Grace and peace! My Basilius is coming to you, my dear Amsdorf, I am commending him to you and may the LOrd bring forth much fruit through him, Amen. There is a constant rumor that the Turk is coming; God have mercy on us! Other news I do not have. I am very much losing my powers especially those of the head. Therefore I am prevented from writing, reading, saying much and live as an invalid. Pray for me. Wittenberg on the Sunday of Oculi [12 March] 1531. Martin Luther.
NOTE: There is controversy whether this is the Licentiat Basilius Schumann or the physician Basilius. The former was designated for Goettingen but lacked ability in low German. Editors agree with De Wette that it is the former who was now headed for Goslar and went by the way of Magdeburg.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
#17712-The Mayor of Zwickau,M.Lorenz Barensprung and Hermann Muehlpfort d.a.,to Luther
To the respectable,celebrated and worthy Herr Martin Luther, holy amd evangelical Doctor of Scripture, our especially favored Lord and Friend.
To begin with (we assure you of) our willing service with all possible earnestness! Celebrated,respected,worthy Herr Doctor! Respectable one (always abbreviated "E.A.")concerning the dismissal of Herr Lorenz (Soranus),preacher at St. Catherines, we have just received your writing at Torgau; because we are burdened with many writings at this place we have not, as we want to, been able to give E.A. a fitting and well-deserved answer. We are troubled and dismayed not a little and have no doubt that if you had taken the opportunity to learn all the circumstance you would have spared us your almost fraudulent writing since we implored divine help and grace and want to live and deal in ways that are pleasing to God,blessed and nothing about which the world can rebuke us. We must look at this and other writings under the aspect that [innocent though we are of that which in inflicted upon us] under the Name of the holy Word and as the Gospel proclaims, we must suffer this; so that our regimen might be justified we would not be greatly opposed to answering the head-pastor and preacher as you propose. Should our determinations and dealing come to a hearing, as we plead and long for, it is obvious to us that it will be found that we have had just cause for dismissal. We also want the writing of E.A. to be placed before others of our friends. If E.A. thinks it necessary to write further we also should have our justification remain unsuppressed. Now to serve E.A.,Worthy one, we are willing and eager. Dated on Wednesday after Reminiscere [8 March] Anno Domini XXXI. Willing remaining to E.A., Worthy one, Laurentius Bernsprung M gst. and Hermann Muehlpfort, both citizens of Zwickau, now in Torgau.
NOTES: The leaders of Zwickau are evidently in Torgau to explain their actions to Elector Johann.
Sounds like Zwickau has a mind of their own.
To begin with (we assure you of) our willing service with all possible earnestness! Celebrated,respected,worthy Herr Doctor! Respectable one (always abbreviated "E.A.")concerning the dismissal of Herr Lorenz (Soranus),preacher at St. Catherines, we have just received your writing at Torgau; because we are burdened with many writings at this place we have not, as we want to, been able to give E.A. a fitting and well-deserved answer. We are troubled and dismayed not a little and have no doubt that if you had taken the opportunity to learn all the circumstance you would have spared us your almost fraudulent writing since we implored divine help and grace and want to live and deal in ways that are pleasing to God,blessed and nothing about which the world can rebuke us. We must look at this and other writings under the aspect that [innocent though we are of that which in inflicted upon us] under the Name of the holy Word and as the Gospel proclaims, we must suffer this; so that our regimen might be justified we would not be greatly opposed to answering the head-pastor and preacher as you propose. Should our determinations and dealing come to a hearing, as we plead and long for, it is obvious to us that it will be found that we have had just cause for dismissal. We also want the writing of E.A. to be placed before others of our friends. If E.A. thinks it necessary to write further we also should have our justification remain unsuppressed. Now to serve E.A.,Worthy one, we are willing and eager. Dated on Wednesday after Reminiscere [8 March] Anno Domini XXXI. Willing remaining to E.A., Worthy one, Laurentius Bernsprung M gst. and Hermann Muehlpfort, both citizens of Zwickau, now in Torgau.
NOTES: The leaders of Zwickau are evidently in Torgau to explain their actions to Elector Johann.
Sounds like Zwickau has a mind of their own.
