Saint Vitus Cathedral,Prague

#2253-To Wolfgang Loech and Peter Thun (Thym),Citizens of Zwickau

G.(grace) u.(und) peace in Christ! Honorable,dear good friends! Regarding your writing on the marriage case,as you present it, it is my advice that the man, husband to the deranged woman is not responsible to marry the woman he has made pregnant before the death of the wife because there was no engagement. Howevr, there is this. He might well be responsible to legitimize her and restore her honor because she was humiliated and ruined by him as the Scripture says except for the friendship or link be too near according to the spiritual law. You could by your authority require that they should suffer such marriage it is then my advice that they could legitmately remain with one another.Such a link (relation?) is not forbidden by God or imperial law, but on account of willful,evil people is not to be allowed as a right although in such cases after the fact, as here happened, it may be permitted and suffered. But if the woman has not been made weak one should not suffer it on account of the people. Because it has happened one can let it beif the authority is satisfied and no one's conscience may be shunned because imperial law permits it. Herewith be commended to God,Amen. Tuesday after Vitus (20 June)1536 Martinus Luther,D.

NOTE: Editors say Burkhardt explains that shortly after the marriage Wolf Hayn of Zweinitz has wife became insane and Wolf impregnated his brother's granddaughter. The court decided that they could marry and live together only outside of the electoral lands.

#2249-To Spalatin

To the highly-renown and worthy man, Herr M.Georg Spalatin, the very faithful servant of God, his very dear brother in the LOrd.
Grace and peace in Christ! You have done well, my dear Spalatin,in that you have had mercy on this man, Wolfgang Gotzel and written for him to the most illustrious Prince and I request that you continue to recommend him as he is worthy and has need. I have not at the same time wanted to petition for him so that I would not hinder your petition. You know sufficiently the suspicious nature of the Court and that there are delicate ears there so that perhaps they might from mine conclude that there was, as it were,the matter being pressed by collusion (composito).For this reason I have advised that you put forward your application first.If this is not beneficial you will indicate so to me and mine will follow. Be it right well with you in the LOrd with yours and thine. The 12th of June 1536. Your Martin Luther.

#2248-To Spalatin

To the worthy and truly blessed man, Herr M.G. Spalatin, the very faithful servant of Christ, in the LOrd his very dear brother.

Grace and peace in Christ! Worthy Spalatin, Kilian Zimmermann has come here. He was either driven out of or fled Glaucha and has requested help toward some sort of position. However, there are so many poor ones coming here from every place that it is not likely there are enough positions for them. Because of this he has finally requested that I recommend him to you and I request that you take it up and this letter serves to make it happen. Since he also ,having lived near Altenburg ,is in your ecclesiatical jurisdiction.

I have no news and do want to pass that which is already old to you as the very horrible tragedy in England. About your Asmodeus I will write as I can; meanwhile Christ grant that through patience you will overcome.Greet your very lovely wife and tell her that I in the best and upright way think about her and that she may these motherly (and not to mention step-motherly) insults bear. It will finally be that everything turns out for the best and happiest but those will come to shame who want to blemish her. Be it right well with you in Christ with all of yours,Amen. On the Saturday after Pentecost (10 June) 1536. Your Mart.Luther.

NOTES: The tragedy in England was the execution of Queen Anne Boleyn earlier in June.
Asmodeus is described by ML in his foreword to the book of Tobit (Vol.XIV,p.77) as the devil who disrupts and ruins family life in contrast to the other heroes and heroines of the book.
Spalatin early in the 1520's was counselor to Elector Fredrich. About the time of the latter's death Spalatin became one of the pastors of the Stiftkirche in Altenburg.

