Saturday, September 30, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
#1993-To the Nuernberg Ecclesiastics
Grace and peace in Christ. Worthy men and very dear brothers in Christ! What I always wish and pray to the LOrd for is that He will grant me a very clear and for the hearers an effective speech from my mouth and thus also I pray, above all, that this my letter will through the power of the Holy Spirit be effectual and lovely in your ears and hearts. I cannot say how great a pain has come to my consciousness in perceiving that a division has arisen among you in a place which previously has been governed as a place of the angels of peace and salvation and to say nothing, as you well realize,of the disturbance and harm that arises through your home church and in other churches and what boasting, what triumph for the opponents on both sides for the Papists and Sacramentarians and Anabaptist is snatched and held high! namely the hound of hell has obtained this mouthful, this joy of his evil through you. And as surely as Christ loves
me and as much as I can know and judge of the matter from your letter (I am truly speaking freely out of necessity and in respect of danger) this division is not the result of the present matter namely that of the private and public absolution. One can not, nevertheless it is noted (make no pretense, don't try to conceal it) that previously there were several old offenses among you and the sparks were nourished in the tinder and hidden and now a little wind blew and a slight,insignificant offense struggled to rise to a fire-storm. At the right season, as Isaiah says (50:4),a learned and healing tongue might have been beneficial and as Sirach says a little spit could have extinguished the same while now being inflamed by the tongues of many it is very difficult to dampen. Now if before this present matter you were of one heart and soul in the LOrd it would have been impossible for this slight offense to bring about so much that it has sadly yielded! How often a finger infringes upon the eye, the teeth upon the tongue, and one hand vehemently against the other! And yet this insult is suffered by another caring member from the other. And you know very well that words and deeds, however praiseworthy and good that might be, are taken as the worst by an enbittered and suspicious disposition. Such also it is with the matters of God that our opinions and consciences deal with: so what we would think to be beneficial to life serves death, and what is thought to be death-bringing serves life. How much more does a sick disposition take the words of a brother in a perverted way (ad iniquam partem) chiefly if there is something blameworthy and faulty about the same. And where does the Emperor and Empress of these offenses and movements abide, namely, love of which the Holy Ghost exults (I Peter 4:8)?:"Love covers a multitude of sins." And again (James 2:13); "Mercy exalts over against judgment.", and again (Luke 6:37): "Forgive so you will be forgiven." Should we who preach love, mercy and forgiveness also leave love behind us? bearing no burden with one another? not doing everything that mercy might be exalted over justice? Or is it a delight that we should hear the proverb: Turpe es doctori, cum culpa redargit
ipsum (shameful it is for a teacher when responsibility falls back on him)? Yes, it is horrifying if we the teachers of grace awaken the wrath against ourselves when we yield to our passions and through this offense and the dangerous hate-worthy division
hit on the brother for whom Christ has died. This is one of the chief articles of the
original sin that we require more justice for the brother than mercy and that we require for us more mercy than justice from the brother. "It says; Love should be for justice and go beyond justice." If this order is to be maintained then justice must be first uprooted from the ground than justice be permitted to be on the same footing
as mercy or strive with it or quarrel with it just as Christ shoved aside our judgment from the ground and the handwriting which witnessed against us before he would permit it to be on the same level and carried forward as His love toward us would be. And it is rightly said: The highest justice is the highest injustice. Justice or judgment is thorougly and absolutely condemned by God as also by men when it goes beyond its boundaries and lords it over love or mercy or is on the same level since justice must serve love not lord it over love. Otherwise it becomes one of the four evils which make a land unruly (as Solomon says[Proverbs 30:21-23]), nmaely a slave who would be king or a maid the heir of her mistress. For this reason, for the sake of Christ and for the sake of everything we have in fellowship with Him and for the sake of our fellowship with Him you give every effort carefully and faithfully that through patience,humility and forgiveness among one another that this evil is healed among you.Consider us and do not pile pain upon pain because you cannot deny that your wounds are our wounds and we, when you are hindered by Satan, are also hindered and afflicted. You are our crown and glory in that very prominent place. Consider how great a power of the enemy we have withstood and to be sure, every art of the devil and of men. Let us not bite one another and devour through this sorrowful rebellion of spirit we who should be in unity of spirit extending our hands to one another since we are risking our life battling against so many, so increasing, so tireless enemies day and night. And they rejoice when one of us falls or is offended; how greatly they triumph when so great a church is brought down through mutually afflicted and moderate (civilibus) wounds! That makes Satan glad that when previously with all his gates against us we remained undefeated that now without his hands and while he slept we through our own hands and internal battle were done in. The Father of all life and consolation defend us from that,Amen.
For that reason if the Spirit does not impart something better to you it would be my advice that you sharply distinguish betwen this matter and your peace. And although there is no danger for the church if you temporarily suppress this matter (God grant that it be extinguished) letting it lie until you come to a more secure and better time ,and temperments are fortified by peace and united in love and the same debated by all at your pleasure: thus at this time the tempers are so aroused that it would be poison to dispute about this or to touch this wound or abcess. Now then if the public absolution should be maintained and triumph as a result of this dispute then follow the example of the Athenians and let it be a by-gone and forgotten (amnestiam)since there is no danger here for the church. And you be clearly responsible that this matter does not take precedence over your peace and your love for all men. Posit this that Christ is bodily present among you and learn from His demeanor which both (sides)should follow in this matter. He will without doubt speak to your hearts with His eyes: What are you doing,dearest children, whom I have redeemed with my blood and are born again through my Word so that you should love one another?You know that is the mark of my disciples. Lay the matter aside and cast it upon me and I will see to it. There is no danger if this matter rests or dies. It does not harm the church when the public absolution prevails but there is a danger when there is disunity and you bite one another. Here you will not only tear my seamless cloak but pierce and cut up My Body. Grieve not the Spirit by Whom you are sealed for the day of salvation [Eph.4:30].Do not rob the holy engels in heaven of their joy. Do not upset and anger your brother and the entire church. Do not make yourselves ridiculous before My and your enemies. Do not increase the joy of Satan and his triumph. You already have enough evil to suffer for My Name otherwise. Am I not more to you than all incitements (affectus), than all matters, all offenses? Should such words of a brother or should an unjust burden be deeper and hang firmer than my wounds, my blood and the complete Savior Jesus Christ Himself? Surely such and far more beautiful and rich will He speak with His very beautiful eyes which are redder than wine [Genesis 49:12], if only you let Him stand in your midst , with eyes directed on His demeanor and you are silence about the matter and quiet your arousal.When this silence enters in what will He say than:"Peace be with you, fear not"? So then He will show you His wounds and cover your cuts and boils and you all will have salvation and joy.
