History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century
Chapter 125 : But new circ.u.mstances threw him into an opposition, at times not unmingled with viol

But new circ.u.mstances threw him into an opposition, at times not unmingled with violence, against those very opinions to which he had made so near an approach. The fanaticism of the enthusiasts of the day explains the direction Luther now took. They were not content with under-valuing what they called the external Word, that is, the Bible, and with pretending to special revelations from the Holy Ghost; they went so far as to despise the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, as something outward, and to speak of an inward communion as being the only true communion. From that time, in every attempt made to explain the doctrine of the Lord's Supper in a symbolical manner, Luther saw only the danger of weakening the authority of the Holy Scriptures; of subst.i.tuting arbitrary allegories for their real meaning; of spiritualizing everything in religion; of making it consist, not in the gifts of G.o.d, but in the impressions of men; and of subst.i.tuting by this means for the true Christianity a mysticism, a theosophy, a fanaticism, that would infallibly become its grave. We must acknowledge that, had it not been for Luther's violent opposition, the mystical, enthusiastic, and subjective tendency would then perhaps have made rapid progress, and would have turned back the tide of blessings that the Reformation was to spread over the world.

[Sidenote: CARLSTADT AT ORLAMUND.]

Carlstadt, impatient at being prevented from explaining his doctrine freely in Wittemberg, urged by his conscience to combat a system which in his "opinion lowered Christ's death and destroyed his righteousness," resolved "to give a public testimony for the love of poor and cruelly deceived Christendom." He left Wittemberg at the beginning of 1524, without informing either the university or the chapter of his intentions, and repaired to the small town of Orlamund, the church of which was placed under his superintendence. He had the inc.u.mbent dismissed, got himself nominated pastor in his stead, and in despite of the chapter, the university, and the elector, established himself in this new post.

He soon began to propagate his doctrine. "It is impossible," said he, "to find in the real presence any advantage that does not proceed from faith; it is therefore useless." In explaining Christ's words at the inst.i.tution of the Lord's Supper, he had recourse to an interpretation which is not admitted by the reformed Churches. Luther, in the disputation at Leipsic, had explained these words: _Thou art Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church_, by separating the two propositions, and applying the latter to our Saviour's person. "In like manner," said Carlstadt, "the words, _take_, _eat_, refer to the bread; but _this is my body_ relates to Jesus Christ, who then pointed to himself, and intimated by the symbol of breaking the bread, that his body was soon to be broken."

[Sidenote: INTERVIEW BETWEEN LUTHER AND CARLSTADT.]

Carlstadt did not stop here. He was scarcely emanc.i.p.ated from the guardians.h.i.+p of Luther, before he felt his zeal revive against the images. It was easy for his imprudent discourses and his enthusiastic language to inflame men's minds in these agitated times. The people, imagining they heard a second Elijah, broke the idols of Baal. The excitement soon spread to the surrounding villages. The elector would have interfered; but the peasants replied that they ought to obey G.o.d rather than man. Upon this, the prince determined to send Luther to Orlamund to restore peace. Luther regarded Carlstadt as a man eaten up by a love of notoriety,[353] a fanatic who might be so far carried away as to make war on Christ himself. Frederick might perhaps have made a wiser choice. Luther departed, and Carlstadt was fated to see this troublesome rival once more come and disturb his plans of reform, and check his soaring flight.

[353] Huc perpulit eum insana gloriae et laudis libido. L. Epp. ii.

551.

Jena was on the road to Orlamund. Luther reached this city on the 23d of August, and on the 24th went into the pulpit at seven in the morning; he spoke for an hour and a half in the presence of a numerous auditory against fanaticism, rebellion, the breaking of images, and the contempt of the real presence, inveighing most energetically against the innovations of Orlamund. He did not mention Carlstadt by name, but every one could see whom he had in view.

Carlstadt, either by accident or design, was at Jena, and among the number of Luther's hearers. He did not hesitate to seek an explanation of this sermon. Luther was dining with the prior of Wittemberg, the burgomaster, the town-clerk, the pastor of Jena, and several officers of the emperor and the margrave, when he received a letter from Carlstadt demanding an interview; he handed it to his neighbours, and replied to the bearer: "If Doctor Carlstadt wishes to come to me, let him come; if not, I can do without him." Carlstadt came. His visit produced a lively sensation in the whole party. The majority, eager to see the two lions battling, suspended their repast and looked on, while the more timid turned pale with alarm.

[Sidenote: THE CHALLENGE.]

