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diff --git a/41470.txt b/41470.txt deleted file mode 100644 index a25a627..0000000 --- a/41470.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,17061 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth -Century, Vol 2, 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, Vol 2 - -Author: J. H. Merle D'Aubigne - -Release Date: November 24, 2012 [EBook #41470] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION *** - - - - -Produced by Colin Bell, Julia Neufeld and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - 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 LATEST IMPROVEMENTS,) - - BY HENRY BEVERIDGE, ESQ., ADVOCATE. - - VOLUME SECOND. - - PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM COLLINS, - SOUTH FREDERICK STREET, GLASGOW. - PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON. - - 1846. - - GLASGOW: - WILLIAM COLLINS AND CO. - PRINTERS. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - BOOK FIFTH. - - - CHAP. I. - - THE DISCUSSION OF LEIPSIC, 1519. - - PAGE - - Luther's Dangers--God saves Luther--The Pope sends a - Chamberlain--The Chamberlain--Legate's Journey--Briefs of - Rome--Circumstances favourable to the Reformation--Miltitz - with Spalatin--Tezel's Terror--Caresses of Miltitz--A Recantation - demanded--Luther refuses, but offers to be silent--Agreement - between Luther and the Nuncio--The Legate's Embrace--Tezel - overwhelmed by the Legate--Luther to the Pope--Nature of the - Reformation--Luther against Separation--De Vio and Miltitz at - Treves--Luther's Cause extends in different Countries--Luther's - Writings the commencement of the Reformation. 1 - - - CHAP. II. - - The War seems ended in Germany--Eck Revives the Contest--Debate - between Eck and Carlstadt--The Question of the Pope--Luther - Replies--Alarm of Luther's Friends--Luther's Courage--Truth - triumphs single-handed--Refusal of Duke Georges--Delight - of Mosellanus and Fears of Erasmus. 13 - - - CHAP. III. - - Arrival of Eck and the Wittembergers--Amsdorff--The Students-- - Carlstadt's Accident--Placard--Eck and Luther--Pleissenburg-- - Shall Judges be appointed?--Luther objects. 19 - - - CHAP. IV. - - The Procession--Mass--Mosellanus--Veni, Sancte Spiritus!-- - Portraits of Luther and Carlstadt--Doctor Eck--Carlstadt's - Books--Merit of Congruity--Natural Powers--Scholastic - Distinction--Point where Rome and the Reformation Separate-- - Grace gives Man freedom--Carlstadt's Note-Book--Commotion - in the Auditory--Melancthon during the Debate--Manoeuvres of - Eck--Luther Preaches--The Citizens of Leipsic--Quarrels of - Students and Quarrels of Teachers. 24 - - - CHAP. V. - - Hierarchy and Rationalism--Two Peasants' Sons--Eck and Luther - begin--The Head of the Church--The Primacy of Rome--Equality - of Bishops--Peter the Foundation--Christ the Foundation--Eck - insinuates that Luther is a Hussite--Luther on the Doctrine - of Huss--Agitation in the Audience--Pleasantry of Dr. Eck--The - Word alone--The Court Fool--Luther at Mass--Saying of - the Duke--Purgatory--Close of the Discussion. 33 - - - CHAP. VI. - - Interest felt by the Laity--Luther's Opinion--Admissions and - Boastings of Dr. Eck--Effects of the Discussion--Poliander-- - Cellarius--The Young Prince of Anhalt--The Students of Leipsic-- - Cruciger--Calling of Melancthon--Emancipation of Luther. 42 - - - CHAP. VII. - - Eck attacks Melancthon--Melancthon's Defence--Interpretation of - Scripture--Luther's Firmness--The Bohemian Brethren--Emser-- - Staupitz. 47 - - - CHAP. VIII. - - Epistle to the Galatians--Christ for us--Blindness of Luther's - Adversaries--First Ideas on the Supper--Is the Sacrament - Sufficient without Faith?--Luther a Bohemian--Eck Attacked--Eck - sets out for Rome. 50 - - - BOOK SIXTH. - - THE BULL OF ROME. - - 1520. - - - CHAP. I. - - Character of Maximilian--The Competitors for the Empire-- - Charles--Francis I--Inclination of the Germans--The Crown - offered to Frederick--Charles is Elected. 55 - - - CHAP. II. - - Luther writes to the Emperor--Luther's Dangers--Instructions of - Frederick to the Court of Rome--Luther's Sentiments--Melancthon's - Fears--The German Nobles favourable to the Reformation-- - Schaumburg--Seckingen--Ulric de Hutten--Luther's Confidence-- - Luther's Greater Freedom--Faith the Source of Works--What - Faith gives--Luther Judging his own Writings. 59 - - - CHAP. III. - - The Papacy Attacked--Appeal to the Nobility--The Three Walls--All - Christians are Priests--The Magistrate's duty to Correct - the Clergy--Abuses of Rome--Ruin of Italy--Dangers of Germany-- - The Pope--The Legates--The Monks--The Marriage of - Priests--Celibacy--Festivals--The Bohemians--Charity--The - Universities--The Empire--The Emperor must retake Rome--A - Book not Published--Luther's Modesty--Success of the Address. 65 - - - CHAP. IV. - - Preparations at Rome--Motives to resist the Papacy--Eck at Rome-- - Eck gains the Day--The Pope is the World--God produces - the Separation--A Swiss Priest pleads for Luther--The Roman - Consistory--Preamble of the Bull--Condemnation of Luther. 74 - - - CHAP. V. - - Wittemberg--Melancthon--His Marriage--Catharine--Domestic - Life--Beneficence--Good Humour--Christ and Antiquity--Labour-- - Love of Letters--His Mother--Outbreak among the Students. 80 - - - CHAP. VI. - - The Gospel in Italy--Discourse on the Mass--The Babylonish - Captivity of the Church--Baptism--Abolition of Vows--Progress - of the Reformation. 84 - - - CHAP. VII. - - New Negotiations--Miltitz and the Augustins of Eisleben-- - Deputation to Luther--Miltitz and the Elector--Conference at - Lichtemberg--Luther's Letter to the Pope--Book presented to the - Pope--Union of the Believer with Christ--Freedom and Bondage. 88 - - - CHAP. VIII. - - The Bull in Germany--Eck's Reception--The Bull at Wittemberg-- - Interposition of Zuinglius. 95 - - - CHAP. IX. - - Luther Examines himself in the presence of God--Luther's opinion - of the Bull--A Neutral Family--Luther on the Bull, and against - the Bull of Antichrist--The Pope prohibits Faith--Effects of the - Bull--The Faggot Pile of Louvain. 99 - - - CHAP. X. - - Decisive steps by the Reformer--Luther's Appeal to a General - Council--Struggle at close quarters--The Bull burned by Luther-- - Meaning of this bold act--Luther in the Academic Chair--Luther - against the Pope--New Work by Melancthon--How Luther encourages - his Friends--Progress of the Contest--Melancthon's Opinion of - the timid--Luther's work on the Bible--Doctrine of Grace-- - Luther's Recantation. 104 - - - CHAP. XI. - - Coronation of Charles V--The Nuncio Aleander--Will Luther's - Books be burnt?--Aleander and the Emperor--The Nuncios and - the Elector--The Son of Duke John pleads for Luther--Luther's - Calmness--The Elector protects Luther--Reply of the Nuncios-- - Erasmus at Cologne--Erasmus With the Elector--Declaration of - Erasmus--Advice of Erasmus--System of Charles V. 112 - - - CHAP. XII. - - Luther on Confession--True Absolution--Antichrist--Rally around - Luther--Satires--Ulric von Hutten--Lucas Cranach--The Carnival - at Wittemberg--Staupitz Intimidated--Luther's Labours--Luther's - Humility--Progress of the Reformation. 120 - - - BOOK SEVENTH. - - THE DIET OF WORMS. - - 1521. (JANUARY-MAY.) - - - CHAP. I. - - Conquest by the Word of God--The Diet of Worms--Difficulties-- - Charles demands Luther--The Elector to Charles--State of Men's - Minds--Aleander's Alarm--The Elector sets out without Luther-- - Aleander awakens Rome--Excommunication of the Pope, and - Communion with Christ--Fulmination of the Bull--Luther's - Motives in the Reformation. 128 - - - CHAP. II. - - A Foreign Prince--Advice of Politicians--Conference between the - Confessor and the Elector's Chancellor--Uselessness of these - Manoeuvres--Aleander's Activity--Luther's Sayings--Charles - gives in to the Pope. 135 - - CHAP. III. - - Aleander admitted to the Diet--Aleander's Address--Luther - accused--Rome defended--Appeal to Charles against Luther-- - Effect of the Nuncio's Address. 141 - - CHAP. IV. - - Sentiments of the Princes--Speech of Duke George--Character of - the Reformation--A Hundred and one Grievances--Charles Yields-- - Tactics of Aleander--The Grandees of Spain--Luther's Peace-- - Death and not Retractation. 145 - - CHAP. V. - - Will a Safe-conduct be given?--Safe-conduct--Will Luther go?-- - Holy Thursday at Rome--The Pope and Luther. 151 - - CHAP. VI. - - Luther's courage--Bugenhagen at Wittemberg--Persecutions in - Pomerania--Melancthon wishes to set out with Luther--Amsdorff-- - Schurff--Suaven--Hutten to Charles V. 156 - - CHAP. VII. - - Departure for the Diet of Worms--Luther's Adieu--His - Condemnation Published--Cavalcade near Erfurt--Meeting of - Jonas and Luther--Luther in his old Convent--Luther Preaches - at Erfurt--Incident--Faith and Works--Concourse of People-- - Luther's Courage--Luther to Spalatin--Halt at Frankfort--Fears - at Worms--Plan of the Imperialists--Luther's Firmness. 160 - - CHAP. VIII. - - Entry into Worms--Chant for the Dead--Council held by Charles - V--Capito and the Temporisers--Concourse around Luther-- - Citation--Hutten to Luther--Proceeds to the Diet--Saying of - Freundsberg--Imposing Assembly--The Chancellor's Address-- - Luther's Reply--His Wisdom--Saying of Charles V--Alarm-- - Triumph--Luther's Firmness--Insults from the Spaniards-- - Council--Luther's Trouble and Prayer--Might of the - Reformation--Luther's Oath to Scripture--The Court of the - Diet--Luther's Address--Three kinds of Writings--He demands - Proof of his Error--Solemn Warnings--He Repeats his Address - in Latin--Here I am: I can't do otherwise--The "weakness" of - God--New Attempt. 168 - - CHAP. IX. - - Victory--Tumult and Calm--Duke Errick's Glass of Beer--The - Elector and Spalatin--Message from the Emperor--Wish to violate - the Safe-conduct--Strong Opposition--Enthusiasm for Luther--Voice - for Conciliation--The Elector's Fear--Assemblage at Luther's - Lodgings--Philip of Hesse. 184 - - CHAP. X. - - Conference with the Archbishop of Treves--Wehe's Advice to - Luther--Luther's Replies--Private Conversation--Visit of - Cochloeus--Supper at the Archbishop's--Attempt on the Hotel - of Rhodes--A Council proposed--Last Interview between Luther and - the Archbishop--Visit to a sick Friend--Luther ordered to quit - Worms. 190 - - CHAP. XI. - - Luther's Departure--Journey from Worms--Luther to Cranach-- - Luther to Charles V--Luther with the Abbot of Hirschfeld--The - Curate of Eisenach--Several Princes leave the Diet--Charles signs - Luther's Condemnation--The Edict of Worms--Luther with his - Parents--Luther attacked and carried off--The ways of God-- - Wartburg--Luther a Prisoner. 198 - - - BOOK EIGHTH. - - THE SWISS. - - 1484-1522. - - - CHAP. I. - - Movements in Switzerland--Source of the Reformation--Democratic - Character--Foreign Service--Morality--The Tockenburg--An - Alpine Hut--A Pastoral Family. 206 - - CHAP. II. - - Young Ulric at Wesen--At Bale--At Berne--The Dominican - Convent--Jetzer--The Apparitions--The Passion of the Lay - Brother--The Imposture--Discovery and Punishment--Zuinglius - at Vienna--At Bale--Music at Bale--Wittembach teaches the - Gospel--Leo Juda--The Curate of Glaris. 211 - - CHAP. III. - - Love of War--Schinner--Pension from the Pope--The Labyrinth-- - Zuinglius in Italy--Principle of Reform--Zuinglius and Luther-- - Zuinglius and Erasmus--Zuinglius and the Elders--Paris and - Glaris. 217 - - CHAP. IV. - - Zuinglius in regard to Erasmus--Oswald Myconius--The Vagrants-- - OEcolampadius--Zuinglius at Marignan--Zuinglius and Italy-- - Method of Zuinglius--Commencement of Reform--Discovery. 223 - - CHAP. V. - - Meinrad of Hohenzollern--Our Lady of Einsidlen--Calling of - Zuinglius--The Abbot--Geroldsek--Companionship in Study--The - Bible Copied--Zuinglius and Superstition--First Opposition to - Error--Sensation--Hedio--Zuinglius and the Legates--The - Honours of Rome--The Bishop of Constance--Samson and - Indulgences--Stapfer--Charity of Zuinglius--His Friends. 229 - - CHAP. VI. - - Zurich--The College of Canons--Election to the Cathedral-- - Fable's Accusations--Confession of Zuinglius--The Designs - of God Unfolded--Farewell to Einsidlen--Arrival at Zurich-- - Courageous Declaration of Zuinglius--First Sermons--Effects-- - Opposition--Character of Zuinglius--Taste for Music--Arrangement - of the Day--Circulation by Hawkers. 237 - - CHAP. VII. - - Indulgences--Samson at Berne--Samson at Baden--The Dean of - Bremgarten--Young Henry Bullinger--Samson and the Dean--Internal - Struggles of Zuinglius--Zuinglius against Indulgences--Samson - Dismissed. 246 - - CHAP. VIII. - - The Labours of Zuinglius--The Baths of Pfeffers--God's time--The - Great Death--Zuinglius seized with the Plague--His Enemies--His - Friends--Convalescence--General Joy--Effect of the Plague-- - Myconius at Lucerne--Oswald encourages Zuinglius--Zuinglius at - Bale--Capito called to Mentz--Hedio at Bale--An Unnatural - Son--Preparation for Battle. 251 - - CHAP. IX. - - The Two Reformers--The Fall of Man--Expiation of the God-Man-- - No Merit in Works--Objections refuted--Power of Love to - Christ--Election--Christ alone Master--Effects of this - Preaching--Despondency and Courage--First Act of the - Magistrate--Church and State--Attacks--Galster. 260 - - CHAP. X. - - A new Combatant--The Reformer of Berne--Zuinglius encourages - Haller--The Gospel at Lucerne--Oswald Persecuted--Preaching - of Zuinglius--Henry Bullinger and Gerold of Knonau--Rubli at - Bale--The Chaplain of the Hospital--War in Italy--Zuinglius-- - Foreign Service. 267 - - CHAP. XI. - - Zuinglius against the Precepts of Man--Fermentation during - Lent--Truth advances during Combat--The Deputies of the - Bishops--Accusation before the Clergy and Council--Appeal to - the Great Council--The Coadjutor and Zuinglius--Decree of the - Grand Council--State of Matters--Attack by Hoffman. 273 - - CHAP. XII. - - Grief and Joy in Germany--Ambush against Zuinglius--Mandate - of the Bishop--Archeteles--The Bishop addresses the Diet-- - rohibition to attack the Monks--Declaration of Zuinglius--The - Nuns of OEtenbach--Zuinglius' Address to Schwitz. 279 - - CHAP. XIII. - - A French Monk--He Teaches in Switzerland--Dispute between the - Monk and Zuinglius--Discourse of the Leader of the Johannites-- - The Carnival at Berne--The Eaters of the Dead--The - Skull of St. Anne--Appenzel--The Grisons--Murder and Adultery-- - Marriage of Zuinglius. 284 - - CHAP. XIV. - - How Truth Triumphs--Society at Einsidlen--Request to the - Bishops--To the Confederates--The Men of Einsidlen - Separate--A Scene in a Convent--A Dinner by Myconius--The - Strength of the Reformers--Effect of the Petitions to Lucerne-- - The Council of the Diet--Haller at the Town-House--Friburg-- - Destitution of Oswald--Zuinglius comforts him--Oswald quits - Lucerne--First Severity of the Diet--Consternation of the - Brothers of Zuinglius--His Resolution--The Future--The Prayer - of Zuinglius. 293 - - - - -HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION - -OF THE - -SIXTEENTH CENTURY. - - - - -BOOK FIFTH. - - - - -CHAP. I. - -THE DISCUSSION OF LEIPSIC, 1519. - - Luther's Dangers--God saves Luther--The Pope sends a - Chamberlain--The Legate's Journey--Briefs of - Rome--Circumstances favourable to the Reformation--Miltitz - with Spalatin--Tezel's Terror--Caresses of Miltitz--A - Recantation demanded--Luther refuses, but offers to be - silent--Agreement between Luther and the Nuncio--The - Legate's Embrace--Tezel overwhelmed by the Legate--Luther to - the Pope--Nature of the Reformation--Luther against - Separation--De Vie and Miltitz at Treves--Luther's cause - extends in different countries--Luther's writings the - commencement of the Reformation. - - -Dangers had gathered round Luther and the Reformation. The doctor of -Wittemberg's appeal to a General Council was a new attack on papal -authority. By a bull of Pius II, the greater excommunication had been -denounced even against emperors who should dare to incur the guilt of -such a revolt. Frederick of Saxony, as yet imperfectly confirmed in -evangelical doctrine, was prepared to send Luther away from his -states;[1] and hence a new message from Leo might have thrown the -Reformer among strangers, who would be afraid to compromise themselves -by receiving a monk whom Rome had anathematised. And even should the -sword of some noble be drawn in his defence, mere knights, unable to -cope with the powerful princes of Germany, must soon have succumbed in -the perilous enterprise. - - [1] Letter of the Elector to his envoy at Rome, (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. -298.) - -[Sidenote: GOD SAVES LUTHER. MILTITZ.] - -But at the moment when all the courtiers of Leo X were urging him to -rigorous measures, and when one blow more might have placed his -adversary in his hands, the pope suddenly changed his course to one -of conciliation and apparent mildness.[2] It may be said, no doubt, -that he was under a delusion as to the Elector's feelings, and deemed -them more decided in Luther's favour than they really were. It may -also be admitted that the public voice and the spirit of the age, -powers which at this time were altogether new, seemed to throw an -impregnable barrier around the Reformer. It may even be supposed, with -one of Leo's biographers,[3] that he followed the promptings of his -mind and heart which inclined to gentleness and moderation. Still this -new mode of action on the part of Rome, at such a moment, is so -extraordinary that it is impossible not to recognise in it a higher -and mightier hand. - - [2] "Rationem agendi prorsus oppositam inire statuit," (Pallavicini, - Hist. Conc. Trid. T. i, p. 51). - - [3] Roscoe's Life of Leo X. - -There was then at the Court of Rome a Saxon noble who was chamberlain -to the pope and canon of Mentz, Treves, and Meissen. He had turned his -talents to advantage. As he boasted of being, in some degree, allied -to the Saxon princes, the Roman courtiers sometimes designated him by -the title of Duke of Saxony. In Italy he made an absurd display of his -German nobility, while in Germany he aped the manners and polish of -the Italians. He was given to wine[4]--a vice which his residence at -the Court of Rome had increased. Still the Roman courtiers hoped great -things from him. His German extraction--his insinuating address--and -his ability in negotiation--all led them to expect that Charles de -Miltitz (this was his name) would, by his prudence, succeed in -arresting the mighty revolution which was threatening to shake the -world. - - [4] Nec ab usu immoderato vini abstinuit, (Pallavicini Hist. Conc. - Trid. i, p. 69). - -It was of importance to conceal the true object of the chamberlain's -mission, and in this there was no difficulty. Four years before, the -pious Elector had applied to the pope for the golden rose. This rose, -the fairest of flowers, was emblematic of the body of Jesus Christ, -and being annually consecrated by the sovereign pontiff, was presented -to one of the first princes in Europe. On this occasion it was -resolved to send it to the Elector. Miltitz set out with a commission -to examine into the state of affairs, and to gain over the Elector's -counsellors, Spalatin and Pfeffinger, for whom he had special letters. -Rome hoped that, by securing the favour of the persons about the -prince, she would soon become mistress of her formidable adversary. - -[Sidenote: MILTITZ. LUTHER'S DANGER.] - -The new legate, who arrived in Germany in December 1518, was careful -as he came along to ascertain the state of public opinion. To his -great astonishment he observed, at every place where he stopped, that -the majority of the inhabitants were friendly to the Reformation,[5] -and spoke of Luther with enthusiasm. For one person favourable to the -pope, there were three favourable to the Reformer.[6] Luther has -preserved an anecdote of the journey--"What think you of the see -(seat) of Rome?" frequently asked the legate at the mistresses of the -inns and their maidservants. One day, one of these poor women, with -great simplicity, replied--"How can we know what kind of seats you -have at Rome, and whether they are of wood or stone?"[7] - - [5] "Sciscitatus per viam Miltitxius quanam esset in aestimatione - Lutherus ... sensit de eo cum admiratione homines loqui." - (Pallavicini, Hist. Concil. Trid. Tom. i, p. 51.) - - [6] "Ecce ubi unum pro papa stare inveni, tres pro te contra papam - stabant." (L. Op. Lat. in Praef.) - - [7] Quid nos scire possumus quales vos Romae habeatis sellas, ligneasne - an lapideas (Ibid.) - -The mere rumour of the new legate's arrival filled the Elector's -court, the university, the town of Wittemberg, and all Saxony, with -suspicion and distrust. "Thank God," wrote Melancthon, in alarm,[8] -"Martin still breathes." It was confidently stated that the Roman -chamberlain had received orders to possess himself of Luther's person, -by force or fraud; and the doctor was advised, on all hands, to be on -his guard against the stratagems of Miltitz. "His object in coming," -said they, "is to seize you and give you up to the pope. Persons -worthy of credit have seen the briefs of which he is the bearer." "I -await the will of God," replied Luther.[9] - - [8] "Martinus noster, Deo gratias, adhuc spirat." (Corpus - Reformatorum. Edidit Bretschneider, I,61.) - - [9] Expecto consilium Dei. (L. Ep. i, p. 191.) - -In fact, Miltitz brought letters addressed to the Elector and his -counsellors, to the bishops and to the burgomaster of Wittemberg. He -was also provided with seventy apostolic briefs. Should the flattery -and the favours of Rome attain their object, and Frederick deliver -Luther into her hands, these seventy briefs were to serve as a kind of -passports. He was to produce and post up one of them in each of the -towns through which he had to pass, and hoped he might thus succeed in -dragging his prisoner, without opposition, all the way to Rome.[10] - - [10] Per singula oppida affigeret unum, et ita tutus me perduceret - Romam. (L. Op. Lat. in Praef.) - -The pope seemed to have taken every precaution. The electoral court -knew not well what course to take. Violence would have been resisted, -but the difficulty was to oppose the chief of Christianity, when -speaking with so much mildness, and apparently with so much reason. -Would it not be the best plan, it was said, to place Luther somewhere -in concealment until the storm was over?... An unexpected event -relieved Luther, the Elector, and the Reformation, from this difficult -situation. The aspect of affairs suddenly changed. - -[Sidenote: CIRCUMSTANCES FAVOURABLE TO THE REFORMATION.] - -On the 12th of January, 1519, Maximilian, the Emperor of Germany, -died, and Frederick of Saxony, agreeably to the Germanic constitution, -became regent of the empire. From this time the Elector feared not the -schemes of nuncios, while new interests began to engross the court of -Rome--interests which, obliging her to be chary of giving offence to -Frederick, arrested the blow which Miltitz and De Vio were undoubtedly -meditating. - -The pope earnestly desired to prevent Charles of Austria, already King -of Naples, from ascending the imperial throne. A neighbouring king -appeared to him more formidable than a German monk; and in his anxiety -to secure the Elector, who might be of essential service to him in the -matter, he resolved to give some respite to the monk that he might be -the better able to oppose the king. Both, however, advanced in spite -of him. - -In addition to the change thus produced in Leo, there was another -circumstance which tended to avert the storm impending over the -Reformation. The death of the emperor was immediately followed by -political commotions. In the south of the empire the Swabian -confederation sought to punish Ulric of Wurtemberg, for his infidelity -to it, while in the south, the Bishop of Hildesheim proceeded, sword -in hand, to invade the bishopric of Minden, and the territories of the -Duke of Brunswick. How could men in power, amid such disturbances, -attach any importance to a dispute relating to the remission of sins? -But, above all, the reputation for wisdom enjoyed by the Elector, now -regent of the empire, and the protection which he gave to the new -teachers, were made subservient by Providence to the progress of the -Reformation. "The tempest," says Luther, "intermitted its fury, and -papal excommunication began to fall into contempt. The gospel, under -the shade of the Elector's regency, spread far and wide, and in this -way great damage was sustained by the papacy."[11] - - [11] "Tunc desiit paululum saevire tempestas...." (L. Op. Lat. in - Praef.) - -Moreover, the severest prohibitions were naturally mitigated during an -interregnum. In every thing there was more freedom and greater -facility of action. Liberty which began to shed its rays on the infant -Reformation, rapidly developed the still tender plant, and any one -might have been able to predict how favourable political freedom would -prove to the progress of evangelical Christianity. - -[Sidenote: MILTITZ WITH SPALATIN. TEZEL'S TERROR.] - -Miltitz, having arrived in Saxony before the death of Maximilian, lost -no time in visiting his old friend Spalatin; but no sooner did he -begin his complaint against Luther than the chaplain made an attack -upon Tezel, acquainting the nuncio with the lies and blasphemies of -the vender of indulgences, and assuring him that all Germany blamed -the Dominican for the division which was rending the Church. - -Miltitz was taken by surprise. Instead of accuser he had become the -accused. Turning all his wrath upon Tezel, he summoned him to appear -at Altenburg and give an account of his conduct. - -The Dominican, as great a coward as a bully, and afraid of the people -whom he had provoked by his impostures, had ceased his peregrinations -over town and country, and was living in retirement in the college of -St. Paul. He grew pale on receiving the letter of Miltitz. Even Rome -is abandoning, threatening, and condemning him--is insisting on -dragging him from the only asylum in which he feels himself in safety, -and exposing him to the fury of his enemies.... Tezel refused to obey -the nuncio's summons. "Assuredly," wrote he to Miltitz, on the 31st of -December, 1518, "I would not regard the fatigues of the journey if I -could leave Leipsic without endangering my life; but the Augustin, -Martin Luther, has so stirred up men in power, and incensed them -against me that I am not in safety any where. A great number of -Luther's partizans have conspired my death, and therefore I cannot -possibly come to you."[12] There was a striking contrast between the -two men, the one of whom was then living in the college of St. Paul at -Leipsic, and the other in the cloister of the Augustins at Wittemberg. -In presence of danger the servant of God displayed intrepid -courage--the servant of men despicable cowardice. - - [12] Loescher, ii, 567. - -Miltitz had orders, in the first instance, to employ the arms of -persuasion; and it was only in the event of failure that he was to -produce his seventy briefs, and at the same time endeavour, by all the -favours of Rome, to induce the Elector to put down Luther. He -accordingly expressed a desire to have an interview with the Reformer. -Their common friend, Spalatin, offered his house for this purpose, and -Luther left Wittemberg on the 2nd or 3rd of January to repair to -Altenburg. - -At this interview Miltitz exhausted all the address of a diplomatist -and a Roman courtier. The moment Luther arrived the nuncio approached -him with great demonstrations of friendship. "O," thought Luther, "how -completely his violence is turned into gentleness! This new Saul came -into Germany provided with more than seventy apostolic briefs to carry -me alive and in chains to murderous Rome, but the Lord has cast him -down on the way."[13] - - [13] Sed per viam a Domino prostratus ... mutavit violentiam in - benevolentiam fallacissime simulatam. (L. Ep. i, p. 206.) - -[Sidenote: MILTITZ'S CARESSES.] - -"Dear Martin," said the pope's chamberlain to him in a coaxing tone, -"I thought you were an old theologian sitting quietly behind your -stove, and stuffed with theological crotchets; but I see that you are -still young, and in the full vigour of life.[14] Do you know," -continued he in a more serious tone, "that you have stirred up the -whole world against the pope and attached it to yourself?"[15] Miltitz -was aware that to flatter men's pride is the most effectual mode of -seducing them; but he knew not the man with whom he had to do. "Had I -an army of twenty-five thousand men," added he, "assuredly I would not -undertake to seize you and carry you off to Rome."[16] Rome, -notwithstanding of her power, felt herself feeble in presence of a -poor monk, and the monk felt strong in presence of Rome. "God," said -Luther, "arrests the billows of the ocean at the shore, and arrests -them ... by the sand."[17] - - [14] O Martine, ego credebam et esse senem aliquem theologum, qui post - fornacem sedens.... (L. Op. Lat. in Praef.) - - [15] Quod orbem totum mihi conjunxerim et papae abstraxerim. (L. Ep. i, - p. 231.) - - [16] Si haberem 25 millia armatorum, non confiderem te posse a me - Romam perduci. (L. Op. Lat. in Praef.) - - [17] L. Op. (W.) xxii. - -The nuncio, thinking he had thus prepared the mind of his opponent, -continued as follows: "Do you yourself bind up the wound which you -have inflicted on the Church, and which you alone can cure." "Beware," -added he, letting a few tears fall, "beware of raising a tempest, -which would bring ruin on Christendom."[18] He then began gradually to -insinuate that a recantation was the only remedy for the evil; but he -at the same time softened the offensiveness of the term by giving -Luther to understand that he had the highest esteem for him, and by -expressing his indignation at Tezel. The net was laid by a skilful -hand, and how was it possible to avoid being taken in it? "Had the -Archbishop of Mentz spoken thus to me at the outset," said the -Reformer afterwards, "this affair would not have made so much -noise."[19] - - [18] Profusis lacrymis ipsum oravit, ne tam perniciosam Christiano - generi tempestatem cieret. (Pallavicini, i, 52.) - - [19] Non evasisset res in tantum tumultum. (L. Op. Lat. in Praef.) - -Luther then replied. With calmness, but also with dignity and force, -he stated the just grievances of the Church; expressed all the -indignation he felt at the Archbishop of Mentz, and nobly complained -of the unworthy treatment he had received from Rome, notwithstanding -of the purity of his intentions. Miltitz, though he had not expected -this firm language, was able, however, to conceal his wrath. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER OFFERS TO BE SILENT.] - -Luther resumed, "I offer to be silent in future as to these matters, -and let the affair die out of itself,[20] provided my opponents also -are silent; but if they continue to attack me, a petty quarrel will -soon beget a serious combat. My armour is quite ready. I will do still -more," added he, after a momentary pause, "I will write his Holiness, -acknowledging that I have been somewhat too violent, and declaring -that it was as a faithful child of the Church I combated harangues -which subjected her to mockery and insult from the people. I even -consent to publish a document in which I will request all who read my -books not to see any thing in them adverse to the Roman Church, but to -remain subject to her. Yes: I am disposed to do every thing and bear -every thing; but as to retractation never expect it from me." - - [20] Und die Sache sich zu Tode bluten. (L. Ep. i, 207.) - -Luther's decided tone convinced Miltitz that the wisest course was to -appear satisfied with the promise which the Reformer had just made, -and he merely proposed that an archbishop should be appointed arbiter -to decide certain points which might come under discussion. "Be it -so," said Luther, "but I am much afraid that the pope will not consent -to have a judge. In that case no more will I accept the judgment of -the pope, and then the strife will begin anew. The pope will give out -the text, and I will make the commentary." - -Thus terminated the first interview between Luther and Miltitz. They -had a second, in which the truce, or rather peace, was signed. Luther -immediately informed the Elector of what had passed. "Most serene -prince and very gracious lord," wrote he, "I hasten very humbly to -inform your Electoral Highness, that Charles de Miltitz and I have at -length agreed, and have terminated the affair by means of the two -following articles:-- - - "1st, Both parties are forbidden to preach or write, or to - do any thing further in reference to the dispute which has - arisen. - - "2ndly, Miltitz will immediately acquaint the holy father - with the state of matters. His holiness will order an - enlightened bishop to enquire into the affair, and specify - the erroneous articles which I am required to retract. If I - am found to be in error, I will retract willingly, and never - more do any thing that may be prejudicial to the honour or - the authority of the holy Roman Church."[21] - - [21] L. Ep. i, 209. - -The agreement being thus made, Miltitz appeared quite delighted. "For -a hundred years," exclaimed he, "no affair has given the cardinals and -Roman courtiers more anxiety than this. They would have given ten -thousand ducats sooner than consent to its longer continuance."[22] - - [22] "Ab integro jam saeculo nullum negotium Ecclesiae contigisse quod - majorem illi sollicitudinem incussisset." (Pallavicini, Tom. i, p. - 52.) - -[Sidenote: MILTITZ AND TEZEL.] - -The chamberlain of the pope made a great show of feeling before the -monk of Wittemberg. Sometimes he expressed joy, at other times shed -tears. This display of sensibility made little impression on the -Reformer, but he refrained from showing what he thought of it. "I -looked as if I did not understand what was meant by these crocodile -tears,"[23] said he. The crocodile is said to weep when it cannot -seize its prey. - - [23] "Ego dissimulabam has crocodili lacrymas a me intelligi." (L. Ep. - i, 216.) - -Luther having accepted an invitation to supper from Miltitz, the host -laid aside the stiffness attributed to his office, while Luther gave -full scope to his natural gaiety. It was a joyous repast,[24] and when -the parting hour arrived, the legate took the heretical doctor in his -arms and kissed him.[25] "A Judas kiss," thought Luther, "I -pretended," wrote he to Staupitz, "not to comprehend all these Italian -manners."[26] - - [24] "Atque vesperi, me accepto, convivio laetati sumus." (Ibid. 231.) - - [25] "Sic amice discessimus etiam cum osculo; (Judae scilicet.)" (Ibid. - 216.) - - [26] Has Italitates. (L. Ep. i, 231.) - -Was this then to be in truth the kiss of reconciliation between Rome -and the dawning Reformation? Miltitz hoped so, and rejoiced at it, for -he had a nearer view than the courtiers of Rome of the fearful results -which the Reformation might produce in regard to the papacy. If Luther -and his opponents are silent, said he to himself, the dispute will be -ended, and Rome by availing herself of favourable circumstances will -regain all her ancient influence. It thus seemed that the debate was -drawing to a close: Rome had stretched out her arms and Luther had -apparently thrown himself into them; but the Reformation was the work -not of man but of God. The error of Rome consisted in seeing the -quarrel of a monk where she ought to have seen an awakening of the -Church. The revival of Christendom was not to be arrested by the -kisses of a pope's chamberlain. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S LETTER TO THE POPE.] - -Miltitz, in fulfilment of the agreement which he had just concluded, -proceeded from Altenburg to Leipsic, where Tezel was residing. There -was no occasion to shut Tezel's mouth, for, sooner than speak, he -would, if it had been possible, have hidden himself in the bowels of -the earth; but the nuncio was determined to discharge his wrath upon -him. Immediately on his arrival at Leipsic Miltitz summoned the -unhappy Tezel before him, loaded him with reproaches, accused him of -being the author of the whole mischief, and threatened him with the -pope's displeasure.[27] Nor was this all: the agent of the house of -Fugger, who was then at Leipsic, was confronted with him. Miltitz laid -before the Dominican the accounts of that house, together with papers -which he himself had signed, and proved that he had squandered or -stolen considerable sums. The poor wretch, who had stickled at nothing -in his day of glory, was overwhelmed by the justice of these -accusations: despair seized him, his health gave way, and he knew not -where to hide his shame. Luther heard of the miserable condition of -his old enemy, and was the only person who felt for him. In a letter -to Spalatin he says, "I pity Tezel."[28] Nor did he confine himself to -such expressions. He had hated not the man but his misconduct, and, at -the moment when Rome was pouring out her wrath upon him, wrote him in -the most consolatory terms. But all was to no purpose. Tezel, stung by -remorse, alarmed at the reproaches of his best friends, and dreading -the anger of the pope, not long after died miserably, and as was -supposed of a broken heart.[29] - - [27] Verbis minisque pontificiis ita fregit hominem, hactenus - terribilem cunctis et imperterritum stentorem. (L. Op. in Praef.) - - [28] Doleo Tetzelium. (L. Ep. i, p. 223.) - - [29] Sed conscientia indignitate Papae forte occulruit. (L. Op. in - Praef.) - -Luther, in fulfilment of his promises to Miltitz, on the 3rd of March -wrote the following letter to the pope:-- - - "Blessed Father! will your Blessedness deign to turn your - paternal ears, which are like those of Christ himself, - towards your poor sheep and kindly listen to its bleat. What - shall I do, Most Holy Father! I am unable to bear the - fierceness of your anger, and know not how to escape from - it. I am asked to retract, and would hasten to do so could - it lead to the end which is proposed by it. But, owing to - the persecutions of my enemies, my writings have been - circulated far and wide, and are too deeply engraven on - men's hearts to be effaced. A recantation would only add to - the dishonour of the Church of Rome, and raise an universal - cry of accusation against her. Most Holy Father! I declare - before God and all his creatures, that I have never wished, - and do not now wish, either by force or guile, to attack the - authority of the Roman Church or of your Holiness. I - acknowledge that there is nothing in heaven or on the earth - which ought to be put above this Church, unless it be Jesus - Christ the Lord of all."[30] - - [30] Praeter unum Jesum Christum Dominum omnium. (L. Ep. i, p. 234.) - -These words might seem strange and even reprehensible in the mouth of -Luther, did we not reflect that the light did not break in upon him -all at once, but by slow and progressive steps. They show, and this is -very important, that the Reformation was not simply an opposition to -the papacy. Its accomplishment was not effected by warring against -this or that form, or by means of this or that negative tendency. -Opposition to the pope was only one of its secondary features. Its -creating principle was a new life, a positive doctrine--"Jesus Christ, -the Lord of all and paramount to all--to Rome herself," as Luther says -in the conclusion of his letter. To this principle the revolution of -the 16th century is truly to be ascribed. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER AGAINST SEPARATION.] - -It is probable that at an earlier period a letter from the monk of -Wittemberg, positively refusing to retract, would not have been -allowed by the pope to pass without animadversion. But Maximilian was -dead, the topic of engrossing interest was the election of his -successor, and amid the political intrigues which then agitated the -pontifical city, Luther's letter was overlooked. - -The Reformer was employing his time to better purpose than his -powerful antagonist. While Leo X, engrossed by his interests as a -temporal prince, was straining every nerve to prevent a dreaded -neighbour from reaching the Imperial throne, Luther was daily growing -in knowledge and in faith. He studied the Decretals of the popes, and -made discoveries which greatly modified his views. Writing Spalatin he -says, "I am reading the Decretals of the popes, and, let me say it in -your ear, I know not whether the pope is Antichrist himself or only -his apostle;[31] to such a degree in these Decretals is Christ -outraged and crucified." - - [31] Nescio an Papa sit Antichristus ipse vel apostolus ejus. (L. Ep. - i, 239.) - -Still he continued to respect the ancient Church of Rome, and had no -thought of separating from her. "Let the Roman Church," said he in the -explanation which he had promised Miltitz to publish, "be honoured of -God above all others. On this point there cannot be a doubt. St. -Peter, St. Paul, forty-six popes, and several hundred thousand -martyrs, have shed their blood in her bosom, and there vanquished hell -and the world, so that the eye of God specially rests upon her. -Although every thing about her is now in a very sad condition that is -no ground for separating from her. On the contrary the worse things -are, the more firmly we should cling to her. Our separation is not the -means by which she can be improved. We must not abandon God because -there is a devil; nor the children of God who are still at Rome, -because the majority are wicked. No sin, no wickedness, can justify us -in destroying charity or violating unity; for charity can do all -things, and nothing is difficult to unity."[32] - - [32] L. Op. (L.) xvii, 224. - -It was not Luther that separated from Rome, but Rome that separated -from Luther, and by so doing rejected the ancient catholic faith of -which he was then the representative. Nor was it Luther that deprived -Rome of her power and compelled her bishop to descend from an usurped -throne. The doctrines which he announced, the doctrine of the -Apostles, again divinely proclaimed throughout the Church with great -force and admirable purity, alone could prevail against a power by -which the Church had for ages been enslaved. - -[Sidenote: SCHEME OF MILTITZ AND DE VIO.] - -These declarations, which Luther published at the end of February, did -not fully satisfy Miltitz and De Vio. These two vultures, after both -missing their prey, had retired within the ancient walls of Treves. -There, seconded by the Prince-archbishop, they hoped jointly to -accomplish the object in which they had failed individually. The two -nuncios were aware that nothing more was to be expected from -Frederick, now invested with supreme power in the empire. They saw -that Luther persisted in his refusal of retractation. The only plan, -therefore, was to withdraw the heretical monk from the protection of -the Elector, and entice him into their own neighbourhood. If the -Reformer were once in Treves, in a state subject to a prince of the -Church, he would be dexterous indeed if he got away without giving -full satisfaction to the sovereign pontiff. The scheme was immediately -proceeded with. "Luther," said Miltitz to the Elector-archbishop of -Treves, "has accepted your Grace as arbiter; call him therefore before -you." The Elector of Treves accordingly (3rd May) wrote to the Elector -of Saxony, and requested him to send Luther. De Vio, and afterwards -Miltitz himself, also wrote, announcing that the rose of gold had -arrived at Augsburg, at the house of Fugger. Now, thought they, is the -moment to strike the decisive blow. - -But things were changed, and neither Frederick nor Luther felt -alarmed. The Elector, understanding his new position, had no longer -any fear of the pope and far less of his servants. The Reformer, -seeing Miltitz and De Vio in concert, had some idea of the fate which -awaited him if he complied with their invitation. "Everywhere," says -he, "on all hands, and in all ways, they seek my life."[33] Besides, -he had requested the pope to decide; but the pope, engrossed with -crowns and intrigues, had given no answer. Luther thus wrote to -Miltitz: "How could I undertake the journey, without an order from -Rome, amid the troubles which shake the empire? How could I face so -many dangers and subject myself to so much expence, I who am the -poorest of men?" - - [33] Video ubique, undique, quocumque modo, animam meam quaeri. (L. Ep. - i, p. 274, 16th May.) - -The Elector of Treves, a man of wisdom and moderation, and a friend of -Frederick, was willing to meet his views. He had no desire, moreover, -to involve himself in the affair without being positively called upon. -He therefore agreed with the Elector of Saxony to defer the -investigation till the next diet. Two years elapsed before this diet -assembled at Worms. - -[Sidenote: PUBLICATION OF LUTHER'S WORKS.] - -While the hand of Providence successfully warded off all the dangers -which threatened him, Luther was boldly advancing to a result of which -he was not himself aware. His reputation was extending, the cause of -truth was gaining strength, and the number of the students of -Wittemberg, among whom were the most distinguished young men in -Germany, rapidly increased. "Our town," wrote Luther, "can scarcely -contain all who come to it;" and on another occasion, "The number of -students increases out of measure, like a stream overflowing its -banks."[34] - - [34] Sicut aqua inundans. (L. Epp. i. p. 278, 279.) - -But Germany was no longer the only country in which the voice of the -Reformer was heard. It had passed the frontiers of the empire, and -begun to shake the foundations of the Roman power in the different -states of Christendom. Frobenius, the famous printer of Bale, had -published the collected Works of Luther, which were rapidly disposed -of. At Bale even the bishop applauded Luther; and the Cardinal of -Sion, after reading his work, exclaimed somewhat ironically, and -punning on his name, "O, Luther, thou art a true Luther!" (a true -purifier, Lauterer.) - -Erasmus was at Louvain when Luther's works arrived in the Netherlands. -The prior of the Augustins of Antwerp, who had studied at Wittemberg, -and according to the testimony of Erasmus, held true primitive -Christianity, and many other Belgians besides, read them with avidity. -"But," says the scholar of Rotterdam, "those who sought only their own -interest, and entertained the people with old wives' fables, gave full -vent to their grovelling fanaticism." "It is not in my power," says -Erasmus, in a letter to Luther, "to describe the emotions, the truly -tragic scenes, which your writings have produced."[35] - - [35] Nullo sermone consequi queam, quas tragoedias hic excitarint - tui libelli. (Erasm. Ep. vi, 4.) I am not able by any words to - describe the tragedies which your works have produced here. - -Frobenius sent six hundred copies of the works into France and Spain. -They were publicly sold at Paris, and, as far as appears, the doctors -of Sorbonne then read them with approbation. "It was time," said -several of them, "that those engaged in the study of the Holy -Scriptures should speak thus freely." In England the Works were -received with still greater eagerness. Spanish merchants at Antwerp -caused them to be translated into their native tongue, and sent them -into Spain. "Assuredly," says Pallavicini, "these merchants were of -Moorish blood."[36] - - [36] Maurorum stirpe prognatis. (Pallav. i, 91.) - -[Sidenote: FROBENIUS. ECK.] - -Calvi, a learned bookseller of Pavia, carried a great number of copies -of the works into Italy, and circulated them in all the transalpine -towns. This learned man was animated not by a love of gain but a -desire to contribute to the revival of piety. The vigour with which -Luther maintained the cause of godliness, filled him with joy. "All -the learned of Italy," exclaimed he, "will concur with me, and we will -see you celebrated in stanzas composed by our most distinguished -poets." - -Frobenius, in transmitting a copy of the publication to Luther, told -him all these gladdening news, and added, "I have disposed of all the -copies except ten, and never had so good a return." Other letters also -informed Luther of the joy produced by his works. "I am glad," says -he, "that the truth gives so much pleasure, although she speaks with -little learning, and in a style so barbarous."[37] - - [37] "In his id gaudeo, quod veritas tam barbare et indocte loquens, - adeo placet." (L. Ep. i, 255.) - -Such was the commencement of the revival in the different countries of -Europe. In all countries, if we except Switzerland, and even France -where the gospel had previously been heard, the arrival of Luther's -writings forms the first page in the history of the Reformation. A -printer of Bale diffused these first germs of the truth. At the moment -when the Roman pontiff entertained hopes of suppressing the work in -Germany, it began in France, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, England, -and Switzerland; and now, even should Rome hew down the original -trunk, what would it avail? The seeds are already diffused over every -soil. - - - - -CHAP. II. - - The War seems ended in Germany--Eck Revives the - Contest--Debate between Eck and Carlstadt--The Question of - the Pope--Luther Replies--Alarm of Luther's - Friends--Luther's courage--Truth triumphs - single-handed--Refusal of Duke George--Delight of Mosellanus - and Fears of Erasmus. - - -While the combat was only beginning beyond the limits of the empire it -seemed to him almost ceased within it. The most blustering soldiers of -Rome, the Franciscan monks of Juterbock, after having imprudently -attacked Luther, had, after a vigorous rejoinder from the Reformer, -hastened to resume silence. The partisans of the pope were quiet; and -Tezel was unfit for service. Luther's friends conjured him not to -persist in the contest, and he had promised to comply. The theses were -beginning to be forgotten. By this perfidious peace the eloquent -tongue of the Reformer was completely paralysed; and the Reformation -seemed to be arrested. "But," says Luther afterwards, when speaking of -this period, "men were imagining vain things, for the Lord had arisen -to judge the nations."[38] "God," says he in another place, "does not -lead but urges and hurries me along. I am not my own master. I would -fain be at rest, but am precipitated into the midst of tumult and -revolution."[39] - - [38] Dominus evigilavit et stat ad judicandos populos. (L. Op. Lat. in - l'raef.) - - [39] Deus rapit, pellit, nedum ducit me: non sum compos mei: volo esse - quietus et rapior in medios tumultus. (L. Ep. i, 231.) - -[Sidenote: ECK. CARLSTADT.] - -The person who renewed the contest was Eck the schoolman, Luther's old -friend, and the author of the Obelisks. He was sincerely attached to -the papacy, but seems to have been devoid of genuine religious -sentiment, and to have belonged to a class of men, at all times too -numerous, who value learning, and even theology and religion, merely -as a means of gaining a name in the world. Vain glory lurks under the -priest's cassock as well as the soldier's helmet. Eck had studied the -art of disputation according to the scholastic rules, and was an -acknowledged master in this species of warfare. While the knights of -the middle ages, and the warriors at the period of the Reformation, -sought glory in tournaments, the schoolmen sought it in the -syllogistic disputations, which were often exhibited in universities. -Eck, who was full of himself, stood high in his own opinion, and was -proud of his talents, of the popularity of his cause, and the trophies -which he had won in eight universities in Hungary, Lombardy, and -Germany, eagerly longed for an opportunity of displaying his power and -dexterity in debate with the Reformer. He had spared nothing to secure -the reputation of being one of the most celebrated scholars of the -age. He was ever seeking to stir up new discussions, to produce a -sensation, and by means of his exploits procure access to all the -enjoyments of life. A tour which he made in Italy had, by his own -account, been only a series of triumphs. The most learned of the -learned had been constrained to subscribe to his theses. A practised -bravado, he fixed his eyes on a new field of battle, where he thought -himself secure of victory. That little monk, who had grown up all at -once into a giant, that Luther, whom no one had hitherto been able to -vanquish, offended his pride, and excited his jealousy.[40] It might -be that Eck, in seeking his own glory, might destroy Rome ... but -scholastic vanity was not to be arrested by any such consideration. -Theologians, as well as princes, have repeatedly sacrificed the -general interest to their individual glory. Let us attend to the -circumstances which gave the doctor of Ingolstadt an opportunity of -entering the lists with his troublesome rival. - - [40] Nihil cupiebat ardentius, quam sui specimen praebere in solemni - disputatione cum semulo. (Pallavicini, Tom. i, p. 55.) - -[Sidenote: ECK'S THESES.] - -The zealous but too ardent Carlstadt was still of one mind with -Luther--the special bond of union between them being their attachment -to the doctrine of grace, and their admiration of St. Augustine. -Carlstadt, who was of an enthusiastic temperament, and possessed -little prudence, was not a man to be arrested by the address and -policy of a Miltitz. In opposition to the Obelisks of Dr. Eck, he had -published theses in which he defended Luther and their common faith. -Eck had replied, and Carlstadt, determined not to leave him the last -word, had rejoined. The combat grew warm. Eck, eager to avail himself -of so favourable an opportunity, had thrown down the gauntlet; and the -impetuous Carlstadt had taken it up. God employed the passions of -these two men to accomplish his designs. Though Luther had taken no -part in these debates, he was destined to be the hero of the fight. -There are men whom the force of circumstances always brings upon the -scene. Leipsic was fixed upon, and hence the origin of the celebrated -discussion which bears its name. - -Eck cared little about combating with Carlstadt, and even vanquishing -him. Luther was the opponent whom he had in view. He accordingly -employed every means to bring him into the field; and with this view -published thirteen theses,[41] directed against the leading doctrines -which had been espoused by the Reformer. The thirteenth was in these -terms:--"We deny that the Roman Church was not superior to other -Churches before the time of Pope Sylvester; and we acknowledge at all -times, that he who has occupied the see of St. Peter and professed his -faith,[42] is the successor of St. Peter and the vicar of Jesus -Christ." Sylvester lived in the time of Constantine the Great; and -hence Eck, in this thesis, denied that the primacy which Rome enjoyed -was conferred on her by that emperor. - - [41] Defensio adversus Echii monomachiam. - - [42] L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 242. - -Luther, whose consent to remain silent had not been given without -reluctance, was strongly excited when he read these propositions. He -saw that he was the person aimed at, and felt that he could not, with -honour, evade the contest. "This man," said he, "names Carlstadt as -his antagonist, and at the same time makes his assault upon me. But -God reigns, and knows what result he designs to bring out of this -tragedy.[43] The question is not between Dr. Eck and me. God's purpose -will be accomplished. Thanks to Eck, this affair, which hitherto has -been mere sport, will at length become serious, and give a fatal blow -to the tyranny of Rome and the Roman Pontiff." - - [43] Sed Deus in medio deorum; ipse novit quid ex ea tragoeoedia - deducere voluerit, (L. Ep. i, 230, 222.) - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S MODERATION AND COURAGE.] - -Rome herself broke the agreement. She did more; when she renewed the -signal for battle, she directed it to a point which Luther had not -previously attacked. The subject which Dr. Eck singled out for his -antagonists was the primacy of the pope. In thus following the -dangerous example which Tezel had given,[44] Rome invited the blows of -the champion; and if she left her mangled members on the arena, she -had herself to blame for the punishment inflicted by his mighty arm. - - [44] 1st vol. p. 402 - -The pontifical supremacy being once overthrown, the whole of the Roman -platform fell to pieces. Hence the papacy was in imminent peril; and -yet neither Miltitz nor Cajetan took any steps to prevent this new -contest. Did they imagine that the Reformation would be vanquished, or -were they smitten with that blindness by which the ruin of the mighty -is accomplished? - -Luther, who, by his long silence, had given an example of rare -moderation, boldly met the challenge of his antagonist, whose theses -he immediately opposed by counter theses. The last was in these -terms:--"The primacy of the Church of Rome is defended by means of -miserable decretals of the Roman pontiffs, composed within the last -four hundred years; whereas this primacy is contradicted by the -authentic history of eleven centuries, the declarations of Holy -Scripture, and the canons of the Council of Nice, which is the purest -of all Councils."[45] - - [45] L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 245. - -At the same time Luther thus wrote to the Elector:--"God knows it was -my firm determination to be silent; and I rejoiced to see the game at -length brought to a close. So faithfully have I observed the paction -concluded with the pope's commissioner, that I did not reply to -Sylvester Prierias, notwithstanding of the taunts of adversaries and -the counsels of friends. But now Dr. Eck attacks me, and not only me, -but the whole University of Wittemberg besides. I cannot allow it to -be thus covered with obloquy."[46] - - [46] L. Ep. i, p. 237. - -At the same time Luther wrote to Carlstadt, "I am unwilling, excellent -Andrew, that you should engage in this quarrel, since I am the person -aimed at." "I will gladly lay aside my serious labours and enter into -the sports of these flatterers of the Roman pontiff."[47] Then -apostrophising his adversary with disdain, and calling from Wittemberg -to Ingolstadt, he exclaims--"Now, then, my dear Eck, be courageous, -and gird thy sword upon thy thigh, thou mighty man.[48] Having failed -to please you as mediator, perhaps I will please you better as -antagonist. Not that I have any thought of vanquishing you, but after -all the trophies which you have gained in Hungary, Lombardy, and -Bavaria, (at least if we are to take your account for it,) I will give -you an opportunity of acquiring the name of the conqueror of Saxony -and Misnia, so that you will be for ever saluted by the glorious title -of Augustus."[49] - - [47] Gaudens et videns post-habeo istorum mea seria ludo. (Ibid. p. - 251.) - - [48] Esto vir fortis et accingere gladie tuo super femur tuum, - potentissime! (Ibid.) - - [49] Ac si voles semper Augustus saluteris in aeternum. (Ibid. p. 251) - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S CONFIDENCE.] - -All Luther's friends did not share his courage, for up to this hour -none had been able to withstand the sophistry of Dr. Eck. But what -alarmed them most was the subject of dispute--the primacy of the -pope!... How does the poor monk of Wittemberg dare to encounter this -giant who for ages has crushed all his enemies? The courtiers of the -Elector begin to tremble. Spalatin the confidant of the prince, and -intimate friend of the Reformer, is full of anxiety. Frederick, too, -feels uneasy: even the sword of the Knight of the Holy Sepulchre, with -which he had been armed at Jerusalem, would be unequal to this -warfare. Luther alone feels no alarm. His thought is, "The Lord will -deliver him into my hands." The faith with which he is animated -enables him to strengthen his friends. "I beg of you, my dear -Spalatin," said he, "not to give yourself up to fear; you know well -that if Christ was not with me, all that I have done up to this hour -must have been my ruin. Was it not lately written from Italy, to the -chancellor of the Duke of Pomerania, that I had upset Rome, and that, -not knowing how to appease the tumult, they were purposing to attack -me not according to the forms of justice, but by Roman finesse, (the -very words used,) that is, I presume, by poison, ambush, and -assassination?" - -"I restrain myself, and from love to the Elector, and the university, -keep back many things which I would employ against Babylon, were I -elsewhere. O! my poor Spalatin! it is impossible to speak of Scripture -and of the Church without irritating the beast. Never, therefore, hope -to see me at rest, at least, until I renounce theology. If this work -is of God, it will not be terminated before all my friends have -forsaken me, as Christ was forsaken by his disciples. Truth will -endure single-handed, and triumph in virtue of its own prowess, not -mine or yours, or any man's.[50] If I fall, the world will not perish -with me. But, wretch that I am, I fear I am not worthy to die in such -a cause." "Rome," he again wrote about this time, "Rome is burning -with eagerness to destroy me, while I sit quiet and hold her in -derision. I am informed that, in the field of Flora at Rome, one -Martin Luther has been publicly burned in effigy, after being loaded -with execrations. I abide their fury.[51] The whole world," continues -he, "is in agitation, heaving to and fro. What will happen? God knows. -For my part, I foresee wars and disasters. The Lord have mercy on -us."[52] - - [50] Et sola sit veritas, quae salvet se dextera sua, non mea, non tua, - non ullius hominis.... (L. Ep. i, 261.) And let truth stand alone; she - will save herself by her own right hand--not by yours or mine, or that - of any man.... (L. Ep. i, 261.) - - [51] Expecto furorem illorum. (Ibid. 280, 30th May, 1519.) - - [52] Totus orbis nutat et movetur, tam corpore quam anima. (Ibid.) The - whole world nods and is shaken both in body and soul. - -[Sidenote: DUKE GEORGE. ADOLPHUS OF MERSEBURG.] - -Luther wrote letter after letter to Duke George,[53] in whose states -Leipsic is, entreating permission to repair thither and take part in -the debate, but received no answer. The grandson of the Bohemian king, -Podiebrad, alarmed at Luther's proposition concerning the pope, and -afraid of seeing Saxony involved in the wars of which Bohemia had so -long been the theatre, was unwilling to grant the doctor's request. -Luther, therefore, determined to publish explanations of his -thirteenth Thesis. But this treatise, far from persuading Duke George, -on the contrary, confirmed him in his resolution. Positively refusing -to give the Reformer authority to debate, he merely allowed him to be -present as a spectator.[54] This was a great disappointment to Luther. -Nevertheless, as he had only one wish, and that was to obey God--he -resolved to attend as a spectator, and await the result. - - [53] Ternis literis, a duce Georgio non potui certum obtinere - responsum. (Ibid., p. 282.) After three letters, I could not obtain a - decided answer from Duke George. - - [54] Ita ut non disputator, sed spectator futurus Lipsiam ingrederer. - (L. Op. in Praef.) - -The prince at the same time did every thing in his power to forward -the discussion between Eck and Carlstadt. Duke George was devoted to -the ancient doctrine; but he was upright and sincere, and friendly to -free enquiry, and did not think that an opinion was to be charged with -heresy, merely because it displeased the court of Rome. The Elector, -moreover, urged his cousin to permit the discussion; and the duke, -confirmed by Frederick's statements, ordered it to take place.[55] - - [55] Principis nostri verbo firmatus. (L. Ep. i, 255.) - -Bishop Adolphus of Merseburg, in whose diocese Leipsic is situated, -was more alive than Miltitz and Cajetan, to the danger of trusting -such important questions to the chances of single combat. Rome could -not expose the fruit of the labours of so many ages to such hazard. -All the theologians of Leipsic were equally alarmed, and implored -their bishop to prevent the discussion. Adolphus accordingly presented -most energetic remonstrances to Duke George, who replied with much -good sense.[56] "I am surprised at seeing a bishop so terrified at the -ancient and laudable custom of our fathers in examining doubtful -questions as to matters of faith. If your theologians refuse to defend -their doctrines, the money given to them would be far better employed -in the maintenance of aged women and young children who would be able -at least to spin and sing." - - [56] Scheinder, Lips. Chr. iv, 168. - -[Sidenote: MOSELLANUS. ERASMUS.] - -This letter had little effect on the bishop and his theologians. There -is in error a secret consciousness which makes it dread enquiry even -when making loud professions of being favourable to it. After an -imprudent advance it makes a cowardly retreat. Truth did not give the -challenge, but firmly stood its ground. Error gave it, and ran off. -Moreover, the prosperity of the university of Wittemberg, excited the -jealousy of that of Leipsic. The monks and priests inveighed from the -pulpits of that city, urging the people to shun the new heretics, -slandering Luther, and painting him, as well as his friends, in the -blackest colours, in order to stir up the fanaticism of the populace -against the Reformers.[57] Tezel, who was still alive, awoke to cry -from the depth of his retreat,--"It is the devil that is forcing on -this contest."[58] - - [57] Theologi interim me proscindunt ... populum Lipsiae inclamant. (L. - Ep. i, 255.) The theologians, in the meantime, inveigh against me, ... - and declaim to the people of Leipsic. - - [58] Das walt der Teufel (L. Ep. i, 255.) - -All the professors of Leipsic, however, did not participate in these -apprehensions. Some belonged to the indifferent class, consisting of -persons who are always ready to laugh at the faults of both parties. -Of this class was the Greek professor Peter Mosellanus, who cared very -little for John Eck, Carlstadt, and Martin Luther, but anticipated -great amusement from the strife. Writing to his friend Erasmus, he -says, "John Eck, who is the most illustrious of pen gladiators and -rhapsodists, and like the Socrates of Aristophanes, contemns even the -gods, is to have a turn in debate with Andrew Carlstadt. The battle -will end in uproar, and there will be laughter in it for ten -Democratuses."[59] - - [59] Seckend., p. 201. - -The timid Erasmus, on the contrary, was frightened at the idea of a -combat, and his prudence, ever ready to take alarm, would fain have -prevented this discussion. In a letter to Melancthon, he says, "If you -will be advised by Erasmus, you will be more anxious to promote the -advancement of sound literature than to attack the enemies of it.[60] -My belief is that, in this way, our progress will be greater. Above -all, while engaged in this struggle, let us not forget that victory -must be obtained, not only by eloquence, but also by moderation and -meekness." Neither the alarms of priests, nor the prudence of -pacificators, could now prevent the combat. The parties made ready -their weapons. - - [60] Malim te plus operae sumere in asserendis bonis literis, quam in - sectandis harum hostibus. (Corpus Ref. ed. Bretschneider, i, 78, 22nd - April, 1519.) - - - - -CHAP. III. - - Arrival of Eck and the Wittembergers--Amsdorf--The - Students--Carlstadt's accident--Placard--Eck and - Luther--Pleissenburg--Shall Judges be appointed?--Luther - objects. - - -[Sidenote: ECK'S ARRIVAL. AMSDORF. THE STUDENTS.] - -At the time when the Electors met at Frankfort to give an emperor to -Germany, (June, 1519,) theologians met at Leipsic for an act which, -though unnoticed by the world, was destined to be not less important -in its results. - -Eck was the first who arrived at the place of rendezvous. On the 21st -June he entered Leipsic in company with Poliander, a young man whom he -had brought from Ingolstadt to report the debate. All kinds of honours -were paid to the scholastic doctor, who, on the Fete Dieu, paraded the -town in full canonicals, and at the head of a numerous procession. -There was a general eagerness to see him. According to his own -account, all the inhabitants were in his favour. "Nevertheless," adds -he, "a rumour was current in the town that I was to be worsted in the -encounter." - -The day after the fete, viz., Friday, 24th June, (St. John's Day,) the -Wittembergers arrived. Carlstadt, Eck's destined opponent, came first -in a chariot by himself. Next, in an open carriage, came Duke Barnim -of Pomerania, who was then studying at Wittemberg under the direction -of a tutor, and had been elected rector of the University. On each -side of him sat the two great theologians, the fathers of the -Reformation, Melancthon and Luther. Melancthon had been unwilling to -quit his friend. He had said to Spalatin, "Martin, the soldier of the -Lord, has stirred up this fetid marsh.[61] I cannot think of the -shameful conduct of the pope's theologians without indignation. Be -firm, and adhere to us." Luther himself had expressed a desire that -his Achates, as he has been called, should accompany him. - - [61] Martinus, Domini miles, hanc camarinam movit. (Corp. Ref. i, p. - 82.) - -John Lange, vicar of the Augustins, some doctors in law, several -masters of arts, two licentiates in theology, and other ecclesiastics, -among whom Nicolas Amsdorf was conspicuous, closed the rear. Amsdorf, -the member of a noble family in Saxony, disregarding the brilliant -career which his birth might have opened to him, had devoted himself -to theology. The theses on indulgences having brought him to the -knowledge of the truth, he had forthwith made a bold profession of the -faith.[62] Vigorous in intellect and vehement in temper, Amsdorf often -pushed on Luther, by nature abundantly ardent, to acts which were -perhaps imprudent. Born to high rank, he was not overawed by the -great, and occasionally addressed them with a freedom bordering on -rudeness. "The gospel of Jesus Christ," said he one day in an assembly -of nobles, "belongs to the poor and afflicted, and not to you princes, -lords, and courtiers, whose lives are passed in luxury and joy."[63] - - [62] Nec cum carne et sanguine diu contulit, sed statim palam ad alios - fidei confessionem constanter edidit. (M. Adami. Vita Amsdorf.) Nor - did he confer with flesh and blood, but forthwith made a public and - firm profession of his faith. - - [63] Weisman. Hist. Eccl. i, p. 1444. - -[Sidenote: CARLSTADT'S ACCIDENT.] - -But we have not yet mentioned the whole train from Wittemberg. A -large body of students accompanied their teachers. Eck affirms that -the number amounted to two hundred. Armed with pikes and halberds, -they walked beside the carriages of the doctors ready to defend them, -and proud of their cause. - -Such was the order in which the body of Reformers entered Leipsic. -Just as they passed the Grimma gate, which is in front of St. Paul's -cemetery, one of the wheels of Carlstadt's carriage broke down. The -archdeacon, who, with great self-complacency, was enjoying the solemn -entry, tumbled into the mire. He was not hurt, but was obliged to -proceed to his lodgings on foot. Luther's chariot, which was -immediately behind Carlstadt's, moved rapidly forward, and delivered -the Reformer safe and sound. The inhabitants of Leipsic, who had -assembled to witness the entry of the Wittemberg champions, considered -the accident as a bad omen for Carlstadt; and the inference was soon -current over the town, viz., that he would be defeated in the combat, -but that Luther would come off victorious.[64] - - [64] Seb. Froeschel vom Priesterthum. Wittemb., 1585, in Praef. - -Adolphus of Merseberg did not remain idle. As soon as he learned the -approach of Luther and Carlstadt, and even before they had lighted -from their carriages, he caused a notice to be posted up on all the -church-doors forbidding the discussion under pain of excommunication. -Duke George, astonished at his presumption, ordered the town council -to tear down the bishop's placard, and imprison the individual which -had been employed to put it up.[65] The Duke George, who had come in -person to Leipsic, attended by all his court--among others by Jerome -Emser, with whom Luther spent the famous evening at Dresden, sent the -disputants the usual presents.[66] "The duke," boasted Eck, "presented -me with a fine stag, and gave Carlstadt only a roebuck."[67] - - [65] L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 243. - - [66] First vol., p. 172. - - [67] Seckend. p. 190. - -Eck was no sooner informed of Luther's arrival than he called upon -him--"What!" said he, "it is said that you refuse to debate with me." - -_Luther._--"How can I when the duke forbids me?" - -_Eck._--"If I cannot debate with you, I am not anxious to have any -thing to do with Carlstadt. It was for you I came here." Then, after a -short pause, he added--"If I obtain the dukes permission, will you -take the field?"[68] - - [68] Si tecum non licet disputare, neque cum Carlstatio volo: propter - te enim huc veni. (L. Op. in Praef.) - -_Luther_ (_joyfully_).--"Obtain it, and we shall debate." - -[Sidenote: PRELIMINARY ARRANGEMENTS.] - -Eck forthwith repaired to the duke, and tried to dissipate his fears, -representing to him that he was certain of victory, and that the -authority of the pope, so far from suffering by the discussion, would -come out of it more glorious. "We must strike at the head. If Luther -stands erect, so do all his adherents--if he falls, they all fall." -George granted permission. - -The duke had caused a large hall to be prepared in his palace of -Pleissenburg. Two desks had been erected opposite to each other, -tables arranged for the notaries who were to take down the discussion -in writing, and benches for the spectators. The desks and benches were -covered with rich tapestry. At the doctor of Wittemberg's desk was -suspended the portrait of St. Martin, after whom he was named; and at -that of Dr. Eck, the portrait of the knight of St. George. "We shall -see," said the arrogant Eck, with his eye on the emblem, "whether I do -not, with my steed, trample down my enemies." Every thing bespoke the -importance which was attached to the combat. - -On 25th June, the parties met in the castle to arrange the order of -proceeding. Eck, who had more confidence in his declamation and -gesture than in his arguments, exclaimed, "We will debate freely, off -hand, and the notaries will not take down our words in writing." - -_Carlstadt._--"The agreement was, that the discussion should be -written down, published, and submitted to the judgment of all men." - -_Eck._--"To write down every thing is to wear out the spirit of the -disputants, and protract the battle. In that case there can be no hope -of the vivacity requisite in an animated debate. Do not lay an arrest -on the flow of eloquence."[69] - - [69] Melancth. Op. i, p. 139. (Koethe ed.) - -Dr. Eck's friends supported his proposal, but Carlstadt persisted in -his objection, and Eck was obliged to yield. - -_Eck._--"Be it so, let there be writing; but, at all events, the -debate, when taken down by the notaries, is not to be published before -it has been submitted to the decision of judges." - -_Luther._--"The truth of Dr. Eck and the Eckians fears the light." - -_Eck._--"There must be judges." - -_Luther._--"And what judges?" - -_Eck._--"After the debate is over we will agree upon them." - -The object of the partisans of Rome was evident. If the theologians of -Wittemberg accepted judges, their cause was lost. It was obvious -beforehand who the persons were whom their opponents would suggest; -and yet the Reformers, if they refused them, would be covered with -obloquy, as it would be circulated every where that they were afraid -of submitting to impartial judges. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER OBJECTS.] - -The judges whom the Reformers desired were not individuals whose -opinion was already declared, but the whole of Christendom. Their -appeal was made to the general voice. It mattered little who condemned -them, if, in pleading their cause in presence of the Christian world, -they succeeded in bringing some individuals to the light. "Luther," -says a Roman historian, "demanded all the faithful for judges--in -other words, demanded a tribunal so numerous that there could be no -urn large enough to hold its votes."[70] - - [70] "Aiebat, ad universos mortales pertinebat judicium, hoc est ad - tribunal cujus colligendis calculis nulla urna satis capax." - (Pallavicini, T. i, p. 55.) - -The meeting broke up. "See their stratagem," said Luther and his -friends to each other. "They would to a certainty ask to have the pope -or the universities for judges." - -In fact, the theologians of Rome, next morning, sent one of their -party to Luther, with a proposal that the judge should be ... the -pope!... "The pope!" said Luther, "how could I accept him?" - -"Beware," exclaimed all his friends, "of accepting conditions so -unjust." Eck and his friends having consulted anew, gave up the pope, -and proposed certain universities. "Don't take from us the liberty -which you have already granted us," replied Luther. "We cannot yield -this point," resumed Eck. "Then," exclaimed Luther, "I don't -debate."[71] - - [71] I. Op. (L. xvii, p. 245.) - -They again parted, and what had just passed was talked of over the -whole town. The Romans kept crying every where, "Luther won't -debate--he refuses to accept of any judge!" Commenting on, and -torturing his words, they endeavoured to represent them in the most -unfavourable light. "What! truly? he will not debate?" say the best -friends of the Reformer, and hasten to him to express their alarm. -"You decline the contest," exclaim they. "Your refusal will bring -eternal disgrace on your university and your cause." This was to -attack Luther in his most tender point. "Very well," replied he, his -heart filled with indignation, "I accept the terms which are imposed -on me; but I reserve a right of appeal, and I decline the Court of -Rome."[72] - - [72] Ibid., p. 246. - -[Sidenote: THE PROCESSION. MASS.] - - - - -CHAP. IV. - - The Procession--Mass--Mosellanus--Veni, Sancte - Spiritus!--Portraits of Luther and Carlstadt--Doctor - Eck--Carlstadt's Books--Merit of Congruity--Natural - Powers--Scholastic distinction--Point where Rome and the - Reformation separate--Grace gives man freedom--Carlstadt's - Note-Book--Commotion in the auditory--Melancthon during the - debate--Manoeuvres of Eck--Luther Preaches--The Citizens - of Leipsic--Quarrels of Students and quarrels of Teachers. - - -The 27th of June was the day fixed for the commencement of the -discussion. In the morning the parties met in the hall of the -university, and thereafter walked in procession to the Church of St. -Thomas, where high mass was celebrated by the order and at the expence -of the duke. After service, those present proceeded to the ducal -castle. At their head walked Duke George, and the Duke of Pomerania; -next came counts, abbots, knights, and other persons of distinction; -and, lastly, the doctors of the two parties. A guard composed of -seventy-six citizens, carrying halberds, accompanied the procession, -with colours flying, and drums beating, and halted at the castle gate. - -On the arrival at the palace, each took his place in the hall where -the debate was to take place--Duke George, the hereditary Prince John, -Prince George of Anhalt, a boy of twelve, and the Duke of Pomerania, -occupying the seats allotted to them. - -Mosellanus, by order of the duke, mounted a pulpit, to remind the -theologians of the manner in which the discussion was to be carried -on. "If you begin to quarrel," said the orator to them, "what -difference will there be between a theological disputant and a -swaggering duellist? What is victory here but just to recall a brother -from his error?... Each, it would seem, should be more desirous to be -conquered than to conquer."[73] - - [73] Seckend., p. 209. - -[Sidenote: PORTRAITS OF LUTHER, CARLSTADT, ECK.] - -At the conclusion of the address, sacred music echoed along the aisles -of the Pleissenberg, the whole assembly knelt down, and the ancient -hymn of invocation to the Holy Spirit, "Veni, Sancte Spiritus," was -sung. Solemn hour in the annals of the Reformation! The invocation was -thrice repeated; and, while the solemn chant was pealing, the -defenders of the ancient, and the champions of the new doctrines, the -men of the Church of the middle ages, and those desirous of -re-establishing the Church of the apostles, mingling together without -distinction, in lowly attitude bent their faces to the ground. The -ancient tie of one single communion still united all these different -minds, and the same prayer still proceeded from all these lips as if a -single heart had dictated it. - -These were the last moments of external lifeless unity for which a new -spiritual living unity was about to be substituted. The Holy Spirit -was invoked in behalf of the Church, and the Holy Spirit was about to -answer by a revival of Christendom. - -When the hymn and prayer were finished, the assembly rose up. The -discussion should have now commenced; but, as the hour of noon had -arrived, there was an adjournment of two hours. - -The leading personages who proposed to attend the debate, having dined -with the duke, returned with him after dinner to the castle hall, -which was filled with spectators. Meetings of this description were -the public assemblies in which the representatives of the age -discussed questions of general and engrossing interest. The orators -were soon at their post. That a better idea may be formed of them, we -will give their portraits as drawn by one of the most impartial -witnesses of the debate. - -"Martin Luther is of middle size; and so emaciated by hard study that -one might almost count his bones. He is in the vigour of life, and his -voice is clear and sonorous. His learning and knowledge of the Holy -Scriptures are beyond compare: he has the whole word of God at -command.[74] In addition to this he has great store of arguments and -ideas. It were perhaps to be wished that he had a little more judgment -in arranging his materials. In conversation he is candid and -courteous; there is nothing stoical or haughty about him; he has the -art of accommodating himself to every individual. His address is -pleasing, and replete with good humour. He displays firmness, and is -never discomposed by the menaces of his adversaries, be they what they -may. One is, in a manner, compelled to believe that, in the great -things which he has done, God must have assisted him. He is blamed, -however, for being more sarcastic in his rejoinders than becomes a -theologian, especially when he announces new religious ideas. - - [74] Seine Gelehrsamkeit aber und Verstand in heiliger Schrift ist - unvergleichlich, so dass er fast alles im Griff hat. (Mosellanus in - Seckend., 206.) - -"Carlstadt is of smaller stature; his complexion is dark and sallow, -his voice disagreeable, his memory less retentive, and his temper more -easily ruffled than Luther's. Still however he possesses, though in an -inferior degree, the same qualities which distinguish his friend. - -[Sidenote: CARLSTADT'S BOOKS. NATURAL POWERS.] - -"Eck is tall and broad shouldered. He has a strong and truly German -voice, and such excellent lungs that he would be well heard on the -stage, or would make an admirable town-crier. His accent is rather -coarse than elegant, and he has none of the gracefulness so much -lauded by Cicero and Quintilian. His mouth, his eyes, and his whole -features, suggest the idea of a soldier or a butcher, rather than a -theologian.[75] His memory is excellent, and were his intellect equal -to it he would be faultless. But he is slow of comprehension, and -wants judgment, without which all other gifts are useless. Hence, when -he debates, he piles up, without selection or discernment, passages -from the Bible, quotations from the Fathers, and arguments of all -descriptions. His assurance, moreover, is unbounded. When he finds -himself in a difficulty he darts off from the matter in hand, and -pounces upon another; sometimes, even, he adopts the view of his -antagonist, and changing the form of expression, most dexterously -charges him with the very absurdity which he himself was defending." - - [75] Das Maul, Augen, und ganze Gesicht, presentirt ehe einen - Fleischer oder Soldaten, als einen Theologum. (Mosellanus in Seckend., - 206.) - -Such, according to Mosellanus, were the men who drew the eyes of the -crowds who were then thronging into the great hall of Pleissenburg. - -The discussion was opened by Eck and Carlstadt. - -Eck, for some moments, fixed his eyes on the books which lay on the -little table in front of his opponent's desk, and seemed to give him -uneasiness: they were the Bible and the Fathers. "I decline the -discussion," exclaimed he suddenly, "if you are allowed to bring books -with you." A theologian have recourse to his books in discussion! The -astonishment of Dr. Eck was still more astonishing. "It is merely a -fig leaf which this Adam is employing to hide his shame," said Luther. -"Did Augustine consult no books in combating the Manichees?"[76] No -matter! Eck's partisans made a great noise. Carlstadt remonstrated. -"The man is altogether devoid of memory," said Eck. At last it was -decided, agreeably to the desire of the chancellor of Ingolstadt, that -each disputant should have the use only of his memory and his tongue. -"Thus then," said several, "the object in this debate will not be to -discover truth, but to show off the eloquence and memory of the -disputants." - - [76] Praetexit tamen et hic Adam ille folium fici pulcherrimum. (L. - Epp. i, p. 294.) "Here, however, this Adam too weaved for himself a - most beautiful fig-leaf." - -The discussion lasted seventeen days; but as it is impossible to give -the whole of it, we must, as a historian says, imitate painters who, -in representing a battle, place the most distinguished exploits in -front, and leave the others in the back ground.[77] - - [77] Pallavicini, i, 65. - -[Sidenote: MERIT OF CONGRUITY. SCHOLASTIC DISTINCTION.] - -The subject of discussion between Eck and Carlstadt was important. -"Before conversion," said Carlstadt, "the will of man is incapable of -doing good; every good work comes entirely and exclusively from God, -who gives first the will to do, and afterwards the ability to -perform." This truth is proclaimed by the Scriptures, which say, "_It -is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good -pleasure_,"[78] and by Augustine, who, in disputing with the -Pelagians, delivers it in almost the very same terms. Every work in -which there is neither love to God nor obedience to his will, is, in -his sight, devoid of the only quality which could render it truly -good, even should it be in other respects dictated by the most -honourable human motives. Now there is in man a natural enmity to -God--an enmity which he is utterly unable to suppress. He has not the -power to do so--he even wants the will. If ever, therefore, it is to -be suppressed, it must be by the power of God. - - [78] Philippians, ii, 13. - -This is the doctrine of free will, so much declaimed against in the -world, and yet so simple. It had been the doctrine of the church. But -the schoolmen had explained it in a manner which caused it to be -misunderstood. "No doubt," said they, "the natural will of man cannot -do any thing which is truly pleasing to God; but it can do much to -render man more capable and more worthy of receiving divine grace." -These preparatives they termed merit of congruity;[79] "because," as -St. Thomas expressed it, "it is congruous for God to bestow peculiar -favour on those who make a good use of their will." In regard, again, -to the conversion which man must undergo, it is no doubt true that, -according to the schoolmen, the grace of God behoved to accomplish it, -but still without excluding his natural powers. "These powers," said -they, "have not been annihilated by sin; sin only puts an obstacle in -the way of their development; but as soon as this obstacle is removed -(and this, according to them, was what the grace of God had to do,) -these powers begin again to act." To use one of their favourite -comparisons--"the bird whose legs are tied does not thereby lose -either its powers, or forget the art of flying, though it must be -loosed by some other hand before it can be able again to use its -wings." "The same," said they, "is the case with man."[80] - - [79] Meritum congruum. - - [80] Planck, i, p. 176. - -[Sidenote: FREE WILL. ITS TRUE NATURE.] - -Such was the question discussed between Eck and Carlstadt. At first -Eck seemed to deny Carlstadt's propositions out and out, but feeling -the difficulty of maintaining his ground, said, "I grant that the will -has not power to do a good work, but receives it from God." "Confess -then," rejoined Carlstadt, overjoyed at obtaining such a concession, -"that every good work comes entirely from God." "Every good work comes -indeed from God," replied the schoolman subtlely, "but not entirely." -"There," exclaimed Melancthon, "goes a discovery well worthy of -theological science." "An apple," added Eck, "is all produced by the -sun, but not altogether, and without the co-operation of the -tree."[81] Assuredly no man ever thought of maintaining that an apple -is all produced by the sun. - - [81] Quanquam totum opus Dei sit, non tamen _totaliter_ a Deo esse, - quemadmodum totum pomum efficitur a sole, sed non a sole _totaliter_ - et sine plantae efficentia. (Pallavicini, Tom. i, p. 58.) Although the - _whole_ work is of God, it is not _wholly_ of God--just as the _whole_ - apple is produced by the sun, but not _wholly_ by the sun, and without - the co-operation of the plant. - -"Very well," said his opponents, going still deeper into this delicate -question, so important in philosophy and in religion, "let us consider -how God acts on man, and how man conducts himself when so acted on." -"I acknowledge," said Eck, "that in conversion the first impulse comes -from God, and that the human will is entirely passive."[82] So far the -disputants were agreed. "I acknowledge," said Carlstadt, on his part, -"that after this first action on the part of God, something must come -from man, something which St. Paul calls _the will_, and which the -fathers designate by _consent_." Here again both parties were -agreed--but at this point the separation began. "This consent of man," -said Eck, "comes partly from our natural will, and partly from the -grace of God."[83] "No," said Carlstadt, "this will in man is entirely -created by God."[84] Hereupon Eck began to express astonishment and -indignation at words so well fitted to impress man with a sense of his -utter nothingness. "Your doctrine," exclaims he, "makes man a stone or -a block, incapable of any counter action...." "What," replied the -Reformers, "does not the faculty of receiving the powers which God -produces in him (a faculty which we admit that he possesses) -sufficiently distinguish him from a stone and a block?" "But," resumed -their antagonist, "by denying man all natural power, you contradict -experience." "We deny not," was the reply, "that man possesses certain -powers, and has in him a faculty of reflecting, meditating, and -choosing. We only consider these powers and faculties as mere -instruments, incapable of doing any thing that is good until the hand -of God sets them in motion. They are like the saw in the hands of the -sawyer."[85] - - [82] "Motionem seu inspirationem prevenientem esse a solo Deo; et ibi - liberum arbitrium habet se passive." Preventing motion, or - inspiration, is from God, and therein free-will is passive. - - [83] Partim a Deo, partim a libero arbitrio. - - [84] "Consentit homo, se consensus est donum Dei. Consentire non est - agere." Man consents; but consent is the gift of God. Consent is not - action. - - [85] Ut serra in manu hominis trahentis. - -[Sidenote: CARLSTADT'S NOTE BOOK. PORTRAIT OF MELANCTHON.] - -The great question of liberty was here debated, and it was easy to -demonstrate that the doctrine of the Reformers did not divest man of -the liberty of a moral agent or make him a passive machine. The -liberty of a moral agent consists in the power of acting conformably -to his choice. Every action done without external constraint, and in -consequence of the determination of the mind itself, is a free action. -The mind is determined by motives, but we constantly see that the same -motives act differently on different minds. Many do not act -conformably to the motives which their judgment approves. This -inefficiency of motives is attributable to the obstacles which they -meet with in the corruption of the understanding and the heart. Now, -God, by giving a new heart and a new spirit, removes those obstacles, -and thereby so far from depriving man of freedom, on the contrary, -removes what prevented him from acting freely, and in obedience to the -dictates of his conscience. In the language of the gospel it renders -him "free indeed." (John, viii, 36.) - -A slight incident for a short time interrupted the debate. Carlstadt -(this is Eck's account[86]) had prepared different heads of argument; -and, as is done by many of the orators of our day, read what he had -written. Eck saw in this only a school boy's tactics, and objected. -Carlstadt embarrassed, and fearing he might be taken at a disadvantage -if deprived of his note-book, insisted on retaining it. "Ah!" said the -scholastic doctor, quite proud of the advantage which he thought he -had over him, "his memory is shorter than mine." The point having been -submitted to arbiters, it was decided that quotations from the Fathers -might be read, but that in other respects the discussion should be -extempore. - - [86] Seckendorf, p. 192. - -This first part of the discussion often met with interruption from the -audience. They ruffed and screamed. Any proposition offensive to the -ears of the majority instantly aroused their clamour, and then, as in -our day, it was necessary to call to order. The disputants also -occasionally allowed themselves to be carried away in the heat of -discussion. - -[Sidenote: MELANCTHON'S OPINION. ECK'S MANOEVRES.] - -Melancthon sat near Luther, and attracted almost equal attention. He -was of short stature, and would scarcely have been thought more than -eighteen. Luther, who was a whole head taller, seemed to be united to -him by the closest friendship; they came in, went out, and walked -together. "To look at Melancthon," says a Swiss theologian,[87] who -studied at Wittemberg, "one would think him a mere boy, but in -judgment, learning, and talent he is a giant. It is difficult to -comprehend how so much wisdom and genius can be contained within so -puny a body." Between the sittings, Melancthon conferred with -Carlstadt and Luther. He assisted them in preparing for the debate, -and suggested arguments drawn from the stores of his vast erudition; -but during the discussion he remained quietly seated among the -spectators, giving close attention to every thing that was said by the -theologians.[88] Occasionally, however, he came to the aid of -Carlstadt.[89] When the latter was on the point of giving way under -the powerful declamation of the chancellor of Ingolstadt, the young -professor whispered a word in his ear, or slipt a paper to him on -which he had noted down the answer. Eck on one occasion perceived -this, and indignant that this grammarian, as he called him, should -presume to intermeddle with the discussion, turned towards him, and -haughtily said, "Be silent, Philip, keep to your own studies, and give -me no disturbance." Perhaps Eck had already a presentiment of the -formidable adversary he was afterwards to encounter in this young man. -Luther was offended at the rude insult given to his friend; "The -judgment of Philip," said he, "weighs more with me than that of a -thousand doctor Ecks." - - [87] John Kessler, afterwards reformer of St. Gall. - - [88] Lipsicae pugnae otiosus spectator in reliquo volgo sedi. (Corpus - Reformatorum, i, 112.) At Leipsic I sat among the crowd as an idle - spectator. - - [89] Tace tu, Philippe, ac tua studia cura, ne me perturba. (Ibid., i, - 149.) - -The calm Melancthon easily discerned the weak points of this -discussion. "We can only be surprised," says he with the wisdom and -grace conspicuous in all his words, "when we think of the violence -which was brought to the discussion of such subjects. How could any -advantage be derived from it? The Spirit of God loves retreat and -silence: there dwell those whose hearts he penetrates. The bride of -Christ does not stand in streets and public places, but conducts the -Bridegroom into her mother's house."[90] - - [90] Melancth. Op., p. 134. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S SERMON. THE BURGHERS OF LEIPSIC.] - -Both parties claimed the victory. Eck employed all his address to make -it appear that he had gained it. As the points of divergence almost -met, he often exclaimed that he had brought over his opponent to his -opinion, or like a new Proteus, as Luther calls him, turning suddenly -round, he stated Carlstadt's own opinion in different words, and then -asked, with an air of triumph, if he did not feel constrained to -yield. The unskilful, who were unable to detect the sophist's -manoeuvre, applauded and triumphed with him.... In several respects -the match was unequal. Carlstadt was slow, and sometimes left his -opponent's objections unanswered till next day. Eck, on the contrary, -was master of his subject, and could lay his hand at once on whatever -he required. He came forward with a haughty air, mounted his desk with -a firm step, and when there, stamped with his foot, moved backwards -and forwards, made the ceiling ring with his powerful voice, gave some -sort of reply to every argument, and astonished the audience with his -memory and adroitness. Still Eck, without perceiving it, conceded much -more in the discussion than he had intended. His partizans shouted -and laughed at each of his turns, "but," says Luther, "I strongly -suspect they only made a show of laughing, and were exceedingly vexed -at heart when they saw their chief, who had commenced with so much -bravado, quit his standard, abandon his army, and become a shameless -deserter."[91] - - [91] Relictis signis, desertorem exercitus et transfugam factum. (L. - Ep. i, 295.) - -Three or four days after the discussion had commenced, it was -interrupted by the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul. - -The Duke of Pomerania requested Luther to preach before him, on the -occasion, in his chapel. Luther gladly complied. The chapel was soon -filled, and crowds still arriving, it became necessary to remove to -the great hall of the castle, where the discussion was held. Luther -preached from the text of the day, on the grace of God, and the power -of Peter, and gave a popular exposition of the views which he was wont -to maintain before a learned audience. Christianity causes the light -of truth to penetrate alike into the highest and the humblest -intellects, and is in this way distinguished from all other religions, -and from all philosophical systems. The theologians of Leipsic, who -had been present at the sermon, hastened to acquaint Eck with the -expressions which had offended them. "These subtile errors," exclaimed -they, "must be answered, must be publicly refuted." This was just what -Eck wished. All the churches were open to him, and on four successive -occasions he mounted the pulpit to declaim against Luther and his -sermon. Luther's friends were indignant, and demanded that the -theologian of Wittemberg should be heard in his turn. But they -demanded in vain. The pulpits were open to the enemies of evangelical -truth, but shut against those who proclaimed it. "I kept silence," -says Luther, "and was obliged to submit to attacks, insults, and -calumnies, without being able to exculpate and defend myself."[92] - - [92] Mich verklagen, schelten und schmaehen.... (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. - 247.) - -[Sidenote: QUARRELS OF DOCTORS.] - -The ecclesiastics were not the only persons who displayed hostility to -the evangelical doctrine: the citizens of Leipsic were in this respect -of one mind with their clergy, and yielded themselves up with blind -fanaticism to the falsehoods and animosities which were industriously -propagated. The principal inhabitants did not visit either Luther or -Carlstadt. They left them unnoticed when they met them in the street, -and tried to prejudice the duke against them. On the other hand they -visited and gave daily entertainments to the doctor of Ingolstadt, who -enjoyed their good cheer, and learnedly discussed the comparative -merits of Saxony and Bavarian beer. His manners, somewhat free, did -not indicate a very strict morality.[93] The only thing offered to -Luther was the customary present of wine to the disputants. Moreover, -even those who wished him well were anxious that others should not -know it; several Nicodemites visited him by night or in secret. There -were only two who did themselves honour by publicly declaring their -friendship. These were Dr. Auerback, whom we have already met at -Augsburg, and Dr. Pistor, junior. - - [93] Eck to Haven and Bourkard, 1st July, 1519. (Walch, xv, p. 1456.) - -The greatest excitement prevailed in the town. The two parties formed, -as it were, two hostile camps, and sometimes came to blows. In -taverns, frequent quarrels took place between the students of Leipsic -and Wittemberg. It was openly averred, even at meetings of the clergy, -that Luther carried about with him a devil, confined in a little box. -"Whether the devil is in a box, or only under his frock," said Eck, -maliciously, "I know not; but most assuredly he is in one or other of -them." - -During the discussion several doctors of both parties lodged with the -printer Herbipolis; and the dispute ran so high that the host was -obliged to station a town-officer at the top of the table with a -halbert to keep the peace, and prevent the guests from coming to -blows. One day Baumgartner, a vender of indulgences, had a scuffle -with a gentleman, a friend of Luther, and fell into such a rage that -he dropt down dead. Froeschel, who gives the account, says, "I was one -of those who carried him to the grave."[94] The general agitation -which prevailed was thus manifested. Then, as now, the discourses of -the desk were re-echoed in the drawing-room and in the streets. - - [94] Loescher, iii, 278. - -Duke George, though very decidedly in favour of Eck, did not betray so -much passion as his subjects. He invited Eck, Luther, and Carlstadt to -dine together with him. He even asked Luther to pay him a visit in -private, but soon showed how strongly he was prejudiced against him. -"By your book on the Lord's Prayer," said the duke to him, with -bitterness, "you have led many consciences astray. There are persons -who complain of not having been able to say one _pater_ for more than -four days." - - - - -CHAP. V. - - Hierarchy and Rationalism--Two Peasants' Sons--Eck and - Luther begin--The head of the Church--The primacy of - Rome--Equality of Bishops--Peter the Foundation--Christ the - Foundation--Eck insinuates that Luther is a Hussite--Luther - on the doctrine of Huss--Agitation in the - audience--Pleasantry of Dr. Eck--The Word alone--The Court - Fool--Luther at Mass--Saying of the Duke--Purgatory--Close - of the Discussion. - - -[Sidenote: HIERARCHISM AND RATIONALISM. TWO PEASANTS' SONS.] - -On the 4th of July the debate between Eck and Luther commenced. Every -thing announced that it would be keener, more decisive, and more -interesting than that which had just been concluded, and during which -the audience had gradually thinned away. The two antagonists descended -into the arena, resolved not to lay down their arms till victory -should declare in favour of one of them. All were in eager -expectation, for the subject to be debated was the primacy of the -pope. Christianity has two great adversaries: hierarchism and -rationalism. Rationalism, as applied to the doctrine of man's natural -powers, had been attacked by the Reformation in the former branch of -the Leipsic discussion. Hierarchism, viewed with reference to what is -at once its apex, and its base, viz., the doctrine of the pope, was -now to be considered. On the one side appeared Eck boasting of the -debates in which he had been engaged, as a general boasts of his -battles.[95] On the other side stood Luther, to whom the contest -seemed to promise only persecution and obloquy, but who came forward -with a good conscience, a firm resolution to sacrifice everything for -the cause of truth, and a confident expectation founded on faith in -God and the deliverance which he affords. New convictions had sunk -deep into his mind; as yet they were not arranged into a system, but -in the heat of debate they flashed forth like lightning. Grave and -intrepid, he manifested a decision which set all trammels at defiance. -His features bore marks of the storms which had raged within his soul, -and of the courage with which he was prepared to face new tempests. -Two peasants' sons, representatives of the two systems which still -divide Christendom, were on the eve of a contest, the issue of which -would go far to decide the future destiny of the State and the Church. - - [95] Faciebat hoc Eccius quia certam sibi gloriam propositam cernebat, - propter propositionem meam, in qua negabam Papam esse jure divino - caput Ecclesiae; hic patuit ei campus magnus. (L. Op. in Praef.) Eccius - did so because he anticipated certain victory, in consequence of my - proposition, in which I denied that the pope was jure divino head of - the church; here he had a wide field in which to expatiate. - -[Sidenote: THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH.] - -At seven in the morning the two antagonists were in their desks, in -the midst of a numerous and attentive assembly. - -Luther rose and, in the exercise of a necessary precaution, modestly -said:-- - -"In the name of the Lord! Amen. I declare, that the respect which I -feel for the Sovereign Pontiff would have disposed me to avoid this -discussion had the excellent Dr. Eck left me any alternative." - -_Eck._--"In thy name, dear Jesus! before I descend into the arena I -protest in your presence, mighty lords, that whatever I shall say is -under correction of the first of all sees, and the master who occupies -it." - -After a momentary pause, Eck continued--"There is in the church of God -a primacy derived from Jesus Christ himself. The church militant is an -image of the church triumphant. But the latter is a monarchical -hierarchy, rising step by step up to the sole head, who is God, and, -accordingly, Christ has established the same gradation upon earth. -What kind of monster should the Church be if she were without a -head!"[96]... - - [96] "Nam quod monstrum esset, Ecclesiam esse acephalam!" (L. Op. Lat. - i, p. 243.) - -_Luther_, (_turning towards the audience_).--"The doctor is correct in -saying that the universal Church must have a head. If there is any one -here who maintains the contrary, let him stand up? the remark does not -at all apply to me." - -_Eck._--"If the Church militant has never been without a monarch, I -should like to know who that monarch is, if he is not the pontiff of -Rome?" - -_Luther._--"The head of the Church militant is not a man, but Jesus -Christ himself. This I believe on the testimony of God." "_Christ_," -says the Scripture, "_must reign until he has put_ ALL HIS ENEMIES -_under his feet_."[97] "We cannot therefore listen to those who would -confine Christ to the Church triumphant in heaven. His reign is a -reign of faith. We cannot see our Head, and yet we have him."[98] - - [97] I Cor. xv, 25. - - [98] "Prorsus audiendi non sunt qui Christum extra Ecclesiam - militantem tendunt in triumphantem, cum sit regnum fidei. Caput - nostrum non videmus; tamen habemus." (L. Op. Lat. i, p. 243.) - -Eck, not admitting that he was beaten, had recourse to other -arguments, and resumed, "According to St. Cyprian, sacerdotal unity is -derived from Rome."[99] - - [99] "Unde sacerdotalis unitas exorta est." (Ibid.) - -_Luther._--"Granted in regard to the Western Church. But is not the -Church of Rome herself a descendant of the Church of Jerusalem, which -is properly the mother and nurse of all the churches?"[100] - - [100] Haec est matrix proprie omnium ecclesiarum. (Ibid. 244.) - -[Sidenote: THE PRIMACY OF ROME. EQUALITY OF BISHOPS.] - -_Eck._--"St. Jerome declares, that unless an extraordinary power, -superior to all other powers, is given to the pope, churches will have -as many schisms as pontiffs."[101] - - [101] Cui si non exors quaedam et ab omnibus eminens detur potestas. - (Ibid. 243.) - -_Luther._--"_Granted_, that is to say, this power might, by human -authority, be attributed to the Roman pontiff, provided all the -faithful consent to it.