Saturday, June 11, 2005
#1771-To Justus Jonas
Grace and peace in Christ! Take care,my dear Jonas, that this letter, either by you or someone else, be directly given to the Prince and receive an answer for me so that I may put to rest these people who think that I can do everything at the Court (of the Prince), although nothing could be farther from the truth. Concerning Doctor Basilius I will meanwhile write while you are there (Torgau) but on a day other than this one (so that I do not overwhelm the Prince). Meanwhile, you build, you be ready, speak out, run ahead, and stand up so that the time will be fitting for us to speak (mollia tempora fandi) for I will certainly come.
If you hear something disturbing about me do not take it lightly. Now in this night (I do not remember having previously done this) I slept on my right side for six hours though I am accustomed always to sleep on my left side; I was so weary. Since in the night before, for most of the day (ad multam diem) I carried stone and wood in hell, not in Egypt. It was not the iron oven of Egypt but one the like of which cannot be described with words so that I seemed to be a corpse. However, I am writing this so that you may see that Christ as King rules as the strength in weakness, the warmth in cold, the hard amidst the soft, life over death, righteousness over sin, yes, all that is standing against He in turn stands against moderating and taking hold of according to the greatness of His divine power; to Whom be praise and honor, Amen. On the 7 March 1531. Your Martin Luther.
NOTES: Doctor Basilius became the physician of Duke Albrecht of Prussia in Koenigsberg in August of 1531.
Beware of sleeping on the right side!
If you hear something disturbing about me do not take it lightly. Now in this night (I do not remember having previously done this) I slept on my right side for six hours though I am accustomed always to sleep on my left side; I was so weary. Since in the night before, for most of the day (ad multam diem) I carried stone and wood in hell, not in Egypt. It was not the iron oven of Egypt but one the like of which cannot be described with words so that I seemed to be a corpse. However, I am writing this so that you may see that Christ as King rules as the strength in weakness, the warmth in cold, the hard amidst the soft, life over death, righteousness over sin, yes, all that is standing against He in turn stands against moderating and taking hold of according to the greatness of His divine power; to Whom be praise and honor, Amen. On the 7 March 1531. Your Martin Luther.
NOTES: Doctor Basilius became the physician of Duke Albrecht of Prussia in Koenigsberg in August of 1531.
Beware of sleeping on the right side!
Friday, June 10, 2005
#1770-To Elector Johann in Saxony
Most Gracious Lord! The Council in Zwickau has dismissed their preahcer, Herr Lorenz Soran, which is most troubling to both their head-pastor (Hausmann) and the preacher because they have undertaken this without the knowledge of the head-pastor and without cause against the preacher. Now Your Electoral Grace (abbreviated: E.chur.G)could well consider that this may be an example that incites the placing and disposing of preachers contrary to the head-pastor and they might today or tomorrow install a Muenzer or a Carlstadt whether the head-pastor agrees or not. Such Your Electoral Grace is not to suffer since every institution and office is in the hand of Your Electoral Grace because of the emergency-need of and absence of Bishops and a city may not exercise as their own perrogative institution and offices. Should that succeed a city may dispose of preachers and head-pastors when they want and what is worse without complaint and without conviction and that they would receive such punishment to their harm so that they are expelled and pushed into misery and thus Your Elector Grace will not be able to maintain preachers in the land. The punishment should not precede the proof of guilt and without the stating of cause. Therefore in complete obedience I want Your Electoral Grace to have the realization that the city of Zwickau will have the reputation that they will not tolerate any preacher and that they are very stubborn (hard-headed) and that while wanting to be evangelical they do little to honor the Gospel. Further, the head-pastor will report himself to Your Electoral Grace. Herewith be commended to God, Amen. 4 March 1531. Your Electoral Grace's Obedient One, Martinus Luther.
NOTES: Princes are addressed as "gracious" and Electors as "Most Gracious". One wonders that in being so deferential to nobility their address is always abbreviated as above using "E.chur.Gr" for Your Electoral Grace.
Hausmann has survived for quite a time in Zwickau seeing many come and go but his days are numbered.Zwickau "the land of the heavenly prophets" earlier did not tolerate the visitation of ML. He remembers.
NOTES: Princes are addressed as "gracious" and Electors as "Most Gracious". One wonders that in being so deferential to nobility their address is always abbreviated as above using "E.chur.Gr" for Your Electoral Grace.
Hausmann has survived for quite a time in Zwickau seeing many come and go but his days are numbered.Zwickau "the land of the heavenly prophets" earlier did not tolerate the visitation of ML. He remembers.
