Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Missal with offices Contra-pestem
MISSAL, WITH ADDITIONAL OFFICES FOR ST. ANNE, CONTRA PESTEM HOMINUM AND DE CONCEPTIONE SIXTUS PAPA
MS in Latin on paper, Augsburg?, Southern Germany, ca. 1485, 209 ff. (complete), 31x20 cm, single column, (24x14 cm), 16 and 32-34 lines in a Gothic bastarda book script, musical Hufnagel notation on a red 5-line staff, numerous painted initials, some line endings of red penwork, 48 painted initials with border decoration, 5 with historiated borders, 1 inserted full-page miniature on vellum of the Crucifixion in gold and colours, in the Rhenish art style of this period.
Binding: Germany, 1549, dark brown leather, over wooden boards, sewn of 5 bands, 15 stamps of roundels with renaissance busts and a large central panel gilt with 3 standing musicians on upper cover, 15 similar roundels and stamps of standing Renaissance warriors on lower cover, 9 brass bosses. Inscription gilt on upper cover: " Missale renovatum Anno Domini MDXLIX".
Provenance: 1. J.W. Abberg (1669); 2. Bruce Ferrini, Akron, Ohio.
See also 1372, Missal, Tyrol, 2nd half 15th c.
MS in Latin on paper, Augsburg?, Southern Germany, ca. 1485, 209 ff. (complete), 31x20 cm, single column, (24x14 cm), 16 and 32-34 lines in a Gothic bastarda book script, musical Hufnagel notation on a red 5-line staff, numerous painted initials, some line endings of red penwork, 48 painted initials with border decoration, 5 with historiated borders, 1 inserted full-page miniature on vellum of the Crucifixion in gold and colours, in the Rhenish art style of this period.
Binding: Germany, 1549, dark brown leather, over wooden boards, sewn of 5 bands, 15 stamps of roundels with renaissance busts and a large central panel gilt with 3 standing musicians on upper cover, 15 similar roundels and stamps of standing Renaissance warriors on lower cover, 9 brass bosses. Inscription gilt on upper cover: " Missale renovatum Anno Domini MDXLIX".
Provenance: 1. J.W. Abberg (1669); 2. Bruce Ferrini, Akron, Ohio.
See also 1372, Missal, Tyrol, 2nd half 15th c.
#2170-To georg, Prince of Anhalt
To the renown and very good Prince and Lord, herr Georg, Prince of Anhalt, Graf of Asconie, Lord Bernburg, highly-rgarded (magnifico)Probst of the Church in Magdeburg, his most gracious Lord.
Grace and peace in Christ! I am sending, illustrious Prince, EFG's richly-thoughtful thoughts back which EFG has put together against the unspeakable papistic godlessness and not only the matter itself pleases me but much more the wonderful energy with which EFG has the same gathered and clarified.The LOrd Jesus upbuild and increase this spirit in the heart of EFG and plant it with much fruit in the church continually,Amen.
About our Pest I hear that on the outside extraordinarily terrible things about it are intensely thrown about although Christ is my witness there is not even one man who has been found with a boil (apostema, as one calls it) which this illness usually starts with; if it is some sort of epidemic it must be surely an inner poison likewise a pestilential fever (as the physicians call it). Thus the fatalities are rare and often for three days in the city there is neither a funeral nor yet a sickness discovered. At times in one or two days there are two or three deaths but the greatest portion are children or people who have long been ravished by illness as is customary also times other than Pest-time. So in the previous four years there has been as many or more fatal cases than now although there was no Pest.Summing up:"There is death, but it is hidden as there are more born than die," so that we can say: In the midst of death we are in life and there are more dying in Torgau and Leipzig than in Wittenberg. However Satan, whom God allows, has through the mask of the Pest scattered the school and disturbed the church. That he has wanted to do throughtout the ages but may Christ quickly tread him down,Amen.This I have indicated to EFG so that he must believe and not be moved by the rumors of Satan; for the rest, the very good man, Herr Nicolaus Hausmann, will communicate.We, the new Doctors and I, thank the princely Lord (PR.Dnis) for the generosity which EFG has given to their honor. Christ bless EFG forever. The 17th of September 1535.EFG's yielding Martin Luther.
Grace and peace in Christ! I am sending, illustrious Prince, EFG's richly-thoughtful thoughts back which EFG has put together against the unspeakable papistic godlessness and not only the matter itself pleases me but much more the wonderful energy with which EFG has the same gathered and clarified.The LOrd Jesus upbuild and increase this spirit in the heart of EFG and plant it with much fruit in the church continually,Amen.