[102] And, in like manner, I, for my part, deny -not that if all the faithful throughout the world were to concur in -acknowledging the bishop, either of Rome, or of Paris, or of -Magdeburg, as prime and sovereign pontiff, it would be necessary to -acknowledge him as such in deference to this universal consent of the -Church. The thing, however, never has been, and never will be seen. -Even in our own day does not the Greek Church refuse her assent to -Rome?" - - [102] _Detur_, inquit, hoc est jure humano, posset fieri, - consentientibus, caeteris omnibus fidelibus. (L. Op. Lat. i, p. 244.) - -At this period Luther was quite ready to acknowledge the pope as first -magistrate of the Church, elected by her own free choice; but he -denied that he was of divine institution. At a later period he denied -that subjection was due to him in any respect, and this denial he owed -to the discussion at Leipsic. Eck had come upon ground which he did -not know so thoroughly as Luther. The latter, it is true, could not -maintain his thesis, that the papacy had not been in existence for -more than four centuries. Eck quoted authorities of an earlier date, -and these Luther was unable to obviate, criticism not having yet -attacked the spurious decretals. But the nearer the discussion was -brought to primitive times, the more Luther's strength increased. Eck -appealed to the Fathers. Luther quoted the Fathers in reply, and all -the hearers were struck with his superiority to his rival. - -"That my exposition," said he, "is that of St. Jerome, I prove by St. -Jerome's own Epistle to Evagrius, in which he says, 'Every bishop, -whether at Rome, or Eugubium, or Constantinople, or Rhegium, or -Alexandria, or Tanis, has the same merit, and the same priesthood.'[103] -The power of riches, and the humiliation of poverty, constitute the -only precedence or inferiority among bishops." - - [103] "Ejusdem meriti et ejusdem sacerdotii est." (L. Op. Lat. i, p. - 244.) - -From the writings of the Fathers, Luther passed to the decrees of -Councils which regard the bishop of Rome as only a first among -equals.[104] - - [104] Primus inter pares. - -[Sidenote: PRIMACY OF ST. PETER.] - -"We read," says he, "in the decree of the Council of Africa," "The -bishop of the first see must not be called either prince of the the -pontiffs, or sovereign pontiff, or any other similar name, but only -bishop of the first see. Were the supremacy of the bishop of Rome of -divine institution, would not these words be heretical?" - -Eck replied by one of those subtile distinctions which were so -familiar to him. - -"The bishop of Rome, if you will so have it, is not universal bishop, -but bishop of the universal church."[105] - - [105] Non episcopus universalis, sed universalis Ecclesiae episcopus. - (Ibid. 246.) - -_Luther._--"I am quite willing to leave this reply unanswered: let our -hearers judge for themselves." - -"Assuredly," said he, afterwards, "the gloss is worthy of a -theologian, and well fitted to satisfy a disputant thirsting for -glory. My expensive sojourn in Leipsic has not been for nothing, since -I have learned that the pope, though not indeed the universal bishop, -is the bishop of the universal church."[106]. - - [106] Ego glorior me tot expensis non frustra.... (L. Ep. i, 299.) - -_Eck._--"Very well, I come to the essential point. The venerable -doctor calls upon me to prove that the primacy of the church of Rome -is of divine institution--I prove it by these words of Christ: '_Thou -art Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church._' St. Augustine, -in one of his epistles, has thus expounded the passage, 'Thou art -Peter, and upon this rock, that is to say, on this Peter, I will build -my Church.' It is true, Augustine has elsewhere said that, by this -rock must be understood Christ himself, but he never retracted his -former exposition." - -_Luther._--"If the reverend doctor would attack me, he should first -reconcile these contrary statements of Augustine. It is undeniable -that St. Augustine has again and again said that the rock was Christ, -and he may perhaps have once said that it was Peter himself. But even -should St. Augustine and all the Fathers say that the apostle is the -rock of which Christ speaks, I would combat their view on the -authority of an apostle, in other words, divine authority;[107] for it -is written, '_No other foundation can any man lay than that is laid, -namely, Jesus Christ._'[108] Peter himself calls Christ, '_the chief -and corner stone on which we are built up a spiritual house_.'"[109] - - [107] "Resistam eis ego unus, auctoritate apostoli, id est iure - divino." (L. Op. Lat. i, p. 237.) - - [108] 1 Cor. iii, 11. - - [109] 1 Peter, ii, 4, 5. - -_Eck._--"I am astonished at the humility and modesty with which the -reverend doctor undertakes single-handed to combat so many -distinguished Fathers, and to know better than sovereign pontiffs, -councils, doctors, and universities.... It would, certainly, be -astonishing that God should have concealed the truth from so many -saints and martyrs ... and not revealed it until the advent of the -reverend father!" - -[Sidenote: ECK'S STRATEGEM. THE HUSSITES.] - -_Luther._--"The Fathers are not against me. The distinguished doctors, -St. Augustine, and St. Ambrose, speak as I do. '_Super isto articulo -fidei, fundata est ecclesia_,'[110] says St. Ambrose, when explaining -what must be understood by the rock on which the church is built. Let -my opponent then bridle his tongue. To express himself as he does is -to stir up strife, not to discuss like a true doctor." - - [110] On this article of faith the Church is founded. (L. Op. Lat. i, - p. 254.) - -Eck had not expected that his opponent would possess so much knowledge -of the subject, and be able to disentangle himself from the labyrinth -in which he tried to bewilder him. "The reverend doctor," said he, -"has entered the lists after carefully studying his subject. Your -highnesses will excuse me for not presenting them with such exact -researches. I came to debate and not to make a book." Eck was -astonished, but not beaten. Having no more arguments to give, he had -recourse to a mean and despicable artifice, which, if it did not -vanquish his opponent, would at least subject him to great -embarrassment. If the charge of being a Bohemian, a heretic, a Hussite -fastens upon Luther, he is vanquished, for the Bohemians were detested -in the Church. The scene of discussion was not far from the frontiers -of Bohemia. Saxony, which, immediately after the condemnation of John -Huss by the Council of Constance, had been subjected to all the -horrors of a long and ruinous war, was proud of the resistance which -she had then given to the Hussites. The university of Leipsic had been -founded to oppose their tenets, and the discussion was in presence of -nobles, princes, and citizens, whose fathers had fallen in that -celebrated struggle. To make out that Luther was at one with Huss was -almost like giving him the finishing blow, and this was the stratagem -to which the doctor of Ingolstadt had recourse. "From primitive times -downwards," says he, "it was acknowledged by all good Christians, that -the Church of Rome holds its primacy of Jesus Christ himself and not -of man. I must confess, however, that the Bohemians, while obstinately -defending their errors, attacked this doctrine. The venerable father -must pardon me if I am an enemy of the Bohemians, because they are the -enemies of the Church, and if the present discussion has reminded me -of these heretics; for, ... according to my weak judgment, ... the -conclusions to which the doctor has come are all in favour of their -errors. It is even affirmed that the Hussites loudly boast of -this."[111] - - [111] Et, ut fama est, de hoc plurimum gratulantur. (L. Op. Lat. i, p. - 250.) - -[Sidenote: LUTHER ON HUSS. SENSATION.] - -Eck had calculated well. All his partizans received the insinuation -with acclamation, and an expression of applause was general -throughout the audience. "These slanders," said the Reformer at a -later period, "tickled their fancy much more agreeably than the -discussion itself." - -_Luther._--"I love not a schism and I never shall. Since the -Bohemians, of their own authority, separate from our unity, they do -wrong even were divine authority decisive in favour of their doctrine; -for at the head of all divine authority is charity and the unity of -the Spirit."[112] - - [112] Nunquam mihi placuit, nec in aeternum placebit quodcumque schisma - ... Cum supremum jus divinum sit charitas et unitas Spiritus (Ibid.) - -It was at the morning sitting, on the 5th July, that Luther thus -expressed himself. Shortly after, the meeting adjourned for dinner. -Luther felt uneasy. Had he not gone too far in thus condemning the -Christians of Bohemia? Have they not maintained the doctrine which -Luther is maintaining at this hour? He sees all the difficulty of the -step before him. Will he declare against the Council which condemned -John Huss, or will he abjure the grand idea of an universal Christian -Church, an idea deeply imprinted on his mind? Resolute Luther -hesitated not. "I must do my duty come what may." Accordingly, when -the assembly again met at two o'clock, he rose and said firmly:-- - -"Certain of the tenets of John Huss and the Bohemians are perfectly -orthodox. This much is certain. For instance, 'That there is only one -universal church,' and again, 'That it is not necessary to salvation -to believe the Roman Church superior to others.' Whether Wickliffe or -Huss has said so I care not.... It is the truth." - -[Sidenote: ECK'S PLEASANTRY.] - -This declaration of Luther produced an immense sensation in the -audience. The abhorred names of Huss and Wickliffe pronounced with -eulogium by a monk in the heart of a Catholic assembly!... A general -murmur was heard. Duke George himself felt as much alarmed, as if he -had actually seen the standard of civil war, which had so long -desolated the states of his maternal ancestors, unfurled in Saxony. -Unable to conceal his emotion, he struck his thigh, shook his head, -and exclaimed, loud enough to be heard by the whole assembly, "The man -is mad!"[113] The whole audience was extremely excited. They rose to -their feet, and every one kept talking to his neighbour. Those who had -fallen asleep, awoke. Luther's opponents expressed their exultation, -while his friends were greatly embarrassed. Several persons, who till -then had listened to him with pleasure, began to doubt his orthodoxy. -The impression produced upon the mind of the duke by this declaration -was never effaced; from this moment he looked upon the Reformer with -an unfavourable eye, and became his enemy.[114] - - [113] Das walt die Sucht! - - [114] Nam adhuc erat Dux Georgius mihi non inimicus, quod sciebam - certo. (L. Op. in Praef.) For I was well assured that Duke George was - not yet my enemy. - -Luther was not intimidated by this explosion of disapprobation One of -his leading arguments was, that the Greeks had never recognised the -pope, and yet had never been declared heretics; that the Greek Church -had subsisted, was subsisting, and would subsist without the pope, and -was a Church of Christ as much as the Church of Rome. Eck, on the -contrary, boldly affirmed that the Christian Church and the Roman -Church were one and the same; that the Greeks and Orientals, by -abandoning the Church, had also abandoned Christian faith, and -unquestionably were heretics. "What!" exclaimed Luther, "Are not -Gregory of Nanzianzen, Basil the Great, Epiphanius, Chrysostom, and an -immense number of other Greek bishops in bliss? and yet they did not -believe that the Church of Rome was superior to other churches!... It -is not in the power of the pontiff of Rome to make new articles of -faith. The Christian believer has no other authority than the Holy -Scriptures--they alone constitute _divine law_. I pray the illustrious -doctor to admit that the pontiffs of Rome were men, and have the -goodness not to make gods of them."[115] - - [115] Nec potest fidelis Christianus cogi ultra Sacram Scripturam, quae - est proprie jus divinum. (L. Op. Lat. i, 252.) Nor can a Christian - believer be forced beyond the Sacred Scripture, which is properly - divine law. - -Eck had recourse to one of those witticisms which at small cost give a -little air of triumph to the person employing them. - -"The reverend father," says he, "not being well versed in the culinary -art, makes an odd mixture of Greek saints and heretics, so that the -perfume of holiness in the one disguises the poison in the -other."[116] - - [116] "At Rev. Pater, _artis coquinariae_ minus instructus, commiscet - sanctos graecos cum schismaticis et haereticis, ut fuco sanctitatis - Patrum, haereticorum tueatur perfidiam." (Ibid.) But the Rev. Father, - imperfectly skilled in the culinary art, confounds Greek saints with - schismatics and heretics, that by the sanctity of the Fathers he may - disguise the perfidy of the heretics. - -_Luther_--(_hastily interrupting Eck_.)--"The worthy doctor is -impertinent. I do not hold that there is any communion between Christ -and Belial." - -[Sidenote: THE COURT FOOL. LUTHER AT MASS.] - -Luther had taken a large step in advance. In 1516, and 1517, he had -only attacked the discourses of the venders of indulgences, and had -respected the decrees of the popes. At a later period he had rejected -these decrees, but had appealed from them to a council. Now he had -discarded this last authority also, declaring that no council can -establish a new article of faith, or claim to be infallible. Thus all -human authorities had successively fallen before him. The sand brought -along by the rain and the floods had disappeared; and now, for -building up the ruins of the Lord's house, there remained only the -eternal rock of the Word of God. "Venerable father!" said Eck to him, -"if you believe that a council, lawfully assembled, can err, you are -to me only a heathen man and a publican." - -Such were the discussions between the two doctors. The audience were -attentive but occasionally began to flag, and hence were pleased with -any incident which enlivened the scene and gave them a momentary -relaxation. The gravest matters have their comic interludes; and so it -was at Leipsic. - -Duke George, according to the custom of the time, had a court fool, to -whom some wags said, "Luther maintains that a court fool may marry. -Eck maintains the contrary." On this the fool took a great dislike to -Eck, and, every time he came into the hall with the servants of Duke -George, eyed the theologian with a menacing air. The chancellor of -Ingolstadt, not disdaining to descend to pleasantry, one day shut one -eye, (the fool was blind of one,) and with the other began to squint -at the poor creature, who, in a perfect rage, let fly a volley of -abuse. "The whole assembly," says Peiffer, "burst into laughter." This -amusing incident somewhat relieved their minds from the stretch on -which they had been kept.[117] - - [117] L. Op. (W.) xv, 1440.--2 Loescher, iii, p. 281. - -At the same time, both in the town and in the churches scenes occurred -which showed how much the partisans of Rome were horrified at Luther's -bold assertions. An outcry was raised against him, especially in the -convents attached to the pope. - -Luther had one day walked into the church of the Dominicans, before -high mass. The only persons present were some monks, saying low mass -at the side altars. No sooner was it told in the cloister that the -heretic Luther was in the church than the monks came down in all -haste, laid hold of the _ostensorium_, and carrying it into the -tabernacle shut it up, carefully watching it, lest the holy sacrament -should be profaned by the heretical eye of the Augustin of Wittemberg. -At the same time, those who were saying mass hastily gathered up their -articles, quitted the altar, ran across the church, and took refuge in -the sacristy, "just," says a historian, "as if the devil had been at -their heels." - -[Sidenote: SAYING OF DUKE GEORGE. CLOSE OF THE DISCUSSION.] - -The discussion became the general subject of conversation. In the -inns, at the university, and the court, every one gave his opinion. -Duke George, whatever his irritation may have been, did not -obstinately shut his ears against conviction. One day, when Eck and -Luther were dining with him, he interrupted their conversation, -saying, "Let the pope be pope, whether by divine or human law; at all -events he is pope."[118] Luther was much pleased with the expression. -"The prince," says he, "never would have uttered it, if my arguments -had not made some impression on him." - - [118] Ita ut ipse Dux Georgius inter prandendum, ad Eccium et me - dicat: "Sive sit jure humano, sive sit jure divino, papa; ipse est - papa." (L. Op. in Praef.) - -The discussion on the primacy of the pope had lasted during five days. -On the 8th of July, the doctrine of purgatory was discussed, and -occupied two days. Luther was still a believer in the existence of -purgatory; but he denied that the doctrine, as held by the schoolmen -and his opponent, was taught either in the Scriptures or by the -Fathers. "Our Doctor Eck," said he, referring to the superficial -knowledge of his opponent, "has to-day run over the Holy Scriptures -almost without touching them, just as an insect skims the water." - -On the 11th July indulgences were discussed. "It was mere sport and -burlesque," says Luther. "Indulgences gave way at once, and Eck was -almost entirely of my opinion."[119] Eck himself said, "Had I not -disputed with Doctor Martin on the primacy of the pope, I could almost -agree with him."[120] - - [119] L. Op. (L.) xvii, 246. - - [120] So wollt'er fast einig mit mir gewest seyn. (Ibid.) - -The discussion afterwards turned on repentance, absolution by the -priest, and satisfactions. Eck, as usual, quoted the schoolmen, the -dominicans, and the canons of the pope. Luther closed the discussion -with these words:-- - -"The reverend doctor flees before the Holy Scriptures, as the devil -does before the cross. For my part, with all due deference to the -Fathers, I prefer the authority of Scripture, and recommend it to our -judges."[121] - - [121] Videtur fugere a facie Scripturarum, sicut diabolus crucem. - Quare, salvis reverentiis Patrum, praefero ego auctoritatem Scripturae, - quod commendo judicibus futuris. (L. Op. Lat. i, p. 291.) - -This closed the debate between Eck and Luther, but Carlstadt and the -doctor of Ingolstadt continued for two days longer to discuss the -subject of human merit and good works. On the 16th July, the whole -proceeding, after having lasted twenty days, was closed by a discourse -from the rector of Leipsic. The moment the discourse was finished, -thrilling music burst forth, and the whole concluded with the _Te -Deum_. - -But, during this solemn chant, the feelings of the audience no longer -were what they had been during the _Veni Spiritus_. The presentiments -which several persons had expressed seemed to be actually realised. -The blows struck by the champions of the two systems had made a large -wound in the papacy. - - - - -CHAP. VI. - - Interest felt by the Laity--Luther's Opinion--Admissions and - Boastings of Dr. Eck--Effects of the - Discussion--Poliander--Cellarius--The Young Prince of - Anhalt--The Students of Leipsic--Cruciger--Calling of - Melancthon--Emancipation of Luther. - - -[Sidenote: INTEREST FELT BY THE LAITY.] - -These theological discussions, to which the worldly-minded of the -present day would not devote a few short moments, had been attended -and listened to with eagerness, during twenty days--laymen, knights, -and princes, taking a deep interest in them to the last. Duke Barnim, -and Duke George, seemed particularly attentive, whereas some of the -theologians of Leipsic, friends of Dr. Eck, slept, as an eye-witness -expresses it, "quite soundly." It was even necessary to awake them on -the adjournments, that they might not lose their dinner. - -Luther was the first to quit Leipsic, and next Carlstadt. Eck remained -several days after they were gone. - -No formal decision was given on the points discussed.[122] Every one -spoke as he thought. "There was at Leipsic," says Luther, "loss of -time, and no investigation of truth. During the two years in which we -have been examining the doctrines of our opponents, we have counted -all their bones. Eck, on the contrary, has hardly skimmed the -surface;[123] but he cried more in one hour than we did in two long -years." - - [122] "Ad exitum certaminis, uti solet, nulla prodiit decisio." - (Pallavicini, i, 65.) As usual no decision was given on the conclusion - of the debate. - - [123] "Totam istam conclusionum cohortem multo acrius et validius - nostri Wittembergenses . . . oppugnaverunt et ita examinaverunt ut - ossa eorum numerare licuerit, quas Eccius vix in facie eutis leviter - perstriuxit." (L. Ep. i, 291.) This whole host of conclusions our - Wittembergers boldly and vigorously assailed, and so exposed that all - their bones might have been counted, whereas Eck scarcely pierced - their skin. - -[Sidenote: ECK'S ACCOUNT OF THE DISCUSSION.] - -Eck, when writing privately to his friends, admitted his defeat to a -certain extent, though he was at no loss for an explanation. "The -Wittembergers," wrote he to Hochstraten on the 24th July,[124] -"defeated me on several points--first, because they brought books with -them--secondly, because they took down the debate in writing, and -examined it at home at their leisure--and thirdly, because they were -more numerous. Two doctors, (Carlstadt and Luther,) Lange, vicar of -the Augustins, two licentiates, Amsdorff, and a very arrogant nephew -of Reuchlin, (Melancthon,) three doctors of law, and several masters -of arts, lent their assistance both in public and private, whereas I -stood alone, having nothing but a good cause for my companion." Eck -forgot Emser, and all the doctors of Leipsic. - - [124] "Verum in multis me obruerunt." (Corpus Reform. i, 83.) - -Though these concessions escaped Eck in familiar correspondence, he -acted otherwise in public. The doctor of Ingolstadt, and the -theologians of Leipsic, made a great noise with what they called -_their victory_. They everywhere set false reports in circulation, -while all the tongues of the party reiterated their expressions of -self-complacency. "Eck goes about triumphing,"[125] wrote Luther. -There were disputes, however, in the camp of Rome, in regard to the -laurels. "Had we not come to the help of Eck," said the theologians of -Leipsic, "the illustrious doctor would have been overthrown." "The -theologians of Leipsic," said Eck on his part, "are well enough, but I -had hoped too much from them--I did the whole myself." "You see," said -Luther to Spalatin, "how they are chanting a new Iliad, and a new -AEneid. They are kind enough to make me a Hector or a Turnus, while Eck -is their Achilles, or AEneas. Their only doubt is whether the victory -was gained by the arms of Eck, or by those of Leipsic. All I can say -to throw light on the matter is, that Eck uniformly kept bawling, and -the Leipsickers as uniformly held their peace."[126] - - [125] "Eccius triumphat ubique." (L. Ep. i, 290.) - - [126] "Novam quamdam Iliada et AEneida illos cantare".... (L. Ep. i, p. - 305.) - -"Eck," says the elegant, clever, and sagacious Mosellanus "has -triumphed in the estimation of those who do not understand the -subject, and who have grown old in poring over the schoolmen; but, in -the estimation of all men of learning, intellect, and moderation, -Luther and Carlstadt are the victors."[127] - - [127] "Lutheri Sieg sey um so viel weniger beruehmt, weil der - Gelehrten, Verstandigen, und derer die sich selbst nicht hoch ruehmen, - wenig seyen." (Seckendorff, 207.) - -[Sidenote: DUKE GEORGE OF ANHALT. THE STUDENTS.] - -The Leipsic discussion, however, was not destined to vanish into -smoke. Every work which is devoutly performed bears fruit. The words -of Luther had penetrated the minds of his hearers with irresistible -force. Several of those who had daily thronged the castle hall were -subdued by the truth, whose leading conquests were made among her most -decided opponents. Even Poliander, the secretary, familiar friend and -disciple of Eck, was gained to the Reformation, and began, in 1522, to -preach the gospel at Leipsic. John Camerarius, professor of Hebrew, -one of the keenest opponents of the Reformation, impressed by the -words of the mighty teacher, began to examine the Holy Scriptures more -thoroughly; and, shortly after throwing up his situation, came to -Wittemberg to study at the feet of Luther. He was afterwards pastor at -Frankfort and Dresden. - -Among those who had taken their place on the seats reserved for the -Court, and accompanied Duke George, was George of Anhalt, a young -prince, twelve years of age, of a family which had distinguished -itself in the wars against the Saracens. At this time he was studying -at Leipsic with his tutor. Great ardour for science, and a strong -attachment to truth, had already become the characteristics of the -illustrious young prince. He was often heard to repeat the words of -Solomon, _falsehood ill becomes a prince_. The Leipsic discussion -inspired this child with serious reflection, and with a decided -leaning to Luther.[128] Some time after a bishopric was offered to -him. His brother, and all his family, with the view of raising him to -high honour in the Church, urged him to accept it, but he resolutely -declined. His pious mother, who was secretly favourable to Luther, -having died, he became possessed of all the Reformer's writings. He -was constant and fervent in prayer to God, to incline his heart to the -truth; and, often in the solitude of his chamber, exclaimed, with -tears, "_Deal mercifully with thy servant, and teach me thy -statutes_."[129] His prayers were heard. Carried forward by his -convictions, he fearlessly joined the ranks of the friends of the -gospel. In vain did his guardians, and particularly Duke George, -besiege him with entreaties and remonstrances. He remained inflexible, -and the Duke, half convinced by his pupil's reasons, exclaimed, "I -cannot answer him; still, however, I will keep by my Church--I am too -old a dog to be trained." We will afterwards see in this amiable -prince one of the finest characters of the Reformation, one who -himself preached the word of life to his subjects, and to whom the -saying of Dion respecting the emperor Marcus Antoninus, has been -applied, "He was through life consistent with himself, he was a good -man, a man free from guile."[130] - - [128] L. Op. (W.) xv, p. 1440. - - [129] ... A Deo petivit, flecti pectus suum ad veritatem, ac lacrymans - saepe haec verba repetivit.... (M. Adami, Vita Georgii Anhalt, p. 248.) - - [130] +Homoios dia panton egeneto, agathos de en, kai ouden - pros poieton eichen.+ (Ibid. 255.) - -But Luther's words met with an enthusiastic reception, especially from -the students. They felt the difference between the spirit and life of -the doctor of Wittemberg, and the sophistical distinctions, and vain -speculations, of the chancellor of Ingolstadt. They saw Luther -founding upon the word of God, and they saw Dr. Eck founding only on -human traditions. The effect was soon visible. The classes of the -university of Leipsic almost emptied after the discussion. One -circumstance partly contributed to this. The plague threatened to make -its appearance--but there were many other universities--for example, -Erfurt, or Ingolstadt, to which the students might have repaired. The -force of truth drew them to Wittemberg, where the number of the -students was doubled.[131] - - [131] Peifer Histor. Lipsiensis, 356. - -[Sidenote: CRUCIGER. MELANCTHON'S CALL.] - -Among those who removed from the one university to the other was a -youth of sixteen, of a melancholy air, who spoke little, and often -amid the conversation and games of his fellow-students seemed absorbed -by his own thoughts.[132] His parents at first thought him of weak -intellect, but they soon found him so apt to learn, and so completely -engrossed by his studies, that they conceived high hopes of him. His -integrity, his candour, his modesty, and his piety, made him a general -favourite, and Mosellanus singled him out as a model to all the -university. He was called Gaspard Cruciger, and was originally from -Leipsic. This new student of Wittemberg was afterwards the friend of -Melancthon, and the assistant of Luther in the translation of the -Bible. - - [132] Et cogitabundus et saepe in medios sodalitios quasi peregrinante - animo. (Melch. Adami, Vita Crucigeri, p. 198.) - -The Leipsic discussion produced results still more important, in as -much as the theologian of the Reformation then received his call. -Modest and silent, Melancthon had been present at the discussion -almost without taking any part in it. Till then his attention had been -engrossed by literature, but the discussion gave him a new impulse, -and gained him over to theology. Henceforth his science did homage to -the word of God. He received the evangelical truth with the simplicity -of a child. His audience heard him expound the doctrines of salvation -with a grace and clearness by which all were charmed. He boldly -advanced in this, which was to him a new career; "for," said he, -"Christ will never leave his people."[133] From this moment the two -friends walked side by side, contending for liberty and truth, the one -with the energy of St. Paul, and the other with the meekness of St. -John. Luther has admirably expressed the difference of their -calling:--"I was born," said he, "to enter the field of battle, and -contend with factions and demons. Hence, my writings breathe war and -tempest. I must root up the trunks, remove the thorns and the -brambles, and fill up the marshes and pools. I am the sturdy -wood-cutter who must clear the passage and level the ground; but -master Philip advances calmly and softly; he digs and plants, sows, -and waters joyously, in accordance with the gifts which God has, with -so liberal a hand, bestowed upon him."[134] - - [133] Christus suis non deerit. (Corp. Reform. i, 104.) - - [134] L. Op. (W.) xiv, 200. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S EMANCIPATION.] - -If Melancthon, the quiet sower, was called to the work by the -discussion of Leipsic, Luther, the hardy wood-cutter, felt his arm -strengthened, and his courage still more inflamed by it. The mightiest -result of this discussion was produced in Luther himself. "Scholastic -theology," said he, "sunk entirely in my estimation, under the -triumphant presidency of Dr. Eck." In regard to the reformer, the -veil which the School and the Church had hung up in front of the -sanctuary was rent from top to bottom. Constrained to engage in new -enquiries, he arrived at unexpected discoveries. With equal -astonishment and indignation he saw the evil in all its magnitude. -While poring over the annals of the Church, he discovered that the -supremacy of Rome had no other origin than ambition on the one hand, -and credulous ignorance on the other. The narrow point of view under -which he had hitherto looked at the Church was succeeded by one both -clearer and wider. In the Christians of Greece and the East he -recognised true members of the Catholic Church; and, instead of a -visible head, seated on the banks of the Tiber, he adored, as sole -Head of his people, that invisible and eternal Redeemer, who, -according to his promise, is always, and in all parts of the world, in -the midst of those who believe in his name. The Latin Church Luther no -longer regarded as the universal Church. The narrow barriers of Rome -were thrown down; and he shouted for joy when he saw the glorious -domain of Jesus Christ stretching far beyond them. Henceforth he felt -that he could be a member of the Church of Christ without belonging to -the Church of the pope. In particular, the writings of John Huss made -a strong impression on him. To his great surprise, he discovered in -them the doctrine of St. Paul and St. Augustine, the doctrine to which -he had himself arrived, after so many struggles. "I believed," said -he, "and, without knowing it, taught all the doctrines of John -Huss.[135] So did Staupitz. In short, without suspecting it, we are -all Hussites, as are also St. Paul and St. Augustine. I am confounded -at it, and know not what to think.... O what dreadful judgments have -not men merited from God! Evangelical truth, when unfolded, and -published more than a century ago, was condemned, burned, and -suppressed.... Woe! Woe to the earth!" - - [135] Ego imprudens hucusque omnia Johannis Huss et docui, et - tenui.... (L. Ep. ii, p. 452.) - -Luther disengaged himself from the papacy, regarding it with decided -aversion and holy indignation. All the witnesses, who in every age had -risen up against Rome came successively before him to testify against -her, and unveil some of her abuses or errors. "O darkness!" exclaimed -he. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S CHARITY. ECK ATTACKS MELANCTHON.] - -He was not allowed to be silent as to these sad discoveries. The pride -of his adversaries, their pretended triumph, and the efforts which -they made to extinguish the light, fixed his decision. He advanced in -the path in which God was leading him, without any uneasiness as to -the result. Luther has fixed upon this as the moment of his -emancipation from the papal yoke--"Learn by me," said he, "how -difficult it is to disencumber oneself of errors which the whole world -confirms by its example, and which, from long habit, have become a -second nature.[136] For seven years I had been reading, and, with -great zeal, publicly expounding the Holy Scriptures, so that I had -them almost entirely by heart.[137] I had also all the rudiments of -knowledge and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,--that is to say, I knew -that we were not justified and saved by our works, but by faith in -Christ: and I even maintained openly, that the pope is not head of the -Christian Church by divine authority. And yet ... I could not see the -inference, viz.--that certainly and necessarily the pope is of the -devil. For whatever is not of God must, of necessity, be of the -devil."[138] Further on, Luther adds--"I no longer vent my indignation -against those who are still attached to the pope, since I myself, -after reading the Holy Scriptures so carefully, and for so many years, -still clung to the pope with so much obstinacy."[139] - - [136] Quam difficile sit eluctari et emergere ex erroribus, totius - orbis, exemplo firmatis.... (L. Op. Lat. in Praef.) - - [137] Per septem annos, ita ut memoriter pene omnia tenerem.... - (Ibid.) - - [138] Quod enim ex Deo non est, necesse est ex diabolo esse. (Ibid.) - - [139] Cum ego tot annis sacra legens diligentissime, tamen ita haesi - tenaciter. (Ibid.) - -Such were the true results of the discussion of Leipsic--results far -more important than the discussion itself, and resembling those first -successes which discipline an army and inflame its courage. - - - - -CHAP. VII. - - Eck attacks Melancthon--Melancthon's defence--Interpretation - of Scripture--Luther's firmness--The Bohemian - Brethren--Emser--Staupitz. - - -Eck abandoned himself to all the intoxication of what he would fain -have passed off as a victory. He kept tearing at Luther, and heaped -accusation upon accusation[140] against him. He also wrote to -Frederick. Like a skilful general, he wished to take advantage of the -confusion which always succeeds a battle, in order to obtain important -concessions from the prince. Preparatory to the steps which he meant -to take against his opponent personally, he invoked the flames against -his writings, even those of them which he had not read. Imploring the -Elector to convene a provincial council, the coarse-minded doctor -exclaimed, "Let us exterminate all this vermin before they multiply -out of measure."[141] - - [140] Proscidit, post abitum nostrum, Martinum inhumanissime. - (Melancthon Corp. Refor. i, 106.) - - [141] Ehe das Ungeziffer uberhand nehme. (L. Op. (L.) xvii, 271.) - -[Sidenote: MELANCTHON'S DEFENCE.] - -Luther was not the only person against whom he vented his rage. He had -the imprudence to call Melancthon into the field. Melancthon, who was -in terms of the greatest intimacy with the excellent OEcolampadius, -gave him an account of the discussion, and spoke of Eck in eulogistic -terms.[142] Nevertheless, the pride of the chancellor of Ingolstadt -was offended, and he immediately took up the pen against this -"grammarian of Wittemberg, who, it is true," said he, "was not -ignorant of Latin and Greek, but had dared to publish a letter in -which he had insulted him, Dr. Eck."[143] - - [142] Eccius ob varias et insignes ingenii dotes.... (L. Op. Lat. i, - p. 337.) - - [143] Ausus est grammaticus Wittembergensis, Graece et Latine sane non - indoctus, epistolam edere.... (L. Op. Lat. i, p. 338.) - -Melancthon replied. It is his first theological writing, and displays -the exquisite urbanity which characterised this excellent man. Laying -down the fundamental principles of Hermeneutics, he shows that the -Holy Scriptures ought not to be explained according to the Fathers, -but the Fathers according to the Holy Scriptures. "How often," says -he, "did not Jerome commit mistakes, how often Augustine, how often -Ambrose; how often do they differ in opinion, how often do they -retract their own errors; ... there is only one volume inspired by the -Spirit of heaven--pure and true throughout."[144] - - [144] Una est Scriptura, coelestis Spiritus, pura, et per omnia - verax. (Contra Eckium Defensio, Corp. Refor. i, p. 115.) - -"Luther," it is said, "does not follow some ambiguous expositions of -the ancients, and why should he follow them? When he expounds the -passage of St. Matthew, "_Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will -build my Church_," he agrees with Origen, who by himself alone is -worth a host; with Augustine in his homily, and Ambrose in his sixth -book on St. Luke, to say nothing of others. What, then, you will say, -do the Fathers contradict each other? Is it surprising that they -should?[145] I believe in the Fathers, because I believe in the Holy -Scriptures. The meaning of Scripture is one, and simple, like heavenly -truth herself. We arrive at it by comparing different passages -together; we deduce it from the thread and connection of the -discourse.[146] There is a philosophy enjoined us in regard to the -Book of God, and it is to employ it as the touch-stone by which all -the opinions and maxims of men must be tried."[147] - - [145] Quid igitur? Ipsi secum pugnunt! quid mirum? (Contra Eckium - Defensio, Corp. Refor., i, p. 115.) - - [146] Quem collatis Scripturis e filo ductuque orationis licet - assequi. (Ibid. 114.) - - [147] Ut hominum sententias, decretaque, ad ipsas, ceu ad Lydium - lapidem exigamus. (Ibid. p. 115.) By it (Scripture), as by a Lydian - stone, let us test the decisions and opinions of men. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S FIRMNESS, EMSER. STAUPITZ.] - -It was a long time since these great truths had been so elegantly -expounded. The Word of God was restored to its proper place, and the -Fathers to theirs. The simple method by which we ascertain the -meaning of Scripture was distinctly traced. The Word had precedence -over all the difficulties and the expositions of the School. -Melancthon furnished the answer to those who, like Dr. Eck, would -envelope this subject in the mists of a remote antiquity. The feeble -_grammarian_ had risen up, and the broad and sturdy shoulders of the -scholastic gladiator had bent under the first pressure of his arm. - -The weaker Eck was, the more noise he made, as if his rhodomontades -and accusations were to secure the victory which he had failed to -obtain in debate. The monks and all the partisans of Rome re-echoing -his clamour, Germany rang with invectives against Luther, who, -however, remained passive. "The more I see my name covered with -opprobrium," said he in finishing the expositions which he published, -on the propositions of Leipsic, "the prouder I feel; the truth, in -other words, Christ, must increase, but I must decrease. The voice of -the Bridegroom and the bride delights me more than all this clamour -dismays me. Men are not the authors of my sufferings, and I have no -hatred against them. It is Satan, the prince of evil, who would -terrify me. But he who is in us is greater than he who is in the -world. The judgment of our contemporaries is bad; that of posterity -will be better."[148] - - [148] "Praesens male judicat aetas; judicium menus posteritatis erit." - (L. Op. Lat. i, 310.) - -If the Leipsic discussion multiplied Luther's enemies in Germany, it -also increased the number of his friends abroad; "What Huss was -formerly in Bohemia, you, O Martin, are now in Saxony," wrote the -brothers of Bohemia to him; "wherefore pray and be strong in the -Lord." - -About this time war was declared between Luther and Emser, now a -professor of Leipsic. The latter addressed a letter to Dr. Zach, a -zealous Roman Catholic of Prague, in which his professed object was to -disabuse the Hussites of the idea that Luther was of their party. -Luther could not doubt that under the semblance of defending him, the -learned Leipsicker's real purpose was to fasten on him a suspicion of -adhering to the Bohemian heresy, and he resolved to tear aside the -veil under which his old Dresden host was endeavouring to shroud his -enmity. With this view he published a letter addressed to the "goat -Emser," Emser's arms being a goat. Luther concludes with a sentiment -which well delineates his own character, "To love all, but fear -none."[149] - - [149] L. Op. Lat. i, 252. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER ON THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS.] - -While new friends and new enemies thus appeared, old friends seemed to -draw off from Luther. Staupitz, who had been the means of bringing the -Reformer out of the obscurity of the cloister of Erfurt, began to -show him some degree of coolness. Luther was rising too high for -Staupitz to follow him.--"You abandon me," wrote Luther to him. "The -whole day I have been exceedingly grieved on your account, like a -child just weaned and weeping for its mother.[150] Last night," -continues the Reformer, "I dreamed of you, you were keeping aloof from -me, and I was sobbing and shedding tears; then you gave me your hand, -and told me to dry up my tears, for you would return to me." - - [150] Ego super te, sicut ablactatus super matre sua, tristissimus hac - die fui. (Ep. i, p. 342.) - -The pacificator, Miltitz, wished to make a new attempt at -conciliation. But what hold can be had on men while still under the -excitement of the contest? His endeavours led to no result. He brought -the famous rose of gold, but the Elector did not even take the trouble -to receive it in person.[151] Frederick knew the artifices of Rome, -and was not to be imposed upon.[152] - - [151] Rosam quam vocant auream nullo honore dignatus est; imo pro - ridicula habuit. (L. Op. Lat. in Praef.) What is called the golden rose - he held in no estimation, nay, he held it in derision. - - [152] Intellexit princeps artes Romanae curiae et eos (legatos) digne - tractare novit. (Ibid.) The prince understood the arts of the Roman - Court, and knew what treatment was due to them (the legates). - - - - -CHAP. VIII. - - Epistle to the Galatians--Christ for us--Blindness of - Luther's Adversaries--First Ideas on the Supper--Is the - Sacrament Sufficient without Faith?--Luther a Bohemian--Eck - attacked--Eck sets out for Rome. - - -[Sidenote: BLINDNESS OF ADVERSARIES.] - -Far from drawing back, Luther uniformly continued to advance, and at -this time struck one of his severest blows at error, by publishing his -first commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians.[153] It is true, the -second commentary was superior to the first; but still the first -contained a forcible exposition of the doctrine of justification by -faith. Every expression of the new apostle was full of life, and God -employed him to imbue the hearts of the people with divine knowledge. -"Christ gave himself for our sins," said Luther to his contemporaries.[154] -"It was not silver or gold that he gave for us, nor was it a man or -angels. He gave himself--himself, out of whom there is no true -greatness; and this incomparable treasure he gave ... for our sins. -Where, now, are those who proudly boast of the powers of our will? -where are the lessons of moral philosophy? where the power and -strength of the law? Our sins being so great that they cannot possibly -be taken away without an immense ransom, shall we pretend to acquire -righteousness by the energy of our will, by the power of the law, and -the doctrines of men? What will all these cunning devices, all these -illusions, avail us? Ah! we will only cover our iniquities with a -spurious righteousness and convert ourselves into hypocrites, whom no -worldly power can save." - - [153] 3rd September, 1519. - - [154] L. Op. (L.) x, 461. - -But while Luther thus proves that man's only salvation is in Christ, -he also shows how this salvation changes his nature, and enables him -to abound in good works. "The man," says he, "who has truly heard the -word of Christ, and keeps it, is immediately clothed with the spirit -of charity. If thou lovest him who has made thee a present of twenty -florins, or done thee some service, or in some way given thee a proof -of his affection, how much more oughtest thou to love him, who, on thy -account, has given not silver or gold, but himself, received so many -wounds, endured a bloody sweat, and even died for thee; in one word, -who, in paying for all thy sins, has annihilated death, and secured -for thee a Father full of love in heaven!... If thou lovest him not, -thy heart has not listened to the things which he has done; thou hast -not believed them; for faith works by love." "This epistle," said -Luther, in speaking of the Epistle to the Galatians, "is my epistle--I -am married to it." - -His opponents caused him to proceed at a quicker pace than he would -otherwise have done. At this time Eck instigated the Franciscans of -Juterbock to make a new attack upon him; and Luther, in his -reply,[155] not satisfied with repeating what he had already taught, -attacked errors which he had recently discovered. "I would fain know," -says he, "in what part of Scripture the power of canonising saints has -been given to the popes; and also what the necessity, or even the -utility is, of canonising them?"... "However," adds he, ironically, -"let them canonise as they will."[156] - - [155] Defensio contra malignum Eccli judicium. (Lat. i, p. 356.) - - [156] Canoniset quisque quantum volet. (Ibid. p. 367.) - -These new attacks of Luther remained unanswered. The blindness of his -enemies was as favourable to him as his own courage. They passionately -defended secondary matters, and said not a word when they saw the -foundations of Roman doctrine shaking under his hand. While they were -eagerly defending some outworks, their intrepid adversary penetrated -into the heart of the citadel, and there boldly planted the standard -of truth; and hence their astonishment, when they saw the fortress -sapped, blazing, and falling to pieces amid the flames, at the moment -when they thought it impregnable, and were hurling defiance at their -assailants. Thus it is that great changes are accomplished. - -[Sidenote: FIRST IDEAS ON THE LORD'S SUPPER.] - -The sacrament of the Lord's supper began, at this time, to engage -Luther's attention. He looked for it in the mass, but in vain. One -day, shortly after his return from Leipsic, he mounted the pulpit. Let -us mark his words, for they are the first which he pronounced, on a -subject which afterwards divided the Church and the Reformation into -two parties. "In the holy sacrament of the altar," says he, "there are -three things which it is necessary to know; the sign, which must be -external, visible, and under a corporal form; the thing signified, -which is internal, spiritual, and within the mind; and faith, which -avails itself of both."[157] Had the definitions not been pushed -farther, unity would not have been destroyed. - - [157] L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 272. - -Luther continues. "It were good that the Church should, by a general -council, decree that both kinds shall be distributed to all the -faithful; not, however, on the ground that one kind is insufficient, -for faith by itself would be sufficient." These bold words pleased his -audience, though some were astonished and offended, and exclaimed, -"This is false and scandalous."[158] - - [158] Ibid. p. 281. - -The preacher continues. "There is no union closer, deeper, or more -inseparable than that between food and the body which is nourished by -it. In the sacrament, Christ unites himself to us so closely that he -acts in us as if he were identified with us. Our sins attack him. His -righteousness defends us." - -But Luther, not deeming it enough to expound the truth, attacks one of -the most fundamental errors of Rome.[159] The Roman Church pretends -that the sacrament operates by itself, independently of the -disposition of him who receives it. Nothing can be more convenient -than such an opinion, since to it, both the eagerness with which the -sacrament is sought, and the profits of the clergy are to be ascribed. -Luther attacks this doctrine,[160] and maintains its opposite[161]--viz., -that faith and a right disposition of heart are indispensable. - - [159] "Si quis dixerit per ipsa novae legis sacramenta _ex opere - operato_ non conferri gratiam, sed solam fidem divinae promissionis, ad - gratiam consequendam sufficere, anathema sit." (Council of Trent, - Sess. 7, can. 8.) If any man says that grace is not bestowed through - the Sacraments of the New Covenant, by the mere act, (_ex opere - operato_,) but that faith alone in the divine promise is sufficient to - obtain grace, let him be anathema. - - [160] Known by the name of opus operatum, the work performed. - - [161] That of the _opus operantis_, the work of the performer, the - communicant. - -This energetic protestation was destined to overthrow ancient -superstitions; but, strange to say, it attracted no attention. Rome -overlooked what might have made her scream in agony, and impetuously -attacked the unimportant observation which Luther threw out at the -commencement of his discourse, concerning communion in two kinds. The -discourse having been published in December, a general cry of heresy -was raised. "It is just the doctrine of Prague unadulterated," was the -exclamation at the Court of Dresden, where the sermon arrived during -the Christmas festivals. "It is written, moreover, in German, in order -to make it accessible to the common people."[162] The devotion of the -prince was troubled, and on the third day of the festival he wrote to -his cousin Frederick. "Since the publication of this discourse, the -number of persons who receive the sacrament in two kinds has received -an increase of 6000. Your Luther, from being a professor of -Wittemberg, is on the eve of becoming a bishop of Prague, and an -arch-heretic".... The cry was, "he was born in Bohemia, of Bohemian -parents, he was brought up at Prague, and trained in the writings of -Wickliffe." - - [162] L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 281. - -Luther judged it right to contradict these rumours in a writing in -which he gravely detailed his parentage. "I was born at Eisleben," -said he, "and was baptised in St. Peter's church. The nearest town to -Bohemia in which I have ever been, is Dresden."[163] - - [163] L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 281. - -The letter of Duke George did not prejudice the Elector against -Luther, for a few days after he invited him to a splendid -entertainment which he gave to the Spanish ambassador, and at which -Luther valiantly combated the minister of Charles.[164] The Elector's -chaplain had, by his master's order, requested Luther to use -moderation in defending his cause. "Excessive folly displeases man," -replied Luther to Spalatin, "but excessive wisdom displeases God. The -gospel cannot be defended without tumult and scandal. The word of God -is sword, war, ruin, scandal, destruction, poison;"[165] and, hence, -as Amos expresses it, "it presents itself like a bear in the path, and -a lioness in the forest. I ask nothing, I demand nothing. There is one -greater than I who asks and demands. Whether he stands or falls, I am -neither gainer nor loser."[166] - - [164] Caerterum ego natus sum in Eisleben.... (L. Ep. i, p. 389.) - - [165] Cum quo heri ego et Philippus certavimus, splendide invitati. - (Ibid. p. 396.) With whom Philip and I had a debate yesterday at a - splendid entertainment. - - [166] Verbum Dei gladius est, bellum est, ruina est, scandalum est, - perditio est, venenum est.... (L. Ep. i, p. 417.) - -[Sidenote: ECK'S ATTACK.] - -It was obvious that faith and courage were about to become more -necessary to Luther than ever. Eck was forming projects of revenge. -Instead of the laurels which he had counted on gaining, he had become -a laughing-stock to all men of intellect throughout the nation.[167] -Cutting satires were published against him. Eck was cut to the very -heart by "An Epistle of Ignorant Canons," written by OEcolompadius, -and a complaint against him probably by the excellent Pirckheimer of -Nuremberg, exhibiting a combination of sarcasm and dignity of which -the 'Provincial Letters' of Pascal alone can give some idea. - - [167] Ego nihil quaero; est qui quaerat. Stet ergo, sive cadat; ego - nihil lucror, aut amitto. (Ibid. p. 418.) - -Luther expressed his dissatisfaction with some of these writings. "It -is better," said he, "to attack openly than to keep barking behind a -hedge."[168] - - [168] Melior est aperta criminatio, quam iste sub sepe morsus. (Ibid. - p. 425.) - -How greatly the chancellor of Ingolstadt had miscalculated! His -countrymen abandon him, and he prepares for a journey beyond the Alps, -to invoke the aid of strangers. Wherever he goes he vents his -threatenings against Luther, Melancthon, Carlstadt, and the Elector -himself. "From the haughtiness of his expressions," says the doctor of -Wittemberg, "one would say he imagines himself to be God -Almighty."[169] Inflamed with rage, and thirsting for vengeance, Eck, -having in February, 1520, published a work on the primacy of St. -Peter,--a work devoid of sound criticism, in which he maintained that -this apostle, the first of the popes, resided for twenty-five years at -Rome--set out for Italy in order to receive the reward of his -pretended triumphs, and to forge at Rome, near the papal capitol, -thunders mightier than the frail scholastic arms which had given way -in his hands. - - [169] Deum crederes omnipotentem loqui. (L. Ep. i, p. 380.) - -Luther was aware of all the dangers to which the journey of his -antagonist would expose him--but he feared not. Spalatin, alarmed, -urged him to make proposals of peace. "No," replied Luther, "so long -as he clamours, I cannot decline the contest. I commit the whole -affair to God, and leave my bark to the winds and waves. It is the -battle of the Lord. How can it be imagined that Christ will advance -his cause by peace? Did he not combat even unto death, and have not -all the martyrs since done the same?"[170] - - [170] Cogor rem Deo committere, data flatibus et fluctibus nave. - Bellum Domini est.... (Ibid. p. 423.) - -Such was the position of the two combatants of Leipsic, at the -commencement of the year 1520. The one was stirring up the whole -papacy to strike a blow at his rival, who, on his part, waited for war -as calmly as if he had been waiting for peace. The year on which we -are entering will see the bursting of the storm. - - - - -BOOK SIXTH. - -THE BULL OF ROME. - -1520. - - - - -CHAP. I. - - Character of Maximilian--The Competitors for the - Empire--Charles--Francis I--Inclination of the Germans--The - Crown offered to Frederick--Charles is Elected. - - -A new character was going to appear upon the stage. God saw meet to -place the monk of Wittemberg in presence of the most powerful monarch -who had appeared in Christendom since Charlemagne. He chose a prince, -in the fervid vigour of youth, to whom every thing presaged a reign of -long duration--a prince whose sceptre extended over a considerable -portion both of the old and the new world; so that, according to a -celebrated expression, the sun never set on his vast dominions--and -opposed him to this humble Reformation, which began with the anguish -and sighs of a poor monk, in the obscure cell of a convent at Erfurt. -The history of this monarch and his reign seems to have been destined -to give a great lesson to the world. It was to show the nothingness of -all "the power of man," when it presumes to contend with "the weakness -of God." Had a prince, friendly to Luther, been called to the empire, -the success of the Reformation would have been attributed to his -protection. Had even an emperor opposed to the new doctrine, but -feeble, occupied the throne, the triumphant success of the work would -have been accounted for by the feebleness of the monarch. But it was -the proud conqueror of Pavia who behoved to humble his pride before -the power of the Divine Word, that all the world might see how he, who -had found it easy to drag Francis I a captive to Madrid, was compelled -to lower his sword before the son of a poor miner. - -[Sidenote: COMPETITORS FOR THE IMPERIAL CROWN.] - -The Emperor Maximilian was dead, and the electors had met at Frankfort -to give him a successor. In the circumstances in which Europe was -placed, this election was of vast importance, and was regarded with -deep interest by all Christendom. Maximilian had not been a great -prince; but his memory was dear to the people, who took a pleasure in -remembering his presence of mind and good-humoured affability. Luther -often talked of him to his friends, and one day related the following -anecdote. - -A beggar had kept running after him asking charity, and addressing him -as his _brother_; "for," said he, "we are both descended from the same -father, Adam. I am poor," continued he, "but you are rich, and it is -your duty to assist me." At these words the emperor turned round and -said to him--"Hold, there's a penny: go to your other brothers, and if -each gives you as much, you will soon be richer than I am."[171] - - [171] L. Op. (W.) xxii, 1869. - -The person about to be called to the empire was not a good-natured -Maximilian. Times were to undergo a change; ambitious potentates were -competing for the imperial throne of the West; the reins of the empire -were to be seized by an energetic hand; profound peace was to be -succeeded by long and bloody wars. - -[Sidenote: FRANCIS I. HENRY VIII. FREDERICK.] - -At the assembly of Frankfort, three kings aspired to the crown of the -Caesars. A youthful prince, grandson of the last emperor, born at the -opening of the century, and consequently nineteen years of age, first -presented himself. He was named Charles, and was born at Ghent. His -paternal grandmother, Mary, daughter of Charles the Bold, had left him -Flanders and the rich States of Burgundy. His mother, Joan, daughter -of Ferdinand of Arragon and Isabella of Castile, and wife of Philip, -son of the Emperor Maximilian, had transmitted to him the united -kingdoms of Spain, Naples, and Sicily, to which Christopher Columbus -had added a new world, while the recent death of his grandfather put -him in possession of the hereditary States of Austria. This young -prince, who was endowed with great talents. To a turn for military -exercises (in which the dukes of Burgundy had long been -distinguished)--to the finesse and penetration of the Italians--to the -reverence for existing institutions which still characterises the -house of Austria, and promised the papacy a firm defender, he joined a -thorough knowledge of public affairs, acquired under the direction of -Chievres, having from fifteen years of age taken part in all the -deliberations of his cabinet.[172] These diversified qualities were, -in a manner, shrouded under Spanish reserve and taciturnity. In -personal appearance he was tall in stature, and had somewhat of a -melancholy air. "He is pious and tranquil," said Luther, "and I -believe does not speak as much in a year as I do in a day."[173] Had -the character of Charles been formed under the influence of freedom -and Christianity, he would perhaps have been one of the most -admirable princes on record; but politics engrossed his life, and -stifled his great and good qualities. - - [172] Memoires de Bellay, i, 45. - - [173] L. Op. (W.) xxii, 1874. - -Not contented with all the sceptres which he grasped in his hand, -young Charles aspired to the imperial dignity. "It is like a sunbeam, -which throws lustre on the house which it illumines," said several, -"but put forth the hand to lay hold of it and you will find nothing." -Charles, on the contrary, saw in it the pinnacle of all earthly -grandeur, and a means of acquiring a magic influence over the spirit -of the nations. - -Francis I was the second of the competitors. The young paladins of the -court of this chivalric king were incessantly representing to him that -he was entitled, like Charlemagne, to be the emperor of all the West, -and reviving the exploits of the ancient knights, to attack the -crescent which was menacing the empire, discomfit the infidels, and -recover the holy sepulchre. - -"It is necessary," said the ambassadors of Francis to the electors, -"it is necessary to prove to the Dukes of Austria, that the imperial -crown is not hereditary. Besides, in existing circumstances, Germany -has need not of a young man of nineteen, but of a prince who, to an -experienced judgment, joins talents which have already been -recognised. Francis will unite the arms of France and Lombardy to -those of Germany, and make war on the Mussulmans. Sovereign of the -duchy of Milan, he is already a member of the imperial body." These -arguments, the French ambassadors supported by four hundred thousand -crowns, which they distributed in purchasing votes and in festivities, -by which they endeavoured to gain over their guests. - -The third competitor was Henry VIII, who, jealous of the influence -which the choice of the electors might give to Francis or Charles, -also entered the lists, but soon left his powerful rivals sole -disputants for the crown. - -The electors were not disposed to favour either. Their subjects -thought they would have in Francis a foreign master, and a master who -might deprive the electors themselves of their independence, as he had -lately deprived the nobles of his own dominions. As to Charles, it was -an ancient rule with the electors not to choose a prince who was -already playing an important part in the empire. The pope shared in -these fears. He wished neither the king of Naples, who was his -neighbour, nor the king of France, whose enterprising spirit filled -him with alarm; "Choose rather some one from amongst yourselves," was -his message to the electors. The elector of Treves proposed Frederick -of Saxony, and the imperial crown was laid at the feet of Luther's -friend. - -[Sidenote: CHARLES V ELECTED EMPEROR.] - -This choice would have obtained the approbation of all Germany. -Frederick's wisdom, and affection for his people, were well known. -During the revolt of Erfurt, he had been urged to take the town by -assault, and refused, in order to spare blood. "But it will not cost -five men." "A single man would be too many," replied the prince.[174] -The triumph of the Reformation seemed on the eve of being secured by -the election of its protector. Ought not Frederick to have regarded -the offer of the electors as a call from God himself? Who could have -presided better over the destinies of the empire than a prince of so -much wisdom? Who could have been stronger to oppose the Turks than an -emperor strong in faith? The refusal of the Elector of Saxony, so much -lauded by historians, was perhaps a fault. For the contests which -afterwards tore Germany to pieces he is perhaps partly to blame. But -it is difficult to say whether Frederick deserves censure for his want -of faith or honour for his humility. He thought that even the safety -of the empire made it his duty to refuse the crown.[175] "To save -Germany," said this modest and disinterested prince, "an emperor more -powerful than I is requisite." - - [174] L. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 1858. - - [175] "Is vero heroica plane moderatione animi magnifice - repudiavit".... (Pallavicini, i, p. 79.) With a moderation amounting - to heroism he nobly declined it. - -The legate of Rome seeing that the choice would fall upon Charles, -intimated that the pope withdrew his objections; and on the 28th of -June, the grandson of Maximilian was elected. "God," said Frederick -afterwards, "gave him to us in mercy and in anger."[176] The Spanish -envoys sent a present of thirty thousand gold florins to the Elector -of Saxony, as a mark of their master's gratitude; but the prince -refused it, and charged his ministers not to accept of any present. At -the same time he secured the German liberties by an engagement, to -which the envoys of Charles took an oath in his name. The -circumstances in which the latter prince encircled his head with the -imperial crown seemed still better fitted than the oath to secure the -Germanic liberties, and the success of the Reformation. The young -prince was jealous of the laurels which his rival, Francis I, had -gained at Marignan. The struggle was to be continued in Italy, and in -the meantime the Reformation would doubtless be made secure. Charles -left Spain in May, 1520, and was crowned on the 22nd of October, at -Aix-la-Chapelle. - - [176] L. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 1880. - - - - -CHAP. II. - - Luther writes to the Emperor--Luther's dangers--Instructions - of Frederick to the court of Rome--Luther's - sentiments--Melancthon's fears--The German nobles favourable - to the Reformation--Schaumburg--Seckingen--Ulric de - Huetten--Luther's Confidence--Luther's Greater Freedom--Faith - the source of Works--What Faith gives--Luther judging his - own writings. - - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S LETTER TO THE EMPEROR.] - -Luther had foreseen that the cause of the Reformation would soon be -brought before the new emperor; and, when Charles was still at Madrid, -addressed a letter to him, in which he said, "If the cause which I -defend is worthy of being presented before the heavenly Majesty, it -cannot be unworthy of engaging the attention of a prince of this -world. O, Charles! prince of the kings of the earth, I cast myself as -a suppliant at the feet of your most serene majesty, and beseech you -to deign to take under the shadow of your wings, not me, but the very -cause of eternal truth, for the defence of which God has entrusted you -with the sword."[177] The young king of Spain threw aside this odd -letter from a German monk, and returned no answer. - - [177] Causam ipsam veritatis.... (L. Ep. i, p. 392. 15th Jan., 1520.) - -While Luther was turning in vain toward Madrid, the storm seemed -gathering around him. Fanaticism was rekindled in Germany. -Hochstraten, indefatigable in his efforts at persecution, had -extracted certain theses from Luther's writings, and obtained their -condemnation by the universities of Cologne and Louvain. That of -Erfurt, which had always had a grudge at Luther, for having given -Wittemberg the preference, was on the eve of following their example. -But the doctor, having been informed of it, wrote Lange, in terms so -energetic that the theologians of Erfurt took fright, and said -nothing. Still, however, there was enough to inflame the minds of men -in the condemnation pronounced by Cologne and Louvain. More than this; -the priests of Misnia who had espoused Emser's quarrel said openly -(such is Melancthon's statement) that there would be no sin in killing -Luther.[178] "The time is come," said Luther, "when men think they -will do Jesus Christ service by putting us to death." The murderous -language of the priests did not fail of its effect. - - [178] "Ut sine peccato esse eum censebant qui me interfecerit." (L. - Ep. i, p. 383.) - -[Sidenote: FREDERICK'S INSTRUCTIONS TO HIS ENVOY.] - -"One day," says a biographer, "when Luther was in front of the -Augustin convent, a stranger, with a pistol hid under his arm, -accosted him, and said, Why do you walk about thus quite alone?" "I -am in the hands of God," replied Luther; "He is my strength and my -shield." "Thereupon," adds the biographer, "the stranger grew pale, -and fled trembling."[179] About the same time Serra Longa, the orator -of the conference of Augsburg, wrote to the Elector, "Let not Luther -find any asylum in the states of your highness, but, repulsed by all, -let him be stoned to death in the face of heaven. This would please me -more than a gift of ten thousand crowns."[180] - - [179] Was kann mir ein Mensch thun? (Keith, L. Umstaende, p. 89.) - - [180] Tenze, Hist. Ber. ii, p. 168. - -But the sound of the gathering storm was heard, especially in the -direction of Rome. Valentine Teutleben, a noble of Thuringia, vicar of -the Archbishop of Mentz, and a zealous partisan of the papacy, was the -representative of the Elector of Saxony at Rome. Teutleben, ashamed of -the protection which his master gave to the heretical monk, could not -bear to see his mission paralysed by this imprudent conduct; and -imagined that, by alarming the Elector, he would induce him to abandon -the rebel theologian. Writing to his master, he said, "I am not -listened to, because of the protection which you give to Luther." But -the Romans were mistaken if they thought they could frighten sage -Frederick. He knew that the will of God and the movements of the -people were more irresistible than the decrees of the papal chancery. -He ordered his envoy to hint to the pope that, far from defending -Luther, he had always left him to defend himself, that he had moreover -told him to quit Saxony and the university, that the doctor had -declared his readiness to obey, and would not now be in the electoral -states had not the legate, Charles de Miltitz, begged the prince to -keep him near himself, from a fear that in other countries he would -act with still less restraint than in Saxony.[181] Frederick did still -more; he tried to enlighten Rome. "Germany," continues he, in his -letter, "now possesses a great number of learned men distinguished for -scholarship and science; the laity themselves begin to cultivate their -understanding, and to love the Holy Scriptures. Hence, there is great -reason to fear that, if the equitable proposals of Doctor Luther are -not accepted, peace will never be re-established. The doctrine of -Luther has struck its roots deep in many hearts. If, instead of -refuting it by passages from the Bible, an attempt is made to crush -him by the thunders of ecclesiastical power, great scandal will be -given, and pernicious and dreadful outbreaks will ensue."[182] - - [181] Da er viel freyer und sicherer schreiben und handeln moechte was - er wollte.... (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 298.) - - [182] Schreckliche, grausame, schaedliche und verderbliche Empoerungen - erregen. (Ibid.) - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S FEELINGS. MELANCTHON'S FEARS.] - -The Elector, having full confidence in Luther, caused Teutleben's -letter to be communicated to him, and also another letter from -cardinal St. George. The Reformer was moved on reading them. He at -once saw all the dangers by which he was surrounded, and for an -instant his heart sank. But it was in such moments as these that his -faith displayed its full power. Often, when feeble and ready to fall -into despondency, he rallied again, and seemed greater amid the raging -of the storm. He would fain have been delivered from all these trials; -but, aware of the price that must have been paid for repose, he -spurned it with indignation. "Be silent!" said he, "I am disposed to -be so, if I am allowed--that is to say, if others are silent. If any -one envies my situation he is welcome to it. If any one is desirous to -destroy my writings, let him burn them. I am ready to remain quiet, -provided gospel truth is not compelled to be quiet also.[183] I ask -not a cardinal's hat; I ask neither gold, nor aught that Rome esteems. -There is nothing which I will not concede, provided Christians are not -excluded from the way of salvation.[184] All their threatenings do not -terrify--all their promises cannot seduce me." - - [183] Semper quiescere paratus, modo veritatem evangelicam non jubeant - quiescere. (L. Ep. i, p. 462.) - - [184] Si salutis viam Christianis permittant esse liberam, hoc unum - peto ab illis, ac praeterea nihil.... (Ibid.) - -Animated by these sentiments, Luther soon resumed his warlike -temperament, preferring the Christian combat to the calmness of -solitude. One night was sufficient to revive his desire of -overthrowing Rome. "My part is taken," wrote he next day. "I despise -the fury of Rome, and I despise her favour. No more reconciliation, -nor more communication with her for ever.[185] Let her condemn and -burn my writings! I, in my turn, will condemn and publicly burn the -pontifical law, that nest of all heresies. The moderation which I have -shown up to this hour has been useless, and I have done with it!" - - [185] Nolo eis reconciliari nec communicare in perpetuum.... (Ibid. p. - 466, 10th July, 1520.) - -His friends were far from feeling equally tranquil. Great alarm -prevailed at Wittemberg. "We are waiting in extreme anxiety," said -Melancthon. "I would sooner die than be separated from Luther.[186] -Unless God come to our assistance we perish." Writing a month later, -in his anxiety, he says, "Our Luther still lives, and God grant he -long may; for the Roman sycophants are using every mean to destroy -him. Pray for the life of him who is sole vindicator of sound -theology."[187] - - [186] Emori malim, quam ab hoc viro avelli. (Corp. Reform. pp. 160, - 163.) - - [187] Martinus noster spirat, atque utinam diu.... (Corpus Refor. i, - pp. 190, 208.) - -[Sidenote: SCHAUMBURG. SECKINGEN. ULRIC VON HUTTEN] - -These prayers were not in vain. The warnings which the Elector had -given Rome, through his envoy, were not without foundation. The word -of Luther had been every where heard, in cottages, and convents, at -the firesides of the citizens, in the castles of nobles, in academies, -and in the palaces of kings. He had said to Duke John of Saxony, "Let -my life only have contributed to the salvation of a single individual, -and I will willingly consent that all my books perish."[188] Not a -single individual, but a great multitude, had found light in the -writings of the humble doctor; and hence, in all quarters, there were -men ready to protect him. The sword which was to attack him was on the -anvil of the Vatican; but there were heroes in Germany who would -interpose their bodies as his buckler. At the moment when the bishops -were waxing wroth, when princes were silent, when the people were -awaiting the result, and when the thunder was already grumbling on the -seven hills, God raised up the German nobility, and placed them as a -rampart around his servant. - - [188] L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 392. - -At this time Sylvester of Schaumburg, one of the most powerful nobles -of Franconia, sent his son to Wittemberg with a letter for the -Reformer, in which he said, "Your life is exposed to danger. If the -support of electors, princes, or magistrates fails you, I beg you to -beware of going into Bohemia, where, of old, very learned men had much -to suffer; come rather to me; God willing, I shall soon have collected -more than a hundred gentlemen, and with their help, will be able to -keep you free from harm."[189] - - [189] "Denn Ich, und hundert von Adel, die Ich (ob Gott will) - aufbringen will, euch redlich anhalten".... (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. - 381.) - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S CONFIDENCE.] - -Francis of Seckingen, the hero of his age, whose intrepid courage we -have already seen,[190] loved the Reformer, because he found that he -was worthy of love, and also because he was hated by the monks.[191] -"My person, my property, and services, all that I possess," wrote he -to him, "is at your disposal. Your wish is to maintain Christian -truth, and in that I am ready to assist you."[192] Harmuth of -Cronberg, spoke in similar terms. Ulric von Huetten, the poet and -valiant knight of the sixteenth century, ceased not to speak in -commendation of Luther. But how great the contrast between these two -men! Huetten wrote to the Reformer--"We must have swords, bows, -javelins, and bullets, to destroy the fury of the devil." Luther, on -receiving these letters, exclaimed--"I have no wish that men should -have recourse to arms and carnage in order to defend the gospel. It -was by the Word the world was overcome, by the Word the Church has -been saved, and by the Word will she be re-established." "I despise -not his offers," said he on receiving the above letter from -Schaumburg, "but still I wish to lean on none but Christ."[193] So -spake not the pontiffs of Rome when they waded in the blood of the -Vaudois and Albigenses. Huetten was sensible of the difference between -his cause and Luther's, and accordingly wrote with noble frankness: "I -am occupied with the things of man, but you, rising to a far greater -height, give yourself wholly to those of God."[194] After thus -writing, he set out to try, if possible, to gain over Ferdinand and -Charles V to the truth.[195] - - [190] "Equitum Germaniae rarum decus;" "the pink of German knights," - says Melancthon on this occasion. (Corp. Reform. i, p. 201.) - - [191] Et ob id invisus illis (Ibid. p. 132.) - - [192] (Ibid.) - - [193] "Nolo nisi Christo protectore niti." (L. Ep. i, p. 148.) - - [194] Mea humana sunt; tu perfectior jam totus ex divinis pendes. (L. - Op. Lat. ii. p. 175.) - - [195] Viam facturus libertati (cod. Bavar veritati) per maximos - principes. (Corp. Reform. i, p. 201.) To make a way for liberty (in - the Bavarian MS. "truth,") by means of the greatest princes. - -Thus, on the one hand, Luther's enemies assail him, and on the other, -his friends rise up to defend him. "My bark," says he, "floats here -and there at the pleasure of the winds, ... hope and fear reign by -turns, but what matters it?"[196] Still his mind was not uninfluenced -by the marks of sympathy which he received. "The Lord reigns," said -he, "and so visibly as to be almost palpable."[197] Luther saw that he -was no longer alone; his words had proved faithful, and the thought -inspired him with new courage. Now that he has other defenders -prepared to brave the fury of Rome, he will no longer be kept back by -the fear of compromising the Elector. He becomes more free, and, if -possible, more decided. This is an important period in the development -of Luther's mind. Writing at this time to the Elector's chaplain, he -says, "Rome must be made aware, that though she should succeed, by her -menaces, in exiling me from Wittemberg, she will only damage her -cause. Those who are ready to defend me against the thunders of the -papacy are to be found not in Bohemia, but in the heart of Germany. If -I have not yet done to my enemies all that I am preparing for them, -they must ascribe it neither to my moderation nor to their tyranny, -but to my fear of compromising the name of the Elector, and the -prosperity of the university of Wittemberg. Now, that I have no longer -any such fears, I will rush with new impetuosity on Rome and her -courtiers."[198] - - [196] "Ita fluctuat navis mea; nunc spes, nunc timor regnat." (L. Ep. - i, p. 443.) - - [197] "Dominus regnat, ut palpare possimus." (Ibid. p. 451.) - - [198] "Saevius in Romanenses grassaturus".... (L. Ep. i, p. 465.) - -[Sidenote: FRUITS OF FAITH. FAITH AND WORKS.] - -Still Luther's hope was not placed on the great. He had often been -urged to dedicate a book to Duke John, the Elector's brother, but had -never done it. "I fear," he had said, "that the suggestion comes from -himself. The Holy Scriptures must be subservient only to the glory of -God's name."[199] Luther afterwards laid aside his suspicions, and -dedicated his discourse on good works to Duke John, a discourse in -which he gives a forcible exposition of the doctrine of justification -by faith, a mighty doctrine, whose power he rates far higher than the -sword of Huetten, the army of Seckingen, or the protection of dukes and -electors. - - [199] "Scripturam sacram nolim alicujus nomini nisi Dei servire." - (Ibid. p. 431.) I would not have sacred Scripture subservient to any - name but that of God. - -"The first, the noblest, the sublimest of all works," says he, "is -faith in Jesus Christ.[200] From this work all other works should -proceed; they are all the vassals of faith, and from it alone derive -their efficacy. - - [200] Das erste und hoechste, alleredelste ... gute Werck ist der - Glaube in Christum.... (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 394.) - -"If a man's own heart assures him, that what he is doing is agreeable -to God, the work is good should it be merely the lifting up of a -straw, but in the absence of this assurance the work is not good, -though it should be the raising of the dead. A pagan, a Jew, a Turk, a -sinner, can do all other works, but to trust firmly in the Lord, and -feel assured of pleasing him, are works of which none are capable but -the Christian strengthened by grace. - -"A Christian, who has faith in God, acts, at all times, with freedom -and gladness, whereas, the man who is not at one with God is full of -cares, and is detained in thraldom; he anxiously asks how many works -he ought to do, he runs up and down interrogating this man and that -man, and, nowhere finding any peace, does everything with -dissatisfaction and fear. - -"Hence, I have always extolled faith. But it is otherwise in the -world: there the essential point is to have many works, works great -and high, and of all dimensions, while it is a matter of indifference -whether or not faith animates them. Thus men build their peace, not on -the good pleasure of God, but on their own merits, that is to say, on -the sand.... (Matt. vii, 27.) - -"To preach faith is, it is said, to prevent good works; but though a -single man should have in himself the powers of all men, or even of -all creatures,[201] the mere obligation of living by faith would be a -task too great for him ever to accomplish. If I say to a sick person, -be in health and you will have the use of your members--will it be -said that I forbid him to use his members? Must not health precede -labour? The same holds true in the preaching of faith; it must be -before works, in order that works themselves may exist. - - [201] Wenn ein Mensch tausend, oder alle Menschen, oder alle Creaturen - waere. (L. Op. (L.) p. 398.) "Were one man a thousand, or all men, or - all creatures." - -"Where then, you will ask, is this faith found, and how is it -received? This, indeed, is the most important of all questions. Faith -comes solely from Jesus Christ, who is promised, and given -gratuitously. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER JUDGING HIS WRITINGS.] - -"O, man! represent Christ to thyself, and consider how in him God -manifests his mercy to thee without being anticipated by any merit on -thy part.[202] In this image of his grace receive the faith and -assurance that all thy sins are forgiven thee. Works cannot produce -it. It flows from the blood, the wounds, and the death of Christ, -whence it wells up in the heart. Christ is the rock out of which come -milk and honey. (Deut. xxxii.) - - [202] Siehe, also musst du Christum in dich bilden, und sehen wie in - Ihm Gott--seine Barmherzigkeit dir fuerhaelt und arbeut (Ibid. p. 401.) - -Not being able to give an account of all Luther's works, we have -quoted some short fragments of this discourse on good works, on -account of the opinion which the Reformer himself had of it. "It is in -my judgment," said he, "the best work that I have published." He -immediately subjoins this profound observation. "But I know that when -any thing I write pleases myself, the infection of this bad leaven -prevents it from pleasing others."[203] Melancthon, in sending a copy -of this discourse to a friend, thus expressed himself, "Of all Greek -and Latin authors none has come nearer the spirit of St. Paul than -Luther."[204] - - [203] "Erit meo judicio omnium quae ediderim, optimum: quanquam scio - quae mihi mea placent, hoc ipso fermento infecta, non solere aliis - placere." (L. Ep. i, p. 431.) - - [204] "Quo ad Pauli spiritum nemo proprius accessit" (Corp. Refor. i, - p. 202.) - - - - -CHAP. III. - - The Papacy Attacked--Appeal to the Nobility--The Three - Walls--All Christians are Priests--The Magistrate's duty to - Correct the Clergy--Abuses of Rome--Ruin of Italy--Dangers - of Germany--The Pope--The Legates--The Monks--The Marriage - of Priests--Celibacy--Festivals--The Bohemians--Charity--The - Universities--The Empire--The Emperor must retake Rome--A - Book not Published--Luther's Modesty--Success of the - Address. - - -[Sidenote: THE THREE WALLS.] - -But the substitution of a system of meritorious works for the idea of -grace and amnesty was not the only evil existing in the Church. A -domineering power had risen up among the humble pastors of Christ's -flock. Luther must attack this usurped authority. A vague and distant -rumour of Eck's intrigues and success at Rome awakened a warlike -spirit in the Reformer, who, amid all his turmoil, had calmly studied -the origin, progress, and usurpations of the papacy. His discoveries -having filled him with surprise, he no longer hesitated to communicate -them and strike the blow which was destined, like the rod of Moses of -old, to awaken a whole nation out of a lethargy, the result of long -bondage. Even before Rome had time to publish her formidable bull, he -published his declaration of war. "The time of silence," exclaims he, -"is past; the time for speaking has arrived. The mysteries of -Antichrist must at length be unveiled." On the 24th June, 1502, he -published his famous '_Appeal to his Imperial Majesty, and the Christian -Nobility of Germany, on the Reformation of Christianity._'[205] -This work was the signal of the attack which was at once to complete -the rupture and decide the victory. - - [205] L. Op. (L.) xvii, 457-502. - -"It is not from presumption," says he, at the outset of this Treatise, -"that I, who am only one of the people, undertake to address your -lordships. The misery and oppression endured at this moment by all the -States of Christendom, and more especially by Germany, wring from me a -cry of distress. I must call for aid; I must see whether God will not -give his Spirit to some one of our countrymen, and stretch out a hand -to our unhappy nation. God has given us a young and generous prince, -(the Emperor Charles V,)[206] and thus filled our hearts with high -hopes. But we too must, on our own part, do all we can. - - [206] Gott hat uns ein junges edles Blut zum Haupt gegeben. (Ibid., p. - 457.) - -"Now, the first thing necessary is, not to confide in our own great -strength, or our own high wisdom. When any work otherwise good is -begun in self-confidence, God casts it down, and destroys it. -Frederick I, Frederick II, and many other emperors besides, before -whom the world trembled, have been trampled upon by the popes, because -they trusted more to their own strength than to God. They could not -but fall. In this war we have to combat the powers of hell, and our -mode of conducting it must be to expect nothing from the strength of -human weapons--to trust humbly in the Lord, and look still more to the -distress of Christendom than to the crimes of the wicked. It may be -that, by a different procedure, the work would begin under more -favourable appearances, but suddenly in the heat of the contest -confusion would arise, bad men would cause fearful disaster, and the -world would be deluged with blood. The greater the power, the greater -the danger, when things are not done in the fear of the Lord." - -After this exordium, Luther continues:-- - -"The Romans, to guard against every species of reformation, have -surrounded themselves with three walls. When attacked by the temporal -power, they denied its jurisdiction over them, and maintained the -superiority of the spiritual power. When tested by Scripture, they -replied, that none could interpret it but the pope. When threatened -with a council, they again replied, that none but the pope could -convene it. - -[Sidenote: POWER OF THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE.] - -"They have thus carried off from us the three rods destined to -chastise them, and abandoned themselves to all sorts of wickedness. -But now may God be our help, and give us one of the trumpets which -threw down the walls of Jericho. Let us blow down the walls of paper -and straw which the Romans have built around them, and lift up the -rods which punish the wicked, by bringing the wiles of the devil to -the light of day." - -Luther next commences the attack, and shakes to the foundation that -papal monarchy which had for ages united the nations of the West into -one body under the sceptre of the Roman bishop. There is no sacerdotal -caste in Christianity. This truth, of which the Church was so early -robbed, he vigorously expounds in the following terms:-- - -"It has been said that the pope, the bishops, the priests, and all -those who people convents, form the spiritual or ecclesiastical -estate; and that princes, nobles, citizens, and peasants, form the -secular or lay estate. This is a specious tale. But let no man be -alarmed. All Christians belong to the spiritual estate, and the only -difference between them is in the functions which they fulfil. We have -all but one baptism, but one faith, and these constitute the spiritual -man. Unction, tonsure, ordination, consecration, given by the pope or -by a bishop, may make a hypocrite, but can never make a spiritual man. -We are all consecrated priests by baptism, as St. Peter says, 'You are -a royal priesthood;' although all do not actually perform the offices -of kings and priests, because no one can assume what is common to all, -without the common consent. But if this consecration of God did not -belong to us, the unction of the pope could not make a single priest. -If ten brothers, the sons of one king, and possessing equal claims to -his inheritance, should choose one of their number to administer for -them, they would all be kings, and yet only one of them would be the -administrator of their common power. So it is in the Church. Were -several pious laymen banished to a desert, and were they, from not -having among them a priest consecrated by a bishop, to agree in -selecting one of their number, whether married or not, he would be as -truly a priest, as if all the bishops of the world had consecrated -him. In this way were Augustine, Ambrose, and Cyprian elected. - -"Hence it follows that laymen and priests, princes and bishops, or, as -we have said, ecclesiastics and laics, have nothing to distinguish -them but their functions. They have all the same condition, but they -have not all the same work to perform. - -[Sidenote: PAPAL USURPATION. RUIN OF ITALY.] - -"This being so, why should not the magistrate correct the clergy? The -secular power was appointed by God for the punishment of the wicked -and the protection of the good, and must be left free to act -throughout Christendom without respect of persons, be they pope, -bishops, priests, monks, or nuns. St. Paul says to all Christians, -'_Let every soul_,' (and consequently the pope also,) '_be subject to -the higher powers; for they bear not the sword in vain_.'"[207] - - [207] +Pasa psyche+, Rom. xiii. 1. 4. - -Luther, after throwing down the other two walls in the same way, takes -a review of all the abuses of Rome. With an eloquence of a truly -popular description he exposes evils which had, for ages, been -notorious. Never had a nobler remonstrance been heard. The assembly -which Luther addresses is the Church, the power whose abuses he -attacks is that papacy which had for ages been the oppressor of all -nations, and the Reformation for which he calls aloud is destined to -exercise its powerful influence on Christendom, all over the world, -and so long as man shall exist upon it. - -He begins with the pope. "It is monstrous," says he, "to see him who -calls himself the vicar of Jesus Christ displaying a magnificence, -unequalled by that of any emperor. Is this the way in which he proves -his resemblance to lowly Jesus, or humble Peter? He is, it is said, -the lord of the world. But Christ, whose vicar he boasts to be, has -said, '_My kingdom is not of this world_.' Can the power of a -vicegerent exceed that of his prince?..." - -Luther proceeds to depict the consequences of the papal domination. -"Do you know of what use the cardinals are? I will tell you. Italy and -Germany have many convents, foundations, and benefices, richly -endowed. How could their revenues be brought to Rome?... Cardinals -were created; then, on them, cloisters and prelacies were bestowed, -and at this hour ... Italy is almost a desert--the convents are -destroyed--the bishopricks devoured--the towns in decay--the -inhabitants corrupted--worship dying out, and preaching abolished.... -Why? Because all the revenues of the churches go to Rome. Never would -the Turk himself have so ruined Italy." - -Luther next turns to his countrymen. - -[Sidenote: DANGER OF GERMANY. REMEDIES PROPOSED BY LUTHER.] - -"And now that they have thus sucked the blood of their own country, -they come into Germany. They begin gently, but let us be on our guard. -Germany will soon become like Italy. We have already some cardinals. -Their thought is--before the rustic Germans comprehend our design they -will have neither bishoprick, nor convent, nor benefice, nor penny, -nor farthing. Antichrist must possess the treasures of the earth. -Thirty or forty cardinals will be elected in a single day; to one will -be given Bamberg, to another the duchy of Wurtzburg, and rich -benefices will be annexed until the churches and cities are laid -desolate. And then the pope will say, 'I am the vicar of Christ, and -the pastor of his flocks. Let the Germans be resigned.'" - -Luther's indignation rises. - -"How do we Germans submit to such robbery and concussion on the part -of the pope? If France has successfully resisted, why do we allow -ourselves to be thus sported with and insulted? Ah! if they deprived -us of nothing but our goods. But they ravage churches, plunder the -sheep of Christ, abolish the worship and suppress the word of God." - -Luther then exposes the devices of Rome to obtain money and secure the -revenues of Germany. Annats, palliums, commendams, administrations, -expected favours, incorporations, reservations, etc., all pass in -review. Then he says, "Let us endeavour to put a stop to this -desolation and misery. If we would march against the Turks--let us -begin with the worst species of them. If we hang pickpockets, and -behead robbers, let us not allow Roman avarice to escape--avarice, -which is the greatest of all thieves and robbers, and that too in the -name of St. Peter and Jesus Christ. Who can endure it? Who can be -silent? Is not all that the pope possesses stolen? He neither -purchased it nor inherited it from St. Peter, nor acquired it by the -sweat of his own brow. Where then did he get it?" - -Luther proposes remedies for all these evils, and energetically -arouses the German nobility to put an end to Roman depredation. He -next comes to the reform of the pope himself. "Is it not ridiculous," -says he, "that the pope should pretend to be the lawful heir of the -empire? Who gave it to him? Was it Jesus Christ, when he said, '_The -kings of the earth exercise lordship over them, but it shall not be so -with you'?_ (Luke, xxii, 25, 26). How can he govern an empire, and at -the same time preach, pray, study, and take care of the poor? Jesus -Christ forbade his disciples to carry with them gold or clothes, -because the office of the ministry cannot be performed without freedom -from every other care; yet the pope would govern the empire, and at -the same time remain pope."... - -[Sidenote: THE POPE. CELIBACY OF THE CLERGY.] - -Luther continues to strip the sovereign pontiff of his spoils. "Let -the pope renounce every species of title to the kingdom of Naples and -Sicily. He has no more right to it than I have. His possession of -Bologna, Imola, Ravenna, Romagna, Marche d'Ancona, etc., is unjust and -contrary to the commands of Jesus Christ. '_No man_,' says St. Paul, -'_who goeth a warfare entangleth_ _himself with the affairs of this -life_,' (2 Tim. ii, 2). And the pope, who pretends to take the lead in -the war of the gospel, entangles himself more with the affairs of this -life than any emperor or king. He must be disencumbered of all this -toil. The emperor should put a bible and a prayer book into the hands -of the pope, that the pope may leave kings to govern, and devote -himself to preaching and prayer."[208] - - [208] Ihm die Biblien und Betbuecher dafuer anzeigen .... und er predige - und bete. (L. Op. xvii, p. 472.) - -Luther is as averse to the pope's ecclesiastical power in Germany as -to his temporal power in Italy. "The first thing necessary is to -banish from all the countries of Germany, the legates of the pope, and -the pretended blessings which they sell us at the weight of gold, and -which are sheer imposture. They take our money--and why? For -legalising ill gotten gain, for loosing oaths, and teaching us to -break faith, to sin, and go direct to hell.... Hearest thou, O, pope! -not pope most holy, but pope most sinful.... May God, from his place -in heaven, cast down thy throne into the infernal abyss!" - -The Christian tribune pursues his course. After citing the pope to his -bar, he cites all the abuses in the train of the papacy, and -endeavours to sweep away from the Church all the rubbish by which it -is encumbered. He begins with the monks. - -"And now I come to a lazy band which promises much, but performs -little. Be not angry, dear Sirs, my intention is good; what I have to -say is a truth at once sweet and bitter; viz., that it is no longer -necessary to build cloisters for mendicant monks. Good God! we have -only too many of them, and would they were all suppressed.... To -wander vagabond over the country never has done, and never will do -good." - -The marriage of ecclesiastics comes next in course. It is the first -occasion on which Luther speaks of it. - -[Sidenote: FEAST DAYS. SUPPRESSION OF HERESY.] - -"Into what a state have the clergy fallen, and how many priests are -burdened with women and children and remorse, while no one comes to -their assistance? Let the pope and the bishops run their course, and -let those who will, go to perdition; all very well! but I am resolved -to unburden my conscience and open my mouth freely, however pope, -bishops, and others may be offended!... I say, then, that according to -the institution of Jesus Christ and the apostles, every town ought to -have a pastor or bishop, and that this pastor may have a wife, as St. -Paul writes to Timothy, "_Let the bishop be the husband of one wife_," -(1 Tim. iii. 2,) and as is still practised in the Greek Church. But -the devil has persuaded the pope, as St. Paul tells Timothy (1 Tim. -iv, 1-3), to forbid the clergy to marry. And hence, evils so -numerous, that it is impossible to give them in detail. What is to be -done? How are we to save the many pastors who are blameworthy only in -this, that they live with a female, to whom they wish with all their -heart to be lawfully united? Ah! let them save their conscience! let -them take this woman in lawful wedlock, and live decently with her, -not troubling themselves whether it pleases or displeases the pope. -The salvation of your soul is of greater moment than arbitrary and -tyrannical laws, laws not imposed by the Lord." - -In this way the Reformation sought to restore purity of morals within -the Church. The Reformer continues:-- - -"Let feast-days be abolished, and let Sunday only be kept, or if it is -deemed proper to keep the great Christian festivals, let them be -celebrated in the morning, and let the remainder of the day be a -working-day as usual. For by the ordinary mode of spending them in -drinking and gaming and committing all sorts of sins, or in mere -idleness, God is offended on festivals much more than on other days." - -He afterwards attacks the dedications of Churches, (which he describes -as mere taverns,) and after them fasts and fraternities. He desires -not only to suppress abuses, but also to put an end to schisms. "It is -time," says he, "to take the case of the Bohemians into serious -consideration, that hatred and envy may cease, and union be again -established." He proposes excellent methods of conciliation, and -adds--"In this way must heretics be refuted by Scripture, as the -ancient fathers did, and not subdued by fire. On a contrary system, -executioners would be the most learned of all doctors. Oh! would to -God that each party among us would shake hands with each other in -fraternal humility, rather than harden ourselves in the idea of our -power and right! Charity is more necessary than the Roman papacy. I -have now done what was in my power. If the pope or his people oppose -it, they will have to give an account. The pope should be ready to -renounce the popedom, and all his wealth, and all his honours, if he -could thereby save a single soul. But he would see the universe go to -destruction sooner than yield a hair-breadth of his usurped -power.[209] I am clear of these things." - - [209] Nun liess er ehe dei Welt untergehen, ehe er ein Haarbreit - seiner varmessenen Gewalt liesse abbrechen. (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. - 483.) - -Luther next comes to universities and schools. - -[Sidenote: CHRISTIAN EDUCATION. ROME SHOULD BE RETAKEN.] - -"I much fear the universities will become wide gates to hell, if due -care is not taken to explain the Holy Scriptures, and engrave it on -the hearts of the students. My advice to every person is, not to place -his child where the Scripture does not reign paramount. Every -institution in which the studies carried on lead to a relaxed -consideration of the Word of God must prove corrupting;[210] a weighty -sentiment, which governments, literary men, and parents in all ages -would do well to ponder." - - [210] Es muss verderben, alles was nicht Gottes Wort ohn Unterlass - treibt. (L. Op. L. xvii, p. 486.) - -Towards the end of his address he returns to the empire and the -emperor. - -"The popes," says he, "unable to lead the ancient masters of the Roman -empire at will, resolved on wresting their title and their empire from -them and giving it to us Germans. This they accomplished, and we have -become bondmen to the pope. For the pope has possessed himself of -Rome, and bound the emperor by oath never to reside in it; and the -consequence is, that the emperor is the emperor of Rome without having -Rome. We have the name; the pope has the country and its cities. We -have the title and the insignia of empire; the pope its treasury, -power, privileges, and freedom. The pope eats the fruit, and we amuse -ourselves with the husk. In this way our simplicity has always been -abused by the pride and tyranny of the Romans. - -"But now, may God who has given us such an empire, be our aid! Let us -act conformably to our name, our title, our insignia; let us save our -freedom, and give the Romans to know that, through their hands it was -committed to us by God. They boast of having given us an empire. Very -well! let us take what belongs to us. Let the pope surrender Rome, and -every part of the empire that he possesses. Let him put an end to his -taxes and extortions. Let him restore our liberty, our power, our -wealth, our honour, our soul, and our body. Let the empire be all that -an empire ought to be; and let the sword of princes no longer be -compelled to lower itself before the hypocritical pretensions of a -pope." - -In these words there is not only energy and eloquence, but also sound -argument. Never did orator so speak to the nobility of the empire, and -to the emperor himself. Far from being surprised that so many German -states revolted from Rome we should rather wonder that all Germany did -not proceed to the banks of the Tiber, and there resume that imperial -power, the insignia of which the popes had imprudently placed on the -head of their chief. - -Luther thus concludes his intrepid address. - -[Sidenote: BOOK NOT PUBLISHED.] - -"I presume, however, that I have struck too high a note, proposed many -things that will appear impossible, and been somewhat too severe on -the many errors which I have attacked. But what can I do? Better that -the world be offended with me than God!... The utmost which it can -take from me is life. I have often offered to make peace with my -opponents, but, through their instrumentality God has always obliged -me to speak out against them. I have still a chant upon Rome in -reserve, and if they have an itching ear, I will sing it to them at -full pitch. Rome! do ye understand me?"... It is probable that Luther -here refers to a treatise on the papacy which he was preparing for -publication, but which never was published. Rector Burkhard, writing -at this time to Spengler, says, "There is, moreover, a short tract, -_De Execranda Venere Romanorum_, but it is kept in reserve." The title -of the work seems to intimate something which would have given great -offence, and it is pleasing to think that Luther had moderation not to -publish it. - -"If my cause is just," continues he, "it must be condemned on the -earth, and justified only by Christ in heaven. Therefore, let pope, -bishops, priests, monks, doctors, come forward, display all their -zeal, and give full vent to their fury. Assuredly they are just the -people who ought to persecute the truth, as in all ages they have -persecuted it." - -Where did this monk obtain this clear knowledge of public affairs, -which even the states of the empire often find it so difficult to -unravel? Whence did this German derive this courage which enables him -to hold up his head among his countrymen who had been enslaved for so -many ages, and deal such severe blows to the papacy? By what -mysterious energy is he animated? Does it not seem that he must have -heard the words which God addressed to one of ancient times; "Lo! I -have strengthened thy face against their faces, I have made thy -forehead like a diamond, and harder than flint; be not then afraid -because of them"? - -[Sidenote: ADDRESS TO THE GERMAN NOBILITY.] - -This exhortation, being addressed to the German nobility, was soon in -the hands of all those for whom it was intended. It spread over -Germany with inconceivable rapidity. Luther's friends trembled, while -Staupitz, and those who wished to follow gentle methods, thought the -blow too severe. "In our days," replied Luther, "whatever is treated -calmly falls into oblivion, and nobody cares for it."[211] At the same -time, he displayed extraordinary simplicity and humility. He was -unconscious of his own powers. "I know not," writes he, "what to say -of myself; perhaps I am the precursor of Philip (Melancthon). Like -Elias, I am preparing the way for him, in spirit and in power, that he -may one day trouble Israel, and the house of Ahab."