(A picture of Marienkirche in Goettingen is in the archives. the first printing reads:"Christian Orders for the City of Geoettingen with a forward by D.Martin Luther". After the conclusion:"Printed in Wittenberg by Hans Luft MDXXXI". 16 pages in Octav. Many editions have it: Wittenberg (1569); Jena (1566); Altenburg;Leipzig; Walch;DeWette;Erlangen. All have the mistaken date of June 1528 and the superscription is missing.)The Reformation began first in October 1529 in Goettingen. ML mentioned in the beginning of the following the printing of the order in Wittenberg in 1531 and sent it to the Council on March see #1766.]
To the worthy Parish-heads (Pfarrherren) and Preachers of the City of Goettingen Mart.Luth.
Grace and peace in Christ! I have reviewed your Chrurch-order according to your wishes and provided for its printing; God the Father of all wisdom grant His grace that it gains a good acceptance, Amen.
We know very well, praise God, what we have for opponents in such matters, namely Satan with all his angels; since there is never a sufficiently good order,one good legally,good doctrinally; ja, there is, briefly, no counsel, no wisdom, no undertaking so good and just that needs not something added or altered; yes, it could be like the divine law, not beneficial, but rather harmful, Rom.4:15:"The law works wrath."
How many a wise man, yes, how many a holy man came up short in most beautiful and good matters and with the holiest of laws. Why is that? That is because there is one thing that belongs beyond the law and good orders and that is called the furtherance or benediction which St. Paul also says that even the Gospel (which is not only God's order but also God's power) creates nothing if does not have God's blessing in addition (1 Cor.3:7)
Therefore, it is foolish people who say:"I have what is good, I will perform; who will keep me from it?" That they say I have good rights, is well spoken; but when they say, I will also carry it out, that is too much. Such performance is not yours as little as the law is yours. God must help that it happens; otherwise you might well see whether you can defend it.
And even if you have a very good law, God will not suffer your defiance and boasting about rights; you should also humbly ask for help that He support the cause, and not you yourself alone so that you learn what the devil is, yes, what you yourself are that you may not accomplish it even though you have the right cause for the devil is a warrior who is against everything that is right and good and God must help not only to overcome the wrong but also help the right and good in every sort of matter, great or small. Therefore the Wisdom proverb says: Mine is the counsel and mine the fruition. Many have good cousel but the accomplishment does not follow and as many examples from history show the greatest misdirection follows the greatest counsel.
This is what I wanted to emphasize to you, dear sirs and friends, that you and your people are not only relying on your church-order as if you had no further need, since it has been determined, but humbly thank God and pray thereon that He grants you the benediction and fruition thereof and a blessed outcome.
There will be plenty of offenses and hinderniss found the Prince of the world, believe me, would also be Prince in Goettingen and has no desire to be a beggar.
May God cast him down under you as St. Paul prays Rom.16:20: God tread Satan under your feet. This is what I pray and wish for that God will bless and protect you and make you increase unblameable and powerful to His praise and glory,Amen.
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