#2247-To Justus Jonas

To the higly-renown and worthy man,Herr Justus Jonas,Doctor of Theology and Probst in Wittenberg, his superior in the LOrd.
Grace and peace in Christ! You will, my dear Doctor Jonas, greet Herr Spalatin because I cannot write to him. 1536 Midweek In Pentecost (7 June). Your Mart.Luther.
But listen to what I have forgotten: your letters appear to be exceedingly happy and give the aroma of rightly-made, delicious red wine although you and Spalatin have not indicated the same and put forth other reasons. I am happy that the hope for harmony is so great but soon the former are inclined to quarreling and the disturbing old one finds a different dispute since he, like the salamander lives from fire so he himself lives by hate,strife, and dissension. I write little because yesterday the entire day I suffered the passage of a stone which you, with horror, call lead; however, having avoided wine and a number of granules have passed through and so I am again well. Happily
I have learned everything from the Landgraf especially that our Prince has dealt so generously and graciously in this our union or attempts at union. My lord Kaethe greets you respectfully and is happy that you are happy but she fears that you may be deceived by the goodness of the wine and that you through excessive use may have gathered by the use of the same stones so that you will bring along your kidneys full of them "so rough and sharp" (these are her words) "of stones as the kegs are after they have been drained", but you may say they have their origin here in Wittenberg although you have always sown them elsewhere you (publish here?) go out from here and return here again as Michael Stiefel once said that you are accustomed to go outside from time to time to pass wind but when you come back in with your colleagues you bring the stink with you. You will no doubt recognise the Philosophy as I also learned it through her (Ed. Kaethe) at Coburg. Everything at your house goes well. Again be it well with you.
NOTEs: Believe Jonas is teaching at Jena for a time and organizing a school there. Both Jonas and Luther suffer from kidney and/or gall stones. Anyone know about the effect of red wine on "stones"? If I understand the Editors correctly they think the Latin per ipsam means ML is relating what Kaethe wrote to him while he was in Coburg (Gruboc) during the presentation of the AC in June of 1530 and several months afterward. Michael Stiefel independently devised a system of logarithms. Also predicted the end of the world and ML stepped in to save his neck when it didn't occur.

Electoral Saxony and Ducal Saxony

When writing to Heinrich in the post below ML calls him Duke in Saxony and one might wonder what happened to Johann Friedrich. Actually Heinrich is probably still the head of Friesland until his brother Duke Georg expires in 1539. This is the Albertine line with the main cities of Dresden and Leipzig. Electoral Saxony (Ernestine) with Wittenberg and Altenburg is the domain of Johann Friedrich. I used to have a neat map of the two Saxonies. But the boundaries of Saxony have changed over the years and today it is not the same as it was in ML's day. Duke Georg was the arch-enemy of Luther
but Heinrich introduced the Reformation in Ducal Saxony as he succeeded his brother Georg all of whose nine children preceded him in death.

Henry IV by Cranach the Elder

#2246-To Heinrich, Duke in Saxony

Grace and peace in Christ. Illustrious, high-born Prince, gracious Lord!A citizen of Freiburg named Matthes Lother has done the wrong thing with words against our doctrine and that of Pope etc.Thereupon I severly admonished the citizens, who had indicated the same to me by writing, that they should see to it that he be forbidden to do this. Thereupon (I hear) that EFG has proceeded against him with great vigor so that he is fearful for his life and must flee which I was not unhappy to hear this about EFG. Now he comes to me and pleads, with the intercessions of many good people, that I should write to EFG on his behalf that EFG would mitigate the punishment so that he does not have to sell his possessions and live with his wife and child outside the land. I am thinkg it would be better if EFG would extend for a long time his stay in prison for his punishment and near his wife and child being duty bound and if he should again undertake this immediately the head would be neglected (verwahrlost=defenceless?)Such lads when they are with similar ones made the fire (Feuer or Fewer) worse than if they are kept in the land and made responsible there as my most gracious Lord, the Elector ordered for Carlstadt and several others. EFG will know well how to consider everything since I scarcely know how one should stop these people. If they are permitted to stay they do not stop their assaults; if they are chased away they make it ten times worse. If, however, this Matthes is sincere as he has made known in humble confession it would be better if were kept in the land under responsibility than if outside the land he becomes desperate and brings about greater unhappiness. Herewith be commended to God, Amen. Midweek in Pentecost (7June)1536. EFG's willing Martinus Luther.

