To the greatly-powerful,most- illustrious Prince and Lord, Friedrich, King in Denmark,Sweden, and Duke in Holstein etc., my most gracious Lord.
Grace and peace in Christ who died for our sins and for our life from death is risen. Most illustrious, most-mighty King,most gracious Lord! E.K.M. should comprehend and see
that God, the right and faithful Judge, would that E.K.M have peace at all times with your cousin, King Christian etc.,and at all times lordly victory give; and although I know that E.K.M. know that best and knows well to thank God and how to exercise the granted victory over E.K.M.'s cousin in a Christian and humble way in the fear of God yet I am moved by the misery or rather mcuh more the sorrow of my good lord King Christiiern and also by concern that E.K.M. might be by several people to be agitated against the imprisoned king and diminish the fear of God; therfore I with this humble (and I hope unnecessary) writing undertake to humbly plead to and admonsih E.K.M.to have mercy on your imprisoned cousin and according to the example of Christ who died for us His enemies, though we are not required to die for our enemies, but only to have mercy to them. And although E.K.M.'s cousin was not bound in like trust but came to imprisonment as an enemy yet E.K.M. might deal with him in a cousinly way; much more should E.K.M. do as he (Christiern) has abandoned everything and, (as I hear)and as a lost son is compliant to E.K.M. as his father. Because that is a great humiliation and we are yet in need of the grace before God it is without doubt that E.K.M. would make a noble sacrifice and lordly worship in demonstrating fatherly grace and fatherly faithfulness toward the poor imprisoned man and finally on his death bed E.K.M.would have great consolation by such a work and in heaven a special joy as well as great fame and honor on earth. When a great work in great matters and great people occurs by great persons it gives a lordly light both here on earth with a fine example for all the world and in heaven joy to all the saints and angels and also to the pleasure and desire of the divine majesty. Therefore, my most gracious lord, let E.K.M. make this a fruit of faith, a lorly thankoffering to God,and for the imprisoned consolation and revival, and joy and delight for all of us; thus also would E.K.M. and all who advise the same thankfully acknowledge how inwardly sorrowful he would be if he had done otherwise. Christ, our LOrd and Helper give E.K.M. His rich Spirit herein and in everything to do His divine good-pleasure,Amen.May E.K.M. regard for the good my audacious writing as God Himself
also does and care for one another. In Wittenberg on the Vigil of Michael (28 Sept.)1532. Ew.konigl. Majest. (Your royal majesties) willing D. Martinus Luther.
NOTE: Speaking of death beds I believe that Friedrich died in the following year or 1534.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
#1927-To Johann, Prince of Anhalt
To the illustrious,well-born Prince and Lord, Lord Johann,Prince in Anhalt, Graf in Ascanien,Lord in Bernburg,my gracious Lord.
Grace and peace in Christ. Illustrious Prince, Gracious Lord! I am rquested to plead before E.F.G. in writing and petition for the widow of the late Probst in Worlitz that E.F.G. would graciously help her and be supportive of what he,before his end,purposed and determined for her in a letter before the composer in Worlitz and had sealed and submitted but which is now assailed by his friends and by which they are opposing her in what she is trying to do. Because it is the type of estate which in the time of ecclesiastical law could not be bequeathed to friend without a special testament but would fall back into the hands of the Officials etc. and he had in mind his poor little child, it is my poor plea that E.F.G. would support the named widow and little child with property as survivors also taking into consideration that at the last he married her as he himself told me when I was with E.F.G. in Worlitz and I advised him that he should for the benefit of the child assemble all the neighbors and make known the marriage. If he did that, good; if not yet his confession of a secret marriage is not to be rejected because he acknowledged it before me and my companions. E.F.G. will know well how to deal graciously to firmly support this poor orphan. Herewith, be commended to God,Amen. Wednesday after St. Matthew (25 Sept.)1532.E.F.G.'s willing Martinus Luther,D.
NOTES: There is some confusion in the editions on the punctuation and I wasn't sure about some of the pronouns so you may want to check further with the experts.
Grace and peace in Christ. Illustrious Prince, Gracious Lord! I am rquested to plead before E.F.G. in writing and petition for the widow of the late Probst in Worlitz that E.F.G. would graciously help her and be supportive of what he,before his end,purposed and determined for her in a letter before the composer in Worlitz and had sealed and submitted but which is now assailed by his friends and by which they are opposing her in what she is trying to do. Because it is the type of estate which in the time of ecclesiastical law could not be bequeathed to friend without a special testament but would fall back into the hands of the Officials etc. and he had in mind his poor little child, it is my poor plea that E.F.G. would support the named widow and little child with property as survivors also taking into consideration that at the last he married her as he himself told me when I was with E.F.G. in Worlitz and I advised him that he should for the benefit of the child assemble all the neighbors and make known the marriage. If he did that, good; if not yet his confession of a secret marriage is not to be rejected because he acknowledged it before me and my companions. E.F.G. will know well how to deal graciously to firmly support this poor orphan. Herewith, be commended to God,Amen. Wednesday after St. Matthew (25 Sept.)1532.E.F.G.'s willing Martinus Luther,D.
NOTES: There is some confusion in the editions on the punctuation and I wasn't sure about some of the pronouns so you may want to check further with the experts.
Monday, June 26, 2006
#1926-To Andreas Osiander
Grace and peace in Christ! My dear Andreas: Tu ne cede malis, sed contra audentior ito (Boldly confront the evil which stands against you.) So I answer, though I am sick, the letter in which indicates that you are sick and tired of the Ninevites whom also I (would to God that Christ does not also) regard with disgust. However, the day has twelve hours and our eyes cannot see the future. God is testing us in this way. Yet if everything turns out to be evil, this condition cannot last more than three years. Everything is headed to the point that there has to be change either to the worse or for the better for this state of affairs. If it is for the worse then nothing can be gained by fleeing;if it is for the better everything will be made better by staying. I see, in fact, if there is peace, learned men will be precious and as Isaiah says Chapter 13:12:
"more precious than gold". Daily preachers are being sougt but there are none at hand. Also if the Ninevites don't want you and it is necessary that you be called away let them not think that they will instead you find someonewho comes within a little finger close to you.
