LIFE OF MELANCTHON. most heartily wel, from Langley, in much hast, this | riage of priests on monastic vows, and on the mass. Monday at 4 of the clock at afternoon. "Your loving friends, "T. NORFOLK, The next letter is from the secretary Cromwell, to John Wallop, the king's ambassador, in France, from which such parts only are extracted as illus trate the present subject. "To my right loving frynd sir John Wallop, knyght, the kinges ambassadour, resident in the Corte of Fraunce. "After my most harty recommendacions; these shal be to advertise you that the xviith day of this monthe I receyvid from you a packet of letters; which indelayedly I delyvered unto the Kinges Highnes and conferred with his Grace theffects both of your letters and al others within the sayd packet beying directed as wel to his H. as to me. And after his H. had with me perused the hoole contents thoroughly of your sayd letters; perceyvyng not only the likelihood of the not repayr into Fraunce of Philip Melancthon, but also your communications had with the Frenche Kinges Highnes upon your demaunde made of the Kynges Majes ties pensions, with also your discrete answers and replications made in that behalfe, for the which his Majestie givethe unto you condigne thanks * "And touchyng Melancthon-consideryng there is no lykelihod of his repaire into Fraunce as I have wel perceyved by your letters, the K. H. therefore hath appoynted Christofer Mount indelayedly to take his journey where Melancthon is, and if he can to prevent Mounsr. de Langye in such wise as the sayd Melancthon his repaire into Fraunce may be stayed and diverted into England. Not doubting but the same shal take effect accordyngly. And as to Maister Haynes, the Kyng's plesure is that he shal go to Paris there to lerne and dissiphre the opynyons of the lerned men and their inclynations and affections as wel towards the K. H. procedyngs as to the Busshop of Rome his usurped power and aucthorite, after such sort as the Kyng's sayd Highnes hath now written unto hym by his Grace's letters addressed both unto hym and the sayd Christofer Mount: directyng theym what they shal do yn al thyngs commyttyd to theyr charge at this tyme; as I doubt not but they wil put thereto theyr devoires for the accomplishement of the Kynges plesure as apperteynethe August. ...At Thornebery the xxiiith day of "Your assuryd freend, THOMAS CRUMWELL." A larger commission was afterwards sent by Henry VIII. to the Protestant princes of Germany, now assembled at Smalcald, consisting of Edward Fox, bishop of Hereford, Nicholas Hethe, archdeacon, and Dr. Barnes. The opinion which Melancthon formed of them, is thus expressed in a confidential letter to his friend Camerarius. "One only of our present guests Nicholas Hethe, the archdeacon, excels in amiableness of disposition and sound learning; as for the others they have no relish for our philosophy and mode of discourse, so that I shun their society as much as possible." In the course of these conferences, Fox represented that the king had abrogated the Popish abuses and had abolished indulgences. He designated the Papal domination by the term Babylonian tyranny, and the Pope he called antichrist. A variety of articles were drawn up by Melancthon, and some dissertations, which the ambassadors brought on their return to England, on the mar It is intimated in the conclusion, that the Protestants The great purpose, however, which Henry really Aless originally fled with other learned men from Scotland, in consequence of the persecutions of 1534, and was received into Cromwell's family. Henry VIII. is said to have been considerably attached to him, and to have bestowed upon him the distinguishing epithet of his scholar. He was afterwards made a professor in the university of Leipsic. The recommendatory letters of Melancthon, insured his Scotch protegee a most hospitable reception at the palace of Lambeth, and the archbishop could not but feel honored by the sincere praises of his learned and pious correspondent who sought his friendship, and who in his letter said, "if the church had but some more such bishops, it would be no difficult matter to have it healed and the world restored to peace." Several circumstances concurred at this period to excite the hypochondriacal depression of mind which so much embittered some of the years of Melancthon's life. He had a narrow escape from lightning, which produced considerable damage in his immediate neighborhood, and he suffered severely in his back from a fall, but happily it occasioned no permanent injury. The removal of the academy to Jena, in consequence of a raging infectious disorder, alluded to in the Elector's letter cited above, exceedingly discomposed and inconvenienced him-but the students and professors, returned in the beginning of the year 1536, to Wittemberg. The state of his health required an excursion amongst his friends. He was accompanied by Jacob Milichius, a physician to whom he was particularly attached on account of his professional skill, devoted friendship, and literary taste. He was a native of Friburg, and for a series of years led a Soon after his return from Jena, he was engaged in a conference with Bucer and Capito on the sacramental controversy. Pursuing with unabated ardor the great purpose of a general re-union among