bK
Z'j
KJ
J
Rein, Wilhelm, 1847-1929. The life of Martin Luther
THE LIFE
OF
MAETIN LUTHER
BY
DR. WlLLIAM'^REIlSr,
SEMINARY DIRECTOR AT EISENACH IK GERMANT.
TRANSLATED FBOM THE GERMAN AND EDITLD BT
Rev. G. F. BEHRINGER,
BROOKLYN, N. T.
NEW YORK:
FUNK & WAGNALLS, Publishers,
10 AND 12 Dey Street.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1883, by
FUNK & WAGNALLS,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C.
,.. U >LJ U U A
PREFACE.
The history of mankind presents us with many great names, but with few great men. And even among those that are called great men, few there are whose records will bear a close scrutiny. In most cases the character of the private man is distinct from the influence of his public career.
Among the immortal names that have honored their kind and glorified their God, stands pre-eminently the name of Martin Luther. Yet not in name alone does his greatness shine forth in splendor after the lapse of four centuries, but in word and deed, in character and influence. His private life and public career are a unit, for both were the manifestations of a sincere soul, a generous heart, a true man.
The enlightened, civilized world celebrates the four hundredth anniversary of this great man's birth. He belongs to the world, to Church and State, for both have felt the influence of his teachings. In the truest estimate of his God-given work he belongs to no sect or party, he is a man of and for the people. In what better way can the memorial of his birth be observed than by a study of his life, his character, and his works ; and above all, by a practical appreciation of the influences which have proceeded from him and blessed mankind ?
To that end this volume has been prepared : to present an attractive life-picture of this representative of the
IV PREFACE.
people and servant of God. It is founded upon fact, illustrated from experience, and written for popular comprehension.
In tlie work of translation and preparation the editor freely consulted and, where necessary, gratefully used, the volumes of Kostlin, Meurer, Krauth, and others, in additions and improvements to the original of Dr. Rein.
But, in the words of Herder, *' Of what use to learn of past ages, to praise or to blame ? Let us remember Luther's method of thought, his plain hints and his strong truths, and let us apply them to our own times !" In this spirit this book is sent out on its mission.
G. F. B. Brooklyn, October 31, 1883.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I. PAGE
Against Indulgences 7
CHAPTER n. Luther's Youth 17
CHAPTER III. Luther in the Monastery at Erfurt 27
CHAPTER IV. Luther as Professor in Wittenberg 36
CHAPTER V. L^^ther and the Papal Ambassadors 51
CHAPTER VI. The Disputation at Leipsic 62
CHAPTER VII.
Concerning the Ban of Excommunication 67
CHAPTER VIII. Luther Burns the Papal Bull of Excommunication 76
CHAPTER IX. Luther before the Emperor at Worms 82
CHAPTER X. Luther on the Wartburg 93
CHAPTER XI. The Troubles at Wittenberg 101
CHAPTER XII. Luther's Return to Wittenberg 105
Vi CONTENTS.
CHAPTER Xin. P^B
Progress of the Reformation 117
CHAPTER XIV.
Dark Clonds 124
CHAPTER XV.
Luther's Marriage 132
CHAPTER XVI. Luther's Reformatory Activity 136
CHAPTER XVII. The Conference at Marburg 151
CHAPTER XVIII. The Diet at Spire 158
CHAPTER XIX.
Luther in Coburg Castle 162
CHAPTER XX. The Diet of Augsburg. 168
CHAPTER XXI. Until the Death of John the Constant 172
CHAPTER XXII. Preparations for a Council and Attempts at Union 175
CHAPTER XXin. Luther in Smalcald 182
CHAPTER XXIV. The Closing Years of Luther's Life 186
CHAPTER XXV. The Death of Martin Luther 192
Opinions upon Lutheu 201
Chbonologicajl Tablk 213
Index 215
THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
CHAPTEE I.
AGAINST INDULGENCES.
It was tlie 31st of October, 1517. The evening mists had already settled down upon the city of Wittenberg and upon the river Elbe, flowing close by. The city itself was yet alive with activity ; for to-morrow, the first of November, being All Saints' day, would be cele- brated as the anniversary of the consecration of the Castle Church. A multitude of people, clergymen and laymen, had congregated in the place. In dense groups they stood along the street leading from the market-place to the castle and awaited the beginning of evening ser- vice. But before the bells announced the same, there pressed through the scattered crowds, with rapid strides, an Augustinian monk, pursuing his course directly to the chief entrance of the Castle Church. Here he paused, and drawing from his dark cloak a closely written docu- ment, he nailed it to the church door. Then he disap- peared within the entrance leading to the sacristy. His act did not excite any particular attention, for it was customary at that time, on the occasion of great festivals, to publish the official announcement of special acts, as well as of university disputations, and to use the church doors for that purpose.
8 THE LIFE OF MAKTX^i LUTHER.
After the monk had disappeared, those standing near ])V liastened to. tlio portals of the church. One of the foremost read the superscription and translated it into German — for it was written in Latin : " A Disputation to set forth the Yirtne of Indulgences. Actuated by love and by a desire to bring the truth to light, a disputa- tion will be held at Wittenberg, concerning the follow- ing theses, under the direction of the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of the Liberal Arts and of Sacred Theology, and authorized Teacher of the same. There- fore it is requested, that all who cannot be present in person to discuss these theses may do so in writing. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen." Scarcely had the theses, thus pubhshed, been read by those nearest the door, when the evening services began and the mul- titude poured into the church.
Not long thereafter, the same Augustinian monk that had nailed the Latin theses to the church door stood in the pulpit and preached upon the festival text, Luke 19 : 1, etc., which records the history of Zacchfeus. Keverently did the congregation listen to the simple, calm, and heartfelt sermon of the Augustinian monk. ^' Christ must become everything to us," he said ; " and unto those to V\'hom Christ is something, all else will he nothing. lie inust be sought with a heart which, with a feeling of its unworthiness, does not dare to invite Jliin, but which, for that very reason, most urgently im})lores His presence. Such a request, coming from the heart, God will grant. Thus lie would have our hearts. And thus every feast of dedication should not be merely an outward consecration of a church, but rather a consecration of the heart unto God." Then the monk spoke concerning the display of the traffic with indulgences which was approaching the gates of
AGAINST INDULGENCES. 9
Wittenberg. He said but little, however, about this matter, and that without vehemence. ^' The fault of man," he continued, '' to seek his own instead of Christ, and to seek his own even in Christ, is universal ; but especially at this time, w^hen seductive preachers of in- dulgences endeavor to encourage this error." Then he explained to the congregation the difference between spiritual re]3entance and sacramental repentance, includ- ing private confession and church penances. He in- structed his hearers that indulgences could refer only to the performance of penance. At the close, he w^arned them against the error of an imaginary repentance, in feeling sorrow over an imposed penance instead of over the committed sin itself ; and that they should not allow themselves to be deceived by the venders of indulgences, so as to be deprived of the salutary effects of punishment in the performance of penance.
This warning against the preachers of indulgences was justified by good reasons. For in the neighborhood of "Wittenberg, at the town of Jiiterbock, Tetzel, a Domini- can monk, carried on his traffic. There were lively times at that place, as at an annual fair and market. The people danced and caroused, rejoicing that they w^ere rid of their sins. And large multitudes flocked from Wittenberg to patronize Tetzel.
The following circumstances led to the traffic in in- dulgences. The Roman Catholic Church maintained that the saints, during their life on earth, had accumu- lated a treasury of merit because of their good works ; tliat they had done more good than they were obliged to do. Tliis surplus might be used for the benefit of sinful men who had accomplished less good than was needed for their salvation. The Pope claimed that he had re- ceived authority from God to draw from this reservoir
10 THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
of merit, and to apply it to those who had shown them- selves worthy by their sorrow and repentance. But soon sorrow and repentance were dispensed with, and matters were satisfactorily arranged by the nse of money. Thus arose the so-called trafiic in indulgences, which proved to be a source of great revenue to the popes. This was the case under Leo X., who at this time occu- pied the papal chair. He was a descendant of the fa- mous family of the Medici of Florence. He loved science and art, learning and poetry, as well as splendor and gayety. As for religion, he was not much concerned about it ; for otherwise how could he have used it merely as a solirce of revenue ?
After the example of his predecessor, Julius II.,* Pope Leo X.f turned the faith of Christian believers in the virtue of indulgences to profitable account by offer- ing this new means of grace for sale, especially in Ger- many. Kesistance to Turkish dominion, which under the powerful influence of the then reigning sultan threat- ened the overthrow of Christianized Europe, afforded a good pretext. And yet, as touching a war with Turkey, it was a vain pretence. For none of the popes ever seriously entertained this idea, but used it as a cloak to conceal their project of despoiling German lands of their money by means of indulgences. The completion of St. Peter's Church at Rome seems to have been a more serious matter to Pope Leo. In order to acquire the necessary means for this grandest of all buildings in
♦ Julius II. was born in 1441, and died in 1513. He was chosen Pope in 1503. He laid the corner-stone of St. Peter's Church.
t Leo X. was born in 1475, and died in 1521. He was elected to succeed Julius II. on the 11th of March, 1513. He was ordained a priest March loth, consecrated a bishop on the 17th, and crowned as Pope on the 19th of March, 1513.
