Woman in the reformation

Dedication

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE

WOMAN'S HOME AND FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY

OF THE

Preface

The following sketches, many of which have appeared in the Lutheran Observer, do not aim at historical research, nor do they lay claim to minute, critical investigation. In the labor required to collect the material, the delving into old books, and other tongues, accuracy has been carefully maintained, but there has been no attempt to add to historical lore. The aim of the work has lain in the desire to speak for woman. In the Nineteenth Century, when the labor and power of woman is meeting its highest recognition, a truth of acknowledgment never before acceded — in such an age it is well to look into the past, into the great crises of the ages, and bring to light the service performed by her then, which has been hidden, obscured, unnoted, and uncared for. It is due to the women of the neglected age, that we, of a broader time, render them the debt of honor denied them in their lives. This tribute we bring, and breathe into this aim the ardent desire that such a (v)

vi' PREFACE.

contemplation, such a view of the brave heart of woman in the time of tempest, may give strength and courage to all hearts called to endure suffering or trial in the conflict of the world, which everywhere tries the heart and reins of humanity. E. L. P.

Cincinnati \ 0. t 1882 %

Contents

PAGE

I. Woman in the Reformation 9

II. Margaretha or Gretchen Luther 14

II. Margaretha Or Gretchen Luther

The character of the mother of Martin Luther is not one to awaken our affection and love. She does not come within the pale of our sympathy and arouse feelings of fellowship. Her qualities are not those gentle, womanly ones, that meet a tender response within us. Yet for her firmness, force and strength of character, endurance and unswerving devotion to duty, we must feel admiration. It seems necessary that Margaretha should be spoken of in connection with the Reformation, not so much for any work, but for indirect influence upon it by forming the character of the great Reformer. It is a well-known fact that the days of infancy and childhood are the formation period of character. The influence exerted upon one at this period, when one is susceptible and easily moulded, affects the whole after-life. So that to Margaretha' s influence we may ascribe some of the praise for those sterling qualities which we admire in the hero of the Reformation.

Margaretha Lindeman was the daughter of a tradesman in Eisenach. Having reached the age of maidenhood, she became desirous of going with her (14)

MARGARETHA OR GRETCHEN LUTHER. 15

companions into service, as was the general custom in those days. Accordingly, Greta was sent to the baths at Moerha. We cannot picture her beauty, as there are no records left to us of it ; and when we are told that she was called "the pride of Moerha," we know not whether her beauty of face or form were referred to, or her winning and graceful manner. To these baths came a sturdy young man named Hans Luther. They met, loved, and were married.' They settled for a time at Eisenach, where Margaret won many friends ; and after a few years they removed to Eisleben, where Martin was born. That Margaretha was a good neighbor can be seen by the reception given her by her old friends when on a visit to Eisenach. All the village dames flock to see her, and before she descends from the wagon overwhelm her with cries, among which we distinguish "my best true friend," 1 ' my own neighbor, " " cousin Gretha, " " sweetheart." She was called upright and pious, and everywhere connected with her name, was spoken of her modesty, fear of God, and spirit of prayer. In the country for miles around she was the model maiden, wife and mother.

Luther was born in 1483, and Frau Luther's first thought was concerning baptism. So, like Hannah with the young Samuel, she took Luther to St. Peter's church at Eisleben, and consecrated the child to God. Even in his earliest years, she had great hopes and fears for this, her favorite child. He was so different from the rest, she saw in him promise of something unusual, the embryo of future greatness. Many, many times, as she and Hans were returning home from some neighboring town in the wagon, or from the woods with backs laden down with fagots, would she speak of Martin. She would tell him all her heart's longing and sole desire for Martinchen. Her aim for him was high — what she considered the highest position and work in life — that of a priest, a holy father. Her mind was filled with pictures of Martin in cowl and gown, reading Latin at the altar, and serving in the cathedral. Little sympathy did she get from the honest and abrupt Hans. To her idea he was strenuously opposed. He had read Wickliffe's heretical treatise, "On the Truth and Meaning of the Bible," and had imbibed some facts that made him adverse to all such propositions of Frau Luther's. Her earnest entreaties were met not only with coldness, but oftentimes with harshness. Hans Luther looked beyond the outer symbols of honor among the monks and saw the unholiness beneath, and his honest, stern nature severely condemned it ; and in his gruff manner he rebuked such hopes for his son, silencing his eager wife.

