Unknown His studies His studies Young Martin attended the village school of Mansfeld. After that, he most likely attended the Cathedral School at Magdeburg to continue his studies. Many of the students were poor and not well provided for. Luther was one of these boys. Often they went from door to door begging for some food. At Christmas time, they would sing carols as a way to earn their food. Sometimes people were kind and gave them something to eat, but many times the boys were scolded and chased away. After a short time at Magdeburg, Martin’s father transferred him to Eisenach, where he studied for four years at the Georgenschule. Here also, Luther had to beg for food with the other poor scholars. One day after being sent away from several houses, Luther was discouraged. Feeling faint with hunger, he wondered if he should give up studying and go to work with his father in the mines. But the door of the next home opened, and the kind lady of the house called to him. Her name was Ursula Cotta. She felt sorry for him and gave him a good meal. She told him to come back often. This woman and her family cheerfully provided for many of Luther’s needs. When he was eighteen, Luther went to university in the town of Erfurt and began to study law. The University of Erfurt was one of the oldest and most famous universities in Germany at the time. His father worked hard to pay for Martin’s education. He was very proud of his son, and although he knew it would cost a great deal of money, he was willing to pay it because he wanted his son to become a famous lawyer. Here, young Luther spent about seven years in study. He learned quickly and soon became one of the best students in the university. One of Luther’s favorite things to do when his work was done for the day was to go to the library to read. One day, to his delight, he discovered a copy of the Latin Bible.1 It was the first time he had ever seen a Bible! He had heard the priests recite several passages of Scripture but never realized the Bible was such a big book. As he carefully turned the pages, he came across the story of Samuel and his mother Hannah. With joy and delight Luther read this story. What a wonderful Book this was! He would have loved to have a copy of his own, but books were scarce and it seemed impossible that he would ever own one.