Mattheus Rößler death 12 Nov 1715 102078348 page 321

Kent Gardiner

Translation request:

Marion Wolfert

On the 12 Nov 1715 died and was buried on the 13 Nov 1715

Mattheus Rößler, former owner of the local Hirsch Inn, a widower

(a scripture)

“welch wir gelebts und auch gestorben, naemlich da rein gesund Taten allen Zuspruch zum Christlichen Leben verachtet, auch nachmals bei etlichen Tag vor seinem Tod gaenzlich Verfallenes Gehoer und Verlohrenne Sinne, ohne Muendliche Zuspruch muessen dahin sterben, und weil er mit wollust Trunkenheit gesuendigt, als lang er gekonnt und bis ihn die Suende verlassen, zum Leichtext bekommen”, Verba Syracid: C XIIX. N.22

It is written kind of different, but in essence, it says: (have it checked and translated by one of the other people if needed, like Robert Sealy or anyone who understands this old “description” better)

I says that he did not pay attention to advice given to him to live a better life, that he did not want to repent for previous misdeeds, he would not listen prior to his death and he died without council or comfort and he lost his senses, he loved to drink and get drunk and had sinned as long he was able to until it was too late to repent

Kent Gardiner

Ulrich Neitzel

Robert Seal_1 Robert, and Ulrich: This man was one of the sponsors of one of my Scholls!!! Pretty interesting stuff. I haven't seen an entry like this. What are your thoughts? Thanks for the scriptures. I am amazed that pastor (1714-1719) Daniel Niklas wrote this. I will see if I can find more on this man, but what we have is quite fascinating. This is more of an indictment than a obituary, All the best, Kent

Hans Matthaeus Scholl b 1681 Baptismal sponsors: (1) Hanß Andreas Zimmermann, citizen here, [and] Anna Margreth, his wife. (2) Mattheus Rößler, citizen and ___ ___ ___ ___ Rößl., [and] Elisabeth, his wife.

Robert Seal_1

@Kent Gardiner

Good evening Kent,

Yes, this is a highly unusual burial record. I have not seen a record like this in 20 years of research. I think you summed it up perfectly when you said: "This is more of an indictment than a[n] obituary."

Pastor Niklas's selection from the Book of Syracid 18:22 is certainly apt given the circumstances of Herr Rößler's life.

One can also assume that Pastor Niklas did not adhere to the adages of "better left unsaid" and "if you don't have something nice to say . . ."

Ulrich Neitzel

Hello Kent,

this is a remarkable record indeed. As I understand it, the text itself is not from the scripture, but are the words of Pastor Niklas. He then selects the text from Syracid/Sirach/Ecclesiasticus as a warning:

"Let nothing hinder you from paying a vow promptly, and do not wait until death to be released from it." (in modern translation)

Transcription:

welch[er] wie gelebt so auch gestorben, naeml: da er in gesunden Tagen allen Zuspruch zum Christlichen Leben verachtet, auch nachmals bey etlichen Tagen, wo seinem Tod gänzlich Verfallenem Gehör und Verlohrenem Sinne, ohne Mündlichen Zuspruch müssen dahin sterben; und weil er mit wollust zur Trunkenheit gesündigt, alslang er gekonnt und bis ihn die Sünde verlassen, zum Leichtext bekommen: Verba Syracid C. XIIX, v. 22

Translation:

who, as he lived, so he died; for since in healthy days he despised all encouragement to the Christian life, even afterwards, when at his death his hearing and senses were completely lost, he had to die without oral encouragement; and because he had sinned with lust to drunkenness as long as he could, and until sin had left him, he had been given as funeral text: the words of Syracid ch. XIIX, verse 22

Robert Seal_1

Hello @Kent Gardiner,

The scripture comes from the Book of Syracid, chapter 18, verse 22.

Here is a link from Wikipedia about the Book of Syracid, aka Ecclesiasticus, aka Sirach: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirach

Here is another link which will also provide background information on the Book of Syracid: https://notesread.com/ecclesiastical-book-bible/

Here specifically is the link to chapter 18, verse 22: https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1611_Ecclesiasticus-18-22/

Kent Gardiner

Robert Seal_1 Well said Robert. This man must have had some talent or characteristic that was worth mentioning, I find that I can learn something from every human being. I have also found when you take an interest in people they have a hard time not liking you and often do.

Story about a friend: Rod was waiting for the plane to take off but a few more passengers were entering the airplane. There were a few more scattered seats throughout the middle section of this jumbo jet. The seats were about 10 across and before long a 400 pound man stood at the door looking for a seat. Everyone on the plane with an empty seat thought to themselves, "Please don't sit next to me." Rod like the rest thought to himself, "Anywhere else but here." The large man came down the isle and sat next to Rod with his body spilling out of his seat encroaching on Rod's body. Rod then thought, I should talk to this man. He did. Rod reported that he was one of the most fascinating people he had ever met. They talked about a variety of subjects including religion. When Rod walked out of the plane he thought to himself, "That was one of the most interesting people I ever met."

Robert Seal_1

A good story, Kent. Thank you for sharing.

Kent Gardiner

Ulrich Neitzel Amazing!!! Your precise translation of the text adds even more drama than I thought possible. Truly, as you said, a remarkable document.

Two years ago I attended the funeral of a orthopedist who I knew in my youth. The man had performed some wonderful service to church and family. However it appeared he lived a double life. The man did some very immoral things. His wife left him and at his funeral his daughter spoke of how he had let her down and the pain the family felt. It was a most remarkable funeral talk I have ever heard.

I feel sad for the Mattheus Rößler family. As Robert has noted even Mattheus must have had some redeeming qualities. Thanks again for your translation of an important document. Kent