In the home of the Luthers religious instruction was carefully attended to. The children were obliged to learn the catechism and prayers ; hymns, and worship

MARGARETHA OR GRETCHEN LUTHER. 17

of various kinds, were customary in the household. With their children they were very severe, oftentimes cruel. The slightest offense reaped heavy punishment , and no offenses were passed by without punishment. From Martin Luther himself we have an account of the manner in which his parents treated misdeeds : " My parents treated me so harshly that I became very timid. My mother one day chastised me so severely about a nut that the blood came. They seriously thought that they were doing right ; but they could not distinguish character — which, however, is very necessary in order to know when and where and how chastisement should be inflicted. ' ' Greta excuses herself for this severity to her son, and says she would teach him not to be a thief, and a small sin punished will prevent a larger one. Although she herself so cruelly chastised Martin, yet her heart would bleed when Hans' cruelty would be shown toward him. After such punishment she would go to the child and soothe and comfort him ; yet during the infliction she would never interfere. Although the agonized children would beseech and beg her to speak and stay their father's anger, she would sternly refuse, and reprimand them for their request. Her womanly love and tender feelings were choked down, repressed, stifled, by the strength of her convictions of duty. Her affections were not allowed to rule ; and although her heart spoke and pleaded, yet she placed duty above them, and courageously bore her secret pain and longings, and appeared stern, cold, and unrelenting.

What effect had this upon the Reformer? You may say, "No good — rather harm." You may think it did him this injury — it gave him a timidity that caused him to start at every noise, a fear that led him to hide in the chimney-corner at every footstep. Yes; but this fear wore away under kindlier treatment, and left but the effect intended — a hatred of sin in its lightest forms, an intolerance of hypocrisy, vice, or untruth. It gave him the sternness that enabled him to carry out, without yielding an iota, his great ideas ; a fortitude that helped him bear all reproaches, scorn, sorrow and troubles that afterward visited him. It imparted to his character that strength, force and gravity which call forth our highest admiration — an admiration akin to hero-worship.

Do not let us condemn too severely this apparent harshness of Margaretha Luther. She lived in the days when feudalism had not yet been dispersed by the Bible light of the sixteenth century. The feudal system extended not only to cities and villages, but to families. The children were in bondage — as vassals — to their parents. Obedience was required as a fealty ; homage was exacted as from an inferior to a superior, and duty was a stern necessity flowing from power, not from love. The bond between parent and

MARGARETHA OR GRETCHEN LUTHER.

child was one of servitude, not of filial obedience and love. Let us condemn the time as the cause of the deficiency in Luther's parents, and again be thankful that the gloom of the middle ages is dispersed ; that the Great Father of all has restored true feelings, not only between parent and child, but between man and man, and has revealed to us the true brotherhood of the race.

III. Ursula Cotta

Can you fancy Ursula Cotta as Luther saw her on the memorable morning three hundred years ago ? It was a raw, cold morning, and for many hours the band of students had traversed the streets of Eisenach, singing from door to door, hoping thus to procure their daily bread. Turned away from many houses, oftentimes with rude words, tired in body, hungry, sick at heart, at last the weary band stopped before the house of Conrad Cotta, the rich burgher. Many a time had they been there before ; never had they left in sorrow or hunger. Here they always met kind looks, cheering words, and substantial assistance from the " pious Shunammite'' who dwelt within. To-day they looked for a similar reception, and began their carol. So sweetly did their fresh young voices ring out with the beautiful hymns, one would not have imagined that they came from aching hearts. Anxiously they awaited some signs of relief. Now, their prayer is answered, for the door opens and the good woman appears. A saint to them she seems ; not one with eyes and hands uplifted to heaven uncaring for earthly woes, such as they have seen in the (20)

URSULA COTTA. 21

church, but a true one, more worthy of worship, with a heart overflowing with pity and charity ; a saint with a human smile, hands outstretched with human assistance, and eyes and smile that speak to the human heart and cheer it. The expectant band are not repulsed, but receive their customary greeting and assistance.

