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THE CHIMAERA
THE CHIMAERA
She was of divine race, not of men, in the fore part a lion, in the hinder a serpent, and in the middle a goat, breathing forth in terrible manner the force of blazing fire. And Bellerophon slew her, trusting the signs of the gods.
Homer, Iliad 6.181
The Chimaera who breathed raging fire, a creature fearful, great, swift footed and strong, who had three heads, one of grim-eyed lion, another of a goat, and another of a serpent. In her forepart she was a lion; in her hinderpart a dragon; and in her middle part, a goat, breathing forth a fearful blast of blazing fire. Her did Pegasus and noble Bellerophon slay.
Hesiod, Theogony 319
The Chimaera was a fire-breathing she-goat with the head of a lion, the body of a goat and a serpent's tail. This unlikely beast was the product of a union between the equally hideous monsters Typhon and Echidne.
Echidne bore a particularly dreadful brood to Typhon: along with the Chimaera, the two of them produced Cerberus, the three-headed hound of Hades; Orthrus, the two-headed hound of Geryon; the Sphinx, who had a woman's head, lion's body, serpent's tail, and eagle's wings; and the Hydra, a multi-headed water serpent. The Chimaera and her siblings comprised some of the most feared monsters in Greek mythology.
(It should be noted that in some versions of the Sphinx story, it is suggested that its parents were the Chimaera and Orthrus.)
This dreaded monster took up residence in a place called Lycia and caused great havoc, killing and terrorizing all the neighboring area. In due time, the hero called Bellerophon, riding the winged horse Pegasus, challenged this beast.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
#2307-Conrad Cordatus to Luther
(Another letter to Doctor Mart. Luth.on account of the words of which D.Joh. Bug. Preached on 8 (sic) November.
Grace of God through Christ! Although already for fourteen days I was motivated to write to you because of a certain man who then (and perhaps now) maintained: regarding the causa sine qua non one may dispute yet I believe that I might fear what he says: Don’t go too far! (NE quid nimis!) Yet, in this week, he appears to be hostile to sine qua non has openily from the pulpit said that there are certain people in this school (the U of Wittenberg) who think there is a schism although there is no division over the substance but only on the words, I think it necessary I write this to you so that you, honorable father,that you in no way consent to these people be lenient in this case of faith while we should in every matter be merciful to the neighbor but regarding the faith be righteous and unyielding. Further, while I speak in opposition to Cruciger and others who appear to favor sine qua non yet I confidently oppose these preachers re: whether a dispute in words does not divide the whole body? Thus I will ask them which of those expressions (termini) which are only words (termini) without being indicative of substance?
Then he wants to speak of the Chimaere ( Myth monster) and of the Stag-buck and similar monstrosities related in words as also void of causa sine qua non which also the godless Sophists from their empty heads at first declared likewise the expression and the substance (as their golden calf) imagined in their heads and no grammarians had questions about and never spoke about. I never once had questioned or regarded as true that a schism in such words was not a harmful division. And was not the schism between the Nominalists and Realists a great and harmful split? Then also they declare: One may disagree!
Is it not proper to fight against the schism regarding words? However, how fine it is that against the grammatical expression ( yes, the substance of the expression itself) they want to defend by grammar itself. Thus the conclusion (connexionem) of their syllogism we will answer from the Word of God and confidently oppose them with the help of Christ and His Spirit and with words brought together without art. What would that substance sine qua non answer when we with this word of Christ oppose it (John 14:26) : “The Spirit will remind you of all that I have taught you.?” Or has Christ anywhere spoken of the matter of sine qua non? However, that I should cease burdening you with my writing I say: that that and similar expressions be damned and remain damned in the theology of Christ, Amen.
And whoever maintains that there is no schism in substance established he might see to what he is doing or also believe those manufactured (fabris) new words.
Be it well with you and be strong in the Lord in the power of His strength, and that you in no way permit anyone to move you and you, worthy Doctor, know the consequences if you only in the case of the Sacramentarians had diverted. So also (you know) what a fortuante proceeding the matter had (as several wanted) when the Concord only be sent to them written. Again, be it well with you and your entire house; be strong through the Spirit of Christ and He also the peace with me which was only a short time previously be brought about again by His grace. From Niemeck on the third day of the month of November.Conr.Cordatus
(Another letter to Doctor Mart. Luth.on account of the words of which D.Joh. Bug. Preached on 8 (sic) November.
