Democratic Sentinel, Volume 1, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 June 1877 — A Letter 334 Years Old. [ARTICLE]

A Letter 334 Years Old.

Frederick Lauer, Esq., has at present in his possession an original manuscript letter of the great reformer, Martin Luther, dated in the year 1512. Tlie letter is written on a half sheet of paper, note size, and is in a well-preserved condition. The manuscript is legible, and the signature “Mart. Luther, D.” is written in a good bold hand. There is no doubt as to the authenticity of this letter, written in the dialect of the German language current during the sixteenth century. The signature aud chirography have been compared with other manuscripts of Dr. Martin Lutlicr still in existence and found to Be an exact resemblance. Tho letter is a brief dissertation on the eighteenth psalm, and contains thoughts similar to those found in the “ Hymn of the Deformation,” and it is believed that the inditing of this letter first led to the composition of that famous hymn. The letter contains expressions which now sound exceedingly curious, in the present refined condition of the German language. The writing is neat and concise, although- difficult to read, except to a thorough student of German, in consequence of abbreviation and singular terms used. The age of the letter, 334 years, and its excellent state of preservation give it great value, and it will no doubt ultimately find an eager purchaser in some collector of curiosities of this kind. —Reading (Pa.) Times.