"I know not what this book is, but sure I am, all that mercy of Providence have been preserved in tran is written therein is quite against us."

CHAPTER IX.

Which he was engaged did not respect a single province or state only, but the whole of Germany. If war had been once kindled it would have raged throughout the empire, so that by preserving domestic peace he was instrumental in securing the tranquillity of many other states. Nor were his enemies alone restrained by his authority and moderate counsels, but his violent confederates were

quillity, though many endeavored to stir up war. The preservation of peace was doubtless also a duty incumbent upon a prince so favored of heaven, and his authority, moderation, and zeal, eminently Smalcald―Unfavorable circumstances announced-The Emperor re- conduced to it, by frequently and forcibly disaptracts at Ratisbon and agrees to the suspension of all legal processes against the Protestants-Death of the Elector John-Melanc-pointing the designs of ambitious men. It is easy to thou's Funeral Oration-His Epitaph-Succeeded by John Frede- judge of the extent of the benefit derived from these ric-The Emperor urges on the Pope a general Council-Continu-exertions, when it is recollected that the cause in ance of the Sacramental Controversy-Melancthon and Bucer confer with the Landgrave-A vain attempt at Leipsic to restore union between contending parties-Francis I. urges Melancthos to repair to France-Their Correspondence-Entreaties of the Langean family to the same purpose-Bellay goes into Germany and invites Melancthon into France-The Elector interposes to prevent the journey-Henry VIII. invites Melancthon into England-Their Correspondence The King of England's eagerness in despatching Messengers to France to prevent Melancthon's continuance there if he were arrived, or otherwise to dissuade him from going-Curious original documents on the subject-A larger Commission sent into Germany-Melancthon's communication with Archbishop Cranmer-State of his health-Takes a jour-checked by perpetual efforts on his part, which it ney-Injurious reports circulated--Writes against the Anabaptists would not be improper on this occasion to particu-Conferences with Bucer and Capito. 1531 to 1536. larize. We have seen them taking up arms, and in Two unfavorable events were announced to the a situation to command victory, yet induced by the Protestant princes, when they were assembled a se- prince's justice, though contrary to their inclina cond time in the early part of the year 1531, attions, to adjust their respective claims without Smalcald; the one the election of Ferdinand to be bloodshed, in which he displayed an extraordinary king of the Romans, which was considered as an heroism. When he could have gained the most deartful proceeding of his brother the Emperor, for cisive advantages over his most inveterate enemies the purpose of rendering the imperial crown here- who were at the very moment plotting his ruin, he ditary in his family, and consequently subversive spared them. How often has he shown a mind of the liberties of the empire-the other the com- impregnable to sentiments of private cupidity, for mencement of prosecutions against some of their after composing strife he never cherished the spirit number on account of their religious principles. It of revenge, but was satisfied with maintaining pubwas deemed immediately necessary to renew their lic quiet. This, this is truly worthy of a great and defensive league, and by means of their ambassa- wise man, to conquer anger and to prefer the weldors to implore the protection and support of the fare of his country to the gratification of his private Kings of England, France, and Denmark. feelings. It must indeed be acknowledged that war is sometimes necessary, the enemy must be opposed, and states must be roused to hostile preparations; but it is no less so that the turbulent emotions of the mind should be repressed and restored to reason, and that contention should be prevented by mild and judicious counsels.

*

Providence again interposed to rescue the oppressed. It was not long before the Emperor perceived that it was essential to his political interests, rather to retrace his hasty steps than by pressing on in his persecuting career to involve Germany in a civil war. He found that his peace with France and his friendship with the Pope were both precarious, and "What shall I say of his domestic administrathat the Turkish army was advancing upon Austriation, which was replete with clemency and humaniwith recruited forces. The malcontent princes ty? Homer represents Ulysses as ruling the Ithawere therefore to be conciliated and not coerced, and can it was stipulated at Nuremberg, and finally agreed upon at the Diet of Ratisbon, in August, 1532, that upon condition of their rendering the requisite assistance in the war with the Turks, the Emperor would suspend all legal processes against the Protestants on account of religion, use his utmost endeavors to procure the appointment of a general council within six months, to meet within twelve; and that no person should at present, be molested for his religion.

