#2060-To Christian Beier-Saxon Electoral Chancellor
Grace and peace in Christ. Respected,celebrated, dear Herr Doctor,Chancellor and God-father! Ambrosius of Utenhofen has appealed on the basis of this
writing etc. Because he has so many witnesses and handwritten (letters?) from parish-pastors, whom one must believe,and he is known to me personally, and is earnest in faith,as this same detailed list witnesses and reports, I request please that grace be given by our most gracious Lord (the Elector of Saxony) so that he comes to peace withine himself and that he not be consumed with sadness and thoughts from Satan (which the weak are often afflicted with), which he is not able to bear. I see that he is being tempted and for this reason the grieving should not have additional sorrow and so that we are burdened with another's guilt. You will do, I do not doubt, that which pleases God and the conscience. Christ be with you,Amen. On the Wednesday after Medardus (10 June) 1534. Respected Lord (T[uae] d[domintatis],Your Martin Luther,D.
NOTES: Ambrosius was banned from his office in Weida by the Elector and not come within 5 mi. of the Saxon border because he was accused of not accepting the new doctrine. The results of his appeal via ML are not known.
For Medardus ,sixth century French saint, whose death day is June 8 see below.
Posted by: Don / Monday, February 26, 2007 0 comments
Monday, February 26, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
#2058-To Otto von Pack, Official in Torgau
To the noble and valiant Herr Otto of Pack, Official in Torgau.
Grace and peace through Christ. Noble,Valiant, dear Lord and Friend! I am ready to offer to you my willing service. This man, bearer of the letter, Micahel Reiner ,who has come to me here in Wittenberg ,who has complained to me of his need which weighs heavily upon his neck, and has requested me to petition you which I do not know how to refuse in Christian sympathy because his weak wife and small child cannot be cared for if you do not help him to his just property. It is quite believable if letters and seal would be sufficient to protect him; he wants nothing unjustly and is a good Christian man whom the authority could and should help. Please for my sake and the poor man have mercy on him as I have mercy on him and work earnestly that what is right is given to him and that sorrow of his heart be not on your conscience. The jurists do not push the thing forward and do not see the miserable situation in which the poor people are stuck who must look to you for justice. I have indicated this to you so that it would not be necessary that this complaint is made to U.G.H.( Our gracious Lord?).Herewith be commended to the dear God. Dated on the Tuesday after Trinity (2 June) 1534. Martin Luther,D.
Grace and peace through Christ. Noble,Valiant, dear Lord and Friend! I am ready to offer to you my willing service. This man, bearer of the letter, Micahel Reiner ,who has come to me here in Wittenberg ,who has complained to me of his need which weighs heavily upon his neck, and has requested me to petition you which I do not know how to refuse in Christian sympathy because his weak wife and small child cannot be cared for if you do not help him to his just property. It is quite believable if letters and seal would be sufficient to protect him; he wants nothing unjustly and is a good Christian man whom the authority could and should help. Please for my sake and the poor man have mercy on him as I have mercy on him and work earnestly that what is right is given to him and that sorrow of his heart be not on your conscience. The jurists do not push the thing forward and do not see the miserable situation in which the poor people are stuck who must look to you for justice. I have indicated this to you so that it would not be necessary that this complaint is made to U.G.H.( Our gracious Lord?).Herewith be commended to the dear God. Dated on the Tuesday after Trinity (2 June) 1534. Martin Luther,D.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
#2054-To Justus Jonas
D.Mart. Luther to his friend in the LOrd,Justus Jonas.
Grace and peace in Christ. My German pamphlet on the consecration and the Papal holding of Masses, as I hear from many, our (as one says) gracious lord papists has insulted very much, although my purpose in writing it was to strengthen ours more than it should make them angry. Nevertheless I rejoice that it makes them angry because we know that nothing is more insulting to them than the truth. Therefore as this matter verifies that the book is the truth since it very much displeases these raging and unparalled artists in lies and slander. And I hope that this will give rise to the opportunity for them more lie and slander than they had at the Diet of Augsburg where their completely unclean lies were publicly brought forth so that they,being convicted of slander, were forced to confess that our doctrine is that of the Holy Scriptures. Therefore they will gather new lies so that they may bring them forth at this time to be dispelled. You, however, my dear Jonas, will do good if you will translate this book. so hated by the kingdom of Satan but necessary for our brethren, into Latin so that it will be beneficial to as many as possible. Then we will immediately go on to publish more of that sort of thing. Be it well with you. However, be mindful of my rule that accordingly I have asked you that you put forth my opinion in a free way.