I could write more to you but I might rather do more being with you with oral words about which I have confidence that I might accomplish something with Christ's help.But you are men whom God has gifted to know His wisdom so I do not despair that through this letter you will recognize the opportunity to be wiser than I can write or say. At the same time since you are not yet risen from the dead so it should not seem surprising to you that you should experience your humanity and you were nevertheless human before and do not cease to be human beings but do not become perverted to something devilish. It is human to be angry but thereto is added:[Eph.4:26]:"Sin not." To be insulted is human but not to permit reconciliation is devilish; however, not to be insulted or not to insult is angelic or what is the same, Christian. Though we have not yet attained that it is right that we likewise as beginners and as people who have the basis for beginning to become Christians that should we not be able to avoid insults or not bear them with patience we should just as well forgive one another gladly and also humbly pray for forgiveness and enfold our life in this petition:"Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."The LOrd Jesus Himself , our peace and our mercy, make you joyful, that is, that He grant to you through peace you overcome and your strife and division be consumed through the fire-oven of love,Amen. Your brother and servant,D. Martin Luther.
nOTE: ML's pen flows with Scripture and aphorisms. The date of July 20,1533 is determined by the following letter to Wenceslaus Link of Nuernberg. Looks like this is an indication of the coming problems with Osiander,the subject of letter to Link.
me and as much as I can know and judge of the matter from your letter (I am truly speaking freely out of necessity and in respect of danger) this division is not the result of the present matter namely that of the private and public absolution. One can not, nevertheless it is noted (make no pretense, don't try to conceal it) that previously there were several old offenses among you and the sparks were nourished in the tinder and hidden and now a little wind blew and a slight,insignificant offense struggled to rise to a fire-storm. At the right season, as Isaiah says (50:4),a learned and healing tongue might have been beneficial and as Sirach says a little spit could have extinguished the same while now being inflamed by the tongues of many it is very difficult to dampen. Now if before this present matter you were of one heart and soul in the LOrd it would have been impossible for this slight offense to bring about so much that it has sadly yielded! How often a finger infringes upon the eye, the teeth upon the tongue, and one hand vehemently against the other! And yet this insult is suffered by another caring member from the other. And you know very well that words and deeds, however praiseworthy and good that might be, are taken as the worst by an enbittered and suspicious disposition. Such also it is with the matters of God that our opinions and consciences deal with: so what we would think to be beneficial to life serves death, and what is thought to be death-bringing serves life. How much more does a sick disposition take the words of a brother in a perverted way (ad iniquam partem) chiefly if there is something blameworthy and faulty about the same. And where does the Emperor and Empress of these offenses and movements abide, namely, love of which the Holy Ghost exults (I Peter 4:8)?:"Love covers a multitude of sins." And again (James 2:13); "Mercy exalts over against judgment.", and again (Luke 6:37): "Forgive so you will be forgiven." Should we who preach love, mercy and forgiveness also leave love behind us? bearing no burden with one another? not doing everything that mercy might be exalted over justice? Or is it a delight that we should hear the proverb: Turpe es doctori, cum culpa redargit
ipsum (shameful it is for a teacher when responsibility falls back on him)? Yes, it is horrifying if we the teachers of grace awaken the wrath against ourselves when we yield to our passions and through this offense and the dangerous hate-worthy division
hit on the brother for whom Christ has died. This is one of the chief articles of the
original sin that we require more justice for the brother than mercy and that we require for us more mercy than justice from the brother. "It says; Love should be for justice and go beyond justice." If this order is to be maintained then justice must be first uprooted from the ground than justice be permitted to be on the same footing
as mercy or strive with it or quarrel with it just as Christ shoved aside our judgment from the ground and the handwriting which witnessed against us before he would permit it to be on the same level and carried forward as His love toward us would be. And it is rightly said: The highest justice is the highest injustice. Justice or judgment is thorougly and absolutely condemned by God as also by men when it goes beyond its boundaries and lords it over love or mercy or is on the same level since justice must serve love not lord it over love. Otherwise it becomes one of the four evils which make a land unruly (as Solomon says[Proverbs 30:21-23]), nmaely a slave who would be king or a maid the heir of her mistress. For this reason, for the sake of Christ and for the sake of everything we have in fellowship with Him and for the sake of our fellowship with Him you give every effort carefully and faithfully that through patience,humility and forgiveness among one another that this evil is healed among you.Consider us and do not pile pain upon pain because you cannot deny that your wounds are our wounds and we, when you are hindered by Satan, are also hindered and afflicted. You are our crown and glory in that very prominent place. Consider how great a power of the enemy we have withstood and to be sure, every art of the devil and of men. Let us not bite one another and devour through this sorrowful rebellion of spirit we who should be in unity of spirit extending our hands to one another since we are risking our life battling against so many, so increasing, so tireless enemies day and night. And they rejoice when one of us falls or is offended; how greatly they triumph when so great a church is brought down through mutually afflicted and moderate (civilibus) wounds! That makes Satan glad that when previously with all his gates against us we remained undefeated that now without his hands and while he slept we through our own hands and internal battle were done in. The Father of all life and consolation defend us from that,Amen.
