e.03 .LaB9 '■^M^S,'?^ ^'^^•fi^S!^^ §^^^^^«^™ ^^ JO ' 1 > ) ' ' ' '!; •:' • WASHINGTON, D. C. « . BERESFORD, PRINTER, 525 SEVENTH STKEET. 1886 . L.^"Bi CONTENT? Dldication. I-l)THEK AND THE StATUE. The Feast of Unveiling. Poem of Rev. Dr. M. Sheeleigh. History of the Statue. Address of Hon. Senator Conger. Address of Rev Dr. Morris Statue UNA'EiLEr. Poem of Joel Swart/. D. D DEDICATED TO THE FRIENDS OF CONSTITUTIONAL LIBERTY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE REPUBLIC WHOSE VITAL PRINCIPLE WAS ASSERTED BY MARTIN LUTHER AT WORMS. 'HIER STEHE ICHr 'nihtt minint m^^ ''if ♦ Incorporated by Congress. J. G. MORRIS, D. D., LL. D.. President. G. A. DOBLER, Recording Secretary CHARLES A. SCHIEREN, Treasurer. J. G. BUTLER, Corresponding Secretary. A. J. D. WEDEMEYER, J. W. B. DOBLER, AUGUSTUS KOUNTZE, GEORGE RYNEAL, Jr., DANIEL M. EOX. i],utaer and the Statue. By THE Editor. The unveiling of a statue of Martin Luther, the first in the United States, and in the Nation's Capital, marks an epoch in the history of Protestantism. It is fitting that this first statue of the Reformer should stand among the monuments that beautify the Capital of our Republic, a republic which, under God, but for Luther, had not been. Michelet, the Catholic historian of France, calls Lu- ther " the restorer of liberty in modern times, the liberator of modern thought." Our own Webster says "the assertion and maintenance of religious liberty have their source in the Re- formation of Luther, and this love of religious liberty brings with it an ardent devotion to the principles of civil liberty." The foundations of our Republic lie back of the Declaration of Independence, even beyond Plymouth Rock and the May- flower ; they were laid by the granite, Alpine man of faith and of courage at Erfurt and Wittenberg and Worms. When Columbus discovered this Western world and dedicated it to Christ, Luther was a boy at E^isleben. He was born in 1483. The four hundredth anniversary of his birth stirred all Chris- tendom as it has never been stirred by the birth of any man. Since Paul no man like him has lived. 8 LUTHER AND THE STATUE. Luther stands in the world's heart for free thought, free men, free Government, whose Magna Charta is the Bible. Tliis liberated his own conscience from all enslavement, and was e\er the focal power of his life and of his work. The Reforma- tion, in which this emancipated monk was the central figure, was both radical and conservative. With all the energy of his honest, earnest soul he hurled Heaven's enginery against the usurpations of a corrupt hierarch)-. His ultimate appeal e\er was to the Word of God. With equal earnestness he contended for the freedom of every individual, for the right of private judgment, your God given and inalienable inheritance and mine. Our own honored Bancroft says, trul)-, " Luther re- pelled the use of violence in religion ; he protested against propagating reform b\- persecution, and, with a wise modera- tion, he maintained the sublime doctrine of freedom of con- science." The church bearing Luther's name and circling the world with his faith, preaching the gospel in most of the languages of Christendom, and numbering fift\' millions of people in its communion, has always been marked by its Scriptural conser- \atism. If there be found within its fold those who are intoler- ant and exclusive, there is nothing in the life or spirit of the Reformer to warrant any such intolerance. The spirit of sect is wholl}- in conflict with the gospel ; " In essentials unity, in non-e.ssentials liberty, in all things charity." It was not his friends, but his enemies, who, in derision, called his followers Lutherans. He would be known only as a defender of the gospel, hence the historic name, Ivvangelical Lutheran Church. The conserving power of our growing Republic, representing so many and diverse nationalities, is this same Bible with which the Reformer fought the battles of the sixteenth centur}-. Great perils environ us. We are young among the nations, the history LUTHER AND THE STATUE. 