a good father, and Xenophon, who proposes, rus as a perfect pattern for a prince, says that a good prince resembles a good father: and who ever had it in his power to say any thing worse of our departed prince, who was incapable of acting with crue! or pride? To me he appeared to cherish the host paternal feelings for all his subjects, and 1 nave often noticed the most striking indications of it both in private discourse and in public transactions.

"His private life was most unostentatious, free from all disgraceful excess and dissipation, and all the leisure hours he could command at intervals of business were devoted to sacred literature and especially to the study of the Christian religion. To this he gave his principal attention in the latter period of his life, and as I know from indubitable

At this juncture the Elector JOHN was removed from his useful labors, and exalted station, by an apoplexy. The event occurred on the sixteenth of August, 1532, and though Melancthon and Luther were immediately sent for, they only arrived in time to see him expire. The former delivered a Latin oration at his funeral, in which he thus admir-authority he abounded in the exercises of devotion. ably portrays the character of his prince.

"I shall not speak of his noble birth, for which indeed the Dukes of Saxony are sufficiently distinguished, nor of his youthful pursuits, though he might be highly eulogized for modesty and temperance; but confine myself principally to the delineation of his character during the period of his public life since the decease of his illustrious brother Frederic. Amidst a thousand difficulties, the genuine piety of the Elector John, his firmness, moderation, peaceful intentions, and every other virtue which can constitute a good prince, were conspicuons. It is a glorious trophy characteristic of his reign, and demanding our gratitude, that in a most turbulent period, these realms by the interposing

No one is ignorant of the dangers he incurred through his attachment to evangelical truth; and God eminently honored his exalted virtue, by protecting him through so many years, and liberating him from so many dangers, as he did Hezekiah when blockaded by the Assyrian army in Jerusalem. Now in a period of public tranquillity he is taken away, but happily not unprepared for the change, from miseries which may yet await us and from the agonies of a painful disorder. We may be permitted to grieve for the loss of a prince endowed with such various excellencies, so studious of general peace, and so devotedly kind to his people that he may be denominated their father as wel. as their prince.

MELANCTHON'S REPLY. "Most Christian and most Potent King!

and excellent spirit of Melancthon, naturally induced the Elector to associate him with Pontanus in this new labor. An account of the conference is "ALTHOUGH the far-famed kingdom of France still extant in the German language. It is written by Melancthon, and distinguished by the total ab- greatly surpasses every other in the known world in sence of all asperity, and the clear undisguised ticed with peculiar approbation that it has always many other honorable distinctions, this may be nostatement of every transaction. It appears that the excelled the rest of the nations in purity of docattempt to unite was in vain-the papists adhered trine and perpetual zeal in defence of the Christian to their opinions, and the Saxon deputies would not religion. It has therefore deservedly obtained the relinquish truth. Vehus presented a form of concord, but it distinctly mentioned the errors which title the most glorious, the most magnificent, that appellation of most happy and most Christian, a were most objectionable to the Protestants, especially the doctrine of the meritorious power of the can be conferred. I congratulate your majesty that mass to obtain the remission of sins. Nothing is at this juncture you have undertaken the care of more illustrative of the true character of Melanc-preserving the church, not by the application of violent thon than these- transactions. He was willing to of the Most Christian King; and that in the midst remedies, but by rational means, worthy the name approximate as far as possible, by conceding every of the present dissensions you have so studied to point of difference which did not regard what he moderate the violence of opposing parties, that the deemed essential truth; but then he became inflexible. Possessed of the most benignant temper, he genuine unadulterated doctrines of Christianity, the was formed to pacify the world, and inherited the glory of Christ, the true dignity of the ecclesiasti blessedness of the peace-maker. Matthew v. 9. be promoted. Nothing can be imagined more becal constitution, and the tranquillity of the state may Presenting to our view a rare combination of excel- coming a king than this disposition of mind and lencies, a singular and pleasing union of the these proceedings. I beseech your majesty to perChristian and the hero, we behold him firm but not violent, modest but not servile, conscientious but not for although public dissension has in some instansevere in this care and concern for your kingdom: punctilious. ces furnished occasion of mischief to violent and Wherever Lutheranism was known, or literature evil-minded ecclesiastics, yet good men have brought admired, the name of Philip Melancthon was fa- forward in the church many things which are esmiliar. Francis I. earnestly entreated him to re-sentially conducive to its welfare. Although therepair to France. Maimbourg relates, that Margaret queen of Navarre and sister to the king, united with other illustrious females attached to the court, who cherished sentiments favorable to the reformation, in requesting that he might be sent for to be consulted on the existing religious contentions. The queen frequently spoke of him to her brother as a man of exalted piety, profound learning, and singular eloquence. Francis, whose active zeal for the revival of literature in France, had acquired him the title of the Father of Letters, listened with pleasure to these representations, and immediately adopted measures to procure a visit. Voraus Fossa was despatched with a letter from the king, and a command to urge him in his name to repair to his court. The letter is preserved.

