Add files from /home/DONE/40858.zip

9 files changed, 66157 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/40858-0.txt b/40858-0.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f47d289
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40858-0.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,16354 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth
+Century (Volume 1), by J. H. Merle D'Aubigné
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century (Volume 1)
+       A new translation by Henry Beveridge
+
+Author: J. H. Merle D'Aubigné
+
+Translator: Henry Beveridge
+
+Release Date: September 25, 2012 [EBook #40858]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF RESTORATION IN 16TH CENTURY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Colin Bell, Delphine Lettau, Julia Neufeld and
+the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: MARTIN LUTHER.
+
+WILL^M COLLINS, GLASGOW.]
+
+  HISTORY
+
+  OF
+
+  THE REFORMATION
+
+  IN THE
+
+  SIXTEENTH CENTURY.
+
+  BY
+  J. H. MERLE D'AUBIGNÉ, D.D.
+
+  J'appelle accessoire, l'estat des affaires de ceste vie caduque et
+  transitoire. J'appelle principal, le gouvernement spirituel auquel
+  reluit souverainement la providence de Dieu.--THEODORE DE BEZE.
+
+  By _accessory_ I mean the state of affairs in this fading and
+  transitory life. By principal I mean the spiritual government in
+  which the providence of God is sovereignly displayed.
+
+  A NEW TRANSLATION:
+
+  (CONTAINING THE AUTHOR'S LAST IMPROVEMENTS,)
+
+  BY HENRY BEVERIDGE, ESQ. ADVOCATE.
+
+
+
+
+  VOLUME FIRST.
+
+
+  GLASGOW:
+  PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM COLLINS.
+  LONDON: R. GROOMBRIDGE AND SONS.
+  1845.
+
+  GLASGOW:
+  WILLIAM COLLINS AND CO.,
+  PRINTERS.
+
+
+
+
+TRANSLATOR'S ADVERTISEMENT.
+
+
+D'Aubigné's History of the Reformation is so well known and so highly
+appreciated as to make it not only unnecessary, but almost
+presumptuous, for a mere Translator to say any thing in commendation
+of it. The public feeling unquestionably is, that of the works which
+have recently appeared, it is one of the most talented, interesting,
+important, and seasonable. The mere lapse of time, aided by the active
+misrepresentations of the Romish party, had begun to make an
+impression in some degree unfavourable to the principles of the
+Reformation. This admirable work has again placed these principles in
+their true light. By its vivid display of what Rome was and did, it
+has impressively reminded us of what she still is, and is prepared to
+do. Her great boast is, that she has never changed. If so, she longs
+to return to her former course, and will return to it the first moment
+that circumstances enable her to do so. Being thus warned, our duty is
+plain. We must prepare for the combat; and of all preparations, none
+promises to be more effectual than that of thoroughly embuing the
+public mind with the facts so graphically delineated, and the
+principles so luminously and forcibly expounded in this work of
+D'Aubigné.
+
+But, it may be asked, Has not this purpose been effected already, or
+at least may it not be effected without the instrumentality of a new
+translation?
+
+To this question the Translator answers, _First_, The form of the
+present translation and the price at which it is published place the
+work within the reach of thousands to whom it might otherwise be a
+sealed book. _Second_, While this Translation is the cheapest in
+existence, it is also the only one which can, in strict truth, be
+regarded as genuine. The edition from which this translation is made
+was published in 1842. The date would have been of little consequence
+if the work had continued the same; but the fact is, that the edition
+of 1842 is not a reprint, but a complete revision of the one which
+preceded it. Numerous passages of considerable length and great
+importance have been introduced, while others which had, on a careful
+examination, been deemed redundant or inaccurate, have been expunged.
+Surely, after all the pains which the distinguished author has
+expended on the improvement of his work, it is scarcely doing justice
+either to him or to the English reader to leave his improvements
+unknown. In another respect the present Translation exclusively
+contains what is conceived to be a very decided improvement. All the
+Notes, the meaning of which is not given in the Text, have been
+literally translated. It seemed somewhat absurd while translating
+French for the benefit of the English reader, to be at the same time
+presenting him with a large number of passages of untranslated Latin.
+
+While the work has been printed in a form to which the most fastidious
+cannot object, it has been issued at a price which makes it accessible
+to all. The result, it is hoped, will be, that D'Aubigné's History of
+the Reformation will obtain a circulation somewhat adequate to its
+merits, and by its introduction into every family become what it well
+deserves to be--a household book.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+  BOOK I.
+
+  STATE OF MATTERS BEFORE THE REFORMATION.
+                                                                  PAGE
+
+
+  CHAP. I.
+
+  Christianity--Formation of the Papacy--Unity of the Church--The
+         Decretals--Hildebrand--Corruption of Doctrine,             13
+
+
+  CHAP. II.
+
+  Grace and Works--Pelagianism--Penances--Indulgences--
+      Supererogation--Purgatory--Taxation--Jubilee,                 27
+
+
+  CHAP. III.
+
+  Relics--Easter Merriment--Corruption of the Clergy--A Priest's
+        Family--Education--Ignorance,                               34
+
+
+  CHAP. IV.
+
+  Christianity Imperishable--Opposition to Rome--Frederick the
+        Wise--His Character--His Anticipation,                      42
+
+
+  CHAP. V.
+
+  The Empire--National Character--Switzerland--Italy--Spain--
+        Portugal--France--Netherlands--England--Scotland--The
+        North--Russia--Poland--Bohemia--Hungary,                    48
+
+
+  CHAP. VI.
+
+  State of Theology--Witnesses for the Truth--The Vaudois--
+        Wickliffe---Huss--Savonarola--John Wessel--Prolés,          58
+
+
+  CHAP. VII.
+
+  Literature--Dante--Printing--Reuchlin--His Struggle with the
+        Dominicans,                                                 71
+
+
+  CHAP. VIII.
+
+  Erasmus--His Genius--His 'Praise of Folly'--His Greek Testament--
+        His Influence--His Failings,                                82
+
+
+  CHAP. IX.
+
+  The Nobles--Hütten--'Letters of some Obscure Men'--Seckingen--
+        Cronberg--Hans Sachs--General Fermentation,                 94
+
+
+  BOOK II.
+
+  YOUTH, CONVERSION, AND FIRST LABOURS, OF LUTHER.
+
+
+  CHAP. I.
+
+  Luther--His Parentage--The Paternal Roof--Strict Discipline--
+        School--The Shunammite--His Studies--University,           103
+
+
+  CHAP. II.
+
+  Scholasticism and the Classics--Luther's Piety--His Discovery
+        of a Bible--His Sickness--The Thunderstorm--His Entrance
+        into a Convent,                                            112
+
+
+  CHAP. III.
+
+  His Father's Anger--Servile Employments--His Studies--The
+        Bible--Hebrew and Greek--His Agony during Mass--Faints,    118
+
+
+  CHAP. IV.
+
+  Staupitz--His Piety--His Visitation--His Conversation--Presents
+        Luther with a Bible--The Old Monk--Luther's Consecration--
+        His Call to Wittemberg,                                    126
+
+
+  CHAP. V.
+
+  The University of Wittemberg--Luther's First Employment--
+        Biblical Lectures--Preaching at Wittemberg--The Old
+        Chapel,                                                    136
+
+
+  CHAP. VI.
+
+  Luther's Journey to Rome--A Convent on the Po--Luther's
+        Behaviour at Rome--Corruption of the Romish Clergy--
+        Prevailing Immorality--Pilate's Staircase,                 140
+
+
+  CHAP. VII.
+
+  Doctor's Degree--Carlstadt--Luther's Oath--First Views of
+        Reformation--The Schoolmen--Spalatin,                      149
+
+
+  CHAP. VIII.
+
+  'Popular Declamations'--Moral Purity of Luther--Mysticism--
+        Spenlein--Justification by Faith--Necessity of Works,      156
+
+
+  CHAP. IX.
+
+  First Theses--Visit to the Convents--Dresden--Erfurt--Tornator
+        Peace and the Cross--Labours--The Plague,                  163
+
+
+  CHAP. X.
+
+  Luther and the Elector--Duke George--Luther at Court--Dinner
+        Emser's Supper,                                            167
+
+
+  CHAP. XI.
+
+  Theses--Human Nature--Rationalism--Eck--Urban Regius--Luther's
+        Modesty,                                                   172
+
+
+  Book III.
+
+  THE INDULGENCES AND THESES.
+
+
+  CHAP. I.
+
+  Cortège--Tezel--His Discourse--Sale of Indulgences--Public
+        Penance--Letter of Indulgence--Feasting and Debauchery,    180
+
+
+  CHAP. II.
+
+  The Soul in the Burying-Ground--Shoemaker of Hagenau--Myconius--
+        Stratagem--Miner of Schneeberg,                            187
+
+
+  CHAP. III.
+
+  Leo X--His Necessities--Albert--His Character--Franciscans and
+        Dominicans,                                                193
+
+
+  CHAP. IV.
+
+  Tezel Approaches--Luther in the Confessional--Tezel's Rage--
+        Luther's Discourse--The Elector's Dream,                   197
+
+
+  CHAP. V.
+
+  Luther's Theses--Letter to Albert--Dissemination of the Theses,  203
+
+
+  CHAP. VI.
+
+  Reuchlin--Erasmus--Flek--Bibra--The Emperor--The Pope--Myconius--
+         The Monks--Adelman--An Old Priest--Bishop of Brandenburg--
+         Luther's Moving Principle,                                213
+
+
+  CHAP. VII.
+
+  Tezel's Attack--Luther's Reply--Luther and Spalatin--Study of
+        Scripture--Scheurl and Luther--Luther pleads for the
+        People--A new Suit,                                        221
+
+
+  CHAP. VIII.
+
+  Disputation at Frankfort--Tezel's Theses--Knipstrow--Luther's
+        Theses burnt--Tezel's Theses burnt,                        227
+
+
+  CHAP. IX.
+
+  Prierio--His Dialogue--Luther's Reply--Hochstraten--Eck--'The
+        Obelisks'--'The Asterisks,'                                235
+
+
+  CHAP. X.
+
+  Popular Writings--Lord's Prayer--Sermon on Repentance,           244
+
+
+  CHAP. XI.
+
+  Apprehensions of Luther's Friends--Journey to Heidelberg--
+        Bibra--The Palatinate Castle--The Paradoxes--Bucer--
+        Brentz--Snepf--The Old Professor,                          249
+
+
+  BOOK FOURTH.
+
+  LUTHER BEFORE THE LEGATE.
+
+
+  CHAP. I.
+
+  'Solutions'--Leo X--Luther to the Bishop--To the Pope--To
+        the Vicar-General--Rovere to the Elector--Discourse on
+        Excommunication,                                           258
+
+
+  CHAP. II.
+
+  Diet of Augsburg--The Emperor to the Pope--Luther cited to
+        Rome--Luther's Peace--Intercession of the University--
+        Papal Brief--The Pope to the Elector,                      266
+
+
+  CHAP. III.
+
+  Schwarzerd--His Wife--Philip Melancthon--His Genius--His
+        Studies--Call to Wittemberg--Leipsic--Parallel between
+        Luther and Melancthon--Education,                          273
+
+
+  CHAP. IV.
+
+  Luther and Staupitz--Order to Appear--Luther's Departure for
+        Augsburg--Weimar--Nuremberg,                               280
+
+
+  CHAP. V.
+
+  Arrival at Augsburg--De Vio--Serra-Longa--Safe-Conduct--Luther
+        to Melancthon,                                             285
+
+
+  CHAP. VI.
+
+  First Appearance--Conditions of Rome--Propositions to Retract--
+        Luther's Reply--Impressions on both Sides--Arrival of
+        Staupitz,                                                  293
+
+
+  CHAP. VII.
+
+  Communication to the Legate--Second Appearance--Luther's
+        Declaration--The Legate's Reply--The Legate's Volubility--
+        Luther's Request,                                          299
+
+
+  CHAP. VIII.
+
+  Third Appearance--Treasury of Indulgences--Humble Request--
+        Legate's Rage--Luther Retires,                             303
+
+
+  CHAP. IX.
+
+  De Vio and Staupitz--Staupitz and Luther--Luther and Spalatin
+        Communion--Departure of Staupitz and Link--Luther to
+        Cajetan--Luther's Departure--Appeal to the Pope,           307
+
+
+  CHAP. X.
+
+  Luther's Flight--Luther's Wish--The Legate to the Elector--The
+        Elector to the Legate--Prosperity of the University,       316
+
+
+  CHAP. XI.
+
+  Thoughts of Departure--Adieus to the Church--Critical Moment--
+        Luther's Courage--Discontentment at Rome--Papal Bull--
+        Appeal to a Council,                                       321
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE TO THE LAST EDITION.
+
+
+My purpose is not to write the history of a party, but that of one of
+the greatest revolutions which has taken place among men--the history
+of a mighty impulse which was given to the world three centuries ago,
+and the influence of which is still, in our day, every where
+perceived. The history of the Reformation is different from the
+history of Protestantism. In the former, every thing bears testimony
+to a revival of human nature, to a transformation, social and
+religious, emanating from God. In the latter are too often seen a
+remarkable degeneracy from primitive principles, party intrigue, a
+sectarian spirit, and the impress of petty private feelings. The
+history of Protestantism might interest none but Protestants; the
+history of the Reformation is for all Christians, or rather all men.
+
+The historian has a choice in the field in which he is to labour. He
+may describe the great events which change the face of a people, or
+the face of the world; or he may narrate the calm and progressive
+course, whether of a nation, the Church, or mankind, which usually
+follows great social changes. Both fields of history are highly
+important; but the preference, in point of interest, seems due to
+those epochs which, under the name of Revolutions, introduce a nation
+or society at large to a new era and a new life.
+
+Such a transformation I have attempted to describe with very humble
+powers, hoping that the beauty of the subject will compensate for my
+want of ability. In styling it a _Revolution_, I give it a name which
+in our day is in discredit with many, who almost confound it with
+_revolt_. This is a mistake. A revolution is a change which takes
+place in the world's affairs. It is something new evolved (_revolvo_)
+from the bosom of humanity; and, indeed, before the end of the last
+century, the term was oftener used in a good than a bad sense. They
+spoke of "a happy," a "marvellous" revolution. The Reformation being a
+re-establishment of the principles of primitive Christianity, is the
+opposite of a revolt. For that which behoved to revive it was a
+regenerating--for that which must always subsist, a conservative
+movement. Christianity and the Reformation, while establishing the
+grand principle that all souls are equal in the sight of God, and
+overthrowing the usurpations of a haughty priesthood, which presumed
+to place itself between the Creator and his creature, lay it down as a
+fundamental principle of social order, that all power is of God, and
+cry aloud to all, "Love your brethren, fear God, honour the king."
+
+The Reformation differs essentially from the revolutions of antiquity,
+and from the greater part of those of modern times. In these,
+political changes are in question, and the object is to establish or
+overthrow the ascendancy of one, or it may be of many. The love of
+truth, of holiness, and eternity, was the simple, yet powerful, spring
+by which our Reformation was effected. It marks a step which human
+nature has taken in advance. In fact, if man, instead of pursuing only
+material, temporal, earthly interests, proposes to himself a higher
+aim, aspiring to immaterial and immortal blessings, he advances and
+makes progress. The Reformation is one of the brightest days of this
+glorious advance. It is a pledge that the new struggle, which is now
+being decided, will terminate in favour of truth, with a triumph still
+more pure, spiritual, and splendid.
+
+Christianity and the Reformation are the two greatest revolutions on
+record. Unlike the different political movements of which we read,
+they took place not in one nation merely, but in several nations, and
+their effects must be felt to the end of the world.
+
+Christianity and the Reformation are the same revolution, effected at
+different times, and under different circumstances. They vary in
+secondary features, but are identical in their primary and principal
+lineaments. The one is a repetition of the other. The one ended the
+old, the other began the new world; the middle ages lie between. The
+one gave birth to the other, and if, in some respects, the daughter
+bears marks of inferiority, she on the other hand has her own peculiar
+properties.
+
+One of these is the rapidity of her action. The great revolutions
+which have issued in the fall of a monarchy, and the change of a whole
+political system, or which have thrown the human mind on a new course
+of development, were slowly and gradually prepared. The old power had
+long been undermined, and its principal buttresses had one after
+another disappeared. It was so on the introduction of Christianity.
+But the Reformation is seen, at the first glance, to present a
+different aspect. The Church of Rome appears, under Leo X, in all its
+power and glory. A monk speaks, and over the half of Europe this power
+and glory crumble away, thus reminding us of the words in which the
+Son of God announces his second advent: "As the lightning cometh out
+of the east, and shineth even unto the west, so shall also the coming
+of the Son of man be." (Matth., xxiv, 27.)
+
+This rapidity is inexplicable to those who see, in this great event,
+only a _reform_, and regard it as simply an act of criticism, which
+consisted in making a choice among doctrines, discarding some,
+retaining others, and arranging those retained, so as to form them
+into a new system.
+
+How could a whole nation, how could several nations, have so quickly
+performed an operation so laborious? How could this critical
+examination have kindled that fire of enthusiasm which is essential to
+great, and, above all, to rapid revolutions? The Reformation, as its
+history will show, was altogether different. It was a new effusion of
+the life which Christianity brought into the world. It was the triumph
+of the greatest of doctrines, that which animates those who embrace it
+with the purest and strongest enthusiasm--the doctrine of faith, the
+doctrine of grace. Had the Reformation been what many Catholics and
+many Protestants in our day imagine,--had it been that negative system
+of negative reason, which childishly rejects whatever displeases it,
+and loses sight of the great ideas and great truths of Christianity,
+it had never passed the narrow limits of an academy, a cloister, or a
+cell. It had nothing in common with what is generally understood by
+Protestantism. Far from being a worn-out, emaciated body, it rose up
+like a man of might and fire.
+
+Two considerations explain the rapidity and the extent of this
+revolution. The one must be sought in God, the other among men. The
+impulse was given by a mighty and invisible hand, and the change
+effected was a Divine work. This is the conclusion at which an
+impartial and attentive observer, who stops not at the surface,
+necessarily arrives. But the historian's task is not finished; for God
+works by second causes. A variety of circumstances, many of them
+unperceived, gradually prepared men for the great transformation of
+the sixteenth century, and, accordingly, the human mind was ripe when
+the hour of its emancipation pealed.
+
+The task of the historian is to combine these two great elements in
+the picture which he presents, and this has been attempted in the
+present history. We shall be easily understood, when we come to trace
+the second causes which contributed to the Reformation, but some
+perhaps will not understand us so well, and will even be tempted to
+tax us with superstition, when we attribute the accomplishment of the
+work to God. The idea, however, is particularly dear to us. This
+history, as indicated by the inscription on its title-page, places in
+front and over its head the simple and prolific principle, GOD IN
+HISTORY. But this principle being generally neglected, and sometimes
+disputed, it seems necessary to expound our views with regard to it,
+and thereby justify the method which we have seen it proper to adopt.
+
+History cannot, in our day, be that lifeless series of events which
+the greater part of previous historians deemed it sufficient to
+enumerate. It is now understood that in history as in man are two
+elements, matter and spirit. Our great historians, unable to satisfy
+themselves with a detail of facts, constituting only a barren
+chronicle, have sought for a principle of life to animate the
+materials of past ages.
+
+Some have borrowed this principle from art, aiming at vivid, faithful,
+and graphic description, and endeavouring to make their narrative live
+with the life of the events themselves.
+
+Others have applied to philosophy for the spirit which should give
+fruit to their labours. To facts they have united speculative views,
+instructive lessons, political and philosophical truths, enlivening
+their narrative by the language which they have made it speak, and the
+ideas which it has enabled them to suggest.
+
+Both methods doubtless are good, and should be employed within certain
+limits. But there is another source to which, above all others, it is
+necessary to apply for the spirit and life of the past--I mean
+Religion. History should be made to live with its own proper life. God
+is this life. God must be acknowledged--God proclaimed--in history.
+The history of the world should purport to be annals of the government
+of the Supreme King.
+
+I have descended into the field to which the narratives of our
+historians invited me, and there seen the actions of men and of states
+in energetic development and violent collision: of the clang of arms,
+I have heard more than I can tell; but no where have I been shown the
+majestic form of the Judge who sits umpire of the combat.
+
+And yet in all the movements of nations, there is a living principle
+which emanates from God. God is present on the vast stage on which the
+generations of men successively appear. True! He is there a God
+invisible; but if the profane multitude pass carelessly by, because He
+is concealed, profound intellects, spirits which feel a longing for
+the principle of their existence, seek him with so much the more
+earnestness, and are not satisfied until they are prostrated before
+Him. And their enquiries are magnificently rewarded. For, from the
+heights which they must reach in order to meet with God, the history
+of the world, instead of exhibiting to them, as to the ignorant crowd,
+a confused chaos, is seen like a majestic temple, on which the
+invisible hand of God himself is at work, and which, from humanity, as
+the rock on which it is founded, is rising up to his glory.
+
+Shall we not see God in those great phenomena, those great personages,
+those great states, which rise, and suddenly, so to speak, spring from
+the dust of the earth, giving to human life a new impulse, form, and
+destiny? Shall not we see Him in those great heroes who start up in
+society, at particular epochs, displaying an activity and a power
+beyond the ordinary limits of man, and around whom individuals and
+nations come without hesitation, and group themselves as around a
+higher and mysterious nature? Who flung forward into space those
+comets of gigantic form and fiery tail, which only appear at long
+intervals, shedding on the superstitious herd of mortals either plenty
+and gladness, or pestilence and terror? Who, if not God?... Alexander
+seeks his origin in the abodes of Divinity; and in the most
+irreligious age there is no great renown which strives not to connect
+itself in some way with heaven.
+
+And do not those revolutions, which cast down dynasties, or even whole
+kingdoms into the dust; those huge wrecks which we fall in with in the
+midst of the sands; those majestic ruins which the field of humanity
+presents, do not those cry loud enough, God in History? Gibbon,
+sitting amid the wrecks of the Capitol, and contemplating the
+venerable ruins, acknowledges the intervention of a higher power. He
+sees, he feels it, and in vain would turn away from it. This spectre
+of a mysterious power reappears behind each ruin, and he conceives the
+idea of describing its influence in the history of the disorganisation,
+the decline and fall of this Roman power, which had subjugated the
+nations. This powerful hand, which a man of distinguished genius, one,
+however, who had not bent the knee before Jesus Christ, perceives
+athwart scattered fragments of the tomb of Romulus, reliefs of Marcus
+Aurelius, busts of Cicero and Virgil, statues of Cæsar and Augustus,
+trophies of Trajan, and steeds of Pompey, shall not we discover amid
+all ruins, and recognise as the hand of our God?
+
+Strange! this interposition of God in human affairs, which even Pagans
+had recognised, men reared amid the grand ideas of Christianity treat
+as superstition.
+
+The name which Grecian antiquity gave to the Sovereign God, shows us
+that it had received primitive revelations of this great truth of a
+God, the source of history, and of the life of nations. It called him
+_Zeus_,[1] that is to say, He who gives _life_ to all that lives, to
+individuals and nations. To his altars kings and subjects come to take
+their oaths, and from his mysterious inspirations Minos and other
+legislators pretend to have received their laws. Nay more, this great
+truth is figured by one of the most beautiful myths of Pagan
+antiquity. Even Mythology might teach the sages of our day. This is a
+fact which it may be worth while to establish; perhaps there are
+individuals who will oppose fewer prejudices to the lessons of
+Paganism than to those of Christianity. This Zeus, then, this
+Sovereign God, this Eternal Spirit, the principle of life, is father
+of Clio, the Muse of History, whose mother is Mnemosyne or Memory.
+Thus, according to antiquity, history unites a celestial to a
+terrestrial nature. She is daughter of God and man. But, alas! the
+short-sighted wisdom of our boasted days is far below those heights of
+Pagan wisdom. History has been robbed of her divine parent, and now an
+illegitimate child, a bold adventurer, she roams the world, not well
+knowing whence she comes, or whither she goes.
+
+  [1] From ζαω, I live.
+
+But this divinity of Pagan antiquity is only a dim reflection, a
+flickering shadow of the Eternal Jehovah. The true God whom the
+Hebrews worship, sees meet to imprint it on the minds of all nations
+that he reigns perpetually on the earth, and for this purpose gives,
+if I may so express it, a bodily form to this reign in the midst of
+Israel. A visible Theocracy behoved for once to exist on the earth,
+that it might incessantly recall the invisible Theocracy which will
+govern the world for ever.
+
+And what lustre does not the great truth--God in History--receive from
+the Christian Dispensation? Who is Jesus Christ, if he be not God in
+History? It was the discovery of Jesus Christ that gave John Müller,
+the prince of modern historians, his knowledge of history. "The
+Gospel," he says, "is the fulfilment of all hopes, the finishing point
+of all philosophy, the explanation of all revolutions, the key to all
+the apparent contradictions of the physical and moral world; in short,
+life and immortality. Ever since I knew the Saviour, I see all things
+clearly; with him there is no difficulty which I cannot solve."[2]
+
+  [2] Letter to Charles Bonnet.
+
+So speaks this great historian; and, in truth, is not the fact of
+God's appearance in human nature the key-stone of the arch, the
+mysterious knot which binds up all the things of earth, and attaches
+them to heaven? There is a birth of God in the history of the world,
+and shall God not be in history? Jesus Christ is the true God in the
+history of men. The very meanness of his appearance proves it. When
+man wishes to erect a shade or shelter on the earth, you may expect
+preparations, materials, scaffolding, workmen, tools, trenches,
+rubbish. But God, when he is pleased to do it, takes the smallest
+seed, which a new-born babe could have clasped in its feeble hand,
+deposits it in the bosom of the earth, and, from this grain, at first
+imperceptible, produces the immense tree under which the families of
+the earth recline. To do great things by imperceptible means is the
+law of God.
+
+In Jesus Christ this law receives its most magnificent fulfilment. Of
+Christianity, which has now taken possession of the portals of
+nations, which is, at this moment, reigning or wandering over all the
+tribes of the earth from the rising to the setting sun, and which
+incredulous philosophy herself is obliged to acknowledge as the
+spiritual and social law of the world--of this Christianity, (the
+greatest thing under the vault of heaven, nay, in the boundless
+immensity of Creation,) what was the commencement? An infant born in
+the smallest town of the most despised nation of the earth--an infant
+whose mother had not what the poorest and most wretched female in any
+one of our cities has, a room for birth--an infant born in a stable
+and laid in a manger!... There, O God, I behold and I adore Thee!
+
+The Reformation knew this law of God, and felt she had a call to
+accomplish it. The idea that God is in history was often brought
+forward by the Reformers. In particular, we find it on one occasion
+expressed by Luther, under one of those grotesque and familiar, yet
+not undignified figures which he was fond of employing in order to be
+understood by the people. "The world," said he one day at table among
+his friends; "the world is a vast and magnificent game at cards,
+consisting of emperors, kings, and princes. For several ages the pope
+has beaten the emperors, princes, and kings, who stooped and fell
+under him. Then our Lord God came and dealt the cards, taking to
+himself the smallest, [Luther,] and with it has beaten the pope, who
+beat the kings of the earth.... God used it as his ace. 'He hath put
+down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree,'
+says Mary." (Luke, i, 52.)
+
+The period whose history I am desirous to trace, is important with
+reference to the present time. Man, on feeling his weakness, is
+usually disposed to seek for aid in the institutions which he sees
+existing around him, or in devices, the offspring of his own
+imagination. The history of the Reformation shows that nothing new is
+done with what is old, and that if, according to our Saviour's
+expression, there must be new vessels for new wine, there must also be
+new wine for new vessels. It directs man to God, the sole actor in
+history--to that divine Word--always ancient, from the eternity of the
+truths which it contains--always new, by the regenerating influence
+which it exerts, which three centuries ago purified society, restoring
+faith in God to those whom superstition had enfeebled; and which, at
+all epochs in the world's history, is the source from which salvation
+proceeds.
+
+It is singular to see a great number of individuals under the
+agitation produced by a vague longing for some fixed belief, actually
+applying to old Catholicism. In one sense, the movement is natural.
+Religion being so little known, they imagine the only place to find it
+is where they see it painted, in large characters, on a banner, which
+age makes respectable. We say not that every kind of Catholicism is
+incapable of giving man what he wants. Our belief is, that a
+distinction should be carefully drawn between Catholicism and the
+Papacy. The Papacy we hold to be an erroneous and destructive system;
+but we are far from confounding Catholicism with it. How many
+respectable men, how many true Christians has not the Catholic Church
+contained! What immense services did not Catholicism render to
+existing states on their first formation, at a time when it was still
+strongly impregnated with the Gospel, and when the Papacy was only
+sketched above it in faint outline! But we are far away from those
+times. In our day an attempt is made to yoke Catholicism to the
+Papacy; and if catholic Christian truths are presented, they are
+little else than baits to allure men into the nets of the hierarchy.
+There is nothing to be expected from that quarter. Has the papacy
+abandoned one of its practices, its doctrines, its pretensions? Will
+not this religion, which other ages were unable to bear, be still less
+tolerable to ours? What revival was ever seen to emanate from Rome? Is
+it from the Papal hierarchy, all engrossed by earthly passions, that
+the spirit of faith, hope, and charity, which alone will save us, can
+proceed? Is it an effete system, which has no life for itself, which
+is everywhere struggling with death, and exists only by aid borrowed
+from without, that will give life to others, and animate Christian
+society with the heavenly breath for which it sighs?
+
+Or will this void in heart and soul, which some of our contemporaries
+begin to feel, dispose others of them to apply to the new
+Protestantism which has in several places supplanted the principal
+doctrines taught in the days of the Apostles and Reformers? A great
+vagueness of doctrine reigns in many of those Reformed Churches whose
+original members gave their blood as a seal of the living faith which
+animated them. Men of distinguished talents, alive to all that is
+beautiful in creation, have fallen into singular aberrations. A
+general faith in the divinity of the Gospel is the only standard which
+they are willing to follow. But what is this Gospel? This is the
+essential question; and yet all are silent on it, or, rather, each
+speaks in his own way. What avails it to know that in the midst of the
+people stands a vessel placed there by God in order to cure them, if
+none care for its contents, if none endeavour to appropriate them?
+This system cannot fill up the existing void. While the faith of the
+Apostles and Reformers is now in all quarters displaying its activity
+and power in the conversion of the world, this vague system does
+nothing, gives no light, no life.
+
+But let us not be without hope. Does not Roman Catholicism confess the
+great doctrines of Christianity, God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
+Creator, Saviour, and Sanctifier, the Truth? Does not vague
+Protestantism hold in its hand the Book of Life, which is "profitable
+for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in
+righteousness?" And how many upright spirits, honourable in the eyes
+of men, and pleasing in the sight of God, are found among the
+followers of these two systems! How shall we not love them?--how shall
+we not ardently desire their complete emancipation from the elements
+of the world? Charity is of vast extent; she takes the most opposite
+opinions into her embrace, that she may bring them to the feet of
+Jesus Christ.
+
+Already there are signs which show that these two extreme opinions are
+in course of approximating to Jesus Christ, who is the centre of
+truth. Are there not some Roman Catholic churches in which the reading
+of the Scriptures is recommended and practised? And, in regard to
+Protestant rationalism, how great the advance which it has already
+made! It did not originate in the Reformation, for the history of this
+great revolution will prove that it was a time of faith; but may we
+not hope that it is tending towards it? May not the force of truth
+reach it through the Word of God, and, reaching, transform it? Even
+now it gives signs of religious sentiment, inadequate, no doubt, but
+still forming an approach towards sound doctrine, and giving hopes of
+decisive progress.
+
+Both Protestantism and old Catholicism are in themselves out of the
+question, and off the field; and it must be from some other source
+that the men of our day are to derive a saving power. There must be
+something which comes not of man, but of God. "Give me," said
+Archimedes, "a point outside the world, and I will lift it from its
+poles." True Christianity is this point outside the world. It lifts
+the human heart from the double pivot of egotism and sensuality, and
+will one day lift the whole world from its evil course, and make it
+turn on a new axis of righteousness and peace.
+
+Whenever religion is in question, three objects engage the
+attention--God, man, and the priest. There can only be three religions
+on the earth, according as God, man, or the priest, is the author and
+head. By the religion of the priest, I mean that which is invented by
+the priest for the glory of the priest, and is ruled over by a
+sacerdotal caste. By the religion of man, I mean those systems, those
+various opinions which human reason forms, and which, created by man
+under disease, are, in consequence, utterly devoid of power to cure
+him. By the religion of God, I mean the truth as God himself has given
+it, having for its end and result the glory of God and the salvation
+of men.
+
+Hierarchism, or the religion of the priest, Christianity, or the
+religion of God, rationalism, or the religion of man, are the three
+systems which in our days share Christendom among them. There is no
+safety either for man or for society in hierarchism and rationalism.
+Christianity alone will give life to the world; but, unhappily, of the
+three dominant systems it is not the one which counts the greatest
+number of followers.
+
+Followers, however, it has. Christianity is doing its work of
+regeneration among many Catholics in Germany, and, doubtless, in other
+countries also. In our opinion, it is accomplishing it more purely and
+efficaciously among the evangelical Christians in Switzerland, France,
+Great Britain, the United States, etc. Blessed be God, the revivals,
+individual or social, which the Gospel produces, are no longer in our
+day rare events, for which we must search in ancient annals!
+
+What I design to write, is a general history of the Reformation. I
+purpose to follow its course among the different nations, and to show
+that the same truths have everywhere produced the same results; at the
+same time, pointing out the diversities occasioned by differences of
+national character. And, first, it is in Germany especially that we
+find the primitive type of reform. There it presents the most regular
+development, there, above all, it bears the character of a revolution
+not limited to this or that people, but embracing the whole world. The
+Reformation in Germany is the fundamental history of reform. It is the
+great planet; the other Reformations are secondary planets, which
+turn with it, lighted by the same sun, and adapted to the same system,
+but still having a separate existence, each shedding a different
+light, and always possessing a peculiar beauty. To the Reformation of
+the sixteenth century we may apply the words of St. Paul, "There is
+one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory
+of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory." (1
+Cor., xv, 41.) The Swiss Reformation took place at the same time with
+that of Germany, and independently of it, and presented, more
+especially at an after period, some of the grand features which
+characterise the German Reformation. The Reformation in England has
+very special claims on our attention, from the powerful influence
+which the Church of that kingdom is now exercising over the whole
+world. But recollections of family and of flight, the thought of
+battles, sufferings, and exile endured for the cause of the
+Reformation in France, give it, in my eyes, a peculiar attraction.
+Considered in itself, and also in the date of its commencement, it
+presents beauties of its own.
+
+I believe that the Reformation is a work of God; this must have been
+already seen. Still, I hope to be impartial in tracing its history. Of
+the principal Roman Catholic actors in this great drama--for example,
+of Leo X, Albert of Magdeburg, Charles V, and Doctor Eck--I believe I
+have spoken more favourably than the greater part of historians have
+done. On the other hand, I have not sought to hide the faults and
+failings of the Reformers.
+
+Since the winter of 1831-32, I have delivered public lectures on the
+period of the Reformation, and I then published my opening Address.[3]
+These lectures have served as a preparative for the work which I now
+offer to the public.
+
+  [3] Discours sur l'Etude de l'Histoire du Christianisme, et son
+  utilité pour l'époque actuelle. Paris, 1832, chez J. J. Risler.
+
+This history has been drawn from sources made familiar to me by long
+residence in Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, and by the
+study, in the original tongues, of documents relating to the religious
+history of Great Britain, and some other countries besides. These
+sources are indicated by notes throughout the work, and therefore
+require not to be mentioned here.
+
+I could have wished to authenticate the different parts of my
+narrative by numerous original notes, but found that, if long and
+frequent, they might interrupt the course of the narrative in a manner
+disagreeable to the reader. I have, therefore, confined myself to
+certain passages which seemed fitted to make him more thoroughly
+acquainted with subject.
+
+I address this history to those who love to see past events simply as
+they were, and not by the help of the magic mirror of genius, which
+magnifies and gilds, but sometimes also diminishes and distorts them.
+Neither the philosophy of the eighteenth, nor the romance of the
+nineteenth century, will furnish my opinions or my colours. I write
+the history of the Reformation in its own spirit. Principles, it has
+been said, have no modesty. Their nature is to rule, and they doggedly
+insist on the privilege. If they meet in their path with other
+principles which dispute their ascendancy, they give battle instantly;
+for a principle never rests till it has conquered. Nor can it be
+otherwise. To reign is its life; if it reigns not, it dies. Hence,
+while declaring that I am not able, and that I have no wish to rival
+other historians of the Reformation, I make a reservation in favour of
+the principles on which this history rests, and fearlessly maintain
+their superiority.
+
+I cannot help thinking that as yet no history of the memorable epoch
+which I am about to describe exists in French. When I commenced my
+work, I saw no indication that the blank was to be filled up. This
+circumstance alone could have induced me to undertake the work, and I
+here bring it forward as my excuse. The blank exists still; and I pray
+Him from whom every good gift "cometh down" to grant that this humble
+attempt may not be without benefit to some of its readers.
+
+  J. H. M. D'AUBIGNÉ.
+
+  EAUX-VIVES, NEAR GENEVA.
+
+
+
+
+HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK I.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+STATE OF MATTERS BEFORE THE REFORMATION.
+
+     Christianity--Two distinguishing Principles--Formation of
+     the Papacy--First encroachments--Influence of
+     Rome--Co-operation of Bishops and Factions--External Unity
+     of the Church--Internal Unity of the Church--Primacy of St.
+     Peter--Patriarchates--Co-operation of Princes--Influence of
+     the Barbarians--Rome invokes the Franks--Secular
+     Power--Pepin and Charlemagne--The Decretals--Disorders of
+     Rome--The Emperor the Pope's Liege Lord--Hildebrand--His
+     character--Celibacy--Struggle with the Emperor--Emancipation
+     of the Pope--Hildebrand's Successors--The Crusades--The
+     Church--Corruption of Doctrine.
+
+
+The enfeebled world was rocking on its base when Christianity
+appeared. National religions which had sufficed for the fathers, could
+no longer satisfy the children. The new generation could not be
+moulded in the ancient forms. The gods of all nations transported to
+Rome, had there lost their oracles, as the nations had there lost
+their liberty. Brought face to face in the Capitol, they had mutually
+destroyed each other, and their divinity had disappeared. A great void
+had been made in the religion of the world.
+
+A kind of deism, destitute of spirit and life, kept floating, for some
+time, over the abyss in which the vigorous superstitions of the
+ancients were engulfed. But, like all negative beliefs, it was unable
+to build. Narrow national distinctions fell with the gods, and the
+nations melted down into one another. In Europe, Asia, and Africa,
+there was now only one empire, and the human race began to feel its
+universality and its unity.
+
+Then the Word was made flesh.
+
+God appeared among men, and as a man, "to save that which was lost."
+In Jesus of Nazareth "dwelt all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."
+
+This is the greatest event in the annals of the world. Ancient times
+had prepared it,--new times flow from it. It is their centre, their
+bond, and their unity.
+
+Thenceforth all the popular superstitions were without meaning, and
+the slender remains which they had saved from the great shipwreck of
+infidelity sank before the Majestic Sun of eternal truth.
+
+The Son of man lived thirty-three years here below, curing the sick,
+instructing sinners, having no place where to lay his head, yet
+displaying, in the depth of this humiliation, a grandeur, a holiness,
+a power, and divinity, which the world had never known. He suffered,
+died, rose again, and ascended to heaven. His disciples, beginning at
+Jerusalem, traversed the empire and the world, everywhere proclaiming
+their Master "the Author of eternal salvation." From the heart of a
+nation, which stood aloof from all nations, came forth a mercy which
+invited and embraced all. A great number of Asiatics, Greeks, and
+Romans, till then led by priests to the feet of dumb idols, believed
+the Word which suddenly illumined the earth "like a sunbeam," as
+Eusebius expresses it.[4] A breath of life began to move over this
+vast field of death. A new people, a holy nation, was formed among
+men, and the astonished world beheld, in the disciples of the
+Galilean, a purity, a self-denial, a charity, a heroism, of which it
+had lost even the idea.
+
+  [4] Οια τις ηλιου βολη. (Hist. Eccl., ii, 3.)
+
+Two principles, in particular, distinguished the new religion from all
+the human systems which it drove before it. The one related to the
+ministers of worship, the other to doctrine.
+
+The ministers of Paganism were in a manner the gods whom those human
+religions worshipped. The priests of Egypt, Gaul, Scythia, Germany,
+Britain, and Hindostan, led the people so long, at least, as the eyes
+of the people were unopened. Jesus Christ, no doubt, established a
+ministry, but he did not found a particular priesthood. He dethroned
+the living idols of the nations, destroyed a proud hierarchy, took
+from man what man had taken from God, and brought the soul again into
+immediate contact with the divine source of truth, proclaiming himself
+sole Master and sole Mediator.--"One is your Master, even Christ,"
+said he; "and all ye are brethren." (Matt., xxiii, 8.)
+
+In regard to doctrine, human religions had taught that salvation was
+of man. The religions of the earth had framed an earthly religion.
+They had told man that heaven would be given him as a hire--they had
+fixed its price, and what a price! The religion of God taught that
+salvation came from God, was a gift from heaven, the result of an
+amnesty, of an act of grace by the Sovereign. "God," it is said, "has
+given eternal life."
+
+It is true, Christianity cannot be summed up under these two heads,
+but they seem to rule the subject, especially where history is
+concerned; and as we cannot possibly trace the opposition between
+truth and error, in all points, we must select those of them which are
+most prominent.
+
+Such, then, were two of the constituent principles of the religion
+which at that time took possession of the empire, and of the world.
+_With_ them we are within the true land-marks of Christianity--_out
+of_ them Christianity disappears. On the preservation or the loss of
+them depended its greatness or its fall. They are intimately
+connected; for it is impossible to exalt the priests of the church, or
+the works of believers, without lowering Jesus Christ in his double
+capacity of Mediator and Redeemer. The one of these principles should
+rule the history of religion, the other should rule its doctrine.
+Originally, both were paramount; let us see how they were lost. We
+begin with the destinies of the former.
+
+The Church was at first a society of brethren, under the guidance of
+brethren. They were all taught of God, and each was entitled to come
+to the Divine fountain of light, and draw for himself. (John, vi, 45.)
+The Epistles, which then decided great questions of doctrine, were not
+inscribed with the pompous name of a single man--a head. The Holy
+Scriptures inform us, that the words were simply these, "The apostles,
+elders, and brethren, to our brethren." (Acts, xv, 23.)
+
+But even the writings of the apostles intimate, that from the midst of
+these brethren a power would rise and subvert this simple and
+primitive order. (2 Thess., ii, 2.)
+
+Let us contemplate the formation, and follow the development of this
+power--a power foreign to the Church.
+
+Paul of Tarsus, one of the greatest apostles of the new religion, had
+arrived at Rome, the capital of the empire and of the world, preaching
+the salvation which comes from God. A church was formed beside the
+throne of the Cæsars. Founded by this apostle, it consisted at first
+of some converted Jews, some Greeks, and some citizens of Rome. For a
+long time it shone like a pure light on a mountain top. Its faith was
+everywhere spoken of; but at length it fell away from its primitive
+condition. It was by small beginnings that the two Romes paved their
+way to the usurped dominion of the world.
+
+The first pastors or bishops of Rome early engaged in the conversion
+of the villages and towns around the city. The necessity which the
+bishops and pastors of the Campagna di Roma felt of recurring in cases
+of difficulty to an enlightened guide, and the gratitude which they
+owed to the Church of the metropolis, led them to remain in close
+union with it. What has always been seen in analogous circumstances
+was seen here; this natural union soon degenerated into dependence.
+The superiority which the neighbouring churches had freely yielded,
+the bishops of Rome regarded as a right. The encroachments of power
+form one large part of history, while the resistance of those whose
+rights were invaded forms the other. Ecclesiastical power could not
+escape the intoxication which prompts all those who are raised to aim
+at rising still higher. It yielded to this law of humanity and nature.
+
+Nevertheless, the supremacy of the Roman bishop was at this time
+limited to oversight of the churches within the territory civilly
+subject to the prefect of Rome.[5] But the rank which this city of the
+Emperors held in the world, presented to the ambition of its first
+pastor a larger destiny. The respect paid in the second century to the
+different bishops of Christendom was proportioned to the rank of the
+city in which they resided. Now Rome was the greatest, the richest,
+and the most powerful city in the world. It was the seat of
+Empire,--the mother of nations; "All the inhabitants of the earth
+belong to it," says Julian;[6] and Claudian proclaims it "the fountain
+of law."[7]
+
+  [5] "Suburbicaria loca," suburban places. See the Sixth Canon of the
+  Council of Nice, which Rufinus (Hist. Eccl., x, 6) quotes thus: "Et ut
+  apud Alexandriam et in urbe Roma, vetusta consuetudo servetur, ut vel
+  ille Egypti, vel hic suburbicariarum ecclesiarum solicitudinem gerat,"
+  etc. And as at Alexandria, and in the city of Rome, an ancient custom
+  is observed; viz., That the bishop of the former has charge of the
+  churches in Egypt, and the latter of those in the suburbs.
+
+  [6] Julian., Or. 1.
+
+  [7] Claud. in Paneg. Stilic., lib. 3.
+
+If Rome is queen of the cities of the world, why should not its pastor
+be the king of bishops? Why should not the Roman Church be the mother
+of Christendom? Why should not the nations be her children, and her
+authority their sovereign law? It was easy for the ambitious heart of
+man to reason in this way. Ambitious Rome did so.
+
+Thus Pagan Rome, when she fell, sent the proud titles which her
+invincible sword had conquered from the nations of the earth to the
+humble minister of the God of peace seated amidst her ruins.
+
+The bishops in the different quarters of the empire, led away by the
+charm which Rome had for ages exercised over all nations, followed the
+example of the Campagna di Roma, and lent a hand to this work of
+usurpation. They took pleasure in paying to the Bishop of Rome
+somewhat of the honour which belonged to the Queen city of the world.
+At first there was no dependence implied in this honour. They treated
+the Roman pastor as equal does equal;[8] but usurped powers grow like
+avalanches. What was at first mere brotherly advice soon became, in
+the mouth of the Pontiff, obligatory command. In his eyes a first
+place among equals was a throne.
+
+  [8] Eusebius, Hist. Eccl. 1. v, c. 24. Socrat. Hist. Eccl. c. 21.
+  Cyprian, Ep. 59, 72, 75.
+
+The Western bishops favoured the designs of the pastors of Rome,
+either from jealousy of the Eastern bishops or because they preferred
+the supremacy of a pope to the domination of a temporal power.
+
+On the other hand, the theological factions which rent the East
+sought, each in its turn, to gain the favour of Rome, anticipating
+their triumph from the support of the principal Church of the West.
+
+Rome carefully registered these requests, these mediations, and smiled
+when she saw the nations throwing themselves into her arms. She let
+slip no occasion of increasing and extending her power. Praise,
+flattery, extravagant compliments, consultation by other churches, all
+became, in her eyes, and in her hands, titles and evidents of her
+authority. Such is man upon the throne; incense intoxicates him, and
+his head turns. What he has he regards as a motive to strive for more.
+
+The doctrine of the Church, and of the necessity of her external
+unity, which began to prevail so early as the third century, favoured
+the pretensions of Rome. The primary idea of the Church is, that it is
+the assembly of the saints, (1 Cor., i, 2,) the assembly of the
+first-born whose names are written in heaven. (Heb., xii, 23.) Still,
+however, the Church of the Lord is not merely internal and invisible.
+It must manifest itself outwardly, and it was with a view to this
+manifestation that the Lord instituted the Sacraments of Baptism and
+the Eucharist. The Church considered as external, has characteristics
+different from those which distinguish her as the Church invisible.
+The internal Church, which is the body of Christ, is necessarily and
+perpetually one. The visible Church, doubtless, has part in this
+unity, but considered in herself, multiplicity is a characteristic
+attributed to her in the Scriptures of the New Testament. While they
+speak to us of a Church of God,[9] they mention, when speaking of the
+Church, as externally manifested, "the Churches of Galatia," "the
+Churches of Macedonia," "the Churches of Judea," "all the Churches of
+the Saints."[10] These different Churches, unquestionably, may to a
+certain extent cultivate external union; but though this tie be
+wanting, they lose none of the essential qualities of the Church of
+Christ. In primitive times, the great tie which united the members of
+the Church was the living faith of the heart, by which all held of
+Christ as their common Head.
+
+  [9] 1 Cor. xv, 9. 1 Tim. iii, 15.
+
+  [10] 1 Cor. xvi, i. 2 Cor. viii, 1. Gal. i, 22. 1 Cor. xiv, 33.
+
+Various circumstances early contributed to originate and develop the
+idea of the necessity of an external unity. Men accustomed to the ties
+and political forms of an earthly country, transferred some of their
+views and customs to the spiritual and eternal kingdom of Jesus
+Christ. Persecution, powerless to destroy, or even to shake this new
+society, drew its attention more upon itself, and caused it to assume
+the form of a more compact incorporation. To the error which sprung up
+in deistical schools, or among sects, was opposed the one universal
+truth received from the Apostles, and preserved in the Church. This
+was well, so long as the invisible and spiritual Church was one with
+the visible and external Church. But a serious divorce soon took
+place; the form and the life separated from each other. The semblance
+of an identical and external organisation was gradually substituted
+for the internal and spiritual unity which forms the essence of
+genuine religion. The precious perfume of faith was left out, and then
+men prostrated themselves before the empty vase which had contained
+it. The faith of the heart no longer uniting the members of the
+Church, another tie was sought, and they were united by means of
+bishops, archbishops, popes, mitres, ceremonies, and canons. The
+living Church having gradually retired into the hidden sanctuary of
+some solitary souls, the external Church was put in its place, and
+declared to be, with all its forms, of divine institution. Salvation,
+no longer welling up from the henceforth hidden Word, it was
+maintained that it was transmitted by means of the forms which had
+been devised, and that no man could possess it if he did not receive
+it through this channel. None, it was said, can, by his own faith,
+attain to eternal life. Christ communicated to the Apostles, and the
+Apostles communicated to the Bishops, the unction of the Holy Spirit;
+and this Spirit exists nowhere but in that order! Originally,
+whosoever had the Spirit of Jesus Christ was a member of the Church,
+but the terms were now reversed, and it was maintained that none but
+members of the Church received the Spirit of Jesus Christ.[11]
+
+  [11] "Ubi ecclesia, ibi et Spiritus Dei. Ubi Spiritus Dei, illic
+  ecclesia." (Irenæus.) Where the Church, there too the Spirit of God.
+  Where the Spirit of God, there the Church.
+
+In proportion as these ideas gained ground, the distinction between
+clergy and people became more marked. The salvation of souls no longer
+depended solely on faith in Christ, but also, and more especially, on
+union with the Church. The representatives and heads of the Church
+obtained a part of the confidence due only to Jesus Christ, and in
+fact became mediators for the flock. The idea of the universal
+priesthood of Christians accordingly disappeared step by step; the
+servants of the Church of Christ were likened to the priests under the
+Old Dispensation; and those who separated from the bishop were put in
+the same class with Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. From an individual
+priesthood, such as was then formed in the Church, to a sovereign
+priesthood, such as Rome now claims, the step was easy.
+
+In fact, as soon as the error as to the necessity of a visible unity
+of the Church was established, a new error was seen to arise, viz.,
+that of the necessity of an external representative of this unity.
+
+Although we nowhere find in the gospel any traces of a pre-eminence in
+St. Peter over the other apostles; although the very idea of primacy
+is opposed to the fraternal relations which united the disciples, and
+even to the spirit of the gospel dispensation, which, on the contrary,
+calls upon all the children of the Father to be servants one to
+another, recognising one only teacher, and one only chief; and
+although Jesus Christ sharply rebuked his disciples, as often as
+ambitious ideas of pre-eminence arose in their carnal hearts, men
+invented, and by means of passages of Scripture ill understood,
+supported a primacy in St. Peter, and then in this apostle, and his
+pretended successors at Rome, saluted the visible representatives of
+visible unity--the heads of the Church!
+
+The patriarchal constitution also contributed to the rise of the Roman
+Papacy. So early as the three first centuries, the churches of
+metropolitan towns had enjoyed particular respect. The Council of
+Nice, in its Sixth Canon, singled out three cities, whose churches
+had, according to it, an ancient authority over those of the
+surrounding provinces; these were Alexandria, Rome, and Antioch. The
+political origin of this distinction is betrayed by the very name
+which was at first given to the bishop of these cities. He was called
+Exarch, in the same way as the civil governor.[12] At a later period,
+the more ecclesiastical name of Patriarch was given to him. This name
+occurs for the first time in the Council of Constantinople, but in a
+different sense from that which it received at a later period; for it
+was only a short time before the Council of Chalcedon, that it was
+applied exclusively to the great metropolitans. The second ecumenical
+Council created a new patriarchate, that of Constantinople itself, the
+new Rome, the second capital of the empire. The Church of Byzantium,
+so long in obscurity, enjoyed the same privileges, and was put by the
+Council of Chalcedon in the same rank as the Church of Rome. Rome then
+shared the patriarchate with these three churches; but when the
+invasion of Mahomet annihilated the sees of Alexandria and
+Antioch--when the see of Constantinople decayed, and later, even
+separated from the west, Rome remained alone, and circumstances
+rallied all around her see, which from that time remained without a
+rival.
+
+  [12] See Canon, Sardic. VI; and also the Council of Chalcedon, Canons
+  8 and 18, ο εξαρχος της διοικησεως, the exarch of
+  the diocese.
+
+New accomplices, the most powerful of all accomplices, came also to
+her aid. Ignorance and superstition seized upon the Church, and gave
+her up to Rome with a bandage on her eyes, and chains on her hands.
+Still this slavery was not completed without opposition. Often did the
+voice of the churches protest their independence: This bold voice was
+heard especially in proconsular Africa and the East.[13]
+
+  [13] Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, says of St. Stephen, Bishop of
+  Rome:--"Magis ac magis ejus _errorem_ denotabis, qui hæreticorum
+  causam contra Christianos et contra _Ecclesiam Dei_ asserere conatur
+  ... qui unitatem et veritatem de divina lege venientem non tenens....
+  Consuetudo sine veritate vetustas erroris est." (Epist. 74.) "You will
+  more and more observe the error of him who is trying to maintain the
+  cause of heretics against Christians and against the Church of God ...
+  who not holding the unity and truth which come by the Divine law....
+  Custom without truth is the antiquity of error."... Firmilian, Bishop
+  of Cæsarea, in Cappadocia, also says after the middle of the third
+  century: "Eos autem qui Romæ sunt, non ea in omnibus observare quæ
+  sunt ab origine tradita, et frustra auctoritatem apostolorum
+  prætendere.... Cæterum nos veritati et consuetudinem jungimus, et
+  consuetudini Romanorum, consuetudinem sed veritatis opponimus; ab
+  initio hoc tenentes quod a Christo et ab apostolo traditum est."
+  (Cypr. Ep. 75.) "But they do not in all things observe what was
+  originally delivered, and in vain pretend the authority of the
+  apostles.... But we (the Bishops of the Churches of Asia, more ancient
+  than those of Rome) to truth join custom also, and to the custom of
+  the Romans oppose custom, but the custom of truth, holding from the
+  beginning what was delivered by Christ and an apostle." These
+  testimonies are of great weight.
+
+But Rome found new allies to stifle the cry of the Churches. Princes,
+whom tempestuous times often caused to totter on the throne, offered
+her their support if she would in return support them. They offered
+her spiritual authority, provided she would reinstate them in secular
+power. They gave her a cheap bargain of souls, in the hope that she
+would help them to a cheap bargain of their enemies. The hierarchical
+power which was rising, and the imperial power which was declining,
+thus supported each other, and, by this alliance, hastened their
+double destiny.
+
+Here Rome could not be a loser. An edict of Theodosius II, and of
+Valentinian III, proclaimed the bishop of Rome "Rector of the whole
+Church."[14] Justinian issued a similar edict. These decrees did not
+contain all that the popes pretended to see in them; but in those
+times of ignorance it was easy for them to give prevalence to the
+interpretation which was most in their favour. The power of the
+emperors in Italy becoming always more precarious, the Bishops of Rome
+failed not to avail themselves of the circumstance to shake off their
+dependence.
+
+  [14] Rector totius Ecclesiæ.
+
+But energetic promoters of the Papal power had by this time emerged
+from the forests of the North. The barbarians, who had invaded the
+West, and there fixed their abode, after intoxicating themselves with
+blood and rapine, behoved to lower their fierce sword before the
+intellectual, power which they encountered. Altogether new to
+Christianity, ignorant of the spiritual nature of the Church, and
+requiring in religion a certain external show, they prostrated
+themselves, half savages, and half Pagans, before the High Priest of
+Rome. With them the West was at his feet. First, the Vandals, then the
+Ostrogoths, a little later the Burgundians, afterwards the Visigoths,
+lastly, the Lombards and Anglo-Saxons, came to do obeisance to the
+Roman Pontiff. It was the robust shoulders of the sons of the
+idolatrous North which finished the work of placing a pastor of the
+banks of the Tiber on the supreme throne of Christendom.
+
+These things took place in the West at the beginning of the seventh
+century, precisely at the same period when the power of Mahomet, ready
+also to seize on a portion of the globe, was rising in the East.
+
+From that time the evil ceases not to grow. In the eighth century we
+see the Bishops of Rome with one hand repulsing the Greek Emperors,
+their lawful sovereigns, and seeking to chase them from Italy, while,
+with the other, they caress the Mayors of France, and ask this new
+power, which is beginning to rise in the West, for a share in the
+wrecks of the empire. Between the East, which she repels, and the
+West, which she invites, Rome establishes her usurped authority. She
+rears her throne between two revolts. Frightened at the cry of the
+Arabs, who, become masters of Spain, vaunt that they will soon arrive
+in Italy by the passes of the Pyrennees and the Alps, and proclaim the
+name of Mahomet on the seven hills--amazed at the audacious
+Astolphus, who, at the head of his Lombards, sends forth his
+lion-roar, and brandishes his sword before the gates of the eternal
+city, threatening massacre to every Roman,[15]--Rome, on the brink of
+ruin, looks around in terror, and throws herself into the arms of the
+Franks. The usurper Pepin asks a pretended sanction to his new
+royalty; the Papacy gives it to him, and gets him in return to declare
+himself the defender of the "Republic of God." Pepin wrests from the
+Lombards what they had wrested from the emperor; but, instead of
+restoring it to him, he deposits the keys of the towns which he has
+conquered on the altar of St. Peter, and, swearing with uplifted hand,
+declares that it was not for a man he took up arms, but to obtain the
+forgiveness of his sins from God, and do homage to St. Peter for his
+conquests.
+
+  [15] "Fremens ut leo, asserens omnes uno gladio jugulari."
+  (Anastasius, Bibl. Vit. Pontif, p. 83.) Roaring like a lion, declaring
+  that he would slaughter all with one sword.
+
+Charlemagne appears. The first time, he goes up to the Cathedral of
+St. Peter devoutly kissing the steps. When he presents himself a
+second time, it is as master of all the kingdoms which formed the
+empire of the West, and of Rome herself.
+
+Leo III deems it his duty to give the title to him who already has the
+power, and, in the year 800, at the feast of Noel, places on the head
+of the son of Pepin the crown of the Emperor of Rome.[16] From that
+time the pope belongs to the empire of the Franks, and his relations
+with the East are ended. He detaches himself from a rotten tree which
+is about to fall, in order to engraft himself on a vigorous wild
+stock. Among the Germanic races, to which he devotes himself, a
+destiny awaits him to which he had never ventured to aspire.
+
+  [16] "Visum est et ipsi Apostolico Leoni, ... Ut ipsum Carolum
+  imperatorem nominare debuisset, qui ipsam Romam tenebat, ubi semper
+  Cæsares sedere soliti erant et reliquas sedes."... (Annalista
+  Lambecianus; ad an. 801.) It seemed to Apostolic Leo that he ought to
+  give Charles the name of Emperor, inasmuch as he was in possession of
+  Rome herself, where the Cæsars were always wont to sit, and of their
+  other possessions.
+
+Charlemagne bequeathed to his feeble successors only the wrecks of his
+empire. In the ninth century civil power being everywhere weakened by
+disunion, Rome perceived that now was the moment for her to lift her
+head. When could the Church better make herself independent of the
+State than at this period of decline, when the crown which Charles
+wore was broken, and its fragments lay scattered on the soil of his
+ancient empire?
+
+At this time the spurious Decretals of Isidore appeared. In this
+collection of pretended decrees of the popes, the most ancient
+bishops, the contemporaries of Tacitus and Quintilian, spoke the
+barbarous Latin of the ninth century. The customs and constitutions
+of the Franks were gravely attributed to the Romans of the time of the
+emperors; popes quoted the Bible in the Latin translation of St.
+Jerome, who lived one, two, or three centuries after them; and Victor,
+Bishop of Rome, in the year 192, wrote to Theophilus, who was
+Archbishop of Alexandria, in 395. The impostor, who had forged this
+collection, strove to make out that all the bishops derived their
+authority from the Bishop of Rome, who derived his immediately from
+Jesus Christ. Not only did he record all the successive conquests of
+the pontiffs, but he, moreover, carried them back to the remotest
+periods. The popes were not ashamed to avail themselves of this
+despicable invention. As early as 865, Nicholas I selected it as his
+armour[17] to combat princes and bishops. This shameless forgery was
+for ages the arsenal of Rome.
+
+  [17] See Ep. ad univer. Episc. Gall. (Mansi xv.)
+
+Nevertheless, the vices and crimes of the pontiffs were for some time
+to suspend the effects of the Decretals. The Papacy celebrates its
+admission to the table of kings, by shameful libations. It proceeds to
+intoxicate itself, and its head turns amidst the debauch. It is about
+this time that tradition places upon the Papal throne a damsel named
+Joan, who had fled to Rome with her lover, and, being taken in labour,
+betrayed her sex in the middle of a solemn procession. But let us not
+unnecessarily aggravate the disgrace of the Court of the Roman
+Pontiffs. Abandoned females did reign in Rome at this period. A
+throne, which pretended to exalt itself above the majesty of kings,
+grovelled in the mire of vice. Theodora and Marozia, at will,
+installed and deposed the pretended Masters of the Church of Christ,
+and placed upon the throne of Peter their paramours, their sons, and
+their grandsons. These scandalous proceedings, which are but too true,
+perhaps, gave rise to the tradition of Popess Joan. Rome becomes a
+vast theatre of disorder, on which the most powerful families in Italy
+contend for ascendancy--the Counts of Tuscany usually proving
+victorious. In 1033, this house dares to place upon the pontifical
+throne, under the name of Benedict the Ninth, a young boy brought up
+in debauchery. This child of twelve, when pope, continues his
+ineffable turpitude.[18] A faction elects Sylvester in his stead, and
+at length Pope Benedict, with a conscience loaded with adultery, and
+a hand dyed with the blood of murders,[19] sells the popedom to an
+ecclesiastic of Rome.
+
+  [18] "Cujus quidem post adeptum sacerdotium, vita quam turpis, quam
+  fœda, quamque execranda extiterit, horresco referre." (Desiderius,
+  Abbot of Cassino, afterwards Victor III. De Miraculis a S. Benedicto,
+  etc., lib. 3, init.) How base, how foul, and how execrable his life
+  was, after he attained the priesthood, I shudder to relate.
+
+  [19] "Theophylactus, cum post multa adulteria et homicidia manibus
+  suis perpetrata," etc. (Bonizo, Bishop of Sutri, afterwards of
+  Plaisance. Liber ad amicum.) Theophylact, (Benedict,) after many
+  adulteries, and many murders perpetrated by his own hand.
+
+The Emperors of Germany, indignant at so many disorders, cleansed Rome
+with the sword. The empire, exercising its rights of superiority, drew
+the triple crown out of the mire into which it had fallen, and saved
+the degraded popedom by giving it decent men for heads. Henry III, in
+1046, deposed three popes, and his finger, adorned with the ring of
+the Roman Patricians, pointed out the bishop to whom the keys of the
+confession of St. Peter were to be remitted. Four popes, all Germans,
+and nominated by the emperor, succeeded each other. When the pontiff
+of Rome died, deputies from that Church appeared at the imperial
+court, like the envoys from other dioceses, to request a new bishop.
+The emperor was even glad to see the pope reforming abuses,
+strengthening the Church, holding councils, inducting and deposing
+prelates, in spite of foreign monarchs; the Papacy, by these
+pretensions, only exalted the power of the emperor, its liege lord.
+But there was great danger in allowing such games to be played. The
+strength which the popes were thus resuming, by degrees, might be
+turned, all at once, against the emperor himself. When the viper
+recovered, it might sting the bosom which warmed it. This was what
+actually happened.
+
+Here a new epoch in the Papacy begins. It starts up from its
+humiliation, and soon has the princes of the earth at its feet. To
+exalt it is to exalt the Church, is to aggrandise religion, is to
+secure to the mind its victory over the flesh, and to God his triumph
+over the world. These are its maxims, and in these ambition finds its
+profit, fanaticism its excuse.
+
+The whole of this new tendency is personified in one man,--Hildebrand.
+
+Hildebrand, by turns unduly extolled or unjustly stigmatised, is the
+personification of the Roman pontificate in its power and glory. He is
+one of those master spirits of history, which contain in them an
+entire order of new things, similar to those presented in other
+spheres by Charlemagne, Luther, and Napoleon.
+
+Leo IX took up this monk in passing through Clugny, and carried him to
+Rome. From that time Hildebrand was the soul of the popedom, until he
+became the popedom itself. He governed the Church in the name of
+several pontiffs before his own reign under that of Gregory VII. One
+great idea took possession of this great genius. He wishes to found a
+visible theocracy of which the pope, as vicar of Jesus Christ, will be
+head. The remembrance of the ancient universal dominion of Pagan Rome
+haunts his imagination, and animates his zeal. He wishes to restore to
+Papal Rome all that the Rome of the Emperors had lost. "What Marius
+and Cæsar," said his flatterers, "could not do by torrents of blood,
+thou performest by a word."
+
+Gregory VII was not led by the Spirit of the Lord. To this Spirit of
+truth, humility, and meekness, he was a stranger. He sacrificed what
+he knew to be true, when he judged it necessary to his designs. In
+particular, he did so in the affair of Berenger. But a spirit far
+superior to that of the common run of pontiffs, a deep conviction of
+the justice of his cause, undoubtedly did animate him. Bold,
+ambitious, and inflexible in his designs, he was, at the same time,
+dexterous and supple in the employment of means to ensure their
+success.
+
+His first labour was to embody the militia of the Church, for he
+behoved to make himself strong before he attacked the empire. A
+Council held at Rome cut off pastors from their families, and obliged
+them to belong entirely to the hierarchy. The law of celibacy,
+conceived and executed under popes who were themselves monks, changed
+the clergy into a kind of monastic order. Gregory VII pretended to
+have over all the bishops and priests of Christendom the same power
+which an abbot of Clugny had over the order over which he presided.
+The legates of Hildebrand, comparing themselves to the proconsuls of
+ancient Rome, traversed the provinces to deprive pastors of their
+lawful wives, and if need were, the pope himself stirred up the
+populace against married ministers.[20]
+
+  [20] "Hi quocumque prodeunt, clamores insultantium, digitos
+  ostendentium, colaphos pulsantium, perferunt. Alii membris mutilati,
+  alii per longos cruciatus superbe necati," etc. (Martene et Durand,
+  Thesaurus Nov. Anecd. i, 23.) These, wherever they appear, are
+  subjected to insulting cries, to pointed fingers, and to blows. Some
+  are mutilated, others by long tortures cruelly slain.
+
+But Gregory's main purpose was to shake Rome free of the empire. This
+bold design he never would have ventured to conceive, had not the
+dissensions which troubled the minority of Henry IV, and the revolt of
+the German princes, favoured its execution. The pope was then like one
+of the grandees of the empire. Making common cause with the other
+great vassals, he forms a party in the aristocratic interest, and then
+forbids all ecclesiastics, under pain of excommunication, to receive
+investiture to their benefices from the Emperor. He breaks the
+ancient ties which unite churches and their pastors to the authority
+of the prince, but it is to yoke all of them to the pontifical throne.
+His aim is by a powerful hand to enchain priests, kings, and people,
+and make the pope a universal monarch. It is Rome alone that every
+priest must fear, in Rome alone that he must hope. The kingdoms and
+princedoms of the earth are his domain, and all kings must tremble
+before the thunder of the Jupiter of modern Rome. Woe to him who
+resists! Subjects are loosed from their oath of allegiance, the whole
+country is smitten with interdict, all worship ceases, the churches
+are shut, and their bells are mute; the sacraments are no longer
+administered, and the word of malediction reaches even to the dead, to
+whom the earth, at the bidding of a haughty pontiff, refuses the peace
+of the tomb.
+
+The pope, who had been subject from the earliest days of his
+existence, first to the Roman Emperors, then to the Frank Emperors,
+and, lastly to the German Emperors, was now emancipated, and walked,
+for the first time, their equal, if not, indeed, their master. Gregory
+VII was, however, humbled in his turn; Rome was taken, and Hildebrand
+obliged to flee. He died at Salerno, saying, "I have loved
+righteousness and hated iniquity, therefore die I in exile."[21] Words
+thus uttered at the portals of the grave who will presume to charge
+with hypocrisy?
+
+  [21] "Dilexi justitiam, et odivi iniquitatem, propterea morior in
+  exilio."
+
+The successors of Gregory, like soldiers who arrive after a great
+victory, threw themselves, as conquerors, on the subjugated churches.
+Spain, rescued from Islamism, Prussia, delivered from idols, fell into
+the hands of the crowned priest. The crusades, which were undertaken
+at his bidding, every where widened and increased his authority. Those
+pious pilgrims, who had thought they saw saints and angels guiding
+their armies, and who, after humbly entering the walls of Jerusalem
+barefoot, burned the Jews in their synagogue, and, with the blood of
+thousands of Saracens, deluged the spots to which they had come,
+seeking the sacred footsteps of the Prince of Peace, carried the name
+of pope into the East, where it had ceased to be known from the time
+when he abandoned the supremacy of the Greeks for that of the Franks.
+
+On the other hand, what the armies of the Roman republic and of the
+empire had not been able to do, the power of the Church accomplished.
+The Germans brought to the feet of a bishop the tribute which their
+ancestors had refused to the most powerful generals. Their princes, on
+becoming emperors, thought they had received a crown from the popes,
+but the popes had given them a yoke. The kingdoms of Christendom,
+previously subjected to the spiritual power of Rome, now became its
+tributaries and serfs.
+
+Thus every thing in the Church is changed.
+
+At first it was a community of brethren, and now an absolute monarchy
+is established in its bosom. All Christians were priests of the living
+God, (1 Peter, ii, 9,) with humble pastors for their guides; but a
+proud head has risen up in the midst of these pastors, a mysterious
+mouth utters language full of haughtiness, a hand of iron constrains
+all men, both small and great, rich and poor, bond and slave, to take
+the stamp of its power. The holy and primitive equality of souls
+before God is lost, and Christendom, at the bidding of a man, is
+divided into two unequal camps--in the one, a caste of priests who
+dare to usurp the name of Church, and pretend to be invested in the
+eyes of the Lord with high privileges--in the other, servile herds
+reduced to blind and passive submission, a people gagged and swaddled,
+and given over to a proud caste. Every tribe, language, and nation of
+Christendom, fall under the domination of this spiritual king, who has
+received power to conquer.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+     Grace--Dead Faith--Works--Unity and
+     Duality--Pelagianism--Salvation at the hands of
+     Priests--Penances--Flagellations--Indulgences--Works of
+     Supererogation--Purgatory--Taxation--Jubilee--The Papacy and
+     Christianity--State of Christendom.
+
+
+But, along with the principle which should rule the history of
+Christianity was one which should rule its doctrine. The grand idea of
+Christianity was the idea of grace, pardon, amnesty, and the gift of
+eternal life. This idea supposed in man an estrangement from God, and
+an impossibility on his part to reenter into communion with a Being of
+infinite holiness. The opposition between true and false doctrine
+cannot, it is true, be entirely summed up in the question of salvation
+by faith, and salvation by works. Still it is its most prominent
+feature, or rather, salvation considered as coming from man is the
+creating principle of all error and all abuse. The excesses produced
+by this fundamental error led to the Reformation, and the profession
+of a contrary principle achieved it. This feature must stand
+prominently out in an introduction to the history of the Reformation.
+Salvation by grace, then, is the second characteristic which
+essentially distinguished the religion of God from all human
+religions. What had become of it? Had the Church kept this great and
+primordial idea as a precious deposit? Let us follow its history.
+
+The inhabitants of Jerusalem, Asia, Greece, and Rome, in the days of
+the first emperors, heard the glad tidings, "By grace are ye saved
+through faith--it is the gift of God." (Ephes., ii, 8.) At this voice
+of peace--at this gospel--at this powerful word--many guilty souls
+believing were brought near to Him who is the source of peace, and
+numerous Christian churches were formed in the midst of the corrupt
+generation then existing.
+
+But a great misapprehension soon arose as to the nature of saving
+faith. Faith, according to St. Paul, is the means by which the whole
+being of the believer--his intellect, his heart, and his will--enter
+into possession of the salvation which the incarnation of the Son of
+God has purchased for him. Jesus Christ is apprehended by faith, and
+thenceforth becomes every thing for man, and in man. He imparts a
+divine life to human nature; and man thus renewed, disengaged from the
+power of selfishness and sin, has new affections, and does new works.
+Faith (says Theology, in order to express these ideas) is the
+subjective appropriation of the objective work of Christ. If faith is
+not an appropriation of salvation, it is nothing; the whole Christian
+economy is disturbed, the sources of new life are sealed up, and
+Christianity is overturned at its base.
+
+Such was the actual result. The practical view being gradually
+forgotten, faith soon became nothing more than what it still is to
+many--an act of the understanding--a simple submission to superior
+authority.
+
+This first error necessarily led to a second. Faith being stripped of
+its practical character, could not possibly be said to save alone.
+Works no longer coming after it, behoved to be placed beside it, and
+the doctrine that man is justified by faith and by works gained a
+footing in the Church. To the Christian unity, which includes under
+the same principle justification and works, grace and law, doctrine
+and duty, succeeded the sad duality, which makes religion and morality
+to be quite distinct,--a fatal error, which separates things that
+cannot live unless united, and which, putting the soul on one side,
+and the body on the other, causes death. The words of the apostle,
+echoing through all ages, are, "Having begun in the Spirit, are ye
+now made perfect by the flesh?" (Gal., iii, 3.)
+
+Another great error arose to disturb the doctrine of grace. This was
+Pelagianism. Pelagius maintained that human nature is not fallen--that
+there is no hereditary corruption--and that man, having received the
+power of doing good, has only to will it in order to perform it.[22]
+If goodness consists in certain external actions, Pelagius is right.
+But if we look to the motives from which those external actions
+proceed, we find in every part of man selfishness, forgetfulness of
+God, pollution, and powerlessness. The Pelagian doctrine, driven back
+from the Church by Augustine, when it advanced with open front, soon
+presented a side view in the shape of semi-Pelagianism, and under the
+mask of Augustinian formulæ. This heresy spread over Christendom with
+astonishing rapidity. The danger of the system appeared, above all, in
+this--by placing goodness, not within, but without, it caused a great
+value to be set on external works, on legal observances, and acts of
+penance. The more of these men did, the holier they were; they won
+heaven by them, and individuals were soon seen (a very astonishing
+circumstance, certainly) who went farther in holiness than was
+required. Pelagianism, at the same time that it corrupted doctrine,
+strengthened the hierarchy; with the same hand with which it lowered
+grace it elevated the Church; for grace is of God, and the Church is
+of man.
+
+  [22] "Velle et esse ad hominem referenda sunt, quia de arbitrii fonte
+  descendunt."--(Pelagius in Aug. de Gratia Dei, cap. 4.) To will and to
+  be are properties of man, because they spring from the fountain of
+  free will.
+
+The deeper our conviction that the whole world is guilty before God,
+the more will we cleave to Jesus Christ as the only source of grace.
+With such a view, how can we place the Church on a level with him,
+since she is nothing but the whole body of persons subject to the same
+natural misery? But, so soon as we attribute to man a holiness of his
+own, all is changed, and ecclesiastics and monks become the most
+natural medium of receiving the grace of God. This was what happened
+after Pelagius. Salvation, taken out of the hands of God, fell into
+the hands of priests, who put themselves in the Lord's place. Souls
+thirsting for pardon behoved no longer to look towards heaven, but
+towards the Church, and, above all, towards its pretended head. To
+blinded minds, the Pontiff of Rome was instead of God. Hence the
+greatness of the popes and indescribable abuses. The evil went farther
+still. Pelagianism, in maintaining that man may attain perfect
+sanctification, pretended, likewise, that the merits of saints and
+martyrs might be applied to the Church. A particular virtue was even
+ascribed to their intercession. They were addressed in prayer, their
+aid was invoked in all the trials of life, and a real idolatry
+supplanted the adoration of the true and living God.
+
+Pelagianism, at the same time, multiplied rites and ceremonies. Man
+imagining that he could, and that he ought, by good works, to render
+himself worthy of grace, saw nothing better fitted to merit it than
+outward worship. The law of ceremonies becoming endlessly complicated,
+was soon held equal at least to the moral law, and thus the conscience
+of Christians was burdened anew with a yoke which had been declared
+intolerable in the times of the apostles. (Acts, xv, 10.)
+
+But what most of all deformed Christianity was the system of penance
+which rose out of Pelagianism. Penance at first consisted in certain
+public signs of repentance, which the Church required of those whom
+she had excluded for scandal, and who were desirous of being again
+received into her bosom.
+
+By degrees, penance was extended to all sins, even the most secret,
+and was considered as a kind of chastisement to which it was necessary
+to submit, in order to acquire the pardon of God through the
+absolution of priests.
+
+Ecclesiastical penance was thus confounded with Christian repentance,
+without which there cannot be either justification or sanctification.
+
+Instead of expecting pardon from Christ only by faith, it was expected
+chiefly from the Church by works of penance.
+
+Great importance was attached to the outward marks of repentance,
+tears, fastings, and macerations, while the internal renewal of the
+heart, which alone constitutes true conversion, was forgotten.
+
+As confession and works of penance are easier than the extirpation of
+sin, and the abandonment of vice, many ceased to struggle against the
+lusts of the flesh, deeming it better to supply their place by means
+of certain macerations.
+
+Works of penance substituted in lieu of the salvation of God kept
+multiplying in the Church from the days of Tertullian in the third
+century. The thing now deemed necessary was to fast, go barefoot, and
+wear no linen, etc., or to quit house and home for distant lands, or,
+better still, to renounce the world and embrace the monastic state!
+
+To all this were added, in the eleventh century, voluntary
+flagellations. These, at a later period, became a real mania in Italy,
+which at that time was violently agitated. Nobles and peasants, young
+and old, even children of five, go two and two by hundreds, thousands,
+and tens of thousands, through villages, towns and cities, with an
+apron tied round their waist, (their only clothing,) and visit the
+churches in procession in the dead of winter. Armed with a whip, they
+flagellate themselves without mercy, and the streets resound with
+cries and groans, such as to force tears from those who hear them.
+
+Still long before the evil had reached this height, men felt the
+oppression of the priests and sighed for deliverance. The priests
+themselves had perceived, that if they did not apply a remedy, their
+usurped power would be lost, and, therefore, they invented the system
+of barter, so well known under the name of Indulgences. What they said
+was this:--"You penitents are not able to fulfil the tasks which are
+enjoined you? Well, then, we, priests of God, and your pastors, will
+take the heavy burden on ourselves. For a fast of seven weeks," says
+Regino, Abbot of Prum, "there will be paid by a rich man twentypence,
+by one less so tenpence, by the poor threepence, and so in like
+proportion for other things."[23] Bold voices were raised against this
+traffic, but in vain.
+
+  [23] Libri Duo de Ecclesiasticis Disciplinis.
+
+The pope soon discovered the advantages which he might draw from these
+indulgences. In the thirteenth century, Alexander Hales, the
+irrefragable doctor, invented a doctrine well fitted to secure this
+vast resource to the Papacy, and a bull of Clement VII declared it an
+article of faith. Jesus Christ, it was said, did far more than was
+necessary to reconcile God to men; for that a single drop of his blood
+would have sufficed; but he shed much blood in order to found a
+treasury for his church, a treasury which even eternity should not be
+able to exhaust. The supererogatory merits of the saints, i. e. the
+value of the works which they did beyond their obligation, served also
+to augment this treasury, the custody and administration of which have
+been intrusted to Christ's vicar upon earth, who applies to each
+sinner for the faults committed after baptism these merits of Jesus
+Christ and the saints according to the measure and quantity which his
+sins render necessary. Who will venture to attack a practice whose
+origin is so holy?
+
+This inconceivable traffic soon extends, and becomes more complex. The
+philosophers of Alexandria speak of a fire in which souls are to be
+made pure. This philosophical opinion, which several ancient doctors
+had adopted, Rome declared to be a doctrine of the Church. The pope,
+by a bull, annexed purgatory to his domain. He decreed that man should
+there expiate what he might not be able to expiate here below, but
+that indulgences could deliver souls from that intermediate state in
+which their sins must otherwise detain them. This dogma is expounded
+by Thomas Aquinas in his famous theological Summa. Nothing was spared
+to fill the mind with terror. The torments which the purifying fire
+inflicts on those who become its victims were painted in dreadful
+colours. Even at the present day, in many Catholic countries, we see
+pictures exhibited in churches, or in the public streets, in which
+poor souls in the midst of burning flames are calling in agony for
+relief. Who could refuse the redemption money which, on falling into
+the treasury of Rome, was to ransom the soul from such sufferings?
+
+In order to give regularity to this traffic, there was shortly after
+drawn up (probably by John XXII,) the famous and scandalous taxation
+of indulgences, of which there have been more than forty editions.
+
+Ears the least delicate would be offended were we to repeat all the
+horrible things contained in it.
+
+Incest will cost, if it is not known, five groschen, if known, six; so
+much will be paid for murder, so much for infanticide, adultery,
+perjury, house-breaking, etc. "Shame upon Rome," exclaims Claudius
+Esperse, a Roman theologian, and we add, Shame upon human nature! for
+we cannot reproach Rome with anything which does not recoil upon man
+himself. Rome is humanity magnified in some of its evil propensities.
+We say this for the sake of truth, and we also say it for the sake of
+justice.
+
+Boniface VIII, the boldest and most ambitious of the popes after
+Gregory VII, outstripped all his predecessors.
+
+In the year 1300 he published a bull, by which he announced to the
+Church, that every hundred years all persons repairing to Rome would
+there obtain a plenary indulgence. Crowds flocked from Italy, Sicily,
+Sardinia, Corsica, France, Spain, Germany, Hungary, and all quarters.
+Old men of sixty and seventy set out, and there was counted at Rome in
+one month to the number of two hundred thousand pilgrims. All these
+strangers bringing rich offerings, the pope and the Romans saw their
+treasury filled.
+
+Roman avarice soon fixed each jubilee at fifty years, next at
+thirty-three, and at last at twenty-five. Then for the greater
+convenience of buyers, and the greater profit of sellers, the jubilee
+and its indulgences were transported from Rome to all parts of
+Christendom. There was no occasion to leave home. What others had
+gone to seek beyond the Alps, each might purchase at his own door.
+
+The evil could not go farther.
+
+Then the Reformer arose.
+
+We formerly saw what became of the principle which should rule the
+history of Christianity, and we have now seen what became of that
+which should rule its doctrine; both were lost.
+
+To establish a mediating caste between man and God, and insist that
+the salvation which God gives shall be purchased by works, penances,
+and money, is the Papacy.
+
+To give to all by Jesus Christ without a human mediator, and without
+that power, which is called the Church, free access to the great gift
+of eternal life, which God bestows on man, is Christianity and the
+Reformation.
+
+The Papacy is an immense wall raised between man and God by the labour
+of ages. Whosoever would pass it must lay his account with paying or
+suffering. And yet will it not be passed?
+
+The Reformation is the power which threw down this wall, restored
+Christ to man, and levelled the path by which he may come to his
+Creator.
+
+The Papacy interposes the Church between God and man. Christianity and
+the Reformation make them meet face to face. The Papacy separates--the
+Gospel unites them.
+
+Having thus traced the history of the decay and extinction of the two
+great principles which distinguish the religion of God from all the
+religions of man, let us attend to some of the results of this vast
+alteration.
+
+First, however, let us pay some tribute of respect to this Church of
+the middle ages which succeeded that of the Apostles and Fathers, and
+preceded that of the Reformers. The Church, although decayed, and
+always more and more enslaved, still was the Church, that is to say,
+still remained the most powerful friend that man possessed. Her hands,
+though tied, could still bless. During those ages, great servants of
+Jesus Christ, men, who in essential doctrines were true Protestants,
+shed a benign light, and in the most humble convent or the most
+obscure parish, were found poor monks and poor priests to solace deep
+griefs. The Catholic Church was not the Papacy. The latter acted the
+part of oppressor, the former that of the oppressed. The Reformation,
+which declared war on the one came to deliver the other. And yet,
+truth to tell, the Papacy itself was sometimes, in the hands of God,
+who brings good out of evil, a necessary counterpoise to the power and
+ambition of princes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+     Religion--Relics--Easter
+     Merriment--Manners--Corruption--Dissorderly Lives of
+     Priests, Bishops, and Popes--A Priest's
+     Family--Education--Ignorance--Ciceronians.
+
+
+Let us now attend to the State of the Church before the Reformation.
+
+The people of Christendom no longer expecting the gratuitous gift of
+eternal life from the true and living God, it was necessary, in order
+to obtain it, to have recourse to all the methods which a
+superstitious, timid, and frightened conscience could invent. Heaven
+is full of saints and mediators who can solicit the favour. Earth is
+full of pious works, sacrifices, observances, and ceremonies, which
+can merit it. Such is the picture of the religion of this period, as
+drawn by one who was long a monk, and afterwards a fellow-worker with
+Luther.
+
+Myconius says, "The sufferings and merits of Christ were as a vain
+tale, or as the Fables of Homer. Not a word was said of the faith by
+which the righteousness of the Saviour, and the inheritance of eternal
+life, are secured. Christ was a severe judge, ready to condemn all who
+did not recur to the intercession of saints, or the indulgences of
+popes. Instead of him there figured as intercessors, first the Virgin
+Mary, like the Diana of Paganism, and after her saints, of whom the
+popes were continually enlarging the catalogue. These mediators gave
+the benefit of their prayers only to those who had deserved well of
+the orders founded by them. For this it was necessary to do not what
+God commands in his word, but a great number of works which monks and
+priests had devised, and which brought in large sums of money. These
+were, Ave-Marias, prayers of St. Ursula, and St. Bridget. It was
+necessary to chant and cry night and day. There were as many places of
+pilgrimage as there were mountains, forests, or valleys. But these
+toils might be bought off with money. Money, therefore, and every
+thing that had any value, chickens, geese, ducks, eggs, wax, straw,
+butter, and cheese, were brought to the convents and to the priests.
+Then chants resounded, and bells were rung, perfumes filled the
+sanctuary, and sacrifices were offered; kitchens were stuffed, glasses
+rattled, and masses winding up threw a cover over all these pious
+works. The bishops did not preach, but they consecrated priests,
+bells, monks, churches, chapels, images, books, cemeteries, all these
+things yielding large returns. Bones, arms, and feet, were presented
+in gold and silver boxes. They were given out to be kissed during
+mass, and this too yielded a large profit."
+
+"All these folks maintained, that the pope being in the place of God,
+(2 Thess., ii, 4,) could not be deceived, and they would not hear of
+any thing to the contrary."[24]
+
+  [24] Myconius' History of the Reformation, and Seckendorf's History of
+  Lutheranism.
+
+In the Church of All Saints at Wittemberg were shown a piece of Noah's
+Ark, a small portion of soot from the furnace of the Three Young Men,
+a bit of the manger in which our Saviour was laid, hair from the beard
+of the great Christopher, and nineteen thousand other relics of
+greater or less value. At Schaffhausen was shown the breath of St.
+Joseph, which Nicodemus had received into his glove. In Wurtemberg, a
+vender of indulgences was seen selling his wares, and having his head
+adorned with a large feather, plucked from the wing of the archangel
+Michael.[25] But there was no occasion to go to a distance in quest of
+these precious treasures. Persons with hired relics travelled the
+country, and hawked them about, as has since been done with the Holy
+Scriptures. The faithful, having them thus brought to their houses,
+were spared the trouble and expence of pilgrimage. Relics were
+exhibited with great ceremony in the churches, while those travelling
+hawkers paid a fixed sum to the owners, and also gave them so much per
+centage on their returns. The kingdom of heaven had thus disappeared,
+and men, to supply its place on the earth, had opened a disgraceful
+traffic.
+
+  [25] Muller's Reliquien, vol. iii, p. 22.
+
+In this way, a profane spirit had invaded religion, and the most
+sacred seasons of the Church, those which, most forcibly and
+powerfully invited the faithful to self-examination and love, were
+dishonoured by buffoonery and mere heathen blasphemies. The "Easter
+Drolleries" held an important place in the acts of the Church. As the
+festival of the resurrection required to be celebrated with joy, every
+thing that could excite the laughter of the hearers was sought out,
+and thrust into sermons. One preacher imitated the note of the cuckoo,
+while another hissed like a goose. One dragged forward to the altar a
+layman in a cassock; a second told the most indecent stories; a third
+related the adventures of the Apostle Peter, among others, how, in a
+tavern, he cheated the host by not paying his score.[26] The inferior
+clergy took advantage of the occasion to turn their superiors into
+ridicule. The churches were thus turned into stages, and the priests
+into mountebanks.
+
+  [26] Œcolampad. De Risu Paschali.
+
+If such was the state of religion, what must that of morals have been?
+It is true, and equity requires we should not forget, that, at this
+time, corruption was not universal. Even when the Reformation took
+place, much piety, righteousness, and religious vigour, were brought
+to light. Of this, the mere sovereignty of God was the cause; but
+still, how can it be denied, that He had previously deposited the
+germs of this new life in the bosom of the Church? In our own day,
+were all the immoralities and abominations which are committed in a
+single country brought together, the mass of corruption would
+undoubtedly fill us with alarm. Still it is true, that, at this
+period, evil presented itself in a form, and with a universality,
+which it has never had since. In particular, the abomination of
+desolation was seen standing in the holy place, to an extent which has
+not been permitted since the period of the Reformation.
+
+With faith morality had decayed. The glad tidings of eternal life is
+the power of God for the regeneration of man. But take away the
+salvation which God gives, and you take away purity of heart and life.
+This was proved by the event.
+
+The doctrine and the sale of indulgences operated on an ignorant
+people as a powerful stimulus to evil. It is no doubt true, that,
+according to the doctrine of the Church, indulgences were of use only
+to those who promised to amend, and actually kept their promise. But
+what was to be expected of a doctrine which had been invented with a
+view to the profit which it might be made to yield? The venders of
+indulgences, the better to dispose of their wares, were naturally
+disposed to present them in the most winning and seductive form. Even
+the learned were not too well informed on the subject, while the only
+thing seen by the multitude was, that indulgences gave them permission
+to sin. The merchants were in no haste to disabuse them of an error so
+greatly in favour of the trade.
+
+In those ages of darkness, what disorders and crimes must have
+prevailed when impunity could be purchased with money! What ground
+could there be for fear when a trifling contribution to build a church
+procured exemption from punishment in the world to come! What hope of
+renovation, when all direct communication between men and their God
+had ceased--when, estranged from him, their spirit and life, they
+moved to and fro among frivolous ceremonies and crude observances in
+an atmosphere of death!
+
+The priests were the first to yield to the corrupting influence. In
+wishing to raise, they had lowered themselves. They had tried to steal
+from God a ray of his glory, that they might place it in their own
+bosom; but, instead of this, had only placed in it some of the leaven
+of corruption, stolen from the Evil one. The annals of the period teem
+with scandalous stories. In many places people were pleased to see
+their priest keeping a mistress, in the hope that it might secure
+their wives from seduction.[27] How humbling the scene which the house
+of such a priest must have presented! The unhappy man maintained the
+woman and the children she might have borne him, out of tithes and
+alms.[28] His conscience upbraided him. He blushed before his people,
+his servants, and his God. The woman fearing, that, in the event of
+the priest's death, she might become destitute, sometimes made
+provision beforehand, and played the thief in her own house. Her
+honour was gone, and her children were a living accusation against
+her. Objects of universal contempt, both parties rushed into
+quarrelling and dissipation. Such was the home of a priest!... In
+these fearful scenes, the people read a lesson of which they were not
+slow to avail themselves.[29]
+
+  [27] Nicol de Clemangis, De Præsulibus Simoniacis.
+
+  [28] Words of Seb. Stor., Pastor of Leichstall in 1524.
+
+  [29] Füsslin Beytræge, ii, 224.
+
+The rural districts became the theatre of numerous excesses. The
+places where priests resided were often the abodes of dissoluteness.
+Corneille Adrian at Bruges,[30] and Abbot Trinkler at Cappel,[31]
+imitated the manners of the East, and had their harems. Priests
+associating with low company, frequented taverns and played at dice,
+crowning their orgies with quarrels and blasphemy.[32] The Council of
+Schaffhausen issued an order forbidding priests to dance in public
+except at marriages, or to carry more than one kind of weapon. They,
+moreover, ordered that such priests as were found in houses of bad
+fame should be stript of their cassocks.[33] In the archbishopric of
+Mayence, they leapt the walls at night, and then shouted and revelled
+in all sorts of debauchery within taverns and inns. Doors and locks
+were not secure from their attacks.[34] In several places, each priest
+was liable to the bishop in a certain tax for the female he kept, and
+for every child she bore him. One day, a German bishop, who was
+attending a great festival, openly declared that in a single year, the
+number of priests who had been brought before him for this purpose
+amounted to eleven thousand. This account is given by Erasmus.[35]
+
+  [30] Metern. Nederl. Hist. viii.
+
+  [31] Hottinger, Hist. Eccles. ix, 305.
+
+  [32] Order of 3rd March, 1517, by Hugo, Bishop of Constance.
+
+  [33] Müller's Reliq. iii, 251.
+
+  [34] Steubing. Gesch. der Nass. Oran Lande.
+
+  [35] "Uno anno ad se delata undecim millia sacerdotum palam
+  concubinariorum." (Erasm. Op. tom. ix, p. 401.) In one year eleven
+  thousand priests were reported to him as living in open concubinage.
+
+Among the higher orders of the priesthood, the corruption was equally
+great. The dignitaries of the Church preferred the turmoil of camps to
+chanting at the altar, and to take lance in hand, and reduce those
+around them to obedience, was one of the first qualities of a bishop.
+Baldwin of Tours, who was constantly warring with his vassals and
+neighbours, razed their castles, built others of his own, and thought
+of nothing but enlarging his territory. It is told of a certain bishop
+of Eichstadt, that when he sat in his court, he had a coat-of-mail
+under his gown, and a large sword in his hand. One of his sayings was,
+that in fair fight he was not afraid of five Bavarians.[36] The
+bishops and the inhabitants of the towns where they resided were
+perpetually at war. The burghers demanded freedom, while the priests
+insisted on absolute obedience. When the latter proved victorious,
+they punished revolt, and satiated their vengeance with numbers of
+victims; but the flame of insurrection burst forth at the very moment
+when they imagined they had suppressed it. And what a spectacle was
+presented by the pontifical throne at the period immediately preceding
+the Reformation! To say the truth, even Rome was not often witness to
+such infamy.
+
+  [36] Schmidt, Gesch. der Deutschen. tom. iv.
+
+Roderigo Borgia, after he had lived with a lady of Rome, continued the
+same illegitimate intercourse with her daughter, Rosa Vanozza, and had
+five children by her. This man, a cardinal and an archbishop, was
+living at Rome with Vanozza, and other females besides, frequenting
+churches and hospitals, when the pontifical chair became vacant by the
+death of Innocent VIII. Borgia secured it by buying each cardinal for
+a regular price. Four mules loaded with gold publicly entered the
+palace of Cardinal Sforza, the most influential among them. Borgia
+became Pope under the name of Alexander VI, and was delighted at
+having thus reached the pinnacle of pleasure.
+
+On his coronation-day, he appointed his son Cæsar, a youth of
+ferocious temper and dissolute habits, Archbishop of Valentia and
+Bishop of Pampeluna. Then, when his daughter Lucretia was married, he
+celebrated the occasion in the Vatican with fêtes which were attended
+by his mistress, Julia Bella, and enlivened by comedies and obscene
+songs. "All the ecclesiastics," says a historian,[37] "had mistresses,
+and all the convents of the capital were houses of bad fame." Cæsar
+Borgia espoused the faction of the Guelphs, and when, by their
+assistance, he had destroyed the Ghibelins, he turned round upon the
+Guelphs, and, in like manner, destroyed them. But he was unwilling
+that any should share the spoil with him, and, therefore, after
+Alexander had, in 1497, made his eldest son Duke of Benevento, the
+Duke disappeared. George Schiavoni, a dealer in wood on the banks of
+the Tiber, one night saw a dead body thrown into the river, but said
+nothing; such occurrences were common. The dead body proved to be that
+of the Duke, who had been murdered by his brother Cæsar.[38] Nor was
+this enough. Having taken offence at his brother-in-law, he made him
+be stabbed on the stair of the pontifical palace. The wounded man,
+covered with blood, was carried to his apartment, where he was
+constantly watched by his wife and sister, who, dreading Cæsar's
+poison, prepared his food with their own hands. Alexander placed
+sentinels at his door, but Cæsar laughed at their precautions, and as
+the pope was going to see his son-in-law, Cæsar said to him, "What is
+not done at dinner will be done at supper." In short, he one day
+forced his way into the room, drove out the wife and sister, and
+calling in his executioner, Michilotto, the only person to whom he
+showed any confidence, looked on while his brother-in-law was
+strangled.[39] Alexander had a favourite, named Peroto. The pope's
+partiality for him offended the young Duke. He pursued him, and
+Peroto, taking refuge under the pontifical mantle, clasped the pope in
+his arms. Cæsar stabbed him, and the blood of his victim sprung into
+the pontiffs face.[40] "The pope," adds a contemporary witness to
+these scenes, "loves his son the Duke, and is much afraid of him."
+Cæsar was the handsomest and most powerful man of his age. He fought
+with six wild bulls, and despatched them with ease. Every morning at
+Rome persons were found who had been assassinated during the night,
+while poison carried off those whom the sword could not reach. Men
+dared not to move or breathe in Rome, every one trembling till his own
+turn should arrive. Cæsar Borgia was the hero of crime. The spot of
+earth where iniquity attained this dreadful height was the pontifical
+throne. When once man has given himself over to the powers of
+darkness, the higher the station he pretends to occupy in the sight of
+God, the deeper he sinks into the abysses of hell. The dissolute fêtes
+which were given in the pontifical palace by the pope, his son Cæsar,
+and his daughter Lucretia, cannot be described, or even thought of,
+without horror. The impure groves of antiquity, perhaps, never saw the
+like. Historians have accused Alexander and Lucretia of incest, but
+the proof seems defective. The pope had prepared poison for a rich
+cardinal, in a small box of comfits which were to be served after a
+sumptuous repast. The cardinal being put on his guard, bribed the
+steward, and the poisoned box was placed before Alexander, who ate of
+it and died.[41] The whole city ran to see the dead viper, and could
+not get enough of the sight.[42]
+
+  [37] Infessura.
+
+  [38] "Amazzò il fratello Ducha di Gandia et lo fa butar nel Tevere."
+  He assassinated his brother, the Duke of Gandia, and made him be
+  thrown into the Tiber. (MS. of Capello, ambassador at Rome in 1500,
+  extracted by Ranke.)
+
+  [39] Intro in camera ... fe ussir la moglie e sorella ... estrangolò
+  dito zovene.--(Ibid.)
+
+  [40] Adeo il sangue il saltò in la faza del papa.--(Ibid.)
+
+  [41] E messe la scutola venenata avante il papa.--(Sanato.)
+
+  [42] Gordon, Tomasi Infessura, Guicciardini, etc.
+
+Such was the man who occupied the pontifical see at the beginning of
+the century in which the Reformation commenced.
+
+The clergy having thus brought religion and themselves into disrepute,
+a powerful voice might well exclaim, "The ecclesiastical state is
+opposed to God and to his glory. The people well know this, and but
+too well do they show it, by the many songs, proverbs, and jests,
+against priests, which are current among the lower classes, and by all
+those caricatures of monks and priests which we see on all the walls,
+and even on playing cards. Every man feels disgust when he sees or
+when he hears of an ecclesiastic." These are Luther's words.[43]
+
+  [43] Da man an alle Wände, auf allerley zedel, zuletzt auf den
+  Kartenspielen, Pfaffen, und Munche malete.--(L. Ep. ii, 674.)
+
+The evil had spread through all ranks. A spirit of error had been sent
+to men, corruption of manners kept pace with corruption of faith, and
+a mystery of iniquity lay like an incubus on the enslaved Church of
+Jesus Christ.
+
+There was another consequence which necessarily resulted from the
+oblivion into which the fundamental doctrine of the gospel had fallen.
+Ignorance was the companion of corruption. The priests having taken
+into their own hands the distribution of a salvation which belongs
+only to God, deemed this a sufficient title to the respect of the
+people. What occasion had they to study sacred literature? Their
+business was not to expound the Scriptures, but to give diplomas of
+indulgence--a ministry which called not for the laborious acquisition
+of extensive knowledge.
+
+In the rural districts, says Wimpheling, the persons selected for
+preachers were miserable creatures, who had been previously raised
+from beggary, cast-off cooks, musicians, huntsmen, grooms, and still
+worse.[44]
+
+  [44] Apologia pro Rep. Christ.
+
+The higher clergy were often sunk in deep ignorance. A Bishop of
+Dunfeld congratulated himself that he had never learned either Greek
+or Hebrew, while the monks contended that all heresies sprung out of
+these languages, and especially out of the Greek. "The New Testament,"
+said one of them, "is a book full of briers and serpents. "The
+Greek," continued he, "is a new language recently invented, and of it
+we ought specially to beware. As to Hebrew, my dear brethren, it is
+certain that all who learn it, that very instant become Jews." We
+quote from Heresbach, a friend of Erasmus, and a respectable writer.
+Thomas Linacer, a learned and celebrated ecclesiastic, had never read
+the New Testament. In the last days of his life, (in 1524,) he caused
+a copy of it to be brought, but immediately dashed it from him with an
+oath, because, on opening it, he had lighted on these words, "I say
+unto you, Swear not at all." Now he was a great swearer. "Either this
+is not the gospel," said he, "or we are not Christians."[45] Even the
+Theological Faculty of Paris did not hesitate at this time to say, in
+presence of the Parliament, "It is all over with religion if the study
+of Greek and Hebrew is allowed." If, among ecclesiastics, there were a
+scattered few who had made some attainments, it was not in sacred
+literature. The Ciceronians of Italy affected great contempt for the
+Bible because of its style. Men calling themselves priests of the
+Church of Jesus Christ, translated the writings of holy men inspired
+by the Spirit of God into the style of Virgil and Horace, in order to
+adapt them to the ears of good society. Cardinal Bembo, instead of
+_the Holy Spirit_, wrote _the breath of the heavenly zephyr_; instead
+of to _forgive sins_,--to _bend the manes and the Sovereign God_; and
+instead of _Christ the Son of God_,--_Minerva sprung from the forehead
+of Jupiter_. Having one day found the respectable Sadolet engaged in
+translating the Epistle to the Romans, he said to him, "Leave off this
+child's play; such trifling ill becomes a man of gravity."[46]
+
+  [45] Müller's Reliq. tom. iii, p. 253.
+
+  [46] Felleri, Mon. ined., p. 400.
+
+Such are some of the consequences of the system under which
+Christendom then groaned. Our picture, undoubtedly, proves both the
+corruption of the Church and the necessity of a Reformation; and it
+was this we proposed in sketching it. The vital doctrines of
+Christianity had almost entirely disappeared, and with them the light
+and life which constitute the essence of genuine religion. The
+strength of the Church had been wasted, and its body, enfeebled and
+exhausted, lay stretched almost without life, over the whole extent
+which the Roman empire had occupied.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+     Imperishable nature of Christianity--Two Laws of
+     God--Apparent Power of Rome--Hidden
+     Opposition--Decay--Threefold Opposition--Kings and
+     Subjects--The Pope judged in Italy--Discoveries by Kings and
+     Subjects--Frederick the Wise--His Moderation--His
+     Anticipation.
+
+
+The evils which then afflicted Christendom, viz., superstition,
+infidelity, ignorance, vain speculation, and corruption of
+manners--all natural fruits of the human heart--were not new upon the
+earth. Often had they figured in the history of states. In the East,
+especially, various religions which had had their day of glory, but
+had become enervated, had been attacked by them, and, yielding to the
+assault, had fallen under it, never again to rise. Is Christianity to
+experience the same fate? Will she be destroyed like these ancient
+popular religions? Will the blow which gave them death be strong
+enough to deprive her of life? Is there nothing that can save her?
+Will those hostile powers that now oppress her, and which have already
+overthrown so many other forms of worship, be able to seat themselves
+without opposition on the ruins of the Church of Jesus Christ?
+
+No! There is in Christianity what there was not in any of those
+popular religions. It does not, like them, present certain abstract
+ideas, interwoven with traditions and fables, destined to fall, sooner
+or later, under the attacks of human reason. It contains pure truth,
+founded on facts capable of standing the scrutiny of every upright and
+enlightened mind. Christianity does not aim merely at exciting certain
+vague religious sentiments, which, when they have once lost their
+charm, cannot be again revived. Its end is to satisfy, and it, in
+fact, does satisfy, all the religious wants of human nature, whatever
+the degree of refinement to which it may have attained. It is not the
+work of man, whose labours fade and are effaced; it is the work of
+God, who sustains what he creates; and the pledge of its duration is
+the promise of its divine Head.
+
+It is impossible that human nature can ever rise so high as to look
+down on Christianity, or if, for a time, human nature do think herself
+able to dispense with it, it soon appears with renewed youth and life,
+as alone fit for curing souls. Degenerate nations then return with new
+ardour to those ancient, simple, and powerful truths, which, in the
+hour of their infatuation, they had turned from with disdain.
+
+Christianity, in fact, displayed in the sixteenth century the same
+regenerating power which it had exerted in the first. After fifteen
+centuries the same truths produced the same results. In the days of
+the Reformation, as in those of Paul and Peter, the Gospel, with
+invincible force, overthrew the mightiest obstacles. Its sovereign
+power was manifested from north to south among nations differing most
+widely from each other in manners, character, and intellectual
+development. Then, as in the days of Stephen and James, it lighted up
+the fire of enthusiasm and devotedness in nations which seemed almost
+extinguished, and exalted them even to the height of martyrdom.
+
+How was this revival of the Church and of the world accomplished?
+
+The observer might then have seen the operation of two laws by which
+God governs the world at all times.
+
+First, as He has ages to act in, he begins his preparations leisurely,
+and long before the event which He designs to accomplish.
+
+Then, when the time is come, he produces the greatest results by the
+smallest means. It is thus he acts in nature and in history. When he
+wishes an immense tree to grow, he deposits a little grain in the
+earth; and, when he wishes to renew his Church, he employs the
+humblest instrument to accomplish what emperors and all the learned
+and eminent in the Church were unable to perform. By and by we will
+search for and we will discover this little seed which a Divine hand
+deposited in the earth in the days of the Reformation; but at present,
+let us endeavour to ascertain the various means by which God prepared
+this great event.
+
+At the period when the Reformation was ready to burst forth, Rome
+appeared to be in peace and safety. One would even have said that
+nothing could disturb her triumph after the great victories which she
+had gained. General Councils--those Upper and Lower Houses of
+Catholicity--had been subdued. The Vaudois and the Hussites had been
+suppressed. No University, with the exception, perhaps, of that of
+Paris, which sometimes raised its voice when its kings gave the
+signal, doubted the infallibility of the oracles of Rome. Each seemed
+to have accepted his alloted share in her power. The higher clergy
+deemed it better to give a distant chief the tenth part of their
+revenues, and quietly consume the other nine, than to hazard all for
+an independence which would cost much and yield little. The lower
+clergy, decoyed by the perspective of rich benefices, which ambition
+made them fancy and discover in the distance, were willing, by a
+little slavery, to realise the flattering hopes which they
+entertained. Besides, they were almost everywhere so oppressed by the
+chiefs of the hierarchy, that they could scarcely struggle under their
+powerful grasp, far less rise boldly and hold up their heads. The
+people knelt before the Roman altar, and kings themselves, though they
+began in secret to despise the Bishop of Rome, durst not venture to
+attack his power with a hand which the age would have deemed
+sacrilegious.
+
+But opposition, if it seemed externally to have slackened, or even
+ceased, when the Reformation burst forth, had more inward strength. A
+nearer view of the edifice will disclose to us more than one symptom
+which presaged its downfall. General Councils, though vanquished, had
+diffused their principles throughout the Church, and carried division
+into the enemy's camp. The defenders of the hierarchy were divided
+into two parties, viz., those who maintained the system of absolute
+Papal domination, on the principles of Hildebrand, and those who were
+desirous of a constitutional Papal government, offering guarantees and
+giving liberty to the churches.
+
+Nor was this the whole. Faith in the infallibility of the Roman bishop
+was greatly shaken among all parties; and, if no voice was raised in
+opposition to it, it was because every one rather desired anxiously to
+retain the little faith in it which he still had. The least shock was
+dreaded, because it might overturn the edifice. Christendom held in
+its breath; but it was to prevent a disaster by which its own
+existence might have been endangered. From the moment when man
+trembles at the thought of abandoning a long venerated belief, it has
+lost its influence over him, and even the appearance of respect which
+he may be desirous to keep up will not be long maintained. The
+Reformation had been gradually prepared in three different worlds--the
+political, the ecclesiastical, and the literary. Political bodies,
+private Christians, and theologians, the literary and the learned, all
+contributed to the revolution of the sixteenth century. Let us take a
+survey of this triple opposition, concluding with the literary class,
+though, at the period immediately preceding the revolution, it was
+perhaps the most powerful of all.
+
+First, among political bodies, Rome had lost much of its ancient
+credit. Of this the Church herself was the primary cause; for,
+properly speaking, it was not the errors and superstitions which she
+had introduced into Christianity that gave the fatal blow. Before
+Christendom could have been able to condemn her on this account, it
+must have stood higher than the Church, in respect of intellectual and
+religious development. But there was a class of things which the
+laity well understood, and it was by these they judged the Church. She
+had become of the "earth, earthy." The sacerdotal empire, which
+tyrannised over the nations, existed solely by the illusions of its
+subjects; and having a halo for its crown, had forgotten its nature,
+and left heaven, with his spheres of light and glory, to plunge into
+the vulgar interests of burghers and princes. Though representing
+those who are born of the Spirit, the priests had exchanged the Spirit
+for the flesh. They had abandoned the treasures of knowledge, and the
+spiritual power of the Word, for the brute force and tinkling of the
+age.
+
+The thing happened naturally enough. At first the Church pretended
+that her object was to defend spiritual order. But in order to protect
+it from the opposition and assaults of the people, she had resorted to
+earthly means, to vulgar weapons, which a false prudence had induced
+her to take up. When the Church had once begun to handle such weapons,
+her spirituality was at an end. Her arm could not become temporal
+without rendering her heart temporal also. The appearance presented
+soon became the reverse of what it had been at the outset. At first
+she had thought proper to employ the earth in defending heaven; now
+she employed heaven to defend the earth. Theocratic forms became in
+her hands merely a mean of accomplishing worldly interests. The
+offerings which the people laid at the feet of the sovereign pontiff
+of Christendom were expended in maintaining the luxury of his court
+and the soldiers of his armies. His spiritual power served him as a
+ladder on which to climb, and then put the kings and nations of the
+earth under his feet. The charm broke, and the power of the Church was
+lost as soon as the men of the world could say, "She is become as one
+of us."
+
+The great were the first to examine the titles of this imaginary
+power.[47] This examination might, perhaps, have been sufficient to
+overthrow Rome; but, happily for her, the education of princes was
+everywhere in the hands of her adepts. These inspired their august
+pupils with sentiments of veneration for the Roman pontiff. The rulers
+of the people grew up within the sanctuary, and princes of ordinary
+capacity could never entirely quit it. Several even had no other
+ambition than to be found in it at the hour of death. They preferred
+to die under a cassock rather than a crown.
+
+  [47] Adrien Baillet. Hist. des Demêlés de Boniface VIII avec Philippe
+  le Bel.--(Paris, 1708.)
+
+Italy, that apple of discord in Europe, perhaps contributed most to
+open the eyes of kings. Having occasion to communicate with popes on
+matters which concerned the temporal prince of the States of the
+Church, and not the Bishop of bishops, they were greatly astonished
+when they saw them ready to sacrifice rights which appertained to the
+pontiff, in order to secure certain advantages to the prince. They
+discovered that these pretended organs of truth had recourse to all
+the petty wiles of politics, to deceit, dissimulation, and
+perjury.[48] Then, at length, the bandage, which education had tied
+upon the eyes of princes, fell off. Then wily Ferdinand of Arragon
+tried stratagem against stratagem. Then the impetuous Louis XII caused
+a medal to be struck with this inscription, "Perdam Babylonis
+nomen."[49] And honest Maximilian of Austria, grieved to the heart on
+learning the treachery of Leo X, declared openly, "Henceforth this
+pope, too, is to me nothing better than a villain; now I can say that
+throughout my life not one pope has kept faith with me, or been true
+to his word. If it please God, I hope that this one will be the
+last."[50]
+
+  [48] Guicciardini. History of Italy.
+
+  [49] I will destroy the name of Babylon.
+
+  [50] Scultet. Annal. ad. an. 1520.
+
+Kings and states began, moreover, to feel impatient under the heavy
+burden which the popes imposed on them, and to demand that Rome should
+free them from contributions and annats which wasted their resources.
+Already had France opposed Rome with the pragmatic sanction, and the
+heads of the empire claimed to share in it. In 1511 the emperor took
+part in the Council of Pisa, and had even at one time an idea of
+seizing the popedom for himself. But, among the rulers of the people
+none were so useful to the Reformation as the prince in whose states
+it was to commence.
+
+Of all the Electors of that period, the most powerful was Frederick of
+Saxony, surnamed the Wise. Having succeeded, in 1487, to the
+hereditary states of his family, he had received the electoral dignity
+from the emperor, and in 1493 undertook a pilgrimage to Jerusalem,
+where he was dubbed "Knight of the Holy Sepulchre." His power and
+influence, his riches and liberality, raised him above all his equals.
+God chose him to be the tree under whose shelter the seed of truth
+might be able to push forth its first blade, without being uprooted by
+storms from without.[51]
+
+  [51] "Qui prœ multis pollebat princibus aliis auctoritate, opibus,
+  potentia, liberalitate, et magnificentia.--(Cochlœns. Acta 1. p. 3.)
+  He surpassed many other princes in authority, wealth, power,
+  liberality, and magnificence.
+
+No man was better fitted for this noble service. Frederick possessed
+the general esteem, and, in particular, had the entire confidence of
+the emperor, whom he even represented in his absence. His wisdom
+consisted not in the dexterous arts of a wily politician, but in an
+enlightened and foreseeing prudence, the first maxim of which was
+never to offer violence, from interested motives, to the laws of
+honour and religion.
+
+At the same time, he felt in his heart the power of the word of God.
+One day when Staupitz, the Vicar-General, was with him, the
+conversation turned upon those who entertained the people with vain
+declamation. "All discourses," said the Elector, "which are filled
+only with subtleties and human traditions, are wondrously cold,
+nerveless, and feeble. It is impossible to advance one subtlety which
+another subtlety cannot destroy. The Holy Scriptures alone are clothed
+with such power and majesty, that, destroying all our learned logical
+contrivances, they press us home, and constrain us to exclaim, 'Never
+man so spake.'" Staupitz having signified that he was entirely of this
+opinion, the Elector shook him cordially by the hand, and said,
+"Promise me that you will always think so."*
+
+Frederick was just the prince required at the outset of the
+Reformation. Too much feebleness on the part of its friends might have
+allowed it to be strangled, while too much haste might have caused the
+storm, which at the very first began with hollow murmuring sound to
+gather against it, to burst too soon. Frederick was moderate but
+strong. He had that Christian virtue which God always requires in
+those who would adore his ways--he waited upon God. He put in practice
+the wise counsel of Gamaliel, "If this counsel or this work be of men,
+it will come to nought; but if it be of God ye cannot overthrow it."
+Acts, v, 38, 39. "Matters," said this prince to Spengler of Nuremberg,
+one of the most enlightened men of his time; "matters are come to such
+a point, that there is nothing more which men can do in them; God
+alone must act. To His mighty hand, therefore, we commit these great
+events, which are too difficult for us." Providence made an admirable
+choice in selecting such a prince to protect his work in its infancy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+     The People--The Empire--Providential Preparations--Impulse
+     of the Reformation--Peace--Middle Classes--National
+     Character--Yoke of the Pope--State of the Empire--Opposition
+     to Rome--The Burghers--Switzerland--Valour--Liberty--Small
+     Cantons--Italy--Obstacles to
+     Reform--Spain--Obstacles--Portugal--France--Preparations--Hopes
+     Deceived--Netherlands--England--Scotland--The
+     North--Russia--Poland--Bohemia--Hungary.
+
+
+The discoveries made by kings had gradually extended to their
+subjects. The wise began to habituate themselves to the idea that the
+Bishop of Rome was only a man, and sometimes even a very bad man. They
+had a suspicion that he was no holier than the bishops, whose
+reputation was very equivocal. The licentiousness of the popes roused
+the indignation of Christendom, and hatred of the Roman name rankled
+in the heart of the nations.[52]
+
+  [52] "Odium Romani nominis, penitus infixum esse multarum gentium
+  animis opinor, ob ea, quæ vulgo de moribus ejus urbis jactantur."
+  (Erasm. Ep., lib. xii, p. 634.) The hatred of the Roman name, which
+  rankles in the minds of many nations, is owing, I suspect, to the
+  prevailing rumours respecting the morals of μετανοιαthat city.
+
+Numerous causes concurred in facilitating the deliverance of the
+different countries of the West. Let us glance at these countries.
+
+The empire was a confederation of different states, with an emperor at
+their head, each state having supreme authority within its own
+territory. The Imperial Diet, composed of all the princes or sovereign
+states, legislated for the whole Germanic body. It belonged to the
+emperor to ratify the laws, decrees, or resolutions of the assembly,
+and to see them applied and carried into execution, while the seven
+most powerful princes under the title of Electors, had the disposal of
+the imperial crown.
+
+The north of Germany, inhabited chiefly by the ancient Saxon race, had
+acquired the greatest degree of freedom. The emperor, incessantly
+attacked by the Turks in his hereditary possessions, was obliged to
+court those princes and bold nations whose aid was then necessary to
+him. Free towns in the north, west, and south of the empire, had, by
+their trade, their manufactures, and exertions of every description,
+risen to a high degree of prosperity, and thereby of independence, but
+the powerful house of Austria, then invested with the imperial crown,
+held the greater part of the southern states of Germany under its
+control, and closely watched their movements. It was preparing to
+extend its dominion over the whole empire, and even beyond it, when
+the Reformation interposed a mighty barrier to its encroachments, and
+saved the independence of Europe.
+
+As Judea, when Christianity arose, was in the centre of the ancient
+world, so Germany was in the centre of Christendom, looking at once
+toward the Netherlands, England, France, Switzerland, Italy, Hungary,
+Bohemia, Poland, Denmark, and all the North. It was in the heart of
+Europe that the principle of life was to be developed, and the
+beatings of this heart were to circulate through all the arteries of
+the body the noble blood which was to give animation to all its
+members.
+
+The particular constitution which the empire had received conformably
+to the dispensation of Providence, favoured the propagation of new
+ideas. Had Germany been a monarchy properly so called, like France or
+England, the arbitrary will of the monarch might have been able long
+to arrest the progress of the gospel. But it was a confederation.
+Truth attacked in one state might be received with favour in another.
+
+The internal peace which Maximilian had just secured for the empire
+was not less favourable to the Reformation. For a long time the
+numerous members of the Germanic body had taken pleasure in tearing
+each other. Nought had been seen but trouble and discord, war
+incessantly renewed, neighbour against neighbour, town against town,
+and noble against noble. Maximilian had given a solid basis to public
+order, by erecting the Imperial Chamber, with power to decide in all
+questions between different states. The inhabitants of Germany, after
+all their troubles and disquietudes, saw the commencement of a new era
+of security and repose. Nevertheless, when Luther appeared, Germany
+still presented to the observing eye that kind of motion which
+agitates the sea after long protracted storms. The calm was uncertain.
+More than one example of this will be seen as we proceed. By giving an
+entirely new impulse to the Germanic nations, the Reformation put an
+end for ever to all the former causes of agitation. Destroying the
+system of barbarism, which had till then been paramount, it put Europe
+in possession of a new system.
+
+Christianity had, at the same time, exercised a peculiar influence on
+Germany. The middle classes had made rapid improvement. Throughout the
+different quarters of the empire, and more especially in the free
+towns, were numerous institutions well fitted to improve the great
+mass of the population. In these arts flourished. The burghers,
+devoting themselves in security to the calm toils and sweet relations
+of social life, became more and more accessible to knowledge, and in
+this way were continually acquiring new influence and authority. The
+foundation of the Reformation in Germany was not to be laid by
+magistrates, who must often shape their conduct according to political
+exigencies, nor by nobles fired with the love of military glory, nor
+by a greedy and ambitious clergy, working religion for profit, as if
+it were their exclusive property. The task was reserved for the
+citizens, the commonalty, the great body of the people.
+
+The national character of the Germans was specially fitted to adapt
+itself to a religious Reformation. No spurious civilisation had
+enervated it. The precious seed, which the fear of God deposits in the
+bosom of a people, had not been thrown to the winds. Ancient manners
+yet existed, displaying themselves in that integrity and fidelity,
+that love of labour, that perseverance, that serious temper, which is
+still to be seen, and gives presage of greater success to the gospel,
+than the jeering levity, or boorish temper of some other European
+nations.
+
+The people of Germany were indebted to Rome for the great instrument
+of modern civilisation, viz., faith, polish, learning, laws, all save
+their courage and their arms, had come from the sacerdotal city, and,
+in consequence, Germany had ever after been in close alliance with the
+Papacy. The one was a kind of spiritual conquest by the other, and we
+all know to what purposes Rome has invariably applied her conquests.
+Nations which were in possession of faith and civilisation before a
+Roman pontiff existed, always maintained in regard to him, a greater
+measure of independence. Still the more thorough the subjugation of
+the German, the more powerful will the reaction be when the period of
+awakening shall arrive. When Germany does open her eyes, she will
+indignantly break loose from the chains which have so long held her
+captive. The bondage she has had to endure will make her more sensible
+of her need of deliverance; and freedom, and bold champions of the
+truth, will come forth from this house of hard labour and bondage, in
+which all her people have, for ages, been confined.
+
+There was, at that time, in Germany, what the politicians of our days
+call a "see-saw system." When the emperor was of a resolute character,
+his power increased; when, on the contrary, he was of a feeble
+character, the influence and power of the princes and electors were
+enlarged. Never had these felt themselves stronger in regard to their
+chief than in the time of Maximilian, at the period of the
+Reformation; and as he took part against it, it is easy to understand
+how favourable the circumstance of his comparative weakness must have
+been to the propagation of the gospel.
+
+Moreover, Germany was tired of what the Romans derisively styled "the
+patience of the Germans." They had indeed, shown much patience from
+the days of Louis of Bavaria, when the emperors laid down their arms,
+and the tiara was placed, without opposition, above the crown of the
+Cæsars.
+
+The contest, however, had done little more than change its place, by
+descending several steps. The same struggles which the emperors and
+popes had exhibited to the world were soon renewed on a smaller scale,
+in all the towns of Germany, between the bishops and the magistrates.
+The burghers took up the sword which the emperors had allowed to drop
+from their hands. As early as 1329 the burghers of Frankfort on the
+Oder had intrepidly withstood all their ecclesiastical superiors.
+Excommunicated for having continued faithful to the Margrave Louis,
+they had been left for twenty-eight years without mass, baptism,
+marriage, or Christian burial; and, when the monks and priests made
+their re-entry, they laughed at it as a comedy or farce,--sad
+symptoms, doubtless, but symptoms of which the clergy were the cause.
+At the period of the Reformation this opposition between the
+magistrates and ecclesiastics had increased. The privileges of the
+former, and the temporal pretensions of the latter, were constantly
+causing jostling and collision between the two bodies.
+
+But burgomasters, councillors, and secretaries of towns, were not the
+only persons among whom Rome and the clergy found opponents. Wrath was
+at the same time fermenting among the people, and broke out as early
+as 1502, when the peasantry, indignant at the grinding yoke of their
+ecclesiastical sovereigns, entered into a combination which goes under
+the name of the Shoe-Alliance.
+
+Thus everywhere, both in the upper and lower regions of society, a
+grumbling sound was heard,--a precursor of the thunder which was soon
+to burst. Germany seemed ripe for the work which the sixteenth century
+had received as its task. Providence, which moves leisurely, had every
+thing prepared, and the very passions which God condemns were to be
+overruled by his mighty hand for the accomplishment of his designs.
+
+Let us see how other nations were situated.
+
+Thirteen small republics, placed with their confederates in the centre
+of Europe among mountains, forming, as it were, its citadel, contained
+a brave and simple people. Who would have gone to those obscure
+valleys in quest of persons who, with the sons of Germany, might be
+the deliverers of the Church? Who would have thought that petty
+unknown towns, just emerging from barbarism, hid behind inaccessible
+mountains, at the extremity of nameless lakes, would, in point of
+Christianity, take precedence of Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, Corinth,
+and Rome? Nevertheless, it so pleased Him who wills that one spot of
+earth be watered with dew, and that another spot on which the rain has
+not descended shall remain parched, (Amos.)
+
+There were other circumstances besides which might have been expected
+to throw numerous obstacles in the way of the Reformation among the
+Helvetic Republics. If, in a monarchy, the impediments of power were
+to be dreaded, the thing to be feared in a democracy was the
+precipitation of the people.
+
+But Switzerland had also had its preparations. It was a wild but noble
+tree, which had been preserved in the bosom of the valleys, in order
+that a valuable fruit might one day be engrafted on it. Providence had
+diffused among this new people principles of independence and freedom,
+destined to display their full power whenever the signal for contest
+with Rome should be given. The pope had given the Swiss the title of
+Protectors of the Liberty of the Church; but they seem to have taken
+the honourable appellation in a very different sense from the pontiff.
+If their soldiers guarded the pope in the vicinity of the ancient
+Capitol, their citizens, in the bosom of the Alps, carefully guarded
+their religious liberties against the assaults of the pope and the
+clergy. Ecclesiastics were forbidden to apply to a foreign
+jurisdiction. The "Letter of the Priests" (Pfaffenbrief, 1370) was an
+energetic protestation of Swiss liberty against the abuses and power
+of the clergy. Amongst these states, Zurich was distinguished for its
+courageous opposition to the pretensions of Rome. Geneva, at the other
+extremity of Switzerland, was at war with its bishop. These two towns
+particularly signalised themselves in the great struggle which we have
+undertaken to describe.
+
+But if the Swiss towns, accessible to every kind of improvement, were
+among the first to fall in with the movement of reform, it was
+otherwise with the inhabitants of the mountains. The light had not yet
+travelled so far. These cantons, the founders of Swiss freedom, proud
+of the part which they had performed in the great struggle for
+independence, were not readily disposed to imitate their younger
+brethren of the plains. Why change the faith with which they had
+chased Austria, and which had by its altars consecrated all the scenes
+of their triumph? Their priests were the only enlightened guides to
+whom they could have recourse. Their worship and their festivals gave
+a turn to the monotony of their tranquil life, and pleasantly broke
+the silence of their peaceful retreats. They remained impervious to
+religious innovation.
+
+On crossing the Alps, we find ourselves in that Italy which was in the
+eyes of the majority the Holy Land of Christendom. Whence should
+Europe have expected the good of the Church if not from Italy, if not
+from Rome? Might not the power which by turns raised so many different
+characters to the pontifical chair, one day place in it a pontiff who
+would become an instrument of blessing to the heritage of the Lord? Or
+if pontiffs were to be despaired of, were there not bishops and
+councils, who might reform the Church? Nothing good comes out of
+Nazareth; but out of Jerusalem, out of Rome!... Such might be the
+thoughts of men, but God thought otherwise. He said, "Let him who is
+filthy, be filthy still," (Rev., xxii,) and abandoned Italy to her
+iniquities. This land of ancient glory was alternately a prey to
+intestine wars and foreign invasion. The wiles of politics, the
+violence of faction, the turmoil of war, seemed to have sole sway, and
+to banish far away both the gospel and its peace.
+
+Besides, Italy, broken, dismembered, and without unity, seemed little
+fitted to receive a common impulse. Each frontier was a new barrier
+where truth was arrested.
+
+And if the truth was to come from the North, how could the Italians,
+with a taste so refined, and a society in their eyes so exquisite,
+condescend to receive any thing at the hands of barbarous Germans?
+Were men who admired the cadence of a sonnet more than the majesty and
+simplicity of the Scriptures, a propitious soil for the seed of the
+divine word? But be this as it may, in regard to Italy, Rome was still
+to continue Rome. Not only did the temporal power of the popes dispose
+the different Italian factions to purchase their alliance and favour
+at any price, but in addition to this, the universal ascendancy of
+Rome presented various attractions to the avarice and vanity of the
+ultramontane states. The moment that the question of emancipating the
+rest of the world from Rome should be raised, Italy would again become
+Italy; domestic quarrels would not prevail to the advantage of a
+foreign system. Attacks on the head of the Peninsular family would at
+once revive affections and common interests which had long been in
+abeyance.
+
+The Reformation had therefore little chance in that quarter. And yet
+there did exist, beyond the mountains, individuals who had been
+prepared to receive the gospel light, and Italy was not entirely
+disinherited.
+
+Spain had what Italy had not--a grave, noble, and religiously-disposed
+people. At all times has it numbered men of piety and learning among
+its clergy, while it was distant enough from Rome to be able easily to
+shake off the yoke. There are few nations where one might have more
+reasonably hoped for a revival of that primitive Christianity which
+Spain perhaps received from St. Paul himself. And yet Spain did not
+raise her head among the nations. She was destined to fulfil the
+declaration of Divine wisdom, "The first shall be last." Various
+circumstances led to this sad result.
+
+Spain, in consequence of its isolated position, and its distance from
+Germany, must have felt only slight shocks of the great earthquake
+which so violently heaved the empire. It was moreover, engrossed with
+treasures very different from those which the word of God then offered
+to the nations. The new world eclipsed the eternal world. A land
+altogether new, and apparently silver and gold, inflamed all
+imaginations. An ardent desire for riches left no room in a Spanish
+heart for nobler thoughts. A powerful clergy, with scaffolds and
+treasures at its disposal, ruled the Peninsula. The Spaniard willingly
+yielded a servile obedience to his priests, who, disburdening him of
+the prior claims of spiritual occupation, left him free to follow his
+passions, and to run the way of riches, discoveries, and new
+continents. Victorious over the Moors, Spain had, at the expence of
+her noblest blood, pulled down the crescent from the walls of Grenada,
+and many other cities, and, in its place, planted the cross of Jesus
+Christ. This great zeal for Christianity, which seemed to give bright
+hopes, turned against the truth. Why should Catholic Spain, which had
+vanquished infidelity, not oppose heresy? How should those who had
+chased Mahomet from their lovely country allow Luther to penetrate
+into it? Their kings did even more. They fitted out fleets against the
+Reformation, and in their eagerness to vanquish it, went to seek it in
+Holland and England. But these attacks aggrandised the nations against
+which they were directed, and their power soon crushed Spain. In this
+way, these Catholic regions lost, through the Reformation, even that
+temporal prosperity which was the primary cause of their rejection of
+the spiritual liberty of the gospel. Nevertheless, it was a brave and
+generous people that dwelt beyond the Pyrenees. Several of their noble
+sons with the same ardour, but with more light than those who had shed
+their blood in Moorish dungeons, came to lay their life, as an
+offering, on the faggot piles of the Inquisition.
+
+It was nearly the same with Portugal as with Spain. Emmanuel the Happy
+gave it an age of gold, which must have unfitted it for the
+self-denial which the gospel demands. The Portuguese, rushing into the
+recently discovered routes to the East Indies and Brazil, turned their
+backs on Europe and the Reformation.
+
+Few nations might have been thought more disposed than France to
+receive the gospel. Almost all the intellectual and spiritual life of
+the middle ages centred in her. One would have said that the paths
+were already beaten for a great manifestation of the truth. Men who
+were the most opposed to each other, and who had the greatest
+influence on the French people, felt that they had some affinity with
+the Reformation. St. Bernard had given an example of that heart-felt
+faith, that inward piety, which is the finest feature of the
+Reformation, while Abelard had introduced into the study of theology
+that reasoning principle, which, incapable of establishing truth, is
+powerful in destroying falsehood. Numerous heretics, so called, had
+rekindled the flames of the word of God in the French provinces. The
+University of Paris had withstood the Church to the face, and not
+feared to combat her. At the beginning of the fifteenth century, the
+Clemangis and the Gersons had spoken out boldly. The pragmatic
+sanction had been a great act of independence, and promised to prove
+the palladium of the Gallican liberties. The French nobility, so
+numerous and so jealous of their precedence, and who, at this period,
+had just seen their privileges gradually suppressed to the extension
+of the influence of the crown, must have felt favourably disposed
+towards a religious revolution, the effect of which might be to
+restore a portion of the independence which they had lost. The people,
+lively, intelligent and open to generous emotions, were accessible to
+the truth in a degree as great, if not greater, than any other people.
+The Reformation might have promised to be, in this nation, the birth
+that was to crown the long travail of many ages. But the Church of
+France, which seemed for so many generations to have been rushing in
+the same direction, turned suddenly round at the moment of the
+Reformation, and took quite a contrary direction. Such was the will of
+Him who guides nations and their rulers. The prince who then sat in
+the chariot and held the reins, and who, as a lover of letters, might
+have been thought likely to be the first to second reform, threw his
+people into another course. The symptoms of several centuries proved
+fallacious, and the impulse given to France struck and spent itself on
+the ambition and fanaticism of its kings. The Valois took the place
+which she ought to have occupied. Perhaps, if she had received the
+gospel, she would have become too powerful. God was pleased to take
+the feeblest nations, nations that as yet were not, to make them the
+depositaries of his truth. France, after having been almost reformed,
+ultimately found herself again become Roman Catholic. The sword of
+princes thrown into the scale, made it incline towards Rome. Alas!
+another sword, that of the reformed themselves, completed the ruin of
+the Reformation. Hands habituated to the sword, unlearned to pray. It
+is by the blood of its confessors, and not by that of its enemies,
+that the gospel triumphs.
+
+At this time the Netherlands was one of the most flourishing countries
+in Europe. It contained an industrious population, enlightened by the
+numerous relations which it maintained with the different quarters of
+the world, full of courage, and zealous to excess for its
+independence, its privileges, and its freedom. Placed on the threshold
+of Germany, it must have been one of the first to hear the sound of
+the Reformation. Two parties, quite distinct from each other, occupied
+these provinces. The more Southern one was surfeited with wealth, and
+submitted. How could all those manufactures, carried to the highest
+perfection--how could that boundless traffic by land and sea--how
+could Bruges, the great entrepot of the trade of the North--how could
+Antwerp, that queen of commercial cities, accommodate themselves to a
+long and sanguinary struggle for points of faith? On the contrary, the
+northern provinces defended by their sands, the sea, and their inland
+waters, and still more, by the simplicity of their manners, and their
+determination to lose all sooner than the gospel, not only saved their
+franchises, their privileges, and their faith, but also conquered
+their independence, and a glorious national character.
+
+England scarcely seemed to promise what she has since performed.
+Repulsed from the Continent, where she had so long been obstinately
+bent on conquering France, she began to throw her eye towards the
+ocean, as the domain which was to be the true scene of her conquests,
+and which was reserved for her inheritance. Twice converted to
+Christianity, once under the ancient Britons, and the second time
+under the Anglo-Saxons, she very devoutly paid to Rome the annual
+tribute of St. Peter. But she was reserved for high destinies.
+Mistress of the ocean, and present at once in all the different
+quarters of the globe, she, with the nations that were to spring from
+her, was one day to be the hand of God in shedding the seeds of life
+over the remotest islands and the largest continents. Already several
+circumstances gave a presentiment of her destiny. Bright lights had
+shone in the British Isles, and some glimmerings still remained. A
+multitude of foreigners, artists, merchants, and mechanics, arriving
+from the Netherlands, Germany, and other countries, filled their
+cities and their sea-ports. The new religious ideas must have been
+conveyed easily and rapidly. In fine, the reigning monarch was an
+eccentric prince, who, possessed of some knowledge and great courage,
+was every moment changing his projects and ideas, and turning from
+side to side, according to the direction in which his violent passions
+blew. It was possible that one of the inconsistencies of Henry VIII
+might prove favourable to the Reformation.
+
+Scotland was at this time agitated by factions. A king five years old,
+a queen regent, ambitious nobles, and an influential clergy, kept this
+bold nation in constant turmoil. It was, nevertheless, one day to hold
+a first place among those that received the Reformation.
+
+The three kingdoms of the North, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, were
+united under a common sceptre. These rude and warlike nations seemed
+to have little in common with the doctrine of love and peace. And yet,
+by their very energy, they were, perhaps, more disposed than the
+people of the South to receive the evangelical doctrine in its power.
+But, the descendants of warriors and pirates, they brought, it would
+seem, too warlike a character to the Protestant cause; at a later
+period, their sword defended it with heroism.
+
+Russia, retired at the extremity of Europe, had few relations with
+other states, and belonged, moreover, to the Greek communion. The
+Reformation effected in the Western exerted little or no influence on
+the Eastern Church.
+
+Poland seemed well prepared for a reform. The vicinity of the
+Christians of Bohemia and Moravia had disposed it to receive, while
+the vicinity of Germany must have rapidly communicated, the
+evangelical impulse. So early as 1500, the nobility of Poland Proper
+had demanded the cup for the laity, appealing to the usage of the
+primitive Church. The liberty enjoyed by its towns, and the
+independence of its nobles, made it a safe asylum for Christians
+persecuted in their own country, and the truth which they brought
+thither was received with joy by a great number of its inhabitants. In
+our days, however, it is one of the countries which has the smallest
+number of confessors.
+
+The flame of reformation, which had long gleamed in Bohemia, had been
+almost extinguished in blood. Nevertheless, precious remains which
+had escaped the carnage, still survived to see the day of which John
+Huss had a presentiment.
+
+Hungary had been torn by intestine wars under the government of
+princes without character and without experience, and who had at last
+yoked the fate of their people to Austria, by giving this powerful
+House a place among the heirs of the crown.
+
+Such was the state of Europe at the beginning of the sixteenth
+century, which was destined to produce so mighty a transformation in
+Christian society.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+     Roman Theology--Remains of Life--Justification by
+     Faith--Witnesses for the Truth--Claude--The Mystics--The
+     Vaudois--Valdo--Wickliffe--Huss--Prediction--Protestantism
+     before the Reformation--Arnoldi--Utenheim--Martin--New
+     Witnesses in the Church--Thomas Conecte--The Cardinal of
+     Crayn--Institoris--Savonarola--Justification by Faith--John
+     Vitraire--John Laillier--John of Wessalia--John of
+     Goch--John Wessel--Protestantism before the Reformation--The
+     Bohemian Brethren--Prophecy of Proles--Prophecy of the
+     Franciscan of Isenach--Third Preparative--Literature.
+
+
+Having pointed out the state of nations and princes, we now proceed to
+the preparation for Reform, as existing in Theology and in the Church.
+
+The singular system of Theology which had been established in the
+Church must have powerfully contributed to open the eyes of the rising
+generation. Made for an age of darkness, as if such an age had been to
+exist for ever, it seemed destined to become obsolete and defective in
+all its parts as soon as the age should have improved. Such was the
+actual result. The popes had from time to time made various additions
+to Christian doctrine. They had changed or taken away whatever did not
+accord with their hierarchy, while any thing not contrary to their
+system was allowed to remain till further orders. This system
+contained true doctrines, such as redemption, and the influence of the
+Holy Spirit; and these an able theologian, if any such then existed,
+might have employed to combat and overthrow all the rest. The pure
+gold, mingled with the worthless lead in the treasury of the Vatican,
+made it easy to detect the imposition. It is true, that when any bold
+opponent called attention to it, the fanner of Rome immediately threw
+out the pure grain. But these very proceedings only increased the
+confusion.
+
+This confusion was unbounded, and the pretended unity was only a heap
+of disunion. At Rome there were doctrines of the Court, and doctrines
+of the Church. The faith of the metropolis differed from the faith of
+the provinces; while in the provinces, again, the variation was
+endless. There was a faith for princes, a faith for the people, and a
+faith for religious orders. Opinions were classed as belonging to such
+a convent, such a district, such a doctor, such a monk.
+
+Truth, in order to pass peacefully through the time when Rome would
+have crushed her with an iron sceptre, had done, like the insect which
+with its threads forms the chrysalis in which it shuts itself up
+during the cold season. And strange enough, the instruments which
+divine truth had employed for the purpose were the so much decried
+schoolmen. These industrious artisans of thought had employed
+themselves in unravelling all theological ideas, and out of the
+numerous threads had made a veil under which the ablest of their
+contemporaries must have found it difficult to recognise the truth in
+its original purity. It seems a sad thing, that an insect full of
+life, and sometimes glowing with the most brilliant colours, should
+enclose itself, apparently without life, in its dark cocoon; and yet
+it is the shroud that saves it. It was the same with truth. Had the
+selfish and sinister policy of Rome, in the days of her ascendancy,
+met the truth in naked simplicity, she would have destroyed, or at
+least tried to destroy it, but disguised as it was, by the theologians
+of the time, under subtleties and endless distinctions, the popes
+either saw it not, or thought that, in such a state, it could not do
+them harm. They accordingly patronised both the workmen and their
+work. But spring might come, and then forgotten truth might lift her
+head, and throw aside her shroud. In her seeming tomb, having acquired
+new strength, she might now again prove victorious over Rome and all
+its errors. This spring arrived. At the moment when the absurd
+trappings of the schoolmen were falling off under the attack of
+skilful hands, and amid the jeers of the new generation, truth made
+her escape, and came forth all young and beautiful.
+
+But not merely did the writings of the schoolmen bear powerful
+testimony in favour of truth. Christianity had everywhere imparted a
+portion of her own life to the life of the people. The Church of
+Christ was like a building which had fallen into ruin; in digging
+among its foundations, a portion of the solid rock on stitutions,
+which dated from the pure times of the Church, were still existing,
+and could not fail to suggest to many minds evangelical ideas utterly
+at variance with the prevailing superstitions. Moreover, the inspired
+writers and ancient doctors of the Church, whose writings were extant
+in many libraries, occasionally sent forth a solitary voice; and may
+we not hope that this voice was listened to in silence by more than
+one attentive ear? Let us not doubt, (and how sweet the thought!)
+Christians had many brothers and many sisters in those monasteries, in
+which we are too ready to see nothing but hypocrisy and dissoluteness.
+
+The Church had fallen in consequence of having lost the grand doctrine
+of Justification by faith in the Saviour; and hence, before she could
+rise, it was necessary that this doctrine should be restored. As soon
+as it was re-established in Christendom, all the errors and
+observances which had been introduced, all that multitude of saints,
+pious works, penances, masses, indulgences, etc., behoved to
+disappear. As soon as the one Mediator and his one sacrifice were
+recognised, all other mediators and other sacrifices were done away.
+"This article of justification," says one whom we may regard as
+divinely illumined on the subject,[53] "is that which creates the
+Church, nourishes, builds up, preserves, and defends her. No man can
+teach well in the Church, or successively resist an adversary, unless
+he hold fast by this truth. This," adds the writer from whom we quote,
+"is the heel which bruises the Serpent's head."
+
+  [53] Luther to Brentius.
+
+God, who was preparing his work, raised up during the revolution of
+ages a long series of witnesses to the truth. But the truth to which
+those noble men bore testimony, they knew not with sufficient
+clearness, or at least were unable to expound with sufficient
+distinctness. Incapable of accomplishing the work, they were just what
+they should have been in order to prepare it. We must add, however,
+that if they were not ready for the work, the work was not ready for
+them. The measure was not yet filled up. Ages had not accomplished
+their destined course, and the need of a true remedy was not generally
+felt.
+
+No sooner had Rome usurped power than a powerful opposition was formed
+against her,--an opposition which extended across the middle ages.
+
+In the ninth century, Archbishop Claude of Turin, and in the twelfth
+century, Peter of Bruges, his disciple Henry, and Arnold of Brescia,
+in France and in Italy endeavour to establish the worship of God in
+spirit and in truth. Generally, however, in searching for this
+worship, they confine it too much to the exclusion of images and
+external observances.
+
+The Mystics, who have existed in almost all ages, seeking in silence
+for holiness of heart, purity of life, and tranquil communion with
+God, cast looks of sadness and dismay on the desolation of the Church.
+Carefully abstaining from the scholastic brawls and useless
+discussions under which true piety had been buried, they endeavoured
+to withdraw men from the vain mechanism of external worship, and from
+the mire and glare of ceremonies, that they might lead them to the
+internal repose enjoyed by the soul which seeks all its happiness in
+God. This they could not do without coming at every point into
+collision with accredited opinions, and without unveiling the sores of
+the Church. Still they had no clear view of the doctrine of
+justification by faith.
+
+The Vaudois, far superior to the Mystics in purity of doctrine, form a
+long chain of witnesses to the truth. Men enjoying more freedom than
+the rest of the Church, appear to have inhabited the heights of the
+Alps in Piedmont from ancient times; and their numbers were increased,
+and their doctrine purified, by the followers of Valdo. From their
+mountain tops the Vaudois, during a long series of ages, protest
+against the superstitions of Rome.[54] "They contend for the living
+hope which they have in God through Christ, for regeneration, and
+inward renewal by faith, hope, and charity, for the merits of Jesus
+Christ, and the all-sufficiency of his righteousness and grace."[55]
+
+  [54] Nobla Leyçon.
+
+  [55] Treatise of Antichrist, of the same age as the Nobla Leyçon.
+
+Still, however, this primary truth of a sinner's justification, this
+capital doctrine, which ought to have risen from the midst of their
+doctrines, like Mont Blanc from the bosom of the Alps, has not due
+prominence in their system. Its top is not high enough.
+
+In 1170, Peter Vaud, or Valdo, a rich merchant of Lyons, sells all his
+goods and gives to the poor. He, as well as his friends, seem to have
+had it in view practically to realise the perfection of primitive
+Christianity. He, accordingly, begins in like manner with the
+branches, and not the root. Nevertheless, his word is powerful,
+because of his appeal to Scripture, and shakes the Roman hierarchy to
+its very foundations.
+
+In 1360, Wickliffe appears in England, and appeals from the pope to
+the word of God, but the real internal sore of the Church is, in his
+eyes, only one of the numerous symptoms of disease.
+
+John Huss lifts his voice in Bohemia, a century before Luther lifts
+his in Saxony. He seems to penetrate farther than his predecessors
+into the essence of Christian truth. He asks Christ to give him grace
+to glory only in his cross, and in the inestimable weight of his
+sufferings, but his attention is directed less against the errors of
+the Roman Church, than the scandalous lives of its clergy. He was,
+however, if we may so speak, the John Baptist of the Reformation. The
+flames of his martyrdom kindled a fire in the Church, which threw
+immense light on the surrounding darkness, and the rays of which were
+not to be so easily extinguished.
+
+John Huss did more; prophetic words came forth from the depth of his
+dungeon. He had a presentiment, that the true Reformation of the
+Church was at hand. So early as the period when chased from Prague, he
+had been forced to wander in the plains of Bohemia, where his steps
+were followed by an immense crowd of eager hearers, he had exclaimed,
+"The wicked have begun to lay perfidious nets for the Bohemian
+goose;[56] but if even the goose, which is only a domestic fowl, a
+peaceful bird, and which never takes a lofty flight into the air, has,
+however, broken their toils, other birds of loftier wing will break
+them with much greater force. Instead of a feeble goose, the truth
+will send eagles and falcons, with piercing eye."[57] The Reformers
+fulfilled this prediction.
+
+  [56] In Bohemian, Huss means "goose."
+
+  [57] Epist. J. Huss, Tempore Anathematis Scriptæ.
+
+And after the venerable priest had been summoned before the Council of
+Constance, after he had been thrown into prison, the chapel of
+Bethlehem, where he had proclaimed the Gospel and the future triumphs
+of Jesus Christ, occupied him more than his defence. One night, the
+holy martyr thought he saw, in the depth of his dungeon, the features
+of Jesus Christ, which he had caused to be painted on the walls of his
+study, effaced by the pope and the bishops. The dream distresses him,
+but next day he sees several painters employed in restoring the
+pictures in greater number and splendour. Their task finished, the
+painters, surrounded by a great multitude, exclaim, "Now, let popes
+and bishops come, they never shall efface them more." John Huss adds,
+"Many people in Bethlehem rejoiced, and I among them." "Think of your
+defence, rather than of dreams," said his faithful Friend, Chevalier
+de Chlum, to whom he had communicated the dream. "I am not a dreamer,"
+replied Huss; "but this I hold for certain--the image of Christ will
+never be effaced. They wished to destroy it, but it will be painted
+anew in men's hearts by far abler preachers than I. The nation which
+loves Jesus Christ will rejoice; and I, awaking among the dead, and,
+so to speak, rising again from the tomb, will thrill with joy."[58]
+
+  [58] Huss. Ep. sub. Temp. Concuii Scriptæ.
+
+A century elapsed, and the torch of the Gospel, rekindled by the
+Reformers, did, in fact, illumine several nations which rejoiced in
+its light.
+
+But in those ages, a word of life is heard not only among those whom
+Rome regards as its adversaries; Catholicity itself--let us say it for
+our comfort--contains in its bosom numerous witnesses to the truth.
+The primitive edifice has been consumed; but a noble fire is
+slumbering under its ashes, and we see it from time to time throwing
+out brilliant sparks.
+
+It is an error to suppose that, up to the Reformation, Christianity
+existed only under the Roman Catholic form, and that, at that period
+only, a part of that church assumed the form of Protestantism.
+
+Among the doctors who preceded the sixteenth century, a great number,
+doubtless, inclined to the system which the Council of Trent
+proclaimed in 1562, but several also inclined to the doctrines
+professed at Augsburgh in 1530 by the Protestants; the majority,
+perhaps, vibrated between the two.
+
+Anselm of Canterbury lays down the doctrines of the incarnation and
+expiation as of the essence of Christianity.[59] And in a treatise in
+which he teaches how to die, he says to the dying person, "Look only
+to the merits of Jesus Christ." St. Bernard with powerful voice
+proclaims the mystery of redemption. "If my fault comes from another,"
+says he, "why should not my righteousness also be derived? Certainly,
+it is far better for me to have it given me, than to have it
+innate."[60] Several schoolmen, and after them chancellor Gerson,
+forcibly attack the errors and abuses of the Church.
+
+  [59] Cur Deus homo?
+
+  [60] "Et sane mihi tutior donato quam innata." (De Erroribus Abelardi,
+  cap. 6.) And it is certainly safer to me given than innate.
+
+But, above all, let us think of the thousands of obscure individuals
+unknown to the world, who, however, possessed the true life of Christ.
+
+A monk named Arnoldi, daily in his quiet cell utters this fervent
+exclamation, "O Jesus Christ my Lord! I believe that thou alone art my
+redemption and my righteousness."[61]
+
+  [61] "Credo quod tu, mi Domine Jesu Christe, solus es mea justitia et
+  redemptio."... (Leibnitz, Script. Brunsw. iii, 396.)
+
+Christopher of Utenheim, a pious bishop of Bâsle, causes his name to
+be written on a picture painted on glass, and surrounds it with this
+inscription, that he may have it always under his eye, "The cross of
+Christ is my hope; I seek grace, and not works."[62]
+
+  [62] "Spes mea crux Christi; gratiam, non opera quæro."
+
+Friar Martin, a poor Carthusian, wrote a touching confession, in which
+he says, "O most loving God! I know there is no other way in which I
+can be saved and satisfy thy justice, than by the merit, the spotless
+passion, and death of thy well-beloved Son. Kind Jesus! All my
+salvation is in thy hands. Thou canst not turn the arms of thy love
+away from me, for they created, shaped, and ransomed me. In great
+mercy, and in an ineffable manner, thou hast engraved my name with an
+iron pen on thy side, thy hands, and thy feet," etc. Then the good
+Carthusian places his confession in a wooden box, and deposits the box
+in a hole which he had made in the wall of his cell.[63]
+
+  [63] "Sciens posse me aliter non salvari, et tibi satisfacere nisi per
+  meritum," etc. (For these and similar quotations, see Flacius, Catal.
+  Test. Veritatis; Wolfii. Lect. Memorabiles; Miller's Reliquien, etc.)
+
+The piety of Friar Martin would never have been known had not the box
+been found, 21st December, 1776, in taking down an old tenement which
+had formed part of the Carthusian Convent at Bâsle.
+
+But this touching faith these holy men had only for themselves, and
+knew not how to communicate to others. Living in retreat, they might
+more or less say, as in the writing which Friar Martin put into his
+box, "Et si hæc prædicta confiteri non possim lingua, confiteor tamen
+corde et scripto." "And these things aforesaid, if I cannot confess
+with the tongue, I, however, confess with the heart and in writing."
+The word of truth was in the sanctuary of some pious souls, but, to
+use a Scripture expression, it had not "free course" in the world.
+Still, if the doctrine of salvation was not always confessed aloud,
+there were some in the very bosom of the Church of Rome who, at least,
+feared not to declare openly against the abuses which dishonoured it.
+
+Scarcely had the Councils of Constance and Bâsle, which condemned Huss
+and his followers, been held, than the noble series of witnesses
+against Rome, to which we have been pointing, again appears with
+greater lustre. Men of a noble spirit, revolting at the abominations
+of the Papacy, rise up like the prophets under the Old Testament, like
+them sending forth a voice of thunder, and with a similar fate. Their
+blood reddens the scaffold, and their ashes are thrown to the wind.
+
+Thomas Conecte, a Carmelite, appears in Flanders, and declares, "that
+abominations are done at Rome, that the Church has need of
+reformation, and that, in the service of God, one must not fear the
+excommunications of the pope."[64] Flanders listens with enthusiasm,
+but Rome burns him in 1432, and his contemporaries exclaim that God
+has exalted him to heaven.[65]
+
+  [64] Bertrand d'Argentré, Histoire de Bretaigne, Paris, 1618, p. 788.
+
+  [65] "Ille summo vivit Olympo." (Baptista Mantuanus, de Beata Vita, in
+  fin.) He lives in the highest heaven.
+
+André, Archbishop of Crayn, and a Cardinal, being at Rome as the
+ambassador of the emperor, is amazed when he sees that the holiness of
+the pope, in which he had devoutly believed, is only a fable; and in
+his simplicity he addresses evangelical representations to Sextus IV.
+He is answered with mockery and persecution. Then (1482) he wishes a
+new Council to be assembled at Bâsle. "The whole Church," exclaims he,
+"is shaken by divisions, heresies, sins, vices, iniquities, errors,
+and innumerable evils, so much so, that it is on the eve of being
+swallowed up by the devouring abyss of condemnation.[66] This is my
+only reason for proposing a General Council for the Reformation of the
+Catholic faith, and the amendment of manners." The Archbishop of Bâsle
+was thrown into the prison of that town, and there died. Henry
+Institoris, the inquisitor, who first moved against him, used these
+remarkable words, "The whole world is crying out and demanding a
+council; but no human power can reform the Church by means of a
+Council. The Almighty will find another method, which is now unknown
+to us, though it is at the door; and, by this method the Church will
+be brought back to its primitive condition."[67] This remarkable
+prophecy, pronounced by an inquisitor, at the very period of Luther's
+birth, is the finest apology for the Reformation.
+
+  [66] "A sorbente gurgite damnationis, subtrahi." (J. H. Hottingeri,
+  Hist. Eccl. Sæcul. xv, p. 347.)
+
+  [67] "Alium modum Altissimus procurabit, nobis quidem pro nunc
+  incognitum, licet heu præ foribus existat, ut ad pristinum statum
+  Ecclesia redeat." (J. H. Hottingeri, Hist. Eccl. Sæcul. xv, p. 413.)
+
+The Dominican, Jerome Savonarola, shortly after he had entered the
+order at Bologna in 1475, devotes himself to constant prayer, fasting,
+and macerations, and exclaims, "O thou who art good, in thy goodness
+teach me thy righteousness."[68] Translated to Florence in 1489, he
+preaches with effect; his voice is thrilling, his features animated,
+his action beautifully attractive. "The Church," exclaims he, "must be
+renewed." And he professes the grand principle which alone can restore
+life to it. "God," says he, "forgives man his sin, and justifies him
+in the way of mercy. For every justified person existing on the earth,
+there has been an act of compassion in heaven; for no man is saved by
+his works. None can glory in themselves; and if in the presence of
+God, the question were put to all the righteous, 'Have you been saved
+by your own strength?' they would all with one voice exclaim, 'Not
+unto us, O Lord, but unto thy name be the glory.' Wherefore, O God, I
+seek thy mercy, and I bring thee not my own righteousness: the moment
+thou justifiest me by grace, thy righteousness belongs to me; for
+grace is the righteousness of God. So long, O man, as thou believest
+not, thou art, because of sin, deprived of grace. O God, save me by
+thy righteousness, that is, by thy Son, who alone was found righteous
+among men."[69] Thus the great and holy doctrine of justification by
+faith gladdens the heart of Savonarola. In vain do the prelates of the
+Church oppose him;[70] he knew that the oracles of God are superior to
+the visible church, and that he must preach them with her, without
+her, or in spite of her.--"Fly far from Babylon," exclaims he. It is
+Rome he thus designates. Rome soon answers him in her own way. In 1497
+the infamous Alexander launches a brief at him, and in 1498 torture
+and faggot do their work on the Reformer.
+
+  [68] "Bonus es tu, et in bonitate tua doce me justificationes tuas."
+  (Batesius, Vitæ Selectorum Virorum. Lond. 1681, p. 112.)
+
+  [69] Meditationes in Psalmos; Prediche sopra il Salmo. Quam bonus
+  Israel, etc. Sermones supra Archam Noe, etc.
+
+  [70] "Inter omnes vero persecutores, potissimum Ecclesiæ præsides."
+  But among all persecutors, chiefly the prelates of the Church.
+  (Batesius, p. 118.)
+
+A Franciscan, named John Vitraire, of Tournay, whose monastic spirit
+seems not of a very elevated description, nevertheless, declaims
+forcibly against the corruption of the Church. "It were better for a
+man," says he,[71] "to cut his child's throat than put it into a
+religion not reformed. If your curate, or any other priest, keep women
+in his house, you ought to go and drag the women by force, or in any
+other way, pell-mell, out of the house. There are some persons who say
+prayers to the Virgin Mary, in order that, at the hour of death, they
+may see the Virgin Mary. Thou shalt see the devil, and not the Virgin
+Mary." The monk was ordered to retract, and he did so in 1498.
+
+  [71] D'Argentré, Collectio Judiciorum de Novis Erroribus, II, p. 340.
+
+John Laillier, a Doctor of Sorbonne, declares, in 1484, against the
+tyrannical domination of the hierarchy. "All ecclesiastics," says he,
+"have received equal power from Christ. The Roman Church is not the
+head of other churches. You ought to keep the commandments of God and
+the Apostles; and, in regard to the command of all the bishops and
+other lords of the Church, care no more for it than you would for a
+straw; they have destroyed the Church by their tricks.[72] The priests
+of the Eastern Church sin not in marrying; and, believe me, neither
+shall we in the Western Church if we marry. Since St. Sylvester the
+Church of Rome has been, not a church of Christ, but a church of State
+and money. We are no more bound to believe the legends of the saints
+than the Chronicles of France."
+
+  [72] Ibidem.
+
+John of Wessalia, a doctor of theology at Erfurt, a man of great
+spirit and intellect, attacks the errors on which the hierarchy rests,
+and proclaims the holy Scriptures to be the only source of faith. "It
+is not religion" (that is, the monastic state) "that saves us," says
+he to some monks, "but the grace of God. God has from all eternity
+kept a book in which he has entered all his elect. Whosoever is not
+entered there will not, through eternity; and whosoever is, will never see
+his name erased. It is solely by the grace of God that the elect are saved.
+He whom God is pleased to save, by giving him grace, will be saved,
+though all the priests in the world were to condemn and excommunicate
+him. And he whom God sees meet to condemn, though these should all wish to
+save him, will be made to feel his condemnation.[73] How audacious in
+the successors of the apostles to order, not what Christ has
+prescribed in his holy books, but what they themselves devised, when
+carried away, as they now are, by a thirst for money, or a rage for
+power. I despise the pope, the Church, and the Councils, and I extol
+Jesus Christ." Wessalia, who had gradually arrived at those
+convictions, boldly announces them from the pulpit, and enters into
+communication with deputies from the Hussites. Feeble, bent with age,
+and wasted by disease, the courageous old man, with tottering step,
+appears before the Inquisition, and, in 1482, dies in its dungeons.
+
+  [73] "Et quem Deus vult damnare, Si omnes vellent hunc salvare, Adhuc
+  iste damnaretur."
+
+Who is condemned by God's decree, Assuredly condemned shall be,
+Whoe'er they be would save him.
+
+(Paradoxa Damnata, etc., 1749, Moguntiæ.)
+
+About the same time, John de Goch, prior at Malines, extolled
+Christian liberty as the soul of all the virtues. He charged the
+received doctrine with Pelagianism, and surnamed Thomas Aquinas the
+"Prince of Error." "Canonical Scripture alone," said he, "deserves
+full faith, and has an irrefragable authority. The writings of the
+ancient fathers are of authority only in so far as they are
+conformable to canonical truth.--There is truth in the common byword,
+'What a monk dares undertake, Satan would blush to think.'"
+
+But the most remarkable of the forerunners of the Reformation was
+undoubtedly John Wessel, surnamed "The Light of the World," a man full
+of courage and love for the truth, who taught theology successively
+at Cologne, Louvain, Paris, Heidelberg, and Gröningen. Luther said of
+him, "Had I read his works sooner, it might have been said, Luther has
+drawn everything from Wessel; so much do his spirit and mine
+accord."[74] "St. Paul and St. James," says Wessel, "say different but
+not contrary things. Both hold that the just live by faith, but a
+faith which works by love. He who understanding the gospel believes,
+desires, hopes, confides in the good news, and loves Him who justifies
+and blesses him, gives himself entirely to Him whom he loves, and
+attributes nothing to himself, knowing that in himself he has
+nothing.[75] The sheep should distinguish between the things on which
+they feed, and avoid a hurtful food, though it should be offered by
+the shepherd. The people ought to follow their shepherds to the
+pastures, but when they lead them to what is not pasture, they are no
+more shepherds; and because they are not in their duty, the flock is
+no longer bound to obey them. Nothing is more effectual in destroying
+the Church than a corrupt clergy. All Christians, even the meanest and
+simplest, are bound to resist those who destroy the Church.[76] The
+commands of prelates and doctors ought to be performed only in the
+manner prescribed by St. Paul, (1 Thess., v, 21;) namely, in so far
+as, sitting in the chair of Moses, they speak according to Moses. We
+are the servants of God, and not of the pope, according as it is said,
+'Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.'
+The Holy Spirit has reserved to himself to foster, quicken, preserve,
+and enlarge the unity of the Church, and not abandoned it to the Roman
+Pontiff, who often gives himself no concern about the matter. Even sex
+does not hinder a woman, if she is faithful and prudent, and has love
+shed abroad in her heart, from feeling, judging, approving, and
+concluding, by a judgment which God ratifies."
+
+   [74] "Antiquorum Patrum scripta tantum habent auctoritatis quantum
+   canonicæ veritati sunt conformia." (Epist. Apologet. Anvers, 1521.)
+
+   [75] "Adeo spiritus utriusque concordat." (Farrago Wesseli, in Præf.)
+
+   [76] "Extentus totus, et propensus in eum quem amat, a quo credit,
+   cupit, sperat, confidit, justificatur, nihil sibi ipsi tribuit, qui
+   scit nihil habere ex se." (De Magnit. Passionis, cap. xlvi, Op. p.
+   553.)
+
+Thus, as the Reformation approaches, the voices which proclaim the
+truth are multiplied. One would say the Church is bent on
+demonstrating that the Reformation had an existence before Luther.
+Protestantism was born into the Church, the very day that the germ of
+the Papacy appeared in it, just as in the political world conservative
+principles began to exist the very moment that the despotism of the
+great or the disorders of the factious showed open front.
+Protestantism was even sometimes stronger than the Papacy in the ages
+preceding the Reformation. What had Rome to oppose to all these
+witnesses for the truth at the moment when their voice was heard
+through all the earth?
+
+But this was not all. The Reformation existed not in the teachers
+only; it existed also among the people. The doctrines of Wickliffe,
+proceeding from Oxford, had spread over Christendom, and had preserved
+adherents in Bavaria, Swabia, Franconia, and Prussia. In Bohemia, from
+the bosom of discord and war, ultimately came forth a peaceful
+Christian community, which resembled the primitive Church, and bore
+lively testimony to the great principle of Evangelical opposition,
+viz., "That Christ himself, not Peter and his successor, is the rock
+on which the Church is built." Belonging equally to the German and
+Slavonian races, these simple Christians had missionaries among the
+different nations who spoke their tongues, that they might without
+noise gain adherents to their opinions. At Rostoch, which had been
+twice visited by them, Nicolas Kuss began in 1511 to preach publicly
+against the pope.[77]
+
+  [77] "Nemo magis Ecclesiam destruit, quam corruptus clerus.
+  Destruentibus Ecclesiam omnes Christiani tenentur resistre." (De
+  Potestate Eccles. Op. p. 769.)
+
+It is important to attend to this state of things. When wisdom from
+above will with loud voice deliver her instructions, there will
+everywhere be intellects and hearts to receive it. When the sower, who
+has never ceased to walk over the Church, will come forth for a new
+and extensive sowing, the earth will be ready to receive the grain.
+When the trumpet, which the Angel of the covenant has never ceased to
+blow, will cause it to sound louder and louder, many will make ready
+for battle.
+
+The Church already feels that the hour of battle is approaching. If,
+during the last century, more than one philosopher gave intimation of
+the revolution with which it was to close, can we be astonished, that,
+at the end of the fifteenth century, several doctors foresaw the
+impending Reformation which was to renovate the Church?[78]
+
+  [78] Wolfii Lect. Memorab. ii, p. 27.
+
+André Prolés, provincial of the Augustins, who, for more than half a
+century, presided over this body, and with unshaken courage maintained
+the doctrines of Augustine within his order, when assembled with his
+friars in the Convent of Himmelspforte, near Wernigerode, often
+stopped during the reading of the word of God, and addressing the
+listening monks, said to them "Brethren, you hear the testimony of
+holy Scripture. It declares, that by grace we are what we are--that by
+it alone we have all that we have. Whence, then, so much darkness, and
+so many horrible superstitions?... Oh! brethren, Christianity has
+need of a great and bold reformation, and I already see its approach."
+Then the monks exclaimed, "Why don't you yourself begin this
+reformation, and oppose all their errors?" "You see, my brethren,"
+replied the old provincial, "that I am weighed down with years, and
+feeble in body, and possess not the knowledge, talent, and eloquence,
+which so important a matter requires. But God will raise up a hero,
+who, by his age, his strength, his talents, his knowledge, his genius,
+and eloquence, will occupy the first rank. He will begin the
+reformation, he will oppose error, and God will give him such courage
+that he will dare to resist the great."[79] An old monk of
+Himmelspforte, who had often heard these words, related them to
+Flacius. In the very order of which Prolés was provincial, the
+Christian hero thus announced by him was to appear.
+
+  [79] "Excitabit Dominus heroem ætate viribus...." (Flacii, Catal.
+  Test. Verit., p. 843.)
+
+In the Franciscan Convent at Isenach, in Thuringia, was a monk named
+John Hilten. He was a careful student of the Prophet Daniel, and the
+Apocalypse of St. John; he even wrote a Commentary on these Books, and
+censured the most crying abuses of monastic life. The enraged monks
+threw him into prison. His advanced age, and the filthiness of his
+dungeon, bringing on a dangerous illness, he asked for the friar
+superintendant, who had no sooner arrived, than, without listening to
+the prisoner, he began to give vent to his rage, and to rebuke him
+harshly for his doctrine, which (adds the chronicle) was at variance
+with the monk's kitchen. The Franciscan, forgetting his illness, and
+fetching a deep sigh, exclaims, "I calmly submit to your injustice for
+the love of Christ; for I have done nothing to shake the monastic
+state, and have only censured its most notorious abuses. _But_,"
+continued he, (this is the account given by Melancthon in his _Apology
+for the Confession of Augsburg_,) "_another will come in the year of
+the Lord one thousand five hundred and sixteen; he will destroy you,
+and you will not be able to resist him._"[80] John Hilten, who had
+announced the end of the world in the year 1651, was not so much
+mistaken in the year in which the future Reformer was to appear. He
+was born not long after at a short distance from Hilten's dungeon,
+commenced his studies in the same town where the monk was prisoner,
+and publicly engaged in the Reformation only a year later than the
+Franciscan had mentioned.
+
+  [80] "Alius quidem veniet...." (Apologia Conf. Aug. xiii. De Votis
+  Monasticis.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VII.
+
+     Letters--Revival--Remembrance of Antiquity in
+     Italy--Influence of the Humanists--Christianity of
+     Dante--Valla--Infidelity in Italy--Platonic Philosophy--Rise
+     of Literature in Germany--Youth in
+     Schools--Printing--Character of German Literature--Literati
+     and Schoolmen--A New World--Reuchlin--Reuchlin in Italy--His
+     Works--His Influence in Germany--Mystics--Struggle with the
+     Dominicans.
+
+
+Thus princes and people, the living members of the Church, and the
+theologians, laboured, each in their sphere, to prepare the work which
+the sixteenth century was about to carry into effect. But there was
+another auxiliary which was to lend its aid to the Reformation,--I
+mean Literature.
+
+The human mind was expanding--a circumstance which must of itself have
+led to its emancipation. If a small seed fall close to an old wall, as
+it grows into a tree it will push down the wall.
+
+The Pontiff of Rome had become tutor to the nations, and his superior
+intelligence had made the task easy to him. He had long kept them in a
+state of minority, but resistance now broke forth on all sides. This
+venerable tutelage, which had been primarily established by the
+principles of eternal life, and of civilisation which Rome had
+imparted to barbarous nations, could no longer be exercised without
+opposition. A formidable adversary had met her in the face, and was
+prepared to control her. The natural tendency of the human mind to
+expand, to investigate, and acquire knowledge, had given birth to this
+new power. Man opened his eyes, and at every step questioned the
+proceedings of that long respected guide under whose direction, while
+blindfolded, he had moved on without saying a word. In regard to the
+nations of new Europe, the age of infancy had passed away, and that of
+manhood had begun. To the childlike simplicity, which believed
+everything, had succeeded a spirit of curiosity, an intellect not to
+be satisfied without sifting everything to the utmost. It was asked
+for what end God had spoken to the world, and whether men had a right
+to station themselves as mediators between God and their brethren.
+
+There was only one thing which could have saved the Church, and this
+was to raise herself still higher above the people. To keep on a level
+with them was not enough. But so far from this, she was even found to
+be far beneath them, having begun to descend at the same time that
+they began to rise. At the period when mankind began to ascend to the
+regions of intellect, the priesthood was grovelling below among
+earthly pursuits and worldly interests. This phenomenon has repeatedly
+appeared in history. The wings of the eaglet were full fledged, and
+what hand was high enough to prevent it from taking its flight?
+
+The human mind made its first start in Italy.
+
+Scholasticism and romantic poetry had at no time reigned unopposed.
+Italy never entirely lost the remembrance of antiquity; and this
+remembrance having been strongly awakened towards the end of the
+middle ages, soon gave the mind a new impulse.
+
+Even in the fourteenth century, Dante and Petrarch restored the honour
+of the ancient Roman poets, at the same time that the former gave the
+most powerful popes a place in his hell, and the latter boldly
+protested for the primitive constitution of the Church. At the
+beginning of the fifteenth century, John of Ravenna taught Latin
+literature with applause at Padua and Florence, while Chrysoloras, at
+Florence and Pavia, interpreted the beautiful writers of Greece.
+
+While in Europe light was thus coming forth from the prisons in which
+it had been confined, the East was sending new beams to the West. The
+standard of the Osmanlis, planted in 1453 on the walls of
+Constantinople, had put the learned to flight. They had, in
+consequence, transported the literature of Greece into Italy, where
+the torch of the ancients rekindled minds which had lain smothered for
+so many ages. George of Trebisond, Argyropolos, Bessarion, Lascaris,
+Chalcondylas, and many others, inspired the West with their love of
+Greece and its noblest productions. The patriotic feelings of the
+Italians were thus stimulated, and a great number of learned men
+appeared in Italy. Of these, the most illustrious were Gasparino,
+Aretin, Poggio, and Valla, who strove to restore the honour of Roman
+antiquity, and place it on a footing with that of Greece. In this way,
+a great flood of light had appeared, and Rome could not but suffer by
+it.
+
+The passion for antiquity, which took possession of the _Humanists_,
+had a great effect in weakening the attachment to the Church in minds
+of the highest order; for "no man can serve two masters." At the same
+time, the studies in which the learned were engaged put them in
+possession of a new class of instruments, which were unknown to the
+schoolmen, and by means of which they could test and decide upon the
+lessons of the Church. Finding that beauties which charmed them in
+classical authors existed in profusion in the Bible, and not in the
+works of theologians, the _Humanists_ were quite prepared to give the
+Bible precedence before the Doctors. By reforming taste, they
+prepared a reformation in faith.
+
+The Literati, it is true, loudly protested that their pursuits were
+not at variance with the belief of the Church; but yet they had
+assailed the schoolmen long before the Reformers began to do it, and
+played off their wit on these barbarians--those "Teutons who living,
+lived not."[81] Some even proclaimed doctrines of the gospel, and
+assailed Rome in the objects of her dearest affection. Already Dante,
+while adhering to many Roman dogmas, had proclaimed the power of faith
+in terms similar to those which the first Reformers employed. "It is
+true faith," he said, "that makes us citizens of heaven.[82] Faith,
+according to the gospel doctrine, is the principle of life; it is the
+feeble spark which, spreading always wider and wider, at length
+becomes a living flame, and shines within us like a star in heaven.
+Without faith, no good works, no honesty of life, can give us aid. How
+great soever our sins may be, the arms of divine grace are greater
+still, and wide enough to embrace whatever turns towards God.[83] The
+soul is not lost by the anathema of the pontiffs; and eternal love can
+always reach it, so long as there remains one bloom of hope.[84] From
+God, from God alone, through faith our justice comes." And speaking of
+the Church, Dante exclaims, "O my bark! how ill loaded thou art! O
+Constantine! what mighty evil was engendered, I will not say by thy
+conversion, but by that offering which the rich father then received
+from thee!"
+
+  [81] "Qui ne viventes quidem vivebant." (Politiani, Ep. ix, 3.)
+
+  [82] Parad., xxiv, 44.
+
+  [83]
+
+      Orribil furon li peccati miei;
+      Ma la bontà infinita ha si gran braccia
+      Che prende ciò che si revolve a lei.
+
+            (Purgator. iii, 121-124.)
+
+  [84]
+
+      Per lor maladizion si non si perde.
+      Che non possa tornar l'eterno amore,
+      Mentre che la speranza ha fior del verde?
+
+            (Ibid., 134-136.)
+
+At a later period, Laurentius Valla, applying the study of antiquity
+to the opinions of the Church, denies the authenticity of the
+correspondence between Christ and King Abgarus, rejects the tradition
+as to the origin of the Apostles' Creed, and saps the foundation of
+the pretended inheritance which the popes held of Constantine.[85]
+
+  [85] De ementita Constantini donatione declamatio ad Papam." (Op.
+  Basil., 1543.)
+
+Still, however, the great light which the study of antiquity threw out
+in the fifteenth century, was fitted only to destroy, and not to build
+up. The honour of saving the Church could not be given either to Homer
+or Virgil. The revival of letters, sciences, and arts did not found
+the Reformation. The Paganism of the poets, on reappearing in Italy,
+rather strengthened the Paganism of the heart. The scepticism of the
+school of Aristotle, and a contempt of everything not connected with
+philology, took possession of many of the Literati, and engendered an
+infidelity which, while it affected submission to the Church, in
+reality attacked the most important truths of religion. Peter
+Pomponatius, the most famous representative of this impious tendency,
+taught at Bologna and Padua, that the immortality of the soul and
+providence are only philosophical problems.[86] John Francis Pica,
+nephew of Pica de la Mirandôla, tells of a pope who did not believe a
+God,[87] and of another who, having confessed to one of his friends,
+that he did not believe in the immortality of the soul, appeared one
+night after his death to the same friend, and said to him, "Ah! the
+eternal fire that consumes me, makes me but too sensible of the
+immortality of that soul, which, according to the view I held, was to
+die with the body." This reminds us of the celebrated words which Leo
+X is alleged to have said to his Secretary Bembo, "All ages know well
+enough of what advantage this fable about Christ has been to us and
+ours."[88]... Frivolous superstitions were attacked, but their place
+was supplied by infidelity, with its disdainful sneering laugh. To
+laugh at things, however sacred, was fashionable, and a proof of wit;
+and if any value was set on religion, it was merely as a mean of
+governing the people. "I have a fear," exclaimed Erasmus in 1516, "and
+it is, that, with the study of ancient literature, ancient Paganism
+will re-appear."
+
+  [86] De Immortalitate Animæ, de Predestinatione et Providentia, etc.
+
+  [87] Qui nullum Deum credens." (J. F. Pici de Fide, Op. ii, p. 820.)
+  Who believing in God.
+
+  [88] "Ea de Christo fabula." (Mornæi, Hist. Papatus, p. 820.)
+
+It is true that then, as after the sarcasms of the age of Augustus,
+and as in our own times, after those of the last century, a new
+Platonic philosophy sprung up and attacked that irrational
+incredulity, seeking, like the philosophy of the present day, to
+inspire some respect for Christianity, and restore the religious
+sentiment to the heart. The Medici at Florence favoured these efforts
+of the Platonics. But no philosophical religion will regenerate the
+Church and the world. Proud, disdaining the preaching of the cross,
+and pretending to see nothing in Christian doctrines but figures and
+symbols, which the majority of men cannot comprehend, it may bewilder
+itself in a mystical enthusiasm, but will always prove powerless,
+either to reform or to save.
+
+What then must have happened, had not true Christianity re-appeared in
+the world, and had not faith filled the hearts of men anew with its
+power and its holiness? The Reformation saved religion, and with it
+society, and, therefore, if the Church of Rome had had the glory of
+God and the good of the people at heart, it would have welcomed the
+Reformation with delight. But what were such things as these to Leo X?
+
+However, a torch could not be lighted in Italy without sending its
+beams beyond the Alps. The affairs of the Church established a
+constant intercourse between the Italian Peninsula and the other parts
+of Christendom, and the _barbarians_ being thus soon made to feel the
+superiority and pride of the Italians, began to blush for the
+imperfection of their language and their style. Some young noblemen, a
+Dalberg, a Langen, a Spiegelberg, inflamed with an eager desire of
+knowledge, passed over into Italy, and on their return to Germany,
+brought back learning, grammar, and the classics, now so eagerly
+sought after, and communicated them to their friends.[89] Shortly
+after, Rodolph Agricola, a man of distinguished genius, appeared, and
+was held in as high veneration for his learning and genius, as if he
+had lived in the age of Augustus or Pericles. The ardour of his mind,
+and the fatigues of the school, wore him out in a few years; but not
+till noble disciples had been trained, through intimate intercourse
+with him, to carry their master's fire all over Germany. Often, when
+assembled around him, they had together deplored the darkness of the
+Church, and asked why Paul so often repeats that men are justified by
+faith and not by works.[90]
+
+  [89] Hamelmann, Relatio Hist. This first impulse has been erroneously
+  attributed to Thomas à Kempis. (Delprat over G. Groote, p. 280.)
+
+  [90] "Fide justos esse." (Melancth. Decl., i, 602.)
+
+Around the feet of these new teachers soon gathered rustic youths, who
+lived by alms and studied without books, and who, divided into
+sections of priests of Bacchus, arquebusiers, and many more besides,
+moved in disorderly bands from town to town, and school to school. No
+matter; these strange bands were the commencement of a literary
+public. The masterpieces of antiquity began gradually to issue from
+the presses of Germany, supplanting the schoolmen; and the art of
+printing, discovered at Mayence in 1440, multiplied the energetic
+voices which remonstrated against the corruption of the Church, and
+those voices, not less energetic, which invited the human mind into
+new paths.
+
+The study of ancient literature had, in Germany, very different
+effects from those which it had in Italy and France. Her study was
+combined with faith. In the new literary culture, Germany turned her
+attention to the advantage which religion might derive from it. What
+had produced in some a kind of intellectual refinement, of a captious
+and sterile nature, penetrated the whole life of others, warmed their
+hearts, and prepared them for a better light. The first restorers of
+letters in France were characterised by levity, and often even by
+immorality of conduct. In Germany, their successors, animated by a
+spirit of gravity, zealously devoted themselves to the investigation
+of truth. Italy offering her incense to profane literature and
+science, saw an infidel opposition arise. Germany, occupied with a
+profound theology, and turned inwardly upon herself, saw the rise of
+an opposition based on faith. The one sapped the foundations of the
+Church, and the other repaired them. Within the empire was formed a
+remarkable union of free, learned, and noble-minded men, among whom
+princes were conspicuous, who endeavoured to render science useful to
+religion. Some brought to their studies the humble faith of children,
+while others brought an enlightened and penetrating intellect,
+disposed, perhaps, to exceed the bounds of legitimate freedom and
+criticism; both, however, contributed to clear the pavement of the
+temple from the obstructions produced by so many superstitions.
+
+The monkish theologians perceived their danger, and began to clamour
+against the very studies which they had tolerated in Italy and France,
+because in those countries they had gone hand in hand with levity and
+dissoluteness. They entered into a conspiracy to oppose the study of
+language and science, because they had caught a glimpse of faith
+following in their rear. A monk was putting some one on his guard
+against the heresies of Erasmus. "In what," it was asked, "do they
+consist?" He confessed that he had not read the work of which he was
+speaking, but one thing he knew, viz., that Erasmus had written in too
+good Latin.
+
+The disciples of literature, and the scholastic theologians, soon came
+to an open rupture. The latter were in dismay when they saw the
+movement which was taking place in the domain of intellect, and
+thought that immobility and darkness were the best safeguards of the
+Church. Their object in contending against the revival of letters was
+to save Rome, but they helped to ruin it. Here Rome had much at stake.
+Forgetting herself for an instant under the pontificate of Leo X, she
+abandoned her old friends, and clasped her young adversaries in her
+arms. The papacy and letters formed an intimacy which seemed destined
+to break up the ancient alliance between monasticism and the
+hierarchy. At the first glance the popes perceived not that what they
+had taken for a whip was a sword capable of inflicting a mortal
+wound. In the same way, during the last century, princes were seen
+receiving at their court political and philosophic systems, which, if
+carried into full effect, would have overturned their thrones. The
+alliance was not of long duration. Literature advanced without
+troubling itself about the injury which it might do to the power of
+its patron. The monks and schoolmen were aware that to abandon the
+pope was just to abandon themselves; and the pope, notwithstanding of
+the passing patronage which he gave to the fine arts, was not the less
+active when he saw the danger, in adopting measures, how much opposed
+soever they might be to the spirit of the time.
+
+The universities defended themselves as they best could against the
+invasion of new light. Cologne expelled Rhagius; Leipsic, Celtes;
+Rostoch, Herman von dem Busch. Still the new doctors, and with them
+the ancient classics, gradually and often even by the aid of princes,
+made good their footing in these public schools. Societies of
+grammarians and poets were soon established in spite of the schoolmen,
+and every thing, even to the name of the Literati, behoved to be
+converted into Latin and Greek; for how could the friends of Sophocles
+and Virgil have such names as Krachenberger or Schwarzerd? At the same
+time, a spirit of independence breathed in all the universities.
+Students were no longer seen in schoolboy fashion, with their books
+under their arms, walking sagely and demurely with downcast eye behind
+their masters. The petulance of a Martial and an Ovid had passed into
+the new disciples of the Muses. It was transport to them to hear the
+sarcasms which fell in torrents on the dialectical theologians, and
+the heads of the literary movement were sometimes accused of
+favouring, and even of exciting, the disorderly proceedings of the
+students.
+
+Thus a new world, emerging out of antiquity, was formed in the very
+heart of the world of the middle ages. The two parties could not avoid
+coming to blows, and the struggle was at hand. It began with the
+greatest champion of literature, with an old man on the eve of
+finishing his peaceful career.
+
+To secure the triumph of truth, the first thing necessary was to bring
+forth the weapons by which she was to conquer, from the arsenals where
+they had lain buried for ages. These weapons were the holy Scriptures
+of the Old and New Testaments. It was necessary to revive in
+Christendom a love and study of sacred literature, both Greek and
+Hebrew. John Reuchlin was the individual whom divine Providence
+selected for this purpose.
+
+A very fine boy's voice was remarked in the choir of the church of
+Pforzheim, and attracted the attention of the Margrave of Baden. It
+was that of John Reuchlin, a young boy of agreeable manners and a
+lively disposition, son of an honest burgher of the place. The
+Margrave soon took him entirely under his protection, and in 1473 made
+choice of him to accompany his son Frederick to the University of
+Paris.
+
+The son of the bailiff of Pforzheim arrived with the prince, his heart
+exuberant with joy at being admitted to this school, the most
+celebrated of all the West. Here he found the Spartan Hermonymos and
+John Wessel, surnamed "The Light of the World," and had an opportunity
+of engaging under skilful masters in the study of Greek and Hebrew,
+which had not then a single professor in Germany, and of which he was
+one day to be the restorer in the country of the Reformation. The poor
+young German made copies of the poems of Homer, and the speeches of
+Isocrates, for wealthy students, and in this way gained the means of
+continuing his studies and buying books.
+
+But what he hears from the mouth of Wessel is of a different nature,
+and makes a deep impression on his mind. "The popes may be mistaken.
+All human satisfactions are blasphemy against Christ, who has
+perfectly reconciled and justified the human race. To God alone
+belongs the power of giving full absolution. There is no necessity for
+confessing our sins to a priest. There is no purgatory, at least if it
+be not God himself, who is a devouring fire, and purges away every
+defilement." Reuchlin, when scarcely twenty, teaches Philosophy,
+Greek, and Latin, at Bâsle, and a German (a thing then regarded as a
+wonder) is heard speaking Greek.
+
+The partizans of Rome begin to feel uneasy on seeing noble spirits at
+work among these ancient treasures. "The Romans," says Reuchlin, "are
+making mouths and raising an outcry, pretending that all these
+literary labours are hostile to Roman piety, inasmuch as the Greeks
+are schismatics. Oh! what toils and sufferings must be endured to
+bring Germany back to wisdom and knowledge!"
+
+Shortly afterward, Eberhard of Wurtemberg invited Reuchlin to
+Tubingen, that he might be the ornament of this rising university, and
+in 1483 took him with him into Italy. At Florence his companions and
+friends were Chalcondylas, Aurispa, and John Pica de Mirandola. At
+Rome, when Eberhard received a solemn audience of the pope, surrounded
+by his cardinals, Reuchlin delivered an address in such pure and
+elegant Latin, that the assembly, who expected nothing of the kind
+from a barbarous German, were filled with the greatest astonishment,
+while the pope exclaimed, "Assuredly this man deserves to take his
+place beside the best orators of France and Italy."
+
+Ten years later Reuchlin was obliged to take refuge in Heidelberg, at
+the court of the Elector Philip, to escape the vengeance of Eberhard's
+successor. Philip, in concert with John of Dalberg, Bishop of Worms,
+his friend and chancellor, exerted himself to spread the light which
+was beginning to peep forth from all parts of Germany. Dalberg had
+founded a library, to which all the learned had free access, and
+Reuchlin, in this new sphere, made great efforts to remove the
+barbarism of his countrymen.
+
+Having been sent to Rome by the elector in 1498, on an important
+mission, he availed himself of all the time and all the money he could
+spare to make new progress in Hebrew, under the learned Israelite,
+Abdias Sphorne, and purchased all the Greek and Hebrew manuscripts
+which he could find, with the view of employing them as so many
+torches to increase the light which was beginning to dawn in his
+native country.
+
+Argyropolos, a distinguished Greek, was at this time in the metropolis
+explaining the ancient marvels of the literature of his country to a
+numerous audience. The learned ambassador repairs with his suite to
+the hall where the teacher was lecturing, and, after bowing to him,
+deplores the misery of Greece, expiring under the blows of the
+Ottomans. The astonished Hellenist asks the German, "Who are you? Do
+you understand Greek?" Reuchlin replies, "I am a German, and know
+something of your tongue." At the request of Argyropolos he reads and
+explains a passage of Thucydides, which the professor had at the
+moment before him. Then Argyropolos, filled with astonishment and
+grief, exclaims, "Alas! Alas! Greece, oppressed and obliged to flee,
+has gone and hid herself beyond the Alps!"
+
+Thus the sons of rude Germany, and those of ancient learned Greece,
+met in the palaces of Rome, and the East and West shook hands in this
+rendezvous of the world--the one pouring into the lap of the other
+those intellectual treasures which had with difficulty been saved from
+the barbarism of the Ottomans. God, when his designs require it,
+employs some great catastrophe to break down the barrier, and
+instantly bring together those who seemed to be for ever parted.
+
+Reuchlin, on his return to Germany, was able to go back to Wurtemberg,
+and proceeded, at this time especially, to execute those works which
+proved so useful to Luther and the Reformation. This individual, who,
+as Count Palatine, held an eminent station in the empire, and who as
+a philosopher, contributed to humble Aristotle and exalt Plato--made a
+Latin Dictionary, which supplanted those of the Schoolmen--composed a
+Greek Grammar, which greatly facilitated the study of that
+language--translated and expounded the penitential Psalms--corrected
+the Vulgate, and was the first in Germany (this constitutes his
+highest merit and glory) who published a Hebrew Grammar and
+Dictionary. By this work Reuchlin opened the long sealed books of the
+Old Testament, and reared "a monument," as he himself expresses it,
+"more durable than brass."
+
+It was not merely by his writings, but also by his life, that Reuchlin
+sought to advance the reign of truth. Tall in stature, of commanding
+appearance, and affable address, he instantly gained the confidence of
+all with whom he had any intercourse. His thirst for knowledge was
+equalled only by his zeal in communicating it. He spared neither money
+nor labour to introduce the editions of the classics into Germany as
+they issued from the presses of Italy; and in this way the son of a
+bailiff did more to enlighten his countrymen than rich municipalities
+or powerful princes. His influence over youth was great; and, in this
+respect, who can calculate how much the Reformation owes to him? We
+will give only one example. His cousin, a young man named Schwarzerd,
+son of an artisan, who had acquired celebrity as an armourer, came to
+lodge with his sister, Elizabeth, in order to study under his
+direction. Reuchlin, delighted at the genius and application of his
+young pupil, adopted him. Advice, presents of books, examples,
+nothing, in short, he spared to make his relative useful to the Church
+and to his country. He rejoiced to see his work prospering under his
+eye; and, thinking the name Schwarzerd too barbarous, translated it
+into Greek, and named the young student Melancthon. It was Luther's
+illustrious friend.
+
+But grammatical studies did not satisfy Reuchlin. Like his masters,
+the Jewish doctors, he began to study the hidden meaning of the Word;
+"God," said he, "is a Spirit, the Word is a breath,--man breathes, God
+is the Word. The names which he has given himself are an echo of
+eternity."[91] Like the Cabalists, he hoped to "pass from symbol to
+symbol, from form to form, till he arrived at the last and purest of
+all forms--that which regulates the power of the Spirit."[92]
+
+  [91] De Verbo Mirifico.
+
+  [92] De Arte Cabalistica.
+
+While Reuchlin was bewildering himself in these quiet and abstruse
+researches, the enmity of the Schoolmen forced him suddenly, and much
+against his will, into a fierce war, which was one of the preludes of
+the Reformation.
+
+There was at Cologne a baptized Rabbin, named Pfefferkorn, who was
+intimately connected with the inquisitor Hochstraten. This man and the
+Dominicans solicited and procured from the emperor, Maximilian, (it
+may have been with good intentions,) an order, in virtue of which the
+Jews were to bring all their Hebrew books (the Bible excepted) to the
+town-house of the place where they resided. There the books were to be
+burned. The motive alleged was, that they were full of blasphemies
+against Jesus Christ. It must be confessed that they were, at least,
+full of absurdities, and that the Jews themselves would not have lost
+much by the intended execution.
+
+The emperor desired Reuchlin to give his opinion of the books. The
+learned doctor expressly singled out all the books which were written
+against Christianity, leaving them to their destined fate, but he
+tried to save the others. "The best method of converting the
+Israelites," added he, "would be to establish two Hebrew professors in
+each University, who might teach theologians to read the Bible in
+Hebrew, and thus refute the Jewish doctors." The Jews, in consequence
+of this advice, obtained restitution of their books.
+
+The proselytes and the inquisitors, like hungry ravens which see their
+prey escape, sent forth cries of fury. Picking out different passages
+from the writings of Reuchlin, and perverting their meaning, they
+denounced the author as a heretic, accused him of a secret inclination
+to Judaism, and threatened him with the fetters of the Inquisition.
+Reuchlin was at first taken by surprise; but these men always becoming
+more and more arrogant, and prescribing dishonourable terms, he, in
+1513, published a "Defence against his Detractors of Cologne," in
+which he painted the whole party in vivid colours.
+
+The Dominicans vowed vengeance, and hoped, by an act of authority, to
+re-establish their tottering power. Hochstraten, at Mayence, drew up a
+charge against Reuchlin, and the learned works of this learned man
+were condemned to the flames. The Innovators, the masters and
+disciples of the new school, feeling that they were all attacked in
+the person of Reuchlin, rose as one man. Times were changed,--Germany
+and literature were very different from Spain and the Inquisition.
+
+The great literary movement had created a public opinion. Even the
+dignified clergy were somewhat influenced by it. Reuchlin appeals to
+Leo X, and that pope, who had no great liking for ignorant monks and
+fanatics, remits the whole affair to the Bishop of Spires, who
+declares Reuchlin innocent, and condemns the monks in the expences of
+process. The Dominicans, those props of the papacy, filled with rage,
+recur to the infallible decision of Rome, and Leo, not knowing how to
+act between the two hostile powers, issues a mandate superseding the
+process.
+
+The union of letters with faith forms one of the characteristic
+features of the Reformation, and distinguishes it, both from the
+introduction of Christianity, and the religious revival of the present
+day. The Christians, who were contemporary with the Apostles, had the
+refinement of their age against them, and, with some few exceptions,
+it is the same now; but the majority of literary men were with the
+Reformers. Even public opinion was favourable to them. The work
+thereby gained in extent, but perhaps it lost in depth.
+
+Luther, sensible of all that Reuchlin had done, wrote to him shortly
+after his victory over the Dominicans, "The Lord has acted through
+you, in order that the light of Holy Scripture may again begin to
+shine in this Germany, where, for many ages, alas! it was not only
+smothered, but almost extinguished."[93]
+
+  [93] Mai Vita J. Reuchlin, (Francf. 1687,) Maynhoff, J. Reuchlin and
+  Seine Zeit, (Berlin, 1830.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VIII.
+
+     Erasmus--Erasmus a Canon--At Paris--His Genius--His
+     Reputation--His Influence--Popular Attack--Praise of
+     Folly--Tatters--Church People--Saints--Folly and the
+     Popes--Attack on Science--Principle--The Greek New
+     Testament--His Profession of Faith--His Writings and
+     Influence--His Failings--A Reform without Shocks--Was it
+     possible--The Church without Reform--His timidity--His
+     Indecision--Erasmus loses himself with all Parties.
+
+
+But a man had now appeared, who regarded it as the great business of
+his life to attack the scholasticism of the universities and convents,
+and was the great writer of the opposition at the commencement of the
+sixteenth century.
+
+Reuchlin was not twelve years old when this first genius of the age
+was born. A man of great vivacity and talent, by name Gerard, a native
+of Gouda, in the Netherlands, loved a physician's daughter, named
+Marguerite. The principles of Christianity did not regulate his life,
+or at least passion silenced them. His parents, and nine brothers,
+would have constrained him to embrace the monastic state. He fled,
+leaving the object of his affection about to become a mother, and
+repaired to Rome. Frail Marguerite gave birth to a son. Gerard heard
+nothing of it, and some time after having received intimation from his
+parents, that the object of his affection was no more, he, in a
+paroxysm of grief, turned priest, and consecrated himself for ever to
+the service of God. On his return to Holland, she was still alive!
+Marguerite would not marry another, and Gerard, remaining faithful to
+his sacerdotal vows, their affection became concentrated on their
+little son. His mother had tended him with the greatest care, and his
+father, after his return, sent him to school, though he was only four
+years of age. He was not thirteen, when his teacher, Sinthemius, of
+Deventer, clasping him rapturously in his arms, exclaimed, "This child
+will reach the highest pinnacles of science." It was Erasmus of
+Rotterdam.[94]
+
+  [94] His proper name was Gerard, the same as that of his father. This
+  Dutch name he translated into Latin, Desiderius (Desired,) and into
+  Greek, Ερασμος, (Erasmus.)
+
+About this time his mother died, and his father, broken-hearted, was
+not long in following her to the grave.
+
+Young Erasmus, left alone in the world, showed the greatest aversion
+to become a monk, a state of life which his guardians were for
+compelling him to adopt, but to which, from the circumstances of his
+birth, he may be said to have been always opposed. Ultimately he was
+prevailed upon to enter a convent of canons regular, but he had no
+sooner done it than he felt, as it were, borne down by the weight of
+his vows. Recovering a little liberty, he is soon seen, first at the
+Court of the Archbishop of Cambray, and afterwards at the University
+of Paris, where he prosecuted his studies in extreme poverty, but with
+the most indefatigable diligence. As soon as he could procure any
+money, he employed the first part of it in the purchase of Greek
+books, and the remainder in the purchase of clothes. Often did the
+poor Dutchman make fruitless application to his guardians, and to this
+probably it was owing, that, in after life, one of his greatest
+pleasures was to give assistance to poor students. Engaged without
+intermission in the pursuit of truth and knowledge, he gave a
+reluctant attendance on scholastic disputes, and revolted from the
+study of theology, afraid that he might discover some errors in it,
+and be, in consequence, denounced as a heretic.
+
+It was at this time Erasmus began to feel his strength. By the study
+of the ancients, he acquired a perspicuity and an elegance of style,
+which placed him far above the most distinguished Literati of Paris.
+His employment as a teacher procured him powerful friends, while the
+works which he published attracted general admiration and applause. He
+well knew how to please the public, and shaking off the last remnants
+of the school and the cloister, devoted himself entirely to
+literature, displaying in all his writings those ingenious
+observations, and that correct, lively, and enlightened spirit, which
+at once amuse and instruct.
+
+The laborious habits which he acquired at this period he retained
+through life. Even in his journeys, which were usually made on
+horseback, he was never idle. He composed while he was rambling across
+the fields, and, on arriving at his inn, committed his thoughts to
+writing. It was in this way, while travelling from Italy to England,
+he composed his Praise of Folly.[95]
+
+  [95] Εγκωμιον μοσιας. Seven editions of this work were
+  disposed of in a few months.
+
+Erasmus, early in life, acquired a high reputation among the learned,
+but the enraged monks owed him a grudge, and vowed vengeance. He was
+much courted by princes, and was inexhaustible in finding excuses to
+evade their invitations, liking better to gain his livelihood in
+correcting books with the printer Frobenius, than to live surrounded
+by luxury and honour, at the magnificent courts of Charles V, Henry
+VIII, and Francis I, or to encircle his head with the Cardinal's hat
+which was offered him.[96]
+
+  [96] "A principibus facile mihi contingeret fortuna, nisi mihi nimium
+  dulcis esset libertas." (Ep. ad Prich.) I might easily make my fortune
+  by princes, were not liberty too dear to me.
+
+He taught in Oxford from 1509 to 1516, and then left it for Bâsle,
+where he fixed his residence in 1521.
+
+What was his influence on the Reformation?
+
+It has been overrated by some and underrated by others. Erasmus never
+was, and never could have been, a Reformer, but he paved the way for
+others. Not only did he diffuse among his contemporaries a love of
+science, and a spirit of research and examination, which led others
+much farther than he went himself, but he was also able, through the
+protection of distinguished prelates and mighty princes, to expose the
+vices of the Church, and lash them with the most cutting satire.
+
+Erasmus, in fact, attacked monks and abuses in two ways. First, there
+was his popular attack. That little fair-haired man, whose peering
+blue eyes keenly observed whatever came before him, and on whose lips
+a somewhat sarcastic smile was always playing, though timid and
+embarrassed in his step, and apparently so feeble that a breath of air
+might have thrown him down, was constantly pouring out elegant and
+biting sarcasms against the theology and superstition of his age. His
+natural character and the events of his life had made this habitual to
+him. Even in writings where nothing of the kind was to have been
+expected, his sarcastic humour is ever breaking out, and, as with
+needle points, impaling those schoolmen and ignorant monks against
+whom he had declared war. There are many features of resemblance
+between Erasmus and Voltaire. Previous authors had given a popular
+turn to that element of folly which mingles with all the thoughts and
+all the actions of human life. Erasmus took up the idea, and
+personifying Folly, introduces her under the name of Moria, daughter
+of Plutus, born in the Fortunate Islands, nursed on intoxication and
+impertinence, and swaying the sceptre of a mighty empire. Giving a
+description of it, she paints, in succession, all the states of the
+world which belong to her, dwelling, especially, on church folks, who
+refuse to own her kindness, although she loads them with her favours.
+She directs her jibes and jests against the labyrinth of dialectics,
+in which the theologians wander bewildered, and the grotesque
+syllogisms by which they pretend to support the Church. She also
+unveils the disorders, the ignorance, the impurity, and absurd conduct
+of the monks.
+
+"They are all mine," says she, "those people who have no greater
+delight than to relate miracles, or hear monstrous lies, and who
+employ them to dissipate the ennui of others, and, at the same time,
+to fill their own purses, (I allude, particularly, to priests and
+preachers.) Near them are those who have adopted the foolish, yet
+pleasing persuasion, that if they cast a look at a bit of wood or a
+picture representing Polyphemus or Christopher, they will, at least,
+outlive that day."--"Alas! what follies," continues Moria, "follies at
+which even I myself can scarcely help blushing! Do we not see each
+country laying claim to its particular _saint_? Each misery has its
+saint and its candle. This one relieves you in toothache, that one
+gives assistance at childbirth, a third restores your stolen goods, a
+fourth saves you in shipwreck, and a fifth keeps watch over your
+flocks. Some of these are all-powerful in many things at once. This is
+particularly the case with the Virgin, the mother of God, to whom the
+vulgar attribute almost more than to her Son.[97] In the midst of all
+these follies, if some odious sage arise, and, giving a counternote,
+exclaim, (as in truth he may,) 'You will not perish miserably if you
+live as Christians.[98] You will redeem your sins, if to the money
+which you give you add hatred of the sins themselves, tears, vigils,
+prayers, fastings, and a thorough change in your mode of life. Yon
+saint will befriend you if you imitate his life.'--If some sage, I
+say, charitably duns such words into their ears, Oh! of what felicity
+does he not deprive their souls, and into what trouble, what
+despondency, does he not plunge them! The mind of man is so
+constituted that imposture has a much stronger hold upon it than
+truth.[99] If there is any saint more fabulous than another, for
+instance, a St. George, a St. Christopher, or a St. Barbara, you will
+see them adored with much greater devotion than St. Peter, St. Paul,
+or Christ himself."[100]
+
+  [97] "Præcipue Deipara Virgo, cui vulgus hominum plus prope tribuit
+  quam Filio." (Encomium Moriæ, Op. iv, p. 444.)
+
+  [98] "Non mali peribis si bene vixeris." (Encomium Moriæ, Op. iv, p.
+  444.)
+
+  [99] "Sic sculptus est hominis animus ut longe magis fucis quam veris
+  capiatur." (Ibid., p. 450.)
+
+  [100] "Aut ipsum Christum." (Ibid.)
+
+Folly, however, does not stop here; she applies her lash to the
+bishops themselves, "who run more after gold than after souls, and
+think they have done enough when they make a theatrical display of
+themselves, as Holy Fathers, to whom adoration is due, and when they
+bless or anathematise." The daughter of "the Fortunate Isles" has the
+hardihood even to attack the Court of Rome, and the pope himself, who,
+spending his time in diversion, leaves Peter and Paul to perform his
+duty. "Are there," says she, "more formidable enemies of the Church
+than those impious pontiffs, who, by their silence, allow Jesus Christ
+to be destroyed, who bind him by their mercenary laws, falsify him by
+their forced interpretations, and strangle him by their pestilential
+life?"[101]
+
+  [101] "Quasi sint ulli hostes Ecclesiæ perniciosiores quam impii
+  pontifices, qui et silentio Christum sinunt abolescere et quæstuariis
+  legibus alligant et coactis interpretationibus adulterant et
+  pestilente vita jugulent." (Ibid.)
+
+Holbein appended to the Praise of Folly, most grotesque engravings,
+among which the pope figures with his triple crown. Never, perhaps,
+was a work so well adapted to the wants of a particular period. It is
+impossible to describe the impression which it produced throughout
+Christendom. Twenty-seven editions were published in the lifetime of
+Erasmus; it was translated into all languages, and served more than
+any other to confirm the age in its antisacerdotal tendency.
+
+But to this attack by popular sarcasm, Erasmus added the attack of
+science and erudition. The study of Greek and Latin literature had
+opened up a new prospect to the modern genius which began to be
+awakened in Europe. Erasmus entered with all his heart into the idea
+of the Italians, that the school of the ancients was that in which the
+sciences ought to be studied, that, abandoning the inadequate and
+absurd books which had hitherto been used, it was necessary to go to
+Strabo for geography, to Hippocrates for medicine, to Plato for
+philosophy, to Ovid for mythology, and to Pliny for natural history.
+But he took a farther step, the step of a giant, destined to lead to
+the discovery of a new world, of more importance to humanity than that
+which Columbus had just added to the old world. Following out his
+principle, Erasmus insisted that men should no longer study theology
+in Scotus and Thomas Aquinas, but go and learn it from the Fathers of
+the Church, and, above all, from the New Testament. He showed that it
+was not even necessary to keep close to the Vulgate, which swarmed
+with faults, and he rendered an immense service to truth, by
+publishing his critical edition of the Greek text of the New
+Testament, a text as little known in the West as if it never had
+existed. This edition appeared at Bâsle in 1516, the year before the
+Reformation. Erasmus thus did for the New Testament what Reuchlin had
+done for the Old. Theologians were thenceforth able to read the word
+of God in the original tongues, and at a later period to recognise the
+purity of doctrine taught by the Reformers.
+
+"I wish," said Erasmus on publishing his New Testament, "to bring to
+its level that frigid, wordy, disputatious thing, termed Theology.
+Would to God the Christian world may derive advantage from the work,
+proportioned to the pain and toil which it has cost." The wish was
+accomplished. It was in vain for the monks to exclaim, "He is trying
+to correct the Holy Spirit." The new Testament of Erasmus sent forth a
+living light. His paraphrases on the Epistles and Gospels of St.
+Matthew and St. John; his editions of Cyprian and Jerome; his
+translations of Origen, Athanasius, and Chrysostom; his "True
+Theology;"[102] his "Preacher;"[103] his Commentaries on several of
+the Psalms, contributed greatly to spread a taste for the word of God
+and pure theology. The effect of his labours even went farther than
+his intentions. Reuchlin and Erasmus restored the Bible to the
+learned; Luther restored it to the people. We have not yet described
+all that Erasmus did. When he restored the Bible, he called attention
+to its contents. "The highest aim of the revival of philosophical
+studies," said he, "should be to give a knowledge of the pure and
+simple Christianity of the Bible." An admirable sentiment! Would to
+God the organs of philosophy, in our day, were as well acquainted with
+their calling! "I am firmly resolved," continued he, "to die studying
+the Scriptures; it is my joy and my peace."[104] "The sum of all
+Christian philosophy," he elsewhere says, "is reduced to this: To
+place all our hope in God, who through grace without our merits, gives
+us everything by Jesus Christ: To know that we are ransomed by the
+death of his Son: To die to worldly lusts, and walk conformably to his
+doctrine and his example, not only doing no injury to any, but, on the
+contrary, doing good to all: To bear trials patiently, in the hope of
+future recompence: in fine, to claim no credit to ourselves because of
+our virtues, but give thanks to God for all our faculties, and all our
+works. These are the feelings which ought to pervade the whole man,
+until they have become a second nature."[105]
+
+  [102] Ratio Veræ Theologiæ.
+
+  [103] Seu de Ratione Concionandi.
+
+  [104] Ad Servatium.
+
+  [105] Ad Joh. Slechtam,1519. "Hæc sunt animis hominum inculcanda, sic,
+  ut velut in naturam transeant." (Er. Ep. i, p. 680.) These things are
+  to be impressed on the minds of men, so that they may become as it
+  were natural.
+
+Then raising his voice against the great mass of ecclesiastical
+injunctions, regarding dress, fasts, feast-days, vows, marriage, and
+confessions, by which the people were oppressed, and the priest was
+enriched, Erasmus exclaims, "In churches, the interpretation of the
+gospel is scarcely thought of.[106] The better part of sermons must
+meet the wishes of the commissaries of indulgences. The holy doctrine
+of Christ must be suppressed, or interpreted contrary to its meaning,
+and for their profit. Cure is now hopeless, unless Christ himself turn
+the hearts of kings and pontiffs, and awaken them to enquire after
+true piety."
+
+  [106] "In templis vix vacat Evangelium interpretari." (Annot. ad
+  Matth., xi, 30, "Jugum meum suave.") There is scarcely leisure in
+  churches to interpret the gospel.
+
+The works of Erasmus rapidly succeeded each other. He laboured
+incessantly, and his writings were read just as they came from his
+pen. That spirit, that native life, that rich, refined, sparkling and
+bold intellect, which, without restraint, poured out its treasures
+before his contemporaries, carried away and entranced vast numbers of
+readers, who eagerly devoured the works of the philosopher of
+Rotterdam. In this way he soon became the most influential man in
+Christendom, and saw pensions and crowns raining down upon him from
+all quarters.
+
+When we contemplate the great revolution, which, at a later period,
+renewed the Church, it is impossible not to own that Erasmus was used
+by many as a kind of bridge, over which they passed. Many who would
+have taken alarm at evangelical truths, if presented in all their
+force and purity, yielded to the charm of his writings, and
+ultimately figured among the most zealous promoters of the
+Reformation.
+
+But the very circumstance of his being good in preparing, prevented
+him from being good at performing. "Erasmus knows very well how to
+expose error," says Luther, "but he knows not how to teach the truth."
+The gospel was not the fire which warmed and sustained his life, the
+centre around which his activity radiated. He was, first of all, a
+learned, and, in the second place only, a Christian man. He was too
+much under the influence of vanity to have a decided influence on his
+age. He anxiously calculated the effect which every step he took might
+have on his reputation, and there was nothing he liked so much to talk
+of as himself and his fame. "The pope," wrote he to an intimate friend
+with puerile vanity, at the period when he became the declared
+opponent of Luther, "the pope has sent me a letter full of kindness
+and expressions of respect. His secretary solemnly vows that the like
+was never heard of, and that it was written word for word at the
+pope's own dictation."
+
+Erasmus and Luther are the representatives of two great ideas on the
+subject of reform, and of two great parties of their own age, and of
+all ages. The one is composed of men, whose leading characteristic is
+a prudential timidity; the other of men of courage and resolution.
+These two parties were, at this period, personified in these two
+distinguished heads. The men of prudence thought that the cultivation
+of theological science might lead gradually, and without disruption,
+to the reformation of the Church. The men of action thought that the
+diffusion of more correct ideas among the learned would not put a stop
+to the superstitions of the people, and that the correction of
+particular abuses was of little avail, unless the whole life of the
+Church were renewed.
+
+"A disadvantageous peace," said Erasmus, "is far better than the
+justest war."[107] He thought (and how many Erasmuses have been and
+still are in the world?) that a Reformation which shook the Church
+might run a risk of overturning it; and he was therefore terrified
+when, on looking forward, he saw the passions of men excited, saw evil
+everywhere mingling itself with any little good that could be
+accomplished, existing institutions destroyed in the absence of others
+to supply their place, and the vessel of the Church leaking in every
+part, and at length engulfed amid the storm. "Those who bring the sea
+into new lagoons," said he, "are often deceived in the result; the
+formidable element, once introduced, does not take the direction which
+they wished to give it, but rushes where it pleases, and causes great
+devastation.[108] "Be this as it may," continued he, "let disturbances
+be by all means avoided. Better put up with wicked princes than by
+innovations enthrone evil."[109]
+
+  [107] "Malo hunc qualisqualis est rerum humanarum statum quam novos
+  excitari tumultus," (Erasm. Ep. i, p. 953.) I had rather have the
+  world as it is than have new tumults excited.
+
+  [108] "Semel admissum, non ea fertur qua destinaret admissor." (Erasm.
+  Ep. i, p. 953.) Once admitted, it goes not where the admitter
+  intended.
+
+  [109] "Præstat ferre principes impios, quam novatis rebus gravius
+  malum accersere." (Ad Matth. xi, 30.) It is better to bear wicked
+  princes, than invite a worse calamity by innovation.
+
+But the courageous among his contemporaries were prepared with their
+answer. History had clearly enough demonstrated, that a frank
+exposition of the truth, and a mortal struggle with falsehood, could
+alone secure the victory. Had temporising and politic artifices been
+resorted to, the wiles of the papal court would have extinguished the
+light in its first glimmerings. Had not all sorts of mild methods been
+tried for ages? Had not Council been held after Council, with the view
+of reforming the Church? Yet all had been useless. Why pretend to
+repeat an experiment that had so often failed?
+
+No doubt a fundamental reform might be effected without disruption.
+But when did anything great and good make its appearance among men
+without causing agitation? This fear of seeing evil mingle with good,
+if legitimate, would arrest the noblest and holiest enterprises. We
+must not fear the evil which may be heaved up in the course of great
+agitation, but be strong in combating and destroying it.
+
+Besides, is there not an entire difference between the commotion which
+human passions produces and that which emanates from the Spirit of
+God? The one shakes society, the other consolidates it. How erroneous
+to imagine, like Erasmus, that in the state in which Christianity then
+was, with that mixture of opposite elements, truth and falsehood, life
+and death, violent shocks might still be prevented! As well might you
+try to shut the crater of Vesuvius, when the angry elements are
+actually at war in its bosom! The middle ages had seen more than one
+violent commotion in an atmosphere less loaded with storms than at the
+period of the Reformation. The thing wanted at such a time is not to
+arrest and suppress, but to direct and guide.
+
+If the Reformation had not burst forth, who can tell the fearful ruin
+by which its place might have been supplied? Society, a prey to a
+thousand elements of destruction, and destitute of regenerating and
+conservative elements, would have been dreadfully convulsed.
+Assuredly it would not have been a reform to the taste of Erasmus, or
+such an one as many moderate but timid men in our day dream of, that
+would then have overtaken society. The people, devoid of that light
+and piety which the Reformation carried down into the humblest ranks,
+giving themselves up to the violence of their passions, and to a
+restless spirit of revolt, would have burst forth like a wild beast
+broken loose from its chain, after having been goaded to madness.
+
+The Reformation was nothing but an interposition of the Spirit of God
+among men, a setting of the world in order by the hand of God. No
+doubt, it might stir up the fermenting elements which lie hidden in
+the human heart; but God was there to overrule them. Evangelical
+doctrine, heavenly truth, penetrating the masses of the population,
+destroyed what deserved to perish, but, at the same time, gave new
+strength to all that deserved to remain. The Reformation exerted
+itself in building up, and it is mere prejudice to allege that it
+destroyed. "The ploughshare, too," it has been truly said, in speaking
+of the Reformation, "might think it hurts the earth, because it cuts
+it asunder, whereas it only makes it productive."
+
+The great principle of Erasmus was, "Give light, and the darkness will
+disappear of itself." The principle is good, and Luther acted on it.
+But when the enemies of the light strive to extinguish it, or to force
+the flambeau out of the hand which carries it is it necessary, from a
+love of peace, to let them do so? ought not the wicked to be resisted?
+
+Erasmus was deficient in courage. Now, courage is indispensable,
+whether it be to effect a Reformation, or to storm a town. There was
+much timidity in his character. From a boy the very name of death made
+him tremble. He was excessively anxious about his health, and would
+grudge no sacrifice in order to escape from a place where some
+contagious malady prevailed. His love of the comforts of life was
+greater even than his vanity, and hence his rejection, on more than
+one occasion, of the most brilliant offers.
+
+Accordingly, he made no pretensions to the character of a Reformer.
+"If the corruptions of the Court of Rome demand some great and prompt
+remedy," said he, "it is no affair of mine, or of those like me."[110]
+He had not the strong faith which animated Luther. While the latter
+was always prepared to yield up his life for the truth, Erasmus
+candidly declared, "Others may aspire to martyrdom; as for me, I deem
+not myself worthy of the honour. Were some tumult to arise, I fear I
+would play the part of Peter."[111]
+
+  [110] "Ingens aliquod et præsens remedium, certe meum non est." (Er.
+  Ep. i, 653.) Some vast and present remedy assuredly is not for me.
+
+  [111] "Ego me non arbitror hoc honore dignum." (Er. Ep. i, p. 653.)
+
+Erasmus, by his writings and his sayings, had done more than any other
+man to prepare the Reformation; but, when he saw the tempest, which he
+himself had raised, actually come, he trembled. He would have given
+anything to bring back the calm of other days, even though accompanied
+with its dense fogs. It was no longer time. The embankment had burst,
+and it was impossible to arrest the flood which was destined at once
+to purify and fertilise the world. Erasmus was powerful as an
+instrument of God, but when he ceased to be so, he was nothing.
+
+Ultimately, Erasmus knew not for which party to declare. He was not
+pleased with any, and he had his fears of all. "It is dangerous to
+speak," said he, "and it is dangerous to be silent." In all great
+religious movements we meet with those irresolute characters, which,
+though respectable in some points of view, do injury to the truth,
+and, in wishing not to displease any, displease all.
+
+What would become of the truth did not God raise up bolder champions
+to defend it? The following is the advice which Erasmus gave to
+Viglius Zuichem, (afterwards President of the Supreme Court at
+Brussels,) as to the manner in which he ought to conduct himself
+towards the sectaries--(this was the name by which he had already
+begun to designate the Reformers)--"My friendship for you makes me
+desirous that you should keep far aloof from the contagion of the
+sects, and not furnish them with any pretext for saying, 'Zuichem is
+ours.' If you approve their doctrine, at least disguise it, and, above
+all, do not enter into discussion with them. A lawyer should finesse
+with these people as a dying man once did with the devil. The devil
+asked him, 'What believest thou?' The dying man, afraid that if he
+made a confession of his faith, he might be surprised into some
+heresy, replied, 'What the Church believes.' The devil rejoined, 'What
+does the Church believe?' The man again replied, 'What I believe.' The
+devil, once more, 'And what dost thou believe?'--'What the Church
+believes.'"[112] Duke George of Saxony, a mortal enemy of Luther,
+receiving an equivocal answer from Erasmus to a question which he had
+put to him, said, "My dear Erasmus, wash the fur for me, and do not
+merely wet it." Secundus Curio, in one of his works, describes two
+heavens--the Papistical and the Christian heaven. He does not find
+Erasmus in either, but discovers him moving constantly between them in
+endless circles.
+
+  [112] Erasm. Ep. 274.
+
+Such was Erasmus. He wanted that internal liberty which makes a man
+truly free. How different he would have been if he had abandoned
+himself, and sacrificed all for truth! But after trying to effect some
+reforms with the approbation of the Church, and for Rome deserting the
+Reformation when he saw the two to be incompatible, he lost himself
+with all parties. On the one hand, his palinodes could not suppress
+the rage of the fanatical partisans of the Papacy. They felt the
+mischief which he had done them, and they did not forgive it.
+Impetuous monks poured out reproaches on him from the pulpit,--calling
+him a second Lucian,--a fox, which had laid waste the vineyard of the
+Lord. A doctor of Constance had the portrait of Erasmus hung up in his
+study, that he might have it in his power at any moment to spit in his
+face. On the other hand, Erasmus, by deserting the standard of the
+gospel, deprived himself of the affection and esteem of the noblest
+men of the period in which he lived, and must, doubtless, have
+forfeited those heavenly consolations which God sheds in the hearts of
+those who conduct themselves as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. At
+least we have some indication of this in his bitter tears--his painful
+vigils, and troubled sleep--his disrelish for his food--his disgust
+with the study of the muses, once his only solace--his wrinkled
+brow--his pallid cheek--his sad and sunken eye--his hatred of a life
+to which he applies the epithet of cruel--and those longings for death
+which he unbosoms to his friends.[113] Poor Erasmus!
+
+  [113] "... Vigiliæ molestæ, somnus, irrequietus, cibus insipidus
+  omnis, ipsum quoque musarum studium ... ipsa frontis me mœstitia,
+  vultus pallor, oculorum subtristis dejectio." (Erasm, Ep. i, p. 1380.)
+
+The enemies of Erasmus went, we think, somewhat beyond the truth when
+they exclaimed, on Luther's appearance, "Erasmus laid the egg, and
+Luther has hatched it."[114]
+
+  [114] The works of Erasmus were published by John Le Clerc at Liege,
+  in 1703, in ten volumes folio. For his life, see Burigny, Vie
+  D'Erasme, Paris, 1757; A Müller Leben des Erasmus, Hamb., 1828; and
+  the Life inserted by Le Clerc in his Bibliothèque Choisie; see also
+  the fine and faithful work of M. Nisard, (Revue des deux Mondes.) who,
+  however, seems to me mistaken in his estimate of Erasmus and Luther.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IX.
+
+     The nobles--Different Motives--Hütten--Literary
+     League--Letters of some Obscure Men--Their Effect--Luther's
+     Opinion--Hütten at Brussels--His
+     Letters--Seckingen--War--His Death--Cronberg--Hans
+     Sachs--General Fermentation.
+
+
+The same symptoms of regeneration, which we have seen among princes,
+bishops, and the learned, existed among the men of the world, among
+nobles, knights, and warriors. The German nobility performed an
+important part in the Reformation. Several of the most illustrious
+sons of Germany entered into close alliance with the Literati, and
+inflamed with an ardent, sometimes even an excessive zeal, laboured to
+deliver their countrymen from the yoke of Rome.
+
+Various causes must have contributed to procure friends for the
+Reformation among the ranks of the nobility. Some, by their attendance
+at the universities, had been warmed with the same flame that animated
+the learned. Others, whose education had trained them to generous
+feelings, had their minds predisposed in favour of the beautiful
+doctrines of the gospel. To several, the Reformation seemed to present
+something of a chivalrous character, which fascinated them, and bore
+them along in its train. Lastly, it must be acknowledged, that not a
+few had a grudge at the clergy, who had powerfully contributed in the
+reign of Maximilian, to deprive the nobles of their ancient
+independence, and bring them under subjection to their sovereigns.
+They, in their enthusiasm, considered the Reformation as the prelude
+of a great political renovation. They thought they saw the empire
+emerging from this crisis with new splendour, and hailed the better
+state, brilliant with the purest glory, which was on the eve of being
+established in the world by chivalrous swords, not less than by the
+word of God.
+
+Ulrich de Hütten,[115] who, on account of his philippics against the
+Papacy, has been surnamed the Demosthenes of Germany, forms, as it
+were, the link which united the chevaliers and men of letters. He
+distinguished himself by his writings, as much as by his sword.
+Descended from an ancient family in Franconia, he was sent at eleven
+years of age, to the Convent of Foulda, with the view of his becoming
+a monk. But Ulrich, who had no inclination for this state, ran off
+from the convent when he was sixteen, and repaired to the University
+of Cologne, where he devoted himself to the study of languages.
+Afterwards leading an unsettled life, he was in the ranks as a common
+soldier at the siege of Padua, in 1513, saw Rome in all its disorder,
+and there sharpened the arrows which he afterwards shot at her.
+
+  [115] "Animus ingens et ferox, viribus pollens.... Nam si consilia et
+  conatus Hütteni non defecissent quasi nervi copiarum, atque potentiæ,
+  jam mutatio omnium rerum extitisset, et quasi orbis status publici
+  fuisset conversus." (Camer. Vita Melancthonis.) Of a powerful, bold,
+  and vigorous intellect.... For had not Hütten's plans and efforts
+  (these being, as it were, the sinews of power) been defective, a
+  general alteration had taken place, and the condition of the world
+  been in a manner changed.
+
+On his return to Germany, Hütten wrote a pamphlet against Rome,
+entitled "The Roman Trinity," in which he unveils all the disorders of
+that court, and shows the necessity of pulling down her tyranny by
+main force. A traveller named Vadiscus, who figures prominently in the
+piece, says, "There are three things which are usually brought back
+from Rome,--a sore conscience, a disordered stomach, and an empty
+purse. There are three things which Rome does not believe,--the
+immortality of the soul, the resurrection of the dead, and hell. There
+are three things in which Rome carries on a trade,--the grace of
+Christ, ecclesiastical benefices, and women." The publication of this
+work obliged Hütten to quit the court of the Archbishop of Mayence,
+where he was residing when he composed it.
+
+The affair of Reuchlin with the Dominicans was the signal which
+brought forward all the literati, magistrates, and nobles, who were
+opposed to the monks. The defeat of the inquisitors, who, it was said,
+had only saved themselves from a regular and absolute sentence of
+condemnation by money and intrigue, gave encouragement to all their
+adversaries. Counsellors of the empire, and magistrates of the most
+considerable towns--Pirckheimer of Nuremberg, Peutinger of Augsburg,
+Stuss of Cologne, distinguished preachers, such as Capito and
+Œcolampadius, doctors of medicine, historians, all the literati,
+orators, and poets, at the head of whom, Ulrich de Hütten was
+conspicuous, formed the _army of Reuchlinists_, of whom a list was
+even published.[116] The most remarkable production of this league was
+the famous popular satire, entitled, "Letters of some Obscure Men."
+This production was principally written by Hütten, and one of his
+university friends, Crotus Robianus, but it is difficult to say with
+which of the two the idea originated, if, indeed, it was not with the
+learned printer, Angst. It is even doubtful if Hütten had any hand in
+the first part of the work. Several _Humanists_, who had met in the
+fortress of Ebernbourg, appear to have contributed to the second
+part. It is a picture in bold characters, a caricature sometimes
+coarsely painted, but full of truth and vigour, a striking likeness in
+colours of fire. The effect was immense. Monks, who are adversaries of
+Reuchlin, and the supposed authors of the letters, discourse on the
+affairs of the time, and on theological subjects after their own
+manner, and in their barbarous Latin. They address to their
+correspondent, Ortuin Gratius, professor at Cologne, and friend of
+Pfefferkorn, the silliest and most useless questions. They give the
+most amusing proof of the excessive ignorance and incredulity, their
+superstition, their low and vulgar spirit, their coarse gluttony in
+making a god of their belly, and, at the same time, their pride, their
+fanatical and persecuting zeal. They inform him of several of their
+droll adventures, their escapes, their dissoluteness, and a variety of
+scandals in the lives of Hochstraten, Pfefferkorn, and other leaders
+of their party. The tone of these letters, sometimes hypocritical and
+sometimes childish, gives them a very comic effect, and yet the whole
+is so natural, that the Dominicans and Franciscans of England received
+the work with high approbation, believing that it really was composed
+on the principles of their order, and in defence of it. A prior of
+Brabant, in his credulous simplicity, purchased a great number of
+copies, and presented them to the most distinguished among the
+Dominicans. The monks, irritated more and more, applied to the pope
+for a stringent bull against all who should dare to read these
+epistles, but Leo X refused to grant it. They were accordingly obliged
+to put up with the general laugh, and gulp down their rage. No work
+gave a stronger blow to these pillars of Papism. But it was not by
+jesting and satire that the gospel was to triumph. Had this course
+been persisted in; had the Reformers, instead of attacking the
+Reformation with the weapons of God, had recourse to the jeering
+spirit of the world, the cause had been lost. Luther loudly condemned
+these satires. A friend having sent him one of them, entitled, "_The
+Tenor of the Supplication of Pasquin_," he wrote in answer, "The
+foolish things you sent me appear to be written by a mind which is
+under no control. I submitted them to a meeting of friends, and they
+have all given the same opinion."[117] And speaking of the same work,
+he writes to another of his correspondents, "This Supplication appears
+to me to be by the same hand as the _Letters of some Obscure Men_. I
+approve of his wishes, but I approve not of his work, for he does not
+refrain from injury and insult."[118] This sentence is severe, but it
+shows what kind of spirit was in Luther, and how superior he was to
+his contemporaries. It must be added, however, that he was not at all
+times observant of these wise maxims.
+
+  [116] "Exercitus Reuchlinistarum," at the head of a collection of
+  letters addressed to Reuchlin on the subject.
+
+  [117] L. Ep. i. p. 37.
+
+  [118] Luth. Ep. i, p. 38.
+
+Ulrich having been obliged to renounce the protection of the
+Archbishop of Mayence, applied for that of Charles V, who had at this
+time quarrelled with the pope, and accordingly repaired to Brussels,
+where Charles was holding his court. But so far from obtaining
+anything, he learned that the pope had required the emperor to send
+him to Rome bound hand and foot. The inquisitor, Hochstraten,
+Reuchlin's persecutor, was one of those whom Rome had charged to
+pursue him. Ulrich, indignant that such a demand should have been made
+to the emperor, quitted Brabant. When a short way from Brussels, he
+met Hochstraten on the highroad. The inquisitor, frightened out of his
+wits, falls on his knees, and commends his soul to God and the saints.
+"No," said the knight, "I will not soil my sword with such blood as
+yours!" and giving him several strokes with the flat of his sword,
+allowed him to depart.
+
+Hütten took refuge in the castle of Ebernbourg, where Francis de
+Seckingen offered an asylum to all who were persecuted by the
+Ultramontanists. It was here that his ardent zeal for the emancipation
+of his country dictated the remarkable letters which he addressed to
+Charles V, Frederick Elector of Saxony, Albert Archbishop of Mayence,
+and the princes and nobles, and which entitle him to a place among the
+most distinguished authors. Here too, he composed all those works[119]
+which, being read and comprehended by the people, inspired Germany
+with a hatred of Rome and a love of freedom. Devoted to the cause of
+the Reformers, his object was to induce the nobility to take up arms
+in favour of the gospel, and fall with the sword on that Rome which
+Luther only wished to destroy by the Word, and by the invincible force
+of truth.
+
+  [119] The works of Hütten have been published at Berlin by Manchen,
+  1822-1825, in five vols. 8vo.
+
+Still, amid all this fondness for war, we are pleased at finding
+tenderness and delicacy of sentiment in Hütten. On the death of his
+parents, though he was the eldest son, he gave up all the family
+property to his brothers, and prayed them not to write him or send him
+any money, lest, notwithstanding their innocence, they might be
+brought into trouble by his enemies, and fall into the ditch along
+with him.
+
+If the truth cannot own Hütten for one of her children, (for her
+companions are ever holiness of life and purity of heart,) she will,
+at least, make honourable mention of him, as one of the most
+readoubtable adversaries of error.
+
+A similar testimony may be borne to François de Seckingen, his
+illustrious friend and patron. This noble chevalier, whom several of
+his contemporaries deemed worthy of the imperial crown, holds first
+place among the warriors who were the antagonists of Rome. While
+delighting in the noise of arms, he had an ardent love of science, and
+a high veneration for its professors. When at the head of an army
+which threatened Wurtemberg, he gave orders, in the event of Stuttgard
+being taken by assault, to spare the property and house of the
+celebrated scholar, John Reuchlin. He afterwards invited him to his
+camp, and, embracing him, offered to assist him in his quarrel with
+the monks of Cologne. For a long time chivalry had gloried in
+despising literature, but this period presents us with a different
+spectacle. Under the massy cuirass of the Seckingens and Hüttens, we
+perceive the intellectual movement which is beginning to be everywhere
+felt. The first fruits which the Reformation gives to the world are
+warriors enamoured with the arts of peace.
+
+Hütten, who, on his return from Brussels, had taken refuge in the
+castle of Seckingen, invited the valorous knight to study the
+evangelical doctrine, and made him acquainted with the foundations on
+which it rests. "And is there any one," exclaimed Seckingen in
+astonishment, "who dares to overturn such an edifice? Who could do
+it?"
+
+Several individuals, who afterwards became celebrated as Reformers,
+found an asylum in this castle; among others, Martin Bucer, Aquila,
+Schwebel, and Œcolampadius, so that Hütten justly styled Ebernbourg
+"the hotel of the just." Œcolampadius had to preach daily in the
+castle, but the warriors there assembled began to weary hearing so
+much of the meek virtues of Christianity, and the sermons of
+Œcolampadius, though he laboured to shorten them, seemed too long.
+They, indeed, repaired to the church almost every day, but, for the
+most part, only to hear the blessing and offer a short prayer. Hence
+Œcolampadius exclaimed, "Alas! the Word is here sown on stony ground."
+
+Seckingen, longing to serve the cause of truth in his own way,
+declared war on the Archbishop of Treves, "in order," as he said, "to
+open a door for the gospel." In vain did Luther, who had by this time
+appeared, endeavour to dissuade him; he attacked Treves with five
+thousand knights and a thousand common soldiers, but the bold
+archbishop, aided by the Elector Palatine and the Landgrave of Hesse,
+forced him to retreat. The following spring, the allied princes
+attacked him in his castle of Landstein. After a bloody assault,
+Seckingen, having been mortally wounded, was forced to surrender. The
+three princes, accordingly, make their way into the fortress, and,
+after searching through it, at last find the indomitable knight on his
+death-bed, in a subterraneous vault.
+
+He stretches out his hand to the Elector Palatine, without seeming to
+pay any attention to the other princes, who overwhelm him with
+questions and reproaches: "Leave me at rest," said he to them; "I am
+now preparing to answer a mightier than you!..." When Luther heard of
+his death he exclaimed, "The Lord is just, yet wonderful! It is not
+with the sword that he means to propagate the gospel!"
+
+Such was the sad end of a warrior, who, as emperor or elector, might,
+perhaps, have raised Germany to high renown, but who, confined within
+a limited circle, wasted the great powers with which he was endowed.
+It was not in the tumultuous spirit of these warriors that Divine
+truth, which had come down from heaven, was to take up her abode.
+Theirs were not the weapons by which she was to conquer; God, in
+annihilating the mad projects of Seckingen, gave a new illustration of
+the saying of St. Paul, "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal,
+but mighty through God."
+
+Another chevalier, Harmut of Cronberg, a friend of Hütten and
+Seckingen, appears to have had more wisdom and more knowledge of the
+truth. He wrote with great moderation to Leo X, beseeching him to give
+up his temporal power to its rightful possessor, viz., the emperor.
+Addressing his dependants like a father, he endeavoured to make them
+comprehend the doctrines of the gospel, and exhorted them to faith,
+obedience, and confidence in Jesus Christ, "who," added he, "is the
+sovereign Lord of all." He resigned a pension of two hundred ducats
+into the hands of the emperor, "because he was unwilling," as he
+expressed it, "to continue in the service of one who lent his ear to
+the enemies of the truth." I have somewhere met with a beautiful
+saying of his, which seems to place him far above Hütten and
+Seckingen. "The Holy Spirit, our heavenly Teacher, is able, when he
+pleases, to teach us more of the faith of Christ in one hour than we
+could learn in ten years at the University of Paris."
+
+Those who look for the friends of reformation only on the steps of
+thrones,[120] or in cathedrals and academies, and maintain that no
+such friends exist among the people, are under a serious mistake. God,
+while preparing the heart of the wise and powerful, was also
+preparing, in retirement, many simple and humble-minded men, who were
+one day to become obedient to the Word. The history of the period
+gives evidence of the fermentation which was then going on among the
+humbler classes. The popular literature, previous to the Reformation,
+had a tendency directly opposed to the spirit which was prevalent in
+the Church. In the "Eulenspiegel," a celebrated popular poetical
+collection of the period, the laugh is incessantly kept up at priests,
+beasts, and gluttons, who keep full-stocked cellars, fine horses, and
+well-lined pantries. In the "Renard Reinecke," the households of
+priests, with their little children, play an important part. Another
+popular writer thunders with all his might against those ministers of
+Christ who ride splendid horses, but won't fight the infidels; and
+John Rosenblut, in one of his carnival games, brings the Grand Turk
+upon the stage, to preach a seasonable sermon to all the states of
+Christendom.
+
+  [120] See Châteaubriand, Etudes Historiques.
+
+It was unquestionably in the bowels of the people that the
+Reformation, which was soon to break out, was fermenting. Not only
+from this class were youths seen coming forth, who were afterwards to
+occupy the first stations in the Church, but even individuals, who
+continued all their lives to labour in the humblest professions,
+contributed powerfully to the great awakening of Christendom. It may
+be proper to give some traits in the life of one of them.
+
+On the 5th November 1494, a tailor of Nuremberg, by name Hans Sachs,
+had a son born to him. The son, named Hans (John) like his father,
+after having received some schooling, was apprenticed to a shoemaker.
+Young Hans availed himself of the liberty of thought, which this
+humble profession afforded, to penetrate into the higher world, in
+which his soul delighted. Songs, after they ceased in the castles of
+chivalry, seem to have sought, and to have found, an asylum among the
+burghers of the joyous cities of Germany. A singing-school was held in
+the Church of Nuremberg. The performances which took place there, and
+in which young Hans was accustomed to join, opened his heart to
+religious impressions, and helped to awaken a taste for poetry and
+music. The genius of the youth could not long brook confinement within
+the walls of his workshop. He wished to see with his own eyes that
+world of which he had read so much, and been told so many stories by
+his comrades, and which his imagination peopled with wonders. In 1511
+he bundles up his effects, and sets out in the direction of the South.
+The young traveller, falling in with gay comrades, students roaming
+the country, and many dangerous temptations soon feels a serious
+struggle within. The lusts of the world and his pious resolutions war
+with each other. Trembling for the result, he takes flight, and, in
+1513, hides himself in the little town of Wels in Austria, where he
+lives in retirement, devoting himself to the study of the fine arts.
+The emperor, Maximilian, happens to pass through the town with a
+brilliant suite, and the young poet is quite fascinated with the
+splendour of the court. The prince receives him into his hunting
+train, and Hans once more forgets himself, under the noisy vaults of
+the palace of Insprüch. But his conscience again sounds the alarm, and
+the young huntsman, immediately throwing aside his brilliant uniform,
+takes his departure, and arrives at Schwatz near Munich. There, in
+1514, at the age of twenty, he composed his first hymn, "In Honour of
+God," setting it to a remarkable air. It was received with great
+applause. In the course of his journeys, he was witness to many sad
+proofs of the abuses under which religion groaned.
+
+On his return to Nuremberg, Hans commences business, marries, and
+becomes the father of a family. When the Reformation breaks out he
+turns a listening ear. He cordially welcomes the Holy Scripture, which
+had already endeared itself to him as a poet, and he no longer
+searches it for images and hymns, but for the light of truth. To this
+truth he consecrates his lyre. From a humble stall in front of one of
+the gates of the imperial city of Nuremberg, come forth notes which
+re-echo over Germany, and everywhere excite a deep interest in the
+great revolution which is going forward. The spiritual songs of Hans
+Sachs, and his Bible turned into verse, greatly aided the work.
+Indeed, it would be difficult to say which of the two did most for
+it--the elector of Saxony, vicegerent of the empire, or the shoemaker
+of Nuremberg.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Thus, then, there was something in all classes which announced a
+Reformation. On all sides signs appeared, and events pressed forward
+threatening to overthrow the work of ages of darkness, and introduce
+men to a period in which "all things were to become new." The
+hierarchical form, which several ages had been employed in stamping
+upon the world, was on the eve of being effaced. The light which had
+just been discovered had, with inconceivable rapidity, introduced a
+number of new ideas into all countries, and all classes of society
+gave signs of new life. "O age!" exclaims Hütten, "studies flourish,
+and minds awake: Mere life is joy!"... The human intellect, which had
+been slumbering for so many generations, seemed desirous, by its
+activity, to redeem the time which it had lost. To have left it in
+idleness, without nourishment, or to have given it no better food than
+that which had long maintained its languid existence, would have been
+to mistake the nature of man. The human mind having at length
+perceived what it was, and what it ought to be, looked boldly at these
+two states, and scanned the immense abyss which lay between them.
+Great princes were on the throne, the ancient colossus of Rome was
+tottering under its own weight, and the old spirit of chivalry was
+taking leave of the earth to make way for a new spirit, which breathed
+at once on the sanctuaries of knowledge, and on the dwellings of the
+poor. The printed Word had taken wing, and been carried, as the wind
+does certain seeds, to the most distant regions. The discovery of the
+two Indies had enlarged the world.... Every thing announced that a
+great revolution was at hand.
+
+But whence will the blow come which is to strike down the ancient
+edifice, that a new edifice may arise out of its ruins? Nobody could
+say. Who had more wisdom than Frederick? More science than Reuchlin?
+More talent than Erasmus? More spirit and versatility than Hütten?
+More valour than Seckingen? More virtue than Cronberg? And yet,
+neither Frederick, nor Reuchlin, nor Erasmus, nor Seckingen, nor
+Hütten, nor Cronberg.... Learned men, princes, warriors, the Church
+herself, had sapped some of the foundations: but there they had
+stopped. The powerful hand which God had designed to employ was
+nowhere to be seen.
+
+All, however, felt that it must soon make its appearance, while some
+even pretended to have seen indications of it in the stars. One class,
+seeing the miserable state of religion predicted the near approach of
+Antichrist. Another class, on the contrary, predicted a speedy
+Reformation. The world was waiting.... Luther appeared.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK SECOND.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+YOUTH, CONVERSION, AND FIRST LABOURS OF LUTHER.
+
+1483-1517.
+
+     Luther's Descent--His Parents--His Birth--Poverty--The
+     Paternal Roof--Strict Discipline--First Lessons--The School
+     of Magdebourg--Wretchedness--Isenach--The Shunammite--The
+     House of Cotta--The Arts--Remembrance of those Times--His
+     Studies--Trebonius--The University.
+
+
+All was ready. God takes ages to prepare his work, but when the hour
+is come, accomplishes it by the feeblest instruments. To do great
+things by small means, is the law of God. This law, which appears in
+every department of nature, is found also in history. God took the
+Reformers of the Church, where he had taken the Apostles. He selected
+them from that humble class which, without containing the meanest of
+the people, is scarcely the length of citizenship. Every thing must
+manifest to the world that the work is not of man, but of God. The
+Reformer Zuinglius comes forth from the hut of a shepherd of the Alps,
+Melancthon, the Theologian of the Reformation, from the workshop of an
+armourer, and Luther from the cottage of a poor miner.
+
+The first stage in a man's life, that in which he is formed and
+moulded under the hand of God, is always important, and was so
+especially in the case of Luther. There, even at that period, the
+whole Reformation existed. The different phases of that great work
+succeeded each other in the soul of him who was the instrument of
+accomplishing it, before it was actually accomplished. The knowledge
+of the Reformation which took place in Luther's heart is the only key
+to the Reformation of the Church. We must study the particular work,
+if we would attain to a knowledge of the general work. Those who
+neglect the one will never know more than the form and exterior of the
+other. They may acquire a knowledge of certain events and certain
+results, but the intrinsic nature of the revival they cannot know,
+because the living principle which formed the soul of it, is hidden
+from them. Let us then study the Reformation in Luther, before
+studying it in events which changed the face of Christendom.
+
+In the village of Mora, towards the forests of Thuringia, and not far
+from the spot where Boniface, the Apostle of Germany, began to
+proclaim the gospel, there existed, and, undoubtedly, had existed for
+ages, an ancient and numerous family of the name of Luther.[121] The
+eldest son, as usual with the peasantry of Thuringia, always succeeded
+to the house and the paternal plot, while the younger members of the
+family set out in quest of a livelihood. John Luther having married
+Margaret Lindemann, daughter of an inhabitant of Neustadt, in the
+bishopric of Warzburg, the married couple removed from the plains of
+Isenach, and fixed their residence in the little town of Eisleben, in
+Saxony, in order to gain their bread by the sweat of their brow.
+
+  [121] "Vetus familia est et late propagata mediocrium hominum."
+  (Melancth. Vita Luth.) It is an old and wide spread family, consisting
+  of individuals in humble circumstances.
+
+Seckendorff relates, on the testimony of Robhan, superintendant of
+Isenach in 1601, that Luther's mother, thinking she was still far from
+her time, had gone to the fair of Eisleben, and there, unexpectedly,
+gave birth to a son. Notwithstanding of the credit due to such a man
+as Seckendorff, this account appears not to be correct. In fact, none
+of the older biographers of Luther make any mention of it. Besides,
+Mora is more than twenty-four leagues distant from Eisleben, and
+persons in the circumstances in which Luther's mother then was seldom
+are disposed to take such long journeys _to go to the fair_. In fine,
+the account seems quite at variance with Luther's own statement.[122]
+
+  [122] "Ego natus sum in Eisleben, baptizatusque apud Sanctum Petrum
+  ibidem. Parentes mei de prope Isenaco illuc migrarunt." (Luth., Ep. i,
+  p. 390.) I was born at Eisleben, and baptized in St. Peter's there. My
+  parents came thither from near Isenach.
+
+John Luther was an upright, straightforward, hard-working man, with a
+firmness of character bordering on obstinacy. Of a more cultivated
+mind than usual with persons of his class, he was a great reader.
+Books were then rare. But he never let pass any opportunity of
+procuring them. They were his relaxation in the intervals of repose
+from hard and long-continued labour. Margaret possessed the virtues
+which adorn honest and pious women. She was remarked, in particular,
+for her modesty, her fear of God, and her spirit of prayer. The
+mothers of the place regarded her as a model whom they ought to
+imitate.[123]
+
+  [123] "Intuebantur in eam cæteræ honestæ mulieres ut in exemplar
+  virtutum." (Melancth. Vita Lutheri.) Other honest wives looked to her
+  as a model of virtue.
+
+It is not exactly known how long this couple had been fixed at
+Eisleben, when, on the 10th November, an hour before midnight,
+Margaret gave birth to a son. Melancthon often questioned the mother
+of his friend as to the period of his birth. "I remember the day and
+the hour very well," would she reply; "but for the year, I am not
+certain of it." Luther's brother, James, an honest and upright man,
+has stated, that, in the opinion of all the family, Martin was born in
+the year of Christ 1483, on the 10th November, being St. Martin's
+eve.[124] The first thought of the pious parents was to take the
+infant which God had given them, and dedicate it to God in holy
+baptism. On the following day, which happened to be a Tuesday, the
+father, with gratitude and joy, carried his son to St. Peter's church,
+where he received the seal of his dedication to the Lord. He was named
+Martin in honour of the day.
+
+  [124] Ibid.
+
+Young Martin was not six months old when his parents quitted Eisleben
+for Mansfeld, which is only five leagues distant. The mines of
+Mansfeld were then much famed, and John Luther, a labouring man,
+feeling that he might perhaps be called to rear a numerous family,
+hoped he might there more easily gain a livelihood. It was in this
+town that the intellect and powers of young Luther received their
+first development; here his activity began to be displayed, and his
+disposition to be manifested by what he said and did. The plains of
+Mansfeld, the banks of the Wipper, were the scenes of his first sports
+with his playmates.
+
+The commencement of their residence at Mansfeld was attended with
+painful privations to honest John and his wife; for they lived some
+time in great poverty. "My parents," says the Reformer, "were very
+poor. My father was a poor wood-cutter, and my mother often carried
+his wood on her back to procure subsistence for us children. The toil
+they endured for us was severe, even to blood." The example of parents
+whom he respected, and the habits in which they trained him, early
+accustomed Luther to exertion and frugality. Often, doubtless, he
+accompanied his mother to the wood, and made up his little faggot
+also.
+
+Promises are given to the just man's labour, and John Luther
+experienced the reality of them. Having become somewhat more easy in
+his circumstances, he established two smelting furnaces at Mansfeld.
+Around these furnaces young Martin grew up; and the return which they
+yielded enabled his father, at a later period, to provide for his
+studies. "The spiritual founder of Christendom," says worthy
+Mathesius, "was to come forth from a family of miners, an image of
+what God purposed, when he employed him to cleanse the sons of Levi,
+and purify them in his furnaces like gold."[125] Universally respected
+for his integrity, his blameless life, and good sense, John Luther was
+made a counsellor of Mansfeld, the capital of the county of that name.
+Too great wretchedness might have weighed down the spirit of the
+child, but the easy circumstances of the paternal roof expanded his
+heart, and elevated his character.
+
+  [125] "Drumb musste diese geistliche Schmelzer...." (Mathesius,
+  Historien, 1565, p. 3.)
+
+John availed himself of his new situation to cultivate the society
+which he preferred. He set great value on educated men, and often
+invited the clergymen and teachers of the place to his table. His
+house presented an example of one of those societies of simple
+citizens which did honour to Germany at the commencement of the
+sixteenth century, and, as a mirror, reflected the numerous images
+which succeeded each other on the troubled stage of that time. It was
+not lost on the child. The sight of men to whom so much respect was
+shown in his father's house must, doubtless, on more than one
+occasion, have awakened in young Martin's heart an ambitious desire
+one day to become a school-master or a man of learning.
+
+As soon as he was of an age to receive some instruction, his parents
+sought to give him the knowledge and inspire him with the fear of God,
+and train him in Christian virtues. Their utmost care was devoted to
+his primary domestic education.[126] This, however, was not the sole
+object of their tender solicitude.
+
+  [126] "Ad agnitionem et timorem Dei, ... domestica institutione
+  diligenter assuefecerunt." (Melancth. Vit. Luth.) By domestic
+  instruction, they carefully trained him into the knowledge and fear of
+  God.
+
+His father, desirous of seeing him acquire the elements of knowledge
+for which he himself had so much esteem, invoked the Divine blessing
+on his head, and sent him to school. As Martin was still a very little
+boy, his father or Nicolas Emler, a young man of Mansfeld, often
+carried him in their arms to the house of George Emilius, and went
+again to fetch him. Emler afterwards married one of Luther's sisters.
+
+The piety of the parents, their activity and strict virtue, gave a
+happy impulse to the boy, making him of a grave and attentive spirit.
+The system of education which then prevailed employed fear and
+punishment as its leading stimulants. Margaret, though sometimes
+approving the too strict discipline of her husband, often opened her
+maternal arms to Martin, to console him in his tears. She herself
+occasionally carried to excess that precept of Divine wisdom, which
+says, "He that spareth the rod hateth his son." The impetuous temper
+of the child often led to frequent reproof and correction. "My
+parents," says Luther, in after life, "treated me harshly, and made me
+very timid. My mother one day chastised me about a filbert till the
+blood came. They believed with all their heart they were doing right,
+but they could not discriminate between dispositions, though this is
+necessary in order to know when and how punishments should be
+inflicted."[127]
+
+  [127] "Sed non poterant discernere ingenia secundum quæ essent
+  temperandæ correctiones." (Luth. Op. W. xxii, p. 1785.) But they could
+  not discriminate between minds, though these ought to regulate
+  chastisement.
+
+The poor child's treatment at school was not less severe. His master
+one morning beat him fifteen times in succession. "It is necessary,"
+said Luther, when mentioning the fact, "it is necessary to chastise
+children; but it is necessary, at the same time, to love them." With
+such an education, Luther early learned to despise the allurements of
+a sensual life. "He who is to become great must begin with
+little,"[128] justly remarks one of his earliest biographers; "and if
+children are brought up with too much delicacy and tenderness, it does
+them harm all the rest of their life."
+
+  [128] "Was gross sol werden, muss klein angeben." (Mathesius, Hist. p.
+  3.)
+
+Martin learned something at school. He was taught the heads of the
+Catechism, the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's
+Prayer, hymns, forms of prayer, and the _Donat_. This last was a Latin
+grammar, composed in the fourth century by Donatus, St. Jerome's
+master; and having been improved in the eleventh century by a French
+monk, named Remigius, was long in high repute as a school-book. He
+moreover conned the Ciseo-Janus, a very singular almanac, composed in
+the tenth or eleventh century. In short, he learned all that was
+taught in the Latin school of Mansfeld.
+
+But the child seems not to have been brought to God. The only
+religious sentiment which could be discovered in him was that of fear.
+Whenever he heard Jesus Christ mentioned he grew pale with terror; for
+the Saviour had been represented to him as an angry Judge. This
+servile fear, so foreign to genuine religion, perhaps predisposed him
+for the glad tidings of the gospel, and for the joy which he
+afterwards experienced when he became acquainted with him who is meek
+and lowly in heart.
+
+John Luther longed to make his son a learned man. The new light, which
+began to radiate in all directions, penetrated even the cottage of the
+miner of Mansfield, and there awakened ambitious thoughts. The
+remarkable disposition, and persevering application of his son,
+inspired John with the most brilliant hopes. Accordingly, in 1497,
+when Martin had completed his fourteenth year, his father resolved to
+part with him, and send him to a school of the Franciscans at
+Magdebourg. Margaret behoved, of course, to consent, and Martin
+prepared to quit the paternal roof.
+
+Magdebourg was like a new world to Martin. Amid numerous privations,
+(for he had scarcely the means of subsistence,) he read and attended
+lectures; André Prolés, provincial of the Augustine Order, was then
+preaching with great fervour on the necessity of reforming religion
+and the Church. He, however, was not the person who deposited in the
+young man's soul the first germ of those ideas which afterwards
+expanded in it.
+
+This period was a kind of severe apprenticeship to Luther. Launched
+upon the world at fourteen, without friend or patron, he trembled in
+presence of his masters, and, during the hours of recreation,
+painfully begged his food with children as poor as himself. "I and my
+comrades," says he, "begged a little food for our subsistence. One
+day, at the season when the Church celebrates the birth of Jesus
+Christ, we were in a body scouring the neighbouring villages, going
+from house to house, and, in four parts, singing the ordinary hymns on
+the Babe at Bethlehem. We stopped before a peasant's cottage, which
+stood by itself at the extremity of a village. The peasant, hearing us
+singing our Christmas carols, came out with some provisions which he
+meant to give us, and asked, in a gruff voice, and a harsh tone,
+'Where are you, boys?' His tones frightened us, and we took to our
+heels. We had no cause for fear; for the peasant was sincere in his
+offer of assistance: but our hearts were, no doubt, made timid by the
+menaces and tyranny with which masters at this period oppressed their
+scholars; hence the sudden fright which seized us. At last, however,
+the peasant still continuing to call us, we stopped, laid aside our
+fear, and, running up to him, received the food which he intended for
+us." "In the same way," adds Luther, "are we wont to tremble and flee
+when our conscience is guilty and alarmed. Then we are afraid even of
+the assistance which is offered to us, and of those who are friendly
+to us, and would do us all sorts of kindness."[129]
+
+  [129] Luth. Op. Walch. ii, 2347.
+
+A year had scarcely passed, when John and Margaret, on being made
+aware of the difficulties which their son had in living in Magdebourg,
+sent him to Isenach, where there was a celebrated school, and they had
+a number of relations.[130] They had other children; and though their
+circumstances had improved, they were unable to maintain their son in
+a strange town. The forges and late hours of John Luther did no more
+than keep the family at Mansfield. It was hoped that Martin would find
+a livelihood more easily at Isenach, but he was not more successful.
+His relations in the town did not trouble themselves about him.
+Perhaps their own poverty made them unable to give him any assistance.
+
+  [130] "Isenachum enim pene totam parentelam habet." (Luth. Ep. i, p.
+  390.) For almost all my relations live in Isenach.
+
+When the scholar felt the gnawings of hunger he had no resource but to
+do as at Magdebourg,--to join his fellow-students, and sing with them
+before the houses for a morsel of bread. This custom of the time of
+Luther has been preserved, even to our day, in several towns of
+Germany, where the voices of the boys sometimes produce a most
+harmonious chant. Instead of bread, poor modest Martin often received
+only hard words. Then, overcome with sadness, he shed many tears in
+secret, unable to think of the future without trembling.
+
+One day, in particular, he had been repulsed from three houses, and
+was preparing, without having broken his fast, to return to his
+lodging, when, on arriving at St. George's Square, he halted, and,
+absorbed in gloomy thoughts, stood motionless before the house of an
+honest burgher.
+
+Will it be necessary, from want of bread, to give up study, and go and
+work with his father in the mines of Mansfeld? Suddenly a door opens,
+and a female is seen on the threshold,--it was the wife of Conrad
+Cotta, the daughter of the burgomaster of Ilefeld.[131] Her name was
+Ursula. The Chronicles of Isenach call her "the pious Shunammite," in
+allusion to her who so earnestly pressed the prophet Elisha to eat
+bread with her. Previous to this the Christian Shunammite had more
+than once observed young Martin in the assemblies of the faithful, and
+been touched by the sweetness of his voice, and his devout
+behaviour.[132] She had just heard the harsh language addressed to the
+poor scholar, and seeing him in sadness before her door, she came to
+his assistance, beckoned him to enter, and set food before him to
+appease his hunger.
+
+  [131] Lingk's Reisegesch, Luth.
+
+  [132] "Dieweil sic umb seines singen und herzlichen Gebets willen."...
+  (Mathesius. p. 3.)
+
+Conrad approved of the benevolence of his wife, and was even so much
+pleased with the society of young Luther, that some days after he took
+him home to his house. From this moment his studies were secure. He
+will not be obliged to return to the mines of Mansfeld, and bury the
+talent with which God has entrusted him. When he no longer knew what
+was to become of him God opened to him the heart and the home of a
+Christian family. This event helped to give him that confidence in God
+which in after life the strongest tempests could not shake.
+
+In the house of Cotta, Luther was introduced to a mode of life very
+different from that which he had hitherto known. He there led an easy
+existence, exempt from want and care. His mind became more serene, his
+disposition more lively, and his heart more open. His whole being
+expanded to the mild rays of charity, and began to beat with life,
+joy, and happiness. His prayers were more ardent, and his thirst for
+knowledge more intense. He made rapid progress.
+
+To literature and science he added the charms of art. Those who are
+designed by God to act upon their contemporaries are themselves, in
+the first instance, seized and carried along by all the tendencies of
+their age. Luther learned to play on the flute and the lute. The
+latter instrument he often accompanied with his fine counter voice,
+thus enlivening his heart in moments of sadness. He took pleasure also
+in employing his notes to testify his gratitude to his adopted mother,
+who was very fond of music. His own love of it continued to old age,
+and both the words and the music of some of the finest anthems which
+Germany possesses are his composition. Some have even been translated
+into our language.
+
+Happy time for the young man! Luther always remembered it with
+emotion. Many years after, a son of Conrad having come to study at
+Wittemberg, when the poor scholar of Isenach had become the doctor of
+his age, he gladly received him at his table and under his roof. He
+wished to pay back to the son part of what he had received from the
+parents. It was while thinking of the Christian woman who gave him
+food when all besides repulsed him, that he gave utterance to this
+fine expression, "Earth has nothing gentler than the female heart in
+which piety dwells."
+
+Luther was never ashamed of the days when, pressed by hunger, he was
+under the necessity of begging for his studies and his maintenance. So
+far from this, he, on the contrary, reflected with gratitude on the
+great poverty of his youth. He regarded it as one of the means which
+God had employed to make him what he afterwards became, and he felt
+thankful for it. The poor youths who were obliged to follow the same
+course touched his heart. "Do not," said he, "despise the boys who
+sing before your houses, and ask 'panem propter Deum,' bread for the
+love of God; I have done it myself. It is true that at a later period,
+my father, with great love and kindness, kept me at the University of
+Erfurt, maintaining me by the sweat of his brow; still I once was a
+poor beggar. And now by means of my pen, I am come thus far, that I
+would not change situations with the Grand Turk himself. Nay, more,
+were all the goods of the world piled up one above another, I would
+not take them in exchange for what I have. And yet, I should not be
+where I am, if I had not been at school and learned to write." Thus,
+in these first humble beginnings this great man traced the origin of
+his fame. He fears not to remind us that that voice whose accents made
+the empire and the world to tremble, had once begged a morsel of bread
+in the streets of a poor city. The Christian takes pleasure in such
+recollections, as reminding him that it is in God he must glory.
+
+The strength of his intellect, and the liveliness of his imagination,
+soon enabled him to outstrip all his fellow-students.[133] His
+progress was particularly rapid in ancient languages, eloquence, and
+poetry. He wrote essays and made verses. Lively, complaisant, and what
+is called good-hearted, he was a great favourite with his masters and
+his comrades.
+
+  [133] "Cumque et vis ingenii acerrima esset, et imprimis ad
+  eloquentiam idonea, celeriter æqualibus suis præcurrit," (Melancth.
+  Vit. Luth.) As he was of a very powerful mind, and had a particular
+  turn for eloquence, he soon got before his companions.
+
+Among the professors, he attached himself particularly to John
+Trebonius, a learned man of pleasing manners, who showed youth those
+attentions which are so well fitted to encourage them. Martin had
+remarked, that when Trebonius entered the class, he took off his hat,
+and bowed to the students;--great condescension in those pedantic
+times! This had pleased the young man, and made him feel that he was
+not a mere cipher. The respect of the master had made the pupil rise
+in his own estimation. The colleagues of Trebonius, who had not the
+same custom of taking off their hats, having one day expressed their
+astonishment at his extreme condescension, he replied, (and the reply
+made no less impression on young Luther,) "Among these youths are men
+whom God will one day make burgomasters, chancellors, doctors, and
+magistrates; and though you do not yet see them with their badges of
+office, it is right, however, to show them respect." No doubt, the
+young student listened with pleasure to these words, and even then,
+perhaps, saw himself with a doctor's cap on his head.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+     Scholasticism and the Classics--Luther's
+     Piety--Discovery--The Bible--Sickness--Master of
+     Arts--Conscience--Death of
+     Alexis--Thunderstorm--Providence--Adieus--Entrance into a
+     Convent.
+
+
+Luther had attained his eighteenth year. He had tasted the pleasures
+of literature, and burning with eagerness to learn, he sighed after a
+university, and longed to repair to one of those fountains of science,
+at which he might quench his thirst for knowledge.[134] His father
+wished him to study law, and already saw him filling an honourable
+station among his fellow-citizens, gaining the favour of princes, and
+making a figure on the theatre of the world. It was resolved that the
+young student should repair to Erfurt.
+
+  [134] "Degustata igitur literarum dulcedine natura, flagrans
+  cupiditate discendi appetit academiam." (Mel. Vit. Luth). Having thus
+  tasted the sweets of literature, and having naturally an ardent desire
+  of knowledge, he longs for a university.
+
+Luther arrived at this university in the year 1501. Jadocus, surnamed
+the Doctor of the Isenach, was then teaching the scholastic philosophy
+with much success. Melancthon regrets that the only thing then taught
+at Erfurt should have been a dialectics bristling with difficulties.
+He thinks that if Luther had found other professors there, if he had
+been trained in the milder and calmer discipline of true philosophy,
+it might have moderated and softened the vehemence of his nature.[135]
+The new scholar began to study the philosophy of the middle ages in
+the writings of Occam, Scotus, Bonaventura, and Thomas Aquinas. At a
+later period he had a thorough disgust for all this scholasticism. The
+very name of Aristotle, pronounced in his hearing, filled him with
+indignation; and he even went the length of saying, that if Aristotle
+was not a man, he would have no hesitation in taking him for the
+devil. But his mind, in its eagerness for learning, stood in need of
+better nourishment, and he began to study the splendid monuments of
+antiquity, the writings of Cicero and Virgil, and the other classics.
+He was not contented, like the common run of students, with committing
+the productions of these writers to memory. He endeavoured, above all,
+to enter into their thoughts; to imbue himself with the spirit which
+animated them; to appropriate their wisdom; to comprehend the end of
+their writings; and enrich his understanding with their weighty
+sentiments and brilliant images. He often put questions to his
+professors, and soon outstripped his fellow students.[136] Possessed
+of a retentive memory and a fertile imagination, whatever he read or
+heard remained ever after present to his mind, as if he had actually
+seen it. "So shone Luther in his youth. The whole university," says
+Melancthon, "admired his genius."[137]
+
+  [135] "Et fortassis ad leniendam vehementiam naturæ mitiora studia
+  veræ philosophiæ." (Ibid.) Perhaps the milder studies of true
+  philosophy might have served to soften the vehemence of his natural
+  temper.
+
+  [136] "Et quidem inter primos, ut ingenio studioque multos coæqualium
+  antecellebat." (Cochlœus, Acta Lutheri, p. 1.) And he was indeed among
+  the first, excelling many of his fellow-students, both in genius and
+  study.
+
+  [137] "Sic igitur in juventute eminebat, ut toti academiæ Lutheri
+  ingenium admirationi esset." (Vita Luth.) So brilliant was he in
+  youth, that the whole university were in admiration at his talents.
+
+But even at that period this young man of eighteen did not confine his
+labours to the cultivation of his intellect. He had that serious
+thought, that uplifted heart, which God bestows on those whom he
+destines to be his most faithful servants. Luther felt that he was
+dependent on God--a simple, yet powerful, conviction--the source at
+once of profound humility and great achievements. He fervently invoked
+the Divine blessing on his labours. Each morning he began the day with
+prayer, then he went to church, and on his return set to study, losing
+not a moment during the course of the day. "To pray well," he was wont
+to say, "is more than the half of my study."[138]
+
+  [138] "Fleissig gebet, ist uber die helft studirt." (Mathes. 3.)
+
+Every moment which the young student could spare from his academical
+labours was spent in the library of the university. Books were still
+rare, and he felt it a great privilege to be able to avail himself of
+the treasures amassed in this vast collection. One day (he had then
+been two years at Erfurt, and was twenty years of age) he opens
+several books of the library, one after the other, to see who their
+authors were. One of the volumes which he opens in its turn attracts
+his attention. He has never before seen one like it. He reads the
+title, ... it is a Bible! a rare book, at that time unknown.[139] His
+interest is strongly excited; he is perfectly astonished to find in
+this volume any thing more than those fragments of gospels and
+epistles which the Church has selected to be read publicly in the
+churches every Sabbath day. Hitherto he had believed that these
+formed the whole word of God. But here are so many pages, chapters,
+and books, of which he had no idea! His heart beats as he holds in his
+hand all this divinely-inspired Scripture, and he turns over all these
+divine leaves with feelings which cannot be described. The first page
+on which he fixes his attention tells him the history of Hannah and
+young Samuel. He reads, and his soul is filled with joy to
+overflowing. The child whom his parents lend to Jehovah for all the
+days of his life; the song of Hannah, in which she declares that the
+Lord lifts up the poor from the dust, and the needy from the dunghill,
+that he may set him with princes; young Samuel growing up in the
+presence of the Lord; the whole of this history, the whole of the
+volume which he has discovered, make him feel in a way he has never
+done before. He returns home, his heart full. "Oh!" thinks he, "would
+it please God one day to give me such a book for my own!"[140] Luther
+as yet did not know either Greek or Hebrew; for it is not probable
+that he studied these languages during the first two or three years of
+his residence at the university. The Bible which had so overjoyed him
+was in Latin. Soon returning to his treasure in the library, he reads
+and re-reads, and in his astonishment and joy returns to read again.
+The first rays of a new truth were then dawning upon him.
+
+  [139] "Auff ein Zeit, wie er die Bücher fein nacheinander besieht....
+  kombt er uberdie lateinische Biblia."... (Mathes 3.)
+
+  [140] "Avide percurrit, cœpitque optare ut olim talem librum et ipse
+  nancisci posset." (M. Adami, Vita Luth. p. 103.) He eagerly runs it
+  over, and begins to wish that he himself might one day possess such a
+  book.
+
+In this way God has put him in possession of His word. He has
+discovered the book of which he is one day to give his countrymen that
+admirable translation in which Germany has now for three centuries
+perused the oracles of God. It was perhaps the first time that any
+hand had taken down this precious volume from the place which it
+occupied in the library of Erfurt. This book, lying on the unknown
+shelves of an obscure chamber, is to become the book of life to a
+whole people. The Reformation was hid in that Bible.
+
+This happened the same year that Luther obtained his first academical
+degree, viz., that of Bachelor. The excessive fatigue which he had
+undergone in preparing for his trials brought on a dangerous illness.
+Death seemed to be approaching, and solemn thoughts occupied his mind.
+He believed that his earthly course was about to terminate. There was
+a general lamentation for the young man. What a pity to see so many
+hopes so soon extinguished! Several friends came to visit him in his
+sickness; among others a priest, a venerable old man, who had with
+interest followed the student of Mansfeld in his labours and academic
+life. Luther was unable to conceal the thought which agitated him.
+"Soon," said he, "I will be called away from this world." But the old
+man kindly replied, "My dear bachelor, take courage; you will not die
+of this illness. Our God will yet make you a man, who, in his turn,
+will console many other men. For God lays his cross on him whom he
+loves, and those who bear it patiently acquire much wisdom."[141]
+These words made a deep impression on the sick youth. When so near
+death he hears the lips of a priest reminding him that God, as
+Samuel's mother had said, lifts up the miserable. The old man has
+poured sweet consolation into his heart and revived his spirits; he
+will never forget him. "This was the first prediction the Doctor
+heard," says Mathesius, Luther's friend, who relates the fact; "and he
+often mentioned it." It is easy to understand what Mathesius means by
+calling it a prediction.
+
+  [141] "Deus te virum faciet qui alios multos iterum consolabitur."
+
+When Luther recovered, something within him had undergone a change.
+The Bible, his illness, and the words of the old priest, seemed to
+have made a new appeal to him. As yet, however, there was nothing
+decided in his mind. He continued his studies, and, in 1505, took his
+degree of Master of Arts, or Doctor in Philosophy. The University of
+Erfurt was then the most celebrated in Germany,--the others in
+comparison with it being only inferior schools. The ceremony was, as
+usual, performed with great pomp. A procession with torches came to do
+homage to Luther.[142] The fête was superb, and all was joy. Luther,
+encouraged, perhaps, by these honours, was disposed to devote himself
+entirely to law, agreeably to his father's wish.
+
+  [142] Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 2229.
+
+But God willed otherwise. While Luther was occupied with other
+studies, while he began to teach the physics and ethics of Aristotle,
+and other branches of philosophy, his heart ceased not to cry to him
+that piety was the one thing needful, and that he ought above all to
+make sure of his salvation. He was aware of the displeasure which God
+testifies against sin; he remembered the punishments which he
+denounces against the sinner; and he asked himself in fear, whether he
+was sure of possessing the Divine favour. His conscience answered, No!
+His character was prompt and decided; he resolved to do all that might
+be necessary to give him a sure hope of immortality. Two events, which
+happened in succession, shook his soul, and precipitated his
+determination.
+
+Among his friends at the university was one named Alexis, with whom he
+was very intimate. One morning it was rumoured in Erfurt that Alexis
+had been assassinated. Deeply moved at the sudden loss of his friend,
+he puts the question to himself--What would become of me were I called
+thus suddenly? The question fills him with the greatest dismay.[143]
+
+  [143] "Interitu sodalis sui contristatus." (Cochlœus, p. 1.)
+
+This was in the summer of 1505. Luther, left at liberty by the
+ordinary recess of the university, resolved on a journey to Mansfeld,
+to revisit the loved abodes of his infancy, and embrace his parents.
+Perhaps he also wished to open his heart to his father, and sound him
+as to the design which was beginning to form in his mind, and obtain a
+consent to his embracing another calling. He foresaw all the
+difficulties which awaited him. The indolent habits of the majority of
+priests displeased the active miner of Mansfeld. Besides,
+ecclesiastics were little esteemed in the world; most of them had but
+scanty incomes, and the father, who had made many sacrifices to
+maintain his son at the university, and who saw him at twenty a public
+teacher in a celebrated school, was not disposed to renounce the hopes
+which his pride was cherishing.
+
+We know not what passed during Luther's visit at Mansfeld. Perhaps the
+decided wish of his father made him afraid to open his heart to him.
+He again quitted the paternal roof to go and take his seat on the
+benches of the university, and had reached within a short distance of
+Erfurt, when he was overtaken by one of those violent storms which are
+not unfrequent among these mountains. The thunder bursts, and strikes
+close by his side. Luther throws himself on his knees. It may be his
+hour is come, Death, judgment, and eternity, surround him with all
+their terrors, and speak to him with a voice which he can no longer
+resist. "Wrapt in agony, and in the terror of death," as he himself
+describes it,[144] he makes a vow, if he is delivered from this danger
+to abandon the world, and give himself entirely to God. After he had
+risen from the ground, still continuing to see that death which must
+one day overtake him, he examines himself seriously, and asks what he
+ought to do.[145] The thoughts which formerly agitated him return with
+full force. He has endeavoured, it is true, to fulfil all his duties.
+But in what state is his soul? Can he appear with a polluted heart
+before the tribunal of a God so greatly to be feared? He must become
+holy, and, accordingly, he now thirsts for holiness as he had thirsted
+for science. But where is it to be found? How shall he acquire it? The
+university has furnished him with the means of satisfying his desire
+of knowledge. Who will extinguish the agony, the flame which is
+consuming him? To what school of holiness must he bend his steps? He
+will go into a cloister; the monastic life will save him. How often
+has he heard tell of its power to transform a heart, to sanctify a
+sinner, to make a man perfect! He will enter a monastic order. He will
+then become holy, and in that way secure eternal life.[146]
+
+  [144] "Mit Erschrecken und Angst Ides Todes umgeben." (Luth., Ep. ii,
+  101.)
+
+  [145] "Cum esset in campo, fulminis ictu territus." (Cochlœ. i.) Being
+  terrified by a thunderbolt when he was in the field.
+
+  [146] "Occasio autem fuit ingrediendi illud vitæ genus, quod pietati
+  et studiis doctrinæ de Deo, existimavit esse convenientius." (Mel.
+  Vita Luth.) He adopted this mode of life, because he thought it better
+  adapted to piety and the study of divine truth.
+
+Such was the event which changed the calling and all the destinies of
+Luther. We here recognise the finger of God. It was his mighty hand
+which threw down on the high road this young Master of Arts, this
+candidate for the bar, this future lawyer, in order to give an
+entirely new direction to his life. Rubianus, one of Luther's friends,
+wrote to him at a later period:--"Divine Providence had a view to what
+you were one day to become, when, as you were returning from your
+parents, the fire of heaven made you fall to the ground like another
+Paul, near the town of Erfurt, and carrying you off from our society,
+threw you into the Order of Augustine." Analogous circumstances thus
+signalised the conversion of Paul and Luther, the two greatest
+instruments which Divine Providence has employed in the two greatest
+revolutions which have taken place upon the earth.[147]
+
+  [147] Some biographers say that Alexis was killed by the thunder-clap
+  which terrified Luther; but two of his contemporaries, Mathesius, (p.
+  4,) and Selneccer, (in Orat. de Luth.) distinguish between the two
+  events, and we might even corroborate their testimony by that of
+  Melancthon, who says, "Sodalem nescio quo casu interfectum." (Vita
+  Luth.) His companion being killed by an accident, I know not what.
+
+Luther again enters Erfurt. His resolution is immovable, and yet it is
+not without a pang he is going to break ties which are dear to him. He
+gives no hint to any one of his intentions. But one evening he invites
+his friends in the university to a cheerful and frugal repast. Music
+once more enlivens their social intercourse. It is Luther's adieu to
+the world. Henceforth, instead of those loved companions of pleasure
+and toil--monks; instead of those cheerful and intellectual
+conversations--the silence of the cloister; instead of that enchanting
+music--the grave notes of the tranquil chapel. God demands it; all
+must be sacrificed. Yet, for this last time, once more the joys of
+youth. His friends are full of glee. Luther even leads them on. But
+at the moment when they are abandoning themselves to mirth and frolic,
+the young man becomes unable any longer to restrain the serious
+thoughts which occupy his heart. He speaks.... He makes known his
+intention to his astonished friends, who endeavour, but in vain, to
+combat it. That same night, Luther, afraid perhaps of importunate
+solicitation, quits his lodgings, leaving behind him all his effects
+and all his books, with the exception of Virgil and Plautus, (as yet
+he had no Bible.) Virgil and Plautus! Epic and Comedy! singular
+representation of Luther's mind. In fact, there was in him a whole
+epic, a beautiful, splendid, and sublime poem; but being naturally
+inclined to gayety, pleasantry, and broad humour, he mingled more than
+one familiar trait with the solemn and magnificent groundwork of his
+life.
+
+Furnished with these two books he proceeds alone, in the dark, to the
+convent of the Eremites of St. Augustine, and asks to be received. The
+door opens and closes, and he is separated for ever from his parents,
+his fellow-students, and the world. This took place on the 17th August
+1505, when Luther's age was twenty-one years and nine months.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+     His Father's Anger--Pardon--Servile Employments--The Bag and
+     the Cell--Courage--St.
+     Augustine--D'Ailly--Occam--Gerson--The Bible--Hebrew and
+     Greek--The Hours--Asceticism--Agony--Luther during
+     Mass--Agony--Useless Observances--Luther in a Faint.
+
+
+At length he was with God. His soul was in safety. This holiness, so
+earnestly longed for, he was now to find. At the sight of this young
+doctor, the monks were all admiration, and extolled him for his
+courage and contempt of the world.[148] Luther, meanwhile, did not
+forget his friends. He wrote to take leave of them and the world, and
+the next day despatched these letters, with the clothes he had
+hitherto worn, and his diploma of Master of Arts, which he returned to
+the university, that nothing might in future remind him of the world
+which he had abandoned.
+
+  [148] "Hujus mundi contemptu, ingressus est repente, multes
+  admirantibus, monasterium." (Cochlœus, i.) From contempt of this
+  world, he, to the wonder of many, suddenly entered a monastery.
+
+His friends at Erfurt were thunderstruck. Must so distinguished a
+genius go and hide himself in this monastic life--more properly, a
+kind of death?[149] In deep sorrow they hastened to the convent, in
+the hope of inducing Luther to retrace the distressing step which he
+had taken; but all was useless. The gates were closed, and a month
+passed before any one was permitted to see or speak to the new monk.
+
+  [149] "In vita semi-mortua." (Melch. Adami. V. L. p. 102.) A half-dead
+  life.
+
+Luther had hastened to acquaint his parents with the great change
+which had just occurred in his life. His father was thunderstruck. He
+trembled for his son,--so Luther himself informs us in his book on
+Monastic Vows, which he dedicated to his father. His weakness, his
+youth, the ardour of his passions, everything, in short, made him fear
+that after the first moment of enthusiasm, the indolence of the
+cloister would make the youth fall either into despair, or into
+grievous faults. He knew that this mode of life had proved fatal to
+many. Besides, the counsellor-miner of Mansfield had other views for
+his son. He was proposing a rich and honourable marriage for him--and,
+lo! all his ambitious projects are in one night overthrown by this
+imprudent action.
+
+John wrote his son a very angry letter, in which, as Luther himself
+tells us, he _thou'd_ him whereas he had _you'd_ him ever since he had
+taken his degree of Master of Arts. He withdrew all his favour from
+him, and declared him disinherited of a father's affection. In vain
+did the friends of John Luther, and doubtless his wife also, endeavour
+to mollify him; in vain did they say to him, "If you are willing to
+make some sacrifice to God, let it be the best and dearest thing that
+you have--your son--your Isaac." The inexorable counsellor of Mansfeld
+would hear nothing.
+
+Some time after, (the statement is given by Luther in a sermon which
+he preached at Wittemberg, 20th January 1544,) the plague broke out,
+and deprived John Luther of two of his sons. On the back of these
+bereavements, while the father's heart was torn with grief, some one
+came and told him, "The monk of Erfurt also is dead!" His friends took
+advantage of the circumstance to bring back the father's heart to the
+novice. "If it is a false alarm," said they, "at least sanctify your
+affliction by consenting sincerely to your son's being a monk." "Well,
+well!" replied John Luther, his heart broken, and still half
+rebellions; "and God grant him all success." At a later period, when
+Luther, who had been reconciled to his father, told him of the event
+which had led him to rush into monastic orders,--"God grant," replied
+the honest miner, "that what you took for a sign from heaven may not
+have been only a phantom of the devil!"[150]
+
+  [150] "Gott geb das es nicht ein Betrug und teuflisch Gespenst sey."
+  (Luth. Ep. ii, p. 101.)
+
+At this time Luther was not in possession of that which was afterwards
+to make him the Reformer of the Church. His entrance into the convent
+proves this. It was an action done in the spirit of an age out of
+which he was soon to be instrumental in raising the Church. Though
+destined to become the teacher of the world, he was still its servile
+imitator. A new stone was placed on the edifice of superstition by the
+very hand which was soon to overturn it. Luther was seeking salvation
+in himself, in human practices and observances, not knowing that
+salvation is wholly of God. He was seeking his own righteousness and
+his own glory, and overlooking the righteousness and glory of the
+Lord. But what he as yet knew not he soon afterwards learned. That
+immense change which substituted God and His wisdom in his heart for
+the world and its traditions, and which prepared the mighty revolution
+of which he was the most illustrious instrument, took place in the
+cloister of Erfurt.
+
+Martin Luther, on entering the convent, changed his name to that of
+Augustine.
+
+The monks had received him with joy. It was no small satisfaction to
+their self-love to see the university abandoned for a house of their
+order, and that by one of the most distinguished teachers.
+Nevertheless, they treated him harshly, and assigned him the meanest
+tasks. They wished to humble the doctor of philosophy, and teach him
+that his science did not raise him above his brethren. They thought,
+moreover, they would thus prevent him from spending his time in
+studies from which the convent could not reap any advantage. The
+_ci-devant_ Master of Arts behoved to perform the functions of
+watchman, to open and shut the gates, wind up the clocks, sweep the
+church, and clean up the rooms.[151] Then when the poor monk, who was
+at once porter, sacristan, and house-hold servant to the cloister, had
+finished his task--_"Cum sacco per civitatem"_--"To the town with the
+bag," exclaimed the friars; and then, with his bread-bag on his
+shoulders, he walked up and down over all the streets of Erfurt,
+begging from house to house, obliged, perhaps, to present himself at
+the doors of those who had been his friends or inferiors. On his
+return, he had either to shut himself up in a low narrow cell, looking
+out on a plot only a few yards in extent, or to resume his menial
+offices. But he submitted to all. Disposed by temperament to give
+himself entirely to whatever he undertook, when he turned monk he did
+it with his whole soul. How, moreover, could he think of sparing his
+body, or of having regard to what might satisfy the flesh? That was
+not the way to acquire the humility and holiness in quest of which he
+had come within the walls of the cloister.
+
+  [151] "Loca immunda purgare coactus fuit." (M. Adami, Vita Luth. p.
+  103.) He was obliged to clear away filth.
+
+The poor monk, worn out with fatigue, was eager to seize any moment
+which he could steal from his servile occupations, and devote it to
+the acquisition of knowledge. Gladly did he retire into a corner, and
+give himself up to his beloved studies. But the friars soon found him
+out, gathered around him, grumbled at him, and pushed him away to his
+labours, saying, "Along! along! it is not by studying, but by begging
+bread, corn, eggs, fish, flesh, and money, that a friar makes himself
+useful to his convent."[152] Luther submitted, laid aside his books,
+and again took up his bag. Far from repenting of having subjected
+himself to such a yoke, his wish was to bring it to a successful
+result. At this period, the inflexible perseverance with which he ever
+after followed out the resolutions which he had once formed, began to
+be developed. The resistance which he made to rude assaults gave
+strong energy to his will. God exercised him in small things that he
+might be able to stand firm in great things. Besides, in preparing to
+deliver his age from the miserable superstitions under which it
+groaned, it was necessary that he should feel the weight of them. In
+order to empty the cup he behoved to drink it to the dregs.
+
+  [152] Selnecceri Orat. de Luth. Mathesius, p. 5.
+
+This severe apprenticeship, however, did not last so long as Luther
+might have feared. The prior of the convent, on the intercession of
+the university of which Luther was a member, relieved him from the
+mean functions which had been imposed on him, and the young monk
+resumed his studies with new zeal. The writings of the Fathers,
+particularly those of Augustine, engaged his attention; the Commentary
+of this illustrious doctor on the Psalms, and his treatise "On the
+Letter and the Spirit," being his special favourites. Nothing struck
+him more than the sentiments of this Father on the corruption of the
+human will, and on Divine grace. His own experience convincing him of
+the reality of this corruption, and the necessity of this grace, the
+words of Augustine found a ready response in his heart; and could he
+have been of any other school than that of Jesus Christ, it had
+doubtless been the school of the doctor of Hippo. The works of Peter
+D'Ailly and Gabriel Biel he almost knew by heart. He was struck with a
+remark of the former--that had not the Church decided otherwise, it
+would have been much better to admit that in the Lord's Supper bread
+and wine are truly received, and not mere accidents.
+
+He likewise carefully studied the theologians, Occam and Gerson, who
+both express themselves so freely on the authority of the popes. To
+this reading he joined other exercises. In public discussions he was
+heard unravelling the most complicated reasonings, and winding his way
+through labyrinths where others could find no outlet. All who heard
+him were filled with admiration.[153]
+
+  [153] "In disputationibus publicis, labyrinthos aliis inextricabiles,
+  diserte, multis admirantibus explicabat." (Melanc. Vit. Luth.) In
+  public disputations, he, to the admiration of many, clearly unravelled
+  labyrinths which others found inextricable.
+
+But he had entered the cloister, not to acquire the reputation of a
+great genius, but in quest of the food of piety.[154] These labours he
+accordingly regarded as supernumerary.
+
+  [154] "In eo vitæ, genere non famam ingenii, sed alimenta pietatis
+  quærebat." In that course of life he sought not a reputation for
+  genius, but the food of piety.
+
+But the thing in which he delighted above all others was to draw
+wisdom at the pure fountain of the word of God. In the convent he
+found a Bible fastened to a chain, and was ever returning to this
+chained Bible. He had a very imperfect comprehension of the Word, but
+still it was his most pleasant reading. Sometimes he spent a whole day
+in meditating on a single passage; at other times he learned passages
+of the Prophets by heart. His great desire was, that the writings of
+the apostles and prophets might help to give him a knowledge of the
+will of God, increase the fear which he had for his name, and nourish
+his faith by the sure testimony of the Word.[155]
+
+  [155] "Et firmis testimoniis aleret timorem et fidem." (Melancth. Vit.
+  Luth.) And by its sure testimonies nourish his fear and his faith.
+
+Apparently at this period he began to study the Scriptures in the
+original tongues, and thereby lay the foundation of the most perfect
+and the most useful of his labours, the translation of the Bible. He
+used a Hebrew Lexicon which Reuchlin had just published. His first
+guide was probably John Lange, a friar of the convent, versed in Greek
+and Hebrew, and with whom he always maintained a close intimacy.[156]
+He also made great use of the learned Commentaries of Nicolas Lyra,
+who died in 1340, and hence the saying of Pflug, afterwards Bishop of
+Naumbourg, "Had not Lyra played the lyre, Luther had never danced. _Si
+Lyra non lyrasset, Lutherus non saltasset._"
+
+  [156] Gesch. d. deutsch, Bibelübersetzung.
+
+The young monk studied so closely and ardently that he often omitted
+to say his Hours during two or three weeks. Then becoming alarmed at
+the thought of having transgressed the rules of his order, he shut
+himself up to make amends for his negligence, and commenced
+conscientiously repeating all the omitted Hours, without thinking of
+meat or drink. On one occasion his sleep went from him for seven
+weeks.
+
+Earnestly intent on acquiring the holiness in quest of which he had
+entered the cloister, Luther addicted himself to the ascetic life in
+its fullest rigour, seeking to crucify the flesh by fastings,
+macerations, and vigils.[157] Shut up in his cell as in a prison, he
+struggled without intermission against the evil thoughts and evil
+propensities of his heart. A little bread and a herring were often all
+his food. Indeed, he was naturally very temperate. Often when he had
+no thought of purchasing heaven by abstinence, have his friends seen
+him content himself with the coarsest provisions, and even remain four
+days in succession without eating or drinking.[158] We have this on
+the testimony of a very credible witness, Melancthon, and we may judge
+from it what opinion to form of the fables which ignorance and
+prejudice have circulated concerning Luther's intemperance. At the
+period of which we treat there is no sacrifice he would have declined
+to make, in order to become holy and purchase heaven.[159] When
+Luther, after he had become Reformer, says that heaven is not
+purchased, he well knew what he meant. "Truly," wrote he to George,
+Duke of Saxony, "truly I was a pious monk, and followed the rules of
+my order more strictly than I can tell. If ever monk had got to heaven
+by monkery, I had been that monk. In this all the monks of my
+acquaintance will bear me witness. Had the thing continued much longer
+I had become a martyr unto death, through vigils, prayer, reading, and
+other labours."[160]
+
+  [157] "Summa disciplinæ severitate se ipse regit, et omnibus
+  exercitiis, lectionum, disputationum, jejuniorum, precum, omnes longe
+  superat." (Melancth. Vita Luth.) He observes the utmost rigour of
+  discipline, and in all the exercises of reading, discussion, fastings,
+  and prayers, far surpasses all.
+
+  [158] "Erat enim natura, valde modici cibi et potus; vidi continuis
+  quatuor diebus, cum quidem recte valeret, prorsus nihil edentem aut
+  bibentem." (Ibid.) For he was naturally moderate in the use of meat
+  and drink; I have seen him, no doubt, when in perfect health, neither
+  eating nor drinking for four successive days.
+
+  [159] "Strenue in studiis et exercitiis spiritualibus militavit ibi
+  Deo, annis quatuor." (Cochlœus, i.) There, in studies and spiritual
+  exercises, he was a strenuous servant of God for four years.
+
+  [160] Luth. Op. (W.) xix, 2299.
+
+We are touching on the period which made Luther a new man, and which,
+revealing to him the immensity of the Divine love, fitted him for
+proclaiming it to the world.
+
+The peace which Luther had come in search of he found neither in the
+tranquillity of the cloister nor in monastic perfection. He wished to
+be assured of his salvation; it was the great want of his soul, and
+without it he could have no repose. But the fears which had agitated
+him when in the world, followed him into his cell. Nay, they were even
+increased; the least cry of his heart raising a loud echo under the
+silent vaults of the cloister. God had brought him thither that he
+might learn to know himself, and to despair of his own strength and
+virtue. His conscience, enlightened by the Divine word, told him what
+it was to be holy; but he was filled with alarm at not finding, either
+in his heart or his life, that image of holiness which he had
+contemplated with admiration in the word of God; a sad discovery made
+by every man who is in earnest! No righteousness within, no
+righteousness without, everywhere omission, sin, defilement.... The
+more ardent Luther's natural disposition was the more strongly he felt
+the secret and unceasing resistance which human nature opposes to
+goodness. This threw him into despair.
+
+The monks and theologians of the day invited him to do works in order
+to satisfy the Divine justice. But what works, thought he, can proceed
+from such a heart as mine! How should I be able with works polluted in
+their very principle, to stand in presence of my holy Judge? "I felt
+myself," says he, "to be a great sinner before God, and deemed it
+impossible to appease him by my merits."
+
+He was agitated, and, at the same time, gloomy, shunning the silly and
+coarse conversation of the monks, who, unable to comprehend the
+tempests of his soul, regarded him with astonishment,[161] and
+reproached him for his gloom and taciturnity. It is told by Cochlœus,
+that one day, when they were saying mass in the chapel, Luther had
+come with his sighs, and stood amid the friars in sadness and anguish.
+The priest had already prostrated himself, the incense had been placed
+on the altar, the _Gloria_ had been chanted, and they were reading the
+Gospel, when the poor monk, no longer able to contain his agony,
+exclaimed, in a piercing tone, while throwing himself on his knees,
+"Not I! not I!"[162] Every one was in amazement, and the service was
+for a moment interrupted. Perhaps Luther thought he had heard himself
+reproached with something of which he knew he was innocent; perhaps he
+meant to express his unworthiness to be one of those to whom the death
+of Christ brought eternal life. Cochlœus says that they were reading
+the passage of Scripture which tells of the dumb man out of whom
+Christ expelled a demon. If this account is correct, Luther's cry
+might have a reference to this circumstance. He might mean to intimate
+that though dumb like the man, it was owing to another cause than the
+possession of a demon. In fact, Cochlœus informs us that the friars
+sometimes attributed the agonies of their brother to occult commerce
+with the devil,[163] and he himself is of the same opinion.
+
+  [161] "Visus est fratribus non nihil singularitatis habere."
+  (Cochlœus, i.) The friars thought him not a little eccentric.
+
+  [162] "Cum, ... repente ceciderit vociferans: 'Non sum! non sum!'"
+  (Ibid.) When he suddenly fell down, crying out, "Not I! not I."
+
+  [163] "Ex occulto aliquo cum dæmone commercio." (Cochlœus, i.) From
+  some hidden intercourse with a demon.
+
+A tender conscience led Luther to regard the smallest fault as a great
+sin. No sooner had he discovered it than he strove to expiate it by
+the severest mortifications. This, however, had no other effect than
+to convince him of the utter inefficacy of all human remedies. "I
+tormented myself to death," says he, "in order to procure peace with
+God to my troubled heart and agitated conscience; but, surrounded with
+fearful darkness, I nowhere found it."
+
+The acts of monastic holiness which lulled so many consciences, and to
+which he himself had recourse in his agony, soon appeared to Luther
+only the fallacious cures of an empirical and quack religion. "At the
+time when I was a monk, if I felt some temptation assail me, I am
+lost! said I to myself, and immediately resorted to a thousand
+methods, in order to suppress the cries of my heart. I confessed every
+day, but that did me no good. Thus oppressed with sadness, I was
+tormented by a multiplicity of thoughts. 'Look!' exclaimed I, 'there
+you are still envious, impatient, passionate! It is of no use then,
+for you, O wretch, to have entered this sacred order.'"
+
+And yet Luther, imbued with the prejudices of his day, had from his
+youth up considered the acts, whose impotence he now experienced, as
+sure remedies for diseased souls. What was he to think of the strange
+discovery which he had just made in the solitude of the cloister? It
+is possible, then, to dwell in the sanctuary, and still carry within
+oneself a man of sin! He has received another garment, but not another
+heart. His hopes are disappointed. Where is he to stop? Can it be that
+all these rules and observances are only human inventions? Such a
+supposition appears to him at one time a suggestion of the devil, and
+at another time an irresistible truth. Struggling alternately with the
+holy voice which spoke to his heart, and with venerable institutions
+which had the sanction of ages, Luther's life was a continual combat.
+The young monk, like a shade, glided through the long passages of the
+cloister, making them echo with his sad groans. His body pined away
+and his strength left him; on different occasions he remained as if he
+were dead.[164]
+
+  [164] "Sæpe eum cogitantem attentius de ira Dei, aut de mirandis
+  pœnarum exemplis, subito tanti terrores concutiebant ut pene
+  exanimaretur." (Melancth. Vita Luth.) Often when meditating more
+  attentively on the wrath of God, or striking examples of punishment,
+  he was suddenly shaken with such terror that he became like one dead.
+
+Once, overwhelmed with sadness, he shut himself up in his cell, and
+for several days and nights allowed no one to approach him. Lucas
+Edemberger, one of his friends, feeling uneasy about the unhappy monk,
+and having some presentiment of the state in which he actually was,
+taking with him several boys, who were accustomed to chant in choirs,
+went and knocked at the door of his cell. No one opens or answers.
+Good Edemberger, still more alarmed, forces the door. Luther is
+stretched on the floor insensible, and showing no signs of life. His
+friend tries in vain to revive him, but he still remains motionless.
+The young boys begin to chant a soft anthem. Their pure voices act
+like a charm on the poor monk, who had always the greatest delight in
+music, and he gradually recovers sensation, consciousness, and
+life.[165] But if music could for some moments give him a slight
+degree of serenity, another and more powerful remedy was wanted to
+cure him effectually--that soft and penetrating sound of the gospel,
+which is the voice of God himself. He was well aware of this, and,
+accordingly, his sorrows and alarms led him to study the writings of
+the apostles and prophets with renewed zeal.[166]
+
+  [165] Seckend., p. 53.
+
+  [166] "Hoc studium ut magis expeteret, illis suis doloribus et
+  pavoribus movebatur." (Melancth. Vita Luth.) His griefs and fears
+  urged him to prosecute this study with greater eagerness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+     Pious Men in Cloisters--Staupitz--His Piety--His
+     Visitation--Conversation--The Grace of
+     Christ--Repentance--Power of Sin--Sweetness of
+     Repentance--Election--Providence--The Bible--The Old
+     Monk--The Remission of Sins--Consecration Dinner--The Fête
+     Dieu--Call to Wittemberg.
+
+
+Luther was not the first monk who had passed through similar
+struggles. The cloisters often shrouded within the obscurity of their
+walls abominable vices, at which if they had been brought to light,
+every honest mind would have shuddered; but they often also concealed
+Christian virtues which were there unfolded in silence, and which, if
+they had been placed before the eyes of the world, would have excited
+admiration. These virtues, possessed by those who lived only with
+themselves and with God, attracted no attention, and were often even
+unknown to the modest convent within which they were contained.
+Leading a life known to God only, these humble solitaries fell
+occasionally into that mystical theology, sad malady of noblest minds,
+which formerly constituted the delight of the first monks on the banks
+of the Nile, and which uselessly consumes those who fall under its
+influence.
+
+Still, when one of these men happened to be called to an eminent
+station, he there displayed virtues whose salutary influence was long
+and widely felt. The candle being placed on the candlestick gave light
+to all the house. Several were awakened by this light, and hence those
+pious souls, propagated from generation to generation, kept shining
+like solitary torches at the very time when cloisters were often
+little better than impure receptacles of the deepest darkness.
+
+A young man had in this way attracted notice in one of the convents of
+Germany. He was named John Staupitz, and was of a noble family in
+Misnia. From his earliest youth, having a taste for science and a love
+of virtue, he longed for retirement, in order to devote himself to
+literature;[167] but soon finding that philosophy and the study of
+nature could do little for eternal salvation, he began to study
+theology, making it his special object to join practice with
+knowledge. For, says one of his biographers, it is vain to deck
+ourselves with the name of theologian, if we do not prove our title to
+the honourable name by our life.[168] The study of the Bible, and of
+the theology of St. Augustine, the knowledge of himself, and the war
+which he, like Luther, had to wage against the wiles and lusts of his
+heart, led him to the Redeemer, through faith in whom he found peace
+to his soul. The doctrine of the election of grace had, in particular,
+taken a firm hold of his mind. Integrity of life, profound science and
+eloquence, combined with a noble appearance and a dignified address,
+recommended him to his contemporaries.[169] The Elector of Saxony,
+Frederick the Wise, made him his friend, employed him on different
+embassies, and under his direction founded the University of
+Wittemberg. This disciple of St. Paul and St. Augustine was the first
+Dean of the Faculty of Theology in that school which was one day to
+send forth light to enlighten the schools and churches of so many
+nations. He attended the council of Lateran, as deputy from the
+Archbishop of Salzbourg, became provincial of his order in Thuringia
+and Saxony, and ultimately vicar-general of the Augustins all over
+Germany.
+
+  [167] "A teneris unguiculis, generoso animi impetu, ad virtutem et
+  eruditam doctrinam contendit." (Melanct. Adam. Vita Staupitzii.) From
+  his earliest years, with generous intellectual impulse, he tended to
+  virtue and learning.
+
+  [168] (Ibid.)
+
+  [169] "Corporis forma atque statura conspicuus." (Cochlœ., iii.) He
+  was remarkably tall and handsome.
+
+Staupitz lamented the corruption of manners and the errors in doctrine
+which were laying waste the Church. This is proved by his writings on
+the love of God, on Christian faith, on resemblance to Christ in his
+death, and by the testimony of Luther. But he considered the former of
+these evils as greatly the worse of the two. Besides, the mildness and
+indecision of his character, and his desire not to go beyond the
+sphere of action which he thought assigned to him, made him fitter to
+be the restorer of a convent than the Reformer of the Church. He could
+have wished to confer important stations only on distinguished men,
+but not finding them, he was contented to employ others. "We must
+plough with horses," said he, "if we can find them; but if we have no
+horses, we must plough with oxen."[170]
+
+  [170] Luth. Op. (W.) v, 2819.
+
+We have seen the anguish and inward wrestlings to which Luther was a
+prey in the convent of Erfurt. At this time a visit from the
+vicar-general was announced, and Staupitz accordingly arrived to make
+his ordinary inspection. The friend of Frederick, the founder of the
+University of Wittemberg, the head of the Augustins, took a kind
+interest in the monks under his authority. It was not long ere one of
+the friars of the convent attracted his attention. This was a young
+man of middle stature, whom study, abstinence, and vigils, had so
+wasted away, that his bones might have been counted.[171] His eyes,
+which at a later period were compared to those of the falcon, were
+sunken, his gait was sad, and his looks bespoke a troubled soul, the
+victim of numerous struggles, yet still strong and bent on resisting.
+His whole appearance had in it something grave, melancholy, and
+solemn. Staupitz, whose discernment had been improved by long
+experience, easily discovered what was passing in the soul of the
+young friar, and singled him out from those around him. He felt drawn
+towards him, had a presentiment of his high destiny, and experienced
+the interest of a parent for his subaltern. He, too, had struggled
+like Luther, and could therefore understand his situation. Above all,
+he could show him the way of peace, which he himself had found. The
+information he received of the circumstances which had brought the
+young Augustin to the convent increased his sympathy. He requested the
+prior to treat him with great mildness, and availed himself of the
+opportunities which his office gave him to gain the young friar's
+confidence. Going kindly up to him, he took every means to remove his
+timidity, which was moreover increased by the respect and reverence
+which the elevated rank of Staupitz naturally inspired.
+
+  [171] Mosellani Epist.
+
+The heart of Luther, till then closed by harsh treatment, opened at
+last, and expanded to the mild rays of charity. "As in water face
+answereth to face, so the heart of man to man."[172] The heart of
+Staupitz answered to the heart of Luther. The vicar-general understood
+him; and the monk, in his turn, felt a confidence in Staupitz which no
+one had hitherto inspired. He revealed to him the cause of his
+sadness, depicted the fearful thoughts which agitated him, and then in
+the cloister of Erfurt commenced a conversation full of wisdom and
+instruction.
+
+  [172] Proverbs, xxvii, 19.
+
+"In vain," said Luther despondingly to Staupitz; "in vain do I make
+promises to God; sin has always the mastery."
+
+"O my friend," replied the vicar-general, thinking how it had been
+with himself, "more than a thousand times have I sworn to our holy God
+to live piously, and I have never done so. Now I no longer swear; for
+I know I should not perform. Unless God be pleased to be gracious to
+me for the love of Christ, and to grant me a happy departure when I
+leave this world, I shall not be able with all my vows and all my good
+works to stand before him. I must perish."[173]
+
+  [173] Luth. Op. (W.) viii, 2725.
+
+The young monk is terrified at the thought of the Divine justice, and
+lays all his fears before the vicar-general. The ineffable holiness of
+God, and his sovereign majesty, fill him with alarm. Who will be able
+to support the day of his advent--who to stand when he appeareth?
+
+Staupitz resumes. He knows where he has found peace, and his young
+friend will hear it. "Why torment thyself," said he to him, "with all
+these speculations and high thoughts? Look to the wounds of Jesus
+Christ, to the blood which he has shed for thee; then thou shalt see
+the grace of God. Instead of making a martyr of thyself for thy
+faults, throw thyself into the arms of the Redeemer. Confide in him,
+in the righteousness of his life, and the expiation of his death. Keep
+not back; God is not angry with thee; it is thou who art angry with
+God. Listen to the Son of God, who became man in order to assure thee
+of the Divine favour. He says to thee, 'Thou art my sheep; thou
+hearest my voice; none shall pluck thee out of my hand.'"[174]
+
+  [174] Luth. Op. ii, 264.
+
+But Luther does not here find the repentance which he believes
+necessary to salvation. He replies, and it is the ordinary reply of
+agonised and frightened souls, "How dare I believe in the favour of
+God, while there is nothing in me like true conversion? I must be
+changed before he can receive me."
+
+His venerable guide shows him that there can be no true conversion
+while God is dreaded as a severe Judge. "What will you say then,"
+exclaims Luther, "of the many consciences, to which a thousand
+unsupportable observances are prescribed as a means of gaining
+heaven?"
+
+Then he hears this reply from the vicar-general, or rather his belief
+is, that it comes not from man, but is a voice sounding from
+heaven.[175] "No repentance," says Staupitz, "is true, save that which
+begins with the love of God and of righteousness.[176] What others
+imagine to be the end and completion of repentance is, on the
+contrary, only the commencement of it. To have a thorough love of
+goodness, thou must, before all, have a thorough love of God. If thou
+wouldest be converted, dwell not upon all these macerations and
+tortures; 'Love him who first loved thee.'"
+
+  [175] "Te velut e cœlo sonantem accepimus." (Luth. Ep. i, 115, ad
+  Staupitzium, 30th May, 1518.) We have heard thee, as it were, speaking
+  from heaven.
+
+  [176] "Pœnitentia vero non est, nisi quæ ab amore justitiæ et Dei
+  incipit," etc. (Ibid.) There is no repentance save that which begins
+  with the love of God and of righteousness.
+
+Luther listens and listens again. These consoling words fill him with
+unknown joy, and give him new light. "It is Jesus Christ," thinks he
+in his heart. "Yes, it is Jesus Christ himself who consoles me so
+wonderfully by these sweet and salutary words."[177]
+
+  [177] "Memini inter jucundissimas et salutares fabulas tuas, quibus me
+  solet Dominus Jesus mirifice consolari." (Ibid.) I recollect during
+  your most pleasing and salutary conversation, with which the Lord is
+  wont wondrously to console me.
+
+These words, in fact, penetrated to the inmost heart of the young
+monk, like the sharp arrow of a mighty man.[178] In order to repent,
+it is necessary to love God. Illumined with this new light, he
+proceeds to examine the Scriptures, searching out all the passages
+which speak of repentance and conversion. These words, till now so
+much dreaded, become, to use his own expressions, "an agreeable sport,
+and the most delightful recreation. All the passages of Scripture
+which frightened him seem now to rise up from all sides, smiling, and
+leaping, and sporting with him."[179]
+
+  [178] "Hæsit hoc verbum tuum in me, sicut sagitta potentis acuta."
+  (Ibid.) Your word stuck fast in me, like the sharp arrow of a mighty
+  man.
+
+  [179] "Ecce jucundissimum ludum, verba undique mihi colludebant,
+  planeque huic sententiæ arridebant et assultabant." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  115.) When, behold, a most pleasing sport! the words coming from all
+  sides, sported with me, obviously smiling and leaping at the
+  sentiment.
+
+"Hitherto," exclaims he, "though I carefully disguised the state of my
+heart, and strove to give utterance to a love which was only
+constrained and fictitious, Scripture did not contain a word which
+seemed to me more bitter than that of _repentance_. Now, however,
+there is none sweeter and more agreeable.[180] Oh! how pleasant the
+precepts of God are, when we read them not only in books, but in the
+precious wounds of the Saviour."[181]
+
+  [180] "Nunc nihil dulcius aut gratius mihi sonet quam pœnitentia,"
+  etc. (Ibid.) Now nothing sounds sweeter or more agreeable to me than
+  repentance.
+
+  [181] "Ita enim dulcescunt præcepta Dei, quando non in libris tantum,
+  sed in vulneribus dulcissimi Salvatoris legenda intelligimus." (Ibid.)
+  For thus do the divine precepts become sweet, when we understand that
+  they are to be read not in books merely, but in the wounds of a most
+  gracious Saviour.
+
+Meanwhile, Luther, though consoled by the words of Staupitz was still
+subject to fits of depression. Sin manifested itself anew to his
+timorous conscience, and then the joy of salvation was succeeded by
+his former despair. "O my sin! my sin! my sin!" one day exclaimed the
+young monk in presence of the vicar-general, in accents of the deepest
+grief. "Ah!" replied he, "would you only be a sinner on canvass, and
+also have a Saviour only on canvass?" Then Staupitz gravely added,
+"Know that Jesus Christ is the Saviour even of those who are great,
+real sinners, and every way deserving of condemnation."
+
+What agitated Luther was not merely the sin which he felt in his
+heart. The upbraidings of his conscience were confirmed by arguments
+drawn from reason. If the holy precepts of the Bible frightened him,
+some of its doctrines likewise increased his terror. Truth, which is
+the great means by which God gives peace to man, must necessarily
+begin by removing the false security which destroys him. The doctrine
+of election, in particular, disturbed the young man, and threw him
+into a field which it is difficult to traverse. Must he believe that
+it was man who, on his part, first chose God? or that it was God who
+first chose man? The Bible, history, daily experience, and the
+writings of Augustine, had shown him that always, and in every thing,
+in looking for a first cause, it was necessary to ascend to the
+sovereign will by which every thing exists, and on which every thing
+depends. But his ardent spirit would have gone farther. He would have
+penetrated into the secret counsel of God, unveiled its mysteries,
+seen the invisible, and comprehended the incomprehensible. Staupitz
+interfered, telling him not to pretend to fathom the hidden purposes
+of God, but to confine himself to those of them which have been made
+manifest in Christ. "Look to the wounds of Christ," said he to him,
+"and there see a bright display of the purposes of God towards man. It
+is impossible to comprehend God out of Jesus Christ. In Christ you
+will find what I am, and what I require, saith the Lord. You can find
+him nowhere else, either in heaven or on the earth."[182]
+
+  [182] Luth. Op. (W.) xxii., p. 489.
+
+The vicar-general went farther. He convinced Luther of the paternal
+designs of Providence, in permitting the various temptations and
+combats which the soul has to sustain. He exhibited them to him in a
+light well fitted to revive his courage. By such trials God prepares
+those whom he destines for some important work. The ship must be
+proved before it is launched on the boundless deep. If this education
+is necessary for every man, it is so particularly for those who are to
+have an influence on their generation. This Staupitz represented to
+the monk of Erfurt; "It is not without cause," said he to him, "that
+God exercises you by so many combats; be assured he will employ you in
+great things as his minister."
+
+These words, which Luther hears with astonishment and humility, fill
+him with courage, and give him a consciousness of powers, whose
+existence he had not even suspected. The wisdom and prudence of an
+enlightened friend gradually reveal the strong man to himself. Nor
+does Staupitz rest here. He gives him valuable directions as to his
+studies, exhorting him in future to lay aside the systems of the
+school, and draw all his theology from the Bible. "Let the study of
+the Scriptures," said he, "be your favourite occupation." Never was
+good advice better followed. But what, above all, delighted Luther,
+was the present of a Bible from Staupitz. Perhaps it was the Latin
+Bible bound in red leather, which belonged to the convent, and which
+it was the summit of his desire to possess, that he might be able to
+carry it about with him wherever he went, because all its leaves were
+familiar to him, and he knew where to look for every passage.[183] At
+length this treasure is his own. From that time he studies the
+Scriptures, and especially the Epistles of St. Paul, with always
+increasing zeal. The only author whom he admits along with the Bible
+is St. Augustine. Whatever he reads is deeply imprinted on his soul,
+for his struggles had prepared him for comprehending it. The soil had
+been ploughed deep, and the incorruptible seed penetrates far into it.
+When Staupitz left Erfurt, a new day had dawned upon Luther.
+
+  [183] Seckendorf, p. 52.
+
+Nevertheless, the work was not finished. The vicar-general had
+prepared it, but its completion was reserved for a humbler instrument.
+The conscience of the young Augustin had not yet found repose, and,
+owing to his efforts and the stretch on which his soul had been kept,
+his body at length gave way. He was attacked by an illness which
+brought him to the gates of death. This was in the second year of his
+residence in the convent. All his agonies and terrors were awakened at
+the approach of death. His own pollution and the holiness of God anew
+distracted his soul. One day, when overwhelmed with despair, an old
+monk entered his cell, and addressed him in consoling terms. Luther
+opened his heart to him, and made him aware of the fears by which he
+was agitated. The respectable old man was incapable of following him
+into all his doubts as Staupitz had done; but he knew his _Credo_, and
+having found in it the means of consoling his own heart, he could
+apply the same remedy to the young friar. Leading him back to the
+Apostles' Creed, which Luther had learned in infancy at the school of
+Mansfield, the old monk good-naturedly repeated the article, "_I
+believe in the forgiveness of sins_." These simple words, which the
+pious friar calmly repeated at this decisive moment, poured great
+consolation into the soul of Luther. "I believe," oft repeated he to
+himself on his sick-bed, "I believe in the forgiveness of sins." "Ah!"
+said the monk, "the thing to be believed is not merely that David's or
+Peter's sins are forgiven; this the devils believe: God's command is,
+to believe that our own sins are forgiven."[184] How delightful this
+command appeared to poor Luther! "See what St. Bernard says in his
+sermon on the annunciation," added the old friar; "the witness which
+the Holy Spirit witnesseth with our spirit is, 'Thy sins are forgiven
+thee.'"
+
+  [184] "Davidi aut Petro ... Sed mandatum Dei esse ut singuli homines,
+  nobis remitti peccata credamus." (Melancth. Vit. Luth.) Not to David
+  or Peter, but the command of God is, that every one of us believe that
+  our sins are forgiven.
+
+From this moment light sprung up in the heart of the young monk of
+Erfurt. The gracious word has been pronounced, and he believes it. He
+renounces the idea of meriting salvation, and puts implicit confidence
+in the grace of God through Jesus Christ. He does not see all the
+consequences of the principle which he has admitted; he is still
+sincere in his attachment to the Church, and yet he has no longer need
+of her. He has received salvation immediately from God himself; and
+from that moment Roman Catholicism is virtually destroyed in him. He
+goes forward and searches the writings of the apostles and prophets,
+for every thing that may strengthen the hope which fills his heart.
+Each day he invokes help from above, and each day also the light
+increases in his soul.
+
+The health which his spirit had found soon restores health to his
+body, and he rises from his sick-bed, after having, in a double sense,
+received a new life. During the feast of Noel, which arrived shortly
+after, he tasted abundantly of all the consolations of faith. With
+sweet emotion he took part in the holy solemnities, and when in the
+middle of the gorgeous service of the day, he came to chant these
+words:--"_O beata culpa, quæ talem meruisti Redemptorem!_"[185] his
+whole being said _Amen_, and thrilled with joy.
+
+  [185] "O blessed fault, to merit such a Redeemer." (Mathesius, p. 5.)
+
+Luther had been two years in the cloister, and must now be consecrated
+priest. He had received much, and he looked forward with delight to
+the prospect which the priesthood presented of enabling him freely to
+give what he had freely received. Wishing to avail himself of the
+occasion to be fully reconciled to his father, he invited him to be
+present, and even asked him to fix the day. John Luther, though not
+yet entirely appeased, nevertheless accepted the invitation, and named
+Sabbath the 2nd May, 1507.
+
+In the list of Luther's friends was the vicar of Isenach, John Braun,
+who had been his faithful adviser when he resided in that town. Luther
+wrote him on the 22nd April. It is the Reformer's earliest letter, and
+bears the following address:--"To John Braun, Holy and Venerable
+Priest of Christ and Mary." It is only in the two first letters of
+Luther that the name of Mary occurs.
+
+"God, who is glorious and holy in all his works," says the candidate
+for the priesthood, "having designed to exalt me exceedingly,--me, a
+miserable and every way unworthy sinner, and to call me solely out of
+his abundant mercy, to his sublime ministry, it is my duty in order to
+testify my gratitude for a goodness so divine and so magnificent, (as
+far at least as dust can do it,) to fulfil with my whole heart the
+office which is entrusted to me."
+
+At length the day arrived. The miner of Mansfield failed not to be
+present at the consecration of his son.... He even gave him an
+unequivocal mark of his affection and generosity, by making him a
+present of twenty florins on the occasion.
+
+The ceremony took place, Jerome, Bishop of Brandebourg, officiating.
+At the moment of conferring on Luther the right to celebrate mass, he
+put the chalice into his hand, uttering these solemn words, "_Accipe
+potestatem sacrificandi pro vivis et mortuis_"--"Receive power to
+sacrifice for the living and the dead." Luther then listened
+complacently to these words, which gave him the power of doing the
+very work appropriated to the Son of God; but they afterwards made him
+shudder. "That the earth did not swallow us both," said he, "was more
+than we deserved, and was owing to the great patience and
+long-suffering of the Lord."[186]
+
+  [186] Luth. Op. xvi, (Walch.) 1144.
+
+The father afterwards dined at the convent with his son, the friends
+of the young priest and the monks. The conversation turned on Martin's
+entrance into the cloister, the friars loudly extolling it as one of
+the most meritorious of works. Then the inflexible John, turning
+towards his son, said to him, "Hast thou not read in Scripture to obey
+thy father and thy mother?"[187] These words struck Luther; they gave
+him quite a different view of the action which had brought him into
+the convent, and for a long time continued to echo in his heart.
+
+  [187] "Ei, hast du nicht auch gehort das man Eltern soll gehorsam
+  seyn." (Luth. Ep. ii, 101.)
+
+By the advice of Staupitz, Luther, shortly after his ordination, made
+short excursions on foot into the neighbouring parishes and convents,
+both for relaxation, to give his body the necessary exercise, and to
+accustom himself to preaching.
+
+The Fête Dieu was to be celebrated with splendour at Eisleben, where
+the vicar-general was to be present. Luther repaired thither. He had
+still need of Staupitz, and missed no opportunity of meeting with this
+enlightened conductor who was guiding him into the way of life. The
+procession was numerous and brilliant. Staupitz himself carried the
+holy sacrament, and Luther followed in his sacerdotal dress. The
+thought that it was truly Jesus Christ that the vicar-general was
+carrying--the idea that Christ was there in person actually before
+him--suddenly struck Luther's imagination, and filled him with such
+amazement that he could scarcely move forward. The perspiration fell
+from him in drops; he shook, and thought he would have died with agony
+and terror. At length the procession ceased. This host which had so
+awakened the fears of the monk was solemnly deposited in the
+sanctuary, and Luther, as soon as he was alone with Staupitz, threw
+himself into his arms, and told him of his consternation. Then the
+worthy vicar-general, who had long known that Saviour who breaketh
+not the bruised reed, said to him mildly, "It was not Jesus Christ, my
+brother. Jesus Christ does not alarm--he consoles merely."[188]
+
+  [188] "Es ist nicht Christus denn Christus schreckt nicht, sondern
+  tröstet nur." (Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, pp. 513, 724.)
+
+Luther was not to remain hid in an obscure convent. The time had
+arrived for his being transported to a larger theatre. Staupitz, with
+whom he was in constant correspondence, was well aware that the soul
+of the young monk was too active to be confined within so narrow a
+circle. He mentioned him to Frederick of Saxony, and this enlightened
+prince, in 1508, probably towards the close of the year, invited him
+to a chair in the university of Wittemberg. Wittemberg was a field on
+which he was to fight hard battles; and Luther felt that his vocation
+was there. Being required to repair promptly to his new post, he
+answered the appeal without delay; and, in the hurry of his removal,
+had not even time to write him whom he called his master and beloved
+father--John Braun, curate of Isenach. Some months after, he
+wrote--"My departure was so sudden, that those I was living with
+scarcely knew of it. I am far away, I confess: but the better part of
+me is still with you."[189] Luther had been three years in the
+cloister of Erfurt.
+
+  [189] Luth. Ep. i, p. 5, March 17, 1509.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. V
+
+     The University of Wittemberg--First Employment--Biblical
+     Lectures--Sensation--Preaching at Wittemberg--The Old
+     Chapel--Impression.
+
+
+In the year 1502, the Elector Frederick had founded a new university
+at Wittemberg, declaring, in the act by which he confirmed it, that he
+and his people would turn to it as towards an oracle. He thought not
+at the time that these words would be so magnificently realised. Two
+men belonging to the opposition which had been formed against the
+scholastic system, viz., Pollich of Mellerstadt, doctor of medicine,
+law, and philosophy, and Staupitz, had great influence in founding
+this school. The university declared St. Augustine its patron; and
+even this choice was a presage of good. In possession of great
+freedom, and regarded as a tribunal to which, in cases of difficulty,
+the supreme decision belonged, this new institution, which was in
+every way fitted to become the cradle of the Reformation, powerfully
+contributed to the development of Luther and his work.
+
+On his arrival at Wittemberg, Luther repaired to the convent of
+Augustins, where a cell was alloted him; for though professor, he
+ceased not to be monk. He was appointed to teach philosophy and
+dialectics. In assigning him these departments, regard had, no doubt,
+been had to the studies which he had prosecuted at Erfurt, and to his
+degree of Master of Arts. Thus Luther, who was hungering and thirsting
+for the word of life, saw himself obliged to give his almost exclusive
+attention to the scholastic philosophy of Aristotle. He had need of
+the bread of life which God gives to the world, and he must occupy
+himself with human subtleties. How galling! How much he sighed! "I am
+well, by the grace of God," wrote he to Braun, "were it not that I
+must study philosophy with all my might. Ever since I arrived at
+Wittemberg, I have eagerly desired to exchange this study for that of
+theology: but," added he, lest it should be thought he meant the
+theology of the time, "the theology I mean is that which seeks out the
+kernel of the nut, the heart of the wheat, and the marrow of the
+bone.[190] Howbeit God is God," continues he, with that confidence
+which was the soul of his life, "man is almost always deceived in his
+judgment; but he is our God, and will conduct us by his goodness for
+ever and ever." The studies in which Luther was at this time obliged
+to engage were afterwards of great service to him in combating the
+errors of the schoolmen.
+
+  [190] ... "Theologia quæ nucleum nucis et medullam tritici et medullam
+  ossium serutatur." (Luth. Ep. i, 6.)
+
+Here, however, he could not stop. The desire of his heart must be
+accomplished. The same power which formerly pushed him from the bar
+into the monastic life now pushed him from philosophy towards the
+Bible. He zealously commenced the study of ancient languages,
+especially Greek and Hebrew, that he might be able to draw science and
+learning at the fountain-head. He was all his life an indefatigable
+student.[191] Some months after his arrival at the university he
+applied for the degree of Bachelor in Divinity, and obtained it in the
+end of March 1509, with a special injunction to devote himself to
+biblical theology, _ad Biblia_.
+
+  [191] "In studiis literarum, corpore ac mente indefessus."
+  (Pallavicini, Hist. Conc. Trid. i, 16.) In literary pursuits, he was
+  indefatigable in mind and body.
+
+Every day at one, Luther had to lecture on the Bible,--a precious
+employment both for the professor and his pupils--giving them a
+better insight into the divine meaning of those oracles which had so
+long been lost both to the people and the school.
+
+He began his lectures with an exposition of the Psalms, and shortly
+after proceeded to the Epistle to the Romans. It was especially when
+meditating upon it that the light of truth entered his heart. After
+retiring to his quiet cell he spent hours in the study of the Divine
+Word--the Epistle of St. Paul lying open before him. One day, coming
+to the seventeenth verse of the first chapter, he read these words of
+the prophet Habakkuk, "_The just shall live by faith_." He is struck
+with the expression. The just, then, has a different life from other
+men, and this life is given by faith. These words, which he receives
+into his heart as if God himself had there deposited them, unveils the
+mystery of the Christian life to him, and gives him an increase of
+this life. Long after, in the midst of his numerous labours, he
+thought he still heard a voice saying to him, "The just shall live by
+faith."[192]
+
+  [192] Seckend., p. 55.
+
+Luther's lectures, thus prepared, had little resemblance to those
+which had hitherto been delivered. It was not a declamatory
+rhetorician, or a pedantic schoolman that spoke; it was a Christian
+who had felt the power of revealed truth--truth which he derived from
+the Bible, and presented to his astonished hearers, all full of life,
+as it came from the treasury of his heart. It was not a lesson from
+man, but a lesson from God.
+
+This novel exposition of the truth was much talked of. The news spread
+far and wide, and attracted a great number of foreign students to the
+recently founded university. Even some of the professors attended the
+lectures of Luther, among others, Mellerstadt, often surnamed, "_The
+Light of the World_." He was the first rector of the university, and
+had previously been at Leipsic, where he had vigorously combated the
+ridiculous lessons of the schoolmen, and denying that "the light of
+the first day of creation could be theology," had maintained that this
+science ought to be based on the study of literature. "This monk,"
+said he, "will send all the doctors to the right about. He will
+introduce a new doctrine, and reform the whole Church, for he founds
+upon the word of God; and no man in the world can either combat or
+overthrow this word, even though he should attack it with all the
+weapons of philosophy, the sophists, Scotists, Albertists, Thomists,
+and the whole fraternity."[193]
+
+  [193] Melch. Adam. Vita Lutheri, p. 104.
+
+Staupitz, who was the instrument in the hand of Providence to unfold
+the gifts and treasures hidden in Luther, invited him to preach in
+this church of the Augustins. The young professor recoiled at this
+proposal. He wished to confine himself to his academic functions, and
+trembled at the thought of adding to them that of preacher. In vain
+did Staupitz urge him. "No, no," replied he, "it is no light matter to
+speak to men in the place of God."[194] Touching humility in this
+great Reformer of the Church! Staupitz insisted; but the ingenious
+Luther, says one of his biographers, found fifteen arguments,
+pretexts, and evasions, to excuse himself from this calling. The chief
+of the Augustins, still continuing his attack, Luther exclaimed, "Ah!
+doctor, in doing this, you deprive me of life. I would not be able to
+hold out three months." "Very well," replied the vicar-general, "so be
+it in God's name. For up yonder, also, our Lord has need of able and
+devoted men." Luther behoved to yield.
+
+  [194] Fabricius, Centifol. Lutheri, p. 33. Mathesius, p. 6.
+
+In the middle of the public square of Wittemberg was a wooden chapel,
+thirty feet long by twenty wide, whose sides, propped up in all
+directions, were falling to decay. An old pulpit made of fir, three
+feet in height, received the preacher. In this miserable chapel the
+preaching of the Reformation commenced. God was pleased that that
+which was to establish his glory should have the humblest origin. The
+foundation of the church of the Augustins had just been laid, and
+until it should be finished this humble church was employed. "This
+building," adds the contemporary of Luther who relates these
+circumstances, "may well be compared to the stable in which Christ was
+born. It was in this miserable inclosure that God was pleased, so to
+speak, to make his beloved Son be born a second time. Among the
+thousands of cathedrals and parish churches with which the world
+abounded, there was then one only which God selected for the glorious
+preaching of eternal life."[195]
+
+  [195] Myconius.
+
+Luther preaches, and every thing is striking in the new preacher. His
+expressive countenance, his noble air, his clear and sonorous voice,
+captivate the hearers.
+
+The greater part of preachers before him had sought rather to amuse
+their auditory than to convert them. The great seriousness which
+predominates in Luther's preaching, and the joy with which the
+knowledge of the gospel has filled his heart, give to his eloquence at
+once an authority, a fervour, and an unction which none of his
+predecessors had. "Endowed," says one of his opponents,[196] "with a
+keen and acute intellect, and a retentive memory, and having an
+admirable facility in the use of his mother tongue, Luther, in point
+of eloquence, yielded to none of his age. Discoursing from the pulpit
+as if he had been agitated by some strong passion, and suiting his
+action to his words, he produced a wonderful impression on the minds
+of his hearers, and like a torrent, carried them along whithersoever
+he wished. So much force, gracefulness, and eloquence, are seldom seen
+in the people of the north." "He had," says Bossuet, "a lively and
+impetuous eloquence, which hurried people away and entranced
+them."[197]
+
+  [196] Florimond Raymond, Hist. Hæres. cap. v.
+
+  [197] Hist. des Variat. l. 1.
+
+In a short time the little chapel could not contain the hearers who
+crowded to it. The council of Wittemberg then made choice of Luther
+for their preacher, and appointed him to preach in the town church.
+The impression which he produced here was still greater. The power of
+his genius, the eloquence of his diction, and the excellence of the
+doctrines which he announced, equally astonished his hearers. His
+reputation spread far and wide, and Frederick the Wise himself once
+came to Wittemberg to hear him.
+
+Luther had commenced a new life. The uselessness of the cloister had
+been succeeded by great activity. The liberty, the labour, the
+constant activity to which he could devote himself at Wittemberg,
+completely restored his internal harmony and peace. He was now in his
+place, and the work of God was soon to exhibit its majestic step.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+     Journey to Rome--A Convent on the Pô--Sickness at
+     Bologna--Remembrances in Rome--Superstitious
+     Devotion--Profaneness of the Clergy--Conversation--Disorders
+     in Rome--Biblical Studies--Pilate's Stair--Influence on his
+     Faith and on the Reformation--The Gate of Paradise--Luther's
+     Confession.
+
+
+Luther was teaching both in his academic chair and in the church, when
+his labours were interrupted. In 1510, or, according to some, not till
+1511 or 1512, he was sent to Rome. Seven convents of his order having
+differed on certain points with the vicar-general,[198] the activity
+of Luther's mind, the power of his eloquence, and his talent for
+discussion, made him be selected to plead the cause of these seven
+monasteries before the pope.[199] This Divine dispensation was
+necessary to Luther, for it was requisite that he should know Rome.
+Full of the prejudices and illusions of the cloister, he had always
+represented it to himself as the seat of holiness.
+
+  [198] "Quod septem conventus a vicario in quibusdam dissentirent."
+  (Cochlœus, 7.)
+
+  [199] "Quod esset acer ingenio et ad contradicendum audax et
+  vehemens." (Cochlœus, ii.) Because he was of a sharp wit, and bold and
+  vehement in reply.
+
+He accordingly set out and crossed the Alps, but scarcely had he
+descended into the plains of rich and voluptuous Italy, than he found
+at every step subjects of astonishment and scandal. The poor German
+monk was received in a rich convent of Benedictines, situated upon the
+Pô in Lombardy. This convent had thirty-six thousand ducats of
+revenue. Of these, twelve thousand were devoted to the table, twelve
+thousand to the buildings, and twelve thousand to the other wants of
+the monks.[200] The gorgeousness of the apartments, the beauty of the
+dresses, and the rarities of the table, all astonished Luther. Marble
+and silk, and luxury under all its forms! How new the sight to the
+humble friar of the poor convent of Wittemberg! He was astonished and
+said nothing, but when Friday came, how surprised was he to see
+abundance of meat still covering the table of the Benedictines! Then
+he resolved to speak out. "The Church and the pope," said he to them,
+"forbid such things." The Benedictines were indignant at this
+reprimand from the rude German, but Luther having insisted, and
+perhaps threatened to make their disorders known, some of them thought
+that the simplest plan was to get rid of their troublesome guest. The
+porter of the convent having warned him that he ran a risk in staying
+longer, he made his escape from this epicurean monastery, and arrived
+at Bologna, where he fell dangerously sick.[201] Some have seen in
+this sickness the effects of poison, but it is simpler to suppose that
+it was the effect which a change of living produced in the frugal monk
+of Wittemberg, whose principal food was wont to be bread and herrings.
+This sickness was not to be unto death, but for the glory of God.
+Luther's constitutional sadness and depression again overpowered him.
+To die thus far from Germany, under this burning sky in a foreign
+land, what a fate! The agonies which he had felt at Erfurt returned
+with all their force. The conviction of his sins troubled, while the
+prospect of the judgment-seat of God terrified him. But at the moment
+when these terrors were at the worst, the passage of St. Paul which
+had struck him at Wittemberg, "The just shall live by faith," (Rom.,
+i, 17,) presented itself to his mind, and illumined his soul as with
+a ray of light from heaven. Revived and comforted, he soon recovered
+his health, and resumed his journey to Rome, expecting he should there
+find quite a different life from that of the Lombard convents, and
+impatient by the sight of Roman holiness to efface the sad impressions
+which had been left upon his mind by his residence on the Pô.
+
+  [200] Luth. Op. (W.) xx, p. 1468.
+
+  [201] Matth. Dresser. Hist. Lutheri.
+
+At length, after a painful journey under the burning sky of Italy in
+the beginning of summer, he drew near to the city of the seven hills.
+His heart was moved, and his eyes looked for the queen of the world,
+and of the Church. As soon as he obtained a distant view of the
+eternal city, the city of St. Peter and St. Paul, and the metropolis
+of Catholicism, he threw himself on the ground, exclaiming, "Holy
+Rome, I salute thee."
+
+Luther is in Rome; the professor of Wittemberg is in the midst of the
+eloquent ruins of the Rome of the consuls and emperors--the Rome of
+the confessors and martyrs. Here lived that Plautus and Virgil, whose
+works he had taken with him into the cloister, and all those great men
+whose exploits had always caused his heart to beat. He perceives their
+statues, and the wrecks of monuments which attest their glory. But all
+this glory and all this power are past, and his foot treads on their
+dust. At every step he calls to mind the sad forebodings of Scipio
+shedding tears at the sight of Carthage in ruins, its burned palaces
+and broken walls, and exclaiming, "Thus, too, will it be with Rome!"
+"And in fact," says Luther, "the Rome of the Scipios and Cæsars has
+been changed into a corpse. Such is the quantity of ruins, that the
+foundations of the modern houses rest upon the roofs of the old.
+"There," added he, casting a melancholy look on the ruins, "there were
+the riches and treasures of the world."[202] All this rubbish, which
+he strikes with his foot, tells Luther, within the walls of Rome
+herself, that what is strongest in the eyes of men is easily destroyed
+by the breath of the Lord.
+
+  [202] Op. (W.) xxii, pp. 2374, 2377.
+
+But he remembers that with profane ashes holy ashes are mingled. The
+burial-place of the martyrs is not far from that of the generals and
+triumphing heroes of Rome, and Christian Rome, with her sufferings,
+has more power over the heart of the Saxon monk than Pagan Rome with
+her glory. It was here the letter arrived in which Paul wrote, "_The
+just is justified by faith_," and not far off is the Appii Forum and
+the Three Taverns. There was the house of Narcissus--here the palace
+of Cæsar, where the Lord delivered the apostle from the mouth of the
+lion. Oh, what fortitude these recollections give to the heart of the
+monk of Wittemberg!
+
+Rome then presented a very different aspect. The pontifical chair was
+occupied by the warlike Julius II, and not by Leo X, as it has been
+said by some distinguished historians of Germany, no doubt through
+oversight. Luther often told an anecdote of this pope. When news was
+brought him of the defeat of his army by the French before Ravenna, he
+was reading his Hours. He dashed the book upon the ground, and said,
+with a dreadful oath, "Very well, so you have turned Frenchman. Is
+this the way in which you protect your Church?" Then turning in the
+direction of the country to whose aid he meant to have recourse, he
+exclaimed, "Holy Switzer, pray for us."[203] Ignorance, levity, and
+dissoluteness, a profane spirit, a contempt of all that is sacred, and
+a shameful traffic in divine things; such was the spectacle which that
+unhappy city presented, and yet the pious monk continued for some time
+in his illusions.
+
+  [203] "Sancte Swizere! ora pro nobis." (Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, pp. 1314,
+  1332.)
+
+Having arrived about the feast of St. John, he hears the Romans about
+him repeating a proverb which was then common among the people:
+"Happy," said they, "is the mother whose son says a mass on the eve of
+St. John." "Oh! how I could like to make my mother happy!" said
+Luther. The pious son of Margaret accordingly sought to say a mass on
+that day, but could not; the press was too great.[204]
+
+  [204] Luth. Op. (W.) Dedication of, 117 pages, vol. vi, L. G.
+
+Ardent and simple-hearted, he went up and down, visiting all the
+churches and chapels, believing all the lies that were told him, and
+devoutly performing the requisite acts of holiness; happy in being
+able to do so many pious works, which were denied to his countrymen.
+"Oh! how much I regret," said the pious German to himself, "that my
+father and mother are still alive. What delight I should have had in
+delivering them from the fire of purgatory, by my masses, my prayers,
+and many other admirable works."[205] He had found the light, but the
+darkness was still far from being entirely banished from his
+understanding. His heart was changed, but his mind was not fully
+enlightened. He possessed faith and love, but not knowledge. It was
+work of no small difficulty to escape from the dark night which had
+for so many ages covered the earth.
+
+  [205] (Ibid.)
+
+Luther repeatedly said mass at Rome, taking care to do it with all the
+unction and dignity which the service seemed to him to require. But
+how grieved was the heart of the Saxon monk, at seeing the profane
+formality of the Roman priests in celebrating the sacrament of the
+altar. The priests, on their part, laughed at his simplicity. One day
+when he was officiating, he found that at the altar next to him seven
+masses had been read before he got through a single one. "Get on, get
+on," cried one of the priests to him; "make haste, and send Our Lady
+back her Son," making an impious allusion to the transubstantiation of
+the bread into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. On another
+occasion, Luther had only got as far as the Gospel, when the priest
+beside him had finished the whole mass. "On, on," said his companion;
+"make haste, make haste; are ye ever to have done?"[206]
+
+  [206] Luth. Op. (W.) xix, von der Winkelmesse, Mathesius, 6.
+
+His astonishment was still greater when, in the dignitaries of the
+Church, he discovered the same thing that he had found in common
+priests. He had hoped better of them.
+
+It was fashionable at the papal court to attack Christianity, and, in
+order to pass for a complete gentleman, absolutely necessary to hold
+some erroneous or heretical opinion on the doctrines of the
+Church.[207] When Erasmus was at Rome, they had attempted to prove to
+him, by passages from Pliny, that there was no difference between the
+soul of man and that of the brutes;[208] and young courtiers of the
+pope maintained that the orthodox faith was merely the result of
+crafty inventions by some saints.[209]
+
+  [207] "In quel tempo non pareva, fosse galantuomo, e buon cortegiano
+  colui che de dogmi, della chiesa non aveva qualche opinion erronea ed
+  heretica." (Carraciola, Vit. MS. Paul IV, quoted by Ranke.)
+
+  [208] Burigny, Vie d'Erasme, i, 139.
+
+  [209] "E medio Romanæ curiæ sectam juvenum ... qui asserebant, nostram
+  fidem orthodoxam, potius quibusdam sanctorum astutiis subsistere."
+  (Paul Canensius, Vita Pauli II.)
+
+Luther's employment, as envoy of the Augustins of Germany, caused him
+to be invited to several meetings of distinguished ecclesiastics. One
+day, in particular, he happened to be at table with several prelates,
+who frankly exhibited themselves to him in their mountebank manners
+and profane conversation, and did not scruple to commit a thousand
+follies in his presence, no doubt believing him to be of the same
+spirit as themselves. Among other things they related, in presence of
+the monk, laughing and making a boast of it, how when they were saying
+mass, instead of the sacramental words, which should transform the
+bread and wine into the Saviour's flesh and blood, they parodied them,
+and said, "_Panis es, et panis manebis; vinum es, et vinum manebis_:"
+Bread thou art, and bread wilt remain; wine thou art, and wine wilt
+remain. Then, continued they, we raise the _ostensorium_, and all the
+people worship it. Luther could scarcely believe his ears. His spirit,
+which was lively and even gay in the society of his friends, was all
+gravity when sacred things were in question. He was scandalised at the
+profane pleasantries of Rome. "I was," said be, "a young monk, grave
+and pious, and these words distressed me greatly. If they speak thus
+in Rome at table, freely and publicly, thought I to myself, what will
+it be if their actions correspond to their words, and if all, pope,
+cardinals, courtiers, say mass in the same style? And I, who have
+devoutly heard so large a number read, how must I have been
+deceived!"[210]
+
+  [210] Luth. Op. (W.) xix, von der Winkelmesse.
+
+Luther often mingled with the monks and the citizens of Rome. If some
+extolled the pope and his court, the great majority gave free
+utterance to their complaints and their sarcasms. What tales they told
+of the reigning pope, of Alexander VI, and of many others! One day his
+Roman friends told him how Cæsar Borgia, after having fled from Rome,
+was apprehended in Spain. When they were going to try him he pleaded
+guilty in prison, and requested a confessor. A monk having been sent,
+he slew him, and, wrapping himself up in his cloak, made his escape.
+"I heard that at Rome, and it is quite certain,"[211] said Luther. One
+day passing through a public street which led to St. Peter's, he
+stopped in amazement before a statue, representing a pope under the
+form of a woman holding a sceptre, clad in the papal mantle, and
+carrying an infant in her arms. It is a girl of Mentz, said they to
+him, whom the cardinals chose for pope, and who had a child at this
+spot. Hence no pope ever passes through this street. "I am
+astonished," said Luther, "how the popes allow the statue to
+remain."[212]
+
+  [211] "Das habe Ich zu Rom für gewiss gehört." (Luth. Op. (W.) xxii.,
+  1322.)
+
+  [212] "Es nimmt mich wunder, das die Päbste solches Bild leiden
+  können." (Ibid., p. 1320.)
+
+Luther had expected to find the edifice of the church in strength and
+splendour, but its gates were forced, and its walls consumed with
+fire. He saw the desolations of the sanctuary, and started back in
+dismay. He had dreamed of nothing but holiness, and he discovered
+nothing but profanation.
+
+He was not less struck with the disorders outside the churches. "The
+Roman police," says he, "is strict and severe. The judge or captain
+every night makes a round of the town on horseback, with three hundred
+attendants, and arrests every person he finds in the streets. If he
+meets any one armed he hangs him up, or throws him into the Tiber; and
+yet the city is full of disorder and murder, whereas, when the word of
+God is purely and rightly taught, peace and order are seen to reign,
+and there is no need of law and its severities."[213] "It is almost
+incredible what sins and infamous actions are committed at Rome," says
+he, on another occasion; "one would require to see it and hear it in
+order to believe it. Hence, it is an ordinary saying, that if there is
+a hell, Rome is built upon it. It is an abyss from whence all sins
+proceed."[214]
+
+  [213] Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 2376.
+
+  [214] "Ist irgend eine Hœlle, so muss Rom darauf gebaut seyn." (Ibid.
+  p. 2377.)
+
+This sight made a strong impression on Luther's mind at the time, and
+the impression was deepened at a later period. "The nearer we approach
+Rome the more bad Christians we find," said he several years after.
+"There is a common saying, that he who goes to Rome, the first time
+seeks a rogue, the second time finds him, and the third time brings
+him away with him in his own person; but now people are become so
+skilful, that they make all the three journeys in one." A genius, one
+of the most unhappily celebrated, but also one of the most profound of
+Italy, Machiavelli, who was living at Florence when Luther passed
+through it on his way to Rome, has made the same remark: "The
+strongest symptom," says he, "of the approaching ruin of Christianity,
+(he means Roman Catholicism,) is, that the nearer you come to the
+capital of Christendom the less you find of the Christian spirit. The
+scandalous examples and crimes of the court of Rome are the cause why
+Italy has lost every principle of piety and all religious sentiment.
+We Italians," continues the great historian, "are chiefly indebted to
+the Church and the priests for our having become a set of profane
+scoundrels."[215] At a later period Luther was fully aware how much he
+had gained by his journey "I would not take a hundred thousand
+florins," said he, "not to have seen Rome."[216]
+
+  [215] Dissertations on the first Decade of Titus Livy.
+
+  [216] 100,000 Gulden. (Luth. Op. xxii, p. 2374.)
+
+The journey was also of the greatest advantage to him in a literary
+view. Like Reuchlin, Luther availed himself of his residence in Italy
+to penetrate farther into the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. He
+took lessons in Hebrew from a celebrated rabbi named Elias Levita; and
+thus, at Rome, partly acquired the knowledge of that Divine word under
+whose blows Rome was destined to fall.
+
+But there was another respect in which the journey was of great
+importance to Luther. Not only was the veil torn away and the sardonic
+smile, and mountebank infidelity which lurked behind the Roman
+superstitions, revealed to the future Reformer, but, moreover, the
+living faith which God had implanted in him was powerfully
+strengthened.
+
+We have seen how he at first entered devotedly into all the vain
+observances, to which, as a price, the Church has annexed the
+expiation of sins. One day, among others, wishing to gain an
+indulgence which the pope had promised to every one who should on his
+knees climb up what is called Pilate's Stair, the Saxon monk was
+humbly crawling up the steps, which he was told had been miraculously
+transported to Rome from Jerusalem. But while he was engaged in this
+meritorious act, he thought he heard a voice of thunder which cried at
+the bottom of his heart, as at Wittemberg and Bologna, "_The just
+shall live by faith._" These words, which had already on two different
+occasions struck him like the voice of an angel of God, resounded
+loudly and incessantly within him. He rises up in amazement from the
+steps along which he was dragging his body. Horrified at himself, and
+ashamed to see how far superstition has abased him, he flies far from
+the scene of his folly.[217]
+
+  [217] Seckend., p. 56.
+
+In regard to this mighty word there is something mysterious in the
+life of Luther. It proved a creating word both for the Reformer and
+for the Reformation. It was by it that God then said, "Let light be,
+and light was."
+
+It is often necessary that a truth, in order to produce its due effect
+on the mind, must be repeatedly presented to it. Luther had carefully
+studied the Epistle to the Romans, and yet, though justification by
+faith is there taught, he had never seen it so clearly. Now he
+comprehends the righteousness which alone can stand in the presence of
+God; now he receives from God himself, by the hand of Christ, that
+obedience which he freely imputes to the sinner as soon as he humbly
+turns his eye to the God-Man who was crucified. This is the decisive
+period in the internal life of Luther. The faith which has saved him
+from the terrors of death becomes the soul of his theology, his
+fortress in all dangers, the stamina of his discourse, the stimulant
+of his love, the foundation of his peace, the spur of his labours, his
+consolation in life and in death.
+
+But this great doctrine of a salvation which emanates from God and not
+from man, was not only the power of God to save the soul of Luther, it
+also became the power of God to reform the Church; a powerful weapon
+which the apostles wielded, a weapon too long neglected, but at length
+brought forth in its primitive lustre from the arsenal of the mighty
+God. At the moment when Luther stood up in Rome, all moved and
+thrilling with the words which Paul had addressed fifteen centuries
+before to the inhabitants of this metropolis, truth, till then a
+fettered captive within the Church, rose up also, never again to fall.
+
+Here we must let Luther speak for himself. "Although I was a holy and
+irreproachable monk, my conscience was full of trouble and anguish. I
+could not bear the words, 'Justice of God.' I loved not the just and
+holy God who punishes sinners. I was filled with secret rage against
+him and hated him, because, not satisfied with terrifying us, his
+miserable creatures, already lost by original sin, with his law and
+the miseries of life, he still further increased our torment by the
+gospel.... But when, by the Spirit of God, I comprehended these words;
+when I learned how the sinner's justification proceeds from the pure
+mercy of the Lord by means of faith,[218] then I felt myself revive
+like a new man, and entered at open doors into the very paradise of
+God.[219] From that time, also, I beheld the precious sacred volume
+with new eyes. I went over all the Bible, and collected a great number
+of passages which taught me what the work of God was. And as I had
+previously, with all my heart, hated the words, 'Justice of God,' so
+from that time I began to esteem and love them, as words most sweet
+and most consoling. In truth, these words were to me the true gate of
+paradise."
+
+  [218] "Qua vos Deus misericors justificat per fidem ..." (Luth. Op.
+  (L.) in Præf.) By which a merciful God justifies you through faith.
+
+  [219] "Hic me prorsus renatum esse sensi, et apertis portis in ipsum
+  paradisum intrasse." (Ibid.) Here I felt that I was completely born
+  again, and entered by open doors into paradise itself.
+
+Accordingly, when called on solemn occasions to confess this doctrine,
+Luther always manifested his enthusiasm and rude energy. "I see," said
+he on a critical occasion, "that the devil is incessantly attacking
+this fundamental article[220] by the instrumentality of his doctors,
+and that, in this respect, he cannot rest or take any repose. Very
+well, I, Doctor Martin Luther, unworthy evangelist of our Lord Jesus
+Christ, hold this article--_that faith alone, without works, justifies
+in the sight of God_; and I declare that the emperor of the Romans,
+the emperor of the Turks, the emperor of the Tartars, the emperor of
+the Persians, the pope, all the cardinals, bishops, priests, monks,
+nuns, princes, and nobles, all men and all devils, must let it stand,
+and allow it to remain for ever. If they will undertake to combat this
+truth, they will bring down the flames of hell upon their heads. This
+is the true and holy gospel, and the declaration of me, Doctor Luther,
+according to the light of the Holy Spirit.... Nobody," continues he,
+"has died for our sins but Jesus Christ the Son of God. I repeat it
+once more; should the world and all the devils tear each other, and
+burst with fury, this is, nevertheless, true. And if it be He alone
+who takes away sin, it cannot be ourselves with our works; but good
+works follow redemption, as the fruit appears on the tree. This is our
+doctrine; and it is the doctrine which the Holy Spirit teaches with
+all true Christians. We maintain it in the name of God. Amen."
+
+  [220] Gloss on the Imperial Edict. 1531. (Luth. Op. (L.) tom. xx.)
+
+It was thus Luther found what all doctors and reformers, even the most
+distinguished, had, to a certain degree at least, failed to discover.
+It was in Rome that God gave him this clear view of the fundamental
+doctrine of Christianity. He had come to the city of the pontiffs
+seeking the solution of some difficulties relative to a monastic
+order, and he carried away in his heart the safety of the Church.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VII.
+
+     Return--Doctor's Degree--Carlstadt--Luther's Oath--Principle
+     of Reform--Luther's Courage--First Views of Reformation--The
+     Schoolmen--Spalatin--Affair of Reuchlin.
+
+
+Luther quitted Rome and returned to Wittemberg, his heart full of
+sadness and indignation. Turning away his eyes in disgust from the
+pontifical city, he directed them in hope to the Holy Scriptures, and
+to that new light of which the word of God seemed then to give promise
+to the world. This word gained in his heart all that the Church lost
+in it. He detached himself from the one and turned towards the other.
+The whole Reformation was in that movement. It put God where the
+priest had hitherto been.
+
+Staupitz and the elector did not lose sight of the monk whom they had
+called to the university of Wittemberg. It would seem that the
+vicar-general had a presentiment of the work that was to be done in
+the world, and, feeling it too much for himself, wished to urge on
+Luther. There is nothing more remarkable, and perhaps more mysterious,
+than this personage, who is ever found hurrying on the monk into the
+path to which God calls him; and who himself ultimately goes and sadly
+ends his days in a convent. The preaching of the young professor had
+made an impression on the prince. He had admired the vigour of his
+intellect, the nervousness of his eloquence, and the excellence of his
+expositions.[221] The elector and his friend, wishing to advance a man
+who gave such high hopes, resolved to make him take the honourable
+degree of Doctor of Divinity. Staupitz repairing to the convent, led
+Luther into the garden, and there alone with him, under a tree which
+Luther was afterwards fond of showing to his disciples,[222] the
+venerable father said to him--" It is now necessary, my friend, that
+you become a doctor of the Holy Scriptures." Luther recoiled at the
+idea; the high honour frightened him. "Look out," replied he, "for a
+more worthy person; as for me, I cannot consent to it." The
+vicar-general insisted, "The Lord God has much to do in the Church,
+and has need at present of young and vigorous doctors." These words,
+adds Melancthon, were perhaps used half in jest, and yet the event
+realised them. Many omens ordinarily precede great revolutions.[223]
+It is not necessary to suppose that Melancthon here speaks of
+miraculous predictions. The most incredulous age--that which preceded
+our own--saw this sentiment verified. There was no miracle; and yet
+how many presages announced the revolution with which it closed?
+
+  [221] "Vim ingenii, nervos orationis, ac rerum bonitatem expositarum
+  in concionibus admiratus fuerat." (Melancth. Vita Luth.)
+
+  [222] "Unter einem Baum, den er mir und andern gezeigt." (Mathes. 6.)
+
+  [223] "Multa præcedunt mutationes præsagia." (Vita Luth.)
+
+"But I am weak and sickly," replied Luther, "and have not long to
+live. Seek a strong man." "The Lord," replied the vicar-general, "has
+work in heaven as well as on the earth; dead or alive, God has need of
+you in his counsel."[224]
+
+  [224] "Ihr lebet nun oder sterbet, so darff euch Gott in seinem
+  Rathe." (Mathes. 6.)
+
+"None but the Holy Spirit can make a doctor of theology,"[225]
+exclaimed the monk, still more alarmed. "Do what your convent asks,"
+said Staupitz, "and what I, your vicar-general, command. You promised
+to obey us." "But my poverty," replied the friar. "I have no means of
+paying the expences attendant on such promotion." "Give yourself no
+trouble about them," said his friend. "The prince has been graciously
+pleased to take all the expences on himself." Luther, thus urged, saw
+it his duty to yield.
+
+  [225] "Neminem nisi Spiritum Sanctum creare posse doctorem theologiæ."
+  (Weismanni Hist. Eccl i, p. 1404.)
+
+This was towards the end of the summer of 1512. Luther set out for
+Leipsic to receive the money necessary for his promotion from the
+elector's treasures. But according to the usages of courts, the money
+came not. The friar getting impatient would have left, but monastic
+obedience detained him. At length, on the 4th of October, he received
+fifty florins from Pfeffinger and John Doltzig, and gave them his
+receipt for it, in which he designates himself merely as a monk. "I,
+Martin," says he, "friar of the order of Eremites."[226] Luther
+hastened back to Wittemberg.
+
+  [226] Luth., Ep. i, p. 2.
+
+Andrew Bodenstein was then Dean of the Faculty of Theology, and is
+best known under the name of Carlstadt, being that of his native town.
+He was also called A. B. C. It was Melancthon who first gave him this
+designation, which is taken from the three initial letters of his
+name. Bodenstein acquired the first elements of literature in his
+native place. He was of a grave and gloomy temper, perhaps inclined to
+jealousy, and of a restless intellect, eagerly bent, however, on
+acquiring knowledge, and endowed with great ability. He attended
+different universities in order to increase his acquirements, and
+studied theology even at Rome. On his return from Italy into Germany
+he established himself at Wittemberg, and became doctor in divinity.
+"At this period," says he himself afterwards, "I had not read the Holy
+Scriptures."[227] This account gives a very just idea of what the
+theology of that day was. Carlstadt, besides being a professor, was a
+canon and archdeacon. This is the person who was at a later period to
+make a rent in the Reformation. In Luther at that time, he only saw an
+inferior, but the Augustin soon became an object of jealousy to him.
+"I am not willing," said he one day, "to be a smaller man than
+Luther."[228] When Carlstadt conferred the highest university degree
+on his future rival, he was far from foreseeing the celebrity which
+the young professor was destined to obtain.
+
+  [227] Weismanni Hist. Eccl., p. 1416.
+
+  [228] Ibid.
+
+On the 18th of October, 1512, Luther was admitted a licentiate in
+theology, and took the following oath:--"I swear to defend evangelical
+truth by every means in my power."[229] The following day, Bodenstein,
+in presence of a numerous assembly, formally delivered to him the
+insignia of doctor of theology. He was made Biblical doctor, not
+doctor of sentences, and in this way was called to devote himself to
+the study of the Bible, and not to that of human tradition.[230] The
+oath, then, which he took was, as he relates,[231] to his well-beloved
+Holy Scripture. He promised to preach it faithfully, to teach it
+purely, to study it during his whole life, and to defend it by
+discussion and by writing, as far as God should enable him to do so.
+
+  [229] "Jure me veritatem evangelicam viriliter defensurum." I swear
+  that I will manfully defend evangelical truth."
+
+  [230] "Doctor Biblicus," _and not_ "sententiarius." (Melancthon.)
+
+  [231] Luth., Op. (W.) xvi, p. 2061. Mathesius, p. 7.
+
+This solemn oath was Luther's call to be the Reformer. In laying it
+upon his conscience freely to seek, and boldly to announce Christian
+truth, this oath raised the new doctor above the narrow limits to
+which his monastic vow might perhaps have confined him. Called by the
+university and by his sovereign, in the name of the emperor, and of
+the See of Rome itself, and bound before God, by the most solemn oath,
+he was thenceforth the intrepid herald of the word of life. On this
+memorable day, Luther was dubbed knight of the Bible.
+
+Accordingly, this oath taken to the Holy Scriptures, may be regarded
+as one of the causes of the renovation of the Church. The infallible
+authority of the word of God alone was the first and fundamental
+principle of the Reformation. All the reformations in detail which
+took place at a later period, as reformations in doctrine, in manners,
+in the government of the Church, and in worship, were only
+consequences of this primary principle. One is scarcely able at the
+present time to form an idea of the sensation produced by this
+elementary principle, which is so simple in itself, but which had been
+lost sight of for so many ages. Some individuals of more extensive
+views than the generality, alone foresaw its immense results. The bold
+voices of all the Reformers soon proclaimed this powerful principle,
+at the sound of which Rome is destined to crumble away:--"Christians,
+receive no other doctrines than those which are founded on the express
+words of Jesus Christ, his apostles, and prophets. No man, no assembly
+of doctors, are entitled to prescribe new doctrines."
+
+The situation of Luther was changed. The call which the Reformer had
+received became to him like one of these extraordinary calls which the
+Lord addressed to the prophets under the Old Dispensation, and to the
+apostles under the New. The solemn engagement which he undertook made
+so deep an impression on his mind, that, in the sequel, the
+remembrance of this oath was sufficient to console him amid the
+greatest dangers and the sharpest conflicts. And when he saw all
+Europe agitated and shaken by the word which he had announced; when it
+seemed that the accusations of Rome, the reproaches of many pious men,
+and the doubts and fears of his own easily agitated heart, would make
+him hesitate, fear, and give way to despair, he called to mind the
+oath which he had taken, and remained firm, tranquil, and full of joy.
+"I have advanced in the name of the Lord," said he, on a critical
+occasion, "and I have put myself into his hands. His will be done. Who
+asked him to make me a doctor? If He made me, let him sustain me; or
+if he repents of having made me, let Him depose me!.... This
+tribulation terrifies me not. I seek one thing only, and it is to have
+the Lord favourable to me in all that he calls me to do." Another time
+he said, "He who undertakes any thing without a divine call, seeks his
+own glory; but I, Doctor Martin Luther, was compelled to become a
+doctor. Papism sought to stop me in the discharge of my duty, and you
+see what has happened to it; and still worse will happen. They will
+not be able to defend themselves against me. I desire, in the name of
+the Lord, to tread upon the lions, and trample under foot the dragons
+and vipers. This will commence during my life, and be finished after
+my death."[232]
+
+  [232] Luth. Op. (W.) xxi, 2061.
+
+From the hour when he took the oath Luther sought the truth solely for
+itself and for the Church. Still deeply impressed with recollections
+of Rome, he saw indistinctly before him a course which he determined
+to pursue with all the energy of his soul. The spiritual life which
+had hitherto been manifested within him was now manifested outwardly.
+This was the third period of his development. His entrance into the
+convent had turned his thoughts towards God: the knowledge of the
+forgiveness of sins and of the righteousness of faith, had emancipated
+his soul; and his doctor's oath gave him that baptism of fire by which
+he became the Reformer of the Church.
+
+His thoughts were soon directed in a general way to the subject of
+reformation. In a discourse which he had written apparently with a
+view to its being announced by the Provost of Litzkan, at the Council
+of Lateran, he affirmed that the corruption of the world was
+occasioned by the priests, who, instead of preaching the pure word of
+God, taught so many fables and traditions. According to him the word
+of life alone had power to accomplish the spiritual regeneration of
+man. Hence, even at this period, he made the salvation of the world
+depend on the re-establishment of sound doctrine, and not on a mere
+reformation of manners. Luther was not perfectly consistent with
+himself; he entertained contradictory opinions; but a powerful
+intellect was displayed in all his writings. He boldly broke the links
+by which the systems of the schools chained down human thought, passed
+beyond the limits to which past ages had attained, and formed new
+paths for himself. God was in him.
+
+The first opponents whom he attacked were those famous schoolmen whom
+he had so thoroughly studied, and who then reigned as sovereigns in
+all universities. He accused them of Pelagianism; and, forcibly
+assailing Aristotle, the father of the school, and Thomas Aquinas,
+undertook to tumble both of them from the throne on which they sat,
+the one ruling philosophy, and the other theology.[233] "Aristotle,
+Porphyry, the theologians of sentences," (the schoolmen,) wrote he to
+Lange, "are the lost studies of our age.[234] There is nothing I more
+ardently long for than to expose this player, who has sported with the
+Church by wrapping himself up in a Greek mask, and to make his
+disgrace apparent to all." In all public disputations he was heard to
+say, "the writings of the apostles and prophets are more certain and
+more sublime than all the sophisms and all the theology of the
+school." Such sayings were new, but people gradually became accustomed
+to them. About a year after he could triumphantly write--"God works.
+Our theology and St. Augustine make wonderful progress, and reign in
+our university. Aristotle is on the decline, and is already tottering
+to his speedy and eternal overthrow. The lessons on the sentences are
+admirable for producing a yawn. No man can hope to have an audience if
+he does not profess Biblical theology."[235] Happy the university to
+which such a testimony can be given.
+
+  [233] "Aristotelem in philosophicis, sanctum Thomam in theologicis,
+  evertendos susceperat." (Pallavicini, i, 16.) He had undertaken to
+  overthrow Aristotle among the philosophers, and Thomas Aquinas among
+  the theologians.
+
+  [234] "Perdita studia nostri sæculi." Ep. i, 15. (8th Feb., 1516.)
+
+  [235] Ep. i, 57. (18th May, 1517.)
+
+At the same time that Luther attacked Aristotle, he took the part of
+Erasmus and Reuchlin against their enemies. He entered into
+communication with these great men and others of the learned, such as
+Pirckheimer, Mutian, and Hütten, who belonged more or less to the same
+party. At this period he formed another friendship also, which was of
+great importance to him during his whole life.
+
+There was then at the court of the elector a man distinguished for
+wisdom and candour, named George Spalatin. Born at Spalatus or Spalt,
+in the bishopric of Eichstadt, he had at first been curate of the
+village of Hohenkirch, near the forest of Thuringia, and was
+afterwards selected by Frederick the Wise to be his secretary and
+chaplain, and also tutor to his nephew, John Frederick, who was one
+day to wear the electoral crown. Spalatin retained his simplicity in
+the midst of the court. He appeared timid on the eve of great events,
+circumspect and prudent like his master,[236] when contrasted with the
+impetuous Luther, with whom he was in daily correspondence. Like
+Staupitz he was made for peaceful times. Such men are necessary,
+somewhat resembling those delicate substances in which we wrap up jems
+and trinkets to protect them from injury in travelling. They seem
+useless, and yet without them the precious jewels would have been
+broken and destroyed. Spalatin was not fitted to do great things, but
+he faithfully and unostentatiously acquitted himself of the task which
+had been assigned to him.[237] He was at first one of the principal
+assistants of his master in collecting those relics of saints, of
+which Frederick was long an amateur, but gradually, along with the
+prince, turned toward the truth. The faith which was then re-appearing
+in the Church did not take the firm hold of him that it did of Luther.
+He proceeded at a slower pace. He became Luther's friend at court, the
+minister through whom all affairs between the Reformer and the princes
+were transacted, the mediator between the Church and the State. The
+elector honoured Spalatin with his friendship; when on a journey they
+always travelled in the same carriage.[238] In other respects, the air
+of the court often half suffocated the good chaplain. He took fits of
+melancholy, and would have liked to quit all his honours, and be again
+a simple pastor in the woods of Thuringia; but Luther consoled him,
+and exhorted him to remain firm at his post. Spalatin acquired general
+esteem; the princes and the learned of his time testifying the
+sincerest regard for him. Erasmus said, "I inscribe the name of
+Spalatin not only among those of my principal friends, but also
+amongst those of my most venerated patrons; and this not on paper but
+on my heart."[239]
+
+  [236] "Secundum genium heri sui." (Weismanni Hist. Eccl., i, p. 1434.)
+
+  [237] "Fideliter et sine strepitu fungens." (Weismanni Hist. Eccl. i,
+  p. 1434.)
+
+  [238] "Qui sum principe in rheda sive lectico solitus est ferri."
+  (Corpus Reformatorum, i, 33.)
+
+  [239] Melch. Ad. Vita Spalat. p. 100.
+
+The affair of Reuchlin and the monks was then making a great noise in
+Germany. The most pious men were often at a loss as to the party which
+they ought to embrace; for the monks wished to destroy Jewish books
+which contained blasphemies against Christ. The doctor of Wittemberg
+being now in high repute, the elector ordered his chaplain to consult
+him on this subject. The following is Luther's reply. It is the first
+letter which he addressed to the preacher of the court.
+
+"What shall I say? These monks pretend to drive out Beelzebub, but not
+by the finger of God. For this I cease not to lament and groan. We
+Christians begin to be wise abroad, and we are void of sense at
+home.[240] On all the places of Jerusalem are blasphemies a hundred
+times worse than those of the Jews. The world is filled with
+spiritual idols. Inspired with a holy zeal, we should put away and
+destroy these internal enemies, whereas we leave the matter which is
+most pressing; the devil himself persuading us to abandon our own
+business at the same time that he prevents us from amending what
+belongs to others."
+
+  [240] "Foris sapere et domi desipere." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 8.) To be wise
+  abroad and fools at home.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VIII.
+
+     Faith--Popular Declamations--Academical Instruction--Moral
+     Purity of Luther--German Theology or Mysticism--The Monk
+     Spenlein--Justification by Faith--Luther on Erasmus--Faith
+     and Works--Erasmus--Necessity of Works--Practice of Works.
+
+
+Luther did not lose himself in this quarrel. Living faith in Christ
+filled his heart and his life. "In my heart," said he, "faith in my
+Lord Jesus Christ reigns sole, and sole ought to reign. He alone is
+the beginning, the middle, and the end, of all the thoughts which
+occupy my mind night and day."[241] He was always heard with
+admiration when he spoke of this faith in Christ, whether in the
+professor's chair or in the church. His lessons diffused light, and
+men were astonished at not having sooner perceived truths which in his
+mouth appeared so evident. "The desire of justifying ourselves," said
+he, "is the source of all anguish of heart, whereas he who receives
+Jesus Christ as a Saviour has peace, and not only peace, but purity of
+heart. Sanctification of the heart is entirely a fruit of faith; for
+faith is in us a Divine work, which changes us, and gives us a new
+birth, emanating from God himself. It kills Adam in us by the Holy
+Spirit, which it communicates to us, giving us a new heart, and making
+us new men. "It is not by hollow speculation," exclaimed he again,
+"but by this practical method that we obtain a saving knowledge of
+Jesus Christ."[242]
+
+  [241] Præf. ad Gal.
+
+  [242] "Non per speculationem, sed per hanc viam practicam."
+
+At this time Luther preached discourses on the Ten Commandments, which
+have come down to us under the name of _Popular Declamations_.
+Undoubtedly there are errors in them; for Luther himself was
+enlightened only by degrees. "The path of the just is like the shining
+light, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day." But in these
+discourses what truth! what simplicity! what eloquence! How easy to
+conceive the effect which the new preacher must have produced upon his
+audience and his age! We will quote only one passage taken from the
+commencement.
+
+Luther goes up into the pulpit of Wittemberg, and gives out these
+words, "Thou shalt have no other god before me." Then addressing
+himself to the people who filled the church, he says, "All the sons of
+Adam are idolaters, and guilty of violating this First Commandment."[243]
+This strange assertion no doubt surprises his hearers. He must therefore
+justify it, and accordingly proceeds:--"There are two kinds of idolatry,
+the one without, the other within.
+
+  [243] "Omnes filii Adæ sunt idololatræ." (Decem Præcepta
+  Wittembergensi populo prædicata per R. P. D Martinum Lutherum, Aug.
+  anno 1516.) These discourses were pronounced in German, but we quote
+  from the Latin edition, i, p. 1.
+
+"The one without is, when man worships wood and stone, beasts and
+stars.
+
+"The one within is, when man, fearing punishment or seeking his ease,
+does not give worship to the creature, but loves it internally, and
+confides in it.
+
+"What religion is this? You do not bend the knee before riches and
+honours, but you offer them your heart, the noblest part of you. Ah!
+you worship God with the body, and with the spirit you worship the
+creature.
+
+"This idolatry reigns in every man until he is cured of it freely by
+the faith which is in Jesus Christ.
+
+"And how is this cure performed?
+
+"In this way. Faith in Christ strips you of all confidence in your own
+wisdom, your own righteousness, your own strength. It tells you that
+if Christ had not died for you, and so saved you, neither yourself nor
+any creature could have done it.[244] Then you learn to despise all
+those things which remained useless to you.
+
+  [244] "Nisi ipse pro te mortuus esset, tequs servaret, nec tu, nec
+  omnis creatura tibi posset prodesse." (Ibid.) Had he not died for
+  thee, and did he not preserve thee, neither thyself nor any creature
+  would be able to do thee good.
+
+"There now remains to you only Jesus; Jesus alone; Jesus fully
+sufficient for your soul. No longer having any hopes in the creatures,
+you have now Christ only, in whom you hope all, and whom you love
+above all. Now Jesus is the sole, the only, the true God. When you
+have him for God you have no longer other gods."[245]
+
+  [245] "At Jesus est verus, unus, solus Deus, quem cum habes non habes
+  alienum deum. (Ibid.) But Jesus is God, sole, only, and true; having
+  him you have no strange god.
+
+It is thus Luther shows how, by the gospel, the soul is brought back
+to God its sovereign good, agreeably to the words of Jesus Christ, "I
+am the way; no man cometh unto the Father but by me." The man who
+speaks thus to his age is not merely desirous to overthrow some
+abuses; he is first of all desirous to establish true religion. His
+work is not negative merely--it is primarily positive.
+
+Luther afterwards directs his discourse against the superstitions with
+which Christendom then abounded, against signs and mysterious
+characters, observations of certain days and certain months, familiar
+demons, ghosts, the influence of the stars and wizards, metamorphoses,
+incubuses and succubuses, the patronage of saints, etc., etc. He
+attacks these idols one after the other, and vigorously casts down
+these false gods.
+
+But it was at the university especially, in presence of enlightened
+youths, eager for truth, that Luther laid open all the treasures of
+the word of God. "His mode of explaining the Scriptures," says his
+illustrious friend, Melancthon, "was such, that in the judgment of all
+pious and enlightened men it was as if a new light had risen upon
+doctrine after a long dark night. He pointed out the difference
+between the Law and the Gospel. He refuted the error then prevalent in
+churches and schools, that men merit the forgiveness of sins by their
+own works, and are rendered righteous before God by means of external
+discipline. He thus brought back the hearts of men to the Son of
+God.[246] Like John the Baptist, he pointed to the Lamb of God, who
+had taken away the sins of the world. He explained how sins are
+pardoned freely for the sake of the Son of God, and how man receives
+the blessing through faith. He made no change in ceremonies; on the
+contrary, the established discipline had not, in his order a more
+faithful observer and defender. But he laboured more and more to make
+all comprehend the great and essential doctrines of conversion, of the
+forgiveness of sins, of faith, and the true consolation which is to be
+found in the cross. The pious were charmed and penetrated with the
+sweetness of this doctrine, while the learned received it gladly.[247]
+One would have said that Christ, the apostles and prophets, were
+coming forth from darkness and a loathsome dungeon."[248]
+
+   [246] "Revocavit igitur Lutherus hominum mentes ad Filium Dei."
+   (Melancth. Vita Luth.)
+
+   [247] "Hujus doctrinæ dulcedine pii omnes valde capiebantur, et
+   eruditis gratum erat." (Ibid.)
+
+   [248] "Quasi ex tenebris, carcere squalore, educi Christum, prophetas,
+   apostolos." (Ibid.)
+
+The firmness with which Luther fortified himself by Scripture gave
+great authority to his teaching, while other circumstances added to
+his power. His life corresponded to his words--his discourses were not
+merely from the life,[249] they came from the heart, and were
+exemplified in all his conduct. And when the Reformation burst forth
+many influential men, who were much grieved at seeing the rents that
+were made in the Church, won over by the Reformer's purity of conduct,
+and his admirable talents, not only did not oppose him, but even
+embraced the doctrine to which his works bore testimony.[250] The more
+they loved Christian virtue the more they inclined to the Reformer.
+All honest theologians were in his favour.[251] Such is the testimony
+of those who knew him, in particular of Melancthon, the wisest man of
+his age, and Erasmus, Luther's celebrated opponent. Yet prejudice has
+dared to speak of his debauchery. Wittemberg was changed by this
+preaching of faith, and became the focus of a light which was soon to
+illumine Germany, and diffuse itself over all the Church.
+
+  [249] "Oratio non in labris nasci, sed in pectore." (Ibid.)
+
+  [250] "Eique propter auctoritatem, quam sanctitate morum antea
+  pepererat, adsenserunt." (Melancth. Vita Luth.)
+
+  [251] "Puto et hodie theologos omnes probos favere Luthero." (Erasmi,
+  Ep. i, 652.)
+
+In 1516, Luther published a treatise by an anonymous mystic
+theologian, (probably Ebland, priest at Frankfort,) entitled _German
+Theology_, wherein the author shows how man may attain perfection by
+the three methods of purification, illumination, and communion. Luther
+never plunged into mystical theology, but he received a salutary
+impression from it. It confirmed him in the disgust which he felt for
+dry scholastics--in his contempt for the works and observances so much
+dwelt upon by the Church--in his conviction of man's spiritual
+impotence, and of the necessity of grace, and in his attachment to the
+Bible. "To the schoolmen,"[252] wrote he to Staupitz, "I prefer the
+Mystics and the Bible;" thus placing the Mystics by the side of the
+inspired writers. Perhaps the _German Theology_ also assisted him in
+forming a sounder idea of the sacraments, and especially of the mass.
+For the author of that work insists that the Eucharist gives Christ to
+man, but does not offer Christ to God. Luther accompanied this
+publication with a preface, in which he declared, that next to the
+Bible and St. Augustine, there was no book he had ever met with, from
+which he had learned more respecting God, Christ, man, and all things.
+Already several doctors had begun to inveigh against the Professors of
+Wittemberg, and to accuse them of innovation. "One would suppose,"
+continues Luther, "that there never were men before us who taught as
+we do; yea, verily, there were. But the wrath of God, which our sins
+have deserved, did not permit us to see them, and to hear them. For a
+long time the universities kept the word of God lying in a corner. Let
+them read this book, and then tell me if our theology is new; for this
+book is not new."[253] But if Luther took all the good that was in
+mystical theology, he took not the bad that was in it. The great error
+in mysticism is, to overlook a free salvation. We are going to see a
+remarkable example of the purity of Luther's faith.
+
+  [252] "Illis præfero mysticos et Biblia." (Luth. Ep. i, 107.)
+
+  [253] Die Deutsche Theologie, Strasbourg, 1519; Præf.
+
+Luther, possessed of a tender and affectionate heart, was desirous to
+see those whom he loved in possession of the light which had guided
+him into the paths of peace; and availed himself of all the
+opportunities which he had, as professor, preacher, and monk, as well
+as of his extensive correspondence, to communicate his treasure to
+others. One of his old brethren of the convent of Erfurt, the monk
+George Spenlein, was then in the convent of Memmingen. After having
+spent some time at Wittemberg, Spenlein had asked the doctor to sell
+different articles which he had left, viz., a tunic of Brussels cloth,
+a work of a doctor of Isenach, and a monk's frock. Luther carefully
+executed this commission. "I have received," said he to Spenlein, in a
+letter, 7th April 1516, "a florin for the tunic, half a florin for the
+book, and a florin for the frock, and have remitted the whole to the
+father-vicar," to whom Spenlein owed three florins. But Luther passes
+quickly from this account of monastic spoils to a more important
+subject.
+
+"I should like much," says he to friar George, "to know how it is with
+your soul. Is it not weary of its own righteousness? does it not
+breathe at length and confide in the righteousness of Christ? In our
+day pride seduces many, especially those who do their utmost to become
+righteous. Not comprehending the righteousness which is freely given
+us of God in Christ Jesus, they would stand before him by their
+merits. But that cannot be. When you lived with us you were in this
+error, as I also was. I am still constantly fighting with it; and have
+not yet completely triumphed.
+
+"O my dear brother, learn to know Christ and Christ crucified. Learn
+to sing unto him a new song; to despair of thyself, and say, 'Thou, O
+Lord Jesus! thou art my righteousness, and I am thy sin! Thou hast
+taken what is mine, and given me what is thine.[254] What thou wert
+not thou hast become, in order that what I was not I might become.'
+Take care, O my dear George, not to pretend to such a purity as will
+make you unwilling to acknowledge yourself a sinner; for Christ dwells
+in sinners only. He came down from heaven, where he dwelt among the
+righteous, that he might dwell also among sinners. Meditate carefully
+on this love of Christ, and thou wilt derive ineffable blessing from
+it. If our labours and our afflictions could give us peace of
+conscience, why should Christ have died? Thou wilt find peace only in
+him, by despairing of thyself and of thy works, and learning with
+what love he opens his arms to thee, takes upon him all thy sins, and
+gives thee all his righteousness."
+
+  [254] "Tu, domine Jesu, es justitia mea; ego autem sum peccatum tuum:
+  tu assumpsisti meum, et dedisti mihi tuum." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 17.)
+
+Thus the powerful doctrine which had already saved the world in the
+days of the Apostles, and which was to save it a second time in the
+days of the Reformers, was expounded by Luther with force and
+clearness. Stretching over numerous ages of ignorance and
+superstition, he here shook hands with St. Paul.
+
+Spenlein was not the only person whom he sought to instruct in this
+fundamental doctrine. He felt uneasy at the little truth which he
+discovered in this respect in the writings of Erasmus. It was of
+importance to enlighten a man whose authority was so great, and whose
+genius was so admirable. But how was he to do it? His friend at court,
+the elector's chaplain, was respected by Erasmus; and it is to him
+Luther addresses himself. "My dear Spalatin, the thing which
+displeases me in Erasmus, that man of vast erudition, is, that by the
+righteousness of works or of the law, of which the apostle speaks, he
+understands the fulfilment of the ceremonial law. The justification of
+the law consists not in ceremonies only, but in all the works of the
+Decalogue. When these works are performed without faith in Christ,
+they may, it is true, make Fabriciuses, Reguluses, and other men of
+strict integrity in the eyes of the world, but then they as little
+deserve to be called righteousness, as the fruit of a medlar to be
+called a fig. For we do not become righteous, as Aristotle pretends,
+by doing works of righteousness; but when we have become righteous we
+do such works.[255] The man must first be changed, and then the works.
+Abel was first pleasing to God, and then his sacrifice." Luther
+continues, "I pray you, fulfil the duty of a friend and of a
+Christian, by making Erasmus acquainted with those things." This
+letter is dated "In haste, from the corner of our convent, 19th Oct.,
+1516." It gives a true view of the footing on which Luther stood with
+Erasmus, and shows the sincere interest which he felt in whatever he
+thought truly advantageous to this distinguished writer. No doubt, at
+a later period, the opposition of Erasmus to the truth forced Luther
+to combat him openly, but it was only after he had sought to enlighten
+his opponent.
+
+  [255] "Non enim justa agendo justi efficimur: sed justi fiendo et
+  essendo, operamur justa." (Luth. Ep. i. p. 22.)
+
+At length those views on the nature of goodness were propounded which
+were at once clear and profound, and the great truth was distinctly
+proclaimed, that the real goodness of a work consists not in its
+external form, but in the spirit in which it is done. Thus giving a
+mortal blow to all the superstitious observances, which had for ages
+choked the Church, and prevented Christian virtues from growing and
+flourishing in it.
+
+"I read Erasmus," again writes Luther, "but he is every day losing his
+credit with me. I like to see him, with so much skill and firmness,
+rebuking priests and monks for their loathsome ignorance, but I fear
+he will not do great service to the doctrine of Jesus Christ. What is
+of man has more hold on his heart than what is of God.[256] We live in
+dangerous times. A man is not a good and judicious Christian because
+he understands Greek and Hebrew. Jerome, who knew five languages, is
+inferior to Augustine, who only knew one, though Erasmus thinks
+differently. I am very careful to conceal my sentiments concerning
+Erasmus, lest I should give an advantage to his opponents. It may be
+the Lord will give him understanding in his own time."[257]
+
+  [256] "Humana prævalent in eo plusquam divina." The human prevails in
+  him more than the divine.
+
+  [257] "Dabit ei Dominus intellectum suo forte tempore." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  p. 52.)
+
+The impotence of man, and the omnipotence of God, were the two truths
+which Luther wished to re-establish. It is a sad religion and a sad
+philosophy which throws man back upon his natural powers. Ages have
+made trial of these boasted powers, and while man has of himself
+succeeded wonderfully in things which concern his earthly existence,
+he has never been able to dissipate the darkness which hides the true
+knowledge of God from his mind, nor to change a single inclination of
+his heart. The highest degree of wisdom attained by ambitious
+intellects, or minds inflamed with ardent longings after perfection,
+has only plunged them into despair.[258] The doctrine, therefore,
+which unveils to us our impotence, in order to acquaint us with a
+Divine power, which shall enable us to do all things, is a generous,
+consoling, and perfectly true doctrine; and the reformation which
+exhibits the glory of heaven on the earth, and pleads the rights of
+Almighty God with men, is a great reformation.
+
+  [258] Τι ουν; δυνατον αναμαρτητον ειναι
+  ηδη.  What, is it possible then to be without sin? asks
+  Epictetus, (iv, 12, 19.) Αμηχανον Impossible! he replies.
+
+But nobody was better aware than Luther of the intimate and
+indissoluble tie which unites the gratuitous salvation of God with the
+free works of man. Nobody showed better than he that it is only by
+receiving all from Christ that man can give much to his brethren. He
+always presented the two acts, that of God and that of man, in the
+same picture. Thus, after having explained to friar Spenlein wherein
+saving righteousness consists, he adds "If you believe these things
+firmly as you ought to do, (for cursed is he who believeth not,)
+receive thy still ignorant and erring brethren as Jesus Christ has
+received thee. Bear with them patiently, make their sins thy own, and
+if thou hast any thing good, communicate it unto them. Receive one
+another, saith the Apostle, as Christ hath received us to the glory of
+God. It is a sad righteousness which will not bear with others,
+because it finds them wicked, and which thinks only of seeking the
+solitude of the desert, instead of doing them good by patience,
+prayer, and example. If thou art the lily and the rose of Christ, know
+that thy dwelling is among the thorns. Only take care that thou do not
+by thy impatience, thy rash judgments, and thy hidden pride, become
+thyself a thorn. Christ reigns in the midst of his enemies. Had he
+been pleased to live only among the good, and to die only for those
+who loved him, for whom, I ask, would he have died, and among whom
+would he have lived?"
+
+It is touching to see how Luther himself carried these precepts of
+charity into practice. An Augustin of Erfurt, named George Leiffer,
+was subjected to severe trials. Luther learned it, and eight days
+after he had written the letter to Spenlein, went up to him kindly,
+and said--"I learn that you are agitated by many tempests, and that
+your spirit is tossed up and down upon the billows.... The cross of
+Christ is portioned out over all the earth, and each one receives his
+part. Do not you, then, reject that which is fallen to you. Rather
+receive it as a holy relic, not in a vessel of gold and of silver, but
+what is far better, in a heart of gold--a heart full of meekness. If
+the wood of the cross has been so sanctified by the blood and flesh of
+Christ, that we consider it to be the most venerable relic, how much
+more ought we to regard the injuries, persecutions, inflictions, and
+hatred of men as holy relics, since they have not only been touched by
+the flesh of Christ, but embraced, kissed, and blessed by his
+boundless love?"[259]
+
+  [259] ... "Sanctissimæ reliquiæ ... deificæ voluntatis suæ charitate
+  amplexæ osculatæ." (Luth. Ep. i, 18.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IX.
+
+     First Theses--The Old Man and Grace--Visit to the
+     Convents--Dresden--Erfurt--Tornator--Peace and the
+     Cross--Results of the Journey--Labours--The Plague.
+
+
+The instructions of Luther bore fruit. Several of his disciples
+already felt themselves urged publicly to profess the truths which the
+lessons of their master had revealed to them. Among his hearers was a
+learned youth, named Bernard of Feldkirchen, professor of the physics
+of Aristotle in the university, and who, five years afterwards, was
+the first of the evangelical ecclesiastics who entered into the bond
+of matrimony.
+
+Luther, while he was presiding, desired Feldkirchen to maintain theses
+in which his principles were expounded. The doctrines professed by
+Luther thus acquired new publicity. The disputation took place in
+1516, and was Luther's first attack on the reign of the sophists and
+the Papacy. However feeble it was, it gave him considerable
+uneasiness. "I allow these propositions to be printed," said he, many
+years after, on publishing them in his works, "principally in order
+that the greatness of my cause, and the success with which God has
+crowned it, may not puff me up. For they fully manifest my shame; that
+is to say, the infirmity and ignorance, the fear and trembling, with
+which I commenced this struggle. I was alone, and had imprudently
+plunged into this affair. Not being able to draw back, I conceded
+several important points to the pope, and even adored him."[260]
+
+  [260] "Sed etiam ultro adorabam." (Luth. Op. (L.) p. 50.)
+
+The following are some of these propositions:[261]--
+
+  [261] Luth. Op. (L) xvii. p. 142; and in the Latin Works, tom. i, p.
+  51.
+
+"The old man is vanity of vanities--he is wholly vanity, and renders
+all other creatures vain, how good soever they be.
+
+"The old man is called _the flesh_, not only because he is led by
+sensual lusts, but also because, even though he were chaste, prudent,
+and just, he is not born anew of God by the Spirit.
+
+"A man who is without the grace of God cannot observe the commands of
+God, nor prepare himself, in whole or in part, to receive grace, but
+necessarily remains under sin.
+
+"The will of man without grace is not free, but enslaved, and that
+voluntarily.
+
+"Jesus Christ, our strength and our righteousness, who trieth the
+hearts and reins, is alone the Searcher and Judge of our merits.
+
+"Since everything is possible through Christ to him who believeth, it
+is superstitious to seek other aid, whether in the will of man or in
+the saints."[262]
+
+  [262] "Cum Credenti omnia sint, auctore Christo, possibilia,
+  superstitiosum est, humano arbitrio, aliis sanctis, alia deputari
+  auxilia." (Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 142.)
+
+This disputation made a great noise, and has been considered as the
+commencement of the Reformation.
+
+The moment approached when this reformation was to burst forth. God
+was hastening to prepare the instrument which he meant to employ. The
+elector having built a new church at Wittemberg, to which he gave the
+name of "All-Saints," sent Staupitz into the Netherlands to collect
+the relics with which he was desirous to enrich it. The vicar-general
+ordered Luther to take his place during his absence, and in particular
+to pay a visit to forty monasteries in Misnia and Thuringia.
+
+Luther repaired first to Grimma, and thence to Dresden, everywhere
+labouring to establish the truths which he had ascertained, and to
+enlighten the members of his own order. "Don't attach yourself to
+Aristotle, or to other teachers of a deceitful philosophy," said he to
+the monks, "but diligently read the word of God. Seek not your
+salvation in your own strength, and your own good works, but in the
+merits of Christ, and in Divine grace."[263]
+
+  [263] Hilscher's Luther's Anwesenheit in Alt Dresden, 1728.
+
+An Augustin monk of Dresden had run off from his convent, and was
+living at Mayence, where the prior of the Augustins had received him.
+Luther wrote to the prior[264] to demand restitution of the lost
+sheep, and added these words, which are full of truth and charity, "I
+know that offences must come. It is no wonder that man falls; but it
+is a wonder he rises again, and stands erect. Peter fell, in order
+that he might know that he was a man; and we still see the cedar of
+Lebanon fall. Angels even (a thing which surpasses our comprehension)
+fell in heaven, and Adam fell in paradise. Why then be astonished when
+a reed is shaken by the wind, and the smoking flax is quenched?" From
+Dresden, Luther proceeded to Erfurt, to do the duties of vicar-general
+in the very convent where, eleven years before, he had wound up the
+clock, opened the door, and swept the Church. He appointed his friend,
+bachelor John Lange, a learned and pious, but austere man, prior of
+the convent, exhorting him to affability and patience. Shortly after
+he wrote him, "Show a spirit of meekness towards the prior of
+Nuremberg. This is fitting, inasmuch as the prior has put on a sour
+and bitter spirit. Bitter is not expelled by bitter, that is to say,
+devil by devil; but sweet expels bitter, that is to say, the finger of
+God casts out demons."[265]
+
+  [264] 1st May 1516, Ep. i, p. 20.
+
+  [265] (Luth. Ep. i, p. 36.) "Non enim asper asperum, id est, non
+  diabolus diabolum, sed suavis asperum, id est, digitus Dei ejicit
+  dæmonia."
+
+It must perhaps be regretted, that on different occasions Luther did
+not remember this excellent advice.
+
+At Neustadt on Orla there was nothing but division. Quarrelling and
+disturbance reigned in the convent. All the monks were at war with the
+prior, and assailed Luther with their complaints. The prior, Michael
+Dressel, or Tornator, as Luther calls him, translating his name into
+Latin, on his part explained all his grievances to the doctor.
+"Peace! peace!" said he. "You seek peace," replied Luther, "but you
+seek the peace of the world, and not that of Christ. Know you not that
+our God has placed his peace in the midst of war? He whom nobody
+troubles has no peace. But he who, troubled by all men, and by all the
+things of life, bears all calmly and joyfully, possesses true peace.
+You say, with Israel, Peace, peace; and there is no peace. Say rather
+with Christ, The cross, the cross; and there will be no cross. For the
+cross ceases to be a cross as soon as we can sincerely say with joy, O
+blessed cross, there is no wood like thine!"[266] After his return to
+Wittemberg, Luther, wishing to put an end to these divisions allowed
+the monks to elect another prior.
+
+  [266] "Tam cito enim crux cessat esse crux quam cito I tus dixeris:
+  Crux benedicta! inter ligna nullum tale." (Ep. i, 27.)
+
+Luther returned to Wittemberg after an absence of six weeks. He was
+grieved at all that he had seen, but the journey gave him a better
+acquaintance with the Church and the world; gave him more confidence
+in his intercourse with men and furnished him with numerous
+opportunities of founding schools, and urging this fundamental truth,
+that "the Holy Scripture alone shows us the way to heaven," and to
+exhort the brethren to live together holily, chastely, and
+peacefully.[267] Doubtless, much seed was sown in the different
+Augustin convents during this journey of the Reformer. The monastic
+orders, which had long been the stay of Rome, perhaps did more for the
+Reformation than against it. This is true especially of the order of
+Augustins. Almost all pious men of a free and exalted spirit who were
+in cloisters, turned to the gospel, and a new and noble blood soon
+circulated in their orders, which were in a manner the arteries of
+German Catholicity. The world knew nothing of the new ideas of the
+Augustin of Wittemberg, after they had become the great subject of
+conversation in chapters and monasteries. In this way, more than one
+cloister was a seminary of reformers. At the moment when the great
+blow was struck, pious and brave men came forth from their obscurity,
+and abandoned the retreat of the monastic life, for the active career
+of ministers of the word of God. Even during the inspection of 1516,
+Luther by his words awoke many slumbering spirits, and hence this year
+has been called "the morning star of the gospel day."
+
+  [267] "Heiliglich, friedlich und züchtig." (Mathes. p. 10.)
+
+Luther resumed his ordinary avocations. At this period he was
+oppressed with work; it was not enough that he was professor,
+preacher, and confessor; he had, moreover, a variety of temporal
+business connected with his order and his convent. "I almost
+constantly require two clerks," wrote he; "for I do little else the
+whole day than write letters. I am preacher to the convent, chaplain
+at table, pastor and parish minister, director of studies, vice-prior,
+which means prior eleven times over, inspector of the ponds of
+Litzkau, advocate of the inns of Herzberg at Torgau, reader of St.
+Paul, commentator on the Psalms.... I have seldom time to say my Hours
+and chant,--to say nothing of my combat with flesh and blood, the
+devil and the world.... See how lazy a man I am."[268]
+
+  [268] Ep. i, p. 41, to Lange, (26th Oct. 1516.)
+
+About this time the plague broke out in Wittemberg, and a great part
+of the students and teachers left the town. Luther remained. "I don't
+well know," wrote he to his friend at Erfurt, "if the plague will
+allow me to finish the Epistle to the Galatians. Prompt and brisk, it
+makes great ravages, especially among the young. You advise me to
+flee. Whither shall I flee? I hope the world will not go to wreck
+though friar Martin fall.[269] If the plague makes progress, I will
+disperse the friars in all directions, but for myself I am stationed
+here, and obedience permits me not to flee, till he who has called me
+recall me. Not that I do not fear death, (for I am not the Apostle
+Paul, I am only his commentator;) but I hope the Lord will deliver me
+from fear." Such was the firmness of the doctor of Wittemberg. Will
+he, whom the plague could not force to recoil one step, recoil before
+Rome? Will he yield to the power of the scaffold?
+
+  [269] "Quo fugiam? Spero quod non corruet orbis, ruente fratre
+  Martino." (Ibid.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. X.
+
+     Relations of Luther with the Elector--Luther and the
+     Elector--Counsels to the Chaplain--Duke George--His
+     Character--Luther before the Court--Dinner at Court--Emser's
+     Supper.
+
+
+The same courage which Luther displayed in presence of most formidable
+evils, he displayed in presence of the great. The elector was much
+pleased with the vicar-general, who had made a good collection of
+relics in the Netherlands. Luther gives an account of it to Spalatin.
+There is something curious in this affair of relics occurring at the
+moment when the Reformation is about to commence. Assuredly the
+Reformers had little idea of the point at which they were to arrive.
+A bishopric seemed to the elector only a fit recompence to the
+vicar-general. Luther, to whom Spalatin wrote on the subject, strongly
+disapproved of it. "Many things," replied he, "please your prince,
+which, however, displease God. I deny not his ability in the affairs
+of the world, but in what concerns God and the salvation of souls, I
+account him seven-fold blind as well as his counsellor Pfeffinger. I
+say not this behind their backs like a slanderer; don't hide it from
+them, for I am ready to say it personally to both. Why," continues he,
+"would you environ this man with all the whirlwinds and tempests of
+episcopal cares?"[270]
+
+  [270] "Multa placent principi tuo, quæ Deo displicent." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  25.)
+
+The elector did not take Luther's frankness in bad part. "The prince,"
+says Spalatin in a letter to him, "often speaks of you, and with much
+respect." Frederick sent the monk stuff to make a cassock of very fine
+cloth. "It would be too fine," said Luther, "were it not the gift of a
+prince. I am unworthy that any man should think of me, far less that a
+prince should, and so great a prince. The most useful persons to me
+are those who think the most ill of me.[271] Return thanks to our
+prince for his favour; but know that I desire not to be praised by
+you, or by any man--all praise of man being vain, and the praise which
+cometh from God alone being true."
+
+  [271] "li mihi maxime prosunt, qui mei pessime meminerint." (Ibid.
+  45.)
+
+The excellent chaplain did not wish to confine himself to his court
+functions. He desired to render himself useful to the people; but,
+like many of all times, he wished to do it without giving offence. He
+not only wished not to irritate any one, but, on the contrary, to
+conciliate general favour. "Point out," says he to Luther, "some work
+which I may translate into our mother tongue, a work which will please
+generally, and at the same time be useful." "Agreeable and useful!"
+replies Luther; "the request is beyond me. The better things are, the
+less they please. What is more salutary than Jesus Christ? And yet to
+most he is a savour of death. You will tell me that you wish to be
+useful to those who love what is good. In that case, just let the
+voice of Christ be heard. You will be agreeable and useful, depend
+upon it; but it will be to a very small number: for the sheep are rare
+in this region of wolves."[272]
+
+  [272] Quo sunt aliqua salubriora eo minus placent." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  p.46)
+
+Luther, however, recommended to his friend the sermons of Tauler. "I
+have never seen," said he, "either in Latin or our own tongue a
+sounder theology, or one more agreeable to the gospel. Taste and see
+how sweet the Lord is; but be it after you have tasted and seen how
+bitter every thing is that is ours."[273]
+
+  [273] "Quam amarum est quicquid nos sumus." (Ibid. p. 46.)
+
+It was in the course of the year 1517 that Luther entered into
+communication with Duke George of Saxony. The House of Saxony had then
+two heads. The princes, Ernest and Albert, carried off in their youth
+from the castle of Altenbourg by Kunz of Kaufungen, had, by the treaty
+of Leipsic, become the founders of the two houses which still bear
+their name. The Elector Frederick, the son of Ernest, at the period of
+which we write, was the chief of the Ernestine branch, while his
+brother, Duke George, was chief of the Albertine branch. Dresden and
+Leipsic were in the states of the duke, who had his residence in the
+former of these cities. His mother, Sidonia, was daughter of George
+Podiebrad, King of Bohemia. The long struggle which Bohemia had
+maintained with Rome, from the days of John Huss, had had some
+influence on the prince of Saxony, and he had often shown a desire for
+a reformation. "He has sucked it from his mother," it was said: "he is
+by birth an enemy of the clergy."[274] He in various ways annoyed the
+bishops, abbots, canons, and monks, in so much that his cousin, the
+elector, was more than once obliged to interpose in their behalf. It
+might have been supposed that Duke George would be a warm partisan of
+the Reformation. Devout Frederick, on the contrary, who had once put
+on the spurs of Gregory in the Holy Sepulchre, girt himself with the
+great ponderous sword of the conqueror of Jerusalem, and taking an
+oath to combat for the Church, like a bold knight, might have been
+expected to prove one of the most eager champions of Rome. But when
+the gospel is in question, the anticipations of human wisdom are often
+at fault. The result was the opposite of what might have been
+supposed. The duke would have taken pleasure in humbling the Church,
+and those connected with it, and lowering the bishops, whose princely
+train far surpassed his own; but to receive into his heart the
+evangelical doctrine which must have humbled it, to acknowledge
+himself a guilty sinner, incapable of being saved, unless through
+grace, was quite a different matter. He would willingly have reformed
+others, but he had no desire to reform himself. He would, perhaps,
+have assisted in obliging the bishop of Mentz to be contented with a
+single bishopric, and have no more than fourteen horses in his stable,
+as he himself repeatedly expressed it;[275] but when he saw another
+than himself appear as reformer,--when he saw a mere monk undertake
+the work,--and the Reformation gaining numerous adherents among the
+humbler classes,--the haughty grandson of the Hussite king became the
+most violent adversary of the reform of which he had at first promised
+to be a partisan.
+
+  [274] Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 1849.
+
+  [275] Ibid.
+
+In July 1517, Duke George asked Staupitz to send him a learned and
+eloquent preacher. Staupitz sent Luther representing him as a man of
+great learning and irreproachable character. The prince invited him to
+preach at Dresden, in the chapel of the castle on the feast of St.
+James the Elder.
+
+On the day fixed the duke and his court proceeded to the chapel to
+hear the preacher of Wittemberg.
+
+Luther gladly seized the occasion to bear testimony to the truth
+before such an assembly. He took for his text the gospel of the day,
+"Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons."
+(Matth., xx, 20-25.) He preached on the wishes and rash prayers of
+men; then dwelt strongly on the assurance of salvation, making it rest
+on this foundation, viz., That those who hear the word of God with
+faith are the true disciples, whom Jesus Christ has elected unto
+eternal life. He next treated of eternal election, showing that this
+doctrine, when exhibited in connection with the work of Christ, is
+well fitted to calm the terrors of conscience, and so, instead of
+disposing men to flee from God, allures them to seek their refuge in
+Him. In conclusion, he brought forward a parable of three virgins, and
+drew a very instructive improvement from it.
+
+The word of truth made a deep impression on the hearers. Two in
+particular appeared to give earnest attention to the discourse of the
+monk of Wittemberg. The one was a respectable looking lady who sat in
+one of the court pews, and whose features bespoke deep emotion. It was
+Madam de la Sale, grand mistress to the duchess. The other was Jerome
+Emser, a licentiate in canon law, and secretary and counsellor to the
+duke. Emser was a man of talent and extensive information. A courtier
+and able politician, his wish would have been to please both parties
+at once; to pass at Rome for a defender of the papacy, and at the same
+time figure in Germany among the learned men of the age. But under
+this flexible spirit a violent temper lay concealed. Thus Luther and
+Emser, who were afterwards repeatedly to break a lance, met for the
+first time in the chapel of the castle of Dresden.
+
+The dinner-bell having rung for the inmates of the castle, the ducal
+family and the persons attached to the court were soon seated at the
+table. The conversation naturally turned on the preacher of the
+morning. "How did you like the sermon?" said the duke to Madam de la
+Sale. "Could I again hear such another discourse," replied she, "I
+could die in peace." "And I," replied George, angrily, "would give a
+good sum not to have heard it. Such discourses are good only to make
+people sin with confidence."
+
+The master having thus stated his opinion, the courtiers proceded
+without restraint to express their dissatisfaction. Every one was
+ready with his remark. Some alleged, that in the parable of the three
+virgins, Luther had had three ladies of the court in his eye. On this
+the talk was endless. They rallied the three ladies whom they affirmed
+that Luther had intended.[276] He is an ignorant blockhead, said one.
+He is a proud monk, said another. Each had his comment on the sermon,
+making the preacher say whatever he pleased. The truth had fallen into
+the midst of a court ill prepared to receive it. Every one tore it at
+pleasure. But while the word of God was to many an occasion of
+stumbling, to the grand mistress it was a stone "elect and precious."
+Falling sick about a month after, she confidently embraced the grace
+of the Saviour, and died rejoicing.[277]
+
+  [276] "Has tres postea in aula principis a me notatas garrierunt."
+  (Luth. Ep. i, 85.) It was afterwards prattled that I had alluded to
+  three ladies of the court.