About our Pest I hear that on the outside extraordinarily terrible things about it are intensely thrown about although Christ is my witness there is not even one man who has been found with a boil (apostema, as one calls it) which this illness usually starts with; if it is some sort of epidemic it must be surely an inner poison likewise a pestilential fever (as the physicians call it). Thus the fatalities are rare and often for three days in the city there is neither a funeral nor yet a sickness discovered. At times in one or two days there are two or three deaths but the greatest portion are children or people who have long been ravished by illness as is customary also times other than Pest-time. So in the previous four years there has been as many or more fatal cases than now although there was no Pest.Summing up:"There is death, but it is hidden as there are more born than die," so that we can say: In the midst of death we are in life and there are more dying in Torgau and Leipzig than in Wittenberg. However Satan, whom God allows, has through the mask of the Pest scattered the school and disturbed the church. That he has wanted to do throughtout the ages but may Christ quickly tread him down,Amen.This I have indicated to EFG so that he must believe and not be moved by the rumors of Satan; for the rest, the very good man, Herr Nicolaus Hausmann, will communicate.We, the new Doctors and I, thank the princely Lord (PR.Dnis) for the generosity which EFG has given to their honor. Christ bless EFG forever. The 17th of September 1535.EFG's yielding Martin Luther.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
#2168-To Frau Dorothea Joerger
Nota Bene: Omitted #'s 2164 and 2166 -letters to ML from the mayor and council of Ulm and the council of Augsburg respectively as the official letters are often filled with very long,complex sentences a little too difficult for me to master. Import of both was concord-formulae of pastors in the areas agreeing with the Evangelicals on the Sacraments and thanking ML for his help in their agreeing and hoping for continuance of the same. Many evidently were of Bucer's persuasion.
To Dorothea:
Grace and peace in Christ along with my poor Paternoster etc. Honorable , dear Frau!
I have listened to Mr. Andres and received your writing and I thank you for the present, especially for the Groschclins although I am not certain that they are legal tender because they look so new; however, it may be counterfeit or poured etc.
Also Mr.Andres has communicated to me how you would be glad to know whether you in good conscience (since the head-pastor would allow it) could have the Gospel preached in your house for your relatives only, but excluding the other children of the parish. Since the parish-head would permit it you may practice this so long as it is defended by authority; then you would not be responsible if account of others a higher authority would be in force against you. Each one must make this venture on one's and make their own adventure. For the rest you are not mistaken if the preachers are anointed or shorn by the ordaining bishop; since the same are not ordained for the preaching-office but for the corner-masses and priests of Baal and Jeroboam. Who is called, is ordained ,and should preach to those who called him; that is our LOrd God's ordination and true Chrism etc. My house-wife greets you and yours in a friendly way. Herewith, be to God commended, Amen. In Wittenberg on the Sunday after our dear Lady's birth (12 Sept.) 1535. Martinus Luther,D.
To Dorothea:
Grace and peace in Christ along with my poor Paternoster etc. Honorable , dear Frau!
I have listened to Mr. Andres and received your writing and I thank you for the present, especially for the Groschclins although I am not certain that they are legal tender because they look so new; however, it may be counterfeit or poured etc.
Also Mr.Andres has communicated to me how you would be glad to know whether you in good conscience (since the head-pastor would allow it) could have the Gospel preached in your house for your relatives only, but excluding the other children of the parish. Since the parish-head would permit it you may practice this so long as it is defended by authority; then you would not be responsible if account of others a higher authority would be in force against you. Each one must make this venture on one's and make their own adventure. For the rest you are not mistaken if the preachers are anointed or shorn by the ordaining bishop; since the same are not ordained for the preaching-office but for the corner-masses and priests of Baal and Jeroboam. Who is called, is ordained ,and should preach to those who called him; that is our LOrd God's ordination and true Chrism etc. My house-wife greets you and yours in a friendly way. Herewith, be to God commended, Amen. In Wittenberg on the Sunday after our dear Lady's birth (12 Sept.) 1535. Martinus Luther,D.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
#2166-To Spalatin
To the highly renown man, Herr M.Georg Spalatin, superintendent in Meissen, in the LOrd his very dear brother.
Grace and peace in the LOrd! This pastor in Burkhartshain by the name pf Wolfgang Gotzel has been exiled by his nobleman. He is already old and has several children and previously administered his office faithfully; assist him, my dear Georg, as much as you can. It is cruel that the poor in Christ among us are so troubled and the lack of restraint of the nobles will bring great evil to the Gospel. I commend him to your care at an opportune time.
