STOLTZ, JOHANN, CIRCA 1514-1556.
Johann Stoltz Manuscript, circa 1550

Restrictions on Access

Unrestricted access.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

All requests subject to limitations noted in departmental policies on reproduction.

Additional Physical Form

The Johann Stoltz manuscript has been digitized and is available on the Pitts Theology Library Homepage.

Related Materials

Part of the Richard C. Kessler Reformation Collection of Pitts Theology Library.

Citation

[after identification of item(s)], Johann Stoltz, Disticha de uita et praecipuis rebus gestis uiri Dei et..., Richard C. Kessler Reformation Collection, Archives and Manuscript Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University.

Processing

Processed by John N. Wright, October 1988.

Processed from accession number 88-074.

Biographical Note

Johann Stol(t)z was a Lutheran Theologian and protege of Martin Luther. He was born ca. 1514 in Wittenberg, Germany. After finishing his studies at Wittenberg University in 1539, he served as deacon of Jessen and as tutor to August (later elector of Saxony). In 1540 Stoltz received a stipendium from Luther's intermediary that allowed him to return to Wittenberg to study during the winter course of 1540-1541. In 1544 he served as a professor at Wittenberg.

Following the death of Martin Luther in 1546, Stoltz joined with Nikolas von Amsdorf, Matthias Illyricus Flacius and other "faithful Lutherans" to oppose the Interim. In 1547 while serving as Weimar court preacher he wrote the Weimar response against the Interim. During his service at Weimar Stoltz developed a keen interest in Church government. He was deeply involved in the Synergistic Controversy that arose following the Leipzig Interim of 1548. In 1555 Johann Pfeffinger formulated his Melanchthonian theses on Free Will. In 1556 Stoltz countered with his 110 theses and was supported by Amsdorf and other "faithful Lutherans." Stoltz also assisted in the compiling and editing of the (University of) Jena Edition of the Works of Martin Luther.

Biographical Source: Lutheran Cyclopedia, edited by Edwin L. Lueker.

Scope and Content Note

Twenty distichs (couplets) inspired by important events in the life of Martin Luther. The couplets, in Latin, were composed ca. 1550 and are written on paper. The author's name is found at the end of the piece as is his dedication of it to Johann Kestner. Pencil markings of a later owner are located in the upper left corner of the first page. Originally part of a signature, each of the two leaves has been encapsulated in Mylar for protection.