History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century (Volume 2) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1846. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... alone could extricate the vessel from the shoals among which it had become entangled. The elector, then with his court at Lochau, was deeply affected at reading the Reformer's letter. He was anxious to justify him before the diet: " Let him address a letter to me," he wrote to Schurff, "setting forth the motives that have induced him to return to Wittemberg, and let him say in it, also, that he returned without my permission." Luther consented to this. " I am ready," he wrote to the prince, " to bear up under your highness's disfavour, and the anger of the whole world. Are not the inhabitants of Wittemberg my flock? Have they not been entrusted to my care by God? And ought I not to be ready to expose myself to death for them ? Besides, I dread the explosion of some great revolt in Germany, as a punishment to our country from God. Let your highness know for an undoubted certainty, that matters have been determined in heaven very differently from what has been decreed at Nuremberg."1 This was written the very day of Luther's arrival at Wittemberg. On the day following, being that immediately preceding the first Sunday in Lent, Luther repaired to the house of Jerome Schurff, where he was met by Melanchthon, Jonas, Amsdorff, and Augustine Schurff, Jerome's brother. In reply to Luther's eager inquiries they were informing him of all that had passed, when two foreign students were announced, as wishing to speak to Dr. Jeromo. On being ushered into the presence of the assembled doctors, the two strangers from St. Gall were at first intimidated; but instantly recovered their courage on finding the knight of the Black Bear in the midst of them. The latter immediately went up to them, saluted them as old acquaintances, and pointing with a smile to one of the party. " See, ...