For that reason if the Spirit does not impart something better to you it would be my advice that you sharply distinguish betwen this matter and your peace. And although there is no danger for the church if you temporarily suppress this matter (God grant that it be extinguished) letting it lie until you come to a more secure and better time ,and temperments are fortified by peace and united in love and the same debated by all at your pleasure: thus at this time the tempers are so aroused that it would be poison to dispute about this or to touch this wound or abcess. Now then if the public absolution should be maintained and triumph as a result of this dispute then follow the example of the Athenians and let it be a by-gone and forgotten (amnestiam)since there is no danger here for the church. And you be clearly responsible that this matter does not take precedence over your peace and your love for all men. Posit this that Christ is bodily present among you and learn from His demeanor which both (sides)should follow in this matter. He will without doubt speak to your hearts with His eyes: What are you doing,dearest children, whom I have redeemed with my blood and are born again through my Word so that you should love one another?You know that is the mark of my disciples. Lay the matter aside and cast it upon me and I will see to it. There is no danger if this matter rests or dies. It does not harm the church when the public absolution prevails but there is a danger when there is disunity and you bite one another. Here you will not only tear my seamless cloak but pierce and cut up My Body. Grieve not the Spirit by Whom you are sealed for the day of salvation [Eph.4:30].Do not rob the holy engels in heaven of their joy. Do not upset and anger your brother and the entire church. Do not make yourselves ridiculous before My and your enemies. Do not increase the joy of Satan and his triumph. You already have enough evil to suffer for My Name otherwise. Am I not more to you than all incitements (affectus), than all matters, all offenses? Should such words of a brother or should an unjust burden be deeper and hang firmer than my wounds, my blood and the complete Savior Jesus Christ Himself? Surely such and far more beautiful and rich will He speak with His very beautiful eyes which are redder than wine [Genesis 49:12], if only you let Him stand in your midst , with eyes directed on His demeanor and you are silence about the matter and quiet your arousal.When this silence enters in what will He say than:"Peace be with you, fear not"? So then He will show you His wounds and cover your cuts and boils and you all will have salvation and joy.
I could write more to you but I might rather do more being with you with oral words about which I have confidence that I might accomplish something with Christ's help.But you are men whom God has gifted to know His wisdom so I do not despair that through this letter you will recognize the opportunity to be wiser than I can write or say. At the same time since you are not yet risen from the dead so it should not seem surprising to you that you should experience your humanity and you were nevertheless human before and do not cease to be human beings but do not become perverted to something devilish. It is human to be angry but thereto is added:[Eph.4:26]:"Sin not." To be insulted is human but not to permit reconciliation is devilish; however, not to be insulted or not to insult is angelic or what is the same, Christian. Though we have not yet attained that it is right that we likewise as beginners and as people who have the basis for beginning to become Christians that should we not be able to avoid insults or not bear them with patience we should just as well forgive one another gladly and also humbly pray for forgiveness and enfold our life in this petition:"Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."The LOrd Jesus Himself , our peace and our mercy, make you joyful, that is, that He grant to you through peace you overcome and your strife and division be consumed through the fire-oven of love,Amen. Your brother and servant,D. Martin Luther.
nOTE: ML's pen flows with Scripture and aphorisms. The date of July 20,1533 is determined by the following letter to Wenceslaus Link of Nuernberg. Looks like this is an indication of the coming problems with Osiander,the subject of letter to Link.
#1992-To Christoph Ruehel
To the gifted youth Christoph Ruehel, in Christ his very dear son.
Our, in Christ, common relative Ambrosius Reuter has delivered to me your lovely letter and I am so happy that mine was so acceptable and agreeable as I have also learned that my admonition seemed useful and wholesome. That is above all things what I have wished and also yet now pray to the LOrd that the course of your studies will be happily directed. More I cannot write now as the messenger hastens to be on the way and I myself am very busy with writings. I pray that you will take it in the best way; more at another time. Your father, the worthy man, I want you to tell that I will make an effort that his wish will be satisfactorily carried out and to be sure, very soon. When the book is completed today I will be freeer. Greet your very able mother together with your brother and all your colleagues. Christ be with you, Amen. On the Monday after Margaret
(14 July) 1533, Your Martin Luther,D.
NOTE: The book almost ready is thought to have been:The Accounting for the Rebellion of Duke Georg (of ducal Saxony). "Veranwortung der aufgelegten Aufruhr von Herzog Georgen."
Our, in Christ, common relative Ambrosius Reuter has delivered to me your lovely letter and I am so happy that mine was so acceptable and agreeable as I have also learned that my admonition seemed useful and wholesome. That is above all things what I have wished and also yet now pray to the LOrd that the course of your studies will be happily directed. More I cannot write now as the messenger hastens to be on the way and I myself am very busy with writings. I pray that you will take it in the best way; more at another time. Your father, the worthy man, I want you to tell that I will make an effort that his wish will be satisfactorily carried out and to be sure, very soon. When the book is completed today I will be freeer. Greet your very able mother together with your brother and all your colleagues. Christ be with you, Amen. On the Monday after Margaret
(14 July) 1533, Your Martin Luther,D.
NOTE: The book almost ready is thought to have been:The Accounting for the Rebellion of Duke Georg (of ducal Saxony). "Veranwortung der aufgelegten Aufruhr von Herzog Georgen."
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
#1991-To Spalatin
To the ,in Christ, highly-honorable man, Herr Magister Georg Spalatin, the servant of the church in Altenburg and the slave of Christ, his,in the LOrd, very dear brother.
Grace and peace! I plead with you for the sake of Christ that you take up this matter of Georg and at the same time summon his wife from Schneeberg to you and after you have heard both parties they either be reconciled or be divorced; or,if this be too difficult,that you permit us to receive by writing carefully what was heard and done about it. This long lasting offense is not to be endured.
We have no news. I wish that your Anna, your flesh, is well found in the LOrd. This young expelled (exul) woman whose father and mother as aged (senes) people are confined to home has complained here to me and earnestly pleaded for help and advice. What I will do so the case is decided, God knows; you will hear everything later. On the 10th of July 1533. Your Martin Luther,D.
Grace and peace! I plead with you for the sake of Christ that you take up this matter of Georg and at the same time summon his wife from Schneeberg to you and after you have heard both parties they either be reconciled or be divorced; or,if this be too difficult,that you permit us to receive by writing carefully what was heard and done about it. This long lasting offense is not to be endured.
