From Michael Diehl’s account
Pt. 2 of 5: Just before and after Christmas
. . . the prayers of that occasion can never be forgotten. All seemed to feel as did Luther, when Melanchton was ill; and, like Luther, they prayed.
But fervent prayers could not prevail. With some variations, the disease moved onward in its progress, causing alternations of hope and fear. As the symptoms became more alarming, more physicians were called in for consultation. The ninth day of his sickness was awaited with the most intense anxiety, because on that day it was supposed the crisis would come. At length this period arrived, passed by, and filled the mind with joyful hope; a change occurred, a seemingly favorable change, producing a corresponding change in the feelings of his anxious friends.
On the following day, his physicians met again for consultation. After carefully examining the symptoms, the senior of their number said to him, ‘You are now out of the brush. ’At this announcement, he expressed his gratification; but then, lest it might be supposed that he was gratified because he was afraid to die, he added, that the thought of his recovery afforded him pleasure, not on his own account, but for the comfort of his friends, who so ardently desired it, and the glory of God, which he hoped might be promoted by it. All hearts were filled with gladness, and Christians thought their prayers answered, and were ready to return thanksgiving unto the Lord. The fond hopes which had been inspired were soon blasted—the joy which had been created was succeeded by a still deeper gloom. In a few days, a relapse occurred, accompanied by such symptoms as left no reasonable ground for the expectation of his recovery.
How he could be spared by the Church and the institution, was a question which could not be solved by human reason, and, therefore, we were prepared to hope, even against, hope. But notwithstanding all that could be done by medical skill, kind attentions, warm sympathies, fervent prayers, and bitter tears, he continued declining gradually.
About The Project
With Wittenberg now celebrating its 175th year, and the University unable to hold regular in-person classes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor of History Thomas T. Taylor has started circulating several pieces on Wittenberg's history. Some originated in earlier series, either This Month in Wittenberg History or Happy Birthday Wittenberg. Others have their origin in the Wittenberg History Project or in some other, miscellaneous project. Sincerest thanks to Professor Taylor for connecting alumni, faculty, staff, and students through a historic lens.