Wednesday, April 30, 2008
#2239-To Elector Johann Friedrich
To the illustrious, high-born Prince and Lord, Lord Johann Friedrich, Duke in Saxony,Arch-marchall of the Holy Roman Empire and Elector etc.,Landgraf in Thuringia, and Markgraf in Meissen, my most gracious Lord.
G.(Grace) a.(and)Peace. Illustrious, high-born Prince, most gracious Lord! The Council in Minden in Westphalia with their superintendents have readied pointed letters to ECFG , in addition written to me pleading their prevailing need commending ECFG faithfully to grant gracious advice. The priests cannot rest and are strengthened in animosity by the terrible situation in Munster and in all other places trying to root out the Gospel. Would that God would defend against them,Amen. ECFG will know how to advise and be able certainly to do what is the best for the good people ; although against force there is little to advise if God does not steer things with a greater force.. Herewith be commended to God. Sunday of Vocem Jucunditatis. (21 May)
1536. ECFG's obedient Martin Luther.
NOTE: Vocem Jucunditatis- Fifth Sunday of Easter-"With the voice of joy..."
G.(Grace) a.(and)Peace. Illustrious, high-born Prince, most gracious Lord! The Council in Minden in Westphalia with their superintendents have readied pointed letters to ECFG , in addition written to me pleading their prevailing need commending ECFG faithfully to grant gracious advice. The priests cannot rest and are strengthened in animosity by the terrible situation in Munster and in all other places trying to root out the Gospel. Would that God would defend against them,Amen. ECFG will know how to advise and be able certainly to do what is the best for the good people ; although against force there is little to advise if God does not steer things with a greater force.. Herewith be commended to God. Sunday of Vocem Jucunditatis. (21 May)
1536. ECFG's obedient Martin Luther.
NOTE: Vocem Jucunditatis- Fifth Sunday of Easter-"With the voice of joy..."
Saturday, April 26, 2008
#2235-To Johann Brismann in Koenigsberg
To the, in Christi, highly-revered man, Herr Johann Brismann, a true Doctor of Theology, and now very faithful preacher in Koenigsberg, his vert dear brother in the LOrd.
Grace and peace! Your letters to very are always acceptable, my dear Brismann; that I have not always the same answered you have yourself given the reason in your letters namely that I am very busy. However, the business is not as responsible as the messengers who either out of pride or because of their own situation often neglect me also when I do write. Moreover since I am already old and more often quite ill I am forced to let go many more important matters to friends in whom I have this confidence that they will not have need of this stimulant to friendship whether I am dead, or a living and pressed servant of the doctrine of Christ among whose number I have always reckoned you to be one of the first. Christ has begun a good work in you , may He bless and strengthen you in these very bad times. However, Christ is victorious and rules,Amen.
Greet for me respectfully Herr Poliander and all collegues, and also D.Basilius Axt with his.
This Easter I am resurrected with Christ from the dead since I am so very sick that I am convinced that I must go to Christ our LOrd which I eagerly await and wish for but there is a different will in heaven that before the grave I must see more evil. The schismatic spirits which have often been struck down by God nevertheless cease not to rage,as you also write, because your God does not cease but bellows and seeks those whom He would devour. Let us pray, let us pray, let us pray boldly in faith and be watchful. Surley He does not sleep.
Be it well with you in Christ, my dear brother, and pray for me that our LOrd Jesus Christ may in a good hour take me away from this evil world, Amen. On the first day of May 1536. Martin Luther,D.
NOte: Still almost ten more years (1546) before the good hour of departure comes for Doctor Luther.
Grace and peace! Your letters to very are always acceptable, my dear Brismann; that I have not always the same answered you have yourself given the reason in your letters namely that I am very busy. However, the business is not as responsible as the messengers who either out of pride or because of their own situation often neglect me also when I do write. Moreover since I am already old and more often quite ill I am forced to let go many more important matters to friends in whom I have this confidence that they will not have need of this stimulant to friendship whether I am dead, or a living and pressed servant of the doctrine of Christ among whose number I have always reckoned you to be one of the first. Christ has begun a good work in you , may He bless and strengthen you in these very bad times. However, Christ is victorious and rules,Amen.
Greet for me respectfully Herr Poliander and all collegues, and also D.Basilius Axt with his.
