Wednesday, November 29, 2006
#2020
2020.doc#2020-To Johann Schlaginhaufen in Koethen
Venerab, in Christo Viro,D.Jo.Schlaginhaufen,Pastor Cothensi,fideli Verbi ministro,suo fratri.
(Venerable, in Christ, man, D.Jo.Schlaginhaufen,Pastor in Koethen,faithful minister of the Word, his friend.)
Grace and peace in Christ. My dear Herr Parish-head! I thank you for your present,the Mespeln, and , although this land yields such figs, and I prefer them to any of the Italian (foreign?) figs if they were a little less mature and yet they must be ripe. Unhappily, though, I hear that you at times are troubled even though Christ is very near to you than even you yourself and you do not want to eat because He has shed His blood for you. Dear one, give the pious, faithful Man the glory and believe that He loves you more and favors you more than D. Luther and all Christians. What you ascribe to us, ascribe much more to Him. What we do is what is called for by Him, but He, what He is called to do by us, He does out of natural goodness and without being called to do it. Herewith, in haste, be commended to God together with yours, Amen. 1533 on the Vigil of Lucia (Dec.12). Martinus Luther
Venerab, in Christo Viro,D.Jo.Schlaginhaufen,Pastor Cothensi,fideli Verbi ministro,suo fratri.
(Venerable, in Christ, man, D.Jo.Schlaginhaufen,Pastor in Koethen,faithful minister of the Word, his friend.)
Grace and peace in Christ. My dear Herr Parish-head! I thank you for your present,the Mespeln, and , although this land yields such figs, and I prefer them to any of the Italian (foreign?) figs if they were a little less mature and yet they must be ripe. Unhappily, though, I hear that you at times are troubled even though Christ is very near to you than even you yourself and you do not want to eat because He has shed His blood for you. Dear one, give the pious, faithful Man the glory and believe that He loves you more and favors you more than D. Luther and all Christians. What you ascribe to us, ascribe much more to Him. What we do is what is called for by Him, but He, what He is called to do by us, He does out of natural goodness and without being called to do it. Herewith, in haste, be commended to God together with yours, Amen. 1533 on the Vigil of Lucia (Dec.12). Martinus Luther
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Santa Lucia
Santa Lucia is celebrated all over Sweden and Norway on December 13th. It is customly celebrated with a girl (mainly eldest daughter in a family) dressed in a white gown with a red sash, wearing an evergreen wreath with candles on her head.
She is followed by a number of girl attendants, also dressed in white with one candle in hand.
There are also boys, "star-boys", participating in the ceremony. They too are dressed in white gowns and they wear pointed caps.
The Lucia wakes up her family by bringing a tray of coffee
and buns (called "lussekatter"- translates to Lucia Cats ).
Hotels often honor their guests with early Lucia breakfast this day.
She is followed by a number of girl attendants, also dressed in white with one candle in hand.
There are also boys, "star-boys", participating in the ceremony. They too are dressed in white gowns and they wear pointed caps.
The Lucia wakes up her family by bringing a tray of coffee
and buns (called "lussekatter"- translates to Lucia Cats ).
Hotels often honor their guests with early Lucia breakfast this day.
Monday, November 27, 2006
#2019-To Eberhard Brisger in Altenburg
Grace and peace in Christ! I wish you happiness, my dear Eberhard, in the birth of a little son and I have prayed to the LOrd and I am yet praying that He will preserve the mother of the same in health. That you write that you are very disturbed by the writings of that one (de ilo nostro) who is by us in which he writes that we are uncertain about our doctrine: I marvel that you did not realize from the letter of this man, whom you know, that he is completely enthralled by his previously held opinions and is motivated by the same. He has a mouth that makes many words which he himself does not understand. Still I do not believe that he knows what the certainty of the heart is, yes, he does not what that is called when one judges the certainty of another. It is outrageous to judge the hearts of others as similar to one's own. Likewise there are many among the rabble and children who in reference to the heart are certain and likely not only he but also all of us. "Our LOrd God has not said to him what He works in the hearts of the believing ; however,"a fool must speak foolish things otherwise it would be thought that he was wise." We send to you M.Wolfgang
who by us has been ordained as well made a Magister or certified. Christ bless you all. Greet Herr Spalatin. 1533, on the day before Lucia (12 Dec.) Your Martin Luther.
NOTES: The text is corrupt in the sentence about the motivation of the man and in the sentence about the rabble and children and we ourselves. I have followed the conjectures of the St. Louis Editors.
Spalatin and Brisger were assigned to the Stiftkirche in Altenburg already under the Elector Frederich the Wise,in whose court Spalatin had served around 1525 ,I think.
who by us has been ordained as well made a Magister or certified. Christ bless you all. Greet Herr Spalatin. 1533, on the day before Lucia (12 Dec.) Your Martin Luther.
NOTES: The text is corrupt in the sentence about the motivation of the man and in the sentence about the rabble and children and we ourselves. I have followed the conjectures of the St. Louis Editors.
Spalatin and Brisger were assigned to the Stiftkirche in Altenburg already under the Elector Frederich the Wise,in whose court Spalatin had served around 1525 ,I think.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
#2018-To Leonhard Beier in Zwickau
Leonhard Beier,pastor in Zwickau,Heil and peace.
Concerning your matter, my dear Leonhard, I do not want to make any legal pronouncement but consult with the Herr Doctors. Meanwhile you will experience as we have that the women should refrain from now on from such Baptisms because those who are not yet born cannot be born again. Such births one must commend to God by prayer. Otherwise it will finally follow that in order to avoid danger all children in the mothers' bodies must be baptized by water poured over the body of the preganant as often as danger is feared; or as a certain woman at the time of the plague when the time of delivery was near drank the baptismal water to avoid the danger. However, I am postponing judging your case since the lad is already grown until we can give a consensus answer. For this reason, if the parents fear the danger of death you should counsel them to be of good courage. The soul is saved, and the right baptism is longed for (however the earlier baptism may have been constituted),even if he has not received it from us because he is not responsible for lacking it; yes, he confidently has the same by faith. Now we must be careful about offense whether the baptism should be permitted. Although I might alone make the determination, I do not want to make it solitarily for the sake of the public perception. The conditional baptism which in these cases when the Papacy ruled we have already long rejected, and not only in these cases but also in the cases of foundlings (abandoned children?-Findelkindern). Be it right well with you in the LOrd. On the day of St. Nicolaus [6 December) 1533.Mart.Luther.
NOTE: Not sure about the translation on the earlier baptism:"whatever its nature" may be better but likely a conditional baptism,right?
Has ML made peace with Zwickau?
Concerning your matter, my dear Leonhard, I do not want to make any legal pronouncement but consult with the Herr Doctors. Meanwhile you will experience as we have that the women should refrain from now on from such Baptisms because those who are not yet born cannot be born again. Such births one must commend to God by prayer. Otherwise it will finally follow that in order to avoid danger all children in the mothers' bodies must be baptized by water poured over the body of the preganant as often as danger is feared; or as a certain woman at the time of the plague when the time of delivery was near drank the baptismal water to avoid the danger. However, I am postponing judging your case since the lad is already grown until we can give a consensus answer. For this reason, if the parents fear the danger of death you should counsel them to be of good courage. The soul is saved, and the right baptism is longed for (however the earlier baptism may have been constituted),even if he has not received it from us because he is not responsible for lacking it; yes, he confidently has the same by faith. Now we must be careful about offense whether the baptism should be permitted. Although I might alone make the determination, I do not want to make it solitarily for the sake of the public perception. The conditional baptism which in these cases when the Papacy ruled we have already long rejected, and not only in these cases but also in the cases of foundlings (abandoned children?-Findelkindern). Be it right well with you in the LOrd. On the day of St. Nicolaus [6 December) 1533.Mart.Luther.
NOTE: Not sure about the translation on the earlier baptism:"whatever its nature" may be better but likely a conditional baptism,right?
Has ML made peace with Zwickau?
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Saturday, November 18, 2006
#2016-Joh.P. Weller to Joh.Brismann
[Very interesting eyewitness account on the words and deeds of Michael Stiefel on the day and hour (Oct.19-8:00am) he predicted to be the Last Day.]