O socii,--
O passi graviora; dabit Deus his quoque finem.
Durate, et vosmet rebus serveat secundis.
"O colleague,--severely you have suffered, God will soon make an end to this. Only take heart and hold on for a happier time.""It cannot last long." The evil customs will bring about good laws. "It is a transition, says the fox,
the bird must molt and thus get again beautiful feathers."
Take this up as from me as written in an upright and faithful outlook because I also have been troubled by your thoughts and then again comforted as I have comforted you. Greet all of ours. More I do not want to write nor can I so bad is it with my head illness. Christ be with you and all of yours, my brother in Christ, and pray for me. Should I live or die, may the preaching office be commended to you. On the Thursday after Lambertus (19 Sept.) 1532. Your Martin Luther.
NOTES: Osiander not only may have trouble at Nuernberg but soon will have trouble with someone at Wittenberg.Both the Latin quotes are from Virgil.Aen. VI and I respectively.
"more precious than gold". Daily preachers are being sougt but there are none at hand. Also if the Ninevites don't want you and it is necessary that you be called away let them not think that they will instead you find someonewho comes within a little finger close to you.
O socii,--
O passi graviora; dabit Deus his quoque finem.
Durate, et vosmet rebus serveat secundis.
"O colleague,--severely you have suffered, God will soon make an end to this. Only take heart and hold on for a happier time.""It cannot last long." The evil customs will bring about good laws. "It is a transition, says the fox,
the bird must molt and thus get again beautiful feathers."
Take this up as from me as written in an upright and faithful outlook because I also have been troubled by your thoughts and then again comforted as I have comforted you. Greet all of ours. More I do not want to write nor can I so bad is it with my head illness. Christ be with you and all of yours, my brother in Christ, and pray for me. Should I live or die, may the preaching office be commended to you. On the Thursday after Lambertus (19 Sept.) 1532. Your Martin Luther.
NOTES: Osiander not only may have trouble at Nuernberg but soon will have trouble with someone at Wittenberg.Both the Latin quotes are from Virgil.Aen. VI and I respectively.
#1925-To Johann, Joachim, Prince of Anhalt
To the illustrious,well-born Princes and Lords, Herrs Johann and Joachim, Brothers, Princes in Anhalt,Grafs in Ascanien and Lords in Bernburg, my gracious Lords.
Grace and peace in Christ. Illustrious, well-born Princes, gracious Lords! The pious man, Master Nicolaus Hausmann, has come here seeking the preaching-office with E.F.G.:I humbly commend the same to E.F.G. He has a faithful heart and is a moral man who teaches God's Word quietly and chastely and has love. Christ our LOrd give His rich blessings thereto so that he bears much fruit. And I have no doubt that E.F.G. very much wants to graciously support him. Herewith, be commended to God. And if my poor prayer avails it will always be humbly with E.F.G. in my first consideration. Dated at Wittenberg, Exaltationis Crucis (14 Sept.) 1532. E.F.G.'s willing Martinus Luther,D.
NOTES: Hausmann was ousted or resigned after a long tenure at Zwickau. ML used to address him as the "Bishop of Zwickau".
Suppose ML would have liked to sing: "Lift High the Cross"? on Sept. 14.
Trivial pursuit; What happened to Prince Georg the third brother?
Grace and peace in Christ. Illustrious, well-born Princes, gracious Lords! The pious man, Master Nicolaus Hausmann, has come here seeking the preaching-office with E.F.G.:I humbly commend the same to E.F.G. He has a faithful heart and is a moral man who teaches God's Word quietly and chastely and has love. Christ our LOrd give His rich blessings thereto so that he bears much fruit. And I have no doubt that E.F.G. very much wants to graciously support him. Herewith, be commended to God. And if my poor prayer avails it will always be humbly with E.F.G. in my first consideration. Dated at Wittenberg, Exaltationis Crucis (14 Sept.) 1532. E.F.G.'s willing Martinus Luther,D.
NOTES: Hausmann was ousted or resigned after a long tenure at Zwickau. ML used to address him as the "Bishop of Zwickau".
Suppose ML would have liked to sing: "Lift High the Cross"? on Sept. 14.
Trivial pursuit; What happened to Prince Georg the third brother?
Saturday, June 24, 2006
#1924-To Johann, Georg and Joachim, Princes of Anhalt
To the highly-renown and worthy Princes, Herrs Johann, Georg and Joachim of Anhalt, Grafs of Ascanien, Lords in Bernburg, brothers who in body and spirit are closely bound,his most gracious Lords.
"
grace and peace in Christ"! I have heard, high-renown and worthy Princes, that finally with the co-work of the Spirit of Christ in your lands there has been undertaken a departure from the abuses in religion and the happy practice of Christian communion has begun although not without great danger as we know the great Princes are advising the
contrary and treatening. I, at least, though I am nothing, only wish to be in Christ and to be aparticipant among those who fear Him,-I say, with joy in God and thanks to the LOrd, Who has such great strength of Spirit and what is more granted three brothers one -like-minded strenth and, to be sure, set these brothers in a high position amidst greater dangers than others who are private-people,as in my case,whose faith and constancy do not have such great dangers and reasons for fear. However, Christ though thought of as a weak king is truly and forever an Almighty King who does this work; thus He acts,lives, and speaks for Himself and also in His members. And if He appears to be brought down to the ground, He arises as the Morning Star and He said to Paul: "My strength is made known in weakness," and thus when He becomes weak it is for the purpose of being stronger. This is His way of living,dealing and ruling. "It will never be any other way." Although our Princes at the last Diet at Augsburg were completely devoured and appeared to be cast down they immediately were made living and freed so much so that they accomplished a change in the Emperor's disposition and they see and may rejoice that the hope and efforts of the Roman Pope has come entirely to ridicule. Foremostly, renown Princes, may He who began His work in your hearts, bring the same to completion; thus it is with the beginning of all things which are of God that they are weak but the fruits inconquerable. The roots of all trees in the beginning are thin threads or rather coagualated milk and nevertheless they bring forth planks and trunks from which a great mass of houses, ships and works are built. Of our own origin it is said in the book of Job (10:10) that it is a coagualtion of milk but nevetheless from this thickened milk comes finally the most powerful kings on earth who (as Paul also says) will be the judge of angels on that Day for which we wait. Thus the entire created nature begins in a weak way and is brought to completion in power. On the contrary what men begin starts with power. Moab confidently had more pride than power as the Prophet said; Christ however has greater strength than pride. "Be comforted", He says,"I have overcome the world." And again:"I live and you also will live." This same LOrd protect,preserve,and strengthen your hearts who not only according to blood are tightly bound but also according to spirit. To His glory and the salvation of many people, Amen. 1532/ E.F.G's compliant Martin Luther.