fore a mischievous disposition of mind ought to be restrained, yet I entreat your majesty not to be influenced by the bitter sentiments or writings of the calumnious, to suffer good and useful regulations to be abandoned in the churches. For my own part I have never been pleased with those intemperate counsels which have degraded the best and most holy order of the church, and which ought ever to be held in peculiar veneration: and I am well persuaded that all good men in your nation, who value the truth as I do, cherish this feeling. When I received your royal invitation, God is my witness how much I labored immediately to comply with it; for nothing would gratify me so much as to be of some service to the church according to my feeble capacity, and I indulge the most pleasing anticipations, "FRANCIS, by the grace of God King of France, to and the constant aim to promote the glory of Christ from my knowledge of the piety, the moderation, our beloved Philip Melancthon, greeting :

"By means of William Bellaius Langey, our chamberlain and counsellor, to whom the management of ecclesiastical affairs is principally confided, I have for some time known it to be your peculiar study to appease the present disputes in religion; and now I find both from your letters to him, and from the report of Barnabas Voræus Fossa, who is just returned, that this is a very gratifying labor to you. I wish you to come the very first opportunity, and fully confer with some of our most eminent doctors on the reconciliation of opinions, and on other things susceptible of improvement in the government of the church, for which I feel the greatest solicitude and anxiety. However, I will send Voræus Fossa to you immediately with these letters for a safe conduct, imploring you not to be dissuaded by any one from this pious and holy undertaking. Your visit will be most grateful to me, and you are at perfect liberty to come either in a private or public character, and be assured you will find me, as indeed I always have been, most desirous of promoting your glory, reputation, and comfort, both at home and abroad.

displayed by your majesty. Voraus can detail the numerous difficulties which have delayed my visit, and which, though they should prevent this journey, cannot detach my mind from a steady purpose of checking by my advice and exertions the existing controversies. Voraus, however, will fully state my views.

"Finally, I commit myself to your royal favor, promising constantly to contribute my judgment with that of the pious and learned men of the church for the general good. May Christ preserve your majesty in prosperity and safety, that your government may promote the general happiness of the world and the glory of God. Your majesty's

Most devoted servant, PHILIP MELANCTHON. "From Saxony, the fifth day of September, one

thousand five hundred and thirty-five."