+
+  [277] Keith, Leb. Luth., p. 32.
+
+In regard to the duke, perhaps the testimony which he had heard given
+to the truth was not in vain. However much he opposed the Reformation
+during his life, it is known that in his last moments he declared,
+that his only hope was in the merits of Jesus Christ.
+
+It naturally fell to Emser to do the honours to Luther in his master's
+name. He accordingly invited him to supper. Luther refused; but Emser
+insisted and constrained him to come. Luther only expected to meet a
+few friends, but he soon perceived that a trap had been laid for
+him.[278] A master of arts from Leipsic, and several Dominicans, were
+with the prince's secretary. The master of arts, who had an
+overweening opinion of himself, and a deep hatred of Luther, accosted
+him with a bland and friendly air; but he soon broke out, and screamed
+at full pitch.[279] The battle began. "The discussion," says Luther,
+"turned on the absurdities of Aristotle and St. Thomas."[280] At last
+Luther challenged the master of arts, with all the erudition of the
+Thomists, to define what it was to fulfil the commandments of God. The
+master of arts, though embarrassed, put on a good countenance. "Pay me
+my fees," says he, stretching out his hand, "_da pastum_." One would
+have said, he was going to give a lesson in form, mistaking the
+guests for his pupils. "At this foolish reply," adds the Reformer, "we
+all burst a laughing, and the party broke up."
+
+  [278] "Inter medias me insidias conjectum." (Luth. Ep. i, 85.) That I
+  had fallen into a snare.
+
+  [279] "In me acriter et clamose invectus est." (Ibid.) He keenly and
+  clamorously inveighed against me.
+
+  [280] "Super Aristotelis et Thomæ nugis." (Ibid.) On the trifles of
+  Aristotle and Thomas.
+
+During the conversation, a Dominican had been listening at the door,
+and would fain have come in to spit in Luther's face.[281] He
+refrained, however, though he afterwards made a boast of it. Emser,
+who had been delighted at seeing his guests battling, while he seemed
+to hold a due medium, hastened to apologise to Luther for the manner
+in which the party had gone off.[282] Luther returned to Wittemberg.
+
+  [281] "Ne prodiret et in faciem meam spueret." (Luth. Ep. i, 85.) From
+  coming forward and spitting in my face.
+
+  [282] "Enixe se excusavit." (Ibid.) Earnestly excused himself.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XI
+
+     Return to Wittemberg--Theses--Nature of
+     Man--Rationalism--Demand at Erfurt--Eck--Urban
+     Regius--Luther's Modesty.
+
+
+Luther zealously resumed his labours. He was preparing six or seven
+young theologians, who were forthwith to undergo an examination in
+order to obtain a licence to teach. And what most delighted him was,
+that their promotion was to be to Aristotle's disgrace. "I should
+like," said he, "to multiply his enemies as fast as possible."[283]
+With that view, he at this time published Theses, which deserve
+attention.
+
+  [283] "Cujus vellem hostes cito quam plurimos fieri." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  59.) Whose enemies I could wish quickly to become as numerous as
+  possible.
+
+The leading topic which he discussed was _liberty_. He had already
+glanced at it in the theses of Feldkirchen, but now went deeper into
+it. Ever since Christianity began, there has been a struggle, more or
+less keen, between the opposite doctrines of the freedom and the
+slavery of man. Some schoolmen had taught, like Pelagius and others,
+that man possessed in himself the liberty or power of loving God and
+doing good. Luther denied this liberty, not to deprive man of it, but,
+on the contrary, to make him obtain it. The struggle, then, in this
+great question, is not, as is usually said, between liberty and
+servitude; but between a liberty proceeding from man, and a liberty
+proceeding from God. Some who call themselves the advocates of
+liberty, say to man, "You have the power of doing good, and require a
+greater liberty." Others, who have been called advocates of slavery,
+say to him, on the contrary, "You have no true liberty; but God offers
+it to you in the gospel." The one party speaks of liberty, but a
+liberty which must end in slavery; while the other speaks of slavery,
+in order to give liberty. Such was the struggle in the time of St.
+Paul, in the time of Augustine, and in the time of Luther. Those who
+say "Change nothing!" are champions of slavery. Those who say "Let
+your fetters fall!" are champions of liberty.
+
+It would be a mistake, however, to suppose that the whole Reformation
+can be summed up in this particular question. It is one of the many
+doctrines which the Wittemberg doctor maintained--that is all. It
+would, above all, be a strange illusion to hold, that the Reformation
+was fatalism, or an opposition to liberty. It was a magnificent
+emancipation of the human mind. Bursting the numerous bands with which
+thought had been bound by the hierarchy, and reviving the ideas of
+liberty, right, and examination, it delivered its own age, and with it
+ours also, and the remotest posterity. And let it not be said that the
+Reformation, while it freed man from human despotism, enslaved him by
+proclaiming the sovereignty of grace. No doubt, it wished to bring
+back the human will to the Divine, to subordinate the one, and
+completely merge it in the other; but what philosopher knows not that
+entire conformity to the will of God alone constitutes sovereign,
+perfect freedom; and that man will never be truly free, until supreme
+righteousness and truth have sole dominion over him?
+
+The following are some of the Ninety-nine Propositions which Luther
+sent forth into the Church, in opposition to the Pelagian rationalism
+of scholastic theology.
+
+"It is true that man, who is become a corrupt tree, can only will and
+do what is evil.
+
+"It is not true that the will, when left to itself, can do good as
+well as evil; for it is not free but captive.
+
+"It is not in the power of the will of man to choose or reject
+whatever is presented to it.
+
+"Man cannot naturally wish God to be God. His wish is that he himself
+were God, and that God were no God.
+
+"The excellent, infallible, and sole preparation for grace, is the
+eternal election and predestination of God.[284]
+
+  [284] "Optima et infallibilis ad gratiam præparatio et unice
+  dispositio, est æterna Dei electio et prædestinatio." (Luth. Op. (L.)
+  i, 56.) The best and infallible preparation, and the only
+  predisposition for grace, is the eternal election and predestination
+  of God.
+
+"It is false to say that when man does all he can, he clears away the
+obstacles to grace.
+
+"In one word, nature possesses neither a pure reason nor a good
+will.[285]
+
+  [285] "Breviter, nec rectum dictamen habet natura nec bonam
+  voluntatem." (Ibid.) Briefly, nature has neither a right dictate nor a
+  good will.
+
+"On the part of man, there is nothing which precedes grace, unless it
+be impotence and even rebellion.
+
+"There is no moral virtue without pride or sullenness, that is to say,
+without sin.
+
+"From the beginning to the end we are not the masters of our actions,
+but the slaves of them.
+
+"We do not become righteous by doing what is righteous, but having
+become righteous we do what is righteous.
+
+"He who says that a theologian who is not a logician is a heretic and
+an adventurer, maintains an adventurous and heretical proposition.
+
+"There is no form of reasoning (syllogism) which accords with the
+things of God.[286]
+
+  [286] "Nulla forma syllogistica tenet in terminis divinis." (Luth. Op.
+  (L.) i, 56.) No syllogistic form holds in divine terms.
+
+"If the form of the syllogism could be applied to divine things, we
+should know the article of the Holy Trinity, and should not believe
+it.
+
+"In one word, Aristotle is to theology as darkness to light.
+
+"Man is more hostile to the grace of God than he is to the law itself.
+
+"He who is without the grace of God sins incessantly, even though he
+neither kills, nor steals, nor commits adultery.
+
+"He sins, for he does not fulfil the law spiritually.
+
+"Not to kill, and not to commit adultery, externally, and in regard to
+action, merely, is the righteousness of hypocrites.
+
+"The law of God and the will of man are two adversaries, who, without
+the grace of God, can never agree.[287]
+
+  [287] "Lex et voluntas sunt adversarii duo, sine gratia Dei
+  implacabiles." (Ibid. 57.) Law and will are two adversaries implacable
+  without the grace of God.
+
+"What the law wishes the will never wishes; only from fear it may make
+a show of wishing.
+
+"The law is the hangman of the will, and is subject only to the Child
+who has been born unto us.[288] (Isaiah, ix, 6.)
+
+  [288] "Lex est exactor voluntatis, qui non superatur nisi per Parvulum
+  qui natus est nobis." (Ibid.)
+
+"The law makes sin abound; for it irritates and repulses the will.
+
+"But the grace of God makes righteousness abound, through Jesus
+Christ, who makes us love the law.
+
+"Every work of the law appears good externally, but internally is sin.
+
+"The will, when it turns toward the law without the grace of God, does
+so only for its own interest.
+
+"Cursed are those who do the works of the law.
+
+"Blessed are all those who do the works of the grace of God.
+
+"The law, which is good, and in which we have life, is the law of the
+love of God, shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, (Rom., v,
+5.)
+
+"Grace is not given in order that works may be done more frequently
+and more easily, but because without grace there cannot be any work of
+love.
+
+"To love God is to hate oneself, and know nothing out of God."[289]
+
+  [289] Luth. Op. Lips. xvii, p. 143, et Op. Lat. i.
+
+In this way Luther attributes to God all the good that man can do. The
+thing to be done is not to repair, or, so to speak, to patch up the
+will of man; an entirely new will must be given him. God alone could
+say this; for God alone could perform it. This is one of the greatest
+and most important truths that the will of man can acknowledge.
+
+But Luther, while proclaiming the impotence of man, did not fall into
+the opposite extreme. He says in the eighth thesis, "It follows not
+that the will is naturally bad, that is to say, that its nature is of
+the essence of evil, as the Manichees taught."[290] Originally the
+nature of man was essentially good; but it turned aside from goodness,
+that is, God, and is inclined to evil. Still its origin remains holy
+and glorious, and is capable, by the power of God, of regaining its
+original. The object of Christianity is to restore it. The gospel, it
+is true, exhibits man in a state of degradation and impotence, but as
+placed between two glories and two grandeurs,--a past glory, from
+which he has been precipitated, and a future glory, to which he is
+called. This is the truth, and man knows it to be the truth; and how
+little soever he thinks of it, he easily discovers that all which is
+told him of his actual purity, power, and glory, is only a lie,
+designed to cradle his pride and rock it asleep.
+
+  [290] "Nec ideo sequitur quod sit naturaliter mala, id est natura
+  mali, secundum Manichæos." (Ibid.) Nor does it therefore follow that
+  it is naturally evil, _i.e._, of the nature of evil, according to the
+  Manichees.
+
+Luther, in his theses, attacked not only the pretended goodness of
+man's will, but also the pretended light of his understanding in
+regard to divine things. In fact, scholasticism had exalted reason as
+well as the will. This theology, in the hands of some of its teachers,
+was, at bottom, only a species of rationalism. The propositions which
+we have enumerated indicate this; for they look as if directed against
+the rationalism of our own day. In the theses, which were the signal
+of the Reformation, Luther attacked the Church and the popular
+superstitions which to the gospel had added indulgences, purgatory,
+and numberless abuses. In those which we have just given he attacked
+the school and the rationalism which had robbed the gospel of the
+doctrine of the sovereignty of God, his revelation and his grace. The
+Reformation attacked rationalism before it attacked superstition. It
+proclaimed the rights of God before lopping off the excrescences of
+man. It was positive before it was negative. This has not been
+sufficiently attended to, and yet, without attending to it, it is
+impossible duly to appreciate the character of this religious
+revolution.
+
+Be this as it may, the truths which Luther thus expressed with so much
+energy were quite new. To maintain these theses at Wittemberg had been
+an easy matter. There his influence was paramount, and it would have
+been said that he had chosen a field of battle where he knew no
+combatant could appear. In offering battle in another university he
+gave them a greater publicity; and it was by publicity that the
+Reformation was effected. He turned his eyes towards Erfurt, where the
+theologians had shown themselves so exasperated against him.
+
+He, accordingly, sent his theses to John Lange, prior of Erfurt, and
+wrote him as follows: "My anxiety for the decision which you will give
+as to these theses is great, extreme, too great, perhaps, and keeps me
+on the rack. I much suspect that your theologians will consider as
+paradoxical and _kakodoxical_,[291] what I must henceforth regard as
+most orthodox. Tell me how it is, and as soon as you possibly can.
+Have the goodness to make known to the Faculty of Theology, and to
+all, that I am ready to come and publicly maintain these propositions
+either in the university or the monastery." It does not seem that
+Luther's challenge was accepted. The monks of Erfurt contented
+themselves with intimating that his theses had incurred their high
+displeasure.
+
+  [291] "Imo cacodoxa videri suspicor." (Luth. Ep. 60.) Nay, I suspect
+  they will be thought cacodox, (false doctrine.)
+
+But he was desirous to send them to some other part of Germany; and
+with that view bethought him of a man who plays an important part in
+the history of the Reformation, and with whom the reader must be made
+acquainted.
+
+A distinguished professor, named John Meyer, was then teaching in the
+university of Ingolstadt, in Bavaria. He was a native of Eck, a
+village in Swabia, and was commonly called Doctor Eck. He was a friend
+of Luther, who respected his talents and acquirements. Full of
+intellect, he had read much, and was possessed of a very retentive
+memory. To erudition he added eloquence. His voice and gesture bespoke
+the vivacity of his genius. In regard to talent, Eck was in the south
+of Germany what Luther was in the north. They were the two most
+distinguished theologians of the period, though of very different
+views. Ingolstadt was almost the rival of Wittemberg. The reputation
+of these two doctors attracted crowds of eager students from all
+quarters to the universities in which they taught; their personal
+qualities not less than their abilities endearing them to their
+pupils. The character of Doctor Eck has been assailed, but an anecdote
+in his history will show that at this period, at least, his heart was
+not closed against generous impressions.
+
+Among the students whom his fame had attracted to Ingolstadt was a
+young man, named Urban Regius, from the banks of an Alpine lake. He
+had first studied at the university of Fribourg in Brisgau. On his
+arrival at Ingolstadt, to which he had been attracted by the fame of
+Doctor Eck, Urban engaged in his course of philosophy, and gained the
+favour of his master. Requiring to provide for his maintenance, he was
+under the necessity of taking charge of some young noblemen, and had
+not only to superintend their studies and their conduct, but also to
+purchase on his own account whatever books and clothes they required.
+The youths dressed in style, and kept a good table. Regius becoming
+embarrassed prayed the parents to recall their sons. "Never fear," was
+the answer. His debts increased, his creditors became pressing, and he
+was at his wit's end. The emperor was raising an army against the
+Turks, and a recruiting party having arrived at Ingolstadt, Urban in
+despair enlisted. Clothed in military attire, he appeared in the ranks
+at the time when the review took place, previous to their departure.
+Doctor Eck coming up at that instant with several of his colleagues,
+was greatly surprised to discover his student among the recruits.
+"Urban Regius!" said he, fixing his keen eye on him. "Here," replied
+the recruit. "What, pray, is the cause of this?" The young man told
+his story. "I take the matter upon myself," replied Eck, and setting
+his halberd aside, bought him off from the recruiting party. The
+parents, threatened by the Doctor with the displeasure of the prince,
+sent the necessary funds to defray the expences of their children, and
+Urban Regius was saved to become at a later period one of the pillars
+of the Reformation.
+
+Doctor Eck occurred to Luther as the proper person to publish his
+theses on Pelagianism and scholastic rationalism in the south of the
+empire. He did not, however, send them to the professor of Ingolstadt
+directly, but employed a mutual friend, the excellent Christopher
+Scheurl, secretary to the town of Nuremberg, praying him to send them
+to Eck at Ingolstadt, which is at no great distance from Nuremberg. "I
+send you," says he, "my paradoxical, and even kakistodoxical
+(κακιστοδοξας) propositions, as many think them.
+Communicate them to our dear friend, the very learned and talented Eck,
+that I may learn and know what he thinks of them."[292] These were the
+terms in which Luther then spoke of Doctor Eck; such was the friendship
+then subsisting between them. It was not Luther who broke it off.
+
+  [292] "Eccio nestro, eruditissimo et ingeniosissimo viro exhibete, ut
+  audiam et videam quid vocet illas." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 63.) Show them to
+  our most learned and ingenious Eck, that I may hear and see what he
+  calls them.
+
+Ingolstadt, however, was not the field on which the battle was to be
+fought. The doctrines on which these theses turned were perhaps of
+greater importance than those which, two months after, set the Church
+in a blaze; and yet, notwithstanding of Luther's challenges, they
+passed unnoticed. At most, they were read within the circle of the
+school, and produced no sensation beyond it. The reason was, because
+they were only university propositions and theological doctrines,
+whereas the subsequent theses related to an evil which had grown up in
+the midst of the people, and was then causing devastation in all parts
+of Germany. So long as Luther was contented with reviving forgotten
+doctrines, all was silence; but when he attacked abuses which were
+universally felt, every one turned to listen.
+
+Nevertheless, all that Luther proposed in either case was to produce
+one of those theological discussions which were then so common in
+universities. To this circle his views were confined. He was humble,
+and his humility amounted even to distrust and anxiety. "Considering
+my ignorance," said he, "all I deserve is to be hid in a corner,
+without being known by any one under the sun."[293] But a mighty hand
+drew him out of this corner in which he wished to remain unknown to
+the world. A circumstance, independent of Luther's will, threw him
+into the field of battle, and the war commenced. This providential
+circumstance we are now called upon to relate.
+
+  [293] Luth. Op. (W.) xviii, 1944.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK THIRD.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+THE INDULGENCES AND THESES.
+
+1517, 1518.
+
+     Cortège--Tezel--Tezel's Discourse--Confession--Four
+     Graces--Sale--Public Penance--A Letter of
+     Indulgence--Exceptions--Feasting and Debauchery.
+
+
+At this period the people of Germany were all in motion. The Church
+had opened a vast market on the earth. From the crowd of customers,
+and the noise and pleasantry of the sellers, one would have thought it
+a fair, only a fair held by monks. The merchandise which they were
+showing off, and selling a bargain, was, as they said, the salvation
+of souls.
+
+The merchants travelled the country in a fine carriage, accompanied by
+three mounted attendants, journeying in grand style, and living at
+great expence. One would have said it was some high Mightiness with
+his suite and officers, and not a vulgar dealer or mendicant monk.
+When the cortège approached a town, a messenger was despatched to the
+magistrate to say, "The grace of God and of St. Peter is at your
+gates." Immediately the whole place was in motion. Clergy, priests,
+nuns, the council, school-masters and their scholars, the
+incorporations with their colours, men and women, old and young, went
+out to meet the merchant with lighted tapers in their hand, amid the
+sound of music and the ringing of bells, "insomuch," says a historian,
+"that God himself could not have been received with greater honour."
+After the formalities were over the whole body proceeded to the
+church. The Bull of Grace by the pontiff was carried in front, on a
+velvet cushion or cloth of gold. Next came the chief of the indulgence
+merchants, carrying a large wooden cross, painted red. The whole
+procession moved forward, amid hymns, prayers, and the smoke of
+incense. The merchant monk and his attendants were received at the
+church by the pealing organ and thrilling music. The cross was placed
+in front of the altar, and over it the pope's arms were suspended. All
+the time it remained there the clergy of the place, the penitentiaries
+and sub-commissaries, came each day after vespers or before the
+_salute_, to do obeisance to it with white wands in their hands.[294]
+This grand affair produced a lively sensation in the quiet cities of
+Germany.
+
+  [294] "Mit weissen Stæblein." (Instructions of the Archbishop of Mentz
+  to the Sub-commissaries of Indulgence, etc. Art. 8.)
+
+At these sales one personage in particular drew the attention of the
+spectators. It was he who carried the great red cross, and played the
+principal character. He was clothed in the dress of a Dominican, and
+had an arrogant air. His voice was Stentorian, and though in his
+sixty-third year,[295] he seemed still in full vigour. This man, the
+son of one Diez, a jeweller of Leipsic, was called John Diezel, or
+Tezel. He had studied in his native town, became bachelor in 1487, and
+two years after entered the Dominican order. Numerous honours had
+accumulated on his head. Bachelor in theology, prior of the
+dominicans, apostolic commissary, inquisitor, _hæreticæ pravitatis
+inquisitor_, he had discharged the office of commissary of
+indulgences, without intermission, from 1502. The skill which he had
+acquired as subaltern soon raised him to the office of commissary-in-chief.
+He had eighty florins a month, and all his expences paid, together
+with a carriage and three horses; but his perquisites (it is easy to
+comprehend what they were) far exceeded his salary. In 1507 at
+Freiberg he gained two thousand florins in two days. If he discharged
+the functions, he had also the manners of a quack. Convicted of
+adultery and shameful misconduct at Inspruck, his vices had almost
+cost him his life. The Emperor Maximilian had ordered him to be put
+into a sack and thrown into the river; but the Elector Frederick
+happening to arrive, obtained his pardon.[296] The lesson which he
+thus received had not given him more modesty; for he had two of his
+children along with him.
+
+  [295] "Ingenio ferox, et corpore robustus." (Cochl. 5.) In mind
+  fierce, and in body robust.
+
+  [296] "Welchen Churfürst Freiderich vom Sack, zu Inspruck erbeten
+  hatte." (Mathes. 10.)
+
+Miltitz, the pope's legate, mentions the fact in one of his
+letters.[297] It would have been difficult to find in all the
+cloisters of Germany a man better fitted for the traffic with which he
+was entrusted. To the theology of a monk, to the zeal and temper of an
+inquisitor, he united the greatest effrontery; but the thing which,
+above all, made the task easy to him, was his skill in inventing
+extraordinary stories to captivate the minds of the people. To him all
+means were good that filled his coffers. Raising his voice, and
+giving free vent to his vulgar eloquence, he offered his indulgences
+to every comer, and knew better than any dealer at a fair how to set
+off his merchandise.[298]
+
+  [297] Luth. Op. (W.) xv, 862.
+
+  [298] "Circumferuntur venales indulgentiæ in his regionibus a Tecelio
+  Dominicano impudentissimo sycophanta." (Melancth. Vita Luth.)
+  Indulgences for sale are carried about by the Dominican Tezel, a most
+  impudent sycophant.
+
+After the cross was erected, and the arms of the pope suspended over
+it, Tezel mounted the pulpit, and with a tone of assurance began to
+extol the value of the indulgences in presence of the crowd who had
+been attracted to the church by the ceremony. The people listened and
+stared on hearing the wondrous virtues of which he told them. A Jesuit
+historian, speaking of the Dominicans with whom Tezel was associated,
+says, "Some of these preachers failed not, as usual, to outrage the
+subject which they treated, and so to exaggerate the value of the
+indulgences as to make people suppose they were certain of their own
+salvation, and of the deliverance of souls from purgatory as soon as
+the money was paid."[299] If such were the scholars, we may judge what
+the master was. Let us listen to one of his harangues after setting up
+the cross.
+
+  [299] Hist. du Luthéranisme par le P. Maimbourg, de la Compagnie du
+  Jésus, 1681, p. 21.
+
+"Indulgences are the most precious and most sublime gift of God.
+
+"This cross (pointing to the red cross) has the very same efficacy as
+the actual cross of Jesus Christ.[300]
+
+  [300] Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 1393.
+
+"Come, and I will give you letters under seal, by which even the sins
+which you may have a desire to commit in future will all be forgiven.
+
+"I would not exchange my privileges for that of St. Peter in heaven;
+for I have saved more souls by my indulgences than the apostle by his
+sermons.
+
+"There is no sin too great for an indulgence to remit; and even should
+any one (the thing, no doubt, is impossible) have done violence to the
+Holy Virgin Mary, mother of God, let him pay, let him only pay well,
+and it will be forgiven him.[301]
+
+  [301] Tezel defends and reiterates this assertion in his Anti-Theses
+  published the same year. (Th. 99, 100, and 101.) "Sub-commissariis in
+  super ac prædicatoribus veniarum imponere, ut si quis per impossibile
+  Dei Genitricem semper Virginem violasset, quod eumdem indulgentiarum
+  vigore absolvere possent, luce clarius est." (Positiones fratris J.
+  Tezelii quibus defendit indulgentias contra Lutherum.) Moreover, to
+  enjoin the sub-commissaries and preachers of pardon, that if any one
+  should, by impossibility, have violated the Mother of God, always
+  Virgin, they could absolve him in virtue of indulgences, is clearer
+  than day.
+
+"Think, then, that for each mortal sin you must, after confession and
+contrition, do penance for seven years, either in this life or in
+purgatory. Now, how many mortal sins are committed in one day, in one
+week? How many in a month, a year, a whole life?[302] Ah! these sins
+are almost innumerable, and innumerable sufferings must be endured for
+them in purgatory. And now, by means of these letters of indulgence,
+you can at once, for life, in all cases except four, which are
+reserved to the Apostolic See, and afterwards at the hour of death,
+obtain a full remission of all your pains and all your sins."
+
+  [302] "Quot peccata mortalia committuntur in die...." (Löscher's
+  Reformations, Acten i, p. 418.) How many mortal sins are committed in
+  a day?
+
+Tezel even made financial calculations on the subject.
+
+"Do you not know," said he, "that when a man proposes to go to Rome,
+or to any other country where travellers are exposed to danger, he
+sends his money to the bank, and for every five hundred florins that
+he means to have, gives five, or six at most, in order that, by means
+of letters from the bank, he may receive the money safely at Rome or
+elsewhere.... And, you, for the fourth of a florin, will not receive
+these letters of indulgence, by means of which you might introduce
+into the land of paradise, not worthless money, but a divine and
+immortal soul, without exposing it to the smallest risk."[303]
+
+  [303] "Si contingat aliquem ire Romam, vel ad alias periculosas
+  partes, mittit pecunias suas in banco, et ille pro quolibet centum dat
+  quinque aut sex aut decem...." (Ibid.)
+
+Tezel next passed to another subject.
+
+"But more than this," said he; "indulgences not only save the living:
+they also save the dead.
+
+"For this repentance is not even necessary.
+
+"Priest! noble! merchant! wife! young girls! young men! hear your
+departed parents and your other friends, crying to you from the bottom
+of the abyss, 'We are enduring horrible torments! A little alms would
+deliver us; you can give it, and yet will not!'"
+
+These words, uttered by the formidable voice of the charlatan monk,
+made his hearers shudder.
+
+"At the very instant," continued Tezel, "when the piece of money
+chinks on the bottom of the strong box, the soul comes out of
+purgatory, and, set free, flies upward into heaven."[304]
+
+  [304] Theses, 56. (Positiones fratris J. Tezelii quibus defendit
+  indulgentias contra Lutherum.)
+
+"O imbecile and brutish people, who perceive not the grace which is so
+richly offered to you!... Now heaven is everywhere open!... Do you
+refuse at this hour to enter? When, then, will you enter? Now you can
+ransom so many souls! Hard-hearted and thoughtless man, with twelve
+pence you can deliver your father out of purgatory, and you are
+ungrateful enough not to save him! I will be justified on the day of
+judgment, but you, you will be punished so much the more severely, for
+having neglected so great salvation. I declare to you, that though
+you had only a single coat, you would be bound to take it off and sell
+it, in order to obtain this grace.... The Lord our God is no longer
+God. He has committed all power to the pope."
+
+Then, trying to avail himself of other weapons still, he added, "Know
+you why our most holy Lord is distributing so great a grace? His
+object is to raise up the ruined church of St. Peter and St. Paul, so
+that it may not have its equal in the universe. That church contains
+the bodies of the holy apostles St. Peter and St. Paul, and of a
+multitude of martyrs. Owing to the actual state of the building, these
+holy bodies are now, alas! beaten, flooded, soiled, dishonoured, and
+reduced to rottenness, by the rain and the hail.... Ah! are these
+sacred ashes to remain longer in mud and disgrace?"[305]
+
+  [305] Instruction of the Archbishop of Mentz, etc.
+
+This picture failed not to make an impression on many who felt a
+burning desire to go to the help of poor Leo X, who had not wherewith
+to shelter the bodies of St. Peter and St. Paul from the rain.
+
+Then the orator opened on the arguers and traitors who opposed his
+work. "I declare them excommunicated," exclaimed he.
+
+Afterwards addressing docile souls, and making a profane use of
+Scripture, "Happy are the eyes which see what you see; for I tell you,
+that many prophets and many kings have desired to see the things which
+you see, and have not seen them; and to hear the things which you
+hear, and have not heard them." And at last, showing the strong box in
+which the money was received, he usually concluded his pathetic
+discourse with this triple appeal to the people, "Bring! bring!
+bring!" "These words," says Luther, "he uttered with such horrible
+bellowing, that one might have thought it was a mad bull making a rush
+at people, and striking them with his horns."[306] When his discourse
+was ended, he came down from the pulpit, ran towards the chest, and in
+presence of the people chucked a piece of money into it, taking care
+to make it give a very loud tinkle.[307]
+
+  [306] Resolut. on Theses, 32.
+
+  [307] Tenztel, Reformationsgesch; Myconii, Ref. Hist.; Instruction of
+  the Archbishop of Mentz, etc.; Luther's Theses.
+
+Such were the discourses which astonished Germany, heard in the days
+when God was preparing Luther.
+
+At the termination of the discourse, the indulgence was understood "to
+have established its throne in the place in due form." Confessionals
+were set up adorned with the pope's arms. The sub-commissaries, and
+the confessors whom they selected, were considered to represent the
+apostolical penitentiaries of Rome at the jubilee, and on each of
+these confessionals were posted, in large characters, their names,
+surnames, and designations.
+
+Then a crowd pressed forward to the confessor, each coming with a
+piece of money in his hand. Men, women, and children, the poor, even
+those who lived on alms, all found means of procuring money. The
+penitentiaries, after having anew explained the greatness of the
+indulgence to each individual, asked, "How much money can you afford
+to part with, in order to obtain so complete a forgiveness?" "This
+question," says the Instruction of the Archbishop of Mentz to the
+commissaries; "this question ought to be put at this moment, that the
+penitents may thereby be the better disposed to contribute."[308]
+
+  [308] Instruction, etc., 5, 69.
+
+Four valuable graces were promised to those who aided in building the
+basilisk of St. Peter. "The first grace which we announce to you,"
+said the commissaries, according to their Letter of Instruction, "is
+the complete pardon of all sins."[309] After this came three other
+graces,--_first_, the right of choosing a confessor, who, whenever the
+hour of death should seem to be at hand, would give absolution from
+all sins, and even from the greatest crimes reserved for the Apostolic
+See;[310] _second_, a participation in all the blessings, works, and
+merits of the Catholic Church, in prayers, fastings, alms, and
+pilgrimages; and, _third_, the redemption of the souls which are in
+purgatory.[311]
+
+  [309] Ibid., 19.
+
+  [310] Ibid., 30.
+
+  [311] Ibid., 35.
+
+To obtain the first of these graces, it was necessary to have
+contrition of heart and confession of the lips, or, at least, the
+intention of confessing. But for the three others, they could be
+obtained without contrition or confession, merely by paying. Previous
+to this, Christopher Columbus, extolling the value of gold, had said
+quite gravely, "He who possesses it may introduce souls into
+paradise." Such was the doctrine taught by the Archbishop-Cardinal of
+Mentz, and the commissaries of the pope. "As to those," said they,
+"who would deliver souls from purgatory, and procure for them pardon
+of all their offences, let them throw money into the chest. It is not
+necessary for them to have contrition of the heart or confession of
+the lips.[312] Let them only hasten with their money; for they will
+thus do a work most useful to the souls of the departed, and to the
+erection of the Church of St. Peter." Greater blessings could not be
+offered at a cheaper rate.
+
+  [312] "Auch ist nicht nothig dass sie in dem Herzen zerknirscht sind,
+  und mit dem Mund gebeichtet haben." (Ibid., 38.).
+
+When the confession was over, and it did not take long, the faithful
+hastened towards the seller. One only had charge of the sale, and kept
+his counter near the cross. He carefully eyed those who approached
+him, examining their air, bearing, and dress, and asked a sum
+proportioned to the appearance which each presented. Kings, queens,
+princes, archbishops, bishops, were, according to the regulation, to
+pay twenty-five ducats for an ordinary indulgence. Abbots, counts, and
+barons, paid ten. Others of the nobility, rectors, and all who had an
+income of five hundred florins, paid six. Those who had two hundred
+florins a-year paid one; others, only a half. Moreover, when the tax
+could not be followed to the letter, full powers were given to the
+commissary-apostolic, who was to arrange everything in accordance with
+the dictates of "sound reason," and the generosity of the donor.[313]
+For particular sins, Tezel had a particular tax. Polygamy paid six
+ducats; theft in a church, and perjury, nine ducats; murder, eight
+ducats; magic, two ducats. Samson, who carried on the same traffic in
+Switzerland as Tezel in Germany, had a somewhat different tax. For
+infanticide he charged four livres _tournois_; for parricide or
+fratricide, a ducat.[314]
+
+  [313] "Nach den Sätzen der gesunden vernunft, nach ihrer Magnificenz
+  und Freigebigkeit." (Instruction, etc., 26.)
+
+  [314] Müller's Reliq., iii, p. 264.
+
+The apostolic commissaries sometimes encountered difficulties in
+carrying on their trade. It often happened, both in towns and
+villages, that husbands were opposed to the whole concern, and
+prohibited their wives from giving any thing to these merchants. What,
+then, were devout spouses to do? "Have you not your dowry, or some
+other property, at your own disposal?" asked the dealers. "In that
+case we may dispose of part for so sacred a purpose, even against the
+will of your husbands."[315]
+
+  [315] Instr. 27. "Wieder, den Willen ihres Mannes."
+
+The hand which had given the indulgence could not receive the money.
+This was prohibited under the severest penalties; for there might be
+good reason to suspect that that hand would not have been faithful.
+The penitent himself behoved to deposit the price of his pardon in the
+chest.[316] Angry looks were given to those who were audacious enough
+not to open their purses.[317]
+
+  [316] Ibid., 87, 90, et 91.
+
+  [317] Luth., Op. Leipz., xvii, 79.
+
+If among those who pressed forward to the confessionals, there
+happened to be any one whose crime was publicly known, though of a
+kind which the civil law could not reach, he behoved, first of all, to
+do public penance. For this purpose they first led him to a chapel or
+sacristy, where they stripped him of his clothes, and took off his
+shoes, leaving him nothing but his shirt. His arms were crossed upon
+his breast, a light placed in one hand, and a rod in the other. Then
+the penitent walked at the head of the procession which proceeded to
+the red cross. He remained on his knees till the chant and the collect
+was finished. Then the commissary gave out the Psalm, _Miserere mei_.
+The confessors immediately approached the penitent, and led him across
+the church towards the commissary, who, taking the rod from his hand,
+and gently striking him thrice on the back with it,[318] said to him,
+"The Lord have pity on thee, and forgive thy sin." He then gave out
+the _Kyrie Eleison_. The penitent was led back to the front of the
+cross, and the confessor gave him the apostolic absolution, and
+declared him restored to the company of the faithful. Sad mummery,
+concluded with a holy expression, which, at such a moment, was mere
+profanation!
+
+  [318] "Dreimal gelind auf den Rücken." (Instruction.)
+
+It is worth while to know the contents of one of those diplomas of
+absolution which led to the Reformation of the Church. The following
+is a specimen:--"May our Lord Jesus Christ have pity on thee, N. N.,
+and absolve thee by the merit of his most holy passion. And I, in
+virtue of the apostolic power entrusted to me, absolve thee from all
+ecclesiastical censures, judgments, and penalties, which thou mayest
+have deserved; moreover, from all the excesses, sins, and crimes,
+which thou mayest have committed, how great and enormous soever they
+may have been, and for whatever cause, even should they have been
+reserved to our most holy Father the pope, and to the apostolic see. I
+efface all the marks of disability, and all the notes of infamy which
+thou mayest have incurred on this occasion. I remit the pains which
+thou shouldest have to endure in purgatory. I render thee anew a
+partaker in the sacraments of the church. I again incorporate thee
+into the communion of saints, and re-establish thee in the innocence
+and purity in which thou wert at the hour of thy baptism; so that, at
+the moment of thy death, the gate of entrance to the place of pains
+and torments will be shut to thee, and, on the contrary, the gate
+which leads to the heavenly paradise, will be opened to thee. If thou
+art not to die soon, this grace will remain unimpaired till thy last
+hour arrive. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
+Holy Spirit. Amen.
+
+"Friar John Tezel, commissary, has signed it with his own hand."
+
+How dexterously presumptuous and lying words are here intermingled
+with holy Christian expressions!
+
+All the faithful required to come and confess at the place where the
+red cross was erected. The only exceptions were the sick, the aged,
+and pregnant women. If, however, there happened to be in the
+neighbourhood some noble in his castle, or some great personage in his
+palace, there was an exemption for him;[319] for he might not care to
+mingle with the crowd, and his money was worth the going for.
+
+  [319] Instr. 9.
+
+If there happened to be a convent whose heads were opposed to the
+traffic of Tezel, and prohibited their monks from visiting the places
+where the indulgence had erected its throne, means were still found to
+remedy the evil by sending them confessors, who were commissioned to
+absolve them against the will of their order and the will of their
+heads.[320] There was not a vein in the mine, however small, which
+they did not find means of working.
+
+  [320] Ibid., 69.
+
+At length they arrived at the object and end of the whole affair, the
+summing up of the cash. For greater security, the strong box had three
+keys--one in the hands of Tezel, the second in those of the treasurer,
+appointed by the firm of Fugger of Augsburg, who had been appointed
+agents in this vast enterprise, while the third was entrusted to the
+civil authority. When the moment arrived, the counters were opened in
+the presence of a notary-public, and the whole was duly counted and
+recorded. Must not Christ arise and drive these profane sellers from
+the temple?
+
+The mission being closed, the dealers relaxed from their labours. It
+is true the instructions of the commissary-general forbade them to
+frequent taverns and suspicious places;[321] but they cared little for
+this prohibition. Sin must have appeared a very trivial matter to
+people who had such an easy trade in it. "The mendicants," says a
+Roman Catholic historian, "led a bad life, expending in taverns,
+gaming-houses, and places of infamy, what the people retrenched from
+their necessities."[322] It is even averred, that in taverns they
+sometimes played at dice for the salvation of souls.[323]
+
+  [321] Ibid., 4.
+
+  [322] Sarpi, Conc. di Trent, p. 5.
+
+  [323] Schröck. K. G. v, d. R., i, 116.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+     The Franciscan Confessor--The Soul in the
+     Burying-Ground--The Shoemaker of Hagenau--The
+     Students--Myconius--Conversation with Tezel--Stratagem by a
+     Gentleman--Conversation of the Wise and of the People--A
+     Miner of Schneeberg.
+
+
+But let us look at some of the scenes which then took place in Germany
+during this sale of the pardon of sins; for we here meet with
+anecdotes which, by themselves alone, give a picture of the times. As
+we proceed with our narrative we deem it best to let men speak for
+themselves.
+
+At Magdebourg Tezel refused to absolve a wealthy female, unless she
+would pay him one hundred florins in advance. She consulted her
+ordinary confessor, who was a Franciscan. "God," replied he, "gives
+the remission of sins freely, and does not sell it." However, he
+begged her not to tell Tezel what advice he had given her. But the
+merchant having somehow or other heard of words so injurious to his
+interest, exclaimed, "Such an adviser deserves to be banished or
+burned."[324]
+
+  [324] Scultet. Annal. Evangel., p. 4.
+
+Tezel rarely found men enlightened enough, and still more rarely men
+bold enough, to resist him. For the most part he had a good market
+from the superstitious crowd. He had erected the red cross of
+indulgences at Zwickau, and the good parishioners had hastened to make
+the money which was to deliver them chink on the bottom of the chest.
+He was going away with a well-filled purse. The evening before his
+departure the chaplains and their attendants applied to him for a
+farewell entertainment. The request was reasonable; but how was it
+possible to comply with it? the money was already counted and sealed
+up. The next morning he orders the large bell to be rung. Crowds
+hastened to the church, every one thinking that something
+extraordinary must have happened, as the station was closed. "I had
+resolved," said he, "to depart this morning, but last night was awoke
+by groans. On listening I found they came from the burying-ground.
+Alas! it was a poor soul calling and entreating me instantly to
+deliver it from the torment by which it was consumed. I have,
+therefore, remained one day more, in order to stir up the compassion
+of Christian hearts in favour of this unhappy soul. I am willing
+myself to be the first to give, and whosoever does not follow my
+example will deserve damnation." What heart would not have responded
+to such an appeal? Who knew, moreover, whose soul it was that was
+crying in the burying-ground? The people contributed freely, and Tezel
+gave the chaplains and their attendants a jovial entertainment,
+defraying the expence by the offerings which he had received in favour
+of the soul of Zwickau.[325]
+
+  [325] Loscher's Ref. Acten, i, 404, Luth. Op. xv, 443, etc.
+
+The indulgence merchants had fixed their station at Hagenau in 1517. A
+shoemaker's wife, taking advantage of the authority of the instruction
+of the commissary-general, had, contrary to the will of her husband,
+procured a letter of indulgence, and paid a gold florin for it. She
+died shortly after. The husband not having caused mass to be said for
+the repose of her soul, the curate charged him with contempt of
+religion, and the judge of Hagenau summoned him to appear. The
+shoemaker put his wife's indulgence in his pocket and repaired to the
+court. "Is your wife dead?" asked the judge. "Yes," replied he. "What
+have you done for her?" "I have buried her body, and commended her
+soul to God." "But have you caused a mass to be said for the salvation
+of her soul?" I have not; it was unnecessary. She entered heaven the
+moment of her death." "How do you know that?" "Here is the proof." So
+saying, he takes the indulgence out of his pocket, and the judge, in
+presence of the curate, reads in as many words that the woman who
+received it would not enter purgatory, but go straight to heaven. "If
+the reverend curate maintains that a mass is still necessary, my wife
+has been cheated by our most holy father the pope. If she was not
+cheated, then it is the reverend curate who is cheating me." This was
+unanswerable, and the accused was acquitted. Thus the good sense of
+the people did justice to these pious frauds.[326]
+
+  [326] Musculi Loci Communes, p. 362.
+
+One day when Tezel was preaching at Leipsic, and introducing into his
+sermons some of those stories of which we have given a sample, two
+students feeling quite indignant, rose up and left the church,
+exclaiming, "It is impossible for us to listen longer to the
+drolleries and puerilities of this monk."[327] One of them, it is
+said, was young Camerarius, afterwards the intimate friend of
+Melancthon, and his biographer.
+
+  [327] Hoffman's Reformationsgesch, v, Leipz., p. 32.
+
+But of all the young men of the period, he on whom Tezel made the
+strongest impression unquestionably was Myconius, afterwards
+celebrated as a Reformer, and historian of the Reformation. He had
+received a Christian education. His father, a pious man of Franconia,
+was wont to say to him, "My son, pray frequently, for all things are
+freely given to us by God alone. The blood of Christ," added he, "is
+the only ransom for the sins of the whole world. O, my son! were there
+only three men that could be saved by the blood of Christ, believe,
+and believe with confidence, that thou art one of the three. It is an
+insult to the blood of the Saviour to doubt if it saves."[328] Then
+cautioning his son against the traffic which was beginning to be
+established in Germany--"The Roman indulgences," said he to him, "are
+nets which fish for money, and deceive the simple. The forgiveness of
+sins and of eternal life are not things for sale."
+
+  [328] "Si tantum tres homines essent salvandi per sanguinem Christi,
+  certo statueret unum se esse ex tribus illis." (Melch. Adam. Vita
+  Mycon.)
+
+At the age of thirteen Frederick Myconius was sent to the school of
+Annaberg to finish his studies. Shortly after, Tezel arrived in the
+town, and remained in it for two years. The people flocked in crowds
+to his sermon. "There is no other method," exclaimed Tezel in his
+voice of thunder; "there is no other method of obtaining eternal life
+than the satisfaction of works; but this satisfaction is impossible
+for man, and, therefore, all he can do is to purchase it from the
+Roman pontiff."[329] When Tezel was about to quit Annaberg, his
+addresses became more urgent. "Soon," exclaimed he, in a threatening
+tone, "soon will I take down the cross, shut the gate of heaven,[330]
+and quench the lustre of that sun of grace which is now shining in
+your eyes." Then resuming the gentle accent of persuasion, "Now," said
+he, "is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation." Then raising
+his voice anew, the pontifical Stentor,[331] who was addressing the
+inhabitants of a rich mineral district, loudly exclaimed, "Bring your
+money, burghers of Annaberg, contribute largely in behalf of the
+indulgences, and your mines and your mountains will be filled with
+pure silver." In conclusion, he declared that at Pentecost he would
+distribute his letters to the poor gratuitously, and for the love of
+God.
+
+  [329] "Si nummis redimatur a pontifice Romano." (Melch. Adam.)
+
+  [330] Clausurum januam cœli." (Ibid.)
+
+  [331] "Stentor pontificius." (Ibid.)
+
+Young Myconius being among the number of Tezel's hearers, felt an
+eager desire to avail himself of this offer. Going up to the
+commissaries, he said to them in Latin, "I am a poor sinner, and need
+a gratuitous pardon!" The merchants replied, "Those alone can have
+part in the merits of Jesus Christ who lend a helping hand to the
+Church, in other words, who give money." "What is the meaning then,"
+said Myconius, "of those promises of free gift, which are posted up on
+the walls and doors of the churches?" "Give at least a shilling," said
+Tezel's people who had gone to their master, and interceded with him
+for the young man, but without effect. "I am not able." "Only
+Sixpence." "I have not even so much." The dominicans then began to
+fear that he wished to entrap them. "Listen," said they to him, "we
+will make you a present of the sixpence." The young man, raising his
+voice in indignation, answered, "I want no indulgences that are
+purchased. If I wished to purchase, I would only have to sell one of
+my school-books. I want a free pardon, given purely for the love of
+God, and you will have to give account to God for having allowed the
+salvation of a soul to be lost for a sixpence." "Who sent you to
+entrap us?" exclaimed the merchants. "Nothing but the desire of
+receiving the grace of God could have tempted me to appear before such
+mighty lords," replied the young man, and withdrew.
+
+"I was much grieved," said he, "at being sent thus pitilessly away;
+but I still felt within myself a Comforter, who told me that there was
+a God in heaven, who, without money and without price, pardons
+repenting sinners for the love of his Son Jesus Christ. As I was
+taking leave of those people, I melted into tears, and, sobbing,
+prayed, 'O God! since these men have refused me the forgiveness of my
+sins, because I had no money to pay for it, do thou, O Lord, have pity
+on me, and forgive my sins in pure mercy!' I went to my lodging, and
+taking up my crucifix, which was lying on my desk, laid it on my
+chair, and prostrated myself before it. I cannot describe what I felt.
+I asked God to be my Father, and to do with me whatsoever he pleased.
+I felt my nature changed, converted, and transformed. What formerly
+delighted me now excited my disgust. To live with God, and please him,
+was my strongest, my only desire."[332] Thus Tezel himself contributed
+to the Reformation. By crying abuses he paved the way for a purer
+doctrine, and the indignation which he excited in a generous youth was
+one day to break forth mightily. We may judge of this by the following
+anecdote.
+
+  [332] Letter of Myconius to Eberus in Hechtii Vita Tezelii. Wittemb.,
+  p. 114.
+
+A Saxon gentleman, who had heard Tezel at Leipsic, felt his
+indignation aroused by his falsehoods, and going up to the monk, asked
+him whether he had power to pardon the sins which were intended to be
+committed? "Assuredly," replied Tezel. "I have full power from the
+pope to do so." "Well then," resumed the knight, "there is one of my
+enemies on whom I should like to take a slight revenge without doing
+him any deadly injury, and I will give you ten crowns in return for a
+letter of indulgence, which will completely acquit me." Tezel made
+some objections; at last, however, they came to an agreement for
+thirty crowns. Soon after the monk quits Leipsic. The gentleman
+accompanied by his servants, waited for him in a wood between
+Jüterboch and Treblin, and rushing out upon him, and giving him some
+blows with a stick, carried off the rich indulgence chest, which the
+inquisitor had with him. Tezel cries out robbery, and carries his
+complaint before the judges, but the gentleman shows the letter with
+Tezel's own signature, exempting him beforehand from all punishment.
+Duke George, who had at first been very angry, on seeing the document
+ordered the accused to be acquitted.[333]
+
+  [333] Albinus Meissn. Chronick. L. W. (W.) xv, 446, etc., Hechtius in
+  Vita Tezelii.
+
+This traffic everywhere occupied men's thoughts, and was everywhere
+talked of. It was the subject of conversation in castles, in
+academies, and at the firesides of the citizens, as well as in inns
+and taverns, and all places of public resort.[334] Opinions were
+divided, some believing, and others expressing indignation. The
+sensible portion of the community rejected the whole system of
+indulgences with disgust. It was so contrary to Scripture and to
+morality, that all who had any knowledge of the Bible, or any natural
+light, condemned it in their hearts, and only waited for a signal to
+declare their opposition to it. On the other hand, scoffers found
+ample materials for raillery. The people, who had for many years been
+irritated by the misconduct of the priests, and whom nothing but the
+fear of punishment induced to keep up a certain show of respect, gave
+free vent to their hatred. Complaints and sarcasms were everywhere
+heard on the avarice of the clergy.
+
+  [334] Luth. Op. (Leips.) xvii, pp. 111 et 116.
+
+Nor did they stop here. They even attacked the power of the keys, and
+the authority of the sovereign pontiff. "Why," said they, "does not
+the pope deliver all souls from purgatory at once from a holy charity,
+and in consideration of the sad misery of these souls, seeing he
+delivers so great a number for the love of perishable money, and of
+the cathedral of St. Peter? Why do feasts and anniversaries of the
+dead continue to be celebrated? Why does not the pope restore or allow
+others to resume the benefices and prebends which have been founded in
+favour of the dead, since it is now useless, and even reprehensible,
+to pray for those whom indulgences have for ever delivered?" "What
+kind of new holiness in God and the pope is this--from a love of money
+to enable a wicked profane man to deliver a pious soul beloved of the
+Lord from purgatory, rather than deliver it themselves gratuitously
+from love, and because of its great wretchedness."[335]
+
+  [335] Luther's Theses on Indulgences, (Th. 82, 83, et 84.)
+
+The gross and immoral conduct of the traffickers in indulgences was
+much talked of. "In paying carriers for transporting them with their
+goods, the innkeepers with whom they lodge, or any one who does any
+piece of work for them, they give a letter of indulgence for four,
+five, or any number of souls, as the case may be." In this way, the
+diplomas of salvation were current in inns and in markets like bank
+bills or paper money. "Bring! Bring!" said the common people, "is the
+head, the belly, the tail, and the whole body of the sermon."[336]
+
+  [336] Luth. Op. (Leips.) xvi, 79.
+
+A miner of Schneeberg, meeting a seller of indulgences, asked, "Must
+we indeed give credit to what you have often said of the power of the
+indulgence, and of the authority of the pope, and believe it possible,
+by throwing a penny into the box, to ransom a soul from purgatory?"
+The merchant assured him it was true. "Ah!" resumed the miner, "what
+an unmerciful man the pope must be, for a paltry penny to leave a
+miserable soul so long crying in the flames. If he has no ready money,
+let him borrow some hundred thousand crowns, and deliver all these
+people at once. We poor folks will willingly pay him both the interest
+and the capital." Thus Germany was weary of the shameful traffic which
+was going on in the midst of her, and could no longer tolerate the
+impostures of these master-swindlers of Rome, as Luther calls
+them.[337] Yet no bishop, no theologian, durst oppose their quackery
+and their fraud. The minds of men were in suspense, and asked whether
+God would not raise up some mighty man for the work which required to
+be done? This man nowhere appeared.
+
+  [337] "Fessi erant Germani omnes, ferendis explicationibus,
+  nundinationibus, et infinitis imposturis Romanensium nebulonum."
+  (Luth. Op. Lat. in Præf.) All the Germans were weary with the
+  windings, traffickings, and endless impostures of Roman spendthrifts.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+     Leo X--Necessities of the Pope--Albert--His
+     Character--Favours the Indulgences--The Franciscans and the
+     Dominicans.
+
+
+The pope then on the pontifical throne was not a Borgia but Leo X, of
+the illustrious house of Medici. He was able, frank, kind, and gentle.
+His address was affable, his liberality without bounds, and his
+morals, superior to those of his court. Cardinal Pallavicini, however,
+acknowledges that they were not altogether irreproachable. To this
+amiable character he joined several of the qualities of a great
+prince. He showed himself friendly to science and art. The first
+Italian comedies were represented in his presence; and there are few
+of his day which he did not see performed. He was passionately fond of
+music. Musical instruments resounded every day in his palace; and he
+was often heard humming the airs which had been performed before him.
+He was fond of magnificence, and spared nothing when fêtes, games,
+theatricals, presents or rewards, were in question. No court
+surpassed that of the sovereign pontiff in splendour and gayety.
+Accordingly, when it was learned that Julian Medicis was proposing to
+reside at Rome with his young bride, "God be praised," exclaimed
+Cardinal Bibliena, the most influential counsellor of Leo X, "the only
+thing we wanted was a female court."[338] A female court was necessary
+to complete the court of the pope. To religious sentiment Leo was
+completely a stranger. "His manners were so pleasing," says Sarpi,
+"that he would have been perfect if he had had some acquaintance with
+religious matters, and been somewhat more inclined to piety, which
+seldom, if ever, gave him any concern."[339]
+
+  [338] Ranke, Rœmische Pæbste, i, 71.
+
+  [339] Council of Trent, p. 4. Pallavicini, while pretending to refute
+  Sarpi, confirms, and even heightens his testimony. "Suo plane officio
+  defuit, (Leo) ... venationes, facetias, pompas adeo frequentes." ...
+  (Conc. Trid. Hist. i, pp. 8, 9.) Leo was plainly wanting to his duty,
+  so frequent were his shows his amusements, and hunting parties.
+
+Leo was greatly in want of money. He had to provide for his immense
+expenditure, supply all his liberalities, fill the purse of gold which
+he daily threw to the people, keep up the licentious exhibitions of
+the Vatican, satisfy the numerous demands of his relations and
+voluptuous courtiers, give a dowry to his sister, who had been married
+to Prince Cibo, a natural son of Pope Innocent VIII, and meet the
+expenditure occasioned by his taste for literature, arts, and
+pleasure. His cousin, Cardinal Pucci, as skilful in the art of
+hoarding as Leo in that of lavishing, advised him to have recourse to
+indulgences. Accordingly, the pope published a bull, announcing a
+general indulgence, the proceeds of which were, he said, to be
+employed in the erection of the church of St. Peter, that monument of
+sacerdotal magnificence. In a letter, dated at Rome, under the seal of
+the Fisherman, in November, 1517, Leo applies to his commissary of
+indulgences for one hundred and forty-seven gold ducats, to pay a
+manuscript of the thirty-third book of Livy. Of all the uses to which
+he put the money of the Germans, this was, doubtless, the best. Still
+it was strange to deliver souls from purgatory in order to purchase a
+manuscript history of the wars of the Roman people.
+
+There was at this time in Germany a young prince who might be regarded
+as in many respects a living image of Leo X. This was Albert, a
+younger brother of the elector, Joachim of Brandenburg. At twenty-four
+years of age he had been appointed Archbishop and Elector of Mentz and
+of Magdeburg, and two years after made a cardinal. Albert had neither
+the virtues nor the vices which are often met with in the high
+dignitaries of the church. Young, fickle, worldly, but not without
+some generous feelings, he was perfectly aware of many of the abuses
+of Catholicism, and cared little for the fanatical monks by whom he
+was surrounded. His equity disposed him, in part at least, to
+acknowledge the justice of what the friends of the gospel demanded. In
+his secret heart he was not much opposed to Luther. Capito, one of the
+most distinguished Reformers, was long his chaplain, counsellor, and
+confidant. Albert regularly attended his sermons. "He did not despise
+the gospel," says Capito; "on the contrary, he highly esteemed it, and
+for a long time would not allow the monks to attack Luther." But he
+would have liked Luther not to compromise him, and to take good care
+while exposing the doctrinal errors and vices of the inferior clergy,
+not to disclose the faults of bishops and princes. In particular, he
+was most anxious that his name should not be mixed up with the affair.
+His confidant, Capito, who had imposed upon himself, as men often do
+in situations similar to his, thus addressed Luther: "Look to the
+example of Jesus Christ and the apostles; they rebuked the Pharisees
+and the incestuous man of Corinth, but they never expressly named
+them. You know not what is passing in the hearts of the bishops; and,
+perhaps, there is more good in them than you suppose." But the fickle
+and profane spirit of Albert, still more than the susceptibilities and
+fears of his self-love, estranged him from the Reformation. Affable,
+clever, handsome, extravagant, and wasteful, delighting in the
+pleasures of the table, in rich equipages, splendid buildings,
+licentious pleasures, and literary society, this young Archbishop-Elector
+was in Germany what Leo X was at Rome. His court was one of the most
+magnificent in the empire, and he was prepared to sacrifice to
+pleasure and grandeur all the sentiments of truth which, perhaps,
+might have insinuated themselves into his heart. Nevertheless, his
+better convictions continued even to the last to exercise some degree
+of influence over him, and he repeatedly gave indications of
+moderation and equity.
+
+Albert, like Leo, was in want of money. The Fuggers, rich merchants in
+Augsburg, had made him advances which he behoved to repay, and hence,
+though he had managed to secure two archbishoprics and a bishopric, he
+was unable to pay Rome for his Pallium. This ornament of white wool,
+bespangled with black crosses and blessed by the pope, who sent it to
+the archbishops as a token of their dignity, cost them twenty-six, or,
+some say, thirty thousand florins. In order to obtain money, Albert,
+naturally enough, bethought himself of having recourse to the same
+methods as the pope. He accordingly applied to him for the general
+farming of the indulgences, or, as they expressed it at Rome, "of the
+sins of the Germans."
+
+The popes sometimes kept the indulgences in their own hands, and at
+other times farmed them out, in the same way as some governments still
+do gaming-houses. Albert made an offer to Leo to share the profit with
+him, and Leo, in agreeing to the bargain, stipulated for immediate
+payment of the Pallium. Albert had been counting on paying it out of
+the indulgences, and therefore applied anew to the Fuggers, who,
+thinking the security good, agreed, on certain conditions, to make the
+advance required, and were appointed bankers to the concern. They were
+the bankers of the princes of this period, and were afterwards made
+counts in return for the services which they had rendered.
+
+The pope and the archbishop having thus, by anticipation, shared in
+the spoils of the good souls of Germany, the next matter was to select
+the persons who were to carry the affair into effect. It was first
+offered to the Franciscan order, whose guardian was conjoined with
+Albert. But, as it was already in bad odour with honest people, these
+monks were not anxious to have anything to do with it. The Augustins,
+who were more enlightened than the other religious orders, would have
+been less inclined to undertake it. The Franciscans, however, being
+afraid of offending the pope, who had just sent their chief, De,
+Forli, a cardinal's hat, a hat which had cost this poor mendicant
+order thirty thousand florins, the guardian deemed it more prudent not
+to refuse openly, but, at the same time, threw all sorts of
+difficulties in Albert's way. They could never understand each other,
+and, accordingly, when the proposal was made to the Elector to
+undertake the whole charge, he eagerly closed with it. The Dominicans,
+on the other hand, longed for a share in the general collection which
+was about to commence. Tezel, who was already famous in the trade,
+hastened to Mentz to offer his services to the Elector. In
+consideration of the talent which he had displayed in publishing the
+indulgences for the knights of the Teutonic order of Prussia and
+Livonia, his proposals were accepted, and in this way, the whole
+traffic passed into the hands of his order.[340]
+
+  [340] Seckendorf, 42.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+     Tezel approaches--Luther at the Confessional--Tezel's
+     Rage--Luther without a Plan--Jealousy among the
+     Orders--Luther's Discourse--The Elector's Dream.
+
+
+In so far as we know, Luther heard of Tezel, for the first time, at
+Grimma, in 1516, when he was on the eve of beginning his visit to the
+churches. While Staupitz was still with Luther, it was told him that
+an indulgence merchant was making a great noise at Vürzen. Even some
+of his extravagant sayings were quoted. Luther's indignation was
+roused, and he exclaimed, "Please God, I'll make a hole in his
+drum."[341]
+
+  [341] Lingke, Reisegesch. Luther's, p. 27.
+
+Tezel, on his return from Berlin, where he had met with a most
+friendly reception from the elector Joachim, brother of the
+farmer-general, took up his head-quarters at Juterboch. Staupitz,
+availing himself of his influence with the elector Frederick, had
+often represented to him the abuses of the indulgences, and the
+scandalous proceedings of the mendicants,[342] and the princes of
+Saxony feeling indignant at the shameful traffic, had forbidden the
+merchant to enter their territory. He was, accordingly, obliged to
+remain on those of the Archbishop of Magdeburg, but at the same time
+came as near to Saxony as he could, Juterboch being only four miles
+from Wittemberg. "This great thresher of purses," says Luther, "set
+about threshing[343] the country in grand style, so that the money
+began to leap, tumble, and tinkle, in his chest." The people of
+Wittemberg went in crowds to the indulgence market of Juterboch.
+
+  [342] "Instillans ejus pectori frequentes indulgentiarum abusus."
+  (Coch. 4.) Impressing him with the frequent abuse of indulgences.
+
+  [343] In German, to thrash like grain, dreschen. (Luth. Op. xvii.)
+
+At this period Luther had the highest respect for the church and for
+the pope. "I was then," said he, "a monk, a most bigoted Papist, so
+intoxicated and imbued with the doctrines of Rome, that if I had been
+able I would willingly have lent a hand in killing any one audacious
+enough to refuse obedience to the pope in the minutest matter.[344] I
+was a real Saul, as many still are." But, at the same time, his heart
+was ready to declare in favour of all that he believed to be truth,
+and against all that he believed to be error. "I was a young doctor
+just of the irons, ardent and rejoicing in the word of the Lord."[345]
+
+  [344] In Præf. Op. (Witt. i.) "Monachum, et Papistam insanissimum, ita
+  ebrium, imo submersum in dogmatibus papæ," etc.
+
+  [345] Luth. Op. (W.) xxii.
+
+One day when Luther had taken his seat in the confessional at
+Wittemberg, several citizens of the town came before him, and one
+after another confessed the grossest immoralities. Adultery,
+libertinism, usury, ill-gotten wealth, were the crimes with which the
+minister of the word was entertained by persons of whose souls he was
+one day to give account. He rebukes, corrects, and instructs them; but
+what is his astonishment when these people tell him that they don't
+choose to abandon their sins?... Quite amazed, the pious monk
+declares, that since they refuse to promise amendment, he cannot give
+them absolution. The wretched creatures then appealed to their letters
+of indulgence, exhibiting them and extolling their virtues. But Luther
+replied, that he cared little for the paper which they had shown him,
+and added, _unless you repent_, _you will all perish_. They made an
+outcry, and expostulated, but the doctor was immovable; "they must
+cease to do evil, and learn to do well, ... otherwise no absolution."
+"Beware," added he, "of lending an ear to the harangues of the venders
+of indulgences; you might be better employed than in buying those
+licences which are sold you for the most paltry sum."[346]
+
+  [346] "Cœpi dissuadere populis et eos dehortari ne indulgentiariorum
+  clamoribus aurem præberent, ..." (Luth Op. Lat. in Præf.)
+
+Much alarmed, these inhabitants of Wittemberg hastened back to Tezel
+to tell him how his letters were disregarded by an Augustin monk.
+Tezel, on hearing this, became red with fury, crying, and stamping,
+and cursing in the pulpit.[347] To strike a deeper terror into the
+people, he repeatedly kindled a fire in the market-place, declaring he
+had received orders from the pope to burn all heretics who should dare
+to oppose his holy indulgences.
+
+  [347] "Wütet, schilt und maledeit græulich auf dem Predigtstuhl."
+  (Myconius, Reformationsgesch.)
+
+Such is the circumstance, which was not the cause, but the first
+occasion of the Reformation. A pastor seeing the sheep of his flock in
+a path which must lead them to destruction, makes an effort to deliver
+them. As yet, he has no thought of reforming the church and the world.
+He has seen Rome and its corruptions, but he declares not against
+Rome. He perceives some of the abuses under which Christianity is
+groaning, but has no thought of correcting these abuses. He has no
+desire to become Reformer.[348] He has no plan for the reformation of
+the Church any more than he had had one for himself. God intends
+reform, and for reform selects Luther. The same remedy which had
+proved so powerful in curing his own wretchedness, the hand of God
+will employ by him to cure the miseries of Christendom. He remains
+quiet in the sphere which is assigned to him, walking merely where his
+Master calls him, and fulfilling his duties as professor, preacher,
+and pastor, at Wittemberg. While seated in the church, his hearers
+come and open their hearts to him. Evil makes an assault upon him, and
+error seeks him out, of her own accord. He is interfered with in the
+discharge of his duty, and his conscience, which is bound to the word
+of God, resists. Is it not God that calls him? To resist is a duty,
+and being a duty, is also a right. He has no alternative but to speak.
+In this way were events ordered by that God who was pleased, says
+Mathesius, "to restore Christendom by means of the son of a forge
+master, and to purify the impure doctrine of the church, by making it
+pass through his furnaces.[349]
+
+  [348] "Hæc initia fuerunt hujus controversiæ in qua Lutherus nihil
+  adhuc suspicans aut somnians de futura mutatione rituum." (Melancth.
+  Vita Luth.) Such was the beginning of this controversy in which Luther
+  was not yet thinking or dreaming of a future change of ritual.
+
+  [349] "Die verseurte Lehr durch den ofen gehen," (p. 10.)
+
+Having given this detail, it must be unnecessary to refute a false
+imputation invented by some of Luther's enemies, but not till after
+his death. Jealousy for his order, it has been said, grief at seeing a
+shameful and condemned traffic entrusted to the Dominicans in
+preference to the Augustins, who had hitherto enjoyed it, led the
+doctor of Wittemberg to attack Tezel and his doctrines. The well known
+fact that this traffic was first offered to the Augustins, who refused
+it, is sufficient to refute this fable, which has been repeated by
+writers who have copied each other; even Cardinal Pallavicini states
+that the Augustins never had discharged this office.[350] Besides, we
+have seen the travail of Luther's soul. His conduct needs no other
+explanation. It was impossible for him not to make open profession of
+the doctrine to which he owed his happiness. In Christianity, every
+man who finds a blessing longs to make others partakers in it. In our
+day it is time to abandon those puerile explanations which are
+unworthy of the great revolution of the sixteenth century. To lift a
+world, a more powerful lever was required. The Reformation existed not
+in Luther only; it was the offspring of his age.
+
+  [350] "Falsum est consuevisse hoc munus injungi Ermitanis S.
+  Augustini."... (p. 14.) It is not true that this office was wont to be
+  assigned to the Eremites of St. Augustine.
+
+Luther impelled equally by obedience to the truth of God, and by
+charity towards men, mounted the pulpit. He forewarned his hearers;
+but, as he himself says, he did it gently.[351] His prince had
+obtained particular indulgences from the pope for the church of the
+castle of Wittemberg, and it was possible that some of the blows which
+he was going to level at the indulgences in question might fall on
+those of the Elector. No matter; he will run the risk. If he sought to
+please men, he would not be the servant of Christ.
+
+  [351] Säuberlich.
+
+"No man can prove by Scripture," says the faithful minister of the
+Word to the people of Wittemberg, "that the justice of God exacts a
+penalty or satisfaction from the sinner; the only duty which it
+imposes upon him is true repentance, sincere conversion, a resolution
+to bear the cross of Jesus Christ, and to be diligent in good works.
+It is a great error to think we can ourselves satisfy the justice of
+God for our sins. He always pardons them gratuitously by his
+inestimable grace.
+
+"The Christian Church, it is true, requires something from the sinner,
+and consequently has the power of remitting what she so requires, but
+that is all. Even these indulgences of the Church are tolerated, only
+on account of indolent and imperfect Christians, who will not
+zealously exercise themselves in good works. For they stimulate none
+to sanctification, but leave all in imperfection."
+
+Then adverting to the pretext under which the indulgences were
+published, he continues:--"It would be much better to contribute to
+the erection of St. Peter's church from love to God, than to purchase
+indulgences in this view.... But you ask, Are we then never to
+purchase them? I have already said, and I repeat it; my advice is,
+Don't purchase. Leave them to sleepy Christians, but do you walk apart
+in your own path. The faithful must be diverted from indulgences, and
+urged to do the works which they neglect."
+
+At last, glancing at his adversaries, Luther concludes thus:--"If some
+cry out that I am a heretic, (for the truth which I preach is very
+hurtful to their strong box,) their clamour gives me little concern.
+They are dull and sickly brains, men who never felt the Bible, never
+read Christian doctrine, never comprehended their own teachers, and
+who turn to rottenness, wrapped up in the tatters of their vain
+opinions,[352] ... God grant them and us a sound mind. Amen." After
+these words, the doctor descended from the pulpit, leaving his hearers
+in astonishment at his bold language.
+
+  [352] "Sondern in ihren löcherichen, und zerrissenen opinien, viel
+  nahe verwessen." (Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 119.)
+
+This sermon was printed, and made a deep impression on all who read
+it. Tezel answered it, and Luther replied; but these discussions did
+not take place till a later period, (1518).
+
+The feast of All Saints drew near. The chronicles of that day here
+relate a circumstance, which, though not important to the history of
+the period, may, however, serve to characterise it. It is a dream of
+the Elector, which in substance is unquestionably authentic, though
+several circumstances may have been added by those who have related
+it. It is mentioned by Seckendorf,[353] who observes, that the fear of
+giving their adversaries ground to say that the doctrine of Luther was
+founded upon dreams, has perhaps prevented several historians from
+speaking of it.
+
+  [353] It occurs also in Löscher, i, 46, etc.; Teuzel's Anfund Fortg.
+  der Ref.; Jünker's Ehrenged, p. 148; Lehmann's Beschr. d. Meissn.
+  Erzgeb., etc., and in a manuscript of the Archives of Weimar, taken
+  down from the statement of Spalatin. Our account of the dream is
+  conformable to this manuscript, which was republished at the last
+  jubilee of the Reformation, (1817).
+
+The Elector Frederick of Saxony, say the chronicles of the time, was
+at his castle of Schweinitz, six leagues from Wittemberg. On the
+morning of the 31st October, being in company with his brother Duke
+John, who was then co-regent, and became sole elector after his death,
+and with his chancellor, the Elector said to the Duke,
+
+"Brother, I must tell you a dream which I had last night, and the
+meaning of which I should like much to know. It is so deeply impressed
+on my mind, that I will never forget it, were I to live a thousand
+years. For I dreamed it thrice, and each time with new circumstances."
+
+_Duke John._--"Is it a good or a bad dream?"
+
+_The Elector._--"I know not; God knows."
+
+_Duke John._--"Don't be uneasy at it; but be so good as tell it to
+me."
+
+_The Elector._--"Having gone to bed last night, fatigued and out of
+spirits, I fell asleep shortly after my prayer, and slept quietly for
+about two hours and a half; I then awoke, and continued awake till
+midnight, all sorts of thoughts passing through my mind. Among other
+things, I thought how I was to observe the feast of All Saints. I
+prayed for the poor souls in purgatory, and supplicated God to guide
+me, my counsels, and my people, according to truth. I again fell
+asleep, and then dreamed that Almighty God sent me a monk, who was a
+true son of the Apostle Paul. All the saints accompanied him by order
+of God, in order to bear testimony before me, and to declare that he
+did not come to contrive any plot, but that all that he did was
+according to the will of God. They asked me to have the goodness
+graciously to permit him to write something on the door of the church
+of the castle of Wittemberg. This I granted through my chancellor.
+Thereupon the monk went to the church, and began to write in such
+large characters, that I could read the writing at Schweinitz. The pen
+which he used was so large that its end reached as far as Rome, where
+it pierced the ears of a lion that was couching there,[354] and caused
+the triple crown upon the head of the pope to shake. All the
+cardinals and princes running hastily up, tried to prevent it from
+falling. You and I, brother, wished also to assist, and I stretched
+out my arm ... but at this moment I awoke, with my arm in the air,
+quite amazed, and very much enraged at the monk for not managing his
+pen better. I recollected myself a little: it was only a dream.
+
+  [354] Leo X.
+
+"I was still half asleep, and once more closed my eyes. The dream
+returned. The lion, still annoyed by the pen, began to roar with all
+his might, so much so that the whole city of Rome and all the states
+of the holy empire, ran to see what the matter was. The pope requested
+them to oppose this monk, and applied particularly to me, on account
+of his being in my country. I again awoke, repeated the Lord's Prayer,
+entreated God to preserve his Holiness, and once more fell asleep.
+
+"Then I dreamed that all the princes of the empire, and we among them,
+hastened to Rome, and strove one after another to break the pen; but
+the more we tried the stiffer it became, sounding as if it had been
+made of iron. We at length desisted. I then asked the monk (for I was
+sometimes at Rome and sometimes at Wittemberg) where he got this pen,
+and why it was so strong. 'The pen,' replied he, 'belonged to an old
+goose of Bohemia, a hundred years old.[355] I got it from one of my
+old school-masters. As to its strength, it is owing to the
+impossibility of depriving it of its pith or marrow, and I am quite
+astonished at it myself.' Suddenly I heard a loud noise; a large
+number of other pens had sprung out of the long pen of the monk.... I
+awoke a third time; it was daylight...."
+
+  [355] John Huss. This circumstance may perhaps have been afterwards
+added in allusion to the saying of John Huss, which we have quoted.
+See the First Book.
+
+_Duke John._--"Chancellor, what is your opinion? Would we had a Joseph
+or a Daniel enlightened by God!"
+
+_Chancellor._--"Your Highnesses know the common proverb, that the
+dreams of young girls, learned men, and great lords, have usually some
+hidden meaning. The meaning of this dream, however, we will not be
+able to know for some time; not till the things to which it relates
+have taken place. Wherefore, leave the accomplishment to God, and
+place it wholly in his hand."
+
+_Duke John._--"I am of your opinion, Chancellor; 'tis not fit for us
+to annoy ourselves in attempting to discover the meaning; the God will
+overrule all for his glory."
+
+_Elector._--"May our faithful God do so; yet I will never forget this
+dream. I have indeed thought of an interpretation, but I keep it to
+myself. Time, perhaps, will show if I have been a good diviner."
+
+Thus, according to the manuscript of Weimar, the morning of 31st of
+October was spent at Schweinitz. Let us see how the evening was spent
+at Wittemberg. We again return to the province of History.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+     Feast of All Saints--The Theses--Their
+     Force--Moderation--Providence--Letter to
+     Albert--Indifference of the Bishops--Dissemination of the
+     Theses.
+
+
+The words of Luther had produced little effect. Tezel, without
+troubling himself, continued his traffic and his impious
+harangues.[356] Will Luther submit to these crying abuses, and keep
+silence? As a pastor, he has earnestly exhorted those who have had
+recourse to his ministry, and, as a preacher, he has lifted his
+warning voice in the pulpit. It still remains for him to speak as a
+theologian--to address, not individuals in the confessional, not the
+assembly of the faithful in the church of Wittemberg, but all who,
+like himself, are teachers of the word of God. His resolution is
+taken.
+
+  [356] "Cujus impiis et nefariis concionibus incitatus Lutherus, studio
+  pietatis ardens, edidit propositiones de indulgentiis." (Melancth.
+  Vita Luth.) Luther, stimulated by his impious and nefarious harangues,
+  and glowing with pious zeal, published his Theses on Indulgences.
+
+He has no thought of attacking the Church, or of putting the pope on
+his defence. On the contrary, it is his respect for the pope that will
+not allow him to be any longer silent with regard to claims by which
+he is injured. He must take the part of the pope against audacious
+men, who dare to associate his venerable name with their disgraceful
+traffic. Far from thinking of a revolution which is to destroy the
+primacy of Rome, Luther expects to have the pope and Catholicism for
+his allies against impudent monks.[357]
+
+  [357] "Et in iis certus mihi videbar, me habiturum patronum papam,
+  cujus fiducia tune fortiter nitebar." (Luth. Op. Lat. in Præf.) And in
+  these I thought myself certain that I would have the patronage of the
+  pope, in whom I had then great confidence.
+
+The feast of All Saints was an important day for Wittemberg, and
+especially for the church which the Elector had there erected and
+filled with relics. On that day these relics, adorned with silver and
+gold, and precious stones, were brought out and exhibited to the eyes
+of the people, who were astonished and dazzled by their
+magnificence.[358] Whoever on that day visited the church and
+confessed in it obtained a valuable indulgence. Accordingly, on this
+great occasion, pilgrims came in crowds to Wittemberg.
+
+  [358] "... Quas magnifico apparatu publicè populis ostendi curavit."
+  (Cochlœus, 4.)
+
+On the 31st of October, 1517, Luther, who had already taken his
+resolution, walks boldly towards the church to which the superstitious
+crowds of pilgrims were repairing, and puts up on the door of this
+church ninety-five Theses or propositions against the doctrine of
+indulgences. Neither the Elector, nor Staupitz, nor Spalatin, nor any,
+even the most intimate of his friends, had been previously informed of
+this step.[359] In these theses, Luther declares, in a kind of
+preamble, that he had written them with the express desire of setting
+the truth in the full light of day. He declares himself ready to
+defend them on the morrow at the university, against all and sundry.
+The attention which they excite is great; they are read and repeated.
+In a short time the pilgrims, the university, the whole town is
+ringing with them. The following are some of these Propositions,
+written with the pen of the monk, and fixed on the door of the church
+of Wittemberg.
+
+  [359] "Cum hujus disputationis nullu etiam intimorum amicorum fuerit
+  conscius." (Luth., Ep. i, p. 186.)
+
+1. "When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ says 'repent,' he means that
+the whole life of his followers on the earth is a constant and
+continual repentance.
+
+2. "This expression cannot be understood of the sacrament of
+penitence, (that is to say, of confession and satisfaction,) as
+administered by the priest.
+
+3. "Still the Lord intends not to speak merely of internal repentance.
+Internal repentance is null, if it does not manifest itself externally
+by the mortification of the flesh.
+
+4. "Repentance and sorrow--that is to say, true penitence--continue so
+long as a man is displeased with himself--that is, until he passes
+from this life into life eternal.
+
+5. "The pope is not able, and does not wish to remit any other penalty
+than that which he has imposed of his own good pleasure, or
+conformably to the canons, that is to say, the papal ordinances.
+
+6. "The pope cannot remit any condemnation, but only declare and
+confirm the remission which God himself has given. At least he can
+only do it in cases which belong to him. If he does otherwise, the
+condemnation remains exactly as before.
+
+8. "The laws of ecclesiastical penance ought to be imposed on the
+living only, and have nothing to do with the dead.
+
+21. "The commissaries of indulgence are mistaken when they say that
+the pope's indulgence delivers from all punishment and saves.
+
+25. "The same power which the pope has over purgatory throughout the
+Church, each bishop has individually in his own diocese, and each
+curate in his own parish.
+
+27. "It is the preaching of human folly to pretend, that at the very
+moment when the money tinkles in the strong box, the soul flies off
+from purgatory.
+
+28. "This much is certain; as soon as the money tinkles, avarice and
+the love of gain arrive, increase, and multiply. But the aids and
+prayers of the Church depend only on the will and good pleasure of
+God.
+
+32. "Those who imagine they are sure of salvation by means of
+indulgences will go to the devil, with those who teach them so.
+
+35. "It is an antichristian doctrine to pretend, that, in order to
+deliver a soul from purgatory, or to purchase an indulgence, there is
+no need of either sorrow or repentance.
+
+36. "Every Christian who truly repents of his sins has entire
+forgiveness of the penalty and the fault, and, so far, has no need of
+indulgence.
+
+37. "Every true Christian, dead or alive, participates in all the
+blessings of Christ and of the Church by the gift of God and without a
+letter of indulgence.
+
+38. "Still the dispensation and pardon of the pope must not be
+despised; for his pardon is a declaration of the pardon of God.
+
+40. "Genuine sorrow and repentance seek and love punishment; but the
+mildness of indulgence takes off the fear of punishment, and begets
+hatred against it.
+
+42. "Christians must be told that the pope has no wish and no
+intention that they should in any respect compare the act of
+purchasing indulgences with any work of mercy.
+
+43. "Christians must be told that he who gives to the poor, or lends
+to the needy, does better than he who buys an indulgence:
+
+44. "For the work of charity makes charity increase, and renders a man
+more pious; whereas the indulgence does not make him better, but only
+gives him more self-confidence, and makes him more secure against
+punishment.
+
+45. "Christians must be told that he who sees his neighbour want, and,
+instead of helping him, purchases an indulgence, purchases not the
+indulgence of the pope, but incurs the Divine displeasure.
+
+46. "Christians must be told that if they have no superfluity, they
+are bound to keep what they have, in order to procure necessaries for
+their families, and not to lavish it on indulgences.
+
+47. "Christians must be told that to purchase an indulgence is
+optional, not obligatory.
+
+48. "Christians must be told that the pope having more need of prayer
+offered up in faith than of money, desires the prayer more than the
+money when he dispenses indulgences.
+
+49. "Christians must be told that the indulgence of the pope is good
+provided they do not place their confidence in it, but that nothing is
+more hurtful if it diminishes piety.
+
+50. "Christians must be told that if the pope knew of the extortions
+of the preachers of indulgences, he would rather that the metropolis
+of St. Peter were burned and reduced to ashes, than see it built with
+the skin, flesh, and bones, of his sheep.
+
+51. "Christians must be told that the pope, as is his duty, would
+dispense his own money to the poor people whom the preachers of
+indulgences are now robbing of their last penny, were he, for that
+purpose, even to sell the metropolis of St. Peter.
+
+52. "To hope to be saved by indulgences is an empty and lying hope
+even should the commissary of indulgences, nay, the pope himself, be
+pleased to pledge his own soul in security of it.
+
+53. "Those who, on account of the preaching of indulgences, forbid the
+preaching of the word of God, are enemies of the pope and of Jesus
+Christ.
+
+55. "The pope cannot have any other thought than this:--If the
+indulgence, which is the lesser matter, is celebrated with bell, pomp,
+and ceremony, it is necessary, _à fortiori_, to honour and celebrate
+the gospel, which is the greater matter, with a hundred bells, a
+hundred pomps, and a hundred ceremonies.
+
+62. "The true and precious treasure of the Church is the holy gospel
+of the glory and grace of God.
+
+65. "The treasures of the gospel are nets, which once caught the rich,
+and those who were at ease in their circumstances:
+
+66. "But the treasures of indulgence are nets, in which, now-a-days,
+they catch, not rich people, but the riches of people.
+
+67. "It is the duty of bishops and pastors to receive the commissaries
+of apostolic indulgences with all respect:
+
+68. "But it is still more their duty to use their eyes and their ears,
+in order to see that the said commissaries do not preach the dreams of
+their own imaginations instead of the orders of the pope.
+
+71. "Cursed be he who speaketh against the indulgence of the pope.
+
+72. "But blessed be he who speaks against the foolish and impudent
+words of the preachers of indulgences.
+
+76. "The indulgence of the pope cannot take away the smallest daily
+sin, in regard to the fault or delinquency.
+
+79. "To say that a cross adorned with the arms of the pope is as
+powerful as the cross of Christ is blasphemy.
+
+80. "Bishops, pastors, and theologians, who allow such things to be
+said to the people, will be called to account for it.
+
+81. "This shameful preaching, these impudent eulogiums on indulgences
+make it difficult for the learned to defend the dignity and honour of
+the pope against the calumnies of the preachers, and the subtile and
+puzzling questions of the common people.
+
+86. "Why, say they, does not the pope, whose wealth is greater than
+that of rich Crœsus, build the metropolis of St. Peter with his own
+money rather than with that of poor Christians?
+
+92. "Would, then, that we were discumbered of all the preachers who
+say to the church of Christ, Peace! Peace! when there is no peace!
+
+94. "Christians should be exhorted to diligence in following Christ
+their head through crosses, death, and hell.
+
+95. "For it is far better to enter the kingdom of heaven through much
+tribulation, than to acquire a carnal security by the flattery of a
+false peace."
+
+Here, then, was the commencement of the work. The germ of the
+Reformation was contained in these theses of Luther. The abuses of
+indulgence were attacked in them, (and this was their most striking
+feature,) but behind those attacks there was, moreover, a principle
+which although it attracted the attention of the multitude far less,
+was destined one day to overthrow the edifice of the papacy. The
+evangelical doctrine of a free and gratuitous remission of sins was
+here publicly professed for the first time. Henceforth the work must
+grow. In fact, it was evident that any man who had faith in the
+remission of sins as preached by the doctor of Wittemberg; any one who
+had this conversion and sanctification, the necessity of which, he
+urged, would no longer concern himself about human ordinances, but
+would escape from the swaddling-bands of Rome, and secure the liberty
+of the children of God. All errors behoved to give way before this
+truth. By it light had at first entered Luther's own mind, and by it,
+in like manner, light is to be diffused in the Church. What previous
+reformers wanted was a clear knowledge of this truth; and hence the
+unfruitfulness of their labours. Luther himself was afterwards aware
+that, in proclaiming justification by faith, he had laid the axe to
+the root of the tree. "This is the doctrine," said he, "which we
+attack in the followers of the papacy. Huss and Wickliff only attacked
+their lives, but in attacking their doctrine, we take the goose by the
+neck. All depends on the Word which the pope took from us and
+falsified. I have vanquished the pope, because my doctrine is
+according to God, and his is according to the devil.[360]
+
+  [360] "Wenn man die Lehre angriefft, so wird die Gans am Kragen
+  gegriffen." (Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 1369.)
+
+We too have in our day forgotten the capital doctrine of justification
+by faith, though, in a sense, the reverse of that of our fathers. "In
+the time of Luther," says one of our contemporaries,[361] "the
+remission of sins at least cost money, but in our day every one
+supplies himself gratis." These two extremes are very much alike.
+Perhaps there is even more forgetfulness of God in our extreme, than
+in that of the sixteenth century. The principle of justification by
+the grace of God, which brought the Church out of so much darkness at
+the time of the Reformation, is also the only principle which can
+renew our generation, put an end to its doubts and waverings, destroy
+the canker of egotism, establish the reign of morality and justice,
+and, in one word reunite the world to God, from whom it has been
+separated.
+
+  [361] Harms de Kiel.
+
+But if the theses of Luther were mighty in virtue of the truth which
+they proclaimed, they were not less so through the faith of their
+declared defender. He had boldly unsheathed the sword of the Word, and
+he had done it trusting to the power of truth. He had felt, that in
+leaning on the promises of God he could, in the language of the world,
+afford to risk something. Speaking of this bold attack, he says, "Let
+him who would begin a good enterprise undertake it, trusting to its
+own merits, and not (of this let him beware) to the help and
+countenance of man. Moreover, let not men, nor even the whole world,
+deter him. For these words will never deceive:--'It is good to trust
+in the Lord; and none that trust in him shall be confounded.' But let
+him who neither is able nor willing to hazard something through trust
+in God, beware of undertaking any thing."[362] Doubtless, Luther,
+after putting up his theses on the door of the church of All Saints,
+retired to his tranquil cell, in full possession of the peace and joy
+imparted by an action done in the name of the Lord, and for the sake
+of eternal truth.
+
+  [362] Luth. Op. Leips. vi, p. 518.
+
+These theses, notwithstanding of their great boldness, still bespeak
+the monk, who refuses to allow a single doubt as to the authority of
+the See of Rome. But in attacking the doctrine of indulgences, Luther
+had, without perceiving it, assailed several errors, the exposure of
+which could not be agreeable to the pope, seeing that they tended,
+sooner or later, to bring his supremacy in question. Luther, at the
+time, did not see so far; but he felt all the boldness of the step
+which he had just taken, and, consequently, thought himself bound to
+temper it in so far as was consistent with the respect due to truth.
+He, accordingly, presented his theses only as doubtful propositions on
+which he was anxious for the views of the learned; and, conformably
+to the established custom, annexed to them a solemn protestation,
+declaring that he wished not to say or affirm any thing not founded on
+Holy Scripture, the Fathers of the Church, and the rights and
+decretals of the See of Rome.
+
+Often, in the sequel, on contemplating the immense and unlooked-for
+consequences of this courageous attack, Luther was astonished at
+himself, and could not understand how he had ventured upon it. An
+invisible hand, mightier than his own, held the leading reins, and
+pushed him into a path which he knew not, and from the difficulties of
+which he would, perhaps, have recoiled, if he had known them, and been
+advancing alone and of himself. "I engaged in this dispute," says he,
+"without premeditated purpose, without knowing it or wishing it; and
+was taken quite unprepared. For the truth of this I appeal to the
+Searcher of hearts."[363]
+
+  [363] "Casu enim, non voluntate nec studio, in has turbas incidi, Deum
+  ipsum testor." (Luth. Op. Lat. in Præf.) For I got involved in these
+  disturbances by accident, not by will or zeal. God is my witness.
+
+Luther had become acquainted with the source of these abuses. He had
+received a little book, ornamented with the arms of the Archbishop of
+Mentz and Magdeburg, and containing the regulations to be observed in
+the sale of indulgences. It was this young prelate, therefore, this
+accomplished prince, who had prescribed, or at least sanctioned, all
+this quackery. In him Luther only sees a superior to whom he owes fear
+and reverence;[364] and wishing not to beat the air, but to address
+those entrusted with the government of the Church, he sends him a
+letter, distinguished at once by its frankness and humility. Luther
+wrote this letter to Albert the same day on which he put up his
+theses.
+
+  [364] "Domino suo et pastori in Christo venerabiliter metuendo." To
+  his reverently to be feared Lord and pastor in Christ. (Address of the
+  letter, Ep. i, p. 68.)
+
+"Pardon me, most reverend Father in Christ, and most illustrious
+Prince," says he to him, "if I, who am only the dregs of mankind,[365]
+have the presumption to write your High Mightiness. The Lord Jesus is
+my witness, that, feeling how small and despicable I am, I have long
+put off doing it.... Will your Highness, however, be pleased to let
+fall a look on a grain of dust, and, in accordance with your episcopal
+meekness, graciously receive my petition.
+
+  [365] Fex hominum. (Ibid.)
+
+"There are people who are carrying the papal indulgence up and down
+the country in the name of your Grace. I do not so much blame the
+declamation of the preachers, (I have not heard them,) as the
+erroneous ideas of unlearned and simple people, who imagine that by
+buying indulgences they secure their salvation....
+
+"Good God! souls entrusted to your care, most venerable Father, are
+conducted to death, and not to life. The just and strict account which
+will be required of you grows and augments from day to day.... I have
+not been able to continue longer silent. Ah! man is not saved by
+works, or by the performances of his bishop... Even the righteous
+scarcely is saved; and the way that leadeth unto life is strait. Why,
+then, do the preachers of indulgences by vain fables inspire the
+people with a false security?
+
+"According to them, indulgence alone ought to be proclaimed, ought to
+be extolled.... What! Is it not the chief and only duty of bishops to
+instruct the people in the gospel and the love of Jesus Christ?[366]
+Jesus Christ has nowhere ordered the preaching of indulgence; but has
+strongly enjoined the preaching of the gospel.[367] How dreadful, then
+and how perilous, for a bishop to allow the gospel to be passed in
+silence, and nothing but the sound of indulgence to be incessantly
+dunned into the ears of his people....
+
+  [366] "Ut populus Evangelium discat atque charitatem Christi." (Ibid.)
+
+  [367] Vehementer præcipit." (Ibid.) Earnestly commands.
+
+"Most worthy Father in God, in the Instruction of the commissaries,
+which has been published in name of your Grace, (doubtless without
+your knowledge,) it is said that the indulgence is the most precious
+treasure,--that it reconciles man to God, and enables those who
+purchase it to dispense with repentance.
+
+"What then, can I, what ought I to do, most venerable Bishop, most
+serene Prince? Ah! I supplicate your Highness, by the Lord Jesus
+Christ, to turn upon this business an eye of paternal vigilance, to
+suppress the pamphlet entirely, and ordain preachers to deliver a
+different sort of discourses to the people. If you decline to do so,
+be assured you will one day hear some voice raised in refutation of
+these preachers, to the great dishonour of your most serene Highness."
+
+Luther at the same time sent his theses to the archbishop, and, in a
+postscript, asked him to read them, that he might be convinced how
+little foundation there was for the doctrine of indulgences.
+
+Thus Luther's whole desire was, that the watchmen of the Church should
+awake, and exert themselves in putting an end to the evils which were
+laying it waste. Nothing could be more noble and more respectful than
+this letter from a monk to one of the greatest princes of the Church
+and the empire. Never was there a better exemplification of the spirit
+of our Saviour's precept--"Render unto Cæsar the things which are
+Cæsar's, and unto God the things which are God's." This is not the
+course of violent revolutionists, who contemn powers and blame
+dignities. It is a cry proceeding from the conscience of a Christian
+and a priest, who gives honour to all, but in the first place fears
+God. However, all prayers and supplications were useless. Young
+Albert, engrossed by his pleasures and ambitious designs, made no
+reply to this solemn appeal. The Bishop of Brandebourg, Luther's
+ordinary--a learned and pious man, to whom, also, he sent his
+theses--replied that he was attacking the power of the Church, that he
+would involve himself in great trouble and vexation, that the thing
+was beyond his strength, and that his earnest advice to him was to
+keep quiet.[368] The princes of the Church shut their ears against the
+voice of God, thus energetically and affectingly declared by the
+instrumentality of Luther. They would not comprehend the signs of the
+times; they were struck with that blindness which has been the ruin of
+so many powers and dignities. "Both thought," says Luther afterwards,
+"that the pope would be too many for a miserable mendicant like me."
+
+But Luther was better able than the bishops to perceive the disastrous
+effects which the indulgences had upon the manners and lives of the
+people; for he was in direct correspondence with them. He had
+constantly a near view of what the bishops learned only by unfaithful
+reports. If the bishops failed him, God did not fail him. The Head of
+the Church, who sits in heaven, and to whom has been given all power
+upon the earth, had himself prepared the ground, and deposited the
+grain in the hands of his servant. He gave wings to the seed of truth,
+and sent it in an instant over the whole length and breadth of his
+Church.
+
+Nobody appeared at the university next day to attack the propositions
+of Luther. The traffic of Tezel was too much in discredit, and too
+disgraceful for any other than himself, or some one of his creatures,
+to dare to take up the gauntlet. But these theses were destined to be
+heard in other places than under the roof of an academical hall.
+Scarcely had they been nailed to the door of the castle church of
+Wittemberg, than the feeble strokes of the hammer were followed
+throughout Germany by a blow which reached even to the foundations of
+proud Rome, threatening sudden ruin to the walls, the gates, and the
+pillars of the papacy, stunning and terrifying its champions, and at
+the same time awakening thousands from the sleep of error.[369]
+
+  [368] "Er sollte still halten; es wäre eine grosse Sache." (Matthes.
+  13.)
+
+  [369] Walthahr. v. Luther, p. 45.
+
+These theses spread with the rapidity of lightning. A month had not
+elapsed before they were at Rome. "In a fortnight," says a
+contemporary historian,[370] "they were in every part of Germany, and
+in four weeks had traversed almost the whole of Christendom; as if the
+angels themselves had been the messengers, and carried them before the
+eyes of all men. Nobody can believe what a noise they made." They were
+afterwards translated into Dutch and Spanish, and a traveller even
+sold them at Jerusalem. "Every one," says Luther, "was complaining of
+the indulgences; and as all the bishops and doctors had kept silence,
+and nobody had ventured to bell the cat, poor Luther became a famous
+doctor, because, as they expressed it, one had at length come who
+dared to do it. But I liked not this glory; the music seemed to me too
+lofty for the words."[371]
+
+  [370] Myconius, Hist. of the Ref., p. 23.
+
+  [371] "Das Lied wollte meiner stimme zu hochwerden." (Luth. Op.)
+
+Some of the pilgrims, who had flocked from different countries to
+Wittemberg for the feast of All Saints, instead of indulgences carried
+home with them the famous theses of the Augustin monk, and thus helped
+to circulate them. All read, pondered, and commented on them. They
+occupied the attention of all convents and all universities.[372] All
+pious monks who had entered the cloister to save their soul, all
+upright and honest men, rejoiced in this striking and simple
+confession of the truth, and wished with all their heart that Luther
+would continue the work which he had begun. At length a monk had had
+the courage to undertake this perilous contest. It was a reparation
+made to Christendom, and the public conscience was satisfied. In these
+theses piety saw a blow given to all kinds of superstition; the new
+theology hailed in them the defeat of the scholastic dogmas; princes
+and magistrates regarded them as a barrier raised against the
+encroachments of ecclesiastical power; while the nations were
+delighted at seeing the decided negative which this monk had given to
+the avarice of the Roman chancery. Erasmus, a man very worthy of
+credit, and one of the principal rivals of the Reformer, says to Duke
+George of Saxony, "When Luther attacked this fable, the whole world
+concurred in applauding him." "I observe," said he on another occasion
+to Cardinal Campeggi, "that those of the purest morals, and an
+evangelical piety, are the least opposed to Luther. His life is lauded
+even by those who cannot bear his faith. The world was weary of a
+doctrine containing so many childish fables, and was thirsting for
+that living water, pure and hidden, which issues from the springs of
+the evangelists and the apostles. The genius of Luther was fitted to
+accomplish these things, and his zeal must have animated him to the
+noble enterprise."[373]
+
+  [372] "In alle hohe Schullen und Klöster." (Mathes. 13.)
+
+  [373] "Ad hoc præstandum mihi videbatur ille, et natura compositus et
+  accensus studio." (Erasm. Ep. Campegio Cardinali, i, p. 650.) For
+  accomplishing this, he seemed to me both fitted by nature, and
+  inflamed by zeal.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+     Reuchlin--Erasmus--Flek--Bibra--The Emperor--The
+     Pope--Myconius--The Monks--Apprehensions--Adelman--An Old
+     Priest--The Bishop--The Elector--The Inhabitants of
+     Erfurt--Luther's Reply--Trouble--Luther's Moving Principle.
+
+
+We must follow these propositions wherever they penetrated; to the
+studies of the learned, the cells of monks, and the palaces of
+princes, in order to form some idea of the various but wonderful
+effects which they produced in Germany.
+
+Reuchlin received them. He was weary of the hard battle which he had
+been obliged to fight against the monks. The power which the new
+combatant displayed in his theses revived the spirit of the old
+champion of letters, and gave joy to his saddened heart. "Thanks be to
+God," exclaimed he, after he had read them, "now they have found a man
+who will give them so much to do, that they will be obliged to let me
+end my old age in peace."
+
+The prudent Erasmus was in the Netherlands when the theses reached
+him. He was inwardly delighted at seeing his secret wishes for the
+reformation of abuses expressed with so much boldness, and commended
+their author, only exhorting him to more moderation and prudence.
+Nevertheless, some persons in his presence blaming Luther's violence,
+he said, "God has given men a cure which cuts thus deep into the
+flesh, because otherwise the disease would be incurable." And at a
+later period when the Elector of Saxony asked his opinion as to
+Luther's affair, he replied with a smile, "I am not at all astonished
+at his having made so much noise, for he has committed two
+unpardonable faults; he has attacked the tiara of the pope and the
+belly of the monks."[374]
+
+  [374] Müller's Denkw, iv, 256.
+
+Dr. Flek, prior of the cloister of Steinlausitz, had for some time
+given up reading mass, but had not told any one his reason. He one day
+found the theses of Luther posted up in the refectory of his convent.
+He went up and began to read them, but had only perused a few, when
+unable to contain his joy, he exclaimed, "Well, well, he whom we have
+been so long looking for is come at last; and this you monks will
+see." Then reading in the future, says Mathesius, and playing upon the
+word Wittemberg, he said, "Everybody will come to seek wisdom at this
+mountain, and will find it.[375] He wrote to the doctor to persevere
+courageously in his glorious combat. Luther calls him a man full of
+joy and consolation.
+
+  [375] "Alle welt von diesem, Weissenberg, Weissheit holen und
+  bekommen." (p. 13)
+
+The ancient and celebrated episcopal see of Würzburg was then held by
+Lowrence de Bibra, a man, according to the testimony of his
+contemporaries, pious, honest, and wise. When a gentleman came to
+intimate to him that he intended his daughter for the cloister, "Give
+her rather a husband," said he; and then added, "Are you in want of
+money for that purpose? I will lend you." The emperor and all the
+princes held him in the highest esteem. He lamented the disorders of
+the Church, and especially those of convents. The theses having
+reached his palace also, he read them with great delight, and publicly
+declared his approbation of Luther. At a later period he wrote to the
+Elector Frederick, "Don't part with pious Dr. Martin Luther; for he
+has been wronged." The Elector delighted at this testimony, wrote the
+Reformer with his own hand to acquaint him with it.
+
+The Emperor Maximilian, predecessor of Charles V, also read and
+admired the theses of the monk of Wittemberg. He perceived his
+talents, and foresaw that this obscure Augustin might, indeed, become
+a powerful ally of Germany in her struggle with Rome. Accordingly, he
+instructed his envoy to say to the Elector of Saxony, "Take good care
+of the monk Luther, for the time may come when we shall have need of
+him;"[376] and shortly after, being at a diet with Pfeffinger, the
+Elector's confidential councillor, he said to him, "Well what is your
+Augustin doing? Assuredly his propositions are not to be despised; he
+will give the monks enough to do."[377]
+
+  [376] "Dass er uns den Munch Luther fleisig beware." (Mathes. 15.)
+
+  [377] Schmidt Brand Reformationsgesch, p. 124.
+
+At Rome even, and in the Vatican, the theses were not so ill received
+as might have been supposed. Leo X judged of them as a friend of
+letters, rather than a pope. The amusement which they gave him made
+him overlook the severe truths which they contained; and when
+Sylvester Prierias, the master of the sacred palace, who had the
+office of examining new works, urged him to treat Luther as a
+heretic, he replied, "This Friar, Martin Luther, is a great genius;
+all that is said against him is mere monkish jealousy."[378]
+
+  [378] "Che frate Martino Luthero haveva un bellissimo ingegnoe che
+  coteste erano invidie fratesche." (Brandelli, contemporary of Leo, and
+  a Dominican, Hist. Trag. Pars 3.)
+
+There were few on whom the theses of Luther produced a deeper
+impression than on the scholar of Annaberg, whom Tezel had so
+pitilessly repulsed. Myconius had entered a convent, and the very
+first evening dreamed he saw an immense field quite covered with ripe
+corn. "Cut," said the voice of his guide to him; and when he excused
+himself for want of skill, his guide showed him a reaper, who was
+working with inconceivable rapidity. "Follow, and do like him," said
+the guide.[379] Myconius, eager for holiness as Luther had been,
+devoted himself when in the convent to vigils, fasts, macerations, and
+all the works invented by men; but at length he despaired of ever
+attaining the objects of his efforts. He abandoned study, and spent
+his whole time in manual labour. Sometimes he bound books, sometimes
+used the turning-lathe, and sometimes did any other kind of work.
+Still, however, this external labour did not appease his troubled
+conscience. God had spoken to him, and he could not fall back into his
+former slumber. This state of agony lasted for several years. It is
+sometimes supposed that the paths of the Reformers were quite smooth,
+and that after they renounced the observances of the Church, their
+remaining course was easy and pleasant. It is not considered that they
+arrived at the truth by means of internal struggles, a thousand times
+more painful than the observances to which servile minds easily
+submitted.
+
+  [379] Melch. Adami Vita Myconii.
+
+At length the year 1517 arrived. The theses of Luther were published,
+and, traversing Christendom, arrived also at the convent where the
+scholar of Annaberg was residing. He hid himself in a corner of the
+cloister, with John Voit, another monk, that they might be able to
+read them without interruption.[380] They contained the very truth of
+which his father had told him. His eyes were opened, he felt a voice
+within him responding to that which was then sounding throughout
+Germany, and great consolation filled his heart. "I see plainly," said
+he, "that Martin Luther is the reaper whom I saw in my dream, and who
+taught me to gather the ears of corn." He immediately began to profess
+the doctrine which Luther had proclaimed. The monks, alarmed when they
+heard him, argued with him, and declaimed against Luther and against
+his convent. "That convent," replied Myconius, "is like our Lord's
+sepulchre; they wish to prevent Christ from rising again, but will not
+succeed." At last his superiors, seeing they could not convince him,
+interdicted him for a year and a half from all intercourse with the
+world, not permitting him even to write or to receive letters, and
+threatening him with perpetual imprisonment. However, for him also the
+hour of deliverance arrived. Being afterwards appointed pastor at
+Zwickau, he was the first who declared against the papacy in the
+churches of Thuringia. "Then," says he, "I could work with my
+venerable father Luther at the Gospel harvest." Jonas describes him as
+a man as able as he was willing.[381]
+
+  [380] "Legit tunc cum Joanne Voite, in angulum abdtius, libellos
+  Lutheri." (Ibid.)
+
+  [381] "Qui potuit quod voluit."
+
+Doubtless, there were others also to whom Luther's theses were the
+signal of life. They kindled a new light in many cells, cottages, and
+palaces. "While those who had entered convents in quest of good fare
+and indolence, or rank and honours," says Mathesius, "began to load
+the name of Luther with reproaches, the monks who lived in prayer,
+fasting, and mortification, thanked God as soon as they heard the cry
+of the eagle, announced by John Huss, a century before."[382] Even the
+people who did not well understand the theology of the question, and
+who only knew that Luther was assailing the empire of mendicants and
+lazy monks, received it with bursts of joy. An immense sensation was
+produced in Germany by his bold propositions. However, some of the
+Reformer's contemporaries, who foresaw the consequences to which they
+might lead, and the numerous obstacles which they were destined to
+encounter, loudly expressed their fears, or at most rejoiced with
+trembling.
+
+  [382] "Darvon Magister Johann. Huss, geweissaget." (Mathes. 13.)
+
+"I am much afraid," wrote the excellent canon of Augsburg, Bernard
+Adelman, to his friend Pirckeimer, "that the worthy man must yield at
+last to the avarice and power of the partizans of indulgences. His
+representations have had so little effect, that the Bishop of
+Augsburg, our primate and metropolitan,[383] has just ordered new
+indulgences, in the name of the pope, for St. Peter's at Rome. Let him
+hasten to seek the aid of princes. Let him beware of tempting God; for
+it were to show an absolute want of sense to overlook the imminent
+danger to which he is exposed." Adelman was greatly delighted when it
+was rumoured that Henry VIII had invited Luther to England. "There,"
+thought he, "he will be able to teach the truth in peace." Several
+thus imagined that the doctrine of the gospel was to be supported by
+the power of princes, not knowing that it advances without this power,
+and is often trammelled and weakened by the possession of it.
+
+  [383] He adds, "Totque uxorum vir," The husband of so many wives,
+  (Heumann Documenta lit. p. 167.)
+
+The celebrated historian, Albert Kranz, was at Hamburg on his
+deathbed, when Luther's theses were brought to him. "You are right,
+friar Martin," he exclaimed, "but you will not succeed.... Poor monk!
+Go into your cell and cry, 'Lord, have mercy on me!'"[384]
+
+  [384] "Frater, abi in cellam, et dic: Miserere mei." (Lindner in
+  Luther's Leben, p. 93.)
+
+An old priest of Hexter in Westphalia, having received and read the
+theses in his presbytery, said in Low German, shaking his head, "Dear
+friar Martin! if you succeed in overthrowing this purgatory and all
+these paper merchants, assuredly you are a mighty segnior!" Erbenius,
+a century later, wrote beneath these words the following stanza:--
+
+    "Quid vero nunc si viveret,
+    Bonus iste clericus diceret?"
+
+    What then would the good clerk say,
+    Were he alive to see this day.
+
+Not only did many of Luther's friends entertain fears as to the step
+which he had taken, but several even testified their disapprobation.
+
+The Bishop of Brandenburg, distressed at seeing his diocese the scene
+of so important a contest, was anxious to suppress it. He resolved to
+take the gentle method, and employed the Abbot of Lenin to say to
+Luther, in his name, "I don't find any thing in the theses
+contradictory of Catholic truth. I myself condemn these indiscreet
+proclamations; but for the love of peace and deference to your bishop,
+cease writing on the subject." Luther was confounded at being thus
+humbly addressed by so great an abbot and so great a bishop, and led
+away by the feelings of the moment, replied, "I consent. I would
+rather obey than work miracles, were it in my power."[385]
+
+  [385] "Bene sum contentus: mala obedire quam miracula facere, etiam si
+  possem." (Ep. i, 71.)
+
+The Elector was grieved at the commencement of a contest which was no
+doubt legitimate, but the end of which it was impossible to foresee.
+No prince was more desirous than Frederick for the maintenance of
+public peace. Now, what an immense fire might this small spark not
+kindle? What discord, what rending of nations, might this quarrel of
+monks not produce? The Elector repeatedly made Luther aware how much
+he was annoyed.[386]
+
+  [386] "Suumque dolorem sæpe significavit, metuens discordias majores."
+  (Melancth. Vita Luth.) And often expressed his sorrow, fearing worse
+  dissension.
+
+Even in his own order and his own convent of Wittemberg, Luther met
+with disapprobation. The prior and sub-prior, terrified at the clamour
+of Tezel and his companions, repaired in fear and trembling to the
+cell of friar Martin, and said, "Do not, we entreat you, bring shame
+on our order. The other orders, and especially the Dominicans, are
+overjoyed to think that they are not to be alone in disgrace." Luther
+was moved by these words, but soon recovering himself, he replied,
+"Dear fathers, if the thing is not done in the name of God it will
+fail, but if it is, let it proceed." The prior and sub-prior said no
+more. "The thing proceeds even now," adds Luther, after relating this
+anecdote, "and, please God, always will proceed better and better,
+even to the end. Amen."[387]
+
+  [387] Luth. Op. (L.) vi, p. 518.
+
+Luther had many other attacks to sustain. At Erfurt he was accused of
+violence and pride in his manner of condemning the opinions of
+others--the charge usually brought against those who act under the
+strong conviction which the word of God gives. He was also charged
+with precipitation and fickleness.
+
+"They call upon me for moderation," replied Luther, "and they
+themselves, in the judgment which they pass upon me, trample it under
+foot!... We see the mote in our brother's eye, and observe not the
+beam in our own.... Truth will no more gain by my moderation than it
+will lose by my presumption. I desire to know," continued he,
+addressing Lange, "what errors you and your theologians have found in
+my theses? Who knows not that a new idea is seldom advanced without an
+appearance of arrogance, and an accusation of disputatiousness? Were
+humility herself to undertake something new, those of an opposite
+opinion would charge her with pride.[388] Why were Christ and all the
+martyrs put to death? Because they were deemed proud despisers of the
+wisdom of the time, and advanced new truths without previously taking
+counsel of the organs of ancient opinion."
+
+  [388] "Finge enim ipsam humilitatem nova conari, statim superbiæ
+  subjicietur ab iis qui aliter sapiunt." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 73.)
+
+"Let not the wise of the present day, then, expect of me humility, or
+rather hypocrisy enough, to ask their opinion before publishing what
+duty calls me to say. What I do will be done, not by the prudence of
+men, but by the counsel of God. If the work is of God, who can arrest
+it? If it is not of God, who can advance it?... Not my will, nor
+theirs, nor ours, but Thy will be done, O Holy Father who art in
+heaven!" In these words what courage, what noble enthusiasm, what
+confidence in God, and, above all, what truth, truth fitted to all
+times!
+
+Still the reproaches and accusations which assailed Luther from all
+quarters, failed not to make some impression on his mind. His hopes
+were disappointed. He had expected to see the heads of the church,
+and the most distinguished scholars of the nation, publicly uniting
+with him; but it was otherwise. A word of approbation, allowed to
+escape at the first moment of enthusiasm, was all that the best
+disposed gave him, while several of those whom he had till then most
+highly venerated were loud in censuring him. He felt himself alone in
+the whole Church,[389] alone against Rome, alone at the foot of that
+ancient and formidable edifice, whose foundations lay deep in the
+bowels of the earth, whose battlements reached the clouds, and at
+which he had just struck a daring blow. He was troubled and depressed.
+Doubts which he thought he had surmounted returned with new force. He
+trembled at the thought of having the authority of the whole Church
+against him, of withdrawing from that authority and resisting that
+voice which nations and ages had humbly obeyed, of setting himself in
+opposition to that church which he had from infancy been accustomed to
+venerate as the mother of the faithful.... He a paltry monk ... the
+effort was too great for man.[390] No step cost him more than this,
+and, accordingly, it was the step which decided the Reformation.
+
+  [389] "Solus primo eram." (Luth. Op. Lat. in Præf.) At first I was
+  alone.
+
+  [390] "Consilium immanis audaciæ plenum." (Pallavicini, i, 17.) A
+  measure of infinite daring.
+
+The struggle which took place in his soul cannot be better described
+than in his own words. "I began this affair," says he, "with great
+fear and trembling. Who was I, a poor, miserable, despicable friar,
+liker a corpse than a living man;[391]--who was I, to oppose the
+majesty of the pope, before whom not only the kings of the earth and
+the whole world, but also, if I may so speak, heaven and hell
+trembled, compelled to yield obedience to his nod? Nobody can imagine
+what my heart suffered during those two first years, and into what
+depression, I might say what despair, I was often plunged. No idea of
+it can be formed by those proud spirits who afterwards attacked the
+pope with great boldness, although with all their ability they could
+not have done him the least harm, had not Jesus Christ, by me his
+feeble and unworthy instrument, given him a wound which never will be
+cured. But while they were contented to look on, and leave me alone in
+danger, I was not so joyful, so tranquil, or so sure about the
+business; for at that time I did not know many things which, thank
+God, I know now. It is true, several pious Christians were much
+pleased with my Propositions, and set a great value upon them, but I
+could not own and regard them as the organs of the Holy Spirit. I
+looked only to the pope, the cardinals, bishops, theologians,
+jurisconsults, monks, and priests. That was the direction from which I
+expected the Spirit to come. Still having, by means of Scripture, come
+off victorious over all contrary arguments, I have at length, by the
+grace of Christ, though after much pain, travail, and anguish,
+surmounted the only argument which arrested me, viz., that it is
+necessary to listen to the Church;[392] for from the bottom of my
+heart I honoured the church of the pope as the true church, and did so
+with much more sincerity and veneration, than those shameless and
+infamous corrupters who are now so very forward in opposing me. Had I
+despised the pope as much as he is despised in the hearts of those who
+praise him so loudly with their lips, I would have dreaded that the
+earth would instantly open and swallow me up as it did Corah and his
+company!"
+
+[391] "Miserrimus tunc fraterculus, cadaveri similior quam homini."
+(Luth. Op. Lat. i, p. 49.)
+
+[392] "Et cum omnia argumenta superassem per Scripturas, hoc unum cum
+summa difficultate et angustia, tandem Christo favente, vix superavi,
+Ecclesiam scilicet esse audiendam." (Luth. Op. Lat. i, p. 49.)
+
+How honourable these misgivings are to Luther! How well they display
+the sincerity and uprightness of his soul! And how much more worthy of
+respect do those painful assaults which he had to sustain, both within
+and without, prove him to be, than mere intrepidity without any such
+struggle, could have done! The travail of his soul clearly displays
+the truth and divinity of his work. We see that their origin and
+principle were in heaven. After all the facts which we have stated,
+who will presume to say that the Reformation was an affair of
+politics? No, assuredly; it was not the effect of human policy, but of
+the power of God. Had Luther been urged by human passions only, he
+would have yielded to his fears; his miscalculations and scruples
+would have smothered the fire which had been kindled in his soul, and
+he would only have thrown a transient gleam upon the Church, in the
+same way as the many zealous and pious men, whose names have come down
+to us. But now God's time had arrived; the work was not to be
+arrested; the emancipation of the Church was to be accomplished.
+Luther was destined at least to prepare that complete emancipation and
+those extensive developments which are promised to the kingdom of
+Christ. Accordingly, he experienced the truth of the magnificent
+promise, "The strong men shall faint and be weary, and the young men
+utterly fail; but they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their
+strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles." This Divine
+power which filled the heart of the doctor of Wittemberg, and which
+had engaged him in the combat, soon gave him back all his former
+resolution.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VII.
+
+     Tezel's Attack--Luther's Reply--Good Works--Luther and
+     Spalatin--Study of Scripture--Scheurl and Luther--Doubts on
+     the Theses--Luther for the People--A New Suit.
+
+
+The reproaches, timidity, or silence, of Luther's friends had
+discouraged him; the attacks of his enemies had the very opposite
+effect. This frequently happens. The adversaries of the truth, while
+thinking by their violence to do their own work, often do that of God
+himself.[393] The gauntlet which had been thrown down was taken up by
+Tezel with a feeble hand. Luther's sermon, which had been to the
+people what his theses had been to the learned, was the subject of his
+first reply. He refuted it point by point, in his own way, and then
+announced that he was preparing to combat his adversary at greater
+length in theses which he would maintain at the university of
+Frankfort on the Oder. "Then," said he, adverting to the conclusion of
+Luther's sermon; "then every one will be able to judge who is
+heresiarch, heretic, schismatic, erroneous, rash, and calumnious. Then
+will it be manifest to the eyes of all who has a dull brain, who has
+never felt the Bible, read Christian doctrines, understood his own
+teachers.... In maintaining the propositions which I advance, I am
+ready to suffer all things, prison, cudgel, water, and fire."
+
+  [393] "Hi furores Tezelii et ejus satellitum imponunt necessitatem
+  Luthero, de rebus iisdem copiosius, disserendi et tuendæ veritatis."
+  (Melancth. Vita Luth.) The fury of Tezel and his satellites compelled
+  Luther to treat these subjects more copiously, and to defend the
+  truth.
+
+One thing which strikes us in reading this production of Tezel is the
+difference between his German and that of Luther. One would say that
+an interval of several ages is between them. A foreigner, especially,
+sometimes finds it difficult to comprehend Tezel, whereas the language
+of Luther is almost the same as that of our day. A comparison of the
+two is sufficient to show that Luther is the creator of the German
+language. No doubt, this is one of his least merits, but still it is
+one.
+
+Luther replied without naming Tezel; Tezel had not named him. But
+there was nobody in Germany who could not have placed at the head of
+their publications the name which they had judged it expedient to
+suppress. Tezel tried to confound the repentance which God demands
+with the penance which the Church imposes, in order to give a higher
+value to his indulgences. Luther made it his business to clear up this
+point.
+
+"To avoid many words," said he, in his graphic style, "I give to the
+wind (which, besides, has more leisure than I have) his other words,
+which are only sheets of paper and withered leaves; and I content
+myself with examining the foundations of his house of bur-thistle.
+
+"The penitence which the holy father imposes cannot be that which
+Jesus Christ demands; for whatever the holy father imposes he can
+dispense with; and if these two penitences were one and the same, it
+would follow that the holy father takes away what Jesus appoints, and
+thereby makes void the commandment of God.... Ah! if it so pleases
+him, let him maltreat me," continues Luther, after quoting other false
+interpretations of Tezel; "let him call me heretic, schismatic,
+calumniator, or anything he likes; I will not on that account be his
+enemy, but will pray for him as for a friend. But it is not possible
+to allow him to treat the Holy Scriptures, our consolation, (Rom., xv,
+4,) as a sow treats a sack of corn."[394]
+
+  [394] "Dass er die Schrift, unsern Trost, nicht anders behandelt wie
+  die Sau einen Habersack."
+
+We must accustom ourselves to Luther's occasional use of expressions
+too harsh and homely for our age,--it was the custom of the time; and
+under those words which in our days would violate the proprieties of
+language, there is usually a force and justice which disposes us to
+pardon their rankness. He continues thus:--
+
+"He who buys indulgences, say our adversaries, does better than he who
+gives alms to a poor man not absolutely in extremity. Now, let them
+tell us that the Turks are profaning our churches and crosses, we will
+be able to hear it without a shudder; for we have amongst ourselves
+Turks a hundred times worse, who profane and annihilate the only true
+sanctuary, the word of God, which sanctifies all things.... Let him
+who would follow this precept take good care not to give food to the
+hungry, nor clothing to the naked, before they give up the ghost, and,
+consequently, have no need of his assistance."
+
+It is important to contrast the zeal which Luther thus manifests for
+good works with what he says of justification by faith. Indeed, no man
+who has any experience, or any knowledge of Christianity, needs this
+new proof of a truth of which he is fully assured; viz., that the more
+we adhere to justification by faith, the more strongly we feel the
+necessity of works, and the more diligently we practise them; whereas
+lax views as to the doctrine of faith necessarily lead to laxity of
+conduct. Luther, as St. Paul before, and Howard after him, are proofs
+of the former; all men without faith (and with such the world is
+filled) are proofs of the latter.
+
+Luther comes next to the insulting language of Tezel, and pays him
+back in his own way. "At the sound of these invectives methinks I hear
+a large ass braying at me. I am delighted at it, and would be very
+sorry that such people should give me the name of a good Christian."
+We must give Luther as he is with all his foibles. This turn for
+pleasantry, coarse pleasantry, was one of them. The Reformer was a
+great man, undoubtedly a man of God; but he was a man, not an angel,
+and not even a perfect man. Who is entitled to call upon him for
+perfection?
+
+"For the rest," adds he, challenging his opponents to the combat,
+"although it is not usual to burn heretics for such points, here, at
+Wittemberg, am I, Doctor Martin Luther! Is there any inquisitor who
+pretends to chew fire, and make rocks leap into the air? I give him to
+know, that he has a safe-conduct to come here, an open door, and bed
+and board certain, all by the gracious care of our admirable Duke
+Frederick, who will never protect heresy."[395]
+
+  [395] Luth. Op. Leips. xvii, 132.
+
+We see that Luther was not deficient in courage. He trusted to the
+word of God--a rock which never gives way in the tempest. But God in
+faithfulness gave him still further aid. The bursts of joy with which
+the multitude had hailed Luther's theses were soon succeeded by a
+gloomy silence. The learned had timidly drawn back on hearing the
+calamities and insults of Tezel and the Dominicans. The bishops, who
+had previously been loud in condemnation of the abuses of indulgences,
+seeing them at length attacked, had not failed, with an inconsistency
+of which there are but too many examples, to find that at that time
+the attack was inopportune. The greater part of the Reformer's friends
+were frightened. Several of them had fled. But when the first terror
+was over, the minds of men took an opposite direction. The monk of
+Wittemberg soon saw himself again surrounded with a great number of
+friends and admirers.
+
+There was one who, although timid, remained faithful to him throughout
+this crisis, and whose friendship at once solaced and supported him.
+This was Spalatin. Their correspondence was not interrupted. "I thank
+you," says he, when speaking of a particular mark of friendship which
+he had received from him; "but what do I not owe you?"[396] It was on
+the 11th November, just fifteen days after the publication of the
+theses, and consequently when the minds of men were in a state of the
+greatest fermentation, that Luther thus delights to unbosom his
+gratitude to his friend.
+
+  [396] "Tibi gratias ago; imo quid tibi non debeo?" (Luth. Ep. i, p.
+  74.)
+
+In the same letter to Spalatin, it is interesting to see the strong
+man, who had just performed a most daring exploit, declaring from what
+source he derives his strength. "We can do nothing of ourselves; we
+can do everything by the grace of God. By us all ignorance is
+invincible, but no ignorance is invincible by the grace of God. The
+more we endeavour of ourselves to attain to wisdom, the nearer we
+approach to folly.[397] It is not true that this invincible ignorance
+excuses the sinner; were it so there would be no sin in the world."
+
+  [397] "Quanto magis conamur ex nobis ad sapientiam, tanto amplius
+  appropinquamus insipientiæ." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 74.)
+
+Luther had not sent his propositions, either to the prince or to any
+of his courtiers. The chaplain seems to have expressed some surprise
+at this, and Luther answers:--"I did not wish my theses to reach our
+illustrious prince or any of his court, before those who think
+themselves specially addressed had received them, lest it should be
+thought that I had published them by order of the prince or to gain
+his favour, or from opposition to the Bishop of Mentz. I hear there
+are already several who dream such things. But now I can swear in all
+safety that my theses were published without the knowledge of Duke
+Frederick."[398]
+
+  [398] "Sed salvum est nunc etiam jurare, quod sine scitu Ducis
+  Frederici exierint." (Ibid., p. 76.) But now it is safe even to swear,
+  that they have gone forth without the knowledge of Duke Frederick.
+
+If Spalatin solaced his friend, and supported him by his influence,
+Luther on his part was desirous to meet the requests of the modest
+chaplain. The latter, among other questions, asked one which is
+frequently repeated in our day, "What is the best method of studying
+the Holy Scriptures?"
+
+"Till now, my dear Spalatin," replied Luther, "you have asked
+questions which I could answer. But to direct you in the study of the
+Scriptures is more than I am able to do. However, if you would
+absolutely know my method, I will not hide it from you.
+
+"It is most certain that we cannot succeed in comprehending the
+Scripture either by study or mere intellect. Your first duty, then, is
+to begin with prayer.[399] Entreat the Lord that he will in his great
+mercy deign to grant you the true knowledge of his Word. There is no
+other interpreter of the word of God than the Author of that word
+according as it is said, 'They will all be taught of God.' Hope
+nothing from your works, nothing from your intellect. Trust only in
+God, and in the influence of his Spirit. Believe one who is speaking
+from experience."[400]
+
+  [399] "Primum id certissimum est, sacras literas non posse vel studio,
+  vel ingenio penetrari. Ideo primum officium est, ut ab oratione
+  incipias."
+
+  [400] "Igitur de tuo studio desperes oportet omnino, simul et ingenio.
+  Deo autem soli confidas, et influxui Spiritus. Experto crede ista."
+  (Luth. Ep. i, p. 88, 18th Jan.)
+
+We here see how Luther attained possession of the truth of which he
+was a preacher. It was not, as some pretend, by confiding in a
+presumptuous reason, nor, as others maintain, by abandoning himself to
+hateful passions. The source from which he drew it was the purest,
+holiest, and most sublime--God himself consulted in humility,
+confidence, and prayer. Few in our day imitate him, and hence few
+comprehend him. To a serious mind these words of Luther are in
+themselves a justification of the Reformation.
+
+Luther likewise found comfort in the friendship of respectable laymen.
+Christopher Scheurl, the excellent secretary of the imperial city of
+Nuremberg, gave him gratifying marks of his friendship. We know how
+pleasant expressions of sympathy are to the man who feels himself
+assailed from all quarters. The secretary of Nuremberg did more; he
+tried to make friends to his friend. He urged him to dedicate one of
+his works to a then celebrated lawyer of Nuremberg, named Jerome
+Ebner:--"You have a high idea of my studies," modestly replied Luther;
+"but I have the poorest idea of them myself. Nevertheless, I was
+desirous to meet your wishes. I have searched ... ; but in all my
+store, which I never found so meagre, nothing presented itself which
+seemed at all worthy of being dedicated to so great a man by so little
+a man."[401] Striking humility! It is Luther who speaks thus, and the
+person with whom he contrasts himself is Doctor Ebner, who is
+altogether unknown to us. Posterity has not ratified Luther's
+judgment.
+
+  [401] "Luther writes him:--"Literæ tuæ animum tuum erga meam
+  parvitatem candidum et longe ultra merita benevolentissimum
+  probaverunt." (Ibid., p. 79.) Your letter proves your candid opinion
+  of me, and your most kind affection for me, both to a degree far
+  exceeding my deserts.
+
+Luther, who had done nothing to circulate his theses, had not sent
+them to Scheurl any more than to the Elector and his courtiers. The
+secretary of Nuremberg expressed his surprise. "I had no intention,"
+replies Luther, "to give my theses so much publicity. I wished only to
+confer on their contents with some of those who reside with us or near
+us;[402] intending, if they condemned, to destroy, and if they
+approved, to publish them. But now they are printed, reprinted, and
+spread far and wide, beyond my expectation; so much so that I repent
+of their production.[403] Not that I have any fear of the truth being
+known by the people, (for this was all I sought,) but this is not the
+way of instructing them. There are questions in the theses as to which
+I have still my doubts; and if I had thought that they were to produce
+such a sensation, there are things which I would have omitted, and
+others which I would have affirmed with greater confidence." Luther
+afterwards thought differently. Far from fearing he had said too much,
+he declared that he ought to have said still more. But the
+apprehensions which Luther expresses to Scheurl do honour to his
+sincerity. They show that he had nothing like a premeditated plan, had
+no party spirit, no overweening conceit, and sought nothing but the
+truth. When he had fully discovered the truth, his language was
+different. "You will find in my first writings," said he, many years
+after, "that I very humbly made many concessions to the pope, and on
+points of great importance; concessions which I now detest, and regard
+as abominable and blasphemous."[404]
+
+  [402] "Non fuit consilium neque votum eas evulgari, sed cum paucis
+  apud et circum nos habitantibus primum super ipsis conferri." (Ibid.,
+  p. 95.)
+
+  [403] "Ut me pœniteat hujus fœturæ." (Ibid.)
+
+  [404] "Quæ istis temporibus pro summa blasphemia et abominatione habeo
+  et execror." (Luth. Op. Lat. Wit. in Præf.)
+
+Scheurl was not the only layman of importance who, at this time,
+testified his friendship for Luther. The celebrated painter, Albert
+Durer, sent him a present, (perhaps one of his pictures,) and the
+doctor expressed his sense of the obligation in the warmest
+terms.[405]
+
+  [405] "Accepi simul et donum insignis viri Alberti Durer." (Luth., Ep.
+  i, 95.)
+
+Thus Luther had practical experience of the truth of that saying of
+Divine wisdom:--"A friend loveth at all times; and a brother is born
+for adversity." Those words he remembered for the sake of others also,
+and accordingly pleaded the cause of the whole population. The Elector
+had just levied a tax, and it was confidently alleged that he was
+going to levy another, probably on the advice of his counsellor
+Pfeffinger, against whom Luther often throws out cutting sarcasms. The
+doctor boldly placed himself in the breach. "Let not your Highness,"
+said he, "despise the prayer of a poor mendicant. In the name of God I
+entreat you not to order a new tax. My heart is broken, as well as
+that of several of your most devoted servants, at seeing how much the
+last has injured your fair fame, and the popularity which your
+Highness enjoyed. It is true that God has endowed you with profound
+intellect, so that you see much farther into things than I, or
+doubtless all your subjects, do. But, perhaps, it is the will of God
+that a feeble intellect instruct a great one, in order that no one may
+trust in himself, but only in the Lord our God. May he deign to keep
+your body in health for our good, and destine your soul to life
+eternal. Amen." In this way it is that the gospel, while it makes us
+honour kings, makes us also plead the cause of the people. While it
+tells them of their duties, it, at the same time, reminds the prince
+of their rights. The voice of a Christian such as Luther, raised in
+the cabinet of a sovereign, might often supply the place of a whole
+assembly of legislators.
+
+In this letter, in which Luther addresses a harsh lesson to the
+Elector, he fears not to present a request to him, or rather to remind
+him of a promise, viz., to give him a new suit. This freedom of
+Luther, at a moment when he might have feared he had given offence to
+Frederick, is equally honourable to the prince and to the Reformer.
+"But," adds he, "if it is Pfeffinger who has the charge of it, let him
+give it in reality, and not in protestations of friendship. He knows
+very well how to weave a web of good words, but no good cloth ever
+comes out of it." Luther thought, that, by the faithful counsel which
+he had given to his prince, he had well deserved his court dress.[406]
+Be this as it may, two years later he had not received it, and renewed
+his request.[407] This seems to indicate that Frederick was not so
+much under the influence of Luther as has been said.
+
+  [406] "Mein Hofkleid verdienen." (Luth. Ep. Lat. i, pp. 77, 78.)
+
+  [407] Ibid., p. 283.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VIII.
+
+     Disputation at Frankfort--Tezel's
+     Theses--Menaces--Opposition of Knipstrow--Luther's Theses
+     Burnt--The Monks--Luther's Peace--Tezel's Theses
+     Burnt--Luther's Vexation.
+
+
+The minds of men had thus gradually recovered from their first alarm.
+Luther himself was disposed to declare that his words did not mean so
+much as had been imagined. New circumstances might divert public
+attention, and the blow struck at Roman doctrine might, as had been
+the case with so many others, spend itself in the air. The partisans
+of Rome prevented this result. They fanned the flame instead of
+smothering it.
+
+Tezel and the Dominicans replied haughtily to the attack which had
+been made upon them. Burning with eagerness to crush the audacious
+monk who had disturbed their traffic, and to gain the favour of the
+Roman pontiff, they uttered cries of rage. They maintained that to
+attack the indulgence ordered by the pope was to attack the pope
+himself, and they called in the aid of all the monks and theologians
+of their school.[408] In fact, Tezel felt that an opponent like Luther
+was too much for him single-handed. Quite disconcerted, but more
+especially enraged at the doctor's attack, he quitted the environs of
+Wittemberg, and repaired to Frankfort on the Oder, where he arrived as
+early as November, 1517. The university of that town, like that of
+Wittemberg, was of recent date. One of the professors was Conrad
+Wimpina, a man of much eloquence, an old rival of Pollich of
+Mellerstadt, and one of the most distinguished theologians of the
+time. Wimpina's envy was excited both by the doctor and by the
+university of Wittemberg; for their reputation obscured his. Tezel
+applied to him for a reply to Luther's theses, and Wimpina wrote two
+series of antitheses, the former to defend the doctrine of
+indulgences, and the latter to defend the authority of the pope.
+
+  [408] "Suum senatum convocat; monachos aliquot et theologos sua
+  sophistica utcunque tinctos."(Melancth. Vita Luth.) He assembles his
+  own senate; some monks and theologians imbued with his own sophistry.
+
+This disputation, which had been long prepared and loudly advertised,
+and of which Tezel entertained the highest hopes, took place on the
+20th January, 1518. Tezel having beaten up for recruits, monks had
+been sent from all the neighbouring cloisters, and assembled to the
+number of more than three hundred. Tezel read his theses, one of which
+declared, "that whosoever says that the soul does not fly away from
+purgatory as soon as the money tinkles on the bottom of the strong
+box, is in error."[409]
+
+  [409] "Quisquis ergo dicit, non citius posse animam volare, quam in
+  fundo cistæ denarius possit tinnire, errat." (Positiones Fratris Joh.
+  Tezelii, Pos. 56, Luth. Op. i, p. 94.) Whosoever says that the soul
+  cannot fly off sooner than the money can tinkle in the bottom of the
+  chest, errs.
+
+But, above all, he maintained propositions, according to which, the
+pope appeared to be truly, as the apostle expresses it, _seated as God
+in the temple of God_. It was convenient for this shameless merchant
+to take refuge under the pope's mantle, with all his disorders and
+scandals.
+
+In presence of the numerous assembly in which he stood, he declared
+himself ready to maintain as follows:--
+
+3. "Christians must be taught that the pope, by the greatness of his
+power, is above the whole universal Church and all councils. His
+orders ought to be implicitly obeyed.
+
+4. "Christians must be taught that the pope alone is entitled to
+decide in matters of Christian faith; that he, and none but he, has
+the power to explain the meaning of Scripture in his own sense, and to
+approve or condemn all words or works of others.
+
+5. "Christians must be taught that the judgment of the pope in things
+which concern Christian faith, and which are necessary to the
+salvation of the human race, cannot possibly err.
+
+6. "Christians must be taught that in matters of faith they ought to
+lean and rest more upon the opinion of the pope, as manifested by his
+decisions, than on the opinion of all wise men, as drawn by them out
+of Scripture.
+
+8. "Christians must be taught that those who attack the honour and
+dignity of the pope are guilty of the crime of lese-majesty, and
+deserve malediction.
+
+17. "Christians must be taught that there are many things which the
+Church regards as authentic articles of universal truth, although they
+are not found either in the canon of Scripture or in ancient doctors.
+
+44. "Christians must be taught to regard those as obstinate heretics,
+who, by their words, their actions, or their writings, declare that
+they would not retract their heretical propositions were
+excommunication after excommunication to rain or hail upon them.
+
+48. "Christians must be taught that those who protect heretics in
+their error, and who, by their authority, prevent them from being
+brought before the judge who is entitled to try them, are
+excommunicated; that if, in the space of a year, they desist not from
+doing so, they will be declared infamous, and severely punished with
+various punishments, in terms of law, and to the terror of all
+men.[410]
+
+  [410] "Pro infamibus sunt tenendi, qui etiam per juris capitula
+  terribiliter multis plectentur pœnis omnium hominum terrorem."
+  (Positiones Fratris Joh. Tezelii, Pos. 56, Luth. Op. i, p. 98.)
+
+50. "Christians must be told that those who spoil so many books and so
+much paper, and who preach or dispute publicly and wickedly on the
+confession of the mouth, the satisfaction of works, the rich and great
+indulgences of the Bishop of Rome, and on his power; that those who
+ally themselves with those so preaching or writing, who take pleasure
+in their writings, and circulate them among the people and in the
+world; that those, in fine, who secretly speak of those things in a
+contemptuous and irreverent manner, may well tremble at incurring the
+pains which have just been named, and of precipitating themselves and
+others with them, at the last day, into eternal condemnation, and even
+here below into great disgrace. For every beast that toucheth the
+mountain shall be stoned."
+
+We see that Luther was not the only person whom Tezel attacked. In the
+forty-eighth thesis he had probably the Elector of Saxony in view.
+These propositions savour much of the Dominican. To threaten every
+contradictor with severe punishment was an inquisitor's argument, and
+scarcely admitted of a reply. The three hundred monks whom Tezel had
+brought together gaped and stared in admiration of his discourse. The
+theologians of the university were too much afraid of being classed
+with the abettors of heresy, or were too much attached to the
+principles of Wimpina, candidly to adopt the extraordinary theses
+which had just been read.
+
+The whole affair, about which so much noise had been made, seemed
+destined to be only a sham fight; but among the crowd of students
+present at the disputation was a young man of about twenty, named John
+Knipstrow. He had read the theses of Luther, and found them
+conformable to the doctrines of Scripture. Indignant at seeing the
+truth publicly trampled under foot, while no one appeared to defend
+it, this young man rose up, to the great astonishment of the whole
+assembly, and attacked the presumptuous Tezel. The poor Dominican, who
+had not counted on such opposition, was quite disconcerted. After some
+efforts, he quitted the field of battle, and gave place to Wimpina,
+who made a more vigorous resistance; but Knipstrow pressed him so
+closely, that, to put an end to a contest, which in his eyes was so
+unbecoming, Wimpina, who presided, declared the discussion closed, and
+proceeded forthwith to confer the degree of doctor on Tezel, in
+recompence of this glorious combat. Wimpina, to disencumber himself of
+the young orator, caused him to be sent to the convent of Pyritz in
+Pomerania, with orders that he should be strictly watched. But this
+dawning light was only removed from the banks of the Oder that it
+might afterwards shed a bright effulgence in Pomerania.[411] When God
+sees it meet, he employs scholars to confound teachers.
+
+  [411] Spieker, Gesch. Dr. M. Luthers. Beckmani Notitia Univ.
+  Francofurt, viii, etc.
+
+Tezel, wishing to repair the check which he had received, had recourse
+to the _ultima ratio_ of Rome and the inquisitors,--I mean the faggot.
+On a public walk in one of the suburbs of Frankfort, he caused a
+pulpit and a scaffold to be erected, and repaired thither in solemn
+procession with his _insignia_ of inquisitor. Mounting the pulpit, he
+let loose all his fury. He darted his thunder, and with his Stentorian
+voice exclaimed, that the heretic Luther ought to be burned alive.
+Then placing the doctor's theses and sermon on the scaffold, he burned
+them.[412] He was better acquainted with this kind of work than with
+the defence of theses. Here he met with no opponents, and his victory
+was complete. The impudent Dominican returned in triumph to Frankfort.
+When parties in power are vanquished, they have recourse to certain
+demonstrations which must be conceded to them as a kind of consolation
+to their disgrace.
+
+  [412] "Fulmina in Lutherum torquet; vociferatur ubique hunc hereticum
+  igni perdendum esse; propositiones etiam Lutheri in concionem de
+  indulgentiis publice conjicit in flammas." (Melancth. Vita Luth.)
+
+The second theses of Tezel form an important epoch in the Reformation.
+They changed the locality of the dispute, transporting it from the
+indulgence market to the halls of the Vatican, and diverting it from
+Tezel to the pope. Instead of the contemptible creature whom Luther
+had taken in his fist, they substituted the sacred person of the Head
+of the church. Luther was stunned at this. It is probable that he
+would himself have taken the step at a later period, but his enemies
+spared him the trouble. Thenceforward the question related not merely
+to a disreputable traffic, but to Rome; and the blow by which a bold
+hand had tried to demolish the shop of Tezel, shook the very
+foundations of the pontifical throne.
+
+Tezel's theses were only a signal to the Roman troops. A cry against
+Luther arose among the monks, who were infuriated at the appearance of
+an adversary more formidable than either Erasmus or Reuchlin had been.
+The name of Luther resounded from the pulpits of the Dominicans, who
+addressed themselves to the passions of the people, and inveighed
+against the courageous doctor, as a madman, a deceiver, and a
+demoniac. His doctrine was denounced as the most dreadful heresy.
+"Wait only for a fortnight, or four weeks at farthest," said they,
+"and this noted heretic will be burned." Had it depended only on the
+Dominicans, the fate of the Saxon doctor had soon been that of Huss
+and Jerome, but his life was destined to accomplish what the ashes of
+Huss had begun. Each does the work of God, one by his death, and
+another by his life. Several now began to cry out that the whole
+university of Wittemberg was tainted with heresy, and pronounced it
+infamous.[413] "Let us pursue the villain, and all his partisans,"
+continued they. In several places these exclamations had the effect of
+stirring up the passions of the people. Those who shared the opinions
+of the Reformer had the public attention directed towards them; and in
+every place where the monks were strongest, the friends of the gospel
+felt the effects of their hatred. Thus, in regard to the Reformation,
+the Saviour's prediction began to be accomplished, "They will revile
+you and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you
+falsely, for my sake." This is a recompence which the world at no time
+fails to bestow on the decided friends of the gospel.
+
+  [413] "Eo furunt usque, ut Universitatem Wittembergensem propter me
+  infamem conantur facere et hæreticam." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 92.)
+
+When Luther was made acquainted with Tezel's theses, and with the
+general attack of which they were the signal, his courage rose. He
+felt that it was necessary to withstand such adversaries to the face;
+and his intrepid zeal had no difficulty in resolving so to do. At the
+same time, their feebleness made him aware of his own strength, and
+told him what he was.
+
+He did not, however, allow himself to give way to those emotions of
+pride which are so natural to the heart of man. "It gives me more
+difficulty," he writes to Spalatin, "to refrain from despising my
+adversaries, and so sinning against Jesus Christ, than it would give
+me to vanquish them. They are so ignorant in things human and divine,
+that one is ashamed at having to fight with them; and yet it is their
+very ignorance which gives them their inconceivable audacity and face
+of brass."[414] But the most powerful support to Luther's heart, in
+the midst of this universal opposition, was the deep conviction that
+his cause was the cause of truth. "Let it not surprise you," he writes
+to Spalatin, at the beginning of the year 1518, "that I am so much
+insulted. I am delighted with these insults. Did they not curse me, I
+could not believe so firmly that the cause which I have undertaken is
+God's own cause.[415] Christ has been set up for a sign to be spoken
+against. I know," added he, "that from the beginning of the world the
+nature of the word of God has been such, that every one who has
+preached it to the world, has been obliged, like the apostles, to
+leave all and lay his account with death. Were it otherwise, it would
+not be the word of Jesus Christ."[416] This peace in the midst of
+agitation is a thing unknown to the world's heroes. Men placed at the
+head of a government, or of a political party, are seen to give way
+under their labours and their vexations. The Christian in his
+struggles usually acquires new strength, because he has access to a
+mysterious source of repose and courage, unknown to those whose eyes
+are closed to the gospel.
+
+  [414] Luth. Ep. i, p. 92.
+
+  [415] "Nisi maledicerer, non crederem ex Deo esse quæ tracto." (Luth.
+  Ep. i, 85.)
+
+  [416] In language full of energy he continues:--"Mortem emptum est,
+  mortibus vulgatum, mortibus servatum, mortibus quoque servandum aut
+  referendum est." It was bought by death, published by deaths,
+  preserved by deaths, by deaths also must be preserved or published.
+
+One thing, however, sometimes distressed Luther, viz., the thought of
+the dissensions which his courageous opposition might produce. He knew
+that a single word might be sufficient to set the world in a flame;
+and when he foresaw prince against prince, and perhaps nation against
+nation, his patriotic heart was saddened, and his Christian charity
+alarmed. His wish was for peace; but he behoved to speak out. So God
+required. "I tremble," said he, "I shudder at the thought of being the
+cause of discord among such mighty princes."[417]
+
+  [417] "Inter tantos principes dissidii origo esse valde horreo et
+  timeo." (Luth. Ep. 1, p. 93.)
+
+He still kept silence in regard to Tezel's propositions concerning the
+pope. Had he been carried away by passion, he would doubtless have
+made an impetuous assault on the extraordinary doctrine under which
+his opponents sought to take shelter. He did not do so; and there is
+in this delay, reserve, and silence, something grave and solemn, which
+sufficiently explains the spirit by which he was animated. He waited,
+but not through weakness; for when he struck he gave a heavier blow.
+
+Tezel, after his _auto da fe_ at Frankfort on the Oder, had hastened
+to send his theses into Saxony. There, thought he, they will serve as
+an antidote to those of Luther. A man from Halle, employed by the
+inquisitor to circulate his propositions, arrived at Wittemberg. The
+students of the university, still indignant at Tezel for having burned
+the theses of their master, no sooner heard of the messenger's
+arrival, than they sought him out, and, gathering round, jostled and
+frightened him. "How dare you bring such things here?" demanded they.
+Some purchasing part of the copies with which he was provided, and
+others seizing the rest, they got possession of his whole stock,
+amounting to eight hundred copies. Then, unknown to the Elector, the
+senate, the rector, Luther, and all the other professors,[418] they
+put up the following notice on the boards of the university:--"Whosoever
+is desirous to be present at the burning and funeral of Tezel's
+theses, let him repair at two o'clock to the market-place."
+
+  [418] "Hæc inscio principe, senatu, rectore, denique omnibus nobis"
+  (Luth. Ep. i, p. 99.)
+
+Crowds assembled at the hour, and committed the propositions of the
+Dominican to the flames, amid loud acclamations. One copy which
+escaped, Luther afterwards sent to his friend, Lange of Erfurt. These
+generous but imprudent youths followed the old precept, "_Eye for eye,
+and tooth for tooth_" and not that of Jesus Christ; but after the
+example which doctors and professors had given at Frankfort, can we be
+astonished that young students followed it at Wittemberg? The news of
+this academical execution spread throughout Germany, and made a great
+noise.[419] Luther was extremely vexed at it.
+
+  [419] "Fit ex ea re ingens undique fabula." (Ibid.)
+
+"I am astonished," he writes to his old master, Jodocus, at Erfurt,
+"how you could think it was I that burned Tezel's theses. Do you think
+that I am so devoid of sense? But what can I do? When I am the subject
+of remark, every thing seems to be believed.[420] Can I tie up the
+tongues of the whole world? Very well! Let them say, let them hear,
+let them see, let them pretend whatever they please; I will act as
+long as the Lord gives me strength, and with his help will fear
+nothing." "What will come out of it," says he to Lange, "I know not,
+unless it be that my danger is much increased."[421] The act of the
+students shows how much their hearts already burned for the cause
+which Luther defended. This was an important symptom; for a movement
+among the young of necessity soon extends to the whole nation.
+
+  [420] "Omnes omnibus omnia redunt de me." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 109.)
+
+  [421] (Luth Ep. i, 98.)
+
+The theses of Tezel and Wimpina, though little esteemed, produced a
+certain effect. They heightened the dispute, widened the rent which
+had been made in the mantle of the Church, and brought questions of
+the highest interest into the field. Accordingly, the heads of the
+Church began to look more narrowly at the matter, and to declare
+decidedly against the Reformer. "Verily, I know not in whom Luther
+confides," said the Bishop of Brandenburg, "when he dares thus attack
+the power of bishops." Perceiving that this new circumstance called
+for new proceedings, the bishop came in person to Wittemberg; but he
+found Luther animated with the inward joy which a good conscience
+imparts, and determined to give battle. The bishop felt that the
+Augustin monk was obeying an authority superior to his, and returned
+to Brandenburg in a rage. One day, in the winter of 1518, when sitting
+at his fireside, he turned to those who were about him and said, "I
+will not lay down my head in peace till I have thrown Martin into the
+fire, as I do this brand," throwing one into the grate. The revolution
+of the sixteenth century was not to be accomplished by the heads of
+the Church any more than that of the first century had been by the
+Sanhedrim and the synagogue. In the sixteenth century, the heads of
+the Church were opposed to Luther, the Reformation, and its ministers,
+in the same way as they were opposed to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and
+his apostles, and as they too often are at all times to the truth.
+"The bishops," says Luther, in speaking of the visit which the Bishop
+of Brandenburg had paid him, "begin to perceive that they ought to
+have done what I am doing, and they are consequently ashamed. They
+call me proud and audacious, and I deny not that I am so. But they are
+not the people to know either what God is, or what we are."[422]
+
+  [422] "Quid vel Deus vel ipsi sumus." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 224.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IX.
+
+     Prierio--System of Rome--The Dialogue--System of
+     Reform--Reply to Prierio--The Word--The Pope and the
+     Church--Hochstraten--The Monks--Luther replies--Eck--The
+     School--The Obelisks--Luther's Sentiments--The
+     Asterisks--Rupture.
+
+
+A more serious resistance than that of Tezel was already opposed to
+Luther. Rome had answered. A reply had issued from the walls of the
+sacred palace. It was not Leo X who had taken it into his head to
+speak theology. "A quarrel of monks," he had one day said. "The best
+thing is not to meddle with it." And on another occasion, "It is a
+drunken German who has written these theses; when he recovers from his
+wine he will speak differently."[423] A Dominican of Rome, Sylvester
+Mazolini de Prierio or Prierias, master of the sacred palace,
+exercised the functions of censor, and in this character was the first
+man in Italy who knew of the Saxon monk's theses.
+
+  [423] "Ein voller trunkener Deutscher." (Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, p.
+  1337.)
+
+A Roman censor and the theses of Luther! What a rencounter! Liberty of
+speech, liberty of investigation, liberty of faith, come into
+collision in Rome, with that power which pretends to have in its hands
+a monopoly of intelligence, and to open and shut the mouth of
+Christendom at its pleasure. The struggle between Christian liberty,
+which begets children of God, and pontifical despotism, which begets
+slaves of Rome, is, as it were, personified during the first days of
+the Reformation, in the encounter between Luther and Prierio.
+
+The Roman censor, prior-general of the Dominicans, employed to
+determine what Christendom must say, or not say, and know or not know,
+hastened to reply, and published a tract, which he dedicated to Leo X.
+He spoke contemptuously of the German monk, and declared, with a
+self-sufficiency altogether Roman, "that he was anxious to know
+whether this Martin had a nose of iron, or a head of brass, which
+could not be broken."[424] Then, in the form of a dialogue, he
+attacked the theses of Luther, employing alternately, ridicule,
+insult, and threatening.
+
+  [424] "An ferreum nasum aut caput æneum gerat iste Lutherus, ut
+  effringi non possit." (Sylv. Prieratis Dialogus.)
+
+The combat between the Augustin of Wittemberg and the Dominican of
+Rome took place on the very question which lies at the foundation of
+the Reformation; viz., "What is the sole infallible authority to
+Christians?" The following is the system of the Church, as expounded
+by its most independent organs.[425]
+
+  [425] See Joh. Gersonis Propositiones de Sensu Literali S. Scripturæ.
+  (Op. tom. i.)
+
+The letter of the written Word is dead without the spirit of
+interpretation, which alone unfolds its hidden meaning. Now this
+spirit is not granted to every Christian, but to the Church; in other
+words, to the priests. It is great presumption to maintain, that he
+who promised to be with his Church always to the end of the world,
+could abandon it to the power of error. It will be said, perhaps, that
+the doctrine and constitution of the Church are not the same as we
+find them in the sacred oracles. This is true; but the change is only
+apparent, relating to the form, and not to the substance. Moreover,
+the change is an advance. The living power of the Spirit has given
+reality to what exists in Scripture only in idea; it has embodied the
+sketches of the Word, put a finishing hand to these sketches, and
+completed the work of which the Bible had furnished only the first
+outlines. Scripture ought, therefore, to be understood in the sense
+determined by the Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Here
+the Catholic doctors are divided. General councils, say some, and
+Gerson among the number, are the representatives of the Church. The
+pope, says others, is the depositary of the Spirit of interpretation;
+and no man is entitled to understand Scripture in a sense differing
+from that of the Roman pontiff. This was the opinion of Prierio.
+
+Such was the doctrine which the master of the sacred palace opposed to
+the rising Reformation. On the power of the pope and the Church he
+advanced propositions at which the most shameless flatterers of the
+court of Rome would have blushed. The following is one of the points
+which he maintains at the commencement of his tract:--"Whoever rests
+not in the doctrine of the Roman Church, and the Roman pontiff, as the
+infallible rule of faith, from which the Holy Scripture itself derives
+its force and authority, is a heretic."[426]
+
+  [426] "A qua etiam Sacra Scriptura robur trahit et auctoritatem,
+  hæreticus est (Fundamentum tertium.")
+
+Then in a dialogue, in which Luther and Sylvester are the speakers,
+the latter tries to refute the doctor's propositions. The sentiments
+of the Saxon monk were quite new to a Roman censor. Accordingly,
+Prierio shows that he understood neither the emotions of his heart,
+nor the motives of his conduct. To the teacher of truth he applied the
+little standards of the valets of Rome. "Dear Luther!" says he, "were
+you to receive a bishopric and a plenary indulgence for the repair of
+your Church from our lord the pope, you would proceed more gently,
+and would even prose in favour of the indulgence which you are now
+pleased to blacken!" The Italian, so proud of the elegance of his
+manners, sometimes assumes the most scurrilous tone. "If the property
+of dogs is to bite," says he to Luther, "I fear your father must have
+been a dog."[427] The Dominican begins at last to be almost astonished
+at his own condescension in speaking to a rebellious monk; and
+concludes with showing his opponent the cruel teeth of an inquisitor.
+"The Roman Church," says he, "having in the pope the summit of
+spiritual and temporal power, may, by the secular arm, constrain those
+who after receiving the faith, stray from it. She is not bound to
+employ arguments for the purpose of combating and subduing the
+rebellious."[428]
+
+  [427] "Si mordere canum est proprium, vereor ne tibi pater canis
+  fuerit." (Sylvestri Prieratis Dial.)
+
+  [428] "Seculari brachio potest eos compescere, nec tenetur rationibus
+  certare ad vincendos protervientes." (Ibid.)
+
+These words traced by the pen of one of the dignitaries of the Roman
+court had a very significant meaning. They failed, however, to terrify
+Luther. He believed, or feigned to believe, that this dialogue was not
+by Prierio, but by Ulrich von Hütten, or by some other of the authors
+of "The Letters of some Obscure Men," who (said he in his sarcastic
+strain) had, in order to stir up Luther against Prierio, compiled this
+mass of absurdity.[429] He had no desire to see the court of Rome in
+arms against him. However, after remaining for some time silent, his
+doubts, if he had any, having been dispelled, he set to work, and in
+two days after was prepared with his reply.[430]
+
+  [429] "Convenit inter nos, esse personatum aliquem Sylvestrum ex
+  obscuris viris, qui tantas ineptias in hominem luserit ad provocandum
+  me adversus eum." (Ep., i, p. 87, 14th Jan.)
+
+  [430] T. i, Witt. Lat., p. 170.
+
+The Bible had produced the Reformer and begun the Reformation. Luther,
+in believing, had no need of the testimony of the Church. His faith
+was derived from the Bible itself; from within, and not from without.
+His thorough conviction that the evangelical doctrine was immovably
+founded on the word of God made him regard all external authority as
+useless. Luther's experience, in this respect, opened a new prospect
+to the Church. The living spring which had burst forth before the monk
+of Wittemberg, was destined to become a stream at which nations would
+quench their thirst.
+
+The Church had said that, in order to understand the Word, the Spirit
+of God must interpret it, and so far the Church was right. But her
+error consisted in regarding the Holy Spirit as a monopoly conferred
+on a certain caste, and in thinking that it could be appropriated
+exclusively to certain assemblies and colleges, to a city or a
+conclave. "The wind bloweth where it listeth," were the words of the
+Son of God, when speaking of the Spirit of God; and, on another
+occasion, "They will ALL be taught of God." The corruption of the
+Church, the ambition of pontiffs, the animosities of councils, the
+squabbles of the clergy, and the pomp of prelates, had made this Holy
+Spirit, this breath of humility and peace, eschew the dwelling of the
+priesthood. He had deserted the assemblies of the proud, and the
+palaces of the princes of the Church, and gone to live in retirement
+among simple Christians and modest priests. He had shunned a
+domineering hierarchy, which often forced blood from the poor, whom it
+trampled under foot; he had shunned a proud and ignorant clergy, whose
+chiefs were skilled, not in the Bible, but in the sword; and he was
+found sometimes among despised sects, and sometimes among men of
+talents and learning. The holy cloud, withdrawing from proud basilisks
+and gorgeous cathedrals, had descended on the obscure dwellings of the
+humble, or on chambers where studious men calmly pursued their
+conscientious labours. The Church, degraded by her love of power and
+riches, dishonoured in the eyes of the people by the venal use which
+she made of the doctrine of life; the Church which sold salvation in
+order to fill a treasury, for luxury and debauchery to empty, had lost
+all respect. Men of sense no longer set any value on her testimony,
+but, despising an authority so degraded, turned with joy, towards the
+Divine word, and its infallible authority, as toward the only refuge
+which remained to them in the general confusion.
+
+The age, therefore, was prepared. The bold movement by which Luther
+changed the point on which the human heart rested its highest hopes,
+and with a mighty hand transferred those hopes from the walls of the
+Vatican to the rock of the word of God, was hailed with enthusiasm.
+This was the work which the Reformer had in view in his reply to
+Prierio.
+
+Putting aside the axioms which the Dominican had placed at the head of
+his work, he says, "After your example, I, too, am going to lay down
+some axioms."
+
+"The first is the saying of St. Paul, 'Should we, or an angel from
+heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have
+preached unto you, let him be accursed.'"
+
+The second is the following passage of St. Augustine, addressed to St.
+Jerome:--"I have learned to pay to the canonical books alone the
+honour of believing very firmly that none of them has erred; as to
+others, I believe not what they say, for the simple reason, that it is
+they who say it."
+
+Luther then vigorously proceeds to lay down the fundamental principles
+of the Reformation,--_the word of God, the whole word of God, and
+nothing but the word of God_. "If you understand these principles,"
+continues he, "you will also understand that your whole dialogue is
+completely overturned; for you have done nothing else than adduce the
+words and opinions of St. Thomas." Next, attacking the axioms of his
+opponent, he frankly declares his opinion that popes and councils may
+err. He complains of the flattery of the Roman courtiers in
+attributing to the pope the alleged infallibility of both popes and
+councils, and declares that the Church exists virtually only in
+Christ, and representatively only in Councils.[431] Coming afterwards
+to the supposition which Prierio had made, he says, "No doubt you
+judge me by yourself, but if I aspired to a bishopric, assuredly I
+would not use language which sounds so hateful in your ears. Do you
+imagine I am ignorant how bishoprics and the popedom are procured at
+Rome? Do not the very children in the streets sing the well known
+words--
+
+  [431] "Ego ecclesiam virtualiter non scio nisi in Christo,
+  representative non nisi in concilo." (Luth. Op. Lat., p. 174.) I do
+  not know the Church virtually, except in Christ, nor representatively,
+  except in a Council.
+
+      'Rome now-a-days is more unclean,
+      Than ought that in the world is seen?'"[432]
+
+  [432] "Quando hanc pueri in omnibus plateis urbis cantant: Denique
+  nunc facta est fœdissima Roma." (Ibid., p. 183.)
+
+This was among the stanzas current in Rome before the election of one
+of the last popes. Nevertheless, Luther speaks of Leo with respect. "I
+know," says he, "that in him we have, as it were, a Daniel in Babylon;
+his integrity has repeatedly endangered his life." He concludes with a
+few words in reply to the menaces of Prierio: "In fine, you say that
+the pope is at once pontiff and emperor, and that he has power to
+constrain by the secular arm. Are you thirsting for murder? Take my
+word for it, your rhodomontades and your loud-sounding threats cannot
+terrify me. Though I be killed, Christ lives, Christ my Lord, and the
+Lord of all, blessed for ever and ever. Amen."[433]
+
+  [433] "Si occidor, vivit Christus. Dominus meus et omnium." (Ibid., p.
+  186.)
+
+Thus Luther with a strong arm assails the infidel altar of the papacy,
+opposing to it the altar of the word of God, alone holy, alone
+infallible, before which he would have every knee to bow, and on which
+he declares himself ready to sacrifice his life.
+
+Prierio published a reply, and after it a third treatise on "the
+Irrefragable Truth of the Church and of the Roman Pontiff," in which,
+founding on ecclesiastical law, he says, that though the pope were to
+send the people and himself to the devil _en masse_, he could not for
+so doing be either judged or deposed.[434] The pope was at length
+obliged to impose silence on Prierio.
+
+  [434] De Juridica et Irrefragabili Veritate Romanæ Ecclesiæ, lib.
+  tertius, cap. 12.
+
+A new opponent soon entered the list. He too was a Dominican. James
+Hochstraten, inquisitor at Cologne, whom we have already seen
+assailing Reuchlin and the friends of letters, was furious when he saw
+Luther's boldness. It was indeed necessary that darkness and monkish
+fanaticism should engage in close fight with him who was to give them
+their death-blow. Monkism was formed after primitive truth had begun
+to decay, and from that period downward, errors and monks had gone
+hand in hand. The man who was to hasten their ruin had appeared; but
+these sturdy champions would not quit the field without a fierce
+combat. This combat they continued to wage with him throughout his
+whole life, though the proper personification of it is in Hochstraten;
+Hochstraten and Luther--the one, the free and intrepid Christian, and
+the other, the blustering slave of monkish superstition. Hochstraten
+unchains his rage, and, with loud cries, demands the death of the
+heretic.... His wish is to secure the triumph of Rome by means of the
+flames. "It is high treason against the Church," exclaims he, "to let
+so execrable a heretic live another single hour. Let a scaffold be
+instantly erected for him!" This sanguinary counsel was, alas! but too
+well followed in many countries; the voice of numerous martyrs, as in
+the first days of the Church, bore testimony to the truth in the midst
+of the flames. But in vain were fire and sword invoked against Luther.
+The angel of Jehovah constantly encamped around him and shielded him.
+
+Luther replied to Hochstraten briefly, but very energetically. "Go,"
+says he to him, when concluding; "go, delirious murderer, whose thirst
+can only be quenched by the blood of the brethren. My sincere desire
+is, that you guard against calling me a Christian and a believer, and
+that, on the contrary, you never cease to denounce me as a heretic.
+Understand these things well, you bloody man, you enemy of the truth;
+and if your furious rage impel you to devise mischief against me, do
+it with circumspection, and time your measures well. God knows what I
+purpose if he grants me life. My hope and expectation (God willing)
+will not deceive me."[435] Hochstraten was silent.
+
+  [435] Luth., Op. Leip. xvii, p. 140.
+
+A more painful attack awaited the Reformer. Dr. Eck, the celebrated
+professor of Ingolstadt, who procured the liberty of Urban Regius,
+Luther's friend, had received the famous theses. Eck was not the man
+to defend the abuses of indulgences, but he was a doctor of the
+school, and not of the Bible, being well versant in scholastics, but
+not in the word of God. If Prierio had represented Rome, and
+Hochstraten had represented the monks, Eck represented the School. The
+School which, for about five centuries, had ruled Christendom, far
+from yielding to the first blows of the Reformer, proudly rose up to
+crush the man who dared to assail it with floods of contempt. Eck and
+Luther, the School and the Word, came to blows on more than one
+occasion; but the present was the occasion on which the combat
+commenced.
+
+Eck must have regarded several of Luther's assertions as erroneous;
+for nothing obliges us to question the sincerity of his convictions.
+He defended the scholastic opinions with enthusiasm, just as Luther
+defended the declarations of the word of God. We may even suppose that
+he was somewhat pained at seeing himself obliged to oppose his old
+friend, and yet it would seem, from the mode of attack, that passion
+and jealousy had some share in his determination.
+
+He gave the name of _Obelisks_ to his remarks on the theses of Luther.
+Wishing at first to save appearances, he did not publish his work, but
+contented himself with communicating it confidentially to his
+ordinary, the Bishop of Eichstädt. Soon, however, whether through the
+indiscretion of the bishop, or of Eck himself, the _Obelisks_ were
+circulated in all quarters. A copy having fallen into the hands of a
+friend of Luther, Link, preacher at Nuremberg, he lost no time in
+sending it to the Reformer. Eck was a much more formidable opponent
+than Tezel, Prierio, and Hochstraten; his work was the more dangerous
+the more it surpassed theirs in knowledge and subtlety. He affected
+pity for his "feeble opponent," (knowing well that pity injures more
+effectually than anger,) and insinuated that the propositions of
+Luther contained Bohemian poison, and savoured of Bohemia. By these
+malicious insinuations he threw upon Luther the obloquy and hatred
+which in Germany attached to the name of Huss and the schismatics of
+his country.
+
+The malice which shone through this treatise roused Luther's
+indignation, while the thought that the blow was given by an old
+friend, was still more distressing. However, he must sacrifice his
+affections in defending the truth. Luther unbosomed his heart and its
+sadness, in a letter to Egranus, pastor at Zwickau--"I am called in
+the _Obelisks_ a venomous man, a Bohemian, a heretic, seditious,
+insolent, and presumptuous.... I say nothing of milder epithets, such
+as sleepy, imbecile, ignorant, contemner of the sovereign pontiff,
+etc. This book is full of the grossest insults, and yet the author is
+a distinguished man, alike remarkable for learning and talent; and (it
+is this that grieves me most) a man with whom I had recently
+contracted a close friendship,[436] viz., John Eck, doctor in
+theology, and chancellor of Ingolstadt, a celebrated and illustrious
+author. Did I not know the thoughts of Satan, I would be astonished at
+the furious manner in which this man has broken off a friendship at
+once so pleasant and so recent;[437] and this without giving me any
+warning--without writing or saying a single word."
+
+  [436] "Et quod magis urit, antea mihi magna recenterque contracta
+  amicitia conjunctus." (Luth., Ep. i, p. 100.)
+
+  [437] "Quo furore ille amicitias recentissimas et jucundissimas
+  solveret." (Ibid.)
+
+But if Luther's heart be wounded, his courage is not destroyed. On the
+contrary, he girds himself for the combat. "Rejoice, my brother," says
+he to Egranus, whom a violent enemy had also attacked; "rejoice, and
+be not alarmed at all these flying leaves. The more furious my
+adversaries become, the more I advance. I leave the things which are
+behind, that they may bark after them, and follow those which are
+before, that they may in like manner bark after them in their turn."
+
+Eck felt how shameful his conduct had been, and endeavoured to justify
+it in a letter to Carlstadt, in which he calls Luther "their common
+friend;" and throws all the blame on the Bishop of Eichstadt, at whose
+instigation he pretended that he had written the work. His intention,
+he said, was not to publish the _Obelisks_; but for this he would have
+had more regard for the friendship subsisting between him and Luther;
+and he requested that Luther, instead of coming to open rupture with
+him, would turn his arms against the theologians of Frankfort. The
+professor of Ingolstadt, who had not feared to strike the first blow,
+began to be alarmed at the power of the opponent whom he had
+imprudently attacked, and would willingly have evaded the contest. It
+was too late.
+
+All these fine words did not persuade Luther, who was, however,
+disposed to be silent, and said, "I will patiently swallow this
+morsel, though fit for Cerberus."[438] But his friends were of a
+different opinion, and urged, or rather constrained him to answer. He,
+accordingly, replied to the _Obelisks_ by his _Asterisks_, opposing
+(as he says, playing upon the word) to the rust and lividity of
+Obelisks the light and dazzling brightness of the stars of heaven. In
+this work he treats his new opponent less harshly than those whom he
+had previously combated; but his indignation is seen peeping through
+his words.
+
+  [438] "Volui tamen hanc offam Cerbero dignam absorbere patientia."
+  (Ibid.)
+
+He showed that in the chaos of the _Obelisks_ there was nothing from
+the holy Scriptures, nothing from the Fathers of the Church, and
+nothing from the ecclesiastical canons; that they contained only
+scholastic glosses, and opinion after opinion, many of them mere
+dreams;[439] in a word, contained the very things which Luther had
+attacked. The Asterisks are full of spirit and life. The author's
+indignation rises at the errors of his friend's book, but he shows
+pity to the man.[440] He reiterates the fundamental principle which he
+had laid down in his reply to Prierio:--"The sovereign pontiff is a
+man, and may be led into error; but God is truth, and cannot be
+deceived."[441] Then employing the _argumentum ad hominem_ against the
+scholastic doctor, he says to him, "It is certainly impudent in any
+one to teach, as the philosophy of Aristotle, any dogma which cannot
+be proved by his authority. You grant this. Well, then, it is _a
+fortiori_, the most impudent of all things to affirm in the Church and
+among Christians anything that Jesus Christ himself has not
+taught.[442] Now in what part of the Bible is it said that the
+treasure of Christ's merits is in the hands of the pope?"
+
+  [439] "Omnia scholastissima, opiniosissima, meraque somnia."
+  (Asterisci, Op. (L.) Lat. i, p. 145.) The whole most scholastic, most
+  opinionative, mere dreams.
+
+  [440] "Indignor rei et misereor hominis." (Ibid., p. 150.) I am
+  indignant at the thing, and I pity the man.
+
+  [441] "Homo est summus pontifex, falli potest, sed veritas est Deus,
+  qui falli non potest. (Ibid., p. 155.)
+
+  [442] "Longe ergo impudentissima omnium temeritas est, aliquid in
+  ecclesia asserere, et inter Christianos, quod non docuit Christus."
+  (Ibid., p. 156.)
+
+He adds, "As to the malicious charge of Bohemian heresy, I patiently
+bear the reproach for the love of Jesus Christ. I live in a celebrated
+university, a distinguished town, an important bishopric, and a
+powerful duchy, where all are orthodox, and where, doubtless, no
+toleration would be given to so wicked a heretic."
+
+Luther did not publish _The Asterisks_; he only communicated them to
+his friends. It was not till a later period that they were given to
+the public.[443]
+
+  [443] "Cum privatim dederim Asteriscos meos non fit ei respondendi
+  necessitas." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 126.) Since I have circulated my
+  Asterisks privately, he is under no necessity of replying.
+
+This rupture between the doctor of Ingolstadt and the doctor of
+Wittemberg made a sensation in Germany. They had common friends.
+Scheurl, in particular, by whose instrumentality their friendship
+appears to have been originally formed, was exceedingly annoyed. He
+was one of those who longed to see a reform throughout the whole
+Germanic church, produced through the medium of its most distinguished
+organs. But if in matters of principle the most eminent theologians of
+the period came to open rupture, and while Luther advanced in a new
+path, Eck put himself at the head of those who kept to the old path,
+what disruption must inevitably ensue? Would not numerous adherents
+gather around each of the two chiefs, and form two hostile camps in
+the heart of the empire?
+
+Scheurl exerted himself to reconcile Eck and Luther. The latter
+declared that he was willing to forget every thing; that he loved the
+genius, and admired the erudition of Dr. Eck,[444] and that the
+proceedings of his old friend had caused him more grief than anger. "I
+am ready," says he, "either for peace or war; but I prefer peace. Do
+you then set about it. Grieve with us, that the devil has thrown among
+us this beginning of strife, and then rejoice that Christ in his mercy
+hath removed it."[445] About the same time, he addressed a most
+friendly letter to Eck, who, however, not only did not answer it, but
+did not even send him a verbal message."[446] It was too late for
+reconciliation; and the breach became wider and wider. The pride of
+Eck, and his unforgiving temper, soon completely broke any remaining
+ties of friendship.
+
+  [444] "Diligimus hominis igenium et admiramur eruditionem." (Luth. Ep.
+  ad Scheurlum, 15th June, 1518, i, p. 125.)
+
+  [445] "Quod ad me attinet, scripsi ad eum has, ut vides, amicissimas
+  et plenas literas humanitate, erga eum." (Ibid.) As far as regards
+  myself, I have, as you see, written him in the most kindly and
+  friendly terms.
+
+  [446] "Nihil neque literarum, neque verborum ne participem fecit."
+  (Ibid.) I have had no communication from him, either by word or
+  writing.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. X.
+
+     Popular Writings--Our Father--Thy Kingdom Come--Thy Will be
+     Done--Our Daily Bread--Sermon on Repentance--Forgiveness
+     through Christ.
+
+
+Such were the struggles which the champion of the word of God had to
+maintain at the outset of his career. But these combats with the
+leaders of society, these academical disputes, are of small account
+with the Christian. Human doctors imagine they have gained the noblest
+of triumphs if they succeed in filling some newspapers and some
+saloons with the noise of their systems. As it is with them more an
+affair of self-love, or party spirit, than of good to humanity, this
+worldly success satisfies them. Accordingly, their labours are only a
+smoke, which, after blinding us, passes off and leaves no trace
+behind. Neglecting to introduce their fire among the masses of the
+population, they do nothing more than make it skim along the surface
+of society.
+
+It is not so with the Christian. His object is not success in a
+coterie, or an academy, but the salvation of souls. He therefore
+willingly avoids the brilliant skirmishing, which he might carry on at
+his ease with the champions of the world, and prefers the obscure
+labours which carry life and light into rural cottages, and the lanes
+of cities. Thus did Luther, or rather according to the precept of his
+Master, _he did the one, without leaving the other undone_. While
+combating inquisitors, university chancellors, and masters of the
+sacred palace, he strove to diffuse sound religious knowledge among
+the multitude. With that view, he at this time published different
+popular writings, such as his _Discourses on the Ten Commandments_,
+delivered two years before in the church of Wittemberg, and which we
+have already noticed; and his _Exposition of the Lord's Prayer, for
+simple and ignorant laymen_.[447] Who would not like to know how the
+Reformer then addressed the people?
+
+  [447] Luth. Op. Leips. vii, p. 1086.
+
+We will quote some of the words which he sent, as he says, in the
+preface to the second of these works, "to course the country."
+
+Prayer, that inward act of the heart, will doubtless ever be one of
+the points with which a reformation in heart and life must commence,
+and, accordingly, it early engaged the attention of Luther. It is
+impossible, in a translation, to keep up his energetic style, and the
+vigour of a language which was formed so to speak, as it fell from his
+pen; however, we will try.
+
+"When you pray," says he, "have few words, but many thoughts and
+affections, and, above all, let these be profound. The less you speak,
+the better you pray. Few words and many thoughts make the Christian,
+many words and few thoughts, the pagan.
+
+"Seeming and bodily prayer is that muttering of the lips, that
+external babble, which comes forth without attention, striking the
+eyes and ears of men; but prayer in spirit and in truth is the inward
+desire, the emotions, and sighs which proceed from the depths of the
+heart. The former is the prayer of hypocrites, and of all who trust in
+themselves. The latter is the prayer of the children of God, who walk
+in his fear."
+
+Then coming to the first words of our Lord's Prayer, "Our Father," he
+thus expresses himself:--"Among all the names of God, there is none
+which inclines more toward him than the name of Father. We should not
+have so much happiness and consolation in calling him Lord, or God, or
+Judge.... By this name of father his bowels of compassion are moved;
+for there is no voice more lovely or touching than that of a child to
+its father.
+
+"_Who art in heaven._ He who confesses that he has a Father in heaven
+owns himself to be, as it were, an orphan on the earth. Hence his
+heart feels an ardent desire like that of a child living out of its
+father's country, among strangers, in wretchedness and sorrow. It is
+as if he said, 'Alas! my father! thou art in heaven, and I, thy
+miserable child, am on the earth, far from thee, in all sorts of
+dangers, necessities, and sorrows.'
+
+"_Hallowed be thy name!_ He who is passionate and envious, who curses
+or slanders, dishonours God, in whose name he was baptized. Applying
+the vessel which God has consecrated to profane uses, he resembles a
+priest who should use the holy cup to give drink to a sow, or to
+gather manure.
+
+"_Thy kingdom come._ Those who amass wealth, who erect magnificent
+buildings, who seek after all that the world can give, and with the
+lips repeat this prayer, are like the large pipes of a church organ,
+which sounds and cries at full pitch, and without ceasing, but has
+neither words, nor sense, nor reason."...
+
+Farther on, Luther attacks the error of pilgrimages, which was then so
+general. "One goes to Rome, another to St. James; one builds a chapel,
+another founds an endowment, in order to reach the kingdom of God; but
+all neglect the essential point, which is to become themselves his
+kingdom. Why do you go beyond seas in quest of the kingdom of God?...
+Your heart is the place in which it ought to rise.
+
+"It is a dreadful thing," continues he, "to hear us utter this prayer,
+'_Thy will be done_.' Where in the Church do we see this will done?...
+Bishop rises against bishop, and church against church. Priests,
+monks, and nuns, quarrel and fight; throughout there is nothing but
+discord. And yet all parties exclaim that they have a good will and an
+upright intention; and so to the honour and glory of God they
+altogether do the work of the devil....
+
+"Why do we say _our bread_?" continues he, "explaining these words,
+"_Give us this day our daily bread_." "Because we pray, not for the
+ordinary bread which pagans eat, and which God gives to all men, but
+for _our_ bread--bread to us, children of the heavenly Father.
+
+"And what, then, is this bread of God? It is Jesus Christ our Lord;
+'_I am the living bread which came down from heaven, and give life to
+the world_.' Wherefore let us not deceive ourselves. Sermons and
+instructions which do not represent to us, or give us the knowledge
+of Jesus Christ, cannot be the daily bread and food of our souls....
+
+"What avails it that such a bread is prepared for us, if it is not
+served out to us, and we cannot taste it?... It is as if a magnificent
+feast were prepared, and there were nobody to hand the bread, bring
+the dishes, and pour out the liquor; so that the guests would be left
+to feed by the eye and the smell.... This is the reason why it is
+necessary to preach Christ, and Christ alone.
+
+"But what, then, you ask, is it to know Jesus Christ, and what profit
+is gained by it? Answer:--To learn to know Jesus Christ is to
+comprehend what the Apostle says--_Christ has of God been made unto us
+wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption_. Now,
+you comprehend this when you perceive that your wisdom is culpable
+folly, your righteousness damnable iniquity, your holiness damnable
+pollution, your redemption miserable condemnation--when you feel that,
+before God and all the creatures, you are truly a fool, a sinner, an
+impure and condemned man--and when you show, not only by your words,
+but from the bottom of your heart, and by your works, that there
+remains to you no comfort and no salvation, save Jesus Christ. To
+believe is nothing else than to eat this bread of heaven."
+
+Thus Luther faithfully fulfilled his resolution to open the eyes of a
+people whom priests had blindfolded, and were leading at their
+pleasure. His writings, which in a short time spread over all Germany,
+caused new light to arise, and shed the seeds of truth in abundance on
+a soil well prepared to receive it. But while thinking of those at a
+distance, he did not forget those who were near.
+
+The dominicans from their pulpits denounced him as an infamous
+heretic. Luther, the man of the people, and who, had he been so
+disposed, could with a few sentences have set them in commotion,
+always disdained such triumphs, and made it his sole aim to instruct
+his hearers.
+
+His reputation, which was continually extending, and the courage with
+which he raised the banner of Christ in the midst of an enslaved
+Church, made his sermons be followed with increasing interest. Never
+had the confluence been so great. Luther went straight to the point.
+One day, having mounted the pulpit of Wittemberg, he undertook to
+establish the doctrine of repentance. The discourse pronounced on this
+occasion afterwards became very celebrated, and contains several of
+the fundamental principles of evangelical doctrine.
+
+At first he contrasts the pardon of men with the pardon of heaven.
+"There are," says he, "two remissions--the remission of the penalty,
+and the remission of the fault. The former reconciles man externally
+with the Church; the latter, which is the heavenly indulgence,
+reconciles man with God. If a man has not within himself that tranquil
+conscience, that cheerful heart which God's remission gives, no
+indulgence can aid him were he to buy all that ever have been on the
+earth."
+
+He afterwards continues thus: "They wish to do good works before their
+sins are pardoned, whereas sins must be pardoned before good works can
+be done. Works do not banish sin; but banish sin, and you will have
+works.[448] Good works should be done with a cheerful heart and a good
+conscience toward God; in other words, with the forgiveness of sins."
+
+  [448] "Nicht die Werke treiben die Sünde aus; sondern die Anstreibung
+  der Sünde thut gute Werke," (Luth. Op. (Lat.) xvii, p. 162.)
+
+He then comes to the principal object of his sermon, an object which
+was identified with that of the whole Reformation. The Church had put
+herself in the place of God and his word; he objects to this, and
+makes every thing depend on faith in the word.
+
+"The remission of the fault," says he, "is not in the power of the
+pope, or the bishop, or the priest, or any man whatever, but rests
+solely on the word of Christ, and your own faith. For Christ did not
+choose to build our comfort or our salvation on a word or work of man,
+but only on himself, on his own work and word. Your repentance and
+your works may deceive you, but Christ your God will never deceive,
+will never waver; and the devil cannot overthrow his words."[449]
+
+  [449] "Christus dein Gott wird dir nicht lugen: noch wanken." (Ibid.)
+
+"A pope or a bishop has no more power than the humblest priest where
+the remission of the fault is in question. And even where there is no
+priest, each Christian, were it a woman or a child,[450] can do the
+same thing. For if a simple Christian says to you, 'God pardons sin in
+the name of Jesus Christ,' and you receive the saying with firm faith,
+as if God himself had spoken, you are acquitted.
+
+  [450] "Ob es schon ein Weib oder ein kind ware." (Ibid.)
+
+"If you believe not that your sins are pardoned, you make your God a
+liar, and declare that you put greater confidence in your vain
+thoughts than in God and his word.
+
+"Under the Old Testament neither priest, nor king, nor prophet, had
+power to proclaim the forgiveness of sins; but under the New Testament
+every believer has this power. The Church is quite replete with the
+remission of sins.[451] If a pious Christian comforts your conscience
+by the word of the cross, be it man or woman, young or old, receive
+the comfort with a faith so firm, that you would sooner submit to many
+deaths than doubt that it is ratified in the presence of God....
+Repent, and do all the works that you can do; but let the faith which
+you have in the pardon of Jesus Christ stand in the front rank, and
+have sole command on the field of battle."[452]
+
+  [451] "Also siehst du dass die ganze Kirche voll von Vergebung der
+  Süden ist." (Ibid.)
+
+  [452] "Und Hauptmann im Felde bleibe." (Ibid.)
+
+Thus spoke Luther to his astonished and enraptured hearers. All the
+scaffoldings which impudent priests had, for their own profit, reared
+between God and the soul of man, were thrown down, and man brought
+face to face with his Maker. The word of pardon came down pure from on
+high, without passing through a thousand corrupting channels. It was
+no longer necessary that the testimony of God, in order to be
+available, should previously be stamped by men with their false seal.
+The monopoly of the sacerdotal caste was abolished, and the Church
+emancipated.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XI.
+
+     Apprehensions of Luther's friends--Journey to
+     Heidelberg--Bibra--The Palatine Castle--Rupture--The
+     Paradoxes--Dispute--The
+     Hearers--Bucer--Brentz--Snepf--Conversations with
+     Luther--Labours of the Young Doctors--Effects on Luther--The
+     Old Professor--The True Light--Arrival.
+
+
+Meanwhile, the fire which had been kindled at Wittemberg behoved to be
+kindled elsewhere. Luther, not contented with announcing the truth in
+the place of his residence, whether to the academic youth or to the
+people, was desirous to shed the seeds of sound doctrine in other
+places. The Augustin order were to hold their general chapter at
+Heidelberg, in the spring of 1518. Luther, as one of the most
+distinguished men of the order, was invited to attend; but his friends
+did all they could to dissuade him from undertaking the journey. In
+fact, the monks had laboured to render the name of Luther odious in
+all the places through which he had to pass. To insult they had added
+threatening; and a small matter might have sufficed to excite a
+popular tumult of which he might have been made the victim. "Or even,"
+said his friends, "what they may not dare to do by violence, they will
+accomplish by fraud and stratagem."[453] But in the discharge of a
+duty, Luther did not allow himself to be arrested by the fear of any
+danger, however imminent. He therefore turned a deaf ear to the timid
+suggestions of his friends, and directed them to Him in whom his
+confidence was placed, and under whose protection he desired to
+undertake the perilous journey. After the feast of Easter he quietly
+set out on foot,[454] on the 13th April 1518.
+
+  [453] Ibid., Ep. i, p. 98.
+
+  [454] "Pedester veniam." I will come on foot. (Luth., Ep. i, p. 98.)
+
+He had with him a guide named Urban, who carried his small bundle, and
+was to accompany him as far as Wurzburg. How many thoughts must have
+occupied the heart of the servant of the Lord during this journey! At
+Weissenfels, the pastor, though not of his acquaintance, instantly
+recognised him as the doctor of Wittemberg, and gave him a hearty
+reception.[455] At Erfurt, he was joined by two other Augustin friars.
+At Judenbach, the three fell in with Degenard Pfeffinger, the
+Elector's confidential councillor, who entertained them at the inn. "I
+have had the pleasure," wrote Luther to Spalatin, "of making this rich
+lord some shillings poorer. You know how I like to take every occasion
+of making a hole in the purses of the rich for the benefit of the
+poor, especially if the rich are my friends."[456] He arrived at
+Coburg, worn out with fatigue. "All goes well by the grace of God,"
+wrote he; "only, I confess I have sinned in undertaking the journey on
+foot. But for this sin I presume I will have no need of the remission
+of indulgences, for my contrition is perfect, and my satisfaction
+complete. I am knocked up with fatigue, and all the conveyances are
+full. Is not this enough, or rather more than enough of penitence,
+contrition, and satisfaction?"[457]
+
+  [455] Ibid., p. 105.
+
+  [456] Ibid., p. 104.
+
+  [457] Ibid., p. 106.
+
+The Reformer of Germany, not finding a place in the public
+conveyances, nor any one who was willing to yield him his place, was
+obliged next morning, notwithstanding of his fatigue, humbly to resume
+his journey on foot. He arrived at Wurzburg on the evening of the
+second Sabbath after Easter, and sent back his guide.
+
+Bishop Bibra, who had received the theses with so much delight, lived
+in this town, and Luther had a letter for him from the Elector of
+Saxony. The bishop, overjoyed at the opportunity of becoming
+personally acquainted with this bold champion of the truth, hastened
+to invite him to the episcopal palace. He went out to receive him,
+spoke to him in the kindest terms, and offered to furnish him with a
+guide as far as Heidleberg. But at Wurzburg, Luther had fallen in with
+his two friends, the vicar-general Staupitz, and Lange, the prior of
+Erfurt, who offered him a place in their carriage. He therefore
+thanked Bibra for his offer, and next day the three friends set out
+from Wurzburg. They travelled thus for three days, conversing
+together, and on the 21st April arrived at Heidelberg. Luther went to
+lodge at the Augustin convent.
+
+The Elector of Saxony had given him a letter to Count Palatine
+Wolfgang, Duke of Bavaria. Luther repaired to his magnificent castle,
+the site of which is still the admiration of strangers. The monk of
+the plains of Saxony had a heart to admire the position of Heidelberg,
+where the two lovely valleys of the Rhine and the Necker unite. He
+delivered his letter to James Simler, steward of the court. Simler
+having read it, said, "Truly you have here a valuable letter of
+credit." The Count Palatine received him with much kindness, and often
+invited him, as well as Lange and Staupitz, to his table. This
+friendly reception added greatly to Luther's comfort. "We relax and
+amuse ourselves with an agreeable and pleasant chit-chat," says he,
+"eating and drinking, and surveying all the magnificence of the
+Palatine palace, admiring its ornaments, its armoury, and cuirasses;
+in short, every thing remarkable in this distinguished and truly royal
+castle."[458]
+
+  [458] "Ihr habt bei Gott einen köstlichen Credenz." (Luth. Ep. i, p.
+  111.)
+
+However, Luther had other work to do. He behoved to work while it was
+day. Transported to an university which exercised great influence on
+the west and south of Germany, he was there to strike a blow which
+should shake the churches of those countries. He, accordingly, began
+to write theses which he proposed to maintain in a public discussion.
+Such discussions were of ordinary occurrence; but Luther felt, that in
+order to make his useful, it was necessary to give it a peculiar
+interest. His disposition, moreover, inclined him to present the truth
+under a paradoxical form. The professors of the university would not
+allow the discussion to take place in their public hall, and it became
+necessary to hold it in a hall of the Augustin convent. The 26th of
+April was the day on which it was to take place.
+
+Heidelberg, at a later period, received the gospel, and even at this
+discussion in the convent, an observer might have augured that good
+would result from it.
+
+The reputation of Luther attracted a large concourse of hearers;
+professors, courtiers, citizens, and students, crowded to it. The
+doctor gave the name of Paradoxes to his theses, and it is, perhaps,
+the name which might still be applied to them in the present day. It
+would be easy, however, to translate them into evident propositions.
+The following are some of the Paradoxes:--
+
+1. "The law of God is a salutary rule of life. Nevertheless, it cannot
+aid man in his search after righteousness; on the contrary, it impedes
+him.
+
+3. "Works of man, how fair and good soever they may be, are, to all
+appearance, only mortal sins.
+
+4. "Works of God, how deformed and bad soever they may appear, have
+always an immortal merit.
+
+7. "The works of the just themselves would be mortal sins, did they
+not, through holy reverence for the Lord, fear that their works would
+in fact be mortal sins.[459]
+
+  [459] "Justorum opera essent mortalia nisi pio Dei timore, ab ipsismet
+  justis, ut mortalia timerentur." (Luth. Op. Lat. i, 55.)
+
+9. "To maintain that works done without Christ are dead, but not
+mortal, is dangerous forgetfulness of the fear of God.
+
+13. "Since the fall of man, free will exists only in name, and when
+man does all that is possible for him to do, he sins mortally.
+
+16. "A man who expects to attain to grace by doing all that it is
+possible for him to do, adds sin to sin, and doubles his guilt.
+
+18. "It is certain that man, to become capable of receiving the grace
+of Christ, must entirely despair of himself.
+
+21. "An honorary theologian calls evil good, and good evil; but a
+theologian of the cross speaks according to truth.
+
+22. "The wisdom which teaches man to know the invisible perfections of
+God in his works, inflates, blinds, and hardens him.
+
+23. "The law excites the wrath of God, kills, curses, accuses, judges,
+and condemns, whatever is not in Christ.[460]
+
+  [460] "Lex iram Dei operatur, occidit, maledicit reum facit, judicat,
+  damnat, quicquid non est in Christo." (Ibid.)
+
+24. "Still this wisdom (§ 22) is not bad; and the law (§ 23) is not to
+be rejected; but the man who does not study the knowledge of God under
+the cross, changes its good into evil.
+
+25. "He is not justified who does many works; but he who, without
+works, believes much in Jesus Christ.
+
+26. "The law says, Do this! And what it commands is never done. Grace
+says, Believe in him! And, lo! all things are accomplished.[461]
+
+  [461] "Lex dicit: Fac hoc! et nunquam fit. Gratia dicit: Crede in
+  hunc! et jam facta sunt omnia." (Ibid.)
+
+28. "The love of God finds nothing in man, but creates in him what it
+loves. The love of man proceeds from self-love."[462]
+
+  [462] "Amor Dei non inventit sed creat suum diligibile; amor hominis
+fit a suo diligibili." (Ibid.)
+
+Five doctors of theology attacked these theses. They had read them
+with the astonishment which novelty excites. The theology seemed to
+them very strange. Yet according to Luther's own testimony, they
+discussed them with a courtesy which he could not but esteem; and, at
+the same time, with force and discernment.
+
+Luther, on his part, displayed an admirable mildness in his replies,
+incomparable patience in listening to the objections of his opponents,
+and all the liveliness of St. Paul in solving the difficulties which
+were started. His answers, which were short, but replete with the word
+of God, filled all the hearers with admiration. "He very much
+resembles Erasmus," said several; "but in one thing he surpasses
+him,--he professes openly what Erasmus is contented only to
+insinuate."[463]
+
+  [463] Bucer, in Seultetet, Annal. Evangel. Renovat." p. 22.
+
+The discussion was drawing to a close. Luther's opponents had retired
+with honour from the field of battle, the youngest of them, Doctor
+George Niger, alone continuing the struggle with the mighty combatant.
+Amazed at the bold propositions of the Augustin monk, and feeling
+utterly at a loss for arguments to refute them, he exclaimed, in an
+agitated tone,--"Were our peasants to hear such things, they would
+stone you to death."[464] At these words there was a general laugh
+throughout the audience.
+
+  [464] "Si rustici hæc audirent, certe lapidibus vos obruerent et
+interficerent." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 111.)
+
+Never had hearers listened more attentively to a theological
+disputation. The first words of the Reformer had awakened men's minds,
+and questions which shortly before had met with indifference, were now
+full of interest. Several countenances gave visible expression to the
+new ideas which the bold assertions of the Saxon doctor had suggested
+to their minds.
+
+Three youths in particular were strongly moved. One of them, named
+Martin Bucer, was a Dominican, of about twenty-seven years of age,
+who, notwithstanding of the prejudices of his order, seemed unwilling
+to lose a single word which fell from the doctor. Born in a little
+town of Alsace, he had entered a convent at sixteen, and soon
+displayed such talents that the monks entertained the highest hopes of
+him.[465] "He will one day be an ornament to our order," said they.
+His superiors had sent him to Heidelberg that he might devote himself
+to the study of philosophy, theology, Greek, and Hebrew. At this
+period Erasmus having published several of his works, Bucer read them
+with avidity.
+
+  [465] "Prudentioribus monachis spem de se præclaram excitavit;"
+  (Melch. Adam. Vita Buceri, p. 211.)
+
+Shortly after, the first works of Luther appeared, and the Alsatian
+student hastened to compare the Reformer's doctrine with the holy
+Scriptures. Some doubt as to the truth of the popish religion arose in
+his mind.[466] This was the way in which light was diffused in those
+days. The Elector Palatine took notice of the young man. His strong
+and sonorous voice, his pleasing address, his eloquence, and the
+freedom with which he attacked prevailing vices, made him a
+distinguished preacher. He was appointed chaplain to the court, and
+was acting in this capacity when Luther's journey to Heidelberg was
+announced. Bucer was greatly delighted; nobody repaired with greater
+eagerness to the hall of the Augustin convent. He had provided himself
+with paper, pens, and ink, wishing to write down whatever the doctor
+should say. But while his hand was rapidly tracing the words of
+Luther, the hand of God was writing the great truths which he heard in
+more ineffaceable characters on his heart. The rays of the doctrine of
+grace beamed upon his soul on this memorable occasion.[467] The
+Dominican was gained over to Christ.
+
+  [466] "Cum doctrinam in eis traditam cum sacris litteris contullisset
+  quædam in pontificia religione suspecta habere cœpit." (Ibid.) When he
+  had compared the doctrine delivered in them with the Sacred
+  Scriptures, he began to have some suspicions of the pope's religion.
+
+  [467] "Primam lucem purioris sententiæ de justificatione in suo
+  pectore sensit." (Melch. Adam. Vita Buceri, p. 211.) He felt the first
+  dawn of a purer opinion on justification rising in his breast.
+
+Not far from Bucer sat John Brentz or Brentius, then about nineteen
+years of age. Brentz, who was the son of a magistrate of a town in
+Swabia, had, at thirteen, been enrolled among the students of
+Heidelberg. None of them showed such application. As soon as the hour
+of midnight struck, Brentz rose and commenced his labours. This
+practice became so habitual to him, that, during the rest of his life,
+he could never sleep beyond that hour. At a later period he devoted
+these still moments to meditation on the Scriptures. Brentz was one of
+the first to perceive the new light which then rose on Germany, and he
+received it into his soul in the full love of it.[468] He read the
+writings of Luther with avidity, and must have been overjoyed at the
+prospect of hearing him personally at Heidelberg. Young Brentz was
+particularly struck with one of the doctor's propositions, viz., "Not
+he who does many works is justified before God, but he who, without
+works, believes much in Jesus Christ."
+
+  [468] "Ingens Dei beneficium lætus Brentius agnovit, et grata mente
+  amplexus est." (Ibid.) Brentius joyfully recognised the inestimable
+  gift of God, and with grateful mind embraced it.
+
+A pious woman of Heilbronn, on the Necker, wife of a councillor of
+that town, named Snepf, had, after the example of Hannah, dedicated
+her first born to the Lord, earnestly desiring to see him devote
+himself to theology. The young man, who was born in 1495, made rapid
+progress in literature, but whether from taste or ambition, or
+compliance with his father's wishes, he devoted himself to the study
+of law. The pious mother was grieved when she saw her son Ehrhard
+following another course than that to which she had dedicated him;
+she warned and urged him, and always concluded by reminding him of the
+vow which she had made at his birth.[469] At length, overcome by his
+mother's perseverance, Ehrhard Snepf yielded, and soon felt such
+delight in his new studies, that nothing in the world could have
+diverted him from them.
+
+  [469] "Crebris interpellationibus eum voti quod de nato ipso fecerat,
+  admoneret; et a studio juris ad theologiam quasi conviciis avocaret."
+  (Melch. Adami, Snepfii Vita.) She frequently interposed to remind him
+  of the vow which she had made at his birth, and, as it were, by her
+  reproaches drew him off from the study of law to theology.
+
+He was in terms of intimacy with Bucer and Brentz, and they remained
+friends all their lives; "for," says one of their biographers,
+"friendships founded on the love of literature and virtue are never
+extinguished." He was present with his two friends at the Heidelberg
+discussion. The Paradoxes and the bold struggle of the Wittemberg
+doctor gave Snepf a new impulse. Rejecting the vain dogma of human
+merit, he embraced the doctrine of free justification.
+
+The next day Bucer paid a visit to Luther. "I conversed with him,"
+says he, "and without witnesses; and had a most exquisite repast, not
+from the viands, but from the truths which were set before me.
+Whatever objections I stated, were readily answered by the doctor, who
+explained every thing with the utmost clearness. O! that I had time to
+write you more about it."[470] Luther himself was touched with the
+sentiments of Bucer. "He is the only friar of his order," wrote he to
+Spalatin, "who is in good faith. He is a young man of great promise;
+he received me with simplicity, and conversed with me with
+earnestness; he is deserving of our confidence and our love."[471]
+
+  [470] Gerdesius, Monument. Antiq., etc.
+
+  [471] Luth. Ep. i, p. 412.
+
+Brentz, Snepf, and others also, urged by the new truths which began to
+dawn upon their minds, in like manner visited Luther, speaking and
+conferring with him, and asking explanations of any thing which they
+might not have comprehended. The Reformer, in his answers, founded
+upon the Bible. At every word that fell from him fresh light arose,
+and his visitors saw a new world opening before them.
+
+After Luther's departure these noble-minded men began to teach at
+Heidelberg. It was necessary to follow out what the man of God had
+begun, and not allow the torch which he had kindled to be
+extinguished. The scholars will speak should the masters be silent.
+Brentz, although he was still so youthful, explained St. Matthew, at
+first in his own room, and afterwards, when it could not contain his
+hearers, in the hall of philosophy. The theologians, filled with envy
+at seeing the great concourse which he drew together, were much
+offended.
+
+Brentz next took orders, and transferred his lectures to the college
+of the Canons of the Holy Spirit. In this way the fire which had
+already been kindled in Saxony was kindled also in Heidelberg. The
+light radiated from numerous _foci_. This period has been designated
+the seed-time of the Palatinate.
+
+But the fruits of the Heidelberg discussion were not confined to the
+Palatinate. These bold friends of the truth soon became luminaries in
+the Church. They all occupied eminent stations, and took part in the
+numerous discussions, to which the Reformation gave rise. Strasburg,
+and at a later period England, were indebted to the labours of Bucer,
+for a purer knowledge of the truth. Snepf taught first at Marburg,
+then at Stutgard, Tubingen, and Jena. Brentz, after teaching at
+Heidelberg, long continued to labour at Halle, in Swabia, and at
+Tubingen. These three individuals will again come before us.
+
+This discussion caused Luther himself to advance. He grew daily in the
+knowledge of the truth. "I am one of those," said he, "who have made
+progress by writing and by instructing others; and not one of those,
+who, from nothing, become all at once great and learned doctors."
+
+He was delighted at seeing the avidity with which youth in schools
+received the growing truth; and this consoled him when he saw how
+deeply the old doctors were rooted in their opinions. "I have the
+glorious hope," said he, "that, in like manner as Christ, when
+rejected by the Jews, went to the Gentiles, we will now see true
+theology, though rejected by these old men of vain and fantastical
+opinions, welcomed by the rising generation."[472]
+
+  [472] Luth. Ep. i, p. 112.
+
+The Chapter being closed, Luther thought of returning to Wittemberg.
+The Count Palatine gave him a letter to the Elector, in which he said
+that "Luther had displayed so much ability in the discussion as to
+reflect great glory on the university of Wittemberg." He was not
+permitted to return on foot.[473] The Augustins of Nuremberg conducted
+him as far as Wurzburg, and from thence he proceeded to Erfurt with
+the friars belonging to it. As soon as he arrived he called on his old
+master Jodocus. The venerable professor, who had been much concerned
+and shocked at the career which his pupil had followed, was accustomed
+to put a theta (θ) before all Luther's sentences,--that being the
+letter which the Greeks used to express condemnation.[474] He had
+written to the young doctor, censuring his conduct, and he was anxious
+to answer by word of mouth. Not having been received, he wrote
+Jodocus:--"The whole university, with the exception of a single
+licentiate, thinks as I do. Nay, more; the prince, the bishop, several
+other prelates, and all our enlightened citizens, declare, with one
+voice, that hitherto they have neither known nor understood Jesus
+Christ and his gospel. I am ready to receive your correction, and
+though it should be harsh I will think it pleasant. Unbosom your heart
+then without fear, disburden yourself of your anger. I have no wish, I
+am not able to be angry with you. God and my conscience bear
+witness."[475]
+
+  [473] "Veni autem curru qui ieram pedester." (Ibid., p. 110.) I went
+  on foot, but returned in a chariot.
+
+  [474] "Omnibus placitis meis nigrum theta præfigit." (Luth. Ep. i, p.
+  111.) He puts a black theta before all my opinions.
+
+  [475] Ibid.
+
+The aged doctor was touched by the sentiments of his old pupil, and
+wished to see if there was no means of removing the condemnatory
+theta. They had an explanation; but nothing resulted from it. "I have
+at least," said Luther, "made him understand, that all their sentences
+are like the beast which is said to eat itself. But it is vain to
+speak to the deaf. The doctors cling obstinately to their petty
+distinctions, although they confess that they have nothing to support
+them but what they term the light of natural reason--a dark chaos to
+us who proclaim no other light than Jesus Christ, the only true
+light."[476]
+
+  [476] "Nisi dictamine rationis naturalis, quod apud nos idem est, quod
+  chaos tenebratum, qui non prædicamus aliam lucem, quam Christum Jesum
+  lucem veram et solam." (Ibid.)
+
+Luther quitted Erfurt in the carriage of the convent. He was thus
+brought to Eisleben, and from thence the Augustins of the place, proud
+of a doctor who threw so much lustre on their order and on their town
+which had given him birth, caused him to be conveyed to Wittemberg
+with their own horses, and at their own expence. All were desirous to
+testify affection and esteem for the extraordinary man who was rising
+at every step.
+
+He arrived on Saturday after the Ascension. The journey had done him
+good. His friends found him stronger and healthier looking than before
+his departure,[477] and were delighted with all he told them. Luther
+reposed for some time from the fatigues of his campaign and the
+discussion at Heidelberg, but this repose was only a preparation for
+more severe exertions.
+
+  [477] "Ita ut nonnullis videar factus habitior et corpulentior!"
+  (Ibid.) So that some think me fuller in habit, and more corpulent.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK FOURTH.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+LUTHER BEFORE THE LEGATE.
+
+MAY-DECEMBER, 1518.
+
+     Repentance--The Pope--Leo X--Luther to his Bishop--Luther to
+     the Pope--Luther to the Vicar-General--Rovere to the
+     Elector--Discourse on Excommunication--Influence and Power
+     of Luther.
+
+
+Truth had at length raised her head in the bosom of Christendom.
+Victorious over the inferior organs of the papacy, she behoved to have
+a struggle with its chief. We are going to see Luther at close
+quarters with Rome.
+
+This step was taken on his return from Heidelberg. His first theses on
+indulgences had been misunderstood, and he determined to explain their
+meaning with greater clearness. The outcry raised by the blind hatred
+of his enemies had convinced him how important it was to gain the most
+enlightened part of the nation in favour of truth, and he resolved to
+appeal to its judgment by calling attention to the foundation on which
+his convictions rested. It was, indeed, necessary for once to appeal
+to the decision of Rome; and he hesitates not to send all his
+explanations. Presenting them with one hand to the enlightened and
+impartial among his countrymen, he with the other lays them before the
+throne of the sovereign pontiff.
+
+These explanations of his theses, which he denominated
+_Solutions_,[478] were written with great moderation. Luther tried to
+soften the passages which had caused most irritation, and gave proof
+of genuine modesty. At the same time, he showed that his convictions
+were immovable; and he courageously defended all the propositions
+which truth obliged him to maintain. He again repeated, that every
+Christian who truly repents possesses the remission of sins without
+indulgence; that the pope, like the humblest of priests, can only
+declare simply what God has already pardoned; that the treasure of the
+merits of the saints administered by the pope was a chimera, and that
+Holy Scripture was the only rule of faith. Let us hear himself on some
+of these points.
+
+  [478] Luth. Op., (Leips.) xvii, pp. 29-113.
+
+He begins with establishing the nature of true penitence, and
+contrasts the divine act, which renews man, with the mummery of the
+Romish Church. "The Greek word μετανοειτε," says he, "signifies--
+be clothed with a new spirit and new feelings; have a new nature; so
+that, ceasing to be earthly, you may become heavenly.... Christ is a
+teacher of the spirit and not of the letter, and his words are spirit
+and life."[479] He, therefore, inculcates, not those external penances
+which the proudest sinners can perform without being humbled, but a
+repentance according to spirit and truth--a repentance which may be
+fulfilled in all the situations of life, under the purple of kings,
+the cassock of priests, and the coronet of princes, amid the
+magnificence of Babylon, where a Daniel lived, as well as under a
+monk's frock and a beggar's tatters.
+
+  [479] On the First Thesis.
+
+Farther on we meet with these bold words, "I give myself no trouble as
+to what pleases or displeases the pope. He is a man like other men.
+There have been several popes who loved not only errors and vices, but
+even things still more extraordinary. I listen to the pope as pope,
+that is when he speaks in the canons, according to the canons, or when
+he decides some article with a council, but not when he speaks out of
+his own head. If I did otherwise, would I not be bound to say with
+those who know not Jesus Christ, that the horrible massacres of
+Christians of which Julius II was guilty, were the kind acts of an
+affectionate shepherd towards the Lord's sheep?"[480]
+
+  [480] Thesis 26.
+
+"I cannot but be astonished," continues he, "at the simplicity of
+those who have said that the two swords of the gospel represent, the
+one the spiritual power, and the other the temporal. Yes, the pope
+holds a sword of steel, and so exhibits himself to Christendom, not as
+a tender father, but as a formidable tyrant. Ah! God in his anger has
+given us the sword we wished, and withdrawn that which we despised. In
+no quarter of the world have there been more dreadful wars than among
+Christians.... Why did the ingenious intellect which discovered this
+fine commentary, not with equal subtlety interpret the history of the
+two keys committed to St. Peter, and in that way make it an
+established dogma of the Church, that the one serves to open the
+treasures of heaven, and the other the treasures of the world."[481]
+
+  [481] Ibid. 80.
+
+"It is impossible," he again says, "that a man can be a Christian
+without having Christ; and if he has Christ, he at the same time has
+all that belongs to Christ. The thing which gives peace to our
+conscience is, that by faith our sins are no longer ours, but
+Christ's, on whom God has laid them; and that, on the other hand, all
+the righteousness of Christ is ours, to whom God has given it. Christ
+puts his hand upon us, and we are cured. He throws his mantle over us
+and we are covered; for he is the glorious Saviour, blessed for ever
+and ever."[482]
+
+  [482] Thesis 37.
+
+With such views of the riches of salvation by Jesus Christ, there was
+no need of indulgences.
+
+Luther, while attacking the papacy, speaks honourably of Leo X. "The
+times in which we live are so bad," says he, "that even the greatest
+personages cannot come to the help of the Church. We have now a very
+good pope in Leo X. His sincerity and knowledge fill us with joy. But
+what can one man, though amiable and agreeable, do by himself alone?
+He certainly deserved to be pope in better times. We, in our day,
+deserve only such popes as Julius II, and Alexander VI."
+
+He afterwards comes to the crowning point. "I wish to say the thing in
+a few words and boldly. The Church stands in need of a reformation;
+and this cannot be the work either of a single man, like the pope, or
+of many men, like the cardinals, and fathers of councils; but it must
+be that of the whole world, or, rather, it is a work which belongs to
+God only. As to the time in which such a reformation ought to begin,
+He alone who created time can tell.... The embankment is broken down,
+and it is no longer in our power to arrest the torrents which are
+rushing impetuously along."
+
+Such are some of the thoughts and declarations which Luther addressed
+to the enlightened among his countrymen. The Feast of Pentecost was at
+hand; and, at this period, when the apostles rendered the first
+testimony of their faith to the risen Saviour, Luther, a new apostle,
+published this enlivening book in which he expressed his earnest
+longings for a resurrection of the Church. Saturday, 22nd May, 1518,
+being Pentecost eve, he sent his work to his ordinary, the Bishop of
+Brandenburg, with the following letter:--
+
+"MOST WORTHY FATHER IN GOD,--Some time ago, when a novel and
+unheard-of doctrine, touching the apostolic indulgences, began to make
+a noise in these countries, both learned and ignorant felt concerned;
+and many persons, some of them known to me, and others whom I did not
+even know by face, urged me to publish, by word of mouth, or by
+writing, what I thought of the novelty, I am unwilling to say, the
+impudence of this doctrine. At first I was silent, and kept back. But
+at length matters came to such a point, that the holiness of the pope
+was compromised.
+
+"What was I to do? I thought it best neither to approve nor to condemn
+these doctrines; but to establish a discussion on this important
+point, until the Holy Church should decide.
+
+"Nobody having come forward to this combat, to which I had invited all
+the world, and my theses having been considered not as materials for
+discussion, but positive assertions,[483] I feel myself obliged to
+publish an explanation of them. Deign, then, most gracious Bishop, to
+receive these trifles[484] at my hand. And that all the world may see
+I am not acting presumptuously, I supplicate your reverence to take
+pen and ink, and blot out, or even throw into the fire and burn,
+whatever in them displeases you. I know that Jesus Christ has no need
+of my labours and my services, and that he can very well, without me,
+publish good tidings to his Church. Not that the bulls and menaces of
+my enemies deter me; very much the contrary. If they were not so
+impudent and so shameless, nobody would hear a word from me; I would
+shut myself up in a corner, and there study by myself for myself. If
+this affair is not of God, it certainly cannot be my affair, nor that
+of any man, but a thing of nought. Let the glory and honour be
+ascribed to Him to whom alone they belong."
+
+  [483] "Non ut disputabilia sed asserta acciperentur." (Luth., Ep. i.
+  214.)
+
+  [484] Ineptias.
+
+Luther had still the greatest respect for the head of the Church. He
+supposed that there was justice in Leo X, and a sincere love of truth.
+He resolved, therefore, to apply to him also; and eight days after, on
+Trinity Sunday, 30th May, 1518, addressed him in a letter, of which we
+give the following extracts:--
+
+    "To the Most Blessed Father, LEO X, Sovereign Bishop,
+      "Friar Martin Luther, Augustin, wishes eternal salvation!
+
+"I learn, most Holy Father, that evil reports are current with regard
+to me, and that my name is brought into bad odour with your Holiness.
+I am called heretic, apostate, traitor, and a thousand other
+opprobrious epithets; what I see astonishes, what I hear amazes me.
+But the only foundation of my tranquillity remains, and that is a pure
+and peaceful conscience. Be pleased to listen to me, most Holy Father,
+to me, who am only an ignorant child."
+
+Luther relates the origin of the whole affair, and continues thus:--
+
+"In all taverns, nothing was heard but complaints of the avarice of
+priests, and attacks on the power of the keys and the sovereign
+pontiff. This all Germany can testify. On hearing these things, my
+zeal for the glory of Christ was moved, (so I thought,) or if they
+will explain it otherwise, my young and boiling blood was inflamed.
+
+"I warned several of the princes of the Church, but some mocked me,
+and others turned a deaf ear. All seemed paralysed by the terror of
+your name. Then I published the discussion,
+
+"And this, most Holy Father! this is the fire which is said to have
+set the whole world in flames!
+
+"Now, what must I do? I cannot retract, and I see that this
+publication is subjecting me to inconceivable hatred in all quarters.
+I love not to stand forth in the midst of the world; for I am without
+knowledge, without talent, and far too feeble for such great things,
+especially in this illustrious age, in which Cicero himself, were he
+alive, would be obliged to hide in some obscure corner.[485]
+
+  [485] He adds: "Sed cogit necessitas me anserem strepere inter
+  olores." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 121.) But necessity forces me, a goose, to
+  hiss among the swans.
+
+"But in order to appease my adversaries, and respond to numerous
+solicitations, I here publish my thoughts. I publish them, Holy
+Father, that I may place myself in safety under the shadow of your
+wings. All who are willing will thus be able to understand with what
+simplicity of heart I have asked the ecclesiastical authority to
+instruct me, and what respect I have shown for the power of the
+keys.[486] If I had not managed the affair in a becoming manner, it is
+impossible that the most serene lord Frederick, Duke and Elector of
+Saxony, who shines among the friends of apostolical and Christian
+truth, would ever have tolerated in his university of Wittemberg a man
+so dangerous as I am represented to be.
+
+  [486] "Quam pure simpliciterque ecclesiasticam potestatem et
+  reverentiam clavium quæsierim et coluerim." (Ibid.)
+
+"Wherefore, most Holy Father, I throw myself at the feet of your
+Holiness, and submit to you with all I have, and all I am. Destroy my
+cause, or embrace it; decide for me, or decide against me; take my
+life, or restore it to me, just as you please. I will recognise your
+voice as the voice of Jesus Christ, who presides and speaks by you. If
+I have deserved death I refuse not to die.[487] The earth belongs unto
+the Lord, and all that it contains. Let him be praised to all
+eternity. Amen. May he sustain you for ever and ever. Amen.
+
+"On the day of the Holy Trinity, in the year 1518.
+
+  "FRIAR MARTIN LUTHER, _Augustin_."
+
+  [487] "Quarè beatissime Pater, prostratum me pedibus tuæ Beatitudinis
+  offero, cum omnibus quæ sum et habeo; vivifica, occide voca, revoca,
+  approba, reproba, ut placuerit. Vocem tuam, vocem Christi in te
+  præsidentis et loquentis agnoscam; si mortem merui, mori non
+  recusabo." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 121.)
+
+What humility and truth in this fear, or rather in this confession of
+Luther, that his young and boiling blood had perhaps been too quickly
+inflamed! We here recognise the man of sincerity, who, not presuming
+on himself, fears the influence of passion even in those of his
+actions which are most conformable to the word of God. There is a wide
+difference between this language and that of a proud fanatic. We see
+in Luther an earnest desire to gain over Leo to the cause of truth, to
+prevent all disruption, and make this reformation, the necessity of
+which he proclaims, come from the very pinnacle of the Church.
+Assuredly, he is not the person who ought to be charged with
+destroying in the West that unity, the loss of which was afterwards so
+much regretted. He sacrificed every thing in order to maintain it;
+every thing but truth. It was not he, but his adversaries, who, by
+refusing to acknowledge the fulness and sufficiency of the salvation
+wrought out by Jesus Christ, are chargeable with having rent the
+Saviour's robe at the foot of the cross.
+
+After writing this letter, Luther, the very same day, addressed his
+friend Staupitz, vicar-general of his order. It was through him he
+wished his "Solutions" and his epistle to reach Leo.
+
+"I pray you," says he to him, "kindly to accept the miserable
+things[488] which I send you, and transmit them to the excellent pope,
+Leo X. Not that I would thereby drag you into the perils to which I am
+exposed. I wish to take all the danger to myself. Jesus Christ will
+see whether what I have said comes from him or comes from me--Jesus
+Christ, without whose will neither the tongue of the pope can move,
+nor the hearts of kings resolve.
+
+  [488] His Solutions.
+
+"To those who threaten me I have no answer to give, unless it be the
+remark of Reuchlin, 'The poor man has nothing to fear, for he has
+nothing to lose.'[489] I have neither money nor goods, and I ask none.
+If I once possessed some honour and some reputation, let him that has
+begun to strip me of them finish his work. I have nothing left but
+this miserable body, enfeebled by so many trials; let them kill it by
+force or fraud, to the glory of God. In this way they will, perhaps,
+shorten my life an hour or two. Enough for me to have a precious
+Redeemer, a powerful Priest, Jesus Christ the Lord! I will praise him
+while I have a breath of life; and if none will praise him with me,
+how can I help it?"
+
+  [489] "Qui pauper est nihil timet, nihil potest perdere." (Ibid., p.
+  118.)
+
+These words enable us to read Luther's heart.
+
+While he was thus looking with confidence towards Rome, Rome had
+thoughts of vengeance towards him. On the 3rd of April, Cardinal
+Raphael De Rovere had written to the Elector Frederick in the pope's
+name, stating that suspicions were entertained of his faith, and that
+he ought to beware of protecting Luther.
+
+"Cardinal Raphael," says Luther, "would have had great pleasure in
+seeing me burned by Duke Frederick."[490] Thus Rome began to whet her
+arms against Luther, and the first blow which she aimed at him was
+through the mind of his protector. If she succeeded in destroying the
+shelter under which the monk of Wittemberg was reposing, he would
+become an easy prey.
+
+  [490] Luth. Op. (W.) xv, p. 339.
+
+The German princes attached much importance to their reputation as
+Christian princes. The slightest suspicion of heresy filled them with
+alarm, and the court of Rome had shrewdly availed itself of this
+feeling. Frederick, moreover, had always been attached to the religion
+of his fathers, and Raphael's letter made a very strong impression on
+his mind. But it was a principle with the Elector not to act hastily
+in any thing. He knew that truth was not always on the side of the
+strongest. The transactions of the empire with Rome had taught him to
+distrust the selfish views of that court; and he was aware that in
+order to be a Christian prince, it was not necessary to be the pope's
+slave.
+
+"He was not," says Melancthon, "one of those profane spirits who wish
+to stifle all changes in their first beginnings.[491] Frederick
+resigned himself to God. He carefully read the writings which were
+published, and what he judged true he allowed no one to destroy."[492]
+He had power to do so. Supreme in his own States, he was respected in
+the empire at least as highly as the emperor himself.
+
+  [491] "Nec profana judicia sequens quæ tenera initia omnium mutationum
+  celerrime opprimi jubent." (Melanc. Vita Luth.)
+
+  [492] "Deo cessit, et ea quæ vera esse judicavit, deleri non voluit."
+  (Ibid.)
+
+It is probable that Luther learned something of this letter of
+Cardinal Raphael, which was sent to the Elector on the 7th of July.
+Perhaps it was the prospect of excommunication which this Roman
+missive seemed to presage, that led him to mount the pulpit of
+Wittemberg on the 15th of the same month, and on this subject deliver
+a discourse which made a profound impression. He distinguished between
+internal and external excommunication; the former excluding from
+communion with God, and the latter excluding only from the ceremonies
+of the Church. "Nobody," says he, "can reconcile a lapsed soul with
+God save God himself. Nobody can separate man from communion with God
+unless it be man himself by his own sins! Happy he who dies unjustly
+excommunicated! While for righteousness' sake he endures a heavy
+infliction on the part of man, he receives the crown of eternal
+felicity from the hand of God."
+
+Some highly applauded this bold language, while others were more
+irritated by it. But Luther was no longer alone; and although his
+faith needed no other support than that of God, a phalanx of defence
+against his enemies was formed around him. The Germans had heard the
+voice of the Reformer. His discourses and his writings sent forth
+flashes which awoke and illumined his contemporaries. The energy of
+his faith fell in torrents of fire on slumbering hearts. The life
+which God had infused into this extraordinary soul was imparted to the
+dead body of the Church; and Christendom, which had for so many ages
+been motionless, was animated with a religious enthusiasm. The
+devotedness of the people to the superstitions of Rome diminished
+every day, and the number of hands which offered money for the
+purchase of pardon became fewer and fewer,[493] while at the same time
+Luther's fame continued to increase. People turned towards him, and
+hailed him with love and respect as the intrepid defender of truth and
+liberty.[494] No doubt the full depth of the doctrines which he
+announced was not perceived. It was enough for the greater number to
+know that the new doctor withstood the pope, and that the empire of
+priests and monks was shaken by his powerful word. To them the attack
+of Luther was like one of those fires which are kindled on mountain
+tops, as the signal for a whole nation to rise and burst its chains.
+Before the Reformer suspected what he had done, all the generous
+hearted among his countrymen had already acknowledged him for their
+leader. To many, however, the appearance of Luther was something more.
+The word of God, which he wielded with so much power, pierced their
+minds like a sharp two-edged sword; and their hearts were inflamed
+with an ardent desire to obtain the assurance of pardon and eternal
+life. Since primitive times the Church had not known such hungering
+and thirsting after righteousness. If the preaching of Peter the
+Hermit and Bernard so aroused the population of the middle ages as to
+make them take up a perishable cross, the preaching of Luther disposed
+those of his time to embrace the true cross, the truth which saves.
+The framework which then lay with all its weight on the Church had
+smothered everything; the form had destroyed the life. But the
+powerful word given to Luther caused a quickening breath to circulate
+over the soil of Christendom. At the first glance the writings of
+Luther were equally captivating to believers and unbelievers,--to
+unbelievers, because the positive doctrines afterwards to be
+established were not yet fully developed in them; and to believers,
+because they contained the germ of that living faith which they so
+powerfully express. Hence the influence of these writings was immense;
+they spread almost instantaneously over Germany and the world. The
+prevailing impression of men every where was, that they were
+assisting, not at the establishment of a sect, but at a new birth of
+the Church and of society. Those who were born of the Spirit of God
+ranged themselves around him who was its organ. Christendom was
+divided into two camps,--the one leagued with the spirit against the
+form, and the other with the form against the spirit. It is true that
+on the side of the form were all the appearances of strength and
+grandeur, and on the side of the spirit those of feebleness and
+insignificance. But the form, devoid of the spirit, is a lifeless
+body, which the first breath may upset. Its appearance of power only
+provokes hostility and accelerates its downfall. In this way the
+simple truth had placed Luther at the head of a mighty army.
+
+  [493] "Rarescebant manus largentium." (Cochlœus, 7.) The hands of
+  contributors grew few.
+
+  [494] "Luthero autem contra augebatur auctoritas, favor, fides
+  existimatio, fama; quod tam liber acerque videbatur veritatis
+  assertor." (Ibid.) On the contrary, Luther's authority, influence,
+  credit, reputation, and fame, increased, because he seemed so free and
+  bold an assertor of the truth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+     Diet at Augsburg--The Emperor to the Pope--The Elector to
+     Rovere--Luther cited to Rome--Luther's Peace--Intercession
+     of the University--Papal Brief--Luther's Indignation--The
+     Pope to the Elector.
+
+
+This army was needed; for the great began to move. Both the empire and
+the Church were uniting their efforts to rid themselves of this
+troublesome monk. Had the imperial throne been occupied by a brave and
+energetic prince, he might have profited by these religious
+agitations, and, throwing himself on God and the nation, given new
+force to the former opposition to the papacy. But Maximilian was too
+old, and was determined, moreover, to sacrifice every thing to what he
+regarded as the end of his existence,--the aggrandisement of his
+house, and through it the exaltation of his grandson.
+
+The Emperor Maximilian at this time held a diet at Augsburg, Six
+Electors attended in person, and all the Germanic States were
+represented at it, while the kings of France, Hungary, and Poland,
+sent their ambassadors. All these princes and envoys appeared in great
+splendour. The war against the Turks was one of the subjects for which
+the diet had assembled. The legate of Leo X strongly urged the
+prosecution of it; but the States, instructed by the bad use which had
+formerly been made of their contributions, and sagely counselled by
+the Elector Frederick, contented themselves with declaring that they
+would take the matter into consideration, and at the same time,
+produced new grievances against Rome. A Latin discourse, published
+during the Diet, boldly called the attention of the German princes to
+the true danger. "You wish," said the author, "to put the Turk to
+flight. This is well; but I am much afraid that you are mistaken as to
+his person. It is not in Asia, but in Italy, that you ought to seek
+him."[495]
+
+  [495] Schröck, K. Gesch. n. d. R. i, p. 156.
+
+Another affair of no less importance was to occupy the Diet.
+Maximilian was desirous that his grandson Charles, already king of
+Spain and Naples, should be proclaimed king of the Romans, and his
+successors in the imperial dignity. The pope knew his interest too
+well to wish the imperial throne to be occupied by a prince whose
+power in Italy might prove formidable to him. The Emperor thought he
+had already gained the greater part of the electors and states, but he
+found a strenuous opponent in Frederick. In vain did he solicit him,
+and in vain did the ministers and best friends of the Elector join
+their entreaties to those of the Emperor. Frederick was immovable, and
+proved the truth of what has been said of him, that when once
+satisfied of the justice of a resolution, he had firmness of soul
+never to abandon it. The Emperor's design failed.
+
+From this time the Emperor sought to gain the good will of the pope,
+in order to render him favourable to his plans; and as a special proof
+of his devotedness, on the 5th August, wrote him the following
+letter:--"Most Holy Father, we learned some days ago that a friar of
+the Augustin order, named Martin Luther, has begun to maintain divers
+propositions as to the commerce in indulgences. Our displeasure is the
+greater because the said friar finds many protectors, among whom are
+powerful personages.[496] If your Holiness and the very reverend
+fathers of the Church, (the Cardinals,) do not forthwith employ their
+authority to put an end to these scandals, not only will these
+pernicious doctors seduce the simple, but they will involve great
+princes in their ruin. We will take care that whatever your Holiness
+may decide on this matter, for the glory of Almighty God, shall be
+observed by all in our empire."
+
+  [496] "Defensores et patrones etiam potentes quos dictus frater
+  consecutus est." (Raynald, ad an. 1518.)
+
+This letter must have been written after some rather keen discussion
+between Maximilian and Frederick. The same day, the Elector wrote to
+Raphael de Rovere. He had doubtless learned that the Emperer was
+addressing the Roman pontiff, and to parry the blow he put himself in
+communication with Rome.
+
+"I can have no other wish," said he, "than to show myself submissive
+to the universal Church. Accordingly, I have never defended the
+writings and sermons of Doctor Martin Luther. I understand, moreover,
+that he has always offered to appear with a safe-conduct before
+impartial, learned, and Christian judges, in order to defend his
+doctrine, and submit, in the event of being convinced by Scripture
+itself."[497]
+
+  [497] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 169.
+
+Leo X, who had hitherto allowed the affair to take its course, aroused
+by the cries of theologians and monks, instituted an ecclesiastical
+court, which was to try Luther at Rome, and in which Sylvester
+Prierio, the great enemy of the Reformer, was at once accuser and
+judge. The charge was soon drawn up, and Luther was summoned by the
+court to appear personally in sixty days.
+
+Luther was at Wittemberg, calmly awaiting the good effect which his
+humble letter to the pope was, as he imagined, to produce, when, on
+the 7th of August, only two days after the despatch of the letters of
+Maximilian and Frederick, he received the citation from the Roman
+tribunal. "At the moment," says he, "when I was expecting the
+benediction, I saw the thunder burst upon me. I was the lamb troubling
+the water to the wolf. Tezel escapes, and I must allow myself to be
+eaten."
+
+This citation threw Wittemberg into consternation; for whatever course
+Luther might adopt, he could not avert the danger. If he repaired to
+Rome he must there become the victim of his enemies. If he refused to
+go, he would, as a matter of course, be condemned for contumacy,
+without being able to escape; for it was known that the legate had
+received orders from the pope to do everything he could do to irritate
+the Emperor and the German princes against him. His friends were in
+dismay. Must the teacher of truth go with his life in his hand to that
+great city, _drunk with the blood of the saints and martyrs of Jesus_?
+Is it sufficient to ensure any man's destruction that he has raised
+his head from the bosom of enslaved Christendom? Must this man, whom
+God appears to have formed for resisting a power which hitherto
+nothing has been able to resist, be also overthrown? Luther, himself,
+saw no one who could save him unless it were the Elector, but he would
+rather die than endanger his prince. His friends at last fell on an
+expedient which would not compromise Frederick. Let him refuse a
+safe-conduct, and Luther will have a legitimate cause for refusing to
+appear at Rome.
+
+On the 8th of August Luther wrote to Spalatin, praying that the
+Elector would employ his influence to have him cited in Germany. He
+also wrote to Staupitz, "See what ambuscades they use to ensnare me,
+and how I am surrounded with thorns. But Christ lives and reigns,
+to-day, yesterday, and for ever. My conscience assures me that what I
+have taught is the truth, though it becomes still more odious when I
+teach it. The Church is like the womb of Rebecca. The children must
+struggle together so as even to endanger the life of the mother.[498]
+As to what remains, entreat the Lord that I may not have too much joy
+in this trial. May God not lay the sin to their charge."
+
+  [498] "Uterus Rebecca est; parvulos in eo collidi necesse est, etiam
+  usque ad periculum matris." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 138.)
+
+The friends of Luther did not confine themselves to consultation and
+complaint. Spalatin, on the part of the Elector, wrote to Renner, the
+Emperor's secretary, "Dr. Martin is very willing that his judges shall
+be all the universities of Germany, with the exception of those of
+Erfurt, Leipsic, and Frankfort on the Oder, which he has ground to
+suspect. It is impossible for him to appear personally at Rome."[499]
+
+  [499] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 173.
+
+The university of Wittemberg wrote a letter of intercession to the
+pope himself, and thus spoke of Luther,--"The feebleness of his body,
+and the dangers of the journey, make it difficult and even impossible
+for him to obey the order of your Holiness. His distress and his
+prayers dispose us to have compassion on him. We, then, as obedient
+sons, entreat you, most Holy Father, to be pleased to regard him as a
+man who has never taught doctrines in opposition to the sentiments of
+the Roman Church." On the same day the university, in its anxiety,
+addressed Charles de Miltitz, a Saxon gentleman, the chamberlain, and
+a great favourite of the pope, and bore testimony to Luther in terms
+still stronger than those which it had ventured to insert in the
+former letter. "The worthy father, Martin Luther, Augustin, is the
+noblest and most honourable man of our university. For several years
+we have seen and known his ability, his knowledge, his high
+attainments in arts and literature, his irreproachable manners, and
+his altogether Christian conduct."[500]
+
+  [500] Ibid. i, 183, 184; xvii, 171, 172.
+
+This active charity on the part of all who were about Luther is his
+finest eulogium.
+
+While the issue was anxiously waited for, the affair terminated more
+easily than might have been supposed. The Legate de Vio, chagrined at
+not having succeeded in the commission which he had received to
+prepare a general war against the Turks, was desirous to give lustre
+to his embassy in Germany by some other brilliant exploit; and
+thinking that if he extinguished heresy he would reappear at Rome with
+glory, he asked the pope to remit the affair to him. Leo felt himself
+under obligation to Frederick, for having so strenuously opposed the
+election of young Charles, and was aware that he might still want his
+assistance. Accordingly, without adverting to the citation, he charged
+his legate by a brief, dated 23rd of August, to examine the affair in
+Germany. The pope lost nothing by this mode of proceeding; and, at the
+same time, if Luther could be brought to a retractation, the noise and
+scandal which his appearance at Rome might have occasioned were
+avoided.
+
+"We charge you," said he, "to bring personally before you, to pursue
+and constrain without delay, and as soon as you receive this our
+letter, the said Luther, who has already been declared heretic by our
+dear brother, Jerome, Bishop of Asculan."[501]
+
+  [501] "Dictum Lutherum hæreticum per prædictum auditorem jàm
+  declaratum." (Breve Leonis X ad Thomam.)
+
+Then the pope prescribes the severest measures against Luther.
+
+"For this purpose invoke the arm and assistance of our very dear son
+in Christ, Maximilian, the other princes of Germany, and all its
+commonalties, universities, and powers ecclesiastical or secular; and
+if you apprehend him, keep him in safe custody, in order that he may
+be brought before us."[502]
+
+  [502] "Brachio cogas atque compellas, et eo in potestate tua redacto
+  cum sub fideli custodia retineas, ut coram nobis sistatur." (Ibid.)
+
+We see that this indulgent concession of the pope was little else than
+a surer method of dragging Luther to Rome. Next follow the gentle
+measures:--
+
+"If he returns to himself, and asks pardon for his great crime, asks
+it of himself, and without being urged to do it, we give you power to
+receive him into the unity of Holy Mother Church."
+
+The pope soon returns to malediction.
+
+"If he persists in his obstinacy, and you cannot make yourself master
+of his person, we give you power to proscribe him in all parts of
+Germany, to banish, curse, and excommunicate all who are attached to
+him, and to order all Christians to shun their presence."
+
+Still this is not enough. The pope continues:--
+
+"And in order that this contagion maybe the more easily extirpated,
+you will excommunicate all prelates, religious orders, communities,
+counts, dukes, and grandees, except the Emperor Maximilian, who shall
+refuse to seize the said Martin Luther and his adherents, and send
+them to you, under due and sufficient guard. And if (which God forbid)
+the said princes, communities, universities, grandees, or any one
+belonging to them, offer an asylum to the said Martin and his
+adherents, in any way, and give him, publicly or in secret, by
+themselves or others, aid and counsel, we lay under interdict these
+princes, communities, and grandees, with their towns, burghs, fields,
+and villages, whither said Martin may flee, as long as he shall remain
+there, and for three days after he shall have left."
+
+This audacious chair, which pretends to be the representative on earth
+of Him who has said, _God sent not his Son into the world to condemn
+the world, but that the world through him might be saved_, continues
+its anathemas; and, after having denounced penalties against
+ecclesiastics, proceeds:--
+
+"In regard to the laity, if they do not obey your orders instantly,
+and without any opposition, we declare them infamous, (with the
+exception of the most worthy Emperor,) incapable of performing any
+lawful act, deprived of Christian burial, and stript of all fiefs
+which they may hold, whether of the apostolic see, or of any other
+superior whatsoever."[503]
+
+  [503] "Infamiæ et inhabilitatis ad omnes actus legitimos ecclesiasticæ
+  sepulturæ, privationis quoque feudorum." (Breve Leonis X ad Thomam.)
+
+Such was the fate which awaited Luther. The monarch of Rome has
+leagued for his destruction, and to effect it, spared nothing, not
+even the peace of the tomb. His ruin seems inevitable. How will he
+escape this immense conspiracy? But Rome had miscalculated; a movement
+produced by the Spirit of God was not to be quelled by the decrees of
+its chancery.
+
+Even the forms of a just and impartial inquest had not been observed.
+Luther had been declared heretic, not only without having been heard,
+but even before the expiry of the period named for his compearance.
+The passions (and nowhere do they show themselves stronger than in
+religious discussions) overleap all the forms of justice. Strange
+proceedings, in this respect, occur, not only in the Church of Rome,
+but in Protestant churches also, which have turned aside from the
+gospel; in other words, in all places where the truth is not, every
+thing done against the gospel is deemed lawful. We often see men who,
+in any other case, would scruple to commit the smallest injustice, not
+hesitating to trample under foot all forms and all rights when the
+matter in question is Christianity, and the testimony borne to it.
+
+When Luther was afterwards made acquainted with this brief, he
+expressed his indignation. "Here," says he, "is the most remarkable
+part of the whole affair. The brief is dated on the 23rd of August,
+and I was cited for the 7th of August; so that between the citation
+and the brief there is an interval of sixteen days. Now, make the
+calculation, and you will find that my Lord Jerome, Bishop of Asculan,
+has proceeded against me, given judgment, condemned, and declared me
+heretic, before the citation could have reached me, or at most sixteen
+days after it had been despatched to me. Now, I ask, where are the
+sixty days given me in the citation? They commenced on the 7th August,
+and were to end on the 7th October. Is it the style and fashion of the
+court of Rome to cite, admonish, accuse, judge, and pronounce sentence
+of condemnation, all in one day, against a man who is at such a
+distance from Rome, that he knows nothing at all of the proceedings?
+What answer would they give to this? Doubtless, they forgot to purge
+themselves with hellebore before proceeding to such falsehoods."[504]
+
+  [504] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 176.
+
+But at the same time that Rome was secretly depositing her thunders in
+the hands of her legate, she was endeavouring, by smooth and
+flattering words, to detach the prince whose power she most dreaded
+from Luther's cause. The same day, 25th August 1518, the pope wrote
+the Elector of Saxony. Recurring to those wiles of ancient policy
+which we have already pointed out, he endeavoured to flatter the
+prince's self-love:
+
+"Dear son," said the Roman pontiff, "when we think on your noble and
+honourable race, and on yourself, its head and ornament; when we
+recollect how you and your ancestors have always desired to maintain
+Christian faith, and the honour and dignity of the Holy See, we cannot
+believe that a man who abandons the faith can trust to the favour of
+your Highness, in giving loose reins to his wickedness. And yet it is
+told us from all quarters that a certain friar, Martin Luther, Eremite
+of the order of St. Augustine, has, like a child of malice, and a
+contemner of God, forgotten his habit and his order, which consist in
+humility and obedience, and is boasting that he fears neither the
+authority nor the punishment of any man, because assured of your
+favour and protection.
+
+"But, as we know that he is mistaken, we have thought good to write to
+your Highness, and exhort you, according to the Lord, to be vigilant
+for the honour of your name as a Christian prince, and to defend
+yourself from these calumnies--yourself the ornament, the glory, and
+sweet savour of your noble race--and to guard, not only against a
+fault so grave as that which is imputed to you, but also against even
+the suspicion which the insensate hardihood of this friar tends to
+excite against you."
+
+Leo X, at the same time, announced to Frederick that he had charged
+Cardinal Saint Sixtus to examine the affair, and he enjoined him to
+put Luther into the hands of the legate, "lest," added he, returning
+again to his favourite argument, "lest the pious people of our time,
+and of future times, may one day lament and say, The most pernicious
+heresy with which the Church of God has been afflicted was excited by
+the favour and support of this high and honourable House."[505]
+
+  [505] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 173.
+
+Thus Rome had taken all her measures. With one hand she diffused the
+perfume of praise, which is always so intoxicating, while the other
+held terrors and vengeance.
+
+All the powers of the earth, emperor, pope, princes, and legates,
+began to move against this humble friar of Erfurt, whose internal
+combats we have already traced. "_The kings of the earth stood up, and
+the rulers took counsel together against the Lord and against his
+anointed._"
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+     The Armourer Schwarzerd--His Wife--Philip--His Genius--His
+     Studies--The Bible--Call to Wittemberg--Melancthon's
+     Departure and Journey--Leipsic--Mistake--Luther's
+     Joy--Parallel--Revolution in Education--Study of Greek.
+
+
+The letter and brief had not reached Germany, and Luther was still
+fearing that he would be obliged to appear at Rome, when a happy event
+gave comfort to his heart. He needed a friend to whom he could unbosom
+his sorrows, and whose faithful love would solace him in his hours of
+depression. All this God gave him in Melancthon.
+
+On the 14th February 1497, George Schwarzerd, a skilful armour-master
+of Bretten, a small town in the Palatinate, had a son born to him, who
+was named Philip, and who afterwards distinguished himself under the
+name of Melancthon. Patronised by the Palatine princes, and those of
+Bavaria and Saxony, George was a man of unimpeachable integrity. He
+often refused the price which purchasers offered him, and on learning
+that they were poor, insisted on returning their money. He rose
+regularly at midnight, and on his knees offered up a prayer. If on any
+occasion morning arrived without his having done it, he felt
+dissatisfied with himself the whole day. Barbara, Schwarzerd's wife,
+was daughter of an honourable magistrate named John Reuter. She was of
+a gentle temper, somewhat inclined to superstition, but otherwise
+remarkable for wisdom and prudence. From her we have the old
+well-known German rhymes--
+
+    The giving of alms impoverisheth not;
+    Attendance at Church impedeth not;
+    Greasing the wheel retardeth not;
+    Ill-gotten gear enricheth not;
+    The Book of God deceiveth not.
+
+And again--
+
+    Those who are pleased more to expend
+    Than their fields can render,
+    Must come to ruin in the end,
+    It may be to a halter.[506]
+
+  [506] "Almosen geben armt nicht, etc. Wer mehr will verzehren, etc.
+  (Müller's Reliquien.)
+
+Young Philip was not eleven when his father died. Two days before,
+George called his son to his bed-side, and exhorted him to have the
+thought of God always present. "I foresee," said the dying armourer,
+"that dreadful storms are coming to shake the world. I have seen great
+things, but greater are in preparation. May God guide and direct you!"
+Philip, after receiving his father's blessing, was sent to Spires,
+that he might not be present at his death. He departed crying
+bitterly.
+
+The young boy's grandfather, the worthy bailie Reuter, who had also a
+son, acted as a father to him, and took him, together with his
+brother, George, under his own roof. Shortly after he gave the three
+boys for tutor John Hungarus, an excellent man, who afterwards, and at
+a very advanced age, became a powerful preacher of the gospel. He let
+nothing pass in the young man, punishing him for every fault, yet with
+discretion. "In this way," says Melancthon in 1554, "he made me a
+grammarian. He loved me as a son, I loved him as a father, and we will
+meet, I trust, in eternal life."[507]
+
+  [507] "Dilixit me ut filium, et ego eum ut patrem; et conveniemus,
+  spero, in vita æterna." (Melancth. Explicat. Evang.)
+
+Philip was remarkable for the excellence of his understanding, and for
+his facility in learning, and expounding what he had learned. He
+could not endure idleness, and always sought out some one with whom he
+might discuss what he had heard.[508] It often happened that educated
+strangers passed through Bretten, and visited Reuter. The bailie's
+grandson instantly accosted them, entered into conversation with them,
+and so pressed them in discussion as to excite the wonder of those
+present. To a powerful genius he joined great sweetness of temper, and
+was hence a general favourite. He had a stammer, but, like the
+celebrated orator of the Greeks, made such exertions to overcome it,
+that it afterwards completely disappeared.
+
+  [508] "Quiescere non poterat, sed quærebat ubique aliquem cum quo de
+  auditis disputaret." (Camerarius, Vita Melancth. p. 7.)
+
+His grandfather having died, Philip was sent with his brother and his
+young uncle, John, to the school of Pforzheim. The boys resided with
+one of their relatives, the sister of the famous Reuchlin. Eager for
+knowledge, Philip, under the tuition of George Simler, made rapid
+progress in science, and especially in the study of Greek, for which
+he had a real passion. Reuchlin often came to Pforzheim, and having
+become acquainted with his sister's young boarders, was soon struck
+with Philip's answers, and gave him a Greek grammar and a Bible. These
+two books were to be the study of his whole life.
+
+When Reuchlin returned from his second journey into Italy, his young
+relative, then twelve years of age, with some friends, performed a
+Latin comedy of his own composition before him, in honour of his
+arrival. Reuchlin, in raptures with the talents of the youth, embraced
+him tenderly, called him his dear son, and jocularly gave him the red
+bonnet which he had received on being made doctor. It was at this time
+Reuchlin changed his name of Schwarzerd into that of Melancthon. Both
+words, the one German, and the other Greek, mean _black earth_. It was
+a general custom with the learned thus to change their names into
+Greek or Latin.
+
+Melancthon, at twelve, repaired to the university of Heidelberg, and
+began to gratify his eager thirst for knowledge. He was admitted
+Bachelor at fourteen. In 1512 Reuchlin invited him to Tubingen, which
+contained a great number of distinguished literary men. Here he
+attended at the same time lectures on theology, medicine, and
+jurisprudence. There was no branch of knowledge which he did not think
+it his duty to study. His object was not praise, but the possession of
+science and the benefits of it.
+
+The Holy Scriptures particularly occupied him. Those who frequented
+the church of Tubingen had often observed a book in his hands, which
+he studied between the services. This unknown volume seemed larger
+than the common prayer-books, and the report spread that Philip when
+in church read profane books. It turned out that the object of their
+suspicion was a copy of the Holy Scriptures, printed a short time
+before at Bâsle by John Frobenius. This volume he studied through life
+with unwearied application. He had it always with him, carrying it to
+all the public meetings to which he was invited.[509] Rejecting the
+vain system of the schoolmen, he devoted himself to the simple word of
+the Gospel. Erasmus at this time wrote to Œcolampadius, "Of Melancthon
+I have the highest opinion, and the highest hopes. Jesus grant that
+this young man may have a long life! He will completely eclipse
+Erasmus."[510] Melancthon, nevertheless, shared in the errors of his
+age. "I shudder," says he, in advanced life, "when I think of the
+honour which I paid to images when I was still in the papacy."[511]
+
+  [509] Camerar. Vita Philip Melancth. p. 16.
+
+  [510] "Ille prorsus obscurabit Erasmum." (Er. Ep. i, p. 405.)
+
+  [511] "Cohorresco quando cogito quomodo ipse accesserim ad statuas in
+  papatu." (Explicat Evangel.)
+
+In 1514, he was made doctor in philosophy, and began to teach. His age
+was seventeen. The grace and attractiveness which he gave to his
+lectures formed a striking contrast to the insipid method which the
+doctors, and especially the monks, had hitherto pursued. He took an
+active part in the combat in which Reuchlin was engaged with the
+_Obscurants_ of his age. His agreeable conversation, his gentle and
+elegant manners, gaining him the love of all who knew him, he soon
+acquired great authority, and a solid reputation in the world.
+
+At this time, the Elector Frederick having conceived the idea of
+inviting some distinguished professor of ancient languages to his
+university of Wittemberg, applied to Reuchlin who suggested
+Melancthon. Frederick saw all the lustre which this young Hellenist
+might shed on an institution which was so dear to him; and Reuchlin,
+delighted at seeing so fine a field opened to his young friend,
+addressed him in the words of Jehovah to Abraham,--"_Come out from thy
+country, and thy kindred, and thy father's house, and I will render
+thy name great, and thou shalt be blessed._" "Yes," continues the old
+man, "I hope it will be so with thee, my dear Philip, my work and my
+comfort."[512] In this invitation, Melancthon saw a call from God. The
+university was grieved to part with him, and yet he was not without
+envious rivals and enemies. He left his native country, exclaiming,
+"The will of the Lord be done." He was then twenty-one years of age.
+
+  [512] "Meum opus et meum solatium." (Corp. Ref., i, 33.)
+
+Melancthon made the journey on horseback, in company with some Saxon
+merchants, in the same way in which caravans travel in the desert;
+for, says Reuchlin, he knew neither the towns nor the roads.[513] At
+Augsburg he did homage to the Elector, who happened to be there. At
+Nuremberg he saw the excellent Pirckheimer, whom he already knew, and
+at Leipsic formed an intimacy with the learned Hellenist, Mosellanus.
+In this last town the university gave a fete in honour of him. It was
+a truly academic repast. The dishes were numerous, and as each made
+its appearance, a professor rose and addressed Melancthon in a Latin
+discourse previously prepared. He immediately gave an _extempore_
+reply. At length, worn out with so much eloquence, "Most illustrious
+friends," said he, "allow me to reply once for all to your addresses;
+for not being prepared, I cannot put as much variety into my replies
+as you into your addresses." Thereafter the dishes arrived without the
+accompaniment of a discourse.[514]
+
+  [513] "Des Wegs un der Orte unbekannt." (Corp. Ref., i, 30.)
+
+  [514] Camer. Vita Melancth., 26.
+
+Reuchlin's young relative arrived at Wittemberg, 25th August, 1518,
+two days after Leo X had signed the brief addressed to Cajetan, and
+the letter to the Elector.
+
+The professors of Wittemberg did not receive Melancthon with so much
+favour as those of Leipsic had done. The first impression which he
+made upon them did not correspond to their expectations. They saw a
+young man, who seemed still younger than he really was, of small
+stature, and a feeble, timid air. Is this the illustrious doctor whom
+the greatest men of the age, Erasmus and Reuchlin, extol so loudly?...
+Neither Luther, with whom he first was made acquainted, nor his
+colleagues, conceived high hopes of him, when they saw his youth, his
+embarrassment, and whole appearance.
+
+Four days after his arrival (29th August) he delivered his inaugural
+address. The whole university was assembled. The boy, as Luther calls
+him,[515] spoke such elegant Latin, and displayed so much knowledge, a
+mind so cultivated, and a judgment so sound, that all his hearers were
+filled with admiration.
+
+  [515] "Puer et adolescentulus, si ætatem consideres." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  141.) A boy, and mere youth, if you consider his age.
+
+At the termination of the address, all pressed forward to congratulate
+him, but none felt more joy than Luther, who hastened to communicate
+to his friends the feelings with which his heart was overflowing.
+Writing Spalatin, 31st August, he says, "Melancthon, four days after
+his arrival, delivered an address so beautiful and so learned, that it
+was listened to with universal approbation and astonishment. We have
+soon got the better of the prejudices which his stature and personal
+appearance had produced. We praise and admire his eloquence; we thank
+the prince and you for the service you have done us. I ask no other
+Greek master. But I fear that his delicate body will not be able to
+digest our food, and that, on account of the smallness of his salary,
+we shall not keep him long. I hear that the Leipsic folks are already
+boasting of being able to carry him off from us. Oh, my dear Spalatin,
+beware of despising his age and personal appearance. He is a man
+worthy of all honour.[516]
+
+  [516] Luth. Ep. i, 135.
+
+Melancthon immediately began to explain Homer, and St. Paul's Epistle
+to Titus. He was full of ardour. "I will do my utmost," wrote he to
+Spalatin, "to bring Wittemberg into favour with all who love
+literature and virtue."[517] Four days after the inauguration, Luther
+again wrote to Spalatin, "I recommend to you most particularly the
+very learned and very amiable Greek, Philip. His class-room is always
+full. All the theologians in particular attend him. He sets all
+classes from the highest to the lowest, to the learning of
+Greek."[518]
+
+  [517] "Ut Wittembergam literatis ac bonis omnibus conciliem." (Corp.
+  Ref., i, 51.)
+
+  [518] "Summos cum mediis et infimis, studiosos facit Græcitatis."
+  (Luth., Ep. i, 140.)
+
+Melancthon was able to return the affection of Luther, in whom he soon
+discovered a goodness of heart, a strength of intellect, a courage and
+a wisdom, which he had not previously found in any man. He venerated
+and loved him. "If there is any one," said he, "whom I love strongly,
+and whom my whole soul embraces, it is Martin Luther."[519]
+
+  [519] "Martinum, si omnino in rebus humanis quidquam vehementissime
+  diligio et animo integerrimo complector." (Melancth. Ep. i, 411.)
+
+"Thus met Luther and Melancthon, and they were friends till death. We
+cannot sufficiently admire the goodness and wisdom of God in uniting
+two men so different, and yet so necessary to each other. What Luther
+had in warmth, elasticity, and force, Melancthon had in perspicuity,
+wisdom, and gentleness. Luther animated Melancthon; Melancthon
+moderated Luther. They were like the two forms of electric matter, the
+positive and the negative, which modify each other. Had Luther been
+without Melancthon, the stream had perhaps overflowed its bank; and,
+on the other hand, Melancthon, when without Luther, hesitated, and
+even yielded, where he ought to have stood firm.[520] Luther did much
+by vigour, and Melancthon perhaps did not less by pursuing a slower
+and calmer course. Both were upright, open, and generous, and both,
+smitten with the love of the word of eternal life, served it with a
+fidelity and devotedness which formed the distinguishing feature of
+their lives.
+
+  [520] Calvin wrote to Sleidan: "Dominus cum fortiore spiritu instruat,
+  ne gravem ex ejus timiditate jacturam sentiat posteritas." May the
+  Lord supply him with a more resolute spirit, that posterity may not,
+  through his timidity, sustain some grievous loss.
+
+The arrival of Melancthon produced a revolution, not only at
+Wittemberg, but throughout Germany and the learned world. His study of
+the Greek and Latin classics, and of philosophy, had given him an
+order, perspicuity, and precision of thought, which shed new light and
+inexpressible beauty on all the subjects which he discussed. The mild
+spirit of the gospel fertilized and enlivened his meditations, and the
+driest subjects when he expounded them were invested with a grace
+which fascinated all his hearers. The sterility which scholasticism
+had spread over education ceased, and a new mode of instruction and
+study commenced. "Thanks to Melancthon," says a distinguished German
+historian, "Wittemberg became the national school."[521]
+
+  [521] Plank.
+
+It was, indeed, of great importance, that a man thoroughly versed in
+Greek should teach in this university, where the new developments of
+theology called masters and scholars to study the primitive documents
+of the Christian faith in the original languages. Thenceforth Luther
+set himself zealously to this task. Often did the meaning of a Greek
+term, which had previously been unknown to him, throw sudden light on
+his theological views. For example, how great his satisfaction and
+delight when he saw that the Greek word, μετανοια, which according
+to the Latin church, meant a penance, a satisfaction enacted by the
+Church, meant in Greek a transformation or conversion of heart. A
+thick mist all at once disappeared from before his eyes. The two
+meanings given to this word are sufficient to characterise the two
+churches.
+
+The impulse which Melancthon gave to Luther, in regard to the
+translation of the Bible, is one of the most remarkable circumstances
+in the friendship of these two great men. As early as 1517, Luther had
+made some attempts at translation, and procured as many Greek and
+Latin books as he could. Now, aided by his dear Philip, his task
+received a new impetus. Luther obliged Melancthon to take part in his
+researches, by consulting him on difficult passages, and the work,
+destined to be one of the greatest works of the Reformer, advanced
+more surely and more rapidly.
+
+Melancthon, on his part, became acquainted with a new theology. The
+beautiful and profound doctrine of justification by faith filled him
+with astonishment and joy. Still, in receiving the system Luther
+professed, he acted independently, moulding it according to the
+particular form of his own intellect; for, although he was only
+twenty-one years of age, he was one of those precocious minds which
+enter early into possession of all their powers, and are themselves
+from the very outset.
+
+The zeal of the masters was soon transfused into the scholars. It was
+proposed to reform the course of study. With the concurrence of the
+Elector, certain branches, only of scholastic importance, were
+suppressed, and at the same time a new impulse was given to classic
+pursuits. The school of Wittemberg underwent a transformation, and the
+contrast between it and other universities became still more
+prominent. Still, however, the landmarks of the Church were observed,
+though all felt that they were on the eve of a great battle with the
+pope.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+     Sentiments of Luther and Staupitz--Order to Appear--Alarms
+     and Courage--The Elector with the Legate--Departure for
+     Augsburg--Sojourn at Weimar--Nuremberg.
+
+
+The arrival of Melancthon, doubtless, gave a pleasant turn to Luther's
+thoughts at this very critical moment; and, doubtless, in the sweet
+intercourse of a growing friendship, and amid the biblical labours to
+which he devoted himself with new zeal, he sometimes forgot Prierio,
+Leo, and the ecclesiastical court before which he behoved to plead.
+Still, these were only fleeting moments, and his thoughts were ever
+recurring to the formidable tribunal before which implacable enemies
+had summoned him to appear. What terrors would not this thought have
+thrown into a mind which was seeking aught else than the truth! But
+Luther trembled not! Confiding fully in the faithfulness and power of
+God, he remained firm, and was quite ready to expose himself
+single-handed to the rage of enemies mightier than those who had
+lighted the fire for John Huss.
+
+A few days after the arrival of Melancthon, and before the pope's
+resolution transferring the citation of Luther from Rome to Augsburg
+could be known, Luther wrote Spalatin:--"I ask not our sovereign to do
+any thing whatever for the defence of my theses. I am willing to be
+delivered up and thrown single into the hands of my adversaries. Let
+him allow the whole storm to burst upon me. What I have undertaken to
+defend, I hope I shall be able, with the assistance of Christ, to
+maintain. Violence, indeed, must be submitted to; but still without
+abandoning the truth."[522]
+
+  [522] Luth. Ep. i, p. 139.
+
+The courage of Luther communicated itself to others. Men of the
+greatest gentleness and timidity, on seeing the danger which
+threatened the witness for the truth, found words full of energy and
+indignation. The prudent and pacific Staupitz, on the 7th September,
+wrote to Spalatin: "Cease not to exhort the prince, your master and
+mine, not to be alarmed at the roaring of the lions. Let him defend
+the truth without troubling himself about Luther, or Staupitz, or the
+order. Let there be a place where men can speak freely and without
+fear. I know that the plague of Babylon--I had almost said of
+Rome--breaks forth against all who attack the abuses of those
+traffickers in Jesus Christ. I have myself seen a preacher of the
+truth thrown headlong from the pulpit; I have seen him, though on a
+festival, bound and dragged to a dungeon. Others have seen still
+greater cruelties. Therefore, my dear friend, strive to make his
+Highness persevere in his sentiments."[523]
+
+  [523] Jen. Aug. i, p. 384.
+
+The order to appear at Augsburg before the cardinal legate at length
+arrived. Luther had now to do with one of the princes of the Church.
+All his friends entreated him not to go.[524] They feared that on the
+journey snares might be laid for him, and an attempt made on his life.
+Some employed themselves in looking out for an asylum to him. Staupitz
+himself, the timid Staupitz, felt moved at the thought of the dangers
+which threatened that friar Martin whom he had drawn from the
+obscurity of the cloister, and placed on the troubled stage where his
+life was now in peril. Ah! would it not have been better if the poor
+friar had remained for ever unknown? It was too late. Still, at least,
+he would do everything to save him. Accordingly, on the 15th September
+he wrote him from his convent of Salzburg, urging him to flee and seek
+an asylum beside himself. "It seems to me," said he, "that the whole
+world is enraged, and in coalition against the truth. In the same way
+crucified Jesus was hated. I see not that you have anything to expect
+but persecution. Shortly, no man will be able without the permission
+of the pope, to sound the Scriptures, and search for Jesus Christ in
+them, though this Christ himself enjoins. You have only a few friends;
+and would to God that the fear of your adversaries did not prevent
+those few from declaring in your favour. The wisest course is to quit
+Wittemberg for a time and come to me. Thus we will live and die
+together. This is also the prince's opinion," adds Staupitz.[525]
+
+  [524] "Contra omnium amicorum consilium comparui." I appeared contrary
+  to the advice of all my friends.
+
+  [525] Ep. i, 61.
+
+From different quarters Luther received the most alarming notices.
+Count Albert of Mansfeld sent a message to him to beware of setting
+out, for some great barons had sworn to make themselves masters of his
+person, and to strangle or drown him.[526] But nothing could deter
+him. He never thought of availing himself of the vicar-general's
+offer. He will not go and hide himself in the obscurity of the convent
+of Salzburg, but will faithfully remain on the stormy scene on which
+the hand of God has placed him. It is by persevering in the face of
+adversaries, and proclaiming the truth with loud voice in the midst of
+the world, that the reign of truth advances. Why, then, should he
+flee? He is not one of "those who draw back to perdition; but of those
+who believe to the saving of the soul." The words of the Master whom
+he serves, and loves better than life, are incessantly echoing in his
+heart, "_Whosoever will confess me before men, him will I also confess
+before my Father who is in heaven._" In Luther and in the Reformation
+we uniformly meet with that intrepid courage, that high-toned
+morality, that boundless charity, which the first preaching of
+Christianity manifested to the world. "I am like Jeremiah," says
+Luther, at the period of which we are now speaking; "Jeremiah, the man
+of quarrel and discord; but the more they multiply their menaces the
+more they increase my joy. My wife and children are well provided, (of
+course, meaning he had none;) my fields, my houses, and all my goods,
+are in order.[527] They have already torn my honour and my reputation
+to shreds. The only thing left me is my poor body, and let them take
+it; they will only shorten my life some few hours. My soul they cannot
+take from me. He who would publish the word of Christ in the world
+must expect death every hour; for our bridegroom is a bridegroom of
+blood."[528]
+
+  [526] "Ult vel stanguler, vel baptizer ad mortem." (Ibid. 129.) That I
+  am either to be strangled or ducked to death.
+
+  [527] "Uxor mea et liberi mei provisi sunt." (Luth. Ep. i, 129.)
+
+  [528] "Sic enim sponsus noster, sponsus sanguinum nobis est." (Ibid.)
+  See Exodus, iv, 25.
+
+The Elector was then at Augsburg. A short time before quitting that
+town after the Diet, he had of his own accord paid a visit to the
+legate. The cardinal, greatly flattered by this mark of respect from
+so illustrious a prince, promised that if the monk presented himself
+he would listen to him like a father, and kindly dismiss him.
+Spalatin, on the part of the prince, wrote to his friend that the pope
+had named a commission to try him in Germany; that the Elector would
+not allow him to be dragged to Rome; and that he must prepare to set
+out for Augsburg. Luther resolved to obey; but the warning which he
+had received from Count Mansfeld made him apply to Frederick for a
+safe-conduct. Frederick replied that it was unnecessary, and merely
+gave him recommendations to some of the leading counsellors of
+Augsburg. He also sent him some money for the journey. The Reformer,
+poor and defenceless, set out on foot to place himself in the hands of
+his adversaries.[529]
+
+  [529] "Veni igitur pedester et pauper Augustam." (Luth. Op. Lat, in
+  Præf.)
+
+What must have been his feelings on quitting Wittemberg, and directing
+his steps towards Augsburg, where the legate of the pope was waiting
+for him! The object of this journey was not like that of Heidelberg, a
+friendly meeting. He was going to appear in presence of the legate of
+Rome without a safe-conduct; perhaps he was going to death. But in him
+faith was not a mere matter of show. Being a reality it gave him
+peace, and in the name of the Lord of Hosts he could advance without
+fear to bear testimony to the Gospel.
+
+He arrived at Weimar on the 28th of September, and lodged in the
+convent of the Cordeliers. One of the monks was unable to withdraw his
+eyes from him. It was Myconius. This was the first time he had seen
+Luther, and he longed to approach him, and tell that he owed the peace
+of his soul to him, and that his whole desire was to labour with him.
+But Myconius being closely watched by his superiors, was not permitted
+to speak to Luther.[530]
+
+  [530] "Ibi Myconius primum vidit Lutherum: Sed ab accessu et colloquio
+  ejus tunc est prohibitus." (M. Adami, Vita Mycon. p. 176.)
+
+The elector of Saxony was then holding his court at Weimar, and this
+is probably the reason why the Cordeliers gave admittance to the
+doctor. The day after his arrival the feast of St. Michael was
+celebrated. Luther said mass, and was even invited to preach in the
+church of the castle. It was a mark of favour which the prince wished
+to give him. He, accordingly, in presence of the court, preached a
+long sermon, on the text of the day, which is taken from the Gospel of
+St. Matthew, (chap, xviii, 1-11.) He spoke forcibly against
+hypocrites, and those who boast of their own righteousness; but he did
+not speak of the angels, though this was the customary topic on St.
+Michael's day.
+
+The courage of the doctor of Wittemberg, in calmly setting out on foot
+to obey a summons, which in the case of so many before him had issued
+in death, astonished those who saw him. Interest, admiration, and
+compassion, succeeded each other in their minds. John Kestner,
+superintendant to the Cordeliers, alarmed at the idea of the dangers
+which awaited his guest, said to him, "Brother, you will find at
+Augsburg Italians, men of learning, and subtle antagonists, who will
+give you much to do. I fear you will not be able to defend your cause
+against them. They will cast you into the fire, and with their flames
+consume you."[531] Luther replied gravely, "Dear friend, pray to our
+Lord God, who is in heaven, and present a _Pater noster_ for me, and
+his dear child, Jesus, whose cause my cause is, that he may be
+gracious toward me. If he maintain his cause, mine is maintained. But
+if he pleases not to maintain it, assuredly it is not I who can
+maintain it; and it is he who will bear the affront."
+
+  [531] "Profecto in ignem te conjicient et flammis exurent." (Melch.
+  Adam. Vita Mycon. p. 176; Mycon. Hist. Ref. p. 30.)
+
+Luther continued his journey on foot, and arrived at Nuremberg. He was
+going to present himself before a prince of the Church, and wished his
+dress to be suitable; but his clothes were old, and, besides, had
+suffered much by the journey. He borrowed a frock from his faithful
+friend, Winceslaus Link, preacher at Nuremberg.
+
+Luther, doubtless, did not confine his visit to Link, but also saw his
+other friends in Nuremberg, secretary Scheurl, the celebrated painter,
+Albert Durer, to whom Nuremberg is now erecting a statue, and many
+others. He strengthened himself by intercourse with the excellent of
+the earth, while many monks and laymen expressed alarm, and
+endeavoured to shake him by representing the difficulties in his way.
+Letters which he wrote from this town show the spirit by which he was
+animated. "I have met," says he, "with pusillanimous men, who would
+persuade me not to go to Augsburg; but I have determined on going. The
+will of the Lord be done. Even at Augsburg, even in the midst of his
+enemies, Jesus Christ reigns. Let Christ live; let Luther and every
+sinner die. According as it is written: Let the God of my salvation be
+exalted! Behave well, persevere, stand firm; for we must not be
+reproved either by men or by God; God is true, and man a liar."[532]
+
+  [532] "Vivat Christus, moriatur Martinus.... "(Weismanni, Hist. Secr.
+  Nov. Test. p. 165.) Weismann had seen this letter in MS., but it is
+  not in M. de Wette's Collection.
+
+Link and an Augustin monk could not consent to allow Luther to travel
+alone and meet the dangers which threatened him. They were acquainted
+with his bold and fearless character, and suspected he would fail in
+due precaution. They, therefore, accompanied him. When they were about
+five leagues from Augsburg, Luther, exhausted, no doubt, by the
+fatigue of travelling, and the varied emotions of his heart, was
+seized with violent pains in the stomach. He thought he was dying, and
+his friends becoming very uneasy, hired a car to transport him. They
+arrived at Augsburg on the evening of Friday the 7th of October, and
+lighted at the Augustin convent. Luther was greatly fatigued, but soon
+recovered; his faith and mental energy speedily recruiting his
+exhausted body.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+     Arrival at Augsburg--De Vio--His
+     Character--Serra-Longa--Preliminary Conversation--Visit of
+     the Counsellors--Return of Serra-Longa--The Prior--Luther's
+     Wisdom--Luther and Serra-Longa--The Safe-Conduct--Luther to
+     Melancthon.
+
+
+The instant he was at Augsburg, and before he had seen any one,
+Luther, wishing to pay all due respect to the legate, begged
+Winceslaus Link to go and announce his arrival. Link did so, and
+humbly declared to the cardinal, on the part of the doctor of
+Wittemberg, that he was ready to appear at his order. The legate was
+delighted with the news. At last he had a hold of this boisterous
+heretic, who, he assured himself, would not quit the walls of Augsburg
+as he had entered. At the same time, when Link went to the legate, the
+monk Leonard set out to announce Luther's arrival to Staupitz. The
+vicar-general had written the doctor, that he would certainly come as
+soon as he should know of his being in the town, and Luther was
+unwilling to lose an instant in giving him intimation.[533]
+
+  [533] Luth. Ep. i, p. 144.
+
+The Diet was closed, and the Emperor and the electors had already
+separated. The Emperor, it is true, had not left but was hunting in
+the neighbourhood. The ambassador of Rome was thus at Augsburg alone.
+Had Luther come during the Diet, he would have found powerful
+protectors, but now it seemed that every thing must bend under the
+weight of papal authority.
+
+The name of the judge before whom Luther had to appear was not fitted
+to increase his confidence. Thomas de Vio surnamed Cajetan, from the
+town of Gaeta, in the kingdom of Naples, where he was born, had, from
+his youth, given great hopes. Having at sixteen entered the Dominican
+order, against the express wish of his parents, he afterwards became
+general of his order, and a cardinal of the Roman Church. But what was
+worse for Luther, this learned doctor was one of the most zealous
+defenders of the scholastic theology, which the Reformer had always
+treated so unmercifully. His mother was said to have dreamt during her
+pregnancy, that St. Thomas would in person educate the child to which
+she was to give birth, and introduce him to heaven. Hence De Vio, on
+becoming Dominican, had changed his name from James to Thomas. He had
+zealously defended the prerogatives of the papacy, and the doctrines
+of Thomas Aquinas, whom he regarded as the most perfect of
+theologians.[534] A lover of pomp and show, he almost gave a literal
+meaning to the Roman maxim that legates are above kings, and
+surrounded himself with great state. On the first of August, he had
+celebrated a solemn mass in the cathedral of Augsburg, and in presence
+of all the princes of the empire, had placed the cardinal's hat on the
+head of the Archbishop of Mentz while kneeling before the altar, and
+had delivered to the Emperor himself the hat and sword consecrated by
+the pope. Such was the man before whom the monk of Wittemberg was
+going to appear, clothed in a frock which was not even his own.
+Besides, the acquirements of the legate, the austerity of his
+disposition, and the purity of his morals, gave him in Germany an
+influence and authority which other Roman courtiers would not have
+easily obtained. To this reputation for sanctity he doubtless owed his
+mission. Rome saw that he would serve her purposes admirably. Thus the
+personal qualities of Cajetan made him still more formidable.
+Moreover, the business entrusted to him was not complicated. Luther
+had already been declared a heretic.[535] If he refused to retract,
+the duty of the legate was to put him in prison; or if he escaped, to
+launch excommunication at every one who should dare to give him an
+asylum. This was all that Rome required to be done by the legate
+before whom Luther was cited.[535]
+
+  [534] Divi Thomæ Summa cum Commentariis Thomæ de Vio. Lugduni, 1587.
+
+  [535] Bull of the pope. (Luth Op. (L.) xvii, p. 174.)
+
+Luther had recovered strength during the night, and on Saturday
+morning 8th October, being somewhat rested from his journey, began to
+consider his strange situation. He felt resigned, and waited till the
+will of God should be manifested by the event. He had not long to
+wait. A personage who was unknown to him sent in a message, as if he
+had been entirely devoted to his service, to say that he was coming to
+wait upon him, and that Luther must take good care not to appear
+before the legate without having seen him. This message came from an
+Italian named Urban of Serra-Longa, who had often been in Germany, as
+envoy of the Margrave of Montferrat. He was known to the Elector of
+Saxony, to whom he had been accredited, and after the death of the
+Margrave had attached himself to Cardinal de Vio.
+
+The finesse and manners of this man formed a very striking contrast to
+the noble frankness and generous integrity of Luther. The Italian
+shortly after arrived at the Augustin convent. The cardinal had sent
+him to sound the Reformer, and prepare him for the retractation which
+he was expected to make. Serra-Longa imagined that his residence in
+Germany gave him great advantages over the other courtiers in the
+suite of the legate, and he hoped to have good sport with the German
+monk.
+
+He arrived attended by two servants, and pretended to have come of his
+own accord, because of the friendship which he felt for a favourite of
+the Elector of Saxony, and because of his attachment to the Holy
+Church. After paying his respects to Luther in the warmest terms, the
+diplomatist added, in an affectionate manner,--
+
+"I come to give you sage and good advice. Re-attach yourself to the
+Church. Submit unreservedly to the cardinal. Retract your injurious
+expressions. Remember the Abbot Joachim of Florence. He, you know, had
+said heretical things, and yet was declared not heretical, because he
+retracted his errors."
+
+Luther spoke of defending himself.
+
+_Serra-Longa._--"Beware of doing so!... Would you pretend to fight
+with the legate of his holiness, as if you were tilting at a tournay?"
+
+_Luther._--"When it is proved that I have taught anything contrary to
+the Roman Church I will pass judgment on myself, and retract
+instantly. The whole question will be, Whether the legate leans more
+upon St. Thomas than the faith authorises him to do? If he does, I
+will not yield to him."
+
+_Serra-Longa._--"Ah! Ah! Do you pretend, then, to break lances?"
+
+Then the Italian began to say things which Luther designates horrible.
+He pretended that false propositions might be maintained, provided
+they produced money and filled the strong box--that the universities
+must take good care not to dispute on the authority of the pope--that
+their duty, on the contrary, was to maintain that the pope can, at his
+beck, alter or suppress articles of faith;[536] adding other things of
+the same nature. But the wily Italian soon perceived that he was
+forgetting himself. Returning to soft words, he strove to persuade
+Luther to submit to the legate in every thing, and retract his
+doctrines, his oaths, and his theses.
+
+  [536] "Et nutu solo omnia abrogare, etiam ea quæ fidei essent." (Luth.
+  Ep. i, 144.)
+
+The doctor, who, at the outset, had given some credit to the fine
+protestations of orator Urban, (as he designates him in his account of
+the interview,) was now convinced that they were of very little value,
+and that Serra-Longa was much more on the legate's side than on his.
+He, therefore, became less communicative, and contented himself with
+saying that he was quite disposed to exercise humility, give proof of
+obedience, and make satisfaction in whatever matters he had been
+mistaken. At these words Serra-Longa, overjoyed, exclaimed, "I am off
+to the legate, and you will follow me; everything will go off most
+admirably; it will be soon finished...."[537]
+
+  [537] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 179.
+
+He went off. The Saxon monk, who had more discernment than the Roman
+courtier, thought within himself, "This wily Sinon has come along
+ill-prepared and ill-instructed by his Greeks."[538] Luther was
+suspended between hope and fear; hope, however, predominating. The
+visit and the strange assertions of Serra-Longa, whom at a later
+period he calls an inexpert mediator,[539] made him resume courage.
+
+  [538] "Hunc Sinonem parùm cousulte instructum arte pelasga." (Luth.
+  Ep. i, 144.) See Virgil's Æneid, Book II.
+
+  [539] "Mediator ineptus." (Ibid.)
+
+The counsellors and other inhabitants of Augsburg, to whom the Elector
+had recommended Luther, hastened to visit the monk, whose name was now
+resounding throughout all Germany. Peutinger, counsellor of the
+empire, who was one of the most distinguished patricians of the town,
+and often invited Luther to his table, counsellor Langemantel, Dr.
+Auerbach of Leipsic, the two brothers Adelmann, both canons, and
+several others besides, repaired to the convent of the Augustins, and
+gave a cordial welcome to the extraordinary man, who had journeyed so
+far to come and place himself in the hands of the creatures of Rome.
+"Have you a safe-conduct?" they asked. "No!" replied the intrepid
+monk. "What hardihood!" exclaimed they. "It was, indeed," says Luther,
+"a fit term to designate my rash folly." All with one voice entreated
+him not to go to the legate until he had obtained a safe-conduct from
+the Emperor himself. It is probable that the public had already heard
+of the papal brief of which the legate was the bearer.
+
+"But," replied Luther, "I came to Augsburg without a safe-conduct, and
+have arrived in good health."
+
+"The Elector having recommended you to us, you ought to obey us, and
+do what we tell you," rejoined Langemantel, kindly but firmly. Dr.
+Auerbach seconded his remonstrances. "We know," says he, "that the
+cardinal, at the bottom of his heart, is in the highest degree
+incensed against you.[540] No trust can be put in the Italians."[541]
+
+  [540] "Sciunt enim eum in me exacerbatissimum intus, quicquid simulet
+  foris.... (Ibid., p. 143.)
+
+  [541] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 201.
+
+Canon Adelmann likewise insisted, "You have been sent defenceless,
+and it has been forgotten to furnish you with the precise thing which
+you required."[542] These friends engaged to obtain the necessary
+safe-conduct from the Emperor. They afterwards told Luther how many
+persons even of elevated rank, were inclined in his favour. "Even the
+minister of France, who quitted Augsburg a few days ago, spoke of you
+in the most honourable terms."[543] This statement struck Luther, and
+he afterwards remembered it. Thus, the most respectable citizens in
+one of the first cities of the empire were already gained to the
+Reformation.
+
+  [542] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 203.
+
+  [543] Seckend., p. 144.
+
+They were still conversing when Serra-Longa re-appeared. "Come," said
+he to Luther, "the cardinal is waiting for you and I myself am going
+to conduct you to his presence. Listen while I tell you how you are to
+appear. When you enter the hall where he is, you will prostrate
+yourself before him with your face on the ground; when he tells you to
+rise, you will get up on your knees, and not stand erect, but wait
+till he bids you.[544] Recollect that it is before a prince of the
+Church that you are going to appear. For the rest fear nothing; the
+whole will be finished soon, and without difficulty."
+
+  [544] Ibid., p. 130.
+
+Luther, who had promised this Italian that he would be ready to follow
+at his call, felt embarrassed. Yet he hesitated not to inform him of
+the advice which he had received from his Augsburg friends, and spoke
+to him of a safe-conduct.
+
+"Beware of asking one," immediately replied Serra-Longa; "you have no
+need of it. The legate is well-disposed, and quite ready to finish the
+thing amicably. If you ask a safe-conduct you will totally spoil your
+affair."[545]
+
+  [545] Luth. Op. (L.) 179.
+
+"My gracious lord, the Elector of Saxony," replied Luther, "has
+recommended me to several honourable men of this town, who counsel me
+to undertake nothing without a safe-conduct. I must follow their
+advice, for, were I not to do so, and were anything to happen, they
+would write to the Elector, my master, that I had refused to listen to
+them."
+
+Luther persisted in his resolution, and Serra-Longa saw himself
+obliged to return to his chief, to announce the obstacle which his
+mission had encountered at the moment when he was flattering himself
+with seeing it crowned with success.
+
+Thus terminated the conferences of that day with the orator of
+Montferrat.
+
+Another invitation was given to Luther. John Frosch, the prior of the
+Carmelites, who was an old friend of his, and two years before, as a
+licentiate of theology, had maintained theses under the presidency of
+Luther, paid him a visit, and earnestly begged he would come and
+reside with him. He claimed the honour of having the doctor of Germany
+for his guest. Men at length feared not to do homage to him in
+presence of Rome; the feeble had already become strong. Luther
+accepted, and left the Augustin convent for that of the Carmelites.
+The day did not close without serious reflection. The eagerness of
+Serra-Longa, and the fears of the counsellors, equally served to
+acquaint him with the difficulty of his position. Nevertheless, God in
+heaven was his protector, and under his guardianship he could sleep
+without fear.
+
+The next day, being Sunday,[546] gave him somewhat more repose. He
+had, however, to endure a different kind of fatigue. The whole talk of
+the town was about Dr. Luther, and, as Melancthon expresses it, every
+body was desirous to see "this new Erostratus, who had kindled so
+immense a conflagration."[547] The people pressed around him, and the
+good doctor, no doubt smiled at their eagerness.
+
+  [546] 9th October.
+
+  [547] "Omnes cupiunt videre hominem, tanti incendii Erostratum."
+  (Luth. Ep. i, p. 146.)
+
+But he had to submit to another kind of importunity. If the people
+were desirous to see him, they were still more so to hear him, and he
+was requested on all hands to preach. Luther had no greater delight
+than in proclaiming the word, and would have been happy to preach
+Jesus Christ in this great city, in the solemn circumstances in which
+he was placed. But on this occasion, as on many others, he showed a
+strong sense of propriety, and profound respect for his superiors, and
+refused to preach, lest the legate might suppose that he did it in
+order to give him pain, and by way of defiance. This moderation and
+wisdom were undoubtedly of as much value as a sermon.
+
+The cardinal's creatures, however, did not leave him in tranquillity,
+but returned to the charge. "The Cardinal," said they, "assures you of
+his entire grace and favour. What do you fear?" They alleged a
+thousand reasons in order to induce him to go. "He is a father full of
+mercy, said one of these envoys; but another approaching, whispered in
+his ear, "Don't believe what is told you--he does not keep his
+word."[548] Luther adhered to his resolution.
+
+  [548] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 205.
+
+On Monday morning, 10th October, Serra-Longa returned to the charge.
+The courtier had made it a point of honour to succeed in his
+negotiation. As soon as he entered, he exclaimed in Latin, "Why do
+you not come to the cardinal? He is waiting for you with the most
+indulgent feelings. The whole matter may be summed up in six
+letters:--REVOCA, Retract. Come, you have nothing to fear."
+
+Luther thought within himself, these six are important letters; but,
+without entering into discussion on the subject, said, "As soon as I
+have obtained the safe-conduct I will appear."
+
+Serra-Longa broke out on hearing these words. He insisted, and
+remonstrated, but found Luther immovable. Becoming more and more
+irritated, he exclaimed, "You imagine, doubtless, that the Elector
+will take up arms in your behalf, and for your sake run the risk of
+losing the territories handed down to him from his fathers."
+
+_Luther._--"God forbid."
+
+_Serra-Longa._--"Abandoned by all, where will your refuge be?"
+
+_Luther._--(_Looking upwards with the eye of faith_,) "Under
+heaven."[549]
+
+  [549] "Et ubi manebis?... Respondi: Sub cœlo." (Luth. Op. in Præf.)
+  And where will you remain?... I answered, under heaven.
+
+Serra-Longa, struck with this sublime reply, for which he was not
+prepared, remained a moment silent, and then continued:--
+
+"What would you do if you had the pope, the legate, and all the
+cardinals, in your hands, as they have you in theirs?"
+
+_Luther._--"I would pay them all honour and respect. But in my view,
+the word of God takes precedence of all."
+
+_Serra-Longa._--(_Laughing, and wagging one of his fingers as the
+Italians do._) "Hem! Hem! all honour ... I don't believe a word of
+it...."
+
+He then went out, leapt into his saddle, and disappeared.
+
+Serra-Longa returned no more to Luther; but he long remembered both
+the resistance which he had met with from the Reformer, and that which
+his master also was soon to experience. At a later period, we shall
+see him with loud cries demanding Luther's blood.
+
+Serra-Longa had not long left the doctor when the safe-conduct
+arrived. His friends had obtained it from the counsellor of the
+empire, who, it is probable, had previously consulted with the
+Emperor, as he was not far from Augsburg. It would even seem, from a
+remark afterwards made by the cardinals that, to avoid offending him,
+his consent had been asked. This may have been his reason for
+employing Serra-Longa to work upon Luther; for to have openly opposed
+the giving of a safe-conduct would have been to reveal intentions
+which he was desirous to conceal. It was safer to induce Luther
+himself to desist from his demand. It was soon seen, however, that the
+Saxon monk was not made of pliable materials.
+
+Luther is going to appear. While demanding a safe-conduct, he did not
+trust to a carnal arm; for he knew very well that a safe-conduct did
+not save John Huss from the flames. He only wished to do his duty by
+submitting to the advice of his master's friends. Jehovah will decide.
+If he requires him to give back his life, he is ready to give it
+joyfully. At this solemn moment, he feels a longing for converse with
+his friends, especially with Melancthon, now so dear to his heart, and
+avails himself of a moment of retirement to write him.
+
+"Comport yourself like a man," says he to him, "as you always do.
+Teach our dear youth what is right and agreeable to God. For me, I am
+ready to be sacrificed for you and for them, if it is the Lord's
+will.[550] Sooner than retract what I was bound to teach, I would die,
+and even (what would be to me the greatest misfortune) be deprived for
+ever of your delightful society, thus losing (perhaps by my fault) the
+excellent studies to which we are now devoted.
+
+  [550] "Ego pro illis et vobis vado immolari."... (Luth. Ep. i, 148.)
+
+"Italy, like Egypt of old, is plunged in darkness, so thick that it
+may be felt. Nobody knows anything of Christ, or of what relates to
+him; and yet these people are our lords and masters in faith and
+manners. Thus the wrath of God is fulfilled upon us, as the prophet
+speaks: '_I will give them youths for governors, and babes will rule
+over them._' Conduct yourself as in presence of the Lord, my dear
+Philip, and avert the divine wrath by pure and fervent prayer."
+
+The legate, informed that Luther was next day to appear before him,
+assembled the Italians and Germans, in whom he had the greatest
+confidence, in order to consider what was necessary to be done with
+the Saxon monk. Opinions were divided. "He must," says one, "be
+compelled to retract." "He must be seized," says another, "and
+imprisoned." A third thought that it was better to get quit of him;
+and a fourth that an attempt should be made to gain him by kindness
+and lenity. This last advice the cardinal seems at first to have
+determined to adopt.[551]
+
+  [551] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 183.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+     First appearance--First Words--Conditions of
+     Rome--Propositions to Retract--Luther's reply--He
+     withdraws--Impressions on both sides--Arrival of Staupitz.
+
+
+The day of conference at length arrived.[552] The legate, knowing that
+Luther had declared his readiness to retract what could be proved
+contrary to the truth, had great hopes of success. He doubted not that
+it would be easy for a man of his rank and knowledge to bring back
+this monk to the obedience of the Church.
+
+  [552] Tuesday, 11th October.
+
+Luther repaired to the legate, accompanied by the prior of the
+Carmelites, (his host and friend,) two friars of the convent, Dr.
+Link, and an Augustin, probably the one who had come with him from
+Nuremberg. Scarcely had he entered the palace of the legate, than all
+the Italians in the suite of the prince of the Church rushed forward.
+Every one wished to see the famous doctor, and pressed so upon him
+that he could scarcely advance. Luther found the Apostolical Nuncio,
+and Serra-Longa, in the hall where the cardinal was waiting. The
+reception was cold but polite, and conformable to Roman etiquette.
+Luther, following the instructions which Serra-Longa had given him,
+prostrated himself before the cardinal; when told to rise, he put
+himself on his knees; and, on a new order from the legate, stood
+erect. Several of the most distinguished Italians in the service of
+the legate pushed forward into the hall to be present at the
+interview. They desired above all to see the German monk humbling
+himself before the representative of the pope.
+
+The legate remained silent. Hating Luther as an adversary of the
+theological supremacy of St. Thomas, and as the head of an active
+opposition in a rising university, whose very first steps had greatly
+disquieted the Thomists, he was pleased at seeing him lying before
+him, and thought, says a contemporary, that Luther was going to sing a
+palinode. Luther, on his part, waited till the prince should address
+him; but seeing he did not, he took his silence for an invitation to
+begin, and spoke as follows:--
+
+"MOST WORTHY FATHER,--On the citation of his Papal Holiness, and at
+the request of my most gracious lord, the Elector of Saxony, I appear
+before you as a submissive and obedient son of the holy Christian
+Church, and I acknowledge that I published the Propositions and
+Theses in question. I am ready to listen in all obedience to the
+charge brought against me, and to allow myself, if I am mistaken, to
+be instructed in the way of truth."
+
+The cardinal, who had resolved to assume the air of a tender father,
+full of compassion for an erring child, now spoke in the most friendly
+tone, praised the humility of Luther, expressed all the joy it gave
+him, and said:--"My dear son, you have stirred up all Germany by your
+dispute on indulgences. I am told that you are a very learned doctor
+in the Scriptures, and have many disciples. Wherefore, if you would be
+a member of the Church, and find in the pope a most gracious lord,
+listen to me."
+
+After this exordium, the legate did not hesitate to disclose to him at
+once all that he expected of him--so confident was he of his
+submission. "Here," said he, "are three articles which, by the order
+of our most holy father, Leo X, I have to lay before you; _First_, You
+must retrace your steps, acknowledge your faults, and retract your
+errors, propositions, and discourses: _Secondly_, You must promise to
+abstain in future from circulating your opinions; and, _Thirdly_, You
+must engage to be more moderate, and to avoid every thing that might
+grieve or upset the Church."
+
+_Luther._--"I request, most worthy father, that you will communicate
+to me the brief of the pope, in virtue of which you have received full
+power to dispose of this affair."
+
+Serra-Longa, and the other Italians in the cardinal's suite, stared on
+hearing this request; and although the German monk had already
+appeared to them a very odd man, they could scarcely recover from the
+astonishment produced by so bold a speech. Christians, accustomed to
+ideas of justice, desire just procedure in the case of others as well
+as of themselves, but those who act habitually in an arbitrary manner
+are quite surprised when they are told to proceed in regular form,
+according to law.
+
+_De Vio._--"This request, my dear son, cannot be granted. You must
+acknowledge your errors, take care of your words in future, and not
+return to your vomit, so that we may be able to sleep without trouble
+and anxiety; thereafter, conformably to the order and authority of our
+most holy father the pope, I will arrange the affair."
+
+_Luther._--"Have the goodness, then, to tell me in what I have erred."
+
+At this new request the Italian courtiers, who had expected to see the
+poor German on his knees crying mercy, were struck with still greater
+astonishment. Not one of them would have thought of condescending so
+far as to answer so impertinent a question. But De Vio, who
+considered it ungenerous to crush the cative monk with the whole
+weight of his authority, and who, besides, was confident that his
+superior knowledge would give him an easy victory, consented to tell
+Luther of what he was accused, and even to enter into discussion with
+him. In justice to this general of the Dominicans, it must be admitted
+that he had more equity, a better sense of propriety, and less
+passion, than have been shown on many occasions since, in similar
+affairs. He assumed a tone of condescension, and said:--
+
+"Very dear son!--Here are two propositions which you have advanced,
+and which you must first of all retract: _First_, The treasury of
+indulgences does not consist of the merits and sufferings of our Lord
+Jesus Christ: _Second_, The man who receives the Holy Sacrament must
+have faith in the grace which is offered to him."
+
+In fact, both of these propositions gave a mortal blow to the Roman
+traffic. If the pope had not the power to dispose at pleasure of the
+merits of the Saviour; if those who received the bills which the
+courtiers of the Church were negotiating did not receive part of this
+infinite righteousness, the paper lost all its value, and was worth no
+more than if it had been blank. It was the same with the sacraments.
+Indulgences were to some extent an extraordinary branch of the
+commerce of Rome, whereas the sacraments were of the nature of an
+ordinary branch. The returns which they yielded were far from being
+insignificant. To maintain that faith was necessary before the
+sacraments could confer a real benefit on a Christian soul, was to
+deprive them of all interest in the eyes of the people; faith being a
+thing which the pope did not give, which was beyond his power, and
+came from God only. To declare it necessary was to wrest out of the
+hands of Rome both speculation and profit. Luther, in attacking these
+two dogmas, had imitated Jesus Christ, when at the commencement of his
+ministry he overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and drove the
+buyers and sellers out of the temple, saying, _Make not my Father's
+house a house of merchandise_.
+
+"I will not, in order to combat these errors," continued Cajetan,
+"invoke the authority of St. Thomas and the other scholastic doctors;
+I will found only on the authority of Holy Scripture, and speak with
+you in all friendship."
+
+But scarcely had De Vio begun to unfold his proofs than he deviated
+from the rule which he had declared his intention to follow.[553] He
+combated Luther's first proposition by an extravagant[554] of Pope
+Clement, and the second by all sorts of scholastic dogmas. The
+discussion commenced on this constitution of the pope in favour of
+indulgences. Luther, indignant at the authority which the legate
+ascribed to a decree of Rome, exclaimed:--
+
+  [553] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 180.
+
+  [554] The name given to certain papal constitutions, collected and
+  added to the body of the canon law.
+
+"I cannot receive such constitutions as sufficient proofs in so
+important matters. For they wrest the Holy Scripture, and never quote
+it appositely."
+
+_De Vio._--"The pope has authority and power over all things."
+
+_Luther, (keenly.)_--"Save Scripture."[555]
+
+  [555] "Salva Scriptura."
+
+_De Vio, (ironically.)_--"Save Scripture!... The pope, know you not,
+is above Councils? Even recently he condemned and punished the Council
+of Bâsle."
+
+_Luther._--"The university of Paris appealed."
+
+_De Vio._--"These Parisian gentry will pay the penalty."
+
+The discussion between the cardinal and Luther afterwards turned on
+the second point, viz., on faith. This Luther declared to be
+necessary, in order to receive benefit from the sacraments, and,
+according to his custom, quoted several passages of Scripture in
+favour of the opinion which he maintained, but the legate received
+them with loud laughter. "It is of general faith you speak, then,"
+said he.--"No!" replied Luther. One of the Italians, master of the
+ceremonies to the legate, out of all patience at Luther's opposition
+and his answers, was burning with eagerness to speak. He was
+constantly trying to break in, but the legate enjoined silence, and at
+last was obliged to reprimand him so sharply, that the master of the
+ceremonies left the hall in confusion.[556]
+
+  [556] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 180.
+
+"As to indulgences," said Luther, "if it can be shown that I am
+mistaken, I am quite willing to be instructed. One may pass over that
+point without being a bad Christian, but on the article of faith, were
+I to yield a whit, I should be denying Jesus Christ. With regard to
+it, then, I am neither able nor willing to yield, and by the grace of
+God never shall."
+
+_De Vio, (beginning to lose temper.)_--"Whether you will or not, you
+must this very day retract that article; otherwise for that article
+alone, I will reject and condemn all your doctrine."
+
+_Luther._--"I have no will apart from that of the Lord; He will do
+with me what pleases him. But had I five heads, I would lose them all
+sooner than retract the testimony which I have borne to holy Christian
+faith."
+
+_De Vio._--"I did not come here to reason with you. Retract, or
+prepare to suffer the pains which you have deserved."[557]
+
+  [557] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, pp. 180, 183, 206, etc.
+
+Luther saw plainly that it was impossible to settle the matter by a
+conference. His opponent sat before him as if he were the pope
+himself, and insisted on his receiving humbly, and with submission,
+whatever he said, while his answers, even when founded on the Holy
+Scriptures, were received with a shrug of his shoulders, and all sorts
+of irony and contempt. He thought the wisest course would be to answer
+the cardinal in writing. This method, thought he, leaves at least some
+consolation to the oppressed. Others will be able to form a judgment
+of the affair, and the unjust adversary, who, by clamour, remains
+master of the field of battle, may be deterred by it.[558]
+
+  [558] Luth. Op. (L.) p. 209.
+
+Luther having signified his intention to withdraw, the legate said to
+him, "Do you wish me to give you a safe-conduct to Rome?"
+
+Nothing would have been more agreeable to Cajetan than the acceptance
+of this offer, as it would have disencumbered him of a task, the
+difficulties of which he began to comprehend. But the Reformer, who
+saw all the difficulties with which he was surrounded even at
+Augsburg, took good care not to accept a proposal the effect of which
+could only have been to give him over, bound hand and foot, to the
+vengeance of his enemies. He rejected it as often as De Vio was
+pleased to renew it, and this was frequently. The legate disguised the
+pain which he felt at Luther's refusal, and, wrapping himself up in
+his dignity, dismissed the monk with a smile of compassion, under
+which he tried to conceal his disappointment, and at the same time the
+politeness of one who hopes he may succeed better another time.
+
+No sooner was Luther in the court of the palace than the talkative
+Italian, the master of the ceremonies, whom his master's reprimands
+had obliged to quit the hall of conference, delighted at being able to
+speak out of sight of Cajetan, and burning with eagerness to confound
+the abominable heretic by his luminous reasons, ran after him, and
+continuing to walk, began to retail his sophisms. But Luther, weary of
+this foolish personage, answered him with one of those cutting
+expressions which he had so much at command, and the poor master of
+the ceremonies left off, and returned in confusion to the cardinal's
+palace.
+
+Luther did not carry away a very high opinion of his opponent. He had
+heard from him, as he afterwards wrote to Spalatin, propositions which
+were quite at variance with theology, and in the mouth of any other
+person would have been regarded as arch-heretical. And yet De Vio was
+considered the most learned of the Dominicans. Second to him was
+Prierias. "From this," says Luther, "we may infer what those must have
+been who were tenth or hundredth."[559]
+
+  [559] Luth. Ep. i, p. 173.
+
+On the other hand, the noble and resolute bearing of the Wittemberg
+doctor had greatly surprised the cardinal and his courtiers. Instead
+of a poor monk humbly begging pardon, they had found a free man, a
+decided Christian, an enlightened teacher, who insisted that unjust
+accusations should be supported by proof, and who defended his
+doctrine triumphantly. All the inmates of Cajetan's palace inveighed
+against the pride, obstinacy, and effrontery of this heretic. Luther
+and De Vio had mutually learned to know each other, and both prepared
+for their second interview.
+
+A very agreeable surprise awaited Luther on his return to the convent
+of the Carmelites. The vicar-general of the Augustin order, his
+friend, his father Staupitz, had arrived at Augsburg. Not having been
+able to prevent Luther from coming to this city, Staupitz gave his
+friend a new and touching proof of his attachment by coming personally
+in the hope of being useful to him. This excellent man foresaw that
+the conference with the legate would lead to very serious
+consequences. He was equally agitated by his fears and his friendship
+for Luther, who, after his painful sederunt, felt it refreshing to
+clasp so valuable a friend in his arms. Having told him that it had
+been impossible for him to get an answer worth any thing, and how the
+legate had been contented to demand a retractation without trying to
+convince him--"It is absolutely necessary," said Staupitz, "to give
+the legate a written answer."
+
+After what he had heard of the first interview, Staupitz hoped nothing
+from the others, and, therefore, determined on a proceeding which he
+deemed necessary. He resolved to loose Luther from obedience to his
+order. By this Staupitz hoped to gain two ends. If, as all
+anticipated, Luther fell in the struggle, the disgrace of his
+condemnation would not fall on the whole order; or if the cardinal
+ordered Staupitz to oblige Luther to silence or retractation, he would
+have an excuse for not doing it.[560] The ceremony, which took place
+in the usual form, made Luther aware of all that he had thenceforth to
+expect. He felt exceedingly at seeing the ties which he had formed in
+the enthusiasm of his youth, thus broken. The order of his choice
+rejects him. His natural protectors stand aloof, and he becomes a
+stranger to his brethren. But though his heart is filled with sadness
+at the thought, he recovers all his joy on turning to the promises of
+a faithful God, who has said, "_I will never leave you nor forsake
+you_."
+
+  [560] "Darinn ihn Dr. Staupitz von dem Kloster-Gehorsam absolvitr."
+  (Math. 15.)
+
+The counsellors of the empire having intimated to the legate, through
+the Bishop of Trent, that Luther was provided with an imperial
+safe-conduct, and having caused it to be declared at the same time,
+that nothing was to be attempted against the doctor's person, De Vio
+became angry, and sharply replied in words characteristically Roman,
+"Very well, but I will do what the pope commands."[561] We know what
+this was.
+
+  [561] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, 201.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VII.
+
+     Communication to the Legate--Second Appearance--Luther's
+     Declaration--The Legate's Reply--The Legate's
+     Volubility--Luther's Request.
+
+
+The next day[562] both parties prepared for the second interview,
+which promised to be decisive. The friends of Luther, who had resolved
+to accompany him to the legate, repaired to the convent of the
+Carmelites. The dean of Trent, and Peutinger, both counsellors of the
+emperor, and Staupitz, arrived in succession. Shortly after the doctor
+had the pleasure to see them joined by the Chevalier Philip von
+Feilitsch, and Doctor Ruhel, counsellors of the Elector, who had been
+ordered by their master to attend the conferences, and protect the
+liberty of Luther. They had arrived the previous evening, and were,
+says Mathesius, to stand at his side, as at Constance the Chevalier de
+Chlum stood at the side of John Huss. The doctor, moreover, took a
+notary, and accompanied with all these friends, proceeded to the
+legate.
+
+  [562] Wednesday 12th October.
+
+At this moment Staupitz came up to him; he thoroughly comprehended
+Luther's situation, and knew that if he did not fix his eye solely on
+the Lord, who is the deliverer of his people, he must succumb. "My
+dear brother," said he to him seriously, "constantly remember that you
+have begun these things in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ." Thus
+God surrounded his humble servant with consolation and encouragement.[563]
+
+  [563] Seckend., p. 137.
+
+Luther, on arriving at the cardinal's, found a new opponent. This was
+the prior of the Dominicans of Augsburg, who was seated at the side
+of his chief. Luther, agreeably to the resolution which he had formed,
+had written his reply, and, after the usual salutations, with a firm
+voice read the following declaration:--
+
+"I declare that I honour the holy Roman Church, and that I will
+continue to honour it. I have sought the truth in public discussions;
+and all that I have said I regard, even at this hour, as just, true,
+and Christian. Still I am a man, and maybe mistaken. I am, therefore,
+disposed to receive instruction and correction in the things in which
+I may have erred. I declare myself ready to reply, by word of mouth or
+by writing, to all the objections and all the charges which my lord
+the legate may bring against me. I declare myself ready to submit my
+theses to the four universities of Bâsle, Friburg in Brisgau, Louvain,
+and Paris; and to retract what they declare to be erroneous. In a
+word, I am ready to do all that may be demanded of a Christian. But I
+protest solemnly against the course which is sought to be given to
+this affair, and against the strange pretension of constraining me to
+retract without having refuted me."[564]
+
+  [564] Löscher, ii, 463; Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 181, 209.
+
+Undoubtedly, nothing could be more equitable than these proposals of
+Luther, and yet they must have been very embarrassing to a judge whose
+decision had been prescribed to him beforehand. The legate, who had
+not expected this protestation, sought to conceal his uneasiness by
+pretending to laugh at it, and assuming an exterior of gentleness,
+said to Luther, smiling, "This protestation is unnecessary, I will not
+dispute with you either in public or in private, but I purpose to
+arrange the affair kindly, and like a father." The whole policy of the
+cardinal consisted in putting aside the strict forms of justice, which
+afford protection to those who are prosecuted, and in treating the
+affair only as one of administration between superior and inferior;--a
+commodious method, in as much as it opens up a wide field for
+arbitrary procedure.
+
+Still maintaining the most affectionate manner, "My dear friend," said
+De Vio, "abandon, I pray you, a useless design. Rather return to
+yourself, acknowledge the truth, and I am ready to reconcile you with
+the Church and the sovereign bishop. Whether you will or not, it
+matters little. It will be hard for you to kick against the
+pricks...."
+
+Luther, who saw himself treated as if he were already proved a
+rebellious child, rejected of the Church, exclaimed, "I cannot
+retract; but I offer to answer, and in writing. "We had enough of
+debating yesterday."[565]
+
+  [565] "Digladiatum," battled. (Luth. Ep. i, p. 181.)
+
+De Vio was irritated at this expression, which reminded him that he
+had not acted with sufficient prudence; but he recovered himself, and
+said with a smile, "Debating, my dear son! I did not debate with you.
+I have no wish to debate; but in order to please the most serene
+Elector Frederick, I am willing to hear you, and exhort you amicably
+and paternally."
+
+Luther did not comprehend why the legate should have been so much
+offended at the expression which he had used; for, thought he, if I
+had not wished to speak politely, I would have said, not _debated_,
+but _disputed_, and _wrangled_,--for that was truly what we did.
+
+Still De Vio, who felt that before the respectable witnesses who were
+present at the conference it was at least necessary to seem to try to
+convince Luther to return to the two propositions, which he had
+singled out as fundamental errors, thoroughly resolved to let the
+Reformer speak as little as possible. Strong in his Italian volubility
+he overwhelms him with objections, to which he does not wait for a
+reply. Sometimes he jests, sometimes he scolds; he declaims with
+impassioned heat, mixes up the most heterogeneous subjects, quotes St.
+Thomas and Aristotle, cries, and gets into a passion with all who
+differ with him in opinion, and then apostrophises Luther. Luther,
+more than ten times, tries to speak, but the legate instantly
+interrupts him, and showers down menaces upon him. Retractation!
+retractation! is the whole sum of his demand; he thunders, and
+domineers, and insists on having all the talk to himself.[566]
+Staupitz interferes to stop the legate. "Have the goodness," says he,
+"to give Doctor Martin time to answer." But the legate recommences his
+discourse, quotes the _extravagants_ and the opinions of St. Thomas,
+determined to harangue during the whole interview. If he cannot
+convince, and if he dares not strike, he at least can stun.
+
+  [566] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii. pp. 181, 209. "Decies fere cœpi ut
+  loquerer, toties rursus tonabat et solus regnabat." I began almost ten
+  times to speak, but he again as often thundered and reigned alone.
+
+Luther and Staupitz saw clearly that they must abandon the hope, not
+only of enlightening De Vio by discussion, but also of making a useful
+profession of faith. Luther, therefore, resumed the request which he
+had made at the commencement, and which the cardinal had then evaded.
+Since he was not permitted to speak, he asked that he might, at least,
+be allowed to write, and send his written reply to the legate.
+Staupitz supported him; several others who were present joined their
+entreaties, and Cajetan, notwithstanding of all his repugnance for
+what was written, (for he remembered that what is written remains,)
+at last consented. The meeting broke up. The hope of terminating the
+affair at this interview was adjourned, and it became necessary to
+await the result of a subsequent conference.
+
+The permission which the general of the Dominicans gave Luther to
+prepare an answer, and to answer in writing, the two distinct and
+articulate accusations which he had made, touching indulgences and
+faith, was nothing more than justice demanded, and yet we are obliged
+to De Vio for it, as a mark of moderation and impartiality.
+
+Luther left the cardinal's palace delighted that his request had been
+granted. In going and returning he was the object of public attention.
+All enlightened men were interested in his case, as if it had been
+their own, for it was felt that the cause then pleaded at Augsburg was
+the cause of the gospel, justice, and liberty. The lowest of the
+people alone were with Cajetan; and of this he doubtless gave some
+significant hints to the Reformer, who afterwards spoke of them.[567]
+
+  [567] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p.186.
+
+It became more and more evident that the legate had no wish to hear
+any more from Luther than the words "I retract;" and these Luther was
+resolved not to pronounce. What will be the issue of this unequal
+struggle? How can it be imagined that the whole power of Rome, brought
+to bear on a single man, will not succeed in crushing him? Luther sees
+this. Feeling the weight of the terrible hand under which he is
+placed, he gives up the hope of ever returning to Wittemberg,
+revisiting his dear Philip, and again finding himself in the midst of
+the generous youths into whose hearts he loved so much to shed the
+seeds of life. He sees excommunication hanging over his head, and has
+no doubt that it must shortly fall upon him.[568] These prospects
+afflict his soul, but do not overwhelm it. His confidence in God is
+not shaken. God may break the instrument which he has been pleased
+till now to employ, but the truth will be maintained. Whatever
+happens, Luther must defend it to the last. He accordingly, begins to
+prepare the protestation which he is to present to the legate. It
+appears that he devoted to it part of the 13th October.
+
+  [568] Ibid. p.185.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VIII.
+
+     Third Appearance--Treasury of Indulgences--Faith--Humble
+     Request--Legate's Reply--Luther's Reply--Legate's
+     Rage--Luther Retires--First Defection.
+
+
+On Friday the 14th October, Luther returned to the cardinal,
+accompanied by the counsellors of the Elector. The Italians pressed
+around him as usual, and were present at the conference in great
+numbers. Luther advanced, and presented his protestation to the
+legate. The cardinal's people looked with astonishment at a writing
+which, in their eyes, was so audacious. The following is the doctor of
+Wittemberg's declaration to their master:[569]--
+
+  [569] Luth Op. (L.) xvii, p. 187.
+
+"You attack me on two points. First, you oppose to me the Constitution
+of Pope Clement VI, in which it is said, that the treasury of
+indulgences is the merit of Jesus Christ and the saints; whereas I
+deny this in my theses.
+
+"Panormitanus, (Luther thus designates Ives, author of the famous
+collection of ecclesiastical law, entitled _Panormia_, and Bishop of
+Chartres at the end of the eleventh century,) Panormitanus declares,
+in his First Book, that in regard to holy faith, not only a General
+Council, but every believer is superior to the pope, if he produces
+declarations of Scripture, and better arguments than the pope.[570]
+
+  [570] "Ostendit in materia fidei, non modo generale concilium esse
+  super papam, sed etiam quemlibet fidelium, si melioribus nitatur
+  auctoritate et ratione quam papa." (Luth. Op. Lat. p. 209.) He shows
+  that, in matter of faith, not only a general council is above the
+  pope, but also any one of the faithful whatever, if he leans on better
+  authority and reason than the pope.
+
+"The voice of our Lord Jesus Christ rises far above all the voices of
+men, whatever be the names they bear.
+
+"What gives me the greatest pain and uneasiness is, that this
+Constitution contains doctrines quite opposed to the truth. It
+declares that the merits of the saints is a treasure, while all
+Scripture testifies that God recompenses far more richly than we
+deserve. The prophet exclaims, 'Lord, enter not into judgment with thy
+servant; for in thy sight can no living man be justified.'[571] 'Woe
+to men, however honourable and laudable their life may be,' says St.
+Augustine, 'were judgment passed upon it without mercy.'[572]
+
+  [571] Psalm cxliii, 2.
+
+  [572] Confes. ix.
+
+"Hence the saints are not saved by their merits, but only by the mercy
+of God, as I have declared. I maintain this, and adhere firmly to it.
+The words of holy Scripture, which declare that the saints have not
+enough of merit, must take precedence of the words of men, who affirm
+that they have too much; for the pope is not above, but beneath the
+word of God."
+
+Luther does not stop here, but shows that if indulgences cannot be the
+merit of saints, no more are they the merit of Christ. He observes,
+that indulgences are barren and without fruit, since they have no
+other effect than to exempt men from doing good works, such as prayers
+and alms. "No," exclaims he, "the merit of Christ is not a treasure of
+indulgences, which exempts from well-doing; but a treasure of grace,
+which gives life. The merit of Christ is applied to believers without
+indulgences, without keys, by the Holy Spirit only, and not by the
+pope. If any one has a better founded opinion than mine," adds he, in
+concluding this first point, "let him show it, and then I will
+retract."
+
+"I have affirmed," says he, in coming to the second article, "that no
+man can be justified before God unless it be by faith, and hence that
+it is necessary for man to believe with full assurance that he has
+obtained grace. To doubt of this grace is to reject it. The
+righteousness and life of the righteous is his faith."[573]
+
+  [573] "Justitia justi et vita ejus, est fides ejus." (Luth. Op. Lat.
+  i, p. 211.)
+
+Luther proves his proposition by a multitude of quotations from
+Scripture.
+
+"Be pleased, then, to intercede for me with our most holy lord, Pope
+Leo X," adds he, "in order that he may not treat me with so much
+disfavour.... My soul seeks the light of truth. I am not so proud, so
+desirous of vain-glory, as to be ashamed to retract if I have taught
+what is false. My greatest joy will be to see the triumph of whatever
+accords with the will of God. Only let them not force me to do
+anything which is contrary to the cry of my conscience."
+
+The legate had taken the declaration from Luther's hands, and after
+having perused it, said to him coldly, "You have here useless
+verbiage, you have written many vain words; you have answered the two
+articles foolishly, and blotted your paper with a number of passages
+of holy Scripture which have no reference to the subject." Then, with
+a disdainful air, De Vio threw down the protestation, as setting no
+value upon it, and resuming the tone which he had found tolerably
+successful at the last interview, began to cry at full pitch that
+Luther must retract. Luther was immovable. "Friar! friar!" exclaims De
+Vio in Italian, "last time you were very good, but to-day you are very
+naughty." Then the cardinal begins a long discourse, drawn from the
+writings of St. Thomas, again loudly extols the Constitution of
+Clement VI, and persists in maintaining, that, in virtue of this
+Constitution, the very merits of Jesus Christ are distributed to the
+faithful by means of indulgences. He thinks he has silenced Luther,
+who sometimes begins to speak, but De Vio scolds, thunders away
+without ceasing, and insists on having the whole field of battle to
+himself.
+
+This method might have had some success a first time, but Luther was
+not the man to suffer it a second. His indignation at length burst
+forth; it is his turn to astonish the spectators, who deem him already
+vanquished by the volubility of the prelate. He raises his powerful
+voice, seizes the favourite objection of the cardinal, and makes him
+pay dear for his temerity in having entered the lists with him.
+"Retract! retract!" repeated De Vio, showing the Constitution of the
+pope. "Well," replied Luther, "if it can be proved by this
+Constitution that the treasure of indulgences is the merit of Jesus
+Christ, I consent to retract according to the will and good pleasure
+of your Eminence...."
+
+The Italians, who expected nothing of the kind, stared at these words,
+and could scarcely contain their joy at seeing the enemy at length
+caught in the net. The cardinal was, as it were, out of himself; he
+laughed outright, but with a laugh in which anger and indignation
+mingled; darting forward, he lays hold of the volume containing the
+famous Constitution, looks it out, pounces upon it, and, quite proud
+of his victory, reads it aloud, with boiling and heaving breast.[574]
+The Italians exult; the Elector's counsellors are uneasy and
+embarrassed: Luther is waiting for his opponent. At length, when the
+cardinal comes to the words, "The Lord Jesus Christ has acquired this
+treasure by his sufferings,". Luther stops him, "Most worthy father,"
+says he, "be so good as consider and carefully meditate this
+expression, '_has acquired_.'[575] Christ has acquired a treasure by
+his merits; the merits, therefore, are not the treasure; for, to speak
+philosophically, cause and effect are different things. The merits of
+Christ have acquired authority to the pope to grant such indulgences
+to the people, but what the hand of the pope distributes is not the
+merits themselves. Thus, then my conclusion is true, and the
+Constitution, which you invoke with so much noise, bears testimony
+with me to the truth which I proclaim."
+
+  [574] "Legit fervens et anhelans." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 145.)
+
+  [575] "Acquisivit," (Ibid.)
+
+De Vio still holds the book in his hand; his eyes are still riveted on
+the fatal passage, but he has nothing to reply. Thus he is taken in
+the net which he himself had laid, and Luther with strong hand keeps
+him in, to the inexpressible astonishment of the Italian courtiers
+around him. The legate would have evaded the difficulty, but could
+not. He had long abandoned the testimony of Scripture and the
+authority of the Fathers; he had taken refuge in this Extravagant of
+Clement VI, and there he is caught. Still he has too much finesse to
+let his embarrassment appear. Wishing to hide his shame, the prince of
+the Church suddenly changes the subject, and rushes violently to other
+articles. Luther who perceives the adroit manœuvre, allows him not to
+escape; he grasps and completely closes the net which he has thrown
+over the cardinal, and makes evasion impossible. "Most reverend
+father!" says he, with an irony clothed in the form of respect, "your
+Eminence cannot surely think that we Germans do not know grammar; to
+be a treasure, and to acquire a treasure, are very different things."
+
+"Retract!" says De Vio; "retract, or, if you don't, I send you to
+Rome, to appear there before the judges entrusted with the cognisance
+of your cause. I excommunicate you; you, all your partizans, all who
+are or may become favourable to you, and I reject them from the
+Church. Full authority in this respect has been given me by the holy
+apostolic See.[576] Think you your protectors can stop me? Do you
+imagine that the pope cares for Germany? The little finger of the pope
+is stronger than all the German princes."[577]
+
+  [576] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 197.
+
+  [577] Ibid. (W.) xxii, p. 1331.
+
+"Deign," replies Luther, "to send the written reply which I handed you
+to pope Leo X, with my very humble prayers."
+
+At these words, the legate, glad to find a moment's respite, again
+wraps himself up in a feeling of his dignity, and proudly and
+passionately says to Luther:--
+
+"Retract, or return not."[578]
+
+  [578] "Revoca, aut non revertere." Ibid. p. 202.
+
+Luther is struck with the expression. This time he gives no verbal
+answer, but bows and takes his leave, followed by the Elector's
+counsellors. The cardinal and his Italians, left alone, stare at each
+other, confounded at the issue of the debate.
+
+Thus the Dominican system, clad in the Roman purple, had proudly
+dismissed its humble opponent. But Luther felt that there is a power,
+viz., Christian truth--truth, which no authority, secular or
+spiritual, can ever subdue. Of the two combatants, he who withdrew was
+master of the field.
+
+This is the first step by which the Church detached herself from the
+papacy.
+
+Luther and De Vio never saw each other again; but the Reformer had
+made a powerful impression on the legate, an impression which was
+never entirely effaced. What Luther had said on faith, and what De Vio
+read in the subsequent writings of the doctor of Wittemberg, greatly
+modified the cardinal's views. The theologians of Rome were surprised
+and displeased at his statements on justification in his Commentary on
+the Epistle to the Romans. The Reformer did not recoil, did not
+retract; but his judge, he who never ceased exclaiming, Retract!
+changed his views, and indirectly retracted his errors. In this way
+was the Reformer's unshaken fidelity rewarded.
+
+Luther returned to the convent where he had met with hospitality. He
+had stood firm, had borne testimony to the truth and done his part.
+God will do the rest. His heart was filled with peace and joy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IX.
+
+     De Vio and Staupitz--Staupitz and Luther--Luther and
+     Spalatin--Luther to Carlstadt--Communion--Link and De
+     Vio--Departure of Staupitz and Link--Luther to Cajetan--The
+     Cardinal's Silence--Luther's Farewell--Departure--Appeal to
+     the Pope.
+
+
+Still the news brought to him were not at all satisfactory. The rumour
+in the town was, that if he would not retract, he was to be seized and
+immured in a dungeon. The vicar-general of the order, Staupitz
+himself, it was confidently said, had been obliged to consent to
+it.[579] Luther cannot believe what is told him of his friend. No!
+Staupitz will not betray him. As to the designs of the cardinal,
+judging by his own words, it is difficult to doubt. Still he is
+unwilling to flee before the danger; his life, like truth herself, is
+in mighty hands; and, notwithstanding of the danger which threatens
+him, he resolves not to quit Augsburg.
+
+  [579] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 210.
+
+The legate soon repented of his violence. He felt that he had gone out
+of his course, and he was desirous to return to it. Scarcely had
+Staupitz finished dinner, (it was the morning when the interview had
+taken place, and the dinner-hour was mid-day,) when he received a
+message from the cardinal to wait upon him. Staupitz was accompanied
+by Winceslaus Link.[580] The vicar-general found the legate alone with
+Serra-Longa. De Vio immediately went up to Staupitz, and, in the
+mildest accents said to him:--"Try, then, to persuade your monk, and
+induce him to make a retraction. Of a truth I am otherwise satisfied
+with him, and he has not a better friend than I."[581]
+
+  [580] Ibid., p. 204.
+
+  [581] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 185.
+
+_Staupitz._--"I have done so already, and will still counsel him to
+submit to the Church in all humility."
+
+_De Vio._--"You must answer the arguments which he draws from holy
+Scripture."
+
+_Staupitz._--"I must confess to you, my lord, that that is beyond my
+strength; for Dr. Martin is my superior both in talent and in
+knowledge of the holy Scriptures."
+
+The cardinal doubtless smiled at the vicar-general's frankness. He
+himself knew, besides, wherein lay the difficulty of convincing
+Luther. He continued, and said to Link:--
+
+"Are you aware, that, as partizans of a heretical doctrine, you are
+yourselves liable to the pains of the Church?"
+
+_Staupitz._--Deign to resume the conference with Luther. Appoint a
+public discussion of the controverted points."
+
+_De Vio_, (_terrified at the very idea._)--"I won't have any further
+discussion with that beast. For it has in its head piercing eyes and
+strange speculations."[582]
+
+  [582] "Ego nolo amplius cum hac bestia disputare. Habet enim profundos
+  oculos et mirabiles speculationes in capite suo" (Myconius, p. 33.)
+
+Staupitz at last obtained the cardinal's promise to give Luther a
+written statement of what he was to retract.
+
+The vicar-general went immediately to Luther, and, shaken by the
+cardinal's representations, tried to bring about some arrangement.
+"Refute then," says Luther, "the passages of Scripture which I have
+brought forward." "It is above my power," said Staupitz. "Well," said
+Luther, "it is against my conscience to retract, so long as no other
+explanation can be given of these passages." "What!" continued he,
+"the cardinal pretends, as you assure me, that he is desirous to
+arrange the affair without shame or disadvantage to me. Ah! these are
+Roman words, and signify in good German that it would be my disgrace
+and eternal ruin. What else has he to expect, who, from fear of man
+and against the voice of his conscience, abjures the truth?"[583]
+
+  [583] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 210.
+
+Staupitz did not insist; he merely intimated that the cardinal had
+consented to give him a written statement of the points of which he
+demanded a retractation. Then, doubtless, he informed him of his
+resolution to leave Augsburg, where he had nothing more to do, and
+Luther imparted to him a design which he had formed with a view to
+comfort and strengthen their souls.
+
+Staupitz promised to return, and they separated for a short time.
+
+Luther, left alone in his cell, turned his thoughts towards friends
+who were dear to his heart. He transported himself to Weimar and
+Wittemberg. He was desirous to inform the Elector of what was passing;
+and, afraid of compromising the prince by addressing him directly,
+wrote to Spalatin, and begged him to inform his master how matters
+stood. He related the whole affair, even to the promise of the legate
+to give him a written statement of the controverted points, and
+concluded:--"Thus matters are; but I have neither hope nor confidence
+in the legate. I will not retract a single syllable. I will publish
+the reply which I have sent him, in order that, if he proceeds to
+violence, his shame may extend over all Christendom."[584]
+
+  [584] Luth. Ep. i. 149.
+
+The doctor next availed himself of some moments still left him to
+communicate with his friends at Wittemberg.
+
+"Peace and felicity!" wrote he to Doctor Carlstadt. "Accept these few
+lines as if they were a long letter; for time and events are pressing
+on me. Another time I will write you and others at greater length. For
+three days my affair has been under discussion, and things are now
+come to this, that I have no hope of returning to you, and expect
+nothing but excommunication. The legate is absolutely determined that
+I shall have no discussion, either public or private. He says, he
+wishes not to be my judge but my father, and yet the only words he
+will hear from me are, 'I retract, and own that I have been mistaken.'
+These, again, are words which I won't say.
+
+"My cause is in so much the greater peril, that its judges are not
+only implacable enemies, but, moreover, men incapable of comprehending
+it. However, the Lord God lives and reigns; to his care I commend
+myself, and I doubt not that, in answer to the prayers of some pious
+souls, he will send me assistance; methinks I feel that I am prayed
+for.
+
+"Either I shall return to you without having suffered harm, or, struck
+with excommunication, will be obliged to seek an asylum elsewhere.
+
+"Be this as it may, comport yourself valiantly, stand firm, exalt
+Christ intrepidly and joyfully....
+
+"The cardinal always calls me his dear son. I know what this amounts
+to. Nevertheless, I am persuaded I would be to him the dearest and
+most agreeable of men, if I would only pronounce the single word
+_Revoco_, I retract. But I will not become a heretic by retracting the
+faith which made me become a Christian. Better be hunted, cursed,
+burnt, and put to death....
+
+"Take care of yourself, my dear doctor, and show this letter to our
+theologians, to Amsdorff, Philip, Otten, and others, in order that you
+may pray for me, and also for yourselves; for the affair which is here
+discussed is yours also. It is that of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,
+and of divine grace."[585]
+
+  [585] Luth. Ep. i. p. 159.
+
+Delightful thought! which ever gives full peace and consolation to
+those who have borne testimony to Jesus Christ, to his divinity and
+grace, when the world from all quarters showers down its censures,
+ejections, and frowns. "Our cause is that of faith in our Lord!" And
+how sweet also the conviction expressed by the Reformer, "I feel that
+I am prayed for." The Reformation was the work of prayer and piety.
+The struggle between Luther and De Vio was a struggle between the
+religious element re-appearing in full life, and the expiring remains
+of the quibbling dialectics of the middle ages.
+
+Such was Luther's converse with his absent friends. Staupitz soon
+returned; Doctor Ruhel and the Chevalier de Ferlitzoch, the Elector's
+envoys, also arrived after they had taken leave of the cardinal. Some
+other friends of the gospel joined them; and Luther, seeing the
+generous men thus assembled on the point of separating, perhaps
+separating from himself for ever, proposed that they should join in
+celebrating the Lord's Supper. The proposal was accepted, and this
+little flock of believers communicated in the body and blood of Jesus
+Christ. What feelings must have filled the hearts of these friends of
+the Reformer at this moment when celebrating the Eucharist with him
+and thinking that it was perhaps the last time he would be permitted
+to do so! What joy and love must have animated Luther's heart at
+seeing himself so graciously received by his Master at an hour when
+men were repulsing him! How solemn must that supper have been--how
+sacred that evening![586]
+
+  [586] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 178.
+
+The next day[587] Luther waited for the articles which the legate was
+to send him, but no message arriving, he begged his friend, Dr.
+Winceslaus Link, to go to the cardinal. De Vio received Link with the
+greatest affability, and assured him that he would act only as a
+friend. "I no longer," says he, "regard Doctor Martin Luther as a
+heretic. I will not excommunicate him at this time, at least if I do
+not receive other orders from Rome. I have sent his reply to the pope
+by an express." Then, to give a proof of his good intentions, he
+added, "Would Doctor Martin Luther only retract what relates to the
+indulgences, the affair would soon be ended; for, with regard to
+faith in the sacrament, it is an article which every one may interpret
+and understand in his own way." Spalatin, who relates these words,
+adds the sarcastic but just remark: "It clearly follows, that Rome has
+more regard for money than for the purity of the faith and the
+salvation of souls."[588]
+
+  [587] Saturday, 15th
+
+  [588] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 182.
+
+Link returned to Luther. He found Staupitz with him, and gave an
+account of his visit. When he mentioned the legate's unlooked for
+concession, "It had been worth while," said Staupitz, "for Dr.
+Winceslaus to have had a notary and witnesses with him to take down
+the words, for if such a proposal was known it would greatly prejudice
+the cause of the Romans."
+
+Meanwhile, the smoother the prelate's words became, the less the
+honest Germans trusted him. Several of the worthy men to whom Luther
+had been recommended consulted together. "The legate," said they, "is
+plotting some mischief by the courier of whom he speaks; there is good
+ground to fear that you will all be seized and cast into prison."
+
+Staupitz and Winceslaus, therefore, determined to quit the town.
+Embracing Luther, who persisted in remaining at Augsburg, they set out
+in all haste by different roads for Nuremberg, not without a feeling
+of great uneasiness as to the fate of the intrepid witness whom they
+left behind.
+
+Sunday passed quietly enough. Luther waited in vain for a message from
+the legate. But as he did not send him a word, Luther at last resolved
+to write him. Staupitz and Link, before their departure, had begged
+him to make all possible submission to the cardinal. Luther was yet
+without experience in Rome and its envoys; but if submission did not
+succeed, he would be able to regard it as a warning. Now, he must at
+least make the attempt. In so far as concerns himself, not a day
+passes in which he does not condemn himself, does not mourn over the
+facility with which he allows himself to be hurried into expressions
+which exceed the bounds of propriety. Why should he not confess to the
+cardinal that which he daily confesses to God? Luther, moreover, had a
+heart which was easily touched, and which suspected no evil. He
+therefore took up the pen, and, under a feeling of respect and good
+will, wrote to the cardinal as follows:[589]--
+
+  [589] The letter is dated 17th October.
+
+MOST WORTHY FATHER IN GOD,--I come once more, not with my voice, but
+by writing, to supplicate your paternal goodness to give me a
+favourable hearing. The reverend Doctor Staupitz, my very dear Father
+in Christ, has asked me to humble myself, to renounce my own opinion,
+and submit it to the judgment of pious and impartial men. He also has
+lauded your paternal goodness, and convinced me of the favourable
+sentiments with which you are animated towards me. The tidings filled
+me with joy.
+
+"Now, then, most worthy father, I confess, as I have already done,
+that I have not shown enough of modesty, enough of meekness, enough of
+respect for the name of the sovereign pontiff; and although I have
+been greatly provoked, I perceive it would have been far better for me
+to have treated the affair with more humility, good nature, and
+reverence, '_not answering a fool according to his folly, for fear of
+being like unto him_.' (Prov., xxvi, 4.)
+
+"This grieves me very much; I ask pardon for it; and I am willing to
+announce it to the people from the pulpit, as indeed I have already
+often done. I will endeavour, by the grace of God, to speak
+differently. Moreover, I am ready to promise, that, unless I am asked,
+I will not say a single word on the subject of indulgences after this
+affair is arranged. But, in like manner, let those who led me to begin
+it be obliged hereafter to be moderate in their discourses, or to be
+silent.
+
+"As regards the truth of my doctrine, the authority of St. Thomas and
+other doctors cannot satisfy me. If I am worthy of it, I must hear the
+voice of the spouse, who is the Church. For it is certain that she
+hears the voice of the Bridegroom who is Christ.
+
+"With all humility and submission, therefore, I pray your paternal
+love to refer the whole of this matter, which to this hour is so
+uncertain, to our most holy lord, Leo X, in order that the Church may
+decide, pronounce, and ordain, thereby enabling men to retract with a
+good conscience, or to believe in sincerity."[590]
+
+  [590] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 198.
+
+The reading of this letter suggests a reflection. It shows us that
+Luther was not acting on a premeditated system, but only in virtue of
+convictions which were successively impressed on his mind and his
+heart.
+
+So far from having adopted a fixed system, or calculated opposition,
+he was sometimes, without suspecting it, at variance with himself. Old
+convictions still prevailed in his mind, even after contrary
+convictions had taken root. And yet, in these evidences of sincerity
+and truth, men have searched for weapons to assail the Reformation;
+because it followed the obligatory law of progress invariably imposed
+on the human mind, they have written the history of its variations; in
+the very traits which attest its sincerity, and consequently do it
+honour, one of the greatest geniuses of Christendom has found his
+strongest objections to it.[591] Inconceivable is the waywardness of
+the human mind!
+
+  [591] Bosuet, Hist. des Variations. (Livre i, pp. 25, etc.)
+
+Luther received no answer to his letter. Cajetan and his courtiers,
+from being violently agitated, became all at once motionless. What
+could the reason be? Might it not be the calm which precedes the
+storm? Some are of the opinion of Pallavicini, who observes, that "the
+cardinal expected that the proud monk would, like inflated bellows,
+gradually lose the wind with which he was filled, and become quite
+humble."[592] Others, who thought themselves better acquainted with
+the ways of Rome, felt assured that the legate was preparing to seize
+Luther; but not daring, of his own accord, to proceed to such
+extremities in defiance of the imperial safe-conduct, was waiting for
+an answer from Rome. Others, again, could not admit that the cardinal
+would consent to wait so long. The Emperor, Maximilian, they said,
+(and this may indeed have been true,) would have no more scruple in
+delivering up Luther to the judgment of the Church, in spite of the
+safe-conduct, than Sigismund had in delivering up John Huss to the
+Council of Constance. Their conjecture, therefore, was, that the
+legate was negotiating with the emperor. The sanction of Maximilian
+might arrive at any hour. The greater the opposition he had formerly
+showed to the pope, the more disposed he now seemed to flatter him,
+until he should succeed in encircling the head of his grandson with
+the imperial crown. There was not an instant to be lost, "and,
+therefore," said the generous men around Luther, "prepare an appeal to
+the pope, and quit Augsburg without delay."
+
+  [592] "Ut follis ille ventosa elatione distentus." (P. 40.)
+
+Luther, whose presence in the town had for four days been quite
+useless, and who, by remaining these four days after the departure of
+the Saxon counsellors whom the Elector had sent to watch over his
+safety, had sufficiently demonstrated that he feared nothing, and was
+ready to answer every charge, at length yielded to the urgent
+entreaties of his friends. Wishing to leave a notification to De Vio,
+he wrote him on Tuesday, the evening before his departure. This second
+letter is firmer in its tone than the former. It would seem that
+Luther, in perceiving that all his advances were vain, began to hold
+up his head, and show that he had a due sense both of his own rights,
+and of the injustice of his enemies.
+
+"Most worthy Father in God," wrote he to De Vio, "your paternal
+goodness has seen, yes, I say, seen, and distinctly recognised my
+obedience. I have undertaken a distant journey, in the midst of great
+dangers, in much bodily weakness, and notwithstanding of my extreme
+poverty, on the order of our most holy lord, Leo X. I have appeared
+personally before your Eminence; in fine, I have thrown myself at the
+feet of his Holiness, and am now waiting his pleasure, prepared to
+acquiesce in his judgment, whether he condemn or acquit me. I thus
+feel that I have omitted nothing which becomes an obedient son of the
+Church.
+
+"Hence, I cannot see it to be my duty uselessly to prolong my sojourn
+here; indeed, it is impossible for me to do so. I want means, and your
+paternal goodness has commanded me, in peremptory terms, not again to
+show myself in your presence, unless I am willing to retract.
+
+"I depart, therefore, in the name of the Lord, desiring, if it be
+possible, to repair to some spot where I may be able to live in peace.
+Several personages, of greater weight than I am, have urged me to
+appeal from your paternal goodness, and even from our most holy lord,
+Leo X, ill informed, to himself better informed. Although I know that
+such an appeal will be much more agreeable to our most serene Elector
+than a retractation, nevertheless, if I had only had myself to
+consult, I would not have taken it. Having committed no fault, I ought
+to have nothing to fear."
+
+Luther, having written this letter, which was not sent to the legate
+till after his departure, prepared to quit Augsburg. God had kept him
+till this hour, and his heart praised Him for it; but he must not
+tempt God. He took leave of his friends, Peutinger, Langemantel, the
+Adelmanns, Auerbach, and the prior of the Carmelites, who had shown
+him so much Christian hospitality. On Wednesday before day-break he
+got up, and was ready to depart. His friends had advised him to use
+great precaution, lest his intention should be observed and
+frustrated, and he followed their counsels as much as he could. A
+pony, which Staupitz had left him, was brought to the gate of the
+convent, and once more bidding adieu to his brethren, he mounted and
+set off, without bridle, boots, or spurs, and unarmed. The magistrates
+had sent one of their officers on horseback, who was to accompany him,
+and who knew the roads perfectly. The servant led him in the darkness,
+through the silent streets of Augsburg, towards a small gate which was
+pierced in the city wall, and which counsellor Langemantel had given
+orders should be opened to him. He is still in the power of the
+legate, and the hand of Rome may still reach him. Doubtless, did the
+Italians know that their prey was escaping, they would sally forth in
+fury with hue and cry. Who knows if the intrepid opponent of Rome will
+not yet be seized and immured in a dungeon?... At length Luther and
+his guide arrive at the little gate, and, passing through it, are out
+of Augsburg. Then, putting their horses to the gallop, they make off
+in all haste.
+
+Luther, on departing, had left his appeal to the pope in the hands of
+the prior of Pomesaw. His friends were of opinion that it should not
+be sent to the legate, and the prior was therefore charged to see to
+its being fixed up, two or three days after the doctor's departure, on
+the gate of the cathedral, in presence of a notary and witnesses. This
+was accordingly done.
+
+In this document, Luther declares that he appeals from the most holy
+father the pope, ill informed, to the most holy lord and father in
+Christ, by name Leo X, by the grace of God, when better informed.[593]
+This appeal had been regularly drawn up and executed in due form by
+Gall de Herbrachtingen, the imperial notary, in presence of two
+Augustin monks, Bartholomew Utzmair and Wengel Steinbies. It was dated
+16th October.
+
+  [593] "Melius informandum." (Luth. Op. Lat. I, p. 219.)
+
+When the cardinal was informed of Luther's departure, he was
+astonished, and even, as he declares in a letter to the Elector, was
+frightened and amazed. In fact, he had grounds for irritation. This
+departure, which put so abrupt a termination to negotiation,
+disappointed the hopes which had so long flattered him. His ambition
+was to cure the wounds of the Church, and re-establish the pope's
+influence in Germany; and, lo! the heretic has escaped not only
+without having been punished, but even without having been humbled.
+The conference had only served to bring more prominently into view, on
+the one hand, the simplicity, uprightness, and firmness of Luther;
+and, on the other, the imperiousness and unreasonable conduct of the
+pope and his ambassador. Rome, having gained nothing, must have lost:
+her authority not having been strengthened, had, of necessity,
+experienced a new check. What will be said at the Vatican? What
+tidings will arrive at Rome? The difficulties of his situation will be
+forgotten, and the failure imputed to his want of skill. Serra-Longa
+and the Italians are furious at seeing persons of their ability
+outwitted by a German monk. De Vio is scarcely able to conceal his
+irritation. The affront cries for vengeance, and we shall soon see him
+giving vent to his wrath in a letter to the Elector.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. X.
+
+     Luther's Flight--Admiration--Luther's Wish--The Legate to
+     the Elector--The Elector to the Legate--Prosperity of the
+     University.
+
+
+Luther continued with his guide to flee from Augsburg. He urged his
+steed to the utmost speed that the poor animal's strength would
+permit. He thought of the real or supposed flight of John Huss, the
+manner in which he was laid hold of, and the assertion of his
+adversaries, who pretended that the flight annulled the Emperor's
+safe-conduct, and entitled them to condemn him to the flames.[594]
+These uneasy thoughts merely crossed Luther's mind. Escaped from the
+town, where he had passed ten days under the terrible hand of Rome,
+which had already crushed so many thousand witnesses of the truth, and
+drenched herself with blood--now that he is free, now that he breathes
+the pure air of the field, and traverses the villages and plains--now
+that he sees himself wonderfully delivered--his whole soul magnifies
+the Lord. Truly he may now say, "_Our soul is escaped as a bird out of
+the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our
+help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth._"[595]
+Luther's heart is thus filled with joy. But his thoughts also revert
+to De Vio. "The cardinal," says he, "would have liked to have me in
+his hands to send me to Rome. No doubt he is chagrined at my escape.
+He imagined that he was master of me at Augsburg--he thought he was
+sure of me; but he had an eel by the tail. Is it not a shame in these
+people to set so high a price upon me? They would give many crowns to
+have me; whereas, our Lord Jesus Christ was sold for thirty pieces of
+silver."[596]
+
+  [594] Weissmann, Hist. Eccl., i, p. 1237.
+
+  [595] Psalm cxxiv. 7, 8.
+
+  [596] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 202.
+
+The first day Luther travelled fourteen leagues. In the evening, on
+arriving at the inn where he was to pass the night, he was so fatigued
+(his horse, says one of his biographers, had a very hard trot,) that,
+on dismounting, he could not stand erect, and stretched himself out
+upon the straw. He, nevertheless, enjoyed some sleep, and the next day
+continued his journey. At Nuremberg, he found Staupitz on a visit to
+the convents of his order, and, for the first time saw the brief which
+the pope had sent to Cajetan respecting him. He was indignant at it.
+In all probability, if he had read it before his departure from
+Wittemberg, he would never have appeared before the cardinal. "It is
+impossible to believe," says he, "that any thing so monstrous could
+emanate from a sovereign pontiff."[597]
+
+  [597] Luth. Ep. i, p. 166.
+
+Throughout the journey, Luther was an object of general interest. He
+had not yielded a whit. Such a victory gained by a mendicant monk over
+a representative of Rome, excited universal admiration. Germany seemed
+avenged for the contempt of Italy. The eternal Word had been more
+honoured than the word of the pope; and that vast power which had
+domineered over the world for so many ages had received an important
+check. Luther's journey was a triumph. People were delighted with the
+obstinacy of Rome, hoping that it would hasten her downfall. Had she
+not chosen to keep fast hold of dishonest gains--had she been wise
+enough not to despise the Germans--had she reformed clamant
+abuses--perhaps, according to human views, things might have returned
+to the state of death out of which Luther had aroused them. But the
+papacy chooses not to yield, and the doctor will see himself
+constrained to bring many other errors to light, and to advance in the
+knowledge and the manifestation of the truth.
+
+On the 26th October Luther arrived at Græfenthal, situated at the
+extremity of the forests of Thuringia. Here he fell in with Count
+Albert of Mansfeld, who had so strongly dissuaded him from going to
+Augsburg. The count laughed heartily on seeing his singular equipage;
+and, laying hands on him, obliged him to become his guest. Shortly
+after Luther resumed his journey.
+
+He made haste to be at Wittemberg by the 31st October, expecting that
+the Elector would be there at the Feast of All Saints, and that he
+would be able to see him. The brief which he had read at Nuremberg had
+made him fully aware of the danger of his situation. In fact, being
+already condemned at Rome, he could not hope either to remain at
+Wittemberg, or to obtain an asylum in a convent, or to be in peace and
+safety any where else. The protection of the Elector might, perhaps,
+defend him, but he was far from being able to calculate upon it. He
+could not expect any help from the two friends whom he had formerly
+had at the court. Staupitz, having lost the favour he long enjoyed,
+had quitted Saxony, Spalatin was loved by Frederick, but had no great
+influence over him. The Elector himself was not so well acquainted
+with the gospel as to encounter manifest perils on account of it.
+However, Luther saw nothing better which he could do than return to
+Wittemberg, and there await the decision of an almighty and merciful
+God. If, as several thought, he were left at liberty, his wish was to
+devote himself entirely to study and the education of youth.[598]
+
+  [598] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 183.
+
+Luther did arrive at Wittemberg by the 30th October; but his haste had
+been to no purpose, for neither the Elector nor Spalatin came to the
+festival. His friends were overjoyed on seeing him again among them.
+The very day of his arrival he hastened to announce it to Spalatin--"I
+came back to Wittemberg to-day, safe and sound, by the grace of God;
+but how long I shall remain is more than I know.... I am filled with
+joy and peace; so much so, that I cannot help wondering how the trial
+which I endure appears so great to so many great personages."
+
+De Vio did not wait long, after Luther's departure, to vent all his
+indignation to the Elector. His letter breathes vengeance. In an
+assuming tone he gives Frederick an account of the conference. "Since
+friar Martin," says he, in conclusion, "cannot be brought by paternal
+methods to acknowledge his error, and remain faithful to the Catholic
+Church, I pray your Highness to send him to Rome, or banish him from
+your States. Be assured that this difficult, naughty, and venomous
+affair, cannot last longer; for, when I shall have acquainted our most
+holy lord with all the craft and malice, there will soon be an end of
+it." In a postscript, in his own hand, the cardinal entreats the
+Elector not to sully his own honour, and that of his illustrious
+ancestors, for a miserable paltry friar.[599]
+
+  [599] Ibid. p. 203.
+
+Never, perhaps, was the soul of Luther filled with nobler indignation
+than on reading the copy of this letter which the Elector sent him.
+The thought of the sufferings which he is destined to endure, the
+value of the truth for which he is combating, the contempt he feels
+for the conduct of the legate of Rome, at once fill his heart. His
+reply, written under the influence of those feelings, is full of the
+courage, dignity, and faith, which he always manifested in the most
+difficult crisis of his life. He, in his turn, gives an account of the
+conference of Augsburg, and then, after exposing the conduct of the
+cardinal continues:--
+
+"I should like to answer the legate in the Elector's stead.
+
+"Prove that you speak with knowledge," I would say to him; "let the
+whole affair be committed to writing; then I will send Friar Martin to
+Rome, or rather, I myself will cause him to be seized and put to
+death. I will take care of my conscience and my honour, and allow no
+stain to sully my fame. But as long as your certain knowledge shuns
+the light, and manifests itself only by clamour, I cannot give credit
+to darkness.
+
+"This, most excellent prince, would be my answer.
+
+"Let the reverend legate, or the pope himself, give a written
+specification of my errors; let them explain their reasons; let them
+instruct me who desire, who ask, and wish, and wait for instruction,
+in so much that even a Turk would not refuse to give it. If I retract
+not, and condemn myself after they shall have proved to me that the
+passages which I have cited ought to be understood differently from
+what I have done, then, O most excellent Elector, let your Highness be
+the first to pursue and chase me, let the university discard me, and
+load me with its anger. Nay, more, (and I call heaven and earth to
+witness,) let the Lord Jesus Christ reject and condemn me! The words
+which I speak are not dictated by vain presumption, but by immovable
+conviction. I am willing that the Lord God withdraw his grace from me,
+and that every creature of God refuse to countenance me, if, when a
+better doctrine shall have been shown to me, I embrace it not.
+
+"If, on account of the humbleness of my condition, they despise me, a
+poor paltry mendicant friar, and if they refuse to instruct me in the
+way of truth, let your Highness pray the legate to point out to you in
+writing wherein I have erred; and, if they refuse this favour even to
+your Highness, let them write their views either to his Imperial
+Majesty, or to some Archbishop of Germany. What ought I, what can I
+say more?
+
+"Let your Highness listen to the voice of your honour and your
+conscience, and not send me to Rome. No man can command you to do it,
+for it is impossible I can be in safety at Rome. The pope himself is
+not in safety there. It would be to order you to betray Christian
+blood. They have paper, pens, and ink, and they have also notaries
+without number. It is easy for them to write, and show wherein and how
+I have erred. It will cost less to instruct me by writing while I am
+absent, than while present to accomplish my death by stratagem.
+
+"I resign myself to exile. My enemies are so ensnaring me on all
+sides, that I can no where live in safety. In order that no evil may
+befall you on my account, I, in the name of God, abandon your
+territories; I will go wherever an almighty and merciful God wishes me
+to be. Let him do with me as seemeth to him good!
+
+"Thus, then, most serene Elector, with veneration I bid you farewell.
+I commend you to Almighty God, and give you immortal thanks for all
+your kindness towards me. Whatever the people among whom I shall live
+in future, I will always remember you, and gratefully pray, without
+ceasing, for the happiness of you and yours.[600]... I am still, thank
+God, full of joy, and I bless him that Christ his Son counts me
+worthy of suffering in so holy a cause. May he eternally guard your
+illustrious Highness! Amen!"
+
+  [600] "Ego enim ubicunque ero gentium, illustrissimæ Dominationis tuæ
+  nusqum non ero memor...." (Luth. Ep. i. p. 187.)
+
+This letter, so replete with truth, made a profound impression on the
+Elector. "He was shaken by a very eloquent letter," says Maimbourg. He
+never would have thought of delivering an innocent man into the hands
+of Rome. Perhaps he would have asked Luther to remain for some time in
+concealment, but not even in appearance would he have yielded, in any
+way, to the menaces of the legate. He wrote to his counsellor
+Pfeffinger, who happened to be with the Emperor, to make him
+acquainted with the real state of matters, and beg him to request Rome
+either to put an end to the affair, or at least leave it to be decided
+in Germany by impartial judges.[601]
+
+  [601] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 244.
+
+Some days after the Elector replied to the legate:--"Since Doctor
+Martin appeared before you at Augsburg, you ought to be satisfied. We
+did not expect that without having convicted him you would have
+thought of constraining him to retract. None of the learned in our
+dominions have told us that the doctrine of Martin is impious,
+antichristian, and heretical." The prince then refuses to send Luther
+to Rome, or banish him from his states.
+
+This letter, which was communicated to Luther, filled him with joy.
+"Good God!" wrote he to Spalatin, "with what joy I have read it and
+re-read it. I know what confidence may be put in these words, so
+admirable at once for vigour and moderation. I fear the Romans will
+not comprehend all that is meant by them, but they will at least
+comprehend that what they thought already finished is not even begun.
+Have the goodness to present my thanks to the prince. It is strange
+that he, (De Vio,) who not long ago was a mendicant monk like me, is
+not afraid to accost the most powerful princes without respect, to
+interpel, threaten, and command them, and treat them with
+inconceivable pride. Let him learn that the temporal power is of God,
+and that it is not permitted him to trample its glory under
+foot."[602]
+
+  [602] Luth. Ep. i, p. 198.
+
+Frederick, in answering the legate in a tone which he had not
+expected, had doubtless been encouraged by an address which he had
+received from the university of Wittemberg. This university had good
+reason for declaring in the doctor's favour, in as much as it was
+flourishing more and more, and eclipsing all the other schools. Crowds
+of students flocked from all parts of Germany to hear the
+extraordinary man whose lessons seemed to open a new era to religion
+and science. These youths who came from all the provinces stopped at
+the moment when they perceived the steeples of Wittemberg in the
+distance, and raising their hands to heaven, thanked God for making
+the light of truth shine on this town as formerly on Zion, and send
+its rays even to the remotest countries.[603] A life and activity
+hitherto unknown animated the university. "They ply their studies here
+like ants," wrote Luther.[604]
+
+  [603] Scultet. Annal. i, p. 17.
+
+  [604] "Studium nostrum more formicarum fervet." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 193.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XI.
+
+     Thoughts of Departure--Adieus to the Church--Critical
+     Moment--Deliverance--Luther's Courage--Discontentment at
+     Rome--Bull--Appeal to a Council.
+
+
+Luther, thinking that he might soon be banished from Germany, employed
+himself in preparing the Acts of the Conference of Augsburg for
+publication. He wished these Acts to remain as evidence of the
+struggle which he had maintained with Rome. He saw the storm ready to
+burst, but feared it not. Day after day he expected the anathemas of
+Rome, and arranged and set every thing in order, that he might be
+ready when they arrived. "Having tucked up my coat, and girt my
+reins," said he, "I am ready to depart like Abraham; not knowing
+whither I shall go, or rather knowing well, since God is every
+where."[605] He intended to leave a farewell letter behind him. "Have
+the boldness, then," wrote he to Spalatin, "to read the letter of a
+man cursed and excommunicated."
+
+  [605] "Quia Deus ubique." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 188.)
+
+His friends were in great fear and anxiety on his account, and begged
+him to enter himself prisoner in the hands of the Elector, in order
+that that prince might somewhere keep him in safe custody.[606]
+
+  [606] "Ut principi me in captivatem darem." (Ibid. p. 189.)
+
+His enemies could not understand what it was that gave him so much
+confidence. One day they were talking of him at the court of the
+Bishop of Brandenburg, and asking on what prop he could be leaning.
+"It must be in Erasmus," said they, "or Capito, or some other of the
+learned, that he confides." "No! no!" replied the bishop, "the pope
+would give himself very little trouble with such folks as these. His
+trust is in the university of Wittemberg and the Duke of Saxony." Thus
+both were ignorant of the fortress in which the Reformer had taken
+refuge.
+
+Thoughts of departure flitted across Luther's mind. They arose not
+from fear, but from the foresight of continually recurring obstacles
+which the free profession of the truth must encounter in Germany. "If
+I remain here," said he, "the liberty of speaking and writing will, as
+to many things, be wrested from me. If I depart, I will freely unbosom
+the thoughts of my heart, and offer my life to Jesus Christ."[607]
+
+  [607] "Si icro totum effundam et vitam offeram Christo." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  p. 190.)
+
+France was the country in which Luther hoped he would be able,
+untramelled, to announce the truth. The liberty which the doctors and
+university of Paris enjoyed seemed to him worthy of envy. He was,
+besides, agreed with them on many points. What would have happened had
+he been transported from Wittemberg to France? Would the Reformation
+have taken place there as it did in Germany? Would the power of Rome
+have been dethroned; and would France, which was destined to see the
+hierarchical principles of Rome, and the destructive principles of an
+infidel philosophy, long warring in its bosom, have become one great
+focus of gospel light? It is useless to indulge in vain conjectures on
+this subject; but perhaps Luther at Paris might have somewhat changed
+the destinies of Europe and France.
+
+Luther's soul was powerfully agitated. As he often preached at the
+town church in place of Simon Heyens Pontanus, pastor of Wittemberg,
+who was almost always sick, he thought it his duty, at all events, to
+take leave of a people to whom he had so often preached salvation. "I
+am," said he one day in the pulpit, "I am a precarious and uncertain
+preacher. How often already have I set out suddenly without bidding
+you farewell.... In case the same thing should happen again, and I not
+return, here receive my adieus." After adding a few words more, he
+thus meekly and modestly ended:--"I warn you, in fine, not to be
+alarmed though the papal censures let loose all their fury on me.
+Impute it not to the pope, and wish no ill either to him or any other
+mortal whatsoever, but commit the whole matter to God."[608]
+
+  [608] "Deo rem committerent." (Ibid., p. 191.)
+
+The moment seemed to have at length arrived. The prince gave Luther to
+understand he was desirous of his removal to a distance from
+Wittemberg; and the wishes of the Elector were too sacred for him not
+to hasten to comply with them. He accordingly made preparations for
+his departure, without well knowing whither he should direct his
+steps. He wished, however, to have a last meeting with his friends,
+and for this purpose invited them to a farewell repast. Seated at
+table with them, he was still enjoying their delightful conversation,
+their tender and anxious friendship. A letter is brought to him....
+It comes from the court. He opens and reads, and his heart sinks; it
+is a new order to depart. The prince asks why he is so long of setting
+out. His soul was filled with sadness. Still, however, he took
+courage, and raising his head and looking around on his guests, said
+firmly and joyfully, "Father and mother forsake me, but the Lord will
+take me up."[609] There was nothing for it but to depart. His friends
+were deeply moved. What is to become of him? If Luther's protector
+rejects him, who will receive him? And the gospel, and the truth, and
+this admirable work ... ; all doubtless must fall with their
+illustrious witness. The Reformation apparently is hanging by a
+thread; and at the moment when Luther quits the walls of Wittemberg,
+will not the thread break? Luther and his friends spoke little.
+Stunned with the blow which was directed against their brother, they
+melt into tears. But some moments after a second message arrives, and
+Luther opens the letter, not doubting he is to find a renewal of the
+summons to depart. But, O powerful hand of the Lord! for this time he
+is saved. The whole aspect is changed. "As the new envoy of the pope
+hopes that every thing may be arranged by means of a conference,
+remain still."[610] So says the letter. How important an hour this
+was; and who can say what might have happened if Luther, who was
+always in haste to obey the will of his prince, had quitted Wittemberg
+immediately after the first message? Never were Luther and the work of
+the Reformation at a lower ebb than at this moment. Their destinies
+seemed to be decided; but an instant sufficed to change them. Arrived
+at the lowest point in his career, the doctor of Wittemberg rapidly
+reascended; and thenceforward his influence ceased not to increase. In
+the language of a prophet, "The Eternal commands, and his servants
+descend into the depths; again they mount up to heaven."
+
+  [609] "Vater und Mutter verlassen mich, aber der Herr nimmt mich auf."
+
+  [610] Luth. Op. xv, 824.
+
+Spalatin having, by order of Frederick, invited Luther to Lichtenberg
+to have an interview with him, they had a long conversation on the
+situation of affairs. "If the censures of Rome arrive," said Luther,
+"I certainly will not remain at Wittemberg." "Beware," "of being too
+precipitate with your journey to France," replied Spalatin,[611] who,
+left telling him to wait till he heard from him. "Only recommend my
+soul to Christ," said Luther to his friends. "I see that my
+adversaries are strong in their resolution to destroy me, but at the
+same time Christ strengthens me in my resolution not to yield to
+them."[612]
+
+  [611] "Ne tam cito in Galliam irem." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 195.)
+
+  [612] "Firma Christus propositum non cendi in me." (Ibid.)
+
+Luther at this time published the "_Acts of the Conference at
+Augsburg_." Spalatin, on the part of the Elector, had written him not
+to do it; but it was too late. After the publication had taken place
+the prince approved of it; "Great God!" said Luther in the preface,
+"what new, what astonishing crime, to seek light and truth! And more
+especially to seek them in the Church, in other words, in the kingdom
+of truth." In a letter to Link he says, "I send you my _Acts_. They
+are more cutting, doubtless, than the legate expected; but my pen is
+ready to give birth to far greater things. I know not myself whence
+those thoughts come. In my opinion the affair is not even
+commenced;[613] so far are the grandees of Rome from being entitled to
+hope it is ended. I will send you what I have written, in order that
+you may see whether I have divined well in thinking that the
+Antichrist of which the Apostle Paul speaks is now reigning in the
+court of Rome. I believe I am able to demonstrate that it is at this
+day worse than the very Turks."
+
+  [613] "Res ista necdum habet initium suum meo judicio." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  p. 19.)
+
+Ominous rumours reached Luther from all quarters. One of his friends
+wrote to him, that the new envoy of Rome had received orders to seize
+him, and deliver him up to the pope. Another told him, that in
+travelling he had fallen in with a courtier, and the conversation
+having turned on the affairs of Germany, the courtier declared that he
+had come under an obligation to deliver Luther into the hands of the
+sovereign pontiff. "But," wrote the Reformer, "the more their fury and
+violence increase, the less I tremble."[614]
+
+  [614] "Quo illi magis furunt, et vi affectant viam, eo minus ego
+  terreor." (Ibid., p. 191.)
+
+At Rome there was great dissatisfaction with Cajetan. The chagrin
+which they felt at the failure of the affair at first turned upon him.
+The Roman courtiers thought themselves entitled to reproach him with a
+want of that prudence and finesse which, if they are to be believed,
+constitute the first quality of a legate, and with having failed on so
+important an occasion, to give pliancy to his scholastic theology. He
+is wholly to blame, said they. His lumbering pedantry has spoiled all.
+Of what use was it to irritate Luther by insults and menaces, instead
+of gaining him over by the promise of a good bishopric, or even of a
+Cardinal's hat.[615] These hirelings judged the Reformer by
+themselves. However, it was necessary to repair this blunder. On the
+one hand, Rome must give her decision, and, on the other, due court
+must be paid to the Elector, who might be of great use in the election
+of an emperor, an event which must shortly take place.
+
+  [615] Sarpi, Council of Trent, p. 8.
+
+As it was impossible for Roman ecclesiastics to suspect what
+constituted the strength and courage of Luther, they imagined that the
+Elector was much more implicated in the affair than he really was. The
+pope, therefore, resolved to follow another line of conduct. He caused
+his legate in Germany to publish a bull, confirming the doctrine of
+indulgences in the very points in which they were attacked, but
+without mentioning either the Elector or Luther. As the Reformer had
+always expressed his readiness to submit to the decision of the Roman
+Church, the pope thought that he must now either keep his word, or
+stand openly convicted as a disturber of the peace of the Church, and
+a contemner of the holy Apostolic See. In either case it seemed that
+the pope must gain. But nothing is gained by obstinately opposing the
+truth. In vain had the pope threatened to excommunicate every man who
+should teach otherwise than he ordered; the light was not arrested by
+such orders. The wise plan would have been to curb the pretensions of
+the venders of indulgences. This decree of Rome was therefore a new
+blunder. By legalising clamant errors, it irritated all the wise, and
+made it impossible for Luther to return. "It was thought," says a
+Roman Catholic historian, a great enemy of the Reformation,[616] "that
+this bull had been made solely for the interest of the pope and the
+mendicants, who began to find that nobody would give anything for
+their indulgences."
+
+  [616] Maimbourg, p. 38.
+
+The Cardinal de Vio published the bull at Lintz, in Austria, on the
+13th December, 1518, but Luther had already placed himself beyond its
+reach. On the 28th November, in the chapel of Corpus Christi at
+Wittemberg, he had appealed from the pope to a general council of the
+Church. He foresaw the storm which was gathering around him, and he
+knew that God alone could avert it. Still he did as duty called him.
+He must, no doubt, quit Wittemberg (were it only for the sake of the
+Elector) as soon as the Roman anathema should arrive; but he was
+unwilling to quit Saxony and Germany without a strong protestation.
+This he accordingly drew up; and, in order that it might be ready for
+circulation the moment the furies of Rome, as he expresses it, should
+reach him, he caused it to be printed, under the express condition
+that the bookseller Should deposit all the copies in his custody. But
+the bookseller, in his eagerness for gain, sold almost the whole,
+while Luther was quietly waiting to receive them. He felt annoyed, but
+the thing was done. This bold protestation spread every where. In it
+Luther declared anew that he had no intention to say any thing against
+the Holy Church, or the authority of the Apostolic See, or the pope
+well advised. "But," continues he, "considering that the pope, who is
+the vicar of God upon earth, may, like any other vicar, err, sin, or
+lie, and that the appeal to a general council is the only safeguard
+against unjust proceedings which it is impossible to resist, I feel
+myself obliged to have recourse to it."[617]
+
+  [617] Löscher. Ref. Act.
+
+Here, then, we see the Reformation launched on a new course. It is no
+longer made to depend on the pope and his decisions, but on an
+universal council. Luther addresses the whole Church, and the voice
+which proceeds from the chapel of Corpus Christi, must reach the whole
+members of Christ's flock. There is no want of courage in the
+Reformer, and here he gives a new proof of it. Will God fail him? The
+answer will be found in the different phases of the Reformation which
+are still to be exhibited to our view.
+
+
+END OF VOLUME FIRST.
+
+
+William Collins, and Co., Printers, Glasgow.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).
+
+Small capital text has been replaced with all capitals.
+
+The carat character (^) indicates that the following letter is
+superscripted (example: WILL^M).
+
+Archaic words, variations in spelling, punctuation and hyphenation
+have been retained except in obvious cases of typographical error.
+
+The following footnotes had no anchors and hence were added by the
+transcriber:
+
+Footnote 11: "Ego me non arbitror hoc honore dignum." (Er. Ep. i, p.
+653.)
+
+Footnote 112: Erasm. Ep. 274.
+
+Footnote 128: "Was gross sol werden, muss klein angeben." (Mathesius,
+Hist. p. 3.)
+
+Footnote 563: There was no anchor for the footnote "Seckend. p. 137."
+The transcriber has supplied it.
+
+On page 47 there is a footnote anchor with no matching footnote at
+"Promise me that you will always think so." The transcriber has placed
+an asterisk at the location.
+
+Table of Contents incorrectly lists Book II Chapter IX as beginning on
+page 94. The transcriber has changed the number to 93. Likewise the
+page number for Chapter X has been changed from 168 to 167. For Book
+III Chapter V, the page number has been changed from 204 to 203.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Reformation in the
+Sixteenth Century (Volume 1), by J. H. Merle D'Aubigné
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF RESTORATION IN 16TH CENTURY ***
+
+***** This file should be named 40858-0.txt or 40858-0.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/4/0/8/5/40858/
+
+Produced by Colin Bell, Delphine Lettau, Julia Neufeld and
+the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at
+  www.gutenberg.org/license.
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at 809
+North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887.  Email
+contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the
+Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit:  www.gutenberg.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For forty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/40858-0.zip b/40858-0.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9e57c26
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40858-0.zip
diff --git a/40858-8.txt b/40858-8.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f95a9dc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40858-8.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,16354 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth
+Century (Volume 1), by J. H. Merle D'Aubign�
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century (Volume 1)
+       A new translation by Henry Beveridge
+
+Author: J. H. Merle D'Aubign�
+
+Translator: Henry Beveridge
+
+Release Date: September 25, 2012 [EBook #40858]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF REFORMATION IN 16TH CENTURY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Colin Bell, Delphine Lettau, Julia Neufeld and
+the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: MARTIN LUTHER.
+
+WILL^M COLLINS, GLASGOW.]
+
+  HISTORY
+
+  OF
+
+  THE REFORMATION
+
+  IN THE
+
+  SIXTEENTH CENTURY.
+
+  BY
+  J. H. MERLE D'AUBIGN�, D.D.
+
+  J'appelle accessoire, l'estat des affaires de ceste vie caduque et
+  transitoire. J'appelle principal, le gouvernement spirituel auquel
+  reluit souverainement la providence de Dieu.--THEODORE DE BEZE.
+
+  By _accessory_ I mean the state of affairs in this fading and
+  transitory life. By principal I mean the spiritual government in
+  which the providence of God is sovereignly displayed.
+
+  A NEW TRANSLATION:
+
+  (CONTAINING THE AUTHOR'S LAST IMPROVEMENTS,)
+
+  BY HENRY BEVERIDGE, ESQ. ADVOCATE.
+
+
+
+
+  VOLUME FIRST.
+
+
+  GLASGOW:
+  PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM COLLINS.
+  LONDON: R. GROOMBRIDGE AND SONS.
+  1845.
+
+  GLASGOW:
+  WILLIAM COLLINS AND CO.,
+  PRINTERS.
+
+
+
+
+TRANSLATOR'S ADVERTISEMENT.
+
+
+D'Aubign�'s History of the Reformation is so well known and so highly
+appreciated as to make it not only unnecessary, but almost
+presumptuous, for a mere Translator to say any thing in commendation
+of it. The public feeling unquestionably is, that of the works which
+have recently appeared, it is one of the most talented, interesting,
+important, and seasonable. The mere lapse of time, aided by the active
+misrepresentations of the Romish party, had begun to make an
+impression in some degree unfavourable to the principles of the
+Reformation. This admirable work has again placed these principles in
+their true light. By its vivid display of what Rome was and did, it
+has impressively reminded us of what she still is, and is prepared to
+do. Her great boast is, that she has never changed. If so, she longs
+to return to her former course, and will return to it the first moment
+that circumstances enable her to do so. Being thus warned, our duty is
+plain. We must prepare for the combat; and of all preparations, none
+promises to be more effectual than that of thoroughly embuing the
+public mind with the facts so graphically delineated, and the
+principles so luminously and forcibly expounded in this work of
+D'Aubign�.
+
+But, it may be asked, Has not this purpose been effected already, or
+at least may it not be effected without the instrumentality of a new
+translation?
+
+To this question the Translator answers, _First_, The form of the
+present translation and the price at which it is published place the
+work within the reach of thousands to whom it might otherwise be a
+sealed book. _Second_, While this Translation is the cheapest in
+existence, it is also the only one which can, in strict truth, be
+regarded as genuine. The edition from which this translation is made
+was published in 1842. The date would have been of little consequence
+if the work had continued the same; but the fact is, that the edition
+of 1842 is not a reprint, but a complete revision of the one which
+preceded it. Numerous passages of considerable length and great
+importance have been introduced, while others which had, on a careful
+examination, been deemed redundant or inaccurate, have been expunged.
+Surely, after all the pains which the distinguished author has
+expended on the improvement of his work, it is scarcely doing justice
+either to him or to the English reader to leave his improvements
+unknown. In another respect the present Translation exclusively
+contains what is conceived to be a very decided improvement. All the
+Notes, the meaning of which is not given in the Text, have been
+literally translated. It seemed somewhat absurd while translating
+French for the benefit of the English reader, to be at the same time
+presenting him with a large number of passages of untranslated Latin.
+
+While the work has been printed in a form to which the most fastidious
+cannot object, it has been issued at a price which makes it accessible
+to all. The result, it is hoped, will be, that D'Aubign�'s History of
+the Reformation will obtain a circulation somewhat adequate to its
+merits, and by its introduction into every family become what it well
+deserves to be--a household book.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+  BOOK I.
+
+  STATE OF MATTERS BEFORE THE REFORMATION.
+                                                                  PAGE
+
+
+  CHAP. I.
+
+  Christianity--Formation of the Papacy--Unity of the Church--The
+         Decretals--Hildebrand--Corruption of Doctrine,             13
+
+
+  CHAP. II.
+
+  Grace and Works--Pelagianism--Penances--Indulgences--
+      Supererogation--Purgatory--Taxation--Jubilee,                 27
+
+
+  CHAP. III.
+
+  Relics--Easter Merriment--Corruption of the Clergy--A Priest's
+        Family--Education--Ignorance,                               34
+
+
+  CHAP. IV.
+
+  Christianity Imperishable--Opposition to Rome--Frederick the
+        Wise--His Character--His Anticipation,                      42
+
+
+  CHAP. V.
+
+  The Empire--National Character--Switzerland--Italy--Spain--
+        Portugal--France--Netherlands--England--Scotland--The
+        North--Russia--Poland--Bohemia--Hungary,                    48
+
+
+  CHAP. VI.
+
+  State of Theology--Witnesses for the Truth--The Vaudois--
+        Wickliffe---Huss--Savonarola--John Wessel--Prol�s,          58
+
+
+  CHAP. VII.
+
+  Literature--Dante--Printing--Reuchlin--His Struggle with the
+        Dominicans,                                                 71
+
+
+  CHAP. VIII.
+
+  Erasmus--His Genius--His 'Praise of Folly'--His Greek Testament--
+        His Influence--His Failings,                                82
+
+
+  CHAP. IX.
+
+  The Nobles--H�tten--'Letters of some Obscure Men'--Seckingen--
+        Cronberg--Hans Sachs--General Fermentation,                 94
+
+
+  BOOK II.
+
+  YOUTH, CONVERSION, AND FIRST LABOURS, OF LUTHER.
+
+
+  CHAP. I.
+
+  Luther--His Parentage--The Paternal Roof--Strict Discipline--
+        School--The Shunammite--His Studies--University,           103
+
+
+  CHAP. II.
+
+  Scholasticism and the Classics--Luther's Piety--His Discovery
+        of a Bible--His Sickness--The Thunderstorm--His Entrance
+        into a Convent,                                            112
+
+
+  CHAP. III.
+
+  His Father's Anger--Servile Employments--His Studies--The
+        Bible--Hebrew and Greek--His Agony during Mass--Faints,    118
+
+
+  CHAP. IV.
+
+  Staupitz--His Piety--His Visitation--His Conversation--Presents
+        Luther with a Bible--The Old Monk--Luther's Consecration--
+        His Call to Wittemberg,                                    126
+
+
+  CHAP. V.
+
+  The University of Wittemberg--Luther's First Employment--
+        Biblical Lectures--Preaching at Wittemberg--The Old
+        Chapel,                                                    136
+
+
+  CHAP. VI.
+
+  Luther's Journey to Rome--A Convent on the Po--Luther's
+        Behaviour at Rome--Corruption of the Romish Clergy--
+        Prevailing Immorality--Pilate's Staircase,                 140
+
+
+  CHAP. VII.
+
+  Doctor's Degree--Carlstadt--Luther's Oath--First Views of
+        Reformation--The Schoolmen--Spalatin,                      149
+
+
+  CHAP. VIII.
+
+  'Popular Declamations'--Moral Purity of Luther--Mysticism--
+        Spenlein--Justification by Faith--Necessity of Works,      156
+
+
+  CHAP. IX.
+
+  First Theses--Visit to the Convents--Dresden--Erfurt--Tornator
+        Peace and the Cross--Labours--The Plague,                  163
+
+
+  CHAP. X.
+
+  Luther and the Elector--Duke George--Luther at Court--Dinner
+        Emser's Supper,                                            167
+
+
+  CHAP. XI.
+
+  Theses--Human Nature--Rationalism--Eck--Urban Regius--Luther's
+        Modesty,                                                   172
+
+
+  Book III.
+
+  THE INDULGENCES AND THESES.
+
+
+  CHAP. I.
+
+  Cort�ge--Tezel--His Discourse--Sale of Indulgences--Public
+        Penance--Letter of Indulgence--Feasting and Debauchery,    180
+
+
+  CHAP. II.
+
+  The Soul in the Burying-Ground--Shoemaker of Hagenau--Myconius--
+        Stratagem--Miner of Schneeberg,                            187
+
+
+  CHAP. III.
+
+  Leo X--His Necessities--Albert--His Character--Franciscans and
+        Dominicans,                                                193
+
+
+  CHAP. IV.
+
+  Tezel Approaches--Luther in the Confessional--Tezel's Rage--
+        Luther's Discourse--The Elector's Dream,                   197
+
+
+  CHAP. V.
+
+  Luther's Theses--Letter to Albert--Dissemination of the Theses,  203
+
+
+  CHAP. VI.
+
+  Reuchlin--Erasmus--Flek--Bibra--The Emperor--The Pope--Myconius--
+         The Monks--Adelman--An Old Priest--Bishop of Brandenburg--
+         Luther's Moving Principle,                                213
+
+
+  CHAP. VII.
+
+  Tezel's Attack--Luther's Reply--Luther and Spalatin--Study of
+        Scripture--Scheurl and Luther--Luther pleads for the
+        People--A new Suit,                                        221
+
+
+  CHAP. VIII.
+
+  Disputation at Frankfort--Tezel's Theses--Knipstrow--Luther's
+        Theses burnt--Tezel's Theses burnt,                        227
+
+
+  CHAP. IX.
+
+  Prierio--His Dialogue--Luther's Reply--Hochstraten--Eck--'The
+        Obelisks'--'The Asterisks,'                                235
+
+
+  CHAP. X.
+
+  Popular Writings--Lord's Prayer--Sermon on Repentance,           244
+
+
+  CHAP. XI.
+
+  Apprehensions of Luther's Friends--Journey to Heidelberg--
+        Bibra--The Palatinate Castle--The Paradoxes--Bucer--
+        Brentz--Snepf--The Old Professor,                          249
+
+
+  BOOK FOURTH.
+
+  LUTHER BEFORE THE LEGATE.
+
+
+  CHAP. I.
+
+  'Solutions'--Leo X--Luther to the Bishop--To the Pope--To
+        the Vicar-General--Rovere to the Elector--Discourse on
+        Excommunication,                                           258
+
+
+  CHAP. II.
+
+  Diet of Augsburg--The Emperor to the Pope--Luther cited to
+        Rome--Luther's Peace--Intercession of the University--
+        Papal Brief--The Pope to the Elector,                      266
+
+
+  CHAP. III.
+
+  Schwarzerd--His Wife--Philip Melancthon--His Genius--His
+        Studies--Call to Wittemberg--Leipsic--Parallel between
+        Luther and Melancthon--Education,                          273
+
+
+  CHAP. IV.
+
+  Luther and Staupitz--Order to Appear--Luther's Departure for
+        Augsburg--Weimar--Nuremberg,                               280
+
+
+  CHAP. V.
+
+  Arrival at Augsburg--De Vio--Serra-Longa--Safe-Conduct--Luther
+        to Melancthon,                                             285
+
+
+  CHAP. VI.
+
+  First Appearance--Conditions of Rome--Propositions to Retract--
+        Luther's Reply--Impressions on both Sides--Arrival of
+        Staupitz,                                                  293
+
+
+  CHAP. VII.
+
+  Communication to the Legate--Second Appearance--Luther's
+        Declaration--The Legate's Reply--The Legate's Volubility--
+        Luther's Request,                                          299
+
+
+  CHAP. VIII.
+
+  Third Appearance--Treasury of Indulgences--Humble Request--
+        Legate's Rage--Luther Retires,                             303
+
+
+  CHAP. IX.
+
+  De Vio and Staupitz--Staupitz and Luther--Luther and Spalatin
+        Communion--Departure of Staupitz and Link--Luther to
+        Cajetan--Luther's Departure--Appeal to the Pope,           307
+
+
+  CHAP. X.
+
+  Luther's Flight--Luther's Wish--The Legate to the Elector--The
+        Elector to the Legate--Prosperity of the University,       316
+
+
+  CHAP. XI.
+
+  Thoughts of Departure--Adieus to the Church--Critical Moment--
+        Luther's Courage--Discontentment at Rome--Papal Bull--
+        Appeal to a Council,                                       321
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE TO THE LAST EDITION.
+
+
+My purpose is not to write the history of a party, but that of one of
+the greatest revolutions which has taken place among men--the history
+of a mighty impulse which was given to the world three centuries ago,
+and the influence of which is still, in our day, every where
+perceived. The history of the Reformation is different from the
+history of Protestantism. In the former, every thing bears testimony
+to a revival of human nature, to a transformation, social and
+religious, emanating from God. In the latter are too often seen a
+remarkable degeneracy from primitive principles, party intrigue, a
+sectarian spirit, and the impress of petty private feelings. The
+history of Protestantism might interest none but Protestants; the
+history of the Reformation is for all Christians, or rather all men.
+
+The historian has a choice in the field in which he is to labour. He
+may describe the great events which change the face of a people, or
+the face of the world; or he may narrate the calm and progressive
+course, whether of a nation, the Church, or mankind, which usually
+follows great social changes. Both fields of history are highly
+important; but the preference, in point of interest, seems due to
+those epochs which, under the name of Revolutions, introduce a nation
+or society at large to a new era and a new life.
+
+Such a transformation I have attempted to describe with very humble
+powers, hoping that the beauty of the subject will compensate for my
+want of ability. In styling it a _Revolution_, I give it a name which
+in our day is in discredit with many, who almost confound it with
+_revolt_. This is a mistake. A revolution is a change which takes
+place in the world's affairs. It is something new evolved (_revolvo_)
+from the bosom of humanity; and, indeed, before the end of the last
+century, the term was oftener used in a good than a bad sense. They
+spoke of "a happy," a "marvellous" revolution. The Reformation being a
+re-establishment of the principles of primitive Christianity, is the
+opposite of a revolt. For that which behoved to revive it was a
+regenerating--for that which must always subsist, a conservative
+movement. Christianity and the Reformation, while establishing the
+grand principle that all souls are equal in the sight of God, and
+overthrowing the usurpations of a haughty priesthood, which presumed
+to place itself between the Creator and his creature, lay it down as a
+fundamental principle of social order, that all power is of God, and
+cry aloud to all, "Love your brethren, fear God, honour the king."
+
+The Reformation differs essentially from the revolutions of antiquity,
+and from the greater part of those of modern times. In these,
+political changes are in question, and the object is to establish or
+overthrow the ascendancy of one, or it may be of many. The love of
+truth, of holiness, and eternity, was the simple, yet powerful, spring
+by which our Reformation was effected. It marks a step which human
+nature has taken in advance. In fact, if man, instead of pursuing only
+material, temporal, earthly interests, proposes to himself a higher
+aim, aspiring to immaterial and immortal blessings, he advances and
+makes progress. The Reformation is one of the brightest days of this
+glorious advance. It is a pledge that the new struggle, which is now
+being decided, will terminate in favour of truth, with a triumph still
+more pure, spiritual, and splendid.
+
+Christianity and the Reformation are the two greatest revolutions on
+record. Unlike the different political movements of which we read,
+they took place not in one nation merely, but in several nations, and
+their effects must be felt to the end of the world.
+
+Christianity and the Reformation are the same revolution, effected at
+different times, and under different circumstances. They vary in
+secondary features, but are identical in their primary and principal
+lineaments. The one is a repetition of the other. The one ended the
+old, the other began the new world; the middle ages lie between. The
+one gave birth to the other, and if, in some respects, the daughter
+bears marks of inferiority, she on the other hand has her own peculiar
+properties.
+
+One of these is the rapidity of her action. The great revolutions
+which have issued in the fall of a monarchy, and the change of a whole
+political system, or which have thrown the human mind on a new course
+of development, were slowly and gradually prepared. The old power had
+long been undermined, and its principal buttresses had one after
+another disappeared. It was so on the introduction of Christianity.
+But the Reformation is seen, at the first glance, to present a
+different aspect. The Church of Rome appears, under Leo X, in all its
+power and glory. A monk speaks, and over the half of Europe this power
+and glory crumble away, thus reminding us of the words in which the
+Son of God announces his second advent: "As the lightning cometh out
+of the east, and shineth even unto the west, so shall also the coming
+of the Son of man be." (Matth., xxiv, 27.)
+
+This rapidity is inexplicable to those who see, in this great event,
+only a _reform_, and regard it as simply an act of criticism, which
+consisted in making a choice among doctrines, discarding some,
+retaining others, and arranging those retained, so as to form them
+into a new system.
+
+How could a whole nation, how could several nations, have so quickly
+performed an operation so laborious? How could this critical
+examination have kindled that fire of enthusiasm which is essential to
+great, and, above all, to rapid revolutions? The Reformation, as its
+history will show, was altogether different. It was a new effusion of
+the life which Christianity brought into the world. It was the triumph
+of the greatest of doctrines, that which animates those who embrace it
+with the purest and strongest enthusiasm--the doctrine of faith, the
+doctrine of grace. Had the Reformation been what many Catholics and
+many Protestants in our day imagine,--had it been that negative system
+of negative reason, which childishly rejects whatever displeases it,
+and loses sight of the great ideas and great truths of Christianity,
+it had never passed the narrow limits of an academy, a cloister, or a
+cell. It had nothing in common with what is generally understood by
+Protestantism. Far from being a worn-out, emaciated body, it rose up
+like a man of might and fire.
+
+Two considerations explain the rapidity and the extent of this
+revolution. The one must be sought in God, the other among men. The
+impulse was given by a mighty and invisible hand, and the change
+effected was a Divine work. This is the conclusion at which an
+impartial and attentive observer, who stops not at the surface,
+necessarily arrives. But the historian's task is not finished; for God
+works by second causes. A variety of circumstances, many of them
+unperceived, gradually prepared men for the great transformation of
+the sixteenth century, and, accordingly, the human mind was ripe when
+the hour of its emancipation pealed.
+
+The task of the historian is to combine these two great elements in
+the picture which he presents, and this has been attempted in the
+present history. We shall be easily understood, when we come to trace
+the second causes which contributed to the Reformation, but some
+perhaps will not understand us so well, and will even be tempted to
+tax us with superstition, when we attribute the accomplishment of the
+work to God. The idea, however, is particularly dear to us. This
+history, as indicated by the inscription on its title-page, places in
+front and over its head the simple and prolific principle, GOD IN
+HISTORY. But this principle being generally neglected, and sometimes
+disputed, it seems necessary to expound our views with regard to it,
+and thereby justify the method which we have seen it proper to adopt.
+
+History cannot, in our day, be that lifeless series of events which
+the greater part of previous historians deemed it sufficient to
+enumerate. It is now understood that in history as in man are two
+elements, matter and spirit. Our great historians, unable to satisfy
+themselves with a detail of facts, constituting only a barren
+chronicle, have sought for a principle of life to animate the
+materials of past ages.
+
+Some have borrowed this principle from art, aiming at vivid, faithful,
+and graphic description, and endeavouring to make their narrative live
+with the life of the events themselves.
+
+Others have applied to philosophy for the spirit which should give
+fruit to their labours. To facts they have united speculative views,
+instructive lessons, political and philosophical truths, enlivening
+their narrative by the language which they have made it speak, and the
+ideas which it has enabled them to suggest.
+
+Both methods doubtless are good, and should be employed within certain
+limits. But there is another source to which, above all others, it is
+necessary to apply for the spirit and life of the past--I mean
+Religion. History should be made to live with its own proper life. God
+is this life. God must be acknowledged--God proclaimed--in history.
+The history of the world should purport to be annals of the government
+of the Supreme King.
+
+I have descended into the field to which the narratives of our
+historians invited me, and there seen the actions of men and of states
+in energetic development and violent collision: of the clang of arms,
+I have heard more than I can tell; but no where have I been shown the
+majestic form of the Judge who sits umpire of the combat.
+
+And yet in all the movements of nations, there is a living principle
+which emanates from God. God is present on the vast stage on which the
+generations of men successively appear. True! He is there a God
+invisible; but if the profane multitude pass carelessly by, because He
+is concealed, profound intellects, spirits which feel a longing for
+the principle of their existence, seek him with so much the more
+earnestness, and are not satisfied until they are prostrated before
+Him. And their enquiries are magnificently rewarded. For, from the
+heights which they must reach in order to meet with God, the history
+of the world, instead of exhibiting to them, as to the ignorant crowd,
+a confused chaos, is seen like a majestic temple, on which the
+invisible hand of God himself is at work, and which, from humanity, as
+the rock on which it is founded, is rising up to his glory.
+
+Shall we not see God in those great phenomena, those great personages,
+those great states, which rise, and suddenly, so to speak, spring from
+the dust of the earth, giving to human life a new impulse, form, and
+destiny? Shall not we see Him in those great heroes who start up in
+society, at particular epochs, displaying an activity and a power
+beyond the ordinary limits of man, and around whom individuals and
+nations come without hesitation, and group themselves as around a
+higher and mysterious nature? Who flung forward into space those
+comets of gigantic form and fiery tail, which only appear at long
+intervals, shedding on the superstitious herd of mortals either plenty
+and gladness, or pestilence and terror? Who, if not God?... Alexander
+seeks his origin in the abodes of Divinity; and in the most
+irreligious age there is no great renown which strives not to connect
+itself in some way with heaven.
+
+And do not those revolutions, which cast down dynasties, or even whole
+kingdoms into the dust; those huge wrecks which we fall in with in the
+midst of the sands; those majestic ruins which the field of humanity
+presents, do not those cry loud enough, God in History? Gibbon,
+sitting amid the wrecks of the Capitol, and contemplating the
+venerable ruins, acknowledges the intervention of a higher power. He
+sees, he feels it, and in vain would turn away from it. This spectre
+of a mysterious power reappears behind each ruin, and he conceives the
+idea of describing its influence in the history of the disorganisation,
+the decline and fall of this Roman power, which had subjugated the
+nations. This powerful hand, which a man of distinguished genius, one,
+however, who had not bent the knee before Jesus Christ, perceives
+athwart scattered fragments of the tomb of Romulus, reliefs of Marcus
+Aurelius, busts of Cicero and Virgil, statues of C�sar and Augustus,
+trophies of Trajan, and steeds of Pompey, shall not we discover amid
+all ruins, and recognise as the hand of our God?
+
+Strange! this interposition of God in human affairs, which even Pagans
+had recognised, men reared amid the grand ideas of Christianity treat
+as superstition.
+
+The name which Grecian antiquity gave to the Sovereign God, shows us
+that it had received primitive revelations of this great truth of a
+God, the source of history, and of the life of nations. It called him
+_Zeus_,[1] that is to say, He who gives _life_ to all that lives, to
+individuals and nations. To his altars kings and subjects come to take
+their oaths, and from his mysterious inspirations Minos and other
+legislators pretend to have received their laws. Nay more, this great
+truth is figured by one of the most beautiful myths of Pagan
+antiquity. Even Mythology might teach the sages of our day. This is a
+fact which it may be worth while to establish; perhaps there are
+individuals who will oppose fewer prejudices to the lessons of
+Paganism than to those of Christianity. This Zeus, then, this
+Sovereign God, this Eternal Spirit, the principle of life, is father
+of Clio, the Muse of History, whose mother is Mnemosyne or Memory.
+Thus, according to antiquity, history unites a celestial to a
+terrestrial nature. She is daughter of God and man. But, alas! the
+short-sighted wisdom of our boasted days is far below those heights of
+Pagan wisdom. History has been robbed of her divine parent, and now an
+illegitimate child, a bold adventurer, she roams the world, not well
+knowing whence she comes, or whither she goes.
+
+  [1] From _zao_, I live.
+
+But this divinity of Pagan antiquity is only a dim reflection, a
+flickering shadow of the Eternal Jehovah. The true God whom the
+Hebrews worship, sees meet to imprint it on the minds of all nations
+that he reigns perpetually on the earth, and for this purpose gives,
+if I may so express it, a bodily form to this reign in the midst of
+Israel. A visible Theocracy behoved for once to exist on the earth,
+that it might incessantly recall the invisible Theocracy which will
+govern the world for ever.
+
+And what lustre does not the great truth--God in History--receive from
+the Christian Dispensation? Who is Jesus Christ, if he be not God in
+History? It was the discovery of Jesus Christ that gave John M�ller,
+the prince of modern historians, his knowledge of history. "The
+Gospel," he says, "is the fulfilment of all hopes, the finishing point
+of all philosophy, the explanation of all revolutions, the key to all
+the apparent contradictions of the physical and moral world; in short,
+life and immortality. Ever since I knew the Saviour, I see all things
+clearly; with him there is no difficulty which I cannot solve."[2]
+
+  [2] Letter to Charles Bonnet.
+
+So speaks this great historian; and, in truth, is not the fact of
+God's appearance in human nature the key-stone of the arch, the
+mysterious knot which binds up all the things of earth, and attaches
+them to heaven? There is a birth of God in the history of the world,
+and shall God not be in history? Jesus Christ is the true God in the
+history of men. The very meanness of his appearance proves it. When
+man wishes to erect a shade or shelter on the earth, you may expect
+preparations, materials, scaffolding, workmen, tools, trenches,
+rubbish. But God, when he is pleased to do it, takes the smallest
+seed, which a new-born babe could have clasped in its feeble hand,
+deposits it in the bosom of the earth, and, from this grain, at first
+imperceptible, produces the immense tree under which the families of
+the earth recline. To do great things by imperceptible means is the
+law of God.
+
+In Jesus Christ this law receives its most magnificent fulfilment. Of
+Christianity, which has now taken possession of the portals of
+nations, which is, at this moment, reigning or wandering over all the
+tribes of the earth from the rising to the setting sun, and which
+incredulous philosophy herself is obliged to acknowledge as the
+spiritual and social law of the world--of this Christianity, (the
+greatest thing under the vault of heaven, nay, in the boundless
+immensity of Creation,) what was the commencement? An infant born in
+the smallest town of the most despised nation of the earth--an infant
+whose mother had not what the poorest and most wretched female in any
+one of our cities has, a room for birth--an infant born in a stable
+and laid in a manger!... There, O God, I behold and I adore Thee!
+
+The Reformation knew this law of God, and felt she had a call to
+accomplish it. The idea that God is in history was often brought
+forward by the Reformers. In particular, we find it on one occasion
+expressed by Luther, under one of those grotesque and familiar, yet
+not undignified figures which he was fond of employing in order to be
+understood by the people. "The world," said he one day at table among
+his friends; "the world is a vast and magnificent game at cards,
+consisting of emperors, kings, and princes. For several ages the pope
+has beaten the emperors, princes, and kings, who stooped and fell
+under him. Then our Lord God came and dealt the cards, taking to
+himself the smallest, [Luther,] and with it has beaten the pope, who
+beat the kings of the earth.... God used it as his ace. 'He hath put
+down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree,'
+says Mary." (Luke, i, 52.)
+
+The period whose history I am desirous to trace, is important with
+reference to the present time. Man, on feeling his weakness, is
+usually disposed to seek for aid in the institutions which he sees
+existing around him, or in devices, the offspring of his own
+imagination. The history of the Reformation shows that nothing new is
+done with what is old, and that if, according to our Saviour's
+expression, there must be new vessels for new wine, there must also be
+new wine for new vessels. It directs man to God, the sole actor in
+history--to that divine Word--always ancient, from the eternity of the
+truths which it contains--always new, by the regenerating influence
+which it exerts, which three centuries ago purified society, restoring
+faith in God to those whom superstition had enfeebled; and which, at
+all epochs in the world's history, is the source from which salvation
+proceeds.
+
+It is singular to see a great number of individuals under the
+agitation produced by a vague longing for some fixed belief, actually
+applying to old Catholicism. In one sense, the movement is natural.
+Religion being so little known, they imagine the only place to find it
+is where they see it painted, in large characters, on a banner, which
+age makes respectable. We say not that every kind of Catholicism is
+incapable of giving man what he wants. Our belief is, that a
+distinction should be carefully drawn between Catholicism and the
+Papacy. The Papacy we hold to be an erroneous and destructive system;
+but we are far from confounding Catholicism with it. How many
+respectable men, how many true Christians has not the Catholic Church
+contained! What immense services did not Catholicism render to
+existing states on their first formation, at a time when it was still
+strongly impregnated with the Gospel, and when the Papacy was only
+sketched above it in faint outline! But we are far away from those
+times. In our day an attempt is made to yoke Catholicism to the
+Papacy; and if catholic Christian truths are presented, they are
+little else than baits to allure men into the nets of the hierarchy.
+There is nothing to be expected from that quarter. Has the papacy
+abandoned one of its practices, its doctrines, its pretensions? Will
+not this religion, which other ages were unable to bear, be still less
+tolerable to ours? What revival was ever seen to emanate from Rome? Is
+it from the Papal hierarchy, all engrossed by earthly passions, that
+the spirit of faith, hope, and charity, which alone will save us, can
+proceed? Is it an effete system, which has no life for itself, which
+is everywhere struggling with death, and exists only by aid borrowed
+from without, that will give life to others, and animate Christian
+society with the heavenly breath for which it sighs?
+
+Or will this void in heart and soul, which some of our contemporaries
+begin to feel, dispose others of them to apply to the new
+Protestantism which has in several places supplanted the principal
+doctrines taught in the days of the Apostles and Reformers? A great
+vagueness of doctrine reigns in many of those Reformed Churches whose
+original members gave their blood as a seal of the living faith which
+animated them. Men of distinguished talents, alive to all that is
+beautiful in creation, have fallen into singular aberrations. A
+general faith in the divinity of the Gospel is the only standard which
+they are willing to follow. But what is this Gospel? This is the
+essential question; and yet all are silent on it, or, rather, each
+speaks in his own way. What avails it to know that in the midst of the
+people stands a vessel placed there by God in order to cure them, if
+none care for its contents, if none endeavour to appropriate them?
+This system cannot fill up the existing void. While the faith of the
+Apostles and Reformers is now in all quarters displaying its activity
+and power in the conversion of the world, this vague system does
+nothing, gives no light, no life.
+
+But let us not be without hope. Does not Roman Catholicism confess the
+great doctrines of Christianity, God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
+Creator, Saviour, and Sanctifier, the Truth? Does not vague
+Protestantism hold in its hand the Book of Life, which is "profitable
+for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in
+righteousness?" And how many upright spirits, honourable in the eyes
+of men, and pleasing in the sight of God, are found among the
+followers of these two systems! How shall we not love them?--how shall
+we not ardently desire their complete emancipation from the elements
+of the world? Charity is of vast extent; she takes the most opposite
+opinions into her embrace, that she may bring them to the feet of
+Jesus Christ.
+
+Already there are signs which show that these two extreme opinions are
+in course of approximating to Jesus Christ, who is the centre of
+truth. Are there not some Roman Catholic churches in which the reading
+of the Scriptures is recommended and practised? And, in regard to
+Protestant rationalism, how great the advance which it has already
+made! It did not originate in the Reformation, for the history of this
+great revolution will prove that it was a time of faith; but may we
+not hope that it is tending towards it? May not the force of truth
+reach it through the Word of God, and, reaching, transform it? Even
+now it gives signs of religious sentiment, inadequate, no doubt, but
+still forming an approach towards sound doctrine, and giving hopes of
+decisive progress.
+
+Both Protestantism and old Catholicism are in themselves out of the
+question, and off the field; and it must be from some other source
+that the men of our day are to derive a saving power. There must be
+something which comes not of man, but of God. "Give me," said
+Archimedes, "a point outside the world, and I will lift it from its
+poles." True Christianity is this point outside the world. It lifts
+the human heart from the double pivot of egotism and sensuality, and
+will one day lift the whole world from its evil course, and make it
+turn on a new axis of righteousness and peace.
+
+Whenever religion is in question, three objects engage the
+attention--God, man, and the priest. There can only be three religions
+on the earth, according as God, man, or the priest, is the author and
+head. By the religion of the priest, I mean that which is invented by
+the priest for the glory of the priest, and is ruled over by a
+sacerdotal caste. By the religion of man, I mean those systems, those
+various opinions which human reason forms, and which, created by man
+under disease, are, in consequence, utterly devoid of power to cure
+him. By the religion of God, I mean the truth as God himself has given
+it, having for its end and result the glory of God and the salvation
+of men.
+
+Hierarchism, or the religion of the priest, Christianity, or the
+religion of God, rationalism, or the religion of man, are the three
+systems which in our days share Christendom among them. There is no
+safety either for man or for society in hierarchism and rationalism.
+Christianity alone will give life to the world; but, unhappily, of the
+three dominant systems it is not the one which counts the greatest
+number of followers.
+
+Followers, however, it has. Christianity is doing its work of
+regeneration among many Catholics in Germany, and, doubtless, in other
+countries also. In our opinion, it is accomplishing it more purely and
+efficaciously among the evangelical Christians in Switzerland, France,
+Great Britain, the United States, etc. Blessed be God, the revivals,
+individual or social, which the Gospel produces, are no longer in our
+day rare events, for which we must search in ancient annals!
+
+What I design to write, is a general history of the Reformation. I
+purpose to follow its course among the different nations, and to show
+that the same truths have everywhere produced the same results; at the
+same time, pointing out the diversities occasioned by differences of
+national character. And, first, it is in Germany especially that we
+find the primitive type of reform. There it presents the most regular
+development, there, above all, it bears the character of a revolution
+not limited to this or that people, but embracing the whole world. The
+Reformation in Germany is the fundamental history of reform. It is the
+great planet; the other Reformations are secondary planets, which
+turn with it, lighted by the same sun, and adapted to the same system,
+but still having a separate existence, each shedding a different
+light, and always possessing a peculiar beauty. To the Reformation of
+the sixteenth century we may apply the words of St. Paul, "There is
+one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory
+of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory." (1
+Cor., xv, 41.) The Swiss Reformation took place at the same time with
+that of Germany, and independently of it, and presented, more
+especially at an after period, some of the grand features which
+characterise the German Reformation. The Reformation in England has
+very special claims on our attention, from the powerful influence
+which the Church of that kingdom is now exercising over the whole
+world. But recollections of family and of flight, the thought of
+battles, sufferings, and exile endured for the cause of the
+Reformation in France, give it, in my eyes, a peculiar attraction.
+Considered in itself, and also in the date of its commencement, it
+presents beauties of its own.
+
+I believe that the Reformation is a work of God; this must have been
+already seen. Still, I hope to be impartial in tracing its history. Of
+the principal Roman Catholic actors in this great drama--for example,
+of Leo X, Albert of Magdeburg, Charles V, and Doctor Eck--I believe I
+have spoken more favourably than the greater part of historians have
+done. On the other hand, I have not sought to hide the faults and
+failings of the Reformers.
+
+Since the winter of 1831-32, I have delivered public lectures on the
+period of the Reformation, and I then published my opening Address.[3]
+These lectures have served as a preparative for the work which I now
+offer to the public.
+
+  [3] Discours sur l'Etude de l'Histoire du Christianisme, et son
+  utilit� pour l'�poque actuelle. Paris, 1832, chez J. J. Risler.
+
+This history has been drawn from sources made familiar to me by long
+residence in Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, and by the
+study, in the original tongues, of documents relating to the religious
+history of Great Britain, and some other countries besides. These
+sources are indicated by notes throughout the work, and therefore
+require not to be mentioned here.
+
+I could have wished to authenticate the different parts of my
+narrative by numerous original notes, but found that, if long and
+frequent, they might interrupt the course of the narrative in a manner
+disagreeable to the reader. I have, therefore, confined myself to
+certain passages which seemed fitted to make him more thoroughly
+acquainted with subject.
+
+I address this history to those who love to see past events simply as
+they were, and not by the help of the magic mirror of genius, which
+magnifies and gilds, but sometimes also diminishes and distorts them.
+Neither the philosophy of the eighteenth, nor the romance of the
+nineteenth century, will furnish my opinions or my colours. I write
+the history of the Reformation in its own spirit. Principles, it has
+been said, have no modesty. Their nature is to rule, and they doggedly
+insist on the privilege. If they meet in their path with other
+principles which dispute their ascendancy, they give battle instantly;
+for a principle never rests till it has conquered. Nor can it be
+otherwise. To reign is its life; if it reigns not, it dies. Hence,
+while declaring that I am not able, and that I have no wish to rival
+other historians of the Reformation, I make a reservation in favour of
+the principles on which this history rests, and fearlessly maintain
+their superiority.
+
+I cannot help thinking that as yet no history of the memorable epoch
+which I am about to describe exists in French. When I commenced my
+work, I saw no indication that the blank was to be filled up. This
+circumstance alone could have induced me to undertake the work, and I
+here bring it forward as my excuse. The blank exists still; and I pray
+Him from whom every good gift "cometh down" to grant that this humble
+attempt may not be without benefit to some of its readers.
+
+  J. H. M. D'AUBIGN�.
+
+  EAUX-VIVES, NEAR GENEVA.
+
+
+
+
+HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK I.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+STATE OF MATTERS BEFORE THE REFORMATION.
+
+     Christianity--Two distinguishing Principles--Formation of
+     the Papacy--First encroachments--Influence of
+     Rome--Co-operation of Bishops and Factions--External Unity
+     of the Church--Internal Unity of the Church--Primacy of St.
+     Peter--Patriarchates--Co-operation of Princes--Influence of
+     the Barbarians--Rome invokes the Franks--Secular
+     Power--Pepin and Charlemagne--The Decretals--Disorders of
+     Rome--The Emperor the Pope's Liege Lord--Hildebrand--His
+     character--Celibacy--Struggle with the Emperor--Emancipation
+     of the Pope--Hildebrand's Successors--The Crusades--The
+     Church--Corruption of Doctrine.
+
+
+The enfeebled world was rocking on its base when Christianity
+appeared. National religions which had sufficed for the fathers, could
+no longer satisfy the children. The new generation could not be
+moulded in the ancient forms. The gods of all nations transported to
+Rome, had there lost their oracles, as the nations had there lost
+their liberty. Brought face to face in the Capitol, they had mutually
+destroyed each other, and their divinity had disappeared. A great void
+had been made in the religion of the world.
+
+A kind of deism, destitute of spirit and life, kept floating, for some
+time, over the abyss in which the vigorous superstitions of the
+ancients were engulfed. But, like all negative beliefs, it was unable
+to build. Narrow national distinctions fell with the gods, and the
+nations melted down into one another. In Europe, Asia, and Africa,
+there was now only one empire, and the human race began to feel its
+universality and its unity.
+
+Then the Word was made flesh.
+
+God appeared among men, and as a man, "to save that which was lost."
+In Jesus of Nazareth "dwelt all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."
+
+This is the greatest event in the annals of the world. Ancient times
+had prepared it,--new times flow from it. It is their centre, their
+bond, and their unity.
+
+Thenceforth all the popular superstitions were without meaning, and
+the slender remains which they had saved from the great shipwreck of
+infidelity sank before the Majestic Sun of eternal truth.
+
+The Son of man lived thirty-three years here below, curing the sick,
+instructing sinners, having no place where to lay his head, yet
+displaying, in the depth of this humiliation, a grandeur, a holiness,
+a power, and divinity, which the world had never known. He suffered,
+died, rose again, and ascended to heaven. His disciples, beginning at
+Jerusalem, traversed the empire and the world, everywhere proclaiming
+their Master "the Author of eternal salvation." From the heart of a
+nation, which stood aloof from all nations, came forth a mercy which
+invited and embraced all. A great number of Asiatics, Greeks, and
+Romans, till then led by priests to the feet of dumb idols, believed
+the Word which suddenly illumined the earth "like a sunbeam," as
+Eusebius expresses it.[4] A breath of life began to move over this
+vast field of death. A new people, a holy nation, was formed among
+men, and the astonished world beheld, in the disciples of the
+Galilean, a purity, a self-denial, a charity, a heroism, of which it
+had lost even the idea.
+
+  [4] Oia tis eliou bole. (Hist. Eccl., ii, 3.)
+
+Two principles, in particular, distinguished the new religion from all
+the human systems which it drove before it. The one related to the
+ministers of worship, the other to doctrine.
+
+The ministers of Paganism were in a manner the gods whom those human
+religions worshipped. The priests of Egypt, Gaul, Scythia, Germany,
+Britain, and Hindostan, led the people so long, at least, as the eyes
+of the people were unopened. Jesus Christ, no doubt, established a
+ministry, but he did not found a particular priesthood. He dethroned
+the living idols of the nations, destroyed a proud hierarchy, took
+from man what man had taken from God, and brought the soul again into
+immediate contact with the divine source of truth, proclaiming himself
+sole Master and sole Mediator.--"One is your Master, even Christ,"
+said he; "and all ye are brethren." (Matt., xxiii, 8.)
+
+In regard to doctrine, human religions had taught that salvation was
+of man. The religions of the earth had framed an earthly religion.