NOTES: The Ascanien line had some great names but appeared to be dwindling at Luther's time though I think the great Catherine was a later descendant.Job 10:10:"Hast Thou not poured me out like milk and curdled me like cheese?"
"
grace and peace in Christ"! I have heard, high-renown and worthy Princes, that finally with the co-work of the Spirit of Christ in your lands there has been undertaken a departure from the abuses in religion and the happy practice of Christian communion has begun although not without great danger as we know the great Princes are advising the
contrary and treatening. I, at least, though I am nothing, only wish to be in Christ and to be aparticipant among those who fear Him,-I say, with joy in God and thanks to the LOrd, Who has such great strength of Spirit and what is more granted three brothers one -like-minded strenth and, to be sure, set these brothers in a high position amidst greater dangers than others who are private-people,as in my case,whose faith and constancy do not have such great dangers and reasons for fear. However, Christ though thought of as a weak king is truly and forever an Almighty King who does this work; thus He acts,lives, and speaks for Himself and also in His members. And if He appears to be brought down to the ground, He arises as the Morning Star and He said to Paul: "My strength is made known in weakness," and thus when He becomes weak it is for the purpose of being stronger. This is His way of living,dealing and ruling. "It will never be any other way." Although our Princes at the last Diet at Augsburg were completely devoured and appeared to be cast down they immediately were made living and freed so much so that they accomplished a change in the Emperor's disposition and they see and may rejoice that the hope and efforts of the Roman Pope has come entirely to ridicule. Foremostly, renown Princes, may He who began His work in your hearts, bring the same to completion; thus it is with the beginning of all things which are of God that they are weak but the fruits inconquerable. The roots of all trees in the beginning are thin threads or rather coagualated milk and nevertheless they bring forth planks and trunks from which a great mass of houses, ships and works are built. Of our own origin it is said in the book of Job (10:10) that it is a coagualtion of milk but nevetheless from this thickened milk comes finally the most powerful kings on earth who (as Paul also says) will be the judge of angels on that Day for which we wait. Thus the entire created nature begins in a weak way and is brought to completion in power. On the contrary what men begin starts with power. Moab confidently had more pride than power as the Prophet said; Christ however has greater strength than pride. "Be comforted", He says,"I have overcome the world." And again:"I live and you also will live." This same LOrd protect,preserve,and strengthen your hearts who not only according to blood are tightly bound but also according to spirit. To His glory and the salvation of many people, Amen. 1532/ E.F.G's compliant Martin Luther.
NOTES: The Ascanien line had some great names but appeared to be dwindling at Luther's time though I think the great Catherine was a later descendant.Job 10:10:"Hast Thou not poured me out like milk and curdled me like cheese?"
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
#1923-To the Council at Kamenz
Grace and peace. Honored,Perceptive,dear Lords and Friends! I have your writing where you indicate that because of the shortage of a preacher that Er Simon Haferitz be given to you who ,it is complained, is yet without my consent given to you. Now I know well the named Er Simon H. and also know well that I do not consider myself a new Pope who is to assign every Pastor and fill every Preaching-chair although I consider myself responsible to give counsel and help to whomever needs it. Nonetheless I do not know whether at this time to advise that Er Simon H. should leave his service at Salza since the good people there are benefited; and I did not want my conscience to be burdened that he under my name should forsake the people of Salza. If he wants to do so and venture this according to his conscience that is something I can well accept.
Because you are in need of a preacher I am rightly moved, whether or not Er Simon H. does not want to come or whether he might, let me know as I would hope to find one who is also pious and learned. Although it is true that there is a great shortage of personnel who would be somewhat special. Here the responsibility lies: everywhere this could be well considered. Also no one provides schools for young people that our LOrd and God may look to for laborers in His harvest if we were worthy. Herewith be commended to God, Amen. Tuesday after the Nativity of Mary (Nativatatis Mariae (10 September) Anno 1532. D. Martin Luther.
Because you are in need of a preacher I am rightly moved, whether or not Er Simon H. does not want to come or whether he might, let me know as I would hope to find one who is also pious and learned. Although it is true that there is a great shortage of personnel who would be somewhat special. Here the responsibility lies: everywhere this could be well considered. Also no one provides schools for young people that our LOrd and God may look to for laborers in His harvest if we were worthy. Herewith be commended to God, Amen. Tuesday after the Nativity of Mary (Nativatatis Mariae (10 September) Anno 1532. D. Martin Luther.
Monday, June 19, 2006
#1921-Veit Dietrich to Justus Menius
To the, in Christ, highly honorable Herr Justus Menius, servant of the Word in Eisenach, in Christ his highly respectable Herr and brother.