In addition to these very curious documents, a further illustration of the dispositions prevalent at this period in the French court, at least amongst some of its most enlightened ornaments, is afforded by a letter addressed to Melancthon, by Cardinal Bellaius, dated the twenty-seventh of June. After "From the town of GUISE, the twenty-eighth day applauding the benevolent wishes, which he knew of June, one thousand five hundred and thirty-from Voraus that he entertained for the genera. five." cause of Christianity, the Cardinal proceeds, "I

desire nothing more ardently than that the dissensions which have so long agitated the Christian church, may be appeased. Apply the utmost of your power, my dear Melancthon, by the help of God, to promote this general pacification, and you will have the concurrent approbation of all good men, especially of Francis, who, while possessing the supreme authority, is not only the Most Christian King in name and title, but in truth, as I have long had occasion to witness. I hope every thing from your meeting, and the matured advice you will give." The warm attachment of the Cardinal may be imagined from his subscribing himself, "Yours, from my very heart, Bellaius."

incensed at these proceedings, issued a general order against heretics; and appointed a solemn procession. The Holy Ghost was carried through the city, the king walked with his feet bare and his head uncovered, attended by the queen, the princes of the blood, and all his courtiers. Six Lutherans were publicly condemned by the parliament, to be burnt, a decree which was executed with the most shocking barbarity before the procession was finished; and others were sought after with the most eager diligence.

For the purpose of explaining these circumstances and securing the Protestant alliance, Bellay was sent to the German princes. He was instructed to In another letter, written by William Langey, assure them "that the persons proscribed and puand dated the sixteenth of July, Melancthon is nished, were guilty of seditious practices, that the urged by a variety of arguments to visit France. king wished for an accommodation on the subject I have explained," says he, "to my friends who of religion, by a meeting of the Parisian and Gerare interested in the common cause, all circum- man divines, and that he was particularly desirous stances, and have given them your letters and those of a visit from Philip Melancthon." Cardinal of Bucer, to peruse. I feel myself somewhat im- Tournon, however, remonstrated violently against plicated in this affair, and should be sorry for any this invitation given to a heretic, and the princes of thing to occur dishonorable to you, or injurious to Germany soon saw reason to question the sincerity the cause of truth and the glory of Christ. The of Francis. In fact, it is difficult to reconcile his Cardinal Langey was shown the letters you have inconsistencies. He protected or persecuted the received from me previous to their being sent, lest Reformers as interest or policy dictated. He allowany thing should have been written which he ed the duke of Orleans, his second son, to offer the might disapprove or deem contrary to the views of free exercise of their religion to the Protestants in the king." He afterwards alludes to the controversy the dukedom of Luxemburg, and his sister, the respecting the place of holding the proposed coun- queen of Navarre, to promote the reformed cause cil, represents the good inclinations of the king, in her country of Bearn. He courted the Reformand alludes to a private consultation with Melancers, yet opposed the Reformation-panegyrized thon upon the best and safest means of reforming them at Smalcald, yet persecuted them at Paristhe state of ecclesiastical affairs. Langey apolo- almost a Lutheran in Germany, and quite a Cathogizes for the severities which had been inflicted up-lic in France. Francis even permitted Bellay to on some persons for their religious opinions, alleg- explain his sentiments to the German princes, on ing, what however is not very admissible, that they some of the most important subjects of difference, were only a set of enthusiasts of notorious charac- in terms not very dissimilar to those used by the ter, whom Melancthon himself would have been Protestants. inclined to punish. After urging various other considerations to induce his compliance with the king's request, who, he says, was not only prepossessed in his favor, but naturally acute, prudent and willing to listen to sound argument; he concludes thus, "I exhort you, I conjure you for Christ's sake not to neglect the present occasion of accomplishing a business of all others the most glorious in which mortals can be engaged."

Some of Melancthon's friends urged him to accept the king of France's invitation, believing that it might prove a most favorable occasion for promoting the reformed religion in that country, and for checking the progress of the Catholic persecutions: but others were apprehensive that his visit would be attended with considerable personal danger, and advised him to remain in Saxony. Melancthon himself was by no means indisposed to comply with the king's request, supposing that his presence in France was not unlikely to be attended with some advantage to the Reformation. Luther, for similar reasons, was very urgent with the Elector to allow his friend to go, and alleged that the very expectation of seeing Melancthon, had already put a stop to the persecutions in France.