AGAINST INDULGENCES. 11
Christendom, lie ordered the traffic in indulgences to be carried on with pomp and display. He appointed as the chief business manager of the enterprise Archduke and Archbishop Albert of Majence, bj descent a Prince of Brandenburg, in taste and Hfe a counterpart of the Pope. As a mere youth he was clothed with the high dignity of a triple office as Archbishop of Mayence and Magde- burg, and Bishop of Halberstadt. But this threefold promotion involved a large expenditure of money which had to be paid in Kome. And the maintenance of the splendor of his court called for a liberal outlay, so that he was obliged to resort to extraordinary measures to replenish his coffers. He welcomed Pope Leo's plan of the disposal of indulgences, and gladly became his ser- vant in its management ; for a division of the profits be- tween Leo and Albert was a condition attached to the business agreement.
The first thing to be attended to now was to secure such subordinate officials as would understand how to carry on the traffic with indulgences in the most effective manner. And such were soon found. But the most zealous and vigorous among them all was without doubt the Dominican monk John Tetzel, born at Pirna in Sax- ony. His father was John Dietz, a goldsmith. As a child the son was called Dietzel, i. e. , little Dietz, from which arose the name Tetzel. He attended the Univer- sity of Leipsic, and obtained the first degree in philoso- phy. Then he became a preaching friar. He had already served as preacher of indulgences, and had done a good business with the so-called papal ^^ milk-and-butter letters." These were certificates granting permission, during the Lenten season, to partake of victuals prepared in part of butter and milk, though to do so was contrary to the laws of the Church. This former effective service
12 THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
secured for liim not only a new position as preacher and seller of indulgences, but an appointment more honor- able also, as Inquisitor, i.e., as judge over all such as presumed to deviate from the faith of the Church. And lie seems to have been well fitted by nature for his call- ing. He presented an imposing appearance and pos- sessed a loud, strong voice. Exceedingly well did he understand how to talk in a common way to the common people. His ignorance he concealed by his audacity, which never left him in the lurch. Nor did he refrain from falsehood and exaggeration. And what he declared concerning the effects of indulgences surpassed every- thing fhat had hitherto been said in their favor. In his addresses to the people he maintained in plain speech : *^ Christ has laid down His authority over all Christen- dom, until tlie day of judgment, and has intrusted the Pope with plenary power in His stead. The Pope there- fore can forgive each and every sin, whether already committed or yet to be committed, and that without sor- row and repentance. The greatest guilt can be effaced by purchasing a papal certificate of forgiveness. No crime, however horrible and inconceivable in reality, is excluded from this forgiveness. The indulgence cross of the pope is not inferior in sacredness to the cross of Christ, and hence the former must be honored as highly as the latter." Even nature must be subject to the power of these indulgences, said Tetzel. At Annaberg, in Saxony, he declared that the hills surrounding the city would be changed into solid silver if the people would freely buy his indulgences. And whoever should pre- sume to doubt the papal power to forgive sins, was threatened with death at the stake, excommunication, and eternal damnation.
The impression which his eloquence was calculated to
AGAINST IKDULGEN^CES. 13
produce was further strengthened by the glorious dis- play and the splendid festivities prepared to greet the advent of this preacher of indulgences. The region round about Magdeburg, Halberstadt, Zerbst. and Halle was traversed by Tetzel as if he were a distinguished prelate of the Church. He rode in a magnificent wagon surrounded by a mounted body-guard. He was met at the gates of every city he entered by the monks and other clergy, the municipal councillors, teachers and students, men and women, old and young, amid the ringing of bells, the singing of church choirs, and the burning of torches. At the head of the procession was carried the papal bull upon a velvet cushion and taken into the church. Here was erected a red cross, on which was fastened the papal banner. Then Tetzel mounted the pulpit and importuned the people with his ad- monitions and recommendations of indulgences : ^* Now, now is the day of grace come to your very doors ! Ye women, sell your veils and purchase indulgences with the proceeds !" He classified sins and misdemeanors, and fixed a definite tax for each and all. Thus, sacrilege or church robbery and perjury were rated at nine ducats ; * a murder already committed, at eight ducats ; adultery, at six ducats, etc. It is said that upon his treasure -chest was insciibed the motto :
" Soon as the coin in the box doth ring, The soul can into heaven spring."
It was the Augustinian monk of Wittenberg who com- manded this sinful traffic of the indulgence preacher to cease. Yet little did he dream how great a tempest he was conjuring up ! For the Pope himself, he entertained
*The Sliver ducat is about equal in value to the American dol- lar, and the gold ducat to about twice that amount.
14 THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
the greatest reverence, and believed tliat lie was at fault in but one thing, and that was this traffic in indulgences. In fact he persuaded himself to believe that the Pope knew nothing of the scandalous proceedings of Tetzel, and that, as soon as he should be informed of it, his right- eous wrath would condemn the infamous traffic. Could he have known how greatly he was deceiving himself in this matter ?
Dr. Mai-tin Luther, Master of the Liberal Arts and of Sacred Theology — thus he called himself in the super- scription of his ninety-live theses. In these, however, for the first time, he publicly attacked the papal power, 60 far -as it, according to his convictions, intrenched upon that domain which the Lord of Heaven and the Judge of earth had reserved unto himself.
*' When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ says : ^ Ee- pent,' etc., He wills that the believer's entire life shall be one of repentance." Thus begins the first thesis. And farther on he shows that God alone can forgive sins, since they are violations of His divine laws. The Pope has simply the right to pronounce and to declare the forgiveness which God grants. Every true Chris- tian can partake, through God's grace, of all the gifts of Christ and His Church without any certificate of indul- gence. Almsgiving and domestic economy are more meritorious than a lavish expenditure for indulgences. If the Pope knew how the Christians were being plun- dered by these indulgence preachers, he would rather see St. Peter's Church reduced to ashes than to have it erected with the flesh and blood of his sheep. The real treasure of the Church is the gospel of grace and of the glory of God. But, on the other hand, Dr. Luther would not suffer indulgence, as such, to be attacked. *'He deserves punishment who resists the right of the Pope to
AGAIKST INDULGENCES. 15
declare the forgiveness of God and to remit ecclesiastical penances. And he that withstands the impudent audac- ity of the preachers of indulgences should be rewarded." *' Blessed be he," says Luther, '' who does this ;" '^ac- cursed be he who speaks against the truth of apostolic indulgences." And at the close he says : ** Then away with all those prophets who cry to Christ's people, Peace, peace, when there is no peace ! A blessing upon those prophets who say to Christ's flock, The cross, the cross, though there be no cross ! Christians must be admon- ished to follow their Master, Christ, through pains, death, and hell ; and that they comfort themselves with the truth, that through much tribulation, rather than through assurance of peace, they must enter the king- dom of heaven !"
In a short time — in little more than two weeks — the theses of Dr. Martin Luther were read all over Germany. Numerous strangers who attended the anniversary festi- val of consecration at Wittenberg, in order that they might adore the many relics and other sacred treasures of the church, carried the news with them to their homes. Up to this time no one had been willing to bell the cat ! Great as was the discontent at the shameless proceedings of the traders in indulgences, equally great was the fear of opposing the Pope and the Church. But Luther said : '^ Whoever will begin anything good, let him see to it that he begin and venture it in reliance upon the favor of God, and never upon human comfort or assistance ; let him not fear any man, no, not the whole world !" Everywhere Luther's theses found pre- pared ground. Everywhere they were sjDoken of, and with anxious concern was he regarded who had ventured upon so bold a step ! Thus the name of the fearless Augustinian monk passed rapidly from nation to nation,
16 THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
and many an inquiry was heard about the antecedents and the experiences of the man, who had presumed to take issue with the Pope and his adherents. Let us also review the days of his youth and follow the course of his life, until he is called to teach in the university of the Elector of Saxony, and there arises to protest against the traffic in indulgences.
CHAPTEK II.
*^ 1 AM a peasant's son ; my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were real peasants." Thus did Dr. Martin Luther express himself in a conversation with his friend Melanchthon. Whereupon the latter jokingly re- marked, that Luther, had he remained in the home of his ancestors, might have been chosen chief magistrate of the village, or else have become head-servant over the rest !
The old paternal home was Mohra, also called More or More in the ancient chronicles. The village is located in the very centre of Germany. Proceeding southward about ten miles on the higliway leading from Eisenach to Salzungen, Mohra is found, at some distance to the right of the main road, situated at tlie foot of a hill, one of the many mountain spurs which the Thuringian Forest projects into the valley of the river Werra. The ruler of that district is the Duke of Meiningen ; in former days it was the Elector of Saxony. The village is a small and quiet place, cut off from the great highways of commerce, its most prominent building being the church, close to which is located the old Luther family mansion. The inhabitants of Mohra are a strong and sturdy people who derive a comfortable income from tilHng the soil and raising cattle.^
* Three families by the name of Luther are still living Iq Mohra, engaged in the pursuit of farming.
