History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century
Chapter 54 : The blows struck by the champions of the two systems had made a large wound in the papa

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--Emanc.i.p.ation 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 a.s.sailed, 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 a.s.sistance 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 ill.u.s.trious 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 Mosella.n.u.s "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 beruhmt, weil der Gelehrten, Verstandigen, und derer die sich selbst nicht hoch ruhmen, 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 ill.u.s.trious 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 G.o.d, 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] ????? d?? p??t?? ????et?, ??a??? d? ??, ?a? ??d?? p???

p???t?? e??e?. (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 G.o.d, and they saw Dr. Eck founding only on human traditions. The effect was soon visible. The cla.s.ses of the university of Leipsic almost emptied after the discussion. One circ.u.mstance 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 Mosella.n.u.s 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 a.s.sistant 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 G.o.d. 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 st.u.r.dy wood-cutter who must clear the pa.s.sage 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 G.o.d 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 EMANc.i.p.aTION.]

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 G.o.d! 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 G.o.d was leading him, without any uneasiness as to the result. Luther has fixed upon this as the moment of his emanc.i.p.ation from the papal yoke--"Learn by me," said he, "how difficult it is to disenc.u.mber 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 G.o.d 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...o...b..s, 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] c.u.m 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.