This Easter I am resurrected with Christ from the dead since I am so very sick that I am convinced that I must go to Christ our LOrd which I eagerly await and wish for but there is a different will in heaven that before the grave I must see more evil. The schismatic spirits which have often been struck down by God nevertheless cease not to rage,as you also write, because your God does not cease but bellows and seeks those whom He would devour. Let us pray, let us pray, let us pray boldly in faith and be watchful. Surley He does not sleep.
Be it well with you in Christ, my dear brother, and pray for me that our LOrd Jesus Christ may in a good hour take me away from this evil world, Amen. On the first day of May 1536. Martin Luther,D.
NOte: Still almost ten more years (1546) before the good hour of departure comes for Doctor Luther.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Ut mine Festungstid
From Ut mine Festungstid, Fritz Reuter's account of his year's in prison for treason:
Den Nahmiddag kamm de Inspekter tau mi un makte mi de Anzeig', dat ick ok 'ne Stun'n up den Hof spazieren kunn, 't wir allerdings noch nich von de Kummandantur anordniert; äwer hei wull dat up sine Kapp nemen, denn ick müßt jo doch an de Luft. – Ick namm dat denn girn an, un as ick up den Hof kamm, markte ick denn, dat dat Däuweder was, un dat de Snei ballte. Um mi nu 'ne gaude Motschon tau maken, wölterte ick grote Sneiballen tausamen un set'te sei upenanner, bet 'ne Ort von Postament farig was, un dunn namm ick en rechten schönen witten Sneiklut un fung dormit an tau kneden un tau pusseln, bet ick 'ne Ort von Bostbild farig hadd, un as ick min Makwark neger betrachten ded, dunn sprüng mi 'ne Ähnlichkeit mit den ollen, braven Dr. Martin Luther entgegen, ick makte em de Backen en beten dicker un de Näs' en beten stuwer, un dor stunn hei liksterwelt. Dat was grad kein Kunstwark; äwer, as de Upwohrer K. nahsten, üm mi wat Schöns tau seggen, säd, en jeder künn doch seihn, dat't en Mannsminsch un kein Frugensminsch sin süll.
Tranlated from Low German by Carl Bayerschmidt:
In the afternoon the warden came in and announced that I would be permitted to go out for a walk for one hour. To be sure, the permission had not yet come down from the commandant's headquarters, but he was assuming full responsibility for his action, because I had to have some fresh air. I accepted gladly, and as I went down into the courtyard, I noticed that a thaw had set in and that the snow was sticking. In order to get a little exercise, I rolled some big snowballs together and placed one on top of the other until I had made a pedastal. Then I took a nice white lump of snow and began to work on it and shape it until I had fashioned a sort of bust. When I looked at my work of art more closely, I was struck by its resemblance to good old Dr. Martin Luther. I filled out his cheeks a little and also flattened his nose a litte, and there he stood true to life. It really wasn't such a great work of art, but the jail attendant, K., in order to say something nice about it, later remarked that anyone could see that it was a man and not a woman.
Den Nahmiddag kamm de Inspekter tau mi un makte mi de Anzeig', dat ick ok 'ne Stun'n up den Hof spazieren kunn, 't wir allerdings noch nich von de Kummandantur anordniert; äwer hei wull dat up sine Kapp nemen, denn ick müßt jo doch an de Luft. – Ick namm dat denn girn an, un as ick up den Hof kamm, markte ick denn, dat dat Däuweder was, un dat de Snei ballte. Um mi nu 'ne gaude Motschon tau maken, wölterte ick grote Sneiballen tausamen un set'te sei upenanner, bet 'ne Ort von Postament farig was, un dunn namm ick en rechten schönen witten Sneiklut un fung dormit an tau kneden un tau pusseln, bet ick 'ne Ort von Bostbild farig hadd, un as ick min Makwark neger betrachten ded, dunn sprüng mi 'ne Ähnlichkeit mit den ollen, braven Dr. Martin Luther entgegen, ick makte em de Backen en beten dicker un de Näs' en beten stuwer, un dor stunn hei liksterwelt. Dat was grad kein Kunstwark; äwer, as de Upwohrer K. nahsten, üm mi wat Schöns tau seggen, säd, en jeder künn doch seihn, dat't en Mannsminsch un kein Frugensminsch sin süll.