As Ursula is about to re-enter the house, she catches sight of Martin Luther — her kinsman — looking so wan and feeble that all her motherly pity is aroused. " Poor Martinchen," she says, and taking him by the hand, leads him into the house. The kind act came not one moment too soon, for the boy had scarcely crossed the threshold before he fell fainting at her feet. As she hovers over him, ministering to him with tenderness, anxiety and gentleness, a new resolution takes root in her pitying heart, a resolution that will give the little street-singer a home of love and comfort, and which will affect his character and after life. When Martin recovers, what a blessed vision greets his eyes ! A warm, cheerful, home-like room, kind voices, loving smiles. Here is a matronly little dame with silvery hair shining from beneath the snowy whiteness of the linen " kopflappen," with brown eyes that have in them the true mother-light, and rosy cheeks that are dimpled with the sweetest of smiles. In her hearty, cheery way, she bids him cast away his cares, his anxieties, and all those things that disturb him, and begin a happier life in this, his future home. Soon Conrad Cotta, the husband, arrives. He is rich, and can well afford to give the young student the much-needed home, so he readily accedes to the good wife's proposal. Thus Martin Luther is received into the Cotta family, where he remains four years.

Human nature is to a greater or less degree dependent for its development upon outward circumstances and influences. A nature accustomed only to the stinging blasts and bitter winds, only to coldness and darkness, is warped. Those qualities alone are called forth which combat these elements, and all the kindly, loving, generous part of that nature — because the warm beams of the sun have never called it forth — dies. A nature which has never been called to conflict with wintry and adverse winds, that has always existed in midsummer, is one-sided. It lacks those sterner qualities which are developed by adversity. So, in human as in material nature, we need the same element to perfect the creation — darkness and light, summer and winter, sunshine and storm. Under these circumstances alone does the creature come forth as God designed it — perfected fully. Thus God was preparing the character of Martin Luther to become the leader in the great reform. His childhood was dark and bitter, and had it continued so his natural tendency to melancholy would

URSULA COTTA, 23

have been cherished, and all that bright sunshine deep in his heart would have been quenched. He was to have endurance brought forth by hardship, so that he could bear the trial of the contest, and at the same time, all the bright, hopeful, glad nature was cherished, and thus he breathed courage and cheer and joy to all those tried ones who looked to him for help and glad encouragement.

A new life dawned on Martin Luther upon his entrance into the Cotta family. Until now his youth had been one of suffering, privation, and hardship. He had passed through darkness and was coming to the light. God was bringing him into perfect manhood. His graver, sterner nature had been developed ; it was now time for the brighter part. Luther's early life, although it ingrafted lasting qualities of great worth into his nature, gave him also some which, unless taken away, would be very injurious and unhappy. These were but temporary, and under the care of the. watchful, " verstandige" Ursula Cotta, they disappeared. She knew the longings and pains of his young heart. She offered him sympathy and love, and soothed its aching, and satisfied its yearning. He met no repulses, no rebukes, but ready answers to all his inquiries, responses to all his eager questionings.

