Page:Thirty-five years of Luther research.djvu/61

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New Editions of Luther's Works
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lowing the lead of Wrampelmeyer) allowed himself to be deceived in his estimation of Cordatus' collection, it is still of importance what Kroker did say, after Haussleiter before in the "Theol. Literaturblatt' had laid special emphasis on his demand for a recognition of Hoppe's accomplishment: "But the translations are so excellent that one can only lament the fact that the rejuvenated Walch could not translate Dietrich's notes, Schlaginhaufen's book, Lauterbach's diary for 1539, the Matthesian collection of 1530 and other notes in the same manner (like the collection of Cordatus and Lauterbach's diary for 1538); among the footnotes also are several propositions, well worthy of mention, for improvement of the text."

The English-speaking branch of the American Lutheran Church also busied itself with the works of Luther. First of all Dr. Lenker, who devoted his entire time, strength, tireless energy, and burning zeal to the great task of offering Luther in the English language, must be mentioned. To date fourteen volumes of the Standard Edition of Luther's works, edited by him, with the collaboration of others have appeared — J. Schaller of the Synodical Conference, Gohdes of the Ohio Synod, and Voigt of the United Synod of the South are especially to be mentioned in this connection. These volumes comprise: two volumes of the commentary for Genesis, two volumes of explanation of the Psalms, one volume on the Epistle of St. Peter and St. Jude, one volume of catechetical writings, five volumes of sermons on the Gospels (Kirchenpostille), and three volumes of sermons on the Epistles. Lenker's interest was mainly practical. It was his aim to bring out the hidden treasures of Luther pre-eminently useful for the practical side of