+They had told man that heaven would be given him as a hire--they had
+fixed its price, and what a price! The religion of God taught that
+salvation came from God, was a gift from heaven, the result of an
+amnesty, of an act of grace by the Sovereign. "God," it is said, "has
+given eternal life."
+
+It is true, Christianity cannot be summed up under these two heads,
+but they seem to rule the subject, especially where history is
+concerned; and as we cannot possibly trace the opposition between
+truth and error, in all points, we must select those of them which are
+most prominent.
+
+Such, then, were two of the constituent principles of the religion
+which at that time took possession of the empire, and of the world.
+_With_ them we are within the true land-marks of Christianity--_out
+of_ them Christianity disappears. On the preservation or the loss of
+them depended its greatness or its fall. They are intimately
+connected; for it is impossible to exalt the priests of the church, or
+the works of believers, without lowering Jesus Christ in his double
+capacity of Mediator and Redeemer. The one of these principles should
+rule the history of religion, the other should rule its doctrine.
+Originally, both were paramount; let us see how they were lost. We
+begin with the destinies of the former.
+
+The Church was at first a society of brethren, under the guidance of
+brethren. They were all taught of God, and each was entitled to come
+to the Divine fountain of light, and draw for himself. (John, vi, 45.)
+The Epistles, which then decided great questions of doctrine, were not
+inscribed with the pompous name of a single man--a head. The Holy
+Scriptures inform us, that the words were simply these, "The apostles,
+elders, and brethren, to our brethren." (Acts, xv, 23.)
+
+But even the writings of the apostles intimate, that from the midst of
+these brethren a power would rise and subvert this simple and
+primitive order. (2 Thess., ii, 2.)
+
+Let us contemplate the formation, and follow the development of this
+power--a power foreign to the Church.
+
+Paul of Tarsus, one of the greatest apostles of the new religion, had
+arrived at Rome, the capital of the empire and of the world, preaching
+the salvation which comes from God. A church was formed beside the
+throne of the C�sars. Founded by this apostle, it consisted at first
+of some converted Jews, some Greeks, and some citizens of Rome. For a
+long time it shone like a pure light on a mountain top. Its faith was
+everywhere spoken of; but at length it fell away from its primitive
+condition. It was by small beginnings that the two Romes paved their
+way to the usurped dominion of the world.
+
+The first pastors or bishops of Rome early engaged in the conversion
+of the villages and towns around the city. The necessity which the
+bishops and pastors of the Campagna di Roma felt of recurring in cases
+of difficulty to an enlightened guide, and the gratitude which they
+owed to the Church of the metropolis, led them to remain in close
+union with it. What has always been seen in analogous circumstances
+was seen here; this natural union soon degenerated into dependence.
+The superiority which the neighbouring churches had freely yielded,
+the bishops of Rome regarded as a right. The encroachments of power
+form one large part of history, while the resistance of those whose
+rights were invaded forms the other. Ecclesiastical power could not
+escape the intoxication which prompts all those who are raised to aim
+at rising still higher. It yielded to this law of humanity and nature.
+
+Nevertheless, the supremacy of the Roman bishop was at this time
+limited to oversight of the churches within the territory civilly
+subject to the prefect of Rome.[5] But the rank which this city of the
+Emperors held in the world, presented to the ambition of its first
+pastor a larger destiny. The respect paid in the second century to the
+different bishops of Christendom was proportioned to the rank of the
+city in which they resided. Now Rome was the greatest, the richest,
+and the most powerful city in the world. It was the seat of
+Empire,--the mother of nations; "All the inhabitants of the earth
+belong to it," says Julian;[6] and Claudian proclaims it "the fountain
+of law."[7]
+
+  [5] "Suburbicaria loca," suburban places. See the Sixth Canon of the
+  Council of Nice, which Rufinus (Hist. Eccl., x, 6) quotes thus: "Et ut
+  apud Alexandriam et in urbe Roma, vetusta consuetudo servetur, ut vel
+  ille Egypti, vel hic suburbicariarum ecclesiarum solicitudinem gerat,"
+  etc. And as at Alexandria, and in the city of Rome, an ancient custom
+  is observed; viz., That the bishop of the former has charge of the
+  churches in Egypt, and the latter of those in the suburbs.
+
+  [6] Julian., Or. 1.
+
+  [7] Claud. in Paneg. Stilic., lib. 3.
+
+If Rome is queen of the cities of the world, why should not its pastor
+be the king of bishops? Why should not the Roman Church be the mother
+of Christendom? Why should not the nations be her children, and her
+authority their sovereign law? It was easy for the ambitious heart of
+man to reason in this way. Ambitious Rome did so.
+
+Thus Pagan Rome, when she fell, sent the proud titles which her
+invincible sword had conquered from the nations of the earth to the
+humble minister of the God of peace seated amidst her ruins.
+
+The bishops in the different quarters of the empire, led away by the
+charm which Rome had for ages exercised over all nations, followed the
+example of the Campagna di Roma, and lent a hand to this work of
+usurpation. They took pleasure in paying to the Bishop of Rome
+somewhat of the honour which belonged to the Queen city of the world.
+At first there was no dependence implied in this honour. They treated
+the Roman pastor as equal does equal;[8] but usurped powers grow like
+avalanches. What was at first mere brotherly advice soon became, in
+the mouth of the Pontiff, obligatory command. In his eyes a first
+place among equals was a throne.
+
+  [8] Eusebius, Hist. Eccl. 1. v, c. 24. Socrat. Hist. Eccl. c. 21.
+  Cyprian, Ep. 59, 72, 75.
+
+The Western bishops favoured the designs of the pastors of Rome,
+either from jealousy of the Eastern bishops or because they preferred
+the supremacy of a pope to the domination of a temporal power.
+
+On the other hand, the theological factions which rent the East
+sought, each in its turn, to gain the favour of Rome, anticipating
+their triumph from the support of the principal Church of the West.
+
+Rome carefully registered these requests, these mediations, and smiled
+when she saw the nations throwing themselves into her arms. She let
+slip no occasion of increasing and extending her power. Praise,
+flattery, extravagant compliments, consultation by other churches, all
+became, in her eyes, and in her hands, titles and evidents of her
+authority. Such is man upon the throne; incense intoxicates him, and
+his head turns. What he has he regards as a motive to strive for more.
+
+The doctrine of the Church, and of the necessity of her external
+unity, which began to prevail so early as the third century, favoured
+the pretensions of Rome. The primary idea of the Church is, that it is
+the assembly of the saints, (1 Cor., i, 2,) the assembly of the
+first-born whose names are written in heaven. (Heb., xii, 23.) Still,
+however, the Church of the Lord is not merely internal and invisible.
+It must manifest itself outwardly, and it was with a view to this
+manifestation that the Lord instituted the Sacraments of Baptism and
+the Eucharist. The Church considered as external, has characteristics
+different from those which distinguish her as the Church invisible.
+The internal Church, which is the body of Christ, is necessarily and
+perpetually one. The visible Church, doubtless, has part in this
+unity, but considered in herself, multiplicity is a characteristic
+attributed to her in the Scriptures of the New Testament. While they
+speak to us of a Church of God,[9] they mention, when speaking of the
+Church, as externally manifested, "the Churches of Galatia," "the
+Churches of Macedonia," "the Churches of Judea," "all the Churches of
+the Saints."[10] These different Churches, unquestionably, may to a
+certain extent cultivate external union; but though this tie be
+wanting, they lose none of the essential qualities of the Church of
+Christ. In primitive times, the great tie which united the members of
+the Church was the living faith of the heart, by which all held of
+Christ as their common Head.
+
+  [9] 1 Cor. xv, 9. 1 Tim. iii, 15.
+
+  [10] 1 Cor. xvi, i. 2 Cor. viii, 1. Gal. i, 22. 1 Cor. xiv, 33.
+
+Various circumstances early contributed to originate and develop the
+idea of the necessity of an external unity. Men accustomed to the ties
+and political forms of an earthly country, transferred some of their
+views and customs to the spiritual and eternal kingdom of Jesus
+Christ. Persecution, powerless to destroy, or even to shake this new
+society, drew its attention more upon itself, and caused it to assume
+the form of a more compact incorporation. To the error which sprung up
+in deistical schools, or among sects, was opposed the one universal
+truth received from the Apostles, and preserved in the Church. This
+was well, so long as the invisible and spiritual Church was one with
+the visible and external Church. But a serious divorce soon took
+place; the form and the life separated from each other. The semblance
+of an identical and external organisation was gradually substituted
+for the internal and spiritual unity which forms the essence of
+genuine religion. The precious perfume of faith was left out, and then
+men prostrated themselves before the empty vase which had contained
+it. The faith of the heart no longer uniting the members of the
+Church, another tie was sought, and they were united by means of
+bishops, archbishops, popes, mitres, ceremonies, and canons. The
+living Church having gradually retired into the hidden sanctuary of
+some solitary souls, the external Church was put in its place, and
+declared to be, with all its forms, of divine institution. Salvation,
+no longer welling up from the henceforth hidden Word, it was
+maintained that it was transmitted by means of the forms which had
+been devised, and that no man could possess it if he did not receive
+it through this channel. None, it was said, can, by his own faith,
+attain to eternal life. Christ communicated to the Apostles, and the
+Apostles communicated to the Bishops, the unction of the Holy Spirit;
+and this Spirit exists nowhere but in that order! Originally,
+whosoever had the Spirit of Jesus Christ was a member of the Church,
+but the terms were now reversed, and it was maintained that none but
+members of the Church received the Spirit of Jesus Christ.[11]
+
+  [11] "Ubi ecclesia, ibi et Spiritus Dei. Ubi Spiritus Dei, illic
+  ecclesia." (Iren�us.) Where the Church, there too the Spirit of God.
+  Where the Spirit of God, there the Church.
+
+In proportion as these ideas gained ground, the distinction between
+clergy and people became more marked. The salvation of souls no longer
+depended solely on faith in Christ, but also, and more especially, on
+union with the Church. The representatives and heads of the Church
+obtained a part of the confidence due only to Jesus Christ, and in
+fact became mediators for the flock. The idea of the universal
+priesthood of Christians accordingly disappeared step by step; the
+servants of the Church of Christ were likened to the priests under the
+Old Dispensation; and those who separated from the bishop were put in
+the same class with Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. From an individual
+priesthood, such as was then formed in the Church, to a sovereign
+priesthood, such as Rome now claims, the step was easy.
+
+In fact, as soon as the error as to the necessity of a visible unity
+of the Church was established, a new error was seen to arise, viz.,
+that of the necessity of an external representative of this unity.
+
+Although we nowhere find in the gospel any traces of a pre-eminence in
+St. Peter over the other apostles; although the very idea of primacy
+is opposed to the fraternal relations which united the disciples, and
+even to the spirit of the gospel dispensation, which, on the contrary,
+calls upon all the children of the Father to be servants one to
+another, recognising one only teacher, and one only chief; and
+although Jesus Christ sharply rebuked his disciples, as often as
+ambitious ideas of pre-eminence arose in their carnal hearts, men
+invented, and by means of passages of Scripture ill understood,
+supported a primacy in St. Peter, and then in this apostle, and his
+pretended successors at Rome, saluted the visible representatives of
+visible unity--the heads of the Church!
+
+The patriarchal constitution also contributed to the rise of the Roman
+Papacy. So early as the three first centuries, the churches of
+metropolitan towns had enjoyed particular respect. The Council of
+Nice, in its Sixth Canon, singled out three cities, whose churches
+had, according to it, an ancient authority over those of the
+surrounding provinces; these were Alexandria, Rome, and Antioch. The
+political origin of this distinction is betrayed by the very name
+which was at first given to the bishop of these cities. He was called
+Exarch, in the same way as the civil governor.[12] At a later period,
+the more ecclesiastical name of Patriarch was given to him. This name
+occurs for the first time in the Council of Constantinople, but in a
+different sense from that which it received at a later period; for it
+was only a short time before the Council of Chalcedon, that it was
+applied exclusively to the great metropolitans. The second ecumenical
+Council created a new patriarchate, that of Constantinople itself, the
+new Rome, the second capital of the empire. The Church of Byzantium,
+so long in obscurity, enjoyed the same privileges, and was put by the
+Council of Chalcedon in the same rank as the Church of Rome. Rome then
+shared the patriarchate with these three churches; but when the
+invasion of Mahomet annihilated the sees of Alexandria and
+Antioch--when the see of Constantinople decayed, and later, even
+separated from the west, Rome remained alone, and circumstances
+rallied all around her see, which from that time remained without a
+rival.
+
+  [12] See Canon, Sardic. VI; and also the Council of Chalcedon, Canons
+  8 and 18, o exarchos tes dioikeseos, the exarch of
+  the diocese.
+
+New accomplices, the most powerful of all accomplices, came also to
+her aid. Ignorance and superstition seized upon the Church, and gave
+her up to Rome with a bandage on her eyes, and chains on her hands.
+Still this slavery was not completed without opposition. Often did the
+voice of the churches protest their independence: This bold voice was
+heard especially in proconsular Africa and the East.[13]
+
+  [13] Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, says of St. Stephen, Bishop of
+  Rome:--"Magis ac magis ejus _errorem_ denotabis, qui h�reticorum
+  causam contra Christianos et contra _Ecclesiam Dei_ asserere conatur
+  ... qui unitatem et veritatem de divina lege venientem non tenens....
+  Consuetudo sine veritate vetustas erroris est." (Epist. 74.) "You will
+  more and more observe the error of him who is trying to maintain the
+  cause of heretics against Christians and against the Church of God ...
+  who not holding the unity and truth which come by the Divine law....
+  Custom without truth is the antiquity of error."... Firmilian, Bishop
+  of C�sarea, in Cappadocia, also says after the middle of the third
+  century: "Eos autem qui Rom� sunt, non ea in omnibus observare qu�
+  sunt ab origine tradita, et frustra auctoritatem apostolorum
+  pr�tendere.... C�terum nos veritati et consuetudinem jungimus, et
+  consuetudini Romanorum, consuetudinem sed veritatis opponimus; ab
+  initio hoc tenentes quod a Christo et ab apostolo traditum est."
+  (Cypr. Ep. 75.) "But they do not in all things observe what was
+  originally delivered, and in vain pretend the authority of the
+  apostles.... But we (the Bishops of the Churches of Asia, more ancient
+  than those of Rome) to truth join custom also, and to the custom of
+  the Romans oppose custom, but the custom of truth, holding from the
+  beginning what was delivered by Christ and an apostle." These
+  testimonies are of great weight.
+
+But Rome found new allies to stifle the cry of the Churches. Princes,
+whom tempestuous times often caused to totter on the throne, offered
+her their support if she would in return support them. They offered
+her spiritual authority, provided she would reinstate them in secular
+power. They gave her a cheap bargain of souls, in the hope that she
+would help them to a cheap bargain of their enemies. The hierarchical
+power which was rising, and the imperial power which was declining,
+thus supported each other, and, by this alliance, hastened their
+double destiny.
+
+Here Rome could not be a loser. An edict of Theodosius II, and of
+Valentinian III, proclaimed the bishop of Rome "Rector of the whole
+Church."[14] Justinian issued a similar edict. These decrees did not
+contain all that the popes pretended to see in them; but in those
+times of ignorance it was easy for them to give prevalence to the
+interpretation which was most in their favour. The power of the
+emperors in Italy becoming always more precarious, the Bishops of Rome
+failed not to avail themselves of the circumstance to shake off their
+dependence.
+
+  [14] Rector totius Ecclesi�.
+
+But energetic promoters of the Papal power had by this time emerged
+from the forests of the North. The barbarians, who had invaded the
+West, and there fixed their abode, after intoxicating themselves with
+blood and rapine, behoved to lower their fierce sword before the
+intellectual, power which they encountered. Altogether new to
+Christianity, ignorant of the spiritual nature of the Church, and
+requiring in religion a certain external show, they prostrated
+themselves, half savages, and half Pagans, before the High Priest of
+Rome. With them the West was at his feet. First, the Vandals, then the
+Ostrogoths, a little later the Burgundians, afterwards the Visigoths,
+lastly, the Lombards and Anglo-Saxons, came to do obeisance to the
+Roman Pontiff. It was the robust shoulders of the sons of the
+idolatrous North which finished the work of placing a pastor of the
+banks of the Tiber on the supreme throne of Christendom.
+
+These things took place in the West at the beginning of the seventh
+century, precisely at the same period when the power of Mahomet, ready
+also to seize on a portion of the globe, was rising in the East.
+
+From that time the evil ceases not to grow. In the eighth century we
+see the Bishops of Rome with one hand repulsing the Greek Emperors,
+their lawful sovereigns, and seeking to chase them from Italy, while,
+with the other, they caress the Mayors of France, and ask this new
+power, which is beginning to rise in the West, for a share in the
+wrecks of the empire. Between the East, which she repels, and the
+West, which she invites, Rome establishes her usurped authority. She
+rears her throne between two revolts. Frightened at the cry of the
+Arabs, who, become masters of Spain, vaunt that they will soon arrive
+in Italy by the passes of the Pyrennees and the Alps, and proclaim the
+name of Mahomet on the seven hills--amazed at the audacious
+Astolphus, who, at the head of his Lombards, sends forth his
+lion-roar, and brandishes his sword before the gates of the eternal
+city, threatening massacre to every Roman,[15]--Rome, on the brink of
+ruin, looks around in terror, and throws herself into the arms of the
+Franks. The usurper Pepin asks a pretended sanction to his new
+royalty; the Papacy gives it to him, and gets him in return to declare
+himself the defender of the "Republic of God." Pepin wrests from the
+Lombards what they had wrested from the emperor; but, instead of
+restoring it to him, he deposits the keys of the towns which he has
+conquered on the altar of St. Peter, and, swearing with uplifted hand,
+declares that it was not for a man he took up arms, but to obtain the
+forgiveness of his sins from God, and do homage to St. Peter for his
+conquests.
+
+  [15] "Fremens ut leo, asserens omnes uno gladio jugulari."
+  (Anastasius, Bibl. Vit. Pontif, p. 83.) Roaring like a lion, declaring
+  that he would slaughter all with one sword.
+
+Charlemagne appears. The first time, he goes up to the Cathedral of
+St. Peter devoutly kissing the steps. When he presents himself a
+second time, it is as master of all the kingdoms which formed the
+empire of the West, and of Rome herself.
+
+Leo III deems it his duty to give the title to him who already has the
+power, and, in the year 800, at the feast of Noel, places on the head
+of the son of Pepin the crown of the Emperor of Rome.[16] From that
+time the pope belongs to the empire of the Franks, and his relations
+with the East are ended. He detaches himself from a rotten tree which
+is about to fall, in order to engraft himself on a vigorous wild
+stock. Among the Germanic races, to which he devotes himself, a
+destiny awaits him to which he had never ventured to aspire.
+
+  [16] "Visum est et ipsi Apostolico Leoni, ... Ut ipsum Carolum
+  imperatorem nominare debuisset, qui ipsam Romam tenebat, ubi semper
+  C�sares sedere soliti erant et reliquas sedes."... (Annalista
+  Lambecianus; ad an. 801.) It seemed to Apostolic Leo that he ought to
+  give Charles the name of Emperor, inasmuch as he was in possession of
+  Rome herself, where the C�sars were always wont to sit, and of their
+  other possessions.
+
+Charlemagne bequeathed to his feeble successors only the wrecks of his
+empire. In the ninth century civil power being everywhere weakened by
+disunion, Rome perceived that now was the moment for her to lift her
+head. When could the Church better make herself independent of the
+State than at this period of decline, when the crown which Charles
+wore was broken, and its fragments lay scattered on the soil of his
+ancient empire?
+
+At this time the spurious Decretals of Isidore appeared. In this
+collection of pretended decrees of the popes, the most ancient
+bishops, the contemporaries of Tacitus and Quintilian, spoke the
+barbarous Latin of the ninth century. The customs and constitutions
+of the Franks were gravely attributed to the Romans of the time of the
+emperors; popes quoted the Bible in the Latin translation of St.
+Jerome, who lived one, two, or three centuries after them; and Victor,
+Bishop of Rome, in the year 192, wrote to Theophilus, who was
+Archbishop of Alexandria, in 395. The impostor, who had forged this
+collection, strove to make out that all the bishops derived their
+authority from the Bishop of Rome, who derived his immediately from
+Jesus Christ. Not only did he record all the successive conquests of
+the pontiffs, but he, moreover, carried them back to the remotest
+periods. The popes were not ashamed to avail themselves of this
+despicable invention. As early as 865, Nicholas I selected it as his
+armour[17] to combat princes and bishops. This shameless forgery was
+for ages the arsenal of Rome.
+
+  [17] See Ep. ad univer. Episc. Gall. (Mansi xv.)
+
+Nevertheless, the vices and crimes of the pontiffs were for some time
+to suspend the effects of the Decretals. The Papacy celebrates its
+admission to the table of kings, by shameful libations. It proceeds to
+intoxicate itself, and its head turns amidst the debauch. It is about
+this time that tradition places upon the Papal throne a damsel named
+Joan, who had fled to Rome with her lover, and, being taken in labour,
+betrayed her sex in the middle of a solemn procession. But let us not
+unnecessarily aggravate the disgrace of the Court of the Roman
+Pontiffs. Abandoned females did reign in Rome at this period. A
+throne, which pretended to exalt itself above the majesty of kings,
+grovelled in the mire of vice. Theodora and Marozia, at will,
+installed and deposed the pretended Masters of the Church of Christ,
+and placed upon the throne of Peter their paramours, their sons, and
+their grandsons. These scandalous proceedings, which are but too true,
+perhaps, gave rise to the tradition of Popess Joan. Rome becomes a
+vast theatre of disorder, on which the most powerful families in Italy
+contend for ascendancy--the Counts of Tuscany usually proving
+victorious. In 1033, this house dares to place upon the pontifical
+throne, under the name of Benedict the Ninth, a young boy brought up
+in debauchery. This child of twelve, when pope, continues his
+ineffable turpitude.[18] A faction elects Sylvester in his stead, and
+at length Pope Benedict, with a conscience loaded with adultery, and
+a hand dyed with the blood of murders,[19] sells the popedom to an
+ecclesiastic of Rome.
+
+  [18] "Cujus quidem post adeptum sacerdotium, vita quam turpis, quam
+  foeda, quamque execranda extiterit, horresco referre." (Desiderius,
+  Abbot of Cassino, afterwards Victor III. De Miraculis a S. Benedicto,
+  etc., lib. 3, init.) How base, how foul, and how execrable his life
+  was, after he attained the priesthood, I shudder to relate.
+
+  [19] "Theophylactus, cum post multa adulteria et homicidia manibus
+  suis perpetrata," etc. (Bonizo, Bishop of Sutri, afterwards of
+  Plaisance. Liber ad amicum.) Theophylact, (Benedict,) after many
+  adulteries, and many murders perpetrated by his own hand.
+
+The Emperors of Germany, indignant at so many disorders, cleansed Rome
+with the sword. The empire, exercising its rights of superiority, drew
+the triple crown out of the mire into which it had fallen, and saved
+the degraded popedom by giving it decent men for heads. Henry III, in
+1046, deposed three popes, and his finger, adorned with the ring of
+the Roman Patricians, pointed out the bishop to whom the keys of the
+confession of St. Peter were to be remitted. Four popes, all Germans,
+and nominated by the emperor, succeeded each other. When the pontiff
+of Rome died, deputies from that Church appeared at the imperial
+court, like the envoys from other dioceses, to request a new bishop.
+The emperor was even glad to see the pope reforming abuses,
+strengthening the Church, holding councils, inducting and deposing
+prelates, in spite of foreign monarchs; the Papacy, by these
+pretensions, only exalted the power of the emperor, its liege lord.
+But there was great danger in allowing such games to be played. The
+strength which the popes were thus resuming, by degrees, might be
+turned, all at once, against the emperor himself. When the viper
+recovered, it might sting the bosom which warmed it. This was what
+actually happened.
+
+Here a new epoch in the Papacy begins. It starts up from its
+humiliation, and soon has the princes of the earth at its feet. To
+exalt it is to exalt the Church, is to aggrandise religion, is to
+secure to the mind its victory over the flesh, and to God his triumph
+over the world. These are its maxims, and in these ambition finds its
+profit, fanaticism its excuse.
+
+The whole of this new tendency is personified in one man,--Hildebrand.
+
+Hildebrand, by turns unduly extolled or unjustly stigmatised, is the
+personification of the Roman pontificate in its power and glory. He is
+one of those master spirits of history, which contain in them an
+entire order of new things, similar to those presented in other
+spheres by Charlemagne, Luther, and Napoleon.
+
+Leo IX took up this monk in passing through Clugny, and carried him to
+Rome. From that time Hildebrand was the soul of the popedom, until he
+became the popedom itself. He governed the Church in the name of
+several pontiffs before his own reign under that of Gregory VII. One
+great idea took possession of this great genius. He wishes to found a
+visible theocracy of which the pope, as vicar of Jesus Christ, will be
+head. The remembrance of the ancient universal dominion of Pagan Rome
+haunts his imagination, and animates his zeal. He wishes to restore to
+Papal Rome all that the Rome of the Emperors had lost. "What Marius
+and C�sar," said his flatterers, "could not do by torrents of blood,
+thou performest by a word."
+
+Gregory VII was not led by the Spirit of the Lord. To this Spirit of
+truth, humility, and meekness, he was a stranger. He sacrificed what
+he knew to be true, when he judged it necessary to his designs. In
+particular, he did so in the affair of Berenger. But a spirit far
+superior to that of the common run of pontiffs, a deep conviction of
+the justice of his cause, undoubtedly did animate him. Bold,
+ambitious, and inflexible in his designs, he was, at the same time,
+dexterous and supple in the employment of means to ensure their
+success.
+
+His first labour was to embody the militia of the Church, for he
+behoved to make himself strong before he attacked the empire. A
+Council held at Rome cut off pastors from their families, and obliged
+them to belong entirely to the hierarchy. The law of celibacy,
+conceived and executed under popes who were themselves monks, changed
+the clergy into a kind of monastic order. Gregory VII pretended to
+have over all the bishops and priests of Christendom the same power
+which an abbot of Clugny had over the order over which he presided.
+The legates of Hildebrand, comparing themselves to the proconsuls of
+ancient Rome, traversed the provinces to deprive pastors of their
+lawful wives, and if need were, the pope himself stirred up the
+populace against married ministers.[20]
+
+  [20] "Hi quocumque prodeunt, clamores insultantium, digitos
+  ostendentium, colaphos pulsantium, perferunt. Alii membris mutilati,
+  alii per longos cruciatus superbe necati," etc. (Martene et Durand,
+  Thesaurus Nov. Anecd. i, 23.) These, wherever they appear, are
+  subjected to insulting cries, to pointed fingers, and to blows. Some
+  are mutilated, others by long tortures cruelly slain.
+
+But Gregory's main purpose was to shake Rome free of the empire. This
+bold design he never would have ventured to conceive, had not the
+dissensions which troubled the minority of Henry IV, and the revolt of
+the German princes, favoured its execution. The pope was then like one
+of the grandees of the empire. Making common cause with the other
+great vassals, he forms a party in the aristocratic interest, and then
+forbids all ecclesiastics, under pain of excommunication, to receive
+investiture to their benefices from the Emperor. He breaks the
+ancient ties which unite churches and their pastors to the authority
+of the prince, but it is to yoke all of them to the pontifical throne.
+His aim is by a powerful hand to enchain priests, kings, and people,
+and make the pope a universal monarch. It is Rome alone that every
+priest must fear, in Rome alone that he must hope. The kingdoms and
+princedoms of the earth are his domain, and all kings must tremble
+before the thunder of the Jupiter of modern Rome. Woe to him who
+resists! Subjects are loosed from their oath of allegiance, the whole
+country is smitten with interdict, all worship ceases, the churches
+are shut, and their bells are mute; the sacraments are no longer
+administered, and the word of malediction reaches even to the dead, to
+whom the earth, at the bidding of a haughty pontiff, refuses the peace
+of the tomb.
+
+The pope, who had been subject from the earliest days of his
+existence, first to the Roman Emperors, then to the Frank Emperors,
+and, lastly to the German Emperors, was now emancipated, and walked,
+for the first time, their equal, if not, indeed, their master. Gregory
+VII was, however, humbled in his turn; Rome was taken, and Hildebrand
+obliged to flee. He died at Salerno, saying, "I have loved
+righteousness and hated iniquity, therefore die I in exile."[21] Words
+thus uttered at the portals of the grave who will presume to charge
+with hypocrisy?
+
+  [21] "Dilexi justitiam, et odivi iniquitatem, propterea morior in
+  exilio."
+
+The successors of Gregory, like soldiers who arrive after a great
+victory, threw themselves, as conquerors, on the subjugated churches.
+Spain, rescued from Islamism, Prussia, delivered from idols, fell into
+the hands of the crowned priest. The crusades, which were undertaken
+at his bidding, every where widened and increased his authority. Those
+pious pilgrims, who had thought they saw saints and angels guiding
+their armies, and who, after humbly entering the walls of Jerusalem
+barefoot, burned the Jews in their synagogue, and, with the blood of
+thousands of Saracens, deluged the spots to which they had come,
+seeking the sacred footsteps of the Prince of Peace, carried the name
+of pope into the East, where it had ceased to be known from the time
+when he abandoned the supremacy of the Greeks for that of the Franks.
+
+On the other hand, what the armies of the Roman republic and of the
+empire had not been able to do, the power of the Church accomplished.
+The Germans brought to the feet of a bishop the tribute which their
+ancestors had refused to the most powerful generals. Their princes, on
+becoming emperors, thought they had received a crown from the popes,
+but the popes had given them a yoke. The kingdoms of Christendom,
+previously subjected to the spiritual power of Rome, now became its
+tributaries and serfs.
+
+Thus every thing in the Church is changed.
+
+At first it was a community of brethren, and now an absolute monarchy
+is established in its bosom. All Christians were priests of the living
+God, (1 Peter, ii, 9,) with humble pastors for their guides; but a
+proud head has risen up in the midst of these pastors, a mysterious
+mouth utters language full of haughtiness, a hand of iron constrains
+all men, both small and great, rich and poor, bond and slave, to take
+the stamp of its power. The holy and primitive equality of souls
+before God is lost, and Christendom, at the bidding of a man, is
+divided into two unequal camps--in the one, a caste of priests who
+dare to usurp the name of Church, and pretend to be invested in the
+eyes of the Lord with high privileges--in the other, servile herds
+reduced to blind and passive submission, a people gagged and swaddled,
+and given over to a proud caste. Every tribe, language, and nation of
+Christendom, fall under the domination of this spiritual king, who has
+received power to conquer.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+     Grace--Dead Faith--Works--Unity and
+     Duality--Pelagianism--Salvation at the hands of
+     Priests--Penances--Flagellations--Indulgences--Works of
+     Supererogation--Purgatory--Taxation--Jubilee--The Papacy and
+     Christianity--State of Christendom.
+
+
+But, along with the principle which should rule the history of
+Christianity was one which should rule its doctrine. The grand idea of
+Christianity was the idea of grace, pardon, amnesty, and the gift of
+eternal life. This idea supposed in man an estrangement from God, and
+an impossibility on his part to reenter into communion with a Being of
+infinite holiness. The opposition between true and false doctrine
+cannot, it is true, be entirely summed up in the question of salvation
+by faith, and salvation by works. Still it is its most prominent
+feature, or rather, salvation considered as coming from man is the
+creating principle of all error and all abuse. The excesses produced
+by this fundamental error led to the Reformation, and the profession
+of a contrary principle achieved it. This feature must stand
+prominently out in an introduction to the history of the Reformation.
+Salvation by grace, then, is the second characteristic which
+essentially distinguished the religion of God from all human
+religions. What had become of it? Had the Church kept this great and
+primordial idea as a precious deposit? Let us follow its history.
+
+The inhabitants of Jerusalem, Asia, Greece, and Rome, in the days of
+the first emperors, heard the glad tidings, "By grace are ye saved
+through faith--it is the gift of God." (Ephes., ii, 8.) At this voice
+of peace--at this gospel--at this powerful word--many guilty souls
+believing were brought near to Him who is the source of peace, and
+numerous Christian churches were formed in the midst of the corrupt
+generation then existing.
+
+But a great misapprehension soon arose as to the nature of saving
+faith. Faith, according to St. Paul, is the means by which the whole
+being of the believer--his intellect, his heart, and his will--enter
+into possession of the salvation which the incarnation of the Son of
+God has purchased for him. Jesus Christ is apprehended by faith, and
+thenceforth becomes every thing for man, and in man. He imparts a
+divine life to human nature; and man thus renewed, disengaged from the
+power of selfishness and sin, has new affections, and does new works.
+Faith (says Theology, in order to express these ideas) is the
+subjective appropriation of the objective work of Christ. If faith is
+not an appropriation of salvation, it is nothing; the whole Christian
+economy is disturbed, the sources of new life are sealed up, and
+Christianity is overturned at its base.
+
+Such was the actual result. The practical view being gradually
+forgotten, faith soon became nothing more than what it still is to
+many--an act of the understanding--a simple submission to superior
+authority.
+
+This first error necessarily led to a second. Faith being stripped of
+its practical character, could not possibly be said to save alone.
+Works no longer coming after it, behoved to be placed beside it, and
+the doctrine that man is justified by faith and by works gained a
+footing in the Church. To the Christian unity, which includes under
+the same principle justification and works, grace and law, doctrine
+and duty, succeeded the sad duality, which makes religion and morality
+to be quite distinct,--a fatal error, which separates things that
+cannot live unless united, and which, putting the soul on one side,
+and the body on the other, causes death. The words of the apostle,
+echoing through all ages, are, "Having begun in the Spirit, are ye
+now made perfect by the flesh?" (Gal., iii, 3.)
+
+Another great error arose to disturb the doctrine of grace. This was
+Pelagianism. Pelagius maintained that human nature is not fallen--that
+there is no hereditary corruption--and that man, having received the
+power of doing good, has only to will it in order to perform it.[22]
+If goodness consists in certain external actions, Pelagius is right.
+But if we look to the motives from which those external actions
+proceed, we find in every part of man selfishness, forgetfulness of
+God, pollution, and powerlessness. The Pelagian doctrine, driven back
+from the Church by Augustine, when it advanced with open front, soon
+presented a side view in the shape of semi-Pelagianism, and under the
+mask of Augustinian formul�. This heresy spread over Christendom with
+astonishing rapidity. The danger of the system appeared, above all, in
+this--by placing goodness, not within, but without, it caused a great
+value to be set on external works, on legal observances, and acts of
+penance. The more of these men did, the holier they were; they won
+heaven by them, and individuals were soon seen (a very astonishing
+circumstance, certainly) who went farther in holiness than was
+required. Pelagianism, at the same time that it corrupted doctrine,
+strengthened the hierarchy; with the same hand with which it lowered
+grace it elevated the Church; for grace is of God, and the Church is
+of man.
+
+  [22] "Velle et esse ad hominem referenda sunt, quia de arbitrii fonte
+  descendunt."--(Pelagius in Aug. de Gratia Dei, cap. 4.) To will and to
+  be are properties of man, because they spring from the fountain of
+  free will.
+
+The deeper our conviction that the whole world is guilty before God,
+the more will we cleave to Jesus Christ as the only source of grace.
+With such a view, how can we place the Church on a level with him,
+since she is nothing but the whole body of persons subject to the same
+natural misery? But, so soon as we attribute to man a holiness of his
+own, all is changed, and ecclesiastics and monks become the most
+natural medium of receiving the grace of God. This was what happened
+after Pelagius. Salvation, taken out of the hands of God, fell into
+the hands of priests, who put themselves in the Lord's place. Souls
+thirsting for pardon behoved no longer to look towards heaven, but
+towards the Church, and, above all, towards its pretended head. To
+blinded minds, the Pontiff of Rome was instead of God. Hence the
+greatness of the popes and indescribable abuses. The evil went farther
+still. Pelagianism, in maintaining that man may attain perfect
+sanctification, pretended, likewise, that the merits of saints and
+martyrs might be applied to the Church. A particular virtue was even
+ascribed to their intercession. They were addressed in prayer, their
+aid was invoked in all the trials of life, and a real idolatry
+supplanted the adoration of the true and living God.
+
+Pelagianism, at the same time, multiplied rites and ceremonies. Man
+imagining that he could, and that he ought, by good works, to render
+himself worthy of grace, saw nothing better fitted to merit it than
+outward worship. The law of ceremonies becoming endlessly complicated,
+was soon held equal at least to the moral law, and thus the conscience
+of Christians was burdened anew with a yoke which had been declared
+intolerable in the times of the apostles. (Acts, xv, 10.)
+
+But what most of all deformed Christianity was the system of penance
+which rose out of Pelagianism. Penance at first consisted in certain
+public signs of repentance, which the Church required of those whom
+she had excluded for scandal, and who were desirous of being again
+received into her bosom.
+
+By degrees, penance was extended to all sins, even the most secret,
+and was considered as a kind of chastisement to which it was necessary
+to submit, in order to acquire the pardon of God through the
+absolution of priests.
+
+Ecclesiastical penance was thus confounded with Christian repentance,
+without which there cannot be either justification or sanctification.
+
+Instead of expecting pardon from Christ only by faith, it was expected
+chiefly from the Church by works of penance.
+
+Great importance was attached to the outward marks of repentance,
+tears, fastings, and macerations, while the internal renewal of the
+heart, which alone constitutes true conversion, was forgotten.
+
+As confession and works of penance are easier than the extirpation of
+sin, and the abandonment of vice, many ceased to struggle against the
+lusts of the flesh, deeming it better to supply their place by means
+of certain macerations.
+
+Works of penance substituted in lieu of the salvation of God kept
+multiplying in the Church from the days of Tertullian in the third
+century. The thing now deemed necessary was to fast, go barefoot, and
+wear no linen, etc., or to quit house and home for distant lands, or,
+better still, to renounce the world and embrace the monastic state!
+
+To all this were added, in the eleventh century, voluntary
+flagellations. These, at a later period, became a real mania in Italy,
+which at that time was violently agitated. Nobles and peasants, young
+and old, even children of five, go two and two by hundreds, thousands,
+and tens of thousands, through villages, towns and cities, with an
+apron tied round their waist, (their only clothing,) and visit the
+churches in procession in the dead of winter. Armed with a whip, they
+flagellate themselves without mercy, and the streets resound with
+cries and groans, such as to force tears from those who hear them.
+
+Still long before the evil had reached this height, men felt the
+oppression of the priests and sighed for deliverance. The priests
+themselves had perceived, that if they did not apply a remedy, their
+usurped power would be lost, and, therefore, they invented the system
+of barter, so well known under the name of Indulgences. What they said
+was this:--"You penitents are not able to fulfil the tasks which are
+enjoined you? Well, then, we, priests of God, and your pastors, will
+take the heavy burden on ourselves. For a fast of seven weeks," says
+Regino, Abbot of Prum, "there will be paid by a rich man twentypence,
+by one less so tenpence, by the poor threepence, and so in like
+proportion for other things."[23] Bold voices were raised against this
+traffic, but in vain.
+
+  [23] Libri Duo de Ecclesiasticis Disciplinis.
+
+The pope soon discovered the advantages which he might draw from these
+indulgences. In the thirteenth century, Alexander Hales, the
+irrefragable doctor, invented a doctrine well fitted to secure this
+vast resource to the Papacy, and a bull of Clement VII declared it an
+article of faith. Jesus Christ, it was said, did far more than was
+necessary to reconcile God to men; for that a single drop of his blood
+would have sufficed; but he shed much blood in order to found a
+treasury for his church, a treasury which even eternity should not be
+able to exhaust. The supererogatory merits of the saints, i. e. the
+value of the works which they did beyond their obligation, served also
+to augment this treasury, the custody and administration of which have
+been intrusted to Christ's vicar upon earth, who applies to each
+sinner for the faults committed after baptism these merits of Jesus
+Christ and the saints according to the measure and quantity which his
+sins render necessary. Who will venture to attack a practice whose
+origin is so holy?
+
+This inconceivable traffic soon extends, and becomes more complex. The
+philosophers of Alexandria speak of a fire in which souls are to be
+made pure. This philosophical opinion, which several ancient doctors
+had adopted, Rome declared to be a doctrine of the Church. The pope,
+by a bull, annexed purgatory to his domain. He decreed that man should
+there expiate what he might not be able to expiate here below, but
+that indulgences could deliver souls from that intermediate state in
+which their sins must otherwise detain them. This dogma is expounded
+by Thomas Aquinas in his famous theological Summa. Nothing was spared
+to fill the mind with terror. The torments which the purifying fire
+inflicts on those who become its victims were painted in dreadful
+colours. Even at the present day, in many Catholic countries, we see
+pictures exhibited in churches, or in the public streets, in which
+poor souls in the midst of burning flames are calling in agony for
+relief. Who could refuse the redemption money which, on falling into
+the treasury of Rome, was to ransom the soul from such sufferings?
+
+In order to give regularity to this traffic, there was shortly after
+drawn up (probably by John XXII,) the famous and scandalous taxation
+of indulgences, of which there have been more than forty editions.
+
+Ears the least delicate would be offended were we to repeat all the
+horrible things contained in it.
+
+Incest will cost, if it is not known, five groschen, if known, six; so
+much will be paid for murder, so much for infanticide, adultery,
+perjury, house-breaking, etc. "Shame upon Rome," exclaims Claudius
+Esperse, a Roman theologian, and we add, Shame upon human nature! for
+we cannot reproach Rome with anything which does not recoil upon man
+himself. Rome is humanity magnified in some of its evil propensities.
+We say this for the sake of truth, and we also say it for the sake of
+justice.
+
+Boniface VIII, the boldest and most ambitious of the popes after
+Gregory VII, outstripped all his predecessors.
+
+In the year 1300 he published a bull, by which he announced to the
+Church, that every hundred years all persons repairing to Rome would
+there obtain a plenary indulgence. Crowds flocked from Italy, Sicily,
+Sardinia, Corsica, France, Spain, Germany, Hungary, and all quarters.
+Old men of sixty and seventy set out, and there was counted at Rome in
+one month to the number of two hundred thousand pilgrims. All these
+strangers bringing rich offerings, the pope and the Romans saw their
+treasury filled.
+
+Roman avarice soon fixed each jubilee at fifty years, next at
+thirty-three, and at last at twenty-five. Then for the greater
+convenience of buyers, and the greater profit of sellers, the jubilee
+and its indulgences were transported from Rome to all parts of
+Christendom. There was no occasion to leave home. What others had
+gone to seek beyond the Alps, each might purchase at his own door.
+
+The evil could not go farther.
+
+Then the Reformer arose.
+
+We formerly saw what became of the principle which should rule the
+history of Christianity, and we have now seen what became of that
+which should rule its doctrine; both were lost.
+
+To establish a mediating caste between man and God, and insist that
+the salvation which God gives shall be purchased by works, penances,
+and money, is the Papacy.
+
+To give to all by Jesus Christ without a human mediator, and without
+that power, which is called the Church, free access to the great gift
+of eternal life, which God bestows on man, is Christianity and the
+Reformation.
+
+The Papacy is an immense wall raised between man and God by the labour
+of ages. Whosoever would pass it must lay his account with paying or
+suffering. And yet will it not be passed?
+
+The Reformation is the power which threw down this wall, restored
+Christ to man, and levelled the path by which he may come to his
+Creator.
+
+The Papacy interposes the Church between God and man. Christianity and
+the Reformation make them meet face to face. The Papacy separates--the
+Gospel unites them.
+
+Having thus traced the history of the decay and extinction of the two
+great principles which distinguish the religion of God from all the
+religions of man, let us attend to some of the results of this vast
+alteration.
+
+First, however, let us pay some tribute of respect to this Church of
+the middle ages which succeeded that of the Apostles and Fathers, and
+preceded that of the Reformers. The Church, although decayed, and
+always more and more enslaved, still was the Church, that is to say,
+still remained the most powerful friend that man possessed. Her hands,
+though tied, could still bless. During those ages, great servants of
+Jesus Christ, men, who in essential doctrines were true Protestants,
+shed a benign light, and in the most humble convent or the most
+obscure parish, were found poor monks and poor priests to solace deep
+griefs. The Catholic Church was not the Papacy. The latter acted the
+part of oppressor, the former that of the oppressed. The Reformation,
+which declared war on the one came to deliver the other. And yet,
+truth to tell, the Papacy itself was sometimes, in the hands of God,
+who brings good out of evil, a necessary counterpoise to the power and
+ambition of princes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+     Religion--Relics--Easter
+     Merriment--Manners--Corruption--Dissorderly Lives of
+     Priests, Bishops, and Popes--A Priest's
+     Family--Education--Ignorance--Ciceronians.
+
+
+Let us now attend to the State of the Church before the Reformation.
+
+The people of Christendom no longer expecting the gratuitous gift of
+eternal life from the true and living God, it was necessary, in order
+to obtain it, to have recourse to all the methods which a
+superstitious, timid, and frightened conscience could invent. Heaven
+is full of saints and mediators who can solicit the favour. Earth is
+full of pious works, sacrifices, observances, and ceremonies, which
+can merit it. Such is the picture of the religion of this period, as
+drawn by one who was long a monk, and afterwards a fellow-worker with
+Luther.
+
+Myconius says, "The sufferings and merits of Christ were as a vain
+tale, or as the Fables of Homer. Not a word was said of the faith by
+which the righteousness of the Saviour, and the inheritance of eternal
+life, are secured. Christ was a severe judge, ready to condemn all who
+did not recur to the intercession of saints, or the indulgences of
+popes. Instead of him there figured as intercessors, first the Virgin
+Mary, like the Diana of Paganism, and after her saints, of whom the
+popes were continually enlarging the catalogue. These mediators gave
+the benefit of their prayers only to those who had deserved well of
+the orders founded by them. For this it was necessary to do not what
+God commands in his word, but a great number of works which monks and
+priests had devised, and which brought in large sums of money. These
+were, Ave-Marias, prayers of St. Ursula, and St. Bridget. It was
+necessary to chant and cry night and day. There were as many places of
+pilgrimage as there were mountains, forests, or valleys. But these
+toils might be bought off with money. Money, therefore, and every
+thing that had any value, chickens, geese, ducks, eggs, wax, straw,
+butter, and cheese, were brought to the convents and to the priests.
+Then chants resounded, and bells were rung, perfumes filled the
+sanctuary, and sacrifices were offered; kitchens were stuffed, glasses
+rattled, and masses winding up threw a cover over all these pious
+works. The bishops did not preach, but they consecrated priests,
+bells, monks, churches, chapels, images, books, cemeteries, all these
+things yielding large returns. Bones, arms, and feet, were presented
+in gold and silver boxes. They were given out to be kissed during
+mass, and this too yielded a large profit."
+
+"All these folks maintained, that the pope being in the place of God,
+(2 Thess., ii, 4,) could not be deceived, and they would not hear of
+any thing to the contrary."[24]
+
+  [24] Myconius' History of the Reformation, and Seckendorf's History of
+  Lutheranism.
+
+In the Church of All Saints at Wittemberg were shown a piece of Noah's
+Ark, a small portion of soot from the furnace of the Three Young Men,
+a bit of the manger in which our Saviour was laid, hair from the beard
+of the great Christopher, and nineteen thousand other relics of
+greater or less value. At Schaffhausen was shown the breath of St.
+Joseph, which Nicodemus had received into his glove. In Wurtemberg, a
+vender of indulgences was seen selling his wares, and having his head
+adorned with a large feather, plucked from the wing of the archangel
+Michael.[25] But there was no occasion to go to a distance in quest of
+these precious treasures. Persons with hired relics travelled the
+country, and hawked them about, as has since been done with the Holy
+Scriptures. The faithful, having them thus brought to their houses,
+were spared the trouble and expence of pilgrimage. Relics were
+exhibited with great ceremony in the churches, while those travelling
+hawkers paid a fixed sum to the owners, and also gave them so much per
+centage on their returns. The kingdom of heaven had thus disappeared,
+and men, to supply its place on the earth, had opened a disgraceful
+traffic.
+
+  [25] Muller's Reliquien, vol. iii, p. 22.
+
+In this way, a profane spirit had invaded religion, and the most
+sacred seasons of the Church, those which, most forcibly and
+powerfully invited the faithful to self-examination and love, were
+dishonoured by buffoonery and mere heathen blasphemies. The "Easter
+Drolleries" held an important place in the acts of the Church. As the
+festival of the resurrection required to be celebrated with joy, every
+thing that could excite the laughter of the hearers was sought out,
+and thrust into sermons. One preacher imitated the note of the cuckoo,
+while another hissed like a goose. One dragged forward to the altar a
+layman in a cassock; a second told the most indecent stories; a third
+related the adventures of the Apostle Peter, among others, how, in a
+tavern, he cheated the host by not paying his score.[26] The inferior
+clergy took advantage of the occasion to turn their superiors into
+ridicule. The churches were thus turned into stages, and the priests
+into mountebanks.
+
+  [26] OEcolampad. De Risu Paschali.
+
+If such was the state of religion, what must that of morals have been?
+It is true, and equity requires we should not forget, that, at this
+time, corruption was not universal. Even when the Reformation took
+place, much piety, righteousness, and religious vigour, were brought
+to light. Of this, the mere sovereignty of God was the cause; but
+still, how can it be denied, that He had previously deposited the
+germs of this new life in the bosom of the Church? In our own day,
+were all the immoralities and abominations which are committed in a
+single country brought together, the mass of corruption would
+undoubtedly fill us with alarm. Still it is true, that, at this
+period, evil presented itself in a form, and with a universality,
+which it has never had since. In particular, the abomination of
+desolation was seen standing in the holy place, to an extent which has
+not been permitted since the period of the Reformation.
+
+With faith morality had decayed. The glad tidings of eternal life is
+the power of God for the regeneration of man. But take away the
+salvation which God gives, and you take away purity of heart and life.
+This was proved by the event.
+
+The doctrine and the sale of indulgences operated on an ignorant
+people as a powerful stimulus to evil. It is no doubt true, that,
+according to the doctrine of the Church, indulgences were of use only
+to those who promised to amend, and actually kept their promise. But
+what was to be expected of a doctrine which had been invented with a
+view to the profit which it might be made to yield? The venders of
+indulgences, the better to dispose of their wares, were naturally
+disposed to present them in the most winning and seductive form. Even
+the learned were not too well informed on the subject, while the only
+thing seen by the multitude was, that indulgences gave them permission
+to sin. The merchants were in no haste to disabuse them of an error so
+greatly in favour of the trade.
+
+In those ages of darkness, what disorders and crimes must have
+prevailed when impunity could be purchased with money! What ground
+could there be for fear when a trifling contribution to build a church
+procured exemption from punishment in the world to come! What hope of
+renovation, when all direct communication between men and their God
+had ceased--when, estranged from him, their spirit and life, they
+moved to and fro among frivolous ceremonies and crude observances in
+an atmosphere of death!
+
+The priests were the first to yield to the corrupting influence. In
+wishing to raise, they had lowered themselves. They had tried to steal
+from God a ray of his glory, that they might place it in their own
+bosom; but, instead of this, had only placed in it some of the leaven
+of corruption, stolen from the Evil one. The annals of the period teem
+with scandalous stories. In many places people were pleased to see
+their priest keeping a mistress, in the hope that it might secure
+their wives from seduction.[27] How humbling the scene which the house
+of such a priest must have presented! The unhappy man maintained the
+woman and the children she might have borne him, out of tithes and
+alms.[28] His conscience upbraided him. He blushed before his people,
+his servants, and his God. The woman fearing, that, in the event of
+the priest's death, she might become destitute, sometimes made
+provision beforehand, and played the thief in her own house. Her
+honour was gone, and her children were a living accusation against
+her. Objects of universal contempt, both parties rushed into
+quarrelling and dissipation. Such was the home of a priest!... In
+these fearful scenes, the people read a lesson of which they were not
+slow to avail themselves.[29]
+
+  [27] Nicol de Clemangis, De Pr�sulibus Simoniacis.
+
+  [28] Words of Seb. Stor., Pastor of Leichstall in 1524.
+
+  [29] F�sslin Beytr�ge, ii, 224.
+
+The rural districts became the theatre of numerous excesses. The
+places where priests resided were often the abodes of dissoluteness.
+Corneille Adrian at Bruges,[30] and Abbot Trinkler at Cappel,[31]
+imitated the manners of the East, and had their harems. Priests
+associating with low company, frequented taverns and played at dice,
+crowning their orgies with quarrels and blasphemy.[32] The Council of
+Schaffhausen issued an order forbidding priests to dance in public
+except at marriages, or to carry more than one kind of weapon. They,
+moreover, ordered that such priests as were found in houses of bad
+fame should be stript of their cassocks.[33] In the archbishopric of
+Mayence, they leapt the walls at night, and then shouted and revelled
+in all sorts of debauchery within taverns and inns. Doors and locks
+were not secure from their attacks.[34] In several places, each priest
+was liable to the bishop in a certain tax for the female he kept, and
+for every child she bore him. One day, a German bishop, who was
+attending a great festival, openly declared that in a single year, the
+number of priests who had been brought before him for this purpose
+amounted to eleven thousand. This account is given by Erasmus.[35]
+
+  [30] Metern. Nederl. Hist. viii.
+
+  [31] Hottinger, Hist. Eccles. ix, 305.
+
+  [32] Order of 3rd March, 1517, by Hugo, Bishop of Constance.
+
+  [33] M�ller's Reliq. iii, 251.
+
+  [34] Steubing. Gesch. der Nass. Oran Lande.
+
+  [35] "Uno anno ad se delata undecim millia sacerdotum palam
+  concubinariorum." (Erasm. Op. tom. ix, p. 401.) In one year eleven
+  thousand priests were reported to him as living in open concubinage.
+
+Among the higher orders of the priesthood, the corruption was equally
+great. The dignitaries of the Church preferred the turmoil of camps to
+chanting at the altar, and to take lance in hand, and reduce those
+around them to obedience, was one of the first qualities of a bishop.
+Baldwin of Tours, who was constantly warring with his vassals and
+neighbours, razed their castles, built others of his own, and thought
+of nothing but enlarging his territory. It is told of a certain bishop
+of Eichstadt, that when he sat in his court, he had a coat-of-mail
+under his gown, and a large sword in his hand. One of his sayings was,
+that in fair fight he was not afraid of five Bavarians.[36] The
+bishops and the inhabitants of the towns where they resided were
+perpetually at war. The burghers demanded freedom, while the priests
+insisted on absolute obedience. When the latter proved victorious,
+they punished revolt, and satiated their vengeance with numbers of
+victims; but the flame of insurrection burst forth at the very moment
+when they imagined they had suppressed it. And what a spectacle was
+presented by the pontifical throne at the period immediately preceding
+the Reformation! To say the truth, even Rome was not often witness to
+such infamy.
+
+  [36] Schmidt, Gesch. der Deutschen. tom. iv.
+
+Roderigo Borgia, after he had lived with a lady of Rome, continued the
+same illegitimate intercourse with her daughter, Rosa Vanozza, and had
+five children by her. This man, a cardinal and an archbishop, was
+living at Rome with Vanozza, and other females besides, frequenting
+churches and hospitals, when the pontifical chair became vacant by the
+death of Innocent VIII. Borgia secured it by buying each cardinal for
+a regular price. Four mules loaded with gold publicly entered the
+palace of Cardinal Sforza, the most influential among them. Borgia
+became Pope under the name of Alexander VI, and was delighted at
+having thus reached the pinnacle of pleasure.
+
+On his coronation-day, he appointed his son C�sar, a youth of
+ferocious temper and dissolute habits, Archbishop of Valentia and
+Bishop of Pampeluna. Then, when his daughter Lucretia was married, he
+celebrated the occasion in the Vatican with f�tes which were attended
+by his mistress, Julia Bella, and enlivened by comedies and obscene
+songs. "All the ecclesiastics," says a historian,[37] "had mistresses,
+and all the convents of the capital were houses of bad fame." C�sar
+Borgia espoused the faction of the Guelphs, and when, by their
+assistance, he had destroyed the Ghibelins, he turned round upon the
+Guelphs, and, in like manner, destroyed them. But he was unwilling
+that any should share the spoil with him, and, therefore, after
+Alexander had, in 1497, made his eldest son Duke of Benevento, the
+Duke disappeared. George Schiavoni, a dealer in wood on the banks of
+the Tiber, one night saw a dead body thrown into the river, but said
+nothing; such occurrences were common. The dead body proved to be that
+of the Duke, who had been murdered by his brother C�sar.[38] Nor was
+this enough. Having taken offence at his brother-in-law, he made him
+be stabbed on the stair of the pontifical palace. The wounded man,
+covered with blood, was carried to his apartment, where he was
+constantly watched by his wife and sister, who, dreading C�sar's
+poison, prepared his food with their own hands. Alexander placed
+sentinels at his door, but C�sar laughed at their precautions, and as
+the pope was going to see his son-in-law, C�sar said to him, "What is
+not done at dinner will be done at supper." In short, he one day
+forced his way into the room, drove out the wife and sister, and
+calling in his executioner, Michilotto, the only person to whom he
+showed any confidence, looked on while his brother-in-law was
+strangled.[39] Alexander had a favourite, named Peroto. The pope's
+partiality for him offended the young Duke. He pursued him, and
+Peroto, taking refuge under the pontifical mantle, clasped the pope in
+his arms. C�sar stabbed him, and the blood of his victim sprung into
+the pontiffs face.[40] "The pope," adds a contemporary witness to
+these scenes, "loves his son the Duke, and is much afraid of him."
+C�sar was the handsomest and most powerful man of his age. He fought
+with six wild bulls, and despatched them with ease. Every morning at
+Rome persons were found who had been assassinated during the night,
+while poison carried off those whom the sword could not reach. Men
+dared not to move or breathe in Rome, every one trembling till his own
+turn should arrive. C�sar Borgia was the hero of crime. The spot of
+earth where iniquity attained this dreadful height was the pontifical
+throne. When once man has given himself over to the powers of
+darkness, the higher the station he pretends to occupy in the sight of
+God, the deeper he sinks into the abysses of hell. The dissolute f�tes
+which were given in the pontifical palace by the pope, his son C�sar,
+and his daughter Lucretia, cannot be described, or even thought of,
+without horror. The impure groves of antiquity, perhaps, never saw the
+like. Historians have accused Alexander and Lucretia of incest, but
+the proof seems defective. The pope had prepared poison for a rich
+cardinal, in a small box of comfits which were to be served after a
+sumptuous repast. The cardinal being put on his guard, bribed the
+steward, and the poisoned box was placed before Alexander, who ate of
+it and died.[41] The whole city ran to see the dead viper, and could
+not get enough of the sight.[42]
+
+  [37] Infessura.
+
+  [38] "Amazz� il fratello Ducha di Gandia et lo fa butar nel Tevere."
+  He assassinated his brother, the Duke of Gandia, and made him be
+  thrown into the Tiber. (MS. of Capello, ambassador at Rome in 1500,
+  extracted by Ranke.)
+
+  [39] Intro in camera ... fe ussir la moglie e sorella ... estrangol�
+  dito zovene.--(Ibid.)
+
+  [40] Adeo il sangue il salt� in la faza del papa.--(Ibid.)
+
+  [41] E messe la scutola venenata avante il papa.--(Sanato.)
+
+  [42] Gordon, Tomasi Infessura, Guicciardini, etc.
+
+Such was the man who occupied the pontifical see at the beginning of
+the century in which the Reformation commenced.
+
+The clergy having thus brought religion and themselves into disrepute,
+a powerful voice might well exclaim, "The ecclesiastical state is
+opposed to God and to his glory. The people well know this, and but
+too well do they show it, by the many songs, proverbs, and jests,
+against priests, which are current among the lower classes, and by all
+those caricatures of monks and priests which we see on all the walls,
+and even on playing cards. Every man feels disgust when he sees or
+when he hears of an ecclesiastic." These are Luther's words.[43]
+
+  [43] Da man an alle W�nde, auf allerley zedel, zuletzt auf den
+  Kartenspielen, Pfaffen, und Munche malete.--(L. Ep. ii, 674.)
+
+The evil had spread through all ranks. A spirit of error had been sent
+to men, corruption of manners kept pace with corruption of faith, and
+a mystery of iniquity lay like an incubus on the enslaved Church of
+Jesus Christ.
+
+There was another consequence which necessarily resulted from the
+oblivion into which the fundamental doctrine of the gospel had fallen.
+Ignorance was the companion of corruption. The priests having taken
+into their own hands the distribution of a salvation which belongs
+only to God, deemed this a sufficient title to the respect of the
+people. What occasion had they to study sacred literature? Their
+business was not to expound the Scriptures, but to give diplomas of
+indulgence--a ministry which called not for the laborious acquisition
+of extensive knowledge.
+
+In the rural districts, says Wimpheling, the persons selected for
+preachers were miserable creatures, who had been previously raised
+from beggary, cast-off cooks, musicians, huntsmen, grooms, and still
+worse.[44]
+
+  [44] Apologia pro Rep. Christ.
+
+The higher clergy were often sunk in deep ignorance. A Bishop of
+Dunfeld congratulated himself that he had never learned either Greek
+or Hebrew, while the monks contended that all heresies sprung out of
+these languages, and especially out of the Greek. "The New Testament,"
+said one of them, "is a book full of briers and serpents. "The
+Greek," continued he, "is a new language recently invented, and of it
+we ought specially to beware. As to Hebrew, my dear brethren, it is
+certain that all who learn it, that very instant become Jews." We
+quote from Heresbach, a friend of Erasmus, and a respectable writer.
+Thomas Linacer, a learned and celebrated ecclesiastic, had never read
+the New Testament. In the last days of his life, (in 1524,) he caused
+a copy of it to be brought, but immediately dashed it from him with an
+oath, because, on opening it, he had lighted on these words, "I say
+unto you, Swear not at all." Now he was a great swearer. "Either this
+is not the gospel," said he, "or we are not Christians."[45] Even the
+Theological Faculty of Paris did not hesitate at this time to say, in
+presence of the Parliament, "It is all over with religion if the study
+of Greek and Hebrew is allowed." If, among ecclesiastics, there were a
+scattered few who had made some attainments, it was not in sacred
+literature. The Ciceronians of Italy affected great contempt for the
+Bible because of its style. Men calling themselves priests of the
+Church of Jesus Christ, translated the writings of holy men inspired
+by the Spirit of God into the style of Virgil and Horace, in order to
+adapt them to the ears of good society. Cardinal Bembo, instead of
+_the Holy Spirit_, wrote _the breath of the heavenly zephyr_; instead
+of to _forgive sins_,--to _bend the manes and the Sovereign God_; and
+instead of _Christ the Son of God_,--_Minerva sprung from the forehead
+of Jupiter_. Having one day found the respectable Sadolet engaged in
+translating the Epistle to the Romans, he said to him, "Leave off this
+child's play; such trifling ill becomes a man of gravity."[46]
+
+  [45] M�ller's Reliq. tom. iii, p. 253.
+
+  [46] Felleri, Mon. ined., p. 400.
+
+Such are some of the consequences of the system under which
+Christendom then groaned. Our picture, undoubtedly, proves both the
+corruption of the Church and the necessity of a Reformation; and it
+was this we proposed in sketching it. The vital doctrines of
+Christianity had almost entirely disappeared, and with them the light
+and life which constitute the essence of genuine religion. The
+strength of the Church had been wasted, and its body, enfeebled and
+exhausted, lay stretched almost without life, over the whole extent
+which the Roman empire had occupied.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+     Imperishable nature of Christianity--Two Laws of
+     God--Apparent Power of Rome--Hidden
+     Opposition--Decay--Threefold Opposition--Kings and
+     Subjects--The Pope judged in Italy--Discoveries by Kings and
+     Subjects--Frederick the Wise--His Moderation--His
+     Anticipation.
+
+
+The evils which then afflicted Christendom, viz., superstition,
+infidelity, ignorance, vain speculation, and corruption of
+manners--all natural fruits of the human heart--were not new upon the
+earth. Often had they figured in the history of states. In the East,
+especially, various religions which had had their day of glory, but
+had become enervated, had been attacked by them, and, yielding to the
+assault, had fallen under it, never again to rise. Is Christianity to
+experience the same fate? Will she be destroyed like these ancient
+popular religions? Will the blow which gave them death be strong
+enough to deprive her of life? Is there nothing that can save her?
+Will those hostile powers that now oppress her, and which have already
+overthrown so many other forms of worship, be able to seat themselves
+without opposition on the ruins of the Church of Jesus Christ?
+
+No! There is in Christianity what there was not in any of those
+popular religions. It does not, like them, present certain abstract
+ideas, interwoven with traditions and fables, destined to fall, sooner
+or later, under the attacks of human reason. It contains pure truth,
+founded on facts capable of standing the scrutiny of every upright and
+enlightened mind. Christianity does not aim merely at exciting certain
+vague religious sentiments, which, when they have once lost their
+charm, cannot be again revived. Its end is to satisfy, and it, in
+fact, does satisfy, all the religious wants of human nature, whatever
+the degree of refinement to which it may have attained. It is not the
+work of man, whose labours fade and are effaced; it is the work of
+God, who sustains what he creates; and the pledge of its duration is
+the promise of its divine Head.
+
+It is impossible that human nature can ever rise so high as to look
+down on Christianity, or if, for a time, human nature do think herself
+able to dispense with it, it soon appears with renewed youth and life,
+as alone fit for curing souls. Degenerate nations then return with new
+ardour to those ancient, simple, and powerful truths, which, in the
+hour of their infatuation, they had turned from with disdain.
+
+Christianity, in fact, displayed in the sixteenth century the same
+regenerating power which it had exerted in the first. After fifteen
+centuries the same truths produced the same results. In the days of
+the Reformation, as in those of Paul and Peter, the Gospel, with
+invincible force, overthrew the mightiest obstacles. Its sovereign
+power was manifested from north to south among nations differing most
+widely from each other in manners, character, and intellectual
+development. Then, as in the days of Stephen and James, it lighted up
+the fire of enthusiasm and devotedness in nations which seemed almost
+extinguished, and exalted them even to the height of martyrdom.
+
+How was this revival of the Church and of the world accomplished?
+
+The observer might then have seen the operation of two laws by which
+God governs the world at all times.
+
+First, as He has ages to act in, he begins his preparations leisurely,
+and long before the event which He designs to accomplish.
+
+Then, when the time is come, he produces the greatest results by the
+smallest means. It is thus he acts in nature and in history. When he
+wishes an immense tree to grow, he deposits a little grain in the
+earth; and, when he wishes to renew his Church, he employs the
+humblest instrument to accomplish what emperors and all the learned
+and eminent in the Church were unable to perform. By and by we will
+search for and we will discover this little seed which a Divine hand
+deposited in the earth in the days of the Reformation; but at present,
+let us endeavour to ascertain the various means by which God prepared
+this great event.
+
+At the period when the Reformation was ready to burst forth, Rome
+appeared to be in peace and safety. One would even have said that
+nothing could disturb her triumph after the great victories which she
+had gained. General Councils--those Upper and Lower Houses of
+Catholicity--had been subdued. The Vaudois and the Hussites had been
+suppressed. No University, with the exception, perhaps, of that of
+Paris, which sometimes raised its voice when its kings gave the
+signal, doubted the infallibility of the oracles of Rome. Each seemed
+to have accepted his alloted share in her power. The higher clergy
+deemed it better to give a distant chief the tenth part of their
+revenues, and quietly consume the other nine, than to hazard all for
+an independence which would cost much and yield little. The lower
+clergy, decoyed by the perspective of rich benefices, which ambition
+made them fancy and discover in the distance, were willing, by a
+little slavery, to realise the flattering hopes which they
+entertained. Besides, they were almost everywhere so oppressed by the
+chiefs of the hierarchy, that they could scarcely struggle under their
+powerful grasp, far less rise boldly and hold up their heads. The
+people knelt before the Roman altar, and kings themselves, though they
+began in secret to despise the Bishop of Rome, durst not venture to
+attack his power with a hand which the age would have deemed
+sacrilegious.
+
+But opposition, if it seemed externally to have slackened, or even
+ceased, when the Reformation burst forth, had more inward strength. A
+nearer view of the edifice will disclose to us more than one symptom
+which presaged its downfall. General Councils, though vanquished, had
+diffused their principles throughout the Church, and carried division
+into the enemy's camp. The defenders of the hierarchy were divided
+into two parties, viz., those who maintained the system of absolute
+Papal domination, on the principles of Hildebrand, and those who were
+desirous of a constitutional Papal government, offering guarantees and
+giving liberty to the churches.
+
+Nor was this the whole. Faith in the infallibility of the Roman bishop
+was greatly shaken among all parties; and, if no voice was raised in
+opposition to it, it was because every one rather desired anxiously to
+retain the little faith in it which he still had. The least shock was
+dreaded, because it might overturn the edifice. Christendom held in
+its breath; but it was to prevent a disaster by which its own
+existence might have been endangered. From the moment when man
+trembles at the thought of abandoning a long venerated belief, it has
+lost its influence over him, and even the appearance of respect which
+he may be desirous to keep up will not be long maintained. The
+Reformation had been gradually prepared in three different worlds--the
+political, the ecclesiastical, and the literary. Political bodies,
+private Christians, and theologians, the literary and the learned, all
+contributed to the revolution of the sixteenth century. Let us take a
+survey of this triple opposition, concluding with the literary class,
+though, at the period immediately preceding the revolution, it was
+perhaps the most powerful of all.
+
+First, among political bodies, Rome had lost much of its ancient
+credit. Of this the Church herself was the primary cause; for,
+properly speaking, it was not the errors and superstitions which she
+had introduced into Christianity that gave the fatal blow. Before
+Christendom could have been able to condemn her on this account, it
+must have stood higher than the Church, in respect of intellectual and
+religious development. But there was a class of things which the
+laity well understood, and it was by these they judged the Church. She
+had become of the "earth, earthy." The sacerdotal empire, which
+tyrannised over the nations, existed solely by the illusions of its
+subjects; and having a halo for its crown, had forgotten its nature,
+and left heaven, with his spheres of light and glory, to plunge into
+the vulgar interests of burghers and princes. Though representing
+those who are born of the Spirit, the priests had exchanged the Spirit
+for the flesh. They had abandoned the treasures of knowledge, and the
+spiritual power of the Word, for the brute force and tinkling of the
+age.
+
+The thing happened naturally enough. At first the Church pretended
+that her object was to defend spiritual order. But in order to protect
+it from the opposition and assaults of the people, she had resorted to
+earthly means, to vulgar weapons, which a false prudence had induced
+her to take up. When the Church had once begun to handle such weapons,
+her spirituality was at an end. Her arm could not become temporal
+without rendering her heart temporal also. The appearance presented
+soon became the reverse of what it had been at the outset. At first
+she had thought proper to employ the earth in defending heaven; now
+she employed heaven to defend the earth. Theocratic forms became in
+her hands merely a mean of accomplishing worldly interests. The
+offerings which the people laid at the feet of the sovereign pontiff
+of Christendom were expended in maintaining the luxury of his court
+and the soldiers of his armies. His spiritual power served him as a
+ladder on which to climb, and then put the kings and nations of the
+earth under his feet. The charm broke, and the power of the Church was
+lost as soon as the men of the world could say, "She is become as one
+of us."
+
+The great were the first to examine the titles of this imaginary
+power.[47] This examination might, perhaps, have been sufficient to
+overthrow Rome; but, happily for her, the education of princes was
+everywhere in the hands of her adepts. These inspired their august
+pupils with sentiments of veneration for the Roman pontiff. The rulers
+of the people grew up within the sanctuary, and princes of ordinary
+capacity could never entirely quit it. Several even had no other
+ambition than to be found in it at the hour of death. They preferred
+to die under a cassock rather than a crown.
+
+  [47] Adrien Baillet. Hist. des Dem�l�s de Boniface VIII avec Philippe
+  le Bel.--(Paris, 1708.)
+
+Italy, that apple of discord in Europe, perhaps contributed most to
+open the eyes of kings. Having occasion to communicate with popes on
+matters which concerned the temporal prince of the States of the
+Church, and not the Bishop of bishops, they were greatly astonished
+when they saw them ready to sacrifice rights which appertained to the
+pontiff, in order to secure certain advantages to the prince. They
+discovered that these pretended organs of truth had recourse to all
+the petty wiles of politics, to deceit, dissimulation, and
+perjury.[48] Then, at length, the bandage, which education had tied
+upon the eyes of princes, fell off. Then wily Ferdinand of Arragon
+tried stratagem against stratagem. Then the impetuous Louis XII caused
+a medal to be struck with this inscription, "Perdam Babylonis
+nomen."[49] And honest Maximilian of Austria, grieved to the heart on
+learning the treachery of Leo X, declared openly, "Henceforth this
+pope, too, is to me nothing better than a villain; now I can say that
+throughout my life not one pope has kept faith with me, or been true
+to his word. If it please God, I hope that this one will be the
+last."[50]
+
+  [48] Guicciardini. History of Italy.
+
+  [49] I will destroy the name of Babylon.
+
+  [50] Scultet. Annal. ad. an. 1520.
+
+Kings and states began, moreover, to feel impatient under the heavy
+burden which the popes imposed on them, and to demand that Rome should
+free them from contributions and annats which wasted their resources.
+Already had France opposed Rome with the pragmatic sanction, and the
+heads of the empire claimed to share in it. In 1511 the emperor took
+part in the Council of Pisa, and had even at one time an idea of
+seizing the popedom for himself. But, among the rulers of the people
+none were so useful to the Reformation as the prince in whose states
+it was to commence.
+
+Of all the Electors of that period, the most powerful was Frederick of
+Saxony, surnamed the Wise. Having succeeded, in 1487, to the
+hereditary states of his family, he had received the electoral dignity
+from the emperor, and in 1493 undertook a pilgrimage to Jerusalem,
+where he was dubbed "Knight of the Holy Sepulchre." His power and
+influence, his riches and liberality, raised him above all his equals.
+God chose him to be the tree under whose shelter the seed of truth
+might be able to push forth its first blade, without being uprooted by
+storms from without.[51]
+
+  [51] "Qui proe multis pollebat princibus aliis auctoritate, opibus,
+  potentia, liberalitate, et magnificentia.--(Cochloens. Acta 1. p. 3.)
+  He surpassed many other princes in authority, wealth, power,
+  liberality, and magnificence.
+
+No man was better fitted for this noble service. Frederick possessed
+the general esteem, and, in particular, had the entire confidence of
+the emperor, whom he even represented in his absence. His wisdom
+consisted not in the dexterous arts of a wily politician, but in an
+enlightened and foreseeing prudence, the first maxim of which was
+never to offer violence, from interested motives, to the laws of
+honour and religion.
+
+At the same time, he felt in his heart the power of the word of God.
+One day when Staupitz, the Vicar-General, was with him, the
+conversation turned upon those who entertained the people with vain
+declamation. "All discourses," said the Elector, "which are filled
+only with subtleties and human traditions, are wondrously cold,
+nerveless, and feeble. It is impossible to advance one subtlety which
+another subtlety cannot destroy. The Holy Scriptures alone are clothed
+with such power and majesty, that, destroying all our learned logical
+contrivances, they press us home, and constrain us to exclaim, 'Never
+man so spake.'" Staupitz having signified that he was entirely of this
+opinion, the Elector shook him cordially by the hand, and said,
+"Promise me that you will always think so."*
+
+Frederick was just the prince required at the outset of the
+Reformation. Too much feebleness on the part of its friends might have
+allowed it to be strangled, while too much haste might have caused the
+storm, which at the very first began with hollow murmuring sound to
+gather against it, to burst too soon. Frederick was moderate but
+strong. He had that Christian virtue which God always requires in
+those who would adore his ways--he waited upon God. He put in practice
+the wise counsel of Gamaliel, "If this counsel or this work be of men,
+it will come to nought; but if it be of God ye cannot overthrow it."
+Acts, v, 38, 39. "Matters," said this prince to Spengler of Nuremberg,
+one of the most enlightened men of his time; "matters are come to such
+a point, that there is nothing more which men can do in them; God
+alone must act. To His mighty hand, therefore, we commit these great
+events, which are too difficult for us." Providence made an admirable
+choice in selecting such a prince to protect his work in its infancy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+     The People--The Empire--Providential Preparations--Impulse
+     of the Reformation--Peace--Middle Classes--National
+     Character--Yoke of the Pope--State of the Empire--Opposition
+     to Rome--The Burghers--Switzerland--Valour--Liberty--Small
+     Cantons--Italy--Obstacles to
+     Reform--Spain--Obstacles--Portugal--France--Preparations--Hopes
+     Deceived--Netherlands--England--Scotland--The
+     North--Russia--Poland--Bohemia--Hungary.
+
+
+The discoveries made by kings had gradually extended to their
+subjects. The wise began to habituate themselves to the idea that the
+Bishop of Rome was only a man, and sometimes even a very bad man. They
+had a suspicion that he was no holier than the bishops, whose
+reputation was very equivocal. The licentiousness of the popes roused
+the indignation of Christendom, and hatred of the Roman name rankled
+in the heart of the nations.[52]
+
+  [52] "Odium Romani nominis, penitus infixum esse multarum gentium
+  animis opinor, ob ea, qu� vulgo de moribus ejus urbis jactantur."
+  (Erasm. Ep., lib. xii, p. 634.) The hatred of the Roman name, which
+  rankles in the minds of many nations, is owing, I suspect, to the
+  prevailing rumours respecting the morals of metanoiathat city.
+
+Numerous causes concurred in facilitating the deliverance of the
+different countries of the West. Let us glance at these countries.
+
+The empire was a confederation of different states, with an emperor at
+their head, each state having supreme authority within its own
+territory. The Imperial Diet, composed of all the princes or sovereign
+states, legislated for the whole Germanic body. It belonged to the
+emperor to ratify the laws, decrees, or resolutions of the assembly,
+and to see them applied and carried into execution, while the seven
+most powerful princes under the title of Electors, had the disposal of
+the imperial crown.
+
+The north of Germany, inhabited chiefly by the ancient Saxon race, had
+acquired the greatest degree of freedom. The emperor, incessantly
+attacked by the Turks in his hereditary possessions, was obliged to
+court those princes and bold nations whose aid was then necessary to
+him. Free towns in the north, west, and south of the empire, had, by
+their trade, their manufactures, and exertions of every description,
+risen to a high degree of prosperity, and thereby of independence, but
+the powerful house of Austria, then invested with the imperial crown,
+held the greater part of the southern states of Germany under its
+control, and closely watched their movements. It was preparing to
+extend its dominion over the whole empire, and even beyond it, when
+the Reformation interposed a mighty barrier to its encroachments, and
+saved the independence of Europe.
+
+As Judea, when Christianity arose, was in the centre of the ancient
+world, so Germany was in the centre of Christendom, looking at once
+toward the Netherlands, England, France, Switzerland, Italy, Hungary,
+Bohemia, Poland, Denmark, and all the North. It was in the heart of
+Europe that the principle of life was to be developed, and the
+beatings of this heart were to circulate through all the arteries of
+the body the noble blood which was to give animation to all its
+members.
+
+The particular constitution which the empire had received conformably
+to the dispensation of Providence, favoured the propagation of new
+ideas. Had Germany been a monarchy properly so called, like France or
+England, the arbitrary will of the monarch might have been able long
+to arrest the progress of the gospel. But it was a confederation.
+Truth attacked in one state might be received with favour in another.
+
+The internal peace which Maximilian had just secured for the empire
+was not less favourable to the Reformation. For a long time the
+numerous members of the Germanic body had taken pleasure in tearing
+each other. Nought had been seen but trouble and discord, war
+incessantly renewed, neighbour against neighbour, town against town,
+and noble against noble. Maximilian had given a solid basis to public
+order, by erecting the Imperial Chamber, with power to decide in all
+questions between different states. The inhabitants of Germany, after
+all their troubles and disquietudes, saw the commencement of a new era
+of security and repose. Nevertheless, when Luther appeared, Germany
+still presented to the observing eye that kind of motion which
+agitates the sea after long protracted storms. The calm was uncertain.
+More than one example of this will be seen as we proceed. By giving an
+entirely new impulse to the Germanic nations, the Reformation put an
+end for ever to all the former causes of agitation. Destroying the
+system of barbarism, which had till then been paramount, it put Europe
+in possession of a new system.
+
+Christianity had, at the same time, exercised a peculiar influence on
+Germany. The middle classes had made rapid improvement. Throughout the
+different quarters of the empire, and more especially in the free
+towns, were numerous institutions well fitted to improve the great
+mass of the population. In these arts flourished. The burghers,
+devoting themselves in security to the calm toils and sweet relations
+of social life, became more and more accessible to knowledge, and in
+this way were continually acquiring new influence and authority. The
+foundation of the Reformation in Germany was not to be laid by
+magistrates, who must often shape their conduct according to political
+exigencies, nor by nobles fired with the love of military glory, nor
+by a greedy and ambitious clergy, working religion for profit, as if
+it were their exclusive property. The task was reserved for the
+citizens, the commonalty, the great body of the people.
+
+The national character of the Germans was specially fitted to adapt
+itself to a religious Reformation. No spurious civilisation had
+enervated it. The precious seed, which the fear of God deposits in the
+bosom of a people, had not been thrown to the winds. Ancient manners
+yet existed, displaying themselves in that integrity and fidelity,
+that love of labour, that perseverance, that serious temper, which is
+still to be seen, and gives presage of greater success to the gospel,
+than the jeering levity, or boorish temper of some other European
+nations.
+
+The people of Germany were indebted to Rome for the great instrument
+of modern civilisation, viz., faith, polish, learning, laws, all save
+their courage and their arms, had come from the sacerdotal city, and,
+in consequence, Germany had ever after been in close alliance with the
+Papacy. The one was a kind of spiritual conquest by the other, and we
+all know to what purposes Rome has invariably applied her conquests.
+Nations which were in possession of faith and civilisation before a
+Roman pontiff existed, always maintained in regard to him, a greater
+measure of independence. Still the more thorough the subjugation of
+the German, the more powerful will the reaction be when the period of
+awakening shall arrive. When Germany does open her eyes, she will
+indignantly break loose from the chains which have so long held her
+captive. The bondage she has had to endure will make her more sensible
+of her need of deliverance; and freedom, and bold champions of the
+truth, will come forth from this house of hard labour and bondage, in
+which all her people have, for ages, been confined.
+
+There was, at that time, in Germany, what the politicians of our days
+call a "see-saw system." When the emperor was of a resolute character,
+his power increased; when, on the contrary, he was of a feeble
+character, the influence and power of the princes and electors were
+enlarged. Never had these felt themselves stronger in regard to their
+chief than in the time of Maximilian, at the period of the
+Reformation; and as he took part against it, it is easy to understand
+how favourable the circumstance of his comparative weakness must have
+been to the propagation of the gospel.
+
+Moreover, Germany was tired of what the Romans derisively styled "the
+patience of the Germans." They had indeed, shown much patience from
+the days of Louis of Bavaria, when the emperors laid down their arms,
+and the tiara was placed, without opposition, above the crown of the
+C�sars.
+
+The contest, however, had done little more than change its place, by
+descending several steps. The same struggles which the emperors and
+popes had exhibited to the world were soon renewed on a smaller scale,
+in all the towns of Germany, between the bishops and the magistrates.
+The burghers took up the sword which the emperors had allowed to drop
+from their hands. As early as 1329 the burghers of Frankfort on the
+Oder had intrepidly withstood all their ecclesiastical superiors.
+Excommunicated for having continued faithful to the Margrave Louis,
+they had been left for twenty-eight years without mass, baptism,
+marriage, or Christian burial; and, when the monks and priests made
+their re-entry, they laughed at it as a comedy or farce,--sad
+symptoms, doubtless, but symptoms of which the clergy were the cause.
+At the period of the Reformation this opposition between the
+magistrates and ecclesiastics had increased. The privileges of the
+former, and the temporal pretensions of the latter, were constantly
+causing jostling and collision between the two bodies.
+
+But burgomasters, councillors, and secretaries of towns, were not the
+only persons among whom Rome and the clergy found opponents. Wrath was
+at the same time fermenting among the people, and broke out as early
+as 1502, when the peasantry, indignant at the grinding yoke of their
+ecclesiastical sovereigns, entered into a combination which goes under
+the name of the Shoe-Alliance.
+
+Thus everywhere, both in the upper and lower regions of society, a
+grumbling sound was heard,--a precursor of the thunder which was soon
+to burst. Germany seemed ripe for the work which the sixteenth century
+had received as its task. Providence, which moves leisurely, had every
+thing prepared, and the very passions which God condemns were to be
+overruled by his mighty hand for the accomplishment of his designs.
+
+Let us see how other nations were situated.
+
+Thirteen small republics, placed with their confederates in the centre
+of Europe among mountains, forming, as it were, its citadel, contained
+a brave and simple people. Who would have gone to those obscure
+valleys in quest of persons who, with the sons of Germany, might be
+the deliverers of the Church? Who would have thought that petty
+unknown towns, just emerging from barbarism, hid behind inaccessible
+mountains, at the extremity of nameless lakes, would, in point of
+Christianity, take precedence of Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, Corinth,
+and Rome? Nevertheless, it so pleased Him who wills that one spot of
+earth be watered with dew, and that another spot on which the rain has
+not descended shall remain parched, (Amos.)
+
+There were other circumstances besides which might have been expected
+to throw numerous obstacles in the way of the Reformation among the
+Helvetic Republics. If, in a monarchy, the impediments of power were
+to be dreaded, the thing to be feared in a democracy was the
+precipitation of the people.
+
+But Switzerland had also had its preparations. It was a wild but noble
+tree, which had been preserved in the bosom of the valleys, in order
+that a valuable fruit might one day be engrafted on it. Providence had
+diffused among this new people principles of independence and freedom,
+destined to display their full power whenever the signal for contest
+with Rome should be given. The pope had given the Swiss the title of
+Protectors of the Liberty of the Church; but they seem to have taken
+the honourable appellation in a very different sense from the pontiff.
+If their soldiers guarded the pope in the vicinity of the ancient
+Capitol, their citizens, in the bosom of the Alps, carefully guarded
+their religious liberties against the assaults of the pope and the
+clergy. Ecclesiastics were forbidden to apply to a foreign
+jurisdiction. The "Letter of the Priests" (Pfaffenbrief, 1370) was an
+energetic protestation of Swiss liberty against the abuses and power
+of the clergy. Amongst these states, Zurich was distinguished for its
+courageous opposition to the pretensions of Rome. Geneva, at the other
+extremity of Switzerland, was at war with its bishop. These two towns
+particularly signalised themselves in the great struggle which we have
+undertaken to describe.
+
+But if the Swiss towns, accessible to every kind of improvement, were
+among the first to fall in with the movement of reform, it was
+otherwise with the inhabitants of the mountains. The light had not yet
+travelled so far. These cantons, the founders of Swiss freedom, proud
+of the part which they had performed in the great struggle for
+independence, were not readily disposed to imitate their younger
+brethren of the plains. Why change the faith with which they had
+chased Austria, and which had by its altars consecrated all the scenes
+of their triumph? Their priests were the only enlightened guides to
+whom they could have recourse. Their worship and their festivals gave
+a turn to the monotony of their tranquil life, and pleasantly broke
+the silence of their peaceful retreats. They remained impervious to
+religious innovation.
+
+On crossing the Alps, we find ourselves in that Italy which was in the
+eyes of the majority the Holy Land of Christendom. Whence should
+Europe have expected the good of the Church if not from Italy, if not
+from Rome? Might not the power which by turns raised so many different
+characters to the pontifical chair, one day place in it a pontiff who
+would become an instrument of blessing to the heritage of the Lord? Or
+if pontiffs were to be despaired of, were there not bishops and
+councils, who might reform the Church? Nothing good comes out of
+Nazareth; but out of Jerusalem, out of Rome!... Such might be the
+thoughts of men, but God thought otherwise. He said, "Let him who is
+filthy, be filthy still," (Rev., xxii,) and abandoned Italy to her
+iniquities. This land of ancient glory was alternately a prey to
+intestine wars and foreign invasion. The wiles of politics, the
+violence of faction, the turmoil of war, seemed to have sole sway, and
+to banish far away both the gospel and its peace.
+
+Besides, Italy, broken, dismembered, and without unity, seemed little
+fitted to receive a common impulse. Each frontier was a new barrier
+where truth was arrested.
+
+And if the truth was to come from the North, how could the Italians,
+with a taste so refined, and a society in their eyes so exquisite,
+condescend to receive any thing at the hands of barbarous Germans?
+Were men who admired the cadence of a sonnet more than the majesty and
+simplicity of the Scriptures, a propitious soil for the seed of the
+divine word? But be this as it may, in regard to Italy, Rome was still
+to continue Rome. Not only did the temporal power of the popes dispose
+the different Italian factions to purchase their alliance and favour
+at any price, but in addition to this, the universal ascendancy of
+Rome presented various attractions to the avarice and vanity of the
+ultramontane states. The moment that the question of emancipating the
+rest of the world from Rome should be raised, Italy would again become
+Italy; domestic quarrels would not prevail to the advantage of a
+foreign system. Attacks on the head of the Peninsular family would at
+once revive affections and common interests which had long been in
+abeyance.
+
+The Reformation had therefore little chance in that quarter. And yet
+there did exist, beyond the mountains, individuals who had been
+prepared to receive the gospel light, and Italy was not entirely
+disinherited.
+
+Spain had what Italy had not--a grave, noble, and religiously-disposed
+people. At all times has it numbered men of piety and learning among
+its clergy, while it was distant enough from Rome to be able easily to
+shake off the yoke. There are few nations where one might have more
+reasonably hoped for a revival of that primitive Christianity which
+Spain perhaps received from St. Paul himself. And yet Spain did not
+raise her head among the nations. She was destined to fulfil the
+declaration of Divine wisdom, "The first shall be last." Various
+circumstances led to this sad result.
+
+Spain, in consequence of its isolated position, and its distance from
+Germany, must have felt only slight shocks of the great earthquake
+which so violently heaved the empire. It was moreover, engrossed with
+treasures very different from those which the word of God then offered
+to the nations. The new world eclipsed the eternal world. A land
+altogether new, and apparently silver and gold, inflamed all
+imaginations. An ardent desire for riches left no room in a Spanish
+heart for nobler thoughts. A powerful clergy, with scaffolds and
+treasures at its disposal, ruled the Peninsula. The Spaniard willingly
+yielded a servile obedience to his priests, who, disburdening him of
+the prior claims of spiritual occupation, left him free to follow his
+passions, and to run the way of riches, discoveries, and new
+continents. Victorious over the Moors, Spain had, at the expence of
+her noblest blood, pulled down the crescent from the walls of Grenada,
+and many other cities, and, in its place, planted the cross of Jesus
+Christ. This great zeal for Christianity, which seemed to give bright
+hopes, turned against the truth. Why should Catholic Spain, which had
+vanquished infidelity, not oppose heresy? How should those who had
+chased Mahomet from their lovely country allow Luther to penetrate
+into it? Their kings did even more. They fitted out fleets against the
+Reformation, and in their eagerness to vanquish it, went to seek it in
+Holland and England. But these attacks aggrandised the nations against
+which they were directed, and their power soon crushed Spain. In this
+way, these Catholic regions lost, through the Reformation, even that
+temporal prosperity which was the primary cause of their rejection of
+the spiritual liberty of the gospel. Nevertheless, it was a brave and
+generous people that dwelt beyond the Pyrenees. Several of their noble
+sons with the same ardour, but with more light than those who had shed
+their blood in Moorish dungeons, came to lay their life, as an
+offering, on the faggot piles of the Inquisition.
+
+It was nearly the same with Portugal as with Spain. Emmanuel the Happy
+gave it an age of gold, which must have unfitted it for the
+self-denial which the gospel demands. The Portuguese, rushing into the
+recently discovered routes to the East Indies and Brazil, turned their
+backs on Europe and the Reformation.
+
+Few nations might have been thought more disposed than France to
+receive the gospel. Almost all the intellectual and spiritual life of
+the middle ages centred in her. One would have said that the paths
+were already beaten for a great manifestation of the truth. Men who
+were the most opposed to each other, and who had the greatest
+influence on the French people, felt that they had some affinity with
+the Reformation. St. Bernard had given an example of that heart-felt
+faith, that inward piety, which is the finest feature of the
+Reformation, while Abelard had introduced into the study of theology
+that reasoning principle, which, incapable of establishing truth, is
+powerful in destroying falsehood. Numerous heretics, so called, had
+rekindled the flames of the word of God in the French provinces. The
+University of Paris had withstood the Church to the face, and not
+feared to combat her. At the beginning of the fifteenth century, the
+Clemangis and the Gersons had spoken out boldly. The pragmatic
+sanction had been a great act of independence, and promised to prove
+the palladium of the Gallican liberties. The French nobility, so
+numerous and so jealous of their precedence, and who, at this period,
+had just seen their privileges gradually suppressed to the extension
+of the influence of the crown, must have felt favourably disposed
+towards a religious revolution, the effect of which might be to
+restore a portion of the independence which they had lost. The people,
+lively, intelligent and open to generous emotions, were accessible to
+the truth in a degree as great, if not greater, than any other people.
+The Reformation might have promised to be, in this nation, the birth
+that was to crown the long travail of many ages. But the Church of
+France, which seemed for so many generations to have been rushing in
+the same direction, turned suddenly round at the moment of the
+Reformation, and took quite a contrary direction. Such was the will of
+Him who guides nations and their rulers. The prince who then sat in
+the chariot and held the reins, and who, as a lover of letters, might
+have been thought likely to be the first to second reform, threw his
+people into another course. The symptoms of several centuries proved
+fallacious, and the impulse given to France struck and spent itself on
+the ambition and fanaticism of its kings. The Valois took the place
+which she ought to have occupied. Perhaps, if she had received the
+gospel, she would have become too powerful. God was pleased to take
+the feeblest nations, nations that as yet were not, to make them the
+depositaries of his truth. France, after having been almost reformed,
+ultimately found herself again become Roman Catholic. The sword of
+princes thrown into the scale, made it incline towards Rome. Alas!
+another sword, that of the reformed themselves, completed the ruin of
+the Reformation. Hands habituated to the sword, unlearned to pray. It
+is by the blood of its confessors, and not by that of its enemies,
+that the gospel triumphs.
+
+At this time the Netherlands was one of the most flourishing countries
+in Europe. It contained an industrious population, enlightened by the
+numerous relations which it maintained with the different quarters of
+the world, full of courage, and zealous to excess for its
+independence, its privileges, and its freedom. Placed on the threshold
+of Germany, it must have been one of the first to hear the sound of
+the Reformation. Two parties, quite distinct from each other, occupied
+these provinces. The more Southern one was surfeited with wealth, and
+submitted. How could all those manufactures, carried to the highest
+perfection--how could that boundless traffic by land and sea--how
+could Bruges, the great entrepot of the trade of the North--how could
+Antwerp, that queen of commercial cities, accommodate themselves to a
+long and sanguinary struggle for points of faith? On the contrary, the
+northern provinces defended by their sands, the sea, and their inland
+waters, and still more, by the simplicity of their manners, and their
+determination to lose all sooner than the gospel, not only saved their
+franchises, their privileges, and their faith, but also conquered
+their independence, and a glorious national character.
+
+England scarcely seemed to promise what she has since performed.
+Repulsed from the Continent, where she had so long been obstinately
+bent on conquering France, she began to throw her eye towards the
+ocean, as the domain which was to be the true scene of her conquests,
+and which was reserved for her inheritance. Twice converted to
+Christianity, once under the ancient Britons, and the second time
+under the Anglo-Saxons, she very devoutly paid to Rome the annual
+tribute of St. Peter. But she was reserved for high destinies.
+Mistress of the ocean, and present at once in all the different
+quarters of the globe, she, with the nations that were to spring from
+her, was one day to be the hand of God in shedding the seeds of life
+over the remotest islands and the largest continents. Already several
+circumstances gave a presentiment of her destiny. Bright lights had
+shone in the British Isles, and some glimmerings still remained. A
+multitude of foreigners, artists, merchants, and mechanics, arriving
+from the Netherlands, Germany, and other countries, filled their
+cities and their sea-ports. The new religious ideas must have been
+conveyed easily and rapidly. In fine, the reigning monarch was an
+eccentric prince, who, possessed of some knowledge and great courage,
+was every moment changing his projects and ideas, and turning from
+side to side, according to the direction in which his violent passions
+blew. It was possible that one of the inconsistencies of Henry VIII
+might prove favourable to the Reformation.
+
+Scotland was at this time agitated by factions. A king five years old,
+a queen regent, ambitious nobles, and an influential clergy, kept this
+bold nation in constant turmoil. It was, nevertheless, one day to hold
+a first place among those that received the Reformation.
+
+The three kingdoms of the North, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, were
+united under a common sceptre. These rude and warlike nations seemed
+to have little in common with the doctrine of love and peace. And yet,
+by their very energy, they were, perhaps, more disposed than the
+people of the South to receive the evangelical doctrine in its power.
+But, the descendants of warriors and pirates, they brought, it would
+seem, too warlike a character to the Protestant cause; at a later
+period, their sword defended it with heroism.
+
+Russia, retired at the extremity of Europe, had few relations with
+other states, and belonged, moreover, to the Greek communion. The
+Reformation effected in the Western exerted little or no influence on
+the Eastern Church.
+
+Poland seemed well prepared for a reform. The vicinity of the
+Christians of Bohemia and Moravia had disposed it to receive, while
+the vicinity of Germany must have rapidly communicated, the
+evangelical impulse. So early as 1500, the nobility of Poland Proper
+had demanded the cup for the laity, appealing to the usage of the
+primitive Church. The liberty enjoyed by its towns, and the
+independence of its nobles, made it a safe asylum for Christians
+persecuted in their own country, and the truth which they brought
+thither was received with joy by a great number of its inhabitants. In
+our days, however, it is one of the countries which has the smallest
+number of confessors.
+
+The flame of reformation, which had long gleamed in Bohemia, had been
+almost extinguished in blood. Nevertheless, precious remains which
+had escaped the carnage, still survived to see the day of which John
+Huss had a presentiment.
+
+Hungary had been torn by intestine wars under the government of
+princes without character and without experience, and who had at last
+yoked the fate of their people to Austria, by giving this powerful
+House a place among the heirs of the crown.
+
+Such was the state of Europe at the beginning of the sixteenth
+century, which was destined to produce so mighty a transformation in
+Christian society.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+     Roman Theology--Remains of Life--Justification by
+     Faith--Witnesses for the Truth--Claude--The Mystics--The
+     Vaudois--Valdo--Wickliffe--Huss--Prediction--Protestantism
+     before the Reformation--Arnoldi--Utenheim--Martin--New
+     Witnesses in the Church--Thomas Conecte--The Cardinal of
+     Crayn--Institoris--Savonarola--Justification by Faith--John
+     Vitraire--John Laillier--John of Wessalia--John of
+     Goch--John Wessel--Protestantism before the Reformation--The
+     Bohemian Brethren--Prophecy of Proles--Prophecy of the
+     Franciscan of Isenach--Third Preparative--Literature.
+
+
+Having pointed out the state of nations and princes, we now proceed to
+the preparation for Reform, as existing in Theology and in the Church.
+
+The singular system of Theology which had been established in the
+Church must have powerfully contributed to open the eyes of the rising
+generation. Made for an age of darkness, as if such an age had been to
+exist for ever, it seemed destined to become obsolete and defective in
+all its parts as soon as the age should have improved. Such was the
+actual result. The popes had from time to time made various additions
+to Christian doctrine. They had changed or taken away whatever did not
+accord with their hierarchy, while any thing not contrary to their
+system was allowed to remain till further orders. This system
+contained true doctrines, such as redemption, and the influence of the
+Holy Spirit; and these an able theologian, if any such then existed,
+might have employed to combat and overthrow all the rest. The pure
+gold, mingled with the worthless lead in the treasury of the Vatican,
+made it easy to detect the imposition. It is true, that when any bold
+opponent called attention to it, the fanner of Rome immediately threw
+out the pure grain. But these very proceedings only increased the
+confusion.
+
+This confusion was unbounded, and the pretended unity was only a heap
+of disunion. At Rome there were doctrines of the Court, and doctrines
+of the Church. The faith of the metropolis differed from the faith of
+the provinces; while in the provinces, again, the variation was
+endless. There was a faith for princes, a faith for the people, and a
+faith for religious orders. Opinions were classed as belonging to such
+a convent, such a district, such a doctor, such a monk.
+
+Truth, in order to pass peacefully through the time when Rome would
+have crushed her with an iron sceptre, had done, like the insect which
+with its threads forms the chrysalis in which it shuts itself up
+during the cold season. And strange enough, the instruments which
+divine truth had employed for the purpose were the so much decried
+schoolmen. These industrious artisans of thought had employed
+themselves in unravelling all theological ideas, and out of the
+numerous threads had made a veil under which the ablest of their
+contemporaries must have found it difficult to recognise the truth in
+its original purity. It seems a sad thing, that an insect full of
+life, and sometimes glowing with the most brilliant colours, should
+enclose itself, apparently without life, in its dark cocoon; and yet
+it is the shroud that saves it. It was the same with truth. Had the
+selfish and sinister policy of Rome, in the days of her ascendancy,
+met the truth in naked simplicity, she would have destroyed, or at
+least tried to destroy it, but disguised as it was, by the theologians
+of the time, under subtleties and endless distinctions, the popes
+either saw it not, or thought that, in such a state, it could not do
+them harm. They accordingly patronised both the workmen and their
+work. But spring might come, and then forgotten truth might lift her
+head, and throw aside her shroud. In her seeming tomb, having acquired
+new strength, she might now again prove victorious over Rome and all
+its errors. This spring arrived. At the moment when the absurd
+trappings of the schoolmen were falling off under the attack of
+skilful hands, and amid the jeers of the new generation, truth made
+her escape, and came forth all young and beautiful.
+
+But not merely did the writings of the schoolmen bear powerful
+testimony in favour of truth. Christianity had everywhere imparted a
+portion of her own life to the life of the people. The Church of
+Christ was like a building which had fallen into ruin; in digging
+among its foundations, a portion of the solid rock on stitutions,
+which dated from the pure times of the Church, were still existing,
+and could not fail to suggest to many minds evangelical ideas utterly
+at variance with the prevailing superstitions. Moreover, the inspired
+writers and ancient doctors of the Church, whose writings were extant
+in many libraries, occasionally sent forth a solitary voice; and may
+we not hope that this voice was listened to in silence by more than
+one attentive ear? Let us not doubt, (and how sweet the thought!)
+Christians had many brothers and many sisters in those monasteries, in
+which we are too ready to see nothing but hypocrisy and dissoluteness.
+
+The Church had fallen in consequence of having lost the grand doctrine
+of Justification by faith in the Saviour; and hence, before she could
+rise, it was necessary that this doctrine should be restored. As soon
+as it was re-established in Christendom, all the errors and
+observances which had been introduced, all that multitude of saints,
+pious works, penances, masses, indulgences, etc., behoved to
+disappear. As soon as the one Mediator and his one sacrifice were
+recognised, all other mediators and other sacrifices were done away.
+"This article of justification," says one whom we may regard as
+divinely illumined on the subject,[53] "is that which creates the
+Church, nourishes, builds up, preserves, and defends her. No man can
+teach well in the Church, or successively resist an adversary, unless
+he hold fast by this truth. This," adds the writer from whom we quote,
+"is the heel which bruises the Serpent's head."
+
+  [53] Luther to Brentius.
+
+God, who was preparing his work, raised up during the revolution of
+ages a long series of witnesses to the truth. But the truth to which
+those noble men bore testimony, they knew not with sufficient
+clearness, or at least were unable to expound with sufficient
+distinctness. Incapable of accomplishing the work, they were just what
+they should have been in order to prepare it. We must add, however,
+that if they were not ready for the work, the work was not ready for
+them. The measure was not yet filled up. Ages had not accomplished
+their destined course, and the need of a true remedy was not generally
+felt.
+
+No sooner had Rome usurped power than a powerful opposition was formed
+against her,--an opposition which extended across the middle ages.
+
+In the ninth century, Archbishop Claude of Turin, and in the twelfth
+century, Peter of Bruges, his disciple Henry, and Arnold of Brescia,
+in France and in Italy endeavour to establish the worship of God in
+spirit and in truth. Generally, however, in searching for this
+worship, they confine it too much to the exclusion of images and
+external observances.
+
+The Mystics, who have existed in almost all ages, seeking in silence
+for holiness of heart, purity of life, and tranquil communion with
+God, cast looks of sadness and dismay on the desolation of the Church.
+Carefully abstaining from the scholastic brawls and useless
+discussions under which true piety had been buried, they endeavoured
+to withdraw men from the vain mechanism of external worship, and from
+the mire and glare of ceremonies, that they might lead them to the
+internal repose enjoyed by the soul which seeks all its happiness in
+God. This they could not do without coming at every point into
+collision with accredited opinions, and without unveiling the sores of
+the Church. Still they had no clear view of the doctrine of
+justification by faith.
+
+The Vaudois, far superior to the Mystics in purity of doctrine, form a
+long chain of witnesses to the truth. Men enjoying more freedom than
+the rest of the Church, appear to have inhabited the heights of the
+Alps in Piedmont from ancient times; and their numbers were increased,
+and their doctrine purified, by the followers of Valdo. From their
+mountain tops the Vaudois, during a long series of ages, protest
+against the superstitions of Rome.[54] "They contend for the living
+hope which they have in God through Christ, for regeneration, and
+inward renewal by faith, hope, and charity, for the merits of Jesus
+Christ, and the all-sufficiency of his righteousness and grace."[55]
+
+  [54] Nobla Ley�on.
+
+  [55] Treatise of Antichrist, of the same age as the Nobla Ley�on.
+
+Still, however, this primary truth of a sinner's justification, this
+capital doctrine, which ought to have risen from the midst of their
+doctrines, like Mont Blanc from the bosom of the Alps, has not due
+prominence in their system. Its top is not high enough.
+
+In 1170, Peter Vaud, or Valdo, a rich merchant of Lyons, sells all his
+goods and gives to the poor. He, as well as his friends, seem to have
+had it in view practically to realise the perfection of primitive
+Christianity. He, accordingly, begins in like manner with the
+branches, and not the root. Nevertheless, his word is powerful,
+because of his appeal to Scripture, and shakes the Roman hierarchy to
+its very foundations.
+
+In 1360, Wickliffe appears in England, and appeals from the pope to
+the word of God, but the real internal sore of the Church is, in his
+eyes, only one of the numerous symptoms of disease.
+
+John Huss lifts his voice in Bohemia, a century before Luther lifts
+his in Saxony. He seems to penetrate farther than his predecessors
+into the essence of Christian truth. He asks Christ to give him grace
+to glory only in his cross, and in the inestimable weight of his
+sufferings, but his attention is directed less against the errors of
+the Roman Church, than the scandalous lives of its clergy. He was,
+however, if we may so speak, the John Baptist of the Reformation. The
+flames of his martyrdom kindled a fire in the Church, which threw
+immense light on the surrounding darkness, and the rays of which were
+not to be so easily extinguished.
+
+John Huss did more; prophetic words came forth from the depth of his
+dungeon. He had a presentiment, that the true Reformation of the
+Church was at hand. So early as the period when chased from Prague, he
+had been forced to wander in the plains of Bohemia, where his steps
+were followed by an immense crowd of eager hearers, he had exclaimed,
+"The wicked have begun to lay perfidious nets for the Bohemian
+goose;[56] but if even the goose, which is only a domestic fowl, a
+peaceful bird, and which never takes a lofty flight into the air, has,
+however, broken their toils, other birds of loftier wing will break
+them with much greater force. Instead of a feeble goose, the truth
+will send eagles and falcons, with piercing eye."[57] The Reformers
+fulfilled this prediction.
+
+  [56] In Bohemian, Huss means "goose."
+
+  [57] Epist. J. Huss, Tempore Anathematis Script�.
+
+And after the venerable priest had been summoned before the Council of
+Constance, after he had been thrown into prison, the chapel of
+Bethlehem, where he had proclaimed the Gospel and the future triumphs
+of Jesus Christ, occupied him more than his defence. One night, the
+holy martyr thought he saw, in the depth of his dungeon, the features
+of Jesus Christ, which he had caused to be painted on the walls of his
+study, effaced by the pope and the bishops. The dream distresses him,
+but next day he sees several painters employed in restoring the
+pictures in greater number and splendour. Their task finished, the
+painters, surrounded by a great multitude, exclaim, "Now, let popes
+and bishops come, they never shall efface them more." John Huss adds,
+"Many people in Bethlehem rejoiced, and I among them." "Think of your
+defence, rather than of dreams," said his faithful Friend, Chevalier
+de Chlum, to whom he had communicated the dream. "I am not a dreamer,"
+replied Huss; "but this I hold for certain--the image of Christ will
+never be effaced. They wished to destroy it, but it will be painted
+anew in men's hearts by far abler preachers than I. The nation which
+loves Jesus Christ will rejoice; and I, awaking among the dead, and,
+so to speak, rising again from the tomb, will thrill with joy."[58]
+
+  [58] Huss. Ep. sub. Temp. Concuii Script�.
+
+A century elapsed, and the torch of the Gospel, rekindled by the
+Reformers, did, in fact, illumine several nations which rejoiced in
+its light.
+
+But in those ages, a word of life is heard not only among those whom
+Rome regards as its adversaries; Catholicity itself--let us say it for
+our comfort--contains in its bosom numerous witnesses to the truth.
+The primitive edifice has been consumed; but a noble fire is
+slumbering under its ashes, and we see it from time to time throwing
+out brilliant sparks.
+
+It is an error to suppose that, up to the Reformation, Christianity
+existed only under the Roman Catholic form, and that, at that period
+only, a part of that church assumed the form of Protestantism.
+
+Among the doctors who preceded the sixteenth century, a great number,
+doubtless, inclined to the system which the Council of Trent
+proclaimed in 1562, but several also inclined to the doctrines
+professed at Augsburgh in 1530 by the Protestants; the majority,
+perhaps, vibrated between the two.
+
+Anselm of Canterbury lays down the doctrines of the incarnation and
+expiation as of the essence of Christianity.[59] And in a treatise in
+which he teaches how to die, he says to the dying person, "Look only
+to the merits of Jesus Christ." St. Bernard with powerful voice
+proclaims the mystery of redemption. "If my fault comes from another,"
+says he, "why should not my righteousness also be derived? Certainly,
+it is far better for me to have it given me, than to have it
+innate."[60] Several schoolmen, and after them chancellor Gerson,
+forcibly attack the errors and abuses of the Church.
+
+  [59] Cur Deus homo?
+
+  [60] "Et sane mihi tutior donato quam innata." (De Erroribus Abelardi,
+  cap. 6.) And it is certainly safer to me given than innate.
+
+But, above all, let us think of the thousands of obscure individuals
+unknown to the world, who, however, possessed the true life of Christ.
+
+A monk named Arnoldi, daily in his quiet cell utters this fervent
+exclamation, "O Jesus Christ my Lord! I believe that thou alone art my
+redemption and my righteousness."[61]
+
+  [61] "Credo quod tu, mi Domine Jesu Christe, solus es mea justitia et
+  redemptio."... (Leibnitz, Script. Brunsw. iii, 396.)
+
+Christopher of Utenheim, a pious bishop of B�sle, causes his name to
+be written on a picture painted on glass, and surrounds it with this
+inscription, that he may have it always under his eye, "The cross of
+Christ is my hope; I seek grace, and not works."[62]
+
+  [62] "Spes mea crux Christi; gratiam, non opera qu�ro."
+
+Friar Martin, a poor Carthusian, wrote a touching confession, in which
+he says, "O most loving God! I know there is no other way in which I
+can be saved and satisfy thy justice, than by the merit, the spotless
+passion, and death of thy well-beloved Son. Kind Jesus! All my
+salvation is in thy hands. Thou canst not turn the arms of thy love
+away from me, for they created, shaped, and ransomed me. In great
+mercy, and in an ineffable manner, thou hast engraved my name with an
+iron pen on thy side, thy hands, and thy feet," etc. Then the good
+Carthusian places his confession in a wooden box, and deposits the box
+in a hole which he had made in the wall of his cell.[63]
+
+  [63] "Sciens posse me aliter non salvari, et tibi satisfacere nisi per
+  meritum," etc. (For these and similar quotations, see Flacius, Catal.
+  Test. Veritatis; Wolfii. Lect. Memorabiles; Miller's Reliquien, etc.)
+
+The piety of Friar Martin would never have been known had not the box
+been found, 21st December, 1776, in taking down an old tenement which
+had formed part of the Carthusian Convent at B�sle.
+
+But this touching faith these holy men had only for themselves, and
+knew not how to communicate to others. Living in retreat, they might
+more or less say, as in the writing which Friar Martin put into his
+box, "Et si h�c pr�dicta confiteri non possim lingua, confiteor tamen
+corde et scripto." "And these things aforesaid, if I cannot confess
+with the tongue, I, however, confess with the heart and in writing."
+The word of truth was in the sanctuary of some pious souls, but, to
+use a Scripture expression, it had not "free course" in the world.
+Still, if the doctrine of salvation was not always confessed aloud,
+there were some in the very bosom of the Church of Rome who, at least,
+feared not to declare openly against the abuses which dishonoured it.
+
+Scarcely had the Councils of Constance and B�sle, which condemned Huss
+and his followers, been held, than the noble series of witnesses
+against Rome, to which we have been pointing, again appears with
+greater lustre. Men of a noble spirit, revolting at the abominations
+of the Papacy, rise up like the prophets under the Old Testament, like
+them sending forth a voice of thunder, and with a similar fate. Their
+blood reddens the scaffold, and their ashes are thrown to the wind.
+
+Thomas Conecte, a Carmelite, appears in Flanders, and declares, "that
+abominations are done at Rome, that the Church has need of
+reformation, and that, in the service of God, one must not fear the
+excommunications of the pope."[64] Flanders listens with enthusiasm,
+but Rome burns him in 1432, and his contemporaries exclaim that God
+has exalted him to heaven.[65]
+
+  [64] Bertrand d'Argentr�, Histoire de Bretaigne, Paris, 1618, p. 788.
+
+  [65] "Ille summo vivit Olympo." (Baptista Mantuanus, de Beata Vita, in
+  fin.) He lives in the highest heaven.
+
+Andr�, Archbishop of Crayn, and a Cardinal, being at Rome as the
+ambassador of the emperor, is amazed when he sees that the holiness of
+the pope, in which he had devoutly believed, is only a fable; and in
+his simplicity he addresses evangelical representations to Sextus IV.
+He is answered with mockery and persecution. Then (1482) he wishes a
+new Council to be assembled at B�sle. "The whole Church," exclaims he,
+"is shaken by divisions, heresies, sins, vices, iniquities, errors,
+and innumerable evils, so much so, that it is on the eve of being
+swallowed up by the devouring abyss of condemnation.[66] This is my
+only reason for proposing a General Council for the Reformation of the
+Catholic faith, and the amendment of manners." The Archbishop of B�sle
+was thrown into the prison of that town, and there died. Henry
+Institoris, the inquisitor, who first moved against him, used these
+remarkable words, "The whole world is crying out and demanding a
+council; but no human power can reform the Church by means of a
+Council. The Almighty will find another method, which is now unknown
+to us, though it is at the door; and, by this method the Church will
+be brought back to its primitive condition."[67] This remarkable
+prophecy, pronounced by an inquisitor, at the very period of Luther's
+birth, is the finest apology for the Reformation.
+
+  [66] "A sorbente gurgite damnationis, subtrahi." (J. H. Hottingeri,
+  Hist. Eccl. S�cul. xv, p. 347.)
+
+  [67] "Alium modum Altissimus procurabit, nobis quidem pro nunc
+  incognitum, licet heu pr� foribus existat, ut ad pristinum statum
+  Ecclesia redeat." (J. H. Hottingeri, Hist. Eccl. S�cul. xv, p. 413.)
+
+The Dominican, Jerome Savonarola, shortly after he had entered the
+order at Bologna in 1475, devotes himself to constant prayer, fasting,
+and macerations, and exclaims, "O thou who art good, in thy goodness
+teach me thy righteousness."[68] Translated to Florence in 1489, he
+preaches with effect; his voice is thrilling, his features animated,
+his action beautifully attractive. "The Church," exclaims he, "must be
+renewed." And he professes the grand principle which alone can restore
+life to it. "God," says he, "forgives man his sin, and justifies him
+in the way of mercy. For every justified person existing on the earth,
+there has been an act of compassion in heaven; for no man is saved by
+his works. None can glory in themselves; and if in the presence of
+God, the question were put to all the righteous, 'Have you been saved
+by your own strength?' they would all with one voice exclaim, 'Not
+unto us, O Lord, but unto thy name be the glory.' Wherefore, O God, I
+seek thy mercy, and I bring thee not my own righteousness: the moment
+thou justifiest me by grace, thy righteousness belongs to me; for
+grace is the righteousness of God. So long, O man, as thou believest
+not, thou art, because of sin, deprived of grace. O God, save me by
+thy righteousness, that is, by thy Son, who alone was found righteous
+among men."[69] Thus the great and holy doctrine of justification by
+faith gladdens the heart of Savonarola. In vain do the prelates of the
+Church oppose him;[70] he knew that the oracles of God are superior to
+the visible church, and that he must preach them with her, without
+her, or in spite of her.--"Fly far from Babylon," exclaims he. It is
+Rome he thus designates. Rome soon answers him in her own way. In 1497
+the infamous Alexander launches a brief at him, and in 1498 torture
+and faggot do their work on the Reformer.
+
+  [68] "Bonus es tu, et in bonitate tua doce me justificationes tuas."
+  (Batesius, Vit� Selectorum Virorum. Lond. 1681, p. 112.)
+
+  [69] Meditationes in Psalmos; Prediche sopra il Salmo. Quam bonus
+  Israel, etc. Sermones supra Archam Noe, etc.
+
+  [70] "Inter omnes vero persecutores, potissimum Ecclesi� pr�sides."
+  But among all persecutors, chiefly the prelates of the Church.
+  (Batesius, p. 118.)
+
+A Franciscan, named John Vitraire, of Tournay, whose monastic spirit
+seems not of a very elevated description, nevertheless, declaims
+forcibly against the corruption of the Church. "It were better for a
+man," says he,[71] "to cut his child's throat than put it into a
+religion not reformed. If your curate, or any other priest, keep women
+in his house, you ought to go and drag the women by force, or in any
+other way, pell-mell, out of the house. There are some persons who say
+prayers to the Virgin Mary, in order that, at the hour of death, they
+may see the Virgin Mary. Thou shalt see the devil, and not the Virgin
+Mary." The monk was ordered to retract, and he did so in 1498.
+
+  [71] D'Argentr�, Collectio Judiciorum de Novis Erroribus, II, p. 340.
+
+John Laillier, a Doctor of Sorbonne, declares, in 1484, against the
+tyrannical domination of the hierarchy. "All ecclesiastics," says he,
+"have received equal power from Christ. The Roman Church is not the
+head of other churches. You ought to keep the commandments of God and
+the Apostles; and, in regard to the command of all the bishops and
+other lords of the Church, care no more for it than you would for a
+straw; they have destroyed the Church by their tricks.[72] The priests
+of the Eastern Church sin not in marrying; and, believe me, neither
+shall we in the Western Church if we marry. Since St. Sylvester the
+Church of Rome has been, not a church of Christ, but a church of State
+and money. We are no more bound to believe the legends of the saints
+than the Chronicles of France."
+
+  [72] Ibidem.
+
+John of Wessalia, a doctor of theology at Erfurt, a man of great
+spirit and intellect, attacks the errors on which the hierarchy rests,
+and proclaims the holy Scriptures to be the only source of faith. "It
+is not religion" (that is, the monastic state) "that saves us," says
+he to some monks, "but the grace of God. God has from all eternity
+kept a book in which he has entered all his elect. Whosoever is not
+entered there will not, through eternity; and whosoever is, will never see
+his name erased. It is solely by the grace of God that the elect are saved.
+He whom God is pleased to save, by giving him grace, will be saved,
+though all the priests in the world were to condemn and excommunicate
+him. And he whom God sees meet to condemn, though these should all wish to
+save him, will be made to feel his condemnation.[73] How audacious in
+the successors of the apostles to order, not what Christ has
+prescribed in his holy books, but what they themselves devised, when
+carried away, as they now are, by a thirst for money, or a rage for
+power. I despise the pope, the Church, and the Councils, and I extol
+Jesus Christ." Wessalia, who had gradually arrived at those
+convictions, boldly announces them from the pulpit, and enters into
+communication with deputies from the Hussites. Feeble, bent with age,
+and wasted by disease, the courageous old man, with tottering step,
+appears before the Inquisition, and, in 1482, dies in its dungeons.
+
+  [73] "Et quem Deus vult damnare, Si omnes vellent hunc salvare, Adhuc
+  iste damnaretur."
+
+Who is condemned by God's decree, Assuredly condemned shall be,
+Whoe'er they be would save him.
+
+(Paradoxa Damnata, etc., 1749, Mogunti�.)
+
+About the same time, John de Goch, prior at Malines, extolled
+Christian liberty as the soul of all the virtues. He charged the
+received doctrine with Pelagianism, and surnamed Thomas Aquinas the
+"Prince of Error." "Canonical Scripture alone," said he, "deserves
+full faith, and has an irrefragable authority. The writings of the
+ancient fathers are of authority only in so far as they are
+conformable to canonical truth.--There is truth in the common byword,
+'What a monk dares undertake, Satan would blush to think.'"
+
+But the most remarkable of the forerunners of the Reformation was
+undoubtedly John Wessel, surnamed "The Light of the World," a man full
+of courage and love for the truth, who taught theology successively
+at Cologne, Louvain, Paris, Heidelberg, and Gr�ningen. Luther said of
+him, "Had I read his works sooner, it might have been said, Luther has
+drawn everything from Wessel; so much do his spirit and mine
+accord."[74] "St. Paul and St. James," says Wessel, "say different but
+not contrary things. Both hold that the just live by faith, but a
+faith which works by love. He who understanding the gospel believes,
+desires, hopes, confides in the good news, and loves Him who justifies
+and blesses him, gives himself entirely to Him whom he loves, and
+attributes nothing to himself, knowing that in himself he has
+nothing.[75] The sheep should distinguish between the things on which
+they feed, and avoid a hurtful food, though it should be offered by
+the shepherd. The people ought to follow their shepherds to the
+pastures, but when they lead them to what is not pasture, they are no
+more shepherds; and because they are not in their duty, the flock is
+no longer bound to obey them. Nothing is more effectual in destroying
+the Church than a corrupt clergy. All Christians, even the meanest and
+simplest, are bound to resist those who destroy the Church.[76] The
+commands of prelates and doctors ought to be performed only in the
+manner prescribed by St. Paul, (1 Thess., v, 21;) namely, in so far
+as, sitting in the chair of Moses, they speak according to Moses. We
+are the servants of God, and not of the pope, according as it is said,
+'Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.'
+The Holy Spirit has reserved to himself to foster, quicken, preserve,
+and enlarge the unity of the Church, and not abandoned it to the Roman
+Pontiff, who often gives himself no concern about the matter. Even sex
+does not hinder a woman, if she is faithful and prudent, and has love
+shed abroad in her heart, from feeling, judging, approving, and
+concluding, by a judgment which God ratifies."
+
+   [74] "Antiquorum Patrum scripta tantum habent auctoritatis quantum
+   canonic� veritati sunt conformia." (Epist. Apologet. Anvers, 1521.)
+
+   [75] "Adeo spiritus utriusque concordat." (Farrago Wesseli, in Pr�f.)
+
+   [76] "Extentus totus, et propensus in eum quem amat, a quo credit,
+   cupit, sperat, confidit, justificatur, nihil sibi ipsi tribuit, qui
+   scit nihil habere ex se." (De Magnit. Passionis, cap. xlvi, Op. p.
+   553.)
+
+Thus, as the Reformation approaches, the voices which proclaim the
+truth are multiplied. One would say the Church is bent on
+demonstrating that the Reformation had an existence before Luther.
+Protestantism was born into the Church, the very day that the germ of
+the Papacy appeared in it, just as in the political world conservative
+principles began to exist the very moment that the despotism of the
+great or the disorders of the factious showed open front.
+Protestantism was even sometimes stronger than the Papacy in the ages
+preceding the Reformation. What had Rome to oppose to all these
+witnesses for the truth at the moment when their voice was heard
+through all the earth?
+
+But this was not all. The Reformation existed not in the teachers
+only; it existed also among the people. The doctrines of Wickliffe,
+proceeding from Oxford, had spread over Christendom, and had preserved
+adherents in Bavaria, Swabia, Franconia, and Prussia. In Bohemia, from
+the bosom of discord and war, ultimately came forth a peaceful
+Christian community, which resembled the primitive Church, and bore
+lively testimony to the great principle of Evangelical opposition,
+viz., "That Christ himself, not Peter and his successor, is the rock
+on which the Church is built." Belonging equally to the German and
+Slavonian races, these simple Christians had missionaries among the
+different nations who spoke their tongues, that they might without
+noise gain adherents to their opinions. At Rostoch, which had been
+twice visited by them, Nicolas Kuss began in 1511 to preach publicly
+against the pope.[77]
+
+  [77] "Nemo magis Ecclesiam destruit, quam corruptus clerus.
+  Destruentibus Ecclesiam omnes Christiani tenentur resistre." (De
+  Potestate Eccles. Op. p. 769.)
+
+It is important to attend to this state of things. When wisdom from
+above will with loud voice deliver her instructions, there will
+everywhere be intellects and hearts to receive it. When the sower, who
+has never ceased to walk over the Church, will come forth for a new
+and extensive sowing, the earth will be ready to receive the grain.
+When the trumpet, which the Angel of the covenant has never ceased to
+blow, will cause it to sound louder and louder, many will make ready
+for battle.
+
+The Church already feels that the hour of battle is approaching. If,
+during the last century, more than one philosopher gave intimation of
+the revolution with which it was to close, can we be astonished, that,
+at the end of the fifteenth century, several doctors foresaw the
+impending Reformation which was to renovate the Church?[78]
+
+  [78] Wolfii Lect. Memorab. ii, p. 27.
+
+Andr� Prol�s, provincial of the Augustins, who, for more than half a
+century, presided over this body, and with unshaken courage maintained
+the doctrines of Augustine within his order, when assembled with his
+friars in the Convent of Himmelspforte, near Wernigerode, often
+stopped during the reading of the word of God, and addressing the
+listening monks, said to them "Brethren, you hear the testimony of
+holy Scripture. It declares, that by grace we are what we are--that by
+it alone we have all that we have. Whence, then, so much darkness, and
+so many horrible superstitions?... Oh! brethren, Christianity has
+need of a great and bold reformation, and I already see its approach."
+Then the monks exclaimed, "Why don't you yourself begin this
+reformation, and oppose all their errors?" "You see, my brethren,"
+replied the old provincial, "that I am weighed down with years, and
+feeble in body, and possess not the knowledge, talent, and eloquence,
+which so important a matter requires. But God will raise up a hero,
+who, by his age, his strength, his talents, his knowledge, his genius,
+and eloquence, will occupy the first rank. He will begin the
+reformation, he will oppose error, and God will give him such courage
+that he will dare to resist the great."[79] An old monk of
+Himmelspforte, who had often heard these words, related them to
+Flacius. In the very order of which Prol�s was provincial, the
+Christian hero thus announced by him was to appear.
+
+  [79] "Excitabit Dominus heroem �tate viribus...." (Flacii, Catal.
+  Test. Verit., p. 843.)
+
+In the Franciscan Convent at Isenach, in Thuringia, was a monk named
+John Hilten. He was a careful student of the Prophet Daniel, and the
+Apocalypse of St. John; he even wrote a Commentary on these Books, and
+censured the most crying abuses of monastic life. The enraged monks
+threw him into prison. His advanced age, and the filthiness of his
+dungeon, bringing on a dangerous illness, he asked for the friar
+superintendant, who had no sooner arrived, than, without listening to
+the prisoner, he began to give vent to his rage, and to rebuke him
+harshly for his doctrine, which (adds the chronicle) was at variance
+with the monk's kitchen. The Franciscan, forgetting his illness, and
+fetching a deep sigh, exclaims, "I calmly submit to your injustice for
+the love of Christ; for I have done nothing to shake the monastic
+state, and have only censured its most notorious abuses. _But_,"
+continued he, (this is the account given by Melancthon in his _Apology
+for the Confession of Augsburg_,) "_another will come in the year of
+the Lord one thousand five hundred and sixteen; he will destroy you,
+and you will not be able to resist him._"[80] John Hilten, who had
+announced the end of the world in the year 1651, was not so much
+mistaken in the year in which the future Reformer was to appear. He
+was born not long after at a short distance from Hilten's dungeon,
+commenced his studies in the same town where the monk was prisoner,
+and publicly engaged in the Reformation only a year later than the
+Franciscan had mentioned.
+
+  [80] "Alius quidem veniet...." (Apologia Conf. Aug. xiii. De Votis
+  Monasticis.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VII.
+
+     Letters--Revival--Remembrance of Antiquity in
+     Italy--Influence of the Humanists--Christianity of
+     Dante--Valla--Infidelity in Italy--Platonic Philosophy--Rise
+     of Literature in Germany--Youth in
+     Schools--Printing--Character of German Literature--Literati
+     and Schoolmen--A New World--Reuchlin--Reuchlin in Italy--His
+     Works--His Influence in Germany--Mystics--Struggle with the
+     Dominicans.
+
+
+Thus princes and people, the living members of the Church, and the
+theologians, laboured, each in their sphere, to prepare the work which
+the sixteenth century was about to carry into effect. But there was
+another auxiliary which was to lend its aid to the Reformation,--I
+mean Literature.
+
+The human mind was expanding--a circumstance which must of itself have
+led to its emancipation. If a small seed fall close to an old wall, as
+it grows into a tree it will push down the wall.
+
+The Pontiff of Rome had become tutor to the nations, and his superior
+intelligence had made the task easy to him. He had long kept them in a
+state of minority, but resistance now broke forth on all sides. This
+venerable tutelage, which had been primarily established by the
+principles of eternal life, and of civilisation which Rome had
+imparted to barbarous nations, could no longer be exercised without
+opposition. A formidable adversary had met her in the face, and was
+prepared to control her. The natural tendency of the human mind to
+expand, to investigate, and acquire knowledge, had given birth to this
+new power. Man opened his eyes, and at every step questioned the
+proceedings of that long respected guide under whose direction, while
+blindfolded, he had moved on without saying a word. In regard to the
+nations of new Europe, the age of infancy had passed away, and that of
+manhood had begun. To the childlike simplicity, which believed
+everything, had succeeded a spirit of curiosity, an intellect not to
+be satisfied without sifting everything to the utmost. It was asked
+for what end God had spoken to the world, and whether men had a right
+to station themselves as mediators between God and their brethren.
+
+There was only one thing which could have saved the Church, and this
+was to raise herself still higher above the people. To keep on a level
+with them was not enough. But so far from this, she was even found to
+be far beneath them, having begun to descend at the same time that
+they began to rise. At the period when mankind began to ascend to the
+regions of intellect, the priesthood was grovelling below among
+earthly pursuits and worldly interests. This phenomenon has repeatedly
+appeared in history. The wings of the eaglet were full fledged, and
+what hand was high enough to prevent it from taking its flight?
+
+The human mind made its first start in Italy.
+
+Scholasticism and romantic poetry had at no time reigned unopposed.
+Italy never entirely lost the remembrance of antiquity; and this
+remembrance having been strongly awakened towards the end of the
+middle ages, soon gave the mind a new impulse.
+
+Even in the fourteenth century, Dante and Petrarch restored the honour
+of the ancient Roman poets, at the same time that the former gave the
+most powerful popes a place in his hell, and the latter boldly
+protested for the primitive constitution of the Church. At the
+beginning of the fifteenth century, John of Ravenna taught Latin
+literature with applause at Padua and Florence, while Chrysoloras, at
+Florence and Pavia, interpreted the beautiful writers of Greece.
+
+While in Europe light was thus coming forth from the prisons in which
+it had been confined, the East was sending new beams to the West. The
+standard of the Osmanlis, planted in 1453 on the walls of
+Constantinople, had put the learned to flight. They had, in
+consequence, transported the literature of Greece into Italy, where
+the torch of the ancients rekindled minds which had lain smothered for
+so many ages. George of Trebisond, Argyropolos, Bessarion, Lascaris,
+Chalcondylas, and many others, inspired the West with their love of
+Greece and its noblest productions. The patriotic feelings of the
+Italians were thus stimulated, and a great number of learned men
+appeared in Italy. Of these, the most illustrious were Gasparino,
+Aretin, Poggio, and Valla, who strove to restore the honour of Roman
+antiquity, and place it on a footing with that of Greece. In this way,
+a great flood of light had appeared, and Rome could not but suffer by
+it.
+
+The passion for antiquity, which took possession of the _Humanists_,
+had a great effect in weakening the attachment to the Church in minds
+of the highest order; for "no man can serve two masters." At the same
+time, the studies in which the learned were engaged put them in
+possession of a new class of instruments, which were unknown to the
+schoolmen, and by means of which they could test and decide upon the
+lessons of the Church. Finding that beauties which charmed them in
+classical authors existed in profusion in the Bible, and not in the
+works of theologians, the _Humanists_ were quite prepared to give the
+Bible precedence before the Doctors. By reforming taste, they
+prepared a reformation in faith.
+
+The Literati, it is true, loudly protested that their pursuits were
+not at variance with the belief of the Church; but yet they had
+assailed the schoolmen long before the Reformers began to do it, and
+played off their wit on these barbarians--those "Teutons who living,
+lived not."[81] Some even proclaimed doctrines of the gospel, and
+assailed Rome in the objects of her dearest affection. Already Dante,
+while adhering to many Roman dogmas, had proclaimed the power of faith
+in terms similar to those which the first Reformers employed. "It is
+true faith," he said, "that makes us citizens of heaven.[82] Faith,
+according to the gospel doctrine, is the principle of life; it is the
+feeble spark which, spreading always wider and wider, at length
+becomes a living flame, and shines within us like a star in heaven.
+Without faith, no good works, no honesty of life, can give us aid. How
+great soever our sins may be, the arms of divine grace are greater
+still, and wide enough to embrace whatever turns towards God.[83] The
+soul is not lost by the anathema of the pontiffs; and eternal love can
+always reach it, so long as there remains one bloom of hope.[84] From
+God, from God alone, through faith our justice comes." And speaking of
+the Church, Dante exclaims, "O my bark! how ill loaded thou art! O
+Constantine! what mighty evil was engendered, I will not say by thy
+conversion, but by that offering which the rich father then received
+from thee!"
+
+  [81] "Qui ne viventes quidem vivebant." (Politiani, Ep. ix, 3.)
+
+  [82] Parad., xxiv, 44.
+
+  [83]
+
+      Orribil furon li peccati miei;
+      Ma la bont� infinita ha si gran braccia
+      Che prende ci� che si revolve a lei.
+
+            (Purgator. iii, 121-124.)
+
+  [84]
+
+      Per lor maladizion si non si perde.
+      Che non possa tornar l'eterno amore,
+      Mentre che la speranza ha fior del verde?
+
+            (Ibid., 134-136.)
+
+At a later period, Laurentius Valla, applying the study of antiquity
+to the opinions of the Church, denies the authenticity of the
+correspondence between Christ and King Abgarus, rejects the tradition
+as to the origin of the Apostles' Creed, and saps the foundation of
+the pretended inheritance which the popes held of Constantine.[85]
+
+  [85] De ementita Constantini donatione declamatio ad Papam." (Op.
+  Basil., 1543.)
+
+Still, however, the great light which the study of antiquity threw out
+in the fifteenth century, was fitted only to destroy, and not to build
+up. The honour of saving the Church could not be given either to Homer
+or Virgil. The revival of letters, sciences, and arts did not found
+the Reformation. The Paganism of the poets, on reappearing in Italy,
+rather strengthened the Paganism of the heart. The scepticism of the
+school of Aristotle, and a contempt of everything not connected with
+philology, took possession of many of the Literati, and engendered an
+infidelity which, while it affected submission to the Church, in
+reality attacked the most important truths of religion. Peter
+Pomponatius, the most famous representative of this impious tendency,
+taught at Bologna and Padua, that the immortality of the soul and
+providence are only philosophical problems.[86] John Francis Pica,
+nephew of Pica de la Mirand�la, tells of a pope who did not believe a
+God,[87] and of another who, having confessed to one of his friends,
+that he did not believe in the immortality of the soul, appeared one
+night after his death to the same friend, and said to him, "Ah! the
+eternal fire that consumes me, makes me but too sensible of the
+immortality of that soul, which, according to the view I held, was to
+die with the body." This reminds us of the celebrated words which Leo
+X is alleged to have said to his Secretary Bembo, "All ages know well
+enough of what advantage this fable about Christ has been to us and
+ours."[88]... Frivolous superstitions were attacked, but their place
+was supplied by infidelity, with its disdainful sneering laugh. To
+laugh at things, however sacred, was fashionable, and a proof of wit;
+and if any value was set on religion, it was merely as a mean of
+governing the people. "I have a fear," exclaimed Erasmus in 1516, "and
+it is, that, with the study of ancient literature, ancient Paganism
+will re-appear."
+
+  [86] De Immortalitate Anim�, de Predestinatione et Providentia, etc.
+
+  [87] Qui nullum Deum credens." (J. F. Pici de Fide, Op. ii, p. 820.)
+  Who believing in God.
+
+  [88] "Ea de Christo fabula." (Morn�i, Hist. Papatus, p. 820.)
+
+It is true that then, as after the sarcasms of the age of Augustus,
+and as in our own times, after those of the last century, a new
+Platonic philosophy sprung up and attacked that irrational
+incredulity, seeking, like the philosophy of the present day, to
+inspire some respect for Christianity, and restore the religious
+sentiment to the heart. The Medici at Florence favoured these efforts
+of the Platonics. But no philosophical religion will regenerate the
+Church and the world. Proud, disdaining the preaching of the cross,
+and pretending to see nothing in Christian doctrines but figures and
+symbols, which the majority of men cannot comprehend, it may bewilder
+itself in a mystical enthusiasm, but will always prove powerless,
+either to reform or to save.
+
+What then must have happened, had not true Christianity re-appeared in
+the world, and had not faith filled the hearts of men anew with its
+power and its holiness? The Reformation saved religion, and with it
+society, and, therefore, if the Church of Rome had had the glory of
+God and the good of the people at heart, it would have welcomed the
+Reformation with delight. But what were such things as these to Leo X?
+
+However, a torch could not be lighted in Italy without sending its
+beams beyond the Alps. The affairs of the Church established a
+constant intercourse between the Italian Peninsula and the other parts
+of Christendom, and the _barbarians_ being thus soon made to feel the
+superiority and pride of the Italians, began to blush for the
+imperfection of their language and their style. Some young noblemen, a
+Dalberg, a Langen, a Spiegelberg, inflamed with an eager desire of
+knowledge, passed over into Italy, and on their return to Germany,
+brought back learning, grammar, and the classics, now so eagerly
+sought after, and communicated them to their friends.[89] Shortly
+after, Rodolph Agricola, a man of distinguished genius, appeared, and
+was held in as high veneration for his learning and genius, as if he
+had lived in the age of Augustus or Pericles. The ardour of his mind,
+and the fatigues of the school, wore him out in a few years; but not
+till noble disciples had been trained, through intimate intercourse
+with him, to carry their master's fire all over Germany. Often, when
+assembled around him, they had together deplored the darkness of the
+Church, and asked why Paul so often repeats that men are justified by
+faith and not by works.[90]
+
+  [89] Hamelmann, Relatio Hist. This first impulse has been erroneously
+  attributed to Thomas � Kempis. (Delprat over G. Groote, p. 280.)
+
+  [90] "Fide justos esse." (Melancth. Decl., i, 602.)
+
+Around the feet of these new teachers soon gathered rustic youths, who
+lived by alms and studied without books, and who, divided into
+sections of priests of Bacchus, arquebusiers, and many more besides,
+moved in disorderly bands from town to town, and school to school. No
+matter; these strange bands were the commencement of a literary
+public. The masterpieces of antiquity began gradually to issue from
+the presses of Germany, supplanting the schoolmen; and the art of
+printing, discovered at Mayence in 1440, multiplied the energetic
+voices which remonstrated against the corruption of the Church, and
+those voices, not less energetic, which invited the human mind into
+new paths.
+
+The study of ancient literature had, in Germany, very different
+effects from those which it had in Italy and France. Her study was
+combined with faith. In the new literary culture, Germany turned her
+attention to the advantage which religion might derive from it. What
+had produced in some a kind of intellectual refinement, of a captious
+and sterile nature, penetrated the whole life of others, warmed their
+hearts, and prepared them for a better light. The first restorers of
+letters in France were characterised by levity, and often even by
+immorality of conduct. In Germany, their successors, animated by a
+spirit of gravity, zealously devoted themselves to the investigation
+of truth. Italy offering her incense to profane literature and
+science, saw an infidel opposition arise. Germany, occupied with a
+profound theology, and turned inwardly upon herself, saw the rise of
+an opposition based on faith. The one sapped the foundations of the
+Church, and the other repaired them. Within the empire was formed a
+remarkable union of free, learned, and noble-minded men, among whom
+princes were conspicuous, who endeavoured to render science useful to
+religion. Some brought to their studies the humble faith of children,
+while others brought an enlightened and penetrating intellect,
+disposed, perhaps, to exceed the bounds of legitimate freedom and
+criticism; both, however, contributed to clear the pavement of the
+temple from the obstructions produced by so many superstitions.
+
+The monkish theologians perceived their danger, and began to clamour
+against the very studies which they had tolerated in Italy and France,
+because in those countries they had gone hand in hand with levity and
+dissoluteness. They entered into a conspiracy to oppose the study of
+language and science, because they had caught a glimpse of faith
+following in their rear. A monk was putting some one on his guard
+against the heresies of Erasmus. "In what," it was asked, "do they
+consist?" He confessed that he had not read the work of which he was
+speaking, but one thing he knew, viz., that Erasmus had written in too
+good Latin.
+
+The disciples of literature, and the scholastic theologians, soon came
+to an open rupture. The latter were in dismay when they saw the
+movement which was taking place in the domain of intellect, and
+thought that immobility and darkness were the best safeguards of the
+Church. Their object in contending against the revival of letters was
+to save Rome, but they helped to ruin it. Here Rome had much at stake.
+Forgetting herself for an instant under the pontificate of Leo X, she
+abandoned her old friends, and clasped her young adversaries in her
+arms. The papacy and letters formed an intimacy which seemed destined
+to break up the ancient alliance between monasticism and the
+hierarchy. At the first glance the popes perceived not that what they
+had taken for a whip was a sword capable of inflicting a mortal
+wound. In the same way, during the last century, princes were seen
+receiving at their court political and philosophic systems, which, if
+carried into full effect, would have overturned their thrones. The
+alliance was not of long duration. Literature advanced without
+troubling itself about the injury which it might do to the power of
+its patron. The monks and schoolmen were aware that to abandon the
+pope was just to abandon themselves; and the pope, notwithstanding of
+the passing patronage which he gave to the fine arts, was not the less
+active when he saw the danger, in adopting measures, how much opposed
+soever they might be to the spirit of the time.
+
+The universities defended themselves as they best could against the
+invasion of new light. Cologne expelled Rhagius; Leipsic, Celtes;
+Rostoch, Herman von dem Busch. Still the new doctors, and with them
+the ancient classics, gradually and often even by the aid of princes,
+made good their footing in these public schools. Societies of
+grammarians and poets were soon established in spite of the schoolmen,
+and every thing, even to the name of the Literati, behoved to be
+converted into Latin and Greek; for how could the friends of Sophocles
+and Virgil have such names as Krachenberger or Schwarzerd? At the same
+time, a spirit of independence breathed in all the universities.
+Students were no longer seen in schoolboy fashion, with their books
+under their arms, walking sagely and demurely with downcast eye behind
+their masters. The petulance of a Martial and an Ovid had passed into
+the new disciples of the Muses. It was transport to them to hear the
+sarcasms which fell in torrents on the dialectical theologians, and
+the heads of the literary movement were sometimes accused of
+favouring, and even of exciting, the disorderly proceedings of the
+students.
+
+Thus a new world, emerging out of antiquity, was formed in the very
+heart of the world of the middle ages. The two parties could not avoid
+coming to blows, and the struggle was at hand. It began with the
+greatest champion of literature, with an old man on the eve of
+finishing his peaceful career.
+
+To secure the triumph of truth, the first thing necessary was to bring
+forth the weapons by which she was to conquer, from the arsenals where
+they had lain buried for ages. These weapons were the holy Scriptures
+of the Old and New Testaments. It was necessary to revive in
+Christendom a love and study of sacred literature, both Greek and
+Hebrew. John Reuchlin was the individual whom divine Providence
+selected for this purpose.
+
+A very fine boy's voice was remarked in the choir of the church of
+Pforzheim, and attracted the attention of the Margrave of Baden. It
+was that of John Reuchlin, a young boy of agreeable manners and a
+lively disposition, son of an honest burgher of the place. The
+Margrave soon took him entirely under his protection, and in 1473 made
+choice of him to accompany his son Frederick to the University of
+Paris.
+
+The son of the bailiff of Pforzheim arrived with the prince, his heart
+exuberant with joy at being admitted to this school, the most
+celebrated of all the West. Here he found the Spartan Hermonymos and
+John Wessel, surnamed "The Light of the World," and had an opportunity
+of engaging under skilful masters in the study of Greek and Hebrew,
+which had not then a single professor in Germany, and of which he was
+one day to be the restorer in the country of the Reformation. The poor
+young German made copies of the poems of Homer, and the speeches of
+Isocrates, for wealthy students, and in this way gained the means of
+continuing his studies and buying books.
+
+But what he hears from the mouth of Wessel is of a different nature,
+and makes a deep impression on his mind. "The popes may be mistaken.
+All human satisfactions are blasphemy against Christ, who has
+perfectly reconciled and justified the human race. To God alone
+belongs the power of giving full absolution. There is no necessity for
+confessing our sins to a priest. There is no purgatory, at least if it
+be not God himself, who is a devouring fire, and purges away every
+defilement." Reuchlin, when scarcely twenty, teaches Philosophy,
+Greek, and Latin, at B�sle, and a German (a thing then regarded as a
+wonder) is heard speaking Greek.
+
+The partizans of Rome begin to feel uneasy on seeing noble spirits at
+work among these ancient treasures. "The Romans," says Reuchlin, "are
+making mouths and raising an outcry, pretending that all these
+literary labours are hostile to Roman piety, inasmuch as the Greeks
+are schismatics. Oh! what toils and sufferings must be endured to
+bring Germany back to wisdom and knowledge!"
+
+Shortly afterward, Eberhard of Wurtemberg invited Reuchlin to
+Tubingen, that he might be the ornament of this rising university, and
+in 1483 took him with him into Italy. At Florence his companions and
+friends were Chalcondylas, Aurispa, and John Pica de Mirandola. At
+Rome, when Eberhard received a solemn audience of the pope, surrounded
+by his cardinals, Reuchlin delivered an address in such pure and
+elegant Latin, that the assembly, who expected nothing of the kind
+from a barbarous German, were filled with the greatest astonishment,
+while the pope exclaimed, "Assuredly this man deserves to take his
+place beside the best orators of France and Italy."
+
+Ten years later Reuchlin was obliged to take refuge in Heidelberg, at
+the court of the Elector Philip, to escape the vengeance of Eberhard's
+successor. Philip, in concert with John of Dalberg, Bishop of Worms,
+his friend and chancellor, exerted himself to spread the light which
+was beginning to peep forth from all parts of Germany. Dalberg had
+founded a library, to which all the learned had free access, and
+Reuchlin, in this new sphere, made great efforts to remove the
+barbarism of his countrymen.
+
+Having been sent to Rome by the elector in 1498, on an important
+mission, he availed himself of all the time and all the money he could
+spare to make new progress in Hebrew, under the learned Israelite,
+Abdias Sphorne, and purchased all the Greek and Hebrew manuscripts
+which he could find, with the view of employing them as so many
+torches to increase the light which was beginning to dawn in his
+native country.
+
+Argyropolos, a distinguished Greek, was at this time in the metropolis
+explaining the ancient marvels of the literature of his country to a
+numerous audience. The learned ambassador repairs with his suite to
+the hall where the teacher was lecturing, and, after bowing to him,
+deplores the misery of Greece, expiring under the blows of the
+Ottomans. The astonished Hellenist asks the German, "Who are you? Do
+you understand Greek?" Reuchlin replies, "I am a German, and know
+something of your tongue." At the request of Argyropolos he reads and
+explains a passage of Thucydides, which the professor had at the
+moment before him. Then Argyropolos, filled with astonishment and
+grief, exclaims, "Alas! Alas! Greece, oppressed and obliged to flee,
+has gone and hid herself beyond the Alps!"
+
+Thus the sons of rude Germany, and those of ancient learned Greece,
+met in the palaces of Rome, and the East and West shook hands in this
+rendezvous of the world--the one pouring into the lap of the other
+those intellectual treasures which had with difficulty been saved from
+the barbarism of the Ottomans. God, when his designs require it,
+employs some great catastrophe to break down the barrier, and
+instantly bring together those who seemed to be for ever parted.
+
+Reuchlin, on his return to Germany, was able to go back to Wurtemberg,
+and proceeded, at this time especially, to execute those works which
+proved so useful to Luther and the Reformation. This individual, who,
+as Count Palatine, held an eminent station in the empire, and who as
+a philosopher, contributed to humble Aristotle and exalt Plato--made a
+Latin Dictionary, which supplanted those of the Schoolmen--composed a
+Greek Grammar, which greatly facilitated the study of that
+language--translated and expounded the penitential Psalms--corrected
+the Vulgate, and was the first in Germany (this constitutes his
+highest merit and glory) who published a Hebrew Grammar and
+Dictionary. By this work Reuchlin opened the long sealed books of the
+Old Testament, and reared "a monument," as he himself expresses it,
+"more durable than brass."
+
+It was not merely by his writings, but also by his life, that Reuchlin
+sought to advance the reign of truth. Tall in stature, of commanding
+appearance, and affable address, he instantly gained the confidence of
+all with whom he had any intercourse. His thirst for knowledge was
+equalled only by his zeal in communicating it. He spared neither money
+nor labour to introduce the editions of the classics into Germany as
+they issued from the presses of Italy; and in this way the son of a
+bailiff did more to enlighten his countrymen than rich municipalities
+or powerful princes. His influence over youth was great; and, in this
+respect, who can calculate how much the Reformation owes to him? We
+will give only one example. His cousin, a young man named Schwarzerd,
+son of an artisan, who had acquired celebrity as an armourer, came to
+lodge with his sister, Elizabeth, in order to study under his
+direction. Reuchlin, delighted at the genius and application of his
+young pupil, adopted him. Advice, presents of books, examples,
+nothing, in short, he spared to make his relative useful to the Church
+and to his country. He rejoiced to see his work prospering under his
+eye; and, thinking the name Schwarzerd too barbarous, translated it
+into Greek, and named the young student Melancthon. It was Luther's
+illustrious friend.
+
+But grammatical studies did not satisfy Reuchlin. Like his masters,
+the Jewish doctors, he began to study the hidden meaning of the Word;
+"God," said he, "is a Spirit, the Word is a breath,--man breathes, God
+is the Word. The names which he has given himself are an echo of
+eternity."[91] Like the Cabalists, he hoped to "pass from symbol to
+symbol, from form to form, till he arrived at the last and purest of
+all forms--that which regulates the power of the Spirit."[92]
+
+  [91] De Verbo Mirifico.
+
+  [92] De Arte Cabalistica.
+
+While Reuchlin was bewildering himself in these quiet and abstruse
+researches, the enmity of the Schoolmen forced him suddenly, and much
+against his will, into a fierce war, which was one of the preludes of
+the Reformation.
+
+There was at Cologne a baptized Rabbin, named Pfefferkorn, who was
+intimately connected with the inquisitor Hochstraten. This man and the
+Dominicans solicited and procured from the emperor, Maximilian, (it
+may have been with good intentions,) an order, in virtue of which the
+Jews were to bring all their Hebrew books (the Bible excepted) to the
+town-house of the place where they resided. There the books were to be
+burned. The motive alleged was, that they were full of blasphemies
+against Jesus Christ. It must be confessed that they were, at least,
+full of absurdities, and that the Jews themselves would not have lost
+much by the intended execution.
+
+The emperor desired Reuchlin to give his opinion of the books. The
+learned doctor expressly singled out all the books which were written
+against Christianity, leaving them to their destined fate, but he
+tried to save the others. "The best method of converting the
+Israelites," added he, "would be to establish two Hebrew professors in
+each University, who might teach theologians to read the Bible in
+Hebrew, and thus refute the Jewish doctors." The Jews, in consequence
+of this advice, obtained restitution of their books.
+
+The proselytes and the inquisitors, like hungry ravens which see their
+prey escape, sent forth cries of fury. Picking out different passages
+from the writings of Reuchlin, and perverting their meaning, they
+denounced the author as a heretic, accused him of a secret inclination
+to Judaism, and threatened him with the fetters of the Inquisition.
+Reuchlin was at first taken by surprise; but these men always becoming
+more and more arrogant, and prescribing dishonourable terms, he, in
+1513, published a "Defence against his Detractors of Cologne," in
+which he painted the whole party in vivid colours.
+
+The Dominicans vowed vengeance, and hoped, by an act of authority, to
+re-establish their tottering power. Hochstraten, at Mayence, drew up a
+charge against Reuchlin, and the learned works of this learned man
+were condemned to the flames. The Innovators, the masters and
+disciples of the new school, feeling that they were all attacked in
+the person of Reuchlin, rose as one man. Times were changed,--Germany
+and literature were very different from Spain and the Inquisition.
+
+The great literary movement had created a public opinion. Even the
+dignified clergy were somewhat influenced by it. Reuchlin appeals to
+Leo X, and that pope, who had no great liking for ignorant monks and
+fanatics, remits the whole affair to the Bishop of Spires, who
+declares Reuchlin innocent, and condemns the monks in the expences of
+process. The Dominicans, those props of the papacy, filled with rage,
+recur to the infallible decision of Rome, and Leo, not knowing how to
+act between the two hostile powers, issues a mandate superseding the
+process.
+
+The union of letters with faith forms one of the characteristic
+features of the Reformation, and distinguishes it, both from the
+introduction of Christianity, and the religious revival of the present
+day. The Christians, who were contemporary with the Apostles, had the
+refinement of their age against them, and, with some few exceptions,
+it is the same now; but the majority of literary men were with the
+Reformers. Even public opinion was favourable to them. The work
+thereby gained in extent, but perhaps it lost in depth.
+
+Luther, sensible of all that Reuchlin had done, wrote to him shortly
+after his victory over the Dominicans, "The Lord has acted through
+you, in order that the light of Holy Scripture may again begin to
+shine in this Germany, where, for many ages, alas! it was not only
+smothered, but almost extinguished."[93]
+
+  [93] Mai Vita J. Reuchlin, (Francf. 1687,) Maynhoff, J. Reuchlin and
+  Seine Zeit, (Berlin, 1830.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VIII.
+
+     Erasmus--Erasmus a Canon--At Paris--His Genius--His
+     Reputation--His Influence--Popular Attack--Praise of
+     Folly--Tatters--Church People--Saints--Folly and the
+     Popes--Attack on Science--Principle--The Greek New
+     Testament--His Profession of Faith--His Writings and
+     Influence--His Failings--A Reform without Shocks--Was it
+     possible--The Church without Reform--His timidity--His
+     Indecision--Erasmus loses himself with all Parties.
+
+
+But a man had now appeared, who regarded it as the great business of
+his life to attack the scholasticism of the universities and convents,
+and was the great writer of the opposition at the commencement of the
+sixteenth century.
+
+Reuchlin was not twelve years old when this first genius of the age
+was born. A man of great vivacity and talent, by name Gerard, a native
+of Gouda, in the Netherlands, loved a physician's daughter, named
+Marguerite. The principles of Christianity did not regulate his life,
+or at least passion silenced them. His parents, and nine brothers,
+would have constrained him to embrace the monastic state. He fled,
+leaving the object of his affection about to become a mother, and
+repaired to Rome. Frail Marguerite gave birth to a son. Gerard heard
+nothing of it, and some time after having received intimation from his
+parents, that the object of his affection was no more, he, in a
+paroxysm of grief, turned priest, and consecrated himself for ever to
+the service of God. On his return to Holland, she was still alive!
+Marguerite would not marry another, and Gerard, remaining faithful to
+his sacerdotal vows, their affection became concentrated on their
+little son. His mother had tended him with the greatest care, and his
+father, after his return, sent him to school, though he was only four
+years of age. He was not thirteen, when his teacher, Sinthemius, of
+Deventer, clasping him rapturously in his arms, exclaimed, "This child
+will reach the highest pinnacles of science." It was Erasmus of
+Rotterdam.[94]
+
+  [94] His proper name was Gerard, the same as that of his father. This
+  Dutch name he translated into Latin, Desiderius (Desired,) and into
+  Greek, Erasmos, (Erasmus.)
+
+About this time his mother died, and his father, broken-hearted, was
+not long in following her to the grave.
+
+Young Erasmus, left alone in the world, showed the greatest aversion
+to become a monk, a state of life which his guardians were for
+compelling him to adopt, but to which, from the circumstances of his
+birth, he may be said to have been always opposed. Ultimately he was
+prevailed upon to enter a convent of canons regular, but he had no
+sooner done it than he felt, as it were, borne down by the weight of
+his vows. Recovering a little liberty, he is soon seen, first at the
+Court of the Archbishop of Cambray, and afterwards at the University
+of Paris, where he prosecuted his studies in extreme poverty, but with
+the most indefatigable diligence. As soon as he could procure any
+money, he employed the first part of it in the purchase of Greek
+books, and the remainder in the purchase of clothes. Often did the
+poor Dutchman make fruitless application to his guardians, and to this
+probably it was owing, that, in after life, one of his greatest
+pleasures was to give assistance to poor students. Engaged without
+intermission in the pursuit of truth and knowledge, he gave a
+reluctant attendance on scholastic disputes, and revolted from the
+study of theology, afraid that he might discover some errors in it,
+and be, in consequence, denounced as a heretic.
+
+It was at this time Erasmus began to feel his strength. By the study
+of the ancients, he acquired a perspicuity and an elegance of style,
+which placed him far above the most distinguished Literati of Paris.
+His employment as a teacher procured him powerful friends, while the
+works which he published attracted general admiration and applause. He
+well knew how to please the public, and shaking off the last remnants
+of the school and the cloister, devoted himself entirely to
+literature, displaying in all his writings those ingenious
+observations, and that correct, lively, and enlightened spirit, which
+at once amuse and instruct.
+
+The laborious habits which he acquired at this period he retained
+through life. Even in his journeys, which were usually made on
+horseback, he was never idle. He composed while he was rambling across
+the fields, and, on arriving at his inn, committed his thoughts to
+writing. It was in this way, while travelling from Italy to England,
+he composed his Praise of Folly.[95]
+
+  [95] Egkomion mosias. Seven editions of this work were
+  disposed of in a few months.
+
+Erasmus, early in life, acquired a high reputation among the learned,
+but the enraged monks owed him a grudge, and vowed vengeance. He was
+much courted by princes, and was inexhaustible in finding excuses to
+evade their invitations, liking better to gain his livelihood in
+correcting books with the printer Frobenius, than to live surrounded
+by luxury and honour, at the magnificent courts of Charles V, Henry
+VIII, and Francis I, or to encircle his head with the Cardinal's hat
+which was offered him.[96]
+
+  [96] "A principibus facile mihi contingeret fortuna, nisi mihi nimium
+  dulcis esset libertas." (Ep. ad Prich.) I might easily make my fortune
+  by princes, were not liberty too dear to me.
+
+He taught in Oxford from 1509 to 1516, and then left it for B�sle,
+where he fixed his residence in 1521.
+
+What was his influence on the Reformation?
+
+It has been overrated by some and underrated by others. Erasmus never
+was, and never could have been, a Reformer, but he paved the way for
+others. Not only did he diffuse among his contemporaries a love of
+science, and a spirit of research and examination, which led others
+much farther than he went himself, but he was also able, through the
+protection of distinguished prelates and mighty princes, to expose the
+vices of the Church, and lash them with the most cutting satire.
+
+Erasmus, in fact, attacked monks and abuses in two ways. First, there
+was his popular attack. That little fair-haired man, whose peering
+blue eyes keenly observed whatever came before him, and on whose lips
+a somewhat sarcastic smile was always playing, though timid and
+embarrassed in his step, and apparently so feeble that a breath of air
+might have thrown him down, was constantly pouring out elegant and
+biting sarcasms against the theology and superstition of his age. His
+natural character and the events of his life had made this habitual to
+him. Even in writings where nothing of the kind was to have been
+expected, his sarcastic humour is ever breaking out, and, as with
+needle points, impaling those schoolmen and ignorant monks against
+whom he had declared war. There are many features of resemblance
+between Erasmus and Voltaire. Previous authors had given a popular
+turn to that element of folly which mingles with all the thoughts and
+all the actions of human life. Erasmus took up the idea, and
+personifying Folly, introduces her under the name of Moria, daughter
+of Plutus, born in the Fortunate Islands, nursed on intoxication and
+impertinence, and swaying the sceptre of a mighty empire. Giving a
+description of it, she paints, in succession, all the states of the
+world which belong to her, dwelling, especially, on church folks, who
+refuse to own her kindness, although she loads them with her favours.
+She directs her jibes and jests against the labyrinth of dialectics,
+in which the theologians wander bewildered, and the grotesque
+syllogisms by which they pretend to support the Church. She also
+unveils the disorders, the ignorance, the impurity, and absurd conduct
+of the monks.
+
+"They are all mine," says she, "those people who have no greater
+delight than to relate miracles, or hear monstrous lies, and who
+employ them to dissipate the ennui of others, and, at the same time,
+to fill their own purses, (I allude, particularly, to priests and
+preachers.) Near them are those who have adopted the foolish, yet
+pleasing persuasion, that if they cast a look at a bit of wood or a
+picture representing Polyphemus or Christopher, they will, at least,
+outlive that day."--"Alas! what follies," continues Moria, "follies at
+which even I myself can scarcely help blushing! Do we not see each
+country laying claim to its particular _saint_? Each misery has its
+saint and its candle. This one relieves you in toothache, that one
+gives assistance at childbirth, a third restores your stolen goods, a
+fourth saves you in shipwreck, and a fifth keeps watch over your
+flocks. Some of these are all-powerful in many things at once. This is
+particularly the case with the Virgin, the mother of God, to whom the
+vulgar attribute almost more than to her Son.[97] In the midst of all
+these follies, if some odious sage arise, and, giving a counternote,
+exclaim, (as in truth he may,) 'You will not perish miserably if you
+live as Christians.[98] You will redeem your sins, if to the money
+which you give you add hatred of the sins themselves, tears, vigils,
+prayers, fastings, and a thorough change in your mode of life. Yon
+saint will befriend you if you imitate his life.'--If some sage, I
+say, charitably duns such words into their ears, Oh! of what felicity
+does he not deprive their souls, and into what trouble, what
+despondency, does he not plunge them! The mind of man is so
+constituted that imposture has a much stronger hold upon it than
+truth.[99] If there is any saint more fabulous than another, for
+instance, a St. George, a St. Christopher, or a St. Barbara, you will
+see them adored with much greater devotion than St. Peter, St. Paul,
+or Christ himself."[100]
+
+  [97] "Pr�cipue Deipara Virgo, cui vulgus hominum plus prope tribuit
+  quam Filio." (Encomium Mori�, Op. iv, p. 444.)
+
+  [98] "Non mali peribis si bene vixeris." (Encomium Mori�, Op. iv, p.
+  444.)
+
+  [99] "Sic sculptus est hominis animus ut longe magis fucis quam veris
+  capiatur." (Ibid., p. 450.)
+
+  [100] "Aut ipsum Christum." (Ibid.)
+
+Folly, however, does not stop here; she applies her lash to the
+bishops themselves, "who run more after gold than after souls, and
+think they have done enough when they make a theatrical display of
+themselves, as Holy Fathers, to whom adoration is due, and when they
+bless or anathematise." The daughter of "the Fortunate Isles" has the
+hardihood even to attack the Court of Rome, and the pope himself, who,
+spending his time in diversion, leaves Peter and Paul to perform his
+duty. "Are there," says she, "more formidable enemies of the Church
+than those impious pontiffs, who, by their silence, allow Jesus Christ
+to be destroyed, who bind him by their mercenary laws, falsify him by
+their forced interpretations, and strangle him by their pestilential
+life?"[101]
+
+  [101] "Quasi sint ulli hostes Ecclesi� perniciosiores quam impii
+  pontifices, qui et silentio Christum sinunt abolescere et qu�stuariis
+  legibus alligant et coactis interpretationibus adulterant et
+  pestilente vita jugulent." (Ibid.)
+
+Holbein appended to the Praise of Folly, most grotesque engravings,
+among which the pope figures with his triple crown. Never, perhaps,
+was a work so well adapted to the wants of a particular period. It is
+impossible to describe the impression which it produced throughout
+Christendom. Twenty-seven editions were published in the lifetime of
+Erasmus; it was translated into all languages, and served more than
+any other to confirm the age in its antisacerdotal tendency.
+
+But to this attack by popular sarcasm, Erasmus added the attack of
+science and erudition. The study of Greek and Latin literature had
+opened up a new prospect to the modern genius which began to be
+awakened in Europe. Erasmus entered with all his heart into the idea
+of the Italians, that the school of the ancients was that in which the
+sciences ought to be studied, that, abandoning the inadequate and
+absurd books which had hitherto been used, it was necessary to go to
+Strabo for geography, to Hippocrates for medicine, to Plato for
+philosophy, to Ovid for mythology, and to Pliny for natural history.
+But he took a farther step, the step of a giant, destined to lead to
+the discovery of a new world, of more importance to humanity than that
+which Columbus had just added to the old world. Following out his
+principle, Erasmus insisted that men should no longer study theology
+in Scotus and Thomas Aquinas, but go and learn it from the Fathers of
+the Church, and, above all, from the New Testament. He showed that it
+was not even necessary to keep close to the Vulgate, which swarmed
+with faults, and he rendered an immense service to truth, by
+publishing his critical edition of the Greek text of the New
+Testament, a text as little known in the West as if it never had
+existed. This edition appeared at B�sle in 1516, the year before the
+Reformation. Erasmus thus did for the New Testament what Reuchlin had
+done for the Old. Theologians were thenceforth able to read the word
+of God in the original tongues, and at a later period to recognise the
+purity of doctrine taught by the Reformers.
+
+"I wish," said Erasmus on publishing his New Testament, "to bring to
+its level that frigid, wordy, disputatious thing, termed Theology.
+Would to God the Christian world may derive advantage from the work,
+proportioned to the pain and toil which it has cost." The wish was
+accomplished. It was in vain for the monks to exclaim, "He is trying
+to correct the Holy Spirit." The new Testament of Erasmus sent forth a
+living light. His paraphrases on the Epistles and Gospels of St.
+Matthew and St. John; his editions of Cyprian and Jerome; his
+translations of Origen, Athanasius, and Chrysostom; his "True
+Theology;"[102] his "Preacher;"[103] his Commentaries on several of
+the Psalms, contributed greatly to spread a taste for the word of God
+and pure theology. The effect of his labours even went farther than
+his intentions. Reuchlin and Erasmus restored the Bible to the
+learned; Luther restored it to the people. We have not yet described
+all that Erasmus did. When he restored the Bible, he called attention
+to its contents. "The highest aim of the revival of philosophical
+studies," said he, "should be to give a knowledge of the pure and
+simple Christianity of the Bible." An admirable sentiment! Would to
+God the organs of philosophy, in our day, were as well acquainted with
+their calling! "I am firmly resolved," continued he, "to die studying
+the Scriptures; it is my joy and my peace."[104] "The sum of all
+Christian philosophy," he elsewhere says, "is reduced to this: To
+place all our hope in God, who through grace without our merits, gives
+us everything by Jesus Christ: To know that we are ransomed by the
+death of his Son: To die to worldly lusts, and walk conformably to his
+doctrine and his example, not only doing no injury to any, but, on the
+contrary, doing good to all: To bear trials patiently, in the hope of
+future recompence: in fine, to claim no credit to ourselves because of
+our virtues, but give thanks to God for all our faculties, and all our
+works. These are the feelings which ought to pervade the whole man,
+until they have become a second nature."[105]
+
+  [102] Ratio Ver� Theologi�.
+
+  [103] Seu de Ratione Concionandi.
+
+  [104] Ad Servatium.
+
+  [105] Ad Joh. Slechtam,1519. "H�c sunt animis hominum inculcanda, sic,
+  ut velut in naturam transeant." (Er. Ep. i, p. 680.) These things are
+  to be impressed on the minds of men, so that they may become as it
+  were natural.
+
+Then raising his voice against the great mass of ecclesiastical
+injunctions, regarding dress, fasts, feast-days, vows, marriage, and
+confessions, by which the people were oppressed, and the priest was
+enriched, Erasmus exclaims, "In churches, the interpretation of the
+gospel is scarcely thought of.[106] The better part of sermons must
+meet the wishes of the commissaries of indulgences. The holy doctrine
+of Christ must be suppressed, or interpreted contrary to its meaning,
+and for their profit. Cure is now hopeless, unless Christ himself turn
+the hearts of kings and pontiffs, and awaken them to enquire after
+true piety."
+
+  [106] "In templis vix vacat Evangelium interpretari." (Annot. ad
+  Matth., xi, 30, "Jugum meum suave.") There is scarcely leisure in
+  churches to interpret the gospel.
+
+The works of Erasmus rapidly succeeded each other. He laboured
+incessantly, and his writings were read just as they came from his
+pen. That spirit, that native life, that rich, refined, sparkling and
+bold intellect, which, without restraint, poured out its treasures
+before his contemporaries, carried away and entranced vast numbers of
+readers, who eagerly devoured the works of the philosopher of
+Rotterdam. In this way he soon became the most influential man in
+Christendom, and saw pensions and crowns raining down upon him from
+all quarters.
+
+When we contemplate the great revolution, which, at a later period,
+renewed the Church, it is impossible not to own that Erasmus was used
+by many as a kind of bridge, over which they passed. Many who would
+have taken alarm at evangelical truths, if presented in all their
+force and purity, yielded to the charm of his writings, and
+ultimately figured among the most zealous promoters of the
+Reformation.
+
+But the very circumstance of his being good in preparing, prevented
+him from being good at performing. "Erasmus knows very well how to
+expose error," says Luther, "but he knows not how to teach the truth."
+The gospel was not the fire which warmed and sustained his life, the
+centre around which his activity radiated. He was, first of all, a
+learned, and, in the second place only, a Christian man. He was too
+much under the influence of vanity to have a decided influence on his
+age. He anxiously calculated the effect which every step he took might
+have on his reputation, and there was nothing he liked so much to talk
+of as himself and his fame. "The pope," wrote he to an intimate friend
+with puerile vanity, at the period when he became the declared
+opponent of Luther, "the pope has sent me a letter full of kindness
+and expressions of respect. His secretary solemnly vows that the like
+was never heard of, and that it was written word for word at the
+pope's own dictation."
+
+Erasmus and Luther are the representatives of two great ideas on the
+subject of reform, and of two great parties of their own age, and of
+all ages. The one is composed of men, whose leading characteristic is
+a prudential timidity; the other of men of courage and resolution.
+These two parties were, at this period, personified in these two
+distinguished heads. The men of prudence thought that the cultivation
+of theological science might lead gradually, and without disruption,
+to the reformation of the Church. The men of action thought that the
+diffusion of more correct ideas among the learned would not put a stop
+to the superstitions of the people, and that the correction of
+particular abuses was of little avail, unless the whole life of the
+Church were renewed.
+
+"A disadvantageous peace," said Erasmus, "is far better than the
+justest war."[107] He thought (and how many Erasmuses have been and
+still are in the world?) that a Reformation which shook the Church
+might run a risk of overturning it; and he was therefore terrified
+when, on looking forward, he saw the passions of men excited, saw evil
+everywhere mingling itself with any little good that could be
+accomplished, existing institutions destroyed in the absence of others
+to supply their place, and the vessel of the Church leaking in every
+part, and at length engulfed amid the storm. "Those who bring the sea
+into new lagoons," said he, "are often deceived in the result; the
+formidable element, once introduced, does not take the direction which
+they wished to give it, but rushes where it pleases, and causes great
+devastation.[108] "Be this as it may," continued he, "let disturbances
+be by all means avoided. Better put up with wicked princes than by
+innovations enthrone evil."[109]
+
+  [107] "Malo hunc qualisqualis est rerum humanarum statum quam novos
+  excitari tumultus," (Erasm. Ep. i, p. 953.) I had rather have the
+  world as it is than have new tumults excited.
+
+  [108] "Semel admissum, non ea fertur qua destinaret admissor." (Erasm.
+  Ep. i, p. 953.) Once admitted, it goes not where the admitter
+  intended.
+
+  [109] "Pr�stat ferre principes impios, quam novatis rebus gravius
+  malum accersere." (Ad Matth. xi, 30.) It is better to bear wicked
+  princes, than invite a worse calamity by innovation.
+
+But the courageous among his contemporaries were prepared with their
+answer. History had clearly enough demonstrated, that a frank
+exposition of the truth, and a mortal struggle with falsehood, could
+alone secure the victory. Had temporising and politic artifices been
+resorted to, the wiles of the papal court would have extinguished the
+light in its first glimmerings. Had not all sorts of mild methods been
+tried for ages? Had not Council been held after Council, with the view
+of reforming the Church? Yet all had been useless. Why pretend to
+repeat an experiment that had so often failed?
+
+No doubt a fundamental reform might be effected without disruption.
+But when did anything great and good make its appearance among men
+without causing agitation? This fear of seeing evil mingle with good,
+if legitimate, would arrest the noblest and holiest enterprises. We
+must not fear the evil which may be heaved up in the course of great
+agitation, but be strong in combating and destroying it.
+
+Besides, is there not an entire difference between the commotion which
+human passions produces and that which emanates from the Spirit of
+God? The one shakes society, the other consolidates it. How erroneous
+to imagine, like Erasmus, that in the state in which Christianity then
+was, with that mixture of opposite elements, truth and falsehood, life
+and death, violent shocks might still be prevented! As well might you
+try to shut the crater of Vesuvius, when the angry elements are
+actually at war in its bosom! The middle ages had seen more than one
+violent commotion in an atmosphere less loaded with storms than at the
+period of the Reformation. The thing wanted at such a time is not to
+arrest and suppress, but to direct and guide.
+
+If the Reformation had not burst forth, who can tell the fearful ruin
+by which its place might have been supplied? Society, a prey to a
+thousand elements of destruction, and destitute of regenerating and
+conservative elements, would have been dreadfully convulsed.
+Assuredly it would not have been a reform to the taste of Erasmus, or
+such an one as many moderate but timid men in our day dream of, that
+would then have overtaken society. The people, devoid of that light
+and piety which the Reformation carried down into the humblest ranks,
+giving themselves up to the violence of their passions, and to a
+restless spirit of revolt, would have burst forth like a wild beast
+broken loose from its chain, after having been goaded to madness.
+
+The Reformation was nothing but an interposition of the Spirit of God
+among men, a setting of the world in order by the hand of God. No
+doubt, it might stir up the fermenting elements which lie hidden in
+the human heart; but God was there to overrule them. Evangelical
+doctrine, heavenly truth, penetrating the masses of the population,
+destroyed what deserved to perish, but, at the same time, gave new
+strength to all that deserved to remain. The Reformation exerted
+itself in building up, and it is mere prejudice to allege that it
+destroyed. "The ploughshare, too," it has been truly said, in speaking
+of the Reformation, "might think it hurts the earth, because it cuts
+it asunder, whereas it only makes it productive."
+
+The great principle of Erasmus was, "Give light, and the darkness will
+disappear of itself." The principle is good, and Luther acted on it.
+But when the enemies of the light strive to extinguish it, or to force
+the flambeau out of the hand which carries it is it necessary, from a
+love of peace, to let them do so? ought not the wicked to be resisted?
+
+Erasmus was deficient in courage. Now, courage is indispensable,
+whether it be to effect a Reformation, or to storm a town. There was
+much timidity in his character. From a boy the very name of death made
+him tremble. He was excessively anxious about his health, and would
+grudge no sacrifice in order to escape from a place where some
+contagious malady prevailed. His love of the comforts of life was
+greater even than his vanity, and hence his rejection, on more than
+one occasion, of the most brilliant offers.
+
+Accordingly, he made no pretensions to the character of a Reformer.
+"If the corruptions of the Court of Rome demand some great and prompt
+remedy," said he, "it is no affair of mine, or of those like me."[110]
+He had not the strong faith which animated Luther. While the latter
+was always prepared to yield up his life for the truth, Erasmus
+candidly declared, "Others may aspire to martyrdom; as for me, I deem
+not myself worthy of the honour. Were some tumult to arise, I fear I
+would play the part of Peter."[111]
+
+  [110] "Ingens aliquod et pr�sens remedium, certe meum non est." (Er.
+  Ep. i, 653.) Some vast and present remedy assuredly is not for me.
+
+  [111] "Ego me non arbitror hoc honore dignum." (Er. Ep. i, p. 653.)
+
+Erasmus, by his writings and his sayings, had done more than any other
+man to prepare the Reformation; but, when he saw the tempest, which he
+himself had raised, actually come, he trembled. He would have given
+anything to bring back the calm of other days, even though accompanied
+with its dense fogs. It was no longer time. The embankment had burst,
+and it was impossible to arrest the flood which was destined at once
+to purify and fertilise the world. Erasmus was powerful as an
+instrument of God, but when he ceased to be so, he was nothing.
+
+Ultimately, Erasmus knew not for which party to declare. He was not
+pleased with any, and he had his fears of all. "It is dangerous to
+speak," said he, "and it is dangerous to be silent." In all great
+religious movements we meet with those irresolute characters, which,
+though respectable in some points of view, do injury to the truth,
+and, in wishing not to displease any, displease all.
+
+What would become of the truth did not God raise up bolder champions
+to defend it? The following is the advice which Erasmus gave to
+Viglius Zuichem, (afterwards President of the Supreme Court at
+Brussels,) as to the manner in which he ought to conduct himself
+towards the sectaries--(this was the name by which he had already
+begun to designate the Reformers)--"My friendship for you makes me
+desirous that you should keep far aloof from the contagion of the
+sects, and not furnish them with any pretext for saying, 'Zuichem is
+ours.' If you approve their doctrine, at least disguise it, and, above
+all, do not enter into discussion with them. A lawyer should finesse
+with these people as a dying man once did with the devil. The devil
+asked him, 'What believest thou?' The dying man, afraid that if he
+made a confession of his faith, he might be surprised into some
+heresy, replied, 'What the Church believes.' The devil rejoined, 'What
+does the Church believe?' The man again replied, 'What I believe.' The
+devil, once more, 'And what dost thou believe?'--'What the Church
+believes.'"[112] Duke George of Saxony, a mortal enemy of Luther,
+receiving an equivocal answer from Erasmus to a question which he had
+put to him, said, "My dear Erasmus, wash the fur for me, and do not
+merely wet it." Secundus Curio, in one of his works, describes two
+heavens--the Papistical and the Christian heaven. He does not find
+Erasmus in either, but discovers him moving constantly between them in
+endless circles.
+
+  [112] Erasm. Ep. 274.
+
+Such was Erasmus. He wanted that internal liberty which makes a man
+truly free. How different he would have been if he had abandoned
+himself, and sacrificed all for truth! But after trying to effect some
+reforms with the approbation of the Church, and for Rome deserting the
+Reformation when he saw the two to be incompatible, he lost himself
+with all parties. On the one hand, his palinodes could not suppress
+the rage of the fanatical partisans of the Papacy. They felt the
+mischief which he had done them, and they did not forgive it.
+Impetuous monks poured out reproaches on him from the pulpit,--calling
+him a second Lucian,--a fox, which had laid waste the vineyard of the
+Lord. A doctor of Constance had the portrait of Erasmus hung up in his
+study, that he might have it in his power at any moment to spit in his
+face. On the other hand, Erasmus, by deserting the standard of the
+gospel, deprived himself of the affection and esteem of the noblest
+men of the period in which he lived, and must, doubtless, have
+forfeited those heavenly consolations which God sheds in the hearts of
+those who conduct themselves as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. At
+least we have some indication of this in his bitter tears--his painful
+vigils, and troubled sleep--his disrelish for his food--his disgust
+with the study of the muses, once his only solace--his wrinkled
+brow--his pallid cheek--his sad and sunken eye--his hatred of a life
+to which he applies the epithet of cruel--and those longings for death
+which he unbosoms to his friends.[113] Poor Erasmus!
+
+  [113] "... Vigili� molest�, somnus, irrequietus, cibus insipidus
+  omnis, ipsum quoque musarum studium ... ipsa frontis me moestitia,
+  vultus pallor, oculorum subtristis dejectio." (Erasm, Ep. i, p. 1380.)
+
+The enemies of Erasmus went, we think, somewhat beyond the truth when
+they exclaimed, on Luther's appearance, "Erasmus laid the egg, and
+Luther has hatched it."[114]
+
+  [114] The works of Erasmus were published by John Le Clerc at Liege,
+  in 1703, in ten volumes folio. For his life, see Burigny, Vie
+  D'Erasme, Paris, 1757; A M�ller Leben des Erasmus, Hamb., 1828; and
+  the Life inserted by Le Clerc in his Biblioth�que Choisie; see also
+  the fine and faithful work of M. Nisard, (Revue des deux Mondes.) who,
+  however, seems to me mistaken in his estimate of Erasmus and Luther.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IX.
+
+     The nobles--Different Motives--H�tten--Literary
+     League--Letters of some Obscure Men--Their Effect--Luther's
+     Opinion--H�tten at Brussels--His
+     Letters--Seckingen--War--His Death--Cronberg--Hans
+     Sachs--General Fermentation.
+
+
+The same symptoms of regeneration, which we have seen among princes,
+bishops, and the learned, existed among the men of the world, among
+nobles, knights, and warriors. The German nobility performed an
+important part in the Reformation. Several of the most illustrious
+sons of Germany entered into close alliance with the Literati, and
+inflamed with an ardent, sometimes even an excessive zeal, laboured to
+deliver their countrymen from the yoke of Rome.
+
+Various causes must have contributed to procure friends for the
+Reformation among the ranks of the nobility. Some, by their attendance
+at the universities, had been warmed with the same flame that animated
+the learned. Others, whose education had trained them to generous
+feelings, had their minds predisposed in favour of the beautiful
+doctrines of the gospel. To several, the Reformation seemed to present
+something of a chivalrous character, which fascinated them, and bore
+them along in its train. Lastly, it must be acknowledged, that not a
+few had a grudge at the clergy, who had powerfully contributed in the
+reign of Maximilian, to deprive the nobles of their ancient
+independence, and bring them under subjection to their sovereigns.
+They, in their enthusiasm, considered the Reformation as the prelude
+of a great political renovation. They thought they saw the empire
+emerging from this crisis with new splendour, and hailed the better
+state, brilliant with the purest glory, which was on the eve of being
+established in the world by chivalrous swords, not less than by the
+word of God.
+
+Ulrich de H�tten,[115] who, on account of his philippics against the
+Papacy, has been surnamed the Demosthenes of Germany, forms, as it
+were, the link which united the chevaliers and men of letters. He
+distinguished himself by his writings, as much as by his sword.
+Descended from an ancient family in Franconia, he was sent at eleven
+years of age, to the Convent of Foulda, with the view of his becoming
+a monk. But Ulrich, who had no inclination for this state, ran off
+from the convent when he was sixteen, and repaired to the University
+of Cologne, where he devoted himself to the study of languages.
+Afterwards leading an unsettled life, he was in the ranks as a common
+soldier at the siege of Padua, in 1513, saw Rome in all its disorder,
+and there sharpened the arrows which he afterwards shot at her.
+
+  [115] "Animus ingens et ferox, viribus pollens.... Nam si consilia et
+  conatus H�tteni non defecissent quasi nervi copiarum, atque potenti�,
+  jam mutatio omnium rerum extitisset, et quasi orbis status publici
+  fuisset conversus." (Camer. Vita Melancthonis.) Of a powerful, bold,
+  and vigorous intellect.... For had not H�tten's plans and efforts
+  (these being, as it were, the sinews of power) been defective, a
+  general alteration had taken place, and the condition of the world
+  been in a manner changed.
+
+On his return to Germany, H�tten wrote a pamphlet against Rome,
+entitled "The Roman Trinity," in which he unveils all the disorders of
+that court, and shows the necessity of pulling down her tyranny by
+main force. A traveller named Vadiscus, who figures prominently in the
+piece, says, "There are three things which are usually brought back
+from Rome,--a sore conscience, a disordered stomach, and an empty
+purse. There are three things which Rome does not believe,--the
+immortality of the soul, the resurrection of the dead, and hell. There
+are three things in which Rome carries on a trade,--the grace of
+Christ, ecclesiastical benefices, and women." The publication of this
+work obliged H�tten to quit the court of the Archbishop of Mayence,
+where he was residing when he composed it.
+
+The affair of Reuchlin with the Dominicans was the signal which
+brought forward all the literati, magistrates, and nobles, who were
+opposed to the monks. The defeat of the inquisitors, who, it was said,
+had only saved themselves from a regular and absolute sentence of
+condemnation by money and intrigue, gave encouragement to all their
+adversaries. Counsellors of the empire, and magistrates of the most
+considerable towns--Pirckheimer of Nuremberg, Peutinger of Augsburg,
+Stuss of Cologne, distinguished preachers, such as Capito and
+OEcolampadius, doctors of medicine, historians, all the literati,
+orators, and poets, at the head of whom, Ulrich de H�tten was
+conspicuous, formed the _army of Reuchlinists_, of whom a list was
+even published.[116] The most remarkable production of this league was
+the famous popular satire, entitled, "Letters of some Obscure Men."
+This production was principally written by H�tten, and one of his
+university friends, Crotus Robianus, but it is difficult to say with
+which of the two the idea originated, if, indeed, it was not with the
+learned printer, Angst. It is even doubtful if H�tten had any hand in
+the first part of the work. Several _Humanists_, who had met in the
+fortress of Ebernbourg, appear to have contributed to the second
+part. It is a picture in bold characters, a caricature sometimes
+coarsely painted, but full of truth and vigour, a striking likeness in
+colours of fire. The effect was immense. Monks, who are adversaries of
+Reuchlin, and the supposed authors of the letters, discourse on the
+affairs of the time, and on theological subjects after their own
+manner, and in their barbarous Latin. They address to their
+correspondent, Ortuin Gratius, professor at Cologne, and friend of
+Pfefferkorn, the silliest and most useless questions. They give the
+most amusing proof of the excessive ignorance and incredulity, their
+superstition, their low and vulgar spirit, their coarse gluttony in
+making a god of their belly, and, at the same time, their pride, their
+fanatical and persecuting zeal. They inform him of several of their
+droll adventures, their escapes, their dissoluteness, and a variety of
+scandals in the lives of Hochstraten, Pfefferkorn, and other leaders
+of their party. The tone of these letters, sometimes hypocritical and
+sometimes childish, gives them a very comic effect, and yet the whole
+is so natural, that the Dominicans and Franciscans of England received
+the work with high approbation, believing that it really was composed
+on the principles of their order, and in defence of it. A prior of
+Brabant, in his credulous simplicity, purchased a great number of
+copies, and presented them to the most distinguished among the
+Dominicans. The monks, irritated more and more, applied to the pope
+for a stringent bull against all who should dare to read these
+epistles, but Leo X refused to grant it. They were accordingly obliged
+to put up with the general laugh, and gulp down their rage. No work
+gave a stronger blow to these pillars of Papism. But it was not by
+jesting and satire that the gospel was to triumph. Had this course
+been persisted in; had the Reformers, instead of attacking the
+Reformation with the weapons of God, had recourse to the jeering
+spirit of the world, the cause had been lost. Luther loudly condemned
+these satires. A friend having sent him one of them, entitled, "_The
+Tenor of the Supplication of Pasquin_," he wrote in answer, "The
+foolish things you sent me appear to be written by a mind which is
+under no control. I submitted them to a meeting of friends, and they
+have all given the same opinion."[117] And speaking of the same work,
+he writes to another of his correspondents, "This Supplication appears
+to me to be by the same hand as the _Letters of some Obscure Men_. I
+approve of his wishes, but I approve not of his work, for he does not
+refrain from injury and insult."[118] This sentence is severe, but it
+shows what kind of spirit was in Luther, and how superior he was to
+his contemporaries. It must be added, however, that he was not at all
+times observant of these wise maxims.
+
+  [116] "Exercitus Reuchlinistarum," at the head of a collection of
+  letters addressed to Reuchlin on the subject.
+
+  [117] L. Ep. i. p. 37.
+
+  [118] Luth. Ep. i, p. 38.
+
+Ulrich having been obliged to renounce the protection of the
+Archbishop of Mayence, applied for that of Charles V, who had at this
+time quarrelled with the pope, and accordingly repaired to Brussels,
+where Charles was holding his court. But so far from obtaining
+anything, he learned that the pope had required the emperor to send
+him to Rome bound hand and foot. The inquisitor, Hochstraten,
+Reuchlin's persecutor, was one of those whom Rome had charged to
+pursue him. Ulrich, indignant that such a demand should have been made
+to the emperor, quitted Brabant. When a short way from Brussels, he
+met Hochstraten on the highroad. The inquisitor, frightened out of his
+wits, falls on his knees, and commends his soul to God and the saints.
+"No," said the knight, "I will not soil my sword with such blood as
+yours!" and giving him several strokes with the flat of his sword,
+allowed him to depart.
+
+H�tten took refuge in the castle of Ebernbourg, where Francis de
+Seckingen offered an asylum to all who were persecuted by the
+Ultramontanists. It was here that his ardent zeal for the emancipation
+of his country dictated the remarkable letters which he addressed to
+Charles V, Frederick Elector of Saxony, Albert Archbishop of Mayence,
+and the princes and nobles, and which entitle him to a place among the
+most distinguished authors. Here too, he composed all those works[119]
+which, being read and comprehended by the people, inspired Germany
+with a hatred of Rome and a love of freedom. Devoted to the cause of
+the Reformers, his object was to induce the nobility to take up arms
+in favour of the gospel, and fall with the sword on that Rome which
+Luther only wished to destroy by the Word, and by the invincible force
+of truth.
+
+  [119] The works of H�tten have been published at Berlin by Manchen,
+  1822-1825, in five vols. 8vo.
+
+Still, amid all this fondness for war, we are pleased at finding
+tenderness and delicacy of sentiment in H�tten. On the death of his
+parents, though he was the eldest son, he gave up all the family
+property to his brothers, and prayed them not to write him or send him
+any money, lest, notwithstanding their innocence, they might be
+brought into trouble by his enemies, and fall into the ditch along
+with him.
+
+If the truth cannot own H�tten for one of her children, (for her
+companions are ever holiness of life and purity of heart,) she will,
+at least, make honourable mention of him, as one of the most
+readoubtable adversaries of error.
+
+A similar testimony may be borne to Fran�ois de Seckingen, his
+illustrious friend and patron. This noble chevalier, whom several of
+his contemporaries deemed worthy of the imperial crown, holds first
+place among the warriors who were the antagonists of Rome. While
+delighting in the noise of arms, he had an ardent love of science, and
+a high veneration for its professors. When at the head of an army
+which threatened Wurtemberg, he gave orders, in the event of Stuttgard
+being taken by assault, to spare the property and house of the
+celebrated scholar, John Reuchlin. He afterwards invited him to his
+camp, and, embracing him, offered to assist him in his quarrel with
+the monks of Cologne. For a long time chivalry had gloried in
+despising literature, but this period presents us with a different
+spectacle. Under the massy cuirass of the Seckingens and H�ttens, we
+perceive the intellectual movement which is beginning to be everywhere
+felt. The first fruits which the Reformation gives to the world are
+warriors enamoured with the arts of peace.
+
+H�tten, who, on his return from Brussels, had taken refuge in the
+castle of Seckingen, invited the valorous knight to study the
+evangelical doctrine, and made him acquainted with the foundations on
+which it rests. "And is there any one," exclaimed Seckingen in
+astonishment, "who dares to overturn such an edifice? Who could do
+it?"
+
+Several individuals, who afterwards became celebrated as Reformers,
+found an asylum in this castle; among others, Martin Bucer, Aquila,
+Schwebel, and OEcolampadius, so that H�tten justly styled Ebernbourg
+"the hotel of the just." OEcolampadius had to preach daily in the
+castle, but the warriors there assembled began to weary hearing so
+much of the meek virtues of Christianity, and the sermons of
+OEcolampadius, though he laboured to shorten them, seemed too long.
+They, indeed, repaired to the church almost every day, but, for the
+most part, only to hear the blessing and offer a short prayer. Hence
+OEcolampadius exclaimed, "Alas! the Word is here sown on stony ground."
+
+Seckingen, longing to serve the cause of truth in his own way,
+declared war on the Archbishop of Treves, "in order," as he said, "to
+open a door for the gospel." In vain did Luther, who had by this time
+appeared, endeavour to dissuade him; he attacked Treves with five
+thousand knights and a thousand common soldiers, but the bold
+archbishop, aided by the Elector Palatine and the Landgrave of Hesse,
+forced him to retreat. The following spring, the allied princes
+attacked him in his castle of Landstein. After a bloody assault,
+Seckingen, having been mortally wounded, was forced to surrender. The
+three princes, accordingly, make their way into the fortress, and,
+after searching through it, at last find the indomitable knight on his
+death-bed, in a subterraneous vault.
+
+He stretches out his hand to the Elector Palatine, without seeming to
+pay any attention to the other princes, who overwhelm him with
+questions and reproaches: "Leave me at rest," said he to them; "I am
+now preparing to answer a mightier than you!..." When Luther heard of
+his death he exclaimed, "The Lord is just, yet wonderful! It is not
+with the sword that he means to propagate the gospel!"
+
+Such was the sad end of a warrior, who, as emperor or elector, might,
+perhaps, have raised Germany to high renown, but who, confined within
+a limited circle, wasted the great powers with which he was endowed.
+It was not in the tumultuous spirit of these warriors that Divine
+truth, which had come down from heaven, was to take up her abode.
+Theirs were not the weapons by which she was to conquer; God, in
+annihilating the mad projects of Seckingen, gave a new illustration of
+the saying of St. Paul, "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal,
+but mighty through God."
+
+Another chevalier, Harmut of Cronberg, a friend of H�tten and
+Seckingen, appears to have had more wisdom and more knowledge of the
+truth. He wrote with great moderation to Leo X, beseeching him to give
+up his temporal power to its rightful possessor, viz., the emperor.
+Addressing his dependants like a father, he endeavoured to make them
+comprehend the doctrines of the gospel, and exhorted them to faith,
+obedience, and confidence in Jesus Christ, "who," added he, "is the
+sovereign Lord of all." He resigned a pension of two hundred ducats
+into the hands of the emperor, "because he was unwilling," as he
+expressed it, "to continue in the service of one who lent his ear to
+the enemies of the truth." I have somewhere met with a beautiful
+saying of his, which seems to place him far above H�tten and
+Seckingen. "The Holy Spirit, our heavenly Teacher, is able, when he
+pleases, to teach us more of the faith of Christ in one hour than we
+could learn in ten years at the University of Paris."
+
+Those who look for the friends of reformation only on the steps of
+thrones,[120] or in cathedrals and academies, and maintain that no
+such friends exist among the people, are under a serious mistake. God,
+while preparing the heart of the wise and powerful, was also
+preparing, in retirement, many simple and humble-minded men, who were
+one day to become obedient to the Word. The history of the period
+gives evidence of the fermentation which was then going on among the
+humbler classes. The popular literature, previous to the Reformation,
+had a tendency directly opposed to the spirit which was prevalent in
+the Church. In the "Eulenspiegel," a celebrated popular poetical
+collection of the period, the laugh is incessantly kept up at priests,
+beasts, and gluttons, who keep full-stocked cellars, fine horses, and
+well-lined pantries. In the "Renard Reinecke," the households of
+priests, with their little children, play an important part. Another
+popular writer thunders with all his might against those ministers of
+Christ who ride splendid horses, but won't fight the infidels; and
+John Rosenblut, in one of his carnival games, brings the Grand Turk
+upon the stage, to preach a seasonable sermon to all the states of
+Christendom.
+
+  [120] See Ch�teaubriand, Etudes Historiques.
+
+It was unquestionably in the bowels of the people that the
+Reformation, which was soon to break out, was fermenting. Not only
+from this class were youths seen coming forth, who were afterwards to
+occupy the first stations in the Church, but even individuals, who
+continued all their lives to labour in the humblest professions,
+contributed powerfully to the great awakening of Christendom. It may
+be proper to give some traits in the life of one of them.
+
+On the 5th November 1494, a tailor of Nuremberg, by name Hans Sachs,
+had a son born to him. The son, named Hans (John) like his father,
+after having received some schooling, was apprenticed to a shoemaker.
+Young Hans availed himself of the liberty of thought, which this
+humble profession afforded, to penetrate into the higher world, in
+which his soul delighted. Songs, after they ceased in the castles of
+chivalry, seem to have sought, and to have found, an asylum among the
+burghers of the joyous cities of Germany. A singing-school was held in
+the Church of Nuremberg. The performances which took place there, and
+in which young Hans was accustomed to join, opened his heart to
+religious impressions, and helped to awaken a taste for poetry and
+music. The genius of the youth could not long brook confinement within
+the walls of his workshop. He wished to see with his own eyes that
+world of which he had read so much, and been told so many stories by
+his comrades, and which his imagination peopled with wonders. In 1511
+he bundles up his effects, and sets out in the direction of the South.
+The young traveller, falling in with gay comrades, students roaming
+the country, and many dangerous temptations soon feels a serious
+struggle within. The lusts of the world and his pious resolutions war
+with each other. Trembling for the result, he takes flight, and, in
+1513, hides himself in the little town of Wels in Austria, where he
+lives in retirement, devoting himself to the study of the fine arts.
+The emperor, Maximilian, happens to pass through the town with a
+brilliant suite, and the young poet is quite fascinated with the
+splendour of the court. The prince receives him into his hunting
+train, and Hans once more forgets himself, under the noisy vaults of
+the palace of Inspr�ch. But his conscience again sounds the alarm, and
+the young huntsman, immediately throwing aside his brilliant uniform,
+takes his departure, and arrives at Schwatz near Munich. There, in
+1514, at the age of twenty, he composed his first hymn, "In Honour of
+God," setting it to a remarkable air. It was received with great
+applause. In the course of his journeys, he was witness to many sad
+proofs of the abuses under which religion groaned.
+
+On his return to Nuremberg, Hans commences business, marries, and
+becomes the father of a family. When the Reformation breaks out he
+turns a listening ear. He cordially welcomes the Holy Scripture, which
+had already endeared itself to him as a poet, and he no longer
+searches it for images and hymns, but for the light of truth. To this
+truth he consecrates his lyre. From a humble stall in front of one of
+the gates of the imperial city of Nuremberg, come forth notes which
+re-echo over Germany, and everywhere excite a deep interest in the
+great revolution which is going forward. The spiritual songs of Hans
+Sachs, and his Bible turned into verse, greatly aided the work.
+Indeed, it would be difficult to say which of the two did most for
+it--the elector of Saxony, vicegerent of the empire, or the shoemaker
+of Nuremberg.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Thus, then, there was something in all classes which announced a
+Reformation. On all sides signs appeared, and events pressed forward
+threatening to overthrow the work of ages of darkness, and introduce
+men to a period in which "all things were to become new." The
+hierarchical form, which several ages had been employed in stamping
+upon the world, was on the eve of being effaced. The light which had
+just been discovered had, with inconceivable rapidity, introduced a
+number of new ideas into all countries, and all classes of society
+gave signs of new life. "O age!" exclaims H�tten, "studies flourish,
+and minds awake: Mere life is joy!"... The human intellect, which had
+been slumbering for so many generations, seemed desirous, by its
+activity, to redeem the time which it had lost. To have left it in
+idleness, without nourishment, or to have given it no better food than
+that which had long maintained its languid existence, would have been
+to mistake the nature of man. The human mind having at length
+perceived what it was, and what it ought to be, looked boldly at these
+two states, and scanned the immense abyss which lay between them.
+Great princes were on the throne, the ancient colossus of Rome was
+tottering under its own weight, and the old spirit of chivalry was
+taking leave of the earth to make way for a new spirit, which breathed
+at once on the sanctuaries of knowledge, and on the dwellings of the
+poor. The printed Word had taken wing, and been carried, as the wind
+does certain seeds, to the most distant regions. The discovery of the
+two Indies had enlarged the world.... Every thing announced that a
+great revolution was at hand.
+
+But whence will the blow come which is to strike down the ancient
+edifice, that a new edifice may arise out of its ruins? Nobody could
+say. Who had more wisdom than Frederick? More science than Reuchlin?
+More talent than Erasmus? More spirit and versatility than H�tten?
+More valour than Seckingen? More virtue than Cronberg? And yet,
+neither Frederick, nor Reuchlin, nor Erasmus, nor Seckingen, nor
+H�tten, nor Cronberg.... Learned men, princes, warriors, the Church
+herself, had sapped some of the foundations: but there they had
+stopped. The powerful hand which God had designed to employ was
+nowhere to be seen.
+
+All, however, felt that it must soon make its appearance, while some
+even pretended to have seen indications of it in the stars. One class,
+seeing the miserable state of religion predicted the near approach of
+Antichrist. Another class, on the contrary, predicted a speedy
+Reformation. The world was waiting.... Luther appeared.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK SECOND.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+YOUTH, CONVERSION, AND FIRST LABOURS OF LUTHER.
+
+1483-1517.
+
+     Luther's Descent--His Parents--His Birth--Poverty--The
+     Paternal Roof--Strict Discipline--First Lessons--The School
+     of Magdebourg--Wretchedness--Isenach--The Shunammite--The
+     House of Cotta--The Arts--Remembrance of those Times--His
+     Studies--Trebonius--The University.
+
+
+All was ready. God takes ages to prepare his work, but when the hour
+is come, accomplishes it by the feeblest instruments. To do great
+things by small means, is the law of God. This law, which appears in
+every department of nature, is found also in history. God took the
+Reformers of the Church, where he had taken the Apostles. He selected
+them from that humble class which, without containing the meanest of
+the people, is scarcely the length of citizenship. Every thing must
+manifest to the world that the work is not of man, but of God. The
+Reformer Zuinglius comes forth from the hut of a shepherd of the Alps,
+Melancthon, the Theologian of the Reformation, from the workshop of an
+armourer, and Luther from the cottage of a poor miner.
+
+The first stage in a man's life, that in which he is formed and
+moulded under the hand of God, is always important, and was so
+especially in the case of Luther. There, even at that period, the
+whole Reformation existed. The different phases of that great work
+succeeded each other in the soul of him who was the instrument of
+accomplishing it, before it was actually accomplished. The knowledge
+of the Reformation which took place in Luther's heart is the only key
+to the Reformation of the Church. We must study the particular work,
+if we would attain to a knowledge of the general work. Those who
+neglect the one will never know more than the form and exterior of the
+other. They may acquire a knowledge of certain events and certain
+results, but the intrinsic nature of the revival they cannot know,
+because the living principle which formed the soul of it, is hidden
+from them. Let us then study the Reformation in Luther, before
+studying it in events which changed the face of Christendom.
+
+In the village of Mora, towards the forests of Thuringia, and not far
+from the spot where Boniface, the Apostle of Germany, began to
+proclaim the gospel, there existed, and, undoubtedly, had existed for
+ages, an ancient and numerous family of the name of Luther.[121] The
+eldest son, as usual with the peasantry of Thuringia, always succeeded
+to the house and the paternal plot, while the younger members of the
+family set out in quest of a livelihood. John Luther having married
+Margaret Lindemann, daughter of an inhabitant of Neustadt, in the
+bishopric of Warzburg, the married couple removed from the plains of
+Isenach, and fixed their residence in the little town of Eisleben, in
+Saxony, in order to gain their bread by the sweat of their brow.
+
+  [121] "Vetus familia est et late propagata mediocrium hominum."
+  (Melancth. Vita Luth.) It is an old and wide spread family, consisting
+  of individuals in humble circumstances.
+
+Seckendorff relates, on the testimony of Robhan, superintendant of
+Isenach in 1601, that Luther's mother, thinking she was still far from
+her time, had gone to the fair of Eisleben, and there, unexpectedly,
+gave birth to a son. Notwithstanding of the credit due to such a man
+as Seckendorff, this account appears not to be correct. In fact, none
+of the older biographers of Luther make any mention of it. Besides,
+Mora is more than twenty-four leagues distant from Eisleben, and
+persons in the circumstances in which Luther's mother then was seldom
+are disposed to take such long journeys _to go to the fair_. In fine,
+the account seems quite at variance with Luther's own statement.[122]
+
+  [122] "Ego natus sum in Eisleben, baptizatusque apud Sanctum Petrum
+  ibidem. Parentes mei de prope Isenaco illuc migrarunt." (Luth., Ep. i,
+  p. 390.) I was born at Eisleben, and baptized in St. Peter's there. My
+  parents came thither from near Isenach.
+
+John Luther was an upright, straightforward, hard-working man, with a
+firmness of character bordering on obstinacy. Of a more cultivated
+mind than usual with persons of his class, he was a great reader.
+Books were then rare. But he never let pass any opportunity of
+procuring them. They were his relaxation in the intervals of repose
+from hard and long-continued labour. Margaret possessed the virtues
+which adorn honest and pious women. She was remarked, in particular,
+for her modesty, her fear of God, and her spirit of prayer. The
+mothers of the place regarded her as a model whom they ought to
+imitate.[123]
+
+  [123] "Intuebantur in eam c�ter� honest� mulieres ut in exemplar
+  virtutum." (Melancth. Vita Lutheri.) Other honest wives looked to her
+  as a model of virtue.
+
+It is not exactly known how long this couple had been fixed at
+Eisleben, when, on the 10th November, an hour before midnight,
+Margaret gave birth to a son. Melancthon often questioned the mother
+of his friend as to the period of his birth. "I remember the day and
+the hour very well," would she reply; "but for the year, I am not
+certain of it." Luther's brother, James, an honest and upright man,
+has stated, that, in the opinion of all the family, Martin was born in
+the year of Christ 1483, on the 10th November, being St. Martin's
+eve.[124] The first thought of the pious parents was to take the
+infant which God had given them, and dedicate it to God in holy
+baptism. On the following day, which happened to be a Tuesday, the
+father, with gratitude and joy, carried his son to St. Peter's church,
+where he received the seal of his dedication to the Lord. He was named
+Martin in honour of the day.
+
+  [124] Ibid.
+
+Young Martin was not six months old when his parents quitted Eisleben
+for Mansfeld, which is only five leagues distant. The mines of
+Mansfeld were then much famed, and John Luther, a labouring man,
+feeling that he might perhaps be called to rear a numerous family,
+hoped he might there more easily gain a livelihood. It was in this
+town that the intellect and powers of young Luther received their
+first development; here his activity began to be displayed, and his
+disposition to be manifested by what he said and did. The plains of
+Mansfeld, the banks of the Wipper, were the scenes of his first sports
+with his playmates.
+
+The commencement of their residence at Mansfeld was attended with
+painful privations to honest John and his wife; for they lived some
+time in great poverty. "My parents," says the Reformer, "were very
+poor. My father was a poor wood-cutter, and my mother often carried
+his wood on her back to procure subsistence for us children. The toil
+they endured for us was severe, even to blood." The example of parents
+whom he respected, and the habits in which they trained him, early
+accustomed Luther to exertion and frugality. Often, doubtless, he
+accompanied his mother to the wood, and made up his little faggot
+also.
+
+Promises are given to the just man's labour, and John Luther
+experienced the reality of them. Having become somewhat more easy in
+his circumstances, he established two smelting furnaces at Mansfeld.
+Around these furnaces young Martin grew up; and the return which they
+yielded enabled his father, at a later period, to provide for his
+studies. "The spiritual founder of Christendom," says worthy
+Mathesius, "was to come forth from a family of miners, an image of
+what God purposed, when he employed him to cleanse the sons of Levi,
+and purify them in his furnaces like gold."[125] Universally respected
+for his integrity, his blameless life, and good sense, John Luther was
+made a counsellor of Mansfeld, the capital of the county of that name.
+Too great wretchedness might have weighed down the spirit of the
+child, but the easy circumstances of the paternal roof expanded his
+heart, and elevated his character.
+
+  [125] "Drumb musste diese geistliche Schmelzer...." (Mathesius,
+  Historien, 1565, p. 3.)
+
+John availed himself of his new situation to cultivate the society
+which he preferred. He set great value on educated men, and often
+invited the clergymen and teachers of the place to his table. His
+house presented an example of one of those societies of simple
+citizens which did honour to Germany at the commencement of the
+sixteenth century, and, as a mirror, reflected the numerous images
+which succeeded each other on the troubled stage of that time. It was
+not lost on the child. The sight of men to whom so much respect was
+shown in his father's house must, doubtless, on more than one
+occasion, have awakened in young Martin's heart an ambitious desire
+one day to become a school-master or a man of learning.
+
+As soon as he was of an age to receive some instruction, his parents
+sought to give him the knowledge and inspire him with the fear of God,
+and train him in Christian virtues. Their utmost care was devoted to
+his primary domestic education.[126] This, however, was not the sole
+object of their tender solicitude.
+
+  [126] "Ad agnitionem et timorem Dei, ... domestica institutione
+  diligenter assuefecerunt." (Melancth. Vit. Luth.) By domestic
+  instruction, they carefully trained him into the knowledge and fear of
+  God.
+
+His father, desirous of seeing him acquire the elements of knowledge
+for which he himself had so much esteem, invoked the Divine blessing
+on his head, and sent him to school. As Martin was still a very little
+boy, his father or Nicolas Emler, a young man of Mansfeld, often
+carried him in their arms to the house of George Emilius, and went
+again to fetch him. Emler afterwards married one of Luther's sisters.
+
+The piety of the parents, their activity and strict virtue, gave a
+happy impulse to the boy, making him of a grave and attentive spirit.
+The system of education which then prevailed employed fear and
+punishment as its leading stimulants. Margaret, though sometimes
+approving the too strict discipline of her husband, often opened her
+maternal arms to Martin, to console him in his tears. She herself
+occasionally carried to excess that precept of Divine wisdom, which
+says, "He that spareth the rod hateth his son." The impetuous temper
+of the child often led to frequent reproof and correction. "My
+parents," says Luther, in after life, "treated me harshly, and made me
+very timid. My mother one day chastised me about a filbert till the
+blood came. They believed with all their heart they were doing right,
+but they could not discriminate between dispositions, though this is
+necessary in order to know when and how punishments should be
+inflicted."[127]
+
+  [127] "Sed non poterant discernere ingenia secundum qu� essent
+  temperand� correctiones." (Luth. Op. W. xxii, p. 1785.) But they could
+  not discriminate between minds, though these ought to regulate
+  chastisement.
+
+The poor child's treatment at school was not less severe. His master
+one morning beat him fifteen times in succession. "It is necessary,"
+said Luther, when mentioning the fact, "it is necessary to chastise
+children; but it is necessary, at the same time, to love them." With
+such an education, Luther early learned to despise the allurements of
+a sensual life. "He who is to become great must begin with
+little,"[128] justly remarks one of his earliest biographers; "and if
+children are brought up with too much delicacy and tenderness, it does
+them harm all the rest of their life."
+
+  [128] "Was gross sol werden, muss klein angeben." (Mathesius, Hist. p.
+  3.)
+
+Martin learned something at school. He was taught the heads of the
+Catechism, the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's
+Prayer, hymns, forms of prayer, and the _Donat_. This last was a Latin
+grammar, composed in the fourth century by Donatus, St. Jerome's
+master; and having been improved in the eleventh century by a French
+monk, named Remigius, was long in high repute as a school-book. He
+moreover conned the Ciseo-Janus, a very singular almanac, composed in
+the tenth or eleventh century. In short, he learned all that was
+taught in the Latin school of Mansfeld.
+
+But the child seems not to have been brought to God. The only
+religious sentiment which could be discovered in him was that of fear.
+Whenever he heard Jesus Christ mentioned he grew pale with terror; for
+the Saviour had been represented to him as an angry Judge. This
+servile fear, so foreign to genuine religion, perhaps predisposed him
+for the glad tidings of the gospel, and for the joy which he
+afterwards experienced when he became acquainted with him who is meek
+and lowly in heart.
+
+John Luther longed to make his son a learned man. The new light, which
+began to radiate in all directions, penetrated even the cottage of the
+miner of Mansfield, and there awakened ambitious thoughts. The
+remarkable disposition, and persevering application of his son,
+inspired John with the most brilliant hopes. Accordingly, in 1497,
+when Martin had completed his fourteenth year, his father resolved to
+part with him, and send him to a school of the Franciscans at
+Magdebourg. Margaret behoved, of course, to consent, and Martin
+prepared to quit the paternal roof.
+
+Magdebourg was like a new world to Martin. Amid numerous privations,
+(for he had scarcely the means of subsistence,) he read and attended
+lectures; Andr� Prol�s, provincial of the Augustine Order, was then
+preaching with great fervour on the necessity of reforming religion
+and the Church. He, however, was not the person who deposited in the
+young man's soul the first germ of those ideas which afterwards
+expanded in it.
+
+This period was a kind of severe apprenticeship to Luther. Launched
+upon the world at fourteen, without friend or patron, he trembled in
+presence of his masters, and, during the hours of recreation,
+painfully begged his food with children as poor as himself. "I and my
+comrades," says he, "begged a little food for our subsistence. One
+day, at the season when the Church celebrates the birth of Jesus
+Christ, we were in a body scouring the neighbouring villages, going
+from house to house, and, in four parts, singing the ordinary hymns on
+the Babe at Bethlehem. We stopped before a peasant's cottage, which
+stood by itself at the extremity of a village. The peasant, hearing us
+singing our Christmas carols, came out with some provisions which he
+meant to give us, and asked, in a gruff voice, and a harsh tone,
+'Where are you, boys?' His tones frightened us, and we took to our
+heels. We had no cause for fear; for the peasant was sincere in his
+offer of assistance: but our hearts were, no doubt, made timid by the
+menaces and tyranny with which masters at this period oppressed their
+scholars; hence the sudden fright which seized us. At last, however,
+the peasant still continuing to call us, we stopped, laid aside our
+fear, and, running up to him, received the food which he intended for
+us." "In the same way," adds Luther, "are we wont to tremble and flee
+when our conscience is guilty and alarmed. Then we are afraid even of
+the assistance which is offered to us, and of those who are friendly
+to us, and would do us all sorts of kindness."[129]
+
+  [129] Luth. Op. Walch. ii, 2347.
+
+A year had scarcely passed, when John and Margaret, on being made
+aware of the difficulties which their son had in living in Magdebourg,
+sent him to Isenach, where there was a celebrated school, and they had
+a number of relations.[130] They had other children; and though their
+circumstances had improved, they were unable to maintain their son in
+a strange town. The forges and late hours of John Luther did no more
+than keep the family at Mansfield. It was hoped that Martin would find
+a livelihood more easily at Isenach, but he was not more successful.
+His relations in the town did not trouble themselves about him.
+Perhaps their own poverty made them unable to give him any assistance.
+
+  [130] "Isenachum enim pene totam parentelam habet." (Luth. Ep. i, p.
+  390.) For almost all my relations live in Isenach.
+
+When the scholar felt the gnawings of hunger he had no resource but to
+do as at Magdebourg,--to join his fellow-students, and sing with them
+before the houses for a morsel of bread. This custom of the time of
+Luther has been preserved, even to our day, in several towns of
+Germany, where the voices of the boys sometimes produce a most
+harmonious chant. Instead of bread, poor modest Martin often received
+only hard words. Then, overcome with sadness, he shed many tears in
+secret, unable to think of the future without trembling.
+
+One day, in particular, he had been repulsed from three houses, and
+was preparing, without having broken his fast, to return to his
+lodging, when, on arriving at St. George's Square, he halted, and,
+absorbed in gloomy thoughts, stood motionless before the house of an
+honest burgher.
+
+Will it be necessary, from want of bread, to give up study, and go and
+work with his father in the mines of Mansfeld? Suddenly a door opens,
+and a female is seen on the threshold,--it was the wife of Conrad
+Cotta, the daughter of the burgomaster of Ilefeld.[131] Her name was
+Ursula. The Chronicles of Isenach call her "the pious Shunammite," in
+allusion to her who so earnestly pressed the prophet Elisha to eat
+bread with her. Previous to this the Christian Shunammite had more
+than once observed young Martin in the assemblies of the faithful, and
+been touched by the sweetness of his voice, and his devout
+behaviour.[132] She had just heard the harsh language addressed to the
+poor scholar, and seeing him in sadness before her door, she came to
+his assistance, beckoned him to enter, and set food before him to
+appease his hunger.
+
+  [131] Lingk's Reisegesch, Luth.
+
+  [132] "Dieweil sic umb seines singen und herzlichen Gebets willen."...
+  (Mathesius. p. 3.)
+
+Conrad approved of the benevolence of his wife, and was even so much
+pleased with the society of young Luther, that some days after he took
+him home to his house. From this moment his studies were secure. He
+will not be obliged to return to the mines of Mansfeld, and bury the
+talent with which God has entrusted him. When he no longer knew what
+was to become of him God opened to him the heart and the home of a
+Christian family. This event helped to give him that confidence in God
+which in after life the strongest tempests could not shake.
+
+In the house of Cotta, Luther was introduced to a mode of life very
+different from that which he had hitherto known. He there led an easy
+existence, exempt from want and care. His mind became more serene, his
+disposition more lively, and his heart more open. His whole being
+expanded to the mild rays of charity, and began to beat with life,
+joy, and happiness. His prayers were more ardent, and his thirst for
+knowledge more intense. He made rapid progress.
+
+To literature and science he added the charms of art. Those who are
+designed by God to act upon their contemporaries are themselves, in
+the first instance, seized and carried along by all the tendencies of
+their age. Luther learned to play on the flute and the lute. The
+latter instrument he often accompanied with his fine counter voice,
+thus enlivening his heart in moments of sadness. He took pleasure also
+in employing his notes to testify his gratitude to his adopted mother,
+who was very fond of music. His own love of it continued to old age,
+and both the words and the music of some of the finest anthems which
+Germany possesses are his composition. Some have even been translated
+into our language.
+
+Happy time for the young man! Luther always remembered it with
+emotion. Many years after, a son of Conrad having come to study at
+Wittemberg, when the poor scholar of Isenach had become the doctor of
+his age, he gladly received him at his table and under his roof. He
+wished to pay back to the son part of what he had received from the
+parents. It was while thinking of the Christian woman who gave him
+food when all besides repulsed him, that he gave utterance to this
+fine expression, "Earth has nothing gentler than the female heart in
+which piety dwells."
+
+Luther was never ashamed of the days when, pressed by hunger, he was
+under the necessity of begging for his studies and his maintenance. So
+far from this, he, on the contrary, reflected with gratitude on the
+great poverty of his youth. He regarded it as one of the means which
+God had employed to make him what he afterwards became, and he felt
+thankful for it. The poor youths who were obliged to follow the same
+course touched his heart. "Do not," said he, "despise the boys who
+sing before your houses, and ask 'panem propter Deum,' bread for the
+love of God; I have done it myself. It is true that at a later period,
+my father, with great love and kindness, kept me at the University of
+Erfurt, maintaining me by the sweat of his brow; still I once was a
+poor beggar. And now by means of my pen, I am come thus far, that I
+would not change situations with the Grand Turk himself. Nay, more,
+were all the goods of the world piled up one above another, I would
+not take them in exchange for what I have. And yet, I should not be
+where I am, if I had not been at school and learned to write." Thus,
+in these first humble beginnings this great man traced the origin of
+his fame. He fears not to remind us that that voice whose accents made
+the empire and the world to tremble, had once begged a morsel of bread
+in the streets of a poor city. The Christian takes pleasure in such
+recollections, as reminding him that it is in God he must glory.
+
+The strength of his intellect, and the liveliness of his imagination,
+soon enabled him to outstrip all his fellow-students.[133] His
+progress was particularly rapid in ancient languages, eloquence, and
+poetry. He wrote essays and made verses. Lively, complaisant, and what
+is called good-hearted, he was a great favourite with his masters and
+his comrades.
+
+  [133] "Cumque et vis ingenii acerrima esset, et imprimis ad
+  eloquentiam idonea, celeriter �qualibus suis pr�currit," (Melancth.
+  Vit. Luth.) As he was of a very powerful mind, and had a particular
+  turn for eloquence, he soon got before his companions.
+
+Among the professors, he attached himself particularly to John
+Trebonius, a learned man of pleasing manners, who showed youth those
+attentions which are so well fitted to encourage them. Martin had
+remarked, that when Trebonius entered the class, he took off his hat,
+and bowed to the students;--great condescension in those pedantic
+times! This had pleased the young man, and made him feel that he was
+not a mere cipher. The respect of the master had made the pupil rise
+in his own estimation. The colleagues of Trebonius, who had not the
+same custom of taking off their hats, having one day expressed their
+astonishment at his extreme condescension, he replied, (and the reply
+made no less impression on young Luther,) "Among these youths are men
+whom God will one day make burgomasters, chancellors, doctors, and
+magistrates; and though you do not yet see them with their badges of
+office, it is right, however, to show them respect." No doubt, the
+young student listened with pleasure to these words, and even then,
+perhaps, saw himself with a doctor's cap on his head.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+     Scholasticism and the Classics--Luther's
+     Piety--Discovery--The Bible--Sickness--Master of
+     Arts--Conscience--Death of
+     Alexis--Thunderstorm--Providence--Adieus--Entrance into a
+     Convent.
+
+
+Luther had attained his eighteenth year. He had tasted the pleasures
+of literature, and burning with eagerness to learn, he sighed after a
+university, and longed to repair to one of those fountains of science,
+at which he might quench his thirst for knowledge.[134] His father
+wished him to study law, and already saw him filling an honourable
+station among his fellow-citizens, gaining the favour of princes, and
+making a figure on the theatre of the world. It was resolved that the
+young student should repair to Erfurt.
+
+  [134] "Degustata igitur literarum dulcedine natura, flagrans
+  cupiditate discendi appetit academiam." (Mel. Vit. Luth). Having thus
+  tasted the sweets of literature, and having naturally an ardent desire
+  of knowledge, he longs for a university.
+
+Luther arrived at this university in the year 1501. Jadocus, surnamed
+the Doctor of the Isenach, was then teaching the scholastic philosophy
+with much success. Melancthon regrets that the only thing then taught
+at Erfurt should have been a dialectics bristling with difficulties.
+He thinks that if Luther had found other professors there, if he had
+been trained in the milder and calmer discipline of true philosophy,
+it might have moderated and softened the vehemence of his nature.[135]
+The new scholar began to study the philosophy of the middle ages in
+the writings of Occam, Scotus, Bonaventura, and Thomas Aquinas. At a
+later period he had a thorough disgust for all this scholasticism. The
+very name of Aristotle, pronounced in his hearing, filled him with
+indignation; and he even went the length of saying, that if Aristotle
+was not a man, he would have no hesitation in taking him for the
+devil. But his mind, in its eagerness for learning, stood in need of
+better nourishment, and he began to study the splendid monuments of
+antiquity, the writings of Cicero and Virgil, and the other classics.
+He was not contented, like the common run of students, with committing
+the productions of these writers to memory. He endeavoured, above all,
+to enter into their thoughts; to imbue himself with the spirit which
+animated them; to appropriate their wisdom; to comprehend the end of
+their writings; and enrich his understanding with their weighty
+sentiments and brilliant images. He often put questions to his
+professors, and soon outstripped his fellow students.[136] Possessed
+of a retentive memory and a fertile imagination, whatever he read or
+heard remained ever after present to his mind, as if he had actually
+seen it. "So shone Luther in his youth. The whole university," says
+Melancthon, "admired his genius."[137]
+
+  [135] "Et fortassis ad leniendam vehementiam natur� mitiora studia
+  ver� philosophi�." (Ibid.) Perhaps the milder studies of true
+  philosophy might have served to soften the vehemence of his natural
+  temper.
+
+  [136] "Et quidem inter primos, ut ingenio studioque multos co�qualium
+  antecellebat." (Cochloeus, Acta Lutheri, p. 1.) And he was indeed among
+  the first, excelling many of his fellow-students, both in genius and
+  study.
+
+  [137] "Sic igitur in juventute eminebat, ut toti academi� Lutheri
+  ingenium admirationi esset." (Vita Luth.) So brilliant was he in
+  youth, that the whole university were in admiration at his talents.
+
+But even at that period this young man of eighteen did not confine his
+labours to the cultivation of his intellect. He had that serious
+thought, that uplifted heart, which God bestows on those whom he
+destines to be his most faithful servants. Luther felt that he was
+dependent on God--a simple, yet powerful, conviction--the source at
+once of profound humility and great achievements. He fervently invoked
+the Divine blessing on his labours. Each morning he began the day with
+prayer, then he went to church, and on his return set to study, losing
+not a moment during the course of the day. "To pray well," he was wont
+to say, "is more than the half of my study."[138]
+
+  [138] "Fleissig gebet, ist uber die helft studirt." (Mathes. 3.)
+
+Every moment which the young student could spare from his academical
+labours was spent in the library of the university. Books were still
+rare, and he felt it a great privilege to be able to avail himself of
+the treasures amassed in this vast collection. One day (he had then
+been two years at Erfurt, and was twenty years of age) he opens
+several books of the library, one after the other, to see who their
+authors were. One of the volumes which he opens in its turn attracts
+his attention. He has never before seen one like it. He reads the
+title, ... it is a Bible! a rare book, at that time unknown.[139] His
+interest is strongly excited; he is perfectly astonished to find in
+this volume any thing more than those fragments of gospels and
+epistles which the Church has selected to be read publicly in the
+churches every Sabbath day. Hitherto he had believed that these
+formed the whole word of God. But here are so many pages, chapters,
+and books, of which he had no idea! His heart beats as he holds in his
+hand all this divinely-inspired Scripture, and he turns over all these
+divine leaves with feelings which cannot be described. The first page
+on which he fixes his attention tells him the history of Hannah and
+young Samuel. He reads, and his soul is filled with joy to
+overflowing. The child whom his parents lend to Jehovah for all the
+days of his life; the song of Hannah, in which she declares that the
+Lord lifts up the poor from the dust, and the needy from the dunghill,
+that he may set him with princes; young Samuel growing up in the
+presence of the Lord; the whole of this history, the whole of the
+volume which he has discovered, make him feel in a way he has never
+done before. He returns home, his heart full. "Oh!" thinks he, "would
+it please God one day to give me such a book for my own!"[140] Luther
+as yet did not know either Greek or Hebrew; for it is not probable
+that he studied these languages during the first two or three years of
+his residence at the university. The Bible which had so overjoyed him
+was in Latin. Soon returning to his treasure in the library, he reads
+and re-reads, and in his astonishment and joy returns to read again.
+The first rays of a new truth were then dawning upon him.
+
+  [139] "Auff ein Zeit, wie er die B�cher fein nacheinander besieht....
+  kombt er uberdie lateinische Biblia."... (Mathes 3.)
+
+  [140] "Avide percurrit, coepitque optare ut olim talem librum et ipse
+  nancisci posset." (M. Adami, Vita Luth. p. 103.) He eagerly runs it
+  over, and begins to wish that he himself might one day possess such a
+  book.
+
+In this way God has put him in possession of His word. He has
+discovered the book of which he is one day to give his countrymen that
+admirable translation in which Germany has now for three centuries
+perused the oracles of God. It was perhaps the first time that any
+hand had taken down this precious volume from the place which it
+occupied in the library of Erfurt. This book, lying on the unknown
+shelves of an obscure chamber, is to become the book of life to a
+whole people. The Reformation was hid in that Bible.
+
+This happened the same year that Luther obtained his first academical
+degree, viz., that of Bachelor. The excessive fatigue which he had
+undergone in preparing for his trials brought on a dangerous illness.
+Death seemed to be approaching, and solemn thoughts occupied his mind.
+He believed that his earthly course was about to terminate. There was
+a general lamentation for the young man. What a pity to see so many
+hopes so soon extinguished! Several friends came to visit him in his
+sickness; among others a priest, a venerable old man, who had with
+interest followed the student of Mansfeld in his labours and academic
+life. Luther was unable to conceal the thought which agitated him.
+"Soon," said he, "I will be called away from this world." But the old
+man kindly replied, "My dear bachelor, take courage; you will not die
+of this illness. Our God will yet make you a man, who, in his turn,
+will console many other men. For God lays his cross on him whom he
+loves, and those who bear it patiently acquire much wisdom."[141]
+These words made a deep impression on the sick youth. When so near
+death he hears the lips of a priest reminding him that God, as
+Samuel's mother had said, lifts up the miserable. The old man has
+poured sweet consolation into his heart and revived his spirits; he
+will never forget him. "This was the first prediction the Doctor
+heard," says Mathesius, Luther's friend, who relates the fact; "and he
+often mentioned it." It is easy to understand what Mathesius means by
+calling it a prediction.
+
+  [141] "Deus te virum faciet qui alios multos iterum consolabitur."
+
+When Luther recovered, something within him had undergone a change.
+The Bible, his illness, and the words of the old priest, seemed to
+have made a new appeal to him. As yet, however, there was nothing
+decided in his mind. He continued his studies, and, in 1505, took his
+degree of Master of Arts, or Doctor in Philosophy. The University of
+Erfurt was then the most celebrated in Germany,--the others in
+comparison with it being only inferior schools. The ceremony was, as
+usual, performed with great pomp. A procession with torches came to do
+homage to Luther.[142] The f�te was superb, and all was joy. Luther,
+encouraged, perhaps, by these honours, was disposed to devote himself
+entirely to law, agreeably to his father's wish.
+
+  [142] Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 2229.
+
+But God willed otherwise. While Luther was occupied with other
+studies, while he began to teach the physics and ethics of Aristotle,
+and other branches of philosophy, his heart ceased not to cry to him
+that piety was the one thing needful, and that he ought above all to
+make sure of his salvation. He was aware of the displeasure which God
+testifies against sin; he remembered the punishments which he
+denounces against the sinner; and he asked himself in fear, whether he
+was sure of possessing the Divine favour. His conscience answered, No!
+His character was prompt and decided; he resolved to do all that might
+be necessary to give him a sure hope of immortality. Two events, which
+happened in succession, shook his soul, and precipitated his
+determination.
+
+Among his friends at the university was one named Alexis, with whom he
+was very intimate. One morning it was rumoured in Erfurt that Alexis
+had been assassinated. Deeply moved at the sudden loss of his friend,
+he puts the question to himself--What would become of me were I called
+thus suddenly? The question fills him with the greatest dismay.[143]
+
+  [143] "Interitu sodalis sui contristatus." (Cochloeus, p. 1.)
+
+This was in the summer of 1505. Luther, left at liberty by the
+ordinary recess of the university, resolved on a journey to Mansfeld,
+to revisit the loved abodes of his infancy, and embrace his parents.
+Perhaps he also wished to open his heart to his father, and sound him
+as to the design which was beginning to form in his mind, and obtain a
+consent to his embracing another calling. He foresaw all the
+difficulties which awaited him. The indolent habits of the majority of
+priests displeased the active miner of Mansfeld. Besides,
+ecclesiastics were little esteemed in the world; most of them had but
+scanty incomes, and the father, who had made many sacrifices to
+maintain his son at the university, and who saw him at twenty a public
+teacher in a celebrated school, was not disposed to renounce the hopes
+which his pride was cherishing.
+
+We know not what passed during Luther's visit at Mansfeld. Perhaps the
+decided wish of his father made him afraid to open his heart to him.
+He again quitted the paternal roof to go and take his seat on the
+benches of the university, and had reached within a short distance of
+Erfurt, when he was overtaken by one of those violent storms which are
+not unfrequent among these mountains. The thunder bursts, and strikes
+close by his side. Luther throws himself on his knees. It may be his
+hour is come, Death, judgment, and eternity, surround him with all
+their terrors, and speak to him with a voice which he can no longer
+resist. "Wrapt in agony, and in the terror of death," as he himself
+describes it,[144] he makes a vow, if he is delivered from this danger
+to abandon the world, and give himself entirely to God. After he had
+risen from the ground, still continuing to see that death which must
+one day overtake him, he examines himself seriously, and asks what he
+ought to do.[145] The thoughts which formerly agitated him return with
+full force. He has endeavoured, it is true, to fulfil all his duties.
+But in what state is his soul? Can he appear with a polluted heart
+before the tribunal of a God so greatly to be feared? He must become
+holy, and, accordingly, he now thirsts for holiness as he had thirsted
+for science. But where is it to be found? How shall he acquire it? The
+university has furnished him with the means of satisfying his desire
+of knowledge. Who will extinguish the agony, the flame which is
+consuming him? To what school of holiness must he bend his steps? He
+will go into a cloister; the monastic life will save him. How often
+has he heard tell of its power to transform a heart, to sanctify a
+sinner, to make a man perfect! He will enter a monastic order. He will
+then become holy, and in that way secure eternal life.[146]
+
+  [144] "Mit Erschrecken und Angst Ides Todes umgeben." (Luth., Ep. ii,
+  101.)
+
+  [145] "Cum esset in campo, fulminis ictu territus." (Cochloe. i.) Being
+  terrified by a thunderbolt when he was in the field.
+
+  [146] "Occasio autem fuit ingrediendi illud vit� genus, quod pietati
+  et studiis doctrin� de Deo, existimavit esse convenientius." (Mel.
+  Vita Luth.) He adopted this mode of life, because he thought it better
+  adapted to piety and the study of divine truth.
+
+Such was the event which changed the calling and all the destinies of
+Luther. We here recognise the finger of God. It was his mighty hand
+which threw down on the high road this young Master of Arts, this
+candidate for the bar, this future lawyer, in order to give an
+entirely new direction to his life. Rubianus, one of Luther's friends,
+wrote to him at a later period:--"Divine Providence had a view to what
+you were one day to become, when, as you were returning from your
+parents, the fire of heaven made you fall to the ground like another
+Paul, near the town of Erfurt, and carrying you off from our society,
+threw you into the Order of Augustine." Analogous circumstances thus
+signalised the conversion of Paul and Luther, the two greatest
+instruments which Divine Providence has employed in the two greatest
+revolutions which have taken place upon the earth.[147]
+
+  [147] Some biographers say that Alexis was killed by the thunder-clap
+  which terrified Luther; but two of his contemporaries, Mathesius, (p.
+  4,) and Selneccer, (in Orat. de Luth.) distinguish between the two
+  events, and we might even corroborate their testimony by that of
+  Melancthon, who says, "Sodalem nescio quo casu interfectum." (Vita
+  Luth.) His companion being killed by an accident, I know not what.
+
+Luther again enters Erfurt. His resolution is immovable, and yet it is
+not without a pang he is going to break ties which are dear to him. He
+gives no hint to any one of his intentions. But one evening he invites
+his friends in the university to a cheerful and frugal repast. Music
+once more enlivens their social intercourse. It is Luther's adieu to
+the world. Henceforth, instead of those loved companions of pleasure
+and toil--monks; instead of those cheerful and intellectual
+conversations--the silence of the cloister; instead of that enchanting
+music--the grave notes of the tranquil chapel. God demands it; all
+must be sacrificed. Yet, for this last time, once more the joys of
+youth. His friends are full of glee. Luther even leads them on. But
+at the moment when they are abandoning themselves to mirth and frolic,
+the young man becomes unable any longer to restrain the serious
+thoughts which occupy his heart. He speaks.... He makes known his
+intention to his astonished friends, who endeavour, but in vain, to
+combat it. That same night, Luther, afraid perhaps of importunate
+solicitation, quits his lodgings, leaving behind him all his effects
+and all his books, with the exception of Virgil and Plautus, (as yet
+he had no Bible.) Virgil and Plautus! Epic and Comedy! singular
+representation of Luther's mind. In fact, there was in him a whole
+epic, a beautiful, splendid, and sublime poem; but being naturally
+inclined to gayety, pleasantry, and broad humour, he mingled more than
+one familiar trait with the solemn and magnificent groundwork of his
+life.
+
+Furnished with these two books he proceeds alone, in the dark, to the
+convent of the Eremites of St. Augustine, and asks to be received. The
+door opens and closes, and he is separated for ever from his parents,
+his fellow-students, and the world. This took place on the 17th August
+1505, when Luther's age was twenty-one years and nine months.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+     His Father's Anger--Pardon--Servile Employments--The Bag and
+     the Cell--Courage--St.
+     Augustine--D'Ailly--Occam--Gerson--The Bible--Hebrew and
+     Greek--The Hours--Asceticism--Agony--Luther during
+     Mass--Agony--Useless Observances--Luther in a Faint.
+
+
+At length he was with God. His soul was in safety. This holiness, so
+earnestly longed for, he was now to find. At the sight of this young
+doctor, the monks were all admiration, and extolled him for his
+courage and contempt of the world.[148] Luther, meanwhile, did not
+forget his friends. He wrote to take leave of them and the world, and
+the next day despatched these letters, with the clothes he had
+hitherto worn, and his diploma of Master of Arts, which he returned to
+the university, that nothing might in future remind him of the world
+which he had abandoned.
+
+  [148] "Hujus mundi contemptu, ingressus est repente, multes
+  admirantibus, monasterium." (Cochloeus, i.) From contempt of this
+  world, he, to the wonder of many, suddenly entered a monastery.
+
+His friends at Erfurt were thunderstruck. Must so distinguished a
+genius go and hide himself in this monastic life--more properly, a
+kind of death?[149] In deep sorrow they hastened to the convent, in
+the hope of inducing Luther to retrace the distressing step which he
+had taken; but all was useless. The gates were closed, and a month
+passed before any one was permitted to see or speak to the new monk.
+
+  [149] "In vita semi-mortua." (Melch. Adami. V. L. p. 102.) A half-dead
+  life.
+
+Luther had hastened to acquaint his parents with the great change
+which had just occurred in his life. His father was thunderstruck. He
+trembled for his son,--so Luther himself informs us in his book on
+Monastic Vows, which he dedicated to his father. His weakness, his
+youth, the ardour of his passions, everything, in short, made him fear
+that after the first moment of enthusiasm, the indolence of the
+cloister would make the youth fall either into despair, or into
+grievous faults. He knew that this mode of life had proved fatal to
+many. Besides, the counsellor-miner of Mansfield had other views for
+his son. He was proposing a rich and honourable marriage for him--and,
+lo! all his ambitious projects are in one night overthrown by this
+imprudent action.
+
+John wrote his son a very angry letter, in which, as Luther himself
+tells us, he _thou'd_ him whereas he had _you'd_ him ever since he had
+taken his degree of Master of Arts. He withdrew all his favour from
+him, and declared him disinherited of a father's affection. In vain
+did the friends of John Luther, and doubtless his wife also, endeavour
+to mollify him; in vain did they say to him, "If you are willing to
+make some sacrifice to God, let it be the best and dearest thing that
+you have--your son--your Isaac." The inexorable counsellor of Mansfeld
+would hear nothing.
+
+Some time after, (the statement is given by Luther in a sermon which
+he preached at Wittemberg, 20th January 1544,) the plague broke out,
+and deprived John Luther of two of his sons. On the back of these
+bereavements, while the father's heart was torn with grief, some one
+came and told him, "The monk of Erfurt also is dead!" His friends took
+advantage of the circumstance to bring back the father's heart to the
+novice. "If it is a false alarm," said they, "at least sanctify your
+affliction by consenting sincerely to your son's being a monk." "Well,
+well!" replied John Luther, his heart broken, and still half
+rebellions; "and God grant him all success." At a later period, when
+Luther, who had been reconciled to his father, told him of the event
+which had led him to rush into monastic orders,--"God grant," replied
+the honest miner, "that what you took for a sign from heaven may not
+have been only a phantom of the devil!"[150]
+
+  [150] "Gott geb das es nicht ein Betrug und teuflisch Gespenst sey."
+  (Luth. Ep. ii, p. 101.)
+
+At this time Luther was not in possession of that which was afterwards
+to make him the Reformer of the Church. His entrance into the convent
+proves this. It was an action done in the spirit of an age out of
+which he was soon to be instrumental in raising the Church. Though
+destined to become the teacher of the world, he was still its servile
+imitator. A new stone was placed on the edifice of superstition by the
+very hand which was soon to overturn it. Luther was seeking salvation
+in himself, in human practices and observances, not knowing that
+salvation is wholly of God. He was seeking his own righteousness and
+his own glory, and overlooking the righteousness and glory of the
+Lord. But what he as yet knew not he soon afterwards learned. That
+immense change which substituted God and His wisdom in his heart for
+the world and its traditions, and which prepared the mighty revolution
+of which he was the most illustrious instrument, took place in the
+cloister of Erfurt.
+
+Martin Luther, on entering the convent, changed his name to that of
+Augustine.
+
+The monks had received him with joy. It was no small satisfaction to
+their self-love to see the university abandoned for a house of their
+order, and that by one of the most distinguished teachers.
+Nevertheless, they treated him harshly, and assigned him the meanest
+tasks. They wished to humble the doctor of philosophy, and teach him
+that his science did not raise him above his brethren. They thought,
+moreover, they would thus prevent him from spending his time in
+studies from which the convent could not reap any advantage. The
+_ci-devant_ Master of Arts behoved to perform the functions of
+watchman, to open and shut the gates, wind up the clocks, sweep the
+church, and clean up the rooms.[151] Then when the poor monk, who was
+at once porter, sacristan, and house-hold servant to the cloister, had
+finished his task--_"Cum sacco per civitatem"_--"To the town with the
+bag," exclaimed the friars; and then, with his bread-bag on his
+shoulders, he walked up and down over all the streets of Erfurt,
+begging from house to house, obliged, perhaps, to present himself at
+the doors of those who had been his friends or inferiors. On his
+return, he had either to shut himself up in a low narrow cell, looking
+out on a plot only a few yards in extent, or to resume his menial
+offices. But he submitted to all. Disposed by temperament to give
+himself entirely to whatever he undertook, when he turned monk he did
+it with his whole soul. How, moreover, could he think of sparing his
+body, or of having regard to what might satisfy the flesh? That was
+not the way to acquire the humility and holiness in quest of which he
+had come within the walls of the cloister.
+
+  [151] "Loca immunda purgare coactus fuit." (M. Adami, Vita Luth. p.
+  103.) He was obliged to clear away filth.
+
+The poor monk, worn out with fatigue, was eager to seize any moment
+which he could steal from his servile occupations, and devote it to
+the acquisition of knowledge. Gladly did he retire into a corner, and
+give himself up to his beloved studies. But the friars soon found him
+out, gathered around him, grumbled at him, and pushed him away to his
+labours, saying, "Along! along! it is not by studying, but by begging
+bread, corn, eggs, fish, flesh, and money, that a friar makes himself
+useful to his convent."[152] Luther submitted, laid aside his books,
+and again took up his bag. Far from repenting of having subjected
+himself to such a yoke, his wish was to bring it to a successful
+result. At this period, the inflexible perseverance with which he ever
+after followed out the resolutions which he had once formed, began to
+be developed. The resistance which he made to rude assaults gave
+strong energy to his will. God exercised him in small things that he
+might be able to stand firm in great things. Besides, in preparing to
+deliver his age from the miserable superstitions under which it
+groaned, it was necessary that he should feel the weight of them. In
+order to empty the cup he behoved to drink it to the dregs.
+
+  [152] Selnecceri Orat. de Luth. Mathesius, p. 5.
+
+This severe apprenticeship, however, did not last so long as Luther
+might have feared. The prior of the convent, on the intercession of
+the university of which Luther was a member, relieved him from the
+mean functions which had been imposed on him, and the young monk
+resumed his studies with new zeal. The writings of the Fathers,
+particularly those of Augustine, engaged his attention; the Commentary
+of this illustrious doctor on the Psalms, and his treatise "On the
+Letter and the Spirit," being his special favourites. Nothing struck
+him more than the sentiments of this Father on the corruption of the
+human will, and on Divine grace. His own experience convincing him of
+the reality of this corruption, and the necessity of this grace, the
+words of Augustine found a ready response in his heart; and could he
+have been of any other school than that of Jesus Christ, it had
+doubtless been the school of the doctor of Hippo. The works of Peter
+D'Ailly and Gabriel Biel he almost knew by heart. He was struck with a
+remark of the former--that had not the Church decided otherwise, it
+would have been much better to admit that in the Lord's Supper bread
+and wine are truly received, and not mere accidents.
+
+He likewise carefully studied the theologians, Occam and Gerson, who
+both express themselves so freely on the authority of the popes. To
+this reading he joined other exercises. In public discussions he was
+heard unravelling the most complicated reasonings, and winding his way
+through labyrinths where others could find no outlet. All who heard
+him were filled with admiration.[153]
+
+  [153] "In disputationibus publicis, labyrinthos aliis inextricabiles,
+  diserte, multis admirantibus explicabat." (Melanc. Vit. Luth.) In
+  public disputations, he, to the admiration of many, clearly unravelled
+  labyrinths which others found inextricable.
+
+But he had entered the cloister, not to acquire the reputation of a
+great genius, but in quest of the food of piety.[154] These labours he
+accordingly regarded as supernumerary.
+
+  [154] "In eo vit�, genere non famam ingenii, sed alimenta pietatis
+  qu�rebat." In that course of life he sought not a reputation for
+  genius, but the food of piety.
+
+But the thing in which he delighted above all others was to draw
+wisdom at the pure fountain of the word of God. In the convent he
+found a Bible fastened to a chain, and was ever returning to this
+chained Bible. He had a very imperfect comprehension of the Word, but
+still it was his most pleasant reading. Sometimes he spent a whole day
+in meditating on a single passage; at other times he learned passages
+of the Prophets by heart. His great desire was, that the writings of
+the apostles and prophets might help to give him a knowledge of the
+will of God, increase the fear which he had for his name, and nourish
+his faith by the sure testimony of the Word.[155]
+
+  [155] "Et firmis testimoniis aleret timorem et fidem." (Melancth. Vit.
+  Luth.) And by its sure testimonies nourish his fear and his faith.
+
+Apparently at this period he began to study the Scriptures in the
+original tongues, and thereby lay the foundation of the most perfect
+and the most useful of his labours, the translation of the Bible. He
+used a Hebrew Lexicon which Reuchlin had just published. His first
+guide was probably John Lange, a friar of the convent, versed in Greek
+and Hebrew, and with whom he always maintained a close intimacy.[156]
+He also made great use of the learned Commentaries of Nicolas Lyra,
+who died in 1340, and hence the saying of Pflug, afterwards Bishop of
+Naumbourg, "Had not Lyra played the lyre, Luther had never danced. _Si
+Lyra non lyrasset, Lutherus non saltasset._"
+
+  [156] Gesch. d. deutsch, Bibel�bersetzung.
+
+The young monk studied so closely and ardently that he often omitted
+to say his Hours during two or three weeks. Then becoming alarmed at
+the thought of having transgressed the rules of his order, he shut
+himself up to make amends for his negligence, and commenced
+conscientiously repeating all the omitted Hours, without thinking of
+meat or drink. On one occasion his sleep went from him for seven
+weeks.
+
+Earnestly intent on acquiring the holiness in quest of which he had
+entered the cloister, Luther addicted himself to the ascetic life in
+its fullest rigour, seeking to crucify the flesh by fastings,
+macerations, and vigils.[157] Shut up in his cell as in a prison, he
+struggled without intermission against the evil thoughts and evil
+propensities of his heart. A little bread and a herring were often all
+his food. Indeed, he was naturally very temperate. Often when he had
+no thought of purchasing heaven by abstinence, have his friends seen
+him content himself with the coarsest provisions, and even remain four
+days in succession without eating or drinking.[158] We have this on
+the testimony of a very credible witness, Melancthon, and we may judge
+from it what opinion to form of the fables which ignorance and
+prejudice have circulated concerning Luther's intemperance. At the
+period of which we treat there is no sacrifice he would have declined
+to make, in order to become holy and purchase heaven.[159] When
+Luther, after he had become Reformer, says that heaven is not
+purchased, he well knew what he meant. "Truly," wrote he to George,
+Duke of Saxony, "truly I was a pious monk, and followed the rules of
+my order more strictly than I can tell. If ever monk had got to heaven
+by monkery, I had been that monk. In this all the monks of my
+acquaintance will bear me witness. Had the thing continued much longer
+I had become a martyr unto death, through vigils, prayer, reading, and
+other labours."[160]
+
+  [157] "Summa disciplin� severitate se ipse regit, et omnibus
+  exercitiis, lectionum, disputationum, jejuniorum, precum, omnes longe
+  superat." (Melancth. Vita Luth.) He observes the utmost rigour of
+  discipline, and in all the exercises of reading, discussion, fastings,
+  and prayers, far surpasses all.
+
+  [158] "Erat enim natura, valde modici cibi et potus; vidi continuis
+  quatuor diebus, cum quidem recte valeret, prorsus nihil edentem aut
+  bibentem." (Ibid.) For he was naturally moderate in the use of meat
+  and drink; I have seen him, no doubt, when in perfect health, neither
+  eating nor drinking for four successive days.
+
+  [159] "Strenue in studiis et exercitiis spiritualibus militavit ibi
+  Deo, annis quatuor." (Cochloeus, i.) There, in studies and spiritual
+  exercises, he was a strenuous servant of God for four years.
+
+  [160] Luth. Op. (W.) xix, 2299.
+
+We are touching on the period which made Luther a new man, and which,
+revealing to him the immensity of the Divine love, fitted him for
+proclaiming it to the world.
+
+The peace which Luther had come in search of he found neither in the
+tranquillity of the cloister nor in monastic perfection. He wished to
+be assured of his salvation; it was the great want of his soul, and
+without it he could have no repose. But the fears which had agitated
+him when in the world, followed him into his cell. Nay, they were even
+increased; the least cry of his heart raising a loud echo under the
+silent vaults of the cloister. God had brought him thither that he
+might learn to know himself, and to despair of his own strength and
+virtue. His conscience, enlightened by the Divine word, told him what
+it was to be holy; but he was filled with alarm at not finding, either
+in his heart or his life, that image of holiness which he had
+contemplated with admiration in the word of God; a sad discovery made
+by every man who is in earnest! No righteousness within, no
+righteousness without, everywhere omission, sin, defilement.... The
+more ardent Luther's natural disposition was the more strongly he felt
+the secret and unceasing resistance which human nature opposes to
+goodness. This threw him into despair.
+
+The monks and theologians of the day invited him to do works in order
+to satisfy the Divine justice. But what works, thought he, can proceed
+from such a heart as mine! How should I be able with works polluted in
+their very principle, to stand in presence of my holy Judge? "I felt
+myself," says he, "to be a great sinner before God, and deemed it
+impossible to appease him by my merits."
+
+He was agitated, and, at the same time, gloomy, shunning the silly and
+coarse conversation of the monks, who, unable to comprehend the
+tempests of his soul, regarded him with astonishment,[161] and
+reproached him for his gloom and taciturnity. It is told by Cochloeus,
+that one day, when they were saying mass in the chapel, Luther had
+come with his sighs, and stood amid the friars in sadness and anguish.
+The priest had already prostrated himself, the incense had been placed
+on the altar, the _Gloria_ had been chanted, and they were reading the
+Gospel, when the poor monk, no longer able to contain his agony,
+exclaimed, in a piercing tone, while throwing himself on his knees,
+"Not I! not I!"[162] Every one was in amazement, and the service was
+for a moment interrupted. Perhaps Luther thought he had heard himself
+reproached with something of which he knew he was innocent; perhaps he
+meant to express his unworthiness to be one of those to whom the death
+of Christ brought eternal life. Cochloeus says that they were reading
+the passage of Scripture which tells of the dumb man out of whom
+Christ expelled a demon. If this account is correct, Luther's cry
+might have a reference to this circumstance. He might mean to intimate
+that though dumb like the man, it was owing to another cause than the
+possession of a demon. In fact, Cochloeus informs us that the friars
+sometimes attributed the agonies of their brother to occult commerce
+with the devil,[163] and he himself is of the same opinion.
+
+  [161] "Visus est fratribus non nihil singularitatis habere."
+  (Cochloeus, i.) The friars thought him not a little eccentric.
+
+  [162] "Cum, ... repente ceciderit vociferans: 'Non sum! non sum!'"
+  (Ibid.) When he suddenly fell down, crying out, "Not I! not I."
+
+  [163] "Ex occulto aliquo cum d�mone commercio." (Cochloeus, i.) From
+  some hidden intercourse with a demon.
+
+A tender conscience led Luther to regard the smallest fault as a great
+sin. No sooner had he discovered it than he strove to expiate it by
+the severest mortifications. This, however, had no other effect than
+to convince him of the utter inefficacy of all human remedies. "I
+tormented myself to death," says he, "in order to procure peace with
+God to my troubled heart and agitated conscience; but, surrounded with
+fearful darkness, I nowhere found it."
+
+The acts of monastic holiness which lulled so many consciences, and to
+which he himself had recourse in his agony, soon appeared to Luther
+only the fallacious cures of an empirical and quack religion. "At the
+time when I was a monk, if I felt some temptation assail me, I am
+lost! said I to myself, and immediately resorted to a thousand
+methods, in order to suppress the cries of my heart. I confessed every
+day, but that did me no good. Thus oppressed with sadness, I was
+tormented by a multiplicity of thoughts. 'Look!' exclaimed I, 'there
+you are still envious, impatient, passionate! It is of no use then,
+for you, O wretch, to have entered this sacred order.'"
+
+And yet Luther, imbued with the prejudices of his day, had from his
+youth up considered the acts, whose impotence he now experienced, as
+sure remedies for diseased souls. What was he to think of the strange
+discovery which he had just made in the solitude of the cloister? It
+is possible, then, to dwell in the sanctuary, and still carry within
+oneself a man of sin! He has received another garment, but not another
+heart. His hopes are disappointed. Where is he to stop? Can it be that
+all these rules and observances are only human inventions? Such a
+supposition appears to him at one time a suggestion of the devil, and
+at another time an irresistible truth. Struggling alternately with the
+holy voice which spoke to his heart, and with venerable institutions
+which had the sanction of ages, Luther's life was a continual combat.
+The young monk, like a shade, glided through the long passages of the
+cloister, making them echo with his sad groans. His body pined away
+and his strength left him; on different occasions he remained as if he
+were dead.[164]
+
+  [164] "S�pe eum cogitantem attentius de ira Dei, aut de mirandis
+  poenarum exemplis, subito tanti terrores concutiebant ut pene
+  exanimaretur." (Melancth. Vita Luth.) Often when meditating more
+  attentively on the wrath of God, or striking examples of punishment,
+  he was suddenly shaken with such terror that he became like one dead.
+
+Once, overwhelmed with sadness, he shut himself up in his cell, and
+for several days and nights allowed no one to approach him. Lucas
+Edemberger, one of his friends, feeling uneasy about the unhappy monk,
+and having some presentiment of the state in which he actually was,
+taking with him several boys, who were accustomed to chant in choirs,
+went and knocked at the door of his cell. No one opens or answers.
+Good Edemberger, still more alarmed, forces the door. Luther is
+stretched on the floor insensible, and showing no signs of life. His
+friend tries in vain to revive him, but he still remains motionless.
+The young boys begin to chant a soft anthem. Their pure voices act
+like a charm on the poor monk, who had always the greatest delight in
+music, and he gradually recovers sensation, consciousness, and
+life.[165] But if music could for some moments give him a slight
+degree of serenity, another and more powerful remedy was wanted to
+cure him effectually--that soft and penetrating sound of the gospel,
+which is the voice of God himself. He was well aware of this, and,
+accordingly, his sorrows and alarms led him to study the writings of
+the apostles and prophets with renewed zeal.[166]
+
+  [165] Seckend., p. 53.
+
+  [166] "Hoc studium ut magis expeteret, illis suis doloribus et
+  pavoribus movebatur." (Melancth. Vita Luth.) His griefs and fears
+  urged him to prosecute this study with greater eagerness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+     Pious Men in Cloisters--Staupitz--His Piety--His
+     Visitation--Conversation--The Grace of
+     Christ--Repentance--Power of Sin--Sweetness of
+     Repentance--Election--Providence--The Bible--The Old
+     Monk--The Remission of Sins--Consecration Dinner--The F�te
+     Dieu--Call to Wittemberg.
+
+
+Luther was not the first monk who had passed through similar
+struggles. The cloisters often shrouded within the obscurity of their
+walls abominable vices, at which if they had been brought to light,
+every honest mind would have shuddered; but they often also concealed
+Christian virtues which were there unfolded in silence, and which, if
+they had been placed before the eyes of the world, would have excited
+admiration. These virtues, possessed by those who lived only with
+themselves and with God, attracted no attention, and were often even
+unknown to the modest convent within which they were contained.
+Leading a life known to God only, these humble solitaries fell
+occasionally into that mystical theology, sad malady of noblest minds,
+which formerly constituted the delight of the first monks on the banks
+of the Nile, and which uselessly consumes those who fall under its
+influence.
+
+Still, when one of these men happened to be called to an eminent
+station, he there displayed virtues whose salutary influence was long
+and widely felt. The candle being placed on the candlestick gave light
+to all the house. Several were awakened by this light, and hence those
+pious souls, propagated from generation to generation, kept shining
+like solitary torches at the very time when cloisters were often
+little better than impure receptacles of the deepest darkness.
+
+A young man had in this way attracted notice in one of the convents of
+Germany. He was named John Staupitz, and was of a noble family in
+Misnia. From his earliest youth, having a taste for science and a love
+of virtue, he longed for retirement, in order to devote himself to
+literature;[167] but soon finding that philosophy and the study of
+nature could do little for eternal salvation, he began to study
+theology, making it his special object to join practice with
+knowledge. For, says one of his biographers, it is vain to deck
+ourselves with the name of theologian, if we do not prove our title to
+the honourable name by our life.[168] The study of the Bible, and of
+the theology of St. Augustine, the knowledge of himself, and the war
+which he, like Luther, had to wage against the wiles and lusts of his
+heart, led him to the Redeemer, through faith in whom he found peace
+to his soul. The doctrine of the election of grace had, in particular,
+taken a firm hold of his mind. Integrity of life, profound science and
+eloquence, combined with a noble appearance and a dignified address,
+recommended him to his contemporaries.[169] The Elector of Saxony,
+Frederick the Wise, made him his friend, employed him on different
+embassies, and under his direction founded the University of
+Wittemberg. This disciple of St. Paul and St. Augustine was the first
+Dean of the Faculty of Theology in that school which was one day to
+send forth light to enlighten the schools and churches of so many
+nations. He attended the council of Lateran, as deputy from the
+Archbishop of Salzbourg, became provincial of his order in Thuringia
+and Saxony, and ultimately vicar-general of the Augustins all over
+Germany.
+
+  [167] "A teneris unguiculis, generoso animi impetu, ad virtutem et
+  eruditam doctrinam contendit." (Melanct. Adam. Vita Staupitzii.) From
+  his earliest years, with generous intellectual impulse, he tended to
+  virtue and learning.
+
+  [168] (Ibid.)
+
+  [169] "Corporis forma atque statura conspicuus." (Cochloe., iii.) He
+  was remarkably tall and handsome.
+
+Staupitz lamented the corruption of manners and the errors in doctrine
+which were laying waste the Church. This is proved by his writings on
+the love of God, on Christian faith, on resemblance to Christ in his
+death, and by the testimony of Luther. But he considered the former of
+these evils as greatly the worse of the two. Besides, the mildness and
+indecision of his character, and his desire not to go beyond the
+sphere of action which he thought assigned to him, made him fitter to
+be the restorer of a convent than the Reformer of the Church. He could
+have wished to confer important stations only on distinguished men,
+but not finding them, he was contented to employ others. "We must
+plough with horses," said he, "if we can find them; but if we have no
+horses, we must plough with oxen."[170]
+
+  [170] Luth. Op. (W.) v, 2819.
+
+We have seen the anguish and inward wrestlings to which Luther was a
+prey in the convent of Erfurt. At this time a visit from the
+vicar-general was announced, and Staupitz accordingly arrived to make
+his ordinary inspection. The friend of Frederick, the founder of the
+University of Wittemberg, the head of the Augustins, took a kind
+interest in the monks under his authority. It was not long ere one of
+the friars of the convent attracted his attention. This was a young
+man of middle stature, whom study, abstinence, and vigils, had so
+wasted away, that his bones might have been counted.[171] His eyes,
+which at a later period were compared to those of the falcon, were
+sunken, his gait was sad, and his looks bespoke a troubled soul, the
+victim of numerous struggles, yet still strong and bent on resisting.
+His whole appearance had in it something grave, melancholy, and
+solemn. Staupitz, whose discernment had been improved by long
+experience, easily discovered what was passing in the soul of the
+young friar, and singled him out from those around him. He felt drawn
+towards him, had a presentiment of his high destiny, and experienced
+the interest of a parent for his subaltern. He, too, had struggled
+like Luther, and could therefore understand his situation. Above all,
+he could show him the way of peace, which he himself had found. The
+information he received of the circumstances which had brought the
+young Augustin to the convent increased his sympathy. He requested the
+prior to treat him with great mildness, and availed himself of the
+opportunities which his office gave him to gain the young friar's
+confidence. Going kindly up to him, he took every means to remove his
+timidity, which was moreover increased by the respect and reverence
+which the elevated rank of Staupitz naturally inspired.
+
+  [171] Mosellani Epist.
+
+The heart of Luther, till then closed by harsh treatment, opened at
+last, and expanded to the mild rays of charity. "As in water face
+answereth to face, so the heart of man to man."[172] The heart of
+Staupitz answered to the heart of Luther. The vicar-general understood
+him; and the monk, in his turn, felt a confidence in Staupitz which no
+one had hitherto inspired. He revealed to him the cause of his
+sadness, depicted the fearful thoughts which agitated him, and then in
+the cloister of Erfurt commenced a conversation full of wisdom and
+instruction.
+
+  [172] Proverbs, xxvii, 19.
+
+"In vain," said Luther despondingly to Staupitz; "in vain do I make
+promises to God; sin has always the mastery."
+
+"O my friend," replied the vicar-general, thinking how it had been
+with himself, "more than a thousand times have I sworn to our holy God
+to live piously, and I have never done so. Now I no longer swear; for
+I know I should not perform. Unless God be pleased to be gracious to
+me for the love of Christ, and to grant me a happy departure when I
+leave this world, I shall not be able with all my vows and all my good
+works to stand before him. I must perish."[173]
+
+  [173] Luth. Op. (W.) viii, 2725.
+
+The young monk is terrified at the thought of the Divine justice, and
+lays all his fears before the vicar-general. The ineffable holiness of
+God, and his sovereign majesty, fill him with alarm. Who will be able
+to support the day of his advent--who to stand when he appeareth?
+
+Staupitz resumes. He knows where he has found peace, and his young
+friend will hear it. "Why torment thyself," said he to him, "with all
+these speculations and high thoughts? Look to the wounds of Jesus
+Christ, to the blood which he has shed for thee; then thou shalt see
+the grace of God. Instead of making a martyr of thyself for thy
+faults, throw thyself into the arms of the Redeemer. Confide in him,
+in the righteousness of his life, and the expiation of his death. Keep
+not back; God is not angry with thee; it is thou who art angry with
+God. Listen to the Son of God, who became man in order to assure thee
+of the Divine favour. He says to thee, 'Thou art my sheep; thou
+hearest my voice; none shall pluck thee out of my hand.'"[174]
+
+  [174] Luth. Op. ii, 264.
+
+But Luther does not here find the repentance which he believes
+necessary to salvation. He replies, and it is the ordinary reply of
+agonised and frightened souls, "How dare I believe in the favour of
+God, while there is nothing in me like true conversion? I must be
+changed before he can receive me."
+
+His venerable guide shows him that there can be no true conversion
+while God is dreaded as a severe Judge. "What will you say then,"
+exclaims Luther, "of the many consciences, to which a thousand
+unsupportable observances are prescribed as a means of gaining
+heaven?"
+
+Then he hears this reply from the vicar-general, or rather his belief
+is, that it comes not from man, but is a voice sounding from
+heaven.[175] "No repentance," says Staupitz, "is true, save that which
+begins with the love of God and of righteousness.[176] What others
+imagine to be the end and completion of repentance is, on the
+contrary, only the commencement of it. To have a thorough love of
+goodness, thou must, before all, have a thorough love of God. If thou
+wouldest be converted, dwell not upon all these macerations and
+tortures; 'Love him who first loved thee.'"
+
+  [175] "Te velut e coelo sonantem accepimus." (Luth. Ep. i, 115, ad
+  Staupitzium, 30th May, 1518.) We have heard thee, as it were, speaking
+  from heaven.
+
+  [176] "Poenitentia vero non est, nisi qu� ab amore justiti� et Dei
+  incipit," etc. (Ibid.) There is no repentance save that which begins
+  with the love of God and of righteousness.
+
+Luther listens and listens again. These consoling words fill him with
+unknown joy, and give him new light. "It is Jesus Christ," thinks he
+in his heart. "Yes, it is Jesus Christ himself who consoles me so
+wonderfully by these sweet and salutary words."[177]
+
+  [177] "Memini inter jucundissimas et salutares fabulas tuas, quibus me
+  solet Dominus Jesus mirifice consolari." (Ibid.) I recollect during
+  your most pleasing and salutary conversation, with which the Lord is
+  wont wondrously to console me.
+
+These words, in fact, penetrated to the inmost heart of the young
+monk, like the sharp arrow of a mighty man.[178] In order to repent,
+it is necessary to love God. Illumined with this new light, he
+proceeds to examine the Scriptures, searching out all the passages
+which speak of repentance and conversion. These words, till now so
+much dreaded, become, to use his own expressions, "an agreeable sport,
+and the most delightful recreation. All the passages of Scripture
+which frightened him seem now to rise up from all sides, smiling, and
+leaping, and sporting with him."[179]
+
+  [178] "H�sit hoc verbum tuum in me, sicut sagitta potentis acuta."
+  (Ibid.) Your word stuck fast in me, like the sharp arrow of a mighty
+  man.
+
+  [179] "Ecce jucundissimum ludum, verba undique mihi colludebant,
+  planeque huic sententi� arridebant et assultabant." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  115.) When, behold, a most pleasing sport! the words coming from all
+  sides, sported with me, obviously smiling and leaping at the
+  sentiment.
+
+"Hitherto," exclaims he, "though I carefully disguised the state of my
+heart, and strove to give utterance to a love which was only
+constrained and fictitious, Scripture did not contain a word which
+seemed to me more bitter than that of _repentance_. Now, however,
+there is none sweeter and more agreeable.[180] Oh! how pleasant the
+precepts of God are, when we read them not only in books, but in the
+precious wounds of the Saviour."[181]
+
+  [180] "Nunc nihil dulcius aut gratius mihi sonet quam poenitentia,"
+  etc. (Ibid.) Now nothing sounds sweeter or more agreeable to me than
+  repentance.
+
+  [181] "Ita enim dulcescunt pr�cepta Dei, quando non in libris tantum,
+  sed in vulneribus dulcissimi Salvatoris legenda intelligimus." (Ibid.)
+  For thus do the divine precepts become sweet, when we understand that
+  they are to be read not in books merely, but in the wounds of a most
+  gracious Saviour.
+
+Meanwhile, Luther, though consoled by the words of Staupitz was still
+subject to fits of depression. Sin manifested itself anew to his
+timorous conscience, and then the joy of salvation was succeeded by
+his former despair. "O my sin! my sin! my sin!" one day exclaimed the
+young monk in presence of the vicar-general, in accents of the deepest
+grief. "Ah!" replied he, "would you only be a sinner on canvass, and
+also have a Saviour only on canvass?" Then Staupitz gravely added,
+"Know that Jesus Christ is the Saviour even of those who are great,
+real sinners, and every way deserving of condemnation."
+
+What agitated Luther was not merely the sin which he felt in his
+heart. The upbraidings of his conscience were confirmed by arguments
+drawn from reason. If the holy precepts of the Bible frightened him,
+some of its doctrines likewise increased his terror. Truth, which is
+the great means by which God gives peace to man, must necessarily
+begin by removing the false security which destroys him. The doctrine
+of election, in particular, disturbed the young man, and threw him
+into a field which it is difficult to traverse. Must he believe that
+it was man who, on his part, first chose God? or that it was God who
+first chose man? The Bible, history, daily experience, and the
+writings of Augustine, had shown him that always, and in every thing,
+in looking for a first cause, it was necessary to ascend to the
+sovereign will by which every thing exists, and on which every thing
+depends. But his ardent spirit would have gone farther. He would have
+penetrated into the secret counsel of God, unveiled its mysteries,
+seen the invisible, and comprehended the incomprehensible. Staupitz
+interfered, telling him not to pretend to fathom the hidden purposes
+of God, but to confine himself to those of them which have been made
+manifest in Christ. "Look to the wounds of Christ," said he to him,
+"and there see a bright display of the purposes of God towards man. It
+is impossible to comprehend God out of Jesus Christ. In Christ you
+will find what I am, and what I require, saith the Lord. You can find
+him nowhere else, either in heaven or on the earth."[182]
+
+  [182] Luth. Op. (W.) xxii., p. 489.
+
+The vicar-general went farther. He convinced Luther of the paternal
+designs of Providence, in permitting the various temptations and
+combats which the soul has to sustain. He exhibited them to him in a
+light well fitted to revive his courage. By such trials God prepares
+those whom he destines for some important work. The ship must be
+proved before it is launched on the boundless deep. If this education
+is necessary for every man, it is so particularly for those who are to
+have an influence on their generation. This Staupitz represented to
+the monk of Erfurt; "It is not without cause," said he to him, "that
+God exercises you by so many combats; be assured he will employ you in
+great things as his minister."
+
+These words, which Luther hears with astonishment and humility, fill
+him with courage, and give him a consciousness of powers, whose
+existence he had not even suspected. The wisdom and prudence of an
+enlightened friend gradually reveal the strong man to himself. Nor
+does Staupitz rest here. He gives him valuable directions as to his
+studies, exhorting him in future to lay aside the systems of the
+school, and draw all his theology from the Bible. "Let the study of
+the Scriptures," said he, "be your favourite occupation." Never was
+good advice better followed. But what, above all, delighted Luther,
+was the present of a Bible from Staupitz. Perhaps it was the Latin
+Bible bound in red leather, which belonged to the convent, and which
+it was the summit of his desire to possess, that he might be able to
+carry it about with him wherever he went, because all its leaves were
+familiar to him, and he knew where to look for every passage.[183] At
+length this treasure is his own. From that time he studies the
+Scriptures, and especially the Epistles of St. Paul, with always
+increasing zeal. The only author whom he admits along with the Bible
+is St. Augustine. Whatever he reads is deeply imprinted on his soul,
+for his struggles had prepared him for comprehending it. The soil had
+been ploughed deep, and the incorruptible seed penetrates far into it.
+When Staupitz left Erfurt, a new day had dawned upon Luther.
+
+  [183] Seckendorf, p. 52.
+
+Nevertheless, the work was not finished. The vicar-general had
+prepared it, but its completion was reserved for a humbler instrument.
+The conscience of the young Augustin had not yet found repose, and,
+owing to his efforts and the stretch on which his soul had been kept,
+his body at length gave way. He was attacked by an illness which
+brought him to the gates of death. This was in the second year of his
+residence in the convent. All his agonies and terrors were awakened at
+the approach of death. His own pollution and the holiness of God anew
+distracted his soul. One day, when overwhelmed with despair, an old
+monk entered his cell, and addressed him in consoling terms. Luther
+opened his heart to him, and made him aware of the fears by which he
+was agitated. The respectable old man was incapable of following him
+into all his doubts as Staupitz had done; but he knew his _Credo_, and
+having found in it the means of consoling his own heart, he could
+apply the same remedy to the young friar. Leading him back to the
+Apostles' Creed, which Luther had learned in infancy at the school of
+Mansfield, the old monk good-naturedly repeated the article, "_I
+believe in the forgiveness of sins_." These simple words, which the
+pious friar calmly repeated at this decisive moment, poured great
+consolation into the soul of Luther. "I believe," oft repeated he to
+himself on his sick-bed, "I believe in the forgiveness of sins." "Ah!"
+said the monk, "the thing to be believed is not merely that David's or
+Peter's sins are forgiven; this the devils believe: God's command is,
+to believe that our own sins are forgiven."[184] How delightful this
+command appeared to poor Luther! "See what St. Bernard says in his
+sermon on the annunciation," added the old friar; "the witness which
+the Holy Spirit witnesseth with our spirit is, 'Thy sins are forgiven
+thee.'"
+
+  [184] "Davidi aut Petro ... Sed mandatum Dei esse ut singuli homines,
+  nobis remitti peccata credamus." (Melancth. Vit. Luth.) Not to David
+  or Peter, but the command of God is, that every one of us believe that
+  our sins are forgiven.
+
+From this moment light sprung up in the heart of the young monk of
+Erfurt. The gracious word has been pronounced, and he believes it. He
+renounces the idea of meriting salvation, and puts implicit confidence
+in the grace of God through Jesus Christ. He does not see all the
+consequences of the principle which he has admitted; he is still
+sincere in his attachment to the Church, and yet he has no longer need
+of her. He has received salvation immediately from God himself; and
+from that moment Roman Catholicism is virtually destroyed in him. He
+goes forward and searches the writings of the apostles and prophets,
+for every thing that may strengthen the hope which fills his heart.
+Each day he invokes help from above, and each day also the light
+increases in his soul.
+
+The health which his spirit had found soon restores health to his
+body, and he rises from his sick-bed, after having, in a double sense,
+received a new life. During the feast of Noel, which arrived shortly
+after, he tasted abundantly of all the consolations of faith. With
+sweet emotion he took part in the holy solemnities, and when in the
+middle of the gorgeous service of the day, he came to chant these
+words:--"_O beata culpa, qu� talem meruisti Redemptorem!_"[185] his
+whole being said _Amen_, and thrilled with joy.
+
+  [185] "O blessed fault, to merit such a Redeemer." (Mathesius, p. 5.)
+
+Luther had been two years in the cloister, and must now be consecrated
+priest. He had received much, and he looked forward with delight to
+the prospect which the priesthood presented of enabling him freely to
+give what he had freely received. Wishing to avail himself of the
+occasion to be fully reconciled to his father, he invited him to be
+present, and even asked him to fix the day. John Luther, though not
+yet entirely appeased, nevertheless accepted the invitation, and named
+Sabbath the 2nd May, 1507.
+
+In the list of Luther's friends was the vicar of Isenach, John Braun,
+who had been his faithful adviser when he resided in that town. Luther
+wrote him on the 22nd April. It is the Reformer's earliest letter, and
+bears the following address:--"To John Braun, Holy and Venerable
+Priest of Christ and Mary." It is only in the two first letters of
+Luther that the name of Mary occurs.
+
+"God, who is glorious and holy in all his works," says the candidate
+for the priesthood, "having designed to exalt me exceedingly,--me, a
+miserable and every way unworthy sinner, and to call me solely out of
+his abundant mercy, to his sublime ministry, it is my duty in order to
+testify my gratitude for a goodness so divine and so magnificent, (as
+far at least as dust can do it,) to fulfil with my whole heart the
+office which is entrusted to me."
+
+At length the day arrived. The miner of Mansfield failed not to be
+present at the consecration of his son.... He even gave him an
+unequivocal mark of his affection and generosity, by making him a
+present of twenty florins on the occasion.
+
+The ceremony took place, Jerome, Bishop of Brandebourg, officiating.
+At the moment of conferring on Luther the right to celebrate mass, he
+put the chalice into his hand, uttering these solemn words, "_Accipe
+potestatem sacrificandi pro vivis et mortuis_"--"Receive power to
+sacrifice for the living and the dead." Luther then listened
+complacently to these words, which gave him the power of doing the
+very work appropriated to the Son of God; but they afterwards made him
+shudder. "That the earth did not swallow us both," said he, "was more
+than we deserved, and was owing to the great patience and
+long-suffering of the Lord."[186]
+
+  [186] Luth. Op. xvi, (Walch.) 1144.
+
+The father afterwards dined at the convent with his son, the friends
+of the young priest and the monks. The conversation turned on Martin's
+entrance into the cloister, the friars loudly extolling it as one of
+the most meritorious of works. Then the inflexible John, turning
+towards his son, said to him, "Hast thou not read in Scripture to obey
+thy father and thy mother?"[187] These words struck Luther; they gave
+him quite a different view of the action which had brought him into
+the convent, and for a long time continued to echo in his heart.
+
+  [187] "Ei, hast du nicht auch gehort das man Eltern soll gehorsam
+  seyn." (Luth. Ep. ii, 101.)
+
+By the advice of Staupitz, Luther, shortly after his ordination, made
+short excursions on foot into the neighbouring parishes and convents,
+both for relaxation, to give his body the necessary exercise, and to
+accustom himself to preaching.
+
+The F�te Dieu was to be celebrated with splendour at Eisleben, where
+the vicar-general was to be present. Luther repaired thither. He had
+still need of Staupitz, and missed no opportunity of meeting with this
+enlightened conductor who was guiding him into the way of life. The
+procession was numerous and brilliant. Staupitz himself carried the
+holy sacrament, and Luther followed in his sacerdotal dress. The
+thought that it was truly Jesus Christ that the vicar-general was
+carrying--the idea that Christ was there in person actually before
+him--suddenly struck Luther's imagination, and filled him with such
+amazement that he could scarcely move forward. The perspiration fell
+from him in drops; he shook, and thought he would have died with agony
+and terror. At length the procession ceased. This host which had so
+awakened the fears of the monk was solemnly deposited in the
+sanctuary, and Luther, as soon as he was alone with Staupitz, threw
+himself into his arms, and told him of his consternation. Then the
+worthy vicar-general, who had long known that Saviour who breaketh
+not the bruised reed, said to him mildly, "It was not Jesus Christ, my
+brother. Jesus Christ does not alarm--he consoles merely."[188]
+
+  [188] "Es ist nicht Christus denn Christus schreckt nicht, sondern
+  tr�stet nur." (Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, pp. 513, 724.)
+
+Luther was not to remain hid in an obscure convent. The time had
+arrived for his being transported to a larger theatre. Staupitz, with
+whom he was in constant correspondence, was well aware that the soul
+of the young monk was too active to be confined within so narrow a
+circle. He mentioned him to Frederick of Saxony, and this enlightened
+prince, in 1508, probably towards the close of the year, invited him
+to a chair in the university of Wittemberg. Wittemberg was a field on
+which he was to fight hard battles; and Luther felt that his vocation
+was there. Being required to repair promptly to his new post, he
+answered the appeal without delay; and, in the hurry of his removal,
+had not even time to write him whom he called his master and beloved
+father--John Braun, curate of Isenach. Some months after, he
+wrote--"My departure was so sudden, that those I was living with
+scarcely knew of it. I am far away, I confess: but the better part of
+me is still with you."[189] Luther had been three years in the
+cloister of Erfurt.
+
+  [189] Luth. Ep. i, p. 5, March 17, 1509.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. V
+
+     The University of Wittemberg--First Employment--Biblical
+     Lectures--Sensation--Preaching at Wittemberg--The Old
+     Chapel--Impression.
+
+
+In the year 1502, the Elector Frederick had founded a new university
+at Wittemberg, declaring, in the act by which he confirmed it, that he
+and his people would turn to it as towards an oracle. He thought not
+at the time that these words would be so magnificently realised. Two
+men belonging to the opposition which had been formed against the
+scholastic system, viz., Pollich of Mellerstadt, doctor of medicine,
+law, and philosophy, and Staupitz, had great influence in founding
+this school. The university declared St. Augustine its patron; and
+even this choice was a presage of good. In possession of great
+freedom, and regarded as a tribunal to which, in cases of difficulty,
+the supreme decision belonged, this new institution, which was in
+every way fitted to become the cradle of the Reformation, powerfully
+contributed to the development of Luther and his work.
+
+On his arrival at Wittemberg, Luther repaired to the convent of
+Augustins, where a cell was alloted him; for though professor, he
+ceased not to be monk. He was appointed to teach philosophy and
+dialectics. In assigning him these departments, regard had, no doubt,
+been had to the studies which he had prosecuted at Erfurt, and to his
+degree of Master of Arts. Thus Luther, who was hungering and thirsting
+for the word of life, saw himself obliged to give his almost exclusive
+attention to the scholastic philosophy of Aristotle. He had need of
+the bread of life which God gives to the world, and he must occupy
+himself with human subtleties. How galling! How much he sighed! "I am
+well, by the grace of God," wrote he to Braun, "were it not that I
+must study philosophy with all my might. Ever since I arrived at
+Wittemberg, I have eagerly desired to exchange this study for that of
+theology: but," added he, lest it should be thought he meant the
+theology of the time, "the theology I mean is that which seeks out the
+kernel of the nut, the heart of the wheat, and the marrow of the
+bone.[190] Howbeit God is God," continues he, with that confidence
+which was the soul of his life, "man is almost always deceived in his
+judgment; but he is our God, and will conduct us by his goodness for
+ever and ever." The studies in which Luther was at this time obliged
+to engage were afterwards of great service to him in combating the
+errors of the schoolmen.
+
+  [190] ... "Theologia qu� nucleum nucis et medullam tritici et medullam
+  ossium serutatur." (Luth. Ep. i, 6.)
+
+Here, however, he could not stop. The desire of his heart must be
+accomplished. The same power which formerly pushed him from the bar
+into the monastic life now pushed him from philosophy towards the
+Bible. He zealously commenced the study of ancient languages,
+especially Greek and Hebrew, that he might be able to draw science and
+learning at the fountain-head. He was all his life an indefatigable
+student.[191] Some months after his arrival at the university he
+applied for the degree of Bachelor in Divinity, and obtained it in the
+end of March 1509, with a special injunction to devote himself to
+biblical theology, _ad Biblia_.
+
+  [191] "In studiis literarum, corpore ac mente indefessus."
+  (Pallavicini, Hist. Conc. Trid. i, 16.) In literary pursuits, he was
+  indefatigable in mind and body.
+
+Every day at one, Luther had to lecture on the Bible,--a precious
+employment both for the professor and his pupils--giving them a
+better insight into the divine meaning of those oracles which had so
+long been lost both to the people and the school.
+
+He began his lectures with an exposition of the Psalms, and shortly
+after proceeded to the Epistle to the Romans. It was especially when
+meditating upon it that the light of truth entered his heart. After
+retiring to his quiet cell he spent hours in the study of the Divine
+Word--the Epistle of St. Paul lying open before him. One day, coming
+to the seventeenth verse of the first chapter, he read these words of
+the prophet Habakkuk, "_The just shall live by faith_." He is struck
+with the expression. The just, then, has a different life from other
+men, and this life is given by faith. These words, which he receives
+into his heart as if God himself had there deposited them, unveils the
+mystery of the Christian life to him, and gives him an increase of
+this life. Long after, in the midst of his numerous labours, he
+thought he still heard a voice saying to him, "The just shall live by
+faith."[192]
+
+  [192] Seckend., p. 55.
+
+Luther's lectures, thus prepared, had little resemblance to those
+which had hitherto been delivered. It was not a declamatory
+rhetorician, or a pedantic schoolman that spoke; it was a Christian
+who had felt the power of revealed truth--truth which he derived from
+the Bible, and presented to his astonished hearers, all full of life,
+as it came from the treasury of his heart. It was not a lesson from
+man, but a lesson from God.
+
+This novel exposition of the truth was much talked of. The news spread
+far and wide, and attracted a great number of foreign students to the
+recently founded university. Even some of the professors attended the
+lectures of Luther, among others, Mellerstadt, often surnamed, "_The
+Light of the World_." He was the first rector of the university, and
+had previously been at Leipsic, where he had vigorously combated the
+ridiculous lessons of the schoolmen, and denying that "the light of
+the first day of creation could be theology," had maintained that this
+science ought to be based on the study of literature. "This monk,"
+said he, "will send all the doctors to the right about. He will
+introduce a new doctrine, and reform the whole Church, for he founds
+upon the word of God; and no man in the world can either combat or
+overthrow this word, even though he should attack it with all the
+weapons of philosophy, the sophists, Scotists, Albertists, Thomists,
+and the whole fraternity."[193]
+
+  [193] Melch. Adam. Vita Lutheri, p. 104.
+
+Staupitz, who was the instrument in the hand of Providence to unfold
+the gifts and treasures hidden in Luther, invited him to preach in
+this church of the Augustins. The young professor recoiled at this
+proposal. He wished to confine himself to his academic functions, and
+trembled at the thought of adding to them that of preacher. In vain
+did Staupitz urge him. "No, no," replied he, "it is no light matter to
+speak to men in the place of God."[194] Touching humility in this
+great Reformer of the Church! Staupitz insisted; but the ingenious
+Luther, says one of his biographers, found fifteen arguments,
+pretexts, and evasions, to excuse himself from this calling. The chief
+of the Augustins, still continuing his attack, Luther exclaimed, "Ah!
+doctor, in doing this, you deprive me of life. I would not be able to
+hold out three months." "Very well," replied the vicar-general, "so be
+it in God's name. For up yonder, also, our Lord has need of able and
+devoted men." Luther behoved to yield.
+
+  [194] Fabricius, Centifol. Lutheri, p. 33. Mathesius, p. 6.
+
+In the middle of the public square of Wittemberg was a wooden chapel,
+thirty feet long by twenty wide, whose sides, propped up in all
+directions, were falling to decay. An old pulpit made of fir, three
+feet in height, received the preacher. In this miserable chapel the
+preaching of the Reformation commenced. God was pleased that that
+which was to establish his glory should have the humblest origin. The
+foundation of the church of the Augustins had just been laid, and
+until it should be finished this humble church was employed. "This
+building," adds the contemporary of Luther who relates these
+circumstances, "may well be compared to the stable in which Christ was
+born. It was in this miserable inclosure that God was pleased, so to
+speak, to make his beloved Son be born a second time. Among the
+thousands of cathedrals and parish churches with which the world
+abounded, there was then one only which God selected for the glorious
+preaching of eternal life."[195]
+
+  [195] Myconius.
+
+Luther preaches, and every thing is striking in the new preacher. His
+expressive countenance, his noble air, his clear and sonorous voice,
+captivate the hearers.
+
+The greater part of preachers before him had sought rather to amuse
+their auditory than to convert them. The great seriousness which
+predominates in Luther's preaching, and the joy with which the
+knowledge of the gospel has filled his heart, give to his eloquence at
+once an authority, a fervour, and an unction which none of his
+predecessors had. "Endowed," says one of his opponents,[196] "with a
+keen and acute intellect, and a retentive memory, and having an
+admirable facility in the use of his mother tongue, Luther, in point
+of eloquence, yielded to none of his age. Discoursing from the pulpit
+as if he had been agitated by some strong passion, and suiting his
+action to his words, he produced a wonderful impression on the minds
+of his hearers, and like a torrent, carried them along whithersoever
+he wished. So much force, gracefulness, and eloquence, are seldom seen
+in the people of the north." "He had," says Bossuet, "a lively and
+impetuous eloquence, which hurried people away and entranced
+them."[197]
+
+  [196] Florimond Raymond, Hist. H�res. cap. v.
+
+  [197] Hist. des Variat. l. 1.
+
+In a short time the little chapel could not contain the hearers who
+crowded to it. The council of Wittemberg then made choice of Luther
+for their preacher, and appointed him to preach in the town church.
+The impression which he produced here was still greater. The power of
+his genius, the eloquence of his diction, and the excellence of the
+doctrines which he announced, equally astonished his hearers. His
+reputation spread far and wide, and Frederick the Wise himself once
+came to Wittemberg to hear him.
+
+Luther had commenced a new life. The uselessness of the cloister had
+been succeeded by great activity. The liberty, the labour, the
+constant activity to which he could devote himself at Wittemberg,
+completely restored his internal harmony and peace. He was now in his
+place, and the work of God was soon to exhibit its majestic step.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+     Journey to Rome--A Convent on the P�--Sickness at
+     Bologna--Remembrances in Rome--Superstitious
+     Devotion--Profaneness of the Clergy--Conversation--Disorders
+     in Rome--Biblical Studies--Pilate's Stair--Influence on his
+     Faith and on the Reformation--The Gate of Paradise--Luther's
+     Confession.
+
+
+Luther was teaching both in his academic chair and in the church, when
+his labours were interrupted. In 1510, or, according to some, not till
+1511 or 1512, he was sent to Rome. Seven convents of his order having
+differed on certain points with the vicar-general,[198] the activity
+of Luther's mind, the power of his eloquence, and his talent for
+discussion, made him be selected to plead the cause of these seven
+monasteries before the pope.[199] This Divine dispensation was
+necessary to Luther, for it was requisite that he should know Rome.
+Full of the prejudices and illusions of the cloister, he had always
+represented it to himself as the seat of holiness.
+
+  [198] "Quod septem conventus a vicario in quibusdam dissentirent."
+  (Cochloeus, 7.)
+
+  [199] "Quod esset acer ingenio et ad contradicendum audax et
+  vehemens." (Cochloeus, ii.) Because he was of a sharp wit, and bold and
+  vehement in reply.
+
+He accordingly set out and crossed the Alps, but scarcely had he
+descended into the plains of rich and voluptuous Italy, than he found
+at every step subjects of astonishment and scandal. The poor German
+monk was received in a rich convent of Benedictines, situated upon the
+P� in Lombardy. This convent had thirty-six thousand ducats of
+revenue. Of these, twelve thousand were devoted to the table, twelve
+thousand to the buildings, and twelve thousand to the other wants of
+the monks.[200] The gorgeousness of the apartments, the beauty of the
+dresses, and the rarities of the table, all astonished Luther. Marble
+and silk, and luxury under all its forms! How new the sight to the
+humble friar of the poor convent of Wittemberg! He was astonished and
+said nothing, but when Friday came, how surprised was he to see
+abundance of meat still covering the table of the Benedictines! Then
+he resolved to speak out. "The Church and the pope," said he to them,
+"forbid such things." The Benedictines were indignant at this
+reprimand from the rude German, but Luther having insisted, and
+perhaps threatened to make their disorders known, some of them thought
+that the simplest plan was to get rid of their troublesome guest. The
+porter of the convent having warned him that he ran a risk in staying
+longer, he made his escape from this epicurean monastery, and arrived
+at Bologna, where he fell dangerously sick.[201] Some have seen in
+this sickness the effects of poison, but it is simpler to suppose that
+it was the effect which a change of living produced in the frugal monk
+of Wittemberg, whose principal food was wont to be bread and herrings.
+This sickness was not to be unto death, but for the glory of God.
+Luther's constitutional sadness and depression again overpowered him.
+To die thus far from Germany, under this burning sky in a foreign
+land, what a fate! The agonies which he had felt at Erfurt returned
+with all their force. The conviction of his sins troubled, while the
+prospect of the judgment-seat of God terrified him. But at the moment
+when these terrors were at the worst, the passage of St. Paul which
+had struck him at Wittemberg, "The just shall live by faith," (Rom.,
+i, 17,) presented itself to his mind, and illumined his soul as with
+a ray of light from heaven. Revived and comforted, he soon recovered
+his health, and resumed his journey to Rome, expecting he should there
+find quite a different life from that of the Lombard convents, and
+impatient by the sight of Roman holiness to efface the sad impressions
+which had been left upon his mind by his residence on the P�.
+
+  [200] Luth. Op. (W.) xx, p. 1468.
+
+  [201] Matth. Dresser. Hist. Lutheri.
+
+At length, after a painful journey under the burning sky of Italy in
+the beginning of summer, he drew near to the city of the seven hills.
+His heart was moved, and his eyes looked for the queen of the world,
+and of the Church. As soon as he obtained a distant view of the
+eternal city, the city of St. Peter and St. Paul, and the metropolis
+of Catholicism, he threw himself on the ground, exclaiming, "Holy
+Rome, I salute thee."
+
+Luther is in Rome; the professor of Wittemberg is in the midst of the
+eloquent ruins of the Rome of the consuls and emperors--the Rome of
+the confessors and martyrs. Here lived that Plautus and Virgil, whose
+works he had taken with him into the cloister, and all those great men
+whose exploits had always caused his heart to beat. He perceives their
+statues, and the wrecks of monuments which attest their glory. But all
+this glory and all this power are past, and his foot treads on their
+dust. At every step he calls to mind the sad forebodings of Scipio
+shedding tears at the sight of Carthage in ruins, its burned palaces
+and broken walls, and exclaiming, "Thus, too, will it be with Rome!"
+"And in fact," says Luther, "the Rome of the Scipios and C�sars has
+been changed into a corpse. Such is the quantity of ruins, that the
+foundations of the modern houses rest upon the roofs of the old.
+"There," added he, casting a melancholy look on the ruins, "there were
+the riches and treasures of the world."[202] All this rubbish, which
+he strikes with his foot, tells Luther, within the walls of Rome
+herself, that what is strongest in the eyes of men is easily destroyed
+by the breath of the Lord.
+
+  [202] Op. (W.) xxii, pp. 2374, 2377.
+
+But he remembers that with profane ashes holy ashes are mingled. The
+burial-place of the martyrs is not far from that of the generals and
+triumphing heroes of Rome, and Christian Rome, with her sufferings,
+has more power over the heart of the Saxon monk than Pagan Rome with
+her glory. It was here the letter arrived in which Paul wrote, "_The
+just is justified by faith_," and not far off is the Appii Forum and
+the Three Taverns. There was the house of Narcissus--here the palace
+of C�sar, where the Lord delivered the apostle from the mouth of the
+lion. Oh, what fortitude these recollections give to the heart of the
+monk of Wittemberg!
+
+Rome then presented a very different aspect. The pontifical chair was
+occupied by the warlike Julius II, and not by Leo X, as it has been
+said by some distinguished historians of Germany, no doubt through
+oversight. Luther often told an anecdote of this pope. When news was
+brought him of the defeat of his army by the French before Ravenna, he
+was reading his Hours. He dashed the book upon the ground, and said,
+with a dreadful oath, "Very well, so you have turned Frenchman. Is
+this the way in which you protect your Church?" Then turning in the
+direction of the country to whose aid he meant to have recourse, he
+exclaimed, "Holy Switzer, pray for us."[203] Ignorance, levity, and
+dissoluteness, a profane spirit, a contempt of all that is sacred, and
+a shameful traffic in divine things; such was the spectacle which that
+unhappy city presented, and yet the pious monk continued for some time
+in his illusions.
+
+  [203] "Sancte Swizere! ora pro nobis." (Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, pp. 1314,
+  1332.)
+
+Having arrived about the feast of St. John, he hears the Romans about
+him repeating a proverb which was then common among the people:
+"Happy," said they, "is the mother whose son says a mass on the eve of
+St. John." "Oh! how I could like to make my mother happy!" said
+Luther. The pious son of Margaret accordingly sought to say a mass on
+that day, but could not; the press was too great.[204]
+
+  [204] Luth. Op. (W.) Dedication of, 117 pages, vol. vi, L. G.
+
+Ardent and simple-hearted, he went up and down, visiting all the
+churches and chapels, believing all the lies that were told him, and
+devoutly performing the requisite acts of holiness; happy in being
+able to do so many pious works, which were denied to his countrymen.
+"Oh! how much I regret," said the pious German to himself, "that my
+father and mother are still alive. What delight I should have had in
+delivering them from the fire of purgatory, by my masses, my prayers,
+and many other admirable works."[205] He had found the light, but the
+darkness was still far from being entirely banished from his
+understanding. His heart was changed, but his mind was not fully
+enlightened. He possessed faith and love, but not knowledge. It was
+work of no small difficulty to escape from the dark night which had
+for so many ages covered the earth.
+
+  [205] (Ibid.)
+
+Luther repeatedly said mass at Rome, taking care to do it with all the
+unction and dignity which the service seemed to him to require. But
+how grieved was the heart of the Saxon monk, at seeing the profane
+formality of the Roman priests in celebrating the sacrament of the
+altar. The priests, on their part, laughed at his simplicity. One day
+when he was officiating, he found that at the altar next to him seven
+masses had been read before he got through a single one. "Get on, get
+on," cried one of the priests to him; "make haste, and send Our Lady
+back her Son," making an impious allusion to the transubstantiation of
+the bread into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. On another
+occasion, Luther had only got as far as the Gospel, when the priest
+beside him had finished the whole mass. "On, on," said his companion;
+"make haste, make haste; are ye ever to have done?"[206]
+
+  [206] Luth. Op. (W.) xix, von der Winkelmesse, Mathesius, 6.
+
+His astonishment was still greater when, in the dignitaries of the
+Church, he discovered the same thing that he had found in common
+priests. He had hoped better of them.
+
+It was fashionable at the papal court to attack Christianity, and, in
+order to pass for a complete gentleman, absolutely necessary to hold
+some erroneous or heretical opinion on the doctrines of the
+Church.[207] When Erasmus was at Rome, they had attempted to prove to
+him, by passages from Pliny, that there was no difference between the
+soul of man and that of the brutes;[208] and young courtiers of the
+pope maintained that the orthodox faith was merely the result of
+crafty inventions by some saints.[209]
+
+  [207] "In quel tempo non pareva, fosse galantuomo, e buon cortegiano
+  colui che de dogmi, della chiesa non aveva qualche opinion erronea ed
+  heretica." (Carraciola, Vit. MS. Paul IV, quoted by Ranke.)
+
+  [208] Burigny, Vie d'Erasme, i, 139.
+
+  [209] "E medio Roman� curi� sectam juvenum ... qui asserebant, nostram
+  fidem orthodoxam, potius quibusdam sanctorum astutiis subsistere."
+  (Paul Canensius, Vita Pauli II.)
+
+Luther's employment, as envoy of the Augustins of Germany, caused him
+to be invited to several meetings of distinguished ecclesiastics. One
+day, in particular, he happened to be at table with several prelates,
+who frankly exhibited themselves to him in their mountebank manners
+and profane conversation, and did not scruple to commit a thousand
+follies in his presence, no doubt believing him to be of the same
+spirit as themselves. Among other things they related, in presence of
+the monk, laughing and making a boast of it, how when they were saying
+mass, instead of the sacramental words, which should transform the
+bread and wine into the Saviour's flesh and blood, they parodied them,
+and said, "_Panis es, et panis manebis; vinum es, et vinum manebis_:"
+Bread thou art, and bread wilt remain; wine thou art, and wine wilt
+remain. Then, continued they, we raise the _ostensorium_, and all the
+people worship it. Luther could scarcely believe his ears. His spirit,
+which was lively and even gay in the society of his friends, was all
+gravity when sacred things were in question. He was scandalised at the
+profane pleasantries of Rome. "I was," said be, "a young monk, grave
+and pious, and these words distressed me greatly. If they speak thus
+in Rome at table, freely and publicly, thought I to myself, what will
+it be if their actions correspond to their words, and if all, pope,
+cardinals, courtiers, say mass in the same style? And I, who have
+devoutly heard so large a number read, how must I have been
+deceived!"[210]
+
+  [210] Luth. Op. (W.) xix, von der Winkelmesse.
+
+Luther often mingled with the monks and the citizens of Rome. If some
+extolled the pope and his court, the great majority gave free
+utterance to their complaints and their sarcasms. What tales they told
+of the reigning pope, of Alexander VI, and of many others! One day his
+Roman friends told him how C�sar Borgia, after having fled from Rome,
+was apprehended in Spain. When they were going to try him he pleaded
+guilty in prison, and requested a confessor. A monk having been sent,
+he slew him, and, wrapping himself up in his cloak, made his escape.
+"I heard that at Rome, and it is quite certain,"[211] said Luther. One
+day passing through a public street which led to St. Peter's, he
+stopped in amazement before a statue, representing a pope under the
+form of a woman holding a sceptre, clad in the papal mantle, and
+carrying an infant in her arms. It is a girl of Mentz, said they to
+him, whom the cardinals chose for pope, and who had a child at this
+spot. Hence no pope ever passes through this street. "I am
+astonished," said Luther, "how the popes allow the statue to
+remain."[212]
+
+  [211] "Das habe Ich zu Rom f�r gewiss geh�rt." (Luth. Op. (W.) xxii.,
+  1322.)
+
+  [212] "Es nimmt mich wunder, das die P�bste solches Bild leiden
+  k�nnen." (Ibid., p. 1320.)
+
+Luther had expected to find the edifice of the church in strength and
+splendour, but its gates were forced, and its walls consumed with
+fire. He saw the desolations of the sanctuary, and started back in
+dismay. He had dreamed of nothing but holiness, and he discovered
+nothing but profanation.
+
+He was not less struck with the disorders outside the churches. "The
+Roman police," says he, "is strict and severe. The judge or captain
+every night makes a round of the town on horseback, with three hundred
+attendants, and arrests every person he finds in the streets. If he
+meets any one armed he hangs him up, or throws him into the Tiber; and
+yet the city is full of disorder and murder, whereas, when the word of
+God is purely and rightly taught, peace and order are seen to reign,
+and there is no need of law and its severities."[213] "It is almost
+incredible what sins and infamous actions are committed at Rome," says
+he, on another occasion; "one would require to see it and hear it in
+order to believe it. Hence, it is an ordinary saying, that if there is
+a hell, Rome is built upon it. It is an abyss from whence all sins
+proceed."[214]
+
+  [213] Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 2376.
+
+  [214] "Ist irgend eine Hoelle, so muss Rom darauf gebaut seyn." (Ibid.
+  p. 2377.)
+
+This sight made a strong impression on Luther's mind at the time, and
+the impression was deepened at a later period. "The nearer we approach
+Rome the more bad Christians we find," said he several years after.
+"There is a common saying, that he who goes to Rome, the first time
+seeks a rogue, the second time finds him, and the third time brings
+him away with him in his own person; but now people are become so
+skilful, that they make all the three journeys in one." A genius, one
+of the most unhappily celebrated, but also one of the most profound of
+Italy, Machiavelli, who was living at Florence when Luther passed
+through it on his way to Rome, has made the same remark: "The
+strongest symptom," says he, "of the approaching ruin of Christianity,
+(he means Roman Catholicism,) is, that the nearer you come to the
+capital of Christendom the less you find of the Christian spirit. The
+scandalous examples and crimes of the court of Rome are the cause why
+Italy has lost every principle of piety and all religious sentiment.
+We Italians," continues the great historian, "are chiefly indebted to
+the Church and the priests for our having become a set of profane
+scoundrels."[215] At a later period Luther was fully aware how much he
+had gained by his journey "I would not take a hundred thousand
+florins," said he, "not to have seen Rome."[216]
+
+  [215] Dissertations on the first Decade of Titus Livy.
+
+  [216] 100,000 Gulden. (Luth. Op. xxii, p. 2374.)
+
+The journey was also of the greatest advantage to him in a literary
+view. Like Reuchlin, Luther availed himself of his residence in Italy
+to penetrate farther into the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. He
+took lessons in Hebrew from a celebrated rabbi named Elias Levita; and
+thus, at Rome, partly acquired the knowledge of that Divine word under
+whose blows Rome was destined to fall.
+
+But there was another respect in which the journey was of great
+importance to Luther. Not only was the veil torn away and the sardonic
+smile, and mountebank infidelity which lurked behind the Roman
+superstitions, revealed to the future Reformer, but, moreover, the
+living faith which God had implanted in him was powerfully
+strengthened.
+
+We have seen how he at first entered devotedly into all the vain
+observances, to which, as a price, the Church has annexed the
+expiation of sins. One day, among others, wishing to gain an
+indulgence which the pope had promised to every one who should on his
+knees climb up what is called Pilate's Stair, the Saxon monk was
+humbly crawling up the steps, which he was told had been miraculously
+transported to Rome from Jerusalem. But while he was engaged in this
+meritorious act, he thought he heard a voice of thunder which cried at
+the bottom of his heart, as at Wittemberg and Bologna, "_The just
+shall live by faith._" These words, which had already on two different
+occasions struck him like the voice of an angel of God, resounded
+loudly and incessantly within him. He rises up in amazement from the
+steps along which he was dragging his body. Horrified at himself, and
+ashamed to see how far superstition has abased him, he flies far from
+the scene of his folly.[217]
+
+  [217] Seckend., p. 56.
+
+In regard to this mighty word there is something mysterious in the
+life of Luther. It proved a creating word both for the Reformer and
+for the Reformation. It was by it that God then said, "Let light be,
+and light was."
+
+It is often necessary that a truth, in order to produce its due effect
+on the mind, must be repeatedly presented to it. Luther had carefully
+studied the Epistle to the Romans, and yet, though justification by
+faith is there taught, he had never seen it so clearly. Now he
+comprehends the righteousness which alone can stand in the presence of
+God; now he receives from God himself, by the hand of Christ, that
+obedience which he freely imputes to the sinner as soon as he humbly
+turns his eye to the God-Man who was crucified. This is the decisive
+period in the internal life of Luther. The faith which has saved him
+from the terrors of death becomes the soul of his theology, his
+fortress in all dangers, the stamina of his discourse, the stimulant
+of his love, the foundation of his peace, the spur of his labours, his
+consolation in life and in death.
+
+But this great doctrine of a salvation which emanates from God and not
+from man, was not only the power of God to save the soul of Luther, it
+also became the power of God to reform the Church; a powerful weapon
+which the apostles wielded, a weapon too long neglected, but at length
+brought forth in its primitive lustre from the arsenal of the mighty
+God. At the moment when Luther stood up in Rome, all moved and
+thrilling with the words which Paul had addressed fifteen centuries
+before to the inhabitants of this metropolis, truth, till then a
+fettered captive within the Church, rose up also, never again to fall.
+
+Here we must let Luther speak for himself. "Although I was a holy and
+irreproachable monk, my conscience was full of trouble and anguish. I
+could not bear the words, 'Justice of God.' I loved not the just and
+holy God who punishes sinners. I was filled with secret rage against
+him and hated him, because, not satisfied with terrifying us, his
+miserable creatures, already lost by original sin, with his law and
+the miseries of life, he still further increased our torment by the
+gospel.... But when, by the Spirit of God, I comprehended these words;
+when I learned how the sinner's justification proceeds from the pure
+mercy of the Lord by means of faith,[218] then I felt myself revive
+like a new man, and entered at open doors into the very paradise of
+God.[219] From that time, also, I beheld the precious sacred volume
+with new eyes. I went over all the Bible, and collected a great number
+of passages which taught me what the work of God was. And as I had
+previously, with all my heart, hated the words, 'Justice of God,' so
+from that time I began to esteem and love them, as words most sweet
+and most consoling. In truth, these words were to me the true gate of
+paradise."
+
+  [218] "Qua vos Deus misericors justificat per fidem ..." (Luth. Op.
+  (L.) in Pr�f.) By which a merciful God justifies you through faith.
+
+  [219] "Hic me prorsus renatum esse sensi, et apertis portis in ipsum
+  paradisum intrasse." (Ibid.) Here I felt that I was completely born
+  again, and entered by open doors into paradise itself.
+
+Accordingly, when called on solemn occasions to confess this doctrine,
+Luther always manifested his enthusiasm and rude energy. "I see," said
+he on a critical occasion, "that the devil is incessantly attacking
+this fundamental article[220] by the instrumentality of his doctors,
+and that, in this respect, he cannot rest or take any repose. Very
+well, I, Doctor Martin Luther, unworthy evangelist of our Lord Jesus
+Christ, hold this article--_that faith alone, without works, justifies
+in the sight of God_; and I declare that the emperor of the Romans,
+the emperor of the Turks, the emperor of the Tartars, the emperor of
+the Persians, the pope, all the cardinals, bishops, priests, monks,
+nuns, princes, and nobles, all men and all devils, must let it stand,
+and allow it to remain for ever. If they will undertake to combat this
+truth, they will bring down the flames of hell upon their heads. This
+is the true and holy gospel, and the declaration of me, Doctor Luther,
+according to the light of the Holy Spirit.... Nobody," continues he,
+"has died for our sins but Jesus Christ the Son of God. I repeat it
+once more; should the world and all the devils tear each other, and
+burst with fury, this is, nevertheless, true. And if it be He alone
+who takes away sin, it cannot be ourselves with our works; but good
+works follow redemption, as the fruit appears on the tree. This is our
+doctrine; and it is the doctrine which the Holy Spirit teaches with
+all true Christians. We maintain it in the name of God. Amen."
+
+  [220] Gloss on the Imperial Edict. 1531. (Luth. Op. (L.) tom. xx.)
+
+It was thus Luther found what all doctors and reformers, even the most
+distinguished, had, to a certain degree at least, failed to discover.
+It was in Rome that God gave him this clear view of the fundamental
+doctrine of Christianity. He had come to the city of the pontiffs
+seeking the solution of some difficulties relative to a monastic
+order, and he carried away in his heart the safety of the Church.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VII.
+
+     Return--Doctor's Degree--Carlstadt--Luther's Oath--Principle
+     of Reform--Luther's Courage--First Views of Reformation--The
+     Schoolmen--Spalatin--Affair of Reuchlin.
+
+
+Luther quitted Rome and returned to Wittemberg, his heart full of
+sadness and indignation. Turning away his eyes in disgust from the
+pontifical city, he directed them in hope to the Holy Scriptures, and
+to that new light of which the word of God seemed then to give promise
+to the world. This word gained in his heart all that the Church lost
+in it. He detached himself from the one and turned towards the other.
+The whole Reformation was in that movement. It put God where the
+priest had hitherto been.
+
+Staupitz and the elector did not lose sight of the monk whom they had
+called to the university of Wittemberg. It would seem that the
+vicar-general had a presentiment of the work that was to be done in
+the world, and, feeling it too much for himself, wished to urge on
+Luther. There is nothing more remarkable, and perhaps more mysterious,
+than this personage, who is ever found hurrying on the monk into the
+path to which God calls him; and who himself ultimately goes and sadly
+ends his days in a convent. The preaching of the young professor had
+made an impression on the prince. He had admired the vigour of his
+intellect, the nervousness of his eloquence, and the excellence of his
+expositions.[221] The elector and his friend, wishing to advance a man
+who gave such high hopes, resolved to make him take the honourable
+degree of Doctor of Divinity. Staupitz repairing to the convent, led
+Luther into the garden, and there alone with him, under a tree which
+Luther was afterwards fond of showing to his disciples,[222] the
+venerable father said to him--" It is now necessary, my friend, that
+you become a doctor of the Holy Scriptures." Luther recoiled at the
+idea; the high honour frightened him. "Look out," replied he, "for a
+more worthy person; as for me, I cannot consent to it." The
+vicar-general insisted, "The Lord God has much to do in the Church,
+and has need at present of young and vigorous doctors." These words,
+adds Melancthon, were perhaps used half in jest, and yet the event
+realised them. Many omens ordinarily precede great revolutions.[223]
+It is not necessary to suppose that Melancthon here speaks of
+miraculous predictions. The most incredulous age--that which preceded
+our own--saw this sentiment verified. There was no miracle; and yet
+how many presages announced the revolution with which it closed?
+
+  [221] "Vim ingenii, nervos orationis, ac rerum bonitatem expositarum
+  in concionibus admiratus fuerat." (Melancth. Vita Luth.)
+
+  [222] "Unter einem Baum, den er mir und andern gezeigt." (Mathes. 6.)
+
+  [223] "Multa pr�cedunt mutationes pr�sagia." (Vita Luth.)
+
+"But I am weak and sickly," replied Luther, "and have not long to
+live. Seek a strong man." "The Lord," replied the vicar-general, "has
+work in heaven as well as on the earth; dead or alive, God has need of
+you in his counsel."[224]
+
+  [224] "Ihr lebet nun oder sterbet, so darff euch Gott in seinem
+  Rathe." (Mathes. 6.)
+
+"None but the Holy Spirit can make a doctor of theology,"[225]
+exclaimed the monk, still more alarmed. "Do what your convent asks,"
+said Staupitz, "and what I, your vicar-general, command. You promised
+to obey us." "But my poverty," replied the friar. "I have no means of
+paying the expences attendant on such promotion." "Give yourself no
+trouble about them," said his friend. "The prince has been graciously
+pleased to take all the expences on himself." Luther, thus urged, saw
+it his duty to yield.
+
+  [225] "Neminem nisi Spiritum Sanctum creare posse doctorem theologi�."
+  (Weismanni Hist. Eccl i, p. 1404.)
+
+This was towards the end of the summer of 1512. Luther set out for
+Leipsic to receive the money necessary for his promotion from the
+elector's treasures. But according to the usages of courts, the money
+came not. The friar getting impatient would have left, but monastic
+obedience detained him. At length, on the 4th of October, he received
+fifty florins from Pfeffinger and John Doltzig, and gave them his
+receipt for it, in which he designates himself merely as a monk. "I,
+Martin," says he, "friar of the order of Eremites."[226] Luther
+hastened back to Wittemberg.
+
+  [226] Luth., Ep. i, p. 2.
+
+Andrew Bodenstein was then Dean of the Faculty of Theology, and is
+best known under the name of Carlstadt, being that of his native town.
+He was also called A. B. C. It was Melancthon who first gave him this
+designation, which is taken from the three initial letters of his
+name. Bodenstein acquired the first elements of literature in his
+native place. He was of a grave and gloomy temper, perhaps inclined to
+jealousy, and of a restless intellect, eagerly bent, however, on
+acquiring knowledge, and endowed with great ability. He attended
+different universities in order to increase his acquirements, and
+studied theology even at Rome. On his return from Italy into Germany
+he established himself at Wittemberg, and became doctor in divinity.
+"At this period," says he himself afterwards, "I had not read the Holy
+Scriptures."[227] This account gives a very just idea of what the
+theology of that day was. Carlstadt, besides being a professor, was a
+canon and archdeacon. This is the person who was at a later period to
+make a rent in the Reformation. In Luther at that time, he only saw an
+inferior, but the Augustin soon became an object of jealousy to him.
+"I am not willing," said he one day, "to be a smaller man than
+Luther."[228] When Carlstadt conferred the highest university degree
+on his future rival, he was far from foreseeing the celebrity which
+the young professor was destined to obtain.
+
+  [227] Weismanni Hist. Eccl., p. 1416.
+
+  [228] Ibid.
+
+On the 18th of October, 1512, Luther was admitted a licentiate in
+theology, and took the following oath:--"I swear to defend evangelical
+truth by every means in my power."[229] The following day, Bodenstein,
+in presence of a numerous assembly, formally delivered to him the
+insignia of doctor of theology. He was made Biblical doctor, not
+doctor of sentences, and in this way was called to devote himself to
+the study of the Bible, and not to that of human tradition.[230] The
+oath, then, which he took was, as he relates,[231] to his well-beloved
+Holy Scripture. He promised to preach it faithfully, to teach it
+purely, to study it during his whole life, and to defend it by
+discussion and by writing, as far as God should enable him to do so.
+
+  [229] "Jure me veritatem evangelicam viriliter defensurum." I swear
+  that I will manfully defend evangelical truth."
+
+  [230] "Doctor Biblicus," _and not_ "sententiarius." (Melancthon.)
+
+  [231] Luth., Op. (W.) xvi, p. 2061. Mathesius, p. 7.
+
+This solemn oath was Luther's call to be the Reformer. In laying it
+upon his conscience freely to seek, and boldly to announce Christian
+truth, this oath raised the new doctor above the narrow limits to
+which his monastic vow might perhaps have confined him. Called by the
+university and by his sovereign, in the name of the emperor, and of
+the See of Rome itself, and bound before God, by the most solemn oath,
+he was thenceforth the intrepid herald of the word of life. On this
+memorable day, Luther was dubbed knight of the Bible.
+
+Accordingly, this oath taken to the Holy Scriptures, may be regarded
+as one of the causes of the renovation of the Church. The infallible
+authority of the word of God alone was the first and fundamental
+principle of the Reformation. All the reformations in detail which
+took place at a later period, as reformations in doctrine, in manners,
+in the government of the Church, and in worship, were only
+consequences of this primary principle. One is scarcely able at the
+present time to form an idea of the sensation produced by this
+elementary principle, which is so simple in itself, but which had been
+lost sight of for so many ages. Some individuals of more extensive
+views than the generality, alone foresaw its immense results. The bold
+voices of all the Reformers soon proclaimed this powerful principle,
+at the sound of which Rome is destined to crumble away:--"Christians,
+receive no other doctrines than those which are founded on the express
+words of Jesus Christ, his apostles, and prophets. No man, no assembly
+of doctors, are entitled to prescribe new doctrines."
+
+The situation of Luther was changed. The call which the Reformer had
+received became to him like one of these extraordinary calls which the
+Lord addressed to the prophets under the Old Dispensation, and to the
+apostles under the New. The solemn engagement which he undertook made
+so deep an impression on his mind, that, in the sequel, the
+remembrance of this oath was sufficient to console him amid the
+greatest dangers and the sharpest conflicts. And when he saw all
+Europe agitated and shaken by the word which he had announced; when it
+seemed that the accusations of Rome, the reproaches of many pious men,
+and the doubts and fears of his own easily agitated heart, would make
+him hesitate, fear, and give way to despair, he called to mind the
+oath which he had taken, and remained firm, tranquil, and full of joy.
+"I have advanced in the name of the Lord," said he, on a critical
+occasion, "and I have put myself into his hands. His will be done. Who
+asked him to make me a doctor? If He made me, let him sustain me; or
+if he repents of having made me, let Him depose me!.... This
+tribulation terrifies me not. I seek one thing only, and it is to have
+the Lord favourable to me in all that he calls me to do." Another time
+he said, "He who undertakes any thing without a divine call, seeks his
+own glory; but I, Doctor Martin Luther, was compelled to become a
+doctor. Papism sought to stop me in the discharge of my duty, and you
+see what has happened to it; and still worse will happen. They will
+not be able to defend themselves against me. I desire, in the name of
+the Lord, to tread upon the lions, and trample under foot the dragons
+and vipers. This will commence during my life, and be finished after
+my death."[232]
+
+  [232] Luth. Op. (W.) xxi, 2061.
+
+From the hour when he took the oath Luther sought the truth solely for
+itself and for the Church. Still deeply impressed with recollections
+of Rome, he saw indistinctly before him a course which he determined
+to pursue with all the energy of his soul. The spiritual life which
+had hitherto been manifested within him was now manifested outwardly.
+This was the third period of his development. His entrance into the
+convent had turned his thoughts towards God: the knowledge of the
+forgiveness of sins and of the righteousness of faith, had emancipated
+his soul; and his doctor's oath gave him that baptism of fire by which
+he became the Reformer of the Church.
+
+His thoughts were soon directed in a general way to the subject of
+reformation. In a discourse which he had written apparently with a
+view to its being announced by the Provost of Litzkan, at the Council
+of Lateran, he affirmed that the corruption of the world was
+occasioned by the priests, who, instead of preaching the pure word of
+God, taught so many fables and traditions. According to him the word
+of life alone had power to accomplish the spiritual regeneration of
+man. Hence, even at this period, he made the salvation of the world
+depend on the re-establishment of sound doctrine, and not on a mere
+reformation of manners. Luther was not perfectly consistent with
+himself; he entertained contradictory opinions; but a powerful
+intellect was displayed in all his writings. He boldly broke the links
+by which the systems of the schools chained down human thought, passed
+beyond the limits to which past ages had attained, and formed new
+paths for himself. God was in him.
+
+The first opponents whom he attacked were those famous schoolmen whom
+he had so thoroughly studied, and who then reigned as sovereigns in
+all universities. He accused them of Pelagianism; and, forcibly
+assailing Aristotle, the father of the school, and Thomas Aquinas,
+undertook to tumble both of them from the throne on which they sat,
+the one ruling philosophy, and the other theology.[233] "Aristotle,
+Porphyry, the theologians of sentences," (the schoolmen,) wrote he to
+Lange, "are the lost studies of our age.[234] There is nothing I more
+ardently long for than to expose this player, who has sported with the
+Church by wrapping himself up in a Greek mask, and to make his
+disgrace apparent to all." In all public disputations he was heard to
+say, "the writings of the apostles and prophets are more certain and
+more sublime than all the sophisms and all the theology of the
+school." Such sayings were new, but people gradually became accustomed
+to them. About a year after he could triumphantly write--"God works.
+Our theology and St. Augustine make wonderful progress, and reign in
+our university. Aristotle is on the decline, and is already tottering
+to his speedy and eternal overthrow. The lessons on the sentences are
+admirable for producing a yawn. No man can hope to have an audience if
+he does not profess Biblical theology."[235] Happy the university to
+which such a testimony can be given.
+
+  [233] "Aristotelem in philosophicis, sanctum Thomam in theologicis,
+  evertendos susceperat." (Pallavicini, i, 16.) He had undertaken to
+  overthrow Aristotle among the philosophers, and Thomas Aquinas among
+  the theologians.
+
+  [234] "Perdita studia nostri s�culi." Ep. i, 15. (8th Feb., 1516.)
+
+  [235] Ep. i, 57. (18th May, 1517.)
+
+At the same time that Luther attacked Aristotle, he took the part of
+Erasmus and Reuchlin against their enemies. He entered into
+communication with these great men and others of the learned, such as
+Pirckheimer, Mutian, and H�tten, who belonged more or less to the same
+party. At this period he formed another friendship also, which was of
+great importance to him during his whole life.
+
+There was then at the court of the elector a man distinguished for
+wisdom and candour, named George Spalatin. Born at Spalatus or Spalt,
+in the bishopric of Eichstadt, he had at first been curate of the
+village of Hohenkirch, near the forest of Thuringia, and was
+afterwards selected by Frederick the Wise to be his secretary and
+chaplain, and also tutor to his nephew, John Frederick, who was one
+day to wear the electoral crown. Spalatin retained his simplicity in
+the midst of the court. He appeared timid on the eve of great events,
+circumspect and prudent like his master,[236] when contrasted with the
+impetuous Luther, with whom he was in daily correspondence. Like
+Staupitz he was made for peaceful times. Such men are necessary,
+somewhat resembling those delicate substances in which we wrap up jems
+and trinkets to protect them from injury in travelling. They seem
+useless, and yet without them the precious jewels would have been
+broken and destroyed. Spalatin was not fitted to do great things, but
+he faithfully and unostentatiously acquitted himself of the task which
+had been assigned to him.[237] He was at first one of the principal
+assistants of his master in collecting those relics of saints, of
+which Frederick was long an amateur, but gradually, along with the
+prince, turned toward the truth. The faith which was then re-appearing
+in the Church did not take the firm hold of him that it did of Luther.
+He proceeded at a slower pace. He became Luther's friend at court, the
+minister through whom all affairs between the Reformer and the princes
+were transacted, the mediator between the Church and the State. The
+elector honoured Spalatin with his friendship; when on a journey they
+always travelled in the same carriage.[238] In other respects, the air
+of the court often half suffocated the good chaplain. He took fits of
+melancholy, and would have liked to quit all his honours, and be again
+a simple pastor in the woods of Thuringia; but Luther consoled him,
+and exhorted him to remain firm at his post. Spalatin acquired general
+esteem; the princes and the learned of his time testifying the
+sincerest regard for him. Erasmus said, "I inscribe the name of
+Spalatin not only among those of my principal friends, but also
+amongst those of my most venerated patrons; and this not on paper but
+on my heart."[239]
+
+  [236] "Secundum genium heri sui." (Weismanni Hist. Eccl., i, p. 1434.)
+
+  [237] "Fideliter et sine strepitu fungens." (Weismanni Hist. Eccl. i,
+  p. 1434.)
+
+  [238] "Qui sum principe in rheda sive lectico solitus est ferri."
+  (Corpus Reformatorum, i, 33.)
+
+  [239] Melch. Ad. Vita Spalat. p. 100.
+
+The affair of Reuchlin and the monks was then making a great noise in
+Germany. The most pious men were often at a loss as to the party which
+they ought to embrace; for the monks wished to destroy Jewish books
+which contained blasphemies against Christ. The doctor of Wittemberg
+being now in high repute, the elector ordered his chaplain to consult
+him on this subject. The following is Luther's reply. It is the first
+letter which he addressed to the preacher of the court.
+
+"What shall I say? These monks pretend to drive out Beelzebub, but not
+by the finger of God. For this I cease not to lament and groan. We
+Christians begin to be wise abroad, and we are void of sense at
+home.[240] On all the places of Jerusalem are blasphemies a hundred
+times worse than those of the Jews. The world is filled with
+spiritual idols. Inspired with a holy zeal, we should put away and
+destroy these internal enemies, whereas we leave the matter which is
+most pressing; the devil himself persuading us to abandon our own
+business at the same time that he prevents us from amending what
+belongs to others."
+
+  [240] "Foris sapere et domi desipere." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 8.) To be wise
+  abroad and fools at home.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VIII.
+
+     Faith--Popular Declamations--Academical Instruction--Moral
+     Purity of Luther--German Theology or Mysticism--The Monk
+     Spenlein--Justification by Faith--Luther on Erasmus--Faith
+     and Works--Erasmus--Necessity of Works--Practice of Works.
+
+
+Luther did not lose himself in this quarrel. Living faith in Christ
+filled his heart and his life. "In my heart," said he, "faith in my
+Lord Jesus Christ reigns sole, and sole ought to reign. He alone is
+the beginning, the middle, and the end, of all the thoughts which
+occupy my mind night and day."[241] He was always heard with
+admiration when he spoke of this faith in Christ, whether in the
+professor's chair or in the church. His lessons diffused light, and
+men were astonished at not having sooner perceived truths which in his
+mouth appeared so evident. "The desire of justifying ourselves," said
+he, "is the source of all anguish of heart, whereas he who receives
+Jesus Christ as a Saviour has peace, and not only peace, but purity of
+heart. Sanctification of the heart is entirely a fruit of faith; for
+faith is in us a Divine work, which changes us, and gives us a new
+birth, emanating from God himself. It kills Adam in us by the Holy
+Spirit, which it communicates to us, giving us a new heart, and making
+us new men. "It is not by hollow speculation," exclaimed he again,
+"but by this practical method that we obtain a saving knowledge of
+Jesus Christ."[242]
+
+  [241] Pr�f. ad Gal.
+
+  [242] "Non per speculationem, sed per hanc viam practicam."
+
+At this time Luther preached discourses on the Ten Commandments, which
+have come down to us under the name of _Popular Declamations_.
+Undoubtedly there are errors in them; for Luther himself was
+enlightened only by degrees. "The path of the just is like the shining
+light, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day." But in these
+discourses what truth! what simplicity! what eloquence! How easy to
+conceive the effect which the new preacher must have produced upon his
+audience and his age! We will quote only one passage taken from the
+commencement.
+
+Luther goes up into the pulpit of Wittemberg, and gives out these
+words, "Thou shalt have no other god before me." Then addressing
+himself to the people who filled the church, he says, "All the sons of
+Adam are idolaters, and guilty of violating this First Commandment."[243]
+This strange assertion no doubt surprises his hearers. He must therefore
+justify it, and accordingly proceeds:--"There are two kinds of idolatry,
+the one without, the other within.
+
+  [243] "Omnes filii Ad� sunt idololatr�." (Decem Pr�cepta
+  Wittembergensi populo pr�dicata per R. P. D Martinum Lutherum, Aug.
+  anno 1516.) These discourses were pronounced in German, but we quote
+  from the Latin edition, i, p. 1.
+
+"The one without is, when man worships wood and stone, beasts and
+stars.
+
+"The one within is, when man, fearing punishment or seeking his ease,
+does not give worship to the creature, but loves it internally, and
+confides in it.
+
+"What religion is this? You do not bend the knee before riches and
+honours, but you offer them your heart, the noblest part of you. Ah!
+you worship God with the body, and with the spirit you worship the
+creature.
+
+"This idolatry reigns in every man until he is cured of it freely by
+the faith which is in Jesus Christ.
+
+"And how is this cure performed?
+
+"In this way. Faith in Christ strips you of all confidence in your own
+wisdom, your own righteousness, your own strength. It tells you that
+if Christ had not died for you, and so saved you, neither yourself nor
+any creature could have done it.[244] Then you learn to despise all
+those things which remained useless to you.
+
+  [244] "Nisi ipse pro te mortuus esset, tequs servaret, nec tu, nec
+  omnis creatura tibi posset prodesse." (Ibid.) Had he not died for
+  thee, and did he not preserve thee, neither thyself nor any creature
+  would be able to do thee good.
+
+"There now remains to you only Jesus; Jesus alone; Jesus fully
+sufficient for your soul. No longer having any hopes in the creatures,
+you have now Christ only, in whom you hope all, and whom you love
+above all. Now Jesus is the sole, the only, the true God. When you
+have him for God you have no longer other gods."[245]
+
+  [245] "At Jesus est verus, unus, solus Deus, quem cum habes non habes
+  alienum deum. (Ibid.) But Jesus is God, sole, only, and true; having
+  him you have no strange god.
+
+It is thus Luther shows how, by the gospel, the soul is brought back
+to God its sovereign good, agreeably to the words of Jesus Christ, "I
+am the way; no man cometh unto the Father but by me." The man who
+speaks thus to his age is not merely desirous to overthrow some
+abuses; he is first of all desirous to establish true religion. His
+work is not negative merely--it is primarily positive.
+
+Luther afterwards directs his discourse against the superstitions with
+which Christendom then abounded, against signs and mysterious
+characters, observations of certain days and certain months, familiar
+demons, ghosts, the influence of the stars and wizards, metamorphoses,
+incubuses and succubuses, the patronage of saints, etc., etc. He
+attacks these idols one after the other, and vigorously casts down
+these false gods.
+
+But it was at the university especially, in presence of enlightened
+youths, eager for truth, that Luther laid open all the treasures of
+the word of God. "His mode of explaining the Scriptures," says his
+illustrious friend, Melancthon, "was such, that in the judgment of all
+pious and enlightened men it was as if a new light had risen upon
+doctrine after a long dark night. He pointed out the difference
+between the Law and the Gospel. He refuted the error then prevalent in
+churches and schools, that men merit the forgiveness of sins by their
+own works, and are rendered righteous before God by means of external
+discipline. He thus brought back the hearts of men to the Son of
+God.[246] Like John the Baptist, he pointed to the Lamb of God, who
+had taken away the sins of the world. He explained how sins are
+pardoned freely for the sake of the Son of God, and how man receives
+the blessing through faith. He made no change in ceremonies; on the
+contrary, the established discipline had not, in his order a more
+faithful observer and defender. But he laboured more and more to make
+all comprehend the great and essential doctrines of conversion, of the
+forgiveness of sins, of faith, and the true consolation which is to be
+found in the cross. The pious were charmed and penetrated with the
+sweetness of this doctrine, while the learned received it gladly.[247]
+One would have said that Christ, the apostles and prophets, were
+coming forth from darkness and a loathsome dungeon."[248]
+
+   [246] "Revocavit igitur Lutherus hominum mentes ad Filium Dei."
+   (Melancth. Vita Luth.)
+
+   [247] "Hujus doctrin� dulcedine pii omnes valde capiebantur, et
+   eruditis gratum erat." (Ibid.)
+
+   [248] "Quasi ex tenebris, carcere squalore, educi Christum, prophetas,
+   apostolos." (Ibid.)
+
+The firmness with which Luther fortified himself by Scripture gave
+great authority to his teaching, while other circumstances added to
+his power. His life corresponded to his words--his discourses were not
+merely from the life,[249] they came from the heart, and were
+exemplified in all his conduct. And when the Reformation burst forth
+many influential men, who were much grieved at seeing the rents that
+were made in the Church, won over by the Reformer's purity of conduct,
+and his admirable talents, not only did not oppose him, but even
+embraced the doctrine to which his works bore testimony.[250] The more
+they loved Christian virtue the more they inclined to the Reformer.
+All honest theologians were in his favour.[251] Such is the testimony
+of those who knew him, in particular of Melancthon, the wisest man of
+his age, and Erasmus, Luther's celebrated opponent. Yet prejudice has
+dared to speak of his debauchery. Wittemberg was changed by this
+preaching of faith, and became the focus of a light which was soon to
+illumine Germany, and diffuse itself over all the Church.
+
+  [249] "Oratio non in labris nasci, sed in pectore." (Ibid.)
+
+  [250] "Eique propter auctoritatem, quam sanctitate morum antea
+  pepererat, adsenserunt." (Melancth. Vita Luth.)
+
+  [251] "Puto et hodie theologos omnes probos favere Luthero." (Erasmi,
+  Ep. i, 652.)
+
+In 1516, Luther published a treatise by an anonymous mystic
+theologian, (probably Ebland, priest at Frankfort,) entitled _German
+Theology_, wherein the author shows how man may attain perfection by
+the three methods of purification, illumination, and communion. Luther
+never plunged into mystical theology, but he received a salutary
+impression from it. It confirmed him in the disgust which he felt for
+dry scholastics--in his contempt for the works and observances so much
+dwelt upon by the Church--in his conviction of man's spiritual
+impotence, and of the necessity of grace, and in his attachment to the
+Bible. "To the schoolmen,"[252] wrote he to Staupitz, "I prefer the
+Mystics and the Bible;" thus placing the Mystics by the side of the
+inspired writers. Perhaps the _German Theology_ also assisted him in
+forming a sounder idea of the sacraments, and especially of the mass.
+For the author of that work insists that the Eucharist gives Christ to
+man, but does not offer Christ to God. Luther accompanied this
+publication with a preface, in which he declared, that next to the
+Bible and St. Augustine, there was no book he had ever met with, from
+which he had learned more respecting God, Christ, man, and all things.
+Already several doctors had begun to inveigh against the Professors of
+Wittemberg, and to accuse them of innovation. "One would suppose,"
+continues Luther, "that there never were men before us who taught as
+we do; yea, verily, there were. But the wrath of God, which our sins
+have deserved, did not permit us to see them, and to hear them. For a
+long time the universities kept the word of God lying in a corner. Let
+them read this book, and then tell me if our theology is new; for this
+book is not new."[253] But if Luther took all the good that was in
+mystical theology, he took not the bad that was in it. The great error
+in mysticism is, to overlook a free salvation. We are going to see a
+remarkable example of the purity of Luther's faith.
+
+  [252] "Illis pr�fero mysticos et Biblia." (Luth. Ep. i, 107.)
+
+  [253] Die Deutsche Theologie, Strasbourg, 1519; Pr�f.
+
+Luther, possessed of a tender and affectionate heart, was desirous to
+see those whom he loved in possession of the light which had guided
+him into the paths of peace; and availed himself of all the
+opportunities which he had, as professor, preacher, and monk, as well
+as of his extensive correspondence, to communicate his treasure to
+others. One of his old brethren of the convent of Erfurt, the monk
+George Spenlein, was then in the convent of Memmingen. After having
+spent some time at Wittemberg, Spenlein had asked the doctor to sell
+different articles which he had left, viz., a tunic of Brussels cloth,
+a work of a doctor of Isenach, and a monk's frock. Luther carefully
+executed this commission. "I have received," said he to Spenlein, in a
+letter, 7th April 1516, "a florin for the tunic, half a florin for the
+book, and a florin for the frock, and have remitted the whole to the
+father-vicar," to whom Spenlein owed three florins. But Luther passes
+quickly from this account of monastic spoils to a more important
+subject.
+
+"I should like much," says he to friar George, "to know how it is with
+your soul. Is it not weary of its own righteousness? does it not
+breathe at length and confide in the righteousness of Christ? In our
+day pride seduces many, especially those who do their utmost to become
+righteous. Not comprehending the righteousness which is freely given
+us of God in Christ Jesus, they would stand before him by their
+merits. But that cannot be. When you lived with us you were in this
+error, as I also was. I am still constantly fighting with it; and have
+not yet completely triumphed.
+
+"O my dear brother, learn to know Christ and Christ crucified. Learn
+to sing unto him a new song; to despair of thyself, and say, 'Thou, O
+Lord Jesus! thou art my righteousness, and I am thy sin! Thou hast
+taken what is mine, and given me what is thine.[254] What thou wert
+not thou hast become, in order that what I was not I might become.'
+Take care, O my dear George, not to pretend to such a purity as will
+make you unwilling to acknowledge yourself a sinner; for Christ dwells
+in sinners only. He came down from heaven, where he dwelt among the
+righteous, that he might dwell also among sinners. Meditate carefully
+on this love of Christ, and thou wilt derive ineffable blessing from
+it. If our labours and our afflictions could give us peace of
+conscience, why should Christ have died? Thou wilt find peace only in
+him, by despairing of thyself and of thy works, and learning with
+what love he opens his arms to thee, takes upon him all thy sins, and
+gives thee all his righteousness."
+
+  [254] "Tu, domine Jesu, es justitia mea; ego autem sum peccatum tuum:
+  tu assumpsisti meum, et dedisti mihi tuum." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 17.)
+
+Thus the powerful doctrine which had already saved the world in the
+days of the Apostles, and which was to save it a second time in the
+days of the Reformers, was expounded by Luther with force and
+clearness. Stretching over numerous ages of ignorance and
+superstition, he here shook hands with St. Paul.
+
+Spenlein was not the only person whom he sought to instruct in this
+fundamental doctrine. He felt uneasy at the little truth which he
+discovered in this respect in the writings of Erasmus. It was of
+importance to enlighten a man whose authority was so great, and whose
+genius was so admirable. But how was he to do it? His friend at court,
+the elector's chaplain, was respected by Erasmus; and it is to him
+Luther addresses himself. "My dear Spalatin, the thing which
+displeases me in Erasmus, that man of vast erudition, is, that by the
+righteousness of works or of the law, of which the apostle speaks, he
+understands the fulfilment of the ceremonial law. The justification of
+the law consists not in ceremonies only, but in all the works of the
+Decalogue. When these works are performed without faith in Christ,
+they may, it is true, make Fabriciuses, Reguluses, and other men of
+strict integrity in the eyes of the world, but then they as little
+deserve to be called righteousness, as the fruit of a medlar to be
+called a fig. For we do not become righteous, as Aristotle pretends,
+by doing works of righteousness; but when we have become righteous we
+do such works.[255] The man must first be changed, and then the works.
+Abel was first pleasing to God, and then his sacrifice." Luther
+continues, "I pray you, fulfil the duty of a friend and of a
+Christian, by making Erasmus acquainted with those things." This
+letter is dated "In haste, from the corner of our convent, 19th Oct.,
+1516." It gives a true view of the footing on which Luther stood with
+Erasmus, and shows the sincere interest which he felt in whatever he
+thought truly advantageous to this distinguished writer. No doubt, at
+a later period, the opposition of Erasmus to the truth forced Luther
+to combat him openly, but it was only after he had sought to enlighten
+his opponent.
+
+  [255] "Non enim justa agendo justi efficimur: sed justi fiendo et
+  essendo, operamur justa." (Luth. Ep. i. p. 22.)
+
+At length those views on the nature of goodness were propounded which
+were at once clear and profound, and the great truth was distinctly
+proclaimed, that the real goodness of a work consists not in its
+external form, but in the spirit in which it is done. Thus giving a
+mortal blow to all the superstitious observances, which had for ages
+choked the Church, and prevented Christian virtues from growing and
+flourishing in it.
+
+"I read Erasmus," again writes Luther, "but he is every day losing his
+credit with me. I like to see him, with so much skill and firmness,
+rebuking priests and monks for their loathsome ignorance, but I fear
+he will not do great service to the doctrine of Jesus Christ. What is
+of man has more hold on his heart than what is of God.[256] We live in
+dangerous times. A man is not a good and judicious Christian because
+he understands Greek and Hebrew. Jerome, who knew five languages, is
+inferior to Augustine, who only knew one, though Erasmus thinks
+differently. I am very careful to conceal my sentiments concerning
+Erasmus, lest I should give an advantage to his opponents. It may be
+the Lord will give him understanding in his own time."[257]
+
+  [256] "Humana pr�valent in eo plusquam divina." The human prevails in
+  him more than the divine.
+
+  [257] "Dabit ei Dominus intellectum suo forte tempore." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  p. 52.)
+
+The impotence of man, and the omnipotence of God, were the two truths
+which Luther wished to re-establish. It is a sad religion and a sad
+philosophy which throws man back upon his natural powers. Ages have
+made trial of these boasted powers, and while man has of himself
+succeeded wonderfully in things which concern his earthly existence,
+he has never been able to dissipate the darkness which hides the true
+knowledge of God from his mind, nor to change a single inclination of
+his heart. The highest degree of wisdom attained by ambitious
+intellects, or minds inflamed with ardent longings after perfection,
+has only plunged them into despair.[258] The doctrine, therefore,
+which unveils to us our impotence, in order to acquaint us with a
+Divine power, which shall enable us to do all things, is a generous,
+consoling, and perfectly true doctrine; and the reformation which
+exhibits the glory of heaven on the earth, and pleads the rights of
+Almighty God with men, is a great reformation.
+
+  [258] ti oun; dunaton anamarteton einai
+  ede.  What, is it possible then to be without sin? asks
+  Epictetus, (iv, 12, 19.) Amechanon Impossible! he replies.
+
+But nobody was better aware than Luther of the intimate and
+indissoluble tie which unites the gratuitous salvation of God with the
+free works of man. Nobody showed better than he that it is only by
+receiving all from Christ that man can give much to his brethren. He
+always presented the two acts, that of God and that of man, in the
+same picture. Thus, after having explained to friar Spenlein wherein
+saving righteousness consists, he adds "If you believe these things
+firmly as you ought to do, (for cursed is he who believeth not,)
+receive thy still ignorant and erring brethren as Jesus Christ has
+received thee. Bear with them patiently, make their sins thy own, and
+if thou hast any thing good, communicate it unto them. Receive one
+another, saith the Apostle, as Christ hath received us to the glory of
+God. It is a sad righteousness which will not bear with others,
+because it finds them wicked, and which thinks only of seeking the
+solitude of the desert, instead of doing them good by patience,
+prayer, and example. If thou art the lily and the rose of Christ, know
+that thy dwelling is among the thorns. Only take care that thou do not
+by thy impatience, thy rash judgments, and thy hidden pride, become
+thyself a thorn. Christ reigns in the midst of his enemies. Had he
+been pleased to live only among the good, and to die only for those
+who loved him, for whom, I ask, would he have died, and among whom
+would he have lived?"
+
+It is touching to see how Luther himself carried these precepts of
+charity into practice. An Augustin of Erfurt, named George Leiffer,
+was subjected to severe trials. Luther learned it, and eight days
+after he had written the letter to Spenlein, went up to him kindly,
+and said--"I learn that you are agitated by many tempests, and that
+your spirit is tossed up and down upon the billows.... The cross of
+Christ is portioned out over all the earth, and each one receives his
+part. Do not you, then, reject that which is fallen to you. Rather
+receive it as a holy relic, not in a vessel of gold and of silver, but
+what is far better, in a heart of gold--a heart full of meekness. If
+the wood of the cross has been so sanctified by the blood and flesh of
+Christ, that we consider it to be the most venerable relic, how much
+more ought we to regard the injuries, persecutions, inflictions, and
+hatred of men as holy relics, since they have not only been touched by
+the flesh of Christ, but embraced, kissed, and blessed by his
+boundless love?"[259]
+
+  [259] ... "Sanctissim� reliqui� ... deific� voluntatis su� charitate
+  amplex� osculat�." (Luth. Ep. i, 18.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IX.
+
+     First Theses--The Old Man and Grace--Visit to the
+     Convents--Dresden--Erfurt--Tornator--Peace and the
+     Cross--Results of the Journey--Labours--The Plague.
+
+
+The instructions of Luther bore fruit. Several of his disciples
+already felt themselves urged publicly to profess the truths which the
+lessons of their master had revealed to them. Among his hearers was a
+learned youth, named Bernard of Feldkirchen, professor of the physics
+of Aristotle in the university, and who, five years afterwards, was
+the first of the evangelical ecclesiastics who entered into the bond
+of matrimony.
+
+Luther, while he was presiding, desired Feldkirchen to maintain theses
+in which his principles were expounded. The doctrines professed by
+Luther thus acquired new publicity. The disputation took place in
+1516, and was Luther's first attack on the reign of the sophists and
+the Papacy. However feeble it was, it gave him considerable
+uneasiness. "I allow these propositions to be printed," said he, many
+years after, on publishing them in his works, "principally in order
+that the greatness of my cause, and the success with which God has
+crowned it, may not puff me up. For they fully manifest my shame; that
+is to say, the infirmity and ignorance, the fear and trembling, with
+which I commenced this struggle. I was alone, and had imprudently
+plunged into this affair. Not being able to draw back, I conceded
+several important points to the pope, and even adored him."[260]
+
+  [260] "Sed etiam ultro adorabam." (Luth. Op. (L.) p. 50.)
+
+The following are some of these propositions:[261]--
+
+  [261] Luth. Op. (L) xvii. p. 142; and in the Latin Works, tom. i, p.
+  51.
+
+"The old man is vanity of vanities--he is wholly vanity, and renders
+all other creatures vain, how good soever they be.
+
+"The old man is called _the flesh_, not only because he is led by
+sensual lusts, but also because, even though he were chaste, prudent,
+and just, he is not born anew of God by the Spirit.
+
+"A man who is without the grace of God cannot observe the commands of
+God, nor prepare himself, in whole or in part, to receive grace, but
+necessarily remains under sin.
+
+"The will of man without grace is not free, but enslaved, and that
+voluntarily.
+
+"Jesus Christ, our strength and our righteousness, who trieth the
+hearts and reins, is alone the Searcher and Judge of our merits.
+
+"Since everything is possible through Christ to him who believeth, it
+is superstitious to seek other aid, whether in the will of man or in
+the saints."[262]
+
+  [262] "Cum Credenti omnia sint, auctore Christo, possibilia,
+  superstitiosum est, humano arbitrio, aliis sanctis, alia deputari
+  auxilia." (Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 142.)
+
+This disputation made a great noise, and has been considered as the
+commencement of the Reformation.
+
+The moment approached when this reformation was to burst forth. God
+was hastening to prepare the instrument which he meant to employ. The
+elector having built a new church at Wittemberg, to which he gave the
+name of "All-Saints," sent Staupitz into the Netherlands to collect
+the relics with which he was desirous to enrich it. The vicar-general
+ordered Luther to take his place during his absence, and in particular
+to pay a visit to forty monasteries in Misnia and Thuringia.
+
+Luther repaired first to Grimma, and thence to Dresden, everywhere
+labouring to establish the truths which he had ascertained, and to
+enlighten the members of his own order. "Don't attach yourself to
+Aristotle, or to other teachers of a deceitful philosophy," said he to
+the monks, "but diligently read the word of God. Seek not your
+salvation in your own strength, and your own good works, but in the
+merits of Christ, and in Divine grace."[263]
+
+  [263] Hilscher's Luther's Anwesenheit in Alt Dresden, 1728.
+
+An Augustin monk of Dresden had run off from his convent, and was
+living at Mayence, where the prior of the Augustins had received him.
+Luther wrote to the prior[264] to demand restitution of the lost
+sheep, and added these words, which are full of truth and charity, "I
+know that offences must come. It is no wonder that man falls; but it
+is a wonder he rises again, and stands erect. Peter fell, in order
+that he might know that he was a man; and we still see the cedar of
+Lebanon fall. Angels even (a thing which surpasses our comprehension)
+fell in heaven, and Adam fell in paradise. Why then be astonished when
+a reed is shaken by the wind, and the smoking flax is quenched?" From
+Dresden, Luther proceeded to Erfurt, to do the duties of vicar-general
+in the very convent where, eleven years before, he had wound up the
+clock, opened the door, and swept the Church. He appointed his friend,
+bachelor John Lange, a learned and pious, but austere man, prior of
+the convent, exhorting him to affability and patience. Shortly after
+he wrote him, "Show a spirit of meekness towards the prior of
+Nuremberg. This is fitting, inasmuch as the prior has put on a sour
+and bitter spirit. Bitter is not expelled by bitter, that is to say,
+devil by devil; but sweet expels bitter, that is to say, the finger of
+God casts out demons."[265]
+
+  [264] 1st May 1516, Ep. i, p. 20.
+
+  [265] (Luth. Ep. i, p. 36.) "Non enim asper asperum, id est, non
+  diabolus diabolum, sed suavis asperum, id est, digitus Dei ejicit
+  d�monia."
+
+It must perhaps be regretted, that on different occasions Luther did
+not remember this excellent advice.
+
+At Neustadt on Orla there was nothing but division. Quarrelling and
+disturbance reigned in the convent. All the monks were at war with the
+prior, and assailed Luther with their complaints. The prior, Michael
+Dressel, or Tornator, as Luther calls him, translating his name into
+Latin, on his part explained all his grievances to the doctor.
+"Peace! peace!" said he. "You seek peace," replied Luther, "but you
+seek the peace of the world, and not that of Christ. Know you not that
+our God has placed his peace in the midst of war? He whom nobody
+troubles has no peace. But he who, troubled by all men, and by all the
+things of life, bears all calmly and joyfully, possesses true peace.
+You say, with Israel, Peace, peace; and there is no peace. Say rather
+with Christ, The cross, the cross; and there will be no cross. For the
+cross ceases to be a cross as soon as we can sincerely say with joy, O
+blessed cross, there is no wood like thine!"[266] After his return to
+Wittemberg, Luther, wishing to put an end to these divisions allowed
+the monks to elect another prior.
+
+  [266] "Tam cito enim crux cessat esse crux quam cito I tus dixeris:
+  Crux benedicta! inter ligna nullum tale." (Ep. i, 27.)
+
+Luther returned to Wittemberg after an absence of six weeks. He was
+grieved at all that he had seen, but the journey gave him a better
+acquaintance with the Church and the world; gave him more confidence
+in his intercourse with men and furnished him with numerous
+opportunities of founding schools, and urging this fundamental truth,
+that "the Holy Scripture alone shows us the way to heaven," and to
+exhort the brethren to live together holily, chastely, and
+peacefully.[267] Doubtless, much seed was sown in the different
+Augustin convents during this journey of the Reformer. The monastic
+orders, which had long been the stay of Rome, perhaps did more for the
+Reformation than against it. This is true especially of the order of
+Augustins. Almost all pious men of a free and exalted spirit who were
+in cloisters, turned to the gospel, and a new and noble blood soon
+circulated in their orders, which were in a manner the arteries of
+German Catholicity. The world knew nothing of the new ideas of the
+Augustin of Wittemberg, after they had become the great subject of
+conversation in chapters and monasteries. In this way, more than one
+cloister was a seminary of reformers. At the moment when the great
+blow was struck, pious and brave men came forth from their obscurity,
+and abandoned the retreat of the monastic life, for the active career
+of ministers of the word of God. Even during the inspection of 1516,
+Luther by his words awoke many slumbering spirits, and hence this year
+has been called "the morning star of the gospel day."
+
+  [267] "Heiliglich, friedlich und z�chtig." (Mathes. p. 10.)
+
+Luther resumed his ordinary avocations. At this period he was
+oppressed with work; it was not enough that he was professor,
+preacher, and confessor; he had, moreover, a variety of temporal
+business connected with his order and his convent. "I almost
+constantly require two clerks," wrote he; "for I do little else the
+whole day than write letters. I am preacher to the convent, chaplain
+at table, pastor and parish minister, director of studies, vice-prior,
+which means prior eleven times over, inspector of the ponds of
+Litzkau, advocate of the inns of Herzberg at Torgau, reader of St.
+Paul, commentator on the Psalms.... I have seldom time to say my Hours
+and chant,--to say nothing of my combat with flesh and blood, the
+devil and the world.... See how lazy a man I am."[268]
+
+  [268] Ep. i, p. 41, to Lange, (26th Oct. 1516.)
+
+About this time the plague broke out in Wittemberg, and a great part
+of the students and teachers left the town. Luther remained. "I don't
+well know," wrote he to his friend at Erfurt, "if the plague will
+allow me to finish the Epistle to the Galatians. Prompt and brisk, it
+makes great ravages, especially among the young. You advise me to
+flee. Whither shall I flee? I hope the world will not go to wreck
+though friar Martin fall.[269] If the plague makes progress, I will
+disperse the friars in all directions, but for myself I am stationed
+here, and obedience permits me not to flee, till he who has called me
+recall me. Not that I do not fear death, (for I am not the Apostle
+Paul, I am only his commentator;) but I hope the Lord will deliver me
+from fear." Such was the firmness of the doctor of Wittemberg. Will
+he, whom the plague could not force to recoil one step, recoil before
+Rome? Will he yield to the power of the scaffold?
+
+  [269] "Quo fugiam? Spero quod non corruet orbis, ruente fratre
+  Martino." (Ibid.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. X.
+
+     Relations of Luther with the Elector--Luther and the
+     Elector--Counsels to the Chaplain--Duke George--His
+     Character--Luther before the Court--Dinner at Court--Emser's
+     Supper.
+
+
+The same courage which Luther displayed in presence of most formidable
+evils, he displayed in presence of the great. The elector was much
+pleased with the vicar-general, who had made a good collection of
+relics in the Netherlands. Luther gives an account of it to Spalatin.
+There is something curious in this affair of relics occurring at the
+moment when the Reformation is about to commence. Assuredly the
+Reformers had little idea of the point at which they were to arrive.
+A bishopric seemed to the elector only a fit recompence to the
+vicar-general. Luther, to whom Spalatin wrote on the subject, strongly
+disapproved of it. "Many things," replied he, "please your prince,
+which, however, displease God. I deny not his ability in the affairs
+of the world, but in what concerns God and the salvation of souls, I
+account him seven-fold blind as well as his counsellor Pfeffinger. I
+say not this behind their backs like a slanderer; don't hide it from
+them, for I am ready to say it personally to both. Why," continues he,
+"would you environ this man with all the whirlwinds and tempests of
+episcopal cares?"[270]
+
+  [270] "Multa placent principi tuo, qu� Deo displicent." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  25.)
+
+The elector did not take Luther's frankness in bad part. "The prince,"
+says Spalatin in a letter to him, "often speaks of you, and with much
+respect." Frederick sent the monk stuff to make a cassock of very fine
+cloth. "It would be too fine," said Luther, "were it not the gift of a
+prince. I am unworthy that any man should think of me, far less that a
+prince should, and so great a prince. The most useful persons to me
+are those who think the most ill of me.[271] Return thanks to our
+prince for his favour; but know that I desire not to be praised by
+you, or by any man--all praise of man being vain, and the praise which
+cometh from God alone being true."
+
+  [271] "li mihi maxime prosunt, qui mei pessime meminerint." (Ibid.
+  45.)
+
+The excellent chaplain did not wish to confine himself to his court
+functions. He desired to render himself useful to the people; but,
+like many of all times, he wished to do it without giving offence. He
+not only wished not to irritate any one, but, on the contrary, to
+conciliate general favour. "Point out," says he to Luther, "some work
+which I may translate into our mother tongue, a work which will please
+generally, and at the same time be useful." "Agreeable and useful!"
+replies Luther; "the request is beyond me. The better things are, the
+less they please. What is more salutary than Jesus Christ? And yet to
+most he is a savour of death. You will tell me that you wish to be
+useful to those who love what is good. In that case, just let the
+voice of Christ be heard. You will be agreeable and useful, depend
+upon it; but it will be to a very small number: for the sheep are rare
+in this region of wolves."[272]
+
+  [272] Quo sunt aliqua salubriora eo minus placent." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  p.46)
+
+Luther, however, recommended to his friend the sermons of Tauler. "I
+have never seen," said he, "either in Latin or our own tongue a
+sounder theology, or one more agreeable to the gospel. Taste and see
+how sweet the Lord is; but be it after you have tasted and seen how
+bitter every thing is that is ours."[273]
+
+  [273] "Quam amarum est quicquid nos sumus." (Ibid. p. 46.)
+
+It was in the course of the year 1517 that Luther entered into
+communication with Duke George of Saxony. The House of Saxony had then
+two heads. The princes, Ernest and Albert, carried off in their youth
+from the castle of Altenbourg by Kunz of Kaufungen, had, by the treaty
+of Leipsic, become the founders of the two houses which still bear
+their name. The Elector Frederick, the son of Ernest, at the period of
+which we write, was the chief of the Ernestine branch, while his
+brother, Duke George, was chief of the Albertine branch. Dresden and
+Leipsic were in the states of the duke, who had his residence in the
+former of these cities. His mother, Sidonia, was daughter of George
+Podiebrad, King of Bohemia. The long struggle which Bohemia had
+maintained with Rome, from the days of John Huss, had had some
+influence on the prince of Saxony, and he had often shown a desire for
+a reformation. "He has sucked it from his mother," it was said: "he is
+by birth an enemy of the clergy."[274] He in various ways annoyed the
+bishops, abbots, canons, and monks, in so much that his cousin, the
+elector, was more than once obliged to interpose in their behalf. It
+might have been supposed that Duke George would be a warm partisan of
+the Reformation. Devout Frederick, on the contrary, who had once put
+on the spurs of Gregory in the Holy Sepulchre, girt himself with the
+great ponderous sword of the conqueror of Jerusalem, and taking an
+oath to combat for the Church, like a bold knight, might have been
+expected to prove one of the most eager champions of Rome. But when
+the gospel is in question, the anticipations of human wisdom are often
+at fault. The result was the opposite of what might have been
+supposed. The duke would have taken pleasure in humbling the Church,
+and those connected with it, and lowering the bishops, whose princely
+train far surpassed his own; but to receive into his heart the
+evangelical doctrine which must have humbled it, to acknowledge
+himself a guilty sinner, incapable of being saved, unless through
+grace, was quite a different matter. He would willingly have reformed
+others, but he had no desire to reform himself. He would, perhaps,
+have assisted in obliging the bishop of Mentz to be contented with a
+single bishopric, and have no more than fourteen horses in his stable,
+as he himself repeatedly expressed it;[275] but when he saw another
+than himself appear as reformer,--when he saw a mere monk undertake
+the work,--and the Reformation gaining numerous adherents among the
+humbler classes,--the haughty grandson of the Hussite king became the
+most violent adversary of the reform of which he had at first promised
+to be a partisan.
+
+  [274] Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 1849.
+
+  [275] Ibid.
+
+In July 1517, Duke George asked Staupitz to send him a learned and
+eloquent preacher. Staupitz sent Luther representing him as a man of
+great learning and irreproachable character. The prince invited him to
+preach at Dresden, in the chapel of the castle on the feast of St.
+James the Elder.
+
+On the day fixed the duke and his court proceeded to the chapel to
+hear the preacher of Wittemberg.
+
+Luther gladly seized the occasion to bear testimony to the truth
+before such an assembly. He took for his text the gospel of the day,
+"Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons."
+(Matth., xx, 20-25.) He preached on the wishes and rash prayers of
+men; then dwelt strongly on the assurance of salvation, making it rest
+on this foundation, viz., That those who hear the word of God with
+faith are the true disciples, whom Jesus Christ has elected unto
+eternal life. He next treated of eternal election, showing that this
+doctrine, when exhibited in connection with the work of Christ, is
+well fitted to calm the terrors of conscience, and so, instead of
+disposing men to flee from God, allures them to seek their refuge in
+Him. In conclusion, he brought forward a parable of three virgins, and
+drew a very instructive improvement from it.
+
+The word of truth made a deep impression on the hearers. Two in
+particular appeared to give earnest attention to the discourse of the
+monk of Wittemberg. The one was a respectable looking lady who sat in
+one of the court pews, and whose features bespoke deep emotion. It was
+Madam de la Sale, grand mistress to the duchess. The other was Jerome
+Emser, a licentiate in canon law, and secretary and counsellor to the
+duke. Emser was a man of talent and extensive information. A courtier
+and able politician, his wish would have been to please both parties
+at once; to pass at Rome for a defender of the papacy, and at the same
+time figure in Germany among the learned men of the age. But under
+this flexible spirit a violent temper lay concealed. Thus Luther and
+Emser, who were afterwards repeatedly to break a lance, met for the
+first time in the chapel of the castle of Dresden.
+
+The dinner-bell having rung for the inmates of the castle, the ducal
+family and the persons attached to the court were soon seated at the
+table. The conversation naturally turned on the preacher of the
+morning. "How did you like the sermon?" said the duke to Madam de la
+Sale. "Could I again hear such another discourse," replied she, "I
+could die in peace." "And I," replied George, angrily, "would give a
+good sum not to have heard it. Such discourses are good only to make
+people sin with confidence."
+
+The master having thus stated his opinion, the courtiers proceded
+without restraint to express their dissatisfaction. Every one was
+ready with his remark. Some alleged, that in the parable of the three
+virgins, Luther had had three ladies of the court in his eye. On this
+the talk was endless. They rallied the three ladies whom they affirmed
+that Luther had intended.[276] He is an ignorant blockhead, said one.
+He is a proud monk, said another. Each had his comment on the sermon,
+making the preacher say whatever he pleased. The truth had fallen into
+the midst of a court ill prepared to receive it. Every one tore it at
+pleasure. But while the word of God was to many an occasion of
+stumbling, to the grand mistress it was a stone "elect and precious."
+Falling sick about a month after, she confidently embraced the grace
+of the Saviour, and died rejoicing.[277]
+
+  [276] "Has tres postea in aula principis a me notatas garrierunt."
+  (Luth. Ep. i, 85.) It was afterwards prattled that I had alluded to
+  three ladies of the court.
+
+  [277] Keith, Leb. Luth., p. 32.
+
+In regard to the duke, perhaps the testimony which he had heard given
+to the truth was not in vain. However much he opposed the Reformation
+during his life, it is known that in his last moments he declared,
+that his only hope was in the merits of Jesus Christ.
+
+It naturally fell to Emser to do the honours to Luther in his master's
+name. He accordingly invited him to supper. Luther refused; but Emser
+insisted and constrained him to come. Luther only expected to meet a
+few friends, but he soon perceived that a trap had been laid for
+him.[278] A master of arts from Leipsic, and several Dominicans, were
+with the prince's secretary. The master of arts, who had an
+overweening opinion of himself, and a deep hatred of Luther, accosted
+him with a bland and friendly air; but he soon broke out, and screamed
+at full pitch.[279] The battle began. "The discussion," says Luther,
+"turned on the absurdities of Aristotle and St. Thomas."[280] At last
+Luther challenged the master of arts, with all the erudition of the
+Thomists, to define what it was to fulfil the commandments of God. The
+master of arts, though embarrassed, put on a good countenance. "Pay me
+my fees," says he, stretching out his hand, "_da pastum_." One would
+have said, he was going to give a lesson in form, mistaking the
+guests for his pupils. "At this foolish reply," adds the Reformer, "we
+all burst a laughing, and the party broke up."
+
+  [278] "Inter medias me insidias conjectum." (Luth. Ep. i, 85.) That I
+  had fallen into a snare.
+
+  [279] "In me acriter et clamose invectus est." (Ibid.) He keenly and
+  clamorously inveighed against me.
+
+  [280] "Super Aristotelis et Thom� nugis." (Ibid.) On the trifles of
+  Aristotle and Thomas.
+
+During the conversation, a Dominican had been listening at the door,
+and would fain have come in to spit in Luther's face.[281] He
+refrained, however, though he afterwards made a boast of it. Emser,
+who had been delighted at seeing his guests battling, while he seemed
+to hold a due medium, hastened to apologise to Luther for the manner
+in which the party had gone off.[282] Luther returned to Wittemberg.
+
+  [281] "Ne prodiret et in faciem meam spueret." (Luth. Ep. i, 85.) From
+  coming forward and spitting in my face.
+
+  [282] "Enixe se excusavit." (Ibid.) Earnestly excused himself.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XI
+
+     Return to Wittemberg--Theses--Nature of
+     Man--Rationalism--Demand at Erfurt--Eck--Urban
+     Regius--Luther's Modesty.
+
+
+Luther zealously resumed his labours. He was preparing six or seven
+young theologians, who were forthwith to undergo an examination in
+order to obtain a licence to teach. And what most delighted him was,
+that their promotion was to be to Aristotle's disgrace. "I should
+like," said he, "to multiply his enemies as fast as possible."[283]
+With that view, he at this time published Theses, which deserve
+attention.
+
+  [283] "Cujus vellem hostes cito quam plurimos fieri." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  59.) Whose enemies I could wish quickly to become as numerous as
+  possible.
+
+The leading topic which he discussed was _liberty_. He had already
+glanced at it in the theses of Feldkirchen, but now went deeper into
+it. Ever since Christianity began, there has been a struggle, more or
+less keen, between the opposite doctrines of the freedom and the
+slavery of man. Some schoolmen had taught, like Pelagius and others,
+that man possessed in himself the liberty or power of loving God and
+doing good. Luther denied this liberty, not to deprive man of it, but,
+on the contrary, to make him obtain it. The struggle, then, in this
+great question, is not, as is usually said, between liberty and
+servitude; but between a liberty proceeding from man, and a liberty
+proceeding from God. Some who call themselves the advocates of
+liberty, say to man, "You have the power of doing good, and require a
+greater liberty." Others, who have been called advocates of slavery,
+say to him, on the contrary, "You have no true liberty; but God offers
+it to you in the gospel." The one party speaks of liberty, but a
+liberty which must end in slavery; while the other speaks of slavery,
+in order to give liberty. Such was the struggle in the time of St.
+Paul, in the time of Augustine, and in the time of Luther. Those who
+say "Change nothing!" are champions of slavery. Those who say "Let
+your fetters fall!" are champions of liberty.
+
+It would be a mistake, however, to suppose that the whole Reformation
+can be summed up in this particular question. It is one of the many
+doctrines which the Wittemberg doctor maintained--that is all. It
+would, above all, be a strange illusion to hold, that the Reformation
+was fatalism, or an opposition to liberty. It was a magnificent
+emancipation of the human mind. Bursting the numerous bands with which
+thought had been bound by the hierarchy, and reviving the ideas of
+liberty, right, and examination, it delivered its own age, and with it
+ours also, and the remotest posterity. And let it not be said that the
+Reformation, while it freed man from human despotism, enslaved him by
+proclaiming the sovereignty of grace. No doubt, it wished to bring
+back the human will to the Divine, to subordinate the one, and
+completely merge it in the other; but what philosopher knows not that
+entire conformity to the will of God alone constitutes sovereign,
+perfect freedom; and that man will never be truly free, until supreme
+righteousness and truth have sole dominion over him?
+
+The following are some of the Ninety-nine Propositions which Luther
+sent forth into the Church, in opposition to the Pelagian rationalism
+of scholastic theology.
+
+"It is true that man, who is become a corrupt tree, can only will and
+do what is evil.
+
+"It is not true that the will, when left to itself, can do good as
+well as evil; for it is not free but captive.
+
+"It is not in the power of the will of man to choose or reject
+whatever is presented to it.
+
+"Man cannot naturally wish God to be God. His wish is that he himself
+were God, and that God were no God.
+
+"The excellent, infallible, and sole preparation for grace, is the
+eternal election and predestination of God.[284]
+
+  [284] "Optima et infallibilis ad gratiam pr�paratio et unice
+  dispositio, est �terna Dei electio et pr�destinatio." (Luth. Op. (L.)
+  i, 56.) The best and infallible preparation, and the only
+  predisposition for grace, is the eternal election and predestination
+  of God.
+
+"It is false to say that when man does all he can, he clears away the
+obstacles to grace.
+
+"In one word, nature possesses neither a pure reason nor a good
+will.[285]
+
+  [285] "Breviter, nec rectum dictamen habet natura nec bonam
+  voluntatem." (Ibid.) Briefly, nature has neither a right dictate nor a
+  good will.
+
+"On the part of man, there is nothing which precedes grace, unless it
+be impotence and even rebellion.
+
+"There is no moral virtue without pride or sullenness, that is to say,
+without sin.
+
+"From the beginning to the end we are not the masters of our actions,
+but the slaves of them.
+
+"We do not become righteous by doing what is righteous, but having
+become righteous we do what is righteous.
+
+"He who says that a theologian who is not a logician is a heretic and
+an adventurer, maintains an adventurous and heretical proposition.
+
+"There is no form of reasoning (syllogism) which accords with the
+things of God.[286]
+
+  [286] "Nulla forma syllogistica tenet in terminis divinis." (Luth. Op.
+  (L.) i, 56.) No syllogistic form holds in divine terms.
+
+"If the form of the syllogism could be applied to divine things, we
+should know the article of the Holy Trinity, and should not believe
+it.
+
+"In one word, Aristotle is to theology as darkness to light.
+
+"Man is more hostile to the grace of God than he is to the law itself.
+
+"He who is without the grace of God sins incessantly, even though he
+neither kills, nor steals, nor commits adultery.
+
+"He sins, for he does not fulfil the law spiritually.
+
+"Not to kill, and not to commit adultery, externally, and in regard to
+action, merely, is the righteousness of hypocrites.
+
+"The law of God and the will of man are two adversaries, who, without
+the grace of God, can never agree.[287]
+
+  [287] "Lex et voluntas sunt adversarii duo, sine gratia Dei
+  implacabiles." (Ibid. 57.) Law and will are two adversaries implacable
+  without the grace of God.
+
+"What the law wishes the will never wishes; only from fear it may make
+a show of wishing.
+
+"The law is the hangman of the will, and is subject only to the Child
+who has been born unto us.[288] (Isaiah, ix, 6.)
+
+  [288] "Lex est exactor voluntatis, qui non superatur nisi per Parvulum
+  qui natus est nobis." (Ibid.)
+
+"The law makes sin abound; for it irritates and repulses the will.
+
+"But the grace of God makes righteousness abound, through Jesus
+Christ, who makes us love the law.
+
+"Every work of the law appears good externally, but internally is sin.
+
+"The will, when it turns toward the law without the grace of God, does
+so only for its own interest.
+
+"Cursed are those who do the works of the law.
+
+"Blessed are all those who do the works of the grace of God.
+
+"The law, which is good, and in which we have life, is the law of the
+love of God, shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, (Rom., v,
+5.)
+
+"Grace is not given in order that works may be done more frequently
+and more easily, but because without grace there cannot be any work of
+love.
+
+"To love God is to hate oneself, and know nothing out of God."[289]
+
+  [289] Luth. Op. Lips. xvii, p. 143, et Op. Lat. i.
+
+In this way Luther attributes to God all the good that man can do. The
+thing to be done is not to repair, or, so to speak, to patch up the
+will of man; an entirely new will must be given him. God alone could
+say this; for God alone could perform it. This is one of the greatest
+and most important truths that the will of man can acknowledge.
+
+But Luther, while proclaiming the impotence of man, did not fall into
+the opposite extreme. He says in the eighth thesis, "It follows not
+that the will is naturally bad, that is to say, that its nature is of
+the essence of evil, as the Manichees taught."[290] Originally the
+nature of man was essentially good; but it turned aside from goodness,
+that is, God, and is inclined to evil. Still its origin remains holy
+and glorious, and is capable, by the power of God, of regaining its
+original. The object of Christianity is to restore it. The gospel, it
+is true, exhibits man in a state of degradation and impotence, but as
+placed between two glories and two grandeurs,--a past glory, from
+which he has been precipitated, and a future glory, to which he is
+called. This is the truth, and man knows it to be the truth; and how
+little soever he thinks of it, he easily discovers that all which is
+told him of his actual purity, power, and glory, is only a lie,
+designed to cradle his pride and rock it asleep.
+
+  [290] "Nec ideo sequitur quod sit naturaliter mala, id est natura
+  mali, secundum Manich�os." (Ibid.) Nor does it therefore follow that
+  it is naturally evil, _i.e._, of the nature of evil, according to the
+  Manichees.
+
+Luther, in his theses, attacked not only the pretended goodness of
+man's will, but also the pretended light of his understanding in
+regard to divine things. In fact, scholasticism had exalted reason as
+well as the will. This theology, in the hands of some of its teachers,
+was, at bottom, only a species of rationalism. The propositions which
+we have enumerated indicate this; for they look as if directed against
+the rationalism of our own day. In the theses, which were the signal
+of the Reformation, Luther attacked the Church and the popular
+superstitions which to the gospel had added indulgences, purgatory,
+and numberless abuses. In those which we have just given he attacked
+the school and the rationalism which had robbed the gospel of the
+doctrine of the sovereignty of God, his revelation and his grace. The
+Reformation attacked rationalism before it attacked superstition. It
+proclaimed the rights of God before lopping off the excrescences of
+man. It was positive before it was negative. This has not been
+sufficiently attended to, and yet, without attending to it, it is
+impossible duly to appreciate the character of this religious
+revolution.
+
+Be this as it may, the truths which Luther thus expressed with so much
+energy were quite new. To maintain these theses at Wittemberg had been
+an easy matter. There his influence was paramount, and it would have
+been said that he had chosen a field of battle where he knew no
+combatant could appear. In offering battle in another university he
+gave them a greater publicity; and it was by publicity that the
+Reformation was effected. He turned his eyes towards Erfurt, where the
+theologians had shown themselves so exasperated against him.
+
+He, accordingly, sent his theses to John Lange, prior of Erfurt, and
+wrote him as follows: "My anxiety for the decision which you will give
+as to these theses is great, extreme, too great, perhaps, and keeps me
+on the rack. I much suspect that your theologians will consider as
+paradoxical and _kakodoxical_,[291] what I must henceforth regard as
+most orthodox. Tell me how it is, and as soon as you possibly can.
+Have the goodness to make known to the Faculty of Theology, and to
+all, that I am ready to come and publicly maintain these propositions
+either in the university or the monastery." It does not seem that
+Luther's challenge was accepted. The monks of Erfurt contented
+themselves with intimating that his theses had incurred their high
+displeasure.
+
+  [291] "Imo cacodoxa videri suspicor." (Luth. Ep. 60.) Nay, I suspect
+  they will be thought cacodox, (false doctrine.)
+
+But he was desirous to send them to some other part of Germany; and
+with that view bethought him of a man who plays an important part in
+the history of the Reformation, and with whom the reader must be made
+acquainted.
+
+A distinguished professor, named John Meyer, was then teaching in the
+university of Ingolstadt, in Bavaria. He was a native of Eck, a
+village in Swabia, and was commonly called Doctor Eck. He was a friend
+of Luther, who respected his talents and acquirements. Full of
+intellect, he had read much, and was possessed of a very retentive
+memory. To erudition he added eloquence. His voice and gesture bespoke
+the vivacity of his genius. In regard to talent, Eck was in the south
+of Germany what Luther was in the north. They were the two most
+distinguished theologians of the period, though of very different
+views. Ingolstadt was almost the rival of Wittemberg. The reputation
+of these two doctors attracted crowds of eager students from all
+quarters to the universities in which they taught; their personal
+qualities not less than their abilities endearing them to their
+pupils. The character of Doctor Eck has been assailed, but an anecdote
+in his history will show that at this period, at least, his heart was
+not closed against generous impressions.
+
+Among the students whom his fame had attracted to Ingolstadt was a
+young man, named Urban Regius, from the banks of an Alpine lake. He
+had first studied at the university of Fribourg in Brisgau. On his
+arrival at Ingolstadt, to which he had been attracted by the fame of
+Doctor Eck, Urban engaged in his course of philosophy, and gained the
+favour of his master. Requiring to provide for his maintenance, he was
+under the necessity of taking charge of some young noblemen, and had
+not only to superintend their studies and their conduct, but also to
+purchase on his own account whatever books and clothes they required.
+The youths dressed in style, and kept a good table. Regius becoming
+embarrassed prayed the parents to recall their sons. "Never fear," was
+the answer. His debts increased, his creditors became pressing, and he
+was at his wit's end. The emperor was raising an army against the
+Turks, and a recruiting party having arrived at Ingolstadt, Urban in
+despair enlisted. Clothed in military attire, he appeared in the ranks
+at the time when the review took place, previous to their departure.
+Doctor Eck coming up at that instant with several of his colleagues,
+was greatly surprised to discover his student among the recruits.
+"Urban Regius!" said he, fixing his keen eye on him. "Here," replied
+the recruit. "What, pray, is the cause of this?" The young man told
+his story. "I take the matter upon myself," replied Eck, and setting
+his halberd aside, bought him off from the recruiting party. The
+parents, threatened by the Doctor with the displeasure of the prince,
+sent the necessary funds to defray the expences of their children, and
+Urban Regius was saved to become at a later period one of the pillars
+of the Reformation.
+
+Doctor Eck occurred to Luther as the proper person to publish his
+theses on Pelagianism and scholastic rationalism in the south of the
+empire. He did not, however, send them to the professor of Ingolstadt
+directly, but employed a mutual friend, the excellent Christopher
+Scheurl, secretary to the town of Nuremberg, praying him to send them
+to Eck at Ingolstadt, which is at no great distance from Nuremberg. "I
+send you," says he, "my paradoxical, and even kakistodoxical
+(kakistodoxas) propositions, as many think them.
+Communicate them to our dear friend, the very learned and talented Eck,
+that I may learn and know what he thinks of them."[292] These were the
+terms in which Luther then spoke of Doctor Eck; such was the friendship
+then subsisting between them. It was not Luther who broke it off.
+
+  [292] "Eccio nestro, eruditissimo et ingeniosissimo viro exhibete, ut
+  audiam et videam quid vocet illas." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 63.) Show them to
+  our most learned and ingenious Eck, that I may hear and see what he
+  calls them.
+
+Ingolstadt, however, was not the field on which the battle was to be
+fought. The doctrines on which these theses turned were perhaps of
+greater importance than those which, two months after, set the Church
+in a blaze; and yet, notwithstanding of Luther's challenges, they
+passed unnoticed. At most, they were read within the circle of the
+school, and produced no sensation beyond it. The reason was, because
+they were only university propositions and theological doctrines,
+whereas the subsequent theses related to an evil which had grown up in
+the midst of the people, and was then causing devastation in all parts
+of Germany. So long as Luther was contented with reviving forgotten
+doctrines, all was silence; but when he attacked abuses which were
+universally felt, every one turned to listen.
+
+Nevertheless, all that Luther proposed in either case was to produce
+one of those theological discussions which were then so common in
+universities. To this circle his views were confined. He was humble,
+and his humility amounted even to distrust and anxiety. "Considering
+my ignorance," said he, "all I deserve is to be hid in a corner,
+without being known by any one under the sun."[293] But a mighty hand
+drew him out of this corner in which he wished to remain unknown to
+the world. A circumstance, independent of Luther's will, threw him
+into the field of battle, and the war commenced. This providential
+circumstance we are now called upon to relate.
+
+  [293] Luth. Op. (W.) xviii, 1944.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK THIRD.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+THE INDULGENCES AND THESES.
+
+1517, 1518.
+
+     Cort�ge--Tezel--Tezel's Discourse--Confession--Four
+     Graces--Sale--Public Penance--A Letter of
+     Indulgence--Exceptions--Feasting and Debauchery.
+
+
+At this period the people of Germany were all in motion. The Church
+had opened a vast market on the earth. From the crowd of customers,
+and the noise and pleasantry of the sellers, one would have thought it
+a fair, only a fair held by monks. The merchandise which they were
+showing off, and selling a bargain, was, as they said, the salvation
+of souls.
+
+The merchants travelled the country in a fine carriage, accompanied by
+three mounted attendants, journeying in grand style, and living at
+great expence. One would have said it was some high Mightiness with
+his suite and officers, and not a vulgar dealer or mendicant monk.
+When the cort�ge approached a town, a messenger was despatched to the
+magistrate to say, "The grace of God and of St. Peter is at your
+gates." Immediately the whole place was in motion. Clergy, priests,
+nuns, the council, school-masters and their scholars, the
+incorporations with their colours, men and women, old and young, went
+out to meet the merchant with lighted tapers in their hand, amid the
+sound of music and the ringing of bells, "insomuch," says a historian,
+"that God himself could not have been received with greater honour."
+After the formalities were over the whole body proceeded to the
+church. The Bull of Grace by the pontiff was carried in front, on a
+velvet cushion or cloth of gold. Next came the chief of the indulgence
+merchants, carrying a large wooden cross, painted red. The whole
+procession moved forward, amid hymns, prayers, and the smoke of
+incense. The merchant monk and his attendants were received at the
+church by the pealing organ and thrilling music. The cross was placed
+in front of the altar, and over it the pope's arms were suspended. All
+the time it remained there the clergy of the place, the penitentiaries
+and sub-commissaries, came each day after vespers or before the
+_salute_, to do obeisance to it with white wands in their hands.[294]
+This grand affair produced a lively sensation in the quiet cities of
+Germany.
+
+  [294] "Mit weissen St�blein." (Instructions of the Archbishop of Mentz
+  to the Sub-commissaries of Indulgence, etc. Art. 8.)
+
+At these sales one personage in particular drew the attention of the
+spectators. It was he who carried the great red cross, and played the
+principal character. He was clothed in the dress of a Dominican, and
+had an arrogant air. His voice was Stentorian, and though in his
+sixty-third year,[295] he seemed still in full vigour. This man, the
+son of one Diez, a jeweller of Leipsic, was called John Diezel, or
+Tezel. He had studied in his native town, became bachelor in 1487, and
+two years after entered the Dominican order. Numerous honours had
+accumulated on his head. Bachelor in theology, prior of the
+dominicans, apostolic commissary, inquisitor, _h�retic� pravitatis
+inquisitor_, he had discharged the office of commissary of
+indulgences, without intermission, from 1502. The skill which he had
+acquired as subaltern soon raised him to the office of commissary-in-chief.
+He had eighty florins a month, and all his expences paid, together
+with a carriage and three horses; but his perquisites (it is easy to
+comprehend what they were) far exceeded his salary. In 1507 at
+Freiberg he gained two thousand florins in two days. If he discharged
+the functions, he had also the manners of a quack. Convicted of
+adultery and shameful misconduct at Inspruck, his vices had almost
+cost him his life. The Emperor Maximilian had ordered him to be put
+into a sack and thrown into the river; but the Elector Frederick
+happening to arrive, obtained his pardon.[296] The lesson which he
+thus received had not given him more modesty; for he had two of his
+children along with him.
+
+  [295] "Ingenio ferox, et corpore robustus." (Cochl. 5.) In mind
+  fierce, and in body robust.
+
+  [296] "Welchen Churf�rst Freiderich vom Sack, zu Inspruck erbeten
+  hatte." (Mathes. 10.)
+
+Miltitz, the pope's legate, mentions the fact in one of his
+letters.[297] It would have been difficult to find in all the
+cloisters of Germany a man better fitted for the traffic with which he
+was entrusted. To the theology of a monk, to the zeal and temper of an
+inquisitor, he united the greatest effrontery; but the thing which,
+above all, made the task easy to him, was his skill in inventing
+extraordinary stories to captivate the minds of the people. To him all
+means were good that filled his coffers. Raising his voice, and
+giving free vent to his vulgar eloquence, he offered his indulgences
+to every comer, and knew better than any dealer at a fair how to set
+off his merchandise.[298]
+
+  [297] Luth. Op. (W.) xv, 862.
+
+  [298] "Circumferuntur venales indulgenti� in his regionibus a Tecelio
+  Dominicano impudentissimo sycophanta." (Melancth. Vita Luth.)
+  Indulgences for sale are carried about by the Dominican Tezel, a most
+  impudent sycophant.
+
+After the cross was erected, and the arms of the pope suspended over
+it, Tezel mounted the pulpit, and with a tone of assurance began to
+extol the value of the indulgences in presence of the crowd who had
+been attracted to the church by the ceremony. The people listened and
+stared on hearing the wondrous virtues of which he told them. A Jesuit
+historian, speaking of the Dominicans with whom Tezel was associated,
+says, "Some of these preachers failed not, as usual, to outrage the
+subject which they treated, and so to exaggerate the value of the
+indulgences as to make people suppose they were certain of their own
+salvation, and of the deliverance of souls from purgatory as soon as
+the money was paid."[299] If such were the scholars, we may judge what
+the master was. Let us listen to one of his harangues after setting up
+the cross.
+
+  [299] Hist. du Luth�ranisme par le P. Maimbourg, de la Compagnie du
+  J�sus, 1681, p. 21.
+
+"Indulgences are the most precious and most sublime gift of God.
+
+"This cross (pointing to the red cross) has the very same efficacy as
+the actual cross of Jesus Christ.[300]
+
+  [300] Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 1393.
+
+"Come, and I will give you letters under seal, by which even the sins
+which you may have a desire to commit in future will all be forgiven.
+
+"I would not exchange my privileges for that of St. Peter in heaven;
+for I have saved more souls by my indulgences than the apostle by his
+sermons.
+
+"There is no sin too great for an indulgence to remit; and even should
+any one (the thing, no doubt, is impossible) have done violence to the
+Holy Virgin Mary, mother of God, let him pay, let him only pay well,
+and it will be forgiven him.[301]
+
+  [301] Tezel defends and reiterates this assertion in his Anti-Theses
+  published the same year. (Th. 99, 100, and 101.) "Sub-commissariis in
+  super ac pr�dicatoribus veniarum imponere, ut si quis per impossibile
+  Dei Genitricem semper Virginem violasset, quod eumdem indulgentiarum
+  vigore absolvere possent, luce clarius est." (Positiones fratris J.
+  Tezelii quibus defendit indulgentias contra Lutherum.) Moreover, to
+  enjoin the sub-commissaries and preachers of pardon, that if any one
+  should, by impossibility, have violated the Mother of God, always
+  Virgin, they could absolve him in virtue of indulgences, is clearer
+  than day.
+
+"Think, then, that for each mortal sin you must, after confession and
+contrition, do penance for seven years, either in this life or in
+purgatory. Now, how many mortal sins are committed in one day, in one
+week? How many in a month, a year, a whole life?[302] Ah! these sins
+are almost innumerable, and innumerable sufferings must be endured for
+them in purgatory. And now, by means of these letters of indulgence,
+you can at once, for life, in all cases except four, which are
+reserved to the Apostolic See, and afterwards at the hour of death,
+obtain a full remission of all your pains and all your sins."
+
+  [302] "Quot peccata mortalia committuntur in die...." (L�scher's
+  Reformations, Acten i, p. 418.) How many mortal sins are committed in
+  a day?
+
+Tezel even made financial calculations on the subject.
+
+"Do you not know," said he, "that when a man proposes to go to Rome,
+or to any other country where travellers are exposed to danger, he
+sends his money to the bank, and for every five hundred florins that
+he means to have, gives five, or six at most, in order that, by means
+of letters from the bank, he may receive the money safely at Rome or
+elsewhere.... And, you, for the fourth of a florin, will not receive
+these letters of indulgence, by means of which you might introduce
+into the land of paradise, not worthless money, but a divine and
+immortal soul, without exposing it to the smallest risk."[303]
+
+  [303] "Si contingat aliquem ire Romam, vel ad alias periculosas
+  partes, mittit pecunias suas in banco, et ille pro quolibet centum dat
+  quinque aut sex aut decem...." (Ibid.)
+
+Tezel next passed to another subject.
+
+"But more than this," said he; "indulgences not only save the living:
+they also save the dead.
+
+"For this repentance is not even necessary.
+
+"Priest! noble! merchant! wife! young girls! young men! hear your
+departed parents and your other friends, crying to you from the bottom
+of the abyss, 'We are enduring horrible torments! A little alms would
+deliver us; you can give it, and yet will not!'"
+
+These words, uttered by the formidable voice of the charlatan monk,
+made his hearers shudder.
+
+"At the very instant," continued Tezel, "when the piece of money
+chinks on the bottom of the strong box, the soul comes out of
+purgatory, and, set free, flies upward into heaven."[304]
+
+  [304] Theses, 56. (Positiones fratris J. Tezelii quibus defendit
+  indulgentias contra Lutherum.)
+
+"O imbecile and brutish people, who perceive not the grace which is so
+richly offered to you!... Now heaven is everywhere open!... Do you
+refuse at this hour to enter? When, then, will you enter? Now you can
+ransom so many souls! Hard-hearted and thoughtless man, with twelve
+pence you can deliver your father out of purgatory, and you are
+ungrateful enough not to save him! I will be justified on the day of
+judgment, but you, you will be punished so much the more severely, for
+having neglected so great salvation. I declare to you, that though
+you had only a single coat, you would be bound to take it off and sell
+it, in order to obtain this grace.... The Lord our God is no longer
+God. He has committed all power to the pope."
+
+Then, trying to avail himself of other weapons still, he added, "Know
+you why our most holy Lord is distributing so great a grace? His
+object is to raise up the ruined church of St. Peter and St. Paul, so
+that it may not have its equal in the universe. That church contains
+the bodies of the holy apostles St. Peter and St. Paul, and of a
+multitude of martyrs. Owing to the actual state of the building, these
+holy bodies are now, alas! beaten, flooded, soiled, dishonoured, and
+reduced to rottenness, by the rain and the hail.... Ah! are these
+sacred ashes to remain longer in mud and disgrace?"[305]
+
+  [305] Instruction of the Archbishop of Mentz, etc.
+
+This picture failed not to make an impression on many who felt a
+burning desire to go to the help of poor Leo X, who had not wherewith
+to shelter the bodies of St. Peter and St. Paul from the rain.
+
+Then the orator opened on the arguers and traitors who opposed his
+work. "I declare them excommunicated," exclaimed he.
+
+Afterwards addressing docile souls, and making a profane use of
+Scripture, "Happy are the eyes which see what you see; for I tell you,
+that many prophets and many kings have desired to see the things which
+you see, and have not seen them; and to hear the things which you
+hear, and have not heard them." And at last, showing the strong box in
+which the money was received, he usually concluded his pathetic
+discourse with this triple appeal to the people, "Bring! bring!
+bring!" "These words," says Luther, "he uttered with such horrible
+bellowing, that one might have thought it was a mad bull making a rush
+at people, and striking them with his horns."[306] When his discourse
+was ended, he came down from the pulpit, ran towards the chest, and in
+presence of the people chucked a piece of money into it, taking care
+to make it give a very loud tinkle.[307]
+
+  [306] Resolut. on Theses, 32.
+
+  [307] Tenztel, Reformationsgesch; Myconii, Ref. Hist.; Instruction of
+  the Archbishop of Mentz, etc.; Luther's Theses.
+
+Such were the discourses which astonished Germany, heard in the days
+when God was preparing Luther.
+
+At the termination of the discourse, the indulgence was understood "to
+have established its throne in the place in due form." Confessionals
+were set up adorned with the pope's arms. The sub-commissaries, and
+the confessors whom they selected, were considered to represent the
+apostolical penitentiaries of Rome at the jubilee, and on each of
+these confessionals were posted, in large characters, their names,
+surnames, and designations.
+
+Then a crowd pressed forward to the confessor, each coming with a
+piece of money in his hand. Men, women, and children, the poor, even
+those who lived on alms, all found means of procuring money. The
+penitentiaries, after having anew explained the greatness of the
+indulgence to each individual, asked, "How much money can you afford
+to part with, in order to obtain so complete a forgiveness?" "This
+question," says the Instruction of the Archbishop of Mentz to the
+commissaries; "this question ought to be put at this moment, that the
+penitents may thereby be the better disposed to contribute."[308]
+
+  [308] Instruction, etc., 5, 69.
+
+Four valuable graces were promised to those who aided in building the
+basilisk of St. Peter. "The first grace which we announce to you,"
+said the commissaries, according to their Letter of Instruction, "is
+the complete pardon of all sins."[309] After this came three other
+graces,--_first_, the right of choosing a confessor, who, whenever the
+hour of death should seem to be at hand, would give absolution from
+all sins, and even from the greatest crimes reserved for the Apostolic
+See;[310] _second_, a participation in all the blessings, works, and
+merits of the Catholic Church, in prayers, fastings, alms, and
+pilgrimages; and, _third_, the redemption of the souls which are in
+purgatory.[311]
+
+  [309] Ibid., 19.
+
+  [310] Ibid., 30.
+
+  [311] Ibid., 35.
+
+To obtain the first of these graces, it was necessary to have
+contrition of heart and confession of the lips, or, at least, the
+intention of confessing. But for the three others, they could be
+obtained without contrition or confession, merely by paying. Previous
+to this, Christopher Columbus, extolling the value of gold, had said
+quite gravely, "He who possesses it may introduce souls into
+paradise." Such was the doctrine taught by the Archbishop-Cardinal of
+Mentz, and the commissaries of the pope. "As to those," said they,
+"who would deliver souls from purgatory, and procure for them pardon
+of all their offences, let them throw money into the chest. It is not
+necessary for them to have contrition of the heart or confession of
+the lips.[312] Let them only hasten with their money; for they will
+thus do a work most useful to the souls of the departed, and to the
+erection of the Church of St. Peter." Greater blessings could not be
+offered at a cheaper rate.
+
+  [312] "Auch ist nicht nothig dass sie in dem Herzen zerknirscht sind,
+  und mit dem Mund gebeichtet haben." (Ibid., 38.).
+
+When the confession was over, and it did not take long, the faithful
+hastened towards the seller. One only had charge of the sale, and kept
+his counter near the cross. He carefully eyed those who approached
+him, examining their air, bearing, and dress, and asked a sum
+proportioned to the appearance which each presented. Kings, queens,
+princes, archbishops, bishops, were, according to the regulation, to
+pay twenty-five ducats for an ordinary indulgence. Abbots, counts, and
+barons, paid ten. Others of the nobility, rectors, and all who had an
+income of five hundred florins, paid six. Those who had two hundred
+florins a-year paid one; others, only a half. Moreover, when the tax
+could not be followed to the letter, full powers were given to the
+commissary-apostolic, who was to arrange everything in accordance with
+the dictates of "sound reason," and the generosity of the donor.[313]
+For particular sins, Tezel had a particular tax. Polygamy paid six
+ducats; theft in a church, and perjury, nine ducats; murder, eight
+ducats; magic, two ducats. Samson, who carried on the same traffic in
+Switzerland as Tezel in Germany, had a somewhat different tax. For
+infanticide he charged four livres _tournois_; for parricide or
+fratricide, a ducat.[314]
+
+  [313] "Nach den S�tzen der gesunden vernunft, nach ihrer Magnificenz
+  und Freigebigkeit." (Instruction, etc., 26.)
+
+  [314] M�ller's Reliq., iii, p. 264.
+
+The apostolic commissaries sometimes encountered difficulties in
+carrying on their trade. It often happened, both in towns and
+villages, that husbands were opposed to the whole concern, and
+prohibited their wives from giving any thing to these merchants. What,
+then, were devout spouses to do? "Have you not your dowry, or some
+other property, at your own disposal?" asked the dealers. "In that
+case we may dispose of part for so sacred a purpose, even against the
+will of your husbands."[315]
+
+  [315] Instr. 27. "Wieder, den Willen ihres Mannes."
+
+The hand which had given the indulgence could not receive the money.
+This was prohibited under the severest penalties; for there might be
+good reason to suspect that that hand would not have been faithful.
+The penitent himself behoved to deposit the price of his pardon in the
+chest.[316] Angry looks were given to those who were audacious enough
+not to open their purses.[317]
+
+  [316] Ibid., 87, 90, et 91.
+
+  [317] Luth., Op. Leipz., xvii, 79.
+
+If among those who pressed forward to the confessionals, there
+happened to be any one whose crime was publicly known, though of a
+kind which the civil law could not reach, he behoved, first of all, to
+do public penance. For this purpose they first led him to a chapel or
+sacristy, where they stripped him of his clothes, and took off his
+shoes, leaving him nothing but his shirt. His arms were crossed upon
+his breast, a light placed in one hand, and a rod in the other. Then
+the penitent walked at the head of the procession which proceeded to
+the red cross. He remained on his knees till the chant and the collect
+was finished. Then the commissary gave out the Psalm, _Miserere mei_.
+The confessors immediately approached the penitent, and led him across
+the church towards the commissary, who, taking the rod from his hand,
+and gently striking him thrice on the back with it,[318] said to him,
+"The Lord have pity on thee, and forgive thy sin." He then gave out
+the _Kyrie Eleison_. The penitent was led back to the front of the
+cross, and the confessor gave him the apostolic absolution, and
+declared him restored to the company of the faithful. Sad mummery,
+concluded with a holy expression, which, at such a moment, was mere
+profanation!
+
+  [318] "Dreimal gelind auf den R�cken." (Instruction.)
+
+It is worth while to know the contents of one of those diplomas of
+absolution which led to the Reformation of the Church. The following
+is a specimen:--"May our Lord Jesus Christ have pity on thee, N. N.,
+and absolve thee by the merit of his most holy passion. And I, in
+virtue of the apostolic power entrusted to me, absolve thee from all
+ecclesiastical censures, judgments, and penalties, which thou mayest
+have deserved; moreover, from all the excesses, sins, and crimes,
+which thou mayest have committed, how great and enormous soever they
+may have been, and for whatever cause, even should they have been
+reserved to our most holy Father the pope, and to the apostolic see. I
+efface all the marks of disability, and all the notes of infamy which
+thou mayest have incurred on this occasion. I remit the pains which
+thou shouldest have to endure in purgatory. I render thee anew a
+partaker in the sacraments of the church. I again incorporate thee
+into the communion of saints, and re-establish thee in the innocence
+and purity in which thou wert at the hour of thy baptism; so that, at
+the moment of thy death, the gate of entrance to the place of pains
+and torments will be shut to thee, and, on the contrary, the gate
+which leads to the heavenly paradise, will be opened to thee. If thou
+art not to die soon, this grace will remain unimpaired till thy last
+hour arrive. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
+Holy Spirit. Amen.
+
+"Friar John Tezel, commissary, has signed it with his own hand."
+
+How dexterously presumptuous and lying words are here intermingled
+with holy Christian expressions!
+
+All the faithful required to come and confess at the place where the
+red cross was erected. The only exceptions were the sick, the aged,
+and pregnant women. If, however, there happened to be in the
+neighbourhood some noble in his castle, or some great personage in his
+palace, there was an exemption for him;[319] for he might not care to
+mingle with the crowd, and his money was worth the going for.
+
+  [319] Instr. 9.
+
+If there happened to be a convent whose heads were opposed to the
+traffic of Tezel, and prohibited their monks from visiting the places
+where the indulgence had erected its throne, means were still found to
+remedy the evil by sending them confessors, who were commissioned to
+absolve them against the will of their order and the will of their
+heads.[320] There was not a vein in the mine, however small, which
+they did not find means of working.
+
+  [320] Ibid., 69.
+
+At length they arrived at the object and end of the whole affair, the
+summing up of the cash. For greater security, the strong box had three
+keys--one in the hands of Tezel, the second in those of the treasurer,
+appointed by the firm of Fugger of Augsburg, who had been appointed
+agents in this vast enterprise, while the third was entrusted to the
+civil authority. When the moment arrived, the counters were opened in
+the presence of a notary-public, and the whole was duly counted and
+recorded. Must not Christ arise and drive these profane sellers from
+the temple?
+
+The mission being closed, the dealers relaxed from their labours. It
+is true the instructions of the commissary-general forbade them to
+frequent taverns and suspicious places;[321] but they cared little for
+this prohibition. Sin must have appeared a very trivial matter to
+people who had such an easy trade in it. "The mendicants," says a
+Roman Catholic historian, "led a bad life, expending in taverns,
+gaming-houses, and places of infamy, what the people retrenched from
+their necessities."[322] It is even averred, that in taverns they
+sometimes played at dice for the salvation of souls.[323]
+
+  [321] Ibid., 4.
+
+  [322] Sarpi, Conc. di Trent, p. 5.
+
+  [323] Schr�ck. K. G. v, d. R., i, 116.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+     The Franciscan Confessor--The Soul in the
+     Burying-Ground--The Shoemaker of Hagenau--The
+     Students--Myconius--Conversation with Tezel--Stratagem by a
+     Gentleman--Conversation of the Wise and of the People--A
+     Miner of Schneeberg.
+
+
+But let us look at some of the scenes which then took place in Germany
+during this sale of the pardon of sins; for we here meet with
+anecdotes which, by themselves alone, give a picture of the times. As
+we proceed with our narrative we deem it best to let men speak for
+themselves.
+
+At Magdebourg Tezel refused to absolve a wealthy female, unless she
+would pay him one hundred florins in advance. She consulted her
+ordinary confessor, who was a Franciscan. "God," replied he, "gives
+the remission of sins freely, and does not sell it." However, he
+begged her not to tell Tezel what advice he had given her. But the
+merchant having somehow or other heard of words so injurious to his
+interest, exclaimed, "Such an adviser deserves to be banished or
+burned."[324]
+
+  [324] Scultet. Annal. Evangel., p. 4.
+
+Tezel rarely found men enlightened enough, and still more rarely men
+bold enough, to resist him. For the most part he had a good market
+from the superstitious crowd. He had erected the red cross of
+indulgences at Zwickau, and the good parishioners had hastened to make
+the money which was to deliver them chink on the bottom of the chest.
+He was going away with a well-filled purse. The evening before his
+departure the chaplains and their attendants applied to him for a
+farewell entertainment. The request was reasonable; but how was it
+possible to comply with it? the money was already counted and sealed
+up. The next morning he orders the large bell to be rung. Crowds
+hastened to the church, every one thinking that something
+extraordinary must have happened, as the station was closed. "I had
+resolved," said he, "to depart this morning, but last night was awoke
+by groans. On listening I found they came from the burying-ground.
+Alas! it was a poor soul calling and entreating me instantly to
+deliver it from the torment by which it was consumed. I have,
+therefore, remained one day more, in order to stir up the compassion
+of Christian hearts in favour of this unhappy soul. I am willing
+myself to be the first to give, and whosoever does not follow my
+example will deserve damnation." What heart would not have responded
+to such an appeal? Who knew, moreover, whose soul it was that was
+crying in the burying-ground? The people contributed freely, and Tezel
+gave the chaplains and their attendants a jovial entertainment,
+defraying the expence by the offerings which he had received in favour
+of the soul of Zwickau.[325]
+
+  [325] Loscher's Ref. Acten, i, 404, Luth. Op. xv, 443, etc.