Grace of God through Christ! Although already for fourteen days I was motivated to write to you because of a certain man who then (and perhaps now) maintained: regarding the causa sine qua non one may dispute yet I believe that I might fear what he says: Don’t go too far! (NE quid nimis!) Yet, in this week, he appears to be hostile to sine qua non has openily from the pulpit said that there are certain people in this school (the U of Wittenberg) who think there is a schism although there is no division over the substance but only on the words, I think it necessary I write this to you so that you, honorable father,that you in no way consent to these people be lenient in this case of faith while we should in every matter be merciful to the neighbor but regarding the faith be righteous and unyielding. Further, while I speak in opposition to Cruciger and others who appear to favor sine qua non yet I confidently oppose these preachers re: whether a dispute in words does not divide the whole body? Thus I will ask them which of those expressions (termini) which are only words (termini) without being indicative of substance?
Then he wants to speak of the Chimaere ( Myth monster) and of the Stag-buck and similar monstrosities related in words as also void of causa sine qua non which also the godless Sophists from their empty heads at first declared likewise the expression and the substance (as their golden calf) imagined in their heads and no grammarians had questions about and never spoke about. I never once had questioned or regarded as true that a schism in such words was not a harmful division. And was not the schism between the Nominalists and Realists a great and harmful split? Then also they declare: One may disagree!
Is it not proper to fight against the schism regarding words? However, how fine it is that against the grammatical expression ( yes, the substance of the expression itself) they want to defend by grammar itself. Thus the conclusion (connexionem) of their syllogism we will answer from the Word of God and confidently oppose them with the help of Christ and His Spirit and with words brought together without art. What would that substance sine qua non answer when we with this word of Christ oppose it (John 14:26) : “The Spirit will remind you of all that I have taught you.?” Or has Christ anywhere spoken of the matter of sine qua non? However, that I should cease burdening you with my writing I say: that that and similar expressions be damned and remain damned in the theology of Christ, Amen.
And whoever maintains that there is no schism in substance established he might see to what he is doing or also believe those manufactured (fabris) new words.
Be it well with you and be strong in the Lord in the power of His strength, and that you in no way permit anyone to move you and you, worthy Doctor, know the consequences if you only in the case of the Sacramentarians had diverted. So also (you know) what a fortuante proceeding the matter had (as several wanted) when the Concord only be sent to them written. Again, be it well with you and your entire house; be strong through the Spirit of Christ and He also the peace with me which was only a short time previously be brought about again by His grace. From Niemeck on the third day of the month of November.Conr.Cordatus
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
#2306
#2306-To Duke Heinrich of Saxony
Grace and peace in Christ. Illustrious, high-born Prince, gracious Lord! .E.F.G. will
Graciously regard it as well-intentioned that I must write so plainly. Often now I have pleaded for Mathes Kartenmaler, and according to much zeal have inquired about everything
And now finally E.F.G.’s writing to my E.G.the Elector which ECFG sent to me I have read and discovered , as much as possible by me, that the poor man has been done an injustice; it’s was a bad thing, whoever did it may God forgive; I do not want to have it on my conscience. EFG would also not want it to remain on his conscience.There seven children with father and mother expelled (the eighth has died) and are regarded as unworthy and without virtue by everyone in addition to being beggars without anything being proved or even had a hearing and he also is not a man who could have done such a thing as I previously wrote.
That EFG finally in letters to my gracious Lord has been urged that he should yield from his vow and acceptance: EFG should graciously consider that one has faithfully and in secret pointed out ( were it with evil intentions, they are the worst of scoundrels) how the hangman from Dresden ordered that he should be after him. Yes, gracious lord, it would be better to deal with him with a cane or stick! There are three witnesses through whom (I don’t know) such complaint have brought to EFG as I am here forwarding so that EFG may know that Mathes has been done an injustice. Thus it is my humble petition: because EFG has heard the holy Gospel by God’s grace would to the honor of the same holy Word of God such outrage against EFG diminish and still give the man a hearing whether it be within or outside the jurisdiction of EFG. Such outcry against EFG is not laudable and it will not help that he has stepped out of EFG’s domain because it is METUS IN CONSTANTEM VIRUM CADENS (?).That is my final plea in this matter. Though it may not succeed it is yet necessary for my conscience to give him a public written witness that he is innocent in this matter and to help save his honor so that he might remain which I in service to EFG would rather pass over.