Sunday, June 05, 2005
#1769-To the Mayor and Council in Zwickau
To the honorable, careful Lords, Mayor and Council in Zwickau, my favored Lords and Friends.
Grace and peace in Christ. Honorable, careful, dear Lords! Your parish-head (Hausmann) together with Lorenz Soranus are here with us and have made known me that you have dismissed the above-name Laurentius Soranus without the knowledge and will of the parish-head no differently than a Lord dismisses his servant but he is not yet
your servant nor you his Lord and such office is not to be stolen or robbed when and by whom it pleases you but rather it is the propriety of the land's Prince until the matter is concluded by the Bishop (an evangelical Bishop yet to be installed).I can well appreciate that it means nothing to you that I am vexed nor that I think it unjust but regarless you should treat me carefully as I with great difficulty acquired and supported the Gospel (of which you are partakers and use against us all)and not burden me with such an undertaking as you have done. It is unfortunately too much that you trouble my miserable heart when rather I should have consolaion and joy by you. But since it is not to be otherwise I must commend it to God and consider you on the other hand to be severed members of Christ. Unfortunately it seems good to you. Yet you should, if God wills, not continue in defiance and act as Lords and Princes of the land and without the knowledge and consent of the parish-head place and displace preachers. The office and tax assesments are not yours. It will likely be thought you will lose more than win in this matter. This I wanted for your admonsihment. Whoever doesn't want a preacher, let it me; time may change that. May the merciful God direct you in all and similar undertakings. Not yet can a parish-head or preacher last scarcely a month with you. Your city itself makes such a coomplaint. Alas, there is nothing for me to do beyond admonishing you in a faithful and brotherly way. This helps you more than me. God help you, Amen. 4 March 1531. Martinus Luther.
(enclosed note)
The messenger has the answer from the first: no answer is required; thereupon he announced to me that he must not go home without an answer. It was up to him to wait while I wrote this letter, however. The proud messenger did not deliver it for me. There were other considerations.
NOTES: Not sure about the postscript. Guess you should check with another translation. Zwickau, the land of the heavenly prophets, has again vexed Luther to the core. In a following letter to the Elector he writes who knows if tomorrow Zwickau might install a Carlstadt or a Munzer?
Grace and peace in Christ. Honorable, careful, dear Lords! Your parish-head (Hausmann) together with Lorenz Soranus are here with us and have made known me that you have dismissed the above-name Laurentius Soranus without the knowledge and will of the parish-head no differently than a Lord dismisses his servant but he is not yet
your servant nor you his Lord and such office is not to be stolen or robbed when and by whom it pleases you but rather it is the propriety of the land's Prince until the matter is concluded by the Bishop (an evangelical Bishop yet to be installed).I can well appreciate that it means nothing to you that I am vexed nor that I think it unjust but regarless you should treat me carefully as I with great difficulty acquired and supported the Gospel (of which you are partakers and use against us all)and not burden me with such an undertaking as you have done. It is unfortunately too much that you trouble my miserable heart when rather I should have consolaion and joy by you. But since it is not to be otherwise I must commend it to God and consider you on the other hand to be severed members of Christ. Unfortunately it seems good to you. Yet you should, if God wills, not continue in defiance and act as Lords and Princes of the land and without the knowledge and consent of the parish-head place and displace preachers. The office and tax assesments are not yours. It will likely be thought you will lose more than win in this matter. This I wanted for your admonsihment. Whoever doesn't want a preacher, let it me; time may change that. May the merciful God direct you in all and similar undertakings. Not yet can a parish-head or preacher last scarcely a month with you. Your city itself makes such a coomplaint. Alas, there is nothing for me to do beyond admonishing you in a faithful and brotherly way. This helps you more than me. God help you, Amen. 4 March 1531. Martinus Luther.
(enclosed note)
The messenger has the answer from the first: no answer is required; thereupon he announced to me that he must not go home without an answer. It was up to him to wait while I wrote this letter, however. The proud messenger did not deliver it for me. There were other considerations.
NOTES: Not sure about the postscript. Guess you should check with another translation. Zwickau, the land of the heavenly prophets, has again vexed Luther to the core. In a following letter to the Elector he writes who knows if tomorrow Zwickau might install a Carlstadt or a Munzer?
Friday, June 03, 2005
#1768-To Stephan Roth in Zwickau
To the highly-honorable mann,Sir Stephan Roth, Council-secretary in Zwickau, his friend.