18 THE LIFE OF MARTIX LUTHKR.
And there it was that the father of Dr. Martin Luther, Plans Luder or Liidher, as the name was then written, resided with his wife, whose family name was Ziegler. But little is known concerning his ancestors. His grandfather was called Heine, which is the same as Henry. His grandmother died in the year 1521. Long before this Martin Luther's parents had removed from Mohra to Eisleben. Father Hans Luther, being a miner, was led to make the change by reason of his occupation. Copper ore had always been mined among the slate rock at Mohra, and to this day heaps of slate and slag are found by the roadside. But as mining may not have been very profitable there, Father Luther removed to Eisleben, a town that was then growing very rapidly. It is likely that the paternal inheritance did not afford a sufficient income for all the members of the family. Of two brothers information is at hand. One of them, Heinz Luther, was the owner of the farm and homestead.
An evil-minded, malicious report has of late years again been circulated, that Hans Luther was obliged to leave Mohra because he killed a peasant w^ho had pastured his horses without permission on the meadows of the Luther farm. But there is no foundation whatever for such a story — even if the meadow is 2)ointed out where the homicide is said to have occurred. The old inhabitants of Mohra knew nothing of this legend. Besides, it is difficult to see how Hans Luther could have saved him- self from legal prosecution by his removal ; for Eisleben was within easy reach — about seventy-five miles distant — and under the same princely jurisdiction.
At Eisleben Martin Luther was born. His mother knew the exact hour of his birth — between 11 and 12 o'clock at night — and the day also, the 10th of Kovem-
LUTHER'S YOUTH. 19
ber ; yet slio was not certain of the year. But the testi- mony of Jacob Luther, a brother of Martin, as well as the declaration of the latter, removes this uncertainty. For, according to both, Martin Luther was born in the year 1483. The house with the room in which he first saw the light of this world is still shown. It is located in the lower part of the city, near the church of St. Peter and St. Paul, in which Luther was baptized on the 11th of IS'ovember, 1483, receiving the name of Martin be- cause of the saint whose fame the day commemorated. In the year 1689 Eisleben was visited by a fearful con- flagration, by which the Luther house was destroyed, save the lowest story, containing the room in vdiich Martin was born.
After a short sojourn in Eisleben his parents removed to Mansfeld, but a few miles distant, also an important mining centre. Tlie Earldom of Mansfeld embraced at one time a large extent of territory and was a land blessed from on high, so that an ancient chronicler says : '^ Whoever has a residence in this earldom is ac- counted happy." The little city is surrounded by hills, projecting spurs of the Hartz Mountains, and dominated by the battlements of the old castle of Mansfeld. The noble family has long since passed away ; the castle like- wise has fallen into decay. Creeping ivy has woven a green net over its walls, and a luxurious growth of grass covers the courtyard. The propliecy of Dr. Martin Luther, when on a visit to the Counts of Mansfeld the wine flowed in streams, has been fulfilled : *' My lords are fertilizing well ; grass will grovv^ abundantly there- after."
There, in yonder city, at the foot of the castle hill, Hans Luther established his home. And a hard struggle indeed it was for him, in the beginning, to provide for
20 THE LIFE OF MAliTII^ LUTHEK.
Ills family. ''My father," tlms narrates Dr. Martin Luther, '' was a poor miner. My mother gathered wor)cl and carried it liome on her back, in order that her chil- dren might be educated. Both toiled slavishly for our sakes. In these days people would not do so." But after a little while they reached more comfortable cir- cumstances. Hans Luther succeeded in purchasing a house on the main street of the city, whose oval portals surmounted by the Luther coat-of-arms, a rose and a crossbow, and the number 1530, bear testimony to this day. His numerous family — we read of six children besides Martin — may have continued to be a source of anxiety to Hans Luther. Yet, not only did he acquire a comfortable competency in his occupation (becoming the jDroprietor of two smelting furnaces), but he also gained the confidence of his fellow-citizens, who elected him a member of the town council.
The parents reared their son Martin in the fear of God and in the love of good works. But their discij)line was strict and severe, as they themselves endured hard toil in gaining a livehhood. '^My father," relates Luther, '^ on one occasion flogged me so severely that I ran away, and was embittered against him imtil he gradually regained my affections. On another occasion my mother, because of a mere nut, whipj^ed me so liard that the blood flowed. Ller severe and earnest treatment of me led me to enter a clgister and become a monk. _But in their hearts they meant it well with me, and made but one mistake, in that they did not discern the different dispositions according to which all punishments should be administered. For we ought to punish so that the apple go hand in hand with the rod. ' '
Thus was Martin Luther reared, so that he grew up to be bashful and humble-minded. And yet love was by no
Luther's youth. 21
means wanting in his training. Often did lie speak, in later years, of the sweet intercourse with his father, and with touching words did he refer to the benevolent love he enjoyed, even if his parents now and then went too far in tlieir strict discipline. Indeed, the severity of the parental training sharpened his own conscience, so that he deeply felt his guilt before God, and never could he lightly pass over any sin or faihng.
In Mansfeld he received his first instruction, being sent to school at a very early age. It is said that a good friend of the family many a time carried young Martin to and from the school, which was located in the upper part of the city. There he was instructed not only in reading and writing, but also in the rudiments of Latin. The discipline was so severe that Luther never forgot it. He tells of severe tortures with declensions and con- jugations. '^ The schoolmasters in my days," says he, *' were tyrants and executioners ; the schools were jails and heUs ! And in spite of fear and misery, floggings and tremblings, nothing was learned. The young people were treated altogether too severely, so that they might well have been called martyrs. Time was wasted over many useless things, and thus many an able mind was ruined." Lie himself was innocently lashed fifteen times in the course of a single morning because he did not know what had not been taught him. On the other hand, he commends the use and preservation, thanks to God's might and providence, even under the Pope, of Common Prayer, the Psalter, the Lord's Prayer, the Creed and the Ten Commandments, also of many good hymns, both Latin and German. And although every- thing was in about the same disgraceful condition as in the days of EUjah, he nevertheless calls the Pope's church or house his '^ father-house," which he can never
22 THE LIFE OF MA11TI:N^ LUTHER.
forget, because in it he was baptized and liad learned tlie Catechism and the Holy Scriptures. He also praised the beautiful hymns which were sung in the papal church, but lamented that there were no preachers that could explain what they meant. Bitterly did he complain that, from childhood on, he had been so trained that he paled and trembled at the mere mention of the name of Christ, whom he had been taught to regard as a severe and angry judge.
His playmate and companion was Hans Eeinecke, who afterward continued to reside, as citizen and overseer of the furnaces, in Mansfeld. Luther and Eeinecke re- mained life -long friends. Together, at the age of four- teen, they went to Magdeburg, where there was a far- famed school. Thither Hans Luther sent his son Martin, because he wished him to become distinguished. Luther attended the instruction of the '' Null-brothers. " These ^ ' Null-brothers, " or ' ^ Noll-brothers, ' ' were a pious brotherhood, banded together in a common life, to labor for the moral and religious welfare of the people, by means of sermons, instruction, and pastoral care. Luther remained but one year in Magdeburg. Why he left so soon is not known. But as his father could furnish little or nothing toward his support, he sent him to Eisenach, because in that city and neighborhood Luther had numer- ous relatives living who could assist him.
In the year 1498, a mere boy of the age of fifteen, he entered the city of Eisenach, where he was to remain four years. Here, at first, he had a very hard struggle to undergo. His relatives, one of whom was sexton of the church of St. Nicholas, were probably not in the position to assist him for any great length of time. Ho was therefore obliged, as a charity scholar, to appeal to the common sympathy of all men, as he had already done
Luther's youth. 33
in Magdeburg. In later years lie liimself says : ^^ Do not despise the boys that go from house to house asking bread for the sake of God and singing the ' bread- chorus.' 1 also was one of those 'bread-colts,' and begged bread at the doors, especially in Eisenach, that dear city. " At another time he relates the following incident : ''It was at Christmas, and we were going through the villages, from house to house, singing the customary hymns about the Christ-child born at Bethle- hem. It happened as we were singing before a farm- house, at one end of the village, that the farmer appeared, and, speaking in coarse, harsh language, in- quired, ' "Where are you boys ? ' At the same time he carried with him se\^eral sausages, which he wished to give us. But we v/ere so badly frightened at his words that we scattered and ran away, although we had no good cause for so doing, especially since the farmer was graciously inclined to present to us the sausages, and tliat of his own good- will. But our hearts had grown timid and fearful under the daily threatenings and tyrannizings to which poor students were subjected by their teachers, and hence our sudden fright. Meanwhile the farmer hailed us again ; we dismissed our fears, returned, and received the proffered gifts."
