4to. : [8] p. One of three Reformation texts bound in a composite volume.

On 23 May 1523, Pope Adrian VI canonised two new saints: Antoninus of Florence (1389–1459), archbishop and papal theologian, and Benno of Meissen (1010–1106), an ecclesiastical reformer who had long been venerated in his native Saxony. The elevation of Benno was protested by the German Reformer Martin Luther (1483–1546), who published a scathing response some two weeks before a public celebration was set to take place. Widder den newen Abgott (‘Against the new idol’) dismisses the veneration of Benno’s relics as narrenspeil (‘foolery’) and reaffirms that Christ alone, and not the saints, can intercede on behalf of the penitent.

The publication of the Newen Abgott prompted several responses for and against Luther’s arguments, including this short pamphlet, Von der rechten erhebung Bennonis eyn Sendbriff, written in support of Luther.

Authorship of the text has been attributed variously to Joachim Vadianus (1484-1551) and Friedrich Myconius (1490-1546). The initials ‘J. N.’ printed on the title page and after the preface may be a pseudonym.

Bound with:
RCIN 1053301.a   Martin Luther, Widder den newen Abgott und allten Teuffel der zu Meyssen sol erhaben werden (Wittenberg: Joseph Klug, 1524).
RCIN 1053301.c   Justus Menius, Ein tröstliche Predigt uber der Leich und Begrebnis des erwirdigen Herrn Friderichen Mecums (Wittenberg: Georg Rhaw, 1546)