The Sorbonne divines probably would not very readily have united in these pressing solicitations, for how could they forget or forgive the satirical pen of Melancthon? And there is reason to suspect that a temporizing policy more than a spirit of sincere inquiry after truth dictated their prince's invitation. Francis had seized the opportunity afforded him by the full employment of the emperor's The Elector could not, however, be prevailed confederate forces against the Turks, to renew his upon to give his consent. He felt apprehensive of claims in Italy, and used every effort to excite in the offending the Emperor, and conceived no hopes of different princes of Europe, a jealousy of his rival's promoting any real good to the Reformation by such power. But his measures were disconcerted, and a permission. Policy of course, dictated a different from the operation of different causes, he was ge- excuse to Francis, to whom he wrote in a courteous nerally unsuccessful. The invitation he received manner, assuring him of his inclination to gratify from the associated Protestant princes at Smalcald, his wishes, but pleading "the peculiar and distresswas therefore at this crisis peculiarly welcome, and ing aspect of the times, and the unpleasant refleche was naturally led to use every endeavor to pro- tions he should be likely to incur. The Wittemberg mote his own views by securing their confidence. academicians, he said, being dispersed by a pestiFor this purpose he negotiated and flattered, accom- lential disorder and obliged to retire to Jena, he modating himself to their religious prejudices, af- could not possibly at present part with Melancthon. fecting a wonderful moderation and even a spirit If, however, his services should hereafter be deemed of pious inquiry in matters of controversy. A very necessary, and the pressure of present difficulties be curious affair had been transacted at Paris, to which somewhat alleviated, he would send a more decithe preceding letter of Langey refers. Some of the sive answer to his Majesty and give him permission Parisians, who had imbibed the principles of Pro- to visit France. In the mean time he offered his testantism, posted up hand bills in several of the most ready services in promoting the gospel of Christ, public places, and on the gates of the Louvre, con- together with the temporal and eternal welfare of taining reflections on the doctrines, rites and clergy the king, his government, and the churches of of the church of Rome. The king being highly | France.'

“Master Secretary, after our most hearty commendations, ye shal understand that having received the letters sent unto you from Sir John Wallop, and shewed the same unto the king's majesty, his plesure thereupon was, that we should dispatch these our letters incontinentely unto you concerning the accomplishment and doing of these things ensueing.

Melancthon was extremely chagrined at the Elec-ous, and shall be quoted for the amusement of the tor's interdiction, and it may be justly regretted; for reader. who can doubt that his amiable deportment, elegant taste, nice discrimination, and exemplary candor, might have produced a very favorable impression upon a prince, who if he were after all a religious bigot, was much addicted to literature, and might have been moderated, if not changed by mildness? The Langean family would have been gratified and confirmed in their good inclinations-the queen of Navarre would have hailed his visit, and a thousand secret machines might have been set in motion by his influence. But he was obliged to content himself with sending a small treatise into France, containing his opinion and advice on the best means of settling religious controversies, and which though never published is inserted in the collections of Pezelius.

Early in the spring of this year, Doctor Robert Barnes was sent by Henry VIII., king of England, to consult with the Saxon theologians, on the subject of the intended divorce of his queen. Upon his arrival, most of the professors and scholars were removed in consequence of the plague which raged in Wittemberg, to Jena, in Thuringia. Luther, Jonas, Cruciger, and Melancthon, gave him recommendatory letters to the Elector. He brought letters of invitation to Melancthon who was urged by the king to pay a visit to England. Henry of fered him ample security from all molestation, and even hostages if he required it. Luther was extremely anxious that he should be allowed to go, for who knows," says he, "what God may intend to accomplish, his wisdom is greater than ours, and his will superior." He wished Melancthon's feelings to be consulted, who was deeply disappointed at the Elector's previous refusal of his invitation to France. In his first letter to the king, written in March, he compliments Henry in a very elegant style upon his literary inclinations, and after deploring the wretched state of letters in Germany, through the intemperate violence of religious controversy, he implores him to use every effort to promote them, and to take the persecuted muses under his protec

tion.

power.