Tlius Martin Luther was obliged to help himself since his parents could not provide a complete support. But good -fortune awaited him. For, because of his singing * and heartfelt praying, he won the favor of Ursula Cotta, who invited him to a seat at her table. She was of the family of Schalbe, and the wife of Conrad Cotta, one of the foremost citizens of the town. He was of noble Italian descent, of a family that had grown wealthy
* Luther ia said to have had a rich tenor voice.
24 TUE LIFE OF 3IAP.TI2q' LUTIIEK.
tlirongli commerce. The Cotta family mansion was located in George Street, on the ground now occupied by the residence of Mr. Julius von Eichel.
In the Schalbean College, an institution under the control of the Franciscans, and which had been richly endowed by the family of Schalbe, Martin Luther re- ceived beneficiary aid, so that he could devote himself entirely to his studies during his four years' sojourn at Eisenach. The names of two of his teachers have been handed down to us : Wiegand, subsequently a pastor, who remained for many years in friendly correspondence with Luther ; and John Trebonius, spoken of as a hand- some and learned man and a poet. It is related of him, that whenever he entered the school-room he would take off his scholastic cap because, as he said, God had selected from among the students present many a magistrate, or chancellor, or learned doctor.
Luther, by reason of his superior perceptive faculties and of his natural eloquence, soon surpassed his fellow- students, and excelled them in linguistic exercises, as well in prose as in poetry.
At the close of the fifteenth century there existed in Eisenach three schools connected with the church of St. Xicholas, St. Mary's, and St. George's. The first- named was the oldest. The church of St. Nicholas, a Romanesque basilica, had received from Count Hermann, in the year 1208, a charter conferring the sole right and privilege of maintaining a school within the walls of the city. But this exclusive right does not seem to have been exercised for any great length of time. For besides St. Mary's, St. George's Church in the market-place established a school which surpassed the rest. Into this school Martin Luther was introduced in the year 1498. In the year 1544 this same institution was removed to
Luther's youth. 25
tlie Dominican cloister, where it lias been continued as the Latin School until this day.
After Martin Lnther had diligently pursued his studies at Eisenach for four years, his parents sent him, at the age of eighteen, to the University of Erfurt, in the year 1501. This institution had acquired so great a name and reputation that all others, by way of contrast, were regarded as primary schools. With joyful assurance he passed out of the ancient gate of his beloved city, Eisenach, on the way to Erfurt, little dreaming that the castle (the Wartburg) which dismissed him with its fare- well greeting would one day afford him a long-contin- ued shelter.
In the meanwhile his parents had gained the means with which to furnish him a liberal support. ^'My dear father," relates Martin Luther, ^' in love and with fidelity, supported me at the University of Erfurt, and through his arduous labors I was enabled to go there." But Luther applied himself with equal toil and ardor to his task. Inspired by an eager desire for knowledge, he devoted himself with zeal and energy to his studies. His burning thirst for scholarly learning he could quench at the source of all the sciences. His most prominent teacher was Jodokus Trutvetter of Eisenach, a man of universal information and the chief support of the scholastic philosophy at Erfurt.
At the same time Erfurt was a principal seat and centre of that tendency in the scholastic world which sought to awaken the study of the ancient Greek and Latin classics. Luther likewise deeply interested him- self in the same, especially in Ovid, Virgil, and Cicero. His object in reading them was to gain a variety of in- formation, maxims of human wisdom, and a mirror of life. He diligently cultivated the acquaintance of his
26 THE LIFE OF MARTIiC LUTHER.
teachers and the circle of young men pursuing similar studies with himself. Among these he ranked as a learned philosopher and as an able musician. Especially did he cultivate music, learning how to sing and to play on the lute.
On St. Michael's day, in the year 1502, he received the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy, which was the lowest or first degree in philosophical honors. In two years he exchanged the modest dignity of a Bachelor for the higher eminence of a Master of Philosophy.* The talent of young Luther was admired by the entire uni- versity. It was now the wish of his father that he should* become a jurist. With this object in view he began to attend lectures in the department of law. But suddenly the course of his life was turned into another direction.
* Equivalent to our modern degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
CHAPTER III.
LUTHER IN THE MONASTERY AT ERFURT.
On the 16tliof July, 1505, Martin Luther invited his nearest friends to a farewell meeting. He did not in- tend to leave Erfurt, but rather to enter the Augustin- ian monastery located in that city. '' To-day you see me, but no more hereafter," said he to his friends. These vainly endeavored to deter him from taking such a step. On the following day he knocked at the portals of the Augustinian cloister. His friends accompanied him, and weeping, bade him farewell. In a little while the gates of the monastery shut him off from the world. He became an Augustinian monk.
But since his parents had decided that he should be- come an advocate of the law, what led Luther to take a step that was not in accordance with their wishes ? His father moreover was strenuously oj)posed to the entire system of monasticism. And why did Luther join the Augustinians ?
His decision was suddenly made, and yet it had been long considered. His very disposition naturally im- pelled liim to take this step. He treated the matter of an inner sanctification in a very serious manner, and could not content himself with outward services and cer- emonies. The severe discipline of home training had sharpened his conscience. Again and again was he filled with the thoughts of becoming pious, and of ful- filling all the severe laws of God, in order that he might
2ii THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
atone for the sins of his life, and reconcile God, the angry judge, to himself. He indulged in subtle in- quiries upon religious questions of trifling import, was much concerned about liis soul's salvation, and involved in numerous doubts. These occasioned him many a temptation. And yet he could not accuse himself of being guilty of any gross sins. Although he had been a jov^ial young fellow, he began his studies in the morning with a heartfelt prayer and by attending a church ser- vice. He also spent considerable of his time in the li- brary of the university. Here, on one occasion, he found a Latin Bible, a book that he had never seen until his twentieth year. GreatV astonished, he noticed that there were many more texts, epistles and gospels, than he had read in the pericopes of the church or heard ex- plained in the pulpit. And as he turned over the pages of the Old Testament his attention was arrested by the story of Samuel and Hannah, which he hurriedly read with great joy.
About this time he was gi*eatly afiiicted with bodily ailments. A long and serious illness confined him to his bed. Thoughts of death troubled him. But one of his student friends comforted him, saying, *^ My friend, be of good cheer ; you will not die of this sickness. God will yet make a great man of you, who will com- fort many people. ' '
Not long after this a dangerous accident befell him. He was on his way home to visit his parents at Easter- tide. But a few miles distant from Erfurt, the sword which he carried, student-fashion, accidentally wounded him in the leg, injuring an artery. Wliile his com- panion hastened to procure a surgeon, Luther, lying upon his back, quenched the flow of blood. But the leg began to swell, and overcome by the fear of deatii.
LUTHER IK THE MOifASTERY AT ERFURT. 29
he cried out, '' Help me, O Yirgin Mary !'' And wiieii at night the wound again began to flow and he grew faint, he prayed once more to the Yirgin Mary. Had he died it would have been in the hope of St. Mary.
A short time after this experience he was again greatly disturbed by the death of a friend, wlio was either murdered or otherwise suddenly removed from this earth. Luther mightily felt, as never before, the pangs of conscience that had often troubled him. A deep melancholy overcame him. Mournfully the youth- ful scholar wandered about.
In addition to all this, another circumstance happened which hastened his decision to seek his soul's salvation in the monastic holiness recommended by the church. He had been on a visit to his parents. On his return to the university he had reached the village of Stotternheim, near Erfurt, when a furious thunderstorm burst over him, and he fell frightened to the earth, crying out, *' Deliver me, St. Ann,* and I will become a monk." Though he regretted having made this vow, he felt himself bound to keep it. And this impelled him to monkhood, for, as he said himself, he never could find comfort in his Christian baptism, and was always much concerned to obtain the favor of God through his own piety.
And thus, in the year 1505, he entered the monastery of the Augustinians,f an order which in Erfurt and else-
* St. Ann was the patron saint of the miners, and hence revered by all in that section of country.
t The Augustinians, or Hermits of St. Augustine, trace their origin to Augustine, the Bishop of Hippo, who lived 354-430 A.D. In England they are called Black Friars from the color of their habit. In Philadelphia they have a convent with church, and at Villanova, about fifteen miles from the city, a college with monastery.
30 THE LIFP: of MARTIX LUTEER,
where was liiglily respected. Its monks were free from the corruptions of monastic life, from idleness, hypoc- risy, and other evils. They were, on the other liand, very active in preaching and in exercising pastoral care, and zealously cultivated the study of theology.
For two days Luther's friends besieged the gates of the monastery in hope that he would return to them again. But he came not. He wrote to his parents informing them of his entrance into the August! nian cloister, and asking for their approval of his action. This the father would not give. Luther informs us of the impression which the letter made upon his parents : ^^ My father well- nigh went mad over it, was badly displeased and would not give his consent. He wrote to me in a very plain and direct manner — whereas before this he had always ad- dressed me very courteously — and withheld from me his favor. ' '
About that time Father Luther lost two of his sons by the plague. His friends entreated him to sacrifice unto God his dearest treasure by permitting his remaining son to enter into the divinely sanctified order of the ministry. At last the father was persuaded to give his consent, saying, ' ' Let it be done ; God grant that the project may suc- ceed." But he consented with an unwilling mind, a sorrowful will, and an unhappy heart, because he would rather have seen his son become a jurist, an advocate of the law.