Tranlated from Low German by Carl Bayerschmidt:
In the afternoon the warden came in and announced that I would be permitted to go out for a walk for one hour. To be sure, the permission had not yet come down from the commandant's headquarters, but he was assuming full responsibility for his action, because I had to have some fresh air. I accepted gladly, and as I went down into the courtyard, I noticed that a thaw had set in and that the snow was sticking. In order to get a little exercise, I rolled some big snowballs together and placed one on top of the other until I had made a pedastal. Then I took a nice white lump of snow and began to work on it and shape it until I had fashioned a sort of bust. When I looked at my work of art more closely, I was struck by its resemblance to good old Dr. Martin Luther. I filled out his cheeks a little and also flattened his nose a litte, and there he stood true to life. It really wasn't such a great work of art, but the jail attendant, K., in order to say something nice about it, later remarked that anyone could see that it was a man and not a woman.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
#2229-To Thomas Cromwell, Kanzler of Henry VIII
To the renown and distinguished man, Herr Thomas Cromwell (Cromweller), of the most illustrious Lord, the King of England etc., secretary and counselor, his Lord.
Grace and peace in Christ! That I have not yet answered the letter of EW (your worthiness)which D. Barnes delivered to me, honored Lord, is the fault of this D.Barnes who suddenly departed and did not stay around here so as to greet me or wish me well as he was in such an hurry. However there is time and opportunity for me to avenge this neglect. However, for your very friendly and acceptable letter I am very thankful and would to God that I by the grace of Christ would be worthy of the way you describe me. Since I consider myself to little merit of that which, as EW believes, I demonstrate; one thing I confess to the LOrd that through His grace the zeal and will is not lacking in me, or as Paul says the will is present but I do not find in me the carrying out of it; yet He, who sees my incompleteness, is complete and will finally, according His time make it complete in His time according to His good will. To Whom be glory forever,Amen. D. Barnes has made me exceedingly happy in that he has related to me the earnestness and appropriateness of EW in the matter of Christ especially in your repute throughout the entire kingdom with the most illustrious King which may bring about many benefits. I pray and will pray to the LOrd that His work which He has begun in EW He will happily strengthen and to His glory and the salvation of many people,Amen. From D.Barnes, whom I commend to the mercifulness of the Father, EW will richly learn how it is with us and will be dealt with. Wittenberg, on the day of Palmarum (9 April) 1536. EW's devoted Martin Luther,D.
NOTE:Cromwell was executed in 1540 under Henry VIII on charges of treason and heresy.Letters to Lutherans were used in his trial. Real reason was likely arranging the marriage of Henry VIII to Anne of Cleves
Editor: The Latin D.T. for Dominato tua was rendered Dignitas tua thus the German E.W. for Ew.Wuerden.
Grace and peace in Christ! That I have not yet answered the letter of EW (your worthiness)which D. Barnes delivered to me, honored Lord, is the fault of this D.Barnes who suddenly departed and did not stay around here so as to greet me or wish me well as he was in such an hurry. However there is time and opportunity for me to avenge this neglect. However, for your very friendly and acceptable letter I am very thankful and would to God that I by the grace of Christ would be worthy of the way you describe me. Since I consider myself to little merit of that which, as EW believes, I demonstrate; one thing I confess to the LOrd that through His grace the zeal and will is not lacking in me, or as Paul says the will is present but I do not find in me the carrying out of it; yet He, who sees my incompleteness, is complete and will finally, according His time make it complete in His time according to His good will. To Whom be glory forever,Amen. D. Barnes has made me exceedingly happy in that he has related to me the earnestness and appropriateness of EW in the matter of Christ especially in your repute throughout the entire kingdom with the most illustrious King which may bring about many benefits. I pray and will pray to the LOrd that His work which He has begun in EW He will happily strengthen and to His glory and the salvation of many people,Amen. From D.Barnes, whom I commend to the mercifulness of the Father, EW will richly learn how it is with us and will be dealt with. Wittenberg, on the day of Palmarum (9 April) 1536. EW's devoted Martin Luther,D.
NOTE:Cromwell was executed in 1540 under Henry VIII on charges of treason and heresy.Letters to Lutherans were used in his trial. Real reason was likely arranging the marriage of Henry VIII to Anne of Cleves
Editor: The Latin D.T. for Dominato tua was rendered Dignitas tua thus the German E.W. for Ew.Wuerden.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
#2228-To Wolfgang,Prince in Anhalt
To the illustrious, high-born Prince and Lord, Herr Wolfgang,Prince in Anhalt,Graf in Ascanien and Lord in Bernburg, m.g.(my gracious) Lord.