There is no news beyond that Doctor Antonius is here, that black Englander who is emissary of his King to our Prince and he wants M.Philppus to go to England to converse with the King. Hartmuth of Kronberg is here and looks for his sister. This very honor-worthy woman was in fact here several months unknown to all of us. A certain Jew seduced her who was a widow and made her his wife. However he was killed on a trip from his relatives and his relatives have appealed in peace that she come
here from Silesia. It is reported that the cities of Greece have been been reclaimed from the Turkish tyranny by Emperor Charles the Liberator. The good fortune of this man is unheard of, Christ bring it to completion,Amen. Of our Pest I know nothing as everyone is lying about everything. Of many persons it has been told that they already have been buried for three days and behold, they live and are completely healthy. May God visit these harmful people who are masters of lies and deceivers of the people. Be it well with you in the LOrd and pray for me. The 6th of September 1535. My lord Kaethe greets you respectfully together with all your flesh. Your Martin Luther.
Grace and peace in the LOrd! This pastor in Burkhartshain by the name pf Wolfgang Gotzel has been exiled by his nobleman. He is already old and has several children and previously administered his office faithfully; assist him, my dear Georg, as much as you can. It is cruel that the poor in Christ among us are so troubled and the lack of restraint of the nobles will bring great evil to the Gospel. I commend him to your care at an opportune time.
There is no news beyond that Doctor Antonius is here, that black Englander who is emissary of his King to our Prince and he wants M.Philppus to go to England to converse with the King. Hartmuth of Kronberg is here and looks for his sister. This very honor-worthy woman was in fact here several months unknown to all of us. A certain Jew seduced her who was a widow and made her his wife. However he was killed on a trip from his relatives and his relatives have appealed in peace that she come
here from Silesia. It is reported that the cities of Greece have been been reclaimed from the Turkish tyranny by Emperor Charles the Liberator. The good fortune of this man is unheard of, Christ bring it to completion,Amen. Of our Pest I know nothing as everyone is lying about everything. Of many persons it has been told that they already have been buried for three days and behold, they live and are completely healthy. May God visit these harmful people who are masters of lies and deceivers of the people. Be it well with you in the LOrd and pray for me. The 6th of September 1535. My lord Kaethe greets you respectfully together with all your flesh. Your Martin Luther.
#2165-To Justus Jonas
(Editor says this is a joking (Scherzhafte) invitation of ML to Jonas to the Doctorschmaus)
Grace and peace! I hope that you have received the letters and the debate, my dear Jonas, at the same time also what we, as the swine who taught Minerva, say what you should say at the Promotion. Now the head-cook (Archmagrius), my Lord Kaethe, requests
that as you receive these Thaler you would purchase for us birds,poultry, and a small number of flying animals and whatever is placed under the dominion of man in that airy kingdom of the feathered(whatever can be eaten)but no ravens according to God's will; yet sparrows which can be devoured all at once; and if you have to pay anything more it will be recompenced. So then if you buy some rabbits or tasty morsels or hunt something which satisfies the bodies of all send it or otherwise that fitting drink which men call Cythus (beer). My lord Kaethe has seven quarts (quartalia, as it is called)cooked in which she mixes 32 bushels of malt by which she wants to satisfy my taste. She hopes it will become a good beer. What it will be you and the others will taste.
There is nothing new, as you know, beyond the victory of the Emperor in Africa. However, Duke Georg and the Bishop of Halle had a meeting in which they concluded to lay upon their people that each week they fast three days for the Emperor and partake of the Sacrament under one form so that in the future everything will turn out happily. If now the Emperor obtains Constantinopel (if God grants it) God will not have accomplished it without the three days of fasting and the one form of the Sacrament. That is actually the word of the poet: whoever has the smarts, which you have, will easily transfer the glory to himself that which has been brought about by another. Now I understand why Terence called that Thraso a harmful man. However these words are those of Scipio and Laelius not of Terence. However, Christ lives and sees this unutterable evil of the devil and humans. However, we also live and are joyful midst this anger of the devil and of men and actually feast and make it a feast-day while they bare their teeth miserably if you happily come by us with these captured feathered animals and force them, after they have forsaken the absolutely free kingdom of the air, to go to the prison of the pots among the citified herd. My Kaethe greets you all in a friendly and respectful way. But listen again, when you greet mine, so I also greet yours; like must be repaid with like. Be it well with you in the LOrd. 1535 the 4th of Sept. Your Martin Luther.
NOTE: The quote of Terence which the editor says ML doesn't quote exactly is : Labore alieno magno partam gloriam verbis saepe in se transmovet, qui sal habet, quod in te est. Terent. Eunuch.III,1,9.