Grace and peace in Christ. My German pamphlet on the consecration and the Papal holding of Masses, as I hear from many, our (as one says) gracious lord papists has insulted very much, although my purpose in writing it was to strengthen ours more than it should make them angry. Nevertheless I rejoice that it makes them angry because we know that nothing is more insulting to them than the truth. Therefore as this matter verifies that the book is the truth since it very much displeases these raging and unparalled artists in lies and slander. And I hope that this will give rise to the opportunity for them more lie and slander than they had at the Diet of Augsburg where their completely unclean lies were publicly brought forth so that they,being convicted of slander, were forced to confess that our doctrine is that of the Holy Scriptures. Therefore they will gather new lies so that they may bring them forth at this time to be dispelled. You, however, my dear Jonas, will do good if you will translate this book. so hated by the kingdom of Satan but necessary for our brethren, into Latin so that it will be beneficial to as many as possible. Then we will immediately go on to publish more of that sort of thing. Be it well with you. However, be mindful of my rule that accordingly I have asked you that you put forth my opinion in a free way.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Intention Masses
Answer
Sure, Mike: masses can be offered for specific purposes--for example, a good harvest or protection from a storm or for peace in the world--or individuals, either living or dead--someone's deceased parent or child or spouse, for example. Most masses, in fact, fit in this category. People can ask that a mass be said for any of these purposes. Usually this involves a stipend (a small payment) for the remembrance.
This is what the "mass intention" is; it's who or what is being especially remembered in that particular mass.
Hope this helps you out.
Deacon
Sure, Mike: masses can be offered for specific purposes--for example, a good harvest or protection from a storm or for peace in the world--or individuals, either living or dead--someone's deceased parent or child or spouse, for example. Most masses, in fact, fit in this category. People can ask that a mass be said for any of these purposes. Usually this involves a stipend (a small payment) for the remembrance.
This is what the "mass intention" is; it's who or what is being especially remembered in that particular mass.
Hope this helps you out.
Deacon
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Letter to Leo X on Treatise on Liberty 1519
FA498 The clear presentation of the thought of the liberty of a Christian man occurs at the close of the Tessaradecas. In the Babylonian Captivity Luther had promised to publish a treatise on the subject after he had seen the effect of that treatise. But the promise to send a treatise to the pope gave him an earlier opportunity, so that barely a month and a half intervened between the publication of the Captivity, October 6th, and that of the Liberty, middle of November. The German, although a translation in part and in part an abbreviation and rewriting of the Latin, appeared first, before November 16th. The publisher, seeing his opportunity, had, however, issued the Letter to the Pope in German separately before November 4th, FA501 so that a new dedicatory letter, addressed to Hieronymus Mulphordt (Muhlpfort), of Zwickau, was prefixed to the German edition
#2053-To Leonhard Beier in Zwickau
Grace and peace in Christ!My dear brother, Leonhard, I trust your appeal and your witness about your co-worker,Stanislaus, and thus easily pardon. I hope that he will not deceive either you or me. However, I reserve being reconciled to the Muhlpfortische sect, not as though they cannot go to heaven without me,as Christ wants, but because I cannot burden my conscience with their security, although Christ,apart from and without me, can do everything (over which I rejoice). Yet because as you yourself know I have been insulted and I cannot bear the sins of those who do not think they are sins.
Do not be concerned about my book. I have written about the private-masses against the Papist, rather against the abomination, not against ours. Who can anticipate every slander? I have wanted nothing less than that the Papists should be defended by my book. There would be no end if one should try to answer every single word. Whoever is not looking for a brief summary (summam) or is not troubled by the matter (what one calls "Intention") I could not suffice by any book. Be it well with you and pray for me. 1534. Monday after Cantate.94 May). Your Martin Luther.
NOTE: Sebastian is Sebastian Hofmann.
Do not be concerned about my book. I have written about the private-masses against the Papist, rather against the abomination, not against ours. Who can anticipate every slander? I have wanted nothing less than that the Papists should be defended by my book. There would be no end if one should try to answer every single word. Whoever is not looking for a brief summary (summam) or is not troubled by the matter (what one calls "Intention") I could not suffice by any book. Be it well with you and pray for me. 1534. Monday after Cantate.94 May). Your Martin Luther.