+
+The indulgence merchants had fixed their station at Hagenau in 1517. A
+shoemaker's wife, taking advantage of the authority of the instruction
+of the commissary-general, had, contrary to the will of her husband,
+procured a letter of indulgence, and paid a gold florin for it. She
+died shortly after. The husband not having caused mass to be said for
+the repose of her soul, the curate charged him with contempt of
+religion, and the judge of Hagenau summoned him to appear. The
+shoemaker put his wife's indulgence in his pocket and repaired to the
+court. "Is your wife dead?" asked the judge. "Yes," replied he. "What
+have you done for her?" "I have buried her body, and commended her
+soul to God." "But have you caused a mass to be said for the salvation
+of her soul?" I have not; it was unnecessary. She entered heaven the
+moment of her death." "How do you know that?" "Here is the proof." So
+saying, he takes the indulgence out of his pocket, and the judge, in
+presence of the curate, reads in as many words that the woman who
+received it would not enter purgatory, but go straight to heaven. "If
+the reverend curate maintains that a mass is still necessary, my wife
+has been cheated by our most holy father the pope. If she was not
+cheated, then it is the reverend curate who is cheating me." This was
+unanswerable, and the accused was acquitted. Thus the good sense of
+the people did justice to these pious frauds.[326]
+
+  [326] Musculi Loci Communes, p. 362.
+
+One day when Tezel was preaching at Leipsic, and introducing into his
+sermons some of those stories of which we have given a sample, two
+students feeling quite indignant, rose up and left the church,
+exclaiming, "It is impossible for us to listen longer to the
+drolleries and puerilities of this monk."[327] One of them, it is
+said, was young Camerarius, afterwards the intimate friend of
+Melancthon, and his biographer.
+
+  [327] Hoffman's Reformationsgesch, v, Leipz., p. 32.
+
+But of all the young men of the period, he on whom Tezel made the
+strongest impression unquestionably was Myconius, afterwards
+celebrated as a Reformer, and historian of the Reformation. He had
+received a Christian education. His father, a pious man of Franconia,
+was wont to say to him, "My son, pray frequently, for all things are
+freely given to us by God alone. The blood of Christ," added he, "is
+the only ransom for the sins of the whole world. O, my son! were there
+only three men that could be saved by the blood of Christ, believe,
+and believe with confidence, that thou art one of the three. It is an
+insult to the blood of the Saviour to doubt if it saves."[328] Then
+cautioning his son against the traffic which was beginning to be
+established in Germany--"The Roman indulgences," said he to him, "are
+nets which fish for money, and deceive the simple. The forgiveness of
+sins and of eternal life are not things for sale."
+
+  [328] "Si tantum tres homines essent salvandi per sanguinem Christi,
+  certo statueret unum se esse ex tribus illis." (Melch. Adam. Vita
+  Mycon.)
+
+At the age of thirteen Frederick Myconius was sent to the school of
+Annaberg to finish his studies. Shortly after, Tezel arrived in the
+town, and remained in it for two years. The people flocked in crowds
+to his sermon. "There is no other method," exclaimed Tezel in his
+voice of thunder; "there is no other method of obtaining eternal life
+than the satisfaction of works; but this satisfaction is impossible
+for man, and, therefore, all he can do is to purchase it from the
+Roman pontiff."[329] When Tezel was about to quit Annaberg, his
+addresses became more urgent. "Soon," exclaimed he, in a threatening
+tone, "soon will I take down the cross, shut the gate of heaven,[330]
+and quench the lustre of that sun of grace which is now shining in
+your eyes." Then resuming the gentle accent of persuasion, "Now," said
+he, "is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation." Then raising
+his voice anew, the pontifical Stentor,[331] who was addressing the
+inhabitants of a rich mineral district, loudly exclaimed, "Bring your
+money, burghers of Annaberg, contribute largely in behalf of the
+indulgences, and your mines and your mountains will be filled with
+pure silver." In conclusion, he declared that at Pentecost he would
+distribute his letters to the poor gratuitously, and for the love of
+God.
+
+  [329] "Si nummis redimatur a pontifice Romano." (Melch. Adam.)
+
+  [330] Clausurum januam coeli." (Ibid.)
+
+  [331] "Stentor pontificius." (Ibid.)
+
+Young Myconius being among the number of Tezel's hearers, felt an
+eager desire to avail himself of this offer. Going up to the
+commissaries, he said to them in Latin, "I am a poor sinner, and need
+a gratuitous pardon!" The merchants replied, "Those alone can have
+part in the merits of Jesus Christ who lend a helping hand to the
+Church, in other words, who give money." "What is the meaning then,"
+said Myconius, "of those promises of free gift, which are posted up on
+the walls and doors of the churches?" "Give at least a shilling," said
+Tezel's people who had gone to their master, and interceded with him
+for the young man, but without effect. "I am not able." "Only
+Sixpence." "I have not even so much." The dominicans then began to
+fear that he wished to entrap them. "Listen," said they to him, "we
+will make you a present of the sixpence." The young man, raising his
+voice in indignation, answered, "I want no indulgences that are
+purchased. If I wished to purchase, I would only have to sell one of
+my school-books. I want a free pardon, given purely for the love of
+God, and you will have to give account to God for having allowed the
+salvation of a soul to be lost for a sixpence." "Who sent you to
+entrap us?" exclaimed the merchants. "Nothing but the desire of
+receiving the grace of God could have tempted me to appear before such
+mighty lords," replied the young man, and withdrew.
+
+"I was much grieved," said he, "at being sent thus pitilessly away;
+but I still felt within myself a Comforter, who told me that there was
+a God in heaven, who, without money and without price, pardons
+repenting sinners for the love of his Son Jesus Christ. As I was
+taking leave of those people, I melted into tears, and, sobbing,
+prayed, 'O God! since these men have refused me the forgiveness of my
+sins, because I had no money to pay for it, do thou, O Lord, have pity
+on me, and forgive my sins in pure mercy!' I went to my lodging, and
+taking up my crucifix, which was lying on my desk, laid it on my
+chair, and prostrated myself before it. I cannot describe what I felt.
+I asked God to be my Father, and to do with me whatsoever he pleased.
+I felt my nature changed, converted, and transformed. What formerly
+delighted me now excited my disgust. To live with God, and please him,
+was my strongest, my only desire."[332] Thus Tezel himself contributed
+to the Reformation. By crying abuses he paved the way for a purer
+doctrine, and the indignation which he excited in a generous youth was
+one day to break forth mightily. We may judge of this by the following
+anecdote.
+
+  [332] Letter of Myconius to Eberus in Hechtii Vita Tezelii. Wittemb.,
+  p. 114.
+
+A Saxon gentleman, who had heard Tezel at Leipsic, felt his
+indignation aroused by his falsehoods, and going up to the monk, asked
+him whether he had power to pardon the sins which were intended to be
+committed? "Assuredly," replied Tezel. "I have full power from the
+pope to do so." "Well then," resumed the knight, "there is one of my
+enemies on whom I should like to take a slight revenge without doing
+him any deadly injury, and I will give you ten crowns in return for a
+letter of indulgence, which will completely acquit me." Tezel made
+some objections; at last, however, they came to an agreement for
+thirty crowns. Soon after the monk quits Leipsic. The gentleman
+accompanied by his servants, waited for him in a wood between
+J�terboch and Treblin, and rushing out upon him, and giving him some
+blows with a stick, carried off the rich indulgence chest, which the
+inquisitor had with him. Tezel cries out robbery, and carries his
+complaint before the judges, but the gentleman shows the letter with
+Tezel's own signature, exempting him beforehand from all punishment.
+Duke George, who had at first been very angry, on seeing the document
+ordered the accused to be acquitted.[333]
+
+  [333] Albinus Meissn. Chronick. L. W. (W.) xv, 446, etc., Hechtius in
+  Vita Tezelii.
+
+This traffic everywhere occupied men's thoughts, and was everywhere
+talked of. It was the subject of conversation in castles, in
+academies, and at the firesides of the citizens, as well as in inns
+and taverns, and all places of public resort.[334] Opinions were
+divided, some believing, and others expressing indignation. The
+sensible portion of the community rejected the whole system of
+indulgences with disgust. It was so contrary to Scripture and to
+morality, that all who had any knowledge of the Bible, or any natural
+light, condemned it in their hearts, and only waited for a signal to
+declare their opposition to it. On the other hand, scoffers found
+ample materials for raillery. The people, who had for many years been
+irritated by the misconduct of the priests, and whom nothing but the
+fear of punishment induced to keep up a certain show of respect, gave
+free vent to their hatred. Complaints and sarcasms were everywhere
+heard on the avarice of the clergy.
+
+  [334] Luth. Op. (Leips.) xvii, pp. 111 et 116.
+
+Nor did they stop here. They even attacked the power of the keys, and
+the authority of the sovereign pontiff. "Why," said they, "does not
+the pope deliver all souls from purgatory at once from a holy charity,
+and in consideration of the sad misery of these souls, seeing he
+delivers so great a number for the love of perishable money, and of
+the cathedral of St. Peter? Why do feasts and anniversaries of the
+dead continue to be celebrated? Why does not the pope restore or allow
+others to resume the benefices and prebends which have been founded in
+favour of the dead, since it is now useless, and even reprehensible,
+to pray for those whom indulgences have for ever delivered?" "What
+kind of new holiness in God and the pope is this--from a love of money
+to enable a wicked profane man to deliver a pious soul beloved of the
+Lord from purgatory, rather than deliver it themselves gratuitously
+from love, and because of its great wretchedness."[335]
+
+  [335] Luther's Theses on Indulgences, (Th. 82, 83, et 84.)
+
+The gross and immoral conduct of the traffickers in indulgences was
+much talked of. "In paying carriers for transporting them with their
+goods, the innkeepers with whom they lodge, or any one who does any
+piece of work for them, they give a letter of indulgence for four,
+five, or any number of souls, as the case may be." In this way, the
+diplomas of salvation were current in inns and in markets like bank
+bills or paper money. "Bring! Bring!" said the common people, "is the
+head, the belly, the tail, and the whole body of the sermon."[336]
+
+  [336] Luth. Op. (Leips.) xvi, 79.
+
+A miner of Schneeberg, meeting a seller of indulgences, asked, "Must
+we indeed give credit to what you have often said of the power of the
+indulgence, and of the authority of the pope, and believe it possible,
+by throwing a penny into the box, to ransom a soul from purgatory?"
+The merchant assured him it was true. "Ah!" resumed the miner, "what
+an unmerciful man the pope must be, for a paltry penny to leave a
+miserable soul so long crying in the flames. If he has no ready money,
+let him borrow some hundred thousand crowns, and deliver all these
+people at once. We poor folks will willingly pay him both the interest
+and the capital." Thus Germany was weary of the shameful traffic which
+was going on in the midst of her, and could no longer tolerate the
+impostures of these master-swindlers of Rome, as Luther calls
+them.[337] Yet no bishop, no theologian, durst oppose their quackery
+and their fraud. The minds of men were in suspense, and asked whether
+God would not raise up some mighty man for the work which required to
+be done? This man nowhere appeared.
+
+  [337] "Fessi erant Germani omnes, ferendis explicationibus,
+  nundinationibus, et infinitis imposturis Romanensium nebulonum."
+  (Luth. Op. Lat. in Pr�f.) All the Germans were weary with the
+  windings, traffickings, and endless impostures of Roman spendthrifts.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+     Leo X--Necessities of the Pope--Albert--His
+     Character--Favours the Indulgences--The Franciscans and the
+     Dominicans.
+
+
+The pope then on the pontifical throne was not a Borgia but Leo X, of
+the illustrious house of Medici. He was able, frank, kind, and gentle.
+His address was affable, his liberality without bounds, and his
+morals, superior to those of his court. Cardinal Pallavicini, however,
+acknowledges that they were not altogether irreproachable. To this
+amiable character he joined several of the qualities of a great
+prince. He showed himself friendly to science and art. The first
+Italian comedies were represented in his presence; and there are few
+of his day which he did not see performed. He was passionately fond of
+music. Musical instruments resounded every day in his palace; and he
+was often heard humming the airs which had been performed before him.
+He was fond of magnificence, and spared nothing when f�tes, games,
+theatricals, presents or rewards, were in question. No court
+surpassed that of the sovereign pontiff in splendour and gayety.
+Accordingly, when it was learned that Julian Medicis was proposing to
+reside at Rome with his young bride, "God be praised," exclaimed
+Cardinal Bibliena, the most influential counsellor of Leo X, "the only
+thing we wanted was a female court."[338] A female court was necessary
+to complete the court of the pope. To religious sentiment Leo was
+completely a stranger. "His manners were so pleasing," says Sarpi,
+"that he would have been perfect if he had had some acquaintance with
+religious matters, and been somewhat more inclined to piety, which
+seldom, if ever, gave him any concern."[339]
+
+  [338] Ranke, Roemische P�bste, i, 71.
+
+  [339] Council of Trent, p. 4. Pallavicini, while pretending to refute
+  Sarpi, confirms, and even heightens his testimony. "Suo plane officio
+  defuit, (Leo) ... venationes, facetias, pompas adeo frequentes." ...
+  (Conc. Trid. Hist. i, pp. 8, 9.) Leo was plainly wanting to his duty,
+  so frequent were his shows his amusements, and hunting parties.
+
+Leo was greatly in want of money. He had to provide for his immense
+expenditure, supply all his liberalities, fill the purse of gold which
+he daily threw to the people, keep up the licentious exhibitions of
+the Vatican, satisfy the numerous demands of his relations and
+voluptuous courtiers, give a dowry to his sister, who had been married
+to Prince Cibo, a natural son of Pope Innocent VIII, and meet the
+expenditure occasioned by his taste for literature, arts, and
+pleasure. His cousin, Cardinal Pucci, as skilful in the art of
+hoarding as Leo in that of lavishing, advised him to have recourse to
+indulgences. Accordingly, the pope published a bull, announcing a
+general indulgence, the proceeds of which were, he said, to be
+employed in the erection of the church of St. Peter, that monument of
+sacerdotal magnificence. In a letter, dated at Rome, under the seal of
+the Fisherman, in November, 1517, Leo applies to his commissary of
+indulgences for one hundred and forty-seven gold ducats, to pay a
+manuscript of the thirty-third book of Livy. Of all the uses to which
+he put the money of the Germans, this was, doubtless, the best. Still
+it was strange to deliver souls from purgatory in order to purchase a
+manuscript history of the wars of the Roman people.
+
+There was at this time in Germany a young prince who might be regarded
+as in many respects a living image of Leo X. This was Albert, a
+younger brother of the elector, Joachim of Brandenburg. At twenty-four
+years of age he had been appointed Archbishop and Elector of Mentz and
+of Magdeburg, and two years after made a cardinal. Albert had neither
+the virtues nor the vices which are often met with in the high
+dignitaries of the church. Young, fickle, worldly, but not without
+some generous feelings, he was perfectly aware of many of the abuses
+of Catholicism, and cared little for the fanatical monks by whom he
+was surrounded. His equity disposed him, in part at least, to
+acknowledge the justice of what the friends of the gospel demanded. In
+his secret heart he was not much opposed to Luther. Capito, one of the
+most distinguished Reformers, was long his chaplain, counsellor, and
+confidant. Albert regularly attended his sermons. "He did not despise
+the gospel," says Capito; "on the contrary, he highly esteemed it, and
+for a long time would not allow the monks to attack Luther." But he
+would have liked Luther not to compromise him, and to take good care
+while exposing the doctrinal errors and vices of the inferior clergy,
+not to disclose the faults of bishops and princes. In particular, he
+was most anxious that his name should not be mixed up with the affair.
+His confidant, Capito, who had imposed upon himself, as men often do
+in situations similar to his, thus addressed Luther: "Look to the
+example of Jesus Christ and the apostles; they rebuked the Pharisees
+and the incestuous man of Corinth, but they never expressly named
+them. You know not what is passing in the hearts of the bishops; and,
+perhaps, there is more good in them than you suppose." But the fickle
+and profane spirit of Albert, still more than the susceptibilities and
+fears of his self-love, estranged him from the Reformation. Affable,
+clever, handsome, extravagant, and wasteful, delighting in the
+pleasures of the table, in rich equipages, splendid buildings,
+licentious pleasures, and literary society, this young Archbishop-Elector
+was in Germany what Leo X was at Rome. His court was one of the most
+magnificent in the empire, and he was prepared to sacrifice to
+pleasure and grandeur all the sentiments of truth which, perhaps,
+might have insinuated themselves into his heart. Nevertheless, his
+better convictions continued even to the last to exercise some degree
+of influence over him, and he repeatedly gave indications of
+moderation and equity.
+
+Albert, like Leo, was in want of money. The Fuggers, rich merchants in
+Augsburg, had made him advances which he behoved to repay, and hence,
+though he had managed to secure two archbishoprics and a bishopric, he
+was unable to pay Rome for his Pallium. This ornament of white wool,
+bespangled with black crosses and blessed by the pope, who sent it to
+the archbishops as a token of their dignity, cost them twenty-six, or,
+some say, thirty thousand florins. In order to obtain money, Albert,
+naturally enough, bethought himself of having recourse to the same
+methods as the pope. He accordingly applied to him for the general
+farming of the indulgences, or, as they expressed it at Rome, "of the
+sins of the Germans."
+
+The popes sometimes kept the indulgences in their own hands, and at
+other times farmed them out, in the same way as some governments still
+do gaming-houses. Albert made an offer to Leo to share the profit with
+him, and Leo, in agreeing to the bargain, stipulated for immediate
+payment of the Pallium. Albert had been counting on paying it out of
+the indulgences, and therefore applied anew to the Fuggers, who,
+thinking the security good, agreed, on certain conditions, to make the
+advance required, and were appointed bankers to the concern. They were
+the bankers of the princes of this period, and were afterwards made
+counts in return for the services which they had rendered.
+
+The pope and the archbishop having thus, by anticipation, shared in
+the spoils of the good souls of Germany, the next matter was to select
+the persons who were to carry the affair into effect. It was first
+offered to the Franciscan order, whose guardian was conjoined with
+Albert. But, as it was already in bad odour with honest people, these
+monks were not anxious to have anything to do with it. The Augustins,
+who were more enlightened than the other religious orders, would have
+been less inclined to undertake it. The Franciscans, however, being
+afraid of offending the pope, who had just sent their chief, De,
+Forli, a cardinal's hat, a hat which had cost this poor mendicant
+order thirty thousand florins, the guardian deemed it more prudent not
+to refuse openly, but, at the same time, threw all sorts of
+difficulties in Albert's way. They could never understand each other,
+and, accordingly, when the proposal was made to the Elector to
+undertake the whole charge, he eagerly closed with it. The Dominicans,
+on the other hand, longed for a share in the general collection which
+was about to commence. Tezel, who was already famous in the trade,
+hastened to Mentz to offer his services to the Elector. In
+consideration of the talent which he had displayed in publishing the
+indulgences for the knights of the Teutonic order of Prussia and
+Livonia, his proposals were accepted, and in this way, the whole
+traffic passed into the hands of his order.[340]
+
+  [340] Seckendorf, 42.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+     Tezel approaches--Luther at the Confessional--Tezel's
+     Rage--Luther without a Plan--Jealousy among the
+     Orders--Luther's Discourse--The Elector's Dream.
+
+
+In so far as we know, Luther heard of Tezel, for the first time, at
+Grimma, in 1516, when he was on the eve of beginning his visit to the
+churches. While Staupitz was still with Luther, it was told him that
+an indulgence merchant was making a great noise at V�rzen. Even some
+of his extravagant sayings were quoted. Luther's indignation was
+roused, and he exclaimed, "Please God, I'll make a hole in his
+drum."[341]
+
+  [341] Lingke, Reisegesch. Luther's, p. 27.
+
+Tezel, on his return from Berlin, where he had met with a most
+friendly reception from the elector Joachim, brother of the
+farmer-general, took up his head-quarters at Juterboch. Staupitz,
+availing himself of his influence with the elector Frederick, had
+often represented to him the abuses of the indulgences, and the
+scandalous proceedings of the mendicants,[342] and the princes of
+Saxony feeling indignant at the shameful traffic, had forbidden the
+merchant to enter their territory. He was, accordingly, obliged to
+remain on those of the Archbishop of Magdeburg, but at the same time
+came as near to Saxony as he could, Juterboch being only four miles
+from Wittemberg. "This great thresher of purses," says Luther, "set
+about threshing[343] the country in grand style, so that the money
+began to leap, tumble, and tinkle, in his chest." The people of
+Wittemberg went in crowds to the indulgence market of Juterboch.
+
+  [342] "Instillans ejus pectori frequentes indulgentiarum abusus."
+  (Coch. 4.) Impressing him with the frequent abuse of indulgences.
+
+  [343] In German, to thrash like grain, dreschen. (Luth. Op. xvii.)
+
+At this period Luther had the highest respect for the church and for
+the pope. "I was then," said he, "a monk, a most bigoted Papist, so
+intoxicated and imbued with the doctrines of Rome, that if I had been
+able I would willingly have lent a hand in killing any one audacious
+enough to refuse obedience to the pope in the minutest matter.[344] I
+was a real Saul, as many still are." But, at the same time, his heart
+was ready to declare in favour of all that he believed to be truth,
+and against all that he believed to be error. "I was a young doctor
+just of the irons, ardent and rejoicing in the word of the Lord."[345]
+
+  [344] In Pr�f. Op. (Witt. i.) "Monachum, et Papistam insanissimum, ita
+  ebrium, imo submersum in dogmatibus pap�," etc.
+
+  [345] Luth. Op. (W.) xxii.
+
+One day when Luther had taken his seat in the confessional at
+Wittemberg, several citizens of the town came before him, and one
+after another confessed the grossest immoralities. Adultery,
+libertinism, usury, ill-gotten wealth, were the crimes with which the
+minister of the word was entertained by persons of whose souls he was
+one day to give account. He rebukes, corrects, and instructs them; but
+what is his astonishment when these people tell him that they don't
+choose to abandon their sins?... Quite amazed, the pious monk
+declares, that since they refuse to promise amendment, he cannot give
+them absolution. The wretched creatures then appealed to their letters
+of indulgence, exhibiting them and extolling their virtues. But Luther
+replied, that he cared little for the paper which they had shown him,
+and added, _unless you repent_, _you will all perish_. They made an
+outcry, and expostulated, but the doctor was immovable; "they must
+cease to do evil, and learn to do well, ... otherwise no absolution."
+"Beware," added he, "of lending an ear to the harangues of the venders
+of indulgences; you might be better employed than in buying those
+licences which are sold you for the most paltry sum."[346]
+
+  [346] "Coepi dissuadere populis et eos dehortari ne indulgentiariorum
+  clamoribus aurem pr�berent, ..." (Luth Op. Lat. in Pr�f.)
+
+Much alarmed, these inhabitants of Wittemberg hastened back to Tezel
+to tell him how his letters were disregarded by an Augustin monk.
+Tezel, on hearing this, became red with fury, crying, and stamping,
+and cursing in the pulpit.[347] To strike a deeper terror into the
+people, he repeatedly kindled a fire in the market-place, declaring he
+had received orders from the pope to burn all heretics who should dare
+to oppose his holy indulgences.
+
+  [347] "W�tet, schilt und maledeit gr�ulich auf dem Predigtstuhl."
+  (Myconius, Reformationsgesch.)
+
+Such is the circumstance, which was not the cause, but the first
+occasion of the Reformation. A pastor seeing the sheep of his flock in
+a path which must lead them to destruction, makes an effort to deliver
+them. As yet, he has no thought of reforming the church and the world.
+He has seen Rome and its corruptions, but he declares not against
+Rome. He perceives some of the abuses under which Christianity is
+groaning, but has no thought of correcting these abuses. He has no
+desire to become Reformer.[348] He has no plan for the reformation of
+the Church any more than he had had one for himself. God intends
+reform, and for reform selects Luther. The same remedy which had
+proved so powerful in curing his own wretchedness, the hand of God
+will employ by him to cure the miseries of Christendom. He remains
+quiet in the sphere which is assigned to him, walking merely where his
+Master calls him, and fulfilling his duties as professor, preacher,
+and pastor, at Wittemberg. While seated in the church, his hearers
+come and open their hearts to him. Evil makes an assault upon him, and
+error seeks him out, of her own accord. He is interfered with in the
+discharge of his duty, and his conscience, which is bound to the word
+of God, resists. Is it not God that calls him? To resist is a duty,
+and being a duty, is also a right. He has no alternative but to speak.
+In this way were events ordered by that God who was pleased, says
+Mathesius, "to restore Christendom by means of the son of a forge
+master, and to purify the impure doctrine of the church, by making it
+pass through his furnaces.[349]
+
+  [348] "H�c initia fuerunt hujus controversi� in qua Lutherus nihil
+  adhuc suspicans aut somnians de futura mutatione rituum." (Melancth.
+  Vita Luth.) Such was the beginning of this controversy in which Luther
+  was not yet thinking or dreaming of a future change of ritual.
+
+  [349] "Die verseurte Lehr durch den ofen gehen," (p. 10.)
+
+Having given this detail, it must be unnecessary to refute a false
+imputation invented by some of Luther's enemies, but not till after
+his death. Jealousy for his order, it has been said, grief at seeing a
+shameful and condemned traffic entrusted to the Dominicans in
+preference to the Augustins, who had hitherto enjoyed it, led the
+doctor of Wittemberg to attack Tezel and his doctrines. The well known
+fact that this traffic was first offered to the Augustins, who refused
+it, is sufficient to refute this fable, which has been repeated by
+writers who have copied each other; even Cardinal Pallavicini states
+that the Augustins never had discharged this office.[350] Besides, we
+have seen the travail of Luther's soul. His conduct needs no other
+explanation. It was impossible for him not to make open profession of
+the doctrine to which he owed his happiness. In Christianity, every
+man who finds a blessing longs to make others partakers in it. In our
+day it is time to abandon those puerile explanations which are
+unworthy of the great revolution of the sixteenth century. To lift a
+world, a more powerful lever was required. The Reformation existed not
+in Luther only; it was the offspring of his age.
+
+  [350] "Falsum est consuevisse hoc munus injungi Ermitanis S.
+  Augustini."... (p. 14.) It is not true that this office was wont to be
+  assigned to the Eremites of St. Augustine.
+
+Luther impelled equally by obedience to the truth of God, and by
+charity towards men, mounted the pulpit. He forewarned his hearers;
+but, as he himself says, he did it gently.[351] His prince had
+obtained particular indulgences from the pope for the church of the
+castle of Wittemberg, and it was possible that some of the blows which
+he was going to level at the indulgences in question might fall on
+those of the Elector. No matter; he will run the risk. If he sought to
+please men, he would not be the servant of Christ.
+
+  [351] S�uberlich.
+
+"No man can prove by Scripture," says the faithful minister of the
+Word to the people of Wittemberg, "that the justice of God exacts a
+penalty or satisfaction from the sinner; the only duty which it
+imposes upon him is true repentance, sincere conversion, a resolution
+to bear the cross of Jesus Christ, and to be diligent in good works.
+It is a great error to think we can ourselves satisfy the justice of
+God for our sins. He always pardons them gratuitously by his
+inestimable grace.
+
+"The Christian Church, it is true, requires something from the sinner,
+and consequently has the power of remitting what she so requires, but
+that is all. Even these indulgences of the Church are tolerated, only
+on account of indolent and imperfect Christians, who will not
+zealously exercise themselves in good works. For they stimulate none
+to sanctification, but leave all in imperfection."
+
+Then adverting to the pretext under which the indulgences were
+published, he continues:--"It would be much better to contribute to
+the erection of St. Peter's church from love to God, than to purchase
+indulgences in this view.... But you ask, Are we then never to
+purchase them? I have already said, and I repeat it; my advice is,
+Don't purchase. Leave them to sleepy Christians, but do you walk apart
+in your own path. The faithful must be diverted from indulgences, and
+urged to do the works which they neglect."
+
+At last, glancing at his adversaries, Luther concludes thus:--"If some
+cry out that I am a heretic, (for the truth which I preach is very
+hurtful to their strong box,) their clamour gives me little concern.
+They are dull and sickly brains, men who never felt the Bible, never
+read Christian doctrine, never comprehended their own teachers, and
+who turn to rottenness, wrapped up in the tatters of their vain
+opinions,[352] ... God grant them and us a sound mind. Amen." After
+these words, the doctor descended from the pulpit, leaving his hearers
+in astonishment at his bold language.
+
+  [352] "Sondern in ihren l�cherichen, und zerrissenen opinien, viel
+  nahe verwessen." (Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 119.)
+
+This sermon was printed, and made a deep impression on all who read
+it. Tezel answered it, and Luther replied; but these discussions did
+not take place till a later period, (1518).
+
+The feast of All Saints drew near. The chronicles of that day here
+relate a circumstance, which, though not important to the history of
+the period, may, however, serve to characterise it. It is a dream of
+the Elector, which in substance is unquestionably authentic, though
+several circumstances may have been added by those who have related
+it. It is mentioned by Seckendorf,[353] who observes, that the fear of
+giving their adversaries ground to say that the doctrine of Luther was
+founded upon dreams, has perhaps prevented several historians from
+speaking of it.
+
+  [353] It occurs also in L�scher, i, 46, etc.; Teuzel's Anfund Fortg.
+  der Ref.; J�nker's Ehrenged, p. 148; Lehmann's Beschr. d. Meissn.
+  Erzgeb., etc., and in a manuscript of the Archives of Weimar, taken
+  down from the statement of Spalatin. Our account of the dream is
+  conformable to this manuscript, which was republished at the last
+  jubilee of the Reformation, (1817).
+
+The Elector Frederick of Saxony, say the chronicles of the time, was
+at his castle of Schweinitz, six leagues from Wittemberg. On the
+morning of the 31st October, being in company with his brother Duke
+John, who was then co-regent, and became sole elector after his death,
+and with his chancellor, the Elector said to the Duke,
+
+"Brother, I must tell you a dream which I had last night, and the
+meaning of which I should like much to know. It is so deeply impressed
+on my mind, that I will never forget it, were I to live a thousand
+years. For I dreamed it thrice, and each time with new circumstances."
+
+_Duke John._--"Is it a good or a bad dream?"
+
+_The Elector._--"I know not; God knows."
+
+_Duke John._--"Don't be uneasy at it; but be so good as tell it to
+me."
+
+_The Elector._--"Having gone to bed last night, fatigued and out of
+spirits, I fell asleep shortly after my prayer, and slept quietly for
+about two hours and a half; I then awoke, and continued awake till
+midnight, all sorts of thoughts passing through my mind. Among other
+things, I thought how I was to observe the feast of All Saints. I
+prayed for the poor souls in purgatory, and supplicated God to guide
+me, my counsels, and my people, according to truth. I again fell
+asleep, and then dreamed that Almighty God sent me a monk, who was a
+true son of the Apostle Paul. All the saints accompanied him by order
+of God, in order to bear testimony before me, and to declare that he
+did not come to contrive any plot, but that all that he did was
+according to the will of God. They asked me to have the goodness
+graciously to permit him to write something on the door of the church
+of the castle of Wittemberg. This I granted through my chancellor.
+Thereupon the monk went to the church, and began to write in such
+large characters, that I could read the writing at Schweinitz. The pen
+which he used was so large that its end reached as far as Rome, where
+it pierced the ears of a lion that was couching there,[354] and caused
+the triple crown upon the head of the pope to shake. All the
+cardinals and princes running hastily up, tried to prevent it from
+falling. You and I, brother, wished also to assist, and I stretched
+out my arm ... but at this moment I awoke, with my arm in the air,
+quite amazed, and very much enraged at the monk for not managing his
+pen better. I recollected myself a little: it was only a dream.
+
+  [354] Leo X.
+
+"I was still half asleep, and once more closed my eyes. The dream
+returned. The lion, still annoyed by the pen, began to roar with all
+his might, so much so that the whole city of Rome and all the states
+of the holy empire, ran to see what the matter was. The pope requested
+them to oppose this monk, and applied particularly to me, on account
+of his being in my country. I again awoke, repeated the Lord's Prayer,
+entreated God to preserve his Holiness, and once more fell asleep.
+
+"Then I dreamed that all the princes of the empire, and we among them,
+hastened to Rome, and strove one after another to break the pen; but
+the more we tried the stiffer it became, sounding as if it had been
+made of iron. We at length desisted. I then asked the monk (for I was
+sometimes at Rome and sometimes at Wittemberg) where he got this pen,
+and why it was so strong. 'The pen,' replied he, 'belonged to an old
+goose of Bohemia, a hundred years old.[355] I got it from one of my
+old school-masters. As to its strength, it is owing to the
+impossibility of depriving it of its pith or marrow, and I am quite
+astonished at it myself.' Suddenly I heard a loud noise; a large
+number of other pens had sprung out of the long pen of the monk.... I
+awoke a third time; it was daylight...."
+
+  [355] John Huss. This circumstance may perhaps have been afterwards
+added in allusion to the saying of John Huss, which we have quoted.
+See the First Book.
+
+_Duke John._--"Chancellor, what is your opinion? Would we had a Joseph
+or a Daniel enlightened by God!"
+
+_Chancellor._--"Your Highnesses know the common proverb, that the
+dreams of young girls, learned men, and great lords, have usually some
+hidden meaning. The meaning of this dream, however, we will not be
+able to know for some time; not till the things to which it relates
+have taken place. Wherefore, leave the accomplishment to God, and
+place it wholly in his hand."
+
+_Duke John._--"I am of your opinion, Chancellor; 'tis not fit for us
+to annoy ourselves in attempting to discover the meaning; the God will
+overrule all for his glory."
+
+_Elector._--"May our faithful God do so; yet I will never forget this
+dream. I have indeed thought of an interpretation, but I keep it to
+myself. Time, perhaps, will show if I have been a good diviner."
+
+Thus, according to the manuscript of Weimar, the morning of 31st of
+October was spent at Schweinitz. Let us see how the evening was spent
+at Wittemberg. We again return to the province of History.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+     Feast of All Saints--The Theses--Their
+     Force--Moderation--Providence--Letter to
+     Albert--Indifference of the Bishops--Dissemination of the
+     Theses.
+
+
+The words of Luther had produced little effect. Tezel, without
+troubling himself, continued his traffic and his impious
+harangues.[356] Will Luther submit to these crying abuses, and keep
+silence? As a pastor, he has earnestly exhorted those who have had
+recourse to his ministry, and, as a preacher, he has lifted his
+warning voice in the pulpit. It still remains for him to speak as a
+theologian--to address, not individuals in the confessional, not the
+assembly of the faithful in the church of Wittemberg, but all who,
+like himself, are teachers of the word of God. His resolution is
+taken.
+
+  [356] "Cujus impiis et nefariis concionibus incitatus Lutherus, studio
+  pietatis ardens, edidit propositiones de indulgentiis." (Melancth.
+  Vita Luth.) Luther, stimulated by his impious and nefarious harangues,
+  and glowing with pious zeal, published his Theses on Indulgences.
+
+He has no thought of attacking the Church, or of putting the pope on
+his defence. On the contrary, it is his respect for the pope that will
+not allow him to be any longer silent with regard to claims by which
+he is injured. He must take the part of the pope against audacious
+men, who dare to associate his venerable name with their disgraceful
+traffic. Far from thinking of a revolution which is to destroy the
+primacy of Rome, Luther expects to have the pope and Catholicism for
+his allies against impudent monks.[357]
+
+  [357] "Et in iis certus mihi videbar, me habiturum patronum papam,
+  cujus fiducia tune fortiter nitebar." (Luth. Op. Lat. in Pr�f.) And in
+  these I thought myself certain that I would have the patronage of the
+  pope, in whom I had then great confidence.
+
+The feast of All Saints was an important day for Wittemberg, and
+especially for the church which the Elector had there erected and
+filled with relics. On that day these relics, adorned with silver and
+gold, and precious stones, were brought out and exhibited to the eyes
+of the people, who were astonished and dazzled by their
+magnificence.[358] Whoever on that day visited the church and
+confessed in it obtained a valuable indulgence. Accordingly, on this
+great occasion, pilgrims came in crowds to Wittemberg.
+
+  [358] "... Quas magnifico apparatu public� populis ostendi curavit."
+  (Cochloeus, 4.)
+
+On the 31st of October, 1517, Luther, who had already taken his
+resolution, walks boldly towards the church to which the superstitious
+crowds of pilgrims were repairing, and puts up on the door of this
+church ninety-five Theses or propositions against the doctrine of
+indulgences. Neither the Elector, nor Staupitz, nor Spalatin, nor any,
+even the most intimate of his friends, had been previously informed of
+this step.[359] In these theses, Luther declares, in a kind of
+preamble, that he had written them with the express desire of setting
+the truth in the full light of day. He declares himself ready to
+defend them on the morrow at the university, against all and sundry.
+The attention which they excite is great; they are read and repeated.
+In a short time the pilgrims, the university, the whole town is
+ringing with them. The following are some of these Propositions,
+written with the pen of the monk, and fixed on the door of the church
+of Wittemberg.
+
+  [359] "Cum hujus disputationis nullu etiam intimorum amicorum fuerit
+  conscius." (Luth., Ep. i, p. 186.)
+
+1. "When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ says 'repent,' he means that
+the whole life of his followers on the earth is a constant and
+continual repentance.
+
+2. "This expression cannot be understood of the sacrament of
+penitence, (that is to say, of confession and satisfaction,) as
+administered by the priest.
+
+3. "Still the Lord intends not to speak merely of internal repentance.
+Internal repentance is null, if it does not manifest itself externally
+by the mortification of the flesh.
+
+4. "Repentance and sorrow--that is to say, true penitence--continue so
+long as a man is displeased with himself--that is, until he passes
+from this life into life eternal.
+
+5. "The pope is not able, and does not wish to remit any other penalty
+than that which he has imposed of his own good pleasure, or
+conformably to the canons, that is to say, the papal ordinances.
+
+6. "The pope cannot remit any condemnation, but only declare and
+confirm the remission which God himself has given. At least he can
+only do it in cases which belong to him. If he does otherwise, the
+condemnation remains exactly as before.
+
+8. "The laws of ecclesiastical penance ought to be imposed on the
+living only, and have nothing to do with the dead.
+
+21. "The commissaries of indulgence are mistaken when they say that
+the pope's indulgence delivers from all punishment and saves.
+
+25. "The same power which the pope has over purgatory throughout the
+Church, each bishop has individually in his own diocese, and each
+curate in his own parish.
+
+27. "It is the preaching of human folly to pretend, that at the very
+moment when the money tinkles in the strong box, the soul flies off
+from purgatory.
+
+28. "This much is certain; as soon as the money tinkles, avarice and
+the love of gain arrive, increase, and multiply. But the aids and
+prayers of the Church depend only on the will and good pleasure of
+God.
+
+32. "Those who imagine they are sure of salvation by means of
+indulgences will go to the devil, with those who teach them so.
+
+35. "It is an antichristian doctrine to pretend, that, in order to
+deliver a soul from purgatory, or to purchase an indulgence, there is
+no need of either sorrow or repentance.
+
+36. "Every Christian who truly repents of his sins has entire
+forgiveness of the penalty and the fault, and, so far, has no need of
+indulgence.
+
+37. "Every true Christian, dead or alive, participates in all the
+blessings of Christ and of the Church by the gift of God and without a
+letter of indulgence.
+
+38. "Still the dispensation and pardon of the pope must not be
+despised; for his pardon is a declaration of the pardon of God.
+
+40. "Genuine sorrow and repentance seek and love punishment; but the
+mildness of indulgence takes off the fear of punishment, and begets
+hatred against it.
+
+42. "Christians must be told that the pope has no wish and no
+intention that they should in any respect compare the act of
+purchasing indulgences with any work of mercy.
+
+43. "Christians must be told that he who gives to the poor, or lends
+to the needy, does better than he who buys an indulgence:
+
+44. "For the work of charity makes charity increase, and renders a man
+more pious; whereas the indulgence does not make him better, but only
+gives him more self-confidence, and makes him more secure against
+punishment.
+
+45. "Christians must be told that he who sees his neighbour want, and,
+instead of helping him, purchases an indulgence, purchases not the
+indulgence of the pope, but incurs the Divine displeasure.
+
+46. "Christians must be told that if they have no superfluity, they
+are bound to keep what they have, in order to procure necessaries for
+their families, and not to lavish it on indulgences.
+
+47. "Christians must be told that to purchase an indulgence is
+optional, not obligatory.
+
+48. "Christians must be told that the pope having more need of prayer
+offered up in faith than of money, desires the prayer more than the
+money when he dispenses indulgences.
+
+49. "Christians must be told that the indulgence of the pope is good
+provided they do not place their confidence in it, but that nothing is
+more hurtful if it diminishes piety.
+
+50. "Christians must be told that if the pope knew of the extortions
+of the preachers of indulgences, he would rather that the metropolis
+of St. Peter were burned and reduced to ashes, than see it built with
+the skin, flesh, and bones, of his sheep.
+
+51. "Christians must be told that the pope, as is his duty, would
+dispense his own money to the poor people whom the preachers of
+indulgences are now robbing of their last penny, were he, for that
+purpose, even to sell the metropolis of St. Peter.
+
+52. "To hope to be saved by indulgences is an empty and lying hope
+even should the commissary of indulgences, nay, the pope himself, be
+pleased to pledge his own soul in security of it.
+
+53. "Those who, on account of the preaching of indulgences, forbid the
+preaching of the word of God, are enemies of the pope and of Jesus
+Christ.
+
+55. "The pope cannot have any other thought than this:--If the
+indulgence, which is the lesser matter, is celebrated with bell, pomp,
+and ceremony, it is necessary, _� fortiori_, to honour and celebrate
+the gospel, which is the greater matter, with a hundred bells, a
+hundred pomps, and a hundred ceremonies.
+
+62. "The true and precious treasure of the Church is the holy gospel
+of the glory and grace of God.
+
+65. "The treasures of the gospel are nets, which once caught the rich,
+and those who were at ease in their circumstances:
+
+66. "But the treasures of indulgence are nets, in which, now-a-days,
+they catch, not rich people, but the riches of people.
+
+67. "It is the duty of bishops and pastors to receive the commissaries
+of apostolic indulgences with all respect:
+
+68. "But it is still more their duty to use their eyes and their ears,
+in order to see that the said commissaries do not preach the dreams of
+their own imaginations instead of the orders of the pope.
+
+71. "Cursed be he who speaketh against the indulgence of the pope.
+
+72. "But blessed be he who speaks against the foolish and impudent
+words of the preachers of indulgences.
+
+76. "The indulgence of the pope cannot take away the smallest daily
+sin, in regard to the fault or delinquency.
+
+79. "To say that a cross adorned with the arms of the pope is as
+powerful as the cross of Christ is blasphemy.
+
+80. "Bishops, pastors, and theologians, who allow such things to be
+said to the people, will be called to account for it.
+
+81. "This shameful preaching, these impudent eulogiums on indulgences
+make it difficult for the learned to defend the dignity and honour of
+the pope against the calumnies of the preachers, and the subtile and
+puzzling questions of the common people.
+
+86. "Why, say they, does not the pope, whose wealth is greater than
+that of rich Croesus, build the metropolis of St. Peter with his own
+money rather than with that of poor Christians?
+
+92. "Would, then, that we were discumbered of all the preachers who
+say to the church of Christ, Peace! Peace! when there is no peace!
+
+94. "Christians should be exhorted to diligence in following Christ
+their head through crosses, death, and hell.
+
+95. "For it is far better to enter the kingdom of heaven through much
+tribulation, than to acquire a carnal security by the flattery of a
+false peace."
+
+Here, then, was the commencement of the work. The germ of the
+Reformation was contained in these theses of Luther. The abuses of
+indulgence were attacked in them, (and this was their most striking
+feature,) but behind those attacks there was, moreover, a principle
+which although it attracted the attention of the multitude far less,
+was destined one day to overthrow the edifice of the papacy. The
+evangelical doctrine of a free and gratuitous remission of sins was
+here publicly professed for the first time. Henceforth the work must
+grow. In fact, it was evident that any man who had faith in the
+remission of sins as preached by the doctor of Wittemberg; any one who
+had this conversion and sanctification, the necessity of which, he
+urged, would no longer concern himself about human ordinances, but
+would escape from the swaddling-bands of Rome, and secure the liberty
+of the children of God. All errors behoved to give way before this
+truth. By it light had at first entered Luther's own mind, and by it,
+in like manner, light is to be diffused in the Church. What previous
+reformers wanted was a clear knowledge of this truth; and hence the
+unfruitfulness of their labours. Luther himself was afterwards aware
+that, in proclaiming justification by faith, he had laid the axe to
+the root of the tree. "This is the doctrine," said he, "which we
+attack in the followers of the papacy. Huss and Wickliff only attacked
+their lives, but in attacking their doctrine, we take the goose by the
+neck. All depends on the Word which the pope took from us and
+falsified. I have vanquished the pope, because my doctrine is
+according to God, and his is according to the devil.[360]
+
+  [360] "Wenn man die Lehre angriefft, so wird die Gans am Kragen
+  gegriffen." (Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 1369.)
+
+We too have in our day forgotten the capital doctrine of justification
+by faith, though, in a sense, the reverse of that of our fathers. "In
+the time of Luther," says one of our contemporaries,[361] "the
+remission of sins at least cost money, but in our day every one
+supplies himself gratis." These two extremes are very much alike.
+Perhaps there is even more forgetfulness of God in our extreme, than
+in that of the sixteenth century. The principle of justification by
+the grace of God, which brought the Church out of so much darkness at
+the time of the Reformation, is also the only principle which can
+renew our generation, put an end to its doubts and waverings, destroy
+the canker of egotism, establish the reign of morality and justice,
+and, in one word reunite the world to God, from whom it has been
+separated.
+
+  [361] Harms de Kiel.
+
+But if the theses of Luther were mighty in virtue of the truth which
+they proclaimed, they were not less so through the faith of their
+declared defender. He had boldly unsheathed the sword of the Word, and
+he had done it trusting to the power of truth. He had felt, that in
+leaning on the promises of God he could, in the language of the world,
+afford to risk something. Speaking of this bold attack, he says, "Let
+him who would begin a good enterprise undertake it, trusting to its
+own merits, and not (of this let him beware) to the help and
+countenance of man. Moreover, let not men, nor even the whole world,
+deter him. For these words will never deceive:--'It is good to trust
+in the Lord; and none that trust in him shall be confounded.' But let
+him who neither is able nor willing to hazard something through trust
+in God, beware of undertaking any thing."[362] Doubtless, Luther,
+after putting up his theses on the door of the church of All Saints,
+retired to his tranquil cell, in full possession of the peace and joy
+imparted by an action done in the name of the Lord, and for the sake
+of eternal truth.
+
+  [362] Luth. Op. Leips. vi, p. 518.
+
+These theses, notwithstanding of their great boldness, still bespeak
+the monk, who refuses to allow a single doubt as to the authority of
+the See of Rome. But in attacking the doctrine of indulgences, Luther
+had, without perceiving it, assailed several errors, the exposure of
+which could not be agreeable to the pope, seeing that they tended,
+sooner or later, to bring his supremacy in question. Luther, at the
+time, did not see so far; but he felt all the boldness of the step
+which he had just taken, and, consequently, thought himself bound to
+temper it in so far as was consistent with the respect due to truth.
+He, accordingly, presented his theses only as doubtful propositions on
+which he was anxious for the views of the learned; and, conformably
+to the established custom, annexed to them a solemn protestation,
+declaring that he wished not to say or affirm any thing not founded on
+Holy Scripture, the Fathers of the Church, and the rights and
+decretals of the See of Rome.
+
+Often, in the sequel, on contemplating the immense and unlooked-for
+consequences of this courageous attack, Luther was astonished at
+himself, and could not understand how he had ventured upon it. An
+invisible hand, mightier than his own, held the leading reins, and
+pushed him into a path which he knew not, and from the difficulties of
+which he would, perhaps, have recoiled, if he had known them, and been
+advancing alone and of himself. "I engaged in this dispute," says he,
+"without premeditated purpose, without knowing it or wishing it; and
+was taken quite unprepared. For the truth of this I appeal to the
+Searcher of hearts."[363]
+
+  [363] "Casu enim, non voluntate nec studio, in has turbas incidi, Deum
+  ipsum testor." (Luth. Op. Lat. in Pr�f.) For I got involved in these
+  disturbances by accident, not by will or zeal. God is my witness.
+
+Luther had become acquainted with the source of these abuses. He had
+received a little book, ornamented with the arms of the Archbishop of
+Mentz and Magdeburg, and containing the regulations to be observed in
+the sale of indulgences. It was this young prelate, therefore, this
+accomplished prince, who had prescribed, or at least sanctioned, all
+this quackery. In him Luther only sees a superior to whom he owes fear
+and reverence;[364] and wishing not to beat the air, but to address
+those entrusted with the government of the Church, he sends him a
+letter, distinguished at once by its frankness and humility. Luther
+wrote this letter to Albert the same day on which he put up his
+theses.
+
+  [364] "Domino suo et pastori in Christo venerabiliter metuendo." To
+  his reverently to be feared Lord and pastor in Christ. (Address of the
+  letter, Ep. i, p. 68.)
+
+"Pardon me, most reverend Father in Christ, and most illustrious
+Prince," says he to him, "if I, who am only the dregs of mankind,[365]
+have the presumption to write your High Mightiness. The Lord Jesus is
+my witness, that, feeling how small and despicable I am, I have long
+put off doing it.... Will your Highness, however, be pleased to let
+fall a look on a grain of dust, and, in accordance with your episcopal
+meekness, graciously receive my petition.
+
+  [365] Fex hominum. (Ibid.)
+
+"There are people who are carrying the papal indulgence up and down
+the country in the name of your Grace. I do not so much blame the
+declamation of the preachers, (I have not heard them,) as the
+erroneous ideas of unlearned and simple people, who imagine that by
+buying indulgences they secure their salvation....
+
+"Good God! souls entrusted to your care, most venerable Father, are
+conducted to death, and not to life. The just and strict account which
+will be required of you grows and augments from day to day.... I have
+not been able to continue longer silent. Ah! man is not saved by
+works, or by the performances of his bishop... Even the righteous
+scarcely is saved; and the way that leadeth unto life is strait. Why,
+then, do the preachers of indulgences by vain fables inspire the
+people with a false security?
+
+"According to them, indulgence alone ought to be proclaimed, ought to
+be extolled.... What! Is it not the chief and only duty of bishops to
+instruct the people in the gospel and the love of Jesus Christ?[366]
+Jesus Christ has nowhere ordered the preaching of indulgence; but has
+strongly enjoined the preaching of the gospel.[367] How dreadful, then
+and how perilous, for a bishop to allow the gospel to be passed in
+silence, and nothing but the sound of indulgence to be incessantly
+dunned into the ears of his people....
+
+  [366] "Ut populus Evangelium discat atque charitatem Christi." (Ibid.)
+
+  [367] Vehementer pr�cipit." (Ibid.) Earnestly commands.
+
+"Most worthy Father in God, in the Instruction of the commissaries,
+which has been published in name of your Grace, (doubtless without
+your knowledge,) it is said that the indulgence is the most precious
+treasure,--that it reconciles man to God, and enables those who
+purchase it to dispense with repentance.
+
+"What then, can I, what ought I to do, most venerable Bishop, most
+serene Prince? Ah! I supplicate your Highness, by the Lord Jesus
+Christ, to turn upon this business an eye of paternal vigilance, to
+suppress the pamphlet entirely, and ordain preachers to deliver a
+different sort of discourses to the people. If you decline to do so,
+be assured you will one day hear some voice raised in refutation of
+these preachers, to the great dishonour of your most serene Highness."
+
+Luther at the same time sent his theses to the archbishop, and, in a
+postscript, asked him to read them, that he might be convinced how
+little foundation there was for the doctrine of indulgences.
+
+Thus Luther's whole desire was, that the watchmen of the Church should
+awake, and exert themselves in putting an end to the evils which were
+laying it waste. Nothing could be more noble and more respectful than
+this letter from a monk to one of the greatest princes of the Church
+and the empire. Never was there a better exemplification of the spirit
+of our Saviour's precept--"Render unto C�sar the things which are
+C�sar's, and unto God the things which are God's." This is not the
+course of violent revolutionists, who contemn powers and blame
+dignities. It is a cry proceeding from the conscience of a Christian
+and a priest, who gives honour to all, but in the first place fears
+God. However, all prayers and supplications were useless. Young
+Albert, engrossed by his pleasures and ambitious designs, made no
+reply to this solemn appeal. The Bishop of Brandebourg, Luther's
+ordinary--a learned and pious man, to whom, also, he sent his
+theses--replied that he was attacking the power of the Church, that he
+would involve himself in great trouble and vexation, that the thing
+was beyond his strength, and that his earnest advice to him was to
+keep quiet.[368] The princes of the Church shut their ears against the
+voice of God, thus energetically and affectingly declared by the
+instrumentality of Luther. They would not comprehend the signs of the
+times; they were struck with that blindness which has been the ruin of
+so many powers and dignities. "Both thought," says Luther afterwards,
+"that the pope would be too many for a miserable mendicant like me."
+
+But Luther was better able than the bishops to perceive the disastrous
+effects which the indulgences had upon the manners and lives of the
+people; for he was in direct correspondence with them. He had
+constantly a near view of what the bishops learned only by unfaithful
+reports. If the bishops failed him, God did not fail him. The Head of
+the Church, who sits in heaven, and to whom has been given all power
+upon the earth, had himself prepared the ground, and deposited the
+grain in the hands of his servant. He gave wings to the seed of truth,
+and sent it in an instant over the whole length and breadth of his
+Church.
+
+Nobody appeared at the university next day to attack the propositions
+of Luther. The traffic of Tezel was too much in discredit, and too
+disgraceful for any other than himself, or some one of his creatures,
+to dare to take up the gauntlet. But these theses were destined to be
+heard in other places than under the roof of an academical hall.
+Scarcely had they been nailed to the door of the castle church of
+Wittemberg, than the feeble strokes of the hammer were followed
+throughout Germany by a blow which reached even to the foundations of
+proud Rome, threatening sudden ruin to the walls, the gates, and the
+pillars of the papacy, stunning and terrifying its champions, and at
+the same time awakening thousands from the sleep of error.[369]
+
+  [368] "Er sollte still halten; es w�re eine grosse Sache." (Matthes.
+  13.)
+
+  [369] Walthahr. v. Luther, p. 45.
+
+These theses spread with the rapidity of lightning. A month had not
+elapsed before they were at Rome. "In a fortnight," says a
+contemporary historian,[370] "they were in every part of Germany, and
+in four weeks had traversed almost the whole of Christendom; as if the
+angels themselves had been the messengers, and carried them before the
+eyes of all men. Nobody can believe what a noise they made." They were
+afterwards translated into Dutch and Spanish, and a traveller even
+sold them at Jerusalem. "Every one," says Luther, "was complaining of
+the indulgences; and as all the bishops and doctors had kept silence,
+and nobody had ventured to bell the cat, poor Luther became a famous
+doctor, because, as they expressed it, one had at length come who
+dared to do it. But I liked not this glory; the music seemed to me too
+lofty for the words."[371]
+
+  [370] Myconius, Hist. of the Ref., p. 23.
+
+  [371] "Das Lied wollte meiner stimme zu hochwerden." (Luth. Op.)
+
+Some of the pilgrims, who had flocked from different countries to
+Wittemberg for the feast of All Saints, instead of indulgences carried
+home with them the famous theses of the Augustin monk, and thus helped
+to circulate them. All read, pondered, and commented on them. They
+occupied the attention of all convents and all universities.[372] All
+pious monks who had entered the cloister to save their soul, all
+upright and honest men, rejoiced in this striking and simple
+confession of the truth, and wished with all their heart that Luther
+would continue the work which he had begun. At length a monk had had
+the courage to undertake this perilous contest. It was a reparation
+made to Christendom, and the public conscience was satisfied. In these
+theses piety saw a blow given to all kinds of superstition; the new
+theology hailed in them the defeat of the scholastic dogmas; princes
+and magistrates regarded them as a barrier raised against the
+encroachments of ecclesiastical power; while the nations were
+delighted at seeing the decided negative which this monk had given to
+the avarice of the Roman chancery. Erasmus, a man very worthy of
+credit, and one of the principal rivals of the Reformer, says to Duke
+George of Saxony, "When Luther attacked this fable, the whole world
+concurred in applauding him." "I observe," said he on another occasion
+to Cardinal Campeggi, "that those of the purest morals, and an
+evangelical piety, are the least opposed to Luther. His life is lauded
+even by those who cannot bear his faith. The world was weary of a
+doctrine containing so many childish fables, and was thirsting for
+that living water, pure and hidden, which issues from the springs of
+the evangelists and the apostles. The genius of Luther was fitted to
+accomplish these things, and his zeal must have animated him to the
+noble enterprise."[373]
+
+  [372] "In alle hohe Schullen und Kl�ster." (Mathes. 13.)
+
+  [373] "Ad hoc pr�standum mihi videbatur ille, et natura compositus et
+  accensus studio." (Erasm. Ep. Campegio Cardinali, i, p. 650.) For
+  accomplishing this, he seemed to me both fitted by nature, and
+  inflamed by zeal.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+     Reuchlin--Erasmus--Flek--Bibra--The Emperor--The
+     Pope--Myconius--The Monks--Apprehensions--Adelman--An Old
+     Priest--The Bishop--The Elector--The Inhabitants of
+     Erfurt--Luther's Reply--Trouble--Luther's Moving Principle.
+
+
+We must follow these propositions wherever they penetrated; to the
+studies of the learned, the cells of monks, and the palaces of
+princes, in order to form some idea of the various but wonderful
+effects which they produced in Germany.
+
+Reuchlin received them. He was weary of the hard battle which he had
+been obliged to fight against the monks. The power which the new
+combatant displayed in his theses revived the spirit of the old
+champion of letters, and gave joy to his saddened heart. "Thanks be to
+God," exclaimed he, after he had read them, "now they have found a man
+who will give them so much to do, that they will be obliged to let me
+end my old age in peace."
+
+The prudent Erasmus was in the Netherlands when the theses reached
+him. He was inwardly delighted at seeing his secret wishes for the
+reformation of abuses expressed with so much boldness, and commended
+their author, only exhorting him to more moderation and prudence.
+Nevertheless, some persons in his presence blaming Luther's violence,
+he said, "God has given men a cure which cuts thus deep into the
+flesh, because otherwise the disease would be incurable." And at a
+later period when the Elector of Saxony asked his opinion as to
+Luther's affair, he replied with a smile, "I am not at all astonished
+at his having made so much noise, for he has committed two
+unpardonable faults; he has attacked the tiara of the pope and the
+belly of the monks."[374]
+
+  [374] M�ller's Denkw, iv, 256.
+
+Dr. Flek, prior of the cloister of Steinlausitz, had for some time
+given up reading mass, but had not told any one his reason. He one day
+found the theses of Luther posted up in the refectory of his convent.
+He went up and began to read them, but had only perused a few, when
+unable to contain his joy, he exclaimed, "Well, well, he whom we have
+been so long looking for is come at last; and this you monks will
+see." Then reading in the future, says Mathesius, and playing upon the
+word Wittemberg, he said, "Everybody will come to seek wisdom at this
+mountain, and will find it.[375] He wrote to the doctor to persevere
+courageously in his glorious combat. Luther calls him a man full of
+joy and consolation.
+
+  [375] "Alle welt von diesem, Weissenberg, Weissheit holen und
+  bekommen." (p. 13)
+
+The ancient and celebrated episcopal see of W�rzburg was then held by
+Lowrence de Bibra, a man, according to the testimony of his
+contemporaries, pious, honest, and wise. When a gentleman came to
+intimate to him that he intended his daughter for the cloister, "Give
+her rather a husband," said he; and then added, "Are you in want of
+money for that purpose? I will lend you." The emperor and all the
+princes held him in the highest esteem. He lamented the disorders of
+the Church, and especially those of convents. The theses having
+reached his palace also, he read them with great delight, and publicly
+declared his approbation of Luther. At a later period he wrote to the
+Elector Frederick, "Don't part with pious Dr. Martin Luther; for he
+has been wronged." The Elector delighted at this testimony, wrote the
+Reformer with his own hand to acquaint him with it.
+
+The Emperor Maximilian, predecessor of Charles V, also read and
+admired the theses of the monk of Wittemberg. He perceived his
+talents, and foresaw that this obscure Augustin might, indeed, become
+a powerful ally of Germany in her struggle with Rome. Accordingly, he
+instructed his envoy to say to the Elector of Saxony, "Take good care
+of the monk Luther, for the time may come when we shall have need of
+him;"[376] and shortly after, being at a diet with Pfeffinger, the
+Elector's confidential councillor, he said to him, "Well what is your
+Augustin doing? Assuredly his propositions are not to be despised; he
+will give the monks enough to do."[377]
+
+  [376] "Dass er uns den Munch Luther fleisig beware." (Mathes. 15.)
+
+  [377] Schmidt Brand Reformationsgesch, p. 124.
+
+At Rome even, and in the Vatican, the theses were not so ill received
+as might have been supposed. Leo X judged of them as a friend of
+letters, rather than a pope. The amusement which they gave him made
+him overlook the severe truths which they contained; and when
+Sylvester Prierias, the master of the sacred palace, who had the
+office of examining new works, urged him to treat Luther as a
+heretic, he replied, "This Friar, Martin Luther, is a great genius;
+all that is said against him is mere monkish jealousy."[378]
+
+  [378] "Che frate Martino Luthero haveva un bellissimo ingegnoe che
+  coteste erano invidie fratesche." (Brandelli, contemporary of Leo, and
+  a Dominican, Hist. Trag. Pars 3.)
+
+There were few on whom the theses of Luther produced a deeper
+impression than on the scholar of Annaberg, whom Tezel had so
+pitilessly repulsed. Myconius had entered a convent, and the very
+first evening dreamed he saw an immense field quite covered with ripe
+corn. "Cut," said the voice of his guide to him; and when he excused
+himself for want of skill, his guide showed him a reaper, who was
+working with inconceivable rapidity. "Follow, and do like him," said
+the guide.[379] Myconius, eager for holiness as Luther had been,
+devoted himself when in the convent to vigils, fasts, macerations, and
+all the works invented by men; but at length he despaired of ever
+attaining the objects of his efforts. He abandoned study, and spent
+his whole time in manual labour. Sometimes he bound books, sometimes
+used the turning-lathe, and sometimes did any other kind of work.
+Still, however, this external labour did not appease his troubled
+conscience. God had spoken to him, and he could not fall back into his
+former slumber. This state of agony lasted for several years. It is
+sometimes supposed that the paths of the Reformers were quite smooth,
+and that after they renounced the observances of the Church, their
+remaining course was easy and pleasant. It is not considered that they
+arrived at the truth by means of internal struggles, a thousand times
+more painful than the observances to which servile minds easily
+submitted.
+
+  [379] Melch. Adami Vita Myconii.
+
+At length the year 1517 arrived. The theses of Luther were published,
+and, traversing Christendom, arrived also at the convent where the
+scholar of Annaberg was residing. He hid himself in a corner of the
+cloister, with John Voit, another monk, that they might be able to
+read them without interruption.[380] They contained the very truth of
+which his father had told him. His eyes were opened, he felt a voice
+within him responding to that which was then sounding throughout
+Germany, and great consolation filled his heart. "I see plainly," said
+he, "that Martin Luther is the reaper whom I saw in my dream, and who
+taught me to gather the ears of corn." He immediately began to profess
+the doctrine which Luther had proclaimed. The monks, alarmed when they
+heard him, argued with him, and declaimed against Luther and against
+his convent. "That convent," replied Myconius, "is like our Lord's
+sepulchre; they wish to prevent Christ from rising again, but will not
+succeed." At last his superiors, seeing they could not convince him,
+interdicted him for a year and a half from all intercourse with the
+world, not permitting him even to write or to receive letters, and
+threatening him with perpetual imprisonment. However, for him also the
+hour of deliverance arrived. Being afterwards appointed pastor at
+Zwickau, he was the first who declared against the papacy in the
+churches of Thuringia. "Then," says he, "I could work with my
+venerable father Luther at the Gospel harvest." Jonas describes him as
+a man as able as he was willing.[381]
+
+  [380] "Legit tunc cum Joanne Voite, in angulum abdtius, libellos
+  Lutheri." (Ibid.)
+
+  [381] "Qui potuit quod voluit."
+
+Doubtless, there were others also to whom Luther's theses were the
+signal of life. They kindled a new light in many cells, cottages, and
+palaces. "While those who had entered convents in quest of good fare
+and indolence, or rank and honours," says Mathesius, "began to load
+the name of Luther with reproaches, the monks who lived in prayer,
+fasting, and mortification, thanked God as soon as they heard the cry
+of the eagle, announced by John Huss, a century before."[382] Even the
+people who did not well understand the theology of the question, and
+who only knew that Luther was assailing the empire of mendicants and
+lazy monks, received it with bursts of joy. An immense sensation was
+produced in Germany by his bold propositions. However, some of the
+Reformer's contemporaries, who foresaw the consequences to which they
+might lead, and the numerous obstacles which they were destined to
+encounter, loudly expressed their fears, or at most rejoiced with
+trembling.
+
+  [382] "Darvon Magister Johann. Huss, geweissaget." (Mathes. 13.)
+
+"I am much afraid," wrote the excellent canon of Augsburg, Bernard
+Adelman, to his friend Pirckeimer, "that the worthy man must yield at
+last to the avarice and power of the partizans of indulgences. His
+representations have had so little effect, that the Bishop of
+Augsburg, our primate and metropolitan,[383] has just ordered new
+indulgences, in the name of the pope, for St. Peter's at Rome. Let him
+hasten to seek the aid of princes. Let him beware of tempting God; for
+it were to show an absolute want of sense to overlook the imminent
+danger to which he is exposed." Adelman was greatly delighted when it
+was rumoured that Henry VIII had invited Luther to England. "There,"
+thought he, "he will be able to teach the truth in peace." Several
+thus imagined that the doctrine of the gospel was to be supported by
+the power of princes, not knowing that it advances without this power,
+and is often trammelled and weakened by the possession of it.
+
+  [383] He adds, "Totque uxorum vir," The husband of so many wives,
+  (Heumann Documenta lit. p. 167.)
+
+The celebrated historian, Albert Kranz, was at Hamburg on his
+deathbed, when Luther's theses were brought to him. "You are right,
+friar Martin," he exclaimed, "but you will not succeed.... Poor monk!
+Go into your cell and cry, 'Lord, have mercy on me!'"[384]
+
+  [384] "Frater, abi in cellam, et dic: Miserere mei." (Lindner in
+  Luther's Leben, p. 93.)
+
+An old priest of Hexter in Westphalia, having received and read the
+theses in his presbytery, said in Low German, shaking his head, "Dear
+friar Martin! if you succeed in overthrowing this purgatory and all
+these paper merchants, assuredly you are a mighty segnior!" Erbenius,
+a century later, wrote beneath these words the following stanza:--
+
+    "Quid vero nunc si viveret,
+    Bonus iste clericus diceret?"
+
+    What then would the good clerk say,
+    Were he alive to see this day.
+
+Not only did many of Luther's friends entertain fears as to the step
+which he had taken, but several even testified their disapprobation.
+
+The Bishop of Brandenburg, distressed at seeing his diocese the scene
+of so important a contest, was anxious to suppress it. He resolved to
+take the gentle method, and employed the Abbot of Lenin to say to
+Luther, in his name, "I don't find any thing in the theses
+contradictory of Catholic truth. I myself condemn these indiscreet
+proclamations; but for the love of peace and deference to your bishop,
+cease writing on the subject." Luther was confounded at being thus
+humbly addressed by so great an abbot and so great a bishop, and led
+away by the feelings of the moment, replied, "I consent. I would
+rather obey than work miracles, were it in my power."[385]
+
+  [385] "Bene sum contentus: mala obedire quam miracula facere, etiam si
+  possem." (Ep. i, 71.)
+
+The Elector was grieved at the commencement of a contest which was no
+doubt legitimate, but the end of which it was impossible to foresee.
+No prince was more desirous than Frederick for the maintenance of
+public peace. Now, what an immense fire might this small spark not
+kindle? What discord, what rending of nations, might this quarrel of
+monks not produce? The Elector repeatedly made Luther aware how much
+he was annoyed.[386]
+
+  [386] "Suumque dolorem s�pe significavit, metuens discordias majores."
+  (Melancth. Vita Luth.) And often expressed his sorrow, fearing worse
+  dissension.
+
+Even in his own order and his own convent of Wittemberg, Luther met
+with disapprobation. The prior and sub-prior, terrified at the clamour
+of Tezel and his companions, repaired in fear and trembling to the
+cell of friar Martin, and said, "Do not, we entreat you, bring shame
+on our order. The other orders, and especially the Dominicans, are
+overjoyed to think that they are not to be alone in disgrace." Luther
+was moved by these words, but soon recovering himself, he replied,
+"Dear fathers, if the thing is not done in the name of God it will
+fail, but if it is, let it proceed." The prior and sub-prior said no
+more. "The thing proceeds even now," adds Luther, after relating this
+anecdote, "and, please God, always will proceed better and better,
+even to the end. Amen."[387]
+
+  [387] Luth. Op. (L.) vi, p. 518.
+
+Luther had many other attacks to sustain. At Erfurt he was accused of
+violence and pride in his manner of condemning the opinions of
+others--the charge usually brought against those who act under the
+strong conviction which the word of God gives. He was also charged
+with precipitation and fickleness.
+
+"They call upon me for moderation," replied Luther, "and they
+themselves, in the judgment which they pass upon me, trample it under
+foot!... We see the mote in our brother's eye, and observe not the
+beam in our own.... Truth will no more gain by my moderation than it
+will lose by my presumption. I desire to know," continued he,
+addressing Lange, "what errors you and your theologians have found in
+my theses? Who knows not that a new idea is seldom advanced without an
+appearance of arrogance, and an accusation of disputatiousness? Were
+humility herself to undertake something new, those of an opposite
+opinion would charge her with pride.[388] Why were Christ and all the
+martyrs put to death? Because they were deemed proud despisers of the
+wisdom of the time, and advanced new truths without previously taking
+counsel of the organs of ancient opinion."
+
+  [388] "Finge enim ipsam humilitatem nova conari, statim superbi�
+  subjicietur ab iis qui aliter sapiunt." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 73.)
+
+"Let not the wise of the present day, then, expect of me humility, or
+rather hypocrisy enough, to ask their opinion before publishing what
+duty calls me to say. What I do will be done, not by the prudence of
+men, but by the counsel of God. If the work is of God, who can arrest
+it? If it is not of God, who can advance it?... Not my will, nor
+theirs, nor ours, but Thy will be done, O Holy Father who art in
+heaven!" In these words what courage, what noble enthusiasm, what
+confidence in God, and, above all, what truth, truth fitted to all
+times!
+
+Still the reproaches and accusations which assailed Luther from all
+quarters, failed not to make some impression on his mind. His hopes
+were disappointed. He had expected to see the heads of the church,
+and the most distinguished scholars of the nation, publicly uniting
+with him; but it was otherwise. A word of approbation, allowed to
+escape at the first moment of enthusiasm, was all that the best
+disposed gave him, while several of those whom he had till then most
+highly venerated were loud in censuring him. He felt himself alone in
+the whole Church,[389] alone against Rome, alone at the foot of that
+ancient and formidable edifice, whose foundations lay deep in the
+bowels of the earth, whose battlements reached the clouds, and at
+which he had just struck a daring blow. He was troubled and depressed.
+Doubts which he thought he had surmounted returned with new force. He
+trembled at the thought of having the authority of the whole Church
+against him, of withdrawing from that authority and resisting that
+voice which nations and ages had humbly obeyed, of setting himself in
+opposition to that church which he had from infancy been accustomed to
+venerate as the mother of the faithful.... He a paltry monk ... the
+effort was too great for man.[390] No step cost him more than this,
+and, accordingly, it was the step which decided the Reformation.
+
+  [389] "Solus primo eram." (Luth. Op. Lat. in Pr�f.) At first I was
+  alone.
+
+  [390] "Consilium immanis audaci� plenum." (Pallavicini, i, 17.) A
+  measure of infinite daring.
+
+The struggle which took place in his soul cannot be better described
+than in his own words. "I began this affair," says he, "with great
+fear and trembling. Who was I, a poor, miserable, despicable friar,
+liker a corpse than a living man;[391]--who was I, to oppose the
+majesty of the pope, before whom not only the kings of the earth and
+the whole world, but also, if I may so speak, heaven and hell
+trembled, compelled to yield obedience to his nod? Nobody can imagine
+what my heart suffered during those two first years, and into what
+depression, I might say what despair, I was often plunged. No idea of
+it can be formed by those proud spirits who afterwards attacked the
+pope with great boldness, although with all their ability they could
+not have done him the least harm, had not Jesus Christ, by me his
+feeble and unworthy instrument, given him a wound which never will be
+cured. But while they were contented to look on, and leave me alone in
+danger, I was not so joyful, so tranquil, or so sure about the
+business; for at that time I did not know many things which, thank
+God, I know now. It is true, several pious Christians were much
+pleased with my Propositions, and set a great value upon them, but I
+could not own and regard them as the organs of the Holy Spirit. I
+looked only to the pope, the cardinals, bishops, theologians,
+jurisconsults, monks, and priests. That was the direction from which I
+expected the Spirit to come. Still having, by means of Scripture, come
+off victorious over all contrary arguments, I have at length, by the
+grace of Christ, though after much pain, travail, and anguish,
+surmounted the only argument which arrested me, viz., that it is
+necessary to listen to the Church;[392] for from the bottom of my
+heart I honoured the church of the pope as the true church, and did so
+with much more sincerity and veneration, than those shameless and
+infamous corrupters who are now so very forward in opposing me. Had I
+despised the pope as much as he is despised in the hearts of those who
+praise him so loudly with their lips, I would have dreaded that the
+earth would instantly open and swallow me up as it did Corah and his
+company!"
+
+[391] "Miserrimus tunc fraterculus, cadaveri similior quam homini."
+(Luth. Op. Lat. i, p. 49.)
+
+[392] "Et cum omnia argumenta superassem per Scripturas, hoc unum cum
+summa difficultate et angustia, tandem Christo favente, vix superavi,
+Ecclesiam scilicet esse audiendam." (Luth. Op. Lat. i, p. 49.)
+
+How honourable these misgivings are to Luther! How well they display
+the sincerity and uprightness of his soul! And how much more worthy of
+respect do those painful assaults which he had to sustain, both within
+and without, prove him to be, than mere intrepidity without any such
+struggle, could have done! The travail of his soul clearly displays
+the truth and divinity of his work. We see that their origin and
+principle were in heaven. After all the facts which we have stated,
+who will presume to say that the Reformation was an affair of
+politics? No, assuredly; it was not the effect of human policy, but of
+the power of God. Had Luther been urged by human passions only, he
+would have yielded to his fears; his miscalculations and scruples
+would have smothered the fire which had been kindled in his soul, and
+he would only have thrown a transient gleam upon the Church, in the
+same way as the many zealous and pious men, whose names have come down
+to us. But now God's time had arrived; the work was not to be
+arrested; the emancipation of the Church was to be accomplished.
+Luther was destined at least to prepare that complete emancipation and
+those extensive developments which are promised to the kingdom of
+Christ. Accordingly, he experienced the truth of the magnificent
+promise, "The strong men shall faint and be weary, and the young men
+utterly fail; but they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their
+strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles." This Divine
+power which filled the heart of the doctor of Wittemberg, and which
+had engaged him in the combat, soon gave him back all his former
+resolution.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VII.
+
+     Tezel's Attack--Luther's Reply--Good Works--Luther and
+     Spalatin--Study of Scripture--Scheurl and Luther--Doubts on
+     the Theses--Luther for the People--A New Suit.
+
+
+The reproaches, timidity, or silence, of Luther's friends had
+discouraged him; the attacks of his enemies had the very opposite
+effect. This frequently happens. The adversaries of the truth, while
+thinking by their violence to do their own work, often do that of God
+himself.[393] The gauntlet which had been thrown down was taken up by
+Tezel with a feeble hand. Luther's sermon, which had been to the
+people what his theses had been to the learned, was the subject of his
+first reply. He refuted it point by point, in his own way, and then
+announced that he was preparing to combat his adversary at greater
+length in theses which he would maintain at the university of
+Frankfort on the Oder. "Then," said he, adverting to the conclusion of
+Luther's sermon; "then every one will be able to judge who is
+heresiarch, heretic, schismatic, erroneous, rash, and calumnious. Then
+will it be manifest to the eyes of all who has a dull brain, who has
+never felt the Bible, read Christian doctrines, understood his own
+teachers.... In maintaining the propositions which I advance, I am
+ready to suffer all things, prison, cudgel, water, and fire."
+
+  [393] "Hi furores Tezelii et ejus satellitum imponunt necessitatem
+  Luthero, de rebus iisdem copiosius, disserendi et tuend� veritatis."
+  (Melancth. Vita Luth.) The fury of Tezel and his satellites compelled
+  Luther to treat these subjects more copiously, and to defend the
+  truth.
+
+One thing which strikes us in reading this production of Tezel is the
+difference between his German and that of Luther. One would say that
+an interval of several ages is between them. A foreigner, especially,
+sometimes finds it difficult to comprehend Tezel, whereas the language
+of Luther is almost the same as that of our day. A comparison of the
+two is sufficient to show that Luther is the creator of the German
+language. No doubt, this is one of his least merits, but still it is
+one.
+
+Luther replied without naming Tezel; Tezel had not named him. But
+there was nobody in Germany who could not have placed at the head of
+their publications the name which they had judged it expedient to
+suppress. Tezel tried to confound the repentance which God demands
+with the penance which the Church imposes, in order to give a higher
+value to his indulgences. Luther made it his business to clear up this
+point.
+
+"To avoid many words," said he, in his graphic style, "I give to the
+wind (which, besides, has more leisure than I have) his other words,
+which are only sheets of paper and withered leaves; and I content
+myself with examining the foundations of his house of bur-thistle.
+
+"The penitence which the holy father imposes cannot be that which
+Jesus Christ demands; for whatever the holy father imposes he can
+dispense with; and if these two penitences were one and the same, it
+would follow that the holy father takes away what Jesus appoints, and
+thereby makes void the commandment of God.... Ah! if it so pleases
+him, let him maltreat me," continues Luther, after quoting other false
+interpretations of Tezel; "let him call me heretic, schismatic,
+calumniator, or anything he likes; I will not on that account be his
+enemy, but will pray for him as for a friend. But it is not possible
+to allow him to treat the Holy Scriptures, our consolation, (Rom., xv,
+4,) as a sow treats a sack of corn."[394]
+
+  [394] "Dass er die Schrift, unsern Trost, nicht anders behandelt wie
+  die Sau einen Habersack."
+
+We must accustom ourselves to Luther's occasional use of expressions
+too harsh and homely for our age,--it was the custom of the time; and
+under those words which in our days would violate the proprieties of
+language, there is usually a force and justice which disposes us to
+pardon their rankness. He continues thus:--
+
+"He who buys indulgences, say our adversaries, does better than he who
+gives alms to a poor man not absolutely in extremity. Now, let them
+tell us that the Turks are profaning our churches and crosses, we will
+be able to hear it without a shudder; for we have amongst ourselves
+Turks a hundred times worse, who profane and annihilate the only true
+sanctuary, the word of God, which sanctifies all things.... Let him
+who would follow this precept take good care not to give food to the
+hungry, nor clothing to the naked, before they give up the ghost, and,
+consequently, have no need of his assistance."
+
+It is important to contrast the zeal which Luther thus manifests for
+good works with what he says of justification by faith. Indeed, no man
+who has any experience, or any knowledge of Christianity, needs this
+new proof of a truth of which he is fully assured; viz., that the more
+we adhere to justification by faith, the more strongly we feel the
+necessity of works, and the more diligently we practise them; whereas
+lax views as to the doctrine of faith necessarily lead to laxity of
+conduct. Luther, as St. Paul before, and Howard after him, are proofs
+of the former; all men without faith (and with such the world is
+filled) are proofs of the latter.
+
+Luther comes next to the insulting language of Tezel, and pays him
+back in his own way. "At the sound of these invectives methinks I hear
+a large ass braying at me. I am delighted at it, and would be very
+sorry that such people should give me the name of a good Christian."
+We must give Luther as he is with all his foibles. This turn for
+pleasantry, coarse pleasantry, was one of them. The Reformer was a
+great man, undoubtedly a man of God; but he was a man, not an angel,
+and not even a perfect man. Who is entitled to call upon him for
+perfection?
+
+"For the rest," adds he, challenging his opponents to the combat,
+"although it is not usual to burn heretics for such points, here, at
+Wittemberg, am I, Doctor Martin Luther! Is there any inquisitor who
+pretends to chew fire, and make rocks leap into the air? I give him to
+know, that he has a safe-conduct to come here, an open door, and bed
+and board certain, all by the gracious care of our admirable Duke
+Frederick, who will never protect heresy."[395]
+
+  [395] Luth. Op. Leips. xvii, 132.
+
+We see that Luther was not deficient in courage. He trusted to the
+word of God--a rock which never gives way in the tempest. But God in
+faithfulness gave him still further aid. The bursts of joy with which
+the multitude had hailed Luther's theses were soon succeeded by a
+gloomy silence. The learned had timidly drawn back on hearing the
+calamities and insults of Tezel and the Dominicans. The bishops, who
+had previously been loud in condemnation of the abuses of indulgences,
+seeing them at length attacked, had not failed, with an inconsistency
+of which there are but too many examples, to find that at that time
+the attack was inopportune. The greater part of the Reformer's friends
+were frightened. Several of them had fled. But when the first terror
+was over, the minds of men took an opposite direction. The monk of
+Wittemberg soon saw himself again surrounded with a great number of
+friends and admirers.
+
+There was one who, although timid, remained faithful to him throughout
+this crisis, and whose friendship at once solaced and supported him.
+This was Spalatin. Their correspondence was not interrupted. "I thank
+you," says he, when speaking of a particular mark of friendship which
+he had received from him; "but what do I not owe you?"[396] It was on
+the 11th November, just fifteen days after the publication of the
+theses, and consequently when the minds of men were in a state of the
+greatest fermentation, that Luther thus delights to unbosom his
+gratitude to his friend.
+
+  [396] "Tibi gratias ago; imo quid tibi non debeo?" (Luth. Ep. i, p.
+  74.)
+
+In the same letter to Spalatin, it is interesting to see the strong
+man, who had just performed a most daring exploit, declaring from what
+source he derives his strength. "We can do nothing of ourselves; we
+can do everything by the grace of God. By us all ignorance is
+invincible, but no ignorance is invincible by the grace of God. The
+more we endeavour of ourselves to attain to wisdom, the nearer we
+approach to folly.[397] It is not true that this invincible ignorance
+excuses the sinner; were it so there would be no sin in the world."
+
+  [397] "Quanto magis conamur ex nobis ad sapientiam, tanto amplius
+  appropinquamus insipienti�." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 74.)
+
+Luther had not sent his propositions, either to the prince or to any
+of his courtiers. The chaplain seems to have expressed some surprise
+at this, and Luther answers:--"I did not wish my theses to reach our
+illustrious prince or any of his court, before those who think
+themselves specially addressed had received them, lest it should be
+thought that I had published them by order of the prince or to gain
+his favour, or from opposition to the Bishop of Mentz. I hear there
+are already several who dream such things. But now I can swear in all
+safety that my theses were published without the knowledge of Duke
+Frederick."[398]
+
+  [398] "Sed salvum est nunc etiam jurare, quod sine scitu Ducis
+  Frederici exierint." (Ibid., p. 76.) But now it is safe even to swear,
+  that they have gone forth without the knowledge of Duke Frederick.
+
+If Spalatin solaced his friend, and supported him by his influence,
+Luther on his part was desirous to meet the requests of the modest
+chaplain. The latter, among other questions, asked one which is
+frequently repeated in our day, "What is the best method of studying
+the Holy Scriptures?"
+
+"Till now, my dear Spalatin," replied Luther, "you have asked
+questions which I could answer. But to direct you in the study of the
+Scriptures is more than I am able to do. However, if you would
+absolutely know my method, I will not hide it from you.
+
+"It is most certain that we cannot succeed in comprehending the
+Scripture either by study or mere intellect. Your first duty, then, is
+to begin with prayer.[399] Entreat the Lord that he will in his great
+mercy deign to grant you the true knowledge of his Word. There is no
+other interpreter of the word of God than the Author of that word
+according as it is said, 'They will all be taught of God.' Hope
+nothing from your works, nothing from your intellect. Trust only in
+God, and in the influence of his Spirit. Believe one who is speaking
+from experience."[400]
+
+  [399] "Primum id certissimum est, sacras literas non posse vel studio,
+  vel ingenio penetrari. Ideo primum officium est, ut ab oratione
+  incipias."
+
+  [400] "Igitur de tuo studio desperes oportet omnino, simul et ingenio.
+  Deo autem soli confidas, et influxui Spiritus. Experto crede ista."
+  (Luth. Ep. i, p. 88, 18th Jan.)
+
+We here see how Luther attained possession of the truth of which he
+was a preacher. It was not, as some pretend, by confiding in a
+presumptuous reason, nor, as others maintain, by abandoning himself to
+hateful passions. The source from which he drew it was the purest,
+holiest, and most sublime--God himself consulted in humility,
+confidence, and prayer. Few in our day imitate him, and hence few
+comprehend him. To a serious mind these words of Luther are in
+themselves a justification of the Reformation.
+
+Luther likewise found comfort in the friendship of respectable laymen.
+Christopher Scheurl, the excellent secretary of the imperial city of
+Nuremberg, gave him gratifying marks of his friendship. We know how
+pleasant expressions of sympathy are to the man who feels himself
+assailed from all quarters. The secretary of Nuremberg did more; he
+tried to make friends to his friend. He urged him to dedicate one of
+his works to a then celebrated lawyer of Nuremberg, named Jerome
+Ebner:--"You have a high idea of my studies," modestly replied Luther;
+"but I have the poorest idea of them myself. Nevertheless, I was
+desirous to meet your wishes. I have searched ... ; but in all my
+store, which I never found so meagre, nothing presented itself which
+seemed at all worthy of being dedicated to so great a man by so little
+a man."[401] Striking humility! It is Luther who speaks thus, and the
+person with whom he contrasts himself is Doctor Ebner, who is
+altogether unknown to us. Posterity has not ratified Luther's
+judgment.
+
+  [401] "Luther writes him:--"Liter� tu� animum tuum erga meam
+  parvitatem candidum et longe ultra merita benevolentissimum
+  probaverunt." (Ibid., p. 79.) Your letter proves your candid opinion
+  of me, and your most kind affection for me, both to a degree far
+  exceeding my deserts.
+
+Luther, who had done nothing to circulate his theses, had not sent
+them to Scheurl any more than to the Elector and his courtiers. The
+secretary of Nuremberg expressed his surprise. "I had no intention,"
+replies Luther, "to give my theses so much publicity. I wished only to
+confer on their contents with some of those who reside with us or near
+us;[402] intending, if they condemned, to destroy, and if they
+approved, to publish them. But now they are printed, reprinted, and
+spread far and wide, beyond my expectation; so much so that I repent
+of their production.[403] Not that I have any fear of the truth being
+known by the people, (for this was all I sought,) but this is not the
+way of instructing them. There are questions in the theses as to which
+I have still my doubts; and if I had thought that they were to produce
+such a sensation, there are things which I would have omitted, and
+others which I would have affirmed with greater confidence." Luther
+afterwards thought differently. Far from fearing he had said too much,
+he declared that he ought to have said still more. But the
+apprehensions which Luther expresses to Scheurl do honour to his
+sincerity. They show that he had nothing like a premeditated plan, had
+no party spirit, no overweening conceit, and sought nothing but the
+truth. When he had fully discovered the truth, his language was
+different. "You will find in my first writings," said he, many years
+after, "that I very humbly made many concessions to the pope, and on
+points of great importance; concessions which I now detest, and regard
+as abominable and blasphemous."[404]
+
+  [402] "Non fuit consilium neque votum eas evulgari, sed cum paucis
+  apud et circum nos habitantibus primum super ipsis conferri." (Ibid.,
+  p. 95.)
+
+  [403] "Ut me poeniteat hujus foetur�." (Ibid.)
+
+  [404] "Qu� istis temporibus pro summa blasphemia et abominatione habeo
+  et execror." (Luth. Op. Lat. Wit. in Pr�f.)
+
+Scheurl was not the only layman of importance who, at this time,
+testified his friendship for Luther. The celebrated painter, Albert
+Durer, sent him a present, (perhaps one of his pictures,) and the
+doctor expressed his sense of the obligation in the warmest
+terms.[405]
+
+  [405] "Accepi simul et donum insignis viri Alberti Durer." (Luth., Ep.
+  i, 95.)
+
+Thus Luther had practical experience of the truth of that saying of
+Divine wisdom:--"A friend loveth at all times; and a brother is born
+for adversity." Those words he remembered for the sake of others also,
+and accordingly pleaded the cause of the whole population. The Elector
+had just levied a tax, and it was confidently alleged that he was
+going to levy another, probably on the advice of his counsellor
+Pfeffinger, against whom Luther often throws out cutting sarcasms. The
+doctor boldly placed himself in the breach. "Let not your Highness,"
+said he, "despise the prayer of a poor mendicant. In the name of God I
+entreat you not to order a new tax. My heart is broken, as well as
+that of several of your most devoted servants, at seeing how much the
+last has injured your fair fame, and the popularity which your
+Highness enjoyed. It is true that God has endowed you with profound
+intellect, so that you see much farther into things than I, or
+doubtless all your subjects, do. But, perhaps, it is the will of God
+that a feeble intellect instruct a great one, in order that no one may
+trust in himself, but only in the Lord our God. May he deign to keep
+your body in health for our good, and destine your soul to life
+eternal. Amen." In this way it is that the gospel, while it makes us
+honour kings, makes us also plead the cause of the people. While it
+tells them of their duties, it, at the same time, reminds the prince
+of their rights. The voice of a Christian such as Luther, raised in
+the cabinet of a sovereign, might often supply the place of a whole
+assembly of legislators.
+
+In this letter, in which Luther addresses a harsh lesson to the
+Elector, he fears not to present a request to him, or rather to remind
+him of a promise, viz., to give him a new suit. This freedom of
+Luther, at a moment when he might have feared he had given offence to
+Frederick, is equally honourable to the prince and to the Reformer.
+"But," adds he, "if it is Pfeffinger who has the charge of it, let him
+give it in reality, and not in protestations of friendship. He knows
+very well how to weave a web of good words, but no good cloth ever
+comes out of it." Luther thought, that, by the faithful counsel which
+he had given to his prince, he had well deserved his court dress.[406]
+Be this as it may, two years later he had not received it, and renewed
+his request.[407] This seems to indicate that Frederick was not so
+much under the influence of Luther as has been said.
+
+  [406] "Mein Hofkleid verdienen." (Luth. Ep. Lat. i, pp. 77, 78.)
+
+  [407] Ibid., p. 283.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VIII.
+
+     Disputation at Frankfort--Tezel's
+     Theses--Menaces--Opposition of Knipstrow--Luther's Theses
+     Burnt--The Monks--Luther's Peace--Tezel's Theses
+     Burnt--Luther's Vexation.
+
+
+The minds of men had thus gradually recovered from their first alarm.
+Luther himself was disposed to declare that his words did not mean so
+much as had been imagined. New circumstances might divert public
+attention, and the blow struck at Roman doctrine might, as had been
+the case with so many others, spend itself in the air. The partisans
+of Rome prevented this result. They fanned the flame instead of
+smothering it.
+
+Tezel and the Dominicans replied haughtily to the attack which had
+been made upon them. Burning with eagerness to crush the audacious
+monk who had disturbed their traffic, and to gain the favour of the
+Roman pontiff, they uttered cries of rage. They maintained that to
+attack the indulgence ordered by the pope was to attack the pope
+himself, and they called in the aid of all the monks and theologians
+of their school.[408] In fact, Tezel felt that an opponent like Luther
+was too much for him single-handed. Quite disconcerted, but more
+especially enraged at the doctor's attack, he quitted the environs of
+Wittemberg, and repaired to Frankfort on the Oder, where he arrived as
+early as November, 1517. The university of that town, like that of
+Wittemberg, was of recent date. One of the professors was Conrad
+Wimpina, a man of much eloquence, an old rival of Pollich of
+Mellerstadt, and one of the most distinguished theologians of the
+time. Wimpina's envy was excited both by the doctor and by the
+university of Wittemberg; for their reputation obscured his. Tezel
+applied to him for a reply to Luther's theses, and Wimpina wrote two
+series of antitheses, the former to defend the doctrine of
+indulgences, and the latter to defend the authority of the pope.
+
+  [408] "Suum senatum convocat; monachos aliquot et theologos sua
+  sophistica utcunque tinctos."(Melancth. Vita Luth.) He assembles his
+  own senate; some monks and theologians imbued with his own sophistry.
+
+This disputation, which had been long prepared and loudly advertised,
+and of which Tezel entertained the highest hopes, took place on the
+20th January, 1518. Tezel having beaten up for recruits, monks had
+been sent from all the neighbouring cloisters, and assembled to the
+number of more than three hundred. Tezel read his theses, one of which
+declared, "that whosoever says that the soul does not fly away from
+purgatory as soon as the money tinkles on the bottom of the strong
+box, is in error."[409]
+
+  [409] "Quisquis ergo dicit, non citius posse animam volare, quam in
+  fundo cist� denarius possit tinnire, errat." (Positiones Fratris Joh.
+  Tezelii, Pos. 56, Luth. Op. i, p. 94.) Whosoever says that the soul
+  cannot fly off sooner than the money can tinkle in the bottom of the
+  chest, errs.
+
+But, above all, he maintained propositions, according to which, the
+pope appeared to be truly, as the apostle expresses it, _seated as God
+in the temple of God_. It was convenient for this shameless merchant
+to take refuge under the pope's mantle, with all his disorders and
+scandals.
+
+In presence of the numerous assembly in which he stood, he declared
+himself ready to maintain as follows:--
+
+3. "Christians must be taught that the pope, by the greatness of his
+power, is above the whole universal Church and all councils. His
+orders ought to be implicitly obeyed.
+
+4. "Christians must be taught that the pope alone is entitled to
+decide in matters of Christian faith; that he, and none but he, has
+the power to explain the meaning of Scripture in his own sense, and to
+approve or condemn all words or works of others.
+
+5. "Christians must be taught that the judgment of the pope in things
+which concern Christian faith, and which are necessary to the
+salvation of the human race, cannot possibly err.
+
+6. "Christians must be taught that in matters of faith they ought to
+lean and rest more upon the opinion of the pope, as manifested by his
+decisions, than on the opinion of all wise men, as drawn by them out
+of Scripture.
+
+8. "Christians must be taught that those who attack the honour and
+dignity of the pope are guilty of the crime of lese-majesty, and
+deserve malediction.
+
+17. "Christians must be taught that there are many things which the
+Church regards as authentic articles of universal truth, although they
+are not found either in the canon of Scripture or in ancient doctors.
+
+44. "Christians must be taught to regard those as obstinate heretics,
+who, by their words, their actions, or their writings, declare that
+they would not retract their heretical propositions were
+excommunication after excommunication to rain or hail upon them.
+
+48. "Christians must be taught that those who protect heretics in
+their error, and who, by their authority, prevent them from being
+brought before the judge who is entitled to try them, are
+excommunicated; that if, in the space of a year, they desist not from
+doing so, they will be declared infamous, and severely punished with
+various punishments, in terms of law, and to the terror of all
+men.[410]
+
+  [410] "Pro infamibus sunt tenendi, qui etiam per juris capitula
+  terribiliter multis plectentur poenis omnium hominum terrorem."
+  (Positiones Fratris Joh. Tezelii, Pos. 56, Luth. Op. i, p. 98.)
+
+50. "Christians must be told that those who spoil so many books and so
+much paper, and who preach or dispute publicly and wickedly on the
+confession of the mouth, the satisfaction of works, the rich and great
+indulgences of the Bishop of Rome, and on his power; that those who
+ally themselves with those so preaching or writing, who take pleasure
+in their writings, and circulate them among the people and in the
+world; that those, in fine, who secretly speak of those things in a
+contemptuous and irreverent manner, may well tremble at incurring the
+pains which have just been named, and of precipitating themselves and
+others with them, at the last day, into eternal condemnation, and even
+here below into great disgrace. For every beast that toucheth the
+mountain shall be stoned."
+
+We see that Luther was not the only person whom Tezel attacked. In the
+forty-eighth thesis he had probably the Elector of Saxony in view.
+These propositions savour much of the Dominican. To threaten every
+contradictor with severe punishment was an inquisitor's argument, and
+scarcely admitted of a reply. The three hundred monks whom Tezel had
+brought together gaped and stared in admiration of his discourse. The
+theologians of the university were too much afraid of being classed
+with the abettors of heresy, or were too much attached to the
+principles of Wimpina, candidly to adopt the extraordinary theses
+which had just been read.
+
+The whole affair, about which so much noise had been made, seemed
+destined to be only a sham fight; but among the crowd of students
+present at the disputation was a young man of about twenty, named John
+Knipstrow. He had read the theses of Luther, and found them
+conformable to the doctrines of Scripture. Indignant at seeing the
+truth publicly trampled under foot, while no one appeared to defend
+it, this young man rose up, to the great astonishment of the whole
+assembly, and attacked the presumptuous Tezel. The poor Dominican, who
+had not counted on such opposition, was quite disconcerted. After some
+efforts, he quitted the field of battle, and gave place to Wimpina,
+who made a more vigorous resistance; but Knipstrow pressed him so
+closely, that, to put an end to a contest, which in his eyes was so
+unbecoming, Wimpina, who presided, declared the discussion closed, and
+proceeded forthwith to confer the degree of doctor on Tezel, in
+recompence of this glorious combat. Wimpina, to disencumber himself of
+the young orator, caused him to be sent to the convent of Pyritz in
+Pomerania, with orders that he should be strictly watched. But this
+dawning light was only removed from the banks of the Oder that it
+might afterwards shed a bright effulgence in Pomerania.[411] When God
+sees it meet, he employs scholars to confound teachers.
+
+  [411] Spieker, Gesch. Dr. M. Luthers. Beckmani Notitia Univ.
+  Francofurt, viii, etc.
+
+Tezel, wishing to repair the check which he had received, had recourse
+to the _ultima ratio_ of Rome and the inquisitors,--I mean the faggot.
+On a public walk in one of the suburbs of Frankfort, he caused a
+pulpit and a scaffold to be erected, and repaired thither in solemn
+procession with his _insignia_ of inquisitor. Mounting the pulpit, he
+let loose all his fury. He darted his thunder, and with his Stentorian
+voice exclaimed, that the heretic Luther ought to be burned alive.
+Then placing the doctor's theses and sermon on the scaffold, he burned
+them.[412] He was better acquainted with this kind of work than with
+the defence of theses. Here he met with no opponents, and his victory
+was complete. The impudent Dominican returned in triumph to Frankfort.
+When parties in power are vanquished, they have recourse to certain
+demonstrations which must be conceded to them as a kind of consolation
+to their disgrace.
+
+  [412] "Fulmina in Lutherum torquet; vociferatur ubique hunc hereticum
+  igni perdendum esse; propositiones etiam Lutheri in concionem de
+  indulgentiis publice conjicit in flammas." (Melancth. Vita Luth.)
+
+The second theses of Tezel form an important epoch in the Reformation.
+They changed the locality of the dispute, transporting it from the
+indulgence market to the halls of the Vatican, and diverting it from
+Tezel to the pope. Instead of the contemptible creature whom Luther
+had taken in his fist, they substituted the sacred person of the Head
+of the church. Luther was stunned at this. It is probable that he
+would himself have taken the step at a later period, but his enemies
+spared him the trouble. Thenceforward the question related not merely
+to a disreputable traffic, but to Rome; and the blow by which a bold
+hand had tried to demolish the shop of Tezel, shook the very
+foundations of the pontifical throne.
+
+Tezel's theses were only a signal to the Roman troops. A cry against
+Luther arose among the monks, who were infuriated at the appearance of
+an adversary more formidable than either Erasmus or Reuchlin had been.
+The name of Luther resounded from the pulpits of the Dominicans, who
+addressed themselves to the passions of the people, and inveighed
+against the courageous doctor, as a madman, a deceiver, and a
+demoniac. His doctrine was denounced as the most dreadful heresy.
+"Wait only for a fortnight, or four weeks at farthest," said they,
+"and this noted heretic will be burned." Had it depended only on the
+Dominicans, the fate of the Saxon doctor had soon been that of Huss
+and Jerome, but his life was destined to accomplish what the ashes of
+Huss had begun. Each does the work of God, one by his death, and
+another by his life. Several now began to cry out that the whole
+university of Wittemberg was tainted with heresy, and pronounced it
+infamous.[413] "Let us pursue the villain, and all his partisans,"
+continued they. In several places these exclamations had the effect of
+stirring up the passions of the people. Those who shared the opinions
+of the Reformer had the public attention directed towards them; and in
+every place where the monks were strongest, the friends of the gospel
+felt the effects of their hatred. Thus, in regard to the Reformation,
+the Saviour's prediction began to be accomplished, "They will revile
+you and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you
+falsely, for my sake." This is a recompence which the world at no time
+fails to bestow on the decided friends of the gospel.
+
+  [413] "Eo furunt usque, ut Universitatem Wittembergensem propter me
+  infamem conantur facere et h�reticam." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 92.)
+
+When Luther was made acquainted with Tezel's theses, and with the
+general attack of which they were the signal, his courage rose. He
+felt that it was necessary to withstand such adversaries to the face;
+and his intrepid zeal had no difficulty in resolving so to do. At the
+same time, their feebleness made him aware of his own strength, and
+told him what he was.
+
+He did not, however, allow himself to give way to those emotions of
+pride which are so natural to the heart of man. "It gives me more
+difficulty," he writes to Spalatin, "to refrain from despising my
+adversaries, and so sinning against Jesus Christ, than it would give
+me to vanquish them. They are so ignorant in things human and divine,
+that one is ashamed at having to fight with them; and yet it is their
+very ignorance which gives them their inconceivable audacity and face
+of brass."[414] But the most powerful support to Luther's heart, in
+the midst of this universal opposition, was the deep conviction that
+his cause was the cause of truth. "Let it not surprise you," he writes
+to Spalatin, at the beginning of the year 1518, "that I am so much
+insulted. I am delighted with these insults. Did they not curse me, I
+could not believe so firmly that the cause which I have undertaken is
+God's own cause.[415] Christ has been set up for a sign to be spoken
+against. I know," added he, "that from the beginning of the world the
+nature of the word of God has been such, that every one who has
+preached it to the world, has been obliged, like the apostles, to
+leave all and lay his account with death. Were it otherwise, it would
+not be the word of Jesus Christ."[416] This peace in the midst of
+agitation is a thing unknown to the world's heroes. Men placed at the
+head of a government, or of a political party, are seen to give way
+under their labours and their vexations. The Christian in his
+struggles usually acquires new strength, because he has access to a
+mysterious source of repose and courage, unknown to those whose eyes
+are closed to the gospel.
+
+  [414] Luth. Ep. i, p. 92.
+
+  [415] "Nisi maledicerer, non crederem ex Deo esse qu� tracto." (Luth.
+  Ep. i, 85.)
+
+  [416] In language full of energy he continues:--"Mortem emptum est,
+  mortibus vulgatum, mortibus servatum, mortibus quoque servandum aut
+  referendum est." It was bought by death, published by deaths,
+  preserved by deaths, by deaths also must be preserved or published.
+
+One thing, however, sometimes distressed Luther, viz., the thought of
+the dissensions which his courageous opposition might produce. He knew
+that a single word might be sufficient to set the world in a flame;
+and when he foresaw prince against prince, and perhaps nation against
+nation, his patriotic heart was saddened, and his Christian charity
+alarmed. His wish was for peace; but he behoved to speak out. So God
+required. "I tremble," said he, "I shudder at the thought of being the
+cause of discord among such mighty princes."[417]
+
+  [417] "Inter tantos principes dissidii origo esse valde horreo et
+  timeo." (Luth. Ep. 1, p. 93.)
+
+He still kept silence in regard to Tezel's propositions concerning the
+pope. Had he been carried away by passion, he would doubtless have
+made an impetuous assault on the extraordinary doctrine under which
+his opponents sought to take shelter. He did not do so; and there is
+in this delay, reserve, and silence, something grave and solemn, which
+sufficiently explains the spirit by which he was animated. He waited,
+but not through weakness; for when he struck he gave a heavier blow.
+
+Tezel, after his _auto da fe_ at Frankfort on the Oder, had hastened
+to send his theses into Saxony. There, thought he, they will serve as
+an antidote to those of Luther. A man from Halle, employed by the
+inquisitor to circulate his propositions, arrived at Wittemberg. The
+students of the university, still indignant at Tezel for having burned
+the theses of their master, no sooner heard of the messenger's
+arrival, than they sought him out, and, gathering round, jostled and
+frightened him. "How dare you bring such things here?" demanded they.
+Some purchasing part of the copies with which he was provided, and
+others seizing the rest, they got possession of his whole stock,
+amounting to eight hundred copies. Then, unknown to the Elector, the
+senate, the rector, Luther, and all the other professors,[418] they
+put up the following notice on the boards of the university:--"Whosoever
+is desirous to be present at the burning and funeral of Tezel's
+theses, let him repair at two o'clock to the market-place."
+
+  [418] "H�c inscio principe, senatu, rectore, denique omnibus nobis"
+  (Luth. Ep. i, p. 99.)
+
+Crowds assembled at the hour, and committed the propositions of the
+Dominican to the flames, amid loud acclamations. One copy which
+escaped, Luther afterwards sent to his friend, Lange of Erfurt. These
+generous but imprudent youths followed the old precept, "_Eye for eye,
+and tooth for tooth_" and not that of Jesus Christ; but after the
+example which doctors and professors had given at Frankfort, can we be
+astonished that young students followed it at Wittemberg? The news of
+this academical execution spread throughout Germany, and made a great
+noise.[419] Luther was extremely vexed at it.
+
+  [419] "Fit ex ea re ingens undique fabula." (Ibid.)
+
+"I am astonished," he writes to his old master, Jodocus, at Erfurt,
+"how you could think it was I that burned Tezel's theses. Do you think
+that I am so devoid of sense? But what can I do? When I am the subject
+of remark, every thing seems to be believed.[420] Can I tie up the
+tongues of the whole world? Very well! Let them say, let them hear,
+let them see, let them pretend whatever they please; I will act as
+long as the Lord gives me strength, and with his help will fear
+nothing." "What will come out of it," says he to Lange, "I know not,
+unless it be that my danger is much increased."[421] The act of the
+students shows how much their hearts already burned for the cause
+which Luther defended. This was an important symptom; for a movement
+among the young of necessity soon extends to the whole nation.
+
+  [420] "Omnes omnibus omnia redunt de me." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 109.)
+
+  [421] (Luth Ep. i, 98.)
+
+The theses of Tezel and Wimpina, though little esteemed, produced a
+certain effect. They heightened the dispute, widened the rent which
+had been made in the mantle of the Church, and brought questions of
+the highest interest into the field. Accordingly, the heads of the
+Church began to look more narrowly at the matter, and to declare
+decidedly against the Reformer. "Verily, I know not in whom Luther
+confides," said the Bishop of Brandenburg, "when he dares thus attack
+the power of bishops." Perceiving that this new circumstance called
+for new proceedings, the bishop came in person to Wittemberg; but he
+found Luther animated with the inward joy which a good conscience
+imparts, and determined to give battle. The bishop felt that the
+Augustin monk was obeying an authority superior to his, and returned
+to Brandenburg in a rage. One day, in the winter of 1518, when sitting
+at his fireside, he turned to those who were about him and said, "I
+will not lay down my head in peace till I have thrown Martin into the
+fire, as I do this brand," throwing one into the grate. The revolution
+of the sixteenth century was not to be accomplished by the heads of
+the Church any more than that of the first century had been by the
+Sanhedrim and the synagogue. In the sixteenth century, the heads of
+the Church were opposed to Luther, the Reformation, and its ministers,
+in the same way as they were opposed to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and
+his apostles, and as they too often are at all times to the truth.
+"The bishops," says Luther, in speaking of the visit which the Bishop
+of Brandenburg had paid him, "begin to perceive that they ought to
+have done what I am doing, and they are consequently ashamed. They
+call me proud and audacious, and I deny not that I am so. But they are
+not the people to know either what God is, or what we are."[422]
+
+  [422] "Quid vel Deus vel ipsi sumus." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 224.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IX.
+
+     Prierio--System of Rome--The Dialogue--System of
+     Reform--Reply to Prierio--The Word--The Pope and the
+     Church--Hochstraten--The Monks--Luther replies--Eck--The
+     School--The Obelisks--Luther's Sentiments--The
+     Asterisks--Rupture.
+
+
+A more serious resistance than that of Tezel was already opposed to
+Luther. Rome had answered. A reply had issued from the walls of the
+sacred palace. It was not Leo X who had taken it into his head to
+speak theology. "A quarrel of monks," he had one day said. "The best
+thing is not to meddle with it." And on another occasion, "It is a
+drunken German who has written these theses; when he recovers from his
+wine he will speak differently."[423] A Dominican of Rome, Sylvester
+Mazolini de Prierio or Prierias, master of the sacred palace,
+exercised the functions of censor, and in this character was the first
+man in Italy who knew of the Saxon monk's theses.
+
+  [423] "Ein voller trunkener Deutscher." (Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, p.
+  1337.)
+
+A Roman censor and the theses of Luther! What a rencounter! Liberty of
+speech, liberty of investigation, liberty of faith, come into
+collision in Rome, with that power which pretends to have in its hands
+a monopoly of intelligence, and to open and shut the mouth of
+Christendom at its pleasure. The struggle between Christian liberty,
+which begets children of God, and pontifical despotism, which begets
+slaves of Rome, is, as it were, personified during the first days of
+the Reformation, in the encounter between Luther and Prierio.
+
+The Roman censor, prior-general of the Dominicans, employed to
+determine what Christendom must say, or not say, and know or not know,
+hastened to reply, and published a tract, which he dedicated to Leo X.
+He spoke contemptuously of the German monk, and declared, with a
+self-sufficiency altogether Roman, "that he was anxious to know
+whether this Martin had a nose of iron, or a head of brass, which
+could not be broken."[424] Then, in the form of a dialogue, he
+attacked the theses of Luther, employing alternately, ridicule,
+insult, and threatening.
+
+  [424] "An ferreum nasum aut caput �neum gerat iste Lutherus, ut
+  effringi non possit." (Sylv. Prieratis Dialogus.)
+
+The combat between the Augustin of Wittemberg and the Dominican of
+Rome took place on the very question which lies at the foundation of
+the Reformation; viz., "What is the sole infallible authority to
+Christians?" The following is the system of the Church, as expounded
+by its most independent organs.[425]
+
+  [425] See Joh. Gersonis Propositiones de Sensu Literali S. Scriptur�.
+  (Op. tom. i.)
+
+The letter of the written Word is dead without the spirit of
+interpretation, which alone unfolds its hidden meaning. Now this
+spirit is not granted to every Christian, but to the Church; in other
+words, to the priests. It is great presumption to maintain, that he
+who promised to be with his Church always to the end of the world,
+could abandon it to the power of error. It will be said, perhaps, that
+the doctrine and constitution of the Church are not the same as we
+find them in the sacred oracles. This is true; but the change is only
+apparent, relating to the form, and not to the substance. Moreover,
+the change is an advance. The living power of the Spirit has given
+reality to what exists in Scripture only in idea; it has embodied the
+sketches of the Word, put a finishing hand to these sketches, and
+completed the work of which the Bible had furnished only the first
+outlines. Scripture ought, therefore, to be understood in the sense
+determined by the Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Here
+the Catholic doctors are divided. General councils, say some, and
+Gerson among the number, are the representatives of the Church. The
+pope, says others, is the depositary of the Spirit of interpretation;
+and no man is entitled to understand Scripture in a sense differing
+from that of the Roman pontiff. This was the opinion of Prierio.
+
+Such was the doctrine which the master of the sacred palace opposed to
+the rising Reformation. On the power of the pope and the Church he
+advanced propositions at which the most shameless flatterers of the
+court of Rome would have blushed. The following is one of the points
+which he maintains at the commencement of his tract:--"Whoever rests
+not in the doctrine of the Roman Church, and the Roman pontiff, as the
+infallible rule of faith, from which the Holy Scripture itself derives
+its force and authority, is a heretic."[426]
+
+  [426] "A qua etiam Sacra Scriptura robur trahit et auctoritatem,
+  h�reticus est (Fundamentum tertium.")
+
+Then in a dialogue, in which Luther and Sylvester are the speakers,
+the latter tries to refute the doctor's propositions. The sentiments
+of the Saxon monk were quite new to a Roman censor. Accordingly,
+Prierio shows that he understood neither the emotions of his heart,
+nor the motives of his conduct. To the teacher of truth he applied the
+little standards of the valets of Rome. "Dear Luther!" says he, "were
+you to receive a bishopric and a plenary indulgence for the repair of
+your Church from our lord the pope, you would proceed more gently,
+and would even prose in favour of the indulgence which you are now
+pleased to blacken!" The Italian, so proud of the elegance of his
+manners, sometimes assumes the most scurrilous tone. "If the property
+of dogs is to bite," says he to Luther, "I fear your father must have
+been a dog."[427] The Dominican begins at last to be almost astonished
+at his own condescension in speaking to a rebellious monk; and
+concludes with showing his opponent the cruel teeth of an inquisitor.
+"The Roman Church," says he, "having in the pope the summit of
+spiritual and temporal power, may, by the secular arm, constrain those
+who after receiving the faith, stray from it. She is not bound to
+employ arguments for the purpose of combating and subduing the
+rebellious."[428]
+
+  [427] "Si mordere canum est proprium, vereor ne tibi pater canis
+  fuerit." (Sylvestri Prieratis Dial.)
+
+  [428] "Seculari brachio potest eos compescere, nec tenetur rationibus
+  certare ad vincendos protervientes." (Ibid.)
+
+These words traced by the pen of one of the dignitaries of the Roman
+court had a very significant meaning. They failed, however, to terrify
+Luther. He believed, or feigned to believe, that this dialogue was not
+by Prierio, but by Ulrich von H�tten, or by some other of the authors
+of "The Letters of some Obscure Men," who (said he in his sarcastic
+strain) had, in order to stir up Luther against Prierio, compiled this
+mass of absurdity.[429] He had no desire to see the court of Rome in
+arms against him. However, after remaining for some time silent, his
+doubts, if he had any, having been dispelled, he set to work, and in
+two days after was prepared with his reply.[430]
+
+  [429] "Convenit inter nos, esse personatum aliquem Sylvestrum ex
+  obscuris viris, qui tantas ineptias in hominem luserit ad provocandum
+  me adversus eum." (Ep., i, p. 87, 14th Jan.)
+
+  [430] T. i, Witt. Lat., p. 170.
+
+The Bible had produced the Reformer and begun the Reformation. Luther,
+in believing, had no need of the testimony of the Church. His faith
+was derived from the Bible itself; from within, and not from without.
+His thorough conviction that the evangelical doctrine was immovably
+founded on the word of God made him regard all external authority as
+useless. Luther's experience, in this respect, opened a new prospect
+to the Church. The living spring which had burst forth before the monk
+of Wittemberg, was destined to become a stream at which nations would
+quench their thirst.
+
+The Church had said that, in order to understand the Word, the Spirit
+of God must interpret it, and so far the Church was right. But her
+error consisted in regarding the Holy Spirit as a monopoly conferred
+on a certain caste, and in thinking that it could be appropriated
+exclusively to certain assemblies and colleges, to a city or a
+conclave. "The wind bloweth where it listeth," were the words of the
+Son of God, when speaking of the Spirit of God; and, on another
+occasion, "They will ALL be taught of God." The corruption of the
+Church, the ambition of pontiffs, the animosities of councils, the
+squabbles of the clergy, and the pomp of prelates, had made this Holy
+Spirit, this breath of humility and peace, eschew the dwelling of the
+priesthood. He had deserted the assemblies of the proud, and the
+palaces of the princes of the Church, and gone to live in retirement
+among simple Christians and modest priests. He had shunned a
+domineering hierarchy, which often forced blood from the poor, whom it
+trampled under foot; he had shunned a proud and ignorant clergy, whose
+chiefs were skilled, not in the Bible, but in the sword; and he was
+found sometimes among despised sects, and sometimes among men of
+talents and learning. The holy cloud, withdrawing from proud basilisks
+and gorgeous cathedrals, had descended on the obscure dwellings of the
+humble, or on chambers where studious men calmly pursued their
+conscientious labours. The Church, degraded by her love of power and
+riches, dishonoured in the eyes of the people by the venal use which
+she made of the doctrine of life; the Church which sold salvation in
+order to fill a treasury, for luxury and debauchery to empty, had lost
+all respect. Men of sense no longer set any value on her testimony,
+but, despising an authority so degraded, turned with joy, towards the
+Divine word, and its infallible authority, as toward the only refuge
+which remained to them in the general confusion.
+
+The age, therefore, was prepared. The bold movement by which Luther
+changed the point on which the human heart rested its highest hopes,
+and with a mighty hand transferred those hopes from the walls of the
+Vatican to the rock of the word of God, was hailed with enthusiasm.
+This was the work which the Reformer had in view in his reply to
+Prierio.
+
+Putting aside the axioms which the Dominican had placed at the head of
+his work, he says, "After your example, I, too, am going to lay down
+some axioms."
+
+"The first is the saying of St. Paul, 'Should we, or an angel from
+heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have
+preached unto you, let him be accursed.'"
+
+The second is the following passage of St. Augustine, addressed to St.
+Jerome:--"I have learned to pay to the canonical books alone the
+honour of believing very firmly that none of them has erred; as to
+others, I believe not what they say, for the simple reason, that it is
+they who say it."
+
+Luther then vigorously proceeds to lay down the fundamental principles
+of the Reformation,--_the word of God, the whole word of God, and
+nothing but the word of God_. "If you understand these principles,"
+continues he, "you will also understand that your whole dialogue is
+completely overturned; for you have done nothing else than adduce the
+words and opinions of St. Thomas." Next, attacking the axioms of his
+opponent, he frankly declares his opinion that popes and councils may
+err. He complains of the flattery of the Roman courtiers in
+attributing to the pope the alleged infallibility of both popes and
+councils, and declares that the Church exists virtually only in
+Christ, and representatively only in Councils.[431] Coming afterwards
+to the supposition which Prierio had made, he says, "No doubt you
+judge me by yourself, but if I aspired to a bishopric, assuredly I
+would not use language which sounds so hateful in your ears. Do you
+imagine I am ignorant how bishoprics and the popedom are procured at
+Rome? Do not the very children in the streets sing the well known
+words--
+
+  [431] "Ego ecclesiam virtualiter non scio nisi in Christo,
+  representative non nisi in concilo." (Luth. Op. Lat., p. 174.) I do
+  not know the Church virtually, except in Christ, nor representatively,
+  except in a Council.
+
+      'Rome now-a-days is more unclean,
+      Than ought that in the world is seen?'"[432]
+
+  [432] "Quando hanc pueri in omnibus plateis urbis cantant: Denique
+  nunc facta est foedissima Roma." (Ibid., p. 183.)
+
+This was among the stanzas current in Rome before the election of one
+of the last popes. Nevertheless, Luther speaks of Leo with respect. "I
+know," says he, "that in him we have, as it were, a Daniel in Babylon;
+his integrity has repeatedly endangered his life." He concludes with a
+few words in reply to the menaces of Prierio: "In fine, you say that
+the pope is at once pontiff and emperor, and that he has power to
+constrain by the secular arm. Are you thirsting for murder? Take my
+word for it, your rhodomontades and your loud-sounding threats cannot
+terrify me. Though I be killed, Christ lives, Christ my Lord, and the
+Lord of all, blessed for ever and ever. Amen."[433]
+
+  [433] "Si occidor, vivit Christus. Dominus meus et omnium." (Ibid., p.
+  186.)
+
+Thus Luther with a strong arm assails the infidel altar of the papacy,
+opposing to it the altar of the word of God, alone holy, alone
+infallible, before which he would have every knee to bow, and on which
+he declares himself ready to sacrifice his life.
+
+Prierio published a reply, and after it a third treatise on "the
+Irrefragable Truth of the Church and of the Roman Pontiff," in which,
+founding on ecclesiastical law, he says, that though the pope were to
+send the people and himself to the devil _en masse_, he could not for
+so doing be either judged or deposed.[434] The pope was at length
+obliged to impose silence on Prierio.
+
+  [434] De Juridica et Irrefragabili Veritate Roman� Ecclesi�, lib.
+  tertius, cap. 12.
+
+A new opponent soon entered the list. He too was a Dominican. James
+Hochstraten, inquisitor at Cologne, whom we have already seen
+assailing Reuchlin and the friends of letters, was furious when he saw
+Luther's boldness. It was indeed necessary that darkness and monkish
+fanaticism should engage in close fight with him who was to give them
+their death-blow. Monkism was formed after primitive truth had begun
+to decay, and from that period downward, errors and monks had gone
+hand in hand. The man who was to hasten their ruin had appeared; but
+these sturdy champions would not quit the field without a fierce
+combat. This combat they continued to wage with him throughout his
+whole life, though the proper personification of it is in Hochstraten;
+Hochstraten and Luther--the one, the free and intrepid Christian, and
+the other, the blustering slave of monkish superstition. Hochstraten
+unchains his rage, and, with loud cries, demands the death of the
+heretic.... His wish is to secure the triumph of Rome by means of the
+flames. "It is high treason against the Church," exclaims he, "to let
+so execrable a heretic live another single hour. Let a scaffold be
+instantly erected for him!" This sanguinary counsel was, alas! but too
+well followed in many countries; the voice of numerous martyrs, as in
+the first days of the Church, bore testimony to the truth in the midst
+of the flames. But in vain were fire and sword invoked against Luther.
+The angel of Jehovah constantly encamped around him and shielded him.
+
+Luther replied to Hochstraten briefly, but very energetically. "Go,"
+says he to him, when concluding; "go, delirious murderer, whose thirst
+can only be quenched by the blood of the brethren. My sincere desire
+is, that you guard against calling me a Christian and a believer, and
+that, on the contrary, you never cease to denounce me as a heretic.
+Understand these things well, you bloody man, you enemy of the truth;
+and if your furious rage impel you to devise mischief against me, do
+it with circumspection, and time your measures well. God knows what I
+purpose if he grants me life. My hope and expectation (God willing)
+will not deceive me."[435] Hochstraten was silent.
+
+  [435] Luth., Op. Leip. xvii, p. 140.
+
+A more painful attack awaited the Reformer. Dr. Eck, the celebrated
+professor of Ingolstadt, who procured the liberty of Urban Regius,
+Luther's friend, had received the famous theses. Eck was not the man
+to defend the abuses of indulgences, but he was a doctor of the
+school, and not of the Bible, being well versant in scholastics, but
+not in the word of God. If Prierio had represented Rome, and
+Hochstraten had represented the monks, Eck represented the School. The
+School which, for about five centuries, had ruled Christendom, far
+from yielding to the first blows of the Reformer, proudly rose up to
+crush the man who dared to assail it with floods of contempt. Eck and
+Luther, the School and the Word, came to blows on more than one
+occasion; but the present was the occasion on which the combat
+commenced.
+
+Eck must have regarded several of Luther's assertions as erroneous;
+for nothing obliges us to question the sincerity of his convictions.
+He defended the scholastic opinions with enthusiasm, just as Luther
+defended the declarations of the word of God. We may even suppose that
+he was somewhat pained at seeing himself obliged to oppose his old
+friend, and yet it would seem, from the mode of attack, that passion
+and jealousy had some share in his determination.
+
+He gave the name of _Obelisks_ to his remarks on the theses of Luther.
+Wishing at first to save appearances, he did not publish his work, but
+contented himself with communicating it confidentially to his
+ordinary, the Bishop of Eichst�dt. Soon, however, whether through the
+indiscretion of the bishop, or of Eck himself, the _Obelisks_ were
+circulated in all quarters. A copy having fallen into the hands of a
+friend of Luther, Link, preacher at Nuremberg, he lost no time in
+sending it to the Reformer. Eck was a much more formidable opponent
+than Tezel, Prierio, and Hochstraten; his work was the more dangerous
+the more it surpassed theirs in knowledge and subtlety. He affected
+pity for his "feeble opponent," (knowing well that pity injures more
+effectually than anger,) and insinuated that the propositions of
+Luther contained Bohemian poison, and savoured of Bohemia. By these
+malicious insinuations he threw upon Luther the obloquy and hatred
+which in Germany attached to the name of Huss and the schismatics of
+his country.
+
+The malice which shone through this treatise roused Luther's
+indignation, while the thought that the blow was given by an old
+friend, was still more distressing. However, he must sacrifice his
+affections in defending the truth. Luther unbosomed his heart and its
+sadness, in a letter to Egranus, pastor at Zwickau--"I am called in
+the _Obelisks_ a venomous man, a Bohemian, a heretic, seditious,
+insolent, and presumptuous.... I say nothing of milder epithets, such
+as sleepy, imbecile, ignorant, contemner of the sovereign pontiff,
+etc. This book is full of the grossest insults, and yet the author is
+a distinguished man, alike remarkable for learning and talent; and (it
+is this that grieves me most) a man with whom I had recently
+contracted a close friendship,[436] viz., John Eck, doctor in
+theology, and chancellor of Ingolstadt, a celebrated and illustrious
+author. Did I not know the thoughts of Satan, I would be astonished at
+the furious manner in which this man has broken off a friendship at
+once so pleasant and so recent;[437] and this without giving me any
+warning--without writing or saying a single word."
+
+  [436] "Et quod magis urit, antea mihi magna recenterque contracta
+  amicitia conjunctus." (Luth., Ep. i, p. 100.)
+
+  [437] "Quo furore ille amicitias recentissimas et jucundissimas
+  solveret." (Ibid.)
+
+But if Luther's heart be wounded, his courage is not destroyed. On the
+contrary, he girds himself for the combat. "Rejoice, my brother," says
+he to Egranus, whom a violent enemy had also attacked; "rejoice, and
+be not alarmed at all these flying leaves. The more furious my
+adversaries become, the more I advance. I leave the things which are
+behind, that they may bark after them, and follow those which are
+before, that they may in like manner bark after them in their turn."
+
+Eck felt how shameful his conduct had been, and endeavoured to justify
+it in a letter to Carlstadt, in which he calls Luther "their common
+friend;" and throws all the blame on the Bishop of Eichstadt, at whose
+instigation he pretended that he had written the work. His intention,
+he said, was not to publish the _Obelisks_; but for this he would have
+had more regard for the friendship subsisting between him and Luther;
+and he requested that Luther, instead of coming to open rupture with
+him, would turn his arms against the theologians of Frankfort. The
+professor of Ingolstadt, who had not feared to strike the first blow,
+began to be alarmed at the power of the opponent whom he had
+imprudently attacked, and would willingly have evaded the contest. It
+was too late.
+
+All these fine words did not persuade Luther, who was, however,
+disposed to be silent, and said, "I will patiently swallow this
+morsel, though fit for Cerberus."[438] But his friends were of a
+different opinion, and urged, or rather constrained him to answer. He,
+accordingly, replied to the _Obelisks_ by his _Asterisks_, opposing
+(as he says, playing upon the word) to the rust and lividity of
+Obelisks the light and dazzling brightness of the stars of heaven. In
+this work he treats his new opponent less harshly than those whom he
+had previously combated; but his indignation is seen peeping through
+his words.
+
+  [438] "Volui tamen hanc offam Cerbero dignam absorbere patientia."
+  (Ibid.)
+
+He showed that in the chaos of the _Obelisks_ there was nothing from
+the holy Scriptures, nothing from the Fathers of the Church, and
+nothing from the ecclesiastical canons; that they contained only
+scholastic glosses, and opinion after opinion, many of them mere
+dreams;[439] in a word, contained the very things which Luther had
+attacked. The Asterisks are full of spirit and life. The author's
+indignation rises at the errors of his friend's book, but he shows
+pity to the man.[440] He reiterates the fundamental principle which he
+had laid down in his reply to Prierio:--"The sovereign pontiff is a
+man, and may be led into error; but God is truth, and cannot be
+deceived."[441] Then employing the _argumentum ad hominem_ against the
+scholastic doctor, he says to him, "It is certainly impudent in any
+one to teach, as the philosophy of Aristotle, any dogma which cannot
+be proved by his authority. You grant this. Well, then, it is _a
+fortiori_, the most impudent of all things to affirm in the Church and
+among Christians anything that Jesus Christ himself has not
+taught.[442] Now in what part of the Bible is it said that the
+treasure of Christ's merits is in the hands of the pope?"
+
+  [439] "Omnia scholastissima, opiniosissima, meraque somnia."
+  (Asterisci, Op. (L.) Lat. i, p. 145.) The whole most scholastic, most
+  opinionative, mere dreams.
+
+  [440] "Indignor rei et misereor hominis." (Ibid., p. 150.) I am
+  indignant at the thing, and I pity the man.
+
+  [441] "Homo est summus pontifex, falli potest, sed veritas est Deus,
+  qui falli non potest. (Ibid., p. 155.)
+
+  [442] "Longe ergo impudentissima omnium temeritas est, aliquid in
+  ecclesia asserere, et inter Christianos, quod non docuit Christus."
+  (Ibid., p. 156.)
+
+He adds, "As to the malicious charge of Bohemian heresy, I patiently
+bear the reproach for the love of Jesus Christ. I live in a celebrated
+university, a distinguished town, an important bishopric, and a
+powerful duchy, where all are orthodox, and where, doubtless, no
+toleration would be given to so wicked a heretic."
+
+Luther did not publish _The Asterisks_; he only communicated them to
+his friends. It was not till a later period that they were given to
+the public.[443]
+
+  [443] "Cum privatim dederim Asteriscos meos non fit ei respondendi
+  necessitas." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 126.) Since I have circulated my
+  Asterisks privately, he is under no necessity of replying.
+
+This rupture between the doctor of Ingolstadt and the doctor of
+Wittemberg made a sensation in Germany. They had common friends.
+Scheurl, in particular, by whose instrumentality their friendship
+appears to have been originally formed, was exceedingly annoyed. He
+was one of those who longed to see a reform throughout the whole
+Germanic church, produced through the medium of its most distinguished
+organs. But if in matters of principle the most eminent theologians of
+the period came to open rupture, and while Luther advanced in a new
+path, Eck put himself at the head of those who kept to the old path,
+what disruption must inevitably ensue? Would not numerous adherents
+gather around each of the two chiefs, and form two hostile camps in
+the heart of the empire?
+
+Scheurl exerted himself to reconcile Eck and Luther. The latter
+declared that he was willing to forget every thing; that he loved the
+genius, and admired the erudition of Dr. Eck,[444] and that the
+proceedings of his old friend had caused him more grief than anger. "I
+am ready," says he, "either for peace or war; but I prefer peace. Do
+you then set about it. Grieve with us, that the devil has thrown among
+us this beginning of strife, and then rejoice that Christ in his mercy
+hath removed it."[445] About the same time, he addressed a most
+friendly letter to Eck, who, however, not only did not answer it, but
+did not even send him a verbal message."[446] It was too late for
+reconciliation; and the breach became wider and wider. The pride of
+Eck, and his unforgiving temper, soon completely broke any remaining
+ties of friendship.
+
+  [444] "Diligimus hominis igenium et admiramur eruditionem." (Luth. Ep.
+  ad Scheurlum, 15th June, 1518, i, p. 125.)
+
+  [445] "Quod ad me attinet, scripsi ad eum has, ut vides, amicissimas
+  et plenas literas humanitate, erga eum." (Ibid.) As far as regards
+  myself, I have, as you see, written him in the most kindly and
+  friendly terms.
+
+  [446] "Nihil neque literarum, neque verborum ne participem fecit."
+  (Ibid.) I have had no communication from him, either by word or
+  writing.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. X.
+
+     Popular Writings--Our Father--Thy Kingdom Come--Thy Will be
+     Done--Our Daily Bread--Sermon on Repentance--Forgiveness
+     through Christ.
+
+
+Such were the struggles which the champion of the word of God had to
+maintain at the outset of his career. But these combats with the
+leaders of society, these academical disputes, are of small account
+with the Christian. Human doctors imagine they have gained the noblest
+of triumphs if they succeed in filling some newspapers and some
+saloons with the noise of their systems. As it is with them more an
+affair of self-love, or party spirit, than of good to humanity, this
+worldly success satisfies them. Accordingly, their labours are only a
+smoke, which, after blinding us, passes off and leaves no trace
+behind. Neglecting to introduce their fire among the masses of the
+population, they do nothing more than make it skim along the surface
+of society.
+
+It is not so with the Christian. His object is not success in a
+coterie, or an academy, but the salvation of souls. He therefore
+willingly avoids the brilliant skirmishing, which he might carry on at
+his ease with the champions of the world, and prefers the obscure
+labours which carry life and light into rural cottages, and the lanes
+of cities. Thus did Luther, or rather according to the precept of his
+Master, _he did the one, without leaving the other undone_. While
+combating inquisitors, university chancellors, and masters of the
+sacred palace, he strove to diffuse sound religious knowledge among
+the multitude. With that view, he at this time published different
+popular writings, such as his _Discourses on the Ten Commandments_,
+delivered two years before in the church of Wittemberg, and which we
+have already noticed; and his _Exposition of the Lord's Prayer, for
+simple and ignorant laymen_.[447] Who would not like to know how the
+Reformer then addressed the people?
+
+  [447] Luth. Op. Leips. vii, p. 1086.
+
+We will quote some of the words which he sent, as he says, in the
+preface to the second of these works, "to course the country."
+
+Prayer, that inward act of the heart, will doubtless ever be one of
+the points with which a reformation in heart and life must commence,
+and, accordingly, it early engaged the attention of Luther. It is
+impossible, in a translation, to keep up his energetic style, and the
+vigour of a language which was formed so to speak, as it fell from his
+pen; however, we will try.
+
+"When you pray," says he, "have few words, but many thoughts and
+affections, and, above all, let these be profound. The less you speak,
+the better you pray. Few words and many thoughts make the Christian,
+many words and few thoughts, the pagan.
+
+"Seeming and bodily prayer is that muttering of the lips, that
+external babble, which comes forth without attention, striking the
+eyes and ears of men; but prayer in spirit and in truth is the inward
+desire, the emotions, and sighs which proceed from the depths of the
+heart. The former is the prayer of hypocrites, and of all who trust in
+themselves. The latter is the prayer of the children of God, who walk
+in his fear."
+
+Then coming to the first words of our Lord's Prayer, "Our Father," he
+thus expresses himself:--"Among all the names of God, there is none
+which inclines more toward him than the name of Father. We should not
+have so much happiness and consolation in calling him Lord, or God, or
+Judge.... By this name of father his bowels of compassion are moved;
+for there is no voice more lovely or touching than that of a child to
+its father.
+
+"_Who art in heaven._ He who confesses that he has a Father in heaven
+owns himself to be, as it were, an orphan on the earth. Hence his
+heart feels an ardent desire like that of a child living out of its
+father's country, among strangers, in wretchedness and sorrow. It is
+as if he said, 'Alas! my father! thou art in heaven, and I, thy
+miserable child, am on the earth, far from thee, in all sorts of
+dangers, necessities, and sorrows.'
+
+"_Hallowed be thy name!_ He who is passionate and envious, who curses
+or slanders, dishonours God, in whose name he was baptized. Applying
+the vessel which God has consecrated to profane uses, he resembles a
+priest who should use the holy cup to give drink to a sow, or to
+gather manure.
+
+"_Thy kingdom come._ Those who amass wealth, who erect magnificent
+buildings, who seek after all that the world can give, and with the
+lips repeat this prayer, are like the large pipes of a church organ,
+which sounds and cries at full pitch, and without ceasing, but has
+neither words, nor sense, nor reason."...
+
+Farther on, Luther attacks the error of pilgrimages, which was then so
+general. "One goes to Rome, another to St. James; one builds a chapel,
+another founds an endowment, in order to reach the kingdom of God; but
+all neglect the essential point, which is to become themselves his
+kingdom. Why do you go beyond seas in quest of the kingdom of God?...
+Your heart is the place in which it ought to rise.
+
+"It is a dreadful thing," continues he, "to hear us utter this prayer,
+'_Thy will be done_.' Where in the Church do we see this will done?...
+Bishop rises against bishop, and church against church. Priests,
+monks, and nuns, quarrel and fight; throughout there is nothing but
+discord. And yet all parties exclaim that they have a good will and an
+upright intention; and so to the honour and glory of God they
+altogether do the work of the devil....
+
+"Why do we say _our bread_?" continues he, "explaining these words,
+"_Give us this day our daily bread_." "Because we pray, not for the
+ordinary bread which pagans eat, and which God gives to all men, but
+for _our_ bread--bread to us, children of the heavenly Father.
+
+"And what, then, is this bread of God? It is Jesus Christ our Lord;
+'_I am the living bread which came down from heaven, and give life to
+the world_.' Wherefore let us not deceive ourselves. Sermons and
+instructions which do not represent to us, or give us the knowledge
+of Jesus Christ, cannot be the daily bread and food of our souls....
+
+"What avails it that such a bread is prepared for us, if it is not
+served out to us, and we cannot taste it?... It is as if a magnificent
+feast were prepared, and there were nobody to hand the bread, bring
+the dishes, and pour out the liquor; so that the guests would be left
+to feed by the eye and the smell.... This is the reason why it is
+necessary to preach Christ, and Christ alone.
+
+"But what, then, you ask, is it to know Jesus Christ, and what profit
+is gained by it? Answer:--To learn to know Jesus Christ is to
+comprehend what the Apostle says--_Christ has of God been made unto us
+wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption_. Now,
+you comprehend this when you perceive that your wisdom is culpable
+folly, your righteousness damnable iniquity, your holiness damnable
+pollution, your redemption miserable condemnation--when you feel that,
+before God and all the creatures, you are truly a fool, a sinner, an
+impure and condemned man--and when you show, not only by your words,
+but from the bottom of your heart, and by your works, that there
+remains to you no comfort and no salvation, save Jesus Christ. To
+believe is nothing else than to eat this bread of heaven."
+
+Thus Luther faithfully fulfilled his resolution to open the eyes of a
+people whom priests had blindfolded, and were leading at their
+pleasure. His writings, which in a short time spread over all Germany,
+caused new light to arise, and shed the seeds of truth in abundance on
+a soil well prepared to receive it. But while thinking of those at a
+distance, he did not forget those who were near.
+
+The dominicans from their pulpits denounced him as an infamous
+heretic. Luther, the man of the people, and who, had he been so
+disposed, could with a few sentences have set them in commotion,
+always disdained such triumphs, and made it his sole aim to instruct
+his hearers.
+
+His reputation, which was continually extending, and the courage with
+which he raised the banner of Christ in the midst of an enslaved
+Church, made his sermons be followed with increasing interest. Never
+had the confluence been so great. Luther went straight to the point.
+One day, having mounted the pulpit of Wittemberg, he undertook to
+establish the doctrine of repentance. The discourse pronounced on this
+occasion afterwards became very celebrated, and contains several of
+the fundamental principles of evangelical doctrine.
+
+At first he contrasts the pardon of men with the pardon of heaven.
+"There are," says he, "two remissions--the remission of the penalty,
+and the remission of the fault. The former reconciles man externally
+with the Church; the latter, which is the heavenly indulgence,
+reconciles man with God. If a man has not within himself that tranquil
+conscience, that cheerful heart which God's remission gives, no
+indulgence can aid him were he to buy all that ever have been on the
+earth."
+
+He afterwards continues thus: "They wish to do good works before their
+sins are pardoned, whereas sins must be pardoned before good works can
+be done. Works do not banish sin; but banish sin, and you will have
+works.[448] Good works should be done with a cheerful heart and a good
+conscience toward God; in other words, with the forgiveness of sins."
+
+  [448] "Nicht die Werke treiben die S�nde aus; sondern die Anstreibung
+  der S�nde thut gute Werke," (Luth. Op. (Lat.) xvii, p. 162.)
+
+He then comes to the principal object of his sermon, an object which
+was identified with that of the whole Reformation. The Church had put
+herself in the place of God and his word; he objects to this, and
+makes every thing depend on faith in the word.
+
+"The remission of the fault," says he, "is not in the power of the
+pope, or the bishop, or the priest, or any man whatever, but rests
+solely on the word of Christ, and your own faith. For Christ did not
+choose to build our comfort or our salvation on a word or work of man,
+but only on himself, on his own work and word. Your repentance and
+your works may deceive you, but Christ your God will never deceive,
+will never waver; and the devil cannot overthrow his words."[449]
+
+  [449] "Christus dein Gott wird dir nicht lugen: noch wanken." (Ibid.)
+
+"A pope or a bishop has no more power than the humblest priest where
+the remission of the fault is in question. And even where there is no
+priest, each Christian, were it a woman or a child,[450] can do the
+same thing. For if a simple Christian says to you, 'God pardons sin in
+the name of Jesus Christ,' and you receive the saying with firm faith,
+as if God himself had spoken, you are acquitted.
+
+  [450] "Ob es schon ein Weib oder ein kind ware." (Ibid.)
+
+"If you believe not that your sins are pardoned, you make your God a
+liar, and declare that you put greater confidence in your vain
+thoughts than in God and his word.
+
+"Under the Old Testament neither priest, nor king, nor prophet, had
+power to proclaim the forgiveness of sins; but under the New Testament
+every believer has this power. The Church is quite replete with the
+remission of sins.[451] If a pious Christian comforts your conscience
+by the word of the cross, be it man or woman, young or old, receive
+the comfort with a faith so firm, that you would sooner submit to many
+deaths than doubt that it is ratified in the presence of God....
+Repent, and do all the works that you can do; but let the faith which
+you have in the pardon of Jesus Christ stand in the front rank, and
+have sole command on the field of battle."[452]
+
+  [451] "Also siehst du dass die ganze Kirche voll von Vergebung der
+  S�den ist." (Ibid.)
+
+  [452] "Und Hauptmann im Felde bleibe." (Ibid.)
+
+Thus spoke Luther to his astonished and enraptured hearers. All the
+scaffoldings which impudent priests had, for their own profit, reared
+between God and the soul of man, were thrown down, and man brought
+face to face with his Maker. The word of pardon came down pure from on
+high, without passing through a thousand corrupting channels. It was
+no longer necessary that the testimony of God, in order to be
+available, should previously be stamped by men with their false seal.
+The monopoly of the sacerdotal caste was abolished, and the Church
+emancipated.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XI.
+
+     Apprehensions of Luther's friends--Journey to
+     Heidelberg--Bibra--The Palatine Castle--Rupture--The
+     Paradoxes--Dispute--The
+     Hearers--Bucer--Brentz--Snepf--Conversations with
+     Luther--Labours of the Young Doctors--Effects on Luther--The
+     Old Professor--The True Light--Arrival.
+
+
+Meanwhile, the fire which had been kindled at Wittemberg behoved to be
+kindled elsewhere. Luther, not contented with announcing the truth in
+the place of his residence, whether to the academic youth or to the
+people, was desirous to shed the seeds of sound doctrine in other
+places. The Augustin order were to hold their general chapter at
+Heidelberg, in the spring of 1518. Luther, as one of the most
+distinguished men of the order, was invited to attend; but his friends
+did all they could to dissuade him from undertaking the journey. In
+fact, the monks had laboured to render the name of Luther odious in
+all the places through which he had to pass. To insult they had added
+threatening; and a small matter might have sufficed to excite a
+popular tumult of which he might have been made the victim. "Or even,"
+said his friends, "what they may not dare to do by violence, they will
+accomplish by fraud and stratagem."[453] But in the discharge of a
+duty, Luther did not allow himself to be arrested by the fear of any
+danger, however imminent. He therefore turned a deaf ear to the timid
+suggestions of his friends, and directed them to Him in whom his
+confidence was placed, and under whose protection he desired to
+undertake the perilous journey. After the feast of Easter he quietly
+set out on foot,[454] on the 13th April 1518.
+
+  [453] Ibid., Ep. i, p. 98.
+
+  [454] "Pedester veniam." I will come on foot. (Luth., Ep. i, p. 98.)
+
+He had with him a guide named Urban, who carried his small bundle, and
+was to accompany him as far as Wurzburg. How many thoughts must have
+occupied the heart of the servant of the Lord during this journey! At
+Weissenfels, the pastor, though not of his acquaintance, instantly
+recognised him as the doctor of Wittemberg, and gave him a hearty
+reception.[455] At Erfurt, he was joined by two other Augustin friars.
+At Judenbach, the three fell in with Degenard Pfeffinger, the
+Elector's confidential councillor, who entertained them at the inn. "I
+have had the pleasure," wrote Luther to Spalatin, "of making this rich
+lord some shillings poorer. You know how I like to take every occasion
+of making a hole in the purses of the rich for the benefit of the
+poor, especially if the rich are my friends."[456] He arrived at
+Coburg, worn out with fatigue. "All goes well by the grace of God,"
+wrote he; "only, I confess I have sinned in undertaking the journey on
+foot. But for this sin I presume I will have no need of the remission
+of indulgences, for my contrition is perfect, and my satisfaction
+complete. I am knocked up with fatigue, and all the conveyances are
+full. Is not this enough, or rather more than enough of penitence,
+contrition, and satisfaction?"[457]
+
+  [455] Ibid., p. 105.
+
+  [456] Ibid., p. 104.
+
+  [457] Ibid., p. 106.
+
+The Reformer of Germany, not finding a place in the public
+conveyances, nor any one who was willing to yield him his place, was
+obliged next morning, notwithstanding of his fatigue, humbly to resume
+his journey on foot. He arrived at Wurzburg on the evening of the
+second Sabbath after Easter, and sent back his guide.
+
+Bishop Bibra, who had received the theses with so much delight, lived
+in this town, and Luther had a letter for him from the Elector of
+Saxony. The bishop, overjoyed at the opportunity of becoming
+personally acquainted with this bold champion of the truth, hastened
+to invite him to the episcopal palace. He went out to receive him,
+spoke to him in the kindest terms, and offered to furnish him with a
+guide as far as Heidleberg. But at Wurzburg, Luther had fallen in with
+his two friends, the vicar-general Staupitz, and Lange, the prior of
+Erfurt, who offered him a place in their carriage. He therefore
+thanked Bibra for his offer, and next day the three friends set out
+from Wurzburg. They travelled thus for three days, conversing
+together, and on the 21st April arrived at Heidelberg. Luther went to
+lodge at the Augustin convent.
+
+The Elector of Saxony had given him a letter to Count Palatine
+Wolfgang, Duke of Bavaria. Luther repaired to his magnificent castle,
+the site of which is still the admiration of strangers. The monk of
+the plains of Saxony had a heart to admire the position of Heidelberg,
+where the two lovely valleys of the Rhine and the Necker unite. He
+delivered his letter to James Simler, steward of the court. Simler
+having read it, said, "Truly you have here a valuable letter of
+credit." The Count Palatine received him with much kindness, and often
+invited him, as well as Lange and Staupitz, to his table. This
+friendly reception added greatly to Luther's comfort. "We relax and
+amuse ourselves with an agreeable and pleasant chit-chat," says he,
+"eating and drinking, and surveying all the magnificence of the
+Palatine palace, admiring its ornaments, its armoury, and cuirasses;
+in short, every thing remarkable in this distinguished and truly royal
+castle."[458]
+
+  [458] "Ihr habt bei Gott einen k�stlichen Credenz." (Luth. Ep. i, p.
+  111.)
+
+However, Luther had other work to do. He behoved to work while it was
+day. Transported to an university which exercised great influence on
+the west and south of Germany, he was there to strike a blow which
+should shake the churches of those countries. He, accordingly, began
+to write theses which he proposed to maintain in a public discussion.
+Such discussions were of ordinary occurrence; but Luther felt, that in
+order to make his useful, it was necessary to give it a peculiar
+interest. His disposition, moreover, inclined him to present the truth
+under a paradoxical form. The professors of the university would not
+allow the discussion to take place in their public hall, and it became
+necessary to hold it in a hall of the Augustin convent. The 26th of
+April was the day on which it was to take place.
+
+Heidelberg, at a later period, received the gospel, and even at this
+discussion in the convent, an observer might have augured that good
+would result from it.
+
+The reputation of Luther attracted a large concourse of hearers;
+professors, courtiers, citizens, and students, crowded to it. The
+doctor gave the name of Paradoxes to his theses, and it is, perhaps,
+the name which might still be applied to them in the present day. It
+would be easy, however, to translate them into evident propositions.
+The following are some of the Paradoxes:--
+
+1. "The law of God is a salutary rule of life. Nevertheless, it cannot
+aid man in his search after righteousness; on the contrary, it impedes
+him.
+
+3. "Works of man, how fair and good soever they may be, are, to all
+appearance, only mortal sins.
+
+4. "Works of God, how deformed and bad soever they may appear, have
+always an immortal merit.
+
+7. "The works of the just themselves would be mortal sins, did they
+not, through holy reverence for the Lord, fear that their works would
+in fact be mortal sins.[459]
+
+  [459] "Justorum opera essent mortalia nisi pio Dei timore, ab ipsismet
+  justis, ut mortalia timerentur." (Luth. Op. Lat. i, 55.)
+
+9. "To maintain that works done without Christ are dead, but not
+mortal, is dangerous forgetfulness of the fear of God.
+
+13. "Since the fall of man, free will exists only in name, and when
+man does all that is possible for him to do, he sins mortally.
+
+16. "A man who expects to attain to grace by doing all that it is
+possible for him to do, adds sin to sin, and doubles his guilt.
+
+18. "It is certain that man, to become capable of receiving the grace
+of Christ, must entirely despair of himself.
+
+21. "An honorary theologian calls evil good, and good evil; but a
+theologian of the cross speaks according to truth.
+
+22. "The wisdom which teaches man to know the invisible perfections of
+God in his works, inflates, blinds, and hardens him.
+
+23. "The law excites the wrath of God, kills, curses, accuses, judges,
+and condemns, whatever is not in Christ.[460]
+
+  [460] "Lex iram Dei operatur, occidit, maledicit reum facit, judicat,
+  damnat, quicquid non est in Christo." (Ibid.)
+
+24. "Still this wisdom (� 22) is not bad; and the law (� 23) is not to
+be rejected; but the man who does not study the knowledge of God under
+the cross, changes its good into evil.
+
+25. "He is not justified who does many works; but he who, without
+works, believes much in Jesus Christ.
+
+26. "The law says, Do this! And what it commands is never done. Grace
+says, Believe in him! And, lo! all things are accomplished.[461]
+
+  [461] "Lex dicit: Fac hoc! et nunquam fit. Gratia dicit: Crede in
+  hunc! et jam facta sunt omnia." (Ibid.)
+
+28. "The love of God finds nothing in man, but creates in him what it
+loves. The love of man proceeds from self-love."[462]
+
+  [462] "Amor Dei non inventit sed creat suum diligibile; amor hominis
+fit a suo diligibili." (Ibid.)
+
+Five doctors of theology attacked these theses. They had read them
+with the astonishment which novelty excites. The theology seemed to
+them very strange. Yet according to Luther's own testimony, they
+discussed them with a courtesy which he could not but esteem; and, at
+the same time, with force and discernment.
+
+Luther, on his part, displayed an admirable mildness in his replies,
+incomparable patience in listening to the objections of his opponents,
+and all the liveliness of St. Paul in solving the difficulties which
+were started. His answers, which were short, but replete with the word
+of God, filled all the hearers with admiration. "He very much
+resembles Erasmus," said several; "but in one thing he surpasses
+him,--he professes openly what Erasmus is contented only to
+insinuate."[463]
+
+  [463] Bucer, in Seultetet, Annal. Evangel. Renovat." p. 22.
+
+The discussion was drawing to a close. Luther's opponents had retired
+with honour from the field of battle, the youngest of them, Doctor
+George Niger, alone continuing the struggle with the mighty combatant.
+Amazed at the bold propositions of the Augustin monk, and feeling
+utterly at a loss for arguments to refute them, he exclaimed, in an
+agitated tone,--"Were our peasants to hear such things, they would
+stone you to death."[464] At these words there was a general laugh
+throughout the audience.
+
+  [464] "Si rustici h�c audirent, certe lapidibus vos obruerent et
+interficerent." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 111.)
+
+Never had hearers listened more attentively to a theological
+disputation. The first words of the Reformer had awakened men's minds,
+and questions which shortly before had met with indifference, were now
+full of interest. Several countenances gave visible expression to the
+new ideas which the bold assertions of the Saxon doctor had suggested
+to their minds.
+
+Three youths in particular were strongly moved. One of them, named
+Martin Bucer, was a Dominican, of about twenty-seven years of age,
+who, notwithstanding of the prejudices of his order, seemed unwilling
+to lose a single word which fell from the doctor. Born in a little
+town of Alsace, he had entered a convent at sixteen, and soon
+displayed such talents that the monks entertained the highest hopes of
+him.[465] "He will one day be an ornament to our order," said they.
+His superiors had sent him to Heidelberg that he might devote himself
+to the study of philosophy, theology, Greek, and Hebrew. At this
+period Erasmus having published several of his works, Bucer read them
+with avidity.
+
+  [465] "Prudentioribus monachis spem de se pr�claram excitavit;"
+  (Melch. Adam. Vita Buceri, p. 211.)
+
+Shortly after, the first works of Luther appeared, and the Alsatian
+student hastened to compare the Reformer's doctrine with the holy
+Scriptures. Some doubt as to the truth of the popish religion arose in
+his mind.[466] This was the way in which light was diffused in those
+days. The Elector Palatine took notice of the young man. His strong
+and sonorous voice, his pleasing address, his eloquence, and the
+freedom with which he attacked prevailing vices, made him a
+distinguished preacher. He was appointed chaplain to the court, and
+was acting in this capacity when Luther's journey to Heidelberg was
+announced. Bucer was greatly delighted; nobody repaired with greater
+eagerness to the hall of the Augustin convent. He had provided himself
+with paper, pens, and ink, wishing to write down whatever the doctor
+should say. But while his hand was rapidly tracing the words of
+Luther, the hand of God was writing the great truths which he heard in
+more ineffaceable characters on his heart. The rays of the doctrine of
+grace beamed upon his soul on this memorable occasion.[467] The
+Dominican was gained over to Christ.
+
+  [466] "Cum doctrinam in eis traditam cum sacris litteris contullisset
+  qu�dam in pontificia religione suspecta habere coepit." (Ibid.) When he
+  had compared the doctrine delivered in them with the Sacred
+  Scriptures, he began to have some suspicions of the pope's religion.
+
+  [467] "Primam lucem purioris sententi� de justificatione in suo
+  pectore sensit." (Melch. Adam. Vita Buceri, p. 211.) He felt the first
+  dawn of a purer opinion on justification rising in his breast.
+
+Not far from Bucer sat John Brentz or Brentius, then about nineteen
+years of age. Brentz, who was the son of a magistrate of a town in
+Swabia, had, at thirteen, been enrolled among the students of
+Heidelberg. None of them showed such application. As soon as the hour
+of midnight struck, Brentz rose and commenced his labours. This
+practice became so habitual to him, that, during the rest of his life,
+he could never sleep beyond that hour. At a later period he devoted
+these still moments to meditation on the Scriptures. Brentz was one of
+the first to perceive the new light which then rose on Germany, and he
+received it into his soul in the full love of it.[468] He read the
+writings of Luther with avidity, and must have been overjoyed at the
+prospect of hearing him personally at Heidelberg. Young Brentz was
+particularly struck with one of the doctor's propositions, viz., "Not
+he who does many works is justified before God, but he who, without
+works, believes much in Jesus Christ."
+
+  [468] "Ingens Dei beneficium l�tus Brentius agnovit, et grata mente
+  amplexus est." (Ibid.) Brentius joyfully recognised the inestimable
+  gift of God, and with grateful mind embraced it.
+
+A pious woman of Heilbronn, on the Necker, wife of a councillor of
+that town, named Snepf, had, after the example of Hannah, dedicated
+her first born to the Lord, earnestly desiring to see him devote
+himself to theology. The young man, who was born in 1495, made rapid
+progress in literature, but whether from taste or ambition, or
+compliance with his father's wishes, he devoted himself to the study
+of law. The pious mother was grieved when she saw her son Ehrhard
+following another course than that to which she had dedicated him;
+she warned and urged him, and always concluded by reminding him of the
+vow which she had made at his birth.[469] At length, overcome by his
+mother's perseverance, Ehrhard Snepf yielded, and soon felt such
+delight in his new studies, that nothing in the world could have
+diverted him from them.
+
+  [469] "Crebris interpellationibus eum voti quod de nato ipso fecerat,
+  admoneret; et a studio juris ad theologiam quasi conviciis avocaret."
+  (Melch. Adami, Snepfii Vita.) She frequently interposed to remind him
+  of the vow which she had made at his birth, and, as it were, by her
+  reproaches drew him off from the study of law to theology.
+
+He was in terms of intimacy with Bucer and Brentz, and they remained
+friends all their lives; "for," says one of their biographers,
+"friendships founded on the love of literature and virtue are never
+extinguished." He was present with his two friends at the Heidelberg
+discussion. The Paradoxes and the bold struggle of the Wittemberg
+doctor gave Snepf a new impulse. Rejecting the vain dogma of human
+merit, he embraced the doctrine of free justification.
+
+The next day Bucer paid a visit to Luther. "I conversed with him,"
+says he, "and without witnesses; and had a most exquisite repast, not
+from the viands, but from the truths which were set before me.
+Whatever objections I stated, were readily answered by the doctor, who
+explained every thing with the utmost clearness. O! that I had time to
+write you more about it."[470] Luther himself was touched with the
+sentiments of Bucer. "He is the only friar of his order," wrote he to
+Spalatin, "who is in good faith. He is a young man of great promise;
+he received me with simplicity, and conversed with me with
+earnestness; he is deserving of our confidence and our love."[471]
+
+  [470] Gerdesius, Monument. Antiq., etc.
+
+  [471] Luth. Ep. i, p. 412.
+
+Brentz, Snepf, and others also, urged by the new truths which began to
+dawn upon their minds, in like manner visited Luther, speaking and
+conferring with him, and asking explanations of any thing which they
+might not have comprehended. The Reformer, in his answers, founded
+upon the Bible. At every word that fell from him fresh light arose,
+and his visitors saw a new world opening before them.
+
+After Luther's departure these noble-minded men began to teach at
+Heidelberg. It was necessary to follow out what the man of God had
+begun, and not allow the torch which he had kindled to be
+extinguished. The scholars will speak should the masters be silent.
+Brentz, although he was still so youthful, explained St. Matthew, at
+first in his own room, and afterwards, when it could not contain his
+hearers, in the hall of philosophy. The theologians, filled with envy
+at seeing the great concourse which he drew together, were much
+offended.
+
+Brentz next took orders, and transferred his lectures to the college
+of the Canons of the Holy Spirit. In this way the fire which had
+already been kindled in Saxony was kindled also in Heidelberg. The
+light radiated from numerous _foci_. This period has been designated
+the seed-time of the Palatinate.
+
+But the fruits of the Heidelberg discussion were not confined to the
+Palatinate. These bold friends of the truth soon became luminaries in
+the Church. They all occupied eminent stations, and took part in the
+numerous discussions, to which the Reformation gave rise. Strasburg,
+and at a later period England, were indebted to the labours of Bucer,
+for a purer knowledge of the truth. Snepf taught first at Marburg,
+then at Stutgard, Tubingen, and Jena. Brentz, after teaching at
+Heidelberg, long continued to labour at Halle, in Swabia, and at
+Tubingen. These three individuals will again come before us.
+
+This discussion caused Luther himself to advance. He grew daily in the
+knowledge of the truth. "I am one of those," said he, "who have made
+progress by writing and by instructing others; and not one of those,
+who, from nothing, become all at once great and learned doctors."
+
+He was delighted at seeing the avidity with which youth in schools
+received the growing truth; and this consoled him when he saw how
+deeply the old doctors were rooted in their opinions. "I have the
+glorious hope," said he, "that, in like manner as Christ, when
+rejected by the Jews, went to the Gentiles, we will now see true
+theology, though rejected by these old men of vain and fantastical
+opinions, welcomed by the rising generation."[472]
+
+  [472] Luth. Ep. i, p. 112.
+
+The Chapter being closed, Luther thought of returning to Wittemberg.
+The Count Palatine gave him a letter to the Elector, in which he said
+that "Luther had displayed so much ability in the discussion as to
+reflect great glory on the university of Wittemberg." He was not
+permitted to return on foot.[473] The Augustins of Nuremberg conducted
+him as far as Wurzburg, and from thence he proceeded to Erfurt with
+the friars belonging to it. As soon as he arrived he called on his old
+master Jodocus. The venerable professor, who had been much concerned
+and shocked at the career which his pupil had followed, was accustomed
+to put a theta (th) before all Luther's sentences,--that being the
+letter which the Greeks used to express condemnation.[474] He had
+written to the young doctor, censuring his conduct, and he was anxious
+to answer by word of mouth. Not having been received, he wrote
+Jodocus:--"The whole university, with the exception of a single
+licentiate, thinks as I do. Nay, more; the prince, the bishop, several
+other prelates, and all our enlightened citizens, declare, with one
+voice, that hitherto they have neither known nor understood Jesus
+Christ and his gospel. I am ready to receive your correction, and
+though it should be harsh I will think it pleasant. Unbosom your heart
+then without fear, disburden yourself of your anger. I have no wish, I
+am not able to be angry with you. God and my conscience bear
+witness."[475]
+
+  [473] "Veni autem curru qui ieram pedester." (Ibid., p. 110.) I went
+  on foot, but returned in a chariot.
+
+  [474] "Omnibus placitis meis nigrum theta pr�figit." (Luth. Ep. i, p.
+  111.) He puts a black theta before all my opinions.
+
+  [475] Ibid.
+
+The aged doctor was touched by the sentiments of his old pupil, and
+wished to see if there was no means of removing the condemnatory
+theta. They had an explanation; but nothing resulted from it. "I have
+at least," said Luther, "made him understand, that all their sentences
+are like the beast which is said to eat itself. But it is vain to
+speak to the deaf. The doctors cling obstinately to their petty
+distinctions, although they confess that they have nothing to support
+them but what they term the light of natural reason--a dark chaos to
+us who proclaim no other light than Jesus Christ, the only true
+light."[476]
+
+  [476] "Nisi dictamine rationis naturalis, quod apud nos idem est, quod
+  chaos tenebratum, qui non pr�dicamus aliam lucem, quam Christum Jesum
+  lucem veram et solam." (Ibid.)
+
+Luther quitted Erfurt in the carriage of the convent. He was thus
+brought to Eisleben, and from thence the Augustins of the place, proud
+of a doctor who threw so much lustre on their order and on their town
+which had given him birth, caused him to be conveyed to Wittemberg
+with their own horses, and at their own expence. All were desirous to
+testify affection and esteem for the extraordinary man who was rising
+at every step.
+
+He arrived on Saturday after the Ascension. The journey had done him
+good. His friends found him stronger and healthier looking than before
+his departure,[477] and were delighted with all he told them. Luther
+reposed for some time from the fatigues of his campaign and the
+discussion at Heidelberg, but this repose was only a preparation for
+more severe exertions.
+
+  [477] "Ita ut nonnullis videar factus habitior et corpulentior!"
+  (Ibid.) So that some think me fuller in habit, and more corpulent.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK FOURTH.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+LUTHER BEFORE THE LEGATE.
+
+MAY-DECEMBER, 1518.
+
+     Repentance--The Pope--Leo X--Luther to his Bishop--Luther to
+     the Pope--Luther to the Vicar-General--Rovere to the
+     Elector--Discourse on Excommunication--Influence and Power
+     of Luther.
+
+
+Truth had at length raised her head in the bosom of Christendom.
+Victorious over the inferior organs of the papacy, she behoved to have
+a struggle with its chief. We are going to see Luther at close
+quarters with Rome.
+
+This step was taken on his return from Heidelberg. His first theses on
+indulgences had been misunderstood, and he determined to explain their
+meaning with greater clearness. The outcry raised by the blind hatred
+of his enemies had convinced him how important it was to gain the most
+enlightened part of the nation in favour of truth, and he resolved to
+appeal to its judgment by calling attention to the foundation on which
+his convictions rested. It was, indeed, necessary for once to appeal
+to the decision of Rome; and he hesitates not to send all his
+explanations. Presenting them with one hand to the enlightened and
+impartial among his countrymen, he with the other lays them before the
+throne of the sovereign pontiff.
+
+These explanations of his theses, which he denominated
+_Solutions_,[478] were written with great moderation. Luther tried to
+soften the passages which had caused most irritation, and gave proof
+of genuine modesty. At the same time, he showed that his convictions
+were immovable; and he courageously defended all the propositions
+which truth obliged him to maintain. He again repeated, that every
+Christian who truly repents possesses the remission of sins without
+indulgence; that the pope, like the humblest of priests, can only
+declare simply what God has already pardoned; that the treasure of the
+merits of the saints administered by the pope was a chimera, and that
+Holy Scripture was the only rule of faith. Let us hear himself on some
+of these points.
+
+  [478] Luth. Op., (Leips.) xvii, pp. 29-113.
+
+He begins with establishing the nature of true penitence, and
+contrasts the divine act, which renews man, with the mummery of the
+Romish Church. "The Greek word metanoeite," says he, "signifies--
+be clothed with a new spirit and new feelings; have a new nature; so
+that, ceasing to be earthly, you may become heavenly.... Christ is a
+teacher of the spirit and not of the letter, and his words are spirit
+and life."[479] He, therefore, inculcates, not those external penances
+which the proudest sinners can perform without being humbled, but a
+repentance according to spirit and truth--a repentance which may be
+fulfilled in all the situations of life, under the purple of kings,
+the cassock of priests, and the coronet of princes, amid the
+magnificence of Babylon, where a Daniel lived, as well as under a
+monk's frock and a beggar's tatters.
+
+  [479] On the First Thesis.
+
+Farther on we meet with these bold words, "I give myself no trouble as
+to what pleases or displeases the pope. He is a man like other men.
+There have been several popes who loved not only errors and vices, but
+even things still more extraordinary. I listen to the pope as pope,
+that is when he speaks in the canons, according to the canons, or when
+he decides some article with a council, but not when he speaks out of
+his own head. If I did otherwise, would I not be bound to say with
+those who know not Jesus Christ, that the horrible massacres of
+Christians of which Julius II was guilty, were the kind acts of an
+affectionate shepherd towards the Lord's sheep?"[480]
+
+  [480] Thesis 26.
+
+"I cannot but be astonished," continues he, "at the simplicity of
+those who have said that the two swords of the gospel represent, the
+one the spiritual power, and the other the temporal. Yes, the pope
+holds a sword of steel, and so exhibits himself to Christendom, not as
+a tender father, but as a formidable tyrant. Ah! God in his anger has
+given us the sword we wished, and withdrawn that which we despised. In
+no quarter of the world have there been more dreadful wars than among
+Christians.... Why did the ingenious intellect which discovered this
+fine commentary, not with equal subtlety interpret the history of the
+two keys committed to St. Peter, and in that way make it an
+established dogma of the Church, that the one serves to open the
+treasures of heaven, and the other the treasures of the world."[481]
+
+  [481] Ibid. 80.
+
+"It is impossible," he again says, "that a man can be a Christian
+without having Christ; and if he has Christ, he at the same time has
+all that belongs to Christ. The thing which gives peace to our
+conscience is, that by faith our sins are no longer ours, but
+Christ's, on whom God has laid them; and that, on the other hand, all
+the righteousness of Christ is ours, to whom God has given it. Christ
+puts his hand upon us, and we are cured. He throws his mantle over us
+and we are covered; for he is the glorious Saviour, blessed for ever
+and ever."[482]
+
+  [482] Thesis 37.
+
+With such views of the riches of salvation by Jesus Christ, there was
+no need of indulgences.
+
+Luther, while attacking the papacy, speaks honourably of Leo X. "The
+times in which we live are so bad," says he, "that even the greatest
+personages cannot come to the help of the Church. We have now a very
+good pope in Leo X. His sincerity and knowledge fill us with joy. But
+what can one man, though amiable and agreeable, do by himself alone?
+He certainly deserved to be pope in better times. We, in our day,
+deserve only such popes as Julius II, and Alexander VI."
+
+He afterwards comes to the crowning point. "I wish to say the thing in
+a few words and boldly. The Church stands in need of a reformation;
+and this cannot be the work either of a single man, like the pope, or
+of many men, like the cardinals, and fathers of councils; but it must
+be that of the whole world, or, rather, it is a work which belongs to
+God only. As to the time in which such a reformation ought to begin,
+He alone who created time can tell.... The embankment is broken down,
+and it is no longer in our power to arrest the torrents which are
+rushing impetuously along."
+
+Such are some of the thoughts and declarations which Luther addressed
+to the enlightened among his countrymen. The Feast of Pentecost was at
+hand; and, at this period, when the apostles rendered the first
+testimony of their faith to the risen Saviour, Luther, a new apostle,
+published this enlivening book in which he expressed his earnest
+longings for a resurrection of the Church. Saturday, 22nd May, 1518,
+being Pentecost eve, he sent his work to his ordinary, the Bishop of
+Brandenburg, with the following letter:--
+
+"MOST WORTHY FATHER IN GOD,--Some time ago, when a novel and
+unheard-of doctrine, touching the apostolic indulgences, began to make
+a noise in these countries, both learned and ignorant felt concerned;
+and many persons, some of them known to me, and others whom I did not
+even know by face, urged me to publish, by word of mouth, or by
+writing, what I thought of the novelty, I am unwilling to say, the
+impudence of this doctrine. At first I was silent, and kept back. But
+at length matters came to such a point, that the holiness of the pope
+was compromised.
+
+"What was I to do? I thought it best neither to approve nor to condemn
+these doctrines; but to establish a discussion on this important
+point, until the Holy Church should decide.
+
+"Nobody having come forward to this combat, to which I had invited all
+the world, and my theses having been considered not as materials for
+discussion, but positive assertions,[483] I feel myself obliged to
+publish an explanation of them. Deign, then, most gracious Bishop, to
+receive these trifles[484] at my hand. And that all the world may see
+I am not acting presumptuously, I supplicate your reverence to take
+pen and ink, and blot out, or even throw into the fire and burn,
+whatever in them displeases you. I know that Jesus Christ has no need
+of my labours and my services, and that he can very well, without me,
+publish good tidings to his Church. Not that the bulls and menaces of
+my enemies deter me; very much the contrary. If they were not so
+impudent and so shameless, nobody would hear a word from me; I would
+shut myself up in a corner, and there study by myself for myself. If
+this affair is not of God, it certainly cannot be my affair, nor that
+of any man, but a thing of nought. Let the glory and honour be
+ascribed to Him to whom alone they belong."
+
+  [483] "Non ut disputabilia sed asserta acciperentur." (Luth., Ep. i.
+  214.)
+
+  [484] Ineptias.
+
+Luther had still the greatest respect for the head of the Church. He
+supposed that there was justice in Leo X, and a sincere love of truth.
+He resolved, therefore, to apply to him also; and eight days after, on
+Trinity Sunday, 30th May, 1518, addressed him in a letter, of which we
+give the following extracts:--
+
+    "To the Most Blessed Father, LEO X, Sovereign Bishop,
+      "Friar Martin Luther, Augustin, wishes eternal salvation!
+
+"I learn, most Holy Father, that evil reports are current with regard
+to me, and that my name is brought into bad odour with your Holiness.
+I am called heretic, apostate, traitor, and a thousand other
+opprobrious epithets; what I see astonishes, what I hear amazes me.
+But the only foundation of my tranquillity remains, and that is a pure
+and peaceful conscience. Be pleased to listen to me, most Holy Father,
+to me, who am only an ignorant child."
+
+Luther relates the origin of the whole affair, and continues thus:--
+
+"In all taverns, nothing was heard but complaints of the avarice of
+priests, and attacks on the power of the keys and the sovereign
+pontiff. This all Germany can testify. On hearing these things, my
+zeal for the glory of Christ was moved, (so I thought,) or if they
+will explain it otherwise, my young and boiling blood was inflamed.
+
+"I warned several of the princes of the Church, but some mocked me,
+and others turned a deaf ear. All seemed paralysed by the terror of
+your name. Then I published the discussion,
+
+"And this, most Holy Father! this is the fire which is said to have
+set the whole world in flames!
+
+"Now, what must I do? I cannot retract, and I see that this
+publication is subjecting me to inconceivable hatred in all quarters.
+I love not to stand forth in the midst of the world; for I am without
+knowledge, without talent, and far too feeble for such great things,
+especially in this illustrious age, in which Cicero himself, were he
+alive, would be obliged to hide in some obscure corner.[485]
+
+  [485] He adds: "Sed cogit necessitas me anserem strepere inter
+  olores." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 121.) But necessity forces me, a goose, to
+  hiss among the swans.
+
+"But in order to appease my adversaries, and respond to numerous
+solicitations, I here publish my thoughts. I publish them, Holy
+Father, that I may place myself in safety under the shadow of your
+wings. All who are willing will thus be able to understand with what
+simplicity of heart I have asked the ecclesiastical authority to
+instruct me, and what respect I have shown for the power of the
+keys.[486] If I had not managed the affair in a becoming manner, it is
+impossible that the most serene lord Frederick, Duke and Elector of
+Saxony, who shines among the friends of apostolical and Christian
+truth, would ever have tolerated in his university of Wittemberg a man
+so dangerous as I am represented to be.
+
+  [486] "Quam pure simpliciterque ecclesiasticam potestatem et
+  reverentiam clavium qu�sierim et coluerim." (Ibid.)
+
+"Wherefore, most Holy Father, I throw myself at the feet of your
+Holiness, and submit to you with all I have, and all I am. Destroy my
+cause, or embrace it; decide for me, or decide against me; take my
+life, or restore it to me, just as you please. I will recognise your
+voice as the voice of Jesus Christ, who presides and speaks by you. If
+I have deserved death I refuse not to die.[487] The earth belongs unto
+the Lord, and all that it contains. Let him be praised to all
+eternity. Amen. May he sustain you for ever and ever. Amen.
+
+"On the day of the Holy Trinity, in the year 1518.
+
+  "FRIAR MARTIN LUTHER, _Augustin_."
+
+  [487] "Quar� beatissime Pater, prostratum me pedibus tu� Beatitudinis
+  offero, cum omnibus qu� sum et habeo; vivifica, occide voca, revoca,
+  approba, reproba, ut placuerit. Vocem tuam, vocem Christi in te
+  pr�sidentis et loquentis agnoscam; si mortem merui, mori non
+  recusabo." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 121.)
+
+What humility and truth in this fear, or rather in this confession of
+Luther, that his young and boiling blood had perhaps been too quickly
+inflamed! We here recognise the man of sincerity, who, not presuming
+on himself, fears the influence of passion even in those of his
+actions which are most conformable to the word of God. There is a wide
+difference between this language and that of a proud fanatic. We see
+in Luther an earnest desire to gain over Leo to the cause of truth, to
+prevent all disruption, and make this reformation, the necessity of
+which he proclaims, come from the very pinnacle of the Church.
+Assuredly, he is not the person who ought to be charged with
+destroying in the West that unity, the loss of which was afterwards so
+much regretted. He sacrificed every thing in order to maintain it;
+every thing but truth. It was not he, but his adversaries, who, by
+refusing to acknowledge the fulness and sufficiency of the salvation
+wrought out by Jesus Christ, are chargeable with having rent the
+Saviour's robe at the foot of the cross.
+
+After writing this letter, Luther, the very same day, addressed his
+friend Staupitz, vicar-general of his order. It was through him he
+wished his "Solutions" and his epistle to reach Leo.
+
+"I pray you," says he to him, "kindly to accept the miserable
+things[488] which I send you, and transmit them to the excellent pope,
+Leo X. Not that I would thereby drag you into the perils to which I am
+exposed. I wish to take all the danger to myself. Jesus Christ will
+see whether what I have said comes from him or comes from me--Jesus
+Christ, without whose will neither the tongue of the pope can move,
+nor the hearts of kings resolve.
+
+  [488] His Solutions.
+
+"To those who threaten me I have no answer to give, unless it be the
+remark of Reuchlin, 'The poor man has nothing to fear, for he has
+nothing to lose.'[489] I have neither money nor goods, and I ask none.
+If I once possessed some honour and some reputation, let him that has
+begun to strip me of them finish his work. I have nothing left but
+this miserable body, enfeebled by so many trials; let them kill it by
+force or fraud, to the glory of God. In this way they will, perhaps,
+shorten my life an hour or two. Enough for me to have a precious
+Redeemer, a powerful Priest, Jesus Christ the Lord! I will praise him
+while I have a breath of life; and if none will praise him with me,
+how can I help it?"
+
+  [489] "Qui pauper est nihil timet, nihil potest perdere." (Ibid., p.
+  118.)
+
+These words enable us to read Luther's heart.
+
+While he was thus looking with confidence towards Rome, Rome had
+thoughts of vengeance towards him. On the 3rd of April, Cardinal
+Raphael De Rovere had written to the Elector Frederick in the pope's
+name, stating that suspicions were entertained of his faith, and that
+he ought to beware of protecting Luther.
+
+"Cardinal Raphael," says Luther, "would have had great pleasure in
+seeing me burned by Duke Frederick."[490] Thus Rome began to whet her
+arms against Luther, and the first blow which she aimed at him was
+through the mind of his protector. If she succeeded in destroying the
+shelter under which the monk of Wittemberg was reposing, he would
+become an easy prey.
+
+  [490] Luth. Op. (W.) xv, p. 339.
+
+The German princes attached much importance to their reputation as
+Christian princes. The slightest suspicion of heresy filled them with
+alarm, and the court of Rome had shrewdly availed itself of this
+feeling. Frederick, moreover, had always been attached to the religion
+of his fathers, and Raphael's letter made a very strong impression on
+his mind. But it was a principle with the Elector not to act hastily
+in any thing. He knew that truth was not always on the side of the
+strongest. The transactions of the empire with Rome had taught him to
+distrust the selfish views of that court; and he was aware that in
+order to be a Christian prince, it was not necessary to be the pope's
+slave.
+
+"He was not," says Melancthon, "one of those profane spirits who wish
+to stifle all changes in their first beginnings.[491] Frederick
+resigned himself to God. He carefully read the writings which were
+published, and what he judged true he allowed no one to destroy."[492]
+He had power to do so. Supreme in his own States, he was respected in
+the empire at least as highly as the emperor himself.
+
+  [491] "Nec profana judicia sequens qu� tenera initia omnium mutationum
+  celerrime opprimi jubent." (Melanc. Vita Luth.)
+
+  [492] "Deo cessit, et ea qu� vera esse judicavit, deleri non voluit."
+  (Ibid.)
+
+It is probable that Luther learned something of this letter of
+Cardinal Raphael, which was sent to the Elector on the 7th of July.
+Perhaps it was the prospect of excommunication which this Roman
+missive seemed to presage, that led him to mount the pulpit of
+Wittemberg on the 15th of the same month, and on this subject deliver
+a discourse which made a profound impression. He distinguished between
+internal and external excommunication; the former excluding from
+communion with God, and the latter excluding only from the ceremonies
+of the Church. "Nobody," says he, "can reconcile a lapsed soul with
+God save God himself. Nobody can separate man from communion with God
+unless it be man himself by his own sins! Happy he who dies unjustly
+excommunicated! While for righteousness' sake he endures a heavy
+infliction on the part of man, he receives the crown of eternal
+felicity from the hand of God."
+
+Some highly applauded this bold language, while others were more
+irritated by it. But Luther was no longer alone; and although his
+faith needed no other support than that of God, a phalanx of defence
+against his enemies was formed around him. The Germans had heard the
+voice of the Reformer. His discourses and his writings sent forth
+flashes which awoke and illumined his contemporaries. The energy of
+his faith fell in torrents of fire on slumbering hearts. The life
+which God had infused into this extraordinary soul was imparted to the
+dead body of the Church; and Christendom, which had for so many ages
+been motionless, was animated with a religious enthusiasm. The
+devotedness of the people to the superstitions of Rome diminished
+every day, and the number of hands which offered money for the
+purchase of pardon became fewer and fewer,[493] while at the same time
+Luther's fame continued to increase. People turned towards him, and
+hailed him with love and respect as the intrepid defender of truth and
+liberty.[494] No doubt the full depth of the doctrines which he
+announced was not perceived. It was enough for the greater number to
+know that the new doctor withstood the pope, and that the empire of
+priests and monks was shaken by his powerful word. To them the attack
+of Luther was like one of those fires which are kindled on mountain
+tops, as the signal for a whole nation to rise and burst its chains.
+Before the Reformer suspected what he had done, all the generous
+hearted among his countrymen had already acknowledged him for their
+leader. To many, however, the appearance of Luther was something more.
+The word of God, which he wielded with so much power, pierced their
+minds like a sharp two-edged sword; and their hearts were inflamed
+with an ardent desire to obtain the assurance of pardon and eternal
+life. Since primitive times the Church had not known such hungering
+and thirsting after righteousness. If the preaching of Peter the
+Hermit and Bernard so aroused the population of the middle ages as to
+make them take up a perishable cross, the preaching of Luther disposed
+those of his time to embrace the true cross, the truth which saves.
+The framework which then lay with all its weight on the Church had
+smothered everything; the form had destroyed the life. But the
+powerful word given to Luther caused a quickening breath to circulate
+over the soil of Christendom. At the first glance the writings of
+Luther were equally captivating to believers and unbelievers,--to
+unbelievers, because the positive doctrines afterwards to be
+established were not yet fully developed in them; and to believers,
+because they contained the germ of that living faith which they so
+powerfully express. Hence the influence of these writings was immense;
+they spread almost instantaneously over Germany and the world. The
+prevailing impression of men every where was, that they were
+assisting, not at the establishment of a sect, but at a new birth of
+the Church and of society. Those who were born of the Spirit of God
+ranged themselves around him who was its organ. Christendom was
+divided into two camps,--the one leagued with the spirit against the
+form, and the other with the form against the spirit. It is true that
+on the side of the form were all the appearances of strength and
+grandeur, and on the side of the spirit those of feebleness and
+insignificance. But the form, devoid of the spirit, is a lifeless
+body, which the first breath may upset. Its appearance of power only
+provokes hostility and accelerates its downfall. In this way the
+simple truth had placed Luther at the head of a mighty army.
+
+  [493] "Rarescebant manus largentium." (Cochloeus, 7.) The hands of
+  contributors grew few.
+
+  [494] "Luthero autem contra augebatur auctoritas, favor, fides
+  existimatio, fama; quod tam liber acerque videbatur veritatis
+  assertor." (Ibid.) On the contrary, Luther's authority, influence,
+  credit, reputation, and fame, increased, because he seemed so free and
+  bold an assertor of the truth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+     Diet at Augsburg--The Emperor to the Pope--The Elector to
+     Rovere--Luther cited to Rome--Luther's Peace--Intercession
+     of the University--Papal Brief--Luther's Indignation--The
+     Pope to the Elector.
+
+
+This army was needed; for the great began to move. Both the empire and
+the Church were uniting their efforts to rid themselves of this
+troublesome monk. Had the imperial throne been occupied by a brave and
+energetic prince, he might have profited by these religious
+agitations, and, throwing himself on God and the nation, given new
+force to the former opposition to the papacy. But Maximilian was too
+old, and was determined, moreover, to sacrifice every thing to what he
+regarded as the end of his existence,--the aggrandisement of his
+house, and through it the exaltation of his grandson.
+
+The Emperor Maximilian at this time held a diet at Augsburg, Six
+Electors attended in person, and all the Germanic States were
+represented at it, while the kings of France, Hungary, and Poland,
+sent their ambassadors. All these princes and envoys appeared in great
+splendour. The war against the Turks was one of the subjects for which
+the diet had assembled. The legate of Leo X strongly urged the
+prosecution of it; but the States, instructed by the bad use which had
+formerly been made of their contributions, and sagely counselled by
+the Elector Frederick, contented themselves with declaring that they
+would take the matter into consideration, and at the same time,
+produced new grievances against Rome. A Latin discourse, published
+during the Diet, boldly called the attention of the German princes to
+the true danger. "You wish," said the author, "to put the Turk to
+flight. This is well; but I am much afraid that you are mistaken as to
+his person. It is not in Asia, but in Italy, that you ought to seek
+him."[495]
+
+  [495] Schr�ck, K. Gesch. n. d. R. i, p. 156.
+
+Another affair of no less importance was to occupy the Diet.
+Maximilian was desirous that his grandson Charles, already king of
+Spain and Naples, should be proclaimed king of the Romans, and his
+successors in the imperial dignity. The pope knew his interest too
+well to wish the imperial throne to be occupied by a prince whose
+power in Italy might prove formidable to him. The Emperor thought he
+had already gained the greater part of the electors and states, but he
+found a strenuous opponent in Frederick. In vain did he solicit him,
+and in vain did the ministers and best friends of the Elector join
+their entreaties to those of the Emperor. Frederick was immovable, and
+proved the truth of what has been said of him, that when once
+satisfied of the justice of a resolution, he had firmness of soul
+never to abandon it. The Emperor's design failed.
+
+From this time the Emperor sought to gain the good will of the pope,
+in order to render him favourable to his plans; and as a special proof
+of his devotedness, on the 5th August, wrote him the following
+letter:--"Most Holy Father, we learned some days ago that a friar of
+the Augustin order, named Martin Luther, has begun to maintain divers
+propositions as to the commerce in indulgences. Our displeasure is the
+greater because the said friar finds many protectors, among whom are
+powerful personages.[496] If your Holiness and the very reverend
+fathers of the Church, (the Cardinals,) do not forthwith employ their
+authority to put an end to these scandals, not only will these
+pernicious doctors seduce the simple, but they will involve great
+princes in their ruin. We will take care that whatever your Holiness
+may decide on this matter, for the glory of Almighty God, shall be
+observed by all in our empire."
+
+  [496] "Defensores et patrones etiam potentes quos dictus frater
+  consecutus est." (Raynald, ad an. 1518.)
+
+This letter must have been written after some rather keen discussion
+between Maximilian and Frederick. The same day, the Elector wrote to
+Raphael de Rovere. He had doubtless learned that the Emperer was
+addressing the Roman pontiff, and to parry the blow he put himself in
+communication with Rome.
+
+"I can have no other wish," said he, "than to show myself submissive
+to the universal Church. Accordingly, I have never defended the
+writings and sermons of Doctor Martin Luther. I understand, moreover,
+that he has always offered to appear with a safe-conduct before
+impartial, learned, and Christian judges, in order to defend his
+doctrine, and submit, in the event of being convinced by Scripture
+itself."[497]
+
+  [497] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 169.
+
+Leo X, who had hitherto allowed the affair to take its course, aroused
+by the cries of theologians and monks, instituted an ecclesiastical
+court, which was to try Luther at Rome, and in which Sylvester
+Prierio, the great enemy of the Reformer, was at once accuser and
+judge. The charge was soon drawn up, and Luther was summoned by the
+court to appear personally in sixty days.
+
+Luther was at Wittemberg, calmly awaiting the good effect which his
+humble letter to the pope was, as he imagined, to produce, when, on
+the 7th of August, only two days after the despatch of the letters of
+Maximilian and Frederick, he received the citation from the Roman
+tribunal. "At the moment," says he, "when I was expecting the
+benediction, I saw the thunder burst upon me. I was the lamb troubling
+the water to the wolf. Tezel escapes, and I must allow myself to be
+eaten."
+
+This citation threw Wittemberg into consternation; for whatever course
+Luther might adopt, he could not avert the danger. If he repaired to
+Rome he must there become the victim of his enemies. If he refused to
+go, he would, as a matter of course, be condemned for contumacy,
+without being able to escape; for it was known that the legate had
+received orders from the pope to do everything he could do to irritate
+the Emperor and the German princes against him. His friends were in
+dismay. Must the teacher of truth go with his life in his hand to that
+great city, _drunk with the blood of the saints and martyrs of Jesus_?
+Is it sufficient to ensure any man's destruction that he has raised
+his head from the bosom of enslaved Christendom? Must this man, whom
+God appears to have formed for resisting a power which hitherto
+nothing has been able to resist, be also overthrown? Luther, himself,
+saw no one who could save him unless it were the Elector, but he would
+rather die than endanger his prince. His friends at last fell on an
+expedient which would not compromise Frederick. Let him refuse a
+safe-conduct, and Luther will have a legitimate cause for refusing to
+appear at Rome.
+
+On the 8th of August Luther wrote to Spalatin, praying that the
+Elector would employ his influence to have him cited in Germany. He
+also wrote to Staupitz, "See what ambuscades they use to ensnare me,
+and how I am surrounded with thorns. But Christ lives and reigns,
+to-day, yesterday, and for ever. My conscience assures me that what I
+have taught is the truth, though it becomes still more odious when I
+teach it. The Church is like the womb of Rebecca. The children must
+struggle together so as even to endanger the life of the mother.[498]
+As to what remains, entreat the Lord that I may not have too much joy
+in this trial. May God not lay the sin to their charge."
+
+  [498] "Uterus Rebecca est; parvulos in eo collidi necesse est, etiam
+  usque ad periculum matris." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 138.)
+
+The friends of Luther did not confine themselves to consultation and
+complaint. Spalatin, on the part of the Elector, wrote to Renner, the
+Emperor's secretary, "Dr. Martin is very willing that his judges shall
+be all the universities of Germany, with the exception of those of
+Erfurt, Leipsic, and Frankfort on the Oder, which he has ground to
+suspect. It is impossible for him to appear personally at Rome."[499]
+
+  [499] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 173.
+
+The university of Wittemberg wrote a letter of intercession to the
+pope himself, and thus spoke of Luther,--"The feebleness of his body,
+and the dangers of the journey, make it difficult and even impossible
+for him to obey the order of your Holiness. His distress and his
+prayers dispose us to have compassion on him. We, then, as obedient
+sons, entreat you, most Holy Father, to be pleased to regard him as a
+man who has never taught doctrines in opposition to the sentiments of
+the Roman Church." On the same day the university, in its anxiety,
+addressed Charles de Miltitz, a Saxon gentleman, the chamberlain, and
+a great favourite of the pope, and bore testimony to Luther in terms
+still stronger than those which it had ventured to insert in the
+former letter. "The worthy father, Martin Luther, Augustin, is the
+noblest and most honourable man of our university. For several years
+we have seen and known his ability, his knowledge, his high
+attainments in arts and literature, his irreproachable manners, and
+his altogether Christian conduct."[500]
+
+  [500] Ibid. i, 183, 184; xvii, 171, 172.
+
+This active charity on the part of all who were about Luther is his
+finest eulogium.
+
+While the issue was anxiously waited for, the affair terminated more
+easily than might have been supposed. The Legate de Vio, chagrined at
+not having succeeded in the commission which he had received to
+prepare a general war against the Turks, was desirous to give lustre
+to his embassy in Germany by some other brilliant exploit; and
+thinking that if he extinguished heresy he would reappear at Rome with
+glory, he asked the pope to remit the affair to him. Leo felt himself
+under obligation to Frederick, for having so strenuously opposed the
+election of young Charles, and was aware that he might still want his
+assistance. Accordingly, without adverting to the citation, he charged
+his legate by a brief, dated 23rd of August, to examine the affair in
+Germany. The pope lost nothing by this mode of proceeding; and, at the
+same time, if Luther could be brought to a retractation, the noise and
+scandal which his appearance at Rome might have occasioned were
+avoided.
+
+"We charge you," said he, "to bring personally before you, to pursue
+and constrain without delay, and as soon as you receive this our
+letter, the said Luther, who has already been declared heretic by our
+dear brother, Jerome, Bishop of Asculan."[501]
+
+  [501] "Dictum Lutherum h�reticum per pr�dictum auditorem j�m
+  declaratum." (Breve Leonis X ad Thomam.)
+
+Then the pope prescribes the severest measures against Luther.
+
+"For this purpose invoke the arm and assistance of our very dear son
+in Christ, Maximilian, the other princes of Germany, and all its
+commonalties, universities, and powers ecclesiastical or secular; and
+if you apprehend him, keep him in safe custody, in order that he may
+be brought before us."[502]
+
+  [502] "Brachio cogas atque compellas, et eo in potestate tua redacto
+  cum sub fideli custodia retineas, ut coram nobis sistatur." (Ibid.)
+
+We see that this indulgent concession of the pope was little else than
+a surer method of dragging Luther to Rome. Next follow the gentle
+measures:--
+
+"If he returns to himself, and asks pardon for his great crime, asks
+it of himself, and without being urged to do it, we give you power to
+receive him into the unity of Holy Mother Church."
+
+The pope soon returns to malediction.
+
+"If he persists in his obstinacy, and you cannot make yourself master
+of his person, we give you power to proscribe him in all parts of
+Germany, to banish, curse, and excommunicate all who are attached to
+him, and to order all Christians to shun their presence."
+
+Still this is not enough. The pope continues:--
+
+"And in order that this contagion maybe the more easily extirpated,
+you will excommunicate all prelates, religious orders, communities,
+counts, dukes, and grandees, except the Emperor Maximilian, who shall
+refuse to seize the said Martin Luther and his adherents, and send
+them to you, under due and sufficient guard. And if (which God forbid)
+the said princes, communities, universities, grandees, or any one
+belonging to them, offer an asylum to the said Martin and his
+adherents, in any way, and give him, publicly or in secret, by
+themselves or others, aid and counsel, we lay under interdict these
+princes, communities, and grandees, with their towns, burghs, fields,
+and villages, whither said Martin may flee, as long as he shall remain
+there, and for three days after he shall have left."
+
+This audacious chair, which pretends to be the representative on earth
+of Him who has said, _God sent not his Son into the world to condemn
+the world, but that the world through him might be saved_, continues
+its anathemas; and, after having denounced penalties against
+ecclesiastics, proceeds:--
+
+"In regard to the laity, if they do not obey your orders instantly,
+and without any opposition, we declare them infamous, (with the
+exception of the most worthy Emperor,) incapable of performing any
+lawful act, deprived of Christian burial, and stript of all fiefs
+which they may hold, whether of the apostolic see, or of any other
+superior whatsoever."[503]
+
+  [503] "Infami� et inhabilitatis ad omnes actus legitimos ecclesiastic�
+  sepultur�, privationis quoque feudorum." (Breve Leonis X ad Thomam.)
+
+Such was the fate which awaited Luther. The monarch of Rome has
+leagued for his destruction, and to effect it, spared nothing, not
+even the peace of the tomb. His ruin seems inevitable. How will he
+escape this immense conspiracy? But Rome had miscalculated; a movement
+produced by the Spirit of God was not to be quelled by the decrees of
+its chancery.
+
+Even the forms of a just and impartial inquest had not been observed.
+Luther had been declared heretic, not only without having been heard,
+but even before the expiry of the period named for his compearance.
+The passions (and nowhere do they show themselves stronger than in
+religious discussions) overleap all the forms of justice. Strange
+proceedings, in this respect, occur, not only in the Church of Rome,
+but in Protestant churches also, which have turned aside from the
+gospel; in other words, in all places where the truth is not, every
+thing done against the gospel is deemed lawful. We often see men who,
+in any other case, would scruple to commit the smallest injustice, not
+hesitating to trample under foot all forms and all rights when the
+matter in question is Christianity, and the testimony borne to it.
+
+When Luther was afterwards made acquainted with this brief, he
+expressed his indignation. "Here," says he, "is the most remarkable
+part of the whole affair. The brief is dated on the 23rd of August,
+and I was cited for the 7th of August; so that between the citation
+and the brief there is an interval of sixteen days. Now, make the
+calculation, and you will find that my Lord Jerome, Bishop of Asculan,
+has proceeded against me, given judgment, condemned, and declared me
+heretic, before the citation could have reached me, or at most sixteen
+days after it had been despatched to me. Now, I ask, where are the
+sixty days given me in the citation? They commenced on the 7th August,
+and were to end on the 7th October. Is it the style and fashion of the
+court of Rome to cite, admonish, accuse, judge, and pronounce sentence
+of condemnation, all in one day, against a man who is at such a
+distance from Rome, that he knows nothing at all of the proceedings?
+What answer would they give to this? Doubtless, they forgot to purge
+themselves with hellebore before proceeding to such falsehoods."[504]
+
+  [504] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 176.
+
+But at the same time that Rome was secretly depositing her thunders in
+the hands of her legate, she was endeavouring, by smooth and
+flattering words, to detach the prince whose power she most dreaded
+from Luther's cause. The same day, 25th August 1518, the pope wrote
+the Elector of Saxony. Recurring to those wiles of ancient policy
+which we have already pointed out, he endeavoured to flatter the
+prince's self-love:
+
+"Dear son," said the Roman pontiff, "when we think on your noble and
+honourable race, and on yourself, its head and ornament; when we
+recollect how you and your ancestors have always desired to maintain
+Christian faith, and the honour and dignity of the Holy See, we cannot
+believe that a man who abandons the faith can trust to the favour of
+your Highness, in giving loose reins to his wickedness. And yet it is
+told us from all quarters that a certain friar, Martin Luther, Eremite
+of the order of St. Augustine, has, like a child of malice, and a
+contemner of God, forgotten his habit and his order, which consist in
+humility and obedience, and is boasting that he fears neither the
+authority nor the punishment of any man, because assured of your
+favour and protection.
+
+"But, as we know that he is mistaken, we have thought good to write to
+your Highness, and exhort you, according to the Lord, to be vigilant
+for the honour of your name as a Christian prince, and to defend
+yourself from these calumnies--yourself the ornament, the glory, and
+sweet savour of your noble race--and to guard, not only against a
+fault so grave as that which is imputed to you, but also against even
+the suspicion which the insensate hardihood of this friar tends to
+excite against you."
+
+Leo X, at the same time, announced to Frederick that he had charged
+Cardinal Saint Sixtus to examine the affair, and he enjoined him to
+put Luther into the hands of the legate, "lest," added he, returning
+again to his favourite argument, "lest the pious people of our time,
+and of future times, may one day lament and say, The most pernicious
+heresy with which the Church of God has been afflicted was excited by
+the favour and support of this high and honourable House."[505]
+
+  [505] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 173.
+
+Thus Rome had taken all her measures. With one hand she diffused the
+perfume of praise, which is always so intoxicating, while the other
+held terrors and vengeance.
+
+All the powers of the earth, emperor, pope, princes, and legates,
+began to move against this humble friar of Erfurt, whose internal
+combats we have already traced. "_The kings of the earth stood up, and
+the rulers took counsel together against the Lord and against his
+anointed._"
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+     The Armourer Schwarzerd--His Wife--Philip--His Genius--His
+     Studies--The Bible--Call to Wittemberg--Melancthon's
+     Departure and Journey--Leipsic--Mistake--Luther's
+     Joy--Parallel--Revolution in Education--Study of Greek.
+
+
+The letter and brief had not reached Germany, and Luther was still
+fearing that he would be obliged to appear at Rome, when a happy event
+gave comfort to his heart. He needed a friend to whom he could unbosom
+his sorrows, and whose faithful love would solace him in his hours of
+depression. All this God gave him in Melancthon.
+
+On the 14th February 1497, George Schwarzerd, a skilful armour-master
+of Bretten, a small town in the Palatinate, had a son born to him, who
+was named Philip, and who afterwards distinguished himself under the
+name of Melancthon. Patronised by the Palatine princes, and those of
+Bavaria and Saxony, George was a man of unimpeachable integrity. He
+often refused the price which purchasers offered him, and on learning
+that they were poor, insisted on returning their money. He rose
+regularly at midnight, and on his knees offered up a prayer. If on any
+occasion morning arrived without his having done it, he felt
+dissatisfied with himself the whole day. Barbara, Schwarzerd's wife,
+was daughter of an honourable magistrate named John Reuter. She was of
+a gentle temper, somewhat inclined to superstition, but otherwise
+remarkable for wisdom and prudence. From her we have the old
+well-known German rhymes--
+
+    The giving of alms impoverisheth not;
+    Attendance at Church impedeth not;
+    Greasing the wheel retardeth not;
+    Ill-gotten gear enricheth not;
+    The Book of God deceiveth not.
+
+And again--
+
+    Those who are pleased more to expend
+    Than their fields can render,
+    Must come to ruin in the end,
+    It may be to a halter.[506]
+
+  [506] "Almosen geben armt nicht, etc. Wer mehr will verzehren, etc.
+  (M�ller's Reliquien.)
+
+Young Philip was not eleven when his father died. Two days before,
+George called his son to his bed-side, and exhorted him to have the
+thought of God always present. "I foresee," said the dying armourer,
+"that dreadful storms are coming to shake the world. I have seen great
+things, but greater are in preparation. May God guide and direct you!"
+Philip, after receiving his father's blessing, was sent to Spires,
+that he might not be present at his death. He departed crying
+bitterly.
+
+The young boy's grandfather, the worthy bailie Reuter, who had also a
+son, acted as a father to him, and took him, together with his
+brother, George, under his own roof. Shortly after he gave the three
+boys for tutor John Hungarus, an excellent man, who afterwards, and at
+a very advanced age, became a powerful preacher of the gospel. He let
+nothing pass in the young man, punishing him for every fault, yet with
+discretion. "In this way," says Melancthon in 1554, "he made me a
+grammarian. He loved me as a son, I loved him as a father, and we will
+meet, I trust, in eternal life."[507]
+
+  [507] "Dilixit me ut filium, et ego eum ut patrem; et conveniemus,
+  spero, in vita �terna." (Melancth. Explicat. Evang.)
+
+Philip was remarkable for the excellence of his understanding, and for
+his facility in learning, and expounding what he had learned. He
+could not endure idleness, and always sought out some one with whom he
+might discuss what he had heard.[508] It often happened that educated
+strangers passed through Bretten, and visited Reuter. The bailie's
+grandson instantly accosted them, entered into conversation with them,
+and so pressed them in discussion as to excite the wonder of those
+present. To a powerful genius he joined great sweetness of temper, and
+was hence a general favourite. He had a stammer, but, like the
+celebrated orator of the Greeks, made such exertions to overcome it,
+that it afterwards completely disappeared.
+
+  [508] "Quiescere non poterat, sed qu�rebat ubique aliquem cum quo de
+  auditis disputaret." (Camerarius, Vita Melancth. p. 7.)
+
+His grandfather having died, Philip was sent with his brother and his
+young uncle, John, to the school of Pforzheim. The boys resided with
+one of their relatives, the sister of the famous Reuchlin. Eager for
+knowledge, Philip, under the tuition of George Simler, made rapid
+progress in science, and especially in the study of Greek, for which
+he had a real passion. Reuchlin often came to Pforzheim, and having
+become acquainted with his sister's young boarders, was soon struck
+with Philip's answers, and gave him a Greek grammar and a Bible. These
+two books were to be the study of his whole life.
+
+When Reuchlin returned from his second journey into Italy, his young
+relative, then twelve years of age, with some friends, performed a
+Latin comedy of his own composition before him, in honour of his
+arrival. Reuchlin, in raptures with the talents of the youth, embraced
+him tenderly, called him his dear son, and jocularly gave him the red
+bonnet which he had received on being made doctor. It was at this time
+Reuchlin changed his name of Schwarzerd into that of Melancthon. Both
+words, the one German, and the other Greek, mean _black earth_. It was
+a general custom with the learned thus to change their names into
+Greek or Latin.
+
+Melancthon, at twelve, repaired to the university of Heidelberg, and
+began to gratify his eager thirst for knowledge. He was admitted
+Bachelor at fourteen. In 1512 Reuchlin invited him to Tubingen, which
+contained a great number of distinguished literary men. Here he
+attended at the same time lectures on theology, medicine, and
+jurisprudence. There was no branch of knowledge which he did not think
+it his duty to study. His object was not praise, but the possession of
+science and the benefits of it.
+
+The Holy Scriptures particularly occupied him. Those who frequented
+the church of Tubingen had often observed a book in his hands, which
+he studied between the services. This unknown volume seemed larger
+than the common prayer-books, and the report spread that Philip when
+in church read profane books. It turned out that the object of their
+suspicion was a copy of the Holy Scriptures, printed a short time
+before at B�sle by John Frobenius. This volume he studied through life
+with unwearied application. He had it always with him, carrying it to
+all the public meetings to which he was invited.[509] Rejecting the
+vain system of the schoolmen, he devoted himself to the simple word of
+the Gospel. Erasmus at this time wrote to OEcolampadius, "Of Melancthon
+I have the highest opinion, and the highest hopes. Jesus grant that
+this young man may have a long life! He will completely eclipse
+Erasmus."[510] Melancthon, nevertheless, shared in the errors of his
+age. "I shudder," says he, in advanced life, "when I think of the
+honour which I paid to images when I was still in the papacy."[511]
+
+  [509] Camerar. Vita Philip Melancth. p. 16.
+
+  [510] "Ille prorsus obscurabit Erasmum." (Er. Ep. i, p. 405.)
+
+  [511] "Cohorresco quando cogito quomodo ipse accesserim ad statuas in
+  papatu." (Explicat Evangel.)
+
+In 1514, he was made doctor in philosophy, and began to teach. His age
+was seventeen. The grace and attractiveness which he gave to his
+lectures formed a striking contrast to the insipid method which the
+doctors, and especially the monks, had hitherto pursued. He took an
+active part in the combat in which Reuchlin was engaged with the
+_Obscurants_ of his age. His agreeable conversation, his gentle and
+elegant manners, gaining him the love of all who knew him, he soon
+acquired great authority, and a solid reputation in the world.
+
+At this time, the Elector Frederick having conceived the idea of
+inviting some distinguished professor of ancient languages to his
+university of Wittemberg, applied to Reuchlin who suggested
+Melancthon. Frederick saw all the lustre which this young Hellenist
+might shed on an institution which was so dear to him; and Reuchlin,
+delighted at seeing so fine a field opened to his young friend,
+addressed him in the words of Jehovah to Abraham,--"_Come out from thy
+country, and thy kindred, and thy father's house, and I will render
+thy name great, and thou shalt be blessed._" "Yes," continues the old
+man, "I hope it will be so with thee, my dear Philip, my work and my
+comfort."[512] In this invitation, Melancthon saw a call from God. The
+university was grieved to part with him, and yet he was not without
+envious rivals and enemies. He left his native country, exclaiming,
+"The will of the Lord be done." He was then twenty-one years of age.
+
+  [512] "Meum opus et meum solatium." (Corp. Ref., i, 33.)
+
+Melancthon made the journey on horseback, in company with some Saxon
+merchants, in the same way in which caravans travel in the desert;
+for, says Reuchlin, he knew neither the towns nor the roads.[513] At
+Augsburg he did homage to the Elector, who happened to be there. At
+Nuremberg he saw the excellent Pirckheimer, whom he already knew, and
+at Leipsic formed an intimacy with the learned Hellenist, Mosellanus.
+In this last town the university gave a fete in honour of him. It was
+a truly academic repast. The dishes were numerous, and as each made
+its appearance, a professor rose and addressed Melancthon in a Latin
+discourse previously prepared. He immediately gave an _extempore_
+reply. At length, worn out with so much eloquence, "Most illustrious
+friends," said he, "allow me to reply once for all to your addresses;
+for not being prepared, I cannot put as much variety into my replies
+as you into your addresses." Thereafter the dishes arrived without the
+accompaniment of a discourse.[514]
+
+  [513] "Des Wegs un der Orte unbekannt." (Corp. Ref., i, 30.)
+
+  [514] Camer. Vita Melancth., 26.
+
+Reuchlin's young relative arrived at Wittemberg, 25th August, 1518,
+two days after Leo X had signed the brief addressed to Cajetan, and
+the letter to the Elector.
+
+The professors of Wittemberg did not receive Melancthon with so much
+favour as those of Leipsic had done. The first impression which he
+made upon them did not correspond to their expectations. They saw a
+young man, who seemed still younger than he really was, of small
+stature, and a feeble, timid air. Is this the illustrious doctor whom
+the greatest men of the age, Erasmus and Reuchlin, extol so loudly?...
+Neither Luther, with whom he first was made acquainted, nor his
+colleagues, conceived high hopes of him, when they saw his youth, his
+embarrassment, and whole appearance.
+
+Four days after his arrival (29th August) he delivered his inaugural
+address. The whole university was assembled. The boy, as Luther calls
+him,[515] spoke such elegant Latin, and displayed so much knowledge, a
+mind so cultivated, and a judgment so sound, that all his hearers were
+filled with admiration.
+
+  [515] "Puer et adolescentulus, si �tatem consideres." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  141.) A boy, and mere youth, if you consider his age.
+
+At the termination of the address, all pressed forward to congratulate
+him, but none felt more joy than Luther, who hastened to communicate
+to his friends the feelings with which his heart was overflowing.
+Writing Spalatin, 31st August, he says, "Melancthon, four days after
+his arrival, delivered an address so beautiful and so learned, that it
+was listened to with universal approbation and astonishment. We have
+soon got the better of the prejudices which his stature and personal
+appearance had produced. We praise and admire his eloquence; we thank
+the prince and you for the service you have done us. I ask no other
+Greek master. But I fear that his delicate body will not be able to
+digest our food, and that, on account of the smallness of his salary,
+we shall not keep him long. I hear that the Leipsic folks are already
+boasting of being able to carry him off from us. Oh, my dear Spalatin,
+beware of despising his age and personal appearance. He is a man
+worthy of all honour.[516]
+
+  [516] Luth. Ep. i, 135.
+
+Melancthon immediately began to explain Homer, and St. Paul's Epistle
+to Titus. He was full of ardour. "I will do my utmost," wrote he to
+Spalatin, "to bring Wittemberg into favour with all who love
+literature and virtue."[517] Four days after the inauguration, Luther
+again wrote to Spalatin, "I recommend to you most particularly the
+very learned and very amiable Greek, Philip. His class-room is always
+full. All the theologians in particular attend him. He sets all
+classes from the highest to the lowest, to the learning of
+Greek."[518]
+
+  [517] "Ut Wittembergam literatis ac bonis omnibus conciliem." (Corp.
+  Ref., i, 51.)
+
+  [518] "Summos cum mediis et infimis, studiosos facit Gr�citatis."
+  (Luth., Ep. i, 140.)
+
+Melancthon was able to return the affection of Luther, in whom he soon
+discovered a goodness of heart, a strength of intellect, a courage and
+a wisdom, which he had not previously found in any man. He venerated
+and loved him. "If there is any one," said he, "whom I love strongly,
+and whom my whole soul embraces, it is Martin Luther."[519]
+
+  [519] "Martinum, si omnino in rebus humanis quidquam vehementissime
+  diligio et animo integerrimo complector." (Melancth. Ep. i, 411.)
+
+"Thus met Luther and Melancthon, and they were friends till death. We
+cannot sufficiently admire the goodness and wisdom of God in uniting
+two men so different, and yet so necessary to each other. What Luther
+had in warmth, elasticity, and force, Melancthon had in perspicuity,
+wisdom, and gentleness. Luther animated Melancthon; Melancthon
+moderated Luther. They were like the two forms of electric matter, the
+positive and the negative, which modify each other. Had Luther been
+without Melancthon, the stream had perhaps overflowed its bank; and,
+on the other hand, Melancthon, when without Luther, hesitated, and
+even yielded, where he ought to have stood firm.[520] Luther did much
+by vigour, and Melancthon perhaps did not less by pursuing a slower
+and calmer course. Both were upright, open, and generous, and both,
+smitten with the love of the word of eternal life, served it with a
+fidelity and devotedness which formed the distinguishing feature of
+their lives.
+
+  [520] Calvin wrote to Sleidan: "Dominus cum fortiore spiritu instruat,
+  ne gravem ex ejus timiditate jacturam sentiat posteritas." May the
+  Lord supply him with a more resolute spirit, that posterity may not,
+  through his timidity, sustain some grievous loss.
+
+The arrival of Melancthon produced a revolution, not only at
+Wittemberg, but throughout Germany and the learned world. His study of
+the Greek and Latin classics, and of philosophy, had given him an
+order, perspicuity, and precision of thought, which shed new light and
+inexpressible beauty on all the subjects which he discussed. The mild
+spirit of the gospel fertilized and enlivened his meditations, and the
+driest subjects when he expounded them were invested with a grace
+which fascinated all his hearers. The sterility which scholasticism
+had spread over education ceased, and a new mode of instruction and
+study commenced. "Thanks to Melancthon," says a distinguished German
+historian, "Wittemberg became the national school."[521]
+
+  [521] Plank.
+
+It was, indeed, of great importance, that a man thoroughly versed in
+Greek should teach in this university, where the new developments of
+theology called masters and scholars to study the primitive documents
+of the Christian faith in the original languages. Thenceforth Luther
+set himself zealously to this task. Often did the meaning of a Greek
+term, which had previously been unknown to him, throw sudden light on
+his theological views. For example, how great his satisfaction and
+delight when he saw that the Greek word, metanoia, which according
+to the Latin church, meant a penance, a satisfaction enacted by the
+Church, meant in Greek a transformation or conversion of heart. A
+thick mist all at once disappeared from before his eyes. The two
+meanings given to this word are sufficient to characterise the two
+churches.
+
+The impulse which Melancthon gave to Luther, in regard to the
+translation of the Bible, is one of the most remarkable circumstances
+in the friendship of these two great men. As early as 1517, Luther had
+made some attempts at translation, and procured as many Greek and
+Latin books as he could. Now, aided by his dear Philip, his task
+received a new impetus. Luther obliged Melancthon to take part in his
+researches, by consulting him on difficult passages, and the work,
+destined to be one of the greatest works of the Reformer, advanced
+more surely and more rapidly.
+
+Melancthon, on his part, became acquainted with a new theology. The
+beautiful and profound doctrine of justification by faith filled him
+with astonishment and joy. Still, in receiving the system Luther
+professed, he acted independently, moulding it according to the
+particular form of his own intellect; for, although he was only
+twenty-one years of age, he was one of those precocious minds which
+enter early into possession of all their powers, and are themselves
+from the very outset.
+
+The zeal of the masters was soon transfused into the scholars. It was
+proposed to reform the course of study. With the concurrence of the
+Elector, certain branches, only of scholastic importance, were
+suppressed, and at the same time a new impulse was given to classic
+pursuits. The school of Wittemberg underwent a transformation, and the
+contrast between it and other universities became still more
+prominent. Still, however, the landmarks of the Church were observed,
+though all felt that they were on the eve of a great battle with the
+pope.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+     Sentiments of Luther and Staupitz--Order to Appear--Alarms
+     and Courage--The Elector with the Legate--Departure for
+     Augsburg--Sojourn at Weimar--Nuremberg.
+
+
+The arrival of Melancthon, doubtless, gave a pleasant turn to Luther's
+thoughts at this very critical moment; and, doubtless, in the sweet
+intercourse of a growing friendship, and amid the biblical labours to
+which he devoted himself with new zeal, he sometimes forgot Prierio,
+Leo, and the ecclesiastical court before which he behoved to plead.
+Still, these were only fleeting moments, and his thoughts were ever
+recurring to the formidable tribunal before which implacable enemies
+had summoned him to appear. What terrors would not this thought have
+thrown into a mind which was seeking aught else than the truth! But
+Luther trembled not! Confiding fully in the faithfulness and power of
+God, he remained firm, and was quite ready to expose himself
+single-handed to the rage of enemies mightier than those who had
+lighted the fire for John Huss.
+
+A few days after the arrival of Melancthon, and before the pope's
+resolution transferring the citation of Luther from Rome to Augsburg
+could be known, Luther wrote Spalatin:--"I ask not our sovereign to do
+any thing whatever for the defence of my theses. I am willing to be
+delivered up and thrown single into the hands of my adversaries. Let
+him allow the whole storm to burst upon me. What I have undertaken to
+defend, I hope I shall be able, with the assistance of Christ, to
+maintain. Violence, indeed, must be submitted to; but still without
+abandoning the truth."[522]
+
+  [522] Luth. Ep. i, p. 139.
+
+The courage of Luther communicated itself to others. Men of the
+greatest gentleness and timidity, on seeing the danger which
+threatened the witness for the truth, found words full of energy and
+indignation. The prudent and pacific Staupitz, on the 7th September,
+wrote to Spalatin: "Cease not to exhort the prince, your master and
+mine, not to be alarmed at the roaring of the lions. Let him defend
+the truth without troubling himself about Luther, or Staupitz, or the
+order. Let there be a place where men can speak freely and without
+fear. I know that the plague of Babylon--I had almost said of
+Rome--breaks forth against all who attack the abuses of those
+traffickers in Jesus Christ. I have myself seen a preacher of the
+truth thrown headlong from the pulpit; I have seen him, though on a
+festival, bound and dragged to a dungeon. Others have seen still
+greater cruelties. Therefore, my dear friend, strive to make his
+Highness persevere in his sentiments."[523]
+
+  [523] Jen. Aug. i, p. 384.
+
+The order to appear at Augsburg before the cardinal legate at length
+arrived. Luther had now to do with one of the princes of the Church.
+All his friends entreated him not to go.[524] They feared that on the
+journey snares might be laid for him, and an attempt made on his life.
+Some employed themselves in looking out for an asylum to him. Staupitz
+himself, the timid Staupitz, felt moved at the thought of the dangers
+which threatened that friar Martin whom he had drawn from the
+obscurity of the cloister, and placed on the troubled stage where his
+life was now in peril. Ah! would it not have been better if the poor
+friar had remained for ever unknown? It was too late. Still, at least,
+he would do everything to save him. Accordingly, on the 15th September
+he wrote him from his convent of Salzburg, urging him to flee and seek
+an asylum beside himself. "It seems to me," said he, "that the whole
+world is enraged, and in coalition against the truth. In the same way
+crucified Jesus was hated. I see not that you have anything to expect
+but persecution. Shortly, no man will be able without the permission
+of the pope, to sound the Scriptures, and search for Jesus Christ in
+them, though this Christ himself enjoins. You have only a few friends;
+and would to God that the fear of your adversaries did not prevent
+those few from declaring in your favour. The wisest course is to quit
+Wittemberg for a time and come to me. Thus we will live and die
+together. This is also the prince's opinion," adds Staupitz.[525]
+
+  [524] "Contra omnium amicorum consilium comparui." I appeared contrary
+  to the advice of all my friends.
+
+  [525] Ep. i, 61.
+
+From different quarters Luther received the most alarming notices.
+Count Albert of Mansfeld sent a message to him to beware of setting
+out, for some great barons had sworn to make themselves masters of his
+person, and to strangle or drown him.[526] But nothing could deter
+him. He never thought of availing himself of the vicar-general's
+offer. He will not go and hide himself in the obscurity of the convent
+of Salzburg, but will faithfully remain on the stormy scene on which
+the hand of God has placed him. It is by persevering in the face of
+adversaries, and proclaiming the truth with loud voice in the midst of
+the world, that the reign of truth advances. Why, then, should he
+flee? He is not one of "those who draw back to perdition; but of those
+who believe to the saving of the soul." The words of the Master whom
+he serves, and loves better than life, are incessantly echoing in his
+heart, "_Whosoever will confess me before men, him will I also confess
+before my Father who is in heaven._" In Luther and in the Reformation
+we uniformly meet with that intrepid courage, that high-toned
+morality, that boundless charity, which the first preaching of
+Christianity manifested to the world. "I am like Jeremiah," says
+Luther, at the period of which we are now speaking; "Jeremiah, the man
+of quarrel and discord; but the more they multiply their menaces the
+more they increase my joy. My wife and children are well provided, (of
+course, meaning he had none;) my fields, my houses, and all my goods,
+are in order.[527] They have already torn my honour and my reputation
+to shreds. The only thing left me is my poor body, and let them take
+it; they will only shorten my life some few hours. My soul they cannot
+take from me. He who would publish the word of Christ in the world
+must expect death every hour; for our bridegroom is a bridegroom of
+blood."[528]
+
+  [526] "Ult vel stanguler, vel baptizer ad mortem." (Ibid. 129.) That I
+  am either to be strangled or ducked to death.
+
+  [527] "Uxor mea et liberi mei provisi sunt." (Luth. Ep. i, 129.)
+
+  [528] "Sic enim sponsus noster, sponsus sanguinum nobis est." (Ibid.)
+  See Exodus, iv, 25.
+
+The Elector was then at Augsburg. A short time before quitting that
+town after the Diet, he had of his own accord paid a visit to the
+legate. The cardinal, greatly flattered by this mark of respect from
+so illustrious a prince, promised that if the monk presented himself
+he would listen to him like a father, and kindly dismiss him.
+Spalatin, on the part of the prince, wrote to his friend that the pope
+had named a commission to try him in Germany; that the Elector would
+not allow him to be dragged to Rome; and that he must prepare to set
+out for Augsburg. Luther resolved to obey; but the warning which he
+had received from Count Mansfeld made him apply to Frederick for a
+safe-conduct. Frederick replied that it was unnecessary, and merely
+gave him recommendations to some of the leading counsellors of
+Augsburg. He also sent him some money for the journey. The Reformer,
+poor and defenceless, set out on foot to place himself in the hands of
+his adversaries.[529]
+
+  [529] "Veni igitur pedester et pauper Augustam." (Luth. Op. Lat, in
+  Pr�f.)
+
+What must have been his feelings on quitting Wittemberg, and directing
+his steps towards Augsburg, where the legate of the pope was waiting
+for him! The object of this journey was not like that of Heidelberg, a
+friendly meeting. He was going to appear in presence of the legate of
+Rome without a safe-conduct; perhaps he was going to death. But in him
+faith was not a mere matter of show. Being a reality it gave him
+peace, and in the name of the Lord of Hosts he could advance without
+fear to bear testimony to the Gospel.
+
+He arrived at Weimar on the 28th of September, and lodged in the
+convent of the Cordeliers. One of the monks was unable to withdraw his
+eyes from him. It was Myconius. This was the first time he had seen
+Luther, and he longed to approach him, and tell that he owed the peace
+of his soul to him, and that his whole desire was to labour with him.
+But Myconius being closely watched by his superiors, was not permitted
+to speak to Luther.[530]
+
+  [530] "Ibi Myconius primum vidit Lutherum: Sed ab accessu et colloquio
+  ejus tunc est prohibitus." (M. Adami, Vita Mycon. p. 176.)
+
+The elector of Saxony was then holding his court at Weimar, and this
+is probably the reason why the Cordeliers gave admittance to the
+doctor. The day after his arrival the feast of St. Michael was
+celebrated. Luther said mass, and was even invited to preach in the
+church of the castle. It was a mark of favour which the prince wished
+to give him. He, accordingly, in presence of the court, preached a
+long sermon, on the text of the day, which is taken from the Gospel of
+St. Matthew, (chap, xviii, 1-11.) He spoke forcibly against
+hypocrites, and those who boast of their own righteousness; but he did
+not speak of the angels, though this was the customary topic on St.
+Michael's day.
+
+The courage of the doctor of Wittemberg, in calmly setting out on foot
+to obey a summons, which in the case of so many before him had issued
+in death, astonished those who saw him. Interest, admiration, and
+compassion, succeeded each other in their minds. John Kestner,
+superintendant to the Cordeliers, alarmed at the idea of the dangers
+which awaited his guest, said to him, "Brother, you will find at
+Augsburg Italians, men of learning, and subtle antagonists, who will
+give you much to do. I fear you will not be able to defend your cause
+against them. They will cast you into the fire, and with their flames
+consume you."[531] Luther replied gravely, "Dear friend, pray to our
+Lord God, who is in heaven, and present a _Pater noster_ for me, and
+his dear child, Jesus, whose cause my cause is, that he may be
+gracious toward me. If he maintain his cause, mine is maintained. But
+if he pleases not to maintain it, assuredly it is not I who can
+maintain it; and it is he who will bear the affront."
+
+  [531] "Profecto in ignem te conjicient et flammis exurent." (Melch.
+  Adam. Vita Mycon. p. 176; Mycon. Hist. Ref. p. 30.)
+
+Luther continued his journey on foot, and arrived at Nuremberg. He was
+going to present himself before a prince of the Church, and wished his
+dress to be suitable; but his clothes were old, and, besides, had
+suffered much by the journey. He borrowed a frock from his faithful
+friend, Winceslaus Link, preacher at Nuremberg.
+
+Luther, doubtless, did not confine his visit to Link, but also saw his
+other friends in Nuremberg, secretary Scheurl, the celebrated painter,
+Albert Durer, to whom Nuremberg is now erecting a statue, and many
+others. He strengthened himself by intercourse with the excellent of
+the earth, while many monks and laymen expressed alarm, and
+endeavoured to shake him by representing the difficulties in his way.
+Letters which he wrote from this town show the spirit by which he was
+animated. "I have met," says he, "with pusillanimous men, who would
+persuade me not to go to Augsburg; but I have determined on going. The
+will of the Lord be done. Even at Augsburg, even in the midst of his
+enemies, Jesus Christ reigns. Let Christ live; let Luther and every
+sinner die. According as it is written: Let the God of my salvation be
+exalted! Behave well, persevere, stand firm; for we must not be
+reproved either by men or by God; God is true, and man a liar."[532]
+
+  [532] "Vivat Christus, moriatur Martinus.... "(Weismanni, Hist. Secr.
+  Nov. Test. p. 165.) Weismann had seen this letter in MS., but it is
+  not in M. de Wette's Collection.
+
+Link and an Augustin monk could not consent to allow Luther to travel
+alone and meet the dangers which threatened him. They were acquainted
+with his bold and fearless character, and suspected he would fail in
+due precaution. They, therefore, accompanied him. When they were about
+five leagues from Augsburg, Luther, exhausted, no doubt, by the
+fatigue of travelling, and the varied emotions of his heart, was
+seized with violent pains in the stomach. He thought he was dying, and
+his friends becoming very uneasy, hired a car to transport him. They
+arrived at Augsburg on the evening of Friday the 7th of October, and
+lighted at the Augustin convent. Luther was greatly fatigued, but soon
+recovered; his faith and mental energy speedily recruiting his
+exhausted body.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+     Arrival at Augsburg--De Vio--His
+     Character--Serra-Longa--Preliminary Conversation--Visit of
+     the Counsellors--Return of Serra-Longa--The Prior--Luther's
+     Wisdom--Luther and Serra-Longa--The Safe-Conduct--Luther to
+     Melancthon.
+
+
+The instant he was at Augsburg, and before he had seen any one,
+Luther, wishing to pay all due respect to the legate, begged
+Winceslaus Link to go and announce his arrival. Link did so, and
+humbly declared to the cardinal, on the part of the doctor of
+Wittemberg, that he was ready to appear at his order. The legate was
+delighted with the news. At last he had a hold of this boisterous
+heretic, who, he assured himself, would not quit the walls of Augsburg
+as he had entered. At the same time, when Link went to the legate, the
+monk Leonard set out to announce Luther's arrival to Staupitz. The
+vicar-general had written the doctor, that he would certainly come as
+soon as he should know of his being in the town, and Luther was
+unwilling to lose an instant in giving him intimation.[533]
+
+  [533] Luth. Ep. i, p. 144.
+
+The Diet was closed, and the Emperor and the electors had already
+separated. The Emperor, it is true, had not left but was hunting in
+the neighbourhood. The ambassador of Rome was thus at Augsburg alone.
+Had Luther come during the Diet, he would have found powerful
+protectors, but now it seemed that every thing must bend under the
+weight of papal authority.
+
+The name of the judge before whom Luther had to appear was not fitted
+to increase his confidence. Thomas de Vio surnamed Cajetan, from the
+town of Gaeta, in the kingdom of Naples, where he was born, had, from
+his youth, given great hopes. Having at sixteen entered the Dominican
+order, against the express wish of his parents, he afterwards became
+general of his order, and a cardinal of the Roman Church. But what was
+worse for Luther, this learned doctor was one of the most zealous
+defenders of the scholastic theology, which the Reformer had always
+treated so unmercifully. His mother was said to have dreamt during her
+pregnancy, that St. Thomas would in person educate the child to which
+she was to give birth, and introduce him to heaven. Hence De Vio, on
+becoming Dominican, had changed his name from James to Thomas. He had
+zealously defended the prerogatives of the papacy, and the doctrines
+of Thomas Aquinas, whom he regarded as the most perfect of
+theologians.[534] A lover of pomp and show, he almost gave a literal
+meaning to the Roman maxim that legates are above kings, and
+surrounded himself with great state. On the first of August, he had
+celebrated a solemn mass in the cathedral of Augsburg, and in presence
+of all the princes of the empire, had placed the cardinal's hat on the
+head of the Archbishop of Mentz while kneeling before the altar, and
+had delivered to the Emperor himself the hat and sword consecrated by
+the pope. Such was the man before whom the monk of Wittemberg was
+going to appear, clothed in a frock which was not even his own.
+Besides, the acquirements of the legate, the austerity of his
+disposition, and the purity of his morals, gave him in Germany an
+influence and authority which other Roman courtiers would not have
+easily obtained. To this reputation for sanctity he doubtless owed his
+mission. Rome saw that he would serve her purposes admirably. Thus the
+personal qualities of Cajetan made him still more formidable.
+Moreover, the business entrusted to him was not complicated. Luther
+had already been declared a heretic.[535] If he refused to retract,
+the duty of the legate was to put him in prison; or if he escaped, to
+launch excommunication at every one who should dare to give him an
+asylum. This was all that Rome required to be done by the legate
+before whom Luther was cited.[535]
+
+  [534] Divi Thom� Summa cum Commentariis Thom� de Vio. Lugduni, 1587.
+
+  [535] Bull of the pope. (Luth Op. (L.) xvii, p. 174.)
+
+Luther had recovered strength during the night, and on Saturday
+morning 8th October, being somewhat rested from his journey, began to
+consider his strange situation. He felt resigned, and waited till the
+will of God should be manifested by the event. He had not long to
+wait. A personage who was unknown to him sent in a message, as if he
+had been entirely devoted to his service, to say that he was coming to
+wait upon him, and that Luther must take good care not to appear
+before the legate without having seen him. This message came from an
+Italian named Urban of Serra-Longa, who had often been in Germany, as
+envoy of the Margrave of Montferrat. He was known to the Elector of
+Saxony, to whom he had been accredited, and after the death of the
+Margrave had attached himself to Cardinal de Vio.
+
+The finesse and manners of this man formed a very striking contrast to
+the noble frankness and generous integrity of Luther. The Italian
+shortly after arrived at the Augustin convent. The cardinal had sent
+him to sound the Reformer, and prepare him for the retractation which
+he was expected to make. Serra-Longa imagined that his residence in
+Germany gave him great advantages over the other courtiers in the
+suite of the legate, and he hoped to have good sport with the German
+monk.
+
+He arrived attended by two servants, and pretended to have come of his
+own accord, because of the friendship which he felt for a favourite of
+the Elector of Saxony, and because of his attachment to the Holy
+Church. After paying his respects to Luther in the warmest terms, the
+diplomatist added, in an affectionate manner,--
+
+"I come to give you sage and good advice. Re-attach yourself to the
+Church. Submit unreservedly to the cardinal. Retract your injurious
+expressions. Remember the Abbot Joachim of Florence. He, you know, had
+said heretical things, and yet was declared not heretical, because he
+retracted his errors."
+
+Luther spoke of defending himself.
+
+_Serra-Longa._--"Beware of doing so!... Would you pretend to fight
+with the legate of his holiness, as if you were tilting at a tournay?"
+
+_Luther._--"When it is proved that I have taught anything contrary to
+the Roman Church I will pass judgment on myself, and retract
+instantly. The whole question will be, Whether the legate leans more
+upon St. Thomas than the faith authorises him to do? If he does, I
+will not yield to him."
+
+_Serra-Longa._--"Ah! Ah! Do you pretend, then, to break lances?"
+
+Then the Italian began to say things which Luther designates horrible.
+He pretended that false propositions might be maintained, provided
+they produced money and filled the strong box--that the universities
+must take good care not to dispute on the authority of the pope--that
+their duty, on the contrary, was to maintain that the pope can, at his
+beck, alter or suppress articles of faith;[536] adding other things of
+the same nature. But the wily Italian soon perceived that he was
+forgetting himself. Returning to soft words, he strove to persuade
+Luther to submit to the legate in every thing, and retract his
+doctrines, his oaths, and his theses.
+
+  [536] "Et nutu solo omnia abrogare, etiam ea qu� fidei essent." (Luth.
+  Ep. i, 144.)
+
+The doctor, who, at the outset, had given some credit to the fine
+protestations of orator Urban, (as he designates him in his account of
+the interview,) was now convinced that they were of very little value,
+and that Serra-Longa was much more on the legate's side than on his.
+He, therefore, became less communicative, and contented himself with
+saying that he was quite disposed to exercise humility, give proof of
+obedience, and make satisfaction in whatever matters he had been
+mistaken. At these words Serra-Longa, overjoyed, exclaimed, "I am off
+to the legate, and you will follow me; everything will go off most
+admirably; it will be soon finished...."[537]
+
+  [537] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 179.
+
+He went off. The Saxon monk, who had more discernment than the Roman
+courtier, thought within himself, "This wily Sinon has come along
+ill-prepared and ill-instructed by his Greeks."[538] Luther was
+suspended between hope and fear; hope, however, predominating. The
+visit and the strange assertions of Serra-Longa, whom at a later
+period he calls an inexpert mediator,[539] made him resume courage.
+
+  [538] "Hunc Sinonem par�m cousulte instructum arte pelasga." (Luth.
+  Ep. i, 144.) See Virgil's �neid, Book II.
+
+  [539] "Mediator ineptus." (Ibid.)
+
+The counsellors and other inhabitants of Augsburg, to whom the Elector
+had recommended Luther, hastened to visit the monk, whose name was now
+resounding throughout all Germany. Peutinger, counsellor of the
+empire, who was one of the most distinguished patricians of the town,
+and often invited Luther to his table, counsellor Langemantel, Dr.
+Auerbach of Leipsic, the two brothers Adelmann, both canons, and
+several others besides, repaired to the convent of the Augustins, and
+gave a cordial welcome to the extraordinary man, who had journeyed so
+far to come and place himself in the hands of the creatures of Rome.
+"Have you a safe-conduct?" they asked. "No!" replied the intrepid
+monk. "What hardihood!" exclaimed they. "It was, indeed," says Luther,
+"a fit term to designate my rash folly." All with one voice entreated
+him not to go to the legate until he had obtained a safe-conduct from
+the Emperor himself. It is probable that the public had already heard
+of the papal brief of which the legate was the bearer.
+
+"But," replied Luther, "I came to Augsburg without a safe-conduct, and
+have arrived in good health."
+
+"The Elector having recommended you to us, you ought to obey us, and
+do what we tell you," rejoined Langemantel, kindly but firmly. Dr.
+Auerbach seconded his remonstrances. "We know," says he, "that the
+cardinal, at the bottom of his heart, is in the highest degree
+incensed against you.[540] No trust can be put in the Italians."[541]
+
+  [540] "Sciunt enim eum in me exacerbatissimum intus, quicquid simulet
+  foris.... (Ibid., p. 143.)
+
+  [541] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 201.
+
+Canon Adelmann likewise insisted, "You have been sent defenceless,
+and it has been forgotten to furnish you with the precise thing which
+you required."[542] These friends engaged to obtain the necessary
+safe-conduct from the Emperor. They afterwards told Luther how many
+persons even of elevated rank, were inclined in his favour. "Even the
+minister of France, who quitted Augsburg a few days ago, spoke of you
+in the most honourable terms."[543] This statement struck Luther, and
+he afterwards remembered it. Thus, the most respectable citizens in
+one of the first cities of the empire were already gained to the
+Reformation.
+
+  [542] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 203.
+
+  [543] Seckend., p. 144.
+
+They were still conversing when Serra-Longa re-appeared. "Come," said
+he to Luther, "the cardinal is waiting for you and I myself am going
+to conduct you to his presence. Listen while I tell you how you are to
+appear. When you enter the hall where he is, you will prostrate
+yourself before him with your face on the ground; when he tells you to
+rise, you will get up on your knees, and not stand erect, but wait
+till he bids you.[544] Recollect that it is before a prince of the
+Church that you are going to appear. For the rest fear nothing; the
+whole will be finished soon, and without difficulty."
+
+  [544] Ibid., p. 130.
+
+Luther, who had promised this Italian that he would be ready to follow
+at his call, felt embarrassed. Yet he hesitated not to inform him of
+the advice which he had received from his Augsburg friends, and spoke
+to him of a safe-conduct.
+
+"Beware of asking one," immediately replied Serra-Longa; "you have no
+need of it. The legate is well-disposed, and quite ready to finish the
+thing amicably. If you ask a safe-conduct you will totally spoil your
+affair."[545]
+
+  [545] Luth. Op. (L.) 179.
+
+"My gracious lord, the Elector of Saxony," replied Luther, "has
+recommended me to several honourable men of this town, who counsel me
+to undertake nothing without a safe-conduct. I must follow their
+advice, for, were I not to do so, and were anything to happen, they
+would write to the Elector, my master, that I had refused to listen to
+them."
+
+Luther persisted in his resolution, and Serra-Longa saw himself
+obliged to return to his chief, to announce the obstacle which his
+mission had encountered at the moment when he was flattering himself
+with seeing it crowned with success.
+
+Thus terminated the conferences of that day with the orator of
+Montferrat.
+
+Another invitation was given to Luther. John Frosch, the prior of the
+Carmelites, who was an old friend of his, and two years before, as a
+licentiate of theology, had maintained theses under the presidency of
+Luther, paid him a visit, and earnestly begged he would come and
+reside with him. He claimed the honour of having the doctor of Germany
+for his guest. Men at length feared not to do homage to him in
+presence of Rome; the feeble had already become strong. Luther
+accepted, and left the Augustin convent for that of the Carmelites.
+The day did not close without serious reflection. The eagerness of
+Serra-Longa, and the fears of the counsellors, equally served to
+acquaint him with the difficulty of his position. Nevertheless, God in
+heaven was his protector, and under his guardianship he could sleep
+without fear.
+
+The next day, being Sunday,[546] gave him somewhat more repose. He
+had, however, to endure a different kind of fatigue. The whole talk of
+the town was about Dr. Luther, and, as Melancthon expresses it, every
+body was desirous to see "this new Erostratus, who had kindled so
+immense a conflagration."[547] The people pressed around him, and the
+good doctor, no doubt smiled at their eagerness.
+
+  [546] 9th October.
+
+  [547] "Omnes cupiunt videre hominem, tanti incendii Erostratum."
+  (Luth. Ep. i, p. 146.)
+
+But he had to submit to another kind of importunity. If the people
+were desirous to see him, they were still more so to hear him, and he
+was requested on all hands to preach. Luther had no greater delight
+than in proclaiming the word, and would have been happy to preach
+Jesus Christ in this great city, in the solemn circumstances in which
+he was placed. But on this occasion, as on many others, he showed a
+strong sense of propriety, and profound respect for his superiors, and
+refused to preach, lest the legate might suppose that he did it in
+order to give him pain, and by way of defiance. This moderation and
+wisdom were undoubtedly of as much value as a sermon.
+
+The cardinal's creatures, however, did not leave him in tranquillity,
+but returned to the charge. "The Cardinal," said they, "assures you of
+his entire grace and favour. What do you fear?" They alleged a
+thousand reasons in order to induce him to go. "He is a father full of
+mercy, said one of these envoys; but another approaching, whispered in
+his ear, "Don't believe what is told you--he does not keep his
+word."[548] Luther adhered to his resolution.
+
+  [548] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 205.
+
+On Monday morning, 10th October, Serra-Longa returned to the charge.
+The courtier had made it a point of honour to succeed in his
+negotiation. As soon as he entered, he exclaimed in Latin, "Why do
+you not come to the cardinal? He is waiting for you with the most
+indulgent feelings. The whole matter may be summed up in six
+letters:--REVOCA, Retract. Come, you have nothing to fear."
+
+Luther thought within himself, these six are important letters; but,
+without entering into discussion on the subject, said, "As soon as I
+have obtained the safe-conduct I will appear."
+
+Serra-Longa broke out on hearing these words. He insisted, and
+remonstrated, but found Luther immovable. Becoming more and more
+irritated, he exclaimed, "You imagine, doubtless, that the Elector
+will take up arms in your behalf, and for your sake run the risk of
+losing the territories handed down to him from his fathers."
+
+_Luther._--"God forbid."
+
+_Serra-Longa._--"Abandoned by all, where will your refuge be?"
+
+_Luther._--(_Looking upwards with the eye of faith_,) "Under
+heaven."[549]
+
+  [549] "Et ubi manebis?... Respondi: Sub coelo." (Luth. Op. in Pr�f.)
+  And where will you remain?... I answered, under heaven.
+
+Serra-Longa, struck with this sublime reply, for which he was not
+prepared, remained a moment silent, and then continued:--
+
+"What would you do if you had the pope, the legate, and all the
+cardinals, in your hands, as they have you in theirs?"
+
+_Luther._--"I would pay them all honour and respect. But in my view,
+the word of God takes precedence of all."
+
+_Serra-Longa._--(_Laughing, and wagging one of his fingers as the
+Italians do._) "Hem! Hem! all honour ... I don't believe a word of
+it...."
+
+He then went out, leapt into his saddle, and disappeared.
+
+Serra-Longa returned no more to Luther; but he long remembered both
+the resistance which he had met with from the Reformer, and that which
+his master also was soon to experience. At a later period, we shall
+see him with loud cries demanding Luther's blood.
+
+Serra-Longa had not long left the doctor when the safe-conduct
+arrived. His friends had obtained it from the counsellor of the
+empire, who, it is probable, had previously consulted with the
+Emperor, as he was not far from Augsburg. It would even seem, from a
+remark afterwards made by the cardinals that, to avoid offending him,
+his consent had been asked. This may have been his reason for
+employing Serra-Longa to work upon Luther; for to have openly opposed
+the giving of a safe-conduct would have been to reveal intentions
+which he was desirous to conceal. It was safer to induce Luther
+himself to desist from his demand. It was soon seen, however, that the
+Saxon monk was not made of pliable materials.
+
+Luther is going to appear. While demanding a safe-conduct, he did not
+trust to a carnal arm; for he knew very well that a safe-conduct did
+not save John Huss from the flames. He only wished to do his duty by
+submitting to the advice of his master's friends. Jehovah will decide.
+If he requires him to give back his life, he is ready to give it
+joyfully. At this solemn moment, he feels a longing for converse with
+his friends, especially with Melancthon, now so dear to his heart, and
+avails himself of a moment of retirement to write him.
+
+"Comport yourself like a man," says he to him, "as you always do.
+Teach our dear youth what is right and agreeable to God. For me, I am
+ready to be sacrificed for you and for them, if it is the Lord's
+will.[550] Sooner than retract what I was bound to teach, I would die,
+and even (what would be to me the greatest misfortune) be deprived for
+ever of your delightful society, thus losing (perhaps by my fault) the
+excellent studies to which we are now devoted.
+
+  [550] "Ego pro illis et vobis vado immolari."... (Luth. Ep. i, 148.)
+
+"Italy, like Egypt of old, is plunged in darkness, so thick that it
+may be felt. Nobody knows anything of Christ, or of what relates to
+him; and yet these people are our lords and masters in faith and
+manners. Thus the wrath of God is fulfilled upon us, as the prophet
+speaks: '_I will give them youths for governors, and babes will rule
+over them._' Conduct yourself as in presence of the Lord, my dear
+Philip, and avert the divine wrath by pure and fervent prayer."
+
+The legate, informed that Luther was next day to appear before him,
+assembled the Italians and Germans, in whom he had the greatest
+confidence, in order to consider what was necessary to be done with
+the Saxon monk. Opinions were divided. "He must," says one, "be
+compelled to retract." "He must be seized," says another, "and
+imprisoned." A third thought that it was better to get quit of him;
+and a fourth that an attempt should be made to gain him by kindness
+and lenity. This last advice the cardinal seems at first to have
+determined to adopt.[551]
+
+  [551] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 183.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+     First appearance--First Words--Conditions of
+     Rome--Propositions to Retract--Luther's reply--He
+     withdraws--Impressions on both sides--Arrival of Staupitz.
+
+
+The day of conference at length arrived.[552] The legate, knowing that
+Luther had declared his readiness to retract what could be proved
+contrary to the truth, had great hopes of success. He doubted not that
+it would be easy for a man of his rank and knowledge to bring back
+this monk to the obedience of the Church.
+
+  [552] Tuesday, 11th October.
+
+Luther repaired to the legate, accompanied by the prior of the
+Carmelites, (his host and friend,) two friars of the convent, Dr.
+Link, and an Augustin, probably the one who had come with him from
+Nuremberg. Scarcely had he entered the palace of the legate, than all
+the Italians in the suite of the prince of the Church rushed forward.
+Every one wished to see the famous doctor, and pressed so upon him
+that he could scarcely advance. Luther found the Apostolical Nuncio,
+and Serra-Longa, in the hall where the cardinal was waiting. The
+reception was cold but polite, and conformable to Roman etiquette.
+Luther, following the instructions which Serra-Longa had given him,
+prostrated himself before the cardinal; when told to rise, he put
+himself on his knees; and, on a new order from the legate, stood
+erect. Several of the most distinguished Italians in the service of
+the legate pushed forward into the hall to be present at the
+interview. They desired above all to see the German monk humbling
+himself before the representative of the pope.
+
+The legate remained silent. Hating Luther as an adversary of the
+theological supremacy of St. Thomas, and as the head of an active
+opposition in a rising university, whose very first steps had greatly
+disquieted the Thomists, he was pleased at seeing him lying before
+him, and thought, says a contemporary, that Luther was going to sing a
+palinode. Luther, on his part, waited till the prince should address
+him; but seeing he did not, he took his silence for an invitation to
+begin, and spoke as follows:--
+
+"MOST WORTHY FATHER,--On the citation of his Papal Holiness, and at
+the request of my most gracious lord, the Elector of Saxony, I appear
+before you as a submissive and obedient son of the holy Christian
+Church, and I acknowledge that I published the Propositions and
+Theses in question. I am ready to listen in all obedience to the
+charge brought against me, and to allow myself, if I am mistaken, to
+be instructed in the way of truth."
+
+The cardinal, who had resolved to assume the air of a tender father,
+full of compassion for an erring child, now spoke in the most friendly
+tone, praised the humility of Luther, expressed all the joy it gave
+him, and said:--"My dear son, you have stirred up all Germany by your
+dispute on indulgences. I am told that you are a very learned doctor
+in the Scriptures, and have many disciples. Wherefore, if you would be
+a member of the Church, and find in the pope a most gracious lord,
+listen to me."
+
+After this exordium, the legate did not hesitate to disclose to him at
+once all that he expected of him--so confident was he of his
+submission. "Here," said he, "are three articles which, by the order
+of our most holy father, Leo X, I have to lay before you; _First_, You
+must retrace your steps, acknowledge your faults, and retract your
+errors, propositions, and discourses: _Secondly_, You must promise to
+abstain in future from circulating your opinions; and, _Thirdly_, You
+must engage to be more moderate, and to avoid every thing that might
+grieve or upset the Church."
+
+_Luther._--"I request, most worthy father, that you will communicate
+to me the brief of the pope, in virtue of which you have received full
+power to dispose of this affair."
+
+Serra-Longa, and the other Italians in the cardinal's suite, stared on
+hearing this request; and although the German monk had already
+appeared to them a very odd man, they could scarcely recover from the
+astonishment produced by so bold a speech. Christians, accustomed to
+ideas of justice, desire just procedure in the case of others as well
+as of themselves, but those who act habitually in an arbitrary manner
+are quite surprised when they are told to proceed in regular form,
+according to law.
+
+_De Vio._--"This request, my dear son, cannot be granted. You must
+acknowledge your errors, take care of your words in future, and not
+return to your vomit, so that we may be able to sleep without trouble
+and anxiety; thereafter, conformably to the order and authority of our
+most holy father the pope, I will arrange the affair."
+
+_Luther._--"Have the goodness, then, to tell me in what I have erred."
+
+At this new request the Italian courtiers, who had expected to see the
+poor German on his knees crying mercy, were struck with still greater
+astonishment. Not one of them would have thought of condescending so
+far as to answer so impertinent a question. But De Vio, who
+considered it ungenerous to crush the cative monk with the whole
+weight of his authority, and who, besides, was confident that his
+superior knowledge would give him an easy victory, consented to tell
+Luther of what he was accused, and even to enter into discussion with
+him. In justice to this general of the Dominicans, it must be admitted
+that he had more equity, a better sense of propriety, and less
+passion, than have been shown on many occasions since, in similar
+affairs. He assumed a tone of condescension, and said:--
+
+"Very dear son!--Here are two propositions which you have advanced,
+and which you must first of all retract: _First_, The treasury of
+indulgences does not consist of the merits and sufferings of our Lord
+Jesus Christ: _Second_, The man who receives the Holy Sacrament must
+have faith in the grace which is offered to him."
+
+In fact, both of these propositions gave a mortal blow to the Roman
+traffic. If the pope had not the power to dispose at pleasure of the
+merits of the Saviour; if those who received the bills which the
+courtiers of the Church were negotiating did not receive part of this
+infinite righteousness, the paper lost all its value, and was worth no
+more than if it had been blank. It was the same with the sacraments.
+Indulgences were to some extent an extraordinary branch of the
+commerce of Rome, whereas the sacraments were of the nature of an
+ordinary branch. The returns which they yielded were far from being
+insignificant. To maintain that faith was necessary before the
+sacraments could confer a real benefit on a Christian soul, was to
+deprive them of all interest in the eyes of the people; faith being a
+thing which the pope did not give, which was beyond his power, and
+came from God only. To declare it necessary was to wrest out of the
+hands of Rome both speculation and profit. Luther, in attacking these
+two dogmas, had imitated Jesus Christ, when at the commencement of his
+ministry he overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and drove the
+buyers and sellers out of the temple, saying, _Make not my Father's
+house a house of merchandise_.
+
+"I will not, in order to combat these errors," continued Cajetan,
+"invoke the authority of St. Thomas and the other scholastic doctors;
+I will found only on the authority of Holy Scripture, and speak with
+you in all friendship."
+
+But scarcely had De Vio begun to unfold his proofs than he deviated
+from the rule which he had declared his intention to follow.[553] He
+combated Luther's first proposition by an extravagant[554] of Pope
+Clement, and the second by all sorts of scholastic dogmas. The
+discussion commenced on this constitution of the pope in favour of
+indulgences. Luther, indignant at the authority which the legate
+ascribed to a decree of Rome, exclaimed:--
+
+  [553] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 180.
+
+  [554] The name given to certain papal constitutions, collected and
+  added to the body of the canon law.
+
+"I cannot receive such constitutions as sufficient proofs in so
+important matters. For they wrest the Holy Scripture, and never quote
+it appositely."
+
+_De Vio._--"The pope has authority and power over all things."
+
+_Luther, (keenly.)_--"Save Scripture."[555]
+
+  [555] "Salva Scriptura."
+
+_De Vio, (ironically.)_--"Save Scripture!... The pope, know you not,
+is above Councils? Even recently he condemned and punished the Council
+of B�sle."
+
+_Luther._--"The university of Paris appealed."
+
+_De Vio._--"These Parisian gentry will pay the penalty."
+
+The discussion between the cardinal and Luther afterwards turned on
+the second point, viz., on faith. This Luther declared to be
+necessary, in order to receive benefit from the sacraments, and,
+according to his custom, quoted several passages of Scripture in
+favour of the opinion which he maintained, but the legate received
+them with loud laughter. "It is of general faith you speak, then,"
+said he.--"No!" replied Luther. One of the Italians, master of the
+ceremonies to the legate, out of all patience at Luther's opposition
+and his answers, was burning with eagerness to speak. He was
+constantly trying to break in, but the legate enjoined silence, and at
+last was obliged to reprimand him so sharply, that the master of the
+ceremonies left the hall in confusion.[556]
+
+  [556] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 180.
+
+"As to indulgences," said Luther, "if it can be shown that I am
+mistaken, I am quite willing to be instructed. One may pass over that
+point without being a bad Christian, but on the article of faith, were
+I to yield a whit, I should be denying Jesus Christ. With regard to
+it, then, I am neither able nor willing to yield, and by the grace of
+God never shall."
+
+_De Vio, (beginning to lose temper.)_--"Whether you will or not, you
+must this very day retract that article; otherwise for that article
+alone, I will reject and condemn all your doctrine."
+
+_Luther._--"I have no will apart from that of the Lord; He will do
+with me what pleases him. But had I five heads, I would lose them all
+sooner than retract the testimony which I have borne to holy Christian
+faith."
+
+_De Vio._--"I did not come here to reason with you. Retract, or
+prepare to suffer the pains which you have deserved."[557]
+
+  [557] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, pp. 180, 183, 206, etc.
+
+Luther saw plainly that it was impossible to settle the matter by a
+conference. His opponent sat before him as if he were the pope
+himself, and insisted on his receiving humbly, and with submission,
+whatever he said, while his answers, even when founded on the Holy
+Scriptures, were received with a shrug of his shoulders, and all sorts
+of irony and contempt. He thought the wisest course would be to answer
+the cardinal in writing. This method, thought he, leaves at least some
+consolation to the oppressed. Others will be able to form a judgment
+of the affair, and the unjust adversary, who, by clamour, remains
+master of the field of battle, may be deterred by it.[558]
+
+  [558] Luth. Op. (L.) p. 209.
+
+Luther having signified his intention to withdraw, the legate said to
+him, "Do you wish me to give you a safe-conduct to Rome?"
+
+Nothing would have been more agreeable to Cajetan than the acceptance
+of this offer, as it would have disencumbered him of a task, the
+difficulties of which he began to comprehend. But the Reformer, who
+saw all the difficulties with which he was surrounded even at
+Augsburg, took good care not to accept a proposal the effect of which
+could only have been to give him over, bound hand and foot, to the
+vengeance of his enemies. He rejected it as often as De Vio was
+pleased to renew it, and this was frequently. The legate disguised the
+pain which he felt at Luther's refusal, and, wrapping himself up in
+his dignity, dismissed the monk with a smile of compassion, under
+which he tried to conceal his disappointment, and at the same time the
+politeness of one who hopes he may succeed better another time.
+
+No sooner was Luther in the court of the palace than the talkative
+Italian, the master of the ceremonies, whom his master's reprimands
+had obliged to quit the hall of conference, delighted at being able to
+speak out of sight of Cajetan, and burning with eagerness to confound
+the abominable heretic by his luminous reasons, ran after him, and
+continuing to walk, began to retail his sophisms. But Luther, weary of
+this foolish personage, answered him with one of those cutting
+expressions which he had so much at command, and the poor master of
+the ceremonies left off, and returned in confusion to the cardinal's
+palace.
+
+Luther did not carry away a very high opinion of his opponent. He had
+heard from him, as he afterwards wrote to Spalatin, propositions which
+were quite at variance with theology, and in the mouth of any other
+person would have been regarded as arch-heretical. And yet De Vio was
+considered the most learned of the Dominicans. Second to him was
+Prierias. "From this," says Luther, "we may infer what those must have
+been who were tenth or hundredth."[559]
+
+  [559] Luth. Ep. i, p. 173.
+
+On the other hand, the noble and resolute bearing of the Wittemberg
+doctor had greatly surprised the cardinal and his courtiers. Instead
+of a poor monk humbly begging pardon, they had found a free man, a
+decided Christian, an enlightened teacher, who insisted that unjust
+accusations should be supported by proof, and who defended his
+doctrine triumphantly. All the inmates of Cajetan's palace inveighed
+against the pride, obstinacy, and effrontery of this heretic. Luther
+and De Vio had mutually learned to know each other, and both prepared
+for their second interview.
+
+A very agreeable surprise awaited Luther on his return to the convent
+of the Carmelites. The vicar-general of the Augustin order, his
+friend, his father Staupitz, had arrived at Augsburg. Not having been
+able to prevent Luther from coming to this city, Staupitz gave his
+friend a new and touching proof of his attachment by coming personally
+in the hope of being useful to him. This excellent man foresaw that
+the conference with the legate would lead to very serious
+consequences. He was equally agitated by his fears and his friendship
+for Luther, who, after his painful sederunt, felt it refreshing to
+clasp so valuable a friend in his arms. Having told him that it had
+been impossible for him to get an answer worth any thing, and how the
+legate had been contented to demand a retractation without trying to
+convince him--"It is absolutely necessary," said Staupitz, "to give
+the legate a written answer."
+
+After what he had heard of the first interview, Staupitz hoped nothing
+from the others, and, therefore, determined on a proceeding which he
+deemed necessary. He resolved to loose Luther from obedience to his
+order. By this Staupitz hoped to gain two ends. If, as all
+anticipated, Luther fell in the struggle, the disgrace of his
+condemnation would not fall on the whole order; or if the cardinal
+ordered Staupitz to oblige Luther to silence or retractation, he would
+have an excuse for not doing it.[560] The ceremony, which took place
+in the usual form, made Luther aware of all that he had thenceforth to
+expect. He felt exceedingly at seeing the ties which he had formed in
+the enthusiasm of his youth, thus broken. The order of his choice
+rejects him. His natural protectors stand aloof, and he becomes a
+stranger to his brethren. But though his heart is filled with sadness
+at the thought, he recovers all his joy on turning to the promises of
+a faithful God, who has said, "_I will never leave you nor forsake
+you_."
+
+  [560] "Darinn ihn Dr. Staupitz von dem Kloster-Gehorsam absolvitr."
+  (Math. 15.)
+
+The counsellors of the empire having intimated to the legate, through
+the Bishop of Trent, that Luther was provided with an imperial
+safe-conduct, and having caused it to be declared at the same time,
+that nothing was to be attempted against the doctor's person, De Vio
+became angry, and sharply replied in words characteristically Roman,
+"Very well, but I will do what the pope commands."[561] We know what
+this was.
+
+  [561] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, 201.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VII.
+
+     Communication to the Legate--Second Appearance--Luther's
+     Declaration--The Legate's Reply--The Legate's
+     Volubility--Luther's Request.
+
+
+The next day[562] both parties prepared for the second interview,
+which promised to be decisive. The friends of Luther, who had resolved
+to accompany him to the legate, repaired to the convent of the
+Carmelites. The dean of Trent, and Peutinger, both counsellors of the
+emperor, and Staupitz, arrived in succession. Shortly after the doctor
+had the pleasure to see them joined by the Chevalier Philip von
+Feilitsch, and Doctor Ruhel, counsellors of the Elector, who had been
+ordered by their master to attend the conferences, and protect the
+liberty of Luther. They had arrived the previous evening, and were,
+says Mathesius, to stand at his side, as at Constance the Chevalier de
+Chlum stood at the side of John Huss. The doctor, moreover, took a
+notary, and accompanied with all these friends, proceeded to the
+legate.
+
+  [562] Wednesday 12th October.
+
+At this moment Staupitz came up to him; he thoroughly comprehended
+Luther's situation, and knew that if he did not fix his eye solely on
+the Lord, who is the deliverer of his people, he must succumb. "My
+dear brother," said he to him seriously, "constantly remember that you
+have begun these things in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ." Thus
+God surrounded his humble servant with consolation and encouragement.[563]
+
+  [563] Seckend., p. 137.
+
+Luther, on arriving at the cardinal's, found a new opponent. This was
+the prior of the Dominicans of Augsburg, who was seated at the side
+of his chief. Luther, agreeably to the resolution which he had formed,
+had written his reply, and, after the usual salutations, with a firm
+voice read the following declaration:--
+
+"I declare that I honour the holy Roman Church, and that I will
+continue to honour it. I have sought the truth in public discussions;
+and all that I have said I regard, even at this hour, as just, true,
+and Christian. Still I am a man, and maybe mistaken. I am, therefore,
+disposed to receive instruction and correction in the things in which
+I may have erred. I declare myself ready to reply, by word of mouth or
+by writing, to all the objections and all the charges which my lord
+the legate may bring against me. I declare myself ready to submit my
+theses to the four universities of B�sle, Friburg in Brisgau, Louvain,
+and Paris; and to retract what they declare to be erroneous. In a
+word, I am ready to do all that may be demanded of a Christian. But I
+protest solemnly against the course which is sought to be given to
+this affair, and against the strange pretension of constraining me to
+retract without having refuted me."[564]
+
+  [564] L�scher, ii, 463; Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 181, 209.
+
+Undoubtedly, nothing could be more equitable than these proposals of
+Luther, and yet they must have been very embarrassing to a judge whose
+decision had been prescribed to him beforehand. The legate, who had
+not expected this protestation, sought to conceal his uneasiness by
+pretending to laugh at it, and assuming an exterior of gentleness,
+said to Luther, smiling, "This protestation is unnecessary, I will not
+dispute with you either in public or in private, but I purpose to
+arrange the affair kindly, and like a father." The whole policy of the
+cardinal consisted in putting aside the strict forms of justice, which
+afford protection to those who are prosecuted, and in treating the
+affair only as one of administration between superior and inferior;--a
+commodious method, in as much as it opens up a wide field for
+arbitrary procedure.
+
+Still maintaining the most affectionate manner, "My dear friend," said
+De Vio, "abandon, I pray you, a useless design. Rather return to
+yourself, acknowledge the truth, and I am ready to reconcile you with
+the Church and the sovereign bishop. Whether you will or not, it
+matters little. It will be hard for you to kick against the
+pricks...."
+
+Luther, who saw himself treated as if he were already proved a
+rebellious child, rejected of the Church, exclaimed, "I cannot
+retract; but I offer to answer, and in writing. "We had enough of
+debating yesterday."[565]
+
+  [565] "Digladiatum," battled. (Luth. Ep. i, p. 181.)
+
+De Vio was irritated at this expression, which reminded him that he
+had not acted with sufficient prudence; but he recovered himself, and
+said with a smile, "Debating, my dear son! I did not debate with you.
+I have no wish to debate; but in order to please the most serene
+Elector Frederick, I am willing to hear you, and exhort you amicably
+and paternally."
+
+Luther did not comprehend why the legate should have been so much
+offended at the expression which he had used; for, thought he, if I
+had not wished to speak politely, I would have said, not _debated_,
+but _disputed_, and _wrangled_,--for that was truly what we did.
+
+Still De Vio, who felt that before the respectable witnesses who were
+present at the conference it was at least necessary to seem to try to
+convince Luther to return to the two propositions, which he had
+singled out as fundamental errors, thoroughly resolved to let the
+Reformer speak as little as possible. Strong in his Italian volubility
+he overwhelms him with objections, to which he does not wait for a
+reply. Sometimes he jests, sometimes he scolds; he declaims with
+impassioned heat, mixes up the most heterogeneous subjects, quotes St.
+Thomas and Aristotle, cries, and gets into a passion with all who
+differ with him in opinion, and then apostrophises Luther. Luther,
+more than ten times, tries to speak, but the legate instantly
+interrupts him, and showers down menaces upon him. Retractation!
+retractation! is the whole sum of his demand; he thunders, and
+domineers, and insists on having all the talk to himself.[566]
+Staupitz interferes to stop the legate. "Have the goodness," says he,
+"to give Doctor Martin time to answer." But the legate recommences his
+discourse, quotes the _extravagants_ and the opinions of St. Thomas,
+determined to harangue during the whole interview. If he cannot
+convince, and if he dares not strike, he at least can stun.
+
+  [566] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii. pp. 181, 209. "Decies fere coepi ut
+  loquerer, toties rursus tonabat et solus regnabat." I began almost ten
+  times to speak, but he again as often thundered and reigned alone.
+
+Luther and Staupitz saw clearly that they must abandon the hope, not
+only of enlightening De Vio by discussion, but also of making a useful
+profession of faith. Luther, therefore, resumed the request which he
+had made at the commencement, and which the cardinal had then evaded.
+Since he was not permitted to speak, he asked that he might, at least,
+be allowed to write, and send his written reply to the legate.
+Staupitz supported him; several others who were present joined their
+entreaties, and Cajetan, notwithstanding of all his repugnance for
+what was written, (for he remembered that what is written remains,)
+at last consented. The meeting broke up. The hope of terminating the
+affair at this interview was adjourned, and it became necessary to
+await the result of a subsequent conference.
+
+The permission which the general of the Dominicans gave Luther to
+prepare an answer, and to answer in writing, the two distinct and
+articulate accusations which he had made, touching indulgences and
+faith, was nothing more than justice demanded, and yet we are obliged
+to De Vio for it, as a mark of moderation and impartiality.
+
+Luther left the cardinal's palace delighted that his request had been
+granted. In going and returning he was the object of public attention.
+All enlightened men were interested in his case, as if it had been
+their own, for it was felt that the cause then pleaded at Augsburg was
+the cause of the gospel, justice, and liberty. The lowest of the
+people alone were with Cajetan; and of this he doubtless gave some
+significant hints to the Reformer, who afterwards spoke of them.[567]
+
+  [567] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p.186.
+
+It became more and more evident that the legate had no wish to hear
+any more from Luther than the words "I retract;" and these Luther was
+resolved not to pronounce. What will be the issue of this unequal
+struggle? How can it be imagined that the whole power of Rome, brought
+to bear on a single man, will not succeed in crushing him? Luther sees
+this. Feeling the weight of the terrible hand under which he is
+placed, he gives up the hope of ever returning to Wittemberg,
+revisiting his dear Philip, and again finding himself in the midst of
+the generous youths into whose hearts he loved so much to shed the
+seeds of life. He sees excommunication hanging over his head, and has
+no doubt that it must shortly fall upon him.[568] These prospects
+afflict his soul, but do not overwhelm it. His confidence in God is
+not shaken. God may break the instrument which he has been pleased
+till now to employ, but the truth will be maintained. Whatever
+happens, Luther must defend it to the last. He accordingly, begins to
+prepare the protestation which he is to present to the legate. It
+appears that he devoted to it part of the 13th October.
+
+  [568] Ibid. p.185.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VIII.
+
+     Third Appearance--Treasury of Indulgences--Faith--Humble
+     Request--Legate's Reply--Luther's Reply--Legate's
+     Rage--Luther Retires--First Defection.
+
+
+On Friday the 14th October, Luther returned to the cardinal,
+accompanied by the counsellors of the Elector. The Italians pressed
+around him as usual, and were present at the conference in great
+numbers. Luther advanced, and presented his protestation to the
+legate. The cardinal's people looked with astonishment at a writing
+which, in their eyes, was so audacious. The following is the doctor of
+Wittemberg's declaration to their master:[569]--
+
+  [569] Luth Op. (L.) xvii, p. 187.
+
+"You attack me on two points. First, you oppose to me the Constitution
+of Pope Clement VI, in which it is said, that the treasury of
+indulgences is the merit of Jesus Christ and the saints; whereas I
+deny this in my theses.
+
+"Panormitanus, (Luther thus designates Ives, author of the famous
+collection of ecclesiastical law, entitled _Panormia_, and Bishop of
+Chartres at the end of the eleventh century,) Panormitanus declares,
+in his First Book, that in regard to holy faith, not only a General
+Council, but every believer is superior to the pope, if he produces
+declarations of Scripture, and better arguments than the pope.[570]
+
+  [570] "Ostendit in materia fidei, non modo generale concilium esse
+  super papam, sed etiam quemlibet fidelium, si melioribus nitatur
+  auctoritate et ratione quam papa." (Luth. Op. Lat. p. 209.) He shows
+  that, in matter of faith, not only a general council is above the
+  pope, but also any one of the faithful whatever, if he leans on better
+  authority and reason than the pope.
+
+"The voice of our Lord Jesus Christ rises far above all the voices of
+men, whatever be the names they bear.
+
+"What gives me the greatest pain and uneasiness is, that this
+Constitution contains doctrines quite opposed to the truth. It
+declares that the merits of the saints is a treasure, while all
+Scripture testifies that God recompenses far more richly than we
+deserve. The prophet exclaims, 'Lord, enter not into judgment with thy
+servant; for in thy sight can no living man be justified.'[571] 'Woe
+to men, however honourable and laudable their life may be,' says St.
+Augustine, 'were judgment passed upon it without mercy.'[572]
+
+  [571] Psalm cxliii, 2.
+
+  [572] Confes. ix.
+
+"Hence the saints are not saved by their merits, but only by the mercy
+of God, as I have declared. I maintain this, and adhere firmly to it.
+The words of holy Scripture, which declare that the saints have not
+enough of merit, must take precedence of the words of men, who affirm
+that they have too much; for the pope is not above, but beneath the
+word of God."
+
+Luther does not stop here, but shows that if indulgences cannot be the
+merit of saints, no more are they the merit of Christ. He observes,
+that indulgences are barren and without fruit, since they have no
+other effect than to exempt men from doing good works, such as prayers
+and alms. "No," exclaims he, "the merit of Christ is not a treasure of
+indulgences, which exempts from well-doing; but a treasure of grace,
+which gives life. The merit of Christ is applied to believers without
+indulgences, without keys, by the Holy Spirit only, and not by the
+pope. If any one has a better founded opinion than mine," adds he, in
+concluding this first point, "let him show it, and then I will
+retract."
+
+"I have affirmed," says he, in coming to the second article, "that no
+man can be justified before God unless it be by faith, and hence that
+it is necessary for man to believe with full assurance that he has
+obtained grace. To doubt of this grace is to reject it. The
+righteousness and life of the righteous is his faith."[573]
+
+  [573] "Justitia justi et vita ejus, est fides ejus." (Luth. Op. Lat.
+  i, p. 211.)
+
+Luther proves his proposition by a multitude of quotations from
+Scripture.
+
+"Be pleased, then, to intercede for me with our most holy lord, Pope
+Leo X," adds he, "in order that he may not treat me with so much
+disfavour.... My soul seeks the light of truth. I am not so proud, so
+desirous of vain-glory, as to be ashamed to retract if I have taught
+what is false. My greatest joy will be to see the triumph of whatever
+accords with the will of God. Only let them not force me to do
+anything which is contrary to the cry of my conscience."
+
+The legate had taken the declaration from Luther's hands, and after
+having perused it, said to him coldly, "You have here useless
+verbiage, you have written many vain words; you have answered the two
+articles foolishly, and blotted your paper with a number of passages
+of holy Scripture which have no reference to the subject." Then, with
+a disdainful air, De Vio threw down the protestation, as setting no
+value upon it, and resuming the tone which he had found tolerably
+successful at the last interview, began to cry at full pitch that
+Luther must retract. Luther was immovable. "Friar! friar!" exclaims De
+Vio in Italian, "last time you were very good, but to-day you are very
+naughty." Then the cardinal begins a long discourse, drawn from the
+writings of St. Thomas, again loudly extols the Constitution of
+Clement VI, and persists in maintaining, that, in virtue of this
+Constitution, the very merits of Jesus Christ are distributed to the
+faithful by means of indulgences. He thinks he has silenced Luther,
+who sometimes begins to speak, but De Vio scolds, thunders away
+without ceasing, and insists on having the whole field of battle to
+himself.
+
+This method might have had some success a first time, but Luther was
+not the man to suffer it a second. His indignation at length burst
+forth; it is his turn to astonish the spectators, who deem him already
+vanquished by the volubility of the prelate. He raises his powerful
+voice, seizes the favourite objection of the cardinal, and makes him
+pay dear for his temerity in having entered the lists with him.
+"Retract! retract!" repeated De Vio, showing the Constitution of the
+pope. "Well," replied Luther, "if it can be proved by this
+Constitution that the treasure of indulgences is the merit of Jesus
+Christ, I consent to retract according to the will and good pleasure
+of your Eminence...."
+
+The Italians, who expected nothing of the kind, stared at these words,
+and could scarcely contain their joy at seeing the enemy at length
+caught in the net. The cardinal was, as it were, out of himself; he
+laughed outright, but with a laugh in which anger and indignation
+mingled; darting forward, he lays hold of the volume containing the
+famous Constitution, looks it out, pounces upon it, and, quite proud
+of his victory, reads it aloud, with boiling and heaving breast.[574]
+The Italians exult; the Elector's counsellors are uneasy and
+embarrassed: Luther is waiting for his opponent. At length, when the
+cardinal comes to the words, "The Lord Jesus Christ has acquired this
+treasure by his sufferings,". Luther stops him, "Most worthy father,"
+says he, "be so good as consider and carefully meditate this
+expression, '_has acquired_.'[575] Christ has acquired a treasure by
+his merits; the merits, therefore, are not the treasure; for, to speak
+philosophically, cause and effect are different things. The merits of
+Christ have acquired authority to the pope to grant such indulgences
+to the people, but what the hand of the pope distributes is not the
+merits themselves. Thus, then my conclusion is true, and the
+Constitution, which you invoke with so much noise, bears testimony
+with me to the truth which I proclaim."
+
+  [574] "Legit fervens et anhelans." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 145.)
+
+  [575] "Acquisivit," (Ibid.)
+
+De Vio still holds the book in his hand; his eyes are still riveted on
+the fatal passage, but he has nothing to reply. Thus he is taken in
+the net which he himself had laid, and Luther with strong hand keeps
+him in, to the inexpressible astonishment of the Italian courtiers
+around him. The legate would have evaded the difficulty, but could
+not. He had long abandoned the testimony of Scripture and the
+authority of the Fathers; he had taken refuge in this Extravagant of
+Clement VI, and there he is caught. Still he has too much finesse to
+let his embarrassment appear. Wishing to hide his shame, the prince of
+the Church suddenly changes the subject, and rushes violently to other
+articles. Luther who perceives the adroit manoeuvre, allows him not to
+escape; he grasps and completely closes the net which he has thrown
+over the cardinal, and makes evasion impossible. "Most reverend
+father!" says he, with an irony clothed in the form of respect, "your
+Eminence cannot surely think that we Germans do not know grammar; to
+be a treasure, and to acquire a treasure, are very different things."
+
+"Retract!" says De Vio; "retract, or, if you don't, I send you to
+Rome, to appear there before the judges entrusted with the cognisance
+of your cause. I excommunicate you; you, all your partizans, all who
+are or may become favourable to you, and I reject them from the
+Church. Full authority in this respect has been given me by the holy
+apostolic See.[576] Think you your protectors can stop me? Do you
+imagine that the pope cares for Germany? The little finger of the pope
+is stronger than all the German princes."[577]
+
+  [576] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 197.
+
+  [577] Ibid. (W.) xxii, p. 1331.
+
+"Deign," replies Luther, "to send the written reply which I handed you
+to pope Leo X, with my very humble prayers."
+
+At these words, the legate, glad to find a moment's respite, again
+wraps himself up in a feeling of his dignity, and proudly and
+passionately says to Luther:--
+
+"Retract, or return not."[578]
+
+  [578] "Revoca, aut non revertere." Ibid. p. 202.
+
+Luther is struck with the expression. This time he gives no verbal
+answer, but bows and takes his leave, followed by the Elector's
+counsellors. The cardinal and his Italians, left alone, stare at each
+other, confounded at the issue of the debate.
+
+Thus the Dominican system, clad in the Roman purple, had proudly
+dismissed its humble opponent. But Luther felt that there is a power,
+viz., Christian truth--truth, which no authority, secular or
+spiritual, can ever subdue. Of the two combatants, he who withdrew was
+master of the field.
+
+This is the first step by which the Church detached herself from the
+papacy.
+
+Luther and De Vio never saw each other again; but the Reformer had
+made a powerful impression on the legate, an impression which was
+never entirely effaced. What Luther had said on faith, and what De Vio
+read in the subsequent writings of the doctor of Wittemberg, greatly
+modified the cardinal's views. The theologians of Rome were surprised
+and displeased at his statements on justification in his Commentary on
+the Epistle to the Romans. The Reformer did not recoil, did not
+retract; but his judge, he who never ceased exclaiming, Retract!
+changed his views, and indirectly retracted his errors. In this way
+was the Reformer's unshaken fidelity rewarded.
+
+Luther returned to the convent where he had met with hospitality. He
+had stood firm, had borne testimony to the truth and done his part.
+God will do the rest. His heart was filled with peace and joy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IX.
+
+     De Vio and Staupitz--Staupitz and Luther--Luther and
+     Spalatin--Luther to Carlstadt--Communion--Link and De
+     Vio--Departure of Staupitz and Link--Luther to Cajetan--The
+     Cardinal's Silence--Luther's Farewell--Departure--Appeal to
+     the Pope.
+
+
+Still the news brought to him were not at all satisfactory. The rumour
+in the town was, that if he would not retract, he was to be seized and
+immured in a dungeon. The vicar-general of the order, Staupitz
+himself, it was confidently said, had been obliged to consent to
+it.[579] Luther cannot believe what is told him of his friend. No!
+Staupitz will not betray him. As to the designs of the cardinal,
+judging by his own words, it is difficult to doubt. Still he is
+unwilling to flee before the danger; his life, like truth herself, is
+in mighty hands; and, notwithstanding of the danger which threatens
+him, he resolves not to quit Augsburg.
+
+  [579] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 210.
+
+The legate soon repented of his violence. He felt that he had gone out
+of his course, and he was desirous to return to it. Scarcely had
+Staupitz finished dinner, (it was the morning when the interview had
+taken place, and the dinner-hour was mid-day,) when he received a
+message from the cardinal to wait upon him. Staupitz was accompanied
+by Winceslaus Link.[580] The vicar-general found the legate alone with
+Serra-Longa. De Vio immediately went up to Staupitz, and, in the
+mildest accents said to him:--"Try, then, to persuade your monk, and
+induce him to make a retraction. Of a truth I am otherwise satisfied
+with him, and he has not a better friend than I."[581]
+
+  [580] Ibid., p. 204.
+
+  [581] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 185.
+
+_Staupitz._--"I have done so already, and will still counsel him to
+submit to the Church in all humility."
+
+_De Vio._--"You must answer the arguments which he draws from holy
+Scripture."
+
+_Staupitz._--"I must confess to you, my lord, that that is beyond my
+strength; for Dr. Martin is my superior both in talent and in
+knowledge of the holy Scriptures."
+
+The cardinal doubtless smiled at the vicar-general's frankness. He
+himself knew, besides, wherein lay the difficulty of convincing
+Luther. He continued, and said to Link:--
+
+"Are you aware, that, as partizans of a heretical doctrine, you are
+yourselves liable to the pains of the Church?"
+
+_Staupitz._--Deign to resume the conference with Luther. Appoint a
+public discussion of the controverted points."
+
+_De Vio_, (_terrified at the very idea._)--"I won't have any further
+discussion with that beast. For it has in its head piercing eyes and
+strange speculations."[582]
+
+  [582] "Ego nolo amplius cum hac bestia disputare. Habet enim profundos
+  oculos et mirabiles speculationes in capite suo" (Myconius, p. 33.)
+
+Staupitz at last obtained the cardinal's promise to give Luther a
+written statement of what he was to retract.
+
+The vicar-general went immediately to Luther, and, shaken by the
+cardinal's representations, tried to bring about some arrangement.
+"Refute then," says Luther, "the passages of Scripture which I have
+brought forward." "It is above my power," said Staupitz. "Well," said
+Luther, "it is against my conscience to retract, so long as no other
+explanation can be given of these passages." "What!" continued he,
+"the cardinal pretends, as you assure me, that he is desirous to
+arrange the affair without shame or disadvantage to me. Ah! these are
+Roman words, and signify in good German that it would be my disgrace
+and eternal ruin. What else has he to expect, who, from fear of man
+and against the voice of his conscience, abjures the truth?"[583]
+
+  [583] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 210.
+
+Staupitz did not insist; he merely intimated that the cardinal had
+consented to give him a written statement of the points of which he
+demanded a retractation. Then, doubtless, he informed him of his
+resolution to leave Augsburg, where he had nothing more to do, and
+Luther imparted to him a design which he had formed with a view to
+comfort and strengthen their souls.
+
+Staupitz promised to return, and they separated for a short time.
+
+Luther, left alone in his cell, turned his thoughts towards friends
+who were dear to his heart. He transported himself to Weimar and
+Wittemberg. He was desirous to inform the Elector of what was passing;
+and, afraid of compromising the prince by addressing him directly,
+wrote to Spalatin, and begged him to inform his master how matters
+stood. He related the whole affair, even to the promise of the legate
+to give him a written statement of the controverted points, and
+concluded:--"Thus matters are; but I have neither hope nor confidence
+in the legate. I will not retract a single syllable. I will publish
+the reply which I have sent him, in order that, if he proceeds to
+violence, his shame may extend over all Christendom."[584]
+
+  [584] Luth. Ep. i. 149.
+
+The doctor next availed himself of some moments still left him to
+communicate with his friends at Wittemberg.
+
+"Peace and felicity!" wrote he to Doctor Carlstadt. "Accept these few
+lines as if they were a long letter; for time and events are pressing
+on me. Another time I will write you and others at greater length. For
+three days my affair has been under discussion, and things are now
+come to this, that I have no hope of returning to you, and expect
+nothing but excommunication. The legate is absolutely determined that
+I shall have no discussion, either public or private. He says, he
+wishes not to be my judge but my father, and yet the only words he
+will hear from me are, 'I retract, and own that I have been mistaken.'
+These, again, are words which I won't say.
+
+"My cause is in so much the greater peril, that its judges are not
+only implacable enemies, but, moreover, men incapable of comprehending
+it. However, the Lord God lives and reigns; to his care I commend
+myself, and I doubt not that, in answer to the prayers of some pious
+souls, he will send me assistance; methinks I feel that I am prayed
+for.
+
+"Either I shall return to you without having suffered harm, or, struck
+with excommunication, will be obliged to seek an asylum elsewhere.
+
+"Be this as it may, comport yourself valiantly, stand firm, exalt
+Christ intrepidly and joyfully....
+
+"The cardinal always calls me his dear son. I know what this amounts
+to. Nevertheless, I am persuaded I would be to him the dearest and
+most agreeable of men, if I would only pronounce the single word
+_Revoco_, I retract. But I will not become a heretic by retracting the
+faith which made me become a Christian. Better be hunted, cursed,
+burnt, and put to death....
+
+"Take care of yourself, my dear doctor, and show this letter to our
+theologians, to Amsdorff, Philip, Otten, and others, in order that you
+may pray for me, and also for yourselves; for the affair which is here
+discussed is yours also. It is that of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,
+and of divine grace."[585]
+
+  [585] Luth. Ep. i. p. 159.
+
+Delightful thought! which ever gives full peace and consolation to
+those who have borne testimony to Jesus Christ, to his divinity and
+grace, when the world from all quarters showers down its censures,
+ejections, and frowns. "Our cause is that of faith in our Lord!" And
+how sweet also the conviction expressed by the Reformer, "I feel that
+I am prayed for." The Reformation was the work of prayer and piety.
+The struggle between Luther and De Vio was a struggle between the
+religious element re-appearing in full life, and the expiring remains
+of the quibbling dialectics of the middle ages.
+
+Such was Luther's converse with his absent friends. Staupitz soon
+returned; Doctor Ruhel and the Chevalier de Ferlitzoch, the Elector's
+envoys, also arrived after they had taken leave of the cardinal. Some
+other friends of the gospel joined them; and Luther, seeing the
+generous men thus assembled on the point of separating, perhaps
+separating from himself for ever, proposed that they should join in
+celebrating the Lord's Supper. The proposal was accepted, and this
+little flock of believers communicated in the body and blood of Jesus
+Christ. What feelings must have filled the hearts of these friends of
+the Reformer at this moment when celebrating the Eucharist with him
+and thinking that it was perhaps the last time he would be permitted
+to do so! What joy and love must have animated Luther's heart at
+seeing himself so graciously received by his Master at an hour when
+men were repulsing him! How solemn must that supper have been--how
+sacred that evening![586]
+
+  [586] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 178.
+
+The next day[587] Luther waited for the articles which the legate was
+to send him, but no message arriving, he begged his friend, Dr.
+Winceslaus Link, to go to the cardinal. De Vio received Link with the
+greatest affability, and assured him that he would act only as a
+friend. "I no longer," says he, "regard Doctor Martin Luther as a
+heretic. I will not excommunicate him at this time, at least if I do
+not receive other orders from Rome. I have sent his reply to the pope
+by an express." Then, to give a proof of his good intentions, he
+added, "Would Doctor Martin Luther only retract what relates to the
+indulgences, the affair would soon be ended; for, with regard to
+faith in the sacrament, it is an article which every one may interpret
+and understand in his own way." Spalatin, who relates these words,
+adds the sarcastic but just remark: "It clearly follows, that Rome has
+more regard for money than for the purity of the faith and the
+salvation of souls."[588]
+
+  [587] Saturday, 15th
+
+  [588] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 182.
+
+Link returned to Luther. He found Staupitz with him, and gave an
+account of his visit. When he mentioned the legate's unlooked for
+concession, "It had been worth while," said Staupitz, "for Dr.
+Winceslaus to have had a notary and witnesses with him to take down
+the words, for if such a proposal was known it would greatly prejudice
+the cause of the Romans."
+
+Meanwhile, the smoother the prelate's words became, the less the
+honest Germans trusted him. Several of the worthy men to whom Luther
+had been recommended consulted together. "The legate," said they, "is
+plotting some mischief by the courier of whom he speaks; there is good
+ground to fear that you will all be seized and cast into prison."
+
+Staupitz and Winceslaus, therefore, determined to quit the town.
+Embracing Luther, who persisted in remaining at Augsburg, they set out
+in all haste by different roads for Nuremberg, not without a feeling
+of great uneasiness as to the fate of the intrepid witness whom they
+left behind.
+
+Sunday passed quietly enough. Luther waited in vain for a message from
+the legate. But as he did not send him a word, Luther at last resolved
+to write him. Staupitz and Link, before their departure, had begged
+him to make all possible submission to the cardinal. Luther was yet
+without experience in Rome and its envoys; but if submission did not
+succeed, he would be able to regard it as a warning. Now, he must at
+least make the attempt. In so far as concerns himself, not a day
+passes in which he does not condemn himself, does not mourn over the
+facility with which he allows himself to be hurried into expressions
+which exceed the bounds of propriety. Why should he not confess to the
+cardinal that which he daily confesses to God? Luther, moreover, had a
+heart which was easily touched, and which suspected no evil. He
+therefore took up the pen, and, under a feeling of respect and good
+will, wrote to the cardinal as follows:[589]--
+
+  [589] The letter is dated 17th October.
+
+MOST WORTHY FATHER IN GOD,--I come once more, not with my voice, but
+by writing, to supplicate your paternal goodness to give me a
+favourable hearing. The reverend Doctor Staupitz, my very dear Father
+in Christ, has asked me to humble myself, to renounce my own opinion,
+and submit it to the judgment of pious and impartial men. He also has
+lauded your paternal goodness, and convinced me of the favourable
+sentiments with which you are animated towards me. The tidings filled
+me with joy.
+
+"Now, then, most worthy father, I confess, as I have already done,
+that I have not shown enough of modesty, enough of meekness, enough of
+respect for the name of the sovereign pontiff; and although I have
+been greatly provoked, I perceive it would have been far better for me
+to have treated the affair with more humility, good nature, and
+reverence, '_not answering a fool according to his folly, for fear of
+being like unto him_.' (Prov., xxvi, 4.)
+
+"This grieves me very much; I ask pardon for it; and I am willing to
+announce it to the people from the pulpit, as indeed I have already
+often done. I will endeavour, by the grace of God, to speak
+differently. Moreover, I am ready to promise, that, unless I am asked,
+I will not say a single word on the subject of indulgences after this
+affair is arranged. But, in like manner, let those who led me to begin
+it be obliged hereafter to be moderate in their discourses, or to be
+silent.
+
+"As regards the truth of my doctrine, the authority of St. Thomas and
+other doctors cannot satisfy me. If I am worthy of it, I must hear the
+voice of the spouse, who is the Church. For it is certain that she
+hears the voice of the Bridegroom who is Christ.
+
+"With all humility and submission, therefore, I pray your paternal
+love to refer the whole of this matter, which to this hour is so
+uncertain, to our most holy lord, Leo X, in order that the Church may
+decide, pronounce, and ordain, thereby enabling men to retract with a
+good conscience, or to believe in sincerity."[590]
+
+  [590] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 198.
+
+The reading of this letter suggests a reflection. It shows us that
+Luther was not acting on a premeditated system, but only in virtue of
+convictions which were successively impressed on his mind and his
+heart.
+
+So far from having adopted a fixed system, or calculated opposition,
+he was sometimes, without suspecting it, at variance with himself. Old
+convictions still prevailed in his mind, even after contrary
+convictions had taken root. And yet, in these evidences of sincerity
+and truth, men have searched for weapons to assail the Reformation;
+because it followed the obligatory law of progress invariably imposed
+on the human mind, they have written the history of its variations; in
+the very traits which attest its sincerity, and consequently do it
+honour, one of the greatest geniuses of Christendom has found his
+strongest objections to it.[591] Inconceivable is the waywardness of
+the human mind!
+
+  [591] Bosuet, Hist. des Variations. (Livre i, pp. 25, etc.)
+
+Luther received no answer to his letter. Cajetan and his courtiers,
+from being violently agitated, became all at once motionless. What
+could the reason be? Might it not be the calm which precedes the
+storm? Some are of the opinion of Pallavicini, who observes, that "the
+cardinal expected that the proud monk would, like inflated bellows,
+gradually lose the wind with which he was filled, and become quite
+humble."[592] Others, who thought themselves better acquainted with
+the ways of Rome, felt assured that the legate was preparing to seize
+Luther; but not daring, of his own accord, to proceed to such
+extremities in defiance of the imperial safe-conduct, was waiting for
+an answer from Rome. Others, again, could not admit that the cardinal
+would consent to wait so long. The Emperor, Maximilian, they said,
+(and this may indeed have been true,) would have no more scruple in
+delivering up Luther to the judgment of the Church, in spite of the
+safe-conduct, than Sigismund had in delivering up John Huss to the
+Council of Constance. Their conjecture, therefore, was, that the
+legate was negotiating with the emperor. The sanction of Maximilian
+might arrive at any hour. The greater the opposition he had formerly
+showed to the pope, the more disposed he now seemed to flatter him,
+until he should succeed in encircling the head of his grandson with
+the imperial crown. There was not an instant to be lost, "and,
+therefore," said the generous men around Luther, "prepare an appeal to
+the pope, and quit Augsburg without delay."
+
+  [592] "Ut follis ille ventosa elatione distentus." (P. 40.)
+
+Luther, whose presence in the town had for four days been quite
+useless, and who, by remaining these four days after the departure of
+the Saxon counsellors whom the Elector had sent to watch over his
+safety, had sufficiently demonstrated that he feared nothing, and was
+ready to answer every charge, at length yielded to the urgent
+entreaties of his friends. Wishing to leave a notification to De Vio,
+he wrote him on Tuesday, the evening before his departure. This second
+letter is firmer in its tone than the former. It would seem that
+Luther, in perceiving that all his advances were vain, began to hold
+up his head, and show that he had a due sense both of his own rights,
+and of the injustice of his enemies.
+
+"Most worthy Father in God," wrote he to De Vio, "your paternal
+goodness has seen, yes, I say, seen, and distinctly recognised my
+obedience. I have undertaken a distant journey, in the midst of great
+dangers, in much bodily weakness, and notwithstanding of my extreme
+poverty, on the order of our most holy lord, Leo X. I have appeared
+personally before your Eminence; in fine, I have thrown myself at the
+feet of his Holiness, and am now waiting his pleasure, prepared to
+acquiesce in his judgment, whether he condemn or acquit me. I thus
+feel that I have omitted nothing which becomes an obedient son of the
+Church.
+
+"Hence, I cannot see it to be my duty uselessly to prolong my sojourn
+here; indeed, it is impossible for me to do so. I want means, and your
+paternal goodness has commanded me, in peremptory terms, not again to
+show myself in your presence, unless I am willing to retract.
+
+"I depart, therefore, in the name of the Lord, desiring, if it be
+possible, to repair to some spot where I may be able to live in peace.
+Several personages, of greater weight than I am, have urged me to
+appeal from your paternal goodness, and even from our most holy lord,
+Leo X, ill informed, to himself better informed. Although I know that
+such an appeal will be much more agreeable to our most serene Elector
+than a retractation, nevertheless, if I had only had myself to
+consult, I would not have taken it. Having committed no fault, I ought
+to have nothing to fear."
+
+Luther, having written this letter, which was not sent to the legate
+till after his departure, prepared to quit Augsburg. God had kept him
+till this hour, and his heart praised Him for it; but he must not
+tempt God. He took leave of his friends, Peutinger, Langemantel, the
+Adelmanns, Auerbach, and the prior of the Carmelites, who had shown
+him so much Christian hospitality. On Wednesday before day-break he
+got up, and was ready to depart. His friends had advised him to use
+great precaution, lest his intention should be observed and
+frustrated, and he followed their counsels as much as he could. A
+pony, which Staupitz had left him, was brought to the gate of the
+convent, and once more bidding adieu to his brethren, he mounted and
+set off, without bridle, boots, or spurs, and unarmed. The magistrates
+had sent one of their officers on horseback, who was to accompany him,
+and who knew the roads perfectly. The servant led him in the darkness,
+through the silent streets of Augsburg, towards a small gate which was
+pierced in the city wall, and which counsellor Langemantel had given
+orders should be opened to him. He is still in the power of the
+legate, and the hand of Rome may still reach him. Doubtless, did the
+Italians know that their prey was escaping, they would sally forth in
+fury with hue and cry. Who knows if the intrepid opponent of Rome will
+not yet be seized and immured in a dungeon?... At length Luther and
+his guide arrive at the little gate, and, passing through it, are out
+of Augsburg. Then, putting their horses to the gallop, they make off
+in all haste.
+
+Luther, on departing, had left his appeal to the pope in the hands of
+the prior of Pomesaw. His friends were of opinion that it should not
+be sent to the legate, and the prior was therefore charged to see to
+its being fixed up, two or three days after the doctor's departure, on
+the gate of the cathedral, in presence of a notary and witnesses. This
+was accordingly done.
+
+In this document, Luther declares that he appeals from the most holy
+father the pope, ill informed, to the most holy lord and father in
+Christ, by name Leo X, by the grace of God, when better informed.[593]
+This appeal had been regularly drawn up and executed in due form by
+Gall de Herbrachtingen, the imperial notary, in presence of two
+Augustin monks, Bartholomew Utzmair and Wengel Steinbies. It was dated
+16th October.
+
+  [593] "Melius informandum." (Luth. Op. Lat. I, p. 219.)
+
+When the cardinal was informed of Luther's departure, he was
+astonished, and even, as he declares in a letter to the Elector, was
+frightened and amazed. In fact, he had grounds for irritation. This
+departure, which put so abrupt a termination to negotiation,
+disappointed the hopes which had so long flattered him. His ambition
+was to cure the wounds of the Church, and re-establish the pope's
+influence in Germany; and, lo! the heretic has escaped not only
+without having been punished, but even without having been humbled.
+The conference had only served to bring more prominently into view, on
+the one hand, the simplicity, uprightness, and firmness of Luther;
+and, on the other, the imperiousness and unreasonable conduct of the
+pope and his ambassador. Rome, having gained nothing, must have lost:
+her authority not having been strengthened, had, of necessity,
+experienced a new check. What will be said at the Vatican? What
+tidings will arrive at Rome? The difficulties of his situation will be
+forgotten, and the failure imputed to his want of skill. Serra-Longa
+and the Italians are furious at seeing persons of their ability
+outwitted by a German monk. De Vio is scarcely able to conceal his
+irritation. The affront cries for vengeance, and we shall soon see him
+giving vent to his wrath in a letter to the Elector.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. X.
+
+     Luther's Flight--Admiration--Luther's Wish--The Legate to
+     the Elector--The Elector to the Legate--Prosperity of the
+     University.
+
+
+Luther continued with his guide to flee from Augsburg. He urged his
+steed to the utmost speed that the poor animal's strength would
+permit. He thought of the real or supposed flight of John Huss, the
+manner in which he was laid hold of, and the assertion of his
+adversaries, who pretended that the flight annulled the Emperor's
+safe-conduct, and entitled them to condemn him to the flames.[594]
+These uneasy thoughts merely crossed Luther's mind. Escaped from the
+town, where he had passed ten days under the terrible hand of Rome,
+which had already crushed so many thousand witnesses of the truth, and
+drenched herself with blood--now that he is free, now that he breathes
+the pure air of the field, and traverses the villages and plains--now
+that he sees himself wonderfully delivered--his whole soul magnifies
+the Lord. Truly he may now say, "_Our soul is escaped as a bird out of
+the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our
+help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth._"[595]
+Luther's heart is thus filled with joy. But his thoughts also revert
+to De Vio. "The cardinal," says he, "would have liked to have me in
+his hands to send me to Rome. No doubt he is chagrined at my escape.
+He imagined that he was master of me at Augsburg--he thought he was
+sure of me; but he had an eel by the tail. Is it not a shame in these
+people to set so high a price upon me? They would give many crowns to
+have me; whereas, our Lord Jesus Christ was sold for thirty pieces of
+silver."[596]
+
+  [594] Weissmann, Hist. Eccl., i, p. 1237.
+
+  [595] Psalm cxxiv. 7, 8.
+
+  [596] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 202.
+
+The first day Luther travelled fourteen leagues. In the evening, on
+arriving at the inn where he was to pass the night, he was so fatigued
+(his horse, says one of his biographers, had a very hard trot,) that,
+on dismounting, he could not stand erect, and stretched himself out
+upon the straw. He, nevertheless, enjoyed some sleep, and the next day
+continued his journey. At Nuremberg, he found Staupitz on a visit to
+the convents of his order, and, for the first time saw the brief which
+the pope had sent to Cajetan respecting him. He was indignant at it.
+In all probability, if he had read it before his departure from
+Wittemberg, he would never have appeared before the cardinal. "It is
+impossible to believe," says he, "that any thing so monstrous could
+emanate from a sovereign pontiff."[597]
+
+  [597] Luth. Ep. i, p. 166.
+
+Throughout the journey, Luther was an object of general interest. He
+had not yielded a whit. Such a victory gained by a mendicant monk over
+a representative of Rome, excited universal admiration. Germany seemed
+avenged for the contempt of Italy. The eternal Word had been more
+honoured than the word of the pope; and that vast power which had
+domineered over the world for so many ages had received an important
+check. Luther's journey was a triumph. People were delighted with the
+obstinacy of Rome, hoping that it would hasten her downfall. Had she
+not chosen to keep fast hold of dishonest gains--had she been wise
+enough not to despise the Germans--had she reformed clamant
+abuses--perhaps, according to human views, things might have returned
+to the state of death out of which Luther had aroused them. But the
+papacy chooses not to yield, and the doctor will see himself
+constrained to bring many other errors to light, and to advance in the
+knowledge and the manifestation of the truth.
+
+On the 26th October Luther arrived at Gr�fenthal, situated at the
+extremity of the forests of Thuringia. Here he fell in with Count
+Albert of Mansfeld, who had so strongly dissuaded him from going to
+Augsburg. The count laughed heartily on seeing his singular equipage;
+and, laying hands on him, obliged him to become his guest. Shortly
+after Luther resumed his journey.
+
+He made haste to be at Wittemberg by the 31st October, expecting that
+the Elector would be there at the Feast of All Saints, and that he
+would be able to see him. The brief which he had read at Nuremberg had
+made him fully aware of the danger of his situation. In fact, being
+already condemned at Rome, he could not hope either to remain at
+Wittemberg, or to obtain an asylum in a convent, or to be in peace and
+safety any where else. The protection of the Elector might, perhaps,
+defend him, but he was far from being able to calculate upon it. He
+could not expect any help from the two friends whom he had formerly
+had at the court. Staupitz, having lost the favour he long enjoyed,
+had quitted Saxony, Spalatin was loved by Frederick, but had no great
+influence over him. The Elector himself was not so well acquainted
+with the gospel as to encounter manifest perils on account of it.
+However, Luther saw nothing better which he could do than return to
+Wittemberg, and there await the decision of an almighty and merciful
+God. If, as several thought, he were left at liberty, his wish was to
+devote himself entirely to study and the education of youth.[598]
+
+  [598] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 183.
+
+Luther did arrive at Wittemberg by the 30th October; but his haste had
+been to no purpose, for neither the Elector nor Spalatin came to the
+festival. His friends were overjoyed on seeing him again among them.
+The very day of his arrival he hastened to announce it to Spalatin--"I
+came back to Wittemberg to-day, safe and sound, by the grace of God;
+but how long I shall remain is more than I know.... I am filled with
+joy and peace; so much so, that I cannot help wondering how the trial
+which I endure appears so great to so many great personages."
+
+De Vio did not wait long, after Luther's departure, to vent all his
+indignation to the Elector. His letter breathes vengeance. In an
+assuming tone he gives Frederick an account of the conference. "Since
+friar Martin," says he, in conclusion, "cannot be brought by paternal
+methods to acknowledge his error, and remain faithful to the Catholic
+Church, I pray your Highness to send him to Rome, or banish him from
+your States. Be assured that this difficult, naughty, and venomous
+affair, cannot last longer; for, when I shall have acquainted our most
+holy lord with all the craft and malice, there will soon be an end of
+it." In a postscript, in his own hand, the cardinal entreats the
+Elector not to sully his own honour, and that of his illustrious
+ancestors, for a miserable paltry friar.[599]
+
+  [599] Ibid. p. 203.
+
+Never, perhaps, was the soul of Luther filled with nobler indignation
+than on reading the copy of this letter which the Elector sent him.
+The thought of the sufferings which he is destined to endure, the
+value of the truth for which he is combating, the contempt he feels
+for the conduct of the legate of Rome, at once fill his heart. His
+reply, written under the influence of those feelings, is full of the
+courage, dignity, and faith, which he always manifested in the most
+difficult crisis of his life. He, in his turn, gives an account of the
+conference of Augsburg, and then, after exposing the conduct of the
+cardinal continues:--
+
+"I should like to answer the legate in the Elector's stead.
+
+"Prove that you speak with knowledge," I would say to him; "let the
+whole affair be committed to writing; then I will send Friar Martin to
+Rome, or rather, I myself will cause him to be seized and put to
+death. I will take care of my conscience and my honour, and allow no
+stain to sully my fame. But as long as your certain knowledge shuns
+the light, and manifests itself only by clamour, I cannot give credit
+to darkness.
+
+"This, most excellent prince, would be my answer.
+
+"Let the reverend legate, or the pope himself, give a written
+specification of my errors; let them explain their reasons; let them
+instruct me who desire, who ask, and wish, and wait for instruction,
+in so much that even a Turk would not refuse to give it. If I retract
+not, and condemn myself after they shall have proved to me that the
+passages which I have cited ought to be understood differently from
+what I have done, then, O most excellent Elector, let your Highness be
+the first to pursue and chase me, let the university discard me, and
+load me with its anger. Nay, more, (and I call heaven and earth to
+witness,) let the Lord Jesus Christ reject and condemn me! The words
+which I speak are not dictated by vain presumption, but by immovable
+conviction. I am willing that the Lord God withdraw his grace from me,
+and that every creature of God refuse to countenance me, if, when a
+better doctrine shall have been shown to me, I embrace it not.
+
+"If, on account of the humbleness of my condition, they despise me, a
+poor paltry mendicant friar, and if they refuse to instruct me in the
+way of truth, let your Highness pray the legate to point out to you in
+writing wherein I have erred; and, if they refuse this favour even to
+your Highness, let them write their views either to his Imperial
+Majesty, or to some Archbishop of Germany. What ought I, what can I
+say more?
+
+"Let your Highness listen to the voice of your honour and your
+conscience, and not send me to Rome. No man can command you to do it,
+for it is impossible I can be in safety at Rome. The pope himself is
+not in safety there. It would be to order you to betray Christian
+blood. They have paper, pens, and ink, and they have also notaries
+without number. It is easy for them to write, and show wherein and how
+I have erred. It will cost less to instruct me by writing while I am
+absent, than while present to accomplish my death by stratagem.
+
+"I resign myself to exile. My enemies are so ensnaring me on all
+sides, that I can no where live in safety. In order that no evil may
+befall you on my account, I, in the name of God, abandon your
+territories; I will go wherever an almighty and merciful God wishes me
+to be. Let him do with me as seemeth to him good!
+
+"Thus, then, most serene Elector, with veneration I bid you farewell.
+I commend you to Almighty God, and give you immortal thanks for all
+your kindness towards me. Whatever the people among whom I shall live
+in future, I will always remember you, and gratefully pray, without
+ceasing, for the happiness of you and yours.[600]... I am still, thank
+God, full of joy, and I bless him that Christ his Son counts me
+worthy of suffering in so holy a cause. May he eternally guard your
+illustrious Highness! Amen!"
+
+  [600] "Ego enim ubicunque ero gentium, illustrissim� Dominationis tu�
+  nusqum non ero memor...." (Luth. Ep. i. p. 187.)
+
+This letter, so replete with truth, made a profound impression on the
+Elector. "He was shaken by a very eloquent letter," says Maimbourg. He
+never would have thought of delivering an innocent man into the hands
+of Rome. Perhaps he would have asked Luther to remain for some time in
+concealment, but not even in appearance would he have yielded, in any
+way, to the menaces of the legate. He wrote to his counsellor
+Pfeffinger, who happened to be with the Emperor, to make him
+acquainted with the real state of matters, and beg him to request Rome
+either to put an end to the affair, or at least leave it to be decided
+in Germany by impartial judges.[601]
+
+  [601] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 244.
+
+Some days after the Elector replied to the legate:--"Since Doctor
+Martin appeared before you at Augsburg, you ought to be satisfied. We
+did not expect that without having convicted him you would have
+thought of constraining him to retract. None of the learned in our
+dominions have told us that the doctrine of Martin is impious,
+antichristian, and heretical." The prince then refuses to send Luther
+to Rome, or banish him from his states.
+
+This letter, which was communicated to Luther, filled him with joy.
+"Good God!" wrote he to Spalatin, "with what joy I have read it and
+re-read it. I know what confidence may be put in these words, so
+admirable at once for vigour and moderation. I fear the Romans will
+not comprehend all that is meant by them, but they will at least
+comprehend that what they thought already finished is not even begun.
+Have the goodness to present my thanks to the prince. It is strange
+that he, (De Vio,) who not long ago was a mendicant monk like me, is
+not afraid to accost the most powerful princes without respect, to
+interpel, threaten, and command them, and treat them with
+inconceivable pride. Let him learn that the temporal power is of God,
+and that it is not permitted him to trample its glory under
+foot."[602]
+
+  [602] Luth. Ep. i, p. 198.
+
+Frederick, in answering the legate in a tone which he had not
+expected, had doubtless been encouraged by an address which he had
+received from the university of Wittemberg. This university had good
+reason for declaring in the doctor's favour, in as much as it was
+flourishing more and more, and eclipsing all the other schools. Crowds
+of students flocked from all parts of Germany to hear the
+extraordinary man whose lessons seemed to open a new era to religion
+and science. These youths who came from all the provinces stopped at
+the moment when they perceived the steeples of Wittemberg in the
+distance, and raising their hands to heaven, thanked God for making
+the light of truth shine on this town as formerly on Zion, and send
+its rays even to the remotest countries.[603] A life and activity
+hitherto unknown animated the university. "They ply their studies here
+like ants," wrote Luther.[604]
+
+  [603] Scultet. Annal. i, p. 17.
+
+  [604] "Studium nostrum more formicarum fervet." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 193.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XI.
+
+     Thoughts of Departure--Adieus to the Church--Critical
+     Moment--Deliverance--Luther's Courage--Discontentment at
+     Rome--Bull--Appeal to a Council.
+
+
+Luther, thinking that he might soon be banished from Germany, employed
+himself in preparing the Acts of the Conference of Augsburg for
+publication. He wished these Acts to remain as evidence of the
+struggle which he had maintained with Rome. He saw the storm ready to
+burst, but feared it not. Day after day he expected the anathemas of
+Rome, and arranged and set every thing in order, that he might be
+ready when they arrived. "Having tucked up my coat, and girt my
+reins," said he, "I am ready to depart like Abraham; not knowing
+whither I shall go, or rather knowing well, since God is every
+where."[605] He intended to leave a farewell letter behind him. "Have
+the boldness, then," wrote he to Spalatin, "to read the letter of a
+man cursed and excommunicated."
+
+  [605] "Quia Deus ubique." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 188.)
+
+His friends were in great fear and anxiety on his account, and begged
+him to enter himself prisoner in the hands of the Elector, in order
+that that prince might somewhere keep him in safe custody.[606]
+
+  [606] "Ut principi me in captivatem darem." (Ibid. p. 189.)
+
+His enemies could not understand what it was that gave him so much
+confidence. One day they were talking of him at the court of the
+Bishop of Brandenburg, and asking on what prop he could be leaning.
+"It must be in Erasmus," said they, "or Capito, or some other of the
+learned, that he confides." "No! no!" replied the bishop, "the pope
+would give himself very little trouble with such folks as these. His
+trust is in the university of Wittemberg and the Duke of Saxony." Thus
+both were ignorant of the fortress in which the Reformer had taken
+refuge.
+
+Thoughts of departure flitted across Luther's mind. They arose not
+from fear, but from the foresight of continually recurring obstacles
+which the free profession of the truth must encounter in Germany. "If
+I remain here," said he, "the liberty of speaking and writing will, as
+to many things, be wrested from me. If I depart, I will freely unbosom
+the thoughts of my heart, and offer my life to Jesus Christ."[607]
+
+  [607] "Si icro totum effundam et vitam offeram Christo." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  p. 190.)
+
+France was the country in which Luther hoped he would be able,
+untramelled, to announce the truth. The liberty which the doctors and
+university of Paris enjoyed seemed to him worthy of envy. He was,
+besides, agreed with them on many points. What would have happened had
+he been transported from Wittemberg to France? Would the Reformation
+have taken place there as it did in Germany? Would the power of Rome
+have been dethroned; and would France, which was destined to see the
+hierarchical principles of Rome, and the destructive principles of an
+infidel philosophy, long warring in its bosom, have become one great
+focus of gospel light? It is useless to indulge in vain conjectures on
+this subject; but perhaps Luther at Paris might have somewhat changed
+the destinies of Europe and France.
+
+Luther's soul was powerfully agitated. As he often preached at the
+town church in place of Simon Heyens Pontanus, pastor of Wittemberg,
+who was almost always sick, he thought it his duty, at all events, to
+take leave of a people to whom he had so often preached salvation. "I
+am," said he one day in the pulpit, "I am a precarious and uncertain
+preacher. How often already have I set out suddenly without bidding
+you farewell.... In case the same thing should happen again, and I not
+return, here receive my adieus." After adding a few words more, he
+thus meekly and modestly ended:--"I warn you, in fine, not to be
+alarmed though the papal censures let loose all their fury on me.
+Impute it not to the pope, and wish no ill either to him or any other
+mortal whatsoever, but commit the whole matter to God."[608]
+
+  [608] "Deo rem committerent." (Ibid., p. 191.)
+
+The moment seemed to have at length arrived. The prince gave Luther to
+understand he was desirous of his removal to a distance from
+Wittemberg; and the wishes of the Elector were too sacred for him not
+to hasten to comply with them. He accordingly made preparations for
+his departure, without well knowing whither he should direct his
+steps. He wished, however, to have a last meeting with his friends,
+and for this purpose invited them to a farewell repast. Seated at
+table with them, he was still enjoying their delightful conversation,
+their tender and anxious friendship. A letter is brought to him....
+It comes from the court. He opens and reads, and his heart sinks; it
+is a new order to depart. The prince asks why he is so long of setting
+out. His soul was filled with sadness. Still, however, he took
+courage, and raising his head and looking around on his guests, said
+firmly and joyfully, "Father and mother forsake me, but the Lord will
+take me up."[609] There was nothing for it but to depart. His friends
+were deeply moved. What is to become of him? If Luther's protector
+rejects him, who will receive him? And the gospel, and the truth, and
+this admirable work ... ; all doubtless must fall with their
+illustrious witness. The Reformation apparently is hanging by a
+thread; and at the moment when Luther quits the walls of Wittemberg,
+will not the thread break? Luther and his friends spoke little.
+Stunned with the blow which was directed against their brother, they
+melt into tears. But some moments after a second message arrives, and
+Luther opens the letter, not doubting he is to find a renewal of the
+summons to depart. But, O powerful hand of the Lord! for this time he
+is saved. The whole aspect is changed. "As the new envoy of the pope
+hopes that every thing may be arranged by means of a conference,
+remain still."[610] So says the letter. How important an hour this
+was; and who can say what might have happened if Luther, who was
+always in haste to obey the will of his prince, had quitted Wittemberg
+immediately after the first message? Never were Luther and the work of
+the Reformation at a lower ebb than at this moment. Their destinies
+seemed to be decided; but an instant sufficed to change them. Arrived
+at the lowest point in his career, the doctor of Wittemberg rapidly
+reascended; and thenceforward his influence ceased not to increase. In
+the language of a prophet, "The Eternal commands, and his servants
+descend into the depths; again they mount up to heaven."
+
+  [609] "Vater und Mutter verlassen mich, aber der Herr nimmt mich auf."
+
+  [610] Luth. Op. xv, 824.
+
+Spalatin having, by order of Frederick, invited Luther to Lichtenberg
+to have an interview with him, they had a long conversation on the
+situation of affairs. "If the censures of Rome arrive," said Luther,
+"I certainly will not remain at Wittemberg." "Beware," "of being too
+precipitate with your journey to France," replied Spalatin,[611] who,
+left telling him to wait till he heard from him. "Only recommend my
+soul to Christ," said Luther to his friends. "I see that my
+adversaries are strong in their resolution to destroy me, but at the
+same time Christ strengthens me in my resolution not to yield to
+them."[612]
+
+  [611] "Ne tam cito in Galliam irem." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 195.)
+
+  [612] "Firma Christus propositum non cendi in me." (Ibid.)
+
+Luther at this time published the "_Acts of the Conference at
+Augsburg_." Spalatin, on the part of the Elector, had written him not
+to do it; but it was too late. After the publication had taken place
+the prince approved of it; "Great God!" said Luther in the preface,
+"what new, what astonishing crime, to seek light and truth! And more
+especially to seek them in the Church, in other words, in the kingdom
+of truth." In a letter to Link he says, "I send you my _Acts_. They
+are more cutting, doubtless, than the legate expected; but my pen is
+ready to give birth to far greater things. I know not myself whence
+those thoughts come. In my opinion the affair is not even
+commenced;[613] so far are the grandees of Rome from being entitled to
+hope it is ended. I will send you what I have written, in order that
+you may see whether I have divined well in thinking that the
+Antichrist of which the Apostle Paul speaks is now reigning in the
+court of Rome. I believe I am able to demonstrate that it is at this
+day worse than the very Turks."
+
+  [613] "Res ista necdum habet initium suum meo judicio." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  p. 19.)
+
+Ominous rumours reached Luther from all quarters. One of his friends
+wrote to him, that the new envoy of Rome had received orders to seize
+him, and deliver him up to the pope. Another told him, that in
+travelling he had fallen in with a courtier, and the conversation
+having turned on the affairs of Germany, the courtier declared that he
+had come under an obligation to deliver Luther into the hands of the
+sovereign pontiff. "But," wrote the Reformer, "the more their fury and
+violence increase, the less I tremble."[614]
+
+  [614] "Quo illi magis furunt, et vi affectant viam, eo minus ego
+  terreor." (Ibid., p. 191.)
+
+At Rome there was great dissatisfaction with Cajetan. The chagrin
+which they felt at the failure of the affair at first turned upon him.
+The Roman courtiers thought themselves entitled to reproach him with a
+want of that prudence and finesse which, if they are to be believed,
+constitute the first quality of a legate, and with having failed on so
+important an occasion, to give pliancy to his scholastic theology. He
+is wholly to blame, said they. His lumbering pedantry has spoiled all.
+Of what use was it to irritate Luther by insults and menaces, instead
+of gaining him over by the promise of a good bishopric, or even of a
+Cardinal's hat.[615] These hirelings judged the Reformer by
+themselves. However, it was necessary to repair this blunder. On the
+one hand, Rome must give her decision, and, on the other, due court
+must be paid to the Elector, who might be of great use in the election
+of an emperor, an event which must shortly take place.
+
+  [615] Sarpi, Council of Trent, p. 8.
+
+As it was impossible for Roman ecclesiastics to suspect what
+constituted the strength and courage of Luther, they imagined that the
+Elector was much more implicated in the affair than he really was. The
+pope, therefore, resolved to follow another line of conduct. He caused
+his legate in Germany to publish a bull, confirming the doctrine of
+indulgences in the very points in which they were attacked, but
+without mentioning either the Elector or Luther. As the Reformer had
+always expressed his readiness to submit to the decision of the Roman
+Church, the pope thought that he must now either keep his word, or
+stand openly convicted as a disturber of the peace of the Church, and
+a contemner of the holy Apostolic See. In either case it seemed that
+the pope must gain. But nothing is gained by obstinately opposing the
+truth. In vain had the pope threatened to excommunicate every man who
+should teach otherwise than he ordered; the light was not arrested by
+such orders. The wise plan would have been to curb the pretensions of
+the venders of indulgences. This decree of Rome was therefore a new
+blunder. By legalising clamant errors, it irritated all the wise, and
+made it impossible for Luther to return. "It was thought," says a
+Roman Catholic historian, a great enemy of the Reformation,[616] "that
+this bull had been made solely for the interest of the pope and the
+mendicants, who began to find that nobody would give anything for
+their indulgences."
+
+  [616] Maimbourg, p. 38.
+
+The Cardinal de Vio published the bull at Lintz, in Austria, on the
+13th December, 1518, but Luther had already placed himself beyond its
+reach. On the 28th November, in the chapel of Corpus Christi at
+Wittemberg, he had appealed from the pope to a general council of the
+Church. He foresaw the storm which was gathering around him, and he
+knew that God alone could avert it. Still he did as duty called him.
+He must, no doubt, quit Wittemberg (were it only for the sake of the
+Elector) as soon as the Roman anathema should arrive; but he was
+unwilling to quit Saxony and Germany without a strong protestation.
+This he accordingly drew up; and, in order that it might be ready for
+circulation the moment the furies of Rome, as he expresses it, should
+reach him, he caused it to be printed, under the express condition
+that the bookseller Should deposit all the copies in his custody. But
+the bookseller, in his eagerness for gain, sold almost the whole,
+while Luther was quietly waiting to receive them. He felt annoyed, but
+the thing was done. This bold protestation spread every where. In it
+Luther declared anew that he had no intention to say any thing against
+the Holy Church, or the authority of the Apostolic See, or the pope
+well advised. "But," continues he, "considering that the pope, who is
+the vicar of God upon earth, may, like any other vicar, err, sin, or
+lie, and that the appeal to a general council is the only safeguard
+against unjust proceedings which it is impossible to resist, I feel
+myself obliged to have recourse to it."[617]
+
+  [617] L�scher. Ref. Act.
+
+Here, then, we see the Reformation launched on a new course. It is no
+longer made to depend on the pope and his decisions, but on an
+universal council. Luther addresses the whole Church, and the voice
+which proceeds from the chapel of Corpus Christi, must reach the whole
+members of Christ's flock. There is no want of courage in the
+Reformer, and here he gives a new proof of it. Will God fail him? The
+answer will be found in the different phases of the Reformation which
+are still to be exhibited to our view.
+
+
+END OF VOLUME FIRST.
+
+
+William Collins, and Co., Printers, Glasgow.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).
+
+Small capital text has been replaced with all capitals.
+
+The carat character (^) indicates that the following letter is
+superscripted (example: WILL^M).
+
+Archaic words, variations in spelling, punctuation and hyphenation
+have been retained except in obvious cases of typographical error.
+
+The following footnotes had no anchors and hence were added by the
+transcriber:
+
+Footnote 11: "Ego me non arbitror hoc honore dignum." (Er. Ep. i, p.
+653.)
+
+Footnote 112: Erasm. Ep. 274.
+
+Footnote 128: "Was gross sol werden, muss klein angeben." (Mathesius,
+Hist. p. 3.)
+
+Footnote 563: There was no anchor for the footnote "Seckend. p. 137."
+The transcriber has supplied it.
+
+On page 47 there is a footnote anchor with no matching footnote at
+"Promise me that you will always think so." The transcriber has placed
+an asterisk at the location.
+
+Table of Contents incorrectly lists Book II Chapter IX as beginning on
+page 94. The transcriber has changed the number to 93. Likewise the
+page number for Chapter X has been changed from 168 to 167. For Book
+III Chapter V, the page number has been changed from 204 to 203.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Reformation in the
+Sixteenth Century (Volume 1), by J. H. Merle D'Aubign�
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF REFORMATION IN 16TH CENTURY ***
+
+***** This file should be named 40858-8.txt or 40858-8.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/4/0/8/5/40858/
+
+Produced by Colin Bell, Delphine Lettau, Julia Neufeld and
+the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at
+  www.gutenberg.org/license.
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at 809
+North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887.  Email
+contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the
+Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit:  www.gutenberg.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For forty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/40858-8.zip b/40858-8.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0a1d4d7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40858-8.zip
diff --git a/40858-h.zip b/40858-h.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f019369
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40858-h.zip
diff --git a/40858-h/40858-h.htm b/40858-h/40858-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1f9170e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40858-h/40858-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,17095 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
+    "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">
+
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">
+  <head>
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" />
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" />
+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century, by J. H. MERLE D'AUBIGN�.
+    </title>
+    <style type="text/css">
+
+body {
+    margin-left: 10%;
+    margin-right: 10%;
+}
+
+    h1,h2,h3 {
+    text-align: center; /* all headings centered */
+    clear: both;
+}
+
+p {
+    margin-top: .75em;
+    text-align: justify;
+    margin-bottom: .75em;
+}
+    .hanging {margin-left: 2em;
+     text-indent: -2em;
+}
+
+hr {
+    margin: 3em auto 3em auto;
+    height: 0px;
+    border-width: 1px 0 0 0;
+    border-style: solid;
+    border-color: #dcdcdc;
+    width: 500px;
+    clear: both;
+}
+
+table {
+    margin-left: auto;
+    margin-right: auto;
+}
+
+table.toc {
+    margin: auto;
+    width: 50%;
+}
+
+td.c1  {
+    text-align: right;
+    vertical-align: top;
+    padding-right: 1em;
+}
+
+td.c2  {
+    text-align: left;
+    margin-left: 0em;
+    padding-left: 2em;
+    text-indent: -2em;
+    padding-right: 1em;
+    vertical-align: top;
+}
+
+td.c3 {
+    text-align: right;
+    padding-left: 1em;
+    vertical-align: bottom;
+}
+
+td  { padding: 0em 1em; }
+th  { padding: 0em 1em; }
+
+    .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */
+        /*  visibility: hidden;  */
+        position: absolute;
+        left: 92%;
+        font-size: smaller;
+        text-align: right;
+        color: #999;
+} /* page numbers */
+
+    .blockquot {
+        margin-left: 5%;
+        margin-right: 10%;
+}
+
+    .center   {text-align: center;}
+
+    .smcap    {font-variant: small-caps;}
+
+    .u        {text-decoration: underline;}
+
+    .caption  {font-weight: bold;}
+
+    .gap { margin-top: 1em; }
+
+/* Images */
+    .figcenter {
+        margin: auto;
+        text-align: center;
+}
+
+    .bord img {
+        padding: 1px;
+        border: 1px solid black;
+}
+
+p.caption {
+    margin-top: 0;
+    font-size: 70%;
+    text-align: left;
+}
+
+/* Transcriber Notes */
+div.tn {
+    background-color: #EEE;
+    border: dashed 1px;
+    color: #000;
+    margin-left: 20%;
+    margin-right: 20%;
+    margin-top: 5em;
+    margin-bottom: 5em;
+    padding: 1em;
+}
+
+ul.corrections {
+    list-style-type: circle;
+}
+
+/* Footnotes */
+div.fn {
+    background-color: #EEE;
+    border: dashed 1px;
+    color: #000;
+    margin-left: 20%;
+    margin-right: 20%;
+    margin-top: 5em;
+    margin-bottom: 5em;
+    padding: 1em;
+}
+
+    .footnote {
+        margin-left: 10%;
+        margin-right: 10%;
+        font-size: 0.9em;
+}
+
+    .footnote .label {
+        position: absolute;
+        right: 84%;
+        text-align: right;
+}
+
+    .fnanchor {
+        vertical-align: super;
+        font-size: .8em;
+        text-decoration: none;
+}
+
+/* Poetry */
+    .poem {
+        margin-left: 10%;
+        margin-right: 10%;
+        text-align: left;
+}
+
+    .poem br { display: none; }
+
+    .poem .stanza { margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em; }
+
+    .poem span.i0 {
+        display: block;
+        margin-left: 0em;
+        padding-left: 3em;
+        text-indent: -3em;
+}
+    .poem span.i1 {
+        display: block;
+        margin-left: 1em;
+        padding-left: 3em;
+        text-indent: -3em;
+}
+
+    .signature {
+        text-align: right;
+        margin-right: 5%;
+}
+    </style>
+  </head>
+<body>
+
+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth
+Century (Volume 1), by J. H. Merle D'Aubign�
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century (Volume 1)
+       A new translation by Henry Beveridge
+
+Author: J. H. Merle D'Aubign�
+
+Translator: Henry Beveridge
+
+Release Date: September 25, 2012 [EBook #40858]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF RESTORATION IN 16TH CENTURY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Colin Bell, Delphine Lettau, Julia Neufeld and
+the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 370px;"><br />
+<img src="images/front.jpg" width="370" height="600" alt="MARTIN LUTHER." title="MARTIN LUTHER" />
+<span class="caption">MARTIN LUTHER.<br />
+
+WILL<sup>M</sup> COLLINS, GLASGOW.</span>
+</div>
+
+<h1><br />
+HISTORY<br />
+<br />
+OF<br />
+<br />
+THE REFORMATION<br />
+<br />
+IN THE<br />
+<br />
+SIXTEENTH CENTURY.
+</h1>
+<h3>BY</h3>
+<h2>J. H. MERLE D'AUBIGN�, D.D.</h2>
+
+<p>
+J'appelle accessoire, l'estat des affaires de ceste vie caduque et transitoire. J'appelle
+principal, le gouvernement spirituel auquel reluit souverainement la providence de
+Dieu.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Theodore De Beze.</span><br />
+<br />
+By <i>accessory</i> I mean the state of affairs in this fading and transitory life. By
+principal I mean the spiritual government in which the providence of God is sovereignly
+displayed.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><br />
+<br />
+A NEW TRANSLATION:<br />
+<br />
+(CONTAINING THE AUTHOR'S LAST IMPROVEMENTS,)<br />
+<br /><br />
+
+<big>BY HENRY BEVERIDGE, ESQ. ADVOCATE.</big><br />
+<br />
+VOLUME FIRST.<br />
+<br /><br />
+GLASGOW:<br />
+PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM COLLINS.<br />
+LONDON: R. GROOMBRIDGE AND SONS.<br />
+1845.<br />
+<br />
+GLASGOW:<br />
+WILLIAM COLLINS AND CO.,<br />
+PRINTERS.<br />
+</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>TRANSLATOR'S ADVERTISEMENT.</h2>
+
+
+<p>D'Aubign�'s History of the Reformation is so well known
+and so highly appreciated as to make it not only unnecessary,
+but almost presumptuous, for a mere Translator to
+say any thing in commendation of it. The public feeling
+unquestionably is, that of the works which have recently
+appeared, it is one of the most talented, interesting, important,
+and seasonable. The mere lapse of time, aided by
+the active misrepresentations of the Romish party, had
+begun to make an impression in some degree unfavourable
+to the principles of the Reformation. This admirable work
+has again placed these principles in their true light. By its
+vivid display of what Rome was and did, it has impressively
+reminded us of what she still is, and is prepared to do. Her
+great boast is, that she has never changed. If so, she longs
+to return to her former course, and will return to it the first
+moment that circumstances enable her to do so. Being
+thus warned, our duty is plain. We must prepare for the
+combat; and of all preparations, none promises to be more
+effectual than that of thoroughly embuing the public mind
+with the facts so graphically delineated, and the principles
+so luminously and forcibly expounded in this work of
+D'Aubign�.</p>
+
+<p>But, it may be asked, Has not this purpose been effected
+already, or at least may it not be effected without the instrumentality
+of a new translation?</p>
+
+<p>To this question the Translator answers, <i>First</i>, The form
+of the present translation and the price at which it is published
+place the work within the reach of thousands to whom<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[iv]</a></span>
+it might otherwise be a sealed book. <i>Second</i>, While this
+Translation is the cheapest in existence, it is also the only
+one which can, in strict truth, be regarded as genuine.
+The edition from which this translation is made was published
+in 1842. The date would have been of little
+consequence if the work had continued the same; but
+the fact is, that the edition of 1842 is not a reprint,
+but a complete revision of the one which preceded it.
+Numerous passages of considerable length and great importance
+have been introduced, while others which had, on
+a careful examination, been deemed redundant or inaccurate,
+have been expunged. Surely, after all the pains which
+the distinguished author has expended on the improvement
+of his work, it is scarcely doing justice either to him or to
+the English reader to leave his improvements unknown. In
+another respect the present Translation exclusively contains
+what is conceived to be a very decided improvement.
+All the Notes, the meaning of which is not given in the
+Text, have been literally translated. It seemed somewhat
+absurd while translating French for the benefit of the
+English reader, to be at the same time presenting him with
+a large number of passages of untranslated Latin.</p>
+
+<p>While the work has been printed in a form to which the
+most fastidious cannot object, it has been issued at a price
+which makes it accessible to all. The result, it is hoped,
+will be, that D'Aubign�'s History of the Reformation will
+obtain a circulation somewhat adequate to its merits, and
+by its introduction into every family become what it well
+deserves to be&mdash;a household book.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">&nbsp;</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents">
+<tr><td align="center">BOOK I.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><small>STATE OF MATTERS BEFORE THE REFORMATION.</small></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">&nbsp;</td><td align="right"><small>PAGE</small></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. I.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Christianity&mdash;Formation of the Papacy&mdash;Unity of the Church&mdash;The Decretals&mdash;Hildebrand&mdash;Corruption of Doctrine,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_13">13</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. II.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Grace and Works&mdash;Pelagianism&mdash;Penances&mdash;Indulgences&mdash;Supererogation&mdash;Purgatory&mdash;Taxation&mdash;Jubilee,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. III.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Relics&mdash;Easter Merriment&mdash;Corruption of the Clergy&mdash;A Priest's Family&mdash;Education&mdash;Ignorance,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. IV.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Christianity Imperishable&mdash;Opposition to Rome&mdash;Frederick the Wise&mdash;His Character&mdash;His Anticipation,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. V.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">The Empire&mdash;National Character&mdash;Switzerland&mdash;Italy&mdash;Spain&mdash;Portugal&mdash;France&mdash;Netherlands&mdash;England&mdash;Scotland&mdash;The North&mdash;Russia&mdash;Poland&mdash;Bohemia&mdash;Hungary,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. VI.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">State of Theology&mdash;Witnesses for the Truth&mdash;The Vaudois&mdash;Wickliffe&mdash;-Huss&mdash;Savonarola&mdash;John Wessel&mdash;Prol�s,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_58">58</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. VII.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Literature&mdash;Dante&mdash;Printing&mdash;Reuchlin&mdash;His Struggle with the Dominicans,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_71">71</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. VIII.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Erasmus&mdash;His Genius&mdash;His 'Praise of Folly'&mdash;His Greek Testament&mdash;His Influence&mdash;His Failings,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_82">82</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. IX.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">The Nobles&mdash;H�tten&mdash;'Letters of some Obscure Men'&mdash;Seckingen&mdash;Cronberg&mdash;Hans Sachs&mdash;General Fermentation,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_94">94</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[vi]</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">BOOK II.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><small>YOUTH, CONVERSION, AND FIRST LABOURS, OF LUTHER.</small></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. I.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Luther&mdash;His Parentage&mdash;The Paternal Roof&mdash;Strict Discipline&mdash;School&mdash;The Shunammite&mdash;His Studies&mdash;University,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_103">103</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. II.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Scholasticism and the Classics&mdash;Luther's Piety&mdash;His Discovery of a Bible&mdash;His Sickness&mdash;The Thunderstorm&mdash;His Entrance into a Convent,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_112">112</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. III.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">His Father's Anger&mdash;Servile Employments&mdash;His Studies&mdash;The Bible&mdash;Hebrew and Greek&mdash;His Agony during Mass&mdash;Faints,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_118">118</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. IV.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Staupitz&mdash;His Piety&mdash;His Visitation&mdash;His Conversation&mdash;Presents Luther with a Bible&mdash;The Old Monk&mdash;Luther's Consecration&mdash;His Call to Wittemberg,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_126">126</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. V.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">The University of Wittemberg&mdash;Luther's First Employment&mdash;Biblical Lectures&mdash;Preaching at Wittemberg&mdash;The Old Chapel,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_136">136</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. VI.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Luther's Journey to Rome&mdash;A Convent on the Po&mdash;Luther's Behaviour at Rome&mdash;Corruption of the Romish Clergy&mdash;Prevailing Immorality&mdash;Pilate's Staircase,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_140">140</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. VII.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Doctor's Degree&mdash;Carlstadt&mdash;Luther's Oath&mdash;First Views of Reformation&mdash;The Schoolmen&mdash;Spalatin,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_149">149</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. VIII.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">'Popular Declamations'&mdash;Moral Purity of Luther&mdash;Mysticism&mdash;Spenlein&mdash;Justification by Faith&mdash;Necessity of Works,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_156">156</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. IX.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">First Theses&mdash;Visit to the Convents&mdash;Dresden&mdash;Erfurt&mdash;Tornator Peace and the Cross&mdash;Labours&mdash;The Plague,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_163">163</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. X.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Luther and the Elector&mdash;Duke George&mdash;Luther at Court&mdash;Dinner Emser's Supper,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_167">167</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. XI.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Theses&mdash;Human Nature&mdash;Rationalism&mdash;Eck&mdash;Urban Regius&mdash;Luther's Modesty,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_172">172</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[vii]</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">Book III.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><small>THE INDULGENCES AND THESES.</small></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. I.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Cort�ge&mdash;Tezel&mdash;His Discourse&mdash;Sale of Indulgences&mdash;Public Penance&mdash;Letter of Indulgence&mdash;Feasting and Debauchery,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_180">180</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. II.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">The Soul in the Burying-Ground&mdash;Shoemaker of Hagenau&mdash;Myconius&mdash;Stratagem&mdash;Miner of Schneeberg,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_187">187</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. III.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Leo X&mdash;His Necessities&mdash;Albert&mdash;His Character&mdash;Franciscans and Dominicans,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_193">193</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. IV.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Tezel Approaches&mdash;Luther in the Confessional&mdash;Tezel's Rage&mdash;Luther's Discourse&mdash;The Elector's Dream,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_197">197</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. V.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Luther's Theses&mdash;Letter to Albert&mdash;Dissemination of the Theses,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_203">203</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. VI.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Reuchlin&mdash;Erasmus&mdash;Flek&mdash;Bibra&mdash;The Emperor&mdash;The Pope&mdash;Myconius&mdash;The Monks&mdash;Adelman&mdash;An Old Priest&mdash;Bishop of Brandenburg&mdash;Luther's Moving Principle,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_213">213</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. VII.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Tezel's Attack&mdash;Luther's Reply&mdash;Luther and Spalatin&mdash;Study of Scripture&mdash;Scheurl and Luther&mdash;Luther pleads for the People&mdash;A new Suit,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_221">221</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. VIII.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Disputation at Frankfort&mdash;Tezel's Theses&mdash;Knipstrow&mdash;Luther's Theses burnt&mdash;Tezel's Theses burnt,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_227">227</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. IX.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Prierio&mdash;His Dialogue&mdash;Luther's Reply&mdash;Hochstraten&mdash;Eck&mdash;'The Obelisks'&mdash;'The Asterisks,'</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_235">235</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. X.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Popular Writings&mdash;Lord's Prayer&mdash;Sermon on Repentance,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_244">244</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. XI.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Apprehensions of Luther's Friends&mdash;Journey to Heidelberg&mdash;Bibra&mdash;The Palatinate Castle&mdash;The Paradoxes&mdash;Bucer&mdash;Brentz&mdash;Snepf&mdash;The Old Professor,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_249">249</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[viii]</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">BOOK FOURTH.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><small>LUTHER BEFORE THE LEGATE.</small></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. I.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">'Solutions'&mdash;Leo X&mdash;Luther to the Bishop&mdash;To the Pope&mdash;To the Vicar-General&mdash;Rovere to the Elector&mdash;Discourse on Excommunication,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_258">258</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. II.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Diet of Augsburg&mdash;The Emperor to the Pope&mdash;Luther cited to Rome&mdash;Luther's Peace&mdash;Intercession of the University&mdash;Papal Brief&mdash;The Pope to the Elector,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_266">266</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. III.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Schwarzerd&mdash;His Wife&mdash;Philip Melancthon&mdash;His Genius&mdash;His Studies&mdash;Call to Wittemberg&mdash;Leipsic&mdash;Parallel between Luther and Melancthon&mdash;Education,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_273">273</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. IV.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Luther and Staupitz&mdash;Order to Appear&mdash;Luther's Departure for Augsburg&mdash;Weimar&mdash;Nuremberg,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_280">280</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. V.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Arrival at Augsburg&mdash;De Vio&mdash;Serra-Longa&mdash;Safe-Conduct&mdash;Luther to Melancthon,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_285">285</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. VI.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">First Appearance&mdash;Conditions of Rome&mdash;Propositions to Retract&mdash;Luther's Reply&mdash;Impressions on both Sides&mdash;Arrival of Staupitz,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_293">293</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. VII.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Communication to the Legate&mdash;Second Appearance&mdash;Luther's Declaration&mdash;The Legate's Reply&mdash;The Legate's Volubility&mdash;Luther's Request,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_299">299</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. VIII.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Third Appearance&mdash;Treasury of Indulgences&mdash;Humble Request&mdash;Legate's Rage&mdash;Luther Retires,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_303">303</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. IX.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">De Vio and Staupitz&mdash;Staupitz and Luther&mdash;Luther and Spalatin Communion&mdash;Departure of Staupitz and Link&mdash;Luther to Cajetan&mdash;Luther's Departure&mdash;Appeal to the Pope,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_307">307</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. X.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Luther's Flight&mdash;Luther's Wish&mdash;The Legate to the Elector&mdash;The Elector to the Legate&mdash;Prosperity of the University,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_316">316</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">CHAP. XI.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Thoughts of Departure&mdash;Adieus to the Church&mdash;Critical Moment&mdash;Luther's Courage&mdash;Discontentment at Rome&mdash;Papal Bull&mdash;Appeal to a Council,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_321">321</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p>
+<h2>PREFACE TO THE LAST EDITION.</h2>
+
+
+<p>My purpose is not to write the history of a party, but that of one
+of the greatest revolutions which has taken place among men&mdash;the
+history of a mighty impulse which was given to the world three
+centuries ago, and the influence of which is still, in our day, every
+where perceived. The history of the Reformation is different from
+the history of Protestantism. In the former, every thing bears
+testimony to a revival of human nature, to a transformation, social
+and religious, emanating from God. In the latter are too often
+seen a remarkable degeneracy from primitive principles, party intrigue,
+a sectarian spirit, and the impress of petty private feelings.
+The history of Protestantism might interest none but Protestants;
+the history of the Reformation is for all Christians, or rather all
+men.</p>
+
+<p>The historian has a choice in the field in which he is to labour.
+He may describe the great events which change the face of a
+people, or the face of the world; or he may narrate the calm and
+progressive course, whether of a nation, the Church, or mankind,
+which usually follows great social changes. Both fields of history
+are highly important; but the preference, in point of interest, seems
+due to those epochs which, under the name of Revolutions, introduce
+a nation or society at large to a new era and a new life.</p>
+
+<p>Such a transformation I have attempted to describe with very
+humble powers, hoping that the beauty of the subject will compensate
+for my want of ability. In styling it a <i>Revolution</i>, I give
+it a name which in our day is in discredit with many, who almost
+confound it with <i>revolt</i>. This is a mistake. A revolution is a
+change which takes place in the world's affairs. It is something
+new evolved (<i>revolvo</i>) from the bosom of humanity; and, indeed,
+before the end of the last century, the term was oftener used in a
+good than a bad sense. They spoke of "a happy," a "marvellous"
+revolution. The Reformation being a re-establishment of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span>
+principles of primitive Christianity, is the opposite of a revolt. For
+that which behoved to revive it was a regenerating&mdash;for that which
+must always subsist, a conservative movement. Christianity and
+the Reformation, while establishing the grand principle that all
+souls are equal in the sight of God, and overthrowing the usurpations
+of a haughty priesthood, which presumed to place itself between
+the Creator and his creature, lay it down as a fundamental
+principle of social order, that all power is of God, and cry aloud to
+all, "Love your brethren, fear God, honour the king."</p>
+
+<p>The Reformation differs essentially from the revolutions of antiquity,
+and from the greater part of those of modern times. In
+these, political changes are in question, and the object is to establish
+or overthrow the ascendancy of one, or it may be of many.
+The love of truth, of holiness, and eternity, was the simple, yet
+powerful, spring by which our Reformation was effected. It marks
+a step which human nature has taken in advance. In fact, if man,
+instead of pursuing only material, temporal, earthly interests, proposes
+to himself a higher aim, aspiring to immaterial and immortal
+blessings, he advances and makes progress. The Reformation is
+one of the brightest days of this glorious advance. It is a pledge
+that the new struggle, which is now being decided, will terminate
+in favour of truth, with a triumph still more pure, spiritual, and
+splendid.</p>
+
+<p>Christianity and the Reformation are the two greatest revolutions
+on record. Unlike the different political movements of which
+we read, they took place not in one nation merely, but in several
+nations, and their effects must be felt to the end of the world.</p>
+
+<p>Christianity and the Reformation are the same revolution,
+effected at different times, and under different circumstances.
+They vary in secondary features, but are identical in their primary
+and principal lineaments. The one is a repetition of the
+other. The one ended the old, the other began the new world;
+the middle ages lie between. The one gave birth to the other,
+and if, in some respects, the daughter bears marks of inferiority,
+she on the other hand has her own peculiar properties.</p>
+
+<p>One of these is the rapidity of her action. The great revolutions
+which have issued in the fall of a monarchy, and the
+change of a whole political system, or which have thrown the human
+mind on a new course of development, were slowly and gradually
+prepared. The old power had long been undermined,
+and its principal buttresses had one after another disappeared.
+It was so on the introduction of Christianity. But the Reformation
+is seen, at the first glance, to present a different aspect. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span>
+Church of Rome appears, under Leo X, in all its power and
+glory. A monk speaks, and over the half of Europe this power
+and glory crumble away, thus reminding us of the words in which
+the Son of God announces his second advent: "As the lightning
+cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west, so shall
+also the coming of the Son of man be." (Matth., xxiv, 27.)</p>
+
+<p>This rapidity is inexplicable to those who see, in this great
+event, only a <i>reform</i>, and regard it as simply an act of criticism,
+which consisted in making a choice among doctrines, discarding
+some, retaining others, and arranging those retained, so as to form
+them into a new system.</p>
+
+<p>How could a whole nation, how could several nations, have so
+quickly performed an operation so laborious? How could this critical
+examination have kindled that fire of enthusiasm which is
+essential to great, and, above all, to rapid revolutions? The Reformation,
+as its history will show, was altogether different. It
+was a new effusion of the life which Christianity brought into the
+world. It was the triumph of the greatest of doctrines, that which
+animates those who embrace it with the purest and strongest
+enthusiasm&mdash;the doctrine of faith, the doctrine of grace. Had the
+Reformation been what many Catholics and many Protestants
+in our day imagine,&mdash;had it been that negative system of negative
+reason, which childishly rejects whatever displeases it, and
+loses sight of the great ideas and great truths of Christianity, it
+had never passed the narrow limits of an academy, a cloister, or a
+cell. It had nothing in common with what is generally understood
+by Protestantism. Far from being a worn-out, emaciated
+body, it rose up like a man of might and fire.</p>
+
+<p>Two considerations explain the rapidity and the extent of this
+revolution. The one must be sought in God, the other among
+men. The impulse was given by a mighty and invisible hand, and
+the change effected was a Divine work. This is the conclusion
+at which an impartial and attentive observer, who stops not at
+the surface, necessarily arrives. But the historian's task is not
+finished; for God works by second causes. A variety of circumstances,
+many of them unperceived, gradually prepared men for
+the great transformation of the sixteenth century, and, accordingly,
+the human mind was ripe when the hour of its emancipation
+pealed.</p>
+
+<p>The task of the historian is to combine these two great elements
+in the picture which he presents, and this has been attempted
+in the present history. We shall be easily understood, when we
+come to trace the second causes which contributed to the Reformation,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span>
+but some perhaps will not understand us so well, and will
+even be tempted to tax us with superstition, when we attribute
+the accomplishment of the work to God. The idea, however, is
+particularly dear to us. This history, as indicated by the inscription
+on its title-page, places in front and over its head the simple
+and prolific principle, <span class="smcap">God in History</span>. But this principle being
+generally neglected, and sometimes disputed, it seems necessary to
+expound our views with regard to it, and thereby justify the method
+which we have seen it proper to adopt.</p>
+
+<p>History cannot, in our day, be that lifeless series of events which
+the greater part of previous historians deemed it sufficient to
+enumerate. It is now understood that in history as in man are
+two elements, matter and spirit. Our great historians, unable to
+satisfy themselves with a detail of facts, constituting only a barren
+chronicle, have sought for a principle of life to animate the materials
+of past ages.</p>
+
+<p>Some have borrowed this principle from art, aiming at vivid,
+faithful, and graphic description, and endeavouring to make their
+narrative live with the life of the events themselves.</p>
+
+<p>Others have applied to philosophy for the spirit which should
+give fruit to their labours. To facts they have united speculative
+views, instructive lessons, political and philosophical truths, enlivening
+their narrative by the language which they have made it
+speak, and the ideas which it has enabled them to suggest.</p>
+
+<p>Both methods doubtless are good, and should be employed
+within certain limits. But there is another source to which, above
+all others, it is necessary to apply for the spirit and life of the past&mdash;I
+mean Religion. History should be made to live with its own
+proper life. God is this life. God must be acknowledged&mdash;God
+proclaimed&mdash;in history. The history of the world should purport
+to be annals of the government of the Supreme King.</p>
+
+<p>I have descended into the field to which the narratives of our
+historians invited me, and there seen the actions of men and of
+states in energetic development and violent collision: of the clang
+of arms, I have heard more than I can tell; but no where have I
+been shown the majestic form of the Judge who sits umpire of the
+combat.</p>
+
+<p>And yet in all the movements of nations, there is a living principle
+which emanates from God. God is present on the vast stage
+on which the generations of men successively appear. True! He
+is there a God invisible; but if the profane multitude pass carelessly
+by, because He is concealed, profound intellects, spirits which
+feel a longing for the principle of their existence, seek him with so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span>
+much the more earnestness, and are not satisfied until they are
+prostrated before Him. And their enquiries are magnificently
+rewarded. For, from the heights which they must reach in order
+to meet with God, the history of the world, instead of exhibiting to
+them, as to the ignorant crowd, a confused chaos, is seen like a
+majestic temple, on which the invisible hand of God himself is at
+work, and which, from humanity, as the rock on which it is
+founded, is rising up to his glory.</p>
+
+<p>Shall we not see God in those great phenomena, those great personages,
+those great states, which rise, and suddenly, so to speak,
+spring from the dust of the earth, giving to human life a new impulse,
+form, and destiny? Shall not we see Him in those great
+heroes who start up in society, at particular epochs, displaying an
+activity and a power beyond the ordinary limits of man, and around
+whom individuals and nations come without hesitation, and group
+themselves as around a higher and mysterious nature? Who flung
+forward into space those comets of gigantic form and fiery tail,
+which only appear at long intervals, shedding on the superstitious
+herd of mortals either plenty and gladness, or pestilence and terror?
+Who, if not God?... Alexander seeks his origin in the
+abodes of Divinity; and in the most irreligious age there is no
+great renown which strives not to connect itself in some way with
+heaven.</p>
+
+<p>And do not those revolutions, which cast down dynasties, or
+even whole kingdoms into the dust; those huge wrecks which we
+fall in with in the midst of the sands; those majestic ruins which
+the field of humanity presents, do not those cry loud enough, God
+in History? Gibbon, sitting amid the wrecks of the Capitol, and
+contemplating the venerable ruins, acknowledges the intervention
+of a higher power. He sees, he feels it, and in vain would turn
+away from it. This spectre of a mysterious power reappears behind
+each ruin, and he conceives the idea of describing its influence in
+the history of the disorganisation, the decline and fall of this Roman
+power, which had subjugated the nations. This powerful
+hand, which a man of distinguished genius, one, however, who had
+not bent the knee before Jesus Christ, perceives athwart scattered
+fragments of the tomb of Romulus, reliefs of Marcus Aurelius, busts
+of Cicero and Virgil, statues of C�sar and Augustus, trophies of
+Trajan, and steeds of Pompey, shall not we discover amid all
+ruins, and recognise as the hand of our God?</p>
+
+<p>Strange! this interposition of God in human affairs, which even
+Pagans had recognised, men reared amid the grand ideas of Christianity
+treat as superstition.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span>The name which Grecian antiquity gave to the Sovereign God,
+shows us that it had received primitive revelations of this great
+truth of a God, the source of history, and of the life of nations.
+It called him <i>Zeus</i>,<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> that is to say, He who gives <i>life</i> to all that
+lives, to individuals and nations. To his altars kings and subjects
+come to take their oaths, and from his mysterious inspirations
+Minos and other legislators pretend to have received their laws.
+Nay more, this great truth is figured by one of the most beautiful
+myths of Pagan antiquity. Even Mythology might teach the
+sages of our day. This is a fact which it may be worth while to
+establish; perhaps there are individuals who will oppose fewer
+prejudices to the lessons of Paganism than to those of Christianity.
+This Zeus, then, this Sovereign God, this Eternal Spirit, the principle
+of life, is father of Clio, the Muse of History, whose mother
+is Mnemosyne or Memory. Thus, according to antiquity, history
+unites a celestial to a terrestrial nature. She is daughter of God
+and man. But, alas! the short-sighted wisdom of our boasted
+days is far below those heights of Pagan wisdom. History has
+been robbed of her divine parent, and now an illegitimate child, a
+bold adventurer, she roams the world, not well knowing whence she
+comes, or whither she goes.</p>
+
+<p>But this divinity of Pagan antiquity is only a dim reflection, a
+flickering shadow of the Eternal Jehovah. The true God whom
+the Hebrews worship, sees meet to imprint it on the minds of all
+nations that he reigns perpetually on the earth, and for this purpose
+gives, if I may so express it, a bodily form to this reign in the
+midst of Israel. A visible Theocracy behoved for once to exist on
+the earth, that it might incessantly recall the invisible Theocracy
+which will govern the world for ever.</p>
+
+<p>And what lustre does not the great truth&mdash;God in History&mdash;receive
+from the Christian Dispensation? Who is Jesus Christ, if
+he be not God in History? It was the discovery of Jesus Christ
+that gave John M�ller, the prince of modern historians, his knowledge
+of history. "The Gospel," he says, "is the fulfilment of all
+hopes, the finishing point of all philosophy, the explanation of all
+revolutions, the key to all the apparent contradictions of the physical
+and moral world; in short, life and immortality. Ever since I
+knew the Saviour, I see all things clearly; with him there is no
+difficulty which I cannot solve."<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p>
+
+<p>So speaks this great historian; and, in truth, is not the fact of
+God's appearance in human nature the key-stone of the arch, the
+mysterious knot which binds up all the things of earth, and attaches<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span>
+them to heaven? There is a birth of God in the history of the
+world, and shall God not be in history? Jesus Christ is the true
+God in the history of men. The very meanness of his appearance
+proves it. When man wishes to erect a shade or shelter on the
+earth, you may expect preparations, materials, scaffolding, workmen,
+tools, trenches, rubbish. But God, when he is pleased to
+do it, takes the smallest seed, which a new-born babe could have
+clasped in its feeble hand, deposits it in the bosom of the earth,
+and, from this grain, at first imperceptible, produces the immense
+tree under which the families of the earth recline. To do great
+things by imperceptible means is the law of God.</p>
+
+<p>In Jesus Christ this law receives its most magnificent fulfilment.
+Of Christianity, which has now taken possession of the portals
+of nations, which is, at this moment, reigning or wandering over
+all the tribes of the earth from the rising to the setting sun, and
+which incredulous philosophy herself is obliged to acknowledge as
+the spiritual and social law of the world&mdash;of this Christianity, (the
+greatest thing under the vault of heaven, nay, in the boundless
+immensity of Creation,) what was the commencement? An infant
+born in the smallest town of the most despised nation of the earth&mdash;an
+infant whose mother had not what the poorest and most
+wretched female in any one of our cities has, a room for birth&mdash;an
+infant born in a stable and laid in a manger!... There,
+O God, I behold and I adore Thee!</p>
+
+<p>The Reformation knew this law of God, and felt she had a
+call to accomplish it. The idea that God is in history was often
+brought forward by the Reformers. In particular, we find it on
+one occasion expressed by Luther, under one of those grotesque
+and familiar, yet not undignified figures which he was fond of
+employing in order to be understood by the people. "The world,"
+said he one day at table among his friends; "the world is a vast
+and magnificent game at cards, consisting of emperors, kings, and
+princes. For several ages the pope has beaten the emperors,
+princes, and kings, who stooped and fell under him. Then our Lord
+God came and dealt the cards, taking to himself the smallest,
+[Luther,] and with it has beaten the pope, who beat the kings of
+the earth.... God used it as his ace. 'He hath put down the
+mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree,' says
+Mary." (Luke, i, 52.)</p>
+
+<p>The period whose history I am desirous to trace, is important
+with reference to the present time. Man, on feeling his weakness,
+is usually disposed to seek for aid in the institutions which
+he sees existing around him, or in devices, the offspring of his own<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span>
+imagination. The history of the Reformation shows that nothing
+new is done with what is old, and that if, according to our Saviour's
+expression, there must be new vessels for new wine, there must
+also be new wine for new vessels. It directs man to God, the sole
+actor in history&mdash;to that divine Word&mdash;always ancient, from the
+eternity of the truths which it contains&mdash;always new, by the regenerating
+influence which it exerts, which three centuries ago purified
+society, restoring faith in God to those whom superstition had
+enfeebled; and which, at all epochs in the world's history, is the
+source from which salvation proceeds.</p>
+
+<p>It is singular to see a great number of individuals under the
+agitation produced by a vague longing for some fixed belief, actually
+applying to old Catholicism. In one sense, the movement is natural.
+Religion being so little known, they imagine the only place to find
+it is where they see it painted, in large characters, on a banner,
+which age makes respectable. We say not that every kind of
+Catholicism is incapable of giving man what he wants. Our belief
+is, that a distinction should be carefully drawn between Catholicism
+and the Papacy. The Papacy we hold to be an erroneous and destructive
+system; but we are far from confounding Catholicism
+with it. How many respectable men, how many true Christians
+has not the Catholic Church contained! What immense services
+did not Catholicism render to existing states on their first formation,
+at a time when it was still strongly impregnated with the
+Gospel, and when the Papacy was only sketched above it in faint
+outline! But we are far away from those times. In our day an
+attempt is made to yoke Catholicism to the Papacy; and if catholic
+Christian truths are presented, they are little else than baits to
+allure men into the nets of the hierarchy. There is nothing to be
+expected from that quarter. Has the papacy abandoned one of its
+practices, its doctrines, its pretensions? Will not this religion,
+which other ages were unable to bear, be still less tolerable to ours?
+What revival was ever seen to emanate from Rome? Is it from
+the Papal hierarchy, all engrossed by earthly passions, that the
+spirit of faith, hope, and charity, which alone will save us, can proceed?
+Is it an effete system, which has no life for itself, which is
+everywhere struggling with death, and exists only by aid borrowed
+from without, that will give life to others, and animate Christian
+society with the heavenly breath for which it sighs?</p>
+
+<p>Or will this void in heart and soul, which some of our contemporaries
+begin to feel, dispose others of them to apply to the new
+Protestantism which has in several places supplanted the principal
+doctrines taught in the days of the Apostles and Reformers?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span>
+A great vagueness of doctrine reigns in many of those Reformed
+Churches whose original members gave their blood as a seal of the
+living faith which animated them. Men of distinguished talents,
+alive to all that is beautiful in creation, have fallen into singular
+aberrations. A general faith in the divinity of the Gospel is the
+only standard which they are willing to follow. But what is this
+Gospel? This is the essential question; and yet all are silent on
+it, or, rather, each speaks in his own way. What avails it to
+know that in the midst of the people stands a vessel placed there
+by God in order to cure them, if none care for its contents, if none
+endeavour to appropriate them? This system cannot fill up the
+existing void. While the faith of the Apostles and Reformers is
+now in all quarters displaying its activity and power in the conversion
+of the world, this vague system does nothing, gives no
+light, no life.</p>
+
+<p>But let us not be without hope. Does not Roman Catholicism
+confess the great doctrines of Christianity, God the Father, Son,
+and Holy Spirit, Creator, Saviour, and Sanctifier, the Truth? Does
+not vague Protestantism hold in its hand the Book of Life, which
+is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction
+in righteousness?" And how many upright spirits, honourable
+in the eyes of men, and pleasing in the sight of God, are
+found among the followers of these two systems! How shall we
+not love them?&mdash;how shall we not ardently desire their complete
+emancipation from the elements of the world? Charity is of vast
+extent; she takes the most opposite opinions into her embrace,
+that she may bring them to the feet of Jesus Christ.</p>
+
+<p>Already there are signs which show that these two extreme
+opinions are in course of approximating to Jesus Christ, who is
+the centre of truth. Are there not some Roman Catholic churches
+in which the reading of the Scriptures is recommended and practised?
+And, in regard to Protestant rationalism, how great the
+advance which it has already made! It did not originate in the
+Reformation, for the history of this great revolution will prove that
+it was a time of faith; but may we not hope that it is tending
+towards it? May not the force of truth reach it through the Word
+of God, and, reaching, transform it? Even now it gives signs
+of religious sentiment, inadequate, no doubt, but still forming an
+approach towards sound doctrine, and giving hopes of decisive
+progress.</p>
+
+<p>Both Protestantism and old Catholicism are in themselves out
+of the question, and off the field; and it must be from some other
+source that the men of our day are to derive a saving power. There<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span>
+must be something which comes not of man, but of God. "Give
+me," said Archimedes, "a point outside the world, and I will
+lift it from its poles." True Christianity is this point outside the
+world. It lifts the human heart from the double pivot of egotism
+and sensuality, and will one day lift the whole world from its
+evil course, and make it turn on a new axis of righteousness and
+peace.</p>
+
+<p>Whenever religion is in question, three objects engage the attention&mdash;God,
+man, and the priest. There can only be three religions
+on the earth, according as God, man, or the priest, is the author
+and head. By the religion of the priest, I mean that which is invented
+by the priest for the glory of the priest, and is ruled over
+by a sacerdotal caste. By the religion of man, I mean those
+systems, those various opinions which human reason forms, and
+which, created by man under disease, are, in consequence, utterly
+devoid of power to cure him. By the religion of God, I mean the
+truth as God himself has given it, having for its end and result the
+glory of God and the salvation of men.</p>
+
+<p>Hierarchism, or the religion of the priest, Christianity, or the
+religion of God, rationalism, or the religion of man, are the three
+systems which in our days share Christendom among them. There
+is no safety either for man or for society in hierarchism and
+rationalism. Christianity alone will give life to the world; but,
+unhappily, of the three dominant systems it is not the one which
+counts the greatest number of followers.</p>
+
+<p>Followers, however, it has. Christianity is doing its work of
+regeneration among many Catholics in Germany, and, doubtless,
+in other countries also. In our opinion, it is accomplishing it more
+purely and efficaciously among the evangelical Christians in Switzerland,
+France, Great Britain, the United States, etc. Blessed be
+God, the revivals, individual or social, which the Gospel produces,
+are no longer in our day rare events, for which we must search in
+ancient annals!</p>
+
+<p>What I design to write, is a general history of the Reformation.
+I purpose to follow its course among the different nations, and
+to show that the same truths have everywhere produced the same
+results; at the same time, pointing out the diversities occasioned
+by differences of national character. And, first, it is in Germany
+especially that we find the primitive type of reform. There it presents
+the most regular development, there, above all, it bears the
+character of a revolution not limited to this or that people, but
+embracing the whole world. The Reformation in Germany is the
+fundamental history of reform. It is the great planet; the other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span>
+Reformations are secondary planets, which turn with it, lighted by
+the same sun, and adapted to the same system, but still having a
+separate existence, each shedding a different light, and always
+possessing a peculiar beauty. To the Reformation of the sixteenth
+century we may apply the words of St. Paul, "There is one glory
+of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the
+stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory." (1 Cor.,
+xv, 41.) The Swiss Reformation took place at the same time
+with that of Germany, and independently of it, and presented,
+more especially at an after period, some of the grand features
+which characterise the German Reformation. The Reformation in
+England has very special claims on our attention, from the powerful
+influence which the Church of that kingdom is now exercising
+over the whole world. But recollections of family and of flight,
+the thought of battles, sufferings, and exile endured for the cause of
+the Reformation in France, give it, in my eyes, a peculiar attraction.
+Considered in itself, and also in the date of its commencement,
+it presents beauties of its own.</p>
+
+<p>I believe that the Reformation is a work of God; this must have
+been already seen. Still, I hope to be impartial in tracing its
+history. Of the principal Roman Catholic actors in this great
+drama&mdash;for example, of Leo X, Albert of Magdeburg, Charles V,
+and Doctor Eck&mdash;I believe I have spoken more favourably than
+the greater part of historians have done. On the other hand, I
+have not sought to hide the faults and failings of the Reformers.</p>
+
+<p>Since the winter of 1831-32, I have delivered public lectures on
+the period of the Reformation, and I then published my opening
+Address.<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> These lectures have served as a preparative for the
+work which I now offer to the public.</p>
+
+<p>This history has been drawn from sources made familiar to me
+by long residence in Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland,
+and by the study, in the original tongues, of documents relating
+to the religious history of Great Britain, and some other countries
+besides. These sources are indicated by notes throughout the
+work, and therefore require not to be mentioned here.</p>
+
+<p>I could have wished to authenticate the different parts of my
+narrative by numerous original notes, but found that, if long and
+frequent, they might interrupt the course of the narrative in a
+manner disagreeable to the reader. I have, therefore, confined
+myself to certain passages which seemed fitted to make him more
+thoroughly acquainted with subject.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span>I address this history to those who love to see past events simply
+as they were, and not by the help of the magic mirror of genius,
+which magnifies and gilds, but sometimes also diminishes and distorts
+them. Neither the philosophy of the eighteenth, nor the
+romance of the nineteenth century, will furnish my opinions or my
+colours. I write the history of the Reformation in its own spirit.
+Principles, it has been said, have no modesty. Their nature is to
+rule, and they doggedly insist on the privilege. If they meet in
+their path with other principles which dispute their ascendancy,
+they give battle instantly; for a principle never rests till it has
+conquered. Nor can it be otherwise. To reign is its life; if it
+reigns not, it dies. Hence, while declaring that I am not able,
+and that I have no wish to rival other historians of the Reformation,
+I make a reservation in favour of the principles on which
+this history rests, and fearlessly maintain their superiority.</p>
+
+<p>I cannot help thinking that as yet no history of the memorable
+epoch which I am about to describe exists in French. When I
+commenced my work, I saw no indication that the blank was to be
+filled up. This circumstance alone could have induced me to
+undertake the work, and I here bring it forward as my excuse.
+The blank exists still; and I pray Him from whom every good
+gift "cometh down" to grant that this humble attempt may not
+be without benefit to some of its readers.</p>
+
+<p class="signature">
+J. H. M. D'AUBIGN�.</p>
+<p>
+<span class="smcap">Eaux-Vives, near Geneva.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span></p>
+<h2>HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION<br />
+IN THE<br />
+SIXTEENTH CENTURY.</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>BOOK I.</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. I.</h2>
+
+<h3>STATE OF MATTERS BEFORE THE REFORMATION.</h3>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Christianity&mdash;Two distinguishing Principles&mdash;Formation of the Papacy&mdash;First
+encroachments&mdash;Influence of Rome&mdash;Co-operation of Bishops and Factions&mdash;External
+Unity of the Church&mdash;Internal Unity of the Church&mdash;Primacy of St.
+Peter&mdash;Patriarchates&mdash;Co-operation of Princes&mdash;Influence of the Barbarians&mdash;Rome
+invokes the Franks&mdash;Secular Power&mdash;Pepin and Charlemagne&mdash;The Decretals&mdash;Disorders
+of Rome&mdash;The Emperor the Pope's Liege Lord&mdash;Hildebrand&mdash;His
+character&mdash;Celibacy&mdash;Struggle with the Emperor&mdash;Emancipation of the Pope&mdash;Hildebrand's
+Successors&mdash;The Crusades&mdash;The Church&mdash;Corruption of Doctrine.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>The enfeebled world was rocking on its base when Christianity
+appeared. National religions which had sufficed for the fathers,
+could no longer satisfy the children. The new generation could
+not be moulded in the ancient forms. The gods of all nations
+transported to Rome, had there lost their oracles, as the nations
+had there lost their liberty. Brought face to face in the Capitol,
+they had mutually destroyed each other, and their divinity had
+disappeared. A great void had been made in the religion of the
+world.</p>
+
+<p>A kind of deism, destitute of spirit and life, kept floating, for
+some time, over the abyss in which the vigorous superstitions of the
+ancients were engulfed. But, like all negative beliefs, it was unable
+to build. Narrow national distinctions fell with the gods, and the
+nations melted down into one another. In Europe, Asia, and
+Africa, there was now only one empire, and the human race began
+to feel its universality and its unity.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>Then the Word was made flesh.</p>
+
+<p>God appeared among men, and as a man, "to save that which
+was lost." In Jesus of Nazareth "dwelt all the fulness of the Godhead
+bodily."</p>
+
+<p>This is the greatest event in the annals of the world. Ancient
+times had prepared it,&mdash;new times flow from it. It is their centre,
+their bond, and their unity.</p>
+
+<p>Thenceforth all the popular superstitions were without meaning,
+and the slender remains which they had saved from the great
+shipwreck of infidelity sank before the Majestic Sun of eternal
+truth.</p>
+
+<p>The Son of man lived thirty-three years here below, curing the
+sick, instructing sinners, having no place where to lay his head,
+yet displaying, in the depth of this humiliation, a grandeur, a holiness,
+a power, and divinity, which the world had never known.
+He suffered, died, rose again, and ascended to heaven. His disciples,
+beginning at Jerusalem, traversed the empire and the world,
+everywhere proclaiming their Master "the Author of eternal salvation."
+From the heart of a nation, which stood aloof from all
+nations, came forth a mercy which invited and embraced all.
+A great number of Asiatics, Greeks, and Romans, till then led by
+priests to the feet of dumb idols, believed the Word which suddenly
+illumined the earth "like a sunbeam," as Eusebius expresses it.<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a>
+A breath of life began to move over this vast field of death. A
+new people, a holy nation, was formed among men, and the
+astonished world beheld, in the disciples of the Galilean, a purity,
+a self-denial, a charity, a heroism, of which it had lost even the
+idea.</p>
+
+<p>Two principles, in particular, distinguished the new religion from
+all the human systems which it drove before it. The one related
+to the ministers of worship, the other to doctrine.</p>
+
+<p>The ministers of Paganism were in a manner the gods whom those
+human religions worshipped. The priests of Egypt, Gaul, Scythia,
+Germany, Britain, and Hindostan, led the people so long, at least,
+as the eyes of the people were unopened. Jesus Christ, no doubt,
+established a ministry, but he did not found a particular priesthood.
+He dethroned the living idols of the nations, destroyed
+a proud hierarchy, took from man what man had taken from God,
+and brought the soul again into immediate contact with the divine
+source of truth, proclaiming himself sole Master and sole Mediator.&mdash;"One
+is your Master, even Christ," said he; "and all ye are
+brethren." (Matt., xxiii, 8.)</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span>In regard to doctrine, human religions had taught that salvation
+was of man. The religions of the earth had framed an earthly
+religion. They had told man that heaven would be given him as a
+hire&mdash;they had fixed its price, and what a price! The religion of
+God taught that salvation came from God, was a gift from heaven,
+the result of an amnesty, of an act of grace by the Sovereign.
+"God," it is said, "has given eternal life."</p>
+
+<p>It is true, Christianity cannot be summed up under these two
+heads, but they seem to rule the subject, especially where history
+is concerned; and as we cannot possibly trace the opposition between
+truth and error, in all points, we must select those of them
+which are most prominent.</p>
+
+<p>Such, then, were two of the constituent principles of the religion
+which at that time took possession of the empire, and of the world.
+<i>With</i> them we are within the true land-marks of Christianity&mdash;<i>out
+of</i> them Christianity disappears. On the preservation or the loss
+of them depended its greatness or its fall. They are intimately
+connected; for it is impossible to exalt the priests of the church, or
+the works of believers, without lowering Jesus Christ in his double
+capacity of Mediator and Redeemer. The one of these principles
+should rule the history of religion, the other should rule its doctrine.
+Originally, both were paramount; let us see how they were lost.
+We begin with the destinies of the former.</p>
+
+<p>The Church was at first a society of brethren, under the guidance
+of brethren. They were all taught of God, and each was entitled
+to come to the Divine fountain of light, and draw for himself.
+(John, vi, 45.) The Epistles, which then decided great questions
+of doctrine, were not inscribed with the pompous name of a single
+man&mdash;a head. The Holy Scriptures inform us, that the words
+were simply these, "The apostles, elders, and brethren, to our
+brethren." (Acts, xv, 23.)</p>
+
+<p>But even the writings of the apostles intimate, that from the
+midst of these brethren a power would rise and subvert this simple
+and primitive order. (2 Thess., ii, 2.)</p>
+
+<p>Let us contemplate the formation, and follow the development of
+this power&mdash;a power foreign to the Church.</p>
+
+<p>Paul of Tarsus, one of the greatest apostles of the new religion,
+had arrived at Rome, the capital of the empire and of the world,
+preaching the salvation which comes from God. A church was
+formed beside the throne of the C�sars. Founded by this apostle,
+it consisted at first of some converted Jews, some Greeks, and
+some citizens of Rome. For a long time it shone like a pure light
+on a mountain top. Its faith was everywhere spoken of; but at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span>
+length it fell away from its primitive condition. It was by small
+beginnings that the two Romes paved their way to the usurped
+dominion of the world.</p>
+
+<p>The first pastors or bishops of Rome early engaged in the
+conversion of the villages and towns around the city. The necessity
+which the bishops and pastors of the Campagna di Roma felt
+of recurring in cases of difficulty to an enlightened guide, and
+the gratitude which they owed to the Church of the metropolis,
+led them to remain in close union with it. What has always been
+seen in analogous circumstances was seen here; this natural union
+soon degenerated into dependence. The superiority which the
+neighbouring churches had freely yielded, the bishops of Rome
+regarded as a right. The encroachments of power form one large
+part of history, while the resistance of those whose rights were
+invaded forms the other. Ecclesiastical power could not escape the
+intoxication which prompts all those who are raised to aim at
+rising still higher. It yielded to this law of humanity and nature.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless, the supremacy of the Roman bishop was at this
+time limited to oversight of the churches within the territory civilly
+subject to the prefect of Rome.<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> But the rank which this city of
+the Emperors held in the world, presented to the ambition of its
+first pastor a larger destiny. The respect paid in the second
+century to the different bishops of Christendom was proportioned
+to the rank of the city in which they resided. Now Rome was
+the greatest, the richest, and the most powerful city in the world.
+It was the seat of Empire,&mdash;the mother of nations; "All the inhabitants
+of the earth belong to it," says Julian;<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> and Claudian proclaims
+it "the fountain of law."<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a></p>
+
+<p>If Rome is queen of the cities of the world, why should not its
+pastor be the king of bishops? Why should not the Roman Church
+be the mother of Christendom? Why should not the nations
+be her children, and her authority their sovereign law? It was easy
+for the ambitious heart of man to reason in this way. Ambitious
+Rome did so.</p>
+
+<p>Thus Pagan Rome, when she fell, sent the proud titles which
+her invincible sword had conquered from the nations of the earth to
+the humble minister of the God of peace seated amidst her ruins.</p>
+
+<p>The bishops in the different quarters of the empire, led away<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span>
+by the charm which Rome had for ages exercised over all nations,
+followed the example of the Campagna di Roma, and lent a hand
+to this work of usurpation. They took pleasure in paying to the
+Bishop of Rome somewhat of the honour which belonged to the
+Queen city of the world. At first there was no dependence implied
+in this honour. They treated the Roman pastor as equal
+does equal;<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> but usurped powers grow like avalanches. What was
+at first mere brotherly advice soon became, in the mouth of the
+Pontiff, obligatory command. In his eyes a first place among
+equals was a throne.</p>
+
+<p>The Western bishops favoured the designs of the pastors of
+Rome, either from jealousy of the Eastern bishops or because they
+preferred the supremacy of a pope to the domination of a temporal
+power.</p>
+
+<p>On the other hand, the theological factions which rent the East
+sought, each in its turn, to gain the favour of Rome, anticipating
+their triumph from the support of the principal Church of the
+West.</p>
+
+<p>Rome carefully registered these requests, these mediations, and
+smiled when she saw the nations throwing themselves into her
+arms. She let slip no occasion of increasing and extending her
+power. Praise, flattery, extravagant compliments, consultation
+by other churches, all became, in her eyes, and in her hands, titles
+and evidents of her authority. Such is man upon the throne; incense
+intoxicates him, and his head turns. What he has he
+regards as a motive to strive for more.</p>
+
+<p>The doctrine of the Church, and of the necessity of her external
+unity, which began to prevail so early as the third century, favoured
+the pretensions of Rome. The primary idea of the Church
+is, that it is the assembly of the saints, (1 Cor., i, 2,) the assembly
+of the first-born whose names are written in heaven. (Heb.,
+xii, 23.) Still, however, the Church of the Lord is not merely
+internal and invisible. It must manifest itself outwardly, and it
+was with a view to this manifestation that the Lord instituted the
+Sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist. The Church considered
+as external, has characteristics different from those which
+distinguish her as the Church invisible. The internal Church,
+which is the body of Christ, is necessarily and perpetually one.
+The visible Church, doubtless, has part in this unity, but considered
+in herself, multiplicity is a characteristic attributed to her
+in the Scriptures of the New Testament. While they speak to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span>
+us of a Church of God,<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> they mention, when speaking of the
+Church, as externally manifested, "the Churches of Galatia,"
+"the Churches of Macedonia," "the Churches of Judea," "all the
+Churches of the Saints."<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> These different Churches, unquestionably,
+may to a certain extent cultivate external union; but though
+this tie be wanting, they lose none of the essential qualities of the
+Church of Christ. In primitive times, the great tie which united
+the members of the Church was the living faith of the heart, by
+which all held of Christ as their common Head.</p>
+
+<p>Various circumstances early contributed to originate and develop
+the idea of the necessity of an external unity. Men accustomed
+to the ties and political forms of an earthly country,
+transferred some of their views and customs to the spiritual and
+eternal kingdom of Jesus Christ. Persecution, powerless to destroy,
+or even to shake this new society, drew its attention more
+upon itself, and caused it to assume the form of a more compact
+incorporation. To the error which sprung up in deistical schools,
+or among sects, was opposed the one universal truth received
+from the Apostles, and preserved in the Church. This was well,
+so long as the invisible and spiritual Church was one with the
+visible and external Church. But a serious divorce soon took
+place; the form and the life separated from each other. The
+semblance of an identical and external organisation was gradually
+substituted for the internal and spiritual unity which forms the
+essence of genuine religion. The precious perfume of faith was
+left out, and then men prostrated themselves before the empty
+vase which had contained it. The faith of the heart no longer
+uniting the members of the Church, another tie was sought, and
+they were united by means of bishops, archbishops, popes, mitres,
+ceremonies, and canons. The living Church having gradually retired
+into the hidden sanctuary of some solitary souls, the external
+Church was put in its place, and declared to be, with all its forms,
+of divine institution. Salvation, no longer welling up from the
+henceforth hidden Word, it was maintained that it was transmitted
+by means of the forms which had been devised, and that
+no man could possess it if he did not receive it through this channel.
+None, it was said, can, by his own faith, attain to eternal
+life. Christ communicated to the Apostles, and the Apostles communicated
+to the Bishops, the unction of the Holy Spirit; and
+this Spirit exists nowhere but in that order! Originally, whosoever
+had the Spirit of Jesus Christ was a member of the Church,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span>
+but the terms were now reversed, and it was maintained that none
+but members of the Church received the Spirit of Jesus Christ.<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a></p>
+
+<p>In proportion as these ideas gained ground, the distinction
+between clergy and people became more marked. The salvation
+of souls no longer depended solely on faith in Christ, but also,
+and more especially, on union with the Church. The representatives
+and heads of the Church obtained a part of the confidence
+due only to Jesus Christ, and in fact became mediators for the
+flock. The idea of the universal priesthood of Christians accordingly
+disappeared step by step; the servants of the Church of
+Christ were likened to the priests under the Old Dispensation;
+and those who separated from the bishop were put in the same
+class with Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. From an individual
+priesthood, such as was then formed in the Church, to a sovereign
+priesthood, such as Rome now claims, the step was easy.</p>
+
+<p>In fact, as soon as the error as to the necessity of a visible
+unity of the Church was established, a new error was seen to arise,
+viz., that of the necessity of an external representative of this
+unity.</p>
+
+<p>Although we nowhere find in the gospel any traces of a pre-eminence
+in St. Peter over the other apostles; although the very idea
+of primacy is opposed to the fraternal relations which united the
+disciples, and even to the spirit of the gospel dispensation, which,
+on the contrary, calls upon all the children of the Father to be
+servants one to another, recognising one only teacher, and one
+only chief; and although Jesus Christ sharply rebuked his disciples,
+as often as ambitious ideas of pre-eminence arose in their carnal
+hearts, men invented, and by means of passages of Scripture ill
+understood, supported a primacy in St. Peter, and then in this
+apostle, and his pretended successors at Rome, saluted the visible
+representatives of visible unity&mdash;the heads of the Church!</p>
+
+<p>The patriarchal constitution also contributed to the rise of
+the Roman Papacy. So early as the three first centuries, the
+churches of metropolitan towns had enjoyed particular respect.
+The Council of Nice, in its Sixth Canon, singled out three cities,
+whose churches had, according to it, an ancient authority over
+those of the surrounding provinces; these were Alexandria, Rome,
+and Antioch. The political origin of this distinction is betrayed
+by the very name which was at first given to the bishop of these
+cities. He was called Exarch, in the same way as the civil<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span>
+governor.<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a> At a later period, the more ecclesiastical name of Patriarch
+was given to him. This name occurs for the first time in the
+Council of Constantinople, but in a different sense from that which
+it received at a later period; for it was only a short time before the
+Council of Chalcedon, that it was applied exclusively to the great
+metropolitans. The second ecumenical Council created a new patriarchate,
+that of Constantinople itself, the new Rome, the second
+capital of the empire. The Church of Byzantium, so long in obscurity,
+enjoyed the same privileges, and was put by the Council of Chalcedon
+in the same rank as the Church of Rome. Rome then
+shared the patriarchate with these three churches; but when the invasion
+of Mahomet annihilated the sees of Alexandria and Antioch&mdash;when
+the see of Constantinople decayed, and later, even separated
+from the west, Rome remained alone, and circumstances rallied
+all around her see, which from that time remained without a rival.</p>
+
+<p>New accomplices, the most powerful of all accomplices, came
+also to her aid. Ignorance and superstition seized upon the
+Church, and gave her up to Rome with a bandage on her eyes,
+and chains on her hands. Still this slavery was not completed without
+opposition. Often did the voice of the churches protest their
+independence: This bold voice was heard especially in proconsular
+Africa and the East.<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a></p>
+
+<p>But Rome found new allies to stifle the cry of the Churches.
+Princes, whom tempestuous times often caused to totter on the
+throne, offered her their support if she would in return support
+them. They offered her spiritual authority, provided she would reinstate
+them in secular power. They gave her a cheap bargain
+of souls, in the hope that she would help them to a cheap bargain
+of their enemies. The hierarchical power which was rising, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span>
+the imperial power which was declining, thus supported each
+other, and, by this alliance, hastened their double destiny.</p>
+
+<p>Here Rome could not be a loser. An edict of Theodosius II,
+and of Valentinian III, proclaimed the bishop of Rome "Rector
+of the whole Church."<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a> Justinian issued a similar edict. These
+decrees did not contain all that the popes pretended to see in
+them; but in those times of ignorance it was easy for them to
+give prevalence to the interpretation which was most in their
+favour. The power of the emperors in Italy becoming always
+more precarious, the Bishops of Rome failed not to avail themselves
+of the circumstance to shake off their dependence.</p>
+
+<p>But energetic promoters of the Papal power had by this time
+emerged from the forests of the North. The barbarians, who had
+invaded the West, and there fixed their abode, after intoxicating
+themselves with blood and rapine, behoved to lower their fierce
+sword before the intellectual, power which they encountered. Altogether
+new to Christianity, ignorant of the spiritual nature of
+the Church, and requiring in religion a certain external show,
+they prostrated themselves, half savages, and half Pagans, before
+the High Priest of Rome. With them the West was at his feet.
+First, the Vandals, then the Ostrogoths, a little later the Burgundians,
+afterwards the Visigoths, lastly, the Lombards and
+Anglo-Saxons, came to do obeisance to the Roman Pontiff. It
+was the robust shoulders of the sons of the idolatrous North
+which finished the work of placing a pastor of the banks of the
+Tiber on the supreme throne of Christendom.</p>
+
+<p>These things took place in the West at the beginning of the
+seventh century, precisely at the same period when the power
+of Mahomet, ready also to seize on a portion of the globe, was
+rising in the East.</p>
+
+<p>From that time the evil ceases not to grow. In the eighth
+century we see the Bishops of Rome with one hand repulsing the
+Greek Emperors, their lawful sovereigns, and seeking to chase
+them from Italy, while, with the other, they caress the Mayors of
+France, and ask this new power, which is beginning to rise in the
+West, for a share in the wrecks of the empire. Between the East,
+which she repels, and the West, which she invites, Rome establishes
+her usurped authority. She rears her throne between two
+revolts. Frightened at the cry of the Arabs, who, become masters
+of Spain, vaunt that they will soon arrive in Italy by the
+passes of the Pyrennees and the Alps, and proclaim the name of
+Mahomet on the seven hills&mdash;amazed at the audacious Astolphus,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span>
+who, at the head of his Lombards, sends forth his lion-roar, and
+brandishes his sword before the gates of the eternal city, threatening
+massacre to every Roman,<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a>&mdash;Rome, on the brink of ruin,
+looks around in terror, and throws herself into the arms of the
+Franks. The usurper Pepin asks a pretended sanction to his new
+royalty; the Papacy gives it to him, and gets him in return to
+declare himself the defender of the "Republic of God." Pepin
+wrests from the Lombards what they had wrested from the emperor;
+but, instead of restoring it to him, he deposits the keys of
+the towns which he has conquered on the altar of St. Peter, and,
+swearing with uplifted hand, declares that it was not for a man
+he took up arms, but to obtain the forgiveness of his sins from
+God, and do homage to St. Peter for his conquests.</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne appears. The first time, he goes up to the Cathedral
+of St. Peter devoutly kissing the steps. When he presents
+himself a second time, it is as master of all the kingdoms which
+formed the empire of the West, and of Rome herself.</p>
+
+<p>Leo III deems it his duty to give the title to him who already
+has the power, and, in the year 800, at the feast of Noel, places
+on the head of the son of Pepin the crown of the Emperor of
+Rome.<a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a> From that time the pope belongs to the empire of the
+Franks, and his relations with the East are ended. He detaches
+himself from a rotten tree which is about to fall, in order to engraft
+himself on a vigorous wild stock. Among the Germanic
+races, to which he devotes himself, a destiny awaits him to which
+he had never ventured to aspire.</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne bequeathed to his feeble successors only the wrecks
+of his empire. In the ninth century civil power being everywhere
+weakened by disunion, Rome perceived that now was the moment
+for her to lift her head. When could the Church better
+make herself independent of the State than at this period of decline,
+when the crown which Charles wore was broken, and its
+fragments lay scattered on the soil of his ancient empire?</p>
+
+<p>At this time the spurious Decretals of Isidore appeared. In
+this collection of pretended decrees of the popes, the most ancient
+bishops, the contemporaries of Tacitus and Quintilian, spoke the
+barbarous Latin of the ninth century. The customs and constitutions<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span>
+of the Franks were gravely attributed to the Romans
+of the time of the emperors; popes quoted the Bible in the
+Latin translation of St. Jerome, who lived one, two, or three
+centuries after them; and Victor, Bishop of Rome, in the year
+192, wrote to Theophilus, who was Archbishop of Alexandria, in
+395. The impostor, who had forged this collection, strove to
+make out that all the bishops derived their authority from the
+Bishop of Rome, who derived his immediately from Jesus Christ.
+Not only did he record all the successive conquests of the pontiffs,
+but he, moreover, carried them back to the remotest periods. The
+popes were not ashamed to avail themselves of this despicable invention.
+As early as 865, Nicholas I selected it as his armour<a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a>
+to combat princes and bishops. This shameless forgery was for
+ages the arsenal of Rome.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless, the vices and crimes of the pontiffs were for
+some time to suspend the effects of the Decretals. The Papacy
+celebrates its admission to the table of kings, by shameful libations.
+It proceeds to intoxicate itself, and its head turns amidst
+the debauch. It is about this time that tradition places upon the
+Papal throne a damsel named Joan, who had fled to Rome with
+her lover, and, being taken in labour, betrayed her sex in the
+middle of a solemn procession. But let us not unnecessarily
+aggravate the disgrace of the Court of the Roman Pontiffs.
+Abandoned females did reign in Rome at this period. A throne,
+which pretended to exalt itself above the majesty of kings, grovelled
+in the mire of vice. Theodora and Marozia, at will, installed
+and deposed the pretended Masters of the Church of Christ,
+and placed upon the throne of Peter their paramours, their sons,
+and their grandsons. These scandalous proceedings, which are
+but too true, perhaps, gave rise to the tradition of Popess Joan.</p>
+
+<p>Rome becomes a vast theatre of disorder, on which the most
+powerful families in Italy contend for ascendancy&mdash;the Counts of
+Tuscany usually proving victorious. In 1033, this house dares to
+place upon the pontifical throne, under the name of Benedict the
+Ninth, a young boy brought up in debauchery. This child of
+twelve, when pope, continues his ineffable turpitude.<a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a> A faction
+elects Sylvester in his stead, and at length Pope Benedict, with a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span>
+conscience loaded with adultery, and a hand dyed with the blood of
+murders,<a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> sells the popedom to an ecclesiastic of Rome.</p>
+
+<p>The Emperors of Germany, indignant at so many disorders,
+cleansed Rome with the sword. The empire, exercising its rights
+of superiority, drew the triple crown out of the mire into which
+it had fallen, and saved the degraded popedom by giving it decent
+men for heads. Henry III, in 1046, deposed three popes,
+and his finger, adorned with the ring of the Roman Patricians,
+pointed out the bishop to whom the keys of the confession of
+St. Peter were to be remitted. Four popes, all Germans, and nominated
+by the emperor, succeeded each other. When the pontiff
+of Rome died, deputies from that Church appeared at the imperial
+court, like the envoys from other dioceses, to request a new
+bishop. The emperor was even glad to see the pope reforming
+abuses, strengthening the Church, holding councils, inducting and
+deposing prelates, in spite of foreign monarchs; the Papacy, by
+these pretensions, only exalted the power of the emperor, its liege
+lord. But there was great danger in allowing such games to be
+played. The strength which the popes were thus resuming, by
+degrees, might be turned, all at once, against the emperor himself.
+When the viper recovered, it might sting the bosom which
+warmed it. This was what actually happened.</p>
+
+<p>Here a new epoch in the Papacy begins. It starts up from its
+humiliation, and soon has the princes of the earth at its feet. To
+exalt it is to exalt the Church, is to aggrandise religion, is to
+secure to the mind its victory over the flesh, and to God his
+triumph over the world. These are its maxims, and in these ambition
+finds its profit, fanaticism its excuse.</p>
+
+<p>The whole of this new tendency is personified in one man,&mdash;Hildebrand.</p>
+
+<p>Hildebrand, by turns unduly extolled or unjustly stigmatised, is
+the personification of the Roman pontificate in its power and
+glory. He is one of those master spirits of history, which contain
+in them an entire order of new things, similar to those
+presented in other spheres by Charlemagne, Luther, and Napoleon.</p>
+
+<p>Leo IX took up this monk in passing through Clugny, and
+carried him to Rome. From that time Hildebrand was the soul
+of the popedom, until he became the popedom itself. He governed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span>
+the Church in the name of several pontiffs before his own reign
+under that of Gregory VII. One great idea took possession of
+this great genius. He wishes to found a visible theocracy of which
+the pope, as vicar of Jesus Christ, will be head. The remembrance
+of the ancient universal dominion of Pagan Rome haunts his
+imagination, and animates his zeal. He wishes to restore to Papal
+Rome all that the Rome of the Emperors had lost. "What Marius
+and C�sar," said his flatterers, "could not do by torrents of blood,
+thou performest by a word."</p>
+
+<p>Gregory VII was not led by the Spirit of the Lord. To this
+Spirit of truth, humility, and meekness, he was a stranger. He
+sacrificed what he knew to be true, when he judged it necessary
+to his designs. In particular, he did so in the affair of Berenger.
+But a spirit far superior to that of the common run of pontiffs, a
+deep conviction of the justice of his cause, undoubtedly did animate
+him. Bold, ambitious, and inflexible in his designs, he was, at the
+same time, dexterous and supple in the employment of means to
+ensure their success.</p>
+
+<p>His first labour was to embody the militia of the Church, for he
+behoved to make himself strong before he attacked the empire.
+A Council held at Rome cut off pastors from their families, and
+obliged them to belong entirely to the hierarchy. The law of
+celibacy, conceived and executed under popes who were themselves
+monks, changed the clergy into a kind of monastic order.
+Gregory VII pretended to have over all the bishops and priests of
+Christendom the same power which an abbot of Clugny had over
+the order over which he presided. The legates of Hildebrand, comparing
+themselves to the proconsuls of ancient Rome, traversed
+the provinces to deprive pastors of their lawful wives, and if need
+were, the pope himself stirred up the populace against married
+ministers.<a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a></p>
+
+<p>But Gregory's main purpose was to shake Rome free of the
+empire. This bold design he never would have ventured to conceive,
+had not the dissensions which troubled the minority of
+Henry IV, and the revolt of the German princes, favoured its
+execution. The pope was then like one of the grandees of the
+empire. Making common cause with the other great vassals, he
+forms a party in the aristocratic interest, and then forbids all
+ecclesiastics, under pain of excommunication, to receive investiture<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>
+to their benefices from the Emperor. He breaks the ancient ties
+which unite churches and their pastors to the authority of the
+prince, but it is to yoke all of them to the pontifical throne. His
+aim is by a powerful hand to enchain priests, kings, and people,
+and make the pope a universal monarch. It is Rome alone that
+every priest must fear, in Rome alone that he must hope. The
+kingdoms and princedoms of the earth are his domain, and all
+kings must tremble before the thunder of the Jupiter of modern
+Rome. Woe to him who resists! Subjects are loosed from their
+oath of allegiance, the whole country is smitten with interdict, all
+worship ceases, the churches are shut, and their bells are mute;
+the sacraments are no longer administered, and the word of malediction
+reaches even to the dead, to whom the earth, at the bidding
+of a haughty pontiff, refuses the peace of the tomb.</p>
+
+<p>The pope, who had been subject from the earliest days of his existence,
+first to the Roman Emperors, then to the Frank Emperors,
+and, lastly to the German Emperors, was now emancipated, and
+walked, for the first time, their equal, if not, indeed, their master.
+Gregory VII was, however, humbled in his turn; Rome was
+taken, and Hildebrand obliged to flee. He died at Salerno, saying,
+"I have loved righteousness and hated iniquity, therefore die I in
+exile."<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a> Words thus uttered at the portals of the grave who will
+presume to charge with hypocrisy?</p>
+
+<p>The successors of Gregory, like soldiers who arrive after a great
+victory, threw themselves, as conquerors, on the subjugated churches.
+Spain, rescued from Islamism, Prussia, delivered from idols, fell
+into the hands of the crowned priest. The crusades, which were
+undertaken at his bidding, every where widened and increased his
+authority. Those pious pilgrims, who had thought they saw saints
+and angels guiding their armies, and who, after humbly entering
+the walls of Jerusalem barefoot, burned the Jews in their synagogue,
+and, with the blood of thousands of Saracens, deluged the spots to
+which they had come, seeking the sacred footsteps of the Prince of
+Peace, carried the name of pope into the East, where it had ceased
+to be known from the time when he abandoned the supremacy of
+the Greeks for that of the Franks.</p>
+
+<p>On the other hand, what the armies of the Roman republic and of
+the empire had not been able to do, the power of the Church accomplished.
+The Germans brought to the feet of a bishop the tribute
+which their ancestors had refused to the most powerful generals.
+Their princes, on becoming emperors, thought they had received<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span>
+a crown from the popes, but the popes had given them a yoke.
+The kingdoms of Christendom, previously subjected to the spiritual
+power of Rome, now became its tributaries and serfs.</p>
+
+<p>Thus every thing in the Church is changed.</p>
+
+<p>At first it was a community of brethren, and now an absolute
+monarchy is established in its bosom. All Christians were priests
+of the living God, (1 Peter, ii, 9,) with humble pastors for their
+guides; but a proud head has risen up in the midst of these pastors,
+a mysterious mouth utters language full of haughtiness, a hand of
+iron constrains all men, both small and great, rich and poor,
+bond and slave, to take the stamp of its power. The holy and
+primitive equality of souls before God is lost, and Christendom,
+at the bidding of a man, is divided into two unequal camps&mdash;in
+the one, a caste of priests who dare to usurp the name of Church,
+and pretend to be invested in the eyes of the Lord with high privileges&mdash;in
+the other, servile herds reduced to blind and passive
+submission, a people gagged and swaddled, and given over to a
+proud caste. Every tribe, language, and nation of Christendom,
+fall under the domination of this spiritual king, who has received
+power to conquer.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. II.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Grace&mdash;Dead Faith&mdash;Works&mdash;Unity and Duality&mdash;Pelagianism&mdash;Salvation at the
+hands of Priests&mdash;Penances&mdash;Flagellations&mdash;Indulgences&mdash;Works of Supererogation&mdash;Purgatory&mdash;Taxation&mdash;Jubilee&mdash;The
+Papacy and Christianity&mdash;State of
+Christendom.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>But, along with the principle which should rule the history
+of Christianity was one which should rule its doctrine. The
+grand idea of Christianity was the idea of grace, pardon, amnesty,
+and the gift of eternal life. This idea supposed in man an
+estrangement from God, and an impossibility on his part to reenter
+into communion with a Being of infinite holiness. The
+opposition between true and false doctrine cannot, it is true, be
+entirely summed up in the question of salvation by faith, and
+salvation by works. Still it is its most prominent feature, or
+rather, salvation considered as coming from man is the creating
+principle of all error and all abuse. The excesses produced by
+this fundamental error led to the Reformation, and the profession<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span>
+of a contrary principle achieved it. This feature must stand prominently
+out in an introduction to the history of the Reformation.
+Salvation by grace, then, is the second characteristic which
+essentially distinguished the religion of God from all human religions.
+What had become of it? Had the Church kept this great
+and primordial idea as a precious deposit? Let us follow its history.</p>
+
+<p>The inhabitants of Jerusalem, Asia, Greece, and Rome, in the
+days of the first emperors, heard the glad tidings, "By grace are
+ye saved through faith&mdash;it is the gift of God." (Ephes., ii, 8.)
+At this voice of peace&mdash;at this gospel&mdash;at this powerful word&mdash;many
+guilty souls believing were brought near to Him who is the
+source of peace, and numerous Christian churches were formed in
+the midst of the corrupt generation then existing.</p>
+
+<p>But a great misapprehension soon arose as to the nature of saving
+faith. Faith, according to St. Paul, is the means by which
+the whole being of the believer&mdash;his intellect, his heart, and his
+will&mdash;enter into possession of the salvation which the incarnation of
+the Son of God has purchased for him. Jesus Christ is apprehended
+by faith, and thenceforth becomes every thing for man, and in man.
+He imparts a divine life to human nature; and man thus renewed,
+disengaged from the power of selfishness and sin, has new affections,
+and does new works. Faith (says Theology, in order to
+express these ideas) is the subjective appropriation of the objective
+work of Christ. If faith is not an appropriation of salvation,
+it is nothing; the whole Christian economy is disturbed, the
+sources of new life are sealed up, and Christianity is overturned
+at its base.</p>
+
+<p>Such was the actual result. The practical view being gradually
+forgotten, faith soon became nothing more than what it still is
+to many&mdash;an act of the understanding&mdash;a simple submission to
+superior authority.</p>
+
+<p>This first error necessarily led to a second. Faith being stripped
+of its practical character, could not possibly be said to save alone.
+Works no longer coming after it, behoved to be placed beside it,
+and the doctrine that man is justified by faith and by works
+gained a footing in the Church. To the Christian unity, which
+includes under the same principle justification and works, grace
+and law, doctrine and duty, succeeded the sad duality, which
+makes religion and morality to be quite distinct,&mdash;a fatal error,
+which separates things that cannot live unless united, and which,
+putting the soul on one side, and the body on the other, causes
+death. The words of the apostle, echoing through all ages, are,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span>
+"Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the
+flesh?" (Gal., iii, 3.)</p>
+
+<p>Another great error arose to disturb the doctrine of grace. This
+was Pelagianism. Pelagius maintained that human nature is not
+fallen&mdash;that there is no hereditary corruption&mdash;and that man,
+having received the power of doing good, has only to will it in
+order to perform it.<a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> If goodness consists in certain external actions,
+Pelagius is right. But if we look to the motives from which
+those external actions proceed, we find in every part of man selfishness,
+forgetfulness of God, pollution, and powerlessness. The
+Pelagian doctrine, driven back from the Church by Augustine,
+when it advanced with open front, soon presented a side view in
+the shape of semi-Pelagianism, and under the mask of Augustinian
+formul�. This heresy spread over Christendom with astonishing
+rapidity. The danger of the system appeared, above all, in this&mdash;by
+placing goodness, not within, but without, it caused a great
+value to be set on external works, on legal observances, and acts
+of penance. The more of these men did, the holier they were;
+they won heaven by them, and individuals were soon seen (a very
+astonishing circumstance, certainly) who went farther in holiness
+than was required. Pelagianism, at the same time that it corrupted
+doctrine, strengthened the hierarchy; with the same hand
+with which it lowered grace it elevated the Church; for grace is
+of God, and the Church is of man.</p>
+
+<p>The deeper our conviction that the whole world is guilty before
+God, the more will we cleave to Jesus Christ as the only source
+of grace. With such a view, how can we place the Church on a
+level with him, since she is nothing but the whole body of persons
+subject to the same natural misery? But, so soon as we attribute
+to man a holiness of his own, all is changed, and ecclesiastics and
+monks become the most natural medium of receiving the grace of
+God. This was what happened after Pelagius. Salvation, taken
+out of the hands of God, fell into the hands of priests, who put
+themselves in the Lord's place. Souls thirsting for pardon behoved
+no longer to look towards heaven, but towards the Church, and,
+above all, towards its pretended head. To blinded minds, the
+Pontiff of Rome was instead of God. Hence the greatness of the
+popes and indescribable abuses. The evil went farther still. Pelagianism,
+in maintaining that man may attain perfect sanctification,
+pretended, likewise, that the merits of saints and martyrs might<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>
+be applied to the Church. A particular virtue was even ascribed
+to their intercession. They were addressed in prayer, their aid
+was invoked in all the trials of life, and a real idolatry supplanted
+the adoration of the true and living God.</p>
+
+<p>Pelagianism, at the same time, multiplied rites and ceremonies.
+Man imagining that he could, and that he ought, by good works,
+to render himself worthy of grace, saw nothing better fitted to
+merit it than outward worship. The law of ceremonies becoming
+endlessly complicated, was soon held equal at least to the moral
+law, and thus the conscience of Christians was burdened anew
+with a yoke which had been declared intolerable in the times of
+the apostles. (Acts, xv, 10.)</p>
+
+<p>But what most of all deformed Christianity was the system of
+penance which rose out of Pelagianism. Penance at first consisted
+in certain public signs of repentance, which the Church
+required of those whom she had excluded for scandal, and who
+were desirous of being again received into her bosom.</p>
+
+<p>By degrees, penance was extended to all sins, even the most
+secret, and was considered as a kind of chastisement to which it
+was necessary to submit, in order to acquire the pardon of God
+through the absolution of priests.</p>
+
+<p>Ecclesiastical penance was thus confounded with Christian repentance,
+without which there cannot be either justification or
+sanctification.</p>
+
+<p>Instead of expecting pardon from Christ only by faith, it was
+expected chiefly from the Church by works of penance.</p>
+
+<p>Great importance was attached to the outward marks of repentance,
+tears, fastings, and macerations, while the internal renewal
+of the heart, which alone constitutes true conversion, was forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>As confession and works of penance are easier than the extirpation
+of sin, and the abandonment of vice, many ceased to struggle
+against the lusts of the flesh, deeming it better to supply their
+place by means of certain macerations.</p>
+
+<p>Works of penance substituted in lieu of the salvation of God
+kept multiplying in the Church from the days of Tertullian in the
+third century. The thing now deemed necessary was to fast, go
+barefoot, and wear no linen, etc., or to quit house and home for
+distant lands, or, better still, to renounce the world and embrace
+the monastic state!</p>
+
+<p>To all this were added, in the eleventh century, voluntary flagellations.
+These, at a later period, became a real mania in Italy, which
+at that time was violently agitated. Nobles and peasants, young<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span>
+and old, even children of five, go two and two by hundreds, thousands,
+and tens of thousands, through villages, towns and cities,
+with an apron tied round their waist, (their only clothing,) and
+visit the churches in procession in the dead of winter. Armed with
+a whip, they flagellate themselves without mercy, and the streets
+resound with cries and groans, such as to force tears from those
+who hear them.</p>
+
+<p>Still long before the evil had reached this height, men felt the
+oppression of the priests and sighed for deliverance. The priests
+themselves had perceived, that if they did not apply a remedy,
+their usurped power would be lost, and, therefore, they invented
+the system of barter, so well known under the name of Indulgences.