We have no news. I wish that your Anna, your flesh, is well found in the LOrd. This young expelled (exul) woman whose father and mother as aged (senes) people are confined to home has complained here to me and earnestly pleaded for help and advice. What I will do so the case is decided, God knows; you will hear everything later. On the 10th of July 1533. Your Martin Luther,D.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
#1986-To tTilemann Schnabel and the other Hessian Theologians
To Herr Tilemnann Schnabel and the other bishops of Hess who are assembled at the castle in Homburg.
Grace and peace in Christ. Worthy and very dear men! I answer briefly your very blessed and upright letters and appeals insofar as I have time and leisure. I have learned of your zeal for Christ and Christian discipline with great joy, however in this so troubled time which is not sufficiently suited to introduce discipline and I would not advise you to venture a sudden innovation. "One must allow the farmers a little indulgence in drink and soften a wagon load of hay for a drunken man. It will happen by itself that which we cannot push by law." It is a great matter not in itself but on account of the persons who have the power to incite disturbance who are not suppressed since we are a root in a wasted land and have not yet grown branches and leaves. Meanwhile may I advise this, as we do here, to proceed in small steps firstly to withhold the Lord's Supper from those who seem worthy of the Ban; this is the right Ban which men call the little ban so that they may not be permitted to stand as god-father at a baptism. (abstare baptismati ad lavandos pueros). An excommunication which forbids worldly things we may in no wise adopt, firstly, because we have no right there and the same only applies to those who are not true Christians; so then at this time the great (major) Ban is not in our power to enforce even and we would appear to be ridiculous to undertake it when we do not have the power to do so. Your hope that that the Prince will take up the full stricture is uncertain and it may be that the worldly authority will not be drawn in but in this regard may turn away so that the difference between both regimens (worldly and spiritual) be certainly maintained. Receive my free and sure brotherliness and good will as being well intended as I am motivated by love for you. Christ rule you through His Holy Spirit to eternity,Amen. Thursday after the feast of John the Baptist (26 June) Anno 1533. Your Martin Luther.
NOTE: The major Ban would prohibit the excommunicated to engage in business and industry and the like as I understand it. Does ML remember the Imperial Ban he is under?
Grace and peace in Christ. Worthy and very dear men! I answer briefly your very blessed and upright letters and appeals insofar as I have time and leisure. I have learned of your zeal for Christ and Christian discipline with great joy, however in this so troubled time which is not sufficiently suited to introduce discipline and I would not advise you to venture a sudden innovation. "One must allow the farmers a little indulgence in drink and soften a wagon load of hay for a drunken man. It will happen by itself that which we cannot push by law." It is a great matter not in itself but on account of the persons who have the power to incite disturbance who are not suppressed since we are a root in a wasted land and have not yet grown branches and leaves. Meanwhile may I advise this, as we do here, to proceed in small steps firstly to withhold the Lord's Supper from those who seem worthy of the Ban; this is the right Ban which men call the little ban so that they may not be permitted to stand as god-father at a baptism. (abstare baptismati ad lavandos pueros). An excommunication which forbids worldly things we may in no wise adopt, firstly, because we have no right there and the same only applies to those who are not true Christians; so then at this time the great (major) Ban is not in our power to enforce even and we would appear to be ridiculous to undertake it when we do not have the power to do so. Your hope that that the Prince will take up the full stricture is uncertain and it may be that the worldly authority will not be drawn in but in this regard may turn away so that the difference between both regimens (worldly and spiritual) be certainly maintained. Receive my free and sure brotherliness and good will as being well intended as I am motivated by love for you. Christ rule you through His Holy Spirit to eternity,Amen. Thursday after the feast of John the Baptist (26 June) Anno 1533. Your Martin Luther.
NOTE: The major Ban would prohibit the excommunicated to engage in business and industry and the like as I understand it. Does ML remember the Imperial Ban he is under?
Friday, September 22, 2006
Bibliogra[hy on Michael Stiefel
1. K Vogel, Biography in Dictionary of Scientific Biography (New York 1970-1990).
Books:
2. W Arnold, Michael Stifel, in H Wussing and W Arnold, Biographien bedeutender Mathematiker (Berlin, 1983).
Articles:
3. M Brooke, Michael Stifel, the mathematical mystic, J. Recreational Math. 6 (3) (1973), 221-223.
4. M Cantor, Vorlesungen über Geschichte der Mathematik II (Leipzig, 1913), 430-449.
5. M L Cernova, The algebra of M Stifel (Russian), in History and methodology of the natural sciences XIV : Mathematics, mechanics (Moscow, 1973), 190-205.
6. E A Fribus, The tenth book of Euclid's 'Elements' in M Stifel's 'Arithmetica integra' (Russian), Element. Mat. Vyss. Algebra, Prikl. Mat. Vyp. 9 (1972), 171-183.
7. E A Fribus, Two approaches to the concept of logarithm in Michael Stifel's work 'Arithmetica integra' (Russian), Moskov. Oblast. Ped. Inst. Ucen. Zap. 240 (1969), 320-337.
8. J E Hofmann, Michael Stifel, Jahrbuch für Geschichte der Oberdeutschen Reichsstädte 14 (1968), 30-60.
9. J E Hofmann, Michael Stifel (1487?-1567) : Leben, Wirken und Bedeutung für die Mathematik seiner Zeit, Sudhoffs Archiv (Wiesbaden, 1968).
10. W Jentsch, Michael Stifel : Mathematiker und Mitstreiter Luthers, Schriftenreihe fur Geschichte der Naturwissenschaften Technik und Medizin 23 (1986), 11-33.
11. T Lutz, Michael Stifel (1490-1567) : ein Fachkollege und Zeitgenosse des Adam Ries, in Adam Ries - Humanist, Rechenmeister, Bergbeamter (Annaberg-Buchholz, 1993), 127-137.
12. W Meretz, Michael Stifel und der Beginn der Reformation in Kronberg 1522, Kronberg in Taunus (Frankfurt am Main, 1980), 333-338.
13. K Reich, Michael Stifel : zwischen Rechenmeistertradition und Mathematik als Wissenschaft, Mitt. Math. Ges. Hamburg 14 (1995), 23-33.