Grace and peace in Christ! So that you might know how much I delight in pleasing you by
every kind of pleasantry, if only you indicate it to me what I can do, I am now sending you the letter of our Father Luther which you mentioned to me on the evening when I
traveled with you and Georg (Roerer) to the hostel. Just as I am doing everything which
at that time I promised and kept it firm in my memory so I wish in return that you would also proceed with the book against the man Wicel which you have begun and at that
time you also promised.I do not know why Jonas has postponed the publishing of his labor. It seems to me that he is being too careful in pondering these enthusiastic men.That should not in any way hinder the putting forth of your labor so that the Church should have ample witness to form its opinion and also to shut the hard mouth of
its opponents. Wittenberg is not bringing forth nothing new except the Summary which, I hope will come out on Michael's-day (Sept 30), the Sermon on the Mount of Christ, which Cruciger has started on and the funeral sermons which the Doctor (Luther) preached at the burial of the Prince. I have taken up the first and the second, I hope, will be added by Cruciger. Be it well with you and pardon my boldness if I am the first to burden your love by my writing to you. Luther is found to be well with his entire family and he has ordered me to greet your love (h.t.=humanitatem tuam).Wittenberg on 31 August. Your love's compliant one (T.h.dd.)Veit Dietrich of Nuernberg.
NOTES: The writing against Wicel is not extant. Two sermons of Luther on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 are Vol. XII of the St.Louis Edition, page 2072.
Grace and peace in Christ! So that you might know how much I delight in pleasing you by
every kind of pleasantry, if only you indicate it to me what I can do, I am now sending you the letter of our Father Luther which you mentioned to me on the evening when I
traveled with you and Georg (Roerer) to the hostel. Just as I am doing everything which
at that time I promised and kept it firm in my memory so I wish in return that you would also proceed with the book against the man Wicel which you have begun and at that
time you also promised.I do not know why Jonas has postponed the publishing of his labor. It seems to me that he is being too careful in pondering these enthusiastic men.That should not in any way hinder the putting forth of your labor so that the Church should have ample witness to form its opinion and also to shut the hard mouth of
its opponents. Wittenberg is not bringing forth nothing new except the Summary which, I hope will come out on Michael's-day (Sept 30), the Sermon on the Mount of Christ, which Cruciger has started on and the funeral sermons which the Doctor (Luther) preached at the burial of the Prince. I have taken up the first and the second, I hope, will be added by Cruciger. Be it well with you and pardon my boldness if I am the first to burden your love by my writing to you. Luther is found to be well with his entire family and he has ordered me to greet your love (h.t.=humanitatem tuam).Wittenberg on 31 August. Your love's compliant one (T.h.dd.)Veit Dietrich of Nuernberg.
NOTES: The writing against Wicel is not extant. Two sermons of Luther on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 are Vol. XII of the St.Louis Edition, page 2072.
Friday, June 16, 2006
#1919-To Another (?) Unamed One
Grace and peace in Christ. Honorable, wise,good friend! Er Christoffel Strobel near Herr Nicolas Hausmann has indicated to me how God has not only blessed you temporally but, what is a thousand times better, has graced you also spiritually with love and desire for the truth and knowledge: I heard this with joy and pray God that He will strengthen you and preserve you until His Coming. Since it is now a rather dangerous time due to the sectarian spirits and false teachers who sneak around everywhere trying to deceive someone. Satan himself takes no vacation from trying to weaken or overthrow our faith with evil poisonous thoughts; and our thinking is itself blinded and strives against faith at all times; they do not respect God's Word and Kingdom but rather hate it so our case must solely and purely be sustained by God's power.
Now I must write briefly since we are burdened, as is fitting, by the departure of the pious Prince from this vale of tears. I commend you herewith to grace in Christ, our LOrd and Savior and commend to you friendly the poor Er Christoffel Strobel to whom you can be helpful; that will truly be done as to Christ Himself and I will be thankful as well . In Wittenberg on the Monday after the Assumption of Mary (19 August) Anno 1532.D. Martin Luther.
NOTE: Would ML have written basically the same letter to the same person on the same day? DeWette thinks not and says it only happened that both recipients were living near Strobel.
Elector Johann died in Schweinitz on August 16 and ML preached the funeral sermon on August 18,1532. See below for Schweinitz as retreat for the Saxon Electors. Has anyone seen the Schweinitz sunflower?
Now I must write briefly since we are burdened, as is fitting, by the departure of the pious Prince from this vale of tears. I commend you herewith to grace in Christ, our LOrd and Savior and commend to you friendly the poor Er Christoffel Strobel to whom you can be helpful; that will truly be done as to Christ Himself and I will be thankful as well . In Wittenberg on the Monday after the Assumption of Mary (19 August) Anno 1532.D. Martin Luther.
NOTE: Would ML have written basically the same letter to the same person on the same day? DeWette thinks not and says it only happened that both recipients were living near Strobel.
Elector Johann died in Schweinitz on August 16 and ML preached the funeral sermon on August 18,1532. See below for Schweinitz as retreat for the Saxon Electors. Has anyone seen the Schweinitz sunflower?
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
#1918-To One Unnamed
Grace and peace in Christ. Honorable,wise,dear good friend! Christoffel Strobel has indicated to me how God has blessed you with His spiritual blessing and graciously called you to the knowledge of His Son Jesus Christ and requested me in this writing to you to admonish and strengthen you to abide in this grace of Christ which has begun in you.
Because I have been persuaded that my writing would please you I am gladly doing this and pray that God the Father of all gifts and strength would fortify and strengthen you
graciously in the which has begun in you through His H.Spirit that Satan by no poison
nor force would not make you weak and weary so as to forsake God's Word and Kingdom.
You yourself see that the present time is now a dangerous time. Many are misled by sectarian spirits ;many have fallen away and have become tired of God's grace and cold so that they are deceived by Satan's poison and blinded being cold, knowing everything and have no need and have become lazy and unthankful and thereby more angry than before.
Therefore it very necessary for us to be watchful and be earnest that we abide in the fervor of faith and daily increase in it. To this end may the one and only Helper our
dear LOrd Jesus Christ,Amen. I commend to your love Er Christoffel Strobel as he can be helped by you. That will be done to Christ Himself, Matt. 25. In Wittenberg on the Monday after the Assumption of Maria (19 August) Anno 1532, D. Martin Luther.
NOTE: Christoph Strobel was first in Musschen(between Oschatz and Grimma) in the teaching office and then came Freiberg as the court preacher of Duke Heinrich and then became the arch-deacon in Oschatz in 1539 and died there in the beginning of 1540.
