#2060-To Christian Beier-Saxon Electoral Chancellor

Grace and peace in Christ. Respected,celebrated, dear Herr Doctor,Chancellor and God-father! Ambrosius of Utenhofen has appealed on the basis of this
writing etc. Because he has so many witnesses and handwritten (letters?) from parish-pastors, whom one must believe,and he is known to me personally, and is earnest in faith,as this same detailed list witnesses and reports, I request please that grace be given by our most gracious Lord (the Elector of Saxony) so that he comes to peace withine himself and that he not be consumed with sadness and thoughts from Satan (which the weak are often afflicted with), which he is not able to bear. I see that he is being tempted and for this reason the grieving should not have additional sorrow and so that we are burdened with another's guilt. You will do, I do not doubt, that which pleases God and the conscience. Christ be with you,Amen. On the Wednesday after Medardus (10 June) 1534. Respected Lord (T[uae] d[domintatis],Your Martin Luther,D.

NOTES: Ambrosius was banned from his office in Weida by the Elector and not come within 5 mi. of the Saxon border because he was accused of not accepting the new doctrine. The results of his appeal via ML are not known.
For Medardus ,sixth century French saint, whose death day is June 8 see below.

#1704-To Melanchton

To his very dear brother, M. Philipp Melanchton, the servant of the LOrd. Grace and peace in Christ! You wouldn't believe, my dear Philipp, the great cloud of sayings and letters which are full of complaints against yours, especially against you. I am overwhelmed after your (Melanchton's and Jonas') letters. I am reluctant to write this as I am hesitant to cause you concern over a small matte when in the great matter you are looking to me for consolation and which I previously made a great effort faithfully to bring about. But now I am struggling with letters from ours and yours. I defend myself as follows: First, I say: Ours in Augsburg write to me differently and do not say such things (as Melanchton?). I have the firm opinion, however, that I would rather believe you than them and I hope you have not kept anything from me which concerns this matter. So I am of the confident conviction that you have conceded nothing and that the Confession remains inviolate and the Gospel is held to. If there is something that goes beyond the Gospel and our Confession: is it necessary for you to alter that? Thus, with the ancients we have offered voluntarily that we will suffer and do everything also in relation to our enemies that does not violate our conscience and the Gospel. For this reason I am undisturbed and fear nothing in this matter but I am concerned about force and deception for your sake. Therefore I appeal to you for the sake of Christ that, as soon as you can, you write to me, perhaps by the Nuernberg post, what has transpired since you last wrote. I am forced to have great concern by the excited (tragicissimae) letters of ours to think that something dangerous meanwhile has ocurred . Something of the sort was rumored at mealtime recently in the presence of the Young Prince (the Churprinz came to Coburg on Sept.14) but I denied it and said: They have not written to me and I am awaiting their letters: do something then so I can therewith shut their mouths. What I previously have written to them in answer is not highly regarded by them and of no effect. The LOrd Jesus support you and lead you in His grace and mercy, Amen. From the wilderness on Tuesday after Lamberti (20 Sept.) Your Martin Luther.

#1698-ML to Wenceslaus Link at Nuernberg

Grace and peace in Christ! I am sending you a copy ("On Interpretation" ;"Vom Dolmetschen") for your Georg Rotmaier (a book dealer and printer) which you give to him when he is there and if he is absent , it should be retained for him until and given to no one else. You could have it published under your name as a letter from me which was delivered to you by a friend. I would have it appear as something privately written and intended as prelude set forth and as though I didn't want to be occupied with it because of my involvement with other things. I have taken this opportunity to write extensively and likely some have hoped so. You can put on it this title:"A Letter of D.Mart. Luther on Interpretation", or whatever you desire.
We are put in this place as it were in another world having received absolutely nothing from Augsburg;They are stubbornly silent as they were under siege, bound, or dead. Be it right well with you in the LOrd. But hear this once more: If it appears to you that the subject is insignificant so that this copy is not worthy of print let it stand or fall by your judgment. Greet your Flesh (wife) together with the fruits (children). From the wilderness on the 12th of September. Your Martin Luther
Notes:Wenceslaus is a fellow Augustinian and trusted completely byML.Question: How long will
ML stay in Coburg? He's been there since Diet of Augsburg began in June.

#1691-Luther to Kaethe; #1692-ML to Hieronymous Weller

#1691-To my wife, love of my heart, Katherine Luther in Wittenberg, by my hand.

Grace and peace in Christ. My dear Kaethe! This messenger is in a hurry to be gone but we hope we ourselves will soon come since this messenger brought letters from Augsburg that the proceedings in our matter have come to an end and one waits for what the Emperor will conclude and judge.One thinks that everything will be postponed to a future Council; because the Bishops of Mainz are holding firm and the Pfalzgrafs, Trier and Cologne will not consent to strife or war. The others are furious but make the mistake that the Emperor can be forced by their earnestness. What God wills will happen now that the Diet has come to an end. We have done and offered enough. The Papists do not want to yield a hair's breadth and have anyone tell them they should soften what they teach and make room (for us?). I am wondering why Hans Weiss has not accepted the Psalm (2nd Edition of Psalm 117). I didn't think he could be so disgusting since it is a precious copy. Herewith I am sending the same complete and it will please well Georg Rau. (Evidently Rau and Weiss are printers.) If the copy on "The Keys" pleases Johann Pommer and Creuziger, let it be printed after all. Who is saying to you that I am sick is a great wonder to me as you see before your eyes the books which I am writing. I have the Prophets all out excepting Ezekiel which I am now in and the Sermon on the Sacrament not including writing letters and other things besides. I cannot now writet more in haste. Greet all and everyone. I have a large book of sugar for Hans Luther which Cyriacus of Nuernberg brought from the beautiful garden. Herewith be commended to God and pray. Regarding Polner go with the advice of Pommer and Weller.

Ex eremo (from the wilderness) on VIII September 1530.

Martinus Luther

#1692-To Hieronymous Weller (staying at Luther's home in Wittenberg).

Grace and peace in Christ! I am writing in the greatest haste so that I do not leave you without an answer and make you sad. Actually, I advise that you should accept the offer of the Dresden Call. If after all some danger to the conscience threatens or opresses the position could easily be left. What happens there that is not right happens neither by your command or consent. Joseph served the idol-servers in Egypt and Jacob was under the idolatar Laban in Mesopotamia, and Naeman in the temple of Rimmon in Syria [2 Kings 5,18]. Who knows what fruit in Christ the youth in Dresden may be blessed with? Receive this little bit as advice given in love, be it well with you, and the LOrd bless and strengthen you, Amen.

From the wilderness, the 8th of September 1530.

Your Martin Luther.

*NOTES: Do you suppose the volume of Luther's labors convinced Kaethe that he was not sick?
Weller it may be remembered was struggling with depression or melancoly and staying at the Luther home. Dresden is the capital of Ducal Saxony and headed by the dreadful Duke Georg for whom Luther had several negative appelations. What does the LCMS constitution say about serving in idolatrous institutions? No way, Jerry Weller or is it permisible if permitted to teach according to your convictions?