14. K Röttel, Der Mathematiker Michael Stifel : Algebra in den Anfängen, Praxis Math. 29 (8) (1987), 493-50
Books:
2. W Arnold, Michael Stifel, in H Wussing and W Arnold, Biographien bedeutender Mathematiker (Berlin, 1983).
Articles:
3. M Brooke, Michael Stifel, the mathematical mystic, J. Recreational Math. 6 (3) (1973), 221-223.
4. M Cantor, Vorlesungen über Geschichte der Mathematik II (Leipzig, 1913), 430-449.
5. M L Cernova, The algebra of M Stifel (Russian), in History and methodology of the natural sciences XIV : Mathematics, mechanics (Moscow, 1973), 190-205.
6. E A Fribus, The tenth book of Euclid's 'Elements' in M Stifel's 'Arithmetica integra' (Russian), Element. Mat. Vyss. Algebra, Prikl. Mat. Vyp. 9 (1972), 171-183.
7. E A Fribus, Two approaches to the concept of logarithm in Michael Stifel's work 'Arithmetica integra' (Russian), Moskov. Oblast. Ped. Inst. Ucen. Zap. 240 (1969), 320-337.
8. J E Hofmann, Michael Stifel, Jahrbuch für Geschichte der Oberdeutschen Reichsstädte 14 (1968), 30-60.
9. J E Hofmann, Michael Stifel (1487?-1567) : Leben, Wirken und Bedeutung für die Mathematik seiner Zeit, Sudhoffs Archiv (Wiesbaden, 1968).
10. W Jentsch, Michael Stifel : Mathematiker und Mitstreiter Luthers, Schriftenreihe fur Geschichte der Naturwissenschaften Technik und Medizin 23 (1986), 11-33.
11. T Lutz, Michael Stifel (1490-1567) : ein Fachkollege und Zeitgenosse des Adam Ries, in Adam Ries - Humanist, Rechenmeister, Bergbeamter (Annaberg-Buchholz, 1993), 127-137.
12. W Meretz, Michael Stifel und der Beginn der Reformation in Kronberg 1522, Kronberg in Taunus (Frankfurt am Main, 1980), 333-338.
13. K Reich, Michael Stifel : zwischen Rechenmeistertradition und Mathematik als Wissenschaft, Mitt. Math. Ges. Hamburg 14 (1995), 23-33.
14. K Röttel, Der Mathematiker Michael Stifel : Algebra in den Anfängen, Praxis Math. 29 (8) (1987), 493-50
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
#1985-To Michael Stiefel
Grace and peace in Christ! I hear that you are very aroused .my dear Michael, that I am not in agreement with your calculation although you know very well my upright love toward you. Thus I have always said that it is not so much that I have a different opinion but rather that I do not understand and I do not believe that you want to force me to say I understand which I absolutely do not understand or comprehend. To what would such an assertion serve either me or you? I cannot confidently assume that you could be so excited over this matter which makes no difference (indifferente). Since if this Day (Judgment Day) comes before Michael (Sept.29) you are not in DANGER if you believe and say this; if He should not come so we sin in no way, we who believe that He can come at any hour. Since he who believes that He can come at any hour, he believes that He can come before Michael's. If we perhaps now err in what we do not know and admit that we do not know whether it is completely certain that He,as you say, is coming before Michael's this error is for us without danger just as all your certain knowledge, if you hold such, is without danger. What disturbs you then if here both sides are secure and without danger? I say to you that this your excitement arouses the suspicion in me that Satan may desire this to afflict you. Since he who can so arouse your affect (affectum) without cause can also confuse your understanding without a basis in actuality (sine re). For this reason I plead with you THAT you lay aside this excitement of disposition and come to us and do not forsake our old friendship or change it. Be it well with you in Christ. Wittenberg on the day of St. John (24 June) 1533.
Note: No signature on this one. This subject is talked about in the Table Talks chapters 37 and 51. Stiefel, the inventor of logarithms, has made a miscalculation?
ML has stood by and helped Michael many times. This prediction will get him in much trouble with people selling and losing everything in anticipation of the End. Michael is the anonymous writer of "Rechenbuchlin vom End=Christ." Wittenberg 1532.
Note: No signature on this one. This subject is talked about in the Table Talks chapters 37 and 51. Stiefel, the inventor of logarithms, has made a miscalculation?
ML has stood by and helped Michael many times. This prediction will get him in much trouble with people selling and losing everything in anticipation of the End. Michael is the anonymous writer of "Rechenbuchlin vom End=Christ." Wittenberg 1532.
Monday, September 18, 2006
#1982-Duke Albrecht of Prussia to ML
To the honorable, our especially beloved Herr Martin Luther, Doctor of the Holy Scriptures, for his personal attention.