Because I have been persuaded that my writing would please you I am gladly doing this and pray that God the Father of all gifts and strength would fortify and strengthen you
graciously in the which has begun in you through His H.Spirit that Satan by no poison
nor force would not make you weak and weary so as to forsake God's Word and Kingdom.
You yourself see that the present time is now a dangerous time. Many are misled by sectarian spirits ;many have fallen away and have become tired of God's grace and cold so that they are deceived by Satan's poison and blinded being cold, knowing everything and have no need and have become lazy and unthankful and thereby more angry than before.
Therefore it very necessary for us to be watchful and be earnest that we abide in the fervor of faith and daily increase in it. To this end may the one and only Helper our
dear LOrd Jesus Christ,Amen. I commend to your love Er Christoffel Strobel as he can be helped by you. That will be done to Christ Himself, Matt. 25. In Wittenberg on the Monday after the Assumption of Maria (19 August) Anno 1532, D. Martin Luther.
NOTE: Christoph Strobel was first in Musschen(between Oschatz and Grimma) in the teaching office and then came Freiberg as the court preacher of Duke Heinrich and then became the arch-deacon in Oschatz in 1539 and died there in the beginning of 1540.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Schweinitz
Historisches zum Elsterstädtchen
* Aus der Geschichte der Stadt Schweinitz
* Aus der Geschichte des "Schmetterlingskreises"
* Wie ist unser Kreis entstanden und wie ist er zu seinem Namen gekommen ?
* Wie Schweinitz schwere Schicksalsschläge meisterte
Aus der Geschichte der Stadt Schweinitz - Wo sich einst die Wildschweine tummelten
Die erste bekannte Erwähnung des Ortes ,,Swinze" ist aus dem Jahre 1121. Im Laufe der Jahrhunderte veränderte sich die Ortsbezeichnung: 1182 Swinize, 1462 Sweinitz und 1508 Schweinitz. Der Ursprung des Namens Schweinitz liegt in der einst so reich an Wildschweinen gewesenen Gegend. Dies wird auch im Stadtwappen verdeutlicht: ,,In Silber auf grünem Berg ein springendes schwarzes Schwein", das nach dem Ratssiegel aus dem 14. Jahrhundert gestaltet wurde.
Schweinitz, 1350 erstmals als civitas bezeichnet, 1373 ist das Stadtrecht urkundlich bestätigt, entwickelt sich im Anschluß an eine Burg bzw. Schloß, das Anfang des 12. Jahrhunderts durch Albrecht den Bären an der Schwarzen Elster, unmittelbar an der Einmündung des Fließes, erbaut wurde. Schloß und Ort Schweinitz gehören seit 1182 zur Niederlausitz, Anfang des 13. Jahrhunderts den Magdeburger Erzbischöfen und ab 1362 zum Herzogtum Sachsen - Wittenberg.
Anfang des 15. Jahrhunderts befand sich das Schloß in einem schlechten Zustand. 1406 stürzte der Turm ein und erschlug die beiden Söhne des Kurfürsten Rudolf III.1470 ließ Kurfürst Ernst das baufällige Schloß zu einem Jagdschloß umbauen. In der Zeit der Reformation diente es vor allem als Aufenthaltsort der sächsischen Kurfürsten. Im Jahre 1517, in der Nacht vor Allerheiligen, hatte Kurfürst Friedrich der Weise im Schweinitzer Schloß den bekannten, merkwürdigen Traum vom Thesenanschlag Luthers an das Tor der Schloßkirche zu Wittenberg.
Kupferstich vom Traum Friedrich des Weisen
Kupferstich (1617) über den Traum Friedrich des Weisen zu Schweinitz
Im Schweinitzer Schloß verstarb am 16. August 1532 Kurfürst Johann der Beständige in den Armen von Luther. Luther predigte seit 1521 oft in der Schweinitzer Kirche, die 1385 erbaut wurde. Dabei bezog er ofmals Quartier im damaligen "Hohen Haus" (Schliebener Straße 28).
Unweit des bis 1576 zum größten Teil abgetragenen Schlosses wurde 1600 das Amtshaus errichtet. Es brannte mehrere Male ab. Der jetzige Bau stammt aus dem Jahre 1668.
Im Dreißigjährigen Krieg hatte Schweinitz schwer zu leiden. Am 16. April 1637 brannte die gesamte Stadt ab, auch das Rathaus, Turm und Nordteil der Kirche wurden Opfer der Flammen. Das Kirchenschiff ist sehr bald wieder aufgebaut worden, der Turm erst 1713/14.
Der Siebenjährige Krieg (1756 - 1763) schlug wieder tiefe Wunden, weil alles ausgeraubt und die Menschen entwürdigt wurden. Nicht anders war es bei den napoleonischen Raubzügen ab dem Jahre 1806, als die Franzosen die Stadt niederbrannten und 1813, von russischen Kosaken verfolgt, in Schweinitz wüteten. Vor der Völkerschlacht bei Leipzig zogen ständig Truppen durch die Stadt, und der preußische General York nahm in unmittelbarer Nähe sein Hauptquartier. 1816 wurde, im wesentlichen aus dem im Jahre 1339 entstandenen Amt Schweinitz und den Ämtern Seyda und Schlieben, der Kreis Schweinitz gebildet, der nun zum Regierungsbezirk Merseburg der preußischen Provinz Sachsen gehörte.
1858 hatte der Kreis Schweinitz eine Ausdehnung von 19,74 Quadratmeilen mit 39.169 Einwohnern in 6 Städten, 108 Dörfern und 12 einzelnen Besitzungen. Die wirtschaftliche Entwicklung wurde abermals durch die Kriegsereignisse des 1. und 2. Weltkrieges gestört.
Einwohnerentwicklung in den letzten 250 Jahren:
1743 - 96 Häuser, 1755 - 125 Häuser (mit Dörfchen),
1769 - 99 Häuser, davon 3 wüst, 1785-130 Häuser,
1815 - 110 Häuser 979 Einwohner (ohne Vorstadt),
1840 - 184 Häuser 1.221 Einwohner,
1861 - 1.452 Einwohner,
1900 - 1.217 Einwohner,
1910 - 1.348 Einwohner,
1939 - 1.372 Einwohner,
1964 - 1.616 Einwohner.