[212] But there was -no occasion to wait for any other than he who had appeared. The house -of Ahab was already shaken. The _Address to the German Nobility_ was -published on the 26th of June, 1520, and, in a short time, 4000 copies -were sold, a number at that period unprecedented. The astonishment was -universal, and the whole people were in commotion. The vigour, spirit, -perspicuity, and noble boldness by which it was pervaded, made it -truly a work for the people, who felt that one who spoke in such terms -truly loved them. The confused views which many wise men entertained -were enlightened. All became aware of the usurpations of Rome. At -Wittemberg, no man had any doubt whatever, that the pope was -Antichrist. Even the Elector's court, with all its timidity and -circumspection, did not disapprove of the Reformer, but only awaited -the issue. The nobility and the people did not even wait. The nation -was awakened, and, at the voice of Luther, adopted his cause, and -rallied around his standard. Nothing could have been more advantageous -to the Reformer than this publication. In palaces, in castles, in the -dwellings of the citizens, and even in cottages, all are now prepared, -and made proof, as it were, against the sentence of condemnation which -is about to fall upon the prophet of the people. All Germany is on -fire, and the bull, come when it may, never will extinguish the -conflagration. - - [211] Quae nostro saeculo quiete tractantur, mox cadere in - oblivionem.... (L. Ep. i, p. 479.) - - [212] Ibid. p. 478. - - - - -CHAP. IV. - - Preparations at Rome--Motives to resist the Papacy--Eck at - Rome--Eck gains the Day--The Pope is the World--God produces - the Separation--A Swiss Priest pleads for Luther--The Roman - Consistory--Preamble of the Bull--Condemnation of Luther. - - -At Rome every thing necessary for the condemnation of the defender of -the liberty of the Church was prepared. Men had long lived there in -arrogant security. The monks of Rome had long accused Leo X of -devoting himself to luxury and pleasure, and of spending his whole -time in hunting, theatricals, and music,[213] while the Church was -crumbling to pieces. At last, through the clamour of Dr. Eck, who had -come from Leipsic to invoke the power of the Vatican, the pope, the -cardinals, the monks, all Rome awoke and bestirred themselves to save -the papacy. - - [213] Sopra tutto musico eccellentissimo, e quando el canta con - qualche uno, li fa donar cento e piu ducati.... (Zorsi. MS. C.) And - above all a most excellent musician, and any person with whom he sings - he presents with a hundred ducats. - -[Sidenote: ECK'S SUCCESS AT ROME.] - -Rome, in fact, was obliged to adopt the severest measures. The -gauntlet had been thrown down, and the combat was destined to be -mortal. Luther attacked not the abuses of the Roman pontificate, but -the pontificate itself. At his bidding, the pope was humbly to descend -from his throne, and again become a simple pastor, or bishop, on the -banks of the Tiber. All the dignitaries of the Roman hierarchy were -required to renounce their riches and worldly glory, and again become -elders or deacons of the churches of Italy. All the splendour and -power which had for ages dazzled the West behoved to vanish away and -give place to the humble and simple worship of the primitive -Christians. These things God could have done, and will one day do, but -they were not to be expected from men. Even should a pope have been -disinterested enough, and bold enough to attempt the overthrow of the -ancient and sumptuous edifice of the Romish Church, thousands of -priests and bishops would have rushed forward to its support. The pope -had received power under the express condition of maintaining whatever -was entrusted to him. Rome deemed herself appointed of God to govern -the Church; and no wonder, therefore, that she was prepared with this -view to adopt the most decisive measures. And yet, at the outset, she -did show hesitation. Several cardinals and the pope himself, were -averse to severe proceedings. Leo had too much sagacity not to be -aware that a decision, the enforcement of which depended on the very -dubious inclinations of the civil power, might seriously compromise -the authority of the Church. He saw, moreover, that the violent -methods already resorted to had only increased the evil. "Is it -impossible to gain this Saxon monk?" asked the politicians of Rome. -"Would all the power of the Church, and all the wiles of Italy, be -ineffectual for this purpose? Negotiation must still be attempted." - -[Sidenote: PAPACY AND THE REFORMATION.] - -Eck accordingly encountered formidable obstacles. He neglected nothing -to prevent what he termed impious concessions. Going up and down Rome, -he gave vent to his rage, and cried for vengeance. The fanatical -faction of the monks having immediately leagued with him he felt -strong in this alliance, and proceeded with new courage to importune -the pope and the cardinals. According to him all attempts at -conciliation were useless. "The idea of it," said he, "is only the -vain dream of those who slumber at a distance from the scene." But he -knew the danger; for he had wrestled with the audacious monk. The -thing necessary was to amputate the gangrened limb, and so prevent the -disease from attacking the whole body. The blustering disputant of -Leipsic solves objections one after another, and endeavours, but finds -it difficult to persuade the pope.[214] He wishes to save Rome in -spite of herself. Sparing no exertion, he spent whole hours in -deliberation in the cabinet of the pontiff,[215] and made application -both to the court and the cloisters, to the people and the Church. -"Eck is calling to the depth of depths against me," said Luther, "and -setting on fire the forests of Lebanon."[216] At length he succeeded. -The fanatics in the councils of the papacy vanquished the politicians. -Leo gave way, and Luther's condemnation was resolved. Eck began again -to breathe, and his pride felt gratified by the thought that his own -efforts had procured the ruin of his heretical rival, and thereby -saved the church. "It was well," said he, "that I came to Rome at this -time, for little was known of Luther's errors. It will one day be seen -how much I have done in this cause."[217] - - [214] Sarpi. Hist. of Council of Trent. - - [215] Stetimus nuper, papa, duo cardinales .... et ego per quinque - horas in deliberatione .... (Eckii Epistola, 3 Maii. L. Op. Lat. ii, - p. 48.) The pope, two cardinals, and I lately remained five hours in - deliberation. - - [216] Impetraturus abyssos abyssorum.... succensurus saltum Libani.... - (L. Ep. i, p. 421, 429.) - - [217] Bonum fuit me venisse hoc tempore Romam .... (Epist. Eckii.) - -No one exerted himself so much in seconding Dr. Eck as the master of -the sacred palace, Sylvester Mazzolini De Prierio, who had just -published a work, in which he maintained, that not only to the pope -alone appertained the infallible decision of all debateable points, -but also that papal ascendancy was the fifth monarchy of Daniel, and -the only true monarchy; that the pope was the prince of all -ecclesiastical, and the father of all secular princes, the chief of -the world, and even in substance the world itself.[218] In another -writing he affirmed, that the pope is as much superior to the emperor -as gold is to lead;[219] that the pope can appoint and depose emperors -and electors, establish and annul positive rights; and that the -emperor, with all the laws and all the nations of Christendom, cannot -decide the smallest matter contrary to the pope's will. Such was the -voice which came forth from the palace of the sovereign pontiff, such -the monstrous fiction which, in union with scholastic dogmas, aimed at -suppressing reviving truth. Had this fiction not been unmasked, as it -has been, and that even by learned members of the Catholic Church, -there would have been neither true history nor true religion. The -papacy is not merely a lie in regard to the Bible, it is also a lie in -regard to the annals of nations. And hence the Reformation, by -destroying its fascinating power, has emancipated not only the Church, -but also kings and nations. The Reformation has been described as a -political work, and in this secondary sense it truly was so. - - [218] Caput orbis et consequenter orbis totus in virtute (De juridica - et irrefragabili veritate Romanae Ecclesiae. Bibl. Max. xix, cap. iv.) - - [219] Papa est imperatore major dignitate plus quam aurum plombo. (De - Papa et ejus potestate, p. 371.) - -[Sidenote: NO MUTILATION OF TRUTH. ZWINGLE PLEADS FOR LUTHER.] - -Thus God sent a spirit of delusion on the doctors of Rome. The -separation between truth and error must now be accomplished, and it is -to error that the task is assigned. Had a compromise been entered -into, it must have been at the expense of truth; for to mutilate truth -in the slightest degree is to pave the way for her complete -annihilation. Like the insect, which is said to die on the loss of one -of its antennae, she must be complete in all her parts, in order to -display the energy which enables her to gain great and advantageous -victories, and propagate herself through coming ages. To mingle any -portion of error with truth is to throw a grain of poison into a large -dish of food. The grain suffices to change its whole nature, and death -ensues slowly, it may be; but yet surely. Those who defend the -doctrine of Christ against the attacks of its adversaries keep as -jealous an eye on its farthest outposts as on the citadel itself, for -the moment the enemy gains any footing at all he is on the highway to -conquest. The Roman pontiff determined at the period of which we now -treat to rend the Church; and the fragment which remained in his hand, -how splendid soever it may be, in vain endeavours under pompous -ornaments to hide the deleterious principle by which it is attacked. -It is only where the word of God is, that there is life. Luther, -however great his courage was, would probably have been silent had -Rome been so and made some faint show of concession. But God did not -leave the Reformation to depend on a weak human heart. Luther was -under the guidance of a clearer intellect than his own. The pope was -the instrument in the hand of Providence to sever every tie between -the past and the future, and launch the Reformer on a new, unknown, -and to him uncertain career, and the difficult avenues to which he -would, if left to himself, have been unable to find. The papal bull -was a writing of divorce sent from Rome to the pure Church of Jesus -Christ, as personified in him who was then her humble but faithful -representative. And the Church accepted the writing on the -understanding that she was thenceforth to depend on none but her -heavenly Head. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S CONDEMNATION.] - -While at Rome, Luther's condemnation was urged forward with so much -violence, a humble priest, dwelling in one of the humble towns of -Helvetia, and who had never had any correspondence with the Reformer, -was deeply moved when he thought of the blow which was aimed at him; -while even the friends of the Wittemberg doctor trembled in silence, -this mountaineer of Switzerland resolved to employ every means to stay -the formidable bull. His name was Ulrick Zwingle. William des Faucons, -who was secretary to the papal Legate in Switzerland, and managed the -affairs of Rome during the Legate's absence, was his friend, and a few -days before had said to him, "while I live you may calculate on -obtaining from me everything that a true friend can be expected to -give." The Helvetian priest, trusting to this declaration, repaired to -the Roman embassy. This, at least, may be inferred from one of his -letters. For himself, he had no fear of the dangers to which -evangelical faith exposed him, knowing that a disciple of Jesus Christ -must always be ready to sacrifice his life; "All I ask of Christ for -myself," said he to a friend to whom he was unbosoming his solicitude -on Luther's account, "all I ask is to be able to bear like a man -whatever evils await me. I am a vessel of clay in his hands. Let him -break or let him strengthen me as seemeth to him good."[220] But the -Swiss evangelist had fears for the Christian Church, should this -formidable blow reach the Reformer, and he endeavoured to persuade the -representative of Rome to enlighten the pope, and employ all the means -in his power to prevent him from launching an excommunication at -Luther.[221] "The dignity of the holy see itself," said he to him, "is -here at stake, for if matters are brought to such a point, Germany, in -the height of her enthusiasm for the gospel, and for its preacher, -will despise the pope and his anathemas."[222] The efforts of Zwingle -were in vain. It appears, indeed, that when he was making them, the -blow had been already struck. Such was the first occasion on which the -paths of the Saxon doctor and the Swiss priest met. The latter we will -again meet with in the course of this history, and will see him -gradually expanding and growing until he obtain a high standing in the -Church of the Lord. - - [220] Hoc unum Christum obtestans, ut masculo omnia pectore ferre - donet, et me figulinum suum rumpat aut firmet, ut illi placitum sit. - (Zwinglii Epistolae, curant. Schulero et Schulthessio, p. 144.) - - [221] Ut pontificem admoneat, ne excommunicationem ferat. (Ibid.) - - [222] Nam si feratur, auguror Germanos cum excommunicatione pontificem - quoque contempturos. (Zwinglii Epistolae, curant. Schulero et - Schulthessio, p. 144.) - -[Sidenote: THE PAPAL BULL.] - -After Luther's condemnation was at last resolved upon, new -difficulties arose in the Consistory. The theologians wished to -proceed at once to fulmination, whereas the lawyers were for beginning -with a citation, asking their theological colleagues, "Was not Adam -first cited? '_Adam, where art thou?_' said the Lord. It was the same -with Cain, the question asked at him was, 'where is thy brother, -Abel?'" These strange arguments, drawn from Scripture, the canonists -strengthened by appealing to the principles of the law of nature. "The -certainty of a crime," said they, "cannot deprive the criminal of his -right of defence."[223] It is pleasing to find a sense of justice -still existing in a Roman consistory. But these scruples did not suit -the theologians, who, hurried on by passion, thought only of -proceeding to business with despatch. It was at length agreed that the -doctrine of Luther should be immediately condemned, and that a period -of sixty days should be granted to him and his adherents; after which, -provided they did not retract, they should all be, _ipso facto_, -excommunicated. De Vio, who had returned from Germany in ill health, -was carried to the meeting, that he might not lose this little -triumph, which carried with it some degree of consolation. Having been -defeated at Augsburg, he longed to be able at Rome to condemn the -invincible monk, before whom his knowledge, finesse, and authority had -proved unavailing. Luther not being there to reply, De Vio felt -himself strong. A last conference, which Eck attended, was held in -presence of the pope himself, in his villa at Malliano. On the 15th of -June the sacred college resolved on condemnation, and approved of the -famous bull. - - [223] Sarpi Hist. of the Council of Trent, i, p. 12. - -"Arise, O Lord!" said the Roman pontiff, speaking at this solemn -moment as vicar of God and head of the Church, "arise and be judge in -thy own cause. Remember the insults daily offered to thee by -infatuated men. Arise, O Peter, remember thy holy Roman Church, the -mother of all churches, and mistress of the faith! Arise, O Paul, for -here is a new Porphyry, who is attacking thy doctrines and the holy -popes our predecessors! Arise, in fine, assembly of all the saints, -holy Church of God, and intercede with the Almighty!"[224] - - [224] L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 305, and Op. Lat. i, p. 32. - -The pope afterwards quotes as pernicious, scandalous, and poisonous, -forty-one propositions in which Luther had expounded the holy doctrine -of the gospel. Among these propositions we find the following:-- - -"To deny that sin remains in an infant after baptism, is to trample -St. Paul and our Lord Jesus Christ under foot." - -"A new life is the best and noblest penance." - -"To burn heretics is contrary to the will of the Holy Spirit, etc." - -[Sidenote: MELANCTHON.] - -"The moment this Bull is published," continued the pope, "it will be -the duty of the bishops to make careful search for the writings of -Martin Luther, which contain these errors, and to burn them publicly -and solemnly in presence of the clergy and laity. In regard to Martin -himself, good God! what have we not done! Imitating the goodness of -the Almighty, we are ready, even yet, to receive him into the bosom of -the Church, and we give him sixty days to transmit his retractation to -us in a writing sealed by two prelates; or, what will be more -agreeable to us, to come to Rome in person, that no doubt may be -entertained as to his submission. Meanwhile, and from this moment, he -must cease to preach, teach, or write, and must deliver his works to -the flames. If, in the space of sixty days, he do not retract, we, by -these presents, condemn him and his adherents as public and absolute -heretics." The pope afterwards pronounces a multiplicity of -excommunications, maledictions, and interdicts against Luther and all -his adherents, with injunctions to seize their persons and send them -to Rome.[225] It is easy to conjecture what the fate of these noble -confessors of the gospel would have been in the dungeons of the -papacy. - - [225] Sub praedictis poenis, praefatum Lutherum, complices adhaerentes, - receptatores et fautores, personaliter capiant et ad nos mittant. - (Bulla Leonis, loc. cit.) - -A thunder storm was thus gathering over the head of Luther. Some had -been able to persuade themselves, after Reuchlin's affair, that the -Court at Rome would not again make common cause with the Dominicans -and the Inquisitors. These, however, were again in the ascendant, and -the old alliance was solemnly renewed. The Bull was published, and for -ages the mouth of Rome had never pronounced a sentence of condemnation -without following it up with a death blow. This murderous message was -about to issue from the seven hills, and attack the Saxon monk in his -cloister. The moment was well chosen. There were good grounds for -supposing that the new emperor, who, for many reasons, was anxious to -obtain the friendship of the pope, would hasten to merit it by the -sacrifice of an obscure monk. Leo X, the cardinals, and all Rome, were -exulting in the belief that their enemy was already in their power. - - - - -CHAP. V. - - Wittemberg--Melancthon--His Marriage--Catharine--Domestic - Life--Beneficence--Good Humour--Christ and - Antiquity--Labour--Love of Letters--His Mother--Outbreak - among the Students. - - -[Sidenote: MELANCTHON'S MARRIAGE.] - -While the inhabitants of the eternal city were thus agitated more -tranquil events were occurring at Wittemberg, where Melancthon was -shedding a soft but brilliant light. From 1500 to 2000 hearers, who -had flocked from Germany, England, the Netherlands, France, Italy, -Hungary, and Greece, often assembled around him. He was twenty-four -years of age, and had not taken orders. Every house in Wittemberg was -open to this learned and amiable young professor. Foreign -universities, in particular Ingolstadt, were desirous to gain him, and -his Wittemberg friends wished to get him married, and thereby retain -him among them. Luther, though he concurred in wishing that his dear -Philip should have a female companion, declared openly that he would -give no counsel in the matter. The task was undertaken by others. The -young doctor was a frequent visitor of Burgomaster Krapp. The -burgomaster was of an ancient family, and had a daughter named -Catharine, remarkable for the mildness of her dispositions, and her -great sensibility. Melancthon was urged to ask her in marriage; but -the young scholar was buried among his books, and could talk of -nothing else. His Greek authors and his New Testament were all his -delight. He combated the arguments of his friends; but at length his -consent was obtained, and all the arrangements having been made by -others, Catharine became his wife. He received her with great -coolness,[226] and said, with a sigh, "God has willed it; so I must -renounce my studies and my delights, to follow the wishes of my -friends."[227] Still he appreciated the good qualities of Catharine. -"The disposition and education of the girl," said he, "are such as I -might have asked God to give her, +dexia ho theos tekmairoito+.[228] -She certainly deserved a better husband." The matter was settled in -August. The espousals took place on the 25th of September, and the -marriage was celebrated in the end of November. Old John Luther and -his wife came with their daughters to Wittemberg on the occasion.[229] -Many learned and distinguished persons were also present. - - [226] Uxor enim datur mihi non dico quam frigenti. (Corp. Ref. i, p. - 211.) - - [227] Ego meis studiis, mea me voluptate fraudo. (Ibid., i, p. 265.) - - [228] May God by his right hand give a happy issue. (Corp. Ref. i, p. - 212.) - - [229] Parentes mei cum sororibus nuptias honorarunt Philippi. (Ep. i, - p. 528.) - -[Sidenote: PORTRAIT OF MELANCTHON.] - -The young bride was as warm in her affection as the young professor -was cold. Ever full of anxiety for her husband, Catharine took the -alarm the moment she saw him threatened with even the semblance of -danger. If Melancthon proposed to take any step which might compromise -him, she urged and entreated him to abandon it. "On one of these -occasions," wrote Melancthon, "I was obliged to yield to her -weakness.... It is our lot." How much unfaithfulness in the Church has -had a similar origin. To the influence of Catharine ought, perhaps, to -be attributed the timidity and fears with which her husband has often -been reproached. Catharine was as fond a mother as a wife. She gave -liberally to the poor. "O God, leave me not in my old age, when my -hair shall begin to turn grey!" Such was the frequent prayer of this -pious and timorous soul. Melancthon was soon won by the affection of -his wife. When he had tasted the pleasures of domestic society he felt -how sweet they were, for he was of a nature to feel them. His happiest -moments were beside his Catharine and her children. A French traveller -having one day found the "preceptor of Germany" rocking his infant -with one hand, and with a book in the other, started back in surprise; -but Melancthon, without being discomposed, so warmly explained to him -the value of children in the sight of God, that the stranger left the -house, (to use his own words,) "wiser than he had entered it." - -[Sidenote: MELANCTHON'S VISIT TO HIS MOTHER.] - -The marriage of Melancthon gave a domestic hearth to the Reformation. -There was, thenceforth, in Wittemberg, a family whose house was open -to all those whom the principle of a new life now animated. The -concourse of strangers was immense.[230] Melancthon was waited on for -a thousand different affairs, and his rule was never to deny himself -to any body.[231] The young professor was particularly skilful in -concealing his own good deeds. If he had no more money he secretly -carried his silver plate to some merchant, never hesitating to part -with it, provided he had the means of assisting those who were in -distress. "Hence," says his friend, Camerarius, "it would have been -impossible for him to provide for his own wants and those of his -family had not a divine and hidden blessing from time to time -furnished him with the means." He carried his good nature to an -extreme. He had some antique medals of gold and silver, which were -extremely curious. One day when showing them to a stranger who was -visiting him, Melancthon said, "Take any one of them you wish." "I -wish them all," replied the stranger." "I confess," says Philip, "I -was at first offended at the selfishness of the request; however I -gave them to him."[232] Melancthon's writings had a savour of -antiquity. This, however, did not prevent them from exhaling the sweet -savour of Christ, while it gave them an inexpressible charm. There is -not one of his letters to his friends which does not contain some very -apt allusion to Homer, Plato, Cicero, and Pliny, while Christ is -always brought forward as his master and his God. Spalatin had asked -him for an explanation of our Saviour's words--"_Without me ye can do -nothing_," (John, xv, 5). Melancthon refers him to Luther--"_Cur agam -gestum spectante Roscio?_ as Cicero expresses it;[233] and then -continues, "This passage means that we must be absorbed by Christ, so -that it is no longer we that act, but Christ that liveth in us. As in -his person the Divine has been incorporated with the human nature, so -must man be incorporated with Jesus Christ by faith." - - [230] Videres in aedibus illis perpetuo accedentes et introeuntes et - discedentes atque exeuntes aliquos. (Camerar. Vita Melancth. p. 40.) - In that house you would constantly see persons approaching and - entering, or coming out and going away. - - [231] Ea domus disciplina erat, ut nihil cuiquam negaretur. (Ibid.) - - [232] Sed dedisse nihilominus illos. (Camerar. Vita Melancth. p. 43.) - - [233] Why should I play a part and Roscius be a looker on? (Corp. Ref. - Ep. April 13, 1520.) - -The distinguished scholar's habit was to go to bed shortly after -supper, and get up to his studies at two or three in the morning.[234] -During these early hours his best works were composed. His manuscripts -usually lay on his table exposed to the view of all who came and went, -so that several were stolen. When he had a party of his friends, he -asked one or other of them, before they sat down to table, to read -some short composition in prose or verse. During his journeys he was -always accompanied by some young persons with whom he conversed in a -manner at once instructive and amusing. If the conversation flagged, -each of them had to repeat in his turn some passage taken from the -ancient poets. He often had recourse to irony, but always tempered it -with great gentleness. "He stings and cuts," said he of himself, "but -still without doing any harm." - - [234] Surgebat mox aut non longo intervallo post mediam noctem. - (Camerar, p. 56.) - -The acquisition of knowledge was his ruling passion. The aim of his -life was to diffuse literature and instruction. Let us not forget, -that with him the first place in literature was given to the Holy -Scriptures, and only a secondary place to the ancient classics. "My -sole object," said he, "is the defence of literature; we must, by our -example, inspire youth with an admiration of literature, and make them -love it for itself, and not for the pecuniary profit which it may be -made to yield. The downfall of literature involves the destruction of -all that is good--of religion and morals--of things human and -divine.[235]... The better a man is, the more ardently does he exert -himself in favour of learning, for he knows that the most pernicious -of all pests is ignorance." - - [235] Religionem, mores, humana divinaque omnia labefactat literarum - inscitia. (Corp. Ref. i, 207, July 22, 1520.) - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S DISCOURSE.] - -Some time after his marriage, Melancthon went to Bretten, in the -Palatinate, accompanied by Camerarius and other friends, to pay a -visit to his affectionate mother. On coming in sight of his native -town, he dismounted from his horse, threw himself on his knees, and -thanked God for permitting him to see it again. Margaret, on embracing -her son, almost fainted with joy. She would have had him reside at -Bretten, and earnestly entreated him to continue in the faith of his -fathers. On this head, Melancthon excused himself, but with great -tenderness, that he might not give offence to the conscientious -feelings of his mother; he had great difficulty in parting with her, -and whenever a traveller brought him news of his native town, he -rejoiced, to use his own expression, as if he had renewed the joys of -his childhood. Such was the character of one of the greatest -instruments employed in the religious revolution of the sixteenth -century. - -The domestic calmness and studious activity of Wittemberg was, -however, disturbed by a commotion, the consequence of a rupture which -took place between the students and the citizens. The Rector betrayed -great weakness. One may suppose how deeply Melancthon was grieved when -he saw these disciples of literature committing such excesses. Luther -felt indignant, and had no idea of trying to gain them over by a false -condescension. The disgrace which these disorders brought upon the -university stung him to the heart.[236] Having mounted the pulpit, he -inveighed in strong terms against these commotions, calling upon both -parties to submit to the authorities.[237] His discourse produced -great irritation; "Satan," says he, "unable to attack us from without, -is trying to do us mischief from within. Him I fear not, but I fear -lest the wrath of God be kindled against us for not having duly -received his word. During the three last years I have been thrice -exposed to great danger. In 1518, at Augsburg; in 1519, at Leipsic; -and now, in 1520, at Wittemberg. It is neither by wisdom nor by arms -that the renovation of the Church will be accomplished, but by humble -prayers, and by an intrepid faith which puts Jesus Christ on our -side.[238] O, my friend! unite your prayers to mine, that the evil -spirit may not be able, by means of this small spark, to kindle a vast -conflagration." - - [236] Urit me ista confusio academiae nostrae. (L. Ep. i, p. 467.) - - [237] Commendans potestatem magistratuum. (Ibid.) - - [238] .... Nec prudentia nec armis, sed humili oratione et forti fide, - quibus obtineamus Christum pro nobis. (Ibid. p. 469.) - - - - -CHAP. VI. - - The Gospel In Italy--Discourse on the Mass--The Babylonish - Captivity of the Church--Baptism--Abolition of - Vows--Progress of the Reformation. - - -[Sidenote: THE GOSPEL IN ITALY. LUTHER'S DISCOURSE ON THE MASS.] - -But fiercer combats awaited Luther. Rome was brandishing the sword -with which she had resolved to attack the gospel. Her threatened -sentence, however, so far from dispiriting the Reformer increased his -courage. The blows of this arrogant power gave him little concern. He -will himself give more formidable blows, and thereby neutralize those -of his adversaries. While Transalpine consistories are fulminating -their anathemas against him, he will, with the sword of the gospel, -pierce to the very heart of the Italian states. Luther having been -informed, by letters from Venice, of the favourable reception which -had been given to his opinions, felt an ardent desire to carry the -gospel over the Alps. Evangelists must be found to transport it. "I -wish," said he, "that we had living books, I mean preachers,[239] and -that we could multiply them, and afford them protection in all -quarters, in order that they might convey the knowledge of holy things -to the people. The prince could not do a work more worthy of him. Were -the inhabitants of Italy to receive the truth our cause would be -unassailable." It does not appear that this project of Luther was -realised. It is true that, at a later period, evangelists, even Calvin -himself, sojourned for a while in Italy, but at this time the design -was not followed out. He had applied to one of the great ones of the -earth. Had he made his appeal to men low in station, but full of zeal -for the kingdom of God, the result might have been very different. The -idea at this period was, that every thing behoved to be done by -governments. The association of private individuals, by which so much -is now accomplished in Christendom, was almost unknown. - - [239] Si vivos libros, hoc est concionatores possemus multiplicare... - (L. Ep. i, p. 491.) - -If Luther did not succeed in his plans of spreading the truth in a -distant country, he was only the more zealous in proclaiming it -himself. At this time his discourse, 'On the Holy Mass,'[240] was -delivered at Wittemberg. In it he inveighed against the numerous sects -of the Romish Church, and justly reproached it with its want of unity. -"The multiplicity of spiritual laws," said he, "has filled the world -with sects and divisions. Priests, monks, and laics, have shown more -hatred of each other than subsists between Christians and Turks. What -do I say? Priests are mortal enemies of priests, and monks of monks. -Each is attached to his particular sect, and despises all others. -There is an end of Christian love and unity." He then attacks the idea -that the mass is a sacrifice, and has any efficacy in itself. "The -best thing in every sacrament, and consequently in the Supper, is the -word and promises of God. Without faith in this word, and these -promises, the sacrament is dead; a body without a soul, a flagon -without wine, a purse without money, a type without an antitype, the -letter without the spirit, a casket without its diamond, a scabbard -without its sword." - - [240] L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 490. - -[Sidenote: THE "BABYLONISH CAPTIVITY OF THE CHURCH." VOWS.] - -Luther's voice, however, was not confined to Wittemberg; and if he -failed to procure missionaries to carry his instructions to distant -lands, God provided him with a missionary of a new description. The -art of printing supplied the place of evangelists. The press was -destined to make a breach in the Roman fortress. Luther had prepared -a mine, the explosion of which shook the Roman edifice to its very -foundations. This was his famous treatise on the _Babylonish Captivity -of the Church_, which appeared 6th October, 1520.[241] Never had man -displayed such courage in such critical circumstances. - - [241] L. Op. Lat. xi. 63, and Leip. xvii, p. 511. - -In this writing he first enumerates, with a kind of ironical pride, -all the advantages for which he is indebted to his enemies. - -"Whether I will or not," says he, "I daily become more learned, -spurred on as I am by so many celebrated masters. Two years ago I -attacked indulgences, but with so much fear and indecision, that I am -now ashamed of it. But, after all, the mode of attack is not to be -wondered at, for I had nobody who would help me to roll the stone." He -returns thanks to Prierio, Eck, Emser, and his other opponents, and -continues--"I denied that the papacy was of God, but I granted that it -had the authority of man. Now, after reading all the subtleties by -which these sparks prop up their idol, I know that the papacy is only -the kingdom of Babylon, and the tyranny of the great hunter Nimrod. I -therefore beg all my friends, and all booksellers, to burn the books -which I wrote on this subject, and to substitute for them the single -proposition--'_The papacy is a general chace, by command of the Roman -pontiff, for the purpose of running down and destroying souls_.'"[242] - - [242] "Papatus est robusta venatio Romani Episcopi." The papacy is a - vigorous hunt by the Roman bishop. - -Luther afterwards attacks the prevailing errors on the sacraments, on -monastic vows, etc. The seven sacraments of the Church he reduces to -three--viz., baptism, penitence, and the Lord's supper. He then -proceeds to baptism, and when discussing it dwells especially on the -excellence of faith, and makes a vigorous attack upon Rome. "God," -says he, "has preserved this single sacrament to us clear of human -traditions. God has said, '_Whoso believeth_, and is _baptized_, shall -be saved.' This divine promise must take precedence of all works -however splendid, of all vows, all satisfactions, all indulgences, all -that man has devised. On this promise, if we receive it in faith, all -our salvation depends. If we believe, our heart is strengthened by the -divine promise, and though all else should abandon the believer, this -promise will not abandon him. With it he will resist the adversary who -assaults his soul, and will meet death though pitiless, and even the -judgment of God himself. In all trials his comfort will be to say, -'God is faithful to his promises, and these were pledged to me in -baptism; if God be for me, who can be against me?' Oh, how rich the -Christian, the baptized! Nothing can destroy him but his own refusal -to believe." - -[Sidenote: PROGRESS OF THE REFORMATION.] - -"It may be that, to my observations on the necessity of faith will be -opposed the baptism of little children. But as the Word of God is -powerful to change even the heart of the wicked, though neither less -deaf, nor less impotent than a little child; so the prayer of the -Church, to which all things are possible, changes the little child by -means of the faith which God is pleased to pour into its soul, and so -cleanses and renews it."[243] - - [243] "Sicut enim verbum Dei potens est dum sonat, etiam impii cor - immutare, quod non minus est surdum et incapax quam ullus parvulus, - ita per orationem Ecclesiae offerentis et credentis parvulus, fide - infusa mutatur, mundatur, et renovatur." (L. Op. Lat. ii, p. 77.) - -After explaining the doctrine of baptism, Luther employs it as a -weapon against the papacy. In fact, if the Christian finds complete -salvation in the renewal which accompanies the baptism of faith, what -need has he of the prescriptions of Rome? - -"Wherefore," says Luther, "I declare that neither the pope, nor the -bishop, nor any man whatever, is entitled to impose the smallest -burden on a Christian--at least without his consent. Whatsoever is -done otherwise is done tyrannically.[244] We are free of all men. The -vow which we made in baptism is sufficient by itself alone, and is -more than all we could ever accomplish.[245] Therefore, all other vows -may be abolished. Let every one who enters the priesthood, or a -religious order, consider well that the works of a monk or a priest, -how difficult soever they may be, are, in the view of God, in no -respect superior to those of a peasant labouring in the field, or a -woman attending to the duties of her house.[246] God estimates all -these things by the rule of faith. And it often happens that the -simple labour of a man-servant, or a maid-servant, is more agreeable -to God than the fastings and works of a monk, these being deficient in -faith.... The Christian people is the people of God led away into -captivity, to Babylon, and there robbed of their baptism." - - [244] "Dico itaque, neque papa, neque episcopus, neque ullus hominum - habet jus unius syllabae constituendae super Christianum hominem, nisi - id fiat ejusdem consensu; quidquid aliter fit, tyrannico spiritu fit." - (Ibid. p. 77.) - - [245] "Generali edicto tollere vota .... abunde enim vovimus in - baptismo, et plus quam possimus implere." (Ibid, p. 78.) There ought - to be a general edict abolishing vows ... for in baptism we vow - enough, and more than we can perform. - - [246] "Opera quantum libet sacra et ardua religiosorum et sacerdotum, - in oculis Dei prorsus nihil distare ab operibus rustici in agro - laborantis aut mulieris in domo sua curantis." (Ibid.) - -Such were the weapons by which the religious revolution whose history -we are tracing was accomplished. First, the necessity of faith was -established, and then the reformers used it as a hammer to break -superstition in pieces. They attacked error with that divine power -which removes mountains. These, and many similar passages of Luther -circulated in towns, convents, and the country, were the leaven which -leavened the whole lump. - -[Sidenote: MILTITZ AT EISLEBEN.] - -The conclusion of this famous production on the captivity of Babylon -is in the following terms:-- - -"I learn that a new papal excommunication has been prepared against -me. If so, the present book may be regarded as part of my future -recantation. In proof of my obedience, the rest will soon follow, and -the whole will, with the help of Christ, form a collection, the like -to which Rome never saw or heard before." - - - - -CHAP. VII. - - New Negotiations--Miltitz and the Augustins of - Eisleben--Deputation to Luther--Miltitz and the - Elector--Conference at Lichtemberg--Luther's Letter to the - Pope--Book Presented to the Pope--Union of the Believer with - Christ--Freedom and Bondage. - - -After this publication, all hope of reconciliation between the pope -and Luther must have vanished. Persons of the least possible -discernment must have been struck with the incompatibility of the -Reformer's belief with the doctrine of the Church; and yet, at this -very moment, new negotiations were about to commence. In the end of -August, 1520, five weeks before the publication of the 'Captivity of -Babylon,' the general Chapter of the Augustins had assembled at -Eisleben. At this meeting, the venerable Staupitz resigned his office -of vicar-general of his order, and Winceslas Link, he who accompanied -Luther to Augsburg, was invested with it. Suddenly, in the middle of -the Chapter, arrived the indefatigable Miltitz, burning with eagerness -to reconcile Luther and the pope.[247] His avarice, and, above all, -his jealousy and hatred, were interested. Eck and his swaggering had -galled him; he knew that the doctor of Ingolstadt had spoken -disparagingly of him at Rome, and there was nothing he would not have -sacrificed in order to defeat the designs of this troublesome rival by -means of a speedily concluded peace. The interest of religion gave him -no concern. One day, by his own account, he was dining with the bishop -of Leipsic. After the guests had drunk very freely, a new work of -Luther's was brought in. On being opened and read, the bishop flew -into a passion, and the official swore, but Miltitz laughed with all -his heart.[248] The Reformation was treated by Miltitz as a man of the -world, and by Eck as a theologian. - - [247] Nondum tot pressus difficultatibus animum desponderat Miltitius - .... dignus profecto non mediocri laude. (Pallavicini, i, p. 68.) - - [248] Der Bischof entrustet, der Official gefluchet, et aber gelachet - habe. (Seckend, p. 266.) - -[Sidenote: DEPUTATION TO LUTHER.] - -Aroused by the arrival of Dr. Eck, Miltitz addressed the Chapter of -the Augustins, in a discourse which he delivered with a very marked -Italian accent,[249] thinking thus to overawe his countrymen. "The -whole Augustin order is compromised by this affair," said he. "Show me -some method of silencing Luther."[250] "We have nothing to do with the -doctor," replied the Fathers, "and we know not what counsel to give -you." They founded doubtless on what Staupitz had done at Augsburg, -when he loosed Luther from his vows of obedience to the order. Miltitz -insisted, "Let a deputation from this venerable Chapter wait upon -Luther, and solicit him to write a letter to the pope, assuring him -that he has never plotted in any respect against his person.[251] That -will be sufficient to terminate the affair." The Chapter gave their -consent, and assigned the task of conferring with Luther, no doubt at -the nuncio's request, to the ex-vicar-general, Staupitz, and his -successor Link. The deputation forthwith set out for Wittemberg with a -letter from Miltitz to the doctor filled with expressions of the -highest respect. "There is no time to be lost," said he, "the thunder -already hovering over the head of the Reformer, will soon burst, and -then all is over." - - [249] Orationem habuit Italica pronuntiatione vestitam. (L. Ep. i, p. - 483.) - - [250] Petens consilium super me compescendo. (Ibid.) - - [251] Nihil me in personam suam fuisse molitum. (L. Ep. i, p. 484.) - -Neither Luther nor the deputies, who concurred in his opinions,[252] -hoped any thing from a letter to the pope. That however was a reason -for not refusing to write it, as it would only be a mere matter of -form, and might serve to bring out Luther's rights. "This Italian of -Saxony (Miltitz)," thought Luther, "in making this demand has -doubtless his own particular interest in view. Very well, be it so, I -will write, as I can with truth, that I have never objected to the -pope personally. I will even endeavour to guard against severity in -attacking the see of Rome. Still it shall have its sprinkling of -salt."[253] - - [252] Quibus omnibus causa mea non displicet. (Ibid. p. 486.) - - [253] Aspergetur tamen sale suo. (Ibid.) - -[Sidenote: MILTITZ AND LUTHER AT LICHTEMBERG.] - -Luther having shortly after been informed of the arrival of the bull -in Germany, declared to Spalatin, on the 3rd of October, that he would -not write the pope, and, on the 6th of the same month, published his -book on the '_Captivity of Babylon_.' Miltitz did not even yet despair -of success. His eagerness to humble Eck made him believe an -impossibility. On the 2nd of October, he had written the Elector, in -high spirits. "Every thing will go well, but, for the love of God, -delay no longer to order payment of the pension which I have had from -you and your brother for some years. I must have money in order to -make new friends at Rome. Write the pope, and do homage to the young -cardinals, the relatives of his holiness, with gold and silver pieces, -from the mint of your electoral highness, and add some for me also, -for I was robbed of those which you gave me."[254] - - [254] Den Pabsts Nepoten, zwei oder drei Churfuerstliche Gold und - Silberstuecke, zu verehren.... (Seckend. p. 267.) - -Even after Luther was acquainted with the bull, the intriguing Miltitz -was not discouraged, and requested a conference with Luther at -Lichtemberg. The Elector ordered Luther to repair thither.[255] But -his friends, and especially the affectionate Melancthon, opposed -it.[256] "What, thought they, at the moment when a bull has appeared -ordering Luther to be seized and carried off to Rome, to accept a -conference with the pope's nuncio in a retired spot! Is it not evident -that, because Dr. Eck from having too openly proclaimed his hatred is -not able to approach the Reformer, the wily chamberlain has been -employed to ensnare Luther in his nets?" - - [255] Sicut princeps ordinavit (L. Ep. i, p. 455.) - - [256] Invito praeceptore (Melancthon) nescio quanta metuente. (Ibid.) - -These fears could not deter the doctor of Wittemberg. The prince has -commanded, and he will obey. "I am setting out for Lichtemberg," wrote -he, to the chaplain on the 11th of October, "pray for me." His friends -would not quit him. The same day, towards evening, Luther entered -Lichtemberg on horse-back, amid thirty horsemen, one of whom was -Melancthon. The papal nuncio arrived almost at the same time with only -four attendants.[257] Was this modest escort a stratagem to throw -Luther and his friends off their guard? - - [257] Jener von mehr als dreissig, dieser aber kaum mit vier Pferden - begleitet. (Seckend. p. 268.) - -Miltitz urged Luther with the most pressing solicitations, assuring -him that the blame would be thrown upon Eck and his foolish -boastings,[258] and that every thing would terminate to the -satisfaction of both parties. "Very well," replied Luther, "I offer -henceforth to keep silence, provided my opponents keep it also. For -the sake of peace I will do every thing that it is possible for me to -do." [259] - - [258] Totum pondus in Eccium versurus. (Ibid.) - - [259] Ut nihil videar omittere quod in me ad pacem quoquo modo facere - possit. (Ibid.) - -Miltitz was delighted; and accompanying Luther as far as Wittemberg, -the Reformer and the papal nuncio walked arm in arm into this town -which Dr. Eck was now approaching, holding menacingly in his hand the -formidable bull which was to overthrow the Reformation. "We will bring -the matter to a happy conclusion," wrote Miltitz forthwith to the -Elector; "Thank the pope for his rose, and at the same time send forty -or fifty florins to Cardinal _Quatuor Sanctorum_."[260] - - [260] Seckend, p. 268. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S LETTER TO THE POPE.] - -Luther felt bound to keep his promise of writing the pope. Before -bidding Rome an eternal adieu, he wished once more to tell her -important and salutary truths. Some perhaps will regard his letter -only as a piece of irony--a bitter and insulting satire--but this were -to mistake the sentiments by which he was actuated. He sincerely -believed that Rome was to blame for all the evils of Christendom; and -in this view his words are not insults, but solemn warnings. The more -he loved Leo, and the more he loved the Church of Christ, the more he -desired to unfold the full magnitude of the disease. The energy of his -expressions is proportioned to the energy of his feelings. The crisis -has arrived, and he seems like a prophet walking round the city for -the last time, upbraiding it for all its abominations, denouncing the -judgments of the Almighty, and crying aloud, "Still some days of -respite." The letter is as follows:-- - -"To the Most Holy Father in God, Leo X, Pope at Rome, Salvation in -Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. - -"From amid the fearful war which I have been waging for three years -with disorderly men, I cannot help looking to you, O Leo, Most Holy -Father in God. And although the folly of your impious flatterers has -compelled me to appeal from your judgment to a future council, my -heart is not turned away from your Holiness, and I have not ceased to -pray God earnestly and with profound sighs, to grant prosperity to -yourself and your pontificate.[261] - - [261] Ut non totis viribus, sedulis atque quantum in me fuit - gemebundis precibus apud Deum quaesierim. (L. Ep. i, p. 498.) - -"It is true I have attacked some antichristian doctrines, and have -inflicted a deep wound on my adversaries because of their impiety. Of -this I repent not, as I have here Christ for an example. Of what use -is salt if it have lost its savour, or the edge of a sword if it will -not cut?[262] Cursed be he who does the work of the Lord negligently. -Most excellent Leo, far from having conceived any bad thoughts with -regard to you, my wish is that you may enjoy the most precious -blessings throughout eternity. One thing only I have done: I have -maintained the word of truth. I am ready to yield to all in every -thing; but, as to this word, I will not, I cannot, abandon it.[263] He -who thinks differently on this subject is in error. - - [262] Quid proderit sal, si non mordeat? Quid os gladii, si non caedat? - (Ibid. 499.) - - [263] Verbum deserere et negare nec possum, nec volo. (Ibid.) - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S LETTER TO THE POPE.] - -"It is true that I have attacked the Court of Rome; but neither -yourself nor any man living can deny that there is greater corruption -in it than was in Sodom and Gomorrah, and that the impiety which -prevails makes cure hopeless. Yes; I have been horrified on seeing -how, under your name, the poor followers of Christ were deceived. I -have opposed this, and will oppose it still, not that I imagine it -possible, in spite of the opposition of flatterers, to accomplish any -thing in this Babylon, which is confusion itself; but I owe it to my -brethren to endeavour, if possible, to remove some of them from these -dreadful evils. - -"You know it; Rome has for many years been inundating the world with -whatever could destroy both soul and body. The Church of Rome, -formerly the first in holiness, has become a den of robbers, a place -of prostitution, a kingdom of death and hell;[264] so that Antichrist -himself, were he to appear, would be unable to increase the amount of -wickedness. All this is as clear as day. - - [264] Facta est .... spelunca latronum licentiosissima, lupanar omnium - impudentissimum, regnum peccati, mortis et inferni... (Ibid. p. 500.) - -"And yet, O Leo, you yourself are like a lamb in the midst of -wolves--a Daniel in the lions' den. But single-handed, what can you -oppose to these monsters? There may be three or four cardinals who to -knowledge add virtue. But what are these against so many? You should -perish by poison even before you could try any remedy. It is all over -with the Court at Rome--the wrath of God has overtaken and will -consume it.[265] It hates counsel--it fears reform--it will not -moderate the fury of its ungodliness; and hence it may be justly said -of it as of its mother--_We would have healed Babylon, but she is not -healed; forsake her_.[266] It belonged to you and your cardinals to -apply the remedy; but the patient laughs at the doctor, and the horse -refuses to feel the bit.... - - [265] Actum est de Romana curia; pervenit in eam ira Dei usque in - finem.... (L. Ep. i, p. 500.) - - [266] Jeremiah, li. 9. - -"Cherishing the deepest affection for you, most excellent Leo, I have -always regretted that, formed as you are for a better age, you were -raised to the pontificate in these times. Rome is not worthy of you, -and those who resemble you; the only chief whom she deserves to have -is Satan himself, and hence, the truth is, that in this Babylon he is -more king than you are. Would to God, that, laying aside this glory -which your enemies so much extol, you would exchange it for a modest -pastoral office, or live on your paternal inheritance. Rome's glory is -of a kind fit only for Iscariots.... O, my dear Leo, of what use are -you in this Roman court, unless it be to allow the most execrable men -to use your name and your authority in ruining fortunes, destroying -souls, multiplying crimes, oppressing faith, truth, and the whole -Church of God? O Leo, Leo, you are the most unfortunate of men, and -you sit upon the most dangerous of thrones. I tell you the truth -because I wish your good. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S LETTER TO THE POPE.] - -"Is it not true, that, under the vast expanse of heaven there is -nothing more corrupt, more hateful, than the Roman Court? In vice and -corruption it infinitely exceeds the Turks. Once the gate of heaven, -it has become the mouth of hell--a wide mouth which the wrath of God -keeps open, so that, on seeing so many unhappy beings thrown headlong -into it, I was obliged to lift my voice, as in a tempest, in order -that, at least, some might be saved from the fearful abyss.[267] Such, -O Leo, my father, was the reason why I inveighed against this -death-giving see. Far from attacking your person, I thought I was -labouring for your safety, when I valiantly assaulted this prison, or -rather this hell in which you are confined. To do all sorts of evil to -the Court of Rome were to discharge your own duty; to cover it with -shame is to honour Christ; in one word, to be a Christian is to be -anything but a Roman. - - [267] Olim janua coeli, nunc patens quoddam os inferni et tale os, - quod urgente ira Dei, obstrui non potest.... (L. Ep. i, p. 501.) - -"Meanwhile, seeing that in succouring the see of Rome, I was losing my -labour and my pains, I sent her a letter of divorce. I said to her, -'Adieu, Rome! _He that is unjust, let him be unjust still, and he that -is filthy, let him be filthy still_;'[268] and devoted myself to the -tranquil and solitary study of the sacred volume. Then Satan opened -his eyes and awoke his servant, John Eck, a great enemy of Jesus -Christ, in order that he might oblige me again to descend into the -arena. Eck's wish was to establish the primacy not of Peter but of -himself, and, for that purpose, to lead vanquished Luther in triumph. -The blame of all the obloquy which has been cast on the see of Rome -rests with him." - - [268] Rev. xxii, 11. - -Luther narrates his intercourse with De Vio, Miltitz, and Eck, and -then continues. - -"Now, then, I come to you, O Most Holy Father, and, prostrated at your -feet, pray you, if possible, to put a curb on the enemies of the -truth. But I cannot retract my doctrine. I cannot permit rules of -interpretation to be imposed on the Holy Scriptures. The Word of God, -the source whence all freedom springs, must be left free.[269] - - [269] Leges interpretandi verbi Dei non patior, cum oporteat verbum - Dei esse non alligatum, quod libertatem docet. (L. Ep. i, p. 504.) - -"O, Leo, my father! listen not to those flattering Sirens who tell you -that you are not a mere man, but a demi-god, and can ordain what you -please. You are the servant of servants, and the seat which you occupy -is of all others the most dangerous, and the most unhappy. Give credit -not to those who exalt, but to those who humble you. Perhaps I am too -bold in giving advice to so high a majesty, whose duty it is to -instruct all men. But I see the dangers which surround you at Rome, I -see you driven hither and thither, tossed as it were upon the billows -of a raging sea. Charity urges me, and I cannot resist sending forth a -warning cry. - -[Sidenote: ON THE LIBERTY OF THE CHRISTIAN.] - -"Not to appear empty handed before your Holiness, I present you with a -little book, which has appeared under your name, and which will make -you aware of the subjects to which I will be able to devote myself, if -your flatterers permit me. It is a small matter as regards the size of -the volume, but a great one in regard to its contents, for it -comprehends a summary of the Christian life. I am poor, and have -nothing else to offer; besides, you have no want of any thing but -spiritual gifts. I commend myself to your Holiness. May the Lord keep -you for ever and ever, amen." - -The little book with which Luther did homage to the pope was his -'Treatise on the liberty of the Christian;' in which he demonstrates -without any polemical discussion, how the Christian, without -infringing on the liberty which faith has given him, may submit to -every external ordinance in a spirit of freedom and love. Two truths -form the basis of the whole discourse, viz., The Christian is -free--all things are his: The Christian is a servant subject to all in -every thing. By faith he is free, by love he is subject. - -At first he explains the power of faith to make the Christian free. -"Faith unites the soul with Christ, as a bride with the bridegroom. -Every thing that Christ has becomes the property of the believer, -every thing that the believer has becomes the property of Christ. -Christ possesses all blessings, even eternal salvation, and these are -thenceforth the property of the believer. The believer possesses all -vices and all sins, and these become, thenceforth, the property of -Christ. A happy exchange now takes place. Christ who is God and man, -Christ who has never sinned, and whose holiness is invincible, Christ, -the Omnipotent and Eternal, appropriating to himself by his wedding -ring--that is to say, by faith, all the sins of the believer; these -sins are swallowed up in him and annihilated; for no sin can exist in -presence of his infinite righteousness. Thus, by means of faith, the -soul is delivered from all sins, and invested with the eternal -righteousness of Jesus Christ the bridegroom. O happy union! Jesus -Christ the rich, the noble, the holy bridegroom, takes in marriage -this poor, guilty, contemned bride, delivers her from all evil, and -decks her in the richest robes.[270]... Christ, a King, and Priest, -shares this honour and glory with all Christians. The Christian is a -king, and consequently possesses all things. He is a priest, and -consequently possesses God. And it is faith, not works, which procures -him this honour. The Christian is free from all things, and above all -things--faith giving him every thing in abundance." - - [270] Ist nun das nicht eine froehliche Wirthschaft, da der reiche, - edle, fromme Braeutigam Christus, das arme, verachtete, boese Huhrlein - zur Ehe nimmt (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 385.) - -[Sidenote: THE BULL IN GERMANY.] - -In the second part of the treatise Luther presents the truth in its -other point of view. "Although the Christian has thus been made free, -he voluntarily becomes a servant that he may act towards his brethren -as God has acted towards him through Jesus Christ. I desire," said he, -"freely, joyfully, and gratuitously, to serve a Father who hath thus -shed upon me all the riches of his goodness. I wish to become every -thing to my neighbour, as Christ has become every thing to me."... -"From faith," continues Luther, "flows love to God, and from love a -life full of liberty, charity, and joy. O how noble and elevated a -life the life of the Christian is! But, alas, none know it and none -preach it. By faith the Christian rises even to God: by love he -descends to man; still, however, remaining always in God. This is true -liberty, a liberty as far above every other species of liberty as the -heavens are above the earth." - -Such was the treatise which accompanied Luther's letter to Leo X. - - - - -CHAP. VIII. - - The Bull in Germany--Eck's Reception--The Bull at - Wittemberg--Interposition of Zuinglius. - - -[Sidenote: ECK ARRIVES TO PUBLISH THE BULL.] - -While the Reformer was thus addressing the Roman pontiff for the last -time, the bull which anathematised him was already in the hands of the -Germanic Church, and at Luther's own door. It would seem that no doubt -was entertained at Rome as to the success of the measure which had -thus been adopted against the Reformation. The pope had charged two -high functionaries of his court, Carracioli and Aleander, to be the -bearers of it to the Archbishop of Mentz who was requested to see to -its execution. But Eck himself appeared in Saxony as the herald and -executor of the great pontifical work. No man knew better than the -doctor of Ingolstadt how formidable the blows were which Luther had -struck. Alive to the danger he had stretched forth his hand to sustain -the tottering edifice of Rome. In his own estimation he was the Atlas, -destined to support the ancient Roman world on his robust shoulders, -when on the point of falling to pieces. Proud of the success of his -journey to Rome; proud of the charge which he had received from the -sovereign pontiff; proud to appear in Germany with the new title of -protonotary and pontifical nuncio; proud of the bull which he held in -his hand, and which contained the condemnation of his indomitable -rival, he regarded his present mission as a triumph more splendid -than all the victories which he had gained in Hungary, Bavaria, -Lombardy, and Saxony, and from which he had previously derived so much -renown. But this pride was soon to be humbled. The pope, in entrusting -the publication of the bull to Eck, had committed a blunder which was -destined to neutralise its effect. The proud distinction conferred on -a man who did not hold high rank in the Church gave offence to -sensitive and jealous spirits. The bishops, accustomed to receive the -bulls directly from the pope, were offended at the publication of this -one in their dioceses by an upstart nuncio. The nation who had hooted -the pretended conqueror of Leipsic at the moment of his flight into -Italy, were equally astonished and indignant when they saw him repass -the Alps, decked in the insignia of pontifical nuncio, and with the -power of crushing whomsoever he chose. The sentence brought by his -implacable adversary, Luther regarded as an act of personal revenge. -"He regarded it," says Pallavicini, "as the perfidious poniard of a -mortal enemy, and not as the legitimate act of a Roman lictor."[271] -It was generally viewed as less the bull of the sovereign pontiff, -than of Dr. Eck. In this way, the blow was obstructed and weakened -before-hand by the very person at whose instigation it was struck. - - [271] Non tanquam a securi legitimi lictoris, sed e telo infensissimi - hostis.... (Pallavicini, i, p. 74.) - -[Sidenote: THE BULL IN GERMANY.] - -The chancellor of Ingolstadt had hastened back to Saxony, which, as -having been the scene of battle, he was desirous should also be the -scene of his victory. Having arrived he published the bull at Meissen, -Merseburg, and Brandenburg towards the end of September. But in the -first of these towns it was posted up in a place where nobody could -read it; and the bishops of those three sees were in no haste to -publish it. Even Duke George, Eck's great patron, prohibited the -Council of Leipsic from making it public, before receiving orders from -the Bishop of Merseburg, and these orders did not arrive till the -following year. "These are only difficulties of form," said John Eck -to himself at first, for every thing else seemed to smile upon him. -Duke George sent him a golden cup and some ducats. Even Miltitz, who -had hastened to Leipsic, on learning that his rival had arrived, -invited him to dinner. The two legates were boon companions; and -Miltitz thought he could not have a better opportunity of sounding Eck -than over their wine. "After he had drunk pretty freely, he began," -says the pope's chamberlain, "to boast in grand style--he displayed -his bull, and told how he meant to bring that droll fellow Martin to -his senses."[272] But the Ingolstadt doctor soon had occasion to -observe that the wind was veering. The course of a year had produced a -great change in Leipsic.[273] On St. Michael's day some students -posted up placards, in ten different places, containing a severe -attack on the new nuncio, who, in amazement, took refuge in the -cloister of St. Paul, where Tetzel had previously found his asylum, -and declining every visit, induced the rector to call his youthful -opponents to account. By this poor Eck gained little. The students -composed a song upon him, and sang it in the streets. Eck must have -heard it in his prison. On this all his courage failed him, and the -redoubtable champion trembled in every limb. Every day brought him -threatening letters. One hundred and fifty students, who had arrived -from Wittemberg, spoke out boldly against the papal envoy. For once -the poor apostolical nuncio could hold out no longer. "I would not -have them kill him," said Luther, "though I wish his designs to -fail."[274] Eck, quitting his retreat at night, clandestinely escaped -from Leipsic to go and hide himself at Coburg. Miltitz, who gives the -account, triumphed more than the Reformer. His triumph, however, was -not of long duration. All the chamberlain's projects of conciliation -failed, and he came at last to a miserable end. One day, when drunk, -he fell into the Rhine at Mentz, and was drowned. - - [272] Nachdem (writes Miltitz) er nun tapfer getrunken hatte, fleng er - gleich an trefflich von seiner ordre zu prahlen, etc. (Seckend., p. - 238.) - - [273] Longe aliam faciem et mentem Lipsiae eum invenire quam sperasset - .... (L. Ep. i, p. 492.). - - [274] Nollem eum occidi, quanquam optem ejus consilia irrita fieri. - (Ibid.) - -Eck gradually recovered courage. Repairing to Erfurt, whose -theologians had on more than one occasion betrayed their jealousy of -Luther, he insisted on having his bull published in this town, but the -students seized the copies, tore them to pieces, and threw them into -the river, saying, "since it is a bull, let it swim."[275] "Now," said -Luther, on being informed of this, "the pope's paper is a true bull." -Eck durst not make his appearance at Wittemberg; but he sent the bull -to the rector with a threat, that if it was not conformed to, he would -destroy the university. At the same time he wrote Duke John, -Frederick's brother, and co-regent, "Do not take what I do in bad -part, I am acting in behalf of the faith, and it costs me many cares, -great labour, and much money."[276] - - [275] A studiosis discerpta et in aquam projecta, dicentibus: Bulla - est, in aquam natet! (L. Ep. i, p. 520.) - - [276] Mit viel Muehe, Arbeit, und Kosten. (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 317.) - -[Sidenote: ULRICK ZUINGLIUS.] - -The bishop of Brandenburg, supposing him inclined, was not entitled to -act at Wittemberg in his capacity of ordinary, the university being -protected by its privileges. Luther and Carlstadt, who were condemned -by the bull, were asked to take part in the meetings which were held -to deliberate on its contents. The rector declared that, as he had -not received a letter from the pope along with the bull, he declined -to publish it. The university had already acquired greater authority -in the surrounding countries than the sovereign pontiff himself. Its -declaration served as a model to the government of the Elector; and -thus the spirit which was in Luther triumphed over the bull of Rome. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S SELF-EXAMINATION.] - -While the German mind was thus strongly agitated by this affair, a -grave voice was heard in another quarter of Europe. An individual, -foreseeing the immense rent which the papal bull was about to make in -the Church, came forward to give a solemn warning, and to defend the -Reformer. It was that of the Swiss priest, of whom we have already -spoken, viz., Ulrich Zuinglius, who, though not united to Luther by -any friendly tie, published a treatise full of wisdom and dignity, the -first of his numerous writings.[277] A kind of fraternal affection -seemed to draw him towards the doctor of Wittemberg. "The piety of the -pontiff," said he, "requires that he shall joyfully sacrifice whatever -is dearest to him for the glory of Christ his King, and for the public -peace of the Church. Nothing is more injurious to his dignity than to -defend it by pensions or terror. Even before the writings of Luther -were read, he had been calumniated to the people as a heretic, a -schismatic, and as Antichrist himself. Not one gave him warning, none -refuted him. He called for a discussion; but all he could get was a -sentence of condemnation. The bull which is published displeases even -those who honour the majesty of the pope. For it is everywhere -regarded as an expression of the impotent hatred of some monks, and -not of the mildness of a pontiff, who ought to be the vicar of a -Saviour full of love. All acknowledge that the true doctrine of the -gospel of Jesus Christ has greatly degenerated, and that a public and -thorough reformation of laws and manners is required.[278] Consider -all men of learning and virtue--the more sincere they are, the -stronger is their attachment to evangelical truth, and the less their -dissatisfaction with Luther's writings.[279] There is not one who does -not acknowledge that he has derived benefit from these books, though -he may have met with passages which he was unable to approve. Let men -of sound doctrine and acknowledged probity be selected. Let three -princes above all suspicion--the emperor Charles, the King of England, -and the king of Hungary--name the judges. Let these judges read -Luther's writings. Let them hear his defence, and then let their -decision, whatever it be, be confirmed. +Nimesato he tou -Christou paideia kai eletheia+."[280] - - [277] Consilium cujusdam ex animo cupientis esse consultum et - pontificis dignitati, et Christianae religionis tranquillitati - (Zuinglii Opera, curant. Schulero et Schulthessio, iii, p. 1-5.) - - [278] Multum degenerasse ab illa sincera Christi evangelica doctrina, - adeo ut nemo non fateatur opus esse publica aliqua et insigni legum ac - morum instauratione. (Ibid., p. 3.) - - [279] Nemo non faletur se ex illius libris factum esse meliorem - (Ibid., p. 4.) - - [280] Let the teaching and truth of Christ prevail. - -This proposal, which came from the country of the Swiss, led to no -result. It was necessary that the great divorce should take place. It -was necessary that Christendom should be rent in twain. Her very -wounds were destined to be the cure of her diseases. - - - - -CHAP. IX. - - Luther Examines himself in the presence of God--Luther's - opinion of the Bull--A neutral Family--Luther on the Bull, - and against the Bull of Antichrist--The Pope prohibits - Faith--Effects of the Bull--The faggot pile of Louvain. - - -[Sidenote: A NEUTRAL FAMILY.] - -But what signified all this resistance by students, rectors, and -priests. If the mighty arm of Charles V is joined to the mighty arm of -the pope, will they not crush these scholars and grammarians? Will any -one be able to resist the combined power of the pontiff of Christendom -and of the emperor of the West? The blow has been struck. Luther is -excommunicated, and the gospel seems lost. At this solemn moment the -Reformer does not disguise to himself the magnitude of the danger to -which he is exposed; but he looks upward, and prepares to receive, as -from the hand of the Lord himself, a blow which seems destined to -annihilate him. He retires within himself, and meditates at the -footstool of the throne of God. "What the result is to be," says he, -"I know not, and I am not anxious to know; certain as I am that He who -sits in heaven has from all eternity foreseen the beginning, the -progress, and the end of this affair. Wherever the blow is to strike, -I am without fear. The leaf of a tree falls not without our Father's -will. How much less shall we fall. It is a small matter to die for the -Word, since this Word which became incarnate and that for us has -itself first died. If we die with it, we shall rise again with it; -and, passing along the same road by which it passed, will arrive where -it has arrived, and remain with it throughout eternity."[281] -Sometimes, however, Luther could not restrain the contempt which he -felt for the manoeuvres of his enemies. On these occasions he -displays his characteristic combination of sublimity and sarcasm. "I -know nothing of Eck," says he, "except that he arrived with a long -beard, a long bull, and a long purse.... But I will laugh at his -bull."[282] - - [281] Parum est nos pro verbo mori, cum ipsum incarnatum pro nobis - prius mortuum sit.... (L. Ep. i, p. 490.) - - [282] Venisse eum barbatum, bullatum, nummatum ... Ridebo et ego - bullam sive ampullam. (L. Ep. i, p. 488.) - -On the third of October he was made acquainted with the papal letter. -"At length," says he, "this Roman bull has arrived. I despise it, and -defy it as impious, false, and in all respects worthy of Eck. It is -Christ himself who is condemned. It gives no reasons; it merely cites -me, not to be heard, but simply to sing a palinode. I will treat it as -spurious, though I have no doubt it is genuine. O, if Charles V were a -man, and would, for the love of Christ, attack these demons![283] I -rejoice in having to endure some hardships for the best of causes. I -already feel more liberty in my heart; for at length I know that the -pope is Antichrist, and that his see is that of Satan himself." - - [283] Utinam Carolus vir esset, et pro Christo hos Satanas - aggrederetur. (Ibid, p. 494.) - -It was not in Saxony merely that the thunders of Rome had produced -alarm. A quiet family of Swabia, a neutral family, saw its peace -suddenly broken up. Bilibald Pirckheimer, of Nuremberg, one of the -most distinguished men of his age, having early lost his beloved wife -Crescentia, was united in the closest affection with his two young -sisters, Charitas, abbess of St. Clair, and Clara, a nun of the same -convent. These two pious females served God in solitude, and divided -their time between study, the care of the poor, and preparation for -eternity. Bilibald, who was a statesman, relaxed from public affairs -by maintaining a correspondence with them. They were learned, read -Latin, and studied the Fathers; but their favourite volume was the -Holy Scriptures. They had never had any other teacher than their -brother. The letters of Charitas are written in a delicate and amiable -spirit. Tenderly attached to Bilibald she took alarm at the least -danger which threatened him. Pirckheimer, to dissipate the fears of -this timid spirit, wrote a dialogue between Charitas and Veritas, -(Charity and Truth), in which Veritas tries to strengthen -Charitas.[284] Nothing can be more touching, or better fitted to -solace a tender and agonised heart. - - [284] Pirckheimeri Op. Francof. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER ON THE BULL]. - -What must have been the terror of Charitas when the rumour spread that -in the papal bull Bilibald's name was posted up beside that of Luther, -on the doors of cathedrals? In fact, Eck, pushed on by blind fury, had -associated with Luther six of the most distinguished men of Germany, -viz., Carlstadt, Feldkirchen, and Egranus, (who gave themselves very -little concern about it,) and Adelman, Pirckheimer, and his friend -Spengler, whose public functions made them particularly alive to the -insult. There was great agitation in the Convent of St. Clair. How -shall the disgrace of Bilibald be borne? Nothing affects relatives -more deeply than such trials. In vain did the city of Nuremberg, the -Bishop of Bamberg, and even the dukes of Bavaria interfere in behalf -of Spengler and Pirckheimer; these noble-minded men were obliged to -humble themselves before Dr. Eck, who made them feel all the -importance of a Roman protonotary, and obliged them to write a letter -to the pope, declaring that they adhered to the doctrines of Luther -only in so far as they were conformable to Christian faith. At the -same time Adelman, with whom Eck had once had a scuffle on rising up -from table after a discussion on the great question which then -occupied all minds, was required to appear before the bishop of -Augsburg and purge himself on oath of all participation in the -Lutheran heresy. Still, however, anger and revenge had proved bad -counsellors to Eck. The names of Bilibald and his friends damaged the -bull. The character of these eminent men and their extensive -connections increased the general irritation. - -Luther at first pretended to doubt the authenticity of the bull. "I -learn," says he in the first work which he published after it, "that -Eck has brought from Rome a new bull, which resembles him so much, is -so stuffed with falsehood and error, that it might well be named -_Doctor Eck_. He gives out that it is the work of the pope, whereas it -is only a work of lies." After explaining his reasons for doubting its -genuineness, Luther thus concludes, "I must with my own eyes see the -lead, the seal, the tape, the conclusion, the signature of the -bull--every part of it, in short, or I will not estimate all this -clamour at the weight of a straw."[285] - - [285] Oder nicht ein Haarbreit geben ... L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 323. - -But no man doubted, not even Luther himself, that the bull was the -pope's. Germany waited to see what the Reformer would do. Would he -stand firm? All eyes were fixed on Wittemberg. Luther did not keep his -contemporaries long in suspense. On the 4th of November, 1520, he -replied with a discharge of thunder, by publishing his treatise -'_Against the Bull of Antichrist_.' - -"What errors, what impostures," said he, "have crept in among the poor -people under the cloak of the Church, and the pretended infallibility -of the pope! how many souls have thus been lost! how much blood shed! -what murders committed! what kingdoms ruined!" - -[Sidenote: EFFECTS OF THE BULL.] - -Further on he ironically says, "I know very well how to distinguish -between art and malice, and set very little value on a malice which -has no art. To burn books is so easy a matter that even children can -do it; how much more the Holy Father and his doctors.[286] It would -become them to show greater ability than is requisite merely to burn -books.... Besides, let them destroy my works! I desire nothing more; -for all I wished was to guide men to the Bible, that they might -thereafter lay aside all my writings.[287] Good God! if we had the -knowledge of Scripture, what need would there be for my writings?... I -am free by the grace of God, and bulls neither solace nor frighten me. -My strength and consolation are where neither men nor devils can -assail them." - - [286] So ist Buecher verbrennen so leicht, dass es auch Kinder koennen, - schweig denn der heilige Vater Pabst... (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 324.) - - [287] ... In Biblien zu fuehren dass man derselben Verstand erlangte, - und denn meine Buechlein verschwinden liess. (Ibid.) - -Luther's tenth proposition, condemned by the pope, was in the -following terms: "No man's sins are pardoned, if, when the priest -absolves him, he does not believe that they are pardoned." The pope in -condemning it denied that faith was necessary in the Sacrament. "They -maintain," exclaims Luther, "that we ought not to believe that our -sins are pardoned when we are absolved by the priest. What then are we -to do? Listen now, O! Christians, to a new arrival from Rome. -Condemnation is pronounced against this article of faith which we -profess when we say 'I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic -Church, and the forgiveness of sins.' Did I know that the pope had -really given this bull at Rome," (he did not doubt it,) "and that it -was not the invention of the arch-liar, Eck, I would cry aloud to all -Christians that they ought to hold the pope as the true Antichrist -spoken of in Scripture. And if he would not desist from proscribing -the faith of the Church, ... then let the temporal sword resist him -even sooner than the Turk!... For the Turks allow belief, but the pope -forbids it." - -While Luther was speaking thus forcibly, his perils were increasing. -The scheme of his enemies was to drive him out of Wittemberg. If -Luther and Wittemberg are separated, both will be destroyed. A single -stroke would thus disencumber Rome of both the heretical doctor and -the heretical university. Duke George, the bishop of Merseburg, and -the theologians of Leipsic were labouring underhand at this work.[288] -Luther on being apprised of it said, "I leave this affair in the hands -of God."[289] These proceedings were not without result: Adrian, -professor of Hebrew at Wittemberg, suddenly turned against the doctor. -It required great firmness in the faith to withstand the shock given -by the Roman bull. There are characters which follow the truth only a -certain distance, and such was Adrian. Frightened at the condemnation -he quitted Wittemberg, and repaired to Leipsic to be near Dr. Eck. - - [288] Ut Wittemberga pellerer. (L. Ep. i, p. 519.) - - [289] Id quod in manum Dei refero. (Ibid. p. 520.) - -[Sidenote: THE DOCTORS OF LOUVAIN AND REGENT MARGARET.] - -The bull began to be executed. The voice of the pontiff of Christendom -was not an empty sound. Long had fire and sword taught subjection to -it. Faggot piles were prepared at his bidding, and everything -indicated that a dreadful catastrophe was to put an end to the -audacious revolt of the Augustin monk. In October, 1520, all the -copies of Luther's works in the shops of the booksellers at Ingolstadt -were seized, and put under seal. The Archbishop-Elector of Mentz, -moderate as he was, had to banish Ulric of Huetten from his court, and -imprison his printer. The papal nuncios having laid siege to the young -Emperor, Charles declared that he would protect the ancient -religion;[290] and in some of his hereditary possessions scaffolds -were erected, on which the writings of the heretic were reduced to -ashes. Princes of the Church and magistrates were present at these -_auto-da-fe_. Alcander was quite elated with his success. "The pope," -said he, in imitation of Prierio, "may dethrone kings! He may, if he -chooses, say to the emperor, Thou art only a tanner! He knows well how -to bring one or two miserable grammarians to their senses. We will -dispose, moreover, of Duke Frederick also." To hear the proud nuncio, -one would have said that the pile of Mentz which consumed Luther's -books was "le commencement de la fin" (_the beginning of the end_.) -These flames, it was said at Rome, will carry terror into every -quarter. Such, in truth, was the effect on many superstitious and -timid spirits; but even in the hereditary states of Charles, where -alone it was ventured to execute the bull, the people, and even the -grandees, often answered these pontifical demonstrations with -derision, or expressions of indignation. "Luther," said the doctors of -Louvain, on presenting themselves before Margaret, Regent of the -Netherlands, "Luther is subverting the Christian faith." "Who is this -Luther?" asked the Princess. "An ignorant monk." "Well, then," replied -she, "do you, who are learned, and in such numbers, write against him. -The world will credit a multitude of learned men sooner than an -isolated, ignorant monk." The doctors of Louvain preferred an easier -method. They caused a vast pile to be erected at their own expense. -The place of execution was covered with spectators, and students and -burghers were seen hastening through the crowd, their arms filled with -large volumes, which they threw into the flames. Their zeal edified -the monks and doctors; but the trick was afterwards discovered. -Instead of the writings of Luther, they had thrown into the fire the -_Sermones discipuli_, _Tartaret_, and other scholastic and popish -books.[291] - - [290] A ministris pontificiis mature praeoccupatus, declaravit se velle - vetarem fidem tutari..... Pallavicini, p. 80. - - [291] Seckend. p. 289. - -[Sidenote: DECISIVE STEPS BY THE REFORMER.] - -The Count of Nassau, Viceroy of Holland, when the Dominicans were -soliciting the favour of burning the doctor's books, said to them, "Go -and preach the gospel as purely as Luther, and you will have nobody to -complain of." At a festival, attended by the leading princes of the -empire, the Reformer having become the subject of conversation, the -Baron of Ravenstein said, aloud, "In the space of four centuries, only -one Christian man has dared to lift his head, and the pope is wishing -to put him to death."[292] - - [292] Es ist in 400 Jahren ein christlicher mann aufgestanden, den - will der Pabst todt aben (Seckend. p. 288.) - -Luther, conscious of the power of his cause, remained tranquil amid -the tumult which the bull had excited.[293] "Did you not urge me so -keenly," said he to Spalatin, "I would be silent, well knowing that, -by the power and counsel of God, this work must be accomplished."[294] -The timid man was anxious for speech, the strong man wished to be -silent. It was because Luther discerned a power not visible to the -eyes of his friend. "Be of good courage," continues the Reformer; -"Christ began these things, and Christ will accomplish them, though I -should be put to flight or put to death. Jesus Christ is present here, -and more powerful is He who is in us, than he who is in the -world."[295] - - [293] "In bullosis illis tumultibus." (L. Ep. p. 519.) In those bull - tumults. - - [294] "Rem totam Deo committerem."(Ibid, 521.) I would commit the - whole affair to God. - - [295] "Christus ista coepit, ista perficiet, etiam me sive extincto, - sive fugato." (Ibid., p. 526.) - - - - -CHAP. X. - - Decisive steps by the Reformer--Luther's Appeal to a General - Council--Struggle at close quarters--The Bull burned by - Luther--Meaning of this bold act--Luther in the Academic - Chair--Luther against the Pope--New Work by Melancthon--How - Luther encourages his Friends--Progress of the - Contest--Melancthon's Opinion of the timid--Luther's Work on - the Bible--Doctrine of Grace--Luther's Recantation. - - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S APPEAL TO A GENERAL COUNCIL.] - -But duty obliged him to speak, in order to manifest the truth to the -world. Rome has struck, and he will make it known how he receives the -blow. The pope has put him under the ban of the Church, and he will -put the pope under the ban of Christendom. Up to this hour the pope's -word has been omnipotent. Luther will oppose word to word, and the -world will know which is the more powerful of the two. "I am -desirous," said he, "to set my conscience at rest, by making men aware -of the danger to which they are exposed."[296] At the same time he -prepares to renew his appeal to an universal council. An appeal from -the pope to a council was a crime, and hence the mode in which Luther -attempts to justify himself is a new act of hostility to papal -authority. - - [296] "Ut meam conscientiam redimam." (Ibid., p. 522.) That I may - redeem my conscience. - -On the morning of the 17th November, a notary and five witnesses, of -whom Cruciger was one, met at ten o'clock, in one of the halls of the -Augustin convent in which the doctor resided. There the public -officer, Sarctor of Eisleben, having seated himself to draw up the -minute of his protest, the Reformer, in presence of the witnesses, -says, with a solemn tone: - -"Considering that a general Council of the Christian Church is above -the pope, especially in all that concerns the faith; - -"Considering that the power of the pope is not above, but beneath -Scripture, and that he has no right to worry the sheep of Christ, and -throw them into the wolf's mouth: - -"I, Martin Luther, Augustin, doctor of the Holy Scriptures at -Wittemberg, do, by this writing, appeal for myself, and for all who -shall adhere to me, from the most holy Pope Leo, to a future universal -Christian Council. - -"I appeal from the said Pope Leo, _first_, as an unjust, rash, -tyrannical judge, who condemns me without hearing me, and without -explaining the grounds of his judgment; _secondly_, as a heretic, a -strayed, obdurate apostate, condemned by the Holy Scriptures, inasmuch -as he ordains me to deny that Christian faith is necessary in the use -of the sacraments;[297] _thirdly_, as an enemy, an antichrist, an -adversary, a tyrant of the Holy Scripture,[298] who dares to oppose -his own words to all the words of God; _fourthly_, as a despiser, a -calumniator, a blasphemer of the holy Christian Church and a free -Council, inasmuch as he pretends that a Council is nothing in itself. - - [297] "Ab erroneo, indurato, per Scripturas sanctas damnato, haeretico - et apostata." (L. Op. Lat. ii, p. 50.) See also (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. - 332.) The German copy has a few paragraphs that are not in the Latin. - - [298] "Oppressore, totius sacrae Scripturae." (Ibid.) - -[Sidenote: THE BULL BURNT BY LUTHER.] - -"Wherefore, I most humbly supplicate the most serene, most -illustrious, excellent, generous, noble, brave, sage, and prudent -lords, Charles, the Roman emperor, the electors, princes, counts, -barons, knights, gentlemen, counsellors, towns, and commonalties, -throughout Germany, to adhere to my protestation, and join me in -resisting the antichristian conduct of the pope, for the glory of God, -the defence of the Church, and of Christian doctrine, and the -maintenance of free councils in Christendom. Let them do so, and -Christ our Lord will richly recompence them by his eternal grace. But -if there are any who despise my prayer, and continue to obey that -impious man, the pope, rather than God,[299] I, by these presents, -shake myself free of the responsibility. Having faithfully warned -their consciences, I leave them, as well as the pope, and all his -adherents, to the sovereign judgment of God." - - [299] Et papae, impio homini, plus quam Deo obediant. (Ibid.) - -Such is Luther's deed of divorce, such his answer to the papal bull. -There is great seriousness in this declaration. The accusations which -he brings against the pope are very grave, and are not made in a -spirit of levity. This protestation spread over Germany, and was sent -to the leading courts of Christendom. - -[Sidenote: MEANING OF THIS BOLD ACT.] - -Though the step which Luther had just taken seemed the very height of -daring, he had a still bolder step in reserve. The monk of Wittemberg -will do all that the pope dares to do. The son of the Medicis, and the -son of the miner of Mansfeld, have descended into the lists, and in -this mortal struggle, which shakes the world, not a blow is given by -the one which is not returned by the other. On the 10th December, a -notice appeared on the walls of Wittemberg, inviting the professors -and students to meet at nine o'clock in the morning, at the east gate, -near the holy cross. A great number of teachers and pupils assembled, -and Luther, walking at their head, led the procession to the appointed -spot. How many faggot piles has Rome kindled in the course of ages! -Luther desires to make a better application of the great Roman -principle. He only wishes to rid himself of some old papers, and the -fire, he thinks, is the fit instrument for that. A scaffold had been -prepared. One of the oldest masters of arts applied the torch. At the -moment when the flames rose, the redoubted Augustin, dressed in his -frock, was seen to approach the pile, holding in his hands the Canon -Law, the Decretals, the Clementines, the Extravagants of the popes, -some writings of Eck and Emser, and the papal bull. The Decretals -having first been consumed, Luther held up the bull, and saying, -"Since thou hast grieved the Lord's Anointed, let the eternal fire -grieve and consume thee," threw it into the flames. Never was war -declared with more energy and resolution. Luther quietly took the road -back to the town, and the crowd of doctors, professors, and students, -after a loud cheer, returned with him to Wittemberg. "The Decretals," -said Luther, "resemble a body with a head as soft as that of a maiden, -limbs as full of violence as those of a lion, and a tail with as many -wiles as a serpent. In all the papal laws, there is not one word to -teach us who Jesus Christ is.[300] My enemies," continues he, "have -been able, by burning my books, to injure the truth in the minds of -the common people, and therefore I have burnt their books in my turn. -A serious struggle has now commenced. Hitherto I have only had child's -play with the pope. I began the work in the name of God; it will be -terminated without me and by his power. If they burn my books, in -which, to speak without vain-glory, there is more of the gospel than -in all the books of the pope, I am entitled, _a fortiori_, to burn -theirs, in which there is nothing good." - - [300] L. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 1493-1496. - -Had Luther commenced the Reformation in this way, such a proceeding -would doubtless have led to fatal results. Fanaticism would have been -able to lay hold of it, and throw the Church into a course of disorder -and violence. But the Reformer's grave exposition of Scripture had -formed a prelude to his work. The foundations had been wisely laid, -and now the mighty stroke which he had just given would not only -expose him to no hazard, but even accelerate the hour when Christendom -would be delivered from her chains. - -Thus solemnly did Luther declare his separation from the pope and his -church. After his letter to Leo he might think this necessary. He -accepted the excommunication which Rome had pronounced. It made the -Christian world aware that there was now mortal war between him and -the pope. On reaching the shore, he burnt his ships, and left himself -no alternative but that of advancing to the combat. - -Luther had returned to Wittemberg. Next day the academic hall was -fuller than usual. Men's minds were excited. A feeling of solemnity -prevailed throughout the audience, in expectation of an address from -the doctor. He commented on the Psalms, a task which he had commenced -in March of the previous year. Having finished his lecture, he paused -a few moments, and then said firmly, "Be on your guard against the -laws and statutes of the pope. I have burned the Decretals, but it is -only child's play. It is time, and more than time, to burn the pope. I -mean, he instantly resumed, the see of Rome, with all its doctrines -and abominations." Then, assuming a more solemn tone, he said, "If you -do not, with all your heart, combat the impious government of the -pope, you cannot be saved. Whoever takes pleasure in the religion and -worship of the papacy will be eternally lost in the life to -come."[301] - - [301] "Muss ewig in jenem Leben verlohren seyn." L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. - 333. - -"If we reject it," added he, "we may expect all kinds of dangers and -even the loss of life. But it is far better to run such risks in the -world than to be silent! As long as I live I will warn my brethren of -the sore and plague of Babylon, lest several who are with us fall back -with the others into the abyss of hell." - -[Sidenote: LUTHER AGAINST THE POPE.] - -It is scarcely possible to imagine the effect produced upon the -audience by language, the energy of which still makes us wonder. -"None of us," adds the candid student to whom we owe the fact, "at -least, if he be not a block without intelligence, ('as,' adds he in a -parenthesis, 'all the papists are,')--none of us doubts that it -contains the simple truth. It is evident to all the faithful, that Dr. -Luther is an angel of the living God, called to feed the long -bewildered sheep of Christ with the divine Word."[302] - - [302] Lutherum esse Dei viventis angelum qui palabundas Christi oves - pascat. (L. Op. Lat. ii, p. 123.) - -This discourse, and the act which crowned it, mark an important epoch -in the Reformation. The Leipsic discussion had detached Luther -inwardly from the pope. But the moment when he burned the bull was -that in which he declared, in the most expressive manner, his entire -separation from the bishop of Rome and his church, and his attachment -to the Church universal, as founded by the apostles of Jesus Christ. -After three centuries the fire which he kindled at the East gate is -still burning. - -"The pope," said he, "has three crowns, and they are these: the -_first_ is against God, for he condemns religion,--the _second_ -against the emperor, for he condemns the secular power,--and the -_third_ against society, for he condemns marriage."[303] When he was -reproached with inveighing too violently against the papacy, he -replied, "Ah! I wish every thing I testify against him were a clap of -thunder, and every one of my words were a thunderbolt."[304] - - [303] L. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 1313. - - [304] Und ein jeglich Wort eine Donneraxt waere. (Ibid. p. 1350.) - -This firmness of Luther was communicated to his friends and -countrymen. A whole nation rallied round him. The university of -Wittemberg in particular always became more attached to the hero to -whom it owed its importance and renown. Carlstadt raised his voice -against "the raging lion of Florence," who tore divine and human laws -to pieces, and trampled under foot the principles of eternal truth. At -this time Melancthon also addressed the States of the empire in a -writing characterised by his usual elegance and wisdom. It was a reply -to a treatise attributed to Emser, but published under the name of -Rhadinus, a Roman theologian. Luther himself spoke not more forcibly, -and yet there is a grace in Melancthon's words which gives them access -to the heart. - -[Sidenote: NEW WORK BY MELANCTHON.] - -After showing, by passages of Scripture, that the pope is not superior -to other bishops; "What prevents us," says he to the States of the -empire, "from depriving the pope of the privilege which we have given -him?[305] It matters little to Luther that our riches, i.e. the -treasures of Europe, are sent to Rome. But what causes his grief and -ours is, that the laws of the pontiffs, and the reign of the pope, not -only endanger the souls of men but utterly destroy them. Every man -can judge for himself, whether or not it suits him to give his money -for the maintenance of Roman luxury, but to judge of the things of -religion, and of sacred mysteries, is beyond the reach of the vulgar. -Here, then, Luther implores your faith and zeal, and all pious men -implore with him, some with loud voice and others with groans and -sighs. Remember, princes of the Christian people, that you are -Christians, and rescue the sad wrecks of Christianity from the tyranny -of Antichrist. You are deceived by those who pretend that you have no -authority over priests. The same spirit which animated Jehu against -the priests of Baal urges you, in imitation of that ancient example, -to abolish the Roman superstition--a superstition far more horrible -than the idolatry of Baal."[306] So spoke mild Melancthon to the -princes of Germany. - - [305] "Quid obstat quominus papae quod dedimus jus adimamus!" (Corp. - Reform. L. i, p. 337.) - - [306] Ut extinguaris illam multo tetriorem Baalis idololatria Romanam - superstitionem. (Corp. Ref. i, p. 337.) - -Some cries of alarm were heard among the friends of the Reformation. -Timid spirits inclined to excessive moderation--Staupitz in -particular, expressed the keenest anguish. "Till now," said Luther to -him, "the whole affair has been mere sport. You yourself have said, -'did God not do these things it is impossible they could by done.' The -tumult becomes more and more tumultuous! and I do not think it will be -quelled before the last day."[307] Such was Luther's mode of -encouraging the timid. The tumult has existed for three centuries and -is not quelled! - - [307] Tumultus egregie tumultuatur, ut nisi extremo die sedari mihi - posse non videatur. (L. Ep. i, p. 541.) - -"The papacy," continued he, "is not now what it was yesterday and the -day before. Let it excommunicate and burn my writings; ... let it kill -me! it cannot arrest what is going forward. Something wonderful is at -the door.[308] I burnt the bull in great trembling, but now I -experience more joy from it than from any action of my life."[309] - - [308] Omnino aliquid portenti prae foribus est. (Ibid. p. 642.) Strange - presage of the future! - - [309] ... primum trepidus et orans, sed nunc laetior quam ullo totius - vitae meae facto. (Ibid.) ... at first trembling and praying, but now - more joyful than at any action of my whole life. - -We stop involuntarily and delight to read in the great soul of Luther -all that the future is preparing. "O! my father," says he to Staupitz -in concluding, "pray for the word of God and for me. I am heaved on -the billows, and as it were whirled upon them."[310] - - [310] Ego fluctibus his rapior et volvor. (Ibid.) - -[Sidenote: PROGRESS OF THE STRUGGLE.] - -War is thus declared on all sides. The combatants have thrown away -their scabbards. The Word of God has resumed its rights, and deposes -him who had gone the length of usurping God's place. Society is shaken -throughout. No period is without egotistical men, who would willingly -leave human society in error and corruption, but wise men, even the -timid among them, think differently. "We know well," says the mild -and moderate Melancthon, "that statesmen have a horror at every thing -like innovation; and it must be confessed, that in the sad confusion -called human life, discord, even that which arises from the best of -causes, is always accompanied with evil. Still it is necessary that in -the Church the Word of God take precedence of every thing human.[311] -God denounces eternal wrath against those who strive to extinguish the -truth; and therefore, it was a duty incumbent on Luther--a Christian -duty which he could not evade--to rebuke the pernicious errors which -disorderly men were circulating with inconceivable effrontery. If -discord engenders many evils, (to my great grief I see it does, adds -sage Philip,) it is the fault of those who at the beginning circulated -errors, and of those who, filled with diabolic hatred, are seeking at -present to maintain them." - - [311] Sed tamen in Ecclesia necesse est anteferri mandatum Dei omnibus - rebus humanis. (Melancth. Vit. Lutheri.) - -All, however, were not of the same opinion. Luther was loaded with -reproaches; the storm burst upon him from all sides. "He is quite -alone," said some--"He teaches novelties," said others. - -"Who knows," replied Luther, in accordance with the virtue given him -from on high,--"who knows if God has not chosen me, and called -me,[312] and if they ought not to fear that in despising me they may -be despising God himself?... Moses was alone on coming but of -Egypt--Elijah alone in the time of King Ahab--Isaiah alone in -Jerusalem--Ezekiel alone at Babylon.... God never chose for a prophet -either the high priest or any other great personage. He usually chose -persons who were low and despised,--on one occasion he even chose a -shepherd, (Amos). At all times the saints have had to rebuke the -great--kings, princes, priests, the learned--at the risk of their -lives. And under the New Dispensation has it not been the same? -Ambrose in his day was alone; after him Jerome was alone; later still -Augustine was alone.... I do not say that I am a prophet,[313] but I -say they ought to fear just because I am alone and they are many. One -thing I am sure of--the Word of God is with me and is not with them. - - [312] Wer weiss ob mich Gott dazu berufen und erwaehlt hat. - Fundamental principle of the articles condemned by the papal bull. (L. - Op. (L.) xvii, p. 338.) - - [313] "Ich sage nicht dass Ich ein Prophet sey." (L. Op. (L.) xvii. p. - 338.) - -"It is said also," continues he, "that I advance novelties, and that -it is impossible to believe that all other doctors have for so long a -period been mistaken. - -[Sidenote: THE BIBLE PARAMOUNT.] - -"No, I do not preach novelties. But I say that all Christian doctrines -have disappeared, even among those who ought to have preserved them; I -mean bishops and the learned. I doubt not, however, that the truth -has remained in some hearts, should it even have been in infants in -the cradle.[314] Poor peasants, mere babes, now understand Jesus -Christ better than the pope, the bishops, and the doctors. - - [314] "Und sollten's eitel Kinder in der Wiege seyn." (Ibid, p. 339.) - -"I am accused of rejecting the holy doctors of the Church. I reject -them not: but since all those doctors try to prove their writings by -Holy Scripture, it must be clearer and more certain than they are. Who -thinks of proving an obscure discourse by one still more obscure? -Thus, then, necessity constrains us to recur to the Bible, as all the -doctors do, and to ask it to decide upon their writings; for the Bible -is lord and master. - -"But it is said men in power persecute him. And is it not clear from -Scripture that persecutors are usually in the wrong, and the -persecuted in the right; that the majority are always in favour of -falsehood, and the minority in favour of truth? The truth has, at all -times, caused clamour."[315] - - [315] Wahrheit hat alle, seit rumoert (Ibid., p. 140.) - -Luther afterwards reviews the propositions condemned in the bull as -heretical, and demonstrates their truth, by proofs drawn from Holy -Scripture. With what force, in particular, does he now maintain the -doctrine of grace! - -"What," says he, "will nature be able, before and without grace, to -hate sin, avoid it, and repent of it; while that, even since grace is -come, this nature loves sin, seeks it, desires it, and ceases not to -combat grace, and to be irritated against it; a fact for which all the -saints continually do groan!... It is as if it were said that a large -tree, which I am unable to bend by exerting my utmost strength, bends -of itself on my letting it go; or that a torrent, which walls and -dykes cannot arrest, is arrested the instant I leave it to itself.... -No, it is not by considering sin and its consequences that we attain -to repentance, but by contemplating Jesus Christ, his wounds, and -boundless love.[316] The knowledge of sin must result from repentance, -and not repentance from the knowledge of sin. Knowledge is the fruit, -repentance is the tree. With us the fruit grows upon the tree, but it -would seem that, in the states of the holy father, the tree grows upon -the fruit." - - [316] Man soll zuvor Christum in seine Wunden sehen, und aus - denselben, seine Liebe gegen uns. (Ibid., p. 351.) - -The courageous doctor, though he protests, also retracts some of his -propositions. Surprise will cease when his mode of doing it is known. -After quoting the four propositions on indulgences, condemned by the -bull,[317] he simply adds, - -[Sidenote: CORONATION OF CHARLES V.] - -"In honour of the holy and learned bull I retract all that I have -ever taught touching indulgences. If my books have been justly burned, -it must certainly be because I conceded something to the pope in the -doctrine of indulgences; wherefore, I myself condemn them to the -fire." - - [317] 19 to 22. Ibid., (p. 363.) - -He also retracts in regard to John Huss. "I say now, not that _some_ -articles, but _all_ the articles of John Huss, are Christian -throughout. The pope, in condemning Huss, condemned the gospel. I have -done five times more than he, and yet I much fear have not done -enough. Huss merely says, that a wicked pope is not a member of -Christendom; but I, were St. Peter himself sitting to-day at Rome, -would deny that he was pope by the appointment of God." - - - - -CHAP. XI. - - Coronation of Charles--The Nuncio Aleander--Will Luther's - Books be burnt?--Aleander and the Emperor--The Nuncios and - the Elector--The Son of Duke John pleads for - Luther--Luther's calmness--The Elector protects - Luther--Reply of the Nuncios--Erasmus at Cologne--Erasmus - with the Elector--Declaration of Erasmus--Advice of - Erasmus--System of Charles V. - - -The powerful words of the Reformer penetrated all minds, and -contributed to their emancipation. The sparks of light which each word -threw out were communicated to the whole nation. But a great question -remained to be solved. Would the prince, in whose states Luther dwelt, -favour the execution of the bull, or would he oppose it? The reply -seemed doubtful. At that time the Elector and all the princes of the -empire were at Aix-la-Chapelle where the crown of Charlemagne was -placed upon the head of the youngest but most powerful monarch of -Christendom. Unprecedented pomp and magnificence were displayed in the -ceremony. Charles V, Frederick, the princes, ministers, and -ambassadors, immediately after repaired to Cologne. Aix-la-Chapelle, -where the plague was raging, seemed to empty itself into this ancient -town on the banks of the Rhine. - -[Sidenote: THE NUNCIO ALEANDER.] - -Among the crowd of strangers who pressed into the city were the two -papal nuncios, Marino Carracioli and Jerome Aleander. Carracioli, who -had previously executed a mission to Maximilian, was appointed to -congratulate the new emperor, and confer with him on matters of state. -But Rome had become aware that, in order to succeed in extinguishing -the Reformation, it was necessary to send into Germany a nuncio -specially entrusted with the task, and with a character, address, and -activity fitted to accomplish it. Aleander had been selected.[318] -This man, who was afterwards decorated with the cardinals' purple, -seems to have been of rather an ancient family, and not of Jewish -parentage as has been said. The guilty Borgia called him to Rome to be -secretary to his son, the Cesar, before whose murderous sword all Rome -trembled.