the Reformers, Bucer and Capito had repaired, in the month of January, to an assembly of the ministers and magistrates of the Reformed cantons of Switzerland, at Basil. They urged a union with the Lutherans, which they deemed more than ever probable from their decreased animosity. A meeting was afterwards convened in May at Eisenach, to which the Swiss divines sent their confession of faith; but as Luther could not personally attend, Bucer and Capito proceeded to Wittemberg, where, after several conferences with him and his associates, Melancthon was appointed to draw up a for mula on the sacrament, which, it is remarkable, the useful and eminent course of public life at Wit- | thon wrote an excellent treatise against them in the temberg. At the age of fifty-nine he died, much German language. and generally lamented. Camerarius alludes with evident pleasure to the few days passed in the companionable society of Melancthion at Tubingen, and notices the useful advice he gave respecting the management of the University, and the general regulation both of religious and literary concerns. A violent contention had arisen on the subject of giving letters of recommendation and conferring honorary titles upon the students. Many learned men were applied to for their opinion; among the rest Melancthon, who sent in a written statement of his views, and the reasons which influenced his decision. He conceived that they had been advantageous, especially as such testimonies, publicly and solemnly bestowed upon meritorious students, tended to secure the avenues to clerical office against the intrusion of ignorance and incapacity. He addressed a long letter to Brentius on the sub-inflexible Lutherans, the moderate Reformers, and ject of the academy at Tubingen, which is dated from the palace of the Duke of Wirtemburg. It is not to be wondered at that he felt a peculiar interest in this early scene of his studies and labors. He mentions his satisfaction in some of the professors, but intimates the great deficiency that existed in the Theological departments, and urges his correspondent, by desire of the Duke, to spend one year at Tubingen, till some suitable person could be procured to occupy that important situation. He deplores the general state of literature throughout the whole of Upper Germany, and expresses great anxiety to ameliorate the state of the academy. He was doomed to incur in consequence of this journey what he so often experienced, the attacks of malevolence. A variety of vexatious reports were put in circulation, and instantly credited by the weak and the wicked propagators of mischief. Some asserted that he had separated from the Reformers and quarrelled with Luther, to whom his philosophical notions were disagreeable-that he would not return to Wittemberg, or if he did, no further cordiality was likely to subsist between them. The sowers of dissension however were disappointed of the produce they anxiously expected. His methods of conveying instruction, and especially his uniform and zealous efforts to purify the logic of the schools, and terminate the endless disputations of former times by introducing juster principles of reasoning, were exceedingly grateful, instead of being, as his adversaries calumniously misrepresented, disgusting to Martin Luther. That eminent Reformer always sought his advice, and with his characteristic ingenuousness acknowledged his superiority. An anecdote which is related of them is confirmatory of this statement. Luther was writing the following words, "Res et verba Philippus; verba sine rebus Erasmus; res sine verbis Lutherus; nec res, nec verba Carolostadius. Philip Melancthon is both substance and words-Erasmus words without substance-Luther substance without words-Cariostadt neither substance nor words"-when Melancthon came unexpectedly, and overlooking him said with a smile, "As to Erasmus and Carlostadt it is well judged and censured, but too much is attributed to me, and good words as well as matter ought to be ascribed to Luther, for he speaks exceedingly well." Among the variety of other important labors, Melancthon was very much occupied at this time with the furious zealots who had created so much disturbance in Germany under the name of Anabaptists. During the temporary removal of the academy to Jena, he and Cruciger were indefatigable in their efforts to reclaim them, and it must be owned were in some degree successful. Melanc the whole Synod composed of the ministers of Upper Germany, concurred in signing. Thus the purpose of unanimity was obtained to a very considerable extent, and was celebrated on the occasion with great mutual congratulations; though it may be questioned, from a perusal of this document, whether Bucer and his moderating associate did not manifest too much of a servile and temporizing flexibility. CHAPTER X. A General Council proposed-Meeting at Smalcald-Melcanthon writes on the Pope's Supremacy, and against the manner of ap. pointing the Council-Communications with Francis I.-Passage from the Recess of Smalcald-Melancthon is solicited to visit Augsburg respecting the institution of a Public Library-Letter of Cardinal Sadolet-A second Commission from Henry VIII.