NOTE: Sebastian is Sebastian Hofmann.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
#2051-To Frau Dorothea Joerger
Grace and peace in Christ. Honorable, virtuous Frau! I advise for your knowledge that, praise God, your alms have been very well invested and helped many poor so that I do not doubt that God Who inspired you to do the same in order that He publicly might demonstrate that He is well please with a dear thankoffering in that you confess and value the grace which He has given you through His dear Son Jesus Christ. God strengthen you in firm faith and continue the work which He has begun blessedly, Amen. I myself had not known and would not have believed that in this little city and poor school so many pious and talented fellows there are who throughout the year were nourished by bread and water and suffered frost and cold that they might study the Holy Scriptures and God's Word and for whom your alms have begun a great object of praise and revival. I have already dispersed over half of it and writings initialed have been received show that it is from upright fellow and not dissolute boobs. This I did not want to keep from you so that you might know how it goes and stands with your money. To Andreas I have give the most over others once 10 Fl. and then again 10 Fl; among others 2,3,and 4 Fl. with the advice of good friends and all are happy and thankful. For recognition is sent this enclosed pamphlet done by Michel Stiefel whom I have given 10 Fl. since he is without a parish
and he greets you very much. Christ be with you and all of yours, Amen. On the Monday after Jubilate [27 April] 1534. Martinus Luther,D.
NOTE: It's Stiefel's own fault for predicting the end of the world many years too soon.
and he greets you very much. Christ be with you and all of yours, Amen. On the Monday after Jubilate [27 April] 1534. Martinus Luther,D.
NOTE: It's Stiefel's own fault for predicting the end of the world many years too soon.
Monday, February 12, 2007
#2050-To Justus Menius in Eisenach
To the highly-honorable brother in Christ, Justus Menius, the very faithful servant of the Church in Eisenach etc.
Grace and peace in Christ! Here you have the letter of the most gracious Prince,my dear Justus, as a totally reliable witness about the income for the priestly-position at the Wartburg by which you are to direct the commander and the treasurer. You also send yourself that you come (as you write) with heavy money in your right hand and you will be a very welcome guest, perhaps not because of the money but because we wish to see and hear you in Christ mainly because this time is oppressed with corrupt sects so that hardly few of us can find in this last time those who love the brothers. Come, therefore, and the LOrd be with you,Amen. 1534 on the Thursday after Quasimodogenite [16 April]. Your Martin Luther.
NOTE:See #2041 for the grant the Prince is giving to Hieronymous Weller studying at Wittenberg from the income at the Wartburg Chapel where earlier ML spent 300 days in disquise as a knight and translated the NT.
Eisenach-Eisleben is ML's old stamping grounds so he's being very familiar with Justus. While very friendly ML probably knows that it will be hard for any of the Wartburg officials to give any money to Wittenberg. MY opinion.
Grace and peace in Christ! Here you have the letter of the most gracious Prince,my dear Justus, as a totally reliable witness about the income for the priestly-position at the Wartburg by which you are to direct the commander and the treasurer. You also send yourself that you come (as you write) with heavy money in your right hand and you will be a very welcome guest, perhaps not because of the money but because we wish to see and hear you in Christ mainly because this time is oppressed with corrupt sects so that hardly few of us can find in this last time those who love the brothers. Come, therefore, and the LOrd be with you,Amen. 1534 on the Thursday after Quasimodogenite [16 April]. Your Martin Luther.
NOTE:See #2041 for the grant the Prince is giving to Hieronymous Weller studying at Wittenberg from the income at the Wartburg Chapel where earlier ML spent 300 days in disquise as a knight and translated the NT.
Eisenach-Eisleben is ML's old stamping grounds so he's being very familiar with Justus. While very friendly ML probably knows that it will be hard for any of the Wartburg officials to give any money to Wittenberg. MY opinion.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
#2049-To Nicolaus Hausmann in Dessau
To the, in Christ, highly-honorable man, Herr Nicolaus Hausmann, the servant of Christ in Dessau, his very dear brother.
Grace and peace in Christ! I have, worthy friend, this man, as you have written, assented to discussion, as he will report to you [I said to him]]: if this matter is of such great import that you should write about the same there have been many enemies and opponents who have burdened me with discussions who afterward have spoken and done badly toward me.
On the damage (compensation) of Sebastian it is true that he has requested that I should admonish you; however because I am certain that he has a plenty and you suffer dearth, I did not want to burden you and I do want to do so yet. I will say or write to him that he should have patience with you since he is so rich and I am confident that he will do so.
We are sitting here in danger every hour from arsonists and this matter will be carried out under other masks (the trustworthiness of which I venture to swear) by this man, the insturment of Satan, the Markgraf Joachin. God is likely summoning him to his ruin, or it may be an occasion for war if he (may God prevent it) should again send arsonists.
We have heard that the Bishop of Halle is raging although he has not yet carried everything out. He is one colleague to whom the brother is not dissimilar. Christ suddenly come upon this Epicurean. This I pray and want; may it happen,Amen. Be it well with you in the LOrd and pray for me. 1534 on the Quasimodogeniti Sunday [12 April]. Your Martin Luther.