Grace and peace! I hope that you have received the letters and the debate, my dear Jonas, at the same time also what we, as the swine who taught Minerva, say what you should say at the Promotion. Now the head-cook (Archmagrius), my Lord Kaethe, requests
that as you receive these Thaler you would purchase for us birds,poultry, and a small number of flying animals and whatever is placed under the dominion of man in that airy kingdom of the feathered(whatever can be eaten)but no ravens according to God's will; yet sparrows which can be devoured all at once; and if you have to pay anything more it will be recompenced. So then if you buy some rabbits or tasty morsels or hunt something which satisfies the bodies of all send it or otherwise that fitting drink which men call Cythus (beer). My lord Kaethe has seven quarts (quartalia, as it is called)cooked in which she mixes 32 bushels of malt by which she wants to satisfy my taste. She hopes it will become a good beer. What it will be you and the others will taste.
There is nothing new, as you know, beyond the victory of the Emperor in Africa. However, Duke Georg and the Bishop of Halle had a meeting in which they concluded to lay upon their people that each week they fast three days for the Emperor and partake of the Sacrament under one form so that in the future everything will turn out happily. If now the Emperor obtains Constantinopel (if God grants it) God will not have accomplished it without the three days of fasting and the one form of the Sacrament. That is actually the word of the poet: whoever has the smarts, which you have, will easily transfer the glory to himself that which has been brought about by another. Now I understand why Terence called that Thraso a harmful man. However these words are those of Scipio and Laelius not of Terence. However, Christ lives and sees this unutterable evil of the devil and humans. However, we also live and are joyful midst this anger of the devil and of men and actually feast and make it a feast-day while they bare their teeth miserably if you happily come by us with these captured feathered animals and force them, after they have forsaken the absolutely free kingdom of the air, to go to the prison of the pots among the citified herd. My Kaethe greets you all in a friendly and respectful way. But listen again, when you greet mine, so I also greet yours; like must be repaid with like. Be it well with you in the LOrd. 1535 the 4th of Sept. Your Martin Luther.
NOTE: The quote of Terence which the editor says ML doesn't quote exactly is : Labore alieno magno partam gloriam verbis saepe in se transmovet, qui sal habet, quod in te est. Terent. Eunuch.III,1,9.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
#2163-To Justus Jonas
Grace and peace in Christ! I know nothing of a reply-writing to the King (of France),my dear Jonas, and since the King has not written anything it would be according to my opinion most advisable (?)(Gerathenste) that nothing will be answered to him and it will be worked out and that will also perhaps will be opportunity to answer. However, the Court (of the Elector) is wise and happy that it is a participant and we rather spectators than participating persons. Afterward it might be that they are not so wise and would be spectators rather than participants.I am beginning to be especially happy that we were despised and excluded by the Court and I interpret this happened by God's grace so that we are not mixed up in this disturbance and perhaps be sighing in the future. However, now we are sure that everything that happens there is without our knowledge and achieved already early what Demosthenes wished for late (in life?) namely that we were not drawn into governing. God confirm this, Amen.
Regarding the French envoy there is a common rumor, also according to the best men, so that I likewise do not want Philippus to travel with him. There is the susupicion that the rightful envoy might be murdered on the trip and the Papists provided by this with letters to abduct Philippus. And you know the Bishops of Mainz, Luettich, and others are the worst instruments of the devil which increases my concern for Philippus; I have written earnestly to him on this matter. "The world is of the devil, and the devil is the world." My disciple in Halle I consider very suspiciously already on the basis that the commentary on the letter to the Romans
which Philipppus dedicated to him he stamped under his feet with frightful curses. "He has St.Velten on the neck" and many other evils but there is lacking enough that he is not through these punishments and damages led to confession and self-knowledge but daily becomes worse; perhaps because he is disgruntled (according to the wisdom of the devil) that God does not grant, do and suffer as much as his rage desires. That's enough on that.
For the rest the new future doctors summon you by this letter and request that you come to the debate and lead the promotion in that you execute the office of Promoter.We would would give to you a speech on the praise of theology but fear that Roscius would ridicule us if we were a spectator. Yet, often a cabbage-gardener can speak in an acceptable way. We would be pleased if you would put forward the point that theology is as such: if in this life through various arts everything in visible or hidden ways is established on must yet at the end when one must die and wander from the exceedingly beautiful and happy and lovely theatre of this life then, nevertheless, one must seek, call upon this poor, needy, despised crib in Bethlehem and such people will not be helped in now way by their crowns, majesties,lordships,arts, and gifts. There you have a spark for the tinder. Be it well with you in Christ. On the first day of September Anno 1535. Your Martin Luther,D.
NOTE:Rosicus was famous Roman actor (126-62 B.C.). He accumulated a great fortune as an actor. Introduced masks and disguises for though handsome he had a squint. Previously wigs were worn according to the encyclopedias. Today up and coming talented actors are called "young Rosicus".