By means of Alexander Aless, a Scotchman, who went into England, Melancthon took the opportunity of presenting a copy of his Commentary on the Romans to the king, who, with a munificence worthy of a distinguished sovereign, immediately presented him with two hundred crowns, and wrote him a letter in which he expresses his high approbation of his extraordinary zeal in defending the Christian religion, and his disposition to assist and promote his good intentions by every means in his To this communication, Melancthon returned an answer in the following month of December. He compliments the king upon his professed attachment to religious truth, and assures him that these sentiments had afforded himself and others, to whom he had read his letters the greatest satisfaction. In addition to Dr. Barnes' commission, Haynes and Mount had been despatched secretly to Sir John Wallop, ambassador in Paris, for the purpose of dissuading Melancthon from continuing in France, if he had undertaken the journey, and to allure him to England. Sir John Wallop was soon able to alleviate the anxiety of the king of England, by assuring him, in a despatch dated the seventeenth of August, that there was reason to believe Melancthon would not visit France. Henry, however, hastened Mount to him into Germany, with the view of superseding the French ambassador's application. So solicitous were two of the most distinguished monarchs of Europe to cultivate the friendship and to obtain the advice of Philip Melancthon.

The original documents are not a little

"First, his Grace's plesure is, that you shal im mediately upon the receit hereof dispatch Barne in post with Deryk in his company into Germany. commanding him to use such diligence in his jour ney, that he may and it be possible, meet with Melancthon before his arrival in France. And in case he shal so meet with him, not only dissuade his going thither; declaring how extremely the French king doth persecute those that wil not grant unto the bishop of Romes usurped power and jurisdic tion; using in this part al persuasions, reasons and means that he can devise to impeach and let his said journey thither; saying unto him how much it should be to his shame and reproach to vary and go now from that true opinion wherein he hath so long continued: But also on the other side to persuade him also that he may (be willing) to convert his said journey hither; shewing him as wel the conformity of his opinion and doctrine here, as the nobility and vertues of the king's majesty, with the good entertainment which undoubtedly he shal have here at his Grace's hands.

"And if percase the said Barnes shal not meet with him before his arrival in France, then the said Barnes, proceeding himself further in his journey toward the princes of Germany shal with al dili gence return in post to the K. H. the said Diryk, of France and such other occurrents as he shal then the certainty of the said Melancthon's coming into know. And if the said Diryk be not now ready to go with him, the king's plesure is ye shal in his sted Barnes as ye shal think meet for that purpose. appoint and send such one other with the said

"Furthermore, the king's plesure is yee shal upon the receit hereof immediately cause Mr. Haines and Christopher Mount, in post to repair into France, to Sir John Wallop in as secret a manner as they can, and coming like his friends to visit him and not as sent by the king. And in case they lancthon is there arrived, then his Grace wol, that shal by him or otherwise learn and know, that Methe said Haines and Mount, shal, in such sort, as they be not much noted, resort unto him and for the dissuading of his continuance there, or the alteration of his opinion and the alluring of him hither; to use such reasons and persuasions as be before written, with such other as they can further devise for that purpose. To the which Haines and Mount, the king's plesure is, ye shal deliver like copies of the Chapel,) and the Bishops sermons to be shewed the same Dean's book, (Richard Sampson Dean of unto the said Melancthon, or otherwise used, as may be most expedient for the achyevement of the king's purpose in that behalf.

"And to make an end, his Grace wol in no wise that Barnes and Haynes shal tary for any further instruction of the bishop of Canterbury or any other. Having his Grace determined to send the same after by Mr. Almoner and Hethe; but that he Mr. Haynes and Mount shal with al possible diligence depart immediately in post without any lenger tarying than for this their depeche shal be necessary. So as their abode impeach not the king's purpose, curi-touching the said Melancthon. And thus fare you