The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 184?-1851, 1845-12-03
Martin LMlher's Marriage.

botn nau passed.
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Martin LuIher's Marriage.
1t is well known that Luther married shortly |
after his abjuraton of Popery. His marriage
with convert 10 Professionalism, named Catha-
rine, is an amusing story, Catharine who was
young and beautiful, and only about half the age
of Luther, had conceived a strong affection for
the reformer, of which he was entirely ignorant,
though he had frequent conversations with her
upon the subject of matrmony. Il congratulate
you, Catharine, on the recovery of your mental
freedom; not because you have escaped from
prison, and thrown off the dress of nun, but up
on your freedom of mind, and your liberty oiI
thinking for yourseI.' Catharine hastily left the
room, evidently laboring under some mysterious
feeling, when Luther exclaimed TO those remain.
ing behind, Il pity that poor child her mind
seems still oppressed. | am surprised how she
ever got courage TO throw off the Popish yoke.'
Some time after this, Luther came TO Melanc-
Ithon's house, where Catharine was residing, and
requested to see her alone. The maiden, how
ever wished Melancthon's wife to 90 with her,
to whom the latter replied, shat will not do; he
said expressly that he wanted to see you alone;
he has certainly something very particular to say
to you. Now Catharine, take courage and open
your heart The girl accordingly went with
trembling steps into the presence of Luther. Il
have sent for you, my child said the reformer,
'to converse on the subject of matrimony. hope
you are convinced it is holy state.' 'Yes, sir,
replied Catharine. 'Are you prepared to en-
i brace itP mo, sir, was the reply. After teas
ing her for some time to explain her reasons for
refusal, and asking whether it arose from any
Scruple on the ground of mondstic vows, he put
the following questionable you mean to abide
by your monastlc VOWS, or will you marry like a
rational womanF The girls courage was rous-
ed at this, and contrary 10 her usual meekness
+; she boldly replied, Even Doctor Martin Luther
has no right ask that question without explain
ing his motive' well then, Kate said the Doc
: tor, laughing, Il must tell you. There is per
!, son who would gladly take you for 'beucr OF
: worse.' The color rose IN the cheeks of the
y, maiden, and her sparkling eyes attested her emo
lion, for she thought that Luther referred to him
: self, though such an idea had never entered into
his mind. Tell me- said the friar, 'has he any
: chanceF you have not told me who he is,' re,
joined Catharine. 'The other day. said Luther
G 'Bodenstein, the nephew of Carolstadt came to
u me to solicit my influence with you. He wish
es you to marry him. Catharine turned as pale
Il StOSI' anu Wu6l LutlCI dSk6u 0WIldl SIlll
d tell himP she replied d-'knything you please
u so that never see him again. SIS there any one
Il else you like better?' asked Luther. She made
J. no reply. After being much pressed, she said
with little female pride, Counselor Baumgart
nu has made the same proposals. Catharint
) fastened to her room, declaring that she was
9 now perhaps as happy as she expected ever tC
J be, and did not think of changing her state
!, She now thought her case with Luther hopeless
e The roughncss of bis manner while addressing
g her, convinced her that the tender passion hat
no place in his breast for her. Her female
a friend found her in flood Of tears. Melanc
Il thon, at the same time, was taIntng Luther will
!; his inconsistency, in urging matrimony upoI
o others, and abstaining from it himself Luthe
l. protested that he would not marry, for that hi
time was too much occupied. In reference f
d Catharine he declared that he had done what hi
d conscience told him was right, but that the issu
5. proved he did not understand the heart of VIC
i man. Melancthon's wife, who had Just return
n ed from Catharine, repled-'That is true, or yo
II would long since have perceived that CatharnU'
e heart was yours, and now the mystery is out.'-
f. Luther was perfectly asonished at the revela
y ton, and was made 10 believe, with great difficu
n Ity, that young and beautiful woman of twenty
10 should prefer man of fortune to a more youth
'e ful suitor When, however, he found that it wa
!; no farce, he appeared to have become suddenI
}; inspired with the principle of new existence
G His next conversation with Catharine convince
;, him Of the depth Of her affection, which, indeed
d had been for long period prcying upon her sp
IT rits, and very short time afterwards the nupta
y were celebrated. The example of the great Re
former, based upon the authority of scripture
lg has been one of the prominent features Of soun
II Professionalism.