Grace and peace in Christ. Illustrious,high-born Prince, gracous Lord! For a long time I wanted to write to EFG and would orally speak with on behalf of EFG's preacher Mr Johan Schlainhauffen in Koethen, but I always forget since with the many projects I have become old, lazy and completely forgetful. And this is the matter. I have discerned from him that as the air in Koethen is very difficult for him but since he has in EFG such a gracious, good Lord he, also my be, was persuaded to remain there until now although it would be healthier for his body in a more bearable air; since he was born and dwelt in fresher air. Now finally I have talked with him, though not wanting to tell him what to do, about that though he cannot well be in Koethen that also he not be out of the sovereignty of Anhalt but that since Worlitz is now vacant that he let himself be placed there as there is likely fresher air in the woods; since I do not want him to be completely out of the sovereignty. He has also answered that he would gladly give it a try especially since it is near Wittenberg. This is my humble petition to EFG that he gracously give helpful advice so that the good man and also the need of his body (which has gone on for years) be care for as is right according to God's command. Request of EFG a gracous answer.Herewith be commended to God,Amen. On Palmday (9 April) 1536.EFG's willing Mart.Luther,D.
Grace and peace in Christ. Illustrious,high-born Prince, gracous Lord! For a long time I wanted to write to EFG and would orally speak with on behalf of EFG's preacher Mr Johan Schlainhauffen in Koethen, but I always forget since with the many projects I have become old, lazy and completely forgetful. And this is the matter. I have discerned from him that as the air in Koethen is very difficult for him but since he has in EFG such a gracious, good Lord he, also my be, was persuaded to remain there until now although it would be healthier for his body in a more bearable air; since he was born and dwelt in fresher air. Now finally I have talked with him, though not wanting to tell him what to do, about that though he cannot well be in Koethen that also he not be out of the sovereignty of Anhalt but that since Worlitz is now vacant that he let himself be placed there as there is likely fresher air in the woods; since I do not want him to be completely out of the sovereignty. He has also answered that he would gladly give it a try especially since it is near Wittenberg. This is my humble petition to EFG that he gracously give helpful advice so that the good man and also the need of his body (which has gone on for years) be care for as is right according to God's command. Request of EFG a gracous answer.Herewith be commended to God,Amen. On Palmday (9 April) 1536.EFG's willing Mart.Luther,D.
#2227-To the ViceKanzler Franz Burkhard
To the highly-honored man,Herr Franz Burkhard (Burgardo),Vicekanzler to the Prince in Saxony,his especially dear friend.
Grace and peace in Christ! I very much request of you, my dear Franz, that the appeal-writing of this man be delivered to the Prince and that you support that the illustrious Prince has in this matter has given a very strong order namely that both parites be forced to abide simply by the judgment of Justus Menius or whomever happens to be available.They have often attacked us and would not yield to be satisfied with our final judgment. I do not know what devil has become mixed up in this matter we being absent cannot advise anything fir(firmi) for those who are absent. Do what what you can. On both sides they are blood relations of mine therefore they trouble me more than others. Be it well with you in the LOrd, joyful and strong,Amen. On the Saturday before Palmarum (8 April) 1536. Your Martin Luther.
There must also be consideration given regarding the expenses which they accrue in going back and forth such a long way as maybe Justus Menius only resolve this at the place itself.
NOTE: Editors think this is a marriage case.
Grace and peace in Christ! I very much request of you, my dear Franz, that the appeal-writing of this man be delivered to the Prince and that you support that the illustrious Prince has in this matter has given a very strong order namely that both parites be forced to abide simply by the judgment of Justus Menius or whomever happens to be available.They have often attacked us and would not yield to be satisfied with our final judgment. I do not know what devil has become mixed up in this matter we being absent cannot advise anything fir(firmi) for those who are absent. Do what what you can. On both sides they are blood relations of mine therefore they trouble me more than others. Be it well with you in the LOrd, joyful and strong,Amen. On the Saturday before Palmarum (8 April) 1536. Your Martin Luther.
There must also be consideration given regarding the expenses which they accrue in going back and forth such a long way as maybe Justus Menius only resolve this at the place itself.
