Árdís - 01.01.1954, Page 12

10
ÁRDÍS
partly by introducing hymns, mainly translations of psalms and
chants sung hitherto by the choir. Thirty-six hymns are attributed
to Luther. They soon became deeply rooted in the minds and
hearts of the people and produced powerful impressions. Luther’s
greatest hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”, with its inspiring
melody—also of his composition—ranks as a musical classic and is
dearly familiar to us all both in the English and Icelandic.
Next to the translation of the Bible, the preparation of the
Small Catechism was Luther’s most important literary work. Its
simplicity illustrates Luther’s remark: “If we would instruct
children, we must ourselves become children.” This book consists
of explanations of the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord’s
Prayer and the Sacraments of the Altar and Baptism. It is in the
form of questions and answers and in such easily understood terms
that every child is thus provided with a textbook. It is used through-
out the Lutheran Church all over the world for young people pre-
paring for confirmation.
On June 13, 1525, Luther married Catherine Von Bora, a nun
who had escaped with eight others from a convent two years pre-
viously. She was twenty-six years of age and had spent ten years
at the cloister. It was not a romantic love affair. Luther sympathized
with her in her destitute and dependent condition. As might be
expected the marriage created a sensation and his followers felt
it was a step sure to give occasion for attack on the part of his
enemies. It did and has continued even to the present time. How-
ever, the marriage may be criticized it should be remembered that
Luther had rights as a private man which should be respected.
To this union five children survived infancy. While only one
attained eminence, they all bore their name with grace and distinc-
tion. Luther and Catherine enjoyed 21 years of a happy married life.
No engagements, however pressing, were allowed to interfere with
his home life. In its circle he found relief and relaxation from his
numerous cares. They kept open house and were often imposed
upon. Guests came from all quarters and from all classes of the
community. Luther’s habits were the simplest. He was temperate
in regard to food and drink and very plain in dress. He welcomed
the company of a small circle of intimate friends. Besides music
and the culture of flowers he took time for the use of a turning
lathe and bowling—for which he had an alley built in his garden.