Regarding the French envoy there is a common rumor, also according to the best men, so that I likewise do not want Philippus to travel with him. There is the susupicion that the rightful envoy might be murdered on the trip and the Papists provided by this with letters to abduct Philippus. And you know the Bishops of Mainz, Luettich, and others are the worst instruments of the devil which increases my concern for Philippus; I have written earnestly to him on this matter. "The world is of the devil, and the devil is the world." My disciple in Halle I consider very suspiciously already on the basis that the commentary on the letter to the Romans
which Philipppus dedicated to him he stamped under his feet with frightful curses. "He has St.Velten on the neck" and many other evils but there is lacking enough that he is not through these punishments and damages led to confession and self-knowledge but daily becomes worse; perhaps because he is disgruntled (according to the wisdom of the devil) that God does not grant, do and suffer as much as his rage desires. That's enough on that.
For the rest the new future doctors summon you by this letter and request that you come to the debate and lead the promotion in that you execute the office of Promoter.We would would give to you a speech on the praise of theology but fear that Roscius would ridicule us if we were a spectator. Yet, often a cabbage-gardener can speak in an acceptable way. We would be pleased if you would put forward the point that theology is as such: if in this life through various arts everything in visible or hidden ways is established on must yet at the end when one must die and wander from the exceedingly beautiful and happy and lovely theatre of this life then, nevertheless, one must seek, call upon this poor, needy, despised crib in Bethlehem and such people will not be helped in now way by their crowns, majesties,lordships,arts, and gifts. There you have a spark for the tinder. Be it well with you in Christ. On the first day of September Anno 1535. Your Martin Luther,D.
NOTE:Rosicus was famous Roman actor (126-62 B.C.). He accumulated a great fortune as an actor. Introduced masks and disguises for though handsome he had a squint. Previously wigs were worn according to the encyclopedias. Today up and coming talented actors are called "young Rosicus".
Monday, November 12, 2007
#2162-To Melanchton in Jena
Grace and peace! Look, we are sending you the theses for the debate, good Philippus,which you kindly at our request share with the candidates of theology and at the same time invite in our name all to the debate on the named day and place. I do not believe that it is necessary for you to fix them to the doors if does not seem advisable to you since you are foreigner and it is not the place of the University. When you come however you will find them nailed to the doors in the usual way and form; then also we will cermoniously invite you to the meal although we wish to know how many of you will be coming. However the festivities will take place on the day of the Raising of the Holy Cross. We await you with joy. Now there is a different conjunction (of the stars,planets) taken over that is not harmful and for three days there has not even been a natural death ocurring. Today there was one but it had nothing to do with the Pest.
I have received nothing from the court about the meeting you indicated. Perhaps they are intentionally being secretive toward us with such great secrets and I gladly know nothing of such great secrets. D. Brueck is coming today and I will meet with him in the morning if I can. Yesterday and today I have suffered a constant diarrhea
and am weak in the body thereby so that sleep escapes me and I desire no food and we are suffering the lack of drink. I hope that I will be found better tomorrow. In the last two days I have had fifteen stool-goings. Write me whether you have choked down that letter from the Prince about which I am very disturbed for your sake (as I have written) and how it is with your health. I (as you have read) have begun to regard your ambassador with suspicion. You know that faithless and lost disciple and he has many in fellowship with him that are not dissimilar to him. The LOrd lead and support you, Amen. On the Sunday after Bartholomew (29 Aug.) 1535.
NOTE: ML in the latter is talking about the Archbishop of Halle.
I have received nothing from the court about the meeting you indicated. Perhaps they are intentionally being secretive toward us with such great secrets and I gladly know nothing of such great secrets. D. Brueck is coming today and I will meet with him in the morning if I can. Yesterday and today I have suffered a constant diarrhea
and am weak in the body thereby so that sleep escapes me and I desire no food and we are suffering the lack of drink. I hope that I will be found better tomorrow. In the last two days I have had fifteen stool-goings. Write me whether you have choked down that letter from the Prince about which I am very disturbed for your sake (as I have written) and how it is with your health. I (as you have read) have begun to regard your ambassador with suspicion. You know that faithless and lost disciple and he has many in fellowship with him that are not dissimilar to him. The LOrd lead and support you, Amen. On the Sunday after Bartholomew (29 Aug.) 1535.
NOTE: ML in the latter is talking about the Archbishop of Halle.
#2161-To Justus Jonas
Grace and peace in Christ! In reference to the marriage-case, my dear Jonas,I throw back the judgment to you and the Jurists because you know that in these matters I do not wish to be the judge on account of the Jurists wherever they can want to mock us and the peasants are not thankful for the Gospel when they have the freedom from the canonical sovreignty.
