Alva Review-Courier -

Epidemics, pandemics, plagues and pestilence are nothing new, and have appeared repeatedly throughout history. When the Black Death (bubonic plague) appeared in Europe in the 14th century, 25% of the population was lost. In the 15th century there were at least four more outbreaks. Martin Luther lived through three of these.

The plague first appeared in Wittenberg on Aug. 2, 1527. By Aug. 19, there were already 18 deaths. The elector urged Luther and other professors to flee to another town in order to escape the epidemic, but Luther refused to abandon his congregation and remained in Wittenber...