Heil! I have recently given someone a letter to be given to your illustrious Prince, but he through carelessenss,or to speak more accurately,because of the contrariness of the messenger,in which, among other things, if I rightly remember, wrote several things about the prophecy of Stiefel. and now will repeat with a few words so that you may have the entire story.You know how in the beginning he began the story in a discreet way so that he would not appear to be putting forth something improbable or contrary to Scripture. Then he said what at that time and even now everyone says that the end of world is near at hand. However after he perceived that this was applauded by the people as it usually happens with anything new he brought forth a prophecy along the way and I can't imagine what for a revelation and not satisified with that he began to demand of our lord Doctor that he pronounce his imagination as good and to establish his prophetical book with a foreword. When the lord Doctor (ML) refused this Stiefel began to attack him in letters and using a bitter manner,the Spirit having extinguished, called him a Pilate and a Herod. Luther bore this , as he is accustomed,in a discerning way and admonished him in letters which were as friendly as possible so that he refrain from his undertaking. Then he went so far in his senselessness that he not merely the year and day but also the hour put down as definite. When this was reported to the Prince he began,as was right, to be disgruntled since he saw that close by his door a new doctrine was being spread
forth and besides on account of this meeting he became suspicious of a rebellion. Then there came a terrible crowd together and, to be sure, a mixed one. Therfore he would have imprisoned Stiefel if Luther had not intervened. Finally he was warned not to make further this admonition in holy preaching. Stiefel promised this likely sincerely but as soon as the Prince left he immediately returned to his former manner
because the before determined time was at hand. It was the day after Luke (October 19) at the eighth hour before noon. Therefore he began three days previous to admonish the people to confession and to partake of the Body and Blood of Christ; similarly on the following days. On the third day he rested likely because, as fate would have it, it was the Sabbath; yet he was busy hearing confessions, since it was an unheard group that had come together that had come from regions over forty miles distant and beyond that. In short, I, to refresh my spirit, with several who went to the school(scholasticis) also betook ourselves there so that the spectacle would not be without spectators.I had been advised by Herr Doctor that I should well observe every single thing. However we came about evening since if Stiefel learned that there were Wittenbergers present he might be change the story. By chance I found several in the hostel from Schlesia had traveled there; I saw that they were sorrowful and pensive, fasting and sober. Immediately that demonstrated what sort of people they were. I entered with a greeting and since I had nothing other to say complained about the rain and blamed the leader for his stupidit of not knowing the way there. Thereafter I inquired who they were, where they had come from and what news they brought along. Without hesitation the eldest among them began a speech saying they had come from Schlesia motivated by the rumor of the Last which they had heard was at hand; now, however, he knew the same being taught by Stiefel who sets among the Prophets and praised him up to heaven and marveled that ours would have received no report of such a great man while by them he was honored for what he really is, namely, a Prophet, and he spoke this from experience and was not being led by speculation. So then he pleaded with me to meet together with the man and he was certain that I and anyone would be satisfied with his proofs: there was so great a spirit and so great a friendliness that it would be as he wanted. While we were conversing others came and I know how great a group between us, a crowd not to despised approximately twenty; after these follows others and again others. Thus one see every place full of guests. And to bring the story to an end all of a sudden:one goes to bed and to the places arranged for one could rest if there could be any sort of rest among such a great group and so great an uproar. I wakened very early when it was yet dark my companions. First of all there was the oxen-herder with a sign as Stiefel had commanded him; I, in my opinion, took it for the last trumpet and admonished those who happened to be around not to lose their courage. The Prophet had previously said that first of all the animals would die; so that the cattle and the sheep of his might be terrified the oxen-herder drove them out being odedient to the word. Now we flowed into the church. We saw that everything,as much as possible in this meagerness, had been ceremoniously prepared. The beginning of the Mass was: "Out of the depths"; the epistle of Paul followed; after that:"We now implore the Holy Ghost", and thereafter the Pastor read the Gospel. Finally the whole crowd said with one another the confession of faith:"We believe"etc. And meanwhile Stiefel went up to the chancel. After a brief introduction he set aside the Gospel with very few words. Thereafter he began his prophecy with about these words: Everyone among you well knows that there is an obscure rumor present that the Last Day is here and that I am the originator of this rumor. However, there is no one who can say in my presence that that he heard this in holy preaching from me. It might that someone might say this about me because I not alone know the day the very hour for certain of that, for me, greatly wished for day; but because certain people have forbidden me to make such an admonition in preaching I am forced to obey them as I am ordered by the divine grace. Nevertheless I do not deny that many who demanded of me to know that Day and the very hour I made certain and many I have also announced the same in writing. Because as of now that Day has broken upon us and the very hour hastens it would crazy and godless of me not to share with you my revelation which God has verified to me I, above all, in this matter would rather obey God rather than man. i proclaim to you therefore that this day is the day of our redemption and so that you also have the hour it is the coming eighth hour (however it was between the seventh and eighth).I am also aware that there are several who are looking at my person who despise my revealation and thereto they support that which goes against Scripture especially the prounouncement (matt.24:36): "Of that Day and the hour no one knows." O dear God! how far such people stray from the true confession of Scripture; that clearly supports me. Thus it stands written in a another place that one should not add anything to Scripture and also not take anything from it. How much these take away away from the Scripture who take away the godhead from Christ judge for yourself. In that they insist upon that no one knows the Day or the hour not even the Son of Man they surely take away Christ's divinity. They do not understand:"No one knows the Day or the hour." The Evangelist was speaking there of that present time and one should read: "no one knows" but not "no one will know".Therefore it will be that someone knows. Otherwise it would necessarily follow that Christ Himself will not know. That Christ knows this I can easily prove: first, because after His resurrection He said: "To Me is given all authority in heaven and on earth." If then all power is given to Him it is necessary that He knows everything otherwise how can He exercise His omnipotence in the things which He does not know? Therefore see what sort of authority these people ascribe to Christ. Secondly there is now no one who is a Christian or wants to be considered one who does not agree that Christ sits at the right hand of the Father. However, sitting at the right hand of the Father is nothing other than that He is true God like the Father. Only he can deny therefore that there is nothing hidden to Him except he who denies the omnipotence. How is it that these people can doubt that the Day and hour could be previously have been determined? Besides there are yet many other things which I would gladly share with you but I fear the time will not extend for that. The hour is near and besides there are many who desire to partake of the Body and Blood of Christ. However, to return to the matter, I have that there are people who will know the Day and the hour. First I thank God for His immeasurable and unending goodness toward everyone and especially for this His revelation to me which is given and verified and therefore I discern the truth that God does not look at the person. Thus you know that from the beginning whenever God wants to bring something extraordinary about He always sends a Prophet beforehand who says this is immediately to happen as is illustrated from the example of Noah who announced the Deluge beforehand. Thus he cited more examples from the Old Testament up to the time of Christ who had John as the Forerunner. That the Last Day is at hand the Gospels clearly state. It only remains for us to determine the Day and hour and as you know no one ever could perhaps be certain before me and only by a special certain grace, as I said before, it is to me alone verified by God. So that you may know that I am not being led by a false delusion or commited an error I want to clarify my revelation. There are two things in the Holy Scripture: the Word and the mathematical number. It is not that I should deal here further with the Word especially since you know sufficiently what it is and often has heard it often from me as long as I am pastor. Now however, as it is established that the Word stands so also the number must be introduced with it. Motivated by this foundation I have subjected everything to this reckoning that in the Old Testament everything is introduced by numbers. Thus I have done things which concern the New Testament; finally I have succeeded to the Last Day and also to the hour itself and that it is the eighth. There is only one consideration and that is whether the hour is before noon or after noon. Although the reckoning shows that it should after noon, I believe yet that is the one before noon. And it is this consideration which yesterday first came in my mind when a certain blessed and pious man, whom I do not want to name, persuaded me about this matter. Since Sunday is the best day in all of the week and Christ Himself has chosen that (19 Oct. was a Sunday) so also He would have selected the best hour without a doubt. The before noon hours precede the afternoon hours. Therfore it is certain that He will now come. (this morning). In order that I may also comfort you: You Christians must shut out the delusion which you hold that Christ through His Coming would bring fear or horror but rather believe that He is your Brother and Friend and only is an enemy for the godless. However it appears to go against the pronouncement of Peter [2 Peter 3:10]that with the coming of Christ there will be a great rending of the heaven, the earth and all the elements; actually that does not go against the truth. The very same says [v.13) that He will create a new heaven and new earth. This is how I understand it: Since He is almighty He can also in the twinkling of an eye bring about a new heaven and a new earth. After we are carried away then the godless will hear that rending of the old heaven of which Peter speaks. Therefore, there is nothing which you should fear. As he thus spoke he raised his hands to heaven and at the same time weeping cried out:He is coming,He is coming, He is coming! And immediately, without a departing word, he stepped down from the chancel. First then there went up the calling and crying of howling and weeping women. Upon that Stiefel turned toward the altar and spoke these words:"Don't be terrified,He comes as your brother and not as your enemy." After that he went to the altar. After the holy administration each betook himself to his own house. Now it was near the ninth hour. After the ninth hour had sounded those who were commanded to do so by the Prince went to the of the Prophet and put him a wagon took it toward Wittenberg. There his office is suspended and his vows laid aside and awaits the judgment of the Prince when he confesses and acknowledges his error. There you have the entire story and with more words than I had intended. Consider my rambling in the best way.