9 of whose rise and fall suggests both our danger and our duty. The agitating and unsolved problems of to-day, the problems that center in our immense immigration, in Socialism, in Mor- monism, in the liquor power, in our rapidly growing wealth, and in the unrest of labor, can find their solution alone in the well defined principles of truth and purity and justice and equity of the Word of God. Jehovah is the supreme law giver and final arbiter. Through Moses and the Christ have we the underlying principles and framework of all abiding govern- ment. "As ye would that men should do to you do ye even yo to them," is the germ principle, the seed corn of eternal right between man and man. " The nation and kingdom that will not serve God will perish ; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted," is the suggestive fiat of prophecy, confirmed and illustrated in the history of the world's governments. All lovers of constitutional freedom revere the memory of Luther. He stands a Gibraltar, defying the wild surgings of tyranny, whether civil or religious. Despotism and anarchy alike fall before the spirit of the man who champions the free- dom wherewith Christ makes free. The sceptre of His king- dom is a sceptre of righteousness, and that alone will survive the wreck of nations. It is fitting, too, that this statue, so full of inspiration, should adorn the picturesque Memorial Church, itself standing among the monuments of the Capital a memorial of God's goodness in delivering our land from bondage and from war, a memorial of freedom and of peace — a freedom and peace secured and perpetuated alike to every citizen of the Republic by the Word of God. Our land has had its days of darkness and its bap- tism of blood. In the darkest days of the Reformation, which also had its martyrs, Luther was wont to say to his bosom 10 LUTHER AND THE STATUE. friend. Melancthon, "Come, Philip, let us sing.'" The 46th P.salm became the battle song of the Reformers, and is classic. "A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing. ****** And though the world with devils tilled Should threaten to undo us, We will not fear for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us."' Jehovah, the God of our fathers, is " our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble; therefore, will not we fear." " Protect us by Thy might. Great God, our King." The Feast of VuYeiliag. o Howers and plants abundant and rare, from the Goverment and private conservatories; "Jesus" in gas jets, with a large oil painting of Luther beneath, made the Memorial Church fragrant and beautiful during the joyous Feast of Unveiling. A fitting prelude was the gathering of the Lutheran Sunday schools of the city on the afternoon of the Lord's day preced- mg. The services of song, interspersed with prayer, and, the Word, with addresses, made a spirited convocation. At night the Rev. Dr. F. W. Conrad gave to a large audience his masterl}- oration upon Luther, the Reformer. Tuesday evening a platform meeting, in the Memorial, was full of enthusiasm. Gen. James A. Fkin, U. S. A., one of the helpful friends of the Statue movement, was announced to pre- side. Stirring addres.ses were made by the Rev. Drs. Jacob Fry, D. H. Geissinger, D. M. Gilbert, Joel Swartz and Hon. Jacob F. Miller. Rev. Dr. M. Sheeleigh read a poem. 12 LUTHER AND THE STATUE. poeni by ||ev. |)p. j\[. ^lieelei^h. Lift up the gladsome voice ! Let millions now rejoice Responsive to our cheer, As, met for high commemoration, We join, in sight of every nation. With reverent praisefulness a "Stone of Help" to rear ! Four hundred years have run Their course beneath the sun Since, far beyond the sea, A man of giant soul was given. To work a wonder-work for Heaven ; And hence with joyful hearts we mark this jubilee. How fitting that to-day The eager throngs should pay Such tribute loved and true ! — That in this Nation's Capital Erect doth stand, and ever shall, This mould of manliness each age will hail anew ! There let it ever stand, That form which Art hath planned, That semblance wrought in bronze ; Though mute, and destitute of motion, Around it men shall bring devotion — Devotion to their God, and honor to His sons. When Heav'n of human hands Some special work demands, His prescience hath prepared A Moses, Daniel, or a Paul, Or LUTIIER, for the mighty call That breaks th' eventful day when His own ami is bared. LUTHER AND THE STATUE. IS- A night all dark and dread Had far and farther spread, Through age on age, deep wrong ; For truth, prevailed the plagues of error, The Church of Christ was rent in terror, — And many, groaning, cried, " How long, O Lord, how long? " Behold one — born of race That scorns to fear the face Of strongest, direst foeman ; That ne'er would basely stoop or cower In presence of an earthly power — Though holding modern fort or wall