I cannot permit such horror or misery ( where there is not a hearing or proof) to go on without pushing and laying it upon the conscience of EFG. I plead for a gracious answer.Herwith be commended to God,Amen. On the Thursday after all Saints Day (2 Nov) 1536. EFG’s willing Martinus Luther.
Nota Bene: I was thinking that I saw “METUS..." in a the work of a Roman (Latin) poet but can’t find it. Surprised that ML does not quote it but maybe it’s a proverb about everyone fearing death..(?) Any ideas?
Grace and peace in Christ. Illustrious, high-born Prince, gracious Lord! .E.F.G. will
Graciously regard it as well-intentioned that I must write so plainly. Often now I have pleaded for Mathes Kartenmaler, and according to much zeal have inquired about everything
And now finally E.F.G.’s writing to my E.G.the Elector which ECFG sent to me I have read and discovered , as much as possible by me, that the poor man has been done an injustice; it’s was a bad thing, whoever did it may God forgive; I do not want to have it on my conscience. EFG would also not want it to remain on his conscience.There seven children with father and mother expelled (the eighth has died) and are regarded as unworthy and without virtue by everyone in addition to being beggars without anything being proved or even had a hearing and he also is not a man who could have done such a thing as I previously wrote.
That EFG finally in letters to my gracious Lord has been urged that he should yield from his vow and acceptance: EFG should graciously consider that one has faithfully and in secret pointed out ( were it with evil intentions, they are the worst of scoundrels) how the hangman from Dresden ordered that he should be after him. Yes, gracious lord, it would be better to deal with him with a cane or stick! There are three witnesses through whom (I don’t know) such complaint have brought to EFG as I am here forwarding so that EFG may know that Mathes has been done an injustice. Thus it is my humble petition: because EFG has heard the holy Gospel by God’s grace would to the honor of the same holy Word of God such outrage against EFG diminish and still give the man a hearing whether it be within or outside the jurisdiction of EFG. Such outcry against EFG is not laudable and it will not help that he has stepped out of EFG’s domain because it is METUS IN CONSTANTEM VIRUM CADENS (?).That is my final plea in this matter. Though it may not succeed it is yet necessary for my conscience to give him a public written witness that he is innocent in this matter and to help save his honor so that he might remain which I in service to EFG would rather pass over.
I cannot permit such horror or misery ( where there is not a hearing or proof) to go on without pushing and laying it upon the conscience of EFG. I plead for a gracious answer.Herwith be commended to God,Amen. On the Thursday after all Saints Day (2 Nov) 1536. EFG’s willing Martinus Luther.
Nota Bene: I was thinking that I saw “METUS..." in a the work of a Roman (Latin) poet but can’t find it. Surprised that ML does not quote it but maybe it’s a proverb about everyone fearing death..(?) Any ideas?
Monday, November 02, 2009
#2305-Melanchthon to Luther,Jonas,Bugenhagen and Cruciger
To the highly-renown men: Lord Doctor Luther,D.Justus Jonas and the head Pastor of the church in Wittenberg and D.Cruciger, his highly honorable teachers.
Heil! Highly-renown and dear men of my heart! I hear that Cordatus has here put forth a great dream-play(?) over several of my words in which, it is said, that I falsely have put forth on the teaching of works. I am moved by this report to respond as soon as possible although I am plagued with other difficult concerns at this time. I have never learned nor have I ever taught anything other than what you commonly teach especially concerning this controversy. But from the start I saw that many, especially
from elsewhere, this sentence: We are justified only through faith, that along with this opinion: WE are through this have a new essence (novitate) or by the infusion of gifts made righteous (that is to say, not only through faith) so it was necessary for me in the Apology that the reckoning only out of grace to put forth and to say several things explicitly.Thereupon, as you know, several questions arose: If only we are accepted by mercy whereto is the new obedience demanded? The Scriptures have it. I never once questioned your judgment not even once to Amsdorf. And I have never at any time had something different in my eye than to declare very specifically what you teach because I know that many have inept opinions about such great things.And that the youth have a very definite way is necessary in addition to many dialectic words.