God's grace and peace in Christ. Highly-worthy and celebrated, beloved, dear Fahter snd friend!. Your writing to makes me greatly grateful to E.W. for the special favor that you by such writing that has such great consideration for me and my poor soul; and secondly that in spite of the trouble and sickness of your head you desire [for which I am thankful] to know about the purity of doctrine which you delight in along with myself.If I could deserve such favor I would be delighted and be obligated to do everything I could. Also your illness and burdens have a truly heartfelt,faithful, brotherly, yes,childlike sympathy and moreover would prevail with God by my sinful prayer that such illness and burdens will be for the betterment of many poor sinners not only for the salvation of souls but also for greater health, and I pray that also not so much weariness will be laid upon you so that the divine Word cannot be furthered by you and God be praised. We are not without the party of the Sacramentarians sneaking about in the land and it is impossible in such a vast land to defend against the sneakers and it is not apparent to the eye what each one has in his heart. Also previously this land was denuded of people so one must take care in expelling such people that the land again become a wilderness. Nevertheless-because it is not possible or advantageous to hinder the people-and so that the glory of God is nevertheless not diminished I thank God Who permits His Word richly to go forth and that especially my god-father Doctor Brismann and Herer Poliander carry out their office valiantly with warnings and teachings ( by that giving complete hope in God that the devil will not be able to do harm)and I have in that regard commanded that everywhere that such persoms neither openly or secretly in their teachings or sermons
tangle things up, and permit each one to believe for himself since it is not seemly for me to bring the people the faith by force and permit each one to receive his reward on Judgment Day if he departs from Scripture. There is concern even by you that there may be many who do not hold the same belief although they may not be saying anything. And if I have done too little in this undertaking and am not furthering the glory of God I would like to hear it from you what further could be done in a Christian way. And although the good and bad seed must grow together on this earth I yet want to pray God this; you pray with your church also that His almightiness would increase the best and restrain the bad with the mouth of His holy Word. For the new newspaper you should know that the German-order in Latvia (oifland)
might well name my brother, Markgraf Wilhelm, Coadjutor, and also Capitel Island(Oesel-island around Riga) and the Stifts of Riga and Island Knight-communities
together with the city of Riga be reckoned and united so that the holy, divine Word of both the Old and New Testaments according to their content and power should be preached clearly and purely and simply and preachers supported; God grant His further grace. My brother will write to you about that. So I pray that you will be helpful to S.L. with preachers although I do not know if meanwhile S.L. has someone in mind and I can not know what doctrine they are inclined to and if there are any errors supported. Pray that however you will on that account for the good and acceptance of the Glory of God that you would be helpful in this matter so that preachers come to S.L. I commend myself to your devout prayer and if it is possible for me to receive a copy of your commentary on John 6 as I have written to you previously and I want to with great desire to be deserving of it. I commend you and us herewith to our one and only Savior Christ Jesus; may He preserve us all in His pure, plain Word and right doctrine,Amen. Dated in the city of Koenigsberg on June 11th Anno 1533.
I plead that you will assure Philip of my willingness to serve and greet him and that he commend me in his prayers and so my dear wife invites the prayers of both of you, your virtuous wives and your homes to similar prayers and to the same degree etc.
Albrect, Markgraf and Duke,etc.
NoTE: I am thinking that S.L. must stand for Latvia or Liefland.
God's grace and peace in Christ. Highly-worthy and celebrated, beloved, dear Fahter snd friend!. Your writing to makes me greatly grateful to E.W. for the special favor that you by such writing that has such great consideration for me and my poor soul; and secondly that in spite of the trouble and sickness of your head you desire [for which I am thankful] to know about the purity of doctrine which you delight in along with myself.If I could deserve such favor I would be delighted and be obligated to do everything I could. Also your illness and burdens have a truly heartfelt,faithful, brotherly, yes,childlike sympathy and moreover would prevail with God by my sinful prayer that such illness and burdens will be for the betterment of many poor sinners not only for the salvation of souls but also for greater health, and I pray that also not so much weariness will be laid upon you so that the divine Word cannot be furthered by you and God be praised. We are not without the party of the Sacramentarians sneaking about in the land and it is impossible in such a vast land to defend against the sneakers and it is not apparent to the eye what each one has in his heart. Also previously this land was denuded of people so one must take care in expelling such people that the land again become a wilderness. Nevertheless-because it is not possible or advantageous to hinder the people-and so that the glory of God is nevertheless not diminished I thank God Who permits His Word richly to go forth and that especially my god-father Doctor Brismann and Herer Poliander carry out their office valiantly with warnings and teachings ( by that giving complete hope in God that the devil will not be able to do harm)and I have in that regard commanded that everywhere that such persoms neither openly or secretly in their teachings or sermons
tangle things up, and permit each one to believe for himself since it is not seemly for me to bring the people the faith by force and permit each one to receive his reward on Judgment Day if he departs from Scripture. There is concern even by you that there may be many who do not hold the same belief although they may not be saying anything. And if I have done too little in this undertaking and am not furthering the glory of God I would like to hear it from you what further could be done in a Christian way. And although the good and bad seed must grow together on this earth I yet want to pray God this; you pray with your church also that His almightiness would increase the best and restrain the bad with the mouth of His holy Word. For the new newspaper you should know that the German-order in Latvia (oifland)
might well name my brother, Markgraf Wilhelm, Coadjutor, and also Capitel Island(Oesel-island around Riga) and the Stifts of Riga and Island Knight-communities
together with the city of Riga be reckoned and united so that the holy, divine Word of both the Old and New Testaments according to their content and power should be preached clearly and purely and simply and preachers supported; God grant His further grace. My brother will write to you about that. So I pray that you will be helpful to S.L. with preachers although I do not know if meanwhile S.L. has someone in mind and I can not know what doctrine they are inclined to and if there are any errors supported. Pray that however you will on that account for the good and acceptance of the Glory of God that you would be helpful in this matter so that preachers come to S.L. I commend myself to your devout prayer and if it is possible for me to receive a copy of your commentary on John 6 as I have written to you previously and I want to with great desire to be deserving of it. I commend you and us herewith to our one and only Savior Christ Jesus; may He preserve us all in His pure, plain Word and right doctrine,Amen. Dated in the city of Koenigsberg on June 11th Anno 1533.
I plead that you will assure Philip of my willingness to serve and greet him and that he commend me in his prayers and so my dear wife invites the prayers of both of you, your virtuous wives and your homes to similar prayers and to the same degree etc.
Albrect, Markgraf and Duke,etc.
NoTE: I am thinking that S.L. must stand for Latvia or Liefland.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
#1981-To Christoph Ruehel
1981-To Christoph Ruehel
To the highly-gifted and artistic young man,Christoph Ruehel, who pursues the sciences and his very dear son in Christ.