There is here a rumor of the death of the King of Denmark; there is an Interregnum in Denmark and the son of the king is forced to step aside from the rule. Yet we do not know something for certain. I plead with you that you would give me here a definite report. In addition, one says that the Markgraf Wilhelm has led forth troops to Latvia and everyone is at enmity. The rest you will learn from the Chancellor; be it well with you. Wittenberg on the 17th Novermber Anno 1533.
Here you have the whole ball (spheram) which you desire. J.P. Weller.
Heil! I have recently given someone a letter to be given to your illustrious Prince, but he through carelessenss,or to speak more accurately,because of the contrariness of the messenger,in which, among other things, if I rightly remember, wrote several things about the prophecy of Stiefel. and now will repeat with a few words so that you may have the entire story.You know how in the beginning he began the story in a discreet way so that he would not appear to be putting forth something improbable or contrary to Scripture. Then he said what at that time and even now everyone says that the end of world is near at hand. However after he perceived that this was applauded by the people as it usually happens with anything new he brought forth a prophecy along the way and I can't imagine what for a revelation and not satisified with that he began to demand of our lord Doctor that he pronounce his imagination as good and to establish his prophetical book with a foreword. When the lord Doctor (ML) refused this Stiefel began to attack him in letters and using a bitter manner,the Spirit having extinguished, called him a Pilate and a Herod. Luther bore this , as he is accustomed,in a discerning way and admonished him in letters which were as friendly as possible so that he refrain from his undertaking. Then he went so far in his senselessness that he not merely the year and day but also the hour put down as definite. When this was reported to the Prince he began,as was right, to be disgruntled since he saw that close by his door a new doctrine was being spread
forth and besides on account of this meeting he became suspicious of a rebellion. Then there came a terrible crowd together and, to be sure, a mixed one. Therfore he would have imprisoned Stiefel if Luther had not intervened. Finally he was warned not to make further this admonition in holy preaching. Stiefel promised this likely sincerely but as soon as the Prince left he immediately returned to his former manner
because the before determined time was at hand. It was the day after Luke (October 19) at the eighth hour before noon. Therefore he began three days previous to admonish the people to confession and to partake of the Body and Blood of Christ; similarly on the following days. On the third day he rested likely because, as fate would have it, it was the Sabbath; yet he was busy hearing confessions, since it was an unheard group that had come together that had come from regions over forty miles distant and beyond that. In short, I, to refresh my spirit, with several who went to the school(scholasticis) also betook ourselves there so that the spectacle would not be without spectators.I had been advised by Herr Doctor that I should well observe every single thing. However we came about evening since if Stiefel learned that there were Wittenbergers present he might be change the story. By chance I found several in the hostel from Schlesia had traveled there; I saw that they were sorrowful and pensive, fasting and sober. Immediately that demonstrated what sort of people they were. I entered with a greeting and since I had nothing other to say complained about the rain and blamed the leader for his stupidit of not knowing the way there. Thereafter I inquired who they were, where they had come from and what news they brought along. Without hesitation the eldest among them began a speech saying they had come from Schlesia motivated by the rumor of the Last which they had heard was at hand; now, however, he knew the same being taught by Stiefel who sets among the Prophets and praised him up to heaven and marveled that ours would have received no report of such a great man while by them he was honored for what he really is, namely, a Prophet, and he spoke this from experience and was not being led by speculation. So then he pleaded with me to meet together with the man and he was certain that I and anyone would be satisfied with his proofs: there was so great a spirit and so great a friendliness that it would be as he wanted. While we were conversing others came and I know how great a group between us, a crowd not to despised approximately twenty; after these follows others and again others. Thus one see every place full of guests. And to bring the story to an end all of a sudden:one goes to bed and to the places arranged for one could rest if there could be any sort of rest among such a great group and so great an uproar. I wakened very early when it was yet dark my companions. First of all there was the oxen-herder with a sign as Stiefel had commanded him; I, in my opinion, took it for the last trumpet and admonished those who happened to be around not to lose their courage. The Prophet had previously said that first of all the animals would die; so that the cattle and the sheep of his might be terrified the oxen-herder drove them out being odedient to the word. Now we flowed into the church. We saw that everything,as much as possible in this meagerness, had been ceremoniously prepared. The beginning of the Mass was: "Out of the depths"; the epistle of Paul followed; after that:"We now implore the Holy Ghost", and thereafter the Pastor read the Gospel. Finally the whole crowd said with one another the confession of faith:"We believe"etc. And meanwhile Stiefel went up to the chancel. After a brief introduction he set aside the Gospel with very few words. Thereafter he began his prophecy with about these words: Everyone among you well knows that there is an obscure rumor present that the Last Day is here and that I am the originator of this rumor. However, there is no one who can say in my presence that that he heard this in holy preaching from me. It might that someone might say this about me because I not alone know the day the very hour for certain of that, for me, greatly wished for day; but because certain people have forbidden me to make such an admonition in preaching I am forced to obey them as I am ordered by the divine grace. Nevertheless I do not deny that many who demanded of me to know that Day and the very hour I made certain and many I have also announced the same in writing. Because as of now that Day has broken upon us and the very hour hastens it would crazy and godless of me not to share with you my revelation which God has verified to me I, above all, in this matter would rather obey God rather than man. i proclaim to you therefore that this day is the day of our redemption and so that you also have the hour it is the coming eighth hour (however it was between the seventh and eighth).I am also aware that there are several who are looking at my person who despise my revealation and thereto they support that which goes against Scripture especially the prounouncement (matt.24:36): "Of that Day and the hour no one knows." O dear God! how far such people stray from the true confession of Scripture; that clearly supports me. Thus it stands written in a another place that one should not add anything to Scripture and also not take anything from it. How much these take away away from the Scripture who take away the godhead from Christ judge for yourself. In that they insist upon that no one knows the Day or the hour not even the Son of Man they surely take away Christ's divinity. They do not understand:"No one knows the Day or the hour." The Evangelist was speaking there of that present time and one should read: "no one knows" but not "no one will know".Therefore it will be that someone knows. Otherwise it would necessarily follow that Christ Himself will not know. That Christ knows this I can easily prove: first, because after His resurrection He said: "To Me is given all authority in heaven and on earth." If then all power is given to Him it is necessary that He knows everything otherwise how can He exercise His omnipotence in the things which He does not know? Therefore see what sort of authority these people ascribe to Christ. Secondly there is now no one who is a Christian or wants to be considered one who does not agree that Christ sits at the right hand of the Father. However, sitting at the right hand of the Father is nothing other than that He is true God like the Father. Only he can deny therefore that there is nothing hidden to Him except he who denies the omnipotence. How is it that these people can doubt that the Day and hour could be previously have been determined? Besides there are yet many other things which I would gladly share with you but I fear the time will not extend for that. The hour is near and besides there are many who desire to partake of the Body and Blood of Christ. However, to return to the matter, I have that there are people who will know the Day and the hour. First I thank God for His immeasurable and unending goodness toward everyone and especially for this His revelation to me which is given and verified and therefore I discern the truth that God does not look at the person. Thus you know that from the beginning whenever God wants to bring something extraordinary about He always sends a Prophet beforehand who says this is immediately to happen as is illustrated from the example of Noah who announced the Deluge beforehand. Thus he cited more examples from the Old Testament up to the time of Christ who had John as the Forerunner. That the Last Day is at hand the Gospels clearly state. It only remains for us to determine the Day and hour and as you know no one ever could perhaps be certain before me and only by a special certain grace, as I said before, it is to me alone verified by God. So that you may know that I am not being led by a false delusion or commited an error I want to clarify my revelation. There are two things in the Holy Scripture: the Word and the mathematical