NOTE:This sounds similar to what the Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia describes as the procedures of Philipp von Hesse with the Anabaptists.
This seems a clumsy translation but maybe someone can improve upon it. Maybe they are under obligation (Pflicht) to cease and desist.

Philipp von Hesse and Christine (first wife)

#2245a-Advice of Luther,Cruciger and Bugenhagen to Landgraf Philipp von Hesse

And after our gracious Lord Landgraf reports that several leaders and teachers of the Anabaptist are imprisoned and to be banished because they have not kept agreement, EFG may in good conscience the same,who on account of their disobedience have not kept their oath or agreement , punish with the sword.
This is the general rule. Yet, may our g.(gracious)Lord at all times accompany grace with the punishment according to the circumstance of the situation.

NOTE: Editors take the date of the above as 5 June 1536 from Burkhardt as likely. I have translated "zusage" as "agreement" but was wavering between that and "allegiance".

Chancel of St. George-Eisenach

#2245-To Nicolaus von Amsdorf

To the highly-honorable man and worthy Lord Nicolaus von Amsdorf, Licentiat of Theology,in the LOrd his very dear brother.

Grace and peace in the LOrd! I am sending to you, my dear Amsdorf, that which we have dealt with in our meetings and request, at the same time, that you share this also with others, mainly the Pastors of the larger cities according to what opportunity you might have and write here (to us) when you can your and their judgment.

That book of Bibliander or the letters is published contrary to the will of those who were here and they are disgruntled about it. The churches of the Swiss are not yet in this matter of the Concord although they have good hope and say the communities and people are tired of this split and satieated with it and wish that harmony will be established.God bless you according to His goodness,Amen. I have written this being tired after a sermon; more later. Be it welll with you in the LOrd. On the second Pentecost day (5 June) 1536.

NOTE: Editors say the book by Bibliander is a collection of the letters of Zwingli and Oecolampads in 1536 with a foreword by Bucer.
Anyone ever tired after a sermon? Anyone ever tired of a sermon?

#2244-To Markgraf Georg of Brandenburg

To the illustrious, high-born Prince and Lord, Lord Georg, Markgraf in Brandenburg,Duke in Stettin,Pomerania etc.,Oppeln etc.,and Prince in Ruegen etc.etc.,my gracious Lord.

Grace and peace in Christ. Illustrious, high-born Prince, gracious Lord! I have received two letters from EFG and both of them graciously written. The first as to how EFG's Lord Father, Markgraf Friedrich was required by God to leave this world etc., and this pleased me very much that EFG demonstrated such loyal,family honor toward your Lord Father in writing to such an insignificant person as I so graciously and in such a friendly way although also previously EFG had the reputation(by God's grace) that you during the life of the highly-named Lord Father gave him every honor during the life-time of FG.

The second as how the students (whom EFG has greatly supported) are studying I know nothing other than that it is going right; since the alley-going and night-howling is yes, praise God, not so horrible as it was previously. However, EFG should not be mistaken about that if I should find one who portrays the same I will make it quickly known to EFG and send him home as I have done with some. What happens in secret I do not know all about; but everything public is taken care of with all earnestness.

What was dealt with by us in the meeting regarding the Sacrament etc. EFG will learn the finality of everything in a written form as will all the other Princes, Lords and Preachers who are involved with this matter; since we do not want to make any final conclusion nor will we nor can we without their knowledge and consent because there is likely more involved than some think. However, so far they have betaken themselves already that they want to faithfully hold and teach according to our Confession and Apology (Confessio und Apologia). Yet we are dealing with them on several articles so that every danger and poison is set aside and there will be a true Concordia; we want to send all this to EFG. Because EFG is one with us in Confession you must be certain (as all others) thereby or want to be about how such Concordia is concluded and made.