#1571- Melanchton tormented by ML's procrastination

Heil! Waiting on your letter to the Landgraf has me so disturbed (qualen) that I,meanwhile, could write nothing. Namely, I had requested that you might write him a letter so that he would not be crushed in the godless matter of those Zwingli-minded ones (here PM writes in GK [my transliteration: Kigkliophronowon] (to continue)

Coburg Correspondence -Various

#1525-To Georg Wicel and Anton Hermann in Belzig
To the noble men, M. Georg Wicel and Anton Hermann, his troubled brothers in Beltitz.
Grace and peace in Christ! I have written to the Prince for the cause of your being set free and I even have my own messenger at my expense. I know nothing of the reason for which you have been thrown into prison nor anything that should be so grievous or horrible. What the guilt is I also do not know except it is likely not under the umbrella of Campanus but I am hoping that it can be easily obtained.He has already for almost 15 days been in Tograu and has been setting forth miserable monstrosities of doctrine which we have not yet had before our eyes but I have only been told about it so I cannot sufficiently advise as to under what shield he is proceeding. So you bear it patiently meanwhile and I will faithfully endeavor to accomplish your being set free. Be it well with you in Christ. On the friday after Laetare (April 1) 1530. Martin Luther.
NOTES: Wicel, born in Bach in 1503, was a preacher in Niemeck had taken up with Campanus who denied the Trinity and thus was imprisoned with him. Campanus was freed with the proviso that he leave the land. Through the intervention of ML Wicel and Hermann were freed. Wicel remained in Niemeck until 1531 and then returned to the Papacy. Nothing is know n of Hermann.
#1528-To Justus Menius in Eisenach
Grace and Peace! Your writing against the Anabaptists pleases me very much although Philip fears that the extensiveness, which nonetheless is necessary in my opinion, will make the cost (of printing?) prohibitive. It appears to me, however, that it is necessary to add an article
namely, on the call because nothing more cogent can be brought against them that they run without being called and since they are not sent they sneak around the corner. This is the clear sign that they are the servants of the devil. To this article, if you can or want to,you must bring a forceful example and witness from the Scriptures. Christ who does not deceive calls them thieves and murderers in John 10. However, here the sow is teaching the cook how to set the table (sus Minerva). Be it right well with you in Christ with your wife and children and pray for us. Wiemar, on the Tuesday after Palmarum (12 April) 1530. Martin Luther.
NOTES: Menius and Myconius were about to publish the above.
They included the article on the call.
ML stayed in Weimar until April 12 after visiting Spalatin on April 6 and coming to Weimar on April 8. He had been with an Electoral Retinue in Torgau.
Is ML the sow of Menius?
#1529To Amsdorf in Magdeburg
Grace and peace! On the matter of the Kaiser Zuringius will fill you in extensively as it is a long story. It is true that he has decided to return to Germary and he will come shortly filled with wrath against us unless the concord against the Turk is established as he did in Vienna when he moved the high-spirited Duke of Bavaria in the most humiliating way to write to the heretical prince for help. It is said that the Turk has ceased in Hungary and decided to return in the spring. There is one of the ambassadors whom our Prince sent to the Kaiser and was imprisoned and held there. He relates wonderful things about the magnificent display which the Kaiser received from the Pope at Bologna where he was recently crowned. After his feet were kissed the Pope said: Your Majesty will pardon me; I sadly permitted you to kiss my feet because the ceremony requiired it. Thereupon the Kaiser kneeled down at his side and repeatedly was kissed by the Pope on the cheek and then likewise all the great ones kissed and one reports that 4,000 ducats of gold was distributed to the people. Charles presented to the Pope a gold bag of 4,000 golden medallions
with his and his brother's image stamped thereon which we customariy call "present-money" or "honorary-money" .The Domherr might well rejoice since they are about to be driven into the ground, Amen. Since the world must rejoice and the Apostles be sad but their joy will come to an appropriate end. Let us only pray and the gates of hell will not prevail. Be it well with you in the LOrd. On Easter MOnday (18 april) 1530. Your Martin Luther.
NOTEs: "YOUR Martin Luther" means Amsdorf is one of the closest of friends.
#1532-To Eoban Hesse at Nurenberg
To the Herr Eoban Hesse, his very dear brother, the renown poet of Germany, the good and blessed man.
Grace and peace in Christ! I am sending at the same time four letters, my dear Eoban, which are to be sure vibrant and eloquent, yes, very eloquent, by Justus,Philipp,Spalatin,and Agricola; I would very much like to be number five but one present would say to me: Be silent, you have an evil voice! Likely, the fault lies with the uniqueness of the language of the region which hates the number five and under the sense of taste (Smegkau) includes a second (smell- high German views smell and taste as one sense).Therefore you can count me the fifth as included with the fourth-Philipp. Be careful from now on that you do not ever complain that my letters to you are rare. I have prepared to deluge you with letters so that you will not have enough answers. This I know and I know that you also believe this. So that I do not do an injustice to these four eloquent letters by my dumb and dead letter I am bringing this to a close and will not write now anything more. You live and be it well with you and enjoy my heartfelt (visceribus) blessings in Christ. I wish that your kingly household will fare well along with your queen and royal children and royal relations. Greet for me Osiander,Wenceslaus,Schleupner, Thomas and others as you are instructed by this vibrant letter.The LOrd be with you. Pray for us. I also pray for you. "This I know well." Amen. Coburg on the Day of St. George. (23 April) 1530. Your Martin Luther.
NOTES: Venatorius (THOMAS above) was the Evangelical preacher in Nurenberg in 1523 already.

#1542-ML to Elector Johann in Saxony
(No date or place in this letter but last sentence of first paragraph indicates to Editors that this is Coburg April of
1530 and not 1531 as some think. SUMMARY; ECFG DON'T TEAR DOWN HOUSES IN WITTENBERG TO FORTIFY IT.)
Grace and peace in Christ, our LOrd. Most-illustrious, high-born Prince, most gracious Lord. I have submissively received the report through Herr Doctor Brueck,Chancellor,referring me graciously to ECFG regarding the breaking down of houses in Wittenberg and I am extremly shocked, God knows, and cannot believe this proposal and that ECFG has recommended it. May the merciful God protect ECFG from the cry that would fill heaven and earth from the carrying out of this proposal. God has previously sheltered ECFG in times of danger. However, His grace might well cease to shelter because this proposal is a human unnecessary shelter that without necessity condemns nearly one-third of the city and as ECFG can imagine so many citizens with women, children, household goods and cattle are hurried out - most gracious, what for? Wittenberg can well without such harm to the city and disadvantage to so many good people and in addition without such great cost to ECFG and burden, which such fortification would attempt, defend itself from its neighbors and even tho otherwise it might be advisable to venture this; in addition because it is to be done without the citizens consent it would certainly be an example like King Ahab dealt with Naboth as
ECFG, a Christian Prince by God's grace,has thought about and recommended to me. This has been written to us here (Coburg?) with complaints and turmoil but we were not wanting to believe it.
Therefore, most-gracious Lord, as I have ever appealed to you so I do now to the utmost that ECFG would consider his poor, faithful subjects and the great cry and complaint of his people take to heart as it might also reach to the offense of our Gospel although I hope that ECFG would do more herein without that and do more than we desire. It is no problem calculating that neither for us nor for anyone else that ECFG is held in our hearts as the right natural country-lord whose own we are; although Satan is a master (as all other works of God) to hinder and assault. On this account I will not offer many more words and put these for the gracious consideration of ECFG.
Christ, our dear LOrd and Savior, strength and comfort ECFG so that also we, together with all your subjects would thereby be comforted and give ECFG a heart in regard to the above mentioned proposal so that the houses of Wittenberg would be commended for a beneficial disposal and the poor fold would again reassured as ECFG can do with his favorable forbearance and without manifold disfavor because the comfort and joy of ECFG is truly and rightly our comfort and joy. ECFG's obedient Martinus Luther.
NOTES: Seems already 30 families had consented to giving up their homes for 3900 Gulden but then became disillusioned and changed their minds.
Seeing an increase of traffic so might mention that ECFG =Your Electoral Princely Grace. Other princes are EFG. Electors are "most-illustrious" and "most gracious". Other princes "illustrious" and "gracious".
#1553-ML to Agricola in Augsburg
(The reference to the cat in the first paragraph is understood from #1543 - Agricola to ML- only summarized by the StLouis Edition in which Agricola(Eisleben) and Aquila do a jest saying the Bishop of Augsburg would throw Aquila in prison as he had once done. Then Melanchton has a dream in which an eagle (Aquila) is turned into a cat and put in a bag. ML comes to free the sacked cat. Many interpretations were made like ML would free the imperiled Elector at Augsburg. Others said it signified the murder of Aquila and followers. Others that the Emperor was blinded and ignorant of the Gospel until he heard ML, etc.)
#1553 - Grace and peace! I have sent your letter, my dear Agricola, to my mistress (Kaethe -Herrin), however, I can guess what her reply would be. After she reads the letter she will laugh and say: "Ei, what a fundamental rogue is M. Eisleben." I hope, however, that Caspar Aquila is back with you from being changed into a cat. "You are very evil boob to so put the hex on such a good man."
However, I am herewith sending you a song to practice. For four days I could neither read or write and by chance came upon a paper in a secret chamber on which this old song was set in three voices which I cleaned up,corrected and improved and added a fourth voice and while walking on the footpath composed the lyrics; with this plot I would like (to continue)


