Grace and peace in Christ!
Though my name is very much hated, so that I must fear that my letter is not entirely certain of being received and read by you, I am sending the same to you, better Ludwig, because of the love of music with which you have been graced; and, gifted by God, this fear has been overcome. This love has also given me confidence that my letter will not bring to you any danger, since anyone who loves the art and the artist would not want to be regarded as somewhat Turkish, since they love the art and praise the artist. I, at least, praise your Duke of Bavaria very much, though they also are little inclined toward me, and honor him before others, since he so favors and honors music. And there is no doubt that there are the seeds of many virtues in the dispositions of those who so moved by music; those who are not so moved I consider to be similar to klutzes and stones. We know that music is hated and unbearable to evil spirits. And I openly judge and am not ashamed to say that next to theology there is no art which can be compared to music in bringing about that which theology only does, namely to bring forth a restful and peaceful disposition. Proof thereof is that the devil, who is the originator of sorrowful care and anxious distress, flees before music as he does from the words of theology. Thus it has happened that the Prophets used no other art than music to convey their theologies and did not convey it in arithmetic, geometry or in astronomy but in music so that theology and music were very closely combined and they proclaimed the truth in Psalms and songs.
However, should I attempt to praise such a great matter as music by portraying [it] on such a little piece of paper, or [will I] rather disfigure it? However, my inclination toward you, who so often refresh me and freed me from great burdens, has broken out and overwhelmed me. I come back to you and request: If you have a copy of this song [Ps. 4:9], "I lie down and sleep in complete peace," would you recopy it and send it to me? This melody has delighted me from my youth and now much more since I understand the words. I have never seen this antiphon in multiple voices. I do not want to burden you with work but think you may have composed it at another time. I hope that the end of my life is near since the world hates me and cannot suffer me; I, on the other hand, have disgust with the world and despise it; therefore, may the best and faithful Shepherd take me. If they do not hate you or know you, I am sending you herewith the proper notes which, if you want, you can compose after my death.
The Lord Jesus be with you in eternity, Amen.
Pardon my boldness and wide rangingness. Greet for me you music-chor respectfully. From Coburg on October 4th,1530. Martin Luther.
[Nota Bene: How many times during the past ten years has Luther thought he was close to dying? Reminds of the one who died a thousand times before he actually did. Good idea?]Senfel, atfirst,sent ML a motet on Psalm 118:17 "Ich werde nicht sterben, sondern leben.." How appropriate for the man who thought he was about to die. Later he sent the desired antiphon.
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