number. It is not that I should deal here further with the Word especially since you know sufficiently what it is and often has heard it often from me as long as I am pastor. Now however, as it is established that the Word stands so also the number must be introduced with it. Motivated by this foundation I have subjected everything to this reckoning that in the Old Testament everything is introduced by numbers. Thus I have done things which concern the New Testament; finally I have succeeded to the Last Day and also to the hour itself and that it is the eighth. There is only one consideration and that is whether the hour is before noon or after noon. Although the reckoning shows that it should after noon, I believe yet that is the one before noon. And it is this consideration which yesterday first came in my mind when a certain blessed and pious man, whom I do not want to name, persuaded me about this matter. Since Sunday is the best day in all of the week and Christ Himself has chosen that (19 Oct. was a Sunday) so also He would have selected the best hour without a doubt. The before noon hours precede the afternoon hours. Therfore it is certain that He will now come. (this morning). In order that I may also comfort you: You Christians must shut out the delusion which you hold that Christ through His Coming would bring fear or horror but rather believe that He is your Brother and Friend and only is an enemy for the godless. However it appears to go against the pronouncement of Peter [2 Peter 3:10]that with the coming of Christ there will be a great rending of the heaven, the earth and all the elements; actually that does not go against the truth. The very same says [v.13) that He will create a new heaven and new earth. This is how I understand it: Since He is almighty He can also in the twinkling of an eye bring about a new heaven and a new earth. After we are carried away then the godless will hear that rending of the old heaven of which Peter speaks. Therefore, there is nothing which you should fear. As he thus spoke he raised his hands to heaven and at the same time weeping cried out:He is coming,He is coming, He is coming! And immediately, without a departing word, he stepped down from the chancel. First then there went up the calling and crying of howling and weeping women. Upon that Stiefel turned toward the altar and spoke these words:"Don't be terrified,He comes as your brother and not as your enemy." After that he went to the altar. After the holy administration each betook himself to his own house. Now it was near the ninth hour. After the ninth hour had sounded those who were commanded to do so by the Prince went to the of the Prophet and put him a wagon took it toward Wittenberg. There his office is suspended and his vows laid aside and awaits the judgment of the Prince when he confesses and acknowledges his error. There you have the entire story and with more words than I had intended. Consider my rambling in the best way.
There is here a rumor of the death of the King of Denmark; there is an Interregnum in Denmark and the son of the king is forced to step aside from the rule. Yet we do not know something for certain. I plead with you that you would give me here a definite report. In addition, one says that the Markgraf Wilhelm has led forth troops to Latvia and everyone is at enmity. The rest you will learn from the Chancellor; be it well with you. Wittenberg on the 17th Novermber Anno 1533.
Here you have the whole ball (spheram) which you desire. J.P. Weller.
#2016-To Lazarus Spengler in Nuernberg
To the honorable, perceptive Herr Lazarus Spengler, economic-administrator (Syndico) of the city of Nuernberg, my favored lord and brother.
G.et pacem (grace and peace)in Christ. Honorable,perceptive, dear lord and friend!
I have been requested by good people to write you that you permit D.Curio, medical man, who has received a reassuring writing from you,to be recommended to you that he might in Nuernberg have lodging, although he (a moral and chaste man) did not request me to write this.Nevertheless I commend the good pious man to E.E. and you well how to be Christian and friendly toward him. With that I am willing wherever I can to serve E.F. Herewith be commended to God,Amen.
We here have received one hundred thaler from your lords out of admiration and transmitted through Marx Buchner for which together we give written thanks. In haste.On the Sabbath after Simon and Jude [Nov.1]. Mart. Luther.
NOTE: No All Saints' Day celebrated in Wittenberg now?
G.et pacem (grace and peace)in Christ. Honorable,perceptive, dear lord and friend!
I have been requested by good people to write you that you permit D.Curio, medical man, who has received a reassuring writing from you,to be recommended to you that he might in Nuernberg have lodging, although he (a moral and chaste man) did not request me to write this.Nevertheless I commend the good pious man to E.E. and you well how to be Christian and friendly toward him. With that I am willing wherever I can to serve E.F. Herewith be commended to God,Amen.
We here have received one hundred thaler from your lords out of admiration and transmitted through Marx Buchner for which together we give written thanks. In haste.On the Sabbath after Simon and Jude [Nov.1]. Mart. Luther.
NOTE: No All Saints' Day celebrated in Wittenberg now?
Thursday, November 16, 2006
#2014-Jonas to Spalatin
To the scholarly and very upright man, Herr G. Spalatin, preacher in Altenburg,his very dear friend.
For the personal attention of Herr Spalatin.
Grace and peace! Regarding your letter and the other two on supervision of the Visitation in Voigtland and Meissen which Herr Erasmus Spiegel brought along we have answered through the recent messenger answered who will look you up in Altenburg and I believe that you have received our letters. Spiegel could not, because of his many activities, extensively confer with me about the matter on that evening in which he delivered the writings and neither early (the next morning?) since he was going away and we had to meet together with D. Martin over the difficult matter with the Nuernbergers involving Osiander. I hope also that in your circumstances you found our opinion sufficient and pleasing. We gladly serve you but, as in the school where so many and so much run together we are deterred by not a few activities. Through Spiegel you can request my help and service in every matter.Concerning Herr Johann Minkwitz[JJ in brackets writes in Gk. Miggzon = great?]about whom you write in those covered and secretive words of implication, D. Martin and Philippus have ordered that I should write to you that you are playing completely with lack of knowledge and you should not disturb this matter rather Luther will deal with it in his own unique way. The man Minkwitz is great in many respects and is very useful to our own community and, Yes,to the public situations in all of Germany. Not all mistakes can at one time be improved and we hold that this man is not to be reckoned among the great crowds (of erring ?). However, we say this to you confidentially for several reasons: I advise you that before you do any sort of thing that you first in entirely confidential letters consult the advice of Luther and that these be delivered to me to put in his hand. You write that you now know of a Diaconat could be supported with 60 Gulden.
Herr Philippus and I will send a good and learned man; meanwhile, therefore I request of you, change nothing and wait for our letter. Last Friday [24 October] from the tenth hour of the night until the twelfth hour ( as Luther himself saw with many others standing by) there flew in all four parts and regions of the heavens, as he himself said, across the entire heavens thousand of fiery sparks not of the color of stars but sort of a flaming and a fiery color; he said that he had never, in all his life, seen the like and thinks it is not a natural occurence but I do not know what kind of play of the devil in the air which, neverthelss, signifies something great.Michael Stiefel is ( as one calls it )restricted by us, arrested by the hand of the Prince but not a prisoner in prison. He is taken out of his parish and punished in other ways. Around the garden of the ancient Kreppin,in the vicinity of the mother-in-law of Philippus, there was in the night,not far from this city, a horrible uproar as of armed riders and battlers and Philippus related this to me that he heard it from his mother-in-law and she heard it from her gardener who swore that it was not her imagination. Luther who is a despiser of the devil and since he has previously experienced such temptations says that all of these plays and deceptions are of the
devil who is against the Gospel intractably and through false frights would make us fearful because he cannot do it with any real weapons as God is protecting us. Yet one must pray for peace and the authorities and not have the audacity to deal in the matters of God. Luther is now writing a very useful and very strong siege-machine (Widder=machine for taking down walls)by which the Papacy as an iron wall may be destroyed,if it still exists:"Of the papal Consecration and the corner-or private Mass." There, he says, you will have advice on how to deal with the Abbot in Greunhain. Wicel is ridiculed by the sound and blessed people in Eisleben and despised by the common people and shamed by Graf Hoyer himself and has sadly turned within and likely for a long time troubled by his conscience for betraying the Gospel and so much in him is dead and worthy to be condemned. I will write against him if the opportunity arises and will deal with that mouth as it deserves since it is born to put forth filth which Satan puts in as a latrine and sewer (cacat). Cochlaeus is also such a sewer. Be it well with you, my dear Spalatin and write back to me whether the Visitors have kept the letter on the situation of Calixtus and others also. My twin Martin Jonas greets you and Kaethe Jonassin (Joniscula=Mrs. Jonas) and wants you to understand by her laughing that you should pray to God for her. Again, be it well with you. In haste. In Wittenberg on the Sunday after the 11,000 Virgins although that never happened. Anno 33. Justus Jonas,D.