#1554- ML from Feste Coburg to Justus Jonas in Augsburg
Grace and peace, that beyond all understanding, in the Holy Spirit bestowed upon you by Christ, my dear Jonas. I am a burdened and inept comforter so then I am not in any way rich in thoughts of spring (it's May 15) blooming heartfelt
movements as I would want to be and of which you are in need. The wind and the heat have scorched me so I have become like this barren and thirsty region. But see to it that you are strong in Christ whose work and art is, yes, His whole kingdom increases power and victory in our weakness. The godless are happy, they are secure, they issue threats and seek the shedding of blood; we must, meanwhile, suffer and be sorrowful. This must all take place so that the Scripture is fulfilled in our bodies; if it is not fulfilled, we are well-supported but if it is fulfilled we live. Not only you are suffering but your colleagues who through suffering are weary and sigh; we are considered as sheep for the slaughter (Romans 8:10). "Now yet it is pure suffering, one after the other.", because he does not sleep nor weary who hates and persecutes us. But then you have very great gifts which you this one evil can oppose if you only venture to do it. Among these are that which the Scripture exalts and says that it is very great (Sirach 26: 19f): "There is nothing better on earth than a virtuous wife and nothing more precious than a chaste wife," and (Proverbs 31,10):"To whom a virtuous woman is granted, that is much better than the costliest pearls"etc.And also you must not follow the example of the merry-maker [Schlemmer?=like an Epicurean?] (LUke 16:19) completely involved in desire and in no way like the brethren of Christ who through much tribulation with violence enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14,22 and Matthew 11:12)For this reason I pray that you will suffer this discipline of the Father wisely. Since sorrow has its time and joy has its time; we are glad for the latter but we must also not turn away from the other. The LOrd Jesus who has taken your little son to Himself and cares for him better than you strengthen and comfort you,Amen. From the kingdom of the dohlen. The 19th of Mai 1530. Martin Luther.
NOTES: Did I see in a recent Lutheran Witness that one should not speak of one being taken by the LOrd Jesus to Himself? Sorry LW, it was in the Concordia Journal of October 2003 "Five things you should not say at funerals." by Jeff Gibbs. Not sure, after re-reading whether he would say the next to last sentence above. What do you think?
#1564-To his wife.
My heart's-beloved home wife, Katherin Luther in Wittenberg
by (my own) hand.
Grace and peace in Christ> Beloved Kaethe! I have, I think, received all your letters. This is the fourth letter which I have written to you (the other three are missing) since Er Johann went from here to you. Lenchen's picture I have with the box. I did not recognize the hair at first since it seemed so black. I think that if you are going to cease and wean her if would be good to do it gradually so that the first day you omit nursing once and after that twice a day until she ceases sucking. The mother of Georg of Grumpach, Frau Argula, advises the same; she is here with us and dined with me and also Hans Reincke of Mansfeld and Georg Roemer so we must here choose another place as this has become a stop-over for travelers.
Tell Meister Christian (i.e. Doering or Aurifaber the great Wittenberg printer) that I have not seen worse spectacles in my day than those which came with his letter; I cannot see through them one bit. Also the letter of Cuntz' father is not here since I am also not in Coburg (?); if I could do otherwise, I would not permit it. You should have your letter delivered by Paul Bader (Kastner) and that would please me well.
People are beginning, both in Nuernberg and Augsburg, to doubt whether anything will come of the Diet. The Emperor is yet encamped at Innsbrueck. The priest are bringing forth witchcraft and may God grant that the Devil will defile them, Amen. Let Herr Pommer read the letter from D.Wencel. Hurry; the messenger will not delay. Greet, kiss heartily and in a friendly way each and every one according to their position. ON Pentecost Day early (5 June) 1530.Martin Luther.
NOTES: On leaving Coburg see the next letter to Link. Sounds as if there are too many supporters coming there in the vicinity of Augsburg? Not sure about the phrase:"If I could do otherwise, I would not permit it."
#1565-To Wenceslaus Link in Nuernberg
To the, in the LOrd, highly-renown D.Wenceslaus Link, the very faithful servant of the Word in Nuernberg.
Grace in Christ, our LOrd! I have listened to Peter Steckner and offered (help?) as much as I can as he himself will report, my dear Wenceslaus.I know that in the death of your little daughter if ever you knew what it means to be a father you have learned now and moreso yet what it means to have empathy with the generation of the sons of the Fall. However, you know that she is now in the kingdom (of heaven?) and much happier than we all who are the disgrace of men, the ridicule of the devil, a spectacle before the world and assailed by sin. Christ stand by us in this hour, Amen.
On the verse (1 Cor.15:29):"What do you permit on the baptism for the dead?" I have nothing other than what is in the margin gloss of my German Testament (New).
I hear not gladly that the Diet is doubtful since that is not a sign of peace but of the wrath of God, which is incited by the Bishops who are being brought down by their condemnable doings but not without misfortune to us.
I thank you for the little present you have sent.
I had actually the whistling in the ears before the arrival of those who came from you but nevertheless am now a little better only I must be careful in working and take strong times of leisure and let my thoughts hanging. I am just now very sorrowful through a writing I have news of the death of my very dear and loving father, the aged Luther and although I am happy about his easy and blessed departure in Christ and that he is freed from the rages and monstrosities of the world resting in peace, yet my entire inner being is deeply moved. From him God has given me life and upbringing. The grace be ever with you, Amen. Greet Spengler, to whom I will soon write when I am more sprightly. On the day of Pentecost itself (5 June) 1530.
We will soon be going forth from here and changing our place because of the crowd which comes here; tomorrow we will be leaving.With us is the Frau Argula von Stauffen and Hans Reinick von Mansfeld."The pilrims are too many here";the Prince might take offense at this.
NOTES: Looks like the news of the death of Luther's father just arrived as the letter to Kaethe on the dame day does not mention it.
#1566-To Melanchton
Grace and peace in Christ! In my last letter I wrote, my dear Philip, that we are vexed that you send the messengers back to us empty since there are so many of you and all are capable of writing (scribaces). Now you have sent the second messenger back in a similar way as the first Apfel, namely, the supervisor of the wild-game in Coburg. I cannot determine whether you are negligent or whether you are unwilling that we here in the wilderness should see what you are experiencing as those in a barren land. Actually we have heard that the Emperor has commanded the Augsburgers that the enlisted soldier should be dismissed and that the chains blocking off the streets should be taken down.
The day before yesterday Argula von Stauffen related how the Duke of Bavaria had received the Emperor with street dramas and other innovative honors. Yes, from Nuernberg we are being persuaded that the Emperor will not come to the Diet and the Diet is completely futile, namely because of the efforts and perfidy of the Bishops; if that happens it will be a sign of the unmitigated wrath of God against the Bishops since He will not listen to our prayers which we have made on its (their?) behalf.
If there are various condemnation of my pamphlet (Advise to the Ecclesiastics to the Diet) do not let it move you; my God is a God who purposes to ridicule the foolish and the wise. Therefore, I also am not bothered about them.
Today Hans Reinicke has written to me that my very dear father,Hans Luther the aged, has departed this life already on Sunday of Exaudi (29 Mai) about one o'clock. This death has truly siezed me with sorrow and not only in a natural way but also because of the exceptional friendly love by whom my Creator has given me everything that I have and am
through him; and though I am comforted he fell asleep easily with strong faith in Christ yet the misery and the remembrance of the lovely relationship with him has shook my inner being so that I have hardly ever so despised death. However, the righteous are carried away from unhappiness and go into rest."(Isaiah 57:1), namely, we die die many times before we die one time. I now step into the inheritance of the name since I am nearly the eldest Luther (sister older).It is fitting for me not only accidentally but according to law to follow him through death into the kingdom of Christ which is graciously granted to us in the light that we are the most miserable of men and a disgrace throughout the world. For this I am writing you that I am deeply moved yet not with complexity because it right and blessed that I as a son of such a fahter should mourn him from whom I have received from the Father of mercy and through whose sweat I have been nourished and educated and I always am (moved?). I rejoice that he had lived in this time in which he could see the light of truth. God be praised in all His doing and counsel forever, Amen. The rest at another time. The Day of Pentecost itself (5 June),1530. Martin Luther,D.
NOTES: Thought Hans Reinicke was with him but must have missed a tense.Wild game was sent to the Elector at Augsburg from Coburg. Think Michael Coelius,court preacher in Mansfeld, was present at ML's father's death as well as ML's in Eisleben in 1546.