Also I have never concealed that I want, as much as I can, say that good works are
praiseworthy but I have never adorned them with false praise. I clearly say that they are neither a reward nor meritorious toward everlasting life. And I am not so untaught that I do know what signifies a necessary cause (causa sine qua non). I pray therefore for the sake of Christ that what I have taught with great effort and not on purpose to propose any deviation.
Never have I wanted to deviate from your opinion but when there is suspicion or condemnation by certain men burdening me and I fear estrangement from good will I wish I might go somewhere else in the world. I know several have taught terribly about me whom I would be happy to forgive. And this I want to complain to you about rather than to others. I would not be the originator of any sort of division among us. And I love each and honor them in my heart. And I want the common matter very much. And if my labors and my not insignificant care in each matter of responsibilty are not verified it is in vain that I speak of this matter. However , I hope that my good intentions will eventually be known. And I have never avoided admonition and well intended persuasion. There are manifold gifts. I am claiming nothing and have brought forth nothing new. I have put together for you as much as I am able and put it as clearly as I can.
I hear that yet another complaint has been raised on account of the position of the Pedagogue. Herr Caspar knows how very much and inistently I have pleaded that the choice should be postponed. That they did not want this and ordered me to in accordance with my responsibility to put forth fitting elders I have named four: Freder,Wendelin, Holstein and Marcellus however I said that these two, namely Holstein and Marcellus,are to be preferred above the rest. I have also said that Holstein should in the forefront because he is a Saxon and must receive consideration by this nation.Thereupon it goes to a vote. I have not voiced anything more. Also in my letters conscerning Holstein stating that he is a Saxon it was because it was their displeasure and all wanted to disregard this. Therfore I am in this matter without any fault. I also know, having heard it from Marcellus, that you would like to depart from this narrow position to another. He has never once desired it and leaves the decision entirely up to you. These necessary matters I have intended to describe so that my silence would not arouse, I know not of what sort, a suspicion. And i espically wish to be pure before you. Be it right well and happy with you. On the day of All Saints (1 Nov.)
I am not delighted with this writing and don't want it copied so pardon that. Philppus.
Heil! Highly-renown and dear men of my heart! I hear that Cordatus has here put forth a great dream-play(?) over several of my words in which, it is said, that I falsely have put forth on the teaching of works. I am moved by this report to respond as soon as possible although I am plagued with other difficult concerns at this time. I have never learned nor have I ever taught anything other than what you commonly teach especially concerning this controversy. But from the start I saw that many, especially
from elsewhere, this sentence: We are justified only through faith, that along with this opinion: WE are through this have a new essence (novitate) or by the infusion of gifts made righteous (that is to say, not only through faith) so it was necessary for me in the Apology that the reckoning only out of grace to put forth and to say several things explicitly.Thereupon, as you know, several questions arose: If only we are accepted by mercy whereto is the new obedience demanded? The Scriptures have it. I never once questioned your judgment not even once to Amsdorf. And I have never at any time had something different in my eye than to declare very specifically what you teach because I know that many have inept opinions about such great things.And that the youth have a very definite way is necessary in addition to many dialectic words.
Also I have never concealed that I want, as much as I can, say that good works are
praiseworthy but I have never adorned them with false praise. I clearly say that they are neither a reward nor meritorious toward everlasting life. And I am not so untaught that I do know what signifies a necessary cause (causa sine qua non). I pray therefore for the sake of Christ that what I have taught with great effort and not on purpose to propose any deviation.
Never have I wanted to deviate from your opinion but when there is suspicion or condemnation by certain men burdening me and I fear estrangement from good will I wish I might go somewhere else in the world. I know several have taught terribly about me whom I would be happy to forgive. And this I want to complain to you about rather than to others. I would not be the originator of any sort of division among us. And I love each and honor them in my heart. And I want the common matter very much. And if my labors and my not insignificant care in each matter of responsibilty are not verified it is in vain that I speak of this matter. However , I hope that my good intentions will eventually be known. And I have never avoided admonition and well intended persuasion. There are manifold gifts. I am claiming nothing and have brought forth nothing new. I have put together for you as much as I am able and put it as clearly as I can.