EFG would best help with the Preachers so that old matters are not so sharply judged and the stupid are not scared away. I consider that you are truly serious; if not they are likely to strive against the adopted Apologia. And it means nothing that they condemn the papal procession and ciboria about which we have previously held nothing. Herewith be commended to God; in a short time I want to write further. Monday after Exaudi (29 May) 1536.EFG's willing Martin Luther,D.
NOTE: Early on the Augsburg Confession was known as "Apologia"
Looks like the reference to Procession and Ciboria is to the second article of the Wittenberg Concord in which they say that the Body of Christ is present only in the "Gebrauch und Niessung" (use and partaking) not in being carried about in Processions. There the word for Ciboria is Sacramenthauslein- the covering over the chalice-like vessel containing the consecrated host. Ciboria were also architectural features-canopy over the altar but looks like ML is talking about the former here.

Johann Riedtesel

For a plaque on the life and work of Johann Riedtesel see: "http://www.riedesel.org/photos.html#weimar"
Thanks to Paul Riedesel for that! J.R. was sponsor Martin and Kaethe's son, Martin

#2243-To the Council in Augsburg

To the honorable,discerning Lords, Mayor and Council of the city of Augsburg, my favored Lords and Friends.

Grace and Peace in Christ. Honorable,discerning, dear Lords and Friends! I have heard both of your preachers one after the other and I, as much as possible,have been friendly as they themselves will convey everything to you. And although it has progressed so far, praise God, that we have become united, to the extent humans can confess,it is, on the other hand, my humble, friendly plea that such unity might be strengthened and remain constant as I have greatly pleaded and admonished your preachers in a friendly way and that we not only teach harmony with words but also from the foundation of the heart (rooting out all suspicion) and might trust one another in Christ as true love does and should do.And should such unity , which we have here established,be pleasing to you and your preachers make the same known to us
in time as we will make known to you how it pleases our parties of preachers and lords here. Thereupon it is to be made public in print to the praise of God and shame of the devil, Amen. The Father of all consolation and peace strengthen and lead your hearts with us in the right confession of His dear Son, our LOrd Jesus Christ in Whom is hidden all the riches of the wisdom and knowledge,Amen. On the Monday afte Exaudi (29 May) 1536. E.E.'s (your honors?) willing one M.L.

NOTE: Apparently a similar letter on the same day is written to the Council of Strassburg where Bucer and Capito serve but it is in Vol.XVII,2119 and I have not been venturing much away from Vols.XXIa and b.

Bucer and Concord

4. The Wittenberg Concord.
The outcome of these endeavors was the Wittenberg Concord, which was agreed upon with Luther in 1536 by a delegation of Upper German theologians under the direction of Butzer. In this Concord the concession was made to Luther that the body and the blood of Christ are truly and essentially present with the bread and with the wine and are so given and received, the only modification being that the unworthy, but not the unholy, actually receive the body of the Lord. By this agreement a certain sort of theological understanding was reached between Luther and the South Germans, but the rupture between Butzer and the Swiss was accomplished.

5. Critique of Butzer's Attitude in the Controversy.
Whatever views be held of Butzer's efforts for union, especially in the eucharistic controversy, his honest intention and his unselfish zeal to serve the Church are beyond all question. His diplomatic tactics were not always such as to inspire confidence, and they gave offense to other parties besides Luther. Butzer himself felt it afterward and honestly acknowledged that he had not always interfered in a discreet manner. The whole subject of controversy was of less interest for Butzer than for Luther, hence Butzer's readiness to make concessions and ever new formularizations. The real success of his endeavors was that the South Germans were not only induced to make common political cause with the North Germans, but were also drawn into the communion of Lutheranism, in spite of their peculiar doctrine of the Lord's Supper. The fact that Melanchthon, influenced partly by Butzer, took an intermediate position, and was thus drawn nearer to Calvin, was also far-reaching in its importance for the future formation of the Evangelical Church in Germany. The outcome of the Schmalkald War and the defeat of the Protestants (1547) gave the emperor power to settle the religious troubles by the Augsburg Interim (see INTERIM) in 1548, which was accepted by the majority of the intimidated diet and was to be forced upon the city of Strasburg. This was most energetically opposed by Butzer and his younger colleague, Paul Fagius, on the ground of the Romanizing character of the document. But when the council, yielding to the force of circumstances, accepted the Interim, Butzer perceived that he could remain in Strasburg no longer, and he accepted a call to England, whither he had been invited, together with Fagius, by Thomas Cranmer, archbishop of Canterbury, the soul of the Reformation in England

Thanks:This is from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library of Calvin College and by Paul Greenberg.