N.B.Soon will be terminating the Website and returning to e-mail. Lost most of your addresses so if you are interested in receiving these, drop a note with your address. Don't send any money! e-mail: nschowe@wiktel.com
#1567-To the Abbot Friedrich Pistorius in Nuernberg
To the, in Christ, highly-honorable Herr Friedrich, Elder of Aegidian-cloisteer in Nuernberg, his superior in the LOrd
Grace and peace in Christ our LOrd! I have received the sword which you, worthy man, although it was not necessary to deprive yourself. I, poor one, have nothing which I may present other than my empty letter.
Concerning the oath which you, worthy Lord, request my advice it is my advice, firstly, that it is self-condemning in that it says that it come about by the Bishops who have in the right way entered office. Where are there in this day such Bishops who enter the canonical way and not rather through simony purchased from Rome and are as thieves and robbers stepping in that they may slaughter and ruin? They are not Bishops according to the measure of Christ so they therefore cannot require an oath nor is anybody to perform such an oath and it is completely nothing and should be withdrawn until the Bishop is inducted in a canonical way and does what the Holy Spirit commands in Tit.2 and 1 Tim.2. So the oath is completely nothing as far as the person goes who requires it. Also were the Person would be qualified, as tyrants also are,, yet that which is sworn cannot be performed with out shaming the Name of God to whom it is sworn. It requires that Christ should be denied and in His stead an abomination is established and through condemnable obedience to it (the oath) brings the soul to the ground. If the matter were to change that it would permit the Gospel, yes, require it so it would be a legal swearing. However, they do not do that but rather bring it to the ground. Therefore the Person and also the substance of this oath is nothing and can be nothing and should be condemned and trodden under foot. He may keep it who is an Abbot that is, one who is a colleague of ruin and horror. Aegedius has no more an Abbot in Nuernberg so the oath has been done away with the person who was to perform it. This I hold to be the truth, worthy Lord, and would have it taken for the best.. On the Day of Pentecost itself (5 June) 1530. Worthy Lord, your devoted Martin Luther,D.
#1568 - To Melanchton (ML thought to be in Coburg, yet>0
Grace and peace in Christ! I see that you all have determined to afflict us by silence; so that we do not suffer unavenged we are making known to you by the letter that we are going rival you in silence and as you will likely despise this I am going to praise the Wittenbergers who though very busy have wirtten three times before you idle people have written once. I have received consolation regarding the death of my very dear father; if you want to learn about it you can do so from this letter of Michael Coelius. Here I am stopping the pen so that I do not by writing induce more silence. Greet all of ours. The grace of God be with you, Amen. The 7th of June 1530.
My Lord Kaethe writes that the Elbe has recently stepped out of its banks although there has not yet been a drop of rain there. Many waters bring many horrors. Be it well with you. Your Martin Luther.
NOTES: Michael Coelius of Mansfeld present at the death of ML's father will also be present at the death of ML in Eisleben in 1546.

#1570-J.Jonas to ML from Augsburg-18 June 1530

Grace and peace of God in Christ! The previous eight days I have brought your book " To the assembled ecclesiastical prelates at the Diet" to a book dealer, my dearest father, and advanced 500 copies
for sale which immediately found buyers. They were also siezed upon by the opponents with extraordinary desire who wished to learn what you might now venture to write as they assumed that you were very terrified about the arrival of the Emperor. Then what else could they think but that you at this time were considering a recantation
or to make a formal humble appeal for a pardon or that you could do something different; if I am not completely deceived they have now in all Lutheran humility assented to everything and in every regard (as the blessed can only wish for) finely elaborated, carried it out well and made everything definite. Rightly has Herr Fabian Feilitsch said about the foreward which is at the beginning of the book on Christian freedom that if the Pope and the Bishops could so easily be reconiled how is it that they were not invited previously
to the establishment of peace and harmony? However, joking aside, my dear father, I do not doubt that the LOrd has spoken through you in this pamphlet. We have learned by many examples that these Pharisees when praying in the permitted way are boastful but when they are rightly scolded they become docile. I think that at this time the feelings of several are severely aroused and enflamed with pointed hatred through this very free spirited and as they say powerful writing and they have been pricked but I see that through God's grace Christ is conquering through you and that you have been given mouth and wisdom especialy in cases of emergency which they can neither stand up against (Luke 21:15) nor be emboldened. I notice that all those who oppose have been through this unexpected, marvelous and very forceful defense-writing (apologia)and even the great ones have been so smitten that they themselves confess that it is the right actual conception of the truth and always has been so none might venture to rebel against it or to speak contrary to it.
Allmost only the Sacramentarians are abusive of this book and say that you with definite art and in a devious way are invoking grace but nevertheless they also teach and many of them reply that you are not writing with the best heart and with great zeal and contention counseling the church and community. I say thanks to Christ for his inexpressible gift. I hope at least that the LOrd will hear us miserable sinners and support the course of the
Word among so many and great temptations.
The Diet I have mentioned in the other previous letters. Two days ago Johann Faber, the Costnitzer, came to Augsburg and one has heard from his brother who is a citizen of Augsburg that he has become Bishop in Vienna. One says that this man was coming near Augsburg
when a man from here a resident of Augsburg who is a Lutheran pretended that he was a Papist and rode hastily toward him and spoke to him from his horse as though he was in haste and could not delay. He complained to him about many things: how the Lutheran prince had brought preachers with him who preach against the Papal religion etc., and asked whether Faber knew what the Emperor was intending toward the Lutherans and so he fished out and learned from him many things. Afterward he jokingly told his friends in great laughter. " He is yet a downright rogue."
Today Herr Philip was called to Herr Heinrich that Duke of Braunschweig who was in Italy etc. He spoke to him much about Antiochus (Philip of Hesse) and his thoughts and intentions. He sufficiently indicated that the advice that Antiochus gave to Sturm the Strassburger and the whole matter about Silesia and the Alliance displeased him as well as the whole matter that Antiochus was pushing. Among other things this Duke of Braunschweig related several good things to Philip about the common cause.He said that now for sometime,likely since his return from Italy he had been reading the New Testament and obtained much that was fruitful thereby: he sees that both forms are free (laity may receive cup) ; the marriage of priests, the estate of the monks etc.,the abolition of purchased masses etc.,the freedom in foods were such articles as not to be justly condemned and thought that therein with God's help there was the possibility of harmony.However the doing away with the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper like the Zwinglians want he could never consent to. We marvel over the change in such a Prince but the LOrd will likely do greater things and we are not allowed in the light of such a great change and the multiplicity of the expressed intentions to promise that anything is certain. We will continue in prayer to cast our care upon the LOrd.
D. Cochlaeus yesterday was at table with us and he speaks of both forms (in communion) and the related Article as ever before. Yet,we during the meal spoke freely and answered the bitter and poisonous speech of the man.
The death of your father, the worthy aged man, I have learned from your letter; because of this news I am very troubled on your account, nevertheless we must say thanks to God that the man in high age fell asleep, without doubt, in Christ,and also that he lived so long and in the confession of the Gospel after he, through you, his son, had the Gospel communicated to him, and this man knew Christ and so departed this life.
Greet, I ask you, in your letter in my name your wife, "aunt Lene". your son Johann and you little daughter Magdalena. Given in Augsburg, in haste, on the day after Trinity in 30 of the LOrd.(13 June). J.Jonas.
I request of you, my dear father, that you be mindful of us in your prayers.
Tomorrow, one says, the Emperor will surely be here and this evening he will come to Bruck, 5 or 6 miles from Augsburg.

