To Count Albrecht of Mansfeld - Martin Luther

TO COUNT ALBRECHT OF MANSFELD

Kostlin, in Luther’s Life, says that Luther and Melanchthon spent Christmas in the Castle of Mansfeld, but Luther had to hurry home on account of Melanchthon’s poor state of health. Luther preached in Halle on their way back.

December 6, 1545.

To the high and noble lord, Herr Albrecht, my gracious and dear lord. Grace and peace in the Lord, and my poor paternoster! Once more I intended being with you next Monday, as I previously announced, but I have this moment received a note from Graf Philip and Graf Hans George, in which, to my great joy, they graciously answered my last communication by requesting me to fix a day after the Leipsic Fair. So once more I must remain here instead of spending Christmas at Mansfeld, as I intended. As they so politely request, I shall come after the Leipsic Fair to Mansfeld, leaving you two parties to

name a day yourselves, and to say whom you wish to accompany me and to have with you. But I must have a margin of eight days, because there is so much to do, so that I may lie down joyfully in my coffin after I have seen my dear Lords reconciled to each other, and again one heart and one soul.. I

do not doubt but that your lordships will fulfil your promise and be glad to see these dissensions at an end. I herewith commit you to the dear God.

Your obedient MARTIN LUTHER . (De Wette.)

Luther’s last year. Diet of Regensburg opened in January. The Emperor conceded this to humour the Protestants till he was ready to compel them to submit to the Council’s decrees. Luther’s last undertaking was to reconcile the Counts of Mansfeld. He preached for the last time on February 14 at

Eisleben. On 17th he signed a paper, and the Counts begged him to rest. At supper he was very bright, discussing death and everlasting life. After supper he was much oppressed, and Aurifaber fetched Countess Albrecht, who tried remedies. He slept till one, when Dr. Jonas tried to persuade him that the cold sweat he complained of was salutary. “No,” he replied, “it is the cold sweat of death.” He prayed constantly, and said three times in Latin, “God so loved the world,” and Psalm 68:20, committing his spirit into God’s hands. He died before three, in presence of Dr. Jonas, Colius, Aurifaber, and his two sons.