NOTE: Editors think this is a marriage case.
Friday, April 11, 2008
#2226-Elector to ML
(This is the Elector's answer to #2224)
To begin with, our greetings. Worthy, dear devout one! We have received your writing regarding the 40 Gulden which I prescribed for Doctor Hieronymous Weller as a beneficence from the Castle Wartburg and do according to your request as appropriate and have written the pertinent Sequestrator of Thuringia to deposit with the official in Eisenach the 40 Gulden who will know how to put it in its proper place. Thus he may seek it from the official and the money will come of our provision come and immediately be given. This we did not want to keep from your gracious opinion. Dated at Torgau on the Saturday after Judica (8 April) Anno 1536.
To begin with, our greetings. Worthy, dear devout one! We have received your writing regarding the 40 Gulden which I prescribed for Doctor Hieronymous Weller as a beneficence from the Castle Wartburg and do according to your request as appropriate and have written the pertinent Sequestrator of Thuringia to deposit with the official in Eisenach the 40 Gulden who will know how to put it in its proper place. Thus he may seek it from the official and the money will come of our provision come and immediately be given. This we did not want to keep from your gracious opinion. Dated at Torgau on the Saturday after Judica (8 April) Anno 1536.
#2225-Elector Johann Friedrich to ML,Jonas et al
(This is a summary in the St. Louis Edition of the Elector's reply to #2223.)
Elector decides on Michael Coelius to be preacher in Naumburg.)
Elector decides on Michael Coelius to be preacher in Naumburg.)
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Walpurgis Night-April 30
But the name “Walpurgis” comes from a very different source.
In the 8th Century, a woman named Valborg (other iterations of the name include Walpurgis, Wealdburg and Valderburger) founded the Catholic convent of Heidenheim in Wurtemburg, Germany. She herself later became a nun and was known for speaking out against witchcraft and sorcery. She was canonized a saint on May 1, 779. Since the celebration of her sainthood and the old Viking festival occurred around the same time, over the years the festivals and traditions intermingled until the hybrid pagan-Catholic celebration became known as Valborgsmässoafton or Walpurgisnacht – Walpurgis Night.
In the 8th Century, a woman named Valborg (other iterations of the name include Walpurgis, Wealdburg and Valderburger) founded the Catholic convent of Heidenheim in Wurtemburg, Germany. She herself later became a nun and was known for speaking out against witchcraft and sorcery. She was canonized a saint on May 1, 779. Since the celebration of her sainthood and the old Viking festival occurred around the same time, over the years the festivals and traditions intermingled until the hybrid pagan-Catholic celebration became known as Valborgsmässoafton or Walpurgisnacht – Walpurgis Night.
#2224-To Elector Johan Friedrich
Grace and peace in Christ etc. Most illustrious, high-born Prince,most gracious Lord!Now is the time of Walpurgis which according to the prescription of ECFG Doctor Hieronymous Well was to receive the 40 Fl. from the Wartburg Castle as a beneficence. Now Mr. Just Menius writes that because of the order of the Sequestrator
he cannot receive neither in Eisenach nor in Weissensee receive the mentioned beneficence excecpt ECFG order the Sequestrator to let proceed the same to the treasurer or official in Eisenach and as in the previous year the messenger-pay and writing be gratis. Such writing of Mr. Just I request obediently to make known to ECFG so that the 40 Fl. will be secured for the named Doctor Hieronymous and if he should expect the same. Because the Sequestrators are sitting idle it is difficult to get them together and meet with them as Mr. Just also indicates. ECFG will herein will know how to give gracious advice. Herewith be commended to God,Amen. On the Thursday after Judica (6 April) 1536. ECFG's obedient Martinus Luther,D.
he cannot receive neither in Eisenach nor in Weissensee receive the mentioned beneficence excecpt ECFG order the Sequestrator to let proceed the same to the treasurer or official in Eisenach and as in the previous year the messenger-pay and writing be gratis. Such writing of Mr. Just I request obediently to make known to ECFG so that the 40 Fl. will be secured for the named Doctor Hieronymous and if he should expect the same. Because the Sequestrators are sitting idle it is difficult to get them together and meet with them as Mr. Just also indicates. ECFG will herein will know how to give gracious advice. Herewith be commended to God,Amen. On the Thursday after Judica (6 April) 1536. ECFG's obedient Martinus Luther,D.
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