Grace and peace in the LOrd! Although I am a very miserable man and on account of the Word of God more than enough afflicted, my dear Stephan, it troubles me not a little that you and your Zwickauers despise God and His servants so exceedingly. You have pushed out with shame Lorenz Soranus and so branded him with this public punishment though there was no public proceeding yet carried forth, not once was he heard and all openly shout that you are the promoter of this shameful deed and that you stanby to help carry it out. And though you so much may apologize there is no excusing you for using your authority and in your own outrageousness doing this and without drawing in the Pastor (Hausmann) and contrary to his will, though much was his concern, and without him giving his consent. "Do you think, you dear Junker, that you so dominate the Church and the Funds, which you did not establish, neither which are yours,that you may so incite and rob and afterward give what you as though you would be the Lord of the Church?" As surely as God lives, I will in some sort of public pamphlet make an example publicly of your shamefulness and that of these Zwickauer beasts and spell it out skillfully. Such have we merited for our great labors and battles for the Word of God the thanks you have granted, Friend! However, I want you and yours to consider it henceforth as accomplished that you are excluded from the fellowship of my LOrd Jesus Christ. "This should you and they all see" how surely despicable this has become and remains. The LOrd Jesus Christ bring you and yours in your counsel and undertaking to dishonor, Amen. The 4th of March 1531. Martin Luther. NOTES: I will tell you all about this in a short time. Is this excommunication by letter? Soranus is also known as Sorer,Soerer, von Sohra near Freiberg). He was at first at the Franciscan cloister in Freiberg where already in 1524 he preached according to the spirit of ML> It appears that the Duchess of Muensterberg first became acquainted with the writings of ML. In 1526 he was the first evangelical preacher in Reichenberg of Vogtland. In 1528 he was called to be the preacher at Catharinakirche in Zwickau. At the end of February the Council there abruptly dismissed him because "they found that they had no desire for him because of his teaching and life." The offense evidently concerned his life with his wife. An attempt to justify him had no effect and his departure ordered with provision made for his support to May 1. Hausmann tried to have him restored but without success. He and Hausmann came to Wittenberg with their complaint. This was the origin of the trouble between ML and Roth which lasted many years.
Grace and peace in the LOrd! Although I am a very miserable man and on account of the Word of God more than enough afflicted, my dear Stephan, it troubles me not a little that you and your Zwickauers despise God and His servants so exceedingly. You have pushed out with shame Lorenz Soranus and so branded him with this public punishment though there was no public proceeding yet carried forth, not once was he heard and all openly shout that you are the promoter of this shameful deed and that you stanby to help carry it out. And though you so much may apologize there is no excusing you for using your authority and in your own outrageousness doing this and without drawing in the Pastor (Hausmann) and contrary to his will, though much was his concern, and without him giving his consent. "Do you think, you dear Junker, that you so dominate the Church and the Funds, which you did not establish, neither which are yours,that you may so incite and rob and afterward give what you as though you would be the Lord of the Church?" As surely as God lives, I will in some sort of public pamphlet make an example publicly of your shamefulness and that of these Zwickauer beasts and spell it out skillfully. Such have we merited for our great labors and battles for the Word of God the thanks you have granted, Friend! However, I want you and yours to consider it henceforth as accomplished that you are excluded from the fellowship of my LOrd Jesus Christ. "This should you and they all see" how surely despicable this has become and remains. The LOrd Jesus Christ bring you and yours in your counsel and undertaking to dishonor, Amen. The 4th of March 1531. Martin Luther. NOTES: I will tell you all about this in a short time. Is this excommunication by letter? Soranus is also known as Sorer,Soerer, von Sohra near Freiberg). He was at first at the Franciscan cloister in Freiberg where already in 1524 he preached according to the spirit of ML> It appears that the Duchess of Muensterberg first became acquainted with the writings of ML. In 1526 he was the first evangelical preacher in Reichenberg of Vogtland. In 1528 he was called to be the preacher at Catharinakirche in Zwickau. At the end of February the Council there abruptly dismissed him because "they found that they had no desire for him because of his teaching and life." The offense evidently concerned his life with his wife. An attempt to justify him had no effect and his departure ordered with provision made for his support to May 1. Hausmann tried to have him restored but without success. He and Hausmann came to Wittenberg with their complaint. This was the origin of the trouble between ML and Roth which lasted many years.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
#1767-To Johann Sutel, Pastor in Goettingen
To the highly-honorable brother, Johann Sutel, the faithful servant of the Word in Goettingen.