Luther's early training had imparted to him a shrinking and a timidity. He was silent, morose, and moody. Ursula Cotta, with her warm, bright cheerfulness, her sunshiny happiness, changed this dark spirit. She dissipated the gloom, and called to light all the hidden brightness of his nature ; and it is no longer silent, solitary Martinchen in the corner, but Martin the leader in the children's games, their songs, their conversations. The change was wrought by the quick insight, marvelous tact, and careful attention of Frau Cotta. She saw, from his entrance into her home, that he must be moved from his melancholy, 'and she bravely undertook the work. She had long homely talks with him, inviting his confidence, appreciating it, and interesting herself in all his thoughts. She found out his love for music, and, cultivating the taste, opened new joys to him. She gave him a flute, which he soon learned to play, when she would sing as he accompanied her, and so many happy hours they spent together. He would confide to her his hopes, his sorrows, his plans, and, looking into her earnest, loving eyes, would always find sympathy. Then the evenings were such quiet, peaceful ones. Ursula would draw Martin and her own little son close to her and tell them stories — generally religious — in her pretty, interesting manner ; then, laying a hand on each head, would stroke their hair fondly, raise their heads, and kiss each goodnight. All those latent, loving qualities were aroused in Martin's heart by such tenderness, and his whole

URSULA COTTA. 25

nature was softened. In this cheerful home, amid the familiar household talks, the music, prayers, and allpervading love, Martin dropped the old manner, with its timidity and silence, and awakening to the new life of love and sympathy, became fearless, joyous, open-hearted, and happy.

What a truly blessed life was that within the burgher Cotta's house ! Here there was ever an atmosphere of love, where nothing could exist but happiness. Ursula was the good angel that imparted this wondrous charm to the household. A true woman, with delicate insight, sympathies, tenderness, compassion, and all those womanly traits that ensure happiness to those around. Martin knew and acknowledged how much he owed to this kind Christian woman's influence. Of her he has said, " There is nothing sweeter on earth than the heart of a woman in which pity dwells." In Ursula Cotta's heart it had a large place, and with it, as we have seen, love, tenderness, sympathy. We love her for her very lovableness — she inspires us to it — we cannot help it. As her heart opened in love to all, so must all hearts open with love to her.

IV. The Nuns Of Nimpstch

Near Grimma, in Nimpstchen, in the year 1523, stood the Cistercian convent. It had existed for a long period of time, and many zealots had lived, wrought and passed away within its walls. Here, many noble families sent their daughters to live what they thought to be the holiest of all lives. Many, many were the holy sisters who had passed, within these walls, their lives of penance and self-abnegation. Here, for years and years, the silent nuns had worshiped, suffered and died, without any care for aught beyond their confines.

In the first quarter of the sixteenth century, however, a change came over the hitherto quiet and peaceful convent. At this time, there were among the sisterhood several young women with active minds ever ready to discern truth, and true hearts willing to follow it. They were enthusiasts, with minds open and fresh to receive impressions. They had been sent here by their parents at an early age before they had reason or discretion enough to choose for themselves. They entered into the true spirit of the Order. Day by day, they attended masses and (26) *

THE NUNS OF NIMPSTCH. 27

matins, told their beads, repeated their aves, chanted their missal, and did penance for their sins. Often severe chastisement, self-inflicted, would follow the wandering thoughts ; for their restless minds would, despite restraint, wander to the world beyond the gray convent walls.

Quiet, peaceful, happy hours too, they had, over their embroidery and sewing, while one of their number read aloud. Works of charity filled in their time, and many were the blessings that arose from the sick and the destitute as the holy sisters walked among them. Among the books that came from Eisenach, from Cotta's printing-press, were several translations of Dr. Luther's. The attention of the young nuns was arrested ; they re-read them ; they were wonderstricken , doubtful ; finally they were overflowing with enthusiasm for the Doctor of Wittenberg, and convinced of his truth. What he wrote must be true ; their reason and judgment confirmed his words ; and surely these passages from the New Testament came from God.