The letter of the Prince to Philippus I have read with not a very happy heart because I know that Philippus through such a severe letter will be very disturbed. And I am thinking various things; would to God that I might not think them. More at another time because I am rather sad. Pommer has happily returned and received by all of us. Greet wife and children. Johann Luther will answer your Jonas as soon as possible. Be it well with you in the LOrd and pray for me. Friday after Bartholomew (27 August) 1535. Your Martin Luther.
nOTE: Melanchton is denied permission to travel to meet with the King of France.
The letter of the Prince to Philippus I have read with not a very happy heart because I know that Philippus through such a severe letter will be very disturbed. And I am thinking various things; would to God that I might not think them. More at another time because I am rather sad. Pommer has happily returned and received by all of us. Greet wife and children. Johann Luther will answer your Jonas as soon as possible. Be it well with you in the LOrd and pray for me. Friday after Bartholomew (27 August) 1535. Your Martin Luther.
nOTE: Melanchton is denied permission to travel to meet with the King of France.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
#2160-To Justus Jonas
Grace and peace in Christ! I am wishing you happiness that is a happy outcome regarging your health and that, would to God ,another stone there be found for your stone or rather a Pest by which it might die within you. We do not sing: "In the midst of life we are bound by death," rather, "Midst death we are in full life" since here there is nothing more of death or corpses than what has been since Adam according to the common fate of the entire world. If you go to Torgau, I request that you deliver or send this song to that unjust and unruly offcial (exactori) Marcus, the wine-pourer (Vinario),since I have no other messenger.
Hartmuth von Kronberg is here with me seeking his sister, that foreign woman (as you know)who is with us; more on that later. I am wondering why Pommer delays to come to us since he has been almost eight days in the surroundings of Wittenberg and I do not know where he has held up. I am sending to you as the Visitor the case of a certain Kirchner as you will see; I have written for the Kirchner in Jessen. I am busy with the points of the theses and setting-up the matters for the Doctor-promotion. The festivity (aula) will be set for September 14th and the Debate four days previous. You will be called at the right time. Be it well with you and pray for me. Greet all of yours. On the Tuesday of Bartholomew (August 24) Anno 1535. Your Martin Luther.
Hartmuth von Kronberg is here with me seeking his sister, that foreign woman (as you know)who is with us; more on that later. I am wondering why Pommer delays to come to us since he has been almost eight days in the surroundings of Wittenberg and I do not know where he has held up. I am sending to you as the Visitor the case of a certain Kirchner as you will see; I have written for the Kirchner in Jessen. I am busy with the points of the theses and setting-up the matters for the Doctor-promotion. The festivity (aula) will be set for September 14th and the Debate four days previous. You will be called at the right time. Be it well with you and pray for me. Greet all of yours. On the Tuesday of Bartholomew (August 24) Anno 1535. Your Martin Luther.
Friday, November 09, 2007
#2159-To Justus Menius in Eisenach
(Se#2152 for further info on this case)
Grace and peace! I have kept your letter, my lear Justus, and hope that Herr Hartmuth of Kronberg will be there before this messenger returns to you. I have dealt with Hartmuth with the utmost effort for the woman, and he, as a man of his word, has promised me such things which I hope means the woman has the best advice. And I hope to God that the woman has confided everything to me what she has confided to others;perhaps there could have been advice sooner. I as one who has been often deceived by alleged (fictas) nuns and magnificent whores must be careful and take consideration for my danger otherwise I would have received her with fitting honor and deliverd her to her relatives. That Jew, her seducer, has a very bad name as do his parents and I also believe that he was rightfully slain.If she is still there by you when you receive this letter may you in my name comfort the woman and impress the brother that he should be mindful of my protection and yes, of his own promises for the woman. I am now convinced by the facts that she is a very good woman and yet the case is extremly regrettable. Christ comfort her.
We are in the midst of life in death; our Pest is made great without measure, although there is no one death more unusual than at all times. When a child departs, immediately it is said to be because of the Pest. The devil has mocked us by several deaths which for two months by a conagious illness tricked us. Meanwhile there is such peace as could be anywhere where there are dying. Be it well with you and pray for me.On the day of St. Bartholomew (2 4 August. 1535. Your Martin Luther.