Grace and peace in the Lord! I have received your letter, my dearest Christoph, through the hand of your Lord Father and which I have read with uncommon joy and delight and say thanks to God the Lord for endowments and disposition with which He has gifted you and wish for you , in addition, the special happiness that as you have a father who is also a teacher, who is well suited for these gifts and disposition, that you through your expense, effort and earnestness will bring forth much fruit, you who have at a young age have so far progressed that you could write such a letter without outside help (tuopte Marte) and I pray to the Lord Jesus Christ that the studies which you have happily begun will be given His richest blessing that you will become salvific example for all youth in learning as well progress. You are a young lad who is destined to be an official in both the world and spiritual realm from which we are now retiring and and turning over,as much as we can, the steering-rudder to you so that you can be in control. Only see to it, with the help of Christ, that the very good beginning has added to it a very good end, and that through any sort of bad example other bad lads should be steered astray.Listen to your very good father who loves you more than himself that you in every respect have the best counsel. At the same time thank your dear Creator who has made you so lordly through such parents and through whose help you can become a great man if you want to. Heil to you,lad, so one rises to the stars. Many become very great and high positioned men who are blessed with such parents , such assistance,such counsel which they receive in abundance.See to it that you do not fail to have Christ, your parents,yes, all good men at your side. I commend you and your brother and all of the young people to the mercy of God who will protect you from all bad examples in deeds,words and desirees (personarum), Amen. Greet your mother, the worthy wife, with all of yours. Wittenberg on the Monday after Trinity (9 June) Anno 1533. Your Martin Luther, D.
NOTE: This is likely the son of D. Joh. Ruehel, Mansfeld Counsel.
The quote about rising to the stars is from Virgil.Aen.IX,v.641. "so steigt man auf zu den Sternen". May be someone has a better translation?
To the highly-gifted and artistic young man,Christoph Ruehel, who pursues the sciences and his very dear son in Christ.
Grace and peace in the Lord! I have received your letter, my dearest Christoph, through the hand of your Lord Father and which I have read with uncommon joy and delight and say thanks to God the Lord for endowments and disposition with which He has gifted you and wish for you , in addition, the special happiness that as you have a father who is also a teacher, who is well suited for these gifts and disposition, that you through your expense, effort and earnestness will bring forth much fruit, you who have at a young age have so far progressed that you could write such a letter without outside help (tuopte Marte) and I pray to the Lord Jesus Christ that the studies which you have happily begun will be given His richest blessing that you will become salvific example for all youth in learning as well progress. You are a young lad who is destined to be an official in both the world and spiritual realm from which we are now retiring and and turning over,as much as we can, the steering-rudder to you so that you can be in control. Only see to it, with the help of Christ, that the very good beginning has added to it a very good end, and that through any sort of bad example other bad lads should be steered astray.Listen to your very good father who loves you more than himself that you in every respect have the best counsel. At the same time thank your dear Creator who has made you so lordly through such parents and through whose help you can become a great man if you want to. Heil to you,lad, so one rises to the stars. Many become very great and high positioned men who are blessed with such parents , such assistance,such counsel which they receive in abundance.See to it that you do not fail to have Christ, your parents,yes, all good men at your side. I commend you and your brother and all of the young people to the mercy of God who will protect you from all bad examples in deeds,words and desirees (personarum), Amen. Greet your mother, the worthy wife, with all of yours. Wittenberg on the Monday after Trinity (9 June) Anno 1533. Your Martin Luther, D.
NOTE: This is likely the son of D. Joh. Ruehel, Mansfeld Counsel.
The quote about rising to the stars is from Virgil.Aen.IX,v.641. "so steigt man auf zu den Sternen". May be someone has a better translation?
Sunday, September 10, 2006
#1980-To Spalatin
To the, in Christ, highly-honorable man, M. Georg Spalatin, the very faithful servant of Christ at Altenburg, his dearest brother in the LOrd.
Grace and peace in Christ!. Receive (my) dispostion to serve and demonstrate,as you do, your disposition to serve in return. You encourage us to gladly receive and care for many poor priestly people, so we you now in return receive these sort of people when it is necessary. There is here this rumor (nothing could be faster ?) that M.Georg Borna has departed and that this position is not occupiied. If this is true, I plead for the sake of Christ that you would promote the bearer of this letter, Simon Haferitz, for that position. There is no position by us that is vacant yet otherwise we would have gladly taken care of him. And there is no basis that you might perhaps shun him either because you have heard rumor of his previous relationship or perhaps remember the same. He has become a different man and has been well tested by many afflictions so that with us there are many good witnesses of many people who will verify it. To counter the suspicion against it would be beneficial for him and us if he were nearby so that he would become more accustomed to our practices and usages so that he would not have opportunity to be deceived by others. Why would it be surprising if one would learn to howl among wolves and as Paul says, evil communication corrupt could manners. Do then as much as you can and want; you will want to do much as you love us much, namely as a faithful and excellent co-worker regarding the Word of Christ Who preserves you and makes you blessed to His glory,Amen. Greet your lordess (Herrin), the mother of one and a half, with her fruit. On the Monday after Exaudi (26 May) 1533. Your M. Luther,D.
Note: Catarina Spalatin is about to deliver a second child.
Looks like Haferitz is going to be hard to place.
Regarding the rumor ML has in brackets (etwas Schnelleres gibt es nicht) which I have translated as nothing travels faster but am I right?
Grace and peace in Christ!. Receive (my) dispostion to serve and demonstrate,as you do, your disposition to serve in return. You encourage us to gladly receive and care for many poor priestly people, so we you now in return receive these sort of people when it is necessary. There is here this rumor (nothing could be faster ?) that M.Georg Borna has departed and that this position is not occupiied. If this is true, I plead for the sake of Christ that you would promote the bearer of this letter, Simon Haferitz, for that position. There is no position by us that is vacant yet otherwise we would have gladly taken care of him. And there is no basis that you might perhaps shun him either because you have heard rumor of his previous relationship or perhaps remember the same. He has become a different man and has been well tested by many afflictions so that with us there are many good witnesses of many people who will verify it. To counter the suspicion against it would be beneficial for him and us if he were nearby so that he would become more accustomed to our practices and usages so that he would not have opportunity to be deceived by others. Why would it be surprising if one would learn to howl among wolves and as Paul says, evil communication corrupt could manners. Do then as much as you can and want; you will want to do much as you love us much, namely as a faithful and excellent co-worker regarding the Word of Christ Who preserves you and makes you blessed to His glory,Amen. Greet your lordess (Herrin), the mother of one and a half, with her fruit. On the Monday after Exaudi (26 May) 1533. Your M. Luther,D.
Note: Catarina Spalatin is about to deliver a second child.
Looks like Haferitz is going to be hard to place.
Regarding the rumor ML has in brackets (etwas Schnelleres gibt es nicht) which I have translated as nothing travels faster but am I right?