of ancient Roman. Not rocked on courtly knees. Nor clad in robes of ease, 'Mid enervating things; But forced to ways of self-denial. And disciplined in rugged trial, The Lord His servant forth to painful toiling brings. By grace of Heav'n renewed, With martyr-faith imbued, Filled with consuming zeal, Of hero-souls set in the van, God brings this marvel of a man The pow'rs for ill allied to brave for human weal. That statue's antitype. For his high calling ripe, Through God the giant foiled ; Before the haughty and the vaunting Striking for truth, with soul undaunting, Till startled pope and kings beneath their crowns recoiled. The might that in him wrought, With grace from heaven fraught For all the lands abroad, The hero-life within him nursed. Which forth in grand achievement burst, And toned " Ein' Feste Burg" with glory to our God. 14 LUTHER AND THE STATUE. Give praises to the Lord, For gospel truth restored, And echoed far and wide — To all the waiting nations rung By His anointed servant's tongue— That we by living faith in Christ are justified. Where'er the truth o'er earth Most freely marches forth. And souls doth liberate, — There breathes, with healthful demonstration — There pulsates ncnv the Reformation — Thence myriad tongues in this your joy participate. Though throngs, who press the ground, This artist-pile around, Fresh inspiration find, Long hath his monument been known • To rest on firmer base than stone — Ev'n in the deathless hearts of rising human-kind. Had ean of man ne'er heard The world-resounding word That tells of Luther born. Our eyes could not have looked upon That stately shaft to Washington, Which seeks the skies and greets the earliest beams of morn. And had the world ne'er heard, The words that in him stirred. And j)lead for liberty. Those walls, dome-crowned against the sky, Should not have gladdened human eye. Type of a people's power whom God hath spoken free. From his day comes there still The liljeraling thrill, With voice of heavenly call, — As Truth from tyranny delivers — Inner and outer bondage shivers. Though earth .-xnd hell coniliine to hold mankind m thrall. LUTHER AND THE STATUE. 15 And yet, for future time Wait triumphs more sublime, When men, the nations o'er, In signs of joy-proclaiming light. Will semaphore, from height to height, The gospel victories on every mundane shore. Long as with earnest heart That cherished work of Art By countless eyes is viewed. They'll read what faith is pictured (here, What wondrous potency of prafr. What frophet-life and fire in look and attitude. There, firm on granite base. With Heav'n-imploring face, That symbol stand through time ; To speak, adown the lapsing ages. What History traced upon her pages To thrill with joyfulness the men of every clime. *' Stand ! that colossal form, " Facing the rushing storm Unmoved as 'neath the light ; As Luther faced careering wrath Which o'er him fain would plough its path- But which in weakness broke before Jehovah's might. There let it ever be A sign of thought set free. Of unbound tongue and will, Of shackles from the conscience riven, Of wider field to learning given. And of God's Book unsealed — all men with jov to fill. There let that image stand, The while the clenched hand Is on the Bible pressed, In token of the soul's appealing From man's device to God's revealing. Of Truth the one — the sure-^-the everlasting test. 16 l.UTHEK AM' THE STATIK. There let it stand for aye — Long as the orb of day And nightly hosts behold ; There stand, perpetual witness giving — In praise to God, the Ever-living — For holy, highest Truth, which doth all hope infold. Long as that head shall there lie lifted high in air, Heedless of malice hurled. His work, whose fame is there attested. Shall more and more be manifested, As God's unfettered Truth emancipates the world. Thus, while the centuries, Unresting as the seas, Roll onward, one by one, This chosen of the Lord shall still His mission through the earth fulfill, Standing, to gazing eyes, like Uriel in the sun. ©ay of l/nveilirig. Heaven never smiled more serenely than upon the 2ist of May, the day of the unveiling. Mr. A. J. D. Wedemeyer, of New York, gracefully presided at a morning meeting; the hymns of Luther were sung. The Revs. F. F. Burmeyer and Albert Hounrighaus conducted the devotional exercises, and the Rev. Drs. F. Ph. Hennighausen, A. C. Wedekind and E. Moldehnke, made addresses of great power in the German language. It is