I hear that yet another complaint has been raised on account of the position of the Pedagogue. Herr Caspar knows how very much and inistently I have pleaded that the choice should be postponed. That they did not want this and ordered me to in accordance with my responsibility to put forth fitting elders I have named four: Freder,Wendelin, Holstein and Marcellus however I said that these two, namely Holstein and Marcellus,are to be preferred above the rest. I have also said that Holstein should in the forefront because he is a Saxon and must receive consideration by this nation.Thereupon it goes to a vote. I have not voiced anything more. Also in my letters conscerning Holstein stating that he is a Saxon it was because it was their displeasure and all wanted to disregard this. Therfore I am in this matter without any fault. I also know, having heard it from Marcellus, that you would like to depart from this narrow position to another. He has never once desired it and leaves the decision entirely up to you. These necessary matters I have intended to describe so that my silence would not arouse, I know not of what sort, a suspicion. And i espically wish to be pure before you. Be it right well and happy with you. On the day of All Saints (1 Nov.)
I am not delighted with this writing and don't want it copied so pardon that. Philppus.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
#2239-To Caspar Huberinus in Augsburg
To the worthy lord in Christ,Caspar Huber, the faithful servant of the Word in the church
In Augsburg, my beloved brother in the Lord.
Grace and peace in Christ! I write and am loaded with many activities,my beloved Caspar in the Lord; in addition I am very old and almost dead away and am scarcely
useful for a a half-day. On that account there are several who desire my thoughts and
opinion and you might share with them. I see very well that the Concord is hardly established; yet as they are dealing faithfully there is yet the good hope that God who has begun His work that it will be yet completed. He knows the ordained course of His Church namely that the wagon and also the horses must go through mud and great waters and yet the wagon attains victory as the Prophet Habbakkuk tells. For this reason let is hope and pray that God the Lord will stamp the head of the snake under our feet,Amen. Further, it is my opinion that the Cathedral lords will be spared neither they or their horrors nor that the authorities will not prevail with their action or authority so that yet the preachers will not be silenced but with joyful spirit and powerful sermons will rebuke their services and
essence and the hearts of the faithful made zealous and horrified. God’s Word should not be bound, but should rebuke the world because of sin. One should be concerned in what way the Cathedral-administration might be restrained so that in the mean time one might perhaps find counsel. One need not worry that the Princes will permit the Emperor to take over all these spiritual goods. They will also be in the pursuit, and not unjustly, should it come to that. In addition the cities will have some consolation in that. Thus, one should eagerly endeaveor at the same time that hearts of the pious and also the evil be turned from this horror. Briefly, these are my thoughts. If you think it well, share these thourghts with the Strassburger preachers. Since I cannot write to all of them or especially to serveral of them. Greet for me the pious Magister Forster with all of his and all of yours . With that be commended to the Lord. Dated at Wittenberg on the 23 October 1536. M.Luther.
To the worthy lord in Christ,Caspar Huber, the faithful servant of the Word in the church
In Augsburg, my beloved brother in the Lord.
Grace and peace in Christ! I write and am loaded with many activities,my beloved Caspar in the Lord; in addition I am very old and almost dead away and am scarcely
useful for a a half-day. On that account there are several who desire my thoughts and
opinion and you might share with them. I see very well that the Concord is hardly established; yet as they are dealing faithfully there is yet the good hope that God who has begun His work that it will be yet completed. He knows the ordained course of His Church namely that the wagon and also the horses must go through mud and great waters and yet the wagon attains victory as the Prophet Habbakkuk tells. For this reason let is hope and pray that God the Lord will stamp the head of the snake under our feet,Amen. Further, it is my opinion that the Cathedral lords will be spared neither they or their horrors nor that the authorities will not prevail with their action or authority so that yet the preachers will not be silenced but with joyful spirit and powerful sermons will rebuke their services and
essence and the hearts of the faithful made zealous and horrified. God’s Word should not be bound, but should rebuke the world because of sin. One should be concerned in what way the Cathedral-administration might be restrained so that in the mean time one might perhaps find counsel. One need not worry that the Princes will permit the Emperor to take over all these spiritual goods. They will also be in the pursuit, and not unjustly, should it come to that. In addition the cities will have some consolation in that. Thus, one should eagerly endeaveor at the same time that hearts of the pious and also the evil be turned from this horror. Briefly, these are my thoughts. If you think it well, share these thourghts with the Strassburger preachers. Since I cannot write to all of them or especially to serveral of them. Greet for me the pious Magister Forster with all of his and all of yours . With that be commended to the Lord. Dated at Wittenberg on the 23 October 1536. M.Luther.
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