#1568 to Melanchton

NOTES: Looks like the news of the death of Luther's father just arrived as the letter to Kaethe on the same day does not mention it.
#1566-To Melanchton
Grace and peace in Christ! In my last letter I wrote, my dear Philip, that we are vexed that you send the messengers back to us empty since there are so many of you and all are capable of writing (scribaces). Now you have sent the second messenger back in a similar way as the first Apfel, namely, the supervisor of the wild-game in Coburg. I cannot determine whether you are negligent or whether you are unwilling that we here in the wilderness should see what you are experiencing as those in a barren land. Actually we have heard that the Emperor has commanded the Augsburgers that the enlisted soldiers should be dismissed and that the chains blocking off the streets should be taken down.
The day before yesterday Argula von Stauffen related how the Duke of Bavaria had received the Emperor with street dramas and other innovative honors. Yes, from Nuernberg we are being persuaded that the Emperor will not come to the Diet and the Diet is completely futile, namely because of the efforts and perfidy of the Bishops; if that happens it will be a sign of the unmitigated wrath of God against the Bishops since He will not listen to our prayers which we have made on its (their?) behalf.
If there are various condemnations of my pamphlet (Admonition to the Ecclesiastics to the Diet) do not let it move you; my God is a God who purposes to ridicule the foolish and the wise. Therefore, I also am not bothered about them.
Today Hans Reinicke has written to me that my very dear father,Hans Luther the aged, has departed this life already on Sunday of Exaudi (29 Mai) about one o'clock. This death has truly siezed me with sorrow and not only in a natural way but also because of the exceptional friendly love by whom my Creator has given me everything that I have and am
through him; and though I am comforted he fell asleep easily with strong faith in Christ yet the misery and the remembrance of the lovely relationship with him has shook my inner being so that I have hardly ever so despised death. However," the righteous are carried away from unhappiness and go into rest."(Isaiah 57:1), namely, we die many times before we die one time. I now step into the inheritance of the name since I am nearly the eldest Luther (sister older).It is fitting for me not only accidentally but according to law to follow him through death into the kingdom of Christ which is graciously granted to us in the light that we are the most miserable of men and a disgrace throughout the world. For this I am writing you that I am deeply moved yet not with complexity because it is right and blessed that I as a son of such a fahter should mourn him from whom I have received from the Father of mercy and through whose sweat I have been nourished and educated and I always am (moved?). I rejoice that he had lived in this time in which he could see the light of truth. God be praised in all His doing and counsel forever, Amen. The rest at another time. The Day of Pentecost itself (5 June),1530. Martin Luther,D.
NOTES: Thought Hans Reinicke was with him but must have missed a tense.Wild game was sent to the Elector at Augsburg from Coburg. Think Michael Coelius,court preacher in Mansfeld, was present at ML's father's death as well as ML's in Eisleben in 1546.

Augsburg in early June of 1530#1569-Justus Jonas from Augsburg to ML#1569-Justus Jonas from Augsburg to ML