[319] "Like master like servant," says a historian, who thus -compares Aleander to Alexander VI. This judgment seems too severe. -After the death of Borgia, Aleander devoted himself to study with new -ardour. His skill in Greek, Hebrew, Chaldee, and Arabic, gave him the -reputation of being the most learned man of his age. He threw his -whole soul into whatever he undertook. The zeal with which he studied -languages was not a whit stronger than that which he displayed in -persecuting the Reformation. Leo X took him into his service. -Protestant historians speak of his epicurean habits--Roman historians -of the integrity of his life.[320] He seems to have been fond of -luxury, show, and amusement. "Aleander," says his old friend Erasmus, -"lived in Venice, in high office, but in low epicureanism." He is -admitted to have been violent in temper, prompt in action, full of -ardour, indefatigable, imperious, and devoted to the pope. Eck is the -blustering, intrepid champion of the school,--Aleander the proud -ambassador of the arrogant court of the pontiffs. He seemed formed to -be a nuncio. - - [318] Studium flagrantissimum religionis, ardor idolis...incredibile - quanta solertia (Pallavicini, i, p. 84.) - - [319] Capello, Venetian ambassador at Rome, in 1500, says of him, - "Tutta Roma trema di esso ducha non li faza amazzar"... (Relatione - M.S. Archives of Vienna, extracted by Ranke.) - - [320] Er wird uebel als ein gebohrner Jude und schaendlicher Epicurer - beschrieben. (Seckend. 286.)--Integritas vitae qua praenoscebatur... - (Pallavicini, i, p. 84.) - -Rome had made every preparation to destroy the monk of Wittemberg. The -duty of assisting at the coronation of the emperor, as representative -of the pope, was to Aleander only a secondary mission, fitted to -facilitate his task by the respect which it secured to him. The -essential part of his commission was to dispose Charles to crush the -growing Reformation.[321] In putting the bull into the hands of the -emperor, the nuncio had thus addressed him:--"The pope, who has -succeeded with so many great princes, will have little difficulty in -bringing three grammarians to order." By these he meant Luther, -Melancthon, and Erasmus. Erasmus was present at this audience. - - [321] "Cui tota sollicitudo insisteret, nascentis haeresis evellendae." - (Pallavicini, i, p. 83.) Whose whole anxiety was directed to the - extirpation of the growing heresy. - -[Sidenote: WILL LUTHER'S WORKS BE BURNT?] - -No sooner had Aleander arrived at Cologne, than he proceeded in -concert with Carracioli, to put everything in train for burning -Luther's heretical writings throughout the empire, but more especially -under the eyes of the princes of Germany who were then assembled. -Charles V had already consented to its being done in his hereditary -states. The minds of men were greatly agitated. "Such measures," it -was said to the ministers of Charles, and to the nuncios themselves, -"far from curing the evil, will only make it worse. Do you imagine -that the doctrine of Luther exists only in the books which you throw -into the flames? It is written where you cannot reach it--on the -hearts of the population.[322] If you will employ force, it must be -that of innumerable swords, drawn to massacre an immense -multitude.[323] Some billets of wood, collected for the purpose of -consuming some bits of paper, will do nothing; such weapons become not -the dignity either of the emperor or the pontiff." The nuncio defended -his faggot piles. "These flames," said he, "are a sentence of -condemnation written in gigantic letters, and understood alike by -those who are near, and those who are at a distance, by the learned -and the ignorant, by those even who cannot read." - - [322] "Altiusque insculptam in mentibus universae fere Germaniae." - (Pallavicini, i, p. 88.) - - [323] "In vi innumerabilium gladiorum qui infinitum populum - trucidarent." (Ibid.) - -But, in reality the nuncio's efforts were directed not against papers -and books, but Luther himself. "These flames," resumed he, "are not -sufficient to purify the infected air of Germany.[324] If they deter -the simple, they do not correct the wicked. The thing wanted is an -edict from the emperor against Luther's head."[325] - - [324] "Non satis ad expurgandam aerem Germaniae jam tabificum." (Ibid., - p. 89.) - - [325] Caesaris edictum in caput ... Lutheri. (Ibid.) - -Aleander did not find the emperor so complying on the subject of the -Reformer's person as on that of his books. - -"Having just ascended the throne," said he to Aleander, "I cannot, -without the advice of my counsellors, and the consent of the princes, -strike such a blow at an immense faction, surrounded by such powerful -defenders. Let us first know what our father, the Elector of Saxony, -thinks of the affair; after that, we shall see what answer to give to -the pope."[326] On the Elector, therefore, the nuncios proceeded to -try their wiles, and the power of their eloquence. - - [326] "Audiamus antea hac in re patrem nostrum Fredericum." (L. Op. - Lat., ii, p. 117.) - -On the first Sunday of November, after Frederick had attended mass in -the convent of the Cordeliers, Carracioli and Aleander requested an -audience. He received them in the presence of the Bishop of Trent, and -several of his counsellors. Carracioli first presented the papal -brief. Milder than Aleander, he thought it best to gain the Elector by -flattery, and began to laud him and his ancestors. "In you," said he, -"we hope for the salvation of the Roman Church and the Roman empire." - -[Sidenote: THE NUNCIOS AND THE ELECTOR.] - -But the impetuous Aleander, wishing to come to the point, came -briskly forward, and interrupted his colleague, who modestly gave way -to him.[327] "It is to me," said he, "and Eck, that Martin's affair -has been entrusted. See the immense perils to which this man exposes -the Christian commonwealth. If a remedy is not speedily applied, the -empire is destroyed. What ruined the Greeks if it was not their -abandonment of the pope? You cannot remain united to Luther without -separating from Jesus Christ.[328] In the name of his Holiness, I ask -of you two things: _first_, to burn the writings of Luther; -_secondly_, to punish him according to his demerits, or at least to -give him up a prisoner to the pope.[329] The emperor, and all the -princes of the empire have declared their readiness to accede to our -demands; you alone still hesitate...." - - [327] "Cui ita loquenti de improviso sese addit Aleander ..." (L. Op. - Lat., ii, p. 117.) - - [328] Non posse cum Luthero conjungi, quin sejungeretur a Christo. - (Pallavicini. p. 86.) - - [329] Ut de eo supplicium sumeret, vel captum pontifici transmitteret. - (L. Op. Lat. ii, p. 117.) - -Frederick replied, by the intervention of the Bishop of Trent, "This -affair is too grave to be decided on the spur of the moment. We will -acquaint you with our resolution." - -Frederick's position was difficult. What course will he adopt? On the -one side are the emperor, the princes of the empire, and the chief -pontiff of Christendom, from whose authority the Elector has as yet no -thought of withdrawing; on the other, a monk, a feeble monk; for his -person is all that is asked. The reign of the emperor has just -commenced, and will discord be thrown into the empire by Frederick, -the oldest and the wisest of all the princes of Germany? Besides, can -he renounce that piety which led him as far as the sepulchre of -Christ?... - -Other voices were then heard. John Frederick, son of Duke John, and -nephew of Frederick, the pupil of Spalatin, a young prince, seventeen -years of age, who afterwards wore the electoral crown, and whose reign -was marked by great misfortunes, had been inspired with a heartfelt -love of the truth, and was strongly attached to Luther.[330] When he -saw him struck with the anathemas of Rome, he embraced his cause with -the warmth of a young Christian and a young prince. He wrote to the -doctor, he wrote also to his uncle, soliciting him to protect Luther -against his enemies. At the same time, Spalatin, though indeed he was -often very desponding, Pontanus, and the other counsellors who were -with the Elector at Cologne, represented to him that he could not -abandon the Reformer.[331] - - [330] ... Sonderliche Gunst und Gnade zu mir unwuerdiglich und den - grossen Willen und Lust zer der heiligen goettlichen Wahrheit ... (L. - Ep. i, p. 548, to John Frederick, 30th October, 1520.) - - [331] "Assiduo flabello ministrorum, illi jugiter suadentium ne - Lutherum desereret." (Pallavicini, i, p. 86.) - -[Sidenote: THE ELECTOR PROTECTS LUTHER.] - -Amid the general agitation, only one man remained tranquil--that man -was Luther. While others were trying to save him by the influence of -the great, the monk, in his cloister at Wittemberg, thought that the -great stood more in need of being saved by him. Writing to Spalatin, -he says, "If the gospel was of a nature to be propagated or maintained -by the power of the world, God would not have entrusted it to -fishermen.[332] To defend the gospel appertains not to the princes and -pontiffs of this world. They have enough to do to shelter themselves -from the judgments of the Lord and his Anointed. If I speak, I do it -in order that they may obtain the knowledge of the divine word, and be -saved by it." - - [332] Evangelium si tale esset, quod potentatibus mundi aut - propagaretur aut servaretur, non illud piscatoribus Deus demandasset. - (L. Ep. i, p. 521.) - -Luther's expectation was not to be deceived. The faith which a convent -of Wittemberg contained exercised its influence in the palaces of -Cologne. The heart of Frederick, shaken perhaps for an instant, became -gradually stronger. He was indignant that the pope, notwithstanding of -urgent entreaties to investigate the matter in Germany, had condemned -it at Rome, on the demand of the Reformer's personal enemy; and that -in his absence that enemy should have dared to publish in Saxony a -bull which threatened the existence of the university and the peace of -his people. Besides, the Elector was convinced that Luther had been -wronged. He shuddered at the thought of delivering an innocent man -into the cruel hands of his enemies. Justice, rather than the pope, -such was the rule he adopted. He resolved not to yield to Rome. On the -4th November, when the Roman nuncios were in his presence with the -Bishop of Trent, his counsellors announced to them, on the part of the -Elector, that he was much grieved to see how Doctor Eck had taken the -opportunity of his absence to involve in condemnation several persons -not adverted to in the bull; that it might be that, since his -departure, an immense number of the learned and the ignorant, the -clergy and the laity, had united in adhering to the cause and the -appeal of Luther;[333] that neither his Imperial Majesty, nor any -person, had shown him that the writings of Luther had been refuted, -and that the only thing now necessary was to throw them into the fire, -that he moreover demanded a safe conduct for Doctor Luther, to enable -him to appear before learned, pious, and important judges. - - [333] "Ut ingens vis populi, doctorum et rudium, sacrorum et - profanorum, sese conjunxerint...." (L. Op. Lat., ii, p. 116.) - -[Sidenote: ERASMUS AT COLOGNE.] - -After this declaration, Aleander, Carracioli, and their suite, retired -to deliberate.[334] It was the first time the Elector had publicly -declared his intentions with regard to the Reformer. The nuncios had -anticipated a very different result. "Now," thought they, "that the -Elector, by persisting in playing his part of impartiality, would -expose himself to dangers, the full extent of which cannot be -foreseen, he will not hesitate to sacrifice the monk." So Rome had -reasoned. But her schemes were destined to fail before a power to -which she had not adverted--the love of justice and truth. - - [334] "Quo audito, Marinus et Aleander seorsim cum suis locuti sunt." - (Ibid., p. 117.) - -When again before the Elector's counsellors, "I would fain know," said -the imperious Aleander, "what the Elector would think were one of his -subjects to choose the King of France or some other foreign prince for -judge?" Seeing at length that the Saxon counsellors were not to be -shaken, he said, "We will execute the bull; we will prosecute and burn -the writings of Luther. As to his person," added he, affecting a -disdainful indifference, "the pope has no anxiety to dip his hand in -the blood of the wretch." - -News of the reply which the Elector had given to the nuncios having -reached Wittemberg, Luther's friends were overjoyed. Melancthon and -Amsdorff, in particular, cherished the most flattering hopes. "The -German nobility," said Melancthon, "will shape their course by the -example of a prince whom they follow in every thing as their Nestor. -If Homer called his hero '_the wall of the Greeks_,' why should not -Frederick be called '_the wall of the Germans_?'"[335] - - [335] Homerica adpellatione murum Germaniae. (Corp. Ref. i, p. 272.) - -[Sidenote: ERASMUS WITH THE ELECTOR.] - -Erasmus, the oracle of courts, the torch of the schools, the light of -the world, was then at Cologne, having been invited thither by several -princes who wished to consult him. At the period of the Reformation, -Erasmus was at the head of the true middle (_juste milieu_) party, at -least he thought he was, but erroneously; for when truth and error are -in presence of each other, the right side is not the middle. He was -the chief of that philosophical and university party, which had for -ages aspired to correct Rome, without being able to do so; he was the -representative of human wisdom; but this wisdom was too weak to -repress the arrogance of the papacy. The wisdom of God was -necessary--that wisdom which the world often calls folly, but at the -bidding of which mountains are crushed. Erasmus was unwilling either -to throw himself into the arms of Luther, or to seat himself at the -feet of the pope. He hesitated, and often vibrated between these two -powers, sometimes attracted towards Luther, and then suddenly repelled -towards the pope. He had declared for Luther in a letter to the -Archbishop of Mentz, in which he had said, "The last spark of -Christian piety seems ready to be extinguished. It is this that has -moved Luther's heart; he cares neither for money nor honour."[336] The -publication of this letter by the imprudent Ulric von Huetten, -subjected Erasmus to so much annoyance that he resolved to act with -more prudence in future. Besides, he was accused of being in concert -with Luther whose unguarded speeches moreover offended him. "Almost -all good people,"[337] said he, "are for Luther, but I see that we are -on the high way to a revolt. I would not have my name coupled with -his. It hurts me and does him no good."[338] "Be it so," replied -Luther, "since it pains you, I promise never to mention your name, nor -that of any of your friends." Such was the man to whom both the -enemies and the friends of the Reformer applied. - - [336] "Et futurum erat .... ut tandem prorsus extingueretur illa - scintilla Christianae pietatis; haec moverunt animum Lutheri .... qui - nec honores ambit nec pecuniam cupit." (Erasm. Ep. Londini, 1642, p. - 586.) - - [337] Favent vero ferme boni omnes. (Corp. Ref. i, p. 205.) - - [338] Er will von mir ungenennt seyn. (L. Ep. i, p. 525.) Nam ea res - me gravat et Lutherum non sublevat. (Corp. Ref. i, p. 206.) - -[Sidenote: OPINION OF ERASMUS.] - -The Elector, aware that the opinion of a man so much respected as -Erasmus would carry great weight, invited the illustrious Dutchman to -come to him. Erasmus complied. This was on the 5th of December. The -friends of Luther saw this step not without secret apprehension. The -Elector was sitting before the fire, with Spalatin beside him, when -Erasmus was introduced. "What think you of Luther?" immediately asked -Frederick. The prudent Erasmus, surprised at the direct question, at -first tried to evade it. He twisted his mouth, bit his lips, and said -nothing. Then the Elector, opening his eyes (says Spalatin,) as he was -wont to do when speaking to persons from whom he wished a precise -answer, looked piercingly at Erasmus,[339] who, not knowing how to -disembarrass himself, at last said, half in jest, "Luther has -committed two great faults; he has attacked the pope's crown and the -monks' belly." The Elector smiled, but gave Erasmus to understand that -he was in earnest. Then Erasmus, laying aside his reserve, said, "The -source of all this dispute is the hatred of the monks against letters, -and the fear they have of seeing an end put to their tyranny.[340] -What have they put in operation against Luther? Clamour, cabal, -hatred, libels. The more virtuous, and the more attached to the -doctrines of the gospel a man is, the less is he opposed to -Luther.[341] The harshness of the bull has excited the indignation of -all good men, and nobody has been able to discover in it the meekness -of a vicar of Jesus Christ.[342] Out of so many universities two only -have attacked Luther, and even these have only condemned, not -convicted him. Let not people deceive themselves; the danger is -greater than some suppose. Things difficult and arduous are at -hand.[343]... To begin the reign of Charles with an act so hateful as -the imprisonment of Luther would be of sad augury. The world is -thirsting for evangelical truth.[344] Let us beware of culpably -resisting it. Let the affair be examined by grave men of sound -judgment; this would be more accordant with the dignity of the pope -himself." - - [339] Da sperret auch wahrlich mein gnaedister Herr seine Augen nur - wohl auf... (Spalatin Hist. MS. in Seckend. p. 291.) - - [340] Lutherus peccavit in duobus, nempe quod tetigit coronam - pontificis et ventres monachorum, (See 1st vol.) - - [341] Cum optimus quisque et evangelicae doctrinae proximus dicatur, - minime offensus Luthero. (Axiomata Erasmi in L. Op. Lat. ii, p. 115.) - - [342] Bullae saevitia probos omnes offendit ut indigna mitissimo Christi - vicario. (Ibid.) - - [343] Urgent ardua negotia.... (Ibid.) - - [344] Mundus sitit veritatem evangelicam. (Axiomata Erasmi in L. Op. - Lat. ii, p. 115.) - -Thus spoke Erasmus to the Elector. The reader will perhaps be -astonished at his frankness; but Erasmus knew to whom he was speaking. -Spalatin was delighted, and going out with Erasmus, accompanied him as -far as the house of the Count of Nuenar, provost of Cologne, where the -illustrious scholar was residing. Erasmus, in a fit of frankness, went -into his room, took up the pen and wrote down the substance of what he -had said to the Elector, and gave it to Spalatin. But fear of Aleander -soon took possession of the timid Erasmus, the courage which he had -felt in the presence of the Elector and his chaplain vanished, and he -begged Spalatin to send back his too bold writing lest it should fall -into the hands of the terrible nuncio. It was too late. - -The Elector, feeling strong in the opinion of Erasmus, spoke in more -decided terms to the emperor. Erasmus himself strove in nocturnal -conferences,[345] like Nicodemus of old, to persuade the counsellors -of Charles that it was necessary to remit the whole affair to -impartial judges. Perhaps he had some hope of being named arbiter in -this cause which threatened to divide the Christian world. His vanity -would have been flattered by the office. But, at the same time, not to -lose himself at Rome, he wrote the most submissive letters to Leo, who -replied in kind terms, and thereby put poor Aleander to the -torture.[346] From love to the pope, he could have sharply rebuked the -pope. Erasmus communicated the pontiff's letters because they added to -his credit. The nuncio made a complaint at Rome: "Pretend," was the -answer, "that you do not observe the naughtiness of that man. Prudence -requires it: it is necessary to leave the door open for -repentance."[347] - - [345] Sollicitatis per nocturnos congressus. (Pallavicini, p. 87.) - - [346] Quae male torquebant Aleandrum. (Ibid.) - - [347] Prudentis erat consilii hominis pravitatem dissimulare. (Ibid, - p. 88.) - -[Sidenote: POLICY OF CHARLES V.] - -Charles V himself embraced a vacillating system, which consisted in -flattering both the pope and the Elector, and in seeming to incline -alternately towards the one or the other according to the wants of the -moment. One of his ministers, whom he had sent to Rome on certain -Spanish matters, had arrived at the very time when Eck was loudly -prosecuting Luther's condemnation. The wily ambassador instantly saw -the advantages which his master might derive from the Saxon monk, and -on the 12th May, 1520, wrote the emperor, who was still in Spain: -"Your Majesty should go into Germany, and there show some favour to -one Martin Luther, who is at the Court of Saxony, and, by his -discourses, is giving much uneasiness to the Court of Rome."[348] -Such, at the outset, was the light in which Charles viewed the matter. -His object was not to know on which side truth or error lay, or to -ascertain what the great interest of Germany demanded. What does -policy require, and by what means can the pope be induced to support -the emperor? This was the whole question, and at Rome was well known -to be so. The ministers of Charles gave Aleander a hint of the plan -which their master meant to follow. "The emperor," said they, "will -act towards the pope as the pope acts towards the emperor: for he -cares not to increase the power of his rivals, and in particular of -the king of France."[349] At these words the imperious nuncio gave -vent to his indignation: "What!" replied he, "even should the pope -abandon the emperor must the emperor abandon religion? If Charles -means thus to take his revenge ... let him tremble! This unprincipled -course will turn against himself." The imperial diplomatists were not -moved by the menaces of the nuncio. - - [348] Despatches of Manuel Llorente, i, p. 338. - - [349] Pallav. p. 91. - - - - -CHAP. XII. - - Luther on Confession--True absolution--Antichrist--Rally - around Luther--Satires--Ulric von Huetten--Lucas Cranach--The - Carnival at Wittemberg--Staupitz intimidated--Luther's - Labours--Luther's Humility--Progress of the Reformation. - - -[Sidenote: LUTHER ON CONFESSION AND TRUE ABSOLUTION.] - -If the legates of Rome failed with the mighty of the world, the -inferior agents of the papacy succeeded in producing disturbance among -the weak. The militia of Rome had heard the command of their chief. -Fanatical priests employed the bull in alarming consciences, and -honest but ill informed ecclesiastics regarded it as a sacred duty to -act conformably to the instructions of the pope. Luther had begun his -struggle against Rome in the confessional,[350] and in the -confessional Rome gave battle to the adherents of the Reformer. The -bull, though openly contemned by the nation, became powerful in these -solitary tribunals. "Have you read the writings of Luther," demanded -the confessors, "do you possess them? do you regard them as sound or -as heretical?" If the penitent hesitated to pronounce the anathema, -the priest refused him absolution. Several consciences were troubled. -The people were strongly agitated. This skilful manoeuvre promised -to restore to the papal yoke whole districts already gained to the -gospel. Rome congratulated herself on having, in the thirteenth -century, erected a tribunal destined to bring the free consciences of -Christians under subjection to the priests.[351] While it continues in -force her reign is not ended. - - [350] Vol. i, to p. 20. - - [351] In 1215, by the fourth Lateran Council, under Innocent III. - -Luther became aware of these circumstances. Single handed what will he -do to defeat the manoeuvre? The Word--the Word uttered loudly and -boldly: such is his weapon. The Word will search out these alarmed -consciences, these frightened souls, and strengthen them. A powerful -impulse was required, and Luther's voice was heard addressing -penitents with heroic boldness, and a noble disregard of all secondary -considerations. "When you are asked," says he, "whether or not you -approve my books, answer, 'You are a confessor, and not an inquisitor -or a gaoler. My duty is to confess what my conscience dictates; yours -not to probe and discover the secrets of my heart. Give me absolution, -and thereafter dispute with Luther, the pope, and whomsoever you -please; but do not connect the sacrament of peace with strife and -combat.' If the confessor will not yield, then," continues Luther, "I -would rather dispense with his absolution. Give yourself no -uneasiness; if man will not absolve you God will absolve you. Rejoice -in that you are absolved by God himself, and present yourself without -fear at the sacrament of the altar. The priest will have to account at -the final judgment for the absolution which he shall have refused you. -They may indeed refuse us the sacrament, but they cannot deprive us of -the strength and grace which God has attached to it.--God has placed -salvation neither in their will nor in their power but in our faith. -Leave their sacrament, altar, priest, church: the Word of God -condemned in the bull is more than all these things. The soul can -dispense with the sacrament, but cannot live without the Word. Christ, -the true Bishop, will himself undertake to nourish you spiritually."[352] - - [352] Und wird dich der rechte Bischoff Christus selber speisen. (L. - Op. lxvii, p. 563.) - -[Sidenote: ANTICHRIST. RALLY AROUND LUTHER.] - -Thus, Luther's voice found its way into families, and alarmed -consciences, imparting to them courage and faith. But it was not -enough for him merely to defend himself; he felt it his duty to attack -and return blow for blow. Ambrose Catherin, a Roman theologian, had -written against him. [353]"I will stir up the bile of the Italian -beast," said Luther; and he kept his word. In his reply, he proved by -the revelations of Daniel and St. John, by the epistles of St. Paul, -St. Peter, and St. Jude, that the reign of Antichrist, predicted and -described in the Bible, was the papacy. "I know for certain," says he, -in conclusion, "that our Lord Jesus Christ lives and reigns. Strong in -this assurance, I would not fear several thousands of popes. May God -at length visit you according to his infinite power, and cause the day -of the glorious advent of his Son to shine, that day in which he will -destroy the wicked. And let all the people say, Amen!"[354] - - [353] Italicae bestiae bilem movebo. (L. Ep. i, p. 570.) - - [354] Ostendat illum diem adventus gloriae Filii sui quo destruatur - iniquus iste. (L. Op. Lat. ii, p. 162.) - -And all the people did say, Amen! A holy fear took possession of men's -souls. They saw Antichrist seated on the pontifical throne. This new -idea, an idea which derived great force from the prophetical -description, being thrown by Luther into the midst of his age, gave -Rome a dreadful shock. Faith in the divine Word was substituted for -that, which, till then the Church alone had obtained, and the power of -the pope, which had long been adored by the people, became the object -of their hatred and terror. - -Germany replied to the papal bull by surrounding Luther with -acclamation. The plague was in Wittemberg, and yet arrivals of new -students daily took place, while from four to six hundred pupils -regularly took their seats in the academic halls at the feet of Luther -and Melancthon. The church of the convent and the town church were too -small for the crowds eager to hear the words of the Reformer. The -prior of the Augustins was in terror lest these churches should give -way under the pressure of the audience.[355] But the movement was not -confined within the walls of Wittemberg: it extended over Germany. -Letters full of consolation and faith, from princes, noble and learned -men, reached Luther from all quarters. He showed the chaplain more -than thirty of them.[356] - - [355] Es moechte noch gar die Kirche und Capelle um der menge willen - einfallen. (Spalatin in Seckend. p. 295.) - - [356] Mehr als dreyssig Briefe von Fuersten.... (Ibid.) - -One day the Margrave of Brandenburg, with several other princes, -arrived at Wittemberg to visit Luther. "They wished to see the -man,"[357] said the Margrave. In fact all wished _to see the man_, -whose word alarmed the pope, and caused the pontiff of the West to -totter on his throne. - - [357] Videre enim hominem voluerunt. (L. Ep. i, p. 544, Jan. 16, - 1521.) - -[Sidenote: SATIRES. ULRICH VON HUTTEN.] - -The enthusiasm of Luther's friends increased from day to day. -"Unparalleled folly of Emser!"--exclaimed Melancthon--"to presume to -measure weapons with our Hercules, overlooking the finger of God in -the actions of Luther,[358] as the king of Egypt overlooked it in the -hand of Moses." The mild Melancthon found strong expressions to -excite those who seemed to him to retrograde or remain stationary. -"Luther has stood up for the truth," wrote he to John Hess, "and yet -you keep silence. He still breathes, he still prospers, though Leo is -indignant and roars with rage. Remember, it is impossible for Roman -impiety to approve of the gospel.[359] How should this unhappy age be -without its Judases, Caiaphases, Pilates, and Herods? Arm yourself -then with the power of the Word of God against such adversaries." - - [358] ... Dei digitum esse quae a Martino fiant. (Corp. Ref. i, p. - 282.) - - [359] "Non posse Evangelium Romanae impietati probari." (Ibid. p. 280.) - -All the writings of Luther, his Lord's Prayer, and especially a new -edition of the German theology, were eagerly devoured. Reading -societies were formed, for the purpose of procuring his works, for the -use of the members. Friends made new impressions of them, and -circulated them by means of hawkers. They were also recommended from -pulpits. A German church was demanded, one in which no dignity should -in future be conferred on anyone who was not able to preach to the -people in German, and the German bishops of which should every where -oppose the papal power. - -Moreover, cutting satires directed against the leading -Ultra-Montanists were circulated throughout the provinces of the -empire. The opposition united all its forces around this new doctrine, -which give it precisely what it wanted, by justifying it in regard to -religion. The greater part of the lawyers, weary of the quirks of the -Ecclesiastical tribunals, attached themselves to the Reformation, but -its cause was keenly embraced above all by the Humanists. Ulric von -Huetten was indefatigable. He wrote letters to Luther, to the legates, -and the leading men of Germany. "I tell you, and tell you again, O -Marinus!" said he to the legate, Carracioli, in one of his -publications, "the mists with which you blinded us are cleared -away--the gospel is preached--the truth proclaimed--the absurdities of -Rome treated with contempt--your ordinances languish and die--liberty -begins."[360] - - [360] "Ablata illa est a vobis inducta olim nostris oculis caligo, - praedicatur Evangelium .. spes est libertatis" ... (Ulric ab Huetten - Eques Mar. Carrac. L. Op. Lat. ii, p. 176.) - -[Sidenote: LUCAS CRANACH. THE POPE IN EFFIGY.] - -Not contenting himself with prose, Huetten had recourse to verse also. -He published his Cry on the Burning by Luther.[361] Appealing to Jesus -Christ, he prayed him to consume, with the brightness of his -countenance, those who dared to deny his power. He began, moreover, to -write in German. "Hitherto," said he, "I have written in Latin, a -language which all could not comprehend, but now I address myself to -my country." His German rhymes laid open and enabled the people to -read the shameful and voluminous record of the sins of the Roman -Court. But Huetten was unwilling to confine himself to mere words; he -was impatient to bring his sword into the struggle, for he thought -that by the swords and halberds of the many valiant warriors, of which -Germany was proud, the vengeance of God was to be accomplished. Luther -opposed his infatuated projects. "I would not," said he, "that men -should fight for the gospel by violence and carnage. I have written so -to Huetten.[362] - - [361] "Quo tu oculos, pie Christe, tuos, frontisque severae Tende - supercilium, teque esse ostende neganti Qui te contemnunt igitur, - mediumque tonanti Ostendunt digitum, tandem iis te ostende potentem. - Te videat ferus ille Leo, te tota malorum Sentiat inluvies, - scelerataque Roma tremiscat, Ultorem scelerum discant te vivere - saltem, Qui regnare negant" ...(In Incendium Lutheranum Exclamatio - Ulrichi Huetteni Equitis Mar. Carrac. L. Op. Lat. ii, p. 176.) - - [362] Nollem vi et caede pro Evangelio certari; ita scripsi ad hominem. - (L. Ep. i, p. 243.) - -The celebrated painter, Lucas Cranach, published, under the title of -the _Passions of Christ and Antichrist_, engravings which represented, -on the one hand, the splendour and magnificence of the pope, and on -the other, the humility and sufferings of the Redeemer. Luther wrote -the inscriptions. These engravings, executed with great spirit, -produced an astonishing effect. The people withdrew from a church -which appeared so opposed to the spirit of its Founder. "This work," -said Luther, "is excellent for the laity."[363] - - [363] Bonus est pro laicis liber. (L. Ep. i, p. 571.) It would be - worth while to make a new impression of this work; I found a copy of - it in the library of Zurich. - -Several, in opposing the Papacy, had recourse to arms which ill -accorded with the holiness of the Christian life. Emser, in replying -to Luther's tract, entitled, 'To the Goat Emser,' had published one -entitled, 'To the Bull of Wittemberg.' The name was not ill chosen. -But at Magdeburg, Emser's book was hung on the gallows, with this -inscription, "The book is worthy of the place;" and a rod was placed -beside it, to indicate the punishment which the author deserved.[364] -At Doeblin, there was written under the Papal bull, in derision of its -impotent thunders, "The nest is here, but the birds are flown."[365] - - [364] Publico infamiae loco affixus. (Ibid. p. 560.) - - [365] Das Nest ist hie: die Vogel sind ausgeflogen. (Ibid. p. 570.) - -[Sidenote: STAUPITZ INTIMIDATED.] - -At Wittemberg, the students, taking advantage of the carnival, clothed -one of their number in a dress resembling that of the pope, and -paraded him through the streets "pompously, but rather too -ludicrously," says Luther.[366] On arriving at the public square they -went down to the banks of the river, and some of them, feigning a -sudden attack, seemed to wish to throw the pope into the water; but -the pope, having no liking for such a bath, took to his heels. His -cardinals, bishops, and familiars, followed his example, dispersing -over all the quarters of the town, while the students continued to -pursue them. There was not a corner of Wittemberg where some Roman -dignitary did not flee before the shouts and laughter of the -inhabitants, who were all in motion.[367] "The enemy of Christ," says -Luther, "who sports both with kings and with Christ himself, well -deserves to be thus sported with." In this we think him in error. -Truth is too beautiful, and ought never to be made to walk through the -mire. She ought to fight without such auxiliaries as songs, -caricatures, and carnival frolics. It may be that without these -popular demonstrations, her success would be less apparent, but it -would be more pure, and consequently more durable. Be this as it may, -the imprudent and passionate conduct of the Court of Rome had excited -universal antipathy, and the bull by which the Papacy thought to -stifle every thing was itself the cause of general revolt. - - [366] Nimis ludicre Papam personatum circumvenerunt sublimem et - pompaticum.... (Ibid. p. 561.) - - [367] ... Fugitivum cum Cardinalibus, Episcopia, famulisque suis, in - diversas partes oppidi disperserunt et insecuti sunt. (Ibid. 17th Feb. - 1521.) - -Still the Reformer's whole course was not one of exultation and -triumph. Behind the car in which he was drawn by his zealous -countrymen, transported with admiration, there was not wanting the -slave appointed to remind him of his frailty. Some of his friends -seemed disposed to call a halt. Staupitz, whom he called his father, -seemed shaken. The pope had accused him, and Staupitz had declared his -readiness to submit to the judgment of his Holiness. "I fear," said -Luther to him, "that in accepting the pope for judge, you will seem to -throw off me and the doctrines which I have maintained. If Christ -loves you, he will constrain you to retract your letter. Christ is -condemned, spoiled, blasphemed; it is time not to fear, but to cry -aloud.[368] Wherefore, while you exhort me to humility, I exhort you -to pride; for you have too much humility, just as I have too much of -its opposite. I shall be called proud and avaricious, an adulterer, a -murderer, an anti-pope, a man guilty of all crimes. It matters not, so -long as they cannot accuse me of having kept an impious silence at the -moment when the Lord was grieved, and said 'I looked on my right hand, -and beheld but there was no man that would know me.' (Ps. cxlii, 4.) -The word of Jesus Christ is not a word of peace, but a sword. If you -will not follow Jesus Christ, I will walk alone, advance alone, and -gain the day." [369] - - [368] Non enim hic tempus timendi sed clamandi. (L. Ep. i, p. 557.) - - [369] Quod si tu non vis sequi sine me ire et rapi. (Ibid. p. 558.) - But if you will not follow, allow me to go and hurry on. - -[Sidenote: LABOURS OF LUTHER.] - -Thus Luther, like the commander of an army, kept an eye on the whole -field of battle, and while he urged fresh troops forward into the -thickest of the fight, marked those who appeared faint-hearted and -recalled them to their post. His exhortations were everywhere heard. -His letters rapidly succeeded each other. Three presses were -constantly employed in multiplying his writings.[370] His words had -free course among the people, strengthened consciences which the -confessionals had alarmed, raised up those ready to faint in convents, -and maintained the rights of truth in the palaces of princes. - - [370] "Cum tria prela solus ego occupare cogar." (L. Ep. i, p. 558.) - -"Amid the tempests which assail me," wrote he to the Elector, "I -always hoped I would one day find peace. But I now see it was only a -man's thought. Day after day the wave is rising, and I already stand -in the midst of the ocean. The tempest breaks loose with fearful -roar.[371] With one hand I grasp the sword, and with the other build -up the walls of Sion.[372] Her ancient links are snapt asunder, broken -by the hand which darted the thunders of excommunication against her." -"Excommunicated by the bull," says he, "I am loosed from the authority -of the pope and monastic laws. With joy I embrace the deliverance. But -I lay aside neither the habit of the order nor the convent."[373] And -yet, amidst all this agitation, he never loses sight of the dangers by -which his own soul is beset during the strife. He feels the necessity -of keeping a watch upon himself. "You do well to pray for me," wrote -he to Pellican, who was living at Bale. "I cannot devote enough of -time to holy exercises. My life is a cross. You do well to exhort me -to modesty. I feel the want of it; but I am not my own master: I know -not what spirit rules me. I wish ill to nobody;[374] but my enemies -press me with such fury that I am not sufficiently on my guard against -the seductions of Satan. Pray then for me." - - [371] "Videns rem tumultuosissimo tumultu tumultuantem." (Ibid. p. - 546.) - - [372] Una manu gladium apprehendens et altera murum aedificaturus. - (Ibid., p. 565.) - - [373] Ab ordinis et Papae legibus solutus....quod gaudeo et amplector. - (Ibid., p. 568.) - - [374] ....Compos mei non sum, rapior nescio quo spiritu, cum nemini me - male velle conscius sim. (Ibid, p. 555.) - -[Sidenote: CONQUESTS BY THE WORD OF GOD.] - -Thus both the Reformer and the Reformation hastened on in the -direction in which God called them. The movement extended. Men who -might have been expected to be most faithful to the hierarchy began to -be shaken. "Even those," says Eck, ingenuously enough, "who hold of -the pope the best benefices and the richest canonries remain mute as -fishes. Several among them even extol Luther as a man filled with the -Spirit of God, and call the defenders of the pope sophists and -flatterers."[375] The Church, apparently great in power, supported by -the treasures, the powers and the armies of the world, but in reality -emaciated and enfeebled, without love to God, without Christian life, -without enthusiasm for the truth, found herself in presence of men, -simple, but bold, men who, knowing that God is with those who combat -for His Word, had no doubt of victory? Every age has experienced how -powerful an idea is in penetrating the masses, in arousing nations, -and, if need be, hurrying thousands to the field of battle and to -death; but if such is the influence of a human idea, what must be the -power of an idea sent down from heaven when God opens the door of the -human heart. The world has not often seen such a power in operation. -It did see it, however, in the first days of Christianity and in those -of the Reformation; and it will see it in days yet to come. Men who -disdained the world's wealth, and grandeur, and were contented to lead -a life of pain and poverty, began to move in behalf of the holiest -thing upon the earth--the doctrine of faith and of grace. In this -heaving of society, all the religious elements were brought into -operation, and the fire of enthusiasm hurried men boldly forward into -a new life an epoch of renovation which had just opened so -majestically, and towards which Providence was hastening the nations. - - [375] Reynald. Epist. J. Eckii ad Cardinal Contarenum. - - - - -BOOK SEVENTH. - -THE DIET OF WORMS. - -1521. (_January--May._) - - - - -CHAP. I. - - Conquests by the Word of God--The Diet of - Worms--Difficulties--Charles demands Luther--The Elector to - Charles--State of Men's minds--Aleander's Alarm--The Elector - sets out without Luther--Aleander awakens - Rome--Excommunication of the Pope, and Communion with - Christ--Fulmination of the Bull--Luther's motives in the - Reformation. - - -The Reformation, which commenced with the struggles of an humble soul -in the cell of a convent at Erfurt, had never ceased to advance. An -obscure individual, with the Word of life in his hand, had stood erect -in presence of worldly grandeur, and made it tremble. This Word he had -opposed, first, to Tezel and his numerous host, and these avaricious -merchants, after a momentary resistance, had taken flight. Next, he -had opposed it to the legate of Rome at Augsburg, and the legate, -paralysed, had allowed his prey to escape. At a later period he had -opposed it to the champions of learning in the halls of Leipsic, and -the astonished theologians had seen their syllogistic weapons broken -to pieces in their hands. At last he had opposed it to the pope, who, -disturbed in his sleep, had risen up upon his throne, and thundered at -the troublesome monk; but the whole power of the head of Christendom -this Word had paralysed. The Word had still a last struggle to -maintain. It behoved to triumph over the emperor of the West, over the -kings and princes of the earth, and then, victorious over all the -powers of the world, take its place in the Church to reign in it as -the pure Word of God. - -[Sidenote: THE DIET OF WORMS.] - -The whole kingdom was agitated. Princes and nobles, knights and -citizens, clergy and laity, town and country, all were engrossed. A -mighty religious revolution, of which God himself was the prime mover, -but which was also deeply rooted in the minds of the people, was -threatening to overthrow the long venerated head of the Roman -hierarchy. A new generation, of a grave, profound, active, and -energetic spirit, filled the universities, towns, courts, and castles, -the rural districts, and not unfrequently cloisters also. The feeling -that a great social transformation was at hand animated all minds with -holy enthusiasm. In what relation will the new emperor stand to this -movement of the age, and what will be the issue of the mighty impulse, -by which all feel that they are borne along? - -A solemn Diet was about to be opened. It was the first imperial -assembly over which the youthful Charles was to preside. Nuremberg, -where, in virtue of the Golden Bull, it ought to have been held, being -desolated by the plague, it had been summoned to meet at Worms, on the -6th of January, 1521.[376] Never had a Diet been attended by so many -princes. All desired to be present at this first act of the government -of the young emperor, and to make a display of their power. Among -others, the young Landgrave, Philip of Hesse, who was afterwards to -play so important a part in the Reformation, arrived at Worms in the -middle of January, with six hundred cavaliers, among them men of -renowned valour. - - [376] Sleidan, vol. i, p. 80. - -But there was a still more powerful motive which induced the electors, -dukes, archbishops, landgraves, margraves, bishops, barons, and lords -of the empire; as well as the deputies of towns, and the ambassadors -of the kings of Christendom, at this moment, to throng the roads -leading to Worms with their brilliant equipages. It had been announced -that the Diet would be occupied with the nomination of a council of -regency to govern the empire during the absence of Charles, with the -jurisdiction of the imperial chamber, and other important questions. -But the public attention was particularly directed to another matter, -which the emperor had also mentioned in his letter convening the Diet, -viz., the Reformation. The great interests of politics trembled before -the cause of the Monk of Wittemberg. This cause was the principal -subject of conversation among all personages who arrived at Worms. - -[Sidenote: CHARLES DEMANDS LUTHER.] - -Every thing announced that the Diet would be difficult and stormy. -Charles, scarcely twenty years of age, pale and sickly, yet as skilful -as any one in the graceful management of his horse and in breaking a -lance, of a character imperfectly developed, and with a grave and -melancholy but still benevolent expression of countenance, gave no -proof as yet of distinguished talent, and seemed not to have adopted a -decided course. The able and active William of Croi, Lord of Chievres, -who was his grand chamberlain, his governor, and prime minister, and -possessed absolute authority at the court, died at Worms. Numerous -ambitious projects were competing with each other. Many passions were -in collision. The Spaniards and Belgians were eager to insinuate -themselves into the counsels of the young prince. The nuncios -multiplied their intrigues, while the princes of Germany spoke out -boldly. A struggle might have been foreseen, yet a struggle in which -the principal part would be performed by the secret movements of -factions.[377] - - [377] Es gieng aber auf diesem Reichstag gar schluepferig zu... - Seckend. p. 326. - -Charles opened the Diet on the 28th of January, 1521, being the -festival of Charlemagne. He had a high idea of the importance of the -imperial dignity. In his opening address he said, that no monarchy -could be compared to the Roman empire, to which of old almost the -whole world had been subject; that, unhappily, the empire was now only -the shadow of what it had been; but that he hoped, by means of his -kingdoms and powerful alliances, to re-establish it in its ancient -glory. - -But numerous difficulties immediately presented themselves to the -young emperor. How will he act, placed, as he is, between the papal -nuncio and the Elector to whom he owes his crown? How can he avoid -dissatisfying Aleander or Frederick? The former urged the emperor to -execute the papal bull, and the latter begged him to undertake nothing -against the monk without giving him a hearing. Wishing to please these -two opposite parties, the young prince, during a sojourn at Oppenherm, -had written to the Elector to bring Luther to the Diet, assuring him -that no injustice would be done him, that he would meet with no -violence, and that learned men would confer with him. - -This letter of Charles, accompanied by letters from Chievres and the -Count of Nassau, threw the Elector into great perplexity. An alliance -with the pope might at any instant become necessary to the young and -ambitious emperor, and in that case it was all over with Luther. -Frederick, by taking the Reformer to Worms, was perhaps taking him to -the scaffold; and yet the orders of Charles were express. The Elector -ordered Spalatin to acquaint Luther with the letters which he had -received. "The enemy," said the chaplain to him, "is putting every -thing in operation to hasten on the affair."[378] - - [378] Adversarios omnia moliri ad maturandum id negotii. (L. Ep. i, p. - 534.) - -[Sidenote: THE ELECTOR'S LETTER TO CHARLES V.] - -Luther's friends trembled, but he trembled not. He was then in very -feeble health; no matter. "If I cannot go to Worms in health," replied -he to the Elector, "I will make myself be carried; since the emperor -calls me, I cannot doubt but it is a call from God himself. If they -mean to employ violence against me, as is probable, (for assuredly it -is not with a view to their own instruction that they make me -appear,) I leave the matter in the hands of the Lord. He who preserved -the three young men in the furnace, still lives and reigns. If He is -not pleased to save me, my life is but a small matter; only let us not -allow the gospel to be exposed to the derision of the wicked, and let -us shed our blood for it sooner than permit them to triumph. Whether -would my life or my death contribute most to the general safety? It is -not for us to decide. Let us only pray to God that our young emperor -may not commence his reign with dipping his hands in my blood; I would -far rather perish by the sword of the Romans. You know what judgments -befel the emperor Sigismund after the murder of John Huss. Expect -every thing of me--save flight and recantation;[379] I cannot fly, -still less can I recant." - - [379] Omnia de me praesumas praeter fugam et palinodiam.... (L. Ep. i, - p. 536.) - -Before receiving this letter from Luther, the Elector had taken his -resolution. As he was advancing in the knowledge of the gospel, he -began to be more decided in his measures. Seeing that the conference -of Worms could not have a happy result, he wrote to the emperor. "It -seems to me difficult to bring Luther with me to Worms; relieve me -from the task. Besides, I have never wished to take his doctrine under -my protection, but only to prevent him from being condemned without a -hearing. The Legates without waiting for your orders, have proceeded -to take a step insulting both to Luther and to me, and I much fear, -that in this way they have hurried him on to an imprudent act which -might expose him to great danger were he to appear at the Diet." The -Elector alluded to the pile which had consumed the Papal bull. - -But the rumour of Luther's journey to Worms had already spread. Men -eager for novelty rejoiced at it. The emperor's courtiers were -alarmed, but no one felt so indignant as the papal legate. Aleander on -his journey had seen how deep an impression the gospel which Luther -preached had made on all classes of society. Literary men, lawyers, -nobles, the lower clergy, the regular orders, and the people, were -gained to the Reformation.[380] These friends of the new doctrine -carried their heads erect, and were bold in their language, while fear -and terror froze the partizans of Rome. The papacy still stood, but -its props were shaking. A noise of devastation was already heard, -somewhat resembling the creaking which takes place at the time when a -mountain begins to slip.[381] - - [380] Multitudo..turba paperum, nobilium...grammatici - causidici...inferiores ecclesiastici..factio multorum regularium... - (Pallavicini, i, p. 93.) - - [381] Hae omnes conditiones petulanter grassantium..metum cuilibet - incutiebant... (Ibid., p. 93.) - -[Sidenote: ALEANDER'S ALARM.] - -Aleander, during his journey to Worms, was sadly annoyed. When he had -to dine or sleep, neither literary men nor nobles nor priests, even -among the supposed friends of the pope, durst receive him, and the -proud nuncio was obliged to seek an asylum in taverns of the lowest -class.[382] He was thus in terror, and had no doubt that his life was -in great danger. In this way he arrived at Worms; and, thenceforth, to -his Roman fanaticism was added resentment for the personal injuries -which he had received. He immediately put every means in operation to -prevent the audacious compearance of the redoubtable Luther. "Would it -not be scandalous," said he, "to see laics re-investigating a cause -which the pope had already condemned?" Nothing alarms a Roman courtier -so much as an investigation; and, moreover, an investigation to take -place in Germany, and not at Rome. How humiliating even should -Luther's condemnation be unanimously decided! And it was not even -certain that such would be the result. Will not the powerful word of -Luther, which has already done such havoc, involve many princes and -nobles in inevitable ruin? Aleander, when before Charles, insisted, -implored, threatened, and spoke out as nuncio of the head of the -Church.[383] Charles yielded; and wrote to the Elector that the time -granted to Luther having already elapsed, the monk was under papal -excommunication; and that therefore unless he were willing to retract -his writings, Frederick must leave him at Wittemberg. Frederick had -already quitted Saxony without Luther. "I pray the Lord to be -favourable to our Elector," were the words of Melancthon on seeing him -depart; "on him our hopes of the restoration of Christendom repose. -His enemies dare every thing, +kai panta lithon kitesomenous+;[384] -but God will bring to nought the counsel of Ahithophel. As for us, let -us do our part in the combat by our lessons and our prayers." Luther -was deeply grieved at being prohibited to appear at Worms.[385] - - [382] Neminem nactus qui auderet ipsum excipere ad vilia sordidaque - hospitia aegre divertit. (Pallavicini, i, p. 93.) - - [383] Legati Romani nolunt ut audiatur homo haereticus. Minantur multa. - (Zw. Ep. p. 157.) - - [384] There is not a stone which they will not move. (Corp. Ref., i, - p. 279. 24th Jan.) - - [385] Cum dolore legi novissimas Caroli litteras. (L. Ep. i, p. 542.) - -Aleander did not consider it enough that Luther should not come to -Worms--he wished him to be condemned. Returning incessantly to the -charge before the princes, prelates, and different members of the -Diet, he accused the Augustin monk not only of disobedience and -heresy, but also of sedition, rebellion, impiety, and blasphemy. The -very accent in which he spoke betrayed the passions by which he was -actuated; so that men exclaimed, it is hatred and love of vengeance, -rather than zeal and piety, that excite him.[386] However frequent, -however vehement his discourses were, he made no converts.[387] - - [386] Magis invidia et vindictae libidine quam zelo pietatis. (Historia - Johnnis Cochloei de actis et scriptis Martini Lutheri. _Parisus_, - 1565, p. 27, verso. Cochloeus was all his life one of Luther's - greatest enemies. We will soon see him appear.) - - [387] Vehementibus suis orationibus parum promovit. (Ibid.) - -[Sidenote: ALEANDER AWAKENS ROME.] - -Some pointed out to him that the papal bull had condemned Luther only -conditionally; others did not altogether conceal the joy which they -felt at seeing Roman pride humbled. The ministers of the emperor, on -the one hand, and the ecclesiastical electors, on the other, affected -great coldness--the former to make the pope more sensible how -necessary it was for him to league with their master, the latter in -order to induce him to pay better for their favour. A conviction of -Luther's innocence prevailed in the assembly, and Aleander could not -restrain his indignation. - -But the coldness of the Diet did not try the patience of the legate so -much as the coldness of Rome. Rome, which had so long refused to take -a serious view of the quarrel of the drunk German, had no idea that a -bull of the sovereign pontiff could prove insufficient to make him -humble and submissive. She had accordingly resumed her wonted -security,[388] no longer sending either bull or purses of money. But -how was it possible without money to succeed in such a business?[389] -Rome must be awakened, and Aleander gives the alarm. Writing to the -Cardinal de Medicis, he says, "Germany is detaching herself from Rome, -and the princes are detaching themselves from the pope. A few delays -more--a few more attempts at compromise and the matter is past hope. -Money! money! or Germany is lost."[390] - - [388] Negligens quaedam securitas Romam pervaserat. (Pallavicini, i, p. - 94.) - - [389] Nec pecunia ad varios pro eadem sumptus. (Ibid.) - - [390] "Periculum denique amittendae Germaniae ex parcimonia monetae - cujusdam." (Ibid.) In fine, the danger of losing Germany from - niggardliness in withholding a sum of money. - -At this cry Rome awakes: the servants of the papacy, laying aside -their torpor, hastily forge their dreaded thunder at the Vatican. The -pope issues a new bull;[391] and the excommunication with which till -then the heretical doctor had been merely threatened, is in distinct -terms pronounced against him and all his adherents. Rome herself, -breaking the last thread which still attached him to her church, gave -Luther greater freedom, and thereby greater power. Thundered at by the -pope, he, with new affection, took refuge in Christ. Driven from the -external temple, he felt more strongly that he was himself a temple -inhabited by God. - - [391] Decet Romanum Pontificem, etc. (Roman. Bullarium.) - -[Sidenote: EXCOMMUNICATION BY THE POPE. COMMUNION WITH CHRIST.] - -"It is a glorious thing," said he, "that we sinners, in believing on -Jesus Christ, and eating his flesh, have him within us with all his -strength, power, wisdom and justice, according as it is written, '_He -who believeth in me, dwelleth in me and I in him._' Admirable -dwelling! marvellous tabernacle! far superior to that of Moses, and -all magnificently adorned within with superb tapestry, veils of -purple, and furniture of gold, while without, as on the tabernacle -which God ordered to be constructed in the wilderness of Sinai, is -seen only a rough covering of beavers' skins or goats' hair.[392] -Christians often stumble, and in external appearance are all -feebleness and disgrace. But no matter: within this infirmity and -folly dwells secretly a power which the world cannot know, but which -overcomes the world; for Christ remaineth in them. I have sometimes -seen Christians walking with a halt, and in great weakness; but when -the hour of combat or appearance at the world's bar arrived, Christ of -a sudden acted within them, and they became so strong and resolute -that the devil in dismay fled before them."[393] - - [392] Exodus, xxvi, 7, 14. - - [393] So regete sich der Christus, dass sie so fest wurden dass der - Teufel fliechen musste. (L. Op. ix, p. 613, on John, vi.) - -In regard to Luther, such an hour was about to peal, and Christ, in -whose communion he dwelt, was not to forsake him. Meanwhile Rome -naturally rejected him. The Reformer, and all his partisans, whatever -their rank and power, were anathematised, and deprived personally, as -well as in their descendants, of all their dignities and effects. -Every faithful Christian as he loved his soul's salvation was ordered -to shun the sight of the accursed crew. Wherever heresy had been -introduced, the priests were, on Sundays and festivals, at the hour -when the churches were best filled, solemnly to publish the -excommunication. They were to carry away the vessels and ornaments of -the altar, and lay the cross upon the ground; twelve priests, with -torches in their hands, were to kindle them and dash them down with -violence, and extinguish them by trampling them with their feet; then -the bishop was to publish the condemnation of the impious men; all the -bells were to be rung; the bishops and priests were to pronounce -anathemas and maledictions, and preach forcibly against Luther and his -adherents. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S MOTIVES IN THE REFORMATION.] - -Twenty-two days had elapsed since the excommunication had been -published at Rome, and it was perhaps not yet known in Germany, when -Luther, learning that there was again some talk of calling him to -Worms, addressed the Elector in a letter written in such terms that -Frederick might communicate it to the Diet. Luther wished to correct -the erroneous impression of the princes, and frankly explain to this -august tribunal the true nature of a cause which was so much -misapprehended. "I rejoice with all my heart, most serene lord," said -he, "that his imperial majesty means to bring this affair under -consideration. I call Jesus Christ to witness that it is the cause of -Germany, of the Catholic Church, of the Christian world, and of God -himself, ... and not of any single man, and more especially such a man -as I.[394] I am ready to repair to Worms, provided I have a -safe-conduct, and learned, pious, and impartial judges. I am ready to -answer, ... for it is not in a spirit of rashness, or with a view to -personal advantage, that I have taught the doctrine with which I am -reproached; I have done it in obedience to my conscience, and to the -oath which, as doctor, I took to the Holy Scriptures; I have done it -for the glory of God, the safety of the Christian Church, the good of -the German nation, and the extirpation of many superstitions, abuses, -and evils, disgrace, tyranny, blasphemy, and impiety." - - [394] "Causam, quae, Christo teste, Dei, Christiani orbis, Ecclesiae - Catholicae, et totius Germanicae Nationis, et non unius, et privati est - hominis" .... (L. Ep. i, p. 551.) - -This declaration, in the solemn circumstances in which Luther made it, -is deserving of our attention. We here see the motives which -influenced him, and the primary causes which led to the renovation of -Christian society. These were something more than monkish jealousy or -a wish to marry. - - - - -CHAP. II. - - A Foreign Prince--Advice of Politicians--Conference between - the Confessor and the Elector's Chancellor--Uselessness of - these Manoeuvres--Aleander's activity--Luther's - Sayings--Charles gives in to the Pope. - - -[Sidenote: PONTANUS AND GLAPIO.] - -But all this was of no importance in the eyes of politicians. How high -soever the idea which Charles entertained of the imperial dignity, it -was not in Germany that his interests and policy centred. He was -always a Duke of Burgundy, who, to several sceptres, added the first -crown of Christendom. Strange! at the moment of her thorough -transformation, Germany selected for her head a foreign prince in -whose eyes her wants and tendencies were only of secondary importance. -The religious movement, it is true, was not indifferent to the young -emperor; but it was important in his eyes only in so far as it menaced -the pope. War between Charles and France was inevitable, and its chief -seat was necessarily to be in Italy. An alliance with the pope thus -became every day more necessary to the schemes of Charles. He would -fain have either detached Frederick from Luther, or satisfied the pope -without offending Frederick. Several of those about him manifested, in -regard to the affairs of the Augustin monk, that cold disdain which -politicians usually affect when religion is in question. "Let us avoid -extremes," said they. "Let us trammel Luther by negotiations, and -reduce him to silence by some kind of concession. The true course is -to stifle the embers, not stir them up. If the monk is caught in the -net, we have gained the day. By accepting a compromise he will be -interdicted and undone. For appearance some externa reforms will be -devised; the Elector will be satisfied; the pope will be gained, and -affairs will resume their ordinary course." - -Such was the project of the confidential counsellors of the emperor. -The doctors of Wittemberg seem to have divined this new policy. "They -are trying in secret to gain men's minds," said Melancthon, "and are -working in darkness."[395] John Glapio, the confessor of Charles V,--a -man of rank, a skilful courtier, and an intriguing monk,--undertook -the execution of the project. Glapio possessed the entire confidence -of Charles, who (in accordance with Spanish manners) left to him -almost entirely the management of matters relating to religion. As -soon as Charles was appointed emperor, Leo X had assiduously -endeavoured to gain Glapio by favours to which the confessor was -strongly alive.[396] There was no way in which he could make a better -return to the pope's kindness than by reducing heresy to silence, and -he accordingly set about the task.[397] - - [395] "Clanculum tentent et experiantur ..." (Corp. Reform. i, p. 281, - 3rd Feb.) - - [396] "Benignis officiis recens a Pontifice delinitus." (Pallavicini, - i, p. 90.) - - [397] "Et sane in eo toto negotio singulare probitatis ardorisque - specimen dedit." (Ibid.) And assuredly in the whole business he gave - singular proof of probity and zeal. - -One of the Elector's counsellors was Chancellor Gregory Bruck, or -Pontanus, a man of great intelligence, decision, and courage, who knew -more of theology than all the doctors, and whose wisdom was a match -for the wiles of the monks at the emperor's court. Glapio, aware of -the influence of the chancellor, asked an interview with him; and -coming up to him as if he had been the friend of the Reformer, said to -him, with an expression of good will, "I was delighted when, on -reading the first productions of Luther, I found him a vigorous stock, -which had pushed forth noble branches, and which gave promise to the -Church of the most precious fruits. Several before him, it is true, -made the same discoveries: still none but he has had the noble courage -to publish the truth without fear. But when I read his book on the -_Captivity of Babylon_, I felt as if beaten and bruised from head to -foot." "I don't believe," added the monk, "that Luther acknowledges -himself to be the author. I do not find in it either his style or his -science...." After some discussion, the confessor continued, -"Introduce me to the Elector, and I will, in your presence, explain to -him the errors of Luther." - -The chancellor replied, "That the business of the Diet did not leave -any leisure to his Highness, who, moreover, did not meddle with the -affair." The monk was vexed when his request was denied. "By the way," -said the chancellor, "as you say there is no evil without a remedy, -will you explain yourself?" - -[Sidenote: PONTANUS AND GLAPIO.] - -Assuming a confidential air, the confessor replied: "The emperor -earnestly desires to see such a man as Luther reconciled to the -Church, for his books (before the publication of his treatise, 'On the -Captivity of Babylon,') rather pleased his Majesty.[398]... It must -doubtless have been Luther's rage at the bull which dictated that -work. Let him declare that he did not wish to disturb the peace of the -Church, and the learned of all nations will rally around him.... -Procure me an audience of his Highness." - - [398] "Es haben dessen Buecher Ihro Majestaet ... um et was - gefallen...." (Archives Weimar. Seckend. p. 315.) - -The chancellor waited upon Frederick. The Elector being well aware -that any kind of recantation was impossible replied, "Tell the -confessor that I cannot comply with his request, but do you continue -the conference." - -Glapio received this message with great demonstrations of respect; and -changing the attack, said, "Let the Elector name some confidential -persons to deliberate on this affair." - -_Chancellor._--"The Elector does not profess to defend the cause of -Luther." - -_Confessor._--"Very well, do you at least discuss it with me.... Jesus -Christ is my witness, that all I do is from love to the Church, and to -Luther who has opened so many hearts to the truth."[399] - - [399] Der andern das Hertz zu vielem Guten croeffnet... (Secken. p. - 315.) - -The chancellor having refused to undertake what was the Reformer's own -task, was preparing to retire. - -"Stay!" said the monk to him. - -_Chancellor._--"What then is to be done?" - -_Confessor._--"Let Luther deny that he is the author of the Captivity -of Babylon." - -_Chancellor._--"But the papal bull condemns all his other works." - -_Confessor._--"It is because of his obstinacy. If he retracts his -book, the pope, in the plenitude of his power, can easily restore him -to favour. What hopes may we not cherish now that we have so excellent -an emperor!..." - -Perceiving that these words made some impression on the chancellor, -the monk hastened to add--"Luther always insists on arguing from the -Bible. The Bible! ... it is like wax, and may be stretched and bent at -pleasure. I undertake to find in the Bible opinions still more -extraordinary than those of Luther. He is mistaken when he converts -all the sayings of Jesus into commandments." Then, wishing to work -also on the fears of the chancellor, he added, "What would happen if -to-day or to-morrow the Emperor were to try the effect of arms?... -Think of it." He then allowed Pontanus to retire. - -[Sidenote: PONTANUS AND GLAPIO.] - -The confessor prepared new snares. "After living ten years with him," -said Erasmus, "we should not know him." - -"What an excellent book that of Luther's on 'Christian Liberty,'" said -he to the chancellor when he saw him a few days after--"what wisdom! -what talent! what intellect! it is just the style in which a true -scholar ought to write. Let unexceptionable persons be chosen on -either side, and let the pope and Luther refer to their judgment. No -doubt Luther has the best of it on several articles.[400] I will speak -to the emperor himself on the subject. Believe me, I do not say these -things to you on my own suggestion. I have told the emperor that God -will chastise him, as well as all the princes, if the Church, which is -the spouse of Jesus Christ, is not washed from all the stains by which -she is polluted. I have added that God himself had raised up Luther, -and had ordered him to rebuke men sharply, using him as a rod to -punish the sins of the world."[401] - - [400] Es sey nicht zu zweifeln dass Lutherus in vielen Artickeln werde - den Sieg davon tragen . . . . (Seckend., p. 319.) - - [401] Dass Gott diesen Mann gesandt, . . . . dass er eine Geissel seye - um der Suenden willen. (Weimar Archiv.--Seckend., p. 320.) - -The chancellor hearing these words, (they convey the impressions of -the time, and show what was then thought of Luther even by his -opponents,) thought it right to express his astonishment that more -respect was not shown to his master. "Deliberations on this subject," -said he, "are daily carried on before the emperor, and the Elector is -not invited to them. It seems strange that the emperor, who owes him -some gratitude, excludes him from his counsels." - -_Confessor._--"I have been present only once at these deliberations, -and I have heard the emperor resist the solicitations of the nuncios. -Five years hence it will be seen how much Charles shall have done for -the reformation of the Church." - -"The Elector," replied Pontanus, "is ignorant of the emperor's -intentions: He should be invited that he may hear them stated." - -The confessor answered with a deep sigh,[402] "I call God to witness -how ardently I desire to see the Reformation of Christendom -accomplished." - - [402] Glapio that hierauf einen tiefen Seufzer, un rufte Gott zum - Zeugen.... (Seckend, p. 321.) - -To lengthen out the affair, and meanwhile keep Luther's mouth shut, -was all that Glapio had in view. At all events, Luther must not come -to Worms. A dead man returning from the other world, and appearing in -the midst of the Diet, would not have alarmed the nuncios, and monks, -and whole host of the pope, so much as the sight of the Wittemberg -doctor. - -[Sidenote: FAILURE OF GLAPIO'S MANOEUVRES.] - -"How many days does it take to come from Wittemberg to Worms?" asked -the monk at the chancellor, affecting an air of indifference; then -begging Pontanus to present his very humble respects to the Elector, -he departed. - -Such were the manoeuvres of the courtiers. The firmness of Pontanus -outwitted them. This upright man was immovable as a rock in all -negotiations. Moreover, the Roman monks fell into the very snares -which they were laying for their enemies. "The Christian," says -Luther, in his figurative language, "is like a bird fastened near a -trap. The wolves and foxes go round and round, and make a dart upon it -to devour it, but fall into the pit and perish, while the timid bird -remains alive. Thus holy angels guard us, and devouring wolves, -hypocrites, and persecutors, cannot do us any harm."[403] Not only -were the confessor's artifices unavailing, but, moreover, his -admissions confirmed Frederick in the belief that Luther was in the -right, and that it was his duty to defend him. - - [403] L. Op. (W. xxii, 1655.) - -The hearts of men became every day more inclined towards the gospel. A -prior of the Dominicans proposed that the emperor, the kings of -France, Spain, England, Portugal, Hungary, and Poland, the pope, and -the electors, should name representatives by whom the matter should be -decided. "Never," said he, "has reference been made to the pope -alone."[404] The general feeling became such, that it seemed -impossible to condemn Luther without a hearing and regular -conviction.[405] - - [404] Und niemals dem Papst allein geglaubt (Seck., p. 323.) - - [405] Spalatinus scribit tantum favoris Evangelio esse istic, ut me - inauditum et inconvictum damnari non speret. (L. Ep. i, p. 556, 9th - Feb.) Spalatin writes that the gospel is so much in favour there that - he hopes I cannot be condemned unheard and unconvicted. - -[Sidenote: ALEANDER'S ACTIVITY.] - -Aleander became uneasy, and displayed more than wonted energy. It is -no longer merely against the Elector and Luther that he has to -contend. He is horrified at the secret negotiations of the confessor, -the proposition of the prior, the consent of Charles' ministers, and -the extreme coldness of Roman piety among the most devoted friends of -the pope, "so that one would have thought," says Pallavicini, "that a -torrent of ice had passed over them."[406] He had at length received -gold and silver from Rome, and held in his hand energetic briefs -addressed to the most powerful personages in the empire.[407] Afraid -that his prey might escape, he felt that now was the time to strike a -decisive blow. He despatched the briefs, showered gold and silver with -liberal hand, dealt out the most enticing promises, "and provided," -says the Cardinal historian, "with this triple weapon, he strove anew -to turn the wavering assembly of the electors in favour of the -pope."[408] He laboured above all to encircle the emperor with his -snares. Availing himself of the differences between the Belgian and -the Spanish ministers, he laid close siege to the prince. All the -friends of Rome, awakened by his voice, urged young Charles with -solicitations. "Every day," wrote the Elector to his brother John, -"deliberations are held against Luther: the demand is that he be put -under the ban of the pope and the emperor; in all sorts of ways -attempts are made to hurt him. Those who parade about with their red -hats, the Romans with all their sect, labour in the task with -indefatigable zeal."[409] - - [406] Hinc aqua manabat, quae succensae pietatis aestum restinguebat - (Pallavicini, i, p. 96.) Hence flowed water which extinguished the - flame of piety. - - [407] Mandata, pecuniae ac diplomata. (Ibid. p. 95.) - - [408] Triplici hac industria nunc Aleander.... (Ibid.) - - [409] Das thun die in rothen Hueten prangen. (Seck., 364.) - -In fact, Aleander urged the condemnation of the Reformer with a -violence which Luther terms "marvellous fury."[410] The apostate -nuncio,[411] as Luther calls him, hurried by passion beyond the bounds -of prudence, one day exclaimed, "If you mean, O Germans, to shake off -the yoke of Roman obedience, we will act so, that, setting the one -against the other, as an exterminating sword, you will all perish in -your own blood."[412] "Such," adds the Reformer, "is the pope's method -of feeding the sheep of Christ." - - [410] Miro furore Papistae moliuntur mihi mala..... (L. Ep. i, p. 556.) - - [411] Nuntius _apostaticus_ (a play on the word _apostolicus_) agit - summis viribus. (Ibid., p. 569.) - - [412] Ut mutuis caedibus absumpti vestro cruore pereatis. (Ibid., p. - 556.) - -Luther himself spoke a very different language. He made no demand of a -personal nature. "Luther is ready," said Melancthon, "to purchase the -glory and advancement of the gospel with his life."[413] But he -trembled at the thought of the disasters of which his death might be -the signal. He saw a people led astray, and perhaps avenging his -martyrdom in the blood of his enemies, especially the priests. He -recoiled from the fearful responsibility. "God," said he, "arrests the -fury of his enemies; but should it break forth, ... a storm will burst -upon the priests similar to that which ravaged Bohemia.... I am clear -of it; for I have earnestly besought the German nobility to arrest the -Romans by wisdom, and not by the sword.[414] To war upon priests, a -body without courage and strength, is to war upon women and children." - - [413] Libenter etiam morte sua Evangelii gloriam et profectum emerit. - (Corp. Ref. i, p. 285.) - - [414] Non ferro, sed consiliis et edictis. (L. Ep. i, p. 563.) - -[Sidenote: CHARLES YIELDS TO THE POPE.] - -Charles did not withstand the solicitations of the nuncio. His Belgian -and Spanish devotion had been developed by his preceptor Adrian, who -afterwards occupied the pontifical throne. The pope had addressed a -brief to him imploring him to give legal effect to the bull by an -imperial edict. "In vain," said he to him, "shall God have invested -you with the sword of supreme power if you do not employ it both -against infidels, and also against heretics, who are far worse than -infidels." One day, accordingly, in the beginning of February, at the -moment when every thing was ready at Worms for a brilliant tournament, -and after the emperor's tent had actually been erected, the princes -who were preparing to attend the fete were summoned to repair to the -imperial palace. There the papal bull was read to them, and they were -presented with a stringent edict enjoining the execution of it. "If -you have any thing better to propose," added the emperor in the usual -form, "I am ready to hear you." - -Animated debates then began in the diet. "The monk," wrote the deputy -of one of the German free towns, "gives us a great deal to do. Some -would like to crucify him, and I don't think that he will escape: the -only thing to be feared is that he may rise again on the third day." -The emperor had thought he would be able to publish his edict without -opposition on the part of the States, but it was not so. Men's minds -were not prepared, and it was necessary to gain the Diet. "Convince -this assembly," said the young monarch to the nuncio. This was just -what Aleander desired, and he received a promise of being admitted to -the Diet on the 13th February. - - - - -Chap. III. - - Aleander admitted to the Diet--Aleander's Address--Luther - accused--Rome defended--Appeal to Charles against - Luther--Effect of the Nuncio's Address. - - -The nuncio prepared for the solemn audience. The task was important, -but Aleander was worthy of it. The ambassador of the sovereign pontiff -was surrounded with all the splendour of his office; he was moreover -one of the most eloquent men of his age. The friends of the -Reformation looked forward to the sitting not without fear. The -Elector, under the pretext of indisposition, kept away, but he ordered -some of his counsellors to attend and give heed to the nuncio's -address. - -[Sidenote: ALEANDER'S ADDRESS.] - -On the appointed day, Aleander proceeded to the hall of the assembled -princes. Men's minds were excited; several thought of Annas or -Caiaphas repairing to Pilate's judgment hall to demand the life of him -who was "_perverting the nation_."[415] At the moment when the nuncio -was about to step across the threshold, the officer of the Diet (says -Pallavicini,) came briskly up to him, took him by the breast, and -shoved him back."[416] "He was a Lutheran at heart," adds the Roman -historian. If the story is true, it doubtless betrays strange passion -in the officer, but at the same time, gives an idea of the powerful -influence which Luther's doctrine had produced even on the -doorkeepers of the Imperial Council. Proud Aleander, haughtily drawing -himself up, moved on and entered the hall. Never had Rome been called -to make her apology before so august an assembly. The nuncio placed -before him the judicial documents which he judged necessary, the works -of Luther, and the papal bulls. Silence being called, he spoke as -follows:-- - -"Most august emperor!--most puissant princes!--most excellent -deputies! I come before you to maintain a cause for which my heart -burns with the most ardent affection. The subject is the preservation -on my master's head of that tiara which is reverenced by all, the -maintenance of that papal throne, for which I am ready to give my body -to the flames, could the monster who has engendered the growing heresy -be consumed by the same pile, and mingle his ashes with mine.[417] - - [415] Luke, xxiii, 2. - - [416] Pugnis ejus pectori admotis repulerit. (Pallavicini, i, p. 112.) - - [417] "Dummodo mecum una monstrum nascentis haeresis arderet." - (Pallavicini, i, p. 97.) Seckendorff, and after him several Protestant - historians, insist that Pallavicini himself composed the address which - he puts in the mouth of Aleander. It is true the Cardinal historian - states, that he gave it the form in which it appears; but he intimates - the sources from which he drew it, particularly the letters of - Aleander deposited in the archives of the Vatican. (Acta Wormatiae, - fol. 66 and 99.) I think, therefore, that to reject it altogether - would betray partiality. I have collected some additional passages of - the speech from other sources, Protestant and Romish.... - -"No! the disagreement between Luther and Rome turns not on the -interests of the pope. Luther's books are before me, and any man with -eyes in his head may perceive that the holy doctrines of the Church -are the object of his attack. He teaches that those only communicate -worthily whose consciences are filled with sadness and confusion for -their sins, and that there is no justification in baptism, without -faith in the promise of which baptism is the pledge.[418] He denies -the necessity of our works to obtain celestial glory. He denies that -we have liberty and power to observe natural and divine law. He -affirms that we sin necessarily in all our actions. Did ever the -arsenal of hell send forth arrows better fitted to loose the reins of -modesty?... He preaches the abolition of religious vows. Can more -sacrilegious impiety be imagined?... What desolation will not be seen -in the world when those who ought to be the leaven of the people shall -have thrown aside their sacred vestments, abandoned the temples which -re-echoed with their holy hymns, and plunged into adultery, incest, -and dissoluteness!... - - [418] "Baptismum neminem justificare, sed fidem in verbum promissionis - cui additur Baptismus." (Cochloeus, Act. Luth. 28.) That no man is - justified by baptism, but only by faith, in the word of the promise to - which baptism is annexed. - -[Sidenote: ALEANDER'S ADDRESS.] - -"Shall I enumerate all the crimes of this audacious monk? He sins -against the dead, for he denies purgatory; he sins against heaven, for -he says, he would not believe an angel from heaven; he sins against -the Church, for he pretends that all Christians are priests; he sins -against the saints, for he despises their venerable writings; he sins -against the councils, for he terms that of Constance an assembly of -demons; he sins against the world, for he forbids the punishment of -death to be inflicted on any one who has not committed a mortal -sin.[419] Some say he is a pious man ... I have no wish to attack his -life, I would only remind this assembly that the devil deceives men by -semblances of truth." - - [419] "Weil er verbiete jemand mit Todes Strafe zu belegen der nicht - ein Todtsuende begangen." (Seckend. p. 333.) - -Aleander having spoken of the condemnation of purgatory by the council -of Florence, laid the papal bull on this council at the feet of the -emperor. The archbishop of Mentz took it up and handed it to the -archbishops of Cologne and Treves, who received it reverently, and -passed it to the other princes. The nuncio, having thus accused -Luther, now proceeded to the second point, which was to justify Rome. - -"At Rome," says Luther, "they promise one thing with the lip and do -its opposite with the hand. If this fact is true, must not the -inference be the very reverse of what he draws from it? If the -ministers of a religion live conformably to its precepts it is a proof -that it is false. Such was the religion of the ancient Romans.... Such -is that of Mahomet, and that of Luther himself; but such is not the -religion which the pontiffs of Rome teach us. Yes, the doctrine which -they confess condemns all as faulty, several as culpable, and some -even (I say it candidly) as criminal.[420]... This doctrine delivers -their actions to the censure of men during their life, and to -historical infamy after their death.[421] Now what pleasure, what -advantage, I ask, could the pontiffs have found in inventing such a -religion? - - [420] "Multos ut quadantenus reos, nonnullos (dicam ingenue) ut - scelestos." (Pallavicini, i, p. 101.) - - [421] "Linguarum vituperationi dum vivunt, historiarum infaminae post - mortem. (Ibid.) - -"The Church, it will be said, was not governed in primitive times by -Roman pontiffs--What must the conclusion be? With such arguments they -might persuade men to live on acorns, and princesses to be their own -washerwomen." - -[Sidenote: ALEANDER'S ADDRESS.] - -But it was against his adversary, the Reformer, that the nuncio -chiefly directed his attack. Full of indignation against those who -said that he ought to be heard, he exclaimed, "Luther will not allow -any one to instruct him." The pope summoned him to Rome, but he did -not obey. The pope summoned him to Augsburg before his legate, and he -would not appear without a safe-conduct from the emperor, _i. e._ -until the hands of the legate were tied, and nothing left free to him -but his tongue.[422] "Ah!" said Aleander, turning towards Charles V, -"I supplicate your imperial majesty not to do what would issue in -disgrace. Interfere not with a matter of which laics have no right to -take cognisance. Do your own work. Let Luther's doctrine be -interdicted throughout the empire: let his writings be everywhere -burnt. Fear not: there is enough in the writings of Luther to burn a -hundred thousand heretics.[423]... And what have we to fear?... The -populace? Before the battle they seem terrible from their insolence; -in the battle they are contemptible from their cowardice. Foreign -princes? The king of France has prohibited Luther's doctrine from -entering his kingdom, while the king of Great Britain is preparing a -blow for it with his royal hand. You know what the feelings of -Hungary, Italy, and Spain are, and none of your neighbours, how great -soever the enmity he may bear to yourself, wishes you any thing so bad -as this heresy. If the house of our enemy is adjacent to our own we -may wish him fever, but not pestilence.... Who are all these -Lutherans? A huddle of insolent grammarians, corrupt priests, -disorderly monks, ignorant advocates, degraded nobles, common people -misled and perverted. Is not the Catholic party far more numerous, -able, and powerful? A unanimous decree of this assembly will enlighten -the simple, give warning to the imprudent, determine those who are -hesitating, and confirm the feeble.... But if the axe is not laid to -the root of this poisonous shrub, if the fatal stroke is not given to -it, then.... I see it covering the heritage of Jesus Christ with its -branches, changing the vineyard of the Lord into a howling forest, -transforming the kingdom of God into a den of wild beasts, and -throwing Germany into the frightful state of barbarism and desolation -to which Asia has been reduced by the superstition of Mahomet." - - [422] "Quod idem erat, ac revincti legati brachiis et lingua solum - soluta." (Ibid. p. 109.) - - [423] Dass 100,000 Ketzer ihrenthalben verbrannt werden. (Seckend. p. - 332.) - -[Sidenote: EFFECT OF ALEANDER'S ADDRESS.] - -The nuncio ceased. He had spoken for three hours. The torrent of his -eloquence had moved the assembly. "The princes shaken and alarmed," -says Cochloeus, "looked at each other; and murmurs were soon heard -from different quarters against Luther and his partisans."[424] Had -the mighty Luther been present, had he been permitted to answer the -discourse, had he, availing himself of the concession forced from the -Roman orator by the remembrance of his old master, the infamous -Borgia, been permitted to show that these arguments, designed to -defend Rome, constituted her condemnation, and that the doctrine which -gave proof of her iniquity was not invented by him, as the orator -said, but was the very religion which Christ had given to the world, -and which the reformation was establishing in its primitive lustre, -could he have presented an exact and animated picture of the errors -and abuses of the papacy, and shown how it had perverted the religion -of Jesus Christ into an instrument of aggrandisement and rapine,--the -effect of the nuncio's harangue would have been neutralised at the -moment of its delivery; but nobody rose to speak. The assembly -remained under the impression of the address, and, excited and carried -away, showed themselves ready violently to eradicate the heresy of -Luther from the soil of the empire.[425] - - [424] Vehementer exterriti atque commoti, alter alterum intuebantar, - atque in Lutherum ejusque fautores murmurare coeperunt (Cochl., p. - 28.) - - [425] Lutheranam haeresin esse funditus evellendam. (Pallavicini, i, p. - 101, Roscoe's Life of Leo X, p. 50.) - -Still the victory was only apparent. It was the will of God that Borne -should have an opportunity of displaying her reasons and her strength. -The greatest of her orators had addressed the assembled princes, and -said all that Rome had to say. But the last effort of the papacy was -the very thing which was destined to become, in regard to several of -those who witnessed it, the signal of her defeat. If, in order to -secure the triumph of truth, it is necessary to proclaim it aloud, so -in order to secure the destruction of error, it is sufficient to -publish it without reserve. Neither the one nor the other, in order to -accomplish its course, should be concealed. The light judges all -things. - - - - -CHAP. IV. - - Sentiments of the Princes--Speech of Duke George--Character - of the Reformation--A hundred and one grievances--Charles - yields--Tactics of Aleander--The Grandees of Spain--Luther's - peace--Death and not Retractation. - - -A few days sufficed to wear off these first impressions, as always -happens when an orator shrouds the emptiness of his arguments in high -sounding phrases. - -[Sidenote: SPEECH OF DUKE GEORGE.] - -The majority of the princes were ready to sacrifice Luther, but none -were disposed to sacrifice the rights of the empire and the redress of -German grievances. There was no objection to give up the insolent monk -who had dared to speak so loud, but it was wished to make the pope so -much the more sensible of the justice of a reform which was demanded -by the heads of the kingdom. Accordingly, it was the greatest personal -enemy of Luther, Duke George of Saxony, who spoke most energetically -against the encroachments of Rome. The grandson of Podiebrad, King of -Bohemia, repulsed by the doctrines of grace which the Reformer -proclaimed, had not yet abandoned the hope of seeing a moral and -ecclesiastical reform, and what irritated him so much against the monk -of Wittemberg, was that he had spoiled the whole affair by his -despised doctrines. But now, seeing the nuncio sought to confound -Luther and reform in one common condemnation, George suddenly stood up -among the assembled princes, and, to the great astonishment of those -who knew his hatred to the Reformer, said, "The Diet must not forget -the grievances of which it complains against the Court of Rome. What -abuses have crept into our states! The annats which the emperor -granted freely for the good of Christendom now demanded as a debt--the -Roman courtiers every day inventing new ordinances, in order to -absorb, sell, and farm out ecclesiastical benefices--a multitude of -transgressions winked at; rich offenders unworthily tolerated, while -those who have no means of ransom are punished without pity--the popes -incessantly bestowing expectancies and reversions on the inmates of -their palace, to the detriment of those to whom the benefices -belong--the commendams of abbeys and convents of Rome conferred on -cardinals, bishops, and prelates, who appropriate their revenues, so -that there is not one monk in convents which ought to have twenty or -thirty--stations multiplied without end, and indulgence shops -established in all the streets and squares of our cities, shops of St. -Anthony, shops of the Holy Spirit, of St. Hubert, of St. Cornelius, of -St. Vincent, and many others besides--societies purchasing from Rome -the right of holding such markets, then purchasing from their bishop -the right of exhibiting their wares, and, in order to procure all this -money, draining and emptying the pockets of the poor--the indulgence, -which ought to be granted solely for the salvation of souls, and which -ought to be merited only by prayers, fastings, and the salvation of -souls, sold at a regular price--the officials of the bishops -oppressing those in humble life with penances for blasphemy, adultery, -debauchery, the violation of this or that feast day, while, at the -same time, not even censuring ecclesiastics who are guilty of the same -crimes--penances imposed on the penitent, and artfully arranged, so -that he soon falls anew into the same fault, and pays so much the more -money.[426]... Such are some of the crying abuses of Rome; all sense -of shame has been cast off, and one thing only is pursued ... money! -money! Hence preachers who ought to teach the truth, now do nothing -more than retail lies--lies, which are not only tolerated, but -recompensed, because the more they lie, the more they gain. From this -polluted well comes forth all this polluted water. Debauchery goes -hand in hand with avarice. The officials cause women to come to their -houses under divers pretexts, and strive to seduce them, sometimes by -menaces, sometimes by presents; or, if they cannot succeed, injure -them in their reputation.[427] Ah! the scandals caused by the clergy -precipitate multitudes of poor souls into eternal condemnation! There -must be a universal reform, and this reform must be accomplished by -summoning a general Council. Wherefore, most excellent princes and -lords, with submission I implore you to lose no time in the -consideration of this matter." Several days after Aleander's address, -Duke George produced the list of grievances which he had enumerated. -This important document is preserved in the archives of Weimar. - - [426] Sondern dass er est bald wieder begehe und mehr Geld erlegen - musse. (Archives of Weimar, Seckend. p. 328.) - - [427] Dass sie Weibesbilder unter mancherley schein beschicken, - selbige sodann mit Drohungen und Geschenken su faellen suchen, oder in - einen bosen verdacht bringen. (Weimar Arch. Seck., p. 330.) - -Luther had not spoken more forcibly against the abuses of Rome but he -had done something more. The duke pointed out the evil, Luther had, -along with the evil, pointed out both the cause and the cure. He had -shown that the sinner receives the true indulgence, that which comes -from God, solely by faith in the grace and merits of Jesus Christ, and -this simple but powerful doctrine had overturned all the markets -established by the priests. "How can one become pious?" asked he one -day. "A Cordelier will reply, Put on a grey hood, and tie a cord round -your waist. A Roman will reply, Hear mass, and fast. But a Christian -will say, Faith in Christ alone justifies and saves. Before works we -must have eternal life. After we are born anew, and made children of -God by the word of grace, then it is we do good works."[428] - - [428] L. Op. (W.) xxii, 748-752. - -The duke spoke the language of a secular prince--Luther, the language -of a reformer. The great sore of the Church was that she had devoted -herself entirely to externals; had made all her works and her graces -to consist of outward and material things. Indulgences had carried -this to its extreme point, and pardon, the most spiritual thing in -Christianity, had been purchased in shops like meat and drink. The -great work of Luther consisted in his availing himself of this extreme -point in the degeneracy of Christendom, in order to bring back the -individual and the Church to the primitive source of life, and to -re-establish the reign of the Holy Spirit within the sanctuary of the -heart. Here, as often happens, the cure sprung out of the disease, and -the two extremes met. Henceforward the Church, which during so many -ages had been developed externally by ceremonies, observances, and -human practices, began again to be developed within by faith, hope, -and charity. - -[Sidenote: LIST OF GRIEVANCES.] - -The duke's address produced the greater effect from his opposition to -Luther being well known. Other members of the Diet stated different -grievances. The ecclesiastical princes themselves supported these -complaints.[429] "We have a pontiff," said they, "who spends his life -in hunting and pleasure. The benefices of Germany are given at Rome to -huntsmen, domestics, grooms, stable boys, body servants, and other -people of that class, ignorant unpolished people, without capacity, -and entire strangers to Germany."[430] The Diet appointed a commission -to collect all these grievances. Their number was found to be a -hundred and one. A deputation, consisting of secular and -ecclesiastical princes, presented the list to the emperor, imploring -him to give redress, as he had engaged to do at his election. "How -many Christian souls are lost?" said they to Charles V. "How many -depredations, how much extortion, are caused by the scandals with -which the spiritual chief of Christendom is environed? The ruin and -dishonour of our people must be prevented. Therefore, we all, in a -body, supplicate you most humbly, but also most urgently, to ordain a -general reformation, to undertake it, and to accomplish it."[431] -There was, at this time, in Christian society, an unseen power -influencing princes and their subjects, a wisdom from above dragging -forward even the adversaries of the Reformation, and preparing that -emancipation whose appointed hour had at length arrived. - - [429] Seckend. Vorrede von Frick. - - [430] Buecksenmeistern, Falknern, Pfistern, Eseltreibern, - Stallknechten, Trabanten... (Kapp's Nachlese nuetzl Ref. Urkunden, iii, - p. 262.) - - [431] Dass eine Besserung und gemeine Reformation geschehe. (Ibid., p. - 275.) - -Charles could not be insensible to these remonstrances of the empire. -Neither himself nor the nuncio had expected them. His confessor had -even denounced the vengeance of Heaven against him if he did not -reform the Church. The emperor immediately withdrew the edict which -ordered Luther's writings to be committed to the flames in every part -of the empire, and in its place substituted a provisional order -remitting these books to the magistrates. - -This did not satisfy the assembly, who were desirous that the Reformer -should appear. It is unjust, said his friends, to condemn Luther -without having heard him, and without knowing from himself whether he -is the author of the books which are proposed to be burnt. His -doctrine, said his opponents, has so taken possession of men's hearts, -that it is impossible to arrest their progress without hearing him. -There need be no discussion with him. If he avows his writings, and -refuses to retract them, then all of us, electors, princes, states of -the whole empire, true to the faith of our ancestors, will, in a body, -aid your majesty, by all the means in our power, in the execution of -your decrees.[432] - - [432] L. Op. (L.) xxii, p. 567. - -[Sidenote: TACTICS OF ALEANDER.] - -Aleander, alarmed, dreading both the intrepidity of Luther and the -ignorance of the princes, immediately set himself to the task of -preventing the Reformer's compearance. He went from the ministers of -Charles to the princes who were most disposed to favour the pope, and -from these princes to the emperor himself.[433] "It is unlawful," said -he, "to bring into question what the sovereign pontiff has decided. -There will be no discussion with Luther, you say; but" continued he, -"will not the power of this audacious man, will not the fire of his -eye, and the eloquence of his tongue, and the mysterious spirit which -animates him, be sufficient to excite some sedition?[434] Several -already venerate him as a saint, and you everywhere meet with his -portrait surrounded with a halo of glory, as round the head of the -Blessed. If it is determined to cite him, at least let it be without -giving him the protection of public faith."[435] These last words were -meant to frighten Luther, or prepare his ruin. - - [433] Quam ob rem sedulo contestatus est apud Caesaris administros... - (Pallavicini, i, p. 113.) - - [434] Lingua promptus, ardore vultus, et oris spiritu ad concitandam - seditionem... (Ibid.) - - [435] Haud certe fidem publicam illi praebendam... (Ibid.) - -The nuncio found easy access to the grandees of Spain. In Spain, as in -Germany, the opposition to the Dominican inquisitors was national. The -yoke of the inquisition, which had been discontinued for a time, had -just been re-established by Charles. A numerous party in the Peninsula -sympathised with Luther; but it was not so with the great, who, on the -banks of the Rhine, again met with what they had hated beyond the -Pyrenees. Inflamed with the most violent fanaticism, they were bent on -annihilating the new heresy. In particular, Frederick, Duke of Alba, -was transported with rage whenever the subject of Reformation was -mooted.[436] His wish would have been to wade in the blood of all its -adherents. Luther had not yet been called to appear, and yet his mere -name was already agitating all the grandees of Christendom then -assembled at Worms. - - [436] Albae dux videbatur aliquando furentibus modis agitari... - (Pallavicini, i, p. 362.) - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S PEACE.] - -The man who was thus agitating the mighty of the earth was the only -one who seemed to be at peace. The news from Worms were alarming. Even -Luther's friends were frightened. "Nothing now is left us but our -wishes and our prayers," wrote Melancthon to Spalatin. "Oh! if God -would deign to ransom the safety of the Christian people by my -blood."[437] But Luther was a stranger to fear. Shutting himself up in -his peaceful cell, he sat down to meditate, applying to himself the -words of Mary, the mother of our Lord, when she exclaimed, "_My soul -doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. -For he that is mighty has done for me_ _great things, and holy is His -name. He has shown strength with his arm; he hath put down the mighty -from their seats, and exalted them of low degree._"[438] The following -are some of the thoughts which filled Luther's heart.... "'He that is -mighty,' says Mary. Oh! how great boldness on the part of a young -girl! With a single word she strikes all the strong with languor, all -the mighty with feebleness, all the wise with folly, and all those -whose name is glorious on the earth with ignominy, and lays at the -feet of God all strength, all power, all wisdom, all glory.[439] 'His -arm,' continues she, and she thus appeals to that power by which he -acts of himself, and without the agency of his creatures--a mysterious -power operating in secrecy and in silence, until his purpose is -accomplished. Hence destruction comes before any one is aware of its -approach; hence elevation, when no one is thinking of it. He leaves -his children in oppression and feebleness, so that each of them says -to himself, 'We are all lost!' Then, however, they are most strong. -For it is where the power of man ends that the power of God begins. -Only let faith wait upon Him.... And, on the other hand, God permits -his adversaries to increase their power and grandeur. He withdraws -from them the aid of his strength, and leaves them to be inflated with -their own.[440] He leaves them void of his eternal wisdom, and lets -them fill themselves with their wisdom of a day. And while they rise -up in the greatness of their might, the arm of the Lord keeps back, -and their work ... vanishes like a soap bubble when it bursts in the -air." - - [437] Utinam Deus redimat nostro sanguino salutem Christiani populi. - (Corp. Ref. i, p. 362.) - - [438] Luke, i, 46-55. - - [439] _Magnificat._ L. Op. Wittemberg, Deutsch. Ausg. iii, p. 11, etc. - - [440] Er zieht seine Krafft heraus und laesst sic von eigener Krafft - sich aufblasen. (L. Op. Wittemb. Deutsch. Ausg. iii, pp. 11, etc.) - -It was on the 10th of March, at the moment when his name was filling -the imperial city with alarm, that Luther finished this exposition of -the Magnificat. - -[Sidenote: WILL A SAFE-CONDUCT BE GIVEN?] - -He was not allowed to remain tranquil in his retreat. Spalatin, in -conformity to the orders of the Elector, sent him a note of the -articles of which it was proposed to demand a retractation from him. A -retractation after the refusal at Augsburg![441]... "Fear not," he -wrote to Spalatin, "that I will retract a single syllable, since their -only argument is to insist that my writings are opposed to the rites -of what they call the Church. If the Emperor Charles summon me merely -for the purpose of retracting, I will answer him that I will remain -here; and it will be just the same thing as if I had been to Worms and -come back again. But if, on the contrary, the emperor chooses to -summon me in order that I may be put to death, I am ready to repair at -his call; for, with the help of Christ, I will not desert his word on -the battle-field. I know it: these bloody men will never rest till -they have deprived me of life. Oh, that none but papists would become -guilty of my blood!" - - [441] Si ad me occidendum deinceps vocare velit...offeram me venturum. - (L. Ep. i, p. 574.) - - - - -CHAP. V. - - Will a Safe-conduct be given?--Safe-conduct--Will Luther - go?--Holy Thursday at Rome--The Pope and Luther. - - -At length the emperor decided. The appearance of Luther before the -Diet seemed the only thing fitted to bring this affair which occupied -the whole empire, to some kind of termination. Charles V resolved to -cite him, but without giving him a safe-conduct. Here Frederick again -began to act as his protector. Every body saw the danger which -threatened the Reformer. Luther's friends, says Cochloeus, were -afraid that he would be delivered up to the pope, or that the emperor -himself would put him to death as unworthy, on account of his -obstinate heresy, that any faith should be kept with him.[442] On this -subject there was a long and keen debate among the princes.[443] -Struck, at last, with the general agitation then prevailing almost -throughout the whole population of Germany, and afraid that, as Luther -passed along, some sudden tumult or dangerous sedition might break -forth,[444] (doubtless in favour of the Reformer,) the princes deemed -it wise to calm men's minds on his account, and not only the emperor, -but also the Elector of Saxony, Duke George, and the Landgrave of -Hesse, through whose states he had to pass, each gave him a -safe-conduct. - - [442] Tanquam perfido haeretico nulla sit servanda fides, (Cochloeus, - p. 28.) - - [443] "Longa consultatio difficilisque disceptatio." (Ibid.) - - [444] "Cum autem grandis ubique per Germaniam fere totam excitata - esset...animorum commotio." (Ibid.) - -[Sidenote: THE SAFE-CONDUCT.] - -On the 6th March, 1521, Charles V signed the following summons -addressed to Luther:-- - - "Charles, by the grace of God, elected Roman Emperor, always - Augustus, etc., etc. - - "Honourable, dear, and pious! We, and the States of the Holy - Empire, having resolved to make an inquest touching the - doctrine and the books which you have published for some - time past have given you, to come here and return to a place - of safety, our safe-conduct and that of the empire here - subjoined. Our sincere desire is that you immediately - prepare for this journey, in order that, in the space of - twenty-one days mentioned in our safe-conduct you may be - here certainly, and without fail. Have no apprehension of - either injustice or violence. We will firmly enforce our - safe-conduct under-written, and we expect that you will - answer to our call. In so doing you will follow our serious - advice. - - "Given at our imperial city of Worms, the sixth day of - March, in the year of our Lord, 1521, and in the second of - our reign. - - "CHARLES. - - "By order of my Lord the Emperor, with his own hand, Albert, - Cardinal of Mentz, Arch-chancellor. _Nicolas Zwyl._" - -The safe-conduct enclosed in this letter bore the following -address:--"_To the honourable, our dear and pious doctor Martin -Luther, of the order of the Augustins._" - -It began thus:-- - -"We, Charles, fifth of the name, by the grace of God, elected Roman -Emperor, always Augustus, King of Spain, of the Two Sicilies, of -Jerusalem, Hungary, Dalmatia, Croatia, etc., Arch-Duke of Austria, -Duke of Burgundy, Count of Hapsburg, Flanders, the Tyrol, etc., etc." - -Then the king of so many nations giving to wit that he had summoned -before him an Augustin monk named Luther, ordered all princes, lords, -magistrates, and others, to respect the safe-conduct which he gave -him, under pain of punishment by the emperor and the empire.