+What they said was this:&mdash;"You penitents are not
+able to fulfil the tasks which are enjoined you? Well, then, we,
+priests of God, and your pastors, will take the heavy burden on
+ourselves. For a fast of seven weeks," says Regino, Abbot of
+Prum, "there will be paid by a rich man twentypence, by one
+less so tenpence, by the poor threepence, and so in like proportion
+for other things."<a name="FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a> Bold voices were raised against this traffic,
+but in vain.</p>
+
+<p>The pope soon discovered the advantages which he might draw
+from these indulgences. In the thirteenth century, Alexander
+Hales, the irrefragable doctor, invented a doctrine well fitted to
+secure this vast resource to the Papacy, and a bull of Clement
+VII declared it an article of faith. Jesus Christ, it was said, did
+far more than was necessary to reconcile God to men; for that a
+single drop of his blood would have sufficed; but he shed much
+blood in order to found a treasury for his church, a treasury which
+even eternity should not be able to exhaust. The supererogatory
+merits of the saints, i. e. the value of the works which they did
+beyond their obligation, served also to augment this treasury,
+the custody and administration of which have been intrusted to
+Christ's vicar upon earth, who applies to each sinner for the faults
+committed after baptism these merits of Jesus Christ and the
+saints according to the measure and quantity which his sins render
+necessary. Who will venture to attack a practice whose
+origin is so holy?</p>
+
+<p>This inconceivable traffic soon extends, and becomes more complex.
+The philosophers of Alexandria speak of a fire in which souls
+are to be made pure. This philosophical opinion, which several
+ancient doctors had adopted, Rome declared to be a doctrine of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>
+the Church. The pope, by a bull, annexed purgatory to his domain.
+He decreed that man should there expiate what he might
+not be able to expiate here below, but that indulgences could
+deliver souls from that intermediate state in which their sins must
+otherwise detain them. This dogma is expounded by Thomas
+Aquinas in his famous theological Summa. Nothing was spared
+to fill the mind with terror. The torments which the purifying fire
+inflicts on those who become its victims were painted in dreadful
+colours. Even at the present day, in many Catholic countries, we
+see pictures exhibited in churches, or in the public streets, in which
+poor souls in the midst of burning flames are calling in agony for
+relief. Who could refuse the redemption money which, on falling
+into the treasury of Rome, was to ransom the soul from such
+sufferings?</p>
+
+<p>In order to give regularity to this traffic, there was shortly after
+drawn up (probably by John XXII,) the famous and scandalous
+taxation of indulgences, of which there have been more than forty
+editions.</p>
+
+<p>Ears the least delicate would be offended were we to repeat all
+the horrible things contained in it.</p>
+
+<p>Incest will cost, if it is not known, five groschen, if known, six;
+so much will be paid for murder, so much for infanticide, adultery,
+perjury, house-breaking, etc. "Shame upon Rome," exclaims
+Claudius Esperse, a Roman theologian, and we add, Shame
+upon human nature! for we cannot reproach Rome with anything
+which does not recoil upon man himself. Rome is humanity
+magnified in some of its evil propensities. We say this for the
+sake of truth, and we also say it for the sake of justice.</p>
+
+<p>Boniface VIII, the boldest and most ambitious of the popes
+after Gregory VII, outstripped all his predecessors.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1300 he published a bull, by which he announced
+to the Church, that every hundred years all persons repairing to
+Rome would there obtain a plenary indulgence. Crowds flocked
+from Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, France, Spain, Germany,
+Hungary, and all quarters. Old men of sixty and seventy set out,
+and there was counted at Rome in one month to the number of
+two hundred thousand pilgrims. All these strangers bringing rich
+offerings, the pope and the Romans saw their treasury filled.</p>
+
+<p>Roman avarice soon fixed each jubilee at fifty years, next at
+thirty-three, and at last at twenty-five. Then for the greater
+convenience of buyers, and the greater profit of sellers, the jubilee
+and its indulgences were transported from Rome to all parts of
+Christendom. There was no occasion to leave home. What<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span>
+others had gone to seek beyond the Alps, each might purchase at
+his own door.</p>
+
+<p>The evil could not go farther.</p>
+
+<p>Then the Reformer arose.</p>
+
+<p>We formerly saw what became of the principle which should
+rule the history of Christianity, and we have now seen what became
+of that which should rule its doctrine; both were lost.</p>
+
+<p>To establish a mediating caste between man and God, and insist
+that the salvation which God gives shall be purchased by works,
+penances, and money, is the Papacy.</p>
+
+<p>To give to all by Jesus Christ without a human mediator, and
+without that power, which is called the Church, free access to the
+great gift of eternal life, which God bestows on man, is Christianity
+and the Reformation.</p>
+
+<p>The Papacy is an immense wall raised between man and God
+by the labour of ages. Whosoever would pass it must lay his
+account with paying or suffering. And yet will it not be passed?</p>
+
+<p>The Reformation is the power which threw down this wall, restored
+Christ to man, and levelled the path by which he may come
+to his Creator.</p>
+
+<p>The Papacy interposes the Church between God and man.
+Christianity and the Reformation make them meet face to face.
+The Papacy separates&mdash;the Gospel unites them.</p>
+
+<p>Having thus traced the history of the decay and extinction of
+the two great principles which distinguish the religion of God from
+all the religions of man, let us attend to some of the results of this
+vast alteration.</p>
+
+<p>First, however, let us pay some tribute of respect to this Church
+of the middle ages which succeeded that of the Apostles and
+Fathers, and preceded that of the Reformers. The Church, although
+decayed, and always more and more enslaved, still was the
+Church, that is to say, still remained the most powerful friend that
+man possessed. Her hands, though tied, could still bless. During
+those ages, great servants of Jesus Christ, men, who in essential
+doctrines were true Protestants, shed a benign light, and in
+the most humble convent or the most obscure parish, were found
+poor monks and poor priests to solace deep griefs. The Catholic
+Church was not the Papacy. The latter acted the part of oppressor,
+the former that of the oppressed. The Reformation, which
+declared war on the one came to deliver the other. And yet, truth
+to tell, the Papacy itself was sometimes, in the hands of God, who
+brings good out of evil, a necessary counterpoise to the power and
+ambition of princes.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAP. III.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Religion&mdash;Relics&mdash;Easter Merriment&mdash;Manners&mdash;Corruption&mdash;Dissorderly Lives of
+Priests, Bishops, and Popes&mdash;A Priest's Family&mdash;Education&mdash;Ignorance&mdash;Ciceronians.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>Let us now attend to the State of the Church before the Reformation.</p>
+
+<p>The people of Christendom no longer expecting the gratuitous
+gift of eternal life from the true and living God, it was necessary,
+in order to obtain it, to have recourse to all the methods which a
+superstitious, timid, and frightened conscience could invent.
+Heaven is full of saints and mediators who can solicit the favour.
+Earth is full of pious works, sacrifices, observances, and ceremonies,
+which can merit it. Such is the picture of the religion of
+this period, as drawn by one who was long a monk, and afterwards
+a fellow-worker with Luther.</p>
+
+<p>Myconius says, "The sufferings and merits of Christ were as
+a vain tale, or as the Fables of Homer. Not a word was said of
+the faith by which the righteousness of the Saviour, and the inheritance
+of eternal life, are secured. Christ was a severe judge,
+ready to condemn all who did not recur to the intercession of
+saints, or the indulgences of popes. Instead of him there figured
+as intercessors, first the Virgin Mary, like the Diana of Paganism,
+and after her saints, of whom the popes were continually enlarging
+the catalogue. These mediators gave the benefit of their prayers
+only to those who had deserved well of the orders founded by them.
+For this it was necessary to do not what God commands in his
+word, but a great number of works which monks and priests
+had devised, and which brought in large sums of money. These
+were, Ave-Marias, prayers of St. Ursula, and St. Bridget. It was
+necessary to chant and cry night and day. There were as many
+places of pilgrimage as there were mountains, forests, or valleys.
+But these toils might be bought off with money. Money, therefore,
+and every thing that had any value, chickens, geese, ducks,
+eggs, wax, straw, butter, and cheese, were brought to the convents
+and to the priests. Then chants resounded, and bells
+were rung, perfumes filled the sanctuary, and sacrifices were
+offered; kitchens were stuffed, glasses rattled, and masses winding
+up threw a cover over all these pious works. The bishops<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span>
+did not preach, but they consecrated priests, bells, monks,
+churches, chapels, images, books, cemeteries, all these things yielding
+large returns. Bones, arms, and feet, were presented in gold
+and silver boxes. They were given out to be kissed during mass,
+and this too yielded a large profit."</p>
+
+<p>"All these folks maintained, that the pope being in the place of
+God, (2 Thess., ii, 4,) could not be deceived, and they would not
+hear of any thing to the contrary."<a name="FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a></p>
+
+<p>In the Church of All Saints at Wittemberg were shown a piece
+of Noah's Ark, a small portion of soot from the furnace of the
+Three Young Men, a bit of the manger in which our Saviour was
+laid, hair from the beard of the great Christopher, and nineteen
+thousand other relics of greater or less value. At Schaffhausen was
+shown the breath of St. Joseph, which Nicodemus had received
+into his glove. In Wurtemberg, a vender of indulgences was seen
+selling his wares, and having his head adorned with a large feather,
+plucked from the wing of the archangel Michael.<a name="FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a> But there was
+no occasion to go to a distance in quest of these precious treasures.
+Persons with hired relics travelled the country, and hawked them
+about, as has since been done with the Holy Scriptures. The
+faithful, having them thus brought to their houses, were spared
+the trouble and expence of pilgrimage. Relics were exhibited with
+great ceremony in the churches, while those travelling hawkers
+paid a fixed sum to the owners, and also gave them so much per
+centage on their returns. The kingdom of heaven had thus disappeared,
+and men, to supply its place on the earth, had opened a
+disgraceful traffic.</p>
+
+<p>In this way, a profane spirit had invaded religion, and the most
+sacred seasons of the Church, those which, most forcibly and
+powerfully invited the faithful to self-examination and love, were
+dishonoured by buffoonery and mere heathen blasphemies. The
+"Easter Drolleries" held an important place in the acts of the
+Church. As the festival of the resurrection required to be celebrated
+with joy, every thing that could excite the laughter of the
+hearers was sought out, and thrust into sermons. One preacher
+imitated the note of the cuckoo, while another hissed like a goose.
+One dragged forward to the altar a layman in a cassock; a second
+told the most indecent stories; a third related the adventures of
+the Apostle Peter, among others, how, in a tavern, he cheated
+the host by not paying his score.<a name="FNanchor_26_26" id="FNanchor_26_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a> The inferior clergy took advantage
+of the occasion to turn their superiors into ridicule. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span>
+churches were thus turned into stages, and the priests into
+mountebanks.</p>
+
+<p>If such was the state of religion, what must that of morals have
+been? It is true, and equity requires we should not forget, that,
+at this time, corruption was not universal. Even when the Reformation
+took place, much piety, righteousness, and religious vigour,
+were brought to light. Of this, the mere sovereignty of God
+was the cause; but still, how can it be denied, that He had previously
+deposited the germs of this new life in the bosom of the
+Church? In our own day, were all the immoralities and abominations
+which are committed in a single country brought together,
+the mass of corruption would undoubtedly fill us with alarm. Still
+it is true, that, at this period, evil presented itself in a form, and
+with a universality, which it has never had since. In particular,
+the abomination of desolation was seen standing in the holy place,
+to an extent which has not been permitted since the period of the
+Reformation.</p>
+
+<p>With faith morality had decayed. The glad tidings of eternal
+life is the power of God for the regeneration of man. But take
+away the salvation which God gives, and you take away purity of
+heart and life. This was proved by the event.</p>
+
+<p>The doctrine and the sale of indulgences operated on an ignorant
+people as a powerful stimulus to evil. It is no doubt true,
+that, according to the doctrine of the Church, indulgences were of
+use only to those who promised to amend, and actually kept their
+promise. But what was to be expected of a doctrine which had
+been invented with a view to the profit which it might be made to
+yield? The venders of indulgences, the better to dispose of their
+wares, were naturally disposed to present them in the most winning
+and seductive form. Even the learned were not too well informed
+on the subject, while the only thing seen by the multitude
+was, that indulgences gave them permission to sin. The merchants
+were in no haste to disabuse them of an error so greatly in favour
+of the trade.</p>
+
+<p>In those ages of darkness, what disorders and crimes must have
+prevailed when impunity could be purchased with money! What
+ground could there be for fear when a trifling contribution to build
+a church procured exemption from punishment in the world to
+come! What hope of renovation, when all direct communication
+between men and their God had ceased&mdash;when, estranged from
+him, their spirit and life, they moved to and fro among frivolous
+ceremonies and crude observances in an atmosphere of death!</p>
+
+<p>The priests were the first to yield to the corrupting influence.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span>
+In wishing to raise, they had lowered themselves. They had
+tried to steal from God a ray of his glory, that they might place
+it in their own bosom; but, instead of this, had only placed in it
+some of the leaven of corruption, stolen from the Evil one. The
+annals of the period teem with scandalous stories. In many
+places people were pleased to see their priest keeping a mistress,
+in the hope that it might secure their wives from seduction.<a name="FNanchor_27_27" id="FNanchor_27_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a> How
+humbling the scene which the house of such a priest must have
+presented! The unhappy man maintained the woman and the
+children she might have borne him, out of tithes and alms.<a name="FNanchor_28_28" id="FNanchor_28_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a> His
+conscience upbraided him. He blushed before his people, his servants,
+and his God. The woman fearing, that, in the event of the
+priest's death, she might become destitute, sometimes made provision
+beforehand, and played the thief in her own house. Her
+honour was gone, and her children were a living accusation against
+her. Objects of universal contempt, both parties rushed into
+quarrelling and dissipation. Such was the home of a priest!...
+In these fearful scenes, the people read a lesson of which they
+were not slow to avail themselves.<a name="FNanchor_29_29" id="FNanchor_29_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a></p>
+
+<p>The rural districts became the theatre of numerous excesses.
+The places where priests resided were often the abodes of dissoluteness.
+Corneille Adrian at Bruges,<a name="FNanchor_30_30" id="FNanchor_30_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a> and Abbot Trinkler at Cappel,<a name="FNanchor_31_31" id="FNanchor_31_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a>
+imitated the manners of the East, and had their harems. Priests
+associating with low company, frequented taverns and played at
+dice, crowning their orgies with quarrels and blasphemy.<a name="FNanchor_32_32" id="FNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a> The
+Council of Schaffhausen issued an order forbidding priests to dance
+in public except at marriages, or to carry more than one kind of
+weapon. They, moreover, ordered that such priests as were found
+in houses of bad fame should be stript of their cassocks.<a name="FNanchor_33_33" id="FNanchor_33_33"></a><a href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a> In the
+archbishopric of Mayence, they leapt the walls at night, and then
+shouted and revelled in all sorts of debauchery within taverns
+and inns. Doors and locks were not secure from their attacks.<a name="FNanchor_34_34" id="FNanchor_34_34"></a><a href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a>
+In several places, each priest was liable to the bishop in a certain
+tax for the female he kept, and for every child she bore him. One
+day, a German bishop, who was attending a great festival, openly
+declared that in a single year, the number of priests who had been
+brought before him for this purpose amounted to eleven thousand.
+This account is given by Erasmus.<a name="FNanchor_35_35" id="FNanchor_35_35"></a><a href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span></p><p>Among the higher orders of the priesthood, the corruption was
+equally great. The dignitaries of the Church preferred the turmoil
+of camps to chanting at the altar, and to take lance in hand, and
+reduce those around them to obedience, was one of the first qualities
+of a bishop. Baldwin of Tours, who was constantly warring
+with his vassals and neighbours, razed their castles, built others of
+his own, and thought of nothing but enlarging his territory. It is
+told of a certain bishop of Eichstadt, that when he sat in his court,
+he had a coat-of-mail under his gown, and a large sword in his hand.
+One of his sayings was, that in fair fight he was not afraid of five
+Bavarians.<a name="FNanchor_36_36" id="FNanchor_36_36"></a><a href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a> The bishops and the inhabitants of the towns where
+they resided were perpetually at war. The burghers demanded
+freedom, while the priests insisted on absolute obedience. When
+the latter proved victorious, they punished revolt, and satiated
+their vengeance with numbers of victims; but the flame of insurrection
+burst forth at the very moment when they imagined they
+had suppressed it. And what a spectacle was presented by the pontifical
+throne at the period immediately preceding the Reformation!
+To say the truth, even Rome was not often witness to such
+infamy.</p>
+
+<p>Roderigo Borgia, after he had lived with a lady of Rome, continued
+the same illegitimate intercourse with her daughter, Rosa
+Vanozza, and had five children by her. This man, a cardinal and
+an archbishop, was living at Rome with Vanozza, and other females
+besides, frequenting churches and hospitals, when the pontifical
+chair became vacant by the death of Innocent VIII. Borgia
+secured it by buying each cardinal for a regular price. Four mules
+loaded with gold publicly entered the palace of Cardinal Sforza,
+the most influential among them. Borgia became Pope under the
+name of Alexander VI, and was delighted at having thus reached
+the pinnacle of pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>On his coronation-day, he appointed his son C�sar, a youth of
+ferocious temper and dissolute habits, Archbishop of Valentia and
+Bishop of Pampeluna. Then, when his daughter Lucretia was married,
+he celebrated the occasion in the Vatican with f�tes which were
+attended by his mistress, Julia Bella, and enlivened by comedies
+and obscene songs. "All the ecclesiastics," says a historian,<a name="FNanchor_37_37" id="FNanchor_37_37"></a><a href="#Footnote_37_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a>
+"had mistresses, and all the convents of the capital were houses
+of bad fame." C�sar Borgia espoused the faction of the Guelphs,
+and when, by their assistance, he had destroyed the Ghibelins, he
+turned round upon the Guelphs, and, in like manner, destroyed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>
+them. But he was unwilling that any should share the spoil with
+him, and, therefore, after Alexander had, in 1497, made his eldest
+son Duke of Benevento, the Duke disappeared. George Schiavoni,
+a dealer in wood on the banks of the Tiber, one night saw a
+dead body thrown into the river, but said nothing; such occurrences
+were common. The dead body proved to be that of the
+Duke, who had been murdered by his brother C�sar.<a name="FNanchor_38_38" id="FNanchor_38_38"></a><a href="#Footnote_38_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a> Nor was
+this enough. Having taken offence at his brother-in-law, he
+made him be stabbed on the stair of the pontifical palace. The
+wounded man, covered with blood, was carried to his apartment,
+where he was constantly watched by his wife and sister, who,
+dreading C�sar's poison, prepared his food with their own hands.
+Alexander placed sentinels at his door, but C�sar laughed at their
+precautions, and as the pope was going to see his son-in-law, C�sar
+said to him, "What is not done at dinner will be done at supper."
+In short, he one day forced his way into the room, drove out the
+wife and sister, and calling in his executioner, Michilotto, the only
+person to whom he showed any confidence, looked on while his
+brother-in-law was strangled.<a name="FNanchor_39_39" id="FNanchor_39_39"></a><a href="#Footnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a> Alexander had a favourite, named
+Peroto. The pope's partiality for him offended the young Duke.
+He pursued him, and Peroto, taking refuge under the pontifical
+mantle, clasped the pope in his arms. C�sar stabbed him, and
+the blood of his victim sprung into the pontiffs face.<a name="FNanchor_40_40" id="FNanchor_40_40"></a><a href="#Footnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a> "The
+pope," adds a contemporary witness to these scenes, "loves his
+son the Duke, and is much afraid of him." C�sar was the handsomest
+and most powerful man of his age. He fought with six
+wild bulls, and despatched them with ease. Every morning at
+Rome persons were found who had been assassinated during the
+night, while poison carried off those whom the sword could not
+reach. Men dared not to move or breathe in Rome, every one
+trembling till his own turn should arrive. C�sar Borgia was the
+hero of crime. The spot of earth where iniquity attained this dreadful
+height was the pontifical throne. When once man has given
+himself over to the powers of darkness, the higher the station he
+pretends to occupy in the sight of God, the deeper he sinks into
+the abysses of hell. The dissolute f�tes which were given in the
+pontifical palace by the pope, his son C�sar, and his daughter
+Lucretia, cannot be described, or even thought of, without horror.
+The impure groves of antiquity, perhaps, never saw the like. Historians<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span>
+have accused Alexander and Lucretia of incest, but the
+proof seems defective. The pope had prepared poison for a rich
+cardinal, in a small box of comfits which were to be served after
+a sumptuous repast. The cardinal being put on his guard, bribed
+the steward, and the poisoned box was placed before Alexander,
+who ate of it and died.<a name="FNanchor_41_41" id="FNanchor_41_41"></a><a href="#Footnote_41_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a> The whole city ran to see the dead viper,
+and could not get enough of the sight.<a name="FNanchor_42_42" id="FNanchor_42_42"></a><a href="#Footnote_42_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a></p>
+
+<p>Such was the man who occupied the pontifical see at the beginning
+of the century in which the Reformation commenced.</p>
+
+<p>The clergy having thus brought religion and themselves into
+disrepute, a powerful voice might well exclaim, "The ecclesiastical
+state is opposed to God and to his glory. The people well
+know this, and but too well do they show it, by the many songs,
+proverbs, and jests, against priests, which are current among the
+lower classes, and by all those caricatures of monks and priests
+which we see on all the walls, and even on playing cards. Every
+man feels disgust when he sees or when he hears of an ecclesiastic."
+These are Luther's words.<a name="FNanchor_43_43" id="FNanchor_43_43"></a><a href="#Footnote_43_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a></p>
+
+<p>The evil had spread through all ranks. A spirit of error had
+been sent to men, corruption of manners kept pace with corruption
+of faith, and a mystery of iniquity lay like an incubus on the
+enslaved Church of Jesus Christ.</p>
+
+<p>There was another consequence which necessarily resulted from
+the oblivion into which the fundamental doctrine of the gospel
+had fallen. Ignorance was the companion of corruption. The
+priests having taken into their own hands the distribution of a salvation
+which belongs only to God, deemed this a sufficient title to
+the respect of the people. What occasion had they to study sacred
+literature? Their business was not to expound the Scriptures, but
+to give diplomas of indulgence&mdash;a ministry which called not for
+the laborious acquisition of extensive knowledge.</p>
+
+<p>In the rural districts, says Wimpheling, the persons selected for
+preachers were miserable creatures, who had been previously
+raised from beggary, cast-off cooks, musicians, huntsmen, grooms,
+and still worse.<a name="FNanchor_44_44" id="FNanchor_44_44"></a><a href="#Footnote_44_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a></p>
+
+<p>The higher clergy were often sunk in deep ignorance. A Bishop
+of Dunfeld congratulated himself that he had never learned either
+Greek or Hebrew, while the monks contended that all heresies
+sprung out of these languages, and especially out of the Greek.
+"The New Testament," said one of them, "is a book full of briers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>
+and serpents. "The Greek," continued he, "is a new language
+recently invented, and of it we ought specially to beware. As to
+Hebrew, my dear brethren, it is certain that all who learn it, that
+very instant become Jews." We quote from Heresbach, a friend
+of Erasmus, and a respectable writer. Thomas Linacer, a learned
+and celebrated ecclesiastic, had never read the New Testament.
+In the last days of his life, (in 1524,) he caused a copy of it to be
+brought, but immediately dashed it from him with an oath, because,
+on opening it, he had lighted on these words, "I say unto
+you, Swear not at all." Now he was a great swearer. "Either
+this is not the gospel," said he, "or we are not Christians."<a name="FNanchor_45_45" id="FNanchor_45_45"></a><a href="#Footnote_45_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a>
+Even the Theological Faculty of Paris did not hesitate at this
+time to say, in presence of the Parliament, "It is all over with
+religion if the study of Greek and Hebrew is allowed." If, among
+ecclesiastics, there were a scattered few who had made some attainments,
+it was not in sacred literature. The Ciceronians of
+Italy affected great contempt for the Bible because of its style.
+Men calling themselves priests of the Church of Jesus Christ, translated
+the writings of holy men inspired by the Spirit of God into
+the style of Virgil and Horace, in order to adapt them to the ears
+of good society. Cardinal Bembo, instead of <i>the Holy Spirit</i>,
+wrote <i>the breath of the heavenly zephyr</i>; instead of to <i>forgive sins</i>,&mdash;to
+<i>bend the manes and the Sovereign God</i>; and instead of <i>Christ
+the Son of God</i>,&mdash;<i>Minerva sprung from the forehead of Jupiter</i>.
+Having one day found the respectable Sadolet engaged in translating
+the Epistle to the Romans, he said to him, "Leave off this
+child's play; such trifling ill becomes a man of gravity."<a name="FNanchor_46_46" id="FNanchor_46_46"></a><a href="#Footnote_46_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a></p>
+
+<p>Such are some of the consequences of the system under which
+Christendom then groaned. Our picture, undoubtedly, proves
+both the corruption of the Church and the necessity of a Reformation;
+and it was this we proposed in sketching it. The vital
+doctrines of Christianity had almost entirely disappeared, and with
+them the light and life which constitute the essence of genuine
+religion. The strength of the Church had been wasted, and its
+body, enfeebled and exhausted, lay stretched almost without life,
+over the whole extent which the Roman empire had occupied.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAP. IV.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Imperishable nature of Christianity&mdash;Two Laws of God&mdash;Apparent Power of Rome&mdash;Hidden
+Opposition&mdash;Decay&mdash;Threefold Opposition&mdash;Kings and Subjects&mdash;The
+Pope judged in Italy&mdash;Discoveries by Kings and Subjects&mdash;Frederick the Wise&mdash;His
+Moderation&mdash;His Anticipation.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>The evils which then afflicted Christendom, viz., superstition,
+infidelity, ignorance, vain speculation, and corruption of manners&mdash;all
+natural fruits of the human heart&mdash;were not new upon the
+earth. Often had they figured in the history of states. In the
+East, especially, various religions which had had their day of
+glory, but had become enervated, had been attacked by them, and,
+yielding to the assault, had fallen under it, never again to rise.
+Is Christianity to experience the same fate? Will she be destroyed
+like these ancient popular religions? Will the blow which gave
+them death be strong enough to deprive her of life? Is there nothing
+that can save her? Will those hostile powers that now oppress
+her, and which have already overthrown so many other forms
+of worship, be able to seat themselves without opposition on the
+ruins of the Church of Jesus Christ?</p>
+
+<p>No! There is in Christianity what there was not in any of
+those popular religions. It does not, like them, present certain
+abstract ideas, interwoven with traditions and fables, destined to
+fall, sooner or later, under the attacks of human reason. It contains
+pure truth, founded on facts capable of standing the scrutiny
+of every upright and enlightened mind. Christianity does not
+aim merely at exciting certain vague religious sentiments, which,
+when they have once lost their charm, cannot be again revived.
+Its end is to satisfy, and it, in fact, does satisfy, all the religious
+wants of human nature, whatever the degree of refinement to
+which it may have attained. It is not the work of man, whose
+labours fade and are effaced; it is the work of God, who sustains
+what he creates; and the pledge of its duration is the promise of
+its divine Head.</p>
+
+<p>It is impossible that human nature can ever rise so high as to
+look down on Christianity, or if, for a time, human nature do
+think herself able to dispense with it, it soon appears with renewed
+youth and life, as alone fit for curing souls. Degenerate
+nations then return with new ardour to those ancient, simple, and
+powerful truths, which, in the hour of their infatuation, they had
+turned from with disdain.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span>Christianity, in fact, displayed in the sixteenth century the
+same regenerating power which it had exerted in the first. After
+fifteen centuries the same truths produced the same results. In
+the days of the Reformation, as in those of Paul and Peter, the
+Gospel, with invincible force, overthrew the mightiest obstacles.
+Its sovereign power was manifested from north to south among
+nations differing most widely from each other in manners, character,
+and intellectual development. Then, as in the days of
+Stephen and James, it lighted up the fire of enthusiasm and devotedness
+in nations which seemed almost extinguished, and exalted
+them even to the height of martyrdom.</p>
+
+<p>How was this revival of the Church and of the world accomplished?</p>
+
+<p>The observer might then have seen the operation of two laws
+by which God governs the world at all times.</p>
+
+<p>First, as He has ages to act in, he begins his preparations leisurely,
+and long before the event which He designs to accomplish.</p>
+
+<p>Then, when the time is come, he produces the greatest results
+by the smallest means. It is thus he acts in nature and in history.
+When he wishes an immense tree to grow, he deposits a
+little grain in the earth; and, when he wishes to renew his Church,
+he employs the humblest instrument to accomplish what emperors
+and all the learned and eminent in the Church were unable to perform.
+By and by we will search for and we will discover this little
+seed which a Divine hand deposited in the earth in the days of the
+Reformation; but at present, let us endeavour to ascertain the
+various means by which God prepared this great event.</p>
+
+<p>At the period when the Reformation was ready to burst forth,
+Rome appeared to be in peace and safety. One would even have
+said that nothing could disturb her triumph after the great victories
+which she had gained. General Councils&mdash;those Upper and
+Lower Houses of Catholicity&mdash;had been subdued. The Vaudois
+and the Hussites had been suppressed. No University, with the
+exception, perhaps, of that of Paris, which sometimes raised its
+voice when its kings gave the signal, doubted the infallibility of
+the oracles of Rome. Each seemed to have accepted his alloted
+share in her power. The higher clergy deemed it better to give a
+distant chief the tenth part of their revenues, and quietly consume
+the other nine, than to hazard all for an independence which would
+cost much and yield little. The lower clergy, decoyed by the
+perspective of rich benefices, which ambition made them fancy
+and discover in the distance, were willing, by a little slavery, to
+realise the flattering hopes which they entertained. Besides, they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span>
+were almost everywhere so oppressed by the chiefs of the hierarchy,
+that they could scarcely struggle under their powerful grasp,
+far less rise boldly and hold up their heads. The people knelt before
+the Roman altar, and kings themselves, though they began
+in secret to despise the Bishop of Rome, durst not venture to attack
+his power with a hand which the age would have deemed
+sacrilegious.</p>
+
+<p>But opposition, if it seemed externally to have slackened, or
+even ceased, when the Reformation burst forth, had more inward
+strength. A nearer view of the edifice will disclose to us more
+than one symptom which presaged its downfall. General Councils,
+though vanquished, had diffused their principles throughout
+the Church, and carried division into the enemy's camp. The
+defenders of the hierarchy were divided into two parties, viz.,
+those who maintained the system of absolute Papal domination,
+on the principles of Hildebrand, and those who were desirous of
+a constitutional Papal government, offering guarantees and giving
+liberty to the churches.</p>
+
+<p>Nor was this the whole. Faith in the infallibility of the Roman
+bishop was greatly shaken among all parties; and, if no voice
+was raised in opposition to it, it was because every one rather desired
+anxiously to retain the little faith in it which he still had.
+The least shock was dreaded, because it might overturn the edifice.
+Christendom held in its breath; but it was to prevent a disaster
+by which its own existence might have been endangered. From
+the moment when man trembles at the thought of abandoning a
+long venerated belief, it has lost its influence over him, and even
+the appearance of respect which he may be desirous to keep up will
+not be long maintained. The Reformation had been gradually prepared
+in three different worlds&mdash;the political, the ecclesiastical,
+and the literary. Political bodies, private Christians, and theologians,
+the literary and the learned, all contributed to the revolution
+of the sixteenth century. Let us take a survey of this
+triple opposition, concluding with the literary class, though, at the
+period immediately preceding the revolution, it was perhaps the
+most powerful of all.</p>
+
+<p>First, among political bodies, Rome had lost much of its ancient
+credit. Of this the Church herself was the primary cause; for, properly
+speaking, it was not the errors and superstitions which she
+had introduced into Christianity that gave the fatal blow. Before
+Christendom could have been able to condemn her on this account,
+it must have stood higher than the Church, in respect of intellectual
+and religious development. But there was a class of things<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span>
+which the laity well understood, and it was by these they judged
+the Church. She had become of the "earth, earthy." The sacerdotal
+empire, which tyrannised over the nations, existed solely by
+the illusions of its subjects; and having a halo for its crown, had
+forgotten its nature, and left heaven, with his spheres of light and
+glory, to plunge into the vulgar interests of burghers and princes.
+Though representing those who are born of the Spirit, the priests
+had exchanged the Spirit for the flesh. They had abandoned the
+treasures of knowledge, and the spiritual power of the Word, for
+the brute force and tinkling of the age.</p>
+
+<p>The thing happened naturally enough. At first the Church
+pretended that her object was to defend spiritual order. But in
+order to protect it from the opposition and assaults of the people,
+she had resorted to earthly means, to vulgar weapons, which a
+false prudence had induced her to take up. When the Church
+had once begun to handle such weapons, her spirituality was at
+an end. Her arm could not become temporal without rendering
+her heart temporal also. The appearance presented soon became
+the reverse of what it had been at the outset. At first she had
+thought proper to employ the earth in defending heaven; now she
+employed heaven to defend the earth. Theocratic forms became
+in her hands merely a mean of accomplishing worldly interests.
+The offerings which the people laid at the feet of the sovereign
+pontiff of Christendom were expended in maintaining the luxury
+of his court and the soldiers of his armies. His spiritual power
+served him as a ladder on which to climb, and then put the
+kings and nations of the earth under his feet. The charm broke,
+and the power of the Church was lost as soon as the men of the
+world could say, "She is become as one of us."</p>
+
+<p>The great were the first to examine the titles of this imaginary
+power.<a name="FNanchor_47_47" id="FNanchor_47_47"></a><a href="#Footnote_47_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a> This examination might, perhaps, have been sufficient to
+overthrow Rome; but, happily for her, the education of princes
+was everywhere in the hands of her adepts. These inspired their
+august pupils with sentiments of veneration for the Roman pontiff.
+The rulers of the people grew up within the sanctuary, and
+princes of ordinary capacity could never entirely quit it. Several
+even had no other ambition than to be found in it at the hour of
+death. They preferred to die under a cassock rather than a crown.</p>
+
+<p>Italy, that apple of discord in Europe, perhaps contributed most
+to open the eyes of kings. Having occasion to communicate<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span>
+with popes on matters which concerned the temporal prince of
+the States of the Church, and not the Bishop of bishops, they
+were greatly astonished when they saw them ready to sacrifice
+rights which appertained to the pontiff, in order to secure certain
+advantages to the prince. They discovered that these pretended
+organs of truth had recourse to all the petty wiles of politics,
+to deceit, dissimulation, and perjury.<a name="FNanchor_48_48" id="FNanchor_48_48"></a><a href="#Footnote_48_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a> Then, at length, the bandage,
+which education had tied upon the eyes of princes, fell off.
+Then wily Ferdinand of Arragon tried stratagem against stratagem.
+Then the impetuous Louis XII caused a medal to be struck
+with this inscription, "Perdam Babylonis nomen."<a name="FNanchor_49_49" id="FNanchor_49_49"></a><a href="#Footnote_49_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a> And honest
+Maximilian of Austria, grieved to the heart on learning the
+treachery of Leo X, declared openly, "Henceforth this pope,
+too, is to me nothing better than a villain; now I can say that
+throughout my life not one pope has kept faith with me, or been
+true to his word. If it please God, I hope that this one will be the
+last."<a name="FNanchor_50_50" id="FNanchor_50_50"></a><a href="#Footnote_50_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a></p>
+
+<p>Kings and states began, moreover, to feel impatient under the
+heavy burden which the popes imposed on them, and to demand
+that Rome should free them from contributions and annats which
+wasted their resources. Already had France opposed Rome
+with the pragmatic sanction, and the heads of the empire claimed
+to share in it. In 1511 the emperor took part in the Council of
+Pisa, and had even at one time an idea of seizing the popedom
+for himself. But, among the rulers of the people none were so
+useful to the Reformation as the prince in whose states it was to
+commence.</p>
+
+<p>Of all the Electors of that period, the most powerful was Frederick
+of Saxony, surnamed the Wise. Having succeeded, in 1487,
+to the hereditary states of his family, he had received the electoral
+dignity from the emperor, and in 1493 undertook a pilgrimage to
+Jerusalem, where he was dubbed "Knight of the Holy Sepulchre."
+His power and influence, his riches and liberality, raised him
+above all his equals. God chose him to be the tree under whose
+shelter the seed of truth might be able to push forth its first blade,
+without being uprooted by storms from without.<a name="FNanchor_51_51" id="FNanchor_51_51"></a><a href="#Footnote_51_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a></p>
+
+<p>No man was better fitted for this noble service. Frederick possessed
+the general esteem, and, in particular, had the entire confidence
+of the emperor, whom he even represented in his absence.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>
+His wisdom consisted not in the dexterous arts of a wily politician,
+but in an enlightened and foreseeing prudence, the first maxim of
+which was never to offer violence, from interested motives, to the
+laws of honour and religion.</p>
+
+<p>At the same time, he felt in his heart the power of the word
+of God. One day when Staupitz, the Vicar-General, was with
+him, the conversation turned upon those who entertained the people
+with vain declamation. "All discourses," said the Elector, "which
+are filled only with subtleties and human traditions, are wondrously
+cold, nerveless, and feeble. It is impossible to advance one
+subtlety which another subtlety cannot destroy. The Holy Scriptures
+alone are clothed with such power and majesty, that, destroying
+all our learned logical contrivances, they press us home, and
+constrain us to exclaim, 'Never man so spake.'" Staupitz having
+signified that he was entirely of this opinion, the Elector shook
+him cordially by the hand, and said, "Promise me that you will
+always think so."*</p>
+
+<p>Frederick was just the prince required at the outset of the Reformation.
+Too much feebleness on the part of its friends might
+have allowed it to be strangled, while too much haste might have
+caused the storm, which at the very first began with hollow murmuring
+sound to gather against it, to burst too soon. Frederick
+was moderate but strong. He had that Christian virtue which God
+always requires in those who would adore his ways&mdash;he waited
+upon God. He put in practice the wise counsel of Gamaliel, "If
+this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought; but
+if it be of God ye cannot overthrow it." Acts, v, 38, 39. "Matters,"
+said this prince to Spengler of Nuremberg, one of the most
+enlightened men of his time; "matters are come to such a point,
+that there is nothing more which men can do in them; God alone
+must act. To His mighty hand, therefore, we commit these great
+events, which are too difficult for us." Providence made an admirable
+choice in selecting such a prince to protect his work in its
+infancy.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAP. V.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">The People&mdash;The Empire&mdash;Providential Preparations&mdash;Impulse of the Reformation&mdash;Peace&mdash;Middle
+Classes&mdash;National Character&mdash;Yoke of the Pope&mdash;State of the
+Empire&mdash;Opposition to Rome&mdash;The Burghers&mdash;Switzerland&mdash;Valour&mdash;Liberty&mdash;Small
+Cantons&mdash;Italy&mdash;Obstacles to Reform&mdash;Spain&mdash;Obstacles&mdash;Portugal&mdash;France&mdash;Preparations&mdash;Hopes
+Deceived&mdash;Netherlands&mdash;England&mdash;Scotland&mdash;The
+North&mdash;Russia&mdash;Poland&mdash;Bohemia&mdash;Hungary.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>The discoveries made by kings had gradually extended to their
+subjects. The wise began to habituate themselves to the idea that
+the Bishop of Rome was only a man, and sometimes even a very
+bad man. They had a suspicion that he was no holier than the
+bishops, whose reputation was very equivocal. The licentiousness
+of the popes roused the indignation of Christendom, and hatred of
+the Roman name rankled in the heart of the nations.<a name="FNanchor_52_52" id="FNanchor_52_52"></a><a href="#Footnote_52_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a></p>
+
+<p>Numerous causes concurred in facilitating the deliverance of the
+different countries of the West. Let us glance at these countries.</p>
+
+<p>The empire was a confederation of different states, with an
+emperor at their head, each state having supreme authority within
+its own territory. The Imperial Diet, composed of all the princes
+or sovereign states, legislated for the whole Germanic body. It
+belonged to the emperor to ratify the laws, decrees, or resolutions
+of the assembly, and to see them applied and carried into execution,
+while the seven most powerful princes under the title of Electors,
+had the disposal of the imperial crown.</p>
+
+<p>The north of Germany, inhabited chiefly by the ancient Saxon
+race, had acquired the greatest degree of freedom. The emperor,
+incessantly attacked by the Turks in his hereditary possessions,
+was obliged to court those princes and bold nations whose aid
+was then necessary to him. Free towns in the north, west, and
+south of the empire, had, by their trade, their manufactures, and
+exertions of every description, risen to a high degree of prosperity,
+and thereby of independence, but the powerful house of Austria,
+then invested with the imperial crown, held the greater part of the
+southern states of Germany under its control, and closely watched
+their movements. It was preparing to extend its dominion over
+the whole empire, and even beyond it, when the Reformation interposed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span>
+a mighty barrier to its encroachments, and saved the independence
+of Europe.</p>
+
+<p>As Judea, when Christianity arose, was in the centre of the
+ancient world, so Germany was in the centre of Christendom, looking
+at once toward the Netherlands, England, France, Switzerland,
+Italy, Hungary, Bohemia, Poland, Denmark, and all the North.
+It was in the heart of Europe that the principle of life was to be
+developed, and the beatings of this heart were to circulate through
+all the arteries of the body the noble blood which was to give
+animation to all its members.</p>
+
+<p>The particular constitution which the empire had received conformably
+to the dispensation of Providence, favoured the propagation
+of new ideas. Had Germany been a monarchy properly so
+called, like France or England, the arbitrary will of the monarch
+might have been able long to arrest the progress of the gospel.
+But it was a confederation. Truth attacked in one state might be
+received with favour in another.</p>
+
+<p>The internal peace which Maximilian had just secured for the
+empire was not less favourable to the Reformation. For a long
+time the numerous members of the Germanic body had taken
+pleasure in tearing each other. Nought had been seen but trouble
+and discord, war incessantly renewed, neighbour against neighbour,
+town against town, and noble against noble. Maximilian
+had given a solid basis to public order, by erecting the Imperial
+Chamber, with power to decide in all questions between different
+states. The inhabitants of Germany, after all their troubles and
+disquietudes, saw the commencement of a new era of security and
+repose. Nevertheless, when Luther appeared, Germany still presented
+to the observing eye that kind of motion which agitates the
+sea after long protracted storms. The calm was uncertain. More
+than one example of this will be seen as we proceed. By giving
+an entirely new impulse to the Germanic nations, the Reformation
+put an end for ever to all the former causes of agitation. Destroying
+the system of barbarism, which had till then been paramount,
+it put Europe in possession of a new system.</p>
+
+<p>Christianity had, at the same time, exercised a peculiar influence
+on Germany. The middle classes had made rapid improvement.
+Throughout the different quarters of the empire, and more especially
+in the free towns, were numerous institutions well fitted to
+improve the great mass of the population. In these arts flourished.
+The burghers, devoting themselves in security to the calm toils
+and sweet relations of social life, became more and more accessible<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span>
+to knowledge, and in this way were continually acquiring new influence
+and authority. The foundation of the Reformation in
+Germany was not to be laid by magistrates, who must often shape
+their conduct according to political exigencies, nor by nobles fired
+with the love of military glory, nor by a greedy and ambitious
+clergy, working religion for profit, as if it were their exclusive
+property. The task was reserved for the citizens, the commonalty,
+the great body of the people.</p>
+
+<p>The national character of the Germans was specially fitted to
+adapt itself to a religious Reformation. No spurious civilisation
+had enervated it. The precious seed, which the fear of God deposits
+in the bosom of a people, had not been thrown to the winds.
+Ancient manners yet existed, displaying themselves in that integrity
+and fidelity, that love of labour, that perseverance, that serious
+temper, which is still to be seen, and gives presage of greater success
+to the gospel, than the jeering levity, or boorish temper of
+some other European nations.</p>
+
+<p>The people of Germany were indebted to Rome for the great
+instrument of modern civilisation, viz., faith, polish, learning, laws,
+all save their courage and their arms, had come from the sacerdotal
+city, and, in consequence, Germany had ever after been in close
+alliance with the Papacy. The one was a kind of spiritual conquest
+by the other, and we all know to what purposes Rome has
+invariably applied her conquests. Nations which were in possession
+of faith and civilisation before a Roman pontiff existed, always
+maintained in regard to him, a greater measure of independence.
+Still the more thorough the subjugation of the German, the more
+powerful will the reaction be when the period of awakening shall
+arrive. When Germany does open her eyes, she will indignantly
+break loose from the chains which have so long held her captive.
+The bondage she has had to endure will make her more
+sensible of her need of deliverance; and freedom, and bold
+champions of the truth, will come forth from this house of hard
+labour and bondage, in which all her people have, for ages, been
+confined.</p>
+
+<p>There was, at that time, in Germany, what the politicians of
+our days call a "see-saw system." When the emperor was of
+a resolute character, his power increased; when, on the contrary,
+he was of a feeble character, the influence and power of the princes
+and electors were enlarged. Never had these felt themselves
+stronger in regard to their chief than in the time of Maximilian,
+at the period of the Reformation; and as he took part against it,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span>
+it is easy to understand how favourable the circumstance of his
+comparative weakness must have been to the propagation of the
+gospel.</p>
+
+<p>Moreover, Germany was tired of what the Romans derisively
+styled "the patience of the Germans." They had indeed, shown
+much patience from the days of Louis of Bavaria, when the emperors
+laid down their arms, and the tiara was placed, without
+opposition, above the crown of the C�sars.</p>
+
+<p>The contest, however, had done little more than change its
+place, by descending several steps. The same struggles which
+the emperors and popes had exhibited to the world were soon renewed
+on a smaller scale, in all the towns of Germany, between
+the bishops and the magistrates. The burghers took up the
+sword which the emperors had allowed to drop from their hands.
+As early as 1329 the burghers of Frankfort on the Oder had intrepidly
+withstood all their ecclesiastical superiors. Excommunicated
+for having continued faithful to the Margrave Louis, they
+had been left for twenty-eight years without mass, baptism, marriage,
+or Christian burial; and, when the monks and priests made
+their re-entry, they laughed at it as a comedy or farce,&mdash;sad
+symptoms, doubtless, but symptoms of which the clergy were the
+cause. At the period of the Reformation this opposition between
+the magistrates and ecclesiastics had increased. The privileges
+of the former, and the temporal pretensions of the latter, were
+constantly causing jostling and collision between the two bodies.</p>
+
+<p>But burgomasters, councillors, and secretaries of towns, were
+not the only persons among whom Rome and the clergy found
+opponents. Wrath was at the same time fermenting among the
+people, and broke out as early as 1502, when the peasantry, indignant
+at the grinding yoke of their ecclesiastical sovereigns,
+entered into a combination which goes under the name of the
+Shoe-Alliance.</p>
+
+<p>Thus everywhere, both in the upper and lower regions of society,
+a grumbling sound was heard,&mdash;a precursor of the thunder which
+was soon to burst. Germany seemed ripe for the work which
+the sixteenth century had received as its task. Providence, which
+moves leisurely, had every thing prepared, and the very passions
+which God condemns were to be overruled by his mighty hand for
+the accomplishment of his designs.</p>
+
+<p>Let us see how other nations were situated.</p>
+
+<p>Thirteen small republics, placed with their confederates in the
+centre of Europe among mountains, forming, as it were, its citadel,
+contained a brave and simple people. Who would have gone to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span>
+those obscure valleys in quest of persons who, with the sons of
+Germany, might be the deliverers of the Church? Who would
+have thought that petty unknown towns, just emerging from barbarism,
+hid behind inaccessible mountains, at the extremity of
+nameless lakes, would, in point of Christianity, take precedence
+of Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, Corinth, and Rome? Nevertheless,
+it so pleased Him who wills that one spot of earth be watered
+with dew, and that another spot on which the rain has not
+descended shall remain parched, (Amos.)</p>
+
+<p>There were other circumstances besides which might have been
+expected to throw numerous obstacles in the way of the Reformation
+among the Helvetic Republics. If, in a monarchy, the impediments
+of power were to be dreaded, the thing to be feared in
+a democracy was the precipitation of the people.</p>
+
+<p>But Switzerland had also had its preparations. It was a wild
+but noble tree, which had been preserved in the bosom of the valleys,
+in order that a valuable fruit might one day be engrafted on
+it. Providence had diffused among this new people principles of
+independence and freedom, destined to display their full power
+whenever the signal for contest with Rome should be given. The
+pope had given the Swiss the title of Protectors of the Liberty of
+the Church; but they seem to have taken the honourable appellation
+in a very different sense from the pontiff. If their soldiers
+guarded the pope in the vicinity of the ancient Capitol, their
+citizens, in the bosom of the Alps, carefully guarded their religious
+liberties against the assaults of the pope and the clergy. Ecclesiastics
+were forbidden to apply to a foreign jurisdiction. The
+"Letter of the Priests" (Pfaffenbrief, 1370) was an energetic
+protestation of Swiss liberty against the abuses and power of the
+clergy. Amongst these states, Zurich was distinguished for its
+courageous opposition to the pretensions of Rome. Geneva, at the
+other extremity of Switzerland, was at war with its bishop. These
+two towns particularly signalised themselves in the great struggle
+which we have undertaken to describe.</p>
+
+<p>But if the Swiss towns, accessible to every kind of improvement,
+were among the first to fall in with the movement of reform,
+it was otherwise with the inhabitants of the mountains.
+The light had not yet travelled so far. These cantons, the founders
+of Swiss freedom, proud of the part which they had performed
+in the great struggle for independence, were not readily disposed
+to imitate their younger brethren of the plains. Why change the
+faith with which they had chased Austria, and which had by its
+altars consecrated all the scenes of their triumph? Their priests<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span>
+were the only enlightened guides to whom they could have recourse.
+Their worship and their festivals gave a turn to the monotony
+of their tranquil life, and pleasantly broke the silence of
+their peaceful retreats. They remained impervious to religious
+innovation.</p>
+
+<p>On crossing the Alps, we find ourselves in that Italy which
+was in the eyes of the majority the Holy Land of Christendom.
+Whence should Europe have expected the good of the Church if
+not from Italy, if not from Rome? Might not the power which by
+turns raised so many different characters to the pontifical chair,
+one day place in it a pontiff who would become an instrument of
+blessing to the heritage of the Lord? Or if pontiffs were to be
+despaired of, were there not bishops and councils, who might reform
+the Church? Nothing good comes out of Nazareth; but out of
+Jerusalem, out of Rome!... Such might be the thoughts of
+men, but God thought otherwise. He said, "Let him who is
+filthy, be filthy still," (Rev., xxii,) and abandoned Italy to her
+iniquities. This land of ancient glory was alternately a prey to
+intestine wars and foreign invasion. The wiles of politics, the
+violence of faction, the turmoil of war, seemed to have sole sway,
+and to banish far away both the gospel and its peace.</p>
+
+<p>Besides, Italy, broken, dismembered, and without unity, seemed
+little fitted to receive a common impulse. Each frontier was a new
+barrier where truth was arrested.</p>
+
+<p>And if the truth was to come from the North, how could the
+Italians, with a taste so refined, and a society in their eyes so exquisite,
+condescend to receive any thing at the hands of barbarous
+Germans? Were men who admired the cadence of a sonnet more
+than the majesty and simplicity of the Scriptures, a propitious soil
+for the seed of the divine word? But be this as it may, in regard
+to Italy, Rome was still to continue Rome. Not only did the
+temporal power of the popes dispose the different Italian factions
+to purchase their alliance and favour at any price, but in addition
+to this, the universal ascendancy of Rome presented various attractions
+to the avarice and vanity of the ultramontane states. The
+moment that the question of emancipating the rest of the world
+from Rome should be raised, Italy would again become Italy;
+domestic quarrels would not prevail to the advantage of a foreign
+system. Attacks on the head of the Peninsular family would at
+once revive affections and common interests which had long been
+in abeyance.</p>
+
+<p>The Reformation had therefore little chance in that quarter.
+And yet there did exist, beyond the mountains, individuals who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>
+had been prepared to receive the gospel light, and Italy was not
+entirely disinherited.</p>
+
+<p>Spain had what Italy had not&mdash;a grave, noble, and religiously-disposed
+people. At all times has it numbered men of piety and
+learning among its clergy, while it was distant enough from Rome
+to be able easily to shake off the yoke. There are few nations where
+one might have more reasonably hoped for a revival of that primitive
+Christianity which Spain perhaps received from St. Paul
+himself. And yet Spain did not raise her head among the nations.
+She was destined to fulfil the declaration of Divine wisdom, "The
+first shall be last." Various circumstances led to this sad result.</p>
+
+<p>Spain, in consequence of its isolated position, and its distance
+from Germany, must have felt only slight shocks of the great
+earthquake which so violently heaved the empire. It was moreover,
+engrossed with treasures very different from those which the
+word of God then offered to the nations. The new world eclipsed
+the eternal world. A land altogether new, and apparently
+silver and gold, inflamed all imaginations. An ardent desire for
+riches left no room in a Spanish heart for nobler thoughts. A
+powerful clergy, with scaffolds and treasures at its disposal, ruled
+the Peninsula. The Spaniard willingly yielded a servile obedience
+to his priests, who, disburdening him of the prior claims of
+spiritual occupation, left him free to follow his passions, and to
+run the way of riches, discoveries, and new continents. Victorious
+over the Moors, Spain had, at the expence of her noblest
+blood, pulled down the crescent from the walls of Grenada, and
+many other cities, and, in its place, planted the cross of Jesus
+Christ. This great zeal for Christianity, which seemed to give
+bright hopes, turned against the truth. Why should Catholic
+Spain, which had vanquished infidelity, not oppose heresy? How
+should those who had chased Mahomet from their lovely country
+allow Luther to penetrate into it? Their kings did even more.
+They fitted out fleets against the Reformation, and in their eagerness
+to vanquish it, went to seek it in Holland and England. But
+these attacks aggrandised the nations against which they were directed,
+and their power soon crushed Spain. In this way, these
+Catholic regions lost, through the Reformation, even that temporal
+prosperity which was the primary cause of their rejection of the
+spiritual liberty of the gospel. Nevertheless, it was a brave and
+generous people that dwelt beyond the Pyrenees. Several of their
+noble sons with the same ardour, but with more light than those
+who had shed their blood in Moorish dungeons, came to lay their
+life, as an offering, on the faggot piles of the Inquisition.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span>It was nearly the same with Portugal as with Spain. Emmanuel
+the Happy gave it an age of gold, which must have unfitted
+it for the self-denial which the gospel demands. The Portuguese,
+rushing into the recently discovered routes to the East
+Indies and Brazil, turned their backs on Europe and the Reformation.</p>
+
+<p>Few nations might have been thought more disposed than France
+to receive the gospel. Almost all the intellectual and spiritual
+life of the middle ages centred in her. One would have said that
+the paths were already beaten for a great manifestation of the
+truth. Men who were the most opposed to each other, and who
+had the greatest influence on the French people, felt that they had
+some affinity with the Reformation. St. Bernard had given an
+example of that heart-felt faith, that inward piety, which is the
+finest feature of the Reformation, while Abelard had introduced
+into the study of theology that reasoning principle, which, incapable
+of establishing truth, is powerful in destroying falsehood.
+Numerous heretics, so called, had rekindled the flames of the
+word of God in the French provinces. The University of Paris
+had withstood the Church to the face, and not feared to combat
+her. At the beginning of the fifteenth century, the Clemangis and
+the Gersons had spoken out boldly. The pragmatic sanction had
+been a great act of independence, and promised to prove the palladium
+of the Gallican liberties. The French nobility, so numerous
+and so jealous of their precedence, and who, at this period, had
+just seen their privileges gradually suppressed to the extension of
+the influence of the crown, must have felt favourably disposed towards
+a religious revolution, the effect of which might be to restore
+a portion of the independence which they had lost. The
+people, lively, intelligent and open to generous emotions, were
+accessible to the truth in a degree as great, if not greater, than any
+other people. The Reformation might have promised to be, in
+this nation, the birth that was to crown the long travail of many
+ages. But the Church of France, which seemed for so many generations
+to have been rushing in the same direction, turned suddenly
+round at the moment of the Reformation, and took quite a
+contrary direction. Such was the will of Him who guides nations
+and their rulers. The prince who then sat in the chariot and held
+the reins, and who, as a lover of letters, might have been thought
+likely to be the first to second reform, threw his people into another
+course. The symptoms of several centuries proved fallacious, and
+the impulse given to France struck and spent itself on the ambition
+and fanaticism of its kings. The Valois took the place which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span>
+she ought to have occupied. Perhaps, if she had received the
+gospel, she would have become too powerful. God was pleased
+to take the feeblest nations, nations that as yet were not, to make
+them the depositaries of his truth. France, after having been
+almost reformed, ultimately found herself again become Roman
+Catholic. The sword of princes thrown into the scale, made it incline
+towards Rome. Alas! another sword, that of the reformed
+themselves, completed the ruin of the Reformation. Hands habituated
+to the sword, unlearned to pray. It is by the blood of
+its confessors, and not by that of its enemies, that the gospel
+triumphs.</p>
+
+<p>At this time the Netherlands was one of the most flourishing
+countries in Europe. It contained an industrious population, enlightened
+by the numerous relations which it maintained with the
+different quarters of the world, full of courage, and zealous to excess
+for its independence, its privileges, and its freedom. Placed on
+the threshold of Germany, it must have been one of the first to
+hear the sound of the Reformation. Two parties, quite distinct
+from each other, occupied these provinces. The more Southern
+one was surfeited with wealth, and submitted. How could all
+those manufactures, carried to the highest perfection&mdash;how could
+that boundless traffic by land and sea&mdash;how could Bruges, the
+great entrepot of the trade of the North&mdash;how could Antwerp,
+that queen of commercial cities, accommodate themselves to a
+long and sanguinary struggle for points of faith? On the contrary,
+the northern provinces defended by their sands, the sea, and their
+inland waters, and still more, by the simplicity of their manners,
+and their determination to lose all sooner than the gospel, not only
+saved their franchises, their privileges, and their faith, but also
+conquered their independence, and a glorious national character.</p>
+
+<p>England scarcely seemed to promise what she has since performed.
+Repulsed from the Continent, where she had so long been
+obstinately bent on conquering France, she began to throw her
+eye towards the ocean, as the domain which was to be the true
+scene of her conquests, and which was reserved for her inheritance.
+Twice converted to Christianity, once under the ancient
+Britons, and the second time under the Anglo-Saxons, she very
+devoutly paid to Rome the annual tribute of St. Peter. But she
+was reserved for high destinies. Mistress of the ocean, and present
+at once in all the different quarters of the globe, she, with
+the nations that were to spring from her, was one day to be the
+hand of God in shedding the seeds of life over the remotest islands
+and the largest continents. Already several circumstances gave<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span>
+a presentiment of her destiny. Bright lights had shone in the
+British Isles, and some glimmerings still remained. A multitude
+of foreigners, artists, merchants, and mechanics, arriving from the
+Netherlands, Germany, and other countries, filled their cities and
+their sea-ports. The new religious ideas must have been conveyed
+easily and rapidly. In fine, the reigning monarch was an eccentric
+prince, who, possessed of some knowledge and great courage, was
+every moment changing his projects and ideas, and turning from
+side to side, according to the direction in which his violent passions
+blew. It was possible that one of the inconsistencies of Henry
+VIII might prove favourable to the Reformation.</p>
+
+<p>Scotland was at this time agitated by factions. A king five
+years old, a queen regent, ambitious nobles, and an influential
+clergy, kept this bold nation in constant turmoil. It was, nevertheless,
+one day to hold a first place among those that received
+the Reformation.</p>
+
+<p>The three kingdoms of the North, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway,
+were united under a common sceptre. These rude and warlike
+nations seemed to have little in common with the doctrine of
+love and peace. And yet, by their very energy, they were, perhaps,
+more disposed than the people of the South to receive the
+evangelical doctrine in its power. But, the descendants of warriors
+and pirates, they brought, it would seem, too warlike a character
+to the Protestant cause; at a later period, their sword defended
+it with heroism.</p>
+
+<p>Russia, retired at the extremity of Europe, had few relations
+with other states, and belonged, moreover, to the Greek communion.
+The Reformation effected in the Western exerted little or no
+influence on the Eastern Church.</p>
+
+<p>Poland seemed well prepared for a reform. The vicinity of the
+Christians of Bohemia and Moravia had disposed it to receive,
+while the vicinity of Germany must have rapidly communicated,
+the evangelical impulse. So early as 1500, the nobility of Poland
+Proper had demanded the cup for the laity, appealing to the
+usage of the primitive Church. The liberty enjoyed by its towns,
+and the independence of its nobles, made it a safe asylum for Christians
+persecuted in their own country, and the truth which they
+brought thither was received with joy by a great number of its
+inhabitants. In our days, however, it is one of the countries
+which has the smallest number of confessors.</p>
+
+<p>The flame of reformation, which had long gleamed in Bohemia,
+had been almost extinguished in blood. Nevertheless, precious remains<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span>
+which had escaped the carnage, still survived to see the
+day of which John Huss had a presentiment.</p>
+
+<p>Hungary had been torn by intestine wars under the government
+of princes without character and without experience, and
+who had at last yoked the fate of their people to Austria, by giving
+this powerful House a place among the heirs of the crown.</p>
+
+<p>Such was the state of Europe at the beginning of the sixteenth
+century, which was destined to produce so mighty a transformation
+in Christian society.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. VI.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Roman Theology&mdash;Remains of Life&mdash;Justification by Faith&mdash;Witnesses for the Truth&mdash;Claude&mdash;The
+Mystics&mdash;The Vaudois&mdash;Valdo&mdash;Wickliffe&mdash;Huss&mdash;Prediction&mdash;Protestantism
+before the Reformation&mdash;Arnoldi&mdash;Utenheim&mdash;Martin&mdash;New Witnesses
+in the Church&mdash;Thomas Conecte&mdash;The Cardinal of Crayn&mdash;Institoris&mdash;Savonarola&mdash;Justification
+by Faith&mdash;John Vitraire&mdash;John Laillier&mdash;John of Wessalia&mdash;John of
+Goch&mdash;John Wessel&mdash;Protestantism before the Reformation&mdash;The Bohemian Brethren&mdash;Prophecy
+of Proles&mdash;Prophecy of the Franciscan of Isenach&mdash;Third Preparative&mdash;Literature.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>Having pointed out the state of nations and princes, we now
+proceed to the preparation for Reform, as existing in Theology
+and in the Church.</p>
+
+<p>The singular system of Theology which had been established
+in the Church must have powerfully contributed to open the eyes
+of the rising generation. Made for an age of darkness, as if such
+an age had been to exist for ever, it seemed destined to become
+obsolete and defective in all its parts as soon as the age should
+have improved. Such was the actual result. The popes had
+from time to time made various additions to Christian doctrine.
+They had changed or taken away whatever did not accord with
+their hierarchy, while any thing not contrary to their system was
+allowed to remain till further orders. This system contained true
+doctrines, such as redemption, and the influence of the Holy Spirit;
+and these an able theologian, if any such then existed, might have
+employed to combat and overthrow all the rest. The pure gold,
+mingled with the worthless lead in the treasury of the Vatican,
+made it easy to detect the imposition. It is true, that when any
+bold opponent called attention to it, the fanner of Rome immediately<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span>
+threw out the pure grain. But these very proceedings only
+increased the confusion.</p>
+
+<p>This confusion was unbounded, and the pretended unity was
+only a heap of disunion. At Rome there were doctrines of the
+Court, and doctrines of the Church. The faith of the metropolis
+differed from the faith of the provinces; while in the provinces,
+again, the variation was endless. There was a faith for princes,
+a faith for the people, and a faith for religious orders. Opinions
+were classed as belonging to such a convent, such a district, such
+a doctor, such a monk.</p>
+
+<p>Truth, in order to pass peacefully through the time when Rome
+would have crushed her with an iron sceptre, had done, like the
+insect which with its threads forms the chrysalis in which it
+shuts itself up during the cold season. And strange enough, the
+instruments which divine truth had employed for the purpose
+were the so much decried schoolmen. These industrious artisans
+of thought had employed themselves in unravelling all theological
+ideas, and out of the numerous threads had made a veil under
+which the ablest of their contemporaries must have found it difficult
+to recognise the truth in its original purity. It seems a sad
+thing, that an insect full of life, and sometimes glowing with the most
+brilliant colours, should enclose itself, apparently without life, in
+its dark cocoon; and yet it is the shroud that saves it. It was the
+same with truth. Had the selfish and sinister policy of Rome, in
+the days of her ascendancy, met the truth in naked simplicity, she
+would have destroyed, or at least tried to destroy it, but disguised
+as it was, by the theologians of the time, under subtleties and endless
+distinctions, the popes either saw it not, or thought that,
+in such a state, it could not do them harm. They accordingly
+patronised both the workmen and their work. But spring might
+come, and then forgotten truth might lift her head, and throw
+aside her shroud. In her seeming tomb, having acquired new
+strength, she might now again prove victorious over Rome and
+all its errors. This spring arrived. At the moment when the
+absurd trappings of the schoolmen were falling off under the attack
+of skilful hands, and amid the jeers of the new generation, truth
+made her escape, and came forth all young and beautiful.</p>
+
+<p>But not merely did the writings of the schoolmen bear powerful
+testimony in favour of truth. Christianity had everywhere
+imparted a portion of her own life to the life of the people. The
+Church of Christ was like a building which had fallen into ruin;
+in digging among its foundations, a portion of the solid rock on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>
+stitutions, which dated from the pure times of the Church, were
+still existing, and could not fail to suggest to many minds evangelical
+ideas utterly at variance with the prevailing superstitions.
+Moreover, the inspired writers and ancient doctors of the Church,
+whose writings were extant in many libraries, occasionally sent
+forth a solitary voice; and may we not hope that this voice was
+listened to in silence by more than one attentive ear? Let us not
+doubt, (and how sweet the thought!) Christians had many brothers
+and many sisters in those monasteries, in which we are too
+ready to see nothing but hypocrisy and dissoluteness.</p>
+
+<p>The Church had fallen in consequence of having lost the grand
+doctrine of Justification by faith in the Saviour; and hence, before
+she could rise, it was necessary that this doctrine should be restored.
+As soon as it was re-established in Christendom, all the
+errors and observances which had been introduced, all that multitude
+of saints, pious works, penances, masses, indulgences, etc.,
+behoved to disappear. As soon as the one Mediator and his one
+sacrifice were recognised, all other mediators and other sacrifices
+were done away. "This article of justification," says one whom
+we may regard as divinely illumined on the subject,<a name="FNanchor_53_53" id="FNanchor_53_53"></a><a href="#Footnote_53_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a> "is that
+which creates the Church, nourishes, builds up, preserves, and
+defends her. No man can teach well in the Church, or successively
+resist an adversary, unless he hold fast by this truth. This,"
+adds the writer from whom we quote, "is the heel which bruises
+the Serpent's head."</p>
+
+<p>God, who was preparing his work, raised up during the revolution
+of ages a long series of witnesses to the truth. But the
+truth to which those noble men bore testimony, they knew not
+with sufficient clearness, or at least were unable to expound with
+sufficient distinctness. Incapable of accomplishing the work, they
+were just what they should have been in order to prepare it. We
+must add, however, that if they were not ready for the work, the
+work was not ready for them. The measure was not yet filled
+up. Ages had not accomplished their destined course, and the
+need of a true remedy was not generally felt.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner had Rome usurped power than a powerful opposition
+was formed against her,&mdash;an opposition which extended across
+the middle ages.</p>
+
+<p>In the ninth century, Archbishop Claude of Turin, and in the
+twelfth century, Peter of Bruges, his disciple Henry, and Arnold of
+Brescia, in France and in Italy endeavour to establish the worship
+of God in spirit and in truth. Generally, however, in searching<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>
+for this worship, they confine it too much to the exclusion of images
+and external observances.</p>
+
+<p>The Mystics, who have existed in almost all ages, seeking in
+silence for holiness of heart, purity of life, and tranquil communion
+with God, cast looks of sadness and dismay on the desolation
+of the Church. Carefully abstaining from the scholastic
+brawls and useless discussions under which true piety had been
+buried, they endeavoured to withdraw men from the vain mechanism
+of external worship, and from the mire and glare of ceremonies,
+that they might lead them to the internal repose enjoyed by
+the soul which seeks all its happiness in God. This they could not
+do without coming at every point into collision with accredited
+opinions, and without unveiling the sores of the Church. Still
+they had no clear view of the doctrine of justification by faith.</p>
+
+<p>The Vaudois, far superior to the Mystics in purity of doctrine,
+form a long chain of witnesses to the truth. Men enjoying more
+freedom than the rest of the Church, appear to have inhabited the
+heights of the Alps in Piedmont from ancient times; and their
+numbers were increased, and their doctrine purified, by the followers
+of Valdo. From their mountain tops the Vaudois, during
+a long series of ages, protest against the superstitions of Rome.<a name="FNanchor_54_54" id="FNanchor_54_54"></a><a href="#Footnote_54_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a>
+"They contend for the living hope which they have in God through
+Christ, for regeneration, and inward renewal by faith, hope, and
+charity, for the merits of Jesus Christ, and the all-sufficiency of
+his righteousness and grace."<a name="FNanchor_55_55" id="FNanchor_55_55"></a><a href="#Footnote_55_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a></p>
+
+<p>Still, however, this primary truth of a sinner's justification,
+this capital doctrine, which ought to have risen from the midst
+of their doctrines, like Mont Blanc from the bosom of the Alps,
+has not due prominence in their system. Its top is not high
+enough.</p>
+
+<p>In 1170, Peter Vaud, or Valdo, a rich merchant of Lyons, sells
+all his goods and gives to the poor. He, as well as his friends,
+seem to have had it in view practically to realise the perfection
+of primitive Christianity. He, accordingly, begins in like manner
+with the branches, and not the root. Nevertheless, his word is
+powerful, because of his appeal to Scripture, and shakes the Roman
+hierarchy to its very foundations.</p>
+
+<p>In 1360, Wickliffe appears in England, and appeals from the
+pope to the word of God, but the real internal sore of the Church
+is, in his eyes, only one of the numerous symptoms of disease.</p>
+
+<p>John Huss lifts his voice in Bohemia, a century before Luther<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>
+lifts his in Saxony. He seems to penetrate farther than his predecessors
+into the essence of Christian truth. He asks Christ to give
+him grace to glory only in his cross, and in the inestimable weight
+of his sufferings, but his attention is directed less against the errors
+of the Roman Church, than the scandalous lives of its clergy.
+He was, however, if we may so speak, the John Baptist of the
+Reformation. The flames of his martyrdom kindled a fire in the
+Church, which threw immense light on the surrounding darkness,
+and the rays of which were not to be so easily extinguished.</p>
+
+<p>John Huss did more; prophetic words came forth from the
+depth of his dungeon. He had a presentiment, that the true Reformation
+of the Church was at hand. So early as the period
+when chased from Prague, he had been forced to wander in the
+plains of Bohemia, where his steps were followed by an immense
+crowd of eager hearers, he had exclaimed, "The wicked have
+begun to lay perfidious nets for the Bohemian goose;<a name="FNanchor_56_56" id="FNanchor_56_56"></a><a href="#Footnote_56_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a> but if even
+the goose, which is only a domestic fowl, a peaceful bird, and
+which never takes a lofty flight into the air, has, however, broken
+their toils, other birds of loftier wing will break them with much
+greater force. Instead of a feeble goose, the truth will send
+eagles and falcons, with piercing eye."<a name="FNanchor_57_57" id="FNanchor_57_57"></a><a href="#Footnote_57_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a> The Reformers fulfilled
+this prediction.</p>
+
+<p>And after the venerable priest had been summoned before the
+Council of Constance, after he had been thrown into prison, the
+chapel of Bethlehem, where he had proclaimed the Gospel and
+the future triumphs of Jesus Christ, occupied him more than his
+defence. One night, the holy martyr thought he saw, in the
+depth of his dungeon, the features of Jesus Christ, which he had
+caused to be painted on the walls of his study, effaced by the
+pope and the bishops. The dream distresses him, but next day
+he sees several painters employed in restoring the pictures in
+greater number and splendour. Their task finished, the painters,
+surrounded by a great multitude, exclaim, "Now, let popes and
+bishops come, they never shall efface them more." John Huss
+adds, "Many people in Bethlehem rejoiced, and I among them."
+"Think of your defence, rather than of dreams," said his faithful
+Friend, Chevalier de Chlum, to whom he had communicated the
+dream. "I am not a dreamer," replied Huss; "but this I hold for
+certain&mdash;the image of Christ will never be effaced. They wished
+to destroy it, but it will be painted anew in men's hearts by far
+abler preachers than I. The nation which loves Jesus Christ<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span>
+will rejoice; and I, awaking among the dead, and, so to speak,
+rising again from the tomb, will thrill with joy."<a name="FNanchor_58_58" id="FNanchor_58_58"></a><a href="#Footnote_58_58" class="fnanchor">[58]</a></p>
+
+<p>A century elapsed, and the torch of the Gospel, rekindled by
+the Reformers, did, in fact, illumine several nations which rejoiced
+in its light.</p>
+
+<p>But in those ages, a word of life is heard not only among those
+whom Rome regards as its adversaries; Catholicity itself&mdash;let us
+say it for our comfort&mdash;contains in its bosom numerous witnesses
+to the truth. The primitive edifice has been consumed; but a
+noble fire is slumbering under its ashes, and we see it from time
+to time throwing out brilliant sparks.</p>
+
+<p>It is an error to suppose that, up to the Reformation, Christianity
+existed only under the Roman Catholic form, and that, at
+that period only, a part of that church assumed the form of Protestantism.</p>
+
+<p>Among the doctors who preceded the sixteenth century, a
+great number, doubtless, inclined to the system which the Council
+of Trent proclaimed in 1562, but several also inclined to the
+doctrines professed at Augsburgh in 1530 by the Protestants; the
+majority, perhaps, vibrated between the two.</p>
+
+<p>Anselm of Canterbury lays down the doctrines of the incarnation
+and expiation as of the essence of Christianity.<a name="FNanchor_59_59" id="FNanchor_59_59"></a><a href="#Footnote_59_59" class="fnanchor">[59]</a> And in a treatise
+in which he teaches how to die, he says to the dying person,
+"Look only to the merits of Jesus Christ." St. Bernard with
+powerful voice proclaims the mystery of redemption. "If my fault
+comes from another," says he, "why should not my righteousness
+also be derived? Certainly, it is far better for me to have it
+given me, than to have it innate."<a name="FNanchor_60_60" id="FNanchor_60_60"></a><a href="#Footnote_60_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a> Several schoolmen, and after
+them chancellor Gerson, forcibly attack the errors and abuses
+of the Church.</p>
+
+<p>But, above all, let us think of the thousands of obscure individuals
+unknown to the world, who, however, possessed the true
+life of Christ.</p>
+
+<p>A monk named Arnoldi, daily in his quiet cell utters this fervent
+exclamation, "O Jesus Christ my Lord! I believe that thou
+alone art my redemption and my righteousness."<a name="FNanchor_61_61" id="FNanchor_61_61"></a><a href="#Footnote_61_61" class="fnanchor">[61]</a></p>
+
+<p>Christopher of Utenheim, a pious bishop of B�sle, causes his
+name to be written on a picture painted on glass, and surrounds
+it with this inscription, that he may have it always under his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span>
+eye, "The cross of Christ is my hope; I seek grace, and not
+works."<a name="FNanchor_62_62" id="FNanchor_62_62"></a><a href="#Footnote_62_62" class="fnanchor">[62]</a></p>
+
+<p>Friar Martin, a poor Carthusian, wrote a touching confession,
+in which he says, "O most loving God! I know there is no other
+way in which I can be saved and satisfy thy justice, than by the
+merit, the spotless passion, and death of thy well-beloved Son.
+Kind Jesus! All my salvation is in thy hands. Thou canst not
+turn the arms of thy love away from me, for they created, shaped,
+and ransomed me. In great mercy, and in an ineffable manner,
+thou hast engraved my name with an iron pen on thy side, thy
+hands, and thy feet," etc. Then the good Carthusian places his
+confession in a wooden box, and deposits the box in a hole which
+he had made in the wall of his cell.<a name="FNanchor_63_63" id="FNanchor_63_63"></a><a href="#Footnote_63_63" class="fnanchor">[63]</a></p>
+
+<p>The piety of Friar Martin would never have been known had
+not the box been found, 21st December, 1776, in taking down
+an old tenement which had formed part of the Carthusian Convent
+at B�sle.</p>
+
+<p>But this touching faith these holy men had only for themselves,
+and knew not how to communicate to others. Living in retreat,
+they might more or less say, as in the writing which Friar Martin
+put into his box, "Et si h�c pr�dicta confiteri non possim
+lingua, confiteor tamen corde et scripto." "And these things
+aforesaid, if I cannot confess with the tongue, I, however, confess
+with the heart and in writing." The word of truth was in the
+sanctuary of some pious souls, but, to use a Scripture expression,
+it had not "free course" in the world. Still, if the doctrine of
+salvation was not always confessed aloud, there were some in the
+very bosom of the Church of Rome who, at least, feared not to
+declare openly against the abuses which dishonoured it.</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had the Councils of Constance and B�sle, which
+condemned Huss and his followers, been held, than the noble
+series of witnesses against Rome, to which we have been pointing,
+again appears with greater lustre. Men of a noble spirit, revolting
+at the abominations of the Papacy, rise up like the prophets
+under the Old Testament, like them sending forth a voice of thunder,
+and with a similar fate. Their blood reddens the scaffold,
+and their ashes are thrown to the wind.</p>
+
+<p>Thomas Conecte, a Carmelite, appears in Flanders, and declares,
+"that abominations are done at Rome, that the Church has need<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span>
+of reformation, and that, in the service of God, one must not fear
+the excommunications of the pope."<a name="FNanchor_64_64" id="FNanchor_64_64"></a><a href="#Footnote_64_64" class="fnanchor">[64]</a> Flanders listens with enthusiasm,
+but Rome burns him in 1432, and his contemporaries
+exclaim that God has exalted him to heaven.<a name="FNanchor_65_65" id="FNanchor_65_65"></a><a href="#Footnote_65_65" class="fnanchor">[65]</a></p>
+
+<p>Andr�, Archbishop of Crayn, and a Cardinal, being at Rome as
+the ambassador of the emperor, is amazed when he sees that the
+holiness of the pope, in which he had devoutly believed, is only a
+fable; and in his simplicity he addresses evangelical representations
+to Sextus IV. He is answered with mockery and persecution.
+Then (1482) he wishes a new Council to be assembled at
+B�sle. "The whole Church," exclaims he, "is shaken by divisions,
+heresies, sins, vices, iniquities, errors, and innumerable evils, so
+much so, that it is on the eve of being swallowed up by the devouring
+abyss of condemnation.<a name="FNanchor_66_66" id="FNanchor_66_66"></a><a href="#Footnote_66_66" class="fnanchor">[66]</a> This is my only reason for proposing
+a General Council for the Reformation of the Catholic
+faith, and the amendment of manners." The Archbishop of B�sle
+was thrown into the prison of that town, and there died. Henry
+Institoris, the inquisitor, who first moved against him, used these
+remarkable words, "The whole world is crying out and demanding
+a council; but no human power can reform the Church by
+means of a Council. The Almighty will find another method,
+which is now unknown to us, though it is at the door; and, by
+this method the Church will be brought back to its primitive
+condition."<a name="FNanchor_67_67" id="FNanchor_67_67"></a><a href="#Footnote_67_67" class="fnanchor">[67]</a> This remarkable prophecy, pronounced by an inquisitor,
+at the very period of Luther's birth, is the finest apology for
+the Reformation.</p>
+
+<p>The Dominican, Jerome Savonarola, shortly after he had entered
+the order at Bologna in 1475, devotes himself to constant prayer,
+fasting, and macerations, and exclaims, "O thou who art good,
+in thy goodness teach me thy righteousness."<a name="FNanchor_68_68" id="FNanchor_68_68"></a><a href="#Footnote_68_68" class="fnanchor">[68]</a> Translated to
+Florence in 1489, he preaches with effect; his voice is thrilling,
+his features animated, his action beautifully attractive. "The
+Church," exclaims he, "must be renewed." And he professes
+the grand principle which alone can restore life to it. "God,"
+says he, "forgives man his sin, and justifies him in the way of
+mercy. For every justified person existing on the earth, there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>
+has been an act of compassion in heaven; for no man is saved by
+his works. None can glory in themselves; and if in the presence
+of God, the question were put to all the righteous, 'Have you
+been saved by your own strength?' they would all with one
+voice exclaim, 'Not unto us, O Lord, but unto thy name be the
+glory.' Wherefore, O God, I seek thy mercy, and I bring
+thee not my own righteousness: the moment thou justifiest me by
+grace, thy righteousness belongs to me; for grace is the righteousness
+of God. So long, O man, as thou believest not, thou art,
+because of sin, deprived of grace. O God, save me by thy righteousness,
+that is, by thy Son, who alone was found righteous
+among men."<a name="FNanchor_69_69" id="FNanchor_69_69"></a><a href="#Footnote_69_69" class="fnanchor">[69]</a> Thus the great and holy doctrine of justification
+by faith gladdens the heart of Savonarola. In vain do the prelates
+of the Church oppose him;<a name="FNanchor_70_70" id="FNanchor_70_70"></a><a href="#Footnote_70_70" class="fnanchor">[70]</a> he knew that the oracles of God
+are superior to the visible church, and that he must preach them
+with her, without her, or in spite of her.&mdash;"Fly far from Babylon,"
+exclaims he. It is Rome he thus designates. Rome
+soon answers him in her own way. In 1497 the infamous Alexander
+launches a brief at him, and in 1498 torture and faggot do
+their work on the Reformer.</p>
+
+<p>A Franciscan, named John Vitraire, of Tournay, whose monastic
+spirit seems not of a very elevated description, nevertheless,
+declaims forcibly against the corruption of the Church. "It were
+better for a man," says he,<a name="FNanchor_71_71" id="FNanchor_71_71"></a><a href="#Footnote_71_71" class="fnanchor">[71]</a> "to cut his child's throat than put
+it into a religion not reformed. If your curate, or any other
+priest, keep women in his house, you ought to go and drag the
+women by force, or in any other way, pell-mell, out of the house.
+There are some persons who say prayers to the Virgin Mary,
+in order that, at the hour of death, they may see the Virgin Mary.
+Thou shalt see the devil, and not the Virgin Mary." The monk
+was ordered to retract, and he did so in 1498.</p>
+
+<p>John Laillier, a Doctor of Sorbonne, declares, in 1484, against
+the tyrannical domination of the hierarchy. "All ecclesiastics,"
+says he, "have received equal power from Christ. The Roman
+Church is not the head of other churches. You ought to
+keep the commandments of God and the Apostles; and, in regard
+to the command of all the bishops and other lords of the
+Church, care no more for it than you would for a straw; they
+have destroyed the Church by their tricks.<a name="FNanchor_72_72" id="FNanchor_72_72"></a><a href="#Footnote_72_72" class="fnanchor">[72]</a> The priests of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span>
+Eastern Church sin not in marrying; and, believe me, neither
+shall we in the Western Church if we marry. Since St. Sylvester
+the Church of Rome has been, not a church of Christ, but a
+church of State and money. We are no more bound to believe
+the legends of the saints than the Chronicles of France."</p>
+
+<p>John of Wessalia, a doctor of theology at Erfurt, a man of
+great spirit and intellect, attacks the errors on which the hierarchy
+rests, and proclaims the holy Scriptures to be the only
+source of faith. "It is not religion" (that is, the monastic state)
+"that saves us," says he to some monks, "but the grace of God.
+God has from all eternity kept a book in which he has entered all
+his elect. Whosoever is not entered there will not, through
+eternity; and whosoever is, will never see his name erased. It
+is solely by the grace of God that the elect are saved. He whom
+God is pleased to save, by giving him grace, will be saved, though
+all the priests in the world were to condemn and excommunicate
+him. And he whom God sees meet to condemn, though these
+should all wish to save him, will be made to feel his condemnation.<a name="FNanchor_73_73" id="FNanchor_73_73"></a><a href="#Footnote_73_73" class="fnanchor">[73]</a>
+How audacious in the successors of the apostles to order,
+not what Christ has prescribed in his holy books, but what they
+themselves devised, when carried away, as they now are, by a thirst
+for money, or a rage for power. I despise the pope, the Church,
+and the Councils, and I extol Jesus Christ." Wessalia, who had
+gradually arrived at those convictions, boldly announces them
+from the pulpit, and enters into communication with deputies from
+the Hussites. Feeble, bent with age, and wasted by disease, the
+courageous old man, with tottering step, appears before the Inquisition,
+and, in 1482, dies in its dungeons.</p>
+
+<p>About the same time, John de Goch, prior at Malines, extolled
+Christian liberty as the soul of all the virtues. He charged the
+received doctrine with Pelagianism, and surnamed Thomas Aquinas
+the "Prince of Error." "Canonical Scripture alone," said
+he, "deserves full faith, and has an irrefragable authority. The
+writings of the ancient fathers are of authority only in so far as
+they are conformable to canonical truth.&mdash;There is truth in the
+common byword, 'What a monk dares undertake, Satan would
+blush to think.'"</p>
+
+<p>But the most remarkable of the forerunners of the Reformation
+was undoubtedly John Wessel, surnamed "The Light of the
+World," a man full of courage and love for the truth, who taught<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span>
+theology successively at Cologne, Louvain, Paris, Heidelberg, and
+Gr�ningen. Luther said of him, "Had I read his works sooner,
+it might have been said, Luther has drawn everything from Wessel;
+so much do his spirit and mine accord."<a name="FNanchor_74_74" id="FNanchor_74_74"></a><a href="#Footnote_74_74" class="fnanchor">[74]</a> "St. Paul and St.
+James," says Wessel, "say different but not contrary things.
+Both hold that the just live by faith, but a faith which works by
+love. He who understanding the gospel believes, desires, hopes,
+confides in the good news, and loves Him who justifies and blesses
+him, gives himself entirely to Him whom he loves, and attributes
+nothing to himself, knowing that in himself he has nothing.<a name="FNanchor_75_75" id="FNanchor_75_75"></a><a href="#Footnote_75_75" class="fnanchor">[75]</a>
+The sheep should distinguish between the things on which they
+feed, and avoid a hurtful food, though it should be offered by the
+shepherd. The people ought to follow their shepherds to the pastures,
+but when they lead them to what is not pasture, they are
+no more shepherds; and because they are not in their duty, the
+flock is no longer bound to obey them. Nothing is more effectual
+in destroying the Church than a corrupt clergy. All Christians,
+even the meanest and simplest, are bound to resist those who destroy
+the Church.<a name="FNanchor_76_76" id="FNanchor_76_76"></a><a href="#Footnote_76_76" class="fnanchor">[76]</a> The commands of prelates and doctors ought
+to be performed only in the manner prescribed by St. Paul, (1
+Thess., v, 21;) namely, in so far as, sitting in the chair of Moses,
+they speak according to Moses. We are the servants of God, and
+not of the pope, according as it is said, 'Thou shalt worship the
+Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.' The Holy Spirit
+has reserved to himself to foster, quicken, preserve, and enlarge the
+unity of the Church, and not abandoned it to the Roman Pontiff,
+who often gives himself no concern about the matter. Even sex
+does not hinder a woman, if she is faithful and prudent, and has
+love shed abroad in her heart, from feeling, judging, approving,
+and concluding, by a judgment which God ratifies."</p>
+
+<p>Thus, as the Reformation approaches, the voices which proclaim
+the truth are multiplied. One would say the Church is bent on
+demonstrating that the Reformation had an existence before
+Luther. Protestantism was born into the Church, the very day
+that the germ of the Papacy appeared in it, just as in the political
+world conservative principles began to exist the very moment
+that the despotism of the great or the disorders of the factious
+showed open front. Protestantism was even sometimes stronger
+than the Papacy in the ages preceding the Reformation. What<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span>
+had Rome to oppose to all these witnesses for the truth at the
+moment when their voice was heard through all the earth?</p>
+
+<p>But this was not all. The Reformation existed not in the
+teachers only; it existed also among the people. The doctrines of
+Wickliffe, proceeding from Oxford, had spread over Christendom,
+and had preserved adherents in Bavaria, Swabia, Franconia, and
+Prussia. In Bohemia, from the bosom of discord and war, ultimately
+came forth a peaceful Christian community, which resembled
+the primitive Church, and bore lively testimony to the
+great principle of Evangelical opposition, viz., "That Christ himself,
+not Peter and his successor, is the rock on which the Church
+is built." Belonging equally to the German and Slavonian races,
+these simple Christians had missionaries among the different nations
+who spoke their tongues, that they might without noise gain
+adherents to their opinions. At Rostoch, which had been twice
+visited by them, Nicolas Kuss began in 1511 to preach publicly
+against the pope.<a name="FNanchor_77_77" id="FNanchor_77_77"></a><a href="#Footnote_77_77" class="fnanchor">[77]</a></p>
+
+<p>It is important to attend to this state of things. When wisdom
+from above will with loud voice deliver her instructions, there will
+everywhere be intellects and hearts to receive it. When the
+sower, who has never ceased to walk over the Church, will come
+forth for a new and extensive sowing, the earth will be ready to
+receive the grain. When the trumpet, which the Angel of the
+covenant has never ceased to blow, will cause it to sound louder
+and louder, many will make ready for battle.</p>
+
+<p>The Church already feels that the hour of battle is approaching.
+If, during the last century, more than one philosopher gave intimation
+of the revolution with which it was to close, can we be
+astonished, that, at the end of the fifteenth century, several doctors
+foresaw the impending Reformation which was to renovate
+the Church?<a name="FNanchor_78_78" id="FNanchor_78_78"></a><a href="#Footnote_78_78" class="fnanchor">[78]</a></p>
+
+<p>Andr� Prol�s, provincial of the Augustins, who, for more than
+half a century, presided over this body, and with unshaken courage
+maintained the doctrines of Augustine within his order, when
+assembled with his friars in the Convent of Himmelspforte, near
+Wernigerode, often stopped during the reading of the word of
+God, and addressing the listening monks, said to them "Brethren,
+you hear the testimony of holy Scripture. It declares, that
+by grace we are what we are&mdash;that by it alone we have all that
+we have. Whence, then, so much darkness, and so many horrible<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span>
+superstitions?... Oh! brethren, Christianity has need of
+a great and bold reformation, and I already see its approach."
+Then the monks exclaimed, "Why don't you yourself begin this
+reformation, and oppose all their errors?" "You see, my brethren,"
+replied the old provincial, "that I am weighed down with
+years, and feeble in body, and possess not the knowledge, talent,
+and eloquence, which so important a matter requires. But God
+will raise up a hero, who, by his age, his strength, his talents, his
+knowledge, his genius, and eloquence, will occupy the first rank.
+He will begin the reformation, he will oppose error, and God will
+give him such courage that he will dare to resist the great."<a name="FNanchor_79_79" id="FNanchor_79_79"></a><a href="#Footnote_79_79" class="fnanchor">[79]</a> An
+old monk of Himmelspforte, who had often heard these words, related
+them to Flacius. In the very order of which Prol�s was
+provincial, the Christian hero thus announced by him was to appear.</p>
+
+<p>In the Franciscan Convent at Isenach, in Thuringia, was a
+monk named John Hilten. He was a careful student of the Prophet
+Daniel, and the Apocalypse of St. John; he even wrote a
+Commentary on these Books, and censured the most crying abuses
+of monastic life. The enraged monks threw him into prison. His
+advanced age, and the filthiness of his dungeon, bringing on a
+dangerous illness, he asked for the friar superintendant, who had
+no sooner arrived, than, without listening to the prisoner, he began
+to give vent to his rage, and to rebuke him harshly for his doctrine,
+which (adds the chronicle) was at variance with the monk's kitchen.
+The Franciscan, forgetting his illness, and fetching a deep
+sigh, exclaims, "I calmly submit to your injustice for the love of
+Christ; for I have done nothing to shake the monastic state, and
+have only censured its most notorious abuses. <i>But</i>," continued
+he, (this is the account given by Melancthon in his <i>Apology for
+the Confession of Augsburg</i>,) "<i>another will come in the year of the
+Lord one thousand five hundred and sixteen; he will destroy you,
+and you will not be able to resist him.</i>"<a name="FNanchor_80_80" id="FNanchor_80_80"></a><a href="#Footnote_80_80" class="fnanchor">[80]</a> John Hilten, who had announced
+the end of the world in the year 1651, was not so much
+mistaken in the year in which the future Reformer was to appear.
+He was born not long after at a short distance from Hilten's dungeon,
+commenced his studies in the same town where the monk
+was prisoner, and publicly engaged in the Reformation only a year
+later than the Franciscan had mentioned.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAP. VII.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Letters&mdash;Revival&mdash;Remembrance of Antiquity in Italy&mdash;Influence of the Humanists&mdash;Christianity
+of Dante&mdash;Valla&mdash;Infidelity in Italy&mdash;Platonic Philosophy&mdash;Rise of
+Literature in Germany&mdash;Youth in Schools&mdash;Printing&mdash;Character of German Literature&mdash;Literati
+and Schoolmen&mdash;A New World&mdash;Reuchlin&mdash;Reuchlin in Italy&mdash;His
+Works&mdash;His Influence in Germany&mdash;Mystics&mdash;Struggle with the Dominicans.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>Thus princes and people, the living members of the Church,
+and the theologians, laboured, each in their sphere, to prepare the
+work which the sixteenth century was about to carry into effect.
+But there was another auxiliary which was to lend its aid to the
+Reformation,&mdash;I mean Literature.</p>
+
+<p>The human mind was expanding&mdash;a circumstance which must
+of itself have led to its emancipation. If a small seed fall close to
+an old wall, as it grows into a tree it will push down the wall.</p>
+
+<p>The Pontiff of Rome had become tutor to the nations, and his
+superior intelligence had made the task easy to him. He had
+long kept them in a state of minority, but resistance now broke
+forth on all sides. This venerable tutelage, which had been primarily
+established by the principles of eternal life, and of civilisation
+which Rome had imparted to barbarous nations, could no
+longer be exercised without opposition. A formidable adversary
+had met her in the face, and was prepared to control her. The
+natural tendency of the human mind to expand, to investigate,
+and acquire knowledge, had given birth to this new power. Man
+opened his eyes, and at every step questioned the proceedings of
+that long respected guide under whose direction, while blindfolded,
+he had moved on without saying a word. In regard to
+the nations of new Europe, the age of infancy had passed away,
+and that of manhood had begun. To the childlike simplicity,
+which believed everything, had succeeded a spirit of curiosity, an
+intellect not to be satisfied without sifting everything to the
+utmost. It was asked for what end God had spoken to the world,
+and whether men had a right to station themselves as mediators
+between God and their brethren.</p>
+
+<p>There was only one thing which could have saved the Church,
+and this was to raise herself still higher above the people. To
+keep on a level with them was not enough. But so far from this,
+she was even found to be far beneath them, having begun to descend
+at the same time that they began to rise. At the period when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span>
+mankind began to ascend to the regions of intellect, the priesthood
+was grovelling below among earthly pursuits and worldly
+interests. This phenomenon has repeatedly appeared in history.
+The wings of the eaglet were full fledged, and what hand was high
+enough to prevent it from taking its flight?</p>
+
+<p>The human mind made its first start in Italy.</p>
+
+<p>Scholasticism and romantic poetry had at no time reigned unopposed.
+Italy never entirely lost the remembrance of antiquity;
+and this remembrance having been strongly awakened towards
+the end of the middle ages, soon gave the mind a new impulse.</p>
+
+<p>Even in the fourteenth century, Dante and Petrarch restored the
+honour of the ancient Roman poets, at the same time that the
+former gave the most powerful popes a place in his hell, and the
+latter boldly protested for the primitive constitution of the Church.
+At the beginning of the fifteenth century, John of Ravenna
+taught Latin literature with applause at Padua and Florence,
+while Chrysoloras, at Florence and Pavia, interpreted the beautiful
+writers of Greece.</p>
+
+<p>While in Europe light was thus coming forth from the prisons
+in which it had been confined, the East was sending new beams
+to the West. The standard of the Osmanlis, planted in 1453 on
+the walls of Constantinople, had put the learned to flight. They
+had, in consequence, transported the literature of Greece into Italy,
+where the torch of the ancients rekindled minds which had lain
+smothered for so many ages. George of Trebisond, Argyropolos,
+Bessarion, Lascaris, Chalcondylas, and many others, inspired
+the West with their love of Greece and its noblest productions.
+The patriotic feelings of the Italians were thus stimulated,
+and a great number of learned men appeared in Italy. Of these,
+the most illustrious were Gasparino, Aretin, Poggio, and Valla,
+who strove to restore the honour of Roman antiquity, and place
+it on a footing with that of Greece. In this way, a great flood of
+light had appeared, and Rome could not but suffer by it.</p>
+
+<p>The passion for antiquity, which took possession of the <i>Humanists</i>,
+had a great effect in weakening the attachment to the Church
+in minds of the highest order; for "no man can serve two masters."
+At the same time, the studies in which the learned were
+engaged put them in possession of a new class of instruments, which
+were unknown to the schoolmen, and by means of which they
+could test and decide upon the lessons of the Church. Finding
+that beauties which charmed them in classical authors existed
+in profusion in the Bible, and not in the works of theologians,
+the <i>Humanists</i> were quite prepared to give the Bible precedence<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span>
+before the Doctors. By reforming taste, they prepared a reformation
+in faith.</p>
+
+<p>The Literati, it is true, loudly protested that their pursuits were
+not at variance with the belief of the Church; but yet they had
+assailed the schoolmen long before the Reformers began to do it,
+and played off their wit on these barbarians&mdash;those "Teutons who
+living, lived not."<a name="FNanchor_81_81" id="FNanchor_81_81"></a><a href="#Footnote_81_81" class="fnanchor">[81]</a> Some even proclaimed doctrines of the gospel,
+and assailed Rome in the objects of her dearest affection. Already
+Dante, while adhering to many Roman dogmas, had proclaimed
+the power of faith in terms similar to those which the first Reformers
+employed. "It is true faith," he said, "that makes us
+citizens of heaven.<a name="FNanchor_82_82" id="FNanchor_82_82"></a><a href="#Footnote_82_82" class="fnanchor">[82]</a> Faith, according to the gospel doctrine, is the
+principle of life; it is the feeble spark which, spreading always
+wider and wider, at length becomes a living flame, and shines
+within us like a star in heaven. Without faith, no good works, no
+honesty of life, can give us aid. How great soever our sins may
+be, the arms of divine grace are greater still, and wide enough to
+embrace whatever turns towards God.<a name="FNanchor_83_83" id="FNanchor_83_83"></a><a href="#Footnote_83_83" class="fnanchor">[83]</a> The soul is not lost by
+the anathema of the pontiffs; and eternal love can always reach it,
+so long as there remains one bloom of hope.<a name="FNanchor_84_84" id="FNanchor_84_84"></a><a href="#Footnote_84_84" class="fnanchor">[84]</a> From God, from
+God alone, through faith our justice comes." And speaking of the
+Church, Dante exclaims, "O my bark! how ill loaded thou art!
+O Constantine! what mighty evil was engendered, I will not say
+by thy conversion, but by that offering which the rich father then
+received from thee!"</p>
+
+<p>At a later period, Laurentius Valla, applying the study of antiquity
+to the opinions of the Church, denies the authenticity of the
+correspondence between Christ and King Abgarus, rejects the tradition
+as to the origin of the Apostles' Creed, and saps the foundation
+of the pretended inheritance which the popes held of Constantine.<a name="FNanchor_85_85" id="FNanchor_85_85"></a><a href="#Footnote_85_85" class="fnanchor">[85]</a></p>
+
+<p>Still, however, the great light which the study of antiquity threw
+out in the fifteenth century, was fitted only to destroy, and not to
+build up. The honour of saving the Church could not be given
+either to Homer or Virgil. The revival of letters, sciences, and
+arts did not found the Reformation. The Paganism of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>
+poets, on reappearing in Italy, rather strengthened the Paganism
+of the heart. The scepticism of the school of Aristotle, and a contempt
+of everything not connected with philology, took possession
+of many of the Literati, and engendered an infidelity which, while
+it affected submission to the Church, in reality attacked the most
+important truths of religion. Peter Pomponatius, the most famous
+representative of this impious tendency, taught at Bologna and
+Padua, that the immortality of the soul and providence are only
+philosophical problems.<a name="FNanchor_86_86" id="FNanchor_86_86"></a><a href="#Footnote_86_86" class="fnanchor">[86]</a> John Francis Pica, nephew of Pica de
+la Mirand�la, tells of a pope who did not believe a God,<a name="FNanchor_87_87" id="FNanchor_87_87"></a><a href="#Footnote_87_87" class="fnanchor">[87]</a> and of
+another who, having confessed to one of his friends, that he did
+not believe in the immortality of the soul, appeared one night after
+his death to the same friend, and said to him, "Ah! the eternal
+fire that consumes me, makes me but too sensible of the immortality
+of that soul, which, according to the view I held, was to
+die with the body." This reminds us of the celebrated words
+which Leo X is alleged to have said to his Secretary Bembo, "All
+ages know well enough of what advantage this fable about Christ
+has been to us and ours."<a name="FNanchor_88_88" id="FNanchor_88_88"></a><a href="#Footnote_88_88" class="fnanchor">[88]</a>... Frivolous superstitions
+were attacked, but their place was supplied by infidelity, with
+its disdainful sneering laugh. To laugh at things, however sacred,
+was fashionable, and a proof of wit; and if any value was
+set on religion, it was merely as a mean of governing the people.
+"I have a fear," exclaimed Erasmus in 1516, "and it is, that,
+with the study of ancient literature, ancient Paganism will re-appear."</p>
+
+<p>It is true that then, as after the sarcasms of the age of Augustus,
+and as in our own times, after those of the last century, a new
+Platonic philosophy sprung up and attacked that irrational incredulity,
+seeking, like the philosophy of the present day, to inspire
+some respect for Christianity, and restore the religious sentiment
+to the heart. The Medici at Florence favoured these efforts of the
+Platonics. But no philosophical religion will regenerate the Church
+and the world. Proud, disdaining the preaching of the cross, and
+pretending to see nothing in Christian doctrines but figures and
+symbols, which the majority of men cannot comprehend, it may bewilder
+itself in a mystical enthusiasm, but will always prove powerless,
+either to reform or to save.</p>
+
+<p>What then must have happened, had not true Christianity
+re-appeared in the world, and had not faith filled the hearts of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span>
+men anew with its power and its holiness? The Reformation
+saved religion, and with it society, and, therefore, if the Church of
+Rome had had the glory of God and the good of the people at
+heart, it would have welcomed the Reformation with delight. But
+what were such things as these to Leo X?</p>
+
+<p>However, a torch could not be lighted in Italy without sending
+its beams beyond the Alps. The affairs of the Church established
+a constant intercourse between the Italian Peninsula and the
+other parts of Christendom, and the <i>barbarians</i> being thus soon
+made to feel the superiority and pride of the Italians, began to
+blush for the imperfection of their language and their style. Some
+young noblemen, a Dalberg, a Langen, a Spiegelberg, inflamed with
+an eager desire of knowledge, passed over into Italy, and on their
+return to Germany, brought back learning, grammar, and the
+classics, now so eagerly sought after, and communicated them to
+their friends.<a name="FNanchor_89_89" id="FNanchor_89_89"></a><a href="#Footnote_89_89" class="fnanchor">[89]</a> Shortly after, Rodolph Agricola, a man of distinguished
+genius, appeared, and was held in as high veneration for
+his learning and genius, as if he had lived in the age of Augustus
+or Pericles. The ardour of his mind, and the fatigues of the school,
+wore him out in a few years; but not till noble disciples had been
+trained, through intimate intercourse with him, to carry their master's
+fire all over Germany. Often, when assembled around him,
+they had together deplored the darkness of the Church, and asked
+why Paul so often repeats that men are justified by faith and not
+by works.<a name="FNanchor_90_90" id="FNanchor_90_90"></a><a href="#Footnote_90_90" class="fnanchor">[90]</a></p>
+
+<p>Around the feet of these new teachers soon gathered rustic youths,
+who lived by alms and studied without books, and who, divided
+into sections of priests of Bacchus, arquebusiers, and many more
+besides, moved in disorderly bands from town to town, and school
+to school. No matter; these strange bands were the commencement
+of a literary public. The masterpieces of antiquity began
+gradually to issue from the presses of Germany, supplanting the
+schoolmen; and the art of printing, discovered at Mayence in 1440,
+multiplied the energetic voices which remonstrated against the corruption
+of the Church, and those voices, not less energetic, which
+invited the human mind into new paths.</p>
+
+<p>The study of ancient literature had, in Germany, very different
+effects from those which it had in Italy and France. Her
+study was combined with faith. In the new literary culture,
+Germany turned her attention to the advantage which religion<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span>
+might derive from it. What had produced in some a kind of intellectual
+refinement, of a captious and sterile nature, penetrated
+the whole life of others, warmed their hearts, and prepared them
+for a better light. The first restorers of letters in France were
+characterised by levity, and often even by immorality of conduct.
+In Germany, their successors, animated by a spirit of gravity,
+zealously devoted themselves to the investigation of truth. Italy
+offering her incense to profane literature and science, saw an infidel
+opposition arise. Germany, occupied with a profound theology,
+and turned inwardly upon herself, saw the rise of an opposition
+based on faith. The one sapped the foundations of the
+Church, and the other repaired them. Within the empire was
+formed a remarkable union of free, learned, and noble-minded men,
+among whom princes were conspicuous, who endeavoured to render
+science useful to religion. Some brought to their studies the humble
+faith of children, while others brought an enlightened and penetrating
+intellect, disposed, perhaps, to exceed the bounds of legitimate
+freedom and criticism; both, however, contributed to clear the
+pavement of the temple from the obstructions produced by so many
+superstitions.</p>
+
+<p>The monkish theologians perceived their danger, and began to
+clamour against the very studies which they had tolerated in Italy
+and France, because in those countries they had gone hand in
+hand with levity and dissoluteness. They entered into a conspiracy
+to oppose the study of language and science, because they
+had caught a glimpse of faith following in their rear. A monk
+was putting some one on his guard against the heresies of Erasmus.
+"In what," it was asked, "do they consist?" He confessed
+that he had not read the work of which he was speaking, but
+one thing he knew, viz., that Erasmus had written in too good
+Latin.</p>
+
+<p>The disciples of literature, and the scholastic theologians, soon
+came to an open rupture. The latter were in dismay when they
+saw the movement which was taking place in the domain of intellect,
+and thought that immobility and darkness were the best
+safeguards of the Church. Their object in contending against the
+revival of letters was to save Rome, but they helped to ruin it.
+Here Rome had much at stake. Forgetting herself for an instant
+under the pontificate of Leo X, she abandoned her old friends,
+and clasped her young adversaries in her arms. The papacy and
+letters formed an intimacy which seemed destined to break up
+the ancient alliance between monasticism and the hierarchy. At
+the first glance the popes perceived not that what they had taken<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span>
+for a whip was a sword capable of inflicting a mortal wound.
+In the same way, during the last century, princes were seen receiving
+at their court political and philosophic systems, which, if
+carried into full effect, would have overturned their thrones. The
+alliance was not of long duration. Literature advanced without
+troubling itself about the injury which it might do to the power of
+its patron. The monks and schoolmen were aware that to abandon
+the pope was just to abandon themselves; and the pope, notwithstanding
+of the passing patronage which he gave to the fine
+arts, was not the less active when he saw the danger, in adopting
+measures, how much opposed soever they might be to the spirit of
+the time.</p>
+
+<p>The universities defended themselves as they best could against
+the invasion of new light. Cologne expelled Rhagius; Leipsic,
+Celtes; Rostoch, Herman von dem Busch. Still the new doctors,
+and with them the ancient classics, gradually and often even by
+the aid of princes, made good their footing in these public schools.
+Societies of grammarians and poets were soon established in spite
+of the schoolmen, and every thing, even to the name of the Literati,
+behoved to be converted into Latin and Greek; for how could
+the friends of Sophocles and Virgil have such names as Krachenberger
+or Schwarzerd? At the same time, a spirit of independence
+breathed in all the universities. Students were no longer seen in
+schoolboy fashion, with their books under their arms, walking
+sagely and demurely with downcast eye behind their masters. The
+petulance of a Martial and an Ovid had passed into the new disciples
+of the Muses. It was transport to them to hear the sarcasms
+which fell in torrents on the dialectical theologians, and the heads
+of the literary movement were sometimes accused of favouring, and
+even of exciting, the disorderly proceedings of the students.</p>
+
+<p>Thus a new world, emerging out of antiquity, was formed in the
+very heart of the world of the middle ages. The two parties
+could not avoid coming to blows, and the struggle was at hand.
+It began with the greatest champion of literature, with an old man
+on the eve of finishing his peaceful career.</p>
+
+<p>To secure the triumph of truth, the first thing necessary was to
+bring forth the weapons by which she was to conquer, from the
+arsenals where they had lain buried for ages. These weapons
+were the holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. It was
+necessary to revive in Christendom a love and study of sacred
+literature, both Greek and Hebrew. John Reuchlin was the individual
+whom divine Providence selected for this purpose.</p>
+
+<p>A very fine boy's voice was remarked in the choir of the church<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span>
+of Pforzheim, and attracted the attention of the Margrave of
+Baden. It was that of John Reuchlin, a young boy of agreeable
+manners and a lively disposition, son of an honest burgher of the
+place. The Margrave soon took him entirely under his protection,
+and in 1473 made choice of him to accompany his son Frederick
+to the University of Paris.</p>
+
+<p>The son of the bailiff of Pforzheim arrived with the prince, his
+heart exuberant with joy at being admitted to this school, the
+most celebrated of all the West. Here he found the Spartan Hermonymos
+and John Wessel, surnamed "The Light of the World,"
+and had an opportunity of engaging under skilful masters in the
+study of Greek and Hebrew, which had not then a single professor
+in Germany, and of which he was one day to be the restorer in the
+country of the Reformation. The poor young German made copies
+of the poems of Homer, and the speeches of Isocrates, for wealthy
+students, and in this way gained the means of continuing his
+studies and buying books.</p>
+
+<p>But what he hears from the mouth of Wessel is of a different
+nature, and makes a deep impression on his mind. "The popes
+may be mistaken. All human satisfactions are blasphemy against
+Christ, who has perfectly reconciled and justified the human race.
+To God alone belongs the power of giving full absolution. There
+is no necessity for confessing our sins to a priest. There is no
+purgatory, at least if it be not God himself, who is a devouring
+fire, and purges away every defilement." Reuchlin, when scarcely
+twenty, teaches Philosophy, Greek, and Latin, at B�sle, and a
+German (a thing then regarded as a wonder) is heard speaking
+Greek.</p>
+
+<p>The partizans of Rome begin to feel uneasy on seeing noble
+spirits at work among these ancient treasures. "The Romans,"
+says Reuchlin, "are making mouths and raising an outcry, pretending
+that all these literary labours are hostile to Roman piety,
+inasmuch as the Greeks are schismatics. Oh! what toils and
+sufferings must be endured to bring Germany back to wisdom and
+knowledge!"</p>
+
+<p>Shortly afterward, Eberhard of Wurtemberg invited Reuchlin
+to Tubingen, that he might be the ornament of this rising university,
+and in 1483 took him with him into Italy. At Florence his
+companions and friends were Chalcondylas, Aurispa, and John
+Pica de Mirandola. At Rome, when Eberhard received a solemn
+audience of the pope, surrounded by his cardinals, Reuchlin delivered
+an address in such pure and elegant Latin, that the assembly,
+who expected nothing of the kind from a barbarous German, were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span>
+filled with the greatest astonishment, while the pope exclaimed,
+"Assuredly this man deserves to take his place beside the best
+orators of France and Italy."</p>
+
+<p>Ten years later Reuchlin was obliged to take refuge in Heidelberg,
+at the court of the Elector Philip, to escape the vengeance of
+Eberhard's successor. Philip, in concert with John of Dalberg,
+Bishop of Worms, his friend and chancellor, exerted himself to
+spread the light which was beginning to peep forth from all parts
+of Germany. Dalberg had founded a library, to which all the
+learned had free access, and Reuchlin, in this new sphere, made
+great efforts to remove the barbarism of his countrymen.</p>
+
+<p>Having been sent to Rome by the elector in 1498, on an important
+mission, he availed himself of all the time and all the
+money he could spare to make new progress in Hebrew, under
+the learned Israelite, Abdias Sphorne, and purchased all the Greek
+and Hebrew manuscripts which he could find, with the view of
+employing them as so many torches to increase the light which
+was beginning to dawn in his native country.</p>
+
+<p>Argyropolos, a distinguished Greek, was at this time in the
+metropolis explaining the ancient marvels of the literature of his
+country to a numerous audience. The learned ambassador repairs
+with his suite to the hall where the teacher was lecturing,
+and, after bowing to him, deplores the misery of Greece, expiring
+under the blows of the Ottomans. The astonished Hellenist
+asks the German, "Who are you? Do you understand
+Greek?" Reuchlin replies, "I am a German, and know something
+of your tongue." At the request of Argyropolos he reads
+and explains a passage of Thucydides, which the professor had at
+the moment before him. Then Argyropolos, filled with astonishment
+and grief, exclaims, "Alas! Alas! Greece, oppressed and
+obliged to flee, has gone and hid herself beyond the Alps!"</p>
+
+<p>Thus the sons of rude Germany, and those of ancient learned
+Greece, met in the palaces of Rome, and the East and West shook
+hands in this rendezvous of the world&mdash;the one pouring into the
+lap of the other those intellectual treasures which had with difficulty
+been saved from the barbarism of the Ottomans. God,
+when his designs require it, employs some great catastrophe to
+break down the barrier, and instantly bring together those who
+seemed to be for ever parted.</p>
+
+<p>Reuchlin, on his return to Germany, was able to go back to
+Wurtemberg, and proceeded, at this time especially, to execute
+those works which proved so useful to Luther and the Reformation.
+This individual, who, as Count Palatine, held an eminent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span>
+station in the empire, and who as a philosopher, contributed to
+humble Aristotle and exalt Plato&mdash;made a Latin Dictionary,
+which supplanted those of the Schoolmen&mdash;composed a Greek
+Grammar, which greatly facilitated the study of that language&mdash;translated
+and expounded the penitential Psalms&mdash;corrected
+the Vulgate, and was the first in Germany (this constitutes his
+highest merit and glory) who published a Hebrew Grammar
+and Dictionary. By this work Reuchlin opened the long sealed
+books of the Old Testament, and reared "a monument," as he
+himself expresses it, "more durable than brass."</p>
+
+<p>It was not merely by his writings, but also by his life, that
+Reuchlin sought to advance the reign of truth. Tall in stature,
+of commanding appearance, and affable address, he instantly
+gained the confidence of all with whom he had any intercourse.
+His thirst for knowledge was equalled only by his zeal in communicating
+it. He spared neither money nor labour to introduce
+the editions of the classics into Germany as they issued from the
+presses of Italy; and in this way the son of a bailiff did more to
+enlighten his countrymen than rich municipalities or powerful
+princes. His influence over youth was great; and, in this respect,
+who can calculate how much the Reformation owes to
+him? We will give only one example. His cousin, a young man
+named Schwarzerd, son of an artisan, who had acquired celebrity
+as an armourer, came to lodge with his sister, Elizabeth, in order
+to study under his direction. Reuchlin, delighted at the genius and
+application of his young pupil, adopted him. Advice, presents of
+books, examples, nothing, in short, he spared to make his relative
+useful to the Church and to his country. He rejoiced to
+see his work prospering under his eye; and, thinking the name
+Schwarzerd too barbarous, translated it into Greek, and named
+the young student Melancthon. It was Luther's illustrious friend.</p>
+
+<p>But grammatical studies did not satisfy Reuchlin. Like his
+masters, the Jewish doctors, he began to study the hidden meaning
+of the Word; "God," said he, "is a Spirit, the Word is a
+breath,&mdash;man breathes, God is the Word. The names which he
+has given himself are an echo of eternity."<a name="FNanchor_91_91" id="FNanchor_91_91"></a><a href="#Footnote_91_91" class="fnanchor">[91]</a> Like the Cabalists,
+he hoped to "pass from symbol to symbol, from form to form,
+till he arrived at the last and purest of all forms&mdash;that which
+regulates the power of the Spirit."<a name="FNanchor_92_92" id="FNanchor_92_92"></a><a href="#Footnote_92_92" class="fnanchor">[92]</a></p>
+
+<p>While Reuchlin was bewildering himself in these quiet and abstruse
+researches, the enmity of the Schoolmen forced him suddenly,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>
+and much against his will, into a fierce war, which was
+one of the preludes of the Reformation.</p>
+
+<p>There was at Cologne a baptized Rabbin, named Pfefferkorn,
+who was intimately connected with the inquisitor Hochstraten.
+This man and the Dominicans solicited and procured from the
+emperor, Maximilian, (it may have been with good intentions,)
+an order, in virtue of which the Jews were to bring all their
+Hebrew books (the Bible excepted) to the town-house of the
+place where they resided. There the books were to be burned.
+The motive alleged was, that they were full of blasphemies against
+Jesus Christ. It must be confessed that they were, at least, full
+of absurdities, and that the Jews themselves would not have lost
+much by the intended execution.</p>
+
+<p>The emperor desired Reuchlin to give his opinion of the books.
+The learned doctor expressly singled out all the books which were
+written against Christianity, leaving them to their destined fate,
+but he tried to save the others. "The best method of converting
+the Israelites," added he, "would be to establish two Hebrew
+professors in each University, who might teach theologians to
+read the Bible in Hebrew, and thus refute the Jewish doctors."
+The Jews, in consequence of this advice, obtained restitution of
+their books.</p>
+
+<p>The proselytes and the inquisitors, like hungry ravens which
+see their prey escape, sent forth cries of fury. Picking out different
+passages from the writings of Reuchlin, and perverting
+their meaning, they denounced the author as a heretic, accused
+him of a secret inclination to Judaism, and threatened him with
+the fetters of the Inquisition. Reuchlin was at first taken by surprise;
+but these men always becoming more and more arrogant,
+and prescribing dishonourable terms, he, in 1513, published a
+"Defence against his Detractors of Cologne," in which he painted
+the whole party in vivid colours.</p>
+
+<p>The Dominicans vowed vengeance, and hoped, by an act of
+authority, to re-establish their tottering power. Hochstraten, at
+Mayence, drew up a charge against Reuchlin, and the learned
+works of this learned man were condemned to the flames. The
+Innovators, the masters and disciples of the new school, feeling
+that they were all attacked in the person of Reuchlin, rose as one
+man. Times were changed,&mdash;Germany and literature were very
+different from Spain and the Inquisition.</p>
+
+<p>The great literary movement had created a public opinion.
+Even the dignified clergy were somewhat influenced by it.
+Reuchlin appeals to Leo X, and that pope, who had no great liking<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span>
+for ignorant monks and fanatics, remits the whole affair to the
+Bishop of Spires, who declares Reuchlin innocent, and condemns
+the monks in the expences of process. The Dominicans, those
+props of the papacy, filled with rage, recur to the infallible decision
+of Rome, and Leo, not knowing how to act between the two
+hostile powers, issues a mandate superseding the process.</p>
+
+<p>The union of letters with faith forms one of the characteristic
+features of the Reformation, and distinguishes it, both from the
+introduction of Christianity, and the religious revival of the present
+day. The Christians, who were contemporary with the
+Apostles, had the refinement of their age against them, and, with
+some few exceptions, it is the same now; but the majority of
+literary men were with the Reformers. Even public opinion was
+favourable to them. The work thereby gained in extent, but
+perhaps it lost in depth.</p>
+
+<p>Luther, sensible of all that Reuchlin had done, wrote to him
+shortly after his victory over the Dominicans, "The Lord has
+acted through you, in order that the light of Holy Scripture may
+again begin to shine in this Germany, where, for many ages, alas!
+it was not only smothered, but almost extinguished."<a name="FNanchor_93_93" id="FNanchor_93_93"></a><a href="#Footnote_93_93" class="fnanchor">[93]</a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. VIII.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Erasmus&mdash;Erasmus a Canon&mdash;At Paris&mdash;His Genius&mdash;His Reputation&mdash;His Influence&mdash;Popular
+Attack&mdash;Praise of Folly&mdash;Tatters&mdash;Church People&mdash;Saints&mdash;Folly and
+the Popes&mdash;Attack on Science&mdash;Principle&mdash;The Greek New Testament&mdash;His Profession
+of Faith&mdash;His Writings and Influence&mdash;His Failings&mdash;A Reform without
+Shocks&mdash;Was it possible&mdash;The Church without Reform&mdash;His timidity&mdash;His Indecision&mdash;Erasmus
+loses himself with all Parties.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>But a man had now appeared, who regarded it as the great business
+of his life to attack the scholasticism of the universities and
+convents, and was the great writer of the opposition at the commencement
+of the sixteenth century.</p>
+
+<p>Reuchlin was not twelve years old when this first genius of the
+age was born. A man of great vivacity and talent, by name Gerard,
+a native of Gouda, in the Netherlands, loved a physician's
+daughter, named Marguerite. The principles of Christianity did<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span>
+not regulate his life, or at least passion silenced them. His parents,
+and nine brothers, would have constrained him to embrace
+the monastic state. He fled, leaving the object of his affection
+about to become a mother, and repaired to Rome. Frail Marguerite
+gave birth to a son. Gerard heard nothing of it, and some
+time after having received intimation from his parents, that the object
+of his affection was no more, he, in a paroxysm of grief, turned
+priest, and consecrated himself for ever to the service of God.
+On his return to Holland, she was still alive! Marguerite would
+not marry another, and Gerard, remaining faithful to his sacerdotal
+vows, their affection became concentrated on their little son.
+His mother had tended him with the greatest care, and his father,
+after his return, sent him to school, though he was only four
+years of age. He was not thirteen, when his teacher, Sinthemius,
+of Deventer, clasping him rapturously in his arms, exclaimed, "This
+child will reach the highest pinnacles of science." It was Erasmus
+of Rotterdam.<a name="FNanchor_94_94" id="FNanchor_94_94"></a><a href="#Footnote_94_94" class="fnanchor">[94]</a></p>
+
+<p>About this time his mother died, and his father, broken-hearted,
+was not long in following her to the grave.</p>
+
+<p>Young Erasmus, left alone in the world, showed the greatest
+aversion to become a monk, a state of life which his guardians
+were for compelling him to adopt, but to which, from the circumstances
+of his birth, he may be said to have been always opposed.
+Ultimately he was prevailed upon to enter a convent of canons
+regular, but he had no sooner done it than he felt, as it were,
+borne down by the weight of his vows. Recovering a little liberty,
+he is soon seen, first at the Court of the Archbishop of Cambray,
+and afterwards at the University of Paris, where he prosecuted his
+studies in extreme poverty, but with the most indefatigable diligence.
+As soon as he could procure any money, he employed the
+first part of it in the purchase of Greek books, and the remainder
+in the purchase of clothes. Often did the poor Dutchman make
+fruitless application to his guardians, and to this probably it was
+owing, that, in after life, one of his greatest pleasures was to give
+assistance to poor students. Engaged without intermission in the
+pursuit of truth and knowledge, he gave a reluctant attendance on
+scholastic disputes, and revolted from the study of theology, afraid
+that he might discover some errors in it, and be, in consequence,
+denounced as a heretic.</p>
+
+<p>It was at this time Erasmus began to feel his strength. By the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span>
+study of the ancients, he acquired a perspicuity and an elegance
+of style, which placed him far above the most distinguished Literati
+of Paris. His employment as a teacher procured him powerful
+friends, while the works which he published attracted general
+admiration and applause. He well knew how to please the public,
+and shaking off the last remnants of the school and the cloister,
+devoted himself entirely to literature, displaying in all his
+writings those ingenious observations, and that correct, lively, and
+enlightened spirit, which at once amuse and instruct.</p>
+
+<p>The laborious habits which he acquired at this period he retained
+through life. Even in his journeys, which were usually
+made on horseback, he was never idle. He composed while he
+was rambling across the fields, and, on arriving at his inn, committed
+his thoughts to writing. It was in this way, while travelling
+from Italy to England, he composed his Praise of Folly.<a name="FNanchor_95_95" id="FNanchor_95_95"></a><a href="#Footnote_95_95" class="fnanchor">[95]</a></p>
+
+<p>Erasmus, early in life, acquired a high reputation among the
+learned, but the enraged monks owed him a grudge, and vowed
+vengeance. He was much courted by princes, and was inexhaustible
+in finding excuses to evade their invitations, liking
+better to gain his livelihood in correcting books with the printer
+Frobenius, than to live surrounded by luxury and honour, at the
+magnificent courts of Charles V, Henry VIII, and Francis I, or
+to encircle his head with the Cardinal's hat which was offered
+him.<a name="FNanchor_96_96" id="FNanchor_96_96"></a><a href="#Footnote_96_96" class="fnanchor">[96]</a></p>
+
+<p>He taught in Oxford from 1509 to 1516, and then left it for
+B�sle, where he fixed his residence in 1521.</p>
+
+<p>What was his influence on the Reformation?</p>
+
+<p>It has been overrated by some and underrated by others. Erasmus
+never was, and never could have been, a Reformer, but
+he paved the way for others. Not only did he diffuse among his
+contemporaries a love of science, and a spirit of research and
+examination, which led others much farther than he went himself,
+but he was also able, through the protection of distinguished prelates
+and mighty princes, to expose the vices of the Church, and
+lash them with the most cutting satire.</p>
+
+<p>Erasmus, in fact, attacked monks and abuses in two ways.
+First, there was his popular attack. That little fair-haired man,
+whose peering blue eyes keenly observed whatever came before
+him, and on whose lips a somewhat sarcastic smile was always<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span>
+playing, though timid and embarrassed in his step, and apparently
+so feeble that a breath of air might have thrown him down, was
+constantly pouring out elegant and biting sarcasms against the
+theology and superstition of his age. His natural character and
+the events of his life had made this habitual to him. Even in
+writings where nothing of the kind was to have been expected,
+his sarcastic humour is ever breaking out, and, as with needle
+points, impaling those schoolmen and ignorant monks against
+whom he had declared war. There are many features of resemblance
+between Erasmus and Voltaire. Previous authors had
+given a popular turn to that element of folly which mingles with
+all the thoughts and all the actions of human life. Erasmus
+took up the idea, and personifying Folly, introduces her under
+the name of Moria, daughter of Plutus, born in the Fortunate
+Islands, nursed on intoxication and impertinence, and swaying
+the sceptre of a mighty empire. Giving a description of it, she
+paints, in succession, all the states of the world which belong to
+her, dwelling, especially, on church folks, who refuse to own
+her kindness, although she loads them with her favours. She
+directs her jibes and jests against the labyrinth of dialectics, in
+which the theologians wander bewildered, and the grotesque syllogisms
+by which they pretend to support the Church. She also
+unveils the disorders, the ignorance, the impurity, and absurd
+conduct of the monks.</p>
+
+<p>"They are all mine," says she, "those people who have no
+greater delight than to relate miracles, or hear monstrous lies,
+and who employ them to dissipate the ennui of others, and, at the
+same time, to fill their own purses, (I allude, particularly, to priests
+and preachers.) Near them are those who have adopted the
+foolish, yet pleasing persuasion, that if they cast a look at a bit
+of wood or a picture representing Polyphemus or Christopher,
+they will, at least, outlive that day."&mdash;"Alas! what follies," continues
+Moria, "follies at which even I myself can scarcely help
+blushing! Do we not see each country laying claim to its particular
+<i>saint</i>? Each misery has its saint and its candle. This
+one relieves you in toothache, that one gives assistance at childbirth,
+a third restores your stolen goods, a fourth saves you in
+shipwreck, and a fifth keeps watch over your flocks. Some of
+these are all-powerful in many things at once. This is particularly
+the case with the Virgin, the mother of God, to whom the
+vulgar attribute almost more than to her Son.<a name="FNanchor_97_97" id="FNanchor_97_97"></a><a href="#Footnote_97_97" class="fnanchor">[97]</a> In the midst of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span>
+all these follies, if some odious sage arise, and, giving a counternote,
+exclaim, (as in truth he may,) 'You will not perish miserably
+if you live as Christians.<a name="FNanchor_98_98" id="FNanchor_98_98"></a><a href="#Footnote_98_98" class="fnanchor">[98]</a> You will redeem your sins, if
+to the money which you give you add hatred of the sins themselves,
+tears, vigils, prayers, fastings, and a thorough change in
+your mode of life. Yon saint will befriend you if you imitate his
+life.'&mdash;If some sage, I say, charitably duns such words into their
+ears, Oh! of what felicity does he not deprive their souls, and into
+what trouble, what despondency, does he not plunge them! The
+mind of man is so constituted that imposture has a much stronger
+hold upon it than truth.<a name="FNanchor_99_99" id="FNanchor_99_99"></a><a href="#Footnote_99_99" class="fnanchor">[99]</a> If there is any saint more fabulous than
+another, for instance, a St. George, a St. Christopher, or a St. Barbara,
+you will see them adored with much greater devotion than
+St. Peter, St. Paul, or Christ himself."<a name="FNanchor_100_100" id="FNanchor_100_100"></a><a href="#Footnote_100_100" class="fnanchor">[100]</a></p>
+
+<p>Folly, however, does not stop here; she applies her lash to the
+bishops themselves, "who run more after gold than after souls,
+and think they have done enough when they make a theatrical
+display of themselves, as Holy Fathers, to whom adoration is due,
+and when they bless or anathematise." The daughter of "the
+Fortunate Isles" has the hardihood even to attack the Court of
+Rome, and the pope himself, who, spending his time in diversion,
+leaves Peter and Paul to perform his duty. "Are there,"
+says she, "more formidable enemies of the Church than those
+impious pontiffs, who, by their silence, allow Jesus Christ to be
+destroyed, who bind him by their mercenary laws, falsify him by
+their forced interpretations, and strangle him by their pestilential
+life?"<a name="FNanchor_101_101" id="FNanchor_101_101"></a><a href="#Footnote_101_101" class="fnanchor">[101]</a></p>
+
+<p>Holbein appended to the Praise of Folly, most grotesque engravings,
+among which the pope figures with his triple crown.
+Never, perhaps, was a work so well adapted to the wants of a
+particular period. It is impossible to describe the impression which
+it produced throughout Christendom. Twenty-seven editions were
+published in the lifetime of Erasmus; it was translated into all
+languages, and served more than any other to confirm the age in
+its antisacerdotal tendency.</p>
+
+<p>But to this attack by popular sarcasm, Erasmus added the
+attack of science and erudition. The study of Greek and Latin
+literature had opened up a new prospect to the modern genius
+which began to be awakened in Europe. Erasmus entered with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span>
+all his heart into the idea of the Italians, that the school of the
+ancients was that in which the sciences ought to be studied, that,
+abandoning the inadequate and absurd books which had hitherto
+been used, it was necessary to go to Strabo for geography, to
+Hippocrates for medicine, to Plato for philosophy, to Ovid for
+mythology, and to Pliny for natural history. But he took a farther
+step, the step of a giant, destined to lead to the discovery of
+a new world, of more importance to humanity than that which
+Columbus had just added to the old world. Following out his
+principle, Erasmus insisted that men should no longer study theology
+in Scotus and Thomas Aquinas, but go and learn it from the
+Fathers of the Church, and, above all, from the New Testament.
+He showed that it was not even necessary to keep close to the
+Vulgate, which swarmed with faults, and he rendered an immense
+service to truth, by publishing his critical edition of the Greek
+text of the New Testament, a text as little known in the West
+as if it never had existed. This edition appeared at B�sle in 1516,
+the year before the Reformation. Erasmus thus did for the New
+Testament what Reuchlin had done for the Old. Theologians were
+thenceforth able to read the word of God in the original tongues,
+and at a later period to recognise the purity of doctrine taught by
+the Reformers.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish," said Erasmus on publishing his New Testament, "to
+bring to its level that frigid, wordy, disputatious thing, termed
+Theology. Would to God the Christian world may derive advantage
+from the work, proportioned to the pain and toil which it
+has cost." The wish was accomplished. It was in vain for the
+monks to exclaim, "He is trying to correct the Holy Spirit."
+The new Testament of Erasmus sent forth a living light. His
+paraphrases on the Epistles and Gospels of St. Matthew and St.
+John; his editions of Cyprian and Jerome; his translations of
+Origen, Athanasius, and Chrysostom; his "True Theology;"<a name="FNanchor_102_102" id="FNanchor_102_102"></a><a href="#Footnote_102_102" class="fnanchor">[102]</a>
+his "Preacher;"<a name="FNanchor_103_103" id="FNanchor_103_103"></a><a href="#Footnote_103_103" class="fnanchor">[103]</a> his Commentaries on several of the Psalms,
+contributed greatly to spread a taste for the word of God and
+pure theology. The effect of his labours even went farther than
+his intentions. Reuchlin and Erasmus restored the Bible to the
+learned; Luther restored it to the people. We have not yet described
+all that Erasmus did. When he restored the Bible, he
+called attention to its contents. "The highest aim of the revival
+of philosophical studies," said he, "should be to give a knowledge
+of the pure and simple Christianity of the Bible." An admirable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span>
+sentiment! Would to God the organs of philosophy, in our day,
+were as well acquainted with their calling! "I am firmly resolved,"
+continued he, "to die studying the Scriptures; it is my
+joy and my peace."<a name="FNanchor_104_104" id="FNanchor_104_104"></a><a href="#Footnote_104_104" class="fnanchor">[104]</a> "The sum of all Christian philosophy," he
+elsewhere says, "is reduced to this: To place all our hope in God,
+who through grace without our merits, gives us everything by
+Jesus Christ: To know that we are ransomed by the death of his
+Son: To die to worldly lusts, and walk conformably to his doctrine
+and his example, not only doing no injury to any, but, on
+the contrary, doing good to all: To bear trials patiently, in the
+hope of future recompence: in fine, to claim no credit to ourselves
+because of our virtues, but give thanks to God for all our
+faculties, and all our works. These are the feelings which ought
+to pervade the whole man, until they have become a second nature."<a name="FNanchor_105_105" id="FNanchor_105_105"></a><a href="#Footnote_105_105" class="fnanchor">[105]</a></p>
+
+<p>Then raising his voice against the great mass of ecclesiastical
+injunctions, regarding dress, fasts, feast-days, vows, marriage, and
+confessions, by which the people were oppressed, and the priest
+was enriched, Erasmus exclaims, "In churches, the interpretation
+of the gospel is scarcely thought of.<a name="FNanchor_106_106" id="FNanchor_106_106"></a><a href="#Footnote_106_106" class="fnanchor">[106]</a> The better part of sermons
+must meet the wishes of the commissaries of indulgences.
+The holy doctrine of Christ must be suppressed, or interpreted
+contrary to its meaning, and for their profit. Cure is now hopeless,
+unless Christ himself turn the hearts of kings and pontiffs,
+and awaken them to enquire after true piety."</p>
+
+<p>The works of Erasmus rapidly succeeded each other. He laboured
+incessantly, and his writings were read just as they came
+from his pen. That spirit, that native life, that rich, refined,
+sparkling and bold intellect, which, without restraint, poured out
+its treasures before his contemporaries, carried away and entranced
+vast numbers of readers, who eagerly devoured the works
+of the philosopher of Rotterdam. In this way he soon became
+the most influential man in Christendom, and saw pensions and
+crowns raining down upon him from all quarters.</p>
+
+<p>When we contemplate the great revolution, which, at a later
+period, renewed the Church, it is impossible not to own that
+Erasmus was used by many as a kind of bridge, over which they
+passed. Many who would have taken alarm at evangelical truths,
+if presented in all their force and purity, yielded to the charm of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span>
+his writings, and ultimately figured among the most zealous promoters
+of the Reformation.</p>
+
+<p>But the very circumstance of his being good in preparing, prevented
+him from being good at performing. "Erasmus knows
+very well how to expose error," says Luther, "but he knows not
+how to teach the truth." The gospel was not the fire which
+warmed and sustained his life, the centre around which his activity
+radiated. He was, first of all, a learned, and, in the second
+place only, a Christian man. He was too much under the influence
+of vanity to have a decided influence on his age. He
+anxiously calculated the effect which every step he took might
+have on his reputation, and there was nothing he liked so much
+to talk of as himself and his fame. "The pope," wrote he to an
+intimate friend with puerile vanity, at the period when he became
+the declared opponent of Luther, "the pope has sent me a letter
+full of kindness and expressions of respect. His secretary solemnly
+vows that the like was never heard of, and that it was written
+word for word at the pope's own dictation."</p>
+
+<p>Erasmus and Luther are the representatives of two great ideas
+on the subject of reform, and of two great parties of their own age,
+and of all ages. The one is composed of men, whose leading characteristic
+is a prudential timidity; the other of men of courage
+and resolution. These two parties were, at this period, personified
+in these two distinguished heads. The men of prudence
+thought that the cultivation of theological science might lead gradually,
+and without disruption, to the reformation of the Church.
+The men of action thought that the diffusion of more correct ideas
+among the learned would not put a stop to the superstitions of the
+people, and that the correction of particular abuses was of little
+avail, unless the whole life of the Church were renewed.</p>
+
+<p>"A disadvantageous peace," said Erasmus, "is far better than
+the justest war."<a name="FNanchor_107_107" id="FNanchor_107_107"></a><a href="#Footnote_107_107" class="fnanchor">[107]</a> He thought (and how many Erasmuses have
+been and still are in the world?) that a Reformation which shook
+the Church might run a risk of overturning it; and he was therefore
+terrified when, on looking forward, he saw the passions of
+men excited, saw evil everywhere mingling itself with any little
+good that could be accomplished, existing institutions destroyed
+in the absence of others to supply their place, and the vessel of
+the Church leaking in every part, and at length engulfed amid the
+storm. "Those who bring the sea into new lagoons," said he,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span>
+"are often deceived in the result; the formidable element, once
+introduced, does not take the direction which they wished to give
+it, but rushes where it pleases, and causes great devastation.<a name="FNanchor_108_108" id="FNanchor_108_108"></a><a href="#Footnote_108_108" class="fnanchor">[108]</a> "Be
+this as it may," continued he, "let disturbances be by all means
+avoided. Better put up with wicked princes than by innovations
+enthrone evil."<a name="FNanchor_109_109" id="FNanchor_109_109"></a><a href="#Footnote_109_109" class="fnanchor">[109]</a></p>
+
+<p>But the courageous among his contemporaries were prepared
+with their answer. History had clearly enough demonstrated,
+that a frank exposition of the truth, and a mortal struggle with
+falsehood, could alone secure the victory. Had temporising and
+politic artifices been resorted to, the wiles of the papal court would
+have extinguished the light in its first glimmerings. Had not all
+sorts of mild methods been tried for ages? Had not Council been
+held after Council, with the view of reforming the Church? Yet
+all had been useless. Why pretend to repeat an experiment that
+had so often failed?</p>
+
+<p>No doubt a fundamental reform might be effected without disruption.
+But when did anything great and good make its appearance
+among men without causing agitation? This fear of seeing
+evil mingle with good, if legitimate, would arrest the noblest and
+holiest enterprises. We must not fear the evil which may be
+heaved up in the course of great agitation, but be strong in combating
+and destroying it.</p>
+
+<p>Besides, is there not an entire difference between the commotion
+which human passions produces and that which emanates from
+the Spirit of God? The one shakes society, the other consolidates
+it. How erroneous to imagine, like Erasmus, that in the
+state in which Christianity then was, with that mixture of opposite
+elements, truth and falsehood, life and death, violent shocks
+might still be prevented! As well might you try to shut the
+crater of Vesuvius, when the angry elements are actually at war
+in its bosom! The middle ages had seen more than one violent
+commotion in an atmosphere less loaded with storms than at the
+period of the Reformation. The thing wanted at such a time is
+not to arrest and suppress, but to direct and guide.</p>
+
+<p>If the Reformation had not burst forth, who can tell the fearful
+ruin by which its place might have been supplied? Society, a
+prey to a thousand elements of destruction, and destitute of regenerating
+and conservative elements, would have been dreadfully<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>
+convulsed. Assuredly it would not have been a reform to the taste
+of Erasmus, or such an one as many moderate but timid men in
+our day dream of, that would then have overtaken society. The
+people, devoid of that light and piety which the Reformation
+carried down into the humblest ranks, giving themselves up to
+the violence of their passions, and to a restless spirit of revolt,
+would have burst forth like a wild beast broken loose from its
+chain, after having been goaded to madness.</p>
+
+<p>The Reformation was nothing but an interposition of the Spirit
+of God among men, a setting of the world in order by the hand of
+God. No doubt, it might stir up the fermenting elements which
+lie hidden in the human heart; but God was there to overrule
+them. Evangelical doctrine, heavenly truth, penetrating the masses
+of the population, destroyed what deserved to perish, but, at the
+same time, gave new strength to all that deserved to remain.
+The Reformation exerted itself in building up, and it is mere prejudice
+to allege that it destroyed. "The ploughshare, too," it has
+been truly said, in speaking of the Reformation, "might think it
+hurts the earth, because it cuts it asunder, whereas it only makes
+it productive."</p>
+
+<p>The great principle of Erasmus was, "Give light, and the darkness
+will disappear of itself." The principle is good, and Luther
+acted on it. But when the enemies of the light strive to extinguish
+it, or to force the flambeau out of the hand which carries it
+is it necessary, from a love of peace, to let them do so? ought
+not the wicked to be resisted?</p>
+
+<p>Erasmus was deficient in courage. Now, courage is indispensable,
+whether it be to effect a Reformation, or to storm a town.
+There was much timidity in his character. From a boy the very
+name of death made him tremble. He was excessively anxious
+about his health, and would grudge no sacrifice in order to escape
+from a place where some contagious malady prevailed. His love of
+the comforts of life was greater even than his vanity, and hence his
+rejection, on more than one occasion, of the most brilliant offers.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, he made no pretensions to the character of a Reformer.
+"If the corruptions of the Court of Rome demand some
+great and prompt remedy," said he, "it is no affair of mine, or of
+those like me."<a name="FNanchor_110_110" id="FNanchor_110_110"></a><a href="#Footnote_110_110" class="fnanchor">[110]</a> He had not the strong faith which animated
+Luther. While the latter was always prepared to yield up his
+life for the truth, Erasmus candidly declared, "Others may aspire
+to martyrdom; as for me, I deem not myself worthy of the honour.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span>
+Were some tumult to arise, I fear I would play the part of
+Peter."<a name="FNanchor_111_111" id="FNanchor_111_111"></a><a href="#Footnote_111_111" class="fnanchor">[111]</a></p>
+
+<p>Erasmus, by his writings and his sayings, had done more than
+any other man to prepare the Reformation; but, when he saw the
+tempest, which he himself had raised, actually come, he trembled.
+He would have given anything to bring back the calm of other
+days, even though accompanied with its dense fogs. It was no
+longer time. The embankment had burst, and it was impossible
+to arrest the flood which was destined at once to purify and fertilise
+the world. Erasmus was powerful as an instrument of God,
+but when he ceased to be so, he was nothing.</p>
+
+<p>Ultimately, Erasmus knew not for which party to declare. He
+was not pleased with any, and he had his fears of all. "It is
+dangerous to speak," said he, "and it is dangerous to be silent."
+In all great religious movements we meet with those irresolute
+characters, which, though respectable in some points of view, do
+injury to the truth, and, in wishing not to displease any, displease
+all.</p>
+
+<p>What would become of the truth did not God raise up bolder
+champions to defend it? The following is the advice which Erasmus
+gave to Viglius Zuichem, (afterwards President of the Supreme
+Court at Brussels,) as to the manner in which he ought to
+conduct himself towards the sectaries&mdash;(this was the name by
+which he had already begun to designate the Reformers)&mdash;"My
+friendship for you makes me desirous that you should keep far
+aloof from the contagion of the sects, and not furnish them with
+any pretext for saying, 'Zuichem is ours.' If you approve their
+doctrine, at least disguise it, and, above all, do not enter into discussion
+with them. A lawyer should finesse with these people as
+a dying man once did with the devil. The devil asked him, 'What
+believest thou?' The dying man, afraid that if he made a confession
+of his faith, he might be surprised into some heresy, replied,
+'What the Church believes.' The devil rejoined, 'What
+does the Church believe?' The man again replied, 'What I believe.'
+The devil, once more, 'And what dost thou believe?'&mdash;'What
+the Church believes.'"<a name="FNanchor_112_112" id="FNanchor_112_112"></a><a href="#Footnote_112_112" class="fnanchor">[112]</a> Duke George of Saxony, a mortal
+enemy of Luther, receiving an equivocal answer from Erasmus to
+a question which he had put to him, said, "My dear Erasmus,
+wash the fur for me, and do not merely wet it." Secundus Curio,
+in one of his works, describes two heavens&mdash;the Papistical and the
+Christian heaven. He does not find Erasmus in either, but discovers
+him moving constantly between them in endless circles.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span>
+Such was Erasmus. He wanted that internal liberty which
+makes a man truly free. How different he would have been if he
+had abandoned himself, and sacrificed all for truth! But after trying
+to effect some reforms with the approbation of the Church, and
+for Rome deserting the Reformation when he saw the two to be
+incompatible, he lost himself with all parties. On the one hand,
+his palinodes could not suppress the rage of the fanatical partisans
+of the Papacy. They felt the mischief which he had done them,
+and they did not forgive it. Impetuous monks poured out reproaches
+on him from the pulpit,&mdash;calling him a second Lucian,&mdash;a
+fox, which had laid waste the vineyard of the Lord. A doctor
+of Constance had the portrait of Erasmus hung up in his study,
+that he might have it in his power at any moment to spit in his
+face. On the other hand, Erasmus, by deserting the standard
+of the gospel, deprived himself of the affection and esteem of the
+noblest men of the period in which he lived, and must, doubtless,
+have forfeited those heavenly consolations which God sheds in the
+hearts of those who conduct themselves as good soldiers of Jesus
+Christ. At least we have some indication of this in his bitter
+tears&mdash;his painful vigils, and troubled sleep&mdash;his disrelish for his
+food&mdash;his disgust with the study of the muses, once his only solace&mdash;his
+wrinkled brow&mdash;his pallid cheek&mdash;his sad and sunken eye&mdash;his
+hatred of a life to which he applies the epithet of cruel&mdash;and
+those longings for death which he unbosoms to his friends.<a name="FNanchor_113_113" id="FNanchor_113_113"></a><a href="#Footnote_113_113" class="fnanchor">[113]</a> Poor
+Erasmus!</p>
+
+<p>The enemies of Erasmus went, we think, somewhat beyond the
+truth when they exclaimed, on Luther's appearance, "Erasmus
+laid the egg, and Luther has hatched it."<a name="FNanchor_114_114" id="FNanchor_114_114"></a><a href="#Footnote_114_114" class="fnanchor">[114]</a></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAP. IX.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">The nobles&mdash;Different Motives&mdash;H�tten&mdash;Literary League&mdash;Letters of some Obscure
+Men&mdash;Their Effect&mdash;Luther's Opinion&mdash;H�tten at Brussels&mdash;His Letters&mdash;Seckingen&mdash;War&mdash;His
+Death&mdash;Cronberg&mdash;Hans Sachs&mdash;General Fermentation.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>The same symptoms of regeneration, which we have seen among
+princes, bishops, and the learned, existed among the men of the
+world, among nobles, knights, and warriors. The German nobility
+performed an important part in the Reformation. Several of
+the most illustrious sons of Germany entered into close alliance
+with the Literati, and inflamed with an ardent, sometimes even an
+excessive zeal, laboured to deliver their countrymen from the yoke
+of Rome.</p>
+
+<p>Various causes must have contributed to procure friends for the
+Reformation among the ranks of the nobility. Some, by their
+attendance at the universities, had been warmed with the same
+flame that animated the learned. Others, whose education had
+trained them to generous feelings, had their minds predisposed in
+favour of the beautiful doctrines of the gospel. To several, the
+Reformation seemed to present something of a chivalrous character,
+which fascinated them, and bore them along in its train. Lastly,
+it must be acknowledged, that not a few had a grudge at the
+clergy, who had powerfully contributed in the reign of Maximilian,
+to deprive the nobles of their ancient independence, and bring
+them under subjection to their sovereigns. They, in their enthusiasm,
+considered the Reformation as the prelude of a great political
+renovation. They thought they saw the empire emerging from
+this crisis with new splendour, and hailed the better state, brilliant
+with the purest glory, which was on the eve of being established
+in the world by chivalrous swords, not less than by the word of
+God.</p>
+
+<p>Ulrich de H�tten,<a name="FNanchor_115_115" id="FNanchor_115_115"></a><a href="#Footnote_115_115" class="fnanchor">[115]</a> who, on account of his philippics against the
+Papacy, has been surnamed the Demosthenes of Germany, forms,
+as it were, the link which united the chevaliers and men of letters.
+He distinguished himself by his writings, as much as by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span>
+his sword. Descended from an ancient family in Franconia, he was
+sent at eleven years of age, to the Convent of Foulda, with the
+view of his becoming a monk. But Ulrich, who had no inclination
+for this state, ran off from the convent when he was sixteen, and
+repaired to the University of Cologne, where he devoted himself to
+the study of languages. Afterwards leading an unsettled life, he
+was in the ranks as a common soldier at the siege of Padua, in 1513,
+saw Rome in all its disorder, and there sharpened the arrows
+which he afterwards shot at her.</p>
+
+<p>On his return to Germany, H�tten wrote a pamphlet against
+Rome, entitled "The Roman Trinity," in which he unveils all the
+disorders of that court, and shows the necessity of pulling down
+her tyranny by main force. A traveller named Vadiscus, who figures
+prominently in the piece, says, "There are three things which are
+usually brought back from Rome,&mdash;a sore conscience, a disordered
+stomach, and an empty purse. There are three things which Rome
+does not believe,&mdash;the immortality of the soul, the resurrection of
+the dead, and hell. There are three things in which Rome carries
+on a trade,&mdash;the grace of Christ, ecclesiastical benefices, and women."
+The publication of this work obliged H�tten to quit the
+court of the Archbishop of Mayence, where he was residing when
+he composed it.</p>
+
+<p>The affair of Reuchlin with the Dominicans was the signal
+which brought forward all the literati, magistrates, and nobles,
+who were opposed to the monks. The defeat of the inquisitors,
+who, it was said, had only saved themselves from a regular and
+absolute sentence of condemnation by money and intrigue, gave
+encouragement to all their adversaries. Counsellors of the empire,
+and magistrates of the most considerable towns&mdash;Pirckheimer
+of Nuremberg, Peutinger of Augsburg, Stuss of Cologne, distinguished
+preachers, such as Capito and &OElig;colampadius, doctors of
+medicine, historians, all the literati, orators, and poets, at the head
+of whom, Ulrich de H�tten was conspicuous, formed the <i>army of
+Reuchlinists</i>, of whom a list was even published.<a name="FNanchor_116_116" id="FNanchor_116_116"></a><a href="#Footnote_116_116" class="fnanchor">[116]</a> The most remarkable
+production of this league was the famous popular satire,
+entitled, "Letters of some Obscure Men." This production was
+principally written by H�tten, and one of his university friends,
+Crotus Robianus, but it is difficult to say with which of the two
+the idea originated, if, indeed, it was not with the learned printer,
+Angst. It is even doubtful if H�tten had any hand in the first part
+of the work. Several <i>Humanists</i>, who had met in the fortress of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>
+Ebernbourg, appear to have contributed to the second part. It
+is a picture in bold characters, a caricature sometimes coarsely
+painted, but full of truth and vigour, a striking likeness in colours
+of fire. The effect was immense. Monks, who are adversaries of
+Reuchlin, and the supposed authors of the letters, discourse on the
+affairs of the time, and on theological subjects after their own manner,
+and in their barbarous Latin. They address to their correspondent,
+Ortuin Gratius, professor at Cologne, and friend of Pfefferkorn,
+the silliest and most useless questions. They give the most
+amusing proof of the excessive ignorance and incredulity, their
+superstition, their low and vulgar spirit, their coarse gluttony in
+making a god of their belly, and, at the same time, their pride,
+their fanatical and persecuting zeal. They inform him of several
+of their droll adventures, their escapes, their dissoluteness, and
+a variety of scandals in the lives of Hochstraten, Pfefferkorn,
+and other leaders of their party. The tone of these letters, sometimes
+hypocritical and sometimes childish, gives them a very
+comic effect, and yet the whole is so natural, that the Dominicans
+and Franciscans of England received the work with high approbation,
+believing that it really was composed on the principles of
+their order, and in defence of it. A prior of Brabant, in his credulous
+simplicity, purchased a great number of copies, and presented
+them to the most distinguished among the Dominicans.
+The monks, irritated more and more, applied to the pope for a
+stringent bull against all who should dare to read these epistles,
+but Leo X refused to grant it. They were accordingly obliged
+to put up with the general laugh, and gulp down their rage. No
+work gave a stronger blow to these pillars of Papism. But it was
+not by jesting and satire that the gospel was to triumph. Had
+this course been persisted in; had the Reformers, instead of
+attacking the Reformation with the weapons of God, had recourse
+to the jeering spirit of the world, the cause had been lost. Luther
+loudly condemned these satires. A friend having sent him one of
+them, entitled, "<i>The Tenor of the Supplication of Pasquin</i>," he
+wrote in answer, "The foolish things you sent me appear to be
+written by a mind which is under no control. I submitted them
+to a meeting of friends, and they have all given the same opinion."<a name="FNanchor_117_117" id="FNanchor_117_117"></a><a href="#Footnote_117_117" class="fnanchor">[117]</a>
+And speaking of the same work, he writes to another of his correspondents,
+"This Supplication appears to me to be by the same
+hand as the <i>Letters of some Obscure Men</i>. I approve of his
+wishes, but I approve not of his work, for he does not refrain from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span>
+injury and insult."<a name="FNanchor_118_118" id="FNanchor_118_118"></a><a href="#Footnote_118_118" class="fnanchor">[118]</a> This sentence is severe, but it shows what
+kind of spirit was in Luther, and how superior he was to his contemporaries.
+It must be added, however, that he was not at all
+times observant of these wise maxims.</p>
+
+<p>Ulrich having been obliged to renounce the protection of the
+Archbishop of Mayence, applied for that of Charles V, who had
+at this time quarrelled with the pope, and accordingly repaired to
+Brussels, where Charles was holding his court. But so far from
+obtaining anything, he learned that the pope had required the
+emperor to send him to Rome bound hand and foot. The inquisitor,
+Hochstraten, Reuchlin's persecutor, was one of those
+whom Rome had charged to pursue him. Ulrich, indignant that
+such a demand should have been made to the emperor, quitted
+Brabant. When a short way from Brussels, he met Hochstraten
+on the highroad. The inquisitor, frightened out of his wits, falls
+on his knees, and commends his soul to God and the saints. "No,"
+said the knight, "I will not soil my sword with such blood as
+yours!" and giving him several strokes with the flat of his sword,
+allowed him to depart.</p>
+
+<p>H�tten took refuge in the castle of Ebernbourg, where Francis
+de Seckingen offered an asylum to all who were persecuted by the
+Ultramontanists. It was here that his ardent zeal for the emancipation
+of his country dictated the remarkable letters which he addressed
+to Charles V, Frederick Elector of Saxony, Albert Archbishop
+of Mayence, and the princes and nobles, and which entitle
+him to a place among the most distinguished authors. Here too,
+he composed all those works<a name="FNanchor_119_119" id="FNanchor_119_119"></a><a href="#Footnote_119_119" class="fnanchor">[119]</a> which, being read and comprehended
+by the people, inspired Germany with a hatred of Rome and a
+love of freedom. Devoted to the cause of the Reformers, his object
+was to induce the nobility to take up arms in favour of the
+gospel, and fall with the sword on that Rome which Luther only
+wished to destroy by the Word, and by the invincible force of
+truth.</p>
+
+<p>Still, amid all this fondness for war, we are pleased at finding
+tenderness and delicacy of sentiment in H�tten. On the death of
+his parents, though he was the eldest son, he gave up all the family
+property to his brothers, and prayed them not to write him
+or send him any money, lest, notwithstanding their innocence,
+they might be brought into trouble by his enemies, and fall into
+the ditch along with him.</p>
+
+<p>If the truth cannot own H�tten for one of her children, (for her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span>
+companions are ever holiness of life and purity of heart,) she will,
+at least, make honourable mention of him, as one of the most readoubtable
+adversaries of error.</p>
+
+<p>A similar testimony may be borne to Fran�ois de Seckingen, his
+illustrious friend and patron. This noble chevalier, whom several
+of his contemporaries deemed worthy of the imperial crown, holds
+first place among the warriors who were the antagonists of Rome.
+While delighting in the noise of arms, he had an ardent love of
+science, and a high veneration for its professors. When at the
+head of an army which threatened Wurtemberg, he gave orders,
+in the event of Stuttgard being taken by assault, to spare the
+property and house of the celebrated scholar, John Reuchlin. He
+afterwards invited him to his camp, and, embracing him, offered to
+assist him in his quarrel with the monks of Cologne. For a long
+time chivalry had gloried in despising literature, but this period
+presents us with a different spectacle. Under the massy cuirass
+of the Seckingens and H�ttens, we perceive the intellectual movement
+which is beginning to be everywhere felt. The first fruits
+which the Reformation gives to the world are warriors enamoured
+with the arts of peace.</p>
+
+<p>H�tten, who, on his return from Brussels, had taken refuge in
+the castle of Seckingen, invited the valorous knight to study the
+evangelical doctrine, and made him acquainted with the foundations
+on which it rests. "And is there any one," exclaimed Seckingen
+in astonishment, "who dares to overturn such an edifice?
+Who could do it?"</p>
+
+<p>Several individuals, who afterwards became celebrated as Reformers,
+found an asylum in this castle; among others, Martin
+Bucer, Aquila, Schwebel, and &OElig;colampadius, so that H�tten
+justly styled Ebernbourg "the hotel of the just." &OElig;colampadius
+had to preach daily in the castle, but the warriors there assembled
+began to weary hearing so much of the meek virtues of
+Christianity, and the sermons of &OElig;colampadius, though he laboured
+to shorten them, seemed too long. They, indeed, repaired to
+the church almost every day, but, for the most part, only to hear
+the blessing and offer a short prayer. Hence &OElig;colampadius exclaimed,
+"Alas! the Word is here sown on stony ground."</p>
+
+<p>Seckingen, longing to serve the cause of truth in his own way,
+declared war on the Archbishop of Treves, "in order," as he said,
+"to open a door for the gospel." In vain did Luther, who had
+by this time appeared, endeavour to dissuade him; he attacked
+Treves with five thousand knights and a thousand common soldiers,
+but the bold archbishop, aided by the Elector Palatine and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span>
+Landgrave of Hesse, forced him to retreat. The following spring,
+the allied princes attacked him in his castle of Landstein. After
+a bloody assault, Seckingen, having been mortally wounded, was
+forced to surrender. The three princes, accordingly, make their
+way into the fortress, and, after searching through it, at last find
+the indomitable knight on his death-bed, in a subterraneous vault.</p>
+
+<p>He stretches out his hand to the Elector Palatine, without seeming
+to pay any attention to the other princes, who overwhelm him
+with questions and reproaches: "Leave me at rest," said he to
+them; "I am now preparing to answer a mightier than you!..."
+When Luther heard of his death he exclaimed, "The Lord is just,
+yet wonderful! It is not with the sword that he means to propagate
+the gospel!"</p>
+
+<p>Such was the sad end of a warrior, who, as emperor or elector,
+might, perhaps, have raised Germany to high renown, but
+who, confined within a limited circle, wasted the great powers
+with which he was endowed. It was not in the tumultuous spirit
+of these warriors that Divine truth, which had come down from
+heaven, was to take up her abode. Theirs were not the weapons
+by which she was to conquer; God, in annihilating the mad projects
+of Seckingen, gave a new illustration of the saying of St. Paul,
+"The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through
+God."</p>
+
+<p>Another chevalier, Harmut of Cronberg, a friend of H�tten and
+Seckingen, appears to have had more wisdom and more knowledge
+of the truth. He wrote with great moderation to Leo X, beseeching
+him to give up his temporal power to its rightful possessor,
+viz., the emperor. Addressing his dependants like a father, he
+endeavoured to make them comprehend the doctrines of the gospel,
+and exhorted them to faith, obedience, and confidence in Jesus
+Christ, "who," added he, "is the sovereign Lord of all." He resigned
+a pension of two hundred ducats into the hands of the emperor,
+"because he was unwilling," as he expressed it, "to continue
+in the service of one who lent his ear to the enemies of the
+truth." I have somewhere met with a beautiful saying of his,
+which seems to place him far above H�tten and Seckingen. "The
+Holy Spirit, our heavenly Teacher, is able, when he pleases, to
+teach us more of the faith of Christ in one hour than we could
+learn in ten years at the University of Paris."</p>
+
+<p>Those who look for the friends of reformation only on the steps
+of thrones,<a name="FNanchor_120_120" id="FNanchor_120_120"></a><a href="#Footnote_120_120" class="fnanchor">[120]</a> or in cathedrals and academies, and maintain that no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span>
+such friends exist among the people, are under a serious mistake.
+God, while preparing the heart of the wise and powerful, was also
+preparing, in retirement, many simple and humble-minded men,
+who were one day to become obedient to the Word. The history
+of the period gives evidence of the fermentation which was
+then going on among the humbler classes. The popular literature,
+previous to the Reformation, had a tendency directly opposed to
+the spirit which was prevalent in the Church. In the "Eulenspiegel,"
+a celebrated popular poetical collection of the period, the
+laugh is incessantly kept up at priests, beasts, and gluttons, who
+keep full-stocked cellars, fine horses, and well-lined pantries. In
+the "Renard Reinecke," the households of priests, with their little
+children, play an important part. Another popular writer thunders
+with all his might against those ministers of Christ who ride
+splendid horses, but won't fight the infidels; and John Rosenblut,
+in one of his carnival games, brings the Grand Turk upon the stage,
+to preach a seasonable sermon to all the states of Christendom.</p>
+
+<p>It was unquestionably in the bowels of the people that the Reformation,
+which was soon to break out, was fermenting. Not
+only from this class were youths seen coming forth, who were
+afterwards to occupy the first stations in the Church, but even
+individuals, who continued all their lives to labour in the humblest
+professions, contributed powerfully to the great awakening of
+Christendom. It may be proper to give some traits in the life of
+one of them.</p>
+
+<p>On the 5th November 1494, a tailor of Nuremberg, by name
+Hans Sachs, had a son born to him. The son, named Hans (John)
+like his father, after having received some schooling, was apprenticed
+to a shoemaker. Young Hans availed himself of the liberty
+of thought, which this humble profession afforded, to penetrate
+into the higher world, in which his soul delighted. Songs, after
+they ceased in the castles of chivalry, seem to have sought, and
+to have found, an asylum among the burghers of the joyous cities
+of Germany. A singing-school was held in the Church of Nuremberg.
+The performances which took place there, and in which
+young Hans was accustomed to join, opened his heart to religious
+impressions, and helped to awaken a taste for poetry and music.
+The genius of the youth could not long brook confinement within
+the walls of his workshop. He wished to see with his own eyes
+that world of which he had read so much, and been told so many
+stories by his comrades, and which his imagination peopled with
+wonders. In 1511 he bundles up his effects, and sets out in the
+direction of the South. The young traveller, falling in with gay<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span>
+comrades, students roaming the country, and many dangerous
+temptations soon feels a serious struggle within. The lusts of
+the world and his pious resolutions war with each other. Trembling
+for the result, he takes flight, and, in 1513, hides himself in
+the little town of Wels in Austria, where he lives in retirement,
+devoting himself to the study of the fine arts. The emperor,
+Maximilian, happens to pass through the town with a brilliant
+suite, and the young poet is quite fascinated with the splendour
+of the court. The prince receives him into his hunting train, and
+Hans once more forgets himself, under the noisy vaults of the palace
+of Inspr�ch. But his conscience again sounds the alarm, and
+the young huntsman, immediately throwing aside his brilliant uniform,
+takes his departure, and arrives at Schwatz near Munich.
+There, in 1514, at the age of twenty, he composed his first hymn,
+"In Honour of God," setting it to a remarkable air. It was received
+with great applause. In the course of his journeys, he was
+witness to many sad proofs of the abuses under which religion
+groaned.</p>
+
+<p>On his return to Nuremberg, Hans commences business, marries,
+and becomes the father of a family. When the Reformation breaks
+out he turns a listening ear. He cordially welcomes the Holy
+Scripture, which had already endeared itself to him as a poet, and
+he no longer searches it for images and hymns, but for the light of
+truth. To this truth he consecrates his lyre. From a humble stall
+in front of one of the gates of the imperial city of Nuremberg, come
+forth notes which re-echo over Germany, and everywhere excite a
+deep interest in the great revolution which is going forward. The
+spiritual songs of Hans Sachs, and his Bible turned into verse,
+greatly aided the work. Indeed, it would be difficult to say which
+of the two did most for it&mdash;the elector of Saxony, vicegerent of the
+empire, or the shoemaker of Nuremberg.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Thus, then, there was something in all classes which announced
+a Reformation. On all sides signs appeared, and events pressed
+forward threatening to overthrow the work of ages of darkness,
+and introduce men to a period in which "all things were to become
+new." The hierarchical form, which several ages had been
+employed in stamping upon the world, was on the eve of being
+effaced. The light which had just been discovered had, with inconceivable
+rapidity, introduced a number of new ideas into all
+countries, and all classes of society gave signs of new life. "O age!"
+exclaims H�tten, "studies flourish, and minds awake: Mere life
+is joy!"... The human intellect, which had been slumbering for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span>
+so many generations, seemed desirous, by its activity, to redeem the
+time which it had lost. To have left it in idleness, without nourishment,
+or to have given it no better food than that which had long
+maintained its languid existence, would have been to mistake the
+nature of man. The human mind having at length perceived what
+it was, and what it ought to be, looked boldly at these two states,
+and scanned the immense abyss which lay between them. Great
+princes were on the throne, the ancient colossus of Rome was tottering
+under its own weight, and the old spirit of chivalry was taking
+leave of the earth to make way for a new spirit, which breathed
+at once on the sanctuaries of knowledge, and on the dwellings of
+the poor. The printed Word had taken wing, and been carried, as
+the wind does certain seeds, to the most distant regions. The discovery
+of the two Indies had enlarged the world.... Every thing
+announced that a great revolution was at hand.</p>
+
+<p>But whence will the blow come which is to strike down the
+ancient edifice, that a new edifice may arise out of its ruins? Nobody
+could say. Who had more wisdom than Frederick? More
+science than Reuchlin? More talent than Erasmus? More spirit
+and versatility than H�tten? More valour than Seckingen? More
+virtue than Cronberg? And yet, neither Frederick, nor Reuchlin,
+nor Erasmus, nor Seckingen, nor H�tten, nor Cronberg....
+Learned men, princes, warriors, the Church herself, had sapped
+some of the foundations: but there they had stopped. The powerful
+hand which God had designed to employ was nowhere to be
+seen.</p>
+
+<p>All, however, felt that it must soon make its appearance, while
+some even pretended to have seen indications of it in the stars.
+One class, seeing the miserable state of religion predicted the near
+approach of Antichrist. Another class, on the contrary, predicted a
+speedy Reformation. The world was waiting.... Luther appeared.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span></p>
+<h2>BOOK SECOND.</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. I.</h2>
+
+<h3>YOUTH, CONVERSION, AND FIRST LABOURS OF LUTHER.</h3>
+
+<p class="center">1483-1517.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Luther's Descent&mdash;His Parents&mdash;His Birth&mdash;Poverty&mdash;The Paternal Roof&mdash;Strict
+Discipline&mdash;First Lessons&mdash;The School of Magdebourg&mdash;Wretchedness&mdash;Isenach&mdash;The
+Shunammite&mdash;The House of Cotta&mdash;The Arts&mdash;Remembrance of those Times&mdash;His
+Studies&mdash;Trebonius&mdash;The University.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>All was ready. God takes ages to prepare his work, but when
+the hour is come, accomplishes it by the feeblest instruments. To
+do great things by small means, is the law of God. This law,
+which appears in every department of nature, is found also in history.
+God took the Reformers of the Church, where he had taken
+the Apostles. He selected them from that humble class which,
+without containing the meanest of the people, is scarcely the
+length of citizenship. Every thing must manifest to the world that
+the work is not of man, but of God. The Reformer Zuinglius
+comes forth from the hut of a shepherd of the Alps, Melancthon, the
+Theologian of the Reformation, from the workshop of an armourer,
+and Luther from the cottage of a poor miner.</p>
+
+<p>The first stage in a man's life, that in which he is formed and
+moulded under the hand of God, is always important, and was so
+especially in the case of Luther. There, even at that period, the
+whole Reformation existed. The different phases of that great
+work succeeded each other in the soul of him who was the instrument
+of accomplishing it, before it was actually accomplished. The
+knowledge of the Reformation which took place in Luther's heart
+is the only key to the Reformation of the Church. We must
+study the particular work, if we would attain to a knowledge of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span>
+the general work. Those who neglect the one will never know more
+than the form and exterior of the other. They may acquire a knowledge
+of certain events and certain results, but the intrinsic nature
+of the revival they cannot know, because the living principle which
+formed the soul of it, is hidden from them. Let us then study the
+Reformation in Luther, before studying it in events which changed
+the face of Christendom.</p>
+
+<p>In the village of Mora, towards the forests of Thuringia, and not
+far from the spot where Boniface, the Apostle of Germany, began
+to proclaim the gospel, there existed, and, undoubtedly, had existed
+for ages, an ancient and numerous family of the name of Luther.<a name="FNanchor_121_121" id="FNanchor_121_121"></a><a href="#Footnote_121_121" class="fnanchor">[121]</a>
+The eldest son, as usual with the peasantry of Thuringia, always
+succeeded to the house and the paternal plot, while the younger
+members of the family set out in quest of a livelihood. John Luther
+having married Margaret Lindemann, daughter of an inhabitant of
+Neustadt, in the bishopric of Warzburg, the married couple removed
+from the plains of Isenach, and fixed their residence in the little
+town of Eisleben, in Saxony, in order to gain their bread by the
+sweat of their brow.</p>
+
+<p>Seckendorff relates, on the testimony of Robhan, superintendant
+of Isenach in 1601, that Luther's mother, thinking she was still far
+from her time, had gone to the fair of Eisleben, and there, unexpectedly,
+gave birth to a son. Notwithstanding of the credit due
+to such a man as Seckendorff, this account appears not to be correct.
+In fact, none of the older biographers of Luther make any mention
+of it. Besides, Mora is more than twenty-four leagues distant
+from Eisleben, and persons in the circumstances in which Luther's
+mother then was seldom are disposed to take such long journeys
+<i>to go to the fair</i>. In fine, the account seems quite at variance with
+Luther's own statement.<a name="FNanchor_122_122" id="FNanchor_122_122"></a><a href="#Footnote_122_122" class="fnanchor">[122]</a></p>
+
+<p>John Luther was an upright, straightforward, hard-working
+man, with a firmness of character bordering on obstinacy. Of a
+more cultivated mind than usual with persons of his class, he
+was a great reader. Books were then rare. But he never let
+pass any opportunity of procuring them. They were his relaxation
+in the intervals of repose from hard and long-continued labour.
+Margaret possessed the virtues which adorn honest and
+pious women. She was remarked, in particular, for her modesty,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span>
+her fear of God, and her spirit of prayer. The mothers of the
+place regarded her as a model whom they ought to imitate.<a name="FNanchor_123_123" id="FNanchor_123_123"></a><a href="#Footnote_123_123" class="fnanchor">[123]</a></p>
+
+<p>It is not exactly known how long this couple had been fixed at
+Eisleben, when, on the 10th November, an hour before midnight,
+Margaret gave birth to a son. Melancthon often questioned the
+mother of his friend as to the period of his birth. "I remember
+the day and the hour very well," would she reply; "but for the
+year, I am not certain of it." Luther's brother, James, an honest
+and upright man, has stated, that, in the opinion of all the
+family, Martin was born in the year of Christ 1483, on the 10th
+November, being St. Martin's eve.<a name="FNanchor_124_124" id="FNanchor_124_124"></a><a href="#Footnote_124_124" class="fnanchor">[124]</a> The first thought of the pious
+parents was to take the infant which God had given them, and
+dedicate it to God in holy baptism. On the following day, which
+happened to be a Tuesday, the father, with gratitude and joy,
+carried his son to St. Peter's church, where he received the seal of
+his dedication to the Lord. He was named Martin in honour of
+the day.</p>
+
+<p>Young Martin was not six months old when his parents quitted
+Eisleben for Mansfeld, which is only five leagues distant. The
+mines of Mansfeld were then much famed, and John Luther, a
+labouring man, feeling that he might perhaps be called to rear a
+numerous family, hoped he might there more easily gain a livelihood.
+It was in this town that the intellect and powers of young
+Luther received their first development; here his activity began
+to be displayed, and his disposition to be manifested by what he
+said and did. The plains of Mansfeld, the banks of the Wipper,
+were the scenes of his first sports with his playmates.</p>
+
+<p>The commencement of their residence at Mansfeld was attended
+with painful privations to honest John and his wife; for
+they lived some time in great poverty. "My parents," says the
+Reformer, "were very poor. My father was a poor wood-cutter,
+and my mother often carried his wood on her back to procure
+subsistence for us children. The toil they endured for us was
+severe, even to blood." The example of parents whom he respected,
+and the habits in which they trained him, early accustomed
+Luther to exertion and frugality. Often, doubtless, he accompanied
+his mother to the wood, and made up his little faggot
+also.</p>
+
+<p>Promises are given to the just man's labour, and John Luther
+experienced the reality of them. Having become somewhat more<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span>
+easy in his circumstances, he established two smelting furnaces at
+Mansfeld. Around these furnaces young Martin grew up; and
+the return which they yielded enabled his father, at a later period,
+to provide for his studies. "The spiritual founder of Christendom,"
+says worthy Mathesius, "was to come forth from a family
+of miners, an image of what God purposed, when he employed
+him to cleanse the sons of Levi, and purify them in his furnaces
+like gold."<a name="FNanchor_125_125" id="FNanchor_125_125"></a><a href="#Footnote_125_125" class="fnanchor">[125]</a> Universally respected for his integrity, his blameless
+life, and good sense, John Luther was made a counsellor of
+Mansfeld, the capital of the county of that name. Too great
+wretchedness might have weighed down the spirit of the child,
+but the easy circumstances of the paternal roof expanded his heart,
+and elevated his character.</p>
+
+<p>John availed himself of his new situation to cultivate the society
+which he preferred. He set great value on educated men,
+and often invited the clergymen and teachers of the place to his
+table. His house presented an example of one of those societies
+of simple citizens which did honour to Germany at the commencement
+of the sixteenth century, and, as a mirror, reflected the numerous
+images which succeeded each other on the troubled stage
+of that time. It was not lost on the child. The sight of men to
+whom so much respect was shown in his father's house must,
+doubtless, on more than one occasion, have awakened in young
+Martin's heart an ambitious desire one day to become a school-master
+or a man of learning.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as he was of an age to receive some instruction, his
+parents sought to give him the knowledge and inspire him with
+the fear of God, and train him in Christian virtues. Their utmost
+care was devoted to his primary domestic education.<a name="FNanchor_126_126" id="FNanchor_126_126"></a><a href="#Footnote_126_126" class="fnanchor">[126]</a> This,
+however, was not the sole object of their tender solicitude.</p>
+
+<p>His father, desirous of seeing him acquire the elements of knowledge
+for which he himself had so much esteem, invoked the Divine
+blessing on his head, and sent him to school. As Martin was
+still a very little boy, his father or Nicolas Emler, a young man of
+Mansfeld, often carried him in their arms to the house of George
+Emilius, and went again to fetch him. Emler afterwards married
+one of Luther's sisters.</p>
+
+<p>The piety of the parents, their activity and strict virtue, gave
+a happy impulse to the boy, making him of a grave and attentive<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span>
+spirit. The system of education which then prevailed employed
+fear and punishment as its leading stimulants. Margaret, though
+sometimes approving the too strict discipline of her husband, often
+opened her maternal arms to Martin, to console him in his tears.
+She herself occasionally carried to excess that precept of Divine
+wisdom, which says, "He that spareth the rod hateth his son."
+The impetuous temper of the child often led to frequent reproof
+and correction. "My parents," says Luther, in after life, "treated
+me harshly, and made me very timid. My mother one day chastised
+me about a filbert till the blood came. They believed with
+all their heart they were doing right, but they could not discriminate
+between dispositions, though this is necessary in order to
+know when and how punishments should be inflicted."<a name="FNanchor_127_127" id="FNanchor_127_127"></a><a href="#Footnote_127_127" class="fnanchor">[127]</a></p>
+
+<p>The poor child's treatment at school was not less severe. His
+master one morning beat him fifteen times in succession. "It is
+necessary," said Luther, when mentioning the fact, "it is necessary
+to chastise children; but it is necessary, at the same time, to
+love them." With such an education, Luther early learned to
+despise the allurements of a sensual life. "He who is to become
+great must begin with little,"<a name="FNanchor_128_128" id="FNanchor_128_128"></a><a href="#Footnote_128_128" class="fnanchor">[128]</a> justly remarks one of his earliest
+biographers; "and if children are brought up with too much delicacy
+and tenderness, it does them harm all the rest of their life."</p>
+
+<p>Martin learned something at school. He was taught the heads
+of the Catechism, the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed,
+the Lord's Prayer, hymns, forms of prayer, and the <i>Donat</i>. This
+last was a Latin grammar, composed in the fourth century by
+Donatus, St. Jerome's master; and having been improved in the
+eleventh century by a French monk, named Remigius, was long
+in high repute as a school-book. He moreover conned the Ciseo-Janus,
+a very singular almanac, composed in the tenth or
+eleventh century. In short, he learned all that was taught in the
+Latin school of Mansfeld.</p>
+
+<p>But the child seems not to have been brought to God. The
+only religious sentiment which could be discovered in him was
+that of fear. Whenever he heard Jesus Christ mentioned he
+grew pale with terror; for the Saviour had been represented to
+him as an angry Judge. This servile fear, so foreign to genuine
+religion, perhaps predisposed him for the glad tidings of the gospel,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span>
+and for the joy which he afterwards experienced when he became
+acquainted with him who is meek and lowly in heart.</p>
+
+<p>John Luther longed to make his son a learned man. The new
+light, which began to radiate in all directions, penetrated even
+the cottage of the miner of Mansfield, and there awakened ambitious
+thoughts. The remarkable disposition, and persevering
+application of his son, inspired John with the most brilliant hopes.
+Accordingly, in 1497, when Martin had completed his fourteenth
+year, his father resolved to part with him, and send him to a
+school of the Franciscans at Magdebourg. Margaret behoved, of
+course, to consent, and Martin prepared to quit the paternal
+roof.</p>
+
+<p>Magdebourg was like a new world to Martin. Amid numerous
+privations, (for he had scarcely the means of subsistence,) he read
+and attended lectures; Andr� Prol�s, provincial of the Augustine
+Order, was then preaching with great fervour on the necessity of
+reforming religion and the Church. He, however, was not the
+person who deposited in the young man's soul the first germ of
+those ideas which afterwards expanded in it.</p>
+
+<p>This period was a kind of severe apprenticeship to Luther.
+Launched upon the world at fourteen, without friend or patron,
+he trembled in presence of his masters, and, during the hours of
+recreation, painfully begged his food with children as poor as himself.
+"I and my comrades," says he, "begged a little food for
+our subsistence. One day, at the season when the Church celebrates
+the birth of Jesus Christ, we were in a body scouring the
+neighbouring villages, going from house to house, and, in four
+parts, singing the ordinary hymns on the Babe at Bethlehem. We
+stopped before a peasant's cottage, which stood by itself at the
+extremity of a village. The peasant, hearing us singing our Christmas
+carols, came out with some provisions which he meant to
+give us, and asked, in a gruff voice, and a harsh tone, 'Where
+are you, boys?' His tones frightened us, and we took to our heels.
+We had no cause for fear; for the peasant was sincere in his
+offer of assistance: but our hearts were, no doubt, made timid by
+the menaces and tyranny with which masters at this period
+oppressed their scholars; hence the sudden fright which seized us.
+At last, however, the peasant still continuing to call us, we
+stopped, laid aside our fear, and, running up to him, received the
+food which he intended for us." "In the same way," adds
+Luther, "are we wont to tremble and flee when our conscience
+is guilty and alarmed. Then we are afraid even of the assistance<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span>
+which is offered to us, and of those who are friendly to us, and
+would do us all sorts of kindness."<a name="FNanchor_129_129" id="FNanchor_129_129"></a><a href="#Footnote_129_129" class="fnanchor">[129]</a></p>
+
+<p>A year had scarcely passed, when John and Margaret, on being
+made aware of the difficulties which their son had in living in
+Magdebourg, sent him to Isenach, where there was a celebrated
+school, and they had a number of relations.<a name="FNanchor_130_130" id="FNanchor_130_130"></a><a href="#Footnote_130_130" class="fnanchor">[130]</a> They had other
+children; and though their circumstances had improved, they
+were unable to maintain their son in a strange town. The forges
+and late hours of John Luther did no more than keep the family
+at Mansfield. It was hoped that Martin would find a livelihood
+more easily at Isenach, but he was not more successful. His
+relations in the town did not trouble themselves about him. Perhaps
+their own poverty made them unable to give him any assistance.</p>
+
+<p>When the scholar felt the gnawings of hunger he had no resource
+but to do as at Magdebourg,&mdash;to join his fellow-students,
+and sing with them before the houses for a morsel of bread. This
+custom of the time of Luther has been preserved, even to our
+day, in several towns of Germany, where the voices of the boys
+sometimes produce a most harmonious chant. Instead of bread,
+poor modest Martin often received only hard words. Then, overcome
+with sadness, he shed many tears in secret, unable to think
+of the future without trembling.</p>
+
+<p>One day, in particular, he had been repulsed from three houses,
+and was preparing, without having broken his fast, to return to
+his lodging, when, on arriving at St. George's Square, he halted,
+and, absorbed in gloomy thoughts, stood motionless before the
+house of an honest burgher.</p>
+
+<p>Will it be necessary, from want of bread, to give up study, and
+go and work with his father in the mines of Mansfeld? Suddenly
+a door opens, and a female is seen on the threshold,&mdash;it was the
+wife of Conrad Cotta, the daughter of the burgomaster of Ilefeld.<a name="FNanchor_131_131" id="FNanchor_131_131"></a><a href="#Footnote_131_131" class="fnanchor">[131]</a>
+Her name was Ursula. The Chronicles of Isenach call her "the
+pious Shunammite," in allusion to her who so earnestly pressed
+the prophet Elisha to eat bread with her. Previous to this the
+Christian Shunammite had more than once observed young Martin
+in the assemblies of the faithful, and been touched by the sweetness
+of his voice, and his devout behaviour.<a name="FNanchor_132_132" id="FNanchor_132_132"></a><a href="#Footnote_132_132" class="fnanchor">[132]</a> She had just heard
+the harsh language addressed to the poor scholar, and seeing him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span>
+in sadness before her door, she came to his assistance, beckoned
+him to enter, and set food before him to appease his hunger.</p>
+
+<p>Conrad approved of the benevolence of his wife, and was even
+so much pleased with the society of young Luther, that some days
+after he took him home to his house. From this moment his
+studies were secure. He will not be obliged to return to the
+mines of Mansfeld, and bury the talent with which God has
+entrusted him. When he no longer knew what was to become of
+him God opened to him the heart and the home of a Christian
+family. This event helped to give him that confidence in God
+which in after life the strongest tempests could not shake.</p>
+
+<p>In the house of Cotta, Luther was introduced to a mode of life
+very different from that which he had hitherto known. He there
+led an easy existence, exempt from want and care. His mind
+became more serene, his disposition more lively, and his heart
+more open. His whole being expanded to the mild rays of charity,
+and began to beat with life, joy, and happiness. His prayers
+were more ardent, and his thirst for knowledge more intense. He
+made rapid progress.</p>
+
+<p>To literature and science he added the charms of art. Those
+who are designed by God to act upon their contemporaries are
+themselves, in the first instance, seized and carried along by all
+the tendencies of their age. Luther learned to play on the flute
+and the lute. The latter instrument he often accompanied with
+his fine counter voice, thus enlivening his heart in moments of
+sadness. He took pleasure also in employing his notes to testify
+his gratitude to his adopted mother, who was very fond of music.
+His own love of it continued to old age, and both the words and
+the music of some of the finest anthems which Germany possesses
+are his composition. Some have even been translated into our
+language.</p>
+
+<p>Happy time for the young man! Luther always remembered it
+with emotion. Many years after, a son of Conrad having come
+to study at Wittemberg, when the poor scholar of Isenach had
+become the doctor of his age, he gladly received him at his table
+and under his roof. He wished to pay back to the son part of
+what he had received from the parents. It was while thinking of
+the Christian woman who gave him food when all besides repulsed
+him, that he gave utterance to this fine expression, "Earth
+has nothing gentler than the female heart in which piety dwells."</p>
+
+<p>Luther was never ashamed of the days when, pressed by hunger,
+he was under the necessity of begging for his studies and his
+maintenance. So far from this, he, on the contrary, reflected with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>
+gratitude on the great poverty of his youth. He regarded it as
+one of the means which God had employed to make him what he
+afterwards became, and he felt thankful for it. The poor youths
+who were obliged to follow the same course touched his heart.
+"Do not," said he, "despise the boys who sing before your houses,
+and ask 'panem propter Deum,' bread for the love of God; I
+have done it myself. It is true that at a later period, my father,
+with great love and kindness, kept me at the University of Erfurt,
+maintaining me by the sweat of his brow; still I once was a
+poor beggar. And now by means of my pen, I am come thus far,
+that I would not change situations with the Grand Turk himself.
+Nay, more, were all the goods of the world piled up one above another,
+I would not take them in exchange for what I have. And
+yet, I should not be where I am, if I had not been at school and
+learned to write." Thus, in these first humble beginnings this
+great man traced the origin of his fame. He fears not to remind
+us that that voice whose accents made the empire and the world
+to tremble, had once begged a morsel of bread in the streets of a
+poor city. The Christian takes pleasure in such recollections, as
+reminding him that it is in God he must glory.</p>
+
+<p>The strength of his intellect, and the liveliness of his imagination,
+soon enabled him to outstrip all his fellow-students.<a name="FNanchor_133_133" id="FNanchor_133_133"></a><a href="#Footnote_133_133" class="fnanchor">[133]</a> His
+progress was particularly rapid in ancient languages, eloquence,
+and poetry. He wrote essays and made verses. Lively, complaisant,
+and what is called good-hearted, he was a great favourite
+with his masters and his comrades.</p>
+
+<p>Among the professors, he attached himself particularly to John
+Trebonius, a learned man of pleasing manners, who showed youth
+those attentions which are so well fitted to encourage them. Martin
+had remarked, that when Trebonius entered the class, he took off
+his hat, and bowed to the students;&mdash;great condescension in
+those pedantic times! This had pleased the young man, and made
+him feel that he was not a mere cipher. The respect of the master
+had made the pupil rise in his own estimation. The colleagues
+of Trebonius, who had not the same custom of taking off their
+hats, having one day expressed their astonishment at his extreme
+condescension, he replied, (and the reply made no less impression
+on young Luther,) "Among these youths are men whom God will
+one day make burgomasters, chancellors, doctors, and magistrates;
+and though you do not yet see them with their badges of office, it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span>
+is right, however, to show them respect." No doubt, the young
+student listened with pleasure to these words, and even then, perhaps,
+saw himself with a doctor's cap on his head.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. II.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Scholasticism and the Classics&mdash;Luther's Piety&mdash;Discovery&mdash;The Bible&mdash;Sickness&mdash;Master
+of Arts&mdash;Conscience&mdash;Death of Alexis&mdash;Thunderstorm&mdash;Providence&mdash;Adieus&mdash;Entrance
+into a Convent.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>Luther had attained his eighteenth year. He had tasted the
+pleasures of literature, and burning with eagerness to learn, he
+sighed after a university, and longed to repair to one of those
+fountains of science, at which he might quench his thirst for knowledge.<a name="FNanchor_134_134" id="FNanchor_134_134"></a><a href="#Footnote_134_134" class="fnanchor">[134]</a>
+His father wished him to study law, and already saw
+him filling an honourable station among his fellow-citizens, gaining
+the favour of princes, and making a figure on the theatre of
+the world. It was resolved that the young student should repair
+to Erfurt.</p>
+
+<p>Luther arrived at this university in the year 1501. Jadocus,
+surnamed the Doctor of the Isenach, was then teaching the scholastic
+philosophy with much success. Melancthon regrets that
+the only thing then taught at Erfurt should have been a dialectics
+bristling with difficulties. He thinks that if Luther had found
+other professors there, if he had been trained in the milder and
+calmer discipline of true philosophy, it might have moderated and
+softened the vehemence of his nature.<a name="FNanchor_135_135" id="FNanchor_135_135"></a><a href="#Footnote_135_135" class="fnanchor">[135]</a> The new scholar began to
+study the philosophy of the middle ages in the writings of Occam,
+Scotus, Bonaventura, and Thomas Aquinas. At a later period he
+had a thorough disgust for all this scholasticism. The very name
+of Aristotle, pronounced in his hearing, filled him with indignation;
+and he even went the length of saying, that if Aristotle was
+not a man, he would have no hesitation in taking him for the
+devil. But his mind, in its eagerness for learning, stood in need
+of better nourishment, and he began to study the splendid monuments<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span>
+of antiquity, the writings of Cicero and Virgil, and the other
+classics. He was not contented, like the common run of students,
+with committing the productions of these writers to memory. He
+endeavoured, above all, to enter into their thoughts; to imbue
+himself with the spirit which animated them; to appropriate their
+wisdom; to comprehend the end of their writings; and enrich
+his understanding with their weighty sentiments and brilliant
+images. He often put questions to his professors, and soon outstripped
+his fellow students.<a name="FNanchor_136_136" id="FNanchor_136_136"></a><a href="#Footnote_136_136" class="fnanchor">[136]</a> Possessed of a retentive memory
+and a fertile imagination, whatever he read or heard remained
+ever after present to his mind, as if he had actually seen it. "So
+shone Luther in his youth. The whole university," says Melancthon,
+"admired his genius."<a name="FNanchor_137_137" id="FNanchor_137_137"></a><a href="#Footnote_137_137" class="fnanchor">[137]</a></p>
+
+<p>But even at that period this young man of eighteen did not
+confine his labours to the cultivation of his intellect. He had that
+serious thought, that uplifted heart, which God bestows on those
+whom he destines to be his most faithful servants. Luther felt
+that he was dependent on God&mdash;a simple, yet powerful, conviction&mdash;the
+source at once of profound humility and great achievements.
+He fervently invoked the Divine blessing on his labours.
+Each morning he began the day with prayer, then he went to
+church, and on his return set to study, losing not a moment during
+the course of the day. "To pray well," he was wont to say, "is
+more than the half of my study."<a name="FNanchor_138_138" id="FNanchor_138_138"></a><a href="#Footnote_138_138" class="fnanchor">[138]</a></p>
+
+<p>Every moment which the young student could spare from his
+academical labours was spent in the library of the university.
+Books were still rare, and he felt it a great privilege to be able to
+avail himself of the treasures amassed in this vast collection.
+One day (he had then been two years at Erfurt, and was twenty
+years of age) he opens several books of the library, one after the
+other, to see who their authors were. One of the volumes which
+he opens in its turn attracts his attention. He has never before
+seen one like it. He reads the title, ... it is a Bible! a rare
+book, at that time unknown.<a name="FNanchor_139_139" id="FNanchor_139_139"></a><a href="#Footnote_139_139" class="fnanchor">[139]</a> His interest is strongly excited;
+he is perfectly astonished to find in this volume any thing more
+than those fragments of gospels and epistles which the Church
+has selected to be read publicly in the churches every Sabbath<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span>
+day. Hitherto he had believed that these formed the whole
+word of God. But here are so many pages, chapters, and
+books, of which he had no idea! His heart beats as he holds in
+his hand all this divinely-inspired Scripture, and he turns over all
+these divine leaves with feelings which cannot be described. The
+first page on which he fixes his attention tells him the history of
+Hannah and young Samuel. He reads, and his soul is filled with
+joy to overflowing. The child whom his parents lend to Jehovah
+for all the days of his life; the song of Hannah, in which she declares
+that the Lord lifts up the poor from the dust, and the needy
+from the dunghill, that he may set him with princes; young
+Samuel growing up in the presence of the Lord; the whole of this
+history, the whole of the volume which he has discovered, make
+him feel in a way he has never done before. He returns home,
+his heart full. "Oh!" thinks he, "would it please God one day
+to give me such a book for my own!"<a name="FNanchor_140_140" id="FNanchor_140_140"></a><a href="#Footnote_140_140" class="fnanchor">[140]</a> Luther as yet did not
+know either Greek or Hebrew; for it is not probable that he
+studied these languages during the first two or three years of his
+residence at the university. The Bible which had so overjoyed
+him was in Latin. Soon returning to his treasure in the library,
+he reads and re-reads, and in his astonishment and joy returns
+to read again. The first rays of a new truth were then dawning
+upon him.</p>
+
+<p>In this way God has put him in possession of His word. He
+has discovered the book of which he is one day to give his countrymen
+that admirable translation in which Germany has now
+for three centuries perused the oracles of God. It was perhaps
+the first time that any hand had taken down this precious volume
+from the place which it occupied in the library of Erfurt. This
+book, lying on the unknown shelves of an obscure chamber, is to
+become the book of life to a whole people. The Reformation was
+hid in that Bible.</p>
+
+<p>This happened the same year that Luther obtained his first
+academical degree, viz., that of Bachelor. The excessive fatigue
+which he had undergone in preparing for his trials brought on a
+dangerous illness. Death seemed to be approaching, and solemn
+thoughts occupied his mind. He believed that his earthly course
+was about to terminate. There was a general lamentation for
+the young man. What a pity to see so many hopes so soon extinguished!
+Several friends came to visit him in his sickness;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>
+among others a priest, a venerable old man, who had with interest
+followed the student of Mansfeld in his labours and academic life.
+Luther was unable to conceal the thought which agitated him.
+"Soon," said he, "I will be called away from this world." But
+the old man kindly replied, "My dear bachelor, take courage; you
+will not die of this illness. Our God will yet make you a man, who,
+in his turn, will console many other men. For God lays his cross
+on him whom he loves, and those who bear it patiently acquire
+much wisdom."<a name="FNanchor_141_141" id="FNanchor_141_141"></a><a href="#Footnote_141_141" class="fnanchor">[141]</a> These words made a deep impression on the
+sick youth. When so near death he hears the lips of a priest
+reminding him that God, as Samuel's mother had said, lifts up the
+miserable. The old man has poured sweet consolation into his
+heart and revived his spirits; he will never forget him. "This
+was the first prediction the Doctor heard," says Mathesius,
+Luther's friend, who relates the fact; "and he often mentioned
+it." It is easy to understand what Mathesius means by calling
+it a prediction.</p>
+
+<p>When Luther recovered, something within him had undergone
+a change. The Bible, his illness, and the words of the old priest,
+seemed to have made a new appeal to him. As yet, however,
+there was nothing decided in his mind. He continued his studies,
+and, in 1505, took his degree of Master of Arts, or Doctor in
+Philosophy. The University of Erfurt was then the most celebrated
+in Germany,&mdash;the others in comparison with it being only
+inferior schools. The ceremony was, as usual, performed with
+great pomp. A procession with torches came to do homage to
+Luther.<a name="FNanchor_142_142" id="FNanchor_142_142"></a><a href="#Footnote_142_142" class="fnanchor">[142]</a> The f�te was superb, and all was joy. Luther, encouraged,
+perhaps, by these honours, was disposed to devote himself
+entirely to law, agreeably to his father's wish.</p>
+
+<p>But God willed otherwise. While Luther was occupied with
+other studies, while he began to teach the physics and ethics of
+Aristotle, and other branches of philosophy, his heart ceased not
+to cry to him that piety was the one thing needful, and that he
+ought above all to make sure of his salvation. He was aware of
+the displeasure which God testifies against sin; he remembered
+the punishments which he denounces against the sinner; and he
+asked himself in fear, whether he was sure of possessing the Divine
+favour. His conscience answered, No! His character was prompt
+and decided; he resolved to do all that might be necessary to
+give him a sure hope of immortality. Two events, which happened<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span>
+in succession, shook his soul, and precipitated his determination.</p>
+
+<p>Among his friends at the university was one named Alexis,
+with whom he was very intimate. One morning it was rumoured
+in Erfurt that Alexis had been assassinated. Deeply moved at
+the sudden loss of his friend, he puts the question to himself&mdash;What
+would become of me were I called thus suddenly? The
+question fills him with the greatest dismay.<a name="FNanchor_143_143" id="FNanchor_143_143"></a><a href="#Footnote_143_143" class="fnanchor">[143]</a></p>
+
+<p>This was in the summer of 1505. Luther, left at liberty by the
+ordinary recess of the university, resolved on a journey to Mansfeld,
+to revisit the loved abodes of his infancy, and embrace his
+parents. Perhaps he also wished to open his heart to his father,
+and sound him as to the design which was beginning to form in
+his mind, and obtain a consent to his embracing another calling.
+He foresaw all the difficulties which awaited him. The indolent
+habits of the majority of priests displeased the active miner of
+Mansfeld. Besides, ecclesiastics were little esteemed in the world;
+most of them had but scanty incomes, and the father, who had
+made many sacrifices to maintain his son at the university, and
+who saw him at twenty a public teacher in a celebrated school,
+was not disposed to renounce the hopes which his pride was cherishing.</p>
+
+<p>We know not what passed during Luther's visit at Mansfeld.
+Perhaps the decided wish of his father made him afraid to open
+his heart to him. He again quitted the paternal roof to go and
+take his seat on the benches of the university, and had reached
+within a short distance of Erfurt, when he was overtaken by one
+of those violent storms which are not unfrequent among these
+mountains. The thunder bursts, and strikes close by his side.
+Luther throws himself on his knees. It may be his hour is come,
+Death, judgment, and eternity, surround him with all their terrors,
+and speak to him with a voice which he can no longer resist.
+"Wrapt in agony, and in the terror of death," as he himself describes
+it,<a name="FNanchor_144_144" id="FNanchor_144_144"></a><a href="#Footnote_144_144" class="fnanchor">[144]</a> he makes a vow, if he is delivered from this danger to
+abandon the world, and give himself entirely to God. After he
+had risen from the ground, still continuing to see that death which
+must one day overtake him, he examines himself seriously, and
+asks what he ought to do.<a name="FNanchor_145_145" id="FNanchor_145_145"></a><a href="#Footnote_145_145" class="fnanchor">[145]</a> The thoughts which formerly agitated
+him return with full force. He has endeavoured, it is true,
+to fulfil all his duties. But in what state is his soul? Can he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>
+appear with a polluted heart before the tribunal of a God so
+greatly to be feared? He must become holy, and, accordingly, he
+now thirsts for holiness as he had thirsted for science. But where
+is it to be found? How shall he acquire it? The university has
+furnished him with the means of satisfying his desire of knowledge.
+Who will extinguish the agony, the flame which is consuming
+him? To what school of holiness must he bend his steps?
+He will go into a cloister; the monastic life will save him. How
+often has he heard tell of its power to transform a heart, to sanctify
+a sinner, to make a man perfect! He will enter a monastic
+order. He will then become holy, and in that way secure eternal
+life.<a name="FNanchor_146_146" id="FNanchor_146_146"></a><a href="#Footnote_146_146" class="fnanchor">[146]</a></p>
+
+<p>Such was the event which changed the calling and all the destinies
+of Luther. We here recognise the finger of God. It was
+his mighty hand which threw down on the high road this young
+Master of Arts, this candidate for the bar, this future lawyer, in
+order to give an entirely new direction to his life. Rubianus, one
+of Luther's friends, wrote to him at a later period:&mdash;"Divine Providence
+had a view to what you were one day to become, when,
+as you were returning from your parents, the fire of heaven made
+you fall to the ground like another Paul, near the town of Erfurt,
+and carrying you off from our society, threw you into the Order of
+Augustine." Analogous circumstances thus signalised the conversion
+of Paul and Luther, the two greatest instruments which
+Divine Providence has employed in the two greatest revolutions
+which have taken place upon the earth.<a name="FNanchor_147_147" id="FNanchor_147_147"></a><a href="#Footnote_147_147" class="fnanchor">[147]</a></p>
+
+<p>Luther again enters Erfurt. His resolution is immovable, and
+yet it is not without a pang he is going to break ties which are
+dear to him. He gives no hint to any one of his intentions. But
+one evening he invites his friends in the university to a cheerful
+and frugal repast. Music once more enlivens their social intercourse.
+It is Luther's adieu to the world. Henceforth, instead
+of those loved companions of pleasure and toil&mdash;monks; instead
+of those cheerful and intellectual conversations&mdash;the silence of the
+cloister; instead of that enchanting music&mdash;the grave notes of the
+tranquil chapel. God demands it; all must be sacrificed. Yet,
+for this last time, once more the joys of youth. His friends are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span>
+full of glee. Luther even leads them on. But at the moment
+when they are abandoning themselves to mirth and frolic, the
+young man becomes unable any longer to restrain the serious
+thoughts which occupy his heart. He speaks.... He makes
+known his intention to his astonished friends, who endeavour, but
+in vain, to combat it. That same night, Luther, afraid perhaps of
+importunate solicitation, quits his lodgings, leaving behind him all
+his effects and all his books, with the exception of Virgil and
+Plautus, (as yet he had no Bible.) Virgil and Plautus! Epic and
+Comedy! singular representation of Luther's mind. In fact, there
+was in him a whole epic, a beautiful, splendid, and sublime poem;
+but being naturally inclined to gayety, pleasantry, and broad humour,
+he mingled more than one familiar trait with the solemn and
+magnificent groundwork of his life.</p>
+
+<p>Furnished with these two books he proceeds alone, in the dark,
+to the convent of the Eremites of St. Augustine, and asks to
+be received. The door opens and closes, and he is separated
+for ever from his parents, his fellow-students, and the world.
+This took place on the 17th August 1505, when Luther's age was
+twenty-one years and nine months.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. III.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">His Father's Anger&mdash;Pardon&mdash;Servile Employments&mdash;The Bag and the Cell&mdash;Courage&mdash;St.
+Augustine&mdash;D'Ailly&mdash;Occam&mdash;Gerson&mdash;The Bible&mdash;Hebrew and Greek&mdash;The
+Hours&mdash;Asceticism&mdash;Agony&mdash;Luther during Mass&mdash;Agony&mdash;Useless Observances&mdash;Luther
+in a Faint.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>At length he was with God. His soul was in safety. This
+holiness, so earnestly longed for, he was now to find. At the
+sight of this young doctor, the monks were all admiration, and
+extolled him for his courage and contempt of the world.<a name="FNanchor_148_148" id="FNanchor_148_148"></a><a href="#Footnote_148_148" class="fnanchor">[148]</a> Luther,
+meanwhile, did not forget his friends. He wrote to take leave of
+them and the world, and the next day despatched these letters,
+with the clothes he had hitherto worn, and his diploma of Master
+of Arts, which he returned to the university, that nothing might
+in future remind him of the world which he had abandoned.</p>
+
+<p>His friends at Erfurt were thunderstruck. Must so distinguished<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>
+a genius go and hide himself in this monastic life&mdash;more
+properly, a kind of death?<a name="FNanchor_149_149" id="FNanchor_149_149"></a><a href="#Footnote_149_149" class="fnanchor">[149]</a> In deep sorrow they hastened to the
+convent, in the hope of inducing Luther to retrace the distressing
+step which he had taken; but all was useless. The gates were
+closed, and a month passed before any one was permitted to see
+or speak to the new monk.</p>
+
+<p>Luther had hastened to acquaint his parents with the great
+change which had just occurred in his life. His father was thunderstruck.
+He trembled for his son,&mdash;so Luther himself informs
+us in his book on Monastic Vows, which he dedicated to his father.
+His weakness, his youth, the ardour of his passions, everything,
+in short, made him fear that after the first moment of enthusiasm,
+the indolence of the cloister would make the youth fall
+either into despair, or into grievous faults. He knew that this
+mode of life had proved fatal to many. Besides, the counsellor-miner
+of Mansfield had other views for his son. He was proposing
+a rich and honourable marriage for him&mdash;and, lo! all his ambitious
+projects are in one night overthrown by this imprudent
+action.</p>
+
+<p>John wrote his son a very angry letter, in which, as Luther
+himself tells us, he <i>thou'd</i> him whereas he had <i>you'd</i> him ever since
+he had taken his degree of Master of Arts. He withdrew all his
+favour from him, and declared him disinherited of a father's affection.
+In vain did the friends of John Luther, and doubtless his
+wife also, endeavour to mollify him; in vain did they say to him,
+"If you are willing to make some sacrifice to God, let it be the
+best and dearest thing that you have&mdash;your son&mdash;your Isaac."
+The inexorable counsellor of Mansfeld would hear nothing.</p>
+
+<p>Some time after, (the statement is given by Luther in a sermon
+which he preached at Wittemberg, 20th January 1544,) the
+plague broke out, and deprived John Luther of two of his sons. On
+the back of these bereavements, while the father's heart was torn
+with grief, some one came and told him, "The monk of Erfurt
+also is dead!" His friends took advantage of the circumstance
+to bring back the father's heart to the novice. "If it is a false
+alarm," said they, "at least sanctify your affliction by consenting
+sincerely to your son's being a monk." "Well, well!" replied John
+Luther, his heart broken, and still half rebellions; "and God grant
+him all success." At a later period, when Luther, who had been
+reconciled to his father, told him of the event which had led him
+to rush into monastic orders,&mdash;"God grant," replied the honest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span>
+miner, "that what you took for a sign from heaven may not have
+been only a phantom of the devil!"<a name="FNanchor_150_150" id="FNanchor_150_150"></a><a href="#Footnote_150_150" class="fnanchor">[150]</a></p>
+
+<p>At this time Luther was not in possession of that which was
+afterwards to make him the Reformer of the Church. His entrance
+into the convent proves this. It was an action done in
+the spirit of an age out of which he was soon to be instrumental
+in raising the Church. Though destined to become the
+teacher of the world, he was still its servile imitator. A new
+stone was placed on the edifice of superstition by the very hand
+which was soon to overturn it. Luther was seeking salvation in
+himself, in human practices and observances, not knowing that
+salvation is wholly of God. He was seeking his own righteousness
+and his own glory, and overlooking the righteousness and
+glory of the Lord. But what he as yet knew not he soon afterwards
+learned. That immense change which substituted God
+and His wisdom in his heart for the world and its traditions, and
+which prepared the mighty revolution of which he was the most
+illustrious instrument, took place in the cloister of Erfurt.</p>
+
+<p>Martin Luther, on entering the convent, changed his name to
+that of Augustine.</p>
+
+<p>The monks had received him with joy. It was no small satisfaction
+to their self-love to see the university abandoned for a
+house of their order, and that by one of the most distinguished
+teachers. Nevertheless, they treated him harshly, and assigned
+him the meanest tasks. They wished to humble the doctor of
+philosophy, and teach him that his science did not raise him above
+his brethren. They thought, moreover, they would thus prevent
+him from spending his time in studies from which the convent
+could not reap any advantage. The <i>ci-devant</i> Master of Arts
+behoved to perform the functions of watchman, to open and shut
+the gates, wind up the clocks, sweep the church, and clean up the
+rooms.<a name="FNanchor_151_151" id="FNanchor_151_151"></a><a href="#Footnote_151_151" class="fnanchor">[151]</a> Then when the poor monk, who was at once porter,
+sacristan, and house-hold servant to the cloister, had finished his
+task&mdash;<i>"Cum sacco per civitatem"</i>&mdash;"To the town with the bag,"
+exclaimed the friars; and then, with his bread-bag on his shoulders,
+he walked up and down over all the streets of Erfurt, begging
+from house to house, obliged, perhaps, to present himself at
+the doors of those who had been his friends or inferiors. On his
+return, he had either to shut himself up in a low narrow cell, looking
+out on a plot only a few yards in extent, or to resume his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span>
+menial offices. But he submitted to all. Disposed by temperament
+to give himself entirely to whatever he undertook, when he
+turned monk he did it with his whole soul. How, moreover, could
+he think of sparing his body, or of having regard to what might
+satisfy the flesh? That was not the way to acquire the humility
+and holiness in quest of which he had come within the walls of
+the cloister.</p>
+
+<p>The poor monk, worn out with fatigue, was eager to seize any
+moment which he could steal from his servile occupations, and devote
+it to the acquisition of knowledge. Gladly did he retire into
+a corner, and give himself up to his beloved studies. But the
+friars soon found him out, gathered around him, grumbled at him,
+and pushed him away to his labours, saying, "Along! along!
+it is not by studying, but by begging bread, corn, eggs, fish, flesh,
+and money, that a friar makes himself useful to his convent."<a name="FNanchor_152_152" id="FNanchor_152_152"></a><a href="#Footnote_152_152" class="fnanchor">[152]</a>
+Luther submitted, laid aside his books, and again took up his
+bag. Far from repenting of having subjected himself to such a
+yoke, his wish was to bring it to a successful result. At this period,
+the inflexible perseverance with which he ever after followed out
+the resolutions which he had once formed, began to be developed.
+The resistance which he made to rude assaults gave strong energy
+to his will. God exercised him in small things that he might be
+able to stand firm in great things. Besides, in preparing to
+deliver his age from the miserable superstitions under which it
+groaned, it was necessary that he should feel the weight of them.
+In order to empty the cup he behoved to drink it to the dregs.</p>
+
+<p>This severe apprenticeship, however, did not last so long as
+Luther might have feared. The prior of the convent, on the intercession
+of the university of which Luther was a member, relieved
+him from the mean functions which had been imposed on
+him, and the young monk resumed his studies with new zeal.
+The writings of the Fathers, particularly those of Augustine,
+engaged his attention; the Commentary of this illustrious doctor
+on the Psalms, and his treatise "On the Letter and the Spirit,"
+being his special favourites. Nothing struck him more than the
+sentiments of this Father on the corruption of the human will, and
+on Divine grace. His own experience convincing him of the
+reality of this corruption, and the necessity of this grace, the words
+of Augustine found a ready response in his heart; and could he
+have been of any other school than that of Jesus Christ, it had
+doubtless been the school of the doctor of Hippo. The works of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span>
+Peter D'Ailly and Gabriel Biel he almost knew by heart. He
+was struck with a remark of the former&mdash;that had not the Church
+decided otherwise, it would have been much better to admit that
+in the Lord's Supper bread and wine are truly received, and not
+mere accidents.</p>
+
+<p>He likewise carefully studied the theologians, Occam and Gerson,
+who both express themselves so freely on the authority of
+the popes. To this reading he joined other exercises. In public
+discussions he was heard unravelling the most complicated reasonings,
+and winding his way through labyrinths where others
+could find no outlet. All who heard him were filled with admiration.<a name="FNanchor_153_153" id="FNanchor_153_153"></a><a href="#Footnote_153_153" class="fnanchor">[153]</a></p>
+
+<p>But he had entered the cloister, not to acquire the reputation of
+a great genius, but in quest of the food of piety.<a name="FNanchor_154_154" id="FNanchor_154_154"></a><a href="#Footnote_154_154" class="fnanchor">[154]</a> These labours
+he accordingly regarded as supernumerary.</p>
+
+<p>But the thing in which he delighted above all others was to draw
+wisdom at the pure fountain of the word of God. In the convent
+he found a Bible fastened to a chain, and was ever returning
+to this chained Bible. He had a very imperfect comprehension of
+the Word, but still it was his most pleasant reading. Sometimes
+he spent a whole day in meditating on a single passage; at other
+times he learned passages of the Prophets by heart. His great
+desire was, that the writings of the apostles and prophets might
+help to give him a knowledge of the will of God, increase the fear
+which he had for his name, and nourish his faith by the sure testimony
+of the Word.<a name="FNanchor_155_155" id="FNanchor_155_155"></a><a href="#Footnote_155_155" class="fnanchor">[155]</a></p>
+
+<p>Apparently at this period he began to study the Scriptures
+in the original tongues, and thereby lay the foundation of the
+most perfect and the most useful of his labours, the translation
+of the Bible. He used a Hebrew Lexicon which Reuchlin had
+just published. His first guide was probably John Lange, a friar
+of the convent, versed in Greek and Hebrew, and with whom he
+always maintained a close intimacy.<a name="FNanchor_156_156" id="FNanchor_156_156"></a><a href="#Footnote_156_156" class="fnanchor">[156]</a> He also made great use
+of the learned Commentaries of Nicolas Lyra, who died in 1340,
+and hence the saying of Pflug, afterwards Bishop of Naumbourg,
+"Had not Lyra played the lyre, Luther had never danced. <i>Si
+Lyra non lyrasset, Lutherus non saltasset.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>The young monk studied so closely and ardently that he often<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span>
+omitted to say his Hours during two or three weeks. Then becoming
+alarmed at the thought of having transgressed the rules
+of his order, he shut himself up to make amends for his negligence,
+and commenced conscientiously repeating all the omitted
+Hours, without thinking of meat or drink. On one occasion his
+sleep went from him for seven weeks.</p>
+
+<p>Earnestly intent on acquiring the holiness in quest of which
+he had entered the cloister, Luther addicted himself to the ascetic
+life in its fullest rigour, seeking to crucify the flesh by fastings, macerations,
+and vigils.<a name="FNanchor_157_157" id="FNanchor_157_157"></a><a href="#Footnote_157_157" class="fnanchor">[157]</a> Shut up in his cell as in a prison, he
+struggled without intermission against the evil thoughts and evil
+propensities of his heart. A little bread and a herring were often
+all his food. Indeed, he was naturally very temperate. Often
+when he had no thought of purchasing heaven by abstinence, have
+his friends seen him content himself with the coarsest provisions,
+and even remain four days in succession without eating or drinking.<a name="FNanchor_158_158" id="FNanchor_158_158"></a><a href="#Footnote_158_158" class="fnanchor">[158]</a>
+We have this on the testimony of a very credible witness,
+Melancthon, and we may judge from it what opinion to form of the
+fables which ignorance and prejudice have circulated concerning
+Luther's intemperance. At the period of which we treat there is
+no sacrifice he would have declined to make, in order to become
+holy and purchase heaven.<a name="FNanchor_159_159" id="FNanchor_159_159"></a><a href="#Footnote_159_159" class="fnanchor">[159]</a> When Luther, after he had become
+Reformer, says that heaven is not purchased, he well knew what
+he meant. "Truly," wrote he to George, Duke of Saxony, "truly
+I was a pious monk, and followed the rules of my order more
+strictly than I can tell. If ever monk had got to heaven by
+monkery, I had been that monk. In this all the monks of my
+acquaintance will bear me witness. Had the thing continued much
+longer I had become a martyr unto death, through vigils, prayer,
+reading, and other labours."<a name="FNanchor_160_160" id="FNanchor_160_160"></a><a href="#Footnote_160_160" class="fnanchor">[160]</a></p>
+
+<p>We are touching on the period which made Luther a new man,
+and which, revealing to him the immensity of the Divine love,
+fitted him for proclaiming it to the world.</p>
+
+<p>The peace which Luther had come in search of he found neither
+in the tranquillity of the cloister nor in monastic perfection. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span>
+wished to be assured of his salvation; it was the great want of
+his soul, and without it he could have no repose. But the fears
+which had agitated him when in the world, followed him into his
+cell. Nay, they were even increased; the least cry of his heart
+raising a loud echo under the silent vaults of the cloister. God
+had brought him thither that he might learn to know himself, and
+to despair of his own strength and virtue. His conscience, enlightened
+by the Divine word, told him what it was to be holy; but he
+was filled with alarm at not finding, either in his heart or his life,
+that image of holiness which he had contemplated with admiration
+in the word of God; a sad discovery made by every man
+who is in earnest! No righteousness within, no righteousness without,
+everywhere omission, sin, defilement.... The more ardent
+Luther's natural disposition was the more strongly he felt the
+secret and unceasing resistance which human nature opposes to
+goodness. This threw him into despair.</p>
+
+<p>The monks and theologians of the day invited him to do works
+in order to satisfy the Divine justice. But what works, thought
+he, can proceed from such a heart as mine! How should I be able
+with works polluted in their very principle, to stand in presence
+of my holy Judge? "I felt myself," says he, "to be a great sinner
+before God, and deemed it impossible to appease him by my
+merits."</p>
+
+<p>He was agitated, and, at the same time, gloomy, shunning the
+silly and coarse conversation of the monks, who, unable to comprehend
+the tempests of his soul, regarded him with astonishment,<a name="FNanchor_161_161" id="FNanchor_161_161"></a><a href="#Footnote_161_161" class="fnanchor">[161]</a>
+and reproached him for his gloom and taciturnity. It is told
+by Cochl&oelig;us, that one day, when they were saying mass in
+the chapel, Luther had come with his sighs, and stood amid the
+friars in sadness and anguish. The priest had already prostrated
+himself, the incense had been placed on the altar, the <i>Gloria</i> had
+been chanted, and they were reading the Gospel, when the poor
+monk, no longer able to contain his agony, exclaimed, in a piercing
+tone, while throwing himself on his knees, "Not I! not I!"<a name="FNanchor_162_162" id="FNanchor_162_162"></a><a href="#Footnote_162_162" class="fnanchor">[162]</a> Every
+one was in amazement, and the service was for a moment interrupted.
+Perhaps Luther thought he had heard himself reproached
+with something of which he knew he was innocent; perhaps he
+meant to express his unworthiness to be one of those to whom the
+death of Christ brought eternal life. Cochl&oelig;us says that they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span>
+were reading the passage of Scripture which tells of the dumb
+man out of whom Christ expelled a demon. If this account is
+correct, Luther's cry might have a reference to this circumstance.
+He might mean to intimate that though dumb like the man, it was
+owing to another cause than the possession of a demon. In fact,
+Cochl&oelig;us informs us that the friars sometimes attributed the agonies
+of their brother to occult commerce with the devil,<a name="FNanchor_163_163" id="FNanchor_163_163"></a><a href="#Footnote_163_163" class="fnanchor">[163]</a> and he
+himself is of the same opinion.</p>
+
+<p>A tender conscience led Luther to regard the smallest fault as
+a great sin. No sooner had he discovered it than he strove to
+expiate it by the severest mortifications. This, however, had no
+other effect than to convince him of the utter inefficacy of all human
+remedies. "I tormented myself to death," says he, "in
+order to procure peace with God to my troubled heart and agitated
+conscience; but, surrounded with fearful darkness, I nowhere
+found it."</p>
+
+<p>The acts of monastic holiness which lulled so many consciences,
+and to which he himself had recourse in his agony, soon appeared
+to Luther only the fallacious cures of an empirical and quack
+religion. "At the time when I was a monk, if I felt some temptation
+assail me, I am lost! said I to myself, and immediately
+resorted to a thousand methods, in order to suppress the cries of
+my heart. I confessed every day, but that did me no good. Thus
+oppressed with sadness, I was tormented by a multiplicity of
+thoughts. 'Look!' exclaimed I, 'there you are still envious, impatient,
+passionate! It is of no use then, for you, O wretch, to
+have entered this sacred order.'"</p>
+
+<p>And yet Luther, imbued with the prejudices of his day, had
+from his youth up considered the acts, whose impotence he now
+experienced, as sure remedies for diseased souls. What was he
+to think of the strange discovery which he had just made in the
+solitude of the cloister? It is possible, then, to dwell in the sanctuary,
+and still carry within oneself a man of sin! He has received
+another garment, but not another heart. His hopes are disappointed.
+Where is he to stop? Can it be that all these rules and
+observances are only human inventions? Such a supposition appears
+to him at one time a suggestion of the devil, and at another
+time an irresistible truth. Struggling alternately with the holy
+voice which spoke to his heart, and with venerable institutions
+which had the sanction of ages, Luther's life was a continual combat.
+The young monk, like a shade, glided through the long passages<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span>
+of the cloister, making them echo with his sad groans.
+His body pined away and his strength left him; on different occasions
+he remained as if he were dead.<a name="FNanchor_164_164" id="FNanchor_164_164"></a><a href="#Footnote_164_164" class="fnanchor">[164]</a></p>
+
+<p>Once, overwhelmed with sadness, he shut himself up in his cell,
+and for several days and nights allowed no one to approach him.
+Lucas Edemberger, one of his friends, feeling uneasy about the
+unhappy monk, and having some presentiment of the state in which
+he actually was, taking with him several boys, who were accustomed
+to chant in choirs, went and knocked at the door of his cell. No
+one opens or answers. Good Edemberger, still more alarmed, forces
+the door. Luther is stretched on the floor insensible, and showing
+no signs of life. His friend tries in vain to revive him, but he still
+remains motionless. The young boys begin to chant a soft anthem.
+Their pure voices act like a charm on the poor monk, who had
+always the greatest delight in music, and he gradually recovers
+sensation, consciousness, and life.<a name="FNanchor_165_165" id="FNanchor_165_165"></a><a href="#Footnote_165_165" class="fnanchor">[165]</a> But if music could for some
+moments give him a slight degree of serenity, another and more
+powerful remedy was wanted to cure him effectually&mdash;that soft
+and penetrating sound of the gospel, which is the voice of God
+himself. He was well aware of this, and, accordingly, his sorrows
+and alarms led him to study the writings of the apostles and prophets
+with renewed zeal.<a name="FNanchor_166_166" id="FNanchor_166_166"></a><a href="#Footnote_166_166" class="fnanchor">[166]</a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. IV.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Pious Men in Cloisters&mdash;Staupitz&mdash;His Piety&mdash;His Visitation&mdash;Conversation&mdash;The
+Grace of Christ&mdash;Repentance&mdash;Power of Sin&mdash;Sweetness of Repentance&mdash;Election&mdash;Providence&mdash;The
+Bible&mdash;The Old Monk&mdash;The Remission of Sins&mdash;Consecration
+Dinner&mdash;The F�te Dieu&mdash;Call to Wittemberg.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>Luther was not the first monk who had passed through similar
+struggles. The cloisters often shrouded within the obscurity of
+their walls abominable vices, at which if they had been brought<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span>
+to light, every honest mind would have shuddered; but they often
+also concealed Christian virtues which were there unfolded in
+silence, and which, if they had been placed before the eyes of the
+world, would have excited admiration. These virtues, possessed
+by those who lived only with themselves and with God, attracted
+no attention, and were often even unknown to the modest convent
+within which they were contained. Leading a life known to God
+only, these humble solitaries fell occasionally into that mystical
+theology, sad malady of noblest minds, which formerly constituted
+the delight of the first monks on the banks of the Nile, and which
+uselessly consumes those who fall under its influence.</p>
+
+<p>Still, when one of these men happened to be called to an eminent
+station, he there displayed virtues whose salutary influence
+was long and widely felt. The candle being placed on the candlestick
+gave light to all the house. Several were awakened by this
+light, and hence those pious souls, propagated from generation to
+generation, kept shining like solitary torches at the very time
+when cloisters were often little better than impure receptacles of
+the deepest darkness.</p>
+
+<p>A young man had in this way attracted notice in one of the
+convents of Germany. He was named John Staupitz, and was
+of a noble family in Misnia. From his earliest youth, having
+a taste for science and a love of virtue, he longed for retirement,
+in order to devote himself to literature;<a name="FNanchor_167_167" id="FNanchor_167_167"></a><a href="#Footnote_167_167" class="fnanchor">[167]</a> but soon finding that
+philosophy and the study of nature could do little for eternal salvation,
+he began to study theology, making it his special object to
+join practice with knowledge. For, says one of his biographers,
+it is vain to deck ourselves with the name of theologian, if we do
+not prove our title to the honourable name by our life.<a name="FNanchor_168_168" id="FNanchor_168_168"></a><a href="#Footnote_168_168" class="fnanchor">[168]</a> The
+study of the Bible, and of the theology of St. Augustine, the knowledge
+of himself, and the war which he, like Luther, had to wage
+against the wiles and lusts of his heart, led him to the Redeemer,
+through faith in whom he found peace to his soul. The doctrine
+of the election of grace had, in particular, taken a firm hold of his
+mind. Integrity of life, profound science and eloquence, combined
+with a noble appearance and a dignified address, recommended
+him to his contemporaries.<a name="FNanchor_169_169" id="FNanchor_169_169"></a><a href="#Footnote_169_169" class="fnanchor">[169]</a> The Elector of Saxony, Frederick
+the Wise, made him his friend, employed him on different embassies,
+and under his direction founded the University of Wittemberg.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span>
+This disciple of St. Paul and St. Augustine was the first
+Dean of the Faculty of Theology in that school which was one
+day to send forth light to enlighten the schools and churches of so
+many nations. He attended the council of Lateran, as deputy
+from the Archbishop of Salzbourg, became provincial of his order
+in Thuringia and Saxony, and ultimately vicar-general of the
+Augustins all over Germany.</p>
+
+<p>Staupitz lamented the corruption of manners and the errors in
+doctrine which were laying waste the Church. This is proved by
+his writings on the love of God, on Christian faith, on resemblance
+to Christ in his death, and by the testimony of Luther. But he
+considered the former of these evils as greatly the worse of the
+two. Besides, the mildness and indecision of his character, and
+his desire not to go beyond the sphere of action which he
+thought assigned to him, made him fitter to be the restorer of a
+convent than the Reformer of the Church. He could have wished
+to confer important stations only on distinguished men, but not
+finding them, he was contented to employ others. "We must
+plough with horses," said he, "if we can find them; but if we have
+no horses, we must plough with oxen."<a name="FNanchor_170_170" id="FNanchor_170_170"></a><a href="#Footnote_170_170" class="fnanchor">[170]</a></p>
+
+<p>We have seen the anguish and inward wrestlings to which
+Luther was a prey in the convent of Erfurt. At this time a visit
+from the vicar-general was announced, and Staupitz accordingly
+arrived to make his ordinary inspection. The friend of Frederick,
+the founder of the University of Wittemberg, the head of the
+Augustins, took a kind interest in the monks under his authority.
+It was not long ere one of the friars of the convent attracted his
+attention. This was a young man of middle stature, whom study,
+abstinence, and vigils, had so wasted away, that his bones might
+have been counted.<a name="FNanchor_171_171" id="FNanchor_171_171"></a><a href="#Footnote_171_171" class="fnanchor">[171]</a> His eyes, which at a later period were compared
+to those of the falcon, were sunken, his gait was sad, and
+his looks bespoke a troubled soul, the victim of numerous struggles,
+yet still strong and bent on resisting. His whole appearance had
+in it something grave, melancholy, and solemn. Staupitz, whose
+discernment had been improved by long experience, easily discovered
+what was passing in the soul of the young friar, and
+singled him out from those around him. He felt drawn towards
+him, had a presentiment of his high destiny, and experienced the
+interest of a parent for his subaltern. He, too, had struggled
+like Luther, and could therefore understand his situation. Above
+all, he could show him the way of peace, which he himself had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span>
+found. The information he received of the circumstances which
+had brought the young Augustin to the convent increased his
+sympathy. He requested the prior to treat him with great mildness,
+and availed himself of the opportunities which his office gave
+him to gain the young friar's confidence. Going kindly up to him,
+he took every means to remove his timidity, which was moreover
+increased by the respect and reverence which the elevated rank
+of Staupitz naturally inspired.</p>
+
+<p>The heart of Luther, till then closed by harsh treatment, opened
+at last, and expanded to the mild rays of charity. "As in water
+face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man."<a name="FNanchor_172_172" id="FNanchor_172_172"></a><a href="#Footnote_172_172" class="fnanchor">[172]</a> The heart
+of Staupitz answered to the heart of Luther. The vicar-general
+understood him; and the monk, in his turn, felt a confidence in
+Staupitz which no one had hitherto inspired. He revealed to
+him the cause of his sadness, depicted the fearful thoughts which
+agitated him, and then in the cloister of Erfurt commenced a
+conversation full of wisdom and instruction.</p>
+
+<p>"In vain," said Luther despondingly to Staupitz; "in vain do I
+make promises to God; sin has always the mastery."</p>
+
+<p>"O my friend," replied the vicar-general, thinking how it had
+been with himself, "more than a thousand times have I sworn to
+our holy God to live piously, and I have never done so. Now
+I no longer swear; for I know I should not perform. Unless God
+be pleased to be gracious to me for the love of Christ, and to grant
+me a happy departure when I leave this world, I shall not be able
+with all my vows and all my good works to stand before him. I
+must perish."<a name="FNanchor_173_173" id="FNanchor_173_173"></a><a href="#Footnote_173_173" class="fnanchor">[173]</a></p>
+
+<p>The young monk is terrified at the thought of the Divine
+justice, and lays all his fears before the vicar-general. The ineffable
+holiness of God, and his sovereign majesty, fill him with
+alarm. Who will be able to support the day of his advent&mdash;who
+to stand when he appeareth?</p>
+
+<p>Staupitz resumes. He knows where he has found peace, and
+his young friend will hear it. "Why torment thyself," said he to
+him, "with all these speculations and high thoughts? Look to
+the wounds of Jesus Christ, to the blood which he has shed for
+thee; then thou shalt see the grace of God. Instead of making a
+martyr of thyself for thy faults, throw thyself into the arms of the
+Redeemer. Confide in him, in the righteousness of his life, and
+the expiation of his death. Keep not back; God is not angry with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span>
+thee; it is thou who art angry with God. Listen to the Son of
+God, who became man in order to assure thee of the Divine favour.
+He says to thee, 'Thou art my sheep; thou hearest my
+voice; none shall pluck thee out of my hand.'"<a name="FNanchor_174_174" id="FNanchor_174_174"></a><a href="#Footnote_174_174" class="fnanchor">[174]</a></p>
+
+<p>But Luther does not here find the repentance which he believes
+necessary to salvation. He replies, and it is the ordinary reply of
+agonised and frightened souls, "How dare I believe in the favour
+of God, while there is nothing in me like true conversion? I must
+be changed before he can receive me."</p>
+
+<p>His venerable guide shows him that there can be no true conversion
+while God is dreaded as a severe Judge. "What will you
+say then," exclaims Luther, "of the many consciences, to which a
+thousand unsupportable observances are prescribed as a means of
+gaining heaven?"</p>
+
+<p>Then he hears this reply from the vicar-general, or rather his
+belief is, that it comes not from man, but is a voice sounding from
+heaven.<a name="FNanchor_175_175" id="FNanchor_175_175"></a><a href="#Footnote_175_175" class="fnanchor">[175]</a> "No repentance," says Staupitz, "is true, save that
+which begins with the love of God and of righteousness.<a name="FNanchor_176_176" id="FNanchor_176_176"></a><a href="#Footnote_176_176" class="fnanchor">[176]</a> What
+others imagine to be the end and completion of repentance is, on
+the contrary, only the commencement of it. To have a thorough
+love of goodness, thou must, before all, have a thorough love of
+God. If thou wouldest be converted, dwell not upon all these macerations
+and tortures; 'Love him who first loved thee.'"</p>
+
+<p>Luther listens and listens again. These consoling words fill
+him with unknown joy, and give him new light. "It is Jesus
+Christ," thinks he in his heart. "Yes, it is Jesus Christ himself
+who consoles me so wonderfully by these sweet and salutary
+words."<a name="FNanchor_177_177" id="FNanchor_177_177"></a><a href="#Footnote_177_177" class="fnanchor">[177]</a></p>
+
+<p>These words, in fact, penetrated to the inmost heart of the
+young monk, like the sharp arrow of a mighty man.<a name="FNanchor_178_178" id="FNanchor_178_178"></a><a href="#Footnote_178_178" class="fnanchor">[178]</a> In order to
+repent, it is necessary to love God. Illumined with this new
+light, he proceeds to examine the Scriptures, searching out all the
+passages which speak of repentance and conversion. These
+words, till now so much dreaded, become, to use his own expressions,
+"an agreeable sport, and the most delightful recreation.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span>
+All the passages of Scripture which frightened him seem now
+to rise up from all sides, smiling, and leaping, and sporting with
+him."<a name="FNanchor_179_179" id="FNanchor_179_179"></a><a href="#Footnote_179_179" class="fnanchor">[179]</a></p>
+
+<p>"Hitherto," exclaims he, "though I carefully disguised the
+state of my heart, and strove to give utterance to a love which was
+only constrained and fictitious, Scripture did not contain a word
+which seemed to me more bitter than that of <i>repentance</i>. Now,
+however, there is none sweeter and more agreeable.<a name="FNanchor_180_180" id="FNanchor_180_180"></a><a href="#Footnote_180_180" class="fnanchor">[180]</a> Oh! how
+pleasant the precepts of God are, when we read them not only in
+books, but in the precious wounds of the Saviour."<a name="FNanchor_181_181" id="FNanchor_181_181"></a><a href="#Footnote_181_181" class="fnanchor">[181]</a></p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, Luther, though consoled by the words of Staupitz
+was still subject to fits of depression. Sin manifested itself anew
+to his timorous conscience, and then the joy of salvation was succeeded
+by his former despair. "O my sin! my sin! my sin!"
+one day exclaimed the young monk in presence of the vicar-general,
+in accents of the deepest grief. "Ah!" replied he, "would
+you only be a sinner on canvass, and also have a Saviour only
+on canvass?" Then Staupitz gravely added, "Know that Jesus
+Christ is the Saviour even of those who are great, real sinners,
+and every way deserving of condemnation."</p>
+
+<p>What agitated Luther was not merely the sin which he felt in
+his heart. The upbraidings of his conscience were confirmed by
+arguments drawn from reason. If the holy precepts of the Bible
+frightened him, some of its doctrines likewise increased his terror.
+Truth, which is the great means by which God gives peace to man,
+must necessarily begin by removing the false security which destroys
+him. The doctrine of election, in particular, disturbed the
+young man, and threw him into a field which it is difficult to traverse.
+Must he believe that it was man who, on his part, first
+chose God? or that it was God who first chose man? The Bible,
+history, daily experience, and the writings of Augustine, had shown
+him that always, and in every thing, in looking for a first cause, it
+was necessary to ascend to the sovereign will by which every thing
+exists, and on which every thing depends. But his ardent spirit
+would have gone farther. He would have penetrated into the
+secret counsel of God, unveiled its mysteries, seen the invisible,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span>
+and comprehended the incomprehensible. Staupitz interfered,
+telling him not to pretend to fathom the hidden purposes of God,
+but to confine himself to those of them which have been made manifest
+in Christ. "Look to the wounds of Christ," said he to him,
+"and there see a bright display of the purposes of God towards
+man. It is impossible to comprehend God out of Jesus Christ.
+In Christ you will find what I am, and what I require, saith the
+Lord. You can find him nowhere else, either in heaven or on
+the earth."<a name="FNanchor_182_182" id="FNanchor_182_182"></a><a href="#Footnote_182_182" class="fnanchor">[182]</a></p>
+
+<p>The vicar-general went farther. He convinced Luther of the
+paternal designs of Providence, in permitting the various temptations
+and combats which the soul has to sustain. He exhibited
+them to him in a light well fitted to revive his courage. By such
+trials God prepares those whom he destines for some important
+work. The ship must be proved before it is launched on the
+boundless deep. If this education is necessary for every man, it
+is so particularly for those who are to have an influence on their
+generation. This Staupitz represented to the monk of Erfurt;
+"It is not without cause," said he to him, "that God exercises
+you by so many combats; be assured he will employ you in great
+things as his minister."</p>
+
+<p>These words, which Luther hears with astonishment and humility,
+fill him with courage, and give him a consciousness of
+powers, whose existence he had not even suspected. The wisdom
+and prudence of an enlightened friend gradually reveal the
+strong man to himself. Nor does Staupitz rest here. He gives
+him valuable directions as to his studies, exhorting him in future
+to lay aside the systems of the school, and draw all his theology
+from the Bible. "Let the study of the Scriptures," said he, "be
+your favourite occupation." Never was good advice better followed.
+But what, above all, delighted Luther, was the present
+of a Bible from Staupitz. Perhaps it was the Latin Bible bound
+in red leather, which belonged to the convent, and which it was
+the summit of his desire to possess, that he might be able to carry
+it about with him wherever he went, because all its leaves were
+familiar to him, and he knew where to look for every passage.<a name="FNanchor_183_183" id="FNanchor_183_183"></a><a href="#Footnote_183_183" class="fnanchor">[183]</a> At
+length this treasure is his own. From that time he studies the
+Scriptures, and especially the Epistles of St. Paul, with always increasing
+zeal. The only author whom he admits along with the
+Bible is St. Augustine. Whatever he reads is deeply imprinted on
+his soul, for his struggles had prepared him for comprehending it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span>
+The soil had been ploughed deep, and the incorruptible seed penetrates
+far into it. When Staupitz left Erfurt, a new day had
+dawned upon Luther.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless, the work was not finished. The vicar-general had
+prepared it, but its completion was reserved for a humbler instrument.
+The conscience of the young Augustin had not yet found
+repose, and, owing to his efforts and the stretch on which his soul
+had been kept, his body at length gave way. He was attacked
+by an illness which brought him to the gates of death. This was
+in the second year of his residence in the convent. All his
+agonies and terrors were awakened at the approach of death.
+His own pollution and the holiness of God anew distracted his
+soul. One day, when overwhelmed with despair, an old monk
+entered his cell, and addressed him in consoling terms. Luther
+opened his heart to him, and made him aware of the fears by
+which he was agitated. The respectable old man was incapable
+of following him into all his doubts as Staupitz had done; but he
+knew his <i>Credo</i>, and having found in it the means of consoling
+his own heart, he could apply the same remedy to the young friar.
+Leading him back to the Apostles' Creed, which Luther had
+learned in infancy at the school of Mansfield, the old monk good-naturedly
+repeated the article, "<i>I believe in the forgiveness of
+sins</i>." These simple words, which the pious friar calmly repeated
+at this decisive moment, poured great consolation into the soul of
+Luther. "I believe," oft repeated he to himself on his sick-bed,
+"I believe in the forgiveness of sins." "Ah!" said the monk,
+"the thing to be believed is not merely that David's or Peter's
+sins are forgiven; this the devils believe: God's command is,
+to believe that our own sins are forgiven."<a name="FNanchor_184_184" id="FNanchor_184_184"></a><a href="#Footnote_184_184" class="fnanchor">[184]</a> How delightful this
+command appeared to poor Luther! "See what St. Bernard says
+in his sermon on the annunciation," added the old friar; "the witness
+which the Holy Spirit witnesseth with our spirit is, 'Thy sins
+are forgiven thee.'"</p>
+
+<p>From this moment light sprung up in the heart of the young
+monk of Erfurt. The gracious word has been pronounced, and
+he believes it. He renounces the idea of meriting salvation,
+and puts implicit confidence in the grace of God through Jesus
+Christ. He does not see all the consequences of the principle
+which he has admitted; he is still sincere in his attachment to the
+Church, and yet he has no longer need of her. He has received<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span>
+salvation immediately from God himself; and from that moment
+Roman Catholicism is virtually destroyed in him. He goes forward
+and searches the writings of the apostles and prophets, for
+every thing that may strengthen the hope which fills his heart.
+Each day he invokes help from above, and each day also the light
+increases in his soul.</p>
+
+<p>The health which his spirit had found soon restores health to his
+body, and he rises from his sick-bed, after having, in a double
+sense, received a new life. During the feast of Noel, which arrived
+shortly after, he tasted abundantly of all the consolations of faith.
+With sweet emotion he took part in the holy solemnities, and
+when in the middle of the gorgeous service of the day, he came to
+chant these words:&mdash;"<i>O beata culpa, qu� talem meruisti Redemptorem!</i>"<a name="FNanchor_185_185" id="FNanchor_185_185"></a><a href="#Footnote_185_185" class="fnanchor">[185]</a>
+his whole being said <i>Amen</i>, and thrilled with joy.</p>
+
+<p>Luther had been two years in the cloister, and must now be
+consecrated priest. He had received much, and he looked forward
+with delight to the prospect which the priesthood presented
+of enabling him freely to give what he had freely received.
+Wishing to avail himself of the occasion to be fully reconciled to
+his father, he invited him to be present, and even asked him to
+fix the day. John Luther, though not yet entirely appeased,
+nevertheless accepted the invitation, and named Sabbath the 2nd
+May, 1507.</p>
+
+<p>In the list of Luther's friends was the vicar of Isenach, John
+Braun, who had been his faithful adviser when he resided in that
+town. Luther wrote him on the 22nd April. It is the Reformer's
+earliest letter, and bears the following address:&mdash;"To John
+Braun, Holy and Venerable Priest of Christ and Mary." It is
+only in the two first letters of Luther that the name of Mary
+occurs.</p>
+
+<p>"God, who is glorious and holy in all his works," says the candidate
+for the priesthood, "having designed to exalt me exceedingly,&mdash;me,
+a miserable and every way unworthy sinner, and to
+call me solely out of his abundant mercy, to his sublime ministry,
+it is my duty in order to testify my gratitude for a goodness so
+divine and so magnificent, (as far at least as dust can do it,) to
+fulfil with my whole heart the office which is entrusted to me."</p>
+
+<p>At length the day arrived. The miner of Mansfield failed not
+to be present at the consecration of his son.... He even gave
+him an unequivocal mark of his affection and generosity, by making
+him a present of twenty florins on the occasion.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span>The ceremony took place, Jerome, Bishop of Brandebourg,
+officiating. At the moment of conferring on Luther the right to
+celebrate mass, he put the chalice into his hand, uttering these
+solemn words, "<i>Accipe potestatem sacrificandi pro vivis et mortuis</i>"&mdash;"Receive
+power to sacrifice for the living and the dead."
+Luther then listened complacently to these words, which gave
+him the power of doing the very work appropriated to the Son of
+God; but they afterwards made him shudder. "That the earth
+did not swallow us both," said he, "was more than we deserved,
+and was owing to the great patience and long-suffering of the
+Lord."<a name="FNanchor_186_186" id="FNanchor_186_186"></a><a href="#Footnote_186_186" class="fnanchor">[186]</a></p>
+
+<p>The father afterwards dined at the convent with his son, the
+friends of the young priest and the monks. The conversation
+turned on Martin's entrance into the cloister, the friars loudly
+extolling it as one of the most meritorious of works. Then the
+inflexible John, turning towards his son, said to him, "Hast thou
+not read in Scripture to obey thy father and thy mother?"<a name="FNanchor_187_187" id="FNanchor_187_187"></a><a href="#Footnote_187_187" class="fnanchor">[187]</a> These
+words struck Luther; they gave him quite a different view of the
+action which had brought him into the convent, and for a long
+time continued to echo in his heart.</p>
+
+<p>By the advice of Staupitz, Luther, shortly after his ordination,
+made short excursions on foot into the neighbouring parishes and
+convents, both for relaxation, to give his body the necessary exercise,
+and to accustom himself to preaching.</p>
+
+<p>The F�te Dieu was to be celebrated with splendour at Eisleben,
+where the vicar-general was to be present. Luther repaired
+thither. He had still need of Staupitz, and missed no opportunity
+of meeting with this enlightened conductor who was guiding him
+into the way of life. The procession was numerous and brilliant.
+Staupitz himself carried the holy sacrament, and Luther followed
+in his sacerdotal dress. The thought that it was truly Jesus
+Christ that the vicar-general was carrying&mdash;the idea that Christ
+was there in person actually before him&mdash;suddenly struck Luther's
+imagination, and filled him with such amazement that he could
+scarcely move forward. The perspiration fell from him in drops;
+he shook, and thought he would have died with agony and terror.
+At length the procession ceased. This host which had so awakened
+the fears of the monk was solemnly deposited in the sanctuary,
+and Luther, as soon as he was alone with Staupitz, threw
+himself into his arms, and told him of his consternation. Then
+the worthy vicar-general, who had long known that Saviour who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span>
+breaketh not the bruised reed, said to him mildly, "It was not
+Jesus Christ, my brother. Jesus Christ does not alarm&mdash;he consoles
+merely."<a name="FNanchor_188_188" id="FNanchor_188_188"></a><a href="#Footnote_188_188" class="fnanchor">[188]</a></p>
+
+<p>Luther was not to remain hid in an obscure convent. The
+time had arrived for his being transported to a larger theatre.
+Staupitz, with whom he was in constant correspondence, was well
+aware that the soul of the young monk was too active to be confined
+within so narrow a circle. He mentioned him to Frederick
+of Saxony, and this enlightened prince, in 1508, probably towards
+the close of the year, invited him to a chair in the university of
+Wittemberg. Wittemberg was a field on which he was to fight
+hard battles; and Luther felt that his vocation was there. Being
+required to repair promptly to his new post, he answered the appeal
+without delay; and, in the hurry of his removal, had not
+even time to write him whom he called his master and beloved
+father&mdash;John Braun, curate of Isenach. Some months after, he
+wrote&mdash;"My departure was so sudden, that those I was living
+with scarcely knew of it. I am far away, I confess: but the
+better part of me is still with you."<a name="FNanchor_189_189" id="FNanchor_189_189"></a><a href="#Footnote_189_189" class="fnanchor">[189]</a> Luther had been three
+years in the cloister of Erfurt.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. V</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">The University of Wittemberg&mdash;First Employment&mdash;Biblical Lectures&mdash;Sensation&mdash;Preaching
+at Wittemberg&mdash;The Old Chapel&mdash;Impression.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>In the year 1502, the Elector Frederick had founded a new university
+at Wittemberg, declaring, in the act by which he confirmed
+it, that he and his people would turn to it as towards an
+oracle. He thought not at the time that these words would be
+so magnificently realised. Two men belonging to the opposition
+which had been formed against the scholastic system, viz., Pollich
+of Mellerstadt, doctor of medicine, law, and philosophy, and
+Staupitz, had great influence in founding this school. The university
+declared St. Augustine its patron; and even this choice was
+a presage of good. In possession of great freedom, and regarded
+as a tribunal to which, in cases of difficulty, the supreme decision<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span>
+belonged, this new institution, which was in every way fitted to
+become the cradle of the Reformation, powerfully contributed to
+the development of Luther and his work.</p>
+
+<p>On his arrival at Wittemberg, Luther repaired to the convent
+of Augustins, where a cell was alloted him; for though professor,
+he ceased not to be monk. He was appointed to teach
+philosophy and dialectics. In assigning him these departments,
+regard had, no doubt, been had to the studies which he had prosecuted
+at Erfurt, and to his degree of Master of Arts. Thus
+Luther, who was hungering and thirsting for the word of life,
+saw himself obliged to give his almost exclusive attention to the
+scholastic philosophy of Aristotle. He had need of the bread of
+life which God gives to the world, and he must occupy himself
+with human subtleties. How galling! How much he sighed!
+"I am well, by the grace of God," wrote he to Braun, "were it
+not that I must study philosophy with all my might. Ever since
+I arrived at Wittemberg, I have eagerly desired to exchange this
+study for that of theology: but," added he, lest it should be
+thought he meant the theology of the time, "the theology I mean
+is that which seeks out the kernel of the nut, the heart of the
+wheat, and the marrow of the bone.<a name="FNanchor_190_190" id="FNanchor_190_190"></a><a href="#Footnote_190_190" class="fnanchor">[190]</a> Howbeit God is God," continues
+he, with that confidence which was the soul of his life,
+"man is almost always deceived in his judgment; but he is our
+God, and will conduct us by his goodness for ever and ever."
+The studies in which Luther was at this time obliged to engage
+were afterwards of great service to him in combating the errors
+of the schoolmen.</p>
+
+<p>Here, however, he could not stop. The desire of his heart
+must be accomplished. The same power which formerly pushed
+him from the bar into the monastic life now pushed him from
+philosophy towards the Bible. He zealously commenced the
+study of ancient languages, especially Greek and Hebrew, that he
+might be able to draw science and learning at the fountain-head.
+He was all his life an indefatigable student.<a name="FNanchor_191_191" id="FNanchor_191_191"></a><a href="#Footnote_191_191" class="fnanchor">[191]</a> Some months after
+his arrival at the university he applied for the degree of Bachelor
+in Divinity, and obtained it in the end of March 1509, with a
+special injunction to devote himself to biblical theology, <i>ad Biblia</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Every day at one, Luther had to lecture on the Bible,&mdash;a precious
+employment both for the professor and his pupils&mdash;giving<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span>
+them a better insight into the divine meaning of those oracles
+which had so long been lost both to the people and the school.</p>
+
+<p>He began his lectures with an exposition of the Psalms, and
+shortly after proceeded to the Epistle to the Romans. It was
+especially when meditating upon it that the light of truth entered
+his heart. After retiring to his quiet cell he spent hours in the
+study of the Divine Word&mdash;the Epistle of St. Paul lying open before
+him. One day, coming to the seventeenth verse of the first
+chapter, he read these words of the prophet Habakkuk, "<i>The
+just shall live by faith</i>." He is struck with the expression. The
+just, then, has a different life from other men, and this life is
+given by faith. These words, which he receives into his heart as
+if God himself had there deposited them, unveils the mystery of
+the Christian life to him, and gives him an increase of this life.
+Long after, in the midst of his numerous labours, he thought he
+still heard a voice saying to him, "The just shall live by faith."<a name="FNanchor_192_192" id="FNanchor_192_192"></a><a href="#Footnote_192_192" class="fnanchor">[192]</a></p>
+
+<p>Luther's lectures, thus prepared, had little resemblance to those
+which had hitherto been delivered. It was not a declamatory
+rhetorician, or a pedantic schoolman that spoke; it was a Christian
+who had felt the power of revealed truth&mdash;truth which he derived
+from the Bible, and presented to his astonished hearers, all full
+of life, as it came from the treasury of his heart. It was not a
+lesson from man, but a lesson from God.</p>
+
+<p>This novel exposition of the truth was much talked of. The news
+spread far and wide, and attracted a great number of foreign students
+to the recently founded university. Even some of the professors
+attended the lectures of Luther, among others, Mellerstadt, often
+surnamed, "<i>The Light of the World</i>." He was the first rector of
+the university, and had previously been at Leipsic, where he had
+vigorously combated the ridiculous lessons of the schoolmen, and
+denying that "the light of the first day of creation could be theology,"
+had maintained that this science ought to be based on the
+study of literature. "This monk," said he, "will send all the doctors
+to the right about. He will introduce a new doctrine, and
+reform the whole Church, for he founds upon the word of God;
+and no man in the world can either combat or overthrow this word,
+even though he should attack it with all the weapons of philosophy,
+the sophists, Scotists, Albertists, Thomists, and the whole fraternity."<a name="FNanchor_193_193" id="FNanchor_193_193"></a><a href="#Footnote_193_193" class="fnanchor">[193]</a></p>
+
+<p>Staupitz, who was the instrument in the hand of Providence to
+unfold the gifts and treasures hidden in Luther, invited him to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span>
+preach in this church of the Augustins. The young professor recoiled
+at this proposal. He wished to confine himself to his academic
+functions, and trembled at the thought of adding to them
+that of preacher. In vain did Staupitz urge him. "No, no,"
+replied he, "it is no light matter to speak to men in the place of
+God."<a name="FNanchor_194_194" id="FNanchor_194_194"></a><a href="#Footnote_194_194" class="fnanchor">[194]</a> Touching humility in this great Reformer of the Church!
+Staupitz insisted; but the ingenious Luther, says one of his
+biographers, found fifteen arguments, pretexts, and evasions, to
+excuse himself from this calling. The chief of the Augustins, still
+continuing his attack, Luther exclaimed, "Ah! doctor, in doing
+this, you deprive me of life. I would not be able to hold out
+three months." "Very well," replied the vicar-general, "so be
+it in God's name. For up yonder, also, our Lord has need of able
+and devoted men." Luther behoved to yield.</p>
+
+<p>In the middle of the public square of Wittemberg was a
+wooden chapel, thirty feet long by twenty wide, whose sides,
+propped up in all directions, were falling to decay. An old pulpit
+made of fir, three feet in height, received the preacher. In this
+miserable chapel the preaching of the Reformation commenced.
+God was pleased that that which was to establish his glory should
+have the humblest origin. The foundation of the church of the
+Augustins had just been laid, and until it should be finished
+this humble church was employed. "This building," adds the
+contemporary of Luther who relates these circumstances, "may
+well be compared to the stable in which Christ was born. It was
+in this miserable inclosure that God was pleased, so to speak, to
+make his beloved Son be born a second time. Among the thousands
+of cathedrals and parish churches with which the world
+abounded, there was then one only which God selected for the
+glorious preaching of eternal life."<a name="FNanchor_195_195" id="FNanchor_195_195"></a><a href="#Footnote_195_195" class="fnanchor">[195]</a></p>
+
+<p>Luther preaches, and every thing is striking in the new preacher.
+His expressive countenance, his noble air, his clear and sonorous
+voice, captivate the hearers.</p>
+
+<p>The greater part of preachers before him had sought rather to
+amuse their auditory than to convert them. The great seriousness
+which predominates in Luther's preaching, and the joy with
+which the knowledge of the gospel has filled his heart, give to his
+eloquence at once an authority, a fervour, and an unction which
+none of his predecessors had. "Endowed," says one of his opponents,<a name="FNanchor_196_196" id="FNanchor_196_196"></a><a href="#Footnote_196_196" class="fnanchor">[196]</a>
+"with a keen and acute intellect, and a retentive memory,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span>
+and having an admirable facility in the use of his mother tongue,
+Luther, in point of eloquence, yielded to none of his age. Discoursing
+from the pulpit as if he had been agitated by some
+strong passion, and suiting his action to his words, he produced a
+wonderful impression on the minds of his hearers, and like a torrent,
+carried them along whithersoever he wished. So much force,
+gracefulness, and eloquence, are seldom seen in the people of the
+north." "He had," says Bossuet, "a lively and impetuous eloquence,
+which hurried people away and entranced them."<a name="FNanchor_197_197" id="FNanchor_197_197"></a><a href="#Footnote_197_197" class="fnanchor">[197]</a></p>
+
+<p>In a short time the little chapel could not contain the hearers
+who crowded to it. The council of Wittemberg then made
+choice of Luther for their preacher, and appointed him to preach
+in the town church. The impression which he produced here was
+still greater. The power of his genius, the eloquence of his diction,
+and the excellence of the doctrines which he announced,
+equally astonished his hearers. His reputation spread far and
+wide, and Frederick the Wise himself once came to Wittemberg
+to hear him.</p>
+
+<p>Luther had commenced a new life. The uselessness of the
+cloister had been succeeded by great activity. The liberty, the
+labour, the constant activity to which he could devote himself at
+Wittemberg, completely restored his internal harmony and peace.
+He was now in his place, and the work of God was soon to exhibit
+its majestic step.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. VI.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Journey to Rome&mdash;A Convent on the P�&mdash;Sickness at Bologna&mdash;Remembrances in
+Rome&mdash;Superstitious Devotion&mdash;Profaneness of the Clergy&mdash;Conversation&mdash;Disorders
+in Rome&mdash;Biblical Studies&mdash;Pilate's Stair&mdash;Influence on his Faith and on
+the Reformation&mdash;The Gate of Paradise&mdash;Luther's Confession.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>Luther was teaching both in his academic chair and in the
+church, when his labours were interrupted. In 1510, or, according
+to some, not till 1511 or 1512, he was sent to Rome. Seven
+convents of his order having differed on certain points with the
+vicar-general,<a name="FNanchor_198_198" id="FNanchor_198_198"></a><a href="#Footnote_198_198" class="fnanchor">[198]</a> the activity of Luther's mind, the power of his
+eloquence, and his talent for discussion, made him be selected<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span>
+to plead the cause of these seven monasteries before the pope.<a name="FNanchor_199_199" id="FNanchor_199_199"></a><a href="#Footnote_199_199" class="fnanchor">[199]</a>
+This Divine dispensation was necessary to Luther, for it was requisite
+that he should know Rome. Full of the prejudices and
+illusions of the cloister, he had always represented it to himself as
+the seat of holiness.</p>
+
+<p>He accordingly set out and crossed the Alps, but scarcely had
+he descended into the plains of rich and voluptuous Italy, than he
+found at every step subjects of astonishment and scandal. The
+poor German monk was received in a rich convent of Benedictines,
+situated upon the P� in Lombardy. This convent had
+thirty-six thousand ducats of revenue. Of these, twelve thousand
+were devoted to the table, twelve thousand to the buildings, and
+twelve thousand to the other wants of the monks.<a name="FNanchor_200_200" id="FNanchor_200_200"></a><a href="#Footnote_200_200" class="fnanchor">[200]</a> The gorgeousness
+of the apartments, the beauty of the dresses, and the
+rarities of the table, all astonished Luther. Marble and silk, and
+luxury under all its forms! How new the sight to the humble
+friar of the poor convent of Wittemberg! He was astonished and
+said nothing, but when Friday came, how surprised was he to see
+abundance of meat still covering the table of the Benedictines!
+Then he resolved to speak out. "The Church and the pope," said
+he to them, "forbid such things." The Benedictines were indignant
+at this reprimand from the rude German, but Luther having
+insisted, and perhaps threatened to make their disorders known,
+some of them thought that the simplest plan was to get rid of
+their troublesome guest. The porter of the convent having
+warned him that he ran a risk in staying longer, he made his
+escape from this epicurean monastery, and arrived at Bologna,
+where he fell dangerously sick.<a name="FNanchor_201_201" id="FNanchor_201_201"></a><a href="#Footnote_201_201" class="fnanchor">[201]</a> Some have seen in this sickness
+the effects of poison, but it is simpler to suppose that it was the
+effect which a change of living produced in the frugal monk of
+Wittemberg, whose principal food was wont to be bread and herrings.
+This sickness was not to be unto death, but for the glory of
+God. Luther's constitutional sadness and depression again overpowered
+him. To die thus far from Germany, under this burning
+sky in a foreign land, what a fate! The agonies which he had
+felt at Erfurt returned with all their force. The conviction of his
+sins troubled, while the prospect of the judgment-seat of God
+terrified him. But at the moment when these terrors were at
+the worst, the passage of St. Paul which had struck him at
+Wittemberg, "The just shall live by faith," (Rom., i, 17,) presented<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span>
+itself to his mind, and illumined his soul as with a ray of
+light from heaven. Revived and comforted, he soon recovered his
+health, and resumed his journey to Rome, expecting he should
+there find quite a different life from that of the Lombard convents,
+and impatient by the sight of Roman holiness to efface the
+sad impressions which had been left upon his mind by his residence
+on the P�.</p>
+
+<p>At length, after a painful journey under the burning sky of
+Italy in the beginning of summer, he drew near to the city of the
+seven hills. His heart was moved, and his eyes looked for the
+queen of the world, and of the Church. As soon as he obtained a
+distant view of the eternal city, the city of St. Peter and St. Paul,
+and the metropolis of Catholicism, he threw himself on the ground,
+exclaiming, "Holy Rome, I salute thee."</p>
+
+<p>Luther is in Rome; the professor of Wittemberg is in the
+midst of the eloquent ruins of the Rome of the consuls and emperors&mdash;the
+Rome of the confessors and martyrs. Here lived that
+Plautus and Virgil, whose works he had taken with him into the
+cloister, and all those great men whose exploits had always caused
+his heart to beat. He perceives their statues, and the wrecks of
+monuments which attest their glory. But all this glory and all
+this power are past, and his foot treads on their dust. At every
+step he calls to mind the sad forebodings of Scipio shedding tears at
+the sight of Carthage in ruins, its burned palaces and broken walls,
+and exclaiming, "Thus, too, will it be with Rome!" "And in
+fact," says Luther, "the Rome of the Scipios and C�sars has been
+changed into a corpse. Such is the quantity of ruins, that the
+foundations of the modern houses rest upon the roofs of the old.
+"There," added he, casting a melancholy look on the ruins, "there
+were the riches and treasures of the world."<a name="FNanchor_202_202" id="FNanchor_202_202"></a><a href="#Footnote_202_202" class="fnanchor">[202]</a> All this rubbish,
+which he strikes with his foot, tells Luther, within the walls of
+Rome herself, that what is strongest in the eyes of men is easily
+destroyed by the breath of the Lord.</p>
+
+<p>But he remembers that with profane ashes holy ashes are
+mingled. The burial-place of the martyrs is not far from that of
+the generals and triumphing heroes of Rome, and Christian Rome,
+with her sufferings, has more power over the heart of the Saxon
+monk than Pagan Rome with her glory. It was here the letter
+arrived in which Paul wrote, "<i>The just is justified by faith</i>," and
+not far off is the Appii Forum and the Three Taverns. There was
+the house of Narcissus&mdash;here the palace of C�sar, where the Lord
+delivered the apostle from the mouth of the lion. Oh, what fortitude<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span>
+these recollections give to the heart of the monk of Wittemberg!</p>
+
+<p>Rome then presented a very different aspect. The pontifical
+chair was occupied by the warlike Julius II, and not by Leo
+X, as it has been said by some distinguished historians of Germany,
+no doubt through oversight. Luther often told an anecdote
+of this pope. When news was brought him of the defeat of his
+army by the French before Ravenna, he was reading his Hours.
+He dashed the book upon the ground, and said, with a dreadful
+oath, "Very well, so you have turned Frenchman. Is this the
+way in which you protect your Church?" Then turning in the
+direction of the country to whose aid he meant to have recourse,
+he exclaimed, "Holy Switzer, pray for us."<a name="FNanchor_203_203" id="FNanchor_203_203"></a><a href="#Footnote_203_203" class="fnanchor">[203]</a> Ignorance, levity,
+and dissoluteness, a profane spirit, a contempt of all that is sacred,
+and a shameful traffic in divine things; such was the spectacle
+which that unhappy city presented, and yet the pious monk continued
+for some time in his illusions.</p>
+
+<p>Having arrived about the feast of St. John, he hears the Romans
+about him repeating a proverb which was then common among
+the people: "Happy," said they, "is the mother whose son says
+a mass on the eve of St. John." "Oh! how I could like to make
+my mother happy!" said Luther. The pious son of Margaret
+accordingly sought to say a mass on that day, but could not; the
+press was too great.<a name="FNanchor_204_204" id="FNanchor_204_204"></a><a href="#Footnote_204_204" class="fnanchor">[204]</a></p>
+
+<p>Ardent and simple-hearted, he went up and down, visiting all
+the churches and chapels, believing all the lies that were told him,
+and devoutly performing the requisite acts of holiness; happy in
+being able to do so many pious works, which were denied to his
+countrymen. "Oh! how much I regret," said the pious German
+to himself, "that my father and mother are still alive. What
+delight I should have had in delivering them from the fire of purgatory,
+by my masses, my prayers, and many other admirable
+works."<a name="FNanchor_205_205" id="FNanchor_205_205"></a><a href="#Footnote_205_205" class="fnanchor">[205]</a> He had found the light, but the darkness was still far
+from being entirely banished from his understanding. His heart
+was changed, but his mind was not fully enlightened. He possessed
+faith and love, but not knowledge. It was work of no small
+difficulty to escape from the dark night which had for so many
+ages covered the earth.</p>
+
+<p>Luther repeatedly said mass at Rome, taking care to do it with
+all the unction and dignity which the service seemed to him to
+require. But how grieved was the heart of the Saxon monk,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span>
+at seeing the profane formality of the Roman priests in celebrating
+the sacrament of the altar. The priests, on their part,
+laughed at his simplicity. One day when he was officiating, he
+found that at the altar next to him seven masses had been read
+before he got through a single one. "Get on, get on," cried one
+of the priests to him; "make haste, and send Our Lady back her
+Son," making an impious allusion to the transubstantiation of the
+bread into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. On another
+occasion, Luther had only got as far as the Gospel, when the priest
+beside him had finished the whole mass. "On, on," said his
+companion; "make haste, make haste; are ye ever to have done?"<a name="FNanchor_206_206" id="FNanchor_206_206"></a><a href="#Footnote_206_206" class="fnanchor">[206]</a></p>
+
+<p>His astonishment was still greater when, in the dignitaries of
+the Church, he discovered the same thing that he had found in
+common priests. He had hoped better of them.</p>
+
+<p>It was fashionable at the papal court to attack Christianity, and,
+in order to pass for a complete gentleman, absolutely necessary to
+hold some erroneous or heretical opinion on the doctrines of the
+Church.<a name="FNanchor_207_207" id="FNanchor_207_207"></a><a href="#Footnote_207_207" class="fnanchor">[207]</a> When Erasmus was at Rome, they had attempted to
+prove to him, by passages from Pliny, that there was no difference
+between the soul of man and that of the brutes;<a name="FNanchor_208_208" id="FNanchor_208_208"></a><a href="#Footnote_208_208" class="fnanchor">[208]</a> and young
+courtiers of the pope maintained that the orthodox faith was
+merely the result of crafty inventions by some saints.<a name="FNanchor_209_209" id="FNanchor_209_209"></a><a href="#Footnote_209_209" class="fnanchor">[209]</a></p>
+
+<p>Luther's employment, as envoy of the Augustins of Germany,
+caused him to be invited to several meetings of distinguished
+ecclesiastics. One day, in particular, he happened to be at table
+with several prelates, who frankly exhibited themselves to him
+in their mountebank manners and profane conversation, and
+did not scruple to commit a thousand follies in his presence, no
+doubt believing him to be of the same spirit as themselves.
+Among other things they related, in presence of the monk, laughing
+and making a boast of it, how when they were saying mass,
+instead of the sacramental words, which should transform the
+bread and wine into the Saviour's flesh and blood, they parodied
+them, and said, "<i>Panis es, et panis manebis; vinum es, et vinum manebis</i>:"
+Bread thou art, and bread wilt remain; wine thou art, and
+wine wilt remain. Then, continued they, we raise the <i>ostensorium</i>,
+and all the people worship it. Luther could scarcely believe his
+ears. His spirit, which was lively and even gay in the society of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span>
+his friends, was all gravity when sacred things were in question.
+He was scandalised at the profane pleasantries of Rome. "I was,"
+said be, "a young monk, grave and pious, and these words distressed
+me greatly. If they speak thus in Rome at table, freely and
+publicly, thought I to myself, what will it be if their actions correspond
+to their words, and if all, pope, cardinals, courtiers, say
+mass in the same style? And I, who have devoutly heard so large
+a number read, how must I have been deceived!"<a name="FNanchor_210_210" id="FNanchor_210_210"></a><a href="#Footnote_210_210" class="fnanchor">[210]</a></p>
+
+<p>Luther often mingled with the monks and the citizens of Rome.
+If some extolled the pope and his court, the great majority gave
+free utterance to their complaints and their sarcasms. What
+tales they told of the reigning pope, of Alexander VI, and of
+many others! One day his Roman friends told him how C�sar
+Borgia, after having fled from Rome, was apprehended in Spain.
+When they were going to try him he pleaded guilty in prison,
+and requested a confessor. A monk having been sent, he slew
+him, and, wrapping himself up in his cloak, made his escape.
+"I heard that at Rome, and it is quite certain,"<a name="FNanchor_211_211" id="FNanchor_211_211"></a><a href="#Footnote_211_211" class="fnanchor">[211]</a> said Luther.
+One day passing through a public street which led to St. Peter's,
+he stopped in amazement before a statue, representing a pope
+under the form of a woman holding a sceptre, clad in the papal
+mantle, and carrying an infant in her arms. It is a girl of Mentz,
+said they to him, whom the cardinals chose for pope, and who
+had a child at this spot. Hence no pope ever passes through this
+street. "I am astonished," said Luther, "how the popes allow
+the statue to remain."<a name="FNanchor_212_212" id="FNanchor_212_212"></a><a href="#Footnote_212_212" class="fnanchor">[212]</a></p>
+
+<p>Luther had expected to find the edifice of the church in strength
+and splendour, but its gates were forced, and its walls consumed
+with fire. He saw the desolations of the sanctuary, and started
+back in dismay. He had dreamed of nothing but holiness, and he
+discovered nothing but profanation.</p>
+
+<p>He was not less struck with the disorders outside the churches.
+"The Roman police," says he, "is strict and severe. The judge
+or captain every night makes a round of the town on horseback,
+with three hundred attendants, and arrests every person he finds
+in the streets. If he meets any one armed he hangs him up, or
+throws him into the Tiber; and yet the city is full of disorder and
+murder, whereas, when the word of God is purely and rightly
+taught, peace and order are seen to reign, and there is no need<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span>
+of law and its severities."<a name="FNanchor_213_213" id="FNanchor_213_213"></a><a href="#Footnote_213_213" class="fnanchor">[213]</a> "It is almost incredible what sins and
+infamous actions are committed at Rome," says he, on another
+occasion; "one would require to see it and hear it in order to believe
+it. Hence, it is an ordinary saying, that if there is a hell,
+Rome is built upon it. It is an abyss from whence all sins proceed."<a name="FNanchor_214_214" id="FNanchor_214_214"></a><a href="#Footnote_214_214" class="fnanchor">[214]</a></p>
+
+<p>This sight made a strong impression on Luther's mind at the
+time, and the impression was deepened at a later period. "The
+nearer we approach Rome the more bad Christians we find," said
+he several years after. "There is a common saying, that he who
+goes to Rome, the first time seeks a rogue, the second time finds
+him, and the third time brings him away with him in his own
+person; but now people are become so skilful, that they make
+all the three journeys in one." A genius, one of the most unhappily
+celebrated, but also one of the most profound of Italy, Machiavelli,
+who was living at Florence when Luther passed through it
+on his way to Rome, has made the same remark: "The strongest
+symptom," says he, "of the approaching ruin of Christianity, (he
+means Roman Catholicism,) is, that the nearer you come to the
+capital of Christendom the less you find of the Christian spirit.
+The scandalous examples and crimes of the court of Rome are
+the cause why Italy has lost every principle of piety and all religious
+sentiment. We Italians," continues the great historian,
+"are chiefly indebted to the Church and the priests for our
+having become a set of profane scoundrels."<a name="FNanchor_215_215" id="FNanchor_215_215"></a><a href="#Footnote_215_215" class="fnanchor">[215]</a> At a later period
+Luther was fully aware how much he had gained by his journey
+"I would not take a hundred thousand florins," said he, "not to
+have seen Rome."<a name="FNanchor_216_216" id="FNanchor_216_216"></a><a href="#Footnote_216_216" class="fnanchor">[216]</a></p>
+
+<p>The journey was also of the greatest advantage to him in a literary
+view. Like Reuchlin, Luther availed himself of his residence
+in Italy to penetrate farther into the knowledge of the
+Holy Scriptures. He took lessons in Hebrew from a celebrated
+rabbi named Elias Levita; and thus, at Rome, partly acquired
+the knowledge of that Divine word under whose blows Rome
+was destined to fall.</p>
+
+<p>But there was another respect in which the journey was of
+great importance to Luther. Not only was the veil torn away
+and the sardonic smile, and mountebank infidelity which lurked
+behind the Roman superstitions, revealed to the future Reformer,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span>
+but, moreover, the living faith which God had implanted in him
+was powerfully strengthened.</p>
+
+<p>We have seen how he at first entered devotedly into all the
+vain observances, to which, as a price, the Church has annexed
+the expiation of sins. One day, among others, wishing to gain
+an indulgence which the pope had promised to every one who
+should on his knees climb up what is called Pilate's Stair, the
+Saxon monk was humbly crawling up the steps, which he was told
+had been miraculously transported to Rome from Jerusalem.
+But while he was engaged in this meritorious act, he thought he
+heard a voice of thunder which cried at the bottom of his heart,
+as at Wittemberg and Bologna, "<i>The just shall live by faith.</i>"
+These words, which had already on two different occasions struck
+him like the voice of an angel of God, resounded loudly and incessantly
+within him. He rises up in amazement from the steps
+along which he was dragging his body. Horrified at himself, and
+ashamed to see how far superstition has abased him, he flies far
+from the scene of his folly.<a name="FNanchor_217_217" id="FNanchor_217_217"></a><a href="#Footnote_217_217" class="fnanchor">[217]</a></p>
+
+<p>In regard to this mighty word there is something mysterious in
+the life of Luther. It proved a creating word both for the Reformer
+and for the Reformation. It was by it that God then said,
+"Let light be, and light was."</p>
+
+<p>It is often necessary that a truth, in order to produce its due
+effect on the mind, must be repeatedly presented to it. Luther
+had carefully studied the Epistle to the Romans, and yet,
+though justification by faith is there taught, he had never seen it so
+clearly. Now he comprehends the righteousness which alone
+can stand in the presence of God; now he receives from God
+himself, by the hand of Christ, that obedience which he freely
+imputes to the sinner as soon as he humbly turns his eye to the
+God-Man who was crucified. This is the decisive period in the
+internal life of Luther. The faith which has saved him from the
+terrors of death becomes the soul of his theology, his fortress in
+all dangers, the stamina of his discourse, the stimulant of his love,
+the foundation of his peace, the spur of his labours, his consolation
+in life and in death.</p>
+
+<p>But this great doctrine of a salvation which emanates from God
+and not from man, was not only the power of God to save the
+soul of Luther, it also became the power of God to reform the
+Church; a powerful weapon which the apostles wielded, a weapon
+too long neglected, but at length brought forth in its primitive<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span>
+lustre from the arsenal of the mighty God. At the moment when
+Luther stood up in Rome, all moved and thrilling with the words
+which Paul had addressed fifteen centuries before to the inhabitants
+of this metropolis, truth, till then a fettered captive within
+the Church, rose up also, never again to fall.</p>
+
+<p>Here we must let Luther speak for himself. "Although I was a
+holy and irreproachable monk, my conscience was full of trouble and
+anguish. I could not bear the words, 'Justice of God.' I loved not
+the just and holy God who punishes sinners. I was filled with
+secret rage against him and hated him, because, not satisfied with
+terrifying us, his miserable creatures, already lost by original sin,
+with his law and the miseries of life, he still further increased our
+torment by the gospel.... But when, by the Spirit of God, I
+comprehended these words; when I learned how the sinner's justification
+proceeds from the pure mercy of the Lord by means of
+faith,<a name="FNanchor_218_218" id="FNanchor_218_218"></a><a href="#Footnote_218_218" class="fnanchor">[218]</a> then I felt myself revive like a new man, and entered at
+open doors into the very paradise of God.<a name="FNanchor_219_219" id="FNanchor_219_219"></a><a href="#Footnote_219_219" class="fnanchor">[219]</a> From that time, also,
+I beheld the precious sacred volume with new eyes. I went over
+all the Bible, and collected a great number of passages which taught
+me what the work of God was. And as I had previously, with
+all my heart, hated the words, 'Justice of God,' so from that
+time I began to esteem and love them, as words most sweet and
+most consoling. In truth, these words were to me the true gate
+of paradise."</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, when called on solemn occasions to confess this
+doctrine, Luther always manifested his enthusiasm and rude energy.
+"I see," said he on a critical occasion, "that the devil is
+incessantly attacking this fundamental article<a name="FNanchor_220_220" id="FNanchor_220_220"></a><a href="#Footnote_220_220" class="fnanchor">[220]</a> by the instrumentality
+of his doctors, and that, in this respect, he cannot rest or
+take any repose. Very well, I, Doctor Martin Luther, unworthy
+evangelist of our Lord Jesus Christ, hold this article&mdash;<i>that faith
+alone, without works, justifies in the sight of God</i>; and I declare that
+the emperor of the Romans, the emperor of the Turks, the emperor
+of the Tartars, the emperor of the Persians, the pope, all
+the cardinals, bishops, priests, monks, nuns, princes, and nobles,
+all men and all devils, must let it stand, and allow it to remain
+for ever. If they will undertake to combat this truth, they will
+bring down the flames of hell upon their heads. This is the true
+and holy gospel, and the declaration of me, Doctor Luther, according<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span>
+to the light of the Holy Spirit.... Nobody," continues
+he, "has died for our sins but Jesus Christ the Son of God. I
+repeat it once more; should the world and all the devils tear each
+other, and burst with fury, this is, nevertheless, true. And if it
+be He alone who takes away sin, it cannot be ourselves with our
+works; but good works follow redemption, as the fruit appears
+on the tree. This is our doctrine; and it is the doctrine which the
+Holy Spirit teaches with all true Christians. We maintain it in
+the name of God. Amen."</p>
+
+<p>It was thus Luther found what all doctors and reformers, even
+the most distinguished, had, to a certain degree at least, failed
+to discover. It was in Rome that God gave him this clear view
+of the fundamental doctrine of Christianity. He had come to the
+city of the pontiffs seeking the solution of some difficulties relative
+to a monastic order, and he carried away in his heart the safety
+of the Church.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. VII.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Return&mdash;Doctor's Degree&mdash;Carlstadt&mdash;Luther's Oath&mdash;Principle of Reform&mdash;Luther's
+Courage&mdash;First Views of Reformation&mdash;The Schoolmen&mdash;Spalatin&mdash;Affair
+of Reuchlin.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>Luther quitted Rome and returned to Wittemberg, his heart
+full of sadness and indignation. Turning away his eyes in disgust
+from the pontifical city, he directed them in hope to the Holy
+Scriptures, and to that new light of which the word of God
+seemed then to give promise to the world. This word gained in
+his heart all that the Church lost in it. He detached himself
+from the one and turned towards the other. The whole Reformation
+was in that movement. It put God where the priest had
+hitherto been.</p>
+
+<p>Staupitz and the elector did not lose sight of the monk whom
+they had called to the university of Wittemberg. It would seem
+that the vicar-general had a presentiment of the work that was to
+be done in the world, and, feeling it too much for himself, wished
+to urge on Luther. There is nothing more remarkable, and perhaps
+more mysterious, than this personage, who is ever found
+hurrying on the monk into the path to which God calls him; and
+who himself ultimately goes and sadly ends his days in a convent.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span>
+The preaching of the young professor had made an impression
+on the prince. He had admired the vigour of his intellect, the
+nervousness of his eloquence, and the excellence of his expositions.<a name="FNanchor_221_221" id="FNanchor_221_221"></a><a href="#Footnote_221_221" class="fnanchor">[221]</a>
+The elector and his friend, wishing to advance a man who
+gave such high hopes, resolved to make him take the honourable
+degree of Doctor of Divinity. Staupitz repairing to the convent,
+led Luther into the garden, and there alone with him, under a
+tree which Luther was afterwards fond of showing to his disciples,<a name="FNanchor_222_222" id="FNanchor_222_222"></a><a href="#Footnote_222_222" class="fnanchor">[222]</a>
+the venerable father said to him&mdash;" It is now necessary,
+my friend, that you become a doctor of the Holy Scriptures."
+Luther recoiled at the idea; the high honour frightened him.
+"Look out," replied he, "for a more worthy person; as for me,
+I cannot consent to it." The vicar-general insisted, "The Lord
+God has much to do in the Church, and has need at present of
+young and vigorous doctors." These words, adds Melancthon,
+were perhaps used half in jest, and yet the event realised them.
+Many omens ordinarily precede great revolutions.<a name="FNanchor_223_223" id="FNanchor_223_223"></a><a href="#Footnote_223_223" class="fnanchor">[223]</a> It is not
+necessary to suppose that Melancthon here speaks of miraculous
+predictions. The most incredulous age&mdash;that which preceded our
+own&mdash;saw this sentiment verified. There was no miracle; and
+yet how many presages announced the revolution with which it
+closed?</p>
+
+<p>"But I am weak and sickly," replied Luther, "and have not
+long to live. Seek a strong man." "The Lord," replied the
+vicar-general, "has work in heaven as well as on the earth; dead
+or alive, God has need of you in his counsel."<a name="FNanchor_224_224" id="FNanchor_224_224"></a><a href="#Footnote_224_224" class="fnanchor">[224]</a></p>
+
+<p>"None but the Holy Spirit can make a doctor of theology,"<a name="FNanchor_225_225" id="FNanchor_225_225"></a><a href="#Footnote_225_225" class="fnanchor">[225]</a>
+exclaimed the monk, still more alarmed. "Do what your convent
+asks," said Staupitz, "and what I, your vicar-general, command.
+You promised to obey us." "But my poverty," replied
+the friar. "I have no means of paying the expences attendant on
+such promotion." "Give yourself no trouble about them," said
+his friend. "The prince has been graciously pleased to take all the
+expences on himself." Luther, thus urged, saw it his duty to
+yield.</p>
+
+<p>This was towards the end of the summer of 1512. Luther set
+out for Leipsic to receive the money necessary for his promotion
+from the elector's treasures. But according to the usages of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span>
+courts, the money came not. The friar getting impatient would
+have left, but monastic obedience detained him. At length, on the
+4th of October, he received fifty florins from Pfeffinger and John
+Doltzig, and gave them his receipt for it, in which he designates
+himself merely as a monk. "I, Martin," says he, "friar of the
+order of Eremites."<a name="FNanchor_226_226" id="FNanchor_226_226"></a><a href="#Footnote_226_226" class="fnanchor">[226]</a> Luther hastened back to Wittemberg.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew Bodenstein was then Dean of the Faculty of Theology,
+and is best known under the name of Carlstadt, being that of his
+native town. He was also called A. B. C. It was Melancthon
+who first gave him this designation, which is taken from the three
+initial letters of his name. Bodenstein acquired the first elements
+of literature in his native place. He was of a grave and gloomy
+temper, perhaps inclined to jealousy, and of a restless intellect,
+eagerly bent, however, on acquiring knowledge, and endowed with
+great ability. He attended different universities in order to increase
+his acquirements, and studied theology even at Rome. On his
+return from Italy into Germany he established himself at Wittemberg,
+and became doctor in divinity. "At this period," says he
+himself afterwards, "I had not read the Holy Scriptures."<a name="FNanchor_227_227" id="FNanchor_227_227"></a><a href="#Footnote_227_227" class="fnanchor">[227]</a> This
+account gives a very just idea of what the theology of that day was.
+Carlstadt, besides being a professor, was a canon and archdeacon.
+This is the person who was at a later period to make a rent in the
+Reformation. In Luther at that time, he only saw an inferior, but
+the Augustin soon became an object of jealousy to him. "I am
+not willing," said he one day, "to be a smaller man than Luther."<a name="FNanchor_228_228" id="FNanchor_228_228"></a><a href="#Footnote_228_228" class="fnanchor">[228]</a>
+When Carlstadt conferred the highest university degree on his
+future rival, he was far from foreseeing the celebrity which the
+young professor was destined to obtain.</p>
+
+<p>On the 18th of October, 1512, Luther was admitted a licentiate
+in theology, and took the following oath:&mdash;"I swear to defend
+evangelical truth by every means in my power."<a name="FNanchor_229_229" id="FNanchor_229_229"></a><a href="#Footnote_229_229" class="fnanchor">[229]</a> The following
+day, Bodenstein, in presence of a numerous assembly, formally
+delivered to him the insignia of doctor of theology. He was made
+Biblical doctor, not doctor of sentences, and in this way was called
+to devote himself to the study of the Bible, and not to that of
+human tradition.<a name="FNanchor_230_230" id="FNanchor_230_230"></a><a href="#Footnote_230_230" class="fnanchor">[230]</a> The oath, then, which he took was, as he relates,<a name="FNanchor_231_231" id="FNanchor_231_231"></a><a href="#Footnote_231_231" class="fnanchor">[231]</a>
+to his well-beloved Holy Scripture. He promised to preach
+it faithfully, to teach it purely, to study it during his whole life,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span>
+and to defend it by discussion and by writing, as far as God
+should enable him to do so.</p>
+
+<p>This solemn oath was Luther's call to be the Reformer. In laying
+it upon his conscience freely to seek, and boldly to announce
+Christian truth, this oath raised the new doctor above the narrow
+limits to which his monastic vow might perhaps have confined him.
+Called by the university and by his sovereign, in the name of the
+emperor, and of the See of Rome itself, and bound before God, by
+the most solemn oath, he was thenceforth the intrepid herald of the
+word of life. On this memorable day, Luther was dubbed knight
+of the Bible.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, this oath taken to the Holy Scriptures, may be
+regarded as one of the causes of the renovation of the Church. The
+infallible authority of the word of God alone was the first and
+fundamental principle of the Reformation. All the reformations
+in detail which took place at a later period, as reformations in doctrine,
+in manners, in the government of the Church, and in worship,
+were only consequences of this primary principle. One is
+scarcely able at the present time to form an idea of the sensation
+produced by this elementary principle, which is so simple in itself,
+but which had been lost sight of for so many ages. Some individuals
+of more extensive views than the generality, alone foresaw
+its immense results. The bold voices of all the Reformers
+soon proclaimed this powerful principle, at the sound of which
+Rome is destined to crumble away:&mdash;"Christians, receive no other
+doctrines than those which are founded on the express words of
+Jesus Christ, his apostles, and prophets. No man, no assembly
+of doctors, are entitled to prescribe new doctrines."</p>
+
+<p>The situation of Luther was changed. The call which the Reformer
+had received became to him like one of these extraordinary
+calls which the Lord addressed to the prophets under the Old
+Dispensation, and to the apostles under the New. The solemn
+engagement which he undertook made so deep an impression on
+his mind, that, in the sequel, the remembrance of this oath was
+sufficient to console him amid the greatest dangers and the
+sharpest conflicts. And when he saw all Europe agitated and
+shaken by the word which he had announced; when it seemed that
+the accusations of Rome, the reproaches of many pious men, and
+the doubts and fears of his own easily agitated heart, would make
+him hesitate, fear, and give way to despair, he called to mind the
+oath which he had taken, and remained firm, tranquil, and full of
+joy. "I have advanced in the name of the Lord," said he, on a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span>
+critical occasion, "and I have put myself into his hands. His will
+be done. Who asked him to make me a doctor? If He made
+me, let him sustain me; or if he repents of having made me, let
+Him depose me!.... This tribulation terrifies me not. I seek
+one thing only, and it is to have the Lord favourable to me in all
+that he calls me to do." Another time he said, "He who undertakes
+any thing without a divine call, seeks his own glory; but I,
+Doctor Martin Luther, was compelled to become a doctor. Papism
+sought to stop me in the discharge of my duty, and you see what
+has happened to it; and still worse will happen. They will not be
+able to defend themselves against me. I desire, in the name of the
+Lord, to tread upon the lions, and trample under foot the dragons
+and vipers. This will commence during my life, and be finished
+after my death."<a name="FNanchor_232_232" id="FNanchor_232_232"></a><a href="#Footnote_232_232" class="fnanchor">[232]</a></p>
+
+<p>From the hour when he took the oath Luther sought the truth
+solely for itself and for the Church. Still deeply impressed with
+recollections of Rome, he saw indistinctly before him a course which
+he determined to pursue with all the energy of his soul. The spiritual
+life which had hitherto been manifested within him was now
+manifested outwardly. This was the third period of his development.
+His entrance into the convent had turned his thoughts
+towards God: the knowledge of the forgiveness of sins and of the
+righteousness of faith, had emancipated his soul; and his doctor's
+oath gave him that baptism of fire by which he became the Reformer
+of the Church.</p>
+
+<p>His thoughts were soon directed in a general way to the subject
+of reformation. In a discourse which he had written apparently with
+a view to its being announced by the Provost of Litzkan, at the
+Council of Lateran, he affirmed that the corruption of the world
+was occasioned by the priests, who, instead of preaching the pure
+word of God, taught so many fables and traditions. According
+to him the word of life alone had power to accomplish the spiritual
+regeneration of man. Hence, even at this period, he made
+the salvation of the world depend on the re-establishment of sound
+doctrine, and not on a mere reformation of manners. Luther was
+not perfectly consistent with himself; he entertained contradictory
+opinions; but a powerful intellect was displayed in all his writings.
+He boldly broke the links by which the systems of the schools
+chained down human thought, passed beyond the limits to which
+past ages had attained, and formed new paths for himself. God
+was in him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span>The first opponents whom he attacked were those famous schoolmen
+whom he had so thoroughly studied, and who then reigned as
+sovereigns in all universities. He accused them of Pelagianism;
+and, forcibly assailing Aristotle, the father of the school, and
+Thomas Aquinas, undertook to tumble both of them from the
+throne on which they sat, the one ruling philosophy, and the other
+theology.<a name="FNanchor_233_233" id="FNanchor_233_233"></a><a href="#Footnote_233_233" class="fnanchor">[233]</a> "Aristotle, Porphyry, the theologians of sentences,"
+(the schoolmen,) wrote he to Lange, "are the lost studies of our
+age.<a name="FNanchor_234_234" id="FNanchor_234_234"></a><a href="#Footnote_234_234" class="fnanchor">[234]</a> There is nothing I more ardently long for than to expose
+this player, who has sported with the Church by wrapping himself
+up in a Greek mask, and to make his disgrace apparent to all."
+In all public disputations he was heard to say, "the writings of
+the apostles and prophets are more certain and more sublime than
+all the sophisms and all the theology of the school." Such
+sayings were new, but people gradually became accustomed to them.
+About a year after he could triumphantly write&mdash;"God works.
+Our theology and St. Augustine make wonderful progress, and
+reign in our university. Aristotle is on the decline, and is already
+tottering to his speedy and eternal overthrow. The lessons on
+the sentences are admirable for producing a yawn. No man
+can hope to have an audience if he does not profess Biblical
+theology."<a name="FNanchor_235_235" id="FNanchor_235_235"></a><a href="#Footnote_235_235" class="fnanchor">[235]</a> Happy the university to which such a testimony can
+be given.</p>
+
+<p>At the same time that Luther attacked Aristotle, he took the
+part of Erasmus and Reuchlin against their enemies. He entered
+into communication with these great men and others of the learned,
+such as Pirckheimer, Mutian, and H�tten, who belonged more or
+less to the same party. At this period he formed another friendship
+also, which was of great importance to him during his whole life.</p>
+
+<p>There was then at the court of the elector a man distinguished
+for wisdom and candour, named George Spalatin. Born at Spalatus
+or Spalt, in the bishopric of Eichstadt, he had at first been
+curate of the village of Hohenkirch, near the forest of Thuringia,
+and was afterwards selected by Frederick the Wise to be his
+secretary and chaplain, and also tutor to his nephew, John Frederick,
+who was one day to wear the electoral crown. Spalatin
+retained his simplicity in the midst of the court. He appeared
+timid on the eve of great events, circumspect and prudent like his
+master,<a name="FNanchor_236_236" id="FNanchor_236_236"></a><a href="#Footnote_236_236" class="fnanchor">[236]</a> when contrasted with the impetuous Luther, with whom he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span>
+was in daily correspondence. Like Staupitz he was made for
+peaceful times. Such men are necessary, somewhat resembling
+those delicate substances in which we wrap up jems and trinkets
+to protect them from injury in travelling. They seem useless, and
+yet without them the precious jewels would have been broken
+and destroyed. Spalatin was not fitted to do great things, but
+he faithfully and unostentatiously acquitted himself of the task
+which had been assigned to him.<a name="FNanchor_237_237" id="FNanchor_237_237"></a><a href="#Footnote_237_237" class="fnanchor">[237]</a> He was at first one of the
+principal assistants of his master in collecting those relics of
+saints, of which Frederick was long an amateur, but gradually,
+along with the prince, turned toward the truth. The faith which
+was then re-appearing in the Church did not take the firm hold of
+him that it did of Luther. He proceeded at a slower pace. He
+became Luther's friend at court, the minister through whom all
+affairs between the Reformer and the princes were transacted, the
+mediator between the Church and the State. The elector honoured
+Spalatin with his friendship; when on a journey they always travelled
+in the same carriage.<a name="FNanchor_238_238" id="FNanchor_238_238"></a><a href="#Footnote_238_238" class="fnanchor">[238]</a> In other respects, the air of the court
+often half suffocated the good chaplain. He took fits of melancholy,
+and would have liked to quit all his honours, and be again a simple
+pastor in the woods of Thuringia; but Luther consoled him, and
+exhorted him to remain firm at his post. Spalatin acquired general
+esteem; the princes and the learned of his time testifying the
+sincerest regard for him. Erasmus said, "I inscribe the name of
+Spalatin not only among those of my principal friends, but also
+amongst those of my most venerated patrons; and this not on
+paper but on my heart."<a name="FNanchor_239_239" id="FNanchor_239_239"></a><a href="#Footnote_239_239" class="fnanchor">[239]</a></p>
+
+<p>The affair of Reuchlin and the monks was then making a great
+noise in Germany. The most pious men were often at a loss as
+to the party which they ought to embrace; for the monks wished
+to destroy Jewish books which contained blasphemies against
+Christ. The doctor of Wittemberg being now in high repute, the
+elector ordered his chaplain to consult him on this subject. The
+following is Luther's reply. It is the first letter which he addressed
+to the preacher of the court.</p>
+
+<p>"What shall I say? These monks pretend to drive out Beelzebub,
+but not by the finger of God. For this I cease not to lament
+and groan. We Christians begin to be wise abroad, and we are
+void of sense at home.<a name="FNanchor_240_240" id="FNanchor_240_240"></a><a href="#Footnote_240_240" class="fnanchor">[240]</a> On all the places of Jerusalem are blasphemies
+a hundred times worse than those of the Jews. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span>
+world is filled with spiritual idols. Inspired with a holy zeal, we
+should put away and destroy these internal enemies, whereas we
+leave the matter which is most pressing; the devil himself persuading
+us to abandon our own business at the same time that he
+prevents us from amending what belongs to others."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. VIII.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Faith&mdash;Popular Declamations&mdash;Academical Instruction&mdash;Moral Purity of Luther&mdash;German
+Theology or Mysticism&mdash;The Monk Spenlein&mdash;Justification by Faith&mdash;Luther
+on Erasmus&mdash;Faith and Works&mdash;Erasmus&mdash;Necessity of Works&mdash;Practice
+of Works.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>Luther did not lose himself in this quarrel. Living faith in
+Christ filled his heart and his life. "In my heart," said he, "faith
+in my Lord Jesus Christ reigns sole, and sole ought to reign. He
+alone is the beginning, the middle, and the end, of all the thoughts
+which occupy my mind night and day."<a name="FNanchor_241_241" id="FNanchor_241_241"></a><a href="#Footnote_241_241" class="fnanchor">[241]</a> He was always heard with
+admiration when he spoke of this faith in Christ, whether in the professor's
+chair or in the church. His lessons diffused light, and men
+were astonished at not having sooner perceived truths which in his
+mouth appeared so evident. "The desire of justifying ourselves,"
+said he, "is the source of all anguish of heart, whereas he who
+receives Jesus Christ as a Saviour has peace, and not only peace,
+but purity of heart. Sanctification of the heart is entirely a fruit of
+faith; for faith is in us a Divine work, which changes us, and gives
+us a new birth, emanating from God himself. It kills Adam in us
+by the Holy Spirit, which it communicates to us, giving us a new
+heart, and making us new men. "It is not by hollow speculation,"
+exclaimed he again, "but by this practical method that we
+obtain a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ."<a name="FNanchor_242_242" id="FNanchor_242_242"></a><a href="#Footnote_242_242" class="fnanchor">[242]</a></p>
+
+<p>At this time Luther preached discourses on the Ten Commandments,
+which have come down to us under the name of <i>Popular
+Declamations</i>. Undoubtedly there are errors in them; for Luther
+himself was enlightened only by degrees. "The path of the just
+is like the shining light, which shineth more and more unto the
+perfect day." But in these discourses what truth! what simplicity!
+what eloquence! How easy to conceive the effect which the
+new preacher must have produced upon his audience and his age!
+We will quote only one passage taken from the commencement.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span>Luther goes up into the pulpit of Wittemberg, and gives out
+these words, "Thou shalt have no other god before me." Then
+addressing himself to the people who filled the church, he says,
+"All the sons of Adam are idolaters, and guilty of violating this
+First Commandment."<a name="FNanchor_243_243" id="FNanchor_243_243"></a><a href="#Footnote_243_243" class="fnanchor">[243]</a> This strange assertion no doubt surprises
+his hearers. He must therefore justify it, and accordingly proceeds:&mdash;"There
+are two kinds of idolatry, the one without, the
+other within.</p>
+
+<p>"The one without is, when man worships wood and stone, beasts
+and stars.</p>
+
+<p>"The one within is, when man, fearing punishment or seeking
+his ease, does not give worship to the creature, but loves it internally,
+and confides in it.</p>
+
+<p>"What religion is this? You do not bend the knee before riches
+and honours, but you offer them your heart, the noblest part of
+you. Ah! you worship God with the body, and with the spirit
+you worship the creature.</p>
+
+<p>"This idolatry reigns in every man until he is cured of it freely
+by the faith which is in Jesus Christ.</p>
+
+<p>"And how is this cure performed?</p>
+
+<p>"In this way. Faith in Christ strips you of all confidence in
+your own wisdom, your own righteousness, your own strength.
+It tells you that if Christ had not died for you, and so saved you,
+neither yourself nor any creature could have done it.<a name="FNanchor_244_244" id="FNanchor_244_244"></a><a href="#Footnote_244_244" class="fnanchor">[244]</a> Then you
+learn to despise all those things which remained useless to you.</p>
+
+<p>"There now remains to you only Jesus; Jesus alone; Jesus
+fully sufficient for your soul. No longer having any hopes in the
+creatures, you have now Christ only, in whom you hope all, and
+whom you love above all. Now Jesus is the sole, the only, the
+true God. When you have him for God you have no longer other
+gods."<a name="FNanchor_245_245" id="FNanchor_245_245"></a><a href="#Footnote_245_245" class="fnanchor">[245]</a></p>
+
+<p>It is thus Luther shows how, by the gospel, the soul is brought
+back to God its sovereign good, agreeably to the words of Jesus
+Christ, "I am the way; no man cometh unto the Father but by
+me." The man who speaks thus to his age is not merely desirous to
+overthrow some abuses; he is first of all desirous to establish true
+religion. His work is not negative merely&mdash;it is primarily positive.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span>Luther afterwards directs his discourse against the superstitions
+with which Christendom then abounded, against signs and mysterious
+characters, observations of certain days and certain months,
+familiar demons, ghosts, the influence of the stars and wizards,
+metamorphoses, incubuses and succubuses, the patronage of saints,
+etc., etc. He attacks these idols one after the other, and vigorously
+casts down these false gods.</p>
+
+<p>But it was at the university especially, in presence of enlightened
+youths, eager for truth, that Luther laid open all the treasures
+of the word of God. "His mode of explaining the Scriptures,"
+says his illustrious friend, Melancthon, "was such, that in the
+judgment of all pious and enlightened men it was as if a new
+light had risen upon doctrine after a long dark night. He pointed
+out the difference between the Law and the Gospel. He refuted
+the error then prevalent in churches and schools, that men merit
+the forgiveness of sins by their own works, and are rendered
+righteous before God by means of external discipline. He thus
+brought back the hearts of men to the Son of God.<a name="FNanchor_246_246" id="FNanchor_246_246"></a><a href="#Footnote_246_246" class="fnanchor">[246]</a> Like John
+the Baptist, he pointed to the Lamb of God, who had taken
+away the sins of the world. He explained how sins are pardoned
+freely for the sake of the Son of God, and how man receives the
+blessing through faith. He made no change in ceremonies; on the
+contrary, the established discipline had not, in his order a more
+faithful observer and defender. But he laboured more and more
+to make all comprehend the great and essential doctrines of conversion,
+of the forgiveness of sins, of faith, and the true consolation
+which is to be found in the cross. The pious were charmed
+and penetrated with the sweetness of this doctrine, while the
+learned received it gladly.<a name="FNanchor_247_247" id="FNanchor_247_247"></a><a href="#Footnote_247_247" class="fnanchor">[247]</a> One would have said that Christ,
+the apostles and prophets, were coming forth from darkness and a
+loathsome dungeon."<a name="FNanchor_248_248" id="FNanchor_248_248"></a><a href="#Footnote_248_248" class="fnanchor">[248]</a></p>
+
+<p>The firmness with which Luther fortified himself by Scripture
+gave great authority to his teaching, while other circumstances
+added to his power. His life corresponded to his words&mdash;his discourses
+were not merely from the life,<a name="FNanchor_249_249" id="FNanchor_249_249"></a><a href="#Footnote_249_249" class="fnanchor">[249]</a> they came from the heart,
+and were exemplified in all his conduct. And when the Reformation
+burst forth many influential men, who were much grieved
+at seeing the rents that were made in the Church, won over by
+the Reformer's purity of conduct, and his admirable talents, not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span>
+only did not oppose him, but even embraced the doctrine to which
+his works bore testimony.<a name="FNanchor_250_250" id="FNanchor_250_250"></a><a href="#Footnote_250_250" class="fnanchor">[250]</a> The more they loved Christian virtue
+the more they inclined to the Reformer. All honest theologians
+were in his favour.<a name="FNanchor_251_251" id="FNanchor_251_251"></a><a href="#Footnote_251_251" class="fnanchor">[251]</a> Such is the testimony of those who knew
+him, in particular of Melancthon, the wisest man of his age, and
+Erasmus, Luther's celebrated opponent. Yet prejudice has dared to
+speak of his debauchery. Wittemberg was changed by this preaching
+of faith, and became the focus of a light which was soon to
+illumine Germany, and diffuse itself over all the Church.</p>
+
+<p>In 1516, Luther published a treatise by an anonymous mystic
+theologian, (probably Ebland, priest at Frankfort,) entitled <i>German
+Theology</i>, wherein the author shows how man may attain
+perfection by the three methods of purification, illumination, and
+communion. Luther never plunged into mystical theology, but
+he received a salutary impression from it. It confirmed him in the
+disgust which he felt for dry scholastics&mdash;in his contempt for the
+works and observances so much dwelt upon by the Church&mdash;in his
+conviction of man's spiritual impotence, and of the necessity of
+grace, and in his attachment to the Bible. "To the schoolmen,"<a name="FNanchor_252_252" id="FNanchor_252_252"></a><a href="#Footnote_252_252" class="fnanchor">[252]</a>
+wrote he to Staupitz, "I prefer the Mystics and the Bible;" thus
+placing the Mystics by the side of the inspired writers. Perhaps
+the <i>German Theology</i> also assisted him in forming a sounder
+idea of the sacraments, and especially of the mass. For the author
+of that work insists that the Eucharist gives Christ to man, but
+does not offer Christ to God. Luther accompanied this publication
+with a preface, in which he declared, that next to the Bible
+and St. Augustine, there was no book he had ever met with, from
+which he had learned more respecting God, Christ, man, and all
+things. Already several doctors had begun to inveigh against the
+Professors of Wittemberg, and to accuse them of innovation. "One
+would suppose," continues Luther, "that there never were men
+before us who taught as we do; yea, verily, there were. But the
+wrath of God, which our sins have deserved, did not permit us to
+see them, and to hear them. For a long time the universities
+kept the word of God lying in a corner. Let them read this
+book, and then tell me if our theology is new; for this book is not
+new."<a name="FNanchor_253_253" id="FNanchor_253_253"></a><a href="#Footnote_253_253" class="fnanchor">[253]</a> But if Luther took all the good that was in mystical
+theology, he took not the bad that was in it. The great error in
+mysticism is, to overlook a free salvation. We are going to see a
+remarkable example of the purity of Luther's faith.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span>
+Luther, possessed of a tender and affectionate heart, was desirous
+to see those whom he loved in possession of the light which
+had guided him into the paths of peace; and availed himself of all
+the opportunities which he had, as professor, preacher, and monk,
+as well as of his extensive correspondence, to communicate his treasure
+to others. One of his old brethren of the convent of Erfurt,
+the monk George Spenlein, was then in the convent of Memmingen.
+After having spent some time at Wittemberg, Spenlein had
+asked the doctor to sell different articles which he had left, viz.,
+a tunic of Brussels cloth, a work of a doctor of Isenach, and a
+monk's frock. Luther carefully executed this commission. "I
+have received," said he to Spenlein, in a letter, 7th April 1516, "a
+florin for the tunic, half a florin for the book, and a florin for the
+frock, and have remitted the whole to the father-vicar," to whom
+Spenlein owed three florins. But Luther passes quickly from
+this account of monastic spoils to a more important subject.</p>
+
+<p>"I should like much," says he to friar George, "to know how it
+is with your soul. Is it not weary of its own righteousness? does
+it not breathe at length and confide in the righteousness of Christ?
+In our day pride seduces many, especially those who do their
+utmost to become righteous. Not comprehending the righteousness
+which is freely given us of God in Christ Jesus, they would
+stand before him by their merits. But that cannot be. When
+you lived with us you were in this error, as I also was. I am
+still constantly fighting with it; and have not yet completely
+triumphed.</p>
+
+<p>"O my dear brother, learn to know Christ and Christ crucified.
+Learn to sing unto him a new song; to despair of thyself, and
+say, 'Thou, O Lord Jesus! thou art my righteousness, and I am
+thy sin! Thou hast taken what is mine, and given me what is
+thine.<a name="FNanchor_254_254" id="FNanchor_254_254"></a><a href="#Footnote_254_254" class="fnanchor">[254]</a> What thou wert not thou hast become, in order that
+what I was not I might become.' Take care, O my dear George,
+not to pretend to such a purity as will make you unwilling to
+acknowledge yourself a sinner; for Christ dwells in sinners only.
+He came down from heaven, where he dwelt among the righteous,
+that he might dwell also among sinners. Meditate carefully on
+this love of Christ, and thou wilt derive ineffable blessing from it.
+If our labours and our afflictions could give us peace of conscience,
+why should Christ have died? Thou wilt find peace only in him,
+by despairing of thyself and of thy works, and learning with what<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span>
+love he opens his arms to thee, takes upon him all thy sins, and
+gives thee all his righteousness."</p>
+
+<p>Thus the powerful doctrine which had already saved the world
+in the days of the Apostles, and which was to save it a second
+time in the days of the Reformers, was expounded by Luther with
+force and clearness. Stretching over numerous ages of ignorance
+and superstition, he here shook hands with St. Paul.</p>
+
+<p>Spenlein was not the only person whom he sought to instruct
+in this fundamental doctrine. He felt uneasy at the little truth
+which he discovered in this respect in the writings of Erasmus.
+It was of importance to enlighten a man whose authority was so
+great, and whose genius was so admirable. But how was he to do
+it? His friend at court, the elector's chaplain, was respected by
+Erasmus; and it is to him Luther addresses himself. "My dear
+Spalatin, the thing which displeases me in Erasmus, that man of
+vast erudition, is, that by the righteousness of works or of the
+law, of which the apostle speaks, he understands the fulfilment of
+the ceremonial law. The justification of the law consists not in
+ceremonies only, but in all the works of the Decalogue. When
+these works are performed without faith in Christ, they may, it is
+true, make Fabriciuses, Reguluses, and other men of strict integrity
+in the eyes of the world, but then they as little deserve to be
+called righteousness, as the fruit of a medlar to be called a fig.
+For we do not become righteous, as Aristotle pretends, by doing
+works of righteousness; but when we have become righteous we do
+such works.<a name="FNanchor_255_255" id="FNanchor_255_255"></a><a href="#Footnote_255_255" class="fnanchor">[255]</a> The man must first be changed, and then the works.
+Abel was first pleasing to God, and then his sacrifice." Luther
+continues, "I pray you, fulfil the duty of a friend and of a Christian,
+by making Erasmus acquainted with those things." This
+letter is dated "In haste, from the corner of our convent, 19th
+Oct., 1516." It gives a true view of the footing on which Luther
+stood with Erasmus, and shows the sincere interest which he felt
+in whatever he thought truly advantageous to this distinguished
+writer. No doubt, at a later period, the opposition of Erasmus to
+the truth forced Luther to combat him openly, but it was only
+after he had sought to enlighten his opponent.</p>
+
+<p>At length those views on the nature of goodness were propounded
+which were at once clear and profound, and the great
+truth was distinctly proclaimed, that the real goodness of a work
+consists not in its external form, but in the spirit in which it is
+done. Thus giving a mortal blow to all the superstitious observances,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span>
+which had for ages choked the Church, and prevented
+Christian virtues from growing and flourishing in it.</p>
+
+<p>"I read Erasmus," again writes Luther, "but he is every day
+losing his credit with me. I like to see him, with so much skill
+and firmness, rebuking priests and monks for their loathsome ignorance,
+but I fear he will not do great service to the doctrine of
+Jesus Christ. What is of man has more hold on his heart than
+what is of God.<a name="FNanchor_256_256" id="FNanchor_256_256"></a><a href="#Footnote_256_256" class="fnanchor">[256]</a> We live in dangerous times. A man is not a
+good and judicious Christian because he understands Greek and
+Hebrew. Jerome, who knew five languages, is inferior to Augustine,
+who only knew one, though Erasmus thinks differently. I
+am very careful to conceal my sentiments concerning Erasmus,
+lest I should give an advantage to his opponents. It may be
+the Lord will give him understanding in his own time."<a name="FNanchor_257_257" id="FNanchor_257_257"></a><a href="#Footnote_257_257" class="fnanchor">[257]</a></p>
+
+<p>The impotence of man, and the omnipotence of God, were the
+two truths which Luther wished to re-establish. It is a sad religion
+and a sad philosophy which throws man back upon his natural
+powers. Ages have made trial of these boasted powers, and
+while man has of himself succeeded wonderfully in things which
+concern his earthly existence, he has never been able to dissipate
+the darkness which hides the true knowledge of God from his mind,
+nor to change a single inclination of his heart. The highest degree
+of wisdom attained by ambitious intellects, or minds inflamed
+with ardent longings after perfection, has only plunged them into
+despair.<a name="FNanchor_258_258" id="FNanchor_258_258"></a><a href="#Footnote_258_258" class="fnanchor">[258]</a> The doctrine, therefore, which unveils to us our impotence,
+in order to acquaint us with a Divine power, which shall enable
+us to do all things, is a generous, consoling, and perfectly true
+doctrine; and the reformation which exhibits the glory of heaven
+on the earth, and pleads the rights of Almighty God with men, is
+a great reformation.</p>
+
+<p>But nobody was better aware than Luther of the intimate and
+indissoluble tie which unites the gratuitous salvation of God with
+the free works of man. Nobody showed better than he that it is
+only by receiving all from Christ that man can give much to his
+brethren. He always presented the two acts, that of God and
+that of man, in the same picture. Thus, after having explained
+to friar Spenlein wherein saving righteousness consists, he adds
+"If you believe these things firmly as you ought to do, (for
+cursed is he who believeth not,) receive thy still ignorant and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span>
+erring brethren as Jesus Christ has received thee. Bear with
+them patiently, make their sins thy own, and if thou hast any
+thing good, communicate it unto them. Receive one another, saith
+the Apostle, as Christ hath received us to the glory of God. It is
+a sad righteousness which will not bear with others, because it
+finds them wicked, and which thinks only of seeking the solitude
+of the desert, instead of doing them good by patience, prayer, and
+example. If thou art the lily and the rose of Christ, know that
+thy dwelling is among the thorns. Only take care that thou do not
+by thy impatience, thy rash judgments, and thy hidden pride, become
+thyself a thorn. Christ reigns in the midst of his enemies.
+Had he been pleased to live only among the good, and to die only
+for those who loved him, for whom, I ask, would he have died, and
+among whom would he have lived?"</p>
+
+<p>It is touching to see how Luther himself carried these precepts
+of charity into practice. An Augustin of Erfurt, named George
+Leiffer, was subjected to severe trials. Luther learned it, and
+eight days after he had written the letter to Spenlein, went up
+to him kindly, and said&mdash;"I learn that you are agitated by many
+tempests, and that your spirit is tossed up and down upon the
+billows.... The cross of Christ is portioned out over all the
+earth, and each one receives his part. Do not you, then, reject
+that which is fallen to you. Rather receive it as a holy relic, not
+in a vessel of gold and of silver, but what is far better, in a
+heart of gold&mdash;a heart full of meekness. If the wood of the cross
+has been so sanctified by the blood and flesh of Christ, that we
+consider it to be the most venerable relic, how much more ought
+we to regard the injuries, persecutions, inflictions, and hatred of
+men as holy relics, since they have not only been touched by the
+flesh of Christ, but embraced, kissed, and blessed by his boundless
+love?"<a name="FNanchor_259_259" id="FNanchor_259_259"></a><a href="#Footnote_259_259" class="fnanchor">[259]</a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. IX.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">First Theses&mdash;The Old Man and Grace&mdash;Visit to the Convents&mdash;Dresden&mdash;Erfurt&mdash;Tornator&mdash;Peace
+and the Cross&mdash;Results of the Journey&mdash;Labours&mdash;The Plague.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>The instructions of Luther bore fruit. Several of his disciples
+already felt themselves urged publicly to profess the truths which
+the lessons of their master had revealed to them. Among his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span>
+hearers was a learned youth, named Bernard of Feldkirchen, professor
+of the physics of Aristotle in the university, and who, five
+years afterwards, was the first of the evangelical ecclesiastics who
+entered into the bond of matrimony.</p>
+
+<p>Luther, while he was presiding, desired Feldkirchen to maintain
+theses in which his principles were expounded. The doctrines
+professed by Luther thus acquired new publicity. The
+disputation took place in 1516, and was Luther's first attack on
+the reign of the sophists and the Papacy. However feeble it
+was, it gave him considerable uneasiness. "I allow these propositions
+to be printed," said he, many years after, on publishing
+them in his works, "principally in order that the greatness of my
+cause, and the success with which God has crowned it, may not
+puff me up. For they fully manifest my shame; that is to say,
+the infirmity and ignorance, the fear and trembling, with which I
+commenced this struggle. I was alone, and had imprudently
+plunged into this affair. Not being able to draw back, I conceded
+several important points to the pope, and even adored him."<a name="FNanchor_260_260" id="FNanchor_260_260"></a><a href="#Footnote_260_260" class="fnanchor">[260]</a></p>
+
+<p>The following are some of these propositions:<a name="FNanchor_261_261" id="FNanchor_261_261"></a><a href="#Footnote_261_261" class="fnanchor">[261]</a>&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The old man is vanity of vanities&mdash;he is wholly vanity, and
+renders all other creatures vain, how good soever they be.</p>
+
+<p>"The old man is called <i>the flesh</i>, not only because he is led by
+sensual lusts, but also because, even though he were chaste, prudent,
+and just, he is not born anew of God by the Spirit.</p>
+
+<p>"A man who is without the grace of God cannot observe the
+commands of God, nor prepare himself, in whole or in part, to receive
+grace, but necessarily remains under sin.</p>
+
+<p>"The will of man without grace is not free, but enslaved, and
+that voluntarily.</p>
+
+<p>"Jesus Christ, our strength and our righteousness, who trieth
+the hearts and reins, is alone the Searcher and Judge of our merits.</p>
+
+<p>"Since everything is possible through Christ to him who believeth,
+it is superstitious to seek other aid, whether in the will of
+man or in the saints."<a name="FNanchor_262_262" id="FNanchor_262_262"></a><a href="#Footnote_262_262" class="fnanchor">[262]</a></p>
+
+<p>This disputation made a great noise, and has been considered
+as the commencement of the Reformation.</p>
+
+<p>The moment approached when this reformation was to burst
+forth. God was hastening to prepare the instrument which he
+meant to employ. The elector having built a new church at Wittemberg,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span>
+to which he gave the name of "All-Saints," sent Staupitz
+into the Netherlands to collect the relics with which he was
+desirous to enrich it. The vicar-general ordered Luther to take
+his place during his absence, and in particular to pay a visit to
+forty monasteries in Misnia and Thuringia.</p>
+
+<p>Luther repaired first to Grimma, and thence to Dresden, everywhere
+labouring to establish the truths which he had ascertained,
+and to enlighten the members of his own order. "Don't attach
+yourself to Aristotle, or to other teachers of a deceitful philosophy,"
+said he to the monks, "but diligently read the word of God.
+Seek not your salvation in your own strength, and your own
+good works, but in the merits of Christ, and in Divine grace."<a name="FNanchor_263_263" id="FNanchor_263_263"></a><a href="#Footnote_263_263" class="fnanchor">[263]</a></p>
+
+<p>An Augustin monk of Dresden had run off from his convent, and
+was living at Mayence, where the prior of the Augustins had received
+him. Luther wrote to the prior<a name="FNanchor_264_264" id="FNanchor_264_264"></a><a href="#Footnote_264_264" class="fnanchor">[264]</a> to demand restitution of
+the lost sheep, and added these words, which are full of truth and
+charity, "I know that offences must come. It is no wonder that
+man falls; but it is a wonder he rises again, and stands erect.
+Peter fell, in order that he might know that he was a man; and
+we still see the cedar of Lebanon fall. Angels even (a thing
+which surpasses our comprehension) fell in heaven, and Adam
+fell in paradise. Why then be astonished when a reed is shaken
+by the wind, and the smoking flax is quenched?" From Dresden,
+Luther proceeded to Erfurt, to do the duties of vicar-general in the
+very convent where, eleven years before, he had wound up the
+clock, opened the door, and swept the Church. He appointed his
+friend, bachelor John Lange, a learned and pious, but austere
+man, prior of the convent, exhorting him to affability and patience.
+Shortly after he wrote him, "Show a spirit of meekness towards
+the prior of Nuremberg. This is fitting, inasmuch as the prior has
+put on a sour and bitter spirit. Bitter is not expelled by bitter,
+that is to say, devil by devil; but sweet expels bitter, that is to
+say, the finger of God casts out demons."<a name="FNanchor_265_265" id="FNanchor_265_265"></a><a href="#Footnote_265_265" class="fnanchor">[265]</a></p>
+
+<p>It must perhaps be regretted, that on different occasions Luther
+did not remember this excellent advice.</p>
+
+<p>At Neustadt on Orla there was nothing but division. Quarrelling
+and disturbance reigned in the convent. All the monks
+were at war with the prior, and assailed Luther with their complaints.
+The prior, Michael Dressel, or Tornator, as Luther calls
+him, translating his name into Latin, on his part explained all his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span>
+grievances to the doctor. "Peace! peace!" said he. "You seek
+peace," replied Luther, "but you seek the peace of the world, and
+not that of Christ. Know you not that our God has placed his
+peace in the midst of war? He whom nobody troubles has no
+peace. But he who, troubled by all men, and by all the things of
+life, bears all calmly and joyfully, possesses true peace. You say,
+with Israel, Peace, peace; and there is no peace. Say rather with
+Christ, The cross, the cross; and there will be no cross. For the
+cross ceases to be a cross as soon as we can sincerely say with
+joy, O blessed cross, there is no wood like thine!"<a name="FNanchor_266_266" id="FNanchor_266_266"></a><a href="#Footnote_266_266" class="fnanchor">[266]</a> After his return
+to Wittemberg, Luther, wishing to put an end to these divisions
+allowed the monks to elect another prior.</p>
+
+<p>Luther returned to Wittemberg after an absence of six weeks.
+He was grieved at all that he had seen, but the journey gave him
+a better acquaintance with the Church and the world; gave him
+more confidence in his intercourse with men and furnished him
+with numerous opportunities of founding schools, and urging this
+fundamental truth, that "the Holy Scripture alone shows us the
+way to heaven," and to exhort the brethren to live together
+holily, chastely, and peacefully.<a name="FNanchor_267_267" id="FNanchor_267_267"></a><a href="#Footnote_267_267" class="fnanchor">[267]</a> Doubtless, much seed was sown
+in the different Augustin convents during this journey of the
+Reformer. The monastic orders, which had long been the stay of
+Rome, perhaps did more for the Reformation than against it.
+This is true especially of the order of Augustins. Almost all
+pious men of a free and exalted spirit who were in cloisters, turned
+to the gospel, and a new and noble blood soon circulated in their
+orders, which were in a manner the arteries of German Catholicity.
+The world knew nothing of the new ideas of the Augustin
+of Wittemberg, after they had become the great subject of conversation
+in chapters and monasteries. In this way, more than one
+cloister was a seminary of reformers. At the moment when the
+great blow was struck, pious and brave men came forth from
+their obscurity, and abandoned the retreat of the monastic life, for
+the active career of ministers of the word of God. Even during
+the inspection of 1516, Luther by his words awoke many slumbering
+spirits, and hence this year has been called "the morning
+star of the gospel day."</p>
+
+<p>Luther resumed his ordinary avocations. At this period he was
+oppressed with work; it was not enough that he was professor,
+preacher, and confessor; he had, moreover, a variety of temporal<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span>
+business connected with his order and his convent. "I almost
+constantly require two clerks," wrote he; "for I do little else the
+whole day than write letters. I am preacher to the convent,
+chaplain at table, pastor and parish minister, director of studies,
+vice-prior, which means prior eleven times over, inspector of
+the ponds of Litzkau, advocate of the inns of Herzberg at Torgau,
+reader of St. Paul, commentator on the Psalms.... I have
+seldom time to say my Hours and chant,&mdash;to say nothing of my
+combat with flesh and blood, the devil and the world.... See
+how lazy a man I am."<a name="FNanchor_268_268" id="FNanchor_268_268"></a><a href="#Footnote_268_268" class="fnanchor">[268]</a></p>
+
+<p>About this time the plague broke out in Wittemberg, and a great
+part of the students and teachers left the town. Luther remained.
+"I don't well know," wrote he to his friend at Erfurt,
+"if the plague will allow me to finish the Epistle to the Galatians.
+Prompt and brisk, it makes great ravages, especially among the
+young. You advise me to flee. Whither shall I flee? I hope the
+world will not go to wreck though friar Martin fall.<a name="FNanchor_269_269" id="FNanchor_269_269"></a><a href="#Footnote_269_269" class="fnanchor">[269]</a> If the plague
+makes progress, I will disperse the friars in all directions, but for
+myself I am stationed here, and obedience permits me not to flee,
+till he who has called me recall me. Not that I do not fear death,
+(for I am not the Apostle Paul, I am only his commentator;) but
+I hope the Lord will deliver me from fear." Such was the firmness
+of the doctor of Wittemberg. Will he, whom the plague
+could not force to recoil one step, recoil before Rome? Will he
+yield to the power of the scaffold?</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. X.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Relations of Luther with the Elector&mdash;Luther and the Elector&mdash;Counsels to the
+Chaplain&mdash;Duke George&mdash;His Character&mdash;Luther before the Court&mdash;Dinner at
+Court&mdash;Emser's Supper.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>The same courage which Luther displayed in presence of most
+formidable evils, he displayed in presence of the great. The
+elector was much pleased with the vicar-general, who had made a
+good collection of relics in the Netherlands. Luther gives an account
+of it to Spalatin. There is something curious in this affair
+of relics occurring at the moment when the Reformation is about
+to commence. Assuredly the Reformers had little idea of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span>
+point at which they were to arrive. A bishopric seemed to the
+elector only a fit recompence to the vicar-general. Luther, to
+whom Spalatin wrote on the subject, strongly disapproved of it.
+"Many things," replied he, "please your prince, which, however,
+displease God. I deny not his ability in the affairs of the
+world, but in what concerns God and the salvation of souls, I account
+him seven-fold blind as well as his counsellor Pfeffinger. I
+say not this behind their backs like a slanderer; don't hide it
+from them, for I am ready to say it personally to both. Why,"
+continues he, "would you environ this man with all the whirlwinds
+and tempests of episcopal cares?"<a name="FNanchor_270_270" id="FNanchor_270_270"></a><a href="#Footnote_270_270" class="fnanchor">[270]</a></p>
+
+<p>The elector did not take Luther's frankness in bad part. "The
+prince," says Spalatin in a letter to him, "often speaks of you,
+and with much respect." Frederick sent the monk stuff to make
+a cassock of very fine cloth. "It would be too fine," said Luther,
+"were it not the gift of a prince. I am unworthy that any man
+should think of me, far less that a prince should, and so great a
+prince. The most useful persons to me are those who think the
+most ill of me.<a name="FNanchor_271_271" id="FNanchor_271_271"></a><a href="#Footnote_271_271" class="fnanchor">[271]</a> Return thanks to our prince for his favour; but
+know that I desire not to be praised by you, or by any man&mdash;all
+praise of man being vain, and the praise which cometh from God
+alone being true."</p>
+
+<p>The excellent chaplain did not wish to confine himself to his
+court functions. He desired to render himself useful to the people;
+but, like many of all times, he wished to do it without giving
+offence. He not only wished not to irritate any one, but, on the
+contrary, to conciliate general favour. "Point out," says he to
+Luther, "some work which I may translate into our mother
+tongue, a work which will please generally, and at the same time
+be useful." "Agreeable and useful!" replies Luther; "the request
+is beyond me. The better things are, the less they please.
+What is more salutary than Jesus Christ? And yet to most he
+is a savour of death. You will tell me that you wish to be useful
+to those who love what is good. In that case, just let the
+voice of Christ be heard. You will be agreeable and useful, depend
+upon it; but it will be to a very small number: for the sheep are
+rare in this region of wolves."<a name="FNanchor_272_272" id="FNanchor_272_272"></a><a href="#Footnote_272_272" class="fnanchor">[272]</a></p>
+
+<p>Luther, however, recommended to his friend the sermons of
+Tauler. "I have never seen," said he, "either in Latin or our
+own tongue a sounder theology, or one more agreeable to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span>
+gospel. Taste and see how sweet the Lord is; but be it after you
+have tasted and seen how bitter every thing is that is ours."<a name="FNanchor_273_273" id="FNanchor_273_273"></a><a href="#Footnote_273_273" class="fnanchor">[273]</a></p>
+
+<p>It was in the course of the year 1517 that Luther entered into
+communication with Duke George of Saxony. The House of
+Saxony had then two heads. The princes, Ernest and Albert,
+carried off in their youth from the castle of Altenbourg by Kunz
+of Kaufungen, had, by the treaty of Leipsic, become the founders
+of the two houses which still bear their name. The Elector
+Frederick, the son of Ernest, at the period of which we write,
+was the chief of the Ernestine branch, while his brother, Duke
+George, was chief of the Albertine branch. Dresden and Leipsic
+were in the states of the duke, who had his residence in the former
+of these cities. His mother, Sidonia, was daughter of George
+Podiebrad, King of Bohemia. The long struggle which Bohemia
+had maintained with Rome, from the days of John Huss, had had
+some influence on the prince of Saxony, and he had often shown
+a desire for a reformation. "He has sucked it from his mother,"
+it was said: "he is by birth an enemy of the clergy."<a name="FNanchor_274_274" id="FNanchor_274_274"></a><a href="#Footnote_274_274" class="fnanchor">[274]</a> He in
+various ways annoyed the bishops, abbots, canons, and monks,
+in so much that his cousin, the elector, was more than once
+obliged to interpose in their behalf. It might have been supposed
+that Duke George would be a warm partisan of the Reformation.
+Devout Frederick, on the contrary, who had once put on
+the spurs of Gregory in the Holy Sepulchre, girt himself with
+the great ponderous sword of the conqueror of Jerusalem, and
+taking an oath to combat for the Church, like a bold knight,
+might have been expected to prove one of the most eager champions
+of Rome. But when the gospel is in question, the anticipations
+of human wisdom are often at fault. The result was the opposite
+of what might have been supposed. The duke would have taken
+pleasure in humbling the Church, and those connected with it,
+and lowering the bishops, whose princely train far surpassed his
+own; but to receive into his heart the evangelical doctrine which
+must have humbled it, to acknowledge himself a guilty sinner, incapable
+of being saved, unless through grace, was quite a different
+matter. He would willingly have reformed others, but he
+had no desire to reform himself. He would, perhaps, have assisted
+in obliging the bishop of Mentz to be contented with a single
+bishopric, and have no more than fourteen horses in his stable, as
+he himself repeatedly expressed it;<a name="FNanchor_275_275" id="FNanchor_275_275"></a><a href="#Footnote_275_275" class="fnanchor">[275]</a> but when he saw another
+than himself appear as reformer,&mdash;when he saw a mere monk undertake<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span>
+the work,&mdash;and the Reformation gaining numerous adherents
+among the humbler classes,&mdash;the haughty grandson of the
+Hussite king became the most violent adversary of the reform of
+which he had at first promised to be a partisan.</p>
+
+<p>In July 1517, Duke George asked Staupitz to send him a
+learned and eloquent preacher. Staupitz sent Luther representing
+him as a man of great learning and irreproachable character.
+The prince invited him to preach at Dresden, in the chapel of the
+castle on the feast of St. James the Elder.</p>
+
+<p>On the day fixed the duke and his court proceeded to the
+chapel to hear the preacher of Wittemberg.</p>
+
+<p>Luther gladly seized the occasion to bear testimony to the truth
+before such an assembly. He took for his text the gospel of the
+day, "Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her
+sons." (Matth., xx, 20-25.) He preached on the wishes and rash
+prayers of men; then dwelt strongly on the assurance of salvation,
+making it rest on this foundation, viz., That those who hear
+the word of God with faith are the true disciples, whom Jesus
+Christ has elected unto eternal life. He next treated of eternal
+election, showing that this doctrine, when exhibited in connection
+with the work of Christ, is well fitted to calm the terrors of
+conscience, and so, instead of disposing men to flee from God,
+allures them to seek their refuge in Him. In conclusion, he
+brought forward a parable of three virgins, and drew a very instructive
+improvement from it.</p>
+
+<p>The word of truth made a deep impression on the hearers.
+Two in particular appeared to give earnest attention to the discourse
+of the monk of Wittemberg. The one was a respectable
+looking lady who sat in one of the court pews, and whose features
+bespoke deep emotion. It was Madam de la Sale, grand mistress to
+the duchess. The other was Jerome Emser, a licentiate in canon
+law, and secretary and counsellor to the duke. Emser was a man
+of talent and extensive information. A courtier and able politician,
+his wish would have been to please both parties at once; to
+pass at Rome for a defender of the papacy, and at the same time
+figure in Germany among the learned men of the age. But under
+this flexible spirit a violent temper lay concealed. Thus Luther
+and Emser, who were afterwards repeatedly to break a lance,
+met for the first time in the chapel of the castle of Dresden.</p>
+
+<p>The dinner-bell having rung for the inmates of the castle, the
+ducal family and the persons attached to the court were soon
+seated at the table. The conversation naturally turned on the
+preacher of the morning. "How did you like the sermon?" said<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span>
+the duke to Madam de la Sale. "Could I again hear such
+another discourse," replied she, "I could die in peace." "And
+I," replied George, angrily, "would give a good sum not to have
+heard it. Such discourses are good only to make people sin with
+confidence."</p>
+
+<p>The master having thus stated his opinion, the courtiers proceded
+without restraint to express their dissatisfaction. Every
+one was ready with his remark. Some alleged, that in the parable
+of the three virgins, Luther had had three ladies of the court
+in his eye. On this the talk was endless. They rallied the three
+ladies whom they affirmed that Luther had intended.<a name="FNanchor_276_276" id="FNanchor_276_276"></a><a href="#Footnote_276_276" class="fnanchor">[276]</a> He is an
+ignorant blockhead, said one. He is a proud monk, said another.
+Each had his comment on the sermon, making the preacher say
+whatever he pleased. The truth had fallen into the midst of a
+court ill prepared to receive it. Every one tore it at pleasure.
+But while the word of God was to many an occasion of stumbling,
+to the grand mistress it was a stone "elect and precious."
+Falling sick about a month after, she confidently embraced the
+grace of the Saviour, and died rejoicing.<a name="FNanchor_277_277" id="FNanchor_277_277"></a><a href="#Footnote_277_277" class="fnanchor">[277]</a></p>
+
+<p>In regard to the duke, perhaps the testimony which he had
+heard given to the truth was not in vain. However much he opposed
+the Reformation during his life, it is known that in his last
+moments he declared, that his only hope was in the merits of Jesus
+Christ.</p>
+
+<p>It naturally fell to Emser to do the honours to Luther in his
+master's name. He accordingly invited him to supper. Luther
+refused; but Emser insisted and constrained him to come. Luther
+only expected to meet a few friends, but he soon perceived that a
+trap had been laid for him.<a name="FNanchor_278_278" id="FNanchor_278_278"></a><a href="#Footnote_278_278" class="fnanchor">[278]</a> A master of arts from Leipsic, and
+several Dominicans, were with the prince's secretary. The master
+of arts, who had an overweening opinion of himself, and a deep
+hatred of Luther, accosted him with a bland and friendly air; but
+he soon broke out, and screamed at full pitch.<a name="FNanchor_279_279" id="FNanchor_279_279"></a><a href="#Footnote_279_279" class="fnanchor">[279]</a> The battle began.
+"The discussion," says Luther, "turned on the absurdities of Aristotle
+and St. Thomas."<a name="FNanchor_280_280" id="FNanchor_280_280"></a><a href="#Footnote_280_280" class="fnanchor">[280]</a> At last Luther challenged the master of
+arts, with all the erudition of the Thomists, to define what it was
+to fulfil the commandments of God. The master of arts, though
+embarrassed, put on a good countenance. "Pay me my fees," says
+he, stretching out his hand, "<i>da pastum</i>." One would have said,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span>
+he was going to give a lesson in form, mistaking the guests for his
+pupils. "At this foolish reply," adds the Reformer, "we all burst
+a laughing, and the party broke up."</p>
+
+<p>During the conversation, a Dominican had been listening at the
+door, and would fain have come in to spit in Luther's face.<a name="FNanchor_281_281" id="FNanchor_281_281"></a><a href="#Footnote_281_281" class="fnanchor">[281]</a> He
+refrained, however, though he afterwards made a boast of it.
+Emser, who had been delighted at seeing his guests battling,
+while he seemed to hold a due medium, hastened to apologise to
+Luther for the manner in which the party had gone off.<a name="FNanchor_282_282" id="FNanchor_282_282"></a><a href="#Footnote_282_282" class="fnanchor">[282]</a> Luther
+returned to Wittemberg.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. XI</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Return to Wittemberg&mdash;Theses&mdash;Nature of Man&mdash;Rationalism&mdash;Demand at Erfurt&mdash;Eck&mdash;Urban
+Regius&mdash;Luther's Modesty.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>Luther zealously resumed his labours. He was preparing six
+or seven young theologians, who were forthwith to undergo an
+examination in order to obtain a licence to teach. And what most
+delighted him was, that their promotion was to be to Aristotle's
+disgrace. "I should like," said he, "to multiply his enemies
+as fast as possible."<a name="FNanchor_283_283" id="FNanchor_283_283"></a><a href="#Footnote_283_283" class="fnanchor">[283]</a> With that view, he at this time published
+Theses, which deserve attention.</p>
+
+<p>The leading topic which he discussed was <i>liberty</i>. He had already
+glanced at it in the theses of Feldkirchen, but now went
+deeper into it. Ever since Christianity began, there has been a
+struggle, more or less keen, between the opposite doctrines of the
+freedom and the slavery of man. Some schoolmen had taught, like
+Pelagius and others, that man possessed in himself the liberty or
+power of loving God and doing good. Luther denied this liberty,
+not to deprive man of it, but, on the contrary, to make him obtain
+it. The struggle, then, in this great question, is not, as is usually
+said, between liberty and servitude; but between a liberty proceeding
+from man, and a liberty proceeding from God. Some who
+call themselves the advocates of liberty, say to man, "You have
+the power of doing good, and require a greater liberty." Others,
+who have been called advocates of slavery, say to him, on the
+contrary, "You have no true liberty; but God offers it to you in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span>
+the gospel." The one party speaks of liberty, but a liberty which
+must end in slavery; while the other speaks of slavery, in order to
+give liberty. Such was the struggle in the time of St. Paul, in the
+time of Augustine, and in the time of Luther. Those who say
+"Change nothing!" are champions of slavery. Those who say
+"Let your fetters fall!" are champions of liberty.</p>
+
+<p>It would be a mistake, however, to suppose that the whole Reformation
+can be summed up in this particular question. It is one
+of the many doctrines which the Wittemberg doctor maintained&mdash;that
+is all. It would, above all, be a strange illusion to hold, that
+the Reformation was fatalism, or an opposition to liberty. It was
+a magnificent emancipation of the human mind. Bursting the
+numerous bands with which thought had been bound by the hierarchy,
+and reviving the ideas of liberty, right, and examination, it
+delivered its own age, and with it ours also, and the remotest posterity.
+And let it not be said that the Reformation, while it freed
+man from human despotism, enslaved him by proclaiming the sovereignty
+of grace. No doubt, it wished to bring back the human
+will to the Divine, to subordinate the one, and completely merge
+it in the other; but what philosopher knows not that entire conformity
+to the will of God alone constitutes sovereign, perfect
+freedom; and that man will never be truly free, until supreme
+righteousness and truth have sole dominion over him?</p>
+
+<p>The following are some of the Ninety-nine Propositions which
+Luther sent forth into the Church, in opposition to the Pelagian
+rationalism of scholastic theology.</p>
+
+<p>"It is true that man, who is become a corrupt tree, can only
+will and do what is evil.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not true that the will, when left to itself, can do good as
+well as evil; for it is not free but captive.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not in the power of the will of man to choose or reject
+whatever is presented to it.</p>
+
+<p>"Man cannot naturally wish God to be God. His wish is that
+he himself were God, and that God were no God.</p>
+
+<p>"The excellent, infallible, and sole preparation for grace, is the
+eternal election and predestination of God.<a name="FNanchor_284_284" id="FNanchor_284_284"></a><a href="#Footnote_284_284" class="fnanchor">[284]</a></p>
+
+<p>"It is false to say that when man does all he can, he clears
+away the obstacles to grace.</p>
+
+<p>"In one word, nature possesses neither a pure reason nor a
+good will.<a name="FNanchor_285_285" id="FNanchor_285_285"></a><a href="#Footnote_285_285" class="fnanchor">[285]</a></p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span>
+"On the part of man, there is nothing which precedes grace,
+unless it be impotence and even rebellion.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no moral virtue without pride or sullenness, that is
+to say, without sin.</p>
+
+<p>"From the beginning to the end we are not the masters of our
+actions, but the slaves of them.</p>
+
+<p>"We do not become righteous by doing what is righteous, but
+having become righteous we do what is righteous.</p>
+
+<p>"He who says that a theologian who is not a logician is a
+heretic and an adventurer, maintains an adventurous and heretical
+proposition.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no form of reasoning (syllogism) which accords with
+the things of God.<a name="FNanchor_286_286" id="FNanchor_286_286"></a><a href="#Footnote_286_286" class="fnanchor">[286]</a></p>
+
+<p>"If the form of the syllogism could be applied to divine things,
+we should know the article of the Holy Trinity, and should not
+believe it.</p>
+
+<p>"In one word, Aristotle is to theology as darkness to light.</p>
+
+<p>"Man is more hostile to the grace of God than he is to the law
+itself.</p>
+
+<p>"He who is without the grace of God sins incessantly, even
+though he neither kills, nor steals, nor commits adultery.</p>
+
+<p>"He sins, for he does not fulfil the law spiritually.</p>
+
+<p>"Not to kill, and not to commit adultery, externally, and in
+regard to action, merely, is the righteousness of hypocrites.</p>
+
+<p>"The law of God and the will of man are two adversaries, who,
+without the grace of God, can never agree.<a name="FNanchor_287_287" id="FNanchor_287_287"></a><a href="#Footnote_287_287" class="fnanchor">[287]</a></p>
+
+<p>"What the law wishes the will never wishes; only from fear
+it may make a show of wishing.</p>
+
+<p>"The law is the hangman of the will, and is subject only to
+the Child who has been born unto us.<a name="FNanchor_288_288" id="FNanchor_288_288"></a><a href="#Footnote_288_288" class="fnanchor">[288]</a> (Isaiah, ix, 6.)</p>
+
+<p>"The law makes sin abound; for it irritates and repulses the
+will.</p>
+
+<p>"But the grace of God makes righteousness abound, through
+Jesus Christ, who makes us love the law.</p>
+
+<p>"Every work of the law appears good externally, but internally
+is sin.</p>
+
+<p>"The will, when it turns toward the law without the grace of
+God, does so only for its own interest.</p>
+
+<p>"Cursed are those who do the works of the law.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span>"Blessed are all those who do the works of the grace of God.</p>
+
+<p>"The law, which is good, and in which we have life, is the law
+of the love of God, shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
+(Rom., v, 5.)</p>
+
+<p>"Grace is not given in order that works may be done more frequently
+and more easily, but because without grace there cannot
+be any work of love.</p>
+
+<p>"To love God is to hate oneself, and know nothing out of
+God."<a name="FNanchor_289_289" id="FNanchor_289_289"></a><a href="#Footnote_289_289" class="fnanchor">[289]</a></p>
+
+<p>In this way Luther attributes to God all the good that man can
+do. The thing to be done is not to repair, or, so to speak, to patch
+up the will of man; an entirely new will must be given him. God
+alone could say this; for God alone could perform it. This is one
+of the greatest and most important truths that the will of man can
+acknowledge.</p>
+
+<p>But Luther, while proclaiming the impotence of man, did not
+fall into the opposite extreme. He says in the eighth thesis, "It
+follows not that the will is naturally bad, that is to say, that its
+nature is of the essence of evil, as the Manichees taught."<a name="FNanchor_290_290" id="FNanchor_290_290"></a><a href="#Footnote_290_290" class="fnanchor">[290]</a> Originally
+the nature of man was essentially good; but it turned aside
+from goodness, that is, God, and is inclined to evil. Still its origin
+remains holy and glorious, and is capable, by the power of God, of
+regaining its original. The object of Christianity is to restore it.
+The gospel, it is true, exhibits man in a state of degradation and
+impotence, but as placed between two glories and two grandeurs,&mdash;a
+past glory, from which he has been precipitated, and a future
+glory, to which he is called. This is the truth, and man knows it
+to be the truth; and how little soever he thinks of it, he easily discovers
+that all which is told him of his actual purity, power, and
+glory, is only a lie, designed to cradle his pride and rock it asleep.</p>
+
+<p>Luther, in his theses, attacked not only the pretended goodness
+of man's will, but also the pretended light of his understanding in
+regard to divine things. In fact, scholasticism had exalted reason
+as well as the will. This theology, in the hands of some of its
+teachers, was, at bottom, only a species of rationalism. The propositions
+which we have enumerated indicate this; for they look as
+if directed against the rationalism of our own day. In the theses,
+which were the signal of the Reformation, Luther attacked the
+Church and the popular superstitions which to the gospel had added<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span>
+indulgences, purgatory, and numberless abuses. In those which
+we have just given he attacked the school and the rationalism
+which had robbed the gospel of the doctrine of the sovereignty of
+God, his revelation and his grace. The Reformation attacked rationalism
+before it attacked superstition. It proclaimed the rights
+of God before lopping off the excrescences of man. It was positive
+before it was negative. This has not been sufficiently attended to,
+and yet, without attending to it, it is impossible duly to appreciate
+the character of this religious revolution.</p>
+
+<p>Be this as it may, the truths which Luther thus expressed with
+so much energy were quite new. To maintain these theses at Wittemberg
+had been an easy matter. There his influence was paramount,
+and it would have been said that he had chosen a field of
+battle where he knew no combatant could appear. In offering
+battle in another university he gave them a greater publicity; and
+it was by publicity that the Reformation was effected. He turned
+his eyes towards Erfurt, where the theologians had shown themselves
+so exasperated against him.</p>
+
+<p>He, accordingly, sent his theses to John Lange, prior of Erfurt,
+and wrote him as follows: "My anxiety for the decision which you
+will give as to these theses is great, extreme, too great, perhaps,
+and keeps me on the rack. I much suspect that your theologians
+will consider as paradoxical and <i>kakodoxical</i>,<a name="FNanchor_291_291" id="FNanchor_291_291"></a><a href="#Footnote_291_291" class="fnanchor">[291]</a> what I must henceforth
+regard as most orthodox. Tell me how it is, and as soon as
+you possibly can. Have the goodness to make known to the Faculty
+of Theology, and to all, that I am ready to come and publicly
+maintain these propositions either in the university or the monastery."
+It does not seem that Luther's challenge was accepted.
+The monks of Erfurt contented themselves with intimating that his
+theses had incurred their high displeasure.</p>
+
+<p>But he was desirous to send them to some other part of Germany;
+and with that view bethought him of a man who plays an
+important part in the history of the Reformation, and with whom
+the reader must be made acquainted.</p>
+
+<p>A distinguished professor, named John Meyer, was then teaching
+in the university of Ingolstadt, in Bavaria. He was a native
+of Eck, a village in Swabia, and was commonly called Doctor Eck.
+He was a friend of Luther, who respected his talents and acquirements.
+Full of intellect, he had read much, and was possessed of
+a very retentive memory. To erudition he added eloquence. His
+voice and gesture bespoke the vivacity of his genius. In regard to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span>
+talent, Eck was in the south of Germany what Luther was in the
+north. They were the two most distinguished theologians of the
+period, though of very different views. Ingolstadt was almost the
+rival of Wittemberg. The reputation of these two doctors attracted
+crowds of eager students from all quarters to the universities
+in which they taught; their personal qualities not less than
+their abilities endearing them to their pupils. The character of
+Doctor Eck has been assailed, but an anecdote in his history will
+show that at this period, at least, his heart was not closed against
+generous impressions.</p>
+
+<p>Among the students whom his fame had attracted to Ingolstadt
+was a young man, named Urban Regius, from the banks of an
+Alpine lake. He had first studied at the university of Fribourg
+in Brisgau. On his arrival at Ingolstadt, to which he had been
+attracted by the fame of Doctor Eck, Urban engaged in his course
+of philosophy, and gained the favour of his master. Requiring to
+provide for his maintenance, he was under the necessity of taking
+charge of some young noblemen, and had not only to superintend
+their studies and their conduct, but also to purchase on his own
+account whatever books and clothes they required. The youths
+dressed in style, and kept a good table. Regius becoming embarrassed
+prayed the parents to recall their sons. "Never fear," was
+the answer. His debts increased, his creditors became pressing,
+and he was at his wit's end. The emperor was raising an army
+against the Turks, and a recruiting party having arrived at Ingolstadt,
+Urban in despair enlisted. Clothed in military attire, he
+appeared in the ranks at the time when the review took place,
+previous to their departure. Doctor Eck coming up at that instant
+with several of his colleagues, was greatly surprised to discover
+his student among the recruits. "Urban Regius!" said he, fixing
+his keen eye on him. "Here," replied the recruit. "What, pray,
+is the cause of this?" The young man told his story. "I take
+the matter upon myself," replied Eck, and setting his halberd
+aside, bought him off from the recruiting party. The parents,
+threatened by the Doctor with the displeasure of the prince, sent
+the necessary funds to defray the expences of their children, and
+Urban Regius was saved to become at a later period one of the
+pillars of the Reformation.</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Eck occurred to Luther as the proper person to publish
+his theses on Pelagianism and scholastic rationalism in the south of
+the empire. He did not, however, send them to the professor of
+Ingolstadt directly, but employed a mutual friend, the excellent
+Christopher Scheurl, secretary to the town of Nuremberg, praying<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span>
+him to send them to Eck at Ingolstadt, which is at no great distance
+from Nuremberg. "I send you," says he, "my paradoxical,
+and even kakistodoxical (&#954;&#945;&#954;&#953;&#963;&#964;&#959;&#948;&#959;&#958;&#945;&#962;) propositions, as many think
+them. Communicate them to our dear friend, the very learned
+and talented Eck, that I may learn and know what he thinks of
+them."<a name="FNanchor_292_292" id="FNanchor_292_292"></a><a href="#Footnote_292_292" class="fnanchor">[292]</a> These were the terms in which Luther then spoke of
+Doctor Eck; such was the friendship then subsisting between them.
+It was not Luther who broke it off.</p>
+
+<p>Ingolstadt, however, was not the field on which the battle was
+to be fought. The doctrines on which these theses turned were
+perhaps of greater importance than those which, two months after,
+set the Church in a blaze; and yet, notwithstanding of Luther's
+challenges, they passed unnoticed. At most, they were read within
+the circle of the school, and produced no sensation beyond it.
+The reason was, because they were only university propositions
+and theological doctrines, whereas the subsequent theses related
+to an evil which had grown up in the midst of the people, and was
+then causing devastation in all parts of Germany. So long as
+Luther was contented with reviving forgotten doctrines, all was
+silence; but when he attacked abuses which were universally felt,
+every one turned to listen.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless, all that Luther proposed in either case was to
+produce one of those theological discussions which were then so
+common in universities. To this circle his views were confined.
+He was humble, and his humility amounted even to distrust and
+anxiety. "Considering my ignorance," said he, "all I deserve is
+to be hid in a corner, without being known by any one under the
+sun."<a name="FNanchor_293_293" id="FNanchor_293_293"></a><a href="#Footnote_293_293" class="fnanchor">[293]</a> But a mighty hand drew him out of this corner in which
+he wished to remain unknown to the world. A circumstance, independent
+of Luther's will, threw him into the field of battle, and
+the war commenced. This providential circumstance we are now
+called upon to relate.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h2>BOOK THIRD.</h2>
+
+<h2>CHAP. I.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE INDULGENCES AND THESES.</h3>
+
+<p class="center">1517, 1518.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Cort�ge&mdash;Tezel&mdash;Tezel's Discourse&mdash;Confession&mdash;Four Graces&mdash;Sale&mdash;Public Penance&mdash;A
+Letter of Indulgence&mdash;Exceptions&mdash;Feasting and Debauchery.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>At this period the people of Germany were all in motion. The
+Church had opened a vast market on the earth. From the crowd
+of customers, and the noise and pleasantry of the sellers, one would
+have thought it a fair, only a fair held by monks. The merchandise
+which they were showing off, and selling a bargain, was, as
+they said, the salvation of souls.</p>
+
+<p>The merchants travelled the country in a fine carriage, accompanied
+by three mounted attendants, journeying in grand style,
+and living at great expence. One would have said it was some
+high Mightiness with his suite and officers, and not a vulgar dealer
+or mendicant monk. When the cort�ge approached a town, a
+messenger was despatched to the magistrate to say, "The grace
+of God and of St. Peter is at your gates." Immediately the whole
+place was in motion. Clergy, priests, nuns, the council, school-masters
+and their scholars, the incorporations with their colours,
+men and women, old and young, went out to meet the merchant
+with lighted tapers in their hand, amid the sound of music and the
+ringing of bells, "insomuch," says a historian, "that God himself
+could not have been received with greater honour." After the
+formalities were over the whole body proceeded to the church.
+The Bull of Grace by the pontiff was carried in front, on a velvet
+cushion or cloth of gold. Next came the chief of the indulgence
+merchants, carrying a large wooden cross, painted red.
+The whole procession moved forward, amid hymns, prayers, and
+the smoke of incense. The merchant monk and his attendants
+were received at the church by the pealing organ and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span>
+thrilling music. The cross was placed in front of the altar, and
+over it the pope's arms were suspended. All the time it remained
+there the clergy of the place, the penitentiaries and sub-commissaries,
+came each day after vespers or before the <i>salute</i>,
+to do obeisance to it with white wands in their hands.<a name="FNanchor_294_294" id="FNanchor_294_294"></a><a href="#Footnote_294_294" class="fnanchor">[294]</a> This
+grand affair produced a lively sensation in the quiet cities of Germany.</p>
+
+<p>At these sales one personage in particular drew the attention
+of the spectators. It was he who carried the great red cross, and
+played the principal character. He was clothed in the dress of a
+Dominican, and had an arrogant air. His voice was Stentorian,
+and though in his sixty-third year,<a name="FNanchor_295_295" id="FNanchor_295_295"></a><a href="#Footnote_295_295" class="fnanchor">[295]</a> he seemed still in full vigour.
+This man, the son of one Diez, a jeweller of Leipsic, was called
+John Diezel, or Tezel. He had studied in his native town, became
+bachelor in 1487, and two years after entered the Dominican
+order. Numerous honours had accumulated on his head.
+Bachelor in theology, prior of the dominicans, apostolic commissary,
+inquisitor, <i>h�retic� pravitatis inquisitor</i>, he had discharged
+the office of commissary of indulgences, without intermission,
+from 1502. The skill which he had acquired as subaltern
+soon raised him to the office of commissary-in-chief. He had
+eighty florins a month, and all his expences paid, together with a
+carriage and three horses; but his perquisites (it is easy to comprehend
+what they were) far exceeded his salary. In 1507 at
+Freiberg he gained two thousand florins in two days. If he discharged
+the functions, he had also the manners of a quack. Convicted
+of adultery and shameful misconduct at Inspruck, his vices
+had almost cost him his life. The Emperor Maximilian had ordered
+him to be put into a sack and thrown into the river; but
+the Elector Frederick happening to arrive, obtained his pardon.<a name="FNanchor_296_296" id="FNanchor_296_296"></a><a href="#Footnote_296_296" class="fnanchor">[296]</a>
+The lesson which he thus received had not given him more modesty;
+for he had two of his children along with him.</p>
+
+<p>Miltitz, the pope's legate, mentions the fact in one of his letters.<a name="FNanchor_297_297" id="FNanchor_297_297"></a><a href="#Footnote_297_297" class="fnanchor">[297]</a>
+It would have been difficult to find in all the cloisters of Germany
+a man better fitted for the traffic with which he was entrusted.
+To the theology of a monk, to the zeal and temper of an
+inquisitor, he united the greatest effrontery; but the thing which,
+above all, made the task easy to him, was his skill in inventing
+extraordinary stories to captivate the minds of the people. To
+him all means were good that filled his coffers. Raising his voice,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span>
+and giving free vent to his vulgar eloquence, he offered his indulgences
+to every comer, and knew better than any dealer at a fair how
+to set off his merchandise.<a name="FNanchor_298_298" id="FNanchor_298_298"></a><a href="#Footnote_298_298" class="fnanchor">[298]</a></p>
+
+<p>After the cross was erected, and the arms of the pope suspended
+over it, Tezel mounted the pulpit, and with a tone of assurance
+began to extol the value of the indulgences in presence of the
+crowd who had been attracted to the church by the ceremony.
+The people listened and stared on hearing the wondrous virtues of
+which he told them. A Jesuit historian, speaking of the Dominicans
+with whom Tezel was associated, says, "Some of these
+preachers failed not, as usual, to outrage the subject which they
+treated, and so to exaggerate the value of the indulgences as to
+make people suppose they were certain of their own salvation, and
+of the deliverance of souls from purgatory as soon as the money
+was paid."<a name="FNanchor_299_299" id="FNanchor_299_299"></a><a href="#Footnote_299_299" class="fnanchor">[299]</a> If such were the scholars, we may judge what the
+master was. Let us listen to one of his harangues after setting
+up the cross.</p>
+
+<p>"Indulgences are the most precious and most sublime gift of
+God.</p>
+
+<p>"This cross (pointing to the red cross) has the very same efficacy
+as the actual cross of Jesus Christ.<a name="FNanchor_300_300" id="FNanchor_300_300"></a><a href="#Footnote_300_300" class="fnanchor">[300]</a></p>
+
+<p>"Come, and I will give you letters under seal, by which even
+the sins which you may have a desire to commit in future will all
+be forgiven.</p>
+
+<p>"I would not exchange my privileges for that of St. Peter in
+heaven; for I have saved more souls by my indulgences than the
+apostle by his sermons.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no sin too great for an indulgence to remit; and even
+should any one (the thing, no doubt, is impossible) have done violence
+to the Holy Virgin Mary, mother of God, let him pay, let him
+only pay well, and it will be forgiven him.<a name="FNanchor_301_301" id="FNanchor_301_301"></a><a href="#Footnote_301_301" class="fnanchor">[301]</a></p>
+
+<p>"Think, then, that for each mortal sin you must, after confession
+and contrition, do penance for seven years, either in this life
+or in purgatory. Now, how many mortal sins are committed in
+one day, in one week? How many in a month, a year, a whole<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span>
+life?<a name="FNanchor_302_302" id="FNanchor_302_302"></a><a href="#Footnote_302_302" class="fnanchor">[302]</a> Ah! these sins are almost innumerable, and innumerable
+sufferings must be endured for them in purgatory. And now, by
+means of these letters of indulgence, you can at once, for life, in
+all cases except four, which are reserved to the Apostolic See, and
+afterwards at the hour of death, obtain a full remission of all your
+pains and all your sins."</p>
+
+<p>Tezel even made financial calculations on the subject.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you not know," said he, "that when a man proposes to go
+to Rome, or to any other country where travellers are exposed to
+danger, he sends his money to the bank, and for every five hundred
+florins that he means to have, gives five, or six at most, in
+order that, by means of letters from the bank, he may receive the
+money safely at Rome or elsewhere.... And, you, for the fourth
+of a florin, will not receive these letters of indulgence, by means of
+which you might introduce into the land of paradise, not worthless
+money, but a divine and immortal soul, without exposing it to the
+smallest risk."<a name="FNanchor_303_303" id="FNanchor_303_303"></a><a href="#Footnote_303_303" class="fnanchor">[303]</a></p>
+
+<p>Tezel next passed to another subject.</p>
+
+<p>"But more than this," said he; "indulgences not only save the
+living: they also save the dead.</p>
+
+<p>"For this repentance is not even necessary.</p>
+
+<p>"Priest! noble! merchant! wife! young girls! young men!
+hear your departed parents and your other friends, crying to
+you from the bottom of the abyss, 'We are enduring horrible torments!
+A little alms would deliver us; you can give it, and yet
+will not!'"</p>
+
+<p>These words, uttered by the formidable voice of the charlatan
+monk, made his hearers shudder.</p>
+
+<p>"At the very instant," continued Tezel, "when the piece of
+money chinks on the bottom of the strong box, the soul comes out
+of purgatory, and, set free, flies upward into heaven."<a name="FNanchor_304_304" id="FNanchor_304_304"></a><a href="#Footnote_304_304" class="fnanchor">[304]</a></p>
+
+<p>"O imbecile and brutish people, who perceive not the grace
+which is so richly offered to you!... Now heaven is everywhere
+open!... Do you refuse at this hour to enter? When, then, will
+you enter? Now you can ransom so many souls! Hard-hearted
+and thoughtless man, with twelve pence you can deliver your father
+out of purgatory, and you are ungrateful enough not to save him!
+I will be justified on the day of judgment, but you, you will be
+punished so much the more severely, for having neglected so great<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span>
+salvation. I declare to you, that though you had only a single
+coat, you would be bound to take it off and sell it, in order to obtain
+this grace.... The Lord our God is no longer God. He has
+committed all power to the pope."</p>
+
+<p>Then, trying to avail himself of other weapons still, he added,
+"Know you why our most holy Lord is distributing so great a
+grace? His object is to raise up the ruined church of St. Peter
+and St. Paul, so that it may not have its equal in the universe.
+That church contains the bodies of the holy apostles St. Peter and
+St. Paul, and of a multitude of martyrs. Owing to the actual state of
+the building, these holy bodies are now, alas! beaten, flooded,
+soiled, dishonoured, and reduced to rottenness, by the rain and
+the hail.... Ah! are these sacred ashes to remain longer in
+mud and disgrace?"<a name="FNanchor_305_305" id="FNanchor_305_305"></a><a href="#Footnote_305_305" class="fnanchor">[305]</a></p>
+
+<p>This picture failed not to make an impression on many who felt
+a burning desire to go to the help of poor Leo X, who had not
+wherewith to shelter the bodies of St. Peter and St. Paul from the
+rain.</p>
+
+<p>Then the orator opened on the arguers and traitors who opposed
+his work. "I declare them excommunicated," exclaimed he.</p>
+
+<p>Afterwards addressing docile souls, and making a profane use
+of Scripture, "Happy are the eyes which see what you see; for I
+tell you, that many prophets and many kings have desired to see
+the things which you see, and have not seen them; and to hear
+the things which you hear, and have not heard them." And at
+last, showing the strong box in which the money was received, he
+usually concluded his pathetic discourse with this triple appeal to
+the people, "Bring! bring! bring!" "These words," says Luther,
+"he uttered with such horrible bellowing, that one might have
+thought it was a mad bull making a rush at people, and striking
+them with his horns."<a name="FNanchor_306_306" id="FNanchor_306_306"></a><a href="#Footnote_306_306" class="fnanchor">[306]</a> When his discourse was ended, he came
+down from the pulpit, ran towards the chest, and in presence of the
+people chucked a piece of money into it, taking care to make it give
+a very loud tinkle.<a name="FNanchor_307_307" id="FNanchor_307_307"></a><a href="#Footnote_307_307" class="fnanchor">[307]</a></p>
+
+<p>Such were the discourses which astonished Germany, heard in
+the days when God was preparing Luther.</p>
+
+<p>At the termination of the discourse, the indulgence was understood
+"to have established its throne in the place in due form."
+Confessionals were set up adorned with the pope's arms. The sub-commissaries,
+and the confessors whom they selected, were considered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span>
+to represent the apostolical penitentiaries of Rome at the
+jubilee, and on each of these confessionals were posted, in large
+characters, their names, surnames, and designations.</p>
+
+<p>Then a crowd pressed forward to the confessor, each coming with
+a piece of money in his hand. Men, women, and children, the poor,
+even those who lived on alms, all found means of procuring money.
+The penitentiaries, after having anew explained the greatness of
+the indulgence to each individual, asked, "How much money can
+you afford to part with, in order to obtain so complete a forgiveness?"
+"This question," says the Instruction of the Archbishop
+of Mentz to the commissaries; "this question ought to be put at
+this moment, that the penitents may thereby be the better disposed
+to contribute."<a name="FNanchor_308_308" id="FNanchor_308_308"></a><a href="#Footnote_308_308" class="fnanchor">[308]</a></p>
+
+<p>Four valuable graces were promised to those who aided in building
+the basilisk of St. Peter. "The first grace which we announce
+to you," said the commissaries, according to their Letter of Instruction,
+"is the complete pardon of all sins."<a name="FNanchor_309_309" id="FNanchor_309_309"></a><a href="#Footnote_309_309" class="fnanchor">[309]</a> After this came three
+other graces,&mdash;<i>first</i>, the right of choosing a confessor, who, whenever
+the hour of death should seem to be at hand, would give absolution
+from all sins, and even from the greatest crimes reserved
+for the Apostolic See;<a name="FNanchor_310_310" id="FNanchor_310_310"></a><a href="#Footnote_310_310" class="fnanchor">[310]</a> <i>second</i>, a participation in all the blessings,
+works, and merits of the Catholic Church, in prayers, fastings,
+alms, and pilgrimages; and, <i>third</i>, the redemption of the souls
+which are in purgatory.<a name="FNanchor_311_311" id="FNanchor_311_311"></a><a href="#Footnote_311_311" class="fnanchor">[311]</a></p>
+
+<p>To obtain the first of these graces, it was necessary to have contrition
+of heart and confession of the lips, or, at least, the intention
+of confessing. But for the three others, they could be obtained
+without contrition or confession, merely by paying. Previous to
+this, Christopher Columbus, extolling the value of gold, had said
+quite gravely, "He who possesses it may introduce souls into paradise."
+Such was the doctrine taught by the Archbishop-Cardinal of
+Mentz, and the commissaries of the pope. "As to those," said they,
+"who would deliver souls from purgatory, and procure for them pardon
+of all their offences, let them throw money into the chest. It
+is not necessary for them to have contrition of the heart or confession
+of the lips.<a name="FNanchor_312_312" id="FNanchor_312_312"></a><a href="#Footnote_312_312" class="fnanchor">[312]</a> Let them only hasten with their money; for
+they will thus do a work most useful to the souls of the departed,
+and to the erection of the Church of St. Peter." Greater blessings
+could not be offered at a cheaper rate.</p>
+
+<p>When the confession was over, and it did not take long, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span>
+faithful hastened towards the seller. One only had charge of the
+sale, and kept his counter near the cross. He carefully eyed those
+who approached him, examining their air, bearing, and dress, and
+asked a sum proportioned to the appearance which each presented.
+Kings, queens, princes, archbishops, bishops, were, according to
+the regulation, to pay twenty-five ducats for an ordinary indulgence.
+Abbots, counts, and barons, paid ten. Others of the
+nobility, rectors, and all who had an income of five hundred florins,
+paid six. Those who had two hundred florins a-year paid one;
+others, only a half. Moreover, when the tax could not be followed
+to the letter, full powers were given to the commissary-apostolic,
+who was to arrange everything in accordance with the dictates of
+"sound reason," and the generosity of the donor.<a name="FNanchor_313_313" id="FNanchor_313_313"></a><a href="#Footnote_313_313" class="fnanchor">[313]</a> For particular
+sins, Tezel had a particular tax. Polygamy paid six ducats;
+theft in a church, and perjury, nine ducats; murder, eight ducats;
+magic, two ducats. Samson, who carried on the same traffic in
+Switzerland as Tezel in Germany, had a somewhat different tax.
+For infanticide he charged four livres <i>tournois</i>; for parricide or
+fratricide, a ducat.<a name="FNanchor_314_314" id="FNanchor_314_314"></a><a href="#Footnote_314_314" class="fnanchor">[314]</a></p>
+
+<p>The apostolic commissaries sometimes encountered difficulties in
+carrying on their trade. It often happened, both in towns and
+villages, that husbands were opposed to the whole concern, and
+prohibited their wives from giving any thing to these merchants.
+What, then, were devout spouses to do? "Have you not your
+dowry, or some other property, at your own disposal?" asked the
+dealers. "In that case we may dispose of part for so sacred a purpose,
+even against the will of your husbands."<a name="FNanchor_315_315" id="FNanchor_315_315"></a><a href="#Footnote_315_315" class="fnanchor">[315]</a></p>
+
+<p>The hand which had given the indulgence could not receive the
+money. This was prohibited under the severest penalties; for there
+might be good reason to suspect that that hand would not have
+been faithful. The penitent himself behoved to deposit the price
+of his pardon in the chest.<a name="FNanchor_316_316" id="FNanchor_316_316"></a><a href="#Footnote_316_316" class="fnanchor">[316]</a> Angry looks were given to those who
+were audacious enough not to open their purses.<a name="FNanchor_317_317" id="FNanchor_317_317"></a><a href="#Footnote_317_317" class="fnanchor">[317]</a></p>
+
+<p>If among those who pressed forward to the confessionals, there
+happened to be any one whose crime was publicly known, though
+of a kind which the civil law could not reach, he behoved, first of
+all, to do public penance. For this purpose they first led him to
+a chapel or sacristy, where they stripped him of his clothes, and
+took off his shoes, leaving him nothing but his shirt. His arms
+were crossed upon his breast, a light placed in one hand, and a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span>
+rod in the other. Then the penitent walked at the head of the procession
+which proceeded to the red cross. He remained on his
+knees till the chant and the collect was finished. Then the commissary
+gave out the Psalm, <i>Miserere mei</i>. The confessors immediately
+approached the penitent, and led him across the church
+towards the commissary, who, taking the rod from his hand, and
+gently striking him thrice on the back with it,<a name="FNanchor_318_318" id="FNanchor_318_318"></a><a href="#Footnote_318_318" class="fnanchor">[318]</a> said to him, "The
+Lord have pity on thee, and forgive thy sin." He then gave out
+the <i>Kyrie Eleison</i>. The penitent was led back to the front of the
+cross, and the confessor gave him the apostolic absolution, and
+declared him restored to the company of the faithful. Sad mummery,
+concluded with a holy expression, which, at such a moment,
+was mere profanation!</p>
+
+<p>It is worth while to know the contents of one of those diplomas
+of absolution which led to the Reformation of the Church. The
+following is a specimen:&mdash;"May our Lord Jesus Christ have pity
+on thee, N. N., and absolve thee by the merit of his most holy
+passion. And I, in virtue of the apostolic power entrusted to me,
+absolve thee from all ecclesiastical censures, judgments, and penalties,
+which thou mayest have deserved; moreover, from all the
+excesses, sins, and crimes, which thou mayest have committed,
+how great and enormous soever they may have been, and for whatever
+cause, even should they have been reserved to our most holy
+Father the pope, and to the apostolic see. I efface all the marks
+of disability, and all the notes of infamy which thou mayest have
+incurred on this occasion. I remit the pains which thou shouldest
+have to endure in purgatory. I render thee anew a partaker in the
+sacraments of the church. I again incorporate thee into the communion
+of saints, and re-establish thee in the innocence and purity
+in which thou wert at the hour of thy baptism; so that, at the moment
+of thy death, the gate of entrance to the place of pains and
+torments will be shut to thee, and, on the contrary, the gate which
+leads to the heavenly paradise, will be opened to thee. If thou art
+not to die soon, this grace will remain unimpaired till thy last hour
+arrive. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
+Holy Spirit. Amen.</p>
+
+<p>"Friar John Tezel, commissary, has signed it with his own
+hand."</p>
+
+<p>How dexterously presumptuous and lying words are here intermingled
+with holy Christian expressions!</p>
+
+<p>All the faithful required to come and confess at the place where
+the red cross was erected. The only exceptions were the sick, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span>
+aged, and pregnant women. If, however, there happened to be in
+the neighbourhood some noble in his castle, or some great personage
+in his palace, there was an exemption for him;<a name="FNanchor_319_319" id="FNanchor_319_319"></a><a href="#Footnote_319_319" class="fnanchor">[319]</a> for he might
+not care to mingle with the crowd, and his money was worth the
+going for.</p>
+
+<p>If there happened to be a convent whose heads were opposed to
+the traffic of Tezel, and prohibited their monks from visiting the
+places where the indulgence had erected its throne, means were still
+found to remedy the evil by sending them confessors, who were
+commissioned to absolve them against the will of their order and
+the will of their heads.<a name="FNanchor_320_320" id="FNanchor_320_320"></a><a href="#Footnote_320_320" class="fnanchor">[320]</a> There was not a vein in the mine, however
+small, which they did not find means of working.</p>
+
+<p>At length they arrived at the object and end of the whole affair,
+the summing up of the cash. For greater security, the strong box
+had three keys&mdash;one in the hands of Tezel, the second in those of
+the treasurer, appointed by the firm of Fugger of Augsburg, who
+had been appointed agents in this vast enterprise, while the third
+was entrusted to the civil authority. When the moment arrived,
+the counters were opened in the presence of a notary-public, and
+the whole was duly counted and recorded. Must not Christ arise
+and drive these profane sellers from the temple?</p>
+
+<p>The mission being closed, the dealers relaxed from their labours.
+It is true the instructions of the commissary-general forbade them
+to frequent taverns and suspicious places;<a name="FNanchor_321_321" id="FNanchor_321_321"></a><a href="#Footnote_321_321" class="fnanchor">[321]</a> but they cared little for
+this prohibition. Sin must have appeared a very trivial matter to
+people who had such an easy trade in it. "The mendicants," says
+a Roman Catholic historian, "led a bad life, expending in taverns,
+gaming-houses, and places of infamy, what the people retrenched
+from their necessities."<a name="FNanchor_322_322" id="FNanchor_322_322"></a><a href="#Footnote_322_322" class="fnanchor">[322]</a> It is even averred, that in taverns they
+sometimes played at dice for the salvation of souls.<a name="FNanchor_323_323" id="FNanchor_323_323"></a><a href="#Footnote_323_323" class="fnanchor">[323]</a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. II.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">The Franciscan Confessor&mdash;The Soul in the Burying-Ground&mdash;The Shoemaker of
+Hagenau&mdash;The Students&mdash;Myconius&mdash;Conversation with Tezel&mdash;Stratagem by a
+Gentleman&mdash;Conversation of the Wise and of the People&mdash;A Miner of Schneeberg.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>But let us look at some of the scenes which then took place in
+Germany during this sale of the pardon of sins; for we here meet<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span>
+with anecdotes which, by themselves alone, give a picture of the
+times. As we proceed with our narrative we deem it best to let
+men speak for themselves.</p>
+
+<p>At Magdebourg Tezel refused to absolve a wealthy female, unless
+she would pay him one hundred florins in advance. She consulted
+her ordinary confessor, who was a Franciscan. "God,"
+replied he, "gives the remission of sins freely, and does not sell
+it." However, he begged her not to tell Tezel what advice he
+had given her. But the merchant having somehow or other heard
+of words so injurious to his interest, exclaimed, "Such an adviser
+deserves to be banished or burned."<a name="FNanchor_324_324" id="FNanchor_324_324"></a><a href="#Footnote_324_324" class="fnanchor">[324]</a></p>
+
+<p>Tezel rarely found men enlightened enough, and still more
+rarely men bold enough, to resist him. For the most part he had
+a good market from the superstitious crowd. He had erected the
+red cross of indulgences at Zwickau, and the good parishioners had
+hastened to make the money which was to deliver them chink on
+the bottom of the chest. He was going away with a well-filled
+purse. The evening before his departure the chaplains and their
+attendants applied to him for a farewell entertainment. The request
+was reasonable; but how was it possible to comply with it?
+the money was already counted and sealed up. The next morning
+he orders the large bell to be rung. Crowds hastened to
+the church, every one thinking that something extraordinary must
+have happened, as the station was closed. "I had resolved,"
+said he, "to depart this morning, but last night was awoke by
+groans. On listening I found they came from the burying-ground.
+Alas! it was a poor soul calling and entreating me instantly to
+deliver it from the torment by which it was consumed. I have,
+therefore, remained one day more, in order to stir up the compassion
+of Christian hearts in favour of this unhappy soul. I am willing
+myself to be the first to give, and whosoever does not follow
+my example will deserve damnation." What heart would not
+have responded to such an appeal? Who knew, moreover, whose
+soul it was that was crying in the burying-ground? The people
+contributed freely, and Tezel gave the chaplains and their attendants
+a jovial entertainment, defraying the expence by the offerings
+which he had received in favour of the soul of Zwickau.<a name="FNanchor_325_325" id="FNanchor_325_325"></a><a href="#Footnote_325_325" class="fnanchor">[325]</a></p>
+
+<p>The indulgence merchants had fixed their station at Hagenau
+in 1517. A shoemaker's wife, taking advantage of the authority
+of the instruction of the commissary-general, had, contrary to the
+will of her husband, procured a letter of indulgence, and paid a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span>
+gold florin for it. She died shortly after. The husband not having
+caused mass to be said for the repose of her soul, the curate
+charged him with contempt of religion, and the judge of Hagenau
+summoned him to appear. The shoemaker put his wife's indulgence
+in his pocket and repaired to the court. "Is your wife
+dead?" asked the judge. "Yes," replied he. "What have you
+done for her?" "I have buried her body, and commended her
+soul to God." "But have you caused a mass to be said for the
+salvation of her soul?" I have not; it was unnecessary. She
+entered heaven the moment of her death." "How do you know
+that?" "Here is the proof." So saying, he takes the indulgence
+out of his pocket, and the judge, in presence of the curate, reads
+in as many words that the woman who received it would not
+enter purgatory, but go straight to heaven. "If the reverend
+curate maintains that a mass is still necessary, my wife has been
+cheated by our most holy father the pope. If she was not cheated,
+then it is the reverend curate who is cheating me." This was unanswerable,
+and the accused was acquitted. Thus the good sense
+of the people did justice to these pious frauds.<a name="FNanchor_326_326" id="FNanchor_326_326"></a><a href="#Footnote_326_326" class="fnanchor">[326]</a></p>
+
+<p>One day when Tezel was preaching at Leipsic, and introducing
+into his sermons some of those stories of which we have given a
+sample, two students feeling quite indignant, rose up and left the
+church, exclaiming, "It is impossible for us to listen longer to the
+drolleries and puerilities of this monk."<a name="FNanchor_327_327" id="FNanchor_327_327"></a><a href="#Footnote_327_327" class="fnanchor">[327]</a> One of them, it is said,
+was young Camerarius, afterwards the intimate friend of Melancthon,
+and his biographer.</p>
+
+<p>But of all the young men of the period, he on whom Tezel made
+the strongest impression unquestionably was Myconius, afterwards
+celebrated as a Reformer, and historian of the Reformation.
+He had received a Christian education. His father, a pious
+man of Franconia, was wont to say to him, "My son, pray
+frequently, for all things are freely given to us by God alone.
+The blood of Christ," added he, "is the only ransom for the sins
+of the whole world. O, my son! were there only three men that
+could be saved by the blood of Christ, believe, and believe with
+confidence, that thou art one of the three. It is an insult to the
+blood of the Saviour to doubt if it saves."<a name="FNanchor_328_328" id="FNanchor_328_328"></a><a href="#Footnote_328_328" class="fnanchor">[328]</a> Then cautioning his
+son against the traffic which was beginning to be established in
+Germany&mdash;"The Roman indulgences," said he to him, "are nets
+which fish for money, and deceive the simple. The forgiveness of
+sins and of eternal life are not things for sale."</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span>
+At the age of thirteen Frederick Myconius was sent to the
+school of Annaberg to finish his studies. Shortly after, Tezel arrived
+in the town, and remained in it for two years. The people
+flocked in crowds to his sermon. "There is no other method,"
+exclaimed Tezel in his voice of thunder; "there is no other
+method of obtaining eternal life than the satisfaction of works;
+but this satisfaction is impossible for man, and, therefore, all he
+can do is to purchase it from the Roman pontiff."<a name="FNanchor_329_329" id="FNanchor_329_329"></a><a href="#Footnote_329_329" class="fnanchor">[329]</a> When Tezel
+was about to quit Annaberg, his addresses became more urgent.
+"Soon," exclaimed he, in a threatening tone, "soon will I take
+down the cross, shut the gate of heaven,<a name="FNanchor_330_330" id="FNanchor_330_330"></a><a href="#Footnote_330_330" class="fnanchor">[330]</a> and quench the lustre
+of that sun of grace which is now shining in your eyes." Then
+resuming the gentle accent of persuasion, "Now," said he, "is the
+accepted time, now is the day of salvation." Then raising his
+voice anew, the pontifical Stentor,<a name="FNanchor_331_331" id="FNanchor_331_331"></a><a href="#Footnote_331_331" class="fnanchor">[331]</a> who was addressing the inhabitants
+of a rich mineral district, loudly exclaimed, "Bring your
+money, burghers of Annaberg, contribute largely in behalf of the
+indulgences, and your mines and your mountains will be filled with
+pure silver." In conclusion, he declared that at Pentecost he
+would distribute his letters to the poor gratuitously, and for the
+love of God.</p>
+
+<p>Young Myconius being among the number of Tezel's hearers,
+felt an eager desire to avail himself of this offer. Going up to the
+commissaries, he said to them in Latin, "I am a poor sinner, and
+need a gratuitous pardon!" The merchants replied, "Those alone
+can have part in the merits of Jesus Christ who lend a helping
+hand to the Church, in other words, who give money." "What
+is the meaning then," said Myconius, "of those promises of free
+gift, which are posted up on the walls and doors of the churches?"
+"Give at least a shilling," said Tezel's people who had gone to
+their master, and interceded with him for the young man, but
+without effect. "I am not able." "Only Sixpence." "I have
+not even so much." The dominicans then began to fear that he
+wished to entrap them. "Listen," said they to him, "we will
+make you a present of the sixpence." The young man, raising his
+voice in indignation, answered, "I want no indulgences that are
+purchased. If I wished to purchase, I would only have to sell
+one of my school-books. I want a free pardon, given purely for
+the love of God, and you will have to give account to God for
+having allowed the salvation of a soul to be lost for a sixpence."
+"Who sent you to entrap us?" exclaimed the merchants. "Nothing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span>
+but the desire of receiving the grace of God could have
+tempted me to appear before such mighty lords," replied the
+young man, and withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>"I was much grieved," said he, "at being sent thus pitilessly
+away; but I still felt within myself a Comforter, who told me that
+there was a God in heaven, who, without money and without price,
+pardons repenting sinners for the love of his Son Jesus Christ. As
+I was taking leave of those people, I melted into tears, and, sobbing,
+prayed, 'O God! since these men have refused me the
+forgiveness of my sins, because I had no money to pay for it, do
+thou, O Lord, have pity on me, and forgive my sins in pure mercy!'
+I went to my lodging, and taking up my crucifix, which was lying
+on my desk, laid it on my chair, and prostrated myself before it.
+I cannot describe what I felt. I asked God to be my Father, and
+to do with me whatsoever he pleased. I felt my nature changed,
+converted, and transformed. What formerly delighted me now
+excited my disgust. To live with God, and please him, was my
+strongest, my only desire."<a name="FNanchor_332_332" id="FNanchor_332_332"></a><a href="#Footnote_332_332" class="fnanchor">[332]</a> Thus Tezel himself contributed to
+the Reformation. By crying abuses he paved the way for a purer
+doctrine, and the indignation which he excited in a generous
+youth was one day to break forth mightily. We may judge of this
+by the following anecdote.</p>
+
+<p>A Saxon gentleman, who had heard Tezel at Leipsic, felt his
+indignation aroused by his falsehoods, and going up to the monk,
+asked him whether he had power to pardon the sins which were intended
+to be committed? "Assuredly," replied Tezel. "I have full
+power from the pope to do so." "Well then," resumed the knight,
+"there is one of my enemies on whom I should like to take a slight
+revenge without doing him any deadly injury, and I will give you
+ten crowns in return for a letter of indulgence, which will completely
+acquit me." Tezel made some objections; at last, however,
+they came to an agreement for thirty crowns. Soon after
+the monk quits Leipsic. The gentleman accompanied by his servants,
+waited for him in a wood between J�terboch and Treblin,
+and rushing out upon him, and giving him some blows with a
+stick, carried off the rich indulgence chest, which the inquisitor
+had with him. Tezel cries out robbery, and carries his complaint
+before the judges, but the gentleman shows the letter with Tezel's
+own signature, exempting him beforehand from all punishment.
+Duke George, who had at first been very angry, on seeing the
+document ordered the accused to be acquitted.<a name="FNanchor_333_333" id="FNanchor_333_333"></a><a href="#Footnote_333_333" class="fnanchor">[333]</a></p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span></p>
+<p>This traffic everywhere occupied men's thoughts, and was everywhere
+talked of. It was the subject of conversation in castles,
+in academies, and at the firesides of the citizens, as well as in
+inns and taverns, and all places of public resort.<a name="FNanchor_334_334" id="FNanchor_334_334"></a><a href="#Footnote_334_334" class="fnanchor">[334]</a> Opinions were
+divided, some believing, and others expressing indignation. The
+sensible portion of the community rejected the whole system of
+indulgences with disgust. It was so contrary to Scripture and
+to morality, that all who had any knowledge of the Bible, or any
+natural light, condemned it in their hearts, and only waited for a
+signal to declare their opposition to it. On the other hand, scoffers
+found ample materials for raillery. The people, who had for
+many years been irritated by the misconduct of the priests, and
+whom nothing but the fear of punishment induced to keep up a
+certain show of respect, gave free vent to their hatred. Complaints
+and sarcasms were everywhere heard on the avarice of the
+clergy.</p>
+
+<p>Nor did they stop here. They even attacked the power of the
+keys, and the authority of the sovereign pontiff. "Why," said
+they, "does not the pope deliver all souls from purgatory at once
+from a holy charity, and in consideration of the sad misery of
+these souls, seeing he delivers so great a number for the love of
+perishable money, and of the cathedral of St. Peter? Why do
+feasts and anniversaries of the dead continue to be celebrated?
+Why does not the pope restore or allow others to resume the benefices
+and prebends which have been founded in favour of the dead,
+since it is now useless, and even reprehensible, to pray for those
+whom indulgences have for ever delivered?" "What kind of new
+holiness in God and the pope is this&mdash;from a love of money to
+enable a wicked profane man to deliver a pious soul beloved of the
+Lord from purgatory, rather than deliver it themselves gratuitously
+from love, and because of its great wretchedness."<a name="FNanchor_335_335" id="FNanchor_335_335"></a><a href="#Footnote_335_335" class="fnanchor">[335]</a></p>
+
+<p>The gross and immoral conduct of the traffickers in indulgences
+was much talked of. "In paying carriers for transporting them
+with their goods, the innkeepers with whom they lodge, or any
+one who does any piece of work for them, they give a letter of
+indulgence for four, five, or any number of souls, as the case may
+be." In this way, the diplomas of salvation were current in inns
+and in markets like bank bills or paper money. "Bring! Bring!"
+said the common people, "is the head, the belly, the tail, and the
+whole body of the sermon."<a name="FNanchor_336_336" id="FNanchor_336_336"></a><a href="#Footnote_336_336" class="fnanchor">[336]</a></p>
+
+<p>A miner of Schneeberg, meeting a seller of indulgences, asked,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span>
+"Must we indeed give credit to what you have often said of the
+power of the indulgence, and of the authority of the pope, and believe
+it possible, by throwing a penny into the box, to ransom a
+soul from purgatory?" The merchant assured him it was true.
+"Ah!" resumed the miner, "what an unmerciful man the pope must
+be, for a paltry penny to leave a miserable soul so long crying in
+the flames. If he has no ready money, let him borrow some hundred
+thousand crowns, and deliver all these people at once. We
+poor folks will willingly pay him both the interest and the capital."
+Thus Germany was weary of the shameful traffic which
+was going on in the midst of her, and could no longer tolerate the
+impostures of these master-swindlers of Rome, as Luther calls
+them.<a name="FNanchor_337_337" id="FNanchor_337_337"></a><a href="#Footnote_337_337" class="fnanchor">[337]</a> Yet no bishop, no theologian, durst oppose their quackery
+and their fraud. The minds of men were in suspense, and asked
+whether God would not raise up some mighty man for the work
+which required to be done? This man nowhere appeared.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. III.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Leo X&mdash;Necessities of the Pope&mdash;Albert&mdash;His Character&mdash;Favours the Indulgences&mdash;The
+Franciscans and the Dominicans.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>The pope then on the pontifical throne was not a Borgia but
+Leo X, of the illustrious house of Medici. He was able, frank,
+kind, and gentle. His address was affable, his liberality without
+bounds, and his morals, superior to those of his court. Cardinal
+Pallavicini, however, acknowledges that they were not altogether
+irreproachable. To this amiable character he joined several of the
+qualities of a great prince. He showed himself friendly to science
+and art. The first Italian comedies were represented in his presence;
+and there are few of his day which he did not see performed.
+He was passionately fond of music. Musical instruments
+resounded every day in his palace; and he was often heard
+humming the airs which had been performed before him. He
+was fond of magnificence, and spared nothing when f�tes, games,
+theatricals, presents or rewards, were in question. No court<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span>
+surpassed that of the sovereign pontiff in splendour and gayety.
+Accordingly, when it was learned that Julian Medicis was proposing
+to reside at Rome with his young bride, "God be praised,"
+exclaimed Cardinal Bibliena, the most influential counsellor of Leo
+X, "the only thing we wanted was a female court."<a name="FNanchor_338_338" id="FNanchor_338_338"></a><a href="#Footnote_338_338" class="fnanchor">[338]</a> A female
+court was necessary to complete the court of the pope. To religious
+sentiment Leo was completely a stranger. "His manners
+were so pleasing," says Sarpi, "that he would have been perfect
+if he had had some acquaintance with religious matters, and been
+somewhat more inclined to piety, which seldom, if ever, gave him
+any concern."<a name="FNanchor_339_339" id="FNanchor_339_339"></a><a href="#Footnote_339_339" class="fnanchor">[339]</a></p>
+
+<p>Leo was greatly in want of money. He had to provide for his
+immense expenditure, supply all his liberalities, fill the purse
+of gold which he daily threw to the people, keep up the licentious
+exhibitions of the Vatican, satisfy the numerous demands
+of his relations and voluptuous courtiers, give a dowry to his
+sister, who had been married to Prince Cibo, a natural son of
+Pope Innocent VIII, and meet the expenditure occasioned by his
+taste for literature, arts, and pleasure. His cousin, Cardinal
+Pucci, as skilful in the art of hoarding as Leo in that of lavishing,
+advised him to have recourse to indulgences. Accordingly, the
+pope published a bull, announcing a general indulgence, the proceeds
+of which were, he said, to be employed in the erection of
+the church of St. Peter, that monument of sacerdotal magnificence.
+In a letter, dated at Rome, under the seal of the Fisherman, in
+November, 1517, Leo applies to his commissary of indulgences for
+one hundred and forty-seven gold ducats, to pay a manuscript of
+the thirty-third book of Livy. Of all the uses to which he put
+the money of the Germans, this was, doubtless, the best. Still
+it was strange to deliver souls from purgatory in order to purchase
+a manuscript history of the wars of the Roman people.</p>
+
+<p>There was at this time in Germany a young prince who might
+be regarded as in many respects a living image of Leo X. This
+was Albert, a younger brother of the elector, Joachim of Brandenburg.
+At twenty-four years of age he had been appointed Archbishop
+and Elector of Mentz and of Magdeburg, and two years
+after made a cardinal. Albert had neither the virtues nor the
+vices which are often met with in the high dignitaries of the
+church. Young, fickle, worldly, but not without some generous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span>
+feelings, he was perfectly aware of many of the abuses of Catholicism,
+and cared little for the fanatical monks by whom he was
+surrounded. His equity disposed him, in part at least, to acknowledge
+the justice of what the friends of the gospel demanded. In
+his secret heart he was not much opposed to Luther. Capito,
+one of the most distinguished Reformers, was long his chaplain,
+counsellor, and confidant. Albert regularly attended his sermons.
+"He did not despise the gospel," says Capito; "on the contrary,
+he highly esteemed it, and for a long time would not allow the
+monks to attack Luther." But he would have liked Luther not
+to compromise him, and to take good care while exposing the
+doctrinal errors and vices of the inferior clergy, not to disclose the
+faults of bishops and princes. In particular, he was most anxious
+that his name should not be mixed up with the affair. His confidant,
+Capito, who had imposed upon himself, as men often do in
+situations similar to his, thus addressed Luther: "Look to the example
+of Jesus Christ and the apostles; they rebuked the Pharisees
+and the incestuous man of Corinth, but they never expressly
+named them. You know not what is passing in the hearts of the
+bishops; and, perhaps, there is more good in them than you suppose."
+But the fickle and profane spirit of Albert, still more than
+the susceptibilities and fears of his self-love, estranged him from
+the Reformation. Affable, clever, handsome, extravagant, and
+wasteful, delighting in the pleasures of the table, in rich equipages,
+splendid buildings, licentious pleasures, and literary society,
+this young Archbishop-Elector was in Germany what Leo X
+was at Rome. His court was one of the most magnificent in the
+empire, and he was prepared to sacrifice to pleasure and grandeur
+all the sentiments of truth which, perhaps, might have insinuated
+themselves into his heart. Nevertheless, his better convictions
+continued even to the last to exercise some degree of influence
+over him, and he repeatedly gave indications of moderation and
+equity.</p>
+
+<p>Albert, like Leo, was in want of money. The Fuggers, rich
+merchants in Augsburg, had made him advances which he behoved
+to repay, and hence, though he had managed to secure two
+archbishoprics and a bishopric, he was unable to pay Rome
+for his Pallium. This ornament of white wool, bespangled with
+black crosses and blessed by the pope, who sent it to the archbishops
+as a token of their dignity, cost them twenty-six, or, some
+say, thirty thousand florins. In order to obtain money, Albert,
+naturally enough, bethought himself of having recourse to the
+same methods as the pope. He accordingly applied to him for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span>
+the general farming of the indulgences, or, as they expressed it at
+Rome, "of the sins of the Germans."</p>
+
+<p>The popes sometimes kept the indulgences in their own hands,
+and at other times farmed them out, in the same way as some governments
+still do gaming-houses. Albert made an offer to Leo
+to share the profit with him, and Leo, in agreeing to the bargain,
+stipulated for immediate payment of the Pallium. Albert had been
+counting on paying it out of the indulgences, and therefore applied
+anew to the Fuggers, who, thinking the security good, agreed, on
+certain conditions, to make the advance required, and were appointed
+bankers to the concern. They were the bankers of the princes
+of this period, and were afterwards made counts in return for the
+services which they had rendered.</p>
+
+<p>The pope and the archbishop having thus, by anticipation, shared
+in the spoils of the good souls of Germany, the next matter was to
+select the persons who were to carry the affair into effect. It was
+first offered to the Franciscan order, whose guardian was conjoined
+with Albert. But, as it was already in bad odour with honest people,
+these monks were not anxious to have anything to do with it.
+The Augustins, who were more enlightened than the other religious
+orders, would have been less inclined to undertake it. The Franciscans,
+however, being afraid of offending the pope, who had just
+sent their chief, De, Forli, a cardinal's hat, a hat which had cost
+this poor mendicant order thirty thousand florins, the guardian
+deemed it more prudent not to refuse openly, but, at the same
+time, threw all sorts of difficulties in Albert's way. They could
+never understand each other, and, accordingly, when the proposal
+was made to the Elector to undertake the whole charge, he eagerly
+closed with it. The Dominicans, on the other hand, longed for a
+share in the general collection which was about to commence.
+Tezel, who was already famous in the trade, hastened to Mentz to
+offer his services to the Elector. In consideration of the talent
+which he had displayed in publishing the indulgences for the
+knights of the Teutonic order of Prussia and Livonia, his proposals
+were accepted, and in this way, the whole traffic passed into the
+hands of his order.<a name="FNanchor_340_340" id="FNanchor_340_340"></a><a href="#Footnote_340_340" class="fnanchor">[340]</a></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAP. IV.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Tezel approaches&mdash;Luther at the Confessional&mdash;Tezel's Rage&mdash;Luther without a
+Plan&mdash;Jealousy among the Orders&mdash;Luther's Discourse&mdash;The Elector's Dream.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>In so far as we know, Luther heard of Tezel, for the first time,
+at Grimma, in 1516, when he was on the eve of beginning his visit
+to the churches. While Staupitz was still with Luther, it was
+told him that an indulgence merchant was making a great noise
+at V�rzen. Even some of his extravagant sayings were quoted.
+Luther's indignation was roused, and he exclaimed, "Please God,
+I'll make a hole in his drum."<a name="FNanchor_341_341" id="FNanchor_341_341"></a><a href="#Footnote_341_341" class="fnanchor">[341]</a></p>
+
+<p>Tezel, on his return from Berlin, where he had met with a most
+friendly reception from the elector Joachim, brother of the farmer-general,
+took up his head-quarters at Juterboch. Staupitz, availing
+himself of his influence with the elector Frederick, had often
+represented to him the abuses of the indulgences, and the scandalous
+proceedings of the mendicants,<a name="FNanchor_342_342" id="FNanchor_342_342"></a><a href="#Footnote_342_342" class="fnanchor">[342]</a> and the princes of Saxony feeling
+indignant at the shameful traffic, had forbidden the merchant to
+enter their territory. He was, accordingly, obliged to remain on
+those of the Archbishop of Magdeburg, but at the same time came
+as near to Saxony as he could, Juterboch being only four miles
+from Wittemberg. "This great thresher of purses," says Luther,
+"set about threshing<a name="FNanchor_343_343" id="FNanchor_343_343"></a><a href="#Footnote_343_343" class="fnanchor">[343]</a> the country in grand style, so that the
+money began to leap, tumble, and tinkle, in his chest." The people
+of Wittemberg went in crowds to the indulgence market of
+Juterboch.</p>
+
+<p>At this period Luther had the highest respect for the church and
+for the pope. "I was then," said he, "a monk, a most bigoted
+Papist, so intoxicated and imbued with the doctrines of Rome, that
+if I had been able I would willingly have lent a hand in killing any
+one audacious enough to refuse obedience to the pope in the minutest
+matter.<a name="FNanchor_344_344" id="FNanchor_344_344"></a><a href="#Footnote_344_344" class="fnanchor">[344]</a> I was a real Saul, as many still are." But, at the
+same time, his heart was ready to declare in favour of all that he
+believed to be truth, and against all that he believed to be error.
+"I was a young doctor just of the irons, ardent and rejoicing in the
+word of the Lord."<a name="FNanchor_345_345" id="FNanchor_345_345"></a><a href="#Footnote_345_345" class="fnanchor">[345]</a></p>
+
+<p>One day when Luther had taken his seat in the confessional at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span>
+Wittemberg, several citizens of the town came before him, and one
+after another confessed the grossest immoralities. Adultery, libertinism,
+usury, ill-gotten wealth, were the crimes with which the
+minister of the word was entertained by persons of whose souls he
+was one day to give account. He rebukes, corrects, and instructs
+them; but what is his astonishment when these people tell him that
+they don't choose to abandon their sins?... Quite amazed,
+the pious monk declares, that since they refuse to promise amendment,
+he cannot give them absolution. The wretched creatures
+then appealed to their letters of indulgence, exhibiting them and
+extolling their virtues. But Luther replied, that he cared little for
+the paper which they had shown him, and added, <i>unless you repent</i>,
+<i>you will all perish</i>. They made an outcry, and expostulated, but
+the doctor was immovable; "they must cease to do evil, and learn
+to do well, ... otherwise no absolution." "Beware," added he,
+"of lending an ear to the harangues of the venders of indulgences;
+you might be better employed than in buying those licences which
+are sold you for the most paltry sum."<a name="FNanchor_346_346" id="FNanchor_346_346"></a><a href="#Footnote_346_346" class="fnanchor">[346]</a></p>
+
+<p>Much alarmed, these inhabitants of Wittemberg hastened back
+to Tezel to tell him how his letters were disregarded by an Augustin
+monk. Tezel, on hearing this, became red with fury, crying, and
+stamping, and cursing in the pulpit.<a name="FNanchor_347_347" id="FNanchor_347_347"></a><a href="#Footnote_347_347" class="fnanchor">[347]</a> To strike a deeper terror
+into the people, he repeatedly kindled a fire in the market-place,
+declaring he had received orders from the pope to burn all heretics
+who should dare to oppose his holy indulgences.</p>
+
+<p>Such is the circumstance, which was not the cause, but the first
+occasion of the Reformation. A pastor seeing the sheep of his flock
+in a path which must lead them to destruction, makes an effort to
+deliver them. As yet, he has no thought of reforming the church
+and the world. He has seen Rome and its corruptions, but he declares
+not against Rome. He perceives some of the abuses under
+which Christianity is groaning, but has no thought of correcting
+these abuses. He has no desire to become Reformer.<a name="FNanchor_348_348" id="FNanchor_348_348"></a><a href="#Footnote_348_348" class="fnanchor">[348]</a> He has
+no plan for the reformation of the Church any more than he had
+had one for himself. God intends reform, and for reform selects
+Luther. The same remedy which had proved so powerful in curing
+his own wretchedness, the hand of God will employ by him to cure<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span>
+the miseries of Christendom. He remains quiet in the sphere
+which is assigned to him, walking merely where his Master calls
+him, and fulfilling his duties as professor, preacher, and pastor, at
+Wittemberg. While seated in the church, his hearers come and
+open their hearts to him. Evil makes an assault upon him, and
+error seeks him out, of her own accord. He is interfered with in
+the discharge of his duty, and his conscience, which is bound to the
+word of God, resists. Is it not God that calls him? To resist is a
+duty, and being a duty, is also a right. He has no alternative but
+to speak. In this way were events ordered by that God who was
+pleased, says Mathesius, "to restore Christendom by means of the
+son of a forge master, and to purify the impure doctrine of the
+church, by making it pass through his furnaces.<a name="FNanchor_349_349" id="FNanchor_349_349"></a><a href="#Footnote_349_349" class="fnanchor">[349]</a></p>
+
+<p>Having given this detail, it must be unnecessary to refute a false
+imputation invented by some of Luther's enemies, but not till after
+his death. Jealousy for his order, it has been said, grief at seeing
+a shameful and condemned traffic entrusted to the Dominicans in
+preference to the Augustins, who had hitherto enjoyed it, led the
+doctor of Wittemberg to attack Tezel and his doctrines. The well
+known fact that this traffic was first offered to the Augustins, who
+refused it, is sufficient to refute this fable, which has been repeated
+by writers who have copied each other; even Cardinal Pallavicini
+states that the Augustins never had discharged this office.<a name="FNanchor_350_350" id="FNanchor_350_350"></a><a href="#Footnote_350_350" class="fnanchor">[350]</a> Besides,
+we have seen the travail of Luther's soul. His conduct
+needs no other explanation. It was impossible for him not to
+make open profession of the doctrine to which he owed his happiness.
+In Christianity, every man who finds a blessing longs to
+make others partakers in it. In our day it is time to abandon
+those puerile explanations which are unworthy of the great revolution
+of the sixteenth century. To lift a world, a more powerful
+lever was required. The Reformation existed not in Luther only;
+it was the offspring of his age.</p>
+
+<p>Luther impelled equally by obedience to the truth of God, and
+by charity towards men, mounted the pulpit. He forewarned his
+hearers; but, as he himself says, he did it gently.<a name="FNanchor_351_351" id="FNanchor_351_351"></a><a href="#Footnote_351_351" class="fnanchor">[351]</a> His prince had
+obtained particular indulgences from the pope for the church of the
+castle of Wittemberg, and it was possible that some of the blows
+which he was going to level at the indulgences in question might
+fall on those of the Elector. No matter; he will run the risk. If
+he sought to please men, he would not be the servant of Christ.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span>
+"No man can prove by Scripture," says the faithful minister of
+the Word to the people of Wittemberg, "that the justice of God
+exacts a penalty or satisfaction from the sinner; the only duty
+which it imposes upon him is true repentance, sincere conversion,
+a resolution to bear the cross of Jesus Christ, and to be diligent in
+good works. It is a great error to think we can ourselves satisfy
+the justice of God for our sins. He always pardons them gratuitously
+by his inestimable grace.</p>
+
+<p>"The Christian Church, it is true, requires something from the
+sinner, and consequently has the power of remitting what she so
+requires, but that is all. Even these indulgences of the Church are
+tolerated, only on account of indolent and imperfect Christians, who
+will not zealously exercise themselves in good works. For they
+stimulate none to sanctification, but leave all in imperfection."</p>
+
+<p>Then adverting to the pretext under which the indulgences were
+published, he continues:&mdash;"It would be much better to contribute
+to the erection of St. Peter's church from love to God, than to
+purchase indulgences in this view.... But you ask, Are we then
+never to purchase them? I have already said, and I repeat it;
+my advice is, Don't purchase. Leave them to sleepy Christians,
+but do you walk apart in your own path. The faithful must be
+diverted from indulgences, and urged to do the works which they
+neglect."</p>
+
+<p>At last, glancing at his adversaries, Luther concludes thus:&mdash;"If
+some cry out that I am a heretic, (for the truth which I preach
+is very hurtful to their strong box,) their clamour gives me little
+concern. They are dull and sickly brains, men who never felt the
+Bible, never read Christian doctrine, never comprehended their
+own teachers, and who turn to rottenness, wrapped up in the
+tatters of their vain opinions,<a name="FNanchor_352_352" id="FNanchor_352_352"></a><a href="#Footnote_352_352" class="fnanchor">[352]</a> ... God grant them and us a
+sound mind. Amen." After these words, the doctor descended
+from the pulpit, leaving his hearers in astonishment at his bold
+language.</p>
+
+<p>This sermon was printed, and made a deep impression on all
+who read it. Tezel answered it, and Luther replied; but these
+discussions did not take place till a later period, (1518).</p>
+
+<p>The feast of All Saints drew near. The chronicles of that day
+here relate a circumstance, which, though not important to the history
+of the period, may, however, serve to characterise it. It is a
+dream of the Elector, which in substance is unquestionably authentic,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span>
+though several circumstances may have been added by those who
+have related it. It is mentioned by Seckendorf,<a name="FNanchor_353_353" id="FNanchor_353_353"></a><a href="#Footnote_353_353" class="fnanchor">[353]</a> who observes,
+that the fear of giving their adversaries ground to say that the
+doctrine of Luther was founded upon dreams, has perhaps prevented
+several historians from speaking of it.</p>
+
+<p>The Elector Frederick of Saxony, say the chronicles of the time,
+was at his castle of Schweinitz, six leagues from Wittemberg. On
+the morning of the 31st October, being in company with his brother
+Duke John, who was then co-regent, and became sole elector after
+his death, and with his chancellor, the Elector said to the Duke,</p>
+
+<p>"Brother, I must tell you a dream which I had last night, and
+the meaning of which I should like much to know. It is so deeply
+impressed on my mind, that I will never forget it, were I to live a
+thousand years. For I dreamed it thrice, and each time with new
+circumstances."</p>
+
+<p><i>Duke John.</i>&mdash;"Is it a good or a bad dream?"</p>
+
+<p><i>The Elector.</i>&mdash;"I know not; God knows."</p>
+
+<p><i>Duke John.</i>&mdash;"Don't be uneasy at it; but be so good as tell it
+to me."</p>
+
+<p><i>The Elector.</i>&mdash;"Having gone to bed last night, fatigued and out
+of spirits, I fell asleep shortly after my prayer, and slept quietly
+for about two hours and a half; I then awoke, and continued awake
+till midnight, all sorts of thoughts passing through my mind.