#1569-Justus Jonas from Augsburg to ML
To the very faithful and clear Proclaimer of Christ, D. Martin Luther, his very dear father in the LOrd.
"Doctor Martin in his own hand."
Grace and peace of God through Christ! Since I recently received from Wittenberg a letter from Pommer (Bugenhaagen)and afterward from my house-servant relating the death of my dear and beloved little son who only lived three days long in this world and also the same learned from my wife, though somewhat obscurely, in a delicate and shy way, for what purpose I do not know, immediately Philip and I, at our own cost, hired a messenger, to first go to you at Coburg and then to Wittenberg to my wife immediately after and to run swiftly. Since I was very concerned over the health of my wife and for this reason I requested in my letter, which you may read along with this, a consolation letter from you to her and I had expected an answer from you in that the LOrd had again tested me in this matter according to His holy will and I hoped to be at rest through your reply. Nothing is more pleasant for me than a conversation with you when you are present nor than your letter when you are absent. However, this our messenger who was sent with the instruction to bring back an answer from you either did not get to Coburg in time or he lost the bundle of letters on the trip, or he is a deceiver and villain. Since you in the letter which he brought were troubled over our silence and required from us as obligatory that we can assume only that all that we had so amply provided to the messenger you did not receive whether it was some conincidence or trick of Satan or because of the disloyalty and evil of the messenger. We gave him a huge bundel and we wrote on there the name of Coburg and also the name of the commander and in addition we added something indicating it was from the Prince and the Pope mysteriously so that the letters would be faithfully delivered. Now we are all angry that they were not delivered and verily bursting with angerr. This vexes us not only on account of increasing your isolation due to our silence which, nevertheless is not our fault,but also for our sake and mainly for my sake who was for an entire month awaiting and desiring a letter appropriate from you. Now see that this silence is not to laid at our feet, my dear father, and we will make every effort through frequent communications to make up for it.
Pertaining to the general matters of the Diet, the Emperor has not yet arrived but some say that he will certainly be here by the coming Wednesday or Friday after first celebrating the Corpus Christi festival with the Bavarian prince and yet there are those who maintain with certainty that he will arrive the day after tomorrow so that the Lutheran prince may particpate in the ostentation procession etc. From both courts, that of the Emperor and that of Ferdinand, there are many Spaniards on horses and mules and wagons as forerunners and already that brother Ehinger (Ulrich Ehinger, ambassador of Charles V and brother of the Mayor of Memmingen) is there who one says has already a new island received as a present. He is celebrating a wedding here and many of the forerunners will be here presently for that for certain some say. The Superior Counselor, the Herr Mercurius, who recently became a Cardinal, of whom it is said that of all those at the Imperial Court he is most fair toward Lutheran doctrine and seeks with upright attitude a way to give Germany peace, if I am not mistaken, died on the Saturday before Pentecost.Here there is that report and it is not doubted.It is said that he had become old and ran the course of life completing his 77th year. The death is not untimely but suddendly and surprising turn of events I do not know for what cause. Since the Emperor was of a mind to set out for the Diet from Innsbruck, Herr Mercurius had his matterials packed and ordered to be sent for the trip: he came out of his room and bade the innkeeper good wishes and
(surprising as it is) he was to climb onto the horse or step into the wagon when suddenly he felt a powerlessness and I know not what for pain over the whole body and though the man had not completely lost his voice said: I feel I do not know what for a dizziness has come over all my strength
and thus he fell dead to the ground. This has been written to Duke Georg and our Brueck has heard it from Doctor Pistor, the Chancellor of Georg. Several think that the man
through the great and pressing labors at the court was occupied and because of the concerns and encumbrances of the very important situations so died and his age weighed heavily upon him and brought about a hemmorhage or that it was his age alone which is enough of an illness; others think that because he had good health and because he was fair in regard to giving counsel in this matter of religion that he encountered an Italian assault or drank a Venetian soup. However it turns out to be it is a sign from God that portends no good that such a good man should die right at the beginning of the Diet and on the trip thereto. Moreso, recently also the Graf of Salm has departed this life, the well-known Graf
who in the battle captured the King of France and gave him over as captive and prisoner to the Emperor; he is also departed from this life. See, my dear father, the highest man in the Council and the greatest leader of the wars as well have almost on the same day been taken away. What they may think whom the God has warned through this sort of example I do not know. Perhaps I might wish that both of them had lived since both of them were good men and lights in the Court. Also the confessional father of the Emperor who shortly before received the Cardinal-worth should also have died. One says that this was caused by fleshy sorrow because after he received the Cardinal-worth was excluded from close association with the Emperor because and he didn't such a great lord to be his confessor.
However, herewith I should write of the circumstances in this whose prospects are miserable and conducive to much trouble but perhaps I should first relate something concerning our preachers. M.Agricola from Eisleben, the preacher of our court,has dealt with several of the chief articles of Christian doctrine; of faith, of works of the Sacraments etc., since the arrival of the Prince and for four days has preached against the errors of the Sacramentarians under the latter article. He has encountered a wasp's nest in that the crowds here are extremely disgruntled at having the Zwinglian doctrine condemned in their city or having it frivolously ridiculed. Previously the Prince of Hesse has not attended our sermons under the pretext of his well known strife with Eisleben (Agricola) that he has sinned, I know not how, against Christian love for this reason it is impossible for him to be edifying etc. However, you know there is another reason that lays underneath; more of this orally if meanwhile something different is not introduced. The Markgraf (Georg of Brandenburg), the Duke Ernst of Luenebeg, the Prince of Anhalt and several others are attending our sermons. The preacher of the Prince of Hesse, Schnepf, had previously in another church, St. Ulrich's, before a very numerous listenership and very popular throughout the entire city preached. Today, however, on the day of the Trinity, he began to touch on the Article of the Sacrament and said: he doesn't hate Zwingli the person or others but their whole doctrine is godless. The crowd suddenly became excited and with one another began to hiss and murmur and straightway started to exit the church giving a visible sign of their insulting attitude and agitation. But Schnepf remained firm and with vigor of body and spirit brought the sermon to an end. About the Prince of Hesse more at another time orally. Augsburg is completely devoted to a certain Michael (thought to Cellarius) and swears by his word. He was temporarily in Wittenberg but he has gone out from us however he was not one of us [1 John 2:19]: an unlearned man yet confident and presumptuous and equipped with a marvelous Schwabian gift of gabbing.
gift of gab. Before the great crowd was attracted to Urban Rhegius,Doctor Frosch, and Doctor Stephan. One scarcely sees two hundred listeners to the sermons of Urban but six thousand men are there for the sermons of Michael. However, that is the main characteristic of the German people that they are unthankful for the greatest of God's benefits with their ears set upon hearing something new and attentive to what they want to hear. However, all that I have written in the long letter which I labored over but which are faithless messenger failed to deliver so I want to report somethng happier and that is that otherwise is going right well with us through the LOrd and especially in particular that Herr Philip is very much troubled over the burdens of the matter,as his way is, but he holds that this very matter is not to resolved by any human counsel and is very pleased to commend it to God for counsel if He, as you say, would deign to be for us
the Counselor. I want you to write to us very frequently for our mutual consolation, yours and ours. We pray in this time of great need and cry to heaven in such a time. What more can we do? If the prayers of the blessed do not snatch from these forces (imperiis) no human counsel pull us out of it.

There was in these past days Herr Daniel Bomberg with us whose name you read at the end of the Hebrew Bible who at his own expense supported many learned men in Hebrew at Venice to this day and already before our time published a Bible, Concordance etc., and by himself has a great book publishing establishment.He is a very well-rounded man and expressed to us much friendship and very amiable;he has revived the memory of the Kabbala etc. in which the word baroschis (first words of Genesis: In the beginning) which totals the years from the creation of the world to the suffering of Christ and more of the same. He appears to completely Judaize according to that way and not expressing
the confession of God blessedness and all too much Hebraic; however otherwise he is a very good man has a fine education. However, here I must cease. I have written to you, my dearest father, the greatest trivialities and according to the way of Jonas been very gabby so that you do not, as you have threatened, be further silent toward us.Your truly prophetic book has been read by all the blessed and with the applause of gods and men talked about with only Satan angry and gnashing his teeth.
I request that, when you have opportunity, you would a consolation-writing for my wife,or an otherwise brief letter so that the memory of the death of our son is not renewed. The LOrd is seeking here and elsewhere to bring mercy home to me and comforts me with the greatest of mercy. I see now for the first time many and countless people who through God's grace are rich
in every spiritual blessing. Be it well with you in Christ Given at Augsburg on the day of the most Holy Trinity (12 June) in the year of the LOrd 30. J. Jonas, your Son.
NOTES: The Jonas' had lost to death their fourth son who lived only a few days after birth in May of 1530 while Justus was away at Augsburg awaiting the Diet of Augsburg. ML stays at Coburg nearby due to the fact that he is still under the ban of the Empire and had no safe conduct to Augsburg.
Not only were the commuunications between Coburg unreliable at times,the original of this letter, now in Hamburg, is badly damaged and some of the words are conjectures by the Editors.
Bomberg dedicated his publishing house in Venice exclusively to the publishing of Hebrew literature in 1517.
The prophetic book of ML is the admonishment of the spirituals at Augsburg.
Every Hebrew letter has a certain value. Totaling the letters in the first word of Genesis supposedly yielded the number of years from creation to Good Friday.

The Affliction of Silence

In #1568 ML writes to Melanchton that the delegation in Augsburg must have determined to afflict him with silence as to what is transpiring re; the upcoming Diet. He has also been comforted by a letter from Michael Colius (o umlaut) who was present at the death of ML's father in Eisleben. Kaethe writes that the Elbe is overflowing in Wittenberg without a drop of rain there,

Death-bed preacher

Trivial pursuit- A court preacher at Mansfeld was present at the death of Luther's father in 1530 in Eisleben as well as at ML's death in Eisleben in 1546. Who is he who died Dec.13, 1559. Free ML letter for right answer.

fifteencad,org signing off

ML readers! Going back to e-mailing Luther's letters in the coming month of June. Lost most of my addresses so if you want them by e-mail drop me a note at nschowe@wiktel.com.

Hans Luther

Hans, father of Martin, dies on Exaudi (May 29,1530) about one o'clock. ML learns of it first on Pentecost (June 5) He writes of it to Link (#1565) and to Melanchton (#1566) on June 5 but does not mention it in a letter to Kaethe earlier on the same day. "This death has truly brought me into sorrow." Dieser Tod hat mich wahrlich in Trauer versetzt..."