[445] - - [445] Lucas Cranach's Stammbuch, etc., herausgegeben, v. Chr. v. - Mecheln, p. 12. - -Thus the emperor gave the title of "dear, honourable, and pious," to a -man at whose head the Church had launched her excommunication. It had -been wished, in the drawing up of the document, to remove all distrust -from the mind of Luther and his friends. Gaspard Sturm was appointed -to carry this message to the Reformer, and accompany him to Worms. The -Elector, dreading the public indignation, wrote, on the 12th March, to -the magistrates of Wittemberg to see to the safety of the emperor's -officer, and, if deemed necessary, to provide him with a guard. The -herald set out. - -Thus the designs of God were accomplished. God was pleased to set upon -a hill that light which he had kindled in the world, and emperors, -kings, and princes, without knowing it, were forthwith in motion to -execute his design. It is easy for him to exalt the lowest to the -highest. An act of his power suffices to raise the humble child of -Mansfeld from an obscure hut to the palace where kings are assembled. -In regard to Him, there is nothing small, nothing great. When he wills -it, Charles V and Luther meet face to face. - -[Sidenote: HOLY THURSDAY AT ROME.] - -But will Luther obey this citation? His best friends were in doubt. -The Elector on the 25th of March wrote his brother--"Doctor Martin is -summoned hither, but I know not if he will come. I cannot augur any -good of it." Three weeks later (16th April), this excellent prince -seeing the danger increase wrote anew to Duke John. "There is a -proclamation against Luther. The cardinals and bishops attack him with -much severity. May God turn all to good. Would to God I could procure -him an equitable reception!"[446] - - [446] Die Cardinaele und Bischoefe sind ihm hart zuwider ... - (Seckend., p. 365.) - -While these things were passing at Worms and Wittemberg, the Papacy -was reiterating its blows. On the 28th March, the Thursday before -Easter, Rome resounded with a solemn excommunication. At this season -it is usual to publish the dreadful bull _in Coena Domini_, which is -only a long series of imprecations. On that day, the avenues to the -church in which the sovereign pontiff was to officiate were occupied -at an early hour by the papal guards, and by a crowd of people who had -flocked from all parts of Italy to receive the benediction of the holy -father. The square in front of the Basilisk was decorated with -branches of laurel and myrtle; wax tapers were burning on the balcony -of the church, and the ostensorium was raised upon it. All at once -bells make the air re-echo with solemn sounds; the pope, clothed in -his pontifical robes, and carried in a chair, appears on the balcony; -the people kneel, all heads are uncovered, the colours are lowered, -the muskets grounded, and a solemn silence reigns. Some moments after, -the pope slowly stretches out his hands, raises them towards heaven, -then bends them slowly towards the ground, making the sign of the -cross. This movement is repeated thrice, and the air echoes anew with -the ringing of bells, which intimate the pope's benediction to the -surrounding country; then priests advance with impetuosity, holding -lighted torches, which they reverse, brandish, and throw about with -violence, to represent the flames of hell; the people are moved and -agitated, and the words of malediction are heard from the height of -the temple.[447] - - [447] This ceremony is described in different works, among others--" - Tagebuch einer Reise durch Deutschland und Italien." (Berlin, 1817, - iv, p. 94.) The principal formalities are of earlier date than the - days of Luther. - -When Luther was informed of this excommunication, he published the -tenor of it, with some remarks, written in that caustic style in which -he so much excelled. Although this publication did not appear till -afterwards, we will here give some idea of it. Let us hear the high -priest of Christendom on the balcony of his Basilisk, and the monk of -Wittemberg answering him from the bosom of Germany.[448] - - [448] For the papal bull and Luther's commentary, see "Die Bulla vom - Abendfressen." . . . . (L. Op. (L.) xviii, p. 1.) - -There is something characteristic in the contrast of the two voices. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER AND THE POPE.] - -_The Pope._--"Leo Bishop." - -_Luther._--"Bishop ... as a wolf is a shepherd; for the bishop ought -to exhort according to the doctrine of salvation, not belch out -imprecations and maledictions." - -_The Pope._--"... Servant of all the servants of God...." - -_Luther._--"In the evening when we are drunk; but in the morning we -call ourselves Leo lord of all the lords." - -_The Pope._--"The Roman bishops, our predecessors, have been wont, on -this festival, to employ the weapons of righteousness."... - -_Luther._--"Which, according to you, are excommunication and anathema, -but according to St. Paul, patience, meekness, and charity." (2 Cor. -vi, 7.) - -_The Pope._--"According to the duty of the apostolic office, and to -maintain the purity of Christian faith." - -_Luther._--"In other words, the temporal possessions of the pope." - -_The Pope._--"And its unity, which consists in the union of the -members with Christ their head ... and with his vicar...." - -_Luther._--"For Christ is not sufficient; one more than he is -necessary." - -_The Pope._--"To guard the holy communion of the faithful, we follow -the ancient custom, and excommunicate and anathematise on the part of -God Almighty the Father." - -_Luther._--"Of whom it is said, '_God sent not his Son into the world -to condemn the world._'" (John, iii, 17.) - -_The Pope._--"... And the Son and the Holy Spirit, and according to -the power of the Apostles Peter and Paul ... and our own...." - -_Luther._--"And myself! says the ravenous wolf, as if the power of God -were too feeble without him." - -_The Pope._--"We curse all heretics,--the Garasi,[449] the Patarini, -the Pauperes of Lyon, the Arnoldists, the Speronists, the Passagians, -the Wickliffites, the Hussites, the Fraticelli." - - [449] This name is inaccurate; read Gazari or Cathari. - -_Luther._--"For they wished to possess the Holy Scriptures, and -insisted that the pope should be sober and preach the Word God." - -_The Pope._--"And Martin Luther recently condemned by us for a similar -heresy, as well as all his adherents, and all, whosoever they be, that -show him any favour." - -_Luther._--"I thank thee, most gracious Pontiff, for condemning me in -common with all these Christians. I count it an honour to have my name -proclaimed at Rome during the feast in so glorious a manner, and -carried over the world with the names of all those humble confessors -of Jesus Christ." - -_The Pope._--"Likewise we excommunicate and curse all pirates and -corsairs...." - -[Sidenote: LUTHER AND THE POPE.] - -_Luther._--"Who then is the greatest of pirates and corsairs if it be -not he who robs souls, chains them, and puts them to death?" - -_The Pope._--"Particularly those who sail upon our sea." - -_Luther._--"Our SEA!... Saint Peter, _our_ predecessor, said, '_Silver -and gold have I none_,' (Acts, iii, 6.) Jesus Christ said, '_The kings -of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; but it shall not be so -with you._' (Luke, xxii, 25.) But if a waggon loaded with hay must, on -meeting with a drunken man, give way to him, _a fortiori_ must St. -Peter and Jesus Christ himself give way to the pope." - -_The Pope._--"Likewise we excommunicate and curse all who falsify our -bulls, and our apostolic letters...." - -_Luther._--"But the letters of God, the Scriptures of God, all the -world may condemn and burn." - -_The Pope._--"Likewise we excommunicate and curse all who detain -provisions which are on the way to Rome...." - -_Luther._--"He barks and bites like a dog threatened to be deprived of -his bone."[450] - - [450] Gleich wie ein Hund ums Beines willen. (L. Op. (L.) xviii, p. - 12.) - -_The Pope._--"Likewise we condemn and curse all who keep back judicial -rights, fruits, tithes, revenues, appertaining to the clergy." - -_Luther._--"For Jesus Christ has said, '_Whosoever will sue thee at -the law and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also._' (Matt. -v, 40.) and this is our commentary upon the passage." - -_The Pope._--"Whatever be their station, dignity, order, power, or -rank; be they even bishops or kings...." - -_Luther._--"For '_There will arise false teachers among you who will -despise dominion and speak evil of dignities_,' saith the Scripture. -(Jude, 8.)" - -_The Pope._--"Likewise we condemn and curse all those who in any kind -of way attack the city Rome, the kingdom of Sicily, the islands of -Sardinia and Corsica, the patrimony of St. Peter in Tuscany, the duchy -of Spoleto, the margravate of Ancona, the Campagna, the cities of -Ferrara and Benevento, or any other city or country appertaining to -the Church of Rome." - -_Luther._--"O, Peter, poor fisherman! where did you get Rome and all -those kingdoms? I salute you, Peter, king of Sicily! ... and fisherman -at Bethsaida!" - -_The Pope._--"We excommunicate and curse all chancellors, counsellors, -parliaments, procurators, governors, officials, bishops, and others -who oppose our letters of exhortation, invitation, prohibition, -mediation, execution, etc." - -[Sidenote: HOLY THURSDAY AT ROME.] - -_Luther._--"For the holy see seeks only to live in idleness, -magnificence, and debauchery, to command, storm, deceive, lie, -insult, and commit all sorts of wickedness in peace and safety...." - -"O Lord, arise! it is not as the papists pretend. Thou hast not -forsaken us, nor is thy favour turned away from us." - -So spake Leo X at Rome, and Luther at Wittemberg. - -The pontiff having finished his anathemas, the parchment on which they -were written was torn in pieces, and the fragments thrown to the -people. Immediately there was a great rush among the crowd, all -pressing forward, and striving to get hold of a morsel of the terrible -bull. - -Such were the holy relics which the papacy offered to her faithful on -the eve of the great day of grace of expiation. The multitude soon -dispersed, and the vicinity of the Basilisk resumed its wonted -stillness. Let us return to Wittemberg. - - - - -CHAP. VI. - - Luther's courage--Bugenhagen at Wittemberg--Persecutions in - Pomerania--Melancthon wishes to set out with - Luther--Amsdorff--Schurff--Suaven--Huetten to Charles V. - - -[Sidenote: BUGENHAGEN AT WITTEMBERG.] - -It was the 24th of March. The imperial herald, Gaspard Sturm, having -at length passed the gates of the town where Luther was, presented -himself before the doctor, and put the summons of Charles V into his -hands. A grave and solemn moment for the Reformer! All his friends -were in consternation. No prince, not even excepting Frederick the -Wise, had as yet declared in his favour. Knights, it is true, uttered -menaces, but the mighty Charles despised them. Still Luther was not -troubled. "The papists," said he, on seeing the anguish of his -friends, "have no wish for my arrival at Worms, they only wish my -condemnation and death.[451] No matter, pray not for me, but for the -Word of God. Before my blood is cold, thousands throughout the world -will be called to answer for having shed it. The _most holy_ adversary -of Christ, the father, master, and generalissimo of homicides, insists -on having my life. Amen! Let the will of the Lord be done. Christ will -give me his Spirit to vanquish these ministers of error. I despise -them during my life, and will triumph over them by my death.[452] They -are doing all they can at Worms, to compel me to retract. Here then -will be my retractation: I once said, that the pope was the vicar of -Christ; now, I say that he is the enemy of the Lord, and the apostle -of the devil." And when he learned that all the pulpits of the -Franciscans were resounding with imprecations and maledictions against -him, he exclaimed, "O what wondrous joy it gives me!"[453] He knew -that he had done the will of God, and that God was with him; why then -should he not set out boldly? This purity of intention, this liberty -of conscience is a hidden power of incalculable might which never -fails the servant of God, and which makes him more invincible than -helmets and armied hosts could make him. - - [451] Damnatum et perditum. (L. Ep. i, p. 556.) - - [452] ... ut hos Satanae ministros et contemnam vivens et vincam - moriens. (Ibid. p. 579.) - - [453] Quod mire quam gaudeam! (L. Ep. i, p. 567.) - -At this time arrived at Wittemberg a man who, like Melancthon, was -destined to be Luther's friend through life, and to console him at the -moment of his departure.[454] It was a priest of thirty-six years of -age, named Bugenhagen, who had fled from the severities with which the -Bishop of Camin, and Prince Bogislas of Pomerania, persecuted the -friends of the gospel of all classes--clergy, citizens, and -literati.[455] Of a senatorial family at Wollin in Pomerania, from -which he is commonly called 'Pomeranus', Bugenhagen, at twenty years -of age, began to teach at Treptow. Youth flocked to hear him, while -nobles and learned men vied with each other for his society. He was a -diligent student of the Holy Scriptures, and prayed to God to instruct -him.[456] One day towards the end of December, 1520, when he was -supping with several friends, Luther's treatise on the _Captivity of -Babylon_ was put into his hands. After turning it over, he exclaimed, -"Many heretics have infested the Church since our Saviour died, but -never was there one more pestilential than the author of this work." -Having taken the book home with him, and read it over and over, his -views entirely changed; new truths presented themselves to his mind, -and returning some days afterwards to his companions, he said to them, -"The whole world is fallen into Cimmerian darkness. This man and none -but he sees the truth."[457] Some priests, a deacon, even the abbot -himself, received the pure doctrine of salvation, and preaching it -with power, "soon," (says a historian,) "turned away their hearers -from human superstitions to the sole efficacious merit of Jesus -Christ."[458] Then persecution burst forth. Several were already -immured in dungeons, when Bugenhagen escaped from his enemies, and -arrived at Wittemberg. "He suffers for the love of the gospel," -immediately wrote Melancthon to the Elector's chaplain, "where could -he fly if not to our +asylon+, (asylum,) to the protection of -our prince?"[459] - - [454] Venit Vittembergam paullo ante iter Lutheri ad comitia Wormatiae - indicta. (Melch. Adam. Vita Bugenhagii, p. 314.) - - [455] Sacerdotes cives et scholasticos in vincula conjecit. (Ibid., p. - 313.) - - [456] Precesque adjunxit, quibus divinitus se regi ac doceri petivit. - (Ibid., p. 312.) - - [457] ... In Cimmeriis tenebris versatur; hic vir unus et solus verum - videt. (Ibid., p. 313.) - - [458] A superstitionibus ad unicum Christi meritum traducere. (Ibid.) - - [459] Corp. Refor., i, p. 361. - -[Sidenote: MELANCTHON. AMSDORFF. SCHURFF. SUAVEN.] - -But none received Bugenhagen with so much delight as Luther. It was -arranged between them that, immediately after the Reformer's -departure, Bugenhagen should begin to expound the Psalms. Thus divine -Providence brought this powerful mind to aid in supplying the place of -him whom Wittemberg was going to lose. Placed a year after at the head -of the church of this town, Bugenhagen presided over it for thirty-six -years. Luther distinguished him by the name of _The Pastor_. - -Luther behoved to depart. His alarmed friends thought that unless God -miraculously interposed, he was going to death. Melancthon, who had -left his native country, had become attached to Luther with all the -affection of his soul. "Luther," said he, "is to me in place of all my -friends: I feel him to be greater and more admirable than I can -express. You know how Alcibiades admired his Socrates;[460] but I -admire Luther in a higher sense, for he is a Christian." Then he added -the simple but beautiful expression, "Every time I contemplate him, I -find him even greater than himself."[461] Melancthon wished to follow -Luther in his dangers. But their common friends, and doubtless the -doctor himself, were against it. Must not Philip supply the place of -his friend? and, should that friend never return, who would direct the -cause of the Reformation? "Ah! would to God," said Melancthon, -resigned, but grieved, "would to God I had been allowed to go with -him."[462] - - [460] "Alcibiades was persuaded that the demon of Socrates was - assistance which the gods sent to instruct and save." (Plutarch's Life - of Alcibiades.) - - [461] "Quem quoties contemplor, se ipso subinde majorem judico." - (Corp. Ref., i, p. 264.) - - [462] "Utinam licuisset mihi una proficisci." (Ibid., p. 365.) - -The ardent Amsdorff immediately declared that he would accompany the -doctor. His strong soul felt a pleasure in exposing itself to danger. -His high bearing enabled him to appear fearless before an assembly of -kings. The Elector had invited to Wittemberg, as professor of law, -Jerome Schurff, the son of a physician of St. Gall, a celebrated man, -of great meekness of temper, and a very intimate friend of Luther. "He -has not yet summoned up courage," said Luther, "to pronounce sentence -of death on a single malefactor."[463] Yet this timid individual -volunteered to act as the doctor's counsel on this dangerous journey. -A young Danish student named Peter Suaven, who boarded with -Melancthon, and afterwards distinguished himself by his labours in -Pomerania and Denmark, also declared that he would accompany his -master. The youth in schools were entitled to have their -representative beside the champion of truth. - - [463] L. Op. (W.) xxii, p. 2067, 1819. - -[Sidenote: HUTTEN TO CHARLES V.] - -Germany was moved at the thought of the dangers which threatened the -representative of her people, and found a voice well fitted to express -her fears. Ulric von Huetten shuddered at the thought of the blow -about to be struck at his country, and, on the 1st of April wrote -directly to Charles V as follows:--"Most excellent emperor, you are on -the point of destroying us, and yourself with us. What is intended in -this affair of Luther but just to destroy our liberty and abridge your -power? There is not throughout the whole breadth of the empire a good -man who does not feel the liveliest interest in this business.[464] -The priests alone are in arms against Luther because he is opposed to -their excessive power, their shameful luxury, their depraved lives, -and has pleaded for the doctrine of Christ, his country's freedom, and -purity of manners. - - [464] "Neque enim quam lata est Germania, ulli boni sunt...." (L. Op. - Lat. ii. p. 182, verso.) - -"O emperor! dismiss from your presence those orators of Rome, those -bishops and cardinals who would prevent every thing like reform. Did -you not observe the sadness of the people on seeing you on your -arrival approach the people surrounded by those wearers of red hats, -by a herd of priests and not a band of valiant warriors? - -"Do not give up your sovereign majesty to those who would trample it -under their feet! Have pity on us! Do not in your ruin drag the whole -nation along with you! Place us amid the greatest perils, under the -swords of the enemy and the canon's mouth;[465] let all nations -conspire against us; let all armies assail us, so that we may be able -openly to manifest our valour, and not be thus vanquished and enslaved -in the dark, like women, without arms and without a struggle.... Ah! -our hope was that you would deliver us from the yoke of the Romans and -overthrow the pontifical tyranny. God grant that the future may turn -out better than the commencement. - - [465] "Duc nos in manifestum potius periculum, duc in ferrum, duc in - ignes...." (Ibid. p. 183.) - -"All Germany kneels before you; she supplicates you with tears, -implores your aid, your pity, your faith, and, by the holy memory of -those Germans, who, when the whole world was subjugated to Rome, -refused to bend their head before that proud city, conjures you to -save her, restore her to herself, deliver her from slavery, and avenge -her of her tyrants!..."[466] - - [466] Omnem nunc Germaniam quasi ad genua provolutum tibi.... (Ibid., - p. 184.) - -So spoke Germany to Charles V through the instrumentality of the -knight. The emperor paid no attention to the letter; perhaps threw it -disdainfully from him to one of his secretaries. He was a Fleming, and -not a German. Personal aggrandisement, not the liberty and glory of -the empire, was the object of all his desires. - - - - -CHAP. VII. - - Departure for the Diet of Worms--Luther's Adieu--His - Condemnation Published--Cavalcade near Erfurt--Meeting of - Jonas and Luther--Luther in his old Convent--Luther Preaches - at Erfurt--Incident--Faith and Works--Concourse of - People--Luther's Courage--Luther to Spalatin--Halt at - Frankfort--Fears at Worms--Plan of the - Imperialists--Luther's Firmness. - - -[Sidenote: DEPARTURE FOR THE DIET OF WORMS.] - -The 2nd of April had arrived, and Luther behoved to take leave of his -friends. After writing a note to Lange to intimate that he would spend -the following Thursday or Friday at Erfurt,[467] he bade adieu to his -colleagues. Turning to Melancthon he said to him, in a tone which -betrayed emotion, "If I do not return, and my enemies put me to death, -O, my brother, cease not to teach, and remain firm in the truth. -Labour in my stead, since I shall not be able to labour any longer for -myself. If you live, it matters little though I perish."[468] Then, -committing himself to the hand of Him who is faithful and true, Luther -took his seat and quitted Wittemberg. The town council had provided -him with a modest carriage with a cloth covering which might be put on -or off at pleasure. The imperial herald, clad in his insignia, and -wearing the imperial eagle, was on horseback in front, followed by his -servant. Next followed Luther, Schurff, Amsdorff, and Suaven in their -carriage. The friends of the gospel, the citizens of Wittemberg, in -deep emotion, were invoking God, and shedding tears. Such was Luther's -departure. - - [467] "Omnem nunc Germaniam quasi ad genua provolutam tibi ..." (L. - Op. Lat. ii, p. 184.) - - [468] L. Ep. i, p. 580. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S CONDEMNATION PUBLISHED.] - -He soon observed that the hearts of those whom he met were filled with -gloomy forebodings. At Leipsic no honour was paid to him. He only -received the usual present of wine. At Naumburg he met a priest, -probably J. Langer, a man of stern zeal, who carefully preserved in -his study the portrait of the famous Jerome Savonarola of Ferrara, who -was burnt at Florence in 1498, by order of pope Alexander VI, as a -martyr to liberty and morality, as well as a confessor of evangelical -truth. Having taken the portrait of the Italian martyr, the priest -came up to Luther, and held out the portrait to him without speaking. -Luther understood what the dumb figure intimated, but his intrepid -soul remained firm. "It is Satan," said he, "who, by these terrors, -would fain prevent a confession of the truth from being made in the -assembly of the princes, because he foresees the blow which this will -give to his kingdom."[469] "Adhere firmly to the truth which thou -hast perceived," said then the priest to him gravely, "and thy God -will also adhere firmly to thee."[470] - - [469] "Terrorem hunc a Sathana sibi dixit adferri...." (Melch. Adam., - p. 117.) - - [470] Er wolle bey der erkandten Wahrbeyt mit breytem Fuss aushalten - ... (Mathesius Historien, p. 23)--the quotation from the first edition - of 1566. - -Having spent the night at Naumburg, where the burgomaster had -hospitably entertained him, Luther arrived next evening at Weimar. He -was scarcely a moment there when he heard loud cries in all -directions. They were publishing his condemnation. "Look," said the -herald to him. He looked, and his astonished eyes beheld imperial -messengers traversing the town, and posting up the imperial edict, -which ordered his writings to be laid before the magistrates. Luther -had no doubt that these harsh measures were exhibited before-hand, to -deter him from coming, that he might afterwards be condemned for -having refused to appear. "Well, doctor, will you go on?" said the -imperial herald to him in alarm. "Yes," replied Luther, "though put -under interdict in every town, I will go on: I confide in the -emperor's safe-conduct." - -At Weimar, Luther had an audience of the Elector's brother, Duke John, -who was then residing there. The prince invited him to preach. He -consented, and from his heart, now under deep emotion, came forth the -words of life. John Voit, the friend of Frederick Myconius, a -Franciscan monk, heard him, and being converted to evangelical -doctrine, quitted the convent two years after. At a later period, he -became professor of theology at Wittemberg. The duke gave Luther the -money necessary for his journey. - -From Weimar the Reformer proceeded to Erfurt. It was the town of his -youth, and he hoped to see his friend Lange, provided, as he had -written him, he could enter the town without danger.[471] He was still -three or four leagues off, near the village of Nora, when he saw a -troop of horsemen appear in the distance. Were they friends, or were -they enemies? Shortly Crotus, the rector of the university, Eobanus -Hesse, Melancthon's friend, whom Luther called the king of poets, -Euricius Cordus, John Draco, and others, to the number of forty, -members of the senate, the university, and the municipality, all on -horseback, saluted him with acclamation. A multitude of the -inhabitants of Erfurt covered the road, and gave loud expression to -their joy. All were eager to see the mighty man who had ventured to -declare war against the pope. - - [471] "Nisi periculum sit Erfordiam ingredi." (L. Ep. i, p. 580.) - -[Sidenote: JUSTUS JONAS.] - -A young man of twenty-eight, named Justus Jonas, had got the start of -the party.[472] Jonas, after studying law at Erfurt, had been -appointed rector of the university in 1519. Illumined by the -evangelical light which then radiated in all directions, he felt -desirous to become a theologian. "I believe," wrote Erasmus to him, -"that God has elected you as an instrument to spread the glory of his -Son Jesus."[473] All Jonas' thoughts were turned to Wittemberg and -Luther. Some years before, when only a student of law, being of an -active enterprising spirit, he had set out on foot, accompanied by -some friends, and in order to reach Erasmus, then at Brussels, had -traversed forests infested by robbers, and towns ravaged by the -plague. Will he not now confront other dangers in order to accompany -the Reformer to Worms? He earnestly begged the favour, and Luther -consented. Thus met these two doctors, who were to labour through life -in the renovation of the Church. Divine Providence gathered around -Luther men destined to be the light of Germany: the Melancthons, the -Amsdorffs, the Bugenhagens, the Jonases. On his return from Worms, -Jonas was appointed provost of the Church of Wittemberg, and doctor in -theology. "Jonas," said Luther, "is a man whose life would deserve to -be purchased at a large price, in order to detain him on the -earth."[474] No preacher ever surpassed him in the gift of captivating -his hearers. "Pomeranus is an expositor," said Melancthon, "and I am a -dialectitian,--Jonas is an orator. The words flow from his lips with -surpassing grace, and his eloquence is overpowering. But Luther is -beyond us all."[475] It seems that nearly about the same time a -companion of Luther's childhood, one of his brothers, joined the -escort. - - [472] Hos inter qui nos praevenerant, ibat Jonas, - Ille decus nostri, primaque fama Chori.--(Eob. Hessi Elegia - secuada.) - - [473] "Velut organum quoddam electum ad illustrandam filii sui Jesu - gloriam." (Erasmi Ep. v. 27.) - - [474] Vir est quem oportuit multo pretio emptum et servatum in terra. - (Weismanni, p. 1436.) - - [475] Pomeranus est grammaticus, ego sum dialecticus, Jonas est orator - ... Lutherus vero nobis omnibus antecellit. (Knapp. Narrat. de. J. - Jona, p. 581.) - -The deputation turned their steeds, and horsemen and footmen, -surrounding Luther's carriage, entered the town of Erfurt. At the -gate, in the squares and streets, where the poor monk had so often -begged his bread, the crowd of spectators was immense. Luther -dismounted at the Augustin convent, where the gospel had consoled his -heart. Lange received him with joy; Usingen, and some of the more aged -fathers, showed great coolness. There was a general desire to hear him -preach, and though he was interdicted from doing it, the herald -himself could not resist the desire, and consented. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER PREACHES AT ERFURT.] - -Sunday after Easter, the Augustin church at Erfurt was crowded. That -friar who formerly opened the doors and swept the church, mounted the -pulpit, and having opened the Bible, read these words: "_Peace be with -you; and when he had so said, he showed_ _them his hands and his -side_." (John, xx, 19, 20.) "All the philosophers, doctors, and -writers," said he, "have exerted themselves to show how man may obtain -eternal life, and have not succeeded. I will now tell you." - -This has, in all ages, been the great question; accordingly Luther's -hearers redoubled their attention. - -"There are two kinds of works," continued the Reformer; "works foreign -to ourselves--these are good works; and our own works--these are of -little value. One builds a church; another goes on a pilgrimage to St -James or St. Peter; a third fasts, prays, takes the cowl, walks -barefoot; a fourth does something else. All these works are nothing, -and will perish: for our own works have no efficacy in them. But I am -now going to tell you what is the genuine work. God raised a man again -from the dead, even the Lord Jesus Christ, that he might crush death, -destroy sin, and shut the gates of hell. Such is the work of -salvation. The devil thought that he had the Lord in his power when he -saw him between the two thieves, suffering the most ignominious -martyrdom, accursed of God and men.... But the Divinity displayed its -power, and annihilated sin, death, and hell.... - -"Christ has vanquished; this is the grand news; and we are saved by -his work, not by our own. The pope gives a very different account. But -I maintain that the holy Mother of God herself was saved neither by -her virginity nor maternity, neither by her purity nor her works, but -solely by means of faith and by the works of God...." - -While Luther was speaking, a sudden noise was heard; one of the -galleries gave a crack, and seemed as if it were going to give way -under the pressure of the crowd. Some rushed out, and others sat -still, terror-struck. The orator stopped for a moment, and then, -stretching out his hand, exclaimed, with a loud voice, "Fear nothing; -there is no danger; the devil is seeking, in this way, to prevent me -from proclaiming the gospel, but he shall not succeed."[476] At these -words, those who were running out, stopped astonished and rivetted to -the spot; the assembly calmed, and Luther, without troubling himself -with the attempts of the devil, continued. "You will perhaps say to -me, You tell us a great deal about faith. Tell us, also, how we can -obtain it. Yes; well, I will tell you. Our Lord Jesus Christ says, -'_Peace be with you; behold my hands_:' in other words, 'Behold, O -man, it is I, I alone who have taken away thy sin, and ransomed thee, -and now thou hast peace, saith the Lord.' - - [476] Agnosco insidias, hostis acerbe, tuas. (Hessi Eleg. Tertia.) - Bitter foe, your wiles I see. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER PREACHES AT ERFURT.] - -"I did not eat the fruit of the tree," resumed Luther; "neither did -you eat it; but we received the sin which Adam has transmitted to us, -and are guilty of it. In like manner, I did not suffer on the cross, -nor did you suffer on it; but Christ suffered for us; we are justified -by the work of God, and not by our own.... 'I am,' saith the Lord, -'thy righteousness and thy redemption.'... - -"Let us believe the gospel, let us believe St. Paul, and not the -letters and decretals of the popes." - -Luther, after having preached faith as the means of the sinner's -justification, preaches works as the consequence and evidence of -salvation. - -"Since God has saved us," continues he, "let us so order our works -that he may take pleasure in them. Art thou rich,--let thy wealth be -useful to the poor. Art thou poor,--let thy service be useful to the -rich. If thy toil is useful only to thyself, the service which thou -pretendest to render to God is mere falsehood."[477] - - [477] L. Op. (L.) xii, p. 485. - -There is not a word in the sermon on Luther himself; no allusion to -the circumstances in which he is placed; nothing on Worms, on Charles, -or the nuncios; he preaches Christ, and Christ only; at this moment, -when the world has its eyes upon him, he is not in the least occupied -with himself; and herein is the mark of a genuine servant of God. - -Luther set out from Erfurt, and passed through Gotha, where he again -preached. Myconius adds, that at the moment when the people were -coming out from the sermon the devil detached from the pediment of the -church some stones which had not budged for two centuries. The doctor -slept in the convent of the Benedictines, at Rheinhardsbrunn, and -thence proceeded to Eisenach, where he felt indisposed. Amsdorff, -Jonas, Schurff, and all his friends, were alarmed. He was bled, and -the greatest possible attention was paid him. Even the Schulthess of -the town, John Oswald, hastened to him with a cordial. Luther, after -drinking it, fell asleep, and was thereby so far recovered that he was -able to proceed on the following day.[478] - - [478] Iter faciente occurrebant populi. (Pallavicini, Hist. C. Tr. i, - p. 114.) - -[Sidenote: LUTHER TO SPALATIN.] - -Wherever he passed the people flocked to see him. His journey was a -kind of triumphal procession. Deep interest was felt in beholding the -intrepid man who was on the way to offer his head to the emperor and -the empire. An immense concourse surrounded him.[479] "Ah!" said some -of them to him, "there are so many cardinals and so many bishops at -Worms, they will burn you; they will reduce your body to ashes, as was -done with that of John Huss." But nothing terrified the monk. "Were -they to make a fire," said he, "that would extend from Worms to -Wittemberg, and reach even to the sky, I would walk across it in the -name of the Lord; I would appear before them; I would walk into the -jaws of this Behemoth, and break his teeth, and confess the Lord Jesus -Christ."[480] - - [479] Quacunque iter faciebant, frequens erat concursus hominum, - videndi Lutheri studio. (Cochloeus, p. 29). - - [480] "Ein feuer das bis an den Himmel reichte"... (Keil, i, p. 98.) - -One day, when just going into an inn, and while the crowd were as -usual pressing around him, an officer came up to him and said, "Are -you the man who undertakes to reform the papacy? How will you -succeed?" "Yes," replied Luther, "I am the man. I confide in Almighty -God, whose word and command I have before me." The officer, affected, -gave him a milder look, and said, "Dear friend, there is something in -what you say; I am the servant of Charles, but your Master is greater -than mine. He will aid you and guard you."[481] Such was the -impression which Luther produced. Even his enemies were struck at the -sight of the multitudes that thronged around him, though they have -painted the journey in different colours.[482] At length the doctor -arrived at Frankfort, on Sunday, 14th April. - - [481] "Nun habt Ihr einen groessern Herrn, denn Ich." (Ibid., p. 99.) - - [482] "In diversortis multa propinatio, laeta compotatio, musices - quoque gaudia; adeo ut Lutherus ipse alicubi sonora testudine ludens, - omnium in se oculos converteret, velut Orpheus quidam, sed rasus adhuc - et cucullatus, eoque mirabilior." (Cochloeus, p. 29.) "In the inns - there was much quaffing and joyous carousing, nor were the pleasures - of music wanting; Luther himself sometimes playing on a sonorous harp, - turned all eyes upon him, as if he had been a kind of Orpheus, shaven - and cowled, no doubt, but on that account the greater wonder." - -News of Luther's advance had reached Worms. The friends of the pope -had thought he would not obey the summons of the emperor. Albert, -cardinal-archbishop of Mentz, would have given anything to stop him by -the way, and new schemes were set on foot for this purpose. - -Luther, on his arrival at Frankfort, took some repose, and then -announced his approach to Spalatin, who was at Worms with the Elector. -It is the only letter which he wrote during his journey. "I am getting -on," says he, "though Satan has striven to stop me on the way by -sickness. From Eisenach to this I have never been without a feeling of -languor, and am still completely worn out. I learn that Charles has -published an edict to frighten me. But Christ lives, and we shall -enter Worms in spite of all the barriers of hell and all the powers of -the air.[483] Therefore, make ready my lodging." - - [483] Intrabimus Wormatiam, invitis omnibus portis inferni et - potentaribus aeris. (L. Ep. i, p. 987.) - -[Sidenote: COCHLOEUS. NEW TACTICS.] - -The next day Luther visited the learned school of William Nesse, a -celebrated geographer of that time. "Be diligent," said he to the -scholars, "in the reading of the Scriptures, and the investigation of -truth." Then placing his right hand on the head of one of the -children, and his left on another, he pronounced a blessing on the -whole school. - -While Luther blessed the young, he was also the hope of the old. -Catharine of Holzhausen, a widow advanced in years, and serving God, -went to him, and said, "My father and mother told me that God would -raise up a man who should oppose the papal vanities, and save the Word -of God. I hope you are that man, and I wish you, for your work, the -grace and the Holy Spirit of God."[484] - - [484] Ich hoffe dass du der verherssene.... Cypr. Hilar. Ev. p. 606. - -These were by no means the sentiments universally entertained at -Frankfort. John Cochloeus, dean of the church of Notre Dame, was one -of those most devoted to the Roman Church. On seeing Luther pass -through Frankfort on his way to Worms, he could not suppress his -fears. He thought the Church was in want of devoted defenders, and -scarcely had Luther quitted the town than Cochloeus set out in his -track, ready, as he says, to give his life in defence of the honour of -the Church.[485] - - [485] Lutherum illac transeuntem subsequutus ut pro honore ecclesiae - vitam suam....exponeret (Cochloeus, p. 6.) This Cochloeus is the - writer whom we frequently quote. - -[Sidenote: ATTEMPT TO STOP LUTHER.] - -There was great alarm in the camp of the pope's friends. The -heresiarch was at hand--every day, every hour brought him nearer -Worms. If he entered, all was perhaps lost. The Archbishop Albert, the -confessor Glapio, and all the politicians about the emperor, felt -uneasy. How can the arrival of this monk be prevented? It is -impossible to carry him off, for he has the emperor's safe-conduct. -Stratagem alone can arrest him. These intriguers immediately arranged -the following plan. The emperor's confessor, and his high chamberlain, -Paul of Armsdorff, quit Worms in great haste, and proceed about ten -leagues distant, to the castle of Ebernburg, the residence of Francis -de Seckingen, the knight who had offered Luther an asylum.[486] Bucer, -a young dominican, chaplain to the Elector-Palatine, and who had been -gained to the evangelical doctrine at the Heidelberg discussion, had -then taken refuge in "this hotel of the just." The knight, who had no -great knowledge of the affairs of religion, was easily imposed upon, -while the disposition of the Palatine chaplain favoured the designs of -the confessor. In fact, Bucer was inclined to pacific measures. -Distinguishing between fundamental and secondary points, he thought he -might sacrifice the latter to unity and peace.[487] - - [486] Dass der Keyser seinen Beichtvater und Ihrer Majest. - Ober-Kammerling, zu. Seckingen schickt. (L. Op. xvii, p. 587.) - - [487] Condoce faciebat +ta anagkaia+ a probabilibus - distinguerie, ut scirent quae retinenda ... (Melch. Adam. Vit. Buceri, - p. 223.) He taught that a distinction should be made between the - necessary and the probable in order to ascertain what ought to be - retained. - -The chamberlain and confessor begin their attack. They give Seckingen -and Bucer to understand that it is all over with Luther if he goes to -Worms. They assure him that the emperor is ready to send certain -learned men to Ebernburg there to confer with the doctor. "Under your -charge," say they to the knight, "the two parties will be placed." "We -are at one with Luther on all essential points," say they to Bucer: -"only some secondary points remain; and as to these you will be -mediator." The knight and the chaplain are shaken. The confessor and -chamberlain continue. "The invitation addressed to Luther must come -from you," say they to Seckingen, "and let Bucer be the bearer of -it."[488] Every thing was arranged according to their wish. Let Luther -only be credulous enough to come to Ebernburg; his safe-conduct will -soon expire, and then who will be able to defend him? - - [488] Dass er sollte der Luther zu sich foderu. (L. Ep. xvii, p. 587.) - -Luther had arrived at Oppenheim. His safe-conduct was available only -for three days longer. He sees a troop of horsemen approaching, and -soon recognises at their head the Bucer with whom he had such intimate -conference at Heidelberg.[489] "These horsemen belong to Francis of -Seckingen," said Bucer to him after the first expressions of -friendship. "He sends me to you to conduct you to his strong -castle.[490] The emperor's confessor is desirous of a conference with -you. His influence over Charles is unbounded: every thing may be -arranged. But beware of Aleander!" Jonas Amsdorff and Schurff knew not -what to think; Bucer insisted; but Luther hesitated not. "I continue -my journey," was his answer to Bucer; "and if the emperor's confessor -has any thing to say to me, he will find me at Worms. I go where I am -called." - - [489] Da kam Bucer zu, mit et lichen Reutern. (Ibid.) - - [490] Und wollte mir ueberreden zu Seckingen gen. Ebernburg zu kommen. - (Ibid.) - -[Sidenote: LUTHER ENTERS WORMS.] - -Meanwhile Spalatin himself began to be troubled and afraid. Surrounded -at Worms by the enemies of the Reformation, he heard them saying that -no respect should be paid to the safe-conduct of a heretic. He became -alarmed for his friend; and at the moment when the latter was -approaching the town a messenger presented himself and said to him on -the part of the chaplain, "Don't enter Worms!" This from his best -friend, the Elector's confidant, Spalatin himself! Luther unmoved, -turns his eye on the messenger, and replies, "Go and tell your master, -that were there as many devils in Worms as there are tiles upon the -roofs, I would enter."[491] Never, perhaps, was Luther so grand. The -envoy returned to Worms with his extraordinary message. "I was then -intrepid," said Luther a few days before his death, "I feared nothing; -God can give man such boldness; I know not if at present I would have -as much liberty and joy."--"When the cause is good," adds his disciple -Mathesius, "the heart expands, giving courage and energy to -evangelists and soldiers."[492] - - [491] Wenn so viel Teufel zu Worms waeren, als Ziegel auf den Daechern, - noch wollt Ich hinein! (L. Opp. (L.) xvii, p. 587.) - - [492] So waechst das Herz im Leibe ... (Math. p. 24.) - - - - -CHAP. VIII. - - Entry into Worms--Chant for the Dead--Council held by - Charles V--Capito and the Temporisers--Concourse around - Luther--Citation--Huetten to Luther--Proceeds to the - Diet--Saying of Freundsberg--Imposing Assembly--The - Chancellor's Address--Luther's Reply--His Wisdom--Saying of - Charles V--Alarm--Triumph--Luther's Firmness--Insults from - the Spaniards--Council--Luther's Trouble and Prayer--Might - of the Reformation--Luther's Oath to Scripture--The Court of - the Diet--Luther's Address--Three kinds of Writings--He - demands Proof of his Error--Solemn Warnings--He repeats his - Address in Latin--Here I am: I can't do otherwise--The - "weakness" of God--New Attempt. - - -At length, on the morning of the 16th April, Luther perceived the -walls of the ancient city. All were looking for him, and there was -only one thought in Worms. The young noblemen, Bernard of Hirschfeld -and Albert of Lindenau, with six cavaliers, and other gentlemen in the -suite of the princes, to the number of a hundred, if we may believe -Pallavicini, unable to restrain their impatience, galloped to meet -him, and surrounded him in order to escort him at the moment of his -entry. He approached. Before him pranced the imperial herald decked in -all the insignia of his office. Next came Luther in his humble -carriage. Jonas followed on horseback surrounded by the cavaliers. A -large crowd was waiting in front of the gates. It was near mid-day -when he passed those walls which so many persons had foretold him he -should never leave. It was the dinner hour, but the moment when the -sentinel stationed in the cathedral steeple tolled the signal, every -body ran into the street to see the monk. Thus was Luther in Worms. - -[Sidenote: CHANT FOR THE DEAD.] - -Two thousand persons accompanied him through the streets: there was a -rush to meet him. The crowd was increasing every moment, and was much -larger than when the emperor made his entry. - -Suddenly, relates a historian, a man clad in a singular dress, and -carrying a large cross before him, as is usual at funerals, breaks off -from the crowd, advances towards Luther, and then, in a loud voice, -and with the plaintive cadence which is used in saying mass for the -repose of the souls of the dead, chants the following stanzas as if he -had been determined that the very dead should hear them:-- - - Advenisti, O desiderabilis! - Quem expectabamus in tenebris![493] - - [493] Thou hast arrived--thou whom we longed and waited for in - darkness. - -Luther's arrival is celebrated by a _Requiem_. If the story is true, -it was the court fool of one of the dukes of Bavaria who gave Luther -one of those warnings remarkable at once for wisdom and irony, of -which so many instances are furnished by these individuals. But the -clamour of the multitude soon drowned the _De Profundis_ of the -cross-bearer. - -The train could scarcely proceed through the moving mass. At length -the imperial herald stopped before the hotel of the Knights of Rhodes. -Here lodged two of the Elector's counsellors, Frederic of Thun and -Philip of Feilitsch, as well as the marshal of the empire, Ulric of -Pappenheim. Luther got out of his carriage, and, on alighting, said, -"The Lord will be my defence."[494]... "I entered Worms," said he -afterwards, "in a covered car in my frock. Everybody ran into the -street to see friar Martin."[495] - - [494] Deus stabit pro me. (Pallavicini, i, p. 114.) - - [495] L. Op. xvii, p. 587. - -The news of his arrival filled the Elector of Saxony and Aleander with -alarm. The young and elegant Archbishop Albert, who held a mean -between those two parties, was amazed at Luther's boldness. "Had I not -had more courage than he," said Luther, "it is true I never should -have been seen in Worms." - -Charles V immediately assembled his council. The counsellors in the -emperor's confidence repaired in haste to the palace for they too were -in dismay. "Luther is arrived," said Charles, "what must be done?" - -Modo, bishop of Palermo and chancellor of Flanders, if we are to -receive Luther's own statement, replied, "We have long consulted on -this subject. Let your imperial Majesty speedily get rid of this man. -Did not Sigismond cause John Huss to be burnt? There is no obligation -either to give or observe a safe-conduct to a heretic."[496] "No," -said Charles: "what has been promised must be performed." There was -nothing for it, therefore, but to make the Reformer appear. - - [496] ... Dass Ihre Majestaet den Luther aufs erste beyseit thaete und - umbringen liess. (Ibid.) - -[Sidenote: CAPITO AND THE TEMPORISERS.] - -While the councils of the great were thus agitated on the subject of -Luther, there were many men in Worms who rejoiced that they were able -at length to behold this illustrious servant of God. In the first rank -among them was Capito, chaplain and counsellor to the Archbishop of -Mentz. This remarkable man, who a short time before had preached the -gospel in Switzerland with great freedom,[497] thought it due to the -place which he then occupied to pursue a course which exposed him to a -charge of cowardice from the Evangelists, and of dissimulation from -the Romans.[498] He had, however, preached the doctrine of faith -clearly at Mentz, and on his departure had succeeded in supplying his -place by a young preacher full of zeal, named Hedio. In this town, the -ancient see of the primate of the German Church, the word of God was -not bound. The gospel was eagerly listened to: in vain did the monks -strive to preach the gospel after their own way, and employ all the -means in their power in order to arrest the general impulse; they had -no success.[499] But Capito, even while he preached the new doctrine, -laboured to continue in friendship with those who persecuted it. He -flattered himself, with others of the same sentiments, that he would -thus be of great utility to the Church. To hear them talk it might -have been supposed that, if Luther was not burnt, if all the Lutherans -were not excommunicated, it was owing entirely to Capito's influence -over the Archbishop Albert.[500] Cochloeus, dean of Frankfort, -arriving at Worms almost at the same time with Luther, immediately -waited upon Capito, who being, apparently at least, on very good terms -with Aleander, introduced Cochloeus to him, thus serving as a -connecting link between the two greatest enemies of the Reformer.[501] -Capito doubtless thought that he would do great service to the cause -of Christ by all this management; but it cannot be said that any good -resulted from it. The event almost always belies these calculations of -human wisdom, and proves that a decided course, while it is the most -frank, is also the most wise. - - [497] See Book viii. - - [498] Astutia plusquam vulpina vehementer callidum .... Lutherismum - versutissime dissimulabat. (Cochloeus, p. 36) Exceedingly crafty - having more cunning than a fox: he most astutely disguised his - Lutheranism. - - [499] Evangelium audiunt avidissime, verbum Dei alligatum non est... - (Caspar Hedio Zw. Ep., p. 157.) - - [500] "Lutherus in hoc districtu dudum esset combustus, Lutherani - +aposynagogoi+ nisi Capito aliter persuasisset principi." - (Ibid., 148.) - - [501] Hic (Capito) illum (Cochloeum) insinuavit Hieronymo Aleandro, - nuncio Leonis X. (Cochloeus, p. 36) - -[Sidenote: CITATION TO THE DIET.] - -Meanwhile the crowd continued around the hotel of Rhodes at which -Luther had alighted. Some looked upon him as a prodigy of wisdom, and -others as a monster of iniquity. The whole town wished to see -him.[502] The first hours were left him to recover from his fatigue, -and converse with his most intimate friends; but as soon as evening -came, counts, barons, knights, gentlemen, ecclesiastics, and citizens -flocked in upon him. All, even his greatest enemies, were struck with -the bold step he had taken, the joy which appeared to animate him, the -power of his eloquence, and the lofty elevation and enthusiasm which -made the influence of this simple monk almost irresistible. Many -attributed this grandeur to something within him partaking of the -divine, while the friends of the pope loudly declared that he was -possessed with a devil.[503] Call followed call, and the crowd of -curious visitors kept Luther standing to a late period of the night. - - [502] Eadem die tota civitas solicite confluxit ... (Pallavicini, i, - p. 114.) - - [503] Nescio quid divinum suspicabantur: ex adverso alii malo daemone - obsessum existimabant. (Pallavicini, i, p. 114.) - -The next morning, (Friday, 17th April,) Ulric of Pappenheim, -hereditary marshal of the empire, summoned him to appear at four -o'clock, _p. m._, in presence of his imperial Majesty and the States -of the empire. Luther received the summons with profound respect. - -Thus every thing is fixed, and Luther is going to appear for Jesus -Christ before the most august assembly in the world. He was not -without encouragement. The ardent knight, Ulric von Huetten, was then -in the castle of Ebernburg. Not being able to appear at Worms, (for -Leo X had asked Charles to send him to Rome bound hand and foot,) he -desired to stretch out a friendly hand to Luther, and on the same day -(17th April) wrote to him, borrowing the words of a king of -Israel:[504] "The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble: the name of -the God of Jacob defend thee: send thee help from the sanctuary, and -strengthen thee out of Zion: remember all thy offerings, and accept -thy burnt sacrifice. O dearly beloved Luther! my respected father, -fear not and be strong. The counsel of the wicked has beset you, they -have opened their mouths upon you like roaring lions. But the Lord -will rise up against the wicked and scatter them. Fight then valiantly -for Christ. As for me I also will fight boldly. Would to God I were -permitted to see the wrinkling of their brows. But the Lord will -cleanse his vine which the wild boar of the forest has laid waste.... -May Christ preserve you!"[505] - - [504] David, Psalm XX. - - [505] Servet te Christus. (L. Op. ii, p. 175.) - -Bucer did what Huetten was unable to do: he came from Ebernburg to -Worms, and remained the whole time beside his friend.[506] - - [506] Bucerus eodem venit. (M. Adam, Vit. Buceri. p. 212.) - -[Sidenote: LUTHER PROCEEDS TO THE DIET.] - -Four o'clock having struck, the marshal of the empire presented -himself. It was necessary to set out, and Luther made ready. He was -moved at the thought of the august congress before which he was going -to appear. The herald walked first, after him the marshal, and last -the Reformer. The multitude thronging the streets was still more -numerous than on the previous evening. It was impossible to get on; -it was in vain to cry, Give place: the crowd increased. At length, the -herald seeing the impossibility of reaching the town hall caused some -private houses to be opened, and conducted Luther through gardens and -secret passages to the place of meeting.[507] The people perceiving -this rushed into the houses on the steps of the monk of Wittemberg, or -placed themselves at the windows which looked into the gardens, while -great numbers of persons got up on the roofs. The tops of the houses, -the pavement, every place above and below was covered with -spectators.[508] - - [507] Und ward also durch heimliche Gaenge-gefuehrt. (L. Op. (L.) xvii, - p. 574.) - - [508] Doch lief das Volk haeufig zu, und stieg sogar auf Daecher. (Seck. - 348.) - -Arrived at length at the town, Luther and those who all accompanied -him were again unable, because of the crowd, to reach the door. Give -way! give way! Not one stirred. At last the imperial soldiers forced a -passage for Luther. The people rushed forward to get in after him, but -the soldiers kept them back with their halberds. Luther got into the -interior of the building, which was completely filled with people. As -well in the antechambers as at the windows there were more than five -thousand spectators--German, Italian, Spanish, etc. Luther advanced -with difficulty. As he was at length approaching the door, which was -to bring him in presence of his judges, he met a valiant knight, the -celebrated general, George of Freundsberg, who, four years afterwards, -at the head of the German lansquenets couched his lance on the field -of Pavia, and bearing down upon the left wing of the French army, -drove it into the Tessino, and in a great measure decided the -captivity of the king of France. The old general, seeing Luther pass, -clapped him on the shoulder, and shaking his head, whitened in battle, -kindly said to him, "Poor monk, poor monk, you have before you a -march, and an affair, the like to which neither I nor a great many -captains have ever seen in the bloodiest of our battles. But if your -cause is just, and you have full confidence in it, advance in the name -of God and fear nothing. God will not forsake you."[509] A beautiful -homage borne by warlike courage to courage of intellect. It is the -saying of a king,[510] "_He that ruleth his spirit is greater than he -that taketh a city._" - - [509] Muenchlein, Muenchlein, du gehest jetzt einen Gang, einen solchen - Stand zu thun, dergleichen Ich und mancher Obrister, auch in unser - allerernestesten Schlacht-Ordnung nicht gethan haben ... (Ibid.) - - [510] Proverbs, xvi, 32. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER BEFORE THE DIET.] - -At length the doors of the hall being opened, Luther entered, and many -persons not belonging to the Diet made their way in along with him. -Never had man appeared before an assembly so august. The emperor -Charles V, whose dominions embraced the old and the new world; his -brother, the Archduke Ferdinand; six electors of the empire, whose -descendants are now almost all wearing the crown of kings; twenty-four -dukes, the greater part of them reigning over territories of greater -or less extent, and among whom are some bearing a name which will -afterwards become formidable to the Reformation (the Duke of Alva, and -his two sons); eight margraves; thirty archbishops, bishops, or -prelates; seven ambassadors, among them those of the kings of France -and England; the deputies of ten free towns; a great number of -princes, counts, and sovereign barons; the nuncios of the pope; in -all, two hundred and four personages. Such was the court before which -Martin Luther appeared. - -This appearance was in itself a signal victory gained over the papacy. -The pope had condemned the man; yet here he stood before a tribunal -which thus far placed itself above the pope. The pope had put him -under his ban, debarring him from all human society, and yet here he -was convened in honourable terms, and admitted before the most august -assembly in the world. The pope had ordered that his mouth should be -for ever mute, and he was going to open it before an audience of -thousands, assembled from the remotest quarters of Christendom. An -immense revolution had thus been accomplished by the instrumentality -of Luther. Rome was descending from her throne, descending at the -bidding of a monk. - -Some of the princes seeing the humble son of the miner of Mansfeld -disconcerted in presence of the assembly of kings, kindly approached -him; and one of them said, "_Fear not them who can kill the body, but -cannot kill the soul._" Another added, "_When you will be brought -before kings it is not you that speak but the Spirit of your Father -that speaketh in you._"[511] Thus, the Reformer was consoled in the -very words of his Master, by the instrumentality of the rulers of the -world. - - [511] Einige aus denen Reichs-Gliedern sprachen Ihm einen Muth, mit - Christi Worten ein ... (Matthew, x, 20, 28. Seckend. p. 348.) - -During this time, the guards were making way for Luther, who advanced -till he came in front of the throne of Charles V. The sight of the -august assembly seemed for a moment to dazzle and overawe him. All -eyes were fixed upon him. The agitation gradually calmed down into -perfect silence. "Don't speak before you are asked," said the marshal -of the empire to him and withdrew. - -[Sidenote: THE CHANCELLOR'S ADDRESS AND LUTHER'S REPLY.] - -After a moment of solemn stillness, John of Eck, the chancellor of the -Archbishop of Treves, a friend of Aleander, and who must not be -confounded with the theologian of the same name, rose up and said, in -a distinct and audible voice, first in Latin and then in German, -"Martin Luther, his sacred and invincible imperial Majesty has cited -you before his throne, by the advice and counsel of the States of the -holy Roman empire, in order to call upon you to answer these two -questions: First, Do you admit that these books were composed by -you?"--At the same time the imperial orator pointed to about twenty -books lying on the table in the middle of the hall in front of -Luther--"I did not exactly know how they had procured them," says -Luther, in relating the circumstance. It was Aleander who had taken -the trouble. "Secondly," continued the chancellor, "do you mean to -retract these books and their contents, or do you persist in the -things which you have advanced in them?" - -Luther, without hesitation, was going to reply in the affirmative to -the former question, when his counsel, Jerome Schurff, hastily -interfering, called out, "Read the titles of the books."[512] The -chancellor going up to the table read the titles. The list contained -several devotional works not relating to controversy. - - [512] "Legantur tituli librorum." (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 588.) - -After the enumeration, Luther said, first in Latin, and then in -German. - -"Most gracious Emperor! Gracious Princes and Lords! - -"His imperial Majesty asks me two questions. - -"As to the first, I acknowledge that the books which have been named -are mine: I cannot deny them. - -"As to the second, considering that is a question which concerns faith -and the salvation of souls, a question in which the Word of God is -interested, in other words, the greatest and most precious treasure -either in heaven or on the earth,[513] I should act imprudently were I -to answer without reflection. I might say less than the occasion -requires, or more than the truth demands, and thus incur the guilt -which our Saviour denounced when he said, '_Whoso shall deny me before -men, him will I deny before my Father who is in Heaven_.' Wherefore, I -pray your imperial Majesty, with all submission, to give me time that -I may answer without offence to the Word of God." - - [513] Weil dies eine Frage vom Glauben und der Seelen Seligkeit ist, - und Gottes Wort belanget ... (Ibid.) - -[Sidenote: ALARMING REPORT.] - -This reply, far from countenancing the idea that there was any -hesitation in Luther, was worthy of the Reformer and the assembly. It -became him to show calmness and circumspection in so grave a matter, -and to refrain on this solemn moment from every thing that might seem -to indicate passion or levity. Moreover, by taking a suitable time, he -would thereby the better prove the immovable firmness of his -resolution. History shows us many men who, by a word uttered too -hastily, brought great calamities on themselves, and on the world. -Luther curbs his naturally impetuous character; restrains a tongue -always ready to give utterance; is silent when all the feelings of his -heart are longing to embody themselves in words. This self restraint, -this calmness, so extraordinary in such a man, increased his power a -hundred-fold, and put him into a position to answer afterwards with a -wisdom, power, and dignity which will disappoint the expectation of -his enemies, and confound their pride and malice. - -Nevertheless, as he had spoken in a respectful and somewhat subdued -tone, several thought he was hesitating and even afraid. A ray of hope -gleamed into the souls of the partizans of Rome. Charles, impatient to -know the man whose words shook the empire, had never taken his eye off -him. Now turning towards one of his courtiers, he said with disdain, -"Assuredly that is not the man who would ever make me turn -heretic."[514] Then rising up, the young emperor withdrew with his -ministers to the council chamber: the electors with the princes were -closeted in another, and the deputies of the free towns in a third. -The Diet when it again met, agreed to grant Luther's request. It was a -great mistake in men under the influence of passion. "Martin Luther," -said the chancellor of Treves, "his imperial Majesty, in accordance -with the goodness which is natural to him, is pleased to grant you -another day, but on condition that you give your reply verbally and -not in writing." - - [514] "Hic certe nunquam efficeret ut haereticus evaderem." - (Pallavicini. i, p. 115.) - -Then the imperial herald advanced and reconducted Luther to his hotel. -Menaces and cheers succeeded each other as he passed along. The most -unfavourable reports were circulated among Luther's friends. "The Diet -is dissatisfied," said they, "the envoys of the pope triumph, the -Reformer will be sacrificed." Men's passions grew hot. Several -gentlemen hastened to Luther's lodgings. "Doctor," asked they in deep -emotion, "how does the matter stand? It is confidently said that they -mean to burn you."[515] "That won't be," continued they, "or they -shall pay for it with their lives."--"And that would have been the -result," said Luther, twenty years later at Eisleben, when quoting -these expressions. - - [515] Wie geht's? man sagt sie wollen euch verbrennen ... (L. Op. L. - xvii, p. 588.) - -On the other hand, Luther's enemies were quite elated. "He has asked -time," said they; "he will retract. When at a distance he spoke -arrogantly, but now his courage fails him.... He is vanquished." - -[Sidenote: VIOLENCE OF THE SPANIARDS.] - -Luther, perhaps, was the only tranquil person in Worms. A few moments -after his return from the Diet, he wrote to the imperial counsellor -Cuspianus. "I write you from the midst of tumult, (meaning, probably, -the noise of the crowd outside his hotel;) I have, within this hour, -appeared before the emperor and his brother.[516] I have acknowledged -the authorship, and declared that to-morrow I will give my answer -concerning retractation. By the help of Jesus Christ, not one iota of -all my works will I retract."[517] - - [516] "Hac hora coram Caesare et fratre Romano constiti." (L. Ep. i, p. - 587.) - - [517] "Verum ego ne apicem quidem revocabo." (Ibid.) - -The excitement of the people and of the foreign troops increased every -hour. While parties were proceeding calmly to the business of the -Diet, others were coming to blows in the streets. The Spanish -soldiers, proud and merciless, gave offence by their insolence to the -burghers of the town. One of these satellites of Charles, finding in a -bookseller's shop the papal bull, with a commentary on it by Huetten, -took and tore it to pieces, and then trampled the fragments under his -feet. Others, having discovered several copies of Luther's 'Captivity -of Babylon,' carried them off and tore them. The people, indignant, -rushed upon the soldiers, and obliged them to take flight. On another -occasion, a Spanish horseman, with drawn sword, was seen in one of the -principal streets of Worms in pursuit of a German who was fleeing -before him, while the people durst not interfere.[518] - - [518] Kappens Ref. Urkunden ii, p. 448. - -Some politicians thought they had discovered a method of saving -Luther. "Recant your errors in doctrine," said they to him; "but -persist in all you have said against the pope and his court, and you -are safe." Aleander shuddered at this advice. But Luther, immovable in -his purpose, declared that he set little value on a political reform, -if not founded on faith. - -The 18th of April having arrived, Glapio, the Chancellor Eck, and -Aleander, met at an early hour, by order of Charles V, to fix the -course of procedure in regard to Luther. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S WRESTLING AND PRAYER.] - -Luther had been for a moment overawed on the evening before when he -had to appear before so august an assembly. His heart had been -agitated at the sight of so many princes before whom great kingdoms -humbly bent the knee. The thought that he was going to refuse -obedience to men whom God had invested with sovereign power gave him -deep concern; and he felt the necessity of seeking strength from a -higher source. "He who, attacked by the enemy, holds the shield of -faith," said he one day, "is like Perseus holding the head of the -Gorgon, on which whoever looked, that moment died. So ought we to hold -up the Son of God against the snares of the devil."[519] On this -morning of the 18th April, he had moments of trouble, when the face -of God was hid from him. His faith becomes faint; his enemies seem to -multiply before him; his imagination is overpowered.... His soul is -like a ship tossed by a violent tempest, now plunged to the depths of -the sea, and again mounting up towards heaven. At this hour of bitter -sorrow, when he drinks the cup of Christ, and feels as it were in a -garden of Gethsemane, he turns his face to the ground, and sends forth -broken cries, cries which we cannot comprehend, unless we figure to -ourselves the depth of the agony from which they ascended up to -God.[520] "God Almighty! God Eternal! how terrible is the world! how -it opens its mouth to swallow me up! and how defective my confidence -in thee! How weak the flesh, how powerful Satan! If I must put my hope -in that which the world calls powerful, I am undone!... The knell is -struck,[521] and judgment is pronounced!... O God! O God! O thou, my -God! assist me against all the wisdom of the world! Do it: Thou must -do it.... Thou alone ... for it is not my work, but Thine. I have -nothing to do here; I have nothing to do contending thus with the -mighty of the world! I, too, would like to spend tranquil and happy -days. But the cause is Thine: and it is just and everlasting! O Lord! -be my help! Faithful God, immutable God! I trust not in any man. That -were vain. All that is of man vacillates! All that comes of man gives -way. O God, O God, dost thou not hear?... My God! art thou dead?... -No, thou canst not die! Thou only hidest Thyself. Thou hast chosen me -for this work. I know it! Act, then, O God!... Stand by my side, for -the sake of thy well beloved Son Jesus Christ, who is my defence, my -buckler, and my fortress." - - [519] "Also sollen wir den Sohn Gottes als Gorgonia Haupt..." (L. Op. - (W.) xxii, p. 1659.) - - [520] L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 589. - - [521] "Die Glocke ist schon gegossen." (Ibid.) The affair is decided. - -After a moment of silence and wrestling, he continues thus: "Lord, -where standest thou?... O, my God, where art thou?... Come! come! I am -ready!... I am ready to give up my life for thy truth ... patient as a -lamb. For the cause is just, and it is thine!... I will not break off -from thee either now or through eternity!... And though the world -should be filled with devils, though my body, which however is the -work of thy hands, should bite the dust, be racked on the wheel, cut -in pieces ... ground to powder ... my soul is thine.[522] Yes, thy -Word is my pledge. My soul belongs to thee, and will be eternally near -thee.... Amen.... O God, help me.... Amen." - - [522] "Die Seele est dien." (Ibid.) - -[Sidenote: RETURN TO THE DIET.] - -This prayer explains Luther and the Reformation. History here lifts -the veil of the sanctuary, and shows us the secret place whence -strength and courage were imparted to this humble man, who was the -instrument of God in emancipating the soul and the thoughts of men, -and beginning a new era. Luther and the Reformation are here seen in -actual operation. We perceive their most secret springs. We discover -where their power lay. This meditation by one who is sacrificing -himself to the cause of truth, is found among the collection of pieces -relating to Luther's appearance at Worms, under number XVI, among -safe-conducts, and other documents of a similar description. Some of -his friends doubtless extended it, and so have preserved it to us. In -my opinion, it is one of the finest documents on record. - -Luther, after he had thus prayed, found that peace of mind without -which no man can do anything great. He read the Word of God; he -glanced over his writings, and endeavoured to put his reply into -proper shape. The thought that he was going to bear testimony to Jesus -Christ and his Word, in presence of the emperor and the empire, filled -his heart with joy. The moment of appearance was drawing near; he went -up with emotion to the sacred volume, which was lying open on his -table, put his left hand upon it, and lifting his right toward heaven, -swore to remain faithful to the gospel, and to confess his faith -freely, should he even seal his confession with his blood. After doing -so, he felt still more at peace. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S ADDRESS.] - -At four o'clock the herald presented himself and conducted him to the -place where the Diet sat. The general curiosity had increased, for the -reply behoved to be decisive. The Diet being engaged, Luther was -obliged to wait in the court in the middle of an immense crowd, who -moved to and fro like a troubled sea, and pressed the Reformer with -its waves. The doctor spent two long hours amid this gazing multitude. -"I was not used," says he, "to all these doings and all this -noise."[523] It would have been a sad preparation for an ordinary man. -But Luther was with God. His eye was serene, his features unruffled; -the Eternal had placed him upon a rock. Night began to fall, and the -lamps were lighted in the hall of the Diet. Their glare passed through -the ancient windows and shone into the court. Every thing assumed a -solemn aspect. At last the doctor was introduced. Many persons entered -with him, for there was an eager desire to hear his answer. All minds -were on the stretch waiting impatiently for the decisive moment which -now approached. This time Luther was free, calm, self-possessed, and -showed not the least appearance of being under constraint. Prayer had -produced its fruits. The princes having taken their seats, not without -difficulty, for their places were almost invaded, and the monk of -Wittemberg again standing in front of Charles V, the chancellor of the -Elector of Treves rose up, and said:-- - -"Martin Luther! you yesterday asked a delay, which is now expired. -Assuredly it might have been denied you, since every one ought to be -sufficiently instructed in matters of faith to be able always to -render an account of it to whosoever asks,--you above all, so great -and able a doctor of Holy Scripture.... Now, then, reply to the -question of his Majesty, who has treated you with so much mildness. Do -you mean to defend your books out and out, or do you mean to retract -some part of them?" - - [523] Des Getuemmels und Wesens war Ich gar nicht gewohnt. (L. Op. - xvii, p. 535, 588.) - -These words, which the chancellor had spoken in Latin, he repeated in -German. - -"Then doctor Martin Luther," say the Acts of Worms, "replied in the -most humble and submissive manner. He did not raise his voice; he -spoke not with violence, but with candour, meekness, suitableness, and -modesty, and yet with great joy and Christian firmness."[524] - - [524] "Schreyt nicht sehr noch heftig, sondern redet fein, sittich, - zuechtig and bescheiden.... (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 576.) - -"Most serene Emperor! illustrious princes, gracious lords," said -Luther, turning his eyes on Charles and the assembly, "I this day -appear humbly before you, according to the order which was given me -yesterday, and by the mercies of God I implore your Majesty and august -Highnesses to listen kindly to the defence of a cause which I am -assured is righteous and true. If from ignorance I am wanting in the -usages and forms of courts, pardon me; for I was not brought up in the -palaces of kings, but in the obscurity of a cloister. - -"Yesterday two questions were asked me on the part of his imperial -Majesty: the first, if I was the author of the books whose titles were -read; the second, if I was willing to recal or to defend the doctrine -which I have taught in them. I answered the first question, and I -adhere to my answer. - -"As to the second, I have composed books on very different subjects. -In some I treat of faith and good works in a manner so pure, simple, -and christian, that my enemies even, far from finding any thing to -censure, confess that these writings are useful, and worthy of being -read by the godly. The papal bull, how severe soever it may be, -acknowledges this. Were I then to retract these what should I do?... -Wretch! I should be alone among men abandoning truths which the -unanimous voice of my friends and enemies approves, and opposing what -the whole world glories in confessing. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S ADDRESS.] - -"In the second place, I have composed books against the papacy, books -in which I have attacked those who, by their false doctrine, their bad -life, and scandalous example, desolate the Christian world, and -destroy both body and soul. Is not the fact proved by the complaints -of all who fear God? Is it not evident that the human laws and -doctrines of the popes entangle, torture, martyr the consciences of -the faithful, while the clamant and never-ending extortions of Rome -engulph the wealth and riches of Christendom, and particularly of this -illustrious kingdom? - -"Were I to retract what I have written on this subject what should I -do?... What but fortify that tyranny, and open a still wider door for -these many and great iniquities?[525] Then, breaking forth with more -fury than ever, these arrogant men would be seen increasing, usurping, -raging more and more. And the yoke which weighs upon the Christian -people would by my retractation not only be rendered more severe, but -would become, so to speak, more legitimate; for by this very -retractation it would have received the confirmation of your most -serene Majesty and of all the States of the holy empire. Good God! I -should thus be as it were an infamous cloak destined to hide and cover -all sorts of malice and tyranny. - - [525] "Nicht allein die Fenster, sondern auch Thuer und Thoer aufthaete." - (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p 373.) - -"Thirdly and lastly, I have written books against private individuals -who wished to defend Roman tyranny and to destroy the faith. I confess -frankly that I have perhaps attacked them with more violence than -became my ecclesiastical profession. I do not regard myself as a -saint; but no more can I retract these books: because, by so doing, I -should sanction the impiety of my opponents, and give them occasion to -oppress the people of God with still greater cruelty. - -"Still I am a mere man and not God; and I will defend myself as Jesus -Christ did. He said, '_If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the -evil_,' (John, xviii, 23.) How much more should I, who am but dust and -ashes and so apt to err, desire every one to state what he can against -my doctrine? - -"Wherefore, I implore you, by the mercies of God, you, most serene -Emperor, and you, most illustrious princes, and all others of high or -low degree, to prove to me by the writings of the prophets and the -apostles that I am mistaken. As soon as this shall have been proved, I -will forthwith retract all my errors, and be the first to seize my -writings and cast them into the flames. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S ADDRESS.] - -"What I have just said shows clearly, I think, that I have well -considered and weighed the dangers to which I expose myself; but, far -from being alarmed, it gives me great joy to see that the gospel is -now, as in former times, a cause of trouble and discord. This is the -characteristic and the destiny of the Word of God. '_I came not to -send peace, but a sword_,' said Jesus Christ. (Matt. x, 34.) God is -wonderful and terrible in working: let us beware, while pretending to -put a stop to discord, that we do not persecute the holy Word of God, -and bring in upon ourselves a frightful deluge of insurmountable -dangers, present disasters, and eternal destruction.... Let us beware -that the reign of this young and noble prince, the Emperor Charles, on -whom, under God, we build such high hopes, do not only begin, but also -continue and end under the most fatal auspices. I might cite examples -taken from the oracles of God," continues Luther, speaking in presence -of the greatest monarch in the world with the noblest courage, "I -might remind you of the Pharaohs, the kings of Babylon, and of Israel, -who never laboured more effectually for their ruin than when by -counsels, apparently very wise, they thought they were establishing -their empire. '_God removeth the mountains, and they know not._' (Job, -ix, 5.) - -"If I speak thus, it is not because I think such great princes have -need of my counsels, but because I wish to restore to Germany what she -has a right to expect from her children. Thus, commending myself to -your august Majesty and your serene Highnesses, I humbly supplicate -you not to allow the hatred of my enemies to bring down upon me an -indignation which I have not deserved."[526] - - [526] This address, as well as all the expressions quoted, are taken - literally from authentic documents. (See L. Op. (L.) xvi, p. 776-780.) - -Luther had spoken these words in German, modestly, but also with much -warmth and firmness.[527] He was ordered to repeat them in Latin. The -emperor had no liking for German. The imposing assembly which -surrounded the Reformer, the noise and excitement, had fatigued him. -"I was covered with perspiration," says he, "heated by the crowd, -standing in the midst of the princes." Frederick de Thun, confidential -counsellor of the Elector of Saxony, stationed by his master's order -behind the Reformer, to take care that he was not taken by surprise or -overborne, seeing the condition of the poor monk, said to him, "If you -cannot repeat your address, that will do, doctor." But Luther, having -paused a moment to take breath, resumed, and pronounced his address in -Latin, with the same vigour as at first.[528] - - [527] "Non clamose at modeste, non tamen sine Christiana animositate - et constantia." (L. Op. Lat. ii. p. 165.) Not clamorously, but - modestly; yet not without Christian warmth and firmness. - - [528] L. Op. Lat. ii, p. 165-167. - -"This pleased the Elector Frederick exceedingly," relates the -Reformer. - -[Sidenote: HERE I AM. I CANNOT DO OTHERWISE.] - -As soon as he had ceased, the Chancellor of Treves, the orator of the -Diet, said to him, indignantly, "You have not answered the question -which was put to you. You are not here to throw doubt on what has been -decided by Councils. You are asked to give a clear and definite reply. -Will you, or will you not retract?" Luther then replied, without -hesitation, "Since your most serene Majesty, and your high -Mightinesses, call upon me for a simple, clear, and definite answer, I -will give it;[529] and it is this: I cannot subject my faith either to -the pope or to councils, because it is clear as day that they have -often fallen into error, and even into great self-contradiction. If, -then, I am not disproved by passages of Scripture, or by clear -arguments; if I am not convinced by the very passages which I have -quoted, and so bound in conscience to submit to the word of God, _I -neither can nor will retract any thing_, for it is not safe for a -Christian to speak against his conscience." Then, looking around on -the assembly before which he was standing, and which held his life in -its hands, "HERE I AM," says he, "I CANNOT DO OTHERWISE: GOD HELP ME. -AMEN."[530] - - [529] Dabo illud neque dentatum, neque cornutum. (Ibid., p. 166.) I - will give it without either teeth or horns. - - [530] Hier stehe, ich: Ich kan nicht anders: Gott helfe mir! Amen. (L. - Op. (L.) xvii, p. 580.) - -Thus Luther, constrained to obey his faith, led by his conscience to -death, impelled by the noblest necessity, the slave of what he -believes, but in this slavery supremely free, like to the ship tossed -by a fearful tempest, which, in order to save something more precious -than itself, is voluntarily allowed to dash itself to pieces against a -rock, pronounces these sublime words, which have not lost their -thrilling effect after the lapse of three centuries; thus speaks a -monk before the emperor and the magnates of the empire, and this poor -and feeble individual standing alone, but leaning on the grace of the -Most High, seems greater and stronger than them all. His word has a -power against which all these mighty men can do nothing. The empire -and the Church, on the one side, the obscure individual, on the other, -have been confronted. God had assembled these kings and prelates that -he might publicly bring their wisdom to nought. They have lost the -battle, and the consequences of their defeat will be felt in all -nations, and during all future ages. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER VICTORIOUS.] - -The assembly were amazed. Several princes could scarcely conceal their -admiration. The emperor, changing his first impression, exclaimed, -"The monk speaks with an intrepid heart and immovable courage."[531] -The Spaniards and Italians alone felt disconcerted, and soon began to -deride a magnanimity which they could not appreciate. - - [531] Der Moench redet unerschrocken, mit getrostem Muth! (Seckend. p. - 350.) - -After the Diet had recovered from the impression produced by the -address, the chancellor resumed: "If you do not retract, the emperor -and the states of the empire will consider what course they must adopt -towards an obstinate heretic." At these words, Luther's friends -trembled, but the monk again said, "God help me; for I can retract -nothing."[532] - - [532] L. Op. (W.) xv, 2286. - -Luther then withdraws, and the princes deliberate. Every one felt that -the moment formed a crisis in Christendom. The yea or nay of this monk -was destined, perhaps for ages, to determine the condition of the -Church and the world. It was wished to frighten him, but the effect -had been to place him on a pedestal in presence of the nation. It was -meant to give more publicity to his defeat, and all that had been done -was to extend his victory. The partisans of Rome could not submit to -bear their humiliation. Luther was recalled, and the orator thus, -addressed him: "Martin, you have not spoken with the modesty which -became your office. The distinction you have made between your books -was useless, for if you retract those which contain errors, the empire -will not allow the others to be burnt. It is extravagant to insist on -being refuted from Scripture, when you revive heresies which were -condemned by the universal Council of Constance. The emperor, -therefore, orders you to say simply, Do you mean to maintain what you -have advanced, or do you mean, to retract any part of it--yes, or no?" -"I have no other answer than that which I have already given," replied -Luther calmly. He was now understood. Firm as a rock, all the billows -of human power had dashed against him in vain. The vigour of his -eloquence, his intrepid countenance, the flashing of his eye, the -immovable firmness imprinted in bold lineaments on his German -features, had produced the deepest impression on this illustrious -assembly. There was no longer any hope. Spaniards, Belgians, and even -Romans were mute. The monk was victorious over earthly grandeur. He -had negatived the Church and the empire. Charles rose up, and all the -assembly with him. "The Diet will meet to-morrow morning to hear the -emperor's decision," said the chancellor, with a loud voice. - -[Sidenote: VICTORY. TUMULT AND CALM.] - - - - -CHAP. IX. - - Victory--Tumult and calm--Duke Erick's Glass of Beer--The - Elector and Spalatin--Message from the Emperor--Wish to - violate the Safe-conduct--Strong opposition--Enthusiasm for - Luther--Voice for Conciliation--The Elector's - Fear--Assemblage at Luther's Lodging--Philip of Hesse. - - -It was night, and each regained his dwelling in the dark. Two imperial -officers were ordered to accompany Luther. Some persons imagining that -his fate was decided, and that they were conducting him to prison, -which he should leave only for the scaffold, an immense tumult arose. -Several gentlemen exclaimed, "Are they taking him to prison?" "No," -replied Luther, "they are accompanying me to my hotel." At these words -the tumult calmed. Then some Spaniards of the emperor's household, -following this bold champion, hissed and jeered at him[533] as he -passed along the streets, while others howled like wild beasts -deprived of their prey. Luther remained firm and peaceful. - - [533] "Subsannatione hominem Dei et longo rugitu prosecuti sunt." (L. - Op. Lat. ii, p. 166.) Followed the man of God with jeers and loud - bellowing. - -Such was the scene at Worms. The intrepid monk, who had hitherto -hurled defiance at his enemies, spake, when in the presence of those -who had thirsted for his blood, with calmness, dignity, and humility. -There was no exaggeration, no human enthusiasm, no anger; he was -peaceful amid the strongest excitement; modest, while resisting the -powers of the earth; great, in presence of all the princes of the -world. In this we have an irrefragable proof that Luther was then -obeying God--not following the suggestions of his own pride. In the -hall of Worms there was One greater than Luther and Charles. Jesus -Christ has said, "_When they deliver you up, take no thought how or -what you shall speak. For it is not ye that speak._"[534] Never, -perhaps, was this promise so manifestly fulfilled. - - [534] Matt. x, 18, 20. - -A deep impression had been produced on the heads of the empire. Luther -had observed this, and it had increased his courage. The servants of -the pope were angry at John Eck for not having oftener interrupted the -guilty monk. Several princes and nobles were gained to a cause which -was maintained with such conviction. In some, it is true, the -impression was evanescent, but, on the other hand, several who till -then had concealed their sentiments, henceforth displayed great -courage. - -[Sidenote: DUKE ERICK'S GLASS OF BEER.] - -Luther had returned to his hotel, and was reposing from the fatigue -of the severe service in which he had been engaged. Spalatin and other -friends were around him, and all were giving thanks to God. While they -were conversing, a valet entered, bearing a silver vase full of -Eimbeck beer. "My master," said he, presenting it to Luther, "begs you -to refresh yourself with this draught of beer." "What prince is it," -asked Luther, "who so graciously remembers me?" It was old Duke Erick -of Brunswick. The Reformer was touched by the offering thus made him -by so powerful a prince; one, too, belonging to the papal party. "His -highness," continued the valet, "was pleased to taste the draught -before sending it to you." Luther, being thirsty, poured out the -duke's beer, and after drinking it, said, "As Duke Erick has this day -remembered me, so may the Lord Jesus Christ remember him in the day of -his final combat."[535] The present was in itself of little value, but -Luther, wishing to show his gratitude to a prince who had thought of -him at such a moment, gave him what he had--a prayer. The valet -returned with the message to his master. The old duke, in his last -moments, remembered the words, and addressing a young page, Francis de -Kramm, who was standing at his bedside, said to him, "Take the gospel -and read it to me." The child read the words of Christ, and the soul -of the dying man was refreshed. "_Whosoever_," says the Saviour, -"_shall give to one of you a cup of cold water in my name, because you -are my disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his -reward_." - - [535] Also gidencke seiner unser Herr Christus in seinem letzten - Kampff. (Seck. p. 354.) - -The valet of the Duke of Brunswick was no sooner gone than a message -from the Elector of Saxony ordered Spalatin to come to him instantly. -Frederick had come to the Diet full of disquietude. He thought that, -in presence of the emperor, Luther's courage might give way, and he -had accordingly been deeply moved by the Reformer's firmness. He was -proud of having taken such a man under his protection. When the -chaplain arrived, the table was covered, and the Elector was going to -sit down to supper with his Court--the valets having already brought -in the vase for washing the hands. The Elector seeing Spalatin enter, -immediately beckoned him to follow, and when alone with him in his -bedchamber, said to him, with deep emotion, "Oh! how well father -Luther spoke before the emperor and all the states of the empire! My -only fear was, that he would be too bold."[536] Frederick then formed -a resolution to protect the doctor in future with greater courage. - - [536] O wie schoen hat Pater Martinus geredet. (Ibid., p. 355.) - -[Sidenote: MESSAGE FROM THE EMPEROR.] - -Aleander saw the impression which Luther had produced. There was no -time, therefore, to be lost. The young emperor must be induced to act -vigorously. The moment was favourable, for there was immediate -prospect of war with France. Leo X, wishing to enlarge his states, and -caring little for the peace of Christendom, caused two treaties to be -secretly negotiated, at the same time, the one with Charles against -Francis, and the other with Francis against Charles.[537] By the -former he stipulated with the emperor for Parma, Placenza, and -Ferrara; by the latter, he stipulated with the king for a part of the -kingdom of Naples, of which Charles was thus to be deprived. Charles -felt the importance of gaining over Leo, in order that he might have -him as an ally against his rival of France. Luther was an easy price -to pay for the friendship of the mighty pontiff. - - [537] Guicciardini, p. 175. Dumont Corp. Dipl. t. iv, p. 96. Dicesi - del papa Leone, che quando l'aveva fatto lega con alcuno, prima soleva - dir che pero non si dovea restar de tratar cum lo altro principe - opposto. It is said of Leo X, that after entering into league with any - one, he was wont to say there was no occasion to cease treating with - princes on the opposite side. (Suriano, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, - M.S. Archives of Venice.) - -The day after Luther's appearance, he caused a message to be read to -the Diet, which he had written in French, with his own hand.[538] -"Sprung," said he, "from the Christian emperors of Germany, from the -Catholic kings of Spain, the archdukes of Austria, and the dukes of -Burgundy, who are all illustrious as defenders of the Roman faith, it -is my firm purpose to follow the example of my ancestors. A single -monk, led astray by his own folly, sets himself up in opposition to -the faith of Christendom. I will sacrifice my dominions, my power, my -friends, my treasure, my body, my blood, my mind, and my life, to stay -this impiety.[539] I mean to send back the Augustin, Luther, -forbidding him to cause the least tumult among the people; thereafter -I will proceed against him and his adherents as against declared -heretics, by excommunication. and interdict, and all means proper for -their destruction.[540] I call upon the members of the states to -conduct themselves like faithful Christians." - - [538] Autographum in linguae Burgundica, ab ipsomet exaratum. - (Cochloeus, 32.) - - [539] "Regna, thesauros, amicos, corpus, sanguinem, vitam, spiritumque - profundere." (Pallavicini, i, p. 118.) - - [540] Und andern Wegen sie zu vertilgen. (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 581.) - -[Sidenote: PROPOSAL TO VIOLATE THE SAFE-CONDUCT.] - -This address did not please every body. Charles, young and -impassioned, had not observed the ordinary forms; he ought previously -to have asked the opinion of the Diet. Two extreme views were -immediately declared. The creatures of the pope, the Elector of -Brandenburg, and several ecclesiastical princes, demanded that no -regard should be paid to the safe-conduct which had been given to -Luther.[541] "The Rhine," said they, "must receive his ashes, as a -century ago it received the ashes of John Huss." Charles, if we may -believe a historian, afterwards bitterly repented that he had not -followed this dastardly counsel. "I confess," said he, towards the -close of his life, "that I committed a great fault in allowing Luther -to live. That heretic having offended a greater master than I, even -God himself, I was not obliged to keep my promise to him. I might, -nay, I ought to have forgotten my word, and avenged the insult which -he offered to God; because I did not put him to death, the heresy has -not ceased to gain strength. His death would have strangled it in the -cradle."[542] - - [541] Dass Luthero das sichere Geleit nicht moechte gehalten werden. - (Seckend. p. 357.) - - [542] Sandoval Hist. de Carlos V, quoted in Llorente, History of the - Inquisition, ii, p. 57. According to Llorente, the idea that Charles, - toward the close of his life, inclined to evangelical opinions, is a - mere invention of Protestants and the enemies of Philip II. This - question forms a historical problem which the numerous quotations of - Llorente appear unhappily to solve in conformity to his view. - -This horrible proposition filled the Elector and all Luther's friends -with terror. "The execution of John Huss," said the Elector Palatine, -"brought too many calamities on Germany to allow such a scaffold to be -erected a second time." "The princes of Germany," exclaimed George of -Saxony, himself the irreconcilable enemy of Luther, "will not allow a -safe-conduct to be violated. This first Diet, held by our new emperor, -will not incur the guilt of an act so disgraceful. Such perfidy -accords not with old German integrity." The princes of Bavaria, also -devoted to the Church of Rome, joined in this protestation. The death -scene which Luther's friends had already before their eyes appeared to -be withdrawn. - -[Sidenote: ALEANDER'S PROPOSAL NEGATIVED.] - -The rumour of these debates, which lasted for two days, spread over -the town. Parties grew warm. Some gentlemen, partisans of reform, -began to speak strongly against the treachery demanded by Aleander. -"The emperor," said they, "is a young man whom the papists and bishops -lead at pleasure by their flattery."[543] Pallavicini makes mention of -four hundred nobles who were ready to maintain Luther's safe-conduct -with the sword. On Saturday morning placards were found posted up on -the houses and public places, some against Luther and others in his -favour. One of them merely contained the energetic words of -Ecclesiastes, "_Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child!_" -Seckingen, it was said, had assembled at some leagues from Worms, -behind the impregnable ramparts of his fortress, a large body of -knights and soldiers, and only waited the issue of the affair that he -might know how to act. The popular enthusiasm, not only in Worms, but -also in the most distant towns of the empire,[544] the intrepidity of -the knights, the attachment of several princes to the Reformer, all -must have made Charles and the Diet comprehend that the step demanded -by the Romans might compromise the supreme authority, excite revolts, -and even shake the empire.[545] It was only a simple monk that they -proposed to burn; but the princes and partisans of Rome, taken all -together, had neither power nor courage enough to do it. Doubtless, -also, Charles V, their young emperor, had still a fear of perjury. -This would seem indicated by an expression, which, if some historians -speak true, he uttered on this occasion: "Were fidelity and good faith -banished from the whole world, they ought to find an asylum in the -hearts of princes." It is said he forgot this when on the brink of the -grave. But there were other motives which might have had their -influence on the emperor. The Florentine Vettori, a friend of Leo X -and of Machiaveli, affirms, that Charles spared Luther only that he -might keep the pope in check.[546] - - [543] Eum esse puerum, qui nutu et blanditiis Papistarum et - Episcoporum trahatur quocunque velint. (Cochloeus, p. 33.) - - [544] Verum etiam in longinquis Germaniae civitatibus, motus et murmura - plebium. (Ibid., p. 33.) - - [545] Es waere ein Aufruhr dauraus worden, says Luther. - - [546] "Carlo si excuso di non poter procedere piu oltre, rispetto al - salvocondotto, ma la verita fu che conoscendo che il Papa temeva molto - di questa doctrina di Luthero, lo volle tenere con questo freno." - Charles pretended that he could not go farther from regard to the - safe-conduct; but the truth was that, knowing the pope was much afraid - of this doctrine, he wished to hold him with this bridle. (Vettori, - Istoria d'Italia M.S. Biblioth. Corsini at Rome, extracted by Ranke.) - -[Sidenote: THE ELECTOR'S FEARS.] - -On the Saturday's sitting, the violent counsels of Aleander were -negatived. There was a feeling in favour of Luther, and a wish to save -the simple-hearted man whose confidence in God was so affecting; but -there was a wish also to save the Church. The Diet shuddered equally -at the consequences which would result from the triumph and from the -destruction of the Reformer. Proposals of conciliation were heard, and -it was suggested that a new attempt should be made with the doctor of -Wittemberg. The archbishop-elector of Mentz himself, the young and -extravagant Albert, more devout than courageous, says Pallavicini,[547] -had taken alarm on seeing the interest which the people and the -nobility showed in the Saxon monk. His chaplain, Capito, who, during -his residence at Bale, had been intimate with the evangelical priest -of Zurich, named Zuinglius, the intrepid defender of the truth, of -whom we have already had occasion to speak, had also, doubtless, -represented to Albert the righteousness of the Reformer's cause. The -worldly archbishop had one of those returns to Christian sentiment -which his life occasionally exhibits, and agreed to go to the emperor -and ask him to allow one last attempt. But Charles flatly refused. On -Monday (22nd April) the princes met in a body to renew the -solicitations of Albert. "I will not depart from what I have decreed," -replied the emperor. I will not commission any person to go officially -to Luther. "But," added he, to the great scandal of Aleander, "I give -this man three days to reflect; during this time any one may, as an -individual, give him suitable advice."[548] This was all that was -asked. The Reformer, thought they, elevated by the solemnity of his -public appearance, will yield in a more friendly conference, and -perhaps be saved from the abyss into which he is ready to fall. - - [547] Qui pio magis animo erat quam forti. (Pallavicini, p. 118.) Who - was more of a devout than of a strong mind. - - [548] Quibus privatim exhortari hominem possent. (Pallav. i, p. 119.) - -The Elector of Saxony knew the contrary; accordingly he was in great -fear. "If it were in my power," wrote he next day to his brother, Duke -John, "I would be ready to support Luther. You could not believe to -what a degree I am attacked by the partisans of Rome. If I could tell -you all, you would hear very strange things.[549] They are bent on his -ruin, and however slight interest any one shows for his person, he is -immediately decried as a heretic. May God, who forsakes not the -righteous cause, bring all to a good end!" Frederick, without showing -the strong affection which he felt for the Reformer, contented himself -with not losing sight of any of his movements. - - [549] Wunde hoeren werden. (Seckend. 365.) - -It was not so with men of all ranks then in Worms. Many fearlessly -gave full vent to their sympathy. From the Friday, a crowd of princes, -counts, barons, knights, gentlemen, ecclesiastics, laics, and common -people surrounded the hotel where the Reformer lodged; they came in -and went out, and could not see enough of him.[550] He was become _the -man_ in Germany. Even those who doubted not that he was in error were -touched by the nobleness of soul which had led him to sacrifice his -life at the bidding of his conscience. With several of the personages -present at Worms, and forming the flower of the nation, Luther had -occasionally conversations full of that salt with which his sayings -were always seasoned. None left him without feeling animated with a -generous enthusiasm for the truth. George Vogler, the private -secretary of the margrave Casimir of Brandenburg, writing to a friend, -says, "What things I should have to tell you! What conversations full -of piety and kindness Luther has had with myself and others! How -winning that man is!"[551] - - [550] Und konnten nicht satt werden ihn zu sehenr. (L. Op. xvii, p. - 581.) - - [551] Wie eine holdselige Person er ist. (Meuzel Magaz. i, p. 207.) - -[Sidenote: VISIT FROM THE LANDGRAVE OF HESSE.] - -One day a young prince of seventeen came prancing into the court of -the hotel: it was Philip, who had been reigning for two years in -Hesse. The young landgrave was of an active and enterprising -character, of a wisdom beyond his years, a martial spirit, and an -impetuous temper, seldom allowing himself to be guided by any ideas -but his own. Struck with Luther's addresses he wished to have a nearer -view of him. "As yet, however," says Luther, in relating his visit, -"he was not for me."[552] He dismounted, and without any other -formality, came up into the Reformer's room, and addressing him, said, -"Well, dear doctor, how goes it?" "Gracious lord," replied Luther, "I -hope it will go well." "From what I learn," resumed the landgrave -laughing, "you teach, doctor, that a wife may quit her husband, and -take another, when the former is found to be too old!" The people of -the imperial court had told this story to the landgrave. The enemies -of the truth never fail to circulate fabulous accounts of the lessons -of Christian teachers--"No, my lord," replied Luther gravely, "let -your highness not speak so, if you please." Thereupon the prince -briskly held out his hand to the doctor, shook his cordially, and -said, "Dear doctor, if you are in the right, may God assist you." On -this he left the room, again mounted his horse and rode off. This was -the first interview between these two men, who were afterwards to -stand at the head of the Reformation, and to defend it, the one with -the sword of the word, and the other with the sword of kings. - - [552] War noch nicht auf meiner Seite. (L. Op. xvii, p. 589.) - -It was the Archbishop of Treves, Richard de Greifenklau, who, with -permission of Charles V, had undertaken the office of mediator. -Richard, who was on an intimate footing with the Elector of Saxony, -and a good Roman Catholic, was desirous to arrange this difficult -affair, and thereby at once do a service to his friend and to the -Church. On Monday evening, (22nd April,) just as Luther was going to -sit down to table, a messenger of the archbishop came to say, that the -prelate wished to see him the day after to-morrow (Wednesday), at six -o'clock in the morning. - - - - -CHAP. X. - - Conference with the Archbishop of Treves--Wehe's advice to - Luther--Luther's Replies--Private Conversation--Visit of - Cochloeus--Supper at the Archbishop's--Attempt on the - Hotel of Rhodes--A Council proposed--Last interview between - Luther and the Archbishop--Visit to a sick friend--Luther - ordered to quit Worms. - - -[Sidenote: CONFERENCE WITH THE ARCHBISHOP OF TREVES.] - -That day the chaplain and the imperial herald, Sturm, were both at -Luther's before six o'clock in the morning. Aleander had caused -Cochloeus to be called at four. The nuncio had not been slow in -discovering in the man who had been presented to him by Capito, a -devoted servant of Rome, on whom he could calculate as on himself. Not -being able to be present at this interview, Aleander wished to have a -substitute at it. "Be present at the Archbishop's of Treves," said he -to the Dean of Frankfort. "Do not enter into discussion with Luther, -but content yourself with paying the closest attention to every thing -that is said, so as to be able to bring me back a faithful -report."