If it should transpire that you have conversation with Doctor Benedict (Pauli), I request that you deal with this man in a friendly way who, without doubt, is great before God since He has visited him with a severe temptation.
NOTE: One wonders with the signs in the sky and around the cemetery whether some might have thought Stiefel was right after all in his prediction of the last day.
Sounds like JJ knows what ML wants and has learned some of his scatology. Is that a word? Was the laughing of Kaethe similar to the laughing of Sara, Isaac (he laughs) mother?
Think Kreppin is near Bitterfield?
For the personal attention of Herr Spalatin.
Grace and peace! Regarding your letter and the other two on supervision of the Visitation in Voigtland and Meissen which Herr Erasmus Spiegel brought along we have answered through the recent messenger answered who will look you up in Altenburg and I believe that you have received our letters. Spiegel could not, because of his many activities, extensively confer with me about the matter on that evening in which he delivered the writings and neither early (the next morning?) since he was going away and we had to meet together with D. Martin over the difficult matter with the Nuernbergers involving Osiander. I hope also that in your circumstances you found our opinion sufficient and pleasing. We gladly serve you but, as in the school where so many and so much run together we are deterred by not a few activities. Through Spiegel you can request my help and service in every matter.Concerning Herr Johann Minkwitz[JJ in brackets writes in Gk. Miggzon = great?]about whom you write in those covered and secretive words of implication, D. Martin and Philippus have ordered that I should write to you that you are playing completely with lack of knowledge and you should not disturb this matter rather Luther will deal with it in his own unique way. The man Minkwitz is great in many respects and is very useful to our own community and, Yes,to the public situations in all of Germany. Not all mistakes can at one time be improved and we hold that this man is not to be reckoned among the great crowds (of erring ?). However, we say this to you confidentially for several reasons: I advise you that before you do any sort of thing that you first in entirely confidential letters consult the advice of Luther and that these be delivered to me to put in his hand. You write that you now know of a Diaconat could be supported with 60 Gulden.
Herr Philippus and I will send a good and learned man; meanwhile, therefore I request of you, change nothing and wait for our letter. Last Friday [24 October] from the tenth hour of the night until the twelfth hour ( as Luther himself saw with many others standing by) there flew in all four parts and regions of the heavens, as he himself said, across the entire heavens thousand of fiery sparks not of the color of stars but sort of a flaming and a fiery color; he said that he had never, in all his life, seen the like and thinks it is not a natural occurence but I do not know what kind of play of the devil in the air which, neverthelss, signifies something great.Michael Stiefel is ( as one calls it )restricted by us, arrested by the hand of the Prince but not a prisoner in prison. He is taken out of his parish and punished in other ways. Around the garden of the ancient Kreppin,in the vicinity of the mother-in-law of Philippus, there was in the night,not far from this city, a horrible uproar as of armed riders and battlers and Philippus related this to me that he heard it from his mother-in-law and she heard it from her gardener who swore that it was not her imagination. Luther who is a despiser of the devil and since he has previously experienced such temptations says that all of these plays and deceptions are of the
devil who is against the Gospel intractably and through false frights would make us fearful because he cannot do it with any real weapons as God is protecting us. Yet one must pray for peace and the authorities and not have the audacity to deal in the matters of God. Luther is now writing a very useful and very strong siege-machine (Widder=machine for taking down walls)by which the Papacy as an iron wall may be destroyed,if it still exists:"Of the papal Consecration and the corner-or private Mass." There, he says, you will have advice on how to deal with the Abbot in Greunhain. Wicel is ridiculed by the sound and blessed people in Eisleben and despised by the common people and shamed by Graf Hoyer himself and has sadly turned within and likely for a long time troubled by his conscience for betraying the Gospel and so much in him is dead and worthy to be condemned. I will write against him if the opportunity arises and will deal with that mouth as it deserves since it is born to put forth filth which Satan puts in as a latrine and sewer (cacat). Cochlaeus is also such a sewer. Be it well with you, my dear Spalatin and write back to me whether the Visitors have kept the letter on the situation of Calixtus and others also. My twin Martin Jonas greets you and Kaethe Jonassin (Joniscula=Mrs. Jonas) and wants you to understand by her laughing that you should pray to God for her. Again, be it well with you. In haste. In Wittenberg on the Sunday after the 11,000 Virgins although that never happened. Anno 33. Justus Jonas,D.
If it should transpire that you have conversation with Doctor Benedict (Pauli), I request that you deal with this man in a friendly way who, without doubt, is great before God since He has visited him with a severe temptation.
NOTE: One wonders with the signs in the sky and around the cemetery whether some might have thought Stiefel was right after all in his prediction of the last day.
Sounds like JJ knows what ML wants and has learned some of his scatology. Is that a word? Was the laughing of Kaethe similar to the laughing of Sara, Isaac (he laughs) mother?
Think Kreppin is near Bitterfield?
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Michael Stiefel, inventor logarithms
Stifel [Styfel], Michael
1. Dates
Born: Esslingen, Germany, 1487
Died: Jena, 19 Apr 1567
Dateinfo: Birth Uncertain
Lifespan: 80
2. Father
Occupation: Unknown
His father was Conrad Stifel, about whom little is known except that he was respected but not particularly well-to-do.
No sufficiently solid information on financial status.
3. Nationality
Birth: Esslingen, Germany
Career: Holzdorf, Germany
Death: Jena, Germany
4. Education
Schooling: Wittenberg, M.A.
5. Religion
Affiliation: Catholic, Lutheran
He was a monk at the Augustinian monastery at Esslingen, where he was ordained a priest in 1511.
Reacting to the declining morality of the clergy and abuses regarding indulgences, he became an early follower of Luther and a Lutheran pastor.
6. Scientific Disciplines
Primary: Mathematics
7. Means of Support
Primary: Church Life
Secondary: Academia, Patronage
He began his career as a monk at the monastery at Esslingen. After arousing the suspicion of his superiors by granting absolution without receiving indulgence money and composing a song honoring Luther, he felt his life was in danger and he fled.
1522, he sought refuge first in the castle of the knight Hartmut von Kronberg, a friend of the Lutherans, in the Taunus mountains, but was soon forced to flee further.
He then travelled to Wittenberg, where Luther lodged him in his own house. In 1523, Luther obtained for him a post as pastor at the court of the Count of Mansfield. For some unknown reason he returned to Wittenberg in 1524.
1525, he became councillor, pastor and tutor at Castle Tollet in Upper Austria in the service of Dorothea Jörger and her son Christoph Jörger, until anti-Lutheran political and military pressure forced him to return to Luther.
1528, Luther procured for him a parish at Lochau (now Annaberg), accompanied him there, and married him to the widow of the incumbent. His parish was not particularly well- endowed, so Stifel tried to get the city council of Essingen, which had gone over to Protestantism in 1531-2 and seized the assets of the monastery, to release the holdings he had relinquished upon joining the order. There is no indication whether this attempt was successful. After falsely forecasting the end of the world, he was arrested and dismissed.
Through the intervention of Luther and Melanchton, he received a parish at Holzdorf in 1535. After he spent many peaceful years there, the Schmalkaldic war (1547) forced the townspeople and clergy to flee.
