The Life of Martin Luther
Luther the Church Leader (1526-1537)
 
Luther’s Early Years  |  Luther the Reformer  |  Luther the Church Leader  |  Luther’s Later Years 
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1526 (age 42)
January Luther in 1526 Luther publishes the German Mass under the title of Deutsche Messe Und Ordnung Gottis Dientis (German Mass and Order of the Divine Service).  [image]  For aesthetic reasons he continues to use the Latin Mass published in the Formula Missae.   

Luther in 1526
painting by Lucas Cranach




Luther writes Whether Soldiers Too Can Be Saved
June 7 Hans (John) Luther II is born to Martin and Katherine [picture of Katherine]
August
 The First Imperial Diet of Speyer makes Protestant reforms legal. Local sovereigns are able to decide how much they want the reforms within their territory. The Diet suspends the Edict of Worms. Especially in Saxony and Hesse, new forms of church organization begin to emerge.
1527		 (age 43)

Luther publishes the Smart Songbook  [picture]

Luther begins to suffer from heart problems and dizziness (possibly Meniere's disease) in addition to his perennial digestive and intestinal difficulties.
April Luther writes Whether these Words: This is My Body 
summer Luther writes "A Mighty Fortress is our God". By mid summer, he is suffering from depression. His ill health plagues him. He feels powerless to help those of his followers who are suffering for their faith and may be suffering from survivor's guilt.
August 2
 The black death strikes Wittenberg.  Elector John evacuates the university to Jena, but Luther decides to stay in Wittenberg and minister to the plague victims.  His son Hans contracts the plague but lives.