#1564

To Kaeithe on weaning Magdalena (Lenchen) and on the spectacles sent by Chrisian Doering ( Aurifaber, the great printer of Wittenberg).Anyone ever see ML in glasses?He says Aurifaber sent him the worst glasses he ever had. What about the rumor that Charles V will not actually leave Innsbruck and come to Augsburg?

Perhaps A Little Elaboration Is In Order

I recently read The Da Vinci Code(as readers of The Midlothian Campaign know). Although, at the front of the book, there is a "disclaimer" mentioning the "true" parts of the book, I nonetheless pretty much approached it as just another fantasic novel. Interesting for the most part, and a page-turner, it's true. And, my impression was, just goes to show you can find conspiracies anywhere, if you try hard enough.

But then, I started seeing shows on the History Channel and National Geographic and such, seeming to take some of the author's theories and contentions seriously. The central theory is that Mary Magdalene was possibly the primary apostle and was marginalized by the early Christian Church. From the shows I saw, there appears to be some historical evidence for this, including Tertullian being against women generally performing any important role. Interesting, I thought.

This leads to the next interesting theory. Da Vinci. Apparently, quite the prankster. I even saw a show suggesting the liklihood of his having created the Shroud of Turin, using his own face as a model for the face on the Shroud. Seems arguments to be made there as well.

Which brings us to The Last Supper. The author of The Da Vinci Code seems to believe that the figure to Jesus' right, who I guess is generally thought to be John(?), is actually Mary Magdalene, and the "V" created by this figure leaning away from Jesus is deliberate--"V" being a symbol of the divine female...the Holy Grail!

Anyway, part of the theory is that this mysterious figure appears to be feminine, if you look closely. I've looked and looked--at copies online, not quite like the real thing, I suppose. Sort of does look feminine. Power of suggestion.

Well, anyway, there you have it. I just thought it was interesting primarily because this actually seems to be the subject of allegedly serious debate...who knew?

The Da Vinci Code?

So, has anyone else heard the theory about how the figure to Jesus' left may be Mary Magdalene? Kinda fun to think about, but is it worth taking seriously?

MM on ML

On the past day of Resurrection Brian Lamb on C-SPAN Booknotes interviewed Marty Marty on his new book on ML. Am wanting to check on ML's advice to Philip of Hesse which didn't sound quite right. Will let you know. Expect that Christian News will note that MM didn't remember the date of ML's excommunication nor did he specify his prep school or the Lutheran sem that nurtured the boy from Nebraska. Loved listening to his preaching one morning in the chapel at Concordia, St. Louis. Anyway , the bull of excommunication arrived on 10-10-1520. Doubt that Leo X would know that ML liked to hunt wild boar and thus referred to the "wild boar in the vineyard" but probably Eck knew.
Didn't see the entire interview so if anyone did it would be good to hear more. Guess it will be aired again some time. Did MM use to have red hair?

Just read in Nohl's "Luther" that the Excommunication was finalized on January 3,1521 after having sixty days to recant.

#1551 Back to Vol.XXIa

ML in Coburg learns from Kaethe back in Wittenberg that the infant son (new-born) of Justus Jonas has died after living a few days. He was named Friedrich after his brother had just died at the age of two a few months earlier. ML writes to Melanchton who is with Jonas at Augsburg, both preparing for the Diet of Augsburg that PM should break the news gently to Jonas whose wife Katharina was hesitating informing him only indicating that the child was ill. Jonas had been thinking of the second Friedrich as the Lord's comfort in the loss of the first Friedrich over whom Jonas was still grieving.

Saxon Elector's Entourage to Augsburg

This is #908 in vol.XVI of the St. Louis Edition
I. The Princes
1. The Electoral Prince, Duke Johann Friedrich (son of the Elector Johann and to be Elector in 1534)..*
2.Duke Franz of Lueneberg.*
3.Prince Wolfgang of Anhalt *
* signers of AC plus Elector Johann
II.The Grafs and Lords
1. Graf Albrecht of Mansfeld
2.Graf Ernst of Gleichen
3 Graf Jobst of Mansfeld
4.The Lord of Wildenfels
III.The nobel Counselors

1.Herr Friedrich of Thun
2.Sebastian and
3.Joachim, Marshalls in Pappenheim
4.Herr Hans of Minkwitz
5.Herr Hans of Weizzenbach
6.Cunz Gottzmann
7.Ewald of Branenstein
IV.The Learned Counselors

1.D. Gregorius Brueck,Chancellor
2.D. Christian Baier, Chancellor( reads AC to the Diet on June 5,1530)
3.Christoph Gross
V. The Noblemen

Seven knights and 70 of the nobility
VI. The Spirituals

1.D.Martin Luther (whom, however, was left behind in the castle at Coburg due to the Imperial Acht and the ban of the Pope).
2.Justus Jonas
3.Georg Spalatin
4.Philipp Melanchton
5.Johann Agricola whom Graf Albrecht of Mansfeld brought along.
Recognize any signers of AC among the above?
The Entourage of Charles V will really be something.

ML in the Wings

ML replies to the Elector of Saxony request to go over what Melanchton et al are to present to the Diet of Augsburg. He says he has nothing to change,add or stylize as he cannot tread meekly and softly. From the tone of Elector and Melanchton I am wondering if they are kind of worried that ML might be too assertive were he to come. True, he has no assurance of protection and safe conduct as the others. What do you think? This correspondence is from Vol.XVI #'904,905,and 906 in the Luther Letter Library.

Nasty campaign

#902 in Vol XVI - Melanchton at Augsburg to ML at Coburg. Seems like the dohlen as ugly birds of prey has struck the Reformers as an appropriate for the Evangelicals to depict their opponents at Augsburg. Eck even sounds (ek-ek-ek) like the crowing of one. Cochlaeus actually Schnecke or snail is altered to become kolatos (GK) or dohlen. Someone said that a favorite play on words was making Dr Eck into 'dreck'. Philip Melanchton liked to refer to Philip of Hesse as the Macedonian Philip father of Alexander.Evidently they had similar temperments.
Seeing the bird of prey pluck out an eye of the crucified one in Gibson's Passion of the Christ reminded me of Jonas' thoughts about the dohlen in #1545.

Lamentation, by Cranach

Danish National Museum
re:Jost Jonas

ML Colleagues

Justus Jonas

Justus Jonas -- P. 115

Among the friends enlisted by Luther as writers for the new hymn-books, the principal were Justus Jonas, who was for many years his colleague in the professorship of theology at Wittenberg; and Paul Eber, who stood in a similar relation to Melancthon. Melancthon himself wrote no hymns, for the one or two often attributed to him are really passages from his writings versified by friends. His work lay in the scholarship which produced what was long the standard edition in Germany of the Greek Testament, and in the theology that gave shape to the Confession of Augsburg. Justus Jonas was the son of the burgomaster of Nordhausen, a clever young lawyer, who very early became professor of jurisprudence at Erfurt

116
and a friend of Erasmus and Luther. So close was his intimacy with the latter, that he accompanied him to Worms, an act for which he was deprived of his salary as professor. Luther then induced him to study divinity and take orders, and for many years the two men lived in constant association at Wittenberg; Justus Jonas accompanied his friend on his last journey, stood by his death-bed, and with many tears preached his funeral sermon. Luther's death was followed, as he had himself foretold, by troubles and strife. For six years (from 1546 to 1552) Germany was distracted by a civil war, of which the object was to obtain toleration for the reformed doctrine, an end achieved at last by Maurice of Saxony, in the treaty of Passau. Nor was this the only struggle that was going on. Differences of opinion on intricate theological questions had already begun to divide the Reformers themselves. Various sects arose, but the chief division was that between the followers of Luther who adhered to the Confession of Augsburg, and those of Zwinglius who adopted the more Calvinistic views of the Swiss reformers, with a lower sacramental theory. These called themselves distinctively the Reformed Church, while the Lutherans adopted the name of the Evangelical Church; but the latter were by far the most numerous body, and occupied in most States the position of the National Protestant Church of Germany, while the Reformed Church took up that of an important and tolerated sect. Justus Jonas, who was not merely a good theologian, but a skilful jurist, naturally had to take part in all the many discussions and conferences in which the evangelical doctrine gradually