In the monastery every one was proud to see the youth- ful and learned scholar in the garb of the order, the black cowl with the scapulary. Yet the new arrival could not be exempted from any of the most menial services which it was customary to impose upon the novices in order to break their self-will and to overcome their pride. Thus Luther was obhged to assist in the cleanin«> of the cells.
' ^ LUTHER IN THE MO^ST ASTER Y AT ERFURT. 31
He was also sent out with the beggar's sack, through the streets of the city, to soUcit food and money. And aUhough he himself did not feel humiliated in the performance of these menial duties — for he was inspired with a burning desire faithfully to fulfil his vows of poverty and obedience — yet the professors of the univer- sity interposed their objections. Since he had been a member of the university, they j)etitioned the prior of the cloister that Luther might be excused from performing such unclean and humiliating labors. The vicar of the order, John von Staupitz,* also interposed on his behalf, and requested that he be more gently treated, and that he have time for study. And when an order was issued enjoining upon all Augustinian monks diligent reading, reverent hearing, and zealous learning of the Holy Script- ures as a sacred duty, Luther entered upon their study with extraordinary zeal. He read the Bible completely so many times that he could turn immediately to any de- sired passage, to the great astonishment of his noble patron, John von Staupitz.
At the expiration of a year, his novitiate being ended, he was solemnly received into the order, and in 1507 he was ordained a priest. At this latter service he again met his father, whom he had not seen since his entrance into the monastery. Father Luther had accepted the in- vitation of his son Martin, and was present at the festivities
* Johann von Staupitz was born at Meissen, and died in Salz- burg, December 28th, 1524. He was instrumental in establishing the University of Wittenberg, and became the first Dean of its theological faculty. He was the intimate friend and supporter of Luther until the latter finally broke with the papacy, when Stau- pitz retired to Salzburg in the year 1519. Here he changed his order and became Abbot of the Benedictine monastery of St, Peter, in which position he died in 1524.
32 THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
with a stately aiTay of friends and relatives. "Whilst at table, the young priest turned the conversation upon his entrance into the monastery, and thus addressed his father : '^ My dear Father, why were you so angry at and so bitterly opposed to my becoming a monk, and per- liaps even now are not pleased with it ? Is it not a very peaceful and divine occupation ?" Father Luther then arose, and, not having changed his opinion upon the act of his son, addressed himself to the learned doctors, masters, and all others present, saying : ^' Ye learned gentlemen, have ye not read in the Holy Scripture the command. Honor your father and your mother" ? And wheii Martin answered, supported by others, that he had been called from heaven amidst fearful manifestations, Father Luther replied : '' "Would to God that it be not a deception and a spook of the devil !" From this it ap- pears that he had given his consent, but very unwillingly. And then he added : ^^ I am indeed obliged to be here, both to eat and to drink, but I had rather be elsewhere." The new office brought to the young priest new "cares and new anxieties. For very seriously did he regard his vow to dedicate himself and his life unto God. ^' True it is," says he, '^ that I was a pious monk, and so strictly did I keep the vows of my order that I may say if ever a monk has entered heaven through monkery, then I also could have entered. All my fellow-monks Avho knew me will confirm this statement. And if I had continued much longer, I would have tortured myself to death with vigils and prayers, reading, and other work. If ever there was a man who, before the gospel was made known unto him, highly esteemed the teachings of the Fathers and the decrees of the Popes, and with great earnestness contended for the same, then it was 1 who did so in a peculiar manner. And with a
LUTHEK IN THE MOJTASTERY AT EKFURT. 33
hearty zeal did I maintain and detcnd them, as if they had been so much of pure holiness, and especially neces- sary for the soul's salvation. And I exei+.ed myself to the utmost to obey such precepts, and to Dunish and castigate my body with fasts and vigils, prayers and other exercises, more than all those who are my bitterest enemies and persecutors. Hence, I now teach that such fool-works can never justify any one in the sight of God. And so diligently did I practise such buffoonery that I fell into superstition, and imposed more upon my body than it could bear without injury to health. I heartily and earnestly adored the Pope, not for the sake of rich benefices, church endowments, and eminent pre- ferments ; but what I did that I did in truth, out of a pure and simple heart, and with a right earnest zeal, because I thought it was doing good, and that it would redound to the honor of God."
And yet, no matter how much he studied and prayed, no matter how severely he castigated himself with fast- ing and watching, he found no peace to his soul. Even when he imagined that he had satisfied the law, he often despaired of getting rid of his sins and of securing the grace of God. In the hymn, ^' !N"ow rejoice ye Chris- tian people," ^ we learn the condition of his heart.
Often did he engage in violent soul-conflicts. But the quiet seclusion of the cloister and his zealous study of the Holy Scriptures combined to further his spiritual development so rapidly, that the turning-point of his soul-conflicts was reached before he left the monastery. More than by any one else was he assisted in this by the noble Yicar- General of the Augustinian Cloisters, John
* In German: "Nun freut euch, lieben Christen gemein." This hymn is said to have been the means of converting hundreds to the cause of the Reformation.
M TUK LIFE OF MAKTIX LUTHER.
von Staupitz, wlio had also made a special study of the Scriptures to the guidance of his inner life. To him Luther opened his heart, and unto him he revealed his doubts and anxieties about religious matters. On one occasion, when they were conversing about repentance, Staupitz said, ^' There is no true repentance other than that which flows from the love of God and His right- eousness." This word penetrated Luther's soul as the sharpened arrow of the warrior. lie searched in the Scriptures and found to his sweet joy that all the words of the Bible agreed with the above statement ; so that, whereas formerly there was no word in Scripture more bittep to him than repentance, there was now no other word that was sweeter and that sounded more agreeable.
An old brother monk also made a deep impression upon Luther with his words. When Luther bewailed his temptations, the old monk referred him to the pas- sage in the Apostles' Creed wdiich says, ^' I believe in the forgiveness of sins." And furthermore, to a declaration of St. Bernard the preacher : ^' But also believe that through Christ thy sins are forgiven thee. That is the testimony of the Holy Spirit in thy heart when lie says, ^ Thy sins are forgiven thee.' For it is the apostle's teaching that man through grace is justified by faith."
Day and night, says Luther, the sense and the con- nection of this apostolic word occupied his mind. Fi- nally an all-merciful God granted him to see that Paul and the Gospel proclaim a righteousness which is bestowed upon us throngh God's grace. For God forgives the sins of those who believe in His word of grace, justifies them, and presents them with eternal life. With this the gates of paradise were opened to him, and thenceforth the whole import of the divine word of salvation was clearly revealed.
LUTHER Ilf THE MONASTERY AT ERFURT. 35
This knowledge was the glorious fruit of his sojourn in the monastery at Erfurt. Besides a valuable fund of information which he there acquired, he was led to inde- pendent research and personal investigation. And thus it came to pass that John von Staupitz recommended Martin Luther, at the age of twenty-five, to a professor- ship in the newly founded University of Wittenberg.
CHAPTER IT.
LUTHER A8 PROFESSOR IN WITTENBERG.
The University of Wittenberg was founded in the year 1502 by the Elector of Saxony, Duke Frederick the Wise.* A faithful care of his subjects, sincere love of science, and a 'deep piety combined to ripen in him the resolve to establish a university for his people. And first of all he was concerned to procure eminent teachers for his new institution. In this he made use of the counsel of John von Staupitz. The latter immediately remembered the distinguished Augustinian monk in the cloister of Erfurt, and recommended him to the Elector as a young man of excellent disposition and of comprehensive attainments. The Elector approved of the choice, and called Martin Luther to Wittenberg in 1508.
His departure from Erfurt was taken so suddenly that his nearest friends were scarcely informed of it. The city of Wittenberg, in contrast with Erfurt, made a poor impression upon him. It numbered but 3000 inhabitants,
* Frederick III., surnamed the Wise, was born in Torgau, Janu- ary 17th, 1463 ; died at Lochau, May 5th, 1525. After the death of the Emperor Maximilian I, he declined the crown of Germany, which, by his advice, was conferred upon Charles V. For this act he has been variously judged by historical writers. On his death-bed he received the Lord's Supper with both bread and wine, and thus sealed his adherence to the cause of the Reforma- tion.
