Wheeling times and advertiser. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1839-1849, 1845-11-21
MARTIN LUrTHER'S MARRIAGE.

~ - httot W SUOI -
ly after his abjuration of Popery, His mar
rage with a convert to Protes,anisn,, named
Catherine, is an amusing story. Catherine,
who was young and beautiful, and only about
hall the age ot Luther, had conceived a strong
affection Tor the rcforiner, of which he was
entirely ignorant, though he had frequent con-
versations with her on the subject of matri-
mony. Il congratulate you, Catherine, ON
the recovery Of your mental freedom; not be-
cause you have escaped from a prison, and
thrown oil the dress OF a nun, but upon your
freedom OF mind, and your liberty of thinking
for YOURSELF" Catharine hastily left the room,
evidently laboring under some mysterious feel
ing, when Luther exclaimed to those remain
ing behind, Il pity that poor child; her mind
seems still oppressed. 1 am surprised how
she ever got courage TO throw off the Popish
yoke" Some time after this, Luther came 10
MelancthDn's house, where Catherine was re-
siding, and requested 10 see her alone. The
maiden, however, wished Melancthon's wife
To go with her, 70 whom the latter replied.
"that will not do; he said expressly that he
wanted to see you OlOae; he has certainly some-
thing very particular TO say TO you. Now,
Catherine, take courage and open your heart
The girl accordingly went with trembling
steps into the presence of Luther. II have
sent for you, my child" said the reformer, s'to
converse on the subject of matrimony. Ihope
you are convinced it is a holy state" Eyes,
sir" replied Catherine. care you prepared
TO embrace III" "No, sir" was the reply
After teasing her for some lime to explain her
reasons Tor refusal, and asking whether 1T
arose from any scruple OF the ground Of mon
astic vows, he put the following question
"Do you mean to abide by your monastic
vows, or will you marry like a rational wo-
manf' The girls courage was reused at this,
and contrary TO her usual meekness, she bold
" replied-"Even Doctor Martin Luther has
no right to ask that question without explain
ing his motive" "Well then, Kate, said the
Doctor, laughing, 81 must tell you. There is
a person who would gladly take you for bet
ter or worse" The color rose i'm the cheeks
OF the maiden, and her sparkling eyes attested
her emotion, Tor she thought that Luther refer
red to himself, though such an idea had never
entered into his mind. "Tell me-" said the
irlar, 'has he any chance?" ''You have not
told me who he is" replied Catherine. s'Tbe
other day." said Luther, "Bodenstein. the
nephew of Carolstadt, came 10 me to solicit
my influence with you. He wishes YOU TO
marry him." Catherine turned as pale AS a
ghost. And when Luther asked "Wbat shall
tell hm!" she replied: "Anything YOU
please, so that never see him again" els
there any one else you like better9' asked Lu-
~ Civ iioNC w iSpif. hiteI DclnB muCU
pressed, she said with a little female pride
"Counscllor %Baumgatnu has made the same
proposals." Catherine fastened 10 her room,
declaring that she was now perhaps as happy
as sine expected ever to- be, and did not think
OF changing her state. She now thought her
case with Luther hopeless. The roiphness nj
his manner while addressing her, CONVINCED
her that the tender passion had no place i'm his
breast for her. Her female friend found he,
in Il flood of tears. Meiancthon, at the Same
time, was haunting Luther with his inconsis.
tency, in urging matrimony upon Others. aud
abstaiuing from it himself. Luther protested
that he would not marry, for that his time
was too much occupied. In reference "a
Catherine, he declared that he had done wha,
his conscience told him was right, but tina,
the issue proved hc did not understood the
heart oi a woman. Melancthou's wife, who
had just returned from Cstharinc replied
that Is true, or you would long since have
perceived that Catharlne's heart was yours
and now the mystery is out" Luther wa.
perfectly astonishcd at the revelation. and YEA.
made to believe, with great iii ficulty. that a
young and beautiful oman of twenty shonId
prefer a man Oi forty to a more youthful suit.
or. When, however, he found out that il
WASH no farce, he appeared to have become sud.
denly INSPIRED with tue principle Of a new cx.
islcncc. Hts next conversation with Cafha.
nne convinced hin Of the depth of her afcc.
ION, which, indeed, had been for a long ne
nod proving upon her spirits, and a very short
Time afterwards the nuptials were celebrated.
me example OF the great Reformer: based up.
on the authority of Scripture, has been one %
tlc prominent features Of sound Protestant.
ism.
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