Nachdem Klossa schon am 1.1.1978 Ortsteil von Schweinitz geworden war, folgten am 1.1.1992 Steinsdorf und Dixförda. Seit dem 1.1.1993 gehört Schweinitz mit seinen Ortsteilen zur Stadt Jessen. Schweinitz und Klossa haben heute eine Fläche von 2.304 Hektar und grenzen westlich an die Gemarkung Jessen, nördlich an Dixförda und Lindwerder, östlich an Großkorga und in südlicher Richtung an die Gemarkungen Purzien und Löben.
Quelle: Stadtarchiv Jessen
* Aus der Geschichte der Stadt Schweinitz
* Aus der Geschichte des "Schmetterlingskreises"
* Wie ist unser Kreis entstanden und wie ist er zu seinem Namen gekommen ?
* Wie Schweinitz schwere Schicksalsschläge meisterte
Aus der Geschichte der Stadt Schweinitz - Wo sich einst die Wildschweine tummelten
Die erste bekannte Erwähnung des Ortes ,,Swinze" ist aus dem Jahre 1121. Im Laufe der Jahrhunderte veränderte sich die Ortsbezeichnung: 1182 Swinize, 1462 Sweinitz und 1508 Schweinitz. Der Ursprung des Namens Schweinitz liegt in der einst so reich an Wildschweinen gewesenen Gegend. Dies wird auch im Stadtwappen verdeutlicht: ,,In Silber auf grünem Berg ein springendes schwarzes Schwein", das nach dem Ratssiegel aus dem 14. Jahrhundert gestaltet wurde.
Schweinitz, 1350 erstmals als civitas bezeichnet, 1373 ist das Stadtrecht urkundlich bestätigt, entwickelt sich im Anschluß an eine Burg bzw. Schloß, das Anfang des 12. Jahrhunderts durch Albrecht den Bären an der Schwarzen Elster, unmittelbar an der Einmündung des Fließes, erbaut wurde. Schloß und Ort Schweinitz gehören seit 1182 zur Niederlausitz, Anfang des 13. Jahrhunderts den Magdeburger Erzbischöfen und ab 1362 zum Herzogtum Sachsen - Wittenberg.
Anfang des 15. Jahrhunderts befand sich das Schloß in einem schlechten Zustand. 1406 stürzte der Turm ein und erschlug die beiden Söhne des Kurfürsten Rudolf III.1470 ließ Kurfürst Ernst das baufällige Schloß zu einem Jagdschloß umbauen. In der Zeit der Reformation diente es vor allem als Aufenthaltsort der sächsischen Kurfürsten. Im Jahre 1517, in der Nacht vor Allerheiligen, hatte Kurfürst Friedrich der Weise im Schweinitzer Schloß den bekannten, merkwürdigen Traum vom Thesenanschlag Luthers an das Tor der Schloßkirche zu Wittenberg.
Kupferstich vom Traum Friedrich des Weisen
Kupferstich (1617) über den Traum Friedrich des Weisen zu Schweinitz
Im Schweinitzer Schloß verstarb am 16. August 1532 Kurfürst Johann der Beständige in den Armen von Luther. Luther predigte seit 1521 oft in der Schweinitzer Kirche, die 1385 erbaut wurde. Dabei bezog er ofmals Quartier im damaligen "Hohen Haus" (Schliebener Straße 28).
Unweit des bis 1576 zum größten Teil abgetragenen Schlosses wurde 1600 das Amtshaus errichtet. Es brannte mehrere Male ab. Der jetzige Bau stammt aus dem Jahre 1668.
Im Dreißigjährigen Krieg hatte Schweinitz schwer zu leiden. Am 16. April 1637 brannte die gesamte Stadt ab, auch das Rathaus, Turm und Nordteil der Kirche wurden Opfer der Flammen. Das Kirchenschiff ist sehr bald wieder aufgebaut worden, der Turm erst 1713/14.
Der Siebenjährige Krieg (1756 - 1763) schlug wieder tiefe Wunden, weil alles ausgeraubt und die Menschen entwürdigt wurden. Nicht anders war es bei den napoleonischen Raubzügen ab dem Jahre 1806, als die Franzosen die Stadt niederbrannten und 1813, von russischen Kosaken verfolgt, in Schweinitz wüteten. Vor der Völkerschlacht bei Leipzig zogen ständig Truppen durch die Stadt, und der preußische General York nahm in unmittelbarer Nähe sein Hauptquartier. 1816 wurde, im wesentlichen aus dem im Jahre 1339 entstandenen Amt Schweinitz und den Ämtern Seyda und Schlieben, der Kreis Schweinitz gebildet, der nun zum Regierungsbezirk Merseburg der preußischen Provinz Sachsen gehörte.
1858 hatte der Kreis Schweinitz eine Ausdehnung von 19,74 Quadratmeilen mit 39.169 Einwohnern in 6 Städten, 108 Dörfern und 12 einzelnen Besitzungen. Die wirtschaftliche Entwicklung wurde abermals durch die Kriegsereignisse des 1. und 2. Weltkrieges gestört.
Einwohnerentwicklung in den letzten 250 Jahren:
1743 - 96 Häuser, 1755 - 125 Häuser (mit Dörfchen),
1769 - 99 Häuser, davon 3 wüst, 1785-130 Häuser,
1815 - 110 Häuser 979 Einwohner (ohne Vorstadt),
1840 - 184 Häuser 1.221 Einwohner,
1861 - 1.452 Einwohner,
1900 - 1.217 Einwohner,
1910 - 1.348 Einwohner,
1939 - 1.372 Einwohner,
1964 - 1.616 Einwohner.
