From Hungary comes the news that the oldest son of the Turkish tyrant has revolted against his father and intends to make war in Syria because, it is said, the father intends to turn over the empire to the youngest son.23
Eck24 has published a most rabid treatise about the events at Regensburg; in tearing Bucer apart Eck proves to be more biting than Archilochus, though he also directs his attacks against others.
[Wittenberg,] August 26, 1542 In 1542 Luther sent his son John to Torgau, where John was to stay with Marcus Crodel, the headmaster of the Torgau Latin school. In the present letter Luther asks Crodel to add John to the class of boys who would be trained in grammar and music, to keep an eyeon John's conduct, and to send a progress report on the boy's studies, along with an evaluation of the boy's potential. Luther also sends along Florian von
Bora who, Luther says, will need a firm hand; Luther hopes that Crodel might perhaps place him with a citizen in Torgau. Luther points out that he considers education through the example set by classmates better than private tutoring. He assures Crodel that if the arrangement with John works out, then his other two sons would also come to Torgau for further schooling. Luther praises Crodel as a teacher, particularly for his diligence and his strictness. In conclusion Luther extends greetings to John Walther, who would be the one to take care of John's musical training, and to Gabriel Zwilling and his family.
Marcus Crodel of Weimar (1487?–1549) was graduated as Bachelor of Arts from Wittenberg University in 1521 and, except for a short period of service in the office of the Electoral chamberlain, taught on the secondary level for the remainder of his life. In 1529 he became a teacher at the Torgau
Latin school, and in 1539 headmaster (Rector) of that school. He is described as a learned man who even knew some Hebrew, and he is known for a Latin textbook which he published in 1541. Under his guidance the Torgau Latin school developed into one of the leading institutions of Humanism, organized around the liberal arts with emphasis on rhetoric and music. Luther and Melanchthon held Crodel in high regard and presented him with copies of many of their writings. Crodel was several times a guest in Luther's house.
On Marcus Crodel, see Enders, Briefwechsel 14, 323, n. 1; ZKG 52 (1933), 339; WA, Br 10, No.
3783, Introduction; WA 48, 60, 256; on the Latin school in Torgau, see also LJB 15 (1933), 39 ff.
Text in Latin: WA, Br 10, 134.1
To the excellent man, Marcus Crodel, a most faithful and upright teacher of the young people at Torgau, my most beloved friend in the Lord
Grace and peace! As you and I have agreed,2 my Marcus, I am sending my son John3 to you so that you may add him to the boys who are to be drilled in grammar and music.4 Also, keep an eye on his conduct and correct it, for in the Lord I have great confidence in you. I shall liberally pay for your expenses, and you will please inform me how much he has progressed in [a certain] time, and how much one might expect of him.5 I have added the boy Florian,6 especially since I see that these boys need the example set by a crowd of many boys; this seems to me to accomplish more than individual, private education. But be very strict with this one, and if you can place him with a citizen,7 do it; otherwise send him back. May
God prosper what has been begun.
If I see success with this son, then soon, if I live, you will also have my other two sons.8 For I think that after you there will be no teachers as diligent as you, especially in grammar and in strictness so far as conduct is concerned. Therefore "make use of the moment, for time races with a swift foot,"9 and diligent teachers disappear even faster. Thereafter the boys will return here for higher studies for which they will then be better equipped.10
Farewell in the Lord, and tell John Walther11 that I pray for his well-being, and that I commend my son to him for learning music. For I, of course, produce theologians, but I also would like to produce grammarians and musicians.12 Again farewell, and also greet Gabriel and his family.13 Farewell for the third time and for eternity!