O, then, how far astray from his teaching have been their lives ! What good has been done by their penance, scourges, and chastisements ? They read — there is freedom in forgiveness of sins ; salvation is free to all; works are dead, it is faith that justifies \ self can do nothing, it is God through Christ and not we ourselves. All this is new to them. Next comes Luther's treatise upon monasteries. This is another revelation to them. They had lived with the conviction that a life within the sacred walls of the convent was most pleasing, most holy in the sight of God — for had they not wedded the church, and cast all else aside ? But here comes Dr. Luther, telling them a life in a convent is not the true Christian life ; that their lives are no purer, no better, no holier than those of ordinary mortals ; that the life of a true follower is not one of seclusion, not a fleeing from temptations, but to bear up under them, to withstand them — to stand in the midst of the world and yet apart from it. The nuns of Nimpstch were awakened to new ideas of life. They caught the truth, they felt it, they determined to act upon it. The serenity of the convent was broken up, for the young nuns speedily made known their belief, and told the truth to their sisters. The older ones were unconvinced ; they looked with sorrow, even with hatred, upon the young heretics — with derision called them the "Lutheran sisters." More books were received at Nimpstch, and deeper and warmer became their enthusiasm for Dr. Luther and his words. With this came also a distaste for the convent life — nay, it became hateful to them. Their bonds chafed them, their duties were unendurable, and their ever-present thought was to break their chains and get beyond their prison walls. They became refractory — refused to perform their religious

THE NUNS OF NIMPSTCH. 29

duties ; no more invocations to the saints, no nightly vigils, fasts, or scourges. Faith, and a life conformed to that faith, was the idea which possessed them.

Finally, they resolved to use some means of escape, as all their letters to friends and relatives brought them no hope of release. Instead of sympathy and a welcome back to home, there were indignation, threats, and a denial of all assistance. They wrote to Dr. Luther, informing him of their troubles and their desire to escape, and asking aid.

This letter brought about the desired result. A night was appointed, and within the cloister the young nuns were preparing to leave their narrow world and enter into the trials of an untried greater one. Night came, and the nine women were in waiting before the high stone walls. Master Leonard Koppe, of Torgau, and Wolfgang Tomitzsch, were ready to assist them ; and soon they stood upon the ground, without the convent, free from its forms and duties — free to worship as their hearts directed. They entered a covered wagon, filled with herring barrels— wherein, in case of necessity, they might hide — and drove away from bondage. At length they arrived at the old Augustinian convent, where their hearts were rejoiced to behold face to face their beloved Doctor Luther.

" The livery of the nun " was laid aside, and these courageous, truthful, noble women are ready to do whatsoever is required of them by their new religion.

Several persons kindly received them into their houses, and soon all of them were settled in Wittenberg. After the lapse of time, some were sent for by their relenting friends, some were married.

These nine nuns, who thus with courage and a brave independence shook off the unnatural bonds of the Roman church, and joyfully encountered any trial that would open the way to a true life in Christ — having found the truth which makes men free — were Magdalena Staupitz, Elizabeth Kanitz, Eva Gross, Eva and Margaret Schonfeld, Laneta Golis, Margaret and Katherine Zeschau, and Katharine von Bora. Independence of thought even amidst such thraldom and freedom of will and action, could only result from strong character, and a deep firm conviction of truth. The entrance of truth into the heart gives that power and strength of character.

KATHARINE VON BORA.

We have seen the influence of Margaretha and Ursula, in forming the character of Luther. We have now to see what influence was being exerted upon him while he was moving the world with his theses, denunciations and doctrines, and shaking the foundation of the Roman See, calling forth papal bulls, anathemas, maledictions and pamphlets by the score.

