In Germany to the Leipsic Disputation - James Aitken Wylie

was a lover of books. Books then were scarce, and
consequently dear, and John Luther had not much
money to spend on their purchase, nor much time
to read those he was able to buy. Still the miner –
for he was a miner by trade – managed to get a
few, which he read at meal-times, or in the calm
German evenings, after his return from his work.
Margaret Lindemann, the mother of Luther,
was a woman of superior mind and character. She
was a peasant by birth, as we have said, but she
was truly pious, and piety lends a grace to humble
station which is often wanting in lofty rank. The
fear of God gives a refinement to the sentiments,
and a delicacy and grace to the manners, more
fascinating by far than any conventional ease or
airs which a coronet can bestow. The purity of the
soul shining through the face lends it beauty, even
as the lamp transmits its radiance through the
alabaster vase and enhances its symmetry.
Margaret Lindemann was looked up to by all her
neighbors, who regarded her as a pattern to be
followed for her good sense, her household
economy, and her virtue. To this worthy couple,
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