#2241-Elector Johann Friedrich to ML and Melanchthon

To begin with, our greetings. Honorable and celebrated, dear devout and faithful ones! The celebrated, our cousnselor and dear faithful one, Bleikard Sindringer,Doctor, has reported to us ,as he arrived here with us today, among other things, that the matter with you and the Oberland (highland) cities preachers', who are now with you in Wittenberg, have reached good and harmonious means and ways which we should support as such to the honor, glory,and praise of Almighty God and the also the increase and spreading of His saving Word be benficial without doubt. This we graciously and gladly heard.

However, because the above named Doctor Bleikard did not actually know how to describe which form it would take and to what degree of unity the reported matter would extend to and so that we might gladly know the same it is our gracious desire you would provide us with the same, as you take leave of them, without delay and beneficially, by your own true messenger to Naumburg in writing which differentiates and reports giving us this knowledge which we here in Torgau have not received. May what have given you be a pleasing opinion and we are graciously inclined toward you. Dated at Torgau on the Thursday of the Ascension of the LOrd (25 Mai) Anno 1536.

NOTE: Check this with the experts as the language of the court is unbearably obtuse. But the essence is that the Elector wants a report as to the unity which may be achieved with the preachers of the highland cities which are those in the south.
Pastor Benjamin Mayes (see comments) has pointed that this is the Wittenberg Concord of May 26,1536. The "oberlandische" cities are Strassburg (signed by Bucer and Capito),Augsburg, Ulm et al and signed by Luther,Jonas,Creutziger,Bugenhagen,Melanchthon,Moenius, and Myconius. The last two of Eisenach (Menius) and Gotha respectively.

#2230-To Johann Riedtesel

(This a little bit earlier than the latest letter due to some translation problems which were mostly cleared up by Luther Index and Professor Susan Karant-Nunn of Arizona and with thanks to them.)

To the valiant and stoutly-honorable Johann Riedtesel, electoral Chamberlain in Saxony and in new market, (zum neuen Markt) my favored Lord and dear god-father.

G.u.F.(Grace and peace) Valiant and firmly-honorable,dear Lord,friendly, dear god-father! The two sons of Michael von der Strasse,formerly escort (Gleitsmann) in Borna, who after their father's life received a fund from a churchly income given by MGH and availed for three years so their studies had a good beginning and because their father left them in great debt that they not be able to continue their studies and it would be harmful if such a good beginning be abandoned, I request that the funding be continued for yet another three year period. I have learned that EG is inclined in such a good matter that the dear youth be educated in a praiseworthy and Christian way;so I request this in a friendly way. EG would with MGH do the best and make this and be beneficial to the poor youth and thus I want to assure EG of my confidence that he will provide. Herewith be commended to God and greet for me your dear love whom you also know is also to me very dear. Dated at Wittenberg 16 April anno MDXXXVI.Martin Luther,D.
NOTE: Riedtesel is god-father to Martin, son of Martin and Kaethe born in 1531, I think. From Luther Index I learned that Professor Susan says that Michael von der Strasse is a proper name and also she wrote to me that "Gleitsmann" is an escort for supplies or people. E.G. (your grace) is Riedtesel.M.G.H.(my gracious Lord) is, I think, the Elector of Saxony.
"zum neuen Markt" is still a mystery to me. Now see http://www.riedesel.org/photos.html#weimar Thanks to Paul Riedesel for that!