[553] The Reformer on arriving with some friends at the house -of the archbishop, found him surrounded by the margrave, Joachim of -Brandenburg and Augsburg, several nobles, deputies from free towns, -lawyers, and theologians, among whom were Cochloeus and Jerome Wehe, -chancellor of Baden. The latter, an able lawyer, wished a reformation -in manners and discipline. He went even further. "The Word of God," -said he, "which has so long been hid under the bushel, must reappear -in all its lustre."[554] This conciliatory individual was entrusted -with the conference. Turning kindly towards Luther, he said to him, -"We did not make you come in order to dispute with you, but in order -to give you brotherly advice. You know how carefully the Scripture -requireth us to guard against the flying arrow, and the devil that -walketh at noon-day. This enemy of the human race has instigated you -to publish things contrary to religion. Think of your own safety, and -that of the empire. Take care that those whom Jesus Christ has -ransomed by his own death, from death eternal, be not seduced by you -and perish for ever.... Do not set yourself up against holy councils. -If we do not maintain the decrees of our fathers, there will be -nothing but confusion in the Church. The distinguished princes now -listening to me take a particular interest in your safety. But if you -persist, the emperor will banish you from the empire,[555] and no -place in the world will be able to offer you an asylum.... Reflect on -the fate which awaits you." - - [553] Aleander, mane hora quarta vocaverit ad se Cochloeum, jubens - ut ... audiret solum ... (Cochloeus, p. 36.) - - [554] Dass das Wort Gottes, Welches so lange unter dem Scheffel - verborgen gesteckt, heller scheine ... (Seckend. 364.) - - [555] Und aus dem Reich verstossen. (L. Op. (L.) xvii, 582. Sleidan, - i, p. 97.) - -"Most Serene Princes!" replied Luther, "I give you thanks for your -solicitude, for I am only a poor man, and am too humble to be exhorted -by such high lords."[556] Then he continued, "I have not blamed all -the councils, but only that of Constance; because, in condemning this -doctrine of John Huss, viz.--_that the Christian Church is the -assembly of those who are predestinated to salvation_[557]--it -condemned this article of our creed, _I believe in the holy Catholic -Church_; and the Word of God itself. My lessons, it is said, give -offence," added he. "I answer that the gospel of Christ cannot be -preached without offence. How then should this fear or apprehension of -danger detach me from the Lord, and from this divine Word, which is -the only truth? No, rather give my body, my blood, and my life!!..." - - [556] Agnosco enim me homuncionem, longe viliorem esse, quam ut a - tantis principibus ... (L. Op. (L.) p. 167.) - - [557] Ecclesia Christi est universitas praedestinatorum. (Ibid.) - -[Sidenote: CONFERENCE WITH THE ARCHBISHOP OF TREVES.] - -The princes and doctors having deliberated, Luther was recalled, and -Wehe mildly resumed, "It is necessary to honour princes, even when -they are mistaken, and to make great sacrifices to charity." Then he -said, in a more urgent tone, "Cast yourself upon the judgment of the -emperor, and have no fear." - -_Luther._--"I consent, with all my heart, that the emperor, the -princes, and even the humblest Christian, shall examine and judge my -books; but on one condition, and it is, that they take the Word of God -for their standard. Men have nothing else to do but to obey. My -conscience is dependent upon it, and I am captive under its -authority."[558] - - [558] Sie wollten sein Gewissen das mit Gottes Wort und heiliger - Schrifft gebunden und gefangen waere nicht dringen. (Math. p. 27.) - -_The Elector of Brandenburg._--"I understand you perfectly, doctor. -You will not acknowledge any judge but the Holy Scripture?" - -_Luther._--"Yes, my lord, exactly. That is my last word."[559] - - [559] Ja darauf stehe Ich. (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 604.) - -Then the princes and doctors withdrew, but the worthy Archbishop of -Treves could not resolve to abandon his undertaking. "Come," said he -to Luther, as he passed into his private room, and, at the same time, -ordered John Eck and Cochloeus, on the one side, and Schurff and -Amsdorff, on the other, to follow them. "Why appeal incessantly to the -Holy Scriptures?" said Eck keenly; "out of it all heresies have -sprung." But Luther, says his friend Mathesius, remained immovable, -like a rock resting on the true rock, the Word of the Lord. "The -pope," replied he, "is no judge in things pertaining to the Word of -God. Every Christian must see and understand for himself how he ought -to live and die."[560] The parties separated. The partisans of the -papacy felt Luther's superiority, and attributed it to there being -nobody present who could answer him. "If the emperor," says -Cochloeus, "had acted wisely in calling Luther to Worms, he would -also have called theologians who might have refuted his errors." - - [560] Ein Christenmensch muss zusehen und richten... (L. Ep. i, p. - 604.) - -The Archbishop of Treves repaired to the Diet, and announced the ill -success of his mediation. The surprise of the young emperor equalled -his indignation. "It is time," said he, "to put an end to this -affair." The archbishop asked two days more, and the whole Diet -seconded him. Charles V yielded. Aleander, transported with rage, -uttered the bitterest invectives.[561] - - [561] De iis Aleander acerrime conquestus est. (Pallavicini, i, p. - 120.) - -[Sidenote: VISIT OF COCHLOEUS.] - -While these things were passing at the Diet, Cochloeus was burning -with eagerness to gain a victory denied to prelates and kings. Though -he had, from time to time, thrown in a few words at the archbishop's, -the order which he had received from Aleander had laid him under -restraint. He resolved to compensate himself, and had no sooner given -an account of his mission to the papal nuncio, than he presented -himself at Luther's lodging. He accosted him as a friend, and -expressed the grief which he felt at the emperor's resolution. After -dinner, the conversation grew animated.[562] Cochloeus pressed -Luther to retract. He declined by a nod. Several nobles, who were at -table, had difficulty in restraining themselves. They were indignant -that the partisans of Rome should wish not to convince the Reformer by -Scripture, but constrain him by force. Cochloeus, impatient under -these reproaches, says to Luther, "Very well, I offer to dispute -publicly with you, if you renounce the safe-conduct."[563] All that -Luther demanded was a public debate. What ought he to do? To renounce -the safe-conduct was to be his own destroyer; to refuse the challenge -of Cochloeus was to appear doubtful of his cause. The guests -regarded the offer as a perfidious scheme of Aleander, whom the Dean -of Frankfort had just left. Vollrat of Watzdorff, one of the number, -freed Luther from the embarrassment of this puzzling alternative. This -baron, who was of a boiling temperament, indignant at a snare which -aimed at nothing less than to give up Luther into the hands of the -executioner,[564] started up, seized the terrified priest, and pushed -him to the door. There would even have been bloodshed had not the -other guests risen up from the table, and interposed their mediation -between the furious baron and the trembling Cochloeus,[565] who -withdrew in confusion from the hotel of the Knights of Rhodes. - - [562] Peracto prandio. (Cochloeus.) - - [563] Und wollte mit mir disputiren, ich sollte allein das Geleit - aufsagen. (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 589.) - - [564] Atque ita traderet eum carnificinae. (Cochloeus, p. 36.) - - [565] Dass Ihm das Blut ueber den Kopff gelauten waere wo man nicht - gewehret haette. (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 589.) - -The expression had no doubt escaped the dean in the heat of -discussion, and was not a premeditated scheme between him and Aleander -to make Luther fall into a perfidious snare. Cochloeus denies that -it was, and we have pleasure in giving credit to his testimony, though -it is true he had come to Luther's from a conference with the nuncio. - -[Sidenote: INCIDENT AT SUPPER WITH THE ARCHBISHOP.] - -In the evening, the Archbishop of Treves entertained those who had -been present at the morning conference. He thought it might be a means -of calming down their minds, and bringing them nearer each other. -Luther, who was so intrepid and immovable before arbiters or judges, -had, in private society, a good humour and gayety which seemed to -promise anything that might be asked of him. The archbishop's -chancellor, who had shown so much sternness in his official capacity, -joined in the attempt, and, towards the end of the repast, drank -Luther's health. He was preparing to return the honour, the wine was -poured out, and he was, according to his custom, making the sign of -the cross on his glass, when suddenly the glass burst in his hands, -and the wine was spilt upon the table. The guests were in -consternation. "There must be poison in it,"[566] said some of -Luther's friends, quite loud. But the doctor, without being moved, -replied, with a smile, "Dear friends, either this wine was not -destined for me, or it would have been hurtful to me." Then he calmly -added, "The glass burst, no doubt, because in washing it had been too -soon plunged in cold water." These simple words, in the circumstances -in which they were uttered, have some degree of grandeur, and bespeak -unalterable peace. We cannot suppose that the Roman Catholics could -have wished to poison Luther, especially at the house of the -Archbishop of Treves. This repast neither estranged nor approximated -the parties. The Reformer's resolution came from a higher source, and -could not be influenced either by the hatred or the favour of men. - - [566] "Es muesse Gift darinnen gewesen seyn."--Luther does not mention - the circumstance, but Razeburg, a friend of Luther, and physician to - the Elector John Frederick, relates it in a manuscript history which - is extant in the library of Gotha, and says he had it from an - eye-witness. - -On Thursday morning (25th April) Chancellor Wehe and doctor Peutinger -of Augsburg, imperial counsellor, who had shown great affection for -Luther ever since his interview with de Vio, repaired to the hotel of -the Knights of Rhodes. The Elector of Saxony sent Frederick De Thun, -and another of his counsellors, to be present at the conference. "Put -yourself in our hands," earnestly said Wehe and Peutinger, who would -willingly have sacrificed every thing to prevent the division which -was about to rend the Church. "This affair will be terminated in a -Christian manner; we give you our word for it." "In two words," said -Luther to them, "here is my answer: I renounce the safe-conduct.[567] -I place in the hands of the emperor my person and my life; but the -Word of God ... never!" Frederick de Thun affected rose and said to -the deputies, "Is it not enough? Is not the sacrifice great enough?" -Then declaring that he would hear nothing more, he took his leave. -Wehe and Peutinger, hoping to have better success with the doctor, -came and sat down on each side of him. "Throw yourself upon the Diet," -said they to him. "No," replied Luther, "for _cursed be the man that -trusteth in man_." (Jeremiah, xvii, 5.) Wehe and Peutinger redoubled -their counsels and attacks, pressing more closely on the Reformer. -Luther worn out, rose up and put an end to the interview, saying, "I -will not allow any man to set himself above the word of God."[568] -"Reflect once more," said they to him on retiring, "we will return -after mid-day." - - [567] Er wollte ehe das Geleit aufsagen.... (L. Op. (L.) xvii, 589.) - - [568] Er wollte kurtsrum Menschen ueber Gottes Wort nicht erkensen - (Ibid., p. 583.) - -[Sidenote: NEW PROPOSAL.] - -They, in fact, did return; but convinced that Luther would not yield, -they brought a new proposal. Luther had refused to be judged first by -the pope, then by the emperor, then by the Diet. There remained one -judge to whom he himself had once appealed--a general council. No -doubt such a proposal would have been scouted by Rome; but it was the -last plank for escape. The delegates offered Luther a Council; and he -had it in his power to accept it unfettered by any precise definition. -Years might have elapsed before the difficulties which the calling of -a Council would have encountered on the part of the pope could have -been obviated. To the Reformation and the Reformer a gain of years -would have gained every thing. God and time would then have done the -rest. But Luther preferred the straight course to every other: he -would not save himself at the expense of truth though all that might -have been necessary was to disguise it by keeping silence. "I -consent," replied he, "but (this was equivalent to a refusal of the -Council) on condition that the Council will judge only according to -the Holy Scriptures."[569] - - [569] Das daruber aus der heiligen Schrifft gesprochen. (L. Op. (L.) - xvii, p. 584.) - -Peutinger and Wehe, thinking that a Council could not judge otherwise, -hastened overjoyed to the archbishop. "Dr. Martin," said they, -"submits his books to a Council." The archbishop was going to carry -the good news to the emperor, when some doubt occurring to him, he -sent for Luther. - -Richard of Grieffenklau was alone when the doctor arrived. "Dear -doctor," said the archbishop, with much cordiality and kindness,[570] -"my doctors assure me that you consent without reservation to submit -your cause to a Council." "My Lord," replied Luther, "I can bear every -thing, but cannot abandon the Holy Scriptures." The archbishop then -perceived that Wehe and Peutinger had not explained themselves -properly. Never could Rome consent to a Council bound to decide -according to Scripture. "It was just," says Pallavicini, "to insist -that a weak eye should read very small writing, and at the same time -deny the use of spectacles."[571] The good archbishop sighed. "It was -well," said he, "I made you come. What would have become of me had I -immediately gone to the emperor with the news?" - - [570] Ganz gut und mehr denn gnaedig. (L. Ep. i, p. 604.) - - [571] Simulque conspiciliorum omnium usum negare. (Ibid., p. 110.) - -The immovable firmness, the stern rectitude of Luther, are, no doubt, -astonishing, but they will be comprehended and respected by all who -know the claims of God. Seldom has a nobler homage been paid to the -immutable word of Heaven, and that at the risk of life and liberty by -the man who paid it. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S LAST INTERVIEW WITH THE ARCHBISHOP.] - -"Well," said the venerable prelate to Luther, "do you yourself then -point out a remedy." - -_Luther_, (_after a moment's silence_).--"My Lord, I know no other -than that 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, lest -haply ye be found even to fight against God._' Let the emperor, the -electors, the princes, and the states of the empire, deliver this -answer to the pope." - -_Archbishop._--"At least retract some articles." - -_Luther._--"Provided it be not those which the Council of Constance -condemned." - -_Archbishop._--"Ah, I fear they are the very ones which will be -asked." - -_Luther._--"Then sooner sacrifice my body and my life--better allow my -legs and arms to be cut off than abandon the clear and genuine word of -God."[572] - - [572] Ehe Stumpf und Stiel fahren lassen .... (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. - 584.) - -The archbishop at length understood Luther. "You may withdraw," said -he to him, always with the same gentleness. "Your Lordship," resumed -Luther, "will be so good as to see that his Majesty cause the -safe-conduct necessary for my return to be expedited." "I will see to -it," replied the good archbishop, and they parted. - -So ended these negotiations. The whole empire had assailed this man -with the most urgent entreaties and the most fearful menaces,[573] and -this man had never flinched. His refusal to bend under the iron arm of -the pope emancipated the Church, and commenced a new era. The -intervention of Providence was evident, and the whole presents one of -those grand historical scenes in which the majestic form of the -Divinity appears conspicuously displayed. - - [573] Totum imperium ad se conversum spectabat. (Pallavicini, i, p. - 120.) - -Luther withdrew in company with Spalatin who had arrived at the -archbishop's during the course of the visit. John von Minkwitz, one of -the Elector of Saxony's counsellors, had fallen sick at Worms. The two -friends repaired to his lodging, and Luther administered the tenderest -consolation to the sick man. "Adieu," said he to him on leaving, -"to-morrow I shall quit Worms." - -Luther was not mistaken. He had not been three hours returned to the -hotel of the Knights of Rhodes when chancellor Eck and the chancellor -of the emperor, with a notary, made their appearance. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER'S DEPARTURE FOR WORMS.] - -The chancellor said to him, "Martin Luther, his imperial Majesty, the -Electors, Princes, and States of the empire, having exhorted you to -submission again and again, and in various manners, but always in -vain, the emperor, in his quality of advocate and defender of the -Catholic faith, sees himself obliged to take other steps. He therefore -orders you to return to your home in the space of twenty-one days, and -prohibits you from disturbing the public peace by the way, either by -preaching or writing." - -Luther was well aware that this message was the first step in his -condemnation. "It has happened as Jehovah pleased," said he meekly. -"Blessed be the name of Jehovah!" Then he added, "Before all things, -very humbly and from the bottom of my heart, I thank his Majesty, the -Electors, Princes, and other States of the empire, for having listened -to me with so much kindness. I have desired, and do desire one thing -only--a reformation of the Church agreeably to Holy Scripture. I am -ready to do every thing and suffer every thing in humble submission to -the will of the emperor. Life and death, honour and disgrace, are all -alike to me: I make only one reservation--the preaching of the gospel; -for, says St. Paul, '_The word of God cannot be bound_.'" The deputies -withdrew. - -On the morning of Friday (26th April) the Reformer's friends and -several nobles met at his lodgings.[574] They were gratified at seeing -the Christian constancy which he had opposed to Charles and the -empire, and to recognise in him the features of the ancient portrait: - - "Justum ac tenacem propositi virum, - Non civium ardor prava jubentium, - Non vultus instantis tyranni, - Mente quatit solida...."[575] - - [574] Salutatis patronis et amicis qui eum frequentissimi - convenerunt.... (L. Op. Lat. ii, p. 168.) Having saluted his patrons - and friends, who called upon him in great numbers. - - [575] Horat. Od. lib. iii, 3. - -They wished once more, perhaps for ever, to bid adieu to this intrepid -monk. Luther took a frugal meal. Now he must take leave of his -friends, and flee far from them under a sky surcharged with storms. He -wished to pass this solemn moment in the presence of God. He lifted up -his soul and blessed those who were around him.[576] Ten in the -morning having struck, Luther quitted the hotel with the friends who -had accompanied him to Worms. Twenty gentlemen on horseback surrounded -his carriage. A great crowd accompanied him beyond the walls. The -imperial herald, Sturm, rejoined him some time after at Oppenheim, and -the following day they reached Frankfort. - - [576] Seine Freunde gesegnet. (Mathesius, p. 27.) - -[Sidenote: JOURNEY FROM WORMS. LUTHER TO CRANACH.] - - - - -CHAP. XI. - - Luther's Departure--Journey from Worms--Luther to - Cranach--Luther to Charles V--Luther with the Abbot of - Hirschfeld--The Curate of Eisenach--Several Princes leave - the Diet--Charles signs Luther's Condemnation--The Edict of - Worms--Luther with his parents--Luther attacked and carried - off--The ways of God--Wartburg--Luther a Prisoner. - - -Luther having thus escaped from these walls of Worms, which threatened -to become his tomb, his whole heart gave glory to God. "The devil -himself," said he, "guarded the citadel of the pope. But Christ has -made a large breach in it; and Satan has been forced to confess that -the Lord is mightier than he."[577] - - [577] Aber Christus macht ein Loch derein. (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 589.) - -"The day of the Diet of Worms," says the pious Mathesius, the disciple -and friend of Luther, "is one of the greatest and most glorious days -given to the world before its final close."[578] The battle fought at -Worms re-echoed far and wide, and while the sound travelled over -Christendom, from the regions of the North to the mountains of -Switzerland, and the cities of England, France, and Italy, many -ardently took up the mighty weapon of the Word of God. - - [578] Diss ist der herrlichen grossen Tag einer vorm Ende der Welt (p. - 28.) - -Luther, having arrived at Frankfort, on the evening of Saturday, (27th -April,) took advantage next day of a moment of leisure, the first he -had had for a long time, to write a note, in a style at once playful -and energetic, to his friend, Lucas Cranach, the celebrated painter, -at Wittemberg. "Your servant, dear compeer Lucas," said he to him, "I -thought his majesty would assemble at Worms some fifty doctors to -confute the monk off hand. But not at all. Are these books yours? Yes. -Will you retract them? No. Ah well! get you gone! Such was the whole -story. O blind Germans, how like children we act in allowing ourselves -to be played upon and duped by Rome!... The Jews must for once have -their chant, Yo! Yo! Yo! But our passover also will come, and then we -will sing Hallelujah![579]... There must be silence and suffering for -a short time. Jesus Christ says, '_A little while and ye shall not see -me, and again a little while and ye shall see me_.' (John, xvi, 16.) I -hope it will be so with me. I commend you altogether to the Eternal. -May He through Christ protect us against the attacks of the wolves and -dragons of Rome. Amen." - - [579] "Es muessen die Juden einmal singen, Io, Io, Io!..." (L. Ep. i, - p. 589.) These cries of joy by the Jews at the time of the crucifixion - represent the songs of triumph by the partisans of the papacy on - occasion of the catastrophe which is going to befall Luther; but the - Reformer discovers in the distance hallelujahs of deliverance. - -[Sidenote: LUTHER TO CHARLES V.] - -After writing this somewhat enigmatical letter, Luther, as time was -pressing, set out immediately for Friedberg, which is six leagues from -Frankfort. The next day Luther again communed with himself. He was -desirous to write once more to Charles V, being unwilling to confound -him with guilty rebels. In his letter to the emperor he clearly -expounded the nature of the obedience which is due to man, and that -which is due to God, and the limit where the former must stop and give -place to the latter. In reading Luther, we involuntarily call to mind -the saying of the greatest autocrat of modern times: "My role ends -where that of conscience begins."[580] "God, who is the searcher of -hearts, is my witness," says Luther, "that I am ready with all -diligence to obey your majesty, whether in honour or disgrace, whether -by life or by death, and with absolutely no exception but the word of -God, from which man derives life. In all the affairs of the present -life my fidelity will be immutable, for as to these loss or gain -cannot at all affect salvation. But in regard to eternal blessings, it -is not the will of God that man should submit to man. Subjection in -the spiritual world constitutes worship, and should be paid only to -the Creator."[581] - - [580] Napoleon to the Protestant deputation after his accession to the - empire. - - [581] Nam ea fides et submissio proprie est vera ilia latria et - adoratio Dei ... (L. Ep. i, p. 592.) For that faith and submission is, - properly speaking, true worship and adoration of God. - -Luther also addressed a letter, but in German, to the States of the -empire. It was nearly the same in substance as that to the emperor. It -contained an account of all that had taken place at Worms. This letter -was repeatedly printed and circulated all over Germany; "Every where," -says Cochloeus, "it excited the popular indignation against the -emperor and the dignified clergy."[582] - - [582] Per chalcographos multiplicata et in populos dispersa est ea - epistola ... Caesari autem et clericis odium populare, etc. - (Cochloeus, p. 386.) - -Early next day, Luther wrote a note to Spalatin, enclosing in it the -two letters which he had written the evening before, and sent back the -herald Sturm, who had been won to the gospel. Having embraced him he -set out in all haste for Grunberg. - -On Tuesday, when about two leagues from Hirschfeld, he met the -chancellor of the abbot-prince of this town, who had come out to -receive him. Shortly after a troop of horsemen appeared with the abbot -at their head. The latter leapt from his horse, and Luther having -alighted from his carriage, the prince and the Reformer embraced, and -then entered Hirschfeld. The senate received them at the gates.[583] -The princes of the Church ran to meet a monk anathematised by the -pope, and the most distinguished among the laity, bowed the head -before an individual whom the emperor had put under the ban. - - [583] Senatus intra portas nos excepit (L. Ep. ii, p. 6.) - -[Sidenote: LUTHER AT EISENACH.] - -"At five in the morning we will be at the church," said the prince, -on rising in the evening from table, at which the Reformer was a -guest. He even wished Luther to occupy his own bed. Next day, Luther -preached, the abbot-prince accompanying him with his suite. - -In the evening, Luther arrived at Eisenach, the abode of his infancy. -All his friends in the town gathered round him, and begged him to -preach. The next day they conducted him to the church. The curate made -his appearance, attended by a notary and witnesses. He came forward in -great tremor, divided between the fear of losing his place, and that -of opposing the powerful man before him. At last he said, in a tone of -embarrassment, "I protest against the liberty which you are going to -take." Luther mounted the pulpit, and that voice which, twenty-three -years before, sung in the streets of this town for bread, caused the -arches of the ancient church to ring with accents which had begun to -shake the world. After the sermon, the curate, in confusion, stept -softly forward to Luther. The notary had drawn up his instrument, the -witnesses had signed it, and everything was in regular order to put -the curate's place in safety. "Pardon me," said he humbly to the -doctor; "I have done it from fear of the tyrants who oppress the -Church."[584] - - [584] Humiliter tamen excusante ... ob metum tyronnorum suorum. (L. - Ep. ii, p. 6.) - -There was, in fact, some ground to fear them. At Worms, the aspect of -affairs had changed. Aleander seemed to reign supreme. "Luther has -nothing before him but exile," wrote Frederick to his brother, Duke -John. "Nothing can save him. If God permits me to return, I will have -things almost incredible to tell you. Not only Annas and Caiaphas, but -also Pilate and Herod, have leagued against him." Frederick, having -little wish to remain longer, left Worms. The Elector-Palatine did the -same, as did also the Archbishop-Elector of Cologne. Princes of less -elevated rank imitated them. Deeming it impossible to avert the blow -which was about to be struck, they preferred, perhaps erroneously, to -abandon the place. The Spaniards, Italians, and the most Ultra-Montane -of the German princes, alone remained. - -The field was free, and Aleander triumphed. He laid before Charles the -draft of an edict, which he intended should serve as the model of that -which the Diet was to issue against the monk. The nuncio's labour -pleased the irritated emperor. He assembled the remains of the Diet in -his chamber, and caused Aleander's edict to be read to them. All who -were present, (so says Pallavicini,) approved it. - -[Sidenote: CHARLES SIGNS LUTHER'S CONDEMNATION.] - -The next day--the day of a great festival--the emperor was in the -church, surrounded by the nobility of his court. The religious -solemnity was finished, and a multitude of people filled the church, -when Aleander, clad in all the insignia of his rank, approached -Charles V.[585] He held in his hand two copies of the edict against -Luther, the one in Latin, and the other in German, and, kneeling down -before his majesty, implored him to append his signature and the seal -of the empire. It was at the moment when the host had just been -offered, when incense filled the temple, when music was still ringing -under its arches, and, as it were, in the presence of the Divinity, -that the destruction of the enemy of Rome was to be completed. The -emperor, assuming the most gracious manner,[586] took the pen and -signed. Aleander went off in triumph, put the decree immediately to -press, and sent it over all Christendom.[587] This fruit of the labour -of Rome had cost the papacy some pains. Pallavicini himself informs us -that this edict, though dated the 8th May, was signed later, but was -antedated, to make it be supposed that it was executed during the time -when all the members of the Diet were actually assembled. - - [585] "Cum Caesar in templo adesset ... processit illi obviam - Aleander." (Pallavicini, i. p. 22.) - - [586] "Festivissimo vultu." (Ibid.) - - [587] "Et undique pervulgata." (Ibid.) - -"We Charles Fifth," said the emperor, (then followed all his titles,) -"to all the electors, princes, prelates, and others, whom it may -concern, - -"The Almighty having entrusted to us, for the defence of his holy -faith, more kingdoms and power than he gave to any of our -predecessors, we mean to exert ourselves to the utmost to prevent any -heresy from arising to pollute our holy empire. - -"The Augustin monk, Martin Luther, though exhorted by us, has rushed -like a madman against the holy Church, and sought to destroy it by -means of books filled with blasphemy. He has, in a shameful manner, -insulted the imperishable law of holy wedlock. He has striven to -excite the laity to wash their hands in the blood of priests;[588] -and, overturning all obedience, has never ceased to stir up revolt, -division, war, murder, theft, and fire, and to labour completely to -ruin the faith of Christians.... In a word, to pass over all his other -iniquities in silence, this creature, who is not a man, but Satan -himself under the form of a man, covered with the cowl of a monk,[589] -has collected into one stinking pool all the worst heresies of past -times, and has added several new ones of his own.... - - [588] "Ihre Haende in der Priester Blut zu waschen." (L. Op. (L.) xvii, - p. 598.) - - [589] "Nicht ein Mensch, sondern als der boese Feind in Gestalt eines - Menschen mit angennommener Moenchshuetten."... (Ibid.) - -"We have, therefore, sent this Luther from before our face, that all -pious and sensible men may regard him as a fool, or a man possessed of -the devil; and we expect that, after the expiry of his safe-conduct, -effectual means will be taken to arrest his furious rage. - -[Sidenote: EDICT OF WORMS.] - -"Wherefore, under pain of incurring the punishment due to the crime of -treason, we forbid you to lodge the said Luther so soon as the fatal -term shall be expired, to conceal him, give him meat or drink, and -lend him, by word or deed, publicly or secretly, any kind of -assistance. We enjoin you, moreover, to seize him, or cause him to be -seized, wherever you find him, and bring him to us without any delay, -or to keep him in all safety until you hear from us how you are to act -with regard to him, and till you receive the recompence due to your -exertions in so holy a work. - -"As to his adherents you will seize them, suppress them, and -confiscate their goods. - -"As to his writings, if the best food becomes the terror of all -mankind as soon as a drop of poison is mixed with it, how much more -ought these books which contain a deadly poison to the soul to be not -only rejected but also annihilated. - -"You will therefore burn them, or in some other way destroy them -entirely. - -"As to authors, poets, printers, painters, sellers or buyers of -placards, writings, or paintings, against the pope, or the Church, you -will lay hold of their persons and their goods, and treat them -according to your good pleasure. - -"And if any one, whatever be his dignity, shall dare to act in -contradiction to the decree of our imperial Majesty, we ordain that he -shall be placed under the ban of the empire. - -"Let every one conform hereto." - -Such was the edict signed in the Cathedral of Worms. It was more than -a Roman bull which, though published in Italy, might not be executed -in Germany. The emperor himself had spoken, and the Diet had ratified -his decree. All the partisans of Rome sent forth a shout of triumph. -"It is the end of the tragedy," exclaimed they. "For my part," said -Alphonso Valdez, a Spaniard at the emperor's court, "I am persuaded it -is not the end but the beginning."[590] Valdez perceived that the -movement was in the Church, in the people, in the age, and that though -Luther should fall, his cause would not fall with him. But no one -disguised to himself the imminent, the inevitable danger to which the -Reformer was exposed, while the whole tribe of the superstitious were -seized with horror at the thought of the incarnate Satan whom the -emperor pointed out to the nation as disguised under a monk's frock. - - [590] Non finem sed initium. (P. Martyris Ep. p. 412.) - -[Sidenote: LUTHER WITH HIS PARENTS.] - -The man against whom the mighty of the earth were thus forging their -thunders had left the Church of Eisenach, and was preparing to -separate from some of his dearest friends. He did not wish to follow -the road of Gotha or Erfurt, but to repair to the village of Mora, his -father's birth place, that he might there see his grandmother, who -died four months after, his uncle, Henry Luther, and other relations. -Schurff, Jonas, and Suaven, set off for Wittemberg; Luther mounted his -vehicle with Amsdorff who remained with him, and entered the forest of -Thuringia.[591] - - [591] Ad carnem meam trans sylvam profectus. (L Ep. i, p. 7.) - Proceeding beyond the forest to my kindred. - -The same evening he reached the village of his fathers. The poor old -peasant clasped in her arms this grandson who had just been showing -front to the emperor Charles and pope Leo. Luther spent the next day -with his family, happy in substituting this tranquil scene for the -tumult at Worms. On the following day he resumed his journey, -accompanied by Amsdorff and his brother James. In these lonely spots -the Reformer's lot was to be decided. They were passing along the -forest of Thuringia, on the road to Wallershausen. As the carriage was -in a hollow part of the road, near the old church of Glisbach, at some -distance from the castle of Altenstein, a sudden noise was heard, and -at that moment five horsemen, masked and in complete armour, rushed -upon the travellers. Luther's brother, as soon as he perceived the -assailants, lept from the vehicle, and ran off at full speed without -uttering a word. The driver was for defending himself. "Stop!" cried -one of the assailants in a stern voice, and rushing upon him threw him -to the ground.[592] A second man in a mask seized Amsdorff, and -prevented him from coming near. Meanwhile the three other horsemen -laid hold of Luther, keeping the most profound silence. They pulled -him violently from the carriage, threw a horseman's cloak upon his -shoulders, and placed him on a led horse. Then the other two quitted -Amsdorff and the driver, and the whole lept into their saddles. The -hat of one of them fell off, but they did not even stop to lift it, -and in a twinkling disappeared in the dark forest with their prisoner. -They at first took the road to Broderode, but they soon retraced their -steps by a different road, and without quitting the forest, made -turnings and windings in all directions, in order to deceive those who -might attempt to follow their track.[593] - - [592] Dejectoque in solum auriga et verberato. (Pallavicini, i, p. - 122.) Having thrown the driver to the ground and bound him with cords. - - [593] Dejecto in solum auriga et verberato. (Ibid.) - -[Sidenote: LUTHER ATTACKED AND CARRIED OFF.] - -Luther, little accustomed to horseback, was soon overcome with -fatigue. Being permitted to dismount for a few moments, he rested near -a beech tree, and took a draught of fresh water from a spring, which -is still called, _Luther's Spring_.[594] His brother James always -continuing his flight arrived in the evening at Wallershausen. The -driver in great alarm had got up on his vehicle, into which Amsdorff -also mounted, and urging on his horses, which proceeded at a rapid -pace, brought Luther's friend as far as Wittemberg. At Wallershausen, -and Wittemberg, and the interjacent country, villages, and towns, all -along the road, news of Luther's having been carried off were spread, -news which, while it delighted some, filled the greater number with -astonishment and indignation. A cry of grief soon resounded throughout -Germany--"Luther has fallen into the hands of his enemies!" - - [594] Longo itinere, novus eques, fessus. (L. Ep. ii, p. 3.) - -After the violent combat which Luther had been obliged to maintain, -God was pleased to conduct him to a peaceful resting place. After -placing him on the brilliant theatre of Worms, where all the powers of -the Reformer's soul had been so vigorously exerted, He gave him the -obscure and humiliating retreat of a prison. From the deepest -obscurity He brings forth the feeble instruments by which he proposes -to accomplish great things, and then, after allowing them to shine for -a short time with great lustre on an elevated stage, sends them back -again to deep obscurity. Violent struggles and pompous displays were -not the means by which the Reformation was to be accomplished. That is -not the way in which the leaven penetrates the mass of the population. -The Spirit of God requires more tranquil paths. The man of whom the -champions of Rome were always in pitiless pursuit, behoved for a time -to disappear from the world. It was necessary that personal -achievements should be eclipsed in order that the revolution about to -be accomplished might not bear the impress of an individual. It was -necessary that man should retire and God alone remain, moving, by his -Spirit, over the abyss in which the darkness of the middle age was -engulphed, and saying,--"_Let there be light_." - -Nightfall having made it impossible to follow their track, the party -carrying off Luther took a new direction, and about an hour before -midnight arrived at the foot of a mountain.[595] The horses climbed -slowly to its summit on which stood an old fortress surrounded on all -sides, except that of the entrance, by the black forests which cover -the mountains of Thuringia. - - [595] Hora ferme undecima ad mansionem noctis perveni in tenebris. (L. - Ep. i, p. 3.) - -[Sidenote: LUTHER A CAPTIVE.] - -To this elevated and isolated castle, named the Wartburg, where the -Landgraves of old used to conceal themselves, was Luther conducted. -The bolts are drawn, the iron bars fall, the gates open, and the -Reformer clearing the threshold, the bars again close behind him. He -dismounts in the court. Burkard de Hund, Lord of Allenstein, one of -the horsemen, withdraws; another, John of Berlepsch, Provost of -Wartburg, conducts Luther to the chamber which was to be his prison, -and where a knight's dress and a sword were lying. The three other -horsemen, dependants of the provost, carry off his ecclesiastical -dress, and put on the other which had been prepared for him, enjoining -him to allow his hair and beard to grow,[596] in order that none even -in the castle might know who he was. The inmates of the Wartburg were -only to know the prisoner under the name of Chevalier Georges. Luther -scarcely knew himself in the dress which was put upon him.[597] At -length he is left alone, and can turn in his thoughts the strange -events which had just taken place at Worms, the uncertain prospect -which awaits him, and his new and strange abode. From the narrow -windows of his keep he discovers the dark, solitary, and boundless -forests around. "There," says Mathesins, the biographer and friend of -Luther, "the doctor remained like St. Paul in his prison at Rome." - - [596] Exutus vestibus meis et equestribus indutus, comam et barbam - nutriens.... (L. Ep. i, p. 7.) - - [597] Cum ipse me jam dudum non noverim. (Ibid., ii, p. 7) - -Frederick de Thun, Philip Feilitsch, and Spalatin, had not concealed -from Luther, in a confidential interview which they had with him at -Worms by order of the Elector, that his liberty behoved to be -sacrificed to the wrath of Charles and the pope.[598] Still there was -so much mystery in the mode of his being carried off that Frederick -was long ignorant of the place of his confinement. The grief of the -friends of the Reformation was prolonged. Spring passed away, -succeeded by summer, autumn, and winter; the sun finished his annual -course, and the walls of the Wartburg still confined their prisoner. -The truth is laid under interdict by the Diet; its defender, shut up -within the walls of a strong castle, has disappeared from the stage of -the world, none knowing what has become of him. Aleander triumphs, and -the Reformation seems lost; ... but God reigns, and the blow which -apparently threatened to annihilate the cause of the gospel will serve -only to save its intrepid minister and extend the light of faith. - - [598] Seckend., p. 265. - -Let us leave Luther a captive in Germany on the heights of the -Wartburg, and let us see what God was then doing in the other -countries of Christendom. - - - - -BOOK EIGHTH. - -THE SWISS. - -1484-1522. - - - - -CHAP. I. - - Movements in Switzerland--Source of the - Reformation--Democratic Character--Foreign - Service--Morality--The Tockenburg--An Alpine Hut--A Pastoral - Family. - - -At the moment when the decree of the Diet of Worms appeared, a -continually increasing movement was beginning to shake the quiet -valleys of Switzerland. The voice which was heard in the plains of -Upper and Lower Saxony was answered from the bosom of the Helvetic -mountains by the energetic voices of its priests, its shepherds, and -the citizens of its warlike cities. The partisans of Rome, seized with -terror, exclaimed that a vast and dreadful conspiracy was every where -formed against the Church. The friends of the gospel filled with joy, -said, that as in spring a living breath is felt from the streams which -run into the sea up to the mountain tops, so, throughout all -Christendom, the Spirit of God was now melting the ices of a long -winter, and covering with verdure and flowers the lowest plains as -well as the steepest and most barren rocks. - -Germany did not communicate the truth to Switzerland, nor Switzerland -to France, nor France to England. All these countries received it from -God, just as one part of the world does not transmit the light to -another part, but the same shining globe communicates it directly to -all the earth. Christ, _the day-spring from on high_, infinitely -exalted above all mankind, was, at the period of the Reformation as at -that of the establishment of Christianity, the divine fire which gave -life to the world. In the sixteenth century one and the same doctrine -was at once established in the homes and churches of the most distant -and diversified nations. The reason is, that the same Spirit was every -where at work producing the same faith. - -[Sidenote: MOVEMENTS IN SWITZERLAND.] - -The reformation of Germany and that of Switzerland demonstrate this -truth. Zuinglius had no intercourse with Luther. There was, no doubt, -a link between these two men; but we must search for it above the -earth. He who from heaven gave the truth to Luther, gave it to -Zuinglius. God was the medium of communication between them. "I began -to preach the gospel," says Zuinglius, "in the year of grace, 1516, in -other words, at a time when the name of Luther had never been heard of -in our country. I did not learn the doctrine of Christ from Luther, -but from the word of God. If Luther preaches Christ, he does what I -do; that is all."[599] - - [599] ...1516, eo scilicet tempore, quum Lutheri nomen in nostris - regionibus inauditum adhuc erat...doctrinam Christi non a Luthero, sed - ex verbo Dei didici. (Zwinglii Opera, curant. Schulero et Schulthesio, - Turici, 1829, vol. i, p. 273, 276.) - -But if the different reformations, which all proceeded from the same -Spirit, thereby acquired great unity, they also received certain -peculiar features, corresponding to the different characters of the -people among whom they took place. - -We have already given a sketch of the state of Switzerland at the -period of the Reformation,[600] and will only add a few words to what -we have already said. In Germany, the ruling principle was -monarchical, in Switzerland it was democratic. In Germany the -Reformation had to struggle with the will of princes; in Switzerland, -with the will of the people. A multitude are more easily led away than -an individual, and are also more prompt in their decisions. The -victory over the papacy on the other side of the Rhine was the work of -years, but on this side of it required only months or days. - - [600] First Volume. - -[Sidenote: FOREIGN SERVICE.] - -In Germany, Luther's person stands forth imposingly from the midst of -his Saxon countrymen. He seems to struggle alone in his attack on the -Roman Colossus, and wherever the battle is fought, we see his lofty -stature on the field of battle. Luther is, as it were, the monarch of -the revolution which is being accomplished. In Switzerland, several -cantons are at once engaged in the contest. We see a confederacy of -Reformers, and are astonished at their numbers. No doubt there is one -head which stands elevated above the rest, but no one has the command. -It is a republican magistracy, where each presents his peculiar -physiognomy, and exercises his separate influence. We have Wittemberg, -Zuinglius, Capito, Haller, OEcolampadius. Again, we have Oswald -Myconius, Leo Juda, Farel, and Calvin, and the Reformation takes place -at Glaris, Bale, Zurich, Berne, Neufchatel, Geneva, Lucerne, -Schafausen, Appenzel, St. Gall, and in the Grisons. In the -Reformation of Germany, one scene only is seen, and that one level -like the country around; but in Switzerland, the Reformation is -divided, as Switzerland itself is divided by its thousand mountains. -So to speak, each valley has its awakening, and each Alpine height its -gleams of light. - -A lamentable period had commenced in the history of the Swiss after -their exploits against the dukes of Burgundy. Europe, which had -learned to know the strength of their arm, had brought them forth from -their mountains, and robbed them of their independence, by employing -them to decide the destiny of states on battle-fields. Swiss -brandished the sword against Swiss on the plains of Italy and France; -and the intrigues of strangers filled these high valleys of the Alps, -so long the abode of simplicity and peace, with envy and discord. Led -away by the attraction of gold, sons, labourers, and servants, stole -away from the chalets of alpine pastures towards the banks of the -Rhine or the Po. Helvetic unity was crushed under the slow step of -mules loaded with gold. The object of the Reformation in -Switzerland--for there too it had a political aspect--was to -re-establish the unity and ancient virtues of the cantons. Its first -cry was that the Swiss should tear asunder the perfidious nets of -strangers, and embrace each other in strict union at the foot of the -cross. But the generous call was not listened to. Rome, accustomed to -purchase in these valleys the blood which she shed in order to -increase her power, rose up in wrath. She set Swiss against Swiss, and -new passions arose which rent the body of the nation in pieces. - -Switzerland stood in need of a reformation. It is true there was among -the Helvetians a simplicity and good-nature, which the polished -Italians thought ridiculous, but, at the same time, it was admitted -that by no people were the laws of chastity more habitually -transgressed. Astrologers ascribed this to the constellations;[601] -philosophers, to the ardent temperament of this indomitable -population; and moralists, to the principles of the Swiss, who -regarded trick, dishonesty, and slander as much greater sins than -uncleanness.[602] The priests were prohibited from marrying, but it -would have been difficult to find one of them who lived in true -celibacy. The thing required of them was, to conduct themselves not -chastely, but prudently. This was one of the first disorders against -which the Reformation was directed. It is time to trace the beginnings -of this new day in the valleys of the Alps. - - [601] Wirz, Helvetische Kirchen Geschichte, iii, p. 201. - - [602] Sodomitis melius erit in die judicii, quam rerum vel honoris - ablatoribus. (Hemmerlin, de anno jubilaeo.) - -[Sidenote: AN ALPINE COTTAGE.] - -Towards the middle of the eleventh century, two hermits set out from -Saint Gall, and proceeding towards the mountains at the south of this -ancient monastery, arrived in a deserted valley about ten leagues -long.[603] Towards the north, the high mountains of Sentis, the -Sommerigkopf, and the Old-Man, separate this valley from the canton of -Appenzel. On the south, the Kuhfirsten, with its seven heads, rises -between it and the Wallenses, Sargans, and the Grisons, while the -eastern side of the valley opens to the rays of the rising sun, and -discovers the magnificent prospect of the Tyrolese Alps. The two -solitaries having arrived near the source of a small river, (the -Thur,) built two cells. The valley gradually became inhabited. On the -highest portion of it, 2010 feet above the Lake of Zurich, there was -formed, around a church, a village named Wildhaus, or the Wild House, -with which two hamlets are now connected, _viz._, Lisighaus, or the -House of Elizabeth, and Schoenenboden. The fruits of the earth are -unable to grow upon these heights. A green carpet of Alpine freshness -covers the whole valley, and rises upon the sides of the mountains, -above which masses of enormous rocks lift their wild grandeur towards -heaven. - - [603] The Tokenburg. - -At a quarter of a league from the church near Lisighaus, on the side -of a path which leads into the pastures beyond the river, a solitary -house is still standing. The tradition is, that the wood used in -building it was cut upon the very spot.[604] Everything indicates that -it must have been erected at a very remote period. The walls are thin. -The windows have little round panes, and the roof is formed of slabs, -on which stones are laid to prevent the wind from carrying them away. -In front of the house there is a limpid gushing spring. - - [604] Schuler's Zwinglis Bildungs Gesch. p. 290. - -[Sidenote: A PASTORAL FAMILY.] - -In this house, towards the end of the fifteenth century, lived a man -named Zuinglius, amman or bailiff of the district. The family of the -Zwingles, or Zwingli, was ancient, and in high esteem among the -inhabitants of these mountains.[605] Bartholomew, brother of the -bailiff, at first curate of the parish, and, after 1487, dean of -Wesen, was a person of some celebrity in the district.[606] Margaret -Meili, the wife of the amman of Wildhaus, and whose brother John was -afterwards abbot of the convent of Fischingen in Thurgovia, had -already given birth to two sons, Heini and Klaus, when, on the first -day of the year 1484, seven weeks after the birth of Luther, a third -son, Ulric, was born in this solitary hut.[607] Five other sons, -John, Wolfgang, Bartholomew, James, Andrew, and a daughter, Anna, -were afterwards added to this Alpine family. No person in the country -was more venerated than amman Zuinglius.[608] His character, his -office, his numerous children, made him the patriarch of these -mountains. He and all his sons were shepherds. No sooner did the first -days of May open upon these mountains than the father and the children -departed with their flocks for the pastures, rising gradually from -station to station, and so, towards the end of July, reaching the -highest summits of the Alps. Then they began gradually to redescend -towards the valley, and in autumn the whole population of Wildhaus -returned to their humble huts. Sometimes, during the summer, the young -people who had been obliged to remain at home, eager for the mountain -breezes, set out in bands for the chalets, uniting their voices to the -melody of their rustic instruments. On their arrival on the Alps, the -shepherds from a distance saluted them with their horns and their -songs, and regaled them with a feast of milk. Afterwards the joyous -band, by turnings and windings, descended again into the valley, -moving to the sound of their pipes. Ulric in his youth doubtless -joined occasionally in this amusement. He grew up at the foot of those -rocks which seem eternal, and whose tops reach the heavens. "I have -often thought," says one of his friends, "that, being brought near to -heaven on these sublime heights, he there contracted something -celestial and divine."[609] - - [605] Diss Geschlaecht der Zwinglinen, wass in guter Achtung diesser - Landen, als ein gut alt ehrlich Geschlaecht. (H. Bullinger's Histor. - Beschreibung der Eidg. Geschichten.) This valuable work existed only - in manuscript in 1837, and was communicated to me by the kindness of - M. J. G. Hess. In the quotations I preserve the orthography of the - period and of the manuscript. The friends of history have since caused - it to be printed. - - [606] Ein verrumbter Mann. (Ibid.) - - [607] Quadragesimum octavum agimus, writes Zuinglius to Vadian, 17th - September, 1531. - - [608] Clarus fuit pater ob spectatam vitae sanctimoniam. (Oswald - Myconius, Vita Zwingli.) - - [609] Divinitatis nonnihil coelo propriorem contraxisse. (Ibid.) - -There were long winter evenings in the cottages of Wildhaus, and then -young Ulric, seated at the paternal hearth, listened to the -conversation of the bailiff and the old men of the district. He heard -them tell how the inhabitants of the valley had formerly groaned under -a heavy yoke. With the old men his heart beat high at the thought of -the independence which the Tockenburg had acquired, and which the -alliance with the Swiss had secured. A patriotic feeling was kindled -in his breast. Switzerland became dear to him; and if any one uttered -an unfavourable expression against the confederates, the child -instantly stood up and warmly defended their cause.[610] During these -long evenings he was often seen quietly seated at the feet of his -pious grandmother, with his eyes rivetted upon her, listening to her -Bible stories, and devout lessons, as he eagerly received them into -his heart. - - [610] Schulers Zw. Bildung, p. 291. - - - - -CHAP. II. - - Young Ulric at Wesen--At Bale--At Berne--The Dominican - Convent--Jetzer--The Apparitions--The Passion of the Lay - Brother--The Imposture--Discovery and Punishment--Zuinglius - at Vienna--At Bale--Music at Bale--Wittembach teaches the - Gospel--Leon Juda--The Curate of Glaris. - - -The good amman was delighted with the happy presages in his son. He -perceived that Ulric would be able to do something else than herd his -cows on Mount Sentis, singing the shepherd's song. One day he took him -by the hand and proceeded with him towards Wesen. He traversed the -verdant ridges of the Ammon, avoiding the wild and precipitous rocks -which border the lake of Wallenstadt. On arriving at the town, he -called upon his brother the dean, to whom he intrusted the young -mountaineer, in order that he might ascertain what his talents -were.[611] The leading feature in his character was an innate horror -at falsehood and a great love of truth. He himself relates that one -day, when he was beginning to reflect, the thought struck him that -falsehood should be punished more severely than even theft; "for," -adds he, "veracity is the parent of all the virtues." The dean soon -loved his nephew as if he had been his son; delighted with his -sprightliness, he entrusted his education to a schoolmaster who in a -short time taught him all that he knew himself. Young Ulric, when ten -years of age, having given indications of a high order of -intellect,[612] his father and his uncle resolved on sending him to -Bale. - - [611] Tenerrimum ad fratrem sacrificum adduxit, ut ingenii ejus - periculum faceret. (Melch. Ad. Vit. Zw. p. 25.) - - [612] Und in ihm erschinen merkliche Zeichen eines edlen Gemueths. - (Manuscript de Bullinger.) - -When the child of the Tockenburg arrived in this celebrated city, with -an integrity and purity of heart which he seemed to have inhaled from -the pure air of his mountains, but which came from a higher source, a -new world opened before him. The celebrity of the famous council of -Bale; the university which Pius II had founded in 1460; the printing -presses, which revived the master-pieces of antiquity, and circulated -over the world the first fruits of the revival of letters; the -residence of distinguished men; the Wessels, the Wittembachs, and, in -particular, that prince of scholars and luminary of the schools, -Erasmus, rendered Bale, at the period of the Reformation, one of the -great foci of light in the west. - -[Sidenote: ZUINGLIUS AT BALE. AT BERNE. DOMINICAN CONVENT.] - -Ulric entered the school of St. Theodore, which was taught by Gregory -Binzli, a man of an affectionate and gentle temper, at this period -rare among teachers. Young Zuinglius made rapid progress. The learned -disputes which were then fashionable among the doctors of universities -had even descended to the youth in schools. Ulric took part in them. -He exercised his growing strength against the children of other -schools, and was always victorious in those struggles which formed a -kind of prelude to those by which the papacy was to be overthrown in -Switzerland.[613] His success excited the jealousy of rivals older -than himself. The school of Bale was soon outstripped by him as that -of Wesen had been. - - [613] In disputationibus, quae pro more tum erant inter pueros usitatae, - victoriam semper reportavit. (Osw. Myc. Vit. Zw.) - -Lupulus, a distinguished scholar, had just opened at Berne the first -learned school that was founded in Switzerland. The bailiff of -Wildhaus and the curate of Wesen resolved to send their child thither, -and Zuinglius, in 1497, quitting the smiling plains of Bale, again -drew near to the high Alps, where he had spent his childhood, and -whose snowy tops, gilded with the rays of the sun, he could see from -Berne. Lupulus, a distinguished poet, introduced his pupil to the -sanctuary of classic literature, a sanctuary then unknown, only a few -of the initiated having passed the threshold.[614] The young neophyte -ardently breathed an atmosphere rich in the perfumes of antiquity. His -intellect was developed and his style formed. He became a poet. - - [614] Ab eo in adyta classicorum scriptorum introductus. (Ibid.) - -Among the convents of Berne, that of the Dominicans held a -distinguished place. These monks were engaged in a serious quarrel -with the Franciscans. The latter maintained the immaculate conception -of the virgin, while the former denied it. In every step the -Dominicans took--before the rich altars which decorated their church, -and between the twelve pillars on which its arches were -supported--they thought only of humbling their rivals. They had -observed the fine voice of Zuinglius, and heard of his precocious -intellect, and thinking that he might throw lustre on their order, -strove to gain him.[615] With this view they invited him to remain in -their convent till he should make his noviciate. The whole prospects -of Zuinglius were threatened. The amman of Wildhaus having been -informed of the bait to which the Dominicans had had recourse, -trembled for the innocence of his son, and ordered him forthwith to -quit Berne. Zuinglius thus escaped those monastic enclosures into -which Luther rushed voluntarily. What happened afterwards may enable -us to comprehend the imminent danger to which Zuinglius had been -exposed. - - [615] Und als er wol singen koendt loekten Ihn die prediger - Moenchen in dass Kloster. (Bullinger, M.S.) - -[Sidenote: JETZER. APPARITIONS.] - -In 1507 great excitement prevailed in the town of Berne. A young man -of Zurzach, named John Jetzer, having one day presented himself at -this same Dominican convent, had been repulsed. The poor youth in -despair had returned to the charge, holding in his hand fifty-three -florins and some pieces of silk. "It is all I possess," said he, "take -it, and receive me into your order." He was admitted on the 6th -January among the lay brothers. But the very first night a strange -noise in his cell filled him with terror. He fled to the Carthusian -convent, but was again sent back to that of the Dominicans. - -[Sidenote: IMPOSTURE.] - -On the following night, being the eve of the feast of St. Matthew, he -was awoke by deep sighs, and perceived at his bedside a tall phantom -in white. "I am," said a sepulchral voice, "a soul escaped from the -fire of purgatory." The lay brother trembling, replied, "God save you; -for me, I can do nothing." Then the spirit advanced towards the poor -friar and, seizing him by the throat, indignantly upbraided him with -his refusal. Jetzer in terror exclaimed, "What then can I do to save -you?" "Flagellate yourself for eight days till the blood comes, and -lie prostrate on the pavement of the chapel of St. John." So answered -the spirit, and disappeared. The lay brother gave information of the -apparition to his confessor, a preacher of the convent, and by his -advice submitted to the discipline required. The rumour soon spread -throughout the town that a soul had applied to the Dominicans to be -delivered from purgatory. The Franciscans were deserted, and every one -ran to the church to see the holy man lying prostrate on the ground. -The soul from purgatory had intimated that he would reappear in eight -days. On the night appointed it in fact did appear, accompanied by two -other spirits that were tormenting it and howling horribly. "Scotus," -said the spirit, "Scotus, the inventor of the Franciscan doctrine of -the immaculate conception of the Virgin, is among those who like me -are suffering these fierce pains." At this news, which soon spread -over Berne, the partisans of the Franciscans were still more alarmed. -The spirit on disappearing had announced a visit from the Virgin -herself. In fact, on the day appointed, the astonished friar saw Mary -herself appear in his cell. He could not believe his eyes. She -approached him kindly, gave him three of our Saviour's tears, three -drops of his blood, a crucifix, and a letter addressed to Pope Julius -II, "who," said she, "was the individual chosen by God to abolish the -festival of her pretended immaculate conception." Then coming still -closer to the bed on which the friar lay, she announced, in a solemn -tone, that a great grace was to be conferred on him, and drove a nail -into his hand. The lay brother uttered a loud shriek, but Mary wrapt -up his hand in a piece of linen which her Son, she said, had worn -after his flight into Egypt. This wound was not sufficient to make the -glory of the Dominicans equal to that of the Franciscans. Jetzer must -have the five wounds of Christ and of St. Francis in his hands, feet, -and side. The four others were inflicted, and then, after giving him a -draught, he was placed in a hall hung with pictures representing our -Saviour's passion. Here having spent whole days fasting, his -imagination soon became heated. The doors of the hall were then thrown -open from time to time to the public who came in crowds to contemplate -with devout astonishment the friar with his five wounds, stretching -out his arms, bending his head, and by his positions and gestures -imitating the crucifixion of our Lord. Sometimes, out of his wits, he -foamed, and seemed about to breathe his last. The whisper went round, -"He is enduring the cross of Christ." The multitude, eager for -miracles, continually thronged the convent. Men worthy of high esteem, -among others Lupulus himself, the master of Zuinglius, were overawed, -and the Dominicans, from the height of the pulpit extolled the glory -which God was bestowing on their order. - -This order had for some years felt the necessity of humbling the -Franciscans, and of augmenting the respect and liberality of the -people by means of miracles. Berne, "a simple, rustic, and ignorant -town," as the sub-prior of Berne described it to the Chapter held at -Wimpfen on the Necker, had been selected as the theatre of their -operations. The prior, sub-prior, preacher, and purveyor of the -convent, had undertaken to perform the leading characters, but they -wanted the talent necessary to perform them to the end. A new -apparition of Mary having taken place, Jetzer thought he recognised -the voice of his confessor, and having said so aloud, Mary -disappeared. She soon made her appearance again, to censure the -incredulous friar. "This time it is the prior," exclaimed Jetzer, -rushing forward with a knife in his hand. The saintess threw a pewter -plate at the poor friar's head, and likewise disappeared. - -[Sidenote: ZUINGLIUS AT VIENNA AND BALE.] - -In consternation at the discovery which Jetzer had thus made, the -Dominicans tried to disencumber themselves of him by means of poison. -He perceived it; and, having taken flight, disclosed the imposition. -They put on a good countenance, and sent deputies to Rome. The pope -committed the decision to his legate in Switzerland, and the bishops -of Lausanne and Sion. The four Dominicans being convicted, were -condemned to be burnt alive; and on the 1st May, 1509, were consumed -by the flames, in presence of more than thirty thousand spectators. -The affair made a noise throughout Europe, and by unveiling one of -the worst sores of the Church, prepared the Reformation.[616] - - [616] Wirz, Helvetische Kirchen Gesch. vol. iii, p. 387. Aushelms - Cronik, iii and iv. No event of the period of the Reformation has - given rise to so many writings. See Haller's Biblioth. der Schw. - Gesch. iii. - -Such were the men into whose hands Ulric Zuinglius had nearly fallen. -He had studied literature at Berne; he behoved now to devote himself -to philosophy, and with this view repaired to Vienna. A youth from St. -Gall, named Joachim Vadian, whose genius gave promise to Switzerland -of a distinguished scholar and a statesman; Henri Loreti, of the -canton of Glaris, commonly called Glarean, and apparently destined to -shine among poets; John Heigerlin, son of a forgemaster, and hence -surnamed Faber, of a versatile temper, fond of honour and glory, -possessing all the qualities indicative of a courtier--such were -Ulric's fellow-students and companions in the capital of Austria. - -Zuinglius returned to Wildhaus in 1502; but on revisiting his -mountains he felt that he had drunk of the cup of science, and could -no longer live amid the songs of his brothers and the bleating of -their flocks. He was eighteen years of age, and repaired to Bale,[617] -to engage again in literary pursuits, and thus at once master and -pupil he taught at the school of St. Martin, and studied at the -university; from this time he was able to dispense with assistance -from his father. Shortly after, he took the degree of master of arts. -An Alsatian, named Capito, nine years older than he, was one of his -best friends. - - [617] Ne diutius ab exercitio literarum cessaret. (Osw. Myc. Vit. Zw.) - -[Sidenote: WITTEMBACH. ZUINGLIUS AND LEO JUDA.] - -Zuinglius devoted himself to the study of scholastic theology; for, -being called one day to combat its sophisms, he behoved to explore its -obscure labyrinth. But the light hearted student of the mountains of -Sentis was often seen suddenly to shake off the dust of the school, -and, substituting amusement for his philosophic toils, seize the lute, -or the harp, or the violin, or the flute, or the tympanon, or the -cornet, or the hunting horn, extract joyous sounds from these -instruments as in the prairies of Lisighaus, and make his lodgings, or -the dwellings of his friends, re-echo with the airs of his country, -accompanying them with his voice. In regard to music, he was a true -child of the Tockenburg, superior to all.[618] In addition to the -instruments we have already named, he played several others. An -enthusiast in the art he diffused a taste for it in the university, -not from any desire of dissipation, but because he loved thus to relax -his mind when fatigued by serious study, and fit himself for returning -with greater zeal to difficult labours.[619] None had a gayer humour, -a more amiable disposition, or more engaging conversation.[620] He -was a vigorous Alpine tree which developed itself in all its -gracefulness and strength, and which, never having been pruned, threw -out strong branches in all directions. The time was coming when these -branches would turn vigorously in the direction of heaven. - - [618] Ich habe auch nie von Keinem gehoert der in der Kunst Musica ... - so erfahren gewesen. (B. Weysen, Fuesslin Beytraege zur Ref. Gesch. iv, - 35.) - - [619] Ut ingenium seriis defatigatum recrearetur et paratius ad solita - studia redderetur ... (Melch. Ad. Vit. Zw.) - - [620] Ingenio amoenus, et ore jucundus, supra quam dici possit, - erat. (Os. Myc. Vit. Zw.) - -After he had forced an entrance into scholastic theology he left its -arid tracts fatigued and disgusted, having found nothing in it but -confused ideas, vain babbling, vain glory, barbarism, and not one -sound idea of doctrine. "It is only a loss of time," said he, and -waited for something better. - -At this time, (November, 1505,) arrived at Bale Thomas Wittembach, son -of a burgomaster of Bienne. Wittembach had till then taught at -Tubingen, side by side with Reuchlin. He was in the vigour of life, -sincere, pious, skilled in the liberal arts, and mathematics, and well -acquainted with the Holy Scriptures. Zuinglius and all the academic -youth immediately flocked around him. A spirit hitherto unknown -animated his lectures, and prophetic words escaped from his lips: "The -time is not distant," said he, "when scholastic theology will be -abolished and the ancient doctrine of the Church restored."[621] "The -death of Christ," added he, "is the only ransom of our souls."[622] -The heart of Zuinglius eagerly received these seeds of life.[623] At -this period classical studies began every where to supplant the -scholastics of the middle age. Zuinglius, like his preceptors and -friends, threw himself into this new course. - - [621] Et doctrinam Ecclesiae veterem ... instaurari oporteat. - (Gualterus, Misc. Tig. iii, 102.) - - [622] Der Tod Christi sey die einige Bezahlung fuer unsere Suende.... - (Fueslin Beyr. ii, p. 268.) - - [623] Quum a tanto viro semina quaedam ... Zuingliano pectori injecta - essent (Leo Jud. in Praef. ad. Ann. Zw. in N. T.) When the great man - had deposited some seeds in the breast of Zuinglius. - -Among the students who followed the lessons of the new teacher with -the greatest enthusiasm was a young man of twenty-three, of small -stature, and a feeble sickly appearance, but whose eye bespoke at once -gentleness and intrepidity. This was Leo Juda, son of an Alsatian -curate, and whose uncle had fallen at Rhodes, fighting in defence of -Christendom, under the standard of the Teutonic knights. Leo and Ulric -were on intimate terms. Leo played the tympanon, and had a very fine -voice. The joyous melodies of the young friends of the arts were often -heard in his lodgings. Leo Juda, at a later period, became the -colleague of Zuinglius, and even death could not destroy their sacred -friendship. - -[Sidenote: ZUINGLIUS BECOMES CURATE OF GLARIS.] - -At this time the office of pastor of Glaris having become vacant, -Henry Goldli, a young courtier of the pope, and groom of the stable to -his holiness, obtained the appointment from his master, and hastened -with it to Glaris. But the Glarian shepherds, proud of the antiquity -of their race, and of their battles for freedom, were not disposed to -bow implicitly to a piece of parchment from Rome. Wildhaus is not far -from Glaris; and Wesen, where Zuinglius' uncle was curate, is the -place where the market of the district is held. The reputation of the -young master of arts of Bale had penetrated even into these mountains; -and the Glarians, wishing to have him for their priest, gave him a -call in 1506. Zuinglius having been ordained at Constance by the -bishop, preached his first sermon at Rapperswil, read his first mass -at Wildhaus on St. Michael's day, in presence of all his relations and -the friends of his family, and towards the close of the year arrived -at Glaris. - - - - -CHAP. III. - - Love of War--Schinner--Pension from the Pope--The - Labyrinth--Zuinglius in Italy--Principle of - Reform--Zuinglius and Luther--Zuinglius and - Erasmus--Zuinglius and the Elders--Paris and Glaris. - - -Zuinglius immediately engaged in the zealous discharge of the work -which his vast parish imposed upon him. Still he was only twenty-two -years of age, and often allowed himself to be carried away by the -dissipation and lax ideas of his age. A priest of Rome he was like the -other priests around him. But even at this period, though the -evangelical doctrine had not changed his heart, Zuinglius did not give -way to those scandals which frequently afflicted the Church.[624] He -always felt the need of subjecting his passions to the holy rule of -the gospel. - - [624] Sic reverentia pudoris, imprimis autem officii divini, perpetuo - cavit, (Osw. Myc. Vit. Zw.) - -A love of war at this time inflamed the quiet valleys of Glaris where -there were families of heroes--the Tschudis, the Walas, the AEblis, -whose blood had flowed on the field of battle. The youth listened with -eagerness to the old warriors when they told them of the wars of -Burgundy and Suabia, of the battles of St. James and Ragaz. But alas! -it was no longer against the enemies of their liberties that these -warlike shepherds took up arms. They were seen, at the bidding of the -kings of France, of the emperor, the dukes of Milan, or the holy -father himself, descending from the Alps like an avalanche, and -rushing with the noise of thunder against the troops drawn up in the -plain. - -[Sidenote: SCHINNER.] - -A poor boy named Matthew Schinner, who was at the school of Sion in -the Valais, (it was toward the middle of the latter half of the -fifteenth century,) singing before the houses, as young Martin Luther -shortly after did, heard himself called by an old man, who, being -struck with the frankness with which the child answered his questions, -said to him with that prophetic spirit with which man is said to be -sometimes endowed when on the brink of the grave, "Thou art to be a -bishop and a prince."[625] The expression sunk deep into the young -mendicant, and from that moment boundless ambition took possession of -his heart. At Zurich and Como the progress he made astonished his -masters. Having become curate of a small parish in Valais, he rose -rapidly, and being sent at a later period to ask from the pope the -confirmation of a bishop of Sion, who had just been elected, he -obtained the bishopric for himself, and girt his brow with the -episcopal mitre. This man, ambitious and crafty, but often noble and -generous, always considered any dignity bestowed upon him as only a -step destined to raise him to some still higher dignity. Having -offered his services to Louis XII, and named his price, "It is too -much for one man," said the king. "I will show him," replied the -bishop of Sion, offended, "that I am a man worth several men." In fact -he turned towards pope Julius II, who gladly received him, and -Schinner succeeded in 1510 in linking the whole Swiss confederation to -the policy of this ambitious pontiff. The bishop having been rewarded -with a cardinal's hat smiled when he saw that there was now only one -step between him and the papal throne. - - [625] Helvet Kirch Gesch. von Wirz, iii, p. 314. - -[Sidenote: ZUINGLIUS' POEM, "THE LABYRINTH."] - -Schinner's eye was continually turned to the cantons of Switzerland, -and as soon as he there discerned any man of influence he hastened to -attach him to himself. The pastor of Glaris drew his attention, and -Zuinglius soon received intimation that the pope had granted him an -annual pension of fifty florins, to encourage him in the cultivation -of letters. His poverty did not allow him to purchase books; and the -money during the short time that Ulric received it was devoted to the -purchase of classical or theological works, which he procured from -Bale.[626] Zuinglius was now connected with the cardinal, and -accordingly joined the Roman party. Schinner and Julius II at last -disclosed the end which they had in view in these intrigues. Eight -thousand Swiss mustered by the eloquence of the cardinal-archbishop, -passed the Alps; but famine, war, and French gold obliged them to -return to their mountains without glory. They brought back the usual -results of these foreign wars,--distrust, licentiousness, party -spirit, all sorts of violence and disorder. Citizens refused to obey -their magistrates, and children their parents; agriculture and the -care of their flocks were neglected; luxury and mendicity kept pace -with each other; the most sacred ties were broken, and the -confederation seemed on the point of being dissolved. - - [626] Wellches er an die Buecher verwaendet. (Bullinger MS.) - -The eyes of the young curate of Glaris were now opened, and his -indignation aroused. He raised his voice aloud to warn them of the -abyss into which they were about to fall. In 1510 he published his -poem entitled "The Labyrinth." Behind the windings of this mysterious -garden, Minos has hidden the Minotaur, that monster, half man half -bull, whom he feeds on the flesh of young Athenians. "The Minotaur, -... in other words," says Zuinglius, "sin, vice, irreligion, and the -foreign service of the Swiss," devour the sons of his countrymen. - -Theseus, a man of courage, wishes to deliver his country, but numerous -obstacles arrest him;--first, a lion with one eye; this is Spain and -Arragon;--then a crowned eagle, whose throat is opened to devour it; -this is the empire;--then a cock, with his comb up, and calling for -battle; this is France. The hero surmounts all these obstacles, gets -up to the monster, stabs it, and saves his country. - -"So now," exclaims the poet, "men wander in a labyrinth, but having no -thread to guide them they cannot regain the light. No where is there -any imitation of Jesus Christ. A little glory makes us hazard our -life, torment our neighbour, rush into strife, war, and combat.... One -would say that the furies have escaped from the depths of hell."[627] - - [627] Dass wir die hoellschen wuetterinn'n - Moegend denken abbrochen syn. - (Zw. Op. ed. Schueler et Schulthess, ii, part ii. p. 250.) - -A Theseus, a Reformer was required. Zuinglius perceived this, and -thenceforth had a presentiment of his mission. Not long after he -composed an allegory with a still clearer application.[628] - - [628] Fabelgedicht vom Ochsen und etlichen Thieren, iez loufender - dinge begriffenlich. (Ibid. p. 257.) - -[Sidenote: ZUINGLIUS IN ITALY.] - -In April, 1512, the confederates rose anew at the bidding of the -cardinal, for the deliverance of the Church. Glaris was in the -foremost rank. The whole population was brought into the field, ranged -round their banner with their landaman and their pastor. Zuinglius -behoved to march. The army passed the Alps, and the cardinal appeared -amidst the confederates with the presents given him by the pope,--a -ducal hat adorned with pearls and gold, and surmounted by the Holy -Spirit, represented under the form of a dove. The Swiss escaladed the -fortresses and towns, swam rivers in the presence of the enemy, -unclothed, and with halberds in their hands; the French were every -where put to flight; bells and trumpets resounded, and the population -flocked from all quarters; the nobles supplied the army with wine and -fruits in abundance; the monks and priests mounted on platforms, and -proclaimed, that the confederates were the people of God taking -vengeance on the enemies of the Lord's spouse; and the pope becoming -prophet, like Caiaphas of old, gave the confederates the title of -"Defenders of the liberty of the Church."[629] - - [629] De Gestis inter Gallos et Helvetios, relatio H. Zwinglii - -This sojourn of Zuinglius in Italy was not without its effect, in -reference to his vocation of Reformer. On his return from this -campaign, he began to study Greek, "in order," says he, "to be able to -draw the doctrine of Jesus Christ from the very fountain of -truth."[630] Writing to Vadian, 23rd February, 1513, he says, "I have -resolved so to apply myself to the study of Greek, that none will be -able to turn me from it but God. I do it not for fame, but from love -to sacred literature." At a later period, a worthy priest, who had -been his school companion, having come to pay him a visit, said to -him, "Master Ulric, I am assured that you are tainted with the new -heresy, that you are a Lutheran." "I am not a Lutheran," said -Zuinglius, "for I knew Greek before I heard of the name of -Luther."[631] To know Greek, to study the gospel in the original -tongue, was, according to Zuinglius, the basis of the Reformation. - - [630] Ante decem annos, operam dedi graecis literis, ut ex fontibus - doctrinam Christi haurire possem. (Zw. Op. i, p. 274, in his Explan. - Artic. dated 1523.) - - [631] Ich hab graecae koennen, ehe ich ni nuet von Luther gehoet hab. - (Salat. Chronik. MS.) - -Zuinglius did more than recognise, at this early period, the great -principle of evangelical Christianity--the infallible authority of the -Holy Scriptures. Besides this, he understood how the meaning of the -divine Word ought to be ascertained. "Those," said he, "have a very -grovelling idea of the Scriptures who regard whatever seems to them at -variance with their own reason as frivolous, vain, and unjust.[632] -Men have no right to bind the gospel at pleasure to their own sense, -and their own interpretation."[633] "Zuinglius raised his eye to -heaven," said his dearest friend, "unwilling to have any other -interpreter than the Holy Spirit himself."[634] - - [632] Nihil sublimius de evangelio sentiunt, quam quod, quidquid eorum - rationi non est consentaneum, hoc iniquum, vanum et frivolum - existimant. (Zw. Op. i, p. 202.) - - [633] Nec posse evangelium ad sensum et interpretationem hominum - redigi. (Ibid., p. 215.) - - [634] In coelum suspexit, doctorem quaerens Spiritum. (Osw. Myc. Vit. - Zw.) - -[Sidenote: ZUINGLIUS AND LUTHER. ZUINGLIUS AND ERASMUS.] - -Such, from the commencement of his career, was the man, whom some have -not scrupled to represent as having wished to subject the Bible to -human reason. "Philosophy and theology," said he, "ceased not to raise -up objections against me. I, at length, arrived at this conclusion, -'We must leave all these things, and seek our knowledge of God only in -his Word.' I began," continues he, "earnestly to supplicate the Lord -to give me his light, and though I read only the text of Scripture, -it became far clearer to me than if I had read a host of -commentators." Comparing the Scriptures with themselves and explaining -passages that were obscure by such as were more clear,[635] he soon -had a thorough knowledge of the Bible, especially the New -Testament.[636] When Zuinglius thus turned toward the Holy Scriptures, -Switzerland took her first step in the Reformation. Accordingly, when -he expounded the Scriptures, every one felt that his lessons came from -God, and not from man.[637] "Work all divine!" here exclaims Oswald -Myconius; "thus was the knowledge of heavenly truth restored to us!" - - [635] Scripta contulit et obscura claris elucidavit. (Ibid.) - - [636] In summa, er macht im, die H. Schrifft, Insonders dass N. T. - gantz gemein. (Bullinger, MS.) - - [637] Ut nemo non videret Spiritum doctorem, non hominem. (Osw. Myc. - Vit. Zw.) - -Zuinglius did not, however, despise the expositions of the most -celebrated doctors: at a later period, he studied Origen, Ambrose, -Jerome, Augustine, Chrysostom, but not as authorities. "I study the -doctors," says he, "with the same feelings with which one asks a -friend, 'What do you understand by this?'" The Holy Scripture was, -according to him, the touch-stone by which the most holy of the -doctors were themselves to be tested.[638] - - [638] Scriptura canonica, seu Lydio lapide probandos. (Ibid.) - -Zuinglius's step was slow, but progressive. He did not come to the -truth like Luther amid those tempests which compel the soul to seek a -speedy shelter. He arrived at it by the peaceful influence of -Scripture, whose power gradually gains upon the heart. Luther reached -the wished-for shore across the billows of the boundless deep; -Zuinglius, by allowing himself to glide along the stream. These are -the two principal ways by which God leads men. Zuinglius was not fully -converted to God and his gospel till the first period of his sojourn -at Zurich; yet, in 1514 or 1515, at the moment when the strong man -began to bend the knee to God, praying for the understanding of his -Word, the rays of that pure light by which he was afterwards -illumined, first began to gleam upon him. - -At this period, a poem of Erasmus, in which Jesus Christ was -introduced addressing man as perishing by his own fault, made a -powerful impression on Zuinglius. When alone in his study, he repeated -the passage in which Jesus complains that all grace is not sought from -him, though he is the source of all that is good. "ALL!" said -Zuinglius, "ALL!" And this word was incessantly present to his mind. -"Are there then creatures, saints, from whom we ought to ask -assistance? No! Christ is our only treasure."[639] - - [639] Dass Christus unser armen seelen ein einziger Schatz sey. (Zw. - Op. i, p. 398.) Zuinglius says in 1522 that he had read the poem of - Erasmus eight or nine years before. - -Zuinglius did not confine his reading to Christian writings. One of -the distinguishing characteristics of the sixteenth century is the -profound study of the Greek and Roman authors. The poetry of Hesiod, -Homer, Pindar, enraptured him, and he has left us commentaries, or -characteristics, on the two last poets. It seemed to him that Pindar -spoke of his gods in such sublime strains that he must have had some -presentiment of the true God. He studied Cicero and Demosthenes -thoroughly, and learned from them both the art of the orator and the -duties of the citizen. He called Seneca a holy man. The Swiss -mountaineer loved also to initiate himself in the mysteries of nature, -through the writings of Pliny. Thucydides, Sallust, Livy, Caesar, -Suetonius, Plutarch, and Tacitus, taught him to know the world. He has -been censured for his enthusiastic admiration of the great men of -antiquity, and it is true that some of his observations on this -subject cannot be defended. But if he honoured them so much, it was -because he thought he saw in them not human virtues, but the influence -of the Holy Spirit. The agency of God, far from confining itself to -ancient times within the limits of Palestine, extended, according to -him, to the whole world.[640] "Plato," said he, "has also drunk at the -Divine source. And if the two Catos, if Camillus, if Scipio had not -been truly religious, would they have been so magnanimous?"[641] - - [640] Spiritus ille coelestis non solam Palestinam vel creaverat vel - fovebat, sed mundum universum...... (OEcol. et Zw. Ep. p. 9.) That - celestial Spirit had created and continued to cherish not only - Palestine, but the whole world. - - [641] Nisi religiosi nunquam fuissent magnanimi. (Ibid.) - -[Sidenote: ZUINGLIUS IN REGARD TO ERASMUS.] - -Zuinglius diffused around him a love of letters. Several choice youths -were trained in his school. "You offered me not only books, but also -yourself," wrote Valentine Tschudi, son of one of the heroes of the -wars of Burgundy; and this young man, who at that time had already -studied at Vienna and Bale, under the most celebrated teachers, adds, -"I have never met with any one who explained the classics with so much -precision and profundity as yourself."[642] Tschudi repaired to Paris, -and was able to compare the spirit which prevailed in that university, -with that which he had found in the narrow Alpine valley, over which -impend the gigantic peaks and eternal snows of the Dodi, the -Glarnisch, the Viggis, and the Freyberg. "How frivolously," says he, -"the French youth are educated! No poison is so bad as the sophistical -art in which they are trained--an art which stupifies the senses, -destroys the judgment, brutifies the whole man. Man is thenceforth, -like the echo, an empty sound. Ten women could not keep pace with one -of these rhetoricians.[643] In their prayers even they present their -sophisms to God, (I know the fact,) and pretend, by their syllogisms, -to constrain the Holy Spirit to hear them." Such, then, were Paris and -Glaris; the intellectual metropolis of Christendom, and a village of -Alpine shepherds. A ray of the Divine Word gives more light than all -human wisdom. - - [642] Nam qui sit acrioris in enodandis autoribus judicii, vidi - neminem. (Zw. Ep. p. 13.) For I have never seen any one so acute and - judicious in unravelling authors. - - [643] Ut nec decem mulierculae .... uni sophistae adaequari queant (Zw. - Ep., p. 13.) - - - - -CHAP. IV. - - Zuinglius in regard to Erasmus--Oswald Myconius--The - Vagrants--OEcolampadius--Zuinglius at Marignan--Zuinglius - and Italy--Method of Zuinglius--Commencement of - Reform--Discovery. - - -A great man of this age, Erasmus, had much influence on Zuinglius, -who, as soon as any of his writings appeared, lost no time in -procuring it. In 1514, Erasmus had arrived at Bale, and been received -by the bishop with marks of high esteem. All the friends of letters -had immediately grouped around him. But the monarch of the schools had -no difficulty in singling out him who was to be the glory of -Switzerland. "I congratulate the Swiss nation," wrote he to Zuinglius, -"that by your studies and your manners, both alike excellent, you -labour to polish and elevate them."[644] Zuinglius had a most ardent -desire to see him. "Spaniards and Gauls went to Rome to see Titus -Livy," said he. He set out, and on arriving at Bale, found a personage -of about forty years of age, of small stature, a frail body, a -delicate look, but a remarkably amiable and winning address.[645] It -was Erasmus. His affability removed the timidity of Zuinglius, while -the power of his intellect overawed him. "Poor," said Ulric to him, -"as Eschines, when each of the scholars of Socrates offered a present -to his master, I give you what Eschines gave--I give you myself." - - [644] Tu, tuique similes optimis etiam studiis ac moribus et - expolietis et nobilitabitis. (Ibid., p. 10.) - - [645] Et corpusculo hoc tuo minuto, verum minime inconcinno, - urbanissime gestientem videre videar. (Ibid.) Methinks I see you with - your diminutive, but by no means inelegant, person, showing the - greatest politeness. - -[Sidenote: OSWALD MYCONIUS.] - -Among the literary men who formed the court of Erasmus, the Amerbachs, -the Rhenans, the Frobeniuses, the Nessens, the Glareans, Zuinglius -observed a youth from Lucerne, of twenty-seven years of age, named -Oswald Geisshuesler. Erasmus hellenising his name, had called him -Myconius. We will often designate him by his surname, to distinguish -the friend of Zuinglius from Frederick Myconius, the disciple of -Luther. Oswald, after studying first at Rothwyl with Berthold Haller, -a young man of his own age, next at Berne, and lastly at Bale, had in -this last town been appointed rector of the school of St. Theodoret, -and afterwards of that of St. Peter. The humble schoolmaster had a -very limited income; but, notwithstanding, had married a young girl of -a simplicity and purity of soul which won all hearts. We have already -seen that Switzerland was then in a troubled state, foreign wars -having stirred up violent disorders, and the soldiers having brought -back to their country licentiousness and brutality. One dark and -cloudy winter day, some of these rude men, in Oswald's absence, -attacked his quiet dwelling. They knocked at the door, threw stones, -and applied the grossest expressions to his modest spouse. At last -they burst open the windows, and having forced their way into the -school and broken every thing to pieces, made off. Oswald arrived -shortly after. His little boy, Felix, ran out to meet him crying, -while his wife, unable to speak, showed signs of the greatest terror. -He understood what had happened, and at that moment, hearing a noise -in the street, unable to restrain himself, he seized a musket, and -pursued the villains as far as the burying ground. They retreated, -intending to defend themselves. Three of them rushed upon Myconius and -wounded him, and, while his wound was being dressed, these wretches -again attacked his house, uttering cries of fury. Oswald says no more -of the matter.[646] Such scenes frequently occurred in Switzerland at -the beginning of the sixteenth century, before the Reformation had -softened and disciplined manners. - - [646] Erasmi, Laus Stultitiae, cum annot. Myconii. - -The integrity of Oswald Myconius, his thirst for science and virtue, -brought him into connection with Zuinglius. The rector of the school -of Bale was alive to all that was grand in the curate of Glaris. Full -of humility, he shunned the praises bestowed upon him by Zuinglius and -Erasmus. "You schoolmasters," often said the latter, "I esteem as -highly as I do kings." But the modest Myconius did not think so. "I -only crawl along the ground," said he. "From infancy I had always a -feeling of littleness and humility."[647] - - [647] Equidem humi repere didici hactenus, et est natura nescio quid - humile vel a cunabulis in me. (Osw. Myc. Vit Zw.) Hitherto I have - learned to creep on the ground; and there is in me naturally, even - from the cradle, a feeling of the humble. - -[Sidenote: OECOLAMPADIUS.] - -A preacher who had arrived at Bale about the same time as Zuinglius -was attracting attention. Of a mild and pacific disposition, he led a -tranquil life; slow and circumspect in conduct, his chief pleasure was -to labour in his study, and produce concord among Christians.[648] He -was named John Hausschein, in Greek OEcolampadius, that is, "light -of the house," and was born of wealthy parents in Franconia, a year -before Zuinglius. His pious mother longed to consecrate to literature -and to God the only child whom He had left her. The father intended -him first for a mercantile life, then for law. But as OEcolampadius -was returning from Bologna, where he had been studying law, the Lord, -who designed to make him a lamp in the Church,[649] called him to the -study of theology. He was preaching in his native town when Capito, -who had known him at Heidelberg, procured his appointment as preacher -at Bale. There he proclaimed Christ with an eloquence which filled his -hearers with admiration.[650] Erasmus admitted him to his intimacy. -OEcolampadius was enraptured with the hours which he spent in the -society of this great genius. "In the Holy Scriptures," said the -prince of literature, "one thing only ought to be sought, viz., Jesus -Christ."[651] As a memento of his friendship he gave the young -preacher the commencement of John's Gospel. OEcolampadius often -kissed this precious pledge of affection, and kept it suspended to his -crucifix, "in order," said he, "that I may always remember Erasmus in -my prayers." - - [648] Ingenio miti et tranquillo, pacis et concordiae studiosissimus. - (Melch. Ad. Vit. OEc., p. 58) - - [649] Flectente et vocante Deo, qui eo in domo sua pro lampade usurus - erat. (Melch. Ad. Vit. OEc. p. 46.) - - [650] Omnium vere spiritualium et eruditorum admiratione Christum - predicavit. (Ibid.) He preached Christ to the admiration of all who - were truly learned and spiritually minded. - - [651] Nihil in sacris literis praeter Christum quaerendum. (Erasmi, Ep., - p. 403.) - -Zuinglius returned to his mountains, his mind and heart full of all -that he had seen and heard at Bale. "I could not sleep," wrote he to -Erasmus, shortly after his return, "if I had not conversed for some -time with you. There is nothing of which I boast so much as of having -seen Erasmus." Zuinglius had received a new impulse. Such journeys -often exercise a great influence over the career of the Christian. The -disciples of Zuinglius--Valentin, Jost, Louis, Peter, and AEgidius -Tschudi; his friends, the landaman AEbli, the curate, Binzli of -Wesen, Fridolin Brunnen, and the celebrated professor Glarean, saw -with admiration how he grew in wisdom and knowledge. The old honoured -him as a courageous servant of his country, and faithful pastors -honoured him as a faithful servant of the Lord. Nothing was done in -the district without taking his advice. All the good hoped that he -would one day restore the ancient virtue of the Swiss.[652] - - [652] Justitiam avitam per hunc olim restitutum iri. (Osw. Myc. Vit. - Zw.) - -[Sidenote: ZUINGLIUS AT MARIGNAN.] - -Francis I, having mounted the throne, and being desirous to vindicate -the honour of the French name in Italy, the pope in alarm laboured to -gain the cantons. Accordingly, in 1515, Ulric revisited the plains of -Italy amid the phalanxes of his fellow-citizens. But the division -which French intrigues produced in the army stung him to the heart. He -was often seen in the middle of the camp energetically, and at the -same time wisely, haranguing his hearers in full armour ready for -battle.[653] On the 8th September, five days before the battle of -Marignan, he preached in the public square of Monza, where the Swiss -soldiers, who remained true to their colours, had reassembled. "Had -the counsels of Zuinglius been followed then and afterwards," says -Werner Steiner of Zug, "what evils would not our country have been -saved!"[654] But all ears were shut to words of concord, prudence, and -submission. The vehement eloquence of Cardinal Schinner electrified -the confederates, and hurried them impetuously to the fatal field of -Marignan. There fell the flower of the Helvetic youth. Zuinglius, who -had been unable to prevent all these disasters, threw himself, for the -cause of Rome, into the midst of danger. His hand seized the sword. -Sad error of Zuinglius! A minister of Christ, he more than once forgot -that it was his duty to fight only with spiritual weapons, and he was -to see in his own person a striking fulfilment of our Saviour's -prophecy, _He who takes the sword shall perish by the sword_. - - [653] In dem Heerlager hat er Flyssig geprediget. (Bullinger MS.) - - [654] ...In den Schlachten sich redlich und dapfer gestellt mit - Rathen, Worten, und Thaten. (Ibid.) - -Zuinglius and his Swiss had been unable to save Rome. The ambassador -of Venice was the first in the pontifical city who received news of -the defeat of Marignan. Delighted, he repaired at an early hour to the -Vatican. The pope came out of his apartment half dressed to give him -an audience. Leo X, on learning the news, did not disguise his terror. -At this moment of alarm he saw only Francis I, and hoped only in him. -"Ambassador," said he trembling to Zorsi, "we must throw ourselves -into the arms of the king, and cry for mercy." Luther and Zuinglius in -their danger knew another arm, and invoked another mercy.[655] - - [655] Domine orator, vederemo quel fara il re Christmo semetteremo in - le so man dimandando misericordia. (Zorsi Relatione MS.) - -[Sidenote: ZUINGLIUS' METHOD.] - -This second sojourn in Italy was not without use to Zuinglius. He -observed the differences between the Ambrosian ritual used at Milan -and that of Rome. He collected and compared together the most ancient -canons of the mass. In this way a spirit of enquiry was developed in -him even amid the tumult of camps. At the same time the sight of his -countrymen led away beyond the Alps, and given up, like cattle, to the -slaughter, filled him with indignation. "The flesh of the -confederates," it was said, "is cheaper than that of their oxen and -their calves." The disloyalty and ambition of the pope,[656] the -avarice and ignorance of the priests, the licentiousness and -dissipation of the monks, the pride and luxury of prelates, the -corruption and venality employed on all hands to win the Swiss, being -forced on his view more strongly than ever, made him still more alive -to the necessity of a reform in the Church. - - [656] Bellissimo parlador; prometea assa ma non attendea ... Most - beautiful speechifier; he (Leo X) promised largely, but did not - perform. (Relatione MS. di Gradenigo venuto orator di Roma.) - -From this time Zuinglius preached the Word of God more clearly. In -explaining the portions of the gospel and epistles selected for public -worship, he always compared Scripture with Scripture.[657] He spoke -with animation and force,[658] and followed with his hearers the same -course which God was following with him. He did not, like Luther, -proclaim the sores of the Church; but as often as the study of the -Bible suggested some useful instruction to himself, he communicated it -to his hearers. He tried to make them receive the truth into their -hearts, and then trusted to it for the works which it behoved to -produce.[659] "If they understand what is true," thought he, "they -will discern what is false." This maxim is good at the commencement of -a Reformation, but a time comes when error must be boldly stigmatised. -This Zuinglius knew very well. "The spring," said he, "is the season -to sow;" and with him it was now spring. - - [657] Non hominum commentis, sed sola scripturarum collatione. (Zw. - Op. i, p. 273.) Not by the inventions of men, but solely by comparing - the Scriptures. - - [658] Sondern auch mit predigen, dorrinen er heftig wass. (Bullinger's - MS.) - - [659] Volebat veritatem cognitam, in cordibus auditorum, agere suum - officium. (Osw. Myc. Vit. Zw.) He wished the truth when known to do - its work on the hearts of his hearers. - -[Sidenote: DISCOVERY.] - -Zuinglius has marked out this period (1516) as the commencement of the -Swiss Reformation. In fact, if four years before he had bent his head -over the Word of God, he now raised it, and turned it toward his -people, to make them share in the light which he had found. This forms -a new and important epoch in the history of the development of the -religious revolution of those countries, but it has been erroneously -concluded, from these dates, that the Reformation of Zuinglius -preceded that of Luther. It may be that Zuinglius preached the gospel -a year before Luther's Theses, but Luther himself preached it four -years before these famous propositions.[660] Had Luther and Zuinglius -confined themselves merely to sermons, the Reformation would not have -so quickly gained ground in the Church. Neither Luther nor Zuinglius -was the first monk or the first priest who preached a purer doctrine -than that of the schoolmen. But Luther was the first who publicly, and -with indomitable courage, raised the standard of truth against the -empire of error, called general attention to the fundamental doctrine -of the gospel--salvation by grace, introduced his age to that new -career of knowledge, faith, and life, out of which a new world has -arisen; in a word, began a true and salutary revolution. The great -struggle, of which the Theses of 1517 were the signal, was truly the -birth-throe of the Reformation, giving it at once both a body and a -soul. Luther was the first Reformer. - - [660] First Volume. - -A spirit of enquiry began to breathe on the mountains of Switzerland. -One day the curate of Glaris, happening to be in the smiling district -of Mollis, with Adam its curate, Bunzli, curate of Wesen, and -Varachon, curate of Kerensen, these friends discovered an old liturgy, -in which they read these words: "After baptising the child, we give -him the sacrament of the Eucharist and the cup of blood."[661] "Then," -said Zuinglius, "the supper was at that period dispensed in our -churches under the two kinds." The liturgy was about two hundred years -old. This was a great discovery for these priests of the Alps. - - [661] Detur Eucharistiae sacramentum, similiter poculum sanguinis. (Zw. - Op. i, p. 266.) Let the sacrament of the Eucharist be given, likewise - the cup of blood. - -The defeat of Marignan had important results in the interior of the -cantons. The conqueror, Francis I, lavished gold and flattery in order -to gain the confederates, while the emperor besought them by their -honour, by the tears of widows and orphans, and the blood of their -brethren, not to sell themselves to their murderers. The French party -gained the ascendancy at Glaris, which, from that time, was an -uncomfortable residence to Ulric. - -[Sidenote: OUR LADY OF EINSIDLEN.] - -Zuinglius, at Glaris, might perhaps have remained a man of the world. -Party intrigues, political questions, the empire, France, or the Duke -of Milan, might have absorbed his whole life. Those whom God means to -prepare for great services he never leaves amid the turmoil of the -world. He leads them apart, and places them in a retreat where they -commune with Him and their own consciences, and receive lessons never -to be effaced. The Son of God himself, who in this was a type of the -training given to his servants, spent forty days in the desert. It was -time to remove Zuinglius from political movements, which, continually -pressing upon his thoughts, might have banished the Spirit of God from -them. It was time to train him for another stage than that on which -courtiers, cabinets, and parties move, and where he should have wasted -powers worthy of nobler employment. His country, indeed, needed -something else. It was necessary that a new life should now come down -from heaven, and that he who was to be the instrument in communicating -it should unlearn worldly things, in order to learn things above. The -two spheres are entirely distinct; a wide space separates these two -worlds, and before passing entirely from the one to the other, -Zuinglius was to sojourn for a time on neutral ground, in a kind of -intermediate and preparatory state, to be there taught of God. God -accordingly took him away from the factions of Glaris; and, with a -view to this noviciate, placed him in the solitude of a -hermitage--confining within the narrow walls of an abbey this noble -germ of the Reformation, which was shortly after to be transplanted to -a better soil, and cover the mountains with its shadow. - - - - -CHAP. V. - - Meinrad of Hohenzollern--Our Lady of Einsidlen--Calling of - Zuinglius--The Abbot--Geroldsek--Companionship in Study--The - Bible copied--Zuinglius and Superstition--First Opposition - to Error--Sensation--Hedio--Zuinglius and the Legates--The - Honours of Rome--The Bishop of Constance--Samson and - Indulgences--Stapfer--Charity of Zuinglius--His Friends. - - -Meinrad of Hohenzollern, a German monk, about the middle of the ninth -century, wandering on till he came between the lakes of Zurich and -Wallstetten, had stopped upon a hill, resting on an amphitheatre of -firs, and there built a cell. Banditti imbrued their hands in the -blood of the saint. The bloody cell was long deserted, but towards the -end of the tenth century, a convent and a church, in honour of the -Virgin, were erected on the sacred spot. On the eve of the day of -consecration, when the Bishop of Constance and his priests were at -prayers in the church, a celestial chant, proceeding from invisible -voices, suddenly echoed through the chapel. They prostrated themselves -and listened in amaze. The next day, when the bishop was going to -consecrate the chapel, a voice repeated thrice, "Stop, brother, stop! -God himself has consecrated it!"[662] It was said, that Christ in -person had blessed it during the night, that the chant which they had -heard proceeded from angels, apostles, and saints, and that the -Virgin, standing upon the altar, had blazed forth like a flash of -lightning. A bull of Pope Leo VII forbade the faithful to question the -truth of this legend. Thenceforward an immense crowd of pilgrims -ceased not to repair to Our Lady of the Eremites to the "consecration -of angels." Delphi and Ephesus, in ancient, and Loretto in modern -times, alone have equalled the fame of Einsidlen. It was in this -strange place that, in 1516, Ulric Zuinglius was called as priest and -preacher. - - [662] Cessa, cessa, frater, divinitus capella consecrata est. (Hartm. - Annal. Einsidl. p. 51.) - -[Sidenote: THE ABBOT OF EINSIDLEN. GEROLDSEK.] - -Zuinglius hesitated not. "Neither ambition nor avarice takes me -there," said he; "but the intrigues of the French."