— Persons sent into England-Melancthon's letters to the king--Second letter against the Anabaptists--Another deputation from Frankfort-Melancthon's third and fourth letters to the kingDeath of George of Saxony-Progress of the Reformation-Diet held at Haguenaw-Melancthon's dangerous illness on the way— Interesting account of Luther's visit to him-Another Diet at Worms-Referred to Ratisbon-Melancthon meets with an accident on the road-Conference between select persons-Augsburg Decree confirmed-Several anecdotes of Melancthon-Contentions about the election of a Bishop at Naumburg-Account of Melanothon and Bucer's co-operation with the Archbishop of Cologne, to introduce the Reformation into his Diocese-Acrimonious publication of some of the clergy-Melancthon's satirical reply-Private afflictions-Draws up a plan of Reform for the Elector PalatineEngages in the ordination of George Prince of Anhalt-Sketch of his Life-Epigrams by Melancthon. 1537 to 1545. the year 1534, appeared more disposed than his prePAUL III. who had succeeded to the Popedom in decessors to convene a general Council, and sent circular letters throughout the states under his jurisdiction, appointing a time and place, namely, the twenty-seventh of May, 1537, at Mantua. The confederate Protestant Princes re-assembled together at Smalcald, and in the February preceding the Heldus, Vice Chancellor to the Emperor, came to proposed Council, Vorstius, the Papal Nuncio, and announce it, and exhort them to attend. This occasioned long and close deliberations. The Wittemberg theologians were summoned to the meeting at Smalcald, and as Luther was incapable of attending in consequence of a severe illness, the chief trouble, accompanied as usual with no inconsiderable odium, devolved upon Melancthon. They were required to make an accurate comparison of the different sentiments which prevailed among themselves, in order to terminate the existing disputes, and devise some common form of doctrine for the Protestant churches; then to determine upon those articles of faith which from their radical importance were to be retained and avowed at all hazards, in order finally to ascertain what might be conceded to the Catholics for the sake of restoring peace and harmony. Whether from the flattering caresses of others, or from the deliberate judgment and aecti on ate disposition of his own mind, Melancthon could not LIFE OF MELANCTHON. be induced to renounce the hope of promoting con- | pious will may direct; we therefore unanimously cord, not only between those who were perpetually agree, that the parochial churches in our several contending on the subject of the sacramental con- districts and jurisdictions, shall be provided with troversy, but between the Reformers and Catholics. learned, pious, and honorable teachers, preachers, With respect to the first question, relative to an ex- and pastors; and that in their different situations amination of the points of difference which divided they be maintained in a decent and respectable way the Reformers themselves, he complains that a calm with their wives and families. Also we appoint and impartial investigation could not be obtained, superintendents to watch over the said pastors and owing to the rigidity of some, and the apprehension ministers, that they keep sound doctrine and live of others, lest instead of promoting harmony, the and walk as becometh Christians. And we order discussion of these differences should inflame resent- the provision of suitable funds for schools of educa ment. With respect to the second, he was deputed tion, adapted to the local circumstances of each disto compose an essay on the power and primacy of trict, that youth may be trained up therein in good the Roman Pontiff, and on the jurisdiction of bi- morals and sound learning, so that our churches We further order proper shops. The performance proved of signal use, and may not in future be unsupplied with suitable was noticed with marked approbation in the Recess or pastors and ministers. Decree of the Convention. It exceedingly confirm- funds to be appropriated to the use of those who shall ed the minds of all, and removed the suspicions devote themselves principally to the study of the which his calumniators had excited even in the sacred Scriptures. Moreover, we order the erection Elector himself, who did not sufficiently distinguish and endowment of hospitals for the reception of the between a bias to Popery and that strong desire for poor of both sexes; and in fine, that every one in peace which Melancthon labored to effect, and every place shall exert himself to cause such instiwhich he cherished the hope of obtaining without tutions to be erected, provided, and supported, wherthe sacrifice of principle, He thought it proper to ever the necessity exists, and whatever else the contend only about essentials; here he was firm-duty of Christian princes and magistrates may rein other respects he aimed with incessant, but useless Melancthon was solicited by the senate of the city toil, to produce reconciliation. In fact the standard of his piety was superior to that of the age in which of Augsburg to pay them a visit, but many and he lived, and unlikely to be duly appreciated or weighty reasons induced him to decline their invisufficiently influential in the boisterous hour of re-tation. They were about establishing a public liligious innovation. The performance referred