+Among other things, I thought how I was to observe the feast of
+All Saints. I prayed for the poor souls in purgatory, and supplicated
+God to guide me, my counsels, and my people, according
+to truth. I again fell asleep, and then dreamed that Almighty
+God sent me a monk, who was a true son of the Apostle Paul.
+All the saints accompanied him by order of God, in order to bear
+testimony before me, and to declare that he did not come to contrive
+any plot, but that all that he did was according to the will of
+God. They asked me to have the goodness graciously to permit
+him to write something on the door of the church of the castle of
+Wittemberg. This I granted through my chancellor. Thereupon
+the monk went to the church, and began to write in such large
+characters, that I could read the writing at Schweinitz. The pen
+which he used was so large that its end reached as far as Rome,
+where it pierced the ears of a lion that was couching there,<a name="FNanchor_354_354" id="FNanchor_354_354"></a><a href="#Footnote_354_354" class="fnanchor">[354]</a> and
+caused the triple crown upon the head of the pope to shake. All<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span>
+the cardinals and princes running hastily up, tried to prevent it
+from falling. You and I, brother, wished also to assist, and I
+stretched out my arm ... but at this moment I awoke, with my
+arm in the air, quite amazed, and very much enraged at the monk
+for not managing his pen better. I recollected myself a little: it
+was only a dream.</p>
+
+<p>"I was still half asleep, and once more closed my eyes. The
+dream returned. The lion, still annoyed by the pen, began to roar
+with all his might, so much so that the whole city of Rome and all
+the states of the holy empire, ran to see what the matter was. The
+pope requested them to oppose this monk, and applied particularly
+to me, on account of his being in my country. I again awoke,
+repeated the Lord's Prayer, entreated God to preserve his Holiness,
+and once more fell asleep.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I dreamed that all the princes of the empire, and we
+among them, hastened to Rome, and strove one after another to
+break the pen; but the more we tried the stiffer it became, sounding
+as if it had been made of iron. We at length desisted. I
+then asked the monk (for I was sometimes at Rome and sometimes
+at Wittemberg) where he got this pen, and why it was so strong.
+'The pen,' replied he, 'belonged to an old goose of Bohemia, a
+hundred years old.<a name="FNanchor_355_355" id="FNanchor_355_355"></a><a href="#Footnote_355_355" class="fnanchor">[355]</a> I got it from one of my old school-masters.
+As to its strength, it is owing to the impossibility of depriving it of
+its pith or marrow, and I am quite astonished at it myself.' Suddenly
+I heard a loud noise; a large number of other pens had
+sprung out of the long pen of the monk.... I awoke a third
+time; it was daylight...."</p>
+
+<p><i>Duke John.</i>&mdash;"Chancellor, what is your opinion? Would we
+had a Joseph or a Daniel enlightened by God!"</p>
+
+<p><i>Chancellor.</i>&mdash;"Your Highnesses know the common proverb, that
+the dreams of young girls, learned men, and great lords, have usually
+some hidden meaning. The meaning of this dream, however, we
+will not be able to know for some time; not till the things to which
+it relates have taken place. Wherefore, leave the accomplishment
+to God, and place it wholly in his hand."</p>
+
+<p><i>Duke John.</i>&mdash;"I am of your opinion, Chancellor; 'tis not fit for
+us to annoy ourselves in attempting to discover the meaning; the
+God will overrule all for his glory."</p>
+
+<p><i>Elector.</i>&mdash;"May our faithful God do so; yet I will never forget
+this dream. I have indeed thought of an interpretation, but I
+keep it to myself. Time, perhaps, will show if I have been a good
+diviner."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span>Thus, according to the manuscript of Weimar, the morning of
+31st of October was spent at Schweinitz. Let us see how the evening
+was spent at Wittemberg. We again return to the province of
+History.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. V.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Feast of All Saints&mdash;The Theses&mdash;Their Force&mdash;Moderation&mdash;Providence&mdash;Letter
+to Albert&mdash;Indifference of the Bishops&mdash;Dissemination of the Theses.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>The words of Luther had produced little effect. Tezel, without
+troubling himself, continued his traffic and his impious harangues.<a name="FNanchor_356_356" id="FNanchor_356_356"></a><a href="#Footnote_356_356" class="fnanchor">[356]</a>
+Will Luther submit to these crying abuses, and keep silence? As
+a pastor, he has earnestly exhorted those who have had recourse to
+his ministry, and, as a preacher, he has lifted his warning voice in
+the pulpit. It still remains for him to speak as a theologian&mdash;to
+address, not individuals in the confessional, not the assembly of
+the faithful in the church of Wittemberg, but all who, like himself,
+are teachers of the word of God. His resolution is taken.</p>
+
+<p>He has no thought of attacking the Church, or of putting the pope
+on his defence. On the contrary, it is his respect for the pope that
+will not allow him to be any longer silent with regard to claims by
+which he is injured. He must take the part of the pope against
+audacious men, who dare to associate his venerable name with
+their disgraceful traffic. Far from thinking of a revolution which
+is to destroy the primacy of Rome, Luther expects to have the
+pope and Catholicism for his allies against impudent monks.<a name="FNanchor_357_357" id="FNanchor_357_357"></a><a href="#Footnote_357_357" class="fnanchor">[357]</a></p>
+
+<p>The feast of All Saints was an important day for Wittemberg,
+and especially for the church which the Elector had there erected
+and filled with relics. On that day these relics, adorned with silver
+and gold, and precious stones, were brought out and exhibited to
+the eyes of the people, who were astonished and dazzled by their
+magnificence.<a name="FNanchor_358_358" id="FNanchor_358_358"></a><a href="#Footnote_358_358" class="fnanchor">[358]</a> Whoever on that day visited the church and confessed
+in it obtained a valuable indulgence. Accordingly, on this
+great occasion, pilgrims came in crowds to Wittemberg.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span>
+On the 31st of October, 1517, Luther, who had already taken his
+resolution, walks boldly towards the church to which the superstitious
+crowds of pilgrims were repairing, and puts up on the door of
+this church ninety-five Theses or propositions against the doctrine
+of indulgences. Neither the Elector, nor Staupitz, nor Spalatin,
+nor any, even the most intimate of his friends, had been previously
+informed of this step.<a name="FNanchor_359_359" id="FNanchor_359_359"></a><a href="#Footnote_359_359" class="fnanchor">[359]</a> In these theses, Luther declares, in a kind
+of preamble, that he had written them with the express desire of
+setting the truth in the full light of day. He declares himself ready
+to defend them on the morrow at the university, against all and
+sundry. The attention which they excite is great; they are read
+and repeated. In a short time the pilgrims, the university, the
+whole town is ringing with them. The following are some of these
+Propositions, written with the pen of the monk, and fixed on the
+door of the church of Wittemberg.</p>
+
+<p>1. "When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ says 'repent,' he
+means that the whole life of his followers on the earth is a constant
+and continual repentance.</p>
+
+<p>2. "This expression cannot be understood of the sacrament of
+penitence, (that is to say, of confession and satisfaction,) as administered
+by the priest.</p>
+
+<p>3. "Still the Lord intends not to speak merely of internal repentance.
+Internal repentance is null, if it does not manifest itself
+externally by the mortification of the flesh.</p>
+
+<p>4. "Repentance and sorrow&mdash;that is to say, true penitence&mdash;continue
+so long as a man is displeased with himself&mdash;that is, until
+he passes from this life into life eternal.</p>
+
+<p>5. "The pope is not able, and does not wish to remit any other
+penalty than that which he has imposed of his own good pleasure,
+or conformably to the canons, that is to say, the papal ordinances.</p>
+
+<p>6. "The pope cannot remit any condemnation, but only declare
+and confirm the remission which God himself has given. At least
+he can only do it in cases which belong to him. If he does otherwise,
+the condemnation remains exactly as before.</p>
+
+<p>8. "The laws of ecclesiastical penance ought to be imposed on
+the living only, and have nothing to do with the dead.</p>
+
+<p>21. "The commissaries of indulgence are mistaken when they say
+that the pope's indulgence delivers from all punishment and saves.</p>
+
+<p>25. "The same power which the pope has over purgatory throughout
+the Church, each bishop has individually in his own diocese,
+and each curate in his own parish.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span>27. "It is the preaching of human folly to pretend, that at the
+very moment when the money tinkles in the strong box, the soul
+flies off from purgatory.</p>
+
+<p>28. "This much is certain; as soon as the money tinkles,
+avarice and the love of gain arrive, increase, and multiply. But
+the aids and prayers of the Church depend only on the will and
+good pleasure of God.</p>
+
+<p>32. "Those who imagine they are sure of salvation by means
+of indulgences will go to the devil, with those who teach them so.</p>
+
+<p>35. "It is an antichristian doctrine to pretend, that, in order to
+deliver a soul from purgatory, or to purchase an indulgence, there
+is no need of either sorrow or repentance.</p>
+
+<p>36. "Every Christian who truly repents of his sins has entire
+forgiveness of the penalty and the fault, and, so far, has no need
+of indulgence.</p>
+
+<p>37. "Every true Christian, dead or alive, participates in all
+the blessings of Christ and of the Church by the gift of God and
+without a letter of indulgence.</p>
+
+<p>38. "Still the dispensation and pardon of the pope must not
+be despised; for his pardon is a declaration of the pardon of God.</p>
+
+<p>40. "Genuine sorrow and repentance seek and love punishment;
+but the mildness of indulgence takes off the fear of punishment,
+and begets hatred against it.</p>
+
+<p>42. "Christians must be told that the pope has no wish and
+no intention that they should in any respect compare the act of
+purchasing indulgences with any work of mercy.</p>
+
+<p>43. "Christians must be told that he who gives to the poor, or
+lends to the needy, does better than he who buys an indulgence:</p>
+
+<p>44. "For the work of charity makes charity increase, and renders
+a man more pious; whereas the indulgence does not make
+him better, but only gives him more self-confidence, and makes
+him more secure against punishment.</p>
+
+<p>45. "Christians must be told that he who sees his neighbour
+want, and, instead of helping him, purchases an indulgence, purchases
+not the indulgence of the pope, but incurs the Divine displeasure.</p>
+
+<p>46. "Christians must be told that if they have no superfluity,
+they are bound to keep what they have, in order to procure necessaries
+for their families, and not to lavish it on indulgences.</p>
+
+<p>47. "Christians must be told that to purchase an indulgence is
+optional, not obligatory.</p>
+
+<p>48. "Christians must be told that the pope having more need
+of prayer offered up in faith than of money, desires the prayer
+more than the money when he dispenses indulgences.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span>49. "Christians must be told that the indulgence of the pope is
+good provided they do not place their confidence in it, but that
+nothing is more hurtful if it diminishes piety.</p>
+
+<p>50. "Christians must be told that if the pope knew of the extortions
+of the preachers of indulgences, he would rather that the
+metropolis of St. Peter were burned and reduced to ashes, than see
+it built with the skin, flesh, and bones, of his sheep.</p>
+
+<p>51. "Christians must be told that the pope, as is his duty, would
+dispense his own money to the poor people whom the preachers of
+indulgences are now robbing of their last penny, were he, for that
+purpose, even to sell the metropolis of St. Peter.</p>
+
+<p>52. "To hope to be saved by indulgences is an empty and lying
+hope even should the commissary of indulgences, nay, the pope
+himself, be pleased to pledge his own soul in security of it.</p>
+
+<p>53. "Those who, on account of the preaching of indulgences,
+forbid the preaching of the word of God, are enemies of the pope
+and of Jesus Christ.</p>
+
+<p>55. "The pope cannot have any other thought than this:&mdash;If
+the indulgence, which is the lesser matter, is celebrated with
+bell, pomp, and ceremony, it is necessary, <i>� fortiori</i>, to honour
+and celebrate the gospel, which is the greater matter, with a
+hundred bells, a hundred pomps, and a hundred ceremonies.</p>
+
+<p>62. "The true and precious treasure of the Church is the holy
+gospel of the glory and grace of God.</p>
+
+<p>65. "The treasures of the gospel are nets, which once caught
+the rich, and those who were at ease in their circumstances:</p>
+
+<p>66. "But the treasures of indulgence are nets, in which, now-a-days,
+they catch, not rich people, but the riches of people.</p>
+
+<p>67. "It is the duty of bishops and pastors to receive the commissaries
+of apostolic indulgences with all respect:</p>
+
+<p>68. "But it is still more their duty to use their eyes and their
+ears, in order to see that the said commissaries do not preach the
+dreams of their own imaginations instead of the orders of the pope.</p>
+
+<p>71. "Cursed be he who speaketh against the indulgence of the
+pope.</p>
+
+<p>72. "But blessed be he who speaks against the foolish and impudent
+words of the preachers of indulgences.</p>
+
+<p>76. "The indulgence of the pope cannot take away the smallest
+daily sin, in regard to the fault or delinquency.</p>
+
+<p>79. "To say that a cross adorned with the arms of the pope is
+as powerful as the cross of Christ is blasphemy.</p>
+
+<p>80. "Bishops, pastors, and theologians, who allow such things
+to be said to the people, will be called to account for it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span>81. "This shameful preaching, these impudent eulogiums on
+indulgences make it difficult for the learned to defend the dignity
+and honour of the pope against the calumnies of the preachers, and
+the subtile and puzzling questions of the common people.</p>
+
+<p>86. "Why, say they, does not the pope, whose wealth is greater
+than that of rich Cr&oelig;sus, build the metropolis of St. Peter with
+his own money rather than with that of poor Christians?</p>
+
+<p>92. "Would, then, that we were discumbered of all the preachers
+who say to the church of Christ, Peace! Peace! when there
+is no peace!</p>
+
+<p>94. "Christians should be exhorted to diligence in following
+Christ their head through crosses, death, and hell.</p>
+
+<p>95. "For it is far better to enter the kingdom of heaven through
+much tribulation, than to acquire a carnal security by the flattery
+of a false peace."</p>
+
+<p>Here, then, was the commencement of the work. The germ
+of the Reformation was contained in these theses of Luther. The
+abuses of indulgence were attacked in them, (and this was
+their most striking feature,) but behind those attacks there was,
+moreover, a principle which although it attracted the attention of
+the multitude far less, was destined one day to overthrow the
+edifice of the papacy. The evangelical doctrine of a free and gratuitous
+remission of sins was here publicly professed for the first
+time. Henceforth the work must grow. In fact, it was evident
+that any man who had faith in the remission of sins as preached
+by the doctor of Wittemberg; any one who had this conversion and
+sanctification, the necessity of which, he urged, would no longer
+concern himself about human ordinances, but would escape from
+the swaddling-bands of Rome, and secure the liberty of the children
+of God. All errors behoved to give way before this truth.
+By it light had at first entered Luther's own mind, and by it, in
+like manner, light is to be diffused in the Church. What previous
+reformers wanted was a clear knowledge of this truth; and hence
+the unfruitfulness of their labours. Luther himself was afterwards
+aware that, in proclaiming justification by faith, he had
+laid the axe to the root of the tree. "This is the doctrine," said
+he, "which we attack in the followers of the papacy. Huss and
+Wickliff only attacked their lives, but in attacking their doctrine,
+we take the goose by the neck. All depends on the Word which
+the pope took from us and falsified. I have vanquished the pope,
+because my doctrine is according to God, and his is according to
+the devil.<a name="FNanchor_360_360" id="FNanchor_360_360"></a><a href="#Footnote_360_360" class="fnanchor">[360]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span>
+We too have in our day forgotten the capital doctrine of justification
+by faith, though, in a sense, the reverse of that of our
+fathers. "In the time of Luther," says one of our contemporaries,<a name="FNanchor_361_361" id="FNanchor_361_361"></a><a href="#Footnote_361_361" class="fnanchor">[361]</a>
+"the remission of sins at least cost money, but in our
+day every one supplies himself gratis." These two extremes
+are very much alike. Perhaps there is even more forgetfulness
+of God in our extreme, than in that of the sixteenth century.
+The principle of justification by the grace of God, which brought
+the Church out of so much darkness at the time of the Reformation,
+is also the only principle which can renew our generation,
+put an end to its doubts and waverings, destroy the canker of
+egotism, establish the reign of morality and justice, and, in one word
+reunite the world to God, from whom it has been separated.</p>
+
+<p>But if the theses of Luther were mighty in virtue of the truth
+which they proclaimed, they were not less so through the faith of
+their declared defender. He had boldly unsheathed the sword of
+the Word, and he had done it trusting to the power of truth.
+He had felt, that in leaning on the promises of God he could, in
+the language of the world, afford to risk something. Speaking of
+this bold attack, he says, "Let him who would begin a good
+enterprise undertake it, trusting to its own merits, and not (of this
+let him beware) to the help and countenance of man. Moreover,
+let not men, nor even the whole world, deter him. For these
+words will never deceive:&mdash;'It is good to trust in the Lord; and
+none that trust in him shall be confounded.' But let him who
+neither is able nor willing to hazard something through trust in
+God, beware of undertaking any thing."<a name="FNanchor_362_362" id="FNanchor_362_362"></a><a href="#Footnote_362_362" class="fnanchor">[362]</a> Doubtless, Luther, after
+putting up his theses on the door of the church of All Saints, retired
+to his tranquil cell, in full possession of the peace and joy
+imparted by an action done in the name of the Lord, and for the
+sake of eternal truth.</p>
+
+<p>These theses, notwithstanding of their great boldness, still bespeak
+the monk, who refuses to allow a single doubt as to the
+authority of the See of Rome. But in attacking the doctrine of
+indulgences, Luther had, without perceiving it, assailed several
+errors, the exposure of which could not be agreeable to the pope,
+seeing that they tended, sooner or later, to bring his supremacy
+in question. Luther, at the time, did not see so far; but he
+felt all the boldness of the step which he had just taken, and,
+consequently, thought himself bound to temper it in so far as was
+consistent with the respect due to truth. He, accordingly, presented
+his theses only as doubtful propositions on which he was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span>
+anxious for the views of the learned; and, conformably to the
+established custom, annexed to them a solemn protestation, declaring
+that he wished not to say or affirm any thing not founded
+on Holy Scripture, the Fathers of the Church, and the rights and
+decretals of the See of Rome.</p>
+
+<p>Often, in the sequel, on contemplating the immense and unlooked-for
+consequences of this courageous attack, Luther was
+astonished at himself, and could not understand how he had ventured
+upon it. An invisible hand, mightier than his own, held
+the leading reins, and pushed him into a path which he knew
+not, and from the difficulties of which he would, perhaps, have
+recoiled, if he had known them, and been advancing alone and
+of himself. "I engaged in this dispute," says he, "without
+premeditated purpose, without knowing it or wishing it; and was
+taken quite unprepared. For the truth of this I appeal to the
+Searcher of hearts."<a name="FNanchor_363_363" id="FNanchor_363_363"></a><a href="#Footnote_363_363" class="fnanchor">[363]</a></p>
+
+<p>Luther had become acquainted with the source of these abuses.
+He had received a little book, ornamented with the arms of the
+Archbishop of Mentz and Magdeburg, and containing the regulations
+to be observed in the sale of indulgences. It was this
+young prelate, therefore, this accomplished prince, who had
+prescribed, or at least sanctioned, all this quackery. In him
+Luther only sees a superior to whom he owes fear and reverence;<a name="FNanchor_364_364" id="FNanchor_364_364"></a><a href="#Footnote_364_364" class="fnanchor">[364]</a>
+and wishing not to beat the air, but to address those entrusted
+with the government of the Church, he sends him a letter, distinguished
+at once by its frankness and humility. Luther wrote
+this letter to Albert the same day on which he put up his theses.</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, most reverend Father in Christ, and most illustrious
+Prince," says he to him, "if I, who am only the dregs of
+mankind,<a name="FNanchor_365_365" id="FNanchor_365_365"></a><a href="#Footnote_365_365" class="fnanchor">[365]</a> have the presumption to write your High Mightiness.
+The Lord Jesus is my witness, that, feeling how small and despicable
+I am, I have long put off doing it.... Will your Highness,
+however, be pleased to let fall a look on a grain of dust,
+and, in accordance with your episcopal meekness, graciously receive
+my petition.</p>
+
+<p>"There are people who are carrying the papal indulgence up
+and down the country in the name of your Grace. I do not so
+much blame the declamation of the preachers, (I have not heard
+them,) as the erroneous ideas of unlearned and simple people,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span>
+who imagine that by buying indulgences they secure their salvation....</p>
+
+<p>"Good God! souls entrusted to your care, most venerable Father,
+are conducted to death, and not to life. The just and strict
+account which will be required of you grows and augments from
+day to day.... I have not been able to continue longer silent.
+Ah! man is not saved by works, or by the performances of his
+bishop.... Even the righteous scarcely is saved; and the way
+that leadeth unto life is strait. Why, then, do the preachers of
+indulgences by vain fables inspire the people with a false security?</p>
+
+<p>"According to them, indulgence alone ought to be proclaimed,
+ought to be extolled.... What! Is it not the chief and only duty
+of bishops to instruct the people in the gospel and the love of
+Jesus Christ?<a name="FNanchor_366_366" id="FNanchor_366_366"></a><a href="#Footnote_366_366" class="fnanchor">[366]</a> Jesus Christ has nowhere ordered the preaching
+of indulgence; but has strongly enjoined the preaching of the
+gospel.<a name="FNanchor_367_367" id="FNanchor_367_367"></a><a href="#Footnote_367_367" class="fnanchor">[367]</a> How dreadful, then and how perilous, for a bishop to
+allow the gospel to be passed in silence, and nothing but the
+sound of indulgence to be incessantly dunned into the ears of his
+people....</p>
+
+<p>"Most worthy Father in God, in the Instruction of the commissaries,
+which has been published in name of your Grace, (doubtless
+without your knowledge,) it is said that the indulgence is the
+most precious treasure,&mdash;that it reconciles man to God, and enables
+those who purchase it to dispense with repentance.</p>
+
+<p>"What then, can I, what ought I to do, most venerable Bishop,
+most serene Prince? Ah! I supplicate your Highness, by the
+Lord Jesus Christ, to turn upon this business an eye of paternal
+vigilance, to suppress the pamphlet entirely, and ordain preachers
+to deliver a different sort of discourses to the people. If you decline
+to do so, be assured you will one day hear some voice raised
+in refutation of these preachers, to the great dishonour of your
+most serene Highness."</p>
+
+<p>Luther at the same time sent his theses to the archbishop, and, in
+a postscript, asked him to read them, that he might be convinced
+how little foundation there was for the doctrine of indulgences.</p>
+
+<p>Thus Luther's whole desire was, that the watchmen of the
+Church should awake, and exert themselves in putting an end to
+the evils which were laying it waste. Nothing could be more
+noble and more respectful than this letter from a monk to one of
+the greatest princes of the Church and the empire. Never was
+there a better exemplification of the spirit of our Saviour's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span>
+precept&mdash;"Render unto C�sar the things which are C�sar's, and
+unto God the things which are God's." This is not the course of
+violent revolutionists, who contemn powers and blame dignities.
+It is a cry proceeding from the conscience of a Christian and a
+priest, who gives honour to all, but in the first place fears God.
+However, all prayers and supplications were useless. Young
+Albert, engrossed by his pleasures and ambitious designs, made
+no reply to this solemn appeal. The Bishop of Brandebourg,
+Luther's ordinary&mdash;a learned and pious man, to whom, also, he
+sent his theses&mdash;replied that he was attacking the power of the
+Church, that he would involve himself in great trouble and vexation,
+that the thing was beyond his strength, and that his earnest
+advice to him was to keep quiet.<a name="FNanchor_368_368" id="FNanchor_368_368"></a><a href="#Footnote_368_368" class="fnanchor">[368]</a> The princes of the Church
+shut their ears against the voice of God, thus energetically and
+affectingly declared by the instrumentality of Luther. They would
+not comprehend the signs of the times; they were struck with
+that blindness which has been the ruin of so many powers and
+dignities. "Both thought," says Luther afterwards, "that the
+pope would be too many for a miserable mendicant like me."</p>
+
+<p>But Luther was better able than the bishops to perceive the
+disastrous effects which the indulgences had upon the manners
+and lives of the people; for he was in direct correspondence with
+them. He had constantly a near view of what the bishops learned
+only by unfaithful reports. If the bishops failed him, God did not
+fail him. The Head of the Church, who sits in heaven, and to
+whom has been given all power upon the earth, had himself prepared
+the ground, and deposited the grain in the hands of his servant.
+He gave wings to the seed of truth, and sent it in an instant
+over the whole length and breadth of his Church.</p>
+
+<p>Nobody appeared at the university next day to attack the propositions
+of Luther. The traffic of Tezel was too much in discredit,
+and too disgraceful for any other than himself, or some one of his
+creatures, to dare to take up the gauntlet. But these theses were
+destined to be heard in other places than under the roof of an
+academical hall. Scarcely had they been nailed to the door of
+the castle church of Wittemberg, than the feeble strokes of the
+hammer were followed throughout Germany by a blow which
+reached even to the foundations of proud Rome, threatening sudden
+ruin to the walls, the gates, and the pillars of the papacy,
+stunning and terrifying its champions, and at the same time
+awakening thousands from the sleep of error.<a name="FNanchor_369_369" id="FNanchor_369_369"></a><a href="#Footnote_369_369" class="fnanchor">[369]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span>
+These theses spread with the rapidity of lightning. A month
+had not elapsed before they were at Rome. "In a fortnight,"
+says a contemporary historian,<a name="FNanchor_370_370" id="FNanchor_370_370"></a><a href="#Footnote_370_370" class="fnanchor">[370]</a> "they were in every part of
+Germany, and in four weeks had traversed almost the whole of
+Christendom; as if the angels themselves had been the messengers,
+and carried them before the eyes of all men. Nobody can believe
+what a noise they made." They were afterwards translated into
+Dutch and Spanish, and a traveller even sold them at Jerusalem.
+"Every one," says Luther, "was complaining of the indulgences;
+and as all the bishops and doctors had kept silence, and nobody
+had ventured to bell the cat, poor Luther became a famous doctor,
+because, as they expressed it, one had at length come who dared
+to do it. But I liked not this glory; the music seemed to me too
+lofty for the words."<a name="FNanchor_371_371" id="FNanchor_371_371"></a><a href="#Footnote_371_371" class="fnanchor">[371]</a></p>
+
+<p>Some of the pilgrims, who had flocked from different countries
+to Wittemberg for the feast of All Saints, instead of indulgences
+carried home with them the famous theses of the Augustin
+monk, and thus helped to circulate them. All read, pondered,
+and commented on them. They occupied the attention of all convents
+and all universities.<a name="FNanchor_372_372" id="FNanchor_372_372"></a><a href="#Footnote_372_372" class="fnanchor">[372]</a> All pious monks who had entered the
+cloister to save their soul, all upright and honest men, rejoiced in
+this striking and simple confession of the truth, and wished with
+all their heart that Luther would continue the work which he had
+begun. At length a monk had had the courage to undertake this
+perilous contest. It was a reparation made to Christendom, and
+the public conscience was satisfied. In these theses piety saw a
+blow given to all kinds of superstition; the new theology hailed
+in them the defeat of the scholastic dogmas; princes and magistrates
+regarded them as a barrier raised against the encroachments
+of ecclesiastical power; while the nations were delighted at
+seeing the decided negative which this monk had given to the
+avarice of the Roman chancery. Erasmus, a man very worthy of
+credit, and one of the principal rivals of the Reformer, says to
+Duke George of Saxony, "When Luther attacked this fable, the
+whole world concurred in applauding him." "I observe," said he
+on another occasion to Cardinal Campeggi, "that those of the
+purest morals, and an evangelical piety, are the least opposed to
+Luther. His life is lauded even by those who cannot bear his
+faith. The world was weary of a doctrine containing so many
+childish fables, and was thirsting for that living water, pure and
+hidden, which issues from the springs of the evangelists and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span>
+apostles. The genius of Luther was fitted to accomplish these
+things, and his zeal must have animated him to the noble enterprise."<a name="FNanchor_373_373" id="FNanchor_373_373"></a><a href="#Footnote_373_373" class="fnanchor">[373]</a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. VI.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Reuchlin&mdash;Erasmus&mdash;Flek&mdash;Bibra&mdash;The Emperor&mdash;The Pope&mdash;Myconius&mdash;The
+Monks&mdash;Apprehensions&mdash;Adelman&mdash;An Old Priest&mdash;The Bishop&mdash;The Elector&mdash;The
+Inhabitants of Erfurt&mdash;Luther's Reply&mdash;Trouble&mdash;Luther's Moving Principle.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>We must follow these propositions wherever they penetrated; to
+the studies of the learned, the cells of monks, and the palaces of
+princes, in order to form some idea of the various but wonderful
+effects which they produced in Germany.</p>
+
+<p>Reuchlin received them. He was weary of the hard battle
+which he had been obliged to fight against the monks. The
+power which the new combatant displayed in his theses revived
+the spirit of the old champion of letters, and gave joy to his saddened
+heart. "Thanks be to God," exclaimed he, after he had
+read them, "now they have found a man who will give them so
+much to do, that they will be obliged to let me end my old age in
+peace."</p>
+
+<p>The prudent Erasmus was in the Netherlands when the theses
+reached him. He was inwardly delighted at seeing his secret
+wishes for the reformation of abuses expressed with so much
+boldness, and commended their author, only exhorting him to
+more moderation and prudence. Nevertheless, some persons in
+his presence blaming Luther's violence, he said, "God has given
+men a cure which cuts thus deep into the flesh, because otherwise
+the disease would be incurable." And at a later period when the
+Elector of Saxony asked his opinion as to Luther's affair, he replied
+with a smile, "I am not at all astonished at his having
+made so much noise, for he has committed two unpardonable
+faults; he has attacked the tiara of the pope and the belly of the
+monks."<a name="FNanchor_374_374" id="FNanchor_374_374"></a><a href="#Footnote_374_374" class="fnanchor">[374]</a></p>
+
+<p>Dr. Flek, prior of the cloister of Steinlausitz, had for some time
+given up reading mass, but had not told any one his reason.
+He one day found the theses of Luther posted up in the refectory of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span>
+his convent. He went up and began to read them, but had only
+perused a few, when unable to contain his joy, he exclaimed,
+"Well, well, he whom we have been so long looking for is come
+at last; and this you monks will see." Then reading in the future,
+says Mathesius, and playing upon the word Wittemberg, he
+said, "Everybody will come to seek wisdom at this mountain, and
+will find it.<a name="FNanchor_375_375" id="FNanchor_375_375"></a><a href="#Footnote_375_375" class="fnanchor">[375]</a> He wrote to the doctor to persevere courageously
+in his glorious combat. Luther calls him a man full of joy and
+consolation.</p>
+
+<p>The ancient and celebrated episcopal see of W�rzburg was then
+held by Lowrence de Bibra, a man, according to the testimony
+of his contemporaries, pious, honest, and wise. When a gentleman
+came to intimate to him that he intended his daughter for the
+cloister, "Give her rather a husband," said he; and then added,
+"Are you in want of money for that purpose? I will lend you."
+The emperor and all the princes held him in the highest esteem.
+He lamented the disorders of the Church, and especially those of
+convents. The theses having reached his palace also, he read
+them with great delight, and publicly declared his approbation of
+Luther. At a later period he wrote to the Elector Frederick,
+"Don't part with pious Dr. Martin Luther; for he has been
+wronged." The Elector delighted at this testimony, wrote the
+Reformer with his own hand to acquaint him with it.</p>
+
+<p>The Emperor Maximilian, predecessor of Charles V, also read
+and admired the theses of the monk of Wittemberg. He perceived
+his talents, and foresaw that this obscure Augustin might,
+indeed, become a powerful ally of Germany in her struggle with
+Rome. Accordingly, he instructed his envoy to say to the Elector
+of Saxony, "Take good care of the monk Luther, for the time
+may come when we shall have need of him;"<a name="FNanchor_376_376" id="FNanchor_376_376"></a><a href="#Footnote_376_376" class="fnanchor">[376]</a> and shortly after,
+being at a diet with Pfeffinger, the Elector's confidential councillor,
+he said to him, "Well what is your Augustin doing? Assuredly
+his propositions are not to be despised; he will give the
+monks enough to do."<a name="FNanchor_377_377" id="FNanchor_377_377"></a><a href="#Footnote_377_377" class="fnanchor">[377]</a></p>
+
+<p>At Rome even, and in the Vatican, the theses were not so ill
+received as might have been supposed. Leo X judged of them
+as a friend of letters, rather than a pope. The amusement which
+they gave him made him overlook the severe truths which they
+contained; and when Sylvester Prierias, the master of the sacred
+palace, who had the office of examining new works, urged him to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span>
+treat Luther as a heretic, he replied, "This Friar, Martin Luther,
+is a great genius; all that is said against him is mere monkish
+jealousy."<a name="FNanchor_378_378" id="FNanchor_378_378"></a><a href="#Footnote_378_378" class="fnanchor">[378]</a></p>
+
+<p>There were few on whom the theses of Luther produced a
+deeper impression than on the scholar of Annaberg, whom Tezel
+had so pitilessly repulsed. Myconius had entered a convent, and
+the very first evening dreamed he saw an immense field quite
+covered with ripe corn. "Cut," said the voice of his guide to him;
+and when he excused himself for want of skill, his guide showed
+him a reaper, who was working with inconceivable rapidity.
+"Follow, and do like him," said the guide.<a name="FNanchor_379_379" id="FNanchor_379_379"></a><a href="#Footnote_379_379" class="fnanchor">[379]</a> Myconius, eager for
+holiness as Luther had been, devoted himself when in the convent
+to vigils, fasts, macerations, and all the works invented by men;
+but at length he despaired of ever attaining the objects of his efforts.
+He abandoned study, and spent his whole time in manual
+labour. Sometimes he bound books, sometimes used the turning-lathe,
+and sometimes did any other kind of work. Still, however,
+this external labour did not appease his troubled conscience.
+God had spoken to him, and he could not fall back into his former
+slumber. This state of agony lasted for several years. It is
+sometimes supposed that the paths of the Reformers were quite
+smooth, and that after they renounced the observances of the
+Church, their remaining course was easy and pleasant. It is not
+considered that they arrived at the truth by means of internal
+struggles, a thousand times more painful than the observances to
+which servile minds easily submitted.</p>
+
+<p>At length the year 1517 arrived. The theses of Luther were
+published, and, traversing Christendom, arrived also at the convent
+where the scholar of Annaberg was residing. He hid himself
+in a corner of the cloister, with John Voit, another monk, that
+they might be able to read them without interruption.<a name="FNanchor_380_380" id="FNanchor_380_380"></a><a href="#Footnote_380_380" class="fnanchor">[380]</a> They contained
+the very truth of which his father had told him. His eyes
+were opened, he felt a voice within him responding to that which
+was then sounding throughout Germany, and great consolation
+filled his heart. "I see plainly," said he, "that Martin Luther is the
+reaper whom I saw in my dream, and who taught me to gather the
+ears of corn." He immediately began to profess the doctrine which
+Luther had proclaimed. The monks, alarmed when they heard
+him, argued with him, and declaimed against Luther and against
+his convent. "That convent," replied Myconius, "is like our Lord's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span>
+sepulchre; they wish to prevent Christ from rising again, but will
+not succeed." At last his superiors, seeing they could not convince
+him, interdicted him for a year and a half from all intercourse with
+the world, not permitting him even to write or to receive letters,
+and threatening him with perpetual imprisonment. However, for
+him also the hour of deliverance arrived. Being afterwards appointed
+pastor at Zwickau, he was the first who declared against
+the papacy in the churches of Thuringia. "Then," says he, "I
+could work with my venerable father Luther at the Gospel harvest."
+Jonas describes him as a man as able as he was willing.<a name="FNanchor_381_381" id="FNanchor_381_381"></a><a href="#Footnote_381_381" class="fnanchor">[381]</a></p>
+
+<p>Doubtless, there were others also to whom Luther's theses were
+the signal of life. They kindled a new light in many cells, cottages,
+and palaces. "While those who had entered convents in quest of
+good fare and indolence, or rank and honours," says Mathesius,
+"began to load the name of Luther with reproaches, the monks
+who lived in prayer, fasting, and mortification, thanked God as
+soon as they heard the cry of the eagle, announced by John Huss,
+a century before."<a name="FNanchor_382_382" id="FNanchor_382_382"></a><a href="#Footnote_382_382" class="fnanchor">[382]</a> Even the people who did not well understand
+the theology of the question, and who only knew that Luther was
+assailing the empire of mendicants and lazy monks, received it with
+bursts of joy. An immense sensation was produced in Germany by
+his bold propositions. However, some of the Reformer's contemporaries,
+who foresaw the consequences to which they might lead,
+and the numerous obstacles which they were destined to encounter,
+loudly expressed their fears, or at most rejoiced with trembling.</p>
+
+<p>"I am much afraid," wrote the excellent canon of Augsburg,
+Bernard Adelman, to his friend Pirckeimer, "that the worthy man
+must yield at last to the avarice and power of the partizans of indulgences.
+His representations have had so little effect, that the
+Bishop of Augsburg, our primate and metropolitan,<a name="FNanchor_383_383" id="FNanchor_383_383"></a><a href="#Footnote_383_383" class="fnanchor">[383]</a> has just ordered
+new indulgences, in the name of the pope, for St. Peter's at Rome.
+Let him hasten to seek the aid of princes. Let him beware of
+tempting God; for it were to show an absolute want of sense to
+overlook the imminent danger to which he is exposed." Adelman
+was greatly delighted when it was rumoured that Henry VIII had
+invited Luther to England. "There," thought he, "he will be
+able to teach the truth in peace." Several thus imagined that the
+doctrine of the gospel was to be supported by the power of princes,
+not knowing that it advances without this power, and is often
+trammelled and weakened by the possession of it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span>
+The celebrated historian, Albert Kranz, was at Hamburg on his
+deathbed, when Luther's theses were brought to him. "You are
+right, friar Martin," he exclaimed, "but you will not succeed....
+Poor monk! Go into your cell and cry, 'Lord, have mercy on
+me!'"<a name="FNanchor_384_384" id="FNanchor_384_384"></a><a href="#Footnote_384_384" class="fnanchor">[384]</a></p>
+
+<p>An old priest of Hexter in Westphalia, having received and read
+the theses in his presbytery, said in Low German, shaking his
+head, "Dear friar Martin! if you succeed in overthrowing this purgatory
+and all these paper merchants, assuredly you are a mighty
+segnior!" Erbenius, a century later, wrote beneath these words
+the following stanza:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Quid vero nunc si viveret,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Bonus iste clericus diceret?"<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">What then would the good clerk say,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Were he alive to see this day.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Not only did many of Luther's friends entertain fears as to the
+step which he had taken, but several even testified their disapprobation.</p>
+
+<p>The Bishop of Brandenburg, distressed at seeing his diocese the
+scene of so important a contest, was anxious to suppress it. He
+resolved to take the gentle method, and employed the Abbot of
+Lenin to say to Luther, in his name, "I don't find any thing in the
+theses contradictory of Catholic truth. I myself condemn these
+indiscreet proclamations; but for the love of peace and deference
+to your bishop, cease writing on the subject." Luther was confounded
+at being thus humbly addressed by so great an abbot and
+so great a bishop, and led away by the feelings of the moment, replied,
+"I consent. I would rather obey than work miracles, were
+it in my power."<a name="FNanchor_385_385" id="FNanchor_385_385"></a><a href="#Footnote_385_385" class="fnanchor">[385]</a></p>
+
+<p>The Elector was grieved at the commencement of a contest which
+was no doubt legitimate, but the end of which it was impossible to
+foresee. No prince was more desirous than Frederick for the maintenance
+of public peace. Now, what an immense fire might this
+small spark not kindle? What discord, what rending of nations,
+might this quarrel of monks not produce? The Elector repeatedly
+made Luther aware how much he was annoyed.<a name="FNanchor_386_386" id="FNanchor_386_386"></a><a href="#Footnote_386_386" class="fnanchor">[386]</a></p>
+
+<p>Even in his own order and his own convent of Wittemberg,
+Luther met with disapprobation. The prior and sub-prior, terrified
+at the clamour of Tezel and his companions, repaired in fear and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span>
+trembling to the cell of friar Martin, and said, "Do not, we entreat
+you, bring shame on our order. The other orders, and
+especially the Dominicans, are overjoyed to think that they are
+not to be alone in disgrace." Luther was moved by these words,
+but soon recovering himself, he replied, "Dear fathers, if the thing
+is not done in the name of God it will fail, but if it is, let it proceed."
+The prior and sub-prior said no more. "The thing proceeds
+even now," adds Luther, after relating this anecdote, "and,
+please God, always will proceed better and better, even to the
+end. Amen."<a name="FNanchor_387_387" id="FNanchor_387_387"></a><a href="#Footnote_387_387" class="fnanchor">[387]</a></p>
+
+<p>Luther had many other attacks to sustain. At Erfurt he was
+accused of violence and pride in his manner of condemning the
+opinions of others&mdash;the charge usually brought against those who
+act under the strong conviction which the word of God gives. He
+was also charged with precipitation and fickleness.</p>
+
+<p>"They call upon me for moderation," replied Luther, "and they
+themselves, in the judgment which they pass upon me, trample it
+under foot!... We see the mote in our brother's eye, and observe
+not the beam in our own.... Truth will no more gain by my moderation
+than it will lose by my presumption. I desire to know,"
+continued he, addressing Lange, "what errors you and your theologians
+have found in my theses? Who knows not that a new
+idea is seldom advanced without an appearance of arrogance, and
+an accusation of disputatiousness? Were humility herself to undertake
+something new, those of an opposite opinion would charge
+her with pride.<a name="FNanchor_388_388" id="FNanchor_388_388"></a><a href="#Footnote_388_388" class="fnanchor">[388]</a> Why were Christ and all the martyrs put to
+death? Because they were deemed proud despisers of the wisdom
+of the time, and advanced new truths without previously taking
+counsel of the organs of ancient opinion."</p>
+
+<p>"Let not the wise of the present day, then, expect of me humility,
+or rather hypocrisy enough, to ask their opinion before publishing
+what duty calls me to say. What I do will be done, not
+by the prudence of men, but by the counsel of God. If the work
+is of God, who can arrest it? If it is not of God, who can advance
+it?... Not my will, nor theirs, nor ours, but Thy will be done,
+O Holy Father who art in heaven!" In these words what courage,
+what noble enthusiasm, what confidence in God, and, above
+all, what truth, truth fitted to all times!</p>
+
+<p>Still the reproaches and accusations which assailed Luther from
+all quarters, failed not to make some impression on his mind.
+His hopes were disappointed. He had expected to see the heads<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span>
+of the church, and the most distinguished scholars of the nation,
+publicly uniting with him; but it was otherwise. A word of approbation,
+allowed to escape at the first moment of enthusiasm,
+was all that the best disposed gave him, while several of those
+whom he had till then most highly venerated were loud in censuring
+him. He felt himself alone in the whole Church,<a name="FNanchor_389_389" id="FNanchor_389_389"></a><a href="#Footnote_389_389" class="fnanchor">[389]</a> alone
+against Rome, alone at the foot of that ancient and formidable
+edifice, whose foundations lay deep in the bowels of the
+earth, whose battlements reached the clouds, and at which he had
+just struck a daring blow. He was troubled and depressed.
+Doubts which he thought he had surmounted returned with new
+force. He trembled at the thought of having the authority of the
+whole Church against him, of withdrawing from that authority
+and resisting that voice which nations and ages had humbly
+obeyed, of setting himself in opposition to that church which he had
+from infancy been accustomed to venerate as the mother of the
+faithful.... He a paltry monk ... the effort was too great for
+man.<a name="FNanchor_390_390" id="FNanchor_390_390"></a><a href="#Footnote_390_390" class="fnanchor">[390]</a> No step cost him more than this, and, accordingly, it was
+the step which decided the Reformation.</p>
+
+<p>The struggle which took place in his soul cannot be better described
+than in his own words. "I began this affair," says he,
+"with great fear and trembling. Who was I, a poor, miserable,
+despicable friar, liker a corpse than a living man;<a name="FNanchor_391_391" id="FNanchor_391_391"></a><a href="#Footnote_391_391" class="fnanchor">[391]</a>&mdash;who was
+I, to oppose the majesty of the pope, before whom not only the
+kings of the earth and the whole world, but also, if I may so speak,
+heaven and hell trembled, compelled to yield obedience to his
+nod? Nobody can imagine what my heart suffered during those two
+first years, and into what depression, I might say what despair,
+I was often plunged. No idea of it can be formed by those proud
+spirits who afterwards attacked the pope with great boldness, although
+with all their ability they could not have done him the
+least harm, had not Jesus Christ, by me his feeble and unworthy
+instrument, given him a wound which never will be cured. But
+while they were contented to look on, and leave me alone
+in danger, I was not so joyful, so tranquil, or so sure about the
+business; for at that time I did not know many things which,
+thank God, I know now. It is true, several pious Christians were
+much pleased with my Propositions, and set a great value upon
+them, but I could not own and regard them as the organs of the
+Holy Spirit. I looked only to the pope, the cardinals, bishops,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span>
+theologians, jurisconsults, monks, and priests. That was the direction
+from which I expected the Spirit to come. Still having,
+by means of Scripture, come off victorious over all contrary arguments,
+I have at length, by the grace of Christ, though after
+much pain, travail, and anguish, surmounted the only argument
+which arrested me, viz., that it is necessary to listen to the
+Church;<a name="FNanchor_392_392" id="FNanchor_392_392"></a><a href="#Footnote_392_392" class="fnanchor">[392]</a> for from the bottom of my heart I honoured the church
+of the pope as the true church, and did so with much more sincerity
+and veneration, than those shameless and infamous corrupters
+who are now so very forward in opposing me. Had I despised
+the pope as much as he is despised in the hearts of those who
+praise him so loudly with their lips, I would have dreaded that
+the earth would instantly open and swallow me up as it did Corah
+and his company!"</p>
+
+<p>How honourable these misgivings are to Luther! How well
+they display the sincerity and uprightness of his soul! And how
+much more worthy of respect do those painful assaults which he
+had to sustain, both within and without, prove him to be, than
+mere intrepidity without any such struggle, could have done!
+The travail of his soul clearly displays the truth and divinity of
+his work. We see that their origin and principle were in heaven.
+After all the facts which we have stated, who will presume to say
+that the Reformation was an affair of politics? No, assuredly; it
+was not the effect of human policy, but of the power of God. Had
+Luther been urged by human passions only, he would have yielded
+to his fears; his miscalculations and scruples would have
+smothered the fire which had been kindled in his soul, and he would
+only have thrown a transient gleam upon the Church, in the same
+way as the many zealous and pious men, whose names have come
+down to us. But now God's time had arrived; the work was not
+to be arrested; the emancipation of the Church was to be accomplished.
+Luther was destined at least to prepare that complete
+emancipation and those extensive developments which are promised
+to the kingdom of Christ. Accordingly, he experienced the
+truth of the magnificent promise, "The strong men shall faint
+and be weary, and the young men utterly fail; but they who wait
+upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up
+with wings like eagles." This Divine power which filled the
+heart of the doctor of Wittemberg, and which had engaged him in
+the combat, soon gave him back all his former resolution.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAP. VII.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Tezel's Attack&mdash;Luther's Reply&mdash;Good Works&mdash;Luther and Spalatin&mdash;Study of
+Scripture&mdash;Scheurl and Luther&mdash;Doubts on the Theses&mdash;Luther for the People&mdash;A
+New Suit.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>The reproaches, timidity, or silence, of Luther's friends had
+discouraged him; the attacks of his enemies had the very opposite
+effect. This frequently happens. The adversaries of the truth,
+while thinking by their violence to do their own work, often do
+that of God himself.<a name="FNanchor_393_393" id="FNanchor_393_393"></a><a href="#Footnote_393_393" class="fnanchor">[393]</a> The gauntlet which had been thrown down
+was taken up by Tezel with a feeble hand. Luther's sermon,
+which had been to the people what his theses had been to the
+learned, was the subject of his first reply. He refuted it point by
+point, in his own way, and then announced that he was preparing
+to combat his adversary at greater length in theses which he would
+maintain at the university of Frankfort on the Oder. "Then,"
+said he, adverting to the conclusion of Luther's sermon; "then
+every one will be able to judge who is heresiarch, heretic, schismatic,
+erroneous, rash, and calumnious. Then will it be manifest to
+the eyes of all who has a dull brain, who has never felt the Bible,
+read Christian doctrines, understood his own teachers.... In
+maintaining the propositions which I advance, I am ready to suffer
+all things, prison, cudgel, water, and fire."</p>
+
+<p>One thing which strikes us in reading this production of Tezel
+is the difference between his German and that of Luther. One
+would say that an interval of several ages is between them. A
+foreigner, especially, sometimes finds it difficult to comprehend
+Tezel, whereas the language of Luther is almost the same as that
+of our day. A comparison of the two is sufficient to show that
+Luther is the creator of the German language. No doubt, this is
+one of his least merits, but still it is one.</p>
+
+<p>Luther replied without naming Tezel; Tezel had not named
+him. But there was nobody in Germany who could not have
+placed at the head of their publications the name which they had
+judged it expedient to suppress. Tezel tried to confound the repentance
+which God demands with the penance which the Church
+imposes, in order to give a higher value to his indulgences. Luther
+made it his business to clear up this point.</p>
+
+<p>"To avoid many words," said he, in his graphic style, "I give<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span>
+to the wind (which, besides, has more leisure than I have) his
+other words, which are only sheets of paper and withered leaves;
+and I content myself with examining the foundations of his house
+of bur-thistle.</p>
+
+<p>"The penitence which the holy father imposes cannot be that
+which Jesus Christ demands; for whatever the holy father imposes
+he can dispense with; and if these two penitences were
+one and the same, it would follow that the holy father takes away
+what Jesus appoints, and thereby makes void the commandment
+of God.... Ah! if it so pleases him, let him maltreat me," continues
+Luther, after quoting other false interpretations of Tezel;
+"let him call me heretic, schismatic, calumniator, or anything
+he likes; I will not on that account be his enemy, but will pray
+for him as for a friend. But it is not possible to allow him to
+treat the Holy Scriptures, our consolation, (Rom., xv, 4,) as a
+sow treats a sack of corn."<a name="FNanchor_394_394" id="FNanchor_394_394"></a><a href="#Footnote_394_394" class="fnanchor">[394]</a></p>
+
+<p>We must accustom ourselves to Luther's occasional use of expressions
+too harsh and homely for our age,&mdash;it was the custom
+of the time; and under those words which in our days would violate
+the proprieties of language, there is usually a force and justice
+which disposes us to pardon their rankness. He continues
+thus:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"He who buys indulgences, say our adversaries, does better
+than he who gives alms to a poor man not absolutely in extremity.
+Now, let them tell us that the Turks are profaning our
+churches and crosses, we will be able to hear it without a shudder;
+for we have amongst ourselves Turks a hundred times worse,
+who profane and annihilate the only true sanctuary, the word of
+God, which sanctifies all things.... Let him who would follow
+this precept take good care not to give food to the hungry, nor
+clothing to the naked, before they give up the ghost, and, consequently,
+have no need of his assistance."</p>
+
+<p>It is important to contrast the zeal which Luther thus manifests
+for good works with what he says of justification by faith. Indeed,
+no man who has any experience, or any knowledge of
+Christianity, needs this new proof of a truth of which he is fully
+assured; viz., that the more we adhere to justification by faith,
+the more strongly we feel the necessity of works, and the more
+diligently we practise them; whereas lax views as to the doctrine
+of faith necessarily lead to laxity of conduct. Luther, as St.
+Paul before, and Howard after him, are proofs of the former; all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span>
+men without faith (and with such the world is filled) are proofs
+of the latter.</p>
+
+<p>Luther comes next to the insulting language of Tezel, and pays
+him back in his own way. "At the sound of these invectives
+methinks I hear a large ass braying at me. I am delighted at it,
+and would be very sorry that such people should give me the
+name of a good Christian." We must give Luther as he is with
+all his foibles. This turn for pleasantry, coarse pleasantry, was
+one of them. The Reformer was a great man, undoubtedly a
+man of God; but he was a man, not an angel, and not even a
+perfect man. Who is entitled to call upon him for perfection?</p>
+
+<p>"For the rest," adds he, challenging his opponents to the combat,
+"although it is not usual to burn heretics for such points,
+here, at Wittemberg, am I, Doctor Martin Luther! Is there any
+inquisitor who pretends to chew fire, and make rocks leap into the
+air? I give him to know, that he has a safe-conduct to come here,
+an open door, and bed and board certain, all by the gracious care
+of our admirable Duke Frederick, who will never protect heresy."<a name="FNanchor_395_395" id="FNanchor_395_395"></a><a href="#Footnote_395_395" class="fnanchor">[395]</a></p>
+
+<p>We see that Luther was not deficient in courage. He trusted
+to the word of God&mdash;a rock which never gives way in the tempest.
+But God in faithfulness gave him still further aid. The
+bursts of joy with which the multitude had hailed Luther's theses
+were soon succeeded by a gloomy silence. The learned had timidly
+drawn back on hearing the calamities and insults of Tezel
+and the Dominicans. The bishops, who had previously been loud
+in condemnation of the abuses of indulgences, seeing them at
+length attacked, had not failed, with an inconsistency of which
+there are but too many examples, to find that at that time the
+attack was inopportune. The greater part of the Reformer's
+friends were frightened. Several of them had fled. But when
+the first terror was over, the minds of men took an opposite direction.
+The monk of Wittemberg soon saw himself again surrounded
+with a great number of friends and admirers.</p>
+
+<p>There was one who, although timid, remained faithful to him
+throughout this crisis, and whose friendship at once solaced and
+supported him. This was Spalatin. Their correspondence was
+not interrupted. "I thank you," says he, when speaking of a particular
+mark of friendship which he had received from him; "but
+what do I not owe you?"<a name="FNanchor_396_396" id="FNanchor_396_396"></a><a href="#Footnote_396_396" class="fnanchor">[396]</a> It was on the 11th November, just
+fifteen days after the publication of the theses, and consequently<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span>
+when the minds of men were in a state of the greatest fermentation,
+that Luther thus delights to unbosom his gratitude to his
+friend.</p>
+
+<p>In the same letter to Spalatin, it is interesting to see the strong
+man, who had just performed a most daring exploit, declaring
+from what source he derives his strength. "We can do nothing
+of ourselves; we can do everything by the grace of God. By us
+all ignorance is invincible, but no ignorance is invincible by the
+grace of God. The more we endeavour of ourselves to attain to
+wisdom, the nearer we approach to folly.<a name="FNanchor_397_397" id="FNanchor_397_397"></a><a href="#Footnote_397_397" class="fnanchor">[397]</a> It is not true that
+this invincible ignorance excuses the sinner; were it so there
+would be no sin in the world."</p>
+
+<p>Luther had not sent his propositions, either to the prince or to
+any of his courtiers. The chaplain seems to have expressed some
+surprise at this, and Luther answers:&mdash;"I did not wish my theses
+to reach our illustrious prince or any of his court, before those who
+think themselves specially addressed had received them, lest
+it should be thought that I had published them by order of the
+prince or to gain his favour, or from opposition to the Bishop of
+Mentz. I hear there are already several who dream such things.
+But now I can swear in all safety that my theses were published
+without the knowledge of Duke Frederick."<a name="FNanchor_398_398" id="FNanchor_398_398"></a><a href="#Footnote_398_398" class="fnanchor">[398]</a></p>
+
+<p>If Spalatin solaced his friend, and supported him by his influence,
+Luther on his part was desirous to meet the requests of
+the modest chaplain. The latter, among other questions, asked
+one which is frequently repeated in our day, "What is the best
+method of studying the Holy Scriptures?"</p>
+
+<p>"Till now, my dear Spalatin," replied Luther, "you have asked
+questions which I could answer. But to direct you in the study
+of the Scriptures is more than I am able to do. However, if you
+would absolutely know my method, I will not hide it from you.</p>
+
+<p>"It is most certain that we cannot succeed in comprehending
+the Scripture either by study or mere intellect. Your first duty,
+then, is to begin with prayer.<a name="FNanchor_399_399" id="FNanchor_399_399"></a><a href="#Footnote_399_399" class="fnanchor">[399]</a> Entreat the Lord that he will in
+his great mercy deign to grant you the true knowledge of his
+Word. There is no other interpreter of the word of God than
+the Author of that word according as it is said, 'They will all be
+taught of God.' Hope nothing from your works, nothing from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span>
+your intellect. Trust only in God, and in the influence of his
+Spirit. Believe one who is speaking from experience."<a name="FNanchor_400_400" id="FNanchor_400_400"></a><a href="#Footnote_400_400" class="fnanchor">[400]</a></p>
+
+<p>We here see how Luther attained possession of the truth of
+which he was a preacher. It was not, as some pretend, by confiding
+in a presumptuous reason, nor, as others maintain, by abandoning
+himself to hateful passions. The source from which he
+drew it was the purest, holiest, and most sublime&mdash;God himself
+consulted in humility, confidence, and prayer. Few in our day
+imitate him, and hence few comprehend him. To a serious mind
+these words of Luther are in themselves a justification of the Reformation.</p>
+
+<p>Luther likewise found comfort in the friendship of respectable
+laymen. Christopher Scheurl, the excellent secretary of the imperial
+city of Nuremberg, gave him gratifying marks of his friendship.
+We know how pleasant expressions of sympathy are to the
+man who feels himself assailed from all quarters. The secretary
+of Nuremberg did more; he tried to make friends to his friend.
+He urged him to dedicate one of his works to a then celebrated
+lawyer of Nuremberg, named Jerome Ebner:&mdash;"You have a high
+idea of my studies," modestly replied Luther; "but I have the
+poorest idea of them myself. Nevertheless, I was desirous to
+meet your wishes. I have searched ... ; but in all my store,
+which I never found so meagre, nothing presented itself which
+seemed at all worthy of being dedicated to so great a man by so
+little a man."<a name="FNanchor_401_401" id="FNanchor_401_401"></a><a href="#Footnote_401_401" class="fnanchor">[401]</a> Striking humility! It is Luther who speaks thus,
+and the person with whom he contrasts himself is Doctor Ebner,
+who is altogether unknown to us. Posterity has not ratified
+Luther's judgment.</p>
+
+<p>Luther, who had done nothing to circulate his theses, had not
+sent them to Scheurl any more than to the Elector and his courtiers.
+The secretary of Nuremberg expressed his surprise. "I
+had no intention," replies Luther, "to give my theses so much publicity.
+I wished only to confer on their contents with some of
+those who reside with us or near us;<a name="FNanchor_402_402" id="FNanchor_402_402"></a><a href="#Footnote_402_402" class="fnanchor">[402]</a> intending, if they condemned,
+to destroy, and if they approved, to publish them. But
+now they are printed, reprinted, and spread far and wide, beyond
+my expectation; so much so that I repent of their production.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span><a name="FNanchor_403_403" id="FNanchor_403_403"></a><a href="#Footnote_403_403" class="fnanchor">[403]</a>
+Not that I have any fear of the truth being known by the people,
+(for this was all I sought,) but this is not the way of instructing
+them. There are questions in the theses as to which I have still
+my doubts; and if I had thought that they were to produce
+such a sensation, there are things which I would have omitted,
+and others which I would have affirmed with greater confidence."
+Luther afterwards thought differently. Far from fearing he had
+said too much, he declared that he ought to have said still more.
+But the apprehensions which Luther expresses to Scheurl do
+honour to his sincerity. They show that he had nothing like a
+premeditated plan, had no party spirit, no overweening conceit,
+and sought nothing but the truth. When he had fully discovered
+the truth, his language was different. "You will find in my first
+writings," said he, many years after, "that I very humbly made
+many concessions to the pope, and on points of great importance;
+concessions which I now detest, and regard as abominable and
+blasphemous."<a name="FNanchor_404_404" id="FNanchor_404_404"></a><a href="#Footnote_404_404" class="fnanchor">[404]</a></p>
+
+<p>Scheurl was not the only layman of importance who, at this
+time, testified his friendship for Luther. The celebrated painter,
+Albert Durer, sent him a present, (perhaps one of his pictures,)
+and the doctor expressed his sense of the obligation in the warmest
+terms.<a name="FNanchor_405_405" id="FNanchor_405_405"></a><a href="#Footnote_405_405" class="fnanchor">[405]</a></p>
+
+<p>Thus Luther had practical experience of the truth of that saying
+of Divine wisdom:&mdash;"A friend loveth at all times; and a
+brother is born for adversity." Those words he remembered for
+the sake of others also, and accordingly pleaded the cause of the
+whole population. The Elector had just levied a tax, and it was
+confidently alleged that he was going to levy another, probably
+on the advice of his counsellor Pfeffinger, against whom Luther
+often throws out cutting sarcasms. The doctor boldly placed himself
+in the breach. "Let not your Highness," said he, "despise
+the prayer of a poor mendicant. In the name of God I entreat
+you not to order a new tax. My heart is broken, as well as that
+of several of your most devoted servants, at seeing how much the
+last has injured your fair fame, and the popularity which your
+Highness enjoyed. It is true that God has endowed you with
+profound intellect, so that you see much farther into things than
+I, or doubtless all your subjects, do. But, perhaps, it is the will
+of God that a feeble intellect instruct a great one, in order that no
+one may trust in himself, but only in the Lord our God. May he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span>
+deign to keep your body in health for our good, and destine your
+soul to life eternal. Amen." In this way it is that the gospel,
+while it makes us honour kings, makes us also plead the cause of
+the people. While it tells them of their duties, it, at the same
+time, reminds the prince of their rights. The voice of a Christian
+such as Luther, raised in the cabinet of a sovereign, might often
+supply the place of a whole assembly of legislators.</p>
+
+<p>In this letter, in which Luther addresses a harsh lesson to the
+Elector, he fears not to present a request to him, or rather to remind
+him of a promise, viz., to give him a new suit. This freedom
+of Luther, at a moment when he might have feared he had
+given offence to Frederick, is equally honourable to the prince and
+to the Reformer. "But," adds he, "if it is Pfeffinger who has
+the charge of it, let him give it in reality, and not in protestations
+of friendship. He knows very well how to weave a web of good
+words, but no good cloth ever comes out of it." Luther thought,
+that, by the faithful counsel which he had given to his prince, he
+had well deserved his court dress.<a name="FNanchor_406_406" id="FNanchor_406_406"></a><a href="#Footnote_406_406" class="fnanchor">[406]</a> Be this as it may, two years
+later he had not received it, and renewed his request.<a name="FNanchor_407_407" id="FNanchor_407_407"></a><a href="#Footnote_407_407" class="fnanchor">[407]</a> This seems
+to indicate that Frederick was not so much under the influence of
+Luther as has been said.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. VIII.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Disputation at Frankfort&mdash;Tezel's Theses&mdash;Menaces&mdash;Opposition of Knipstrow&mdash;Luther's
+Theses Burnt&mdash;The Monks&mdash;Luther's Peace&mdash;Tezel's Theses Burnt&mdash;Luther's
+Vexation.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>The minds of men had thus gradually recovered from their first
+alarm. Luther himself was disposed to declare that his words
+did not mean so much as had been imagined. New circumstances
+might divert public attention, and the blow struck at Roman doctrine
+might, as had been the case with so many others, spend itself
+in the air. The partisans of Rome prevented this result. They
+fanned the flame instead of smothering it.</p>
+
+<p>Tezel and the Dominicans replied haughtily to the attack which
+had been made upon them. Burning with eagerness to crush the
+audacious monk who had disturbed their traffic, and to gain the
+favour of the Roman pontiff, they uttered cries of rage. They
+maintained that to attack the indulgence ordered by the pope was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span>
+to attack the pope himself, and they called in the aid of all the
+monks and theologians of their school.<a name="FNanchor_408_408" id="FNanchor_408_408"></a><a href="#Footnote_408_408" class="fnanchor">[408]</a> In fact, Tezel felt that
+an opponent like Luther was too much for him single-handed.
+Quite disconcerted, but more especially enraged at the doctor's
+attack, he quitted the environs of Wittemberg, and repaired to
+Frankfort on the Oder, where he arrived as early as November,
+1517. The university of that town, like that of Wittemberg, was
+of recent date. One of the professors was Conrad Wimpina, a
+man of much eloquence, an old rival of Pollich of Mellerstadt, and
+one of the most distinguished theologians of the time. Wimpina's
+envy was excited both by the doctor and by the university of Wittemberg;
+for their reputation obscured his. Tezel applied to him
+for a reply to Luther's theses, and Wimpina wrote two series of
+antitheses, the former to defend the doctrine of indulgences, and
+the latter to defend the authority of the pope.</p>
+
+<p>This disputation, which had been long prepared and loudly advertised,
+and of which Tezel entertained the highest hopes, took
+place on the 20th January, 1518. Tezel having beaten up for recruits,
+monks had been sent from all the neighbouring cloisters,
+and assembled to the number of more than three hundred. Tezel
+read his theses, one of which declared, "that whosoever says that
+the soul does not fly away from purgatory as soon as the money
+tinkles on the bottom of the strong box, is in error."<a name="FNanchor_409_409" id="FNanchor_409_409"></a><a href="#Footnote_409_409" class="fnanchor">[409]</a></p>
+
+<p>But, above all, he maintained propositions, according to which,
+the pope appeared to be truly, as the apostle expresses it, <i>seated as
+God in the temple of God</i>. It was convenient for this shameless
+merchant to take refuge under the pope's mantle, with all his disorders
+and scandals.</p>
+
+<p>In presence of the numerous assembly in which he stood, he declared
+himself ready to maintain as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>3. "Christians must be taught that the pope, by the greatness
+of his power, is above the whole universal Church and all councils.
+His orders ought to be implicitly obeyed.</p>
+
+<p>4. "Christians must be taught that the pope alone is entitled
+to decide in matters of Christian faith; that he, and none but he,
+has the power to explain the meaning of Scripture in his own
+sense, and to approve or condemn all words or works of others.</p>
+
+<p>5. "Christians must be taught that the judgment of the pope<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span>
+in things which concern Christian faith, and which are necessary
+to the salvation of the human race, cannot possibly err.</p>
+
+<p>6. "Christians must be taught that in matters of faith they
+ought to lean and rest more upon the opinion of the pope, as manifested
+by his decisions, than on the opinion of all wise men, as
+drawn by them out of Scripture.</p>
+
+<p>8. "Christians must be taught that those who attack the
+honour and dignity of the pope are guilty of the crime of lese-majesty,
+and deserve malediction.</p>
+
+<p>17. "Christians must be taught that there are many things
+which the Church regards as authentic articles of universal truth,
+although they are not found either in the canon of Scripture or in
+ancient doctors.</p>
+
+<p>44. "Christians must be taught to regard those as obstinate
+heretics, who, by their words, their actions, or their writings, declare
+that they would not retract their heretical propositions were
+excommunication after excommunication to rain or hail upon
+them.</p>
+
+<p>48. "Christians must be taught that those who protect heretics
+in their error, and who, by their authority, prevent them from
+being brought before the judge who is entitled to try them, are
+excommunicated; that if, in the space of a year, they desist not
+from doing so, they will be declared infamous, and severely punished
+with various punishments, in terms of law, and to the terror
+of all men.<a name="FNanchor_410_410" id="FNanchor_410_410"></a><a href="#Footnote_410_410" class="fnanchor">[410]</a></p>
+
+<p>50. "Christians must be told that those who spoil so many
+books and so much paper, and who preach or dispute publicly and
+wickedly on the confession of the mouth, the satisfaction of works,
+the rich and great indulgences of the Bishop of Rome, and on his
+power; that those who ally themselves with those so preaching or
+writing, who take pleasure in their writings, and circulate them
+among the people and in the world; that those, in fine, who secretly
+speak of those things in a contemptuous and irreverent
+manner, may well tremble at incurring the pains which have just
+been named, and of precipitating themselves and others with
+them, at the last day, into eternal condemnation, and even here
+below into great disgrace. For every beast that toucheth the
+mountain shall be stoned."</p>
+
+<p>We see that Luther was not the only person whom Tezel
+attacked. In the forty-eighth thesis he had probably the Elector<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span>
+of Saxony in view. These propositions savour much of the Dominican.
+To threaten every contradictor with severe punishment
+was an inquisitor's argument, and scarcely admitted of a reply.
+The three hundred monks whom Tezel had brought together gaped
+and stared in admiration of his discourse. The theologians of the
+university were too much afraid of being classed with the abettors
+of heresy, or were too much attached to the principles of Wimpina,
+candidly to adopt the extraordinary theses which had just been
+read.</p>
+
+<p>The whole affair, about which so much noise had been made,
+seemed destined to be only a sham fight; but among the crowd
+of students present at the disputation was a young man of about
+twenty, named John Knipstrow. He had read the theses of
+Luther, and found them conformable to the doctrines of Scripture.
+Indignant at seeing the truth publicly trampled under foot, while
+no one appeared to defend it, this young man rose up, to the great
+astonishment of the whole assembly, and attacked the presumptuous
+Tezel. The poor Dominican, who had not counted on such
+opposition, was quite disconcerted. After some efforts, he quitted
+the field of battle, and gave place to Wimpina, who made a more
+vigorous resistance; but Knipstrow pressed him so closely, that,
+to put an end to a contest, which in his eyes was so unbecoming,
+Wimpina, who presided, declared the discussion closed, and proceeded
+forthwith to confer the degree of doctor on Tezel, in recompence
+of this glorious combat. Wimpina, to disencumber himself
+of the young orator, caused him to be sent to the convent of
+Pyritz in Pomerania, with orders that he should be strictly watched.
+But this dawning light was only removed from the banks of
+the Oder that it might afterwards shed a bright effulgence in Pomerania.<a name="FNanchor_411_411" id="FNanchor_411_411"></a><a href="#Footnote_411_411" class="fnanchor">[411]</a>
+When God sees it meet, he employs scholars to confound
+teachers.</p>
+
+<p>Tezel, wishing to repair the check which he had received, had
+recourse to the <i>ultima ratio</i> of Rome and the inquisitors,&mdash;I mean
+the faggot. On a public walk in one of the suburbs of Frankfort,
+he caused a pulpit and a scaffold to be erected, and repaired thither
+in solemn procession with his <i>insignia</i> of inquisitor. Mounting the
+pulpit, he let loose all his fury. He darted his thunder, and with
+his Stentorian voice exclaimed, that the heretic Luther ought to
+be burned alive. Then placing the doctor's theses and sermon on
+the scaffold, he burned them.<a name="FNanchor_412_412" id="FNanchor_412_412"></a><a href="#Footnote_412_412" class="fnanchor">[412]</a> He was better acquainted with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span>
+this kind of work than with the defence of theses. Here he met
+with no opponents, and his victory was complete. The impudent
+Dominican returned in triumph to Frankfort. When parties in
+power are vanquished, they have recourse to certain demonstrations
+which must be conceded to them as a kind of consolation to
+their disgrace.</p>
+
+<p>The second theses of Tezel form an important epoch in the Reformation.
+They changed the locality of the dispute, transporting
+it from the indulgence market to the halls of the Vatican, and
+diverting it from Tezel to the pope. Instead of the contemptible
+creature whom Luther had taken in his fist, they substituted the
+sacred person of the Head of the church. Luther was stunned at
+this. It is probable that he would himself have taken the step at
+a later period, but his enemies spared him the trouble. Thenceforward
+the question related not merely to a disreputable traffic,
+but to Rome; and the blow by which a bold hand had tried to
+demolish the shop of Tezel, shook the very foundations of the pontifical
+throne.</p>
+
+<p>Tezel's theses were only a signal to the Roman troops. A
+cry against Luther arose among the monks, who were infuriated
+at the appearance of an adversary more formidable than
+either Erasmus or Reuchlin had been. The name of Luther
+resounded from the pulpits of the Dominicans, who addressed
+themselves to the passions of the people, and inveighed against
+the courageous doctor, as a madman, a deceiver, and a demoniac.
+His doctrine was denounced as the most dreadful heresy. "Wait
+only for a fortnight, or four weeks at farthest," said they, "and
+this noted heretic will be burned." Had it depended only on
+the Dominicans, the fate of the Saxon doctor had soon been that
+of Huss and Jerome, but his life was destined to accomplish what
+the ashes of Huss had begun. Each does the work of God, one by
+his death, and another by his life. Several now began to cry
+out that the whole university of Wittemberg was tainted with
+heresy, and pronounced it infamous.<a name="FNanchor_413_413" id="FNanchor_413_413"></a><a href="#Footnote_413_413" class="fnanchor">[413]</a> "Let us pursue the villain,
+and all his partisans," continued they. In several places these
+exclamations had the effect of stirring up the passions of the
+people. Those who shared the opinions of the Reformer had the
+public attention directed towards them; and in every place where
+the monks were strongest, the friends of the gospel felt the effects
+of their hatred. Thus, in regard to the Reformation, the Saviour's
+prediction began to be accomplished, "They will revile you and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span>
+persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for
+my sake." This is a recompence which the world at no time fails
+to bestow on the decided friends of the gospel.</p>
+
+<p>When Luther was made acquainted with Tezel's theses, and
+with the general attack of which they were the signal, his courage
+rose. He felt that it was necessary to withstand such adversaries
+to the face; and his intrepid zeal had no difficulty in resolving so
+to do. At the same time, their feebleness made him aware of his
+own strength, and told him what he was.</p>
+
+<p>He did not, however, allow himself to give way to those emotions
+of pride which are so natural to the heart of man. "It gives
+me more difficulty," he writes to Spalatin, "to refrain from despising
+my adversaries, and so sinning against Jesus Christ, than it
+would give me to vanquish them. They are so ignorant in things
+human and divine, that one is ashamed at having to fight with
+them; and yet it is their very ignorance which gives them their
+inconceivable audacity and face of brass."<a name="FNanchor_414_414" id="FNanchor_414_414"></a><a href="#Footnote_414_414" class="fnanchor">[414]</a> But the most powerful
+support to Luther's heart, in the midst of this universal opposition,
+was the deep conviction that his cause was the cause of truth.
+"Let it not surprise you," he writes to Spalatin, at the beginning
+of the year 1518, "that I am so much insulted. I am delighted
+with these insults. Did they not curse me, I could not believe so
+firmly that the cause which I have undertaken is God's own cause.<a name="FNanchor_415_415" id="FNanchor_415_415"></a><a href="#Footnote_415_415" class="fnanchor">[415]</a>
+Christ has been set up for a sign to be spoken against. I know,"
+added he, "that from the beginning of the world the nature of the
+word of God has been such, that every one who has preached it
+to the world, has been obliged, like the apostles, to leave all and
+lay his account with death. Were it otherwise, it would not be
+the word of Jesus Christ."<a name="FNanchor_416_416" id="FNanchor_416_416"></a><a href="#Footnote_416_416" class="fnanchor">[416]</a> This peace in the midst of agitation
+is a thing unknown to the world's heroes. Men placed at the head
+of a government, or of a political party, are seen to give way under
+their labours and their vexations. The Christian in his struggles
+usually acquires new strength, because he has access to a mysterious
+source of repose and courage, unknown to those whose eyes
+are closed to the gospel.</p>
+
+<p>One thing, however, sometimes distressed Luther, viz., the
+thought of the dissensions which his courageous opposition might
+produce. He knew that a single word might be sufficient to set
+the world in a flame; and when he foresaw prince against prince,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span>
+and perhaps nation against nation, his patriotic heart was saddened,
+and his Christian charity alarmed. His wish was for peace;
+but he behoved to speak out. So God required. "I tremble,"
+said he, "I shudder at the thought of being the cause of discord
+among such mighty princes."<a name="FNanchor_417_417" id="FNanchor_417_417"></a><a href="#Footnote_417_417" class="fnanchor">[417]</a></p>
+
+<p>He still kept silence in regard to Tezel's propositions concerning
+the pope. Had he been carried away by passion, he would
+doubtless have made an impetuous assault on the extraordinary
+doctrine under which his opponents sought to take shelter. He
+did not do so; and there is in this delay, reserve, and silence,
+something grave and solemn, which sufficiently explains the spirit
+by which he was animated. He waited, but not through weakness;
+for when he struck he gave a heavier blow.</p>
+
+<p>Tezel, after his <i>auto da fe</i> at Frankfort on the Oder, had hastened
+to send his theses into Saxony. There, thought he, they will serve
+as an antidote to those of Luther. A man from Halle, employed
+by the inquisitor to circulate his propositions, arrived at Wittemberg.
+The students of the university, still indignant at Tezel for
+having burned the theses of their master, no sooner heard of the
+messenger's arrival, than they sought him out, and, gathering
+round, jostled and frightened him. "How dare you bring such
+things here?" demanded they. Some purchasing part of the copies
+with which he was provided, and others seizing the rest, they got
+possession of his whole stock, amounting to eight hundred copies.
+Then, unknown to the Elector, the senate, the rector, Luther, and
+all the other professors,<a name="FNanchor_418_418" id="FNanchor_418_418"></a><a href="#Footnote_418_418" class="fnanchor">[418]</a> they put up the following notice on the
+boards of the university:&mdash;"Whosoever is desirous to be present
+at the burning and funeral of Tezel's theses, let him repair at
+two o'clock to the market-place."</p>
+
+<p>Crowds assembled at the hour, and committed the propositions
+of the Dominican to the flames, amid loud acclamations. One
+copy which escaped, Luther afterwards sent to his friend, Lange
+of Erfurt. These generous but imprudent youths followed the old
+precept, "<i>Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth</i>" and not that of Jesus
+Christ; but after the example which doctors and professors had
+given at Frankfort, can we be astonished that young students
+followed it at Wittemberg? The news of this academical execution
+spread throughout Germany, and made a great noise.<a name="FNanchor_419_419" id="FNanchor_419_419"></a><a href="#Footnote_419_419" class="fnanchor">[419]</a> Luther
+was extremely vexed at it.</p>
+
+<p>"I am astonished," he writes to his old master, Jodocus, at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span>
+Erfurt, "how you could think it was I that burned Tezel's theses.
+Do you think that I am so devoid of sense? But what can I do?
+When I am the subject of remark, every thing seems to be believed.<a name="FNanchor_420_420" id="FNanchor_420_420"></a><a href="#Footnote_420_420" class="fnanchor">[420]</a>
+Can I tie up the tongues of the whole world? Very
+well! Let them say, let them hear, let them see, let them pretend
+whatever they please; I will act as long as the Lord gives me
+strength, and with his help will fear nothing." "What will come
+out of it," says he to Lange, "I know not, unless it be that my
+danger is much increased."<a name="FNanchor_421_421" id="FNanchor_421_421"></a><a href="#Footnote_421_421" class="fnanchor">[421]</a> The act of the students shows how
+much their hearts already burned for the cause which Luther
+defended. This was an important symptom; for a movement
+among the young of necessity soon extends to the whole nation.</p>
+
+<p>The theses of Tezel and Wimpina, though little esteemed, produced
+a certain effect. They heightened the dispute, widened the
+rent which had been made in the mantle of the Church, and
+brought questions of the highest interest into the field. Accordingly,
+the heads of the Church began to look more narrowly at the
+matter, and to declare decidedly against the Reformer. "Verily, I
+know not in whom Luther confides," said the Bishop of Brandenburg,
+"when he dares thus attack the power of bishops." Perceiving
+that this new circumstance called for new proceedings, the
+bishop came in person to Wittemberg; but he found Luther animated
+with the inward joy which a good conscience imparts, and
+determined to give battle. The bishop felt that the Augustin monk
+was obeying an authority superior to his, and returned to Brandenburg
+in a rage. One day, in the winter of 1518, when sitting
+at his fireside, he turned to those who were about him and said,
+"I will not lay down my head in peace till I have thrown Martin
+into the fire, as I do this brand," throwing one into the grate.
+The revolution of the sixteenth century was not to be accomplished
+by the heads of the Church any more than that of the first century
+had been by the Sanhedrim and the synagogue. In the
+sixteenth century, the heads of the Church were opposed to Luther,
+the Reformation, and its ministers, in the same way as they were
+opposed to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and his apostles, and as they
+too often are at all times to the truth. "The bishops," says
+Luther, in speaking of the visit which the Bishop of Brandenburg
+had paid him, "begin to perceive that they ought to have done
+what I am doing, and they are consequently ashamed. They call
+me proud and audacious, and I deny not that I am so. But they
+are not the people to know either what God is, or what we are."<a name="FNanchor_422_422" id="FNanchor_422_422"></a><a href="#Footnote_422_422" class="fnanchor">[422]</a></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAP. IX.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Prierio&mdash;System of Rome&mdash;The Dialogue&mdash;System of Reform&mdash;Reply to Prierio&mdash;The
+Word&mdash;The Pope and the Church&mdash;Hochstraten&mdash;The Monks&mdash;Luther replies&mdash;Eck&mdash;The
+School&mdash;The Obelisks&mdash;Luther's Sentiments&mdash;The Asterisks&mdash;Rupture.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>A more serious resistance than that of Tezel was already opposed
+to Luther. Rome had answered. A reply had issued from
+the walls of the sacred palace. It was not Leo X who had taken
+it into his head to speak theology. "A quarrel of monks," he had
+one day said. "The best thing is not to meddle with it." And on
+another occasion, "It is a drunken German who has written these
+theses; when he recovers from his wine he will speak differently."<a name="FNanchor_423_423" id="FNanchor_423_423"></a><a href="#Footnote_423_423" class="fnanchor">[423]</a>
+A Dominican of Rome, Sylvester Mazolini de Prierio or Prierias,
+master of the sacred palace, exercised the functions of censor, and
+in this character was the first man in Italy who knew of the Saxon
+monk's theses.</p>
+
+<p>A Roman censor and the theses of Luther! What a rencounter!
+Liberty of speech, liberty of investigation, liberty of faith, come
+into collision in Rome, with that power which pretends to have in
+its hands a monopoly of intelligence, and to open and shut the
+mouth of Christendom at its pleasure. The struggle between
+Christian liberty, which begets children of God, and pontifical
+despotism, which begets slaves of Rome, is, as it were, personified
+during the first days of the Reformation, in the encounter between
+Luther and Prierio.</p>
+
+<p>The Roman censor, prior-general of the Dominicans, employed
+to determine what Christendom must say, or not say, and know
+or not know, hastened to reply, and published a tract, which he
+dedicated to Leo X. He spoke contemptuously of the German
+monk, and declared, with a self-sufficiency altogether Roman,
+"that he was anxious to know whether this Martin had a nose of
+iron, or a head of brass, which could not be broken."<a name="FNanchor_424_424" id="FNanchor_424_424"></a><a href="#Footnote_424_424" class="fnanchor">[424]</a> Then, in
+the form of a dialogue, he attacked the theses of Luther, employing
+alternately, ridicule, insult, and threatening.</p>
+
+<p>The combat between the Augustin of Wittemberg and the Dominican
+of Rome took place on the very question which lies at the
+foundation of the Reformation; viz., "What is the sole infallible<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span>
+authority to Christians?" The following is the system of the
+Church, as expounded by its most independent organs.<a name="FNanchor_425_425" id="FNanchor_425_425"></a><a href="#Footnote_425_425" class="fnanchor">[425]</a></p>
+
+<p>The letter of the written Word is dead without the spirit of interpretation,
+which alone unfolds its hidden meaning. Now this
+spirit is not granted to every Christian, but to the Church; in
+other words, to the priests. It is great presumption to maintain,
+that he who promised to be with his Church always to the end of
+the world, could abandon it to the power of error. It will be said,
+perhaps, that the doctrine and constitution of the Church are not
+the same as we find them in the sacred oracles. This is true; but
+the change is only apparent, relating to the form, and not to the
+substance. Moreover, the change is an advance. The living power
+of the Spirit has given reality to what exists in Scripture only in
+idea; it has embodied the sketches of the Word, put a finishing
+hand to these sketches, and completed the work of which the Bible
+had furnished only the first outlines. Scripture ought, therefore,
+to be understood in the sense determined by the Church, under
+the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Here the Catholic doctors are
+divided. General councils, say some, and Gerson among the
+number, are the representatives of the Church. The pope, says
+others, is the depositary of the Spirit of interpretation; and no
+man is entitled to understand Scripture in a sense differing from
+that of the Roman pontiff. This was the opinion of Prierio.</p>
+
+<p>Such was the doctrine which the master of the sacred palace
+opposed to the rising Reformation. On the power of the pope and
+the Church he advanced propositions at which the most shameless
+flatterers of the court of Rome would have blushed. The following
+is one of the points which he maintains at the commencement
+of his tract:&mdash;"Whoever rests not in the doctrine of the Roman
+Church, and the Roman pontiff, as the infallible rule of faith, from
+which the Holy Scripture itself derives its force and authority, is
+a heretic."<a name="FNanchor_426_426" id="FNanchor_426_426"></a><a href="#Footnote_426_426" class="fnanchor">[426]</a></p>
+
+<p>Then in a dialogue, in which Luther and Sylvester are the
+speakers, the latter tries to refute the doctor's propositions. The
+sentiments of the Saxon monk were quite new to a Roman censor.
+Accordingly, Prierio shows that he understood neither the emotions
+of his heart, nor the motives of his conduct. To the teacher of
+truth he applied the little standards of the valets of Rome. "Dear
+Luther!" says he, "were you to receive a bishopric and a plenary
+indulgence for the repair of your Church from our lord the pope,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span>
+you would proceed more gently, and would even prose in favour
+of the indulgence which you are now pleased to blacken!" The
+Italian, so proud of the elegance of his manners, sometimes assumes
+the most scurrilous tone. "If the property of dogs is to bite,"
+says he to Luther, "I fear your father must have been a dog."<a name="FNanchor_427_427" id="FNanchor_427_427"></a><a href="#Footnote_427_427" class="fnanchor">[427]</a>
+The Dominican begins at last to be almost astonished at his own
+condescension in speaking to a rebellious monk; and concludes
+with showing his opponent the cruel teeth of an inquisitor. "The
+Roman Church," says he, "having in the pope the summit of
+spiritual and temporal power, may, by the secular arm, constrain
+those who after receiving the faith, stray from it. She is not
+bound to employ arguments for the purpose of combating and subduing
+the rebellious."<a name="FNanchor_428_428" id="FNanchor_428_428"></a><a href="#Footnote_428_428" class="fnanchor">[428]</a></p>
+
+<p>These words traced by the pen of one of the dignitaries of the
+Roman court had a very significant meaning. They failed, however,
+to terrify Luther. He believed, or feigned to believe, that
+this dialogue was not by Prierio, but by Ulrich von H�tten, or by
+some other of the authors of "The Letters of some Obscure
+Men," who (said he in his sarcastic strain) had, in order to stir
+up Luther against Prierio, compiled this mass of absurdity.<a name="FNanchor_429_429" id="FNanchor_429_429"></a><a href="#Footnote_429_429" class="fnanchor">[429]</a> He
+had no desire to see the court of Rome in arms against him.
+However, after remaining for some time silent, his doubts, if he
+had any, having been dispelled, he set to work, and in two days
+after was prepared with his reply.<a name="FNanchor_430_430" id="FNanchor_430_430"></a><a href="#Footnote_430_430" class="fnanchor">[430]</a></p>
+
+<p>The Bible had produced the Reformer and begun the Reformation.
+Luther, in believing, had no need of the testimony of the
+Church. His faith was derived from the Bible itself; from within,
+and not from without. His thorough conviction that the evangelical
+doctrine was immovably founded on the word of God made him
+regard all external authority as useless. Luther's experience, in
+this respect, opened a new prospect to the Church. The living
+spring which had burst forth before the monk of Wittemberg, was
+destined to become a stream at which nations would quench their
+thirst.</p>
+
+<p>The Church had said that, in order to understand the Word, the
+Spirit of God must interpret it, and so far the Church was right.
+But her error consisted in regarding the Holy Spirit as a monopoly
+conferred on a certain caste, and in thinking that it could be appropriated
+exclusively to certain assemblies and colleges, to a city or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span>
+a conclave. "The wind bloweth where it listeth," were the words
+of the Son of God, when speaking of the Spirit of God; and, on
+another occasion, "They will ALL be taught of God." The corruption
+of the Church, the ambition of pontiffs, the animosities
+of councils, the squabbles of the clergy, and the pomp of prelates,
+had made this Holy Spirit, this breath of humility and peace, eschew
+the dwelling of the priesthood. He had deserted the assemblies of
+the proud, and the palaces of the princes of the Church, and gone
+to live in retirement among simple Christians and modest priests.
+He had shunned a domineering hierarchy, which often forced
+blood from the poor, whom it trampled under foot; he had
+shunned a proud and ignorant clergy, whose chiefs were skilled,
+not in the Bible, but in the sword; and he was found sometimes
+among despised sects, and sometimes among men of talents and
+learning. The holy cloud, withdrawing from proud basilisks and
+gorgeous cathedrals, had descended on the obscure dwellings of
+the humble, or on chambers where studious men calmly pursued
+their conscientious labours. The Church, degraded by her love of
+power and riches, dishonoured in the eyes of the people by the
+venal use which she made of the doctrine of life; the Church which
+sold salvation in order to fill a treasury, for luxury and debauchery
+to empty, had lost all respect. Men of sense no longer set any
+value on her testimony, but, despising an authority so degraded,
+turned with joy, towards the Divine word, and its infallible authority,
+as toward the only refuge which remained to them in the
+general confusion.</p>
+
+<p>The age, therefore, was prepared. The bold movement by which
+Luther changed the point on which the human heart rested its
+highest hopes, and with a mighty hand transferred those hopes from
+the walls of the Vatican to the rock of the word of God, was hailed
+with enthusiasm. This was the work which the Reformer had in
+view in his reply to Prierio.</p>
+
+<p>Putting aside the axioms which the Dominican had placed at the
+head of his work, he says, "After your example, I, too, am going
+to lay down some axioms."</p>
+
+<p>"The first is the saying of St. Paul, 'Should we, or an angel from
+heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have
+preached unto you, let him be accursed.'"</p>
+
+<p>The second is the following passage of St. Augustine, addressed
+to St. Jerome:&mdash;"I have learned to pay to the canonical books
+alone the honour of believing very firmly that none of them has
+erred; as to others, I believe not what they say, for the simple
+reason, that it is they who say it."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span>Luther then vigorously proceeds to lay down the fundamental
+principles of the Reformation,&mdash;<i>the word of God, the whole word
+of God, and nothing but the word of God</i>. "If you understand
+these principles," continues he, "you will also understand that your
+whole dialogue is completely overturned; for you have done nothing
+else than adduce the words and opinions of St. Thomas." Next,
+attacking the axioms of his opponent, he frankly declares his opinion
+that popes and councils may err. He complains of the flattery of
+the Roman courtiers in attributing to the pope the alleged infallibility
+of both popes and councils, and declares that the Church
+exists virtually only in Christ, and representatively only in Councils.<a name="FNanchor_431_431" id="FNanchor_431_431"></a><a href="#Footnote_431_431" class="fnanchor">[431]</a>
+Coming afterwards to the supposition which Prierio had made, he
+says, "No doubt you judge me by yourself, but if I aspired to a
+bishopric, assuredly I would not use language which sounds so
+hateful in your ears. Do you imagine I am ignorant how bishoprics
+and the popedom are procured at Rome? Do not the very children
+in the streets sing the well known words&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">'Rome now-a-days is more unclean,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Than ought that in the world is seen?'"<a name="FNanchor_432_432" id="FNanchor_432_432"></a><a href="#Footnote_432_432" class="fnanchor">[432]</a><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>This was among the stanzas current in Rome before the election
+of one of the last popes. Nevertheless, Luther speaks of Leo with
+respect. "I know," says he, "that in him we have, as it were, a
+Daniel in Babylon; his integrity has repeatedly endangered his
+life." He concludes with a few words in reply to the menaces of
+Prierio: "In fine, you say that the pope is at once pontiff and
+emperor, and that he has power to constrain by the secular arm.
+Are you thirsting for murder? Take my word for it, your rhodomontades
+and your loud-sounding threats cannot terrify me. Though
+I be killed, Christ lives, Christ my Lord, and the Lord of all, blessed
+for ever and ever. Amen."<a name="FNanchor_433_433" id="FNanchor_433_433"></a><a href="#Footnote_433_433" class="fnanchor">[433]</a></p>
+
+<p>Thus Luther with a strong arm assails the infidel altar of the
+papacy, opposing to it the altar of the word of God, alone holy,
+alone infallible, before which he would have every knee to bow, and
+on which he declares himself ready to sacrifice his life.</p>
+
+<p>Prierio published a reply, and after it a third treatise on "the
+Irrefragable Truth of the Church and of the Roman Pontiff," in
+which, founding on ecclesiastical law, he says, that though the pope
+were to send the people and himself to the devil <i>en masse</i>, he could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span>
+not for so doing be either judged or deposed.<a name="FNanchor_434_434" id="FNanchor_434_434"></a><a href="#Footnote_434_434" class="fnanchor">[434]</a> The pope was at
+length obliged to impose silence on Prierio.</p>
+
+<p>A new opponent soon entered the list. He too was a Dominican.
+James Hochstraten, inquisitor at Cologne, whom we have already
+seen assailing Reuchlin and the friends of letters, was furious when
+he saw Luther's boldness. It was indeed necessary that darkness
+and monkish fanaticism should engage in close fight with him who
+was to give them their death-blow. Monkism was formed after
+primitive truth had begun to decay, and from that period downward,
+errors and monks had gone hand in hand. The man who
+was to hasten their ruin had appeared; but these sturdy champions
+would not quit the field without a fierce combat. This combat
+they continued to wage with him throughout his whole life,
+though the proper personification of it is in Hochstraten; Hochstraten
+and Luther&mdash;the one, the free and intrepid Christian, and
+the other, the blustering slave of monkish superstition. Hochstraten
+unchains his rage, and, with loud cries, demands the death
+of the heretic.... His wish is to secure the triumph of Rome
+by means of the flames. "It is high treason against the Church,"
+exclaims he, "to let so execrable a heretic live another single
+hour. Let a scaffold be instantly erected for him!" This sanguinary
+counsel was, alas! but too well followed in many countries;
+the voice of numerous martyrs, as in the first days of the
+Church, bore testimony to the truth in the midst of the flames.
+But in vain were fire and sword invoked against Luther. The
+angel of Jehovah constantly encamped around him and shielded
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Luther replied to Hochstraten briefly, but very energetically.
+"Go," says he to him, when concluding; "go, delirious murderer,
+whose thirst can only be quenched by the blood of the brethren.
+My sincere desire is, that you guard against calling me a Christian
+and a believer, and that, on the contrary, you never cease to denounce
+me as a heretic. Understand these things well, you bloody
+man, you enemy of the truth; and if your furious rage impel you
+to devise mischief against me, do it with circumspection, and time
+your measures well. God knows what I purpose if he grants me
+life. My hope and expectation (God willing) will not deceive
+me."<a name="FNanchor_435_435" id="FNanchor_435_435"></a><a href="#Footnote_435_435" class="fnanchor">[435]</a> Hochstraten was silent.</p>
+
+<p>A more painful attack awaited the Reformer. Dr. Eck, the
+celebrated professor of Ingolstadt, who procured the liberty of
+Urban Regius, Luther's friend, had received the famous theses.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span>
+Eck was not the man to defend the abuses of indulgences, but he
+was a doctor of the school, and not of the Bible, being well versant
+in scholastics, but not in the word of God. If Prierio had represented
+Rome, and Hochstraten had represented the monks, Eck
+represented the School. The School which, for about five centuries,
+had ruled Christendom, far from yielding to the first blows of the
+Reformer, proudly rose up to crush the man who dared to assail it
+with floods of contempt. Eck and Luther, the School and the Word,
+came to blows on more than one occasion; but the present was the
+occasion on which the combat commenced.</p>
+
+<p>Eck must have regarded several of Luther's assertions as erroneous;
+for nothing obliges us to question the sincerity of his convictions.
+He defended the scholastic opinions with enthusiasm, just as
+Luther defended the declarations of the word of God. We may
+even suppose that he was somewhat pained at seeing himself
+obliged to oppose his old friend, and yet it would seem, from the
+mode of attack, that passion and jealousy had some share in his
+determination.</p>
+
+<p>He gave the name of <i>Obelisks</i> to his remarks on the theses of
+Luther. Wishing at first to save appearances, he did not publish
+his work, but contented himself with communicating it confidentially
+to his ordinary, the Bishop of Eichst�dt. Soon, however, whether
+through the indiscretion of the bishop, or of Eck himself, the
+<i>Obelisks</i> were circulated in all quarters. A copy having fallen into
+the hands of a friend of Luther, Link, preacher at Nuremberg,
+he lost no time in sending it to the Reformer. Eck was a much
+more formidable opponent than Tezel, Prierio, and Hochstraten;
+his work was the more dangerous the more it surpassed theirs in
+knowledge and subtlety. He affected pity for his "feeble opponent,"
+(knowing well that pity injures more effectually than
+anger,) and insinuated that the propositions of Luther contained
+Bohemian poison, and savoured of Bohemia. By these malicious
+insinuations he threw upon Luther the obloquy and hatred which
+in Germany attached to the name of Huss and the schismatics of
+his country.</p>
+
+<p>The malice which shone through this treatise roused Luther's
+indignation, while the thought that the blow was given by an old
+friend, was still more distressing. However, he must sacrifice his
+affections in defending the truth. Luther unbosomed his heart and
+its sadness, in a letter to Egranus, pastor at Zwickau&mdash;"I am called
+in the <i>Obelisks</i> a venomous man, a Bohemian, a heretic, seditious,
+insolent, and presumptuous.... I say nothing of milder
+epithets, such as sleepy, imbecile, ignorant, contemner of the sovereign<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span>
+pontiff, etc. This book is full of the grossest insults, and
+yet the author is a distinguished man, alike remarkable for learning
+and talent; and (it is this that grieves me most) a man with
+whom I had recently contracted a close friendship,<a name="FNanchor_436_436" id="FNanchor_436_436"></a><a href="#Footnote_436_436" class="fnanchor">[436]</a> viz., John
+Eck, doctor in theology, and chancellor of Ingolstadt, a celebrated
+and illustrious author. Did I not know the thoughts of Satan, I
+would be astonished at the furious manner in which this man has
+broken off a friendship at once so pleasant and so recent;<a name="FNanchor_437_437" id="FNanchor_437_437"></a><a href="#Footnote_437_437" class="fnanchor">[437]</a> and this
+without giving me any warning&mdash;without writing or saying a single
+word."</p>
+
+<p>But if Luther's heart be wounded, his courage is not destroyed.
+On the contrary, he girds himself for the combat. "Rejoice, my
+brother," says he to Egranus, whom a violent enemy had also
+attacked; "rejoice, and be not alarmed at all these flying leaves.
+The more furious my adversaries become, the more I advance. I
+leave the things which are behind, that they may bark after them,
+and follow those which are before, that they may in like manner
+bark after them in their turn."</p>
+
+<p>Eck felt how shameful his conduct had been, and endeavoured
+to justify it in a letter to Carlstadt, in which he calls Luther "their
+common friend;" and throws all the blame on the Bishop of Eichstadt,
+at whose instigation he pretended that he had written the
+work. His intention, he said, was not to publish the <i>Obelisks</i>; but
+for this he would have had more regard for the friendship subsisting
+between him and Luther; and he requested that Luther, instead
+of coming to open rupture with him, would turn his arms against
+the theologians of Frankfort. The professor of Ingolstadt, who had
+not feared to strike the first blow, began to be alarmed at the power
+of the opponent whom he had imprudently attacked, and would
+willingly have evaded the contest. It was too late.</p>
+
+<p>All these fine words did not persuade Luther, who was, however,
+disposed to be silent, and said, "I will patiently swallow this morsel,
+though fit for Cerberus."<a name="FNanchor_438_438" id="FNanchor_438_438"></a><a href="#Footnote_438_438" class="fnanchor">[438]</a> But his friends were of a different
+opinion, and urged, or rather constrained him to answer. He,
+accordingly, replied to the <i>Obelisks</i> by his <i>Asterisks</i>, opposing (as he
+says, playing upon the word) to the rust and lividity of Obelisks
+the light and dazzling brightness of the stars of heaven. In this
+work he treats his new opponent less harshly than those whom he
+had previously combated; but his indignation is seen peeping through
+his words.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span>
+He showed that in the chaos of the <i>Obelisks</i> there was nothing
+from the holy Scriptures, nothing from the Fathers of the Church,
+and nothing from the ecclesiastical canons; that they contained only
+scholastic glosses, and opinion after opinion, many of them mere
+dreams;<a name="FNanchor_439_439" id="FNanchor_439_439"></a><a href="#Footnote_439_439" class="fnanchor">[439]</a> in a word, contained the very things which Luther had
+attacked. The Asterisks are full of spirit and life. The author's
+indignation rises at the errors of his friend's book, but he shows
+pity to the man.<a name="FNanchor_440_440" id="FNanchor_440_440"></a><a href="#Footnote_440_440" class="fnanchor">[440]</a> He reiterates the fundamental principle which
+he had laid down in his reply to Prierio:&mdash;"The sovereign pontiff
+is a man, and may be led into error; but God is truth, and cannot
+be deceived."<a name="FNanchor_441_441" id="FNanchor_441_441"></a><a href="#Footnote_441_441" class="fnanchor">[441]</a> Then employing the <i>argumentum ad hominem</i>
+against the scholastic doctor, he says to him, "It is certainly impudent
+in any one to teach, as the philosophy of Aristotle, any
+dogma which cannot be proved by his authority. You grant this.
+Well, then, it is <i>a fortiori</i>, the most impudent of all things to
+affirm in the Church and among Christians anything that Jesus
+Christ himself has not taught.<a name="FNanchor_442_442" id="FNanchor_442_442"></a><a href="#Footnote_442_442" class="fnanchor">[442]</a> Now in what part of the Bible is
+it said that the treasure of Christ's merits is in the hands of the
+pope?"</p>
+
+<p>He adds, "As to the malicious charge of Bohemian heresy, I
+patiently bear the reproach for the love of Jesus Christ. I live in
+a celebrated university, a distinguished town, an important bishopric,
+and a powerful duchy, where all are orthodox, and where, doubtless,
+no toleration would be given to so wicked a heretic."</p>
+
+<p>Luther did not publish <i>The Asterisks</i>; he only communicated
+them to his friends. It was not till a later period that they were
+given to the public.<a name="FNanchor_443_443" id="FNanchor_443_443"></a><a href="#Footnote_443_443" class="fnanchor">[443]</a></p>
+
+<p>This rupture between the doctor of Ingolstadt and the doctor of
+Wittemberg made a sensation in Germany. They had common
+friends. Scheurl, in particular, by whose instrumentality their
+friendship appears to have been originally formed, was exceedingly
+annoyed. He was one of those who longed to see a reform throughout
+the whole Germanic church, produced through the medium
+of its most distinguished organs. But if in matters of principle
+the most eminent theologians of the period came to open rupture,
+and while Luther advanced in a new path, Eck put himself at the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span>
+head of those who kept to the old path, what disruption must
+inevitably ensue? Would not numerous adherents gather around
+each of the two chiefs, and form two hostile camps in the heart of
+the empire?</p>
+
+<p>Scheurl exerted himself to reconcile Eck and Luther. The latter
+declared that he was willing to forget every thing; that he loved
+the genius, and admired the erudition of Dr. Eck,<a name="FNanchor_444_444" id="FNanchor_444_444"></a><a href="#Footnote_444_444" class="fnanchor">[444]</a> and that the
+proceedings of his old friend had caused him more grief than anger.
+"I am ready," says he, "either for peace or war; but I prefer
+peace. Do you then set about it. Grieve with us, that the devil
+has thrown among us this beginning of strife, and then rejoice that
+Christ in his mercy hath removed it."<a name="FNanchor_445_445" id="FNanchor_445_445"></a><a href="#Footnote_445_445" class="fnanchor">[445]</a> About the same time, he
+addressed a most friendly letter to Eck, who, however, not only did
+not answer it, but did not even send him a verbal message."<a name="FNanchor_446_446" id="FNanchor_446_446"></a><a href="#Footnote_446_446" class="fnanchor">[446]</a> It
+was too late for reconciliation; and the breach became wider and
+wider. The pride of Eck, and his unforgiving temper, soon completely
+broke any remaining ties of friendship.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. X.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Popular Writings&mdash;Our Father&mdash;Thy Kingdom Come&mdash;Thy Will be Done&mdash;Our
+Daily Bread&mdash;Sermon on Repentance&mdash;Forgiveness through Christ.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>Such were the struggles which the champion of the word of God
+had to maintain at the outset of his career. But these combats
+with the leaders of society, these academical disputes, are of small
+account with the Christian. Human doctors imagine they have
+gained the noblest of triumphs if they succeed in filling some newspapers
+and some saloons with the noise of their systems. As it is
+with them more an affair of self-love, or party spirit, than of good
+to humanity, this worldly success satisfies them. Accordingly,
+their labours are only a smoke, which, after blinding us, passes off
+and leaves no trace behind. Neglecting to introduce their fire
+among the masses of the population, they do nothing more than
+make it skim along the surface of society.</p>
+
+<p>It is not so with the Christian. His object is not success in a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span>
+coterie, or an academy, but the salvation of souls. He therefore
+willingly avoids the brilliant skirmishing, which he might carry on
+at his ease with the champions of the world, and prefers the obscure
+labours which carry life and light into rural cottages, and
+the lanes of cities. Thus did Luther, or rather according to the
+precept of his Master, <i>he did the one, without leaving the other
+undone</i>. While combating inquisitors, university chancellors,
+and masters of the sacred palace, he strove to diffuse sound
+religious knowledge among the multitude. With that view, he
+at this time published different popular writings, such as his
+<i>Discourses on the Ten Commandments</i>, delivered two years before
+in the church of Wittemberg, and which we have already noticed;
+and his <i>Exposition of the Lord's Prayer, for simple and ignorant
+laymen</i>.<a name="FNanchor_447_447" id="FNanchor_447_447"></a><a href="#Footnote_447_447" class="fnanchor">[447]</a> Who would not like to know how the Reformer then
+addressed the people?</p>
+
+<p>We will quote some of the words which he sent, as he says,
+in the preface to the second of these works, "to course the
+country."</p>
+
+<p>Prayer, that inward act of the heart, will doubtless ever be one
+of the points with which a reformation in heart and life must
+commence, and, accordingly, it early engaged the attention of
+Luther. It is impossible, in a translation, to keep up his energetic
+style, and the vigour of a language which was formed so to speak,
+as it fell from his pen; however, we will try.</p>
+
+<p>"When you pray," says he, "have few words, but many
+thoughts and affections, and, above all, let these be profound. The
+less you speak, the better you pray. Few words and many
+thoughts make the Christian, many words and few thoughts, the
+pagan.</p>
+
+<p>"Seeming and bodily prayer is that muttering of the lips, that
+external babble, which comes forth without attention, striking the
+eyes and ears of men; but prayer in spirit and in truth is the
+inward desire, the emotions, and sighs which proceed from the
+depths of the heart. The former is the prayer of hypocrites, and
+of all who trust in themselves. The latter is the prayer of the
+children of God, who walk in his fear."</p>
+
+<p>Then coming to the first words of our Lord's Prayer, "Our
+Father," he thus expresses himself:&mdash;"Among all the names of
+God, there is none which inclines more toward him than the
+name of Father. We should not have so much happiness and consolation
+in calling him Lord, or God, or Judge.... By this name<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span>
+of father his bowels of compassion are moved; for there is no
+voice more lovely or touching than that of a child to its father.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Who art in heaven.</i> He who confesses that he has a Father
+in heaven owns himself to be, as it were, an orphan on the earth.
+Hence his heart feels an ardent desire like that of a child living
+out of its father's country, among strangers, in wretchedness and
+sorrow. It is as if he said, 'Alas! my father! thou art in heaven,
+and I, thy miserable child, am on the earth, far from thee, in all
+sorts of dangers, necessities, and sorrows.'</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Hallowed be thy name!</i> He who is passionate and envious,
+who curses or slanders, dishonours God, in whose name he was
+baptized. Applying the vessel which God has consecrated to
+profane uses, he resembles a priest who should use the holy cup to
+give drink to a sow, or to gather manure.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Thy kingdom come.</i> Those who amass wealth, who erect
+magnificent buildings, who seek after all that the world can give,
+and with the lips repeat this prayer, are like the large pipes of a
+church organ, which sounds and cries at full pitch, and without
+ceasing, but has neither words, nor sense, nor reason."...</p>
+
+<p>Farther on, Luther attacks the error of pilgrimages, which was
+then so general. "One goes to Rome, another to St. James; one
+builds a chapel, another founds an endowment, in order to reach
+the kingdom of God; but all neglect the essential point, which is
+to become themselves his kingdom. Why do you go beyond seas
+in quest of the kingdom of God?... Your heart is the place in
+which it ought to rise.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a dreadful thing," continues he, "to hear us utter this
+prayer, '<i>Thy will be done</i>.' Where in the Church do we see this
+will done?... Bishop rises against bishop, and church against
+church. Priests, monks, and nuns, quarrel and fight; throughout
+there is nothing but discord. And yet all parties exclaim that
+they have a good will and an upright intention; and so to the
+honour and glory of God they altogether do the work of the
+devil....</p>
+
+<p>"Why do we say <i>our bread</i>?" continues he, "explaining these
+words, "<i>Give us this day our daily bread</i>." "Because we pray,
+not for the ordinary bread which pagans eat, and which God
+gives to all men, but for <i>our</i> bread&mdash;bread to us, children of the
+heavenly Father.</p>
+
+<p>"And what, then, is this bread of God? It is Jesus Christ our
+Lord; '<i>I am the living bread which came down from heaven, and
+give life to the world</i>.' Wherefore let us not deceive ourselves.
+Sermons and instructions which do not represent to us, or give<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span>
+us the knowledge of Jesus Christ, cannot be the daily bread and
+food of our souls....</p>
+
+<p>"What avails it that such a bread is prepared for us, if it is
+not served out to us, and we cannot taste it?... It is as if a
+magnificent feast were prepared, and there were nobody to hand
+the bread, bring the dishes, and pour out the liquor; so that the
+guests would be left to feed by the eye and the smell.... This
+is the reason why it is necessary to preach Christ, and Christ alone.</p>
+
+<p>"But what, then, you ask, is it to know Jesus Christ, and
+what profit is gained by it? Answer:&mdash;To learn to know Jesus
+Christ is to comprehend what the Apostle says&mdash;<i>Christ has of
+God been made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification,
+and redemption</i>. Now, you comprehend this when you perceive
+that your wisdom is culpable folly, your righteousness damnable
+iniquity, your holiness damnable pollution, your redemption
+miserable condemnation&mdash;when you feel that, before God and
+all the creatures, you are truly a fool, a sinner, an impure and
+condemned man&mdash;and when you show, not only by your words,
+but from the bottom of your heart, and by your works, that
+there remains to you no comfort and no salvation, save Jesus
+Christ. To believe is nothing else than to eat this bread of
+heaven."</p>
+
+<p>Thus Luther faithfully fulfilled his resolution to open the eyes
+of a people whom priests had blindfolded, and were leading at
+their pleasure. His writings, which in a short time spread over
+all Germany, caused new light to arise, and shed the seeds of
+truth in abundance on a soil well prepared to receive it. But
+while thinking of those at a distance, he did not forget those who
+were near.</p>
+
+<p>The dominicans from their pulpits denounced him as an infamous
+heretic. Luther, the man of the people, and who, had he
+been so disposed, could with a few sentences have set them in
+commotion, always disdained such triumphs, and made it his sole
+aim to instruct his hearers.</p>
+
+<p>His reputation, which was continually extending, and the courage
+with which he raised the banner of Christ in the midst of an
+enslaved Church, made his sermons be followed with increasing
+interest. Never had the confluence been so great. Luther went
+straight to the point. One day, having mounted the pulpit of
+Wittemberg, he undertook to establish the doctrine of repentance.
+The discourse pronounced on this occasion afterwards became
+very celebrated, and contains several of the fundamental principles
+of evangelical doctrine.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span>At first he contrasts the pardon of men with the pardon of
+heaven. "There are," says he, "two remissions&mdash;the remission
+of the penalty, and the remission of the fault. The former
+reconciles man externally with the Church; the latter, which is
+the heavenly indulgence, reconciles man with God. If a man has
+not within himself that tranquil conscience, that cheerful heart
+which God's remission gives, no indulgence can aid him were he
+to buy all that ever have been on the earth."</p>
+
+<p>He afterwards continues thus: "They wish to do good works
+before their sins are pardoned, whereas sins must be pardoned before
+good works can be done. Works do not banish sin; but
+banish sin, and you will have works.<a name="FNanchor_448_448" id="FNanchor_448_448"></a><a href="#Footnote_448_448" class="fnanchor">[448]</a> Good works should be
+done with a cheerful heart and a good conscience toward God; in
+other words, with the forgiveness of sins."</p>
+
+<p>He then comes to the principal object of his sermon, an object
+which was identified with that of the whole Reformation. The
+Church had put herself in the place of God and his word; he objects
+to this, and makes every thing depend on faith in the word.</p>
+
+<p>"The remission of the fault," says he, "is not in the power of the
+pope, or the bishop, or the priest, or any man whatever, but rests
+solely on the word of Christ, and your own faith. For Christ did
+not choose to build our comfort or our salvation on a word or
+work of man, but only on himself, on his own work and word.
+Your repentance and your works may deceive you, but Christ
+your God will never deceive, will never waver; and the devil
+cannot overthrow his words."<a name="FNanchor_449_449" id="FNanchor_449_449"></a><a href="#Footnote_449_449" class="fnanchor">[449]</a></p>
+
+<p>"A pope or a bishop has no more power than the humblest priest
+where the remission of the fault is in question. And even where
+there is no priest, each Christian, were it a woman or a child,<a name="FNanchor_450_450" id="FNanchor_450_450"></a><a href="#Footnote_450_450" class="fnanchor">[450]</a>
+can do the same thing. For if a simple Christian says to you,
+'God pardons sin in the name of Jesus Christ,' and you receive
+the saying with firm faith, as if God himself had spoken, you are
+acquitted.</p>
+
+<p>"If you believe not that your sins are pardoned, you make your
+God a liar, and declare that you put greater confidence in your
+vain thoughts than in God and his word.</p>
+
+<p>"Under the Old Testament neither priest, nor king, nor prophet,
+had power to proclaim the forgiveness of sins; but under the New
+Testament every believer has this power. The Church is quite
+replete with the remission of sins.<a name="FNanchor_451_451" id="FNanchor_451_451"></a><a href="#Footnote_451_451" class="fnanchor">[451]</a> If a pious Christian comforts<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span>
+your conscience by the word of the cross, be it man or woman,
+young or old, receive the comfort with a faith so firm, that
+you would sooner submit to many deaths than doubt that it is
+ratified in the presence of God.... Repent, and do all the
+works that you can do; but let the faith which you have in the
+pardon of Jesus Christ stand in the front rank, and have sole command
+on the field of battle."<a name="FNanchor_452_452" id="FNanchor_452_452"></a><a href="#Footnote_452_452" class="fnanchor">[452]</a></p>
+
+<p>Thus spoke Luther to his astonished and enraptured hearers.
+All the scaffoldings which impudent priests had, for their own profit,
+reared between God and the soul of man, were thrown down,
+and man brought face to face with his Maker. The word of pardon
+came down pure from on high, without passing through a
+thousand corrupting channels. It was no longer necessary that
+the testimony of God, in order to be available, should previously
+be stamped by men with their false seal. The monopoly of the
+sacerdotal caste was abolished, and the Church emancipated.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. XI.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Apprehensions of Luther's friends&mdash;Journey to Heidelberg&mdash;Bibra&mdash;The Palatine
+Castle&mdash;Rupture&mdash;The Paradoxes&mdash;Dispute&mdash;The Hearers&mdash;Bucer&mdash;Brentz&mdash;Snepf&mdash;Conversations
+with Luther&mdash;Labours of the Young Doctors&mdash;Effects on Luther&mdash;The
+Old Professor&mdash;The True Light&mdash;Arrival.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the fire which had been kindled at Wittemberg
+behoved to be kindled elsewhere. Luther, not contented with
+announcing the truth in the place of his residence, whether to the
+academic youth or to the people, was desirous to shed the seeds
+of sound doctrine in other places. The Augustin order were to
+hold their general chapter at Heidelberg, in the spring of 1518.
+Luther, as one of the most distinguished men of the order, was invited
+to attend; but his friends did all they could to dissuade him
+from undertaking the journey. In fact, the monks had laboured
+to render the name of Luther odious in all the places through
+which he had to pass. To insult they had added threatening; and
+a small matter might have sufficed to excite a popular tumult of
+which he might have been made the victim. "Or even," said
+his friends, "what they may not dare to do by violence, they will
+accomplish by fraud and stratagem."<a name="FNanchor_453_453" id="FNanchor_453_453"></a><a href="#Footnote_453_453" class="fnanchor">[453]</a> But in the discharge of a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span>
+duty, Luther did not allow himself to be arrested by the fear of
+any danger, however imminent. He therefore turned a deaf ear
+to the timid suggestions of his friends, and directed them to Him
+in whom his confidence was placed, and under whose protection
+he desired to undertake the perilous journey. After the feast of
+Easter he quietly set out on foot,<a name="FNanchor_454_454" id="FNanchor_454_454"></a><a href="#Footnote_454_454" class="fnanchor">[454]</a> on the 13th April 1518.</p>
+
+<p>He had with him a guide named Urban, who carried his small
+bundle, and was to accompany him as far as Wurzburg. How
+many thoughts must have occupied the heart of the servant of the
+Lord during this journey! At Weissenfels, the pastor, though not
+of his acquaintance, instantly recognised him as the doctor of
+Wittemberg, and gave him a hearty reception.<a name="FNanchor_455_455" id="FNanchor_455_455"></a><a href="#Footnote_455_455" class="fnanchor">[455]</a> At Erfurt, he was
+joined by two other Augustin friars. At Judenbach, the three fell
+in with Degenard Pfeffinger, the Elector's confidential councillor,
+who entertained them at the inn. "I have had the pleasure," wrote
+Luther to Spalatin, "of making this rich lord some shillings
+poorer. You know how I like to take every occasion of making
+a hole in the purses of the rich for the benefit of the poor, especially
+if the rich are my friends."<a name="FNanchor_456_456" id="FNanchor_456_456"></a><a href="#Footnote_456_456" class="fnanchor">[456]</a> He arrived at Coburg, worn
+out with fatigue. "All goes well by the grace of God," wrote he;
+"only, I confess I have sinned in undertaking the journey on
+foot. But for this sin I presume I will have no need of the remission
+of indulgences, for my contrition is perfect, and my satisfaction
+complete. I am knocked up with fatigue, and all the
+conveyances are full. Is not this enough, or rather more than
+enough of penitence, contrition, and satisfaction?"<a name="FNanchor_457_457" id="FNanchor_457_457"></a><a href="#Footnote_457_457" class="fnanchor">[457]</a></p>
+
+<p>The Reformer of Germany, not finding a place in the public
+conveyances, nor any one who was willing to yield him his place,
+was obliged next morning, notwithstanding of his fatigue, humbly
+to resume his journey on foot. He arrived at Wurzburg on the
+evening of the second Sabbath after Easter, and sent back his
+guide.</p>
+
+<p>Bishop Bibra, who had received the theses with so much delight,
+lived in this town, and Luther had a letter for him from the
+Elector of Saxony. The bishop, overjoyed at the opportunity of
+becoming personally acquainted with this bold champion of the
+truth, hastened to invite him to the episcopal palace. He went out
+to receive him, spoke to him in the kindest terms, and offered to
+furnish him with a guide as far as Heidleberg. But at Wurzburg,
+Luther had fallen in with his two friends, the vicar-general
+Staupitz, and Lange, the prior of Erfurt, who offered him a place<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span>
+in their carriage. He therefore thanked Bibra for his offer, and
+next day the three friends set out from Wurzburg. They travelled
+thus for three days, conversing together, and on the 21st
+April arrived at Heidelberg. Luther went to lodge at the Augustin
+convent.</p>
+
+<p>The Elector of Saxony had given him a letter to Count Palatine
+Wolfgang, Duke of Bavaria. Luther repaired to his magnificent
+castle, the site of which is still the admiration of strangers. The
+monk of the plains of Saxony had a heart to admire the position
+of Heidelberg, where the two lovely valleys of the Rhine and the
+Necker unite. He delivered his letter to James Simler, steward
+of the court. Simler having read it, said, "Truly you have here a
+valuable letter of credit." The Count Palatine received him with
+much kindness, and often invited him, as well as Lange and Staupitz,
+to his table. This friendly reception added greatly to Luther's
+comfort. "We relax and amuse ourselves with an agreeable and
+pleasant chit-chat," says he, "eating and drinking, and surveying
+all the magnificence of the Palatine palace, admiring its ornaments,
+its armoury, and cuirasses; in short, every thing remarkable in this
+distinguished and truly royal castle."<a name="FNanchor_458_458" id="FNanchor_458_458"></a><a href="#Footnote_458_458" class="fnanchor">[458]</a></p>
+
+<p>However, Luther had other work to do. He behoved to work
+while it was day. Transported to an university which exercised
+great influence on the west and south of Germany, he was there to
+strike a blow which should shake the churches of those countries.
+He, accordingly, began to write theses which he proposed to maintain
+in a public discussion. Such discussions were of ordinary occurrence;
+but Luther felt, that in order to make his useful, it was
+necessary to give it a peculiar interest. His disposition, moreover,
+inclined him to present the truth under a paradoxical form. The
+professors of the university would not allow the discussion to take
+place in their public hall, and it became necessary to hold it in a
+hall of the Augustin convent. The 26th of April was the day on
+which it was to take place.</p>
+
+<p>Heidelberg, at a later period, received the gospel, and even at
+this discussion in the convent, an observer might have augured
+that good would result from it.</p>
+
+<p>The reputation of Luther attracted a large concourse of hearers;
+professors, courtiers, citizens, and students, crowded to it. The
+doctor gave the name of Paradoxes to his theses, and it is, perhaps,
+the name which might still be applied to them in the present day.
+It would be easy, however, to translate them into evident propositions.
+The following are some of the Paradoxes:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span>1. "The law of God is a salutary rule of life. Nevertheless, it
+cannot aid man in his search after righteousness; on the contrary,
+it impedes him.</p>
+
+<p>3. "Works of man, how fair and good soever they may be, are,
+to all appearance, only mortal sins.</p>
+
+<p>4. "Works of God, how deformed and bad soever they may appear,
+have always an immortal merit.</p>
+
+<p>7. "The works of the just themselves would be mortal sins, did
+they not, through holy reverence for the Lord, fear that their works
+would in fact be mortal sins.<a name="FNanchor_459_459" id="FNanchor_459_459"></a><a href="#Footnote_459_459" class="fnanchor">[459]</a></p>
+
+<p>9. "To maintain that works done without Christ are dead, but
+not mortal, is dangerous forgetfulness of the fear of God.</p>
+
+<p>13. "Since the fall of man, free will exists only in name, and
+when man does all that is possible for him to do, he sins mortally.</p>
+
+<p>16. "A man who expects to attain to grace by doing all that it
+is possible for him to do, adds sin to sin, and doubles his guilt.</p>
+
+<p>18. "It is certain that man, to become capable of receiving the
+grace of Christ, must entirely despair of himself.</p>
+
+<p>21. "An honorary theologian calls evil good, and good evil; but
+a theologian of the cross speaks according to truth.</p>
+
+<p>22. "The wisdom which teaches man to know the invisible perfections
+of God in his works, inflates, blinds, and hardens him.</p>
+
+<p>23. "The law excites the wrath of God, kills, curses, accuses,
+judges, and condemns, whatever is not in Christ.<a name="FNanchor_460_460" id="FNanchor_460_460"></a><a href="#Footnote_460_460" class="fnanchor">[460]</a></p>
+
+<p>24. "Still this wisdom (� 22) is not bad; and the law (� 23) is
+not to be rejected; but the man who does not study the knowledge
+of God under the cross, changes its good into evil.</p>
+
+<p>25. "He is not justified who does many works; but he who,
+without works, believes much in Jesus Christ.</p>
+
+<p>26. "The law says, Do this! And what it commands is never
+done. Grace says, Believe in him! And, lo! all things are accomplished.<a name="FNanchor_461_461" id="FNanchor_461_461"></a><a href="#Footnote_461_461" class="fnanchor">[461]</a></p>
+
+<p>28. "The love of God finds nothing in man, but creates in him
+what it loves. The love of man proceeds from self-love."<a name="FNanchor_462_462" id="FNanchor_462_462"></a><a href="#Footnote_462_462" class="fnanchor">[462]</a></p>
+
+<p>Five doctors of theology attacked these theses. They had read
+them with the astonishment which novelty excites. The theology
+seemed to them very strange. Yet according to Luther's own
+testimony, they discussed them with a courtesy which he could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span>
+not but esteem; and, at the same time, with force and discernment.</p>
+
+<p>Luther, on his part, displayed an admirable mildness in his replies,
+incomparable patience in listening to the objections of his
+opponents, and all the liveliness of St. Paul in solving the difficulties
+which were started. His answers, which were short, but replete
+with the word of God, filled all the hearers with admiration.
+"He very much resembles Erasmus," said several; "but in one
+thing he surpasses him,&mdash;he professes openly what Erasmus is contented
+only to insinuate."<a name="FNanchor_463_463" id="FNanchor_463_463"></a><a href="#Footnote_463_463" class="fnanchor">[463]</a></p>
+
+<p>The discussion was drawing to a close. Luther's opponents had
+retired with honour from the field of battle, the youngest of them,
+Doctor George Niger, alone continuing the struggle with the mighty
+combatant. Amazed at the bold propositions of the Augustin
+monk, and feeling utterly at a loss for arguments to refute them,
+he exclaimed, in an agitated tone,&mdash;"Were our peasants to hear
+such things, they would stone you to death."<a name="FNanchor_464_464" id="FNanchor_464_464"></a><a href="#Footnote_464_464" class="fnanchor">[464]</a> At these words
+there was a general laugh throughout the audience.</p>
+
+<p>Never had hearers listened more attentively to a theological disputation.
+The first words of the Reformer had awakened men's
+minds, and questions which shortly before had met with indifference,
+were now full of interest. Several countenances gave visible expression
+to the new ideas which the bold assertions of the Saxon
+doctor had suggested to their minds.</p>
+
+<p>Three youths in particular were strongly moved. One of them,
+named Martin Bucer, was a Dominican, of about twenty-seven
+years of age, who, notwithstanding of the prejudices of his order,
+seemed unwilling to lose a single word which fell from the doctor.
+Born in a little town of Alsace, he had entered a convent at sixteen,
+and soon displayed such talents that the monks entertained
+the highest hopes of him.<a name="FNanchor_465_465" id="FNanchor_465_465"></a><a href="#Footnote_465_465" class="fnanchor">[465]</a> "He will one day be an ornament to
+our order," said they. His superiors had sent him to Heidelberg
+that he might devote himself to the study of philosophy, theology,
+Greek, and Hebrew. At this period Erasmus having published
+several of his works, Bucer read them with avidity.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after, the first works of Luther appeared, and the Alsatian
+student hastened to compare the Reformer's doctrine with the
+holy Scriptures. Some doubt as to the truth of the popish religion
+arose in his mind.<a name="FNanchor_466_466" id="FNanchor_466_466"></a><a href="#Footnote_466_466" class="fnanchor">[466]</a> This was the way in which light was diffused<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span>
+in those days. The Elector Palatine took notice of the young man.
+His strong and sonorous voice, his pleasing address, his eloquence,
+and the freedom with which he attacked prevailing vices, made
+him a distinguished preacher. He was appointed chaplain to the
+court, and was acting in this capacity when Luther's journey to
+Heidelberg was announced. Bucer was greatly delighted; nobody
+repaired with greater eagerness to the hall of the Augustin convent.
+He had provided himself with paper, pens, and ink, wishing to
+write down whatever the doctor should say. But while his hand
+was rapidly tracing the words of Luther, the hand of God was
+writing the great truths which he heard in more ineffaceable characters
+on his heart. The rays of the doctrine of grace beamed upon
+his soul on this memorable occasion.<a name="FNanchor_467_467" id="FNanchor_467_467"></a><a href="#Footnote_467_467" class="fnanchor">[467]</a> The Dominican was gained
+over to Christ.</p>
+
+<p>Not far from Bucer sat John Brentz or Brentius, then about
+nineteen years of age. Brentz, who was the son of a magistrate
+of a town in Swabia, had, at thirteen, been enrolled among the
+students of Heidelberg. None of them showed such application.
+As soon as the hour of midnight struck, Brentz rose and commenced
+his labours. This practice became so habitual to him, that, during
+the rest of his life, he could never sleep beyond that hour. At a
+later period he devoted these still moments to meditation on the
+Scriptures. Brentz was one of the first to perceive the new light
+which then rose on Germany, and he received it into his soul in
+the full love of it.<a name="FNanchor_468_468" id="FNanchor_468_468"></a><a href="#Footnote_468_468" class="fnanchor">[468]</a> He read the writings of Luther with avidity,
+and must have been overjoyed at the prospect of hearing him personally
+at Heidelberg. Young Brentz was particularly struck with
+one of the doctor's propositions, viz., "Not he who does many
+works is justified before God, but he who, without works, believes
+much in Jesus Christ."</p>
+
+<p>A pious woman of Heilbronn, on the Necker, wife of a councillor
+of that town, named Snepf, had, after the example of Hannah,
+dedicated her first born to the Lord, earnestly desiring to see him
+devote himself to theology. The young man, who was born in
+1495, made rapid progress in literature, but whether from taste
+or ambition, or compliance with his father's wishes, he devoted
+himself to the study of law. The pious mother was grieved when
+she saw her son Ehrhard following another course than that to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span>
+which she had dedicated him; she warned and urged him, and
+always concluded by reminding him of the vow which she had
+made at his birth.<a name="FNanchor_469_469" id="FNanchor_469_469"></a><a href="#Footnote_469_469" class="fnanchor">[469]</a> At length, overcome by his mother's perseverance,
+Ehrhard Snepf yielded, and soon felt such delight in his
+new studies, that nothing in the world could have diverted him
+from them.</p>
+
+<p>He was in terms of intimacy with Bucer and Brentz, and they remained
+friends all their lives; "for," says one of their biographers,
+"friendships founded on the love of literature and virtue are never
+extinguished." He was present with his two friends at the Heidelberg
+discussion. The Paradoxes and the bold struggle of the Wittemberg
+doctor gave Snepf a new impulse. Rejecting the vain dogma
+of human merit, he embraced the doctrine of free justification.</p>
+
+<p>The next day Bucer paid a visit to Luther. "I conversed with
+him," says he, "and without witnesses; and had a most exquisite
+repast, not from the viands, but from the truths which were set before
+me. Whatever objections I stated, were readily answered by
+the doctor, who explained every thing with the utmost clearness.
+O! that I had time to write you more about it."<a name="FNanchor_470_470" id="FNanchor_470_470"></a><a href="#Footnote_470_470" class="fnanchor">[470]</a> Luther himself
+was touched with the sentiments of Bucer. "He is the only
+friar of his order," wrote he to Spalatin, "who is in good faith.
+He is a young man of great promise; he received me with simplicity,
+and conversed with me with earnestness; he is deserving
+of our confidence and our love."<a name="FNanchor_471_471" id="FNanchor_471_471"></a><a href="#Footnote_471_471" class="fnanchor">[471]</a></p>
+
+<p>Brentz, Snepf, and others also, urged by the new truths which
+began to dawn upon their minds, in like manner visited Luther,
+speaking and conferring with him, and asking explanations of any
+thing which they might not have comprehended. The Reformer,
+in his answers, founded upon the Bible. At every word that fell
+from him fresh light arose, and his visitors saw a new world opening
+before them.</p>
+
+<p>After Luther's departure these noble-minded men began to
+teach at Heidelberg. It was necessary to follow out what the man
+of God had begun, and not allow the torch which he had kindled
+to be extinguished. The scholars will speak should the masters be
+silent. Brentz, although he was still so youthful, explained St.
+Matthew, at first in his own room, and afterwards, when it could
+not contain his hearers, in the hall of philosophy. The theologians,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span>
+filled with envy at seeing the great concourse which he drew together,
+were much offended.</p>
+
+<p>Brentz next took orders, and transferred his lectures to the college
+of the Canons of the Holy Spirit. In this way the fire which
+had already been kindled in Saxony was kindled also in Heidelberg.
+The light radiated from numerous <i>foci</i>. This period has
+been designated the seed-time of the Palatinate.</p>
+
+<p>But the fruits of the Heidelberg discussion were not confined to the
+Palatinate. These bold friends of the truth soon became luminaries
+in the Church. They all occupied eminent stations, and took
+part in the numerous discussions, to which the Reformation gave
+rise. Strasburg, and at a later period England, were indebted to
+the labours of Bucer, for a purer knowledge of the truth. Snepf
+taught first at Marburg, then at Stutgard, Tubingen, and Jena.
+Brentz, after teaching at Heidelberg, long continued to labour at
+Halle, in Swabia, and at Tubingen. These three individuals will
+again come before us.</p>
+
+<p>This discussion caused Luther himself to advance. He grew
+daily in the knowledge of the truth. "I am one of those," said
+he, "who have made progress by writing and by instructing
+others; and not one of those, who, from nothing, become all at
+once great and learned doctors."</p>
+
+<p>He was delighted at seeing the avidity with which youth in
+schools received the growing truth; and this consoled him when
+he saw how deeply the old doctors were rooted in their opinions.
+"I have the glorious hope," said he, "that, in like manner as
+Christ, when rejected by the Jews, went to the Gentiles, we
+will now see true theology, though rejected by these old men of
+vain and fantastical opinions, welcomed by the rising generation."<a name="FNanchor_472_472" id="FNanchor_472_472"></a><a href="#Footnote_472_472" class="fnanchor">[472]</a></p>
+
+<p>The Chapter being closed, Luther thought of returning to Wittemberg.
+The Count Palatine gave him a letter to the Elector, in
+which he said that "Luther had displayed so much ability in the
+discussion as to reflect great glory on the university of Wittemberg."
+He was not permitted to return on foot.<a name="FNanchor_473_473" id="FNanchor_473_473"></a><a href="#Footnote_473_473" class="fnanchor">[473]</a> The Augustins
+of Nuremberg conducted him as far as Wurzburg, and from
+thence he proceeded to Erfurt with the friars belonging to it. As
+soon as he arrived he called on his old master Jodocus. The venerable
+professor, who had been much concerned and shocked
+at the career which his pupil had followed, was accustomed to
+put a theta (&#952;) before all Luther's sentences,&mdash;that being the letter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span>
+which the Greeks used to express condemnation.<a name="FNanchor_474_474" id="FNanchor_474_474"></a><a href="#Footnote_474_474" class="fnanchor">[474]</a> He had written
+to the young doctor, censuring his conduct, and he was anxious
+to answer by word of mouth. Not having been received, he wrote
+Jodocus:&mdash;"The whole university, with the exception of a single
+licentiate, thinks as I do. Nay, more; the prince, the bishop,
+several other prelates, and all our enlightened citizens, declare,
+with one voice, that hitherto they have neither known nor understood
+Jesus Christ and his gospel. I am ready to receive your
+correction, and though it should be harsh I will think it pleasant.
+Unbosom your heart then without fear, disburden yourself of
+your anger. I have no wish, I am not able to be angry with you.
+God and my conscience bear witness."<a name="FNanchor_475_475" id="FNanchor_475_475"></a><a href="#Footnote_475_475" class="fnanchor">[475]</a></p>
+
+<p>The aged doctor was touched by the sentiments of his old pupil,
+and wished to see if there was no means of removing the condemnatory
+theta. They had an explanation; but nothing resulted
+from it. "I have at least," said Luther, "made him understand,
+that all their sentences are like the beast which is said to eat itself.
+But it is vain to speak to the deaf. The doctors cling obstinately
+to their petty distinctions, although they confess that they have
+nothing to support them but what they term the light of natural
+reason&mdash;a dark chaos to us who proclaim no other light than
+Jesus Christ, the only true light."<a name="FNanchor_476_476" id="FNanchor_476_476"></a><a href="#Footnote_476_476" class="fnanchor">[476]</a></p>
+
+<p>Luther quitted Erfurt in the carriage of the convent. He was
+thus brought to Eisleben, and from thence the Augustins of the
+place, proud of a doctor who threw so much lustre on their order
+and on their town which had given him birth, caused him to be
+conveyed to Wittemberg with their own horses, and at their own
+expence. All were desirous to testify affection and esteem for the
+extraordinary man who was rising at every step.</p>
+
+<p>He arrived on Saturday after the Ascension. The journey had
+done him good. His friends found him stronger and healthier
+looking than before his departure,<a name="FNanchor_477_477" id="FNanchor_477_477"></a><a href="#Footnote_477_477" class="fnanchor">[477]</a> and were delighted with all he
+told them. Luther reposed for some time from the fatigues of his
+campaign and the discussion at Heidelberg, but this repose was only
+a preparation for more severe exertions.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span></p>
+<h2>BOOK FOURTH.</h2>
+
+<h2>CHAP. I.</h2>
+
+<h3>LUTHER BEFORE THE LEGATE.</h3>
+
+<p class="center">MAY-DECEMBER, 1518.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Repentance&mdash;The Pope&mdash;Leo X&mdash;Luther to his Bishop&mdash;Luther to the Pope&mdash;Luther
+to the Vicar-General&mdash;Rovere to the Elector&mdash;Discourse on Excommunication&mdash;Influence
+and Power of Luther.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>Truth had at length raised her head in the bosom of Christendom.
+Victorious over the inferior organs of the papacy, she behoved to
+have a struggle with its chief. We are going to see Luther at
+close quarters with Rome.</p>
+
+<p>This step was taken on his return from Heidelberg. His first
+theses on indulgences had been misunderstood, and he determined
+to explain their meaning with greater clearness. The outcry raised
+by the blind hatred of his enemies had convinced him how important
+it was to gain the most enlightened part of the nation in
+favour of truth, and he resolved to appeal to its judgment by calling
+attention to the foundation on which his convictions rested. It was,
+indeed, necessary for once to appeal to the decision of Rome; and
+he hesitates not to send all his explanations. Presenting them
+with one hand to the enlightened and impartial among his countrymen,
+he with the other lays them before the throne of the sovereign
+pontiff.</p>
+
+<p>These explanations of his theses, which he denominated <i>Solutions</i>,<a name="FNanchor_478_478" id="FNanchor_478_478"></a><a href="#Footnote_478_478" class="fnanchor">[478]</a>
+were written with great moderation. Luther tried to soften
+the passages which had caused most irritation, and gave proof of
+genuine modesty. At the same time, he showed that his convictions
+were immovable; and he courageously defended all the propositions
+which truth obliged him to maintain. He again repeated,
+that every Christian who truly repents possesses the remission of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span>
+sins without indulgence; that the pope, like the humblest of priests,
+can only declare simply what God has already pardoned; that the
+treasure of the merits of the saints administered by the pope was a
+chimera, and that Holy Scripture was the only rule of faith. Let
+us hear himself on some of these points.</p>
+
+<p>He begins with establishing the nature of true penitence, and
+contrasts the divine act, which renews man, with the mummery of
+the Romish Church. "The Greek word &#956;&#949;&#964;&#945;&#957;&#959;&#949;&#953;&#964;&#949;," says he, "signifies&mdash;be
+clothed with a new spirit and new feelings; have a new
+nature; so that, ceasing to be earthly, you may become heavenly....
+Christ is a teacher of the spirit and not of the letter, and his
+words are spirit and life."<a name="FNanchor_479_479" id="FNanchor_479_479"></a><a href="#Footnote_479_479" class="fnanchor">[479]</a> He, therefore, inculcates, not those
+external penances which the proudest sinners can perform without
+being humbled, but a repentance according to spirit and truth&mdash;a
+repentance which may be fulfilled in all the situations of life, under the
+purple of kings, the cassock of priests, and the coronet of princes,
+amid the magnificence of Babylon, where a Daniel lived, as well as
+under a monk's frock and a beggar's tatters.</p>
+
+<p>Farther on we meet with these bold words, "I give myself no
+trouble as to what pleases or displeases the pope. He is a man like
+other men. There have been several popes who loved not only
+errors and vices, but even things still more extraordinary. I listen
+to the pope as pope, that is when he speaks in the canons, according
+to the canons, or when he decides some article with a council, but
+not when he speaks out of his own head. If I did otherwise, would
+I not be bound to say with those who know not Jesus Christ, that
+the horrible massacres of Christians of which Julius II was guilty,
+were the kind acts of an affectionate shepherd towards the Lord's
+sheep?"<a name="FNanchor_480_480" id="FNanchor_480_480"></a><a href="#Footnote_480_480" class="fnanchor">[480]</a></p>
+
+<p>"I cannot but be astonished," continues he, "at the simplicity of
+those who have said that the two swords of the gospel represent,
+the one the spiritual power, and the other the temporal. Yes, the
+pope holds a sword of steel, and so exhibits himself to Christendom,
+not as a tender father, but as a formidable tyrant. Ah! God in
+his anger has given us the sword we wished, and withdrawn that
+which we despised. In no quarter of the world have there been
+more dreadful wars than among Christians.... Why did the
+ingenious intellect which discovered this fine commentary, not with
+equal subtlety interpret the history of the two keys committed to St.
+Peter, and in that way make it an established dogma of the Church,
+that the one serves to open the treasures of heaven, and the other
+the treasures of the world."<a name="FNanchor_481_481" id="FNanchor_481_481"></a><a href="#Footnote_481_481" class="fnanchor">[481]</a></p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span>
+"It is impossible," he again says, "that a man can be a Christian
+without having Christ; and if he has Christ, he at the same
+time has all that belongs to Christ. The thing which gives peace
+to our conscience is, that by faith our sins are no longer ours, but
+Christ's, on whom God has laid them; and that, on the other hand,
+all the righteousness of Christ is ours, to whom God has given it.
+Christ puts his hand upon us, and we are cured. He throws his
+mantle over us and we are covered; for he is the glorious Saviour,
+blessed for ever and ever."<a name="FNanchor_482_482" id="FNanchor_482_482"></a><a href="#Footnote_482_482" class="fnanchor">[482]</a></p>
+
+<p>With such views of the riches of salvation by Jesus Christ, there
+was no need of indulgences.</p>
+
+<p>Luther, while attacking the papacy, speaks honourably of Leo
+X. "The times in which we live are so bad," says he, "that even
+the greatest personages cannot come to the help of the Church. We
+have now a very good pope in Leo X. His sincerity and knowledge
+fill us with joy. But what can one man, though amiable and
+agreeable, do by himself alone? He certainly deserved to be pope
+in better times. We, in our day, deserve only such popes as Julius
+II, and Alexander VI."</p>
+
+<p>He afterwards comes to the crowning point. "I wish to say
+the thing in a few words and boldly. The Church stands in need
+of a reformation; and this cannot be the work either of a single
+man, like the pope, or of many men, like the cardinals, and fathers
+of councils; but it must be that of the whole world, or, rather, it is
+a work which belongs to God only. As to the time in which such
+a reformation ought to begin, He alone who created time can tell....
+The embankment is broken down, and it is no longer in
+our power to arrest the torrents which are rushing impetuously
+along."</p>
+
+<p>Such are some of the thoughts and declarations which Luther
+addressed to the enlightened among his countrymen. The Feast
+of Pentecost was at hand; and, at this period, when the apostles
+rendered the first testimony of their faith to the risen Saviour,
+Luther, a new apostle, published this enlivening book in which he
+expressed his earnest longings for a resurrection of the Church.
+Saturday, 22nd May, 1518, being Pentecost eve, he sent his work
+to his ordinary, the Bishop of Brandenburg, with the following
+letter:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">Most worthy Father in God</span>,&mdash;Some time ago, when a
+novel and unheard-of doctrine, touching the apostolic indulgences,
+began to make a noise in these countries, both learned and ignorant
+felt concerned; and many persons, some of them known to me,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span>
+and others whom I did not even know by face, urged me to publish,
+by word of mouth, or by writing, what I thought of the novelty, I
+am unwilling to say, the impudence of this doctrine. At first I was
+silent, and kept back. But at length matters came to such a point,
+that the holiness of the pope was compromised.</p>
+
+<p>"What was I to do? I thought it best neither to approve nor
+to condemn these doctrines; but to establish a discussion on this
+important point, until the Holy Church should decide.</p>
+
+<p>"Nobody having come forward to this combat, to which I had
+invited all the world, and my theses having been considered not as
+materials for discussion, but positive assertions,<a name="FNanchor_483_483" id="FNanchor_483_483"></a><a href="#Footnote_483_483" class="fnanchor">[483]</a> I feel myself obliged
+to publish an explanation of them. Deign, then, most gracious
+Bishop, to receive these trifles<a name="FNanchor_484_484" id="FNanchor_484_484"></a><a href="#Footnote_484_484" class="fnanchor">[484]</a> at my hand. And that all the world
+may see I am not acting presumptuously, I supplicate your reverence
+to take pen and ink, and blot out, or even throw into the fire and
+burn, whatever in them displeases you. I know that Jesus Christ
+has no need of my labours and my services, and that he can very
+well, without me, publish good tidings to his Church. Not that the
+bulls and menaces of my enemies deter me; very much the contrary.
+If they were not so impudent and so shameless, nobody
+would hear a word from me; I would shut myself up in a corner,
+and there study by myself for myself. If this affair is not of God,
+it certainly cannot be my affair, nor that of any man, but a thing
+of nought. Let the glory and honour be ascribed to Him to whom
+alone they belong."</p>
+
+<p>Luther had still the greatest respect for the head of the Church.
+He supposed that there was justice in Leo X, and a sincere love of
+truth. He resolved, therefore, to apply to him also; and eight
+days after, on Trinity Sunday, 30th May, 1518, addressed him in a
+letter, of which we give the following extracts:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"To the Most Blessed Father, <span class="smcap">Leo X</span>, Sovereign Bishop,<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">"Friar Martin Luther, Augustin, wishes eternal salvation!<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"I learn, most Holy Father, that evil reports are current with
+regard to me, and that my name is brought into bad odour with
+your Holiness. I am called heretic, apostate, traitor, and a thousand
+other opprobrious epithets; what I see astonishes, what I hear
+amazes me. But the only foundation of my tranquillity remains,
+and that is a pure and peaceful conscience. Be pleased to listen
+to me, most Holy Father, to me, who am only an ignorant child."</p>
+
+<p>Luther relates the origin of the whole affair, and continues
+thus:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"In all taverns, nothing was heard but complaints of the avarice<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span>
+of priests, and attacks on the power of the keys and the
+sovereign pontiff. This all Germany can testify. On hearing these
+things, my zeal for the glory of Christ was moved, (so I thought,)
+or if they will explain it otherwise, my young and boiling blood
+was inflamed.</p>
+
+<p>"I warned several of the princes of the Church, but some mocked
+me, and others turned a deaf ear. All seemed paralysed by the
+terror of your name. Then I published the discussion,</p>
+
+<p>"And this, most Holy Father! this is the fire which is said to
+have set the whole world in flames!</p>
+
+<p>"Now, what must I do? I cannot retract, and I see that this
+publication is subjecting me to inconceivable hatred in all quarters.
+I love not to stand forth in the midst of the world; for I am without
+knowledge, without talent, and far too feeble for such great
+things, especially in this illustrious age, in which Cicero himself,
+were he alive, would be obliged to hide in some obscure corner.<a name="FNanchor_485_485" id="FNanchor_485_485"></a><a href="#Footnote_485_485" class="fnanchor">[485]</a></p>
+
+<p>"But in order to appease my adversaries, and respond to numerous
+solicitations, I here publish my thoughts. I publish them,
+Holy Father, that I may place myself in safety under the shadow
+of your wings. All who are willing will thus be able to understand
+with what simplicity of heart I have asked the ecclesiastical
+authority to instruct me, and what respect I have shown for the
+power of the keys.<a name="FNanchor_486_486" id="FNanchor_486_486"></a><a href="#Footnote_486_486" class="fnanchor">[486]</a> If I had not managed the affair in a becoming
+manner, it is impossible that the most serene lord Frederick,
+Duke and Elector of Saxony, who shines among the friends of
+apostolical and Christian truth, would ever have tolerated in his
+university of Wittemberg a man so dangerous as I am represented
+to be.</p>
+
+<p>"Wherefore, most Holy Father, I throw myself at the feet of
+your Holiness, and submit to you with all I have, and all I am.
+Destroy my cause, or embrace it; decide for me, or decide against
+me; take my life, or restore it to me, just as you please. I will
+recognise your voice as the voice of Jesus Christ, who presides
+and speaks by you. If I have deserved death I refuse not to die.<a name="FNanchor_487_487" id="FNanchor_487_487"></a><a href="#Footnote_487_487" class="fnanchor">[487]</a>
+The earth belongs unto the Lord, and all that it contains. Let
+him be praised to all eternity. Amen. May he sustain you for
+ever and ever. Amen.</p>
+
+<p>"On the day of the Holy Trinity, in the year 1518.</p>
+
+<p class="signature">
+"<span class="smcap">Friar Martin Luther</span>, <i>Augustin</i>."<br />
+</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span>What humility and truth in this fear, or rather in this confession
+of Luther, that his young and boiling blood had perhaps been
+too quickly inflamed! We here recognise the man of sincerity,
+who, not presuming on himself, fears the influence of passion
+even in those of his actions which are most conformable to the
+word of God. There is a wide difference between this language
+and that of a proud fanatic. We see in Luther an earnest desire
+to gain over Leo to the cause of truth, to prevent all disruption,
+and make this reformation, the necessity of which he proclaims,
+come from the very pinnacle of the Church. Assuredly, he is not
+the person who ought to be charged with destroying in the West
+that unity, the loss of which was afterwards so much regretted.
+He sacrificed every thing in order to maintain it; every thing but
+truth. It was not he, but his adversaries, who, by refusing to acknowledge
+the fulness and sufficiency of the salvation wrought out
+by Jesus Christ, are chargeable with having rent the Saviour's
+robe at the foot of the cross.</p>
+
+<p>After writing this letter, Luther, the very same day, addressed
+his friend Staupitz, vicar-general of his order. It was through
+him he wished his "Solutions" and his epistle to reach Leo.</p>
+
+<p>"I pray you," says he to him, "kindly to accept the miserable
+things<a name="FNanchor_488_488" id="FNanchor_488_488"></a><a href="#Footnote_488_488" class="fnanchor">[488]</a> which I send you, and transmit them to the excellent
+pope, Leo X. Not that I would thereby drag you into the perils
+to which I am exposed. I wish to take all the danger to myself.
+Jesus Christ will see whether what I have said comes from him or
+comes from me&mdash;Jesus Christ, without whose will neither the tongue
+of the pope can move, nor the hearts of kings resolve.</p>
+
+<p>"To those who threaten me I have no answer to give, unless it
+be the remark of Reuchlin, 'The poor man has nothing to fear, for
+he has nothing to lose.'<a name="FNanchor_489_489" id="FNanchor_489_489"></a><a href="#Footnote_489_489" class="fnanchor">[489]</a> I have neither money nor goods, and I
+ask none. If I once possessed some honour and some reputation,
+let him that has begun to strip me of them finish his work. I have
+nothing left but this miserable body, enfeebled by so many trials;
+let them kill it by force or fraud, to the glory of God. In this way
+they will, perhaps, shorten my life an hour or two. Enough for
+me to have a precious Redeemer, a powerful Priest, Jesus Christ
+the Lord! I will praise him while I have a breath of life; and if
+none will praise him with me, how can I help it?"</p>
+
+<p>These words enable us to read Luther's heart.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span>While he was thus looking with confidence towards Rome, Rome
+had thoughts of vengeance towards him. On the 3rd of April,
+Cardinal Raphael De Rovere had written to the Elector Frederick
+in the pope's name, stating that suspicions were entertained of his
+faith, and that he ought to beware of protecting Luther.</p>
+
+<p>"Cardinal Raphael," says Luther, "would have had great
+pleasure in seeing me burned by Duke Frederick."<a name="FNanchor_490_490" id="FNanchor_490_490"></a><a href="#Footnote_490_490" class="fnanchor">[490]</a> Thus Rome
+began to whet her arms against Luther, and the first blow which
+she aimed at him was through the mind of his protector. If she
+succeeded in destroying the shelter under which the monk of Wittemberg
+was reposing, he would become an easy prey.</p>
+
+<p>The German princes attached much importance to their reputation
+as Christian princes. The slightest suspicion of heresy filled
+them with alarm, and the court of Rome had shrewdly availed itself
+of this feeling. Frederick, moreover, had always been attached
+to the religion of his fathers, and Raphael's letter made a very
+strong impression on his mind. But it was a principle with the
+Elector not to act hastily in any thing. He knew that truth was
+not always on the side of the strongest. The transactions of the
+empire with Rome had taught him to distrust the selfish views of
+that court; and he was aware that in order to be a Christian
+prince, it was not necessary to be the pope's slave.</p>
+
+<p>"He was not," says Melancthon, "one of those profane spirits
+who wish to stifle all changes in their first beginnings.<a name="FNanchor_491_491" id="FNanchor_491_491"></a><a href="#Footnote_491_491" class="fnanchor">[491]</a> Frederick
+resigned himself to God. He carefully read the writings
+which were published, and what he judged true he allowed no one
+to destroy."<a name="FNanchor_492_492" id="FNanchor_492_492"></a><a href="#Footnote_492_492" class="fnanchor">[492]</a> He had power to do so. Supreme in his own
+States, he was respected in the empire at least as highly as the
+emperor himself.</p>
+
+<p>It is probable that Luther learned something of this letter of
+Cardinal Raphael, which was sent to the Elector on the 7th of
+July. Perhaps it was the prospect of excommunication which this
+Roman missive seemed to presage, that led him to mount the
+pulpit of Wittemberg on the 15th of the same month, and on this
+subject deliver a discourse which made a profound impression. He
+distinguished between internal and external excommunication; the
+former excluding from communion with God, and the latter excluding
+only from the ceremonies of the Church. "Nobody,"
+says he, "can reconcile a lapsed soul with God save God himself.
+Nobody can separate man from communion with God unless it be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span>
+man himself by his own sins! Happy he who dies unjustly excommunicated!
+While for righteousness' sake he endures a heavy
+infliction on the part of man, he receives the crown of eternal
+felicity from the hand of God."</p>
+
+<p>Some highly applauded this bold language, while others were
+more irritated by it. But Luther was no longer alone; and although
+his faith needed no other support than that of God, a phalanx
+of defence against his enemies was formed around him. The
+Germans had heard the voice of the Reformer. His discourses
+and his writings sent forth flashes which awoke and illumined his
+contemporaries. The energy of his faith fell in torrents of fire on
+slumbering hearts. The life which God had infused into this extraordinary
+soul was imparted to the dead body of the Church;
+and Christendom, which had for so many ages been motionless,
+was animated with a religious enthusiasm. The devotedness of
+the people to the superstitions of Rome diminished every day, and
+the number of hands which offered money for the purchase of pardon
+became fewer and fewer,<a name="FNanchor_493_493" id="FNanchor_493_493"></a><a href="#Footnote_493_493" class="fnanchor">[493]</a> while at the same time Luther's
+fame continued to increase. People turned towards him, and
+hailed him with love and respect as the intrepid defender of truth
+and liberty.<a name="FNanchor_494_494" id="FNanchor_494_494"></a><a href="#Footnote_494_494" class="fnanchor">[494]</a> No doubt the full depth of the doctrines which he
+announced was not perceived. It was enough for the greater
+number to know that the new doctor withstood the pope, and that
+the empire of priests and monks was shaken by his powerful word.
+To them the attack of Luther was like one of those fires which
+are kindled on mountain tops, as the signal for a whole nation to
+rise and burst its chains. Before the Reformer suspected what
+he had done, all the generous hearted among his countrymen had
+already acknowledged him for their leader. To many, however,
+the appearance of Luther was something more. The word of God,
+which he wielded with so much power, pierced their minds like a
+sharp two-edged sword; and their hearts were inflamed with an
+ardent desire to obtain the assurance of pardon and eternal life.
+Since primitive times the Church had not known such hungering
+and thirsting after righteousness. If the preaching of Peter the
+Hermit and Bernard so aroused the population of the middle ages
+as to make them take up a perishable cross, the preaching of
+Luther disposed those of his time to embrace the true cross, the
+truth which saves. The framework which then lay with all its weight<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span>
+on the Church had smothered everything; the form had destroyed
+the life. But the powerful word given to Luther caused a quickening
+breath to circulate over the soil of Christendom. At the
+first glance the writings of Luther were equally captivating to believers
+and unbelievers,&mdash;to unbelievers, because the positive doctrines
+afterwards to be established were not yet fully developed in
+them; and to believers, because they contained the germ of that
+living faith which they so powerfully express. Hence the influence
+of these writings was immense; they spread almost instantaneously
+over Germany and the world. The prevailing impression of men
+every where was, that they were assisting, not at the establishment
+of a sect, but at a new birth of the Church and of society.
+Those who were born of the Spirit of God ranged themselves
+around him who was its organ. Christendom was divided into
+two camps,&mdash;the one leagued with the spirit against the form, and
+the other with the form against the spirit. It is true that on the
+side of the form were all the appearances of strength and grandeur,
+and on the side of the spirit those of feebleness and insignificance.
+But the form, devoid of the spirit, is a lifeless body, which the first
+breath may upset. Its appearance of power only provokes hostility
+and accelerates its downfall. In this way the simple truth had
+placed Luther at the head of a mighty army.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. II.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Diet at Augsburg&mdash;The Emperor to the Pope&mdash;The Elector to Rovere&mdash;Luther cited
+to Rome&mdash;Luther's Peace&mdash;Intercession of the University&mdash;Papal Brief&mdash;Luther's
+Indignation&mdash;The Pope to the Elector.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>This army was needed; for the great began to move. Both
+the empire and the Church were uniting their efforts to rid themselves
+of this troublesome monk. Had the imperial throne been
+occupied by a brave and energetic prince, he might have profited
+by these religious agitations, and, throwing himself on God and
+the nation, given new force to the former opposition to the papacy.
+But Maximilian was too old, and was determined, moreover, to
+sacrifice every thing to what he regarded as the end of his existence,&mdash;the
+aggrandisement of his house, and through it the exaltation
+of his grandson.</p>
+
+<p>The Emperor Maximilian at this time held a diet at Augsburg,
+Six Electors attended in person, and all the Germanic States<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span>
+were represented at it, while the kings of France, Hungary, and
+Poland, sent their ambassadors. All these princes and envoys
+appeared in great splendour. The war against the Turks was one
+of the subjects for which the diet had assembled. The legate
+of Leo X strongly urged the prosecution of it; but the States,
+instructed by the bad use which had formerly been made of their
+contributions, and sagely counselled by the Elector Frederick, contented
+themselves with declaring that they would take the matter
+into consideration, and at the same time, produced new grievances
+against Rome. A Latin discourse, published during the
+Diet, boldly called the attention of the German princes to the true
+danger. "You wish," said the author, "to put the Turk to flight.
+This is well; but I am much afraid that you are mistaken as to
+his person. It is not in Asia, but in Italy, that you ought to seek
+him."<a name="FNanchor_495_495" id="FNanchor_495_495"></a><a href="#Footnote_495_495" class="fnanchor">[495]</a></p>
+
+<p>Another affair of no less importance was to occupy the Diet.
+Maximilian was desirous that his grandson Charles, already
+king of Spain and Naples, should be proclaimed king of the
+Romans, and his successors in the imperial dignity. The pope
+knew his interest too well to wish the imperial throne to be occupied
+by a prince whose power in Italy might prove formidable
+to him. The Emperor thought he had already gained the greater
+part of the electors and states, but he found a strenuous opponent
+in Frederick. In vain did he solicit him, and in vain did the
+ministers and best friends of the Elector join their entreaties to
+those of the Emperor. Frederick was immovable, and proved
+the truth of what has been said of him, that when once satisfied of
+the justice of a resolution, he had firmness of soul never to abandon
+it. The Emperor's design failed.</p>
+
+<p>From this time the Emperor sought to gain the good will of the
+pope, in order to render him favourable to his plans; and as a
+special proof of his devotedness, on the 5th August, wrote him the
+following letter:&mdash;"Most Holy Father, we learned some days ago
+that a friar of the Augustin order, named Martin Luther, has
+begun to maintain divers propositions as to the commerce in
+indulgences. Our displeasure is the greater because the said friar
+finds many protectors, among whom are powerful personages.<a name="FNanchor_496_496" id="FNanchor_496_496"></a><a href="#Footnote_496_496" class="fnanchor">[496]</a>
+If your Holiness and the very reverend fathers of the Church,
+(the Cardinals,) do not forthwith employ their authority to put
+an end to these scandals, not only will these pernicious doctors
+seduce the simple, but they will involve great princes in their ruin.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span>
+We will take care that whatever your Holiness may decide on this
+matter, for the glory of Almighty God, shall be observed by all in
+our empire."</p>
+
+<p>This letter must have been written after some rather keen discussion
+between Maximilian and Frederick. The same day, the
+Elector wrote to Raphael de Rovere. He had doubtless learned
+that the Emperer was addressing the Roman pontiff, and to parry
+the blow he put himself in communication with Rome.</p>
+
+<p>"I can have no other wish," said he, "than to show myself submissive
+to the universal Church. Accordingly, I have never defended
+the writings and sermons of Doctor Martin Luther. I understand,
+moreover, that he has always offered to appear with a safe-conduct
+before impartial, learned, and Christian judges, in order to defend
+his doctrine, and submit, in the event of being convinced by Scripture
+itself."<a name="FNanchor_497_497" id="FNanchor_497_497"></a><a href="#Footnote_497_497" class="fnanchor">[497]</a></p>
+
+<p>Leo X, who had hitherto allowed the affair to take its course,
+aroused by the cries of theologians and monks, instituted an ecclesiastical
+court, which was to try Luther at Rome, and in which
+Sylvester Prierio, the great enemy of the Reformer, was at once
+accuser and judge. The charge was soon drawn up, and Luther
+was summoned by the court to appear personally in sixty days.</p>
+
+<p>Luther was at Wittemberg, calmly awaiting the good effect which
+his humble letter to the pope was, as he imagined, to produce, when,
+on the 7th of August, only two days after the despatch of the letters
+of Maximilian and Frederick, he received the citation from the
+Roman tribunal. "At the moment," says he, "when I was expecting
+the benediction, I saw the thunder burst upon me. I was
+the lamb troubling the water to the wolf. Tezel escapes, and I must
+allow myself to be eaten."</p>
+
+<p>This citation threw Wittemberg into consternation; for whatever
+course Luther might adopt, he could not avert the danger. If he
+repaired to Rome he must there become the victim of his enemies.
+If he refused to go, he would, as a matter of course, be condemned
+for contumacy, without being able to escape; for it was known
+that the legate had received orders from the pope to do everything
+he could do to irritate the Emperor and the German princes against
+him. His friends were in dismay. Must the teacher of truth go
+with his life in his hand to that great city, <i>drunk with the blood of
+the saints and martyrs of Jesus</i>? Is it sufficient to ensure any
+man's destruction that he has raised his head from the bosom of
+enslaved Christendom? Must this man, whom God appears to
+have formed for resisting a power which hitherto nothing has been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span>
+able to resist, be also overthrown? Luther, himself, saw no one
+who could save him unless it were the Elector, but he would rather
+die than endanger his prince. His friends at last fell on an expedient
+which would not compromise Frederick. Let him refuse a
+safe-conduct, and Luther will have a legitimate cause for refusing
+to appear at Rome.</p>
+
+<p>On the 8th of August Luther wrote to Spalatin, praying that the
+Elector would employ his influence to have him cited in Germany.
+He also wrote to Staupitz, "See what ambuscades they use to ensnare
+me, and how I am surrounded with thorns. But Christ lives
+and reigns, to-day, yesterday, and for ever. My conscience assures
+me that what I have taught is the truth, though it becomes still
+more odious when I teach it. The Church is like the womb of
+Rebecca. The children must struggle together so as even to endanger
+the life of the mother.<a name="FNanchor_498_498" id="FNanchor_498_498"></a><a href="#Footnote_498_498" class="fnanchor">[498]</a> As to what remains, entreat the
+Lord that I may not have too much joy in this trial. May God
+not lay the sin to their charge."</p>
+
+<p>The friends of Luther did not confine themselves to consultation
+and complaint. Spalatin, on the part of the Elector, wrote to Renner,
+the Emperor's secretary, "Dr. Martin is very willing that his
+judges shall be all the universities of Germany, with the exception
+of those of Erfurt, Leipsic, and Frankfort on the Oder, which he
+has ground to suspect. It is impossible for him to appear personally
+at Rome."<a name="FNanchor_499_499" id="FNanchor_499_499"></a><a href="#Footnote_499_499" class="fnanchor">[499]</a></p>
+
+<p>The university of Wittemberg wrote a letter of intercession to
+the pope himself, and thus spoke of Luther,&mdash;"The feebleness of
+his body, and the dangers of the journey, make it difficult and
+even impossible for him to obey the order of your Holiness. His
+distress and his prayers dispose us to have compassion on him. We,
+then, as obedient sons, entreat you, most Holy Father, to be
+pleased to regard him as a man who has never taught doctrines in
+opposition to the sentiments of the Roman Church." On the same
+day the university, in its anxiety, addressed Charles de Miltitz, a
+Saxon gentleman, the chamberlain, and a great favourite of the
+pope, and bore testimony to Luther in terms still stronger than
+those which it had ventured to insert in the former letter. "The
+worthy father, Martin Luther, Augustin, is the noblest and most
+honourable man of our university. For several years we have seen
+and known his ability, his knowledge, his high attainments in arts
+and literature, his irreproachable manners, and his altogether
+Christian conduct."<a name="FNanchor_500_500" id="FNanchor_500_500"></a><a href="#Footnote_500_500" class="fnanchor">[500]</a></p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span>
+This active charity on the part of all who were about Luther is
+his finest eulogium.</p>
+
+<p>While the issue was anxiously waited for, the affair terminated
+more easily than might have been supposed. The Legate de Vio,
+chagrined at not having succeeded in the commission which he had
+received to prepare a general war against the Turks, was desirous
+to give lustre to his embassy in Germany by some other brilliant
+exploit; and thinking that if he extinguished heresy he would reappear
+at Rome with glory, he asked the pope to remit the affair
+to him. Leo felt himself under obligation to Frederick, for having
+so strenuously opposed the election of young Charles, and was
+aware that he might still want his assistance. Accordingly, without
+adverting to the citation, he charged his legate by a brief, dated
+23rd of August, to examine the affair in Germany. The pope lost
+nothing by this mode of proceeding; and, at the same time, if Luther
+could be brought to a retractation, the noise and scandal which
+his appearance at Rome might have occasioned were avoided.</p>
+
+<p>"We charge you," said he, "to bring personally before you, to
+pursue and constrain without delay, and as soon as you receive
+this our letter, the said Luther, who has already been declared
+heretic by our dear brother, Jerome, Bishop of Asculan."<a name="FNanchor_501_501" id="FNanchor_501_501"></a><a href="#Footnote_501_501" class="fnanchor">[501]</a></p>
+
+<p>Then the pope prescribes the severest measures against Luther.</p>
+
+<p>"For this purpose invoke the arm and assistance of our very dear
+son in Christ, Maximilian, the other princes of Germany, and all
+its commonalties, universities, and powers ecclesiastical or secular;
+and if you apprehend him, keep him in safe custody, in order that
+he may be brought before us."<a name="FNanchor_502_502" id="FNanchor_502_502"></a><a href="#Footnote_502_502" class="fnanchor">[502]</a></p>
+
+<p>We see that this indulgent concession of the pope was little else
+than a surer method of dragging Luther to Rome. Next follow
+the gentle measures:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"If he returns to himself, and asks pardon for his great crime,
+asks it of himself, and without being urged to do it, we give you
+power to receive him into the unity of Holy Mother Church."</p>
+
+<p>The pope soon returns to malediction.</p>
+
+<p>"If he persists in his obstinacy, and you cannot make yourself
+master of his person, we give you power to proscribe him in all
+parts of Germany, to banish, curse, and excommunicate all who
+are attached to him, and to order all Christians to shun their presence."</p>
+
+<p>Still this is not enough. The pope continues:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span>"And in order that this contagion maybe the more easily extirpated,
+you will excommunicate all prelates, religious orders, communities,
+counts, dukes, and grandees, except the Emperor Maximilian,
+who shall refuse to seize the said Martin Luther and his
+adherents, and send them to you, under due and sufficient guard.
+And if (which God forbid) the said princes, communities, universities,
+grandees, or any one belonging to them, offer an asylum to
+the said Martin and his adherents, in any way, and give him, publicly
+or in secret, by themselves or others, aid and counsel, we lay
+under interdict these princes, communities, and grandees, with
+their towns, burghs, fields, and villages, whither said Martin may
+flee, as long as he shall remain there, and for three days after he
+shall have left."</p>
+
+<p>This audacious chair, which pretends to be the representative on
+earth of Him who has said, <i>God sent not his Son into the world to
+condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved</i>,
+continues its anathemas; and, after having denounced penalties
+against ecclesiastics, proceeds:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"In regard to the laity, if they do not obey your orders instantly,
+and without any opposition, we declare them infamous, (with
+the exception of the most worthy Emperor,) incapable of performing
+any lawful act, deprived of Christian burial, and stript of all
+fiefs which they may hold, whether of the apostolic see, or of any
+other superior whatsoever."<a name="FNanchor_503_503" id="FNanchor_503_503"></a><a href="#Footnote_503_503" class="fnanchor">[503]</a></p>
+
+<p>Such was the fate which awaited Luther. The monarch of
+Rome has leagued for his destruction, and to effect it, spared nothing,
+not even the peace of the tomb. His ruin seems inevitable.
+How will he escape this immense conspiracy? But Rome had miscalculated;
+a movement produced by the Spirit of God was not to
+be quelled by the decrees of its chancery.</p>
+
+<p>Even the forms of a just and impartial inquest had not been observed.
+Luther had been declared heretic, not only without having
+been heard, but even before the expiry of the period named for his
+compearance. The passions (and nowhere do they show themselves
+stronger than in religious discussions) overleap all the forms of
+justice. Strange proceedings, in this respect, occur, not only in
+the Church of Rome, but in Protestant churches also, which have
+turned aside from the gospel; in other words, in all places where
+the truth is not, every thing done against the gospel is deemed
+lawful. We often see men who, in any other case, would scruple
+to commit the smallest injustice, not hesitating to trample under<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span>
+foot all forms and all rights when the matter in question is Christianity,
+and the testimony borne to it.</p>
+
+<p>When Luther was afterwards made acquainted with this brief,
+he expressed his indignation. "Here," says he, "is the most remarkable
+part of the whole affair. The brief is dated on the 23rd
+of August, and I was cited for the 7th of August; so that between
+the citation and the brief there is an interval of sixteen days.
+Now, make the calculation, and you will find that my Lord Jerome,
+Bishop of Asculan, has proceeded against me, given judgment, condemned,
+and declared me heretic, before the citation could have
+reached me, or at most sixteen days after it had been despatched
+to me. Now, I ask, where are the sixty days given me in the citation?
+They commenced on the 7th August, and were to end on
+the 7th October. Is it the style and fashion of the court of Rome
+to cite, admonish, accuse, judge, and pronounce sentence of condemnation,
+all in one day, against a man who is at such a distance
+from Rome, that he knows nothing at all of the proceedings?
+What answer would they give to this? Doubtless, they forgot to
+purge themselves with hellebore before proceeding to such falsehoods."<a name="FNanchor_504_504" id="FNanchor_504_504"></a><a href="#Footnote_504_504" class="fnanchor">[504]</a></p>
+
+<p>But at the same time that Rome was secretly depositing her
+thunders in the hands of her legate, she was endeavouring, by
+smooth and flattering words, to detach the prince whose power she
+most dreaded from Luther's cause. The same day, 25th August
+1518, the pope wrote the Elector of Saxony. Recurring to those
+wiles of ancient policy which we have already pointed out, he endeavoured
+to flatter the prince's self-love:</p>
+
+<p>"Dear son," said the Roman pontiff, "when we think on your
+noble and honourable race, and on yourself, its head and ornament;
+when we recollect how you and your ancestors have always desired
+to maintain Christian faith, and the honour and dignity of the Holy
+See, we cannot believe that a man who abandons the faith can
+trust to the favour of your Highness, in giving loose reins to his
+wickedness. And yet it is told us from all quarters that a certain
+friar, Martin Luther, Eremite of the order of St. Augustine, has,
+like a child of malice, and a contemner of God, forgotten his habit
+and his order, which consist in humility and obedience, and is boasting
+that he fears neither the authority nor the punishment of any
+man, because assured of your favour and protection.</p>
+
+<p>"But, as we know that he is mistaken, we have thought good to
+write to your Highness, and exhort you, according to the Lord, to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span>
+be vigilant for the honour of your name as a Christian prince, and
+to defend yourself from these calumnies&mdash;yourself the ornament,
+the glory, and sweet savour of your noble race&mdash;and to guard, not
+only against a fault so grave as that which is imputed to you, but
+also against even the suspicion which the insensate hardihood of
+this friar tends to excite against you."</p>
+
+<p>Leo X, at the same time, announced to Frederick that he had
+charged Cardinal Saint Sixtus to examine the affair, and he enjoined
+him to put Luther into the hands of the legate, "lest," added
+he, returning again to his favourite argument, "lest the pious people
+of our time, and of future times, may one day lament and say,
+The most pernicious heresy with which the Church of God has
+been afflicted was excited by the favour and support of this high
+and honourable House."<a name="FNanchor_505_505" id="FNanchor_505_505"></a><a href="#Footnote_505_505" class="fnanchor">[505]</a></p>
+
+<p>Thus Rome had taken all her measures. With one hand she
+diffused the perfume of praise, which is always so intoxicating,
+while the other held terrors and vengeance.</p>
+
+<p>All the powers of the earth, emperor, pope, princes, and legates,
+began to move against this humble friar of Erfurt, whose internal
+combats we have already traced. "<i>The kings of the earth stood
+up, and the rulers took counsel together against the Lord and against
+his anointed.</i>"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. III.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">The Armourer Schwarzerd&mdash;His Wife&mdash;Philip&mdash;His Genius&mdash;His Studies&mdash;The Bible&mdash;Call
+to Wittemberg&mdash;Melancthon's Departure and Journey&mdash;Leipsic&mdash;Mistake&mdash;Luther's
+Joy&mdash;Parallel&mdash;Revolution in Education&mdash;Study of Greek.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>The letter and brief had not reached Germany, and Luther was
+still fearing that he would be obliged to appear at Rome, when
+a happy event gave comfort to his heart. He needed a friend to
+whom he could unbosom his sorrows, and whose faithful love would
+solace him in his hours of depression. All this God gave him in
+Melancthon.</p>
+
+<p>On the 14th February 1497, George Schwarzerd, a skilful
+armour-master of Bretten, a small town in the Palatinate, had a
+son born to him, who was named Philip, and who afterwards distinguished
+himself under the name of Melancthon. Patronised by
+the Palatine princes, and those of Bavaria and Saxony, George<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span>
+was a man of unimpeachable integrity. He often refused the price
+which purchasers offered him, and on learning that they were poor,
+insisted on returning their money. He rose regularly at midnight,
+and on his knees offered up a prayer. If on any occasion morning
+arrived without his having done it, he felt dissatisfied with himself
+the whole day. Barbara, Schwarzerd's wife, was daughter of an
+honourable magistrate named John Reuter. She was of a gentle
+temper, somewhat inclined to superstition, but otherwise remarkable
+for wisdom and prudence. From her we have the old well-known
+German rhymes&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">The giving of alms impoverisheth not;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Attendance at Church impedeth not;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Greasing the wheel retardeth not;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Ill-gotten gear enricheth not;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The Book of God deceiveth not.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>And again&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Those who are pleased more to expend<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Than their fields can render,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Must come to ruin in the end,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">It may be to a halter.<a name="FNanchor_506_506" id="FNanchor_506_506"></a><a href="#Footnote_506_506" class="fnanchor">[506]</a><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Young Philip was not eleven when his father died. Two days
+before, George called his son to his bed-side, and exhorted him to
+have the thought of God always present. "I foresee," said the
+dying armourer, "that dreadful storms are coming to shake the
+world. I have seen great things, but greater are in preparation.
+May God guide and direct you!" Philip, after receiving his father's
+blessing, was sent to Spires, that he might not be present at his
+death. He departed crying bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>The young boy's grandfather, the worthy bailie Reuter, who had
+also a son, acted as a father to him, and took him, together with
+his brother, George, under his own roof. Shortly after he gave the
+three boys for tutor John Hungarus, an excellent man, who afterwards,
+and at a very advanced age, became a powerful preacher
+of the gospel. He let nothing pass in the young man, punishing
+him for every fault, yet with discretion. "In this way," says
+Melancthon in 1554, "he made me a grammarian. He loved me
+as a son, I loved him as a father, and we will meet, I trust, in
+eternal life."<a name="FNanchor_507_507" id="FNanchor_507_507"></a><a href="#Footnote_507_507" class="fnanchor">[507]</a></p>
+
+<p>Philip was remarkable for the excellence of his understanding,
+and for his facility in learning, and expounding what he had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span>
+learned. He could not endure idleness, and always sought out
+some one with whom he might discuss what he had heard.<a name="FNanchor_508_508" id="FNanchor_508_508"></a><a href="#Footnote_508_508" class="fnanchor">[508]</a> It
+often happened that educated strangers passed through Bretten,
+and visited Reuter. The bailie's grandson instantly accosted them,
+entered into conversation with them, and so pressed them in discussion
+as to excite the wonder of those present. To a powerful
+genius he joined great sweetness of temper, and was hence a general
+favourite. He had a stammer, but, like the celebrated orator of
+the Greeks, made such exertions to overcome it, that it afterwards
+completely disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>His grandfather having died, Philip was sent with his brother
+and his young uncle, John, to the school of Pforzheim. The boys
+resided with one of their relatives, the sister of the famous Reuchlin.
+Eager for knowledge, Philip, under the tuition of George
+Simler, made rapid progress in science, and especially in the study
+of Greek, for which he had a real passion. Reuchlin often came to
+Pforzheim, and having become acquainted with his sister's young
+boarders, was soon struck with Philip's answers, and gave him
+a Greek grammar and a Bible. These two books were to be the
+study of his whole life.</p>
+
+<p>When Reuchlin returned from his second journey into Italy, his
+young relative, then twelve years of age, with some friends, performed
+a Latin comedy of his own composition before him, in
+honour of his arrival. Reuchlin, in raptures with the talents of
+the youth, embraced him tenderly, called him his dear son, and
+jocularly gave him the red bonnet which he had received on being
+made doctor. It was at this time Reuchlin changed his name of
+Schwarzerd into that of Melancthon. Both words, the one German,
+and the other Greek, mean <i>black earth</i>. It was a general custom
+with the learned thus to change their names into Greek or Latin.</p>
+
+<p>Melancthon, at twelve, repaired to the university of Heidelberg,
+and began to gratify his eager thirst for knowledge. He was admitted
+Bachelor at fourteen. In 1512 Reuchlin invited him to
+Tubingen, which contained a great number of distinguished literary
+men. Here he attended at the same time lectures on theology,
+medicine, and jurisprudence. There was no branch of knowledge
+which he did not think it his duty to study. His object was not
+praise, but the possession of science and the benefits of it.</p>
+
+<p>The Holy Scriptures particularly occupied him. Those who frequented
+the church of Tubingen had often observed a book in his
+hands, which he studied between the services. This unknown<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span>
+volume seemed larger than the common prayer-books, and the
+report spread that Philip when in church read profane books. It
+turned out that the object of their suspicion was a copy of the Holy
+Scriptures, printed a short time before at B�sle by John Frobenius.
+This volume he studied through life with unwearied application.
+He had it always with him, carrying it to all the public meetings
+to which he was invited.<a name="FNanchor_509_509" id="FNanchor_509_509"></a><a href="#Footnote_509_509" class="fnanchor">[509]</a> Rejecting the vain system of the
+schoolmen, he devoted himself to the simple word of the Gospel.
+Erasmus at this time wrote to &OElig;colampadius, "Of Melancthon
+I have the highest opinion, and the highest hopes. Jesus grant
+that this young man may have a long life! He will completely
+eclipse Erasmus."<a name="FNanchor_510_510" id="FNanchor_510_510"></a><a href="#Footnote_510_510" class="fnanchor">[510]</a> Melancthon, nevertheless, shared in the errors
+of his age. "I shudder," says he, in advanced life, "when I
+think of the honour which I paid to images when I was still in the
+papacy."<a name="FNanchor_511_511" id="FNanchor_511_511"></a><a href="#Footnote_511_511" class="fnanchor">[511]</a></p>
+
+<p>In 1514, he was made doctor in philosophy, and began to teach.
+His age was seventeen. The grace and attractiveness which he
+gave to his lectures formed a striking contrast to the insipid method
+which the doctors, and especially the monks, had hitherto pursued.
+He took an active part in the combat in which Reuchlin was engaged
+with the <i>Obscurants</i> of his age. His agreeable conversation, his
+gentle and elegant manners, gaining him the love of all who knew
+him, he soon acquired great authority, and a solid reputation in the
+world.</p>
+
+<p>At this time, the Elector Frederick having conceived the idea of
+inviting some distinguished professor of ancient languages to his
+university of Wittemberg, applied to Reuchlin who suggested Melancthon.
+Frederick saw all the lustre which this young Hellenist
+might shed on an institution which was so dear to him; and Reuchlin,
+delighted at seeing so fine a field opened to his young friend, addressed
+him in the words of Jehovah to Abraham,&mdash;"<i>Come out
+from thy country, and thy kindred, and thy father's house, and I will
+render thy name great, and thou shalt be blessed.</i>" "Yes," continues
+the old man, "I hope it will be so with thee, my dear Philip, my
+work and my comfort."<a name="FNanchor_512_512" id="FNanchor_512_512"></a><a href="#Footnote_512_512" class="fnanchor">[512]</a> In this invitation, Melancthon saw a
+call from God. The university was grieved to part with him, and
+yet he was not without envious rivals and enemies. He left his
+native country, exclaiming, "The will of the Lord be done." He
+was then twenty-one years of age.</p>
+
+<p>Melancthon made the journey on horseback, in company with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span>
+some Saxon merchants, in the same way in which caravans travel
+in the desert; for, says Reuchlin, he knew neither the towns nor
+the roads.<a name="FNanchor_513_513" id="FNanchor_513_513"></a><a href="#Footnote_513_513" class="fnanchor">[513]</a> At Augsburg he did homage to the Elector, who happened
+to be there. At Nuremberg he saw the excellent Pirckheimer,
+whom he already knew, and at Leipsic formed an intimacy
+with the learned Hellenist, Mosellanus. In this last town the
+university gave a fete in honour of him. It was a truly academic
+repast. The dishes were numerous, and as each made its appearance,
+a professor rose and addressed Melancthon in a Latin discourse
+previously prepared. He immediately gave an <i>extempore</i>
+reply. At length, worn out with so much eloquence, "Most illustrious
+friends," said he, "allow me to reply once for all to your
+addresses; for not being prepared, I cannot put as much variety
+into my replies as you into your addresses." Thereafter the dishes
+arrived without the accompaniment of a discourse.<a name="FNanchor_514_514" id="FNanchor_514_514"></a><a href="#Footnote_514_514" class="fnanchor">[514]</a></p>
+
+<p>Reuchlin's young relative arrived at Wittemberg, 25th August,
+1518, two days after Leo X had signed the brief addressed to Cajetan,
+and the letter to the Elector.</p>
+
+<p>The professors of Wittemberg did not receive Melancthon with
+so much favour as those of Leipsic had done. The first impression
+which he made upon them did not correspond to their expectations.
+They saw a young man, who seemed still younger than he really
+was, of small stature, and a feeble, timid air. Is this the illustrious
+doctor whom the greatest men of the age, Erasmus and Reuchlin,
+extol so loudly?... Neither Luther, with whom he first
+was made acquainted, nor his colleagues, conceived high hopes
+of him, when they saw his youth, his embarrassment, and whole
+appearance.</p>
+
+<p>Four days after his arrival (29th August) he delivered his inaugural
+address. The whole university was assembled. The boy,
+as Luther calls him,<a name="FNanchor_515_515" id="FNanchor_515_515"></a><a href="#Footnote_515_515" class="fnanchor">[515]</a> spoke such elegant Latin, and displayed so
+much knowledge, a mind so cultivated, and a judgment so sound,
+that all his hearers were filled with admiration.</p>
+
+<p>At the termination of the address, all pressed forward to congratulate
+him, but none felt more joy than Luther, who hastened to
+communicate to his friends the feelings with which his heart was
+overflowing. Writing Spalatin, 31st August, he says, "Melancthon,
+four days after his arrival, delivered an address so beautiful
+and so learned, that it was listened to with universal approbation
+and astonishment. We have soon got the better of the prejudices<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span>
+which his stature and personal appearance had produced. We
+praise and admire his eloquence; we thank the prince and you for
+the service you have done us. I ask no other Greek master. But
+I fear that his delicate body will not be able to digest our food,
+and that, on account of the smallness of his salary, we shall not
+keep him long. I hear that the Leipsic folks are already boasting
+of being able to carry him off from us. Oh, my dear Spalatin, beware
+of despising his age and personal appearance. He is a man
+worthy of all honour.<a name="FNanchor_516_516" id="FNanchor_516_516"></a><a href="#Footnote_516_516" class="fnanchor">[516]</a></p>
+
+<p>Melancthon immediately began to explain Homer, and St. Paul's
+Epistle to Titus. He was full of ardour. "I will do my utmost,"
+wrote he to Spalatin, "to bring Wittemberg into favour with all
+who love literature and virtue."<a name="FNanchor_517_517" id="FNanchor_517_517"></a><a href="#Footnote_517_517" class="fnanchor">[517]</a> Four days after the inauguration,
+Luther again wrote to Spalatin, "I recommend to you most
+particularly the very learned and very amiable Greek, Philip. His
+class-room is always full. All the theologians in particular attend
+him. He sets all classes from the highest to the lowest, to the
+learning of Greek."<a name="FNanchor_518_518" id="FNanchor_518_518"></a><a href="#Footnote_518_518" class="fnanchor">[518]</a></p>
+
+<p>Melancthon was able to return the affection of Luther, in whom
+he soon discovered a goodness of heart, a strength of intellect, a
+courage and a wisdom, which he had not previously found in any
+man. He venerated and loved him. "If there is any one," said
+he, "whom I love strongly, and whom my whole soul embraces, it
+is Martin Luther."<a name="FNanchor_519_519" id="FNanchor_519_519"></a><a href="#Footnote_519_519" class="fnanchor">[519]</a></p>
+
+<p>"Thus met Luther and Melancthon, and they were friends till
+death. We cannot sufficiently admire the goodness and wisdom of
+God in uniting two men so different, and yet so necessary to each
+other. What Luther had in warmth, elasticity, and force, Melancthon
+had in perspicuity, wisdom, and gentleness. Luther animated
+Melancthon; Melancthon moderated Luther. They were like the
+two forms of electric matter, the positive and the negative, which
+modify each other. Had Luther been without Melancthon, the
+stream had perhaps overflowed its bank; and, on the other hand,
+Melancthon, when without Luther, hesitated, and even yielded,
+where he ought to have stood firm.<a name="FNanchor_520_520" id="FNanchor_520_520"></a><a href="#Footnote_520_520" class="fnanchor">[520]</a> Luther did much by vigour,
+and Melancthon perhaps did not less by pursuing a slower and
+calmer course. Both were upright, open, and generous, and both,
+smitten with the love of the word of eternal life, served it with a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span>
+fidelity and devotedness which formed the distinguishing feature of
+their lives.</p>
+
+<p>The arrival of Melancthon produced a revolution, not only at
+Wittemberg, but throughout Germany and the learned world. His
+study of the Greek and Latin classics, and of philosophy, had given
+him an order, perspicuity, and precision of thought, which shed
+new light and inexpressible beauty on all the subjects which he
+discussed. The mild spirit of the gospel fertilized and enlivened
+his meditations, and the driest subjects when he expounded them
+were invested with a grace which fascinated all his hearers. The
+sterility which scholasticism had spread over education ceased, and
+a new mode of instruction and study commenced. "Thanks to
+Melancthon," says a distinguished German historian, "Wittemberg
+became the national school."<a name="FNanchor_521_521" id="FNanchor_521_521"></a><a href="#Footnote_521_521" class="fnanchor">[521]</a></p>
+
+<p>It was, indeed, of great importance, that a man thoroughly
+versed in Greek should teach in this university, where the new
+developments of theology called masters and scholars to study
+the primitive documents of the Christian faith in the original
+languages. Thenceforth Luther set himself zealously to this task.
+Often did the meaning of a Greek term, which had previously been
+unknown to him, throw sudden light on his theological views. For
+example, how great his satisfaction and delight when he saw that
+the Greek word, &#956;&#949;&#964;&#945;&#957;&#959;&#953;&#945;, which according to the Latin church,
+meant a penance, a satisfaction enacted by the Church, meant in
+Greek a transformation or conversion of heart. A thick mist all
+at once disappeared from before his eyes. The two meanings given
+to this word are sufficient to characterise the two churches.</p>
+
+<p>The impulse which Melancthon gave to Luther, in regard to the
+translation of the Bible, is one of the most remarkable circumstances
+in the friendship of these two great men. As early as
+1517, Luther had made some attempts at translation, and procured
+as many Greek and Latin books as he could. Now, aided
+by his dear Philip, his task received a new impetus. Luther
+obliged Melancthon to take part in his researches, by consulting
+him on difficult passages, and the work, destined to be one of the
+greatest works of the Reformer, advanced more surely and more
+rapidly.</p>
+
+<p>Melancthon, on his part, became acquainted with a new theology.
+The beautiful and profound doctrine of justification by faith filled
+him with astonishment and joy. Still, in receiving the system
+Luther professed, he acted independently, moulding it according
+to the particular form of his own intellect; for, although he was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span>
+only twenty-one years of age, he was one of those precocious minds
+which enter early into possession of all their powers, and are themselves
+from the very outset.</p>
+
+<p>The zeal of the masters was soon transfused into the scholars.
+It was proposed to reform the course of study. With the concurrence
+of the Elector, certain branches, only of scholastic importance,
+were suppressed, and at the same time a new impulse was given
+to classic pursuits. The school of Wittemberg underwent a transformation,
+and the contrast between it and other universities became
+still more prominent. Still, however, the landmarks of the
+Church were observed, though all felt that they were on the eve of
+a great battle with the pope.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. IV.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Sentiments of Luther and Staupitz&mdash;Order to Appear&mdash;Alarms and Courage&mdash;The
+Elector with the Legate&mdash;Departure for Augsburg&mdash;Sojourn at Weimar&mdash;Nuremberg.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>The arrival of Melancthon, doubtless, gave a pleasant turn to
+Luther's thoughts at this very critical moment; and, doubtless, in
+the sweet intercourse of a growing friendship, and amid the biblical
+labours to which he devoted himself with new zeal, he sometimes
+forgot Prierio, Leo, and the ecclesiastical court before which he
+behoved to plead. Still, these were only fleeting moments, and his
+thoughts were ever recurring to the formidable tribunal before
+which implacable enemies had summoned him to appear. What
+terrors would not this thought have thrown into a mind which was
+seeking aught else than the truth! But Luther trembled not!
+Confiding fully in the faithfulness and power of God, he remained
+firm, and was quite ready to expose himself single-handed to the
+rage of enemies mightier than those who had lighted the fire for
+John Huss.</p>
+
+<p>A few days after the arrival of Melancthon, and before the
+pope's resolution transferring the citation of Luther from Rome to
+Augsburg could be known, Luther wrote Spalatin:&mdash;"I ask not
+our sovereign to do any thing whatever for the defence of my theses.
+I am willing to be delivered up and thrown single into the hands
+of my adversaries. Let him allow the whole storm to burst upon
+me. What I have undertaken to defend, I hope I shall be able,
+with the assistance of Christ, to maintain. Violence, indeed, must
+be submitted to; but still without abandoning the truth."<a name="FNanchor_522_522" id="FNanchor_522_522"></a><a href="#Footnote_522_522" class="fnanchor">[522]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span>
+The courage of Luther communicated itself to others. Men of
+the greatest gentleness and timidity, on seeing the danger which
+threatened the witness for the truth, found words full of energy and
+indignation. The prudent and pacific Staupitz, on the 7th September,
+wrote to Spalatin: "Cease not to exhort the prince, your
+master and mine, not to be alarmed at the roaring of the lions.
+Let him defend the truth without troubling himself about Luther,
+or Staupitz, or the order. Let there be a place where men can
+speak freely and without fear. I know that the plague of Babylon&mdash;I
+had almost said of Rome&mdash;breaks forth against all who attack
+the abuses of those traffickers in Jesus Christ. I have myself seen
+a preacher of the truth thrown headlong from the pulpit; I have
+seen him, though on a festival, bound and dragged to a dungeon.
+Others have seen still greater cruelties. Therefore, my dear friend,
+strive to make his Highness persevere in his sentiments."<a name="FNanchor_523_523" id="FNanchor_523_523"></a><a href="#Footnote_523_523" class="fnanchor">[523]</a></p>
+
+<p>The order to appear at Augsburg before the cardinal legate at
+length arrived. Luther had now to do with one of the princes of
+the Church. All his friends entreated him not to go.<a name="FNanchor_524_524" id="FNanchor_524_524"></a><a href="#Footnote_524_524" class="fnanchor">[524]</a> They feared
+that on the journey snares might be laid for him, and an attempt
+made on his life. Some employed themselves in looking out for an
+asylum to him. Staupitz himself, the timid Staupitz, felt moved at
+the thought of the dangers which threatened that friar Martin
+whom he had drawn from the obscurity of the cloister, and placed
+on the troubled stage where his life was now in peril. Ah! would
+it not have been better if the poor friar had remained for ever unknown?
+It was too late. Still, at least, he would do everything
+to save him. Accordingly, on the 15th September he wrote him
+from his convent of Salzburg, urging him to flee and seek an asylum
+beside himself. "It seems to me," said he, "that the whole world
+is enraged, and in coalition against the truth. In the same way
+crucified Jesus was hated. I see not that you have anything to
+expect but persecution. Shortly, no man will be able without the
+permission of the pope, to sound the Scriptures, and search for
+Jesus Christ in them, though this Christ himself enjoins. You
+have only a few friends; and would to God that the fear of your
+adversaries did not prevent those few from declaring in your favour.
+The wisest course is to quit Wittemberg for a time and come to
+me. Thus we will live and die together. This is also the prince's
+opinion," adds Staupitz.<a name="FNanchor_525_525" id="FNanchor_525_525"></a><a href="#Footnote_525_525" class="fnanchor">[525]</a></p>
+
+<p>From different quarters Luther received the most alarming notices.
+Count Albert of Mansfeld sent a message to him to beware<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span>
+of setting out, for some great barons had sworn to make themselves
+masters of his person, and to strangle or drown him.<a name="FNanchor_526_526" id="FNanchor_526_526"></a><a href="#Footnote_526_526" class="fnanchor">[526]</a> But nothing
+could deter him. He never thought of availing himself of the
+vicar-general's offer. He will not go and hide himself in the obscurity
+of the convent of Salzburg, but will faithfully remain on the
+stormy scene on which the hand of God has placed him. It is by
+persevering in the face of adversaries, and proclaiming the truth
+with loud voice in the midst of the world, that the reign of truth
+advances. Why, then, should he flee? He is not one of "those
+who draw back to perdition; but of those who believe to the saving
+of the soul." The words of the Master whom he serves, and loves
+better than life, are incessantly echoing in his heart, "<i>Whosoever
+will confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father
+who is in heaven.</i>" In Luther and in the Reformation we uniformly
+meet with that intrepid courage, that high-toned morality, that
+boundless charity, which the first preaching of Christianity manifested
+to the world. "I am like Jeremiah," says Luther, at the
+period of which we are now speaking; "Jeremiah, the man of
+quarrel and discord; but the more they multiply their menaces the
+more they increase my joy. My wife and children are well provided,
+(of course, meaning he had none;) my fields, my houses,
+and all my goods, are in order.<a name="FNanchor_527_527" id="FNanchor_527_527"></a><a href="#Footnote_527_527" class="fnanchor">[527]</a> They have already torn my honour
+and my reputation to shreds. The only thing left me is my
+poor body, and let them take it; they will only shorten my life
+some few hours. My soul they cannot take from me. He who
+would publish the word of Christ in the world must expect death
+every hour; for our bridegroom is a bridegroom of blood."<a name="FNanchor_528_528" id="FNanchor_528_528"></a><a href="#Footnote_528_528" class="fnanchor">[528]</a></p>
+
+<p>The Elector was then at Augsburg. A short time before quitting
+that town after the Diet, he had of his own accord paid a visit to
+the legate. The cardinal, greatly flattered by this mark of respect
+from so illustrious a prince, promised that if the monk presented
+himself he would listen to him like a father, and kindly dismiss
+him. Spalatin, on the part of the prince, wrote to his friend that
+the pope had named a commission to try him in Germany; that
+the Elector would not allow him to be dragged to Rome; and that
+he must prepare to set out for Augsburg. Luther resolved to obey;
+but the warning which he had received from Count Mansfeld made
+him apply to Frederick for a safe-conduct. Frederick replied that
+it was unnecessary, and merely gave him recommendations to some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span>
+of the leading counsellors of Augsburg. He also sent him some
+money for the journey. The Reformer, poor and defenceless, set
+out on foot to place himself in the hands of his adversaries.<a name="FNanchor_529_529" id="FNanchor_529_529"></a><a href="#Footnote_529_529" class="fnanchor">[529]</a></p>
+
+<p>What must have been his feelings on quitting Wittemberg, and
+directing his steps towards Augsburg, where the legate of the pope
+was waiting for him! The object of this journey was not like that
+of Heidelberg, a friendly meeting. He was going to appear in presence
+of the legate of Rome without a safe-conduct; perhaps he
+was going to death. But in him faith was not a mere matter of
+show. Being a reality it gave him peace, and in the name of the
+Lord of Hosts he could advance without fear to bear testimony to
+the Gospel.</p>
+
+<p>He arrived at Weimar on the 28th of September, and lodged in
+the convent of the Cordeliers. One of the monks was unable to
+withdraw his eyes from him. It was Myconius. This was the first
+time he had seen Luther, and he longed to approach him, and tell
+that he owed the peace of his soul to him, and that his whole desire
+was to labour with him. But Myconius being closely watched
+by his superiors, was not permitted to speak to Luther.<a name="FNanchor_530_530" id="FNanchor_530_530"></a><a href="#Footnote_530_530" class="fnanchor">[530]</a></p>
+
+<p>The elector of Saxony was then holding his court at Weimar, and
+this is probably the reason why the Cordeliers gave admittance to
+the doctor. The day after his arrival the feast of St. Michael was
+celebrated. Luther said mass, and was even invited to preach in
+the church of the castle. It was a mark of favour which the prince
+wished to give him. He, accordingly, in presence of the court,
+preached a long sermon, on the text of the day, which is taken
+from the Gospel of St. Matthew, (chap, xviii, 1-11.) He spoke
+forcibly against hypocrites, and those who boast of their own righteousness;
+but he did not speak of the angels, though this was the
+customary topic on St. Michael's day.</p>
+
+<p>The courage of the doctor of Wittemberg, in calmly setting out
+on foot to obey a summons, which in the case of so many before
+him had issued in death, astonished those who saw him. Interest,
+admiration, and compassion, succeeded each other in their minds.
+John Kestner, superintendant to the Cordeliers, alarmed at the idea
+of the dangers which awaited his guest, said to him, "Brother, you
+will find at Augsburg Italians, men of learning, and subtle antagonists,
+who will give you much to do. I fear you will not be
+able to defend your cause against them. They will cast you into
+the fire, and with their flames consume you."<a name="FNanchor_531_531" id="FNanchor_531_531"></a><a href="#Footnote_531_531" class="fnanchor">[531]</a> Luther replied<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span>
+gravely, "Dear friend, pray to our Lord God, who is in heaven,
+and present a <i>Pater noster</i> for me, and his dear child, Jesus, whose
+cause my cause is, that he may be gracious toward me. If he
+maintain his cause, mine is maintained. But if he pleases not to
+maintain it, assuredly it is not I who can maintain it; and it is he
+who will bear the affront."</p>
+
+<p>Luther continued his journey on foot, and arrived at Nuremberg.
+He was going to present himself before a prince of the Church, and
+wished his dress to be suitable; but his clothes were old, and, besides,
+had suffered much by the journey. He borrowed a frock
+from his faithful friend, Winceslaus Link, preacher at Nuremberg.</p>
+
+<p>Luther, doubtless, did not confine his visit to Link, but also saw
+his other friends in Nuremberg, secretary Scheurl, the celebrated
+painter, Albert Durer, to whom Nuremberg is now erecting a statue,
+and many others. He strengthened himself by intercourse
+with the excellent of the earth, while many monks and laymen expressed
+alarm, and endeavoured to shake him by representing the
+difficulties in his way. Letters which he wrote from this town
+show the spirit by which he was animated. "I have met," says
+he, "with pusillanimous men, who would persuade me not to go to
+Augsburg; but I have determined on going. The will of the Lord
+be done. Even at Augsburg, even in the midst of his enemies,
+Jesus Christ reigns. Let Christ live; let Luther and every sinner
+die. According as it is written: Let the God of my salvation be
+exalted! Behave well, persevere, stand firm; for we must not be
+reproved either by men or by God; God is true, and man a liar."<a name="FNanchor_532_532" id="FNanchor_532_532"></a><a href="#Footnote_532_532" class="fnanchor">[532]</a></p>
+
+<p>Link and an Augustin monk could not consent to allow Luther
+to travel alone and meet the dangers which threatened him. They
+were acquainted with his bold and fearless character, and suspected
+he would fail in due precaution. They, therefore, accompanied
+him. When they were about five leagues from Augsburg, Luther,
+exhausted, no doubt, by the fatigue of travelling, and the varied
+emotions of his heart, was seized with violent pains in the stomach.
+He thought he was dying, and his friends becoming very uneasy,
+hired a car to transport him. They arrived at Augsburg on the
+evening of Friday the 7th of October, and lighted at the Augustin
+convent. Luther was greatly fatigued, but soon recovered; his
+faith and mental energy speedily recruiting his exhausted body.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAP. V.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Arrival at Augsburg&mdash;De Vio&mdash;His Character&mdash;Serra-Longa&mdash;Preliminary Conversation&mdash;Visit
+of the Counsellors&mdash;Return of Serra-Longa&mdash;The Prior&mdash;Luther's
+Wisdom&mdash;Luther and Serra-Longa&mdash;The Safe-Conduct&mdash;Luther to Melancthon.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>The instant he was at Augsburg, and before he had seen any
+one, Luther, wishing to pay all due respect to the legate, begged
+Winceslaus Link to go and announce his arrival. Link did so, and
+humbly declared to the cardinal, on the part of the doctor of Wittemberg,
+that he was ready to appear at his order. The legate
+was delighted with the news. At last he had a hold of this boisterous
+heretic, who, he assured himself, would not quit the walls
+of Augsburg as he had entered. At the same time, when Link
+went to the legate, the monk Leonard set out to announce Luther's
+arrival to Staupitz. The vicar-general had written the doctor,
+that he would certainly come as soon as he should know of his
+being in the town, and Luther was unwilling to lose an instant in
+giving him intimation.<a name="FNanchor_533_533" id="FNanchor_533_533"></a><a href="#Footnote_533_533" class="fnanchor">[533]</a></p>
+
+<p>The Diet was closed, and the Emperor and the electors had already
+separated. The Emperor, it is true, had not left but was
+hunting in the neighbourhood. The ambassador of Rome was thus
+at Augsburg alone. Had Luther come during the Diet, he would
+have found powerful protectors, but now it seemed that every thing
+must bend under the weight of papal authority.</p>
+
+<p>The name of the judge before whom Luther had to appear was
+not fitted to increase his confidence. Thomas de Vio surnamed
+Cajetan, from the town of Gaeta, in the kingdom of Naples, where
+he was born, had, from his youth, given great hopes. Having
+at sixteen entered the Dominican order, against the express
+wish of his parents, he afterwards became general of his order,
+and a cardinal of the Roman Church. But what was worse for
+Luther, this learned doctor was one of the most zealous defenders
+of the scholastic theology, which the Reformer had always treated
+so unmercifully. His mother was said to have dreamt during her
+pregnancy, that St. Thomas would in person educate the child to
+which she was to give birth, and introduce him to heaven. Hence
+De Vio, on becoming Dominican, had changed his name from
+James to Thomas. He had zealously defended the prerogatives of
+the papacy, and the doctrines of Thomas Aquinas, whom he regarded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span>
+as the most perfect of theologians.<a name="FNanchor_534_534" id="FNanchor_534_534"></a><a href="#Footnote_534_534" class="fnanchor">[534]</a> A lover of pomp and
+show, he almost gave a literal meaning to the Roman maxim that
+legates are above kings, and surrounded himself with great state.
+On the first of August, he had celebrated a solemn mass in the
+cathedral of Augsburg, and in presence of all the princes of the
+empire, had placed the cardinal's hat on the head of the Archbishop
+of Mentz while kneeling before the altar, and had delivered
+to the Emperor himself the hat and sword consecrated by
+the pope. Such was the man before whom the monk of Wittemberg
+was going to appear, clothed in a frock which was not even
+his own. Besides, the acquirements of the legate, the austerity of
+his disposition, and the purity of his morals, gave him in Germany
+an influence and authority which other Roman courtiers would
+not have easily obtained. To this reputation for sanctity he
+doubtless owed his mission. Rome saw that he would serve her
+purposes admirably. Thus the personal qualities of Cajetan made
+him still more formidable. Moreover, the business entrusted to
+him was not complicated. Luther had already been declared a
+heretic.<a name="FNanchor_535_535" id="FNanchor_535_535"></a><a href="#Footnote_535_535" class="fnanchor">[535]</a> If he refused to retract, the duty of the legate was to
+put him in prison; or if he escaped, to launch excommunication
+at every one who should dare to give him an asylum. This was
+all that Rome required to be done by the legate before whom
+Luther was cited.<a href="#Footnote_535_535" class="fnanchor">[535]</a></p>
+
+<p>Luther had recovered strength during the night, and on
+Saturday morning 8th October, being somewhat rested from his
+journey, began to consider his strange situation. He felt resigned,
+and waited till the will of God should be manifested by
+the event. He had not long to wait. A personage who was unknown
+to him sent in a message, as if he had been entirely devoted
+to his service, to say that he was coming to wait upon him,
+and that Luther must take good care not to appear before the
+legate without having seen him. This message came from an
+Italian named Urban of Serra-Longa, who had often been in Germany,
+as envoy of the Margrave of Montferrat. He was known
+to the Elector of Saxony, to whom he had been accredited, and
+after the death of the Margrave had attached himself to Cardinal
+de Vio.</p>
+
+<p>The finesse and manners of this man formed a very striking
+contrast to the noble frankness and generous integrity of Luther.
+The Italian shortly after arrived at the Augustin convent. The
+cardinal had sent him to sound the Reformer, and prepare him for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span>
+the retractation which he was expected to make. Serra-Longa
+imagined that his residence in Germany gave him great advantages
+over the other courtiers in the suite of the legate, and he
+hoped to have good sport with the German monk.</p>
+
+<p>He arrived attended by two servants, and pretended to have
+come of his own accord, because of the friendship which he felt
+for a favourite of the Elector of Saxony, and because of his attachment
+to the Holy Church. After paying his respects to Luther
+in the warmest terms, the diplomatist added, in an affectionate
+manner,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I come to give you sage and good advice. Re-attach yourself
+to the Church. Submit unreservedly to the cardinal. Retract
+your injurious expressions. Remember the Abbot Joachim
+of Florence. He, you know, had said heretical things, and yet
+was declared not heretical, because he retracted his errors."</p>
+
+<p>Luther spoke of defending himself.</p>
+
+<p><i>Serra-Longa.</i>&mdash;"Beware of doing so!... Would you pretend
+to fight with the legate of his holiness, as if you were tilting at a
+tournay?"</p>
+
+<p><i>Luther.</i>&mdash;"When it is proved that I have taught anything contrary
+to the Roman Church I will pass judgment on myself, and
+retract instantly. The whole question will be, Whether the legate
+leans more upon St. Thomas than the faith authorises him to do?
+If he does, I will not yield to him."</p>
+
+<p><i>Serra-Longa.</i>&mdash;"Ah! Ah! Do you pretend, then, to break
+lances?"</p>
+
+<p>Then the Italian began to say things which Luther designates
+horrible. He pretended that false propositions might be maintained,
+provided they produced money and filled the strong box&mdash;that
+the universities must take good care not to dispute on the
+authority of the pope&mdash;that their duty, on the contrary, was to
+maintain that the pope can, at his beck, alter or suppress articles
+of faith;<a name="FNanchor_536_536" id="FNanchor_536_536"></a><a href="#Footnote_536_536" class="fnanchor">[536]</a> adding other things of the same nature. But the wily
+Italian soon perceived that he was forgetting himself. Returning
+to soft words, he strove to persuade Luther to submit to the
+legate in every thing, and retract his doctrines, his oaths, and his
+theses.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor, who, at the outset, had given some credit to the
+fine protestations of orator Urban, (as he designates him in his
+account of the interview,) was now convinced that they were of
+very little value, and that Serra-Longa was much more on the
+legate's side than on his. He, therefore, became less communicative,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span>
+and contented himself with saying that he was quite disposed
+to exercise humility, give proof of obedience, and make satisfaction
+in whatever matters he had been mistaken. At these
+words Serra-Longa, overjoyed, exclaimed, "I am off to the legate,
+and you will follow me; everything will go off most admirably; it
+will be soon finished...."<a name="FNanchor_537_537" id="FNanchor_537_537"></a><a href="#Footnote_537_537" class="fnanchor">[537]</a></p>
+
+<p>He went off. The Saxon monk, who had more discernment
+than the Roman courtier, thought within himself, "This wily
+Sinon has come along ill-prepared and ill-instructed by his
+Greeks."<a name="FNanchor_538_538" id="FNanchor_538_538"></a><a href="#Footnote_538_538" class="fnanchor">[538]</a> Luther was suspended between hope and fear; hope,
+however, predominating. The visit and the strange assertions of
+Serra-Longa, whom at a later period he calls an inexpert mediator,<a name="FNanchor_539_539" id="FNanchor_539_539"></a><a href="#Footnote_539_539" class="fnanchor">[539]</a>
+made him resume courage.</p>
+
+<p>The counsellors and other inhabitants of Augsburg, to whom
+the Elector had recommended Luther, hastened to visit the monk,
+whose name was now resounding throughout all Germany. Peutinger,
+counsellor of the empire, who was one of the most distinguished
+patricians of the town, and often invited Luther to his table,
+counsellor Langemantel, Dr. Auerbach of Leipsic, the two brothers
+Adelmann, both canons, and several others besides, repaired
+to the convent of the Augustins, and gave a cordial welcome
+to the extraordinary man, who had journeyed so far to come and
+place himself in the hands of the creatures of Rome. "Have
+you a safe-conduct?" they asked. "No!" replied the intrepid
+monk. "What hardihood!" exclaimed they. "It was, indeed,"
+says Luther, "a fit term to designate my rash folly." All with
+one voice entreated him not to go to the legate until he had
+obtained a safe-conduct from the Emperor himself. It is probable
+that the public had already heard of the papal brief of which the
+legate was the bearer.</p>
+
+<p>"But," replied Luther, "I came to Augsburg without a safe-conduct,
+and have arrived in good health."</p>
+
+<p>"The Elector having recommended you to us, you ought to
+obey us, and do what we tell you," rejoined Langemantel, kindly
+but firmly. Dr. Auerbach seconded his remonstrances. "We
+know," says he, "that the cardinal, at the bottom of his heart, is
+in the highest degree incensed against you.<a name="FNanchor_540_540" id="FNanchor_540_540"></a><a href="#Footnote_540_540" class="fnanchor">[540]</a> No trust can be put
+in the Italians."<a name="FNanchor_541_541" id="FNanchor_541_541"></a><a href="#Footnote_541_541" class="fnanchor">[541]</a></p>
+
+<p>Canon Adelmann likewise insisted, "You have been sent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span>
+defenceless, and it has been forgotten to furnish you with the
+precise thing which you required."<a name="FNanchor_542_542" id="FNanchor_542_542"></a><a href="#Footnote_542_542" class="fnanchor">[542]</a> These friends engaged to
+obtain the necessary safe-conduct from the Emperor. They afterwards
+told Luther how many persons even of elevated rank, were
+inclined in his favour. "Even the minister of France, who quitted
+Augsburg a few days ago, spoke of you in the most honourable
+terms."<a name="FNanchor_543_543" id="FNanchor_543_543"></a><a href="#Footnote_543_543" class="fnanchor">[543]</a> This statement struck Luther, and he afterwards
+remembered it. Thus, the most respectable citizens in one of the
+first cities of the empire were already gained to the Reformation.</p>
+
+<p>They were still conversing when Serra-Longa re-appeared.
+"Come," said he to Luther, "the cardinal is waiting for you and I
+myself am going to conduct you to his presence. Listen while
+I tell you how you are to appear. When you enter the hall
+where he is, you will prostrate yourself before him with your
+face on the ground; when he tells you to rise, you will get up on
+your knees, and not stand erect, but wait till he bids you.<a name="FNanchor_544_544" id="FNanchor_544_544"></a><a href="#Footnote_544_544" class="fnanchor">[544]</a> Recollect
+that it is before a prince of the Church that you are going
+to appear. For the rest fear nothing; the whole will be finished
+soon, and without difficulty."</p>
+
+<p>Luther, who had promised this Italian that he would be ready
+to follow at his call, felt embarrassed. Yet he hesitated not to
+inform him of the advice which he had received from his Augsburg
+friends, and spoke to him of a safe-conduct.</p>
+
+<p>"Beware of asking one," immediately replied Serra-Longa; "you
+have no need of it. The legate is well-disposed, and quite ready
+to finish the thing amicably. If you ask a safe-conduct you will
+totally spoil your affair."<a name="FNanchor_545_545" id="FNanchor_545_545"></a><a href="#Footnote_545_545" class="fnanchor">[545]</a></p>
+
+<p>"My gracious lord, the Elector of Saxony," replied Luther,
+"has recommended me to several honourable men of this town,
+who counsel me to undertake nothing without a safe-conduct. I
+must follow their advice, for, were I not to do so, and were anything
+to happen, they would write to the Elector, my master, that
+I had refused to listen to them."</p>
+
+<p>Luther persisted in his resolution, and Serra-Longa saw himself
+obliged to return to his chief, to announce the obstacle which his
+mission had encountered at the moment when he was flattering
+himself with seeing it crowned with success.</p>
+
+<p>Thus terminated the conferences of that day with the orator of
+Montferrat.</p>
+
+<p>Another invitation was given to Luther. John Frosch, the prior<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span>
+of the Carmelites, who was an old friend of his, and two years before,
+as a licentiate of theology, had maintained theses under the
+presidency of Luther, paid him a visit, and earnestly begged he
+would come and reside with him. He claimed the honour of having
+the doctor of Germany for his guest. Men at length feared not to
+do homage to him in presence of Rome; the feeble had already
+become strong. Luther accepted, and left the Augustin convent
+for that of the Carmelites. The day did not close without
+serious reflection. The eagerness of Serra-Longa, and the fears of
+the counsellors, equally served to acquaint him with the difficulty
+of his position. Nevertheless, God in heaven was his protector,
+and under his guardianship he could sleep without fear.</p>
+
+<p>The next day, being Sunday,<a name="FNanchor_546_546" id="FNanchor_546_546"></a><a href="#Footnote_546_546" class="fnanchor">[546]</a> gave him somewhat more repose.
+He had, however, to endure a different kind of fatigue. The
+whole talk of the town was about Dr. Luther, and, as Melancthon
+expresses it, every body was desirous to see "this new Erostratus,
+who had kindled so immense a conflagration."<a name="FNanchor_547_547" id="FNanchor_547_547"></a><a href="#Footnote_547_547" class="fnanchor">[547]</a> The people
+pressed around him, and the good doctor, no doubt smiled at their
+eagerness.</p>
+
+<p>But he had to submit to another kind of importunity. If the
+people were desirous to see him, they were still more so to hear
+him, and he was requested on all hands to preach. Luther had
+no greater delight than in proclaiming the word, and would have
+been happy to preach Jesus Christ in this great city, in the solemn
+circumstances in which he was placed. But on this occasion, as
+on many others, he showed a strong sense of propriety, and profound
+respect for his superiors, and refused to preach, lest the
+legate might suppose that he did it in order to give him pain, and
+by way of defiance. This moderation and wisdom were undoubtedly
+of as much value as a sermon.</p>
+
+<p>The cardinal's creatures, however, did not leave him in tranquillity,
+but returned to the charge. "The Cardinal," said they,
+"assures you of his entire grace and favour. What do you fear?"
+They alleged a thousand reasons in order to induce him to go.
+"He is a father full of mercy, said one of these envoys; but another
+approaching, whispered in his ear, "Don't believe what
+is told you&mdash;he does not keep his word."<a name="FNanchor_548_548" id="FNanchor_548_548"></a><a href="#Footnote_548_548" class="fnanchor">[548]</a> Luther adhered to his
+resolution.</p>
+
+<p>On Monday morning, 10th October, Serra-Longa returned to
+the charge. The courtier had made it a point of honour to succeed
+in his negotiation. As soon as he entered, he exclaimed in Latin,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span>
+"Why do you not come to the cardinal? He is waiting for you
+with the most indulgent feelings. The whole matter may be
+summed up in six letters:&mdash;<span class="smcap">Revoca</span>, Retract. Come, you have
+nothing to fear."</p>
+
+<p>Luther thought within himself, these six are important letters;
+but, without entering into discussion on the subject, said, "As
+soon as I have obtained the safe-conduct I will appear."</p>
+
+<p>Serra-Longa broke out on hearing these words. He insisted,
+and remonstrated, but found Luther immovable. Becoming more
+and more irritated, he exclaimed, "You imagine, doubtless, that
+the Elector will take up arms in your behalf, and for your sake
+run the risk of losing the territories handed down to him from his
+fathers."</p>
+
+<p><i>Luther.</i>&mdash;"God forbid."</p>
+
+<p><i>Serra-Longa.</i>&mdash;"Abandoned by all, where will your refuge be?"</p>
+
+<p><i>Luther.</i>&mdash;(<i>Looking upwards with the eye of faith</i>,) "Under heaven."<a name="FNanchor_549_549" id="FNanchor_549_549"></a><a href="#Footnote_549_549" class="fnanchor">[549]</a></p>
+
+<p>Serra-Longa, struck with this sublime reply, for which he
+was not prepared, remained a moment silent, and then continued:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"What would you do if you had the pope, the legate, and all the
+cardinals, in your hands, as they have you in theirs?"</p>
+
+<p><i>Luther.</i>&mdash;"I would pay them all honour and respect. But in
+my view, the word of God takes precedence of all."</p>
+
+<p><i>Serra-Longa.</i>&mdash;(<i>Laughing, and wagging one of his fingers as the
+Italians do.</i>) "Hem! Hem! all honour ... I don't believe a
+word of it...."</p>
+
+<p>He then went out, leapt into his saddle, and disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>Serra-Longa returned no more to Luther; but he long remembered
+both the resistance which he had met with from the Reformer,
+and that which his master also was soon to experience.
+At a later period, we shall see him with loud cries demanding
+Luther's blood.</p>
+
+<p>Serra-Longa had not long left the doctor when the safe-conduct
+arrived. His friends had obtained it from the counsellor of the
+empire, who, it is probable, had previously consulted with the
+Emperor, as he was not far from Augsburg. It would even seem,
+from a remark afterwards made by the cardinals that, to avoid
+offending him, his consent had been asked. This may have been
+his reason for employing Serra-Longa to work upon Luther; for
+to have openly opposed the giving of a safe-conduct would have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span>
+been to reveal intentions which he was desirous to conceal. It
+was safer to induce Luther himself to desist from his demand. It
+was soon seen, however, that the Saxon monk was not made of
+pliable materials.</p>
+
+<p>Luther is going to appear. While demanding a safe-conduct,
+he did not trust to a carnal arm; for he knew very well that a
+safe-conduct did not save John Huss from the flames. He only
+wished to do his duty by submitting to the advice of his master's
+friends. Jehovah will decide. If he requires him to give back
+his life, he is ready to give it joyfully. At this solemn moment,
+he feels a longing for converse with his friends, especially with
+Melancthon, now so dear to his heart, and avails himself of a moment
+of retirement to write him.</p>
+
+<p>"Comport yourself like a man," says he to him, "as you always
+do. Teach our dear youth what is right and agreeable to
+God. For me, I am ready to be sacrificed for you and for them,
+if it is the Lord's will.<a name="FNanchor_550_550" id="FNanchor_550_550"></a><a href="#Footnote_550_550" class="fnanchor">[550]</a> Sooner than retract what I was bound to
+teach, I would die, and even (what would be to me the greatest
+misfortune) be deprived for ever of your delightful society, thus
+losing (perhaps by my fault) the excellent studies to which we are
+now devoted.</p>
+
+<p>"Italy, like Egypt of old, is plunged in darkness, so thick that
+it may be felt. Nobody knows anything of Christ, or of what
+relates to him; and yet these people are our lords and masters in
+faith and manners. Thus the wrath of God is fulfilled upon us,
+as the prophet speaks: '<i>I will give them youths for governors, and
+babes will rule over them.</i>' Conduct yourself as in presence of the
+Lord, my dear Philip, and avert the divine wrath by pure and
+fervent prayer."</p>
+
+<p>The legate, informed that Luther was next day to appear before
+him, assembled the Italians and Germans, in whom he had
+the greatest confidence, in order to consider what was necessary
+to be done with the Saxon monk. Opinions were divided. "He
+must," says one, "be compelled to retract." "He must be
+seized," says another, "and imprisoned." A third thought that it
+was better to get quit of him; and a fourth that an attempt should
+be made to gain him by kindness and lenity. This last advice the
+cardinal seems at first to have determined to adopt.<a name="FNanchor_551_551" id="FNanchor_551_551"></a><a href="#Footnote_551_551" class="fnanchor">[551]</a></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAP. VI.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">First appearance&mdash;First Words&mdash;Conditions of Rome&mdash;Propositions to Retract&mdash;Luther's
+reply&mdash;He withdraws&mdash;Impressions on both sides&mdash;Arrival of Staupitz.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>The day of conference at length arrived.<a name="FNanchor_552_552" id="FNanchor_552_552"></a><a href="#Footnote_552_552" class="fnanchor">[552]</a> The legate, knowing
+that Luther had declared his readiness to retract what could be
+proved contrary to the truth, had great hopes of success. He
+doubted not that it would be easy for a man of his rank and knowledge
+to bring back this monk to the obedience of the Church.</p>
+
+<p>Luther repaired to the legate, accompanied by the prior of the
+Carmelites, (his host and friend,) two friars of the convent, Dr.
+Link, and an Augustin, probably the one who had come with
+him from Nuremberg. Scarcely had he entered the palace of the
+legate, than all the Italians in the suite of the prince of the Church
+rushed forward. Every one wished to see the famous doctor, and
+pressed so upon him that he could scarcely advance. Luther found
+the Apostolical Nuncio, and Serra-Longa, in the hall where the
+cardinal was waiting. The reception was cold but polite, and
+conformable to Roman etiquette. Luther, following the instructions
+which Serra-Longa had given him, prostrated himself before the
+cardinal; when told to rise, he put himself on his knees; and, on
+a new order from the legate, stood erect. Several of the most
+distinguished Italians in the service of the legate pushed forward
+into the hall to be present at the interview. They desired above
+all to see the German monk humbling himself before the representative
+of the pope.</p>
+
+<p>The legate remained silent. Hating Luther as an adversary of
+the theological supremacy of St. Thomas, and as the head of an
+active opposition in a rising university, whose very first steps had
+greatly disquieted the Thomists, he was pleased at seeing him lying
+before him, and thought, says a contemporary, that Luther was
+going to sing a palinode. Luther, on his part, waited till the prince
+should address him; but seeing he did not, he took his silence for
+an invitation to begin, and spoke as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">Most Worthy Father</span>,&mdash;On the citation of his Papal Holiness,
+and at the request of my most gracious lord, the Elector of
+Saxony, I appear before you as a submissive and obedient son of
+the holy Christian Church, and I acknowledge that I published the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span>
+Propositions and Theses in question. I am ready to listen in all
+obedience to the charge brought against me, and to allow myself,
+if I am mistaken, to be instructed in the way of truth."</p>
+
+<p>The cardinal, who had resolved to assume the air of a tender
+father, full of compassion for an erring child, now spoke in the
+most friendly tone, praised the humility of Luther, expressed all
+the joy it gave him, and said:&mdash;"My dear son, you have stirred
+up all Germany by your dispute on indulgences. I am told that
+you are a very learned doctor in the Scriptures, and have many
+disciples. Wherefore, if you would be a member of the Church,
+and find in the pope a most gracious lord, listen to me."</p>
+
+<p>After this exordium, the legate did not hesitate to disclose to
+him at once all that he expected of him&mdash;so confident was he of
+his submission. "Here," said he, "are three articles which, by the
+order of our most holy father, Leo X, I have to lay before you;
+<i>First</i>, You must retrace your steps, acknowledge your faults, and
+retract your errors, propositions, and discourses: <i>Secondly</i>, You
+must promise to abstain in future from circulating your opinions;
+and, <i>Thirdly</i>, You must engage to be more moderate, and to avoid
+every thing that might grieve or upset the Church."</p>
+
+<p><i>Luther.</i>&mdash;"I request, most worthy father, that you will communicate
+to me the brief of the pope, in virtue of which you have
+received full power to dispose of this affair."</p>
+
+<p>Serra-Longa, and the other Italians in the cardinal's suite, stared
+on hearing this request; and although the German monk had
+already appeared to them a very odd man, they could scarcely
+recover from the astonishment produced by so bold a speech.
+Christians, accustomed to ideas of justice, desire just procedure in
+the case of others as well as of themselves, but those who act habitually
+in an arbitrary manner are quite surprised when they are
+told to proceed in regular form, according to law.</p>
+
+<p><i>De Vio.</i>&mdash;"This request, my dear son, cannot be granted. You
+must acknowledge your errors, take care of your words in future,
+and not return to your vomit, so that we may be able to sleep
+without trouble and anxiety; thereafter, conformably to the order
+and authority of our most holy father the pope, I will arrange
+the affair."</p>
+
+<p><i>Luther.</i>&mdash;"Have the goodness, then, to tell me in what I have
+erred."</p>
+
+<p>At this new request the Italian courtiers, who had expected to
+see the poor German on his knees crying mercy, were struck with
+still greater astonishment. Not one of them would have thought
+of condescending so far as to answer so impertinent a question.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span>
+But De Vio, who considered it ungenerous to crush the cative
+monk with the whole weight of his authority, and who, besides, was
+confident that his superior knowledge would give him an easy victory,
+consented to tell Luther of what he was accused, and even
+to enter into discussion with him. In justice to this general of
+the Dominicans, it must be admitted that he had more equity, a
+better sense of propriety, and less passion, than have been shown
+on many occasions since, in similar affairs. He assumed a tone of
+condescension, and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Very dear son!&mdash;Here are two propositions which you
+have advanced, and which you must first of all retract: <i>First</i>,
+The treasury of indulgences does not consist of the merits and
+sufferings of our Lord Jesus Christ: <i>Second</i>, The man who receives
+the Holy Sacrament must have faith in the grace which is
+offered to him."</p>
+
+<p>In fact, both of these propositions gave a mortal blow to the
+Roman traffic. If the pope had not the power to dispose at pleasure
+of the merits of the Saviour; if those who received the bills
+which the courtiers of the Church were negotiating did not
+receive part of this infinite righteousness, the paper lost all its
+value, and was worth no more than if it had been blank. It was
+the same with the sacraments. Indulgences were to some extent
+an extraordinary branch of the commerce of Rome, whereas the
+sacraments were of the nature of an ordinary branch. The
+returns which they yielded were far from being insignificant. To
+maintain that faith was necessary before the sacraments could
+confer a real benefit on a Christian soul, was to deprive them of
+all interest in the eyes of the people; faith being a thing which
+the pope did not give, which was beyond his power, and came
+from God only. To declare it necessary was to wrest out of the
+hands of Rome both speculation and profit. Luther, in attacking
+these two dogmas, had imitated Jesus Christ, when at the
+commencement of his ministry he overthrew the tables of the
+money-changers, and drove the buyers and sellers out of the
+temple, saying, <i>Make not my Father's house a house of merchandise</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"I will not, in order to combat these errors," continued Cajetan,
+"invoke the authority of St. Thomas and the other scholastic doctors;
+I will found only on the authority of Holy Scripture, and
+speak with you in all friendship."</p>
+
+<p>But scarcely had De Vio begun to unfold his proofs than he
+deviated from the rule which he had declared his intention to
+follow.<a name="FNanchor_553_553" id="FNanchor_553_553"></a><a href="#Footnote_553_553" class="fnanchor">[553]</a> He combated Luther's first proposition by an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span>
+extravagant<a name="FNanchor_554_554" id="FNanchor_554_554"></a><a href="#Footnote_554_554" class="fnanchor">[554]</a> of Pope Clement, and the second by all sorts of scholastic
+dogmas. The discussion commenced on this constitution of the pope
+in favour of indulgences. Luther, indignant at the authority which
+the legate ascribed to a decree of Rome, exclaimed:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot receive such constitutions as sufficient proofs in so
+important matters. For they wrest the Holy Scripture, and never
+quote it appositely."</p>
+
+<p><i>De Vio.</i>&mdash;"The pope has authority and power over all
+things."</p>
+
+<p><i>Luther, (keenly.)</i>&mdash;"Save Scripture."<a name="FNanchor_555_555" id="FNanchor_555_555"></a><a href="#Footnote_555_555" class="fnanchor">[555]</a></p>
+
+<p><i>De Vio, (ironically.)</i>&mdash;"Save Scripture!... The pope, know
+you not, is above Councils? Even recently he condemned and
+punished the Council of B�sle."</p>
+
+<p><i>Luther.</i>&mdash;"The university of Paris appealed."</p>
+
+<p><i>De Vio.</i>&mdash;"These Parisian gentry will pay the penalty."</p>
+
+<p>The discussion between the cardinal and Luther afterwards
+turned on the second point, viz., on faith. This Luther declared
+to be necessary, in order to receive benefit from the sacraments,
+and, according to his custom, quoted several passages of Scripture
+in favour of the opinion which he maintained, but the legate
+received them with loud laughter. "It is of general faith you
+speak, then," said he.&mdash;"No!" replied Luther. One of the
+Italians, master of the ceremonies to the legate, out of all
+patience at Luther's opposition and his answers, was burning
+with eagerness to speak. He was constantly trying to break
+in, but the legate enjoined silence, and at last was obliged to reprimand
+him so sharply, that the master of the ceremonies left the
+hall in confusion.<a name="FNanchor_556_556" id="FNanchor_556_556"></a><a href="#Footnote_556_556" class="fnanchor">[556]</a></p>
+
+<p>"As to indulgences," said Luther, "if it can be shown that I
+am mistaken, I am quite willing to be instructed. One may pass
+over that point without being a bad Christian, but on the article
+of faith, were I to yield a whit, I should be denying Jesus Christ.
+With regard to it, then, I am neither able nor willing to yield, and
+by the grace of God never shall."</p>
+
+<p><i>De Vio, (beginning to lose temper.)</i>&mdash;"Whether you will or not,
+you must this very day retract that article; otherwise for that
+article alone, I will reject and condemn all your doctrine."</p>
+
+<p><i>Luther.</i>&mdash;"I have no will apart from that of the Lord; He will
+do with me what pleases him. But had I five heads, I would lose
+them all sooner than retract the testimony which I have borne to
+holy Christian faith."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[297]</a></span><i>De Vio.</i>&mdash;"I did not come here to reason with you. Retract,
+or prepare to suffer the pains which you have deserved."<a name="FNanchor_557_557" id="FNanchor_557_557"></a><a href="#Footnote_557_557" class="fnanchor">[557]</a></p>
+
+<p>Luther saw plainly that it was impossible to settle the matter by
+a conference. His opponent sat before him as if he were the pope
+himself, and insisted on his receiving humbly, and with submission,
+whatever he said, while his answers, even when founded on the
+Holy Scriptures, were received with a shrug of his shoulders, and
+all sorts of irony and contempt. He thought the wisest course
+would be to answer the cardinal in writing. This method, thought
+he, leaves at least some consolation to the oppressed. Others will
+be able to form a judgment of the affair, and the unjust adversary,
+who, by clamour, remains master of the field of battle, may be deterred
+by it.<a name="FNanchor_558_558" id="FNanchor_558_558"></a><a href="#Footnote_558_558" class="fnanchor">[558]</a></p>
+
+<p>Luther having signified his intention to withdraw, the legate
+said to him, "Do you wish me to give you a safe-conduct to
+Rome?"</p>
+
+<p>Nothing would have been more agreeable to Cajetan than the
+acceptance of this offer, as it would have disencumbered him of a
+task, the difficulties of which he began to comprehend. But the
+Reformer, who saw all the difficulties with which he was surrounded
+even at Augsburg, took good care not to accept a proposal
+the effect of which could only have been to give him over, bound
+hand and foot, to the vengeance of his enemies. He rejected it as
+often as De Vio was pleased to renew it, and this was frequently.
+The legate disguised the pain which he felt at Luther's refusal, and,
+wrapping himself up in his dignity, dismissed the monk with a
+smile of compassion, under which he tried to conceal his disappointment,
+and at the same time the politeness of one who hopes he
+may succeed better another time.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner was Luther in the court of the palace than the talkative
+Italian, the master of the ceremonies, whom his master's reprimands
+had obliged to quit the hall of conference, delighted at being able
+to speak out of sight of Cajetan, and burning with eagerness to
+confound the abominable heretic by his luminous reasons, ran
+after him, and continuing to walk, began to retail his sophisms.
+But Luther, weary of this foolish personage, answered him with
+one of those cutting expressions which he had so much at command,
+and the poor master of the ceremonies left off, and returned
+in confusion to the cardinal's palace.</p>
+
+<p>Luther did not carry away a very high opinion of his opponent.
+He had heard from him, as he afterwards wrote to Spalatin, propositions
+which were quite at variance with theology, and in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[298]</a></span>
+mouth of any other person would have been regarded as arch-heretical.
+And yet De Vio was considered the most learned of the
+Dominicans. Second to him was Prierias. "From this," says
+Luther, "we may infer what those must have been who were tenth
+or hundredth."<a name="FNanchor_559_559" id="FNanchor_559_559"></a><a href="#Footnote_559_559" class="fnanchor">[559]</a></p>
+
+<p>On the other hand, the noble and resolute bearing of the Wittemberg
+doctor had greatly surprised the cardinal and his courtiers.
+Instead of a poor monk humbly begging pardon, they had found
+a free man, a decided Christian, an enlightened teacher, who insisted
+that unjust accusations should be supported by proof, and
+who defended his doctrine triumphantly. All the inmates of Cajetan's
+palace inveighed against the pride, obstinacy, and effrontery
+of this heretic. Luther and De Vio had mutually learned to know
+each other, and both prepared for their second interview.</p>
+
+<p>A very agreeable surprise awaited Luther on his return to the
+convent of the Carmelites. The vicar-general of the Augustin
+order, his friend, his father Staupitz, had arrived at Augsburg.
+Not having been able to prevent Luther from coming to this city,
+Staupitz gave his friend a new and touching proof of his attachment
+by coming personally in the hope of being useful to him.
+This excellent man foresaw that the conference with the legate
+would lead to very serious consequences. He was equally agitated
+by his fears and his friendship for Luther, who, after his painful
+sederunt, felt it refreshing to clasp so valuable a friend in his arms.
+Having told him that it had been impossible for him to get an
+answer worth any thing, and how the legate had been contented
+to demand a retractation without trying to convince him&mdash;"It is
+absolutely necessary," said Staupitz, "to give the legate a written
+answer."</p>
+
+<p>After what he had heard of the first interview, Staupitz hoped
+nothing from the others, and, therefore, determined on a proceeding
+which he deemed necessary. He resolved to loose Luther from
+obedience to his order. By this Staupitz hoped to gain two ends.
+If, as all anticipated, Luther fell in the struggle, the disgrace of his
+condemnation would not fall on the whole order; or if the cardinal
+ordered Staupitz to oblige Luther to silence or retractation, he would
+have an excuse for not doing it.<a name="FNanchor_560_560" id="FNanchor_560_560"></a><a href="#Footnote_560_560" class="fnanchor">[560]</a> The ceremony, which took place
+in the usual form, made Luther aware of all that he had thenceforth
+to expect. He felt exceedingly at seeing the ties which he
+had formed in the enthusiasm of his youth, thus broken. The order
+of his choice rejects him. His natural protectors stand aloof, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[299]</a></span>
+he becomes a stranger to his brethren. But though his heart is
+filled with sadness at the thought, he recovers all his joy on turning
+to the promises of a faithful God, who has said, "<i>I will never leave
+you nor forsake you</i>."</p>
+
+<p>The counsellors of the empire having intimated to the legate,
+through the Bishop of Trent, that Luther was provided with an
+imperial safe-conduct, and having caused it to be declared at the
+same time, that nothing was to be attempted against the doctor's
+person, De Vio became angry, and sharply replied in words characteristically
+Roman, "Very well, but I will do what the pope
+commands."<a name="FNanchor_561_561" id="FNanchor_561_561"></a><a href="#Footnote_561_561" class="fnanchor">[561]</a> We know what this was.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. VII.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Communication to the Legate&mdash;Second Appearance&mdash;Luther's Declaration&mdash;The
+Legate's Reply&mdash;The Legate's Volubility&mdash;Luther's Request.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>The next day<a name="FNanchor_562_562" id="FNanchor_562_562"></a><a href="#Footnote_562_562" class="fnanchor">[562]</a> both parties prepared for the second interview,
+which promised to be decisive. The friends of Luther, who had
+resolved to accompany him to the legate, repaired to the convent
+of the Carmelites. The dean of Trent, and Peutinger, both counsellors
+of the emperor, and Staupitz, arrived in succession. Shortly
+after the doctor had the pleasure to see them joined by the Chevalier
+Philip von Feilitsch, and Doctor Ruhel, counsellors of the Elector,
+who had been ordered by their master to attend the conferences,
+and protect the liberty of Luther. They had arrived the previous
+evening, and were, says Mathesius, to stand at his side, as at
+Constance the Chevalier de Chlum stood at the side of John Huss.
+The doctor, moreover, took a notary, and accompanied with all these
+friends, proceeded to the legate.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment Staupitz came up to him; he thoroughly comprehended
+Luther's situation, and knew that if he did not fix his
+eye solely on the Lord, who is the deliverer of his people, he must
+succumb. "My dear brother," said he to him seriously, "constantly
+remember that you have begun these things in the name
+of the Lord Jesus Christ." Thus God surrounded his humble servant
+with consolation and encouragement.<a name="FNanchor_563_563" id="FNanchor_563_563"></a><a href="#Footnote_563_563" class="fnanchor">[563]</a></p>
+
+<p>Luther, on arriving at the cardinal's, found a new opponent.
+This was the prior of the Dominicans of Augsburg, who was seated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[300]</a></span>
+at the side of his chief. Luther, agreeably to the resolution which
+he had formed, had written his reply, and, after the usual salutations,
+with a firm voice read the following declaration:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I declare that I honour the holy Roman Church, and that I
+will continue to honour it. I have sought the truth in public discussions;
+and all that I have said I regard, even at this hour, as
+just, true, and Christian. Still I am a man, and maybe mistaken.
+I am, therefore, disposed to receive instruction and correction in
+the things in which I may have erred. I declare myself ready to
+reply, by word of mouth or by writing, to all the objections and
+all the charges which my lord the legate may bring against me.
+I declare myself ready to submit my theses to the four universities
+of B�sle, Friburg in Brisgau, Louvain, and Paris; and to retract
+what they declare to be erroneous. In a word, I am ready to do
+all that may be demanded of a Christian. But I protest solemnly
+against the course which is sought to be given to this affair, and
+against the strange pretension of constraining me to retract without
+having refuted me."<a name="FNanchor_564_564" id="FNanchor_564_564"></a><a href="#Footnote_564_564" class="fnanchor">[564]</a></p>
+
+<p>Undoubtedly, nothing could be more equitable than these proposals
+of Luther, and yet they must have been very embarrassing
+to a judge whose decision had been prescribed to him beforehand.
+The legate, who had not expected this protestation, sought to
+conceal his uneasiness by pretending to laugh at it, and assuming
+an exterior of gentleness, said to Luther, smiling, "This protestation
+is unnecessary, I will not dispute with you either in
+public or in private, but I purpose to arrange the affair kindly,
+and like a father." The whole policy of the cardinal consisted in
+putting aside the strict forms of justice, which afford protection to
+those who are prosecuted, and in treating the affair only as one of
+administration between superior and inferior;&mdash;a commodious
+method, in as much as it opens up a wide field for arbitrary procedure.</p>
+
+<p>Still maintaining the most affectionate manner, "My dear
+friend," said De Vio, "abandon, I pray you, a useless design.
+Rather return to yourself, acknowledge the truth, and I am ready
+to reconcile you with the Church and the sovereign bishop.
+Whether you will or not, it matters little. It will be hard for you
+to kick against the pricks...."</p>
+
+<p>Luther, who saw himself treated as if he were already proved a
+rebellious child, rejected of the Church, exclaimed, "I cannot retract;
+but I offer to answer, and in writing. "We had enough of debating
+yesterday."<a name="FNanchor_565_565" id="FNanchor_565_565"></a><a href="#Footnote_565_565" class="fnanchor">[565]</a></p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[301]</a></span>
+De Vio was irritated at this expression, which reminded him that
+he had not acted with sufficient prudence; but he recovered himself,
+and said with a smile, "Debating, my dear son! I did not debate
+with you. I have no wish to debate; but in order to please the
+most serene Elector Frederick, I am willing to hear you, and exhort
+you amicably and paternally."</p>
+
+<p>Luther did not comprehend why the legate should have been
+so much offended at the expression which he had used; for, thought
+he, if I had not wished to speak politely, I would have said,
+not <i>debated</i>, but <i>disputed</i>, and <i>wrangled</i>,&mdash;for that was truly what
+we did.</p>
+
+<p>Still De Vio, who felt that before the respectable witnesses who
+were present at the conference it was at least necessary to seem to
+try to convince Luther to return to the two propositions, which he
+had singled out as fundamental errors, thoroughly resolved to let
+the Reformer speak as little as possible. Strong in his Italian
+volubility he overwhelms him with objections, to which he does not
+wait for a reply. Sometimes he jests, sometimes he scolds; he
+declaims with impassioned heat, mixes up the most heterogeneous
+subjects, quotes St. Thomas and Aristotle, cries, and gets into a
+passion with all who differ with him in opinion, and then apostrophises
+Luther. Luther, more than ten times, tries to speak, but the
+legate instantly interrupts him, and showers down menaces upon
+him. Retractation! retractation! is the whole sum of his demand;
+he thunders, and domineers, and insists on having all the talk to
+himself.<a name="FNanchor_566_566" id="FNanchor_566_566"></a><a href="#Footnote_566_566" class="fnanchor">[566]</a> Staupitz interferes to stop the legate. "Have the
+goodness," says he, "to give Doctor Martin time to answer." But
+the legate recommences his discourse, quotes the <i>extravagants</i> and
+the opinions of St. Thomas, determined to harangue during the
+whole interview. If he cannot convince, and if he dares not strike,
+he at least can stun.</p>
+
+<p>Luther and Staupitz saw clearly that they must abandon the
+hope, not only of enlightening De Vio by discussion, but also of
+making a useful profession of faith. Luther, therefore, resumed
+the request which he had made at the commencement, and which
+the cardinal had then evaded. Since he was not permitted to
+speak, he asked that he might, at least, be allowed to write, and
+send his written reply to the legate. Staupitz supported him;
+several others who were present joined their entreaties, and Cajetan,
+notwithstanding of all his repugnance for what was written, (for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[302]</a></span>
+he remembered that what is written remains,) at last consented.
+The meeting broke up. The hope of terminating the affair at this
+interview was adjourned, and it became necessary to await the
+result of a subsequent conference.</p>
+
+<p>The permission which the general of the Dominicans gave Luther
+to prepare an answer, and to answer in writing, the two distinct
+and articulate accusations which he had made, touching
+indulgences and faith, was nothing more than justice demanded,
+and yet we are obliged to De Vio for it, as a mark of moderation
+and impartiality.</p>
+
+<p>Luther left the cardinal's palace delighted that his request had
+been granted. In going and returning he was the object of public
+attention. All enlightened men were interested in his case, as if it
+had been their own, for it was felt that the cause then pleaded at
+Augsburg was the cause of the gospel, justice, and liberty. The
+lowest of the people alone were with Cajetan; and of this he
+doubtless gave some significant hints to the Reformer, who afterwards
+spoke of them.<a name="FNanchor_567_567" id="FNanchor_567_567"></a><a href="#Footnote_567_567" class="fnanchor">[567]</a></p>
+
+<p>It became more and more evident that the legate had no wish to
+hear any more from Luther than the words "I retract;" and these
+Luther was resolved not to pronounce. What will be the issue
+of this unequal struggle? How can it be imagined that the whole
+power of Rome, brought to bear on a single man, will not succeed
+in crushing him? Luther sees this. Feeling the weight of the terrible
+hand under which he is placed, he gives up the hope of ever
+returning to Wittemberg, revisiting his dear Philip, and again
+finding himself in the midst of the generous youths into whose
+hearts he loved so much to shed the seeds of life. He sees excommunication
+hanging over his head, and has no doubt that it must
+shortly fall upon him.<a name="FNanchor_568_568" id="FNanchor_568_568"></a><a href="#Footnote_568_568" class="fnanchor">[568]</a> These prospects afflict his soul, but do not
+overwhelm it. His confidence in God is not shaken. God may
+break the instrument which he has been pleased till now to employ,
+but the truth will be maintained. Whatever happens, Luther must
+defend it to the last. He accordingly, begins to prepare the protestation
+which he is to present to the legate. It appears that he
+devoted to it part of the 13th October.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[303]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAP. VIII.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Third Appearance&mdash;Treasury of Indulgences&mdash;Faith&mdash;Humble Request&mdash;Legate's
+Reply&mdash;Luther's Reply&mdash;Legate's Rage&mdash;Luther Retires&mdash;First Defection.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>On Friday the 14th October, Luther returned to the cardinal,
+accompanied by the counsellors of the Elector. The Italians pressed
+around him as usual, and were present at the conference in great
+numbers. Luther advanced, and presented his protestation to the
+legate. The cardinal's people looked with astonishment at a writing
+which, in their eyes, was so audacious. The following is the
+doctor of Wittemberg's declaration to their master:<a name="FNanchor_569_569" id="FNanchor_569_569"></a><a href="#Footnote_569_569" class="fnanchor">[569]</a>&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"You attack me on two points. First, you oppose to me the
+Constitution of Pope Clement VI, in which it is said, that the
+treasury of indulgences is the merit of Jesus Christ and the saints;
+whereas I deny this in my theses.</p>
+
+<p>"Panormitanus, (Luther thus designates Ives, author of the
+famous collection of ecclesiastical law, entitled <i>Panormia</i>, and
+Bishop of Chartres at the end of the eleventh century,) Panormitanus
+declares, in his First Book, that in regard to holy faith, not
+only a General Council, but every believer is superior to the pope,
+if he produces declarations of Scripture, and better arguments than
+the pope.<a name="FNanchor_570_570" id="FNanchor_570_570"></a><a href="#Footnote_570_570" class="fnanchor">[570]</a></p>
+
+<p>"The voice of our Lord Jesus Christ rises far above all the voices
+of men, whatever be the names they bear.</p>
+
+<p>"What gives me the greatest pain and uneasiness is, that this
+Constitution contains doctrines quite opposed to the truth. It declares
+that the merits of the saints is a treasure, while all Scripture
+testifies that God recompenses far more richly than we deserve.
+The prophet exclaims, 'Lord, enter not into judgment with thy
+servant; for in thy sight can no living man be justified.'<a name="FNanchor_571_571" id="FNanchor_571_571"></a><a href="#Footnote_571_571" class="fnanchor">[571]</a> 'Woe
+to men, however honourable and laudable their life may be,' says
+St. Augustine, 'were judgment passed upon it without mercy.'<a name="FNanchor_572_572" id="FNanchor_572_572"></a><a href="#Footnote_572_572" class="fnanchor">[572]</a></p>
+
+<p>"Hence the saints are not saved by their merits, but only by the
+mercy of God, as I have declared. I maintain this, and adhere
+firmly to it. The words of holy Scripture, which declare that the
+saints have not enough of merit, must take precedence of the words<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[304]</a></span>
+of men, who affirm that they have too much; for the pope is not
+above, but beneath the word of God."</p>
+
+<p>Luther does not stop here, but shows that if indulgences cannot
+be the merit of saints, no more are they the merit of Christ. He
+observes, that indulgences are barren and without fruit, since they
+have no other effect than to exempt men from doing good works,
+such as prayers and alms. "No," exclaims he, "the merit of
+Christ is not a treasure of indulgences, which exempts from well-doing;
+but a treasure of grace, which gives life. The merit of
+Christ is applied to believers without indulgences, without keys,
+by the Holy Spirit only, and not by the pope. If any one has a
+better founded opinion than mine," adds he, in concluding this first
+point, "let him show it, and then I will retract."</p>
+
+<p>"I have affirmed," says he, in coming to the second article,
+"that no man can be justified before God unless it be by faith, and
+hence that it is necessary for man to believe with full assurance
+that he has obtained grace. To doubt of this grace is to reject it.
+The righteousness and life of the righteous is his faith."<a name="FNanchor_573_573" id="FNanchor_573_573"></a><a href="#Footnote_573_573" class="fnanchor">[573]</a></p>
+
+<p>Luther proves his proposition by a multitude of quotations from
+Scripture.</p>
+
+<p>"Be pleased, then, to intercede for me with our most holy lord,
+Pope Leo X," adds he, "in order that he may not treat me with
+so much disfavour.... My soul seeks the light of truth. I am
+not so proud, so desirous of vain-glory, as to be ashamed to retract
+if I have taught what is false. My greatest joy will be to see the
+triumph of whatever accords with the will of God. Only let them
+not force me to do anything which is contrary to the cry of my
+conscience."</p>
+
+<p>The legate had taken the declaration from Luther's hands, and
+after having perused it, said to him coldly, "You have here useless
+verbiage, you have written many vain words; you have answered
+the two articles foolishly, and blotted your paper with a number of
+passages of holy Scripture which have no reference to the subject."
+Then, with a disdainful air, De Vio threw down the protestation,
+as setting no value upon it, and resuming the tone which he had
+found tolerably successful at the last interview, began to cry at
+full pitch that Luther must retract. Luther was immovable.
+"Friar! friar!" exclaims De Vio in Italian, "last time you were
+very good, but to-day you are very naughty." Then the cardinal
+begins a long discourse, drawn from the writings of St. Thomas,
+again loudly extols the Constitution of Clement VI, and persists in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[305]</a></span>
+maintaining, that, in virtue of this Constitution, the very merits of
+Jesus Christ are distributed to the faithful by means of indulgences.
+He thinks he has silenced Luther, who sometimes begins to speak,
+but De Vio scolds, thunders away without ceasing, and insists on
+having the whole field of battle to himself.</p>
+
+<p>This method might have had some success a first time, but Luther
+was not the man to suffer it a second. His indignation at
+length burst forth; it is his turn to astonish the spectators, who
+deem him already vanquished by the volubility of the prelate. He
+raises his powerful voice, seizes the favourite objection of the cardinal,
+and makes him pay dear for his temerity in having entered
+the lists with him. "Retract! retract!" repeated De Vio, showing
+the Constitution of the pope. "Well," replied Luther, "if it can
+be proved by this Constitution that the treasure of indulgences is
+the merit of Jesus Christ, I consent to retract according to the will
+and good pleasure of your Eminence...."</p>
+
+<p>The Italians, who expected nothing of the kind, stared at these
+words, and could scarcely contain their joy at seeing the enemy at
+length caught in the net. The cardinal was, as it were, out of
+himself; he laughed outright, but with a laugh in which anger and
+indignation mingled; darting forward, he lays hold of the volume
+containing the famous Constitution, looks it out, pounces upon it,
+and, quite proud of his victory, reads it aloud, with boiling and
+heaving breast.<a name="FNanchor_574_574" id="FNanchor_574_574"></a><a href="#Footnote_574_574" class="fnanchor">[574]</a> The Italians exult; the Elector's counsellors are
+uneasy and embarrassed: Luther is waiting for his opponent. At
+length, when the cardinal comes to the words, "The Lord Jesus
+Christ has acquired this treasure by his sufferings,". Luther stops
+him, "Most worthy father," says he, "be so good as consider and
+carefully meditate this expression, '<i>has acquired</i>.'<a name="FNanchor_575_575" id="FNanchor_575_575"></a><a href="#Footnote_575_575" class="fnanchor">[575]</a> Christ has
+acquired a treasure by his merits; the merits, therefore, are not
+the treasure; for, to speak philosophically, cause and effect are
+different things. The merits of Christ have acquired authority to
+the pope to grant such indulgences to the people, but what the
+hand of the pope distributes is not the merits themselves. Thus,
+then my conclusion is true, and the Constitution, which you invoke
+with so much noise, bears testimony with me to the truth which I
+proclaim."</p>
+
+<p>De Vio still holds the book in his hand; his eyes are still riveted
+on the fatal passage, but he has nothing to reply. Thus he is
+taken in the net which he himself had laid, and Luther with strong
+hand keeps him in, to the inexpressible astonishment of the Italian
+courtiers around him. The legate would have evaded the difficulty,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[306]</a></span>
+but could not. He had long abandoned the testimony of
+Scripture and the authority of the Fathers; he had taken refuge in
+this Extravagant of Clement VI, and there he is caught. Still he
+has too much finesse to let his embarrassment appear. Wishing
+to hide his shame, the prince of the Church suddenly changes the
+subject, and rushes violently to other articles. Luther who perceives
+the adroit man&oelig;uvre, allows him not to escape; he grasps
+and completely closes the net which he has thrown over the cardinal,
+and makes evasion impossible. "Most reverend father!"
+says he, with an irony clothed in the form of respect, "your Eminence
+cannot surely think that we Germans do not know grammar;
+to be a treasure, and to acquire a treasure, are very different
+things."</p>
+
+<p>"Retract!" says De Vio; "retract, or, if you don't, I send you
+to Rome, to appear there before the judges entrusted with the
+cognisance of your cause. I excommunicate you; you, all your
+partizans, all who are or may become favourable to you, and I reject
+them from the Church. Full authority in this respect has
+been given me by the holy apostolic See.<a name="FNanchor_576_576" id="FNanchor_576_576"></a><a href="#Footnote_576_576" class="fnanchor">[576]</a> Think you your protectors
+can stop me? Do you imagine that the pope cares for
+Germany? The little finger of the pope is stronger than all the
+German princes."<a name="FNanchor_577_577" id="FNanchor_577_577"></a><a href="#Footnote_577_577" class="fnanchor">[577]</a></p>
+
+<p>"Deign," replies Luther, "to send the written reply which I
+handed you to pope Leo X, with my very humble prayers."</p>
+
+<p>At these words, the legate, glad to find a moment's respite, again
+wraps himself up in a feeling of his dignity, and proudly and passionately
+says to Luther:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Retract, or return not."<a name="FNanchor_578_578" id="FNanchor_578_578"></a><a href="#Footnote_578_578" class="fnanchor">[578]</a></p>
+
+<p>Luther is struck with the expression. This time he gives no
+verbal answer, but bows and takes his leave, followed by the
+Elector's counsellors. The cardinal and his Italians, left alone,
+stare at each other, confounded at the issue of the debate.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the Dominican system, clad in the Roman purple, had
+proudly dismissed its humble opponent. But Luther felt that there
+is a power, viz., Christian truth&mdash;truth, which no authority, secular
+or spiritual, can ever subdue. Of the two combatants, he
+who withdrew was master of the field.</p>
+
+<p>This is the first step by which the Church detached herself from
+the papacy.</p>
+
+<p>Luther and De Vio never saw each other again; but the Reformer
+had made a powerful impression on the legate, an impression<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[307]</a></span>
+which was never entirely effaced. What Luther had said
+on faith, and what De Vio read in the subsequent writings of the
+doctor of Wittemberg, greatly modified the cardinal's views. The
+theologians of Rome were surprised and displeased at his statements
+on justification in his Commentary on the Epistle to the
+Romans. The Reformer did not recoil, did not retract; but
+his judge, he who never ceased exclaiming, Retract! changed his
+views, and indirectly retracted his errors. In this way was the
+Reformer's unshaken fidelity rewarded.</p>
+
+<p>Luther returned to the convent where he had met with hospitality.
+He had stood firm, had borne testimony to the truth and
+done his part. God will do the rest. His heart was filled with
+peace and joy.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. IX.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">De Vio and Staupitz&mdash;Staupitz and Luther&mdash;Luther and Spalatin&mdash;Luther to Carlstadt&mdash;Communion&mdash;Link
+and De Vio&mdash;Departure of Staupitz and Link&mdash;Luther
+to Cajetan&mdash;The Cardinal's Silence&mdash;Luther's Farewell&mdash;Departure&mdash;Appeal to
+the Pope.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>Still the news brought to him were not at all satisfactory. The
+rumour in the town was, that if he would not retract, he was to
+be seized and immured in a dungeon. The vicar-general of the
+order, Staupitz himself, it was confidently said, had been obliged
+to consent to it.<a name="FNanchor_579_579" id="FNanchor_579_579"></a><a href="#Footnote_579_579" class="fnanchor">[579]</a> Luther cannot believe what is told him of his
+friend. No! Staupitz will not betray him. As to the designs of
+the cardinal, judging by his own words, it is difficult to doubt.
+Still he is unwilling to flee before the danger; his life, like truth
+herself, is in mighty hands; and, notwithstanding of the danger
+which threatens him, he resolves not to quit Augsburg.</p>
+
+<p>The legate soon repented of his violence. He felt that he had
+gone out of his course, and he was desirous to return to it.
+Scarcely had Staupitz finished dinner, (it was the morning when
+the interview had taken place, and the dinner-hour was mid-day,)
+when he received a message from the cardinal to wait upon him.
+Staupitz was accompanied by Winceslaus Link.<a name="FNanchor_580_580" id="FNanchor_580_580"></a><a href="#Footnote_580_580" class="fnanchor">[580]</a> The vicar-general
+found the legate alone with Serra-Longa. De Vio immediately
+went up to Staupitz, and, in the mildest accents said to him:&mdash;"Try,
+then, to persuade your monk, and induce him to make a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[308]</a></span>
+retraction. Of a truth I am otherwise satisfied with him, and he
+has not a better friend than I."<a name="FNanchor_581_581" id="FNanchor_581_581"></a><a href="#Footnote_581_581" class="fnanchor">[581]</a></p>
+
+<p><i>Staupitz.</i>&mdash;"I have done so already, and will still counsel him
+to submit to the Church in all humility."</p>
+
+<p><i>De Vio.</i>&mdash;"You must answer the arguments which he draws
+from holy Scripture."</p>
+
+<p><i>Staupitz.</i>&mdash;"I must confess to you, my lord, that that is beyond
+my strength; for Dr. Martin is my superior both in talent and in
+knowledge of the holy Scriptures."</p>
+
+<p>The cardinal doubtless smiled at the vicar-general's frankness.
+He himself knew, besides, wherein lay the difficulty of convincing
+Luther. He continued, and said to Link:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Are you aware, that, as partizans of a heretical doctrine, you
+are yourselves liable to the pains of the Church?"</p>
+
+<p><i>Staupitz.</i>&mdash;Deign to resume the conference with Luther. Appoint
+a public discussion of the controverted points."</p>
+
+<p><i>De Vio</i>, (<i>terrified at the very idea.</i>)&mdash;"I won't have any further
+discussion with that beast. For it has in its head piercing eyes
+and strange speculations."<a name="FNanchor_582_582" id="FNanchor_582_582"></a><a href="#Footnote_582_582" class="fnanchor">[582]</a></p>
+
+<p>Staupitz at last obtained the cardinal's promise to give Luther a
+written statement of what he was to retract.</p>
+
+<p>The vicar-general went immediately to Luther, and, shaken by
+the cardinal's representations, tried to bring about some arrangement.
+"Refute then," says Luther, "the passages of Scripture
+which I have brought forward." "It is above my power," said
+Staupitz. "Well," said Luther, "it is against my conscience to
+retract, so long as no other explanation can be given of these passages."
+"What!" continued he, "the cardinal pretends, as you
+assure me, that he is desirous to arrange the affair without shame
+or disadvantage to me. Ah! these are Roman words, and signify
+in good German that it would be my disgrace and eternal ruin.
+What else has he to expect, who, from fear of man and against the
+voice of his conscience, abjures the truth?"<a name="FNanchor_583_583" id="FNanchor_583_583"></a><a href="#Footnote_583_583" class="fnanchor">[583]</a></p>
+
+<p>Staupitz did not insist; he merely intimated that the cardinal
+had consented to give him a written statement of the points of
+which he demanded a retractation. Then, doubtless, he informed
+him of his resolution to leave Augsburg, where he had nothing
+more to do, and Luther imparted to him a design which he had
+formed with a view to comfort and strengthen their souls.</p>
+
+<p>Staupitz promised to return, and they separated for a short
+time.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[309]</a></span>Luther, left alone in his cell, turned his thoughts towards friends
+who were dear to his heart. He transported himself to Weimar
+and Wittemberg. He was desirous to inform the Elector of what
+was passing; and, afraid of compromising the prince by addressing
+him directly, wrote to Spalatin, and begged him to inform his
+master how matters stood. He related the whole affair, even to
+the promise of the legate to give him a written statement of the
+controverted points, and concluded:&mdash;"Thus matters are; but I
+have neither hope nor confidence in the legate. I will not retract
+a single syllable. I will publish the reply which I have sent him,
+in order that, if he proceeds to violence, his shame may extend
+over all Christendom."<a name="FNanchor_584_584" id="FNanchor_584_584"></a><a href="#Footnote_584_584" class="fnanchor">[584]</a></p>
+
+<p>The doctor next availed himself of some moments still left him
+to communicate with his friends at Wittemberg.</p>
+
+<p>"Peace and felicity!" wrote he to Doctor Carlstadt. "Accept
+these few lines as if they were a long letter; for time and events
+are pressing on me. Another time I will write you and others at
+greater length. For three days my affair has been under discussion,
+and things are now come to this, that I have no hope of
+returning to you, and expect nothing but excommunication. The
+legate is absolutely determined that I shall have no discussion,
+either public or private. He says, he wishes not to be my judge
+but my father, and yet the only words he will hear from me are,
+'I retract, and own that I have been mistaken.' These, again, are
+words which I won't say.</p>
+
+<p>"My cause is in so much the greater peril, that its judges are
+not only implacable enemies, but, moreover, men incapable of comprehending
+it. However, the Lord God lives and reigns; to his
+care I commend myself, and I doubt not that, in answer to the
+prayers of some pious souls, he will send me assistance; methinks
+I feel that I am prayed for.</p>
+
+<p>"Either I shall return to you without having suffered harm, or,
+struck with excommunication, will be obliged to seek an asylum
+elsewhere.</p>
+
+<p>"Be this as it may, comport yourself valiantly, stand firm,
+exalt Christ intrepidly and joyfully....</p>
+
+<p>"The cardinal always calls me his dear son. I know what this
+amounts to. Nevertheless, I am persuaded I would be to him the
+dearest and most agreeable of men, if I would only pronounce the
+single word <i>Revoco</i>, I retract. But I will not become a heretic by
+retracting the faith which made me become a Christian. Better be
+hunted, cursed, burnt, and put to death....</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[310]</a></span>"Take care of yourself, my dear doctor, and show this letter to
+our theologians, to Amsdorff, Philip, Otten, and others, in order
+that you may pray for me, and also for yourselves; for the affair
+which is here discussed is yours also. It is that of faith in our
+Lord Jesus Christ, and of divine grace."<a name="FNanchor_585_585" id="FNanchor_585_585"></a><a href="#Footnote_585_585" class="fnanchor">[585]</a></p>
+
+<p>Delightful thought! which ever gives full peace and consolation
+to those who have borne testimony to Jesus Christ, to his divinity
+and grace, when the world from all quarters showers down its
+censures, ejections, and frowns. "Our cause is that of faith in
+our Lord!" And how sweet also the conviction expressed by the
+Reformer, "I feel that I am prayed for." The Reformation was
+the work of prayer and piety. The struggle between Luther and
+De Vio was a struggle between the religious element re-appearing
+in full life, and the expiring remains of the quibbling dialectics of
+the middle ages.</p>
+
+<p>Such was Luther's converse with his absent friends. Staupitz
+soon returned; Doctor Ruhel and the Chevalier de Ferlitzoch, the
+Elector's envoys, also arrived after they had taken leave of the
+cardinal. Some other friends of the gospel joined them; and
+Luther, seeing the generous men thus assembled on the point of
+separating, perhaps separating from himself for ever, proposed
+that they should join in celebrating the Lord's Supper. The
+proposal was accepted, and this little flock of believers communicated
+in the body and blood of Jesus Christ. What feelings
+must have filled the hearts of these friends of the Reformer at this
+moment when celebrating the Eucharist with him and thinking
+that it was perhaps the last time he would be permitted to do so!
+What joy and love must have animated Luther's heart at seeing
+himself so graciously received by his Master at an hour when men
+were repulsing him! How solemn must that supper have been&mdash;how
+sacred that evening!<a name="FNanchor_586_586" id="FNanchor_586_586"></a><a href="#Footnote_586_586" class="fnanchor">[586]</a></p>
+
+<p>The next day<a name="FNanchor_587_587" id="FNanchor_587_587"></a><a href="#Footnote_587_587" class="fnanchor">[587]</a> Luther waited for the articles which the legate
+was to send him, but no message arriving, he begged his friend,
+Dr. Winceslaus Link, to go to the cardinal. De Vio received
+Link with the greatest affability, and assured him that he would
+act only as a friend. "I no longer," says he, "regard Doctor
+Martin Luther as a heretic. I will not excommunicate him at
+this time, at least if I do not receive other orders from Rome. I
+have sent his reply to the pope by an express." Then, to give a
+proof of his good intentions, he added, "Would Doctor Martin
+Luther only retract what relates to the indulgences, the affair would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[311]</a></span>
+soon be ended; for, with regard to faith in the sacrament, it is an
+article which every one may interpret and understand in his own
+way." Spalatin, who relates these words, adds the sarcastic but
+just remark: "It clearly follows, that Rome has more regard for
+money than for the purity of the faith and the salvation of souls."<a name="FNanchor_588_588" id="FNanchor_588_588"></a><a href="#Footnote_588_588" class="fnanchor">[588]</a></p>
+
+<p>Link returned to Luther. He found Staupitz with him, and
+gave an account of his visit. When he mentioned the legate's
+unlooked for concession, "It had been worth while," said Staupitz,
+"for Dr. Winceslaus to have had a notary and witnesses with
+him to take down the words, for if such a proposal was known it
+would greatly prejudice the cause of the Romans."</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the smoother the prelate's words became, the less
+the honest Germans trusted him. Several of the worthy men to
+whom Luther had been recommended consulted together. "The
+legate," said they, "is plotting some mischief by the courier of
+whom he speaks; there is good ground to fear that you will all be
+seized and cast into prison."</p>
+
+<p>Staupitz and Winceslaus, therefore, determined to quit the
+town. Embracing Luther, who persisted in remaining at Augsburg,
+they set out in all haste by different roads for Nuremberg,
+not without a feeling of great uneasiness as to the fate of the intrepid
+witness whom they left behind.</p>
+
+<p>Sunday passed quietly enough. Luther waited in vain for a
+message from the legate. But as he did not send him a word,
+Luther at last resolved to write him. Staupitz and Link, before
+their departure, had begged him to make all possible submission
+to the cardinal. Luther was yet without experience in Rome and
+its envoys; but if submission did not succeed, he would be able to
+regard it as a warning. Now, he must at least make the attempt.
+In so far as concerns himself, not a day passes in which
+he does not condemn himself, does not mourn over the facility
+with which he allows himself to be hurried into expressions which
+exceed the bounds of propriety. Why should he not confess
+to the cardinal that which he daily confesses to God? Luther,
+moreover, had a heart which was easily touched, and which
+suspected no evil. He therefore took up the pen, and, under a
+feeling of respect and good will, wrote to the cardinal as follows:<a name="FNanchor_589_589" id="FNanchor_589_589"></a><a href="#Footnote_589_589" class="fnanchor">[589]</a>&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Most worthy Father in God</span>,&mdash;I come once more, not
+with my voice, but by writing, to supplicate your paternal goodness
+to give me a favourable hearing. The reverend Doctor Staupitz,
+my very dear Father in Christ, has asked me to humble myself,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[312]</a></span>
+to renounce my own opinion, and submit it to the judgment
+of pious and impartial men. He also has lauded your paternal
+goodness, and convinced me of the favourable sentiments with
+which you are animated towards me. The tidings filled me with
+joy.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, then, most worthy father, I confess, as I have already
+done, that I have not shown enough of modesty, enough of meekness,
+enough of respect for the name of the sovereign pontiff; and
+although I have been greatly provoked, I perceive it would have
+been far better for me to have treated the affair with more humility,
+good nature, and reverence, '<i>not answering a fool according to his
+folly, for fear of being like unto him</i>.' (Prov., xxvi, 4.)</p>
+
+<p>"This grieves me very much; I ask pardon for it; and I am
+willing to announce it to the people from the pulpit, as indeed I
+have already often done. I will endeavour, by the grace of God,
+to speak differently. Moreover, I am ready to promise, that, unless
+I am asked, I will not say a single word on the subject of indulgences
+after this affair is arranged. But, in like manner, let those
+who led me to begin it be obliged hereafter to be moderate in their
+discourses, or to be silent.</p>
+
+<p>"As regards the truth of my doctrine, the authority of St.
+Thomas and other doctors cannot satisfy me. If I am worthy of
+it, I must hear the voice of the spouse, who is the Church. For
+it is certain that she hears the voice of the Bridegroom who is
+Christ.</p>
+
+<p>"With all humility and submission, therefore, I pray your paternal
+love to refer the whole of this matter, which to this hour is
+so uncertain, to our most holy lord, Leo X, in order that the
+Church may decide, pronounce, and ordain, thereby enabling men
+to retract with a good conscience, or to believe in sincerity."<a name="FNanchor_590_590" id="FNanchor_590_590"></a><a href="#Footnote_590_590" class="fnanchor">[590]</a></p>
+
+<p>The reading of this letter suggests a reflection. It shows us that
+Luther was not acting on a premeditated system, but only in virtue
+of convictions which were successively impressed on his mind and
+his heart.</p>
+
+<p>So far from having adopted a fixed system, or calculated opposition,
+he was sometimes, without suspecting it, at variance with
+himself. Old convictions still prevailed in his mind, even after
+contrary convictions had taken root. And yet, in these evidences
+of sincerity and truth, men have searched for weapons to assail the
+Reformation; because it followed the obligatory law of progress
+invariably imposed on the human mind, they have written the
+history of its variations; in the very traits which attest its sincerity,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[313]</a></span>
+and consequently do it honour, one of the greatest geniuses of
+Christendom has found his strongest objections to it.<a name="FNanchor_591_591" id="FNanchor_591_591"></a><a href="#Footnote_591_591" class="fnanchor">[591]</a> Inconceivable
+is the waywardness of the human mind!</p>
+
+<p>Luther received no answer to his letter. Cajetan and his courtiers,
+from being violently agitated, became all at once motionless.
+What could the reason be? Might it not be the calm which
+precedes the storm? Some are of the opinion of Pallavicini, who
+observes, that "the cardinal expected that the proud monk would,
+like inflated bellows, gradually lose the wind with which he was
+filled, and become quite humble."<a name="FNanchor_592_592" id="FNanchor_592_592"></a><a href="#Footnote_592_592" class="fnanchor">[592]</a> Others, who thought themselves
+better acquainted with the ways of Rome, felt assured that
+the legate was preparing to seize Luther; but not daring, of his
+own accord, to proceed to such extremities in defiance of the imperial
+safe-conduct, was waiting for an answer from Rome. Others,
+again, could not admit that the cardinal would consent to wait so
+long. The Emperor, Maximilian, they said, (and this may indeed
+have been true,) would have no more scruple in delivering up
+Luther to the judgment of the Church, in spite of the safe-conduct,
+than Sigismund had in delivering up John Huss to the Council of
+Constance. Their conjecture, therefore, was, that the legate was
+negotiating with the emperor. The sanction of Maximilian might
+arrive at any hour. The greater the opposition he had formerly
+showed to the pope, the more disposed he now seemed to flatter
+him, until he should succeed in encircling the head of his grandson
+with the imperial crown. There was not an instant to be lost,
+"and, therefore," said the generous men around Luther, "prepare
+an appeal to the pope, and quit Augsburg without delay."</p>
+
+<p>Luther, whose presence in the town had for four days been
+quite useless, and who, by remaining these four days after the
+departure of the Saxon counsellors whom the Elector had sent to
+watch over his safety, had sufficiently demonstrated that he feared
+nothing, and was ready to answer every charge, at length yielded
+to the urgent entreaties of his friends. Wishing to leave a notification
+to De Vio, he wrote him on Tuesday, the evening before
+his departure. This second letter is firmer in its tone than the
+former. It would seem that Luther, in perceiving that all his advances
+were vain, began to hold up his head, and show that he had
+a due sense both of his own rights, and of the injustice of his
+enemies.</p>
+
+<p>"Most worthy Father in God," wrote he to De Vio, "your paternal
+goodness has seen, yes, I say, seen, and distinctly recognised<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[314]</a></span>
+my obedience. I have undertaken a distant journey, in the
+midst of great dangers, in much bodily weakness, and notwithstanding
+of my extreme poverty, on the order of our most holy
+lord, Leo X. I have appeared personally before your Eminence;
+in fine, I have thrown myself at the feet of his Holiness, and
+am now waiting his pleasure, prepared to acquiesce in his judgment,
+whether he condemn or acquit me. I thus feel that I have
+omitted nothing which becomes an obedient son of the Church.</p>
+
+<p>"Hence, I cannot see it to be my duty uselessly to prolong my
+sojourn here; indeed, it is impossible for me to do so. I want
+means, and your paternal goodness has commanded me, in peremptory
+terms, not again to show myself in your presence, unless I
+am willing to retract.</p>
+
+<p>"I depart, therefore, in the name of the Lord, desiring, if it be
+possible, to repair to some spot where I may be able to live in
+peace. Several personages, of greater weight than I am, have
+urged me to appeal from your paternal goodness, and even from
+our most holy lord, Leo X, ill informed, to himself better informed.
+Although I know that such an appeal will be much
+more agreeable to our most serene Elector than a retractation,
+nevertheless, if I had only had myself to consult, I would not have
+taken it. Having committed no fault, I ought to have nothing to
+fear."</p>
+
+<p>Luther, having written this letter, which was not sent to the
+legate till after his departure, prepared to quit Augsburg. God
+had kept him till this hour, and his heart praised Him for it; but
+he must not tempt God. He took leave of his friends, Peutinger,
+Langemantel, the Adelmanns, Auerbach, and the prior of the Carmelites,
+who had shown him so much Christian hospitality. On
+Wednesday before day-break he got up, and was ready to depart.
+His friends had advised him to use great precaution, lest his intention
+should be observed and frustrated, and he followed their
+counsels as much as he could. A pony, which Staupitz had left
+him, was brought to the gate of the convent, and once more bidding
+adieu to his brethren, he mounted and set off, without bridle,
+boots, or spurs, and unarmed. The magistrates had sent one of
+their officers on horseback, who was to accompany him, and who
+knew the roads perfectly. The servant led him in the darkness,
+through the silent streets of Augsburg, towards a small gate which
+was pierced in the city wall, and which counsellor Langemantel
+had given orders should be opened to him. He is still in the
+power of the legate, and the hand of Rome may still reach him.
+Doubtless, did the Italians know that their prey was escaping, they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[315]</a></span>
+would sally forth in fury with hue and cry. Who knows if the
+intrepid opponent of Rome will not yet be seized and immured in
+a dungeon?... At length Luther and his guide arrive at the
+little gate, and, passing through it, are out of Augsburg. Then,
+putting their horses to the gallop, they make off in all haste.</p>
+
+<p>Luther, on departing, had left his appeal to the pope in the
+hands of the prior of Pomesaw. His friends were of opinion that
+it should not be sent to the legate, and the prior was therefore
+charged to see to its being fixed up, two or three days after the
+doctor's departure, on the gate of the cathedral, in presence of a
+notary and witnesses. This was accordingly done.</p>
+
+<p>In this document, Luther declares that he appeals from the most
+holy father the pope, ill informed, to the most holy lord and father
+in Christ, by name Leo X, by the grace of God, when better informed.<a name="FNanchor_593_593" id="FNanchor_593_593"></a><a href="#Footnote_593_593" class="fnanchor">[593]</a>
+This appeal had been regularly drawn up and executed
+in due form by Gall de Herbrachtingen, the imperial notary, in
+presence of two Augustin monks, Bartholomew Utzmair and
+Wengel Steinbies. It was dated 16th October.</p>
+
+<p>When the cardinal was informed of Luther's departure, he was
+astonished, and even, as he declares in a letter to the Elector, was
+frightened and amazed. In fact, he had grounds for irritation.
+This departure, which put so abrupt a termination to negotiation,
+disappointed the hopes which had so long flattered him. His ambition
+was to cure the wounds of the Church, and re-establish the
+pope's influence in Germany; and, lo! the heretic has escaped not
+only without having been punished, but even without having been
+humbled. The conference had only served to bring more prominently
+into view, on the one hand, the simplicity, uprightness, and
+firmness of Luther; and, on the other, the imperiousness and unreasonable
+conduct of the pope and his ambassador. Rome, having
+gained nothing, must have lost: her authority not having been
+strengthened, had, of necessity, experienced a new check. What
+will be said at the Vatican? What tidings will arrive at Rome?
+The difficulties of his situation will be forgotten, and the failure imputed
+to his want of skill. Serra-Longa and the Italians are furious
+at seeing persons of their ability outwitted by a German monk.
+De Vio is scarcely able to conceal his irritation. The affront cries
+for vengeance, and we shall soon see him giving vent to his wrath
+in a letter to the Elector.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[316]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAP. X.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Luther's Flight&mdash;Admiration&mdash;Luther's Wish&mdash;The Legate to the Elector&mdash;The
+Elector to the Legate&mdash;Prosperity of the University.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>Luther continued with his guide to flee from Augsburg. He
+urged his steed to the utmost speed that the poor animal's strength
+would permit. He thought of the real or supposed flight of John
+Huss, the manner in which he was laid hold of, and the assertion
+of his adversaries, who pretended that the flight annulled the Emperor's
+safe-conduct, and entitled them to condemn him to the
+flames.<a name="FNanchor_594_594" id="FNanchor_594_594"></a><a href="#Footnote_594_594" class="fnanchor">[594]</a> These uneasy thoughts merely crossed Luther's mind.
+Escaped from the town, where he had passed ten days under the
+terrible hand of Rome, which had already crushed so many thousand
+witnesses of the truth, and drenched herself with blood&mdash;now
+that he is free, now that he breathes the pure air of the
+field, and traverses the villages and plains&mdash;now that he sees
+himself wonderfully delivered&mdash;his whole soul magnifies the Lord.
+Truly he may now say, "<i>Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the
+snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our
+help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.</i>"<a name="FNanchor_595_595" id="FNanchor_595_595"></a><a href="#Footnote_595_595" class="fnanchor">[595]</a>
+Luther's heart is thus filled with joy. But his thoughts also revert
+to De Vio. "The cardinal," says he, "would have liked to have
+me in his hands to send me to Rome. No doubt he is chagrined
+at my escape. He imagined that he was master of me at Augsburg&mdash;he
+thought he was sure of me; but he had an eel by the
+tail. Is it not a shame in these people to set so high a price upon
+me? They would give many crowns to have me; whereas, our
+Lord Jesus Christ was sold for thirty pieces of silver."<a name="FNanchor_596_596" id="FNanchor_596_596"></a><a href="#Footnote_596_596" class="fnanchor">[596]</a></p>
+
+<p>The first day Luther travelled fourteen leagues. In the evening,
+on arriving at the inn where he was to pass the night, he was so
+fatigued (his horse, says one of his biographers, had a very hard
+trot,) that, on dismounting, he could not stand erect, and stretched
+himself out upon the straw. He, nevertheless, enjoyed some sleep,
+and the next day continued his journey. At Nuremberg, he found
+Staupitz on a visit to the convents of his order, and, for the first
+time saw the brief which the pope had sent to Cajetan respecting
+him. He was indignant at it. In all probability, if he had read
+it before his departure from Wittemberg, he would never have appeared<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[317]</a></span>
+before the cardinal. "It is impossible to believe," says he,
+"that any thing so monstrous could emanate from a sovereign
+pontiff."<a name="FNanchor_597_597" id="FNanchor_597_597"></a><a href="#Footnote_597_597" class="fnanchor">[597]</a></p>
+
+<p>Throughout the journey, Luther was an object of general interest.
+He had not yielded a whit. Such a victory gained by a
+mendicant monk over a representative of Rome, excited universal
+admiration. Germany seemed avenged for the contempt of Italy.
+The eternal Word had been more honoured than the word of the
+pope; and that vast power which had domineered over the world
+for so many ages had received an important check. Luther's
+journey was a triumph. People were delighted with the obstinacy
+of Rome, hoping that it would hasten her downfall. Had she not
+chosen to keep fast hold of dishonest gains&mdash;had she been wise
+enough not to despise the Germans&mdash;had she reformed clamant
+abuses&mdash;perhaps, according to human views, things might have
+returned to the state of death out of which Luther had aroused
+them. But the papacy chooses not to yield, and the doctor will
+see himself constrained to bring many other errors to light, and to
+advance in the knowledge and the manifestation of the truth.</p>
+
+<p>On the 26th October Luther arrived at Gr�fenthal, situated at
+the extremity of the forests of Thuringia. Here he fell in with
+Count Albert of Mansfeld, who had so strongly dissuaded him
+from going to Augsburg. The count laughed heartily on seeing
+his singular equipage; and, laying hands on him, obliged him to
+become his guest. Shortly after Luther resumed his journey.</p>
+
+<p>He made haste to be at Wittemberg by the 31st October, expecting
+that the Elector would be there at the Feast of All Saints,
+and that he would be able to see him. The brief which he had
+read at Nuremberg had made him fully aware of the danger of his
+situation. In fact, being already condemned at Rome, he could
+not hope either to remain at Wittemberg, or to obtain an asylum
+in a convent, or to be in peace and safety any where else. The
+protection of the Elector might, perhaps, defend him, but he was
+far from being able to calculate upon it. He could not expect any
+help from the two friends whom he had formerly had at the court.
+Staupitz, having lost the favour he long enjoyed, had quitted Saxony,
+Spalatin was loved by Frederick, but had no great influence over
+him. The Elector himself was not so well acquainted with the
+gospel as to encounter manifest perils on account of it. However,
+Luther saw nothing better which he could do than return to
+Wittemberg, and there await the decision of an almighty and
+merciful God. If, as several thought, he were left at liberty, his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[318]</a></span>
+wish was to devote himself entirely to study and the education of
+youth.<a name="FNanchor_598_598" id="FNanchor_598_598"></a><a href="#Footnote_598_598" class="fnanchor">[598]</a></p>
+
+<p>Luther did arrive at Wittemberg by the 30th October; but his
+haste had been to no purpose, for neither the Elector nor Spalatin
+came to the festival. His friends were overjoyed on seeing him
+again among them. The very day of his arrival he hastened to
+announce it to Spalatin&mdash;"I came back to Wittemberg to-day,
+safe and sound, by the grace of God; but how long I shall remain
+is more than I know.... I am filled with joy and peace; so much
+so, that I cannot help wondering how the trial which I endure appears
+so great to so many great personages."</p>
+
+<p>De Vio did not wait long, after Luther's departure, to vent all
+his indignation to the Elector. His letter breathes vengeance.
+In an assuming tone he gives Frederick an account of the conference.
+"Since friar Martin," says he, in conclusion, "cannot be
+brought by paternal methods to acknowledge his error, and remain
+faithful to the Catholic Church, I pray your Highness to send him
+to Rome, or banish him from your States. Be assured that this
+difficult, naughty, and venomous affair, cannot last longer; for,
+when I shall have acquainted our most holy lord with all the craft
+and malice, there will soon be an end of it." In a postscript, in
+his own hand, the cardinal entreats the Elector not to sully his own
+honour, and that of his illustrious ancestors, for a miserable paltry
+friar.<a name="FNanchor_599_599" id="FNanchor_599_599"></a><a href="#Footnote_599_599" class="fnanchor">[599]</a></p>
+
+<p>Never, perhaps, was the soul of Luther filled with nobler indignation
+than on reading the copy of this letter which the Elector sent
+him. The thought of the sufferings which he is destined to endure,
+the value of the truth for which he is combating, the contempt he
+feels for the conduct of the legate of Rome, at once fill his heart.
+His reply, written under the influence of those feelings, is full of
+the courage, dignity, and faith, which he always manifested in the
+most difficult crisis of his life. He, in his turn, gives an account
+of the conference of Augsburg, and then, after exposing the conduct
+of the cardinal continues:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I should like to answer the legate in the Elector's stead.</p>
+
+<p>"Prove that you speak with knowledge," I would say to him;
+"let the whole affair be committed to writing; then I will send
+Friar Martin to Rome, or rather, I myself will cause him to be
+seized and put to death. I will take care of my conscience and my
+honour, and allow no stain to sully my fame. But as long as your
+certain knowledge shuns the light, and manifests itself only by
+clamour, I cannot give credit to darkness.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[319]</a></span>"This, most excellent prince, would be my answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Let the reverend legate, or the pope himself, give a written
+specification of my errors; let them explain their reasons; let them
+instruct me who desire, who ask, and wish, and wait for instruction,
+in so much that even a Turk would not refuse to give it. If I
+retract not, and condemn myself after they shall have proved to me
+that the passages which I have cited ought to be understood differently
+from what I have done, then, O most excellent Elector, let
+your Highness be the first to pursue and chase me, let the university
+discard me, and load me with its anger. Nay, more, (and I
+call heaven and earth to witness,) let the Lord Jesus Christ reject
+and condemn me! The words which I speak are not dictated by
+vain presumption, but by immovable conviction. I am willing
+that the Lord God withdraw his grace from me, and that every
+creature of God refuse to countenance me, if, when a better doctrine
+shall have been shown to me, I embrace it not.</p>
+
+<p>"If, on account of the humbleness of my condition, they despise
+me, a poor paltry mendicant friar, and if they refuse to instruct
+me in the way of truth, let your Highness pray the legate to point
+out to you in writing wherein I have erred; and, if they refuse this
+favour even to your Highness, let them write their views either to
+his Imperial Majesty, or to some Archbishop of Germany. What
+ought I, what can I say more?</p>
+
+<p>"Let your Highness listen to the voice of your honour and your
+conscience, and not send me to Rome. No man can command you
+to do it, for it is impossible I can be in safety at Rome. The pope
+himself is not in safety there. It would be to order you to betray
+Christian blood. They have paper, pens, and ink, and they have
+also notaries without number. It is easy for them to write, and
+show wherein and how I have erred. It will cost less to instruct
+me by writing while I am absent, than while present to accomplish
+my death by stratagem.</p>
+
+<p>"I resign myself to exile. My enemies are so ensnaring me
+on all sides, that I can no where live in safety. In order that no
+evil may befall you on my account, I, in the name of God, abandon
+your territories; I will go wherever an almighty and merciful God
+wishes me to be. Let him do with me as seemeth to him good!</p>
+
+<p>"Thus, then, most serene Elector, with veneration I bid you
+farewell. I commend you to Almighty God, and give you immortal
+thanks for all your kindness towards me. Whatever the people
+among whom I shall live in future, I will always remember you,
+and gratefully pray, without ceasing, for the happiness of you and
+yours.<a name="FNanchor_600_600" id="FNanchor_600_600"></a><a href="#Footnote_600_600" class="fnanchor">[600]</a>... I am still, thank God, full of joy, and I bless him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[320]</a></span>
+that Christ his Son counts me worthy of suffering in so holy
+a cause. May he eternally guard your illustrious Highness!
+Amen!"</p>
+
+<p>This letter, so replete with truth, made a profound impression on
+the Elector. "He was shaken by a very eloquent letter," says
+Maimbourg. He never would have thought of delivering an innocent
+man into the hands of Rome. Perhaps he would have asked
+Luther to remain for some time in concealment, but not even in
+appearance would he have yielded, in any way, to the menaces of
+the legate. He wrote to his counsellor Pfeffinger, who happened
+to be with the Emperor, to make him acquainted with the real
+state of matters, and beg him to request Rome either to put an
+end to the affair, or at least leave it to be decided in Germany by
+impartial judges.<a name="FNanchor_601_601" id="FNanchor_601_601"></a><a href="#Footnote_601_601" class="fnanchor">[601]</a></p>
+
+<p>Some days after the Elector replied to the legate:&mdash;"Since
+Doctor Martin appeared before you at Augsburg, you ought to be
+satisfied. We did not expect that without having convicted him
+you would have thought of constraining him to retract. None of
+the learned in our dominions have told us that the doctrine of
+Martin is impious, antichristian, and heretical." The prince then
+refuses to send Luther to Rome, or banish him from his states.</p>
+
+<p>This letter, which was communicated to Luther, filled him with
+joy. "Good God!" wrote he to Spalatin, "with what joy I have
+read it and re-read it. I know what confidence may be put in these
+words, so admirable at once for vigour and moderation. I fear the
+Romans will not comprehend all that is meant by them, but they
+will at least comprehend that what they thought already finished
+is not even begun. Have the goodness to present my thanks to
+the prince. It is strange that he, (De Vio,) who not long ago was
+a mendicant monk like me, is not afraid to accost the most powerful
+princes without respect, to interpel, threaten, and command them,
+and treat them with inconceivable pride. Let him learn that the
+temporal power is of God, and that it is not permitted him to
+trample its glory under foot."<a name="FNanchor_602_602" id="FNanchor_602_602"></a><a href="#Footnote_602_602" class="fnanchor">[602]</a></p>
+
+<p>Frederick, in answering the legate in a tone which he had not
+expected, had doubtless been encouraged by an address which he
+had received from the university of Wittemberg. This university
+had good reason for declaring in the doctor's favour, in as much as
+it was flourishing more and more, and eclipsing all the other schools.
+Crowds of students flocked from all parts of Germany to hear the
+extraordinary man whose lessons seemed to open a new era to religion
+and science. These youths who came from all the provinces<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[321]</a></span>
+stopped at the moment when they perceived the steeples of Wittemberg
+in the distance, and raising their hands to heaven, thanked
+God for making the light of truth shine on this town as formerly on
+Zion, and send its rays even to the remotest countries.<a name="FNanchor_603_603" id="FNanchor_603_603"></a><a href="#Footnote_603_603" class="fnanchor">[603]</a> A life and
+activity hitherto unknown animated the university. "They ply
+their studies here like ants," wrote Luther.<a name="FNanchor_604_604" id="FNanchor_604_604"></a><a href="#Footnote_604_604" class="fnanchor">[604]</a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAP. XI.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p class="hanging">Thoughts of Departure&mdash;Adieus to the Church&mdash;Critical Moment&mdash;Deliverance&mdash;Luther's
+Courage&mdash;Discontentment at Rome&mdash;Bull&mdash;Appeal to a Council.</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>Luther, thinking that he might soon be banished from Germany,
+employed himself in preparing the Acts of the Conference of Augsburg
+for publication. He wished these Acts to remain as evidence
+of the struggle which he had maintained with Rome. He saw the
+storm ready to burst, but feared it not. Day after day he expected
+the anathemas of Rome, and arranged and set every thing in order,
+that he might be ready when they arrived. "Having tucked up
+my coat, and girt my reins," said he, "I am ready to depart like
+Abraham; not knowing whither I shall go, or rather knowing well,
+since God is every where."<a name="FNanchor_605_605" id="FNanchor_605_605"></a><a href="#Footnote_605_605" class="fnanchor">[605]</a> He intended to leave a farewell letter
+behind him. "Have the boldness, then," wrote he to Spalatin,
+"to read the letter of a man cursed and excommunicated."</p>
+
+<p>His friends were in great fear and anxiety on his account, and
+begged him to enter himself prisoner in the hands of the Elector,
+in order that that prince might somewhere keep him in safe custody.<a name="FNanchor_606_606" id="FNanchor_606_606"></a><a href="#Footnote_606_606" class="fnanchor">[606]</a></p>
+
+<p>His enemies could not understand what it was that gave him so
+much confidence. One day they were talking of him at the court
+of the Bishop of Brandenburg, and asking on what prop he could be
+leaning. "It must be in Erasmus," said they, "or Capito, or some
+other of the learned, that he confides." "No! no!" replied the
+bishop, "the pope would give himself very little trouble with such
+folks as these. His trust is in the university of Wittemberg and
+the Duke of Saxony." Thus both were ignorant of the fortress in
+which the Reformer had taken refuge.</p>
+
+<p>Thoughts of departure flitted across Luther's mind. They arose<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[322]</a></span>
+not from fear, but from the foresight of continually recurring
+obstacles which the free profession of the truth must encounter in
+Germany. "If I remain here," said he, "the liberty of speaking
+and writing will, as to many things, be wrested from me. If I
+depart, I will freely unbosom the thoughts of my heart, and offer
+my life to Jesus Christ."<a name="FNanchor_607_607" id="FNanchor_607_607"></a><a href="#Footnote_607_607" class="fnanchor">[607]</a></p>
+
+<p>France was the country in which Luther hoped he would be
+able, untramelled, to announce the truth. The liberty which the
+doctors and university of Paris enjoyed seemed to him worthy of
+envy. He was, besides, agreed with them on many points. What
+would have happened had he been transported from Wittemberg to
+France? Would the Reformation have taken place there as it did
+in Germany? Would the power of Rome have been dethroned;
+and would France, which was destined to see the hierarchical principles
+of Rome, and the destructive principles of an infidel philosophy,
+long warring in its bosom, have become one great focus of
+gospel light? It is useless to indulge in vain conjectures on this
+subject; but perhaps Luther at Paris might have somewhat changed
+the destinies of Europe and France.</p>
+
+<p>Luther's soul was powerfully agitated. As he often preached at
+the town church in place of Simon Heyens Pontanus, pastor of
+Wittemberg, who was almost always sick, he thought it his duty,
+at all events, to take leave of a people to whom he had so often
+preached salvation. "I am," said he one day in the pulpit, "I
+am a precarious and uncertain preacher. How often already have
+I set out suddenly without bidding you farewell.... In case the
+same thing should happen again, and I not return, here receive my
+adieus." After adding a few words more, he thus meekly and
+modestly ended:&mdash;"I warn you, in fine, not to be alarmed
+though the papal censures let loose all their fury on me. Impute
+it not to the pope, and wish no ill either to him or any other mortal
+whatsoever, but commit the whole matter to God."<a name="FNanchor_608_608" id="FNanchor_608_608"></a><a href="#Footnote_608_608" class="fnanchor">[608]</a></p>
+
+<p>The moment seemed to have at length arrived. The prince gave
+Luther to understand he was desirous of his removal to a distance
+from Wittemberg; and the wishes of the Elector were too sacred
+for him not to hasten to comply with them. He accordingly made
+preparations for his departure, without well knowing whither he
+should direct his steps. He wished, however, to have a last meeting
+with his friends, and for this purpose invited them to a farewell
+repast. Seated at table with them, he was still enjoying their
+delightful conversation, their tender and anxious friendship. A<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[323]</a></span>
+letter is brought to him.... It comes from the court. He
+opens and reads, and his heart sinks; it is a new order to depart.
+The prince asks why he is so long of setting out. His soul was
+filled with sadness. Still, however, he took courage, and raising
+his head and looking around on his guests, said firmly and joyfully,
+"Father and mother forsake me, but the Lord will take me up."<a name="FNanchor_609_609" id="FNanchor_609_609"></a><a href="#Footnote_609_609" class="fnanchor">[609]</a>
+There was nothing for it but to depart. His friends were deeply
+moved. What is to become of him? If Luther's protector rejects
+him, who will receive him? And the gospel, and the truth, and this
+admirable work ... ; all doubtless must fall with their illustrious
+witness. The Reformation apparently is hanging by a
+thread; and at the moment when Luther quits the walls of Wittemberg,
+will not the thread break? Luther and his friends spoke
+little. Stunned with the blow which was directed against their
+brother, they melt into tears. But some moments after a second
+message arrives, and Luther opens the letter, not doubting he is
+to find a renewal of the summons to depart. But, O powerful
+hand of the Lord! for this time he is saved. The whole aspect is
+changed. "As the new envoy of the pope hopes that every thing
+may be arranged by means of a conference, remain still."<a name="FNanchor_610_610" id="FNanchor_610_610"></a><a href="#Footnote_610_610" class="fnanchor">[610]</a> So
+says the letter. How important an hour this was; and who can
+say what might have happened if Luther, who was always in haste
+to obey the will of his prince, had quitted Wittemberg immediately
+after the first message? Never were Luther and the work of the
+Reformation at a lower ebb than at this moment. Their destinies
+seemed to be decided; but an instant sufficed to change them.
+Arrived at the lowest point in his career, the doctor of Wittemberg
+rapidly reascended; and thenceforward his influence ceased
+not to increase. In the language of a prophet, "The Eternal
+commands, and his servants descend into the depths; again they
+mount up to heaven."</p>
+
+<p>Spalatin having, by order of Frederick, invited Luther to Lichtenberg
+to have an interview with him, they had a long conversation
+on the situation of affairs. "If the censures of Rome arrive,"
+said Luther, "I certainly will not remain at Wittemberg." "Beware,"
+"of being too precipitate with your journey to France,"
+replied Spalatin,<a name="FNanchor_611_611" id="FNanchor_611_611"></a><a href="#Footnote_611_611" class="fnanchor">[611]</a> who, left telling him to wait till he heard
+from him. "Only recommend my soul to Christ," said Luther to
+his friends. "I see that my adversaries are strong in their resolution
+to destroy me, but at the same time Christ strengthens me in
+my resolution not to yield to them."<a name="FNanchor_612_612" id="FNanchor_612_612"></a><a href="#Footnote_612_612" class="fnanchor">[612]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[324]</a></span>
+Luther at this time published the "<i>Acts of the Conference at
+Augsburg</i>." Spalatin, on the part of the Elector, had written
+him not to do it; but it was too late. After the publication
+had taken place the prince approved of it; "Great God!" said
+Luther in the preface, "what new, what astonishing crime, to
+seek light and truth! And more especially to seek them in the
+Church, in other words, in the kingdom of truth." In a letter to
+Link he says, "I send you my <i>Acts</i>. They are more cutting,
+doubtless, than the legate expected; but my pen is ready to give
+birth to far greater things. I know not myself whence those
+thoughts come. In my opinion the affair is not even commenced;<a name="FNanchor_613_613" id="FNanchor_613_613"></a><a href="#Footnote_613_613" class="fnanchor">[613]</a>
+so far are the grandees of Rome from being entitled to hope it is
+ended. I will send you what I have written, in order that you
+may see whether I have divined well in thinking that the Antichrist
+of which the Apostle Paul speaks is now reigning in the
+court of Rome. I believe I am able to demonstrate that it is at
+this day worse than the very Turks."</p>
+
+<p>Ominous rumours reached Luther from all quarters. One of
+his friends wrote to him, that the new envoy of Rome had received
+orders to seize him, and deliver him up to the pope.
+Another told him, that in travelling he had fallen in with a courtier,
+and the conversation having turned on the affairs of Germany,
+the courtier declared that he had come under an obligation to deliver
+Luther into the hands of the sovereign pontiff. "But," wrote
+the Reformer, "the more their fury and violence increase, the less
+I tremble."<a name="FNanchor_614_614" id="FNanchor_614_614"></a><a href="#Footnote_614_614" class="fnanchor">[614]</a></p>
+
+<p>At Rome there was great dissatisfaction with Cajetan. The
+chagrin which they felt at the failure of the affair at first turned
+upon him. The Roman courtiers thought themselves entitled to
+reproach him with a want of that prudence and finesse which, if
+they are to be believed, constitute the first quality of a legate, and
+with having failed on so important an occasion, to give pliancy
+to his scholastic theology. He is wholly to blame, said they. His
+lumbering pedantry has spoiled all. Of what use was it to irritate
+Luther by insults and menaces, instead of gaining him over by the
+promise of a good bishopric, or even of a Cardinal's hat.<a name="FNanchor_615_615" id="FNanchor_615_615"></a><a href="#Footnote_615_615" class="fnanchor">[615]</a> These
+hirelings judged the Reformer by themselves. However, it was
+necessary to repair this blunder. On the one hand, Rome must
+give her decision, and, on the other, due court must be paid to the
+Elector, who might be of great use in the election of an emperor,
+an event which must shortly take place.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[325]</a></span>
+As it was impossible for Roman ecclesiastics to suspect what
+constituted the strength and courage of Luther, they imagined
+that the Elector was much more implicated in the affair than he
+really was. The pope, therefore, resolved to follow another line
+of conduct. He caused his legate in Germany to publish a bull,
+confirming the doctrine of indulgences in the very points in which
+they were attacked, but without mentioning either the Elector or
+Luther. As the Reformer had always expressed his readiness to
+submit to the decision of the Roman Church, the pope thought that
+he must now either keep his word, or stand openly convicted as a
+disturber of the peace of the Church, and a contemner of the holy
+Apostolic See. In either case it seemed that the pope must gain.
+But nothing is gained by obstinately opposing the truth. In vain
+had the pope threatened to excommunicate every man who should
+teach otherwise than he ordered; the light was not arrested by
+such orders. The wise plan would have been to curb the pretensions
+of the venders of indulgences. This decree of Rome was
+therefore a new blunder. By legalising clamant errors, it irritated
+all the wise, and made it impossible for Luther to return. "It was
+thought," says a Roman Catholic historian, a great enemy of the
+Reformation,<a name="FNanchor_616_616" id="FNanchor_616_616"></a><a href="#Footnote_616_616" class="fnanchor">[616]</a> "that this bull had been made solely for the interest
+of the pope and the mendicants, who began to find that nobody
+would give anything for their indulgences."</p>
+
+<p>The Cardinal de Vio published the bull at Lintz, in Austria, on
+the 13th December, 1518, but Luther had already placed himself
+beyond its reach. On the 28th November, in the chapel of Corpus
+Christi at Wittemberg, he had appealed from the pope to a general
+council of the Church. He foresaw the storm which was gathering
+around him, and he knew that God alone could avert it. Still he
+did as duty called him. He must, no doubt, quit Wittemberg
+(were it only for the sake of the Elector) as soon as the Roman
+anathema should arrive; but he was unwilling to quit Saxony and
+Germany without a strong protestation. This he accordingly drew
+up; and, in order that it might be ready for circulation the moment
+the furies of Rome, as he expresses it, should reach him, he caused
+it to be printed, under the express condition that the bookseller
+Should deposit all the copies in his custody. But the bookseller, in
+his eagerness for gain, sold almost the whole, while Luther was
+quietly waiting to receive them. He felt annoyed, but the thing
+was done. This bold protestation spread every where. In it
+Luther declared anew that he had no intention to say any thing
+against the Holy Church, or the authority of the Apostolic See, or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[326]</a></span>
+the pope well advised. "But," continues he, "considering that the
+pope, who is the vicar of God upon earth, may, like any other vicar,
+err, sin, or lie, and that the appeal to a general council is the only
+safeguard against unjust proceedings which it is impossible to resist,
+I feel myself obliged to have recourse to it."<a name="FNanchor_617_617" id="FNanchor_617_617"></a><a href="#Footnote_617_617" class="fnanchor">[617]</a></p>
+
+<p>Here, then, we see the Reformation launched on a new course.
+It is no longer made to depend on the pope and his decisions, but
+on an universal council. Luther addresses the whole Church, and
+the voice which proceeds from the chapel of Corpus Christi, must
+reach the whole members of Christ's flock. There is no want of
+courage in the Reformer, and here he gives a new proof of it. Will
+God fail him? The answer will be found in the different phases of
+the Reformation which are still to be exhibited to our view.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">END OF VOLUME FIRST.<br /><br /><br />
+
+
+William Collins, and Co., Printers, Glasgow.</p>
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><br /><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> From &#950;&#945;&#969;, I live.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Letter to Charles Bonnet.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> Discours sur l'Etude de l'Histoire du Christianisme, et son utilit� pour l'�poque
+actuelle. Paris, 1832, chez J. J. Risler.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> &#927;&#953;&#945; &#964;&#953;&#962; &#951;&#955;&#953;&#959;&#965; &#946;&#959;&#955;&#951;. (Hist. Eccl., ii, 3.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> "Suburbicaria loca," suburban places. See the Sixth Canon of the Council of
+Nice, which Rufinus (Hist. Eccl., x, 6) quotes thus: "Et ut apud Alexandriam et in
+urbe Roma, vetusta consuetudo servetur, ut vel ille Egypti, vel hic suburbicariarum
+ecclesiarum solicitudinem gerat," etc. And as at Alexandria, and in the city of
+Rome, an ancient custom is observed; viz., That the bishop of the former has charge
+of the churches in Egypt, and the latter of those in the suburbs.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> Julian., Or. 1.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> Claud. in Paneg. Stilic., lib. 3.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> Eusebius, Hist. Eccl. 1. v, c. 24. Socrat. Hist. Eccl. c. 21. Cyprian, Ep. 59, 72, 75.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> 1 Cor. xv, 9. 1 Tim. iii, 15.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> 1 Cor. xvi, i. 2 Cor. viii, 1. Gal. i, 22. 1 Cor. xiv, 33.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> "Ubi ecclesia, ibi et Spiritus Dei. Ubi Spiritus Dei, illic ecclesia." (Iren�us.) Where
+the Church, there too the Spirit of God. Where the Spirit of God, there the Church.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> See Canon, Sardic. VI; and also the Council of Chalcedon, Canons 8 and 18, &#959;&#949;&#958;&#945;&#961;&#967;&#959;&#962; &#964;&#951;&#962; &#948;&#953;&#959;&#953;&#954;&#951;&#963;&#949;&#969;&#962;&#959;&#949;&#958;&#945;&#961;&#967;&#959;&#962; &#964;&#951;&#962; &#948;&#953;&#959;&#953;&#954;&#951;&#963;&#949;&#969;&#962;,
+the exarch of the diocese.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, says of St. Stephen, Bishop of Rome:&mdash;"Magis ac
+magis ejus <i>errorem</i> denotabis, qui h�reticorum causam contra Christianos et contra
+<i>Ecclesiam Dei</i> asserere conatur ... qui unitatem et veritatem de divina lege venientem
+non tenens.... Consuetudo sine veritate vetustas erroris est." (Epist. 74.)
+"You will more and more observe the error of him who is trying to maintain the cause
+of heretics against Christians and against the Church of God ... who not holding
+the unity and truth which come by the Divine law.... Custom without truth
+is the antiquity of error."... Firmilian, Bishop of C�sarea, in Cappadocia, also
+says after the middle of the third century: "Eos autem qui Rom� sunt, non ea in
+omnibus observare qu� sunt ab origine tradita, et frustra auctoritatem apostolorum
+pr�tendere.... C�terum nos veritati et consuetudinem jungimus, et consuetudini
+Romanorum, consuetudinem sed veritatis opponimus; ab initio hoc tenentes
+quod a Christo et ab apostolo traditum est." (Cypr. Ep. 75.) "But they do not in all
+things observe what was originally delivered, and in vain pretend the authority of
+the apostles.... But we (the Bishops of the Churches of Asia, more ancient than
+those of Rome) to truth join custom also, and to the custom of the Romans oppose
+custom, but the custom of truth, holding from the beginning what was delivered by
+Christ and an apostle." These testimonies are of great weight.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> Rector totius Ecclesi�.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> "Fremens ut leo, asserens omnes uno gladio jugulari." (Anastasius, Bibl. Vit. Pontif,
+p. 83.) Roaring like a lion, declaring that he would slaughter all with one sword.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> "Visum est et ipsi Apostolico Leoni, ... Ut ipsum Carolum imperatorem nominare
+debuisset, qui ipsam Romam tenebat, ubi semper C�sares sedere soliti erant
+et reliquas sedes."... (Annalista Lambecianus; ad an. 801.) It seemed to Apostolic
+Leo that he ought to give Charles the name of Emperor, inasmuch as he was in possession
+of Rome herself, where the C�sars were always wont to sit, and of their other
+possessions.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> See Ep. ad univer. Episc. Gall. (Mansi xv.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> "Cujus quidem post adeptum
+sacerdotium, vita quam turpis, quam f&oelig;da, quamque execranda extiterit, horresco
+referre." (Desiderius, Abbot of Cassino, afterwards Victor III. De Miraculis a S.
+Benedicto, etc., lib. 3, init.) How base, how foul, and how execrable his life was, after
+he attained the priesthood, I shudder to relate.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> "Theophylactus, cum post multa adulteria et homicidia manibus suis perpetrata,"
+etc. (Bonizo, Bishop of Sutri, afterwards of Plaisance. Liber ad amicum.) Theophylact,
+(Benedict,) after many adulteries, and many murders perpetrated by his own
+hand.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> "Hi quocumque prodeunt, clamores insultantium, digitos ostendentium, colaphos
+pulsantium, perferunt. Alii membris mutilati, alii per longos cruciatus superbe
+necati," etc. (Martene et Durand, Thesaurus Nov. Anecd. i, 23.) These, wherever
+they appear, are subjected to insulting cries, to pointed fingers, and to blows. Some
+are mutilated, others by long tortures cruelly slain.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> "Dilexi justitiam, et odivi iniquitatem, propterea morior in exilio."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> "Velle et esse ad hominem referenda sunt, quia de arbitrii fonte descendunt."&mdash;(Pelagius
+in Aug. de Gratia Dei, cap. 4.) To will and to be are properties of man, because
+they spring from the fountain of free will.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> Libri Duo de Ecclesiasticis Disciplinis.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_24_24" id="Footnote_24_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> Myconius' History of the Reformation, and Seckendorf's History of Lutheranism.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_25_25" id="Footnote_25_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> Muller's Reliquien, vol. iii, p. 22.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_26_26" id="Footnote_26_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> &OElig;colampad. De Risu Paschali.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_27_27" id="Footnote_27_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> Nicol de Clemangis, De Pr�sulibus Simoniacis.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_28_28" id="Footnote_28_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> Words of Seb. Stor., Pastor
+of Leichstall in 1524.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_29_29" id="Footnote_29_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> F�sslin Beytr�ge, ii, 224.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_30_30" id="Footnote_30_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> Metern. Nederl. Hist. viii.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_31_31" id="Footnote_31_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> Hottinger, Hist. Eccles. ix, 305.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_32_32" id="Footnote_32_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> Order of 3rd March, 1517, by Hugo, Bishop of
+Constance.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_33_33" id="Footnote_33_33"></a><a href="#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> M�ller's Reliq. iii, 251.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_34_34" id="Footnote_34_34"></a><a href="#FNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> Steubing. Gesch. der Nass. Oran
+Lande.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_35_35" id="Footnote_35_35"></a><a href="#FNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> "Uno anno ad se delata undecim millia sacerdotum palam concubinariorum."
+(Erasm. Op. tom. ix, p. 401.) In one year eleven thousand priests were
+reported to him as living in open concubinage.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_36_36" id="Footnote_36_36"></a><a href="#FNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> Schmidt, Gesch. der Deutschen. tom. iv.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_37_37" id="Footnote_37_37"></a><a href="#FNanchor_37_37"><span class="label">[37]</span></a> Infessura.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_38_38" id="Footnote_38_38"></a><a href="#FNanchor_38_38"><span class="label">[38]</span></a> "Amazz� il fratello Ducha di Gandia et lo fa butar nel Tevere." He assassinated
+his brother, the Duke of Gandia, and made him be thrown into the Tiber. (MS. of Capello,
+ambassador at Rome in 1500, extracted by Ranke.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_39_39" id="Footnote_39_39"></a><a href="#FNanchor_39_39"><span class="label">[39]</span></a> Intro in camera ... fe ussir la moglie e sorella ... estrangol� dito zovene.&mdash;(Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_40_40" id="Footnote_40_40"></a><a href="#FNanchor_40_40"><span class="label">[40]</span></a> Adeo il sangue il salt� in la faza del papa.&mdash;(Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_41_41" id="Footnote_41_41"></a><a href="#FNanchor_41_41"><span class="label">[41]</span></a> E messe la scutola venenata avante il papa.&mdash;(Sanato.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_42_42" id="Footnote_42_42"></a><a href="#FNanchor_42_42"><span class="label">[42]</span></a> Gordon, Tomasi Infessura, Guicciardini, etc.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_43_43" id="Footnote_43_43"></a><a href="#FNanchor_43_43"><span class="label">[43]</span></a> Da man an alle W�nde, auf allerley zedel, zuletzt
+auf den Kartenspielen, Pfaffen, und Munche malete.&mdash;(L. Ep. ii, 674.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_44_44" id="Footnote_44_44"></a><a href="#FNanchor_44_44"><span class="label">[44]</span></a> Apologia pro Rep. Christ.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_45_45" id="Footnote_45_45"></a><a href="#FNanchor_45_45"><span class="label">[45]</span></a> M�ller's Reliq. tom. iii, p. 253.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_46_46" id="Footnote_46_46"></a><a href="#FNanchor_46_46"><span class="label">[46]</span></a> Felleri, Mon. ined., p. 400.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_47_47" id="Footnote_47_47"></a><a href="#FNanchor_47_47"><span class="label">[47]</span></a> Adrien Baillet. Hist. des Dem�l�s de Boniface VIII avec Philippe le Bel.&mdash;(Paris,
+1708.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_48_48" id="Footnote_48_48"></a><a href="#FNanchor_48_48"><span class="label">[48]</span></a> Guicciardini. History of Italy.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_49_49" id="Footnote_49_49"></a><a href="#FNanchor_49_49"><span class="label">[49]</span></a> I will destroy the name of Babylon.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_50_50" id="Footnote_50_50"></a><a href="#FNanchor_50_50"><span class="label">[50]</span></a> Scultet. Annal. ad. an. 1520.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_51_51" id="Footnote_51_51"></a><a href="#FNanchor_51_51"><span class="label">[51]</span></a> "Qui pr&oelig; multis pollebat princibus
+aliis auctoritate, opibus, potentia, liberalitate, et magnificentia.&mdash;(Cochl&oelig;ns. Acta
+1. p. 3.) He surpassed many other princes in authority, wealth, power, liberality, and
+magnificence.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_52_52" id="Footnote_52_52"></a><a href="#FNanchor_52_52"><span class="label">[52]</span></a> "Odium Romani nominis, penitus infixum esse multarum gentium animis opinor,
+ob ea, qu� vulgo de moribus ejus urbis jactantur." (Erasm. Ep., lib. xii, p. 634.) The
+hatred of the Roman name, which rankles in the minds of many nations, is owing, I
+suspect, to the prevailing rumours respecting the morals of that city.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_53_53" id="Footnote_53_53"></a><a href="#FNanchor_53_53"><span class="label">[53]</span></a> Luther to Brentius.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_54_54" id="Footnote_54_54"></a><a href="#FNanchor_54_54"><span class="label">[54]</span></a> Nobla Ley�on.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_55_55" id="Footnote_55_55"></a><a href="#FNanchor_55_55"><span class="label">[55]</span></a> Treatise of Antichrist, of the same age as the Nobla Ley�on.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_56_56" id="Footnote_56_56"></a><a href="#FNanchor_56_56"><span class="label">[56]</span></a> In Bohemian, Huss means "goose."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_57_57" id="Footnote_57_57"></a><a href="#FNanchor_57_57"><span class="label">[57]</span></a> Epist. J. Huss, Tempore Anathematis Script�.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_58_58" id="Footnote_58_58"></a><a href="#FNanchor_58_58"><span class="label">[58]</span></a> Huss. Ep. sub. Temp. Concuii Script�.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_59_59" id="Footnote_59_59"></a><a href="#FNanchor_59_59"><span class="label">[59]</span></a> Cur Deus homo?</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_60_60" id="Footnote_60_60"></a><a href="#FNanchor_60_60"><span class="label">[60]</span></a> "Et sane mihi tutior donato quam innata." (De Erroribus Abelardi, cap. 6.) And it is
+certainly safer to me given than innate.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_61_61" id="Footnote_61_61"></a><a href="#FNanchor_61_61"><span class="label">[61]</span></a> "Credo quod tu, mi Domine Jesu
+Christe, solus es mea justitia et redemptio."... (Leibnitz, Script. Brunsw. iii, 396.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_62_62" id="Footnote_62_62"></a><a href="#FNanchor_62_62"><span class="label">[62]</span></a> "Spes mea crux Christi; gratiam, non opera qu�ro."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_63_63" id="Footnote_63_63"></a><a href="#FNanchor_63_63"><span class="label">[63]</span></a> "Sciens posse me aliter non salvari, et tibi satisfacere nisi per meritum," etc. (For these and similar
+quotations, see Flacius, Catal. Test. Veritatis; Wolfii. Lect. Memorabiles; Miller's
+Reliquien, etc.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_64_64" id="Footnote_64_64"></a><a href="#FNanchor_64_64"><span class="label">[64]</span></a> Bertrand d'Argentr�, Histoire de Bretaigne, Paris, 1618, p. 788.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_65_65" id="Footnote_65_65"></a><a href="#FNanchor_65_65"><span class="label">[65]</span></a> "Ille summo vivit Olympo." (Baptista Mantuanus, de Beata Vita, in fin.) He lives in
+the highest heaven.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_66_66" id="Footnote_66_66"></a><a href="#FNanchor_66_66"><span class="label">[66]</span></a> "A sorbente gurgite damnationis, subtrahi." (J. H.
+Hottingeri, Hist. Eccl. S�cul. xv, p. 347.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_67_67" id="Footnote_67_67"></a><a href="#FNanchor_67_67"><span class="label">[67]</span></a> "Alium modum Altissimus procurabit,
+nobis quidem pro nunc incognitum, licet heu pr� foribus existat, ut ad
+pristinum statum Ecclesia redeat." (J. H. Hottingeri, Hist. Eccl. S�cul. xv, p. 413.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_68_68" id="Footnote_68_68"></a><a href="#FNanchor_68_68"><span class="label">[68]</span></a> "Bonus es tu, et in bonitate tua doce me justificationes tuas." (Batesius, Vit�
+Selectorum Virorum. Lond. 1681, p. 112.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_69_69" id="Footnote_69_69"></a><a href="#FNanchor_69_69"><span class="label">[69]</span></a> Meditationes in Psalmos; Prediche sopra il Salmo. Quam bonus Israel, etc. Sermones
+supra Archam Noe, etc.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_70_70" id="Footnote_70_70"></a><a href="#FNanchor_70_70"><span class="label">[70]</span></a> "Inter omnes vero persecutores, potissimum
+Ecclesi� pr�sides." But among all persecutors, chiefly the prelates of the Church.
+(Batesius, p. 118.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_71_71" id="Footnote_71_71"></a><a href="#FNanchor_71_71"><span class="label">[71]</span></a> D'Argentr�, Collectio Judiciorum de Novis Erroribus, II,
+p. 340.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_72_72" id="Footnote_72_72"></a><a href="#FNanchor_72_72"><span class="label">[72]</span></a> Ibidem.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_73_73" id="Footnote_73_73"></a><a href="#FNanchor_73_73"><span class="label">[73]</span></a> "Et quem Deus vult damnare,
+Si omnes vellent hunc salvare,
+Adhuc iste damnaretur."
+</p><p>
+Who is condemned by God's decree,
+Assuredly condemned shall be,
+Whoe'er they be would save him.
+</p><p>
+(Paradoxa Damnata, etc., 1749, Mogunti�.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_74_74" id="Footnote_74_74"></a><a href="#FNanchor_74_74"><span class="label">[74]</span></a> "Antiquorum Patrum scripta tantum habent auctoritatis quantum canonic� veritati
+sunt conformia." (Epist. Apologet. Anvers, 1521.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_75_75" id="Footnote_75_75"></a><a href="#FNanchor_75_75"><span class="label">[75]</span></a> "Adeo spiritus utriusque
+concordat." (Farrago Wesseli, in Pr�f.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_76_76" id="Footnote_76_76"></a><a href="#FNanchor_76_76"><span class="label">[76]</span></a> "Extentus totus, et propensus in eum
+quem amat, a quo credit, cupit, sperat, confidit, justificatur, nihil sibi ipsi tribuit, qui
+scit nihil habere ex se." (De Magnit. Passionis, cap. xlvi, Op. p. 553.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_77_77" id="Footnote_77_77"></a><a href="#FNanchor_77_77"><span class="label">[77]</span></a> "Nemo magis Ecclesiam destruit, quam corruptus clerus. Destruentibus Ecclesiam
+omnes Christiani tenentur resistre." (De Potestate Eccles. Op. p. 769.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_78_78" id="Footnote_78_78"></a><a href="#FNanchor_78_78"><span class="label">[78]</span></a> Wolfii Lect. Memorab. ii, p. 27.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_79_79" id="Footnote_79_79"></a><a href="#FNanchor_79_79"><span class="label">[79]</span></a> "Excitabit Dominus heroem �tate viribus...." (Flacii, Catal. Test. Verit., p. 843.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_80_80" id="Footnote_80_80"></a><a href="#FNanchor_80_80"><span class="label">[80]</span></a> "Alius quidem veniet...." (Apologia Conf. Aug. xiii. De Votis Monasticis.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_81_81" id="Footnote_81_81"></a><a href="#FNanchor_81_81"><span class="label">[81]</span></a> "Qui ne viventes quidem vivebant." (Politiani, Ep. ix, 3.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_82_82" id="Footnote_82_82"></a><a href="#FNanchor_82_82"><span class="label">[82]</span></a> Parad., xxiv, 44.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_83_83" id="Footnote_83_83"></a><a href="#FNanchor_83_83"><span class="label">[83]</span></a>
+</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Orribil furon li peccati miei;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Ma la bont� infinita ha si gran braccia<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Che prende ci� che si revolve a lei.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class="signature"><br />
+(Purgator. iii, 121-124.)<br />
+</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_84_84" id="Footnote_84_84"></a><a href="#FNanchor_84_84"><span class="label">[84]</span></a>
+</p>
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Per lor maladizion si non si perde.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Che non possa tornar l'eterno amore,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Mentre che la speranza ha fior del verde?<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class="signature"><br />
+(Ibid., 134-136.)<br />
+</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_85_85" id="Footnote_85_85"></a><a href="#FNanchor_85_85"><span class="label">[85]</span></a> De ementita Constantini donatione declamatio ad Papam." (Op. Basil., 1543.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_86_86" id="Footnote_86_86"></a><a href="#FNanchor_86_86"><span class="label">[86]</span></a> De Immortalitate Anim�, de Predestinatione et Providentia, etc.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_87_87" id="Footnote_87_87"></a><a href="#FNanchor_87_87"><span class="label">[87]</span></a> Qui nullum Deum credens." (J. F. Pici de Fide, Op. ii, p. 820.) Who believing in
+God.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_88_88" id="Footnote_88_88"></a><a href="#FNanchor_88_88"><span class="label">[88]</span></a> "Ea de Christo fabula." (Morn�i, Hist. Papatus, p. 820.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_89_89" id="Footnote_89_89"></a><a href="#FNanchor_89_89"><span class="label">[89]</span></a> Hamelmann, Relatio Hist. This first impulse has been erroneously attributed to
+Thomas � Kempis. (Delprat over G. Groote, p. 280.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_90_90" id="Footnote_90_90"></a><a href="#FNanchor_90_90"><span class="label">[90]</span></a> "Fide justos esse."
+(Melancth. Decl., i, 602.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_91_91" id="Footnote_91_91"></a><a href="#FNanchor_91_91"><span class="label">[91]</span></a> De Verbo Mirifico.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_92_92" id="Footnote_92_92"></a><a href="#FNanchor_92_92"><span class="label">[92]</span></a> De Arte Cabalistica.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_93_93" id="Footnote_93_93"></a><a href="#FNanchor_93_93"><span class="label">[93]</span></a> Mai Vita J. Reuchlin, (Francf. 1687,) Maynhoff, J. Reuchlin and Seine Zeit, (Berlin,
+1830.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_94_94" id="Footnote_94_94"></a><a href="#FNanchor_94_94"><span class="label">[94]</span></a> His proper name was Gerard, the same as that of his father. This Dutch name he
+translated into Latin, Desiderius (Desired,) and into Greek, &#917;&#961;&#945;&#963;&#956;&#959;&#962;, (Erasmus.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_95_95" id="Footnote_95_95"></a><a href="#FNanchor_95_95"><span class="label">[95]</span></a> &#917;&#947;&#954;&#969;&#956;&#953;&#959;&#957; &#956;&#969;&#963;&#953;&#945;&#962;. Seven editions of this work were disposed of in a few
+months.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_96_96" id="Footnote_96_96"></a><a href="#FNanchor_96_96"><span class="label">[96]</span></a> "A principibus facile mihi contingeret fortuna, nisi mihi nimium
+dulcis esset libertas." (Ep. ad Prich.) I might easily make my fortune by princes,
+were not liberty too dear to me.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_97_97" id="Footnote_97_97"></a><a href="#FNanchor_97_97"><span class="label">[97]</span></a> "Pr�cipue Deipara Virgo, cui vulgus hominum plus prope tribuit quam Filio."
+(Encomium Mori�, Op. iv, p. 444.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_98_98" id="Footnote_98_98"></a><a href="#FNanchor_98_98"><span class="label">[98]</span></a> "Non mali peribis si bene vixeris." (Encomium Mori�, Op. iv, p. 444.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_99_99" id="Footnote_99_99"></a><a href="#FNanchor_99_99"><span class="label">[99]</span></a> "Sic sculptus est hominis animus ut longe magis fucis quam veris capiatur." (Ibid., p. 450.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_100_100" id="Footnote_100_100"></a><a href="#FNanchor_100_100"><span class="label">[100]</span></a> "Aut ipsum Christum." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_101_101" id="Footnote_101_101"></a><a href="#FNanchor_101_101"><span class="label">[101]</span></a> "Quasi sint ulli hostes Ecclesi� perniciosiores
+quam impii pontifices, qui et silentio Christum sinunt abolescere et qu�stuariis legibus
+alligant et coactis interpretationibus adulterant et pestilente vita jugulent." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_102_102" id="Footnote_102_102"></a><a href="#FNanchor_102_102"><span class="label">[102]</span></a> Ratio Ver� Theologi�.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_103_103" id="Footnote_103_103"></a><a href="#FNanchor_103_103"><span class="label">[103]</span></a> Seu de Ratione Concionandi.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_104_104" id="Footnote_104_104"></a><a href="#FNanchor_104_104"><span class="label">[104]</span></a> Ad Servatium.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_105_105" id="Footnote_105_105"></a><a href="#FNanchor_105_105"><span class="label">[105]</span></a> Ad Joh. Slechtam,1519. "H�c sunt animis hominum
+inculcanda, sic, ut velut in naturam transeant." (Er. Ep. i, p. 680.) These things are
+to be impressed on the minds of men, so that they may become as it were natural.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_106_106" id="Footnote_106_106"></a><a href="#FNanchor_106_106"><span class="label">[106]</span></a> "In templis vix vacat Evangelium interpretari." (Annot. ad Matth., xi, 30, "Jugum
+meum suave.") There is scarcely leisure in churches to interpret the gospel.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_107_107" id="Footnote_107_107"></a><a href="#FNanchor_107_107"><span class="label">[107]</span></a> "Malo hunc qualisqualis est rerum humanarum statum quam novos excitari tumultus,"
+(Erasm. Ep. i, p. 953.) I had rather have the world as it is than have new
+tumults excited.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_108_108" id="Footnote_108_108"></a><a href="#FNanchor_108_108"><span class="label">[108]</span></a> "Semel admissum, non ea fertur qua destinaret admissor." (Erasm. Ep. i, p. 953.)
+Once admitted, it goes not where the admitter intended.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_109_109" id="Footnote_109_109"></a><a href="#FNanchor_109_109"><span class="label">[109]</span></a> "Pr�stat ferre principes impios, quam novatis rebus gravius malum accersere." (Ad Matth. xi, 30.)
+It is better to bear wicked princes, than invite a worse calamity by innovation.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_110_110" id="Footnote_110_110"></a><a href="#FNanchor_110_110"><span class="label">[110]</span></a> "Ingens aliquod et pr�sens remedium, certe meum non est." (Er. Ep. i, 653.)
+Some vast and present remedy assuredly is not for me.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_111_111" id="Footnote_111_111"></a><a href="#FNanchor_111_111"><span class="label">[111]</span></a> "Ego me non arbitror hoc honore dignum." (Er. Ep. i, p. 653.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_112_112" id="Footnote_112_112"></a><a href="#FNanchor_112_112"><span class="label">[112]</span></a> Erasm. Ep. 274.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_113_113" id="Footnote_113_113"></a><a href="#FNanchor_113_113"><span class="label">[113]</span></a> "... Vigili� molest�, somnus, irrequietus, cibus insipidus omnis, ipsum quoque
+musarum studium ... ipsa frontis me m&oelig;stitia, vultus pallor, oculorum subtristis
+dejectio." (Erasm, Ep. i, p. 1380.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_114_114" id="Footnote_114_114"></a><a href="#FNanchor_114_114"><span class="label">[114]</span></a> The works of Erasmus were published by John Le Clerc at Liege, in 1703, in ten volumes folio. For his life, see
+Burigny, Vie D'Erasme, Paris, 1757; A M�ller Leben des Erasmus, Hamb., 1828;
+and the Life inserted by Le Clerc in his Biblioth�que Choisie; see also the fine and
+faithful work of M. Nisard, (Revue des deux Mondes.) who, however, seems to me
+mistaken in his estimate of Erasmus and Luther.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_115_115" id="Footnote_115_115"></a><a href="#FNanchor_115_115"><span class="label">[115]</span></a> "Animus ingens et ferox, viribus pollens.... Nam si consilia et conatus H�tteni
+non defecissent quasi nervi copiarum, atque potenti�, jam mutatio omnium rerum
+extitisset, et quasi orbis status publici fuisset conversus." (Camer. Vita Melancthonis.)
+Of a powerful, bold, and vigorous intellect.... For had not H�tten's plans and
+efforts (these being, as it were, the sinews of power) been defective, a general alteration
+had taken place, and the condition of the world been in a manner changed.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_116_116" id="Footnote_116_116"></a><a href="#FNanchor_116_116"><span class="label">[116]</span></a> "Exercitus Reuchlinistarum," at the head of a collection of letters addressed to
+Reuchlin on the subject.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_117_117" id="Footnote_117_117"></a><a href="#FNanchor_117_117"><span class="label">[117]</span></a> L. Ep. i. p. 37.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_118_118" id="Footnote_118_118"></a><a href="#FNanchor_118_118"><span class="label">[118]</span></a> Luth. Ep. i, p. 38.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_119_119" id="Footnote_119_119"></a><a href="#FNanchor_119_119"><span class="label">[119]</span></a> The works of H�tten have been published at Berlin by
+Manchen, 1822-1825, in five vols. 8vo.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_120_120" id="Footnote_120_120"></a><a href="#FNanchor_120_120"><span class="label">[120]</span></a> See Ch�teaubriand, Etudes Historiques.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_121_121" id="Footnote_121_121"></a><a href="#FNanchor_121_121"><span class="label">[121]</span></a> "Vetus familia est et late propagata mediocrium hominum." (Melancth. Vita
+Luth.) It is an old and wide spread family, consisting of individuals in humble circumstances.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_122_122" id="Footnote_122_122"></a><a href="#FNanchor_122_122"><span class="label">[122]</span></a> "Ego natus sum in Eisleben, baptizatusque apud Sanctum
+Petrum ibidem. Parentes mei de prope Isenaco illuc migrarunt." (Luth., Ep. i, p.
+390.) I was born at Eisleben, and baptized in St. Peter's there. My parents came
+thither from near Isenach.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_123_123" id="Footnote_123_123"></a><a href="#FNanchor_123_123"><span class="label">[123]</span></a> "Intuebantur in eam c�ter� honest� mulieres ut in exemplar virtutum." (Melancth.
+Vita Lutheri.) Other honest wives looked to her as a model of virtue.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_124_124" id="Footnote_124_124"></a><a href="#FNanchor_124_124"><span class="label">[124]</span></a> Ibid.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_125_125" id="Footnote_125_125"></a><a href="#FNanchor_125_125"><span class="label">[125]</span></a> "Drumb musste diese geistliche Schmelzer...." (Mathesius, Historien, 1565, p. 3.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_126_126" id="Footnote_126_126"></a><a href="#FNanchor_126_126"><span class="label">[126]</span></a> "Ad agnitionem et timorem Dei, ... domestica institutione diligenter assuefecerunt."
+(Melancth. Vit. Luth.) By domestic instruction, they carefully trained him
+into the knowledge and fear of God.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_127_127" id="Footnote_127_127"></a><a href="#FNanchor_127_127"><span class="label">[127]</span></a> "Sed non poterant discernere ingenia secundum qu� essent temperand� correctiones."
+(Luth. Op. W. xxii, p. 1785.) But they could not discriminate between minds,
+though these ought to regulate chastisement.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_128_128" id="Footnote_128_128"></a><a href="#FNanchor_128_128"><span class="label">[128]</span></a> "Was gross sol werden, muss
+klein angeben." (Mathesius, Hist. p. 3.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_129_129" id="Footnote_129_129"></a><a href="#FNanchor_129_129"><span class="label">[129]</span></a> Luth. Op. Walch. ii, 2347.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_130_130" id="Footnote_130_130"></a><a href="#FNanchor_130_130"><span class="label">[130]</span></a> "Isenachum enim pene totam parentelam habet."
+(Luth. Ep. i, p. 390.) For almost all my relations live in Isenach.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_131_131" id="Footnote_131_131"></a><a href="#FNanchor_131_131"><span class="label">[131]</span></a> Lingk's Reisegesch, Luth.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_132_132" id="Footnote_132_132"></a><a href="#FNanchor_132_132"><span class="label">[132]</span></a> "Dieweil sic umb seines singen und herzlichen Gebets
+willen."... (Mathesius. p. 3.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_133_133" id="Footnote_133_133"></a><a href="#FNanchor_133_133"><span class="label">[133]</span></a> "Cumque et vis ingenii acerrima esset, et imprimis ad eloquentiam idonea, celeriter
+�qualibus suis pr�currit," (Melancth. Vit. Luth.) As he was of a very powerful
+mind, and had a particular turn for eloquence, he soon got before his companions.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_134_134" id="Footnote_134_134"></a><a href="#FNanchor_134_134"><span class="label">[134]</span></a> "Degustata igitur literarum dulcedine natura, flagrans cupiditate discendi appetit
+academiam." (Mel. Vit. Luth). Having thus tasted the sweets of literature, and having
+naturally an ardent desire of knowledge, he longs for a university.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_135_135" id="Footnote_135_135"></a><a href="#FNanchor_135_135"><span class="label">[135]</span></a> "Et fortassis ad leniendam vehementiam natur� mitiora studia ver� philosophi�." (Ibid.)
+Perhaps the milder studies of true philosophy might have served to soften the vehemence
+of his natural temper.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_136_136" id="Footnote_136_136"></a><a href="#FNanchor_136_136"><span class="label">[136]</span></a> "Et quidem inter primos, ut ingenio studioque multos co�qualium antecellebat."
+(Cochl&oelig;us, Acta Lutheri, p. 1.) And he was indeed among the first, excelling many
+of his fellow-students, both in genius and study.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_137_137" id="Footnote_137_137"></a><a href="#FNanchor_137_137"><span class="label">[137]</span></a> "Sic igitur in juventute eminebat,
+ut toti academi� Lutheri ingenium admirationi esset." (Vita Luth.) So brilliant
+was he in youth, that the whole university were in admiration at his talents.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_138_138" id="Footnote_138_138"></a><a href="#FNanchor_138_138"><span class="label">[138]</span></a> "Fleissig gebet, ist uber die helft studirt." (Mathes. 3.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_139_139" id="Footnote_139_139"></a><a href="#FNanchor_139_139"><span class="label">[139]</span></a> "Auff ein Zeit,
+wie er die B�cher fein nacheinander besieht.... kombt er uberdie lateinische Biblia."...
+(Mathes 3.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_140_140" id="Footnote_140_140"></a><a href="#FNanchor_140_140"><span class="label">[140]</span></a> "Avide percurrit, c&oelig;pitque optare ut olim talem librum et ipse nancisci posset."
+(M. Adami, Vita Luth. p. 103.) He eagerly runs it over, and begins to wish that he
+himself might one day possess such a book.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_141_141" id="Footnote_141_141"></a><a href="#FNanchor_141_141"><span class="label">[141]</span></a> "Deus te virum faciet qui alios multos iterum consolabitur."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_142_142" id="Footnote_142_142"></a><a href="#FNanchor_142_142"><span class="label">[142]</span></a> Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 2229.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_143_143" id="Footnote_143_143"></a><a href="#FNanchor_143_143"><span class="label">[143]</span></a> "Interitu sodalis sui contristatus." (Cochl&oelig;us, p. 1.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_144_144" id="Footnote_144_144"></a><a href="#FNanchor_144_144"><span class="label">[144]</span></a> "Mit Erschrecken und
+Angst Ides Todes umgeben." (Luth., Ep. ii, 101.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_145_145" id="Footnote_145_145"></a><a href="#FNanchor_145_145"><span class="label">[145]</span></a> "Cum esset in campo, fulminis
+ictu territus." (Cochl&oelig;. i.) Being terrified by a thunderbolt when he was in the field.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_146_146" id="Footnote_146_146"></a><a href="#FNanchor_146_146"><span class="label">[146]</span></a> "Occasio autem fuit ingrediendi illud vit� genus, quod pietati et studiis doctrin�
+de Deo, existimavit esse convenientius." (Mel. Vita Luth.) He adopted this mode of
+life, because he thought it better adapted to piety and the study of divine truth.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_147_147" id="Footnote_147_147"></a><a href="#FNanchor_147_147"><span class="label">[147]</span></a> Some biographers say that Alexis was killed by the thunder-clap which terrified
+Luther; but two of his contemporaries, Mathesius, (p. 4,) and Selneccer, (in Orat.
+de Luth.) distinguish between the two events, and we might even corroborate their
+testimony by that of Melancthon, who says, "Sodalem nescio quo casu interfectum."
+(Vita Luth.) His companion being killed by an accident, I know not what.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_148_148" id="Footnote_148_148"></a><a href="#FNanchor_148_148"><span class="label">[148]</span></a> "Hujus mundi contemptu, ingressus est repente, multes admirantibus, monasterium."
+(Cochl&oelig;us, i.) From contempt of this world, he, to the wonder of many, suddenly
+entered a monastery.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_149_149" id="Footnote_149_149"></a><a href="#FNanchor_149_149"><span class="label">[149]</span></a> "In vita semi-mortua." (Melch. Adami. V. L. p. 102.) A half-dead life.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_150_150" id="Footnote_150_150"></a><a href="#FNanchor_150_150"><span class="label">[150]</span></a> "Gott geb das es nicht ein Betrug und teuflisch Gespenst sey." (Luth. Ep. ii, p. 101.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_151_151" id="Footnote_151_151"></a><a href="#FNanchor_151_151"><span class="label">[151]</span></a> "Loca immunda purgare coactus fuit." (M. Adami, Vita Luth. p. 103.) He was
+obliged to clear away filth.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_152_152" id="Footnote_152_152"></a><a href="#FNanchor_152_152"><span class="label">[152]</span></a> Selnecceri Orat. de Luth. Mathesius, p. 5.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_153_153" id="Footnote_153_153"></a><a href="#FNanchor_153_153"><span class="label">[153]</span></a> "In disputationibus publicis, labyrinthos aliis inextricabiles, diserte, multis admirantibus
+explicabat." (Melanc. Vit. Luth.) In public disputations, he, to the admiration
+of many, clearly unravelled labyrinths which others found inextricable.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_154_154" id="Footnote_154_154"></a><a href="#FNanchor_154_154"><span class="label">[154]</span></a> "In
+eo vit�, genere non famam ingenii, sed alimenta pietatis qu�rebat." In that course
+of life he sought not a reputation for genius, but the food of piety.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_155_155" id="Footnote_155_155"></a><a href="#FNanchor_155_155"><span class="label">[155]</span></a> "Et firmis
+testimoniis aleret timorem et fidem." (Melancth. Vit. Luth.) And by its sure testimonies
+nourish his fear and his faith.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_156_156" id="Footnote_156_156"></a><a href="#FNanchor_156_156"><span class="label">[156]</span></a> Gesch. d. deutsch, Bibel�bersetzung.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_157_157" id="Footnote_157_157"></a><a href="#FNanchor_157_157"><span class="label">[157]</span></a> "Summa disciplin� severitate se ipse regit, et omnibus exercitiis, lectionum, disputationum,
+jejuniorum, precum, omnes longe superat." (Melancth. Vita Luth.) He observes
+the utmost rigour of discipline, and in all the exercises of reading, discussion,
+fastings, and prayers, far surpasses all.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_158_158" id="Footnote_158_158"></a><a href="#FNanchor_158_158"><span class="label">[158]</span></a> "Erat enim natura, valde modici cibi et
+potus; vidi continuis quatuor diebus, cum quidem recte valeret, prorsus nihil edentem
+aut bibentem." (Ibid.) For he was naturally moderate in the use of meat and drink;
+I have seen him, no doubt, when in perfect health, neither eating nor drinking for four
+successive days.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_159_159" id="Footnote_159_159"></a><a href="#FNanchor_159_159"><span class="label">[159]</span></a> "Strenue in studiis et exercitiis spiritualibus militavit ibi Deo,
+annis quatuor." (Cochl&oelig;us, i.) There, in studies and spiritual exercises, he was a strenuous
+servant of God for four years.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_160_160" id="Footnote_160_160"></a><a href="#FNanchor_160_160"><span class="label">[160]</span></a> Luth. Op. (W.) xix, 2299.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_161_161" id="Footnote_161_161"></a><a href="#FNanchor_161_161"><span class="label">[161]</span></a> "Visus est fratribus non nihil singularitatis habere." (Cochl&oelig;us, i.) The friars
+thought him not a little eccentric.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_162_162" id="Footnote_162_162"></a><a href="#FNanchor_162_162"><span class="label">[162]</span></a> "Cum, ... repente ceciderit vociferans:
+'Non sum! non sum!'" (Ibid.) When he suddenly fell down, crying out, "Not I!
+not I."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_163_163" id="Footnote_163_163"></a><a href="#FNanchor_163_163"><span class="label">[163]</span></a> "Ex occulto aliquo cum d�mone commercio." (Cochl&oelig;us, i.) From some hidden
+intercourse with a demon.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_164_164" id="Footnote_164_164"></a><a href="#FNanchor_164_164"><span class="label">[164]</span></a> "S�pe eum cogitantem attentius de ira Dei, aut de mirandis p&oelig;narum exemplis,
+subito tanti terrores concutiebant ut pene exanimaretur." (Melancth. Vita Luth.)
+Often when meditating more attentively on the wrath of God, or striking examples of
+punishment, he was suddenly shaken with such terror that he became like one dead.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_165_165" id="Footnote_165_165"></a><a href="#FNanchor_165_165"><span class="label">[165]</span></a> Seckend., p. 53.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_166_166" id="Footnote_166_166"></a><a href="#FNanchor_166_166"><span class="label">[166]</span></a> "Hoc studium ut magis expeteret, illis suis doloribus et
+pavoribus movebatur." (Melancth. Vita Luth.) His griefs and fears urged him to
+prosecute this study with greater eagerness.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_167_167" id="Footnote_167_167"></a><a href="#FNanchor_167_167"><span class="label">[167]</span></a> "A teneris unguiculis, generoso animi impetu, ad virtutem et eruditam doctrinam
+contendit." (Melanct. Adam. Vita Staupitzii.) From his earliest years, with generous
+intellectual impulse, he tended to virtue and learning.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_168_168" id="Footnote_168_168"></a><a href="#FNanchor_168_168"><span class="label">[168]</span></a> (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_169_169" id="Footnote_169_169"></a><a href="#FNanchor_169_169"><span class="label">[169]</span></a> "Corporis
+forma atque statura conspicuus." (Cochl&oelig;., iii.) He was remarkably tall and handsome.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_170_170" id="Footnote_170_170"></a><a href="#FNanchor_170_170"><span class="label">[170]</span></a> Luth. Op. (W.) v, 2819.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_171_171" id="Footnote_171_171"></a><a href="#FNanchor_171_171"><span class="label">[171]</span></a> Mosellani Epist.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_172_172" id="Footnote_172_172"></a><a href="#FNanchor_172_172"><span class="label">[172]</span></a> Proverbs, xxvii, 19.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_173_173" id="Footnote_173_173"></a><a href="#FNanchor_173_173"><span class="label">[173]</span></a> Luth. Op. (W.) viii, 2725.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_174_174" id="Footnote_174_174"></a><a href="#FNanchor_174_174"><span class="label">[174]</span></a> Luth. Op. ii, 264.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_175_175" id="Footnote_175_175"></a><a href="#FNanchor_175_175"><span class="label">[175]</span></a> "Te velut e c&oelig;lo sonantem accepimus." (Luth. Ep. i, 115,
+ad Staupitzium, 30th May, 1518.) We have heard thee, as it were, speaking from
+heaven.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_176_176" id="Footnote_176_176"></a><a href="#FNanchor_176_176"><span class="label">[176]</span></a> "P&oelig;nitentia vero non est, nisi qu� ab amore justiti� et Dei incipit,"
+etc. (Ibid.) There is no repentance save that which begins with the love of God and
+of righteousness.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_177_177" id="Footnote_177_177"></a><a href="#FNanchor_177_177"><span class="label">[177]</span></a> "Memini inter jucundissimas et salutares fabulas tuas, quibus
+me solet Dominus Jesus mirifice consolari." (Ibid.) I recollect during your most
+pleasing and salutary conversation, with which the Lord is wont wondrously to console
+me.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_178_178" id="Footnote_178_178"></a><a href="#FNanchor_178_178"><span class="label">[178]</span></a> "H�sit hoc verbum tuum in me, sicut sagitta potentis acuta." (Ibid.)
+Your word stuck fast in me, like the sharp arrow of a mighty man.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_179_179" id="Footnote_179_179"></a><a href="#FNanchor_179_179"><span class="label">[179]</span></a> "Ecce jucundissimum ludum, verba undique mihi colludebant, planeque huic sententi�
+arridebant et assultabant." (Luth. Ep. i, 115.) When, behold, a most pleasing
+sport! the words coming from all sides, sported with me, obviously smiling and leaping
+at the sentiment.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_180_180" id="Footnote_180_180"></a><a href="#FNanchor_180_180"><span class="label">[180]</span></a> "Nunc nihil dulcius aut gratius mihi sonet quam p&oelig;nitentia,"
+etc. (Ibid.) Now nothing sounds sweeter or more agreeable to me than repentance.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_181_181" id="Footnote_181_181"></a><a href="#FNanchor_181_181"><span class="label">[181]</span></a> "Ita enim dulcescunt pr�cepta Dei, quando non in libris tantum,
+sed in vulneribus dulcissimi Salvatoris legenda intelligimus." (Ibid.) For thus do
+the divine precepts become sweet, when we understand that they are to be read not
+in books merely, but in the wounds of a most gracious Saviour.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_182_182" id="Footnote_182_182"></a><a href="#FNanchor_182_182"><span class="label">[182]</span></a> Luth. Op. (W.) xxii., p. 489.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_183_183" id="Footnote_183_183"></a><a href="#FNanchor_183_183"><span class="label">[183]</span></a> Seckendorf, p. 52.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_184_184" id="Footnote_184_184"></a><a href="#FNanchor_184_184"><span class="label">[184]</span></a> "Davidi aut Petro ... Sed mandatum Dei esse ut singuli homines, nobis remitti
+peccata credamus." (Melancth. Vit. Luth.) Not to David or Peter, but the command
+of God is, that every one of us believe that our sins are forgiven.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_185_185" id="Footnote_185_185"></a><a href="#FNanchor_185_185"><span class="label">[185]</span></a> "O blessed fault, to merit such a Redeemer." (Mathesius, p. 5.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_186_186" id="Footnote_186_186"></a><a href="#FNanchor_186_186"><span class="label">[186]</span></a> Luth. Op. xvi, (Walch.) 1144.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_187_187" id="Footnote_187_187"></a><a href="#FNanchor_187_187"><span class="label">[187]</span></a> "Ei, hast du nicht auch gehort das man
+Eltern soll gehorsam seyn." (Luth. Ep. ii, 101.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_188_188" id="Footnote_188_188"></a><a href="#FNanchor_188_188"><span class="label">[188]</span></a> "Es ist nicht Christus denn Christus schreckt nicht, sondern tr�stet nur." (Luth.
+Op. (W.) xxii, pp. 513, 724.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_189_189" id="Footnote_189_189"></a><a href="#FNanchor_189_189"><span class="label">[189]</span></a> Luth. Ep. i, p. 5, March 17, 1509.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_190_190" id="Footnote_190_190"></a><a href="#FNanchor_190_190"><span class="label">[190]</span></a> ... "Theologia qu� nucleum nucis et medullam tritici et medullam ossium
+serutatur." (Luth. Ep. i, 6.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_191_191" id="Footnote_191_191"></a><a href="#FNanchor_191_191"><span class="label">[191]</span></a> "In studiis literarum, corpore ac mente
+indefessus." (Pallavicini, Hist. Conc. Trid. i, 16.) In literary pursuits, he was indefatigable
+in mind and body.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_192_192" id="Footnote_192_192"></a><a href="#FNanchor_192_192"><span class="label">[192]</span></a> Seckend., p. 55.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_193_193" id="Footnote_193_193"></a><a href="#FNanchor_193_193"><span class="label">[193]</span></a> Melch. Adam. Vita Lutheri, p. 104.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_194_194" id="Footnote_194_194"></a><a href="#FNanchor_194_194"><span class="label">[194]</span></a> Fabricius, Centifol. Lutheri, p. 33. Mathesius, p. 6.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_195_195" id="Footnote_195_195"></a><a href="#FNanchor_195_195"><span class="label">[195]</span></a> Myconius.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_196_196" id="Footnote_196_196"></a><a href="#FNanchor_196_196"><span class="label">[196]</span></a> Florimond Raymond, Hist. H�res. cap. v.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_197_197" id="Footnote_197_197"></a><a href="#FNanchor_197_197"><span class="label">[197]</span></a> Hist. des Variat. l. 1.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_198_198" id="Footnote_198_198"></a><a href="#FNanchor_198_198"><span class="label">[198]</span></a> "Quod septem conventus a vicario in quibusdam
+dissentirent." (Cochl&oelig;us, 7.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_199_199" id="Footnote_199_199"></a><a href="#FNanchor_199_199"><span class="label">[199]</span></a> "Quod esset acer ingenio et ad contradicendum audax et vehemens." (Cochl&oelig;us,
+ii.) Because he was of a sharp wit, and bold and vehement in reply.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_200_200" id="Footnote_200_200"></a><a href="#FNanchor_200_200"><span class="label">[200]</span></a> Luth.
+Op. (W.) xx, p. 1468.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_201_201" id="Footnote_201_201"></a><a href="#FNanchor_201_201"><span class="label">[201]</span></a> Matth. Dresser. Hist. Lutheri.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_202_202" id="Footnote_202_202"></a><a href="#FNanchor_202_202"><span class="label">[202]</span></a> Op. (W.) xxii, pp. 2374, 2377.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_203_203" id="Footnote_203_203"></a><a href="#FNanchor_203_203"><span class="label">[203]</span></a> "Sancte Swizere! ora pro nobis." (Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, pp. 1314, 1332.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_204_204" id="Footnote_204_204"></a><a href="#FNanchor_204_204"><span class="label">[204]</span></a> Luth. Op. (W.) Dedication of, 117 pages, vol. vi, L. G.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_205_205" id="Footnote_205_205"></a><a href="#FNanchor_205_205"><span class="label">[205]</span></a> (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_206_206" id="Footnote_206_206"></a><a href="#FNanchor_206_206"><span class="label">[206]</span></a> Luth. Op. (W.) xix, von der Winkelmesse, Mathesius, 6.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_207_207" id="Footnote_207_207"></a><a href="#FNanchor_207_207"><span class="label">[207]</span></a> "In quel tempo
+non pareva, fosse galantuomo, e buon cortegiano colui che de dogmi, della chiesa non
+aveva qualche opinion erronea ed heretica." (Carraciola, Vit. MS. Paul IV, quoted by
+Ranke.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_208_208" id="Footnote_208_208"></a><a href="#FNanchor_208_208"><span class="label">[208]</span></a> Burigny, Vie d'Erasme, i, 139.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_209_209" id="Footnote_209_209"></a><a href="#FNanchor_209_209"><span class="label">[209]</span></a> "E medio Roman� curi�
+sectam juvenum ... qui asserebant, nostram fidem orthodoxam, potius quibusdam
+sanctorum astutiis subsistere." (Paul Canensius, Vita Pauli II.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_210_210" id="Footnote_210_210"></a><a href="#FNanchor_210_210"><span class="label">[210]</span></a> Luth. Op. (W.) xix, von der Winkelmesse.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_211_211" id="Footnote_211_211"></a><a href="#FNanchor_211_211"><span class="label">[211]</span></a> "Das habe Ich zu Rom f�r
+gewiss geh�rt." (Luth. Op. (W.) xxii., 1322.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_212_212" id="Footnote_212_212"></a><a href="#FNanchor_212_212"><span class="label">[212]</span></a> "Es nimmt mich wunder, das die
+P�bste solches Bild leiden k�nnen." (Ibid., p. 1320.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_213_213" id="Footnote_213_213"></a><a href="#FNanchor_213_213"><span class="label">[213]</span></a> Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 2376.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_214_214" id="Footnote_214_214"></a><a href="#FNanchor_214_214"><span class="label">[214]</span></a> "Ist irgend eine H&oelig;lle, so muss Rom darauf
+gebaut seyn." (Ibid. p. 2377.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_215_215" id="Footnote_215_215"></a><a href="#FNanchor_215_215"><span class="label">[215]</span></a> Dissertations on the first Decade of Titus Livy.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_216_216" id="Footnote_216_216"></a><a href="#FNanchor_216_216"><span class="label">[216]</span></a> 100,000 Gulden. (Luth. Op. xxii, p. 2374.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_217_217" id="Footnote_217_217"></a><a href="#FNanchor_217_217"><span class="label">[217]</span></a> Seckend., p. 56.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_218_218" id="Footnote_218_218"></a><a href="#FNanchor_218_218"><span class="label">[218]</span></a> "Qua vos Deus misericors justificat per fidem ..." (Luth. Op. (L.) in Pr�f.) By
+which a merciful God justifies you through faith.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_219_219" id="Footnote_219_219"></a><a href="#FNanchor_219_219"><span class="label">[219]</span></a> "Hic me prorsus renatum
+esse sensi, et apertis portis in ipsum paradisum intrasse." (Ibid.) Here I felt that I
+was completely born again, and entered by open doors into paradise itself.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_220_220" id="Footnote_220_220"></a><a href="#FNanchor_220_220"><span class="label">[220]</span></a> Gloss
+on the Imperial Edict. 1531. (Luth. Op. (L.) tom. xx.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_221_221" id="Footnote_221_221"></a><a href="#FNanchor_221_221"><span class="label">[221]</span></a> "Vim ingenii, nervos orationis, ac rerum bonitatem expositarum in concionibus
+admiratus fuerat." (Melancth. Vita Luth.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_222_222" id="Footnote_222_222"></a><a href="#FNanchor_222_222"><span class="label">[222]</span></a> "Unter einem Baum, den er
+mir und andern gezeigt." (Mathes. 6.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_223_223" id="Footnote_223_223"></a><a href="#FNanchor_223_223"><span class="label">[223]</span></a> "Multa pr�cedunt mutationes
+pr�sagia." (Vita Luth.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_224_224" id="Footnote_224_224"></a><a href="#FNanchor_224_224"><span class="label">[224]</span></a> "Ihr lebet nun oder sterbet, so darff euch Gott in
+seinem Rathe." (Mathes. 6.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_225_225" id="Footnote_225_225"></a><a href="#FNanchor_225_225"><span class="label">[225]</span></a> "Neminem nisi Spiritum Sanctum creare
+posse doctorem theologi�." (Weismanni Hist. Eccl i, p. 1404.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_226_226" id="Footnote_226_226"></a><a href="#FNanchor_226_226"><span class="label">[226]</span></a> Luth., Ep. i, p. 2.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_227_227" id="Footnote_227_227"></a><a href="#FNanchor_227_227"><span class="label">[227]</span></a> Weismanni Hist. Eccl., p. 1416.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_228_228" id="Footnote_228_228"></a><a href="#FNanchor_228_228"><span class="label">[228]</span></a> Ibid.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_229_229" id="Footnote_229_229"></a><a href="#FNanchor_229_229"><span class="label">[229]</span></a> "Jure me veritatem evangelicam viriliter defensurum." I swear that I will manfully defend
+evangelical truth."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_230_230" id="Footnote_230_230"></a><a href="#FNanchor_230_230"><span class="label">[230]</span></a> "Doctor Biblicus," <i>and not</i> "sententiarius." (Melancthon.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_231_231" id="Footnote_231_231"></a><a href="#FNanchor_231_231"><span class="label">[231]</span></a> Luth., Op. (W.) xvi, p. 2061. Mathesius, p. 7.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_232_232" id="Footnote_232_232"></a><a href="#FNanchor_232_232"><span class="label">[232]</span></a> Luth. Op. (W.) xxi, 2061.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_233_233" id="Footnote_233_233"></a><a href="#FNanchor_233_233"><span class="label">[233]</span></a> "Aristotelem in philosophicis, sanctum Thomam in theologicis, evertendos susceperat."
+(Pallavicini, i, 16.) He had undertaken to overthrow Aristotle among the philosophers,
+and Thomas Aquinas among the theologians.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_234_234" id="Footnote_234_234"></a><a href="#FNanchor_234_234"><span class="label">[234]</span></a> "Perdita studia nostri
+s�culi." Ep. i, 15. (8th Feb., 1516.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_235_235" id="Footnote_235_235"></a><a href="#FNanchor_235_235"><span class="label">[235]</span></a> Ep. i, 57. (18th May, 1517.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_236_236" id="Footnote_236_236"></a><a href="#FNanchor_236_236"><span class="label">[236]</span></a> "Secundum genium heri sui." (Weismanni Hist. Eccl., i, p. 1434.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_237_237" id="Footnote_237_237"></a><a href="#FNanchor_237_237"><span class="label">[237]</span></a> "Fideliter et sine strepitu fungens." (Weismanni Hist. Eccl. i, p. 1434.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_238_238" id="Footnote_238_238"></a><a href="#FNanchor_238_238"><span class="label">[238]</span></a> "Qui sum principe in rheda sive lectico solitus est ferri." (Corpus Reformatorum, i, 33.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_239_239" id="Footnote_239_239"></a><a href="#FNanchor_239_239"><span class="label">[239]</span></a> Melch. Ad. Vita Spalat. p. 100.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_240_240" id="Footnote_240_240"></a><a href="#FNanchor_240_240"><span class="label">[240]</span></a> "Foris sapere et domi desipere." (Luth.
+Ep. i, p. 8.) To be wise abroad and fools at home.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_241_241" id="Footnote_241_241"></a><a href="#FNanchor_241_241"><span class="label">[241]</span></a> Pr�f. ad Gal.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_242_242" id="Footnote_242_242"></a><a href="#FNanchor_242_242"><span class="label">[242]</span></a> "Non per speculationem, sed per hanc viam practicam."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_243_243" id="Footnote_243_243"></a><a href="#FNanchor_243_243"><span class="label">[243]</span></a> "Omnes filii Ad� sunt idololatr�." (Decem Pr�cepta Wittembergensi populo
+pr�dicata per R. P. D Martinum Lutherum, Aug. anno 1516.) These discourses were
+pronounced in German, but we quote from the Latin edition, i, p. 1.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_244_244" id="Footnote_244_244"></a><a href="#FNanchor_244_244"><span class="label">[244]</span></a> "Nisi ipse
+pro te mortuus esset, tequs servaret, nec tu, nec omnis creatura tibi posset prodesse."
+(Ibid.) Had he not died for thee, and did he not preserve thee, neither thyself nor any
+creature would be able to do thee good.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_245_245" id="Footnote_245_245"></a><a href="#FNanchor_245_245"><span class="label">[245]</span></a> "At Jesus est verus, unus, solus Deus,
+quem cum habes non habes alienum deum. (Ibid.) But Jesus is God, sole, only, and
+true; having him you have no strange god.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_246_246" id="Footnote_246_246"></a><a href="#FNanchor_246_246"><span class="label">[246]</span></a> "Revocavit igitur Lutherus hominum mentes ad Filium Dei." (Melancth. Vita
+Luth.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_247_247" id="Footnote_247_247"></a><a href="#FNanchor_247_247"><span class="label">[247]</span></a> "Hujus doctrin� dulcedine pii omnes valde capiebantur, et eruditis
+gratum erat." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_248_248" id="Footnote_248_248"></a><a href="#FNanchor_248_248"><span class="label">[248]</span></a> "Quasi ex tenebris, carcere squalore, educi Christum,
+prophetas, apostolos." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_249_249" id="Footnote_249_249"></a><a href="#FNanchor_249_249"><span class="label">[249]</span></a> "Oratio non in labris nasci, sed in pectore."
+(Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_250_250" id="Footnote_250_250"></a><a href="#FNanchor_250_250"><span class="label">[250]</span></a> "Eique propter auctoritatem, quam sanctitate morum antea pepererat, adsenserunt."
+(Melancth. Vita Luth.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_251_251" id="Footnote_251_251"></a><a href="#FNanchor_251_251"><span class="label">[251]</span></a> "Puto et hodie theologos omnes probos favere
+Luthero." (Erasmi, Ep. i, 652.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_252_252" id="Footnote_252_252"></a><a href="#FNanchor_252_252"><span class="label">[252]</span></a> "Illis pr�fero mysticos et Biblia." (Luth.
+Ep. i, 107.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_253_253" id="Footnote_253_253"></a><a href="#FNanchor_253_253"><span class="label">[253]</span></a> Die Deutsche Theologie, Strasbourg, 1519; Pr�f.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_254_254" id="Footnote_254_254"></a><a href="#FNanchor_254_254"><span class="label">[254]</span></a> "Tu, domine Jesu, es justitia mea; ego autem sum peccatum tuum: tu assumpsisti
+meum, et dedisti mihi tuum." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 17.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_255_255" id="Footnote_255_255"></a><a href="#FNanchor_255_255"><span class="label">[255]</span></a> "Non enim justa agendo justi efficimur: sed justi fiendo et essendo, operamur
+justa." (Luth. Ep. i. p. 22.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_256_256" id="Footnote_256_256"></a><a href="#FNanchor_256_256"><span class="label">[256]</span></a> "Humana pr�valent in eo plusquam divina." The human prevails in him more
+than the divine.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_257_257" id="Footnote_257_257"></a><a href="#FNanchor_257_257"><span class="label">[257]</span></a> "Dabit ei Dominus intellectum suo forte tempore." (Luth.
+Ep. i, p. 52.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_258_258" id="Footnote_258_258"></a><a href="#FNanchor_258_258"><span class="label">[258]</span></a> &#932;&#953; &#959;&#965;&#957;; &#948;&#965;&#957;&#945;&#964;&#959;&#957; &#945;&#957;&#945;&#956;&#945;&#961;&#964;&#951;&#964;&#959;&#957; &#949;&#953;&#957;&#945;&#953; &#951;&#948;&#951;. What, is it possible
+then to be without sin? asks Epictetus, (iv, 12, 19.) &#913;&#956;&#951;&#967;&#945;&#957;&#959;&#957; Impossible! he replies.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_259_259" id="Footnote_259_259"></a><a href="#FNanchor_259_259"><span class="label">[259]</span></a> ... "Sanctissim� reliqui� ... deific� voluntatis su� charitate amplex� osculat�."
+(Luth. Ep. i, 18.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_260_260" id="Footnote_260_260"></a><a href="#FNanchor_260_260"><span class="label">[260]</span></a> "Sed etiam ultro adorabam." (Luth. Op. (L.) p. 50.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_261_261" id="Footnote_261_261"></a><a href="#FNanchor_261_261"><span class="label">[261]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L) xvii.
+p. 142; and in the Latin Works, tom. i, p. 51.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_262_262" id="Footnote_262_262"></a><a href="#FNanchor_262_262"><span class="label">[262]</span></a> "Cum Credenti omnia sint,
+auctore Christo, possibilia, superstitiosum est, humano arbitrio, aliis sanctis, alia
+deputari auxilia." (Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 142.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_263_263" id="Footnote_263_263"></a><a href="#FNanchor_263_263"><span class="label">[263]</span></a> Hilscher's Luther's Anwesenheit in Alt Dresden, 1728.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_264_264" id="Footnote_264_264"></a><a href="#FNanchor_264_264"><span class="label">[264]</span></a> 1st May 1516,
+Ep. i, p. 20.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_265_265" id="Footnote_265_265"></a><a href="#FNanchor_265_265"><span class="label">[265]</span></a> (Luth. Ep. i, p. 36.) "Non enim asper asperum, id est, non
+diabolus diabolum, sed suavis asperum, id est, digitus Dei ejicit d�monia."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_266_266" id="Footnote_266_266"></a><a href="#FNanchor_266_266"><span class="label">[266]</span></a> "Tam cito enim crux cessat esse crux quam cito I tus dixeris: Crux benedicta!
+inter ligna nullum tale." (Ep. i, 27.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_267_267" id="Footnote_267_267"></a><a href="#FNanchor_267_267"><span class="label">[267]</span></a> "Heiliglich, friedlich und z�chtig."
+(Mathes. p. 10.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_268_268" id="Footnote_268_268"></a><a href="#FNanchor_268_268"><span class="label">[268]</span></a> Ep. i, p. 41, to Lange, (26th Oct. 1516.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_269_269" id="Footnote_269_269"></a><a href="#FNanchor_269_269"><span class="label">[269]</span></a> "Quo fugiam? Spero quod non corruet
+orbis, ruente fratre Martino." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_270_270" id="Footnote_270_270"></a><a href="#FNanchor_270_270"><span class="label">[270]</span></a> "Multa placent principi tuo, qu� Deo displicent." (Luth. Ep. i, 25.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_271_271" id="Footnote_271_271"></a><a href="#FNanchor_271_271"><span class="label">[271]</span></a> "li mihi
+maxime prosunt, qui mei pessime meminerint." (Ibid. 45.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_272_272" id="Footnote_272_272"></a><a href="#FNanchor_272_272"><span class="label">[272]</span></a> Quo sunt aliqua
+salubriora eo minus placent." (Luth. Ep. i, p.46)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_273_273" id="Footnote_273_273"></a><a href="#FNanchor_273_273"><span class="label">[273]</span></a> "Quam amarum est quicquid nos sumus." (Ibid. p. 46.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_274_274" id="Footnote_274_274"></a><a href="#FNanchor_274_274"><span class="label">[274]</span></a> Luth. Op. (W.) xxii,
+p. 1849.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_275_275" id="Footnote_275_275"></a><a href="#FNanchor_275_275"><span class="label">[275]</span></a> Ibid.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_276_276" id="Footnote_276_276"></a><a href="#FNanchor_276_276"><span class="label">[276]</span></a> "Has tres postea in aula principis a me notatas garrierunt." (Luth. Ep. i, 85.) It
+was afterwards prattled that I had alluded to three ladies of the court.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_277_277" id="Footnote_277_277"></a><a href="#FNanchor_277_277"><span class="label">[277]</span></a> Keith, Leb. Luth., p. 32.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_278_278" id="Footnote_278_278"></a><a href="#FNanchor_278_278"><span class="label">[278]</span></a> "Inter medias me insidias conjectum." (Luth.
+Ep. i, 85.) That I had fallen into a snare.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_279_279" id="Footnote_279_279"></a><a href="#FNanchor_279_279"><span class="label">[279]</span></a> "In me acriter et clamose invectus
+est." (Ibid.) He keenly and clamorously inveighed against me.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_280_280" id="Footnote_280_280"></a><a href="#FNanchor_280_280"><span class="label">[280]</span></a> "Super
+Aristotelis et Thom� nugis." (Ibid.) On the trifles of Aristotle and Thomas.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_281_281" id="Footnote_281_281"></a><a href="#FNanchor_281_281"><span class="label">[281]</span></a> "Ne prodiret et in faciem meam spueret." (Luth. Ep. i, 85.) From coming forward
+and spitting in my face.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_282_282" id="Footnote_282_282"></a><a href="#FNanchor_282_282"><span class="label">[282]</span></a> "Enixe se excusavit." (Ibid.) Earnestly
+excused himself.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_283_283" id="Footnote_283_283"></a><a href="#FNanchor_283_283"><span class="label">[283]</span></a> "Cujus vellem hostes cito quam plurimos fieri." (Luth.
+Ep. i, 59.) Whose enemies I could wish quickly to become as numerous as possible.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_284_284" id="Footnote_284_284"></a><a href="#FNanchor_284_284"><span class="label">[284]</span></a> "Optima et infallibilis ad gratiam pr�paratio et unice dispositio, est �terna Dei
+electio et pr�destinatio." (Luth. Op. (L.) i, 56.) The best and infallible preparation,
+and the only predisposition for grace, is the eternal election and predestination of
+God.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_285_285" id="Footnote_285_285"></a><a href="#FNanchor_285_285"><span class="label">[285]</span></a> "Breviter, nec rectum dictamen habet natura nec bonam voluntatem."
+(Ibid.) Briefly, nature has neither a right dictate nor a good will.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_286_286" id="Footnote_286_286"></a><a href="#FNanchor_286_286"><span class="label">[286]</span></a> "Nulla forma syllogistica tenet in terminis divinis." (Luth. Op. (L.) i, 56.) No
+syllogistic form holds in divine terms.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_287_287" id="Footnote_287_287"></a><a href="#FNanchor_287_287"><span class="label">[287]</span></a> "Lex et voluntas sunt adversarii duo,
+sine gratia Dei implacabiles." (Ibid. 57.) Law and will are two adversaries implacable
+without the grace of God.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_288_288" id="Footnote_288_288"></a><a href="#FNanchor_288_288"><span class="label">[288]</span></a> "Lex est exactor voluntatis, qui non superatur
+nisi per Parvulum qui natus est nobis." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_289_289" id="Footnote_289_289"></a><a href="#FNanchor_289_289"><span class="label">[289]</span></a> Luth. Op. Lips. xvii, p. 143, et Op. Lat. i.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_290_290" id="Footnote_290_290"></a><a href="#FNanchor_290_290"><span class="label">[290]</span></a> "Nec ideo sequitur quod sit naturaliter
+mala, id est natura mali, secundum Manich�os." (Ibid.) Nor does it therefore
+follow that it is naturally evil, <i>i.e.</i>, of the nature of evil, according to the Manichees.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_291_291" id="Footnote_291_291"></a><a href="#FNanchor_291_291"><span class="label">[291]</span></a> "Imo cacodoxa videri suspicor." (Luth. Ep. 60.) Nay, I suspect they will be
+thought cacodox, (false doctrine.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_292_292" id="Footnote_292_292"></a><a href="#FNanchor_292_292"><span class="label">[292]</span></a> "Eccio nestro, eruditissimo et ingeniosissimo viro exhibete, ut audiam et videam
+quid vocet illas." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 63.) Show them to our most learned and ingenious
+Eck, that I may hear and see what he calls them.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_293_293" id="Footnote_293_293"></a><a href="#FNanchor_293_293"><span class="label">[293]</span></a> Luth. Op. (W.) xviii, 1944.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_294_294" id="Footnote_294_294"></a><a href="#FNanchor_294_294"><span class="label">[294]</span></a> "Mit weissen St�blein." (Instructions of the Archbishop of Mentz to the Sub-commissaries
+of Indulgence, etc. Art. 8.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_295_295" id="Footnote_295_295"></a><a href="#FNanchor_295_295"><span class="label">[295]</span></a> "Ingenio ferox, et corpore robustus."
+(Cochl. 5.) In mind fierce, and in body robust.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_296_296" id="Footnote_296_296"></a><a href="#FNanchor_296_296"><span class="label">[296]</span></a> "Welchen Churf�rst Freiderich
+vom Sack, zu Inspruck erbeten hatte." (Mathes. 10.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_297_297" id="Footnote_297_297"></a><a href="#FNanchor_297_297"><span class="label">[297]</span></a> Luth. Op. (W.) xv, 862.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_298_298" id="Footnote_298_298"></a><a href="#FNanchor_298_298"><span class="label">[298]</span></a> "Circumferuntur venales indulgenti� in his regionibus a Tecelio Dominicano
+impudentissimo sycophanta." (Melancth. Vita Luth.) Indulgences for sale are carried
+about by the Dominican Tezel, a most impudent sycophant.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_299_299" id="Footnote_299_299"></a><a href="#FNanchor_299_299"><span class="label">[299]</span></a> Hist. du Luth�ranisme
+par le P. Maimbourg, de la Compagnie du J�sus, 1681, p. 21.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_300_300" id="Footnote_300_300"></a><a href="#FNanchor_300_300"><span class="label">[300]</span></a> Luth. Op.
+(W.) xxii, p. 1393.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_301_301" id="Footnote_301_301"></a><a href="#FNanchor_301_301"><span class="label">[301]</span></a> Tezel defends and reiterates this assertion in his Anti-Theses
+published the same year. (Th. 99, 100, and 101.) "Sub-commissariis in super ac pr�dicatoribus
+veniarum imponere, ut si quis per impossibile Dei Genitricem semper Virginem
+violasset, quod eumdem indulgentiarum vigore absolvere possent, luce clarius
+est." (Positiones fratris J. Tezelii quibus defendit indulgentias contra Lutherum.)
+Moreover, to enjoin the sub-commissaries and preachers of pardon, that if any one
+should, by impossibility, have violated the Mother of God, always Virgin, they could absolve
+him in virtue of indulgences, is clearer than day.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_302_302" id="Footnote_302_302"></a><a href="#FNanchor_302_302"><span class="label">[302]</span></a> "Quot peccata mortalia committuntur in die...." (L�scher's Reformations, Acten
+i, p. 418.) How many mortal sins are committed in a day?</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_303_303" id="Footnote_303_303"></a><a href="#FNanchor_303_303"><span class="label">[303]</span></a> "Si contingat aliquem
+ire Romam, vel ad alias periculosas partes, mittit pecunias suas in banco, et ille pro
+quolibet centum dat quinque aut sex aut decem...." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_304_304" id="Footnote_304_304"></a><a href="#FNanchor_304_304"><span class="label">[304]</span></a> Theses, 56. (Positiones
+fratris J. Tezelii quibus defendit indulgentias contra Lutherum.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_305_305" id="Footnote_305_305"></a><a href="#FNanchor_305_305"><span class="label">[305]</span></a> Instruction of the Archbishop of Mentz, etc.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_306_306" id="Footnote_306_306"></a><a href="#FNanchor_306_306"><span class="label">[306]</span></a> Resolut. on Theses, 32.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_307_307" id="Footnote_307_307"></a><a href="#FNanchor_307_307"><span class="label">[307]</span></a> Tenztel, Reformationsgesch; Myconii, Ref. Hist.; Instruction of the Archbishop of
+Mentz, etc.; Luther's Theses.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_308_308" id="Footnote_308_308"></a><a href="#FNanchor_308_308"><span class="label">[308]</span></a> Instruction, etc., 5, 69.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_309_309" id="Footnote_309_309"></a><a href="#FNanchor_309_309"><span class="label">[309]</span></a> Ibid., 19.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_310_310" id="Footnote_310_310"></a><a href="#FNanchor_310_310"><span class="label">[310]</span></a> Ibid., 30.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_311_311" id="Footnote_311_311"></a><a href="#FNanchor_311_311"><span class="label">[311]</span></a> Ibid., 35.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_312_312" id="Footnote_312_312"></a><a href="#FNanchor_312_312"><span class="label">[312]</span></a> "Auch ist nicht nothig dass sie in dem Herzen zerknirscht sind, und mit dem
+Mund gebeichtet haben." (Ibid., 38.).</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_313_313" id="Footnote_313_313"></a><a href="#FNanchor_313_313"><span class="label">[313]</span></a> "Nach den S�tzen der gesunden vernunft, nach ihrer Magnificenz und Freigebigkeit."
+(Instruction, etc., 26.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_314_314" id="Footnote_314_314"></a><a href="#FNanchor_314_314"><span class="label">[314]</span></a> M�ller's Reliq., iii, p. 264.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_315_315" id="Footnote_315_315"></a><a href="#FNanchor_315_315"><span class="label">[315]</span></a> Instr. 27.
+"Wieder, den Willen ihres Mannes."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_316_316" id="Footnote_316_316"></a><a href="#FNanchor_316_316"><span class="label">[316]</span></a> Ibid., 87, 90, et 91.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_317_317" id="Footnote_317_317"></a><a href="#FNanchor_317_317"><span class="label">[317]</span></a> Luth., Op.
+Leipz., xvii, 79.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_318_318" id="Footnote_318_318"></a><a href="#FNanchor_318_318"><span class="label">[318]</span></a> "Dreimal gelind auf den R�cken." (Instruction.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_319_319" id="Footnote_319_319"></a><a href="#FNanchor_319_319"><span class="label">[319]</span></a> Instr. 9.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_320_320" id="Footnote_320_320"></a><a href="#FNanchor_320_320"><span class="label">[320]</span></a> Ibid., 69.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_321_321" id="Footnote_321_321"></a><a href="#FNanchor_321_321"><span class="label">[321]</span></a> Ibid., 4.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_322_322" id="Footnote_322_322"></a><a href="#FNanchor_322_322"><span class="label">[322]</span></a> Sarpi, Conc. di Trent, p. 5.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_323_323" id="Footnote_323_323"></a><a href="#FNanchor_323_323"><span class="label">[323]</span></a> Schr�ck. K. G. v, d. R., i, 116.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_324_324" id="Footnote_324_324"></a><a href="#FNanchor_324_324"><span class="label">[324]</span></a> Scultet. Annal. Evangel., p. 4.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_325_325" id="Footnote_325_325"></a><a href="#FNanchor_325_325"><span class="label">[325]</span></a> Loscher's Ref. Acten, i, 404, Luth. Op.
+xv, 443, etc.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_326_326" id="Footnote_326_326"></a><a href="#FNanchor_326_326"><span class="label">[326]</span></a> Musculi Loci Communes, p. 362.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_327_327" id="Footnote_327_327"></a><a href="#FNanchor_327_327"><span class="label">[327]</span></a> Hoffman's Reformationsgesch, v, Leipz., p. 32.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_328_328" id="Footnote_328_328"></a><a href="#FNanchor_328_328"><span class="label">[328]</span></a> "Si tantum tres homines essent salvandi per sanguinem Christi,
+certo statueret unum se esse ex tribus illis." (Melch. Adam. Vita Mycon.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_329_329" id="Footnote_329_329"></a><a href="#FNanchor_329_329"><span class="label">[329]</span></a> "Si nummis redimatur a pontifice Romano." (Melch. Adam.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_330_330" id="Footnote_330_330"></a><a href="#FNanchor_330_330"><span class="label">[330]</span></a> Clausurum januam c&oelig;li." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_331_331" id="Footnote_331_331"></a><a href="#FNanchor_331_331"><span class="label">[331]</span></a> "Stentor pontificius." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_332_332" id="Footnote_332_332"></a><a href="#FNanchor_332_332"><span class="label">[332]</span></a> Letter of Myconius to Eberus in Hechtii Vita Tezelii. Wittemb., p. 114.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_333_333" id="Footnote_333_333"></a><a href="#FNanchor_333_333"><span class="label">[333]</span></a> Albinus Meissn. Chronick. L. W. (W.) xv, 446, etc., Hechtius in Vita Tezelii.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_334_334" id="Footnote_334_334"></a><a href="#FNanchor_334_334"><span class="label">[334]</span></a> Luth. Op. (Leips.) xvii, pp. 111 et 116.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_335_335" id="Footnote_335_335"></a><a href="#FNanchor_335_335"><span class="label">[335]</span></a> Luther's Theses on Indulgences,
+(Th. 82, 83, et 84.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_336_336" id="Footnote_336_336"></a><a href="#FNanchor_336_336"><span class="label">[336]</span></a> Luth. Op. (Leips.) xvi, 79.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_337_337" id="Footnote_337_337"></a><a href="#FNanchor_337_337"><span class="label">[337]</span></a> "Fessi erant Germani omnes, ferendis explicationibus, nundinationibus, et infinitis
+imposturis Romanensium nebulonum." (Luth. Op. Lat. in Pr�f.) All the Germans
+were weary with the windings, traffickings, and endless impostures of Roman
+spendthrifts.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_338_338" id="Footnote_338_338"></a><a href="#FNanchor_338_338"><span class="label">[338]</span></a> Ranke, R&oelig;mische P�bste, i, 71.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_339_339" id="Footnote_339_339"></a><a href="#FNanchor_339_339"><span class="label">[339]</span></a> Council of Trent, p. 4. Pallavicini,
+while pretending to refute Sarpi, confirms, and even heightens his testimony. "Suo
+plane officio defuit, (Leo) ... venationes, facetias, pompas adeo frequentes."... (Conc.
+Trid. Hist. i, pp. 8, 9.) Leo was plainly wanting to his duty, so frequent were his
+shows his amusements, and hunting parties.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_340_340" id="Footnote_340_340"></a><a href="#FNanchor_340_340"><span class="label">[340]</span></a> Seckendorf, 42.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_341_341" id="Footnote_341_341"></a><a href="#FNanchor_341_341"><span class="label">[341]</span></a> Lingke, Reisegesch. Luther's, p. 27.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_342_342" id="Footnote_342_342"></a><a href="#FNanchor_342_342"><span class="label">[342]</span></a> "Instillans ejus pectori frequentes
+indulgentiarum abusus." (Coch. 4.) Impressing him with the frequent abuse of indulgences.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_343_343" id="Footnote_343_343"></a><a href="#FNanchor_343_343"><span class="label">[343]</span></a> In German, to thrash like grain, dreschen. (Luth. Op. xvii.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_344_344" id="Footnote_344_344"></a><a href="#FNanchor_344_344"><span class="label">[344]</span></a> In Pr�f. Op. (Witt. i.) "Monachum, et Papistam insanissimum, ita ebrium, imo
+submersum in dogmatibus pap�," etc.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_345_345" id="Footnote_345_345"></a><a href="#FNanchor_345_345"><span class="label">[345]</span></a> Luth. Op. (W.) xxii.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_346_346" id="Footnote_346_346"></a><a href="#FNanchor_346_346"><span class="label">[346]</span></a> "C&oelig;pi dissuadere populis et eos dehortari ne indulgentiariorum clamoribus
+aurem pr�berent, ..." (Luth Op. Lat. in Pr�f.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_347_347" id="Footnote_347_347"></a><a href="#FNanchor_347_347"><span class="label">[347]</span></a> "W�tet, schilt und maledeit
+gr�ulich auf dem Predigtstuhl." (Myconius, Reformationsgesch.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_348_348" id="Footnote_348_348"></a><a href="#FNanchor_348_348"><span class="label">[348]</span></a> "H�c initia fuerunt hujus controversi� in qua Lutherus nihil adhuc suspicans
+aut somnians de futura mutatione rituum." (Melancth. Vita Luth.) Such was the
+beginning of this controversy in which Luther was not yet thinking or dreaming
+of a future change of ritual.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_349_349" id="Footnote_349_349"></a><a href="#FNanchor_349_349"><span class="label">[349]</span></a> "Die verseurte Lehr durch den ofen gehen," (p. 10.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_350_350" id="Footnote_350_350"></a><a href="#FNanchor_350_350"><span class="label">[350]</span></a> "Falsum est consuevisse
+hoc munus injungi Ermitanis S. Augustini."... (p. 14.) It is not true that
+this office was wont to be assigned to the Eremites of St. Augustine.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_351_351" id="Footnote_351_351"></a><a href="#FNanchor_351_351"><span class="label">[351]</span></a> S�uberlich.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_352_352" id="Footnote_352_352"></a><a href="#FNanchor_352_352"><span class="label">[352]</span></a> "Sondern in ihren l�cherichen, und zerrissenen opinien, viel nahe verwessen."
+(Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 119.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_353_353" id="Footnote_353_353"></a><a href="#FNanchor_353_353"><span class="label">[353]</span></a> It occurs also in L�scher, i, 46, etc.; Teuzel's Anfund Fortg. der Ref.; J�nker's
+Ehrenged, p. 148; Lehmann's Beschr. d. Meissn. Erzgeb., etc., and in a manuscript of
+the Archives of Weimar, taken down from the statement of Spalatin. Our account of
+the dream is conformable to this manuscript, which was republished at the last jubilee
+of the Reformation, (1817).</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_354_354" id="Footnote_354_354"></a><a href="#FNanchor_354_354"><span class="label">[354]</span></a> Leo X.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_355_355" id="Footnote_355_355"></a><a href="#FNanchor_355_355"><span class="label">[355]</span></a> John Huss. This circumstance may perhaps have been afterwards added in allusion
+to the saying of John Huss, which we have quoted. See the First Book.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_356_356" id="Footnote_356_356"></a><a href="#FNanchor_356_356"><span class="label">[356]</span></a> "Cujus impiis et nefariis concionibus incitatus Lutherus, studio pietatis ardens,
+edidit propositiones de indulgentiis." (Melancth. Vita Luth.) Luther, stimulated by
+his impious and nefarious harangues, and glowing with pious zeal, published his Theses
+on Indulgences.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_357_357" id="Footnote_357_357"></a><a href="#FNanchor_357_357"><span class="label">[357]</span></a> "Et in iis certus mihi videbar, me habiturum patronum
+papam, cujus fiducia tune fortiter nitebar." (Luth. Op. Lat. in Pr�f.) And in these
+I thought myself certain that I would have the patronage of the pope, in whom I had
+then great confidence.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_358_358" id="Footnote_358_358"></a><a href="#FNanchor_358_358"><span class="label">[358]</span></a> "... Quas magnifico apparatu public� populis
+ostendi curavit." (Cochl&oelig;us, 4.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_359_359" id="Footnote_359_359"></a><a href="#FNanchor_359_359"><span class="label">[359]</span></a> "Cum hujus disputationis nullu etiam intimorum amicorum fuerit conscius."
+(Luth., Ep. i, p. 186.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_360_360" id="Footnote_360_360"></a><a href="#FNanchor_360_360"><span class="label">[360]</span></a> "Wenn man die Lehre angriefft, so wird die Gans am Kragen gegriffen." (Luth.
+Op. (W.) xxii, p. 1369.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_361_361" id="Footnote_361_361"></a><a href="#FNanchor_361_361"><span class="label">[361]</span></a> Harms de Kiel.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_362_362" id="Footnote_362_362"></a><a href="#FNanchor_362_362"><span class="label">[362]</span></a> Luth. Op. Leips. vi, p. 518.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_363_363" id="Footnote_363_363"></a><a href="#FNanchor_363_363"><span class="label">[363]</span></a> "Casu enim, non voluntate nec studio, in has turbas incidi, Deum ipsum testor."
+(Luth. Op. Lat. in Pr�f.) For I got involved in these disturbances by accident, not
+by will or zeal. God is my witness.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_364_364" id="Footnote_364_364"></a><a href="#FNanchor_364_364"><span class="label">[364]</span></a> "Domino suo et pastori in Christo
+venerabiliter metuendo." To his reverently to be feared Lord and pastor in Christ.
+(Address of the letter, Ep. i, p. 68.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_365_365" id="Footnote_365_365"></a><a href="#FNanchor_365_365"><span class="label">[365]</span></a> Fex hominum. (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_366_366" id="Footnote_366_366"></a><a href="#FNanchor_366_366"><span class="label">[366]</span></a> "Ut populus Evangelium discat atque charitatem Christi." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_367_367" id="Footnote_367_367"></a><a href="#FNanchor_367_367"><span class="label">[367]</span></a> Vehementer pr�cipit." (Ibid.) Earnestly commands.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_368_368" id="Footnote_368_368"></a><a href="#FNanchor_368_368"><span class="label">[368]</span></a> "Er sollte still halten; es w�re eine grosse Sache." (Matthes. 13.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_369_369" id="Footnote_369_369"></a><a href="#FNanchor_369_369"><span class="label">[369]</span></a> Walthahr. v. Luther, p. 45.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_370_370" id="Footnote_370_370"></a><a href="#FNanchor_370_370"><span class="label">[370]</span></a> Myconius, Hist. of the Ref., p. 23.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_371_371" id="Footnote_371_371"></a><a href="#FNanchor_371_371"><span class="label">[371]</span></a> "Das Lied wollte meiner stimme zu
+hochwerden." (Luth. Op.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_372_372" id="Footnote_372_372"></a><a href="#FNanchor_372_372"><span class="label">[372]</span></a> "In alle hohe Schullen und Kl�ster." (Mathes. 13.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_373_373" id="Footnote_373_373"></a><a href="#FNanchor_373_373"><span class="label">[373]</span></a> "Ad hoc pr�standum mihi videbatur ille, et natura compositus et accensus studio."
+(Erasm. Ep. Campegio Cardinali, i, p. 650.) For accomplishing this, he seemed
+to me both fitted by nature, and inflamed by zeal.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_374_374" id="Footnote_374_374"></a><a href="#FNanchor_374_374"><span class="label">[374]</span></a> M�ller's Denkw, iv, 256.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_375_375" id="Footnote_375_375"></a><a href="#FNanchor_375_375"><span class="label">[375]</span></a> "Alle welt von diesem, Weissenberg, Weissheit holen und bekommen." (p. 13)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_376_376" id="Footnote_376_376"></a><a href="#FNanchor_376_376"><span class="label">[376]</span></a> "Dass er uns den Munch Luther fleisig beware." (Mathes. 15.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_377_377" id="Footnote_377_377"></a><a href="#FNanchor_377_377"><span class="label">[377]</span></a> Schmidt
+Brand Reformationsgesch, p. 124.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_378_378" id="Footnote_378_378"></a><a href="#FNanchor_378_378"><span class="label">[378]</span></a> "Che frate Martino Luthero haveva un bellissimo ingegnoe che coteste erano invidie
+fratesche." (Brandelli, contemporary of Leo, and a Dominican, Hist. Trag.
+Pars 3.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_379_379" id="Footnote_379_379"></a><a href="#FNanchor_379_379"><span class="label">[379]</span></a> Melch. Adami Vita Myconii.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_380_380" id="Footnote_380_380"></a><a href="#FNanchor_380_380"><span class="label">[380]</span></a> "Legit tunc cum Joanne Voite, in angulum abdtius, libellos Lutheri." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_381_381" id="Footnote_381_381"></a><a href="#FNanchor_381_381"><span class="label">[381]</span></a> "Qui potuit quod voluit."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_382_382" id="Footnote_382_382"></a><a href="#FNanchor_382_382"><span class="label">[382]</span></a> "Darvon Magister Johann. Huss, geweissaget."
+(Mathes. 13.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_383_383" id="Footnote_383_383"></a><a href="#FNanchor_383_383"><span class="label">[383]</span></a> He adds, "Totque uxorum vir," The husband of so many wives,
+(Heumann Documenta lit. p. 167.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_384_384" id="Footnote_384_384"></a><a href="#FNanchor_384_384"><span class="label">[384]</span></a> "Frater, abi in cellam, et dic: Miserere mei." (Lindner in Luther's Leben, p. 93.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_385_385" id="Footnote_385_385"></a><a href="#FNanchor_385_385"><span class="label">[385]</span></a> "Bene sum contentus: mala obedire quam miracula facere, etiam si possem."
+(Ep. i, 71.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_386_386" id="Footnote_386_386"></a><a href="#FNanchor_386_386"><span class="label">[386]</span></a> "Suumque dolorem s�pe significavit, metuens discordias majores."
+(Melancth. Vita Luth.) And often expressed his sorrow, fearing worse dissension.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_387_387" id="Footnote_387_387"></a><a href="#FNanchor_387_387"><span class="label">[387]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) vi, p. 518.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_388_388" id="Footnote_388_388"></a><a href="#FNanchor_388_388"><span class="label">[388]</span></a> "Finge enim ipsam humilitatem nova
+conari, statim superbi� subjicietur ab iis qui aliter sapiunt." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 73.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_389_389" id="Footnote_389_389"></a><a href="#FNanchor_389_389"><span class="label">[389]</span></a> "Solus primo eram." (Luth. Op. Lat. in Pr�f.) At first I was alone.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_390_390" id="Footnote_390_390"></a><a href="#FNanchor_390_390"><span class="label">[390]</span></a> "Consilium
+immanis audaci� plenum." (Pallavicini, i, 17.) A measure of infinite daring.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_391_391" id="Footnote_391_391"></a><a href="#FNanchor_391_391"><span class="label">[391]</span></a> "Miserrimus tunc fraterculus, cadaveri similior quam homini." (Luth. Op. Lat. i,
+p. 49.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_392_392" id="Footnote_392_392"></a><a href="#FNanchor_392_392"><span class="label">[392]</span></a> "Et cum omnia argumenta superassem per Scripturas, hoc unum cum summa
+difficultate et angustia, tandem Christo favente, vix superavi, Ecclesiam scilicet esse
+audiendam." (Luth. Op. Lat. i, p. 49.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_393_393" id="Footnote_393_393"></a><a href="#FNanchor_393_393"><span class="label">[393]</span></a> "Hi furores Tezelii et ejus satellitum imponunt necessitatem Luthero, de rebus
+iisdem copiosius, disserendi et tuend� veritatis." (Melancth. Vita Luth.) The fury of
+Tezel and his satellites compelled Luther to treat these subjects more copiously, and
+to defend the truth.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_394_394" id="Footnote_394_394"></a><a href="#FNanchor_394_394"><span class="label">[394]</span></a> "Dass er die Schrift, unsern Trost, nicht anders behandelt wie die Sau einen
+Habersack."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_395_395" id="Footnote_395_395"></a><a href="#FNanchor_395_395"><span class="label">[395]</span></a> Luth. Op. Leips. xvii, 132.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_396_396" id="Footnote_396_396"></a><a href="#FNanchor_396_396"><span class="label">[396]</span></a> "Tibi gratias ago; imo quid tibi non debeo?"
+(Luth. Ep. i, p. 74.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_397_397" id="Footnote_397_397"></a><a href="#FNanchor_397_397"><span class="label">[397]</span></a> "Quanto magis conamur ex nobis ad sapientiam, tanto amplius appropinquamus
+insipienti�." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 74.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_398_398" id="Footnote_398_398"></a><a href="#FNanchor_398_398"><span class="label">[398]</span></a> "Sed salvum est nunc etiam jurare, quod
+sine scitu Ducis Frederici exierint." (Ibid., p. 76.) But now it is safe even to swear,
+that they have gone forth without the knowledge of Duke Frederick.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_399_399" id="Footnote_399_399"></a><a href="#FNanchor_399_399"><span class="label">[399]</span></a> "Primum
+id certissimum est, sacras literas non posse vel studio, vel ingenio penetrari. Ideo
+primum officium est, ut ab oratione incipias."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_400_400" id="Footnote_400_400"></a><a href="#FNanchor_400_400"><span class="label">[400]</span></a> "Igitur de tuo studio desperes oportet omnino, simul et ingenio. Deo autem soli
+confidas, et influxui Spiritus. Experto crede ista." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 88, 18th Jan.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_401_401" id="Footnote_401_401"></a><a href="#FNanchor_401_401"><span class="label">[401]</span></a> "Luther writes him:&mdash;"Liter� tu� animum tuum erga meam parvitatem candidum
+et longe ultra merita benevolentissimum probaverunt." (Ibid., p. 79.) Your
+letter proves your candid opinion of me, and your most kind affection for me, both to
+a degree far exceeding my deserts.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_402_402" id="Footnote_402_402"></a><a href="#FNanchor_402_402"><span class="label">[402]</span></a> "Non fuit consilium neque votum eas
+evulgari, sed cum paucis apud et circum nos habitantibus primum super ipsis conferri."
+(Ibid., p. 95.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_403_403" id="Footnote_403_403"></a><a href="#FNanchor_403_403"><span class="label">[403]</span></a> "Ut me p&oelig;niteat hujus f&oelig;tur�." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_404_404" id="Footnote_404_404"></a><a href="#FNanchor_404_404"><span class="label">[404]</span></a> "Qu� istis temporibus pro summa blasphemia et abominatione habeo et execror."
+(Luth. Op. Lat. Wit. in Pr�f.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_405_405" id="Footnote_405_405"></a><a href="#FNanchor_405_405"><span class="label">[405]</span></a> "Accepi simul et donum insignis viri Alberti
+Durer." (Luth., Ep. i, 95.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_406_406" id="Footnote_406_406"></a><a href="#FNanchor_406_406"><span class="label">[406]</span></a> "Mein Hofkleid verdienen." (Luth. Ep. Lat. i, pp. 77, 78.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_407_407" id="Footnote_407_407"></a><a href="#FNanchor_407_407"><span class="label">[407]</span></a> Ibid., p. 283.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_408_408" id="Footnote_408_408"></a><a href="#FNanchor_408_408"><span class="label">[408]</span></a> "Suum senatum convocat; monachos aliquot et theologos sua sophistica utcunque
+tinctos."(Melancth. Vita Luth.) He assembles his own senate; some monks
+and theologians imbued with his own sophistry.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_409_409" id="Footnote_409_409"></a><a href="#FNanchor_409_409"><span class="label">[409]</span></a> "Quisquis ergo dicit, non
+citius posse animam volare, quam in fundo cist� denarius possit tinnire, errat."
+(Positiones Fratris Joh. Tezelii, Pos. 56, Luth. Op. i, p. 94.) Whosoever says that
+the soul cannot fly off sooner than the money can tinkle in the bottom of the
+chest, errs.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_410_410" id="Footnote_410_410"></a><a href="#FNanchor_410_410"><span class="label">[410]</span></a> "Pro infamibus sunt tenendi, qui etiam per juris capitula terribiliter multis
+plectentur p&oelig;nis omnium hominum terrorem." (Positiones Fratris Joh. Tezelii,
+Pos. 56, Luth. Op. i, p. 98.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_411_411" id="Footnote_411_411"></a><a href="#FNanchor_411_411"><span class="label">[411]</span></a> Spieker, Gesch. Dr. M. Luthers. Beckmani Notitia Univ. Francofurt, viii, etc.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_412_412" id="Footnote_412_412"></a><a href="#FNanchor_412_412"><span class="label">[412]</span></a> "Fulmina in Lutherum torquet; vociferatur ubique hunc hereticum igni perdendum
+esse; propositiones etiam Lutheri in concionem de indulgentiis publice conjicit
+in flammas." (Melancth. Vita Luth.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_413_413" id="Footnote_413_413"></a><a href="#FNanchor_413_413"><span class="label">[413]</span></a> "Eo furunt usque, ut Universitatem Wittembergensem propter me infamem conantur
+facere et h�reticam." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 92.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_414_414" id="Footnote_414_414"></a><a href="#FNanchor_414_414"><span class="label">[414]</span></a> Luth. Ep. i, p. 92.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_415_415" id="Footnote_415_415"></a><a href="#FNanchor_415_415"><span class="label">[415]</span></a> "Nisi maledicerer, non crederem ex Deo esse qu� tracto."