estimated that from 7,000 to 10,000 people witnessed the ceremonies around the Statue. The pulpit of Washington was largely represented upon the platform. The Martin Lu- ther Society, of New York City, together A\ith large delega- tions from Philadelphia, Baltimore, Harrisburg, York, Lan- caster, Gettysburg, Hagerstown, PVederick, Winchester and Richmond, besides representatives from distant parts of the country, extending even beyond the Missouri River, were present. The General Assembly of the Presb>'terian Church, in session at Saratoga, N. Y., and which had been invited to attend the unveiling, wired its congratulations and regrets through the Rev. Dr. Geo. P. Hayes, Moderator. The names of the many Lutheran pastors present, other than those who filled places in the programme, would add interest to the narrative, but it was not possible to secure a complete list. Very many of them evinced the liveliest interest in the Statue 18 LUTHER AND THE STATUE. movement from its inception to the unveilinij. Largely through their activity, seconded by the Hberality of the laity, was it made possible for the Statue Association to announce all bills paid, and a small surplus in the Treasury, safely in- vested, for incidentals that may arise in the future care of the Statue and grounds. The press of Washington, always full of enterprise, rendered valuable services to the Luther Statue Association, and, in connection with the Unveiling, published cuts of the Colossal Bronze with full reports of the proceedings. Mr. Justice Miller, of the Supreme Court of the United States, presided ; the Rev. Dr. V. W. Conrad and the Rev. Bishop A. I). l*a}-ne were the Chaplains. iK"] story of the Statue. Prepared by order of the Luther Statue Association. V For several years earnest friends of Luther and of his great work had agitated the planting of a statue of the German Re- former in our country, but by reason of insuperable difficulties, chiefly with reference to location, had not been able to accom- plish the grand work. To Mr. Charles A. Schieren, of New York City, belongs the honor of having first suggested the idea of a statue of Luther upon the fine site in front of the Memorial Church, to be known hereafter as " Luther Place." The Washington correspondent of the Lutheran Observer, "B." in one of his letters, spoke of the suggestion of Mr. Schieren. Dr. J. G. Morris, of Baltimore, another correspondent of the Observer, always fired by the mention of Luther, seconded, with his racy pen, that suggestion. - Falling under the eye of Mr. G. A. Dobler, of Baltimore, he at once entered into correspondence with the Pastor of the Memorial Church, sending photographs of the Worms Luther and a copy of correspondence which he had already had with Lauchhammer, at who.se renowned foundries the original bronze had been cast. Mr. Dobler suggested the names of Mr. A. J. D. Wedemeyer and Mr. J. W. B. Dobler, of New York City, with whom correspondence was at once opened. 20 LUTHER AND THE STATUE. In rcpK' to a letter to Mr. Augustus Kountze, of New York, a prompt and liberal subscription came, as did also a cheerful response from Mr. George Ryneal, Jr., of Washington. D. C. These gentlemen, wifli the addition of Hon. Daniel M. Fox, of Philadelphia, suggested by the editor of the Observer, formed themselves into an association for the accomplishment of the object whose consummation calls together this multi- tude of people to-day in the National Capital from all parts of our common country. Februar)- 14, 1883, a circular was issued asking for funds, and designating the banking houses of Kountze Brothers, of New York City, J. A. H. Becker, of Baltimore, and M. D. Bar- ter, of Mansfield, Ohio, all of whom were helpful to the work, as depositories. The papers of the Lutheran Church generally gave the sub- ject an endorsement, sonic more, some less hearty. " Luther Statue Notes" appeared weekly in the columns of the Observer from its Washington correspondent. The religious press of the country generally endorsed and commended the project, whilst the secular press freely published all items furni.shed it. Some diversion from the main purpose of the Association was occasioned by the question of location, raised chiefly in Wash- ington, the hope being expressed that permission might be had to put our Luther upon one of the public reservations. This, however, was soon found to be utterl}- impracticable as well as unnecessar\-. So prompt and hearty, from city and hamlet, were the re- sponses to the appeal of the circular that the Association unanimousl)' felt warranted in ordering the statue by cable- gram on the 1 2th of April, less than two months from the date of the circular. The hope then was that it might be ready for unveiling by the lOth of November, the four hundredth LUTHER AND THE STATUE. 