Weekly Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1853-1861, 1856-12-11

seems-at least so goes the trAditiOn-that
Luther, when on his way TO the Diet of
Worms, whence he had been cited 10 account
for his new and extraordinary doctrine, sat
down to rest beneath this venerable tree
Here many Of his friends surrounded him
and eutreated him not TO brave the august
assembly before which he was 20 appear, set
ing before him the punishment to which he
was exposing himself at would 20 TO
Worms" said Luther-aI would 20 to
Worms, even though there were as many dew
lis within Its walls as there are tiles on its
houses.p History speaks not as to what re-
ply bis friends urged 10 this emphatic dec
laration, but certain it is Luther did 60 to
Worms. -rs
The way to the Lutherbaum looked SO
very delightful, winding along between rows
of fruit trees, that II. and determined to
take walk out to the village Of Paifisheim
and get branch of that famous old elm
The sun was just rising in the east as we stood
in its majestic old 'presence-ior majestic it
seemed, towering so far above all the other
trees Of the valley. An old peasant kindly
broke for us a little branch, while we rested
awhile on the stone seat that encircles the
tree, listening to the songs Of the little birds
far up in the top. Then we walked all
around it, Gt was just eighteen PAGES around,)
and then we took long, last look at lis tow
ering form, and turned away from the Luz
tberbaum forever. f
As it was still quite early when we got back
10 the old city, we continued our walk
through the Jews quarter" to the ancient
synagogue, constructed--so the jew who led
the way informed me-in the ninth century.
This community Of Jews is the most ancient
in Germany. According to their tradition, it
was in existence at the time of the destruc-
ton of Jerusalem by the BabylOnians, nearly
six hundred''years before the Christian Era
1t has been proved that jews were living in
Worms before the birth of our Lord, and
that when their brethren Of Jerusalem were
sentencing him to death, letter arrived from
this community, charging them "nOt 20 cru
city that innocent man." For this rea-
son, during the middle ages, the Jews
of Worms were accorded many privi-
leges. The emperor Ferdinand fnt per-
mitted them a chief of the synagogue,
and commanded that their Grand Rabbi
should be allowed to pass freely throughout
all Germany. All this the guide told US as
We wandered through the old synagogue. He
also showed us the veil of white brocade,
more than thousand years old, that hangs
before the Holy of HOLES, and the Bible in
manuscript even older, and beautifully illu-
minated. The entrance to this synagogue is
through several gloomy old houses, which so
surround and conceal il, that one might pass
near it time and again. without dreaming of
its neighborhood. We next passed through
a number of narrow streets, lined with quaint
old houses, with gable roofs, and on hechim-
MES Of many Of them we could see the huge
nests ef the dear storks of the German sto-
ries. On the northern side OF the cathedral
we came to the garden of the Bishops Court,
still surrounded with its ancient wall. 1t was
in this Court that Luther concluded, in these
memorable words, his defence before the
Diet -" Her stepe seh. ich kann nsclt anders.
GIT helfe mir. amen y''
Returning to the Beautiful Mountain
Lady," Qor such was the name of our hotel)
we arranged everything in a very short time,
to leave for the Mayence. where we arrived
in one hour after we had lade adieu to the
interesting old city. of which We have en-
deavored to give you faint description.
Your affectionate daughter,
SAILIE