+(Luth. Ep. i, 85.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_416_416" id="Footnote_416_416"></a><a href="#FNanchor_416_416"><span class="label">[416]</span></a> In language full of energy he continues:&mdash;"Mortem
+emptum est, mortibus vulgatum, mortibus servatum, mortibus quoque servandum
+aut referendum est." It was bought by death, published by deaths, preserved by
+deaths, by deaths also must be preserved or published.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_417_417" id="Footnote_417_417"></a><a href="#FNanchor_417_417"><span class="label">[417]</span></a> "Inter tantos principes dissidii origo esse valde horreo et timeo." (Luth. Ep. 1,
+p. 93.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_418_418" id="Footnote_418_418"></a><a href="#FNanchor_418_418"><span class="label">[418]</span></a> "H�c inscio principe, senatu, rectore, denique omnibus nobis" (Luth.
+Ep. i, p. 99.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_419_419" id="Footnote_419_419"></a><a href="#FNanchor_419_419"><span class="label">[419]</span></a> "Fit ex ea re ingens undique fabula." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_420_420" id="Footnote_420_420"></a><a href="#FNanchor_420_420"><span class="label">[420]</span></a> "Omnes omnibus omnia redunt de me." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 109.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_421_421" id="Footnote_421_421"></a><a href="#FNanchor_421_421"><span class="label">[421]</span></a> (Luth
+Ep. i, 98.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_422_422" id="Footnote_422_422"></a><a href="#FNanchor_422_422"><span class="label">[422]</span></a> "Quid vel Deus vel ipsi sumus." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 224.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_423_423" id="Footnote_423_423"></a><a href="#FNanchor_423_423"><span class="label">[423]</span></a> "Ein voller trunkener Deutscher." (Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 1337.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_424_424" id="Footnote_424_424"></a><a href="#FNanchor_424_424"><span class="label">[424]</span></a> "An
+ferreum nasum aut caput �neum gerat iste Lutherus, ut effringi non possit." (Sylv.
+Prieratis Dialogus.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_425_425" id="Footnote_425_425"></a><a href="#FNanchor_425_425"><span class="label">[425]</span></a> See Joh. Gersonis Propositiones de Sensu Literali S. Scriptur�. (Op. tom. i.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_426_426" id="Footnote_426_426"></a><a href="#FNanchor_426_426"><span class="label">[426]</span></a> "A qua etiam Sacra Scriptura robur trahit et auctoritatem, h�reticus est (Fundamentum
+tertium.")</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_427_427" id="Footnote_427_427"></a><a href="#FNanchor_427_427"><span class="label">[427]</span></a> "Si mordere canum est proprium, vereor ne tibi pater canis fuerit." (Sylvestri
+Prieratis Dial.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_428_428" id="Footnote_428_428"></a><a href="#FNanchor_428_428"><span class="label">[428]</span></a> "Seculari brachio potest eos compescere, nec tenetur rationibus
+certare ad vincendos protervientes." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_429_429" id="Footnote_429_429"></a><a href="#FNanchor_429_429"><span class="label">[429]</span></a> "Convenit inter nos, esse personatum
+aliquem Sylvestrum ex obscuris viris, qui tantas ineptias in hominem luserit ad
+provocandum me adversus eum." (Ep., i, p. 87, 14th Jan.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_430_430" id="Footnote_430_430"></a><a href="#FNanchor_430_430"><span class="label">[430]</span></a> T. i, Witt. Lat., p. 170.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_431_431" id="Footnote_431_431"></a><a href="#FNanchor_431_431"><span class="label">[431]</span></a> "Ego ecclesiam virtualiter non scio nisi in Christo, representative non nisi in concilo."
+(Luth. Op. Lat., p. 174.) I do not know the Church virtually, except in Christ,
+nor representatively, except in a Council.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_432_432" id="Footnote_432_432"></a><a href="#FNanchor_432_432"><span class="label">[432]</span></a> "Quando hanc pueri in omnibus
+plateis urbis cantant: Denique nunc facta est f&oelig;dissima Roma." (Ibid., p. 183.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_433_433" id="Footnote_433_433"></a><a href="#FNanchor_433_433"><span class="label">[433]</span></a> "Si occidor, vivit Christus. Dominus meus et omnium." (Ibid., p. 186.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_434_434" id="Footnote_434_434"></a><a href="#FNanchor_434_434"><span class="label">[434]</span></a> De Juridica et Irrefragabili Veritate Roman� Ecclesi�, lib. tertius, cap. 12.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_435_435" id="Footnote_435_435"></a><a href="#FNanchor_435_435"><span class="label">[435]</span></a> Luth., Op. Leip. xvii, p. 140.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_436_436" id="Footnote_436_436"></a><a href="#FNanchor_436_436"><span class="label">[436]</span></a> "Et quod magis urit, antea mihi magna recenterque contracta amicitia conjunctus."
+(Luth., Ep. i, p. 100.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_437_437" id="Footnote_437_437"></a><a href="#FNanchor_437_437"><span class="label">[437]</span></a> "Quo furore ille amicitias recentissimas
+et jucundissimas solveret." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_438_438" id="Footnote_438_438"></a><a href="#FNanchor_438_438"><span class="label">[438]</span></a> "Volui tamen hanc offam Cerbero
+dignam absorbere patientia." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_439_439" id="Footnote_439_439"></a><a href="#FNanchor_439_439"><span class="label">[439]</span></a> "Omnia scholastissima, opiniosissima, meraque somnia." (Asterisci, Op. (L.) Lat. i,
+p. 145.) The whole most scholastic, most opinionative, mere dreams.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_440_440" id="Footnote_440_440"></a><a href="#FNanchor_440_440"><span class="label">[440]</span></a> "Indignor
+rei et misereor hominis." (Ibid., p. 150.) I am indignant at the thing, and I pity the
+man.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_441_441" id="Footnote_441_441"></a><a href="#FNanchor_441_441"><span class="label">[441]</span></a> "Homo est summus pontifex, falli potest, sed veritas est Deus, qui falli
+non potest. (Ibid., p. 155.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_442_442" id="Footnote_442_442"></a><a href="#FNanchor_442_442"><span class="label">[442]</span></a> "Longe ergo impudentissima omnium temeritas
+est, aliquid in ecclesia asserere, et inter Christianos, quod non docuit Christus." (Ibid.,
+p. 156.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_443_443" id="Footnote_443_443"></a><a href="#FNanchor_443_443"><span class="label">[443]</span></a> "Cum privatim dederim Asteriscos meos non fit ei respondendi necessitas."
+(Luth. Ep. i, p. 126.) Since I have circulated my Asterisks privately, he is
+under no necessity of replying.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_444_444" id="Footnote_444_444"></a><a href="#FNanchor_444_444"><span class="label">[444]</span></a> "Diligimus hominis igenium et admiramur eruditionem." (Luth. Ep. ad Scheurlum,
+15th June, 1518, i, p. 125.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_445_445" id="Footnote_445_445"></a><a href="#FNanchor_445_445"><span class="label">[445]</span></a> "Quod ad me attinet, scripsi ad eum has, ut vides,
+amicissimas et plenas literas humanitate, erga eum." (Ibid.) As far as regards myself,
+I have, as you see, written him in the most kindly and friendly terms.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_446_446" id="Footnote_446_446"></a><a href="#FNanchor_446_446"><span class="label">[446]</span></a> "Nihil neque literarum, neque verborum ne participem fecit." (Ibid.) I have had
+no communication from him, either by word or writing.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_447_447" id="Footnote_447_447"></a><a href="#FNanchor_447_447"><span class="label">[447]</span></a> Luth. Op. Leips. vii, p. 1086.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_448_448" id="Footnote_448_448"></a><a href="#FNanchor_448_448"><span class="label">[448]</span></a> "Nicht die Werke treiben die S�nde aus; sondern die Anstreibung der S�nde thut
+gute Werke," (Luth. Op. (Lat.) xvii, p. 162.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_449_449" id="Footnote_449_449"></a><a href="#FNanchor_449_449"><span class="label">[449]</span></a> "Christus dein Gott wird dir
+nicht lugen: noch wanken." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_450_450" id="Footnote_450_450"></a><a href="#FNanchor_450_450"><span class="label">[450]</span></a> "Ob es schon ein Weib oder ein kind
+ware." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_451_451" id="Footnote_451_451"></a><a href="#FNanchor_451_451"><span class="label">[451]</span></a> "Also siehst du dass die ganze Kirche voll von Vergebung
+der S�den ist." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_452_452" id="Footnote_452_452"></a><a href="#FNanchor_452_452"><span class="label">[452]</span></a> "Und Hauptmann im Felde bleibe." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_453_453" id="Footnote_453_453"></a><a href="#FNanchor_453_453"><span class="label">[453]</span></a> Ibid., Ep. i, p. 98.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_454_454" id="Footnote_454_454"></a><a href="#FNanchor_454_454"><span class="label">[454]</span></a> "Pedester veniam." I will come on foot. (Luth., Ep. i, p. 98.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_455_455" id="Footnote_455_455"></a><a href="#FNanchor_455_455"><span class="label">[455]</span></a> Ibid., p. 105.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_456_456" id="Footnote_456_456"></a><a href="#FNanchor_456_456"><span class="label">[456]</span></a> Ibid., p. 104.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_457_457" id="Footnote_457_457"></a><a href="#FNanchor_457_457"><span class="label">[457]</span></a> Ibid., p. 106.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_458_458" id="Footnote_458_458"></a><a href="#FNanchor_458_458"><span class="label">[458]</span></a> "Ihr habt bei Gott einen k�stlichen Credenz." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 111.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_459_459" id="Footnote_459_459"></a><a href="#FNanchor_459_459"><span class="label">[459]</span></a> "Justorum opera essent mortalia nisi pio Dei timore, ab ipsismet justis, ut mortalia
+timerentur." (Luth. Op. Lat. i, 55.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_460_460" id="Footnote_460_460"></a><a href="#FNanchor_460_460"><span class="label">[460]</span></a> "Lex iram Dei operatur, occidit,
+maledicit reum facit, judicat, damnat, quicquid non est in Christo." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_461_461" id="Footnote_461_461"></a><a href="#FNanchor_461_461"><span class="label">[461]</span></a> "Lex dicit: Fac hoc! et nunquam fit. Gratia dicit: Crede in hunc! et jam facta
+sunt omnia." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_462_462" id="Footnote_462_462"></a><a href="#FNanchor_462_462"><span class="label">[462]</span></a> "Amor Dei non inventit sed creat suum diligibile;
+amor hominis fit a suo diligibili." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_463_463" id="Footnote_463_463"></a><a href="#FNanchor_463_463"><span class="label">[463]</span></a> Bucer, in Seultetet, Annal. Evangel. Renovat." p. 22.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_464_464" id="Footnote_464_464"></a><a href="#FNanchor_464_464"><span class="label">[464]</span></a> "Si rustici h�c audirent, certe lapidibus vos obruerent et interficerent." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 111.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_465_465" id="Footnote_465_465"></a><a href="#FNanchor_465_465"><span class="label">[465]</span></a> "Prudentioribus monachis spem de se pr�claram excitavit;" (Melch. Adam.
+Vita Buceri, p. 211.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_466_466" id="Footnote_466_466"></a><a href="#FNanchor_466_466"><span class="label">[466]</span></a> "Cum doctrinam in eis traditam cum sacris litteris
+contullisset qu�dam in pontificia religione suspecta habere c&oelig;pit." (Ibid.) When he
+had compared the doctrine delivered in them with the Sacred Scriptures, he began to
+have some suspicions of the pope's religion.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_467_467" id="Footnote_467_467"></a><a href="#FNanchor_467_467"><span class="label">[467]</span></a> "Primam lucem purioris sententi�
+de justificatione in suo pectore sensit." (Melch. Adam. Vita Buceri, p. 211.)
+He felt the first dawn of a purer opinion on justification rising in his breast.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_468_468" id="Footnote_468_468"></a><a href="#FNanchor_468_468"><span class="label">[468]</span></a> "Ingens Dei beneficium l�tus Brentius agnovit, et grata mente amplexus est."
+(Ibid.) Brentius joyfully recognised the inestimable gift of God, and with grateful
+mind embraced it.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_469_469" id="Footnote_469_469"></a><a href="#FNanchor_469_469"><span class="label">[469]</span></a> "Crebris interpellationibus eum voti quod de nato ipso fecerat, admoneret; et a
+studio juris ad theologiam quasi conviciis avocaret." (Melch. Adami, Snepfii Vita.)
+She frequently interposed to remind him of the vow which she had made at his
+birth, and, as it were, by her reproaches drew him off from the study of law to theology.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_470_470" id="Footnote_470_470"></a><a href="#FNanchor_470_470"><span class="label">[470]</span></a> Gerdesius, Monument. Antiq., etc.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_471_471" id="Footnote_471_471"></a><a href="#FNanchor_471_471"><span class="label">[471]</span></a> Luth. Ep. i, p. 412.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_472_472" id="Footnote_472_472"></a><a href="#FNanchor_472_472"><span class="label">[472]</span></a> Luth. Ep. i, p. 112.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_473_473" id="Footnote_473_473"></a><a href="#FNanchor_473_473"><span class="label">[473]</span></a> "Veni autem curru qui ieram pedester." (Ibid.,
+p. 110.) I went on foot, but returned in a chariot.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_474_474" id="Footnote_474_474"></a><a href="#FNanchor_474_474"><span class="label">[474]</span></a> "Omnibus placitis meis nigrum theta pr�figit." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 111.) He puts a
+black theta before all my opinions.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_475_475" id="Footnote_475_475"></a><a href="#FNanchor_475_475"><span class="label">[475]</span></a> Ibid.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_476_476" id="Footnote_476_476"></a><a href="#FNanchor_476_476"><span class="label">[476]</span></a> "Nisi dictamine rationis
+naturalis, quod apud nos idem est, quod chaos tenebratum, qui non pr�dicamus
+aliam lucem, quam Christum Jesum lucem veram et solam." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_477_477" id="Footnote_477_477"></a><a href="#FNanchor_477_477"><span class="label">[477]</span></a> "Ita
+ut nonnullis videar factus habitior et corpulentior!" (Ibid.) So that some think me
+fuller in habit, and more corpulent.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_478_478" id="Footnote_478_478"></a><a href="#FNanchor_478_478"><span class="label">[478]</span></a> Luth. Op., (Leips.) xvii, pp. 29-113.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_479_479" id="Footnote_479_479"></a><a href="#FNanchor_479_479"><span class="label">[479]</span></a> On the First Thesis.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_480_480" id="Footnote_480_480"></a><a href="#FNanchor_480_480"><span class="label">[480]</span></a> Thesis 26.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_481_481" id="Footnote_481_481"></a><a href="#FNanchor_481_481"><span class="label">[481]</span></a> Ibid. 80.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_482_482" id="Footnote_482_482"></a><a href="#FNanchor_482_482"><span class="label">[482]</span></a> Thesis 37.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_483_483" id="Footnote_483_483"></a><a href="#FNanchor_483_483"><span class="label">[483]</span></a> "Non ut disputabilia sed asserta acciperentur." (Luth., Ep. i. 214.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_484_484" id="Footnote_484_484"></a><a href="#FNanchor_484_484"><span class="label">[484]</span></a> Ineptias.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_485_485" id="Footnote_485_485"></a><a href="#FNanchor_485_485"><span class="label">[485]</span></a> He adds: "Sed cogit necessitas me anserem strepere inter olores." (Luth. Ep. i,
+p. 121.) But necessity forces me, a goose, to hiss among the swans.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_486_486" id="Footnote_486_486"></a><a href="#FNanchor_486_486"><span class="label">[486]</span></a> "Quam pure simpliciterque ecclesiasticam potestatem et reverentiam clavium qu�sierim et
+coluerim." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_487_487" id="Footnote_487_487"></a><a href="#FNanchor_487_487"><span class="label">[487]</span></a> "Quar� beatissime Pater, prostratum me pedibus tu� Beatitudinis offero, cum
+omnibus qu� sum et habeo; vivifica, occide voca, revoca, approba, reproba, ut placuerit.
+Vocem tuam, vocem Christi in te pr�sidentis et loquentis agnoscam; si mortem
+merui, mori non recusabo." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 121.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_488_488" id="Footnote_488_488"></a><a href="#FNanchor_488_488"><span class="label">[488]</span></a> His Solutions.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_489_489" id="Footnote_489_489"></a><a href="#FNanchor_489_489"><span class="label">[489]</span></a> "Qui
+pauper est nihil timet, nihil potest perdere." (Ibid., p. 118.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_490_490" id="Footnote_490_490"></a><a href="#FNanchor_490_490"><span class="label">[490]</span></a> Luth. Op. (W.) xv, p. 339.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_491_491" id="Footnote_491_491"></a><a href="#FNanchor_491_491"><span class="label">[491]</span></a> "Nec profana judicia sequens qu� tenera
+initia omnium mutationum celerrime opprimi jubent." (Melanc. Vita Luth.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_492_492" id="Footnote_492_492"></a><a href="#FNanchor_492_492"><span class="label">[492]</span></a> "Deo cessit, et ea qu� vera esse judicavit, deleri non voluit." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_493_493" id="Footnote_493_493"></a><a href="#FNanchor_493_493"><span class="label">[493]</span></a> "Rarescebant manus largentium." (Cochl&oelig;us, 7.) The hands of contributors grew
+few.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_494_494" id="Footnote_494_494"></a><a href="#FNanchor_494_494"><span class="label">[494]</span></a> "Luthero autem contra augebatur auctoritas, favor, fides existimatio,
+fama; quod tam liber acerque videbatur veritatis assertor." (Ibid.) On the contrary,
+Luther's authority, influence, credit, reputation, and fame, increased, because
+he seemed so free and bold an assertor of the truth.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_495_495" id="Footnote_495_495"></a><a href="#FNanchor_495_495"><span class="label">[495]</span></a> Schr�ck, K. Gesch. n. d. R. i, p. 156.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_496_496" id="Footnote_496_496"></a><a href="#FNanchor_496_496"><span class="label">[496]</span></a> "Defensores et patrones etiam
+potentes quos dictus frater consecutus est." (Raynald, ad an. 1518.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_497_497" id="Footnote_497_497"></a><a href="#FNanchor_497_497"><span class="label">[497]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 169.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_498_498" id="Footnote_498_498"></a><a href="#FNanchor_498_498"><span class="label">[498]</span></a> "Uterus Rebecca est; parvulos in eo collidi necesse est, etiam usque ad periculum
+matris." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 138.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_499_499" id="Footnote_499_499"></a><a href="#FNanchor_499_499"><span class="label">[499]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 173.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_500_500" id="Footnote_500_500"></a><a href="#FNanchor_500_500"><span class="label">[500]</span></a> Ibid. i, 183, 184; xvii, 171, 172.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_501_501" id="Footnote_501_501"></a><a href="#FNanchor_501_501"><span class="label">[501]</span></a> "Dictum Lutherum h�reticum per pr�dictum auditorem j�m declaratum."
+(Breve Leonis X ad Thomam.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_502_502" id="Footnote_502_502"></a><a href="#FNanchor_502_502"><span class="label">[502]</span></a> "Brachio cogas atque compellas, et eo in
+potestate tua redacto cum sub fideli custodia retineas, ut coram nobis sistatur."
+(Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_503_503" id="Footnote_503_503"></a><a href="#FNanchor_503_503"><span class="label">[503]</span></a> "Infami� et inhabilitatis ad omnes actus legitimos ecclesiastic� sepultur�, privationis
+quoque feudorum." (Breve Leonis X ad Thomam.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_504_504" id="Footnote_504_504"></a><a href="#FNanchor_504_504"><span class="label">[504]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 176.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_505_505" id="Footnote_505_505"></a><a href="#FNanchor_505_505"><span class="label">[505]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 173.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_506_506" id="Footnote_506_506"></a><a href="#FNanchor_506_506"><span class="label">[506]</span></a> "Almosen geben armt nicht, etc. Wer mehr will verzehren, etc. (M�ller's Reliquien.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_507_507" id="Footnote_507_507"></a><a href="#FNanchor_507_507"><span class="label">[507]</span></a> "Dilixit me ut filium, et ego eum ut patrem; et conveniemus, spero,
+in vita �terna." (Melancth. Explicat. Evang.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_508_508" id="Footnote_508_508"></a><a href="#FNanchor_508_508"><span class="label">[508]</span></a> "Quiescere non poterat, sed qu�rebat ubique aliquem cum quo de auditis disputaret."
+(Camerarius, Vita Melancth. p. 7.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_509_509" id="Footnote_509_509"></a><a href="#FNanchor_509_509"><span class="label">[509]</span></a> Camerar. Vita Philip Melancth. p. 16.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_510_510" id="Footnote_510_510"></a><a href="#FNanchor_510_510"><span class="label">[510]</span></a> "Ille prorsus obscurabit Erasmum."
+(Er. Ep. i, p. 405.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_511_511" id="Footnote_511_511"></a><a href="#FNanchor_511_511"><span class="label">[511]</span></a> "Cohorresco quando cogito quomodo ipse accesserim ad
+statuas in papatu." (Explicat Evangel.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_512_512" id="Footnote_512_512"></a><a href="#FNanchor_512_512"><span class="label">[512]</span></a> "Meum opus et meum solatium."
+(Corp. Ref., i, 33.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_513_513" id="Footnote_513_513"></a><a href="#FNanchor_513_513"><span class="label">[513]</span></a> "Des Wegs un der Orte unbekannt." (Corp. Ref., i, 30.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_514_514" id="Footnote_514_514"></a><a href="#FNanchor_514_514"><span class="label">[514]</span></a> Camer. Vita
+Melancth., 26.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_515_515" id="Footnote_515_515"></a><a href="#FNanchor_515_515"><span class="label">[515]</span></a> "Puer et adolescentulus, si �tatem consideres." (Luth. Ep. i,
+141.) A boy, and mere youth, if you consider his age.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_516_516" id="Footnote_516_516"></a><a href="#FNanchor_516_516"><span class="label">[516]</span></a> Luth. Ep. i, 135.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_517_517" id="Footnote_517_517"></a><a href="#FNanchor_517_517"><span class="label">[517]</span></a> "Ut Wittembergam literatis ac bonis omnibus conciliem."
+(Corp. Ref., i, 51.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_518_518" id="Footnote_518_518"></a><a href="#FNanchor_518_518"><span class="label">[518]</span></a> "Summos cum mediis et infimis, studiosos facit Gr�citatis."
+(Luth., Ep. i, 140.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_519_519" id="Footnote_519_519"></a><a href="#FNanchor_519_519"><span class="label">[519]</span></a> "Martinum, si omnino in rebus humanis quidquam vehementissime
+diligio et animo integerrimo complector." (Melancth. Ep. i, 411.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_520_520" id="Footnote_520_520"></a><a href="#FNanchor_520_520"><span class="label">[520]</span></a> Calvin wrote to Sleidan: "Dominus cum fortiore spiritu instruat, ne gravem ex
+ejus timiditate jacturam sentiat posteritas." May the Lord supply him with a more
+resolute spirit, that posterity may not, through his timidity, sustain some grievous loss.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_521_521" id="Footnote_521_521"></a><a href="#FNanchor_521_521"><span class="label">[521]</span></a> Plank.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_522_522" id="Footnote_522_522"></a><a href="#FNanchor_522_522"><span class="label">[522]</span></a> Luth. Ep. i, p. 139.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_523_523" id="Footnote_523_523"></a><a href="#FNanchor_523_523"><span class="label">[523]</span></a> Jen. Aug. i, p. 384.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_524_524" id="Footnote_524_524"></a><a href="#FNanchor_524_524"><span class="label">[524]</span></a> "Contra omnium amicorum consilium comparui."
+I appeared contrary to the advice of all my friends.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_525_525" id="Footnote_525_525"></a><a href="#FNanchor_525_525"><span class="label">[525]</span></a> Ep. i, 61.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_526_526" id="Footnote_526_526"></a><a href="#FNanchor_526_526"><span class="label">[526]</span></a> "Ult vel stanguler, vel baptizer ad mortem." (Ibid. 129.) That I am either to be
+strangled or ducked to death.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_527_527" id="Footnote_527_527"></a><a href="#FNanchor_527_527"><span class="label">[527]</span></a> "Uxor mea et liberi mei provisi sunt."
+(Luth. Ep. i, 129.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_528_528" id="Footnote_528_528"></a><a href="#FNanchor_528_528"><span class="label">[528]</span></a> "Sic enim sponsus noster, sponsus sanguinum nobis est."
+(Ibid.) See Exodus, iv, 25.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_529_529" id="Footnote_529_529"></a><a href="#FNanchor_529_529"><span class="label">[529]</span></a> "Veni igitur pedester et pauper Augustam." (Luth. Op. Lat, in Pr�f.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_530_530" id="Footnote_530_530"></a><a href="#FNanchor_530_530"><span class="label">[530]</span></a> "Ibi
+Myconius primum vidit Lutherum: Sed ab accessu et colloquio ejus tunc est prohibitus."
+(M. Adami, Vita Mycon. p. 176.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_531_531" id="Footnote_531_531"></a><a href="#FNanchor_531_531"><span class="label">[531]</span></a> "Profecto in ignem te conjicient et
+flammis exurent." (Melch. Adam. Vita Mycon. p. 176; Mycon. Hist. Ref. p. 30.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_532_532" id="Footnote_532_532"></a><a href="#FNanchor_532_532"><span class="label">[532]</span></a> "Vivat Christus, moriatur Martinus.... "(Weismanni, Hist. Secr. Nov. Test. p.
+165.) Weismann had seen this letter in MS., but it is not in M. de Wette's Collection.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_533_533" id="Footnote_533_533"></a><a href="#FNanchor_533_533"><span class="label">[533]</span></a> Luth. Ep. i, p. 144.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_534_534" id="Footnote_534_534"></a><a href="#FNanchor_534_534"><span class="label">[534]</span></a> Divi Thom� Summa cum Commentariis Thom� de Vio. Lugduni, 1587.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_535_535" id="Footnote_535_535"></a><a href="#FNanchor_535_535"><span class="label">[535]</span></a> Bull of the pope. (Luth Op. (L.) xvii, p. 174.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_536_536" id="Footnote_536_536"></a><a href="#FNanchor_536_536"><span class="label">[536]</span></a> "Et nutu solo omnia abrogare, etiam ea qu� fidei essent." (Luth. Ep. i, 144.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_537_537" id="Footnote_537_537"></a><a href="#FNanchor_537_537"><span class="label">[537]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 179.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_538_538" id="Footnote_538_538"></a><a href="#FNanchor_538_538"><span class="label">[538]</span></a> "Hunc Sinonem par�m cousulte instructum
+arte pelasga." (Luth. Ep. i, 144.) See Virgil's �neid, Book II.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_539_539" id="Footnote_539_539"></a><a href="#FNanchor_539_539"><span class="label">[539]</span></a> "Mediator ineptus." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_540_540" id="Footnote_540_540"></a><a href="#FNanchor_540_540"><span class="label">[540]</span></a> "Sciunt enim eum in me exacerbatissimum intus,
+quicquid simulet foris.... (Ibid., p. 143.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_541_541" id="Footnote_541_541"></a><a href="#FNanchor_541_541"><span class="label">[541]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 201.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_542_542" id="Footnote_542_542"></a><a href="#FNanchor_542_542"><span class="label">[542]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 203.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_543_543" id="Footnote_543_543"></a><a href="#FNanchor_543_543"><span class="label">[543]</span></a> Seckend., p. 144.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_544_544" id="Footnote_544_544"></a><a href="#FNanchor_544_544"><span class="label">[544]</span></a> Ibid., p. 130.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_545_545" id="Footnote_545_545"></a><a href="#FNanchor_545_545"><span class="label">[545]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) 179.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_546_546" id="Footnote_546_546"></a><a href="#FNanchor_546_546"><span class="label">[546]</span></a> 9th October.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_547_547" id="Footnote_547_547"></a><a href="#FNanchor_547_547"><span class="label">[547]</span></a> "Omnes cupiunt videre hominem, tanti incendii Erostratum."
+(Luth. Ep. i, p. 146.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_548_548" id="Footnote_548_548"></a><a href="#FNanchor_548_548"><span class="label">[548]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 205.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_549_549" id="Footnote_549_549"></a><a href="#FNanchor_549_549"><span class="label">[549]</span></a> "Et ubi manebis?... Respondi: Sub c&oelig;lo." (Luth. Op. in Pr�f.) And where
+will you remain?... I answered, under heaven.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_550_550" id="Footnote_550_550"></a><a href="#FNanchor_550_550"><span class="label">[550]</span></a> "Ego pro illis et vobis vado immolari."... (Luth. Ep. i, 148.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_551_551" id="Footnote_551_551"></a><a href="#FNanchor_551_551"><span class="label">[551]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 183.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_552_552" id="Footnote_552_552"></a><a href="#FNanchor_552_552"><span class="label">[552]</span></a> Tuesday, 11th October.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_553_553" id="Footnote_553_553"></a><a href="#FNanchor_553_553"><span class="label">[553]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 180.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_554_554" id="Footnote_554_554"></a><a href="#FNanchor_554_554"><span class="label">[554]</span></a> The name given to certain papal constitutions, collected and added to the body
+of the canon law.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_555_555" id="Footnote_555_555"></a><a href="#FNanchor_555_555"><span class="label">[555]</span></a> "Salva Scriptura."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_556_556" id="Footnote_556_556"></a><a href="#FNanchor_556_556"><span class="label">[556]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 180.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_557_557" id="Footnote_557_557"></a><a href="#FNanchor_557_557"><span class="label">[557]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, pp. 180, 183, 206, etc.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_558_558" id="Footnote_558_558"></a><a href="#FNanchor_558_558"><span class="label">[558]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) p. 209.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_559_559" id="Footnote_559_559"></a><a href="#FNanchor_559_559"><span class="label">[559]</span></a> Luth. Ep. i, p. 173.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_560_560" id="Footnote_560_560"></a><a href="#FNanchor_560_560"><span class="label">[560]</span></a> "Darinn ihn Dr. Staupitz von dem Kloster-Gehorsam
+absolvitr." (Math. 15.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_561_561" id="Footnote_561_561"></a><a href="#FNanchor_561_561"><span class="label">[561]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, 201.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_562_562" id="Footnote_562_562"></a><a href="#FNanchor_562_562"><span class="label">[562]</span></a> Wednesday 12th October.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_563_563" id="Footnote_563_563"></a><a href="#FNanchor_563_563"><span class="label">[563]</span></a> Seckend., p. 137.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_564_564" id="Footnote_564_564"></a><a href="#FNanchor_564_564"><span class="label">[564]</span></a> L�scher, ii, 463; Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 181, 209.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_565_565" id="Footnote_565_565"></a><a href="#FNanchor_565_565"><span class="label">[565]</span></a> "Digladiatum," battled.
+(Luth. Ep. i, p. 181.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_566_566" id="Footnote_566_566"></a><a href="#FNanchor_566_566"><span class="label">[566]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii. pp. 181, 209. "Decies fere c&oelig;pi ut loquerer, toties rursus tonabat
+et solus regnabat." I began almost ten times to speak, but he again as often thundered
+and reigned alone.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_567_567" id="Footnote_567_567"></a><a href="#FNanchor_567_567"><span class="label">[567]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p.186.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_568_568" id="Footnote_568_568"></a><a href="#FNanchor_568_568"><span class="label">[568]</span></a> Ibid. p.185.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_569_569" id="Footnote_569_569"></a><a href="#FNanchor_569_569"><span class="label">[569]</span></a> Luth Op. (L.) xvii, p. 187.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_570_570" id="Footnote_570_570"></a><a href="#FNanchor_570_570"><span class="label">[570]</span></a> "Ostendit in materia fidei, non modo generale
+concilium esse super papam, sed etiam quemlibet fidelium, si melioribus nitatur auctoritate
+et ratione quam papa." (Luth. Op. Lat. p. 209.) He shows that, in matter of
+faith, not only a general council is above the pope, but also any one of the faithful
+whatever, if he leans on better authority and reason than the pope.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_571_571" id="Footnote_571_571"></a><a href="#FNanchor_571_571"><span class="label">[571]</span></a> Psalm cxliii, 2.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_572_572" id="Footnote_572_572"></a><a href="#FNanchor_572_572"><span class="label">[572]</span></a> Confes. ix.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_573_573" id="Footnote_573_573"></a><a href="#FNanchor_573_573"><span class="label">[573]</span></a> "Justitia justi et vita ejus, est fides ejus." (Luth. Op. Lat. i, p. 211.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_574_574" id="Footnote_574_574"></a><a href="#FNanchor_574_574"><span class="label">[574]</span></a> "Legit fervens et anhelans." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 145.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_575_575" id="Footnote_575_575"></a><a href="#FNanchor_575_575"><span class="label">[575]</span></a> "Acquisivit," (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_576_576" id="Footnote_576_576"></a><a href="#FNanchor_576_576"><span class="label">[576]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 197.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_577_577" id="Footnote_577_577"></a><a href="#FNanchor_577_577"><span class="label">[577]</span></a> Ibid. (W.) xxii, p. 1331.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_578_578" id="Footnote_578_578"></a><a href="#FNanchor_578_578"><span class="label">[578]</span></a> "Revoca, aut non revertere." Ibid. p. 202.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_579_579" id="Footnote_579_579"></a><a href="#FNanchor_579_579"><span class="label">[579]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 210.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_580_580" id="Footnote_580_580"></a><a href="#FNanchor_580_580"><span class="label">[580]</span></a> Ibid., p. 204.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_581_581" id="Footnote_581_581"></a><a href="#FNanchor_581_581"><span class="label">[581]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 185.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_582_582" id="Footnote_582_582"></a><a href="#FNanchor_582_582"><span class="label">[582]</span></a> "Ego nolo amplius cum hac bestia disputare.
+Habet enim profundos oculos et mirabiles speculationes in capite suo" (Myconius,
+p. 33.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_583_583" id="Footnote_583_583"></a><a href="#FNanchor_583_583"><span class="label">[583]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 210.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_584_584" id="Footnote_584_584"></a><a href="#FNanchor_584_584"><span class="label">[584]</span></a> Luth. Ep. i. 149.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_585_585" id="Footnote_585_585"></a><a href="#FNanchor_585_585"><span class="label">[585]</span></a> Luth. Ep. i. p. 159.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_586_586" id="Footnote_586_586"></a><a href="#FNanchor_586_586"><span class="label">[586]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 178.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_587_587" id="Footnote_587_587"></a><a href="#FNanchor_587_587"><span class="label">[587]</span></a> Saturday, 15th</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_588_588" id="Footnote_588_588"></a><a href="#FNanchor_588_588"><span class="label">[588]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 182.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_589_589" id="Footnote_589_589"></a><a href="#FNanchor_589_589"><span class="label">[589]</span></a> The letter is dated 17th October.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_590_590" id="Footnote_590_590"></a><a href="#FNanchor_590_590"><span class="label">[590]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 198.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_591_591" id="Footnote_591_591"></a><a href="#FNanchor_591_591"><span class="label">[591]</span></a> Bosuet, Hist. des Variations. (Livre i, pp. 25, etc.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_592_592" id="Footnote_592_592"></a><a href="#FNanchor_592_592"><span class="label">[592]</span></a> "Ut follis ille ventosa elatione distentus." (P. 40.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_593_593" id="Footnote_593_593"></a><a href="#FNanchor_593_593"><span class="label">[593]</span></a> "Melius informandum." (Luth. Op. Lat. I, p. 219.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_594_594" id="Footnote_594_594"></a><a href="#FNanchor_594_594"><span class="label">[594]</span></a> Weissmann, Hist. Eccl., i, p. 1237.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_595_595" id="Footnote_595_595"></a><a href="#FNanchor_595_595"><span class="label">[595]</span></a> Psalm cxxiv. 7, 8.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_596_596" id="Footnote_596_596"></a><a href="#FNanchor_596_596"><span class="label">[596]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 202.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_597_597" id="Footnote_597_597"></a><a href="#FNanchor_597_597"><span class="label">[597]</span></a> Luth. Ep. i, p. 166.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_598_598" id="Footnote_598_598"></a><a href="#FNanchor_598_598"><span class="label">[598]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 183.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_599_599" id="Footnote_599_599"></a><a href="#FNanchor_599_599"><span class="label">[599]</span></a> Ibid. p. 203.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_600_600" id="Footnote_600_600"></a><a href="#FNanchor_600_600"><span class="label">[600]</span></a> "Ego enim ubicunque ero gentium, illustrissim� Dominationis tu� nusqum non
+ero memor...." (Luth. Ep. i. p. 187.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_601_601" id="Footnote_601_601"></a><a href="#FNanchor_601_601"><span class="label">[601]</span></a> Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 244.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_602_602" id="Footnote_602_602"></a><a href="#FNanchor_602_602"><span class="label">[602]</span></a> Luth. Ep. i, p. 198.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_603_603" id="Footnote_603_603"></a><a href="#FNanchor_603_603"><span class="label">[603]</span></a> Scultet. Annal. i, p. 17.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_604_604" id="Footnote_604_604"></a><a href="#FNanchor_604_604"><span class="label">[604]</span></a> "Studium nostrum more formicarum fervet."
+(Luth. Ep. i, p. 193.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_605_605" id="Footnote_605_605"></a><a href="#FNanchor_605_605"><span class="label">[605]</span></a> "Quia Deus ubique." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 188.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_606_606" id="Footnote_606_606"></a><a href="#FNanchor_606_606"><span class="label">[606]</span></a> "Ut principi me in captivatem darem." (Ibid. p. 189.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_607_607" id="Footnote_607_607"></a><a href="#FNanchor_607_607"><span class="label">[607]</span></a> "Si icro totum effundam et vitam offeram Christo." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 190.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_608_608" id="Footnote_608_608"></a><a href="#FNanchor_608_608"><span class="label">[608]</span></a> "Deo rem committerent." (Ibid., p. 191.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_609_609" id="Footnote_609_609"></a><a href="#FNanchor_609_609"><span class="label">[609]</span></a> "Vater und Mutter verlassen mich, aber der Herr nimmt mich auf."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_610_610" id="Footnote_610_610"></a><a href="#FNanchor_610_610"><span class="label">[610]</span></a> Luth.
+Op. xv, 824.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_611_611" id="Footnote_611_611"></a><a href="#FNanchor_611_611"><span class="label">[611]</span></a> "Ne tam cito in Galliam irem." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 195.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_612_612" id="Footnote_612_612"></a><a href="#FNanchor_612_612"><span class="label">[612]</span></a> "Firma
+Christus propositum non cendi in me." (Ibid.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_613_613" id="Footnote_613_613"></a><a href="#FNanchor_613_613"><span class="label">[613]</span></a> "Res ista necdum habet initium suum meo judicio." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 19.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_614_614" id="Footnote_614_614"></a><a href="#FNanchor_614_614"><span class="label">[614]</span></a> "Quo
+illi magis furunt, et vi affectant viam, eo minus ego terreor." (Ibid., p. 191.)</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_615_615" id="Footnote_615_615"></a><a href="#FNanchor_615_615"><span class="label">[615]</span></a> Sarpi, Council of Trent, p. 8.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_616_616" id="Footnote_616_616"></a><a href="#FNanchor_616_616"><span class="label">[616]</span></a> Maimbourg, p. 38.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_617_617" id="Footnote_617_617"></a><a href="#FNanchor_617_617"><span class="label">[617]</span></a> L�scher. Ref. Act.</p></div>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="tn"><h3>Transcriber's note:</h3>
+<p>Archaic words, variations in spelling, punctuation and hyphenation
+have been retained except in obvious cases of typographical error.</p>
+
+<p>The following footnotes had no anchors and hence were added by the
+transcriber:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>Footnote 11: "Ego me non arbitror hoc honore dignum." (Er. Ep. i, p.
+653.)</p>
+
+<p>Footnote 112: Erasm. Ep. 274.</p>
+
+<p>Footnote 128: "Was gross sol werden, muss klein angeben." (Mathesius,
+Hist. p. 3.)</p>
+
+<p>Footnote 563: There was no anchor for the footnote "Seckend. p. 137."
+The transcriber has supplied it.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>On page 47 there is a footnote anchor with no matching footnote at
+"Promise me that you will always think so." The transcriber has placed
+an asterisk at the location.</p>
+
+<p>Table of Contents incorrectly lists Book II Chapter IX as beginning on
+page 94. The transcriber has changed the number to 93. Likewise the
+page number for Chapter X has been changed from 168 to 167. For Book
+III Chapter V, the page number has been changed from 204 to 203.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Reformation in the
+Sixteenth Century (Volume 1), by J. H. Merle D'Aubign�
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF RESTORATION IN 16TH CENTURY ***
+
+***** This file should be named 40858-h.htm or 40858-h.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/4/0/8/5/40858/
+
+Produced by Colin Bell, Delphine Lettau, Julia Neufeld and
+the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at
+  www.gutenberg.org/license.
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at 809
+North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887.  Email
+contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the
+Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit:  www.gutenberg.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For forty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+
+</pre>
+
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/40858-h/images/front.jpg b/40858-h/images/front.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..70d5849
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40858-h/images/front.jpg
diff --git a/40858.txt b/40858.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d19b641
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40858.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,16354 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth
+Century (Volume 1), by J. H. Merle D'Aubigne
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century (Volume 1)
+       A new translation by Henry Beveridge
+
+Author: J. H. Merle D'Aubigne
+
+Translator: Henry Beveridge
+
+Release Date: September 25, 2012 [EBook #40858]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF REFORMATION IN 16TH CENTURY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Colin Bell, Delphine Lettau, Julia Neufeld and
+the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: MARTIN LUTHER.
+
+WILL^M COLLINS, GLASGOW.]
+
+  HISTORY
+
+  OF
+
+  THE REFORMATION
+
+  IN THE
+
+  SIXTEENTH CENTURY.
+
+  BY
+  J. H. MERLE D'AUBIGNE, D.D.
+
+  J'appelle accessoire, l'estat des affaires de ceste vie caduque et
+  transitoire. J'appelle principal, le gouvernement spirituel auquel
+  reluit souverainement la providence de Dieu.--THEODORE DE BEZE.
+
+  By _accessory_ I mean the state of affairs in this fading and
+  transitory life. By principal I mean the spiritual government in
+  which the providence of God is sovereignly displayed.
+
+  A NEW TRANSLATION:
+
+  (CONTAINING THE AUTHOR'S LAST IMPROVEMENTS,)
+
+  BY HENRY BEVERIDGE, ESQ. ADVOCATE.
+
+
+
+
+  VOLUME FIRST.
+
+
+  GLASGOW:
+  PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM COLLINS.
+  LONDON: R. GROOMBRIDGE AND SONS.
+  1845.
+
+  GLASGOW:
+  WILLIAM COLLINS AND CO.,
+  PRINTERS.
+
+
+
+
+TRANSLATOR'S ADVERTISEMENT.
+
+
+D'Aubigne's History of the Reformation is so well known and so highly
+appreciated as to make it not only unnecessary, but almost
+presumptuous, for a mere Translator to say any thing in commendation
+of it. The public feeling unquestionably is, that of the works which
+have recently appeared, it is one of the most talented, interesting,
+important, and seasonable. The mere lapse of time, aided by the active
+misrepresentations of the Romish party, had begun to make an
+impression in some degree unfavourable to the principles of the
+Reformation. This admirable work has again placed these principles in
+their true light. By its vivid display of what Rome was and did, it
+has impressively reminded us of what she still is, and is prepared to
+do. Her great boast is, that she has never changed. If so, she longs
+to return to her former course, and will return to it the first moment
+that circumstances enable her to do so. Being thus warned, our duty is
+plain. We must prepare for the combat; and of all preparations, none
+promises to be more effectual than that of thoroughly embuing the
+public mind with the facts so graphically delineated, and the
+principles so luminously and forcibly expounded in this work of
+D'Aubigne.
+
+But, it may be asked, Has not this purpose been effected already, or
+at least may it not be effected without the instrumentality of a new
+translation?
+
+To this question the Translator answers, _First_, The form of the
+present translation and the price at which it is published place the
+work within the reach of thousands to whom it might otherwise be a
+sealed book. _Second_, While this Translation is the cheapest in
+existence, it is also the only one which can, in strict truth, be
+regarded as genuine. The edition from which this translation is made
+was published in 1842. The date would have been of little consequence
+if the work had continued the same; but the fact is, that the edition
+of 1842 is not a reprint, but a complete revision of the one which
+preceded it. Numerous passages of considerable length and great
+importance have been introduced, while others which had, on a careful
+examination, been deemed redundant or inaccurate, have been expunged.
+Surely, after all the pains which the distinguished author has
+expended on the improvement of his work, it is scarcely doing justice
+either to him or to the English reader to leave his improvements
+unknown. In another respect the present Translation exclusively
+contains what is conceived to be a very decided improvement. All the
+Notes, the meaning of which is not given in the Text, have been
+literally translated. It seemed somewhat absurd while translating
+French for the benefit of the English reader, to be at the same time
+presenting him with a large number of passages of untranslated Latin.
+
+While the work has been printed in a form to which the most fastidious
+cannot object, it has been issued at a price which makes it accessible
+to all. The result, it is hoped, will be, that D'Aubigne's History of
+the Reformation will obtain a circulation somewhat adequate to its
+merits, and by its introduction into every family become what it well
+deserves to be--a household book.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+  BOOK I.
+
+  STATE OF MATTERS BEFORE THE REFORMATION.
+                                                                  PAGE
+
+
+  CHAP. I.
+
+  Christianity--Formation of the Papacy--Unity of the Church--The
+         Decretals--Hildebrand--Corruption of Doctrine,             13
+
+
+  CHAP. II.
+
+  Grace and Works--Pelagianism--Penances--Indulgences--
+      Supererogation--Purgatory--Taxation--Jubilee,                 27
+
+
+  CHAP. III.
+
+  Relics--Easter Merriment--Corruption of the Clergy--A Priest's
+        Family--Education--Ignorance,                               34
+
+
+  CHAP. IV.
+
+  Christianity Imperishable--Opposition to Rome--Frederick the
+        Wise--His Character--His Anticipation,                      42
+
+
+  CHAP. V.
+
+  The Empire--National Character--Switzerland--Italy--Spain--
+        Portugal--France--Netherlands--England--Scotland--The
+        North--Russia--Poland--Bohemia--Hungary,                    48
+
+
+  CHAP. VI.
+
+  State of Theology--Witnesses for the Truth--The Vaudois--
+        Wickliffe---Huss--Savonarola--John Wessel--Proles,          58
+
+
+  CHAP. VII.
+
+  Literature--Dante--Printing--Reuchlin--His Struggle with the
+        Dominicans,                                                 71
+
+
+  CHAP. VIII.
+
+  Erasmus--His Genius--His 'Praise of Folly'--His Greek Testament--
+        His Influence--His Failings,                                82
+
+
+  CHAP. IX.
+
+  The Nobles--Huetten--'Letters of some Obscure Men'--Seckingen--
+        Cronberg--Hans Sachs--General Fermentation,                 94
+
+
+  BOOK II.
+
+  YOUTH, CONVERSION, AND FIRST LABOURS, OF LUTHER.
+
+
+  CHAP. I.
+
+  Luther--His Parentage--The Paternal Roof--Strict Discipline--
+        School--The Shunammite--His Studies--University,           103
+
+
+  CHAP. II.
+
+  Scholasticism and the Classics--Luther's Piety--His Discovery
+        of a Bible--His Sickness--The Thunderstorm--His Entrance
+        into a Convent,                                            112
+
+
+  CHAP. III.
+
+  His Father's Anger--Servile Employments--His Studies--The
+        Bible--Hebrew and Greek--His Agony during Mass--Faints,    118
+
+
+  CHAP. IV.
+
+  Staupitz--His Piety--His Visitation--His Conversation--Presents
+        Luther with a Bible--The Old Monk--Luther's Consecration--
+        His Call to Wittemberg,                                    126
+
+
+  CHAP. V.
+
+  The University of Wittemberg--Luther's First Employment--
+        Biblical Lectures--Preaching at Wittemberg--The Old
+        Chapel,                                                    136
+
+
+  CHAP. VI.
+
+  Luther's Journey to Rome--A Convent on the Po--Luther's
+        Behaviour at Rome--Corruption of the Romish Clergy--
+        Prevailing Immorality--Pilate's Staircase,                 140
+
+
+  CHAP. VII.
+
+  Doctor's Degree--Carlstadt--Luther's Oath--First Views of
+        Reformation--The Schoolmen--Spalatin,                      149
+
+
+  CHAP. VIII.
+
+  'Popular Declamations'--Moral Purity of Luther--Mysticism--
+        Spenlein--Justification by Faith--Necessity of Works,      156
+
+
+  CHAP. IX.
+
+  First Theses--Visit to the Convents--Dresden--Erfurt--Tornator
+        Peace and the Cross--Labours--The Plague,                  163
+
+
+  CHAP. X.
+
+  Luther and the Elector--Duke George--Luther at Court--Dinner
+        Emser's Supper,                                            167
+
+
+  CHAP. XI.
+
+  Theses--Human Nature--Rationalism--Eck--Urban Regius--Luther's
+        Modesty,                                                   172
+
+
+  Book III.
+
+  THE INDULGENCES AND THESES.
+
+
+  CHAP. I.
+
+  Cortege--Tezel--His Discourse--Sale of Indulgences--Public
+        Penance--Letter of Indulgence--Feasting and Debauchery,    180
+
+
+  CHAP. II.
+
+  The Soul in the Burying-Ground--Shoemaker of Hagenau--Myconius--
+        Stratagem--Miner of Schneeberg,                            187
+
+
+  CHAP. III.
+
+  Leo X--His Necessities--Albert--His Character--Franciscans and
+        Dominicans,                                                193
+
+
+  CHAP. IV.
+
+  Tezel Approaches--Luther in the Confessional--Tezel's Rage--
+        Luther's Discourse--The Elector's Dream,                   197
+
+
+  CHAP. V.
+
+  Luther's Theses--Letter to Albert--Dissemination of the Theses,  203
+
+
+  CHAP. VI.
+
+  Reuchlin--Erasmus--Flek--Bibra--The Emperor--The Pope--Myconius--
+         The Monks--Adelman--An Old Priest--Bishop of Brandenburg--
+         Luther's Moving Principle,                                213
+
+
+  CHAP. VII.
+
+  Tezel's Attack--Luther's Reply--Luther and Spalatin--Study of
+        Scripture--Scheurl and Luther--Luther pleads for the
+        People--A new Suit,                                        221
+
+
+  CHAP. VIII.
+
+  Disputation at Frankfort--Tezel's Theses--Knipstrow--Luther's
+        Theses burnt--Tezel's Theses burnt,                        227
+
+
+  CHAP. IX.
+
+  Prierio--His Dialogue--Luther's Reply--Hochstraten--Eck--'The
+        Obelisks'--'The Asterisks,'                                235
+
+
+  CHAP. X.
+
+  Popular Writings--Lord's Prayer--Sermon on Repentance,           244
+
+
+  CHAP. XI.
+
+  Apprehensions of Luther's Friends--Journey to Heidelberg--
+        Bibra--The Palatinate Castle--The Paradoxes--Bucer--
+        Brentz--Snepf--The Old Professor,                          249
+
+
+  BOOK FOURTH.
+
+  LUTHER BEFORE THE LEGATE.
+
+
+  CHAP. I.
+
+  'Solutions'--Leo X--Luther to the Bishop--To the Pope--To
+        the Vicar-General--Rovere to the Elector--Discourse on
+        Excommunication,                                           258
+
+
+  CHAP. II.
+
+  Diet of Augsburg--The Emperor to the Pope--Luther cited to
+        Rome--Luther's Peace--Intercession of the University--
+        Papal Brief--The Pope to the Elector,                      266
+
+
+  CHAP. III.
+
+  Schwarzerd--His Wife--Philip Melancthon--His Genius--His
+        Studies--Call to Wittemberg--Leipsic--Parallel between
+        Luther and Melancthon--Education,                          273
+
+
+  CHAP. IV.
+
+  Luther and Staupitz--Order to Appear--Luther's Departure for
+        Augsburg--Weimar--Nuremberg,                               280
+
+
+  CHAP. V.
+
+  Arrival at Augsburg--De Vio--Serra-Longa--Safe-Conduct--Luther
+        to Melancthon,                                             285
+
+
+  CHAP. VI.
+
+  First Appearance--Conditions of Rome--Propositions to Retract--
+        Luther's Reply--Impressions on both Sides--Arrival of
+        Staupitz,                                                  293
+
+
+  CHAP. VII.
+
+  Communication to the Legate--Second Appearance--Luther's
+        Declaration--The Legate's Reply--The Legate's Volubility--
+        Luther's Request,                                          299
+
+
+  CHAP. VIII.
+
+  Third Appearance--Treasury of Indulgences--Humble Request--
+        Legate's Rage--Luther Retires,                             303
+
+
+  CHAP. IX.
+
+  De Vio and Staupitz--Staupitz and Luther--Luther and Spalatin
+        Communion--Departure of Staupitz and Link--Luther to
+        Cajetan--Luther's Departure--Appeal to the Pope,           307
+
+
+  CHAP. X.
+
+  Luther's Flight--Luther's Wish--The Legate to the Elector--The
+        Elector to the Legate--Prosperity of the University,       316
+
+
+  CHAP. XI.
+
+  Thoughts of Departure--Adieus to the Church--Critical Moment--
+        Luther's Courage--Discontentment at Rome--Papal Bull--
+        Appeal to a Council,                                       321
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE TO THE LAST EDITION.
+
+
+My purpose is not to write the history of a party, but that of one of
+the greatest revolutions which has taken place among men--the history
+of a mighty impulse which was given to the world three centuries ago,
+and the influence of which is still, in our day, every where
+perceived. The history of the Reformation is different from the
+history of Protestantism. In the former, every thing bears testimony
+to a revival of human nature, to a transformation, social and
+religious, emanating from God. In the latter are too often seen a
+remarkable degeneracy from primitive principles, party intrigue, a
+sectarian spirit, and the impress of petty private feelings. The
+history of Protestantism might interest none but Protestants; the
+history of the Reformation is for all Christians, or rather all men.
+
+The historian has a choice in the field in which he is to labour. He
+may describe the great events which change the face of a people, or
+the face of the world; or he may narrate the calm and progressive
+course, whether of a nation, the Church, or mankind, which usually
+follows great social changes. Both fields of history are highly
+important; but the preference, in point of interest, seems due to
+those epochs which, under the name of Revolutions, introduce a nation
+or society at large to a new era and a new life.
+
+Such a transformation I have attempted to describe with very humble
+powers, hoping that the beauty of the subject will compensate for my
+want of ability. In styling it a _Revolution_, I give it a name which
+in our day is in discredit with many, who almost confound it with
+_revolt_. This is a mistake. A revolution is a change which takes
+place in the world's affairs. It is something new evolved (_revolvo_)
+from the bosom of humanity; and, indeed, before the end of the last
+century, the term was oftener used in a good than a bad sense. They
+spoke of "a happy," a "marvellous" revolution. The Reformation being a
+re-establishment of the principles of primitive Christianity, is the
+opposite of a revolt. For that which behoved to revive it was a
+regenerating--for that which must always subsist, a conservative
+movement. Christianity and the Reformation, while establishing the
+grand principle that all souls are equal in the sight of God, and
+overthrowing the usurpations of a haughty priesthood, which presumed
+to place itself between the Creator and his creature, lay it down as a
+fundamental principle of social order, that all power is of God, and
+cry aloud to all, "Love your brethren, fear God, honour the king."
+
+The Reformation differs essentially from the revolutions of antiquity,
+and from the greater part of those of modern times. In these,
+political changes are in question, and the object is to establish or
+overthrow the ascendancy of one, or it may be of many. The love of
+truth, of holiness, and eternity, was the simple, yet powerful, spring
+by which our Reformation was effected. It marks a step which human
+nature has taken in advance. In fact, if man, instead of pursuing only
+material, temporal, earthly interests, proposes to himself a higher
+aim, aspiring to immaterial and immortal blessings, he advances and
+makes progress. The Reformation is one of the brightest days of this
+glorious advance. It is a pledge that the new struggle, which is now
+being decided, will terminate in favour of truth, with a triumph still
+more pure, spiritual, and splendid.
+
+Christianity and the Reformation are the two greatest revolutions on
+record. Unlike the different political movements of which we read,
+they took place not in one nation merely, but in several nations, and
+their effects must be felt to the end of the world.
+
+Christianity and the Reformation are the same revolution, effected at
+different times, and under different circumstances. They vary in
+secondary features, but are identical in their primary and principal
+lineaments. The one is a repetition of the other. The one ended the
+old, the other began the new world; the middle ages lie between. The
+one gave birth to the other, and if, in some respects, the daughter
+bears marks of inferiority, she on the other hand has her own peculiar
+properties.
+
+One of these is the rapidity of her action. The great revolutions
+which have issued in the fall of a monarchy, and the change of a whole
+political system, or which have thrown the human mind on a new course
+of development, were slowly and gradually prepared. The old power had
+long been undermined, and its principal buttresses had one after
+another disappeared. It was so on the introduction of Christianity.
+But the Reformation is seen, at the first glance, to present a
+different aspect. The Church of Rome appears, under Leo X, in all its
+power and glory. A monk speaks, and over the half of Europe this power
+and glory crumble away, thus reminding us of the words in which the
+Son of God announces his second advent: "As the lightning cometh out
+of the east, and shineth even unto the west, so shall also the coming
+of the Son of man be." (Matth., xxiv, 27.)
+
+This rapidity is inexplicable to those who see, in this great event,
+only a _reform_, and regard it as simply an act of criticism, which
+consisted in making a choice among doctrines, discarding some,
+retaining others, and arranging those retained, so as to form them
+into a new system.
+
+How could a whole nation, how could several nations, have so quickly
+performed an operation so laborious? How could this critical
+examination have kindled that fire of enthusiasm which is essential to
+great, and, above all, to rapid revolutions? The Reformation, as its
+history will show, was altogether different. It was a new effusion of
+the life which Christianity brought into the world. It was the triumph
+of the greatest of doctrines, that which animates those who embrace it
+with the purest and strongest enthusiasm--the doctrine of faith, the
+doctrine of grace. Had the Reformation been what many Catholics and
+many Protestants in our day imagine,--had it been that negative system
+of negative reason, which childishly rejects whatever displeases it,
+and loses sight of the great ideas and great truths of Christianity,
+it had never passed the narrow limits of an academy, a cloister, or a
+cell. It had nothing in common with what is generally understood by
+Protestantism. Far from being a worn-out, emaciated body, it rose up
+like a man of might and fire.
+
+Two considerations explain the rapidity and the extent of this
+revolution. The one must be sought in God, the other among men. The
+impulse was given by a mighty and invisible hand, and the change
+effected was a Divine work. This is the conclusion at which an
+impartial and attentive observer, who stops not at the surface,
+necessarily arrives. But the historian's task is not finished; for God
+works by second causes. A variety of circumstances, many of them
+unperceived, gradually prepared men for the great transformation of
+the sixteenth century, and, accordingly, the human mind was ripe when
+the hour of its emancipation pealed.
+
+The task of the historian is to combine these two great elements in
+the picture which he presents, and this has been attempted in the
+present history. We shall be easily understood, when we come to trace
+the second causes which contributed to the Reformation, but some
+perhaps will not understand us so well, and will even be tempted to
+tax us with superstition, when we attribute the accomplishment of the
+work to God. The idea, however, is particularly dear to us. This
+history, as indicated by the inscription on its title-page, places in
+front and over its head the simple and prolific principle, GOD IN
+HISTORY. But this principle being generally neglected, and sometimes
+disputed, it seems necessary to expound our views with regard to it,
+and thereby justify the method which we have seen it proper to adopt.
+
+History cannot, in our day, be that lifeless series of events which
+the greater part of previous historians deemed it sufficient to
+enumerate. It is now understood that in history as in man are two
+elements, matter and spirit. Our great historians, unable to satisfy
+themselves with a detail of facts, constituting only a barren
+chronicle, have sought for a principle of life to animate the
+materials of past ages.
+
+Some have borrowed this principle from art, aiming at vivid, faithful,
+and graphic description, and endeavouring to make their narrative live
+with the life of the events themselves.
+
+Others have applied to philosophy for the spirit which should give
+fruit to their labours. To facts they have united speculative views,
+instructive lessons, political and philosophical truths, enlivening
+their narrative by the language which they have made it speak, and the
+ideas which it has enabled them to suggest.
+
+Both methods doubtless are good, and should be employed within certain
+limits. But there is another source to which, above all others, it is
+necessary to apply for the spirit and life of the past--I mean
+Religion. History should be made to live with its own proper life. God
+is this life. God must be acknowledged--God proclaimed--in history.
+The history of the world should purport to be annals of the government
+of the Supreme King.
+
+I have descended into the field to which the narratives of our
+historians invited me, and there seen the actions of men and of states
+in energetic development and violent collision: of the clang of arms,
+I have heard more than I can tell; but no where have I been shown the
+majestic form of the Judge who sits umpire of the combat.
+
+And yet in all the movements of nations, there is a living principle
+which emanates from God. God is present on the vast stage on which the
+generations of men successively appear. True! He is there a God
+invisible; but if the profane multitude pass carelessly by, because He
+is concealed, profound intellects, spirits which feel a longing for
+the principle of their existence, seek him with so much the more
+earnestness, and are not satisfied until they are prostrated before
+Him. And their enquiries are magnificently rewarded. For, from the
+heights which they must reach in order to meet with God, the history
+of the world, instead of exhibiting to them, as to the ignorant crowd,
+a confused chaos, is seen like a majestic temple, on which the
+invisible hand of God himself is at work, and which, from humanity, as
+the rock on which it is founded, is rising up to his glory.
+
+Shall we not see God in those great phenomena, those great personages,
+those great states, which rise, and suddenly, so to speak, spring from
+the dust of the earth, giving to human life a new impulse, form, and
+destiny? Shall not we see Him in those great heroes who start up in
+society, at particular epochs, displaying an activity and a power
+beyond the ordinary limits of man, and around whom individuals and
+nations come without hesitation, and group themselves as around a
+higher and mysterious nature? Who flung forward into space those
+comets of gigantic form and fiery tail, which only appear at long
+intervals, shedding on the superstitious herd of mortals either plenty
+and gladness, or pestilence and terror? Who, if not God?... Alexander
+seeks his origin in the abodes of Divinity; and in the most
+irreligious age there is no great renown which strives not to connect
+itself in some way with heaven.
+
+And do not those revolutions, which cast down dynasties, or even whole
+kingdoms into the dust; those huge wrecks which we fall in with in the
+midst of the sands; those majestic ruins which the field of humanity
+presents, do not those cry loud enough, God in History? Gibbon,
+sitting amid the wrecks of the Capitol, and contemplating the
+venerable ruins, acknowledges the intervention of a higher power. He
+sees, he feels it, and in vain would turn away from it. This spectre
+of a mysterious power reappears behind each ruin, and he conceives the
+idea of describing its influence in the history of the disorganisation,
+the decline and fall of this Roman power, which had subjugated the
+nations. This powerful hand, which a man of distinguished genius, one,
+however, who had not bent the knee before Jesus Christ, perceives
+athwart scattered fragments of the tomb of Romulus, reliefs of Marcus
+Aurelius, busts of Cicero and Virgil, statues of Caesar and Augustus,
+trophies of Trajan, and steeds of Pompey, shall not we discover amid
+all ruins, and recognise as the hand of our God?
+
+Strange! this interposition of God in human affairs, which even Pagans
+had recognised, men reared amid the grand ideas of Christianity treat
+as superstition.
+
+The name which Grecian antiquity gave to the Sovereign God, shows us
+that it had received primitive revelations of this great truth of a
+God, the source of history, and of the life of nations. It called him
+_Zeus_,[1] that is to say, He who gives _life_ to all that lives, to
+individuals and nations. To his altars kings and subjects come to take
+their oaths, and from his mysterious inspirations Minos and other
+legislators pretend to have received their laws. Nay more, this great
+truth is figured by one of the most beautiful myths of Pagan
+antiquity. Even Mythology might teach the sages of our day. This is a
+fact which it may be worth while to establish; perhaps there are
+individuals who will oppose fewer prejudices to the lessons of
+Paganism than to those of Christianity. This Zeus, then, this
+Sovereign God, this Eternal Spirit, the principle of life, is father
+of Clio, the Muse of History, whose mother is Mnemosyne or Memory.
+Thus, according to antiquity, history unites a celestial to a
+terrestrial nature. She is daughter of God and man. But, alas! the
+short-sighted wisdom of our boasted days is far below those heights of
+Pagan wisdom. History has been robbed of her divine parent, and now an
+illegitimate child, a bold adventurer, she roams the world, not well
+knowing whence she comes, or whither she goes.
+
+  [1] From _zao_, I live.
+
+But this divinity of Pagan antiquity is only a dim reflection, a
+flickering shadow of the Eternal Jehovah. The true God whom the
+Hebrews worship, sees meet to imprint it on the minds of all nations
+that he reigns perpetually on the earth, and for this purpose gives,
+if I may so express it, a bodily form to this reign in the midst of
+Israel. A visible Theocracy behoved for once to exist on the earth,
+that it might incessantly recall the invisible Theocracy which will
+govern the world for ever.
+
+And what lustre does not the great truth--God in History--receive from
+the Christian Dispensation? Who is Jesus Christ, if he be not God in
+History? It was the discovery of Jesus Christ that gave John Mueller,
+the prince of modern historians, his knowledge of history. "The
+Gospel," he says, "is the fulfilment of all hopes, the finishing point
+of all philosophy, the explanation of all revolutions, the key to all
+the apparent contradictions of the physical and moral world; in short,
+life and immortality. Ever since I knew the Saviour, I see all things
+clearly; with him there is no difficulty which I cannot solve."[2]
+
+  [2] Letter to Charles Bonnet.
+
+So speaks this great historian; and, in truth, is not the fact of
+God's appearance in human nature the key-stone of the arch, the
+mysterious knot which binds up all the things of earth, and attaches
+them to heaven? There is a birth of God in the history of the world,
+and shall God not be in history? Jesus Christ is the true God in the
+history of men. The very meanness of his appearance proves it. When
+man wishes to erect a shade or shelter on the earth, you may expect
+preparations, materials, scaffolding, workmen, tools, trenches,
+rubbish. But God, when he is pleased to do it, takes the smallest
+seed, which a new-born babe could have clasped in its feeble hand,
+deposits it in the bosom of the earth, and, from this grain, at first
+imperceptible, produces the immense tree under which the families of
+the earth recline. To do great things by imperceptible means is the
+law of God.
+
+In Jesus Christ this law receives its most magnificent fulfilment. Of
+Christianity, which has now taken possession of the portals of
+nations, which is, at this moment, reigning or wandering over all the
+tribes of the earth from the rising to the setting sun, and which
+incredulous philosophy herself is obliged to acknowledge as the
+spiritual and social law of the world--of this Christianity, (the
+greatest thing under the vault of heaven, nay, in the boundless
+immensity of Creation,) what was the commencement? An infant born in
+the smallest town of the most despised nation of the earth--an infant
+whose mother had not what the poorest and most wretched female in any
+one of our cities has, a room for birth--an infant born in a stable
+and laid in a manger!... There, O God, I behold and I adore Thee!
+
+The Reformation knew this law of God, and felt she had a call to
+accomplish it. The idea that God is in history was often brought
+forward by the Reformers. In particular, we find it on one occasion
+expressed by Luther, under one of those grotesque and familiar, yet
+not undignified figures which he was fond of employing in order to be
+understood by the people. "The world," said he one day at table among
+his friends; "the world is a vast and magnificent game at cards,
+consisting of emperors, kings, and princes. For several ages the pope
+has beaten the emperors, princes, and kings, who stooped and fell
+under him. Then our Lord God came and dealt the cards, taking to
+himself the smallest, [Luther,] and with it has beaten the pope, who
+beat the kings of the earth.... God used it as his ace. 'He hath put
+down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree,'
+says Mary." (Luke, i, 52.)
+
+The period whose history I am desirous to trace, is important with
+reference to the present time. Man, on feeling his weakness, is
+usually disposed to seek for aid in the institutions which he sees
+existing around him, or in devices, the offspring of his own
+imagination. The history of the Reformation shows that nothing new is
+done with what is old, and that if, according to our Saviour's
+expression, there must be new vessels for new wine, there must also be
+new wine for new vessels. It directs man to God, the sole actor in
+history--to that divine Word--always ancient, from the eternity of the
+truths which it contains--always new, by the regenerating influence
+which it exerts, which three centuries ago purified society, restoring
+faith in God to those whom superstition had enfeebled; and which, at
+all epochs in the world's history, is the source from which salvation
+proceeds.
+
+It is singular to see a great number of individuals under the
+agitation produced by a vague longing for some fixed belief, actually
+applying to old Catholicism. In one sense, the movement is natural.
+Religion being so little known, they imagine the only place to find it
+is where they see it painted, in large characters, on a banner, which
+age makes respectable. We say not that every kind of Catholicism is
+incapable of giving man what he wants. Our belief is, that a
+distinction should be carefully drawn between Catholicism and the
+Papacy. The Papacy we hold to be an erroneous and destructive system;
+but we are far from confounding Catholicism with it. How many
+respectable men, how many true Christians has not the Catholic Church
+contained! What immense services did not Catholicism render to
+existing states on their first formation, at a time when it was still
+strongly impregnated with the Gospel, and when the Papacy was only
+sketched above it in faint outline! But we are far away from those
+times. In our day an attempt is made to yoke Catholicism to the
+Papacy; and if catholic Christian truths are presented, they are
+little else than baits to allure men into the nets of the hierarchy.
+There is nothing to be expected from that quarter. Has the papacy
+abandoned one of its practices, its doctrines, its pretensions? Will
+not this religion, which other ages were unable to bear, be still less
+tolerable to ours? What revival was ever seen to emanate from Rome? Is
+it from the Papal hierarchy, all engrossed by earthly passions, that
+the spirit of faith, hope, and charity, which alone will save us, can
+proceed? Is it an effete system, which has no life for itself, which
+is everywhere struggling with death, and exists only by aid borrowed
+from without, that will give life to others, and animate Christian
+society with the heavenly breath for which it sighs?
+
+Or will this void in heart and soul, which some of our contemporaries
+begin to feel, dispose others of them to apply to the new
+Protestantism which has in several places supplanted the principal
+doctrines taught in the days of the Apostles and Reformers? A great
+vagueness of doctrine reigns in many of those Reformed Churches whose
+original members gave their blood as a seal of the living faith which
+animated them. Men of distinguished talents, alive to all that is
+beautiful in creation, have fallen into singular aberrations. A
+general faith in the divinity of the Gospel is the only standard which
+they are willing to follow. But what is this Gospel? This is the
+essential question; and yet all are silent on it, or, rather, each
+speaks in his own way. What avails it to know that in the midst of the
+people stands a vessel placed there by God in order to cure them, if
+none care for its contents, if none endeavour to appropriate them?
+This system cannot fill up the existing void. While the faith of the
+Apostles and Reformers is now in all quarters displaying its activity
+and power in the conversion of the world, this vague system does
+nothing, gives no light, no life.
+
+But let us not be without hope. Does not Roman Catholicism confess the
+great doctrines of Christianity, God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
+Creator, Saviour, and Sanctifier, the Truth? Does not vague
+Protestantism hold in its hand the Book of Life, which is "profitable
+for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in
+righteousness?" And how many upright spirits, honourable in the eyes
+of men, and pleasing in the sight of God, are found among the
+followers of these two systems! How shall we not love them?--how shall
+we not ardently desire their complete emancipation from the elements
+of the world? Charity is of vast extent; she takes the most opposite
+opinions into her embrace, that she may bring them to the feet of
+Jesus Christ.
+
+Already there are signs which show that these two extreme opinions are
+in course of approximating to Jesus Christ, who is the centre of
+truth. Are there not some Roman Catholic churches in which the reading
+of the Scriptures is recommended and practised? And, in regard to
+Protestant rationalism, how great the advance which it has already
+made! It did not originate in the Reformation, for the history of this
+great revolution will prove that it was a time of faith; but may we
+not hope that it is tending towards it? May not the force of truth
+reach it through the Word of God, and, reaching, transform it? Even
+now it gives signs of religious sentiment, inadequate, no doubt, but
+still forming an approach towards sound doctrine, and giving hopes of
+decisive progress.
+
+Both Protestantism and old Catholicism are in themselves out of the
+question, and off the field; and it must be from some other source
+that the men of our day are to derive a saving power. There must be
+something which comes not of man, but of God. "Give me," said
+Archimedes, "a point outside the world, and I will lift it from its
+poles." True Christianity is this point outside the world. It lifts
+the human heart from the double pivot of egotism and sensuality, and
+will one day lift the whole world from its evil course, and make it
+turn on a new axis of righteousness and peace.
+
+Whenever religion is in question, three objects engage the
+attention--God, man, and the priest. There can only be three religions
+on the earth, according as God, man, or the priest, is the author and
+head. By the religion of the priest, I mean that which is invented by
+the priest for the glory of the priest, and is ruled over by a
+sacerdotal caste. By the religion of man, I mean those systems, those
+various opinions which human reason forms, and which, created by man
+under disease, are, in consequence, utterly devoid of power to cure
+him. By the religion of God, I mean the truth as God himself has given
+it, having for its end and result the glory of God and the salvation
+of men.
+
+Hierarchism, or the religion of the priest, Christianity, or the
+religion of God, rationalism, or the religion of man, are the three
+systems which in our days share Christendom among them. There is no
+safety either for man or for society in hierarchism and rationalism.
+Christianity alone will give life to the world; but, unhappily, of the
+three dominant systems it is not the one which counts the greatest
+number of followers.
+
+Followers, however, it has. Christianity is doing its work of
+regeneration among many Catholics in Germany, and, doubtless, in other
+countries also. In our opinion, it is accomplishing it more purely and
+efficaciously among the evangelical Christians in Switzerland, France,
+Great Britain, the United States, etc. Blessed be God, the revivals,
+individual or social, which the Gospel produces, are no longer in our
+day rare events, for which we must search in ancient annals!
+
+What I design to write, is a general history of the Reformation. I
+purpose to follow its course among the different nations, and to show
+that the same truths have everywhere produced the same results; at the
+same time, pointing out the diversities occasioned by differences of
+national character. And, first, it is in Germany especially that we
+find the primitive type of reform. There it presents the most regular
+development, there, above all, it bears the character of a revolution
+not limited to this or that people, but embracing the whole world. The
+Reformation in Germany is the fundamental history of reform. It is the
+great planet; the other Reformations are secondary planets, which
+turn with it, lighted by the same sun, and adapted to the same system,
+but still having a separate existence, each shedding a different
+light, and always possessing a peculiar beauty. To the Reformation of
+the sixteenth century we may apply the words of St. Paul, "There is
+one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory
+of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory." (1
+Cor., xv, 41.) The Swiss Reformation took place at the same time with
+that of Germany, and independently of it, and presented, more
+especially at an after period, some of the grand features which
+characterise the German Reformation. The Reformation in England has
+very special claims on our attention, from the powerful influence
+which the Church of that kingdom is now exercising over the whole
+world. But recollections of family and of flight, the thought of
+battles, sufferings, and exile endured for the cause of the
+Reformation in France, give it, in my eyes, a peculiar attraction.
+Considered in itself, and also in the date of its commencement, it
+presents beauties of its own.
+
+I believe that the Reformation is a work of God; this must have been
+already seen. Still, I hope to be impartial in tracing its history. Of
+the principal Roman Catholic actors in this great drama--for example,
+of Leo X, Albert of Magdeburg, Charles V, and Doctor Eck--I believe I
+have spoken more favourably than the greater part of historians have
+done. On the other hand, I have not sought to hide the faults and
+failings of the Reformers.
+
+Since the winter of 1831-32, I have delivered public lectures on the
+period of the Reformation, and I then published my opening Address.[3]
+These lectures have served as a preparative for the work which I now
+offer to the public.
+
+  [3] Discours sur l'Etude de l'Histoire du Christianisme, et son
+  utilite pour l'epoque actuelle. Paris, 1832, chez J. J. Risler.
+
+This history has been drawn from sources made familiar to me by long
+residence in Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, and by the
+study, in the original tongues, of documents relating to the religious
+history of Great Britain, and some other countries besides. These
+sources are indicated by notes throughout the work, and therefore
+require not to be mentioned here.
+
+I could have wished to authenticate the different parts of my
+narrative by numerous original notes, but found that, if long and
+frequent, they might interrupt the course of the narrative in a manner
+disagreeable to the reader. I have, therefore, confined myself to
+certain passages which seemed fitted to make him more thoroughly
+acquainted with subject.
+
+I address this history to those who love to see past events simply as
+they were, and not by the help of the magic mirror of genius, which
+magnifies and gilds, but sometimes also diminishes and distorts them.
+Neither the philosophy of the eighteenth, nor the romance of the
+nineteenth century, will furnish my opinions or my colours. I write
+the history of the Reformation in its own spirit. Principles, it has
+been said, have no modesty. Their nature is to rule, and they doggedly
+insist on the privilege. If they meet in their path with other
+principles which dispute their ascendancy, they give battle instantly;
+for a principle never rests till it has conquered. Nor can it be
+otherwise. To reign is its life; if it reigns not, it dies. Hence,
+while declaring that I am not able, and that I have no wish to rival
+other historians of the Reformation, I make a reservation in favour of
+the principles on which this history rests, and fearlessly maintain
+their superiority.
+
+I cannot help thinking that as yet no history of the memorable epoch
+which I am about to describe exists in French. When I commenced my
+work, I saw no indication that the blank was to be filled up. This
+circumstance alone could have induced me to undertake the work, and I
+here bring it forward as my excuse. The blank exists still; and I pray
+Him from whom every good gift "cometh down" to grant that this humble
+attempt may not be without benefit to some of its readers.
+
+  J. H. M. D'AUBIGNE.
+
+  EAUX-VIVES, NEAR GENEVA.
+
+
+
+
+HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK I.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+STATE OF MATTERS BEFORE THE REFORMATION.
+
+     Christianity--Two distinguishing Principles--Formation of
+     the Papacy--First encroachments--Influence of
+     Rome--Co-operation of Bishops and Factions--External Unity
+     of the Church--Internal Unity of the Church--Primacy of St.
+     Peter--Patriarchates--Co-operation of Princes--Influence of
+     the Barbarians--Rome invokes the Franks--Secular
+     Power--Pepin and Charlemagne--The Decretals--Disorders of
+     Rome--The Emperor the Pope's Liege Lord--Hildebrand--His
+     character--Celibacy--Struggle with the Emperor--Emancipation
+     of the Pope--Hildebrand's Successors--The Crusades--The
+     Church--Corruption of Doctrine.
+
+
+The enfeebled world was rocking on its base when Christianity
+appeared. National religions which had sufficed for the fathers, could
+no longer satisfy the children. The new generation could not be
+moulded in the ancient forms. The gods of all nations transported to
+Rome, had there lost their oracles, as the nations had there lost
+their liberty. Brought face to face in the Capitol, they had mutually
+destroyed each other, and their divinity had disappeared. A great void
+had been made in the religion of the world.
+
+A kind of deism, destitute of spirit and life, kept floating, for some
+time, over the abyss in which the vigorous superstitions of the
+ancients were engulfed. But, like all negative beliefs, it was unable
+to build. Narrow national distinctions fell with the gods, and the
+nations melted down into one another. In Europe, Asia, and Africa,
+there was now only one empire, and the human race began to feel its
+universality and its unity.
+
+Then the Word was made flesh.
+
+God appeared among men, and as a man, "to save that which was lost."
+In Jesus of Nazareth "dwelt all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."
+
+This is the greatest event in the annals of the world. Ancient times
+had prepared it,--new times flow from it. It is their centre, their
+bond, and their unity.
+
+Thenceforth all the popular superstitions were without meaning, and
+the slender remains which they had saved from the great shipwreck of
+infidelity sank before the Majestic Sun of eternal truth.
+
+The Son of man lived thirty-three years here below, curing the sick,
+instructing sinners, having no place where to lay his head, yet
+displaying, in the depth of this humiliation, a grandeur, a holiness,
+a power, and divinity, which the world had never known. He suffered,
+died, rose again, and ascended to heaven. His disciples, beginning at
+Jerusalem, traversed the empire and the world, everywhere proclaiming
+their Master "the Author of eternal salvation." From the heart of a
+nation, which stood aloof from all nations, came forth a mercy which
+invited and embraced all. A great number of Asiatics, Greeks, and
+Romans, till then led by priests to the feet of dumb idols, believed
+the Word which suddenly illumined the earth "like a sunbeam," as
+Eusebius expresses it.[4] A breath of life began to move over this
+vast field of death. A new people, a holy nation, was formed among
+men, and the astonished world beheld, in the disciples of the
+Galilean, a purity, a self-denial, a charity, a heroism, of which it
+had lost even the idea.
+
+  [4] Oia tis eliou bole. (Hist. Eccl., ii, 3.)
+
+Two principles, in particular, distinguished the new religion from all
+the human systems which it drove before it. The one related to the
+ministers of worship, the other to doctrine.
+
+The ministers of Paganism were in a manner the gods whom those human
+religions worshipped. The priests of Egypt, Gaul, Scythia, Germany,
+Britain, and Hindostan, led the people so long, at least, as the eyes
+of the people were unopened. Jesus Christ, no doubt, established a
+ministry, but he did not found a particular priesthood. He dethroned
+the living idols of the nations, destroyed a proud hierarchy, took
+from man what man had taken from God, and brought the soul again into
+immediate contact with the divine source of truth, proclaiming himself
+sole Master and sole Mediator.--"One is your Master, even Christ,"
+said he; "and all ye are brethren." (Matt., xxiii, 8.)
+
+In regard to doctrine, human religions had taught that salvation was
+of man. The religions of the earth had framed an earthly religion.
+They had told man that heaven would be given him as a hire--they had
+fixed its price, and what a price! The religion of God taught that
+salvation came from God, was a gift from heaven, the result of an
+amnesty, of an act of grace by the Sovereign. "God," it is said, "has
+given eternal life."
+
+It is true, Christianity cannot be summed up under these two heads,
+but they seem to rule the subject, especially where history is
+concerned; and as we cannot possibly trace the opposition between
+truth and error, in all points, we must select those of them which are
+most prominent.
+
+Such, then, were two of the constituent principles of the religion
+which at that time took possession of the empire, and of the world.
+_With_ them we are within the true land-marks of Christianity--_out
+of_ them Christianity disappears. On the preservation or the loss of
+them depended its greatness or its fall. They are intimately
+connected; for it is impossible to exalt the priests of the church, or
+the works of believers, without lowering Jesus Christ in his double
+capacity of Mediator and Redeemer. The one of these principles should
+rule the history of religion, the other should rule its doctrine.
+Originally, both were paramount; let us see how they were lost. We
+begin with the destinies of the former.
+
+The Church was at first a society of brethren, under the guidance of
+brethren. They were all taught of God, and each was entitled to come
+to the Divine fountain of light, and draw for himself. (John, vi, 45.)
+The Epistles, which then decided great questions of doctrine, were not
+inscribed with the pompous name of a single man--a head. The Holy
+Scriptures inform us, that the words were simply these, "The apostles,
+elders, and brethren, to our brethren." (Acts, xv, 23.)
+
+But even the writings of the apostles intimate, that from the midst of
+these brethren a power would rise and subvert this simple and
+primitive order. (2 Thess., ii, 2.)
+
+Let us contemplate the formation, and follow the development of this
+power--a power foreign to the Church.
+
+Paul of Tarsus, one of the greatest apostles of the new religion, had
+arrived at Rome, the capital of the empire and of the world, preaching
+the salvation which comes from God. A church was formed beside the
+throne of the Caesars. Founded by this apostle, it consisted at first
+of some converted Jews, some Greeks, and some citizens of Rome. For a
+long time it shone like a pure light on a mountain top. Its faith was
+everywhere spoken of; but at length it fell away from its primitive
+condition. It was by small beginnings that the two Romes paved their
+way to the usurped dominion of the world.
+
+The first pastors or bishops of Rome early engaged in the conversion
+of the villages and towns around the city. The necessity which the
+bishops and pastors of the Campagna di Roma felt of recurring in cases
+of difficulty to an enlightened guide, and the gratitude which they
+owed to the Church of the metropolis, led them to remain in close
+union with it. What has always been seen in analogous circumstances
+was seen here; this natural union soon degenerated into dependence.
+The superiority which the neighbouring churches had freely yielded,
+the bishops of Rome regarded as a right. The encroachments of power
+form one large part of history, while the resistance of those whose
+rights were invaded forms the other. Ecclesiastical power could not
+escape the intoxication which prompts all those who are raised to aim
+at rising still higher. It yielded to this law of humanity and nature.
+
+Nevertheless, the supremacy of the Roman bishop was at this time
+limited to oversight of the churches within the territory civilly
+subject to the prefect of Rome.[5] But the rank which this city of the
+Emperors held in the world, presented to the ambition of its first
+pastor a larger destiny. The respect paid in the second century to the
+different bishops of Christendom was proportioned to the rank of the
+city in which they resided. Now Rome was the greatest, the richest,
+and the most powerful city in the world. It was the seat of
+Empire,--the mother of nations; "All the inhabitants of the earth
+belong to it," says Julian;[6] and Claudian proclaims it "the fountain
+of law."[7]
+
+  [5] "Suburbicaria loca," suburban places. See the Sixth Canon of the
+  Council of Nice, which Rufinus (Hist. Eccl., x, 6) quotes thus: "Et ut
+  apud Alexandriam et in urbe Roma, vetusta consuetudo servetur, ut vel
+  ille Egypti, vel hic suburbicariarum ecclesiarum solicitudinem gerat,"
+  etc. And as at Alexandria, and in the city of Rome, an ancient custom
+  is observed; viz., That the bishop of the former has charge of the
+  churches in Egypt, and the latter of those in the suburbs.
+
+  [6] Julian., Or. 1.
+
+  [7] Claud. in Paneg. Stilic., lib. 3.
+
+If Rome is queen of the cities of the world, why should not its pastor
+be the king of bishops? Why should not the Roman Church be the mother
+of Christendom? Why should not the nations be her children, and her
+authority their sovereign law? It was easy for the ambitious heart of
+man to reason in this way. Ambitious Rome did so.
+
+Thus Pagan Rome, when she fell, sent the proud titles which her
+invincible sword had conquered from the nations of the earth to the
+humble minister of the God of peace seated amidst her ruins.
+
+The bishops in the different quarters of the empire, led away by the
+charm which Rome had for ages exercised over all nations, followed the
+example of the Campagna di Roma, and lent a hand to this work of
+usurpation. They took pleasure in paying to the Bishop of Rome
+somewhat of the honour which belonged to the Queen city of the world.
+At first there was no dependence implied in this honour. They treated
+the Roman pastor as equal does equal;[8] but usurped powers grow like
+avalanches. What was at first mere brotherly advice soon became, in
+the mouth of the Pontiff, obligatory command. In his eyes a first
+place among equals was a throne.
+
+  [8] Eusebius, Hist. Eccl. 1. v, c. 24. Socrat. Hist. Eccl. c. 21.
+  Cyprian, Ep. 59, 72, 75.
+
+The Western bishops favoured the designs of the pastors of Rome,
+either from jealousy of the Eastern bishops or because they preferred
+the supremacy of a pope to the domination of a temporal power.
+
+On the other hand, the theological factions which rent the East
+sought, each in its turn, to gain the favour of Rome, anticipating
+their triumph from the support of the principal Church of the West.
+
+Rome carefully registered these requests, these mediations, and smiled
+when she saw the nations throwing themselves into her arms. She let
+slip no occasion of increasing and extending her power. Praise,
+flattery, extravagant compliments, consultation by other churches, all
+became, in her eyes, and in her hands, titles and evidents of her
+authority. Such is man upon the throne; incense intoxicates him, and
+his head turns. What he has he regards as a motive to strive for more.
+
+The doctrine of the Church, and of the necessity of her external
+unity, which began to prevail so early as the third century, favoured
+the pretensions of Rome. The primary idea of the Church is, that it is
+the assembly of the saints, (1 Cor., i, 2,) the assembly of the
+first-born whose names are written in heaven. (Heb., xii, 23.) Still,
+however, the Church of the Lord is not merely internal and invisible.
+It must manifest itself outwardly, and it was with a view to this
+manifestation that the Lord instituted the Sacraments of Baptism and
+the Eucharist. The Church considered as external, has characteristics
+different from those which distinguish her as the Church invisible.
+The internal Church, which is the body of Christ, is necessarily and
+perpetually one. The visible Church, doubtless, has part in this
+unity, but considered in herself, multiplicity is a characteristic
+attributed to her in the Scriptures of the New Testament. While they
+speak to us of a Church of God,[9] they mention, when speaking of the
+Church, as externally manifested, "the Churches of Galatia," "the
+Churches of Macedonia," "the Churches of Judea," "all the Churches of
+the Saints."[10] These different Churches, unquestionably, may to a
+certain extent cultivate external union; but though this tie be
+wanting, they lose none of the essential qualities of the Church of
+Christ. In primitive times, the great tie which united the members of
+the Church was the living faith of the heart, by which all held of
+Christ as their common Head.
+
+  [9] 1 Cor. xv, 9. 1 Tim. iii, 15.
+
+  [10] 1 Cor. xvi, i. 2 Cor. viii, 1. Gal. i, 22. 1 Cor. xiv, 33.
+
+Various circumstances early contributed to originate and develop the
+idea of the necessity of an external unity. Men accustomed to the ties
+and political forms of an earthly country, transferred some of their
+views and customs to the spiritual and eternal kingdom of Jesus
+Christ. Persecution, powerless to destroy, or even to shake this new
+society, drew its attention more upon itself, and caused it to assume
+the form of a more compact incorporation. To the error which sprung up
+in deistical schools, or among sects, was opposed the one universal
+truth received from the Apostles, and preserved in the Church. This
+was well, so long as the invisible and spiritual Church was one with
+the visible and external Church. But a serious divorce soon took
+place; the form and the life separated from each other. The semblance
+of an identical and external organisation was gradually substituted
+for the internal and spiritual unity which forms the essence of
+genuine religion. The precious perfume of faith was left out, and then
+men prostrated themselves before the empty vase which had contained
+it. The faith of the heart no longer uniting the members of the
+Church, another tie was sought, and they were united by means of
+bishops, archbishops, popes, mitres, ceremonies, and canons. The
+living Church having gradually retired into the hidden sanctuary of
+some solitary souls, the external Church was put in its place, and
+declared to be, with all its forms, of divine institution. Salvation,
+no longer welling up from the henceforth hidden Word, it was
+maintained that it was transmitted by means of the forms which had
+been devised, and that no man could possess it if he did not receive
+it through this channel. None, it was said, can, by his own faith,
+attain to eternal life. Christ communicated to the Apostles, and the
+Apostles communicated to the Bishops, the unction of the Holy Spirit;
+and this Spirit exists nowhere but in that order! Originally,
+whosoever had the Spirit of Jesus Christ was a member of the Church,
+but the terms were now reversed, and it was maintained that none but
+members of the Church received the Spirit of Jesus Christ.[11]
+
+  [11] "Ubi ecclesia, ibi et Spiritus Dei. Ubi Spiritus Dei, illic
+  ecclesia." (Irenaeus.) Where the Church, there too the Spirit of God.
+  Where the Spirit of God, there the Church.
+
+In proportion as these ideas gained ground, the distinction between
+clergy and people became more marked. The salvation of souls no longer
+depended solely on faith in Christ, but also, and more especially, on
+union with the Church. The representatives and heads of the Church
+obtained a part of the confidence due only to Jesus Christ, and in
+fact became mediators for the flock. The idea of the universal
+priesthood of Christians accordingly disappeared step by step; the
+servants of the Church of Christ were likened to the priests under the
+Old Dispensation; and those who separated from the bishop were put in
+the same class with Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. From an individual
+priesthood, such as was then formed in the Church, to a sovereign
+priesthood, such as Rome now claims, the step was easy.
+
+In fact, as soon as the error as to the necessity of a visible unity
+of the Church was established, a new error was seen to arise, viz.,
+that of the necessity of an external representative of this unity.
+
+Although we nowhere find in the gospel any traces of a pre-eminence in
+St. Peter over the other apostles; although the very idea of primacy
+is opposed to the fraternal relations which united the disciples, and
+even to the spirit of the gospel dispensation, which, on the contrary,
+calls upon all the children of the Father to be servants one to
+another, recognising one only teacher, and one only chief; and
+although Jesus Christ sharply rebuked his disciples, as often as
+ambitious ideas of pre-eminence arose in their carnal hearts, men
+invented, and by means of passages of Scripture ill understood,
+supported a primacy in St. Peter, and then in this apostle, and his
+pretended successors at Rome, saluted the visible representatives of
+visible unity--the heads of the Church!
+
+The patriarchal constitution also contributed to the rise of the Roman
+Papacy. So early as the three first centuries, the churches of
+metropolitan towns had enjoyed particular respect. The Council of
+Nice, in its Sixth Canon, singled out three cities, whose churches
+had, according to it, an ancient authority over those of the
+surrounding provinces; these were Alexandria, Rome, and Antioch. The
+political origin of this distinction is betrayed by the very name
+which was at first given to the bishop of these cities. He was called
+Exarch, in the same way as the civil governor.[12] At a later period,
+the more ecclesiastical name of Patriarch was given to him. This name
+occurs for the first time in the Council of Constantinople, but in a
+different sense from that which it received at a later period; for it
+was only a short time before the Council of Chalcedon, that it was
+applied exclusively to the great metropolitans. The second ecumenical
+Council created a new patriarchate, that of Constantinople itself, the
+new Rome, the second capital of the empire. The Church of Byzantium,
+so long in obscurity, enjoyed the same privileges, and was put by the
+Council of Chalcedon in the same rank as the Church of Rome. Rome then
+shared the patriarchate with these three churches; but when the
+invasion of Mahomet annihilated the sees of Alexandria and
+Antioch--when the see of Constantinople decayed, and later, even
+separated from the west, Rome remained alone, and circumstances
+rallied all around her see, which from that time remained without a
+rival.
+
+  [12] See Canon, Sardic. VI; and also the Council of Chalcedon, Canons
+  8 and 18, o exarchos tes dioikeseos, the exarch of
+  the diocese.
+
+New accomplices, the most powerful of all accomplices, came also to
+her aid. Ignorance and superstition seized upon the Church, and gave
+her up to Rome with a bandage on her eyes, and chains on her hands.
+Still this slavery was not completed without opposition. Often did the
+voice of the churches protest their independence: This bold voice was
+heard especially in proconsular Africa and the East.[13]
+
+  [13] Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, says of St. Stephen, Bishop of
+  Rome:--"Magis ac magis ejus _errorem_ denotabis, qui haereticorum
+  causam contra Christianos et contra _Ecclesiam Dei_ asserere conatur
+  ... qui unitatem et veritatem de divina lege venientem non tenens....
+  Consuetudo sine veritate vetustas erroris est." (Epist. 74.) "You will
+  more and more observe the error of him who is trying to maintain the
+  cause of heretics against Christians and against the Church of God ...
+  who not holding the unity and truth which come by the Divine law....
+  Custom without truth is the antiquity of error."... Firmilian, Bishop
+  of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, also says after the middle of the third
+  century: "Eos autem qui Romae sunt, non ea in omnibus observare quae
+  sunt ab origine tradita, et frustra auctoritatem apostolorum
+  praetendere.... Caeterum nos veritati et consuetudinem jungimus, et
+  consuetudini Romanorum, consuetudinem sed veritatis opponimus; ab
+  initio hoc tenentes quod a Christo et ab apostolo traditum est."
+  (Cypr. Ep. 75.) "But they do not in all things observe what was
+  originally delivered, and in vain pretend the authority of the
+  apostles.... But we (the Bishops of the Churches of Asia, more ancient
+  than those of Rome) to truth join custom also, and to the custom of
+  the Romans oppose custom, but the custom of truth, holding from the
+  beginning what was delivered by Christ and an apostle." These
+  testimonies are of great weight.
+
+But Rome found new allies to stifle the cry of the Churches. Princes,
+whom tempestuous times often caused to totter on the throne, offered
+her their support if she would in return support them. They offered
+her spiritual authority, provided she would reinstate them in secular
+power. They gave her a cheap bargain of souls, in the hope that she
+would help them to a cheap bargain of their enemies. The hierarchical
+power which was rising, and the imperial power which was declining,
+thus supported each other, and, by this alliance, hastened their
+double destiny.
+
+Here Rome could not be a loser. An edict of Theodosius II, and of
+Valentinian III, proclaimed the bishop of Rome "Rector of the whole
+Church."[14] Justinian issued a similar edict. These decrees did not
+contain all that the popes pretended to see in them; but in those
+times of ignorance it was easy for them to give prevalence to the
+interpretation which was most in their favour. The power of the
+emperors in Italy becoming always more precarious, the Bishops of Rome
+failed not to avail themselves of the circumstance to shake off their
+dependence.
+
+  [14] Rector totius Ecclesiae.
+
+But energetic promoters of the Papal power had by this time emerged
+from the forests of the North. The barbarians, who had invaded the
+West, and there fixed their abode, after intoxicating themselves with
+blood and rapine, behoved to lower their fierce sword before the
+intellectual, power which they encountered. Altogether new to
+Christianity, ignorant of the spiritual nature of the Church, and
+requiring in religion a certain external show, they prostrated
+themselves, half savages, and half Pagans, before the High Priest of
+Rome. With them the West was at his feet. First, the Vandals, then the
+Ostrogoths, a little later the Burgundians, afterwards the Visigoths,
+lastly, the Lombards and Anglo-Saxons, came to do obeisance to the
+Roman Pontiff. It was the robust shoulders of the sons of the
+idolatrous North which finished the work of placing a pastor of the
+banks of the Tiber on the supreme throne of Christendom.
+
+These things took place in the West at the beginning of the seventh
+century, precisely at the same period when the power of Mahomet, ready
+also to seize on a portion of the globe, was rising in the East.
+
+From that time the evil ceases not to grow. In the eighth century we
+see the Bishops of Rome with one hand repulsing the Greek Emperors,
+their lawful sovereigns, and seeking to chase them from Italy, while,
+with the other, they caress the Mayors of France, and ask this new
+power, which is beginning to rise in the West, for a share in the
+wrecks of the empire. Between the East, which she repels, and the
+West, which she invites, Rome establishes her usurped authority. She
+rears her throne between two revolts. Frightened at the cry of the
+Arabs, who, become masters of Spain, vaunt that they will soon arrive
+in Italy by the passes of the Pyrennees and the Alps, and proclaim the
+name of Mahomet on the seven hills--amazed at the audacious
+Astolphus, who, at the head of his Lombards, sends forth his
+lion-roar, and brandishes his sword before the gates of the eternal
+city, threatening massacre to every Roman,[15]--Rome, on the brink of
+ruin, looks around in terror, and throws herself into the arms of the
+Franks. The usurper Pepin asks a pretended sanction to his new
+royalty; the Papacy gives it to him, and gets him in return to declare
+himself the defender of the "Republic of God." Pepin wrests from the
+Lombards what they had wrested from the emperor; but, instead of
+restoring it to him, he deposits the keys of the towns which he has
+conquered on the altar of St. Peter, and, swearing with uplifted hand,
+declares that it was not for a man he took up arms, but to obtain the
+forgiveness of his sins from God, and do homage to St. Peter for his
+conquests.
+
+  [15] "Fremens ut leo, asserens omnes uno gladio jugulari."
+  (Anastasius, Bibl. Vit. Pontif, p. 83.) Roaring like a lion, declaring
+  that he would slaughter all with one sword.
+
+Charlemagne appears. The first time, he goes up to the Cathedral of
+St. Peter devoutly kissing the steps. When he presents himself a
+second time, it is as master of all the kingdoms which formed the
+empire of the West, and of Rome herself.
+
+Leo III deems it his duty to give the title to him who already has the
+power, and, in the year 800, at the feast of Noel, places on the head
+of the son of Pepin the crown of the Emperor of Rome.[16] From that
+time the pope belongs to the empire of the Franks, and his relations
+with the East are ended. He detaches himself from a rotten tree which
+is about to fall, in order to engraft himself on a vigorous wild
+stock. Among the Germanic races, to which he devotes himself, a
+destiny awaits him to which he had never ventured to aspire.
+
+  [16] "Visum est et ipsi Apostolico Leoni, ... Ut ipsum Carolum
+  imperatorem nominare debuisset, qui ipsam Romam tenebat, ubi semper
+  Caesares sedere soliti erant et reliquas sedes."... (Annalista
+  Lambecianus; ad an. 801.) It seemed to Apostolic Leo that he ought to
+  give Charles the name of Emperor, inasmuch as he was in possession of
+  Rome herself, where the Caesars were always wont to sit, and of their
+  other possessions.
+
+Charlemagne bequeathed to his feeble successors only the wrecks of his
+empire. In the ninth century civil power being everywhere weakened by
+disunion, Rome perceived that now was the moment for her to lift her
+head. When could the Church better make herself independent of the
+State than at this period of decline, when the crown which Charles
+wore was broken, and its fragments lay scattered on the soil of his
+ancient empire?
+
+At this time the spurious Decretals of Isidore appeared. In this
+collection of pretended decrees of the popes, the most ancient
+bishops, the contemporaries of Tacitus and Quintilian, spoke the
+barbarous Latin of the ninth century. The customs and constitutions
+of the Franks were gravely attributed to the Romans of the time of the
+emperors; popes quoted the Bible in the Latin translation of St.
+Jerome, who lived one, two, or three centuries after them; and Victor,
+Bishop of Rome, in the year 192, wrote to Theophilus, who was
+Archbishop of Alexandria, in 395. The impostor, who had forged this
+collection, strove to make out that all the bishops derived their
+authority from the Bishop of Rome, who derived his immediately from
+Jesus Christ. Not only did he record all the successive conquests of
+the pontiffs, but he, moreover, carried them back to the remotest
+periods. The popes were not ashamed to avail themselves of this
+despicable invention. As early as 865, Nicholas I selected it as his
+armour[17] to combat princes and bishops. This shameless forgery was
+for ages the arsenal of Rome.
+
+  [17] See Ep. ad univer. Episc. Gall. (Mansi xv.)
+
+Nevertheless, the vices and crimes of the pontiffs were for some time
+to suspend the effects of the Decretals. The Papacy celebrates its
+admission to the table of kings, by shameful libations. It proceeds to
+intoxicate itself, and its head turns amidst the debauch. It is about
+this time that tradition places upon the Papal throne a damsel named
+Joan, who had fled to Rome with her lover, and, being taken in labour,
+betrayed her sex in the middle of a solemn procession. But let us not
+unnecessarily aggravate the disgrace of the Court of the Roman
+Pontiffs. Abandoned females did reign in Rome at this period. A
+throne, which pretended to exalt itself above the majesty of kings,
+grovelled in the mire of vice. Theodora and Marozia, at will,
+installed and deposed the pretended Masters of the Church of Christ,
+and placed upon the throne of Peter their paramours, their sons, and
+their grandsons. These scandalous proceedings, which are but too true,
+perhaps, gave rise to the tradition of Popess Joan. Rome becomes a
+vast theatre of disorder, on which the most powerful families in Italy
+contend for ascendancy--the Counts of Tuscany usually proving
+victorious. In 1033, this house dares to place upon the pontifical
+throne, under the name of Benedict the Ninth, a young boy brought up
+in debauchery. This child of twelve, when pope, continues his
+ineffable turpitude.[18] A faction elects Sylvester in his stead, and
+at length Pope Benedict, with a conscience loaded with adultery, and
+a hand dyed with the blood of murders,[19] sells the popedom to an
+ecclesiastic of Rome.
+
+  [18] "Cujus quidem post adeptum sacerdotium, vita quam turpis, quam
+  foeda, quamque execranda extiterit, horresco referre." (Desiderius,
+  Abbot of Cassino, afterwards Victor III. De Miraculis a S. Benedicto,
+  etc., lib. 3, init.) How base, how foul, and how execrable his life
+  was, after he attained the priesthood, I shudder to relate.
+
+  [19] "Theophylactus, cum post multa adulteria et homicidia manibus
+  suis perpetrata," etc. (Bonizo, Bishop of Sutri, afterwards of
+  Plaisance. Liber ad amicum.) Theophylact, (Benedict,) after many
+  adulteries, and many murders perpetrated by his own hand.
+
+The Emperors of Germany, indignant at so many disorders, cleansed Rome
+with the sword. The empire, exercising its rights of superiority, drew
+the triple crown out of the mire into which it had fallen, and saved
+the degraded popedom by giving it decent men for heads. Henry III, in
+1046, deposed three popes, and his finger, adorned with the ring of
+the Roman Patricians, pointed out the bishop to whom the keys of the
+confession of St. Peter were to be remitted. Four popes, all Germans,
+and nominated by the emperor, succeeded each other. When the pontiff
+of Rome died, deputies from that Church appeared at the imperial
+court, like the envoys from other dioceses, to request a new bishop.
+The emperor was even glad to see the pope reforming abuses,
+strengthening the Church, holding councils, inducting and deposing
+prelates, in spite of foreign monarchs; the Papacy, by these
+pretensions, only exalted the power of the emperor, its liege lord.
+But there was great danger in allowing such games to be played. The
+strength which the popes were thus resuming, by degrees, might be
+turned, all at once, against the emperor himself. When the viper
+recovered, it might sting the bosom which warmed it. This was what
+actually happened.
+
+Here a new epoch in the Papacy begins. It starts up from its
+humiliation, and soon has the princes of the earth at its feet. To
+exalt it is to exalt the Church, is to aggrandise religion, is to
+secure to the mind its victory over the flesh, and to God his triumph
+over the world. These are its maxims, and in these ambition finds its
+profit, fanaticism its excuse.
+
+The whole of this new tendency is personified in one man,--Hildebrand.
+
+Hildebrand, by turns unduly extolled or unjustly stigmatised, is the
+personification of the Roman pontificate in its power and glory. He is
+one of those master spirits of history, which contain in them an
+entire order of new things, similar to those presented in other
+spheres by Charlemagne, Luther, and Napoleon.
+
+Leo IX took up this monk in passing through Clugny, and carried him to
+Rome. From that time Hildebrand was the soul of the popedom, until he
+became the popedom itself. He governed the Church in the name of
+several pontiffs before his own reign under that of Gregory VII. One
+great idea took possession of this great genius. He wishes to found a
+visible theocracy of which the pope, as vicar of Jesus Christ, will be
+head. The remembrance of the ancient universal dominion of Pagan Rome
+haunts his imagination, and animates his zeal. He wishes to restore to
+Papal Rome all that the Rome of the Emperors had lost. "What Marius
+and Caesar," said his flatterers, "could not do by torrents of blood,
+thou performest by a word."
+
+Gregory VII was not led by the Spirit of the Lord. To this Spirit of
+truth, humility, and meekness, he was a stranger. He sacrificed what
+he knew to be true, when he judged it necessary to his designs. In
+particular, he did so in the affair of Berenger. But a spirit far
+superior to that of the common run of pontiffs, a deep conviction of
+the justice of his cause, undoubtedly did animate him. Bold,
+ambitious, and inflexible in his designs, he was, at the same time,
+dexterous and supple in the employment of means to ensure their
+success.
+
+His first labour was to embody the militia of the Church, for he
+behoved to make himself strong before he attacked the empire. A
+Council held at Rome cut off pastors from their families, and obliged
+them to belong entirely to the hierarchy. The law of celibacy,
+conceived and executed under popes who were themselves monks, changed
+the clergy into a kind of monastic order. Gregory VII pretended to
+have over all the bishops and priests of Christendom the same power
+which an abbot of Clugny had over the order over which he presided.
+The legates of Hildebrand, comparing themselves to the proconsuls of
+ancient Rome, traversed the provinces to deprive pastors of their
+lawful wives, and if need were, the pope himself stirred up the
+populace against married ministers.[20]
+
+  [20] "Hi quocumque prodeunt, clamores insultantium, digitos
+  ostendentium, colaphos pulsantium, perferunt. Alii membris mutilati,
+  alii per longos cruciatus superbe necati," etc. (Martene et Durand,
+  Thesaurus Nov. Anecd. i, 23.) These, wherever they appear, are
+  subjected to insulting cries, to pointed fingers, and to blows. Some
+  are mutilated, others by long tortures cruelly slain.
+
+But Gregory's main purpose was to shake Rome free of the empire. This
+bold design he never would have ventured to conceive, had not the
+dissensions which troubled the minority of Henry IV, and the revolt of
+the German princes, favoured its execution. The pope was then like one
+of the grandees of the empire. Making common cause with the other
+great vassals, he forms a party in the aristocratic interest, and then
+forbids all ecclesiastics, under pain of excommunication, to receive
+investiture to their benefices from the Emperor. He breaks the
+ancient ties which unite churches and their pastors to the authority
+of the prince, but it is to yoke all of them to the pontifical throne.
+His aim is by a powerful hand to enchain priests, kings, and people,
+and make the pope a universal monarch. It is Rome alone that every
+priest must fear, in Rome alone that he must hope. The kingdoms and
+princedoms of the earth are his domain, and all kings must tremble
+before the thunder of the Jupiter of modern Rome. Woe to him who
+resists! Subjects are loosed from their oath of allegiance, the whole
+country is smitten with interdict, all worship ceases, the churches
+are shut, and their bells are mute; the sacraments are no longer
+administered, and the word of malediction reaches even to the dead, to
+whom the earth, at the bidding of a haughty pontiff, refuses the peace
+of the tomb.
+
+The pope, who had been subject from the earliest days of his
+existence, first to the Roman Emperors, then to the Frank Emperors,
+and, lastly to the German Emperors, was now emancipated, and walked,
+for the first time, their equal, if not, indeed, their master. Gregory
+VII was, however, humbled in his turn; Rome was taken, and Hildebrand
+obliged to flee. He died at Salerno, saying, "I have loved
+righteousness and hated iniquity, therefore die I in exile."[21] Words
+thus uttered at the portals of the grave who will presume to charge
+with hypocrisy?
+
+  [21] "Dilexi justitiam, et odivi iniquitatem, propterea morior in
+  exilio."
+
+The successors of Gregory, like soldiers who arrive after a great
+victory, threw themselves, as conquerors, on the subjugated churches.
+Spain, rescued from Islamism, Prussia, delivered from idols, fell into
+the hands of the crowned priest. The crusades, which were undertaken
+at his bidding, every where widened and increased his authority. Those
+pious pilgrims, who had thought they saw saints and angels guiding
+their armies, and who, after humbly entering the walls of Jerusalem
+barefoot, burned the Jews in their synagogue, and, with the blood of
+thousands of Saracens, deluged the spots to which they had come,
+seeking the sacred footsteps of the Prince of Peace, carried the name
+of pope into the East, where it had ceased to be known from the time
+when he abandoned the supremacy of the Greeks for that of the Franks.
+
+On the other hand, what the armies of the Roman republic and of the
+empire had not been able to do, the power of the Church accomplished.
+The Germans brought to the feet of a bishop the tribute which their
+ancestors had refused to the most powerful generals. Their princes, on
+becoming emperors, thought they had received a crown from the popes,
+but the popes had given them a yoke. The kingdoms of Christendom,
+previously subjected to the spiritual power of Rome, now became its
+tributaries and serfs.
+
+Thus every thing in the Church is changed.
+
+At first it was a community of brethren, and now an absolute monarchy
+is established in its bosom. All Christians were priests of the living
+God, (1 Peter, ii, 9,) with humble pastors for their guides; but a
+proud head has risen up in the midst of these pastors, a mysterious
+mouth utters language full of haughtiness, a hand of iron constrains
+all men, both small and great, rich and poor, bond and slave, to take
+the stamp of its power. The holy and primitive equality of souls
+before God is lost, and Christendom, at the bidding of a man, is
+divided into two unequal camps--in the one, a caste of priests who
+dare to usurp the name of Church, and pretend to be invested in the
+eyes of the Lord with high privileges--in the other, servile herds
+reduced to blind and passive submission, a people gagged and swaddled,
+and given over to a proud caste. Every tribe, language, and nation of
+Christendom, fall under the domination of this spiritual king, who has
+received power to conquer.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+     Grace--Dead Faith--Works--Unity and
+     Duality--Pelagianism--Salvation at the hands of
+     Priests--Penances--Flagellations--Indulgences--Works of
+     Supererogation--Purgatory--Taxation--Jubilee--The Papacy and
+     Christianity--State of Christendom.
+
+
+But, along with the principle which should rule the history of
+Christianity was one which should rule its doctrine. The grand idea of
+Christianity was the idea of grace, pardon, amnesty, and the gift of
+eternal life. This idea supposed in man an estrangement from God, and
+an impossibility on his part to reenter into communion with a Being of
+infinite holiness. The opposition between true and false doctrine
+cannot, it is true, be entirely summed up in the question of salvation
+by faith, and salvation by works. Still it is its most prominent
+feature, or rather, salvation considered as coming from man is the
+creating principle of all error and all abuse. The excesses produced
+by this fundamental error led to the Reformation, and the profession
+of a contrary principle achieved it. This feature must stand
+prominently out in an introduction to the history of the Reformation.
+Salvation by grace, then, is the second characteristic which
+essentially distinguished the religion of God from all human
+religions. What had become of it? Had the Church kept this great and
+primordial idea as a precious deposit? Let us follow its history.
+
+The inhabitants of Jerusalem, Asia, Greece, and Rome, in the days of
+the first emperors, heard the glad tidings, "By grace are ye saved
+through faith--it is the gift of God." (Ephes., ii, 8.) At this voice
+of peace--at this gospel--at this powerful word--many guilty souls
+believing were brought near to Him who is the source of peace, and
+numerous Christian churches were formed in the midst of the corrupt
+generation then existing.
+
+But a great misapprehension soon arose as to the nature of saving
+faith. Faith, according to St. Paul, is the means by which the whole
+being of the believer--his intellect, his heart, and his will--enter
+into possession of the salvation which the incarnation of the Son of
+God has purchased for him. Jesus Christ is apprehended by faith, and
+thenceforth becomes every thing for man, and in man. He imparts a
+divine life to human nature; and man thus renewed, disengaged from the
+power of selfishness and sin, has new affections, and does new works.
+Faith (says Theology, in order to express these ideas) is the
+subjective appropriation of the objective work of Christ. If faith is
+not an appropriation of salvation, it is nothing; the whole Christian
+economy is disturbed, the sources of new life are sealed up, and
+Christianity is overturned at its base.
+
+Such was the actual result. The practical view being gradually
+forgotten, faith soon became nothing more than what it still is to
+many--an act of the understanding--a simple submission to superior
+authority.
+
+This first error necessarily led to a second. Faith being stripped of
+its practical character, could not possibly be said to save alone.
+Works no longer coming after it, behoved to be placed beside it, and
+the doctrine that man is justified by faith and by works gained a
+footing in the Church. To the Christian unity, which includes under
+the same principle justification and works, grace and law, doctrine
+and duty, succeeded the sad duality, which makes religion and morality
+to be quite distinct,--a fatal error, which separates things that
+cannot live unless united, and which, putting the soul on one side,
+and the body on the other, causes death. The words of the apostle,
+echoing through all ages, are, "Having begun in the Spirit, are ye
+now made perfect by the flesh?" (Gal., iii, 3.)
+
+Another great error arose to disturb the doctrine of grace. This was
+Pelagianism. Pelagius maintained that human nature is not fallen--that
+there is no hereditary corruption--and that man, having received the
+power of doing good, has only to will it in order to perform it.[22]
+If goodness consists in certain external actions, Pelagius is right.
+But if we look to the motives from which those external actions
+proceed, we find in every part of man selfishness, forgetfulness of
+God, pollution, and powerlessness. The Pelagian doctrine, driven back
+from the Church by Augustine, when it advanced with open front, soon
+presented a side view in the shape of semi-Pelagianism, and under the
+mask of Augustinian formulae. This heresy spread over Christendom with
+astonishing rapidity. The danger of the system appeared, above all, in
+this--by placing goodness, not within, but without, it caused a great
+value to be set on external works, on legal observances, and acts of
+penance. The more of these men did, the holier they were; they won
+heaven by them, and individuals were soon seen (a very astonishing
+circumstance, certainly) who went farther in holiness than was
+required. Pelagianism, at the same time that it corrupted doctrine,
+strengthened the hierarchy; with the same hand with which it lowered
+grace it elevated the Church; for grace is of God, and the Church is
+of man.
+
+  [22] "Velle et esse ad hominem referenda sunt, quia de arbitrii fonte
+  descendunt."--(Pelagius in Aug. de Gratia Dei, cap. 4.) To will and to
+  be are properties of man, because they spring from the fountain of
+  free will.
+
+The deeper our conviction that the whole world is guilty before God,
+the more will we cleave to Jesus Christ as the only source of grace.
+With such a view, how can we place the Church on a level with him,
+since she is nothing but the whole body of persons subject to the same
+natural misery? But, so soon as we attribute to man a holiness of his
+own, all is changed, and ecclesiastics and monks become the most
+natural medium of receiving the grace of God. This was what happened
+after Pelagius. Salvation, taken out of the hands of God, fell into
+the hands of priests, who put themselves in the Lord's place. Souls
+thirsting for pardon behoved no longer to look towards heaven, but
+towards the Church, and, above all, towards its pretended head. To
+blinded minds, the Pontiff of Rome was instead of God. Hence the
+greatness of the popes and indescribable abuses. The evil went farther
+still. Pelagianism, in maintaining that man may attain perfect
+sanctification, pretended, likewise, that the merits of saints and
+martyrs might be applied to the Church. A particular virtue was even
+ascribed to their intercession. They were addressed in prayer, their
+aid was invoked in all the trials of life, and a real idolatry
+supplanted the adoration of the true and living God.
+
+Pelagianism, at the same time, multiplied rites and ceremonies. Man
+imagining that he could, and that he ought, by good works, to render
+himself worthy of grace, saw nothing better fitted to merit it than
+outward worship. The law of ceremonies becoming endlessly complicated,
+was soon held equal at least to the moral law, and thus the conscience
+of Christians was burdened anew with a yoke which had been declared
+intolerable in the times of the apostles. (Acts, xv, 10.)
+
+But what most of all deformed Christianity was the system of penance
+which rose out of Pelagianism. Penance at first consisted in certain
+public signs of repentance, which the Church required of those whom
+she had excluded for scandal, and who were desirous of being again
+received into her bosom.
+
+By degrees, penance was extended to all sins, even the most secret,
+and was considered as a kind of chastisement to which it was necessary
+to submit, in order to acquire the pardon of God through the
+absolution of priests.
+
+Ecclesiastical penance was thus confounded with Christian repentance,
+without which there cannot be either justification or sanctification.
+
+Instead of expecting pardon from Christ only by faith, it was expected
+chiefly from the Church by works of penance.
+
+Great importance was attached to the outward marks of repentance,
+tears, fastings, and macerations, while the internal renewal of the
+heart, which alone constitutes true conversion, was forgotten.
+
+As confession and works of penance are easier than the extirpation of
+sin, and the abandonment of vice, many ceased to struggle against the
+lusts of the flesh, deeming it better to supply their place by means
+of certain macerations.
+
+Works of penance substituted in lieu of the salvation of God kept
+multiplying in the Church from the days of Tertullian in the third
+century. The thing now deemed necessary was to fast, go barefoot, and
+wear no linen, etc., or to quit house and home for distant lands, or,
+better still, to renounce the world and embrace the monastic state!
+
+To all this were added, in the eleventh century, voluntary
+flagellations. These, at a later period, became a real mania in Italy,
+which at that time was violently agitated. Nobles and peasants, young
+and old, even children of five, go two and two by hundreds, thousands,
+and tens of thousands, through villages, towns and cities, with an
+apron tied round their waist, (their only clothing,) and visit the
+churches in procession in the dead of winter. Armed with a whip, they
+flagellate themselves without mercy, and the streets resound with
+cries and groans, such as to force tears from those who hear them.
+
+Still long before the evil had reached this height, men felt the
+oppression of the priests and sighed for deliverance. The priests
+themselves had perceived, that if they did not apply a remedy, their
+usurped power would be lost, and, therefore, they invented the system
+of barter, so well known under the name of Indulgences. What they said
+was this:--"You penitents are not able to fulfil the tasks which are
+enjoined you? Well, then, we, priests of God, and your pastors, will
+take the heavy burden on ourselves. For a fast of seven weeks," says
+Regino, Abbot of Prum, "there will be paid by a rich man twentypence,
+by one less so tenpence, by the poor threepence, and so in like
+proportion for other things."[23] Bold voices were raised against this
+traffic, but in vain.
+
+  [23] Libri Duo de Ecclesiasticis Disciplinis.
+
+The pope soon discovered the advantages which he might draw from these
+indulgences. In the thirteenth century, Alexander Hales, the
+irrefragable doctor, invented a doctrine well fitted to secure this
+vast resource to the Papacy, and a bull of Clement VII declared it an
+article of faith. Jesus Christ, it was said, did far more than was
+necessary to reconcile God to men; for that a single drop of his blood
+would have sufficed; but he shed much blood in order to found a
+treasury for his church, a treasury which even eternity should not be
+able to exhaust. The supererogatory merits of the saints, i. e. the
+value of the works which they did beyond their obligation, served also
+to augment this treasury, the custody and administration of which have
+been intrusted to Christ's vicar upon earth, who applies to each
+sinner for the faults committed after baptism these merits of Jesus
+Christ and the saints according to the measure and quantity which his
+sins render necessary. Who will venture to attack a practice whose
+origin is so holy?
+
+This inconceivable traffic soon extends, and becomes more complex. The
+philosophers of Alexandria speak of a fire in which souls are to be
+made pure. This philosophical opinion, which several ancient doctors
+had adopted, Rome declared to be a doctrine of the Church. The pope,
+by a bull, annexed purgatory to his domain. He decreed that man should
+there expiate what he might not be able to expiate here below, but
+that indulgences could deliver souls from that intermediate state in
+which their sins must otherwise detain them. This dogma is expounded
+by Thomas Aquinas in his famous theological Summa. Nothing was spared
+to fill the mind with terror. The torments which the purifying fire
+inflicts on those who become its victims were painted in dreadful
+colours. Even at the present day, in many Catholic countries, we see
+pictures exhibited in churches, or in the public streets, in which
+poor souls in the midst of burning flames are calling in agony for
+relief. Who could refuse the redemption money which, on falling into
+the treasury of Rome, was to ransom the soul from such sufferings?
+
+In order to give regularity to this traffic, there was shortly after
+drawn up (probably by John XXII,) the famous and scandalous taxation
+of indulgences, of which there have been more than forty editions.
+
+Ears the least delicate would be offended were we to repeat all the
+horrible things contained in it.
+
+Incest will cost, if it is not known, five groschen, if known, six; so
+much will be paid for murder, so much for infanticide, adultery,
+perjury, house-breaking, etc. "Shame upon Rome," exclaims Claudius
+Esperse, a Roman theologian, and we add, Shame upon human nature! for
+we cannot reproach Rome with anything which does not recoil upon man
+himself. Rome is humanity magnified in some of its evil propensities.
+We say this for the sake of truth, and we also say it for the sake of
+justice.
+
+Boniface VIII, the boldest and most ambitious of the popes after
+Gregory VII, outstripped all his predecessors.
+
+In the year 1300 he published a bull, by which he announced to the
+Church, that every hundred years all persons repairing to Rome would
+there obtain a plenary indulgence. Crowds flocked from Italy, Sicily,
+Sardinia, Corsica, France, Spain, Germany, Hungary, and all quarters.
+Old men of sixty and seventy set out, and there was counted at Rome in
+one month to the number of two hundred thousand pilgrims. All these
+strangers bringing rich offerings, the pope and the Romans saw their
+treasury filled.
+
+Roman avarice soon fixed each jubilee at fifty years, next at
+thirty-three, and at last at twenty-five. Then for the greater
+convenience of buyers, and the greater profit of sellers, the jubilee
+and its indulgences were transported from Rome to all parts of
+Christendom. There was no occasion to leave home. What others had
+gone to seek beyond the Alps, each might purchase at his own door.
+
+The evil could not go farther.
+
+Then the Reformer arose.
+
+We formerly saw what became of the principle which should rule the
+history of Christianity, and we have now seen what became of that
+which should rule its doctrine; both were lost.
+
+To establish a mediating caste between man and God, and insist that
+the salvation which God gives shall be purchased by works, penances,
+and money, is the Papacy.
+
+To give to all by Jesus Christ without a human mediator, and without
+that power, which is called the Church, free access to the great gift
+of eternal life, which God bestows on man, is Christianity and the
+Reformation.
+
+The Papacy is an immense wall raised between man and God by the labour
+of ages. Whosoever would pass it must lay his account with paying or
+suffering. And yet will it not be passed?
+
+The Reformation is the power which threw down this wall, restored
+Christ to man, and levelled the path by which he may come to his
+Creator.
+
+The Papacy interposes the Church between God and man. Christianity and
+the Reformation make them meet face to face. The Papacy separates--the
+Gospel unites them.
+
+Having thus traced the history of the decay and extinction of the two
+great principles which distinguish the religion of God from all the
+religions of man, let us attend to some of the results of this vast
+alteration.
+
+First, however, let us pay some tribute of respect to this Church of
+the middle ages which succeeded that of the Apostles and Fathers, and
+preceded that of the Reformers. The Church, although decayed, and
+always more and more enslaved, still was the Church, that is to say,
+still remained the most powerful friend that man possessed. Her hands,
+though tied, could still bless. During those ages, great servants of
+Jesus Christ, men, who in essential doctrines were true Protestants,
+shed a benign light, and in the most humble convent or the most
+obscure parish, were found poor monks and poor priests to solace deep
+griefs. The Catholic Church was not the Papacy. The latter acted the
+part of oppressor, the former that of the oppressed. The Reformation,
+which declared war on the one came to deliver the other. And yet,
+truth to tell, the Papacy itself was sometimes, in the hands of God,
+who brings good out of evil, a necessary counterpoise to the power and
+ambition of princes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+     Religion--Relics--Easter
+     Merriment--Manners--Corruption--Dissorderly Lives of
+     Priests, Bishops, and Popes--A Priest's
+     Family--Education--Ignorance--Ciceronians.
+
+
+Let us now attend to the State of the Church before the Reformation.
+
+The people of Christendom no longer expecting the gratuitous gift of
+eternal life from the true and living God, it was necessary, in order
+to obtain it, to have recourse to all the methods which a
+superstitious, timid, and frightened conscience could invent. Heaven
+is full of saints and mediators who can solicit the favour. Earth is
+full of pious works, sacrifices, observances, and ceremonies, which
+can merit it. Such is the picture of the religion of this period, as
+drawn by one who was long a monk, and afterwards a fellow-worker with
+Luther.
+
+Myconius says, "The sufferings and merits of Christ were as a vain
+tale, or as the Fables of Homer. Not a word was said of the faith by
+which the righteousness of the Saviour, and the inheritance of eternal
+life, are secured. Christ was a severe judge, ready to condemn all who
+did not recur to the intercession of saints, or the indulgences of
+popes. Instead of him there figured as intercessors, first the Virgin
+Mary, like the Diana of Paganism, and after her saints, of whom the
+popes were continually enlarging the catalogue. These mediators gave
+the benefit of their prayers only to those who had deserved well of
+the orders founded by them. For this it was necessary to do not what
+God commands in his word, but a great number of works which monks and
+priests had devised, and which brought in large sums of money. These
+were, Ave-Marias, prayers of St. Ursula, and St. Bridget. It was
+necessary to chant and cry night and day. There were as many places of
+pilgrimage as there were mountains, forests, or valleys. But these
+toils might be bought off with money. Money, therefore, and every
+thing that had any value, chickens, geese, ducks, eggs, wax, straw,
+butter, and cheese, were brought to the convents and to the priests.
+Then chants resounded, and bells were rung, perfumes filled the
+sanctuary, and sacrifices were offered; kitchens were stuffed, glasses
+rattled, and masses winding up threw a cover over all these pious
+works. The bishops did not preach, but they consecrated priests,
+bells, monks, churches, chapels, images, books, cemeteries, all these
+things yielding large returns. Bones, arms, and feet, were presented
+in gold and silver boxes. They were given out to be kissed during
+mass, and this too yielded a large profit."
+
+"All these folks maintained, that the pope being in the place of God,
+(2 Thess., ii, 4,) could not be deceived, and they would not hear of
+any thing to the contrary."[24]
+
+  [24] Myconius' History of the Reformation, and Seckendorf's History of
+  Lutheranism.
+
+In the Church of All Saints at Wittemberg were shown a piece of Noah's
+Ark, a small portion of soot from the furnace of the Three Young Men,
+a bit of the manger in which our Saviour was laid, hair from the beard
+of the great Christopher, and nineteen thousand other relics of
+greater or less value. At Schaffhausen was shown the breath of St.
+Joseph, which Nicodemus had received into his glove. In Wurtemberg, a
+vender of indulgences was seen selling his wares, and having his head
+adorned with a large feather, plucked from the wing of the archangel
+Michael.[25] But there was no occasion to go to a distance in quest of
+these precious treasures. Persons with hired relics travelled the
+country, and hawked them about, as has since been done with the Holy
+Scriptures. The faithful, having them thus brought to their houses,
+were spared the trouble and expence of pilgrimage. Relics were
+exhibited with great ceremony in the churches, while those travelling
+hawkers paid a fixed sum to the owners, and also gave them so much per
+centage on their returns. The kingdom of heaven had thus disappeared,
+and men, to supply its place on the earth, had opened a disgraceful
+traffic.
+
+  [25] Muller's Reliquien, vol. iii, p. 22.
+
+In this way, a profane spirit had invaded religion, and the most
+sacred seasons of the Church, those which, most forcibly and
+powerfully invited the faithful to self-examination and love, were
+dishonoured by buffoonery and mere heathen blasphemies. The "Easter
+Drolleries" held an important place in the acts of the Church. As the
+festival of the resurrection required to be celebrated with joy, every
+thing that could excite the laughter of the hearers was sought out,
+and thrust into sermons. One preacher imitated the note of the cuckoo,
+while another hissed like a goose. One dragged forward to the altar a
+layman in a cassock; a second told the most indecent stories; a third
+related the adventures of the Apostle Peter, among others, how, in a
+tavern, he cheated the host by not paying his score.[26] The inferior
+clergy took advantage of the occasion to turn their superiors into
+ridicule. The churches were thus turned into stages, and the priests
+into mountebanks.
+
+  [26] OEcolampad. De Risu Paschali.
+
+If such was the state of religion, what must that of morals have been?
+It is true, and equity requires we should not forget, that, at this
+time, corruption was not universal. Even when the Reformation took
+place, much piety, righteousness, and religious vigour, were brought
+to light. Of this, the mere sovereignty of God was the cause; but
+still, how can it be denied, that He had previously deposited the
+germs of this new life in the bosom of the Church? In our own day,
+were all the immoralities and abominations which are committed in a
+single country brought together, the mass of corruption would
+undoubtedly fill us with alarm. Still it is true, that, at this
+period, evil presented itself in a form, and with a universality,
+which it has never had since. In particular, the abomination of
+desolation was seen standing in the holy place, to an extent which has
+not been permitted since the period of the Reformation.
+
+With faith morality had decayed. The glad tidings of eternal life is
+the power of God for the regeneration of man. But take away the
+salvation which God gives, and you take away purity of heart and life.
+This was proved by the event.
+
+The doctrine and the sale of indulgences operated on an ignorant
+people as a powerful stimulus to evil. It is no doubt true, that,
+according to the doctrine of the Church, indulgences were of use only
+to those who promised to amend, and actually kept their promise. But
+what was to be expected of a doctrine which had been invented with a
+view to the profit which it might be made to yield? The venders of
+indulgences, the better to dispose of their wares, were naturally
+disposed to present them in the most winning and seductive form. Even
+the learned were not too well informed on the subject, while the only
+thing seen by the multitude was, that indulgences gave them permission
+to sin. The merchants were in no haste to disabuse them of an error so
+greatly in favour of the trade.
+
+In those ages of darkness, what disorders and crimes must have
+prevailed when impunity could be purchased with money! What ground
+could there be for fear when a trifling contribution to build a church
+procured exemption from punishment in the world to come! What hope of
+renovation, when all direct communication between men and their God
+had ceased--when, estranged from him, their spirit and life, they
+moved to and fro among frivolous ceremonies and crude observances in
+an atmosphere of death!
+
+The priests were the first to yield to the corrupting influence. In
+wishing to raise, they had lowered themselves. They had tried to steal
+from God a ray of his glory, that they might place it in their own
+bosom; but, instead of this, had only placed in it some of the leaven
+of corruption, stolen from the Evil one. The annals of the period teem
+with scandalous stories. In many places people were pleased to see
+their priest keeping a mistress, in the hope that it might secure
+their wives from seduction.[27] How humbling the scene which the house
+of such a priest must have presented! The unhappy man maintained the
+woman and the children she might have borne him, out of tithes and
+alms.[28] His conscience upbraided him. He blushed before his people,
+his servants, and his God. The woman fearing, that, in the event of
+the priest's death, she might become destitute, sometimes made
+provision beforehand, and played the thief in her own house. Her
+honour was gone, and her children were a living accusation against
+her. Objects of universal contempt, both parties rushed into
+quarrelling and dissipation. Such was the home of a priest!... In
+these fearful scenes, the people read a lesson of which they were not
+slow to avail themselves.[29]
+
+  [27] Nicol de Clemangis, De Praesulibus Simoniacis.
+
+  [28] Words of Seb. Stor., Pastor of Leichstall in 1524.
+
+  [29] Fuesslin Beytraege, ii, 224.
+
+The rural districts became the theatre of numerous excesses. The
+places where priests resided were often the abodes of dissoluteness.
+Corneille Adrian at Bruges,[30] and Abbot Trinkler at Cappel,[31]
+imitated the manners of the East, and had their harems. Priests
+associating with low company, frequented taverns and played at dice,
+crowning their orgies with quarrels and blasphemy.[32] The Council of
+Schaffhausen issued an order forbidding priests to dance in public
+except at marriages, or to carry more than one kind of weapon. They,
+moreover, ordered that such priests as were found in houses of bad
+fame should be stript of their cassocks.[33] In the archbishopric of
+Mayence, they leapt the walls at night, and then shouted and revelled
+in all sorts of debauchery within taverns and inns. Doors and locks
+were not secure from their attacks.[34] In several places, each priest
+was liable to the bishop in a certain tax for the female he kept, and
+for every child she bore him. One day, a German bishop, who was
+attending a great festival, openly declared that in a single year, the
+number of priests who had been brought before him for this purpose
+amounted to eleven thousand. This account is given by Erasmus.[35]
+
+  [30] Metern. Nederl. Hist. viii.
+
+  [31] Hottinger, Hist. Eccles. ix, 305.
+
+  [32] Order of 3rd March, 1517, by Hugo, Bishop of Constance.
+
+  [33] Mueller's Reliq. iii, 251.
+
+  [34] Steubing. Gesch. der Nass. Oran Lande.
+
+  [35] "Uno anno ad se delata undecim millia sacerdotum palam
+  concubinariorum." (Erasm. Op. tom. ix, p. 401.) In one year eleven
+  thousand priests were reported to him as living in open concubinage.
+
+Among the higher orders of the priesthood, the corruption was equally
+great. The dignitaries of the Church preferred the turmoil of camps to
+chanting at the altar, and to take lance in hand, and reduce those
+around them to obedience, was one of the first qualities of a bishop.
+Baldwin of Tours, who was constantly warring with his vassals and
+neighbours, razed their castles, built others of his own, and thought
+of nothing but enlarging his territory. It is told of a certain bishop
+of Eichstadt, that when he sat in his court, he had a coat-of-mail
+under his gown, and a large sword in his hand. One of his sayings was,
+that in fair fight he was not afraid of five Bavarians.[36] The
+bishops and the inhabitants of the towns where they resided were
+perpetually at war. The burghers demanded freedom, while the priests
+insisted on absolute obedience. When the latter proved victorious,
+they punished revolt, and satiated their vengeance with numbers of
+victims; but the flame of insurrection burst forth at the very moment
+when they imagined they had suppressed it. And what a spectacle was
+presented by the pontifical throne at the period immediately preceding
+the Reformation! To say the truth, even Rome was not often witness to
+such infamy.
+
+  [36] Schmidt, Gesch. der Deutschen. tom. iv.
+
+Roderigo Borgia, after he had lived with a lady of Rome, continued the
+same illegitimate intercourse with her daughter, Rosa Vanozza, and had
+five children by her. This man, a cardinal and an archbishop, was
+living at Rome with Vanozza, and other females besides, frequenting
+churches and hospitals, when the pontifical chair became vacant by the
+death of Innocent VIII. Borgia secured it by buying each cardinal for
+a regular price. Four mules loaded with gold publicly entered the
+palace of Cardinal Sforza, the most influential among them. Borgia
+became Pope under the name of Alexander VI, and was delighted at
+having thus reached the pinnacle of pleasure.
+
+On his coronation-day, he appointed his son Caesar, a youth of
+ferocious temper and dissolute habits, Archbishop of Valentia and
+Bishop of Pampeluna. Then, when his daughter Lucretia was married, he
+celebrated the occasion in the Vatican with fetes which were attended
+by his mistress, Julia Bella, and enlivened by comedies and obscene
+songs. "All the ecclesiastics," says a historian,[37] "had mistresses,
+and all the convents of the capital were houses of bad fame." Caesar
+Borgia espoused the faction of the Guelphs, and when, by their
+assistance, he had destroyed the Ghibelins, he turned round upon the
+Guelphs, and, in like manner, destroyed them. But he was unwilling
+that any should share the spoil with him, and, therefore, after
+Alexander had, in 1497, made his eldest son Duke of Benevento, the
+Duke disappeared. George Schiavoni, a dealer in wood on the banks of
+the Tiber, one night saw a dead body thrown into the river, but said
+nothing; such occurrences were common. The dead body proved to be that
+of the Duke, who had been murdered by his brother Caesar.[38] Nor was
+this enough. Having taken offence at his brother-in-law, he made him
+be stabbed on the stair of the pontifical palace. The wounded man,
+covered with blood, was carried to his apartment, where he was
+constantly watched by his wife and sister, who, dreading Caesar's
+poison, prepared his food with their own hands. Alexander placed
+sentinels at his door, but Caesar laughed at their precautions, and as
+the pope was going to see his son-in-law, Caesar said to him, "What is
+not done at dinner will be done at supper." In short, he one day
+forced his way into the room, drove out the wife and sister, and
+calling in his executioner, Michilotto, the only person to whom he
+showed any confidence, looked on while his brother-in-law was
+strangled.[39] Alexander had a favourite, named Peroto. The pope's
+partiality for him offended the young Duke. He pursued him, and
+Peroto, taking refuge under the pontifical mantle, clasped the pope in
+his arms. Caesar stabbed him, and the blood of his victim sprung into
+the pontiffs face.[40] "The pope," adds a contemporary witness to
+these scenes, "loves his son the Duke, and is much afraid of him."
+Caesar was the handsomest and most powerful man of his age. He fought
+with six wild bulls, and despatched them with ease. Every morning at
+Rome persons were found who had been assassinated during the night,
+while poison carried off those whom the sword could not reach. Men
+dared not to move or breathe in Rome, every one trembling till his own
+turn should arrive. Caesar Borgia was the hero of crime. The spot of
+earth where iniquity attained this dreadful height was the pontifical
+throne. When once man has given himself over to the powers of
+darkness, the higher the station he pretends to occupy in the sight of
+God, the deeper he sinks into the abysses of hell. The dissolute fetes
+which were given in the pontifical palace by the pope, his son Caesar,
+and his daughter Lucretia, cannot be described, or even thought of,
+without horror. The impure groves of antiquity, perhaps, never saw the
+like. Historians have accused Alexander and Lucretia of incest, but
+the proof seems defective. The pope had prepared poison for a rich
+cardinal, in a small box of comfits which were to be served after a
+sumptuous repast. The cardinal being put on his guard, bribed the
+steward, and the poisoned box was placed before Alexander, who ate of
+it and died.[41] The whole city ran to see the dead viper, and could
+not get enough of the sight.[42]
+
+  [37] Infessura.
+
+  [38] "Amazzo il fratello Ducha di Gandia et lo fa butar nel Tevere."
+  He assassinated his brother, the Duke of Gandia, and made him be
+  thrown into the Tiber. (MS. of Capello, ambassador at Rome in 1500,
+  extracted by Ranke.)
+
+  [39] Intro in camera ... fe ussir la moglie e sorella ... estrangolo
+  dito zovene.--(Ibid.)
+
+  [40] Adeo il sangue il salto in la faza del papa.--(Ibid.)
+
+  [41] E messe la scutola venenata avante il papa.--(Sanato.)
+
+  [42] Gordon, Tomasi Infessura, Guicciardini, etc.
+
+Such was the man who occupied the pontifical see at the beginning of
+the century in which the Reformation commenced.
+
+The clergy having thus brought religion and themselves into disrepute,
+a powerful voice might well exclaim, "The ecclesiastical state is
+opposed to God and to his glory. The people well know this, and but
+too well do they show it, by the many songs, proverbs, and jests,
+against priests, which are current among the lower classes, and by all
+those caricatures of monks and priests which we see on all the walls,
+and even on playing cards. Every man feels disgust when he sees or
+when he hears of an ecclesiastic." These are Luther's words.[43]
+
+  [43] Da man an alle Waende, auf allerley zedel, zuletzt auf den
+  Kartenspielen, Pfaffen, und Munche malete.--(L. Ep. ii, 674.)
+
+The evil had spread through all ranks. A spirit of error had been sent
+to men, corruption of manners kept pace with corruption of faith, and
+a mystery of iniquity lay like an incubus on the enslaved Church of
+Jesus Christ.
+
+There was another consequence which necessarily resulted from the
+oblivion into which the fundamental doctrine of the gospel had fallen.
+Ignorance was the companion of corruption. The priests having taken
+into their own hands the distribution of a salvation which belongs
+only to God, deemed this a sufficient title to the respect of the
+people. What occasion had they to study sacred literature? Their
+business was not to expound the Scriptures, but to give diplomas of
+indulgence--a ministry which called not for the laborious acquisition
+of extensive knowledge.
+
+In the rural districts, says Wimpheling, the persons selected for
+preachers were miserable creatures, who had been previously raised
+from beggary, cast-off cooks, musicians, huntsmen, grooms, and still
+worse.[44]
+
+  [44] Apologia pro Rep. Christ.
+
+The higher clergy were often sunk in deep ignorance. A Bishop of
+Dunfeld congratulated himself that he had never learned either Greek
+or Hebrew, while the monks contended that all heresies sprung out of
+these languages, and especially out of the Greek. "The New Testament,"
+said one of them, "is a book full of briers and serpents. "The
+Greek," continued he, "is a new language recently invented, and of it
+we ought specially to beware. As to Hebrew, my dear brethren, it is
+certain that all who learn it, that very instant become Jews." We
+quote from Heresbach, a friend of Erasmus, and a respectable writer.
+Thomas Linacer, a learned and celebrated ecclesiastic, had never read
+the New Testament. In the last days of his life, (in 1524,) he caused
+a copy of it to be brought, but immediately dashed it from him with an
+oath, because, on opening it, he had lighted on these words, "I say
+unto you, Swear not at all." Now he was a great swearer. "Either this
+is not the gospel," said he, "or we are not Christians."[45] Even the
+Theological Faculty of Paris did not hesitate at this time to say, in
+presence of the Parliament, "It is all over with religion if the study
+of Greek and Hebrew is allowed." If, among ecclesiastics, there were a
+scattered few who had made some attainments, it was not in sacred
+literature. The Ciceronians of Italy affected great contempt for the
+Bible because of its style. Men calling themselves priests of the
+Church of Jesus Christ, translated the writings of holy men inspired
+by the Spirit of God into the style of Virgil and Horace, in order to
+adapt them to the ears of good society. Cardinal Bembo, instead of
+_the Holy Spirit_, wrote _the breath of the heavenly zephyr_; instead
+of to _forgive sins_,--to _bend the manes and the Sovereign God_; and
+instead of _Christ the Son of God_,--_Minerva sprung from the forehead
+of Jupiter_. Having one day found the respectable Sadolet engaged in
+translating the Epistle to the Romans, he said to him, "Leave off this
+child's play; such trifling ill becomes a man of gravity."[46]
+
+  [45] Mueller's Reliq. tom. iii, p. 253.
+
+  [46] Felleri, Mon. ined., p. 400.
+
+Such are some of the consequences of the system under which
+Christendom then groaned. Our picture, undoubtedly, proves both the
+corruption of the Church and the necessity of a Reformation; and it
+was this we proposed in sketching it. The vital doctrines of
+Christianity had almost entirely disappeared, and with them the light
+and life which constitute the essence of genuine religion. The
+strength of the Church had been wasted, and its body, enfeebled and
+exhausted, lay stretched almost without life, over the whole extent
+which the Roman empire had occupied.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+     Imperishable nature of Christianity--Two Laws of
+     God--Apparent Power of Rome--Hidden
+     Opposition--Decay--Threefold Opposition--Kings and
+     Subjects--The Pope judged in Italy--Discoveries by Kings and
+     Subjects--Frederick the Wise--His Moderation--His
+     Anticipation.
+
+
+The evils which then afflicted Christendom, viz., superstition,
+infidelity, ignorance, vain speculation, and corruption of
+manners--all natural fruits of the human heart--were not new upon the
+earth. Often had they figured in the history of states. In the East,
+especially, various religions which had had their day of glory, but
+had become enervated, had been attacked by them, and, yielding to the
+assault, had fallen under it, never again to rise. Is Christianity to
+experience the same fate? Will she be destroyed like these ancient
+popular religions? Will the blow which gave them death be strong
+enough to deprive her of life? Is there nothing that can save her?
+Will those hostile powers that now oppress her, and which have already
+overthrown so many other forms of worship, be able to seat themselves
+without opposition on the ruins of the Church of Jesus Christ?
+
+No! There is in Christianity what there was not in any of those
+popular religions. It does not, like them, present certain abstract
+ideas, interwoven with traditions and fables, destined to fall, sooner
+or later, under the attacks of human reason. It contains pure truth,
+founded on facts capable of standing the scrutiny of every upright and
+enlightened mind. Christianity does not aim merely at exciting certain
+vague religious sentiments, which, when they have once lost their
+charm, cannot be again revived. Its end is to satisfy, and it, in
+fact, does satisfy, all the religious wants of human nature, whatever
+the degree of refinement to which it may have attained. It is not the
+work of man, whose labours fade and are effaced; it is the work of
+God, who sustains what he creates; and the pledge of its duration is
+the promise of its divine Head.
+
+It is impossible that human nature can ever rise so high as to look
+down on Christianity, or if, for a time, human nature do think herself
+able to dispense with it, it soon appears with renewed youth and life,
+as alone fit for curing souls. Degenerate nations then return with new
+ardour to those ancient, simple, and powerful truths, which, in the
+hour of their infatuation, they had turned from with disdain.
+
+Christianity, in fact, displayed in the sixteenth century the same
+regenerating power which it had exerted in the first. After fifteen
+centuries the same truths produced the same results. In the days of
+the Reformation, as in those of Paul and Peter, the Gospel, with
+invincible force, overthrew the mightiest obstacles. Its sovereign
+power was manifested from north to south among nations differing most
+widely from each other in manners, character, and intellectual
+development. Then, as in the days of Stephen and James, it lighted up
+the fire of enthusiasm and devotedness in nations which seemed almost
+extinguished, and exalted them even to the height of martyrdom.
+
+How was this revival of the Church and of the world accomplished?
+
+The observer might then have seen the operation of two laws by which
+God governs the world at all times.
+
+First, as He has ages to act in, he begins his preparations leisurely,
+and long before the event which He designs to accomplish.
+
+Then, when the time is come, he produces the greatest results by the
+smallest means. It is thus he acts in nature and in history. When he
+wishes an immense tree to grow, he deposits a little grain in the
+earth; and, when he wishes to renew his Church, he employs the
+humblest instrument to accomplish what emperors and all the learned
+and eminent in the Church were unable to perform. By and by we will
+search for and we will discover this little seed which a Divine hand
+deposited in the earth in the days of the Reformation; but at present,
+let us endeavour to ascertain the various means by which God prepared
+this great event.
+
+At the period when the Reformation was ready to burst forth, Rome
+appeared to be in peace and safety. One would even have said that
+nothing could disturb her triumph after the great victories which she
+had gained. General Councils--those Upper and Lower Houses of
+Catholicity--had been subdued. The Vaudois and the Hussites had been
+suppressed. No University, with the exception, perhaps, of that of
+Paris, which sometimes raised its voice when its kings gave the
+signal, doubted the infallibility of the oracles of Rome. Each seemed
+to have accepted his alloted share in her power. The higher clergy
+deemed it better to give a distant chief the tenth part of their
+revenues, and quietly consume the other nine, than to hazard all for
+an independence which would cost much and yield little. The lower
+clergy, decoyed by the perspective of rich benefices, which ambition
+made them fancy and discover in the distance, were willing, by a
+little slavery, to realise the flattering hopes which they
+entertained. Besides, they were almost everywhere so oppressed by the
+chiefs of the hierarchy, that they could scarcely struggle under their
+powerful grasp, far less rise boldly and hold up their heads. The
+people knelt before the Roman altar, and kings themselves, though they
+began in secret to despise the Bishop of Rome, durst not venture to
+attack his power with a hand which the age would have deemed
+sacrilegious.
+
+But opposition, if it seemed externally to have slackened, or even
+ceased, when the Reformation burst forth, had more inward strength. A
+nearer view of the edifice will disclose to us more than one symptom
+which presaged its downfall. General Councils, though vanquished, had
+diffused their principles throughout the Church, and carried division
+into the enemy's camp. The defenders of the hierarchy were divided
+into two parties, viz., those who maintained the system of absolute
+Papal domination, on the principles of Hildebrand, and those who were
+desirous of a constitutional Papal government, offering guarantees and
+giving liberty to the churches.
+
+Nor was this the whole. Faith in the infallibility of the Roman bishop
+was greatly shaken among all parties; and, if no voice was raised in
+opposition to it, it was because every one rather desired anxiously to
+retain the little faith in it which he still had. The least shock was
+dreaded, because it might overturn the edifice. Christendom held in
+its breath; but it was to prevent a disaster by which its own
+existence might have been endangered. From the moment when man
+trembles at the thought of abandoning a long venerated belief, it has
+lost its influence over him, and even the appearance of respect which
+he may be desirous to keep up will not be long maintained. The
+Reformation had been gradually prepared in three different worlds--the
+political, the ecclesiastical, and the literary. Political bodies,
+private Christians, and theologians, the literary and the learned, all
+contributed to the revolution of the sixteenth century. Let us take a
+survey of this triple opposition, concluding with the literary class,
+though, at the period immediately preceding the revolution, it was
+perhaps the most powerful of all.
+
+First, among political bodies, Rome had lost much of its ancient
+credit. Of this the Church herself was the primary cause; for,
+properly speaking, it was not the errors and superstitions which she
+had introduced into Christianity that gave the fatal blow. Before
+Christendom could have been able to condemn her on this account, it
+must have stood higher than the Church, in respect of intellectual and
+religious development. But there was a class of things which the
+laity well understood, and it was by these they judged the Church. She
+had become of the "earth, earthy." The sacerdotal empire, which
+tyrannised over the nations, existed solely by the illusions of its
+subjects; and having a halo for its crown, had forgotten its nature,
+and left heaven, with his spheres of light and glory, to plunge into
+the vulgar interests of burghers and princes. Though representing
+those who are born of the Spirit, the priests had exchanged the Spirit
+for the flesh. They had abandoned the treasures of knowledge, and the
+spiritual power of the Word, for the brute force and tinkling of the
+age.
+
+The thing happened naturally enough. At first the Church pretended
+that her object was to defend spiritual order. But in order to protect
+it from the opposition and assaults of the people, she had resorted to
+earthly means, to vulgar weapons, which a false prudence had induced
+her to take up. When the Church had once begun to handle such weapons,
+her spirituality was at an end. Her arm could not become temporal
+without rendering her heart temporal also. The appearance presented
+soon became the reverse of what it had been at the outset. At first
+she had thought proper to employ the earth in defending heaven; now
+she employed heaven to defend the earth. Theocratic forms became in
+her hands merely a mean of accomplishing worldly interests. The
+offerings which the people laid at the feet of the sovereign pontiff
+of Christendom were expended in maintaining the luxury of his court
+and the soldiers of his armies. His spiritual power served him as a
+ladder on which to climb, and then put the kings and nations of the
+earth under his feet. The charm broke, and the power of the Church was
+lost as soon as the men of the world could say, "She is become as one
+of us."
+
+The great were the first to examine the titles of this imaginary
+power.[47] This examination might, perhaps, have been sufficient to
+overthrow Rome; but, happily for her, the education of princes was
+everywhere in the hands of her adepts. These inspired their august
+pupils with sentiments of veneration for the Roman pontiff. The rulers
+of the people grew up within the sanctuary, and princes of ordinary
+capacity could never entirely quit it. Several even had no other
+ambition than to be found in it at the hour of death. They preferred
+to die under a cassock rather than a crown.
+
+  [47] Adrien Baillet. Hist. des Demeles de Boniface VIII avec Philippe
+  le Bel.--(Paris, 1708.)
+
+Italy, that apple of discord in Europe, perhaps contributed most to
+open the eyes of kings. Having occasion to communicate with popes on
+matters which concerned the temporal prince of the States of the
+Church, and not the Bishop of bishops, they were greatly astonished
+when they saw them ready to sacrifice rights which appertained to the
+pontiff, in order to secure certain advantages to the prince. They
+discovered that these pretended organs of truth had recourse to all
+the petty wiles of politics, to deceit, dissimulation, and
+perjury.[48] Then, at length, the bandage, which education had tied
+upon the eyes of princes, fell off. Then wily Ferdinand of Arragon
+tried stratagem against stratagem. Then the impetuous Louis XII caused
+a medal to be struck with this inscription, "Perdam Babylonis
+nomen."[49] And honest Maximilian of Austria, grieved to the heart on
+learning the treachery of Leo X, declared openly, "Henceforth this
+pope, too, is to me nothing better than a villain; now I can say that
+throughout my life not one pope has kept faith with me, or been true
+to his word. If it please God, I hope that this one will be the
+last."[50]
+
+  [48] Guicciardini. History of Italy.
+
+  [49] I will destroy the name of Babylon.
+
+  [50] Scultet. Annal. ad. an. 1520.
+
+Kings and states began, moreover, to feel impatient under the heavy
+burden which the popes imposed on them, and to demand that Rome should
+free them from contributions and annats which wasted their resources.
+Already had France opposed Rome with the pragmatic sanction, and the
+heads of the empire claimed to share in it. In 1511 the emperor took
+part in the Council of Pisa, and had even at one time an idea of
+seizing the popedom for himself. But, among the rulers of the people
+none were so useful to the Reformation as the prince in whose states
+it was to commence.
+
+Of all the Electors of that period, the most powerful was Frederick of
+Saxony, surnamed the Wise. Having succeeded, in 1487, to the
+hereditary states of his family, he had received the electoral dignity
+from the emperor, and in 1493 undertook a pilgrimage to Jerusalem,
+where he was dubbed "Knight of the Holy Sepulchre." His power and
+influence, his riches and liberality, raised him above all his equals.
+God chose him to be the tree under whose shelter the seed of truth
+might be able to push forth its first blade, without being uprooted by
+storms from without.[51]
+
+  [51] "Qui proe multis pollebat princibus aliis auctoritate, opibus,
+  potentia, liberalitate, et magnificentia.--(Cochloens. Acta 1. p. 3.)
+  He surpassed many other princes in authority, wealth, power,
+  liberality, and magnificence.
+
+No man was better fitted for this noble service. Frederick possessed
+the general esteem, and, in particular, had the entire confidence of
+the emperor, whom he even represented in his absence. His wisdom
+consisted not in the dexterous arts of a wily politician, but in an
+enlightened and foreseeing prudence, the first maxim of which was
+never to offer violence, from interested motives, to the laws of
+honour and religion.
+
+At the same time, he felt in his heart the power of the word of God.
+One day when Staupitz, the Vicar-General, was with him, the
+conversation turned upon those who entertained the people with vain
+declamation. "All discourses," said the Elector, "which are filled
+only with subtleties and human traditions, are wondrously cold,
+nerveless, and feeble. It is impossible to advance one subtlety which
+another subtlety cannot destroy. The Holy Scriptures alone are clothed
+with such power and majesty, that, destroying all our learned logical
+contrivances, they press us home, and constrain us to exclaim, 'Never
+man so spake.'" Staupitz having signified that he was entirely of this
+opinion, the Elector shook him cordially by the hand, and said,
+"Promise me that you will always think so."*
+
+Frederick was just the prince required at the outset of the
+Reformation. Too much feebleness on the part of its friends might have
+allowed it to be strangled, while too much haste might have caused the
+storm, which at the very first began with hollow murmuring sound to
+gather against it, to burst too soon. Frederick was moderate but
+strong. He had that Christian virtue which God always requires in
+those who would adore his ways--he waited upon God. He put in practice
+the wise counsel of Gamaliel, "If this counsel or this work be of men,
+it will come to nought; but if it be of God ye cannot overthrow it."
+Acts, v, 38, 39. "Matters," said this prince to Spengler of Nuremberg,
+one of the most enlightened men of his time; "matters are come to such
+a point, that there is nothing more which men can do in them; God
+alone must act. To His mighty hand, therefore, we commit these great
+events, which are too difficult for us." Providence made an admirable
+choice in selecting such a prince to protect his work in its infancy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+     The People--The Empire--Providential Preparations--Impulse
+     of the Reformation--Peace--Middle Classes--National
+     Character--Yoke of the Pope--State of the Empire--Opposition
+     to Rome--The Burghers--Switzerland--Valour--Liberty--Small
+     Cantons--Italy--Obstacles to
+     Reform--Spain--Obstacles--Portugal--France--Preparations--Hopes
+     Deceived--Netherlands--England--Scotland--The
+     North--Russia--Poland--Bohemia--Hungary.
+
+
+The discoveries made by kings had gradually extended to their
+subjects. The wise began to habituate themselves to the idea that the
+Bishop of Rome was only a man, and sometimes even a very bad man. They
+had a suspicion that he was no holier than the bishops, whose
+reputation was very equivocal. The licentiousness of the popes roused
+the indignation of Christendom, and hatred of the Roman name rankled
+in the heart of the nations.[52]
+
+  [52] "Odium Romani nominis, penitus infixum esse multarum gentium
+  animis opinor, ob ea, quae vulgo de moribus ejus urbis jactantur."
+  (Erasm. Ep., lib. xii, p. 634.) The hatred of the Roman name, which
+  rankles in the minds of many nations, is owing, I suspect, to the
+  prevailing rumours respecting the morals of metanoiathat city.
+
+Numerous causes concurred in facilitating the deliverance of the
+different countries of the West. Let us glance at these countries.
+
+The empire was a confederation of different states, with an emperor at
+their head, each state having supreme authority within its own
+territory. The Imperial Diet, composed of all the princes or sovereign
+states, legislated for the whole Germanic body. It belonged to the
+emperor to ratify the laws, decrees, or resolutions of the assembly,
+and to see them applied and carried into execution, while the seven
+most powerful princes under the title of Electors, had the disposal of
+the imperial crown.
+
+The north of Germany, inhabited chiefly by the ancient Saxon race, had
+acquired the greatest degree of freedom. The emperor, incessantly
+attacked by the Turks in his hereditary possessions, was obliged to
+court those princes and bold nations whose aid was then necessary to
+him. Free towns in the north, west, and south of the empire, had, by
+their trade, their manufactures, and exertions of every description,
+risen to a high degree of prosperity, and thereby of independence, but
+the powerful house of Austria, then invested with the imperial crown,
+held the greater part of the southern states of Germany under its
+control, and closely watched their movements. It was preparing to
+extend its dominion over the whole empire, and even beyond it, when
+the Reformation interposed a mighty barrier to its encroachments, and
+saved the independence of Europe.
+
+As Judea, when Christianity arose, was in the centre of the ancient
+world, so Germany was in the centre of Christendom, looking at once
+toward the Netherlands, England, France, Switzerland, Italy, Hungary,
+Bohemia, Poland, Denmark, and all the North. It was in the heart of
+Europe that the principle of life was to be developed, and the
+beatings of this heart were to circulate through all the arteries of
+the body the noble blood which was to give animation to all its
+members.
+
+The particular constitution which the empire had received conformably
+to the dispensation of Providence, favoured the propagation of new
+ideas. Had Germany been a monarchy properly so called, like France or
+England, the arbitrary will of the monarch might have been able long
+to arrest the progress of the gospel. But it was a confederation.
+Truth attacked in one state might be received with favour in another.
+
+The internal peace which Maximilian had just secured for the empire
+was not less favourable to the Reformation. For a long time the
+numerous members of the Germanic body had taken pleasure in tearing
+each other. Nought had been seen but trouble and discord, war
+incessantly renewed, neighbour against neighbour, town against town,
+and noble against noble. Maximilian had given a solid basis to public
+order, by erecting the Imperial Chamber, with power to decide in all
+questions between different states. The inhabitants of Germany, after
+all their troubles and disquietudes, saw the commencement of a new era
+of security and repose. Nevertheless, when Luther appeared, Germany
+still presented to the observing eye that kind of motion which
+agitates the sea after long protracted storms. The calm was uncertain.
+More than one example of this will be seen as we proceed. By giving an
+entirely new impulse to the Germanic nations, the Reformation put an
+end for ever to all the former causes of agitation. Destroying the
+system of barbarism, which had till then been paramount, it put Europe
+in possession of a new system.
+
+Christianity had, at the same time, exercised a peculiar influence on
+Germany. The middle classes had made rapid improvement. Throughout the
+different quarters of the empire, and more especially in the free
+towns, were numerous institutions well fitted to improve the great
+mass of the population. In these arts flourished. The burghers,
+devoting themselves in security to the calm toils and sweet relations
+of social life, became more and more accessible to knowledge, and in
+this way were continually acquiring new influence and authority. The
+foundation of the Reformation in Germany was not to be laid by
+magistrates, who must often shape their conduct according to political
+exigencies, nor by nobles fired with the love of military glory, nor
+by a greedy and ambitious clergy, working religion for profit, as if
+it were their exclusive property. The task was reserved for the
+citizens, the commonalty, the great body of the people.
+
+The national character of the Germans was specially fitted to adapt
+itself to a religious Reformation. No spurious civilisation had
+enervated it. The precious seed, which the fear of God deposits in the
+bosom of a people, had not been thrown to the winds. Ancient manners
+yet existed, displaying themselves in that integrity and fidelity,
+that love of labour, that perseverance, that serious temper, which is
+still to be seen, and gives presage of greater success to the gospel,
+than the jeering levity, or boorish temper of some other European
+nations.
+
+The people of Germany were indebted to Rome for the great instrument
+of modern civilisation, viz., faith, polish, learning, laws, all save
+their courage and their arms, had come from the sacerdotal city, and,
+in consequence, Germany had ever after been in close alliance with the
+Papacy. The one was a kind of spiritual conquest by the other, and we
+all know to what purposes Rome has invariably applied her conquests.
+Nations which were in possession of faith and civilisation before a
+Roman pontiff existed, always maintained in regard to him, a greater
+measure of independence. Still the more thorough the subjugation of
+the German, the more powerful will the reaction be when the period of
+awakening shall arrive. When Germany does open her eyes, she will
+indignantly break loose from the chains which have so long held her
+captive. The bondage she has had to endure will make her more sensible
+of her need of deliverance; and freedom, and bold champions of the
+truth, will come forth from this house of hard labour and bondage, in
+which all her people have, for ages, been confined.
+
+There was, at that time, in Germany, what the politicians of our days
+call a "see-saw system." When the emperor was of a resolute character,
+his power increased; when, on the contrary, he was of a feeble
+character, the influence and power of the princes and electors were
+enlarged. Never had these felt themselves stronger in regard to their
+chief than in the time of Maximilian, at the period of the
+Reformation; and as he took part against it, it is easy to understand
+how favourable the circumstance of his comparative weakness must have
+been to the propagation of the gospel.
+
+Moreover, Germany was tired of what the Romans derisively styled "the
+patience of the Germans." They had indeed, shown much patience from
+the days of Louis of Bavaria, when the emperors laid down their arms,
+and the tiara was placed, without opposition, above the crown of the
+Caesars.
+
+The contest, however, had done little more than change its place, by
+descending several steps. The same struggles which the emperors and
+popes had exhibited to the world were soon renewed on a smaller scale,
+in all the towns of Germany, between the bishops and the magistrates.
+The burghers took up the sword which the emperors had allowed to drop
+from their hands. As early as 1329 the burghers of Frankfort on the
+Oder had intrepidly withstood all their ecclesiastical superiors.
+Excommunicated for having continued faithful to the Margrave Louis,
+they had been left for twenty-eight years without mass, baptism,
+marriage, or Christian burial; and, when the monks and priests made
+their re-entry, they laughed at it as a comedy or farce,--sad
+symptoms, doubtless, but symptoms of which the clergy were the cause.
+At the period of the Reformation this opposition between the
+magistrates and ecclesiastics had increased. The privileges of the
+former, and the temporal pretensions of the latter, were constantly
+causing jostling and collision between the two bodies.
+
+But burgomasters, councillors, and secretaries of towns, were not the
+only persons among whom Rome and the clergy found opponents. Wrath was
+at the same time fermenting among the people, and broke out as early
+as 1502, when the peasantry, indignant at the grinding yoke of their
+ecclesiastical sovereigns, entered into a combination which goes under
+the name of the Shoe-Alliance.
+
+Thus everywhere, both in the upper and lower regions of society, a
+grumbling sound was heard,--a precursor of the thunder which was soon
+to burst. Germany seemed ripe for the work which the sixteenth century
+had received as its task. Providence, which moves leisurely, had every
+thing prepared, and the very passions which God condemns were to be
+overruled by his mighty hand for the accomplishment of his designs.
+
+Let us see how other nations were situated.
+
+Thirteen small republics, placed with their confederates in the centre
+of Europe among mountains, forming, as it were, its citadel, contained
+a brave and simple people. Who would have gone to those obscure
+valleys in quest of persons who, with the sons of Germany, might be
+the deliverers of the Church? Who would have thought that petty
+unknown towns, just emerging from barbarism, hid behind inaccessible
+mountains, at the extremity of nameless lakes, would, in point of
+Christianity, take precedence of Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, Corinth,
+and Rome? Nevertheless, it so pleased Him who wills that one spot of
+earth be watered with dew, and that another spot on which the rain has
+not descended shall remain parched, (Amos.)
+
+There were other circumstances besides which might have been expected
+to throw numerous obstacles in the way of the Reformation among the
+Helvetic Republics. If, in a monarchy, the impediments of power were
+to be dreaded, the thing to be feared in a democracy was the
+precipitation of the people.
+
+But Switzerland had also had its preparations. It was a wild but noble
+tree, which had been preserved in the bosom of the valleys, in order
+that a valuable fruit might one day be engrafted on it. Providence had
+diffused among this new people principles of independence and freedom,
+destined to display their full power whenever the signal for contest
+with Rome should be given. The pope had given the Swiss the title of
+Protectors of the Liberty of the Church; but they seem to have taken
+the honourable appellation in a very different sense from the pontiff.
+If their soldiers guarded the pope in the vicinity of the ancient
+Capitol, their citizens, in the bosom of the Alps, carefully guarded
+their religious liberties against the assaults of the pope and the
+clergy. Ecclesiastics were forbidden to apply to a foreign
+jurisdiction. The "Letter of the Priests" (Pfaffenbrief, 1370) was an
+energetic protestation of Swiss liberty against the abuses and power
+of the clergy. Amongst these states, Zurich was distinguished for its
+courageous opposition to the pretensions of Rome. Geneva, at the other
+extremity of Switzerland, was at war with its bishop. These two towns
+particularly signalised themselves in the great struggle which we have
+undertaken to describe.
+
+But if the Swiss towns, accessible to every kind of improvement, were
+among the first to fall in with the movement of reform, it was
+otherwise with the inhabitants of the mountains. The light had not yet
+travelled so far. These cantons, the founders of Swiss freedom, proud
+of the part which they had performed in the great struggle for
+independence, were not readily disposed to imitate their younger
+brethren of the plains. Why change the faith with which they had
+chased Austria, and which had by its altars consecrated all the scenes
+of their triumph? Their priests were the only enlightened guides to
+whom they could have recourse. Their worship and their festivals gave
+a turn to the monotony of their tranquil life, and pleasantly broke
+the silence of their peaceful retreats. They remained impervious to
+religious innovation.
+
+On crossing the Alps, we find ourselves in that Italy which was in the
+eyes of the majority the Holy Land of Christendom. Whence should
+Europe have expected the good of the Church if not from Italy, if not
+from Rome? Might not the power which by turns raised so many different
+characters to the pontifical chair, one day place in it a pontiff who
+would become an instrument of blessing to the heritage of the Lord? Or
+if pontiffs were to be despaired of, were there not bishops and
+councils, who might reform the Church? Nothing good comes out of
+Nazareth; but out of Jerusalem, out of Rome!... Such might be the
+thoughts of men, but God thought otherwise. He said, "Let him who is
+filthy, be filthy still," (Rev., xxii,) and abandoned Italy to her
+iniquities. This land of ancient glory was alternately a prey to
+intestine wars and foreign invasion. The wiles of politics, the
+violence of faction, the turmoil of war, seemed to have sole sway, and
+to banish far away both the gospel and its peace.
+
+Besides, Italy, broken, dismembered, and without unity, seemed little
+fitted to receive a common impulse. Each frontier was a new barrier
+where truth was arrested.
+
+And if the truth was to come from the North, how could the Italians,
+with a taste so refined, and a society in their eyes so exquisite,
+condescend to receive any thing at the hands of barbarous Germans?
+Were men who admired the cadence of a sonnet more than the majesty and
+simplicity of the Scriptures, a propitious soil for the seed of the
+divine word? But be this as it may, in regard to Italy, Rome was still
+to continue Rome. Not only did the temporal power of the popes dispose
+the different Italian factions to purchase their alliance and favour
+at any price, but in addition to this, the universal ascendancy of
+Rome presented various attractions to the avarice and vanity of the
+ultramontane states. The moment that the question of emancipating the
+rest of the world from Rome should be raised, Italy would again become
+Italy; domestic quarrels would not prevail to the advantage of a
+foreign system. Attacks on the head of the Peninsular family would at
+once revive affections and common interests which had long been in
+abeyance.
+
+The Reformation had therefore little chance in that quarter. And yet
+there did exist, beyond the mountains, individuals who had been
+prepared to receive the gospel light, and Italy was not entirely
+disinherited.
+
+Spain had what Italy had not--a grave, noble, and religiously-disposed
+people. At all times has it numbered men of piety and learning among
+its clergy, while it was distant enough from Rome to be able easily to
+shake off the yoke. There are few nations where one might have more
+reasonably hoped for a revival of that primitive Christianity which
+Spain perhaps received from St. Paul himself. And yet Spain did not
+raise her head among the nations. She was destined to fulfil the
+declaration of Divine wisdom, "The first shall be last." Various
+circumstances led to this sad result.
+
+Spain, in consequence of its isolated position, and its distance from
+Germany, must have felt only slight shocks of the great earthquake
+which so violently heaved the empire. It was moreover, engrossed with
+treasures very different from those which the word of God then offered
+to the nations. The new world eclipsed the eternal world. A land
+altogether new, and apparently silver and gold, inflamed all
+imaginations. An ardent desire for riches left no room in a Spanish
+heart for nobler thoughts. A powerful clergy, with scaffolds and
+treasures at its disposal, ruled the Peninsula. The Spaniard willingly
+yielded a servile obedience to his priests, who, disburdening him of
+the prior claims of spiritual occupation, left him free to follow his
+passions, and to run the way of riches, discoveries, and new
+continents. Victorious over the Moors, Spain had, at the expence of
+her noblest blood, pulled down the crescent from the walls of Grenada,
+and many other cities, and, in its place, planted the cross of Jesus
+Christ. This great zeal for Christianity, which seemed to give bright
+hopes, turned against the truth. Why should Catholic Spain, which had
+vanquished infidelity, not oppose heresy? How should those who had
+chased Mahomet from their lovely country allow Luther to penetrate
+into it? Their kings did even more. They fitted out fleets against the
+Reformation, and in their eagerness to vanquish it, went to seek it in
+Holland and England. But these attacks aggrandised the nations against
+which they were directed, and their power soon crushed Spain. In this
+way, these Catholic regions lost, through the Reformation, even that
+temporal prosperity which was the primary cause of their rejection of
+the spiritual liberty of the gospel. Nevertheless, it was a brave and
+generous people that dwelt beyond the Pyrenees. Several of their noble
+sons with the same ardour, but with more light than those who had shed
+their blood in Moorish dungeons, came to lay their life, as an
+offering, on the faggot piles of the Inquisition.
+
+It was nearly the same with Portugal as with Spain. Emmanuel the Happy
+gave it an age of gold, which must have unfitted it for the
+self-denial which the gospel demands. The Portuguese, rushing into the
+recently discovered routes to the East Indies and Brazil, turned their
+backs on Europe and the Reformation.
+
+Few nations might have been thought more disposed than France to
+receive the gospel. Almost all the intellectual and spiritual life of
+the middle ages centred in her. One would have said that the paths
+were already beaten for a great manifestation of the truth. Men who
+were the most opposed to each other, and who had the greatest
+influence on the French people, felt that they had some affinity with
+the Reformation. St. Bernard had given an example of that heart-felt
+faith, that inward piety, which is the finest feature of the
+Reformation, while Abelard had introduced into the study of theology
+that reasoning principle, which, incapable of establishing truth, is
+powerful in destroying falsehood. Numerous heretics, so called, had
+rekindled the flames of the word of God in the French provinces. The
+University of Paris had withstood the Church to the face, and not
+feared to combat her. At the beginning of the fifteenth century, the
+Clemangis and the Gersons had spoken out boldly. The pragmatic
+sanction had been a great act of independence, and promised to prove
+the palladium of the Gallican liberties. The French nobility, so
+numerous and so jealous of their precedence, and who, at this period,
+had just seen their privileges gradually suppressed to the extension
+of the influence of the crown, must have felt favourably disposed
+towards a religious revolution, the effect of which might be to
+restore a portion of the independence which they had lost. The people,
+lively, intelligent and open to generous emotions, were accessible to
+the truth in a degree as great, if not greater, than any other people.
+The Reformation might have promised to be, in this nation, the birth
+that was to crown the long travail of many ages. But the Church of
+France, which seemed for so many generations to have been rushing in
+the same direction, turned suddenly round at the moment of the
+Reformation, and took quite a contrary direction. Such was the will of
+Him who guides nations and their rulers. The prince who then sat in
+the chariot and held the reins, and who, as a lover of letters, might
+have been thought likely to be the first to second reform, threw his
+people into another course. The symptoms of several centuries proved
+fallacious, and the impulse given to France struck and spent itself on
+the ambition and fanaticism of its kings. The Valois took the place
+which she ought to have occupied. Perhaps, if she had received the
+gospel, she would have become too powerful. God was pleased to take
+the feeblest nations, nations that as yet were not, to make them the
+depositaries of his truth. France, after having been almost reformed,
+ultimately found herself again become Roman Catholic. The sword of
+princes thrown into the scale, made it incline towards Rome. Alas!
+another sword, that of the reformed themselves, completed the ruin of
+the Reformation. Hands habituated to the sword, unlearned to pray. It
+is by the blood of its confessors, and not by that of its enemies,
+that the gospel triumphs.
+
+At this time the Netherlands was one of the most flourishing countries
+in Europe. It contained an industrious population, enlightened by the
+numerous relations which it maintained with the different quarters of
+the world, full of courage, and zealous to excess for its
+independence, its privileges, and its freedom. Placed on the threshold
+of Germany, it must have been one of the first to hear the sound of
+the Reformation. Two parties, quite distinct from each other, occupied
+these provinces. The more Southern one was surfeited with wealth, and
+submitted. How could all those manufactures, carried to the highest
+perfection--how could that boundless traffic by land and sea--how
+could Bruges, the great entrepot of the trade of the North--how could
+Antwerp, that queen of commercial cities, accommodate themselves to a
+long and sanguinary struggle for points of faith? On the contrary, the
+northern provinces defended by their sands, the sea, and their inland
+waters, and still more, by the simplicity of their manners, and their
+determination to lose all sooner than the gospel, not only saved their
+franchises, their privileges, and their faith, but also conquered
+their independence, and a glorious national character.
+
+England scarcely seemed to promise what she has since performed.
+Repulsed from the Continent, where she had so long been obstinately
+bent on conquering France, she began to throw her eye towards the
+ocean, as the domain which was to be the true scene of her conquests,
+and which was reserved for her inheritance. Twice converted to
+Christianity, once under the ancient Britons, and the second time
+under the Anglo-Saxons, she very devoutly paid to Rome the annual
+tribute of St. Peter. But she was reserved for high destinies.
+Mistress of the ocean, and present at once in all the different
+quarters of the globe, she, with the nations that were to spring from
+her, was one day to be the hand of God in shedding the seeds of life
+over the remotest islands and the largest continents. Already several
+circumstances gave a presentiment of her destiny. Bright lights had
+shone in the British Isles, and some glimmerings still remained. A
+multitude of foreigners, artists, merchants, and mechanics, arriving
+from the Netherlands, Germany, and other countries, filled their
+cities and their sea-ports. The new religious ideas must have been
+conveyed easily and rapidly. In fine, the reigning monarch was an
+eccentric prince, who, possessed of some knowledge and great courage,
+was every moment changing his projects and ideas, and turning from
+side to side, according to the direction in which his violent passions
+blew. It was possible that one of the inconsistencies of Henry VIII
+might prove favourable to the Reformation.
+
+Scotland was at this time agitated by factions. A king five years old,
+a queen regent, ambitious nobles, and an influential clergy, kept this
+bold nation in constant turmoil. It was, nevertheless, one day to hold
+a first place among those that received the Reformation.
+
+The three kingdoms of the North, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, were
+united under a common sceptre. These rude and warlike nations seemed
+to have little in common with the doctrine of love and peace. And yet,
+by their very energy, they were, perhaps, more disposed than the
+people of the South to receive the evangelical doctrine in its power.
+But, the descendants of warriors and pirates, they brought, it would
+seem, too warlike a character to the Protestant cause; at a later
+period, their sword defended it with heroism.
+
+Russia, retired at the extremity of Europe, had few relations with
+other states, and belonged, moreover, to the Greek communion. The
+Reformation effected in the Western exerted little or no influence on
+the Eastern Church.
+
+Poland seemed well prepared for a reform. The vicinity of the
+Christians of Bohemia and Moravia had disposed it to receive, while
+the vicinity of Germany must have rapidly communicated, the
+evangelical impulse. So early as 1500, the nobility of Poland Proper
+had demanded the cup for the laity, appealing to the usage of the
+primitive Church. The liberty enjoyed by its towns, and the
+independence of its nobles, made it a safe asylum for Christians
+persecuted in their own country, and the truth which they brought
+thither was received with joy by a great number of its inhabitants. In
+our days, however, it is one of the countries which has the smallest
+number of confessors.
+
+The flame of reformation, which had long gleamed in Bohemia, had been
+almost extinguished in blood. Nevertheless, precious remains which
+had escaped the carnage, still survived to see the day of which John
+Huss had a presentiment.
+
+Hungary had been torn by intestine wars under the government of
+princes without character and without experience, and who had at last
+yoked the fate of their people to Austria, by giving this powerful
+House a place among the heirs of the crown.
+
+Such was the state of Europe at the beginning of the sixteenth
+century, which was destined to produce so mighty a transformation in
+Christian society.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+     Roman Theology--Remains of Life--Justification by
+     Faith--Witnesses for the Truth--Claude--The Mystics--The
+     Vaudois--Valdo--Wickliffe--Huss--Prediction--Protestantism
+     before the Reformation--Arnoldi--Utenheim--Martin--New
+     Witnesses in the Church--Thomas Conecte--The Cardinal of
+     Crayn--Institoris--Savonarola--Justification by Faith--John
+     Vitraire--John Laillier--John of Wessalia--John of
+     Goch--John Wessel--Protestantism before the Reformation--The
+     Bohemian Brethren--Prophecy of Proles--Prophecy of the
+     Franciscan of Isenach--Third Preparative--Literature.
+
+
+Having pointed out the state of nations and princes, we now proceed to
+the preparation for Reform, as existing in Theology and in the Church.
+
+The singular system of Theology which had been established in the
+Church must have powerfully contributed to open the eyes of the rising
+generation. Made for an age of darkness, as if such an age had been to
+exist for ever, it seemed destined to become obsolete and defective in
+all its parts as soon as the age should have improved. Such was the
+actual result. The popes had from time to time made various additions
+to Christian doctrine. They had changed or taken away whatever did not
+accord with their hierarchy, while any thing not contrary to their
+system was allowed to remain till further orders. This system
+contained true doctrines, such as redemption, and the influence of the
+Holy Spirit; and these an able theologian, if any such then existed,
+might have employed to combat and overthrow all the rest. The pure
+gold, mingled with the worthless lead in the treasury of the Vatican,
+made it easy to detect the imposition. It is true, that when any bold
+opponent called attention to it, the fanner of Rome immediately threw
+out the pure grain. But these very proceedings only increased the
+confusion.
+
+This confusion was unbounded, and the pretended unity was only a heap
+of disunion. At Rome there were doctrines of the Court, and doctrines
+of the Church. The faith of the metropolis differed from the faith of
+the provinces; while in the provinces, again, the variation was
+endless. There was a faith for princes, a faith for the people, and a
+faith for religious orders. Opinions were classed as belonging to such
+a convent, such a district, such a doctor, such a monk.
+
+Truth, in order to pass peacefully through the time when Rome would
+have crushed her with an iron sceptre, had done, like the insect which
+with its threads forms the chrysalis in which it shuts itself up
+during the cold season. And strange enough, the instruments which
+divine truth had employed for the purpose were the so much decried
+schoolmen. These industrious artisans of thought had employed
+themselves in unravelling all theological ideas, and out of the
+numerous threads had made a veil under which the ablest of their
+contemporaries must have found it difficult to recognise the truth in
+its original purity. It seems a sad thing, that an insect full of
+life, and sometimes glowing with the most brilliant colours, should
+enclose itself, apparently without life, in its dark cocoon; and yet
+it is the shroud that saves it. It was the same with truth. Had the
+selfish and sinister policy of Rome, in the days of her ascendancy,
+met the truth in naked simplicity, she would have destroyed, or at
+least tried to destroy it, but disguised as it was, by the theologians
+of the time, under subtleties and endless distinctions, the popes
+either saw it not, or thought that, in such a state, it could not do
+them harm. They accordingly patronised both the workmen and their
+work. But spring might come, and then forgotten truth might lift her
+head, and throw aside her shroud. In her seeming tomb, having acquired
+new strength, she might now again prove victorious over Rome and all
+its errors. This spring arrived. At the moment when the absurd
+trappings of the schoolmen were falling off under the attack of
+skilful hands, and amid the jeers of the new generation, truth made
+her escape, and came forth all young and beautiful.
+
+But not merely did the writings of the schoolmen bear powerful
+testimony in favour of truth. Christianity had everywhere imparted a
+portion of her own life to the life of the people. The Church of
+Christ was like a building which had fallen into ruin; in digging
+among its foundations, a portion of the solid rock on stitutions,
+which dated from the pure times of the Church, were still existing,
+and could not fail to suggest to many minds evangelical ideas utterly
+at variance with the prevailing superstitions. Moreover, the inspired
+writers and ancient doctors of the Church, whose writings were extant
+in many libraries, occasionally sent forth a solitary voice; and may
+we not hope that this voice was listened to in silence by more than
+one attentive ear? Let us not doubt, (and how sweet the thought!)
+Christians had many brothers and many sisters in those monasteries, in
+which we are too ready to see nothing but hypocrisy and dissoluteness.
+
+The Church had fallen in consequence of having lost the grand doctrine
+of Justification by faith in the Saviour; and hence, before she could
+rise, it was necessary that this doctrine should be restored. As soon
+as it was re-established in Christendom, all the errors and
+observances which had been introduced, all that multitude of saints,
+pious works, penances, masses, indulgences, etc., behoved to
+disappear. As soon as the one Mediator and his one sacrifice were
+recognised, all other mediators and other sacrifices were done away.
+"This article of justification," says one whom we may regard as
+divinely illumined on the subject,[53] "is that which creates the
+Church, nourishes, builds up, preserves, and defends her. No man can
+teach well in the Church, or successively resist an adversary, unless
+he hold fast by this truth. This," adds the writer from whom we quote,
+"is the heel which bruises the Serpent's head."
+
+  [53] Luther to Brentius.
+
+God, who was preparing his work, raised up during the revolution of
+ages a long series of witnesses to the truth. But the truth to which
+those noble men bore testimony, they knew not with sufficient
+clearness, or at least were unable to expound with sufficient
+distinctness. Incapable of accomplishing the work, they were just what
+they should have been in order to prepare it. We must add, however,
+that if they were not ready for the work, the work was not ready for
+them. The measure was not yet filled up. Ages had not accomplished
+their destined course, and the need of a true remedy was not generally
+felt.
+
+No sooner had Rome usurped power than a powerful opposition was formed
+against her,--an opposition which extended across the middle ages.
+
+In the ninth century, Archbishop Claude of Turin, and in the twelfth
+century, Peter of Bruges, his disciple Henry, and Arnold of Brescia,
+in France and in Italy endeavour to establish the worship of God in
+spirit and in truth. Generally, however, in searching for this
+worship, they confine it too much to the exclusion of images and
+external observances.
+
+The Mystics, who have existed in almost all ages, seeking in silence
+for holiness of heart, purity of life, and tranquil communion with
+God, cast looks of sadness and dismay on the desolation of the Church.
+Carefully abstaining from the scholastic brawls and useless
+discussions under which true piety had been buried, they endeavoured
+to withdraw men from the vain mechanism of external worship, and from
+the mire and glare of ceremonies, that they might lead them to the
+internal repose enjoyed by the soul which seeks all its happiness in
+God. This they could not do without coming at every point into
+collision with accredited opinions, and without unveiling the sores of
+the Church. Still they had no clear view of the doctrine of
+justification by faith.
+
+The Vaudois, far superior to the Mystics in purity of doctrine, form a
+long chain of witnesses to the truth. Men enjoying more freedom than
+the rest of the Church, appear to have inhabited the heights of the
+Alps in Piedmont from ancient times; and their numbers were increased,
+and their doctrine purified, by the followers of Valdo. From their
+mountain tops the Vaudois, during a long series of ages, protest
+against the superstitions of Rome.[54] "They contend for the living
+hope which they have in God through Christ, for regeneration, and
+inward renewal by faith, hope, and charity, for the merits of Jesus
+Christ, and the all-sufficiency of his righteousness and grace."[55]
+
+  [54] Nobla Leycon.
+
+  [55] Treatise of Antichrist, of the same age as the Nobla Leycon.
+
+Still, however, this primary truth of a sinner's justification, this
+capital doctrine, which ought to have risen from the midst of their
+doctrines, like Mont Blanc from the bosom of the Alps, has not due
+prominence in their system. Its top is not high enough.
+
+In 1170, Peter Vaud, or Valdo, a rich merchant of Lyons, sells all his
+goods and gives to the poor. He, as well as his friends, seem to have
+had it in view practically to realise the perfection of primitive
+Christianity. He, accordingly, begins in like manner with the
+branches, and not the root. Nevertheless, his word is powerful,
+because of his appeal to Scripture, and shakes the Roman hierarchy to
+its very foundations.
+
+In 1360, Wickliffe appears in England, and appeals from the pope to
+the word of God, but the real internal sore of the Church is, in his
+eyes, only one of the numerous symptoms of disease.
+
+John Huss lifts his voice in Bohemia, a century before Luther lifts
+his in Saxony. He seems to penetrate farther than his predecessors
+into the essence of Christian truth. He asks Christ to give him grace
+to glory only in his cross, and in the inestimable weight of his
+sufferings, but his attention is directed less against the errors of
+the Roman Church, than the scandalous lives of its clergy. He was,
+however, if we may so speak, the John Baptist of the Reformation. The
+flames of his martyrdom kindled a fire in the Church, which threw
+immense light on the surrounding darkness, and the rays of which were
+not to be so easily extinguished.
+
+John Huss did more; prophetic words came forth from the depth of his
+dungeon. He had a presentiment, that the true Reformation of the
+Church was at hand. So early as the period when chased from Prague, he
+had been forced to wander in the plains of Bohemia, where his steps
+were followed by an immense crowd of eager hearers, he had exclaimed,
+"The wicked have begun to lay perfidious nets for the Bohemian
+goose;[56] but if even the goose, which is only a domestic fowl, a
+peaceful bird, and which never takes a lofty flight into the air, has,
+however, broken their toils, other birds of loftier wing will break
+them with much greater force. Instead of a feeble goose, the truth
+will send eagles and falcons, with piercing eye."[57] The Reformers
+fulfilled this prediction.
+
+  [56] In Bohemian, Huss means "goose."
+
+  [57] Epist. J. Huss, Tempore Anathematis Scriptae.
+
+And after the venerable priest had been summoned before the Council of
+Constance, after he had been thrown into prison, the chapel of
+Bethlehem, where he had proclaimed the Gospel and the future triumphs
+of Jesus Christ, occupied him more than his defence. One night, the
+holy martyr thought he saw, in the depth of his dungeon, the features
+of Jesus Christ, which he had caused to be painted on the walls of his
+study, effaced by the pope and the bishops. The dream distresses him,
+but next day he sees several painters employed in restoring the
+pictures in greater number and splendour. Their task finished, the
+painters, surrounded by a great multitude, exclaim, "Now, let popes
+and bishops come, they never shall efface them more." John Huss adds,
+"Many people in Bethlehem rejoiced, and I among them." "Think of your
+defence, rather than of dreams," said his faithful Friend, Chevalier
+de Chlum, to whom he had communicated the dream. "I am not a dreamer,"
+replied Huss; "but this I hold for certain--the image of Christ will
+never be effaced. They wished to destroy it, but it will be painted
+anew in men's hearts by far abler preachers than I. The nation which
+loves Jesus Christ will rejoice; and I, awaking among the dead, and,
+so to speak, rising again from the tomb, will thrill with joy."[58]
+
+  [58] Huss. Ep. sub. Temp. Concuii Scriptae.
+
+A century elapsed, and the torch of the Gospel, rekindled by the
+Reformers, did, in fact, illumine several nations which rejoiced in
+its light.
+
+But in those ages, a word of life is heard not only among those whom
+Rome regards as its adversaries; Catholicity itself--let us say it for
+our comfort--contains in its bosom numerous witnesses to the truth.
+The primitive edifice has been consumed; but a noble fire is
+slumbering under its ashes, and we see it from time to time throwing
+out brilliant sparks.
+
+It is an error to suppose that, up to the Reformation, Christianity
+existed only under the Roman Catholic form, and that, at that period
+only, a part of that church assumed the form of Protestantism.
+
+Among the doctors who preceded the sixteenth century, a great number,
+doubtless, inclined to the system which the Council of Trent
+proclaimed in 1562, but several also inclined to the doctrines
+professed at Augsburgh in 1530 by the Protestants; the majority,
+perhaps, vibrated between the two.
+
+Anselm of Canterbury lays down the doctrines of the incarnation and
+expiation as of the essence of Christianity.[59] And in a treatise in
+which he teaches how to die, he says to the dying person, "Look only
+to the merits of Jesus Christ." St. Bernard with powerful voice
+proclaims the mystery of redemption. "If my fault comes from another,"
+says he, "why should not my righteousness also be derived? Certainly,
+it is far better for me to have it given me, than to have it
+innate."[60] Several schoolmen, and after them chancellor Gerson,
+forcibly attack the errors and abuses of the Church.
+
+  [59] Cur Deus homo?
+
+  [60] "Et sane mihi tutior donato quam innata." (De Erroribus Abelardi,
+  cap. 6.) And it is certainly safer to me given than innate.
+
+But, above all, let us think of the thousands of obscure individuals
+unknown to the world, who, however, possessed the true life of Christ.
+
+A monk named Arnoldi, daily in his quiet cell utters this fervent
+exclamation, "O Jesus Christ my Lord! I believe that thou alone art my
+redemption and my righteousness."[61]
+
+  [61] "Credo quod tu, mi Domine Jesu Christe, solus es mea justitia et
+  redemptio."... (Leibnitz, Script. Brunsw. iii, 396.)
+
+Christopher of Utenheim, a pious bishop of Basle, causes his name to
+be written on a picture painted on glass, and surrounds it with this
+inscription, that he may have it always under his eye, "The cross of
+Christ is my hope; I seek grace, and not works."[62]
+
+  [62] "Spes mea crux Christi; gratiam, non opera quaero."
+
+Friar Martin, a poor Carthusian, wrote a touching confession, in which
+he says, "O most loving God! I know there is no other way in which I
+can be saved and satisfy thy justice, than by the merit, the spotless
+passion, and death of thy well-beloved Son. Kind Jesus! All my
+salvation is in thy hands. Thou canst not turn the arms of thy love
+away from me, for they created, shaped, and ransomed me. In great
+mercy, and in an ineffable manner, thou hast engraved my name with an
+iron pen on thy side, thy hands, and thy feet," etc. Then the good
+Carthusian places his confession in a wooden box, and deposits the box
+in a hole which he had made in the wall of his cell.[63]
+
+  [63] "Sciens posse me aliter non salvari, et tibi satisfacere nisi per
+  meritum," etc. (For these and similar quotations, see Flacius, Catal.
+  Test. Veritatis; Wolfii. Lect. Memorabiles; Miller's Reliquien, etc.)
+
+The piety of Friar Martin would never have been known had not the box
+been found, 21st December, 1776, in taking down an old tenement which
+had formed part of the Carthusian Convent at Basle.
+
+But this touching faith these holy men had only for themselves, and
+knew not how to communicate to others. Living in retreat, they might
+more or less say, as in the writing which Friar Martin put into his
+box, "Et si haec praedicta confiteri non possim lingua, confiteor tamen
+corde et scripto." "And these things aforesaid, if I cannot confess
+with the tongue, I, however, confess with the heart and in writing."
+The word of truth was in the sanctuary of some pious souls, but, to
+use a Scripture expression, it had not "free course" in the world.
+Still, if the doctrine of salvation was not always confessed aloud,
+there were some in the very bosom of the Church of Rome who, at least,
+feared not to declare openly against the abuses which dishonoured it.
+
+Scarcely had the Councils of Constance and Basle, which condemned Huss
+and his followers, been held, than the noble series of witnesses
+against Rome, to which we have been pointing, again appears with
+greater lustre. Men of a noble spirit, revolting at the abominations
+of the Papacy, rise up like the prophets under the Old Testament, like
+them sending forth a voice of thunder, and with a similar fate. Their
+blood reddens the scaffold, and their ashes are thrown to the wind.
+
+Thomas Conecte, a Carmelite, appears in Flanders, and declares, "that
+abominations are done at Rome, that the Church has need of
+reformation, and that, in the service of God, one must not fear the
+excommunications of the pope."[64] Flanders listens with enthusiasm,
+but Rome burns him in 1432, and his contemporaries exclaim that God
+has exalted him to heaven.[65]
+
+  [64] Bertrand d'Argentre, Histoire de Bretaigne, Paris, 1618, p. 788.
+
+  [65] "Ille summo vivit Olympo." (Baptista Mantuanus, de Beata Vita, in
+  fin.) He lives in the highest heaven.
+
+Andre, Archbishop of Crayn, and a Cardinal, being at Rome as the
+ambassador of the emperor, is amazed when he sees that the holiness of
+the pope, in which he had devoutly believed, is only a fable; and in
+his simplicity he addresses evangelical representations to Sextus IV.
+He is answered with mockery and persecution. Then (1482) he wishes a
+new Council to be assembled at Basle. "The whole Church," exclaims he,
+"is shaken by divisions, heresies, sins, vices, iniquities, errors,
+and innumerable evils, so much so, that it is on the eve of being
+swallowed up by the devouring abyss of condemnation.[66] This is my
+only reason for proposing a General Council for the Reformation of the
+Catholic faith, and the amendment of manners." The Archbishop of Basle
+was thrown into the prison of that town, and there died. Henry
+Institoris, the inquisitor, who first moved against him, used these
+remarkable words, "The whole world is crying out and demanding a
+council; but no human power can reform the Church by means of a
+Council. The Almighty will find another method, which is now unknown
+to us, though it is at the door; and, by this method the Church will
+be brought back to its primitive condition."[67] This remarkable
+prophecy, pronounced by an inquisitor, at the very period of Luther's
+birth, is the finest apology for the Reformation.
+
+  [66] "A sorbente gurgite damnationis, subtrahi." (J. H. Hottingeri,
+  Hist. Eccl. Saecul. xv, p. 347.)
+
+  [67] "Alium modum Altissimus procurabit, nobis quidem pro nunc
+  incognitum, licet heu prae foribus existat, ut ad pristinum statum
+  Ecclesia redeat." (J. H. Hottingeri, Hist. Eccl. Saecul. xv, p. 413.)
+
+The Dominican, Jerome Savonarola, shortly after he had entered the
+order at Bologna in 1475, devotes himself to constant prayer, fasting,
+and macerations, and exclaims, "O thou who art good, in thy goodness
+teach me thy righteousness."[68] Translated to Florence in 1489, he
+preaches with effect; his voice is thrilling, his features animated,
+his action beautifully attractive. "The Church," exclaims he, "must be
+renewed." And he professes the grand principle which alone can restore
+life to it. "God," says he, "forgives man his sin, and justifies him
+in the way of mercy. For every justified person existing on the earth,
+there has been an act of compassion in heaven; for no man is saved by
+his works. None can glory in themselves; and if in the presence of
+God, the question were put to all the righteous, 'Have you been saved
+by your own strength?' they would all with one voice exclaim, 'Not
+unto us, O Lord, but unto thy name be the glory.' Wherefore, O God, I
+seek thy mercy, and I bring thee not my own righteousness: the moment
+thou justifiest me by grace, thy righteousness belongs to me; for
+grace is the righteousness of God. So long, O man, as thou believest
+not, thou art, because of sin, deprived of grace. O God, save me by
+thy righteousness, that is, by thy Son, who alone was found righteous
+among men."[69] Thus the great and holy doctrine of justification by
+faith gladdens the heart of Savonarola. In vain do the prelates of the
+Church oppose him;[70] he knew that the oracles of God are superior to
+the visible church, and that he must preach them with her, without
+her, or in spite of her.--"Fly far from Babylon," exclaims he. It is
+Rome he thus designates. Rome soon answers him in her own way. In 1497
+the infamous Alexander launches a brief at him, and in 1498 torture
+and faggot do their work on the Reformer.
+
+  [68] "Bonus es tu, et in bonitate tua doce me justificationes tuas."
+  (Batesius, Vitae Selectorum Virorum. Lond. 1681, p. 112.)
+
+  [69] Meditationes in Psalmos; Prediche sopra il Salmo. Quam bonus
+  Israel, etc. Sermones supra Archam Noe, etc.
+
+  [70] "Inter omnes vero persecutores, potissimum Ecclesiae praesides."
+  But among all persecutors, chiefly the prelates of the Church.
+  (Batesius, p. 118.)
+
+A Franciscan, named John Vitraire, of Tournay, whose monastic spirit
+seems not of a very elevated description, nevertheless, declaims
+forcibly against the corruption of the Church. "It were better for a
+man," says he,[71] "to cut his child's throat than put it into a
+religion not reformed. If your curate, or any other priest, keep women
+in his house, you ought to go and drag the women by force, or in any
+other way, pell-mell, out of the house. There are some persons who say
+prayers to the Virgin Mary, in order that, at the hour of death, they
+may see the Virgin Mary. Thou shalt see the devil, and not the Virgin
+Mary." The monk was ordered to retract, and he did so in 1498.
+
+  [71] D'Argentre, Collectio Judiciorum de Novis Erroribus, II, p. 340.
+
+John Laillier, a Doctor of Sorbonne, declares, in 1484, against the
+tyrannical domination of the hierarchy. "All ecclesiastics," says he,
+"have received equal power from Christ. The Roman Church is not the
+head of other churches. You ought to keep the commandments of God and
+the Apostles; and, in regard to the command of all the bishops and
+other lords of the Church, care no more for it than you would for a
+straw; they have destroyed the Church by their tricks.[72] The priests
+of the Eastern Church sin not in marrying; and, believe me, neither
+shall we in the Western Church if we marry. Since St. Sylvester the
+Church of Rome has been, not a church of Christ, but a church of State
+and money. We are no more bound to believe the legends of the saints
+than the Chronicles of France."
+
+  [72] Ibidem.
+
+John of Wessalia, a doctor of theology at Erfurt, a man of great
+spirit and intellect, attacks the errors on which the hierarchy rests,
+and proclaims the holy Scriptures to be the only source of faith. "It
+is not religion" (that is, the monastic state) "that saves us," says
+he to some monks, "but the grace of God. God has from all eternity
+kept a book in which he has entered all his elect. Whosoever is not
+entered there will not, through eternity; and whosoever is, will never see
+his name erased. It is solely by the grace of God that the elect are saved.
+He whom God is pleased to save, by giving him grace, will be saved,
+though all the priests in the world were to condemn and excommunicate
+him. And he whom God sees meet to condemn, though these should all wish to
+save him, will be made to feel his condemnation.[73] How audacious in
+the successors of the apostles to order, not what Christ has
+prescribed in his holy books, but what they themselves devised, when
+carried away, as they now are, by a thirst for money, or a rage for
+power. I despise the pope, the Church, and the Councils, and I extol
+Jesus Christ." Wessalia, who had gradually arrived at those
+convictions, boldly announces them from the pulpit, and enters into
+communication with deputies from the Hussites. Feeble, bent with age,
+and wasted by disease, the courageous old man, with tottering step,
+appears before the Inquisition, and, in 1482, dies in its dungeons.
+
+  [73] "Et quem Deus vult damnare, Si omnes vellent hunc salvare, Adhuc
+  iste damnaretur."
+
+Who is condemned by God's decree, Assuredly condemned shall be,
+Whoe'er they be would save him.
+
+(Paradoxa Damnata, etc., 1749, Moguntiae.)
+
+About the same time, John de Goch, prior at Malines, extolled
+Christian liberty as the soul of all the virtues. He charged the
+received doctrine with Pelagianism, and surnamed Thomas Aquinas the
+"Prince of Error." "Canonical Scripture alone," said he, "deserves
+full faith, and has an irrefragable authority. The writings of the
+ancient fathers are of authority only in so far as they are
+conformable to canonical truth.--There is truth in the common byword,
+'What a monk dares undertake, Satan would blush to think.'"
+
+But the most remarkable of the forerunners of the Reformation was
+undoubtedly John Wessel, surnamed "The Light of the World," a man full
+of courage and love for the truth, who taught theology successively
+at Cologne, Louvain, Paris, Heidelberg, and Groeningen. Luther said of
+him, "Had I read his works sooner, it might have been said, Luther has
+drawn everything from Wessel; so much do his spirit and mine
+accord."[74] "St. Paul and St. James," says Wessel, "say different but
+not contrary things. Both hold that the just live by faith, but a
+faith which works by love. He who understanding the gospel believes,
+desires, hopes, confides in the good news, and loves Him who justifies
+and blesses him, gives himself entirely to Him whom he loves, and
+attributes nothing to himself, knowing that in himself he has
+nothing.[75] The sheep should distinguish between the things on which
+they feed, and avoid a hurtful food, though it should be offered by
+the shepherd. The people ought to follow their shepherds to the
+pastures, but when they lead them to what is not pasture, they are no
+more shepherds; and because they are not in their duty, the flock is
+no longer bound to obey them. Nothing is more effectual in destroying
+the Church than a corrupt clergy. All Christians, even the meanest and
+simplest, are bound to resist those who destroy the Church.[76] The
+commands of prelates and doctors ought to be performed only in the
+manner prescribed by St. Paul, (1 Thess., v, 21;) namely, in so far
+as, sitting in the chair of Moses, they speak according to Moses. We
+are the servants of God, and not of the pope, according as it is said,
+'Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.'
+The Holy Spirit has reserved to himself to foster, quicken, preserve,
+and enlarge the unity of the Church, and not abandoned it to the Roman
+Pontiff, who often gives himself no concern about the matter. Even sex
+does not hinder a woman, if she is faithful and prudent, and has love
+shed abroad in her heart, from feeling, judging, approving, and
+concluding, by a judgment which God ratifies."
+
+   [74] "Antiquorum Patrum scripta tantum habent auctoritatis quantum
+   canonicae veritati sunt conformia." (Epist. Apologet. Anvers, 1521.)
+
+   [75] "Adeo spiritus utriusque concordat." (Farrago Wesseli, in Praef.)
+
+   [76] "Extentus totus, et propensus in eum quem amat, a quo credit,
+   cupit, sperat, confidit, justificatur, nihil sibi ipsi tribuit, qui
+   scit nihil habere ex se." (De Magnit. Passionis, cap. xlvi, Op. p.
+   553.)
+
+Thus, as the Reformation approaches, the voices which proclaim the
+truth are multiplied. One would say the Church is bent on
+demonstrating that the Reformation had an existence before Luther.
+Protestantism was born into the Church, the very day that the germ of
+the Papacy appeared in it, just as in the political world conservative
+principles began to exist the very moment that the despotism of the
+great or the disorders of the factious showed open front.
+Protestantism was even sometimes stronger than the Papacy in the ages
+preceding the Reformation. What had Rome to oppose to all these
+witnesses for the truth at the moment when their voice was heard
+through all the earth?
+
+But this was not all. The Reformation existed not in the teachers
+only; it existed also among the people. The doctrines of Wickliffe,
+proceeding from Oxford, had spread over Christendom, and had preserved
+adherents in Bavaria, Swabia, Franconia, and Prussia. In Bohemia, from
+the bosom of discord and war, ultimately came forth a peaceful
+Christian community, which resembled the primitive Church, and bore
+lively testimony to the great principle of Evangelical opposition,
+viz., "That Christ himself, not Peter and his successor, is the rock
+on which the Church is built." Belonging equally to the German and
+Slavonian races, these simple Christians had missionaries among the
+different nations who spoke their tongues, that they might without
+noise gain adherents to their opinions. At Rostoch, which had been
+twice visited by them, Nicolas Kuss began in 1511 to preach publicly
+against the pope.[77]
+
+  [77] "Nemo magis Ecclesiam destruit, quam corruptus clerus.
+  Destruentibus Ecclesiam omnes Christiani tenentur resistre." (De
+  Potestate Eccles. Op. p. 769.)
+
+It is important to attend to this state of things. When wisdom from
+above will with loud voice deliver her instructions, there will
+everywhere be intellects and hearts to receive it. When the sower, who
+has never ceased to walk over the Church, will come forth for a new
+and extensive sowing, the earth will be ready to receive the grain.
+When the trumpet, which the Angel of the covenant has never ceased to
+blow, will cause it to sound louder and louder, many will make ready
+for battle.
+
+The Church already feels that the hour of battle is approaching. If,
+during the last century, more than one philosopher gave intimation of
+the revolution with which it was to close, can we be astonished, that,
+at the end of the fifteenth century, several doctors foresaw the
+impending Reformation which was to renovate the Church?[78]
+
+  [78] Wolfii Lect. Memorab. ii, p. 27.
+
+Andre Proles, provincial of the Augustins, who, for more than half a
+century, presided over this body, and with unshaken courage maintained
+the doctrines of Augustine within his order, when assembled with his
+friars in the Convent of Himmelspforte, near Wernigerode, often
+stopped during the reading of the word of God, and addressing the
+listening monks, said to them "Brethren, you hear the testimony of
+holy Scripture. It declares, that by grace we are what we are--that by
+it alone we have all that we have. Whence, then, so much darkness, and
+so many horrible superstitions?... Oh! brethren, Christianity has
+need of a great and bold reformation, and I already see its approach."
+Then the monks exclaimed, "Why don't you yourself begin this
+reformation, and oppose all their errors?" "You see, my brethren,"
+replied the old provincial, "that I am weighed down with years, and
+feeble in body, and possess not the knowledge, talent, and eloquence,
+which so important a matter requires. But God will raise up a hero,
+who, by his age, his strength, his talents, his knowledge, his genius,
+and eloquence, will occupy the first rank. He will begin the
+reformation, he will oppose error, and God will give him such courage
+that he will dare to resist the great."[79] An old monk of
+Himmelspforte, who had often heard these words, related them to
+Flacius. In the very order of which Proles was provincial, the
+Christian hero thus announced by him was to appear.
+
+  [79] "Excitabit Dominus heroem aetate viribus...." (Flacii, Catal.
+  Test. Verit., p. 843.)
+
+In the Franciscan Convent at Isenach, in Thuringia, was a monk named
+John Hilten. He was a careful student of the Prophet Daniel, and the
+Apocalypse of St. John; he even wrote a Commentary on these Books, and
+censured the most crying abuses of monastic life. The enraged monks
+threw him into prison. His advanced age, and the filthiness of his
+dungeon, bringing on a dangerous illness, he asked for the friar
+superintendant, who had no sooner arrived, than, without listening to
+the prisoner, he began to give vent to his rage, and to rebuke him
+harshly for his doctrine, which (adds the chronicle) was at variance
+with the monk's kitchen. The Franciscan, forgetting his illness, and
+fetching a deep sigh, exclaims, "I calmly submit to your injustice for
+the love of Christ; for I have done nothing to shake the monastic
+state, and have only censured its most notorious abuses. _But_,"
+continued he, (this is the account given by Melancthon in his _Apology
+for the Confession of Augsburg_,) "_another will come in the year of
+the Lord one thousand five hundred and sixteen; he will destroy you,
+and you will not be able to resist him._"[80] John Hilten, who had
+announced the end of the world in the year 1651, was not so much
+mistaken in the year in which the future Reformer was to appear. He
+was born not long after at a short distance from Hilten's dungeon,
+commenced his studies in the same town where the monk was prisoner,
+and publicly engaged in the Reformation only a year later than the
+Franciscan had mentioned.
+
+  [80] "Alius quidem veniet...." (Apologia Conf. Aug. xiii. De Votis
+  Monasticis.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VII.
+
+     Letters--Revival--Remembrance of Antiquity in
+     Italy--Influence of the Humanists--Christianity of
+     Dante--Valla--Infidelity in Italy--Platonic Philosophy--Rise
+     of Literature in Germany--Youth in
+     Schools--Printing--Character of German Literature--Literati
+     and Schoolmen--A New World--Reuchlin--Reuchlin in Italy--His
+     Works--His Influence in Germany--Mystics--Struggle with the
+     Dominicans.
+
+
+Thus princes and people, the living members of the Church, and the
+theologians, laboured, each in their sphere, to prepare the work which
+the sixteenth century was about to carry into effect. But there was
+another auxiliary which was to lend its aid to the Reformation,--I
+mean Literature.
+
+The human mind was expanding--a circumstance which must of itself have
+led to its emancipation. If a small seed fall close to an old wall, as
+it grows into a tree it will push down the wall.
+
+The Pontiff of Rome had become tutor to the nations, and his superior
+intelligence had made the task easy to him. He had long kept them in a
+state of minority, but resistance now broke forth on all sides. This
+venerable tutelage, which had been primarily established by the
+principles of eternal life, and of civilisation which Rome had
+imparted to barbarous nations, could no longer be exercised without
+opposition. A formidable adversary had met her in the face, and was
+prepared to control her. The natural tendency of the human mind to
+expand, to investigate, and acquire knowledge, had given birth to this
+new power. Man opened his eyes, and at every step questioned the
+proceedings of that long respected guide under whose direction, while
+blindfolded, he had moved on without saying a word. In regard to the
+nations of new Europe, the age of infancy had passed away, and that of
+manhood had begun. To the childlike simplicity, which believed
+everything, had succeeded a spirit of curiosity, an intellect not to
+be satisfied without sifting everything to the utmost. It was asked
+for what end God had spoken to the world, and whether men had a right
+to station themselves as mediators between God and their brethren.
+
+There was only one thing which could have saved the Church, and this
+was to raise herself still higher above the people. To keep on a level
+with them was not enough. But so far from this, she was even found to
+be far beneath them, having begun to descend at the same time that
+they began to rise. At the period when mankind began to ascend to the
+regions of intellect, the priesthood was grovelling below among
+earthly pursuits and worldly interests. This phenomenon has repeatedly
+appeared in history. The wings of the eaglet were full fledged, and
+what hand was high enough to prevent it from taking its flight?
+
+The human mind made its first start in Italy.
+
+Scholasticism and romantic poetry had at no time reigned unopposed.
+Italy never entirely lost the remembrance of antiquity; and this
+remembrance having been strongly awakened towards the end of the
+middle ages, soon gave the mind a new impulse.
+
+Even in the fourteenth century, Dante and Petrarch restored the honour
+of the ancient Roman poets, at the same time that the former gave the
+most powerful popes a place in his hell, and the latter boldly
+protested for the primitive constitution of the Church. At the
+beginning of the fifteenth century, John of Ravenna taught Latin
+literature with applause at Padua and Florence, while Chrysoloras, at
+Florence and Pavia, interpreted the beautiful writers of Greece.
+
+While in Europe light was thus coming forth from the prisons in which
+it had been confined, the East was sending new beams to the West. The
+standard of the Osmanlis, planted in 1453 on the walls of
+Constantinople, had put the learned to flight. They had, in
+consequence, transported the literature of Greece into Italy, where
+the torch of the ancients rekindled minds which had lain smothered for
+so many ages. George of Trebisond, Argyropolos, Bessarion, Lascaris,
+Chalcondylas, and many others, inspired the West with their love of
+Greece and its noblest productions. The patriotic feelings of the
+Italians were thus stimulated, and a great number of learned men
+appeared in Italy. Of these, the most illustrious were Gasparino,
+Aretin, Poggio, and Valla, who strove to restore the honour of Roman
+antiquity, and place it on a footing with that of Greece. In this way,
+a great flood of light had appeared, and Rome could not but suffer by
+it.
+
+The passion for antiquity, which took possession of the _Humanists_,
+had a great effect in weakening the attachment to the Church in minds
+of the highest order; for "no man can serve two masters." At the same
+time, the studies in which the learned were engaged put them in
+possession of a new class of instruments, which were unknown to the
+schoolmen, and by means of which they could test and decide upon the
+lessons of the Church. Finding that beauties which charmed them in
+classical authors existed in profusion in the Bible, and not in the
+works of theologians, the _Humanists_ were quite prepared to give the
+Bible precedence before the Doctors. By reforming taste, they
+prepared a reformation in faith.
+
+The Literati, it is true, loudly protested that their pursuits were
+not at variance with the belief of the Church; but yet they had
+assailed the schoolmen long before the Reformers began to do it, and
+played off their wit on these barbarians--those "Teutons who living,
+lived not."[81] Some even proclaimed doctrines of the gospel, and
+assailed Rome in the objects of her dearest affection. Already Dante,
+while adhering to many Roman dogmas, had proclaimed the power of faith
+in terms similar to those which the first Reformers employed. "It is
+true faith," he said, "that makes us citizens of heaven.[82] Faith,
+according to the gospel doctrine, is the principle of life; it is the
+feeble spark which, spreading always wider and wider, at length
+becomes a living flame, and shines within us like a star in heaven.
+Without faith, no good works, no honesty of life, can give us aid. How
+great soever our sins may be, the arms of divine grace are greater
+still, and wide enough to embrace whatever turns towards God.[83] The
+soul is not lost by the anathema of the pontiffs; and eternal love can
+always reach it, so long as there remains one bloom of hope.[84] From
+God, from God alone, through faith our justice comes." And speaking of
+the Church, Dante exclaims, "O my bark! how ill loaded thou art! O
+Constantine! what mighty evil was engendered, I will not say by thy
+conversion, but by that offering which the rich father then received
+from thee!"
+
+  [81] "Qui ne viventes quidem vivebant." (Politiani, Ep. ix, 3.)
+
+  [82] Parad., xxiv, 44.
+
+  [83]
+
+      Orribil furon li peccati miei;
+      Ma la bonta infinita ha si gran braccia
+      Che prende cio che si revolve a lei.
+
+            (Purgator. iii, 121-124.)
+
+  [84]
+
+      Per lor maladizion si non si perde.
+      Che non possa tornar l'eterno amore,
+      Mentre che la speranza ha fior del verde?
+
+            (Ibid., 134-136.)
+
+At a later period, Laurentius Valla, applying the study of antiquity
+to the opinions of the Church, denies the authenticity of the
+correspondence between Christ and King Abgarus, rejects the tradition
+as to the origin of the Apostles' Creed, and saps the foundation of
+the pretended inheritance which the popes held of Constantine.[85]
+
+  [85] De ementita Constantini donatione declamatio ad Papam." (Op.
+  Basil., 1543.)
+
+Still, however, the great light which the study of antiquity threw out
+in the fifteenth century, was fitted only to destroy, and not to build
+up. The honour of saving the Church could not be given either to Homer
+or Virgil. The revival of letters, sciences, and arts did not found
+the Reformation. The Paganism of the poets, on reappearing in Italy,
+rather strengthened the Paganism of the heart. The scepticism of the
+school of Aristotle, and a contempt of everything not connected with
+philology, took possession of many of the Literati, and engendered an
+infidelity which, while it affected submission to the Church, in
+reality attacked the most important truths of religion. Peter
+Pomponatius, the most famous representative of this impious tendency,
+taught at Bologna and Padua, that the immortality of the soul and
+providence are only philosophical problems.[86] John Francis Pica,
+nephew of Pica de la Mirandola, tells of a pope who did not believe a
+God,[87] and of another who, having confessed to one of his friends,
+that he did not believe in the immortality of the soul, appeared one
+night after his death to the same friend, and said to him, "Ah! the
+eternal fire that consumes me, makes me but too sensible of the
+immortality of that soul, which, according to the view I held, was to
+die with the body." This reminds us of the celebrated words which Leo
+X is alleged to have said to his Secretary Bembo, "All ages know well
+enough of what advantage this fable about Christ has been to us and
+ours."[88]... Frivolous superstitions were attacked, but their place
+was supplied by infidelity, with its disdainful sneering laugh. To
+laugh at things, however sacred, was fashionable, and a proof of wit;
+and if any value was set on religion, it was merely as a mean of
+governing the people. "I have a fear," exclaimed Erasmus in 1516, "and
+it is, that, with the study of ancient literature, ancient Paganism
+will re-appear."
+
+  [86] De Immortalitate Animae, de Predestinatione et Providentia, etc.
+
+  [87] Qui nullum Deum credens." (J. F. Pici de Fide, Op. ii, p. 820.)
+  Who believing in God.
+
+  [88] "Ea de Christo fabula." (Mornaei, Hist. Papatus, p. 820.)
+
+It is true that then, as after the sarcasms of the age of Augustus,
+and as in our own times, after those of the last century, a new
+Platonic philosophy sprung up and attacked that irrational
+incredulity, seeking, like the philosophy of the present day, to
+inspire some respect for Christianity, and restore the religious
+sentiment to the heart. The Medici at Florence favoured these efforts
+of the Platonics. But no philosophical religion will regenerate the
+Church and the world. Proud, disdaining the preaching of the cross,
+and pretending to see nothing in Christian doctrines but figures and
+symbols, which the majority of men cannot comprehend, it may bewilder
+itself in a mystical enthusiasm, but will always prove powerless,
+either to reform or to save.
+
+What then must have happened, had not true Christianity re-appeared in
+the world, and had not faith filled the hearts of men anew with its
+power and its holiness? The Reformation saved religion, and with it
+society, and, therefore, if the Church of Rome had had the glory of
+God and the good of the people at heart, it would have welcomed the
+Reformation with delight. But what were such things as these to Leo X?
+
+However, a torch could not be lighted in Italy without sending its
+beams beyond the Alps. The affairs of the Church established a
+constant intercourse between the Italian Peninsula and the other parts
+of Christendom, and the _barbarians_ being thus soon made to feel the
+superiority and pride of the Italians, began to blush for the
+imperfection of their language and their style. Some young noblemen, a
+Dalberg, a Langen, a Spiegelberg, inflamed with an eager desire of
+knowledge, passed over into Italy, and on their return to Germany,
+brought back learning, grammar, and the classics, now so eagerly
+sought after, and communicated them to their friends.[89] Shortly
+after, Rodolph Agricola, a man of distinguished genius, appeared, and
+was held in as high veneration for his learning and genius, as if he
+had lived in the age of Augustus or Pericles. The ardour of his mind,
+and the fatigues of the school, wore him out in a few years; but not
+till noble disciples had been trained, through intimate intercourse
+with him, to carry their master's fire all over Germany. Often, when
+assembled around him, they had together deplored the darkness of the
+Church, and asked why Paul so often repeats that men are justified by
+faith and not by works.[90]
+
+  [89] Hamelmann, Relatio Hist. This first impulse has been erroneously
+  attributed to Thomas a Kempis. (Delprat over G. Groote, p. 280.)
+
+  [90] "Fide justos esse." (Melancth. Decl., i, 602.)
+
+Around the feet of these new teachers soon gathered rustic youths, who
+lived by alms and studied without books, and who, divided into
+sections of priests of Bacchus, arquebusiers, and many more besides,
+moved in disorderly bands from town to town, and school to school. No
+matter; these strange bands were the commencement of a literary
+public. The masterpieces of antiquity began gradually to issue from
+the presses of Germany, supplanting the schoolmen; and the art of
+printing, discovered at Mayence in 1440, multiplied the energetic
+voices which remonstrated against the corruption of the Church, and
+those voices, not less energetic, which invited the human mind into
+new paths.
+
+The study of ancient literature had, in Germany, very different
+effects from those which it had in Italy and France. Her study was
+combined with faith. In the new literary culture, Germany turned her
+attention to the advantage which religion might derive from it. What
+had produced in some a kind of intellectual refinement, of a captious
+and sterile nature, penetrated the whole life of others, warmed their
+hearts, and prepared them for a better light. The first restorers of
+letters in France were characterised by levity, and often even by
+immorality of conduct. In Germany, their successors, animated by a
+spirit of gravity, zealously devoted themselves to the investigation
+of truth. Italy offering her incense to profane literature and
+science, saw an infidel opposition arise. Germany, occupied with a
+profound theology, and turned inwardly upon herself, saw the rise of
+an opposition based on faith. The one sapped the foundations of the
+Church, and the other repaired them. Within the empire was formed a
+remarkable union of free, learned, and noble-minded men, among whom
+princes were conspicuous, who endeavoured to render science useful to
+religion. Some brought to their studies the humble faith of children,
+while others brought an enlightened and penetrating intellect,
+disposed, perhaps, to exceed the bounds of legitimate freedom and
+criticism; both, however, contributed to clear the pavement of the
+temple from the obstructions produced by so many superstitions.
+
+The monkish theologians perceived their danger, and began to clamour
+against the very studies which they had tolerated in Italy and France,
+because in those countries they had gone hand in hand with levity and
+dissoluteness. They entered into a conspiracy to oppose the study of
+language and science, because they had caught a glimpse of faith
+following in their rear. A monk was putting some one on his guard
+against the heresies of Erasmus. "In what," it was asked, "do they
+consist?" He confessed that he had not read the work of which he was
+speaking, but one thing he knew, viz., that Erasmus had written in too
+good Latin.
+
+The disciples of literature, and the scholastic theologians, soon came
+to an open rupture. The latter were in dismay when they saw the
+movement which was taking place in the domain of intellect, and
+thought that immobility and darkness were the best safeguards of the
+Church. Their object in contending against the revival of letters was
+to save Rome, but they helped to ruin it. Here Rome had much at stake.
+Forgetting herself for an instant under the pontificate of Leo X, she
+abandoned her old friends, and clasped her young adversaries in her
+arms. The papacy and letters formed an intimacy which seemed destined
+to break up the ancient alliance between monasticism and the
+hierarchy. At the first glance the popes perceived not that what they
+had taken for a whip was a sword capable of inflicting a mortal
+wound. In the same way, during the last century, princes were seen
+receiving at their court political and philosophic systems, which, if
+carried into full effect, would have overturned their thrones. The
+alliance was not of long duration. Literature advanced without
+troubling itself about the injury which it might do to the power of
+its patron. The monks and schoolmen were aware that to abandon the
+pope was just to abandon themselves; and the pope, notwithstanding of
+the passing patronage which he gave to the fine arts, was not the less
+active when he saw the danger, in adopting measures, how much opposed
+soever they might be to the spirit of the time.
+
+The universities defended themselves as they best could against the
+invasion of new light. Cologne expelled Rhagius; Leipsic, Celtes;
+Rostoch, Herman von dem Busch. Still the new doctors, and with them
+the ancient classics, gradually and often even by the aid of princes,
+made good their footing in these public schools. Societies of
+grammarians and poets were soon established in spite of the schoolmen,
+and every thing, even to the name of the Literati, behoved to be
+converted into Latin and Greek; for how could the friends of Sophocles
+and Virgil have such names as Krachenberger or Schwarzerd? At the same
+time, a spirit of independence breathed in all the universities.
+Students were no longer seen in schoolboy fashion, with their books
+under their arms, walking sagely and demurely with downcast eye behind
+their masters. The petulance of a Martial and an Ovid had passed into
+the new disciples of the Muses. It was transport to them to hear the
+sarcasms which fell in torrents on the dialectical theologians, and
+the heads of the literary movement were sometimes accused of
+favouring, and even of exciting, the disorderly proceedings of the
+students.
+
+Thus a new world, emerging out of antiquity, was formed in the very
+heart of the world of the middle ages. The two parties could not avoid
+coming to blows, and the struggle was at hand. It began with the
+greatest champion of literature, with an old man on the eve of
+finishing his peaceful career.
+
+To secure the triumph of truth, the first thing necessary was to bring
+forth the weapons by which she was to conquer, from the arsenals where
+they had lain buried for ages. These weapons were the holy Scriptures
+of the Old and New Testaments. It was necessary to revive in
+Christendom a love and study of sacred literature, both Greek and
+Hebrew. John Reuchlin was the individual whom divine Providence
+selected for this purpose.
+
+A very fine boy's voice was remarked in the choir of the church of
+Pforzheim, and attracted the attention of the Margrave of Baden. It
+was that of John Reuchlin, a young boy of agreeable manners and a
+lively disposition, son of an honest burgher of the place. The
+Margrave soon took him entirely under his protection, and in 1473 made
+choice of him to accompany his son Frederick to the University of
+Paris.
+
+The son of the bailiff of Pforzheim arrived with the prince, his heart
+exuberant with joy at being admitted to this school, the most
+celebrated of all the West. Here he found the Spartan Hermonymos and
+John Wessel, surnamed "The Light of the World," and had an opportunity
+of engaging under skilful masters in the study of Greek and Hebrew,
+which had not then a single professor in Germany, and of which he was
+one day to be the restorer in the country of the Reformation. The poor
+young German made copies of the poems of Homer, and the speeches of
+Isocrates, for wealthy students, and in this way gained the means of
+continuing his studies and buying books.
+
+But what he hears from the mouth of Wessel is of a different nature,
+and makes a deep impression on his mind. "The popes may be mistaken.
+All human satisfactions are blasphemy against Christ, who has
+perfectly reconciled and justified the human race. To God alone
+belongs the power of giving full absolution. There is no necessity for
+confessing our sins to a priest. There is no purgatory, at least if it
+be not God himself, who is a devouring fire, and purges away every
+defilement." Reuchlin, when scarcely twenty, teaches Philosophy,
+Greek, and Latin, at Basle, and a German (a thing then regarded as a
+wonder) is heard speaking Greek.
+
+The partizans of Rome begin to feel uneasy on seeing noble spirits at
+work among these ancient treasures. "The Romans," says Reuchlin, "are
+making mouths and raising an outcry, pretending that all these
+literary labours are hostile to Roman piety, inasmuch as the Greeks
+are schismatics. Oh! what toils and sufferings must be endured to
+bring Germany back to wisdom and knowledge!"
+
+Shortly afterward, Eberhard of Wurtemberg invited Reuchlin to
+Tubingen, that he might be the ornament of this rising university, and
+in 1483 took him with him into Italy. At Florence his companions and
+friends were Chalcondylas, Aurispa, and John Pica de Mirandola. At
+Rome, when Eberhard received a solemn audience of the pope, surrounded
+by his cardinals, Reuchlin delivered an address in such pure and
+elegant Latin, that the assembly, who expected nothing of the kind
+from a barbarous German, were filled with the greatest astonishment,
+while the pope exclaimed, "Assuredly this man deserves to take his
+place beside the best orators of France and Italy."
+
+Ten years later Reuchlin was obliged to take refuge in Heidelberg, at
+the court of the Elector Philip, to escape the vengeance of Eberhard's
+successor. Philip, in concert with John of Dalberg, Bishop of Worms,
+his friend and chancellor, exerted himself to spread the light which
+was beginning to peep forth from all parts of Germany. Dalberg had
+founded a library, to which all the learned had free access, and
+Reuchlin, in this new sphere, made great efforts to remove the
+barbarism of his countrymen.
+
+Having been sent to Rome by the elector in 1498, on an important
+mission, he availed himself of all the time and all the money he could
+spare to make new progress in Hebrew, under the learned Israelite,
+Abdias Sphorne, and purchased all the Greek and Hebrew manuscripts
+which he could find, with the view of employing them as so many
+torches to increase the light which was beginning to dawn in his
+native country.
+
+Argyropolos, a distinguished Greek, was at this time in the metropolis
+explaining the ancient marvels of the literature of his country to a
+numerous audience. The learned ambassador repairs with his suite to
+the hall where the teacher was lecturing, and, after bowing to him,
+deplores the misery of Greece, expiring under the blows of the
+Ottomans. The astonished Hellenist asks the German, "Who are you? Do
+you understand Greek?" Reuchlin replies, "I am a German, and know
+something of your tongue." At the request of Argyropolos he reads and
+explains a passage of Thucydides, which the professor had at the
+moment before him. Then Argyropolos, filled with astonishment and
+grief, exclaims, "Alas! Alas! Greece, oppressed and obliged to flee,
+has gone and hid herself beyond the Alps!"
+
+Thus the sons of rude Germany, and those of ancient learned Greece,
+met in the palaces of Rome, and the East and West shook hands in this
+rendezvous of the world--the one pouring into the lap of the other
+those intellectual treasures which had with difficulty been saved from
+the barbarism of the Ottomans. God, when his designs require it,
+employs some great catastrophe to break down the barrier, and
+instantly bring together those who seemed to be for ever parted.
+
+Reuchlin, on his return to Germany, was able to go back to Wurtemberg,
+and proceeded, at this time especially, to execute those works which
+proved so useful to Luther and the Reformation. This individual, who,
+as Count Palatine, held an eminent station in the empire, and who as
+a philosopher, contributed to humble Aristotle and exalt Plato--made a
+Latin Dictionary, which supplanted those of the Schoolmen--composed a
+Greek Grammar, which greatly facilitated the study of that
+language--translated and expounded the penitential Psalms--corrected
+the Vulgate, and was the first in Germany (this constitutes his
+highest merit and glory) who published a Hebrew Grammar and
+Dictionary. By this work Reuchlin opened the long sealed books of the
+Old Testament, and reared "a monument," as he himself expresses it,
+"more durable than brass."
+
+It was not merely by his writings, but also by his life, that Reuchlin
+sought to advance the reign of truth. Tall in stature, of commanding
+appearance, and affable address, he instantly gained the confidence of
+all with whom he had any intercourse. His thirst for knowledge was
+equalled only by his zeal in communicating it. He spared neither money
+nor labour to introduce the editions of the classics into Germany as
+they issued from the presses of Italy; and in this way the son of a
+bailiff did more to enlighten his countrymen than rich municipalities
+or powerful princes. His influence over youth was great; and, in this
+respect, who can calculate how much the Reformation owes to him? We
+will give only one example. His cousin, a young man named Schwarzerd,
+son of an artisan, who had acquired celebrity as an armourer, came to
+lodge with his sister, Elizabeth, in order to study under his
+direction. Reuchlin, delighted at the genius and application of his
+young pupil, adopted him. Advice, presents of books, examples,
+nothing, in short, he spared to make his relative useful to the Church
+and to his country. He rejoiced to see his work prospering under his
+eye; and, thinking the name Schwarzerd too barbarous, translated it
+into Greek, and named the young student Melancthon. It was Luther's
+illustrious friend.
+
+But grammatical studies did not satisfy Reuchlin. Like his masters,
+the Jewish doctors, he began to study the hidden meaning of the Word;
+"God," said he, "is a Spirit, the Word is a breath,--man breathes, God
+is the Word. The names which he has given himself are an echo of
+eternity."[91] Like the Cabalists, he hoped to "pass from symbol to
+symbol, from form to form, till he arrived at the last and purest of
+all forms--that which regulates the power of the Spirit."[92]
+
+  [91] De Verbo Mirifico.
+
+  [92] De Arte Cabalistica.
+
+While Reuchlin was bewildering himself in these quiet and abstruse
+researches, the enmity of the Schoolmen forced him suddenly, and much
+against his will, into a fierce war, which was one of the preludes of
+the Reformation.
+
+There was at Cologne a baptized Rabbin, named Pfefferkorn, who was
+intimately connected with the inquisitor Hochstraten. This man and the
+Dominicans solicited and procured from the emperor, Maximilian, (it
+may have been with good intentions,) an order, in virtue of which the
+Jews were to bring all their Hebrew books (the Bible excepted) to the
+town-house of the place where they resided. There the books were to be
+burned. The motive alleged was, that they were full of blasphemies
+against Jesus Christ. It must be confessed that they were, at least,
+full of absurdities, and that the Jews themselves would not have lost
+much by the intended execution.
+
+The emperor desired Reuchlin to give his opinion of the books. The
+learned doctor expressly singled out all the books which were written
+against Christianity, leaving them to their destined fate, but he
+tried to save the others. "The best method of converting the
+Israelites," added he, "would be to establish two Hebrew professors in
+each University, who might teach theologians to read the Bible in
+Hebrew, and thus refute the Jewish doctors." The Jews, in consequence
+of this advice, obtained restitution of their books.
+
+The proselytes and the inquisitors, like hungry ravens which see their
+prey escape, sent forth cries of fury. Picking out different passages
+from the writings of Reuchlin, and perverting their meaning, they
+denounced the author as a heretic, accused him of a secret inclination
+to Judaism, and threatened him with the fetters of the Inquisition.
+Reuchlin was at first taken by surprise; but these men always becoming
+more and more arrogant, and prescribing dishonourable terms, he, in
+1513, published a "Defence against his Detractors of Cologne," in
+which he painted the whole party in vivid colours.
+
+The Dominicans vowed vengeance, and hoped, by an act of authority, to
+re-establish their tottering power. Hochstraten, at Mayence, drew up a
+charge against Reuchlin, and the learned works of this learned man
+were condemned to the flames. The Innovators, the masters and
+disciples of the new school, feeling that they were all attacked in
+the person of Reuchlin, rose as one man. Times were changed,--Germany
+and literature were very different from Spain and the Inquisition.
+
+The great literary movement had created a public opinion. Even the
+dignified clergy were somewhat influenced by it. Reuchlin appeals to
+Leo X, and that pope, who had no great liking for ignorant monks and
+fanatics, remits the whole affair to the Bishop of Spires, who
+declares Reuchlin innocent, and condemns the monks in the expences of
+process. The Dominicans, those props of the papacy, filled with rage,
+recur to the infallible decision of Rome, and Leo, not knowing how to
+act between the two hostile powers, issues a mandate superseding the
+process.
+
+The union of letters with faith forms one of the characteristic
+features of the Reformation, and distinguishes it, both from the
+introduction of Christianity, and the religious revival of the present
+day. The Christians, who were contemporary with the Apostles, had the
+refinement of their age against them, and, with some few exceptions,
+it is the same now; but the majority of literary men were with the
+Reformers. Even public opinion was favourable to them. The work
+thereby gained in extent, but perhaps it lost in depth.
+
+Luther, sensible of all that Reuchlin had done, wrote to him shortly
+after his victory over the Dominicans, "The Lord has acted through
+you, in order that the light of Holy Scripture may again begin to
+shine in this Germany, where, for many ages, alas! it was not only
+smothered, but almost extinguished."[93]
+
+  [93] Mai Vita J. Reuchlin, (Francf. 1687,) Maynhoff, J. Reuchlin and
+  Seine Zeit, (Berlin, 1830.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VIII.
+
+     Erasmus--Erasmus a Canon--At Paris--His Genius--His
+     Reputation--His Influence--Popular Attack--Praise of
+     Folly--Tatters--Church People--Saints--Folly and the
+     Popes--Attack on Science--Principle--The Greek New
+     Testament--His Profession of Faith--His Writings and
+     Influence--His Failings--A Reform without Shocks--Was it
+     possible--The Church without Reform--His timidity--His
+     Indecision--Erasmus loses himself with all Parties.
+
+
+But a man had now appeared, who regarded it as the great business of
+his life to attack the scholasticism of the universities and convents,
+and was the great writer of the opposition at the commencement of the
+sixteenth century.
+
+Reuchlin was not twelve years old when this first genius of the age
+was born. A man of great vivacity and talent, by name Gerard, a native
+of Gouda, in the Netherlands, loved a physician's daughter, named
+Marguerite. The principles of Christianity did not regulate his life,
+or at least passion silenced them. His parents, and nine brothers,
+would have constrained him to embrace the monastic state. He fled,
+leaving the object of his affection about to become a mother, and
+repaired to Rome. Frail Marguerite gave birth to a son. Gerard heard
+nothing of it, and some time after having received intimation from his
+parents, that the object of his affection was no more, he, in a
+paroxysm of grief, turned priest, and consecrated himself for ever to
+the service of God. On his return to Holland, she was still alive!
+Marguerite would not marry another, and Gerard, remaining faithful to
+his sacerdotal vows, their affection became concentrated on their
+little son. His mother had tended him with the greatest care, and his
+father, after his return, sent him to school, though he was only four
+years of age. He was not thirteen, when his teacher, Sinthemius, of
+Deventer, clasping him rapturously in his arms, exclaimed, "This child
+will reach the highest pinnacles of science." It was Erasmus of
+Rotterdam.[94]
+
+  [94] His proper name was Gerard, the same as that of his father. This
+  Dutch name he translated into Latin, Desiderius (Desired,) and into
+  Greek, Erasmos, (Erasmus.)
+
+About this time his mother died, and his father, broken-hearted, was
+not long in following her to the grave.
+
+Young Erasmus, left alone in the world, showed the greatest aversion
+to become a monk, a state of life which his guardians were for
+compelling him to adopt, but to which, from the circumstances of his
+birth, he may be said to have been always opposed. Ultimately he was
+prevailed upon to enter a convent of canons regular, but he had no
+sooner done it than he felt, as it were, borne down by the weight of
+his vows. Recovering a little liberty, he is soon seen, first at the
+Court of the Archbishop of Cambray, and afterwards at the University
+of Paris, where he prosecuted his studies in extreme poverty, but with
+the most indefatigable diligence. As soon as he could procure any
+money, he employed the first part of it in the purchase of Greek
+books, and the remainder in the purchase of clothes. Often did the
+poor Dutchman make fruitless application to his guardians, and to this
+probably it was owing, that, in after life, one of his greatest
+pleasures was to give assistance to poor students. Engaged without
+intermission in the pursuit of truth and knowledge, he gave a
+reluctant attendance on scholastic disputes, and revolted from the
+study of theology, afraid that he might discover some errors in it,
+and be, in consequence, denounced as a heretic.
+
+It was at this time Erasmus began to feel his strength. By the study
+of the ancients, he acquired a perspicuity and an elegance of style,
+which placed him far above the most distinguished Literati of Paris.
+His employment as a teacher procured him powerful friends, while the
+works which he published attracted general admiration and applause. He
+well knew how to please the public, and shaking off the last remnants
+of the school and the cloister, devoted himself entirely to
+literature, displaying in all his writings those ingenious
+observations, and that correct, lively, and enlightened spirit, which
+at once amuse and instruct.
+
+The laborious habits which he acquired at this period he retained
+through life. Even in his journeys, which were usually made on
+horseback, he was never idle. He composed while he was rambling across
+the fields, and, on arriving at his inn, committed his thoughts to
+writing. It was in this way, while travelling from Italy to England,
+he composed his Praise of Folly.[95]
+
+  [95] Egkomion mosias. Seven editions of this work were
+  disposed of in a few months.
+
+Erasmus, early in life, acquired a high reputation among the learned,
+but the enraged monks owed him a grudge, and vowed vengeance. He was
+much courted by princes, and was inexhaustible in finding excuses to
+evade their invitations, liking better to gain his livelihood in
+correcting books with the printer Frobenius, than to live surrounded
+by luxury and honour, at the magnificent courts of Charles V, Henry
+VIII, and Francis I, or to encircle his head with the Cardinal's hat
+which was offered him.[96]
+
+  [96] "A principibus facile mihi contingeret fortuna, nisi mihi nimium
+  dulcis esset libertas." (Ep. ad Prich.) I might easily make my fortune
+  by princes, were not liberty too dear to me.
+
+He taught in Oxford from 1509 to 1516, and then left it for Basle,
+where he fixed his residence in 1521.
+
+What was his influence on the Reformation?
+
+It has been overrated by some and underrated by others. Erasmus never
+was, and never could have been, a Reformer, but he paved the way for
+others. Not only did he diffuse among his contemporaries a love of
+science, and a spirit of research and examination, which led others
+much farther than he went himself, but he was also able, through the
+protection of distinguished prelates and mighty princes, to expose the
+vices of the Church, and lash them with the most cutting satire.
+
+Erasmus, in fact, attacked monks and abuses in two ways. First, there
+was his popular attack. That little fair-haired man, whose peering
+blue eyes keenly observed whatever came before him, and on whose lips
+a somewhat sarcastic smile was always playing, though timid and
+embarrassed in his step, and apparently so feeble that a breath of air
+might have thrown him down, was constantly pouring out elegant and
+biting sarcasms against the theology and superstition of his age. His
+natural character and the events of his life had made this habitual to
+him. Even in writings where nothing of the kind was to have been
+expected, his sarcastic humour is ever breaking out, and, as with
+needle points, impaling those schoolmen and ignorant monks against
+whom he had declared war. There are many features of resemblance
+between Erasmus and Voltaire. Previous authors had given a popular
+turn to that element of folly which mingles with all the thoughts and
+all the actions of human life. Erasmus took up the idea, and
+personifying Folly, introduces her under the name of Moria, daughter
+of Plutus, born in the Fortunate Islands, nursed on intoxication and
+impertinence, and swaying the sceptre of a mighty empire. Giving a
+description of it, she paints, in succession, all the states of the
+world which belong to her, dwelling, especially, on church folks, who
+refuse to own her kindness, although she loads them with her favours.
+She directs her jibes and jests against the labyrinth of dialectics,
+in which the theologians wander bewildered, and the grotesque
+syllogisms by which they pretend to support the Church. She also
+unveils the disorders, the ignorance, the impurity, and absurd conduct
+of the monks.
+
+"They are all mine," says she, "those people who have no greater
+delight than to relate miracles, or hear monstrous lies, and who
+employ them to dissipate the ennui of others, and, at the same time,
+to fill their own purses, (I allude, particularly, to priests and
+preachers.) Near them are those who have adopted the foolish, yet
+pleasing persuasion, that if they cast a look at a bit of wood or a
+picture representing Polyphemus or Christopher, they will, at least,
+outlive that day."--"Alas! what follies," continues Moria, "follies at
+which even I myself can scarcely help blushing! Do we not see each
+country laying claim to its particular _saint_? Each misery has its
+saint and its candle. This one relieves you in toothache, that one
+gives assistance at childbirth, a third restores your stolen goods, a
+fourth saves you in shipwreck, and a fifth keeps watch over your
+flocks. Some of these are all-powerful in many things at once. This is
+particularly the case with the Virgin, the mother of God, to whom the
+vulgar attribute almost more than to her Son.[97] In the midst of all
+these follies, if some odious sage arise, and, giving a counternote,
+exclaim, (as in truth he may,) 'You will not perish miserably if you
+live as Christians.[98] You will redeem your sins, if to the money
+which you give you add hatred of the sins themselves, tears, vigils,
+prayers, fastings, and a thorough change in your mode of life. Yon
+saint will befriend you if you imitate his life.'--If some sage, I
+say, charitably duns such words into their ears, Oh! of what felicity
+does he not deprive their souls, and into what trouble, what
+despondency, does he not plunge them! The mind of man is so
+constituted that imposture has a much stronger hold upon it than
+truth.[99] If there is any saint more fabulous than another, for
+instance, a St. George, a St. Christopher, or a St. Barbara, you will
+see them adored with much greater devotion than St. Peter, St. Paul,
+or Christ himself."[100]
+
+  [97] "Praecipue Deipara Virgo, cui vulgus hominum plus prope tribuit
+  quam Filio." (Encomium Moriae, Op. iv, p. 444.)
+
+  [98] "Non mali peribis si bene vixeris." (Encomium Moriae, Op. iv, p.
+  444.)
+
+  [99] "Sic sculptus est hominis animus ut longe magis fucis quam veris
+  capiatur." (Ibid., p. 450.)
+
+  [100] "Aut ipsum Christum." (Ibid.)
+
+Folly, however, does not stop here; she applies her lash to the
+bishops themselves, "who run more after gold than after souls, and
+think they have done enough when they make a theatrical display of
+themselves, as Holy Fathers, to whom adoration is due, and when they
+bless or anathematise." The daughter of "the Fortunate Isles" has the
+hardihood even to attack the Court of Rome, and the pope himself, who,
+spending his time in diversion, leaves Peter and Paul to perform his
+duty. "Are there," says she, "more formidable enemies of the Church
+than those impious pontiffs, who, by their silence, allow Jesus Christ
+to be destroyed, who bind him by their mercenary laws, falsify him by
+their forced interpretations, and strangle him by their pestilential
+life?"[101]
+
+  [101] "Quasi sint ulli hostes Ecclesiae perniciosiores quam impii
+  pontifices, qui et silentio Christum sinunt abolescere et quaestuariis
+  legibus alligant et coactis interpretationibus adulterant et
+  pestilente vita jugulent." (Ibid.)
+
+Holbein appended to the Praise of Folly, most grotesque engravings,
+among which the pope figures with his triple crown. Never, perhaps,
+was a work so well adapted to the wants of a particular period. It is
+impossible to describe the impression which it produced throughout
+Christendom. Twenty-seven editions were published in the lifetime of
+Erasmus; it was translated into all languages, and served more than
+any other to confirm the age in its antisacerdotal tendency.
+
+But to this attack by popular sarcasm, Erasmus added the attack of
+science and erudition. The study of Greek and Latin literature had
+opened up a new prospect to the modern genius which began to be
+awakened in Europe. Erasmus entered with all his heart into the idea
+of the Italians, that the school of the ancients was that in which the
+sciences ought to be studied, that, abandoning the inadequate and
+absurd books which had hitherto been used, it was necessary to go to
+Strabo for geography, to Hippocrates for medicine, to Plato for
+philosophy, to Ovid for mythology, and to Pliny for natural history.
+But he took a farther step, the step of a giant, destined to lead to
+the discovery of a new world, of more importance to humanity than that
+which Columbus had just added to the old world. Following out his
+principle, Erasmus insisted that men should no longer study theology
+in Scotus and Thomas Aquinas, but go and learn it from the Fathers of
+the Church, and, above all, from the New Testament. He showed that it
+was not even necessary to keep close to the Vulgate, which swarmed
+with faults, and he rendered an immense service to truth, by
+publishing his critical edition of the Greek text of the New
+Testament, a text as little known in the West as if it never had
+existed. This edition appeared at Basle in 1516, the year before the
+Reformation. Erasmus thus did for the New Testament what Reuchlin had
+done for the Old. Theologians were thenceforth able to read the word
+of God in the original tongues, and at a later period to recognise the
+purity of doctrine taught by the Reformers.
+
+"I wish," said Erasmus on publishing his New Testament, "to bring to
+its level that frigid, wordy, disputatious thing, termed Theology.
+Would to God the Christian world may derive advantage from the work,
+proportioned to the pain and toil which it has cost." The wish was
+accomplished. It was in vain for the monks to exclaim, "He is trying
+to correct the Holy Spirit." The new Testament of Erasmus sent forth a
+living light. His paraphrases on the Epistles and Gospels of St.
+Matthew and St. John; his editions of Cyprian and Jerome; his
+translations of Origen, Athanasius, and Chrysostom; his "True
+Theology;"[102] his "Preacher;"[103] his Commentaries on several of
+the Psalms, contributed greatly to spread a taste for the word of God
+and pure theology. The effect of his labours even went farther than
+his intentions. Reuchlin and Erasmus restored the Bible to the
+learned; Luther restored it to the people. We have not yet described
+all that Erasmus did. When he restored the Bible, he called attention
+to its contents. "The highest aim of the revival of philosophical
+studies," said he, "should be to give a knowledge of the pure and
+simple Christianity of the Bible." An admirable sentiment! Would to
+God the organs of philosophy, in our day, were as well acquainted with
+their calling! "I am firmly resolved," continued he, "to die studying
+the Scriptures; it is my joy and my peace."[104] "The sum of all
+Christian philosophy," he elsewhere says, "is reduced to this: To
+place all our hope in God, who through grace without our merits, gives
+us everything by Jesus Christ: To know that we are ransomed by the
+death of his Son: To die to worldly lusts, and walk conformably to his
+doctrine and his example, not only doing no injury to any, but, on the
+contrary, doing good to all: To bear trials patiently, in the hope of
+future recompence: in fine, to claim no credit to ourselves because of
+our virtues, but give thanks to God for all our faculties, and all our
+works. These are the feelings which ought to pervade the whole man,
+until they have become a second nature."[105]
+
+  [102] Ratio Verae Theologiae.
+
+  [103] Seu de Ratione Concionandi.
+
+  [104] Ad Servatium.
+
+  [105] Ad Joh. Slechtam,1519. "Haec sunt animis hominum inculcanda, sic,
+  ut velut in naturam transeant." (Er. Ep. i, p. 680.) These things are
+  to be impressed on the minds of men, so that they may become as it
+  were natural.
+
+Then raising his voice against the great mass of ecclesiastical
+injunctions, regarding dress, fasts, feast-days, vows, marriage, and
+confessions, by which the people were oppressed, and the priest was
+enriched, Erasmus exclaims, "In churches, the interpretation of the
+gospel is scarcely thought of.[106] The better part of sermons must
+meet the wishes of the commissaries of indulgences. The holy doctrine
+of Christ must be suppressed, or interpreted contrary to its meaning,
+and for their profit. Cure is now hopeless, unless Christ himself turn
+the hearts of kings and pontiffs, and awaken them to enquire after
+true piety."
+
+  [106] "In templis vix vacat Evangelium interpretari." (Annot. ad
+  Matth., xi, 30, "Jugum meum suave.") There is scarcely leisure in
+  churches to interpret the gospel.
+
+The works of Erasmus rapidly succeeded each other. He laboured
+incessantly, and his writings were read just as they came from his
+pen. That spirit, that native life, that rich, refined, sparkling and
+bold intellect, which, without restraint, poured out its treasures
+before his contemporaries, carried away and entranced vast numbers of
+readers, who eagerly devoured the works of the philosopher of
+Rotterdam. In this way he soon became the most influential man in
+Christendom, and saw pensions and crowns raining down upon him from
+all quarters.
+
+When we contemplate the great revolution, which, at a later period,
+renewed the Church, it is impossible not to own that Erasmus was used
+by many as a kind of bridge, over which they passed. Many who would
+have taken alarm at evangelical truths, if presented in all their
+force and purity, yielded to the charm of his writings, and
+ultimately figured among the most zealous promoters of the
+Reformation.
+
+But the very circumstance of his being good in preparing, prevented
+him from being good at performing. "Erasmus knows very well how to
+expose error," says Luther, "but he knows not how to teach the truth."
+The gospel was not the fire which warmed and sustained his life, the
+centre around which his activity radiated. He was, first of all, a
+learned, and, in the second place only, a Christian man. He was too
+much under the influence of vanity to have a decided influence on his
+age. He anxiously calculated the effect which every step he took might
+have on his reputation, and there was nothing he liked so much to talk
+of as himself and his fame. "The pope," wrote he to an intimate friend
+with puerile vanity, at the period when he became the declared
+opponent of Luther, "the pope has sent me a letter full of kindness
+and expressions of respect. His secretary solemnly vows that the like
+was never heard of, and that it was written word for word at the
+pope's own dictation."
+
+Erasmus and Luther are the representatives of two great ideas on the
+subject of reform, and of two great parties of their own age, and of
+all ages. The one is composed of men, whose leading characteristic is
+a prudential timidity; the other of men of courage and resolution.
+These two parties were, at this period, personified in these two
+distinguished heads. The men of prudence thought that the cultivation
+of theological science might lead gradually, and without disruption,
+to the reformation of the Church. The men of action thought that the
+diffusion of more correct ideas among the learned would not put a stop
+to the superstitions of the people, and that the correction of
+particular abuses was of little avail, unless the whole life of the
+Church were renewed.
+
+"A disadvantageous peace," said Erasmus, "is far better than the
+justest war."[107] He thought (and how many Erasmuses have been and
+still are in the world?) that a Reformation which shook the Church
+might run a risk of overturning it; and he was therefore terrified
+when, on looking forward, he saw the passions of men excited, saw evil
+everywhere mingling itself with any little good that could be
+accomplished, existing institutions destroyed in the absence of others
+to supply their place, and the vessel of the Church leaking in every
+part, and at length engulfed amid the storm. "Those who bring the sea
+into new lagoons," said he, "are often deceived in the result; the
+formidable element, once introduced, does not take the direction which
+they wished to give it, but rushes where it pleases, and causes great
+devastation.[108] "Be this as it may," continued he, "let disturbances
+be by all means avoided. Better put up with wicked princes than by
+innovations enthrone evil."[109]
+
+  [107] "Malo hunc qualisqualis est rerum humanarum statum quam novos
+  excitari tumultus," (Erasm. Ep. i, p. 953.) I had rather have the
+  world as it is than have new tumults excited.
+
+  [108] "Semel admissum, non ea fertur qua destinaret admissor." (Erasm.
+  Ep. i, p. 953.) Once admitted, it goes not where the admitter
+  intended.
+
+  [109] "Praestat ferre principes impios, quam novatis rebus gravius
+  malum accersere." (Ad Matth. xi, 30.) It is better to bear wicked
+  princes, than invite a worse calamity by innovation.
+
+But the courageous among his contemporaries were prepared with their
+answer. History had clearly enough demonstrated, that a frank
+exposition of the truth, and a mortal struggle with falsehood, could
+alone secure the victory. Had temporising and politic artifices been
+resorted to, the wiles of the papal court would have extinguished the
+light in its first glimmerings. Had not all sorts of mild methods been
+tried for ages? Had not Council been held after Council, with the view
+of reforming the Church? Yet all had been useless. Why pretend to
+repeat an experiment that had so often failed?
+
+No doubt a fundamental reform might be effected without disruption.
+But when did anything great and good make its appearance among men
+without causing agitation? This fear of seeing evil mingle with good,
+if legitimate, would arrest the noblest and holiest enterprises. We
+must not fear the evil which may be heaved up in the course of great
+agitation, but be strong in combating and destroying it.
+
+Besides, is there not an entire difference between the commotion which
+human passions produces and that which emanates from the Spirit of
+God? The one shakes society, the other consolidates it. How erroneous
+to imagine, like Erasmus, that in the state in which Christianity then
+was, with that mixture of opposite elements, truth and falsehood, life
+and death, violent shocks might still be prevented! As well might you
+try to shut the crater of Vesuvius, when the angry elements are
+actually at war in its bosom! The middle ages had seen more than one
+violent commotion in an atmosphere less loaded with storms than at the
+period of the Reformation. The thing wanted at such a time is not to
+arrest and suppress, but to direct and guide.
+
+If the Reformation had not burst forth, who can tell the fearful ruin
+by which its place might have been supplied? Society, a prey to a
+thousand elements of destruction, and destitute of regenerating and
+conservative elements, would have been dreadfully convulsed.
+Assuredly it would not have been a reform to the taste of Erasmus, or
+such an one as many moderate but timid men in our day dream of, that
+would then have overtaken society. The people, devoid of that light
+and piety which the Reformation carried down into the humblest ranks,
+giving themselves up to the violence of their passions, and to a
+restless spirit of revolt, would have burst forth like a wild beast
+broken loose from its chain, after having been goaded to madness.
+
+The Reformation was nothing but an interposition of the Spirit of God
+among men, a setting of the world in order by the hand of God. No
+doubt, it might stir up the fermenting elements which lie hidden in
+the human heart; but God was there to overrule them. Evangelical
+doctrine, heavenly truth, penetrating the masses of the population,
+destroyed what deserved to perish, but, at the same time, gave new
+strength to all that deserved to remain. The Reformation exerted
+itself in building up, and it is mere prejudice to allege that it
+destroyed. "The ploughshare, too," it has been truly said, in speaking
+of the Reformation, "might think it hurts the earth, because it cuts
+it asunder, whereas it only makes it productive."
+
+The great principle of Erasmus was, "Give light, and the darkness will
+disappear of itself." The principle is good, and Luther acted on it.
+But when the enemies of the light strive to extinguish it, or to force
+the flambeau out of the hand which carries it is it necessary, from a
+love of peace, to let them do so? ought not the wicked to be resisted?
+
+Erasmus was deficient in courage. Now, courage is indispensable,
+whether it be to effect a Reformation, or to storm a town. There was
+much timidity in his character. From a boy the very name of death made
+him tremble. He was excessively anxious about his health, and would
+grudge no sacrifice in order to escape from a place where some
+contagious malady prevailed. His love of the comforts of life was
+greater even than his vanity, and hence his rejection, on more than
+one occasion, of the most brilliant offers.
+
+Accordingly, he made no pretensions to the character of a Reformer.
+"If the corruptions of the Court of Rome demand some great and prompt
+remedy," said he, "it is no affair of mine, or of those like me."[110]
+He had not the strong faith which animated Luther. While the latter
+was always prepared to yield up his life for the truth, Erasmus
+candidly declared, "Others may aspire to martyrdom; as for me, I deem
+not myself worthy of the honour. Were some tumult to arise, I fear I
+would play the part of Peter."[111]
+
+  [110] "Ingens aliquod et praesens remedium, certe meum non est." (Er.
+  Ep. i, 653.) Some vast and present remedy assuredly is not for me.
+
+  [111] "Ego me non arbitror hoc honore dignum." (Er. Ep. i, p. 653.)
+
+Erasmus, by his writings and his sayings, had done more than any other
+man to prepare the Reformation; but, when he saw the tempest, which he
+himself had raised, actually come, he trembled. He would have given
+anything to bring back the calm of other days, even though accompanied
+with its dense fogs. It was no longer time. The embankment had burst,
+and it was impossible to arrest the flood which was destined at once
+to purify and fertilise the world. Erasmus was powerful as an
+instrument of God, but when he ceased to be so, he was nothing.
+
+Ultimately, Erasmus knew not for which party to declare. He was not
+pleased with any, and he had his fears of all. "It is dangerous to
+speak," said he, "and it is dangerous to be silent." In all great
+religious movements we meet with those irresolute characters, which,
+though respectable in some points of view, do injury to the truth,
+and, in wishing not to displease any, displease all.
+
+What would become of the truth did not God raise up bolder champions
+to defend it? The following is the advice which Erasmus gave to
+Viglius Zuichem, (afterwards President of the Supreme Court at
+Brussels,) as to the manner in which he ought to conduct himself
+towards the sectaries--(this was the name by which he had already
+begun to designate the Reformers)--"My friendship for you makes me
+desirous that you should keep far aloof from the contagion of the
+sects, and not furnish them with any pretext for saying, 'Zuichem is
+ours.' If you approve their doctrine, at least disguise it, and, above
+all, do not enter into discussion with them. A lawyer should finesse
+with these people as a dying man once did with the devil. The devil
+asked him, 'What believest thou?' The dying man, afraid that if he
+made a confession of his faith, he might be surprised into some
+heresy, replied, 'What the Church believes.' The devil rejoined, 'What
+does the Church believe?' The man again replied, 'What I believe.' The
+devil, once more, 'And what dost thou believe?'--'What the Church
+believes.'"[112] Duke George of Saxony, a mortal enemy of Luther,
+receiving an equivocal answer from Erasmus to a question which he had
+put to him, said, "My dear Erasmus, wash the fur for me, and do not
+merely wet it." Secundus Curio, in one of his works, describes two
+heavens--the Papistical and the Christian heaven. He does not find
+Erasmus in either, but discovers him moving constantly between them in
+endless circles.
+
+  [112] Erasm. Ep. 274.
+
+Such was Erasmus. He wanted that internal liberty which makes a man
+truly free. How different he would have been if he had abandoned
+himself, and sacrificed all for truth! But after trying to effect some
+reforms with the approbation of the Church, and for Rome deserting the
+Reformation when he saw the two to be incompatible, he lost himself
+with all parties. On the one hand, his palinodes could not suppress
+the rage of the fanatical partisans of the Papacy. They felt the
+mischief which he had done them, and they did not forgive it.
+Impetuous monks poured out reproaches on him from the pulpit,--calling
+him a second Lucian,--a fox, which had laid waste the vineyard of the
+Lord. A doctor of Constance had the portrait of Erasmus hung up in his
+study, that he might have it in his power at any moment to spit in his
+face. On the other hand, Erasmus, by deserting the standard of the
+gospel, deprived himself of the affection and esteem of the noblest
+men of the period in which he lived, and must, doubtless, have
+forfeited those heavenly consolations which God sheds in the hearts of
+those who conduct themselves as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. At
+least we have some indication of this in his bitter tears--his painful
+vigils, and troubled sleep--his disrelish for his food--his disgust
+with the study of the muses, once his only solace--his wrinkled
+brow--his pallid cheek--his sad and sunken eye--his hatred of a life
+to which he applies the epithet of cruel--and those longings for death
+which he unbosoms to his friends.[113] Poor Erasmus!
+
+  [113] "... Vigiliae molestae, somnus, irrequietus, cibus insipidus
+  omnis, ipsum quoque musarum studium ... ipsa frontis me moestitia,
+  vultus pallor, oculorum subtristis dejectio." (Erasm, Ep. i, p. 1380.)
+
+The enemies of Erasmus went, we think, somewhat beyond the truth when
+they exclaimed, on Luther's appearance, "Erasmus laid the egg, and
+Luther has hatched it."[114]
+
+  [114] The works of Erasmus were published by John Le Clerc at Liege,
+  in 1703, in ten volumes folio. For his life, see Burigny, Vie
+  D'Erasme, Paris, 1757; A Mueller Leben des Erasmus, Hamb., 1828; and
+  the Life inserted by Le Clerc in his Bibliotheque Choisie; see also
+  the fine and faithful work of M. Nisard, (Revue des deux Mondes.) who,
+  however, seems to me mistaken in his estimate of Erasmus and Luther.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IX.
+
+     The nobles--Different Motives--Huetten--Literary
+     League--Letters of some Obscure Men--Their Effect--Luther's
+     Opinion--Huetten at Brussels--His
+     Letters--Seckingen--War--His Death--Cronberg--Hans
+     Sachs--General Fermentation.
+
+
+The same symptoms of regeneration, which we have seen among princes,
+bishops, and the learned, existed among the men of the world, among
+nobles, knights, and warriors. The German nobility performed an
+important part in the Reformation. Several of the most illustrious
+sons of Germany entered into close alliance with the Literati, and
+inflamed with an ardent, sometimes even an excessive zeal, laboured to
+deliver their countrymen from the yoke of Rome.
+
+Various causes must have contributed to procure friends for the
+Reformation among the ranks of the nobility. Some, by their attendance
+at the universities, had been warmed with the same flame that animated
+the learned. Others, whose education had trained them to generous
+feelings, had their minds predisposed in favour of the beautiful
+doctrines of the gospel. To several, the Reformation seemed to present
+something of a chivalrous character, which fascinated them, and bore
+them along in its train. Lastly, it must be acknowledged, that not a
+few had a grudge at the clergy, who had powerfully contributed in the
+reign of Maximilian, to deprive the nobles of their ancient
+independence, and bring them under subjection to their sovereigns.
+They, in their enthusiasm, considered the Reformation as the prelude
+of a great political renovation. They thought they saw the empire
+emerging from this crisis with new splendour, and hailed the better
+state, brilliant with the purest glory, which was on the eve of being
+established in the world by chivalrous swords, not less than by the
+word of God.
+
+Ulrich de Huetten,[115] who, on account of his philippics against the
+Papacy, has been surnamed the Demosthenes of Germany, forms, as it
+were, the link which united the chevaliers and men of letters. He
+distinguished himself by his writings, as much as by his sword.
+Descended from an ancient family in Franconia, he was sent at eleven
+years of age, to the Convent of Foulda, with the view of his becoming
+a monk. But Ulrich, who had no inclination for this state, ran off
+from the convent when he was sixteen, and repaired to the University
+of Cologne, where he devoted himself to the study of languages.
+Afterwards leading an unsettled life, he was in the ranks as a common
+soldier at the siege of Padua, in 1513, saw Rome in all its disorder,
+and there sharpened the arrows which he afterwards shot at her.
+
+  [115] "Animus ingens et ferox, viribus pollens.... Nam si consilia et
+  conatus Huetteni non defecissent quasi nervi copiarum, atque potentiae,
+  jam mutatio omnium rerum extitisset, et quasi orbis status publici
+  fuisset conversus." (Camer. Vita Melancthonis.) Of a powerful, bold,
+  and vigorous intellect.... For had not Huetten's plans and efforts
+  (these being, as it were, the sinews of power) been defective, a
+  general alteration had taken place, and the condition of the world
+  been in a manner changed.
+
+On his return to Germany, Huetten wrote a pamphlet against Rome,
+entitled "The Roman Trinity," in which he unveils all the disorders of
+that court, and shows the necessity of pulling down her tyranny by
+main force. A traveller named Vadiscus, who figures prominently in the
+piece, says, "There are three things which are usually brought back
+from Rome,--a sore conscience, a disordered stomach, and an empty
+purse. There are three things which Rome does not believe,--the
+immortality of the soul, the resurrection of the dead, and hell. There
+are three things in which Rome carries on a trade,--the grace of
+Christ, ecclesiastical benefices, and women." The publication of this
+work obliged Huetten to quit the court of the Archbishop of Mayence,
+where he was residing when he composed it.
+
+The affair of Reuchlin with the Dominicans was the signal which
+brought forward all the literati, magistrates, and nobles, who were
+opposed to the monks. The defeat of the inquisitors, who, it was said,
+had only saved themselves from a regular and absolute sentence of
+condemnation by money and intrigue, gave encouragement to all their
+adversaries. Counsellors of the empire, and magistrates of the most
+considerable towns--Pirckheimer of Nuremberg, Peutinger of Augsburg,
+Stuss of Cologne, distinguished preachers, such as Capito and
+OEcolampadius, doctors of medicine, historians, all the literati,
+orators, and poets, at the head of whom, Ulrich de Huetten was
+conspicuous, formed the _army of Reuchlinists_, of whom a list was
+even published.[116] The most remarkable production of this league was
+the famous popular satire, entitled, "Letters of some Obscure Men."
+This production was principally written by Huetten, and one of his
+university friends, Crotus Robianus, but it is difficult to say with
+which of the two the idea originated, if, indeed, it was not with the
+learned printer, Angst. It is even doubtful if Huetten had any hand in
+the first part of the work. Several _Humanists_, who had met in the
+fortress of Ebernbourg, appear to have contributed to the second
+part. It is a picture in bold characters, a caricature sometimes
+coarsely painted, but full of truth and vigour, a striking likeness in
+colours of fire. The effect was immense. Monks, who are adversaries of
+Reuchlin, and the supposed authors of the letters, discourse on the
+affairs of the time, and on theological subjects after their own
+manner, and in their barbarous Latin. They address to their
+correspondent, Ortuin Gratius, professor at Cologne, and friend of
+Pfefferkorn, the silliest and most useless questions. They give the
+most amusing proof of the excessive ignorance and incredulity, their
+superstition, their low and vulgar spirit, their coarse gluttony in
+making a god of their belly, and, at the same time, their pride, their
+fanatical and persecuting zeal. They inform him of several of their
+droll adventures, their escapes, their dissoluteness, and a variety of
+scandals in the lives of Hochstraten, Pfefferkorn, and other leaders
+of their party. The tone of these letters, sometimes hypocritical and
+sometimes childish, gives them a very comic effect, and yet the whole
+is so natural, that the Dominicans and Franciscans of England received
+the work with high approbation, believing that it really was composed
+on the principles of their order, and in defence of it. A prior of
+Brabant, in his credulous simplicity, purchased a great number of
+copies, and presented them to the most distinguished among the
+Dominicans. The monks, irritated more and more, applied to the pope
+for a stringent bull against all who should dare to read these
+epistles, but Leo X refused to grant it. They were accordingly obliged
+to put up with the general laugh, and gulp down their rage. No work
+gave a stronger blow to these pillars of Papism. But it was not by
+jesting and satire that the gospel was to triumph. Had this course
+been persisted in; had the Reformers, instead of attacking the
+Reformation with the weapons of God, had recourse to the jeering
+spirit of the world, the cause had been lost. Luther loudly condemned
+these satires. A friend having sent him one of them, entitled, "_The
+Tenor of the Supplication of Pasquin_," he wrote in answer, "The
+foolish things you sent me appear to be written by a mind which is
+under no control. I submitted them to a meeting of friends, and they
+have all given the same opinion."[117] And speaking of the same work,
+he writes to another of his correspondents, "This Supplication appears
+to me to be by the same hand as the _Letters of some Obscure Men_. I
+approve of his wishes, but I approve not of his work, for he does not
+refrain from injury and insult."[118] This sentence is severe, but it
+shows what kind of spirit was in Luther, and how superior he was to
+his contemporaries. It must be added, however, that he was not at all
+times observant of these wise maxims.
+
+  [116] "Exercitus Reuchlinistarum," at the head of a collection of
+  letters addressed to Reuchlin on the subject.
+
+  [117] L. Ep. i. p. 37.
+
+  [118] Luth. Ep. i, p. 38.
+
+Ulrich having been obliged to renounce the protection of the
+Archbishop of Mayence, applied for that of Charles V, who had at this
+time quarrelled with the pope, and accordingly repaired to Brussels,
+where Charles was holding his court. But so far from obtaining
+anything, he learned that the pope had required the emperor to send
+him to Rome bound hand and foot. The inquisitor, Hochstraten,
+Reuchlin's persecutor, was one of those whom Rome had charged to
+pursue him. Ulrich, indignant that such a demand should have been made
+to the emperor, quitted Brabant. When a short way from Brussels, he
+met Hochstraten on the highroad. The inquisitor, frightened out of his
+wits, falls on his knees, and commends his soul to God and the saints.
+"No," said the knight, "I will not soil my sword with such blood as
+yours!" and giving him several strokes with the flat of his sword,
+allowed him to depart.
+
+Huetten took refuge in the castle of Ebernbourg, where Francis de
+Seckingen offered an asylum to all who were persecuted by the
+Ultramontanists. It was here that his ardent zeal for the emancipation
+of his country dictated the remarkable letters which he addressed to
+Charles V, Frederick Elector of Saxony, Albert Archbishop of Mayence,
+and the princes and nobles, and which entitle him to a place among the
+most distinguished authors. Here too, he composed all those works[119]
+which, being read and comprehended by the people, inspired Germany
+with a hatred of Rome and a love of freedom. Devoted to the cause of
+the Reformers, his object was to induce the nobility to take up arms
+in favour of the gospel, and fall with the sword on that Rome which
+Luther only wished to destroy by the Word, and by the invincible force
+of truth.
+
+  [119] The works of Huetten have been published at Berlin by Manchen,
+  1822-1825, in five vols. 8vo.
+
+Still, amid all this fondness for war, we are pleased at finding
+tenderness and delicacy of sentiment in Huetten. On the death of his
+parents, though he was the eldest son, he gave up all the family
+property to his brothers, and prayed them not to write him or send him
+any money, lest, notwithstanding their innocence, they might be
+brought into trouble by his enemies, and fall into the ditch along
+with him.
+
+If the truth cannot own Huetten for one of her children, (for her
+companions are ever holiness of life and purity of heart,) she will,
+at least, make honourable mention of him, as one of the most
+readoubtable adversaries of error.
+
+A similar testimony may be borne to Francois de Seckingen, his
+illustrious friend and patron. This noble chevalier, whom several of
+his contemporaries deemed worthy of the imperial crown, holds first
+place among the warriors who were the antagonists of Rome. While
+delighting in the noise of arms, he had an ardent love of science, and
+a high veneration for its professors. When at the head of an army
+which threatened Wurtemberg, he gave orders, in the event of Stuttgard
+being taken by assault, to spare the property and house of the
+celebrated scholar, John Reuchlin. He afterwards invited him to his
+camp, and, embracing him, offered to assist him in his quarrel with
+the monks of Cologne. For a long time chivalry had gloried in
+despising literature, but this period presents us with a different
+spectacle. Under the massy cuirass of the Seckingens and Huettens, we
+perceive the intellectual movement which is beginning to be everywhere
+felt. The first fruits which the Reformation gives to the world are
+warriors enamoured with the arts of peace.
+
+Huetten, who, on his return from Brussels, had taken refuge in the
+castle of Seckingen, invited the valorous knight to study the
+evangelical doctrine, and made him acquainted with the foundations on
+which it rests. "And is there any one," exclaimed Seckingen in
+astonishment, "who dares to overturn such an edifice? Who could do
+it?"
+
+Several individuals, who afterwards became celebrated as Reformers,
+found an asylum in this castle; among others, Martin Bucer, Aquila,
+Schwebel, and OEcolampadius, so that Huetten justly styled Ebernbourg
+"the hotel of the just." OEcolampadius had to preach daily in the
+castle, but the warriors there assembled began to weary hearing so
+much of the meek virtues of Christianity, and the sermons of
+OEcolampadius, though he laboured to shorten them, seemed too long.
+They, indeed, repaired to the church almost every day, but, for the
+most part, only to hear the blessing and offer a short prayer. Hence
+OEcolampadius exclaimed, "Alas! the Word is here sown on stony ground."
+
+Seckingen, longing to serve the cause of truth in his own way,
+declared war on the Archbishop of Treves, "in order," as he said, "to
+open a door for the gospel." In vain did Luther, who had by this time
+appeared, endeavour to dissuade him; he attacked Treves with five
+thousand knights and a thousand common soldiers, but the bold
+archbishop, aided by the Elector Palatine and the Landgrave of Hesse,
+forced him to retreat. The following spring, the allied princes
+attacked him in his castle of Landstein. After a bloody assault,
+Seckingen, having been mortally wounded, was forced to surrender. The
+three princes, accordingly, make their way into the fortress, and,
+after searching through it, at last find the indomitable knight on his
+death-bed, in a subterraneous vault.
+
+He stretches out his hand to the Elector Palatine, without seeming to
+pay any attention to the other princes, who overwhelm him with
+questions and reproaches: "Leave me at rest," said he to them; "I am
+now preparing to answer a mightier than you!..." When Luther heard of
+his death he exclaimed, "The Lord is just, yet wonderful! It is not
+with the sword that he means to propagate the gospel!"
+
+Such was the sad end of a warrior, who, as emperor or elector, might,
+perhaps, have raised Germany to high renown, but who, confined within
+a limited circle, wasted the great powers with which he was endowed.
+It was not in the tumultuous spirit of these warriors that Divine
+truth, which had come down from heaven, was to take up her abode.
+Theirs were not the weapons by which she was to conquer; God, in
+annihilating the mad projects of Seckingen, gave a new illustration of
+the saying of St. Paul, "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal,
+but mighty through God."
+
+Another chevalier, Harmut of Cronberg, a friend of Huetten and
+Seckingen, appears to have had more wisdom and more knowledge of the
+truth. He wrote with great moderation to Leo X, beseeching him to give
+up his temporal power to its rightful possessor, viz., the emperor.
+Addressing his dependants like a father, he endeavoured to make them
+comprehend the doctrines of the gospel, and exhorted them to faith,
+obedience, and confidence in Jesus Christ, "who," added he, "is the
+sovereign Lord of all." He resigned a pension of two hundred ducats
+into the hands of the emperor, "because he was unwilling," as he
+expressed it, "to continue in the service of one who lent his ear to
+the enemies of the truth." I have somewhere met with a beautiful
+saying of his, which seems to place him far above Huetten and
+Seckingen. "The Holy Spirit, our heavenly Teacher, is able, when he
+pleases, to teach us more of the faith of Christ in one hour than we
+could learn in ten years at the University of Paris."
+
+Those who look for the friends of reformation only on the steps of
+thrones,[120] or in cathedrals and academies, and maintain that no
+such friends exist among the people, are under a serious mistake. God,
+while preparing the heart of the wise and powerful, was also
+preparing, in retirement, many simple and humble-minded men, who were
+one day to become obedient to the Word. The history of the period
+gives evidence of the fermentation which was then going on among the
+humbler classes. The popular literature, previous to the Reformation,
+had a tendency directly opposed to the spirit which was prevalent in
+the Church. In the "Eulenspiegel," a celebrated popular poetical
+collection of the period, the laugh is incessantly kept up at priests,
+beasts, and gluttons, who keep full-stocked cellars, fine horses, and
+well-lined pantries. In the "Renard Reinecke," the households of
+priests, with their little children, play an important part. Another
+popular writer thunders with all his might against those ministers of
+Christ who ride splendid horses, but won't fight the infidels; and
+John Rosenblut, in one of his carnival games, brings the Grand Turk
+upon the stage, to preach a seasonable sermon to all the states of
+Christendom.
+
+  [120] See Chateaubriand, Etudes Historiques.
+
+It was unquestionably in the bowels of the people that the
+Reformation, which was soon to break out, was fermenting. Not only
+from this class were youths seen coming forth, who were afterwards to
+occupy the first stations in the Church, but even individuals, who
+continued all their lives to labour in the humblest professions,
+contributed powerfully to the great awakening of Christendom. It may
+be proper to give some traits in the life of one of them.
+
+On the 5th November 1494, a tailor of Nuremberg, by name Hans Sachs,
+had a son born to him. The son, named Hans (John) like his father,
+after having received some schooling, was apprenticed to a shoemaker.
+Young Hans availed himself of the liberty of thought, which this
+humble profession afforded, to penetrate into the higher world, in
+which his soul delighted. Songs, after they ceased in the castles of
+chivalry, seem to have sought, and to have found, an asylum among the
+burghers of the joyous cities of Germany. A singing-school was held in
+the Church of Nuremberg. The performances which took place there, and
+in which young Hans was accustomed to join, opened his heart to
+religious impressions, and helped to awaken a taste for poetry and
+music. The genius of the youth could not long brook confinement within
+the walls of his workshop. He wished to see with his own eyes that
+world of which he had read so much, and been told so many stories by
+his comrades, and which his imagination peopled with wonders. In 1511
+he bundles up his effects, and sets out in the direction of the South.
+The young traveller, falling in with gay comrades, students roaming
+the country, and many dangerous temptations soon feels a serious
+struggle within. The lusts of the world and his pious resolutions war
+with each other. Trembling for the result, he takes flight, and, in
+1513, hides himself in the little town of Wels in Austria, where he
+lives in retirement, devoting himself to the study of the fine arts.
+The emperor, Maximilian, happens to pass through the town with a
+brilliant suite, and the young poet is quite fascinated with the
+splendour of the court. The prince receives him into his hunting
+train, and Hans once more forgets himself, under the noisy vaults of
+the palace of Inspruech. But his conscience again sounds the alarm, and
+the young huntsman, immediately throwing aside his brilliant uniform,
+takes his departure, and arrives at Schwatz near Munich. There, in
+1514, at the age of twenty, he composed his first hymn, "In Honour of
+God," setting it to a remarkable air. It was received with great
+applause. In the course of his journeys, he was witness to many sad
+proofs of the abuses under which religion groaned.
+
+On his return to Nuremberg, Hans commences business, marries, and
+becomes the father of a family. When the Reformation breaks out he
+turns a listening ear. He cordially welcomes the Holy Scripture, which
+had already endeared itself to him as a poet, and he no longer
+searches it for images and hymns, but for the light of truth. To this
+truth he consecrates his lyre. From a humble stall in front of one of
+the gates of the imperial city of Nuremberg, come forth notes which
+re-echo over Germany, and everywhere excite a deep interest in the
+great revolution which is going forward. The spiritual songs of Hans
+Sachs, and his Bible turned into verse, greatly aided the work.
+Indeed, it would be difficult to say which of the two did most for
+it--the elector of Saxony, vicegerent of the empire, or the shoemaker
+of Nuremberg.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Thus, then, there was something in all classes which announced a
+Reformation. On all sides signs appeared, and events pressed forward
+threatening to overthrow the work of ages of darkness, and introduce
+men to a period in which "all things were to become new." The
+hierarchical form, which several ages had been employed in stamping
+upon the world, was on the eve of being effaced. The light which had
+just been discovered had, with inconceivable rapidity, introduced a
+number of new ideas into all countries, and all classes of society
+gave signs of new life. "O age!" exclaims Huetten, "studies flourish,
+and minds awake: Mere life is joy!"... The human intellect, which had
+been slumbering for so many generations, seemed desirous, by its
+activity, to redeem the time which it had lost. To have left it in
+idleness, without nourishment, or to have given it no better food than
+that which had long maintained its languid existence, would have been
+to mistake the nature of man. The human mind having at length
+perceived what it was, and what it ought to be, looked boldly at these
+two states, and scanned the immense abyss which lay between them.
+Great princes were on the throne, the ancient colossus of Rome was
+tottering under its own weight, and the old spirit of chivalry was
+taking leave of the earth to make way for a new spirit, which breathed
+at once on the sanctuaries of knowledge, and on the dwellings of the
+poor. The printed Word had taken wing, and been carried, as the wind
+does certain seeds, to the most distant regions. The discovery of the
+two Indies had enlarged the world.... Every thing announced that a
+great revolution was at hand.
+
+But whence will the blow come which is to strike down the ancient
+edifice, that a new edifice may arise out of its ruins? Nobody could
+say. Who had more wisdom than Frederick? More science than Reuchlin?
+More talent than Erasmus? More spirit and versatility than Huetten?
+More valour than Seckingen? More virtue than Cronberg? And yet,
+neither Frederick, nor Reuchlin, nor Erasmus, nor Seckingen, nor
+Huetten, nor Cronberg.... Learned men, princes, warriors, the Church
+herself, had sapped some of the foundations: but there they had
+stopped. The powerful hand which God had designed to employ was
+nowhere to be seen.
+
+All, however, felt that it must soon make its appearance, while some
+even pretended to have seen indications of it in the stars. One class,
+seeing the miserable state of religion predicted the near approach of
+Antichrist. Another class, on the contrary, predicted a speedy
+Reformation. The world was waiting.... Luther appeared.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK SECOND.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+YOUTH, CONVERSION, AND FIRST LABOURS OF LUTHER.
+
+1483-1517.
+
+     Luther's Descent--His Parents--His Birth--Poverty--The
+     Paternal Roof--Strict Discipline--First Lessons--The School
+     of Magdebourg--Wretchedness--Isenach--The Shunammite--The
+     House of Cotta--The Arts--Remembrance of those Times--His
+     Studies--Trebonius--The University.
+
+
+All was ready. God takes ages to prepare his work, but when the hour
+is come, accomplishes it by the feeblest instruments. To do great
+things by small means, is the law of God. This law, which appears in
+every department of nature, is found also in history. God took the
+Reformers of the Church, where he had taken the Apostles. He selected
+them from that humble class which, without containing the meanest of
+the people, is scarcely the length of citizenship. Every thing must
+manifest to the world that the work is not of man, but of God. The
+Reformer Zuinglius comes forth from the hut of a shepherd of the Alps,
+Melancthon, the Theologian of the Reformation, from the workshop of an
+armourer, and Luther from the cottage of a poor miner.
+
+The first stage in a man's life, that in which he is formed and
+moulded under the hand of God, is always important, and was so
+especially in the case of Luther. There, even at that period, the
+whole Reformation existed. The different phases of that great work
+succeeded each other in the soul of him who was the instrument of
+accomplishing it, before it was actually accomplished. The knowledge
+of the Reformation which took place in Luther's heart is the only key
+to the Reformation of the Church. We must study the particular work,
+if we would attain to a knowledge of the general work. Those who
+neglect the one will never know more than the form and exterior of the
+other. They may acquire a knowledge of certain events and certain
+results, but the intrinsic nature of the revival they cannot know,
+because the living principle which formed the soul of it, is hidden
+from them. Let us then study the Reformation in Luther, before
+studying it in events which changed the face of Christendom.
+
+In the village of Mora, towards the forests of Thuringia, and not far
+from the spot where Boniface, the Apostle of Germany, began to
+proclaim the gospel, there existed, and, undoubtedly, had existed for
+ages, an ancient and numerous family of the name of Luther.[121] The
+eldest son, as usual with the peasantry of Thuringia, always succeeded
+to the house and the paternal plot, while the younger members of the
+family set out in quest of a livelihood. John Luther having married
+Margaret Lindemann, daughter of an inhabitant of Neustadt, in the
+bishopric of Warzburg, the married couple removed from the plains of
+Isenach, and fixed their residence in the little town of Eisleben, in
+Saxony, in order to gain their bread by the sweat of their brow.
+
+  [121] "Vetus familia est et late propagata mediocrium hominum."
+  (Melancth. Vita Luth.) It is an old and wide spread family, consisting
+  of individuals in humble circumstances.
+
+Seckendorff relates, on the testimony of Robhan, superintendant of
+Isenach in 1601, that Luther's mother, thinking she was still far from
+her time, had gone to the fair of Eisleben, and there, unexpectedly,
+gave birth to a son. Notwithstanding of the credit due to such a man
+as Seckendorff, this account appears not to be correct. In fact, none
+of the older biographers of Luther make any mention of it. Besides,
+Mora is more than twenty-four leagues distant from Eisleben, and
+persons in the circumstances in which Luther's mother then was seldom
+are disposed to take such long journeys _to go to the fair_. In fine,
+the account seems quite at variance with Luther's own statement.[122]
+
+  [122] "Ego natus sum in Eisleben, baptizatusque apud Sanctum Petrum
+  ibidem. Parentes mei de prope Isenaco illuc migrarunt." (Luth., Ep. i,
+  p. 390.) I was born at Eisleben, and baptized in St. Peter's there. My
+  parents came thither from near Isenach.
+
+John Luther was an upright, straightforward, hard-working man, with a
+firmness of character bordering on obstinacy. Of a more cultivated
+mind than usual with persons of his class, he was a great reader.
+Books were then rare. But he never let pass any opportunity of
+procuring them. They were his relaxation in the intervals of repose
+from hard and long-continued labour. Margaret possessed the virtues
+which adorn honest and pious women. She was remarked, in particular,
+for her modesty, her fear of God, and her spirit of prayer. The
+mothers of the place regarded her as a model whom they ought to
+imitate.[123]
+
+  [123] "Intuebantur in eam caeterae honestae mulieres ut in exemplar
+  virtutum." (Melancth. Vita Lutheri.) Other honest wives looked to her
+  as a model of virtue.
+
+It is not exactly known how long this couple had been fixed at
+Eisleben, when, on the 10th November, an hour before midnight,
+Margaret gave birth to a son. Melancthon often questioned the mother
+of his friend as to the period of his birth. "I remember the day and
+the hour very well," would she reply; "but for the year, I am not
+certain of it." Luther's brother, James, an honest and upright man,
+has stated, that, in the opinion of all the family, Martin was born in
+the year of Christ 1483, on the 10th November, being St. Martin's
+eve.[124] The first thought of the pious parents was to take the
+infant which God had given them, and dedicate it to God in holy
+baptism. On the following day, which happened to be a Tuesday, the
+father, with gratitude and joy, carried his son to St. Peter's church,
+where he received the seal of his dedication to the Lord. He was named
+Martin in honour of the day.
+
+  [124] Ibid.
+
+Young Martin was not six months old when his parents quitted Eisleben
+for Mansfeld, which is only five leagues distant. The mines of
+Mansfeld were then much famed, and John Luther, a labouring man,
+feeling that he might perhaps be called to rear a numerous family,
+hoped he might there more easily gain a livelihood. It was in this
+town that the intellect and powers of young Luther received their
+first development; here his activity began to be displayed, and his
+disposition to be manifested by what he said and did. The plains of
+Mansfeld, the banks of the Wipper, were the scenes of his first sports
+with his playmates.
+
+The commencement of their residence at Mansfeld was attended with
+painful privations to honest John and his wife; for they lived some
+time in great poverty. "My parents," says the Reformer, "were very
+poor. My father was a poor wood-cutter, and my mother often carried
+his wood on her back to procure subsistence for us children. The toil
+they endured for us was severe, even to blood." The example of parents
+whom he respected, and the habits in which they trained him, early
+accustomed Luther to exertion and frugality. Often, doubtless, he
+accompanied his mother to the wood, and made up his little faggot
+also.
+
+Promises are given to the just man's labour, and John Luther
+experienced the reality of them. Having become somewhat more easy in
+his circumstances, he established two smelting furnaces at Mansfeld.
+Around these furnaces young Martin grew up; and the return which they
+yielded enabled his father, at a later period, to provide for his
+studies. "The spiritual founder of Christendom," says worthy
+Mathesius, "was to come forth from a family of miners, an image of
+what God purposed, when he employed him to cleanse the sons of Levi,
+and purify them in his furnaces like gold."[125] Universally respected
+for his integrity, his blameless life, and good sense, John Luther was
+made a counsellor of Mansfeld, the capital of the county of that name.
+Too great wretchedness might have weighed down the spirit of the
+child, but the easy circumstances of the paternal roof expanded his
+heart, and elevated his character.
+
+  [125] "Drumb musste diese geistliche Schmelzer...." (Mathesius,
+  Historien, 1565, p. 3.)
+
+John availed himself of his new situation to cultivate the society
+which he preferred. He set great value on educated men, and often
+invited the clergymen and teachers of the place to his table. His
+house presented an example of one of those societies of simple
+citizens which did honour to Germany at the commencement of the
+sixteenth century, and, as a mirror, reflected the numerous images
+which succeeded each other on the troubled stage of that time. It was
+not lost on the child. The sight of men to whom so much respect was
+shown in his father's house must, doubtless, on more than one
+occasion, have awakened in young Martin's heart an ambitious desire
+one day to become a school-master or a man of learning.
+
+As soon as he was of an age to receive some instruction, his parents
+sought to give him the knowledge and inspire him with the fear of God,
+and train him in Christian virtues. Their utmost care was devoted to
+his primary domestic education.[126] This, however, was not the sole
+object of their tender solicitude.
+
+  [126] "Ad agnitionem et timorem Dei, ... domestica institutione
+  diligenter assuefecerunt." (Melancth. Vit. Luth.) By domestic
+  instruction, they carefully trained him into the knowledge and fear of
+  God.
+
+His father, desirous of seeing him acquire the elements of knowledge
+for which he himself had so much esteem, invoked the Divine blessing
+on his head, and sent him to school. As Martin was still a very little
+boy, his father or Nicolas Emler, a young man of Mansfeld, often
+carried him in their arms to the house of George Emilius, and went
+again to fetch him. Emler afterwards married one of Luther's sisters.
+
+The piety of the parents, their activity and strict virtue, gave a
+happy impulse to the boy, making him of a grave and attentive spirit.
+The system of education which then prevailed employed fear and
+punishment as its leading stimulants. Margaret, though sometimes
+approving the too strict discipline of her husband, often opened her
+maternal arms to Martin, to console him in his tears. She herself
+occasionally carried to excess that precept of Divine wisdom, which
+says, "He that spareth the rod hateth his son." The impetuous temper
+of the child often led to frequent reproof and correction. "My
+parents," says Luther, in after life, "treated me harshly, and made me
+very timid. My mother one day chastised me about a filbert till the
+blood came. They believed with all their heart they were doing right,
+but they could not discriminate between dispositions, though this is
+necessary in order to know when and how punishments should be
+inflicted."[127]
+
+  [127] "Sed non poterant discernere ingenia secundum quae essent
+  temperandae correctiones." (Luth. Op. W. xxii, p. 1785.) But they could
+  not discriminate between minds, though these ought to regulate
+  chastisement.
+
+The poor child's treatment at school was not less severe. His master
+one morning beat him fifteen times in succession. "It is necessary,"
+said Luther, when mentioning the fact, "it is necessary to chastise
+children; but it is necessary, at the same time, to love them." With
+such an education, Luther early learned to despise the allurements of
+a sensual life. "He who is to become great must begin with
+little,"[128] justly remarks one of his earliest biographers; "and if
+children are brought up with too much delicacy and tenderness, it does
+them harm all the rest of their life."
+
+  [128] "Was gross sol werden, muss klein angeben." (Mathesius, Hist. p.
+  3.)
+
+Martin learned something at school. He was taught the heads of the
+Catechism, the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's
+Prayer, hymns, forms of prayer, and the _Donat_. This last was a Latin
+grammar, composed in the fourth century by Donatus, St. Jerome's
+master; and having been improved in the eleventh century by a French
+monk, named Remigius, was long in high repute as a school-book. He
+moreover conned the Ciseo-Janus, a very singular almanac, composed in
+the tenth or eleventh century. In short, he learned all that was
+taught in the Latin school of Mansfeld.
+
+But the child seems not to have been brought to God. The only
+religious sentiment which could be discovered in him was that of fear.
+Whenever he heard Jesus Christ mentioned he grew pale with terror; for
+the Saviour had been represented to him as an angry Judge. This
+servile fear, so foreign to genuine religion, perhaps predisposed him
+for the glad tidings of the gospel, and for the joy which he
+afterwards experienced when he became acquainted with him who is meek
+and lowly in heart.
+
+John Luther longed to make his son a learned man. The new light, which
+began to radiate in all directions, penetrated even the cottage of the
+miner of Mansfield, and there awakened ambitious thoughts. The
+remarkable disposition, and persevering application of his son,
+inspired John with the most brilliant hopes. Accordingly, in 1497,
+when Martin had completed his fourteenth year, his father resolved to
+part with him, and send him to a school of the Franciscans at
+Magdebourg. Margaret behoved, of course, to consent, and Martin
+prepared to quit the paternal roof.
+
+Magdebourg was like a new world to Martin. Amid numerous privations,
+(for he had scarcely the means of subsistence,) he read and attended
+lectures; Andre Proles, provincial of the Augustine Order, was then
+preaching with great fervour on the necessity of reforming religion
+and the Church. He, however, was not the person who deposited in the
+young man's soul the first germ of those ideas which afterwards
+expanded in it.
+
+This period was a kind of severe apprenticeship to Luther. Launched
+upon the world at fourteen, without friend or patron, he trembled in
+presence of his masters, and, during the hours of recreation,
+painfully begged his food with children as poor as himself. "I and my
+comrades," says he, "begged a little food for our subsistence. One
+day, at the season when the Church celebrates the birth of Jesus
+Christ, we were in a body scouring the neighbouring villages, going
+from house to house, and, in four parts, singing the ordinary hymns on
+the Babe at Bethlehem. We stopped before a peasant's cottage, which
+stood by itself at the extremity of a village. The peasant, hearing us
+singing our Christmas carols, came out with some provisions which he
+meant to give us, and asked, in a gruff voice, and a harsh tone,
+'Where are you, boys?' His tones frightened us, and we took to our
+heels. We had no cause for fear; for the peasant was sincere in his
+offer of assistance: but our hearts were, no doubt, made timid by the
+menaces and tyranny with which masters at this period oppressed their
+scholars; hence the sudden fright which seized us. At last, however,
+the peasant still continuing to call us, we stopped, laid aside our
+fear, and, running up to him, received the food which he intended for
+us." "In the same way," adds Luther, "are we wont to tremble and flee
+when our conscience is guilty and alarmed. Then we are afraid even of
+the assistance which is offered to us, and of those who are friendly
+to us, and would do us all sorts of kindness."[129]
+
+  [129] Luth. Op. Walch. ii, 2347.
+
+A year had scarcely passed, when John and Margaret, on being made
+aware of the difficulties which their son had in living in Magdebourg,
+sent him to Isenach, where there was a celebrated school, and they had
+a number of relations.[130] They had other children; and though their
+circumstances had improved, they were unable to maintain their son in
+a strange town. The forges and late hours of John Luther did no more
+than keep the family at Mansfield. It was hoped that Martin would find
+a livelihood more easily at Isenach, but he was not more successful.
+His relations in the town did not trouble themselves about him.
+Perhaps their own poverty made them unable to give him any assistance.
+
+  [130] "Isenachum enim pene totam parentelam habet." (Luth. Ep. i, p.
+  390.) For almost all my relations live in Isenach.
+
+When the scholar felt the gnawings of hunger he had no resource but to
+do as at Magdebourg,--to join his fellow-students, and sing with them
+before the houses for a morsel of bread. This custom of the time of
+Luther has been preserved, even to our day, in several towns of
+Germany, where the voices of the boys sometimes produce a most
+harmonious chant. Instead of bread, poor modest Martin often received
+only hard words. Then, overcome with sadness, he shed many tears in
+secret, unable to think of the future without trembling.
+
+One day, in particular, he had been repulsed from three houses, and
+was preparing, without having broken his fast, to return to his
+lodging, when, on arriving at St. George's Square, he halted, and,
+absorbed in gloomy thoughts, stood motionless before the house of an
+honest burgher.
+
+Will it be necessary, from want of bread, to give up study, and go and
+work with his father in the mines of Mansfeld? Suddenly a door opens,
+and a female is seen on the threshold,--it was the wife of Conrad
+Cotta, the daughter of the burgomaster of Ilefeld.[131] Her name was
+Ursula. The Chronicles of Isenach call her "the pious Shunammite," in
+allusion to her who so earnestly pressed the prophet Elisha to eat
+bread with her. Previous to this the Christian Shunammite had more
+than once observed young Martin in the assemblies of the faithful, and
+been touched by the sweetness of his voice, and his devout
+behaviour.[132] She had just heard the harsh language addressed to the
+poor scholar, and seeing him in sadness before her door, she came to
+his assistance, beckoned him to enter, and set food before him to
+appease his hunger.
+
+  [131] Lingk's Reisegesch, Luth.
+
+  [132] "Dieweil sic umb seines singen und herzlichen Gebets willen."...
+  (Mathesius. p. 3.)
+
+Conrad approved of the benevolence of his wife, and was even so much
+pleased with the society of young Luther, that some days after he took
+him home to his house. From this moment his studies were secure. He
+will not be obliged to return to the mines of Mansfeld, and bury the
+talent with which God has entrusted him. When he no longer knew what
+was to become of him God opened to him the heart and the home of a
+Christian family. This event helped to give him that confidence in God
+which in after life the strongest tempests could not shake.
+
+In the house of Cotta, Luther was introduced to a mode of life very
+different from that which he had hitherto known. He there led an easy
+existence, exempt from want and care. His mind became more serene, his
+disposition more lively, and his heart more open. His whole being
+expanded to the mild rays of charity, and began to beat with life,
+joy, and happiness. His prayers were more ardent, and his thirst for
+knowledge more intense. He made rapid progress.
+
+To literature and science he added the charms of art. Those who are
+designed by God to act upon their contemporaries are themselves, in
+the first instance, seized and carried along by all the tendencies of
+their age. Luther learned to play on the flute and the lute. The
+latter instrument he often accompanied with his fine counter voice,
+thus enlivening his heart in moments of sadness. He took pleasure also
+in employing his notes to testify his gratitude to his adopted mother,
+who was very fond of music. His own love of it continued to old age,
+and both the words and the music of some of the finest anthems which
+Germany possesses are his composition. Some have even been translated
+into our language.
+
+Happy time for the young man! Luther always remembered it with
+emotion. Many years after, a son of Conrad having come to study at
+Wittemberg, when the poor scholar of Isenach had become the doctor of
+his age, he gladly received him at his table and under his roof. He
+wished to pay back to the son part of what he had received from the
+parents. It was while thinking of the Christian woman who gave him
+food when all besides repulsed him, that he gave utterance to this
+fine expression, "Earth has nothing gentler than the female heart in
+which piety dwells."
+
+Luther was never ashamed of the days when, pressed by hunger, he was
+under the necessity of begging for his studies and his maintenance. So
+far from this, he, on the contrary, reflected with gratitude on the
+great poverty of his youth. He regarded it as one of the means which
+God had employed to make him what he afterwards became, and he felt
+thankful for it. The poor youths who were obliged to follow the same
+course touched his heart. "Do not," said he, "despise the boys who
+sing before your houses, and ask 'panem propter Deum,' bread for the
+love of God; I have done it myself. It is true that at a later period,
+my father, with great love and kindness, kept me at the University of
+Erfurt, maintaining me by the sweat of his brow; still I once was a
+poor beggar. And now by means of my pen, I am come thus far, that I
+would not change situations with the Grand Turk himself. Nay, more,
+were all the goods of the world piled up one above another, I would
+not take them in exchange for what I have. And yet, I should not be
+where I am, if I had not been at school and learned to write." Thus,
+in these first humble beginnings this great man traced the origin of
+his fame. He fears not to remind us that that voice whose accents made
+the empire and the world to tremble, had once begged a morsel of bread
+in the streets of a poor city. The Christian takes pleasure in such
+recollections, as reminding him that it is in God he must glory.
+
+The strength of his intellect, and the liveliness of his imagination,
+soon enabled him to outstrip all his fellow-students.[133] His
+progress was particularly rapid in ancient languages, eloquence, and
+poetry. He wrote essays and made verses. Lively, complaisant, and what
+is called good-hearted, he was a great favourite with his masters and
+his comrades.
+
+  [133] "Cumque et vis ingenii acerrima esset, et imprimis ad
+  eloquentiam idonea, celeriter aequalibus suis praecurrit," (Melancth.
+  Vit. Luth.) As he was of a very powerful mind, and had a particular
+  turn for eloquence, he soon got before his companions.
+
+Among the professors, he attached himself particularly to John
+Trebonius, a learned man of pleasing manners, who showed youth those
+attentions which are so well fitted to encourage them. Martin had
+remarked, that when Trebonius entered the class, he took off his hat,
+and bowed to the students;--great condescension in those pedantic
+times! This had pleased the young man, and made him feel that he was
+not a mere cipher. The respect of the master had made the pupil rise
+in his own estimation. The colleagues of Trebonius, who had not the
+same custom of taking off their hats, having one day expressed their
+astonishment at his extreme condescension, he replied, (and the reply
+made no less impression on young Luther,) "Among these youths are men
+whom God will one day make burgomasters, chancellors, doctors, and
+magistrates; and though you do not yet see them with their badges of
+office, it is right, however, to show them respect." No doubt, the
+young student listened with pleasure to these words, and even then,
+perhaps, saw himself with a doctor's cap on his head.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+     Scholasticism and the Classics--Luther's
+     Piety--Discovery--The Bible--Sickness--Master of
+     Arts--Conscience--Death of
+     Alexis--Thunderstorm--Providence--Adieus--Entrance into a
+     Convent.
+
+
+Luther had attained his eighteenth year. He had tasted the pleasures
+of literature, and burning with eagerness to learn, he sighed after a
+university, and longed to repair to one of those fountains of science,
+at which he might quench his thirst for knowledge.[134] His father
+wished him to study law, and already saw him filling an honourable
+station among his fellow-citizens, gaining the favour of princes, and
+making a figure on the theatre of the world. It was resolved that the
+young student should repair to Erfurt.
+
+  [134] "Degustata igitur literarum dulcedine natura, flagrans
+  cupiditate discendi appetit academiam." (Mel. Vit. Luth). Having thus
+  tasted the sweets of literature, and having naturally an ardent desire
+  of knowledge, he longs for a university.
+
+Luther arrived at this university in the year 1501. Jadocus, surnamed
+the Doctor of the Isenach, was then teaching the scholastic philosophy
+with much success. Melancthon regrets that the only thing then taught
+at Erfurt should have been a dialectics bristling with difficulties.
+He thinks that if Luther had found other professors there, if he had
+been trained in the milder and calmer discipline of true philosophy,
+it might have moderated and softened the vehemence of his nature.[135]
+The new scholar began to study the philosophy of the middle ages in
+the writings of Occam, Scotus, Bonaventura, and Thomas Aquinas. At a
+later period he had a thorough disgust for all this scholasticism. The
+very name of Aristotle, pronounced in his hearing, filled him with
+indignation; and he even went the length of saying, that if Aristotle
+was not a man, he would have no hesitation in taking him for the
+devil. But his mind, in its eagerness for learning, stood in need of
+better nourishment, and he began to study the splendid monuments of
+antiquity, the writings of Cicero and Virgil, and the other classics.
+He was not contented, like the common run of students, with committing
+the productions of these writers to memory. He endeavoured, above all,
+to enter into their thoughts; to imbue himself with the spirit which
+animated them; to appropriate their wisdom; to comprehend the end of
+their writings; and enrich his understanding with their weighty
+sentiments and brilliant images. He often put questions to his
+professors, and soon outstripped his fellow students.[136] Possessed
+of a retentive memory and a fertile imagination, whatever he read or
+heard remained ever after present to his mind, as if he had actually
+seen it. "So shone Luther in his youth. The whole university," says
+Melancthon, "admired his genius."[137]
+
+  [135] "Et fortassis ad leniendam vehementiam naturae mitiora studia
+  verae philosophiae." (Ibid.) Perhaps the milder studies of true
+  philosophy might have served to soften the vehemence of his natural
+  temper.
+
+  [136] "Et quidem inter primos, ut ingenio studioque multos coaequalium
+  antecellebat." (Cochloeus, Acta Lutheri, p. 1.) And he was indeed among
+  the first, excelling many of his fellow-students, both in genius and
+  study.
+
+  [137] "Sic igitur in juventute eminebat, ut toti academiae Lutheri
+  ingenium admirationi esset." (Vita Luth.) So brilliant was he in
+  youth, that the whole university were in admiration at his talents.
+
+But even at that period this young man of eighteen did not confine his
+labours to the cultivation of his intellect. He had that serious
+thought, that uplifted heart, which God bestows on those whom he
+destines to be his most faithful servants. Luther felt that he was
+dependent on God--a simple, yet powerful, conviction--the source at
+once of profound humility and great achievements. He fervently invoked
+the Divine blessing on his labours. Each morning he began the day with
+prayer, then he went to church, and on his return set to study, losing
+not a moment during the course of the day. "To pray well," he was wont
+to say, "is more than the half of my study."[138]
+
+  [138] "Fleissig gebet, ist uber die helft studirt." (Mathes. 3.)
+
+Every moment which the young student could spare from his academical
+labours was spent in the library of the university. Books were still
+rare, and he felt it a great privilege to be able to avail himself of
+the treasures amassed in this vast collection. One day (he had then
+been two years at Erfurt, and was twenty years of age) he opens
+several books of the library, one after the other, to see who their
+authors were. One of the volumes which he opens in its turn attracts
+his attention. He has never before seen one like it. He reads the
+title, ... it is a Bible! a rare book, at that time unknown.[139] His
+interest is strongly excited; he is perfectly astonished to find in
+this volume any thing more than those fragments of gospels and
+epistles which the Church has selected to be read publicly in the
+churches every Sabbath day. Hitherto he had believed that these
+formed the whole word of God. But here are so many pages, chapters,
+and books, of which he had no idea! His heart beats as he holds in his
+hand all this divinely-inspired Scripture, and he turns over all these
+divine leaves with feelings which cannot be described. The first page
+on which he fixes his attention tells him the history of Hannah and
+young Samuel. He reads, and his soul is filled with joy to
+overflowing. The child whom his parents lend to Jehovah for all the
+days of his life; the song of Hannah, in which she declares that the
+Lord lifts up the poor from the dust, and the needy from the dunghill,
+that he may set him with princes; young Samuel growing up in the
+presence of the Lord; the whole of this history, the whole of the
+volume which he has discovered, make him feel in a way he has never
+done before. He returns home, his heart full. "Oh!" thinks he, "would
+it please God one day to give me such a book for my own!"[140] Luther
+as yet did not know either Greek or Hebrew; for it is not probable
+that he studied these languages during the first two or three years of
+his residence at the university. The Bible which had so overjoyed him
+was in Latin. Soon returning to his treasure in the library, he reads
+and re-reads, and in his astonishment and joy returns to read again.
+The first rays of a new truth were then dawning upon him.
+
+  [139] "Auff ein Zeit, wie er die Buecher fein nacheinander besieht....
+  kombt er uberdie lateinische Biblia."... (Mathes 3.)
+
+  [140] "Avide percurrit, coepitque optare ut olim talem librum et ipse
+  nancisci posset." (M. Adami, Vita Luth. p. 103.) He eagerly runs it
+  over, and begins to wish that he himself might one day possess such a
+  book.
+
+In this way God has put him in possession of His word. He has
+discovered the book of which he is one day to give his countrymen that
+admirable translation in which Germany has now for three centuries
+perused the oracles of God. It was perhaps the first time that any
+hand had taken down this precious volume from the place which it
+occupied in the library of Erfurt. This book, lying on the unknown
+shelves of an obscure chamber, is to become the book of life to a
+whole people. The Reformation was hid in that Bible.
+
+This happened the same year that Luther obtained his first academical
+degree, viz., that of Bachelor. The excessive fatigue which he had
+undergone in preparing for his trials brought on a dangerous illness.
+Death seemed to be approaching, and solemn thoughts occupied his mind.
+He believed that his earthly course was about to terminate. There was
+a general lamentation for the young man. What a pity to see so many
+hopes so soon extinguished! Several friends came to visit him in his
+sickness; among others a priest, a venerable old man, who had with
+interest followed the student of Mansfeld in his labours and academic
+life. Luther was unable to conceal the thought which agitated him.
+"Soon," said he, "I will be called away from this world." But the old
+man kindly replied, "My dear bachelor, take courage; you will not die
+of this illness. Our God will yet make you a man, who, in his turn,
+will console many other men. For God lays his cross on him whom he
+loves, and those who bear it patiently acquire much wisdom."[141]
+These words made a deep impression on the sick youth. When so near
+death he hears the lips of a priest reminding him that God, as
+Samuel's mother had said, lifts up the miserable. The old man has
+poured sweet consolation into his heart and revived his spirits; he
+will never forget him. "This was the first prediction the Doctor
+heard," says Mathesius, Luther's friend, who relates the fact; "and he
+often mentioned it." It is easy to understand what Mathesius means by
+calling it a prediction.
+
+  [141] "Deus te virum faciet qui alios multos iterum consolabitur."
+
+When Luther recovered, something within him had undergone a change.
+The Bible, his illness, and the words of the old priest, seemed to
+have made a new appeal to him. As yet, however, there was nothing
+decided in his mind. He continued his studies, and, in 1505, took his
+degree of Master of Arts, or Doctor in Philosophy. The University of
+Erfurt was then the most celebrated in Germany,--the others in
+comparison with it being only inferior schools. The ceremony was, as
+usual, performed with great pomp. A procession with torches came to do
+homage to Luther.[142] The fete was superb, and all was joy. Luther,
+encouraged, perhaps, by these honours, was disposed to devote himself
+entirely to law, agreeably to his father's wish.
+
+  [142] Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 2229.
+
+But God willed otherwise. While Luther was occupied with other
+studies, while he began to teach the physics and ethics of Aristotle,
+and other branches of philosophy, his heart ceased not to cry to him
+that piety was the one thing needful, and that he ought above all to
+make sure of his salvation. He was aware of the displeasure which God
+testifies against sin; he remembered the punishments which he
+denounces against the sinner; and he asked himself in fear, whether he
+was sure of possessing the Divine favour. His conscience answered, No!
+His character was prompt and decided; he resolved to do all that might
+be necessary to give him a sure hope of immortality. Two events, which
+happened in succession, shook his soul, and precipitated his
+determination.
+
+Among his friends at the university was one named Alexis, with whom he
+was very intimate. One morning it was rumoured in Erfurt that Alexis
+had been assassinated. Deeply moved at the sudden loss of his friend,
+he puts the question to himself--What would become of me were I called
+thus suddenly? The question fills him with the greatest dismay.[143]
+
+  [143] "Interitu sodalis sui contristatus." (Cochloeus, p. 1.)
+
+This was in the summer of 1505. Luther, left at liberty by the
+ordinary recess of the university, resolved on a journey to Mansfeld,
+to revisit the loved abodes of his infancy, and embrace his parents.
+Perhaps he also wished to open his heart to his father, and sound him
+as to the design which was beginning to form in his mind, and obtain a
+consent to his embracing another calling. He foresaw all the
+difficulties which awaited him. The indolent habits of the majority of
+priests displeased the active miner of Mansfeld. Besides,
+ecclesiastics were little esteemed in the world; most of them had but
+scanty incomes, and the father, who had made many sacrifices to
+maintain his son at the university, and who saw him at twenty a public
+teacher in a celebrated school, was not disposed to renounce the hopes
+which his pride was cherishing.
+
+We know not what passed during Luther's visit at Mansfeld. Perhaps the
+decided wish of his father made him afraid to open his heart to him.
+He again quitted the paternal roof to go and take his seat on the
+benches of the university, and had reached within a short distance of
+Erfurt, when he was overtaken by one of those violent storms which are
+not unfrequent among these mountains. The thunder bursts, and strikes
+close by his side. Luther throws himself on his knees. It may be his
+hour is come, Death, judgment, and eternity, surround him with all
+their terrors, and speak to him with a voice which he can no longer
+resist. "Wrapt in agony, and in the terror of death," as he himself
+describes it,[144] he makes a vow, if he is delivered from this danger
+to abandon the world, and give himself entirely to God. After he had
+risen from the ground, still continuing to see that death which must
+one day overtake him, he examines himself seriously, and asks what he
+ought to do.[145] The thoughts which formerly agitated him return with
+full force. He has endeavoured, it is true, to fulfil all his duties.
+But in what state is his soul? Can he appear with a polluted heart
+before the tribunal of a God so greatly to be feared? He must become
+holy, and, accordingly, he now thirsts for holiness as he had thirsted
+for science. But where is it to be found? How shall he acquire it? The
+university has furnished him with the means of satisfying his desire
+of knowledge. Who will extinguish the agony, the flame which is
+consuming him? To what school of holiness must he bend his steps? He
+will go into a cloister; the monastic life will save him. How often
+has he heard tell of its power to transform a heart, to sanctify a
+sinner, to make a man perfect! He will enter a monastic order. He will
+then become holy, and in that way secure eternal life.[146]
+
+  [144] "Mit Erschrecken und Angst Ides Todes umgeben." (Luth., Ep. ii,
+  101.)
+
+  [145] "Cum esset in campo, fulminis ictu territus." (Cochloe. i.) Being
+  terrified by a thunderbolt when he was in the field.
+
+  [146] "Occasio autem fuit ingrediendi illud vitae genus, quod pietati
+  et studiis doctrinae de Deo, existimavit esse convenientius." (Mel.
+  Vita Luth.) He adopted this mode of life, because he thought it better
+  adapted to piety and the study of divine truth.
+
+Such was the event which changed the calling and all the destinies of
+Luther. We here recognise the finger of God. It was his mighty hand
+which threw down on the high road this young Master of Arts, this
+candidate for the bar, this future lawyer, in order to give an
+entirely new direction to his life. Rubianus, one of Luther's friends,
+wrote to him at a later period:--"Divine Providence had a view to what
+you were one day to become, when, as you were returning from your
+parents, the fire of heaven made you fall to the ground like another
+Paul, near the town of Erfurt, and carrying you off from our society,
+threw you into the Order of Augustine." Analogous circumstances thus
+signalised the conversion of Paul and Luther, the two greatest
+instruments which Divine Providence has employed in the two greatest
+revolutions which have taken place upon the earth.[147]
+
+  [147] Some biographers say that Alexis was killed by the thunder-clap
+  which terrified Luther; but two of his contemporaries, Mathesius, (p.
+  4,) and Selneccer, (in Orat. de Luth.) distinguish between the two
+  events, and we might even corroborate their testimony by that of
+  Melancthon, who says, "Sodalem nescio quo casu interfectum." (Vita
+  Luth.) His companion being killed by an accident, I know not what.
+
+Luther again enters Erfurt. His resolution is immovable, and yet it is
+not without a pang he is going to break ties which are dear to him. He
+gives no hint to any one of his intentions. But one evening he invites
+his friends in the university to a cheerful and frugal repast. Music
+once more enlivens their social intercourse. It is Luther's adieu to
+the world. Henceforth, instead of those loved companions of pleasure
+and toil--monks; instead of those cheerful and intellectual
+conversations--the silence of the cloister; instead of that enchanting
+music--the grave notes of the tranquil chapel. God demands it; all
+must be sacrificed. Yet, for this last time, once more the joys of
+youth. His friends are full of glee. Luther even leads them on. But
+at the moment when they are abandoning themselves to mirth and frolic,
+the young man becomes unable any longer to restrain the serious
+thoughts which occupy his heart. He speaks.... He makes known his
+intention to his astonished friends, who endeavour, but in vain, to
+combat it. That same night, Luther, afraid perhaps of importunate
+solicitation, quits his lodgings, leaving behind him all his effects
+and all his books, with the exception of Virgil and Plautus, (as yet
+he had no Bible.) Virgil and Plautus! Epic and Comedy! singular
+representation of Luther's mind. In fact, there was in him a whole
+epic, a beautiful, splendid, and sublime poem; but being naturally
+inclined to gayety, pleasantry, and broad humour, he mingled more than
+one familiar trait with the solemn and magnificent groundwork of his
+life.
+
+Furnished with these two books he proceeds alone, in the dark, to the
+convent of the Eremites of St. Augustine, and asks to be received. The
+door opens and closes, and he is separated for ever from his parents,
+his fellow-students, and the world. This took place on the 17th August
+1505, when Luther's age was twenty-one years and nine months.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+     His Father's Anger--Pardon--Servile Employments--The Bag and
+     the Cell--Courage--St.
+     Augustine--D'Ailly--Occam--Gerson--The Bible--Hebrew and
+     Greek--The Hours--Asceticism--Agony--Luther during
+     Mass--Agony--Useless Observances--Luther in a Faint.
+
+
+At length he was with God. His soul was in safety. This holiness, so
+earnestly longed for, he was now to find. At the sight of this young
+doctor, the monks were all admiration, and extolled him for his
+courage and contempt of the world.[148] Luther, meanwhile, did not
+forget his friends. He wrote to take leave of them and the world, and
+the next day despatched these letters, with the clothes he had
+hitherto worn, and his diploma of Master of Arts, which he returned to
+the university, that nothing might in future remind him of the world
+which he had abandoned.
+
+  [148] "Hujus mundi contemptu, ingressus est repente, multes
+  admirantibus, monasterium." (Cochloeus, i.) From contempt of this
+  world, he, to the wonder of many, suddenly entered a monastery.
+
+His friends at Erfurt were thunderstruck. Must so distinguished a
+genius go and hide himself in this monastic life--more properly, a
+kind of death?[149] In deep sorrow they hastened to the convent, in
+the hope of inducing Luther to retrace the distressing step which he
+had taken; but all was useless. The gates were closed, and a month
+passed before any one was permitted to see or speak to the new monk.
+
+  [149] "In vita semi-mortua." (Melch. Adami. V. L. p. 102.) A half-dead
+  life.
+
+Luther had hastened to acquaint his parents with the great change
+which had just occurred in his life. His father was thunderstruck. He
+trembled for his son,--so Luther himself informs us in his book on
+Monastic Vows, which he dedicated to his father. His weakness, his
+youth, the ardour of his passions, everything, in short, made him fear
+that after the first moment of enthusiasm, the indolence of the
+cloister would make the youth fall either into despair, or into
+grievous faults. He knew that this mode of life had proved fatal to
+many. Besides, the counsellor-miner of Mansfield had other views for
+his son. He was proposing a rich and honourable marriage for him--and,
+lo! all his ambitious projects are in one night overthrown by this
+imprudent action.
+
+John wrote his son a very angry letter, in which, as Luther himself
+tells us, he _thou'd_ him whereas he had _you'd_ him ever since he had
+taken his degree of Master of Arts. He withdrew all his favour from
+him, and declared him disinherited of a father's affection. In vain
+did the friends of John Luther, and doubtless his wife also, endeavour
+to mollify him; in vain did they say to him, "If you are willing to
+make some sacrifice to God, let it be the best and dearest thing that
+you have--your son--your Isaac." The inexorable counsellor of Mansfeld
+would hear nothing.
+
+Some time after, (the statement is given by Luther in a sermon which
+he preached at Wittemberg, 20th January 1544,) the plague broke out,
+and deprived John Luther of two of his sons. On the back of these
+bereavements, while the father's heart was torn with grief, some one
+came and told him, "The monk of Erfurt also is dead!" His friends took
+advantage of the circumstance to bring back the father's heart to the
+novice. "If it is a false alarm," said they, "at least sanctify your
+affliction by consenting sincerely to your son's being a monk." "Well,
+well!" replied John Luther, his heart broken, and still half
+rebellions; "and God grant him all success." At a later period, when
+Luther, who had been reconciled to his father, told him of the event
+which had led him to rush into monastic orders,--"God grant," replied
+the honest miner, "that what you took for a sign from heaven may not
+have been only a phantom of the devil!"[150]
+
+  [150] "Gott geb das es nicht ein Betrug und teuflisch Gespenst sey."
+  (Luth. Ep. ii, p. 101.)
+
+At this time Luther was not in possession of that which was afterwards
+to make him the Reformer of the Church. His entrance into the convent
+proves this. It was an action done in the spirit of an age out of
+which he was soon to be instrumental in raising the Church. Though
+destined to become the teacher of the world, he was still its servile
+imitator. A new stone was placed on the edifice of superstition by the
+very hand which was soon to overturn it. Luther was seeking salvation
+in himself, in human practices and observances, not knowing that
+salvation is wholly of God. He was seeking his own righteousness and
+his own glory, and overlooking the righteousness and glory of the
+Lord. But what he as yet knew not he soon afterwards learned. That
+immense change which substituted God and His wisdom in his heart for
+the world and its traditions, and which prepared the mighty revolution
+of which he was the most illustrious instrument, took place in the
+cloister of Erfurt.
+
+Martin Luther, on entering the convent, changed his name to that of
+Augustine.
+
+The monks had received him with joy. It was no small satisfaction to
+their self-love to see the university abandoned for a house of their
+order, and that by one of the most distinguished teachers.
+Nevertheless, they treated him harshly, and assigned him the meanest
+tasks. They wished to humble the doctor of philosophy, and teach him
+that his science did not raise him above his brethren. They thought,
+moreover, they would thus prevent him from spending his time in
+studies from which the convent could not reap any advantage. The
+_ci-devant_ Master of Arts behoved to perform the functions of
+watchman, to open and shut the gates, wind up the clocks, sweep the
+church, and clean up the rooms.[151] Then when the poor monk, who was
+at once porter, sacristan, and house-hold servant to the cloister, had
+finished his task--_"Cum sacco per civitatem"_--"To the town with the
+bag," exclaimed the friars; and then, with his bread-bag on his
+shoulders, he walked up and down over all the streets of Erfurt,
+begging from house to house, obliged, perhaps, to present himself at
+the doors of those who had been his friends or inferiors. On his
+return, he had either to shut himself up in a low narrow cell, looking
+out on a plot only a few yards in extent, or to resume his menial
+offices. But he submitted to all. Disposed by temperament to give
+himself entirely to whatever he undertook, when he turned monk he did
+it with his whole soul. How, moreover, could he think of sparing his
+body, or of having regard to what might satisfy the flesh? That was
+not the way to acquire the humility and holiness in quest of which he
+had come within the walls of the cloister.
+
+  [151] "Loca immunda purgare coactus fuit." (M. Adami, Vita Luth. p.
+  103.) He was obliged to clear away filth.
+
+The poor monk, worn out with fatigue, was eager to seize any moment
+which he could steal from his servile occupations, and devote it to
+the acquisition of knowledge. Gladly did he retire into a corner, and
+give himself up to his beloved studies. But the friars soon found him
+out, gathered around him, grumbled at him, and pushed him away to his
+labours, saying, "Along! along! it is not by studying, but by begging
+bread, corn, eggs, fish, flesh, and money, that a friar makes himself
+useful to his convent."[152] Luther submitted, laid aside his books,
+and again took up his bag. Far from repenting of having subjected
+himself to such a yoke, his wish was to bring it to a successful
+result. At this period, the inflexible perseverance with which he ever
+after followed out the resolutions which he had once formed, began to
+be developed. The resistance which he made to rude assaults gave
+strong energy to his will. God exercised him in small things that he
+might be able to stand firm in great things. Besides, in preparing to
+deliver his age from the miserable superstitions under which it
+groaned, it was necessary that he should feel the weight of them. In
+order to empty the cup he behoved to drink it to the dregs.
+
+  [152] Selnecceri Orat. de Luth. Mathesius, p. 5.
+
+This severe apprenticeship, however, did not last so long as Luther
+might have feared. The prior of the convent, on the intercession of
+the university of which Luther was a member, relieved him from the
+mean functions which had been imposed on him, and the young monk
+resumed his studies with new zeal. The writings of the Fathers,
+particularly those of Augustine, engaged his attention; the Commentary
+of this illustrious doctor on the Psalms, and his treatise "On the
+Letter and the Spirit," being his special favourites. Nothing struck
+him more than the sentiments of this Father on the corruption of the
+human will, and on Divine grace. His own experience convincing him of
+the reality of this corruption, and the necessity of this grace, the
+words of Augustine found a ready response in his heart; and could he
+have been of any other school than that of Jesus Christ, it had
+doubtless been the school of the doctor of Hippo. The works of Peter
+D'Ailly and Gabriel Biel he almost knew by heart. He was struck with a
+remark of the former--that had not the Church decided otherwise, it
+would have been much better to admit that in the Lord's Supper bread
+and wine are truly received, and not mere accidents.
+
+He likewise carefully studied the theologians, Occam and Gerson, who
+both express themselves so freely on the authority of the popes. To
+this reading he joined other exercises. In public discussions he was
+heard unravelling the most complicated reasonings, and winding his way
+through labyrinths where others could find no outlet. All who heard
+him were filled with admiration.[153]
+
+  [153] "In disputationibus publicis, labyrinthos aliis inextricabiles,
+  diserte, multis admirantibus explicabat." (Melanc. Vit. Luth.) In
+  public disputations, he, to the admiration of many, clearly unravelled
+  labyrinths which others found inextricable.
+
+But he had entered the cloister, not to acquire the reputation of a
+great genius, but in quest of the food of piety.[154] These labours he
+accordingly regarded as supernumerary.
+
+  [154] "In eo vitae, genere non famam ingenii, sed alimenta pietatis
+  quaerebat." In that course of life he sought not a reputation for
+  genius, but the food of piety.
+
+But the thing in which he delighted above all others was to draw
+wisdom at the pure fountain of the word of God. In the convent he
+found a Bible fastened to a chain, and was ever returning to this
+chained Bible. He had a very imperfect comprehension of the Word, but
+still it was his most pleasant reading. Sometimes he spent a whole day
+in meditating on a single passage; at other times he learned passages
+of the Prophets by heart. His great desire was, that the writings of
+the apostles and prophets might help to give him a knowledge of the
+will of God, increase the fear which he had for his name, and nourish
+his faith by the sure testimony of the Word.[155]
+
+  [155] "Et firmis testimoniis aleret timorem et fidem." (Melancth. Vit.
+  Luth.) And by its sure testimonies nourish his fear and his faith.
+
+Apparently at this period he began to study the Scriptures in the
+original tongues, and thereby lay the foundation of the most perfect
+and the most useful of his labours, the translation of the Bible. He
+used a Hebrew Lexicon which Reuchlin had just published. His first
+guide was probably John Lange, a friar of the convent, versed in Greek
+and Hebrew, and with whom he always maintained a close intimacy.[156]
+He also made great use of the learned Commentaries of Nicolas Lyra,
+who died in 1340, and hence the saying of Pflug, afterwards Bishop of
+Naumbourg, "Had not Lyra played the lyre, Luther had never danced. _Si
+Lyra non lyrasset, Lutherus non saltasset._"
+
+  [156] Gesch. d. deutsch, Bibeluebersetzung.
+
+The young monk studied so closely and ardently that he often omitted
+to say his Hours during two or three weeks. Then becoming alarmed at
+the thought of having transgressed the rules of his order, he shut
+himself up to make amends for his negligence, and commenced
+conscientiously repeating all the omitted Hours, without thinking of
+meat or drink. On one occasion his sleep went from him for seven
+weeks.
+
+Earnestly intent on acquiring the holiness in quest of which he had
+entered the cloister, Luther addicted himself to the ascetic life in
+its fullest rigour, seeking to crucify the flesh by fastings,
+macerations, and vigils.[157] Shut up in his cell as in a prison, he
+struggled without intermission against the evil thoughts and evil
+propensities of his heart. A little bread and a herring were often all
+his food. Indeed, he was naturally very temperate. Often when he had
+no thought of purchasing heaven by abstinence, have his friends seen
+him content himself with the coarsest provisions, and even remain four
+days in succession without eating or drinking.[158] We have this on
+the testimony of a very credible witness, Melancthon, and we may judge
+from it what opinion to form of the fables which ignorance and
+prejudice have circulated concerning Luther's intemperance. At the
+period of which we treat there is no sacrifice he would have declined
+to make, in order to become holy and purchase heaven.[159] When
+Luther, after he had become Reformer, says that heaven is not
+purchased, he well knew what he meant. "Truly," wrote he to George,
+Duke of Saxony, "truly I was a pious monk, and followed the rules of
+my order more strictly than I can tell. If ever monk had got to heaven
+by monkery, I had been that monk. In this all the monks of my
+acquaintance will bear me witness. Had the thing continued much longer
+I had become a martyr unto death, through vigils, prayer, reading, and
+other labours."[160]
+
+  [157] "Summa disciplinae severitate se ipse regit, et omnibus
+  exercitiis, lectionum, disputationum, jejuniorum, precum, omnes longe
+  superat." (Melancth. Vita Luth.) He observes the utmost rigour of
+  discipline, and in all the exercises of reading, discussion, fastings,
+  and prayers, far surpasses all.
+
+  [158] "Erat enim natura, valde modici cibi et potus; vidi continuis
+  quatuor diebus, cum quidem recte valeret, prorsus nihil edentem aut
+  bibentem." (Ibid.) For he was naturally moderate in the use of meat
+  and drink; I have seen him, no doubt, when in perfect health, neither
+  eating nor drinking for four successive days.
+
+  [159] "Strenue in studiis et exercitiis spiritualibus militavit ibi
+  Deo, annis quatuor." (Cochloeus, i.) There, in studies and spiritual
+  exercises, he was a strenuous servant of God for four years.
+
+  [160] Luth. Op. (W.) xix, 2299.
+
+We are touching on the period which made Luther a new man, and which,
+revealing to him the immensity of the Divine love, fitted him for
+proclaiming it to the world.
+
+The peace which Luther had come in search of he found neither in the
+tranquillity of the cloister nor in monastic perfection. He wished to
+be assured of his salvation; it was the great want of his soul, and
+without it he could have no repose. But the fears which had agitated
+him when in the world, followed him into his cell. Nay, they were even
+increased; the least cry of his heart raising a loud echo under the
+silent vaults of the cloister. God had brought him thither that he
+might learn to know himself, and to despair of his own strength and
+virtue. His conscience, enlightened by the Divine word, told him what
+it was to be holy; but he was filled with alarm at not finding, either
+in his heart or his life, that image of holiness which he had
+contemplated with admiration in the word of God; a sad discovery made
+by every man who is in earnest! No righteousness within, no
+righteousness without, everywhere omission, sin, defilement.... The
+more ardent Luther's natural disposition was the more strongly he felt
+the secret and unceasing resistance which human nature opposes to
+goodness. This threw him into despair.
+
+The monks and theologians of the day invited him to do works in order
+to satisfy the Divine justice. But what works, thought he, can proceed
+from such a heart as mine! How should I be able with works polluted in
+their very principle, to stand in presence of my holy Judge? "I felt
+myself," says he, "to be a great sinner before God, and deemed it
+impossible to appease him by my merits."
+
+He was agitated, and, at the same time, gloomy, shunning the silly and
+coarse conversation of the monks, who, unable to comprehend the
+tempests of his soul, regarded him with astonishment,[161] and
+reproached him for his gloom and taciturnity. It is told by Cochloeus,
+that one day, when they were saying mass in the chapel, Luther had
+come with his sighs, and stood amid the friars in sadness and anguish.
+The priest had already prostrated himself, the incense had been placed
+on the altar, the _Gloria_ had been chanted, and they were reading the
+Gospel, when the poor monk, no longer able to contain his agony,
+exclaimed, in a piercing tone, while throwing himself on his knees,
+"Not I! not I!"[162] Every one was in amazement, and the service was
+for a moment interrupted. Perhaps Luther thought he had heard himself
+reproached with something of which he knew he was innocent; perhaps he
+meant to express his unworthiness to be one of those to whom the death
+of Christ brought eternal life. Cochloeus says that they were reading
+the passage of Scripture which tells of the dumb man out of whom
+Christ expelled a demon. If this account is correct, Luther's cry
+might have a reference to this circumstance. He might mean to intimate
+that though dumb like the man, it was owing to another cause than the
+possession of a demon. In fact, Cochloeus informs us that the friars
+sometimes attributed the agonies of their brother to occult commerce
+with the devil,[163] and he himself is of the same opinion.
+
+  [161] "Visus est fratribus non nihil singularitatis habere."
+  (Cochloeus, i.) The friars thought him not a little eccentric.
+
+  [162] "Cum, ... repente ceciderit vociferans: 'Non sum! non sum!'"
+  (Ibid.) When he suddenly fell down, crying out, "Not I! not I."
+
+  [163] "Ex occulto aliquo cum daemone commercio." (Cochloeus, i.) From
+  some hidden intercourse with a demon.
+
+A tender conscience led Luther to regard the smallest fault as a great
+sin. No sooner had he discovered it than he strove to expiate it by
+the severest mortifications. This, however, had no other effect than
+to convince him of the utter inefficacy of all human remedies. "I
+tormented myself to death," says he, "in order to procure peace with
+God to my troubled heart and agitated conscience; but, surrounded with
+fearful darkness, I nowhere found it."
+
+The acts of monastic holiness which lulled so many consciences, and to
+which he himself had recourse in his agony, soon appeared to Luther
+only the fallacious cures of an empirical and quack religion. "At the
+time when I was a monk, if I felt some temptation assail me, I am
+lost! said I to myself, and immediately resorted to a thousand
+methods, in order to suppress the cries of my heart. I confessed every
+day, but that did me no good. Thus oppressed with sadness, I was
+tormented by a multiplicity of thoughts. 'Look!' exclaimed I, 'there
+you are still envious, impatient, passionate! It is of no use then,
+for you, O wretch, to have entered this sacred order.'"
+
+And yet Luther, imbued with the prejudices of his day, had from his
+youth up considered the acts, whose impotence he now experienced, as
+sure remedies for diseased souls. What was he to think of the strange
+discovery which he had just made in the solitude of the cloister? It
+is possible, then, to dwell in the sanctuary, and still carry within
+oneself a man of sin! He has received another garment, but not another
+heart. His hopes are disappointed. Where is he to stop? Can it be that
+all these rules and observances are only human inventions? Such a
+supposition appears to him at one time a suggestion of the devil, and
+at another time an irresistible truth. Struggling alternately with the
+holy voice which spoke to his heart, and with venerable institutions
+which had the sanction of ages, Luther's life was a continual combat.
+The young monk, like a shade, glided through the long passages of the
+cloister, making them echo with his sad groans. His body pined away
+and his strength left him; on different occasions he remained as if he
+were dead.[164]
+
+  [164] "Saepe eum cogitantem attentius de ira Dei, aut de mirandis
+  poenarum exemplis, subito tanti terrores concutiebant ut pene
+  exanimaretur." (Melancth. Vita Luth.) Often when meditating more
+  attentively on the wrath of God, or striking examples of punishment,
+  he was suddenly shaken with such terror that he became like one dead.
+
+Once, overwhelmed with sadness, he shut himself up in his cell, and
+for several days and nights allowed no one to approach him. Lucas
+Edemberger, one of his friends, feeling uneasy about the unhappy monk,
+and having some presentiment of the state in which he actually was,
+taking with him several boys, who were accustomed to chant in choirs,
+went and knocked at the door of his cell. No one opens or answers.
+Good Edemberger, still more alarmed, forces the door. Luther is
+stretched on the floor insensible, and showing no signs of life. His
+friend tries in vain to revive him, but he still remains motionless.
+The young boys begin to chant a soft anthem. Their pure voices act
+like a charm on the poor monk, who had always the greatest delight in
+music, and he gradually recovers sensation, consciousness, and
+life.[165] But if music could for some moments give him a slight
+degree of serenity, another and more powerful remedy was wanted to
+cure him effectually--that soft and penetrating sound of the gospel,
+which is the voice of God himself. He was well aware of this, and,
+accordingly, his sorrows and alarms led him to study the writings of
+the apostles and prophets with renewed zeal.[166]
+
+  [165] Seckend., p. 53.
+
+  [166] "Hoc studium ut magis expeteret, illis suis doloribus et
+  pavoribus movebatur." (Melancth. Vita Luth.) His griefs and fears
+  urged him to prosecute this study with greater eagerness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+     Pious Men in Cloisters--Staupitz--His Piety--His
+     Visitation--Conversation--The Grace of
+     Christ--Repentance--Power of Sin--Sweetness of
+     Repentance--Election--Providence--The Bible--The Old
+     Monk--The Remission of Sins--Consecration Dinner--The Fete
+     Dieu--Call to Wittemberg.
+
+
+Luther was not the first monk who had passed through similar
+struggles. The cloisters often shrouded within the obscurity of their
+walls abominable vices, at which if they had been brought to light,
+every honest mind would have shuddered; but they often also concealed
+Christian virtues which were there unfolded in silence, and which, if
+they had been placed before the eyes of the world, would have excited
+admiration. These virtues, possessed by those who lived only with
+themselves and with God, attracted no attention, and were often even
+unknown to the modest convent within which they were contained.
+Leading a life known to God only, these humble solitaries fell
+occasionally into that mystical theology, sad malady of noblest minds,
+which formerly constituted the delight of the first monks on the banks
+of the Nile, and which uselessly consumes those who fall under its
+influence.
+
+Still, when one of these men happened to be called to an eminent
+station, he there displayed virtues whose salutary influence was long
+and widely felt. The candle being placed on the candlestick gave light
+to all the house. Several were awakened by this light, and hence those
+pious souls, propagated from generation to generation, kept shining
+like solitary torches at the very time when cloisters were often
+little better than impure receptacles of the deepest darkness.
+
+A young man had in this way attracted notice in one of the convents of
+Germany. He was named John Staupitz, and was of a noble family in
+Misnia. From his earliest youth, having a taste for science and a love
+of virtue, he longed for retirement, in order to devote himself to
+literature;[167] but soon finding that philosophy and the study of
+nature could do little for eternal salvation, he began to study
+theology, making it his special object to join practice with
+knowledge. For, says one of his biographers, it is vain to deck
+ourselves with the name of theologian, if we do not prove our title to
+the honourable name by our life.[168] The study of the Bible, and of
+the theology of St. Augustine, the knowledge of himself, and the war
+which he, like Luther, had to wage against the wiles and lusts of his
+heart, led him to the Redeemer, through faith in whom he found peace
+to his soul. The doctrine of the election of grace had, in particular,
+taken a firm hold of his mind. Integrity of life, profound science and
+eloquence, combined with a noble appearance and a dignified address,
+recommended him to his contemporaries.[169] The Elector of Saxony,
+Frederick the Wise, made him his friend, employed him on different
+embassies, and under his direction founded the University of
+Wittemberg. This disciple of St. Paul and St. Augustine was the first
+Dean of the Faculty of Theology in that school which was one day to
+send forth light to enlighten the schools and churches of so many
+nations. He attended the council of Lateran, as deputy from the
+Archbishop of Salzbourg, became provincial of his order in Thuringia
+and Saxony, and ultimately vicar-general of the Augustins all over
+Germany.
+
+  [167] "A teneris unguiculis, generoso animi impetu, ad virtutem et
+  eruditam doctrinam contendit." (Melanct. Adam. Vita Staupitzii.) From
+  his earliest years, with generous intellectual impulse, he tended to
+  virtue and learning.
+
+  [168] (Ibid.)
+
+  [169] "Corporis forma atque statura conspicuus." (Cochloe., iii.) He
+  was remarkably tall and handsome.
+
+Staupitz lamented the corruption of manners and the errors in doctrine
+which were laying waste the Church. This is proved by his writings on
+the love of God, on Christian faith, on resemblance to Christ in his
+death, and by the testimony of Luther. But he considered the former of
+these evils as greatly the worse of the two. Besides, the mildness and
+indecision of his character, and his desire not to go beyond the
+sphere of action which he thought assigned to him, made him fitter to
+be the restorer of a convent than the Reformer of the Church. He could
+have wished to confer important stations only on distinguished men,
+but not finding them, he was contented to employ others. "We must
+plough with horses," said he, "if we can find them; but if we have no
+horses, we must plough with oxen."[170]
+
+  [170] Luth. Op. (W.) v, 2819.
+
+We have seen the anguish and inward wrestlings to which Luther was a
+prey in the convent of Erfurt. At this time a visit from the
+vicar-general was announced, and Staupitz accordingly arrived to make
+his ordinary inspection. The friend of Frederick, the founder of the
+University of Wittemberg, the head of the Augustins, took a kind
+interest in the monks under his authority. It was not long ere one of
+the friars of the convent attracted his attention. This was a young
+man of middle stature, whom study, abstinence, and vigils, had so
+wasted away, that his bones might have been counted.[171] His eyes,
+which at a later period were compared to those of the falcon, were
+sunken, his gait was sad, and his looks bespoke a troubled soul, the
+victim of numerous struggles, yet still strong and bent on resisting.
+His whole appearance had in it something grave, melancholy, and
+solemn. Staupitz, whose discernment had been improved by long
+experience, easily discovered what was passing in the soul of the
+young friar, and singled him out from those around him. He felt drawn
+towards him, had a presentiment of his high destiny, and experienced
+the interest of a parent for his subaltern. He, too, had struggled
+like Luther, and could therefore understand his situation. Above all,
+he could show him the way of peace, which he himself had found. The
+information he received of the circumstances which had brought the
+young Augustin to the convent increased his sympathy. He requested the
+prior to treat him with great mildness, and availed himself of the
+opportunities which his office gave him to gain the young friar's
+confidence. Going kindly up to him, he took every means to remove his
+timidity, which was moreover increased by the respect and reverence
+which the elevated rank of Staupitz naturally inspired.
+
+  [171] Mosellani Epist.
+
+The heart of Luther, till then closed by harsh treatment, opened at
+last, and expanded to the mild rays of charity. "As in water face
+answereth to face, so the heart of man to man."[172] The heart of
+Staupitz answered to the heart of Luther. The vicar-general understood
+him; and the monk, in his turn, felt a confidence in Staupitz which no
+one had hitherto inspired. He revealed to him the cause of his
+sadness, depicted the fearful thoughts which agitated him, and then in
+the cloister of Erfurt commenced a conversation full of wisdom and
+instruction.
+
+  [172] Proverbs, xxvii, 19.
+
+"In vain," said Luther despondingly to Staupitz; "in vain do I make
+promises to God; sin has always the mastery."
+
+"O my friend," replied the vicar-general, thinking how it had been
+with himself, "more than a thousand times have I sworn to our holy God
+to live piously, and I have never done so. Now I no longer swear; for
+I know I should not perform. Unless God be pleased to be gracious to
+me for the love of Christ, and to grant me a happy departure when I
+leave this world, I shall not be able with all my vows and all my good
+works to stand before him. I must perish."[173]
+
+  [173] Luth. Op. (W.) viii, 2725.
+
+The young monk is terrified at the thought of the Divine justice, and
+lays all his fears before the vicar-general. The ineffable holiness of
+God, and his sovereign majesty, fill him with alarm. Who will be able
+to support the day of his advent--who to stand when he appeareth?
+
+Staupitz resumes. He knows where he has found peace, and his young
+friend will hear it. "Why torment thyself," said he to him, "with all
+these speculations and high thoughts? Look to the wounds of Jesus
+Christ, to the blood which he has shed for thee; then thou shalt see
+the grace of God. Instead of making a martyr of thyself for thy
+faults, throw thyself into the arms of the Redeemer. Confide in him,
+in the righteousness of his life, and the expiation of his death. Keep
+not back; God is not angry with thee; it is thou who art angry with
+God. Listen to the Son of God, who became man in order to assure thee
+of the Divine favour. He says to thee, 'Thou art my sheep; thou
+hearest my voice; none shall pluck thee out of my hand.'"[174]
+
+  [174] Luth. Op. ii, 264.
+
+But Luther does not here find the repentance which he believes
+necessary to salvation. He replies, and it is the ordinary reply of
+agonised and frightened souls, "How dare I believe in the favour of
+God, while there is nothing in me like true conversion? I must be
+changed before he can receive me."
+
+His venerable guide shows him that there can be no true conversion
+while God is dreaded as a severe Judge. "What will you say then,"
+exclaims Luther, "of the many consciences, to which a thousand
+unsupportable observances are prescribed as a means of gaining
+heaven?"
+
+Then he hears this reply from the vicar-general, or rather his belief
+is, that it comes not from man, but is a voice sounding from
+heaven.[175] "No repentance," says Staupitz, "is true, save that which
+begins with the love of God and of righteousness.[176] What others
+imagine to be the end and completion of repentance is, on the
+contrary, only the commencement of it. To have a thorough love of
+goodness, thou must, before all, have a thorough love of God. If thou
+wouldest be converted, dwell not upon all these macerations and
+tortures; 'Love him who first loved thee.'"
+
+  [175] "Te velut e coelo sonantem accepimus." (Luth. Ep. i, 115, ad
+  Staupitzium, 30th May, 1518.) We have heard thee, as it were, speaking
+  from heaven.
+
+  [176] "Poenitentia vero non est, nisi quae ab amore justitiae et Dei
+  incipit," etc. (Ibid.) There is no repentance save that which begins
+  with the love of God and of righteousness.
+
+Luther listens and listens again. These consoling words fill him with
+unknown joy, and give him new light. "It is Jesus Christ," thinks he
+in his heart. "Yes, it is Jesus Christ himself who consoles me so
+wonderfully by these sweet and salutary words."[177]
+
+  [177] "Memini inter jucundissimas et salutares fabulas tuas, quibus me
+  solet Dominus Jesus mirifice consolari." (Ibid.) I recollect during
+  your most pleasing and salutary conversation, with which the Lord is
+  wont wondrously to console me.
+
+These words, in fact, penetrated to the inmost heart of the young
+monk, like the sharp arrow of a mighty man.[178] In order to repent,
+it is necessary to love God. Illumined with this new light, he
+proceeds to examine the Scriptures, searching out all the passages
+which speak of repentance and conversion. These words, till now so
+much dreaded, become, to use his own expressions, "an agreeable sport,
+and the most delightful recreation. All the passages of Scripture
+which frightened him seem now to rise up from all sides, smiling, and
+leaping, and sporting with him."[179]
+
+  [178] "Haesit hoc verbum tuum in me, sicut sagitta potentis acuta."
+  (Ibid.) Your word stuck fast in me, like the sharp arrow of a mighty
+  man.
+
+  [179] "Ecce jucundissimum ludum, verba undique mihi colludebant,
+  planeque huic sententiae arridebant et assultabant." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  115.) When, behold, a most pleasing sport! the words coming from all
+  sides, sported with me, obviously smiling and leaping at the
+  sentiment.
+
+"Hitherto," exclaims he, "though I carefully disguised the state of my
+heart, and strove to give utterance to a love which was only
+constrained and fictitious, Scripture did not contain a word which
+seemed to me more bitter than that of _repentance_. Now, however,
+there is none sweeter and more agreeable.[180] Oh! how pleasant the
+precepts of God are, when we read them not only in books, but in the
+precious wounds of the Saviour."[181]
+
+  [180] "Nunc nihil dulcius aut gratius mihi sonet quam poenitentia,"
+  etc. (Ibid.) Now nothing sounds sweeter or more agreeable to me than
+  repentance.
+
+  [181] "Ita enim dulcescunt praecepta Dei, quando non in libris tantum,
+  sed in vulneribus dulcissimi Salvatoris legenda intelligimus." (Ibid.)
+  For thus do the divine precepts become sweet, when we understand that
+  they are to be read not in books merely, but in the wounds of a most
+  gracious Saviour.
+
+Meanwhile, Luther, though consoled by the words of Staupitz was still
+subject to fits of depression. Sin manifested itself anew to his
+timorous conscience, and then the joy of salvation was succeeded by
+his former despair. "O my sin! my sin! my sin!" one day exclaimed the
+young monk in presence of the vicar-general, in accents of the deepest
+grief. "Ah!" replied he, "would you only be a sinner on canvass, and
+also have a Saviour only on canvass?" Then Staupitz gravely added,
+"Know that Jesus Christ is the Saviour even of those who are great,
+real sinners, and every way deserving of condemnation."
+
+What agitated Luther was not merely the sin which he felt in his
+heart. The upbraidings of his conscience were confirmed by arguments
+drawn from reason. If the holy precepts of the Bible frightened him,
+some of its doctrines likewise increased his terror. Truth, which is
+the great means by which God gives peace to man, must necessarily
+begin by removing the false security which destroys him. The doctrine
+of election, in particular, disturbed the young man, and threw him
+into a field which it is difficult to traverse. Must he believe that
+it was man who, on his part, first chose God? or that it was God who
+first chose man? The Bible, history, daily experience, and the
+writings of Augustine, had shown him that always, and in every thing,
+in looking for a first cause, it was necessary to ascend to the
+sovereign will by which every thing exists, and on which every thing
+depends. But his ardent spirit would have gone farther. He would have
+penetrated into the secret counsel of God, unveiled its mysteries,
+seen the invisible, and comprehended the incomprehensible. Staupitz
+interfered, telling him not to pretend to fathom the hidden purposes
+of God, but to confine himself to those of them which have been made
+manifest in Christ. "Look to the wounds of Christ," said he to him,
+"and there see a bright display of the purposes of God towards man. It
+is impossible to comprehend God out of Jesus Christ. In Christ you
+will find what I am, and what I require, saith the Lord. You can find
+him nowhere else, either in heaven or on the earth."[182]
+
+  [182] Luth. Op. (W.) xxii., p. 489.
+
+The vicar-general went farther. He convinced Luther of the paternal
+designs of Providence, in permitting the various temptations and
+combats which the soul has to sustain. He exhibited them to him in a
+light well fitted to revive his courage. By such trials God prepares
+those whom he destines for some important work. The ship must be
+proved before it is launched on the boundless deep. If this education
+is necessary for every man, it is so particularly for those who are to
+have an influence on their generation. This Staupitz represented to
+the monk of Erfurt; "It is not without cause," said he to him, "that
+God exercises you by so many combats; be assured he will employ you in
+great things as his minister."
+
+These words, which Luther hears with astonishment and humility, fill
+him with courage, and give him a consciousness of powers, whose
+existence he had not even suspected. The wisdom and prudence of an
+enlightened friend gradually reveal the strong man to himself. Nor
+does Staupitz rest here. He gives him valuable directions as to his
+studies, exhorting him in future to lay aside the systems of the
+school, and draw all his theology from the Bible. "Let the study of
+the Scriptures," said he, "be your favourite occupation." Never was
+good advice better followed. But what, above all, delighted Luther,
+was the present of a Bible from Staupitz. Perhaps it was the Latin
+Bible bound in red leather, which belonged to the convent, and which
+it was the summit of his desire to possess, that he might be able to
+carry it about with him wherever he went, because all its leaves were
+familiar to him, and he knew where to look for every passage.[183] At
+length this treasure is his own. From that time he studies the
+Scriptures, and especially the Epistles of St. Paul, with always
+increasing zeal. The only author whom he admits along with the Bible
+is St. Augustine. Whatever he reads is deeply imprinted on his soul,
+for his struggles had prepared him for comprehending it. The soil had
+been ploughed deep, and the incorruptible seed penetrates far into it.
+When Staupitz left Erfurt, a new day had dawned upon Luther.
+
+  [183] Seckendorf, p. 52.
+
+Nevertheless, the work was not finished. The vicar-general had
+prepared it, but its completion was reserved for a humbler instrument.
+The conscience of the young Augustin had not yet found repose, and,
+owing to his efforts and the stretch on which his soul had been kept,
+his body at length gave way. He was attacked by an illness which
+brought him to the gates of death. This was in the second year of his
+residence in the convent. All his agonies and terrors were awakened at
+the approach of death. His own pollution and the holiness of God anew
+distracted his soul. One day, when overwhelmed with despair, an old
+monk entered his cell, and addressed him in consoling terms. Luther
+opened his heart to him, and made him aware of the fears by which he
+was agitated. The respectable old man was incapable of following him
+into all his doubts as Staupitz had done; but he knew his _Credo_, and
+having found in it the means of consoling his own heart, he could
+apply the same remedy to the young friar. Leading him back to the
+Apostles' Creed, which Luther had learned in infancy at the school of
+Mansfield, the old monk good-naturedly repeated the article, "_I
+believe in the forgiveness of sins_." These simple words, which the
+pious friar calmly repeated at this decisive moment, poured great
+consolation into the soul of Luther. "I believe," oft repeated he to
+himself on his sick-bed, "I believe in the forgiveness of sins." "Ah!"
+said the monk, "the thing to be believed is not merely that David's or
+Peter's sins are forgiven; this the devils believe: God's command is,
+to believe that our own sins are forgiven."[184] How delightful this
+command appeared to poor Luther! "See what St. Bernard says in his
+sermon on the annunciation," added the old friar; "the witness which
+the Holy Spirit witnesseth with our spirit is, 'Thy sins are forgiven
+thee.'"
+
+  [184] "Davidi aut Petro ... Sed mandatum Dei esse ut singuli homines,
+  nobis remitti peccata credamus." (Melancth. Vit. Luth.) Not to David
+  or Peter, but the command of God is, that every one of us believe that
+  our sins are forgiven.
+
+From this moment light sprung up in the heart of the young monk of
+Erfurt. The gracious word has been pronounced, and he believes it. He
+renounces the idea of meriting salvation, and puts implicit confidence
+in the grace of God through Jesus Christ. He does not see all the
+consequences of the principle which he has admitted; he is still
+sincere in his attachment to the Church, and yet he has no longer need
+of her. He has received salvation immediately from God himself; and
+from that moment Roman Catholicism is virtually destroyed in him. He
+goes forward and searches the writings of the apostles and prophets,
+for every thing that may strengthen the hope which fills his heart.
+Each day he invokes help from above, and each day also the light
+increases in his soul.
+
+The health which his spirit had found soon restores health to his
+body, and he rises from his sick-bed, after having, in a double sense,
+received a new life. During the feast of Noel, which arrived shortly
+after, he tasted abundantly of all the consolations of faith. With
+sweet emotion he took part in the holy solemnities, and when in the
+middle of the gorgeous service of the day, he came to chant these
+words:--"_O beata culpa, quae talem meruisti Redemptorem!_"[185] his
+whole being said _Amen_, and thrilled with joy.
+
+  [185] "O blessed fault, to merit such a Redeemer." (Mathesius, p. 5.)
+
+Luther had been two years in the cloister, and must now be consecrated
+priest. He had received much, and he looked forward with delight to
+the prospect which the priesthood presented of enabling him freely to
+give what he had freely received. Wishing to avail himself of the
+occasion to be fully reconciled to his father, he invited him to be
+present, and even asked him to fix the day. John Luther, though not
+yet entirely appeased, nevertheless accepted the invitation, and named
+Sabbath the 2nd May, 1507.
+
+In the list of Luther's friends was the vicar of Isenach, John Braun,
+who had been his faithful adviser when he resided in that town. Luther
+wrote him on the 22nd April. It is the Reformer's earliest letter, and
+bears the following address:--"To John Braun, Holy and Venerable
+Priest of Christ and Mary." It is only in the two first letters of
+Luther that the name of Mary occurs.
+
+"God, who is glorious and holy in all his works," says the candidate
+for the priesthood, "having designed to exalt me exceedingly,--me, a
+miserable and every way unworthy sinner, and to call me solely out of
+his abundant mercy, to his sublime ministry, it is my duty in order to
+testify my gratitude for a goodness so divine and so magnificent, (as
+far at least as dust can do it,) to fulfil with my whole heart the
+office which is entrusted to me."
+
+At length the day arrived. The miner of Mansfield failed not to be
+present at the consecration of his son.... He even gave him an
+unequivocal mark of his affection and generosity, by making him a
+present of twenty florins on the occasion.
+
+The ceremony took place, Jerome, Bishop of Brandebourg, officiating.
+At the moment of conferring on Luther the right to celebrate mass, he
+put the chalice into his hand, uttering these solemn words, "_Accipe
+potestatem sacrificandi pro vivis et mortuis_"--"Receive power to
+sacrifice for the living and the dead." Luther then listened
+complacently to these words, which gave him the power of doing the
+very work appropriated to the Son of God; but they afterwards made him
+shudder. "That the earth did not swallow us both," said he, "was more
+than we deserved, and was owing to the great patience and
+long-suffering of the Lord."[186]
+
+  [186] Luth. Op. xvi, (Walch.) 1144.
+
+The father afterwards dined at the convent with his son, the friends
+of the young priest and the monks. The conversation turned on Martin's
+entrance into the cloister, the friars loudly extolling it as one of
+the most meritorious of works. Then the inflexible John, turning
+towards his son, said to him, "Hast thou not read in Scripture to obey
+thy father and thy mother?"[187] These words struck Luther; they gave
+him quite a different view of the action which had brought him into
+the convent, and for a long time continued to echo in his heart.
+
+  [187] "Ei, hast du nicht auch gehort das man Eltern soll gehorsam
+  seyn." (Luth. Ep. ii, 101.)
+
+By the advice of Staupitz, Luther, shortly after his ordination, made
+short excursions on foot into the neighbouring parishes and convents,
+both for relaxation, to give his body the necessary exercise, and to
+accustom himself to preaching.
+
+The Fete Dieu was to be celebrated with splendour at Eisleben, where
+the vicar-general was to be present. Luther repaired thither. He had
+still need of Staupitz, and missed no opportunity of meeting with this
+enlightened conductor who was guiding him into the way of life. The
+procession was numerous and brilliant. Staupitz himself carried the
+holy sacrament, and Luther followed in his sacerdotal dress. The
+thought that it was truly Jesus Christ that the vicar-general was
+carrying--the idea that Christ was there in person actually before
+him--suddenly struck Luther's imagination, and filled him with such
+amazement that he could scarcely move forward. The perspiration fell
+from him in drops; he shook, and thought he would have died with agony
+and terror. At length the procession ceased. This host which had so
+awakened the fears of the monk was solemnly deposited in the
+sanctuary, and Luther, as soon as he was alone with Staupitz, threw
+himself into his arms, and told him of his consternation. Then the
+worthy vicar-general, who had long known that Saviour who breaketh
+not the bruised reed, said to him mildly, "It was not Jesus Christ, my
+brother. Jesus Christ does not alarm--he consoles merely."[188]
+
+  [188] "Es ist nicht Christus denn Christus schreckt nicht, sondern
+  troestet nur." (Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, pp. 513, 724.)
+
+Luther was not to remain hid in an obscure convent. The time had
+arrived for his being transported to a larger theatre. Staupitz, with
+whom he was in constant correspondence, was well aware that the soul
+of the young monk was too active to be confined within so narrow a
+circle. He mentioned him to Frederick of Saxony, and this enlightened
+prince, in 1508, probably towards the close of the year, invited him
+to a chair in the university of Wittemberg. Wittemberg was a field on
+which he was to fight hard battles; and Luther felt that his vocation
+was there. Being required to repair promptly to his new post, he
+answered the appeal without delay; and, in the hurry of his removal,
+had not even time to write him whom he called his master and beloved
+father--John Braun, curate of Isenach. Some months after, he
+wrote--"My departure was so sudden, that those I was living with
+scarcely knew of it. I am far away, I confess: but the better part of
+me is still with you."[189] Luther had been three years in the
+cloister of Erfurt.
+
+  [189] Luth. Ep. i, p. 5, March 17, 1509.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. V
+
+     The University of Wittemberg--First Employment--Biblical
+     Lectures--Sensation--Preaching at Wittemberg--The Old
+     Chapel--Impression.
+
+
+In the year 1502, the Elector Frederick had founded a new university
+at Wittemberg, declaring, in the act by which he confirmed it, that he
+and his people would turn to it as towards an oracle. He thought not
+at the time that these words would be so magnificently realised. Two
+men belonging to the opposition which had been formed against the
+scholastic system, viz., Pollich of Mellerstadt, doctor of medicine,
+law, and philosophy, and Staupitz, had great influence in founding
+this school. The university declared St. Augustine its patron; and
+even this choice was a presage of good. In possession of great
+freedom, and regarded as a tribunal to which, in cases of difficulty,
+the supreme decision belonged, this new institution, which was in
+every way fitted to become the cradle of the Reformation, powerfully
+contributed to the development of Luther and his work.
+
+On his arrival at Wittemberg, Luther repaired to the convent of
+Augustins, where a cell was alloted him; for though professor, he
+ceased not to be monk. He was appointed to teach philosophy and
+dialectics. In assigning him these departments, regard had, no doubt,
+been had to the studies which he had prosecuted at Erfurt, and to his
+degree of Master of Arts. Thus Luther, who was hungering and thirsting
+for the word of life, saw himself obliged to give his almost exclusive
+attention to the scholastic philosophy of Aristotle. He had need of
+the bread of life which God gives to the world, and he must occupy
+himself with human subtleties. How galling! How much he sighed! "I am
+well, by the grace of God," wrote he to Braun, "were it not that I
+must study philosophy with all my might. Ever since I arrived at
+Wittemberg, I have eagerly desired to exchange this study for that of
+theology: but," added he, lest it should be thought he meant the
+theology of the time, "the theology I mean is that which seeks out the
+kernel of the nut, the heart of the wheat, and the marrow of the
+bone.[190] Howbeit God is God," continues he, with that confidence
+which was the soul of his life, "man is almost always deceived in his
+judgment; but he is our God, and will conduct us by his goodness for
+ever and ever." The studies in which Luther was at this time obliged
+to engage were afterwards of great service to him in combating the
+errors of the schoolmen.
+
+  [190] ... "Theologia quae nucleum nucis et medullam tritici et medullam
+  ossium serutatur." (Luth. Ep. i, 6.)
+
+Here, however, he could not stop. The desire of his heart must be
+accomplished. The same power which formerly pushed him from the bar
+into the monastic life now pushed him from philosophy towards the
+Bible. He zealously commenced the study of ancient languages,
+especially Greek and Hebrew, that he might be able to draw science and
+learning at the fountain-head. He was all his life an indefatigable
+student.[191] Some months after his arrival at the university he
+applied for the degree of Bachelor in Divinity, and obtained it in the
+end of March 1509, with a special injunction to devote himself to
+biblical theology, _ad Biblia_.
+
+  [191] "In studiis literarum, corpore ac mente indefessus."
+  (Pallavicini, Hist. Conc. Trid. i, 16.) In literary pursuits, he was
+  indefatigable in mind and body.
+
+Every day at one, Luther had to lecture on the Bible,--a precious
+employment both for the professor and his pupils--giving them a
+better insight into the divine meaning of those oracles which had so
+long been lost both to the people and the school.
+
+He began his lectures with an exposition of the Psalms, and shortly
+after proceeded to the Epistle to the Romans. It was especially when
+meditating upon it that the light of truth entered his heart. After
+retiring to his quiet cell he spent hours in the study of the Divine
+Word--the Epistle of St. Paul lying open before him. One day, coming
+to the seventeenth verse of the first chapter, he read these words of
+the prophet Habakkuk, "_The just shall live by faith_." He is struck
+with the expression. The just, then, has a different life from other
+men, and this life is given by faith. These words, which he receives
+into his heart as if God himself had there deposited them, unveils the
+mystery of the Christian life to him, and gives him an increase of
+this life. Long after, in the midst of his numerous labours, he
+thought he still heard a voice saying to him, "The just shall live by
+faith."[192]
+
+  [192] Seckend., p. 55.
+
+Luther's lectures, thus prepared, had little resemblance to those
+which had hitherto been delivered. It was not a declamatory
+rhetorician, or a pedantic schoolman that spoke; it was a Christian
+who had felt the power of revealed truth--truth which he derived from
+the Bible, and presented to his astonished hearers, all full of life,
+as it came from the treasury of his heart. It was not a lesson from
+man, but a lesson from God.
+
+This novel exposition of the truth was much talked of. The news spread
+far and wide, and attracted a great number of foreign students to the
+recently founded university. Even some of the professors attended the
+lectures of Luther, among others, Mellerstadt, often surnamed, "_The
+Light of the World_." He was the first rector of the university, and
+had previously been at Leipsic, where he had vigorously combated the
+ridiculous lessons of the schoolmen, and denying that "the light of
+the first day of creation could be theology," had maintained that this
+science ought to be based on the study of literature. "This monk,"
+said he, "will send all the doctors to the right about. He will
+introduce a new doctrine, and reform the whole Church, for he founds
+upon the word of God; and no man in the world can either combat or
+overthrow this word, even though he should attack it with all the
+weapons of philosophy, the sophists, Scotists, Albertists, Thomists,
+and the whole fraternity."[193]
+
+  [193] Melch. Adam. Vita Lutheri, p. 104.
+
+Staupitz, who was the instrument in the hand of Providence to unfold
+the gifts and treasures hidden in Luther, invited him to preach in
+this church of the Augustins. The young professor recoiled at this
+proposal. He wished to confine himself to his academic functions, and
+trembled at the thought of adding to them that of preacher. In vain
+did Staupitz urge him. "No, no," replied he, "it is no light matter to
+speak to men in the place of God."[194] Touching humility in this
+great Reformer of the Church! Staupitz insisted; but the ingenious
+Luther, says one of his biographers, found fifteen arguments,
+pretexts, and evasions, to excuse himself from this calling. The chief
+of the Augustins, still continuing his attack, Luther exclaimed, "Ah!
+doctor, in doing this, you deprive me of life. I would not be able to
+hold out three months." "Very well," replied the vicar-general, "so be
+it in God's name. For up yonder, also, our Lord has need of able and
+devoted men." Luther behoved to yield.
+
+  [194] Fabricius, Centifol. Lutheri, p. 33. Mathesius, p. 6.
+
+In the middle of the public square of Wittemberg was a wooden chapel,
+thirty feet long by twenty wide, whose sides, propped up in all
+directions, were falling to decay. An old pulpit made of fir, three
+feet in height, received the preacher. In this miserable chapel the
+preaching of the Reformation commenced. God was pleased that that
+which was to establish his glory should have the humblest origin. The
+foundation of the church of the Augustins had just been laid, and
+until it should be finished this humble church was employed. "This
+building," adds the contemporary of Luther who relates these
+circumstances, "may well be compared to the stable in which Christ was
+born. It was in this miserable inclosure that God was pleased, so to
+speak, to make his beloved Son be born a second time. Among the
+thousands of cathedrals and parish churches with which the world
+abounded, there was then one only which God selected for the glorious
+preaching of eternal life."[195]
+
+  [195] Myconius.
+
+Luther preaches, and every thing is striking in the new preacher. His
+expressive countenance, his noble air, his clear and sonorous voice,
+captivate the hearers.
+
+The greater part of preachers before him had sought rather to amuse
+their auditory than to convert them. The great seriousness which
+predominates in Luther's preaching, and the joy with which the
+knowledge of the gospel has filled his heart, give to his eloquence at
+once an authority, a fervour, and an unction which none of his
+predecessors had. "Endowed," says one of his opponents,[196] "with a
+keen and acute intellect, and a retentive memory, and having an
+admirable facility in the use of his mother tongue, Luther, in point
+of eloquence, yielded to none of his age. Discoursing from the pulpit
+as if he had been agitated by some strong passion, and suiting his
+action to his words, he produced a wonderful impression on the minds
+of his hearers, and like a torrent, carried them along whithersoever
+he wished. So much force, gracefulness, and eloquence, are seldom seen
+in the people of the north." "He had," says Bossuet, "a lively and
+impetuous eloquence, which hurried people away and entranced
+them."[197]
+
+  [196] Florimond Raymond, Hist. Haeres. cap. v.
+
+  [197] Hist. des Variat. l. 1.
+
+In a short time the little chapel could not contain the hearers who
+crowded to it. The council of Wittemberg then made choice of Luther
+for their preacher, and appointed him to preach in the town church.
+The impression which he produced here was still greater. The power of
+his genius, the eloquence of his diction, and the excellence of the
+doctrines which he announced, equally astonished his hearers. His
+reputation spread far and wide, and Frederick the Wise himself once
+came to Wittemberg to hear him.
+
+Luther had commenced a new life. The uselessness of the cloister had
+been succeeded by great activity. The liberty, the labour, the
+constant activity to which he could devote himself at Wittemberg,
+completely restored his internal harmony and peace. He was now in his
+place, and the work of God was soon to exhibit its majestic step.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+     Journey to Rome--A Convent on the Po--Sickness at
+     Bologna--Remembrances in Rome--Superstitious
+     Devotion--Profaneness of the Clergy--Conversation--Disorders
+     in Rome--Biblical Studies--Pilate's Stair--Influence on his
+     Faith and on the Reformation--The Gate of Paradise--Luther's
+     Confession.
+
+
+Luther was teaching both in his academic chair and in the church, when
+his labours were interrupted. In 1510, or, according to some, not till
+1511 or 1512, he was sent to Rome. Seven convents of his order having
+differed on certain points with the vicar-general,[198] the activity
+of Luther's mind, the power of his eloquence, and his talent for
+discussion, made him be selected to plead the cause of these seven
+monasteries before the pope.[199] This Divine dispensation was
+necessary to Luther, for it was requisite that he should know Rome.
+Full of the prejudices and illusions of the cloister, he had always
+represented it to himself as the seat of holiness.
+
+  [198] "Quod septem conventus a vicario in quibusdam dissentirent."
+  (Cochloeus, 7.)
+
+  [199] "Quod esset acer ingenio et ad contradicendum audax et
+  vehemens." (Cochloeus, ii.) Because he was of a sharp wit, and bold and
+  vehement in reply.
+
+He accordingly set out and crossed the Alps, but scarcely had he
+descended into the plains of rich and voluptuous Italy, than he found
+at every step subjects of astonishment and scandal. The poor German
+monk was received in a rich convent of Benedictines, situated upon the
+Po in Lombardy. This convent had thirty-six thousand ducats of
+revenue. Of these, twelve thousand were devoted to the table, twelve
+thousand to the buildings, and twelve thousand to the other wants of
+the monks.[200] The gorgeousness of the apartments, the beauty of the
+dresses, and the rarities of the table, all astonished Luther. Marble
+and silk, and luxury under all its forms! How new the sight to the
+humble friar of the poor convent of Wittemberg! He was astonished and
+said nothing, but when Friday came, how surprised was he to see
+abundance of meat still covering the table of the Benedictines! Then
+he resolved to speak out. "The Church and the pope," said he to them,
+"forbid such things." The Benedictines were indignant at this
+reprimand from the rude German, but Luther having insisted, and
+perhaps threatened to make their disorders known, some of them thought
+that the simplest plan was to get rid of their troublesome guest. The
+porter of the convent having warned him that he ran a risk in staying
+longer, he made his escape from this epicurean monastery, and arrived
+at Bologna, where he fell dangerously sick.[201] Some have seen in
+this sickness the effects of poison, but it is simpler to suppose that
+it was the effect which a change of living produced in the frugal monk
+of Wittemberg, whose principal food was wont to be bread and herrings.
+This sickness was not to be unto death, but for the glory of God.
+Luther's constitutional sadness and depression again overpowered him.
+To die thus far from Germany, under this burning sky in a foreign
+land, what a fate! The agonies which he had felt at Erfurt returned
+with all their force. The conviction of his sins troubled, while the
+prospect of the judgment-seat of God terrified him. But at the moment
+when these terrors were at the worst, the passage of St. Paul which
+had struck him at Wittemberg, "The just shall live by faith," (Rom.,
+i, 17,) presented itself to his mind, and illumined his soul as with
+a ray of light from heaven. Revived and comforted, he soon recovered
+his health, and resumed his journey to Rome, expecting he should there
+find quite a different life from that of the Lombard convents, and
+impatient by the sight of Roman holiness to efface the sad impressions
+which had been left upon his mind by his residence on the Po.
+
+  [200] Luth. Op. (W.) xx, p. 1468.
+
+  [201] Matth. Dresser. Hist. Lutheri.
+
+At length, after a painful journey under the burning sky of Italy in
+the beginning of summer, he drew near to the city of the seven hills.
+His heart was moved, and his eyes looked for the queen of the world,
+and of the Church. As soon as he obtained a distant view of the
+eternal city, the city of St. Peter and St. Paul, and the metropolis
+of Catholicism, he threw himself on the ground, exclaiming, "Holy
+Rome, I salute thee."
+
+Luther is in Rome; the professor of Wittemberg is in the midst of the
+eloquent ruins of the Rome of the consuls and emperors--the Rome of
+the confessors and martyrs. Here lived that Plautus and Virgil, whose
+works he had taken with him into the cloister, and all those great men
+whose exploits had always caused his heart to beat. He perceives their
+statues, and the wrecks of monuments which attest their glory. But all
+this glory and all this power are past, and his foot treads on their
+dust. At every step he calls to mind the sad forebodings of Scipio
+shedding tears at the sight of Carthage in ruins, its burned palaces
+and broken walls, and exclaiming, "Thus, too, will it be with Rome!"
+"And in fact," says Luther, "the Rome of the Scipios and Caesars has
+been changed into a corpse. Such is the quantity of ruins, that the
+foundations of the modern houses rest upon the roofs of the old.
+"There," added he, casting a melancholy look on the ruins, "there were
+the riches and treasures of the world."[202] All this rubbish, which
+he strikes with his foot, tells Luther, within the walls of Rome
+herself, that what is strongest in the eyes of men is easily destroyed
+by the breath of the Lord.
+
+  [202] Op. (W.) xxii, pp. 2374, 2377.
+
+But he remembers that with profane ashes holy ashes are mingled. The
+burial-place of the martyrs is not far from that of the generals and
+triumphing heroes of Rome, and Christian Rome, with her sufferings,
+has more power over the heart of the Saxon monk than Pagan Rome with
+her glory. It was here the letter arrived in which Paul wrote, "_The
+just is justified by faith_," and not far off is the Appii Forum and
+the Three Taverns. There was the house of Narcissus--here the palace
+of Caesar, where the Lord delivered the apostle from the mouth of the
+lion. Oh, what fortitude these recollections give to the heart of the
+monk of Wittemberg!
+
+Rome then presented a very different aspect. The pontifical chair was
+occupied by the warlike Julius II, and not by Leo X, as it has been
+said by some distinguished historians of Germany, no doubt through
+oversight. Luther often told an anecdote of this pope. When news was
+brought him of the defeat of his army by the French before Ravenna, he
+was reading his Hours. He dashed the book upon the ground, and said,
+with a dreadful oath, "Very well, so you have turned Frenchman. Is
+this the way in which you protect your Church?" Then turning in the
+direction of the country to whose aid he meant to have recourse, he
+exclaimed, "Holy Switzer, pray for us."[203] Ignorance, levity, and
+dissoluteness, a profane spirit, a contempt of all that is sacred, and
+a shameful traffic in divine things; such was the spectacle which that
+unhappy city presented, and yet the pious monk continued for some time
+in his illusions.
+
+  [203] "Sancte Swizere! ora pro nobis." (Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, pp. 1314,
+  1332.)
+
+Having arrived about the feast of St. John, he hears the Romans about
+him repeating a proverb which was then common among the people:
+"Happy," said they, "is the mother whose son says a mass on the eve of
+St. John." "Oh! how I could like to make my mother happy!" said
+Luther. The pious son of Margaret accordingly sought to say a mass on
+that day, but could not; the press was too great.[204]
+
+  [204] Luth. Op. (W.) Dedication of, 117 pages, vol. vi, L. G.
+
+Ardent and simple-hearted, he went up and down, visiting all the
+churches and chapels, believing all the lies that were told him, and
+devoutly performing the requisite acts of holiness; happy in being
+able to do so many pious works, which were denied to his countrymen.
+"Oh! how much I regret," said the pious German to himself, "that my
+father and mother are still alive. What delight I should have had in
+delivering them from the fire of purgatory, by my masses, my prayers,
+and many other admirable works."[205] He had found the light, but the
+darkness was still far from being entirely banished from his
+understanding. His heart was changed, but his mind was not fully
+enlightened. He possessed faith and love, but not knowledge. It was
+work of no small difficulty to escape from the dark night which had
+for so many ages covered the earth.
+
+  [205] (Ibid.)
+
+Luther repeatedly said mass at Rome, taking care to do it with all the
+unction and dignity which the service seemed to him to require. But
+how grieved was the heart of the Saxon monk, at seeing the profane
+formality of the Roman priests in celebrating the sacrament of the
+altar. The priests, on their part, laughed at his simplicity. One day
+when he was officiating, he found that at the altar next to him seven
+masses had been read before he got through a single one. "Get on, get
+on," cried one of the priests to him; "make haste, and send Our Lady
+back her Son," making an impious allusion to the transubstantiation of
+the bread into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. On another
+occasion, Luther had only got as far as the Gospel, when the priest
+beside him had finished the whole mass. "On, on," said his companion;
+"make haste, make haste; are ye ever to have done?"[206]
+
+  [206] Luth. Op. (W.) xix, von der Winkelmesse, Mathesius, 6.
+
+His astonishment was still greater when, in the dignitaries of the
+Church, he discovered the same thing that he had found in common
+priests. He had hoped better of them.
+
+It was fashionable at the papal court to attack Christianity, and, in
+order to pass for a complete gentleman, absolutely necessary to hold
+some erroneous or heretical opinion on the doctrines of the
+Church.[207] When Erasmus was at Rome, they had attempted to prove to
+him, by passages from Pliny, that there was no difference between the
+soul of man and that of the brutes;[208] and young courtiers of the
+pope maintained that the orthodox faith was merely the result of
+crafty inventions by some saints.[209]
+
+  [207] "In quel tempo non pareva, fosse galantuomo, e buon cortegiano
+  colui che de dogmi, della chiesa non aveva qualche opinion erronea ed
+  heretica." (Carraciola, Vit. MS. Paul IV, quoted by Ranke.)
+
+  [208] Burigny, Vie d'Erasme, i, 139.
+
+  [209] "E medio Romanae curiae sectam juvenum ... qui asserebant, nostram
+  fidem orthodoxam, potius quibusdam sanctorum astutiis subsistere."
+  (Paul Canensius, Vita Pauli II.)
+
+Luther's employment, as envoy of the Augustins of Germany, caused him
+to be invited to several meetings of distinguished ecclesiastics. One
+day, in particular, he happened to be at table with several prelates,
+who frankly exhibited themselves to him in their mountebank manners
+and profane conversation, and did not scruple to commit a thousand
+follies in his presence, no doubt believing him to be of the same
+spirit as themselves. Among other things they related, in presence of
+the monk, laughing and making a boast of it, how when they were saying
+mass, instead of the sacramental words, which should transform the
+bread and wine into the Saviour's flesh and blood, they parodied them,
+and said, "_Panis es, et panis manebis; vinum es, et vinum manebis_:"
+Bread thou art, and bread wilt remain; wine thou art, and wine wilt
+remain. Then, continued they, we raise the _ostensorium_, and all the
+people worship it. Luther could scarcely believe his ears. His spirit,
+which was lively and even gay in the society of his friends, was all
+gravity when sacred things were in question. He was scandalised at the
+profane pleasantries of Rome. "I was," said be, "a young monk, grave
+and pious, and these words distressed me greatly. If they speak thus
+in Rome at table, freely and publicly, thought I to myself, what will
+it be if their actions correspond to their words, and if all, pope,
+cardinals, courtiers, say mass in the same style? And I, who have
+devoutly heard so large a number read, how must I have been
+deceived!"[210]
+
+  [210] Luth. Op. (W.) xix, von der Winkelmesse.
+
+Luther often mingled with the monks and the citizens of Rome. If some
+extolled the pope and his court, the great majority gave free
+utterance to their complaints and their sarcasms. What tales they told
+of the reigning pope, of Alexander VI, and of many others! One day his
+Roman friends told him how Caesar Borgia, after having fled from Rome,
+was apprehended in Spain. When they were going to try him he pleaded
+guilty in prison, and requested a confessor. A monk having been sent,
+he slew him, and, wrapping himself up in his cloak, made his escape.
+"I heard that at Rome, and it is quite certain,"[211] said Luther. One
+day passing through a public street which led to St. Peter's, he
+stopped in amazement before a statue, representing a pope under the
+form of a woman holding a sceptre, clad in the papal mantle, and
+carrying an infant in her arms. It is a girl of Mentz, said they to
+him, whom the cardinals chose for pope, and who had a child at this
+spot. Hence no pope ever passes through this street. "I am
+astonished," said Luther, "how the popes allow the statue to
+remain."[212]
+
+  [211] "Das habe Ich zu Rom fuer gewiss gehoert." (Luth. Op. (W.) xxii.,
+  1322.)
+
+  [212] "Es nimmt mich wunder, das die Paebste solches Bild leiden
+  koennen." (Ibid., p. 1320.)
+
+Luther had expected to find the edifice of the church in strength and
+splendour, but its gates were forced, and its walls consumed with
+fire. He saw the desolations of the sanctuary, and started back in
+dismay. He had dreamed of nothing but holiness, and he discovered
+nothing but profanation.
+
+He was not less struck with the disorders outside the churches. "The
+Roman police," says he, "is strict and severe. The judge or captain
+every night makes a round of the town on horseback, with three hundred
+attendants, and arrests every person he finds in the streets. If he
+meets any one armed he hangs him up, or throws him into the Tiber; and
+yet the city is full of disorder and murder, whereas, when the word of
+God is purely and rightly taught, peace and order are seen to reign,
+and there is no need of law and its severities."[213] "It is almost
+incredible what sins and infamous actions are committed at Rome," says
+he, on another occasion; "one would require to see it and hear it in
+order to believe it. Hence, it is an ordinary saying, that if there is
+a hell, Rome is built upon it. It is an abyss from whence all sins
+proceed."[214]
+
+  [213] Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 2376.
+
+  [214] "Ist irgend eine Hoelle, so muss Rom darauf gebaut seyn." (Ibid.
+  p. 2377.)
+
+This sight made a strong impression on Luther's mind at the time, and
+the impression was deepened at a later period. "The nearer we approach
+Rome the more bad Christians we find," said he several years after.
+"There is a common saying, that he who goes to Rome, the first time
+seeks a rogue, the second time finds him, and the third time brings
+him away with him in his own person; but now people are become so
+skilful, that they make all the three journeys in one." A genius, one
+of the most unhappily celebrated, but also one of the most profound of
+Italy, Machiavelli, who was living at Florence when Luther passed
+through it on his way to Rome, has made the same remark: "The
+strongest symptom," says he, "of the approaching ruin of Christianity,
+(he means Roman Catholicism,) is, that the nearer you come to the
+capital of Christendom the less you find of the Christian spirit. The
+scandalous examples and crimes of the court of Rome are the cause why
+Italy has lost every principle of piety and all religious sentiment.
+We Italians," continues the great historian, "are chiefly indebted to
+the Church and the priests for our having become a set of profane
+scoundrels."[215] At a later period Luther was fully aware how much he
+had gained by his journey "I would not take a hundred thousand
+florins," said he, "not to have seen Rome."[216]
+
+  [215] Dissertations on the first Decade of Titus Livy.
+
+  [216] 100,000 Gulden. (Luth. Op. xxii, p. 2374.)
+
+The journey was also of the greatest advantage to him in a literary
+view. Like Reuchlin, Luther availed himself of his residence in Italy
+to penetrate farther into the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. He
+took lessons in Hebrew from a celebrated rabbi named Elias Levita; and
+thus, at Rome, partly acquired the knowledge of that Divine word under
+whose blows Rome was destined to fall.
+
+But there was another respect in which the journey was of great
+importance to Luther. Not only was the veil torn away and the sardonic
+smile, and mountebank infidelity which lurked behind the Roman
+superstitions, revealed to the future Reformer, but, moreover, the
+living faith which God had implanted in him was powerfully
+strengthened.
+
+We have seen how he at first entered devotedly into all the vain
+observances, to which, as a price, the Church has annexed the
+expiation of sins. One day, among others, wishing to gain an
+indulgence which the pope had promised to every one who should on his
+knees climb up what is called Pilate's Stair, the Saxon monk was
+humbly crawling up the steps, which he was told had been miraculously
+transported to Rome from Jerusalem. But while he was engaged in this
+meritorious act, he thought he heard a voice of thunder which cried at
+the bottom of his heart, as at Wittemberg and Bologna, "_The just
+shall live by faith._" These words, which had already on two different
+occasions struck him like the voice of an angel of God, resounded
+loudly and incessantly within him. He rises up in amazement from the
+steps along which he was dragging his body. Horrified at himself, and
+ashamed to see how far superstition has abased him, he flies far from
+the scene of his folly.[217]
+
+  [217] Seckend., p. 56.
+
+In regard to this mighty word there is something mysterious in the
+life of Luther. It proved a creating word both for the Reformer and
+for the Reformation. It was by it that God then said, "Let light be,
+and light was."
+
+It is often necessary that a truth, in order to produce its due effect
+on the mind, must be repeatedly presented to it. Luther had carefully
+studied the Epistle to the Romans, and yet, though justification by
+faith is there taught, he had never seen it so clearly. Now he
+comprehends the righteousness which alone can stand in the presence of
+God; now he receives from God himself, by the hand of Christ, that
+obedience which he freely imputes to the sinner as soon as he humbly
+turns his eye to the God-Man who was crucified. This is the decisive
+period in the internal life of Luther. The faith which has saved him
+from the terrors of death becomes the soul of his theology, his
+fortress in all dangers, the stamina of his discourse, the stimulant
+of his love, the foundation of his peace, the spur of his labours, his
+consolation in life and in death.
+
+But this great doctrine of a salvation which emanates from God and not
+from man, was not only the power of God to save the soul of Luther, it
+also became the power of God to reform the Church; a powerful weapon
+which the apostles wielded, a weapon too long neglected, but at length
+brought forth in its primitive lustre from the arsenal of the mighty
+God. At the moment when Luther stood up in Rome, all moved and
+thrilling with the words which Paul had addressed fifteen centuries
+before to the inhabitants of this metropolis, truth, till then a
+fettered captive within the Church, rose up also, never again to fall.
+
+Here we must let Luther speak for himself. "Although I was a holy and
+irreproachable monk, my conscience was full of trouble and anguish. I
+could not bear the words, 'Justice of God.' I loved not the just and
+holy God who punishes sinners. I was filled with secret rage against
+him and hated him, because, not satisfied with terrifying us, his
+miserable creatures, already lost by original sin, with his law and
+the miseries of life, he still further increased our torment by the
+gospel.... But when, by the Spirit of God, I comprehended these words;
+when I learned how the sinner's justification proceeds from the pure
+mercy of the Lord by means of faith,[218] then I felt myself revive
+like a new man, and entered at open doors into the very paradise of
+God.[219] From that time, also, I beheld the precious sacred volume
+with new eyes. I went over all the Bible, and collected a great number
+of passages which taught me what the work of God was. And as I had
+previously, with all my heart, hated the words, 'Justice of God,' so
+from that time I began to esteem and love them, as words most sweet
+and most consoling. In truth, these words were to me the true gate of
+paradise."
+
+  [218] "Qua vos Deus misericors justificat per fidem ..." (Luth. Op.
+  (L.) in Praef.) By which a merciful God justifies you through faith.
+
+  [219] "Hic me prorsus renatum esse sensi, et apertis portis in ipsum
+  paradisum intrasse." (Ibid.) Here I felt that I was completely born
+  again, and entered by open doors into paradise itself.
+
+Accordingly, when called on solemn occasions to confess this doctrine,
+Luther always manifested his enthusiasm and rude energy. "I see," said
+he on a critical occasion, "that the devil is incessantly attacking
+this fundamental article[220] by the instrumentality of his doctors,
+and that, in this respect, he cannot rest or take any repose. Very
+well, I, Doctor Martin Luther, unworthy evangelist of our Lord Jesus
+Christ, hold this article--_that faith alone, without works, justifies
+in the sight of God_; and I declare that the emperor of the Romans,
+the emperor of the Turks, the emperor of the Tartars, the emperor of
+the Persians, the pope, all the cardinals, bishops, priests, monks,
+nuns, princes, and nobles, all men and all devils, must let it stand,
+and allow it to remain for ever. If they will undertake to combat this
+truth, they will bring down the flames of hell upon their heads. This
+is the true and holy gospel, and the declaration of me, Doctor Luther,
+according to the light of the Holy Spirit.... Nobody," continues he,
+"has died for our sins but Jesus Christ the Son of God. I repeat it
+once more; should the world and all the devils tear each other, and
+burst with fury, this is, nevertheless, true. And if it be He alone
+who takes away sin, it cannot be ourselves with our works; but good
+works follow redemption, as the fruit appears on the tree. This is our
+doctrine; and it is the doctrine which the Holy Spirit teaches with
+all true Christians. We maintain it in the name of God. Amen."
+
+  [220] Gloss on the Imperial Edict. 1531. (Luth. Op. (L.) tom. xx.)
+
+It was thus Luther found what all doctors and reformers, even the most
+distinguished, had, to a certain degree at least, failed to discover.
+It was in Rome that God gave him this clear view of the fundamental
+doctrine of Christianity. He had come to the city of the pontiffs
+seeking the solution of some difficulties relative to a monastic
+order, and he carried away in his heart the safety of the Church.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VII.
+
+     Return--Doctor's Degree--Carlstadt--Luther's Oath--Principle
+     of Reform--Luther's Courage--First Views of Reformation--The
+     Schoolmen--Spalatin--Affair of Reuchlin.
+
+
+Luther quitted Rome and returned to Wittemberg, his heart full of
+sadness and indignation. Turning away his eyes in disgust from the
+pontifical city, he directed them in hope to the Holy Scriptures, and
+to that new light of which the word of God seemed then to give promise
+to the world. This word gained in his heart all that the Church lost
+in it. He detached himself from the one and turned towards the other.
+The whole Reformation was in that movement. It put God where the
+priest had hitherto been.
+
+Staupitz and the elector did not lose sight of the monk whom they had
+called to the university of Wittemberg. It would seem that the
+vicar-general had a presentiment of the work that was to be done in
+the world, and, feeling it too much for himself, wished to urge on
+Luther. There is nothing more remarkable, and perhaps more mysterious,
+than this personage, who is ever found hurrying on the monk into the
+path to which God calls him; and who himself ultimately goes and sadly
+ends his days in a convent. The preaching of the young professor had
+made an impression on the prince. He had admired the vigour of his
+intellect, the nervousness of his eloquence, and the excellence of his
+expositions.[221] The elector and his friend, wishing to advance a man
+who gave such high hopes, resolved to make him take the honourable
+degree of Doctor of Divinity. Staupitz repairing to the convent, led
+Luther into the garden, and there alone with him, under a tree which
+Luther was afterwards fond of showing to his disciples,[222] the
+venerable father said to him--" It is now necessary, my friend, that
+you become a doctor of the Holy Scriptures." Luther recoiled at the
+idea; the high honour frightened him. "Look out," replied he, "for a
+more worthy person; as for me, I cannot consent to it." The
+vicar-general insisted, "The Lord God has much to do in the Church,
+and has need at present of young and vigorous doctors." These words,
+adds Melancthon, were perhaps used half in jest, and yet the event
+realised them. Many omens ordinarily precede great revolutions.[223]
+It is not necessary to suppose that Melancthon here speaks of
+miraculous predictions. The most incredulous age--that which preceded
+our own--saw this sentiment verified. There was no miracle; and yet
+how many presages announced the revolution with which it closed?
+
+  [221] "Vim ingenii, nervos orationis, ac rerum bonitatem expositarum
+  in concionibus admiratus fuerat." (Melancth. Vita Luth.)
+
+  [222] "Unter einem Baum, den er mir und andern gezeigt." (Mathes. 6.)
+
+  [223] "Multa praecedunt mutationes praesagia." (Vita Luth.)
+
+"But I am weak and sickly," replied Luther, "and have not long to
+live. Seek a strong man." "The Lord," replied the vicar-general, "has
+work in heaven as well as on the earth; dead or alive, God has need of
+you in his counsel."[224]
+
+  [224] "Ihr lebet nun oder sterbet, so darff euch Gott in seinem
+  Rathe." (Mathes. 6.)
+
+"None but the Holy Spirit can make a doctor of theology,"[225]
+exclaimed the monk, still more alarmed. "Do what your convent asks,"
+said Staupitz, "and what I, your vicar-general, command. You promised
+to obey us." "But my poverty," replied the friar. "I have no means of
+paying the expences attendant on such promotion." "Give yourself no
+trouble about them," said his friend. "The prince has been graciously
+pleased to take all the expences on himself." Luther, thus urged, saw
+it his duty to yield.
+
+  [225] "Neminem nisi Spiritum Sanctum creare posse doctorem theologiae."
+  (Weismanni Hist. Eccl i, p. 1404.)
+
+This was towards the end of the summer of 1512. Luther set out for
+Leipsic to receive the money necessary for his promotion from the
+elector's treasures. But according to the usages of courts, the money
+came not. The friar getting impatient would have left, but monastic
+obedience detained him. At length, on the 4th of October, he received
+fifty florins from Pfeffinger and John Doltzig, and gave them his
+receipt for it, in which he designates himself merely as a monk. "I,
+Martin," says he, "friar of the order of Eremites."[226] Luther
+hastened back to Wittemberg.
+
+  [226] Luth., Ep. i, p. 2.
+
+Andrew Bodenstein was then Dean of the Faculty of Theology, and is
+best known under the name of Carlstadt, being that of his native town.
+He was also called A. B. C. It was Melancthon who first gave him this
+designation, which is taken from the three initial letters of his
+name. Bodenstein acquired the first elements of literature in his
+native place. He was of a grave and gloomy temper, perhaps inclined to
+jealousy, and of a restless intellect, eagerly bent, however, on
+acquiring knowledge, and endowed with great ability. He attended
+different universities in order to increase his acquirements, and
+studied theology even at Rome. On his return from Italy into Germany
+he established himself at Wittemberg, and became doctor in divinity.
+"At this period," says he himself afterwards, "I had not read the Holy
+Scriptures."[227] This account gives a very just idea of what the
+theology of that day was. Carlstadt, besides being a professor, was a
+canon and archdeacon. This is the person who was at a later period to
+make a rent in the Reformation. In Luther at that time, he only saw an
+inferior, but the Augustin soon became an object of jealousy to him.
+"I am not willing," said he one day, "to be a smaller man than
+Luther."[228] When Carlstadt conferred the highest university degree
+on his future rival, he was far from foreseeing the celebrity which
+the young professor was destined to obtain.
+
+  [227] Weismanni Hist. Eccl., p. 1416.
+
+  [228] Ibid.
+
+On the 18th of October, 1512, Luther was admitted a licentiate in
+theology, and took the following oath:--"I swear to defend evangelical
+truth by every means in my power."[229] The following day, Bodenstein,
+in presence of a numerous assembly, formally delivered to him the
+insignia of doctor of theology. He was made Biblical doctor, not
+doctor of sentences, and in this way was called to devote himself to
+the study of the Bible, and not to that of human tradition.[230] The
+oath, then, which he took was, as he relates,[231] to his well-beloved
+Holy Scripture. He promised to preach it faithfully, to teach it
+purely, to study it during his whole life, and to defend it by
+discussion and by writing, as far as God should enable him to do so.
+
+  [229] "Jure me veritatem evangelicam viriliter defensurum." I swear
+  that I will manfully defend evangelical truth."
+
+  [230] "Doctor Biblicus," _and not_ "sententiarius." (Melancthon.)
+
+  [231] Luth., Op. (W.) xvi, p. 2061. Mathesius, p. 7.
+
+This solemn oath was Luther's call to be the Reformer. In laying it
+upon his conscience freely to seek, and boldly to announce Christian
+truth, this oath raised the new doctor above the narrow limits to
+which his monastic vow might perhaps have confined him. Called by the
+university and by his sovereign, in the name of the emperor, and of
+the See of Rome itself, and bound before God, by the most solemn oath,
+he was thenceforth the intrepid herald of the word of life. On this
+memorable day, Luther was dubbed knight of the Bible.
+
+Accordingly, this oath taken to the Holy Scriptures, may be regarded
+as one of the causes of the renovation of the Church. The infallible
+authority of the word of God alone was the first and fundamental
+principle of the Reformation. All the reformations in detail which
+took place at a later period, as reformations in doctrine, in manners,
+in the government of the Church, and in worship, were only
+consequences of this primary principle. One is scarcely able at the
+present time to form an idea of the sensation produced by this
+elementary principle, which is so simple in itself, but which had been
+lost sight of for so many ages. Some individuals of more extensive
+views than the generality, alone foresaw its immense results. The bold
+voices of all the Reformers soon proclaimed this powerful principle,
+at the sound of which Rome is destined to crumble away:--"Christians,
+receive no other doctrines than those which are founded on the express
+words of Jesus Christ, his apostles, and prophets. No man, no assembly
+of doctors, are entitled to prescribe new doctrines."
+
+The situation of Luther was changed. The call which the Reformer had
+received became to him like one of these extraordinary calls which the
+Lord addressed to the prophets under the Old Dispensation, and to the
+apostles under the New. The solemn engagement which he undertook made
+so deep an impression on his mind, that, in the sequel, the
+remembrance of this oath was sufficient to console him amid the
+greatest dangers and the sharpest conflicts. And when he saw all
+Europe agitated and shaken by the word which he had announced; when it
+seemed that the accusations of Rome, the reproaches of many pious men,
+and the doubts and fears of his own easily agitated heart, would make
+him hesitate, fear, and give way to despair, he called to mind the
+oath which he had taken, and remained firm, tranquil, and full of joy.
+"I have advanced in the name of the Lord," said he, on a critical
+occasion, "and I have put myself into his hands. His will be done. Who
+asked him to make me a doctor? If He made me, let him sustain me; or
+if he repents of having made me, let Him depose me!.... This
+tribulation terrifies me not. I seek one thing only, and it is to have
+the Lord favourable to me in all that he calls me to do." Another time
+he said, "He who undertakes any thing without a divine call, seeks his
+own glory; but I, Doctor Martin Luther, was compelled to become a
+doctor. Papism sought to stop me in the discharge of my duty, and you
+see what has happened to it; and still worse will happen. They will
+not be able to defend themselves against me. I desire, in the name of
+the Lord, to tread upon the lions, and trample under foot the dragons
+and vipers. This will commence during my life, and be finished after
+my death."[232]
+
+  [232] Luth. Op. (W.) xxi, 2061.
+
+From the hour when he took the oath Luther sought the truth solely for
+itself and for the Church. Still deeply impressed with recollections
+of Rome, he saw indistinctly before him a course which he determined
+to pursue with all the energy of his soul. The spiritual life which
+had hitherto been manifested within him was now manifested outwardly.
+This was the third period of his development. His entrance into the
+convent had turned his thoughts towards God: the knowledge of the
+forgiveness of sins and of the righteousness of faith, had emancipated
+his soul; and his doctor's oath gave him that baptism of fire by which
+he became the Reformer of the Church.
+
+His thoughts were soon directed in a general way to the subject of
+reformation. In a discourse which he had written apparently with a
+view to its being announced by the Provost of Litzkan, at the Council
+of Lateran, he affirmed that the corruption of the world was
+occasioned by the priests, who, instead of preaching the pure word of
+God, taught so many fables and traditions. According to him the word
+of life alone had power to accomplish the spiritual regeneration of
+man. Hence, even at this period, he made the salvation of the world
+depend on the re-establishment of sound doctrine, and not on a mere
+reformation of manners. Luther was not perfectly consistent with
+himself; he entertained contradictory opinions; but a powerful
+intellect was displayed in all his writings. He boldly broke the links
+by which the systems of the schools chained down human thought, passed
+beyond the limits to which past ages had attained, and formed new
+paths for himself. God was in him.
+
+The first opponents whom he attacked were those famous schoolmen whom
+he had so thoroughly studied, and who then reigned as sovereigns in
+all universities. He accused them of Pelagianism; and, forcibly
+assailing Aristotle, the father of the school, and Thomas Aquinas,
+undertook to tumble both of them from the throne on which they sat,
+the one ruling philosophy, and the other theology.[233] "Aristotle,
+Porphyry, the theologians of sentences," (the schoolmen,) wrote he to
+Lange, "are the lost studies of our age.[234] There is nothing I more
+ardently long for than to expose this player, who has sported with the
+Church by wrapping himself up in a Greek mask, and to make his
+disgrace apparent to all." In all public disputations he was heard to
+say, "the writings of the apostles and prophets are more certain and
+more sublime than all the sophisms and all the theology of the
+school." Such sayings were new, but people gradually became accustomed
+to them. About a year after he could triumphantly write--"God works.
