Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1845-11-22
Martin Luther,s Marriage.

alter his abluratiOn OF Popery. Ills marriage
with convert to Protestanism, named Catha-
rine, is an amusing story. Catharine, who was
young and beautiful, and only about half the
age of Luther, had conceived strong affec-
ton for the reformcr, of which he was entirely
Ignorant though he had frequent conversations
with her upon the subject of matrimony. 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 upon your freedom of mind, and
your liberty Of thinking for yourself Catha-
rnc hastily left the room. evidently laborng
under some mysterious feeling, when Luther
exclaimed TO those remaining behind, pity
that poor child her mind seems still oppressed.
| am surprised how she ever got courage to
throw of the Popish yoke Some time after
this, Luther came to Melancthon's house, where
Catharine was residing, and requested to see
her alone. The maiden, however, wished Me-
lancthon's wife TO go with her, to whom the lat.
ter replied, "that will not do; he said expressly
that he wanted to 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. 4 have sent for
you, my child said the reforner, to converse
on the rubiect Of matrimony. hope you are
convinced it is a holy state Yes sir replied
Catharine. "Are you prepared TO embrace it -
"No, sir" was the reply. After teasing her for
some time to explain her reasons for refusal, and
asking whether it arose from any scruple on the
ground of monasic vows, he put the following
ques,ion-"Do you mean to abide by your mon
astic vows. or will you marry like a rational
woman ?" The girls courage was reused at
this. and contrary TO her usual meekness, she
boldly replied, Even Doctor Martin Luther
has no right TO ask that question without ex-
planning his motive" "Well then, Kate" said
the Doctor, laughing, 81 must tell you. There
is person who would gladiy.ake you for bet.
ter or worse" The colour rose in the cheeks
of the maiden, and her sparkling eyes attested
her emotion; for she thought that Luther refer
red TO himself though such an idea had never
entered into his mind. "Tell me-" said the
| friar, "has he any chance! 7" "You have not
told me who he is" rejoined Catharine. "The
other day." said Luther, "Bodenstein, the
nephew of Carolstadt, came to me TO solicit my
influence with you. He wishes you to marry
| him. Cathsrine turned as pale as ghost.
And when Luther asked what shall tell him.
she replied ;-"Any,hing you please, so that
never see him again" as there any one
else you like better ?" asked Luther. She
made no reply After being much pressed, she
said, with a little female pride, "Counsellor
Baumgar,nu has made the same proposals"
Catharne FASTENED to her room, declaring that
she was now perhaps as happy as she expected
ever to be, and did not think of changing her
state. She thought her case with Luther hope.
less. The roughness of his manner while ad-
dressing her, convinced her that the tender
passion had no place in his breast for her.
Her female friend found her in flood of tears
Melanchon, at the same time, was taunting
Luther with his inconsistency, in urging mat
rimony upon others, and abstaining from il him.
self Lu,her protested that he would not mar
ry, for that his time was too much occupied.
In reference to Catharne, he decla red that he
had done what his conscience told him was
right, but that the issue proved he did not un.
Gerstand the heart of a womon. Meancthon's
wife. who had just returned from Catharine,
repied-"That is true, or you would long since
have perceived that Catharine's heart was yours
aud now The mystery is out" Luther was per-
fectly astonished ut the revelation, and was
made to behave. wish great difficulty, that
young and beautiful woman of twenty, should
prefer man OF .orty to more youthful sultor
When, however, ne found that it was no farce
he appeared to have become suddenly inspired
with the principle of new existence. His
next conversation with Cstharine convinced
him of the depth of her affection. which. indeed
had been for long period preying upon her
spirits, and very short time afterwards the
nuptials were celebrated. The example of the
great Reformer, based upon the authority of
scripture, has been one Of the prominent fea-
lures of sound Professionalism.
TIE LARGEST WOMAN IN THE UNITED
SrATEs.-A writer in the Cincinnati Gazette
states there is woman living within fifteen
miles of Mobile, Ala, (Mrs. C) who weighs
four hundred and sixty pounds, being forty
pounds heavier than the Hon. Dixon Lewis,
member of Congress from that state. She is
the mother of several children of unusual size,
enjoys good health, and is good tempered II