While Luther was in Smalcald he suffered one attack after the other of what was probably kidney stones,3 and he became so severely ill that there were serious doubts whether he would live.4 His wife was informed accordingly, and she sent a "carriage" to Smalcald in order to bring Luther home. In the meantime, however, Luther lapsed into total weakness; stones blocked his urinary system and apparently some early signs of uremic poisoning developed. Luther's health was up and down, but the general tendency was poor. Feeling that his end was near, Luther wanted to die at home, and so every effort was made to get him back to Wittenberg.5 After Elector John Frederick had visited Luther in the morning of February 26,6 Luther, along with Bugenhagen, Spalatin, a physician, and others, left Smalcald for Wittenberg in several carriages, among them the Elector's private carriage. They traveled only about 15 kilometers to Tambach, where during the night of February 26 Luther's health suddenly improved.7 In the following letter, written from Tambach in the very early hours of February 27,8 Luther informs his wife of these developments. He tells of his past severe illness, of the many unsuccessful efforts to help him, and of the miracle which God has now accomplished in him. He asks his family to thank God for this rescue. He also tells Catherine that for the time being the Elector would retain the horses sent from Wittenberg and that it would not be necessary for her to travel from Wittenberg to meet him, for he is confident of coming home soon.
Text in German: WA, Br 8, 50–51.9
Grace and peace in Christ!
In the meantime you might rent some extra horses, should you need them, dear Katie, for my gracious Lord10 will retain your horses and send them home with Master11 Philip.12 I myself left Smalcald yesterday and traveled up to this place in my gracious Lord's private carriage.13 This is the reason: I had not been healthy there for more than three days,14 and from the first Sunday15 to this night not one little drop of water passed from me; I had no rest nor did I sleep, and I was unable to retain any drink or food. In summary, I was dead; I commended you, together with the little ones, to God and to my gracious Lord, since I thought that I would never again see you in this mortal life. I felt great pity for you, yet had resigned myself to the grave. But many people prayed to God so hard on my behalf that their tears moved
God to open my bladder this night, and in two hours about one Stübig16 passed from me, and I feel as if I were born again.
Therefore thank God and have the dear little ones, together with Aunt Lena,17 thank the real Father, for you certainly would have lost this father. The good Sovereign ordered people to run, ride, fetch, and with all his might tried his best to help me.18 But it was not to be. Your manure cure didn't help me either.19
[But] this night God has accomplished a miracle in me, and he continues to do it through the intercession of godly people.
I am writing this because I think that my most gracious Lord has ordered the bailiff20 to send you to meet me, fearing I would die on the way, so that prior to this you could talk with me or see me.21 Now this is not necessary, and you can certainly stay at home, since God has so abundantly helped me that I am confident I can come happily to you. Today we will spend the night at Gotha.22 By the way, I have written four times,23 and I wonder that nothing has reached you.
The messenger has been paid but give him a tip.24
[Wittenberg,] March 21, 1537 Luther finally returned home from Smalcald on March 14.1 He was still ailing, and only slowly recuperated.2 In the following letter Luther informs Spalatin of his gradual improvement, and of his wife's gratitude for the hospitality extended to her in Spalatin's home. He also tells Spalatin his wife was sorry that she did not bring along some gifts for Spalatin's daughters, and that she intends to send them some booklets.
On George Spalatin, see LW 48, 8 f.
Text in Latin: WA, Br 8, 59.3