Grace and peace! I have kept your letter, my lear Justus, and hope that Herr Hartmuth of Kronberg will be there before this messenger returns to you. I have dealt with Hartmuth with the utmost effort for the woman, and he, as a man of his word, has promised me such things which I hope means the woman has the best advice. And I hope to God that the woman has confided everything to me what she has confided to others;perhaps there could have been advice sooner. I as one who has been often deceived by alleged (fictas) nuns and magnificent whores must be careful and take consideration for my danger otherwise I would have received her with fitting honor and deliverd her to her relatives. That Jew, her seducer, has a very bad name as do his parents and I also believe that he was rightfully slain.If she is still there by you when you receive this letter may you in my name comfort the woman and impress the brother that he should be mindful of my protection and yes, of his own promises for the woman. I am now convinced by the facts that she is a very good woman and yet the case is extremly regrettable. Christ comfort her.
We are in the midst of life in death; our Pest is made great without measure, although there is no one death more unusual than at all times. When a child departs, immediately it is said to be because of the Pest. The devil has mocked us by several deaths which for two months by a conagious illness tricked us. Meanwhile there is such peace as could be anywhere where there are dying. Be it well with you and pray for me.On the day of St. Bartholomew (2 4 August. 1535. Your Martin Luther.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
#2158-To Jacob Probst in Bremen
To Herr Jakob Probst, Praepositus in Bremen.
Grace and peace in Christ! Since this our Johann, a very good and very dear brother is going down to you in the lower part of the earth I could not release him without a letter although there is nothing that I might write outside of a greeting. The rest is either known to you or you can hear it richly and reliably from this Johann. Concord is strived for between us and the Sacramentarians at least with great hope and longing. May Christ complete it as upright and graciously take away this great offense so that it is not necessary that it is done away with by force as that was taken away in the case of Muenster. God crowned the Kaiser with a great victory at sea against the allies of the Turks in Africa. I have become very old, not in years,but relative to ability hardly ever qualified for work before the middle of the day. Pray for me that I may have a blessed home-going from this very bad world and be it well with all of yours. My Kaethe and Margaretha, your god-child, greet you. Wittenberg on the day before Bartholomew (23 August)Anno 1535. Your Martin Luther.
Here the Pest rules or rather it rages. Since never before in a single your have there been fewer deceased while never has there been a greater outcry about the Pest.Thus Satan ridicules us.
NOTES; North is down and south is up in Deutschland. Praepositus is elder, superintendent, or formerly Propst=leader in the external affairs of the cathedral church.
Often in the early to mid-thirties Luther expected to die. The city of
Muenster was captured and the Anabaptist mischief ended on June 25. (Editors)
Grace and peace in Christ! Since this our Johann, a very good and very dear brother is going down to you in the lower part of the earth I could not release him without a letter although there is nothing that I might write outside of a greeting. The rest is either known to you or you can hear it richly and reliably from this Johann. Concord is strived for between us and the Sacramentarians at least with great hope and longing. May Christ complete it as upright and graciously take away this great offense so that it is not necessary that it is done away with by force as that was taken away in the case of Muenster. God crowned the Kaiser with a great victory at sea against the allies of the Turks in Africa. I have become very old, not in years,but relative to ability hardly ever qualified for work before the middle of the day. Pray for me that I may have a blessed home-going from this very bad world and be it well with all of yours. My Kaethe and Margaretha, your god-child, greet you. Wittenberg on the day before Bartholomew (23 August)Anno 1535. Your Martin Luther.
Here the Pest rules or rather it rages. Since never before in a single your have there been fewer deceased while never has there been a greater outcry about the Pest.Thus Satan ridicules us.
NOTES; North is down and south is up in Deutschland. Praepositus is elder, superintendent, or formerly Propst=leader in the external affairs of the cathedral church.
Often in the early to mid-thirties Luther expected to die. The city of
Muenster was captured and the Anabaptist mischief ended on June 25. (Editors)
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Monday, November 05, 2007
Sunday, November 04, 2007
The Mayor and Council of the city of Esslingen to ML
Grace and peace through Christ our only Savior and to begin with offering our friendly, good-willed service. (After the salutation it's all one sentence so good luck)
Worthy,celebrated,especially favored dear Herr and faithful Father!When the respectable, our dear friends of the city of Augsburg, the celebrated and respected Gereon, the physician doctor,and Caspar Huber had taken care of the proposals with your Worthiness
with skillful and pleading efforts the above named Gereon, doctor, when he traveled and came by us again and made it known all the dealings at hand and reported with all earnestness what delight the emissaries from your Worthiness had and that Your Worthingess favorably offered to the same that there should be no lack and especially with all willingness and ability inclination toward the agreeable love and unity with us and all the other upland cities to strengthen and support us so we say thanks and praise to the Almighty forever holding special joy: we plead earnestly with your Worthiness that you would also no less take up and accept us as well as those of the city of Augsburg as Christian brothers in the LOrd and in fatherly and favorable order hold and support us: we wanting with divine help to our Christian preachers and elders divine truth according to the pure clear Word and Command of God
to be pious Christians with the avoidance of every sort of evil sect and support and carry out and forward God's work so that the glory of God be promoted, His holy Name praised and His divine truth spread abroad and serving the salvation of all souls and also commending your Worthiness as our faithful father to all special well-being and herewith commending ourselves to your faithful and Christian prayer. Dated on the Thursday, the 19th of August Anno 1535. Mayor and Council in Esslingen.