to was written with no less zeal against the excessive domination of Rome and her ecclesiastics than Luther himself would have displayed, though with milder words; and it affirmed that little or no hope In fact, Melancthon could not command a mocould be entertained of the results of a Council so constituted as that to which the Pope had summoned ment's leisure, and in addition to his exertions in the Princes of Christendom. Similar sentiments the public cause, he was incessantly pestered with are expressed in the correspondence which was the reproaches of the malevolent, who misinterpretcarried on between the confederate Princes and the ed all his actions, and with the unjust censures of king of France. In the preceding year Francis had written letters to the assembly, which intimated many with whom he was connected who disliked sequence of considerable differences of opinion some offence. He perceived, he said, from the re- his conciliating spirit. It was reported that in conport of his ambassador, that they did not cherish which occasioned some discussion at Smalcald, he exactly the sentiments he had expected, but he was disposed to overlook any contempt they had mani- was alienated from his own party, and several linquish his existing engagements, and become a fested, from his ardent desire to promote a general princes studiously endeavored to induce him to reunion in Christendom, especially between Germany professor in their universities; but he never sought private emolument or honor to the neglect of public and France; and he was desirous they should send a deputation to him. They replied in letters writ-duty, and therefore could not be gained. But as his ten in their name by Melancthon, who may perhaps friend and biographer Camerarius remarks, no innot inaptly be termed the pen of the Reformation, tegrity or innocence of character can escape sus"That they certainly had intended no contempt, and picion and slander. He could not even receive a fully concurred in his views respecting mutual letter from the learned Sadolet, because it came union. They excused themselves from sending de- from Italy, without being exposed to suspicion and puties as he desired, not feeling themselves warrant- charged with the crime of being connected with ed to do so; and with respect to a Council, if it were Catholics. This letter is produced by Camerarius not free, but ordered by the Pope merely for the purpose of condemning them, it would confirm, in- as a specimen of that elegant latinity for which the stead of remove abuses, and inflame greater discord. writer was distinguished; we may be allowed to They alleged the Bull itself, in which their senti- translate it, as being no less honorable to the spirit received it. ments were condemned already, as a proof that the and character of him who wrote than of him who Council would not be a free one." The King replied in a courteous manner, declaring that on this subject they were completely agreed. "During my residence at Carpentras, where I had imagined myself fixed for life, but whence I am suddenly called to Rome by the mandate of the Pope, I was perpetually conversant with your writings, which I read both on account of the ability they discovered and the general elegance of the composition. Often in the midst of this pleasurable employment, I became gradually inflamed with affection, and cherished a great anxiety to commence a friendship with you. For although some difference of opinion exists between us, this need not | Great Britain for a deputation of the Saxon divines cause dissension among well educated men. "At the moment I was deliberating about writing to you to open, so to speak, the doors of friendship, suddenly I was sent for to Rome, on account of an approaching council, and a consultation respecting various affairs, on which it would become necessary soon to deliberate. I had superintended my spiritual charge for the period of ten years, when thus summoned by the secret appointment of the best and wisest of pontiffs, to be invested, ignorant and unskilled as I was, with the dignified office of cardinal. This occasioned delay in transmitting as I wished, a letter to you: for it is impossible to express how many anxieties, cares, and troubles, the translation from my former peaceful and happy life into a tumultuous and bustling one, has occasioned me. This indeed was sure to happen, for my judgment avoided it and followed my former course of life. Both, however, fell out contrary to my original inclinations, so that I cannot rejoice in what I was unwilling to possess, and not be unaffected with grief in losing what I wished to enjoy. But thus appointed by the providence of God, I shall endeavor by his aid properly and fully to discharge this honorable office. and Reformers to take a journey, for the purpose of conferring with learned men of that kingdom about ecclesiastical and other important affairs. William Paget and Christopher Mount were employed on this mission. They were instructed to go through France, and act in concurrence with the king, and Gardiner, the English ambassador at the French court: but the main purpose of Henry VIII. was to induce the German princes to disregard both the Emperor and the Pope, and to refer all the points of difference to himself and the King of