Stifel eventually ended up in Prussia (arriving there in 1549), where he found a position as pastor at Haberstroh, near Königsberg, in 1551. He also lectured on mathematics and theology at the University of Königsberg. At odds with some of his colleagues and urged on by his former parishoners, he returned to Saxony in 1554.
1554, his first post upon returning was as pastor at Brück, near Wittenberg.
1559, he went to Jena, where he lectured on arithmetic and geometry at the university. By 1559 he had given up his pastorate.
8. Patronage
Type: Eccesiastic Official
Martin Luther was clearly his most influential patron.
I have not uncovered any more details about his other patrons other than what I have listed above under "support."
9. Technological Involvement
Types: None Known
10. Scientific Societies
Memberships: None
Sources
M. Cantor, Allgemeine deutsche Biographie, 36, 208-16.
Joseph E. Hofmann, Michael Stifel (1487?-1567): Leben, Wirken, und Bedeutung für die Mathematik seiner Zeit [Sudhoffs Archiv, Beiheft 9] (Wiesbaden: Franz Steiner, 1968). [QA29.S797 H7]
Compiled by:
Richard S. Westfall
Department of History and Philosophy of Science
Indiana
1. Dates
Born: Esslingen, Germany, 1487
Died: Jena, 19 Apr 1567
Dateinfo: Birth Uncertain
Lifespan: 80
2. Father
Occupation: Unknown
His father was Conrad Stifel, about whom little is known except that he was respected but not particularly well-to-do.
No sufficiently solid information on financial status.
3. Nationality
Birth: Esslingen, Germany
Career: Holzdorf, Germany
Death: Jena, Germany
4. Education
Schooling: Wittenberg, M.A.
5. Religion
Affiliation: Catholic, Lutheran
He was a monk at the Augustinian monastery at Esslingen, where he was ordained a priest in 1511.
Reacting to the declining morality of the clergy and abuses regarding indulgences, he became an early follower of Luther and a Lutheran pastor.
6. Scientific Disciplines
Primary: Mathematics
7. Means of Support
Primary: Church Life
Secondary: Academia, Patronage
He began his career as a monk at the monastery at Esslingen. After arousing the suspicion of his superiors by granting absolution without receiving indulgence money and composing a song honoring Luther, he felt his life was in danger and he fled.
1522, he sought refuge first in the castle of the knight Hartmut von Kronberg, a friend of the Lutherans, in the Taunus mountains, but was soon forced to flee further.
He then travelled to Wittenberg, where Luther lodged him in his own house. In 1523, Luther obtained for him a post as pastor at the court of the Count of Mansfield. For some unknown reason he returned to Wittenberg in 1524.
1525, he became councillor, pastor and tutor at Castle Tollet in Upper Austria in the service of Dorothea Jörger and her son Christoph Jörger, until anti-Lutheran political and military pressure forced him to return to Luther.
1528, Luther procured for him a parish at Lochau (now Annaberg), accompanied him there, and married him to the widow of the incumbent. His parish was not particularly well- endowed, so Stifel tried to get the city council of Essingen, which had gone over to Protestantism in 1531-2 and seized the assets of the monastery, to release the holdings he had relinquished upon joining the order. There is no indication whether this attempt was successful. After falsely forecasting the end of the world, he was arrested and dismissed.
Through the intervention of Luther and Melanchton, he received a parish at Holzdorf in 1535. After he spent many peaceful years there, the Schmalkaldic war (1547) forced the townspeople and clergy to flee.
Stifel eventually ended up in Prussia (arriving there in 1549), where he found a position as pastor at Haberstroh, near Königsberg, in 1551. He also lectured on mathematics and theology at the University of Königsberg. At odds with some of his colleagues and urged on by his former parishoners, he returned to Saxony in 1554.
1554, his first post upon returning was as pastor at Brück, near Wittenberg.
1559, he went to Jena, where he lectured on arithmetic and geometry at the university. By 1559 he had given up his pastorate.
8. Patronage
Type: Eccesiastic Official
Martin Luther was clearly his most influential patron.
I have not uncovered any more details about his other patrons other than what I have listed above under "support."
9. Technological Involvement
Types: None Known
10. Scientific Societies
Memberships: None
Sources
M. Cantor, Allgemeine deutsche Biographie, 36, 208-16.
Joseph E. Hofmann, Michael Stifel (1487?-1567): Leben, Wirken, und Bedeutung für die Mathematik seiner Zeit [Sudhoffs Archiv, Beiheft 9] (Wiesbaden: Franz Steiner, 1968). [QA29.S797 H7]
Compiled by:
Richard S. Westfall
Department of History and Philosophy of Science
Indiana
#2013-To Frau Dorothea Joerger
Grace and peace in Christ. Noble, virtuous woman! I submit for your knowledge that on your account the 500 Gulden in coarse coins have arrived through Wolfgang Seledener at Leipzig and from there procured here at Wittenberg through George Kirmeyer and according to your request and desire will be distributed without forgetting Mr. Andreas (Huegel); already I have, with the advice of lords and friends, ordered one hundred distributed. The same good lords and friends have well proposed that the other four hundred should gather interest and with that two stipends set up that might help two students every three years; however, I have replied that it is your will, made plain by letter, that they should be handed out. They have requested that I should once more write to you whether your will is fixed that such money be immediately put in the hands of students to share who are studying the Holy Scriptures or better, as they see it, whether it should be set up as a perpetual help to provide for two students. I have written to you before about your determination and yet once more request that your write what your will is; then I will faithfully execute it. Meanwhile the four hundred should lie idle until I secure your answer so that I do not disrespect the request of the good lords. Herewith, may God protect you with all of yours and your faithful work be pleasing to Him to His praise and glory,Amen. Sir Michel (Stiefel) is being slightly tempted but it should not harm him but rather, praise God, be benficial to him. On 24 October 1533.D. Martinus Luther.
RECEIPT
I, Martinus Luther, D. and Preacher in Wittenberg, with this my handwriting, acknowledge that here in my residence in Wittenberg 500 fl. has been turned over to me for the sake of Frau Dorothea Joerger, widow, in coarse good coin to be shared with poor students of the Holy Scripture according to her written request. Such money was entrusted to me by Georg Fonwibler, citizen in Leipzig, Andreas Kirmeyer, servant of Nuernberg. This is happening on 24 October 1533. Attested by my usual seal affixed below.
NOTE: How would you like to have a letter with a Luther seal?
Stiefel is going to have no little harm due his prediction of the Last Day which is soon to turn out be a miscalculation. Widow Joerger helped Michael with shelter, I believe, when he was surrounded by hostile Papists in Bavaria. But check that one out.
RECEIPT
I, Martinus Luther, D. and Preacher in Wittenberg, with this my handwriting, acknowledge that here in my residence in Wittenberg 500 fl. has been turned over to me for the sake of Frau Dorothea Joerger, widow, in coarse good coin to be shared with poor students of the Holy Scripture according to her written request. Such money was entrusted to me by Georg Fonwibler, citizen in Leipzig, Andreas Kirmeyer, servant of Nuernberg. This is happening on 24 October 1533. Attested by my usual seal affixed below.
NOTE: How would you like to have a letter with a Luther seal?
Stiefel is going to have no little harm due his prediction of the Last Day which is soon to turn out be a miscalculation. Widow Joerger helped Michael with shelter, I believe, when he was surrounded by hostile Papists in Bavaria. But check that one out.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Ursula and Companions
Ursula and the 11,000 Virgins of Cologne (RM)
A group of virgins who were martyred at Cologne, Germany, perhaps under Diocletian in the 4th c. Their number probably 11 rather than 11,000, an exaggeration due to a misreading of Roman numerals and letters (Encyclopedia), or because of later events. During the 12th century a pious romance was preposterously elaborated through the mistakes of imaginative visionaries; a public burial ground uncovered at Cologne was taken to be the grave of the martyrs, false relics came into circulation, and forged epitaphs of non- existent persons were produced (Attwater).