21 anniversary of the Reformer's birth, an event whose observ- ance was general and hearty throughout the Christian world. It was soon learned, however, that the statue could not be secured at so early a date. In the meanwhile, the Mem- orial Evangelical Lutheran Church, at a congregational meet- ing, authorized its trustees to transfer to the Statue Associa- tion, so soon as incorporated, so much of the triangle south of the church as was needed for the location of this magnificent bronze. The members of the Memorial Church evinced the most generous interest in the Luther Monument. The Feast of Unveiling culminated in a bounteous collation in the Chapel, provided by the ladies, which was enlivened by impromptu addresses, for visiting friends. Two meetings of the Statue Association were held in Phila- delphia and one in Washington, at which last meeting pre- liminary steps were taken looking toward the unveiling. The completed programme, arranged by correspondence, is here- with incorporated, and a copy has been deposited in the pedestal. The Association placed in the pedestal, a copper box, her- metically sealed, containing — I . A copy of the Word of God. A copy of K(3stlin's Life of Luther. A copy of Luther's Smaller Catechism. A copy of Stalls' Lutheran Year Book. A copy of the Lutheran Almanac for 1884. A United States Blue Book. Copies of the papers published by the Lutheran Church, and of the City of Washington. 8. A history of the Association, and a list of contributors to the Luther Statue Fund. j 22 LUTHER AND THE STATUE. It is worthy of mention that the North German Lloyd Steam- ship Compan>- transported, free, from Hamburg to Baltimore, this Statue ; that the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Compan)- rendered similar service from Baltimore to Washington, and that the Messrs. Sprigmann & Brother, of this cit>% generously tendered similar service from the depot to the " Luther Place." On account of unforseen difficulties, but for the timely and generous co-operation of the Hon, Secretary of War, Robert T. Lincoln, Col. Thos. L. Casey, U. S. Engineers, in charge of the State, War and Navy building and of the Washington Mon- ument, and the Hon. Omar D. Conger, U. S. Senator from Michigan, this Statue would not be unveiled to-day. The thanks of the Luther Statue Association and its friends are hereby tendered. The Statue Association, in the presence of this immense concourse of people, of ever)' nationality and of every creed, but entering into a common joy, render devout thanks to Almighty- God, who has gi\-cn His blessing to this their humble endeavor to advance the cause of Truth and Righteousness. A Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States digni- fies the occasion by presiding at this meeting, whilst an honored Senator of the United States, O. D. Conger, of the State of Michigan, joins the venerable President of our Asso- ciation in fitting words of eulogy in memory of Luther, whose name and fame are more enduring than this colossal bronze. As the veil shall uncover the Statue, Luther's battle h\nin, the now classic "EiiiFeste Burg," by ihc United States Marine Band, will tell of the abiding faith and courage of the man whom Gotl has honored, the great Protestant, whose name becomes more lasting as the ages roll on. l?y order of the Luther Statue Association : J. G. BUTLEK, Correspoml'mg Secretory. LUTHER AND THE STATUE. ]JoD. Q. |). (^on^ep'^ l33pe^p. The Hon. O. D. Conger, LL. D., Senator of the United States, from Michigan, being introduced, said : Mr. President : We stand in the presence of the veiled Statue of one who dwelt upon the earth four hundred years ago, whose influence and honors have spread from the hamlet of his nativity, in the heart of Germany, adown the waters of time in ever widening circles until they have encompassed the world. Four centuries from the date of his birth, three thousand miles from the scenes of his labor, on the borders of a conti- nent then undiscovered, in the Capital of a wonderful Nation then unborn, we gather from far and near around the Monu- ment of