[663] Higher -motives determined him. On the one hand, having more solitude, more -calmness, and a less extensive parish, he could devote more time to -study and meditation; on the other hand, this place of pilgrimage -would give him facilities for spreading the knowledge of Jesus Christ -to the remotest countries.[664] - - [663] Locum mutavimus non cupidinis aut cupiditatis moti stimulis, - verum Galiorum technis. (Zw. Ep. 24.) - - [664] Christum et ejus veritatem in regiones et varias et remotas - divulgari tam felici opportunitate. (Osw. Myc. Vit. Zw.) - -The friends of evangelical preaching at Glaris expressed deep grief. -"What worse could happen to Glaris," said Peter Tschudi, one of the -most distinguished citizens of the canton, "than to be deprived of so -great a man."[665] His parishioners finding him immovable, resolved to -leave him the title of pastor of Glaris, with part of the benefice, -and the means of returning when he chose.[666] - - [665] Quid enim Glareanae nostrae tristius accidere poterat, tanto - videlicet privari viro. (Zw. Ep., p. 16.) - - [666] Two years later Zuinglius signs, Pastor Glaronrae, Minister - Eremi. (Ibid., p. 30.) - -Conrad of Rechberg, a gentleman of ancient family, grave, candid, -intrepid, and occasionally somewhat rude, was one of the most -celebrated sportsmen of the district to which Zuinglius was removed. -He had established on one of his farms a manege in which he reared a -breed of horses which became celebrated in Italy. Such was the abbot -of our Lady of the Eremites. Rechberg was equally averse to the -pretensions of Rome and the discussions of theologians. One day, -during a visitation of the Order, some observations were made to him. -"I am master here, not you," said he, somewhat rudely; "get along." -One day at table when Leo Juda was discussing some difficult point -with the administrator of the convent, the hunting abbot exclaimed, -"You, there, leave your disputes to me. I exclaim with David, '_Have -pity on me, O God, according to thy goodness, and enter not into -judgment with thy servant_.' I have no need to know any more."[667] - - [667] Wirz, K. Gesch., iii, 363. Zuinglius Bildung, v. Schueler, p. - 174. Miscell. Tigur., iii, 28. - -[Sidenote: COMPANIONSHIP IN STUDY.] - -Baron Theobald of Geroldsek was administrator of the monastery. He was -of a meek spirit, sincerely pious, and had a great love of literature. -His favourite design was to form a society of well-informed men in his -convent; and it was for this reason he had given a call to Zuinglius. -Eager for instruction and reading, he begged his new friend to direct -him. "Read the Holy Scriptures," replied Zuinglius, "and that you may -the better understand them, study Jerome. However," added he, "the -time will come, (and, by God's help, it is not far off,) when -Christians will not set a high value either on Jerome or any other -doctor, but only on the word of God."[668] The conduct of Geroldsek -gave indication of his progress in the faith. He allowed the nuns of a -convent dependent on Einsidlen to read the Bible in the vulgar tongue; -and, some years after, Geroldsek came to live at Zurich beside -Zuinglius, and to die with him on the field of Cappel. The charm which -hung about Zuinglius soon united him in tender friendship, not only -with Geroldsek, but also the chaplain Zink, the excellent OExlin, -and other inmates of the abbey. These studious men, far from the noise -of party, joined together in reading the Scriptures, the Fathers of -the Church, the master-pieces of antiquity, and the writings of the -restorers of letters. This interesting society was often enlarged by -friends from a distance. Among others, Capito one day arrived at -Einsidlen. The two old friends of Bale walked together over the -convent and the wild scenery in its neighbourhood, absorbed in -conversation, examining the Scriptures, and seeking to know the Divine -will. There was a point on which they were agreed, and it was -this--"The pope of Rome must fall." At this time Capito was more -courageous than he was at a later period. - - [668] Fore, idque brevi, Deo sic juvante, ut neque Hieronymus neque - caeteri, sed sola Scriptura divina apud Christianos in praetio sit - futura. (Zw. Op. i, p. 273) - -Repose, leisure, books, friends--all these Zuinglius had in this -tranquil retreat--and he accordingly grew in understanding and in -faith. At this period (May, 1517) he commenced a work which was of -great utility to him. As in old time the kings of Israel wrote the law -of God with their own hand, so Zuinglius with his copied the Epistles -of St. Paul. The only editions of the New Testament then in existence -were of large size, and Zuinglius wished to have one which he could -carry about with him.[669] These Epistles he learned by heart, as he -did afterwards the other books of the New, and a part of the Old -Testament. Thus his heart became always more attached to the sovereign -authority of the Word of God. He was not satisfied with merely -acknowledging this; he was, moreover, desirous to bring his life into -true subjection to it. His views gradually became more decidedly -Christian. The end for which he had been brought into this desert was -accomplished. It is no doubt true that Zurich is the place where his -whole soul became thoroughly pervaded with Christian principle; but -even now at Einsidlen he made decided progress in the work of -sanctification. At Glaris he had taken part in the amusements of the -world; at Einsidlen he was more anxious for a life unsullied by any -taint of worldliness. Beginning to have a better idea of the great -spiritual interests of the people, he gradually learned what God -designed to teach him. - - [669] This manuscript is extant in the library of the town of Zurich. - -[Sidenote: ZUINGLIUS AND SUPERSTITION.] - -Providence had also other views in bringing him to Einsidlen. Here he -obtained a nearer view of the superstitions and abuses which had -invaded the Church. An image of the Virgin which was carefully -preserved in this monastery, had, it was said, the power of working -miracles. Above the gate of the Abbey appeared this presumptuous -inscription:--"Here is obtained a plenary remission of all sins." A -multitude of pilgrims flocked to Einsidlen from all parts of -Christendom, to merit this grace by their pilgrimage. The church, the -abbey, and the whole valley were crowded with devout worshippers on -the festivals of the Virgin. But it was especially at the grand -festival of "the consecration of the angels," that the hermitage was -crowded to overflowing. Thousands of individuals of both sexes climbed -the acclivity of the hill leading to the oratory, singing hymns and -counting their beads. These devout pilgrims crowded into the Church, -thinking they were there nearer God than any where else. - -The residence of Zuinglius at Einsidlen was, in regard to the exposure -of papal abuses, similar in effect to Luther's visit to Rome. -Zuinglius' education for reformer was completed at Einsidlen. God -alone is the source of salvation, and he is so every where,--these -were the two truths which he learned at Einsidlen, and they became -fundamental articles in his creed. The serious impression produced on -his soul soon manifested itself externally. Struck with the many -prevailing evils, he resolved to oppose them boldly. Not hesitating -between his conscience and his interest, he stood up openly, and, in -plain and energetic terms, attacked the superstition of the -surrounding crowds: "Think not," said he from the pulpit, "that God is -in this temple more than in any other part of his creation. Whatever -be the country in which you dwell, God encompasses you, and hears you -as well as in our Lady of Einsidlen. Can useless works, long -pilgrimages, offerings, images, the invocation of the Virgin, or the -saints, obtain the grace of God?... What avails the multitude of words -in which we embody our prayers? What avails a glossy hood--a head well -shaven--a long robe with its neat folds, and mules caparisoned with -gold? God looks to the heart, but our heart is alienated from -God."[670] - - [670] Vestes oblonga et plicis plena, muli auro ornati ... Cor vero - interim procul a Deo est. (Zw. Op. i, p. 236.) - -But Zuinglius wished to do more than lift his voice against -superstition. He wished to satisfy that eager longing for -reconciliation with God, felt by many of the pilgrims who had flocked -to the chapel of our Lady of Einsidlen. "Christ," cried he, like a -John Baptist in this new wilderness of Judea, "Christ, who was once -offered on the cross, is the expiatory victim, who, even through -eternity, makes satisfaction for the sins of all believers."[671] Thus -Zuinglius advanced. The day when this bold sermon was heard in the -most venerated sanctuary of Switzerland, the standard prepared against -Rome began to be more distinctly displayed on its mountain heights, -and there was, so to speak, a heaving of reform reaching even to their -deepest foundations. - - [671] Christus qui sese semel in cruce obtulit, hostia est et victima - satisfaciens in aeternum, pro peccatis omnium fidelium. (Ibid, p. - 236.) - -[Sidenote: SENSATION. HEDIO.] - -In fact, universal astonishment seized the multitude on hearing the -discourse of the eloquent priest. Some walked off in horror; others -hesitated between the faith of their fathers and the doctrine fitted -to secure their peace, while several came to Jesus Christ who was thus -preached to them, and finding rest to their souls, took back the -tapers which they had intended to present to the Virgin. A crowd of -pilgrims returned to their homes, announcing every where what they had -heard at Einsidlen. "Christ ALONE saves, and saves EVERYWHERE." Bands, -astonished at what they heard, stopped short without finishing their -pilgrimage. The worshippers of Mary diminished from day to day. Their -offerings formed almost the whole income of Zuinglius and Geroldsek; -but the intrepid witness of the truth felt happy to be impoverished in -order that souls might be spiritually enriched. - -During the feast of Pentecost, in the year 1518, among the numerous -hearers of Zuinglius, was a learned man of meek temper and active -charity, named Gaspard Hedio, doctor of theology at Bale. Zuinglius -preached on the cure of the paralytic, (Luke, v,) where our Saviour -declares, "_The Son of Man hath power upon earth to forgive sins_," -words well fitted to strike the crowd assembled in the Church of the -Virgin. The preacher roused, enraptured, and inflamed his audience, -especially the doctor from Bale.[672] A long time after, Hedio -expressed his high admiration; "How beautiful," said he, "this -discourse, how profound, weighty, complete, penetrating, and -evangelical; how much it reminds one of the +energeia+ (energy) -of the ancient doctors."[673] From that moment Hedio admired and loved -Zuinglius.[674] He would fain have gone to him, and opened his heart; -he wandered around the abbey but durst not approach, kept back, as he -expresses it, by a superstitious timidity. He again mounted his horse -and slowly retired from our Lady, ever and again turning his head to -the spot which contained so great a treasure, and feeling in his heart -the keenest regret.[675] - - [672] Is sermo ita me inflammavit...(Zw. Ep. p. 90.) - - [673] Elegans ille, doctus, gravis, copiosus, penetrans, et - evangelicus...(Ibid., 89.) - - [674] Ut inciperem Zwinglium arctissime complecti, suscipere et - admirari. (Ibid.) - - [675] Sicque abequitavi, non sine tamen molestia, quam tamen ipse mihi - pepereram. (Ibid., p. 90.) And so rode away, not without vexation, of - which, however, I was myself the cause. - -[Sidenote: ZUINGLIUS AND THE LEGATES.] - -Thus Zuinglius preached; less forcibly, no doubt, than Luther, but -with more moderation, and not less success. He did nothing -precipitately, and did not come so violently into collision with men's -minds as the Saxon Reformer; he expected every thing from the power of -truth. He displayed the same wisdom in his relations with the heads of -the Church. Far from immediately declaring himself their enemy, he -long remained their friend. They were exceedingly indulgent to him, -not only because of his learning and talents, (Luther had the same -claims to the regard of the bishops of Mentz and Brandenburg,) but -especially because of his attachment to the pope's political party, -and the influence possessed by such a man as Zuinglius in a republican -state. - -In fact, several cantons, disgusted with the service of the pope, were -disposed to break with him. But the legates flattered themselves they -might retain several of them by gaining Zuinglius, as they gained -Erasmus, with pensions and honours. At this time the legates, Ennius -and Pucci, went frequently to Einsidlen, where from its proximity to -the democratic cantons, it was more easy to carry on negotiations with -them. But Zuinglius, far from sacrificing the truth to the demands and -offers of Rome, omitted no opportunity of defending the gospel. The -famous Schinner, who had then some disturbance in his diocese, passed -some time at Einsidlen. "The whole papacy," said Zuinglius one day, -"rests on a bad foundation.[676] Put your hand to the work, remove -errors and abuses, or you will see the whole edifice crumble to pieces -with fearful uproar".[677] - - [676] Dass das ganz papstum einen schlechten grund habe. (Zw. Op. ii, - part i. p. 7.) - - [677] Oder aber sy werdind mit grosser unruew selbs umfallen. (Ibid.) - -He spoke with the same frankness to legate Pucci. Four times did he -return to the charge. "With the help of God," said he to him, "I will -continue to preach the gospel, and this preaching will shake Rome." -Then he pointed out to him what was necessary to save the Church. -Pucci promised every thing, but did nothing. Zuinglius declared that -he renounced the pension from the pope. The legate entreated him to -retain it; and Zuinglius, who at that time had no thought of placing -himself in open hostility to the head of the Church, consented for -three years to receive it. "But think not," added he, "that for the -love of money I retrench a single syllable of the truth."[678] Pucci, -alarmed, made the Reformer be appointed chaplain acolyte to the pope. -It was an avenue to new honours. Rome thought to frighten Luther by -sentences of condemnation, and to win Zuinglius by favours--darting -her excommunications at the one, and displaying her gold and -magnificence to the other. She thus endeavoured, by two different -methods, to attain the same end, and silence the bold lips which -dared, in spite of the pope, to proclaim the Word of God in Germany -and Switzerland. The latter method was the more skilful, but neither -of them succeeded. The enfranchised souls of the preachers of truth -were equally inaccessible to menace and favour. - - [678] Frustra sperari me vel verbulum de veritate diminiturum esse, - pecuniae gratia. (Zw. Op. i, p. 365.) It was vain to hope that I would - keep back one iota of the truth for the sake of money. - -[Sidenote: THE BISHOP OF CONSTANCE. SAMSON AND INDULGENCES.] - -Another Swiss prelate, Hugo of Landenberg, bishop of Constance, at -this time gave some hopes to Zuinglius. He ordered a general -visitation of the churches. But Landenberg, a man of no character, -allowed himself to be led alternately by Faber, his vicar, and by an -abandoned female, from whose sway he was unable to escape. He -occasionally appeared to honour the gospel, and yet any one who -preached it boldly was in his eyes only a disturber. He was one of -those men too common in the Church, who, though loving truth better -than error, have more indulgence for error than for truth, and often -end by turning against those with whom they ought to make common -cause. Zuinglius applied to him, but in vain. He was to have the same -experience which Luther had; to be convinced that it was useless to -invoke the heads of the Church, and that the only method of restoring -Christianity was to act as a faithful teacher of the Word of God. An -opportunity of doing so soon occurred. - -In August, 1518, a Franciscan monk was seen travelling on the heights -of St. Gothard, in those lofty passes which have been laboriously cut -across the steep rocks separating Switzerland from Italy. Having come -forth from an Italian convent, he was the bearer of papal indulgences -which he was commissioned to sell to the good Christians of the -Helvetic league. Brilliant success, obtained under two preceding -popes, had signalised his exertions in this shameful traffic. -Companions, intended to puff off the merchandise which he was going to -sell, were accompanying him across mountains of snow and ice coeval -with the world. This avaricious band, in appearance miserable enough, -and not unlike a band of adventurers roaming for plunder, walked in -silence, amid the noise of the foaming torrents which give rise to the -Rhine, the Reuss, the Aar, the Rhone, the Tessino, and other rivers, -meditating how they were to plunder the simple population of Helvetia. -Samson (this was the Franciscan's name) and his company first arrived -in Uri, and there commenced their traffic. They had soon done with -these poor peasants, and passed into the canton of Schwitz. Here -Zuinglius was, and here the combat between these two servants of two -very different masters was to take place. "I can pardon all sins," -said the Italian monk, the Tezel of Switzerland. "Heaven and hell are -subject to my power, and I sell the merits of Jesus Christ to whoever -will purchase them, by paying in cash for an indulgence." - -Zuinglius heard of these discourses, and his zeal was inflamed. - -[Sidenote: STAPFER AND ZUINGLIUS.] - -He preached powerfully against them. "Jesus Christ, the Son of God," -said he, "thus speaks, '_Come unto ME, all ye that labour and are -heavy laden, and I will give you rest_.' Is it not then audacious -folly and insensate temerity to say on the contrary, Purchase letters -of indulgence! run to Rome! give to the monks! sacrifice to the -priests! If you do these things I will absolve you from your -sins![679] Jesus Christ is the only offering; Jesus Christ is the only -sacrifice; Jesus Christ is the only way."[680] - - [679] Romam curre! redime literas indulgentiarum! da tantundem - monachis! offer sacerdotibus, etc. (Zw. Op., i, p. 222.) - - [680] Christus una est oblatio, unum sacrificium, una via. (Ibid., p. - 201.) - -Every body at Schwitz began to call Samson rogue and cheat. He took -the road to Zug, and for this time the two champions failed to meet. - -Scarcely had Samson left Schwitz when a citizen of this canton, named -Stapfer, a man of distinguished talent, and afterward secretary of -state, was with his family reduced to great distress. "Alas," said he, -when applying in agony to Zuinglius, "I know not how to satisfy my own -hunger and the hunger of my poor children."[681] Zuinglius knew to -give where Rome knew to take; he was as ready to practise good works, -as to combat those who taught that they were the means of obtaining -salvation. He daily gave liberally to Stapfer.[682] "It is God," said -he, anxious not to take any glory to himself, "It is God who begets -charity in the believer, and gives him at once the thought, the -resolution, and the work itself. Whatever good a righteous man does it -is God who does it by his own power."[683] Stapfer remained attached -to him through life; and, four years after, when he had become -secretary of state, and felt wants of a higher kind, he turned towards -Zuinglius, and said to him with noble candour, "Since you provided for -my temporal wants, how much more may I now expect from you wherewith -to appease the hunger of my soul!" - - [681] Ut meae, meorumque liberorum inediae corporali subveniretis. (Zw. - Ep. 234.) - - [682] Largas mihi quotidie suppetias tulistis. (Ibid.) - - [683] Caritatem ingenerat Deus, consilium, propositum et opus. - Quidquid boni praestat justus, hoc Deus sua virtute praestat. (Zw. Op., - i, p. 226.) - -The friends of Zuinglius increased. Not only at Glaris, Bale, and -Schwitz, did he find men of like spirit with himself; in Uri there was -the secretary of state, Schmidt; at Zug, Colin Mueller and Werner -Steiner, his old companions in arms at Marignan: at Lucerne, Xylotect -and Kilchmeyer; Wittembach at Berne, and many others in many other -places. But the curate of Einsidlen had no more devoted friend than -Oswald Myconius. Oswald had quitted Bale in 1516, to take charge of -the cathedral school at Zurich. In this town there were no learned -men, and no schools of learning. Oswald laboured along with some -well-disposed individuals, among others, Utinger, notary to the pope, -to raise the Zurich population out of ignorance and initiate them in -ancient literature. At the same time he defended the immutable truth -of the Holy Scriptures, and declared that if the pope or emperor gave -commands contrary to the gospel, obedience was due to God alone, who -is above both emperor and pope. - -[Sidenote: ZURICH. THE COLLEGE OF CANONS.] - - - - -CHAP. VI. - - Zurich--The College of Canons--Election to the - Cathedral--Fable--Accusations--Confession of Zuinglius--The - Designs of God Unfolded--Farewell to Einsidlen--Arrival at - Zurich--Courageous Declaration of Zuinglius--First - Sermons--Effects--Opposition--Character of Zuinglius--Taste - for Music--Arrangement of the Day--Circulation by Hawkers. - - -Seven centuries had elapsed since Charlemagne had attached a college -of canons to this cathedral, over whose school Oswald Myconius then -presided. These canons having degenerated from their first -institution, and desiring in their benefices to enjoy the sweets of -indolence, elected a priest to preach and take the cure of souls. This -situation having become vacant some time after Oswald's arrival, he -immediately thought of his friend. What a prize it would be for -Zurich! Zuinglius' appearance was prepossessing. He was a handsome -man,[684] of graceful address, and pleasing manners. His eloquence had -already given him celebrity, while the lustre of his genius made him -conspicuous among all the confederates. Myconius spoke of him to the -provost of the chapter, Felix Frey, (who from the appearance and -talents of Zuinglius was already prepossessed in his favour,)[685] to -Utinger, an old man who was held in high respect, and to canon -Hoffman, a man of an upright open disposition, who, having long -preached against foreign service, was favourably inclined to Ulric. -Other Zurichers had, on different occasions, heard Zuinglius at -Einsidlen, and had returned full of admiration. The election of -preacher to the cathedral soon set all the inhabitants of Zurich in -motion. Different parties were formed. Several laboured night and day -for the election of the eloquent preacher of Our Lady of the -Eremites.[686] Myconius having informed his friend--"Wednesday next," -replied Zuinglius, "I will come and dine at Zurich, and talk over -matters." He accordingly arrived. A canon to whom he was paying a -visit said to him, "Could you come among us to preach the word of -God?" "I could," replied he; "but will not come unless I am called." -He then returned to his abbey. - - [684] Dan Zwingli vom lyb ein hubscher man wass. (Bullinger MS.) - - [685] Und als Imme sein e gestalt und geschiklichkeit wol gefiel, gab - er Im syn stimm. (Ibid) - - [686] Qui dies et noctes laborarent ut vir ille subrogaretur. (Osw. - Myc. Vit. Zw.) - -[Sidenote: CHARGES AGAINST ZUINGLIUS.] - -This visit spread alarm in the camp of his enemies. Several priests -were urged to apply for the vacancy. A Suabian, named Laurent Fable, -even preached as a candidate, and the rumour went that he was -elected. "It is then quite true," said Zuinglius, on learning it, -"that a prophet has no honour in his own country, since a Suabian is -preferred to a Swiss. I know what value to set on popular -applause."[687] Zuinglius immediately after received a letter from the -secretary of Cardinal Schinner, informing him, that the election had -not taken place. But the false news which he had at first received -nettled the curate of Einsidlen. Knowing that a person so unworthy as -this Fable aspired to the place, he was more desirous to obtain it for -himself, and wrote about it to Myconius, who next day replied, "Fable -will always continue fable: my masters have learned that he is already -the father of six boys, and possesses I know not how many -benefices."[688] - - [687] Scio vulgi acclamationes et illud blandum Euge! Euge! (Zw. Ep. - p. 53.) I know the acclamations of the vulgar, and their flattering - Bravo! Bravo! - - [688] Fabula manebit fabula; quem domini mei acceperunt sex pueris - esse patrem ... (Ibid.) - -The enemies of Zuinglius did not abandon their opposition. All, it is -true, agreed in extolling his learning to the skies;[689] but said -some, "He is too fond of music;" others, "He loves the world and -pleasure;" others again, "In early life he was too closely connected -with giddy companions." There was even one individual who charged him -with an instance of seduction. Zuinglius was not without blemish. -Though superior to the ecclesiastics of his time he more than once, in -the first years of his ministry, gave way to youthful propensities. It -is difficult to estimate the influence of an impure atmosphere on -those who live in it. There were in the papacy certain established -irregularities, allowed and sanctioned as conformable to the laws of -nature. A saying of AEneas Sylvius, afterwards pope under the name of -Pius II, gives an idea of the sad state of public morals at this -period. We give it in a note.[690] Disorder had become the rule, order -the exception. - - [689] Neminem tamen, qui tuam doctrinam non ad coelum ferat ... - (Ibid.) - - [690] Non esse qui vigesimum annum excessit, nec virginem tetigerit. - (Ibid. p. 57.) - -[Sidenote: CONFESSION BY ZUINGLIUS.] - -Oswald displayed the greatest activity in favour of his friend. He -exerted all his powers in defending him, and happily succeeded.[691] -He went to burgomaster Roust, to Hoffman, Frey, and Utinger. He -praised Zuinglius for his probity, honesty, and purity, and confirmed -the Zurichers in the favourable opinion which they had of the curate -of Einsidlen. Little credit was given to the speeches of his -adversaries. The most influential persons said, that Zuinglius should -be preacher at Zurich. The canons said so also, but in a whisper. -"Hope," wrote Oswald to him with a full heart, "for I hope." At the -same time he told him of the accusations of his enemies. Although -Zuinglius was not yet become altogether a new man, he belonged to the -class of those whose conscience is awakened, and who may fall into -sin, but never without a struggle, or without remorse. It had often -been his resolution to stand alone in the midst of the world, and -maintain a life of holiness. But when he saw himself accused, he did -not pretend to boast that he was without sin. Writing to canon -Utinger, he said, "Having nobody to go along with me in the -resolutions which I had formed, several even of those about me, being -offended at them, alas! I fell, and like the dog of whom St. Peter -speaks, (2 Ep. ii, 22,) returned to my vomit.[692] Ah! God knows with -what shame and anguish I have torn up these faults from the depths of -my heart, and laid them before Almighty God, to whom, however, I would -be less afraid to confess my misery than to mortal man."[693] But -while Zuinglius confessed himself to be a sinner, he, at the same time -vindicated himself from the most offensive charges which were brought -against him. He declared that he had ever abhorred the idea of -invading the sanctity of married life, or seducing innocence,[694]--vices -at that time but too common, "or the truth of this," says he, "I appeal -to all with whom I have lived."[695] - - [691] Reprimo haec pro viribus, imo et repressi. (Ibid., p. 54.) - - [692] Quippe neminem habens, comitem hujus instituti, scandalisantes - vero non paucos heu! cecidi et factus sum canis ad vomitum. (Zw. Ep. - p. 55.) - - [693] En, cum verecundia (Deus novit!) magna, haec ex pectoris specubus - depromsi, apud eum scilicet, cum quo etiam coram minus quam cum ullo - ferme mortalium confiteri vererer. (Zw. Ep.) - - [694] Ea ratio nobis perpetuo fuit, nec alienum thorum conscendere nec - virginem vitiare. (Ibid.) - - [695] Testes invoco cunctos, quibuscum vixi. (Ibid.) - -The election took place on the 11th December, and out of the -twenty-four votes which were given, Zuinglius had seventeen. It was -time that the Reformation should begin in Switzerland. The chosen -instrument which Divine Providence had been preparing during three -years in the retreat of Einsidlen, was ready and must now be -translated elsewhere. God, who had chosen the new university of -Wittemberg, situated in the heart of Germany, and under the protection -of the wisest of princes, to call Luther thither, made choice in -Switzerland of the city of Zurich, regarded as the head of the -confederation, there to station Zuinglius, and to bring him into -contact not only with one of the most intelligent, simple, resolute, -and intrepid communities of Switzerland, but also with all the cantons -which are grouped around this ancient and powerful state. The hand -which had taken hold of a young shepherd of Sentis, and led him to the -school of Wesen, now brought him forward, powerful in word and in -deed, in the face of all, to regenerate his countrymen. Zurich was -about to become a focus of light to Switzerland. - -[Sidenote: ARRIVAL AT ZURICH.] - -The day which announced the election of Zuinglius was to Einsidlen a -day at once of joy and grief. The circle which had been formed there -was about to be broken up by the withdrawal of its most valuable -member, and who could say whether superstition was not going again to -take possession of this ancient place of pilgrimage?... The council of -state in Schwitz conveyed the expression of its sentiments to Ulric by -designating him as "reverend, learned, most gracious master, and good -friend."[696] "At least do you yourself give us a successor worthy of -you," said Geroldsek in despair to Zuinglius. "I have got for you," -replied he, "a little lion, simple and wise; a man initiated in the -mysteries of sacred science." "Let me have him," immediately rejoined -the administrator. It was Leo Juda, at once the gentle and intrepid -friend with whom Zuinglius had been so intimate at Bale. Leo accepted -the call which brought him near his dear Ulric. Ulric took farewell of -his friends, quitted the solitude of Einsidlen, and arrived at that -delightful spot where, smiling and instinct with life, rises the town -of Zurich, surrounded by its amphitheatre of vine-clad hills, -enamelled with meadows and orchards, crowned with forests, and -overtopped by the lofty peaks of the Albis. - - [696] Reverende, perdocte, admodum gratiose domine ac bone amice. (Zw. - Ep. p. 60.) - -Zurich, the centre of the political interests of Switzerland, where -the most influential persons in the nation frequently assembled, was -the place best fitted to act upon the whole country, and shed the -seeds of truth over all its cantons. Accordingly, the friends of -letters and the Bible hailed the appointment of Zuinglius with -acclamation. At Paris, in particular, the Swiss students, who were -there in great numbers, were enraptured with the news.[697] But if -Zuinglius had the prospect of a great victory at Zurich, he had also -the prospect of a severe contest. Glarean wrote him from Paris, "I -foresee that your learning will stir up great enmity;[698] but be of -good courage, and you will, like Hercules, subdue monsters."[699] - - [697] Omnes adeo quotquot et Helvetiis adsunt juvenes fremere et - gaudere. (Ibid., p. 63.) - - [698] Quantum invidiae tibi inter istos eruditio tua conflabit. (Ibid., - p. 64.) - - [699] Do er ehrlich und wol empfangen ward. (Bullinger, MS.) - -[Sidenote: INSTRUCTIONS OF THE CHAPTER. ZUINGLIUS' DECLARATION.] - -On the 27th December, 1518, Zuinglius arrived at Zurich, and took up -his quarters at the hotel of Einsidlen. He received a cordial and -honourable welcome. The chapter immediately met to receive him, and -invited him to take his seat in the midst of them. Felix Frey -presided; the canons, friendly or hostile to Zuinglius, sat -indiscriminately around their provost. There was considerable -excitement in the meeting; every one felt, perhaps without distinctly -acknowledging it to himself, how serious the commencement of this -ministry was likely to prove. Some apprehension being entertained of -the innovating spirit of the young priest, it was agreed to set before -him the most important duties of his office. "You will use your utmost -endeavour," he was gravely told, "to secure payment of the revenues -of the chapter, without neglecting the least of them. You will exhort -the faithful both from the pulpit and in the confessional, to pay the -first fruits and tithes, and to show by their offerings that they love -the Church. You will make it your business to increase the revenues -which are derived from the sick, from sacrifices, and generally from -every ecclesiastical act." The chapter added, "As to the -administration of the sacraments, preaching, and personal presence, -amid the flock, these too are duties of the priest. However, in these -different respects, and particularly in regard to preaching, you may -supply your place by a vicar. You should administer the sacraments -only to persons of distinction, and after being requested. You are -expressly forbidden to do it to all persons indiscriminately."[700] - - [700] Schuler's, Zwinglis Bildung, p. 227. - -[Sidenote: ZUINGLIUS' FIRST SERMONS AT ZURICH.] - -Strange rule to be given to Zuinglius! Money, money, still money!... -Was it then for this that Christ established his ministry? Still -prudence tempers his zeal; he knows that we cannot all at once deposit -the seed in the ground, see the growth of the tree, and gather its -fruit. Zuinglius, therefore, without explaining his views on what was -enjoined him, humbly expressed his gratitude for the honourable -appointment which he had received, and stated what he calculated on -being able to do. "The life of Jesus," said he, "has been too long -hidden from the people. I will preach on the whole gospel of St. -Matthew, chapter by chapter, following the mind of the Holy Spirit, -drawing only at the well-springs of Scripture,[701] digging deep into -it, and seeking the understanding of it by persevering fervent -prayer.[702] I will consecrate my ministry to the glory of God; the -praise of His only Son; the real salvation of souls, and their -instruction in the true faith."[703] This new language made a deep -impression on the chapter. Some expressed joy, but the majority openly -disapproved.[704] "This mode of preaching is an innovation," exclaimed -they, "this innovation will soon lead to others, and where is it to -stop?" Canon Hoffman in particular thought it his duty to prevent the -fatal effects of a choice which he had himself patronised. "This -exposition of Scripture," said he, "will be more hurtful than useful -to the people." "It is not a new method," replied Zuinglius, "it is -the ancient method. Recollect the homilies of St. Chrysostom on St. -Matthew, and of St. Augustine on St. John. Besides, I will use -moderation, and give none any reason to complain." - - [701] Absque humanis commentationibus, ex solis fontibus Scripturae - sacrae. (Zw. Op. i, p. 273.) Without human comments, solely from the - fountains of sacred Scripture. - - [702] Sed mente spiritus quam diligenti Scripturarum collectione, - precibusque ex corde fusis, se nacturum. (Osw. Myc. Vit. Zw.) - - [703] Alles Gott und seinen einigen Sohn zu Lob und Ehren und zu - rechten Heil der Seelen, zur Underrichtung im rechten Glauben. - (Bullinger, MS.) - - [704] Quibus auditis, moeror simul et laetitia. (Osw. Myc.) - -Thus Zuinglius abandoned the exclusive use of fragments of the gospel -as practised since the days of Charlemagne; re-establishing the -Scripture in its ancient rights, he, from the commencement of his -ministry, united the Reformation to the primitive ages of -Christianity, and prepared a more profound study of the Word of God -for ages to come. But he did more. The strong and independent position -which he took up in the face of the Church showed that the work in -which he had engaged was new. The figure of the Reformer stood out in -bold relief to the public eye, and the Reformation advanced. - -Hoffman, having failed in the chapter, addressed a written request to -the provost to prohibit Zuinglius from shaking the popular belief. The -provost sent for the new preacher, and spoke to him with great -kindness. But no human power could close his lips. On the 31st -December, he wrote to the council of Glaris, that he entirely resigned -the cure of souls which had hitherto been reserved for him, and gave -himself wholly to Zurich, and to the work which God was preparing for -him in this town. - -On Saturday, being new-year's-day, and also the birthday of Zuinglius, -who had completed his thirty-fifth year, he mounted the pulpit of the -cathedral. A great crowd, eager to see a man who had already acquired -so much celebrity, and to hear this new gospel, of which every one -began to speak, filled the church. "It is to Christ," said Zuinglius, -"that I wish to conduct you; to Christ, the true source of salvation. -His divine word is the only nourishment which I would give to your -heart and life." Then he announced that to-morrow, the first Sunday of -the year, he would begin to expound the gospel according to St. -Matthew. Accordingly, the preacher, and a still larger audience than -the day before, were at their posts. Zuinglius opened the gospel--the -gospel which had so long been a sealed book--and read the first page, -going over the history of the patriarchs and prophets mentioned in the -first chapter of St. Matthew, and expounding it in such a way that all -were astonished and delighted, and exclaimed, "We never heard anything -like this."[705] - - [705] Dessgleichen wie jederman redt, nie gehoert worden war. (B. - Weise, a contemporary of Zuinglius. Fuesslin Beytraege, iv, 86.) - -[Sidenote: THEIR EFFECTS.] - -He continued thus to expound St. Matthew, according to the original -Greek. He showed how the whole Bible found at once its exposition and -its application in the very nature of man. Delivering the loftiest -truths of the gospel in simple language, his preaching reached all -classes, the learned and the wise, as well as the ignorant and -simple.[706] He extolled the infinite mercies of God the Father, and -implored all his hearers to put their confidence in Jesus Christ alone -as the only Saviour.[707] At the same time, he earnestly called them -to repentance; forcibly attacked the errors which prevailed among the -people; fearlessly rebuked luxury, intemperance, extravagance in -dress, the oppression of the poor, idleness, foreign service, and -foreign pensions. "In the pulpit," says one of his companions, "he -spared no one, pope, emperor, kings, dukes, princes, lords, not even -the confederates. All his energy, and all the joy of his heart were in -God: accordingly he exhorted all the inhabitants of Zurich to put -their confidence in Him only."[708] "Never was man heard to speak with -so much authority," says Oswald Myconius, who with joy and high hopes -watched the labours of his friend. - - [706] Nam ita simplices aequaliter cum prudentissimis et acutissimis - quibusque, proficielebant. (Osw. Myc. Vit. Zw.) - - [707] In welchem er Gott den Vater prysset und alle Menschen allein - uff Jessum Christum, als den einigen Heiland verthrauwen lehrte. - (Bullinger, MS.) - - [708] All sein Trost stuhnd allein mit froelichem Gemuth zu Gott ... - (B. Weise Fuesslin Betr. iv, 36.) - -The gospel could not be preached in vain in Zurich. A continually -increasing multitude of men of all classes, and more especially of the -common people, flocked to hear him.[709] Several Zurichers had ceased -to attend on public worship. "I derive no benefit from the discourses -of these priests," often exclaimed Fuesslin, a poet, historian, and -counsellor of state; "they do not preach the things of salvation; for -they do not comprehend them. I see nothing in them but covetousness -and voluptuousness." Henry Raeuschlin, treasurer of state, one who -diligently read the Scriptures, was of the same opinion: "The -priests," said he, "met in thousands at the Council of Constance ... -to burn the best man among them." These distinguished men, led by -curiosity, went to hear Zuinglius' first sermon. Their countenances -bespoke the emotion with which they followed the orator. "Glory to -God!" said they, on coming out; "this is a preacher of the truth. He -will be our Moses to deliver us from Egyptian darkness."[710] From -this moment they became the Reformer's intimate friends. "Powers of -the world," said Fuesslin, "cease to proscribe the doctrine of Christ! -After Christ the Son of God was put to death, sinners were raised up. -And now, should you destroy the preachers of truth, you will see their -places supplied by glaziers, carpenters, potters, founders, -shoemakers, and tailors, who will teach with power."[711] - - [709] Do ward bald ein gross gelaueff von allerley menschen, Innsonders - von dem gemeinen Mann ... (Bullinger, MS.) - - [710] Und unser Moses seyn der uns aus Egypten fuehrt. (Ibid.) - - [711] Werden die Glaeser, Mueller, Hafner, Giesser, Schuhmacher, und - Schneider lehren. (Muller's Reliq. iii, p. 185.) - -[Sidenote: OPPOSITION.] - -In Zurich, at the outset, there was only one shout of admiration, but -when the first moment of enthusiasm was over, the adversary resumed -courage. Worthy persons alarmed at the idea of a Reformation, -gradually drew off from Zuinglius. The violence of the monks which had -been veiled for an instant, reappeared, and the college of canons -resounded with complaints. Zuinglius stood immovable. His friends -beholding his courage, felt in his presence as if a man of apostolic -times had reappeared.[712] Among his enemies, some scoffed and jeered; -others uttered insulting menaces, but he endured all with Christian -patience.[713] "Whoso," he was wont to say, "would gain the wicked to -Jesus Christ must wink at many things,"[714]--an admirable saying -which ought not to be lost sight of. - - [712] Nobis apostolici illius saeculi virum repraesentas. (Zw. Ep. p. - 74.) - - [713] Obganniunt quidam, rident, minantur, petulanter incessunt ... at - tu vere, Christiana patientia, suffers omnia. (Ibid. 7th May, 1519.) - Some jeer, laugh, menace, and petulantly assail, ... but you with - truly Christian patience submit to all. - - [714] Connivendum ad multa, ei qui velit malos Christo lucri facere - ... (Ibid.) - -His character and general bearing towards all contributed as much as -his discourses to win their hearts. He was at once a true Christian -and a true republican. The equality of mankind was not with him a mere -watchword; it was written on his heart and manifested in his life. He -had neither that pharisaical pride, nor that monastic gruffness, which -are equally offensive to the simple and the wise of the world. Men -were drawn towards him, and felt at ease when conversing with him. -Strong and mighty in the pulpit, he was affable to all whom he met in -the streets, or in the public squares. At the places where the -merchants or incorporations met he was often seen among the citizens -expounding the leading points of Christian doctrine, or conversing -familiarly with them. He gave the same cordial reception to peasant -and patrician. "He invited country folks to dine with him," says one -of his bitterest enemies, "walked with them, spoke to them of God, -made the devil enter into their hearts and his writings into their -pockets. He even went so far that the leading persons in Zurich -visited those peasants, entertained them, and walked over the town -with them, showing them all sorts of attention."[715] - - [715] Dass der Rath gemeldete Bauern besucht ... (Salat's Chronik. p. - 155.) - -[Sidenote: TASTE FOR MUSIC. STUDIOUS HABITS.] - -He continued to cultivate music "with moderation," says Bullinger: -nevertheless the enemies of the gospel took advantage of it, and -called him "The evangelical flute and lute player."[716] Faber having -one day reproached him with his fondness for music, Zuinglius, with -noble candour, replied, "My dear Faber, you know not what music is. I -have, it is true, learned to play on the lute, the violin, and other -instruments, and am able by these means to pacify little -children;[717] but you of course are too holy for music. Do you not -know that David was a skilful player on the harp, and in this way -drove the evil spirit out of Saul? ... Ah! if you knew the sound of -the heavenly lute, the evil spirit of ambition and avarice by which -you are possessed would come out of you also." Perhaps this was -Zuinglius' foible, though it was in a spirit of cheerfulness and -Christian liberty that he cultivated this art, which religion has -always associated with her sublimest flights. He set some of his -Christian poems to music, and did not scruple sometimes to amuse the -youngest of his flock with his lute. He showed the same good nature to -the poor. "He ate and drank," says one of his contemporaries, "with -all who invited him,--he despised no one; he was most compassionate to -the poor; always firm and always joyful in bad as in good fortune. No -evil made him afraid; his words were at all times full of energy, and -his heart full of consolation."[718] Thus Zuinglius increased in -popularity--after the example of his Master, seated alternately at the -table of the common people and the banquet of the great, but still -constantly intent on the work to which God had called him. - - [716] Der Lautherschlager und Evangelischer pfyffer. (Bullinger, MS.) - - [717] Dass kombt mir Ja wol, die kind zu geschweigen. (Bullinger MS.) - - [718] War allwegen trostlichen Gemueths und tapferer Red. (B. Weisse - Fuessl. Beytr. iv, p. 36.) - -At the same time he was an indefatigable student. In the morning, till -ten, he read, wrote, and translated: Hebrew in particular engaged his -attention. After dinner he attended to those who had any thing to tell -him, or any advice to ask of him: took a walk with his friends and -visited his hearers. At two he resumed his studies. He took a short -walk after supper, and afterwards wrote letters which often occupied -him till midnight. He always stood when he studied, and did not allow -himself to be interrupted unless on important business.[719] - - [719] Certas studiis vindicans horas, quas etiam non omisit, nisi - seriis coactus. (Osw. Myc. Vit. Zw.) - -[Sidenote: INDULGENCES.] - -But the labours of a single individual were not sufficient. A person, -named Lucian, one day came to him with the writings of the German -Reformer. He had been sent by Rhenan, a learned man, then resident at -Bale, and indefatigable in circulating the Reformer's writings -throughout Switzerland. Rhenan had become aware that the hawking of -books was an important means of diffusing evangelical doctrine. Lucian -had travelled almost over the whole of Switzerland, and knew -everybody. "See," said Rhenan to Zuinglius, "whether this Lucian has -the necessary prudence and ability; if he has, let him go from town to -town, burgh to burgh, village to village, and even from house to -house, among the Swiss, with Luther's writings, especially his -exposition on the Lord's Prayer, written for the laity.[720] The more -he is known the more purchasers will he find. But care must be taken -not to let him hawk other books. If he has none but Luther's, his sale -of them will be the greater." Thus the humble roof of many a Swiss -family was penetrated with some rays of light. There was one other -book, however, which Zuinglius should have caused to be hawked with -those of Luther--the Gospel of Jesus Christ. - - [720] ... Oppidatim, municipatim, vicatim, imo domesticatim per - Helvetios circumferat.... (Zw. Ep. p. 81) - - - - -CHAP. VII - - Indulgences--Samson at Berne--Samson at Baden--The Dean of - Bremgarten--Young Henry Bullinger--Samson and the - Dean--Internal struggles of Zuinglius--Zuinglius against - Indulgences--Samson dismissed. - - -[Sidenote: SAMSON AT BERNE AND BADEN.] - -Zuinglius had not long to wait for an opportunity of displaying his -zeal in a new vocation. Samson, the famous indulgence merchant, was -slowly approaching Zurich. This miserable trafficker had come from -Schwitz to Zug, 20th September, 1518, and had remained there three -days. An immense crowd had gathered round him. The poorest were the -most eager, so that they prevented the rich from coming forward. This -did not suit the monk; accordingly, one of his attendants began to -bawl out to the populace, "Good people, do not throng so! Let those -come who have money. We will afterwards try to content those who have -none." From Zug Samson and his band repaired to Lucerne; from Lucerne -to Underwald; then crossing the fertile Alps with their rich valleys, -passing beneath the eternal ice of Oberland, and in these spots, the -grandest in Switzerland, exposing their Roman merchandise, they -arrived near Berne. The monk was at first prohibited to enter the -town, but succeeded at last in obtaining an introduction by means of -persons whom he had in his pay. Exhibiting his wares in the church of -St. Vincent he began to cry louder than ever. "Here," said he to the -rich, "are indulgences on parchment for a crown." "There," said he to -the poor, "are indulgences on ordinary paper for two farthings!" One -day, a celebrated knight, James de Stein, came up prancing on a dapple -grey horse; the monk greatly admired the horse. "Give me," says the -knight, "an indulgence for myself, for my troop of five hundred -strong, for all my vassals of Belp, and all my ancestors; I will give -you my dapple grey horse in exchange." It was a high price for the -horse, but the courser pleased the Franciscan, and the bargain was -struck. The horse went to the monk's stable, and all these souls were -declared for ever exempted from hell.[721] Another day, he give a -burgher, for thirteen florins, an indulgence, in virtue of which his -confessor was authorised to absolve him from any species of -perjury.[722] So much was Samson in repute, that Counsellor May, an -enlightened old man, having said something against him, was obliged to -go down on his knees, and ask pardon of the arrogant monk. - - [721] Um einen Kuttgrowen Hengst. (Anshelm, v, 335, J. J. Hotting. - Helv. K. Gesch. i, 29.) - - [722] A quovis parjurio. (Muller's Relig. iv, 403.) - -This was the monk's last day, and a loud ringing of bells announced -his immediate departure from Berne. Samson was in the church standing -on the steps of the high altar. Canon Henry Lupulus, formerly -Zuinglius's master, was acting as his interpreter. "When the wolf and -the fox rendezvous together in the field," said canon Anselm, turning -to the Schulthess of Walleville, "the best thing for you, worthy Sir, -is to put your sheep and geese in safety." But the monk cared little -for these sarcasms, which, besides, did not reach his ear. "Kneel," -said he to the superstitious crowd, "repeat three _Paters_, three _Ave -Marias_, and your souls will forthwith be as pure as at the moment of -baptism." Then all the people fell upon their knees. Samson wishing -even to outdo himself, exclaimed, "I deliver from the torments of -purgatory and hell all the spirits of the departed Bernese, whatever -may have been the manner and place of their death." These jugglers, -like those at fairs, kept their finest feat for the last. - -Samson set out with a heavy purse towards Zurich, crossing Argovia and -Baden. The farther on he got, the monk, whose appearance on passing -the Alps was so shabby, proceeded with more pride and splendour. The -Bishop of Constance, irritated that Samson had not employed him to -legalise his bulls, had forbidden all the curates of his diocese to -open their churches to him. At Baden, nevertheless, the curate durst -not long oppose his traffic. This redoubled the monk's effrontery. -Making the round of the burying ground at the head of a procession, he -seemed to fix his eyes on some object in the air, while his acolytes -sung the hymn for the dead, and pretending to see souls flying from -the burying ground to heaven, he exclaimed--"_Ecce volant!_ See how -they fly." One day, an inhabitant of the place getting up into the -church steeple, a great number of feathers were soon seen in the air -falling down on the astonished procession; "See how they fly," -exclaimed the wag of Baden, shaking a feather cushion from the -steeple. Many began to laugh.[723] Samson fell into a rage, and could -not be appeased till he learned that the individual was subject to -fits of derangement: he left Baden in a huff. - - [723] Dessen viel Luth gnug lachten. (Bullinger MS.) - -[Sidenote: THE DEAN OF BREMGARTEN. HENRY BULLINGER.] - -Continuing his journey, he arrived, towards the end of February, 1519, -at Bremgarten, at the solicitation of the Schulthess and second -curate, who had seen him at Baden. No individual in that district had -a higher reputation than dean Bullinger of Bremgarten. Though far from -enlightened as to the errors of the Church and the Word of God, being -open, zealous, eloquent, kind to the poor, and ready to do a service -to the humblest, he was loved by every body. He had in his youth -formed a connection with the daughter of a counsellor of the place. -This was the usual expedient of such of the priests as were unwilling -to live in general licentiousness. Anna had borne him five sons, but -this had in no way lessened the respect which the dean enjoyed. There -was not in Switzerland a more hospitable house than his. A great lover -of the chace, he was seen surrounded with ten or twelve dogs, and -accompanied by the barons of Hallwyll, the abbot Mury, and the gentry -of Zurich, scouring the fields and forests around. He kept open table, -and none of his guests was more jovial than himself. When the deputies -to the Diet were on their way to Baden, on passing through Bremgarten -they failed not to take their seats at the dean's table. "Bullinger," -said they, "keeps court like the most powerful baron." - -[Sidenote: SAMSON AND THE DEAN.] - -In this house strangers remarked a child of an intelligent -countenance. Henry, one of the dean's sons, from his earliest years, -had many narrow escapes. Having been seized with the plague, -preparations were making for his funeral when he showed some signs of -life, and was restored to his delighted parents. On another occasion, -a wandering beggar, having won him by caresses, was carrying him off -from his family, when some persons in passing recognised and rescued -him. At three years of age he could repeat the Lord's prayer and the -apostles' creed. One day having slipt into the church, he got into his -father's pulpit, stood up gravely, and at the full stretch of his -voice, cried out, "I believe in God the Father," and so on. At twelve, -he was sent to the Latin school of Emmeric, his heart overwhelmed with -fear; for those times were dangerous for a young boy without -experience. When the students of an university thought its discipline -too severe, they not unfrequently left it in troops, carrying the -children with them, and encamped in the woods, from which they sent -the youngest of their number to beg, or sometimes with arms in their -hands they rushed forth on the passing traveller, robbed him, and then -consumed their booty in debauchery. Henry was happily kept from evil -in this distant abode. Like Luther, he gained his livelihood by -singing before the houses, for his father wished to teach him to live -by his own shifts. He was sixteen when he opened a New Testament. "I -found in it," says he, "every thing necessary for man's salvation, and -thenceforth I laid it down as a principle to follow the Holy -Scriptures alone, and reject all human additions. I believe neither -the fathers nor myself, but explain Scripture by Scripture, without -adding any thing or taking any thing away."[724] God was thus -preparing this young man who was one day to succeed Zuinglius. He is -the author of the manuscript journal which we often quote. - - [724] Bulling. Ep. Franz's Merkw. Zuge, p. 19. - -About this time Samson arrived at Bremgarten with all his train. The -bold dean undismayed by this petty Italian army, prohibited the monk -from vending his wares in his neighbourhood. The Schulthess, town -clerk, and second pastor, Samson's friends, had met in a room of the -inn at which he had alighted, and were standing quite disconcerted -around the impatient monk. The dean arrived--"Here are the papal -bulls," said the monk to him, "open your church." - - _The Dean._--"I will not allow the purses of my parishioners - to be emptied by means of letters not authenticated, for the - bishop has not legalised them." - - _The Monk_ (in a solemn tone).--"The pope is above the - bishop. I enjoin you not to deprive your flock of this - distinguished grace." - - _The Dean._--"Should it cost me my life, I won't open my - church." - - _The Monk_ (with indignation).--"Rebellious priest! in the - name of our most holy lord the pope, I pronounce against you - the greater excommunication, and will not absolve you till - you ransom your unheard-of audacity at the price of three - hundred ducats."... - - _The Dean_ (turning on his heel and retiring).--"I will know - how to answer before my lawful judges: as for you and your - excommunication I have nothing to do with them." - - _The Monk_ (transported with rage).--"Impudent brute! I am - on my way to Zurich, and will there lay my complaint before - the deputies of the Confederation."[725] - - [725] Du freche Bestie ... etc. (Bullinger MS.) - - _The Dean._--"I can appear there as well as you, and this - instant I set out." - -[Sidenote: INTERNAL WRESTLINGS OF ZUINGLIUS.] - -While these things were taking place at Bremgarten, Zuinglius, who saw -the enemy gradually approaching, kept preaching vigorously against -indulgences.[726] Vicar Faber of Constance encouraged him, promising -him the bishop's support.[727] "I know," said Samson, while proceeding -towards Zurich, "that Zuinglius will attack me, but I will stop his -mouth." Zuinglius was in truth too much alive to the value of pardon -by Christ not to attack the paper indulgences of these men. Often, -like Luther, he trembled because of sin; but in the Saviour found -deliverance from his fears. This modest but brave man was advancing in -the knowledge of God. "When Satan frightens me," said he, "by crying -to me: You do not this, and you do not that, and yet God commands -them!--immediately the soft voice of the gospel consoles me, saying: -What thou canst not do (and assuredly thou canst do nothing,) Christ -does for thee." "Yes," continues the pious evangelist, "when my heart -is agonised because of my powerlessness, and the feebleness of my -flesh, my spirit revives at the sound of this glad news: Christ is thy -innocence! Christ is thy righteousness! Christ is thy salvation! Thou -art nothing, thou canst do nothing! Christ is the Alpha and the Omega! -Christ is all, and can do all.[728] All created things will forsake -and deceive thee, but Christ, the Holy and Righteous One, will receive -and justify thee...." "Yes," exclaims Zuinglius, "He is our -righteousness, and the righteousness of all who shall ever appear as -righteous before the judgment seat of God!..." - - [726] Ich prengete streng wider des Pabsts Ablass ... (Zw. Op. ii, 1st - part, p. 7.) - - [727] Und hat mich darm gestarkt: er welle mir mit aller traw byston. - (Ibid.) - - [728] Christus est innocentia tua; Christus est justitia et puritas - tua; Christus est salus tua; tu nihil es, tu nihil potes; Christus est - +A+ et +O+; Christus est prora et puppis; Christus est - omnia. . . . (Zw. Op. i, p. 207.) - -Indulgences could not stand a moment when confronted with such truths; -and hence Zuinglius never hesitated to attack them. "No man," said he, -"is able to forgive sins. Christ alone, very God and very man, is able -to do it.[729] Go, buy indulgences ... but rest assured you are not at -all forgiven. Those who vend forgiveness of sins for money are the -companions of Simon Magus, the friends of Balaam and the ambassadors -of Satan." - - [729] Nisi Christus Jesus, verus Deus et verus homo. . . . (Ibid. p. - 412.) - -Dean Bullinger, still warm from his conference with the monk, arrived -at Zurich before him. He came to complain to the Diet against this -shameless dealer and his traffic. Envoys from the bishop had arrived -for the same purpose. They made common cause, and promised to support -each other. The spirit which animated Zuinglius breathed upon this -town, and the council of State resolved to oppose the monk's entry -into Zurich. - -[Sidenote: SAMSON DISMISSED.] - -Samson had arrived in the suburbs, and alighted at an inn. One foot -was already on the stirrup preparatory to his entry, when deputies -from the council arrived, and while making the customary offer of wine -to him as a papal envoy, intimated to him that he might dispense with -appearing in Zurich. "I have something to communicate to the Diet in -the name of his holiness," replied the monk. It was a trick. However, -it was resolved to admit him; but as he spoke only of his bulls he -was dismissed, after being compelled to retract the excommunication -which he had pronounced against the dean of Bremgarton. He went off in -a rage, and the pope shortly after recalled him to Italy. A car drawn -by three horses, and loaded with the money of which his lies had -robbed the poor, preceded him on the steep tracts of St. Gothard, -which eight months before he had crossed in poverty, without style, -merely the bearer of a few papers.[730] - - [730] Und fuehrt mit Ihm ein threspendiger Schatz an gelt, den er armen - luethen abgelogen hat. (Bullinger, MS.) - -On this occasion the Helvetic showed more firmness than the Germanic -Diet. The reason was, because no cardinals and bishops sat in it. -Hence the pope deprived of these supports dealt more gently with -Switzerland than Germany. In other respects, the affair of -indulgences, which played so important a part in the Reformation of -Germany, is only an episode in that of Switzerland. - - - - -CHAP. VIII. - - The Labours of Zuinglius--The Baths of Pfeffers--God's - time--The Great Death--Zuinglius seized with the Plague--His - Enemies--His Friends--Convalescence--General Joy--Effect of - the Plague--Myconius at Lucerne--Oswald encourages - Zuinglius--Zuinglius at Bale--Capito called to Mentz--Hedio - at Bale--An Unnatural Son--Preparation for Battle. - - -Zuinglius did not spare himself. His many labours called for some -relaxation, and he was ordered to the baths of Pfeffers. "Ah!" said -Herus, one of the pupils who lodged with him, and who thus expressed -the feeling of all who knew Zuinglius, "had I a hundred tongues, a -hundred mouths, a brazen throat, as Virgil expresses it; or rather had -I the eloquence of Cicero, how could I express all I owe you, and all -that I feel at this separation."[731] Zuinglius, however, set out and -reached Pfeffers through the astonishing gorge formed by the impetuous -torrent of the Jamina. He descended into that infernal abyss, as the -hermit David called it, and arrived at the baths, which are -perpetually agitated by the dashing of the torrent, and bedewed by the -spray of its foaming water. Where Zuinglius lodged it was so dark that -candles were burnt at mid-day. He was even assured by the inmates, -that frightful phantoms sometimes appeared in the darkness. - - [731] Etiamsi mihi sint linguae centum, sint oraque centum, ferrea vox, - ut Virgilius ait, aut potius Ciceroniana eloquentia. (Zw. Ep. p. 84.) - -[Sidenote: GOD'S TIME]. - -Even here Zuinglius found opportunity to serve his Master. His -affability won the heart of several of the patients, among others a -celebrated poet, Philip Ingentinus, professor at Friburg, in -Brigau,[732] who thenceforward became a zealous supporter of the -Reformation. - - [732] Illic tum comitatem tuam e sinu uberrimo profluentem, non - injucunde sum expertus. (Zw. Ep. p. 119.) Then I had the pleasure of - experiencing your affability, the offspring of an exhuberant heart. - -God watched over his own work, and was pleased to hasten it. -Zuinglius' defect lay in his strength. Strong in body, strong in -character, strong in talents, he was to see all these varieties of -strength broken, that he might thereby become such an instrument as -God loves to employ. He stood in need of a baptism, that of adversity, -infirmity, feebleness, and pain. Such a baptism Luther had received at -that period of agony when the cell and long passages of the convent of -Erfurt resounded with his cries. Zuinglius was to receive it by being -brought into contact with sickness and death. The heroes of this -world--the Charles Twelfths and Napoleons--have a moment which is -decisive of their career and their glory, and it is when they all at -once become conscious of their strength. There is an analogous moment -in the life of God's heroes, but it is in a contrary direction; it is -when they recognise their impotence and nothingness; thenceforth they -receive strength from on high. Such a work as that of which Zuinglius -was to be the instrument is never accomplished by man's natural -strength; it would immediately wither away like a tree transplanted -after its full growth, and when in full leaf. A plant must be feeble -in order to take root, and a grain of corn must die in the ground -before it can yield a full return. God led Zuinglius, and with him the -work of which he was the stay, to the gates of the grave. It is from -among bones and darkness, and the dust of the dead, that God is -pleased to take the instruments, by means of which he illumines, -regenerates, and revives the earth. - -[Sidenote: ZUINGLIUS ATTACKED BY THE PLAGUE.] - -Zuinglius was hidden among the immense rocks which hem in the furious -torrent of the Jamina, when he unexpectedly learned that the plague, -or as it was termed "_the great death_,"[733] was at Zurich. This -dreadful scourge broke out in August, on St. Lawrence day, lasted till -Candlemas, and carried off two thousand five hundred persons. The -young people who lodged with Zuinglius had immediately left, -conformably to directions which he had given. His house was empty, but -it was to him the very moment to return. He hurriedly quitted -Pfeffers, and reappearing in the bosom of his flock, now decimated by -the plague, he immediately sent to Wildhaus for his young brother -Andrew, who wished to attend him. From that moment he devoted himself -entirely to the victims of this dreadful scourge. Every day he -preached Christ and his consolations to the sick.[734] His friends -delighted to see him safe and sound in the midst of so many fatal -darts,[735] still felt a secret alarm. Conrad Brunner, who himself -died of the plague a few months after, writing him from Bale said; "Do -good, but at the same time remember to take care of your life." It was -too late: Zuinglius was seized with the plague. The great preacher of -Switzerland was stretched on a bed from which, perhaps, he was never -again to rise. He communed with himself, and turned his eye -heavenward. He knew that Christ had given him a sure inheritance, and -disclosing the feelings of his heart in a hymn remarkable for unction -and simplicity, of which, not being able to give the antique and -expressive phraseology, we have endeavoured to preserve the rhythm and -literal meaning, he exclaimed:-- - - My door has opened ... - Death appears.[736] - My God! my strength! - Dispel all fears! - - Oh, Jesus! raise - Thy pierced arm, - And break the sword - That caused alarm. - - But if my soul - In life's mid-day - Thy voice recalls,[737] - Then I obey. - - Ah! let me die, - For I am thine; - Thy mansions wait - Such faith as mine. - - [733] Der Grosse Tod. (Bullinger, MS.) - - [734] Ut in majori periculo sis, quod in dies te novo exponas, dum - invisis aegrotos. (Ibid., MS. 87.) Chateaubriand had forgotten this - fact, and thousands similar to it, when he said, "the protestant - pastor abandons the poor man on his death-bed, and rushes not into the - midst of the plague." (Essai sur la Literature Anglaise.) - - [735] Plurimum gaudeo te inter tot jactus telorum versantem, illaesum, - hactenus evassisse. (Ibid.) - - [736] Ich mein der Tod, - Syg an der Thuer. (Zw. Op. ii, 2nd part, p. 270.) - - [737] Willit du dann glych - Tod haben mich - In mitts der Tagen min - So soll's willig sin. (Ibid.) - -[Sidenote: ZUINGLIUS ATTACKED BY THE PLAGUE.] - -Meanwhile the disease gains ground, and this man, the hope of the -Church and of Switzerland, is beheld by his despairing friends as -about to become the prey of the tomb. His senses and strength forsake -him. His heart becomes alarmed, but he is still able to turn towards -God, and exclaims:-- - - My ills increase; - Haste to console; - Terrors overwhelm - My heart and soul. - - Death is at hand, - My senses fail, - My voice is choked, - Now, Christ! prevail.[738] - - Lo! Satan strains - To snatch his prey; - I feel his hand, - Must I give way? - - He harms me not, - I fear no loss, - For here I lie - Before thy cross. - -[738] Nun ist est um Min - Zung ist stumm - ........ - Darum ist Zyt - Das du min stryt. (Zw. Op. ii, part ii, p. 271.) - -Canon Hoffman, sincere in his own belief, could not bear the idea of -allowing Zuinglius to die in the errors which he had preached. -Accordingly he waited on the provost of the Chapter, and said to him, -"Think of the danger of his soul. Does he not give the name of -fantastical innovators to all the doctors who have appeared for the -last three hundred and eighty years and more--to Alexander Hales, St. -Bonaventura, Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas, and all the canonists? -Does he not maintain that their doctrines are the dreams which they -dreamed in their cowls within the walls of their cloisters? Better had -it been for the town of Zurich that Zuinglius had, for a series of -years, destroyed our vintage and harvest! There he lies at the brink -of death! Do, I beseech you, save his poor soul!" It would seem that -the provost was more enlightened than the canon, and deemed it -unnecessary to convert Zuinglius to St. Bonaventura and Albert the -Great. He was left at peace. - -The whole town was in mourning. All the faithful cried to God night -and day, beseeching him to restore their faithful pastor.[739] Terror -had passed from Zurich to the mountains of the Tockenburg, where also -the plague had appeared. Seven or eight persons had perished in the -village, among them a servant of Nicolas, a brother of Zuinglius.[740] -No letter was received from the Reformer, and his young brother Andrew -wrote, "Tell me, my dear brother, in what state you are. The abbot and -all our brothers desire to be remembered." As the parents of Zuinglius -are not mentioned it would seem that they were now dead. - - [739] Alle glaubige rufften Gott treuwillich an, dass er Ihren - getreuwen Ihirten wieder ufrichte. (Bullinger, MS.) - - [740] Nicolao vero Germano nostro, etiam obiit servus suus, attamen - non in aedibus suis. (Zw. Ep. 88.) - -[Sidenote: RUMOUR OF HIS DEATH.] - -The news of Zuinglius' illness, and even a rumour of his death, -spread in Switzerland and Germany. "Alas!" exclaimed Hedio in tears, -"the safety of the country, the gospel trumpet, the magnanimous herald -of truth is smitten with death in the flower of his life, and, so to -speak, in the spring tide of his days."[741] When the news reached -Bale the whole town was filled with lamentation and mourning.[742] - - [741] Quis non enim doleat, publicam patriae salutem, tubam Evangelii, - magnanimum veritatis buccinatorem languere, intercidere ... (Zw. Ep. - p. 90.) - - [742] Hen quantum luctus, fatis Zuinglium concecisse importunus ille - rumor, suo vehementi impetu divulgavit. (Ibid. p. 91.) - -The spark of life which remained in Zuinglius was, however, rekindled. -Though his body was still feeble, his soul was impressed with the -unaltered conviction that God had called him to replace the torch of -his Word on the candlestick of the Church. The plague had abandoned -its victim, and Zuinglius exclaims with emotion:-- - - My God! my Father! - Healed by thee - On earth again - I bend my knee. - - Now sin no more - Shall mark my days - My mouth, henceforth, - Shall sing thy praise. - - The uncertain hour, - Come when it may, - Perchance may bring - Still worse dismay.[743] - - But, let it come, - With joy I'll rise, - And bear my yoke - Straight to the skies.[744] - - [743] Words which were strikingly fulfilled twelve years after on the - bloody plains of Cappel. - - [744] So will Ich doch - Den trutz und poch, - In diser welt - Tragen froelich - Um widergelt. - -Although these three poetical fragments are dated "the beginning, -middle, and end of the malady," and express the feelings which -Zuinglius truly experienced at these different moments, it is probable -that they were not put into their present form till afterwards. (See -Bullinger MS.) - -[Sidenote: CONVALESCENCE. EFFECT ON ZUINGLIUS.] - -Zuinglius was no sooner able to hold the pen (this was in the -beginning of November) than he wrote to his family. This gave -inexpressible delight to them all,[745] especially to his young -brother Andrew, who himself died of the plague the following year, and -at whose death Ulric, to use his own words, wept and cried like a -woman.[746] At Bale Conrad Brunner, a friend of Zuinglius, and Bruno -Amerbach, a famous printer, both young men, were cut off after three -days' illness. The rumour having spread in this town that Zuinglius -also had fallen, the whole university was in mourning. "He whom God -loves is perfected in the flower of his life," said they.[747] How -great was their joy when Collinus, a student of Lucerne, and -afterwards a merchant in Zurich, brought word that Zuinglius had -escaped the jaws of death.[748] John Faber, vicar to the bishop of -Constance, long the friend and afterwards the most violent adversary -of Zuinglius, wrote to him. "O my dear Ulric, how delighted I am to -learn that you have escaped the jaws of cruel death. When you are in -danger, the Christian commonwealth is threatened. The design of the -Lord in these trials is to urge you forward in the pursuit of eternal -life." - - [745] Inspectis tuis litteris incredibilis quidam aestus laetitiae pectus - meum subiit. (Zw. Ep. p. 88.) On seeing your letter an incredible - burst of joy swelled my breast. - - [746] Ejulatum et luctum plasquam foemineum. (Zw. Ep. p. 155.) - - [747] +Hon te theoi phileousi, neaniskes, teleuta+. (Ibid., p. - 90.) He whom the gods love, dies young. - - [748] E diris te mortis fancibus feliciter ereptum negotiator quidam - Tigurinus ... (Ibid., p. 91.) A trader from Zurich informed me that - you had been happily rescued from the dire jaws of death. - -This was, indeed, the design, and it was accomplished, though in a -different way from what Faber anticipated. The plague of 1519, which -made such fearful ravages in the north of Switzerland, was, in the -hand of God, a powerful means of converting a great number of -persons.[749] But on none had it a greater influence than on -Zuinglius. Hitherto he had been too much disposed to regard the gospel -as mere doctrine; but now it became a great reality. He returned from -the gates of the grave with a new heart. His zeal was more active, his -life more holy, his word more free, Christian, and powerful. This was -the period of Zuinglius' complete emancipation. He from this time -devoted himself to God. The new life thus given to the Reformer was -communicated at the same time to the Swiss Reformation. The Divine -rod, _the great death_, in passing over all their mountains and -descending into all their valleys, added to the sacredness of the -movement which was then taking place. The Reformation being plunged, -like Zuinglius, into the waters of affliction and of grace, came forth -purer and more animated. In regard to the regeneration of Switzerland, -the gospel sun was now at its height. - - [749] Als die Pestilenz in Jahre, 1519, in dieser Gegend grassirte, - viele neigten sich zu einem bessern Leben. (Georg. Voegelin. Ref. Hist. - Fuesslin Beytr., iv, 174.) - -[Sidenote: OSWALD MYCONIUS AT LUCERNE.] - -Zuinglius, who still strongly felt the want of new strength, received -it in intercourse with his friends. His closest intimacy was with -Myconius. They walked hand in hand, like Luther and Melancthon. Oswald -was happy at Zurich. It is true, his position was cramped; but every -thing was softened by the virtues of his modest spouse. It was of her -that Glarean said, "Were I to meet a young girl resembling her, I -would prefer her to the daughter of a king." But a faithful voice was -often heard disturbing the sweet friendship of Zuinglius and Myconius. -It was that of canon Xylotect, who, calling to Oswald from Lucerne, -summoned him to return to his country. "Lucerne," said he to him, "not -Zurich, is your country. You say that the Zurichers are your friends: -granted; but do you know what the evening star will bring you? Serve -your country.[750] This I advise; I implore; and, if I am able, -command." Xylotect, not confining himself to words, procured the -appointment of Myconius to the college school of Lucerne. After this -Oswald no longer hesitated. He saw the finger of God in the -appointment, and determined to make the sacrifice, how great soever it -might be. Who could say whether he might not be an instrument in the -hand of the Lord to diffuse the doctrine of peace in warlike Lucerne? -But how painful the separation between Zuinglius and Myconius! They -parted in tears. Ulric shortly after wrote to Oswald, "Your departure -has been as serious a loss to the cause which I defend, as that which -is sustained by an army in battle array when one of its wings is -destroyed.[751] Ah! I now am aware of all that my Myconius was able to -do, and how often, without my knowing it, he maintained the cause of -Christ." - - [750] Patriam cole, suadeo et obscero, et si hoc possum jubeo. - (Xylotect. Myconio.) - - [751] Nam res meae, te absente, non sunt minus accisae quam si exercitui - in procincta stanti altera alarum abstergatur. (Zw. Ep. p. 98.) - -Zuinglius felt the loss of his friend the more, because the plague had -left him in a state of great feebleness. Writing on the 30th November, -1519, he says, "It has weakened my memory and wasted my intellect." -When scarcely convalescent, he had resumed all his labours. "But," -said he, "in preaching I often lose the thread of my discourse. I feel -languid in all my members, and somewhat as if I were dead." Moreover, -Zuinglius, by his opposition to indulgences, had excited the wrath of -their partisans. Oswald strengthened his friend by letters which he -wrote him from Lucerne. And did he not also receive pledges of -assistance from the Lord in the protection which He gave to the Saxon -champion who was gaining such important victories over Rome? "What -think you," said Myconius to Zuinglius, "of the cause of Luther? For -my part I have no fear either for the gospel or for him. If God does -not protect his truth, who will protect it? All that I ask of the Lord -is, not to withdraw his aid from those who hold nothing dearer than -his gospel. Continue as you have begun, and an abundant recompence -awaits you in heaven." - -[Sidenote: ZUINGLIUS AT BALE.] - -The visit of an old friend helped to console Zuinglius for the loss of -Myconius. Bunzli, who had been his teacher at Bale, and had succeeded -the dean of Wesen, the Reformer's uncle, arrived at Zurich, in the -first week of the year 1520, and Zuinglius and he thereafter resolved -to set out together to Bale to see their common friends.[752] This -visit of Zuinglius bore fruit. "Oh, my dear Zuinglius!" wrote John -Glother to him at a later period, "never will I forget you. The thing -which binds me to you is the goodness with which, during your stay at -Bale, you came to see me, me, a petty schoolmaster, living in -obscurity without learning or merit, and of humble station! What wins -me is the elegance of your manners, and that indescribable meekness -with which you subdue all hearts, even stones, if I may so -speak."[753] But Zuinglius' visit was still more useful to his old -friends. Capito, Hedio, and others, were electrified by the power of -his eloquence. The former commencing in Bale the work which Zuinglius -was doing at Zurich, began to expound the gospel of St. Matthew before -an auditory which continued to increase. The doctrine of Christ -penetrated and inflamed all hearts. The people received it joyfully, -and with acclamation hailed the revival of Christianity.[754] It was -the aurora of the Reformation. Accordingly a conspiracy of monks and -priests was soon formed against Capito. It was at this time that -Albert, the young cardinal-archbishop of Mentz, who felt desirous of -attaching a man of so much learning to his person, called him to his -court.[755] Capito, seeing the difficulties which were thrown in his -way, accepted the invitation. The people were moved, and, turning with -indignation against the priests, raised a tumult in the town.[756] -Hedio was proposed as his successor, but some objected to his youth, -while others said, "He is his pupil." "Truth bites," said Hedio: "it -is not advantageous to offend too delicate ears by telling it.[757] No -matter, nothing will turn me from the straight path." The monks -redoubled their efforts. "Believe not those," exclaimed they from the -pulpit, "who say that the sum of Christian doctrine is found in the -Gospel and in St. Paul. Scotus has done more for Christianity than St. -Paul himself. All the learning that has ever been spoken or printed -has been stolen from Scotus. All that has been done since by men eager -for fame has been to throw in some Greek and Hebrew terms, which have -only darkened the matter."[758] - - [752] Zw. Ep. p. 103 and 111. - - [753] Morum tuorum elegantia suavitasque incredibilis qua omnes tibi - devincis, etiam lapides, ut sic dixerim. (Ibid., p. 133.) - - [754] Renascenti Christianismo mirum quam faveant. (Ibid., p. 120.) - - [755] Cardinalis illic invitavit amplissimis conditionibus. (Ibid.) - The cardinal invited him thither on the most liberal terms. - - [756] Tumultus exoritur et maxima indignatio vulgi erga +hiereis+. - (Ibid.) - - [757] Auriculas teneras mordaci radere vero, non usque adeo tutum est. - (Ibid.) - - [758] Scotum pius profuisse rei Christianae quam ipsum - Paulum...quicquid eruditum, furatum ex Scoto. (Ibid.) - -[Sidenote: HEDIO AT BALE. CONRAD GREBEL.] - -The tumult increased; and there was reason to fear that, on Capito's -departure, it would become still more serious. "I will be almost -alone," thought Hedio, "poor I, to struggle with these formidable -monsters."[759] Accordingly, he invoked the assistance of God, and -wrote to Zuinglius. "Inflame my courage by writing often. Learning and -Christianity are now placed between the hammer and the anvil. Luther -has just been condemned by the universities of Louvain and Cologne. If -ever the Church was in imminent danger, it is at this hour."[760] - - [759] Cum pestilentissimis monstris. (Zw. Ep. p. 121.) - - [760] Si unquam imminebat periculum, jam imminet. (Ibid., 17th March, - 1520.) - -Capito left Bale for Mentz, 28th April, and Hedio succeeded him. Not -content with the public assemblies in the church at which he continued -his exposition of St. Matthew, he proposed, in the month of June, as -he wrote Luther, to have private meetings in his own house, to give -more thorough evangelical instruction to those who might feel the want -of it. This powerful method of communicating the truth, and exciting -in the faithful an interest and zeal in divine things, could not fail -then, as it never does, to awaken opposition in the men of the world -and in domineering priests, both of whom, though from different -motives, are equally desirous that God should be worshipped only -within the precincts of a particular building. But Hedio was -invincible. - -At the same period when he formed this good resolution at Bale, there -arrived at Zurich one of those characters who often emerge, like -impure froth, from the vortex of revolutions. - -[Sidenote: PREPARATIONS FOR BATTLE.] - -Senator Grebel, a man of great influence in Zurich, had a son named -Conrad, a youth of remarkable talents, and a relentless enemy of -ignorance and superstition, which he attacked with cutting satire. He -was boisterous, violent, sarcastic, and bitter in his expression, -without natural affection, given to debauchery, always talking loudly -of his own innocence, while he could see nothing but what was wrong in -others. We speak of him here because he is afterwards to play a -melancholy part. At this period, Vadian married a sister of Conrad, -and Conrad, who was studying at Paris where his misconduct had -deprived him of the use of his limbs, desiring to be present at the -marriage, appeared suddenly about the beginning of June amidst his -family. The poor father received the prodigal son with a gentle smile, -his fond mother with tears. The tenderness of his parents made no -change on his unnatural heart. His kind and unhappy mother having some -time after been brought to the gates of death, Conrad wrote his -brother-in-law Vadian:--"My mother is recovered; she again rules the -house, sleeps, awakes, grumbles, breakfasts, scolds, dines, makes a -racket, sups, and is perpetually a burden to us. She runs, cooks, -re-cooks, sweeps the house, toils, kills herself with fatigue, and -will shortly bring on a relapse."[761] - - [761] Sic regiert das Hans, schlaeft, steht auf, zaukt, fruhstucht, - keift ..... (Simml. Samml. iv, Wirz, i, 76.) - -Such was the man who, at a later period, pretended to lord it over -Zuinglius, and who took the lead among fanatical anabaptists. Divine -Providence perhaps allowed such characters to appear at the period of -the Reformation that their disorders might the better bring out the -wise, Christian, and orderly spirit of the Reformers. - -Everything announced that the battle between the gospel and the papacy -was about to commence. "Let us stir up the temporisers," wrote Hedio -to Zurich; "the peace is broken, let us arm our hearts: the enemies we -shall have to combat are most fierce."[762] Myconius wrote in the same -strain to Ulric, who, however, answered their warlike appeals with -admirable meekness. "I should like," said he, "to gain these obstinate -men by kindness and good offices, rather than overcome them by -violence and disputation.[763] That they call our doctrine, (which -however is not ours,) a doctrine of the devil, is nothing more than -natural. It proves to me that we are indeed the ambassadors of Christ. -The devils cannot be silent in his presence." - - [762] Armemus pectora nostra! pugnandum erit contra teterrimos ostes. - (Zw. Ep. p. 10.) - - [763] Benevolentia honestoque obsequio potius ullici quam animosa - oppugnatione trahi. (Ibid., p. 103.) - - - - -CHAP. IX. - - The Two Reformers--The Fall of Man--Expiation of the - God-Man--No merit in Works--Objections refuted--Power of - Love to Christ--Election--Christ alone Master--Effects of - this Preaching--Despondency and Courage--First Act of the - Magistrate--Church and State--Attacks--Galster. - - -Though desirous to follow the path of meekness, Zuinglius was not -idle. Since his illness his preaching had become more profound and -enlivening. More than two thousand persons in Zurich had received the -word of God into their heart, made profession of the evangelical -doctrine, and were themselves able to announce it.[764] - - [764] Non enim soli sumus Tiguri plus duobus millibus permultorum est - rationalium qui lac jam Spirituali sugentes.... (Ibid., p. 104.) For - we are not alone: at Zurich are more than two thousand of very - rational beings, who now seek spiritual food. - -[Sidenote: THE DOCTRINE TAUGHT BY ZUINGLIUS.] - -Zuinglius' faith was the same as Luther's, but more the result of -reasoning. Luther advances with a bound. Zuinglius owes more to -clearness of perception. Luther's writings are pervaded with a -thorough personal conviction of the benefits which the cross of Christ -confers upon himself, and this conviction, glowing with heat and life, -is the soul of all he says. The same thing doubtless exists in -Zuinglius, but in an inferior degree. He had looked more to the -Christian system as a whole, and admired it particularly for its -beauty, for the light which it sheds into the human mind, and the -eternal life which it brings to the world. The one is more the man of -heart, the other more the man of intellect; and hence it is that those -who do not experimentally know the faith which animated these two -great disciples of the Lord, fall into the grossest error, making the -one a mystic and the other a rationalist. The one is more pathetic, -perhaps, in the exposition of his faith, and the other more -philosophical, but both believe the same truths. They do not, however, -look at all secondary questions from the same point of view, but that -faith which is one, that faith which quickens and justifies its -possessor, that faith which no confession, no article of doctrine can -express, is in the one as in the other. The doctrine of Zuinglius has -often been so much misrepresented, that it seems proper here to give -an account of what he preached at this time to the increasing crowds -who flocked to the cathedral of Zurich. - -The fall of Adam, Zuinglius regarded as the key to man's history. -"Before the fall," said he one day, "man had been created with a free -will, so that he was able, if he chose, to keep the law, his nature -was pure, being as yet untainted by the malady of sin; his life was in -his own hand. But wishing to be equal to God, he died ... and not he -only, but every one of his descendants. All men being dead in Adam -none can be recalled to life until the Spirit, who is God himself, -raise them from death."[765] - - [765] Quum ergo omnes homines in Adamo mortui sunt.....donec per - Spiritum et gratiam Dei ad vitam quae Deus est excitentur. (Zw. Op. i, - p. 203.) Seeing, then, that all men are dead in Adam ... until they - are awakened by the Spirit and grace of God to the life of God. These - words, and others which we have quoted, or will quote, are taken from - a work which Zuinglius published in 1523, and in which he gave a - summary of the doctrine which he had preached for several years. "Hic - recensere coepi quae ex verbo Dei praedicavi." (Ibid., p. 228.) These - are his own words. - -[Sidenote: ZUINGLIUS ON THE MERIT OF WORKS.] - -The people of Zurich who listened eagerly to this powerful orator were -saddened when he set before them the sinful state into which human -nature has fallen, but soon after heard words of joy, and learned to -know the remedy which is able to recall man to life. "Christ very man -and very God,"[766] said the eloquent voice of this shepherd--son of -the Tockenburg, "has purchased for us a redemption which will never -terminate. The eternal God died for us: His passion then is eternal: -it brings salvation for ever and ever:[767] it appeases divine justice -for ever in favour of all those who lean upon this sacrifice with firm -and immovable faith." "Wherever sin exists," exclaimed the Reformer, -"death must necessarily supervene. Christ had no sin, there was no -guile in his mouth, and yet he died! Ah! it was because he died in our -stead. He was pleased to die in order to restore us to life, and as he -had no sins of his own, the Father, who is full of mercy, laid the -burden of our sins upon him.[768]" The Christian orator continued, -"Since the will of man rebelled against the supreme God, it was -necessary, if eternal order was to be re-established and man saved, -that the human will should be made subject in Christ to the divine -will."[769] He often repeated that it was for the faithful people of -God, that the expiatory death of Jesus Christ had been endured.[770] - - [766] Christus verus homo et verus Deus.... (Zw. Op. i, p. 204.) - - [767] Deus enim aeternus quum sit qui pro nobis moritur, passionem ejus - aeternam et perpetuo salutarum esse oportet. (Zw. Op. i, p. 206.) Since - he who dies for us is the eternal God, his passion must be eternal and - for ever saving. - - [768] Mori voluit ut nos vitae restitueret ... (Ibid., p. 204.) - - [769] Necesse fuit ut voluntas humana in Christo se divinae - submitteret. (Ibid.) - - [770] Hostia est et victima satisfaciens in aeternum pro peccatis - omnium fidelium. (Ibid., p. 253.) Expurgata peccata multitudinis, hoc - est, fidelis populi. (Ibid., p. 264.) - -Those in the city of Zurich who were eager for salvation, found rest -on hearing these good news. But old errors still remained, and these -it was necessary to destroy. Setting out from this great truth of a -salvation which is the gift of God, Zuinglius forcibly discoursed -against the pretended merit of human works. "Since eternal salvation," -said he, "proceeds solely from the merits and death of Jesus Christ, -the merit of our works is nothing better than folly, not to say rash -impiety.[771] Could we have been saved by our works it had not been -necessary for Jesus Christ to die. All who have ever come to God came -to him by the death of Jesus Christ."[772] - - [771] Sequitur meritum nostrorum operum nihil esse quam vanitatem et - stultitiam, ne dicam impietatem et ignorantem impudentiam. (Ibid., p. - 290.) It follows that the merit of our works is nothing but vanity and - folly, not to say impiety and ignorant impudence. - - [772] Quotquot ad Deum venerunt unquam, per mortem Christi ad Deum - venisse. (Ibid.) - -[Sidenote: FAITH AND LOVE PRODUCTIVE OF GOOD WORKS.] - -Zuinglius perceived the objections which some of his hearers felt -against these doctrines. Some of them called upon him and stated them. -He mounted the pulpit and said--"People, more curious perhaps than -pious, object that this doctrine makes men giddy and dissolute. But of -what consequence are the objections or fears which human curiosity may -suggest? Whosoever believes in Jesus Christ is certain that every -thing which comes from God is necessarily good. If, then, the gospel -is of God it is good.[773] And what other power would be capable of -implanting among men innocence, truth, and love? O God! most -compassionate, most just, Father of mercies," exclaimed he in the -overflowing of his piety, "with what love hast thou embraced us, us -thy enemies![774] With what great and certain hopes hast thou inspired -us, us who should have known nothing but despair: and to what glory -hast thou in thy Son called our littleness and nothingness! Thy -purpose in this ineffable love is to constrain us to yield thee love -for love!..." - - [773] Certus est quod quidquid ex Deo est bonum sit. Si ergo - Evangelium ex Deo bonum est. (Ibid., p. 208.) - - [774] Quanta caritate nos fures et perduelles. (Zw. Op. i, p. 207.) - -Then dwelling on this idea, he showed that love to the Redeemer is a -more powerful law than the commandments. "The Christian," said he, -"delivered from the law depends entirely on Christ. Christ is his -reason, his counsel, his righteousness, and whole salvation. Christ -lives in him and acts in him. Christ alone guides him, and he needs no -other guide."[775] And making use of a comparison adapted to his -hearers, he added, "If a government prohibits its citizens, under pain -of death, from receiving pensions and presents at the hands of -princes, how gentle and easy this law is to those who, from love to -their country and to liberty, would, of their own accord, refrain from -so culpable a proceeding; but on the contrary, how tormenting and -oppressive it feels to those who think only of their own interest. -Thus the righteous man lives joyful in the love of righteousness, -whereas the unrighteous walks groaning under the heavy weight of the -law which oppresses him."[776] - - [775] Tum enim totus a Christo pendet. Christus est ei ratio, - consilium, justitia, innocentia et tota salus. Christus in eo vivit, - in eo agit. (Ibid., p. 233.) - - [776] Bonus vir in amore justitiae liber et laetus vivit. (Ibid., p. - 234.) - -In the cathedral of Zurich was a considerable number of veteran -soldiers who felt the truth of these words. Is not love the mightiest -of legislators? Is not every thing that it commands instantly -accomplished? Does not he whom we love dwell in our heart, and does it -not of itself perform what he enjoins? Accordingly, Zuinglius, waxing -bold, declared to the people of Zurich that love to the Redeemer was -alone capable of making man do things agreeable to God. "Works done -out of Jesus Christ are not useful," said the Christian orator; "since -every thing is done of him, in him, and by him, what do we pretend to -arrogate to ourselves? Wherever faith in God is, there God is, and -wherever God is, there is a zeal which presses and urges men to good -works.[777] Only take care that Christ be in thee and thou in Christ, -and then doubt not but he will work. The life of the Christian is just -one continued work by which God begins, continues, and perfects in man -every thing that is good."[778] - - [777] Ubi Deus, illic cura est et studium ad opera bona urgens et - impellens.... (Ibid., p. 213.) - - [778] Vita ergo pii hominis nihil aliud est nisi perpetua quaedam et - indefessa boni operatio, quam Deus incipit, ducit et absolvit ... - (Ibid., p. 295.) - -[Sidenote: PROGRESS OF THE REFORMATION.] - -Struck with the grandeur of this divine love which existed from -eternity, the herald of grace raised his voice to all the timid or -irresolute. "Can you fear," said he, "to approach the tender Father -who has chosen you? Why has he chosen us in his grace? Why has he -called us? Why has he drawn us? Was it that we might not dare to go to -him?"...[779] - - [779] Quum ergo Deus pater nos elegit ex gratia sua, traxitque et - vocavit, cur ad eum accedere non auderemus? (Zw. Op. i, p. 287.) - -Such was the doctrine of Zuinglius. It was the doctrine of Christ -himself. "If Luther preaches Christ he does what I do," said the -preacher of Zurich; "those who have been brought to Christ by him are -more numerous than those who have been brought by me. But no matter! I -am unwilling to bear any other name than that of Christ, whose soldier -I am, and who alone is my head. Never was a single scrap written by me -to Luther, or by Luther to me. And why? In order to show to all how -well the spirit of God accords with himself, since, without having -heard each other, we so harmoniously teach the doctrine of Jesus -Christ."[780] - - [780] Quam concors sit Spiritus Dei, dum nos tam procul dissiti, nihil - colludentes, tam concorditer Christi doctrinam docemus. (Ibid., p. - 276.) How well the Spirit of God accords, since we, who are placed at - such a distance from each other, with no collusion, so harmoniously - teach the doctrine of Christ. - -[Sidenote: ZUINGLIUS AND STAHELI.] - -Thus Zuinglius preached with energy and might.[781] The large -cathedral could not contain the crowds of hearers. All thanked God -that a new life was beginning to animate the lifeless body of the -Church. Swiss from all the cantons, brought to Zurich either by the -Diet or by other causes, being touched by this new preaching, carried -its precious seeds into all the Helvetic valleys. One acclamation -arose from mountains and cities. Nicolas Hageus, writing from Lucerne -to Zurich, says, "Switzerland has hitherto given birth to Scipios, -Caesars, and Brutuses, but has scarcely produced two men who had the -knowledge of Jesus Christ, and could nourish men's hearts, not with -vain disputes, but with the Word of God. Now that Divine Providence -gives Switzerland Zuinglius for its orator, and Oswald Myconius for -its teacher, virtue and sacred literature revive among us. O happy -Helvetia! could you but resolve at length to rest from all your wars, -and, already so celebrated, become still more celebrated for -righteousness and peace."[782] "It was said," wrote Myconius to -Zuinglius, "that your voice could not be heard three yards off. But I -now see it was a falsehood; for all Switzerland hears you."[783] "You -possess intrepid courage," wrote Hedio to him from Bale, "I will -follow you as far as I am able."[784] "I have heard you," said -Sebastian Hofmeister of Schaffausen, writing to him from Constance. -"Ah, would to God that Zurich, which is at the head of our happy -confederation was delivered from the disease, and health thus -restored to the whole body."[785] - - [781] Quam fortis sis in Christo praedicando. (Zw. Ep. p. 160.) - - [782] O Helvetiam longe feliciorem, si tandem liceat te a bellis - conquiescere! (Ibid. p. 128.) - - [783] At video mendacium esse, cum audiaris per totam Helvetiam. - (Ibid., p. 135.) - - [784] Sequar te quoad potero. (Ibid., p. 134.) - - [785] Ut capite felicis patriae nostro a morbo erepto, sanitas tandem - in reliqua membra reciperetur. (Zw. Ep. p. 147.) - -But Zuinglius met with opponents as well as admirers. "To what end," -said some, "does he intermeddle with the affairs of Switzerland?" -"Why," said others, "does he, in his religious instructions, -constantly repeat the same things?" Amid all these combats the soul of -Zuinglius was often filled with sadness. All seemed to be in -confusion, as if society were turned upside down.[786] He thought it -impossible that any thing new should appear without something of an -opposite nature being immediately displayed.[787] When a hope sprang -up in his heart, a fear immediately sprang up beside it. Still he soon -raised his head. "The life of man here below," said he, "is a war; he -who desires to obtain glory must attack the world in front, and, like -David, make this haughty Goliath, who seems so proud of his stature, -to bite the dust. The Church," said he, like Luther, "has been -acquired by blood, and must be renewed by blood.[788] The more -numerous the defilements in it, the more must we arm ourselves, like -Hercules, in order to clean out these Augean stables.[789] I have -little fear for Luther," added he, "even should he be thundered -against by the bolts of this Jupiter."[790] - - [786] Omnia sursum deorsumque moventur. (Ibid., p. 142.) - - [787] Ut nihil proferre caput queat, cujus non contrarium e regione - emergat. (Ibid., p. 142.) - - [788] Ecclesiam puto, ut sanguine parta est, ita sanguine instaurari. - (Ibid., p. 143.) - - [789] Eo plures armabis Hercules qui fimum tot hactenus bonum efferant - (Ibid., p. 144.) - - [790] Etiamsi fulmine Jovis istius fulminetur. (Ibid.) - -Zuinglius stood in need of repose, and repaired to the waters of -Baden. The curate of the place, an old papal guard, a man of good -temper, but completely ignorant, had obtained his benefice by carrying -a halberd. True to his soldier habits, he spent the day and part of -the night in jovial company, while Staeheli, his vicar, was -indefatigable in fulfilling the duties of his office.[791] Zuinglius -invited the young minister to his house. "I have need of Swiss help," -said he to him, and from this moment Staeheli was his fellow-labourer. -Zuinglius, Staeheli, and Luti, afterwards pastor of Winterthur, lived -under the same roof. - - [791] Misc. Tig., ii, 579-696. Wirz., i, 79, 78. - -[Sidenote: INTERFERENCE OF THE CIVIL POWER.] - -The devotedness of Zuinglius was not to pass unrewarded. The Word of -God, preached with so much energy, could not fail to produce fruit. -Several magistrates were gained, experiencing the Word to be their -consolation and their strength. The Council, grieved at seeing the -priests, and especially the monks, shamelessly delivering from the -pulpit whatever came into their heads, passed a resolution, ordering -them not to advance anything in their discourses "that they did not -draw from the sacred sources of the Old and New Testament."[792] It -was in 1520 that the civil power thus interposed for the first time in -the work of the Reformation; acting as a Christian magistrate, say -some--since the first duty of the magistrate is to maintain the Word -of God and defend the best interests of the citizens; depriving the -Church of its liberty, say others,--by subjecting it to secular power, -and giving the signal for the series of evils which have since been -engendered by the connection between Church and State. We will not -give any opinion here on this great controversy which in our day is -carried on with so much warmth in several countries. It is sufficient -for us to point out its commencement at the period of the Reformation. -But there is another thing also to be pointed out--the act of these -magistrates was itself one of the effects produced by the preaching of -the Word of God. At this period the Reformation in Switzerland ceased -to be the work of private individuals, and began to be included within -the national domain. Born in the heart of a few priests and literary -men, it extended, rose, and took up elevated ground. Like the waters -of the ocean, it gradually increased till it had overflowed an immense -extent. - - [792] Vetuit eos Senatus quicquam praedicare quod non ex sacrarum - literarum utriusque Testamenti fontibus hausissent. (Zw. Op. iii, 28.) - -The monks were confounded: they were ordered to preach nothing but the -Word of God, and the greater part of them had never read it. -Opposition provokes opposition. The resolution of the council became -the signal of more violent attacks on the Reformation. Plots began to -be formed against the curate of Zurich. His life was in danger. One -evening, when Zuinglius and his vicars were quietly conversing in -their house, some citizens arrived in great haste, and asked, "Are -your doors well bolted? Be this night on your guard." "Such alarms -were frequent," adds Staeheli; "but we were well armed,[793] and a -guard was stationed for us in the street." - - [793] Wir waren aber gut geruestet. (Misc. Tig., ii, 681. Wirz., i, - 334.) - -[Sidenote: BERTHOLD HALLER.] - -In other places, means still more violent were resorted to. An old man -of Shaffausen, named Galster, a man of piety, and of an ardour rare at -his period of life, happy in the light which he had found in the -gospel, laboured to communicate it to his wife and children. His zeal, -perhaps indiscreet, openly attacked the relics, priests, and -superstitions with which this canton abounded. He soon became an -object of hatred and terror even to his own family. The old man, -penetrating their fatal designs, left his home broken-hearted, and -fled to the neighbouring forest. There he lived several days -subsisting on whatever he could find, when suddenly, on the last night -of the year 1520, torches blazed in all directions through the -forest, and the cries of men and the barking of dogs re-echoed under -its dark shades. The council had ordered a hunt in the woods to -discover him. The dogs scented him out, and the unhappy old man was -dragged before the magistrate. He was ordered to abjure his faith, but -remained immovable, and was beheaded.[794] - - [794] Wirz, i, 510. Sebast. Wagner, von Kirchhofer, p. 18. - - - - -CHAP. X. - - A new Combatant--The Reformer of Berne--Zuinglius encourages - Haller--The Gospel at Lucerne--Oswald Persecuted--Preaching - of Zuinglius--Henry Bullinger and Gerold of Knonan--Rubli at - Bale--The Chaplain of the Hospital--War in Italy--Zuinglius - against Foreign Service. - - -[Sidenote: THE GOSPEL AT LUCERNE.] - -The year, the first day of which was signalised by this bloody -execution, had scarcely commenced when Zuinglius was waited on in his -house at Zurich by a young man, of about twenty-eight years of age, -tall in stature, and with an exterior which bespoke candour, -simplicity, and diffidence.[795] He said his name was Berthold Haller. -Zuinglius, on hearing the name, embraced the celebrated preacher of -Berne, with that affability which made him so engaging. Haller, born -at Aldingen in Wurtemberg,[796] had first studied at Rotweil under -Rubellus, and afterwards at Pforzheim, where Simler was his teacher, -and Melancthon his fellow-student. The Bernese, who had already -distinguished themselves by arms, at this time resolved to invite -literature into the bosom of their republic. Rubellus, and Berthold, -not twenty-one years of age, repaired thither. Sometime after, the -latter was appointed canon, and ultimately preacher of the cathedral. -The gospel which Zuinglius preached had extended to Berne; Haller -believed, and thenceforth longed to see the distinguished man, whom he -now looked up to as his father. He went to Zurich after Myconius had -announced his intended visit. Thus met Haller and Zuinglius. The -former, a man of great meekness, unbosomed his griefs; and the latter, -a man of might, inspired him with courage. One day, Berthold said to -Zuinglius, "My spirit is overwhelmed.... I am not able to bear all -this injustice. I mean to give up the pulpit and retire to Bale beside -Wittembach, and there occupy myself exclusively with sacred -literature." "Ah!" replied Zuinglius, "I too have my feelings of -despondency, when unjust attacks are made upon me; but Christ awakens -my conscience, and urges me on by his terrors and his promises. He -alarms me when he says, '_Whoso shall be ashamed of me before men, of -him will I be ashamed before my Father_;' and he sets my mind at ease -when he adds, '_Whoso shall confess me before men, him will I confess -before my Father_.' My dear Berthold, rejoice! Our name is written in -indelible characters in the register of citizenship on high.