Worthy,celebrated,especially favored dear Herr and faithful Father!When the respectable, our dear friends of the city of Augsburg, the celebrated and respected Gereon, the physician doctor,and Caspar Huber had taken care of the proposals with your Worthiness
with skillful and pleading efforts the above named Gereon, doctor, when he traveled and came by us again and made it known all the dealings at hand and reported with all earnestness what delight the emissaries from your Worthiness had and that Your Worthingess favorably offered to the same that there should be no lack and especially with all willingness and ability inclination toward the agreeable love and unity with us and all the other upland cities to strengthen and support us so we say thanks and praise to the Almighty forever holding special joy: we plead earnestly with your Worthiness that you would also no less take up and accept us as well as those of the city of Augsburg as Christian brothers in the LOrd and in fatherly and favorable order hold and support us: we wanting with divine help to our Christian preachers and elders divine truth according to the pure clear Word and Command of God
to be pious Christians with the avoidance of every sort of evil sect and support and carry out and forward God's work so that the glory of God be promoted, His holy Name praised and His divine truth spread abroad and serving the salvation of all souls and also commending your Worthiness as our faithful father to all special well-being and herewith commending ourselves to your faithful and Christian prayer. Dated on the Thursday, the 19th of August Anno 1535. Mayor and Council in Esslingen.
Friday, November 02, 2007
#2154-To Justus Jonas
Grace and peace in Christ1 I wish for you good fortune that will be for your joy there but also would be happy for all great happenings, as you mention, if you could have your place back in this place (completely nothing or rather nothingness itself are the rumors of our Pest) however it has been concluded in heaven that Satan should separate us bodily; who knows with what monstrosity.M. Philippus has been summoneed by the King of France and it is my agreeable advice that he shoud travel. Only he has not received this from the Prince; he is properly not agreeable that he should go again from here to Jena; what will happen I do not know. The awarding of doctorates will take place on the day of the raising of the Holy Cross (Sept.14)with the debate on the Saturday previous (Sept.11). The illustrious Prince has assented to providing a deer or a deer-cow (if the arrow goes astray) and the best wine from the castle. Pommer is on the way back and you will be there at the same time and also the Jena school if one should call it other than Jenaer since it is Wittenbergers. There is a wonderful solitude in the city, however, thanks to God, we are healthy and live completely calmly only there is absolutely no beer in the city. My body is blessed in that there is yet a little in the cellar. The citizens surely suffer the lack of drink. What will happen if the school stays here? All new beer brewed will almost be drunken hot off the glowing coals so that (driven by thirst-sitati=siti acti) anyone who can somehow do it will be forced to become a brewer. My Lord Kaethe greets you respectfully and also yours and all of yours. My Johann Luther would have answered your young Jonas but because he recognized in the letter the elder Jonas he could not in such a great situation write through the older Luther; he will soon write according to his age. Again be it well with you. The 19th of August Anno 1535. Your Martin Luther,D.
I would gladly serve Bernhard but because I cannot take it from mine since I am obligated by God to serve so many house guests and have much responsibility (so that I cannot -conjecture by Editors). Eschenhausen do not want to be at home here or rather never want to pay. I marvel how it is that this capable man with a capable wife are oppressed with such great poverty and cannot be helped with one or two alms and to continually extend alms to such capable people is finally not possible. You advise me in what way I can benefit him and I will gladly do it for the good man and chiefly because he is a guest in the church of the heathen and a house-companion in the Jewish church. Again, be it well with you.
NOTE: In Wittenberg there is no beer except in ML's cellar.
I would gladly serve Bernhard but because I cannot take it from mine since I am obligated by God to serve so many house guests and have much responsibility (so that I cannot -conjecture by Editors). Eschenhausen do not want to be at home here or rather never want to pay. I marvel how it is that this capable man with a capable wife are oppressed with such great poverty and cannot be helped with one or two alms and to continually extend alms to such capable people is finally not possible. You advise me in what way I can benefit him and I will gladly do it for the good man and chiefly because he is a guest in the church of the heathen and a house-companion in the Jewish church. Again, be it well with you.
NOTE: In Wittenberg there is no beer except in ML's cellar.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
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