse great distaste and trouble many hearts unnecessarily while actually you have daily many more and greater cases which you let go and tolerate which could be said to be planks in relation to this splinter.(sounds like allusion to Jesus saying on the splinter in your neighbor's eye and forgetting the plank in your own eye). I plead for your just answer. In Wittenberg on the Tuesday after Simon and Jude (1 Nov.) 1530. Martin Luther.
NOTES: The next to last sentence is over 100 words with many clauses. Check with experts before taking it to the bank.
To the honorable and wise Mayor and Council in Herzberg, my favored Lords and Friends.
Grace and peace.Honored, wise, dear Lords! I have received your answer to my writing and I infer that I might well be meriting your anger but my opinion was for nothing other than to ameliorate and set the matter to rest by my help. What otherwise would be my motive to be involved in a matter that does not concern me and why would I need to create for myself or others aggravation in a matter indifferent to me? Thus it is my friendly request that my letter be better regarded than your letter indicates. If I cannot bring about good I certainly don't want to bring about something bad.So since you might suffer me to be judge otherwise except upon your writing I ask you once again to let the matter drop and if it pleases you to send me the Ellen (?proceeds,measures?) acknowledging that you can do nothing that would help should you give the woman such an insult and because it is still in your discretionary power to pass over the matter and your conscience would likely make you repent and pain you that you could not help in a better way and that you did not respect her petition but that in a straightforward way have to admit to having acted in vengenace. Otherwise in such a slight matter you would arouse great distaste and trouble many hearts unnecessarily while actually you have daily many more and greater cases which you let go and tolerate which could be said to be planks in relation to this splinter.(sounds like allusion to Jesus saying on the splinter in your neighbor's eye and forgetting the plank in your own eye). I plead for your just answer. In Wittenberg on the Tuesday after Simon and Jude (1 Nov.) 1530. Martin Luther.
NOTES: The next to last sentence is over 100 words with many clauses. Check with experts before taking it to the bank.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
#1722-To Amsdorf at Magdeburg- a jesting reproach
Grace and peace in Christ! That you are quarreling with me, better Amsdorf,about silence you are doing nothing other than giving me cause with greater justification to quarrel about your stubborn and constant silence. You must know that I was in solitude and not only do you not have mercy but add pain upon pain in that you do burden me with your long-standing silence. And now you add to it this what is already your sin by blaming and accusing me of a fault which is not mine but yours.You make it necessary for me to suppose that you might have likely become Archbishop of Magdeburg, Primate of Germany since you so easily forget me one so poor and haughtily scold. What else can I think when you blame me for calling the Mainzer ""Highly-worthy Father"(see #1612) although I used this word in no other way than the common usage of the Court which addresses every sort of gracious (gratios) Lord who are actually raging (furiosi) devils. You probably thought I was depriving you of this title. Yet in one way you have made me happy in calling the pamphlet which I published this summer good. Because of my health I could not publish more and I also could not have worked more (than I have done)because for half of the time I was in solitude so that in everything that I wrote from there (Coburg) I was like a thief stealing time from the illness. The printers go on with similar sluggishness and yet have two pamphlets under the press which were written a long time ago. For the rest, when you finally once come to visit us you will perk me up through a very lovely conversation as you used to do before we were separated.I feel that I have become very old or at least lost strength.Satan's angel has made me dull. The LOrd be with you in grace and truth,Amen. Wittenberg on the last of October 1530. Your Martin Luther.
NOTES: There is a crux interpretum on the half-time at Coburg according to the Editors but I haven't been able to figure out what they mean.
Waiting for publication was the "Admonition regarding the Sacrament" and the "Exposition of Psalm 111".
NOTES: There is a crux interpretum on the half-time at Coburg according to the Editors but I haven't been able to figure out what they mean.
Waiting for publication was the "Admonition regarding the Sacrament" and the "Exposition of Psalm 111".
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)