LUTHEE AS PROFESSOR IN WITTEITBERG. 37
was badly built, and not in a flonrishing condition. At the university Luther began by teaching the philosophical sciences. This was not altogether agreeable to him. He would gladly have exchanged philosophy for theology, especially for that theology which penetrates to the ker- nel of the nut, the flower of th'e wheat, and the marrow of the bones. He at once made the necessary prepara- tions for obtaining the several theological degrees, in order that he might soon obtain his aim. The first degree, Bachelor of Theology, he received in 1509. He now began to contend against the fundamental principle of casuistry, and to search for the true and certain ground of our salvation. The writings of the prophets and apostles, which have proceeded from the mouth of God, he re- garded as higher, surer, and profounder than all sophis- try and scholastic theology — at which well-informed men were surprised ! Thus one of them often remarked : ^' This monk is leading all the learned doctors astray ; he is bringing forth new doctrines, and is going to reform the whole Eoman Church."
But scarcely had he begun to teach in his new position when he was called back to Erfurt, for what reason is not known. When after a short absence he had returned to Wittenberg, he received instructions from his order to proceed to Rome. His mission was to secure the settle- ment of a dispute that had arisen within the Augustinian order. This was an evidence of the confidence reposed in the youthful monk.
And so Luther proceeded to the Eternal City, the seat of the head of the Church. As a reverent pilgrim he ar- rived at Rome, after a six weeks' journey. Seeing the city from afar he fell upon the earth and cried oat, " Hail ! thou sacred Rome !" And yet he found many things different from what he had expected. His expe-
38 THE LIFE OF MARTIN" LUTHER.
rieuce there made a lasting impression upon him. *' I would not have taken one hundred thousand florins not to have seen Rome. Among other coarse talk, I heard one reading mass, and when he came to the words of conse- cration, he said, ' Thou art bread and shalt remain bread, thou art wine and shalt remain wine.' What was I to think of this ? And, moreover, I was disgusted at the manner in which they could * rattle off ' a mass as if it had been a piece of jugglery, for long before I reached the Gospel lesson, my neighbor had finished his mass and cried out to me, * Enough ! enough ! hurry up and come away,' etc. !"
Filled with awe and reverence, he had come to Rome, and had hoped to find peace for his soul. ^^ I was one of those frantic saints in Rome ; I ran about all the churches and crypts, and believed all their sliameless, impudent lies. I also read mass, perhaps ten times, and I very much regretted that my father and mother were still alive, for I should have been delighted to deliver them from purgatory with my masses, and with other precious works and many prayers." On his knees he crept up Pilate's staircase, the 8cala Sancta or holy stairway, which was said to have been brought from the judgment hall to Rome and placed in the chapel of St. John's Church of the Lateran. Luther did this in order to receive indulgence. And yet he felt, in doing such a work, as if a voice in thunder tones were crying out to him : '' The just shall live by faith" (Rom. 1 : 17).
And yet, in spite of all the repulsive things Luther saw in Rome, he did not lose his faith in the Papacy. Later in life he used his experience in that city as a sharp sword. The shameful cruelties and tlie immoral life of the last Pope, Alexander, were still held in lively remembrance. Concerning Julius IL he heard and saw
LUTHER AS PK0FES8UU IN WITTENBERG. 39
nothing but what was worldly. He writes as follows : *^ Rome is now making a grand display. The Pope is riding about in triumph, drawn by stallions, and the Sacra- ment {i.e. the host or consecrated wafer) is carried around with him U23on a beautiful white stallion !" Julius II. had already begun the erection of St. Peter's Church. Luther little thought at the time, that in a few years that very building should lead to the outward provocation for protesting against the abuses of the Papacy. His national pride was often wounded in Pome by hearing his fellow-countrymen contemptuously spoken of as the * ^ stupid Germans, " or as the ' ' German beasts. ' ' After a month's residence in the cloister of *' S. Maria del Popo- lo," on the " Piazza del Popolo," Luther set out on his return home. He had not tarried longer than was neces- sary ; for, said he, ' ' Whoever goes to Rome for the first time is looking for a rogue ; whoever goes again will find him ; and whoever goes the third time will return with liim."*
After Luther had returned to Wittenberg he applied himself most zealously to the study of the Holy Scrip- tures. At the urgent recommendation of Dr. Staupitz he applied for and received the degree of Doctor of Sacred Theology. '^I was called and compelled to take the doctorate, without thanks and out of pure obedience. I was obliged to assume the honor, and to vow and promise to teach the most precious Holy Scriptures sincerely and honestly" — thus whites Martin Luther.
Inasmuch as the scholastic theology then current neg- lected the study of the Bible, Luther directed his whole attention to the latter. He began with lectures upon
* During his short stay in Rome, Luther, always eager to learn, took lessons in Hebrew from a noted rabbi, Ellas Levita.
•40 THE LIFE OP MAUTIN LL'THEK.
the Psalms, and he explained them in such a way that, in the opinion of Melanchthon, a new light of doctrine arose after a long dark night. In Luther's explanations he showed the difference between Law and Gospel. He confronted the error that men could merit the forgiveness of their sins through their own works, or that they could be justified before God through outward observances, as the Pharisees had taught. To substantiate this he ap- pealed to his own researches in the Scriptures, to the epistles of the Apostle Paul, and to the writings of St. Augustine, the great master of his order. His interpre- tation of the Psalms was followed by lectures upon the Epistles to the Romans and Galatians. And while at work npon these sacred books, that fundamental truth, which he subsequently defined as the article of a standing or a falling church, became firmly rooted in his heart and mind.
But he did not anticipate that the question how sinful man can prevail before God and secure salvation would ever lead to a controversy between him and the Church. More and more this truth developed into a certainty, that a gracious God justified the believers by placing them in their rightful relations to Him, and by inwardly trans- forming them. It is faith in the heart of man which carries with it a decisive significance for communion with God. Faith is the central point, the marrow, the direct path on which the grace of God through our Saviour Jesus Christ can be secured. "With this faith, and be- cause of this Saviour, we prevail before God, we possess the certainty of sonship and salvation. Luther views the law as the substance of God's holy demands with refer- ence to man's will and works, which demands the sinner cannot fulfill. He regards the Gospel as the joyful mes- sage and presentation of that forgiving grace of God
LUTHER AS PROFESSOR IK WITTEKBERO. 41
â– which must be received by a simple faith. By the law, says Luther, sinners are judged, condemned, and executed. He too had to perspire and agonize under its power as in the hand of a taskmaster and hangman. The Gospel lifts up those that are bowed down, and makes them ahve through faith, begotten in the heart by the joyful mes- sage. God works in both ; in the former, the law, which is really foreign to him as a God of love ; and in the latter, the gospel, his own peculiar work of love, for which, however, he must first prepare the sinner through the law.
But the more profoundly he studied the Scriptures, the more positively did he turn away from Aristotle, whose philosophy for a long time had prevailed in the Church. In this he ran counter to the controlling teach- ings of the scholastic theologians as well as of his former instructors.
Hence the University of Wittenberg was subjected to many a condemnatory criticism. But this did not discon- cert Luther ; on the contrary, his views were strength- ened by reading the sermons of the pious theologian Tauler.* Over against a formal ecclesiasticism he found in the writings of the latter the profoundest religious convictions of a Christian mind. The strivings of Lu- ther's soul for intimate communion with God awakened a loud echo in the writings of this pious man. Such depth and inwardness of soul were peculiar to Luther. His first publication was a tract, entitled '^ German Theol- ogy," which he issued in 1516 and again in 1518. His
* John Tauler, a German mystic, was born in Strasburg in 1290, and died therein 1361. He was one of the so-called "friends of God," an unorganized fraternity of mystic thinkers among the clergy and laity. In his teachings he insisted upon heart and soul worship, and freely denounced ecclesiastical abuses.
43 THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
first original work was a translation of and commentary upon the seven penitential Psalms (6th, 31st, 50th, 101st, 129th, 142d), which appeared in 1517.
The influence of Tauler upon Luther appears also in the sermons of the latter. He zealously contended against those who prided themselves upon their merito- rious works and their self-conceived holiness ; he warned against the presumption of self -righteousness as against a most dangerous snare, and pointed out the way upon which the soul, by simple faith in the proffered word of grace, would be led to its God and Saviour. At the same time he declaimed against the practical abuses and errors- of the ecclesiastical religious life, and expressed himself boldly against the lives of monks and priests, and against the absurdity of saints' legends. But the divine origin and the divine right of the hierarchical offices of the Papacy, the episcopacy, and of the priesthood, and the infallibility of the Church thus governed, remained to him inviolable.- In his sermons, at this time, he still prayed to the Virgin Mary. He regarded the Bohe- mians, who had separated from the Church, as sinful heretics.
And yet the turning-point in his career had come. The scandalous proceedings of the traffic in indulgences forced him into the arena of battle. And the first step once having been taken, he could not retreat. For then he must defend and maintain that which he had ex- perienced in severe conflicts of the soul and proclaimed in public sermons.
He now advanced beyond the narrow circle. AYith the rapidity of the lightning's flash his name was carried through all Germany, and the hearts of those who were in earnest about their soul's salvation, about their faith and tlieir inner purification, of those to whom the indul-
LUTHER AS PROFESSOR IN WITTENBERG. 43
gences and other abuses of the Church were a scandal and a shame, beat in unison with his own.