Among the nuns who stole away from Nimpstch, was Katharine von Bora. She was born in Saxony in 1499, and belonged to one of the noble families of the land. At the age of sixteen, she was sent to the convent, where she remained in comparative happiness for several years. We already know how that life was cast aside, and Katharine became an inmate in the house of the burgomaster of Wittenberg. Luther found more trouble in his matrimonial schemes for the grave and dignified Katharine than he had had with the other nuns. She was the noblest of them all. Although not beautiful, yet there was majesty in her manner ; earnestness and expression in her dark eyes; character in the large, but firm (31)

mouth; and intellect in the high, smooth forehead. Until more acquainted with her, she seemed cold and reserved — so much so, that the great Doctor himself was awed ; but after having won her friendship there was seen a warmth of heart, a congeniality and kind, open winning manner, that was particularly engaging. Jeremy Baumgartner was the first aspirant to the love of this daughter of the house of Bora. But such honor was not for him, nor for Dr. Glatz, whom Luther highly recommended. Katharine was not quite as frank as Priscilla, the Puritan maiden, for she did not say directly, "Why don't you speak for yourself, Martin : ' ' but she communicated the fact that the Doctor himself was her favorite, to his friend Amsdorf, who was not long in producing order out of the confusion.

On the 13th of June, 1525, Luther, accompanied by his friends Pomeranus, Lucas Cranach, and the lawyer Apell, entered the house of Amsdorf, and with little ceremony, but great brevity and abruptness, he asked the astonished Katharine to become his wife. They were immediately betrothed, and before the day had closed, Luther and Katharine, monk and nun, were married. He took his bride, the dignified, graceful Katharine, to the old Augustinian cloister to make a home for him ; for deep within his heart there was the true German love and longing for a home and fireside to which he could claim exclusive right.

A new life begins now in the old monastery, and the dark gloom and silence of the cloisters are dispelled and banished by the cheerfulness and brightness which the presence of Katharine diffuses. The invisible shades of the departed monks, were they able to look in upon this happy domestic life, would have been filled with holy horror and repeated a dozen — nay, a score of dozens — of aves and pater-nosters for their former brother, for both these who had once vowed celibacy.

The life of Martin and Ketha, (as he loved to call her) approached very near to the ideal of married life. When Martin Luther married, there was not the deep, warm, earnest love for Katharine that she gave him ; he said at the time — " I am not on fire with love;" but it came, and as the years passed, it became deeper, warmer, more earnest — the full, strong love such as a heart like that of Martin Luther, with his great strong nature, is alone capable of holding. Katharine had a firm, strong character; she was capable of supporting and helping in trials, not sinking beneath them and proving a burden. She had a quick, understanding mind, and could readily appreciate the thoughts of the great Doctor, although not able to pursue them to the depth of their meaning. She was warmly interested in all his work, and by her interest and enthusiasm increased that of Luther. She helped him, as far as she was able, in his intellectual pursuits, by reading to him and writing for him.. She relieved him of many duties, in order that his precious time might be devoted to the cause for which he was born. She carried on all his correspondence, when capable ; and those letters that she could not arrange herself, she kept him from forgetting. No household affairs were allowed to trouble him, for Ketha had great managing abilities. All the financial affairs of the house were well regulated, and without a thought by the master of it. The farm at Zolsdorf, which Martin had given to his wife, was kept in excellent condition ; buildings were erected, ' the land was tilled and improved, and everything done by the supervision of the wife of Dr. Luther.

But not only were the outward affairs kept in this flourishing condition, not only was Madam Luther a financier and manager, but within the house there was a home. Here she was the tender, loving wife, the wise and good mother. Here all the gentler womanly qualities of her nature shone forth — here she was the "perfect woman nobly planned," one to comfort, soothe and sympathize. She loved to make the home cheerful and happy, to aid her husband by making his surroundings bright, so that no anxieties or worriments should disturb his work; but that when his aching, weary brain sought relief, it could be found at the peaceful fireside.

A most beautiful picture of domestic happiness is seen in the home of the Luthers. We catch a glimpse of another feature of Martin Luther's wonderful nature. In the public life, before the diets and councils, we see him firm — even stubborn — unyielding, inflexible and stern. Our admiration and reverence are awakened. At the home in Wittenberg we see tenderness and gentleness ; a deeply warm loving heart ; and a charm of pathos and sympathy is thrown over his nature, subduing all harshness. This awakens our love, and so all the feelings that reveal a hero to us are aroused, and we look upon Martin Luther as such.