Grace and peace in the LOrd! We have taken care of the printing of your church-Order,my dear Sutel, which I, according to my ability, have provided with a foreword which I dedicated to your preachers. You may see whether it is somewhat useful. I see that yours (people of Goettingen) find it burdensome when they should pay the servants of the church a little more taking no consideration of these times. Likely they hope that they could have a superfluity of people to administer the preaching-office but if they are hoping for that they should not seek servants of the church from me. Since here there is a great shortage of suitable men and I am only with great effort able to raise some up here so that we in this city are beginning to suffer a shortage. Previously they squandered thousands of Gulden on numerous deceivers while now they don't want to give one a hundred. Therefore we will let them be. It is better that they should servants of the Pope and cast under the devil than that they should lord it over Christ and tread underfoot His Word with their feet. Many such things are ocurring also in other places but the LOrd knows who are His.[2 Timothy 2:19]."They think that one must be glad about them and that there would be nothing left without them." That is called not seeking the Gospel in earnest. That being the case I cannot answer you regarding what you ask whether you being unshorn and not anointed can handle the Abendmahl of the LOrd. So if there is no earnestness there you should refrain as previously but if there is earnestness there you may publicly before the altar and before the rest of the church-servants receive the authority to administer the LOrd's Supper as they give witness to you with a verse and the laying on of hands. However, pardon my brevity. So many examples of unthankfulness are made known to me that I am find it difficult to counsel in these matters and be a participant in the Jewish disgust who were disgusted about manna.[Numbers 21:5].Be it well with you, valiant in Christ. On the first of March 1531.
Martin Luther.
Grace and peace in the LOrd! We have taken care of the printing of your church-Order,my dear Sutel, which I, according to my ability, have provided with a foreword which I dedicated to your preachers. You may see whether it is somewhat useful. I see that yours (people of Goettingen) find it burdensome when they should pay the servants of the church a little more taking no consideration of these times. Likely they hope that they could have a superfluity of people to administer the preaching-office but if they are hoping for that they should not seek servants of the church from me. Since here there is a great shortage of suitable men and I am only with great effort able to raise some up here so that we in this city are beginning to suffer a shortage. Previously they squandered thousands of Gulden on numerous deceivers while now they don't want to give one a hundred. Therefore we will let them be. It is better that they should servants of the Pope and cast under the devil than that they should lord it over Christ and tread underfoot His Word with their feet. Many such things are ocurring also in other places but the LOrd knows who are His.[2 Timothy 2:19]."They think that one must be glad about them and that there would be nothing left without them." That is called not seeking the Gospel in earnest. That being the case I cannot answer you regarding what you ask whether you being unshorn and not anointed can handle the Abendmahl of the LOrd. So if there is no earnestness there you should refrain as previously but if there is earnestness there you may publicly before the altar and before the rest of the church-servants receive the authority to administer the LOrd's Supper as they give witness to you with a verse and the laying on of hands. However, pardon my brevity. So many examples of unthankfulness are made known to me that I am find it difficult to counsel in these matters and be a participant in the Jewish disgust who were disgusted about manna.[Numbers 21:5].Be it well with you, valiant in Christ. On the first of March 1531.
Martin Luther.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
#1766-To the Council in Goettingen
To the honorable and wise Lords, Mayor and Council in Goettingen, my favored Lords and good Friends.
Grace and peace in Christ. Honroable, wise Lords! I have had your Order printed as you see. However, why the Licentiat Basilius is not coming you will learn from his writing. I am not glad to be in the position of having proposed the good man now to have to let him sit. It is the fault of my piety or foolishness that I did not previously inquire about the matter. This is not my first mistake nor will it be my last.
God grant that you will at all times be certain and united first of all on a matter before you undertake such a thing. Herwith be commended to God, Amen. On the first of March 1531. Mart. Luther.
Grace and peace in Christ. Honroable, wise Lords! I have had your Order printed as you see. However, why the Licentiat Basilius is not coming you will learn from his writing. I am not glad to be in the position of having proposed the good man now to have to let him sit. It is the fault of my piety or foolishness that I did not previously inquire about the matter. This is not my first mistake nor will it be my last.
God grant that you will at all times be certain and united first of all on a matter before you undertake such a thing. Herwith be commended to God, Amen. On the first of March 1531. Mart. Luther.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)