The Church accepted the challenge and entered into conflict. At first it was believed that the Monk of Witten- berg would soon be crushed, as others had been before him. Yet he proved himself to be a match for the Pope and the Church. Luther' s own opinion upon his first step we have in his own words : ' ' I have permitted vcij ' dispositions and propositions, ' which I set up in the beginning of my conflict against indulgences, to see the light of day, especially because the importance and the successful progress of the cause, which in the providence of God may follow, shall not exalt me or render me proud. For through these same theses I publicly proclaimed mj shame — that is, the great weakness and ignorance which overcame me in the beginning with great fear and trembling. Heedless and alone I entered upon this conflict, and because I could not retreat, I not only con- ceded much to the Pope in many and important articles, but I also willingly and earnestly revered him. For I was a miserable, despised brother, who at that time resembled a corpse more than a human being. In this condition did I confront the majesty of the Pope, in whose very presence the kings of this world, yea the whole earth, stood abashed, and in accordance with whose will all was done. What my heart endured and suffered during the first two years, and by what genuine humility, I might almost say despair, I was possessed — of this experience little is known by those certain spirits who afterward attacked the majesty of the Pope with great pride and boldness. But I, who stood alone in the conflict, was not so happy, confident, and sure of the result. For I was in ignorance then of much that I now know, thanks be to God ! I disputed, and was eager to be taught. And since
44 THE LIFE OF MAIiTIN LUTHER.
the dead and the dumb masters — that is, the books of the theologians and jurists — could not satisfactorily inform me, I demanded counsel of the living and desired to hear the Church of God. There I found many pious men that were pleased with my theses and highly esteemed them. But it was impossible for me to regard and acknowledge them as living members of the Church, endowed with the Holy Spirit, but simply as Pope, cardinals, bishops, theologians, jurists, monks, and priests. Hence I awaited the Spirit's coming, for I had eagerly accepted their teaching, so that I was benumbed and did not know whether I was awake or asleep. And when I had overcome, by the Scriptures, all the arguments that were in the way, it was with great fear, trouble, and labor that I, by the grace of Christ, finally overcame tliis last argument, viz., that one ought to hear the Church. For with much greater earnestness, with genuine reverence, and with my whole heart, did I regard the Pope's church as the true Church far more than do these shameful and blasphemous perverters who now so highly exalt the Pope's church."
Soon after this he sent his theses, and a further ex- planation of the same, to the Bishop of Brandenburg, and through Staupitz to the Pope. To Staupitz he wrote : '^Moreover, to my enemies I have but this to say, in the words of Eeuchlin : * * Whoever is poor fears nothing, for he can lose nothing. ' Possessions I have none ; fame and honor, if I have ever enjoyed them, are only lost by him who has long since begun to lose them. But one
* John Reuchlin was born in Pforzheim in 1455, and died in Stuttgart in 1522. He was one of the foremost advocates of the study of classical literature, and especially of Greek and Ilel/ew. He is said to have published the first Hebrew work priul'id in Germany. He secretly favored Protestantism, but never publicly renounced his connection with the Roman Catholic Church.
LUTHER AS PROFESSOR IN WITTENBERG. 45
thing remains : my frail body weakened by constant troubles. If with craft or force tliey deprive me of that, thinking that they are doing God a service, they may per- haps make me poorer by an hour or two of my life. But I am content in having my dear Redeemer and Media- tor, my Lord Jesus Christ. I will sing unto Him as long as I live.
Concerning his theses Luther said, some he would prove ; the rest he would discuss, and desire further in- formation. Powerfully and emphatically he continued to teach the evangelical doctrine of repentance and faith. He denied to the saints the possession of any superfluous merit which might be of benefit to us idle and indolent sinners. But, on the other hand, he clung to a belief in purgatory, and cared not what heretics might babble against it. He had a good opinion of the reigning Pope, and hoped that he would become his patron in the con- flict against the bold-faced traders in indulgences. But Rome itself he declared to be the true Babylon. For the sake of God's order and appointment, it was necessary to yield in all things with reference to the authority of the Pope, even to respect his unrighteous judgments, yet without approving them, but simply because of the general command against self-help.
But to the contrary he speaks in another passage : *^ I do not care whether the Pope is pleased or displeased : he is but a man like other men. I hear and obey tlie Pope as pope — that is, when he speaks in harmony with the laws of the Church, and when he governs himself ac- cordingly, or when he proclaims the decisions of a Church council — but never when he simply utters his own indi- vidual opinions. The Pope alone can create no new arti- cles of faith, but can merely give his opinion in accord- ance with those that have been established, and also
46 THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
decide questions at issue conceniing the faitli." But in no event did Luther wish to remain at variance with the Church and the Pope. '' Accept or reject, grant life or death, as it pleaseth thee" — thus did he subject himself to the authority of the Pope. Deeply he bewailed the sad condition of the Church. ' ' The Church, ' ' said he, * ' needs a reformation ; but this should not be the work of one man, like the Pope ; nor of many cardinals, as it was in the last general Church Council ; but of the whole world, or rather of God alone. The time of this reformation is known only to Him who has created time."
Many regarded the appearance of Luther as the advent of ^his time. Thus a monk of Steinlausig, when he had read the theses, cried out with joy, '^He is the one that will do it ; he has come for whom we have so long waited." And others said, '^ Now has the time arrived when the darkness must be expelled out of Church and school, and the pure doctrine return to the churches." And old Eeuchlin remarked, " Thank God they have now found a man that will give them so much of hard work to do that they will suffer me, poor old man that I am, to depart in peace."
Others were not so confident. ^' Go to your cell and pray, my brother, that the Lord will have mercy upon you" — ^thus said many a one that thought so vast an undertaking by an insignificant monk against the Pope — of whose might and influence kings were afraid — would surely come to grief. '^ My dear Brother Martin," said an aged Westphalian clergyman, '^if you can do away with purgatory and the tralfic in indulgences, you are indeed a great man !"
Luther's prior and sub-prior came and entreated him not to bring reproach upon his order, for the other orders were already leaping with joy, saying that they were not
LUTHER AS PROFESSOR IN" WITTEITBERG. 47
the only ones guilty of offenses, but that now the Augus- tinians \vere also in the fire and bearers of shame. Lu- ther replied to them, '' Dear fathers, if this work has not been begun in God's name, it will soon come to naught ; but if it has been begun in His name, then let Him rule as He will !"
The University of Wittenberg took his part. His sys- tem of theology was the prevailing one ; his lectm-es drew crowds of hearers.
The Elector of Saxony left the matter in the hands of God, attentively followed its progress, and neither praised nor blamed. What he recognized as good and true he was not disposed to assist in suppressing. The Emperor Maximilian, who had read Luther's theses, sent a message to the Elector requesting him to take good care of the monk, for it might yet come to pass that his ser- vices would be needed. '' His theses are not to be de- spised," said he; ^'he will make it very lively for the priests. ' '
But above all others did the preachers and traders in indulgences thunder against Luther, threatening that in less than a fortnight he would be burned at the stake. His enemies, foremost among them the mountebank Tet- zel, sought to annihilate him with counter-theses. But they failed in their efforts, for Luther quieted them in a very forcible and expeditious manner. Others remarked, that if he had received a good bishopric he would highly exalt indulgences instead of rejecting them.
Luther replied, in turn, that if he had had a bishopric in view he would not have spoken as he did ; for they ought not to suppose him to be ignorant of the manner in which bishoprics were obtained in Rome. He was now charged with irreverence against the Pope. This he re- pelled by saying, ^^ The Pope is a human being who
48 THK LIFE OF MARTIN LUTIIEK.
may be deceived, especially by cunning and hypocritical people. But God is the truth, and cannot be deceived. Hence I entreat my enemies not to frighten me hereafter by flattering the Pope, nor by their renowned teachers ; but that they instruct and conquer me by well-grounded declarations of the Bible and of the Poj)e, if they are indeed bent upon carrying off the victory at all haz- ards."
But how did the Pope act in this violent conflict ? Two of his utterances are recorded : ' ' Brother Martin is a very ingenious fellow ; but the conflict itself is merely a quar- rel between jealous monks. ' ' And again : ' ' A drunken German must have written these theses ; as soon as he becomes sober he will change his mind." The highest circles of Kome, and the immediate attendants upon the Pope were guilty of the same depreciative and contempt- uous treatment of the Germans and of Luther's theses. In their replies the '' obscure German" and his ^^dog- biting" theses were treated in the most derogatory man- ner. They viewed the Pope as the Church of Kome, and the Poman Church as equivalent to the universal Chris- tian Church. But whoever presumed to question the right of the Church to do anything it 2:)leased, was a heretic.
Thus were the}^ disposed in Pome, at least in the begin- ning, to assume the position of a haughty security. It was purposed, in a short time, by means of the papal power, to put an end to this unruly German monk. A court of inquisition was appointed, and Luther was cited to appear before it on the Ttli of August — within 60 days he was expected to report himself personally in Pome.
