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XII. The Death of Luther
Luther sensed that many trials were about to come upon his native Germany. He was shocked at the moral state of the German people and felt that the world situation had become like the time before the flood. He likened the moral condition of mankind to that of the children of Israel prior to their Babylonian captivity with the destruction of Jerusalem. At times he even threatened not to return to his beloved Wittenberg if its moral state did not change.
Toward the end of 1545, Luther had a sense of foreboding concerning his death. His wife was constantly after him to take care of his health. He comforted her in one letter:
I have a better Protector than thou and all the angels. He it is who lay in a manger and was fondled on a maiden’s breast, but was at the same time seated on the right hand of God the Almighty Father. Therefore be at peace. [15]
He died on the 18th of February, 1546, in Eisleben, the place of his birth. The following is an excerpt from Miller’s Church History, which contains a detailed account of Luther’s death:
Two physicians had been sent for, who presently arrived, and likewise Count Albert, accompanied by his countess, who brought cordials and other medicines. All Luther’s friends and his three sons were now collected around him, and he seemed somewhat relieved; and having laid down on a couch he fell into a perspiration. This gave the friends some hope; but he himself said, “It is a cold sweat, the forerunner of death: I shall yield up my spirit.” Then followed his prayer to God:
“O eternal and merciful God, my heavenly Father, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and God of all consolation! I thank Thee that Thou hast revealed unto me Thy Son, Jesus Christ; in whom I have believed, whom I have preached, whom I have confessed, whom I love and worship as my dear Saviour and Redeemer, whom the Pope and the multitude of the ungodly do persecute, revile, and blaspheme. I beseech Thee, my Lord, Jesus Christ, receive my soul! O heavenly Father, though I be snatched out of this life, though I must lay down this body, yet know I assuredly that I shall dwell with Thee for ever, and that none can pluck me out of Thy hands.” He then thrice repeated the words: “Into Thy hands I commend my spirit: Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.” Also these words: “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” He then became silent, and his powers began to fail him. The countess gave him some restorative, and he gently whispered, “Yes,” or “No.” And then Jonas raised his voice and said to him, “Beloved father, dost thou confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, our Saviour and Redeemer?” He clearly and audibly rejoined, “I do;” and spoke no more. With his hands clasped, a gentle respiration interrupted by sighs, continued for a short time; and then, amidst the deep lamentation of his surrounding friends, between two and three in the morning, he fell asleep in Jesus. [16]
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