[10]Luther was aided in this work by several of his learned friends, as Melanchthon, Cruciger, Jonas, Bugenhagen, and others. He submitted his work to their review, and adopted such alterations as his judgment approved. Various sections or books were published from time to time, until finally, in 1534, the complete Bible was published. His work superseded all other previous translations, for it excelled them all in fidelity, force, and distinctness; and even now, 300 years after its appearance, with all the modern progress in criticism and biblical interpretation, and the improvements of the German language which are displayed in many more recent translations, Luther’s Bible still maintains the ascendency in private and public use. [11]Jerome Weller von Wolsdorff, Luther’s intimate friend, has said, “I remember hearing Luther often say that he always regarded himself extremely happy that God had given him such a prudent and thrifty wife, who cherished him so tenderly in sickness, &c. Whenever Dr. Luther was depressed, she, like a sensible wife, always consulting his welfare, secretly invited Dr. Jonas to her table, so that he might cheer him by his interesting conversation. She knew that no one could so well entertain him as Dr. Jonas.” [12]This was during the Peasants’ War. [13]This property was obtained by gifts from the benevolent. [14]The Elector had presented him with a house. [15]He was born in Eisleben on the 10th of November, 1483. [16]All the property he ever owned was received from his father, his friends, and the Elector. He never accumulated any by his own savings. [17]This son, John, afterwards studied law at Wittenberg, and subsequently filled responsible offices under several successive Electors. [18]Sons of Melanchthon and Jonas. [19]See a translation in Hymn 907 of our Hymn-Book. Transcriber’s Notes --Retained publication information from the printed edition: this eBook is public-domain in the country of publication. --Corrected a few palpable typos. --In the text versions only, text in italics is delimited by _underscores_. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Catharine de Bora, by John G. Morris