Carlstadt, on Luther's invitation, took a seat in front of him and said: "Doctor, in your sermon of this morning you cla.s.sed me with those who inculcate rebellion and a.s.sa.s.sination. Such a charge I declare to be false."

LUTHER.--"I did not name you; but since the cap fits, you may wear it."

After a brief pause Carlstadt resumed:

"I will undertake to prove that on the doctrine of the sacrament you have contradicted yourself, and that no one, since the days of the apostles, has taught it so purely as myself."

LUTHER.--"Write! combat my opinions!"

CARLSTADT.--"I offer you a public disputation at Wittemberg or at Erfurth, if you will procure me a safe-conduct."

LUTHER.--"Fear nothing, doctor."

CARLSTADT.--"You bind me hand and foot, and when you have rendered me unable to defend myself, you strike me."[354]

[354] Ihr bandet mir Hande und Fusse, darnach schlugt Ihr mich. L.

Opp. xix. 150.

There was another brief silence, when Luther resumed:--

"Write against me, but openly and not in secret."

CARLSTADT.--"I would do so, if I knew that you were speaking sincerely."

LUTHER.--"Do so, and I will give you a florin."

CARLSTADT.--"Give it me; I accept the challenge."

At these words Luther took a gold florin out of his pocket, and giving it to Carlstadt, said: "There is the money: now strike boldly."

Carlstadt holding the florin in his hand, turned towards the a.s.sembly and said: "Dear brethren, this is my earnest-money, a warrant that I have authority to write against Doctor Luther; be you all witnesses to this."

Then bending the florin that it might be known again, he put it in his purse and shook hands with Luther, who drank his health, to which Carlstadt responded. "The more vigorous your attack, the better I shall like it," resumed Luther.

"If I miss you," replied Carlstadt, "it shall be through no fault of mine."

They once more shook hands, and Carlstadt returned to his dwelling.

Thus, says an historian, as from a single spark often proceeds the conflagration of a whole forest, so from this small beginning a great division arose in the Church.[355]

[355] Sicut una scintilla saepe totam sylvam comburit. M. Adami Vita Carlst. p. 83. Our narrative is mostly taken from the _Acts of Reinhardt_, pastor of Jena, an eye-witness, but a friend of Carlstadt, and whom Luther charged with inaccuracy.

[Sidenote: LUTHER AND CARLSTADT AT ORLAMUND.]

Luther set out for Orlamund, and arrived there very ill prepared by the scene at Jena. He a.s.sembled the council and the church, and said: "Neither the elector nor the university will acknowledge Carlstadt as your pastor."--"If Carlstadt is not our pastor," replied the treasurer of the town-council, "St. Paul is a false teacher, and your books are full of falsehoods, for we have elected him."

As he said this, Carlstadt entered the room. Some of those who were near Luther beckoned him to sit down, but Carlstadt, going straight up to Luther, said: "Dear doctor, if you will allow me, I will entertain you."

LUTHER.--"You are my opponent. I gave you a gold florin for that purpose."

CARLSTADT.--"I will be your opponent so long as you remain the enemy of G.o.d and of his truth."

LUTHER.--"Leave the room: I cannot allow you to be present here."

CARLSTADT.--"This is a public meeting. If your cause is good, why should you fear me?"

LUTHER _to his servant_.--"Go and put the horses to; I have nothing to do with Carlstadt, and since he will not leave, I must."[356]

[356] Spann an, spann an. L. Opp. xix. 154.

At the same time Luther rose from his seat, upon which Carlstadt quitted the room.

After a short pause, Luther resumed:--

"Prove by Scripture that we ought to destroy the images."

A COUNCILLOR, _opening a Bible_.--"Doctor, you will grant me, however, that Moses knew G.o.d's commandments? Well, then, here are his words: _Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness_."

LUTHER.--"This pa.s.sage refers only to idolatrous images. If I have a crucifix hung up in my chamber, and do not wors.h.i.+p it, what harm can it do me?"

A SHOEMAKER.--"I have frequently taken off my hat before an image that I have seen in a room or in the streets. It is an idolatrous act that deprives G.o.d of the glory that is due to him alone."

LUTHER.--"Must we then, because of their abuse, put our women to death, and throw our wine into the streets?"[357]

[357] So muss du dess Missbrauchs halber auch. Ibid. 155.

ANOTHER MEMBER OF THE CHURCH.--"No! these are G.o.d's creatures, which we are not commanded to destroy."