Grace and peace in Christ! I have, worthy friend, this man, as you have written, assented to discussion, as he will report to you [I said to him]]: if this matter is of such great import that you should write about the same there have been many enemies and opponents who have burdened me with discussions who afterward have spoken and done badly toward me.
On the damage (compensation) of Sebastian it is true that he has requested that I should admonish you; however because I am certain that he has a plenty and you suffer dearth, I did not want to burden you and I do want to do so yet. I will say or write to him that he should have patience with you since he is so rich and I am confident that he will do so.
We are sitting here in danger every hour from arsonists and this matter will be carried out under other masks (the trustworthiness of which I venture to swear) by this man, the insturment of Satan, the Markgraf Joachin. God is likely summoning him to his ruin, or it may be an occasion for war if he (may God prevent it) should again send arsonists.
We have heard that the Bishop of Halle is raging although he has not yet carried everything out. He is one colleague to whom the brother is not dissimilar. Christ suddenly come upon this Epicurean. This I pray and want; may it happen,Amen. Be it well with you in the LOrd and pray for me. 1534 on the Quasimodogeniti Sunday [12 April]. Your Martin Luther.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
#2048-To Spalatin
To the worthy man, Herr Master Georg Spalatin, Servant of the Word, and actually Bishop of the churches of Meissen, his brother.
Grace and peace in Christ! The pastor in Crossen has requested of me that I remind you and though he has much praised to me your beneficent will very much except that he is likely requiring my letter as witness, namely, that you be conducive to help in whatever way you are able so that he will not be hindered by the envy of the peasants from building his dwelling in that village, as you know. You know best the matter best that if the peasants complain in vain an example will be set. Not all their pastors who do such in the future,yes, they will also not have a pastor since the threatened shortage of pastors has begun so that ten villages will not likely find one pastor as already the large cities and princes do not have as many as would like.
My lord Kaethe greets you and yours. She is suffering a severe fever. We are dwelling here in the midst of flames uncertain every hour whether we might be burned up. Several villages around us here have been burnt; within the city we have had fires four times; the first destroyed four houses; the others to a great extent were extinguished. It is certain that an enemy has done this since one has found tinder, tinder wood (lychni), gun-powder, and igniters (fomites. I have the great suspicion that this has been through the unworthiness of Markgraf Joachim so that I almost believe that this instrument of Satan is hastening his end so that his evil deeds will bring him to destruction. Christ will soon ruin him. Be it right well with you in the LOrd. 1534 on the Sunday Ouasimodogeniti (12 April). Your Martin Luther.
Grace and peace in Christ! The pastor in Crossen has requested of me that I remind you and though he has much praised to me your beneficent will very much except that he is likely requiring my letter as witness, namely, that you be conducive to help in whatever way you are able so that he will not be hindered by the envy of the peasants from building his dwelling in that village, as you know. You know best the matter best that if the peasants complain in vain an example will be set. Not all their pastors who do such in the future,yes, they will also not have a pastor since the threatened shortage of pastors has begun so that ten villages will not likely find one pastor as already the large cities and princes do not have as many as would like.
My lord Kaethe greets you and yours. She is suffering a severe fever. We are dwelling here in the midst of flames uncertain every hour whether we might be burned up. Several villages around us here have been burnt; within the city we have had fires four times; the first destroyed four houses; the others to a great extent were extinguished. It is certain that an enemy has done this since one has found tinder, tinder wood (lychni), gun-powder, and igniters (fomites. I have the great suspicion that this has been through the unworthiness of Markgraf Joachim so that I almost believe that this instrument of Satan is hastening his end so that his evil deeds will bring him to destruction. Christ will soon ruin him. Be it right well with you in the LOrd. 1534 on the Sunday Ouasimodogeniti (12 April). Your Martin Luther.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
#2047-To Spalatin
To the , in Christ, highly-honorable man, Master Georg Spalatin,Archbishop throughout Meissen and the Voigtland, the very faithful servant of the Word.
Grace and peace in Christ! This man of Roden, a servant of the Prince of Anhalt,a good man, my dear Spalatin,has requested that I might commend him to you. He is concerned about a certain acre near Meida of which one has said that the Visitors have included with the properties of the nuns' cloister. However, the father of the man has brought this very same acre under cultivation (exoluisse=cleared it?);for this reason he desires that another should not have it who has not worked it but that much more it should be included as his (the father's?) or otherwise due to him.The matter you will hear from him himself but if you are able to do something do it on account of my request. Thus the Prince of Anhalt might be happy to agree as he has done much greater things in that now with a strong spirit before the Bishop of Halle and other great Princes ,who battled in vain against him ,he has accepted the Gospel and confessed it without dread. Do now what I have promised about you. Greet your Kette (catenam) with her grapes.1534 on the Saturday before Palmarum (28 March). Your Martin Luther,D.