117
assumed definite form and consistency, and the legal and political rights of its adherents were ascertained and asserted; and of course he had to bear his share of the difficulties in which he was thus involved. On one occasion a Spanish officer quartered in his house received a large bribe to assassinate him, but was so much impressed by the piety, integrity, and kindness of his intended victim, that he confessed his purpose to him, and entreated forgiveness. Yet on his deathbed this well-proved servant of Christ suffered much from mental doubts and conflicts, until at last peace returned, and he fell asleep "as a tired soldier." What he did for hymnology was to help Luther in preparing metrical German versions of the Psalms, choosing by preference, as one can well understand, those which speak of David's sufferings from his enemies, and his trust in God's deliverance. Some of these are very celebrated, especially the one here given:--

JJ

Justus Jonas

(1493 - 1555)

Jonas studierte in Erfurt zuerst Jurisprudenz und später Theologie. Er kam 1521 als Professor und Probst an der Schloßkirche nach Wittenberg. Mit Luther befreundet, wurde er für diesen bei der Bibelübersetzung unentbehrlich. Er war es auch, der Luther auf den Reichstag nach Worms begleitete. Auch machte er sich bei der Schulvisitation 1529 nützlich.

Ferner war er auf dem Reichstag in Augsburg und bei den Religionsgesprächen zu Marburg dabei. 1541 ging er nach Halle, wurde aber bereits fünf Jahre später von dort vertrieben. Als treuer Freund Luthers begleitete er den Reformator auch nach seiner letzten Reise nach Eisleben. Nachdem Jonas Hofprediger in Koburg gewesen war, ging er als Superintendent nach Eisfeld. Dort verstarb er auch.

Jonas at Augsburg

In #1545 JJ writes from Augsburg to ML at Coburg on the arrivals and arrangements being made for the Diet of Augsburg.Elector Johann is there early and the Emperor on the way. JJ does not yet know that his infant son Friedrich has died after three days. His first Friedrich died at the age of two years.
JJ mentions that he hears the Dohlen disturb ML's sleeep.

Habitat and Diet of the Eurasian Jackdaw (Corvus monedula)

As a cavity breeder the Eurasian Jackdaw is flexible in the choice of its breeding site. It breeds in colonies, but also individually. In settled areas it occupies chimneys of buildings and recesses and holes in the walls of ruins and churches. Parks with stands of old-growth trees with holes in them are also colonised.

As its feeding grounds during the breeding season, the Jackdaw prefers short-grass meadows rich in insects in the vicinity of the breeding site. Usually distances of about 500 m (550 yd.) are covered.

Outside the breeding season the Jackdaw covers greater distances in its search for food. Popular "feeding stations" are harvested maize and grain fields as well as refuse dumps.

Jackdaws are versatile omnivores but especially insectivores. They adapt to supply and availability. While breeding and raising the young, large insects are especially important. In the cold half of the year, grain sprouts and grass seeds but also windfall fruit are eaten. The whole year round they consume all kinds of wastes.

Finally finished #1537. Seems like a long list of adiaphora but behind it is a profound sorrow and anger in ML in the abuses that are being perpretated under their guise. Looking forward now to a letter from Melanchton and Nuernberg to ML and one from ML at Coburg to Justus Jonas at Augsburg ready for the famous Diet.

Memorabilia

Check out ML from Coburg in #1537 for writing on lights(candles) on St. Agatha DAy "Mentem sanctam spontaneam". Need help from the Latins. Also Nails of Christ through the middle of gold or silver coins regarded as a significant sign. Any Mel Gibson commercializer around? St. Bernhard's verse as good as eight complete Psalters. Eating garlic on Pantaleonstag (28 July).

The Grumbach Riddle Is Solved?

GRUMBACH, WILHELM VON (1503-1567), German adventurer, chiefly known through his connection with the so-called Grumbach feuds (Grumbachsche Handel), the last attempt of the German knights to destroy the power of the territorial princes. A member of an old Franconian family, he was born on the 1st of June 1503, and having passed some time at the court of Casimir, prince of Bayreuth (d. 1527), fought against the peasants during the rising in 1524 and 1525. About 1540 Grumbach became associated with Albert Alcibiades, the turbulent prince of Bayreuth, whom he served both in peace and war. After the conclusion of the peace of Passau in 1552, Grumbach assisted Albert in his career of plunder in Franconia and was thus able to take some revenge upon his enemy, Meichior von Zobel, bishop of Wurzburg. As a landholder Grumbach was a vassal of the bishops of Wurzburg, and had held office at the court of Conrad of Bibra, who was bishop from 1540 to f 544. When, however, Zobel was chosen to succeed Conrad the harmonious relations between lord and vassal were quickly disturbed. Unable to free himself and his associates from the suzerainty of the bishop by appealing to the imperial courts he decided to adopt more violent measures, and his friendship with Albert was very serviceable in this connection. Alberts career, however, was checked by his defeat at Sievershausen in July 1553 and his subsequent flight into France, and the bishop took advantage of this state of affairs to seize Grumbachs lands. The knight obtained an order of restitution from the imperial court of justice (Reichskammergeric/zt), but he was unable to carry this into effect; and in April 1558 some of his partisans seized and killed the bishop. Grumbach declared he was innocent of this crime, but his story was not believed, and he tied to France. Returning to Germany he pleaded his cause in person before the diet at Augsburg in 1559, but without success. Meanwhile he had found a new patron in John Frederick, duke of Saxonv. whose father. John Frederick. had been obliged to surrender the electoral dignity to the Albertine branch of his family. Chafing under this deprivation the duke listened readily to Grumbachs plans for recovering the lost dignity, including a general rising of the German knights and the deposition of Frederick II., king of Denmark. Magical charms were employed against the dukes enemies, and communications from angels were invented which helped to stir up the zeal of the people. In 1563 Grumbach attacked Wurzburg, seized and plundered the city and compelled the chapter and the bishop to restore his lands. He was consequently placed under the imperial ban, but John Frederick refused to obey the order of the emperor Maximilian II. to withdraw his protection from him. Meanwhile Grumbach sought to compass the assassination of the Saxon elector, Augustus; proclamations were issued calling for assistance; and alliances both without and within Germany were concluded. In November 1566 John Frederick was placed under the ban, which had been renewed against Grumbach earlier in the year, and Augustus marched against Gotha. Assistance was not forthcoming, and a mutiny led to the capitulation of the town. Grumbach was delivered to his foes, and, after being tortured, was executed at Gotha on the 18th of April 1567.

**But, I still don't know what he was doing in Copenhagen??? MJS

Grumbach In Copenhagen

Dad is going to Copenhagen?

Who's Grumbach?

I sense a story...

Another Day, Another Blog

Way cool, I'm a bloggin' maniac! Who knew blogging could be so addicting?

Now working on #1537 with Luther at the Coburg Fortress waiting for the Diet of Augsburg to convene without him in absentia consulting from Coburg

a free ML letter for the answer to what happened Justus Jonas the Younger (Jost) in Copenhagen on 20 June 1567.