There are two forms of the legend: one in Cologne and another Gallic. The legend says that Ursula was the daughter of a Christian king of Britain, who was granted a three-year postponement of a marriage she did not wish to a pagan prince, set sail with 10 companions in 11 ships. Each of her companions travelled with 1,000 maid-servants. They sailed to Cologne and then along the Rhein to Basel. At Basel they moored their ships and crossed the Alps in order to visit Rome. Ursula decided to lead her companions back to Cologne. There the leader of the Huns fell in love with her, was spurned, and massacred both the British princess and her 11,000 companions.
A group of virgins who were martyred at Cologne, Germany, perhaps under Diocletian in the 4th c. Their number probably 11 rather than 11,000, an exaggeration due to a misreading of Roman numerals and letters (Encyclopedia), or because of later events. During the 12th century a pious romance was preposterously elaborated through the mistakes of imaginative visionaries; a public burial ground uncovered at Cologne was taken to be the grave of the martyrs, false relics came into circulation, and forged epitaphs of non- existent persons were produced (Attwater).
There are two forms of the legend: one in Cologne and another Gallic. The legend says that Ursula was the daughter of a Christian king of Britain, who was granted a three-year postponement of a marriage she did not wish to a pagan prince, set sail with 10 companions in 11 ships. Each of her companions travelled with 1,000 maid-servants. They sailed to Cologne and then along the Rhein to Basel. At Basel they moored their ships and crossed the Alps in order to visit Rome. Ursula decided to lead her companions back to Cologne. There the leader of the Huns fell in love with her, was spurned, and massacred both the British princess and her 11,000 companions.
#2012-To Johann Agricola
To Herr Johann Agricola, Servant of Christ.
Grace and peace in Christ! Finally, my dear Agricola, you have a fine opponent. This man Wicel gives the impression, to say nothing of what his words and writings indicate, to be completely put together with lies and empty show and truly lost and despairing as he always was when he was with us although it was covered up and completely hypocritical. You (of this I am confident)will so deal in the matter of the Gospel that you will consider this viper as not yet born (not merely dead). What he holds and teaches is all too much nothing and entirely unworthy that anyone who is experienced in our doctrine should be agitated. He will fall by himself if ours (doctrine) is clearly and richly taught. The essence is of the sort that it cannot easily be taught or understood and it is neither understood by himself or by those like him. The LOrd be with you and your wine-stock and your grapes. My lord Kaethe greets you and yours. Greet respectfully Herr Doctor Caspar (Huettel)and all of ours.1533 midweek after the Eleven Thousand Virgins (22 October). Your Martin Luther.
NOTES: Graf Hoyer of Mansfeld had place Georg Wicel as pastor of St.Andrews.
The saints' day of the 11,000 or was it 1100 or 11? has been explained in correspondence of previous Octobers but see the following above.
Grace and peace in Christ! Finally, my dear Agricola, you have a fine opponent. This man Wicel gives the impression, to say nothing of what his words and writings indicate, to be completely put together with lies and empty show and truly lost and despairing as he always was when he was with us although it was covered up and completely hypocritical. You (of this I am confident)will so deal in the matter of the Gospel that you will consider this viper as not yet born (not merely dead). What he holds and teaches is all too much nothing and entirely unworthy that anyone who is experienced in our doctrine should be agitated. He will fall by himself if ours (doctrine) is clearly and richly taught. The essence is of the sort that it cannot easily be taught or understood and it is neither understood by himself or by those like him. The LOrd be with you and your wine-stock and your grapes. My lord Kaethe greets you and yours. Greet respectfully Herr Doctor Caspar (Huettel)and all of ours.1533 midweek after the Eleven Thousand Virgins (22 October). Your Martin Luther.
NOTES: Graf Hoyer of Mansfeld had place Georg Wicel as pastor of St.Andrews.
The saints' day of the 11,000 or was it 1100 or 11? has been explained in correspondence of previous Octobers but see the following above.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
#2011-The Nuernberg Council to ML et al
To Herr Martin Luther and Justus Jonas,Probst,both Doctors,Johann Bugenhagen, called Pomer (Bomer),Philipp Melanchton and Caspar Cruciger theologians in Wittenberg, together and individually.
Worthy and Scholarly etc.! Our city messenger, whom we in the hovering division concerning the general absolution, had with your W.(your Wisdom) in Wittenberg recently has sent the writings containing the recommendation and instruction of Your W. which are Christian and according to God's Word and we have heard them read with joy and therein perceived your honorable and peaceful disposition toward us, our church, generally toward our city. We are earnestly thankful for Your Worthiness, individually and together, and faithfully pray that the Almighty, who has ordained Your W. as teachers and elders of His divine Word for others of the Christian household would keep all in enduring health and graciously preserve all for the good. And since not only in this matter but in other pending necessities of our churches previously you have given through your writings and recommendations willing and faithful counsel and so that you E.W. may perceive our due thankfulfness and acknowledgement of the same we have ordered the Council's friend Siegmund Fuerer to compensate E.W. with one-hundred Joachim-thaler on our behalf. These, we plead in a friendly way, that Your W. would receive as well-intended by us and also that we are earnestly, with our churches, taking up your Christian counsel and instruction with petition to God as we were inclined to do especially. Thus we want to be deserving of Your W.'s attentions also in this matter of divisivness that E.W. would perceive our inclination to Christian harmony and well-being of our churches and recognize it without doubt by our efforts.Dated on Monday October 20th Anno 1533.
Worthy and Scholarly etc.! Our city messenger, whom we in the hovering division concerning the general absolution, had with your W.(your Wisdom) in Wittenberg recently has sent the writings containing the recommendation and instruction of Your W. which are Christian and according to God's Word and we have heard them read with joy and therein perceived your honorable and peaceful disposition toward us, our church, generally toward our city. We are earnestly thankful for Your Worthiness, individually and together, and faithfully pray that the Almighty, who has ordained Your W. as teachers and elders of His divine Word for others of the Christian household would keep all in enduring health and graciously preserve all for the good. And since not only in this matter but in other pending necessities of our churches previously you have given through your writings and recommendations willing and faithful counsel and so that you E.W. may perceive our due thankfulfness and acknowledgement of the same we have ordered the Council's friend Siegmund Fuerer to compensate E.W. with one-hundred Joachim-thaler on our behalf. These, we plead in a friendly way, that Your W. would receive as well-intended by us and also that we are earnestly, with our churches, taking up your Christian counsel and instruction with petition to God as we were inclined to do especially. Thus we want to be deserving of Your W.'s attentions also in this matter of divisivness that E.W. would perceive our inclination to Christian harmony and well-being of our churches and recognize it without doubt by our efforts.Dated on Monday October 20th Anno 1533.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
#2010-The Council in Augsburg to Luther
To the worthy and scholarly Herr Martin Luther, Doctor of the Holy Scriptures, we the Counselors of the city of Augsburg, convey, to begin with,our friendly and willing service. Your writings concerning our preachers of the dates of August 8 and the one following on the second of September we have perused all the contents and delivered them to our preachers who have thereupon given an answer which we have included herein in a verified writing herein so that we would keep nothing from you so as to demonstrate our friendly inclinations and to prove that we are ready and willing. Dated onthe 16th of October Anno 1533.
Note: I see a letter of ML to the Council in Augsburg dated 8 August in Vol. XVII,p.2033 but see none in September. As you know I'm not much venturing in volumes other than XXIa and XXIb so far.
Note: I see a letter of ML to the Council in Augsburg dated 8 August in Vol. XVII,p.2033 but see none in September. As you know I'm not much venturing in volumes other than XXIa and XXIb so far.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
#2009-To Nicholaus Hausmann
To the, in Christ, higly-honorable man, Herr M. Nicolaus Hausmann, the very faithful servant of the Word in Dessau, his, in the LOrd, very dear brother.