Nachdem Klossa schon am 1.1.1978 Ortsteil von Schweinitz geworden war, folgten am 1.1.1992 Steinsdorf und Dixförda. Seit dem 1.1.1993 gehört Schweinitz mit seinen Ortsteilen zur Stadt Jessen. Schweinitz und Klossa haben heute eine Fläche von 2.304 Hektar und grenzen westlich an die Gemarkung Jessen, nördlich an Dixförda und Lindwerder, östlich an Großkorga und in südlicher Richtung an die Gemarkungen Purzien und Löben.
Quelle: Stadtarchiv Jessen
#1917-Elector Johann to Luther,Jonas, Melanchton, and Pauli in Wittenberg
(This is likely the last letter of Johann to ML as the Elector dies August 16,1532 in Schweinitz. The Editors,following Burkhardt put this at the beginning of August 1532.)
Johann, by God's grace. To begin with, our greetings. Honorable, celebrated,dear devoted,Counselors and Faithful ones! We want you to know your understanding that we for a time are receiving from the pastors in our lands and princedom complaints about the difficulties they are experiencing and their daily requests about their needs and shortages they are suffering namely that a portion are despised,injured,struck and imprisoned and a portion does not receive sufficient of their proposed support; and another portion hardly any provision and their parish and other properties stolen or taken away without any specific reason or permission and yet more. Contrary to this is whether the pastors are to be rebuked for their teaching and life as several are publicly blamed and discovered that many times they are seeking a pay increase and more income. And though we at all times have and ordered and continue to do so that anyone who is sulky and shames them or unjustly assaults them or otherwise troubles them should receive fitting punishment so that they five the pastors their necessary provisions and take away nothing of their pastoral goods or steal from them and should this occur that they again take them in and permit them to return and they are not without certain reasons and knowledge to be dismissed and to be dealt with at every opportunity with fitting disposition but yet we find it is little regarded and they do want to live in this way.So that does not lead to be alienated and so that our conscience is not burdened and upon the determination of the general committee
of our country's submitted request we graciously assent to the ordering again of the visitation and we were inclined to do so without that; so that there would not be further complaints by the pastors about our willingnesss and they will be turned from this we have no doubt and that with God's help along the right and order further offense, as much as possible, will be avoided and there will not be brought by the opponents of the holy Gospel any more despisiing as previously occured and thus it is
our gracous desire that you will give us your thoughts thereto as to when, at what time and through whom, according to your calculation, should be ordered and undertaken in each are of our land and to indicate and report about if you have doubt
about our previous instruction and whether in one or more articles you think there should be changes and what part should be increased or decreased and especially also
to ponder how and what form the union and putting together of several parishes should take whether that should happen and to make the necessary distinctions to be known; this we want to know and it be done to all our good understanding. Dated at Torgau.
Addition: We also graciously desire that in all this and in the composing of your thoughts that you would confer further with our celebrated Counselor and dear faithful one,Gregory Brueck, Doctor. Dated etc.
Nota: Ascribed to D. Brueck.
NOTES: This is a rather free translation due to the complexity of the language of the Saxon court but hope it gives the sense.
Johann, by God's grace. To begin with, our greetings. Honorable, celebrated,dear devoted,Counselors and Faithful ones! We want you to know your understanding that we for a time are receiving from the pastors in our lands and princedom complaints about the difficulties they are experiencing and their daily requests about their needs and shortages they are suffering namely that a portion are despised,injured,struck and imprisoned and a portion does not receive sufficient of their proposed support; and another portion hardly any provision and their parish and other properties stolen or taken away without any specific reason or permission and yet more. Contrary to this is whether the pastors are to be rebuked for their teaching and life as several are publicly blamed and discovered that many times they are seeking a pay increase and more income. And though we at all times have and ordered and continue to do so that anyone who is sulky and shames them or unjustly assaults them or otherwise troubles them should receive fitting punishment so that they five the pastors their necessary provisions and take away nothing of their pastoral goods or steal from them and should this occur that they again take them in and permit them to return and they are not without certain reasons and knowledge to be dismissed and to be dealt with at every opportunity with fitting disposition but yet we find it is little regarded and they do want to live in this way.So that does not lead to be alienated and so that our conscience is not burdened and upon the determination of the general committee
of our country's submitted request we graciously assent to the ordering again of the visitation and we were inclined to do so without that; so that there would not be further complaints by the pastors about our willingnesss and they will be turned from this we have no doubt and that with God's help along the right and order further offense, as much as possible, will be avoided and there will not be brought by the opponents of the holy Gospel any more despisiing as previously occured and thus it is
our gracous desire that you will give us your thoughts thereto as to when, at what time and through whom, according to your calculation, should be ordered and undertaken in each are of our land and to indicate and report about if you have doubt
about our previous instruction and whether in one or more articles you think there should be changes and what part should be increased or decreased and especially also
to ponder how and what form the union and putting together of several parishes should take whether that should happen and to make the necessary distinctions to be known; this we want to know and it be done to all our good understanding. Dated at Torgau.
Addition: We also graciously desire that in all this and in the composing of your thoughts that you would confer further with our celebrated Counselor and dear faithful one,Gregory Brueck, Doctor. Dated etc.
Nota: Ascribed to D. Brueck.
NOTES: This is a rather free translation due to the complexity of the language of the Saxon court but hope it gives the sense.
Monday, June 05, 2006
#1915-To Markgraf Joachim in Brandenburg
Grace and peace in Christ our LOrd and Savior,Amen! We have received the writing of EFG and perceive how EFG the illustrious, high-born Prince, and gracious Lord would, as commander, lead the Saxon-circle against the unpleasant tyrants, the Turks, and thereto EFG requests our prayer and a Christian response.
