This document was published in a single edition in Wittenberg in 1546. In the editions: in the Wittenberg (1559), vol. XII, p. 480 b; in the Jena (1562), vol. VIII, p. 388 b; in the Altenburg, vol. VIII, p. 861; in the Leipzig, vol. XXI, p. 736 and in Walch, vol. XXI, 386*. 1)
1) Walch adds to the indication of the locations: "has been brought to the German parts of Luther.... at Eisleben". Is this supposed to say: This inscription is found in a church at Eisleben? Because this writing is not found in the Eisleben parts.
God and his word remain eternal. The Pabst's power will soon pass away.
In Eisleben is my fatherland, in Saxony God has sent me, from Wittenberg, the precious city, through me God has given his word. Thus the papal empire overthrown And its tyranny shortened. In my dear fatherland I have fallen asleep in God. In Wittenberg I lie in the grave, praising God for his given gift. Soon I shall rise again, With Jesus Christ to joy enter.
Martin Luther I am called, sent by God to the German country, which was completely seduced by the Pope's and the devil's teachings with lies and idolatry, false worship and hypocrisy. The right pure word of God about Jesus Christ was not heard. That creates the Pabst's three-crowned Hui, cheated us of body, soul and property. God, out of mercy, has had mercy on such a great affliction. To show the poor people, How he has promised, Before the last day the antichrist, The devil's child with his cunning. He has awakened me to the ministry of preaching, he has put me through great journeys and hardships, he has revealed his holy word to me, which I have also freely taught without fear.
And I have proven clearly by Scripture, and will also remain true forever: The Pope is the Antichrist, His origin is from the devil's dung. With all the plates of his kind is even the devil's people. Their doctrine and work they show freely, Who is the father of them all, God's commandment they despise, In addition all divine work ridiculed. Everything that Christ taught, that the pope even reversed. Mocked Christ's blood and death. He has extinguished the benefits of his suffering, he has consecrated the people to his own work, and he has fed them with vain poison. Has proudly roared at his power, his devilish malice richly fulfilled. The damage done by the pope, no human tongue can pronounce.
What lies he has forged, that his platelet has forged. In great fornication they lived. In all disgraces they also floated. They still wanted to rule the people, Through their works lead to heaven. Their sin is so cruelly heavy, the earth can no longer bear it. From such their beautiful fruit The world has taught^ Evil discipline, And all sin so high brought, That almost with sin the sky cracks. Such great sin of the whole world I have clearly shown by the word.
Also God's wrath and heavy Ruth Often announced, to the people's benefit. And lured everyone to repentance. But the greatest number remained obdurate. The pure gospel of Christ, the Son of God, I have taught with all faithfulness, I have converted many poor sinners. Consecrated to Christ, their consolation, Who redeems us all from sins. He is the pure lamb tender, Who was sacrificed for sin. Death has no power over those who are sprinkled with his blood. The devil's bite does no harm. He who sees this honorable serpent. He is the way to salvation, the life and also the truth. He who trusts in Christ completely. He will not die eternally, he goes through this death appearance to eternal life happily. There is no comfort and salvation for sinners, for only the Savior Jesus Christ, for our works and holiness do nothing for salvation. But we shall be obedient to God, live purely according to his will. For God's word gives holy juice, And curbs sin with its power. What God's law makes hard for us, becomes easy through Christ's spirit and teaching. Whoever remains steadfast in this truth, Has become incorporated in Christ, And is certainly a blessed child, Completely free and free from all sin, Only watch and beware.
From false teaching, the devil's sting. For Christ makes the soul healthy, the Pabst's teaching wounds it with poison.
1) "taught" == learned.
Christ's kingdom brings eternal good, the pope's kingdom eternal harm. In Christ alone is salvation, in the pope is death and the torment of hell.
On this God's teaching and light The pope, the villain, is enraged, With wrath he sprays hellish fire, The malice glows from his eyes. Aroused his infernal court servants, his priests became mad and blind, set upon me their whole school. All the scholars from the infernal pit Tried on me all their art; Their lies helped nothing, was in vain. My right teaching kept the prize And penetrated all the land with diligence. The emperor and the whole empire, The princes, bishop, all alike. They wanted to wipe out my teachings, but gained little honor. ,
I was placed before the whole kingdom. There I stood as a strong hero, My teaching was known in humility, I was not moved by its great appearance, The whole world was against me, In God alone I trusted. He has kept his word firmly, And protected me in the best way. Many a scatterbrain was found, And put all their strength into me. I have all of them through God, not to mention that none will arise again. 2) Although I have had trouble and toil, God has always rewarded me.
The whole holy scripture I have translated with diligence from God's gift. Through it, the German country gained great knowledge beyond all measure. I have written many useful things from God's spirit, whoever wants to read it. My writing touched the Christian state and led it on the right path. All God's order I have also brought fine Christian in right use. What benefit and piety I have achieved in the whole world from God's power, That devout Christians know well, For such a thing one should also thank God. For God has done a great miracle through me before the last day. Therefore I praise God's work, who gave me strength and power.
2) "erects" - beholds, comes before eyes, lets see.
Whoever recognizes such divine work, Follow God, do not be blinded. The treasure of grace is at the door, God calls and says: Come all! The year of jubilee is now alldo, Who believes and needs, be heartily glad. The golden gate is open, the bridegroom comes, run who can. Who now wants to go in with me, Watch and do not stay outside. God will soon close the door, Then you will truly find no peace. Whoever thinks I'm a prophet. Sent by God at the end of the world, My faithful warning pleases him, And joins my teaching. The last day will soon come, Then God will awaken young and old. According to his word and my teaching God will judge in all honor.
Oh that the people believed that, they would think twice. But God has counted all his sheep, from his hand not one falls. The dear God will mercifully, through Jesus Christ, have mercy on the poor of all Christendom, who are now in peril and great suffering; govern them by your Spirit in the word of faith most of all. For false doctrine also guard them, Oh, dear God, by thy goodness. Keep them always in unity by thy great mercy. Likewise all thy servants, So, O God, keep thy word pure. Preserve them continually. That they may not be afraid of anyone, That they may tell the truth to everyone, As I have done by your grace. Be diligent also in word and prayer, Lead a holy life well.
Also I beseech thee, thou faithful God, By thy Son Christ's blood and death, Let thee with earnest command The dear Lord Elector mine To Saxony, and his whole family. My doctrine is often disgraced. Thou hast granted him thy divine word, Which he protected and gladly heard, So that thou honoredst him very highly, His praise and name greatly increased. Has loved me and always nourished me. That is why God has given him enough.
Lord Jesus Christ, hear my plea, Your grace and help share with him, And give him comfort in all his peril, Protect him from his enemies. Thy favor and thy grace from him turn not away. Give him, as me, a blessed end, Likewise all his subjects, Who have accepted God's word. All Christian sovereignty protect also steadily, Leave them not, hear their prayer.
And all Christian people alike Help through death into the eternal kingdom. Amen, amen, that will happen. For God's word remains eternal.