[797] I am -ready to die for Christ.[798] Let your wild cubs," added he, "hear the -doctrine of Jesus Christ, and you will see them become tame.[799] But -this task must be performed with great gentleness, lest they turn -again and rend you." Haller's courage revived. "My soul," said he to -Zuinglius, "is awakened out of its sleep. I must preach the gospel. -Jesus Christ must again be established in this city, from which he has -been so long exiled."[800] Thus the torch of Berthold was kindled at -the torch of Zuinglius, and the timid Haller threw himself into the -midst of the ferocious bears, who, as Zuinglius expresses it, "were -gnashing their teeth, and seeking to devour him." - - [795] Animi tui candorem simplicem et simplicitatem candidissimam, hac - tua pusilla quidem epistola... (Zw. Ep. p. 136.) - - [796] Ita ipse in literis MS. (J. J. Hott. iii, 54.) - - [797] Scripta tamen habeatur in fastis supernorum civium. (Zw. Ep. p. - 186.) - - [798] Ut mori pro Christo non usque adeo detrectem apud me. (Ibid., p. - 187.) - - [799] Ut ursi tui ferociusculi, audita Christi doctrina, mansuescere - incipiant. (Ibid.) There is a bear in the arms of the town of Berne. - - [800] Donec Christum, cucultatis nugis longe a nobis exulem ... pro - virili restituerim.... (Ibid., p. 187.) Until I have done my utmost to - restore Christ, who has long been exiled from us by monkish trifles. - -[Sidenote: OSWALD PERSECUTED.] - -It was in another part of Switzerland, however, that persecution was -to begin. Warlike Lucerne came forward, like a foe in full armour -couching his lance. In this canton, which was favourable to foreign -service, a martial spirit predominated, and the leading men knit their -brows when they heard words of peace fitted to curb their warlike -temper. Meanwhile the writings of Luther having found their way into -the town, some of the inhabitants began to examine them, and were -horrified. It seemed to them that an infernal hand had traced the -lines; their imagination was excited, their senses became bewildered, -and their rooms seemed as if filled with demons, flocking around them, -and glaring upon them with a sarcastic smile.[801] They hastily closed -the book, and dashed it from them in dismay. Oswald, who had heard of -these singular visions, did not speak of Luther to any but his most -intimate friends, and contented himself with simply preaching the -gospel of Christ. Nevertheless, the cry which rung through the town -was, "Luther and the schoolmaster (Myconius) must be burnt."[802] "I -am driven by my adversaries like a ship by the raging billows,"[803] -said Oswald to one of his friends. One day, in the beginning of the -year 1520, he was unexpectedly summoned to appear before the council, -and told, "Your orders are, not to read the writings of Luther to your -pupils, not to name him in their presence, and not even to think of -him."[804] The lords of Lucerne pretended, it seems, to have a very -extensive jurisdiction. Shortly after, a preacher delivered a sermon -against heresy. The whole audience was moved, and every eye was turned -on Myconius; for whom but he could the preacher have in his eye? -Oswald kept quietly in his seat, as if the matter had not concerned -him. But on leaving the church, as he was walking with his friend, -Canon Xylotect, one of the counsellors, still under great excitement, -passed close to them, and passionately exclaimed, "Well, disciples of -Luther, why don't you defend your master?" They made no answer. "I -live," said Myconius, "among fierce wolves; but I have this -consolation, that the most of them are without teeth. They would bite -if they could, but not being able, they bark." - - [801] Dum Lutherum semel legerint ut putarent stubellam suam plenam - esse daemonibus. (Ibid., p. 37.) - - [802] Clamatur hic per totam civitatem: Lutherum comburendum et ludi - magistrum. (Ibid., p. 153.) - - [803] Non aliter me impellunt quam procellae marinae navem aliquam. - (Ibid., p. 159.) - - [804] Imo ne in mentem eum admitterem. (Zw. Ep. p. 159.) - -The senate assembled: for the people began to be tumultuous. "He is a -Lutheran," said one of the counsellors: "he is a propagator of new -doctrines," said another: "he is a seducer of youth," said a third. -"Let him appear, let him appear." The poor schoolmaster appeared and -again listened to prohibitions and menaces. His unsophisticated soul -was torn and overwhelmed. His gentle spouse could only console him by -shedding tears. "Every one is rising up against me," exclaimed he in -his agony. "Assailed by so many tempests, whither shall I turn, how -shall I escape?... Were it not for Christ I would long ago have fallen -under these assaults."[805] "What matters it," wrote Doctor Sebastian -Hofmeister of Constance to him, "whether Lucerne chooses to keep you -or not? The whole earth is the Lord's. Every land is a home to the -brave. Though we should be the most wicked of men our enterprise is -just, for we teach the Word of Christ." - - [805] Si Christus non esset, jam olim defecissem. (Ibid., p. 160.) - -[Sidenote: ZUINGLIUS' PREACHING. HENRY BULLINGER.] - -While the truth encountered so many obstacles at Lucerne it was -victorious at Zurich. Zuinglius was incessant in his labours. Wishing -to examine the whole sacred volume in the original tongues, he -zealously engaged in the study of Hebrew, under the direction of John -Boschenstein, a pupil of Reuchlin. But if he studied Scripture, it was -to preach it. The peasants who flocked to the market on Friday to -dispose of their goods, showed an eagerness to receive the Word of -God. To satisfy their longings, Zuinglius had begun, in December 1520, -to expound the Psalms every Friday after studying the original. The -Reformers always combined learned with practical labours--the latter -forming the end, the former only the means. They were at once -students and popular teachers. This union of learning and charity is -characteristic of the period. In regard to his services on Sunday, -Zuinglius, after lecturing from St. Matthew on the life of our -Saviour, proceeded afterwards to show from the Acts of the Apostles -how the gospel was propagated. Thereafter he laid down the rules of -the Christian life according to the Epistles to Timothy, employed the -Epistle to the Galatians in combating doctrinal errors, combined with -it the two Epistles of St. Peter, in order to show to the despisers of -St. Paul that both apostles were animated by the same spirit, and -concluded with the Epistle to the Hebrews, in order to give a full -display of the benefits which Christians derive from Jesus Christ -their sovereign priest. - -[Sidenote: GEROLD DE KNONAU. WILLIAM ROUBLI.] - -But Zuinglius did not confine his attention to adults; he sought also -to inspire youth with the sacred flame by which his own breast was -animated. One day in 1521, while he was sitting in his study reading -the Fathers of the Church, taking extracts of the most striking -passages, and carefully arranging them into a large volume, his door -opened, and a young man entered whose appearance interested him -exceedingly.[806] It was Henry Bullinger, who was returning from -Germany, and impatient to become acquainted with the teacher of his -country, whose name was already famous in Christendom. The handsome -youth fixed his eye first on Zuinglius, and then on the books, and -felt his vocation to do what Zuinglius was doing. Zuinglius received -him with his usual cordiality which won all hearts. This first visit -had great influence on the future life of the student, who was on his -return to the paternal hearth. Another youth had also won Zuinglius' -heart: this was Gerold Meyer of Knonau. His mother, Anna Reinhardt, -who afterwards occupied an important place in the Reformer's life, had -been a great beauty, and was still distinguished for her virtues. John -Meyer of Knonau, a youth of a noble family, who had been brought up at -the court of the bishop of Constance, had conceived a strong passion -for Anna, who, however, belonged to a plebeian family. Old Meyer of -Knonau had refused his consent to their marriage, and after it took -place disinherited his son. In 1513 Anna was left a widow with a son -and two daughters, and devoted herself entirely to the education of -her poor orphans. The grandfather was inexorable. One day, however, -the widow's maid-servant having in her arms young Gerold, then a -beautiful sprightly child of three years of age, stopped at the fish -market, when old Meyer, who was looking out at a window,[807] -observed him, and, continuing to gaze after him, asked to whom that -beautiful lively child belonged. "It is your son's child," was the -answer. The heart of the old man was moved--the ice immediately -melted--all was forgotten, and he clasped in his arms the widow and -children of his son. Zuinglius loved, as if he had been his own son, -the noble and intrepid youth Gerold, who was to die in the flower of -his age side by side with the Reformer, with his sword in his hand, -and surrounded alas! with the dead bodies of his enemies. Thinking -that Gerold would not be able to prosecute his studies at Zurich, -Zuinglius, in 1521, sent him to Bale. - - [806] Ich hab by Ihm ein gross Buch gesehen, _Locorum communium_, als - Ich by Ihm wass, an. 1521, dorinnen er _Sententias_ und _dogmata - Patrum_, flyssig jedes an seinem ort verzeichnet. (Bullinger, MS.) - - [807] Lueget des Kindts grossvater zum fauster uss, und ersach das kind - in der fischer braenter (Kufe.) so fraech (frisch) und froelich sitzen - ... (Archives of Meyer de Knonau quoted in a notice on _Anna - Rheinardt_, Erlanger, 1835, by M. Gerold Meyer de Knonau.) I am - indebted to my friend for some elucidations of obscure points in the - life of Zuinglius. - -Young Knonau did not find Hedio the friend of Zuinglius there. Capito -being obliged to accompany the archbishop Albert to the coronation of -Charles V, had procured Hedio to supply his place. Bale having thus, -one after another, lost her most faithful preachers, the church there -seemed forsaken; but other men appeared. Four thousand hearers -squeezed into the church of William Roubli, curate of St. Alban. He -attacked the mass, purgatory, and the invocation of saints; but this -turbulent man who was eager to draw the public attention upon himself, -declaimed more against error than in support of truth. On Corpus -Christi day he joined the public procession, but in place of the -customary relics, caused the Holy Scriptures to be carried before him, -splendidly bound, and bearing this inscription:--"THE BIBLE; this is -the true relic, the others are only dead bones." Courage adorns the -servant of God; affectation disgraces him. The work of an evangelist -is to preach the Bible, and not to make a presumptuous display of it. -The enraged priests accused Roubli before the council. A mob -immediately gathered in Cordelier Square. "Protect our preacher," said -the citizens to the council. Fifty Ladies of distinction interceded in -his behalf; but Roubli was obliged to quit Bale. At a later period he -took part like Grebel in Anabaptist disorders. The Reformation, in the -course of its development, every where threw off the chaff which -mingled with the good grain. - -[Sidenote: ZUINGLIUS AGAINST FOREIGN SERVICE.] - -At this period a modest voice was heard from the humblest of the -chapels, clearly proclaiming the evangelical doctrine. It was that of -young Wolfgang Wissemberger, son of a counsellor of state and chaplain -of the hospital. All in Bale who felt new religious wants attached -themselves to the gentle chaplain, preferring him to the presumptuous -Roubli. Wolfgang began to read the mass in German. The monks renewed -their clamour, but this time they failed, and Wissemberger continued -to preach the gospel; "for," says an old chronicler, "he was a burgess -and his father a counsellor."[808] This first success of the -Reformation in Bale, while it was the prelude of still greater -success, at the same time tended greatly to promote the progress of -the work throughout the Confederation. Zurich no longer stood alone. -Learned Bale began to be charmed with the new doctrine. The -foundations of the new temple were enlarged. The Reformation in -Switzerland obtained a fuller development. - - [808] Dieweil er ein Burger war und sein Vater des Raths. (Fridolin - Ryff's Chronik.) - -[Sidenote: ZUINGLIUS AGAINST THE PRECEPTS OF MAN.] - -The centre of the movement was, however, at Zurich. But, to the deep -grief of Zuinglius, important political events occurred in 1521, and -in some measure distracted men's minds from the preaching of the -gospel. Leo X, who had offered his alliance at once to Charles V and -Francis I, had at last declared for the emperor. War between the two -rivals was on the point of breaking out in Italy. The French general -Lautrec had said, "There will be nothing left of the pope but his -ears."[809] This bad jest increased the pontiff's anger. The king of -France claimed the aid of the Swiss cantons, all of which, with the -exception of Zurich, had formed an alliance with him; he obtained it. -The pope flattered himself he would gain Zurich, and the cardinal of -Sion, ever given to intrigue, and confident in his ability and his -finesse, hastened thither to obtain soldiers for his master. But from -his old friend Zuinglius he encountered a vigorous opposition. He was -indignant that the Swiss should sell their blood to strangers, and his -imagination figured to itself the swords of the Zurichers under the -standard of the pope and the emperor in the plains of Italy crossing -the swords of the confederates united under the colours of France. At -such scenes of fratricide his patriotic and Christian soul shuddered -with horror. Thundering from the pulpit he exclaimed, "Would you rend -and overthrow the confederation?[810] ... We attack the wolves which -devour our flocks, but offer no resistance to those who prowl around -seeking to devour men.... Ah! it is not without cause that these hats -and mantles are of scarlet. Shake their robes and ducats and crowns -will tumble out of them, twist them and you will see the blood of your -brother, your father, your son, and your dearest friend trickling down -from them."[811] The energetic voice of Zuinglius was heard in vain. -The cardinal with the red hat succeeded, and two thousand seven -hundred Zurichers set out under the command of George Berguer. -Zuinglius was heart-broken. Still, however, his influence was not -lost. For a long time the banners of Zurich were not again to be -unfurled, and pass the gates of the town in the cause of foreign -powers. - - [809] Disse che M. di Lutrech et M. de l' Escu havia ditto che'l - voleva che le recchia del papa fusse la major parte retaste di la so - persona. (Gradenigo, the Venitian ambassador at Rome, MS., 1523.) - - [810] Sagt wie es ein fromme Eidtgnosschafft zertrennan und umbkehren - wuerde. (Bullinger MS.) - - [811] Sic tragen billig rothe huet und maentel, dan schuete man sie, so - fallen Cronen und Duggaten heraus, winde man sie, so ruent deines - Bruders, Vaters, Sohns und guten freunds Blut heraus. (Ibid.) - - - - -CHAP. XI. - - Zuinglius against the Precepts of Man--Fermentation during - Lent--Truth advances during Combat--The Deputies of the - Bishops--Accusation before the Clergy and Council--Appeal to - the Great Council--The Coadjutor and Zuinglius--Decree of - the Grand Council--State of Matters--Attack by Hoffman. - - -Torn in his feelings as a citizen, Zuinglius devoted himself with new -zeal to the preaching of the gospel, urging it with growing energy. "I -will not cease," said he, "to labour to restore the ancient unity of -the Church of Christ."[812] He began the year 1522 by showing what -difference there is between the precepts of the gospel and the -precepts of men. The season of Lent having arrived, he raised his -voice still more loudly. After laying the foundation of the new -edifice, he wished to clear away the rubbish of the old. "For four -years," said he to the multitude assembled in the cathedral, "you with -ardent thirst received the holy doctrine of the gospel. Enkindled by -the flames of charity, fed with the sweets of heavenly manna, it is -impossible to have still any relish for the sad element of human -traditions."[813] Then attacking compulsory abstinence from flesh for -a certain time, he exclaimed in his bold eloquence, "There are some -who pretend that it is an evil, and even a great sin, to eat flesh, -although God never forbade it; and yet do not consider it a crime to -sell human flesh to the foreigner, and drag it to slaughter."[814] The -friends of foreign service who were present were filled with -indignation and rage at these bold words, and vowed not to forget -them. - - [812] Ego veterem Christi ecclesiae unitatem instaurare non desinam. - (Zw. Op. iii, 47.) - - [813] Gustum non aliquis humanarum traditionum cibus vobis arridere - potuerit (Ibid., i, 2.) - - [814] Aber menschenfleisch verkoufen un se Tod schlahen.... (Ibid., - ii, 2nd part, p. 301.) - -[Sidenote: FERMENTATION DURING LENT.] - -While preaching thus forcibly, Zuinglius still continued to say mass: -he observed the usages established by the Church, and even abstained -from meat on the forbidden days. He was persuaded that the first thing -necessary was to enlighten the people. But certain turbulent spirits -did not act with so much wisdom. Roubli, who had become a refugee at -Zurich, allowed himself to be carried away by the impulse of an -extravagant zeal. The old curate of St. Alban, a Bernese captain, and -Conrad Huber, a member of the great Council, often met at the house of -the last to eat meat on Friday and Saturday, and made a boast of it. -The question of abstinence was the engrossing topic. An inhabitant of -Lucerne, who had come to Zurich, said to one of his friends there, -"You do wrong in eating flesh during Lent." The friend answered, "You -Lucerne folks also take the liberty of eating it on the forbidden -days." The inhabitant of Lucerne rejoined, "We have purchased it from -the pope." The friend--"And we from the butcher. If it is a question -of money, the one is surely as good as the other."[815] The council, a -complaint having been lodged against the transgressors of the -ecclesiastical ordinances, asked the advice of the curates. Zuinglius -answered that the act of eating meat every day was not blameable in -itself; but that it ought to be abstained from so long as competent -authority had not given any decision on the point. The other members -of the clergy concurred in this opinion. - - [815] So haben wirz von dem Metzger erkaufft... (Bullinger, MS.) - -The enemies of the truth took advantage of this favourable -circumstance. Their influence was on the wane. Victory was on the side -of Zuinglius. It was necessary, therefore, to make haste and strike a -decisive blow. They importuned the Bishop of Constance. "Zuinglius," -exclaimed they, "is the destroyer of the flock, and not its -shepherd."[816] - - [816] Ovilis dominici populator esse, non custos aut pastor. (Zw. Op. - iii, p. 28.) - -[Sidenote: THE DEPUTIES OF THE BISHOP.] - -Ambitious Faber, the old friend of Zuinglius, had returned full of -zeal for the papacy from a visit which he had just paid to Rome. From -the inspiration of this proud city the first troubles of Switzerland -were to proceed. It was necessary that there should be a decisive -struggle between evangelical truth and the representatives of the -pontiff. It is especially when attacked that the truth manifests its -whole power. Under the shade of opposition and persecution, -Christianity at first acquired the power which overthrew her enemies. -God was pleased, in like manner, to conduct his truth through -difficult paths at the period of revival which we now describe. The -priests then, as in the days of the apostles, assailed the new -doctrine. But for their attacks it might, perhaps, have remained -obscurely hid in some faithful souls. But God watched over it to -manifest it to the world. Opposition struck out new paths for it, -launched it on a new career, and fixed the eyes of the nation upon it. -It was like a breath of wind scattering far and wide seeds which might -otherwise have remained inert in the spots on which they fell. The -tree destined to shelter the Helvetic population was indeed planted in -the bosom of their valleys, but storms were necessary to strengthen -the roots and give full development to the branches. The partisans of -the papacy, seeing the fire which was slowly burning in Zurich, threw -themselves upon it to extinguish it, and thereby only caused its -flames to spread. - -On the afternoon of the 7th April, 1522, three ecclesiastic deputies -from the Bishop of Constance were seen entering the town of Zurich. -Two of them had a stern and angry, the third, a gentle expression of -countenance. It was the coadjutor of the Bishop Melchior Battli, -Doctor Brendi, and John Vanner, preacher of the cathedral, an -evangelical man who, during the whole affair, remained silent.[817] It -was night when Luti called in haste on Zuinglius, and said, "Officers -from the bishop have arrived; a great blow is preparing: all the -partisans of ancient customs are in motion. A notary has called a -meeting of all the priests at an early hour to morrow morning, in the -hall of the Chapter." - - [817] Zw. Op. iii, p. 8.--J. J. Hottinger (iii, 77.) Ruchat (i, 134. - 2d edit.) and others say that Faber was at the head of the deputation. - Zuinglius mentions the three deputies and does not speak of Faber. - These authors have doubtless confounded two different officers of the - Roman hierarchy--that of coadjutor and that of vicar-general. - -[Sidenote: THE COADJUTOR AND ZUINGLIUS.] - -The assembly of the clergy having accordingly met next day, the -coadjutor rose and delivered a speech, which seemed to his opponents -full of violence and pride.[818] He affected, however, not to mention -Zuinglius by name. Some priests, who had been recently gained to the -gospel, and were still irresolute, were terrified; their pale cheeks, -their silence, and their sighs, showed that they had lost all -courage.[819] Zuinglius rose and delivered a speech, which closed the -mouths of his adversaries. At Zurich, as in the other cantons, the -most violent enemies of the new doctrine were in the Lesser Council. -The deputation, defeated before the clergy, carried their complaints -before the magistrates. Zuinglius was absent, and there was no reply -to be dreaded. The result appeared decisive. The gospel and its -defenders were on the point of being condemned without a hearing. -Never was the Reformation of Switzerland in greater danger. It was -going to be stifled in the cradle. The counsellors in favour of -Zuinglius appealed to the Great Council. It was the only remaining -plank for escape, and God employed it to save the cause of the gospel. -The two hundred were convened. The partisans of the papacy used every -mean to exclude Zuinglius, who, on the other hand, did all he could to -gain admission. As he himself expresses it, he knocked at every door, -and left not a stone unturned,[820] but all in vain! "The thing is -impossible," said the burgomasters; "the Council has decreed the -contrary." "Then," relates Zuinglius, "I remained quiet, and with deep -sighs carried the matter before Him who hears the groaning of the -prisoner, supplicating him to defend His own gospel."[821] The -patient, resigned waiting of the servants of God is never -disappointed. - - [818] Erat tota oratio vehemens et stomachi superciliique plena. (Zw. - Op. iii, p. 8.) - - [819] Infirmos quosdam nuper Christo lucrifactos sacerdotes offensos - ea sentirem ex tacitis palloribus ac suspiriis. (Ibid., p. 9.) I could - see, by the silent paleness and sighs of certain priests lately gained - to Christ, and not well confirmed, that they were overpowered. - - [820] Frustra diu movi omnem lapidem. (Zw. Op. iii, p. 9.) - - [821] Ibi ego quiescere ac suspiriis rem agere coepi apud eum qui - audit gemitum compeditorum. (Ibid.) Then I began to be quiet, and to - plead the cause with sighs before Him who hears the groaning of the - prisoners. - -On the 9th April, the Two Hundred assembled. "We wish to have our -pastors here," immediately exclaimed the members who were in favour of -the Reformation. The Lesser Council resisted. but the Great Council -decided that the pastors should be present to hear the charge, and -answer it, if they thought fit. The deputies from Constance were -introduced, and then the three curates of Zurich, Zuinglius, -Engelhard, and old Roeschli. - -After the parties thus brought face to face had for some time eyed -each other, the coadjutor rose. "Had his heart and his head been equal -to his voice," says Zuinglius, "he would, in sweetness, have surpassed -Apollo and Orpheus, and in force the Gracchi and Demosthenes." - -"The civil constitution," said the champion of the papacy, "and -Christianity itself, are threatened. Men have appeared teaching new, -offensive and seditious doctrines." Then, after speaking at great -length, he fixed his eye on the assembled senate, and said, "Remain -with the Church, remain in the Church. Out of it none can be saved. -Ceremonies alone can bring the simple to the knowledge of -salvation,[822] and the pastors of the flocks have nothing else to do -than explain their meaning to the people." - - [822] Unicas esse per quas simplices Christiani ad agnitionem salutis - inducerentur. (Ibid., p. 10.) - -As soon as the coadjutor had finished his speech, he and his party -were preparing to leave the council-hall, when Zuinglius said to him, -warmly, "Mr. Coadjutor, and you who accompany him, remain, I pray you, -till I have defended myself." - -_The Coadjutor._--"We are not employed to dispute with any man -whatever." - -_Zuinglius._--"I mean not to dispute, but to explain to you, without -fear, what I have taught up to this hour." - -_Burgomaster Roust to the Deputies of Constance._--"I pray you listen -to the curate's reply." - -_The Coadjutor._--"I too well know the man with whom I would have to -do. Ulric Zuinglius is too violent for any man to dispute with!" - -[Sidenote: THE REPLY OF ZUINGLIUS.] - -_Zuinglius._--"When did it become the practice to attack an innocent -man so strongly, and afterwards refuse to hear him? In the name of our -common faith--in the name of the baptism which both of us have -received--in the name of Christ, the author of salvation and life, -listen to me.[823] If you cannot as deputies, at least do it as -Christians." - - [823] Ob communem fidem, ob communem baptismum, ob Christum vitae - salutisque auctorem. (Zw. Op. iii, 11.) - -After firing a volley into the air, Rome retired with hasty steps from -the field of battle. The Reformer only asked to speak, and the agent -of the papacy thought only of flight. A cause thus pleaded was already -gained on the one side and lost on the other. The two hundred could -not contain their indignation; a murmur burst forth in the -assembly.[824] The burgomaster again pressed the deputies. They felt -ashamed, and silently resumed their seats. Then Zuinglius said: - - [824] Coepit murmur audiri civium indignantium. (Ibid.) - -"The Coadjutor speaks of seditious doctrines subversive of civil laws. -Let him know that Zurich is quieter, and more obedient to the laws -than any other town in Switzerland, and this all good citizens -attribute to the gospel. Is not Christianity the most powerful -safeguard of justice among a people?[825] What are ceremonies good -for, unless it be to sully the face of Christ and Christians?[826] -Yes, there is another method than these vain observances to bring -simple people to the knowledge of the truth--a method which Christ and -the Apostles followed in the gospel itself! Have no dread of its not -being comprehended by the people! Whoever believes comprehends. The -people can believe, and therefore can comprehend. This is a work of -the Divine Spirit, and not of human reason.[827] For the rest, he who -does not find forty days sufficient may, for me, if he likes, fast -every day in the year! All I ask is, that nobody be compelled to do -so, and that, for neglect of the minutest observance, the Zurichers be -not accused of separating from the communion of Christians...." - - [825] Imo Christianismum ad communem justitiam servandum esse - potentissimum. (Ibid., p. 13.) - - [826] Ceremonias haud quicquam aliud agere quam et Christo et ejus - fldelibus os oblinere. (Ibid.) - - [827] Quidquid hic agitur divino fit afflatu, non humano ratiocino. - (Ibid.) - -"I did not say so," exclaimed the Coadjutor. "No," said his colleague, -Dr. Brendi, "he did not say it." But the whole senate confirmed the -assertion of Zuinglius, who continued: - -[Sidenote: DECISION OF THE GRAND COUNCIL.] - -"Worthy citizens, let not this accusation move you! The foundation of -the Church is that rock, that Christ, who gave Peter his name, because -he confessed him faithfully. In every nation whosoever believeth with -the heart in the Lord Jesus Christ is saved. This is the Church out of -which no man can be saved.[828] As to us ministers of Christ, to -explain the gospel and follow it is the whole of our duty. Let those -who live by ceremonies make it their business to explain them." This -was to touch the sore part. - - [828] Extra illam neminem salvari. (Ibid., p. 15.) - -The Coadjutor blushed and said nothing. The two hundred adjourned, and -afterwards, the same day, decided that the pope and cardinals should -be requested to explain the controverted point, and that in the -meantime flesh should not be eaten during Lent. This was to leave -matters on the old footing, and answer the bishop in such a way as to -gain time. - -This struggle had advanced the work of the Reformation. The champions -of Rome and of the Reformation had been in presence of each other, and -before the eyes of the whole community, and the advantage had not been -on the side of the pope. This was the first engagement in what was to -be a long and severe campaign, and to exhibit many alternations of -grief and joy. But a first victory at the outset gives courage to the -whole army, and fills the enemy with dismay. The Reformation had -obtained possession of a territory of which it was not again to be -deprived. If the Council deemed it necessary to proceed with some -degree of caution, the people loudly proclaimed the defeat of Rome. -"Never," said they in the exultation of the moment, "never will they -be able to reassemble their beaten and scattered troops."[829] "You," -said they to Zuinglius, "have with the spirit of St. Paul attacked -these false apostles and their Ananias, their whited walls.... The -utmost the satellites of antichrist can now do is to gnash their teeth -against you!" Voices were heard from the centre of Germany joyfully -proclaiming "the glory of reviving theology."[830] - - [829] Ut, vulgo jactatum sit, nunquam ultra copias sarturos. (Zw. Ep. - 203.) - - [830] Vale renascentis Theologiae decus. (Letter of Urban Regius. - Ibid., 225.) - -At the same time, however, the enemies of the gospel mustered their -forces. If they were to strike there was no time to be lost, for it -would soon be beyond the reach of their blows. Hoffman laid before the -chapter a long accusation against the Reformer. "Were the curate even -able," said he, "to prove by witnesses what sins, what irregularities -have been committed by ecclesiastics in such a convent, such a street, -such a tavern, it would still be his duty not to give any names. Why -does he give out (it is true I have scarcely ever heard him myself) -that he alone draws his doctrine at the fountain-head, and that others -search for it only in sinks and puddles?[831] Is it not impossible, -seeing the diversity of spirits, for all to preach the same thing?" - - [831] Die andern aber aus Rinnen und Plutzen. (Simml. Samml. Wirz i, - p. 244.) - -[Sidenote: GRIEF AND JOY IN GERMANY.] - -Zuinglius defended himself at a full meeting of the Chapter, -scattering the accusations of his opponent "as a bull with his horns -tosses straw into the air."[832] The affair which had appeared so -serious ended in laughter at the canon's expence. But Zuinglius did -not stop here; on the 16th April, he published a treatise _On the free -use of food_.[833] - - [832] Ut cornu vehemens taurus aristas. (Zw. Ep. p. 203.) - - [833] De delectu et libero ciborum usu. (Zw. Op. i, p. 1.) - - - - -CHAP. XII. - - Grief and Joy in Germany--Ambush against Zuinglius--Mandate - of the Bishop--Archeteles--The Bishop addresses the - Diet--Prohibition to attack the Monks--Declaration of - Zuinglius--The Nuns of OEtenbach--Zuinglius' address to - Schwitz. - - -The Reformer's immovable firmness delighted the friends of truth, and -particularly the Evangelical Christians of Germany, so long deprived -by the captivity of the Wartburg, of the mighty apostle who had first -raised his head in the bosom of the Church. Pastors and faithful -people, now exiled by the inexorable decree which the papacy had -obtained at Worms from Charles V, found an asylum in Zurich. Nesse, -the professor of Frankfort, whom Luther visited when on his way to -Worms, in a letter to Zuinglius says--"Oh, how I am delighted to learn -with what authority you preach Christ. Speak words of encouragement to -those who, by the cruelty of wicked bishops, are obliged to flee far -from our churches in sorrow."[834] - - [834] Et ut iis, qui ob malorum episcoporum saevitiam a nobis - submoventur, prodesse velis. (Zw. Ep. p. 208.) - -But the adversaries of the Reformation did not confine their cruel -plots against its friends to Germany. Scarcely an hour passed at -Zurich in which the means of getting rid of Zuinglius were not under -consideration.[835] One day he received an anonymous letter, which he -immediately communicated to his two vicars. It said, "Snares environ -you on every side, mortal poison is ready to deprive you of life.[836] -Eat only in your own house, and of bread baked by your own cook. The -walls of Zurich contain men who are plotting your ruin. The oracle -which revealed this to me is truer than that of Delphi. I am on your -side, you will yet know me."[837] - - [835] Nulla praetereat hora, in qua non fierent...consultationes - insidiosissimae. (Osw. Myc. Vit. Zw.) - - [836] +Hetoima+ pharmaka lugra (Zw. Ep. 199.) Poisoned draughts are - ready.] - - [837] +Sos eimi+; agnosces me postea. (Ibid.) - -[Sidenote: ARCHETELES.] - -The day following that on which Zuinglius received this mysterious -letter, at the moment when Staheli was going to enter the church of -Eau, a chaplain stopped him and said, "Make all haste and quit the -house of Zuinglius; a catastrophe is preparing." Fanatics in despair -of being able to arrest the Reformation by word, armed themselves with -the poniard. When mighty revolutions are accomplished in society, -assassins are often thrown up from the impure dregs of the agitated -population. God guarded Zuinglius. - -While murderers saw their plots defeated, the legitimate organs of the -papacy again began to agitate. The bishop and his counsellors were -determined to renew the war. From every quarter information to this -effect reached Zuinglius, who, leaning on the divine promise, -exclaimed with noble confidence, "I fear them ... as a lofty shore -fears the threatening waves... +sun to Theo+ with God," added -he.[838] On the 2nd May, the Bishop of Constance published an order in -which, without naming either Zurich or Zuinglius, he complained of the -attempts of artful persons to renew the condemned doctrines, and of -discussions by the learned and the ignorant, in all places on the most -solemn mysteries. John Wanner, the preacher of the cathedral of -Constance, was the first that was attacked. "I would rather," said he, -"be a Christian with the hatred of many, than abandon Christ for the -friendship of the world."[839] - - [838] Quos ita metuo ut littus altum fluctuum undas minacium. (Zw. Ep. - 203.) - - [839] Malo esse Christianus cum multorum invidia quam relinquere - Christum propter mundanorum amicitiam. (Ibid., 200, 22nd May.) - -But it was at Zurich that the growing heresy required to be crushed. -Faber and the bishop knew that Zuinglius had several enemies among the -canons, and they were desirous to turn this hatred to account. Toward -the end of May, a letter from the bishop arrived at Zurich addressed -to the provost and his chapter. "Sons of the church," said the -prelate, "let them perish that will perish, but let no one sever you -from the church."[840] At the same time the bishop urged the canons to -prevent the false doctrines engendered by pernicious sects from being -preached and discussed, whether in private or in public. When this -letter was read in the chapter, all eyes were turned upon Zuinglius, -who, understanding what was meant, said, "I see you think that this -letter concerns me; have the goodness to put it into my hand, and by -the help of God I will answer it." - - [840] Nemo vos filios ecclesiae de ecclesia tollat. - -[Sidenote: THE BISHOP ADDRESSES THE DIET.] - -Zuinglius did reply in his "_Archeteles_," a word which signifies _the -beginning and end_, "for I hope," said he, "that this first answer -will also be the last." He spoke in it in very respectful terms of the -bishop, and attributed all the attacks of his enemies to some -intriguers. "What then have I done?" said he, "I have called all men -to the knowledge of their maladies, I have laboured to bring them to -the true God and to his Son Jesus Christ. With that view I have -employed not captious exhortations, but words simple and true, such as -the sons of Switzerland can comprehend." Then passing from the -defensive and becoming the assailant, he finely adds, "Julius Caesar, -feeling himself mortally wounded, endeavoured to draw up the folds of -his robe that he might fall in a becoming manner. The fall of your -ceremonies is at hand; act so at least that they may fall decently, -and that in every place light may be quickly substituted for -darkness."[841] - - [841] In umbrarum locum, lux quam ocissime inducatur. (Zw. Op. iii, - 69.) - -This was all that the bishop gained by his letter to the chapter of -Zurich. Now, therefore, that friendly remonstrances were vain, it was -necessary to strike more decisive blows. Faber and Landenberg turned -in another direction--towards the Diet, the national council.[842] -There deputies from the bishop arrived to state that their master had -issued an order, prohibiting all the priests of his diocese from -innovating in matters of doctrine, but that his authority being -disregarded he now wished the aid of the heads of the confederation to -assist him in bringing the rebellious to obedience, and defending the -true and ancient faith.[843] The enemies of the Reformation were in a -majority in this first assembly of the nation, which a short time -before had issued a decree prohibiting the preaching of all priests -whose discourses, as it was expressed, produced discord among the -people. This decree of the Diet, which thus, for the first time, took -up the question of the Reformation, had no result, but now having -determined on vigorous measures, this body summoned before it Urban -Weiss, pastor of Feilispach, near Baden, whom public rumour charged -with preaching the new faith and rejecting the old. Weiss was respited -for some time on the intercession of several individuals, and on bail -for a hundred florins offered by his parishioners. - - [842] Nam er ein anderen weg an die Hand; schike seine Boten ... etc. - (Bullinger MS.) - - [843] Und den Wahren alten Glauben erhallten. (Ibid.) - -[Sidenote: DECLARATION OF ZUINGLIUS.] - -But the Diet had taken its part, and having just given proof of it, -the priests and monks began every where to resume courage. At Zurich, -even after the first decree, they had begun to behave more -imperiously. Several members of council were in the practice, morning -and evening, of visiting the three convents, and even taking their -victuals there. The monks laboured to indoctrinate their kind table -companions, and urged them to procure a decree of the government in -their favour. "If Zuinglius won't be silent," said they, "we will cry -louder still!" The Diet had taken part with the oppressors. The -council of Zurich knew not what to do. On the 7th of June, it issued -an order forbidding any one to preach against the monks, "but scarcely -was the order resolved upon, than," says the chronicle of Bullinger, -"a sudden noise was heard in the council chamber, and made every one -look at his neighbour."[844] Peace was not re-established. The war -waged from the pulpit waxed hotter and hotter. The council named a -deputation who called the pastors of Zurich and the readers and -preachers of the convents to meet them in the provost's house; after a -keen discussion, the burgomaster enjoined the two parties not to -preach any thing which might interrupt concord. "I cannot accept this -injunction," said Zuinglius; "I mean to preach the gospel freely and -unconditionally in conformity to the resolution previously adopted. I -am bishop and pastor of Zurich; it is to me that the care of souls has -been entrusted. It was I that took the oath, not the monks. They ought -to yield, not I. If they preach lies I will contradict them, and that -even in the pulpit of their own convent. If I myself preach a doctrine -contrary to the Holy Gospel, then I ask to be rebuked, not only by the -chapter, but by any citizen whatever, and moreover, to be punished by -the Council."[845] "We," said the monks, "we demand to be permitted to -preach the doctrines of St. Thomas." The committee of the Council -having deliberated, ordered that Thomas, Scotus, and the other -doctors, should be let alone, and nothing preached but the Holy -Gospel. Thus the truth had once more gained the victory. But the wrath -of the partisans of the papacy increased. The Ultra-Montane canons -could not conceal their anger. They impertinently eyed Zuinglius in -the chapter, and by their looks seemed to demand his life.[846] - - [844] Liess die Rathstuben einen grossen Knall. (Bullinger MS.) - - [845] Sondern von einem jedem Buerger wyssen. (Ibid.) - - [846] Oculos in me procacius torquent, ut cujus caput peti gaudarent. - (Zw. Op. iii, 29.) - -Zuinglius was not deterred by their menaces. There was one place in -Zurich where, thanks to the Dominicans, the light had not yet -penetrated; this was the nunnery of OEtenbach. The daughters of the -first families of Zurich there took the veil. It seemed unjust that -these poor females, confined within the walls of their monastery, -should alone be excluded from hearing the Word of God. The Great -Council ordered Zuinglius to repair to it, and the Reformer having -mounted a pulpit which had hitherto been given up to the Dominicans, -preached "on the clearness and certainty of the Word of God."[847] He -at a later period published this remarkable discourse, which was not -without fruit, and irritated the monks still more. - - [847] De claritate et certitudine Verbi Dei. (Ibid., i, 66.) - -[Sidenote: ADDRESS OF ZUINGLIUS TO SCHWITZ.] - -A circumstance occurred to augment this hatred, and give it a place in -many other hearts. The Swiss, headed by Stein and Winkelried, had just -experienced a bloody defeat at Bicoque. They had rushed impetuously on -the enemy, but the artillery of Pescaire and the lancers of that -Freundsberg, whom Luther had met at the door of the hall of Worms, had -thrown down both leaders and colours, whole companies falling and -disappearing at once. Winkelried and Stein, Mulinen, Diesbachs, -Bonstettens, Tschudis, and Pfyffers, were left on the battle-field. -Schwitz, especially, had been mown down. The bloody wrecks of this -dreadful conflict had returned to Switzerland, spreading mourning at -every step. A wail of grief had resounded from the Alps to the Jura, -and from the Rhone to the Rhine. - -But none had felt a deeper pang than Zuinglius. He immediately sent an -address to Schwitz dissuading its citizens from foreign service. "Your -ancestors," said he to them, with all the warmth of a Swiss heart, -"forgot their enemies in defence of their liberties, but they never -put Christians to death in order to gain money. These foreign wars -bring innumerable calamities on our country. The scourges of God -chastise our confederacy, and Helvetic freedom is on the eve of being -lost between the selfish caresses and the mortal hatred of foreign -princes."[848] Zuinglius went hand in hand with Nicolas Flue, and -renewed the entreaties of that man of peace. This exhortation having -been presented to the assembly of the people of Schwitz had such an -effect that a resolution was passed to desist prospectively for -twenty-five years from capitulation. But the French party soon -succeeded in getting the generous resolution rescinded, and Schwitz -was thenceforth the canton most decidedly opposed to Zuinglius and his -works. The very disasters which the partisans of foreign capitulation -brought upon their country only increased the hatred of those men -against the bold minister, who endeavoured to rescue his country from -all this misfortune and all this disgrace. Thus throughout the -confederation a party which daily grew more and more violent was -formed against Zurich and Zuinglius. The customs of the Church and the -practices of the recruiters being at once attacked, they made common -cause in resisting the impetus of Reform by which their existence was -threatened. At the same time external enemies multiplied. Not merely -the pope but other foreign princes also vowed inextinguishable hatred -to the Reformation, because it was aiming to deprive them of those -Helvetic halberds, to which their ambition and their pride owed so -many triumphs? But the cause of the gospel had still God on its side -and the best among the people: this was sufficient. Besides, -individuals from different countries exiled for their faith were led -by the hand of Providence to give Switzerland their aid. - - [848] Ein goettlich Vermanung an die cersamen, etc. eidgnossen zu - Schwyz. (Zw. Op. part ii, p. 206.) - -[Sidenote: A FRENCH MONK.] - - - - -CHAP. XIII. - - A French monk--He teaches in Switzerland--Dispute between - the Monk and Zuinglius--Discourse of the Leader of the - Johannites--The Carnival at Berne--The Eaters of the - Dead--The Skull of St. Anne--Appenzel--The Grisons--Murder - and Adultery--Marriage of Zuinglius. - - -On Saturday the 12th July there was seen entering the streets of -Zurich a monk, tall, thin, stiff, gaunt, clad in a grey cordelier -frock, and mounted upon an ass. He had the look of a foreigner, and -his bare feet almost touched the ground.[849] He arrived thus by the -road from Avignon. He did not know one word of German, but by means of -Latin succeeded in making himself understood. Francis Lambert (this -was his name) asked for Zuinglius and delivered him a letter from -Berthold Haller. "The Franciscan father," wrote the Bernese curate, -"who is no less than the apostolic preacher of the general convent of -Avignon, has, for nearly five years, been teaching Christian truth: he -has preached in Latin to our priests at Geneva, at Lausanne in -presence of the bishop, at Friburg, and finally at Berne. His subjects -were, the Church, the priesthood, the sacrifice of the mass, the -traditions of the Roman bishops, and the superstitions of the -religious orders. It seemed to me wonderful to hear such things from a -cordelier and a Frenchman--circumstances, both of which, as you know, -imply a host of superstitions."[850] The Frenchman himself related to -Zuinglius how the writings of Luther having been discovered in his -cell, he had been obliged to take a hasty leave of Avignon; how he had -first preached the gospel at Geneva, and thereafter at Lausanne. -Zuinglius, overjoyed, gave the monk access to the church of Notre -Dame, assigning him a seat in the choir near the high altar. Lambert -here delivered four sermons, in which he forcibly attacked the errors -of Rome, but in the fourth he defended the invocation of the saints -and the Virgin. - - [849] ... Kam ein langer, gerader, barfuesser Moench...ritte auf einer - Eselin. (Fuesslin Beytraege, iv, 39.) - - [850] A tali Franciscano, Gallo, quae omnia mare superstitionem - confluere faciunt, inaudita. (Zw. Ep. 207.) - -[Sidenote: HE TEACHES IN SWITZERLAND.] - -"Brother, you are in error,"[851] immediately exclaimed an animated -voice. It was the voice of Zuinglius. Canons and chaplains thrilled -with joy when they saw a quarrel rising between the Frenchman and the -heretical curate. "He has attacked you," said they all to Lambert: -"demand a public discussion." The man of Avignon did so, and at ten -o'clock on the morning of the 12th of July, the two chaplains met in -the hall of the canons. Zuinglius opened the Old and New Testament in -Greek and Latin: he discussed and lectured till two. Then the French -monk, clasping his hands, and raising them towards heaven, -exclaimed,[852] "I thank thee, O God, that thou hast by this -illustrious instrument given me such a clear knowledge of the truth! -Henceforth," added he, turning towards the assembly, "in all my -distresses I will invoke God only and leave off my beads. To-morrow I -resume my journey. I go to Bale to see Erasmus of Rotterdam, and -thence to Wittemberg to see the monk Martin Luther." He accordingly -remounted his ass and set out. We will again meet with him. He was the -first exile from France, for the cause of the gospel, who appeared in -Switzerland and Germany--a modest fore-runner of many thousands of -refugees and confessors. - - [851] Bruder da irrest du. (Fuesslin Beytr. iv, p. 40.) - - [852] Dass er beyde Haende zusammen hob. (Fuesslin Beytr., iv, p. 50.) - -Myconius had no such consolation. On the contrary he saw Sebastian -Hofmeister, who had come from Constance to Lucerne, and there boldly -preached the gospel, obliged to quit the city. Then Oswald's grief -increased. The moist climate of Lucerne disagreed with him. He was -wasted by fever; and the physicians declared that if he did not change -his residence he would die. Writing to Zuinglius, he says, "There is -no place I should like better to be than beside yourself, and no place -worse than at Lucerne. Men torture, and the climate consumes me. My -disease, some say, is the punishment of my iniquity. Ah, it is vain to -speak, vain to act: every thing is poison to them. There is One in -heaven on whom alone my hope depends."[853] - - [853] Quicquid facio venenum est illis. Sed est in quem omnis spes mea - reclinat. (Zw. Ep. 192.) - -[Sidenote: THE COMMANDER OF THE JOHANNITES.] - -This hope was not vain. It was towards the end of March, and the feast -of the Annunciation was at hand. The evening before there was a great -solemnity in commemoration of a fire which in 1540 had reduced the -greater part of the town to ashes. Multitudes from the surrounding -districts had flocked into Lucerne, and several hundreds of priests -were then assembled. Some distinguished orator was usually employed to -preach on this great occasion. Conrad Schmid, commander of the -Johannites, arrived to discharge the duty. An immense crowd thronged -the church. What was the general astonishment on hearing the commander -lay aside the pompous Latin to which they had been accustomed, and -speak in good German,[854] so that all could comprehend him, enforce -with authority and holy fervour the love of God in sending his Son, -eloquently prove that external works cannot save, and that the -promises of God are truly the power of the gospel. "God forbid," said -the commander to his astonished audience, "that we should receive a -chief so full of lies as the Bishop of Rome, and reject Jesus -Christ.[855] If the Bishop of Rome dispenses the bread of the gospel, -let us receive him as pastor, but not as head; and if he does not -dispense it, let us not receive him in any way whatever." Oswald was -unable to restrain his joy. "What a man!" exclaimed he: "what a -discourse! what majesty! what authority! what overflowing of the -Spirit of Christ!" The impression was general. To the agitation which -filled the town succeeded a solemn silence; but all this was -transient. When nations shut their ears against the calls of God, -these calls are diminished from day to day, and soon cease. Thus it -was at Lucerne. - - [854] Wolt er keine pracht tryben mit latein schwaetzen, sondern gut - teutsch reden. (Bullinger MS.) - - [855] Absit a grege Christiano, ut caput tam lutulentium et peccatis - plenum acceptans Christum abjiciat. (Zw. Ep. 195.) - -At Berne, while the truth was preached from the pulpit, the papacy was -attacked at the merry-makings of the people. Nicolas Manuel, a -distinguished layman, celebrated for his poetical talents, and -advanced to the first offices in the state, indignant at seeing his -countrymen pillaged by Samson, composed carnival dramas, in which, -with the keen weapon of satire, he attacked the avarice, pride, and -luxury of the pope and the clergy. On the Shrove Tuesday "of the -Lords," (the clergy were at this time the lords, and began Lent eight -days before the common people,) all Berne was engrossed with a drama -or mystery entitled, "The Eaters of the Dead," which young boys were -going to perform in the street of La Croix. The people flocked to it -in crowds. In regard to the progress of art, these dramatic sketches -of the beginning of the sixteenth century are of some interest; but we -give them here with a very different view. We would have been better -pleased not to have had to quote squibs of this description on the -part of the Reformation, for truth triumphs by other arms. But the -historian does not make his facts. He must give them as he finds them. - -At length, to the delight of the eager crowds assembled in the street -of La Croix, the representation began. The pope is seen clad in -gorgeous robes, and seated on a throne. Around him stand his -courtiers, his body guards, and a promiscuous band of priests of high -and low degree; behind are nobles, laymen, and mendicants. A funeral -train shortly appears: it is a rich farmer on the way to his last -home. Two of his relatives walk slowly in front of the coffin with -napkins in their hand. The train having arrived in front of the pope, -the bier is laid down at his feet, and the drama begins: - -[Sidenote: THE CARNIVAL AT BERNE.] - - -FIRST RELATIVE IN A TONE OF DEEP GRIEF. - - O noble army of the sainted host, - Take pity on our doleful plight; - Our cousin, our illustrious boast, - From life, alas, has taken flight. - - Expence we grudge not; cheerfully we'll pay - For priests, monks, and nuns, in costly array: - Yea, one hundred crowns we'll freely devote - If thereby exemption may surely be bought - From purgatory, that dread scourge, - With which our frightened souls they urge.[856] - - [856] Kein kosten soll uns dauern dran, - Wo wir Moench und Priester moegen ha'n, - Und sollt'es kosten hundert kronen.... - (Bern. Mausol., iv, Wirz, K. Gesch., i, p. 383.) - -The SACRISTAN, breaking off from the band surrounding the pope, and -running hastily to CURATE ROBERT EVER-MORE-- - - Something to drink, Master Curate, I crave; - A farmer of note now goes to his grave. - - THE CURATE. - - One!--nay you must tell me of ten: - My thirst will ne'er be quenched till then. - Life flourishes when mortals die,[857] - For death to me brings jollity. - - [857] Je mehr, je besser! Kaemen doch noch Zehn! (Ibid.) - - THE SACRISTAN. - - Ah! could it shorten mankind's breath! - I'd ring a merry peal for death! - No other trade succeeds so well - As tolling out life's parting knell. - - THE CURATE. - - But does the bell of death the portals draw - Of heaven's wide gate? I cannot, may not say; - What boots it? to my house it brings - Both fish and flesh, and all good things. - - THE CURATE'S NIECE.[858] - - Tis well: I, too, anon will claim my share. - This day this soul must pay to me my fare-- - A robe, white, red, and green, a flowered damas, - A pretty kerchief likewise for my eyes at mass. - - [858] The German is _Pfaffenmetze_--a term more expressive, but not so - becoming. - -[Sidenote: THE CARNIVAL AT BERNE.] - -Cardinal HIGH-PRIDE adorned with a red hat, and close by the pope:-- - - If death brought us no heritage, - Would we cause die in flower of age, - On battle-plain, - Such heaps of slain, - Roused by intrigue, by envy fired?[859] - Yes, Rome with Christian blood grows fat! - Therefore I hoist this scarlet hat, - To tell the trophies thus acquired. - - [859] Wenn mir nicht waer' mit Todten wohl, - So laeg nicht mancher Acker, voll, ac. - (Bern. Mausol. iv, Wirz, K. Gesch. 1. 3.) - -BISHOP WOLF-BELLY. - - In papal rites I'll live and die, - And clothe me in silk embroidery; - In foray or chace I'll take my pleasure, - And eat and drink in ample measure; - Had I been priest in days of yore, - A peasant's dress I then had wore.[860] - We once were shepherds, but now we reign kings, - For a shepherd I'll pass 'mong the lambkins poor things.... - - [860] Wenn es stuend, wie im Anfang der Kilchen, - Ich truege vielleicht grobes Tuch und Zwilchen. (Ibid.) - -A VOICE. - - When? When shall this be? - -BISHOP. - - When the wool of the flock shall be gathered by me. - We truly are wolves, yet we're shepherds of sheep, - They must feed us, or death is the best they shall reap. - His Holiness forbids to marry; - This yoke the wisest ne'er could carry-- - But then! when priests do cross the score, - The scandal only swells my store, - And makes my train extend the more. - Nought I refuse, e'en farthings tell, - A monied priest may have a belle. - Four florins a-year will wipe it away; - Does an infant appear?--again he must pay. - On two thousand florins I reckon each year, - Were they chaste, I should starve on a pittance I fear.[861] - Then hail to the pope; on my knees I adore - And swear in his faith to live evermore; - His church I'll defend, and till death I avow, - He alone is the god before whom I will bow. - - [861] The German is very strong. - So bin Ich auf gut Deutsch ein Hurenwirth, etc. (Ibid.) - -[Sidenote: THE CARNIVAL AT BERNE.] - -THE POPE. - - The people now at length believe - That priests can all their sins reprieve - At pleasure--that to them is given - Full power to shut or open heaven. - Preach loudly, every high decree, - Of him, the conclave's majesty. - Then, we are kings, the laity slaves: - But if the gospel standard waves - We're lost; for no where does it say, - Make sacrifice, let priests have pay. - The gospel course for us would be, - To live and die in poverty. - Instead of steeds to mark my state, - And chariots on my sons to wait, - A paltry ass must needs supply[862] - A seat for sacred majesty. - No, I cannot take such legacy, - I'll thunder at such temerity; - Let us but will--the world will nod, - And nations adore us as God. - Slighting their rights I mount my throne, - And partition the world among my own; - Vile laity must keep far aloof, - Nor dare to enter our blest roof, - To touch our tribute, or our gold. - Holy water e'en let them hold. - - [862] Wir moechten fast kaum Eselein ha'n. (Bern Mausol. iv, Wirz, K. - Gesch. i, 383.) - -We will not continue this literal translation of Manuel's drama. The -agony of the clergy on learning the efforts of the Reformers, and -their rage against those who threaten to interfere with their -irregularities, are painted in lively colours. The dissolute manners -of which this piece gave so vivid a representation were too common not -to strike the spectator with the truth of the picture. The people were -excited. Many jibes were heard as they retired from the play in the -street of La Croix; but some who took the matter more seriously, spoke -of Christian liberty and papal despotism, and contrasted the -simplicity of the gospel with the pomp of Rome. The contempt of the -people was soon displayed in the public streets. On Ash Wednesday, the -indulgences were promenaded through the town amid satirical songs. In -Berne, and throughout Switzerland a severe blow had been given to the -ancient edifice of the papacy. - -[Sidenote: WALTER KLARER. JAMES BURKLI.] - -Sometime after this representation, another comedy was acted at Berne, -but there was no fiction in it. The clergy, council, and corporation -had assembled in front of the Upper Gate, waiting for the skull of St. -Anne, which the famous knight, Albert of Stein, had gone to fetch from -Lyons. At length Stein appeared, holding the holy relic wrapt in a -covering of silk. As it passed, the Bishop of Lausanne knelt down -before it. This precious skull, the skull of the Virgin's mother, is -carried in procession to the church of the Dominicans, and, amid the -ringing of bells, enters the church, where it is placed with great -solemnity on the altar consecrated to it, behind a splendid grating. -But amid all this joy, a letter arrives from the abbot of the convent -of Lyon, where the relics of the saint were deposited, intimating that -what the monks had sold to the knight was a profane bone taken at -random from the burying ground. The trick thus played off on the -illustrious city of Berne filled its citizens with deep indignation. - -The Reformation was making progress in other parts of Switzerland. In -1521, Walter Klarer, a young man of Appenzel, returned to his native -canton from the university of Paris. Luther's writings fell into his -hands, and, in 1522, he preached the evangelical doctrine with all the -ardour of a young convert. An innkeeper, named Rausberg, a wealthy and -pious man, and a member of the council of Appenzel, opened his house -to all the friends of truth. Bartholomew Berweger, a famous captain, -who had fought for Julius II and for Leo X, having at this time -returned from Rome, began forthwith to persecute the evangelical -ministers. One day, however, remembering how much vice he had seen at -Rome, he began to read the Bible, and to attend the sermons of the new -preachers; his eyes were opened, and he embraced the gospel. Seeing -that the crowds could not be contained in the churches, he proposed -that they should preach in the fields and the public squares, and, -notwithstanding of keen opposition, the hills, meadows, and mountains -of Appenzel, thenceforward often echoed with the glad tidings of -salvation. - -[Sidenote: MURDER AND ADULTERY.] - -The reformed doctrine, ascending the Rhine, made its way as far as -ancient Rhaetia. One day, a stranger from Zurich crossed the river, and -waited on the saddler of Flasch, the frontier village of the Grisons. -Christian Anhorn, the saddler, listened in astonishment to the -language of his visitor. "Preach," said the whole village to the -stranger, who was called James Burkli. He accordingly took his station -in front of the altar. A number of persons arrived, with Anhorn at -their head, and stood round to defend him from a sudden attack while -he preached the gospel. The rumour of this preaching spread far and -wide; and, on the following Sunday, an immense crowd assembled. -Shortly after, a great proportion of the inhabitants of the district -desired to have the Lord's Supper dispensed to them according to its -original institution. But one day the tocsin suddenly sounded in -Mayenfield; the people ran in alarm; and the priests, after pointing -out the danger which threatened the Church, hastened at the head of -the fanatical population to Flasch. Anhorn, who was working in the -field, astonished at hearing the sound of bells at so unusual an hour, -hastened home and concealed Burkli in a deep hole dug in his cellar. -The house was by this time surrounded; the door was forced open, and -the heretical preacher everywhere searched for in vain. At length the -persecutors withdrew.[863] - - [863] Anhorn, Wiedergeburt der Ev. Kirchen in den 3 Buendten. Chur, - 1680. Wirz i, 457. - -The Word of God spread over the extent of the ten jurisdictions. The -curate of Mayenfield, on returning from Rome, to which he had fled -infuriated at the success of the gospel, exclaimed, "Rome has made me -evangelical," and became a zealous reformer. The Reformation soon -extended to the league of "the House of God." "Oh!" exclaimed -Salandronius to Vadian, "if you but saw how the inhabitants of the -mountains of Rhaetia cast far from them the yoke of the Babylonish -captivity!" - -Shocking disorders hastened the day when Zurich and the neighbouring -districts were to shake off the yoke. A married schoolmaster wishing -to become a priest, obtained his wife's consent, and they separated. -The new curate was unable to keep his vow of celibacy, but not to -outrage his wife's feelings quitted the place where she lived, and, -having taken up his residence in the diocese of Constance, formed a -licentious connection. His wife hastened to the place. The poor priest -took compassion on her, and dismissing the person who had usurped her -rights, took back his lawful spouse. The procurator-fiscal forthwith -drew up a charge against him: the vicar-general began to move; the -council of the consistory deliberated ... and the curate was ordered -to abandon his wife or his benefice. The poor wife left the house -weeping bitterly, and her rival returned in triumph. The Church -declared itself satisfied, and thenceforth let the adulterous priest -alone.[864] - - [864] Simml. Samml. vi.--Wirz, K. Gesch. i, 275. - -[Sidenote: THE MARRIAGE OF ZUINGLIUS.] - -Shortly after a curate of Lucerne eloped with a married woman, and -lived with her. The husband went to Lucerne and taking advantage of -the priest's absence brought away his wife. While returning they were -met by the seducer, who immediately attacked the injured husband, and -gave him a wound of which he died.[865] All good men felt the -necessity of re-establishing the divine law, which declares _marriage -honorable in all_.[866] The evangelical ministers had taught that the -law of celibacy was of merely human origin, imposed by Roman pontiffs -in opposition to the Word of God, which, when describing a true -bishop, represents him as a husband and father. (1 Tim. iii, 2 and 4.) -They saw at the same time, that of all the abuses which had crept into -the Church none had caused more numerous vices and scandals. They -considered it not only as a thing lawful but as a duty in the sight of -God to withdraw from its authority. Several of them at this time -returned to the ancient practice of apostolic times. Xylotect was -married. Zuinglius also married at this period. No lady was more -respected in Zurich than Anna Reinhard, widow of Meyer of Knonau, the -mother of Gerold. From the arrival of Zuinglius she had been one of -his most attentive hearers: she lived in his neighbourhood, and he -observed her piety, modesty, and fondness for her children. Young -Gerold, who had become as it were his adopted son, brought him into -closer connection with his mother. The trials already endured by this -Christian woman, who was one day to be the most cruelly tried of all -the women whose history is on record, had given her a gravity which -made her evangelical virtues still more prominent.[867] She was now -about thirty-five years of age, and her own fortune amounted only to -four hundred florins. It was on her that Zuinglius, on looking out for -a companion for life, turned his eye. He felt how sacred and intimate -the conjugal union is. He termed it "a most holy alliance."[868] "As -Christ," said he, "died for his people, and gave himself to them -entirely, so ought husband and wife to do and suffer every thing for -each other." But Zuinglius, when he took Anna Reinhard to wife, did -not immediately publish his marriage. This was undoubtedly a culpable -weakness in a man otherwise so resolute. The light which he and his -friends had acquired on the subject of celibacy was not generally -diffused. The weak might have been offended. He feared that his -usefulness in the Church might be paralysed if his marriage were made -public.[869] He sacrificed part of his happiness to these fears--fears -to which, though respectable perhaps, he should have been -superior.[870] - - [865] Hinc cum scorto redeuntem in itinere deprehendit, adgreditur, - lethiferoque vulnere caedit et tandem moritur. (Zw. Ep. p. 206.) - - [866] Hebrews, xiii, 4. - - [867] Anna Reinhard, von Gerold Meyer von Knonau, p. 25. - - [868] Ein hochheiliges Buendniss. (Ibid.) - - [869] Qui veritus sis, te marito non tam feliciter usurum Christum in - negotio verbi sui. (Zw. Ep. p. 335.) Who feared that Christ would not - use you as a husband so advantageously in the ministry of his Word. - - [870] Biographers, most respectable historians, and all the authors - who have copied them, place Zuinglius' marriage two years later, viz., - in April 1524. Without going at length into the reasons which satisfy - me that this is a mistake, I will merely indicate the most decisive - proofs. A letter from Zuinglius' friend Myconius, 22nd July, 1522, - says, "_Vale cum uxore quam felicissime_." "All happiness to you and - your wife." Another letter from the same friend, written towards the - close of this year, has the words, "_Vale cum uxore_." The contents of - the letters prove that they are correctly dated. But what is still - stronger is, a letter of Bucer, from Strasburg, at the time when the - marriage was made public, 14th April, 1524, (the date of the year is - wanting, but it is clearly 1524.) This letter contains several - passages which show that Zuinglius had been for some time married. In - addition to the one given in the previous note, we quote the - following:--"Professum _palam_ te maritum legi. Unum hoc desiderabam - in te." I read that you openly professed to be a husband. This was the - only thing in you I regretted the want of. "Quae multum facilius quam - _connubii tui confessionem_. Antichristus posset ferre." These things - Antichrist could bear more easily than _the confession of your - marriage_.--"+Agamon+ ab eo, quod cum fratribus ... episcopo - Constantiensi congressus es, nullus credidi." That you were unmarried - I did not believe from your disputes with the friars ... the Bishop of - Constance. "Qua ratione id _tam diu celares_ ... non dubitarim, - rationibus hue adductum, quae apud virum evangelicum non queant omnino - repudiari" ... etc. On what account you concealed it so long ... I - doubt not you were influenced by reasons which ought not to be - entirely rejected by a Christian man. (Zw. Ep. p. 335.) In 1524, then, - Zuinglius did not marry, but publish his marriage contracted two years - before. The learned editors of the letters of Zuinglius ask, "Num - forte jam Zuinglius Annam Reinhardam, clandestino in matrimonio - habebat?" May not Zuinglius have already been secretly married to Anna - Reinhard? p. 210. This seems to me not a matter of doubt, but a well - ascertained historical fact. - -[Sidenote: HOW TRUTH TRIUMPHS.] - - - - -CHAP. XIV. - - How Truth triumphs--Society at Einsidlen--Request to the - Bishops--to the Confederates--The Men of Einsidlen - separate--A Scene in a Convent--A Dinner by Myconius--The - Strength of the Reformers--Effect of the Petitions to - Lucerne--The Council of the Diet--Haller at the - Town-House--Friburg--Destitution of Oswald--Zuinglius - comforts him--Oswald quits Lucerne--First severity of the - Diet--Consternation of the Brothers of Zuinglius--His - Resolution--The Future--The Prayer of Zuinglius. - - -Meanwhile still higher interests occupied the friends of truth. The -Diet, as we have seen, urged by the enemies of the Reformation, had -ordered the evangelical preachers to desist from preaching the -doctrines which troubled the people. Zuinglius felt that the moment -for action had arrived, and with the energy which characterised him, -called a meeting of the ministers of the Lord, the friends of the -gospel, at Einsidlen. The strength of Christians is neither in carnal -weapons, nor the flames of martyrdom--it is in a simple but unanimous -and intrepid profession of these great truths to which the world must -one day be subjugated. In particular, God calls upon those who serve -him to hold these heavenly doctrines prominently forth in presence of -the whole people without being dismayed by the clamour of adversaries. -Those truths are able of themselves to secure their triumph, and as of -old with the ark of God, idols cannot stand in their presence. The -time had come when God willed that the great doctrine of salvation -should be confessed in Switzerland. It was necessary that the gospel -standard should be planted on some eminence. Providence was going to -draw humble but intrepid men out of unknown retreats that they might -bear a striking testimony in presence of the nation. - -[Sidenote: MEETING AT EINSIDLEN.] - -Towards the end of June and the beginning of July, 1522, pious -ministers were seen proceeding in all directions towards the -celebrated chapel of Einsidlen on a new pilgrimage.[871] From Art, in -the canton of Schwitz, came its curate, Balthasar Traschel; from -Weiningen near Baden, curate Staheli; from Zug, Werner Steiner; from -Lucerne, canon Kilchmeyer; from Uster, curate Pfister; from Hongg, -near Zurich, curate Stumpff; from Zurich itself, canon Fabricius, -chaplain Schmid, the preacher of the hospital, Grosmann, and -Zuinglius. Leo Juda, curate of Einsidlen, most cordially welcomed all -these ministers of Jesus Christ to the ancient abbey. Since the time -when Zuinglius took up his residence in it, this place had been a -citadel of truth, and a hotel of the just.[872] In like manner had -thirty-three bold patriots, resolved to break the yoke of Austria, met -two hundred years before in the solitary plain of Grutli. The object -of the meeting at Einsidlen was to break the yoke of human authority -in the things of God. Zuinglius proposed to his friends to present -earnest addresses to the cantons, and to the bishop, praying for the -free preaching of the gospel, and at the same time for the abolition -of compulsory celibacy, the source of so many irregularities. The -proposal was unanimously adopted.[873] Ulric had himself prepared the -addresses. That to the bishop was first read. It was dated 2nd July, -1522, and signed by all the evangelists we have mentioned. The -preachers of the truth in Switzerland were united in cordial -affection. Many others besides sympathised with the party at -Einsidlen: such were Haller, Myconius, Hedio, Capito, OEcolampadius, -Sebastian Meyer, Hoffmeister, and Wanner. This harmony is one of the -finest traits in the Swiss Reformation. These excellent persons always -acted as one man, and remained friends till death. - - [871] Thaten sich zusammen etliche priester. (Bullinger MS.) - - [872] Zu Einsidlen haetten sie alle Sicherheit dahin zu gehen und dort - zu wohnen. (J. J. Hottinger, Helv. K. Gesch., iii, 86.) - - [873] Und wurden eins an den Bischoff zu Constantz und gmein - Eidtgnossen ein Supplication zu stellen. (Bullinger MS.) - -[Sidenote: ADDRESS TO THE BISHOP.] - -The men of Einsidlen were aware that it was only by the power of faith -that the members of the Confederation, divided by foreign enlistments, -could become one body. But their views were carried higher. "The -celestial doctrine," said they to their ecclesiastical head, in the -address of 2nd July, "that truth which God the Creator has manifested -by his Son to the human race now plunged in evil, has been long veiled -from our eyes by the ignorance, not to say the malice of certain men. -But God Almighty has resolved to re-establish it in its primitive -condition. Join yourself to those who demand that the multitude of the -faithful return to their head, who is Christ.[874] For our part we -have resolved to promulgate his gospel with indefatigable -perseverance, and at same time with such wisdom that none can -complain.[875] Favour this enterprise; astonishing, perhaps, but not -rash. Be like Moses on the march at the head of the people coming out -of Egypt, and overthrow the obstacles which oppose the triumphant -progress of truth." - - [874] Et universa Christianorum multitudo ad caput suum quod Christus - est redeat. (Supplicatio quorundam apud Helvetios Evangelistarum. Zw. - Op. iii, 18.) - - [875] Evangelium irremisso tenore promulgare statuimus.... (Ibid.) - -After this warm appeal, the evangelists met at Einsidlen came to -celibacy. Zuinglius had no longer any demand to make on this head for -himself, having already one answering the description given by Paul of -what a minister's wife ought to be, _grave, sober, faithful in all -things_. (1 Tim. iii, 2.) But he thought of his brethren, whose -consciences were not yet like his, emancipated from human ordinances. -He sighed moreover for the time when all the servants of God might -live openly and without fear in the bosom of their own family, -_keeping their children_, says the apostle, _in subjection, with all -gravity_. (1 Tim. iii, 4.) "You are not ignorant," said the men of -Einsidlen, "that hitherto chastity has been deplorably violated by the -priests. When on the consecration of the servants of the Lord he who -speaks for all is asked, 'Are those whom you present righteous? He -answers--They are righteous. Are they learned? They are learned. But -when he is asked--Are they chaste? he answers: As far as human -weakness permits.'[876] Everything in the New Testament condemns -licentiousness: every thing in it sanctions marriage." Then follows -the quotation of a great number of passages. "Wherefore," they -continued, "we implore you by the love of Christ, by the liberty which -he has purchased for us, by the misery of so many weak and wavering -souls, by the wounds of so many ulcerated consciences, by every thing -human and divine; ... allow that which was rashly done to be wisely -repealed, lest the majestic edifice of the Church fall with fearful -uproar, and drag boundless ruin after it.[877] See with what storms -the world is threatened. If wisdom interpose not it is all over with -the priesthood." - - [876] Suntne casti? reddidit: Quatenus humana imbecillitas permittit - (Ibid., iii, 18.) - - [877] Ne quando moles ista non ex patris coelestis sententia - constructa, cum fragore longe perniciosiore corruat. (Ibid., 24.) Lest - one day that edifice, not built according to the view of the heavenly - parent, fall with a much more dreadful crash. - -[Sidenote: DEPARTURE FROM EINSIDLEN.] - -The petition to the Confederation was of greater length. The band of -Einsidlen addressing the confederates, thus conclude: "Honoured -Sirs,--we are all Swiss, and you are our fathers. There are some among -us who have shown themselves faithful in combat, in plague, and other -calamities.[878] It is in the name of true chastity that we speak to -you. Who knows not that we could satisfy sensual appetite far better -by not submitting to the laws of a legitimate union? But it is -necessary to put an end to the scandals which afflict the church of -Christ. If the tyranny of the Roman pontiff would oppress us, fear -nothing, brave heroes! The authority of the Word of God, the rights of -Christian liberty, and the sovereign power of grace, guard around -us.[879] We have the same country, we have the same faith, we are -Swiss, and the valour of our illustrious ancestors always manifested -its power by an indomitable defence of those oppressed by injustice." - - [878] Amica et piu paraenesis ad communem Helvetiorum civitatem - scripta, ne evangelicae doctrinae cursum impediant, etc. (Zw. Op. i, - 89.) - - [879] Divini enim verbi auctoritatem, libertatis Christianae et divinae - gratiae praesidium nobis adesse conspicietis. (Zw. Op. i, 63.) - -Thus in Einsidlen itself, in this old rampart of superstition, which -is still, in our day, one of the most famous sanctuaries of Roman -superstition, Zuinglius and his friends boldly raised the standard of -truth and freedom. They appealed to the heads of the State and the -Church. They fixed their thesis, like Luther, both on the gate of the -episcopal palace and on that of the national council. The friends met -at Einsidlen parted calm, joyful, full of hope in that God to whom -they had committed their cause. Some passing near the battle-field of -Morgarten, others over the chain of the Albis, and others again by -different valleys or mountains, all returned to their posts. "There -was truly something grand in these times,"[880] says Henry Bullinger, -"in men thus daring to put themselves forward, rallying around the -gospel, and exposing themselves to all dangers. But God defended them -so, that no evil reached them: for God preserves his people at all -times." It was indeed something grand, it was a great step in the -progress of the Reformation, one of the brightest days of religious -revival in Switzerland. A holy confederation was formed at Einsidlen. -Humble and courageous men had seized the sword of the Spirit, which is -the Word of God, and the shield of faith. The gauntlet was thrown -down, and the challenge given, not by a single man, but by men of -different cantons, ready to sacrifice their lives. It only remained to -await the battle. - - [880] Es wass zwahren gros zu denen Zyten. (Bullinger MS.) - -[Sidenote: SCENE IN A CONVENT.] - -Everything announced that it was to be fierce. Five days after (7th -July), the magistracy of Zurich, wishing to give some satisfaction to -the Roman party, summoned before them Conrad Grebel and Claus -Hottinger, two of those extreme men who seemed desirous to go beyond -the bounds of a wise Reformation. "We forbid you," said Burgomaster -Roust, "to speak against the monks or on controverted points." At -these words, a loud noise was heard in the chamber, says an ancient -chronicle. God was so manifestly in favour of the work, that people -were everywhere anticipating signs of his interposition. All present -looked around in astonishment, without being able to discover the -cause of this mysterious circumstance.[881] - - [881] Da Hess die Stube einen grossen Knall. (Fuesslin Beytr. iv, 89.) - -But indignation was carried to its greatest height in convents. Every -meeting held in them, whether for discipline or festivity, witnessed -some new attack. One day, when a great festival was celebrated in the -convent of Fraubrunn, the wine having got into the heads of the -guests, they began to shoot the most envenomed arrows at the -gospel.[882] What especially excited the rage of these priests and -monks was the evangelical doctrine--that in the Christian Church there -ought to be no sacerdotal caste above believers. Only one friend of -the Reformation, a simple layman, Macrin, schoolmaster at Soleure, was -present. He at first shunned the contest by changing his seat to -another table. But at last, no longer able to endure the furious -invectives of the guests, he stood up boldly, and exclaimed, "Yes, all -true Christians are priests, and offer sacrifice according to the -words of St. Peter, '_You are a royal priesthood_.'" At these words, -one of the most intrepid bawlers, the dean of Burgdorff, a tall, stout -man, with a stentorian voice, uttered a loud laugh. "You little Greeks -and school rats! You a royal priesthood!... Beautiful priesthood!... -Mendicant kings!... priests without prebends and benefices!"[883] And -instantly all the priests and monks fell with one accord on the -impudent laic. - - [882] Cum invalescente Baccho, disputationes, imo verius jurgia.... - (Zw. Ep. i, 230.) With the progress of the wine disputes, nay, rather - brawls, began. - - [883] Estote ergo Graeculi ac Donatistae regale sacerdotium. (Ibid., p. - 230.) - -But it was in Lucerne that the bold step of the men of Einsidlen was -to produce the strongest sensation. The Diet had met in this town, and -complaints arrived from all quarters against the rash preachers who -were preventing Helvetia from quietly selling the blood of her sons to -the stranger. On the 22nd July, as Oswald Myconius was entertaining -canon Kilchmeyer, and several other friends of the gospel, at dinner, -a boy, sent by Zuinglius, knocked at the door.[884] He was the bearer -of the two famous petitions from Einsidlen, and of a letter from -Zuinglius, which requested Oswald to circulate them in Lucerne. "My -advice is, that the thing be done quietly, by degrees, rather than all -at once; but, for the love of Christ, it is necessary to forsake -everything, even wife." - - [884] Venit puer, quam misisti, inter prandendum.... (Ibid., p. 209.) - -[Sidenote: STATE OF MATTERS AT LUCERNE.] - -Thus the crisis approached in Lucerne: the shell had fallen, and could -not but burst. The guests read the petitions. "May God bless this -beginning,"[885] said Oswald, looking up to heaven, and then added, -"This prayer must, from this moment, be the constant occupation of -our hearts." The petitions were forthwith circulated, perhaps with -more ardour than Zuinglius had requested. But the moment was singular. -Eleven individuals, the flower of the clergy, had placed themselves in -the breach: it was necessary to enlighten men's minds, to fix the -irresolute, and gain over the most influential members of the Diet. - - [885] Deus coepta fortunet! (Ibid., p. 210.) - -Oswald, in the midst of this labour, did not forget his friend. The -young messenger had told him of the attacks which Zuinglius had to -endure from the monks at Zurich. Writing him the same day, he says, -"The truth of the Holy Spirit is invincible. Armed with the shield of -the Holy Scriptures you have remained conqueror, not in one combat -only, nor in two, but in three, and the fourth is now commencing.... -Seize those powerful weapons which are harder than diamond! Christ, in -order to protect his people, has need only of his Word. Your struggles -give indomitable courage to all who have devoted themselves to Jesus -Christ."[886] - - [886] Is permaneas, qui es, in Christo Jesu.... (Zw. Ep. p. 210.) - -At Lucerne, the petitions did not produce the result anticipated. Some -pious men approved of them, but these were few in number. Several, -fearing to compromise themselves, were unwilling either to praise or -blame.[887] "These folks," said others, "will never bring this affair -to a good end!" All the priests murmured, grumbled, and muttered -between their teeth. As to the people, they were loud against the -gospel. A rage for war was awakened in Lucerne after the bloody defeat -of Bicoque, and engrossed all thoughts.[888] Oswald, who was an -attentive observer of these different impressions, felt his courage -shaken. The evangelical future which he had anticipated for Lucerne -and Switzerland seemed to vanish. "Our people," said he, uttering a -deep sigh, "are blind to the things of heaven. In regard to the glory -of Christ, there is no hope of the Swiss."[889] - - [887] Boni qui pauci sunt, commendant libellos vestros; alli non - laudant nec vituperant. (Ibid., p. 210.) - - [888] Belli furor occupat omnia. (Ibid.) - - [889] Nihil ob id apud Helvetios agendum de lis rebus quae Christi - gloriam possunt augere. (Ibid.) - -[Sidenote: KILCHMEYER. HALLER. MEYER.] - -Wrath prevailed, especially in the Council and the Diet. The pope, -France, England, and the empire, all around Switzerland, was in -agitation after the defeat of Bicoque, and the evacuation of Lombardy -by the French under Lautrec. Were not political interests at that -moment complicated enough before these eleven men came with their -petitions to mingle religious questions with them? The deputies of -Zurich alone were favourably disposed to the gospel. Canon Xylotect, -afraid for his own life and that of his wife, (he had married into one -of the first families in the country,) had refused, with tears of -regret, to repair to Einsidlen and sign the addresses. Canon -Kilchmeyer had shown greater courage. He, too, had everything to -fear. "Condemnation threatens me," he writes to Zuinglius, on the 13th -August; "I await it without fear...." As he was writing these words, -an officer of the council entered the room, and cited him to appear -next day.[890] "If they put me in irons," said he, continuing his -letter, "I claim your help; but it will be easier to transport a rock -from our Alps than to move me a finger's breadth from the word of -Jesus Christ." The regard which was deemed due to his family, and the -resolution which they had taken to let the storm fall upon Oswald, -saved the canon. - - [890] Tu vero audi. Haec dum scriberem, irruit praeco, a Senatoribus - missus... (Zw. Ep. 213.) - -Berthold Haller, probably because he was not a Swiss, had not signed -the petitions. But full of courage, he, like Zuinglius, expounded the -gospel according to Matthew. A vast crowd filled the cathedral of -Berne. The word of God operated more powerfully on the people than -Manuel's dramas. Haller was summoned to the Town House; the people -accompanied their good-natured pastor, and remained around the spot. -The council was divided. "This concerns the bishop," said the leading -men. "The preacher must be handed over to my lord of Lausanne." The -friends of Haller trembled at these words, and told him to withdraw as -quickly as possible. The people flocked round, and accompanied him to -his house, where a great number of burghers remained in arms prepared -to make a rampart of their bodies in defence of their humble pastor. -The bishop and council were overawed by this energetic demonstration, -and Haller was saved. Haller was not the only combatant at Berne. -Sebastian Meyer at this time refuted the pastoral letter of the Bishop -of Constance, and in particular the formidable charge, "that the -gospellers teach a new doctrine, but that the old doctrine is the -true." "To be wrong for two thousand years," said Meyer, "is not to be -right for a single hour; otherwise the heathen ought to have adhered -to their belief. If the most ancient doctrines must carry the day, -fifteen hundred years are more than five hundred years, and the gospel -is more ancient than the ordinances of the pope."[891] - - [891] Simmi. Samml. vi. - -[Sidenote: MYCONIUS PERSECUTED.] - -At this period the magistrates of Friburg intercepted letters -addressed to Haller and Meyer by a canon of Friburg, named John -Hollard, a native of Orb. They imprisoned, then deposed, and at last -banished him. John Vannius, a chorister in the cathedral, shortly -after embraced the evangelical doctrine; for in the Christian warfare -one soldier no sooner falls than another takes his place. "How could -the muddy water of the Tiber," said Vannius, "subsist beside the pure -water which Luther has drawn from the spring of St. Paul." But the -chorister's mouth was also closed. Myconius wrote to Zuinglius, -"Scarcely will you find in Switzerland men more averse to the gospel -than the Friburghers."[892] - - [892] Hoc audio vix alios esse per Helvetiam, qui pejus velint sanae - doctrinae. (Zw. Ep. p. 226.) - -Lucerne ought to have been stated as an exception. This Myconius knew. -He had not signed the famous petitions, but his friends had if he had -not, and a victim was required. The ancient literature of Greece and -Rome began, thanks to him, to shed some light in Lucerne; numbers -arrived from different quarters to attend the learned professor, and -the friends of peace were charmed with sounds sweeter than those of -halberds, swords, and cuirasses, which alone had hitherto resounded in -the warlike city. Oswald had sacrificed everything for his country. He -had quitted Zurich and Zuinglius; he had lost his health; his wife was -pining;[893] his son was in childhood; if even Lucerne rejected him he -could nowhere hope for an asylum. But no matter; factions have no -pity, and the thing which ought to excite their compassion stimulates -their rage. Herbenstein, burgomaster of Lucerne, an old and valiant -warrior who had gained a distinguished name in the wars of Suabia and -Burgundy, followed up the deposition of the teacher, and wished to -banish, from the canton, with himself, his Greek, his Latin, and his -gospel. He succeeded. On coming out of the Council, after the sederunt -at which Myconius had been deposed, Herbenstein met the Zurich deputy, -Berguer. "We are sending you back your schoolmaster," said he to him -ironically, "get a good lodging for him." "We won't let him sleep in -the open air,"[894] immediately replied the courageous deputy. But -Berguer promised more than he could perform. - - [893] Conjux infirma. (Ibid. p. 192.) - - [894] Veniat! efficiemus enim ne dormiendum sit ei sub dio. (Ibid., p. - 216.) Let him come, we will see to it that he do not sleep in the open - air. - -[Sidenote: OSWALD PERSECUTED.] - -The news given by the burgomaster were but too true, and were soon -intimated to the unhappy Myconius. He is deposed and banished, and the -only crime laid to his charge is that of being a disciple of -Luther.[895] He looks all around but nowhere finds a shelter. He sees -his wife, his son, and himself, all three feeble and sickly, exiled -from their country, and Switzerland, all around agitated by a -whirlwind, which breaks and destroys every thing that stands in its -way. "Here," said he then to Zuinglius, "is poor Myconius banished by -the council of Lucerne.[896]... Whither shall I go? I know not.... -Assailed yourself by these furious storms how could you shelter me? I -cry then in my distress to that God who is the first in whom I hope, -who is ever bountiful, ever kind, and who never calls upon any to -seek his face in vain. May He supply my wants!" - - [895] Nil exprobrarunt nisi quod sim Lutheranus. (Ibid.) - - [896] Expellitur ecce miser Myconius a Senatu Lucernano. (Ibid., p. - 215.) - -Thus spoke Oswald, and he was not obliged to wait long for a word of -consolation. There was one in Switzerland inured to the battles of the -faith. Zuinglius drew near to his friend, and comforting him, thus -expressed himself, "The blows by which men attempt to overthrow the -house of God are so violent, and the assaults which they make upon it -so frequent that not only do the wind and rain beat upon it, as our -Saviour predicted, (Matt. vii, 27,) but the hail and the thunder.[897] -Had I not perceived the Lord guiding the ship I should, long ere now, -have cast the helm into the sea, but I see him amid the tempest, -strengthening the tackling, arranging the yards, stretching the sails, -what do I say? commanding the very winds.... Should I not then be a -coward unworthy of the name of a man if I abandoned my post and fled -to a shameful death? I confide entirely in his sovereign goodness. Let -him govern, transport, hasten, retard, precipitate, arrest, break -down, let him even plunge us to the bottom of the abyss, we fear -nothing.[898] We are vessels which belong to him. He can use us as he -pleases, for honour or disgrace." After words thus full of faith -Zuinglius continues. "As to your case this is my opinion. Present -yourself before the council, and there deliver an address worthy of -Christ and of yourself, that is to say, proper to touch and not to -irritate men's hearts. Deny that you are a disciple of Luther, declare -that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ. Let your pupils surround you, -and let them speak, and if all this does not succeed, come to your -friend, come to Zuinglius, and consider our home as your own -fireside." - - [897] Nec ventos esse, nec imbres, sed grandines et fulmina. (Zw. Ep. - p. 217.) - - [898] Regat, vehat, festinet, maneat, acceleret, moretur, mergat!... - (Ibid.) - -[Sidenote: OSWALD PERSECUTED.] - -Oswald, strengthened by these words, followed the noble counsel of the -Reformer, but all his efforts were useless. The witness to the truth -behoved to quit his country. His enemies in Lucerne were so loud -against him, that the magistrates would not allow any one to give him -an asylum. Broken-hearted at the sight of so much enmity, the -confessor of Jesus Christ exclaimed, "All that now remains for me is -to beg from door to door to sustain my miserable life."[899] Shortly -after, the friend and most powerful assistant of Zuinglius, the first -man in Switzerland who had united literary instruction with the love -of the gospel, the reformer of Lucerne, and at a later period one of -the leaders of the Helvetic church, was obliged, with his sickly wife -and little boy, to quit this ungrateful city, where, out of all his -family, the only one who had received the gospel was a sister. He -crossed its ancient bridges, and bade adieu to those mountains which -seem to rise from the bosom of the lake of Waldstetten up to the -clouds. Canons Xylotect and Kilchmeyer, the only friends whom the -Reformation yet numbered among his countrymen, followed shortly after. -And, at the moment when this poor man, with two feeble companions, -whose existence depended on him, with his eye turned towards its lake, -and shedding tears for his deluded country, took leave of those -sublime scenes which had surrounded his cradle, the gospel itself took -leave of Lucerne, and Rome reigns in it to this day. - - [899] Ostiatim quaerere quod edam. (Ibid., p. 245.) - -Shortly after the Diet itself, which was assembled at Baden, stung by -the petitions of Einsidlen, (which, being printed, produced a great -sensation,) and urged by the Bishop of Constance to strike a blow at -innovations, had recourse to measures of persecution, ordered the -authorities of the villages to bring before it all priests and laymen -who should speak against the faith, seized, in its impatience, on the -evangelist, who happened to be nearest at hand, Urban Weiss, pastor of -Filispach, who had been previously released on caution, made him be -brought to Constance, and then gave him up to the bishop, by whom he -was long kept in prison. "Thus," says the Chronicle of Bullinger, "the -persecution of the gospel by the confederates commenced, and that at -the instigation of the clergy, who have at all times delivered Jesus -Christ to Herod and Pilate."[900] - - [900] Uss anstifften der geistlecten, Die zu allen Zyten Christum - Pilato und Herodi vuerstellen. (MS.) - -[Sidenote: ZUINGLIUS TO HIS BROTHERS.] - -Zuinglius was not to escape his share of trial. Blows to which he was -most sensible were then struck at him. The rumour of his doctrines and -his contests had passed Santis, penetrated the Tockenburg, and reached -the heights of Wildhaus. The pastoral family from whom the Reformer -had sprung were moved. Of the four brothers of Zuinglius, some had -continued peacefully to occupy themselves with their mountain toils, -whilst others, to the great grief of their brother, had quitted their -flocks and served foreign princes. All were alarmed at the news which -rumour brought as far as their chalets. They already saw their brother -seized, dragged perhaps to Constance to his bishop, and a pile erected -for him at the same place which had consumed the body of John Huss. -These proud shepherds could not bear the idea of being called the -brother of a heretic. They wrote to Ulric, describing their sorrow and -their fears. Zuinglius replied, "So long as God permits, I will -perform the task which he has entrusted to me, without fearing the -world and its proud tyrants. I know the worst that can happen to me. -There is no danger, no misfortune which I have not long carefully -weighed. My own strength is mere nothingness, and I know the power of -my enemies, but I know also that I can do everything through Christ -strengthening me. Were I silent, some other would be constrained to do -what God now does by me, and I would be punished by God. Cast far from -you all your anxiety, my dear brothers. If I have a fear, it is that I -have been gentler and more easily persuaded than is suitable for this -age.[901] What shame, you say, will be cast on all our family if you -are burnt, or put to death in some other way![902] O, dearly beloved -brethren! the gospel derives from the blood of Christ this wondrous -nature, that the most violent persecutions far from arresting, only -hasten its progress. Those only are true soldiers of Christ who fear -not to bear in their body the wounds of their Master. All my labours -have no other end than to make men know the treasures of happiness -which Christ has acquired for us, in order that all may flee to the -Father through the death of his Son. If his doctrine offends you, your -anger cannot stop me. You are my brothers, yes, my own brothers, the -sons of my father, and the offspring of the same mother ... but if you -were not my brethren in Christ, and in the work of faith, my grief -would be so extreme that nothing could equal it. Adieu. I will never -cease to be your true brother, provided you do not yourselves cease to -be the brethren of Jesus Christ."[903] - - [901] Plus enim metuo ne forte lenior, mitiorque fuerim. De semper - casta Virgine Maria. (Zw. Op.i. p. 104.) - - [902] Si vel igni vel alio quodam supplicii genere tollaris e medio. - (Ibid.) - - [903] Frater vester germanus nunquan desinam, si modo vos fratres - Christi esse perrexeritis. (Ibid., p. 107.) - -[Sidenote: PRAYER OF ZUINGLIUS.] - -The confederates seemed to rise against the gospel as one man. The -petitions of Einsidlen had been the signal. Zuinglius, concerned for -the lot of his dear Myconius, saw in this misfortune only the -beginning of calamity. Enemies in Zurich: enemies abroad--a man's own -relatives becoming his enemies,--a furious opposition on the part of -monks and priests,--violent measures of the Diet and the -councils,--rude, perhaps bloody, assaults on the part of the partisans -of foreign service,--the highest valleys of Switzerland, the cradle of -the confederation, sending forth phalanxes of invincible soldiers to -save Rome, and, at the sacrifice of life, annihilating the growing -faith of the sons of the Reformation--such was the prospect at which -the penetrating mind of the Reformer shuddered when he beheld it in -the distance. What a prospect! Was not the work, scarcely well begun, -on the point of being destroyed? Zuinglius, thoughtful and agitated, -spread all his anguish before his God. "O Jesus," said he, "you see -how wicked men and blasphemers stun the ears of thy people with their -cries.[904] Thou knowest that from my infancy I have hated disputes, -and yet in spite of myself thou hast ceased not to urge me on to the -combat.... Wherefore, I confidently call upon thee, as thou hast begun -so to finish. If in any thing I have built up improperly, beat it down -with thy mighty hand. If I have laid some other foundation beside -thine let thy powerful arm overthrow it.[905] O most beloved vine, of -which the Father is the vine-dresser, and of which we are the -branches, forsake not thy offspring.[906] For thou hast promised to be -with us, even to the end of the world!" - - [904] Vides enim, piissime Jesu, aures eorum septas esse nequissimis - susurronibus, sycophantis, lucrionibus.... (Zw. Op. iii, p. 74.) For - thou seest, O most beloved Jesus how these ears are beset with - whisperers, sycophants, and lovers of lucre. - - [905] Si fundamentum aliud praeter te jecero, demoliaris. (Ibid.) - - [906] O suavissima vitis, cujus vinitor, Pater, palmites vero nos - sumus; stationem tuam ne deseras. (Ibid.) - -It was on the 22nd of August, 1522, that Ulrich Zuinglius, the -Reformer of Switzerland, when he saw violent storms descending from -the mountains on the frail bark of faith, thus expressed the troubles -and hopes of his soul in the presence of his God. - - - - -END OF THE SECOND VOLUME. - - - - -COLLINS' SERIES - -OF - -VALUABLE AND POPULAR WORKS. - -_Volumes already Published, each 1s. 6d. Sewed, or 2s. Cloth._ - - -D'AUBIGNE'S HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY. -=Complete Edition=, 4 volumes. With a Portrait of Luther. - -CHEEVER'S LECTURES ON THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS AND ON THE LIFE AND TIMES -OF BUNYAN. Complete Edition, with a Portrait of Bunyan. - -ESSAYS AND DISCOURSES BY J. H. MERLE D'AUBIGNE, D.D., Author of the -History of the Reformation. Translated from the French. With a -Frontispiece of Dr. D'Aubigne's Residence on Lake Leman. - -DICK'S CHRISTIAN PHILOSOPHER; or the Connection of Science and -Philosophy with Religion, illustrated with Engravings, 2 Volumes. This -popular Work has been greatly enlarged and improved by the Author, for -this Series. - -SPRING'S (DR. GARDINER) OBLIGATIONS OF THE WORLD TO THE BIBLE. - -VINET'S (Professor) VITAL CHRISTIANITY; or the Religions of Man and -the Religion of God. With a Frontispiece of Lausanne. - -WYLIE'S (REV. J. A.) SCENES FROM THE BIBLE. - -CHEEVER'S WANDERINGS of a PILGRIM in the SHADOW of MONT BLANC, and the -JUNGFRAU ALP. - -BUNYAN'S PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. With the Rev. T. SCOTT'S Notes, and an -Introductory Essay by JAMES MONTGOMERY, Esq. - -DICK'S PHILOSOPHY of RELIGION; or, an Illustration of the Moral Laws -of the Universe. - -To be followed by other Popular Works. - -Each Volume contains between 300 and 400 pages, with a Steel -Engraving, and for the convenience of all Classes is issued as -follows: - - Sewed in a handsome Wrapper, 1s. 6d., or, bound in Cloth, - 2s. - - Also, a Royal 12mo Edition, bound in Cloth, 3s. per Volume. - -=Published by William Collins, Glasgow and London,= - -=AND SOLD BY ALL BOOKSELLERS.= - - - * * * * * - - -Transcriber's note: Variations in spelling, punctuation and -hyphenation have been retained except in obvious cases of -typographical error. - -Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). - -Text enclosed by equal signs is in bold face (=bold=). - -Small capital text has been replaced with all capitals. - -Transliterated Greek words are enclosed like +this+. - -Footnote 11: "Tunc desiit paululum" is unclear. - -Footnote 110: "On this article of faith the Church is founded. -(L. Op. Lat. i, p. 254.)" The number 254 is unclear. - -Footnote 111: "Et, ut fama est, de hoc plurimum gratulantur. -(L. Op. Lat. i, p. 250.)" The number 250 is unclear. - -Footnote 148: "Praesens male judicat aetas; judicium menus -posteritatis erit." (L. Op. Lat. i, 310.)" The number 310 is not -clear. - -Footnote 224: "L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 305, and Op. Lat. i, p. -32." The (L.) is unclear. - -Footnote 479 is unclear: "Quacunque iter faciebant, frequens -erat concursus hominum, videndi Lutheri studio. (Cochloeus, p. 29)." - -Footnote 485: There is possibly a digit missing before the number 6 in -this footnote: "Lutherum illac transeuntem subsequutus ut pro honore -ecclesiae vitam suam....exponeret (Cochloeus, p. 6.)" - -In footnote 506, "Bucerus eodem nit. (M. Adam, Vit. Buceri. -p. 212.)" the transcriber has added "ve" to "nit" to make "venit". - -The number in footnote 532 is unclear "L. Op. (W.) xv, 2286". - -In footnote 582, "Per chalcographos multiplicata et in populos -dispersa est ea epistola ... Caesari autem et clericis odium populare, -etc. (Cochloeus, p.386.)" The number 386 is unclear. - -Footnote 859: The final number is unclear. "Wenn mir nicht -waer' mit Todten wohl, So laeg nicht mancher Acker, voll, ac. -(Bern. Mausol. iv, Wirz, K. Gesch. 1. 3.)" - - -The transcriber has added footnote anchors for the following -footnotes: - -Page 21, footnote 66: First vol., p. 172. - -Page 21, footnote 68: Si tecum non licet disputare, neque cum -Carlstatio volo: propter te enim huc veni. (L. Op. in Praef.) - -Page 53, footnote 167: Ego nihil quaero; est qui quaerat. Stet ergo, -sive cadat; ego nihil lucror, aut amitto. (Ibid. p. 418.) - -Page 92, footnote 267: Olim janua coeli, nunc patens quoddam -os inferni et tale os, quod urgente ira Dei, obstrui non potest.... -(L. Ep. i, p. 501.) - -Page 94, footnote 270: Ist nun das nicht eine froehliche Wirthschaft, -da der reiche, edle, fromme Braeutigam Christus, das arme, verachtete, -bose Huhrlein zur Ehe nimmt (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 385.) - -Page 116, footnote 334: Quo audito, Marinus et Aleander... - -Page 118, footnote 337: Favent vero ferme boni omnes. - -Page 159, footnote 466: Omnem nunc Germaniam quasi ad genua provolutum -tibi.... (Ibid., p. 184.) - -Page 160, footnote 468: L. Ep. i, p. 580. - -Page 164, footnote 478: Iter faciente occurrebant populi. (Pallavicini, -Hist. C. Tr. i, p. 114.) - -Page 164, footnote 479: Quacunque iter faciebant, frequens erat -concursus hominum, videndi Lutheri studio. (Cochloeus, p. 29). - -Page 166, footnote 486: Dass der Keyser seinen Beichtvater und Ihrer -Majest. Ober-Kammerling, zu. Seckingen schickt. (L. Op. xvii, p. 587.) - -Page 203, footnote 593: Dejecto in solum auriga et verberato. (Ibid.) - -Page 203, footnote 594: Longo itinere, novus eques, fessus. (L. Ep. -ii, p. 3.) - -Page 226, footnote 654: In den Schlachten sich redlich und dapfer -gestellt mit Rathen, Worten, und Thaten. (Ibid.) - -Page 240, footnote 699: Do er ehrlich und wol empfangen ward. -(Bullinger, MS.) - -Page 253, footnote 736: Ich mein der Tod, Syg an der Thuer. (Zw. Op. ii, -2nd part, p. 270.) - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Reformation in the -Sixteenth Century, Vol 2, by J. H. 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