France. A visit from Melancthon in particular was exceedingly urged, but year after year slipt away, and other concerns occupying his attention, the journey was never accomplished. A legation, however, was sent, consisting of Francis Burkhard of Burgart, vice-chancellor of the Elector of Saxony, George a Boneyburg, a nobleman, a doctor of laws, and Frederic Myconius, superintendent of Saxe-Gotha. The former was charged with a letter from Melancthon to the king, in which he expresses his affectionate friendship for the vice-chancellor, who would be able to explain his high regard for his majesty and his disposition to devote himself to the public good by the illustration "As my mind begins to emerge from the crowd of Christian truth. "Private men," says he," very of difficulties which beset me, I have resolved no much need the aid of distinguished princes and longer to defer writing, and thus give you a pledge, states, and your majesty has excited the greatest my dear Philip, of my affection and of your at- hopes in every country that you would promote the traction. My esteem arises from your exemplary wishes of the pious for the reformation of the virtues, and may I not hope that you will equally churches. What else does the papal faction aim at reciprocate it from your native kindness? You than the total extinction of divine truth, and the inwill, I doubt not, accede to my request and eager fliction of the most barbarous cruelties upon kings, desire of friendly intercourse. I am not one of princes, and nations, and the support of the Catholic those who instantly cherish a violent hatred because abuses by a system of boundless tyranny in the another differs in opinion, an arrogance and a church? Such being the dangerous situation of vanity to which my nature is totally repugnant. I her affairs, I will not cease to exhort and implore honor intellect, virtue, and literature, which, as your majesty to pay attention to the circumstances you possess them in no common degree, excite a of the Christian church, now a suppliant at your proportionate regard for you. I doubt not your feet, to promote some firm and durable union, and sentiments are similar to my own: for a person so to dissuade other princes from connecting them accomplished in elegant literature cannot be other-selves with popish counsels. This is an affair of wise than kind and courteous, and I indulge the the greatest importance, and therefore worthy the greatest confidence that my letters will not be unac-attention of a king so superior to others in learning ceptable, because however disjoined by distance of and wisdom." place, we may be united in spirit and affection. The ambassadors were received in the most The object of my greatest anxiety and desire there- courteous manner, and the King of England frefore is, to persuade you to admit me into a princi- quently expressed his anxious desire to see Melancpal share of that regard you feel for those, and I thon. But nothing of any consequence was effected know they must be very numerous, who have been by this journey, and the commissioners were at induced, from the celebrity of your name, to so- length dismissed with strong protestations of royal licit your friendship. Nothing would afford me friendship, and an invitation to return during the greater pleasure than to have an opportunity of ex- ensuing year. The king sent letters to the Elector pressing and proving my attachment to you, and if of Saxony, full of the strongest professions of you will furnish me with any such occasion, I shall kindness to himself and the reformed cause, and esteem it as a high obligation. I am ready with expressive of the greatest anxiety to enjoy a visit the greatest zeal to do whatever I know may be from Melancthon, "from whose distinguished erugratifying to you; no one shall exceed me. At-dition and sound judgment all good men," says he, tachment to you and the nature of my office, re- "form the highest expectations.' quire a constant concern for literary men. Farewell, most learned Melancthon, and let me share your best affections. "ROME, July 15, 1537." The justice of Luther's remark upon the preceding letter may be left to the reader's own determination. Sadolet," says he, "who had been the Pope's secretary fifteen years, a very witty and learned man, wrote in a most courteous manner to Philip Melancthon, but exceeding craftily, according to the Italian custom, in order that, through a Cardinalate, they might have bought him on their side, which was done by the Pope's directions; for the good gentleman, Mr. Pope, is much perplexed, not knowing how to fall upon us." Application was again made from the court of The princes having discovered by means of some intercepted letters a secret correspondence between the German and English Anabaptists, wrote a long and elegant epistle to Henry VIII. containing a statement of the pernicious doctrines these persons so eagerly disseminated, and warning him of the danger likely to result from their fanatical proceedings unless prevented by a bold and timely interference. This epistle was composed by Melancthon. A Protestant conference was held at Frankfort in the beginning of the year 1539, to which place Melancthon accompanied his prince. Violent proceedings being apprehended, he was deputed to write a paper