ABSTRACT
Given the models which Enno could have copied to reform social welfare, it is striking that his regulations did not attempt to modify East Frisia's traditional methods more dramatically. During the preparation of the church ordinances, the count had consulted with Johannes Bugenhagen, along with other Lutheran theologians. Enno had even
Emden's confraternities continued to function throughout the first three Reformation decades. The citizens still remembered them in their wills, but from the 1520s for markedly different reasons. Whereas the preReformation language reflected the importance of the charitable deed for
Unfortunately, no Gasthaus or confraternity account books survive from the early period which would allow us to measure the financial impact of the initial Reformation decades. 31 Yet, increasing evidence for the brotherhoods' contractual obligations in the field of poor relief suggests that they played an important role, especially as Emden parish finances became tighter following Count Enno's confiscation of ecclesiastical property. There was no attempt to compensate the parishes with some form of common chest, and overseers could only appeal to 'Christian love' to finance their efforts. The traditional huusdelinge was also stretched farther than customary: while it had previously been used to supplement pastor and church, it was now expected to cover poor relief expenses as well.