We are heartened to learn of EFG's Christian heart and intention in this matter; we also will not omit our Pater noster (Our Father prayer), as best as we are able to be
a cooperative participant. Though we are not able physically nor should we be with our dear Emperor Charles and under his flag to do battle against Satan and his partners yet we can support him spiritually with our earnest prayer. God the LOrd grant that now will be the time when Michael (archangel),Prince of the people of God will arise as Daniel 12 prophesies, Amen. Also I hope above everything and pray God through our LOrd Jesus Christ that He would grant to the pious Emperor and all Princes and to everyone who now strive against the Turks a joyful heart relying confidently on His help and that they not be relying, as the Turks, on their own power and strength which would be harmful; but that they would sing with David: "I do not rely upon my sword"; and further:"YOU, LOrd, give the King victory."; and once again:"They rely on
horses and wagons; we, however, think on the Name of the LOrd, our God", as in many verses of the Psalter. Thus David did when he slew Goliath said:"You come to me in defiance with sword and spear but I come against you in the Name of the LOrd",1 Sam.17:45. Someone says that the Turkish Emperor on setting out swore on his sword that that is his God. Now may Christ help that such idolatry becomes mud and ridiculed on account of such unheard of pride and presumption, Amen.
Secondly, I hope that ours will not be relying on this that the Turks are completely unrighteous and the enemy of God and that we are innocent and righteous relative to the Turks as such a presumption is also condemnable; but that we fight with fear
toward God and trust on His sheer goodness. We are are also unrighteous before God, have shed much innocent blood, and persecuted God's Word and have despised and been disobedient to it: thus we are not to look upon how righteous or unrigteous the Turks are nor how righteous we are. The unpleasant devil is also God's enemy and acts with sheer injustice and force against those who are innocent; nevertheless we must not do battle with him defying him with our innocence and the presumption of our righteous ness but only relying in all fear and humility on the help of God. Thus David did not boast of righteousness before Goliath but battled relying on God's help and said:"YOu have blasphemed God on Whom I trust." Therfore we pray that God, not because of our innocence, will act to avenge and sanctify His Name among the Turks, the great blasphemers,and graciously forget our sins.
Thirdly,I pray and hope that ours in this striving will not seek glory,fame,land and goods etc. but only the glory of God and His Name, and thereby the protection and peace of poor Christians and subjects. God only should have the glory rather than the unworthy
and sinful who deserve pure shame and dishonor, yes, also are worthy of death as EFG knows better than I can describe. Because EFG earnestly requested a spiritual perspective I have given this brief opinion in service to EFG and do not doubt that others will opine to EFG so that with the battle going forth according to such pure opinion the devil with all his angles will be weak before us and the Turk will experience a different man than before when there was defiance against defiance on the part of both parties striving apart from God and doing more damage to the people of God than to the enemies. So EFG, go forth in God's Name and the same God send His angel Michael, who leads EFG, so that you all with God's help will joyfully prevail and return home again to the praise and glory of God, Amen. Our "our Father" will follow and go with you, and in addition, as God wills, will be waiting for and finding EFG in the field (of battle). EFG wiil graciously to his pleasure receive this which has been done in haste. Herewith be commended to God,Amen. The third of August Anno 1532.
EFG's willintg one, Doctor Martinus Luther.
We are heartened to learn of EFG's Christian heart and intention in this matter; we also will not omit our Pater noster (Our Father prayer), as best as we are able to be
a cooperative participant. Though we are not able physically nor should we be with our dear Emperor Charles and under his flag to do battle against Satan and his partners yet we can support him spiritually with our earnest prayer. God the LOrd grant that now will be the time when Michael (archangel),Prince of the people of God will arise as Daniel 12 prophesies, Amen. Also I hope above everything and pray God through our LOrd Jesus Christ that He would grant to the pious Emperor and all Princes and to everyone who now strive against the Turks a joyful heart relying confidently on His help and that they not be relying, as the Turks, on their own power and strength which would be harmful; but that they would sing with David: "I do not rely upon my sword"; and further:"YOU, LOrd, give the King victory."; and once again:"They rely on
horses and wagons; we, however, think on the Name of the LOrd, our God", as in many verses of the Psalter. Thus David did when he slew Goliath said:"You come to me in defiance with sword and spear but I come against you in the Name of the LOrd",1 Sam.17:45. Someone says that the Turkish Emperor on setting out swore on his sword that that is his God. Now may Christ help that such idolatry becomes mud and ridiculed on account of such unheard of pride and presumption, Amen.
Secondly, I hope that ours will not be relying on this that the Turks are completely unrighteous and the enemy of God and that we are innocent and righteous relative to the Turks as such a presumption is also condemnable; but that we fight with fear
toward God and trust on His sheer goodness. We are are also unrighteous before God, have shed much innocent blood, and persecuted God's Word and have despised and been disobedient to it: thus we are not to look upon how righteous or unrigteous the Turks are nor how righteous we are. The unpleasant devil is also God's enemy and acts with sheer injustice and force against those who are innocent; nevertheless we must not do battle with him defying him with our innocence and the presumption of our righteous ness but only relying in all fear and humility on the help of God. Thus David did not boast of righteousness before Goliath but battled relying on God's help and said:"YOu have blasphemed God on Whom I trust." Therfore we pray that God, not because of our innocence, will act to avenge and sanctify His Name among the Turks, the great blasphemers,and graciously forget our sins.
Thirdly,I pray and hope that ours in this striving will not seek glory,fame,land and goods etc. but only the glory of God and His Name, and thereby the protection and peace of poor Christians and subjects. God only should have the glory rather than the unworthy
and sinful who deserve pure shame and dishonor, yes, also are worthy of death as EFG knows better than I can describe. Because EFG earnestly requested a spiritual perspective I have given this brief opinion in service to EFG and do not doubt that others will opine to EFG so that with the battle going forth according to such pure opinion the devil with all his angles will be weak before us and the Turk will experience a different man than before when there was defiance against defiance on the part of both parties striving apart from God and doing more damage to the people of God than to the enemies. So EFG, go forth in God's Name and the same God send His angel Michael, who leads EFG, so that you all with God's help will joyfully prevail and return home again to the praise and glory of God, Amen. Our "our Father" will follow and go with you, and in addition, as God wills, will be waiting for and finding EFG in the field (of battle). EFG wiil graciously to his pleasure receive this which has been done in haste. Herewith be commended to God,Amen. The third of August Anno 1532.
EFG's willintg one, Doctor Martinus Luther.
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