to the translation of the first nine Psalms by M. Stephan Rodt.
To all my dear Lord and brothers in JEsu Christo Martinus Luther.
Grace and peace in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Some years ago, I undertook to read the Psalter here in Wittenberg, so that I might bring forth into the light such a fine, lovely book, which at that time lay hidden deep in darkness, and also practice myself the more in the Scriptures, and make myself more certain. But since I read the same Psalter, after which Christ bestowed His grace upon me, up to the 22nd Psalm, the persecutions of the papists chased me away, and I had to stay in Worms and Wittenberg, so that I could not bring the work to an end, and much more necessary business fell through that it has remained until now. 1) Afterwards, Christ chose others in my place, as Mr. Johann Pommer, 2) and many more, who were such my hindrance not only with the Psalter, but also with other books (GOD
1) Wittenberger: which remained until afterwards.
2) At the beginning of 1524, ?oru6rani LuAentiaAii in lidrnm psalinornrn interprstatio, IVittenderZus pndiies leota, with a preface by Luther, appeared in Wittenberg (Walch, old edition, vol. XIV, 177). A reprint of this interpretation was published by Adam Petri in Basel as early as March 1524.
3) that the error and persecution of the papists has done them no good, but has been useful to us and all the more harmful to them.
But because some also desire these 22 Psalms, read and interpreted by me, I have allowed myself to have them translated and printed by M. Stephan Rodt, who has been with us, experienced our way of teaching and speaking, and practiced in our theology. Therefore, he can bring it to light better and more clearly than other foreigners who may not be around us.
If there is anything in it (as I hope there is not a little) that can strengthen and improve our faith in Christ, for which I have worked the most in it, accept it with thanksgiving and praise to our Father in heaven, who has mercifully given it to me, through his dear Son Jesus Christ, whom he has also made known to us at this last time, according to his great goodness and mercy, and through him brought out of the abominable darkness of human doctrine and works, to whom be praise and thanksgiving, honor and glory forever and ever, amen.
3) Wittenberger: "erein bracht haben".