Martin Luther, wrought in enduring bronze from the mines of Germany, moulded by the skillful artisans of his own Fatherland, and transported over intervening land and sea to stand amidst the other memorials of patriotism and veneration that adorn our beautiful city, and .stimulate the faith and virtue of unnumbered citizens of this commonwealth. Justice Miller, of the Supreme Court, presides over the ceremonies. Senators and representatives in Congress bring the homage of respect from multitudes of people from their several States. Ministers of all creeds, and Christians of a common faith, and all who desire the regeneration and exalta- tion of the human race, who demand complete toleration of religious belief, who trust in the limitless expansion of intel- lectual vigor, who hope for perpetual growth of freedom and faith in the soul, are assembled here to render their tribute of respect to the memory of the great Reformer, and to dedicate ■24 LUTHER AND THE STATUE. his enduring Monument in the court of this Lutheran Memo- rial Church on the border of a circle already adorned with a splendid statue of one of our most illustrious soldier heroes. Mr. President, surrounded by such scenes, thrilled by such memories, subdued by the mysterious influence of such a life and character, the proudest and most self-reliant of us all must leave unanswered the perpetually recurring inquiry — W'hat has he done, this peasant boy of Eisleben, this sweet singer of Eisenach, this young Augustinian monk of Erfurt, this secluded prisoner of Wartburg, this professor in the Uni- versit>' of Wittenburg, this Reformer of Germany, this loved and venerated apo.stle of Christendom ? Indeed, what great things must he not have done to have won and worn the high esteem, the ardent affection, the more than imperial honors, and world-wide renown that crowned him in life, and enshrined his memory in the hearts of succeeding generations so long as time endures. In the brief time allotted to me I will not even outline his life and character and works, nor is there any necessit}', did time and ability permit. On the loth day of November, i8' on the globe, sermons, addresses, memorials, biogra- phies and histories of the life and times of this great man were poured forth with such superfluity of abundance that to renew them in almost any form would suggest plagiarism in the dis- course, and unwarranted ignorance in the audience. While, therefore, I shall leave to others, better fitted by their duty and profession, the interesting labor of presenting the re- ligious and tlieological questions involved in the discussions of those soul .stirring controversies and spiritual conflicts which LUTHER AND THE STATUE. 2.^ shook the world and changed the destinies of nations and em- pires, and gave such mighty impulses to the onward and up- ward progress of our race, I may be permitted to allude to some episodes in the life of our hero, to some influences about that time arousing the world from the slumber and lethargy of ^the dark ages, and to some of the consequences of that spiritual and intellectual awakening of which Germany was the battle ground and Martin Luther the central figure of strength. In imagination we may revisit the scenes of his life, and sur- round ourselves with the imagery of the land and the people where he dwelt. You will see the dark Thuringian forest of Saxony, its gloomy woods of fir and pine, with mysterious voices forever sounding through its leafy aisles, the wild huntsman dashing along its mountain crests, the spectral rider sounding his horn in pursuit of the deer. By midnight moons, O'er moistening dews. In vestments of the chase arrayed, The hunter still The deer pursues, The hunter and the deer a shade. In the gorges of the mountains are dark mines and caverns filled with all imaginable ghosts and goblins guarding the treasures of the earth and the gems of the mine, all real and terrible to that peasant boy of Eisleben as well as to all the dwellers in that mysterious region. What marvel that his mind was filled with images of demons to fight and with per- sonal devils to encounter? What marvel that he would crush one devil with his ink stand, and would go to the supreme trial at Worms, though he believed the devils were as thick as tiles on the houses? In God's name he would go on. In the villages and gardens of the beautiful valleys were ■26 LUTHER AND THE STATUE. fruits and flowers, and sincjinfj birds, and lau