+Our theology and St. Augustine make wonderful progress, and reign in
+our university. Aristotle is on the decline, and is already tottering
+to his speedy and eternal overthrow. The lessons on the sentences are
+admirable for producing a yawn. No man can hope to have an audience if
+he does not profess Biblical theology."[235] Happy the university to
+which such a testimony can be given.
+
+  [233] "Aristotelem in philosophicis, sanctum Thomam in theologicis,
+  evertendos susceperat." (Pallavicini, i, 16.) He had undertaken to
+  overthrow Aristotle among the philosophers, and Thomas Aquinas among
+  the theologians.
+
+  [234] "Perdita studia nostri saeculi." Ep. i, 15. (8th Feb., 1516.)
+
+  [235] Ep. i, 57. (18th May, 1517.)
+
+At the same time that Luther attacked Aristotle, he took the part of
+Erasmus and Reuchlin against their enemies. He entered into
+communication with these great men and others of the learned, such as
+Pirckheimer, Mutian, and Huetten, who belonged more or less to the same
+party. At this period he formed another friendship also, which was of
+great importance to him during his whole life.
+
+There was then at the court of the elector a man distinguished for
+wisdom and candour, named George Spalatin. Born at Spalatus or Spalt,
+in the bishopric of Eichstadt, he had at first been curate of the
+village of Hohenkirch, near the forest of Thuringia, and was
+afterwards selected by Frederick the Wise to be his secretary and
+chaplain, and also tutor to his nephew, John Frederick, who was one
+day to wear the electoral crown. Spalatin retained his simplicity in
+the midst of the court. He appeared timid on the eve of great events,
+circumspect and prudent like his master,[236] when contrasted with the
+impetuous Luther, with whom he was in daily correspondence. Like
+Staupitz he was made for peaceful times. Such men are necessary,
+somewhat resembling those delicate substances in which we wrap up jems
+and trinkets to protect them from injury in travelling. They seem
+useless, and yet without them the precious jewels would have been
+broken and destroyed. Spalatin was not fitted to do great things, but
+he faithfully and unostentatiously acquitted himself of the task which
+had been assigned to him.[237] He was at first one of the principal
+assistants of his master in collecting those relics of saints, of
+which Frederick was long an amateur, but gradually, along with the
+prince, turned toward the truth. The faith which was then re-appearing
+in the Church did not take the firm hold of him that it did of Luther.
+He proceeded at a slower pace. He became Luther's friend at court, the
+minister through whom all affairs between the Reformer and the princes
+were transacted, the mediator between the Church and the State. The
+elector honoured Spalatin with his friendship; when on a journey they
+always travelled in the same carriage.[238] In other respects, the air
+of the court often half suffocated the good chaplain. He took fits of
+melancholy, and would have liked to quit all his honours, and be again
+a simple pastor in the woods of Thuringia; but Luther consoled him,
+and exhorted him to remain firm at his post. Spalatin acquired general
+esteem; the princes and the learned of his time testifying the
+sincerest regard for him. Erasmus said, "I inscribe the name of
+Spalatin not only among those of my principal friends, but also
+amongst those of my most venerated patrons; and this not on paper but
+on my heart."[239]
+
+  [236] "Secundum genium heri sui." (Weismanni Hist. Eccl., i, p. 1434.)
+
+  [237] "Fideliter et sine strepitu fungens." (Weismanni Hist. Eccl. i,
+  p. 1434.)
+
+  [238] "Qui sum principe in rheda sive lectico solitus est ferri."
+  (Corpus Reformatorum, i, 33.)
+
+  [239] Melch. Ad. Vita Spalat. p. 100.
+
+The affair of Reuchlin and the monks was then making a great noise in
+Germany. The most pious men were often at a loss as to the party which
+they ought to embrace; for the monks wished to destroy Jewish books
+which contained blasphemies against Christ. The doctor of Wittemberg
+being now in high repute, the elector ordered his chaplain to consult
+him on this subject. The following is Luther's reply. It is the first
+letter which he addressed to the preacher of the court.
+
+"What shall I say? These monks pretend to drive out Beelzebub, but not
+by the finger of God. For this I cease not to lament and groan. We
+Christians begin to be wise abroad, and we are void of sense at
+home.[240] On all the places of Jerusalem are blasphemies a hundred
+times worse than those of the Jews. The world is filled with
+spiritual idols. Inspired with a holy zeal, we should put away and
+destroy these internal enemies, whereas we leave the matter which is
+most pressing; the devil himself persuading us to abandon our own
+business at the same time that he prevents us from amending what
+belongs to others."
+
+  [240] "Foris sapere et domi desipere." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 8.) To be wise
+  abroad and fools at home.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VIII.
+
+     Faith--Popular Declamations--Academical Instruction--Moral
+     Purity of Luther--German Theology or Mysticism--The Monk
+     Spenlein--Justification by Faith--Luther on Erasmus--Faith
+     and Works--Erasmus--Necessity of Works--Practice of Works.
+
+
+Luther did not lose himself in this quarrel. Living faith in Christ
+filled his heart and his life. "In my heart," said he, "faith in my
+Lord Jesus Christ reigns sole, and sole ought to reign. He alone is
+the beginning, the middle, and the end, of all the thoughts which
+occupy my mind night and day."[241] He was always heard with
+admiration when he spoke of this faith in Christ, whether in the
+professor's chair or in the church. His lessons diffused light, and
+men were astonished at not having sooner perceived truths which in his
+mouth appeared so evident. "The desire of justifying ourselves," said
+he, "is the source of all anguish of heart, whereas he who receives
+Jesus Christ as a Saviour has peace, and not only peace, but purity of
+heart. Sanctification of the heart is entirely a fruit of faith; for
+faith is in us a Divine work, which changes us, and gives us a new
+birth, emanating from God himself. It kills Adam in us by the Holy
+Spirit, which it communicates to us, giving us a new heart, and making
+us new men. "It is not by hollow speculation," exclaimed he again,
+"but by this practical method that we obtain a saving knowledge of
+Jesus Christ."[242]
+
+  [241] Praef. ad Gal.
+
+  [242] "Non per speculationem, sed per hanc viam practicam."
+
+At this time Luther preached discourses on the Ten Commandments, which
+have come down to us under the name of _Popular Declamations_.
+Undoubtedly there are errors in them; for Luther himself was
+enlightened only by degrees. "The path of the just is like the shining
+light, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day." But in these
+discourses what truth! what simplicity! what eloquence! How easy to
+conceive the effect which the new preacher must have produced upon his
+audience and his age! We will quote only one passage taken from the
+commencement.
+
+Luther goes up into the pulpit of Wittemberg, and gives out these
+words, "Thou shalt have no other god before me." Then addressing
+himself to the people who filled the church, he says, "All the sons of
+Adam are idolaters, and guilty of violating this First Commandment."[243]
+This strange assertion no doubt surprises his hearers. He must therefore
+justify it, and accordingly proceeds:--"There are two kinds of idolatry,
+the one without, the other within.
+
+  [243] "Omnes filii Adae sunt idololatrae." (Decem Praecepta
+  Wittembergensi populo praedicata per R. P. D Martinum Lutherum, Aug.
+  anno 1516.) These discourses were pronounced in German, but we quote
+  from the Latin edition, i, p. 1.
+
+"The one without is, when man worships wood and stone, beasts and
+stars.
+
+"The one within is, when man, fearing punishment or seeking his ease,
+does not give worship to the creature, but loves it internally, and
+confides in it.
+
+"What religion is this? You do not bend the knee before riches and
+honours, but you offer them your heart, the noblest part of you. Ah!
+you worship God with the body, and with the spirit you worship the
+creature.
+
+"This idolatry reigns in every man until he is cured of it freely by
+the faith which is in Jesus Christ.
+
+"And how is this cure performed?
+
+"In this way. Faith in Christ strips you of all confidence in your own
+wisdom, your own righteousness, your own strength. It tells you that
+if Christ had not died for you, and so saved you, neither yourself nor
+any creature could have done it.[244] Then you learn to despise all
+those things which remained useless to you.
+
+  [244] "Nisi ipse pro te mortuus esset, tequs servaret, nec tu, nec
+  omnis creatura tibi posset prodesse." (Ibid.) Had he not died for
+  thee, and did he not preserve thee, neither thyself nor any creature
+  would be able to do thee good.
+
+"There now remains to you only Jesus; Jesus alone; Jesus fully
+sufficient for your soul. No longer having any hopes in the creatures,
+you have now Christ only, in whom you hope all, and whom you love
+above all. Now Jesus is the sole, the only, the true God. When you
+have him for God you have no longer other gods."[245]
+
+  [245] "At Jesus est verus, unus, solus Deus, quem cum habes non habes
+  alienum deum. (Ibid.) But Jesus is God, sole, only, and true; having
+  him you have no strange god.
+
+It is thus Luther shows how, by the gospel, the soul is brought back
+to God its sovereign good, agreeably to the words of Jesus Christ, "I
+am the way; no man cometh unto the Father but by me." The man who
+speaks thus to his age is not merely desirous to overthrow some
+abuses; he is first of all desirous to establish true religion. His
+work is not negative merely--it is primarily positive.
+
+Luther afterwards directs his discourse against the superstitions with
+which Christendom then abounded, against signs and mysterious
+characters, observations of certain days and certain months, familiar
+demons, ghosts, the influence of the stars and wizards, metamorphoses,
+incubuses and succubuses, the patronage of saints, etc., etc. He
+attacks these idols one after the other, and vigorously casts down
+these false gods.
+
+But it was at the university especially, in presence of enlightened
+youths, eager for truth, that Luther laid open all the treasures of
+the word of God. "His mode of explaining the Scriptures," says his
+illustrious friend, Melancthon, "was such, that in the judgment of all
+pious and enlightened men it was as if a new light had risen upon
+doctrine after a long dark night. He pointed out the difference
+between the Law and the Gospel. He refuted the error then prevalent in
+churches and schools, that men merit the forgiveness of sins by their
+own works, and are rendered righteous before God by means of external
+discipline. He thus brought back the hearts of men to the Son of
+God.[246] Like John the Baptist, he pointed to the Lamb of God, who
+had taken away the sins of the world. He explained how sins are
+pardoned freely for the sake of the Son of God, and how man receives
+the blessing through faith. He made no change in ceremonies; on the
+contrary, the established discipline had not, in his order a more
+faithful observer and defender. But he laboured more and more to make
+all comprehend the great and essential doctrines of conversion, of the
+forgiveness of sins, of faith, and the true consolation which is to be
+found in the cross. The pious were charmed and penetrated with the
+sweetness of this doctrine, while the learned received it gladly.[247]
+One would have said that Christ, the apostles and prophets, were
+coming forth from darkness and a loathsome dungeon."[248]
+
+   [246] "Revocavit igitur Lutherus hominum mentes ad Filium Dei."
+   (Melancth. Vita Luth.)
+
+   [247] "Hujus doctrinae dulcedine pii omnes valde capiebantur, et
+   eruditis gratum erat." (Ibid.)
+
+   [248] "Quasi ex tenebris, carcere squalore, educi Christum, prophetas,
+   apostolos." (Ibid.)
+
+The firmness with which Luther fortified himself by Scripture gave
+great authority to his teaching, while other circumstances added to
+his power. His life corresponded to his words--his discourses were not
+merely from the life,[249] they came from the heart, and were
+exemplified in all his conduct. And when the Reformation burst forth
+many influential men, who were much grieved at seeing the rents that
+were made in the Church, won over by the Reformer's purity of conduct,
+and his admirable talents, not only did not oppose him, but even
+embraced the doctrine to which his works bore testimony.[250] The more
+they loved Christian virtue the more they inclined to the Reformer.
+All honest theologians were in his favour.[251] Such is the testimony
+of those who knew him, in particular of Melancthon, the wisest man of
+his age, and Erasmus, Luther's celebrated opponent. Yet prejudice has
+dared to speak of his debauchery. Wittemberg was changed by this
+preaching of faith, and became the focus of a light which was soon to
+illumine Germany, and diffuse itself over all the Church.
+
+  [249] "Oratio non in labris nasci, sed in pectore." (Ibid.)
+
+  [250] "Eique propter auctoritatem, quam sanctitate morum antea
+  pepererat, adsenserunt." (Melancth. Vita Luth.)
+
+  [251] "Puto et hodie theologos omnes probos favere Luthero." (Erasmi,
+  Ep. i, 652.)
+
+In 1516, Luther published a treatise by an anonymous mystic
+theologian, (probably Ebland, priest at Frankfort,) entitled _German
+Theology_, wherein the author shows how man may attain perfection by
+the three methods of purification, illumination, and communion. Luther
+never plunged into mystical theology, but he received a salutary
+impression from it. It confirmed him in the disgust which he felt for
+dry scholastics--in his contempt for the works and observances so much
+dwelt upon by the Church--in his conviction of man's spiritual
+impotence, and of the necessity of grace, and in his attachment to the
+Bible. "To the schoolmen,"[252] wrote he to Staupitz, "I prefer the
+Mystics and the Bible;" thus placing the Mystics by the side of the
+inspired writers. Perhaps the _German Theology_ also assisted him in
+forming a sounder idea of the sacraments, and especially of the mass.
+For the author of that work insists that the Eucharist gives Christ to
+man, but does not offer Christ to God. Luther accompanied this
+publication with a preface, in which he declared, that next to the
+Bible and St. Augustine, there was no book he had ever met with, from
+which he had learned more respecting God, Christ, man, and all things.
+Already several doctors had begun to inveigh against the Professors of
+Wittemberg, and to accuse them of innovation. "One would suppose,"
+continues Luther, "that there never were men before us who taught as
+we do; yea, verily, there were. But the wrath of God, which our sins
+have deserved, did not permit us to see them, and to hear them. For a
+long time the universities kept the word of God lying in a corner. Let
+them read this book, and then tell me if our theology is new; for this
+book is not new."[253] But if Luther took all the good that was in
+mystical theology, he took not the bad that was in it. The great error
+in mysticism is, to overlook a free salvation. We are going to see a
+remarkable example of the purity of Luther's faith.
+
+  [252] "Illis praefero mysticos et Biblia." (Luth. Ep. i, 107.)
+
+  [253] Die Deutsche Theologie, Strasbourg, 1519; Praef.
+
+Luther, possessed of a tender and affectionate heart, was desirous to
+see those whom he loved in possession of the light which had guided
+him into the paths of peace; and availed himself of all the
+opportunities which he had, as professor, preacher, and monk, as well
+as of his extensive correspondence, to communicate his treasure to
+others. One of his old brethren of the convent of Erfurt, the monk
+George Spenlein, was then in the convent of Memmingen. After having
+spent some time at Wittemberg, Spenlein had asked the doctor to sell
+different articles which he had left, viz., a tunic of Brussels cloth,
+a work of a doctor of Isenach, and a monk's frock. Luther carefully
+executed this commission. "I have received," said he to Spenlein, in a
+letter, 7th April 1516, "a florin for the tunic, half a florin for the
+book, and a florin for the frock, and have remitted the whole to the
+father-vicar," to whom Spenlein owed three florins. But Luther passes
+quickly from this account of monastic spoils to a more important
+subject.
+
+"I should like much," says he to friar George, "to know how it is with
+your soul. Is it not weary of its own righteousness? does it not
+breathe at length and confide in the righteousness of Christ? In our
+day pride seduces many, especially those who do their utmost to become
+righteous. Not comprehending the righteousness which is freely given
+us of God in Christ Jesus, they would stand before him by their
+merits. But that cannot be. When you lived with us you were in this
+error, as I also was. I am still constantly fighting with it; and have
+not yet completely triumphed.
+
+"O my dear brother, learn to know Christ and Christ crucified. Learn
+to sing unto him a new song; to despair of thyself, and say, 'Thou, O
+Lord Jesus! thou art my righteousness, and I am thy sin! Thou hast
+taken what is mine, and given me what is thine.[254] What thou wert
+not thou hast become, in order that what I was not I might become.'
+Take care, O my dear George, not to pretend to such a purity as will
+make you unwilling to acknowledge yourself a sinner; for Christ dwells
+in sinners only. He came down from heaven, where he dwelt among the
+righteous, that he might dwell also among sinners. Meditate carefully
+on this love of Christ, and thou wilt derive ineffable blessing from
+it. If our labours and our afflictions could give us peace of
+conscience, why should Christ have died? Thou wilt find peace only in
+him, by despairing of thyself and of thy works, and learning with
+what love he opens his arms to thee, takes upon him all thy sins, and
+gives thee all his righteousness."
+
+  [254] "Tu, domine Jesu, es justitia mea; ego autem sum peccatum tuum:
+  tu assumpsisti meum, et dedisti mihi tuum." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 17.)
+
+Thus the powerful doctrine which had already saved the world in the
+days of the Apostles, and which was to save it a second time in the
+days of the Reformers, was expounded by Luther with force and
+clearness. Stretching over numerous ages of ignorance and
+superstition, he here shook hands with St. Paul.
+
+Spenlein was not the only person whom he sought to instruct in this
+fundamental doctrine. He felt uneasy at the little truth which he
+discovered in this respect in the writings of Erasmus. It was of
+importance to enlighten a man whose authority was so great, and whose
+genius was so admirable. But how was he to do it? His friend at court,
+the elector's chaplain, was respected by Erasmus; and it is to him
+Luther addresses himself. "My dear Spalatin, the thing which
+displeases me in Erasmus, that man of vast erudition, is, that by the
+righteousness of works or of the law, of which the apostle speaks, he
+understands the fulfilment of the ceremonial law. The justification of
+the law consists not in ceremonies only, but in all the works of the
+Decalogue. When these works are performed without faith in Christ,
+they may, it is true, make Fabriciuses, Reguluses, and other men of
+strict integrity in the eyes of the world, but then they as little
+deserve to be called righteousness, as the fruit of a medlar to be
+called a fig. For we do not become righteous, as Aristotle pretends,
+by doing works of righteousness; but when we have become righteous we
+do such works.[255] The man must first be changed, and then the works.
+Abel was first pleasing to God, and then his sacrifice." Luther
+continues, "I pray you, fulfil the duty of a friend and of a
+Christian, by making Erasmus acquainted with those things." This
+letter is dated "In haste, from the corner of our convent, 19th Oct.,
+1516." It gives a true view of the footing on which Luther stood with
+Erasmus, and shows the sincere interest which he felt in whatever he
+thought truly advantageous to this distinguished writer. No doubt, at
+a later period, the opposition of Erasmus to the truth forced Luther
+to combat him openly, but it was only after he had sought to enlighten
+his opponent.
+
+  [255] "Non enim justa agendo justi efficimur: sed justi fiendo et
+  essendo, operamur justa." (Luth. Ep. i. p. 22.)
+
+At length those views on the nature of goodness were propounded which
+were at once clear and profound, and the great truth was distinctly
+proclaimed, that the real goodness of a work consists not in its
+external form, but in the spirit in which it is done. Thus giving a
+mortal blow to all the superstitious observances, which had for ages
+choked the Church, and prevented Christian virtues from growing and
+flourishing in it.
+
+"I read Erasmus," again writes Luther, "but he is every day losing his
+credit with me. I like to see him, with so much skill and firmness,
+rebuking priests and monks for their loathsome ignorance, but I fear
+he will not do great service to the doctrine of Jesus Christ. What is
+of man has more hold on his heart than what is of God.[256] We live in
+dangerous times. A man is not a good and judicious Christian because
+he understands Greek and Hebrew. Jerome, who knew five languages, is
+inferior to Augustine, who only knew one, though Erasmus thinks
+differently. I am very careful to conceal my sentiments concerning
+Erasmus, lest I should give an advantage to his opponents. It may be
+the Lord will give him understanding in his own time."[257]
+
+  [256] "Humana praevalent in eo plusquam divina." The human prevails in
+  him more than the divine.
+
+  [257] "Dabit ei Dominus intellectum suo forte tempore." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  p. 52.)
+
+The impotence of man, and the omnipotence of God, were the two truths
+which Luther wished to re-establish. It is a sad religion and a sad
+philosophy which throws man back upon his natural powers. Ages have
+made trial of these boasted powers, and while man has of himself
+succeeded wonderfully in things which concern his earthly existence,
+he has never been able to dissipate the darkness which hides the true
+knowledge of God from his mind, nor to change a single inclination of
+his heart. The highest degree of wisdom attained by ambitious
+intellects, or minds inflamed with ardent longings after perfection,
+has only plunged them into despair.[258] The doctrine, therefore,
+which unveils to us our impotence, in order to acquaint us with a
+Divine power, which shall enable us to do all things, is a generous,
+consoling, and perfectly true doctrine; and the reformation which
+exhibits the glory of heaven on the earth, and pleads the rights of
+Almighty God with men, is a great reformation.
+
+  [258] ti oun; dunaton anamarteton einai
+  ede.  What, is it possible then to be without sin? asks
+  Epictetus, (iv, 12, 19.) Amechanon Impossible! he replies.
+
+But nobody was better aware than Luther of the intimate and
+indissoluble tie which unites the gratuitous salvation of God with the
+free works of man. Nobody showed better than he that it is only by
+receiving all from Christ that man can give much to his brethren. He
+always presented the two acts, that of God and that of man, in the
+same picture. Thus, after having explained to friar Spenlein wherein
+saving righteousness consists, he adds "If you believe these things
+firmly as you ought to do, (for cursed is he who believeth not,)
+receive thy still ignorant and erring brethren as Jesus Christ has
+received thee. Bear with them patiently, make their sins thy own, and
+if thou hast any thing good, communicate it unto them. Receive one
+another, saith the Apostle, as Christ hath received us to the glory of
+God. It is a sad righteousness which will not bear with others,
+because it finds them wicked, and which thinks only of seeking the
+solitude of the desert, instead of doing them good by patience,
+prayer, and example. If thou art the lily and the rose of Christ, know
+that thy dwelling is among the thorns. Only take care that thou do not
+by thy impatience, thy rash judgments, and thy hidden pride, become
+thyself a thorn. Christ reigns in the midst of his enemies. Had he
+been pleased to live only among the good, and to die only for those
+who loved him, for whom, I ask, would he have died, and among whom
+would he have lived?"
+
+It is touching to see how Luther himself carried these precepts of
+charity into practice. An Augustin of Erfurt, named George Leiffer,
+was subjected to severe trials. Luther learned it, and eight days
+after he had written the letter to Spenlein, went up to him kindly,
+and said--"I learn that you are agitated by many tempests, and that
+your spirit is tossed up and down upon the billows.... The cross of
+Christ is portioned out over all the earth, and each one receives his
+part. Do not you, then, reject that which is fallen to you. Rather
+receive it as a holy relic, not in a vessel of gold and of silver, but
+what is far better, in a heart of gold--a heart full of meekness. If
+the wood of the cross has been so sanctified by the blood and flesh of
+Christ, that we consider it to be the most venerable relic, how much
+more ought we to regard the injuries, persecutions, inflictions, and
+hatred of men as holy relics, since they have not only been touched by
+the flesh of Christ, but embraced, kissed, and blessed by his
+boundless love?"[259]
+
+  [259] ... "Sanctissimae reliquiae ... deificae voluntatis suae charitate
+  amplexae osculatae." (Luth. Ep. i, 18.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IX.
+
+     First Theses--The Old Man and Grace--Visit to the
+     Convents--Dresden--Erfurt--Tornator--Peace and the
+     Cross--Results of the Journey--Labours--The Plague.
+
+
+The instructions of Luther bore fruit. Several of his disciples
+already felt themselves urged publicly to profess the truths which the
+lessons of their master had revealed to them. Among his hearers was a
+learned youth, named Bernard of Feldkirchen, professor of the physics
+of Aristotle in the university, and who, five years afterwards, was
+the first of the evangelical ecclesiastics who entered into the bond
+of matrimony.
+
+Luther, while he was presiding, desired Feldkirchen to maintain theses
+in which his principles were expounded. The doctrines professed by
+Luther thus acquired new publicity. The disputation took place in
+1516, and was Luther's first attack on the reign of the sophists and
+the Papacy. However feeble it was, it gave him considerable
+uneasiness. "I allow these propositions to be printed," said he, many
+years after, on publishing them in his works, "principally in order
+that the greatness of my cause, and the success with which God has
+crowned it, may not puff me up. For they fully manifest my shame; that
+is to say, the infirmity and ignorance, the fear and trembling, with
+which I commenced this struggle. I was alone, and had imprudently
+plunged into this affair. Not being able to draw back, I conceded
+several important points to the pope, and even adored him."[260]
+
+  [260] "Sed etiam ultro adorabam." (Luth. Op. (L.) p. 50.)
+
+The following are some of these propositions:[261]--
+
+  [261] Luth. Op. (L) xvii. p. 142; and in the Latin Works, tom. i, p.
+  51.
+
+"The old man is vanity of vanities--he is wholly vanity, and renders
+all other creatures vain, how good soever they be.
+
+"The old man is called _the flesh_, not only because he is led by
+sensual lusts, but also because, even though he were chaste, prudent,
+and just, he is not born anew of God by the Spirit.
+
+"A man who is without the grace of God cannot observe the commands of
+God, nor prepare himself, in whole or in part, to receive grace, but
+necessarily remains under sin.
+
+"The will of man without grace is not free, but enslaved, and that
+voluntarily.
+
+"Jesus Christ, our strength and our righteousness, who trieth the
+hearts and reins, is alone the Searcher and Judge of our merits.
+
+"Since everything is possible through Christ to him who believeth, it
+is superstitious to seek other aid, whether in the will of man or in
+the saints."[262]
+
+  [262] "Cum Credenti omnia sint, auctore Christo, possibilia,
+  superstitiosum est, humano arbitrio, aliis sanctis, alia deputari
+  auxilia." (Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 142.)
+
+This disputation made a great noise, and has been considered as the
+commencement of the Reformation.
+
+The moment approached when this reformation was to burst forth. God
+was hastening to prepare the instrument which he meant to employ. The
+elector having built a new church at Wittemberg, to which he gave the
+name of "All-Saints," sent Staupitz into the Netherlands to collect
+the relics with which he was desirous to enrich it. The vicar-general
+ordered Luther to take his place during his absence, and in particular
+to pay a visit to forty monasteries in Misnia and Thuringia.
+
+Luther repaired first to Grimma, and thence to Dresden, everywhere
+labouring to establish the truths which he had ascertained, and to
+enlighten the members of his own order. "Don't attach yourself to
+Aristotle, or to other teachers of a deceitful philosophy," said he to
+the monks, "but diligently read the word of God. Seek not your
+salvation in your own strength, and your own good works, but in the
+merits of Christ, and in Divine grace."[263]
+
+  [263] Hilscher's Luther's Anwesenheit in Alt Dresden, 1728.
+
+An Augustin monk of Dresden had run off from his convent, and was
+living at Mayence, where the prior of the Augustins had received him.
+Luther wrote to the prior[264] to demand restitution of the lost
+sheep, and added these words, which are full of truth and charity, "I
+know that offences must come. It is no wonder that man falls; but it
+is a wonder he rises again, and stands erect. Peter fell, in order
+that he might know that he was a man; and we still see the cedar of
+Lebanon fall. Angels even (a thing which surpasses our comprehension)
+fell in heaven, and Adam fell in paradise. Why then be astonished when
+a reed is shaken by the wind, and the smoking flax is quenched?" From
+Dresden, Luther proceeded to Erfurt, to do the duties of vicar-general
+in the very convent where, eleven years before, he had wound up the
+clock, opened the door, and swept the Church. He appointed his friend,
+bachelor John Lange, a learned and pious, but austere man, prior of
+the convent, exhorting him to affability and patience. Shortly after
+he wrote him, "Show a spirit of meekness towards the prior of
+Nuremberg. This is fitting, inasmuch as the prior has put on a sour
+and bitter spirit. Bitter is not expelled by bitter, that is to say,
+devil by devil; but sweet expels bitter, that is to say, the finger of
+God casts out demons."[265]
+
+  [264] 1st May 1516, Ep. i, p. 20.
+
+  [265] (Luth. Ep. i, p. 36.) "Non enim asper asperum, id est, non
+  diabolus diabolum, sed suavis asperum, id est, digitus Dei ejicit
+  daemonia."
+
+It must perhaps be regretted, that on different occasions Luther did
+not remember this excellent advice.
+
+At Neustadt on Orla there was nothing but division. Quarrelling and
+disturbance reigned in the convent. All the monks were at war with the
+prior, and assailed Luther with their complaints. The prior, Michael
+Dressel, or Tornator, as Luther calls him, translating his name into
+Latin, on his part explained all his grievances to the doctor.
+"Peace! peace!" said he. "You seek peace," replied Luther, "but you
+seek the peace of the world, and not that of Christ. Know you not that
+our God has placed his peace in the midst of war? He whom nobody
+troubles has no peace. But he who, troubled by all men, and by all the
+things of life, bears all calmly and joyfully, possesses true peace.
+You say, with Israel, Peace, peace; and there is no peace. Say rather
+with Christ, The cross, the cross; and there will be no cross. For the
+cross ceases to be a cross as soon as we can sincerely say with joy, O
+blessed cross, there is no wood like thine!"[266] After his return to
+Wittemberg, Luther, wishing to put an end to these divisions allowed
+the monks to elect another prior.
+
+  [266] "Tam cito enim crux cessat esse crux quam cito I tus dixeris:
+  Crux benedicta! inter ligna nullum tale." (Ep. i, 27.)
+
+Luther returned to Wittemberg after an absence of six weeks. He was
+grieved at all that he had seen, but the journey gave him a better
+acquaintance with the Church and the world; gave him more confidence
+in his intercourse with men and furnished him with numerous
+opportunities of founding schools, and urging this fundamental truth,
+that "the Holy Scripture alone shows us the way to heaven," and to
+exhort the brethren to live together holily, chastely, and
+peacefully.[267] Doubtless, much seed was sown in the different
+Augustin convents during this journey of the Reformer. The monastic
+orders, which had long been the stay of Rome, perhaps did more for the
+Reformation than against it. This is true especially of the order of
+Augustins. Almost all pious men of a free and exalted spirit who were
+in cloisters, turned to the gospel, and a new and noble blood soon
+circulated in their orders, which were in a manner the arteries of
+German Catholicity. The world knew nothing of the new ideas of the
+Augustin of Wittemberg, after they had become the great subject of
+conversation in chapters and monasteries. In this way, more than one
+cloister was a seminary of reformers. At the moment when the great
+blow was struck, pious and brave men came forth from their obscurity,
+and abandoned the retreat of the monastic life, for the active career
+of ministers of the word of God. Even during the inspection of 1516,
+Luther by his words awoke many slumbering spirits, and hence this year
+has been called "the morning star of the gospel day."
+
+  [267] "Heiliglich, friedlich und zuechtig." (Mathes. p. 10.)
+
+Luther resumed his ordinary avocations. At this period he was
+oppressed with work; it was not enough that he was professor,
+preacher, and confessor; he had, moreover, a variety of temporal
+business connected with his order and his convent. "I almost
+constantly require two clerks," wrote he; "for I do little else the
+whole day than write letters. I am preacher to the convent, chaplain
+at table, pastor and parish minister, director of studies, vice-prior,
+which means prior eleven times over, inspector of the ponds of
+Litzkau, advocate of the inns of Herzberg at Torgau, reader of St.
+Paul, commentator on the Psalms.... I have seldom time to say my Hours
+and chant,--to say nothing of my combat with flesh and blood, the
+devil and the world.... See how lazy a man I am."[268]
+
+  [268] Ep. i, p. 41, to Lange, (26th Oct. 1516.)
+
+About this time the plague broke out in Wittemberg, and a great part
+of the students and teachers left the town. Luther remained. "I don't
+well know," wrote he to his friend at Erfurt, "if the plague will
+allow me to finish the Epistle to the Galatians. Prompt and brisk, it
+makes great ravages, especially among the young. You advise me to
+flee. Whither shall I flee? I hope the world will not go to wreck
+though friar Martin fall.[269] If the plague makes progress, I will
+disperse the friars in all directions, but for myself I am stationed
+here, and obedience permits me not to flee, till he who has called me
+recall me. Not that I do not fear death, (for I am not the Apostle
+Paul, I am only his commentator;) but I hope the Lord will deliver me
+from fear." Such was the firmness of the doctor of Wittemberg. Will
+he, whom the plague could not force to recoil one step, recoil before
+Rome? Will he yield to the power of the scaffold?
+
+  [269] "Quo fugiam? Spero quod non corruet orbis, ruente fratre
+  Martino." (Ibid.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. X.
+
+     Relations of Luther with the Elector--Luther and the
+     Elector--Counsels to the Chaplain--Duke George--His
+     Character--Luther before the Court--Dinner at Court--Emser's
+     Supper.
+
+
+The same courage which Luther displayed in presence of most formidable
+evils, he displayed in presence of the great. The elector was much
+pleased with the vicar-general, who had made a good collection of
+relics in the Netherlands. Luther gives an account of it to Spalatin.
+There is something curious in this affair of relics occurring at the
+moment when the Reformation is about to commence. Assuredly the
+Reformers had little idea of the point at which they were to arrive.
+A bishopric seemed to the elector only a fit recompence to the
+vicar-general. Luther, to whom Spalatin wrote on the subject, strongly
+disapproved of it. "Many things," replied he, "please your prince,
+which, however, displease God. I deny not his ability in the affairs
+of the world, but in what concerns God and the salvation of souls, I
+account him seven-fold blind as well as his counsellor Pfeffinger. I
+say not this behind their backs like a slanderer; don't hide it from
+them, for I am ready to say it personally to both. Why," continues he,
+"would you environ this man with all the whirlwinds and tempests of
+episcopal cares?"[270]
+
+  [270] "Multa placent principi tuo, quae Deo displicent." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  25.)
+
+The elector did not take Luther's frankness in bad part. "The prince,"
+says Spalatin in a letter to him, "often speaks of you, and with much
+respect." Frederick sent the monk stuff to make a cassock of very fine
+cloth. "It would be too fine," said Luther, "were it not the gift of a
+prince. I am unworthy that any man should think of me, far less that a
+prince should, and so great a prince. The most useful persons to me
+are those who think the most ill of me.[271] Return thanks to our
+prince for his favour; but know that I desire not to be praised by
+you, or by any man--all praise of man being vain, and the praise which
+cometh from God alone being true."
+
+  [271] "li mihi maxime prosunt, qui mei pessime meminerint." (Ibid.
+  45.)
+
+The excellent chaplain did not wish to confine himself to his court
+functions. He desired to render himself useful to the people; but,
+like many of all times, he wished to do it without giving offence. He
+not only wished not to irritate any one, but, on the contrary, to
+conciliate general favour. "Point out," says he to Luther, "some work
+which I may translate into our mother tongue, a work which will please
+generally, and at the same time be useful." "Agreeable and useful!"
+replies Luther; "the request is beyond me. The better things are, the
+less they please. What is more salutary than Jesus Christ? And yet to
+most he is a savour of death. You will tell me that you wish to be
+useful to those who love what is good. In that case, just let the
+voice of Christ be heard. You will be agreeable and useful, depend
+upon it; but it will be to a very small number: for the sheep are rare
+in this region of wolves."[272]
+
+  [272] Quo sunt aliqua salubriora eo minus placent." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  p.46)
+
+Luther, however, recommended to his friend the sermons of Tauler. "I
+have never seen," said he, "either in Latin or our own tongue a
+sounder theology, or one more agreeable to the gospel. Taste and see
+how sweet the Lord is; but be it after you have tasted and seen how
+bitter every thing is that is ours."[273]
+
+  [273] "Quam amarum est quicquid nos sumus." (Ibid. p. 46.)
+
+It was in the course of the year 1517 that Luther entered into
+communication with Duke George of Saxony. The House of Saxony had then
+two heads. The princes, Ernest and Albert, carried off in their youth
+from the castle of Altenbourg by Kunz of Kaufungen, had, by the treaty
+of Leipsic, become the founders of the two houses which still bear
+their name. The Elector Frederick, the son of Ernest, at the period of
+which we write, was the chief of the Ernestine branch, while his
+brother, Duke George, was chief of the Albertine branch. Dresden and
+Leipsic were in the states of the duke, who had his residence in the
+former of these cities. His mother, Sidonia, was daughter of George
+Podiebrad, King of Bohemia. The long struggle which Bohemia had
+maintained with Rome, from the days of John Huss, had had some
+influence on the prince of Saxony, and he had often shown a desire for
+a reformation. "He has sucked it from his mother," it was said: "he is
+by birth an enemy of the clergy."[274] He in various ways annoyed the
+bishops, abbots, canons, and monks, in so much that his cousin, the
+elector, was more than once obliged to interpose in their behalf. It
+might have been supposed that Duke George would be a warm partisan of
+the Reformation. Devout Frederick, on the contrary, who had once put
+on the spurs of Gregory in the Holy Sepulchre, girt himself with the
+great ponderous sword of the conqueror of Jerusalem, and taking an
+oath to combat for the Church, like a bold knight, might have been
+expected to prove one of the most eager champions of Rome. But when
+the gospel is in question, the anticipations of human wisdom are often
+at fault. The result was the opposite of what might have been
+supposed. The duke would have taken pleasure in humbling the Church,
+and those connected with it, and lowering the bishops, whose princely
+train far surpassed his own; but to receive into his heart the
+evangelical doctrine which must have humbled it, to acknowledge
+himself a guilty sinner, incapable of being saved, unless through
+grace, was quite a different matter. He would willingly have reformed
+others, but he had no desire to reform himself. He would, perhaps,
+have assisted in obliging the bishop of Mentz to be contented with a
+single bishopric, and have no more than fourteen horses in his stable,
+as he himself repeatedly expressed it;[275] but when he saw another
+than himself appear as reformer,--when he saw a mere monk undertake
+the work,--and the Reformation gaining numerous adherents among the
+humbler classes,--the haughty grandson of the Hussite king became the
+most violent adversary of the reform of which he had at first promised
+to be a partisan.
+
+  [274] Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 1849.
+
+  [275] Ibid.
+
+In July 1517, Duke George asked Staupitz to send him a learned and
+eloquent preacher. Staupitz sent Luther representing him as a man of
+great learning and irreproachable character. The prince invited him to
+preach at Dresden, in the chapel of the castle on the feast of St.
+James the Elder.
+
+On the day fixed the duke and his court proceeded to the chapel to
+hear the preacher of Wittemberg.
+
+Luther gladly seized the occasion to bear testimony to the truth
+before such an assembly. He took for his text the gospel of the day,
+"Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons."
+(Matth., xx, 20-25.) He preached on the wishes and rash prayers of
+men; then dwelt strongly on the assurance of salvation, making it rest
+on this foundation, viz., That those who hear the word of God with
+faith are the true disciples, whom Jesus Christ has elected unto
+eternal life. He next treated of eternal election, showing that this
+doctrine, when exhibited in connection with the work of Christ, is
+well fitted to calm the terrors of conscience, and so, instead of
+disposing men to flee from God, allures them to seek their refuge in
+Him. In conclusion, he brought forward a parable of three virgins, and
+drew a very instructive improvement from it.
+
+The word of truth made a deep impression on the hearers. Two in
+particular appeared to give earnest attention to the discourse of the
+monk of Wittemberg. The one was a respectable looking lady who sat in
+one of the court pews, and whose features bespoke deep emotion. It was
+Madam de la Sale, grand mistress to the duchess. The other was Jerome
+Emser, a licentiate in canon law, and secretary and counsellor to the
+duke. Emser was a man of talent and extensive information. A courtier
+and able politician, his wish would have been to please both parties
+at once; to pass at Rome for a defender of the papacy, and at the same
+time figure in Germany among the learned men of the age. But under
+this flexible spirit a violent temper lay concealed. Thus Luther and
+Emser, who were afterwards repeatedly to break a lance, met for the
+first time in the chapel of the castle of Dresden.
+
+The dinner-bell having rung for the inmates of the castle, the ducal
+family and the persons attached to the court were soon seated at the
+table. The conversation naturally turned on the preacher of the
+morning. "How did you like the sermon?" said the duke to Madam de la
+Sale. "Could I again hear such another discourse," replied she, "I
+could die in peace." "And I," replied George, angrily, "would give a
+good sum not to have heard it. Such discourses are good only to make
+people sin with confidence."
+
+The master having thus stated his opinion, the courtiers proceded
+without restraint to express their dissatisfaction. Every one was
+ready with his remark. Some alleged, that in the parable of the three
+virgins, Luther had had three ladies of the court in his eye. On this
+the talk was endless. They rallied the three ladies whom they affirmed
+that Luther had intended.[276] He is an ignorant blockhead, said one.
+He is a proud monk, said another. Each had his comment on the sermon,
+making the preacher say whatever he pleased. The truth had fallen into
+the midst of a court ill prepared to receive it. Every one tore it at
+pleasure. But while the word of God was to many an occasion of
+stumbling, to the grand mistress it was a stone "elect and precious."
+Falling sick about a month after, she confidently embraced the grace
+of the Saviour, and died rejoicing.[277]
+
+  [276] "Has tres postea in aula principis a me notatas garrierunt."
+  (Luth. Ep. i, 85.) It was afterwards prattled that I had alluded to
+  three ladies of the court.
+
+  [277] Keith, Leb. Luth., p. 32.
+
+In regard to the duke, perhaps the testimony which he had heard given
+to the truth was not in vain. However much he opposed the Reformation
+during his life, it is known that in his last moments he declared,
+that his only hope was in the merits of Jesus Christ.
+
+It naturally fell to Emser to do the honours to Luther in his master's
+name. He accordingly invited him to supper. Luther refused; but Emser
+insisted and constrained him to come. Luther only expected to meet a
+few friends, but he soon perceived that a trap had been laid for
+him.[278] A master of arts from Leipsic, and several Dominicans, were
+with the prince's secretary. The master of arts, who had an
+overweening opinion of himself, and a deep hatred of Luther, accosted
+him with a bland and friendly air; but he soon broke out, and screamed
+at full pitch.[279] The battle began. "The discussion," says Luther,
+"turned on the absurdities of Aristotle and St. Thomas."[280] At last
+Luther challenged the master of arts, with all the erudition of the
+Thomists, to define what it was to fulfil the commandments of God. The
+master of arts, though embarrassed, put on a good countenance. "Pay me
+my fees," says he, stretching out his hand, "_da pastum_." One would
+have said, he was going to give a lesson in form, mistaking the
+guests for his pupils. "At this foolish reply," adds the Reformer, "we
+all burst a laughing, and the party broke up."
+
+  [278] "Inter medias me insidias conjectum." (Luth. Ep. i, 85.) That I
+  had fallen into a snare.
+
+  [279] "In me acriter et clamose invectus est." (Ibid.) He keenly and
+  clamorously inveighed against me.
+
+  [280] "Super Aristotelis et Thomae nugis." (Ibid.) On the trifles of
+  Aristotle and Thomas.
+
+During the conversation, a Dominican had been listening at the door,
+and would fain have come in to spit in Luther's face.[281] He
+refrained, however, though he afterwards made a boast of it. Emser,
+who had been delighted at seeing his guests battling, while he seemed
+to hold a due medium, hastened to apologise to Luther for the manner
+in which the party had gone off.[282] Luther returned to Wittemberg.
+
+  [281] "Ne prodiret et in faciem meam spueret." (Luth. Ep. i, 85.) From
+  coming forward and spitting in my face.
+
+  [282] "Enixe se excusavit." (Ibid.) Earnestly excused himself.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XI
+
+     Return to Wittemberg--Theses--Nature of
+     Man--Rationalism--Demand at Erfurt--Eck--Urban
+     Regius--Luther's Modesty.
+
+
+Luther zealously resumed his labours. He was preparing six or seven
+young theologians, who were forthwith to undergo an examination in
+order to obtain a licence to teach. And what most delighted him was,
+that their promotion was to be to Aristotle's disgrace. "I should
+like," said he, "to multiply his enemies as fast as possible."[283]
+With that view, he at this time published Theses, which deserve
+attention.
+
+  [283] "Cujus vellem hostes cito quam plurimos fieri." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  59.) Whose enemies I could wish quickly to become as numerous as
+  possible.
+
+The leading topic which he discussed was _liberty_. He had already
+glanced at it in the theses of Feldkirchen, but now went deeper into
+it. Ever since Christianity began, there has been a struggle, more or
+less keen, between the opposite doctrines of the freedom and the
+slavery of man. Some schoolmen had taught, like Pelagius and others,
+that man possessed in himself the liberty or power of loving God and
+doing good. Luther denied this liberty, not to deprive man of it, but,
+on the contrary, to make him obtain it. The struggle, then, in this
+great question, is not, as is usually said, between liberty and
+servitude; but between a liberty proceeding from man, and a liberty
+proceeding from God. Some who call themselves the advocates of
+liberty, say to man, "You have the power of doing good, and require a
+greater liberty." Others, who have been called advocates of slavery,
+say to him, on the contrary, "You have no true liberty; but God offers
+it to you in the gospel." The one party speaks of liberty, but a
+liberty which must end in slavery; while the other speaks of slavery,
+in order to give liberty. Such was the struggle in the time of St.
+Paul, in the time of Augustine, and in the time of Luther. Those who
+say "Change nothing!" are champions of slavery. Those who say "Let
+your fetters fall!" are champions of liberty.
+
+It would be a mistake, however, to suppose that the whole Reformation
+can be summed up in this particular question. It is one of the many
+doctrines which the Wittemberg doctor maintained--that is all. It
+would, above all, be a strange illusion to hold, that the Reformation
+was fatalism, or an opposition to liberty. It was a magnificent
+emancipation of the human mind. Bursting the numerous bands with which
+thought had been bound by the hierarchy, and reviving the ideas of
+liberty, right, and examination, it delivered its own age, and with it
+ours also, and the remotest posterity. And let it not be said that the
+Reformation, while it freed man from human despotism, enslaved him by
+proclaiming the sovereignty of grace. No doubt, it wished to bring
+back the human will to the Divine, to subordinate the one, and
+completely merge it in the other; but what philosopher knows not that
+entire conformity to the will of God alone constitutes sovereign,
+perfect freedom; and that man will never be truly free, until supreme
+righteousness and truth have sole dominion over him?
+
+The following are some of the Ninety-nine Propositions which Luther
+sent forth into the Church, in opposition to the Pelagian rationalism
+of scholastic theology.
+
+"It is true that man, who is become a corrupt tree, can only will and
+do what is evil.
+
+"It is not true that the will, when left to itself, can do good as
+well as evil; for it is not free but captive.
+
+"It is not in the power of the will of man to choose or reject
+whatever is presented to it.
+
+"Man cannot naturally wish God to be God. His wish is that he himself
+were God, and that God were no God.
+
+"The excellent, infallible, and sole preparation for grace, is the
+eternal election and predestination of God.[284]
+
+  [284] "Optima et infallibilis ad gratiam praeparatio et unice
+  dispositio, est aeterna Dei electio et praedestinatio." (Luth. Op. (L.)
+  i, 56.) The best and infallible preparation, and the only
+  predisposition for grace, is the eternal election and predestination
+  of God.
+
+"It is false to say that when man does all he can, he clears away the
+obstacles to grace.
+
+"In one word, nature possesses neither a pure reason nor a good
+will.[285]
+
+  [285] "Breviter, nec rectum dictamen habet natura nec bonam
+  voluntatem." (Ibid.) Briefly, nature has neither a right dictate nor a
+  good will.
+
+"On the part of man, there is nothing which precedes grace, unless it
+be impotence and even rebellion.
+
+"There is no moral virtue without pride or sullenness, that is to say,
+without sin.
+
+"From the beginning to the end we are not the masters of our actions,
+but the slaves of them.
+
+"We do not become righteous by doing what is righteous, but having
+become righteous we do what is righteous.
+
+"He who says that a theologian who is not a logician is a heretic and
+an adventurer, maintains an adventurous and heretical proposition.
+
+"There is no form of reasoning (syllogism) which accords with the
+things of God.[286]
+
+  [286] "Nulla forma syllogistica tenet in terminis divinis." (Luth. Op.
+  (L.) i, 56.) No syllogistic form holds in divine terms.
+
+"If the form of the syllogism could be applied to divine things, we
+should know the article of the Holy Trinity, and should not believe
+it.
+
+"In one word, Aristotle is to theology as darkness to light.
+
+"Man is more hostile to the grace of God than he is to the law itself.
+
+"He who is without the grace of God sins incessantly, even though he
+neither kills, nor steals, nor commits adultery.
+
+"He sins, for he does not fulfil the law spiritually.
+
+"Not to kill, and not to commit adultery, externally, and in regard to
+action, merely, is the righteousness of hypocrites.
+
+"The law of God and the will of man are two adversaries, who, without
+the grace of God, can never agree.[287]
+
+  [287] "Lex et voluntas sunt adversarii duo, sine gratia Dei
+  implacabiles." (Ibid. 57.) Law and will are two adversaries implacable
+  without the grace of God.
+
+"What the law wishes the will never wishes; only from fear it may make
+a show of wishing.
+
+"The law is the hangman of the will, and is subject only to the Child
+who has been born unto us.[288] (Isaiah, ix, 6.)
+
+  [288] "Lex est exactor voluntatis, qui non superatur nisi per Parvulum
+  qui natus est nobis." (Ibid.)
+
+"The law makes sin abound; for it irritates and repulses the will.
+
+"But the grace of God makes righteousness abound, through Jesus
+Christ, who makes us love the law.
+
+"Every work of the law appears good externally, but internally is sin.
+
+"The will, when it turns toward the law without the grace of God, does
+so only for its own interest.
+
+"Cursed are those who do the works of the law.
+
+"Blessed are all those who do the works of the grace of God.
+
+"The law, which is good, and in which we have life, is the law of the
+love of God, shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, (Rom., v,
+5.)
+
+"Grace is not given in order that works may be done more frequently
+and more easily, but because without grace there cannot be any work of
+love.
+
+"To love God is to hate oneself, and know nothing out of God."[289]
+
+  [289] Luth. Op. Lips. xvii, p. 143, et Op. Lat. i.
+
+In this way Luther attributes to God all the good that man can do. The
+thing to be done is not to repair, or, so to speak, to patch up the
+will of man; an entirely new will must be given him. God alone could
+say this; for God alone could perform it. This is one of the greatest
+and most important truths that the will of man can acknowledge.
+
+But Luther, while proclaiming the impotence of man, did not fall into
+the opposite extreme. He says in the eighth thesis, "It follows not
+that the will is naturally bad, that is to say, that its nature is of
+the essence of evil, as the Manichees taught."[290] Originally the
+nature of man was essentially good; but it turned aside from goodness,
+that is, God, and is inclined to evil. Still its origin remains holy
+and glorious, and is capable, by the power of God, of regaining its
+original. The object of Christianity is to restore it. The gospel, it
+is true, exhibits man in a state of degradation and impotence, but as
+placed between two glories and two grandeurs,--a past glory, from
+which he has been precipitated, and a future glory, to which he is
+called. This is the truth, and man knows it to be the truth; and how
+little soever he thinks of it, he easily discovers that all which is
+told him of his actual purity, power, and glory, is only a lie,
+designed to cradle his pride and rock it asleep.
+
+  [290] "Nec ideo sequitur quod sit naturaliter mala, id est natura
+  mali, secundum Manichaeos." (Ibid.) Nor does it therefore follow that
+  it is naturally evil, _i.e._, of the nature of evil, according to the
+  Manichees.
+
+Luther, in his theses, attacked not only the pretended goodness of
+man's will, but also the pretended light of his understanding in
+regard to divine things. In fact, scholasticism had exalted reason as
+well as the will. This theology, in the hands of some of its teachers,
+was, at bottom, only a species of rationalism. The propositions which
+we have enumerated indicate this; for they look as if directed against
+the rationalism of our own day. In the theses, which were the signal
+of the Reformation, Luther attacked the Church and the popular
+superstitions which to the gospel had added indulgences, purgatory,
+and numberless abuses. In those which we have just given he attacked
+the school and the rationalism which had robbed the gospel of the
+doctrine of the sovereignty of God, his revelation and his grace. The
+Reformation attacked rationalism before it attacked superstition. It
+proclaimed the rights of God before lopping off the excrescences of
+man. It was positive before it was negative. This has not been
+sufficiently attended to, and yet, without attending to it, it is
+impossible duly to appreciate the character of this religious
+revolution.
+
+Be this as it may, the truths which Luther thus expressed with so much
+energy were quite new. To maintain these theses at Wittemberg had been
+an easy matter. There his influence was paramount, and it would have
+been said that he had chosen a field of battle where he knew no
+combatant could appear. In offering battle in another university he
+gave them a greater publicity; and it was by publicity that the
+Reformation was effected. He turned his eyes towards Erfurt, where the
+theologians had shown themselves so exasperated against him.
+
+He, accordingly, sent his theses to John Lange, prior of Erfurt, and
+wrote him as follows: "My anxiety for the decision which you will give
+as to these theses is great, extreme, too great, perhaps, and keeps me
+on the rack. I much suspect that your theologians will consider as
+paradoxical and _kakodoxical_,[291] what I must henceforth regard as
+most orthodox. Tell me how it is, and as soon as you possibly can.
+Have the goodness to make known to the Faculty of Theology, and to
+all, that I am ready to come and publicly maintain these propositions
+either in the university or the monastery." It does not seem that
+Luther's challenge was accepted. The monks of Erfurt contented
+themselves with intimating that his theses had incurred their high
+displeasure.
+
+  [291] "Imo cacodoxa videri suspicor." (Luth. Ep. 60.) Nay, I suspect
+  they will be thought cacodox, (false doctrine.)
+
+But he was desirous to send them to some other part of Germany; and
+with that view bethought him of a man who plays an important part in
+the history of the Reformation, and with whom the reader must be made
+acquainted.
+
+A distinguished professor, named John Meyer, was then teaching in the
+university of Ingolstadt, in Bavaria. He was a native of Eck, a
+village in Swabia, and was commonly called Doctor Eck. He was a friend
+of Luther, who respected his talents and acquirements. Full of
+intellect, he had read much, and was possessed of a very retentive
+memory. To erudition he added eloquence. His voice and gesture bespoke
+the vivacity of his genius. In regard to talent, Eck was in the south
+of Germany what Luther was in the north. They were the two most
+distinguished theologians of the period, though of very different
+views. Ingolstadt was almost the rival of Wittemberg. The reputation
+of these two doctors attracted crowds of eager students from all
+quarters to the universities in which they taught; their personal
+qualities not less than their abilities endearing them to their
+pupils. The character of Doctor Eck has been assailed, but an anecdote
+in his history will show that at this period, at least, his heart was
+not closed against generous impressions.
+
+Among the students whom his fame had attracted to Ingolstadt was a
+young man, named Urban Regius, from the banks of an Alpine lake. He
+had first studied at the university of Fribourg in Brisgau. On his
+arrival at Ingolstadt, to which he had been attracted by the fame of
+Doctor Eck, Urban engaged in his course of philosophy, and gained the
+favour of his master. Requiring to provide for his maintenance, he was
+under the necessity of taking charge of some young noblemen, and had
+not only to superintend their studies and their conduct, but also to
+purchase on his own account whatever books and clothes they required.
+The youths dressed in style, and kept a good table. Regius becoming
+embarrassed prayed the parents to recall their sons. "Never fear," was
+the answer. His debts increased, his creditors became pressing, and he
+was at his wit's end. The emperor was raising an army against the
+Turks, and a recruiting party having arrived at Ingolstadt, Urban in
+despair enlisted. Clothed in military attire, he appeared in the ranks
+at the time when the review took place, previous to their departure.
+Doctor Eck coming up at that instant with several of his colleagues,
+was greatly surprised to discover his student among the recruits.
+"Urban Regius!" said he, fixing his keen eye on him. "Here," replied
+the recruit. "What, pray, is the cause of this?" The young man told
+his story. "I take the matter upon myself," replied Eck, and setting
+his halberd aside, bought him off from the recruiting party. The
+parents, threatened by the Doctor with the displeasure of the prince,
+sent the necessary funds to defray the expences of their children, and
+Urban Regius was saved to become at a later period one of the pillars
+of the Reformation.
+
+Doctor Eck occurred to Luther as the proper person to publish his
+theses on Pelagianism and scholastic rationalism in the south of the
+empire. He did not, however, send them to the professor of Ingolstadt
+directly, but employed a mutual friend, the excellent Christopher
+Scheurl, secretary to the town of Nuremberg, praying him to send them
+to Eck at Ingolstadt, which is at no great distance from Nuremberg. "I
+send you," says he, "my paradoxical, and even kakistodoxical
+(kakistodoxas) propositions, as many think them.
+Communicate them to our dear friend, the very learned and talented Eck,
+that I may learn and know what he thinks of them."[292] These were the
+terms in which Luther then spoke of Doctor Eck; such was the friendship
+then subsisting between them. It was not Luther who broke it off.
+
+  [292] "Eccio nestro, eruditissimo et ingeniosissimo viro exhibete, ut
+  audiam et videam quid vocet illas." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 63.) Show them to
+  our most learned and ingenious Eck, that I may hear and see what he
+  calls them.
+
+Ingolstadt, however, was not the field on which the battle was to be
+fought. The doctrines on which these theses turned were perhaps of
+greater importance than those which, two months after, set the Church
+in a blaze; and yet, notwithstanding of Luther's challenges, they
+passed unnoticed. At most, they were read within the circle of the
+school, and produced no sensation beyond it. The reason was, because
+they were only university propositions and theological doctrines,
+whereas the subsequent theses related to an evil which had grown up in
+the midst of the people, and was then causing devastation in all parts
+of Germany. So long as Luther was contented with reviving forgotten
+doctrines, all was silence; but when he attacked abuses which were
+universally felt, every one turned to listen.
+
+Nevertheless, all that Luther proposed in either case was to produce
+one of those theological discussions which were then so common in
+universities. To this circle his views were confined. He was humble,
+and his humility amounted even to distrust and anxiety. "Considering
+my ignorance," said he, "all I deserve is to be hid in a corner,
+without being known by any one under the sun."[293] But a mighty hand
+drew him out of this corner in which he wished to remain unknown to
+the world. A circumstance, independent of Luther's will, threw him
+into the field of battle, and the war commenced. This providential
+circumstance we are now called upon to relate.
+
+  [293] Luth. Op. (W.) xviii, 1944.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK THIRD.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+THE INDULGENCES AND THESES.
+
+1517, 1518.
+
+     Cortege--Tezel--Tezel's Discourse--Confession--Four
+     Graces--Sale--Public Penance--A Letter of
+     Indulgence--Exceptions--Feasting and Debauchery.
+
+
+At this period the people of Germany were all in motion. The Church
+had opened a vast market on the earth. From the crowd of customers,
+and the noise and pleasantry of the sellers, one would have thought it
+a fair, only a fair held by monks. The merchandise which they were
+showing off, and selling a bargain, was, as they said, the salvation
+of souls.
+
+The merchants travelled the country in a fine carriage, accompanied by
+three mounted attendants, journeying in grand style, and living at
+great expence. One would have said it was some high Mightiness with
+his suite and officers, and not a vulgar dealer or mendicant monk.
+When the cortege approached a town, a messenger was despatched to the
+magistrate to say, "The grace of God and of St. Peter is at your
+gates." Immediately the whole place was in motion. Clergy, priests,
+nuns, the council, school-masters and their scholars, the
+incorporations with their colours, men and women, old and young, went
+out to meet the merchant with lighted tapers in their hand, amid the
+sound of music and the ringing of bells, "insomuch," says a historian,
+"that God himself could not have been received with greater honour."
+After the formalities were over the whole body proceeded to the
+church. The Bull of Grace by the pontiff was carried in front, on a
+velvet cushion or cloth of gold. Next came the chief of the indulgence
+merchants, carrying a large wooden cross, painted red. The whole
+procession moved forward, amid hymns, prayers, and the smoke of
+incense. The merchant monk and his attendants were received at the
+church by the pealing organ and thrilling music. The cross was placed
+in front of the altar, and over it the pope's arms were suspended. All
+the time it remained there the clergy of the place, the penitentiaries
+and sub-commissaries, came each day after vespers or before the
+_salute_, to do obeisance to it with white wands in their hands.[294]
+This grand affair produced a lively sensation in the quiet cities of
+Germany.
+
+  [294] "Mit weissen Staeblein." (Instructions of the Archbishop of Mentz
+  to the Sub-commissaries of Indulgence, etc. Art. 8.)
+
+At these sales one personage in particular drew the attention of the
+spectators. It was he who carried the great red cross, and played the
+principal character. He was clothed in the dress of a Dominican, and
+had an arrogant air. His voice was Stentorian, and though in his
+sixty-third year,[295] he seemed still in full vigour. This man, the
+son of one Diez, a jeweller of Leipsic, was called John Diezel, or
+Tezel. He had studied in his native town, became bachelor in 1487, and
+two years after entered the Dominican order. Numerous honours had
+accumulated on his head. Bachelor in theology, prior of the
+dominicans, apostolic commissary, inquisitor, _haereticae pravitatis
+inquisitor_, he had discharged the office of commissary of
+indulgences, without intermission, from 1502. The skill which he had
+acquired as subaltern soon raised him to the office of commissary-in-chief.
+He had eighty florins a month, and all his expences paid, together
+with a carriage and three horses; but his perquisites (it is easy to
+comprehend what they were) far exceeded his salary. In 1507 at
+Freiberg he gained two thousand florins in two days. If he discharged
+the functions, he had also the manners of a quack. Convicted of
+adultery and shameful misconduct at Inspruck, his vices had almost
+cost him his life. The Emperor Maximilian had ordered him to be put
+into a sack and thrown into the river; but the Elector Frederick
+happening to arrive, obtained his pardon.[296] The lesson which he
+thus received had not given him more modesty; for he had two of his
+children along with him.
+
+  [295] "Ingenio ferox, et corpore robustus." (Cochl. 5.) In mind
+  fierce, and in body robust.
+
+  [296] "Welchen Churfuerst Freiderich vom Sack, zu Inspruck erbeten
+  hatte." (Mathes. 10.)
+
+Miltitz, the pope's legate, mentions the fact in one of his
+letters.[297] It would have been difficult to find in all the
+cloisters of Germany a man better fitted for the traffic with which he
+was entrusted. To the theology of a monk, to the zeal and temper of an
+inquisitor, he united the greatest effrontery; but the thing which,
+above all, made the task easy to him, was his skill in inventing
+extraordinary stories to captivate the minds of the people. To him all
+means were good that filled his coffers. Raising his voice, and
+giving free vent to his vulgar eloquence, he offered his indulgences
+to every comer, and knew better than any dealer at a fair how to set
+off his merchandise.[298]
+
+  [297] Luth. Op. (W.) xv, 862.
+
+  [298] "Circumferuntur venales indulgentiae in his regionibus a Tecelio
+  Dominicano impudentissimo sycophanta." (Melancth. Vita Luth.)
+  Indulgences for sale are carried about by the Dominican Tezel, a most
+  impudent sycophant.
+
+After the cross was erected, and the arms of the pope suspended over
+it, Tezel mounted the pulpit, and with a tone of assurance began to
+extol the value of the indulgences in presence of the crowd who had
+been attracted to the church by the ceremony. The people listened and
+stared on hearing the wondrous virtues of which he told them. A Jesuit
+historian, speaking of the Dominicans with whom Tezel was associated,
+says, "Some of these preachers failed not, as usual, to outrage the
+subject which they treated, and so to exaggerate the value of the
+indulgences as to make people suppose they were certain of their own
+salvation, and of the deliverance of souls from purgatory as soon as
+the money was paid."[299] If such were the scholars, we may judge what
+the master was. Let us listen to one of his harangues after setting up
+the cross.
+
+  [299] Hist. du Lutheranisme par le P. Maimbourg, de la Compagnie du
+  Jesus, 1681, p. 21.
+
+"Indulgences are the most precious and most sublime gift of God.
+
+"This cross (pointing to the red cross) has the very same efficacy as
+the actual cross of Jesus Christ.[300]
+
+  [300] Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 1393.
+
+"Come, and I will give you letters under seal, by which even the sins
+which you may have a desire to commit in future will all be forgiven.
+
+"I would not exchange my privileges for that of St. Peter in heaven;
+for I have saved more souls by my indulgences than the apostle by his
+sermons.
+
+"There is no sin too great for an indulgence to remit; and even should
+any one (the thing, no doubt, is impossible) have done violence to the
+Holy Virgin Mary, mother of God, let him pay, let him only pay well,
+and it will be forgiven him.[301]
+
+  [301] Tezel defends and reiterates this assertion in his Anti-Theses
+  published the same year. (Th. 99, 100, and 101.) "Sub-commissariis in
+  super ac praedicatoribus veniarum imponere, ut si quis per impossibile
+  Dei Genitricem semper Virginem violasset, quod eumdem indulgentiarum
+  vigore absolvere possent, luce clarius est." (Positiones fratris J.
+  Tezelii quibus defendit indulgentias contra Lutherum.) Moreover, to
+  enjoin the sub-commissaries and preachers of pardon, that if any one
+  should, by impossibility, have violated the Mother of God, always
+  Virgin, they could absolve him in virtue of indulgences, is clearer
+  than day.
+
+"Think, then, that for each mortal sin you must, after confession and
+contrition, do penance for seven years, either in this life or in
+purgatory. Now, how many mortal sins are committed in one day, in one
+week? How many in a month, a year, a whole life?[302] Ah! these sins
+are almost innumerable, and innumerable sufferings must be endured for
+them in purgatory. And now, by means of these letters of indulgence,
+you can at once, for life, in all cases except four, which are
+reserved to the Apostolic See, and afterwards at the hour of death,
+obtain a full remission of all your pains and all your sins."
+
+  [302] "Quot peccata mortalia committuntur in die...." (Loescher's
+  Reformations, Acten i, p. 418.) How many mortal sins are committed in
+  a day?
+
+Tezel even made financial calculations on the subject.
+
+"Do you not know," said he, "that when a man proposes to go to Rome,
+or to any other country where travellers are exposed to danger, he
+sends his money to the bank, and for every five hundred florins that
+he means to have, gives five, or six at most, in order that, by means
+of letters from the bank, he may receive the money safely at Rome or
+elsewhere.... And, you, for the fourth of a florin, will not receive
+these letters of indulgence, by means of which you might introduce
+into the land of paradise, not worthless money, but a divine and
+immortal soul, without exposing it to the smallest risk."[303]
+
+  [303] "Si contingat aliquem ire Romam, vel ad alias periculosas
+  partes, mittit pecunias suas in banco, et ille pro quolibet centum dat
+  quinque aut sex aut decem...." (Ibid.)
+
+Tezel next passed to another subject.
+
+"But more than this," said he; "indulgences not only save the living:
+they also save the dead.
+
+"For this repentance is not even necessary.
+
+"Priest! noble! merchant! wife! young girls! young men! hear your
+departed parents and your other friends, crying to you from the bottom
+of the abyss, 'We are enduring horrible torments! A little alms would
+deliver us; you can give it, and yet will not!'"
+
+These words, uttered by the formidable voice of the charlatan monk,
+made his hearers shudder.
+
+"At the very instant," continued Tezel, "when the piece of money
+chinks on the bottom of the strong box, the soul comes out of
+purgatory, and, set free, flies upward into heaven."[304]
+
+  [304] Theses, 56. (Positiones fratris J. Tezelii quibus defendit
+  indulgentias contra Lutherum.)
+
+"O imbecile and brutish people, who perceive not the grace which is so
+richly offered to you!... Now heaven is everywhere open!... Do you
+refuse at this hour to enter? When, then, will you enter? Now you can
+ransom so many souls! Hard-hearted and thoughtless man, with twelve
+pence you can deliver your father out of purgatory, and you are
+ungrateful enough not to save him! I will be justified on the day of
+judgment, but you, you will be punished so much the more severely, for
+having neglected so great salvation. I declare to you, that though
+you had only a single coat, you would be bound to take it off and sell
+it, in order to obtain this grace.... The Lord our God is no longer
+God. He has committed all power to the pope."
+
+Then, trying to avail himself of other weapons still, he added, "Know
+you why our most holy Lord is distributing so great a grace? His
+object is to raise up the ruined church of St. Peter and St. Paul, so
+that it may not have its equal in the universe. That church contains
+the bodies of the holy apostles St. Peter and St. Paul, and of a
+multitude of martyrs. Owing to the actual state of the building, these
+holy bodies are now, alas! beaten, flooded, soiled, dishonoured, and
+reduced to rottenness, by the rain and the hail.... Ah! are these
+sacred ashes to remain longer in mud and disgrace?"[305]
+
+  [305] Instruction of the Archbishop of Mentz, etc.
+
+This picture failed not to make an impression on many who felt a
+burning desire to go to the help of poor Leo X, who had not wherewith
+to shelter the bodies of St. Peter and St. Paul from the rain.
+
+Then the orator opened on the arguers and traitors who opposed his
+work. "I declare them excommunicated," exclaimed he.
+
+Afterwards addressing docile souls, and making a profane use of
+Scripture, "Happy are the eyes which see what you see; for I tell you,
+that many prophets and many kings have desired to see the things which
+you see, and have not seen them; and to hear the things which you
+hear, and have not heard them." And at last, showing the strong box in
+which the money was received, he usually concluded his pathetic
+discourse with this triple appeal to the people, "Bring! bring!
+bring!" "These words," says Luther, "he uttered with such horrible
+bellowing, that one might have thought it was a mad bull making a rush
+at people, and striking them with his horns."[306] When his discourse
+was ended, he came down from the pulpit, ran towards the chest, and in
+presence of the people chucked a piece of money into it, taking care
+to make it give a very loud tinkle.[307]
+
+  [306] Resolut. on Theses, 32.
+
+  [307] Tenztel, Reformationsgesch; Myconii, Ref. Hist.; Instruction of
+  the Archbishop of Mentz, etc.; Luther's Theses.
+
+Such were the discourses which astonished Germany, heard in the days
+when God was preparing Luther.
+
+At the termination of the discourse, the indulgence was understood "to
+have established its throne in the place in due form." Confessionals
+were set up adorned with the pope's arms. The sub-commissaries, and
+the confessors whom they selected, were considered to represent the
+apostolical penitentiaries of Rome at the jubilee, and on each of
+these confessionals were posted, in large characters, their names,
+surnames, and designations.
+
+Then a crowd pressed forward to the confessor, each coming with a
+piece of money in his hand. Men, women, and children, the poor, even
+those who lived on alms, all found means of procuring money. The
+penitentiaries, after having anew explained the greatness of the
+indulgence to each individual, asked, "How much money can you afford
+to part with, in order to obtain so complete a forgiveness?" "This
+question," says the Instruction of the Archbishop of Mentz to the
+commissaries; "this question ought to be put at this moment, that the
+penitents may thereby be the better disposed to contribute."[308]
+
+  [308] Instruction, etc., 5, 69.
+
+Four valuable graces were promised to those who aided in building the
+basilisk of St. Peter. "The first grace which we announce to you,"
+said the commissaries, according to their Letter of Instruction, "is
+the complete pardon of all sins."[309] After this came three other
+graces,--_first_, the right of choosing a confessor, who, whenever the
+hour of death should seem to be at hand, would give absolution from
+all sins, and even from the greatest crimes reserved for the Apostolic
+See;[310] _second_, a participation in all the blessings, works, and
+merits of the Catholic Church, in prayers, fastings, alms, and
+pilgrimages; and, _third_, the redemption of the souls which are in
+purgatory.[311]
+
+  [309] Ibid., 19.
+
+  [310] Ibid., 30.
+
+  [311] Ibid., 35.
+
+To obtain the first of these graces, it was necessary to have
+contrition of heart and confession of the lips, or, at least, the
+intention of confessing. But for the three others, they could be
+obtained without contrition or confession, merely by paying. Previous
+to this, Christopher Columbus, extolling the value of gold, had said
+quite gravely, "He who possesses it may introduce souls into
+paradise." Such was the doctrine taught by the Archbishop-Cardinal of
+Mentz, and the commissaries of the pope. "As to those," said they,
+"who would deliver souls from purgatory, and procure for them pardon
+of all their offences, let them throw money into the chest. It is not
+necessary for them to have contrition of the heart or confession of
+the lips.[312] Let them only hasten with their money; for they will
+thus do a work most useful to the souls of the departed, and to the
+erection of the Church of St. Peter." Greater blessings could not be
+offered at a cheaper rate.
+
+  [312] "Auch ist nicht nothig dass sie in dem Herzen zerknirscht sind,
+  und mit dem Mund gebeichtet haben." (Ibid., 38.).
+
+When the confession was over, and it did not take long, the faithful
+hastened towards the seller. One only had charge of the sale, and kept
+his counter near the cross. He carefully eyed those who approached
+him, examining their air, bearing, and dress, and asked a sum
+proportioned to the appearance which each presented. Kings, queens,
+princes, archbishops, bishops, were, according to the regulation, to
+pay twenty-five ducats for an ordinary indulgence. Abbots, counts, and
+barons, paid ten. Others of the nobility, rectors, and all who had an
+income of five hundred florins, paid six. Those who had two hundred
+florins a-year paid one; others, only a half. Moreover, when the tax
+could not be followed to the letter, full powers were given to the
+commissary-apostolic, who was to arrange everything in accordance with
+the dictates of "sound reason," and the generosity of the donor.[313]
+For particular sins, Tezel had a particular tax. Polygamy paid six
+ducats; theft in a church, and perjury, nine ducats; murder, eight
+ducats; magic, two ducats. Samson, who carried on the same traffic in
+Switzerland as Tezel in Germany, had a somewhat different tax. For
+infanticide he charged four livres _tournois_; for parricide or
+fratricide, a ducat.[314]
+
+  [313] "Nach den Saetzen der gesunden vernunft, nach ihrer Magnificenz
+  und Freigebigkeit." (Instruction, etc., 26.)
+
+  [314] Mueller's Reliq., iii, p. 264.
+
+The apostolic commissaries sometimes encountered difficulties in
+carrying on their trade. It often happened, both in towns and
+villages, that husbands were opposed to the whole concern, and
+prohibited their wives from giving any thing to these merchants. What,
+then, were devout spouses to do? "Have you not your dowry, or some
+other property, at your own disposal?" asked the dealers. "In that
+case we may dispose of part for so sacred a purpose, even against the
+will of your husbands."[315]
+
+  [315] Instr. 27. "Wieder, den Willen ihres Mannes."
+
+The hand which had given the indulgence could not receive the money.
+This was prohibited under the severest penalties; for there might be
+good reason to suspect that that hand would not have been faithful.
+The penitent himself behoved to deposit the price of his pardon in the
+chest.[316] Angry looks were given to those who were audacious enough
+not to open their purses.[317]
+
+  [316] Ibid., 87, 90, et 91.
+
+  [317] Luth., Op. Leipz., xvii, 79.
+
+If among those who pressed forward to the confessionals, there
+happened to be any one whose crime was publicly known, though of a
+kind which the civil law could not reach, he behoved, first of all, to
+do public penance. For this purpose they first led him to a chapel or
+sacristy, where they stripped him of his clothes, and took off his
+shoes, leaving him nothing but his shirt. His arms were crossed upon
+his breast, a light placed in one hand, and a rod in the other. Then
+the penitent walked at the head of the procession which proceeded to
+the red cross. He remained on his knees till the chant and the collect
+was finished. Then the commissary gave out the Psalm, _Miserere mei_.
+The confessors immediately approached the penitent, and led him across
+the church towards the commissary, who, taking the rod from his hand,
+and gently striking him thrice on the back with it,[318] said to him,
+"The Lord have pity on thee, and forgive thy sin." He then gave out
+the _Kyrie Eleison_. The penitent was led back to the front of the
+cross, and the confessor gave him the apostolic absolution, and
+declared him restored to the company of the faithful. Sad mummery,
+concluded with a holy expression, which, at such a moment, was mere
+profanation!
+
+  [318] "Dreimal gelind auf den Ruecken." (Instruction.)
+
+It is worth while to know the contents of one of those diplomas of
+absolution which led to the Reformation of the Church. The following
+is a specimen:--"May our Lord Jesus Christ have pity on thee, N. N.,
+and absolve thee by the merit of his most holy passion. And I, in
+virtue of the apostolic power entrusted to me, absolve thee from all
+ecclesiastical censures, judgments, and penalties, which thou mayest
+have deserved; moreover, from all the excesses, sins, and crimes,
+which thou mayest have committed, how great and enormous soever they
+may have been, and for whatever cause, even should they have been
+reserved to our most holy Father the pope, and to the apostolic see. I
+efface all the marks of disability, and all the notes of infamy which
+thou mayest have incurred on this occasion. I remit the pains which
+thou shouldest have to endure in purgatory. I render thee anew a
+partaker in the sacraments of the church. I again incorporate thee
+into the communion of saints, and re-establish thee in the innocence
+and purity in which thou wert at the hour of thy baptism; so that, at
+the moment of thy death, the gate of entrance to the place of pains
+and torments will be shut to thee, and, on the contrary, the gate
+which leads to the heavenly paradise, will be opened to thee. If thou
+art not to die soon, this grace will remain unimpaired till thy last
+hour arrive. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
+Holy Spirit. Amen.
+
+"Friar John Tezel, commissary, has signed it with his own hand."
+
+How dexterously presumptuous and lying words are here intermingled
+with holy Christian expressions!
+
+All the faithful required to come and confess at the place where the
+red cross was erected. The only exceptions were the sick, the aged,
+and pregnant women. If, however, there happened to be in the
+neighbourhood some noble in his castle, or some great personage in his
+palace, there was an exemption for him;[319] for he might not care to
+mingle with the crowd, and his money was worth the going for.
+
+  [319] Instr. 9.
+
+If there happened to be a convent whose heads were opposed to the
+traffic of Tezel, and prohibited their monks from visiting the places
+where the indulgence had erected its throne, means were still found to
+remedy the evil by sending them confessors, who were commissioned to
+absolve them against the will of their order and the will of their
+heads.[320] There was not a vein in the mine, however small, which
+they did not find means of working.
+
+  [320] Ibid., 69.
+
+At length they arrived at the object and end of the whole affair, the
+summing up of the cash. For greater security, the strong box had three
+keys--one in the hands of Tezel, the second in those of the treasurer,
+appointed by the firm of Fugger of Augsburg, who had been appointed
+agents in this vast enterprise, while the third was entrusted to the
+civil authority. When the moment arrived, the counters were opened in
+the presence of a notary-public, and the whole was duly counted and
+recorded. Must not Christ arise and drive these profane sellers from
+the temple?
+
+The mission being closed, the dealers relaxed from their labours. It
+is true the instructions of the commissary-general forbade them to
+frequent taverns and suspicious places;[321] but they cared little for
+this prohibition. Sin must have appeared a very trivial matter to
+people who had such an easy trade in it. "The mendicants," says a
+Roman Catholic historian, "led a bad life, expending in taverns,
+gaming-houses, and places of infamy, what the people retrenched from
+their necessities."[322] It is even averred, that in taverns they
+sometimes played at dice for the salvation of souls.[323]
+
+  [321] Ibid., 4.
+
+  [322] Sarpi, Conc. di Trent, p. 5.
+
+  [323] Schroeck. K. G. v, d. R., i, 116.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+     The Franciscan Confessor--The Soul in the
+     Burying-Ground--The Shoemaker of Hagenau--The
+     Students--Myconius--Conversation with Tezel--Stratagem by a
+     Gentleman--Conversation of the Wise and of the People--A
+     Miner of Schneeberg.
+
+
+But let us look at some of the scenes which then took place in Germany
+during this sale of the pardon of sins; for we here meet with
+anecdotes which, by themselves alone, give a picture of the times. As
+we proceed with our narrative we deem it best to let men speak for
+themselves.
+
+At Magdebourg Tezel refused to absolve a wealthy female, unless she
+would pay him one hundred florins in advance. She consulted her
+ordinary confessor, who was a Franciscan. "God," replied he, "gives
+the remission of sins freely, and does not sell it." However, he
+begged her not to tell Tezel what advice he had given her. But the
+merchant having somehow or other heard of words so injurious to his
+interest, exclaimed, "Such an adviser deserves to be banished or
+burned."[324]
+
+  [324] Scultet. Annal. Evangel., p. 4.
+
+Tezel rarely found men enlightened enough, and still more rarely men
+bold enough, to resist him. For the most part he had a good market
+from the superstitious crowd. He had erected the red cross of
+indulgences at Zwickau, and the good parishioners had hastened to make
+the money which was to deliver them chink on the bottom of the chest.
+He was going away with a well-filled purse. The evening before his
+departure the chaplains and their attendants applied to him for a
+farewell entertainment. The request was reasonable; but how was it
+possible to comply with it? the money was already counted and sealed
+up. The next morning he orders the large bell to be rung. Crowds
+hastened to the church, every one thinking that something
+extraordinary must have happened, as the station was closed. "I had
+resolved," said he, "to depart this morning, but last night was awoke
+by groans. On listening I found they came from the burying-ground.
+Alas! it was a poor soul calling and entreating me instantly to
+deliver it from the torment by which it was consumed. I have,
+therefore, remained one day more, in order to stir up the compassion
+of Christian hearts in favour of this unhappy soul. I am willing
+myself to be the first to give, and whosoever does not follow my
+example will deserve damnation." What heart would not have responded
+to such an appeal? Who knew, moreover, whose soul it was that was
+crying in the burying-ground? The people contributed freely, and Tezel
+gave the chaplains and their attendants a jovial entertainment,
+defraying the expence by the offerings which he had received in favour
+of the soul of Zwickau.[325]
+
+  [325] Loscher's Ref. Acten, i, 404, Luth. Op. xv, 443, etc.
+
+The indulgence merchants had fixed their station at Hagenau in 1517. A
+shoemaker's wife, taking advantage of the authority of the instruction
+of the commissary-general, had, contrary to the will of her husband,
+procured a letter of indulgence, and paid a gold florin for it. She
+died shortly after. The husband not having caused mass to be said for
+the repose of her soul, the curate charged him with contempt of
+religion, and the judge of Hagenau summoned him to appear. The
+shoemaker put his wife's indulgence in his pocket and repaired to the
+court. "Is your wife dead?" asked the judge. "Yes," replied he. "What
+have you done for her?" "I have buried her body, and commended her
+soul to God." "But have you caused a mass to be said for the salvation
+of her soul?" I have not; it was unnecessary. She entered heaven the
+moment of her death." "How do you know that?" "Here is the proof." So
+saying, he takes the indulgence out of his pocket, and the judge, in
+presence of the curate, reads in as many words that the woman who
+received it would not enter purgatory, but go straight to heaven. "If
+the reverend curate maintains that a mass is still necessary, my wife
+has been cheated by our most holy father the pope. If she was not
+cheated, then it is the reverend curate who is cheating me." This was
+unanswerable, and the accused was acquitted. Thus the good sense of
+the people did justice to these pious frauds.[326]
+
+  [326] Musculi Loci Communes, p. 362.
+
+One day when Tezel was preaching at Leipsic, and introducing into his
+sermons some of those stories of which we have given a sample, two
+students feeling quite indignant, rose up and left the church,
+exclaiming, "It is impossible for us to listen longer to the
+drolleries and puerilities of this monk."[327] One of them, it is
+said, was young Camerarius, afterwards the intimate friend of
+Melancthon, and his biographer.
+
+  [327] Hoffman's Reformationsgesch, v, Leipz., p. 32.
+
+But of all the young men of the period, he on whom Tezel made the
+strongest impression unquestionably was Myconius, afterwards
+celebrated as a Reformer, and historian of the Reformation. He had
+received a Christian education. His father, a pious man of Franconia,
+was wont to say to him, "My son, pray frequently, for all things are
+freely given to us by God alone. The blood of Christ," added he, "is
+the only ransom for the sins of the whole world. O, my son! were there
+only three men that could be saved by the blood of Christ, believe,
+and believe with confidence, that thou art one of the three. It is an
+insult to the blood of the Saviour to doubt if it saves."[328] Then
+cautioning his son against the traffic which was beginning to be
+established in Germany--"The Roman indulgences," said he to him, "are
+nets which fish for money, and deceive the simple. The forgiveness of
+sins and of eternal life are not things for sale."
+
+  [328] "Si tantum tres homines essent salvandi per sanguinem Christi,
+  certo statueret unum se esse ex tribus illis." (Melch. Adam. Vita
+  Mycon.)
+
+At the age of thirteen Frederick Myconius was sent to the school of
+Annaberg to finish his studies. Shortly after, Tezel arrived in the
+town, and remained in it for two years. The people flocked in crowds
+to his sermon. "There is no other method," exclaimed Tezel in his
+voice of thunder; "there is no other method of obtaining eternal life
+than the satisfaction of works; but this satisfaction is impossible
+for man, and, therefore, all he can do is to purchase it from the
+Roman pontiff."[329] When Tezel was about to quit Annaberg, his
+addresses became more urgent. "Soon," exclaimed he, in a threatening
+tone, "soon will I take down the cross, shut the gate of heaven,[330]
+and quench the lustre of that sun of grace which is now shining in
+your eyes." Then resuming the gentle accent of persuasion, "Now," said
+he, "is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation." Then raising
+his voice anew, the pontifical Stentor,[331] who was addressing the
+inhabitants of a rich mineral district, loudly exclaimed, "Bring your
+money, burghers of Annaberg, contribute largely in behalf of the
+indulgences, and your mines and your mountains will be filled with
+pure silver." In conclusion, he declared that at Pentecost he would
+distribute his letters to the poor gratuitously, and for the love of
+God.
+
+  [329] "Si nummis redimatur a pontifice Romano." (Melch. Adam.)
+
+  [330] Clausurum januam coeli." (Ibid.)
+
+  [331] "Stentor pontificius." (Ibid.)
+
+Young Myconius being among the number of Tezel's hearers, felt an
+eager desire to avail himself of this offer. Going up to the
+commissaries, he said to them in Latin, "I am a poor sinner, and need
+a gratuitous pardon!" The merchants replied, "Those alone can have
+part in the merits of Jesus Christ who lend a helping hand to the
+Church, in other words, who give money." "What is the meaning then,"
+said Myconius, "of those promises of free gift, which are posted up on
+the walls and doors of the churches?" "Give at least a shilling," said
+Tezel's people who had gone to their master, and interceded with him
+for the young man, but without effect. "I am not able." "Only
+Sixpence." "I have not even so much." The dominicans then began to
+fear that he wished to entrap them. "Listen," said they to him, "we
+will make you a present of the sixpence." The young man, raising his
+voice in indignation, answered, "I want no indulgences that are
+purchased. If I wished to purchase, I would only have to sell one of
+my school-books. I want a free pardon, given purely for the love of
+God, and you will have to give account to God for having allowed the
+salvation of a soul to be lost for a sixpence." "Who sent you to
+entrap us?" exclaimed the merchants. "Nothing but the desire of
+receiving the grace of God could have tempted me to appear before such
+mighty lords," replied the young man, and withdrew.
+
+"I was much grieved," said he, "at being sent thus pitilessly away;
+but I still felt within myself a Comforter, who told me that there was
+a God in heaven, who, without money and without price, pardons
+repenting sinners for the love of his Son Jesus Christ. As I was
+taking leave of those people, I melted into tears, and, sobbing,
+prayed, 'O God! since these men have refused me the forgiveness of my
+sins, because I had no money to pay for it, do thou, O Lord, have pity
+on me, and forgive my sins in pure mercy!' I went to my lodging, and
+taking up my crucifix, which was lying on my desk, laid it on my
+chair, and prostrated myself before it. I cannot describe what I felt.
+I asked God to be my Father, and to do with me whatsoever he pleased.
+I felt my nature changed, converted, and transformed. What formerly
+delighted me now excited my disgust. To live with God, and please him,
+was my strongest, my only desire."[332] Thus Tezel himself contributed
+to the Reformation. By crying abuses he paved the way for a purer
+doctrine, and the indignation which he excited in a generous youth was
+one day to break forth mightily. We may judge of this by the following
+anecdote.
+
+  [332] Letter of Myconius to Eberus in Hechtii Vita Tezelii. Wittemb.,
+  p. 114.
+
+A Saxon gentleman, who had heard Tezel at Leipsic, felt his
+indignation aroused by his falsehoods, and going up to the monk, asked
+him whether he had power to pardon the sins which were intended to be
+committed? "Assuredly," replied Tezel. "I have full power from the
+pope to do so." "Well then," resumed the knight, "there is one of my
+enemies on whom I should like to take a slight revenge without doing
+him any deadly injury, and I will give you ten crowns in return for a
+letter of indulgence, which will completely acquit me." Tezel made
+some objections; at last, however, they came to an agreement for
+thirty crowns. Soon after the monk quits Leipsic. The gentleman
+accompanied by his servants, waited for him in a wood between
+Jueterboch and Treblin, and rushing out upon him, and giving him some
+blows with a stick, carried off the rich indulgence chest, which the
+inquisitor had with him. Tezel cries out robbery, and carries his
+complaint before the judges, but the gentleman shows the letter with
+Tezel's own signature, exempting him beforehand from all punishment.
+Duke George, who had at first been very angry, on seeing the document
+ordered the accused to be acquitted.[333]
+
+  [333] Albinus Meissn. Chronick. L. W. (W.) xv, 446, etc., Hechtius in
+  Vita Tezelii.
+
+This traffic everywhere occupied men's thoughts, and was everywhere
+talked of. It was the subject of conversation in castles, in
+academies, and at the firesides of the citizens, as well as in inns
+and taverns, and all places of public resort.[334] Opinions were
+divided, some believing, and others expressing indignation. The
+sensible portion of the community rejected the whole system of
+indulgences with disgust. It was so contrary to Scripture and to
+morality, that all who had any knowledge of the Bible, or any natural
+light, condemned it in their hearts, and only waited for a signal to
+declare their opposition to it. On the other hand, scoffers found
+ample materials for raillery. The people, who had for many years been
+irritated by the misconduct of the priests, and whom nothing but the
+fear of punishment induced to keep up a certain show of respect, gave
+free vent to their hatred. Complaints and sarcasms were everywhere
+heard on the avarice of the clergy.
+
+  [334] Luth. Op. (Leips.) xvii, pp. 111 et 116.
+
+Nor did they stop here. They even attacked the power of the keys, and
+the authority of the sovereign pontiff. "Why," said they, "does not
+the pope deliver all souls from purgatory at once from a holy charity,
+and in consideration of the sad misery of these souls, seeing he
+delivers so great a number for the love of perishable money, and of
+the cathedral of St. Peter? Why do feasts and anniversaries of the
+dead continue to be celebrated? Why does not the pope restore or allow
+others to resume the benefices and prebends which have been founded in
+favour of the dead, since it is now useless, and even reprehensible,
+to pray for those whom indulgences have for ever delivered?" "What
+kind of new holiness in God and the pope is this--from a love of money
+to enable a wicked profane man to deliver a pious soul beloved of the
+Lord from purgatory, rather than deliver it themselves gratuitously
+from love, and because of its great wretchedness."[335]
+
+  [335] Luther's Theses on Indulgences, (Th. 82, 83, et 84.)
+
+The gross and immoral conduct of the traffickers in indulgences was
+much talked of. "In paying carriers for transporting them with their
+goods, the innkeepers with whom they lodge, or any one who does any
+piece of work for them, they give a letter of indulgence for four,
+five, or any number of souls, as the case may be." In this way, the
+diplomas of salvation were current in inns and in markets like bank
+bills or paper money. "Bring! Bring!" said the common people, "is the
+head, the belly, the tail, and the whole body of the sermon."[336]
+
+  [336] Luth. Op. (Leips.) xvi, 79.
+
+A miner of Schneeberg, meeting a seller of indulgences, asked, "Must
+we indeed give credit to what you have often said of the power of the
+indulgence, and of the authority of the pope, and believe it possible,
+by throwing a penny into the box, to ransom a soul from purgatory?"
+The merchant assured him it was true. "Ah!" resumed the miner, "what
+an unmerciful man the pope must be, for a paltry penny to leave a
+miserable soul so long crying in the flames. If he has no ready money,
+let him borrow some hundred thousand crowns, and deliver all these
+people at once. We poor folks will willingly pay him both the interest
+and the capital." Thus Germany was weary of the shameful traffic which
+was going on in the midst of her, and could no longer tolerate the
+impostures of these master-swindlers of Rome, as Luther calls
+them.[337] Yet no bishop, no theologian, durst oppose their quackery
+and their fraud. The minds of men were in suspense, and asked whether
+God would not raise up some mighty man for the work which required to
+be done? This man nowhere appeared.
+
+  [337] "Fessi erant Germani omnes, ferendis explicationibus,
+  nundinationibus, et infinitis imposturis Romanensium nebulonum."
+  (Luth. Op. Lat. in Praef.) All the Germans were weary with the
+  windings, traffickings, and endless impostures of Roman spendthrifts.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+     Leo X--Necessities of the Pope--Albert--His
+     Character--Favours the Indulgences--The Franciscans and the
+     Dominicans.
+
+
+The pope then on the pontifical throne was not a Borgia but Leo X, of
+the illustrious house of Medici. He was able, frank, kind, and gentle.
+His address was affable, his liberality without bounds, and his
+morals, superior to those of his court. Cardinal Pallavicini, however,
+acknowledges that they were not altogether irreproachable. To this
+amiable character he joined several of the qualities of a great
+prince. He showed himself friendly to science and art. The first
+Italian comedies were represented in his presence; and there are few
+of his day which he did not see performed. He was passionately fond of
+music. Musical instruments resounded every day in his palace; and he
+was often heard humming the airs which had been performed before him.
+He was fond of magnificence, and spared nothing when fetes, games,
+theatricals, presents or rewards, were in question. No court
+surpassed that of the sovereign pontiff in splendour and gayety.
+Accordingly, when it was learned that Julian Medicis was proposing to
+reside at Rome with his young bride, "God be praised," exclaimed
+Cardinal Bibliena, the most influential counsellor of Leo X, "the only
+thing we wanted was a female court."[338] A female court was necessary
+to complete the court of the pope. To religious sentiment Leo was
+completely a stranger. "His manners were so pleasing," says Sarpi,
+"that he would have been perfect if he had had some acquaintance with
+religious matters, and been somewhat more inclined to piety, which
+seldom, if ever, gave him any concern."[339]
+
+  [338] Ranke, Roemische Paebste, i, 71.
+
+  [339] Council of Trent, p. 4. Pallavicini, while pretending to refute
+  Sarpi, confirms, and even heightens his testimony. "Suo plane officio
+  defuit, (Leo) ... venationes, facetias, pompas adeo frequentes." ...
+  (Conc. Trid. Hist. i, pp. 8, 9.) Leo was plainly wanting to his duty,
+  so frequent were his shows his amusements, and hunting parties.
+
+Leo was greatly in want of money. He had to provide for his immense
+expenditure, supply all his liberalities, fill the purse of gold which
+he daily threw to the people, keep up the licentious exhibitions of
+the Vatican, satisfy the numerous demands of his relations and
+voluptuous courtiers, give a dowry to his sister, who had been married
+to Prince Cibo, a natural son of Pope Innocent VIII, and meet the
+expenditure occasioned by his taste for literature, arts, and
+pleasure. His cousin, Cardinal Pucci, as skilful in the art of
+hoarding as Leo in that of lavishing, advised him to have recourse to
+indulgences. Accordingly, the pope published a bull, announcing a
+general indulgence, the proceeds of which were, he said, to be
+employed in the erection of the church of St. Peter, that monument of
+sacerdotal magnificence. In a letter, dated at Rome, under the seal of
+the Fisherman, in November, 1517, Leo applies to his commissary of
+indulgences for one hundred and forty-seven gold ducats, to pay a
+manuscript of the thirty-third book of Livy. Of all the uses to which
+he put the money of the Germans, this was, doubtless, the best. Still
+it was strange to deliver souls from purgatory in order to purchase a
+manuscript history of the wars of the Roman people.
+
+There was at this time in Germany a young prince who might be regarded
+as in many respects a living image of Leo X. This was Albert, a
+younger brother of the elector, Joachim of Brandenburg. At twenty-four
+years of age he had been appointed Archbishop and Elector of Mentz and
+of Magdeburg, and two years after made a cardinal. Albert had neither
+the virtues nor the vices which are often met with in the high
+dignitaries of the church. Young, fickle, worldly, but not without
+some generous feelings, he was perfectly aware of many of the abuses
+of Catholicism, and cared little for the fanatical monks by whom he
+was surrounded. His equity disposed him, in part at least, to
+acknowledge the justice of what the friends of the gospel demanded. In
+his secret heart he was not much opposed to Luther. Capito, one of the
+most distinguished Reformers, was long his chaplain, counsellor, and
+confidant. Albert regularly attended his sermons. "He did not despise
+the gospel," says Capito; "on the contrary, he highly esteemed it, and
+for a long time would not allow the monks to attack Luther." But he
+would have liked Luther not to compromise him, and to take good care
+while exposing the doctrinal errors and vices of the inferior clergy,
+not to disclose the faults of bishops and princes. In particular, he
+was most anxious that his name should not be mixed up with the affair.
+His confidant, Capito, who had imposed upon himself, as men often do
+in situations similar to his, thus addressed Luther: "Look to the
+example of Jesus Christ and the apostles; they rebuked the Pharisees
+and the incestuous man of Corinth, but they never expressly named
+them. You know not what is passing in the hearts of the bishops; and,
+perhaps, there is more good in them than you suppose." But the fickle
+and profane spirit of Albert, still more than the susceptibilities and
+fears of his self-love, estranged him from the Reformation. Affable,
+clever, handsome, extravagant, and wasteful, delighting in the
+pleasures of the table, in rich equipages, splendid buildings,
+licentious pleasures, and literary society, this young Archbishop-Elector
+was in Germany what Leo X was at Rome. His court was one of the most
+magnificent in the empire, and he was prepared to sacrifice to
+pleasure and grandeur all the sentiments of truth which, perhaps,
+might have insinuated themselves into his heart. Nevertheless, his
+better convictions continued even to the last to exercise some degree
+of influence over him, and he repeatedly gave indications of
+moderation and equity.
+
+Albert, like Leo, was in want of money. The Fuggers, rich merchants in
+Augsburg, had made him advances which he behoved to repay, and hence,
+though he had managed to secure two archbishoprics and a bishopric, he
+was unable to pay Rome for his Pallium. This ornament of white wool,
+bespangled with black crosses and blessed by the pope, who sent it to
+the archbishops as a token of their dignity, cost them twenty-six, or,
+some say, thirty thousand florins. In order to obtain money, Albert,
+naturally enough, bethought himself of having recourse to the same
+methods as the pope. He accordingly applied to him for the general
+farming of the indulgences, or, as they expressed it at Rome, "of the
+sins of the Germans."
+
+The popes sometimes kept the indulgences in their own hands, and at
+other times farmed them out, in the same way as some governments still
+do gaming-houses. Albert made an offer to Leo to share the profit with
+him, and Leo, in agreeing to the bargain, stipulated for immediate
+payment of the Pallium. Albert had been counting on paying it out of
+the indulgences, and therefore applied anew to the Fuggers, who,
+thinking the security good, agreed, on certain conditions, to make the
+advance required, and were appointed bankers to the concern. They were
+the bankers of the princes of this period, and were afterwards made
+counts in return for the services which they had rendered.
+
+The pope and the archbishop having thus, by anticipation, shared in
+the spoils of the good souls of Germany, the next matter was to select
+the persons who were to carry the affair into effect. It was first
+offered to the Franciscan order, whose guardian was conjoined with
+Albert. But, as it was already in bad odour with honest people, these
+monks were not anxious to have anything to do with it. The Augustins,
+who were more enlightened than the other religious orders, would have
+been less inclined to undertake it. The Franciscans, however, being
+afraid of offending the pope, who had just sent their chief, De,
+Forli, a cardinal's hat, a hat which had cost this poor mendicant
+order thirty thousand florins, the guardian deemed it more prudent not
+to refuse openly, but, at the same time, threw all sorts of
+difficulties in Albert's way. They could never understand each other,
+and, accordingly, when the proposal was made to the Elector to
+undertake the whole charge, he eagerly closed with it. The Dominicans,
+on the other hand, longed for a share in the general collection which
+was about to commence. Tezel, who was already famous in the trade,
+hastened to Mentz to offer his services to the Elector. In
+consideration of the talent which he had displayed in publishing the
+indulgences for the knights of the Teutonic order of Prussia and
+Livonia, his proposals were accepted, and in this way, the whole
+traffic passed into the hands of his order.[340]
+
+  [340] Seckendorf, 42.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+     Tezel approaches--Luther at the Confessional--Tezel's
+     Rage--Luther without a Plan--Jealousy among the
+     Orders--Luther's Discourse--The Elector's Dream.
+
+
+In so far as we know, Luther heard of Tezel, for the first time, at
+Grimma, in 1516, when he was on the eve of beginning his visit to the
+churches. While Staupitz was still with Luther, it was told him that
+an indulgence merchant was making a great noise at Vuerzen. Even some
+of his extravagant sayings were quoted. Luther's indignation was
+roused, and he exclaimed, "Please God, I'll make a hole in his
+drum."[341]
+
+  [341] Lingke, Reisegesch. Luther's, p. 27.
+
+Tezel, on his return from Berlin, where he had met with a most
+friendly reception from the elector Joachim, brother of the
+farmer-general, took up his head-quarters at Juterboch. Staupitz,
+availing himself of his influence with the elector Frederick, had
+often represented to him the abuses of the indulgences, and the
+scandalous proceedings of the mendicants,[342] and the princes of
+Saxony feeling indignant at the shameful traffic, had forbidden the
+merchant to enter their territory. He was, accordingly, obliged to
+remain on those of the Archbishop of Magdeburg, but at the same time
+came as near to Saxony as he could, Juterboch being only four miles
+from Wittemberg. "This great thresher of purses," says Luther, "set
+about threshing[343] the country in grand style, so that the money
+began to leap, tumble, and tinkle, in his chest." The people of
+Wittemberg went in crowds to the indulgence market of Juterboch.
+
+  [342] "Instillans ejus pectori frequentes indulgentiarum abusus."
+  (Coch. 4.) Impressing him with the frequent abuse of indulgences.
+
+  [343] In German, to thrash like grain, dreschen. (Luth. Op. xvii.)
+
+At this period Luther had the highest respect for the church and for
+the pope. "I was then," said he, "a monk, a most bigoted Papist, so
+intoxicated and imbued with the doctrines of Rome, that if I had been
+able I would willingly have lent a hand in killing any one audacious
+enough to refuse obedience to the pope in the minutest matter.[344] I
+was a real Saul, as many still are." But, at the same time, his heart
+was ready to declare in favour of all that he believed to be truth,
+and against all that he believed to be error. "I was a young doctor
+just of the irons, ardent and rejoicing in the word of the Lord."[345]
+
+  [344] In Praef. Op. (Witt. i.) "Monachum, et Papistam insanissimum, ita
+  ebrium, imo submersum in dogmatibus papae," etc.
+
+  [345] Luth. Op. (W.) xxii.
+
+One day when Luther had taken his seat in the confessional at
+Wittemberg, several citizens of the town came before him, and one
+after another confessed the grossest immoralities. Adultery,
+libertinism, usury, ill-gotten wealth, were the crimes with which the
+minister of the word was entertained by persons of whose souls he was
+one day to give account. He rebukes, corrects, and instructs them; but
+what is his astonishment when these people tell him that they don't
+choose to abandon their sins?... Quite amazed, the pious monk
+declares, that since they refuse to promise amendment, he cannot give
+them absolution. The wretched creatures then appealed to their letters
+of indulgence, exhibiting them and extolling their virtues. But Luther
+replied, that he cared little for the paper which they had shown him,
+and added, _unless you repent_, _you will all perish_. They made an
+outcry, and expostulated, but the doctor was immovable; "they must
+cease to do evil, and learn to do well, ... otherwise no absolution."
+"Beware," added he, "of lending an ear to the harangues of the venders
+of indulgences; you might be better employed than in buying those
+licences which are sold you for the most paltry sum."[346]
+
+  [346] "Coepi dissuadere populis et eos dehortari ne indulgentiariorum
+  clamoribus aurem praeberent, ..." (Luth Op. Lat. in Praef.)
+
+Much alarmed, these inhabitants of Wittemberg hastened back to Tezel
+to tell him how his letters were disregarded by an Augustin monk.
+Tezel, on hearing this, became red with fury, crying, and stamping,
+and cursing in the pulpit.[347] To strike a deeper terror into the
+people, he repeatedly kindled a fire in the market-place, declaring he
+had received orders from the pope to burn all heretics who should dare
+to oppose his holy indulgences.
+
+  [347] "Wuetet, schilt und maledeit graeulich auf dem Predigtstuhl."
+  (Myconius, Reformationsgesch.)
+
+Such is the circumstance, which was not the cause, but the first
+occasion of the Reformation. A pastor seeing the sheep of his flock in
+a path which must lead them to destruction, makes an effort to deliver
+them. As yet, he has no thought of reforming the church and the world.
+He has seen Rome and its corruptions, but he declares not against
+Rome. He perceives some of the abuses under which Christianity is
+groaning, but has no thought of correcting these abuses. He has no
+desire to become Reformer.[348] He has no plan for the reformation of
+the Church any more than he had had one for himself. God intends
+reform, and for reform selects Luther. The same remedy which had
+proved so powerful in curing his own wretchedness, the hand of God
+will employ by him to cure the miseries of Christendom. He remains
+quiet in the sphere which is assigned to him, walking merely where his
+Master calls him, and fulfilling his duties as professor, preacher,
+and pastor, at Wittemberg. While seated in the church, his hearers
+come and open their hearts to him. Evil makes an assault upon him, and
+error seeks him out, of her own accord. He is interfered with in the
+discharge of his duty, and his conscience, which is bound to the word
+of God, resists. Is it not God that calls him? To resist is a duty,
+and being a duty, is also a right. He has no alternative but to speak.
+In this way were events ordered by that God who was pleased, says
+Mathesius, "to restore Christendom by means of the son of a forge
+master, and to purify the impure doctrine of the church, by making it
+pass through his furnaces.[349]
+
+  [348] "Haec initia fuerunt hujus controversiae in qua Lutherus nihil
+  adhuc suspicans aut somnians de futura mutatione rituum." (Melancth.
+  Vita Luth.) Such was the beginning of this controversy in which Luther
+  was not yet thinking or dreaming of a future change of ritual.
+
+  [349] "Die verseurte Lehr durch den ofen gehen," (p. 10.)
+
+Having given this detail, it must be unnecessary to refute a false
+imputation invented by some of Luther's enemies, but not till after
+his death. Jealousy for his order, it has been said, grief at seeing a
+shameful and condemned traffic entrusted to the Dominicans in
+preference to the Augustins, who had hitherto enjoyed it, led the
+doctor of Wittemberg to attack Tezel and his doctrines. The well known
+fact that this traffic was first offered to the Augustins, who refused
+it, is sufficient to refute this fable, which has been repeated by
+writers who have copied each other; even Cardinal Pallavicini states
+that the Augustins never had discharged this office.[350] Besides, we
+have seen the travail of Luther's soul. His conduct needs no other
+explanation. It was impossible for him not to make open profession of
+the doctrine to which he owed his happiness. In Christianity, every
+man who finds a blessing longs to make others partakers in it. In our
+day it is time to abandon those puerile explanations which are
+unworthy of the great revolution of the sixteenth century. To lift a
+world, a more powerful lever was required. The Reformation existed not
+in Luther only; it was the offspring of his age.
+
+  [350] "Falsum est consuevisse hoc munus injungi Ermitanis S.
+  Augustini."... (p. 14.) It is not true that this office was wont to be
+  assigned to the Eremites of St. Augustine.
+
+Luther impelled equally by obedience to the truth of God, and by
+charity towards men, mounted the pulpit. He forewarned his hearers;
+but, as he himself says, he did it gently.[351] His prince had
+obtained particular indulgences from the pope for the church of the
+castle of Wittemberg, and it was possible that some of the blows which
+he was going to level at the indulgences in question might fall on
+those of the Elector. No matter; he will run the risk. If he sought to
+please men, he would not be the servant of Christ.
+
+  [351] Saeuberlich.
+
+"No man can prove by Scripture," says the faithful minister of the
+Word to the people of Wittemberg, "that the justice of God exacts a
+penalty or satisfaction from the sinner; the only duty which it
+imposes upon him is true repentance, sincere conversion, a resolution
+to bear the cross of Jesus Christ, and to be diligent in good works.
+It is a great error to think we can ourselves satisfy the justice of
+God for our sins. He always pardons them gratuitously by his
+inestimable grace.
+
+"The Christian Church, it is true, requires something from the sinner,
+and consequently has the power of remitting what she so requires, but
+that is all. Even these indulgences of the Church are tolerated, only
+on account of indolent and imperfect Christians, who will not
+zealously exercise themselves in good works. For they stimulate none
+to sanctification, but leave all in imperfection."
+
+Then adverting to the pretext under which the indulgences were
+published, he continues:--"It would be much better to contribute to
+the erection of St. Peter's church from love to God, than to purchase
+indulgences in this view.... But you ask, Are we then never to
+purchase them? I have already said, and I repeat it; my advice is,
+Don't purchase. Leave them to sleepy Christians, but do you walk apart
+in your own path. The faithful must be diverted from indulgences, and
+urged to do the works which they neglect."
+
+At last, glancing at his adversaries, Luther concludes thus:--"If some
+cry out that I am a heretic, (for the truth which I preach is very
+hurtful to their strong box,) their clamour gives me little concern.
+They are dull and sickly brains, men who never felt the Bible, never
+read Christian doctrine, never comprehended their own teachers, and
+who turn to rottenness, wrapped up in the tatters of their vain
+opinions,[352] ... God grant them and us a sound mind. Amen." After
+these words, the doctor descended from the pulpit, leaving his hearers
+in astonishment at his bold language.
+
+  [352] "Sondern in ihren loecherichen, und zerrissenen opinien, viel
+  nahe verwessen." (Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 119.)
+
+This sermon was printed, and made a deep impression on all who read
+it. Tezel answered it, and Luther replied; but these discussions did
+not take place till a later period, (1518).
+
+The feast of All Saints drew near. The chronicles of that day here
+relate a circumstance, which, though not important to the history of
+the period, may, however, serve to characterise it. It is a dream of
+the Elector, which in substance is unquestionably authentic, though
+several circumstances may have been added by those who have related
+it. It is mentioned by Seckendorf,[353] who observes, that the fear of
+giving their adversaries ground to say that the doctrine of Luther was
+founded upon dreams, has perhaps prevented several historians from
+speaking of it.
+
+  [353] It occurs also in Loescher, i, 46, etc.; Teuzel's Anfund Fortg.
+  der Ref.; Juenker's Ehrenged, p. 148; Lehmann's Beschr. d. Meissn.
+  Erzgeb., etc., and in a manuscript of the Archives of Weimar, taken
+  down from the statement of Spalatin. Our account of the dream is
+  conformable to this manuscript, which was republished at the last
+  jubilee of the Reformation, (1817).
+
+The Elector Frederick of Saxony, say the chronicles of the time, was
+at his castle of Schweinitz, six leagues from Wittemberg. On the
+morning of the 31st October, being in company with his brother Duke
+John, who was then co-regent, and became sole elector after his death,
+and with his chancellor, the Elector said to the Duke,
+
+"Brother, I must tell you a dream which I had last night, and the
+meaning of which I should like much to know. It is so deeply impressed
+on my mind, that I will never forget it, were I to live a thousand
+years. For I dreamed it thrice, and each time with new circumstances."
+
+_Duke John._--"Is it a good or a bad dream?"
+
+_The Elector._--"I know not; God knows."
+
+_Duke John._--"Don't be uneasy at it; but be so good as tell it to
+me."
+
+_The Elector._--"Having gone to bed last night, fatigued and out of
+spirits, I fell asleep shortly after my prayer, and slept quietly for
+about two hours and a half; I then awoke, and continued awake till
+midnight, all sorts of thoughts passing through my mind. Among other
+things, I thought how I was to observe the feast of All Saints. I
+prayed for the poor souls in purgatory, and supplicated God to guide
+me, my counsels, and my people, according to truth. I again fell
+asleep, and then dreamed that Almighty God sent me a monk, who was a
+true son of the Apostle Paul. All the saints accompanied him by order
+of God, in order to bear testimony before me, and to declare that he
+did not come to contrive any plot, but that all that he did was
+according to the will of God. They asked me to have the goodness
+graciously to permit him to write something on the door of the church
+of the castle of Wittemberg. This I granted through my chancellor.
+Thereupon the monk went to the church, and began to write in such
+large characters, that I could read the writing at Schweinitz. The pen
+which he used was so large that its end reached as far as Rome, where
+it pierced the ears of a lion that was couching there,[354] and caused
+the triple crown upon the head of the pope to shake. All the
+cardinals and princes running hastily up, tried to prevent it from
+falling. You and I, brother, wished also to assist, and I stretched
+out my arm ... but at this moment I awoke, with my arm in the air,
+quite amazed, and very much enraged at the monk for not managing his
+pen better. I recollected myself a little: it was only a dream.
+
+  [354] Leo X.
+
+"I was still half asleep, and once more closed my eyes. The dream
+returned. The lion, still annoyed by the pen, began to roar with all
+his might, so much so that the whole city of Rome and all the states
+of the holy empire, ran to see what the matter was. The pope requested
+them to oppose this monk, and applied particularly to me, on account
+of his being in my country. I again awoke, repeated the Lord's Prayer,
+entreated God to preserve his Holiness, and once more fell asleep.
+
+"Then I dreamed that all the princes of the empire, and we among them,
+hastened to Rome, and strove one after another to break the pen; but
+the more we tried the stiffer it became, sounding as if it had been
+made of iron. We at length desisted. I then asked the monk (for I was
+sometimes at Rome and sometimes at Wittemberg) where he got this pen,
+and why it was so strong. 'The pen,' replied he, 'belonged to an old
+goose of Bohemia, a hundred years old.[355] I got it from one of my
+old school-masters. As to its strength, it is owing to the
+impossibility of depriving it of its pith or marrow, and I am quite
+astonished at it myself.' Suddenly I heard a loud noise; a large
+number of other pens had sprung out of the long pen of the monk.... I
+awoke a third time; it was daylight...."
+
+  [355] John Huss. This circumstance may perhaps have been afterwards
+added in allusion to the saying of John Huss, which we have quoted.
+See the First Book.
+
+_Duke John._--"Chancellor, what is your opinion? Would we had a Joseph
+or a Daniel enlightened by God!"
+
+_Chancellor._--"Your Highnesses know the common proverb, that the
+dreams of young girls, learned men, and great lords, have usually some
+hidden meaning. The meaning of this dream, however, we will not be
+able to know for some time; not till the things to which it relates
+have taken place. Wherefore, leave the accomplishment to God, and
+place it wholly in his hand."
+
+_Duke John._--"I am of your opinion, Chancellor; 'tis not fit for us
+to annoy ourselves in attempting to discover the meaning; the God will
+overrule all for his glory."
+
+_Elector._--"May our faithful God do so; yet I will never forget this
+dream. I have indeed thought of an interpretation, but I keep it to
+myself. Time, perhaps, will show if I have been a good diviner."
+
+Thus, according to the manuscript of Weimar, the morning of 31st of
+October was spent at Schweinitz. Let us see how the evening was spent
+at Wittemberg. We again return to the province of History.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+     Feast of All Saints--The Theses--Their
+     Force--Moderation--Providence--Letter to
+     Albert--Indifference of the Bishops--Dissemination of the
+     Theses.
+
+
+The words of Luther had produced little effect. Tezel, without
+troubling himself, continued his traffic and his impious
+harangues.[356] Will Luther submit to these crying abuses, and keep
+silence? As a pastor, he has earnestly exhorted those who have had
+recourse to his ministry, and, as a preacher, he has lifted his
+warning voice in the pulpit. It still remains for him to speak as a
+theologian--to address, not individuals in the confessional, not the
+assembly of the faithful in the church of Wittemberg, but all who,
+like himself, are teachers of the word of God. His resolution is
+taken.
+
+  [356] "Cujus impiis et nefariis concionibus incitatus Lutherus, studio
+  pietatis ardens, edidit propositiones de indulgentiis." (Melancth.
+  Vita Luth.) Luther, stimulated by his impious and nefarious harangues,
+  and glowing with pious zeal, published his Theses on Indulgences.
+
+He has no thought of attacking the Church, or of putting the pope on
+his defence. On the contrary, it is his respect for the pope that will
+not allow him to be any longer silent with regard to claims by which
+he is injured. He must take the part of the pope against audacious
+men, who dare to associate his venerable name with their disgraceful
+traffic. Far from thinking of a revolution which is to destroy the
+primacy of Rome, Luther expects to have the pope and Catholicism for
+his allies against impudent monks.[357]
+
+  [357] "Et in iis certus mihi videbar, me habiturum patronum papam,
+  cujus fiducia tune fortiter nitebar." (Luth. Op. Lat. in Praef.) And in
+  these I thought myself certain that I would have the patronage of the
+  pope, in whom I had then great confidence.
+
+The feast of All Saints was an important day for Wittemberg, and
+especially for the church which the Elector had there erected and
+filled with relics. On that day these relics, adorned with silver and
+gold, and precious stones, were brought out and exhibited to the eyes
+of the people, who were astonished and dazzled by their
+magnificence.[358] Whoever on that day visited the church and
+confessed in it obtained a valuable indulgence. Accordingly, on this
+great occasion, pilgrims came in crowds to Wittemberg.
+
+  [358] "... Quas magnifico apparatu publice populis ostendi curavit."
+  (Cochloeus, 4.)
+
+On the 31st of October, 1517, Luther, who had already taken his
+resolution, walks boldly towards the church to which the superstitious
+crowds of pilgrims were repairing, and puts up on the door of this
+church ninety-five Theses or propositions against the doctrine of
+indulgences. Neither the Elector, nor Staupitz, nor Spalatin, nor any,
+even the most intimate of his friends, had been previously informed of
+this step.[359] In these theses, Luther declares, in a kind of
+preamble, that he had written them with the express desire of setting
+the truth in the full light of day. He declares himself ready to
+defend them on the morrow at the university, against all and sundry.
+The attention which they excite is great; they are read and repeated.
+In a short time the pilgrims, the university, the whole town is
+ringing with them. The following are some of these Propositions,
+written with the pen of the monk, and fixed on the door of the church
+of Wittemberg.
+
+  [359] "Cum hujus disputationis nullu etiam intimorum amicorum fuerit
+  conscius." (Luth., Ep. i, p. 186.)
+
+1. "When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ says 'repent,' he means that
+the whole life of his followers on the earth is a constant and
+continual repentance.
+
+2. "This expression cannot be understood of the sacrament of
+penitence, (that is to say, of confession and satisfaction,) as
+administered by the priest.
+
+3. "Still the Lord intends not to speak merely of internal repentance.
+Internal repentance is null, if it does not manifest itself externally
+by the mortification of the flesh.
+
+4. "Repentance and sorrow--that is to say, true penitence--continue so
+long as a man is displeased with himself--that is, until he passes
+from this life into life eternal.
+
+5. "The pope is not able, and does not wish to remit any other penalty
+than that which he has imposed of his own good pleasure, or
+conformably to the canons, that is to say, the papal ordinances.
+
+6. "The pope cannot remit any condemnation, but only declare and
+confirm the remission which God himself has given. At least he can
+only do it in cases which belong to him. If he does otherwise, the
+condemnation remains exactly as before.
+
+8. "The laws of ecclesiastical penance ought to be imposed on the
+living only, and have nothing to do with the dead.
+
+21. "The commissaries of indulgence are mistaken when they say that
+the pope's indulgence delivers from all punishment and saves.
+
+25. "The same power which the pope has over purgatory throughout the
+Church, each bishop has individually in his own diocese, and each
+curate in his own parish.
+
+27. "It is the preaching of human folly to pretend, that at the very
+moment when the money tinkles in the strong box, the soul flies off
+from purgatory.
+
+28. "This much is certain; as soon as the money tinkles, avarice and
+the love of gain arrive, increase, and multiply. But the aids and
+prayers of the Church depend only on the will and good pleasure of
+God.
+
+32. "Those who imagine they are sure of salvation by means of
+indulgences will go to the devil, with those who teach them so.
+
+35. "It is an antichristian doctrine to pretend, that, in order to
+deliver a soul from purgatory, or to purchase an indulgence, there is
+no need of either sorrow or repentance.
+
+36. "Every Christian who truly repents of his sins has entire
+forgiveness of the penalty and the fault, and, so far, has no need of
+indulgence.
+
+37. "Every true Christian, dead or alive, participates in all the
+blessings of Christ and of the Church by the gift of God and without a
+letter of indulgence.
+
+38. "Still the dispensation and pardon of the pope must not be
+despised; for his pardon is a declaration of the pardon of God.
+
+40. "Genuine sorrow and repentance seek and love punishment; but the
+mildness of indulgence takes off the fear of punishment, and begets
+hatred against it.
+
+42. "Christians must be told that the pope has no wish and no
+intention that they should in any respect compare the act of
+purchasing indulgences with any work of mercy.
+
+43. "Christians must be told that he who gives to the poor, or lends
+to the needy, does better than he who buys an indulgence:
+
+44. "For the work of charity makes charity increase, and renders a man
+more pious; whereas the indulgence does not make him better, but only
+gives him more self-confidence, and makes him more secure against
+punishment.
+
+45. "Christians must be told that he who sees his neighbour want, and,
+instead of helping him, purchases an indulgence, purchases not the
+indulgence of the pope, but incurs the Divine displeasure.
+
+46. "Christians must be told that if they have no superfluity, they
+are bound to keep what they have, in order to procure necessaries for
+their families, and not to lavish it on indulgences.
+
+47. "Christians must be told that to purchase an indulgence is
+optional, not obligatory.
+
+48. "Christians must be told that the pope having more need of prayer
+offered up in faith than of money, desires the prayer more than the
+money when he dispenses indulgences.
+
+49. "Christians must be told that the indulgence of the pope is good
+provided they do not place their confidence in it, but that nothing is
+more hurtful if it diminishes piety.
+
+50. "Christians must be told that if the pope knew of the extortions
+of the preachers of indulgences, he would rather that the metropolis
+of St. Peter were burned and reduced to ashes, than see it built with
+the skin, flesh, and bones, of his sheep.
+
+51. "Christians must be told that the pope, as is his duty, would
+dispense his own money to the poor people whom the preachers of
+indulgences are now robbing of their last penny, were he, for that
+purpose, even to sell the metropolis of St. Peter.
+
+52. "To hope to be saved by indulgences is an empty and lying hope
+even should the commissary of indulgences, nay, the pope himself, be
+pleased to pledge his own soul in security of it.
+
+53. "Those who, on account of the preaching of indulgences, forbid the
+preaching of the word of God, are enemies of the pope and of Jesus
+Christ.
+
+55. "The pope cannot have any other thought than this:--If the
+indulgence, which is the lesser matter, is celebrated with bell, pomp,
+and ceremony, it is necessary, _a fortiori_, to honour and celebrate
+the gospel, which is the greater matter, with a hundred bells, a
+hundred pomps, and a hundred ceremonies.
+
+62. "The true and precious treasure of the Church is the holy gospel
+of the glory and grace of God.
+
+65. "The treasures of the gospel are nets, which once caught the rich,
+and those who were at ease in their circumstances:
+
+66. "But the treasures of indulgence are nets, in which, now-a-days,
+they catch, not rich people, but the riches of people.
+
+67. "It is the duty of bishops and pastors to receive the commissaries
+of apostolic indulgences with all respect:
+
+68. "But it is still more their duty to use their eyes and their ears,
+in order to see that the said commissaries do not preach the dreams of
+their own imaginations instead of the orders of the pope.
+
+71. "Cursed be he who speaketh against the indulgence of the pope.
+
+72. "But blessed be he who speaks against the foolish and impudent
+words of the preachers of indulgences.
+
+76. "The indulgence of the pope cannot take away the smallest daily
+sin, in regard to the fault or delinquency.
+
+79. "To say that a cross adorned with the arms of the pope is as
+powerful as the cross of Christ is blasphemy.
+
+80. "Bishops, pastors, and theologians, who allow such things to be
+said to the people, will be called to account for it.
+
+81. "This shameful preaching, these impudent eulogiums on indulgences
+make it difficult for the learned to defend the dignity and honour of
+the pope against the calumnies of the preachers, and the subtile and
+puzzling questions of the common people.
+
+86. "Why, say they, does not the pope, whose wealth is greater than
+that of rich Croesus, build the metropolis of St. Peter with his own
+money rather than with that of poor Christians?
+
+92. "Would, then, that we were discumbered of all the preachers who
+say to the church of Christ, Peace! Peace! when there is no peace!
+
+94. "Christians should be exhorted to diligence in following Christ
+their head through crosses, death, and hell.
+
+95. "For it is far better to enter the kingdom of heaven through much
+tribulation, than to acquire a carnal security by the flattery of a
+false peace."
+
+Here, then, was the commencement of the work. The germ of the
+Reformation was contained in these theses of Luther. The abuses of
+indulgence were attacked in them, (and this was their most striking
+feature,) but behind those attacks there was, moreover, a principle
+which although it attracted the attention of the multitude far less,
+was destined one day to overthrow the edifice of the papacy. The
+evangelical doctrine of a free and gratuitous remission of sins was
+here publicly professed for the first time. Henceforth the work must
+grow. In fact, it was evident that any man who had faith in the
+remission of sins as preached by the doctor of Wittemberg; any one who
+had this conversion and sanctification, the necessity of which, he
+urged, would no longer concern himself about human ordinances, but
+would escape from the swaddling-bands of Rome, and secure the liberty
+of the children of God. All errors behoved to give way before this
+truth. By it light had at first entered Luther's own mind, and by it,
+in like manner, light is to be diffused in the Church. What previous
+reformers wanted was a clear knowledge of this truth; and hence the
+unfruitfulness of their labours. Luther himself was afterwards aware
+that, in proclaiming justification by faith, he had laid the axe to
+the root of the tree. "This is the doctrine," said he, "which we
+attack in the followers of the papacy. Huss and Wickliff only attacked
+their lives, but in attacking their doctrine, we take the goose by the
+neck. All depends on the Word which the pope took from us and
+falsified. I have vanquished the pope, because my doctrine is
+according to God, and his is according to the devil.[360]
+
+  [360] "Wenn man die Lehre angriefft, so wird die Gans am Kragen
+  gegriffen." (Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 1369.)
+
+We too have in our day forgotten the capital doctrine of justification
+by faith, though, in a sense, the reverse of that of our fathers. "In
+the time of Luther," says one of our contemporaries,[361] "the
+remission of sins at least cost money, but in our day every one
+supplies himself gratis." These two extremes are very much alike.
+Perhaps there is even more forgetfulness of God in our extreme, than
+in that of the sixteenth century. The principle of justification by
+the grace of God, which brought the Church out of so much darkness at
+the time of the Reformation, is also the only principle which can
+renew our generation, put an end to its doubts and waverings, destroy
+the canker of egotism, establish the reign of morality and justice,
+and, in one word reunite the world to God, from whom it has been
+separated.
+
+  [361] Harms de Kiel.
+
+But if the theses of Luther were mighty in virtue of the truth which
+they proclaimed, they were not less so through the faith of their
+declared defender. He had boldly unsheathed the sword of the Word, and
+he had done it trusting to the power of truth. He had felt, that in
+leaning on the promises of God he could, in the language of the world,
+afford to risk something. Speaking of this bold attack, he says, "Let
+him who would begin a good enterprise undertake it, trusting to its
+own merits, and not (of this let him beware) to the help and
+countenance of man. Moreover, let not men, nor even the whole world,
+deter him. For these words will never deceive:--'It is good to trust
+in the Lord; and none that trust in him shall be confounded.' But let
+him who neither is able nor willing to hazard something through trust
+in God, beware of undertaking any thing."[362] Doubtless, Luther,
+after putting up his theses on the door of the church of All Saints,
+retired to his tranquil cell, in full possession of the peace and joy
+imparted by an action done in the name of the Lord, and for the sake
+of eternal truth.
+
+  [362] Luth. Op. Leips. vi, p. 518.
+
+These theses, notwithstanding of their great boldness, still bespeak
+the monk, who refuses to allow a single doubt as to the authority of
+the See of Rome. But in attacking the doctrine of indulgences, Luther
+had, without perceiving it, assailed several errors, the exposure of
+which could not be agreeable to the pope, seeing that they tended,
+sooner or later, to bring his supremacy in question. Luther, at the
+time, did not see so far; but he felt all the boldness of the step
+which he had just taken, and, consequently, thought himself bound to
+temper it in so far as was consistent with the respect due to truth.
+He, accordingly, presented his theses only as doubtful propositions on
+which he was anxious for the views of the learned; and, conformably
+to the established custom, annexed to them a solemn protestation,
+declaring that he wished not to say or affirm any thing not founded on
+Holy Scripture, the Fathers of the Church, and the rights and
+decretals of the See of Rome.
+
+Often, in the sequel, on contemplating the immense and unlooked-for
+consequences of this courageous attack, Luther was astonished at
+himself, and could not understand how he had ventured upon it. An
+invisible hand, mightier than his own, held the leading reins, and
+pushed him into a path which he knew not, and from the difficulties of
+which he would, perhaps, have recoiled, if he had known them, and been
+advancing alone and of himself. "I engaged in this dispute," says he,
+"without premeditated purpose, without knowing it or wishing it; and
+was taken quite unprepared. For the truth of this I appeal to the
+Searcher of hearts."[363]
+
+  [363] "Casu enim, non voluntate nec studio, in has turbas incidi, Deum
+  ipsum testor." (Luth. Op. Lat. in Praef.) For I got involved in these
+  disturbances by accident, not by will or zeal. God is my witness.
+
+Luther had become acquainted with the source of these abuses. He had
+received a little book, ornamented with the arms of the Archbishop of
+Mentz and Magdeburg, and containing the regulations to be observed in
+the sale of indulgences. It was this young prelate, therefore, this
+accomplished prince, who had prescribed, or at least sanctioned, all
+this quackery. In him Luther only sees a superior to whom he owes fear
+and reverence;[364] and wishing not to beat the air, but to address
+those entrusted with the government of the Church, he sends him a
+letter, distinguished at once by its frankness and humility. Luther
+wrote this letter to Albert the same day on which he put up his
+theses.
+
+  [364] "Domino suo et pastori in Christo venerabiliter metuendo." To
+  his reverently to be feared Lord and pastor in Christ. (Address of the
+  letter, Ep. i, p. 68.)
+
+"Pardon me, most reverend Father in Christ, and most illustrious
+Prince," says he to him, "if I, who am only the dregs of mankind,[365]
+have the presumption to write your High Mightiness. The Lord Jesus is
+my witness, that, feeling how small and despicable I am, I have long
+put off doing it.... Will your Highness, however, be pleased to let
+fall a look on a grain of dust, and, in accordance with your episcopal
+meekness, graciously receive my petition.
+
+  [365] Fex hominum. (Ibid.)
+
+"There are people who are carrying the papal indulgence up and down
+the country in the name of your Grace. I do not so much blame the
+declamation of the preachers, (I have not heard them,) as the
+erroneous ideas of unlearned and simple people, who imagine that by
+buying indulgences they secure their salvation....
+
+"Good God! souls entrusted to your care, most venerable Father, are
+conducted to death, and not to life. The just and strict account which
+will be required of you grows and augments from day to day.... I have
+not been able to continue longer silent. Ah! man is not saved by
+works, or by the performances of his bishop... Even the righteous
+scarcely is saved; and the way that leadeth unto life is strait. Why,
+then, do the preachers of indulgences by vain fables inspire the
+people with a false security?
+
+"According to them, indulgence alone ought to be proclaimed, ought to
+be extolled.... What! Is it not the chief and only duty of bishops to
+instruct the people in the gospel and the love of Jesus Christ?[366]
+Jesus Christ has nowhere ordered the preaching of indulgence; but has
+strongly enjoined the preaching of the gospel.[367] How dreadful, then
+and how perilous, for a bishop to allow the gospel to be passed in
+silence, and nothing but the sound of indulgence to be incessantly
+dunned into the ears of his people....
+
+  [366] "Ut populus Evangelium discat atque charitatem Christi." (Ibid.)
+
+  [367] Vehementer praecipit." (Ibid.) Earnestly commands.
+
+"Most worthy Father in God, in the Instruction of the commissaries,
+which has been published in name of your Grace, (doubtless without
+your knowledge,) it is said that the indulgence is the most precious
+treasure,--that it reconciles man to God, and enables those who
+purchase it to dispense with repentance.
+
+"What then, can I, what ought I to do, most venerable Bishop, most
+serene Prince? Ah! I supplicate your Highness, by the Lord Jesus
+Christ, to turn upon this business an eye of paternal vigilance, to
+suppress the pamphlet entirely, and ordain preachers to deliver a
+different sort of discourses to the people. If you decline to do so,
+be assured you will one day hear some voice raised in refutation of
+these preachers, to the great dishonour of your most serene Highness."
+
+Luther at the same time sent his theses to the archbishop, and, in a
+postscript, asked him to read them, that he might be convinced how
+little foundation there was for the doctrine of indulgences.
+
+Thus Luther's whole desire was, that the watchmen of the Church should
+awake, and exert themselves in putting an end to the evils which were
+laying it waste. Nothing could be more noble and more respectful than
+this letter from a monk to one of the greatest princes of the Church
+and the empire. Never was there a better exemplification of the spirit
+of our Saviour's precept--"Render unto Caesar the things which are
+Caesar's, and unto God the things which are God's." This is not the
+course of violent revolutionists, who contemn powers and blame
+dignities. It is a cry proceeding from the conscience of a Christian
+and a priest, who gives honour to all, but in the first place fears
+God. However, all prayers and supplications were useless. Young
+Albert, engrossed by his pleasures and ambitious designs, made no
+reply to this solemn appeal. The Bishop of Brandebourg, Luther's
+ordinary--a learned and pious man, to whom, also, he sent his
+theses--replied that he was attacking the power of the Church, that he
+would involve himself in great trouble and vexation, that the thing
+was beyond his strength, and that his earnest advice to him was to
+keep quiet.[368] The princes of the Church shut their ears against the
+voice of God, thus energetically and affectingly declared by the
+instrumentality of Luther. They would not comprehend the signs of the
+times; they were struck with that blindness which has been the ruin of
+so many powers and dignities. "Both thought," says Luther afterwards,
+"that the pope would be too many for a miserable mendicant like me."
+
+But Luther was better able than the bishops to perceive the disastrous
+effects which the indulgences had upon the manners and lives of the
+people; for he was in direct correspondence with them. He had
+constantly a near view of what the bishops learned only by unfaithful
+reports. If the bishops failed him, God did not fail him. The Head of
+the Church, who sits in heaven, and to whom has been given all power
+upon the earth, had himself prepared the ground, and deposited the
+grain in the hands of his servant. He gave wings to the seed of truth,
+and sent it in an instant over the whole length and breadth of his
+Church.
+
+Nobody appeared at the university next day to attack the propositions
+of Luther. The traffic of Tezel was too much in discredit, and too
+disgraceful for any other than himself, or some one of his creatures,
+to dare to take up the gauntlet. But these theses were destined to be
+heard in other places than under the roof of an academical hall.
+Scarcely had they been nailed to the door of the castle church of
+Wittemberg, than the feeble strokes of the hammer were followed
+throughout Germany by a blow which reached even to the foundations of
+proud Rome, threatening sudden ruin to the walls, the gates, and the
+pillars of the papacy, stunning and terrifying its champions, and at
+the same time awakening thousands from the sleep of error.[369]
+
+  [368] "Er sollte still halten; es waere eine grosse Sache." (Matthes.
+  13.)
+
+  [369] Walthahr. v. Luther, p. 45.
+
+These theses spread with the rapidity of lightning. A month had not
+elapsed before they were at Rome. "In a fortnight," says a
+contemporary historian,[370] "they were in every part of Germany, and
+in four weeks had traversed almost the whole of Christendom; as if the
+angels themselves had been the messengers, and carried them before the
+eyes of all men. Nobody can believe what a noise they made." They were
+afterwards translated into Dutch and Spanish, and a traveller even
+sold them at Jerusalem. "Every one," says Luther, "was complaining of
+the indulgences; and as all the bishops and doctors had kept silence,
+and nobody had ventured to bell the cat, poor Luther became a famous
+doctor, because, as they expressed it, one had at length come who
+dared to do it. But I liked not this glory; the music seemed to me too
+lofty for the words."[371]
+
+  [370] Myconius, Hist. of the Ref., p. 23.
+
+  [371] "Das Lied wollte meiner stimme zu hochwerden." (Luth. Op.)
+
+Some of the pilgrims, who had flocked from different countries to
+Wittemberg for the feast of All Saints, instead of indulgences carried
+home with them the famous theses of the Augustin monk, and thus helped
+to circulate them. All read, pondered, and commented on them. They
+occupied the attention of all convents and all universities.[372] All
+pious monks who had entered the cloister to save their soul, all
+upright and honest men, rejoiced in this striking and simple
+confession of the truth, and wished with all their heart that Luther
+would continue the work which he had begun. At length a monk had had
+the courage to undertake this perilous contest. It was a reparation
+made to Christendom, and the public conscience was satisfied. In these
+theses piety saw a blow given to all kinds of superstition; the new
+theology hailed in them the defeat of the scholastic dogmas; princes
+and magistrates regarded them as a barrier raised against the
+encroachments of ecclesiastical power; while the nations were
+delighted at seeing the decided negative which this monk had given to
+the avarice of the Roman chancery. Erasmus, a man very worthy of
+credit, and one of the principal rivals of the Reformer, says to Duke
+George of Saxony, "When Luther attacked this fable, the whole world
+concurred in applauding him." "I observe," said he on another occasion
+to Cardinal Campeggi, "that those of the purest morals, and an
+evangelical piety, are the least opposed to Luther. His life is lauded
+even by those who cannot bear his faith. The world was weary of a
+doctrine containing so many childish fables, and was thirsting for
+that living water, pure and hidden, which issues from the springs of
+the evangelists and the apostles. The genius of Luther was fitted to
+accomplish these things, and his zeal must have animated him to the
+noble enterprise."[373]
+
+  [372] "In alle hohe Schullen und Kloester." (Mathes. 13.)
+
+  [373] "Ad hoc praestandum mihi videbatur ille, et natura compositus et
+  accensus studio." (Erasm. Ep. Campegio Cardinali, i, p. 650.) For
+  accomplishing this, he seemed to me both fitted by nature, and
+  inflamed by zeal.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+     Reuchlin--Erasmus--Flek--Bibra--The Emperor--The
+     Pope--Myconius--The Monks--Apprehensions--Adelman--An Old
+     Priest--The Bishop--The Elector--The Inhabitants of
+     Erfurt--Luther's Reply--Trouble--Luther's Moving Principle.
+
+
+We must follow these propositions wherever they penetrated; to the
+studies of the learned, the cells of monks, and the palaces of
+princes, in order to form some idea of the various but wonderful
+effects which they produced in Germany.
+
+Reuchlin received them. He was weary of the hard battle which he had
+been obliged to fight against the monks. The power which the new
+combatant displayed in his theses revived the spirit of the old
+champion of letters, and gave joy to his saddened heart. "Thanks be to
+God," exclaimed he, after he had read them, "now they have found a man
+who will give them so much to do, that they will be obliged to let me
+end my old age in peace."
+
+The prudent Erasmus was in the Netherlands when the theses reached
+him. He was inwardly delighted at seeing his secret wishes for the
+reformation of abuses expressed with so much boldness, and commended
+their author, only exhorting him to more moderation and prudence.
+Nevertheless, some persons in his presence blaming Luther's violence,
+he said, "God has given men a cure which cuts thus deep into the
+flesh, because otherwise the disease would be incurable." And at a
+later period when the Elector of Saxony asked his opinion as to
+Luther's affair, he replied with a smile, "I am not at all astonished
+at his having made so much noise, for he has committed two
+unpardonable faults; he has attacked the tiara of the pope and the
+belly of the monks."[374]
+
+  [374] Mueller's Denkw, iv, 256.
+
+Dr. Flek, prior of the cloister of Steinlausitz, had for some time
+given up reading mass, but had not told any one his reason. He one day
+found the theses of Luther posted up in the refectory of his convent.
+He went up and began to read them, but had only perused a few, when
+unable to contain his joy, he exclaimed, "Well, well, he whom we have
+been so long looking for is come at last; and this you monks will
+see." Then reading in the future, says Mathesius, and playing upon the
+word Wittemberg, he said, "Everybody will come to seek wisdom at this
+mountain, and will find it.[375] He wrote to the doctor to persevere
+courageously in his glorious combat. Luther calls him a man full of
+joy and consolation.
+
+  [375] "Alle welt von diesem, Weissenberg, Weissheit holen und
+  bekommen." (p. 13)
+
+The ancient and celebrated episcopal see of Wuerzburg was then held by
+Lowrence de Bibra, a man, according to the testimony of his
+contemporaries, pious, honest, and wise. When a gentleman came to
+intimate to him that he intended his daughter for the cloister, "Give
+her rather a husband," said he; and then added, "Are you in want of
+money for that purpose? I will lend you." The emperor and all the
+princes held him in the highest esteem. He lamented the disorders of
+the Church, and especially those of convents. The theses having
+reached his palace also, he read them with great delight, and publicly
+declared his approbation of Luther. At a later period he wrote to the
+Elector Frederick, "Don't part with pious Dr. Martin Luther; for he
+has been wronged." The Elector delighted at this testimony, wrote the
+Reformer with his own hand to acquaint him with it.
+
+The Emperor Maximilian, predecessor of Charles V, also read and
+admired the theses of the monk of Wittemberg. He perceived his
+talents, and foresaw that this obscure Augustin might, indeed, become
+a powerful ally of Germany in her struggle with Rome. Accordingly, he
+instructed his envoy to say to the Elector of Saxony, "Take good care
+of the monk Luther, for the time may come when we shall have need of
+him;"[376] and shortly after, being at a diet with Pfeffinger, the
+Elector's confidential councillor, he said to him, "Well what is your
+Augustin doing? Assuredly his propositions are not to be despised; he
+will give the monks enough to do."[377]
+
+  [376] "Dass er uns den Munch Luther fleisig beware." (Mathes. 15.)
+
+  [377] Schmidt Brand Reformationsgesch, p. 124.
+
+At Rome even, and in the Vatican, the theses were not so ill received
+as might have been supposed. Leo X judged of them as a friend of
+letters, rather than a pope. The amusement which they gave him made
+him overlook the severe truths which they contained; and when
+Sylvester Prierias, the master of the sacred palace, who had the
+office of examining new works, urged him to treat Luther as a
+heretic, he replied, "This Friar, Martin Luther, is a great genius;
+all that is said against him is mere monkish jealousy."[378]
+
+  [378] "Che frate Martino Luthero haveva un bellissimo ingegnoe che
+  coteste erano invidie fratesche." (Brandelli, contemporary of Leo, and
+  a Dominican, Hist. Trag. Pars 3.)
+
+There were few on whom the theses of Luther produced a deeper
+impression than on the scholar of Annaberg, whom Tezel had so
+pitilessly repulsed. Myconius had entered a convent, and the very
+first evening dreamed he saw an immense field quite covered with ripe
+corn. "Cut," said the voice of his guide to him; and when he excused
+himself for want of skill, his guide showed him a reaper, who was
+working with inconceivable rapidity. "Follow, and do like him," said
+the guide.[379] Myconius, eager for holiness as Luther had been,
+devoted himself when in the convent to vigils, fasts, macerations, and
+all the works invented by men; but at length he despaired of ever
+attaining the objects of his efforts. He abandoned study, and spent
+his whole time in manual labour. Sometimes he bound books, sometimes
+used the turning-lathe, and sometimes did any other kind of work.
+Still, however, this external labour did not appease his troubled
+conscience. God had spoken to him, and he could not fall back into his
+former slumber. This state of agony lasted for several years. It is
+sometimes supposed that the paths of the Reformers were quite smooth,
+and that after they renounced the observances of the Church, their
+remaining course was easy and pleasant. It is not considered that they
+arrived at the truth by means of internal struggles, a thousand times
+more painful than the observances to which servile minds easily
+submitted.
+
+  [379] Melch. Adami Vita Myconii.
+
+At length the year 1517 arrived. The theses of Luther were published,
+and, traversing Christendom, arrived also at the convent where the
+scholar of Annaberg was residing. He hid himself in a corner of the
+cloister, with John Voit, another monk, that they might be able to
+read them without interruption.[380] They contained the very truth of
+which his father had told him. His eyes were opened, he felt a voice
+within him responding to that which was then sounding throughout
+Germany, and great consolation filled his heart. "I see plainly," said
+he, "that Martin Luther is the reaper whom I saw in my dream, and who
+taught me to gather the ears of corn." He immediately began to profess
+the doctrine which Luther had proclaimed. The monks, alarmed when they
+heard him, argued with him, and declaimed against Luther and against
+his convent. "That convent," replied Myconius, "is like our Lord's
+sepulchre; they wish to prevent Christ from rising again, but will not
+succeed." At last his superiors, seeing they could not convince him,
+interdicted him for a year and a half from all intercourse with the
+world, not permitting him even to write or to receive letters, and
+threatening him with perpetual imprisonment. However, for him also the
+hour of deliverance arrived. Being afterwards appointed pastor at
+Zwickau, he was the first who declared against the papacy in the
+churches of Thuringia. "Then," says he, "I could work with my
+venerable father Luther at the Gospel harvest." Jonas describes him as
+a man as able as he was willing.[381]
+
+  [380] "Legit tunc cum Joanne Voite, in angulum abdtius, libellos
+  Lutheri." (Ibid.)
+
+  [381] "Qui potuit quod voluit."
+
+Doubtless, there were others also to whom Luther's theses were the
+signal of life. They kindled a new light in many cells, cottages, and
+palaces. "While those who had entered convents in quest of good fare
+and indolence, or rank and honours," says Mathesius, "began to load
+the name of Luther with reproaches, the monks who lived in prayer,
+fasting, and mortification, thanked God as soon as they heard the cry
+of the eagle, announced by John Huss, a century before."[382] Even the
+people who did not well understand the theology of the question, and
+who only knew that Luther was assailing the empire of mendicants and
+lazy monks, received it with bursts of joy. An immense sensation was
+produced in Germany by his bold propositions. However, some of the
+Reformer's contemporaries, who foresaw the consequences to which they
+might lead, and the numerous obstacles which they were destined to
+encounter, loudly expressed their fears, or at most rejoiced with
+trembling.
+
+  [382] "Darvon Magister Johann. Huss, geweissaget." (Mathes. 13.)
+
+"I am much afraid," wrote the excellent canon of Augsburg, Bernard
+Adelman, to his friend Pirckeimer, "that the worthy man must yield at
+last to the avarice and power of the partizans of indulgences. His
+representations have had so little effect, that the Bishop of
+Augsburg, our primate and metropolitan,[383] has just ordered new
+indulgences, in the name of the pope, for St. Peter's at Rome. Let him
+hasten to seek the aid of princes. Let him beware of tempting God; for
+it were to show an absolute want of sense to overlook the imminent
+danger to which he is exposed." Adelman was greatly delighted when it
+was rumoured that Henry VIII had invited Luther to England. "There,"
+thought he, "he will be able to teach the truth in peace." Several
+thus imagined that the doctrine of the gospel was to be supported by
+the power of princes, not knowing that it advances without this power,
+and is often trammelled and weakened by the possession of it.
+
+  [383] He adds, "Totque uxorum vir," The husband of so many wives,
+  (Heumann Documenta lit. p. 167.)
+
+The celebrated historian, Albert Kranz, was at Hamburg on his
+deathbed, when Luther's theses were brought to him. "You are right,
+friar Martin," he exclaimed, "but you will not succeed.... Poor monk!
+Go into your cell and cry, 'Lord, have mercy on me!'"[384]
+
+  [384] "Frater, abi in cellam, et dic: Miserere mei." (Lindner in
+  Luther's Leben, p. 93.)
+
+An old priest of Hexter in Westphalia, having received and read the
+theses in his presbytery, said in Low German, shaking his head, "Dear
+friar Martin! if you succeed in overthrowing this purgatory and all
+these paper merchants, assuredly you are a mighty segnior!" Erbenius,
+a century later, wrote beneath these words the following stanza:--
+
+    "Quid vero nunc si viveret,
+    Bonus iste clericus diceret?"
+
+    What then would the good clerk say,
+    Were he alive to see this day.
+
+Not only did many of Luther's friends entertain fears as to the step
+which he had taken, but several even testified their disapprobation.
+
+The Bishop of Brandenburg, distressed at seeing his diocese the scene
+of so important a contest, was anxious to suppress it. He resolved to
+take the gentle method, and employed the Abbot of Lenin to say to
+Luther, in his name, "I don't find any thing in the theses
+contradictory of Catholic truth. I myself condemn these indiscreet
+proclamations; but for the love of peace and deference to your bishop,
+cease writing on the subject." Luther was confounded at being thus
+humbly addressed by so great an abbot and so great a bishop, and led
+away by the feelings of the moment, replied, "I consent. I would
+rather obey than work miracles, were it in my power."[385]
+
+  [385] "Bene sum contentus: mala obedire quam miracula facere, etiam si
+  possem." (Ep. i, 71.)
+
+The Elector was grieved at the commencement of a contest which was no
+doubt legitimate, but the end of which it was impossible to foresee.
+No prince was more desirous than Frederick for the maintenance of
+public peace. Now, what an immense fire might this small spark not
+kindle? What discord, what rending of nations, might this quarrel of
+monks not produce? The Elector repeatedly made Luther aware how much
+he was annoyed.[386]
+
+  [386] "Suumque dolorem saepe significavit, metuens discordias majores."
+  (Melancth. Vita Luth.) And often expressed his sorrow, fearing worse
+  dissension.
+
+Even in his own order and his own convent of Wittemberg, Luther met
+with disapprobation. The prior and sub-prior, terrified at the clamour
+of Tezel and his companions, repaired in fear and trembling to the
+cell of friar Martin, and said, "Do not, we entreat you, bring shame
+on our order. The other orders, and especially the Dominicans, are
+overjoyed to think that they are not to be alone in disgrace." Luther
+was moved by these words, but soon recovering himself, he replied,
+"Dear fathers, if the thing is not done in the name of God it will
+fail, but if it is, let it proceed." The prior and sub-prior said no
+more. "The thing proceeds even now," adds Luther, after relating this
+anecdote, "and, please God, always will proceed better and better,
+even to the end. Amen."[387]
+
+  [387] Luth. Op. (L.) vi, p. 518.
+
+Luther had many other attacks to sustain. At Erfurt he was accused of
+violence and pride in his manner of condemning the opinions of
+others--the charge usually brought against those who act under the
+strong conviction which the word of God gives. He was also charged
+with precipitation and fickleness.
+
+"They call upon me for moderation," replied Luther, "and they
+themselves, in the judgment which they pass upon me, trample it under
+foot!... We see the mote in our brother's eye, and observe not the
+beam in our own.... Truth will no more gain by my moderation than it
+will lose by my presumption. I desire to know," continued he,
+addressing Lange, "what errors you and your theologians have found in
+my theses? Who knows not that a new idea is seldom advanced without an
+appearance of arrogance, and an accusation of disputatiousness? Were
+humility herself to undertake something new, those of an opposite
+opinion would charge her with pride.[388] Why were Christ and all the
+martyrs put to death? Because they were deemed proud despisers of the
+wisdom of the time, and advanced new truths without previously taking
+counsel of the organs of ancient opinion."
+
+  [388] "Finge enim ipsam humilitatem nova conari, statim superbiae
+  subjicietur ab iis qui aliter sapiunt." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 73.)
+
+"Let not the wise of the present day, then, expect of me humility, or
+rather hypocrisy enough, to ask their opinion before publishing what
+duty calls me to say. What I do will be done, not by the prudence of
+men, but by the counsel of God. If the work is of God, who can arrest
+it? If it is not of God, who can advance it?... Not my will, nor
+theirs, nor ours, but Thy will be done, O Holy Father who art in
+heaven!" In these words what courage, what noble enthusiasm, what
+confidence in God, and, above all, what truth, truth fitted to all
+times!
+
+Still the reproaches and accusations which assailed Luther from all
+quarters, failed not to make some impression on his mind. His hopes
+were disappointed. He had expected to see the heads of the church,
+and the most distinguished scholars of the nation, publicly uniting
+with him; but it was otherwise. A word of approbation, allowed to
+escape at the first moment of enthusiasm, was all that the best
+disposed gave him, while several of those whom he had till then most
+highly venerated were loud in censuring him. He felt himself alone in
+the whole Church,[389] alone against Rome, alone at the foot of that
+ancient and formidable edifice, whose foundations lay deep in the
+bowels of the earth, whose battlements reached the clouds, and at
+which he had just struck a daring blow. He was troubled and depressed.
+Doubts which he thought he had surmounted returned with new force. He
+trembled at the thought of having the authority of the whole Church
+against him, of withdrawing from that authority and resisting that
+voice which nations and ages had humbly obeyed, of setting himself in
+opposition to that church which he had from infancy been accustomed to
+venerate as the mother of the faithful.... He a paltry monk ... the
+effort was too great for man.[390] No step cost him more than this,
+and, accordingly, it was the step which decided the Reformation.
+
+  [389] "Solus primo eram." (Luth. Op. Lat. in Praef.) At first I was
+  alone.
+
+  [390] "Consilium immanis audaciae plenum." (Pallavicini, i, 17.) A
+  measure of infinite daring.
+
+The struggle which took place in his soul cannot be better described
+than in his own words. "I began this affair," says he, "with great
+fear and trembling. Who was I, a poor, miserable, despicable friar,
+liker a corpse than a living man;[391]--who was I, to oppose the
+majesty of the pope, before whom not only the kings of the earth and
+the whole world, but also, if I may so speak, heaven and hell
+trembled, compelled to yield obedience to his nod? Nobody can imagine
+what my heart suffered during those two first years, and into what
+depression, I might say what despair, I was often plunged. No idea of
+it can be formed by those proud spirits who afterwards attacked the
+pope with great boldness, although with all their ability they could
+not have done him the least harm, had not Jesus Christ, by me his
+feeble and unworthy instrument, given him a wound which never will be
+cured. But while they were contented to look on, and leave me alone in
+danger, I was not so joyful, so tranquil, or so sure about the
+business; for at that time I did not know many things which, thank
+God, I know now. It is true, several pious Christians were much
+pleased with my Propositions, and set a great value upon them, but I
+could not own and regard them as the organs of the Holy Spirit. I
+looked only to the pope, the cardinals, bishops, theologians,
+jurisconsults, monks, and priests. That was the direction from which I
+expected the Spirit to come. Still having, by means of Scripture, come
+off victorious over all contrary arguments, I have at length, by the
+grace of Christ, though after much pain, travail, and anguish,
+surmounted the only argument which arrested me, viz., that it is
+necessary to listen to the Church;[392] for from the bottom of my
+heart I honoured the church of the pope as the true church, and did so
+with much more sincerity and veneration, than those shameless and
+infamous corrupters who are now so very forward in opposing me. Had I
+despised the pope as much as he is despised in the hearts of those who
+praise him so loudly with their lips, I would have dreaded that the
+earth would instantly open and swallow me up as it did Corah and his
+company!"
+
+[391] "Miserrimus tunc fraterculus, cadaveri similior quam homini."
+(Luth. Op. Lat. i, p. 49.)
+
+[392] "Et cum omnia argumenta superassem per Scripturas, hoc unum cum
+summa difficultate et angustia, tandem Christo favente, vix superavi,
+Ecclesiam scilicet esse audiendam." (Luth. Op. Lat. i, p. 49.)
+
+How honourable these misgivings are to Luther! How well they display
+the sincerity and uprightness of his soul! And how much more worthy of
+respect do those painful assaults which he had to sustain, both within
+and without, prove him to be, than mere intrepidity without any such
+struggle, could have done! The travail of his soul clearly displays
+the truth and divinity of his work. We see that their origin and
+principle were in heaven. After all the facts which we have stated,
+who will presume to say that the Reformation was an affair of
+politics? No, assuredly; it was not the effect of human policy, but of
+the power of God. Had Luther been urged by human passions only, he
+would have yielded to his fears; his miscalculations and scruples
+would have smothered the fire which had been kindled in his soul, and
+he would only have thrown a transient gleam upon the Church, in the
+same way as the many zealous and pious men, whose names have come down
+to us. But now God's time had arrived; the work was not to be
+arrested; the emancipation of the Church was to be accomplished.
+Luther was destined at least to prepare that complete emancipation and
+those extensive developments which are promised to the kingdom of
+Christ. Accordingly, he experienced the truth of the magnificent
+promise, "The strong men shall faint and be weary, and the young men
+utterly fail; but they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their
+strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles." This Divine
+power which filled the heart of the doctor of Wittemberg, and which
+had engaged him in the combat, soon gave him back all his former
+resolution.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VII.
+
+     Tezel's Attack--Luther's Reply--Good Works--Luther and
+     Spalatin--Study of Scripture--Scheurl and Luther--Doubts on
+     the Theses--Luther for the People--A New Suit.
+
+
+The reproaches, timidity, or silence, of Luther's friends had
+discouraged him; the attacks of his enemies had the very opposite
+effect. This frequently happens. The adversaries of the truth, while
+thinking by their violence to do their own work, often do that of God
+himself.[393] The gauntlet which had been thrown down was taken up by
+Tezel with a feeble hand. Luther's sermon, which had been to the
+people what his theses had been to the learned, was the subject of his
+first reply. He refuted it point by point, in his own way, and then
+announced that he was preparing to combat his adversary at greater
+length in theses which he would maintain at the university of
+Frankfort on the Oder. "Then," said he, adverting to the conclusion of
+Luther's sermon; "then every one will be able to judge who is
+heresiarch, heretic, schismatic, erroneous, rash, and calumnious. Then
+will it be manifest to the eyes of all who has a dull brain, who has
+never felt the Bible, read Christian doctrines, understood his own
+teachers.... In maintaining the propositions which I advance, I am
+ready to suffer all things, prison, cudgel, water, and fire."
+
+  [393] "Hi furores Tezelii et ejus satellitum imponunt necessitatem
+  Luthero, de rebus iisdem copiosius, disserendi et tuendae veritatis."
+  (Melancth. Vita Luth.) The fury of Tezel and his satellites compelled
+  Luther to treat these subjects more copiously, and to defend the
+  truth.
+
+One thing which strikes us in reading this production of Tezel is the
+difference between his German and that of Luther. One would say that
+an interval of several ages is between them. A foreigner, especially,
+sometimes finds it difficult to comprehend Tezel, whereas the language
+of Luther is almost the same as that of our day. A comparison of the
+two is sufficient to show that Luther is the creator of the German
+language. No doubt, this is one of his least merits, but still it is
+one.
+
+Luther replied without naming Tezel; Tezel had not named him. But
+there was nobody in Germany who could not have placed at the head of
+their publications the name which they had judged it expedient to
+suppress. Tezel tried to confound the repentance which God demands
+with the penance which the Church imposes, in order to give a higher
+value to his indulgences. Luther made it his business to clear up this
+point.
+
+"To avoid many words," said he, in his graphic style, "I give to the
+wind (which, besides, has more leisure than I have) his other words,
+which are only sheets of paper and withered leaves; and I content
+myself with examining the foundations of his house of bur-thistle.
+
+"The penitence which the holy father imposes cannot be that which
+Jesus Christ demands; for whatever the holy father imposes he can
+dispense with; and if these two penitences were one and the same, it
+would follow that the holy father takes away what Jesus appoints, and
+thereby makes void the commandment of God.... Ah! if it so pleases
+him, let him maltreat me," continues Luther, after quoting other false
+interpretations of Tezel; "let him call me heretic, schismatic,
+calumniator, or anything he likes; I will not on that account be his
+enemy, but will pray for him as for a friend. But it is not possible
+to allow him to treat the Holy Scriptures, our consolation, (Rom., xv,
+4,) as a sow treats a sack of corn."[394]
+
+  [394] "Dass er die Schrift, unsern Trost, nicht anders behandelt wie
+  die Sau einen Habersack."
+
+We must accustom ourselves to Luther's occasional use of expressions
+too harsh and homely for our age,--it was the custom of the time; and
+under those words which in our days would violate the proprieties of
+language, there is usually a force and justice which disposes us to
+pardon their rankness. He continues thus:--
+
+"He who buys indulgences, say our adversaries, does better than he who
+gives alms to a poor man not absolutely in extremity. Now, let them
+tell us that the Turks are profaning our churches and crosses, we will
+be able to hear it without a shudder; for we have amongst ourselves
+Turks a hundred times worse, who profane and annihilate the only true
+sanctuary, the word of God, which sanctifies all things.... Let him
+who would follow this precept take good care not to give food to the
+hungry, nor clothing to the naked, before they give up the ghost, and,
+consequently, have no need of his assistance."
+
+It is important to contrast the zeal which Luther thus manifests for
+good works with what he says of justification by faith. Indeed, no man
+who has any experience, or any knowledge of Christianity, needs this
+new proof of a truth of which he is fully assured; viz., that the more
+we adhere to justification by faith, the more strongly we feel the
+necessity of works, and the more diligently we practise them; whereas
+lax views as to the doctrine of faith necessarily lead to laxity of
+conduct. Luther, as St. Paul before, and Howard after him, are proofs
+of the former; all men without faith (and with such the world is
+filled) are proofs of the latter.
+
+Luther comes next to the insulting language of Tezel, and pays him
+back in his own way. "At the sound of these invectives methinks I hear
+a large ass braying at me. I am delighted at it, and would be very
+sorry that such people should give me the name of a good Christian."
+We must give Luther as he is with all his foibles. This turn for
+pleasantry, coarse pleasantry, was one of them. The Reformer was a
+great man, undoubtedly a man of God; but he was a man, not an angel,
+and not even a perfect man. Who is entitled to call upon him for
+perfection?
+
+"For the rest," adds he, challenging his opponents to the combat,
+"although it is not usual to burn heretics for such points, here, at
+Wittemberg, am I, Doctor Martin Luther! Is there any inquisitor who
+pretends to chew fire, and make rocks leap into the air? I give him to
+know, that he has a safe-conduct to come here, an open door, and bed
+and board certain, all by the gracious care of our admirable Duke
+Frederick, who will never protect heresy."[395]
+
+  [395] Luth. Op. Leips. xvii, 132.
+
+We see that Luther was not deficient in courage. He trusted to the
+word of God--a rock which never gives way in the tempest. But God in
+faithfulness gave him still further aid. The bursts of joy with which
+the multitude had hailed Luther's theses were soon succeeded by a
+gloomy silence. The learned had timidly drawn back on hearing the
+calamities and insults of Tezel and the Dominicans. The bishops, who
+had previously been loud in condemnation of the abuses of indulgences,
+seeing them at length attacked, had not failed, with an inconsistency
+of which there are but too many examples, to find that at that time
+the attack was inopportune. The greater part of the Reformer's friends
+were frightened. Several of them had fled. But when the first terror
+was over, the minds of men took an opposite direction. The monk of
+Wittemberg soon saw himself again surrounded with a great number of
+friends and admirers.
+
+There was one who, although timid, remained faithful to him throughout
+this crisis, and whose friendship at once solaced and supported him.
+This was Spalatin. Their correspondence was not interrupted. "I thank
+you," says he, when speaking of a particular mark of friendship which
+he had received from him; "but what do I not owe you?"[396] It was on
+the 11th November, just fifteen days after the publication of the
+theses, and consequently when the minds of men were in a state of the
+greatest fermentation, that Luther thus delights to unbosom his
+gratitude to his friend.
+
+  [396] "Tibi gratias ago; imo quid tibi non debeo?" (Luth. Ep. i, p.
+  74.)
+
+In the same letter to Spalatin, it is interesting to see the strong
+man, who had just performed a most daring exploit, declaring from what
+source he derives his strength. "We can do nothing of ourselves; we
+can do everything by the grace of God. By us all ignorance is
+invincible, but no ignorance is invincible by the grace of God. The
+more we endeavour of ourselves to attain to wisdom, the nearer we
+approach to folly.[397] It is not true that this invincible ignorance
+excuses the sinner; were it so there would be no sin in the world."
+
+  [397] "Quanto magis conamur ex nobis ad sapientiam, tanto amplius
+  appropinquamus insipientiae." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 74.)
+
+Luther had not sent his propositions, either to the prince or to any
+of his courtiers. The chaplain seems to have expressed some surprise
+at this, and Luther answers:--"I did not wish my theses to reach our
+illustrious prince or any of his court, before those who think
+themselves specially addressed had received them, lest it should be
+thought that I had published them by order of the prince or to gain
+his favour, or from opposition to the Bishop of Mentz. I hear there
+are already several who dream such things. But now I can swear in all
+safety that my theses were published without the knowledge of Duke
+Frederick."[398]
+
+  [398] "Sed salvum est nunc etiam jurare, quod sine scitu Ducis
+  Frederici exierint." (Ibid., p. 76.) But now it is safe even to swear,
+  that they have gone forth without the knowledge of Duke Frederick.
+
+If Spalatin solaced his friend, and supported him by his influence,
+Luther on his part was desirous to meet the requests of the modest
+chaplain. The latter, among other questions, asked one which is
+frequently repeated in our day, "What is the best method of studying
+the Holy Scriptures?"
+
+"Till now, my dear Spalatin," replied Luther, "you have asked
+questions which I could answer. But to direct you in the study of the
+Scriptures is more than I am able to do. However, if you would
+absolutely know my method, I will not hide it from you.
+
+"It is most certain that we cannot succeed in comprehending the
+Scripture either by study or mere intellect. Your first duty, then, is
+to begin with prayer.[399] Entreat the Lord that he will in his great
+mercy deign to grant you the true knowledge of his Word. There is no
+other interpreter of the word of God than the Author of that word
+according as it is said, 'They will all be taught of God.' Hope
+nothing from your works, nothing from your intellect. Trust only in
+God, and in the influence of his Spirit. Believe one who is speaking
+from experience."[400]
+
+  [399] "Primum id certissimum est, sacras literas non posse vel studio,
+  vel ingenio penetrari. Ideo primum officium est, ut ab oratione
+  incipias."
+
+  [400] "Igitur de tuo studio desperes oportet omnino, simul et ingenio.
+  Deo autem soli confidas, et influxui Spiritus. Experto crede ista."
+  (Luth. Ep. i, p. 88, 18th Jan.)
+
+We here see how Luther attained possession of the truth of which he
+was a preacher. It was not, as some pretend, by confiding in a
+presumptuous reason, nor, as others maintain, by abandoning himself to
+hateful passions. The source from which he drew it was the purest,
+holiest, and most sublime--God himself consulted in humility,
+confidence, and prayer. Few in our day imitate him, and hence few
+comprehend him. To a serious mind these words of Luther are in
+themselves a justification of the Reformation.
+
+Luther likewise found comfort in the friendship of respectable laymen.
+Christopher Scheurl, the excellent secretary of the imperial city of
+Nuremberg, gave him gratifying marks of his friendship. We know how
+pleasant expressions of sympathy are to the man who feels himself
+assailed from all quarters. The secretary of Nuremberg did more; he
+tried to make friends to his friend. He urged him to dedicate one of
+his works to a then celebrated lawyer of Nuremberg, named Jerome
+Ebner:--"You have a high idea of my studies," modestly replied Luther;
+"but I have the poorest idea of them myself. Nevertheless, I was
+desirous to meet your wishes. I have searched ... ; but in all my
+store, which I never found so meagre, nothing presented itself which
+seemed at all worthy of being dedicated to so great a man by so little
+a man."[401] Striking humility! It is Luther who speaks thus, and the
+person with whom he contrasts himself is Doctor Ebner, who is
+altogether unknown to us. Posterity has not ratified Luther's
+judgment.
+
+  [401] "Luther writes him:--"Literae tuae animum tuum erga meam
+  parvitatem candidum et longe ultra merita benevolentissimum
+  probaverunt." (Ibid., p. 79.) Your letter proves your candid opinion
+  of me, and your most kind affection for me, both to a degree far
+  exceeding my deserts.
+
+Luther, who had done nothing to circulate his theses, had not sent
+them to Scheurl any more than to the Elector and his courtiers. The
+secretary of Nuremberg expressed his surprise. "I had no intention,"
+replies Luther, "to give my theses so much publicity. I wished only to
+confer on their contents with some of those who reside with us or near
+us;[402] intending, if they condemned, to destroy, and if they
+approved, to publish them. But now they are printed, reprinted, and
+spread far and wide, beyond my expectation; so much so that I repent
+of their production.[403] Not that I have any fear of the truth being
+known by the people, (for this was all I sought,) but this is not the
+way of instructing them. There are questions in the theses as to which
+I have still my doubts; and if I had thought that they were to produce
+such a sensation, there are things which I would have omitted, and
+others which I would have affirmed with greater confidence." Luther
+afterwards thought differently. Far from fearing he had said too much,
+he declared that he ought to have said still more. But the
+apprehensions which Luther expresses to Scheurl do honour to his
+sincerity. They show that he had nothing like a premeditated plan, had
+no party spirit, no overweening conceit, and sought nothing but the
+truth. When he had fully discovered the truth, his language was
+different. "You will find in my first writings," said he, many years
+after, "that I very humbly made many concessions to the pope, and on
+points of great importance; concessions which I now detest, and regard
+as abominable and blasphemous."[404]
+
+  [402] "Non fuit consilium neque votum eas evulgari, sed cum paucis
+  apud et circum nos habitantibus primum super ipsis conferri." (Ibid.,
+  p. 95.)
+
+  [403] "Ut me poeniteat hujus foeturae." (Ibid.)
+
+  [404] "Quae istis temporibus pro summa blasphemia et abominatione habeo
+  et execror." (Luth. Op. Lat. Wit. in Praef.)
+
+Scheurl was not the only layman of importance who, at this time,
+testified his friendship for Luther. The celebrated painter, Albert
+Durer, sent him a present, (perhaps one of his pictures,) and the
+doctor expressed his sense of the obligation in the warmest
+terms.[405]
+
+  [405] "Accepi simul et donum insignis viri Alberti Durer." (Luth., Ep.
+  i, 95.)
+
+Thus Luther had practical experience of the truth of that saying of
+Divine wisdom:--"A friend loveth at all times; and a brother is born
+for adversity." Those words he remembered for the sake of others also,
+and accordingly pleaded the cause of the whole population. The Elector
+had just levied a tax, and it was confidently alleged that he was
+going to levy another, probably on the advice of his counsellor
+Pfeffinger, against whom Luther often throws out cutting sarcasms. The
+doctor boldly placed himself in the breach. "Let not your Highness,"
+said he, "despise the prayer of a poor mendicant. In the name of God I
+entreat you not to order a new tax. My heart is broken, as well as
+that of several of your most devoted servants, at seeing how much the
+last has injured your fair fame, and the popularity which your
+Highness enjoyed. It is true that God has endowed you with profound
+intellect, so that you see much farther into things than I, or
+doubtless all your subjects, do. But, perhaps, it is the will of God
+that a feeble intellect instruct a great one, in order that no one may
+trust in himself, but only in the Lord our God. May he deign to keep
+your body in health for our good, and destine your soul to life
+eternal. Amen." In this way it is that the gospel, while it makes us
+honour kings, makes us also plead the cause of the people. While it
+tells them of their duties, it, at the same time, reminds the prince
+of their rights. The voice of a Christian such as Luther, raised in
+the cabinet of a sovereign, might often supply the place of a whole
+assembly of legislators.
+
+In this letter, in which Luther addresses a harsh lesson to the
+Elector, he fears not to present a request to him, or rather to remind
+him of a promise, viz., to give him a new suit. This freedom of
+Luther, at a moment when he might have feared he had given offence to
+Frederick, is equally honourable to the prince and to the Reformer.
+"But," adds he, "if it is Pfeffinger who has the charge of it, let him
+give it in reality, and not in protestations of friendship. He knows
+very well how to weave a web of good words, but no good cloth ever
+comes out of it." Luther thought, that, by the faithful counsel which
+he had given to his prince, he had well deserved his court dress.[406]
+Be this as it may, two years later he had not received it, and renewed
+his request.[407] This seems to indicate that Frederick was not so
+much under the influence of Luther as has been said.
+
+  [406] "Mein Hofkleid verdienen." (Luth. Ep. Lat. i, pp. 77, 78.)
+
+  [407] Ibid., p. 283.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VIII.
+
+     Disputation at Frankfort--Tezel's
+     Theses--Menaces--Opposition of Knipstrow--Luther's Theses
+     Burnt--The Monks--Luther's Peace--Tezel's Theses
+     Burnt--Luther's Vexation.
+
+
+The minds of men had thus gradually recovered from their first alarm.
+Luther himself was disposed to declare that his words did not mean so
+much as had been imagined. New circumstances might divert public
+attention, and the blow struck at Roman doctrine might, as had been
+the case with so many others, spend itself in the air. The partisans
+of Rome prevented this result. They fanned the flame instead of
+smothering it.
+
+Tezel and the Dominicans replied haughtily to the attack which had
+been made upon them. Burning with eagerness to crush the audacious
+monk who had disturbed their traffic, and to gain the favour of the
+Roman pontiff, they uttered cries of rage. They maintained that to
+attack the indulgence ordered by the pope was to attack the pope
+himself, and they called in the aid of all the monks and theologians
+of their school.[408] In fact, Tezel felt that an opponent like Luther
+was too much for him single-handed. Quite disconcerted, but more
+especially enraged at the doctor's attack, he quitted the environs of
+Wittemberg, and repaired to Frankfort on the Oder, where he arrived as
+early as November, 1517. The university of that town, like that of
+Wittemberg, was of recent date. One of the professors was Conrad
+Wimpina, a man of much eloquence, an old rival of Pollich of
+Mellerstadt, and one of the most distinguished theologians of the
+time. Wimpina's envy was excited both by the doctor and by the
+university of Wittemberg; for their reputation obscured his. Tezel
+applied to him for a reply to Luther's theses, and Wimpina wrote two
+series of antitheses, the former to defend the doctrine of
+indulgences, and the latter to defend the authority of the pope.
+
+  [408] "Suum senatum convocat; monachos aliquot et theologos sua
+  sophistica utcunque tinctos."(Melancth. Vita Luth.) He assembles his
+  own senate; some monks and theologians imbued with his own sophistry.
+
+This disputation, which had been long prepared and loudly advertised,
+and of which Tezel entertained the highest hopes, took place on the
+20th January, 1518. Tezel having beaten up for recruits, monks had
+been sent from all the neighbouring cloisters, and assembled to the
+number of more than three hundred. Tezel read his theses, one of which
+declared, "that whosoever says that the soul does not fly away from
+purgatory as soon as the money tinkles on the bottom of the strong
+box, is in error."[409]
+
+  [409] "Quisquis ergo dicit, non citius posse animam volare, quam in
+  fundo cistae denarius possit tinnire, errat." (Positiones Fratris Joh.
+  Tezelii, Pos. 56, Luth. Op. i, p. 94.) Whosoever says that the soul
+  cannot fly off sooner than the money can tinkle in the bottom of the
+  chest, errs.
+
+But, above all, he maintained propositions, according to which, the
+pope appeared to be truly, as the apostle expresses it, _seated as God
+in the temple of God_. It was convenient for this shameless merchant
+to take refuge under the pope's mantle, with all his disorders and
+scandals.
+
+In presence of the numerous assembly in which he stood, he declared
+himself ready to maintain as follows:--
+
+3. "Christians must be taught that the pope, by the greatness of his
+power, is above the whole universal Church and all councils. His
+orders ought to be implicitly obeyed.
+
+4. "Christians must be taught that the pope alone is entitled to
+decide in matters of Christian faith; that he, and none but he, has
+the power to explain the meaning of Scripture in his own sense, and to
+approve or condemn all words or works of others.
+
+5. "Christians must be taught that the judgment of the pope in things
+which concern Christian faith, and which are necessary to the
+salvation of the human race, cannot possibly err.
+
+6. "Christians must be taught that in matters of faith they ought to
+lean and rest more upon the opinion of the pope, as manifested by his
+decisions, than on the opinion of all wise men, as drawn by them out
+of Scripture.
+
+8. "Christians must be taught that those who attack the honour and
+dignity of the pope are guilty of the crime of lese-majesty, and
+deserve malediction.
+
+17. "Christians must be taught that there are many things which the
+Church regards as authentic articles of universal truth, although they
+are not found either in the canon of Scripture or in ancient doctors.
+
+44. "Christians must be taught to regard those as obstinate heretics,
+who, by their words, their actions, or their writings, declare that
+they would not retract their heretical propositions were
+excommunication after excommunication to rain or hail upon them.
+
+48. "Christians must be taught that those who protect heretics in
+their error, and who, by their authority, prevent them from being
+brought before the judge who is entitled to try them, are
+excommunicated; that if, in the space of a year, they desist not from
+doing so, they will be declared infamous, and severely punished with
+various punishments, in terms of law, and to the terror of all
+men.[410]
+
+  [410] "Pro infamibus sunt tenendi, qui etiam per juris capitula
+  terribiliter multis plectentur poenis omnium hominum terrorem."
+  (Positiones Fratris Joh. Tezelii, Pos. 56, Luth. Op. i, p. 98.)
+
+50. "Christians must be told that those who spoil so many books and so
+much paper, and who preach or dispute publicly and wickedly on the
+confession of the mouth, the satisfaction of works, the rich and great
+indulgences of the Bishop of Rome, and on his power; that those who
+ally themselves with those so preaching or writing, who take pleasure
+in their writings, and circulate them among the people and in the
+world; that those, in fine, who secretly speak of those things in a
+contemptuous and irreverent manner, may well tremble at incurring the
+pains which have just been named, and of precipitating themselves and
+others with them, at the last day, into eternal condemnation, and even
+here below into great disgrace. For every beast that toucheth the
+mountain shall be stoned."
+
+We see that Luther was not the only person whom Tezel attacked. In the
+forty-eighth thesis he had probably the Elector of Saxony in view.
+These propositions savour much of the Dominican. To threaten every
+contradictor with severe punishment was an inquisitor's argument, and
+scarcely admitted of a reply. The three hundred monks whom Tezel had
+brought together gaped and stared in admiration of his discourse. The
+theologians of the university were too much afraid of being classed
+with the abettors of heresy, or were too much attached to the
+principles of Wimpina, candidly to adopt the extraordinary theses
+which had just been read.
+
+The whole affair, about which so much noise had been made, seemed
+destined to be only a sham fight; but among the crowd of students
+present at the disputation was a young man of about twenty, named John
+Knipstrow. He had read the theses of Luther, and found them
+conformable to the doctrines of Scripture. Indignant at seeing the
+truth publicly trampled under foot, while no one appeared to defend
+it, this young man rose up, to the great astonishment of the whole
+assembly, and attacked the presumptuous Tezel. The poor Dominican, who
+had not counted on such opposition, was quite disconcerted. After some
+efforts, he quitted the field of battle, and gave place to Wimpina,
+who made a more vigorous resistance; but Knipstrow pressed him so
+closely, that, to put an end to a contest, which in his eyes was so
+unbecoming, Wimpina, who presided, declared the discussion closed, and
+proceeded forthwith to confer the degree of doctor on Tezel, in
+recompence of this glorious combat. Wimpina, to disencumber himself of
+the young orator, caused him to be sent to the convent of Pyritz in
+Pomerania, with orders that he should be strictly watched. But this
+dawning light was only removed from the banks of the Oder that it
+might afterwards shed a bright effulgence in Pomerania.[411] When God
+sees it meet, he employs scholars to confound teachers.
+
+  [411] Spieker, Gesch. Dr. M. Luthers. Beckmani Notitia Univ.
+  Francofurt, viii, etc.
+
+Tezel, wishing to repair the check which he had received, had recourse
+to the _ultima ratio_ of Rome and the inquisitors,--I mean the faggot.
+On a public walk in one of the suburbs of Frankfort, he caused a
+pulpit and a scaffold to be erected, and repaired thither in solemn
+procession with his _insignia_ of inquisitor. Mounting the pulpit, he
+let loose all his fury. He darted his thunder, and with his Stentorian
+voice exclaimed, that the heretic Luther ought to be burned alive.
+Then placing the doctor's theses and sermon on the scaffold, he burned
+them.[412] He was better acquainted with this kind of work than with
+the defence of theses. Here he met with no opponents, and his victory
+was complete. The impudent Dominican returned in triumph to Frankfort.
+When parties in power are vanquished, they have recourse to certain
+demonstrations which must be conceded to them as a kind of consolation
+to their disgrace.
+
+  [412] "Fulmina in Lutherum torquet; vociferatur ubique hunc hereticum
+  igni perdendum esse; propositiones etiam Lutheri in concionem de
+  indulgentiis publice conjicit in flammas." (Melancth. Vita Luth.)
+
+The second theses of Tezel form an important epoch in the Reformation.
+They changed the locality of the dispute, transporting it from the
+indulgence market to the halls of the Vatican, and diverting it from
+Tezel to the pope. Instead of the contemptible creature whom Luther
+had taken in his fist, they substituted the sacred person of the Head
+of the church. Luther was stunned at this. It is probable that he
+would himself have taken the step at a later period, but his enemies
+spared him the trouble. Thenceforward the question related not merely
+to a disreputable traffic, but to Rome; and the blow by which a bold
+hand had tried to demolish the shop of Tezel, shook the very
+foundations of the pontifical throne.
+
+Tezel's theses were only a signal to the Roman troops. A cry against
+Luther arose among the monks, who were infuriated at the appearance of
+an adversary more formidable than either Erasmus or Reuchlin had been.
+The name of Luther resounded from the pulpits of the Dominicans, who
+addressed themselves to the passions of the people, and inveighed
+against the courageous doctor, as a madman, a deceiver, and a
+demoniac. His doctrine was denounced as the most dreadful heresy.
+"Wait only for a fortnight, or four weeks at farthest," said they,
+"and this noted heretic will be burned." Had it depended only on the
+Dominicans, the fate of the Saxon doctor had soon been that of Huss
+and Jerome, but his life was destined to accomplish what the ashes of
+Huss had begun. Each does the work of God, one by his death, and
+another by his life. Several now began to cry out that the whole
+university of Wittemberg was tainted with heresy, and pronounced it
+infamous.[413] "Let us pursue the villain, and all his partisans,"
+continued they. In several places these exclamations had the effect of
+stirring up the passions of the people. Those who shared the opinions
+of the Reformer had the public attention directed towards them; and in
+every place where the monks were strongest, the friends of the gospel
+felt the effects of their hatred. Thus, in regard to the Reformation,
+the Saviour's prediction began to be accomplished, "They will revile
+you and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you
+falsely, for my sake." This is a recompence which the world at no time
+fails to bestow on the decided friends of the gospel.
+
+  [413] "Eo furunt usque, ut Universitatem Wittembergensem propter me
+  infamem conantur facere et haereticam." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 92.)
+
+When Luther was made acquainted with Tezel's theses, and with the
+general attack of which they were the signal, his courage rose. He
+felt that it was necessary to withstand such adversaries to the face;
+and his intrepid zeal had no difficulty in resolving so to do. At the
+same time, their feebleness made him aware of his own strength, and
+told him what he was.
+
+He did not, however, allow himself to give way to those emotions of
+pride which are so natural to the heart of man. "It gives me more
+difficulty," he writes to Spalatin, "to refrain from despising my
+adversaries, and so sinning against Jesus Christ, than it would give
+me to vanquish them. They are so ignorant in things human and divine,
+that one is ashamed at having to fight with them; and yet it is their
+very ignorance which gives them their inconceivable audacity and face
+of brass."[414] But the most powerful support to Luther's heart, in
+the midst of this universal opposition, was the deep conviction that
+his cause was the cause of truth. "Let it not surprise you," he writes
+to Spalatin, at the beginning of the year 1518, "that I am so much
+insulted. I am delighted with these insults. Did they not curse me, I
+could not believe so firmly that the cause which I have undertaken is
+God's own cause.[415] Christ has been set up for a sign to be spoken
+against. I know," added he, "that from the beginning of the world the
+nature of the word of God has been such, that every one who has
+preached it to the world, has been obliged, like the apostles, to
+leave all and lay his account with death. Were it otherwise, it would
+not be the word of Jesus Christ."[416] This peace in the midst of
+agitation is a thing unknown to the world's heroes. Men placed at the
+head of a government, or of a political party, are seen to give way
+under their labours and their vexations. The Christian in his
+struggles usually acquires new strength, because he has access to a
+mysterious source of repose and courage, unknown to those whose eyes
+are closed to the gospel.
+
+  [414] Luth. Ep. i, p. 92.
+
+  [415] "Nisi maledicerer, non crederem ex Deo esse quae tracto." (Luth.
+  Ep. i, 85.)
+
+  [416] In language full of energy he continues:--"Mortem emptum est,
+  mortibus vulgatum, mortibus servatum, mortibus quoque servandum aut
+  referendum est." It was bought by death, published by deaths,
+  preserved by deaths, by deaths also must be preserved or published.
+
+One thing, however, sometimes distressed Luther, viz., the thought of
+the dissensions which his courageous opposition might produce. He knew
+that a single word might be sufficient to set the world in a flame;
+and when he foresaw prince against prince, and perhaps nation against
+nation, his patriotic heart was saddened, and his Christian charity
+alarmed. His wish was for peace; but he behoved to speak out. So God
+required. "I tremble," said he, "I shudder at the thought of being the
+cause of discord among such mighty princes."[417]
+
+  [417] "Inter tantos principes dissidii origo esse valde horreo et
+  timeo." (Luth. Ep. 1, p. 93.)
+
+He still kept silence in regard to Tezel's propositions concerning the
+pope. Had he been carried away by passion, he would doubtless have
+made an impetuous assault on the extraordinary doctrine under which
+his opponents sought to take shelter. He did not do so; and there is
+in this delay, reserve, and silence, something grave and solemn, which
+sufficiently explains the spirit by which he was animated. He waited,
+but not through weakness; for when he struck he gave a heavier blow.
+
+Tezel, after his _auto da fe_ at Frankfort on the Oder, had hastened
+to send his theses into Saxony. There, thought he, they will serve as
+an antidote to those of Luther. A man from Halle, employed by the
+inquisitor to circulate his propositions, arrived at Wittemberg. The
+students of the university, still indignant at Tezel for having burned
+the theses of their master, no sooner heard of the messenger's
+arrival, than they sought him out, and, gathering round, jostled and
+frightened him. "How dare you bring such things here?" demanded they.
+Some purchasing part of the copies with which he was provided, and
+others seizing the rest, they got possession of his whole stock,
+amounting to eight hundred copies. Then, unknown to the Elector, the
+senate, the rector, Luther, and all the other professors,[418] they
+put up the following notice on the boards of the university:--"Whosoever
+is desirous to be present at the burning and funeral of Tezel's
+theses, let him repair at two o'clock to the market-place."
+
+  [418] "Haec inscio principe, senatu, rectore, denique omnibus nobis"
+  (Luth. Ep. i, p. 99.)
+
+Crowds assembled at the hour, and committed the propositions of the
+Dominican to the flames, amid loud acclamations. One copy which
+escaped, Luther afterwards sent to his friend, Lange of Erfurt. These
+generous but imprudent youths followed the old precept, "_Eye for eye,
+and tooth for tooth_" and not that of Jesus Christ; but after the
+example which doctors and professors had given at Frankfort, can we be
+astonished that young students followed it at Wittemberg? The news of
+this academical execution spread throughout Germany, and made a great
+noise.[419] Luther was extremely vexed at it.
+
+  [419] "Fit ex ea re ingens undique fabula." (Ibid.)
+
+"I am astonished," he writes to his old master, Jodocus, at Erfurt,
+"how you could think it was I that burned Tezel's theses. Do you think
+that I am so devoid of sense? But what can I do? When I am the subject
+of remark, every thing seems to be believed.[420] Can I tie up the
+tongues of the whole world? Very well! Let them say, let them hear,
+let them see, let them pretend whatever they please; I will act as
+long as the Lord gives me strength, and with his help will fear
+nothing." "What will come out of it," says he to Lange, "I know not,
+unless it be that my danger is much increased."[421] The act of the
+students shows how much their hearts already burned for the cause
+which Luther defended. This was an important symptom; for a movement
+among the young of necessity soon extends to the whole nation.
+
+  [420] "Omnes omnibus omnia redunt de me." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 109.)
+
+  [421] (Luth Ep. i, 98.)
+
+The theses of Tezel and Wimpina, though little esteemed, produced a
+certain effect. They heightened the dispute, widened the rent which
+had been made in the mantle of the Church, and brought questions of
+the highest interest into the field. Accordingly, the heads of the
+Church began to look more narrowly at the matter, and to declare
+decidedly against the Reformer. "Verily, I know not in whom Luther
+confides," said the Bishop of Brandenburg, "when he dares thus attack
+the power of bishops." Perceiving that this new circumstance called
+for new proceedings, the bishop came in person to Wittemberg; but he
+found Luther animated with the inward joy which a good conscience
+imparts, and determined to give battle. The bishop felt that the
+Augustin monk was obeying an authority superior to his, and returned
+to Brandenburg in a rage. One day, in the winter of 1518, when sitting
+at his fireside, he turned to those who were about him and said, "I
+will not lay down my head in peace till I have thrown Martin into the
+fire, as I do this brand," throwing one into the grate. The revolution
+of the sixteenth century was not to be accomplished by the heads of
+the Church any more than that of the first century had been by the
+Sanhedrim and the synagogue. In the sixteenth century, the heads of
+the Church were opposed to Luther, the Reformation, and its ministers,
+in the same way as they were opposed to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and
+his apostles, and as they too often are at all times to the truth.
+"The bishops," says Luther, in speaking of the visit which the Bishop
+of Brandenburg had paid him, "begin to perceive that they ought to
+have done what I am doing, and they are consequently ashamed. They
+call me proud and audacious, and I deny not that I am so. But they are
+not the people to know either what God is, or what we are."[422]
+
+  [422] "Quid vel Deus vel ipsi sumus." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 224.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IX.
+
+     Prierio--System of Rome--The Dialogue--System of
+     Reform--Reply to Prierio--The Word--The Pope and the
+     Church--Hochstraten--The Monks--Luther replies--Eck--The
+     School--The Obelisks--Luther's Sentiments--The
+     Asterisks--Rupture.
+
+
+A more serious resistance than that of Tezel was already opposed to
+Luther. Rome had answered. A reply had issued from the walls of the
+sacred palace. It was not Leo X who had taken it into his head to
+speak theology. "A quarrel of monks," he had one day said. "The best
+thing is not to meddle with it." And on another occasion, "It is a
+drunken German who has written these theses; when he recovers from his
+wine he will speak differently."[423] A Dominican of Rome, Sylvester
+Mazolini de Prierio or Prierias, master of the sacred palace,
+exercised the functions of censor, and in this character was the first
+man in Italy who knew of the Saxon monk's theses.
+
+  [423] "Ein voller trunkener Deutscher." (Luth. Op. (W.) xxii, p.
+  1337.)
+
+A Roman censor and the theses of Luther! What a rencounter! Liberty of
+speech, liberty of investigation, liberty of faith, come into
+collision in Rome, with that power which pretends to have in its hands
+a monopoly of intelligence, and to open and shut the mouth of
+Christendom at its pleasure. The struggle between Christian liberty,
+which begets children of God, and pontifical despotism, which begets
+slaves of Rome, is, as it were, personified during the first days of
+the Reformation, in the encounter between Luther and Prierio.
+
+The Roman censor, prior-general of the Dominicans, employed to
+determine what Christendom must say, or not say, and know or not know,
+hastened to reply, and published a tract, which he dedicated to Leo X.
+He spoke contemptuously of the German monk, and declared, with a
+self-sufficiency altogether Roman, "that he was anxious to know
+whether this Martin had a nose of iron, or a head of brass, which
+could not be broken."[424] Then, in the form of a dialogue, he
+attacked the theses of Luther, employing alternately, ridicule,
+insult, and threatening.
+
+  [424] "An ferreum nasum aut caput aeneum gerat iste Lutherus, ut
+  effringi non possit." (Sylv. Prieratis Dialogus.)
+
+The combat between the Augustin of Wittemberg and the Dominican of
+Rome took place on the very question which lies at the foundation of
+the Reformation; viz., "What is the sole infallible authority to
+Christians?" The following is the system of the Church, as expounded
+by its most independent organs.[425]
+
+  [425] See Joh. Gersonis Propositiones de Sensu Literali S. Scripturae.
+  (Op. tom. i.)
+
+The letter of the written Word is dead without the spirit of
+interpretation, which alone unfolds its hidden meaning. Now this
+spirit is not granted to every Christian, but to the Church; in other
+words, to the priests. It is great presumption to maintain, that he
+who promised to be with his Church always to the end of the world,
+could abandon it to the power of error. It will be said, perhaps, that
+the doctrine and constitution of the Church are not the same as we
+find them in the sacred oracles. This is true; but the change is only
+apparent, relating to the form, and not to the substance. Moreover,
+the change is an advance. The living power of the Spirit has given
+reality to what exists in Scripture only in idea; it has embodied the
+sketches of the Word, put a finishing hand to these sketches, and
+completed the work of which the Bible had furnished only the first
+outlines. Scripture ought, therefore, to be understood in the sense
+determined by the Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Here
+the Catholic doctors are divided. General councils, say some, and
+Gerson among the number, are the representatives of the Church. The
+pope, says others, is the depositary of the Spirit of interpretation;
+and no man is entitled to understand Scripture in a sense differing
+from that of the Roman pontiff. This was the opinion of Prierio.
+
+Such was the doctrine which the master of the sacred palace opposed to
+the rising Reformation. On the power of the pope and the Church he
+advanced propositions at which the most shameless flatterers of the
+court of Rome would have blushed. The following is one of the points
+which he maintains at the commencement of his tract:--"Whoever rests
+not in the doctrine of the Roman Church, and the Roman pontiff, as the
+infallible rule of faith, from which the Holy Scripture itself derives
+its force and authority, is a heretic."[426]
+
+  [426] "A qua etiam Sacra Scriptura robur trahit et auctoritatem,
+  haereticus est (Fundamentum tertium.")
+
+Then in a dialogue, in which Luther and Sylvester are the speakers,
+the latter tries to refute the doctor's propositions. The sentiments
+of the Saxon monk were quite new to a Roman censor. Accordingly,
+Prierio shows that he understood neither the emotions of his heart,
+nor the motives of his conduct. To the teacher of truth he applied the
+little standards of the valets of Rome. "Dear Luther!" says he, "were
+you to receive a bishopric and a plenary indulgence for the repair of
+your Church from our lord the pope, you would proceed more gently,
+and would even prose in favour of the indulgence which you are now
+pleased to blacken!" The Italian, so proud of the elegance of his
+manners, sometimes assumes the most scurrilous tone. "If the property
+of dogs is to bite," says he to Luther, "I fear your father must have
+been a dog."[427] The Dominican begins at last to be almost astonished
+at his own condescension in speaking to a rebellious monk; and
+concludes with showing his opponent the cruel teeth of an inquisitor.
+"The Roman Church," says he, "having in the pope the summit of
+spiritual and temporal power, may, by the secular arm, constrain those
+who after receiving the faith, stray from it. She is not bound to
+employ arguments for the purpose of combating and subduing the
+rebellious."[428]
+
+  [427] "Si mordere canum est proprium, vereor ne tibi pater canis
+  fuerit." (Sylvestri Prieratis Dial.)
+
+  [428] "Seculari brachio potest eos compescere, nec tenetur rationibus
+  certare ad vincendos protervientes." (Ibid.)
+
+These words traced by the pen of one of the dignitaries of the Roman
+court had a very significant meaning. They failed, however, to terrify
+Luther. He believed, or feigned to believe, that this dialogue was not
+by Prierio, but by Ulrich von Huetten, or by some other of the authors
+of "The Letters of some Obscure Men," who (said he in his sarcastic
+strain) had, in order to stir up Luther against Prierio, compiled this
+mass of absurdity.[429] He had no desire to see the court of Rome in
+arms against him. However, after remaining for some time silent, his
+doubts, if he had any, having been dispelled, he set to work, and in
+two days after was prepared with his reply.[430]
+
+  [429] "Convenit inter nos, esse personatum aliquem Sylvestrum ex
+  obscuris viris, qui tantas ineptias in hominem luserit ad provocandum
+  me adversus eum." (Ep., i, p. 87, 14th Jan.)
+
+  [430] T. i, Witt. Lat., p. 170.
+
+The Bible had produced the Reformer and begun the Reformation. Luther,
+in believing, had no need of the testimony of the Church. His faith
+was derived from the Bible itself; from within, and not from without.
+His thorough conviction that the evangelical doctrine was immovably
+founded on the word of God made him regard all external authority as
+useless. Luther's experience, in this respect, opened a new prospect
+to the Church. The living spring which had burst forth before the monk
+of Wittemberg, was destined to become a stream at which nations would
+quench their thirst.
+
+The Church had said that, in order to understand the Word, the Spirit
+of God must interpret it, and so far the Church was right. But her
+error consisted in regarding the Holy Spirit as a monopoly conferred
+on a certain caste, and in thinking that it could be appropriated
+exclusively to certain assemblies and colleges, to a city or a
+conclave. "The wind bloweth where it listeth," were the words of the
+Son of God, when speaking of the Spirit of God; and, on another
+occasion, "They will ALL be taught of God." The corruption of the
+Church, the ambition of pontiffs, the animosities of councils, the
+squabbles of the clergy, and the pomp of prelates, had made this Holy
+Spirit, this breath of humility and peace, eschew the dwelling of the
+priesthood. He had deserted the assemblies of the proud, and the
+palaces of the princes of the Church, and gone to live in retirement
+among simple Christians and modest priests. He had shunned a
+domineering hierarchy, which often forced blood from the poor, whom it
+trampled under foot; he had shunned a proud and ignorant clergy, whose
+chiefs were skilled, not in the Bible, but in the sword; and he was
+found sometimes among despised sects, and sometimes among men of
+talents and learning. The holy cloud, withdrawing from proud basilisks
+and gorgeous cathedrals, had descended on the obscure dwellings of the
+humble, or on chambers where studious men calmly pursued their
+conscientious labours. The Church, degraded by her love of power and
+riches, dishonoured in the eyes of the people by the venal use which
+she made of the doctrine of life; the Church which sold salvation in
+order to fill a treasury, for luxury and debauchery to empty, had lost
+all respect. Men of sense no longer set any value on her testimony,
+but, despising an authority so degraded, turned with joy, towards the
+Divine word, and its infallible authority, as toward the only refuge
+which remained to them in the general confusion.
+
+The age, therefore, was prepared. The bold movement by which Luther
+changed the point on which the human heart rested its highest hopes,
+and with a mighty hand transferred those hopes from the walls of the
+Vatican to the rock of the word of God, was hailed with enthusiasm.
+This was the work which the Reformer had in view in his reply to
+Prierio.
+
+Putting aside the axioms which the Dominican had placed at the head of
+his work, he says, "After your example, I, too, am going to lay down
+some axioms."
+
+"The first is the saying of St. Paul, 'Should we, or an angel from
+heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have
+preached unto you, let him be accursed.'"
+
+The second is the following passage of St. Augustine, addressed to St.
+Jerome:--"I have learned to pay to the canonical books alone the
+honour of believing very firmly that none of them has erred; as to
+others, I believe not what they say, for the simple reason, that it is
+they who say it."
+
+Luther then vigorously proceeds to lay down the fundamental principles
+of the Reformation,--_the word of God, the whole word of God, and
+nothing but the word of God_. "If you understand these principles,"
+continues he, "you will also understand that your whole dialogue is
+completely overturned; for you have done nothing else than adduce the
+words and opinions of St. Thomas." Next, attacking the axioms of his
+opponent, he frankly declares his opinion that popes and councils may
+err. He complains of the flattery of the Roman courtiers in
+attributing to the pope the alleged infallibility of both popes and
+councils, and declares that the Church exists virtually only in
+Christ, and representatively only in Councils.[431] Coming afterwards
+to the supposition which Prierio had made, he says, "No doubt you
+judge me by yourself, but if I aspired to a bishopric, assuredly I
+would not use language which sounds so hateful in your ears. Do you
+imagine I am ignorant how bishoprics and the popedom are procured at
+Rome? Do not the very children in the streets sing the well known
+words--
+
+  [431] "Ego ecclesiam virtualiter non scio nisi in Christo,
+  representative non nisi in concilo." (Luth. Op. Lat., p. 174.) I do
+  not know the Church virtually, except in Christ, nor representatively,
+  except in a Council.
+
+      'Rome now-a-days is more unclean,
+      Than ought that in the world is seen?'"[432]
+
+  [432] "Quando hanc pueri in omnibus plateis urbis cantant: Denique
+  nunc facta est foedissima Roma." (Ibid., p. 183.)
+
+This was among the stanzas current in Rome before the election of one
+of the last popes. Nevertheless, Luther speaks of Leo with respect. "I
+know," says he, "that in him we have, as it were, a Daniel in Babylon;
+his integrity has repeatedly endangered his life." He concludes with a
+few words in reply to the menaces of Prierio: "In fine, you say that
+the pope is at once pontiff and emperor, and that he has power to
+constrain by the secular arm. Are you thirsting for murder? Take my
+word for it, your rhodomontades and your loud-sounding threats cannot
+terrify me. Though I be killed, Christ lives, Christ my Lord, and the
+Lord of all, blessed for ever and ever. Amen."[433]
+
+  [433] "Si occidor, vivit Christus. Dominus meus et omnium." (Ibid., p.
+  186.)
+
+Thus Luther with a strong arm assails the infidel altar of the papacy,
+opposing to it the altar of the word of God, alone holy, alone
+infallible, before which he would have every knee to bow, and on which
+he declares himself ready to sacrifice his life.
+
+Prierio published a reply, and after it a third treatise on "the
+Irrefragable Truth of the Church and of the Roman Pontiff," in which,
+founding on ecclesiastical law, he says, that though the pope were to
+send the people and himself to the devil _en masse_, he could not for
+so doing be either judged or deposed.[434] The pope was at length
+obliged to impose silence on Prierio.
+
+  [434] De Juridica et Irrefragabili Veritate Romanae Ecclesiae, lib.
+  tertius, cap. 12.
+
+A new opponent soon entered the list. He too was a Dominican. James
+Hochstraten, inquisitor at Cologne, whom we have already seen
+assailing Reuchlin and the friends of letters, was furious when he saw
+Luther's boldness. It was indeed necessary that darkness and monkish
+fanaticism should engage in close fight with him who was to give them
+their death-blow. Monkism was formed after primitive truth had begun
+to decay, and from that period downward, errors and monks had gone
+hand in hand. The man who was to hasten their ruin had appeared; but
+these sturdy champions would not quit the field without a fierce
+combat. This combat they continued to wage with him throughout his
+whole life, though the proper personification of it is in Hochstraten;
+Hochstraten and Luther--the one, the free and intrepid Christian, and
+the other, the blustering slave of monkish superstition. Hochstraten
+unchains his rage, and, with loud cries, demands the death of the
+heretic.... His wish is to secure the triumph of Rome by means of the
+flames. "It is high treason against the Church," exclaims he, "to let
+so execrable a heretic live another single hour. Let a scaffold be
+instantly erected for him!" This sanguinary counsel was, alas! but too
+well followed in many countries; the voice of numerous martyrs, as in
+the first days of the Church, bore testimony to the truth in the midst
+of the flames. But in vain were fire and sword invoked against Luther.
+The angel of Jehovah constantly encamped around him and shielded him.
+
+Luther replied to Hochstraten briefly, but very energetically. "Go,"
+says he to him, when concluding; "go, delirious murderer, whose thirst
+can only be quenched by the blood of the brethren. My sincere desire
+is, that you guard against calling me a Christian and a believer, and
+that, on the contrary, you never cease to denounce me as a heretic.
+Understand these things well, you bloody man, you enemy of the truth;
+and if your furious rage impel you to devise mischief against me, do
+it with circumspection, and time your measures well. God knows what I
+purpose if he grants me life. My hope and expectation (God willing)
+will not deceive me."[435] Hochstraten was silent.
+
+  [435] Luth., Op. Leip. xvii, p. 140.
+
+A more painful attack awaited the Reformer. Dr. Eck, the celebrated
+professor of Ingolstadt, who procured the liberty of Urban Regius,
+Luther's friend, had received the famous theses. Eck was not the man
+to defend the abuses of indulgences, but he was a doctor of the
+school, and not of the Bible, being well versant in scholastics, but
+not in the word of God. If Prierio had represented Rome, and
+Hochstraten had represented the monks, Eck represented the School. The
+School which, for about five centuries, had ruled Christendom, far
+from yielding to the first blows of the Reformer, proudly rose up to
+crush the man who dared to assail it with floods of contempt. Eck and
+Luther, the School and the Word, came to blows on more than one
+occasion; but the present was the occasion on which the combat
+commenced.
+
+Eck must have regarded several of Luther's assertions as erroneous;
+for nothing obliges us to question the sincerity of his convictions.
+He defended the scholastic opinions with enthusiasm, just as Luther
+defended the declarations of the word of God. We may even suppose that
+he was somewhat pained at seeing himself obliged to oppose his old
+friend, and yet it would seem, from the mode of attack, that passion
+and jealousy had some share in his determination.
+
+He gave the name of _Obelisks_ to his remarks on the theses of Luther.
+Wishing at first to save appearances, he did not publish his work, but
+contented himself with communicating it confidentially to his
+ordinary, the Bishop of Eichstaedt. Soon, however, whether through the
+indiscretion of the bishop, or of Eck himself, the _Obelisks_ were
+circulated in all quarters. A copy having fallen into the hands of a
+friend of Luther, Link, preacher at Nuremberg, he lost no time in
+sending it to the Reformer. Eck was a much more formidable opponent
+than Tezel, Prierio, and Hochstraten; his work was the more dangerous
+the more it surpassed theirs in knowledge and subtlety. He affected
+pity for his "feeble opponent," (knowing well that pity injures more
+effectually than anger,) and insinuated that the propositions of
+Luther contained Bohemian poison, and savoured of Bohemia. By these
+malicious insinuations he threw upon Luther the obloquy and hatred
+which in Germany attached to the name of Huss and the schismatics of
+his country.
+
+The malice which shone through this treatise roused Luther's
+indignation, while the thought that the blow was given by an old
+friend, was still more distressing. However, he must sacrifice his
+affections in defending the truth. Luther unbosomed his heart and its
+sadness, in a letter to Egranus, pastor at Zwickau--"I am called in
+the _Obelisks_ a venomous man, a Bohemian, a heretic, seditious,
+insolent, and presumptuous.... I say nothing of milder epithets, such
+as sleepy, imbecile, ignorant, contemner of the sovereign pontiff,
+etc. This book is full of the grossest insults, and yet the author is
+a distinguished man, alike remarkable for learning and talent; and (it
+is this that grieves me most) a man with whom I had recently
+contracted a close friendship,[436] viz., John Eck, doctor in
+theology, and chancellor of Ingolstadt, a celebrated and illustrious
+author. Did I not know the thoughts of Satan, I would be astonished at
+the furious manner in which this man has broken off a friendship at
+once so pleasant and so recent;[437] and this without giving me any
+warning--without writing or saying a single word."
+
+  [436] "Et quod magis urit, antea mihi magna recenterque contracta
+  amicitia conjunctus." (Luth., Ep. i, p. 100.)
+
+  [437] "Quo furore ille amicitias recentissimas et jucundissimas
+  solveret." (Ibid.)
+
+But if Luther's heart be wounded, his courage is not destroyed. On the
+contrary, he girds himself for the combat. "Rejoice, my brother," says
+he to Egranus, whom a violent enemy had also attacked; "rejoice, and
+be not alarmed at all these flying leaves. The more furious my
+adversaries become, the more I advance. I leave the things which are
+behind, that they may bark after them, and follow those which are
+before, that they may in like manner bark after them in their turn."
+
+Eck felt how shameful his conduct had been, and endeavoured to justify
+it in a letter to Carlstadt, in which he calls Luther "their common
+friend;" and throws all the blame on the Bishop of Eichstadt, at whose
+instigation he pretended that he had written the work. His intention,
+he said, was not to publish the _Obelisks_; but for this he would have
+had more regard for the friendship subsisting between him and Luther;
+and he requested that Luther, instead of coming to open rupture with
+him, would turn his arms against the theologians of Frankfort. The
+professor of Ingolstadt, who had not feared to strike the first blow,
+began to be alarmed at the power of the opponent whom he had
+imprudently attacked, and would willingly have evaded the contest. It
+was too late.
+
+All these fine words did not persuade Luther, who was, however,
+disposed to be silent, and said, "I will patiently swallow this
+morsel, though fit for Cerberus."[438] But his friends were of a
+different opinion, and urged, or rather constrained him to answer. He,
+accordingly, replied to the _Obelisks_ by his _Asterisks_, opposing
+(as he says, playing upon the word) to the rust and lividity of
+Obelisks the light and dazzling brightness of the stars of heaven. In
+this work he treats his new opponent less harshly than those whom he
+had previously combated; but his indignation is seen peeping through
+his words.
+
+  [438] "Volui tamen hanc offam Cerbero dignam absorbere patientia."
+  (Ibid.)
+
+He showed that in the chaos of the _Obelisks_ there was nothing from
+the holy Scriptures, nothing from the Fathers of the Church, and
+nothing from the ecclesiastical canons; that they contained only
+scholastic glosses, and opinion after opinion, many of them mere
+dreams;[439] in a word, contained the very things which Luther had
+attacked. The Asterisks are full of spirit and life. The author's
+indignation rises at the errors of his friend's book, but he shows
+pity to the man.[440] He reiterates the fundamental principle which he
+had laid down in his reply to Prierio:--"The sovereign pontiff is a
+man, and may be led into error; but God is truth, and cannot be
+deceived."[441] Then employing the _argumentum ad hominem_ against the
+scholastic doctor, he says to him, "It is certainly impudent in any
+one to teach, as the philosophy of Aristotle, any dogma which cannot
+be proved by his authority. You grant this. Well, then, it is _a
+fortiori_, the most impudent of all things to affirm in the Church and
+among Christians anything that Jesus Christ himself has not
+taught.[442] Now in what part of the Bible is it said that the
+treasure of Christ's merits is in the hands of the pope?"
+
+  [439] "Omnia scholastissima, opiniosissima, meraque somnia."
+  (Asterisci, Op. (L.) Lat. i, p. 145.) The whole most scholastic, most
+  opinionative, mere dreams.
+
+  [440] "Indignor rei et misereor hominis." (Ibid., p. 150.) I am
+  indignant at the thing, and I pity the man.
+
+  [441] "Homo est summus pontifex, falli potest, sed veritas est Deus,
+  qui falli non potest. (Ibid., p. 155.)
+
+  [442] "Longe ergo impudentissima omnium temeritas est, aliquid in
+  ecclesia asserere, et inter Christianos, quod non docuit Christus."
+  (Ibid., p. 156.)
+
+He adds, "As to the malicious charge of Bohemian heresy, I patiently
+bear the reproach for the love of Jesus Christ. I live in a celebrated
+university, a distinguished town, an important bishopric, and a
+powerful duchy, where all are orthodox, and where, doubtless, no
+toleration would be given to so wicked a heretic."
+
+Luther did not publish _The Asterisks_; he only communicated them to
+his friends. It was not till a later period that they were given to
+the public.[443]
+
+  [443] "Cum privatim dederim Asteriscos meos non fit ei respondendi
+  necessitas." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 126.) Since I have circulated my
+  Asterisks privately, he is under no necessity of replying.
+
+This rupture between the doctor of Ingolstadt and the doctor of
+Wittemberg made a sensation in Germany. They had common friends.
+Scheurl, in particular, by whose instrumentality their friendship
+appears to have been originally formed, was exceedingly annoyed. He
+was one of those who longed to see a reform throughout the whole
+Germanic church, produced through the medium of its most distinguished
+organs. But if in matters of principle the most eminent theologians of
+the period came to open rupture, and while Luther advanced in a new
+path, Eck put himself at the head of those who kept to the old path,
+what disruption must inevitably ensue? Would not numerous adherents
+gather around each of the two chiefs, and form two hostile camps in
+the heart of the empire?
+
+Scheurl exerted himself to reconcile Eck and Luther. The latter
+declared that he was willing to forget every thing; that he loved the
+genius, and admired the erudition of Dr. Eck,[444] and that the
+proceedings of his old friend had caused him more grief than anger. "I
+am ready," says he, "either for peace or war; but I prefer peace. Do
+you then set about it. Grieve with us, that the devil has thrown among
+us this beginning of strife, and then rejoice that Christ in his mercy
+hath removed it."[445] About the same time, he addressed a most
+friendly letter to Eck, who, however, not only did not answer it, but
+did not even send him a verbal message."[446] It was too late for
+reconciliation; and the breach became wider and wider. The pride of
+Eck, and his unforgiving temper, soon completely broke any remaining
+ties of friendship.
+
+  [444] "Diligimus hominis igenium et admiramur eruditionem." (Luth. Ep.
+  ad Scheurlum, 15th June, 1518, i, p. 125.)
+
+  [445] "Quod ad me attinet, scripsi ad eum has, ut vides, amicissimas
+  et plenas literas humanitate, erga eum." (Ibid.) As far as regards
+  myself, I have, as you see, written him in the most kindly and
+  friendly terms.
+
+  [446] "Nihil neque literarum, neque verborum ne participem fecit."
+  (Ibid.) I have had no communication from him, either by word or
+  writing.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. X.
+
+     Popular Writings--Our Father--Thy Kingdom Come--Thy Will be
+     Done--Our Daily Bread--Sermon on Repentance--Forgiveness
+     through Christ.
+
+
+Such were the struggles which the champion of the word of God had to
+maintain at the outset of his career. But these combats with the
+leaders of society, these academical disputes, are of small account
+with the Christian. Human doctors imagine they have gained the noblest
+of triumphs if they succeed in filling some newspapers and some
+saloons with the noise of their systems. As it is with them more an
+affair of self-love, or party spirit, than of good to humanity, this
+worldly success satisfies them. Accordingly, their labours are only a
+smoke, which, after blinding us, passes off and leaves no trace
+behind. Neglecting to introduce their fire among the masses of the
+population, they do nothing more than make it skim along the surface
+of society.
+
+It is not so with the Christian. His object is not success in a
+coterie, or an academy, but the salvation of souls. He therefore
+willingly avoids the brilliant skirmishing, which he might carry on at
+his ease with the champions of the world, and prefers the obscure
+labours which carry life and light into rural cottages, and the lanes
+of cities. Thus did Luther, or rather according to the precept of his
+Master, _he did the one, without leaving the other undone_. While
+combating inquisitors, university chancellors, and masters of the
+sacred palace, he strove to diffuse sound religious knowledge among
+the multitude. With that view, he at this time published different
+popular writings, such as his _Discourses on the Ten Commandments_,
+delivered two years before in the church of Wittemberg, and which we
+have already noticed; and his _Exposition of the Lord's Prayer, for
+simple and ignorant laymen_.[447] Who would not like to know how the
+Reformer then addressed the people?
+
+  [447] Luth. Op. Leips. vii, p. 1086.
+
+We will quote some of the words which he sent, as he says, in the
+preface to the second of these works, "to course the country."
+
+Prayer, that inward act of the heart, will doubtless ever be one of
+the points with which a reformation in heart and life must commence,
+and, accordingly, it early engaged the attention of Luther. It is
+impossible, in a translation, to keep up his energetic style, and the
+vigour of a language which was formed so to speak, as it fell from his
+pen; however, we will try.
+
+"When you pray," says he, "have few words, but many thoughts and
+affections, and, above all, let these be profound. The less you speak,
+the better you pray. Few words and many thoughts make the Christian,
+many words and few thoughts, the pagan.
+
+"Seeming and bodily prayer is that muttering of the lips, that
+external babble, which comes forth without attention, striking the
+eyes and ears of men; but prayer in spirit and in truth is the inward
+desire, the emotions, and sighs which proceed from the depths of the
+heart. The former is the prayer of hypocrites, and of all who trust in
+themselves. The latter is the prayer of the children of God, who walk
+in his fear."
+
+Then coming to the first words of our Lord's Prayer, "Our Father," he
+thus expresses himself:--"Among all the names of God, there is none
+which inclines more toward him than the name of Father. We should not
+have so much happiness and consolation in calling him Lord, or God, or
+Judge.... By this name of father his bowels of compassion are moved;
+for there is no voice more lovely or touching than that of a child to
+its father.
+
+"_Who art in heaven._ He who confesses that he has a Father in heaven
+owns himself to be, as it were, an orphan on the earth. Hence his
+heart feels an ardent desire like that of a child living out of its
+father's country, among strangers, in wretchedness and sorrow. It is
+as if he said, 'Alas! my father! thou art in heaven, and I, thy
+miserable child, am on the earth, far from thee, in all sorts of
+dangers, necessities, and sorrows.'
+
+"_Hallowed be thy name!_ He who is passionate and envious, who curses
+or slanders, dishonours God, in whose name he was baptized. Applying
+the vessel which God has consecrated to profane uses, he resembles a
+priest who should use the holy cup to give drink to a sow, or to
+gather manure.
+
+"_Thy kingdom come._ Those who amass wealth, who erect magnificent
+buildings, who seek after all that the world can give, and with the
+lips repeat this prayer, are like the large pipes of a church organ,
+which sounds and cries at full pitch, and without ceasing, but has
+neither words, nor sense, nor reason."...
+
+Farther on, Luther attacks the error of pilgrimages, which was then so
+general. "One goes to Rome, another to St. James; one builds a chapel,
+another founds an endowment, in order to reach the kingdom of God; but
+all neglect the essential point, which is to become themselves his
+kingdom. Why do you go beyond seas in quest of the kingdom of God?...
+Your heart is the place in which it ought to rise.
+
+"It is a dreadful thing," continues he, "to hear us utter this prayer,
+'_Thy will be done_.' Where in the Church do we see this will done?...
+Bishop rises against bishop, and church against church. Priests,
+monks, and nuns, quarrel and fight; throughout there is nothing but
+discord. And yet all parties exclaim that they have a good will and an
+upright intention; and so to the honour and glory of God they
+altogether do the work of the devil....
+
+"Why do we say _our bread_?" continues he, "explaining these words,
+"_Give us this day our daily bread_." "Because we pray, not for the
+ordinary bread which pagans eat, and which God gives to all men, but
+for _our_ bread--bread to us, children of the heavenly Father.
+
+"And what, then, is this bread of God? It is Jesus Christ our Lord;
+'_I am the living bread which came down from heaven, and give life to
+the world_.' Wherefore let us not deceive ourselves. Sermons and
+instructions which do not represent to us, or give us the knowledge
+of Jesus Christ, cannot be the daily bread and food of our souls....
+
+"What avails it that such a bread is prepared for us, if it is not
+served out to us, and we cannot taste it?... It is as if a magnificent
+feast were prepared, and there were nobody to hand the bread, bring
+the dishes, and pour out the liquor; so that the guests would be left
+to feed by the eye and the smell.... This is the reason why it is
+necessary to preach Christ, and Christ alone.
+
+"But what, then, you ask, is it to know Jesus Christ, and what profit
+is gained by it? Answer:--To learn to know Jesus Christ is to
+comprehend what the Apostle says--_Christ has of God been made unto us
+wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption_. Now,
+you comprehend this when you perceive that your wisdom is culpable
+folly, your righteousness damnable iniquity, your holiness damnable
+pollution, your redemption miserable condemnation--when you feel that,
+before God and all the creatures, you are truly a fool, a sinner, an
+impure and condemned man--and when you show, not only by your words,
+but from the bottom of your heart, and by your works, that there
+remains to you no comfort and no salvation, save Jesus Christ. To
+believe is nothing else than to eat this bread of heaven."
+
+Thus Luther faithfully fulfilled his resolution to open the eyes of a
+people whom priests had blindfolded, and were leading at their
+pleasure. His writings, which in a short time spread over all Germany,
+caused new light to arise, and shed the seeds of truth in abundance on
+a soil well prepared to receive it. But while thinking of those at a
+distance, he did not forget those who were near.
+
+The dominicans from their pulpits denounced him as an infamous
+heretic. Luther, the man of the people, and who, had he been so
+disposed, could with a few sentences have set them in commotion,
+always disdained such triumphs, and made it his sole aim to instruct
+his hearers.
+
+His reputation, which was continually extending, and the courage with
+which he raised the banner of Christ in the midst of an enslaved
+Church, made his sermons be followed with increasing interest. Never
+had the confluence been so great. Luther went straight to the point.
+One day, having mounted the pulpit of Wittemberg, he undertook to
+establish the doctrine of repentance. The discourse pronounced on this
+occasion afterwards became very celebrated, and contains several of
+the fundamental principles of evangelical doctrine.
+
+At first he contrasts the pardon of men with the pardon of heaven.
+"There are," says he, "two remissions--the remission of the penalty,
+and the remission of the fault. The former reconciles man externally
+with the Church; the latter, which is the heavenly indulgence,
+reconciles man with God. If a man has not within himself that tranquil
+conscience, that cheerful heart which God's remission gives, no
+indulgence can aid him were he to buy all that ever have been on the
+earth."
+
+He afterwards continues thus: "They wish to do good works before their
+sins are pardoned, whereas sins must be pardoned before good works can
+be done. Works do not banish sin; but banish sin, and you will have
+works.[448] Good works should be done with a cheerful heart and a good
+conscience toward God; in other words, with the forgiveness of sins."
+
+  [448] "Nicht die Werke treiben die Suende aus; sondern die Anstreibung
+  der Suende thut gute Werke," (Luth. Op. (Lat.) xvii, p. 162.)
+
+He then comes to the principal object of his sermon, an object which
+was identified with that of the whole Reformation. The Church had put
+herself in the place of God and his word; he objects to this, and
+makes every thing depend on faith in the word.
+
+"The remission of the fault," says he, "is not in the power of the
+pope, or the bishop, or the priest, or any man whatever, but rests
+solely on the word of Christ, and your own faith. For Christ did not
+choose to build our comfort or our salvation on a word or work of man,
+but only on himself, on his own work and word. Your repentance and
+your works may deceive you, but Christ your God will never deceive,
+will never waver; and the devil cannot overthrow his words."[449]
+
+  [449] "Christus dein Gott wird dir nicht lugen: noch wanken." (Ibid.)
+
+"A pope or a bishop has no more power than the humblest priest where
+the remission of the fault is in question. And even where there is no
+priest, each Christian, were it a woman or a child,[450] can do the
+same thing. For if a simple Christian says to you, 'God pardons sin in
+the name of Jesus Christ,' and you receive the saying with firm faith,
+as if God himself had spoken, you are acquitted.
+
+  [450] "Ob es schon ein Weib oder ein kind ware." (Ibid.)
+
+"If you believe not that your sins are pardoned, you make your God a
+liar, and declare that you put greater confidence in your vain
+thoughts than in God and his word.
+
+"Under the Old Testament neither priest, nor king, nor prophet, had
+power to proclaim the forgiveness of sins; but under the New Testament
+every believer has this power. The Church is quite replete with the
+remission of sins.[451] If a pious Christian comforts your conscience
+by the word of the cross, be it man or woman, young or old, receive
+the comfort with a faith so firm, that you would sooner submit to many
+deaths than doubt that it is ratified in the presence of God....
+Repent, and do all the works that you can do; but let the faith which
+you have in the pardon of Jesus Christ stand in the front rank, and
+have sole command on the field of battle."[452]
+
+  [451] "Also siehst du dass die ganze Kirche voll von Vergebung der
+  Sueden ist." (Ibid.)
+
+  [452] "Und Hauptmann im Felde bleibe." (Ibid.)
+
+Thus spoke Luther to his astonished and enraptured hearers. All the
+scaffoldings which impudent priests had, for their own profit, reared
+between God and the soul of man, were thrown down, and man brought
+face to face with his Maker. The word of pardon came down pure from on
+high, without passing through a thousand corrupting channels. It was
+no longer necessary that the testimony of God, in order to be
+available, should previously be stamped by men with their false seal.
+The monopoly of the sacerdotal caste was abolished, and the Church
+emancipated.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XI.
+
+     Apprehensions of Luther's friends--Journey to
+     Heidelberg--Bibra--The Palatine Castle--Rupture--The
+     Paradoxes--Dispute--The
+     Hearers--Bucer--Brentz--Snepf--Conversations with
+     Luther--Labours of the Young Doctors--Effects on Luther--The
+     Old Professor--The True Light--Arrival.
+
+
+Meanwhile, the fire which had been kindled at Wittemberg behoved to be
+kindled elsewhere. Luther, not contented with announcing the truth in
+the place of his residence, whether to the academic youth or to the
+people, was desirous to shed the seeds of sound doctrine in other
+places. The Augustin order were to hold their general chapter at
+Heidelberg, in the spring of 1518. Luther, as one of the most
+distinguished men of the order, was invited to attend; but his friends
+did all they could to dissuade him from undertaking the journey. In
+fact, the monks had laboured to render the name of Luther odious in
+all the places through which he had to pass. To insult they had added
+threatening; and a small matter might have sufficed to excite a
+popular tumult of which he might have been made the victim. "Or even,"
+said his friends, "what they may not dare to do by violence, they will
+accomplish by fraud and stratagem."[453] But in the discharge of a
+duty, Luther did not allow himself to be arrested by the fear of any
+danger, however imminent. He therefore turned a deaf ear to the timid
+suggestions of his friends, and directed them to Him in whom his
+confidence was placed, and under whose protection he desired to
+undertake the perilous journey. After the feast of Easter he quietly
+set out on foot,[454] on the 13th April 1518.
+
+  [453] Ibid., Ep. i, p. 98.
+
+  [454] "Pedester veniam." I will come on foot. (Luth., Ep. i, p. 98.)
+
+He had with him a guide named Urban, who carried his small bundle, and
+was to accompany him as far as Wurzburg. How many thoughts must have
+occupied the heart of the servant of the Lord during this journey! At
+Weissenfels, the pastor, though not of his acquaintance, instantly
+recognised him as the doctor of Wittemberg, and gave him a hearty
+reception.[455] At Erfurt, he was joined by two other Augustin friars.
+At Judenbach, the three fell in with Degenard Pfeffinger, the
+Elector's confidential councillor, who entertained them at the inn. "I
+have had the pleasure," wrote Luther to Spalatin, "of making this rich
+lord some shillings poorer. You know how I like to take every occasion
+of making a hole in the purses of the rich for the benefit of the
+poor, especially if the rich are my friends."[456] He arrived at
+Coburg, worn out with fatigue. "All goes well by the grace of God,"
+wrote he; "only, I confess I have sinned in undertaking the journey on
+foot. But for this sin I presume I will have no need of the remission
+of indulgences, for my contrition is perfect, and my satisfaction
+complete. I am knocked up with fatigue, and all the conveyances are
+full. Is not this enough, or rather more than enough of penitence,
+contrition, and satisfaction?"[457]
+
+  [455] Ibid., p. 105.
+
+  [456] Ibid., p. 104.
+
+  [457] Ibid., p. 106.
+
+The Reformer of Germany, not finding a place in the public
+conveyances, nor any one who was willing to yield him his place, was
+obliged next morning, notwithstanding of his fatigue, humbly to resume
+his journey on foot. He arrived at Wurzburg on the evening of the
+second Sabbath after Easter, and sent back his guide.
+
+Bishop Bibra, who had received the theses with so much delight, lived
+in this town, and Luther had a letter for him from the Elector of
+Saxony. The bishop, overjoyed at the opportunity of becoming
+personally acquainted with this bold champion of the truth, hastened
+to invite him to the episcopal palace. He went out to receive him,
+spoke to him in the kindest terms, and offered to furnish him with a
+guide as far as Heidleberg. But at Wurzburg, Luther had fallen in with
+his two friends, the vicar-general Staupitz, and Lange, the prior of
+Erfurt, who offered him a place in their carriage. He therefore
+thanked Bibra for his offer, and next day the three friends set out
+from Wurzburg. They travelled thus for three days, conversing
+together, and on the 21st April arrived at Heidelberg. Luther went to
+lodge at the Augustin convent.
+
+The Elector of Saxony had given him a letter to Count Palatine
+Wolfgang, Duke of Bavaria. Luther repaired to his magnificent castle,
+the site of which is still the admiration of strangers. The monk of
+the plains of Saxony had a heart to admire the position of Heidelberg,
+where the two lovely valleys of the Rhine and the Necker unite. He
+delivered his letter to James Simler, steward of the court. Simler
+having read it, said, "Truly you have here a valuable letter of
+credit." The Count Palatine received him with much kindness, and often
+invited him, as well as Lange and Staupitz, to his table. This
+friendly reception added greatly to Luther's comfort. "We relax and
+amuse ourselves with an agreeable and pleasant chit-chat," says he,
+"eating and drinking, and surveying all the magnificence of the
+Palatine palace, admiring its ornaments, its armoury, and cuirasses;
+in short, every thing remarkable in this distinguished and truly royal
+castle."[458]
+
+  [458] "Ihr habt bei Gott einen koestlichen Credenz." (Luth. Ep. i, p.
+  111.)
+
+However, Luther had other work to do. He behoved to work while it was
+day. Transported to an university which exercised great influence on
+the west and south of Germany, he was there to strike a blow which
+should shake the churches of those countries. He, accordingly, began
+to write theses which he proposed to maintain in a public discussion.
+Such discussions were of ordinary occurrence; but Luther felt, that in
+order to make his useful, it was necessary to give it a peculiar
+interest. His disposition, moreover, inclined him to present the truth
+under a paradoxical form. The professors of the university would not
+allow the discussion to take place in their public hall, and it became
+necessary to hold it in a hall of the Augustin convent. The 26th of
+April was the day on which it was to take place.
+
+Heidelberg, at a later period, received the gospel, and even at this
+discussion in the convent, an observer might have augured that good
+would result from it.
+
+The reputation of Luther attracted a large concourse of hearers;
+professors, courtiers, citizens, and students, crowded to it. The
+doctor gave the name of Paradoxes to his theses, and it is, perhaps,
+the name which might still be applied to them in the present day. It
+would be easy, however, to translate them into evident propositions.
+The following are some of the Paradoxes:--
+
+1. "The law of God is a salutary rule of life. Nevertheless, it cannot
+aid man in his search after righteousness; on the contrary, it impedes
+him.
+
+3. "Works of man, how fair and good soever they may be, are, to all
+appearance, only mortal sins.
+
+4. "Works of God, how deformed and bad soever they may appear, have
+always an immortal merit.
+
+7. "The works of the just themselves would be mortal sins, did they
+not, through holy reverence for the Lord, fear that their works would
+in fact be mortal sins.[459]
+
+  [459] "Justorum opera essent mortalia nisi pio Dei timore, ab ipsismet
+  justis, ut mortalia timerentur." (Luth. Op. Lat. i, 55.)
+
+9. "To maintain that works done without Christ are dead, but not
+mortal, is dangerous forgetfulness of the fear of God.
+
+13. "Since the fall of man, free will exists only in name, and when
+man does all that is possible for him to do, he sins mortally.
+
+16. "A man who expects to attain to grace by doing all that it is
+possible for him to do, adds sin to sin, and doubles his guilt.
+
+18. "It is certain that man, to become capable of receiving the grace
+of Christ, must entirely despair of himself.
+
+21. "An honorary theologian calls evil good, and good evil; but a
+theologian of the cross speaks according to truth.
+
+22. "The wisdom which teaches man to know the invisible perfections of
+God in his works, inflates, blinds, and hardens him.
+
+23. "The law excites the wrath of God, kills, curses, accuses, judges,
+and condemns, whatever is not in Christ.[460]
+
+  [460] "Lex iram Dei operatur, occidit, maledicit reum facit, judicat,
+  damnat, quicquid non est in Christo." (Ibid.)
+
+24. "Still this wisdom (Sec. 22) is not bad; and the law (Sec. 23) is not to
+be rejected; but the man who does not study the knowledge of God under
+the cross, changes its good into evil.
+
+25. "He is not justified who does many works; but he who, without
+works, believes much in Jesus Christ.
+
+26. "The law says, Do this! And what it commands is never done. Grace
+says, Believe in him! And, lo! all things are accomplished.[461]
+
+  [461] "Lex dicit: Fac hoc! et nunquam fit. Gratia dicit: Crede in
+  hunc! et jam facta sunt omnia." (Ibid.)
+
+28. "The love of God finds nothing in man, but creates in him what it
+loves. The love of man proceeds from self-love."[462]
+
+  [462] "Amor Dei non inventit sed creat suum diligibile; amor hominis
+fit a suo diligibili." (Ibid.)
+
+Five doctors of theology attacked these theses. They had read them
+with the astonishment which novelty excites. The theology seemed to
+them very strange. Yet according to Luther's own testimony, they
+discussed them with a courtesy which he could not but esteem; and, at
+the same time, with force and discernment.
+
+Luther, on his part, displayed an admirable mildness in his replies,
+incomparable patience in listening to the objections of his opponents,
+and all the liveliness of St. Paul in solving the difficulties which
+were started. His answers, which were short, but replete with the word
+of God, filled all the hearers with admiration. "He very much
+resembles Erasmus," said several; "but in one thing he surpasses
+him,--he professes openly what Erasmus is contented only to
+insinuate."[463]
+
+  [463] Bucer, in Seultetet, Annal. Evangel. Renovat." p. 22.
+
+The discussion was drawing to a close. Luther's opponents had retired
+with honour from the field of battle, the youngest of them, Doctor
+George Niger, alone continuing the struggle with the mighty combatant.
+Amazed at the bold propositions of the Augustin monk, and feeling
+utterly at a loss for arguments to refute them, he exclaimed, in an
+agitated tone,--"Were our peasants to hear such things, they would
+stone you to death."[464] At these words there was a general laugh
+throughout the audience.
+
+  [464] "Si rustici haec audirent, certe lapidibus vos obruerent et
+interficerent." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 111.)
+
+Never had hearers listened more attentively to a theological
+disputation. The first words of the Reformer had awakened men's minds,
+and questions which shortly before had met with indifference, were now
+full of interest. Several countenances gave visible expression to the
+new ideas which the bold assertions of the Saxon doctor had suggested
+to their minds.
+
+Three youths in particular were strongly moved. One of them, named
+Martin Bucer, was a Dominican, of about twenty-seven years of age,
+who, notwithstanding of the prejudices of his order, seemed unwilling
+to lose a single word which fell from the doctor. Born in a little
+town of Alsace, he had entered a convent at sixteen, and soon
+displayed such talents that the monks entertained the highest hopes of
+him.[465] "He will one day be an ornament to our order," said they.
+His superiors had sent him to Heidelberg that he might devote himself
+to the study of philosophy, theology, Greek, and Hebrew. At this
+period Erasmus having published several of his works, Bucer read them
+with avidity.
+
+  [465] "Prudentioribus monachis spem de se praeclaram excitavit;"
+  (Melch. Adam. Vita Buceri, p. 211.)
+
+Shortly after, the first works of Luther appeared, and the Alsatian
+student hastened to compare the Reformer's doctrine with the holy
+Scriptures. Some doubt as to the truth of the popish religion arose in
+his mind.[466] This was the way in which light was diffused in those
+days. The Elector Palatine took notice of the young man. His strong
+and sonorous voice, his pleasing address, his eloquence, and the
+freedom with which he attacked prevailing vices, made him a
+distinguished preacher. He was appointed chaplain to the court, and
+was acting in this capacity when Luther's journey to Heidelberg was
+announced. Bucer was greatly delighted; nobody repaired with greater
+eagerness to the hall of the Augustin convent. He had provided himself
+with paper, pens, and ink, wishing to write down whatever the doctor
+should say. But while his hand was rapidly tracing the words of
+Luther, the hand of God was writing the great truths which he heard in
+more ineffaceable characters on his heart. The rays of the doctrine of
+grace beamed upon his soul on this memorable occasion.[467] The
+Dominican was gained over to Christ.
+
+  [466] "Cum doctrinam in eis traditam cum sacris litteris contullisset
+  quaedam in pontificia religione suspecta habere coepit." (Ibid.) When he
+  had compared the doctrine delivered in them with the Sacred
+  Scriptures, he began to have some suspicions of the pope's religion.
+
+  [467] "Primam lucem purioris sententiae de justificatione in suo
+  pectore sensit." (Melch. Adam. Vita Buceri, p. 211.) He felt the first
+  dawn of a purer opinion on justification rising in his breast.
+
+Not far from Bucer sat John Brentz or Brentius, then about nineteen
+years of age. Brentz, who was the son of a magistrate of a town in
+Swabia, had, at thirteen, been enrolled among the students of
+Heidelberg. None of them showed such application. As soon as the hour
+of midnight struck, Brentz rose and commenced his labours. This
+practice became so habitual to him, that, during the rest of his life,
+he could never sleep beyond that hour. At a later period he devoted
+these still moments to meditation on the Scriptures. Brentz was one of
+the first to perceive the new light which then rose on Germany, and he
+received it into his soul in the full love of it.[468] He read the
+writings of Luther with avidity, and must have been overjoyed at the
+prospect of hearing him personally at Heidelberg. Young Brentz was
+particularly struck with one of the doctor's propositions, viz., "Not
+he who does many works is justified before God, but he who, without
+works, believes much in Jesus Christ."
+
+  [468] "Ingens Dei beneficium laetus Brentius agnovit, et grata mente
+  amplexus est." (Ibid.) Brentius joyfully recognised the inestimable
+  gift of God, and with grateful mind embraced it.
+
+A pious woman of Heilbronn, on the Necker, wife of a councillor of
+that town, named Snepf, had, after the example of Hannah, dedicated
+her first born to the Lord, earnestly desiring to see him devote
+himself to theology. The young man, who was born in 1495, made rapid
+progress in literature, but whether from taste or ambition, or
+compliance with his father's wishes, he devoted himself to the study
+of law. The pious mother was grieved when she saw her son Ehrhard
+following another course than that to which she had dedicated him;
+she warned and urged him, and always concluded by reminding him of the
+vow which she had made at his birth.[469] At length, overcome by his
+mother's perseverance, Ehrhard Snepf yielded, and soon felt such
+delight in his new studies, that nothing in the world could have
+diverted him from them.
+
+  [469] "Crebris interpellationibus eum voti quod de nato ipso fecerat,
+  admoneret; et a studio juris ad theologiam quasi conviciis avocaret."
+  (Melch. Adami, Snepfii Vita.) She frequently interposed to remind him
+  of the vow which she had made at his birth, and, as it were, by her
+  reproaches drew him off from the study of law to theology.
+
+He was in terms of intimacy with Bucer and Brentz, and they remained
+friends all their lives; "for," says one of their biographers,
+"friendships founded on the love of literature and virtue are never
+extinguished." He was present with his two friends at the Heidelberg
+discussion. The Paradoxes and the bold struggle of the Wittemberg
+doctor gave Snepf a new impulse. Rejecting the vain dogma of human
+merit, he embraced the doctrine of free justification.
+
+The next day Bucer paid a visit to Luther. "I conversed with him,"
+says he, "and without witnesses; and had a most exquisite repast, not
+from the viands, but from the truths which were set before me.
+Whatever objections I stated, were readily answered by the doctor, who
+explained every thing with the utmost clearness. O! that I had time to
+write you more about it."[470] Luther himself was touched with the
+sentiments of Bucer. "He is the only friar of his order," wrote he to
+Spalatin, "who is in good faith. He is a young man of great promise;
+he received me with simplicity, and conversed with me with
+earnestness; he is deserving of our confidence and our love."[471]
+
+  [470] Gerdesius, Monument. Antiq., etc.
+
+  [471] Luth. Ep. i, p. 412.
+
+Brentz, Snepf, and others also, urged by the new truths which began to
+dawn upon their minds, in like manner visited Luther, speaking and
+conferring with him, and asking explanations of any thing which they
+might not have comprehended. The Reformer, in his answers, founded
+upon the Bible. At every word that fell from him fresh light arose,
+and his visitors saw a new world opening before them.
+
+After Luther's departure these noble-minded men began to teach at
+Heidelberg. It was necessary to follow out what the man of God had
+begun, and not allow the torch which he had kindled to be
+extinguished. The scholars will speak should the masters be silent.
+Brentz, although he was still so youthful, explained St. Matthew, at
+first in his own room, and afterwards, when it could not contain his
+hearers, in the hall of philosophy. The theologians, filled with envy
+at seeing the great concourse which he drew together, were much
+offended.
+
+Brentz next took orders, and transferred his lectures to the college
+of the Canons of the Holy Spirit. In this way the fire which had
+already been kindled in Saxony was kindled also in Heidelberg. The
+light radiated from numerous _foci_. This period has been designated
+the seed-time of the Palatinate.
+
+But the fruits of the Heidelberg discussion were not confined to the
+Palatinate. These bold friends of the truth soon became luminaries in
+the Church. They all occupied eminent stations, and took part in the
+numerous discussions, to which the Reformation gave rise. Strasburg,
+and at a later period England, were indebted to the labours of Bucer,
+for a purer knowledge of the truth. Snepf taught first at Marburg,
+then at Stutgard, Tubingen, and Jena. Brentz, after teaching at
+Heidelberg, long continued to labour at Halle, in Swabia, and at
+Tubingen. These three individuals will again come before us.
+
+This discussion caused Luther himself to advance. He grew daily in the
+knowledge of the truth. "I am one of those," said he, "who have made
+progress by writing and by instructing others; and not one of those,
+who, from nothing, become all at once great and learned doctors."
+
+He was delighted at seeing the avidity with which youth in schools
+received the growing truth; and this consoled him when he saw how
+deeply the old doctors were rooted in their opinions. "I have the
+glorious hope," said he, "that, in like manner as Christ, when
+rejected by the Jews, went to the Gentiles, we will now see true
+theology, though rejected by these old men of vain and fantastical
+opinions, welcomed by the rising generation."[472]
+
+  [472] Luth. Ep. i, p. 112.
+
+The Chapter being closed, Luther thought of returning to Wittemberg.
+The Count Palatine gave him a letter to the Elector, in which he said
+that "Luther had displayed so much ability in the discussion as to
+reflect great glory on the university of Wittemberg." He was not
+permitted to return on foot.[473] The Augustins of Nuremberg conducted
+him as far as Wurzburg, and from thence he proceeded to Erfurt with
+the friars belonging to it. As soon as he arrived he called on his old
+master Jodocus. The venerable professor, who had been much concerned
+and shocked at the career which his pupil had followed, was accustomed
+to put a theta (th) before all Luther's sentences,--that being the
+letter which the Greeks used to express condemnation.[474] He had
+written to the young doctor, censuring his conduct, and he was anxious
+to answer by word of mouth. Not having been received, he wrote
+Jodocus:--"The whole university, with the exception of a single
+licentiate, thinks as I do. Nay, more; the prince, the bishop, several
+other prelates, and all our enlightened citizens, declare, with one
+voice, that hitherto they have neither known nor understood Jesus
+Christ and his gospel. I am ready to receive your correction, and
+though it should be harsh I will think it pleasant. Unbosom your heart
+then without fear, disburden yourself of your anger. I have no wish, I
+am not able to be angry with you. God and my conscience bear
+witness."[475]
+
+  [473] "Veni autem curru qui ieram pedester." (Ibid., p. 110.) I went
+  on foot, but returned in a chariot.
+
+  [474] "Omnibus placitis meis nigrum theta praefigit." (Luth. Ep. i, p.
+  111.) He puts a black theta before all my opinions.
+
+  [475] Ibid.
+
+The aged doctor was touched by the sentiments of his old pupil, and
+wished to see if there was no means of removing the condemnatory
+theta. They had an explanation; but nothing resulted from it. "I have
+at least," said Luther, "made him understand, that all their sentences
+are like the beast which is said to eat itself. But it is vain to
+speak to the deaf. The doctors cling obstinately to their petty
+distinctions, although they confess that they have nothing to support
+them but what they term the light of natural reason--a dark chaos to
+us who proclaim no other light than Jesus Christ, the only true
+light."[476]
+
+  [476] "Nisi dictamine rationis naturalis, quod apud nos idem est, quod
+  chaos tenebratum, qui non praedicamus aliam lucem, quam Christum Jesum
+  lucem veram et solam." (Ibid.)
+
+Luther quitted Erfurt in the carriage of the convent. He was thus
+brought to Eisleben, and from thence the Augustins of the place, proud
+of a doctor who threw so much lustre on their order and on their town
+which had given him birth, caused him to be conveyed to Wittemberg
+with their own horses, and at their own expence. All were desirous to
+testify affection and esteem for the extraordinary man who was rising
+at every step.
+
+He arrived on Saturday after the Ascension. The journey had done him
+good. His friends found him stronger and healthier looking than before
+his departure,[477] and were delighted with all he told them. Luther
+reposed for some time from the fatigues of his campaign and the
+discussion at Heidelberg, but this repose was only a preparation for
+more severe exertions.
+
+  [477] "Ita ut nonnullis videar factus habitior et corpulentior!"
+  (Ibid.) So that some think me fuller in habit, and more corpulent.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK FOURTH.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+LUTHER BEFORE THE LEGATE.
+
+MAY-DECEMBER, 1518.
+
+     Repentance--The Pope--Leo X--Luther to his Bishop--Luther to
+     the Pope--Luther to the Vicar-General--Rovere to the
+     Elector--Discourse on Excommunication--Influence and Power
+     of Luther.
+
+
+Truth had at length raised her head in the bosom of Christendom.
+Victorious over the inferior organs of the papacy, she behoved to have
+a struggle with its chief. We are going to see Luther at close
+quarters with Rome.
+
+This step was taken on his return from Heidelberg. His first theses on
+indulgences had been misunderstood, and he determined to explain their
+meaning with greater clearness. The outcry raised by the blind hatred
+of his enemies had convinced him how important it was to gain the most
+enlightened part of the nation in favour of truth, and he resolved to
+appeal to its judgment by calling attention to the foundation on which
+his convictions rested. It was, indeed, necessary for once to appeal
+to the decision of Rome; and he hesitates not to send all his
+explanations. Presenting them with one hand to the enlightened and
+impartial among his countrymen, he with the other lays them before the
+throne of the sovereign pontiff.
+
+These explanations of his theses, which he denominated
+_Solutions_,[478] were written with great moderation. Luther tried to
+soften the passages which had caused most irritation, and gave proof
+of genuine modesty. At the same time, he showed that his convictions
+were immovable; and he courageously defended all the propositions
+which truth obliged him to maintain. He again repeated, that every
+Christian who truly repents possesses the remission of sins without
+indulgence; that the pope, like the humblest of priests, can only
+declare simply what God has already pardoned; that the treasure of the
+merits of the saints administered by the pope was a chimera, and that
+Holy Scripture was the only rule of faith. Let us hear himself on some
+of these points.
+
+  [478] Luth. Op., (Leips.) xvii, pp. 29-113.
+
+He begins with establishing the nature of true penitence, and
+contrasts the divine act, which renews man, with the mummery of the
+Romish Church. "The Greek word metanoeite," says he, "signifies--
+be clothed with a new spirit and new feelings; have a new nature; so
+that, ceasing to be earthly, you may become heavenly.... Christ is a
+teacher of the spirit and not of the letter, and his words are spirit
+and life."[479] He, therefore, inculcates, not those external penances
+which the proudest sinners can perform without being humbled, but a
+repentance according to spirit and truth--a repentance which may be
+fulfilled in all the situations of life, under the purple of kings,
+the cassock of priests, and the coronet of princes, amid the
+magnificence of Babylon, where a Daniel lived, as well as under a
+monk's frock and a beggar's tatters.
+
+  [479] On the First Thesis.
+
+Farther on we meet with these bold words, "I give myself no trouble as
+to what pleases or displeases the pope. He is a man like other men.
+There have been several popes who loved not only errors and vices, but
+even things still more extraordinary. I listen to the pope as pope,
+that is when he speaks in the canons, according to the canons, or when
+he decides some article with a council, but not when he speaks out of
+his own head. If I did otherwise, would I not be bound to say with
+those who know not Jesus Christ, that the horrible massacres of
+Christians of which Julius II was guilty, were the kind acts of an
+affectionate shepherd towards the Lord's sheep?"[480]
+
+  [480] Thesis 26.
+
+"I cannot but be astonished," continues he, "at the simplicity of
+those who have said that the two swords of the gospel represent, the
+one the spiritual power, and the other the temporal. Yes, the pope
+holds a sword of steel, and so exhibits himself to Christendom, not as
+a tender father, but as a formidable tyrant. Ah! God in his anger has
+given us the sword we wished, and withdrawn that which we despised. In
+no quarter of the world have there been more dreadful wars than among
+Christians.... Why did the ingenious intellect which discovered this
+fine commentary, not with equal subtlety interpret the history of the
+two keys committed to St. Peter, and in that way make it an
+established dogma of the Church, that the one serves to open the
+treasures of heaven, and the other the treasures of the world."[481]
+
+  [481] Ibid. 80.
+
+"It is impossible," he again says, "that a man can be a Christian
+without having Christ; and if he has Christ, he at the same time has
+all that belongs to Christ. The thing which gives peace to our
+conscience is, that by faith our sins are no longer ours, but
+Christ's, on whom God has laid them; and that, on the other hand, all
+the righteousness of Christ is ours, to whom God has given it. Christ
+puts his hand upon us, and we are cured. He throws his mantle over us
+and we are covered; for he is the glorious Saviour, blessed for ever
+and ever."[482]
+
+  [482] Thesis 37.
+
+With such views of the riches of salvation by Jesus Christ, there was
+no need of indulgences.
+
+Luther, while attacking the papacy, speaks honourably of Leo X. "The
+times in which we live are so bad," says he, "that even the greatest
+personages cannot come to the help of the Church. We have now a very
+good pope in Leo X. His sincerity and knowledge fill us with joy. But
+what can one man, though amiable and agreeable, do by himself alone?
+He certainly deserved to be pope in better times. We, in our day,
+deserve only such popes as Julius II, and Alexander VI."
+
+He afterwards comes to the crowning point. "I wish to say the thing in
+a few words and boldly. The Church stands in need of a reformation;
+and this cannot be the work either of a single man, like the pope, or
+of many men, like the cardinals, and fathers of councils; but it must
+be that of the whole world, or, rather, it is a work which belongs to
+God only. As to the time in which such a reformation ought to begin,
+He alone who created time can tell.... The embankment is broken down,
+and it is no longer in our power to arrest the torrents which are
+rushing impetuously along."
+
+Such are some of the thoughts and declarations which Luther addressed
+to the enlightened among his countrymen. The Feast of Pentecost was at
+hand; and, at this period, when the apostles rendered the first
+testimony of their faith to the risen Saviour, Luther, a new apostle,
+published this enlivening book in which he expressed his earnest
+longings for a resurrection of the Church. Saturday, 22nd May, 1518,
+being Pentecost eve, he sent his work to his ordinary, the Bishop of
+Brandenburg, with the following letter:--
+
+"MOST WORTHY FATHER IN GOD,--Some time ago, when a novel and
+unheard-of doctrine, touching the apostolic indulgences, began to make
+a noise in these countries, both learned and ignorant felt concerned;
+and many persons, some of them known to me, and others whom I did not
+even know by face, urged me to publish, by word of mouth, or by
+writing, what I thought of the novelty, I am unwilling to say, the
+impudence of this doctrine. At first I was silent, and kept back. But
+at length matters came to such a point, that the holiness of the pope
+was compromised.
+
+"What was I to do? I thought it best neither to approve nor to condemn
+these doctrines; but to establish a discussion on this important
+point, until the Holy Church should decide.
+
+"Nobody having come forward to this combat, to which I had invited all
+the world, and my theses having been considered not as materials for
+discussion, but positive assertions,[483] I feel myself obliged to
+publish an explanation of them. Deign, then, most gracious Bishop, to
+receive these trifles[484] at my hand. And that all the world may see
+I am not acting presumptuously, I supplicate your reverence to take
+pen and ink, and blot out, or even throw into the fire and burn,
+whatever in them displeases you. I know that Jesus Christ has no need
+of my labours and my services, and that he can very well, without me,
+publish good tidings to his Church. Not that the bulls and menaces of
+my enemies deter me; very much the contrary. If they were not so
+impudent and so shameless, nobody would hear a word from me; I would
+shut myself up in a corner, and there study by myself for myself. If
+this affair is not of God, it certainly cannot be my affair, nor that
+of any man, but a thing of nought. Let the glory and honour be
+ascribed to Him to whom alone they belong."
+
+  [483] "Non ut disputabilia sed asserta acciperentur." (Luth., Ep. i.
+  214.)
+
+  [484] Ineptias.
+
+Luther had still the greatest respect for the head of the Church. He
+supposed that there was justice in Leo X, and a sincere love of truth.
+He resolved, therefore, to apply to him also; and eight days after, on
+Trinity Sunday, 30th May, 1518, addressed him in a letter, of which we
+give the following extracts:--
+
+    "To the Most Blessed Father, LEO X, Sovereign Bishop,
+      "Friar Martin Luther, Augustin, wishes eternal salvation!
+
+"I learn, most Holy Father, that evil reports are current with regard
+to me, and that my name is brought into bad odour with your Holiness.
+I am called heretic, apostate, traitor, and a thousand other
+opprobrious epithets; what I see astonishes, what I hear amazes me.
+But the only foundation of my tranquillity remains, and that is a pure
+and peaceful conscience. Be pleased to listen to me, most Holy Father,
+to me, who am only an ignorant child."
+
+Luther relates the origin of the whole affair, and continues thus:--
+
+"In all taverns, nothing was heard but complaints of the avarice of
+priests, and attacks on the power of the keys and the sovereign
+pontiff. This all Germany can testify. On hearing these things, my
+zeal for the glory of Christ was moved, (so I thought,) or if they
+will explain it otherwise, my young and boiling blood was inflamed.
+
+"I warned several of the princes of the Church, but some mocked me,
+and others turned a deaf ear. All seemed paralysed by the terror of
+your name. Then I published the discussion,
+
+"And this, most Holy Father! this is the fire which is said to have
+set the whole world in flames!
+
+"Now, what must I do? I cannot retract, and I see that this
+publication is subjecting me to inconceivable hatred in all quarters.
+I love not to stand forth in the midst of the world; for I am without
+knowledge, without talent, and far too feeble for such great things,
+especially in this illustrious age, in which Cicero himself, were he
+alive, would be obliged to hide in some obscure corner.[485]
+
+  [485] He adds: "Sed cogit necessitas me anserem strepere inter
+  olores." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 121.) But necessity forces me, a goose, to
+  hiss among the swans.
+
+"But in order to appease my adversaries, and respond to numerous
+solicitations, I here publish my thoughts. I publish them, Holy
+Father, that I may place myself in safety under the shadow of your
+wings. All who are willing will thus be able to understand with what
+simplicity of heart I have asked the ecclesiastical authority to
+instruct me, and what respect I have shown for the power of the
+keys.[486] If I had not managed the affair in a becoming manner, it is
+impossible that the most serene lord Frederick, Duke and Elector of
+Saxony, who shines among the friends of apostolical and Christian
+truth, would ever have tolerated in his university of Wittemberg a man
+so dangerous as I am represented to be.
+
+  [486] "Quam pure simpliciterque ecclesiasticam potestatem et
+  reverentiam clavium quaesierim et coluerim." (Ibid.)
+
+"Wherefore, most Holy Father, I throw myself at the feet of your
+Holiness, and submit to you with all I have, and all I am. Destroy my
+cause, or embrace it; decide for me, or decide against me; take my
+life, or restore it to me, just as you please. I will recognise your
+voice as the voice of Jesus Christ, who presides and speaks by you. If
+I have deserved death I refuse not to die.[487] The earth belongs unto
+the Lord, and all that it contains. Let him be praised to all
+eternity. Amen. May he sustain you for ever and ever. Amen.
+
+"On the day of the Holy Trinity, in the year 1518.
+
+  "FRIAR MARTIN LUTHER, _Augustin_."
+
+  [487] "Quare beatissime Pater, prostratum me pedibus tuae Beatitudinis
+  offero, cum omnibus quae sum et habeo; vivifica, occide voca, revoca,
+  approba, reproba, ut placuerit. Vocem tuam, vocem Christi in te
+  praesidentis et loquentis agnoscam; si mortem merui, mori non
+  recusabo." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 121.)
+
+What humility and truth in this fear, or rather in this confession of
+Luther, that his young and boiling blood had perhaps been too quickly
+inflamed! We here recognise the man of sincerity, who, not presuming
+on himself, fears the influence of passion even in those of his
+actions which are most conformable to the word of God. There is a wide
+difference between this language and that of a proud fanatic. We see
+in Luther an earnest desire to gain over Leo to the cause of truth, to
+prevent all disruption, and make this reformation, the necessity of
+which he proclaims, come from the very pinnacle of the Church.
+Assuredly, he is not the person who ought to be charged with
+destroying in the West that unity, the loss of which was afterwards so
+much regretted. He sacrificed every thing in order to maintain it;
+every thing but truth. It was not he, but his adversaries, who, by
+refusing to acknowledge the fulness and sufficiency of the salvation
+wrought out by Jesus Christ, are chargeable with having rent the
+Saviour's robe at the foot of the cross.
+
+After writing this letter, Luther, the very same day, addressed his
+friend Staupitz, vicar-general of his order. It was through him he
+wished his "Solutions" and his epistle to reach Leo.
+
+"I pray you," says he to him, "kindly to accept the miserable
+things[488] which I send you, and transmit them to the excellent pope,
+Leo X. Not that I would thereby drag you into the perils to which I am
+exposed. I wish to take all the danger to myself. Jesus Christ will
+see whether what I have said comes from him or comes from me--Jesus
+Christ, without whose will neither the tongue of the pope can move,
+nor the hearts of kings resolve.
+
+  [488] His Solutions.
+
+"To those who threaten me I have no answer to give, unless it be the
+remark of Reuchlin, 'The poor man has nothing to fear, for he has
+nothing to lose.'[489] I have neither money nor goods, and I ask none.
+If I once possessed some honour and some reputation, let him that has
+begun to strip me of them finish his work. I have nothing left but
+this miserable body, enfeebled by so many trials; let them kill it by
+force or fraud, to the glory of God. In this way they will, perhaps,
+shorten my life an hour or two. Enough for me to have a precious
+Redeemer, a powerful Priest, Jesus Christ the Lord! I will praise him
+while I have a breath of life; and if none will praise him with me,
+how can I help it?"
+
+  [489] "Qui pauper est nihil timet, nihil potest perdere." (Ibid., p.
+  118.)
+
+These words enable us to read Luther's heart.
+
+While he was thus looking with confidence towards Rome, Rome had
+thoughts of vengeance towards him. On the 3rd of April, Cardinal
+Raphael De Rovere had written to the Elector Frederick in the pope's
+name, stating that suspicions were entertained of his faith, and that
+he ought to beware of protecting Luther.
+
+"Cardinal Raphael," says Luther, "would have had great pleasure in
+seeing me burned by Duke Frederick."[490] Thus Rome began to whet her
+arms against Luther, and the first blow which she aimed at him was
+through the mind of his protector. If she succeeded in destroying the
+shelter under which the monk of Wittemberg was reposing, he would
+become an easy prey.
+
+  [490] Luth. Op. (W.) xv, p. 339.
+
+The German princes attached much importance to their reputation as
+Christian princes. The slightest suspicion of heresy filled them with
+alarm, and the court of Rome had shrewdly availed itself of this
+feeling. Frederick, moreover, had always been attached to the religion
+of his fathers, and Raphael's letter made a very strong impression on
+his mind. But it was a principle with the Elector not to act hastily
+in any thing. He knew that truth was not always on the side of the
+strongest. The transactions of the empire with Rome had taught him to
+distrust the selfish views of that court; and he was aware that in
+order to be a Christian prince, it was not necessary to be the pope's
+slave.
+
+"He was not," says Melancthon, "one of those profane spirits who wish
+to stifle all changes in their first beginnings.[491] Frederick
+resigned himself to God. He carefully read the writings which were
+published, and what he judged true he allowed no one to destroy."[492]
+He had power to do so. Supreme in his own States, he was respected in
+the empire at least as highly as the emperor himself.
+
+  [491] "Nec profana judicia sequens quae tenera initia omnium mutationum
+  celerrime opprimi jubent." (Melanc. Vita Luth.)
+
+  [492] "Deo cessit, et ea quae vera esse judicavit, deleri non voluit."
+  (Ibid.)
+
+It is probable that Luther learned something of this letter of
+Cardinal Raphael, which was sent to the Elector on the 7th of July.
+Perhaps it was the prospect of excommunication which this Roman
+missive seemed to presage, that led him to mount the pulpit of
+Wittemberg on the 15th of the same month, and on this subject deliver
+a discourse which made a profound impression. He distinguished between
+internal and external excommunication; the former excluding from
+communion with God, and the latter excluding only from the ceremonies
+of the Church. "Nobody," says he, "can reconcile a lapsed soul with
+God save God himself. Nobody can separate man from communion with God
+unless it be man himself by his own sins! Happy he who dies unjustly
+excommunicated! While for righteousness' sake he endures a heavy
+infliction on the part of man, he receives the crown of eternal
+felicity from the hand of God."
+
+Some highly applauded this bold language, while others were more
+irritated by it. But Luther was no longer alone; and although his
+faith needed no other support than that of God, a phalanx of defence
+against his enemies was formed around him. The Germans had heard the
+voice of the Reformer. His discourses and his writings sent forth
+flashes which awoke and illumined his contemporaries. The energy of
+his faith fell in torrents of fire on slumbering hearts. The life
+which God had infused into this extraordinary soul was imparted to the
+dead body of the Church; and Christendom, which had for so many ages
+been motionless, was animated with a religious enthusiasm. The
+devotedness of the people to the superstitions of Rome diminished
+every day, and the number of hands which offered money for the
+purchase of pardon became fewer and fewer,[493] while at the same time
+Luther's fame continued to increase. People turned towards him, and
+hailed him with love and respect as the intrepid defender of truth and
+liberty.[494] No doubt the full depth of the doctrines which he
+announced was not perceived. It was enough for the greater number to
+know that the new doctor withstood the pope, and that the empire of
+priests and monks was shaken by his powerful word. To them the attack
+of Luther was like one of those fires which are kindled on mountain
+tops, as the signal for a whole nation to rise and burst its chains.
+Before the Reformer suspected what he had done, all the generous
+hearted among his countrymen had already acknowledged him for their
+leader. To many, however, the appearance of Luther was something more.
+The word of God, which he wielded with so much power, pierced their
+minds like a sharp two-edged sword; and their hearts were inflamed
+with an ardent desire to obtain the assurance of pardon and eternal
+life. Since primitive times the Church had not known such hungering
+and thirsting after righteousness. If the preaching of Peter the
+Hermit and Bernard so aroused the population of the middle ages as to
+make them take up a perishable cross, the preaching of Luther disposed
+those of his time to embrace the true cross, the truth which saves.
+The framework which then lay with all its weight on the Church had
+smothered everything; the form had destroyed the life. But the
+powerful word given to Luther caused a quickening breath to circulate
+over the soil of Christendom. At the first glance the writings of
+Luther were equally captivating to believers and unbelievers,--to
+unbelievers, because the positive doctrines afterwards to be
+established were not yet fully developed in them; and to believers,
+because they contained the germ of that living faith which they so
+powerfully express. Hence the influence of these writings was immense;
+they spread almost instantaneously over Germany and the world. The
+prevailing impression of men every where was, that they were
+assisting, not at the establishment of a sect, but at a new birth of
+the Church and of society. Those who were born of the Spirit of God
+ranged themselves around him who was its organ. Christendom was
+divided into two camps,--the one leagued with the spirit against the
+form, and the other with the form against the spirit. It is true that
+on the side of the form were all the appearances of strength and
+grandeur, and on the side of the spirit those of feebleness and
+insignificance. But the form, devoid of the spirit, is a lifeless
+body, which the first breath may upset. Its appearance of power only
+provokes hostility and accelerates its downfall. In this way the
+simple truth had placed Luther at the head of a mighty army.
+
+  [493] "Rarescebant manus largentium." (Cochloeus, 7.) The hands of
+  contributors grew few.
+
+  [494] "Luthero autem contra augebatur auctoritas, favor, fides
+  existimatio, fama; quod tam liber acerque videbatur veritatis
+  assertor." (Ibid.) On the contrary, Luther's authority, influence,
+  credit, reputation, and fame, increased, because he seemed so free and
+  bold an assertor of the truth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+     Diet at Augsburg--The Emperor to the Pope--The Elector to
+     Rovere--Luther cited to Rome--Luther's Peace--Intercession
+     of the University--Papal Brief--Luther's Indignation--The
+     Pope to the Elector.
+
+
+This army was needed; for the great began to move. Both the empire and
+the Church were uniting their efforts to rid themselves of this
+troublesome monk. Had the imperial throne been occupied by a brave and
+energetic prince, he might have profited by these religious
+agitations, and, throwing himself on God and the nation, given new
+force to the former opposition to the papacy. But Maximilian was too
+old, and was determined, moreover, to sacrifice every thing to what he
+regarded as the end of his existence,--the aggrandisement of his
+house, and through it the exaltation of his grandson.
+
+The Emperor Maximilian at this time held a diet at Augsburg, Six
+Electors attended in person, and all the Germanic States were
+represented at it, while the kings of France, Hungary, and Poland,
+sent their ambassadors. All these princes and envoys appeared in great
+splendour. The war against the Turks was one of the subjects for which
+the diet had assembled. The legate of Leo X strongly urged the
+prosecution of it; but the States, instructed by the bad use which had
+formerly been made of their contributions, and sagely counselled by
+the Elector Frederick, contented themselves with declaring that they
+would take the matter into consideration, and at the same time,
+produced new grievances against Rome. A Latin discourse, published
+during the Diet, boldly called the attention of the German princes to
+the true danger. "You wish," said the author, "to put the Turk to
+flight. This is well; but I am much afraid that you are mistaken as to
+his person. It is not in Asia, but in Italy, that you ought to seek
+him."[495]
+
+  [495] Schroeck, K. Gesch. n. d. R. i, p. 156.
+
+Another affair of no less importance was to occupy the Diet.
+Maximilian was desirous that his grandson Charles, already king of
+Spain and Naples, should be proclaimed king of the Romans, and his
+successors in the imperial dignity. The pope knew his interest too
+well to wish the imperial throne to be occupied by a prince whose
+power in Italy might prove formidable to him. The Emperor thought he
+had already gained the greater part of the electors and states, but he
+found a strenuous opponent in Frederick. In vain did he solicit him,
+and in vain did the ministers and best friends of the Elector join
+their entreaties to those of the Emperor. Frederick was immovable, and
+proved the truth of what has been said of him, that when once
+satisfied of the justice of a resolution, he had firmness of soul
+never to abandon it. The Emperor's design failed.
+
+From this time the Emperor sought to gain the good will of the pope,
+in order to render him favourable to his plans; and as a special proof
+of his devotedness, on the 5th August, wrote him the following
+letter:--"Most Holy Father, we learned some days ago that a friar of
+the Augustin order, named Martin Luther, has begun to maintain divers
+propositions as to the commerce in indulgences. Our displeasure is the
+greater because the said friar finds many protectors, among whom are
+powerful personages.[496] If your Holiness and the very reverend
+fathers of the Church, (the Cardinals,) do not forthwith employ their
+authority to put an end to these scandals, not only will these
+pernicious doctors seduce the simple, but they will involve great
+princes in their ruin. We will take care that whatever your Holiness
+may decide on this matter, for the glory of Almighty God, shall be
+observed by all in our empire."
+
+  [496] "Defensores et patrones etiam potentes quos dictus frater
+  consecutus est." (Raynald, ad an. 1518.)
+
+This letter must have been written after some rather keen discussion
+between Maximilian and Frederick. The same day, the Elector wrote to
+Raphael de Rovere. He had doubtless learned that the Emperer was
+addressing the Roman pontiff, and to parry the blow he put himself in
+communication with Rome.
+
+"I can have no other wish," said he, "than to show myself submissive
+to the universal Church. Accordingly, I have never defended the
+writings and sermons of Doctor Martin Luther. I understand, moreover,
+that he has always offered to appear with a safe-conduct before
+impartial, learned, and Christian judges, in order to defend his
+doctrine, and submit, in the event of being convinced by Scripture
+itself."[497]
+
+  [497] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 169.
+
+Leo X, who had hitherto allowed the affair to take its course, aroused
+by the cries of theologians and monks, instituted an ecclesiastical
+court, which was to try Luther at Rome, and in which Sylvester
+Prierio, the great enemy of the Reformer, was at once accuser and
+judge. The charge was soon drawn up, and Luther was summoned by the
+court to appear personally in sixty days.
+
+Luther was at Wittemberg, calmly awaiting the good effect which his
+humble letter to the pope was, as he imagined, to produce, when, on
+the 7th of August, only two days after the despatch of the letters of
+Maximilian and Frederick, he received the citation from the Roman
+tribunal. "At the moment," says he, "when I was expecting the
+benediction, I saw the thunder burst upon me. I was the lamb troubling
+the water to the wolf. Tezel escapes, and I must allow myself to be
+eaten."
+
+This citation threw Wittemberg into consternation; for whatever course
+Luther might adopt, he could not avert the danger. If he repaired to
+Rome he must there become the victim of his enemies. If he refused to
+go, he would, as a matter of course, be condemned for contumacy,
+without being able to escape; for it was known that the legate had
+received orders from the pope to do everything he could do to irritate
+the Emperor and the German princes against him. His friends were in
+dismay. Must the teacher of truth go with his life in his hand to that
+great city, _drunk with the blood of the saints and martyrs of Jesus_?
+Is it sufficient to ensure any man's destruction that he has raised
+his head from the bosom of enslaved Christendom? Must this man, whom
+God appears to have formed for resisting a power which hitherto
+nothing has been able to resist, be also overthrown? Luther, himself,
+saw no one who could save him unless it were the Elector, but he would
+rather die than endanger his prince. His friends at last fell on an
+expedient which would not compromise Frederick. Let him refuse a
+safe-conduct, and Luther will have a legitimate cause for refusing to
+appear at Rome.
+
+On the 8th of August Luther wrote to Spalatin, praying that the
+Elector would employ his influence to have him cited in Germany. He
+also wrote to Staupitz, "See what ambuscades they use to ensnare me,
+and how I am surrounded with thorns. But Christ lives and reigns,
+to-day, yesterday, and for ever. My conscience assures me that what I
+have taught is the truth, though it becomes still more odious when I
+teach it. The Church is like the womb of Rebecca. The children must
+struggle together so as even to endanger the life of the mother.[498]
+As to what remains, entreat the Lord that I may not have too much joy
+in this trial. May God not lay the sin to their charge."
+
+  [498] "Uterus Rebecca est; parvulos in eo collidi necesse est, etiam
+  usque ad periculum matris." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 138.)
+
+The friends of Luther did not confine themselves to consultation and
+complaint. Spalatin, on the part of the Elector, wrote to Renner, the
+Emperor's secretary, "Dr. Martin is very willing that his judges shall
+be all the universities of Germany, with the exception of those of
+Erfurt, Leipsic, and Frankfort on the Oder, which he has ground to
+suspect. It is impossible for him to appear personally at Rome."[499]
+
+  [499] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 173.
+
+The university of Wittemberg wrote a letter of intercession to the
+pope himself, and thus spoke of Luther,--"The feebleness of his body,
+and the dangers of the journey, make it difficult and even impossible
+for him to obey the order of your Holiness. His distress and his
+prayers dispose us to have compassion on him. We, then, as obedient
+sons, entreat you, most Holy Father, to be pleased to regard him as a
+man who has never taught doctrines in opposition to the sentiments of
+the Roman Church." On the same day the university, in its anxiety,
+addressed Charles de Miltitz, a Saxon gentleman, the chamberlain, and
+a great favourite of the pope, and bore testimony to Luther in terms
+still stronger than those which it had ventured to insert in the
+former letter. "The worthy father, Martin Luther, Augustin, is the
+noblest and most honourable man of our university. For several years
+we have seen and known his ability, his knowledge, his high
+attainments in arts and literature, his irreproachable manners, and
+his altogether Christian conduct."[500]
+
+  [500] Ibid. i, 183, 184; xvii, 171, 172.
+
+This active charity on the part of all who were about Luther is his
+finest eulogium.
+
+While the issue was anxiously waited for, the affair terminated more
+easily than might have been supposed. The Legate de Vio, chagrined at
+not having succeeded in the commission which he had received to
+prepare a general war against the Turks, was desirous to give lustre
+to his embassy in Germany by some other brilliant exploit; and
+thinking that if he extinguished heresy he would reappear at Rome with
+glory, he asked the pope to remit the affair to him. Leo felt himself
+under obligation to Frederick, for having so strenuously opposed the
+election of young Charles, and was aware that he might still want his
+assistance. Accordingly, without adverting to the citation, he charged
+his legate by a brief, dated 23rd of August, to examine the affair in
+Germany. The pope lost nothing by this mode of proceeding; and, at the
+same time, if Luther could be brought to a retractation, the noise and
+scandal which his appearance at Rome might have occasioned were
+avoided.
+
+"We charge you," said he, "to bring personally before you, to pursue
+and constrain without delay, and as soon as you receive this our
+letter, the said Luther, who has already been declared heretic by our
+dear brother, Jerome, Bishop of Asculan."[501]
+
+  [501] "Dictum Lutherum haereticum per praedictum auditorem jam
+  declaratum." (Breve Leonis X ad Thomam.)
+
+Then the pope prescribes the severest measures against Luther.
+
+"For this purpose invoke the arm and assistance of our very dear son
+in Christ, Maximilian, the other princes of Germany, and all its
+commonalties, universities, and powers ecclesiastical or secular; and
+if you apprehend him, keep him in safe custody, in order that he may
+be brought before us."[502]
+
+  [502] "Brachio cogas atque compellas, et eo in potestate tua redacto
+  cum sub fideli custodia retineas, ut coram nobis sistatur." (Ibid.)
+
+We see that this indulgent concession of the pope was little else than
+a surer method of dragging Luther to Rome. Next follow the gentle
+measures:--
+
+"If he returns to himself, and asks pardon for his great crime, asks
+it of himself, and without being urged to do it, we give you power to
+receive him into the unity of Holy Mother Church."
+
+The pope soon returns to malediction.
+
+"If he persists in his obstinacy, and you cannot make yourself master
+of his person, we give you power to proscribe him in all parts of
+Germany, to banish, curse, and excommunicate all who are attached to
+him, and to order all Christians to shun their presence."
+
+Still this is not enough. The pope continues:--
+
+"And in order that this contagion maybe the more easily extirpated,
+you will excommunicate all prelates, religious orders, communities,
+counts, dukes, and grandees, except the Emperor Maximilian, who shall
+refuse to seize the said Martin Luther and his adherents, and send
+them to you, under due and sufficient guard. And if (which God forbid)
+the said princes, communities, universities, grandees, or any one
+belonging to them, offer an asylum to the said Martin and his
+adherents, in any way, and give him, publicly or in secret, by
+themselves or others, aid and counsel, we lay under interdict these
+princes, communities, and grandees, with their towns, burghs, fields,
+and villages, whither said Martin may flee, as long as he shall remain
+there, and for three days after he shall have left."
+
+This audacious chair, which pretends to be the representative on earth
+of Him who has said, _God sent not his Son into the world to condemn
+the world, but that the world through him might be saved_, continues
+its anathemas; and, after having denounced penalties against
+ecclesiastics, proceeds:--
+
+"In regard to the laity, if they do not obey your orders instantly,
+and without any opposition, we declare them infamous, (with the
+exception of the most worthy Emperor,) incapable of performing any
+lawful act, deprived of Christian burial, and stript of all fiefs
+which they may hold, whether of the apostolic see, or of any other
+superior whatsoever."[503]
+
+  [503] "Infamiae et inhabilitatis ad omnes actus legitimos ecclesiasticae
+  sepulturae, privationis quoque feudorum." (Breve Leonis X ad Thomam.)
+
+Such was the fate which awaited Luther. The monarch of Rome has
+leagued for his destruction, and to effect it, spared nothing, not
+even the peace of the tomb. His ruin seems inevitable. How will he
+escape this immense conspiracy? But Rome had miscalculated; a movement
+produced by the Spirit of God was not to be quelled by the decrees of
+its chancery.
+
+Even the forms of a just and impartial inquest had not been observed.
+Luther had been declared heretic, not only without having been heard,
+but even before the expiry of the period named for his compearance.
+The passions (and nowhere do they show themselves stronger than in
+religious discussions) overleap all the forms of justice. Strange
+proceedings, in this respect, occur, not only in the Church of Rome,
+but in Protestant churches also, which have turned aside from the
+gospel; in other words, in all places where the truth is not, every
+thing done against the gospel is deemed lawful. We often see men who,
+in any other case, would scruple to commit the smallest injustice, not
+hesitating to trample under foot all forms and all rights when the
+matter in question is Christianity, and the testimony borne to it.
+
+When Luther was afterwards made acquainted with this brief, he
+expressed his indignation. "Here," says he, "is the most remarkable
+part of the whole affair. The brief is dated on the 23rd of August,
+and I was cited for the 7th of August; so that between the citation
+and the brief there is an interval of sixteen days. Now, make the
+calculation, and you will find that my Lord Jerome, Bishop of Asculan,
+has proceeded against me, given judgment, condemned, and declared me
+heretic, before the citation could have reached me, or at most sixteen
+days after it had been despatched to me. Now, I ask, where are the
+sixty days given me in the citation? They commenced on the 7th August,
+and were to end on the 7th October. Is it the style and fashion of the
+court of Rome to cite, admonish, accuse, judge, and pronounce sentence
+of condemnation, all in one day, against a man who is at such a
+distance from Rome, that he knows nothing at all of the proceedings?
+What answer would they give to this? Doubtless, they forgot to purge
+themselves with hellebore before proceeding to such falsehoods."[504]
+
+  [504] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 176.
+
+But at the same time that Rome was secretly depositing her thunders in
+the hands of her legate, she was endeavouring, by smooth and
+flattering words, to detach the prince whose power she most dreaded
+from Luther's cause. The same day, 25th August 1518, the pope wrote
+the Elector of Saxony. Recurring to those wiles of ancient policy
+which we have already pointed out, he endeavoured to flatter the
+prince's self-love:
+
+"Dear son," said the Roman pontiff, "when we think on your noble and
+honourable race, and on yourself, its head and ornament; when we
+recollect how you and your ancestors have always desired to maintain
+Christian faith, and the honour and dignity of the Holy See, we cannot
+believe that a man who abandons the faith can trust to the favour of
+your Highness, in giving loose reins to his wickedness. And yet it is
+told us from all quarters that a certain friar, Martin Luther, Eremite
+of the order of St. Augustine, has, like a child of malice, and a
+contemner of God, forgotten his habit and his order, which consist in
+humility and obedience, and is boasting that he fears neither the
+authority nor the punishment of any man, because assured of your
+favour and protection.
+
+"But, as we know that he is mistaken, we have thought good to write to
+your Highness, and exhort you, according to the Lord, to be vigilant
+for the honour of your name as a Christian prince, and to defend
+yourself from these calumnies--yourself the ornament, the glory, and
+sweet savour of your noble race--and to guard, not only against a
+fault so grave as that which is imputed to you, but also against even
+the suspicion which the insensate hardihood of this friar tends to
+excite against you."
+
+Leo X, at the same time, announced to Frederick that he had charged
+Cardinal Saint Sixtus to examine the affair, and he enjoined him to
+put Luther into the hands of the legate, "lest," added he, returning
+again to his favourite argument, "lest the pious people of our time,
+and of future times, may one day lament and say, The most pernicious
+heresy with which the Church of God has been afflicted was excited by
+the favour and support of this high and honourable House."[505]
+
+  [505] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 173.
+
+Thus Rome had taken all her measures. With one hand she diffused the
+perfume of praise, which is always so intoxicating, while the other
+held terrors and vengeance.
+
+All the powers of the earth, emperor, pope, princes, and legates,
+began to move against this humble friar of Erfurt, whose internal
+combats we have already traced. "_The kings of the earth stood up, and
+the rulers took counsel together against the Lord and against his
+anointed._"
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+     The Armourer Schwarzerd--His Wife--Philip--His Genius--His
+     Studies--The Bible--Call to Wittemberg--Melancthon's
+     Departure and Journey--Leipsic--Mistake--Luther's
+     Joy--Parallel--Revolution in Education--Study of Greek.
+
+
+The letter and brief had not reached Germany, and Luther was still
+fearing that he would be obliged to appear at Rome, when a happy event
+gave comfort to his heart. He needed a friend to whom he could unbosom
+his sorrows, and whose faithful love would solace him in his hours of
+depression. All this God gave him in Melancthon.
+
+On the 14th February 1497, George Schwarzerd, a skilful armour-master
+of Bretten, a small town in the Palatinate, had a son born to him, who
+was named Philip, and who afterwards distinguished himself under the
+name of Melancthon. Patronised by the Palatine princes, and those of
+Bavaria and Saxony, George was a man of unimpeachable integrity. He
+often refused the price which purchasers offered him, and on learning
+that they were poor, insisted on returning their money. He rose
+regularly at midnight, and on his knees offered up a prayer. If on any
+occasion morning arrived without his having done it, he felt
+dissatisfied with himself the whole day. Barbara, Schwarzerd's wife,
+was daughter of an honourable magistrate named John Reuter. She was of
+a gentle temper, somewhat inclined to superstition, but otherwise
+remarkable for wisdom and prudence. From her we have the old
+well-known German rhymes--
+
+    The giving of alms impoverisheth not;
+    Attendance at Church impedeth not;
+    Greasing the wheel retardeth not;
+    Ill-gotten gear enricheth not;
+    The Book of God deceiveth not.
+
+And again--
+
+    Those who are pleased more to expend
+    Than their fields can render,
+    Must come to ruin in the end,
+    It may be to a halter.[506]
+
+  [506] "Almosen geben armt nicht, etc. Wer mehr will verzehren, etc.
+  (Mueller's Reliquien.)
+
+Young Philip was not eleven when his father died. Two days before,
+George called his son to his bed-side, and exhorted him to have the
+thought of God always present. "I foresee," said the dying armourer,
+"that dreadful storms are coming to shake the world. I have seen great
+things, but greater are in preparation. May God guide and direct you!"
+Philip, after receiving his father's blessing, was sent to Spires,
+that he might not be present at his death. He departed crying
+bitterly.
+
+The young boy's grandfather, the worthy bailie Reuter, who had also a
+son, acted as a father to him, and took him, together with his
+brother, George, under his own roof. Shortly after he gave the three
+boys for tutor John Hungarus, an excellent man, who afterwards, and at
+a very advanced age, became a powerful preacher of the gospel. He let
+nothing pass in the young man, punishing him for every fault, yet with
+discretion. "In this way," says Melancthon in 1554, "he made me a
+grammarian. He loved me as a son, I loved him as a father, and we will
+meet, I trust, in eternal life."[507]
+
+  [507] "Dilixit me ut filium, et ego eum ut patrem; et conveniemus,
+  spero, in vita aeterna." (Melancth. Explicat. Evang.)
+
+Philip was remarkable for the excellence of his understanding, and for
+his facility in learning, and expounding what he had learned. He
+could not endure idleness, and always sought out some one with whom he
+might discuss what he had heard.[508] It often happened that educated
+strangers passed through Bretten, and visited Reuter. The bailie's
+grandson instantly accosted them, entered into conversation with them,
+and so pressed them in discussion as to excite the wonder of those
+present. To a powerful genius he joined great sweetness of temper, and
+was hence a general favourite. He had a stammer, but, like the
+celebrated orator of the Greeks, made such exertions to overcome it,
+that it afterwards completely disappeared.
+
+  [508] "Quiescere non poterat, sed quaerebat ubique aliquem cum quo de
+  auditis disputaret." (Camerarius, Vita Melancth. p. 7.)
+
+His grandfather having died, Philip was sent with his brother and his
+young uncle, John, to the school of Pforzheim. The boys resided with
+one of their relatives, the sister of the famous Reuchlin. Eager for
+knowledge, Philip, under the tuition of George Simler, made rapid
+progress in science, and especially in the study of Greek, for which
+he had a real passion. Reuchlin often came to Pforzheim, and having
+become acquainted with his sister's young boarders, was soon struck
+with Philip's answers, and gave him a Greek grammar and a Bible. These
+two books were to be the study of his whole life.
+
+When Reuchlin returned from his second journey into Italy, his young
+relative, then twelve years of age, with some friends, performed a
+Latin comedy of his own composition before him, in honour of his
+arrival. Reuchlin, in raptures with the talents of the youth, embraced
+him tenderly, called him his dear son, and jocularly gave him the red
+bonnet which he had received on being made doctor. It was at this time
+Reuchlin changed his name of Schwarzerd into that of Melancthon. Both
+words, the one German, and the other Greek, mean _black earth_. It was
+a general custom with the learned thus to change their names into
+Greek or Latin.
+
+Melancthon, at twelve, repaired to the university of Heidelberg, and
+began to gratify his eager thirst for knowledge. He was admitted
+Bachelor at fourteen. In 1512 Reuchlin invited him to Tubingen, which
+contained a great number of distinguished literary men. Here he
+attended at the same time lectures on theology, medicine, and
+jurisprudence. There was no branch of knowledge which he did not think
+it his duty to study. His object was not praise, but the possession of
+science and the benefits of it.
+
+The Holy Scriptures particularly occupied him. Those who frequented
+the church of Tubingen had often observed a book in his hands, which
+he studied between the services. This unknown volume seemed larger
+than the common prayer-books, and the report spread that Philip when
+in church read profane books. It turned out that the object of their
+suspicion was a copy of the Holy Scriptures, printed a short time
+before at Basle by John Frobenius. This volume he studied through life
+with unwearied application. He had it always with him, carrying it to
+all the public meetings to which he was invited.[509] Rejecting the
+vain system of the schoolmen, he devoted himself to the simple word of
+the Gospel. Erasmus at this time wrote to OEcolampadius, "Of Melancthon
+I have the highest opinion, and the highest hopes. Jesus grant that
+this young man may have a long life! He will completely eclipse
+Erasmus."[510] Melancthon, nevertheless, shared in the errors of his
+age. "I shudder," says he, in advanced life, "when I think of the
+honour which I paid to images when I was still in the papacy."[511]
+
+  [509] Camerar. Vita Philip Melancth. p. 16.
+
+  [510] "Ille prorsus obscurabit Erasmum." (Er. Ep. i, p. 405.)
+
+  [511] "Cohorresco quando cogito quomodo ipse accesserim ad statuas in
+  papatu." (Explicat Evangel.)
+
+In 1514, he was made doctor in philosophy, and began to teach. His age
+was seventeen. The grace and attractiveness which he gave to his
+lectures formed a striking contrast to the insipid method which the
+doctors, and especially the monks, had hitherto pursued. He took an
+active part in the combat in which Reuchlin was engaged with the
+_Obscurants_ of his age. His agreeable conversation, his gentle and
+elegant manners, gaining him the love of all who knew him, he soon
+acquired great authority, and a solid reputation in the world.
+
+At this time, the Elector Frederick having conceived the idea of
+inviting some distinguished professor of ancient languages to his
+university of Wittemberg, applied to Reuchlin who suggested
+Melancthon. Frederick saw all the lustre which this young Hellenist
+might shed on an institution which was so dear to him; and Reuchlin,
+delighted at seeing so fine a field opened to his young friend,
+addressed him in the words of Jehovah to Abraham,--"_Come out from thy
+country, and thy kindred, and thy father's house, and I will render
+thy name great, and thou shalt be blessed._" "Yes," continues the old
+man, "I hope it will be so with thee, my dear Philip, my work and my
+comfort."[512] In this invitation, Melancthon saw a call from God. The
+university was grieved to part with him, and yet he was not without
+envious rivals and enemies. He left his native country, exclaiming,
+"The will of the Lord be done." He was then twenty-one years of age.
+
+  [512] "Meum opus et meum solatium." (Corp. Ref., i, 33.)
+
+Melancthon made the journey on horseback, in company with some Saxon
+merchants, in the same way in which caravans travel in the desert;
+for, says Reuchlin, he knew neither the towns nor the roads.[513] At
+Augsburg he did homage to the Elector, who happened to be there. At
+Nuremberg he saw the excellent Pirckheimer, whom he already knew, and
+at Leipsic formed an intimacy with the learned Hellenist, Mosellanus.
+In this last town the university gave a fete in honour of him. It was
+a truly academic repast. The dishes were numerous, and as each made
+its appearance, a professor rose and addressed Melancthon in a Latin
+discourse previously prepared. He immediately gave an _extempore_
+reply. At length, worn out with so much eloquence, "Most illustrious
+friends," said he, "allow me to reply once for all to your addresses;
+for not being prepared, I cannot put as much variety into my replies
+as you into your addresses." Thereafter the dishes arrived without the
+accompaniment of a discourse.[514]
+
+  [513] "Des Wegs un der Orte unbekannt." (Corp. Ref., i, 30.)
+
+  [514] Camer. Vita Melancth., 26.
+
+Reuchlin's young relative arrived at Wittemberg, 25th August, 1518,
+two days after Leo X had signed the brief addressed to Cajetan, and
+the letter to the Elector.
+
+The professors of Wittemberg did not receive Melancthon with so much
+favour as those of Leipsic had done. The first impression which he
+made upon them did not correspond to their expectations. They saw a
+young man, who seemed still younger than he really was, of small
+stature, and a feeble, timid air. Is this the illustrious doctor whom
+the greatest men of the age, Erasmus and Reuchlin, extol so loudly?...
+Neither Luther, with whom he first was made acquainted, nor his
+colleagues, conceived high hopes of him, when they saw his youth, his
+embarrassment, and whole appearance.
+
+Four days after his arrival (29th August) he delivered his inaugural
+address. The whole university was assembled. The boy, as Luther calls
+him,[515] spoke such elegant Latin, and displayed so much knowledge, a
+mind so cultivated, and a judgment so sound, that all his hearers were
+filled with admiration.
+
+  [515] "Puer et adolescentulus, si aetatem consideres." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  141.) A boy, and mere youth, if you consider his age.
+
+At the termination of the address, all pressed forward to congratulate
+him, but none felt more joy than Luther, who hastened to communicate
+to his friends the feelings with which his heart was overflowing.
+Writing Spalatin, 31st August, he says, "Melancthon, four days after
+his arrival, delivered an address so beautiful and so learned, that it
+was listened to with universal approbation and astonishment. We have
+soon got the better of the prejudices which his stature and personal
+appearance had produced. We praise and admire his eloquence; we thank
+the prince and you for the service you have done us. I ask no other
+Greek master. But I fear that his delicate body will not be able to
+digest our food, and that, on account of the smallness of his salary,
+we shall not keep him long. I hear that the Leipsic folks are already
+boasting of being able to carry him off from us. Oh, my dear Spalatin,
+beware of despising his age and personal appearance. He is a man
+worthy of all honour.[516]
+
+  [516] Luth. Ep. i, 135.
+
+Melancthon immediately began to explain Homer, and St. Paul's Epistle
+to Titus. He was full of ardour. "I will do my utmost," wrote he to
+Spalatin, "to bring Wittemberg into favour with all who love
+literature and virtue."[517] Four days after the inauguration, Luther
+again wrote to Spalatin, "I recommend to you most particularly the
+very learned and very amiable Greek, Philip. His class-room is always
+full. All the theologians in particular attend him. He sets all
+classes from the highest to the lowest, to the learning of
+Greek."[518]
+
+  [517] "Ut Wittembergam literatis ac bonis omnibus conciliem." (Corp.
+  Ref., i, 51.)
+
+  [518] "Summos cum mediis et infimis, studiosos facit Graecitatis."
+  (Luth., Ep. i, 140.)
+
+Melancthon was able to return the affection of Luther, in whom he soon
+discovered a goodness of heart, a strength of intellect, a courage and
+a wisdom, which he had not previously found in any man. He venerated
+and loved him. "If there is any one," said he, "whom I love strongly,
+and whom my whole soul embraces, it is Martin Luther."[519]
+
+  [519] "Martinum, si omnino in rebus humanis quidquam vehementissime
+  diligio et animo integerrimo complector." (Melancth. Ep. i, 411.)
+
+"Thus met Luther and Melancthon, and they were friends till death. We
+cannot sufficiently admire the goodness and wisdom of God in uniting
+two men so different, and yet so necessary to each other. What Luther
+had in warmth, elasticity, and force, Melancthon had in perspicuity,
+wisdom, and gentleness. Luther animated Melancthon; Melancthon
+moderated Luther. They were like the two forms of electric matter, the
+positive and the negative, which modify each other. Had Luther been
+without Melancthon, the stream had perhaps overflowed its bank; and,
+on the other hand, Melancthon, when without Luther, hesitated, and
+even yielded, where he ought to have stood firm.[520] Luther did much
+by vigour, and Melancthon perhaps did not less by pursuing a slower
+and calmer course. Both were upright, open, and generous, and both,
+smitten with the love of the word of eternal life, served it with a
+fidelity and devotedness which formed the distinguishing feature of
+their lives.
+
+  [520] Calvin wrote to Sleidan: "Dominus cum fortiore spiritu instruat,
+  ne gravem ex ejus timiditate jacturam sentiat posteritas." May the
+  Lord supply him with a more resolute spirit, that posterity may not,
+  through his timidity, sustain some grievous loss.
+
+The arrival of Melancthon produced a revolution, not only at
+Wittemberg, but throughout Germany and the learned world. His study of
+the Greek and Latin classics, and of philosophy, had given him an
+order, perspicuity, and precision of thought, which shed new light and
+inexpressible beauty on all the subjects which he discussed. The mild
+spirit of the gospel fertilized and enlivened his meditations, and the
+driest subjects when he expounded them were invested with a grace
+which fascinated all his hearers. The sterility which scholasticism
+had spread over education ceased, and a new mode of instruction and
+study commenced. "Thanks to Melancthon," says a distinguished German
+historian, "Wittemberg became the national school."[521]
+
+  [521] Plank.
+
+It was, indeed, of great importance, that a man thoroughly versed in
+Greek should teach in this university, where the new developments of
+theology called masters and scholars to study the primitive documents
+of the Christian faith in the original languages. Thenceforth Luther
+set himself zealously to this task. Often did the meaning of a Greek
+term, which had previously been unknown to him, throw sudden light on
+his theological views. For example, how great his satisfaction and
+delight when he saw that the Greek word, metanoia, which according
+to the Latin church, meant a penance, a satisfaction enacted by the
+Church, meant in Greek a transformation or conversion of heart. A
+thick mist all at once disappeared from before his eyes. The two
+meanings given to this word are sufficient to characterise the two
+churches.
+
+The impulse which Melancthon gave to Luther, in regard to the
+translation of the Bible, is one of the most remarkable circumstances
+in the friendship of these two great men. As early as 1517, Luther had
+made some attempts at translation, and procured as many Greek and
+Latin books as he could. Now, aided by his dear Philip, his task
+received a new impetus. Luther obliged Melancthon to take part in his
+researches, by consulting him on difficult passages, and the work,
+destined to be one of the greatest works of the Reformer, advanced
+more surely and more rapidly.
+
+Melancthon, on his part, became acquainted with a new theology. The
+beautiful and profound doctrine of justification by faith filled him
+with astonishment and joy. Still, in receiving the system Luther
+professed, he acted independently, moulding it according to the
+particular form of his own intellect; for, although he was only
+twenty-one years of age, he was one of those precocious minds which
+enter early into possession of all their powers, and are themselves
+from the very outset.
+
+The zeal of the masters was soon transfused into the scholars. It was
+proposed to reform the course of study. With the concurrence of the
+Elector, certain branches, only of scholastic importance, were
+suppressed, and at the same time a new impulse was given to classic
+pursuits. The school of Wittemberg underwent a transformation, and the
+contrast between it and other universities became still more
+prominent. Still, however, the landmarks of the Church were observed,
+though all felt that they were on the eve of a great battle with the
+pope.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+     Sentiments of Luther and Staupitz--Order to Appear--Alarms
+     and Courage--The Elector with the Legate--Departure for
+     Augsburg--Sojourn at Weimar--Nuremberg.
+
+
+The arrival of Melancthon, doubtless, gave a pleasant turn to Luther's
+thoughts at this very critical moment; and, doubtless, in the sweet
+intercourse of a growing friendship, and amid the biblical labours to
+which he devoted himself with new zeal, he sometimes forgot Prierio,
+Leo, and the ecclesiastical court before which he behoved to plead.
+Still, these were only fleeting moments, and his thoughts were ever
+recurring to the formidable tribunal before which implacable enemies
+had summoned him to appear. What terrors would not this thought have
+thrown into a mind which was seeking aught else than the truth! But
+Luther trembled not! Confiding fully in the faithfulness and power of
+God, he remained firm, and was quite ready to expose himself
+single-handed to the rage of enemies mightier than those who had
+lighted the fire for John Huss.
+
+A few days after the arrival of Melancthon, and before the pope's
+resolution transferring the citation of Luther from Rome to Augsburg
+could be known, Luther wrote Spalatin:--"I ask not our sovereign to do
+any thing whatever for the defence of my theses. I am willing to be
+delivered up and thrown single into the hands of my adversaries. Let
+him allow the whole storm to burst upon me. What I have undertaken to
+defend, I hope I shall be able, with the assistance of Christ, to
+maintain. Violence, indeed, must be submitted to; but still without
+abandoning the truth."[522]
+
+  [522] Luth. Ep. i, p. 139.
+
+The courage of Luther communicated itself to others. Men of the
+greatest gentleness and timidity, on seeing the danger which
+threatened the witness for the truth, found words full of energy and
+indignation. The prudent and pacific Staupitz, on the 7th September,
+wrote to Spalatin: "Cease not to exhort the prince, your master and
+mine, not to be alarmed at the roaring of the lions. Let him defend
+the truth without troubling himself about Luther, or Staupitz, or the
+order. Let there be a place where men can speak freely and without
+fear. I know that the plague of Babylon--I had almost said of
+Rome--breaks forth against all who attack the abuses of those
+traffickers in Jesus Christ. I have myself seen a preacher of the
+truth thrown headlong from the pulpit; I have seen him, though on a
+festival, bound and dragged to a dungeon. Others have seen still
+greater cruelties. Therefore, my dear friend, strive to make his
+Highness persevere in his sentiments."[523]
+
+  [523] Jen. Aug. i, p. 384.
+
+The order to appear at Augsburg before the cardinal legate at length
+arrived. Luther had now to do with one of the princes of the Church.
+All his friends entreated him not to go.[524] They feared that on the
+journey snares might be laid for him, and an attempt made on his life.
+Some employed themselves in looking out for an asylum to him. Staupitz
+himself, the timid Staupitz, felt moved at the thought of the dangers
+which threatened that friar Martin whom he had drawn from the
+obscurity of the cloister, and placed on the troubled stage where his
+life was now in peril. Ah! would it not have been better if the poor
+friar had remained for ever unknown? It was too late. Still, at least,
+he would do everything to save him. Accordingly, on the 15th September
+he wrote him from his convent of Salzburg, urging him to flee and seek
+an asylum beside himself. "It seems to me," said he, "that the whole
+world is enraged, and in coalition against the truth. In the same way
+crucified Jesus was hated. I see not that you have anything to expect
+but persecution. Shortly, no man will be able without the permission
+of the pope, to sound the Scriptures, and search for Jesus Christ in
+them, though this Christ himself enjoins. You have only a few friends;
+and would to God that the fear of your adversaries did not prevent
+those few from declaring in your favour. The wisest course is to quit
+Wittemberg for a time and come to me. Thus we will live and die
+together. This is also the prince's opinion," adds Staupitz.[525]
+
+  [524] "Contra omnium amicorum consilium comparui." I appeared contrary
+  to the advice of all my friends.
+
+  [525] Ep. i, 61.
+
+From different quarters Luther received the most alarming notices.
+Count Albert of Mansfeld sent a message to him to beware of setting
+out, for some great barons had sworn to make themselves masters of his
+person, and to strangle or drown him.[526] But nothing could deter
+him. He never thought of availing himself of the vicar-general's
+offer. He will not go and hide himself in the obscurity of the convent
+of Salzburg, but will faithfully remain on the stormy scene on which
+the hand of God has placed him. It is by persevering in the face of
+adversaries, and proclaiming the truth with loud voice in the midst of
+the world, that the reign of truth advances. Why, then, should he
+flee? He is not one of "those who draw back to perdition; but of those
+who believe to the saving of the soul." The words of the Master whom
+he serves, and loves better than life, are incessantly echoing in his
+heart, "_Whosoever will confess me before men, him will I also confess
+before my Father who is in heaven._" In Luther and in the Reformation
+we uniformly meet with that intrepid courage, that high-toned
+morality, that boundless charity, which the first preaching of
+Christianity manifested to the world. "I am like Jeremiah," says
+Luther, at the period of which we are now speaking; "Jeremiah, the man
+of quarrel and discord; but the more they multiply their menaces the
+more they increase my joy. My wife and children are well provided, (of
+course, meaning he had none;) my fields, my houses, and all my goods,
+are in order.[527] They have already torn my honour and my reputation
+to shreds. The only thing left me is my poor body, and let them take
+it; they will only shorten my life some few hours. My soul they cannot
+take from me. He who would publish the word of Christ in the world
+must expect death every hour; for our bridegroom is a bridegroom of
+blood."[528]
+
+  [526] "Ult vel stanguler, vel baptizer ad mortem." (Ibid. 129.) That I
+  am either to be strangled or ducked to death.
+
+  [527] "Uxor mea et liberi mei provisi sunt." (Luth. Ep. i, 129.)
+
+  [528] "Sic enim sponsus noster, sponsus sanguinum nobis est." (Ibid.)
+  See Exodus, iv, 25.
+
+The Elector was then at Augsburg. A short time before quitting that
+town after the Diet, he had of his own accord paid a visit to the
+legate. The cardinal, greatly flattered by this mark of respect from
+so illustrious a prince, promised that if the monk presented himself
+he would listen to him like a father, and kindly dismiss him.
+Spalatin, on the part of the prince, wrote to his friend that the pope
+had named a commission to try him in Germany; that the Elector would
+not allow him to be dragged to Rome; and that he must prepare to set
+out for Augsburg. Luther resolved to obey; but the warning which he
+had received from Count Mansfeld made him apply to Frederick for a
+safe-conduct. Frederick replied that it was unnecessary, and merely
+gave him recommendations to some of the leading counsellors of
+Augsburg. He also sent him some money for the journey. The Reformer,
+poor and defenceless, set out on foot to place himself in the hands of
+his adversaries.[529]
+
+  [529] "Veni igitur pedester et pauper Augustam." (Luth. Op. Lat, in
+  Praef.)
+
+What must have been his feelings on quitting Wittemberg, and directing
+his steps towards Augsburg, where the legate of the pope was waiting
+for him! The object of this journey was not like that of Heidelberg, a
+friendly meeting. He was going to appear in presence of the legate of
+Rome without a safe-conduct; perhaps he was going to death. But in him
+faith was not a mere matter of show. Being a reality it gave him
+peace, and in the name of the Lord of Hosts he could advance without
+fear to bear testimony to the Gospel.
+
+He arrived at Weimar on the 28th of September, and lodged in the
+convent of the Cordeliers. One of the monks was unable to withdraw his
+eyes from him. It was Myconius. This was the first time he had seen
+Luther, and he longed to approach him, and tell that he owed the peace
+of his soul to him, and that his whole desire was to labour with him.
+But Myconius being closely watched by his superiors, was not permitted
+to speak to Luther.[530]
+
+  [530] "Ibi Myconius primum vidit Lutherum: Sed ab accessu et colloquio
+  ejus tunc est prohibitus." (M. Adami, Vita Mycon. p. 176.)
+
+The elector of Saxony was then holding his court at Weimar, and this
+is probably the reason why the Cordeliers gave admittance to the
+doctor. The day after his arrival the feast of St. Michael was
+celebrated. Luther said mass, and was even invited to preach in the
+church of the castle. It was a mark of favour which the prince wished
+to give him. He, accordingly, in presence of the court, preached a
+long sermon, on the text of the day, which is taken from the Gospel of
+St. Matthew, (chap, xviii, 1-11.) He spoke forcibly against
+hypocrites, and those who boast of their own righteousness; but he did
+not speak of the angels, though this was the customary topic on St.
+Michael's day.
+
+The courage of the doctor of Wittemberg, in calmly setting out on foot
+to obey a summons, which in the case of so many before him had issued
+in death, astonished those who saw him. Interest, admiration, and
+compassion, succeeded each other in their minds. John Kestner,
+superintendant to the Cordeliers, alarmed at the idea of the dangers
+which awaited his guest, said to him, "Brother, you will find at
+Augsburg Italians, men of learning, and subtle antagonists, who will
+give you much to do. I fear you will not be able to defend your cause
+against them. They will cast you into the fire, and with their flames
+consume you."[531] Luther replied gravely, "Dear friend, pray to our
+Lord God, who is in heaven, and present a _Pater noster_ for me, and
+his dear child, Jesus, whose cause my cause is, that he may be
+gracious toward me. If he maintain his cause, mine is maintained. But
+if he pleases not to maintain it, assuredly it is not I who can
+maintain it; and it is he who will bear the affront."
+
+  [531] "Profecto in ignem te conjicient et flammis exurent." (Melch.
+  Adam. Vita Mycon. p. 176; Mycon. Hist. Ref. p. 30.)
+
+Luther continued his journey on foot, and arrived at Nuremberg. He was
+going to present himself before a prince of the Church, and wished his
+dress to be suitable; but his clothes were old, and, besides, had
+suffered much by the journey. He borrowed a frock from his faithful
+friend, Winceslaus Link, preacher at Nuremberg.
+
+Luther, doubtless, did not confine his visit to Link, but also saw his
+other friends in Nuremberg, secretary Scheurl, the celebrated painter,
+Albert Durer, to whom Nuremberg is now erecting a statue, and many
+others. He strengthened himself by intercourse with the excellent of
+the earth, while many monks and laymen expressed alarm, and
+endeavoured to shake him by representing the difficulties in his way.
+Letters which he wrote from this town show the spirit by which he was
+animated. "I have met," says he, "with pusillanimous men, who would
+persuade me not to go to Augsburg; but I have determined on going. The
+will of the Lord be done. Even at Augsburg, even in the midst of his
+enemies, Jesus Christ reigns. Let Christ live; let Luther and every
+sinner die. According as it is written: Let the God of my salvation be
+exalted! Behave well, persevere, stand firm; for we must not be
+reproved either by men or by God; God is true, and man a liar."[532]
+
+  [532] "Vivat Christus, moriatur Martinus.... "(Weismanni, Hist. Secr.
+  Nov. Test. p. 165.) Weismann had seen this letter in MS., but it is
+  not in M. de Wette's Collection.
+
+Link and an Augustin monk could not consent to allow Luther to travel
+alone and meet the dangers which threatened him. They were acquainted
+with his bold and fearless character, and suspected he would fail in
+due precaution. They, therefore, accompanied him. When they were about
+five leagues from Augsburg, Luther, exhausted, no doubt, by the
+fatigue of travelling, and the varied emotions of his heart, was
+seized with violent pains in the stomach. He thought he was dying, and
+his friends becoming very uneasy, hired a car to transport him. They
+arrived at Augsburg on the evening of Friday the 7th of October, and
+lighted at the Augustin convent. Luther was greatly fatigued, but soon
+recovered; his faith and mental energy speedily recruiting his
+exhausted body.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+     Arrival at Augsburg--De Vio--His
+     Character--Serra-Longa--Preliminary Conversation--Visit of
+     the Counsellors--Return of Serra-Longa--The Prior--Luther's
+     Wisdom--Luther and Serra-Longa--The Safe-Conduct--Luther to
+     Melancthon.
+
+
+The instant he was at Augsburg, and before he had seen any one,
+Luther, wishing to pay all due respect to the legate, begged
+Winceslaus Link to go and announce his arrival. Link did so, and
+humbly declared to the cardinal, on the part of the doctor of
+Wittemberg, that he was ready to appear at his order. The legate was
+delighted with the news. At last he had a hold of this boisterous
+heretic, who, he assured himself, would not quit the walls of Augsburg
+as he had entered. At the same time, when Link went to the legate, the
+monk Leonard set out to announce Luther's arrival to Staupitz. The
+vicar-general had written the doctor, that he would certainly come as
+soon as he should know of his being in the town, and Luther was
+unwilling to lose an instant in giving him intimation.[533]
+
+  [533] Luth. Ep. i, p. 144.
+
+The Diet was closed, and the Emperor and the electors had already
+separated. The Emperor, it is true, had not left but was hunting in
+the neighbourhood. The ambassador of Rome was thus at Augsburg alone.
+Had Luther come during the Diet, he would have found powerful
+protectors, but now it seemed that every thing must bend under the
+weight of papal authority.
+
+The name of the judge before whom Luther had to appear was not fitted
+to increase his confidence. Thomas de Vio surnamed Cajetan, from the
+town of Gaeta, in the kingdom of Naples, where he was born, had, from
+his youth, given great hopes. Having at sixteen entered the Dominican
+order, against the express wish of his parents, he afterwards became
+general of his order, and a cardinal of the Roman Church. But what was
+worse for Luther, this learned doctor was one of the most zealous
+defenders of the scholastic theology, which the Reformer had always
+treated so unmercifully. His mother was said to have dreamt during her
+pregnancy, that St. Thomas would in person educate the child to which
+she was to give birth, and introduce him to heaven. Hence De Vio, on
+becoming Dominican, had changed his name from James to Thomas. He had
+zealously defended the prerogatives of the papacy, and the doctrines
+of Thomas Aquinas, whom he regarded as the most perfect of
+theologians.[534] A lover of pomp and show, he almost gave a literal
+meaning to the Roman maxim that legates are above kings, and
+surrounded himself with great state. On the first of August, he had
+celebrated a solemn mass in the cathedral of Augsburg, and in presence
+of all the princes of the empire, had placed the cardinal's hat on the
+head of the Archbishop of Mentz while kneeling before the altar, and
+had delivered to the Emperor himself the hat and sword consecrated by
+the pope. Such was the man before whom the monk of Wittemberg was
+going to appear, clothed in a frock which was not even his own.
+Besides, the acquirements of the legate, the austerity of his
+disposition, and the purity of his morals, gave him in Germany an
+influence and authority which other Roman courtiers would not have
+easily obtained. To this reputation for sanctity he doubtless owed his
+mission. Rome saw that he would serve her purposes admirably. Thus the
+personal qualities of Cajetan made him still more formidable.
+Moreover, the business entrusted to him was not complicated. Luther
+had already been declared a heretic.[535] If he refused to retract,
+the duty of the legate was to put him in prison; or if he escaped, to
+launch excommunication at every one who should dare to give him an
+asylum. This was all that Rome required to be done by the legate
+before whom Luther was cited.[535]
+
+  [534] Divi Thomae Summa cum Commentariis Thomae de Vio. Lugduni, 1587.
+
+  [535] Bull of the pope. (Luth Op. (L.) xvii, p. 174.)
+
+Luther had recovered strength during the night, and on Saturday
+morning 8th October, being somewhat rested from his journey, began to
+consider his strange situation. He felt resigned, and waited till the
+will of God should be manifested by the event. He had not long to
+wait. A personage who was unknown to him sent in a message, as if he
+had been entirely devoted to his service, to say that he was coming to
+wait upon him, and that Luther must take good care not to appear
+before the legate without having seen him. This message came from an
+Italian named Urban of Serra-Longa, who had often been in Germany, as
+envoy of the Margrave of Montferrat. He was known to the Elector of
+Saxony, to whom he had been accredited, and after the death of the
+Margrave had attached himself to Cardinal de Vio.
+
+The finesse and manners of this man formed a very striking contrast to
+the noble frankness and generous integrity of Luther. The Italian
+shortly after arrived at the Augustin convent. The cardinal had sent
+him to sound the Reformer, and prepare him for the retractation which
+he was expected to make. Serra-Longa imagined that his residence in
+Germany gave him great advantages over the other courtiers in the
+suite of the legate, and he hoped to have good sport with the German
+monk.
+
+He arrived attended by two servants, and pretended to have come of his
+own accord, because of the friendship which he felt for a favourite of
+the Elector of Saxony, and because of his attachment to the Holy
+Church. After paying his respects to Luther in the warmest terms, the
+diplomatist added, in an affectionate manner,--
+
+"I come to give you sage and good advice. Re-attach yourself to the
+Church. Submit unreservedly to the cardinal. Retract your injurious
+expressions. Remember the Abbot Joachim of Florence. He, you know, had
+said heretical things, and yet was declared not heretical, because he
+retracted his errors."
+
+Luther spoke of defending himself.
+
+_Serra-Longa._--"Beware of doing so!... Would you pretend to fight
+with the legate of his holiness, as if you were tilting at a tournay?"
+
+_Luther._--"When it is proved that I have taught anything contrary to
+the Roman Church I will pass judgment on myself, and retract
+instantly. The whole question will be, Whether the legate leans more
+upon St. Thomas than the faith authorises him to do? If he does, I
+will not yield to him."
+
+_Serra-Longa._--"Ah! Ah! Do you pretend, then, to break lances?"
+
+Then the Italian began to say things which Luther designates horrible.
+He pretended that false propositions might be maintained, provided
+they produced money and filled the strong box--that the universities
+must take good care not to dispute on the authority of the pope--that
+their duty, on the contrary, was to maintain that the pope can, at his
+beck, alter or suppress articles of faith;[536] adding other things of
+the same nature. But the wily Italian soon perceived that he was
+forgetting himself. Returning to soft words, he strove to persuade
+Luther to submit to the legate in every thing, and retract his
+doctrines, his oaths, and his theses.
+
+  [536] "Et nutu solo omnia abrogare, etiam ea quae fidei essent." (Luth.
+  Ep. i, 144.)
+
+The doctor, who, at the outset, had given some credit to the fine
+protestations of orator Urban, (as he designates him in his account of
+the interview,) was now convinced that they were of very little value,
+and that Serra-Longa was much more on the legate's side than on his.
+He, therefore, became less communicative, and contented himself with
+saying that he was quite disposed to exercise humility, give proof of
+obedience, and make satisfaction in whatever matters he had been
+mistaken. At these words Serra-Longa, overjoyed, exclaimed, "I am off
+to the legate, and you will follow me; everything will go off most
+admirably; it will be soon finished...."[537]
+
+  [537] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 179.
+
+He went off. The Saxon monk, who had more discernment than the Roman
+courtier, thought within himself, "This wily Sinon has come along
+ill-prepared and ill-instructed by his Greeks."[538] Luther was
+suspended between hope and fear; hope, however, predominating. The
+visit and the strange assertions of Serra-Longa, whom at a later
+period he calls an inexpert mediator,[539] made him resume courage.
+
+  [538] "Hunc Sinonem parum cousulte instructum arte pelasga." (Luth.
+  Ep. i, 144.) See Virgil's AEneid, Book II.
+
+  [539] "Mediator ineptus." (Ibid.)
+
+The counsellors and other inhabitants of Augsburg, to whom the Elector
+had recommended Luther, hastened to visit the monk, whose name was now
+resounding throughout all Germany. Peutinger, counsellor of the
+empire, who was one of the most distinguished patricians of the town,
+and often invited Luther to his table, counsellor Langemantel, Dr.
+Auerbach of Leipsic, the two brothers Adelmann, both canons, and
+several others besides, repaired to the convent of the Augustins, and
+gave a cordial welcome to the extraordinary man, who had journeyed so
+far to come and place himself in the hands of the creatures of Rome.
+"Have you a safe-conduct?" they asked. "No!" replied the intrepid
+monk. "What hardihood!" exclaimed they. "It was, indeed," says Luther,
+"a fit term to designate my rash folly." All with one voice entreated
+him not to go to the legate until he had obtained a safe-conduct from
+the Emperor himself. It is probable that the public had already heard
+of the papal brief of which the legate was the bearer.
+
+"But," replied Luther, "I came to Augsburg without a safe-conduct, and
+have arrived in good health."
+
+"The Elector having recommended you to us, you ought to obey us, and
+do what we tell you," rejoined Langemantel, kindly but firmly. Dr.
+Auerbach seconded his remonstrances. "We know," says he, "that the
+cardinal, at the bottom of his heart, is in the highest degree
+incensed against you.[540] No trust can be put in the Italians."[541]
+
+  [540] "Sciunt enim eum in me exacerbatissimum intus, quicquid simulet
+  foris.... (Ibid., p. 143.)
+
+  [541] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 201.
+
+Canon Adelmann likewise insisted, "You have been sent defenceless,
+and it has been forgotten to furnish you with the precise thing which
+you required."[542] These friends engaged to obtain the necessary
+safe-conduct from the Emperor. They afterwards told Luther how many
+persons even of elevated rank, were inclined in his favour. "Even the
+minister of France, who quitted Augsburg a few days ago, spoke of you
+in the most honourable terms."[543] This statement struck Luther, and
+he afterwards remembered it. Thus, the most respectable citizens in
+one of the first cities of the empire were already gained to the
+Reformation.
+
+  [542] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 203.
+
+  [543] Seckend., p. 144.
+
+They were still conversing when Serra-Longa re-appeared. "Come," said
+he to Luther, "the cardinal is waiting for you and I myself am going
+to conduct you to his presence. Listen while I tell you how you are to
+appear. When you enter the hall where he is, you will prostrate
+yourself before him with your face on the ground; when he tells you to
+rise, you will get up on your knees, and not stand erect, but wait
+till he bids you.[544] Recollect that it is before a prince of the
+Church that you are going to appear. For the rest fear nothing; the
+whole will be finished soon, and without difficulty."
+
+  [544] Ibid., p. 130.
+
+Luther, who had promised this Italian that he would be ready to follow
+at his call, felt embarrassed. Yet he hesitated not to inform him of
+the advice which he had received from his Augsburg friends, and spoke
+to him of a safe-conduct.
+
+"Beware of asking one," immediately replied Serra-Longa; "you have no
+need of it. The legate is well-disposed, and quite ready to finish the
+thing amicably. If you ask a safe-conduct you will totally spoil your
+affair."[545]
+
+  [545] Luth. Op. (L.) 179.
+
+"My gracious lord, the Elector of Saxony," replied Luther, "has
+recommended me to several honourable men of this town, who counsel me
+to undertake nothing without a safe-conduct. I must follow their
+advice, for, were I not to do so, and were anything to happen, they
+would write to the Elector, my master, that I had refused to listen to
+them."
+
+Luther persisted in his resolution, and Serra-Longa saw himself
+obliged to return to his chief, to announce the obstacle which his
+mission had encountered at the moment when he was flattering himself
+with seeing it crowned with success.
+
+Thus terminated the conferences of that day with the orator of
+Montferrat.
+
+Another invitation was given to Luther. John Frosch, the prior of the
+Carmelites, who was an old friend of his, and two years before, as a
+licentiate of theology, had maintained theses under the presidency of
+Luther, paid him a visit, and earnestly begged he would come and
+reside with him. He claimed the honour of having the doctor of Germany
+for his guest. Men at length feared not to do homage to him in
+presence of Rome; the feeble had already become strong. Luther
+accepted, and left the Augustin convent for that of the Carmelites.
+The day did not close without serious reflection. The eagerness of
+Serra-Longa, and the fears of the counsellors, equally served to
+acquaint him with the difficulty of his position. Nevertheless, God in
+heaven was his protector, and under his guardianship he could sleep
+without fear.
+
+The next day, being Sunday,[546] gave him somewhat more repose. He
+had, however, to endure a different kind of fatigue. The whole talk of
+the town was about Dr. Luther, and, as Melancthon expresses it, every
+body was desirous to see "this new Erostratus, who had kindled so
+immense a conflagration."[547] The people pressed around him, and the
+good doctor, no doubt smiled at their eagerness.
+
+  [546] 9th October.
+
+  [547] "Omnes cupiunt videre hominem, tanti incendii Erostratum."
+  (Luth. Ep. i, p. 146.)
+
+But he had to submit to another kind of importunity. If the people
+were desirous to see him, they were still more so to hear him, and he
+was requested on all hands to preach. Luther had no greater delight
+than in proclaiming the word, and would have been happy to preach
+Jesus Christ in this great city, in the solemn circumstances in which
+he was placed. But on this occasion, as on many others, he showed a
+strong sense of propriety, and profound respect for his superiors, and
+refused to preach, lest the legate might suppose that he did it in
+order to give him pain, and by way of defiance. This moderation and
+wisdom were undoubtedly of as much value as a sermon.
+
+The cardinal's creatures, however, did not leave him in tranquillity,
+but returned to the charge. "The Cardinal," said they, "assures you of
+his entire grace and favour. What do you fear?" They alleged a
+thousand reasons in order to induce him to go. "He is a father full of
+mercy, said one of these envoys; but another approaching, whispered in
+his ear, "Don't believe what is told you--he does not keep his
+word."[548] Luther adhered to his resolution.
+
+  [548] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 205.
+
+On Monday morning, 10th October, Serra-Longa returned to the charge.
+The courtier had made it a point of honour to succeed in his
+negotiation. As soon as he entered, he exclaimed in Latin, "Why do
+you not come to the cardinal? He is waiting for you with the most
+indulgent feelings. The whole matter may be summed up in six
+letters:--REVOCA, Retract. Come, you have nothing to fear."
+
+Luther thought within himself, these six are important letters; but,
+without entering into discussion on the subject, said, "As soon as I
+have obtained the safe-conduct I will appear."
+
+Serra-Longa broke out on hearing these words. He insisted, and
+remonstrated, but found Luther immovable. Becoming more and more
+irritated, he exclaimed, "You imagine, doubtless, that the Elector
+will take up arms in your behalf, and for your sake run the risk of
+losing the territories handed down to him from his fathers."
+
+_Luther._--"God forbid."
+
+_Serra-Longa._--"Abandoned by all, where will your refuge be?"
+
+_Luther._--(_Looking upwards with the eye of faith_,) "Under
+heaven."[549]
+
+  [549] "Et ubi manebis?... Respondi: Sub coelo." (Luth. Op. in Praef.)
+  And where will you remain?... I answered, under heaven.
+
+Serra-Longa, struck with this sublime reply, for which he was not
+prepared, remained a moment silent, and then continued:--
+
+"What would you do if you had the pope, the legate, and all the
+cardinals, in your hands, as they have you in theirs?"
+
+_Luther._--"I would pay them all honour and respect. But in my view,
+the word of God takes precedence of all."
+
+_Serra-Longa._--(_Laughing, and wagging one of his fingers as the
+Italians do._) "Hem! Hem! all honour ... I don't believe a word of
+it...."
+
+He then went out, leapt into his saddle, and disappeared.
+
+Serra-Longa returned no more to Luther; but he long remembered both
+the resistance which he had met with from the Reformer, and that which
+his master also was soon to experience. At a later period, we shall
+see him with loud cries demanding Luther's blood.
+
+Serra-Longa had not long left the doctor when the safe-conduct
+arrived. His friends had obtained it from the counsellor of the
+empire, who, it is probable, had previously consulted with the
+Emperor, as he was not far from Augsburg. It would even seem, from a
+remark afterwards made by the cardinals that, to avoid offending him,
+his consent had been asked. This may have been his reason for
+employing Serra-Longa to work upon Luther; for to have openly opposed
+the giving of a safe-conduct would have been to reveal intentions
+which he was desirous to conceal. It was safer to induce Luther
+himself to desist from his demand. It was soon seen, however, that the
+Saxon monk was not made of pliable materials.
+
+Luther is going to appear. While demanding a safe-conduct, he did not
+trust to a carnal arm; for he knew very well that a safe-conduct did
+not save John Huss from the flames. He only wished to do his duty by
+submitting to the advice of his master's friends. Jehovah will decide.
+If he requires him to give back his life, he is ready to give it
+joyfully. At this solemn moment, he feels a longing for converse with
+his friends, especially with Melancthon, now so dear to his heart, and
+avails himself of a moment of retirement to write him.
+
+"Comport yourself like a man," says he to him, "as you always do.
+Teach our dear youth what is right and agreeable to God. For me, I am
+ready to be sacrificed for you and for them, if it is the Lord's
+will.[550] Sooner than retract what I was bound to teach, I would die,
+and even (what would be to me the greatest misfortune) be deprived for
+ever of your delightful society, thus losing (perhaps by my fault) the
+excellent studies to which we are now devoted.
+
+  [550] "Ego pro illis et vobis vado immolari."... (Luth. Ep. i, 148.)
+
+"Italy, like Egypt of old, is plunged in darkness, so thick that it
+may be felt. Nobody knows anything of Christ, or of what relates to
+him; and yet these people are our lords and masters in faith and
+manners. Thus the wrath of God is fulfilled upon us, as the prophet
+speaks: '_I will give them youths for governors, and babes will rule
+over them._' Conduct yourself as in presence of the Lord, my dear
+Philip, and avert the divine wrath by pure and fervent prayer."
+
+The legate, informed that Luther was next day to appear before him,
+assembled the Italians and Germans, in whom he had the greatest
+confidence, in order to consider what was necessary to be done with
+the Saxon monk. Opinions were divided. "He must," says one, "be
+compelled to retract." "He must be seized," says another, "and
+imprisoned." A third thought that it was better to get quit of him;
+and a fourth that an attempt should be made to gain him by kindness
+and lenity. This last advice the cardinal seems at first to have
+determined to adopt.[551]
+
+  [551] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 183.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+     First appearance--First Words--Conditions of
+     Rome--Propositions to Retract--Luther's reply--He
+     withdraws--Impressions on both sides--Arrival of Staupitz.
+
+
+The day of conference at length arrived.[552] The legate, knowing that
+Luther had declared his readiness to retract what could be proved
+contrary to the truth, had great hopes of success. He doubted not that
+it would be easy for a man of his rank and knowledge to bring back
+this monk to the obedience of the Church.
+
+  [552] Tuesday, 11th October.
+
+Luther repaired to the legate, accompanied by the prior of the
+Carmelites, (his host and friend,) two friars of the convent, Dr.
+Link, and an Augustin, probably the one who had come with him from
+Nuremberg. Scarcely had he entered the palace of the legate, than all
+the Italians in the suite of the prince of the Church rushed forward.
+Every one wished to see the famous doctor, and pressed so upon him
+that he could scarcely advance. Luther found the Apostolical Nuncio,
+and Serra-Longa, in the hall where the cardinal was waiting. The
+reception was cold but polite, and conformable to Roman etiquette.
+Luther, following the instructions which Serra-Longa had given him,
+prostrated himself before the cardinal; when told to rise, he put
+himself on his knees; and, on a new order from the legate, stood
+erect. Several of the most distinguished Italians in the service of
+the legate pushed forward into the hall to be present at the
+interview. They desired above all to see the German monk humbling
+himself before the representative of the pope.
+
+The legate remained silent. Hating Luther as an adversary of the
+theological supremacy of St. Thomas, and as the head of an active
+opposition in a rising university, whose very first steps had greatly
+disquieted the Thomists, he was pleased at seeing him lying before
+him, and thought, says a contemporary, that Luther was going to sing a
+palinode. Luther, on his part, waited till the prince should address
+him; but seeing he did not, he took his silence for an invitation to
+begin, and spoke as follows:--
+
+"MOST WORTHY FATHER,--On the citation of his Papal Holiness, and at
+the request of my most gracious lord, the Elector of Saxony, I appear
+before you as a submissive and obedient son of the holy Christian
+Church, and I acknowledge that I published the Propositions and
+Theses in question. I am ready to listen in all obedience to the
+charge brought against me, and to allow myself, if I am mistaken, to
+be instructed in the way of truth."
+
+The cardinal, who had resolved to assume the air of a tender father,
+full of compassion for an erring child, now spoke in the most friendly
+tone, praised the humility of Luther, expressed all the joy it gave
+him, and said:--"My dear son, you have stirred up all Germany by your
+dispute on indulgences. I am told that you are a very learned doctor
+in the Scriptures, and have many disciples. Wherefore, if you would be
+a member of the Church, and find in the pope a most gracious lord,
+listen to me."
+
+After this exordium, the legate did not hesitate to disclose to him at
+once all that he expected of him--so confident was he of his
+submission. "Here," said he, "are three articles which, by the order
+of our most holy father, Leo X, I have to lay before you; _First_, You
+must retrace your steps, acknowledge your faults, and retract your
+errors, propositions, and discourses: _Secondly_, You must promise to
+abstain in future from circulating your opinions; and, _Thirdly_, You
+must engage to be more moderate, and to avoid every thing that might
+grieve or upset the Church."
+
+_Luther._--"I request, most worthy father, that you will communicate
+to me the brief of the pope, in virtue of which you have received full
+power to dispose of this affair."
+
+Serra-Longa, and the other Italians in the cardinal's suite, stared on
+hearing this request; and although the German monk had already
+appeared to them a very odd man, they could scarcely recover from the
+astonishment produced by so bold a speech. Christians, accustomed to
+ideas of justice, desire just procedure in the case of others as well
+as of themselves, but those who act habitually in an arbitrary manner
+are quite surprised when they are told to proceed in regular form,
+according to law.
+
+_De Vio._--"This request, my dear son, cannot be granted. You must
+acknowledge your errors, take care of your words in future, and not
+return to your vomit, so that we may be able to sleep without trouble
+and anxiety; thereafter, conformably to the order and authority of our
+most holy father the pope, I will arrange the affair."
+
+_Luther._--"Have the goodness, then, to tell me in what I have erred."
+
+At this new request the Italian courtiers, who had expected to see the
+poor German on his knees crying mercy, were struck with still greater
+astonishment. Not one of them would have thought of condescending so
+far as to answer so impertinent a question. But De Vio, who
+considered it ungenerous to crush the cative monk with the whole
+weight of his authority, and who, besides, was confident that his
+superior knowledge would give him an easy victory, consented to tell
+Luther of what he was accused, and even to enter into discussion with
+him. In justice to this general of the Dominicans, it must be admitted
+that he had more equity, a better sense of propriety, and less
+passion, than have been shown on many occasions since, in similar
+affairs. He assumed a tone of condescension, and said:--
+
+"Very dear son!--Here are two propositions which you have advanced,
+and which you must first of all retract: _First_, The treasury of
+indulgences does not consist of the merits and sufferings of our Lord
+Jesus Christ: _Second_, The man who receives the Holy Sacrament must
+have faith in the grace which is offered to him."
+
+In fact, both of these propositions gave a mortal blow to the Roman
+traffic. If the pope had not the power to dispose at pleasure of the
+merits of the Saviour; if those who received the bills which the
+courtiers of the Church were negotiating did not receive part of this
+infinite righteousness, the paper lost all its value, and was worth no
+more than if it had been blank. It was the same with the sacraments.
+Indulgences were to some extent an extraordinary branch of the
+commerce of Rome, whereas the sacraments were of the nature of an
+ordinary branch. The returns which they yielded were far from being
+insignificant. To maintain that faith was necessary before the
+sacraments could confer a real benefit on a Christian soul, was to
+deprive them of all interest in the eyes of the people; faith being a
+thing which the pope did not give, which was beyond his power, and
+came from God only. To declare it necessary was to wrest out of the
+hands of Rome both speculation and profit. Luther, in attacking these
+two dogmas, had imitated Jesus Christ, when at the commencement of his
+ministry he overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and drove the
+buyers and sellers out of the temple, saying, _Make not my Father's
+house a house of merchandise_.
+
+"I will not, in order to combat these errors," continued Cajetan,
+"invoke the authority of St. Thomas and the other scholastic doctors;
+I will found only on the authority of Holy Scripture, and speak with
+you in all friendship."
+
+But scarcely had De Vio begun to unfold his proofs than he deviated
+from the rule which he had declared his intention to follow.[553] He
+combated Luther's first proposition by an extravagant[554] of Pope
+Clement, and the second by all sorts of scholastic dogmas. The
+discussion commenced on this constitution of the pope in favour of
+indulgences. Luther, indignant at the authority which the legate
+ascribed to a decree of Rome, exclaimed:--
+
+  [553] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 180.
+
+  [554] The name given to certain papal constitutions, collected and
+  added to the body of the canon law.
+
+"I cannot receive such constitutions as sufficient proofs in so
+important matters. For they wrest the Holy Scripture, and never quote
+it appositely."
+
+_De Vio._--"The pope has authority and power over all things."
+
+_Luther, (keenly.)_--"Save Scripture."[555]
+
+  [555] "Salva Scriptura."
+
+_De Vio, (ironically.)_--"Save Scripture!... The pope, know you not,
+is above Councils? Even recently he condemned and punished the Council
+of Basle."
+
+_Luther._--"The university of Paris appealed."
+
+_De Vio._--"These Parisian gentry will pay the penalty."
+
+The discussion between the cardinal and Luther afterwards turned on
+the second point, viz., on faith. This Luther declared to be
+necessary, in order to receive benefit from the sacraments, and,
+according to his custom, quoted several passages of Scripture in
+favour of the opinion which he maintained, but the legate received
+them with loud laughter. "It is of general faith you speak, then,"
+said he.--"No!" replied Luther. One of the Italians, master of the
+ceremonies to the legate, out of all patience at Luther's opposition
+and his answers, was burning with eagerness to speak. He was
+constantly trying to break in, but the legate enjoined silence, and at
+last was obliged to reprimand him so sharply, that the master of the
+ceremonies left the hall in confusion.[556]
+
+  [556] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 180.
+
+"As to indulgences," said Luther, "if it can be shown that I am
+mistaken, I am quite willing to be instructed. One may pass over that
+point without being a bad Christian, but on the article of faith, were
+I to yield a whit, I should be denying Jesus Christ. With regard to
+it, then, I am neither able nor willing to yield, and by the grace of
+God never shall."
+
+_De Vio, (beginning to lose temper.)_--"Whether you will or not, you
+must this very day retract that article; otherwise for that article
+alone, I will reject and condemn all your doctrine."
+
+_Luther._--"I have no will apart from that of the Lord; He will do
+with me what pleases him. But had I five heads, I would lose them all
+sooner than retract the testimony which I have borne to holy Christian
+faith."
+
+_De Vio._--"I did not come here to reason with you. Retract, or
+prepare to suffer the pains which you have deserved."[557]
+
+  [557] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, pp. 180, 183, 206, etc.
+
+Luther saw plainly that it was impossible to settle the matter by a
+conference. His opponent sat before him as if he were the pope
+himself, and insisted on his receiving humbly, and with submission,
+whatever he said, while his answers, even when founded on the Holy
+Scriptures, were received with a shrug of his shoulders, and all sorts
+of irony and contempt. He thought the wisest course would be to answer
+the cardinal in writing. This method, thought he, leaves at least some
+consolation to the oppressed. Others will be able to form a judgment
+of the affair, and the unjust adversary, who, by clamour, remains
+master of the field of battle, may be deterred by it.[558]
+
+  [558] Luth. Op. (L.) p. 209.
+
+Luther having signified his intention to withdraw, the legate said to
+him, "Do you wish me to give you a safe-conduct to Rome?"
+
+Nothing would have been more agreeable to Cajetan than the acceptance
+of this offer, as it would have disencumbered him of a task, the
+difficulties of which he began to comprehend. But the Reformer, who
+saw all the difficulties with which he was surrounded even at
+Augsburg, took good care not to accept a proposal the effect of which
+could only have been to give him over, bound hand and foot, to the
+vengeance of his enemies. He rejected it as often as De Vio was
+pleased to renew it, and this was frequently. The legate disguised the
+pain which he felt at Luther's refusal, and, wrapping himself up in
+his dignity, dismissed the monk with a smile of compassion, under
+which he tried to conceal his disappointment, and at the same time the
+politeness of one who hopes he may succeed better another time.
+
+No sooner was Luther in the court of the palace than the talkative
+Italian, the master of the ceremonies, whom his master's reprimands
+had obliged to quit the hall of conference, delighted at being able to
+speak out of sight of Cajetan, and burning with eagerness to confound
+the abominable heretic by his luminous reasons, ran after him, and
+continuing to walk, began to retail his sophisms. But Luther, weary of
+this foolish personage, answered him with one of those cutting
+expressions which he had so much at command, and the poor master of
+the ceremonies left off, and returned in confusion to the cardinal's
+palace.
+
+Luther did not carry away a very high opinion of his opponent. He had
+heard from him, as he afterwards wrote to Spalatin, propositions which
+were quite at variance with theology, and in the mouth of any other
+person would have been regarded as arch-heretical. And yet De Vio was
+considered the most learned of the Dominicans. Second to him was
+Prierias. "From this," says Luther, "we may infer what those must have
+been who were tenth or hundredth."[559]
+
+  [559] Luth. Ep. i, p. 173.
+
+On the other hand, the noble and resolute bearing of the Wittemberg
+doctor had greatly surprised the cardinal and his courtiers. Instead
+of a poor monk humbly begging pardon, they had found a free man, a
+decided Christian, an enlightened teacher, who insisted that unjust
+accusations should be supported by proof, and who defended his
+doctrine triumphantly. All the inmates of Cajetan's palace inveighed
+against the pride, obstinacy, and effrontery of this heretic. Luther
+and De Vio had mutually learned to know each other, and both prepared
+for their second interview.
+
+A very agreeable surprise awaited Luther on his return to the convent
+of the Carmelites. The vicar-general of the Augustin order, his
+friend, his father Staupitz, had arrived at Augsburg. Not having been
+able to prevent Luther from coming to this city, Staupitz gave his
+friend a new and touching proof of his attachment by coming personally
+in the hope of being useful to him. This excellent man foresaw that
+the conference with the legate would lead to very serious
+consequences. He was equally agitated by his fears and his friendship
+for Luther, who, after his painful sederunt, felt it refreshing to
+clasp so valuable a friend in his arms. Having told him that it had
+been impossible for him to get an answer worth any thing, and how the
+legate had been contented to demand a retractation without trying to
+convince him--"It is absolutely necessary," said Staupitz, "to give
+the legate a written answer."
+
+After what he had heard of the first interview, Staupitz hoped nothing
+from the others, and, therefore, determined on a proceeding which he
+deemed necessary. He resolved to loose Luther from obedience to his
+order. By this Staupitz hoped to gain two ends. If, as all
+anticipated, Luther fell in the struggle, the disgrace of his
+condemnation would not fall on the whole order; or if the cardinal
+ordered Staupitz to oblige Luther to silence or retractation, he would
+have an excuse for not doing it.[560] The ceremony, which took place
+in the usual form, made Luther aware of all that he had thenceforth to
+expect. He felt exceedingly at seeing the ties which he had formed in
+the enthusiasm of his youth, thus broken. The order of his choice
+rejects him. His natural protectors stand aloof, and he becomes a
+stranger to his brethren. But though his heart is filled with sadness
+at the thought, he recovers all his joy on turning to the promises of
+a faithful God, who has said, "_I will never leave you nor forsake
+you_."
+
+  [560] "Darinn ihn Dr. Staupitz von dem Kloster-Gehorsam absolvitr."
+  (Math. 15.)
+
+The counsellors of the empire having intimated to the legate, through
+the Bishop of Trent, that Luther was provided with an imperial
+safe-conduct, and having caused it to be declared at the same time,
+that nothing was to be attempted against the doctor's person, De Vio
+became angry, and sharply replied in words characteristically Roman,
+"Very well, but I will do what the pope commands."[561] We know what
+this was.
+
+  [561] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, 201.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VII.
+
+     Communication to the Legate--Second Appearance--Luther's
+     Declaration--The Legate's Reply--The Legate's
+     Volubility--Luther's Request.
+
+
+The next day[562] both parties prepared for the second interview,
+which promised to be decisive. The friends of Luther, who had resolved
+to accompany him to the legate, repaired to the convent of the
+Carmelites. The dean of Trent, and Peutinger, both counsellors of the
+emperor, and Staupitz, arrived in succession. Shortly after the doctor
+had the pleasure to see them joined by the Chevalier Philip von
+Feilitsch, and Doctor Ruhel, counsellors of the Elector, who had been
+ordered by their master to attend the conferences, and protect the
+liberty of Luther. They had arrived the previous evening, and were,
+says Mathesius, to stand at his side, as at Constance the Chevalier de
+Chlum stood at the side of John Huss. The doctor, moreover, took a
+notary, and accompanied with all these friends, proceeded to the
+legate.
+
+  [562] Wednesday 12th October.
+
+At this moment Staupitz came up to him; he thoroughly comprehended
+Luther's situation, and knew that if he did not fix his eye solely on
+the Lord, who is the deliverer of his people, he must succumb. "My
+dear brother," said he to him seriously, "constantly remember that you
+have begun these things in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ." Thus
+God surrounded his humble servant with consolation and encouragement.[563]
+
+  [563] Seckend., p. 137.
+
+Luther, on arriving at the cardinal's, found a new opponent. This was
+the prior of the Dominicans of Augsburg, who was seated at the side
+of his chief. Luther, agreeably to the resolution which he had formed,
+had written his reply, and, after the usual salutations, with a firm
+voice read the following declaration:--
+
+"I declare that I honour the holy Roman Church, and that I will
+continue to honour it. I have sought the truth in public discussions;
+and all that I have said I regard, even at this hour, as just, true,
+and Christian. Still I am a man, and maybe mistaken. I am, therefore,
+disposed to receive instruction and correction in the things in which
+I may have erred. I declare myself ready to reply, by word of mouth or
+by writing, to all the objections and all the charges which my lord
+the legate may bring against me. I declare myself ready to submit my
+theses to the four universities of Basle, Friburg in Brisgau, Louvain,
+and Paris; and to retract what they declare to be erroneous. In a
+word, I am ready to do all that may be demanded of a Christian. But I
+protest solemnly against the course which is sought to be given to
+this affair, and against the strange pretension of constraining me to
+retract without having refuted me."[564]
+
+  [564] Loescher, ii, 463; Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 181, 209.
+
+Undoubtedly, nothing could be more equitable than these proposals of
+Luther, and yet they must have been very embarrassing to a judge whose
+decision had been prescribed to him beforehand. The legate, who had
+not expected this protestation, sought to conceal his uneasiness by
+pretending to laugh at it, and assuming an exterior of gentleness,
+said to Luther, smiling, "This protestation is unnecessary, I will not
+dispute with you either in public or in private, but I purpose to
+arrange the affair kindly, and like a father." The whole policy of the
+cardinal consisted in putting aside the strict forms of justice, which
+afford protection to those who are prosecuted, and in treating the
+affair only as one of administration between superior and inferior;--a
+commodious method, in as much as it opens up a wide field for
+arbitrary procedure.
+
+Still maintaining the most affectionate manner, "My dear friend," said
+De Vio, "abandon, I pray you, a useless design. Rather return to
+yourself, acknowledge the truth, and I am ready to reconcile you with
+the Church and the sovereign bishop. Whether you will or not, it
+matters little. It will be hard for you to kick against the
+pricks...."
+
+Luther, who saw himself treated as if he were already proved a
+rebellious child, rejected of the Church, exclaimed, "I cannot
+retract; but I offer to answer, and in writing. "We had enough of
+debating yesterday."[565]
+
+  [565] "Digladiatum," battled. (Luth. Ep. i, p. 181.)
+
+De Vio was irritated at this expression, which reminded him that he
+had not acted with sufficient prudence; but he recovered himself, and
+said with a smile, "Debating, my dear son! I did not debate with you.
+I have no wish to debate; but in order to please the most serene
+Elector Frederick, I am willing to hear you, and exhort you amicably
+and paternally."
+
+Luther did not comprehend why the legate should have been so much
+offended at the expression which he had used; for, thought he, if I
+had not wished to speak politely, I would have said, not _debated_,
+but _disputed_, and _wrangled_,--for that was truly what we did.
+
+Still De Vio, who felt that before the respectable witnesses who were
+present at the conference it was at least necessary to seem to try to
+convince Luther to return to the two propositions, which he had
+singled out as fundamental errors, thoroughly resolved to let the
+Reformer speak as little as possible. Strong in his Italian volubility
+he overwhelms him with objections, to which he does not wait for a
+reply. Sometimes he jests, sometimes he scolds; he declaims with
+impassioned heat, mixes up the most heterogeneous subjects, quotes St.
+Thomas and Aristotle, cries, and gets into a passion with all who
+differ with him in opinion, and then apostrophises Luther. Luther,
+more than ten times, tries to speak, but the legate instantly
+interrupts him, and showers down menaces upon him. Retractation!
+retractation! is the whole sum of his demand; he thunders, and
+domineers, and insists on having all the talk to himself.[566]
+Staupitz interferes to stop the legate. "Have the goodness," says he,
+"to give Doctor Martin time to answer." But the legate recommences his
+discourse, quotes the _extravagants_ and the opinions of St. Thomas,
+determined to harangue during the whole interview. If he cannot
+convince, and if he dares not strike, he at least can stun.
+
+  [566] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii. pp. 181, 209. "Decies fere coepi ut
+  loquerer, toties rursus tonabat et solus regnabat." I began almost ten
+  times to speak, but he again as often thundered and reigned alone.
+
+Luther and Staupitz saw clearly that they must abandon the hope, not
+only of enlightening De Vio by discussion, but also of making a useful
+profession of faith. Luther, therefore, resumed the request which he
+had made at the commencement, and which the cardinal had then evaded.
+Since he was not permitted to speak, he asked that he might, at least,
+be allowed to write, and send his written reply to the legate.
+Staupitz supported him; several others who were present joined their
+entreaties, and Cajetan, notwithstanding of all his repugnance for
+what was written, (for he remembered that what is written remains,)
+at last consented. The meeting broke up. The hope of terminating the
+affair at this interview was adjourned, and it became necessary to
+await the result of a subsequent conference.
+
+The permission which the general of the Dominicans gave Luther to
+prepare an answer, and to answer in writing, the two distinct and
+articulate accusations which he had made, touching indulgences and
+faith, was nothing more than justice demanded, and yet we are obliged
+to De Vio for it, as a mark of moderation and impartiality.
+
+Luther left the cardinal's palace delighted that his request had been
+granted. In going and returning he was the object of public attention.
+All enlightened men were interested in his case, as if it had been
+their own, for it was felt that the cause then pleaded at Augsburg was
+the cause of the gospel, justice, and liberty. The lowest of the
+people alone were with Cajetan; and of this he doubtless gave some
+significant hints to the Reformer, who afterwards spoke of them.[567]
+
+  [567] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p.186.
+
+It became more and more evident that the legate had no wish to hear
+any more from Luther than the words "I retract;" and these Luther was
+resolved not to pronounce. What will be the issue of this unequal
+struggle? How can it be imagined that the whole power of Rome, brought
+to bear on a single man, will not succeed in crushing him? Luther sees
+this. Feeling the weight of the terrible hand under which he is
+placed, he gives up the hope of ever returning to Wittemberg,
+revisiting his dear Philip, and again finding himself in the midst of
+the generous youths into whose hearts he loved so much to shed the
+seeds of life. He sees excommunication hanging over his head, and has
+no doubt that it must shortly fall upon him.[568] These prospects
+afflict his soul, but do not overwhelm it. His confidence in God is
+not shaken. God may break the instrument which he has been pleased
+till now to employ, but the truth will be maintained. Whatever
+happens, Luther must defend it to the last. He accordingly, begins to
+prepare the protestation which he is to present to the legate. It
+appears that he devoted to it part of the 13th October.
+
+  [568] Ibid. p.185.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VIII.
+
+     Third Appearance--Treasury of Indulgences--Faith--Humble
+     Request--Legate's Reply--Luther's Reply--Legate's
+     Rage--Luther Retires--First Defection.
+
+
+On Friday the 14th October, Luther returned to the cardinal,
+accompanied by the counsellors of the Elector. The Italians pressed
+around him as usual, and were present at the conference in great
+numbers. Luther advanced, and presented his protestation to the
+legate. The cardinal's people looked with astonishment at a writing
+which, in their eyes, was so audacious. The following is the doctor of
+Wittemberg's declaration to their master:[569]--
+
+  [569] Luth Op. (L.) xvii, p. 187.
+
+"You attack me on two points. First, you oppose to me the Constitution
+of Pope Clement VI, in which it is said, that the treasury of
+indulgences is the merit of Jesus Christ and the saints; whereas I
+deny this in my theses.
+
+"Panormitanus, (Luther thus designates Ives, author of the famous
+collection of ecclesiastical law, entitled _Panormia_, and Bishop of
+Chartres at the end of the eleventh century,) Panormitanus declares,
+in his First Book, that in regard to holy faith, not only a General
+Council, but every believer is superior to the pope, if he produces
+declarations of Scripture, and better arguments than the pope.[570]
+
+  [570] "Ostendit in materia fidei, non modo generale concilium esse
+  super papam, sed etiam quemlibet fidelium, si melioribus nitatur
+  auctoritate et ratione quam papa." (Luth. Op. Lat. p. 209.) He shows
+  that, in matter of faith, not only a general council is above the
+  pope, but also any one of the faithful whatever, if he leans on better
+  authority and reason than the pope.
+
+"The voice of our Lord Jesus Christ rises far above all the voices of
+men, whatever be the names they bear.
+
+"What gives me the greatest pain and uneasiness is, that this
+Constitution contains doctrines quite opposed to the truth. It
+declares that the merits of the saints is a treasure, while all
+Scripture testifies that God recompenses far more richly than we
+deserve. The prophet exclaims, 'Lord, enter not into judgment with thy
+servant; for in thy sight can no living man be justified.'[571] 'Woe
+to men, however honourable and laudable their life may be,' says St.
+Augustine, 'were judgment passed upon it without mercy.'[572]
+
+  [571] Psalm cxliii, 2.
+
+  [572] Confes. ix.
+
+"Hence the saints are not saved by their merits, but only by the mercy
+of God, as I have declared. I maintain this, and adhere firmly to it.
+The words of holy Scripture, which declare that the saints have not
+enough of merit, must take precedence of the words of men, who affirm
+that they have too much; for the pope is not above, but beneath the
+word of God."
+
+Luther does not stop here, but shows that if indulgences cannot be the
+merit of saints, no more are they the merit of Christ. He observes,
+that indulgences are barren and without fruit, since they have no
+other effect than to exempt men from doing good works, such as prayers
+and alms. "No," exclaims he, "the merit of Christ is not a treasure of
+indulgences, which exempts from well-doing; but a treasure of grace,
+which gives life. The merit of Christ is applied to believers without
+indulgences, without keys, by the Holy Spirit only, and not by the
+pope. If any one has a better founded opinion than mine," adds he, in
+concluding this first point, "let him show it, and then I will
+retract."
+
+"I have affirmed," says he, in coming to the second article, "that no
+man can be justified before God unless it be by faith, and hence that
+it is necessary for man to believe with full assurance that he has
+obtained grace. To doubt of this grace is to reject it. The
+righteousness and life of the righteous is his faith."[573]
+
+  [573] "Justitia justi et vita ejus, est fides ejus." (Luth. Op. Lat.
+  i, p. 211.)
+
+Luther proves his proposition by a multitude of quotations from
+Scripture.
+
+"Be pleased, then, to intercede for me with our most holy lord, Pope
+Leo X," adds he, "in order that he may not treat me with so much
+disfavour.... My soul seeks the light of truth. I am not so proud, so
+desirous of vain-glory, as to be ashamed to retract if I have taught
+what is false. My greatest joy will be to see the triumph of whatever
+accords with the will of God. Only let them not force me to do
+anything which is contrary to the cry of my conscience."
+
+The legate had taken the declaration from Luther's hands, and after
+having perused it, said to him coldly, "You have here useless
+verbiage, you have written many vain words; you have answered the two
+articles foolishly, and blotted your paper with a number of passages
+of holy Scripture which have no reference to the subject." Then, with
+a disdainful air, De Vio threw down the protestation, as setting no
+value upon it, and resuming the tone which he had found tolerably
+successful at the last interview, began to cry at full pitch that
+Luther must retract. Luther was immovable. "Friar! friar!" exclaims De
+Vio in Italian, "last time you were very good, but to-day you are very
+naughty." Then the cardinal begins a long discourse, drawn from the
+writings of St. Thomas, again loudly extols the Constitution of
+Clement VI, and persists in maintaining, that, in virtue of this
+Constitution, the very merits of Jesus Christ are distributed to the
+faithful by means of indulgences. He thinks he has silenced Luther,
+who sometimes begins to speak, but De Vio scolds, thunders away
+without ceasing, and insists on having the whole field of battle to
+himself.
+
+This method might have had some success a first time, but Luther was
+not the man to suffer it a second. His indignation at length burst
+forth; it is his turn to astonish the spectators, who deem him already
+vanquished by the volubility of the prelate. He raises his powerful
+voice, seizes the favourite objection of the cardinal, and makes him
+pay dear for his temerity in having entered the lists with him.
+"Retract! retract!" repeated De Vio, showing the Constitution of the
+pope. "Well," replied Luther, "if it can be proved by this
+Constitution that the treasure of indulgences is the merit of Jesus
+Christ, I consent to retract according to the will and good pleasure
+of your Eminence...."
+
+The Italians, who expected nothing of the kind, stared at these words,
+and could scarcely contain their joy at seeing the enemy at length
+caught in the net. The cardinal was, as it were, out of himself; he
+laughed outright, but with a laugh in which anger and indignation
+mingled; darting forward, he lays hold of the volume containing the
+famous Constitution, looks it out, pounces upon it, and, quite proud
+of his victory, reads it aloud, with boiling and heaving breast.[574]
+The Italians exult; the Elector's counsellors are uneasy and
+embarrassed: Luther is waiting for his opponent. At length, when the
+cardinal comes to the words, "The Lord Jesus Christ has acquired this
+treasure by his sufferings,". Luther stops him, "Most worthy father,"
+says he, "be so good as consider and carefully meditate this
+expression, '_has acquired_.'[575] Christ has acquired a treasure by
+his merits; the merits, therefore, are not the treasure; for, to speak
+philosophically, cause and effect are different things. The merits of
+Christ have acquired authority to the pope to grant such indulgences
+to the people, but what the hand of the pope distributes is not the
+merits themselves. Thus, then my conclusion is true, and the
+Constitution, which you invoke with so much noise, bears testimony
+with me to the truth which I proclaim."
+
+  [574] "Legit fervens et anhelans." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 145.)
+
+  [575] "Acquisivit," (Ibid.)
+
+De Vio still holds the book in his hand; his eyes are still riveted on
+the fatal passage, but he has nothing to reply. Thus he is taken in
+the net which he himself had laid, and Luther with strong hand keeps
+him in, to the inexpressible astonishment of the Italian courtiers
+around him. The legate would have evaded the difficulty, but could
+not. He had long abandoned the testimony of Scripture and the
+authority of the Fathers; he had taken refuge in this Extravagant of
+Clement VI, and there he is caught. Still he has too much finesse to
+let his embarrassment appear. Wishing to hide his shame, the prince of
+the Church suddenly changes the subject, and rushes violently to other
+articles. Luther who perceives the adroit manoeuvre, allows him not to
+escape; he grasps and completely closes the net which he has thrown
+over the cardinal, and makes evasion impossible. "Most reverend
+father!" says he, with an irony clothed in the form of respect, "your
+Eminence cannot surely think that we Germans do not know grammar; to
+be a treasure, and to acquire a treasure, are very different things."
+
+"Retract!" says De Vio; "retract, or, if you don't, I send you to
+Rome, to appear there before the judges entrusted with the cognisance
+of your cause. I excommunicate you; you, all your partizans, all who
+are or may become favourable to you, and I reject them from the
+Church. Full authority in this respect has been given me by the holy
+apostolic See.[576] Think you your protectors can stop me? Do you
+imagine that the pope cares for Germany? The little finger of the pope
+is stronger than all the German princes."[577]
+
+  [576] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 197.
+
+  [577] Ibid. (W.) xxii, p. 1331.
+
+"Deign," replies Luther, "to send the written reply which I handed you
+to pope Leo X, with my very humble prayers."
+
+At these words, the legate, glad to find a moment's respite, again
+wraps himself up in a feeling of his dignity, and proudly and
+passionately says to Luther:--
+
+"Retract, or return not."[578]
+
+  [578] "Revoca, aut non revertere." Ibid. p. 202.
+
+Luther is struck with the expression. This time he gives no verbal
+answer, but bows and takes his leave, followed by the Elector's
+counsellors. The cardinal and his Italians, left alone, stare at each
+other, confounded at the issue of the debate.
+
+Thus the Dominican system, clad in the Roman purple, had proudly
+dismissed its humble opponent. But Luther felt that there is a power,
+viz., Christian truth--truth, which no authority, secular or
+spiritual, can ever subdue. Of the two combatants, he who withdrew was
+master of the field.
+
+This is the first step by which the Church detached herself from the
+papacy.
+
+Luther and De Vio never saw each other again; but the Reformer had
+made a powerful impression on the legate, an impression which was
+never entirely effaced. What Luther had said on faith, and what De Vio
+read in the subsequent writings of the doctor of Wittemberg, greatly
+modified the cardinal's views. The theologians of Rome were surprised
+and displeased at his statements on justification in his Commentary on
+the Epistle to the Romans. The Reformer did not recoil, did not
+retract; but his judge, he who never ceased exclaiming, Retract!
+changed his views, and indirectly retracted his errors. In this way
+was the Reformer's unshaken fidelity rewarded.
+
+Luther returned to the convent where he had met with hospitality. He
+had stood firm, had borne testimony to the truth and done his part.
+God will do the rest. His heart was filled with peace and joy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IX.
+
+     De Vio and Staupitz--Staupitz and Luther--Luther and
+     Spalatin--Luther to Carlstadt--Communion--Link and De
+     Vio--Departure of Staupitz and Link--Luther to Cajetan--The
+     Cardinal's Silence--Luther's Farewell--Departure--Appeal to
+     the Pope.
+
+
+Still the news brought to him were not at all satisfactory. The rumour
+in the town was, that if he would not retract, he was to be seized and
+immured in a dungeon. The vicar-general of the order, Staupitz
+himself, it was confidently said, had been obliged to consent to
+it.[579] Luther cannot believe what is told him of his friend. No!
+Staupitz will not betray him. As to the designs of the cardinal,
+judging by his own words, it is difficult to doubt. Still he is
+unwilling to flee before the danger; his life, like truth herself, is
+in mighty hands; and, notwithstanding of the danger which threatens
+him, he resolves not to quit Augsburg.
+
+  [579] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 210.
+
+The legate soon repented of his violence. He felt that he had gone out
+of his course, and he was desirous to return to it. Scarcely had
+Staupitz finished dinner, (it was the morning when the interview had
+taken place, and the dinner-hour was mid-day,) when he received a
+message from the cardinal to wait upon him. Staupitz was accompanied
+by Winceslaus Link.[580] The vicar-general found the legate alone with
+Serra-Longa. De Vio immediately went up to Staupitz, and, in the
+mildest accents said to him:--"Try, then, to persuade your monk, and
+induce him to make a retraction. Of a truth I am otherwise satisfied
+with him, and he has not a better friend than I."[581]
+
+  [580] Ibid., p. 204.
+
+  [581] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 185.
+
+_Staupitz._--"I have done so already, and will still counsel him to
+submit to the Church in all humility."
+
+_De Vio._--"You must answer the arguments which he draws from holy
+Scripture."
+
+_Staupitz._--"I must confess to you, my lord, that that is beyond my
+strength; for Dr. Martin is my superior both in talent and in
+knowledge of the holy Scriptures."
+
+The cardinal doubtless smiled at the vicar-general's frankness. He
+himself knew, besides, wherein lay the difficulty of convincing
+Luther. He continued, and said to Link:--
+
+"Are you aware, that, as partizans of a heretical doctrine, you are
+yourselves liable to the pains of the Church?"
+
+_Staupitz._--Deign to resume the conference with Luther. Appoint a
+public discussion of the controverted points."
+
+_De Vio_, (_terrified at the very idea._)--"I won't have any further
+discussion with that beast. For it has in its head piercing eyes and
+strange speculations."[582]
+
+  [582] "Ego nolo amplius cum hac bestia disputare. Habet enim profundos
+  oculos et mirabiles speculationes in capite suo" (Myconius, p. 33.)
+
+Staupitz at last obtained the cardinal's promise to give Luther a
+written statement of what he was to retract.
+
+The vicar-general went immediately to Luther, and, shaken by the
+cardinal's representations, tried to bring about some arrangement.
+"Refute then," says Luther, "the passages of Scripture which I have
+brought forward." "It is above my power," said Staupitz. "Well," said
+Luther, "it is against my conscience to retract, so long as no other
+explanation can be given of these passages." "What!" continued he,
+"the cardinal pretends, as you assure me, that he is desirous to
+arrange the affair without shame or disadvantage to me. Ah! these are
+Roman words, and signify in good German that it would be my disgrace
+and eternal ruin. What else has he to expect, who, from fear of man
+and against the voice of his conscience, abjures the truth?"[583]
+
+  [583] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 210.
+
+Staupitz did not insist; he merely intimated that the cardinal had
+consented to give him a written statement of the points of which he
+demanded a retractation. Then, doubtless, he informed him of his
+resolution to leave Augsburg, where he had nothing more to do, and
+Luther imparted to him a design which he had formed with a view to
+comfort and strengthen their souls.
+
+Staupitz promised to return, and they separated for a short time.
+
+Luther, left alone in his cell, turned his thoughts towards friends
+who were dear to his heart. He transported himself to Weimar and
+Wittemberg. He was desirous to inform the Elector of what was passing;
+and, afraid of compromising the prince by addressing him directly,
+wrote to Spalatin, and begged him to inform his master how matters
+stood. He related the whole affair, even to the promise of the legate
+to give him a written statement of the controverted points, and
+concluded:--"Thus matters are; but I have neither hope nor confidence
+in the legate. I will not retract a single syllable. I will publish
+the reply which I have sent him, in order that, if he proceeds to
+violence, his shame may extend over all Christendom."[584]
+
+  [584] Luth. Ep. i. 149.
+
+The doctor next availed himself of some moments still left him to
+communicate with his friends at Wittemberg.
+
+"Peace and felicity!" wrote he to Doctor Carlstadt. "Accept these few
+lines as if they were a long letter; for time and events are pressing
+on me. Another time I will write you and others at greater length. For
+three days my affair has been under discussion, and things are now
+come to this, that I have no hope of returning to you, and expect
+nothing but excommunication. The legate is absolutely determined that
+I shall have no discussion, either public or private. He says, he
+wishes not to be my judge but my father, and yet the only words he
+will hear from me are, 'I retract, and own that I have been mistaken.'
+These, again, are words which I won't say.
+
+"My cause is in so much the greater peril, that its judges are not
+only implacable enemies, but, moreover, men incapable of comprehending
+it. However, the Lord God lives and reigns; to his care I commend
+myself, and I doubt not that, in answer to the prayers of some pious
+souls, he will send me assistance; methinks I feel that I am prayed
+for.
+
+"Either I shall return to you without having suffered harm, or, struck
+with excommunication, will be obliged to seek an asylum elsewhere.
+
+"Be this as it may, comport yourself valiantly, stand firm, exalt
+Christ intrepidly and joyfully....
+
+"The cardinal always calls me his dear son. I know what this amounts
+to. Nevertheless, I am persuaded I would be to him the dearest and
+most agreeable of men, if I would only pronounce the single word
+_Revoco_, I retract. But I will not become a heretic by retracting the
+faith which made me become a Christian. Better be hunted, cursed,
+burnt, and put to death....
+
+"Take care of yourself, my dear doctor, and show this letter to our
+theologians, to Amsdorff, Philip, Otten, and others, in order that you
+may pray for me, and also for yourselves; for the affair which is here
+discussed is yours also. It is that of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,
+and of divine grace."[585]
+
+  [585] Luth. Ep. i. p. 159.
+
+Delightful thought! which ever gives full peace and consolation to
+those who have borne testimony to Jesus Christ, to his divinity and
+grace, when the world from all quarters showers down its censures,
+ejections, and frowns. "Our cause is that of faith in our Lord!" And
+how sweet also the conviction expressed by the Reformer, "I feel that
+I am prayed for." The Reformation was the work of prayer and piety.
+The struggle between Luther and De Vio was a struggle between the
+religious element re-appearing in full life, and the expiring remains
+of the quibbling dialectics of the middle ages.
+
+Such was Luther's converse with his absent friends. Staupitz soon
+returned; Doctor Ruhel and the Chevalier de Ferlitzoch, the Elector's
+envoys, also arrived after they had taken leave of the cardinal. Some
+other friends of the gospel joined them; and Luther, seeing the
+generous men thus assembled on the point of separating, perhaps
+separating from himself for ever, proposed that they should join in
+celebrating the Lord's Supper. The proposal was accepted, and this
+little flock of believers communicated in the body and blood of Jesus
+Christ. What feelings must have filled the hearts of these friends of
+the Reformer at this moment when celebrating the Eucharist with him
+and thinking that it was perhaps the last time he would be permitted
+to do so! What joy and love must have animated Luther's heart at
+seeing himself so graciously received by his Master at an hour when
+men were repulsing him! How solemn must that supper have been--how
+sacred that evening![586]
+
+  [586] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 178.
+
+The next day[587] Luther waited for the articles which the legate was
+to send him, but no message arriving, he begged his friend, Dr.
+Winceslaus Link, to go to the cardinal. De Vio received Link with the
+greatest affability, and assured him that he would act only as a
+friend. "I no longer," says he, "regard Doctor Martin Luther as a
+heretic. I will not excommunicate him at this time, at least if I do
+not receive other orders from Rome. I have sent his reply to the pope
+by an express." Then, to give a proof of his good intentions, he
+added, "Would Doctor Martin Luther only retract what relates to the
+indulgences, the affair would soon be ended; for, with regard to
+faith in the sacrament, it is an article which every one may interpret
+and understand in his own way." Spalatin, who relates these words,
+adds the sarcastic but just remark: "It clearly follows, that Rome has
+more regard for money than for the purity of the faith and the
+salvation of souls."[588]
+
+  [587] Saturday, 15th
+
+  [588] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 182.
+
+Link returned to Luther. He found Staupitz with him, and gave an
+account of his visit. When he mentioned the legate's unlooked for
+concession, "It had been worth while," said Staupitz, "for Dr.
+Winceslaus to have had a notary and witnesses with him to take down
+the words, for if such a proposal was known it would greatly prejudice
+the cause of the Romans."
+
+Meanwhile, the smoother the prelate's words became, the less the
+honest Germans trusted him. Several of the worthy men to whom Luther
+had been recommended consulted together. "The legate," said they, "is
+plotting some mischief by the courier of whom he speaks; there is good
+ground to fear that you will all be seized and cast into prison."
+
+Staupitz and Winceslaus, therefore, determined to quit the town.
+Embracing Luther, who persisted in remaining at Augsburg, they set out
+in all haste by different roads for Nuremberg, not without a feeling
+of great uneasiness as to the fate of the intrepid witness whom they
+left behind.
+
+Sunday passed quietly enough. Luther waited in vain for a message from
+the legate. But as he did not send him a word, Luther at last resolved
+to write him. Staupitz and Link, before their departure, had begged
+him to make all possible submission to the cardinal. Luther was yet
+without experience in Rome and its envoys; but if submission did not
+succeed, he would be able to regard it as a warning. Now, he must at
+least make the attempt. In so far as concerns himself, not a day
+passes in which he does not condemn himself, does not mourn over the
+facility with which he allows himself to be hurried into expressions
+which exceed the bounds of propriety. Why should he not confess to the
+cardinal that which he daily confesses to God? Luther, moreover, had a
+heart which was easily touched, and which suspected no evil. He
+therefore took up the pen, and, under a feeling of respect and good
+will, wrote to the cardinal as follows:[589]--
+
+  [589] The letter is dated 17th October.
+
+MOST WORTHY FATHER IN GOD,--I come once more, not with my voice, but
+by writing, to supplicate your paternal goodness to give me a
+favourable hearing. The reverend Doctor Staupitz, my very dear Father
+in Christ, has asked me to humble myself, to renounce my own opinion,
+and submit it to the judgment of pious and impartial men. He also has
+lauded your paternal goodness, and convinced me of the favourable
+sentiments with which you are animated towards me. The tidings filled
+me with joy.
+
+"Now, then, most worthy father, I confess, as I have already done,
+that I have not shown enough of modesty, enough of meekness, enough of
+respect for the name of the sovereign pontiff; and although I have
+been greatly provoked, I perceive it would have been far better for me
+to have treated the affair with more humility, good nature, and
+reverence, '_not answering a fool according to his folly, for fear of
+being like unto him_.' (Prov., xxvi, 4.)
+
+"This grieves me very much; I ask pardon for it; and I am willing to
+announce it to the people from the pulpit, as indeed I have already
+often done. I will endeavour, by the grace of God, to speak
+differently. Moreover, I am ready to promise, that, unless I am asked,
+I will not say a single word on the subject of indulgences after this
+affair is arranged. But, in like manner, let those who led me to begin
+it be obliged hereafter to be moderate in their discourses, or to be
+silent.
+
+"As regards the truth of my doctrine, the authority of St. Thomas and
+other doctors cannot satisfy me. If I am worthy of it, I must hear the
+voice of the spouse, who is the Church. For it is certain that she
+hears the voice of the Bridegroom who is Christ.
+
+"With all humility and submission, therefore, I pray your paternal
+love to refer the whole of this matter, which to this hour is so
+uncertain, to our most holy lord, Leo X, in order that the Church may
+decide, pronounce, and ordain, thereby enabling men to retract with a
+good conscience, or to believe in sincerity."[590]
+
+  [590] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 198.
+
+The reading of this letter suggests a reflection. It shows us that
+Luther was not acting on a premeditated system, but only in virtue of
+convictions which were successively impressed on his mind and his
+heart.
+
+So far from having adopted a fixed system, or calculated opposition,
+he was sometimes, without suspecting it, at variance with himself. Old
+convictions still prevailed in his mind, even after contrary
+convictions had taken root. And yet, in these evidences of sincerity
+and truth, men have searched for weapons to assail the Reformation;
+because it followed the obligatory law of progress invariably imposed
+on the human mind, they have written the history of its variations; in
+the very traits which attest its sincerity, and consequently do it
+honour, one of the greatest geniuses of Christendom has found his
+strongest objections to it.[591] Inconceivable is the waywardness of
+the human mind!
+
+  [591] Bosuet, Hist. des Variations. (Livre i, pp. 25, etc.)
+
+Luther received no answer to his letter. Cajetan and his courtiers,
+from being violently agitated, became all at once motionless. What
+could the reason be? Might it not be the calm which precedes the
+storm? Some are of the opinion of Pallavicini, who observes, that "the
+cardinal expected that the proud monk would, like inflated bellows,
+gradually lose the wind with which he was filled, and become quite
+humble."[592] Others, who thought themselves better acquainted with
+the ways of Rome, felt assured that the legate was preparing to seize
+Luther; but not daring, of his own accord, to proceed to such
+extremities in defiance of the imperial safe-conduct, was waiting for
+an answer from Rome. Others, again, could not admit that the cardinal
+would consent to wait so long. The Emperor, Maximilian, they said,
+(and this may indeed have been true,) would have no more scruple in
+delivering up Luther to the judgment of the Church, in spite of the
+safe-conduct, than Sigismund had in delivering up John Huss to the
+Council of Constance. Their conjecture, therefore, was, that the
+legate was negotiating with the emperor. The sanction of Maximilian
+might arrive at any hour. The greater the opposition he had formerly
+showed to the pope, the more disposed he now seemed to flatter him,
+until he should succeed in encircling the head of his grandson with
+the imperial crown. There was not an instant to be lost, "and,
+therefore," said the generous men around Luther, "prepare an appeal to
+the pope, and quit Augsburg without delay."
+
+  [592] "Ut follis ille ventosa elatione distentus." (P. 40.)
+
+Luther, whose presence in the town had for four days been quite
+useless, and who, by remaining these four days after the departure of
+the Saxon counsellors whom the Elector had sent to watch over his
+safety, had sufficiently demonstrated that he feared nothing, and was
+ready to answer every charge, at length yielded to the urgent
+entreaties of his friends. Wishing to leave a notification to De Vio,
+he wrote him on Tuesday, the evening before his departure. This second
+letter is firmer in its tone than the former. It would seem that
+Luther, in perceiving that all his advances were vain, began to hold
+up his head, and show that he had a due sense both of his own rights,
+and of the injustice of his enemies.
+
+"Most worthy Father in God," wrote he to De Vio, "your paternal
+goodness has seen, yes, I say, seen, and distinctly recognised my
+obedience. I have undertaken a distant journey, in the midst of great
+dangers, in much bodily weakness, and notwithstanding of my extreme
+poverty, on the order of our most holy lord, Leo X. I have appeared
+personally before your Eminence; in fine, I have thrown myself at the
+feet of his Holiness, and am now waiting his pleasure, prepared to
+acquiesce in his judgment, whether he condemn or acquit me. I thus
+feel that I have omitted nothing which becomes an obedient son of the
+Church.
+
+"Hence, I cannot see it to be my duty uselessly to prolong my sojourn
+here; indeed, it is impossible for me to do so. I want means, and your
+paternal goodness has commanded me, in peremptory terms, not again to
+show myself in your presence, unless I am willing to retract.
+
+"I depart, therefore, in the name of the Lord, desiring, if it be
+possible, to repair to some spot where I may be able to live in peace.
+Several personages, of greater weight than I am, have urged me to
+appeal from your paternal goodness, and even from our most holy lord,
+Leo X, ill informed, to himself better informed. Although I know that
+such an appeal will be much more agreeable to our most serene Elector
+than a retractation, nevertheless, if I had only had myself to
+consult, I would not have taken it. Having committed no fault, I ought
+to have nothing to fear."
+
+Luther, having written this letter, which was not sent to the legate
+till after his departure, prepared to quit Augsburg. God had kept him
+till this hour, and his heart praised Him for it; but he must not
+tempt God. He took leave of his friends, Peutinger, Langemantel, the
+Adelmanns, Auerbach, and the prior of the Carmelites, who had shown
+him so much Christian hospitality. On Wednesday before day-break he
+got up, and was ready to depart. His friends had advised him to use
+great precaution, lest his intention should be observed and
+frustrated, and he followed their counsels as much as he could. A
+pony, which Staupitz had left him, was brought to the gate of the
+convent, and once more bidding adieu to his brethren, he mounted and
+set off, without bridle, boots, or spurs, and unarmed. The magistrates
+had sent one of their officers on horseback, who was to accompany him,
+and who knew the roads perfectly. The servant led him in the darkness,
+through the silent streets of Augsburg, towards a small gate which was
+pierced in the city wall, and which counsellor Langemantel had given
+orders should be opened to him. He is still in the power of the
+legate, and the hand of Rome may still reach him. Doubtless, did the
+Italians know that their prey was escaping, they would sally forth in
+fury with hue and cry. Who knows if the intrepid opponent of Rome will
+not yet be seized and immured in a dungeon?... At length Luther and
+his guide arrive at the little gate, and, passing through it, are out
+of Augsburg. Then, putting their horses to the gallop, they make off
+in all haste.
+
+Luther, on departing, had left his appeal to the pope in the hands of
+the prior of Pomesaw. His friends were of opinion that it should not
+be sent to the legate, and the prior was therefore charged to see to
+its being fixed up, two or three days after the doctor's departure, on
+the gate of the cathedral, in presence of a notary and witnesses. This
+was accordingly done.
+
+In this document, Luther declares that he appeals from the most holy
+father the pope, ill informed, to the most holy lord and father in
+Christ, by name Leo X, by the grace of God, when better informed.[593]
+This appeal had been regularly drawn up and executed in due form by
+Gall de Herbrachtingen, the imperial notary, in presence of two
+Augustin monks, Bartholomew Utzmair and Wengel Steinbies. It was dated
+16th October.
+
+  [593] "Melius informandum." (Luth. Op. Lat. I, p. 219.)
+
+When the cardinal was informed of Luther's departure, he was
+astonished, and even, as he declares in a letter to the Elector, was
+frightened and amazed. In fact, he had grounds for irritation. This
+departure, which put so abrupt a termination to negotiation,
+disappointed the hopes which had so long flattered him. His ambition
+was to cure the wounds of the Church, and re-establish the pope's
+influence in Germany; and, lo! the heretic has escaped not only
+without having been punished, but even without having been humbled.
+The conference had only served to bring more prominently into view, on
+the one hand, the simplicity, uprightness, and firmness of Luther;
+and, on the other, the imperiousness and unreasonable conduct of the
+pope and his ambassador. Rome, having gained nothing, must have lost:
+her authority not having been strengthened, had, of necessity,
+experienced a new check. What will be said at the Vatican? What
+tidings will arrive at Rome? The difficulties of his situation will be
+forgotten, and the failure imputed to his want of skill. Serra-Longa
+and the Italians are furious at seeing persons of their ability
+outwitted by a German monk. De Vio is scarcely able to conceal his
+irritation. The affront cries for vengeance, and we shall soon see him
+giving vent to his wrath in a letter to the Elector.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. X.
+
+     Luther's Flight--Admiration--Luther's Wish--The Legate to
+     the Elector--The Elector to the Legate--Prosperity of the
+     University.
+
+
+Luther continued with his guide to flee from Augsburg. He urged his
+steed to the utmost speed that the poor animal's strength would
+permit. He thought of the real or supposed flight of John Huss, the
+manner in which he was laid hold of, and the assertion of his
+adversaries, who pretended that the flight annulled the Emperor's
+safe-conduct, and entitled them to condemn him to the flames.[594]
+These uneasy thoughts merely crossed Luther's mind. Escaped from the
+town, where he had passed ten days under the terrible hand of Rome,
+which had already crushed so many thousand witnesses of the truth, and
+drenched herself with blood--now that he is free, now that he breathes
+the pure air of the field, and traverses the villages and plains--now
+that he sees himself wonderfully delivered--his whole soul magnifies
+the Lord. Truly he may now say, "_Our soul is escaped as a bird out of
+the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our
+help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth._"[595]
+Luther's heart is thus filled with joy. But his thoughts also revert
+to De Vio. "The cardinal," says he, "would have liked to have me in
+his hands to send me to Rome. No doubt he is chagrined at my escape.
+He imagined that he was master of me at Augsburg--he thought he was
+sure of me; but he had an eel by the tail. Is it not a shame in these
+people to set so high a price upon me? They would give many crowns to
+have me; whereas, our Lord Jesus Christ was sold for thirty pieces of
+silver."[596]
+
+  [594] Weissmann, Hist. Eccl., i, p. 1237.
+
+  [595] Psalm cxxiv. 7, 8.
+
+  [596] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 202.
+
+The first day Luther travelled fourteen leagues. In the evening, on
+arriving at the inn where he was to pass the night, he was so fatigued
+(his horse, says one of his biographers, had a very hard trot,) that,
+on dismounting, he could not stand erect, and stretched himself out
+upon the straw. He, nevertheless, enjoyed some sleep, and the next day
+continued his journey. At Nuremberg, he found Staupitz on a visit to
+the convents of his order, and, for the first time saw the brief which
+the pope had sent to Cajetan respecting him. He was indignant at it.
+In all probability, if he had read it before his departure from
+Wittemberg, he would never have appeared before the cardinal. "It is
+impossible to believe," says he, "that any thing so monstrous could
+emanate from a sovereign pontiff."[597]
+
+  [597] Luth. Ep. i, p. 166.
+
+Throughout the journey, Luther was an object of general interest. He
+had not yielded a whit. Such a victory gained by a mendicant monk over
+a representative of Rome, excited universal admiration. Germany seemed
+avenged for the contempt of Italy. The eternal Word had been more
+honoured than the word of the pope; and that vast power which had
+domineered over the world for so many ages had received an important
+check. Luther's journey was a triumph. People were delighted with the
+obstinacy of Rome, hoping that it would hasten her downfall. Had she
+not chosen to keep fast hold of dishonest gains--had she been wise
+enough not to despise the Germans--had she reformed clamant
+abuses--perhaps, according to human views, things might have returned
+to the state of death out of which Luther had aroused them. But the
+papacy chooses not to yield, and the doctor will see himself
+constrained to bring many other errors to light, and to advance in the
+knowledge and the manifestation of the truth.
+
+On the 26th October Luther arrived at Graefenthal, situated at the
+extremity of the forests of Thuringia. Here he fell in with Count
+Albert of Mansfeld, who had so strongly dissuaded him from going to
+Augsburg. The count laughed heartily on seeing his singular equipage;
+and, laying hands on him, obliged him to become his guest. Shortly
+after Luther resumed his journey.
+
+He made haste to be at Wittemberg by the 31st October, expecting that
+the Elector would be there at the Feast of All Saints, and that he
+would be able to see him. The brief which he had read at Nuremberg had
+made him fully aware of the danger of his situation. In fact, being
+already condemned at Rome, he could not hope either to remain at
+Wittemberg, or to obtain an asylum in a convent, or to be in peace and
+safety any where else. The protection of the Elector might, perhaps,
+defend him, but he was far from being able to calculate upon it. He
+could not expect any help from the two friends whom he had formerly
+had at the court. Staupitz, having lost the favour he long enjoyed,
+had quitted Saxony, Spalatin was loved by Frederick, but had no great
+influence over him. The Elector himself was not so well acquainted
+with the gospel as to encounter manifest perils on account of it.
+However, Luther saw nothing better which he could do than return to
+Wittemberg, and there await the decision of an almighty and merciful
+God. If, as several thought, he were left at liberty, his wish was to
+devote himself entirely to study and the education of youth.[598]
+
+  [598] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 183.
+
+Luther did arrive at Wittemberg by the 30th October; but his haste had
+been to no purpose, for neither the Elector nor Spalatin came to the
+festival. His friends were overjoyed on seeing him again among them.
+The very day of his arrival he hastened to announce it to Spalatin--"I
+came back to Wittemberg to-day, safe and sound, by the grace of God;
+but how long I shall remain is more than I know.... I am filled with
+joy and peace; so much so, that I cannot help wondering how the trial
+which I endure appears so great to so many great personages."
+
+De Vio did not wait long, after Luther's departure, to vent all his
+indignation to the Elector. His letter breathes vengeance. In an
+assuming tone he gives Frederick an account of the conference. "Since
+friar Martin," says he, in conclusion, "cannot be brought by paternal
+methods to acknowledge his error, and remain faithful to the Catholic
+Church, I pray your Highness to send him to Rome, or banish him from
+your States. Be assured that this difficult, naughty, and venomous
+affair, cannot last longer; for, when I shall have acquainted our most
+holy lord with all the craft and malice, there will soon be an end of
+it." In a postscript, in his own hand, the cardinal entreats the
+Elector not to sully his own honour, and that of his illustrious
+ancestors, for a miserable paltry friar.[599]
+
+  [599] Ibid. p. 203.
+
+Never, perhaps, was the soul of Luther filled with nobler indignation
+than on reading the copy of this letter which the Elector sent him.
+The thought of the sufferings which he is destined to endure, the
+value of the truth for which he is combating, the contempt he feels
+for the conduct of the legate of Rome, at once fill his heart. His
+reply, written under the influence of those feelings, is full of the
+courage, dignity, and faith, which he always manifested in the most
+difficult crisis of his life. He, in his turn, gives an account of the
+conference of Augsburg, and then, after exposing the conduct of the
+cardinal continues:--
+
+"I should like to answer the legate in the Elector's stead.
+
+"Prove that you speak with knowledge," I would say to him; "let the
+whole affair be committed to writing; then I will send Friar Martin to
+Rome, or rather, I myself will cause him to be seized and put to
+death. I will take care of my conscience and my honour, and allow no
+stain to sully my fame. But as long as your certain knowledge shuns
+the light, and manifests itself only by clamour, I cannot give credit
+to darkness.
+
+"This, most excellent prince, would be my answer.
+
+"Let the reverend legate, or the pope himself, give a written
+specification of my errors; let them explain their reasons; let them
+instruct me who desire, who ask, and wish, and wait for instruction,
+in so much that even a Turk would not refuse to give it. If I retract
+not, and condemn myself after they shall have proved to me that the
+passages which I have cited ought to be understood differently from
+what I have done, then, O most excellent Elector, let your Highness be
+the first to pursue and chase me, let the university discard me, and
+load me with its anger. Nay, more, (and I call heaven and earth to
+witness,) let the Lord Jesus Christ reject and condemn me! The words
+which I speak are not dictated by vain presumption, but by immovable
+conviction. I am willing that the Lord God withdraw his grace from me,
+and that every creature of God refuse to countenance me, if, when a
+better doctrine shall have been shown to me, I embrace it not.
+
+"If, on account of the humbleness of my condition, they despise me, a
+poor paltry mendicant friar, and if they refuse to instruct me in the
+way of truth, let your Highness pray the legate to point out to you in
+writing wherein I have erred; and, if they refuse this favour even to
+your Highness, let them write their views either to his Imperial
+Majesty, or to some Archbishop of Germany. What ought I, what can I
+say more?
+
+"Let your Highness listen to the voice of your honour and your
+conscience, and not send me to Rome. No man can command you to do it,
+for it is impossible I can be in safety at Rome. The pope himself is
+not in safety there. It would be to order you to betray Christian
+blood. They have paper, pens, and ink, and they have also notaries
+without number. It is easy for them to write, and show wherein and how
+I have erred. It will cost less to instruct me by writing while I am
+absent, than while present to accomplish my death by stratagem.
+
+"I resign myself to exile. My enemies are so ensnaring me on all
+sides, that I can no where live in safety. In order that no evil may
+befall you on my account, I, in the name of God, abandon your
+territories; I will go wherever an almighty and merciful God wishes me
+to be. Let him do with me as seemeth to him good!
+
+"Thus, then, most serene Elector, with veneration I bid you farewell.
+I commend you to Almighty God, and give you immortal thanks for all
+your kindness towards me. Whatever the people among whom I shall live
+in future, I will always remember you, and gratefully pray, without
+ceasing, for the happiness of you and yours.[600]... I am still, thank
+God, full of joy, and I bless him that Christ his Son counts me
+worthy of suffering in so holy a cause. May he eternally guard your
+illustrious Highness! Amen!"
+
+  [600] "Ego enim ubicunque ero gentium, illustrissimae Dominationis tuae
+  nusqum non ero memor...." (Luth. Ep. i. p. 187.)
+
+This letter, so replete with truth, made a profound impression on the
+Elector. "He was shaken by a very eloquent letter," says Maimbourg. He
+never would have thought of delivering an innocent man into the hands
+of Rome. Perhaps he would have asked Luther to remain for some time in
+concealment, but not even in appearance would he have yielded, in any
+way, to the menaces of the legate. He wrote to his counsellor
+Pfeffinger, who happened to be with the Emperor, to make him
+acquainted with the real state of matters, and beg him to request Rome
+either to put an end to the affair, or at least leave it to be decided
+in Germany by impartial judges.[601]
+
+  [601] Luth. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 244.
+
+Some days after the Elector replied to the legate:--"Since Doctor
+Martin appeared before you at Augsburg, you ought to be satisfied. We
+did not expect that without having convicted him you would have
+thought of constraining him to retract. None of the learned in our
+dominions have told us that the doctrine of Martin is impious,
+antichristian, and heretical." The prince then refuses to send Luther
+to Rome, or banish him from his states.
+
+This letter, which was communicated to Luther, filled him with joy.
+"Good God!" wrote he to Spalatin, "with what joy I have read it and
+re-read it. I know what confidence may be put in these words, so
+admirable at once for vigour and moderation. I fear the Romans will
+not comprehend all that is meant by them, but they will at least
+comprehend that what they thought already finished is not even begun.
+Have the goodness to present my thanks to the prince. It is strange
+that he, (De Vio,) who not long ago was a mendicant monk like me, is
+not afraid to accost the most powerful princes without respect, to
+interpel, threaten, and command them, and treat them with
+inconceivable pride. Let him learn that the temporal power is of God,
+and that it is not permitted him to trample its glory under
+foot."[602]
+
+  [602] Luth. Ep. i, p. 198.
+
+Frederick, in answering the legate in a tone which he had not
+expected, had doubtless been encouraged by an address which he had
+received from the university of Wittemberg. This university had good
+reason for declaring in the doctor's favour, in as much as it was
+flourishing more and more, and eclipsing all the other schools. Crowds
+of students flocked from all parts of Germany to hear the
+extraordinary man whose lessons seemed to open a new era to religion
+and science. These youths who came from all the provinces stopped at
+the moment when they perceived the steeples of Wittemberg in the
+distance, and raising their hands to heaven, thanked God for making
+the light of truth shine on this town as formerly on Zion, and send
+its rays even to the remotest countries.[603] A life and activity
+hitherto unknown animated the university. "They ply their studies here
+like ants," wrote Luther.[604]
+
+  [603] Scultet. Annal. i, p. 17.
+
+  [604] "Studium nostrum more formicarum fervet." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 193.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XI.
+
+     Thoughts of Departure--Adieus to the Church--Critical
+     Moment--Deliverance--Luther's Courage--Discontentment at
+     Rome--Bull--Appeal to a Council.
+
+
+Luther, thinking that he might soon be banished from Germany, employed
+himself in preparing the Acts of the Conference of Augsburg for
+publication. He wished these Acts to remain as evidence of the
+struggle which he had maintained with Rome. He saw the storm ready to
+burst, but feared it not. Day after day he expected the anathemas of
+Rome, and arranged and set every thing in order, that he might be
+ready when they arrived. "Having tucked up my coat, and girt my
+reins," said he, "I am ready to depart like Abraham; not knowing
+whither I shall go, or rather knowing well, since God is every
+where."[605] He intended to leave a farewell letter behind him. "Have
+the boldness, then," wrote he to Spalatin, "to read the letter of a
+man cursed and excommunicated."
+
+  [605] "Quia Deus ubique." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 188.)
+
+His friends were in great fear and anxiety on his account, and begged
+him to enter himself prisoner in the hands of the Elector, in order
+that that prince might somewhere keep him in safe custody.[606]
+
+  [606] "Ut principi me in captivatem darem." (Ibid. p. 189.)
+
+His enemies could not understand what it was that gave him so much
+confidence. One day they were talking of him at the court of the
+Bishop of Brandenburg, and asking on what prop he could be leaning.
+"It must be in Erasmus," said they, "or Capito, or some other of the
+learned, that he confides." "No! no!" replied the bishop, "the pope
+would give himself very little trouble with such folks as these. His
+trust is in the university of Wittemberg and the Duke of Saxony." Thus
+both were ignorant of the fortress in which the Reformer had taken
+refuge.
+
+Thoughts of departure flitted across Luther's mind. They arose not
+from fear, but from the foresight of continually recurring obstacles
+which the free profession of the truth must encounter in Germany. "If
+I remain here," said he, "the liberty of speaking and writing will, as
+to many things, be wrested from me. If I depart, I will freely unbosom
+the thoughts of my heart, and offer my life to Jesus Christ."[607]
+
+  [607] "Si icro totum effundam et vitam offeram Christo." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  p. 190.)
+
+France was the country in which Luther hoped he would be able,
+untramelled, to announce the truth. The liberty which the doctors and
+university of Paris enjoyed seemed to him worthy of envy. He was,
+besides, agreed with them on many points. What would have happened had
+he been transported from Wittemberg to France? Would the Reformation
+have taken place there as it did in Germany? Would the power of Rome
+have been dethroned; and would France, which was destined to see the
+hierarchical principles of Rome, and the destructive principles of an
+infidel philosophy, long warring in its bosom, have become one great
+focus of gospel light? It is useless to indulge in vain conjectures on
+this subject; but perhaps Luther at Paris might have somewhat changed
+the destinies of Europe and France.
+
+Luther's soul was powerfully agitated. As he often preached at the
+town church in place of Simon Heyens Pontanus, pastor of Wittemberg,
+who was almost always sick, he thought it his duty, at all events, to
+take leave of a people to whom he had so often preached salvation. "I
+am," said he one day in the pulpit, "I am a precarious and uncertain
+preacher. How often already have I set out suddenly without bidding
+you farewell.... In case the same thing should happen again, and I not
+return, here receive my adieus." After adding a few words more, he
+thus meekly and modestly ended:--"I warn you, in fine, not to be
+alarmed though the papal censures let loose all their fury on me.
+Impute it not to the pope, and wish no ill either to him or any other
+mortal whatsoever, but commit the whole matter to God."[608]
+
+  [608] "Deo rem committerent." (Ibid., p. 191.)
+
+The moment seemed to have at length arrived. The prince gave Luther to
+understand he was desirous of his removal to a distance from
+Wittemberg; and the wishes of the Elector were too sacred for him not
+to hasten to comply with them. He accordingly made preparations for
+his departure, without well knowing whither he should direct his
+steps. He wished, however, to have a last meeting with his friends,
+and for this purpose invited them to a farewell repast. Seated at
+table with them, he was still enjoying their delightful conversation,
+their tender and anxious friendship. A letter is brought to him....
+It comes from the court. He opens and reads, and his heart sinks; it
+is a new order to depart. The prince asks why he is so long of setting
+out. His soul was filled with sadness. Still, however, he took
+courage, and raising his head and looking around on his guests, said
+firmly and joyfully, "Father and mother forsake me, but the Lord will
+take me up."[609] There was nothing for it but to depart. His friends
+were deeply moved. What is to become of him? If Luther's protector
+rejects him, who will receive him? And the gospel, and the truth, and
+this admirable work ... ; all doubtless must fall with their
+illustrious witness. The Reformation apparently is hanging by a
+thread; and at the moment when Luther quits the walls of Wittemberg,
+will not the thread break? Luther and his friends spoke little.
+Stunned with the blow which was directed against their brother, they
+melt into tears. But some moments after a second message arrives, and
+Luther opens the letter, not doubting he is to find a renewal of the
+summons to depart. But, O powerful hand of the Lord! for this time he
+is saved. The whole aspect is changed. "As the new envoy of the pope
+hopes that every thing may be arranged by means of a conference,
+remain still."[610] So says the letter. How important an hour this
+was; and who can say what might have happened if Luther, who was
+always in haste to obey the will of his prince, had quitted Wittemberg
+immediately after the first message? Never were Luther and the work of
+the Reformation at a lower ebb than at this moment. Their destinies
+seemed to be decided; but an instant sufficed to change them. Arrived
+at the lowest point in his career, the doctor of Wittemberg rapidly
+reascended; and thenceforward his influence ceased not to increase. In
+the language of a prophet, "The Eternal commands, and his servants
+descend into the depths; again they mount up to heaven."
+
+  [609] "Vater und Mutter verlassen mich, aber der Herr nimmt mich auf."
+
+  [610] Luth. Op. xv, 824.
+
+Spalatin having, by order of Frederick, invited Luther to Lichtenberg
+to have an interview with him, they had a long conversation on the
+situation of affairs. "If the censures of Rome arrive," said Luther,
+"I certainly will not remain at Wittemberg." "Beware," "of being too
+precipitate with your journey to France," replied Spalatin,[611] who,
+left telling him to wait till he heard from him. "Only recommend my
+soul to Christ," said Luther to his friends. "I see that my
+adversaries are strong in their resolution to destroy me, but at the
+same time Christ strengthens me in my resolution not to yield to
+them."[612]
+
+  [611] "Ne tam cito in Galliam irem." (Luth. Ep. i, p. 195.)
+
+  [612] "Firma Christus propositum non cendi in me." (Ibid.)
+
+Luther at this time published the "_Acts of the Conference at
+Augsburg_." Spalatin, on the part of the Elector, had written him not
+to do it; but it was too late. After the publication had taken place
+the prince approved of it; "Great God!" said Luther in the preface,
+"what new, what astonishing crime, to seek light and truth! And more
+especially to seek them in the Church, in other words, in the kingdom
+of truth." In a letter to Link he says, "I send you my _Acts_. They
+are more cutting, doubtless, than the legate expected; but my pen is
+ready to give birth to far greater things. I know not myself whence
+those thoughts come. In my opinion the affair is not even
+commenced;[613] so far are the grandees of Rome from being entitled to
+hope it is ended. I will send you what I have written, in order that
+you may see whether I have divined well in thinking that the
+Antichrist of which the Apostle Paul speaks is now reigning in the
+court of Rome. I believe I am able to demonstrate that it is at this
+day worse than the very Turks."
+
+  [613] "Res ista necdum habet initium suum meo judicio." (Luth. Ep. i,
+  p. 19.)
+
+Ominous rumours reached Luther from all quarters. One of his friends
+wrote to him, that the new envoy of Rome had received orders to seize
+him, and deliver him up to the pope. Another told him, that in
+travelling he had fallen in with a courtier, and the conversation
+having turned on the affairs of Germany, the courtier declared that he
+had come under an obligation to deliver Luther into the hands of the
+sovereign pontiff. "But," wrote the Reformer, "the more their fury and
+violence increase, the less I tremble."[614]
+
+  [614] "Quo illi magis furunt, et vi affectant viam, eo minus ego
+  terreor." (Ibid., p. 191.)
+
+At Rome there was great dissatisfaction with Cajetan. The chagrin
+which they felt at the failure of the affair at first turned upon him.
+The Roman courtiers thought themselves entitled to reproach him with a
+want of that prudence and finesse which, if they are to be believed,
+constitute the first quality of a legate, and with having failed on so
+important an occasion, to give pliancy to his scholastic theology. He
+is wholly to blame, said they. His lumbering pedantry has spoiled all.
+Of what use was it to irritate Luther by insults and menaces, instead
+of gaining him over by the promise of a good bishopric, or even of a
+Cardinal's hat.[615] These hirelings judged the Reformer by
+themselves. However, it was necessary to repair this blunder. On the
+one hand, Rome must give her decision, and, on the other, due court
+must be paid to the Elector, who might be of great use in the election
+of an emperor, an event which must shortly take place.
+
+  [615] Sarpi, Council of Trent, p. 8.
+
+As it was impossible for Roman ecclesiastics to suspect what
+constituted the strength and courage of Luther, they imagined that the
+Elector was much more implicated in the affair than he really was. The
+pope, therefore, resolved to follow another line of conduct. He caused
+his legate in Germany to publish a bull, confirming the doctrine of
+indulgences in the very points in which they were attacked, but
+without mentioning either the Elector or Luther. As the Reformer had
+always expressed his readiness to submit to the decision of the Roman
+Church, the pope thought that he must now either keep his word, or
+stand openly convicted as a disturber of the peace of the Church, and
+a contemner of the holy Apostolic See. In either case it seemed that
+the pope must gain. But nothing is gained by obstinately opposing the
+truth. In vain had the pope threatened to excommunicate every man who
+should teach otherwise than he ordered; the light was not arrested by
+such orders. The wise plan would have been to curb the pretensions of
+the venders of indulgences. This decree of Rome was therefore a new
+blunder. By legalising clamant errors, it irritated all the wise, and
+made it impossible for Luther to return. "It was thought," says a
+Roman Catholic historian, a great enemy of the Reformation,[616] "that
+this bull had been made solely for the interest of the pope and the
+mendicants, who began to find that nobody would give anything for
+their indulgences."
+
+  [616] Maimbourg, p. 38.
+
+The Cardinal de Vio published the bull at Lintz, in Austria, on the
+13th December, 1518, but Luther had already placed himself beyond its
+reach. On the 28th November, in the chapel of Corpus Christi at
+Wittemberg, he had appealed from the pope to a general council of the
+Church. He foresaw the storm which was gathering around him, and he
+knew that God alone could avert it. Still he did as duty called him.
+He must, no doubt, quit Wittemberg (were it only for the sake of the
+Elector) as soon as the Roman anathema should arrive; but he was
+unwilling to quit Saxony and Germany without a strong protestation.
+This he accordingly drew up; and, in order that it might be ready for
+circulation the moment the furies of Rome, as he expresses it, should
+reach him, he caused it to be printed, under the express condition
+that the bookseller Should deposit all the copies in his custody. But
+the bookseller, in his eagerness for gain, sold almost the whole,
+while Luther was quietly waiting to receive them. He felt annoyed, but
+the thing was done. This bold protestation spread every where. In it
+Luther declared anew that he had no intention to say any thing against
+the Holy Church, or the authority of the Apostolic See, or the pope
+well advised. "But," continues he, "considering that the pope, who is
+the vicar of God upon earth, may, like any other vicar, err, sin, or
+lie, and that the appeal to a general council is the only safeguard
+against unjust proceedings which it is impossible to resist, I feel
+myself obliged to have recourse to it."[617]
+
+  [617] Loescher. Ref. Act.
+
+Here, then, we see the Reformation launched on a new course. It is no
+longer made to depend on the pope and his decisions, but on an
+universal council. Luther addresses the whole Church, and the voice
+which proceeds from the chapel of Corpus Christi, must reach the whole
+members of Christ's flock. There is no want of courage in the
+Reformer, and here he gives a new proof of it. Will God fail him? The
+answer will be found in the different phases of the Reformation which
+are still to be exhibited to our view.
+
+
+END OF VOLUME FIRST.
+
+
+William Collins, and Co., Printers, Glasgow.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).
+
+Small capital text has been replaced with all capitals.
+
+The carat character (^) indicates that the following letter is
+superscripted (example: WILL^M).
+
+Archaic words, variations in spelling, punctuation and hyphenation
+have been retained except in obvious cases of typographical error.
+
+The following footnotes had no anchors and hence were added by the
+transcriber:
+
+Footnote 11: "Ego me non arbitror hoc honore dignum." (Er. Ep. i, p.
+653.)
+
+Footnote 112: Erasm. Ep. 274.
+
+Footnote 128: "Was gross sol werden, muss klein angeben." (Mathesius,
+Hist. p. 3.)
+
+Footnote 563: There was no anchor for the footnote "Seckend. p. 137."
+The transcriber has supplied it.
+
+On page 47 there is a footnote anchor with no matching footnote at
+"Promise me that you will always think so." The transcriber has placed
+an asterisk at the location.
+
+Table of Contents incorrectly lists Book II Chapter IX as beginning on
+page 94. The transcriber has changed the number to 93. Likewise the
+page number for Chapter X has been changed from 168 to 167. For Book
+III Chapter V, the page number has been changed from 204 to 203.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Reformation in the
+Sixteenth Century (Volume 1), by J. H. Merle D'Aubigne
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF REFORMATION IN 16TH CENTURY ***
+
+***** This file should be named 40858.txt or 40858.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/4/0/8/5/40858/
+
+Produced by Colin Bell, Delphine Lettau, Julia Neufeld and
+the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at
+  www.gutenberg.org/license.
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at 809
+North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887.  Email
+contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the
+Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit:  www.gutenberg.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For forty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/40858.zip b/40858.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bda083e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/40858.zip