on the subject of lawful defence, which he executed with great care and success. From this assembly a deputation was sent into England, which carried another of his letters to Henry 1 LIFE OF MELANCTHON. VIII. for, being affected by the testimony of his means ignorant that they are in fact opposed to the friends respecting the royal benignity, and desirous divine authority and the apostolical constitution of of promoting in the king every good inclination, he the church, yet men will find out very fine interprethought it proper to cherish this correspondence. tations, sopha pharmaka, artful poisons, as Euripides His letter, dated Frankfort, March 26, 1539, was calls them, when policy requires it, in order to furcalculated to produce a good effect. After express-nish a specious pretext for their errors. Sophisms ing his grateful sense of his majesty's regard for of this description may not be so much admired in him, which was manifested afresh in his discourses England for their wisdom, but they are very much with the commissioners, he proceeds, "I commend in repute at Rome, where the Cardinals Contarathe cause of the Christian religion to your majes-nus, Sadolet, and Pole, are applying a new paint ty's attention, for your majesty knows that the most important duty of great princes is to regard and promote heavenly truth, on which account God associates them with himself in the office of ruling. I am desirous, as I have written before, that a union upon the basis of doctrinal agreement should be effected among those churches which reject the domination of Rome. This would tend to promote the glory of God and conduce to general tranquillity. Your majesty has happily begun the removal of some superstitious practices, I entreat you to proceed to others. The intention of our adversaries is apparent, but they can never suppress our doctrine; God himself will be the keeper of our states and princes. They are always most anxious for public peace and tranquillity, but if our enemies resort to arms, the princes will not be deficient in their duty. I frequently call to mind the inscription upon one of King Edward's coins, Jesus autem transiebat per medium eorum-Jesus passed through the midst of them," by which that wise monarch doubtless intended to intimate that the governors of kingdoms are divinely protected whilst they defend righteous causes; and, indeed, that it is truly heroic to bear arms in defence of the church against tyrants. It is said that Ajax asked Achilles what were the greatest and most difficult of all labors? To which he replied, "those which are undertaken for friends." Ajax inquired again, "What then were the most pleasant and easy?" He answered, "the same." The hero intimated by this reply, that nothing could be more delightful than to perform even the severest duties for the public good, and that he could cheerfully sustain the heaviest cares for this purpose. Such was their greatness of mind, who were ignorant of the true God; how much more does it become Christian princes to endure labor and danger for the church of Christ, when they know that they are divinely appointed to this office, and are promised celestial rewards for their services. I will not cease therefore to exhort your majesty to persevere in promoting the cause of the Christian church, and in resisting the tyranny and violence of its adversaries." Melancthon addressed letters also to Cromwell and Cranmer, and afterwards being denied a journey to England by the Elector, who acted with the concurrent advice of Luther, from an opinion that nothing could be done with the infatuated monarch; he again, at the instigation of the Landgrave of Hesse, wrote him a long epistle in a most mag"I implore you by our Lord Jesus Christ to mitinanimous spirit, many parts of which merit quotation. Many pious and learned men in Germany gate and amend this episcopal decree, by doing have indulged the hope that your majesty's authori- which you will both consult the glory of Christ and ty would have produced a considerable alteration the welfare of all your churches. May you regard in the conduct of other kings, and that the German the ardent desires of the pious throughout the world, princes in particular might have been influenced to that kings would use their influence to effect a rerelinquish the unworthy cruelty of their proceedings formation of the church, to remove unauthorized and deliberate on the correction of abuses. You were services, and to propagate evangelical truth! May hailed as the promoter and leader of this most holy you consider those holy persons who are in bonds and illustrious design. Now, alas! your prejudices for the gospel and are the true members of Christ! have wounded our minds most deeply: the animosi- for if this decree be not cancelled, the bishops will ty of other princes is confirmed, the vexatious ob-practice their severities to an incalculable extent. stinacy of the impious is increased, and the ancient Satan himself can alone inspire this opposition to errors are strengthened. The bishops no doubt contend that they do not maintain errors, but true doctrines and a divine right; and though by no Christ; they minister to his rage; he impels them to these cruel massacres. All good men entreat and implore you not to listen to the impious, the |