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
#1979-To Spalatin
To the,in Christ, highly honorable man, Herr M.G. Spalatin, the faithful servant of the
Word of the LOrd, his very oldest friend.
"Grace and peace in Christ". I write, though not having much leisure and not very healthy according to the flesh, my dear Spalatin, but finally in reference to your question. So receive an answer in opposition to your question. If you are thoroughly bored with peace and quiet which God has recently granted you (it is easy for me to believe that you believe this and that because of long-standing mutural friendship you will easily understand): then you can be confident and freely permit that the sermons at the Castle be inaugurated namely ( as they say)in alternation which is delectable. Up till now, peace, in the future nothing but one disturbance upon another. If you would rather exchange peace for uproar so that you finally taste this salad you are going to make it so that you and your colleagues will have people at the Castle who oppose you and afflict you. For the rest, "let them chant and sing in the church" so that at least in that service God will serve them in that they will be forced to have the Scriptures and Psalm before their eyes and in their memories; who knows what fruit might thus result. My lordess (Kaethe) greets you respectfully but I greet yours moreso yet with the right to reserve both suspicion and jealousy. On the 24th of May 1533. Your Martin Luther,D., who has written this very happily at breakfast time.
NOTES: The Editors say that Luther is jokingly dissuading Spaltain with having a series of sermons at the Castle where others will be participating in the preaching perhaps Papists, many who remain at the Stiftkirche in Altenburg with Spalatin, or perhaps some of the Zwinglian persuasion.
The greeting to Spalatin's wife, another Catarina, is also made jokingly, no doubt
There is a question on the phrase where I have ML saying that he is in opposition to the question of Spalatin.
Word of the LOrd, his very oldest friend.
"Grace and peace in Christ". I write, though not having much leisure and not very healthy according to the flesh, my dear Spalatin, but finally in reference to your question. So receive an answer in opposition to your question. If you are thoroughly bored with peace and quiet which God has recently granted you (it is easy for me to believe that you believe this and that because of long-standing mutural friendship you will easily understand): then you can be confident and freely permit that the sermons at the Castle be inaugurated namely ( as they say)in alternation which is delectable. Up till now, peace, in the future nothing but one disturbance upon another. If you would rather exchange peace for uproar so that you finally taste this salad you are going to make it so that you and your colleagues will have people at the Castle who oppose you and afflict you. For the rest, "let them chant and sing in the church" so that at least in that service God will serve them in that they will be forced to have the Scriptures and Psalm before their eyes and in their memories; who knows what fruit might thus result. My lordess (Kaethe) greets you respectfully but I greet yours moreso yet with the right to reserve both suspicion and jealousy. On the 24th of May 1533. Your Martin Luther,D., who has written this very happily at breakfast time.
NOTES: The Editors say that Luther is jokingly dissuading Spaltain with having a series of sermons at the Castle where others will be participating in the preaching perhaps Papists, many who remain at the Stiftkirche in Altenburg with Spalatin, or perhaps some of the Zwinglian persuasion.
The greeting to Spalatin's wife, another Catarina, is also made jokingly, no doubt
There is a question on the phrase where I have ML saying that he is in opposition to the question of Spalatin.
Friday, September 01, 2006
#1978-To Wolfgang, Prince in Anhalt
To the illustrious Prince and Lord, Herr Wolfgang, Prince in Anhalt,Graf in Ascanien and Lord in Berneburg, my gracious Lord.
Grace and peace in Christ.Illustrious Prince, gracious Lord! The parish in Kotzwig (as I hear) is suffering because of the departure by death of the previous pastor. If now E.F.G. has not yet provided and bestowed the same (with a pastor?) it is my humble petition that E.F.G. would be favorable toward them and grant them Sir Simon Haferitz, the deliverer of this letter.Since he is a very gifted man, and very eloquent, recently being persecuted by Grossen-Salze, and overwhelmed with misery. And although he well erred during the time of Muenzer, he is now well purged by battle, and I think that he has
confessed enough. I will also be able to keep track of him as he will be in the vicinity of us; who knows whether he might once again be useful as he once was. E.F.G. will graciously perceive that that would please God; and if I can serve E.F.G. I am willing and ready. Herewith be commended to God,Amen. On the Thursday after Cantate (15 Mai)1533. E.F.G. willing D. Martinus Luther.
Note: Coswig or Koswigt is only a kilometer from Wittenberg.
Most would not touch anyone associated with Muenzer with a ten foot pole.Nothing remembered more among the German Princes than the Peasants' Revolt. No mercy for them.
But who or what is Grossen-Salz? Am checking with Luther Index. My suggestions would be Matthaeus Lang of Salzburg or the Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights, recently dissolved by the Reformation of Albert of Brandenburg.Don't hesitate to give your suggestions,please.
Grace and peace in Christ.Illustrious Prince, gracious Lord! The parish in Kotzwig (as I hear) is suffering because of the departure by death of the previous pastor. If now E.F.G. has not yet provided and bestowed the same (with a pastor?) it is my humble petition that E.F.G. would be favorable toward them and grant them Sir Simon Haferitz, the deliverer of this letter.Since he is a very gifted man, and very eloquent, recently being persecuted by Grossen-Salze, and overwhelmed with misery. And although he well erred during the time of Muenzer, he is now well purged by battle, and I think that he has
confessed enough. I will also be able to keep track of him as he will be in the vicinity of us; who knows whether he might once again be useful as he once was. E.F.G. will graciously perceive that that would please God; and if I can serve E.F.G. I am willing and ready. Herewith be commended to God,Amen. On the Thursday after Cantate (15 Mai)1533. E.F.G. willing D. Martinus Luther.
Note: Coswig or Koswigt is only a kilometer from Wittenberg.
Most would not touch anyone associated with Muenzer with a ten foot pole.Nothing remembered more among the German Princes than the Peasants' Revolt. No mercy for them.
But who or what is Grossen-Salz? Am checking with Luther Index. My suggestions would be Matthaeus Lang of Salzburg or the Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights, recently dissolved by the Reformation of Albert of Brandenburg.Don't hesitate to give your suggestions,please.
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