Grace and peace in Christ! I have written to your princes, worthy man and very dear brother in the LOrd. I hear that those Cyclops have come to your city, those who are at enmity with us and our Gospel. What they advise and deal with you can easily trace namely that Erfurt is inciting these movements. May the LOrd make to nothing these onslaughts of the godless and may it be the will of our Father in heaven as well as on the earth,Amen. For the rest I hope that these tyrants will be neither worthy of your greeting or address. Yet you could the other two, the one called a Nullus (nobody) and the other a Nemo (no one) could easily make an acknoledged greeting if they are somewhat worthy or regard and speaking to. You be a strong man and if the opportunity arises answer them briefly with sincere words despising in the same these Goliaths valiantly with the upright courage of Christ because it is written that if they do not desist they will become a foot-stool of the LOrd.Christ laughs at their rage; we suffer but also laugh about it. Take them on with composed temperment and steady eyes as puffed ones (if they wanted to say something) and think you are speaking with those whom are our LOrd Jesus very much despises and over whom He will put us on the Last Day to judge. So then you will cast away their ostentation and great (sesquipedalia=one and a half foot long) words from you with which they strut about at this moment and which they blow out against us who will be their lords and judges in eternity. The LOrd strengthen and glorify you through His Name as He has begun unto the End, Amen. We pray for you against those and will pray for you, doubt it not. Although it is Christ Who will preserve His Word; we are without anxiety, He cares for us. My lord Kaethe and all of ours greet you respectfully. There is no news outside of that one says that ours in Erfurt are not holding Mass. Thus is the sovereignty of the Centaurs who consider more their inclinations than the advantage of their Princes. Let us pray, let us pray. Be it well with you in Christ. On the day before St. Gallus (15 Oct.) 1533. Your Martin Luther.
NOTE: Sounds like ML is confident
Grace and peace in Christ! I have written to your princes, worthy man and very dear brother in the LOrd. I hear that those Cyclops have come to your city, those who are at enmity with us and our Gospel. What they advise and deal with you can easily trace namely that Erfurt is inciting these movements. May the LOrd make to nothing these onslaughts of the godless and may it be the will of our Father in heaven as well as on the earth,Amen. For the rest I hope that these tyrants will be neither worthy of your greeting or address. Yet you could the other two, the one called a Nullus (nobody) and the other a Nemo (no one) could easily make an acknoledged greeting if they are somewhat worthy or regard and speaking to. You be a strong man and if the opportunity arises answer them briefly with sincere words despising in the same these Goliaths valiantly with the upright courage of Christ because it is written that if they do not desist they will become a foot-stool of the LOrd.Christ laughs at their rage; we suffer but also laugh about it. Take them on with composed temperment and steady eyes as puffed ones (if they wanted to say something) and think you are speaking with those whom are our LOrd Jesus very much despises and over whom He will put us on the Last Day to judge. So then you will cast away their ostentation and great (sesquipedalia=one and a half foot long) words from you with which they strut about at this moment and which they blow out against us who will be their lords and judges in eternity. The LOrd strengthen and glorify you through His Name as He has begun unto the End, Amen. We pray for you against those and will pray for you, doubt it not. Although it is Christ Who will preserve His Word; we are without anxiety, He cares for us. My lord Kaethe and all of ours greet you respectfully. There is no news outside of that one says that ours in Erfurt are not holding Mass. Thus is the sovereignty of the Centaurs who consider more their inclinations than the advantage of their Princes. Let us pray, let us pray. Be it well with you in Christ. On the day before St. Gallus (15 Oct.) 1533. Your Martin Luther.
NOTE: Sounds like ML is confident
Friday, November 03, 2006
Founded in 612, the monastery of St. Gall was named after the Irish saint, St. Gallus. It remained an abbey until the early 1800s, when portions of it were sectioned off to house the bishop and the rest of the diocese. Through the centuries, the monastery survived uprisings of the townspeople, attacks from the Huns, and several fires. In the year 937 A.D., when threatened by the Huns, much St. Gall's library's manuscripts were moved to the neighboring abbey of Riechneau. However, some were restored years later, and the abbey's current library contains 30,000 documents.
The monastery's founder, St. Gallus, originally came to Switzerland as part of St. Columbanus missionary retinue. During his stay he became ill, and was forced to remain behind while St. Columbanus went on to Italy. After his recovery he remained in the region, and for his services, was given a plot of land in Arbon upon which he was permitted to create a monastery. The abbey as it stands today, was erected on the plot of land where he spent his last days of life.
Having withstood the test of time, St. Gall's library is famous for several important surviving documents: "Antiphonale Missarum", "Antiphonarium Sti. Gregorii", and a copy of St. Benedictus Rule. The monastery was also home to several historically important monks, one of whom was Notker the Stammerer. Notker is given credit for writing a biography of Charlemagne as well as the partial creation
The monastery's founder, St. Gallus, originally came to Switzerland as part of St. Columbanus missionary retinue. During his stay he became ill, and was forced to remain behind while St. Columbanus went on to Italy. After his recovery he remained in the region, and for his services, was given a plot of land in Arbon upon which he was permitted to create a monastery. The abbey as it stands today, was erected on the plot of land where he spent his last days of life.
Having withstood the test of time, St. Gall's library is famous for several important surviving documents: "Antiphonale Missarum", "Antiphonarium Sti. Gregorii", and a copy of St. Benedictus Rule. The monastery was also home to several historically important monks, one of whom was Notker the Stammerer. Notker is given credit for writing a biography of Charlemagne as well as the partial creation
#2008-To Johann and Joachim, Princes of Anhalt
Grace and peace in Christ. Illustrious Princes and gracious Lords! We hear here that until Sunday (19 October) that the Cardinal (Albrecht, Archbishop of Mainz), Markgraf
Hans (Elector Joachim of Brandenburg-brother of Albrecht), Georg (Duke of ducal Saxony) are entering Dessau for a day's performance. We can well think that they will not cease to set upon E.F.G. with words on account of the Gospel and have concern thereto about temptations for E.F.G. and heartily and faithfull pray and call upon our LOrd and Savior that He would strengthen E.F.G. and preserve them in His Word and the work begun in them. Beyond that we do not know further how to fight such heads since they do not to either see or hear. However, E.F.G. can do little to protect my name from being looked down upon by the Council since it is referred to everywhere in the world; others utter my name and say: We do not hear Luther. But your parish-lord (Hausmann) is a well-bred man and nothing can be brought against him. Yet, no one can guess how the talks will be received and it is best to let it be as Christ says: (Luke 21:14ff.) "Do not be concerned what you should say when you stand before Princes and Lords. I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your opponents cannot stand against." Although such obdurate hearts are not worthy that one should say much to them as Solomon says: Where there is no listening, don't put forth the word; and Christ (Matthew 7:6): "You should not give holy things to dogs." Therefore a brief answer is preferred above the rest; that is the answer for them. E.F.G. graciously regard my answer as for the best. Christ grant E.F.G. His Spirit of wisdom and all consolation,Amen. Mid-week on the evening of St. Gallus (15 October) 1533.
NOTE: No signature but ML talks about his name "Luther" in the body of the letter.
The Princes visiting are the Catholic heavy-weights.
Hans (Elector Joachim of Brandenburg-brother of Albrecht), Georg (Duke of ducal Saxony) are entering Dessau for a day's performance. We can well think that they will not cease to set upon E.F.G. with words on account of the Gospel and have concern thereto about temptations for E.F.G. and heartily and faithfull pray and call upon our LOrd and Savior that He would strengthen E.F.G. and preserve them in His Word and the work begun in them. Beyond that we do not know further how to fight such heads since they do not to either see or hear. However, E.F.G. can do little to protect my name from being looked down upon by the Council since it is referred to everywhere in the world; others utter my name and say: We do not hear Luther. But your parish-lord (Hausmann) is a well-bred man and nothing can be brought against him. Yet, no one can guess how the talks will be received and it is best to let it be as Christ says: (Luke 21:14ff.) "Do not be concerned what you should say when you stand before Princes and Lords. I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your opponents cannot stand against." Although such obdurate hearts are not worthy that one should say much to them as Solomon says: Where there is no listening, don't put forth the word; and Christ (Matthew 7:6): "You should not give holy things to dogs." Therefore a brief answer is preferred above the rest; that is the answer for them. E.F.G. graciously regard my answer as for the best. Christ grant E.F.G. His Spirit of wisdom and all consolation,Amen. Mid-week on the evening of St. Gallus (15 October) 1533.
NOTE: No signature but ML talks about his name "Luther" in the body of the letter.
The Princes visiting are the Catholic heavy-weights.
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