The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1839-10-22
NHESCEELANE1dsg as.
MARTIN LUTHER.

A'HN AN LIZ
There has recently appeared in Boston a
volume entitled Luther and his Times in
which the author endeavors TO portray the char
actes of the great rerormer by means OLA tamil
lar story; making his life the subject of a hstor-
ical tale. We select three passages; his BIRTH
marriage and death, specimens Of the work
and for the interest they possess, relating to
one OF the most extraordinary men the world
ever saw.
BIRTH OF LUTHER.
81 poor miner, who wrought in the mines of
Mansfield, and lived ut Eiseanch, took n tourney
to Eisleben, to attend the annual fair His wife
was too desrous to accompany him to be de-
MED; and on the night they arrived, she gave
birth to son. He was horn on the 10th Of
November, in the year 1883 on the Of ST.
Martins day; and from This circumstance his pa
rents named him Martin. The father strove
10 educate his son in virtuous habits, and accord.
ing 10 split of the age, considered strict d isc
pliue powerful aid 10 good conduct; to this the
young Martin early subjected. AS he grew
older, he was placed in all institution at Else
'nach where he had access TO the learning there
Eaught; but was unproviled with funds, and had
qlot money to procure food. In company with
several other student, as poor as himself, he en-
deavored to procure bread by singing the
doors of wealthy houses, On these occasions he
sometimes sang his own compassionate Others
the fnvorite dities Of the day-and sometimes
he chaun,ed forth the suf1erings of the Nlatyrs.
All this he called bread music II does not seem
TO have the " to soohe the savage breast: for he
was often tainted and eproached-accused of
idleness and evil designs-and driven away by
menials though the only reward he asked for
his musical eXertlOnS WINS piece OF bread. On
one af those days, when his very sonl was burn
guage he received, he wandered TO the humble
dwelling Of Conard Gotta; and, trowing himself
hofn q If m n I.'pIh Inv ar
ancient trees, he rcliyed his Overlooking heart by
law plantive music. Whether moved by the
melody of song, or the tenderness of woman d
soul, Louisa Gotta, the wife of Conard, hasten
ed to the door and invited him to enter.-She
then placed before him the simple fare her hum
BILE habation afforded, bread and honey. with
milk from the mountain goat. The honest, ar
dent gratitude of the youth, with his simple sto-
ry, not only her confdcnce but her affGc-
ton. She invited him to come every day and
get his meals. He soon equally interested the
husband and they both continued their friend
ship to him. Many years after, when all Europe
rang with the name of the returner. they re-
menhered that the poor hungry boy they ted
was Martin Luther!
In he year 1901, n thin, pale youth stood at
the gate OF the University Erlurt, and petition
ed Tor entrance. When asked if he was quail,
fled to make such request, he replied: He who
prays as he ought has always finished half his
ahors and his studies This, too, was Martin
Luher;.but ne did not now come unprovIded
with credentials; he brought undouhted ,estimo
ny of his morals and good couduct, and was re-
ceived with cordially.
MARRIAGE LUTHER.
Some time after Luther came to Meancthun :
house and requested to Calharine alone.
Margaret fastened to her, and gave her the
message. She entreated her friend to return
with her.
THAT would not do replied Margaret; 'he
said expressly alone; he undoubtedly has some.
thing very particular TO say. Now Catharne
take courage and open your heart
Poor Catharine went with trembling steps TO
the presence of Luther.
Il lave sent for you, my child said he, 'con-
verse on the subject OF matrmouy; hope you
are convinced it isa wholly stn,e''
Yes, sir, said Ca,harne:
And prepared to embrace IL?
No, sir, she replied.
perhaps you have scruples the score OF
,monastic vows; il so, | will mark some passa.
yes have written on thar subject. that may Sc,
your mind at rest
Caharine was silent
Il perceive have not made much progress
i'm my purpose. am little used TO THESE matters
and had better NC direct
:Do you mean abide by your monast;c
vows, or will you marry, like rational woman?
., This direct appeal seemed to rouse her coui-
age.
Even DR.. Martin Luz Their has no right. said
motives.
well said, Kate replied he laughing;I must
tell you, them
There is person who wonld gladly take YOU
!for better or for worse
Catharne's color rose and her eyes sparkled
with additional brightness
'Now say, has he any chance?'
You have not told me who it is said she re-
solutely. -. ...
"And you have not told me whether Won
have any scrlples of conscience on the subject
if you have, God forbid that should urge you )
when left the convent, said she, in a low
voice, 'it was because it would have been hypoc.
racy in me TO have remained there. took the
vows ignoran,Iy and almost by compulsop;
embraced the reformed religion with an inqui-
ring and willing faith. God forgive me, that
SO long offered him the worship of my lips,
while my heart was far from him.
And now? said Luther, after waiting for her