NOTE: Both ML and Spalatin married Catherines. ML plays upon calling them Kette which means chain. At least he doesn't say "ball and chain".
Grapes are the children probably referring to the fruitful vine of the Psalm or was that olive plants?
On Weida see below. Looks like the fields need some clearing.
Grace and peace in Christ! This man of Roden, a servant of the Prince of Anhalt,a good man, my dear Spalatin,has requested that I might commend him to you. He is concerned about a certain acre near Meida of which one has said that the Visitors have included with the properties of the nuns' cloister. However, the father of the man has brought this very same acre under cultivation (exoluisse=cleared it?);for this reason he desires that another should not have it who has not worked it but that much more it should be included as his (the father's?) or otherwise due to him.The matter you will hear from him himself but if you are able to do something do it on account of my request. Thus the Prince of Anhalt might be happy to agree as he has done much greater things in that now with a strong spirit before the Bishop of Halle and other great Princes ,who battled in vain against him ,he has accepted the Gospel and confessed it without dread. Do now what I have promised about you. Greet your Kette (catenam) with her grapes.1534 on the Saturday before Palmarum (28 March). Your Martin Luther,D.
NOTE: Both ML and Spalatin married Catherines. ML plays upon calling them Kette which means chain. At least he doesn't say "ball and chain".
Grapes are the children probably referring to the fruitful vine of the Psalm or was that olive plants?
On Weida see below. Looks like the fields need some clearing.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Thursday, February 01, 2007
#2046-To Nicolaus Hausmann in Dessau
To the highly honored man,Herr M. Nicolaus Hausmann, the very faithful servant of the Word in Dessau, his superior in the LOrd.
Grace and peace in Christ! Gladly I hear, better man, what you write and what this good man has related about your very good Prince (of Anhalt). Christ strengthen and complete His work in him with a great and prevailing Spirit,Amen. It is not surprising that the Bishop of Halle is so earnestly opposed; he feels that he cannot easily get along without the very good Herr Georg who so faithfully cares for the affairs of his Reich and acknowledges that he cannot turn him back as he follows the Gospel and confesses the same. For this he becomes a flattering Sirene and tempts him to deny Christ, Who lives and rules forever, and instead obey the lies of a Bishop whose life is not secure for a moment. I have often said: if there would be no Pope, this Bishop of the Papacy alone worthy of it as he is so rich in all the Papal virtues which he now also openly demonstrates; time will tell how what good fortune that will be. Enough of that.
It pleases me very much that you write that it is not your intention to publicize your Order (church ordinances). It will happen that the matter, in time, will take care of itself better. It is better to nurture that sort of thing in writing after the fact than to order it beforehand. The law speaks and it does not happen. History happens and then it is spoken or written about.
The LOrd Jesus Who wills that you should be His instrument in that place fill you a joyful and hearty Spirit that you bear much fruit for His grace, Amen. On the Saturday after Judica (28 March) 1534. Your Martin Luther.
Grace and peace in Christ! Gladly I hear, better man, what you write and what this good man has related about your very good Prince (of Anhalt). Christ strengthen and complete His work in him with a great and prevailing Spirit,Amen. It is not surprising that the Bishop of Halle is so earnestly opposed; he feels that he cannot easily get along without the very good Herr Georg who so faithfully cares for the affairs of his Reich and acknowledges that he cannot turn him back as he follows the Gospel and confesses the same. For this he becomes a flattering Sirene and tempts him to deny Christ, Who lives and rules forever, and instead obey the lies of a Bishop whose life is not secure for a moment. I have often said: if there would be no Pope, this Bishop of the Papacy alone worthy of it as he is so rich in all the Papal virtues which he now also openly demonstrates; time will tell how what good fortune that will be. Enough of that.
It pleases me very much that you write that it is not your intention to publicize your Order (church ordinances). It will happen that the matter, in time, will take care of itself better. It is better to nurture that sort of thing in writing after the fact than to order it beforehand. The law speaks and it does not happen. History happens and then it is spoken or written about.
The LOrd Jesus Who wills that you should be His instrument in that place fill you a joyful and hearty Spirit that you bear much fruit for His grace, Amen. On the Saturday after Judica (28 March) 1534. Your Martin Luther.
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