Stephanus Rodt to the reader.
Friendly dear reader, because I notice that my work, so I turned to the summer postilla, has not been unfruitful with many, I am caused by it, the sermons, so D.. Martin Luther preached at the most important festivals now and recently before, and some of which have already gone out in print, albeit industriously, like the previous ones, and to put them in order. Lest at some point after this time, some ambitious, glorious spirits should come upon it and mix in their poison under Luther's name. For may they now, during his life, so brazenly falsify his books and throw poisonous doctrine at them: what will become of him after his death? To this I have such
*) Cf. Walch XI Forewords 36 f. D. Red.
I gladly took upon myself the trouble, and with all diligence, as much as God has given grace, I have compiled such sermons and, with the doctor's permission, have had them printed, which I hereby command each one, and especially the fathers of the household. God grant that we may recognize this rich treasure of the holy gospel and be grateful to Him for such grace that we, saved from the lies, now receive the righteous, truthful truth. Blessed is he who knows and understands these things, amen.
The sums that appear in each gospel are translated from the Latin postillation of Johann Bugenhagen of Pomerania.
But why there are many gospels without interpretation, you will find the reason in the gospel on the day of St. Paul's conversion, which everyone can read.