But before this time had expired the Pope took up other measures a^rainst Luther. The tremendous ex-
LUTHER AS PROFESSOR IN WITTBiq-BERG. 49
citement which the 95 theses had caused no doubt im- pelled him to more vigorous proceedings. Hence the Pope wrote to the Elector and entreated him to avoid the very appearance of the guilt of complicity, and to deliver Luther, the child of wickedness, into the hands of his legate, before whom he was to vindicate himself. But secretly the Elector was ordered to secure the arrest of the heretic with all the means in his power. His adherents were also to be arrested, and an interdict laid upon every place where Luther was tolerated.
But the movement was not to be so quickly and so easily suppressed as the Pope imagined. He was obliged to take into account the influential tendencies prevailing in the German Empire at that time. And these were not favorable to him ; for everywhere grievous charges were preferred, and bitter complaints were heard concerning the violent and unlawful proceedings of the Pope, and es- pecially in reference to the immense sum of money that was annually carried to Pome. Accordingly, when in the year 1518 the Pope again desired the grant of a large imperial tax, ostensibly for a war against the Turks, an embittered feehng was manifested, and it was publicly charged that the genuine Turks were to be found in Italy ! The Imperial Parliament declined to accede to his request, but drew up a long list of grievances against the Pope : as touching the large sums of money which he collected from German benefices, and which, under vari- ous pretexts, he extorted ; as to the unlawful assumption of power in making ecclesiastical appointments in Ger- many ; as to a continued violation of the ratified con- cordats, etc.
Luther profited by all this without being aware of it. But the Pope was obliged to take these circumstances into account, and therefore to treat him with consideration.
50 THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
Thus, tlie papal legate Cajetan* was very careful not to increase the universal feeling of excitement in his pro- ceedings against Luther. Indeed he promised the Elec- tor of Saxony to hear him in Augsburg, and to treat him with fatherly kindness. And thus Luther, in accordance with the desire of the university authorities, and agree- ably to his own wishes, was cited to appear in Augsbm-g.
* Cajetanor Cajetanus (Italian : Gactano) was so called from his birthplace, Galita, in Italy. His real name was Jacob de Vio, but he afterward substituted Thomas for Jacob, in honor of Thomas Aquinas, his scholastic master. Cajetan was a zealous Dominican, and became general of his order. He was an able scholar, a very skilful intriguer, a haughty diplomatist, and withal one of the most prominent figures in the history of the Reformation. He was born in 1469, and died in Rome in 1534.
CHAPTER Y.
LUTHER AND THE PAPAL AMBASSADORS.
In September, 1518, Luther set out on his journey. On the 28th he arrived at Weimar, and lodged in the monastery. On the following day he preached in the castle church in the presence of the Elector, who at that time had established his court in Weimar. Easing his discourse upon the text, Matthew 18 : 1, etc., he warned against a proud self-righteousness and sanctimoniousness, and against the accompanying vices of envy and avarice. In so doing he expressly castigated the bishops, who ought to appear in the form of servants, but who, like Antichrist, seated themselves in the temple of God, and used the imparted powers of their office simply to their own advantage.
He did not refer, however, to his own position. ^' My thoughts, ' ' said he afterward, ' ' on the journey were these : Now I must die ; and often did I remark. What a reproach will I be to my parents !" He undertook the journey on foot, in company with a young monk of Wit- tenberg, by way of Nuremberg. Here his friend Link* met him. When in the neighborhood of Augsburg Luther was overcome by bodily weakness. Faint-heart- ed friends had often warned him on the way not to enter
* Link was the successor of Staupitz as Vicar-General of the Augustinian drder, and the Reformer of the Province of Alten- burg.
52 THE LIFE OF MARTIN" LUTHEKi
Augsburg. But in reply to them lie said, ^^In Augs- burg, even in the midst of mine enemies, Jesus Christ also reigns. l^Iay Christ live, even if Martin should die. " Arriving in the neighborhood of Augsburg, he informs us that he became very uncomfortable, that a demon tor- tured him with evil thoughts. On the Yth of October he arrived in Augsburg, where he was hospitably enter- tained, at first in the Augustinian and then in the Car- melite monastery. He was already the subject of con- versation everywhere in the city. Everybody, said he, wislied to see this Ilerostratus "^ who had kindled so great a conflagration.
Luther immediately announced his arriv^alto the papal legate. But he did not venture to meet the latter until his friends, to whom the Elector had recommended him, had obtained a safe-conduct from the Emperor, who was then on a hunt in that neighborhood ; for the Italians are not to be trusted, said Luther. In the meanwhile a ser- vant of the Cardinal Legate delivered the following mes- sage to him : *' The Cardinal offers you his sincere favor ; why do you fear? He is a very affable father."
An Italian, a friend of Cajetan, also called upon Luther, sent, according to common belief, by the Cardinal himself. Like a genuine Italian, said Luther, this one regards the whole matter in a very light-hearted manner, as if it turned about these six letters : revoca {i.e. recant). Then the Italian added, laughingly :
' ' Do you really think the Elector Frederick would go to war on your account V '
To which Luther replied :
* An Epliesian, who on the night in which Alexander the Great •was born, in 356 b.c, set fire to the magnificent temple of Diana, at Ephesus, which was completely destroyed. His self-confessed motive was to render his name immortal.
LUTHER AIsTD THE PAPAL AMBASSADORS. 53
'^ That I would not desire."
'^Aiid where, then, will you remain ?" returned the former.
'' Under the heavens," said the latter.
*^ But what would you do were the Pope and cardinals to have you in their power ?" continued the Italian.
^'I would show them all honor and reverence," con- cluded Luther.
Whereupon the former departed laughing, and with a gesture of contempt. But Luther's resolve stood fast ; rather would he die than to recall what he had taught and written. The idea of appealing to a council, in case of necessity, also occurred to him, and was developing in his mind.
After the letter of safe-conduct had arrived, Luther proceeded to the papal legate. His friends had directed him as to the proper manner of meeting a cardinal and a papal legate. Luther prostrated himself in the pres- ence of the Cardinal, and even after he had been told to arise he remained in a kneeling position until he was again commanded. And since neither the Cardinal nor any one else ventured to speak, Luther believed that this silence was an intimation that he should begin. Accordingly he delivered himself of the following : *' Reverend Father, in obedience to the citation of his Papal Holiness, and to the demand of my gracious Lord, the Elector of Saxony, 1 have appeared and confess that I published the 95 Theses. And I am in obedience both ready and willing to hear what accusations have been brought against me, and if I have erred, to be in- formed and corrected." Tlie legate then addressed him in a gracious and fatherly manner, and in the name of the Pope plainly demanded of him that he re- cant his errors and promise to abstain thereafter from the
54 THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
promulgation of all views that might distract the Church. Two articles he should recall and withdraw : first, the denial that the 'Mndulgence-treasure" of the Church is the merit of our Lord Jesus Christ ; secondly, his main- tenance that a person who wishes to receive the Lord's Supper must above all things possess the faith and the inner conviction that his sins will be forgiven him. Hereupon a discussion ensued between Luther and Caje- tan. The attendants of the latter audibly tittered when they heard the explanations of the Augustinian monk, so strange and curious did they seem to the Italians. In vain Tdid Luther appeal to the Bible and its declarations concerning faith. The Cardinal then confronted Luther with the papal authority, which was above that of coun- cils, the Church and the Scriptures, and declared unto him, '^ You must recant to-day, whether you will or will not ; otherwise I will condemn all your theses for the reason assigned above." But Luther did not recant, lie concluded the interview with the request to grant him a few days more for further consideration.
On the same day Staupitz also arrived in Augsburg. All action now taken was first deliberated over in com- mon. Luther submitted a written declaration, offering publicly to defend his theses, and prepared to receive the judgment of the faculties at Basel, Freiburg, Lou- vain, and Paris upon them. Cajetan smiled at this pro- posal, and admonished him to give up such idle thoughts, but rather to refiect upon his couree and to retreat, for he would find it " hard to kick against the pricks !" In no case would he admit of a disputation ; but he per- mitted Luther to submit another and a longer explana- tion of the principal points at issue.
This document was sent to Cajetan on the following day. In it Luther emphatically declares : that the papal
LUTHER Als'D THE PAPAL AMBASSADORS. 65
decretals may err and conflict with Holy Writ ; that every individual Christian can exercise the right to prove the papal decisions in the light of God's Word ; and in conclusion, Luther entreats the legate to show him a better way, and not to force him to act contrary to his conscience, for we must obey God rather than man. The cardinal legate rejected Luther's written declara- tions without examination, and again urged him to re- cant, whereupon a violent war of words ensued. The cardinal threatened with ban and interdict, and dismissed Luther, saying, '^ Go, and do not show your face again to me, unless it be to recant. ' '
Thus was Luther sent away by the cardinal, who is said to have added this remark : ^^ I will not confer with this beast again, for it has deep eyes and wonderful speculations in its head." Staupitz and Link now de- parted from the city of Augsburg, not believing it to be safe to trust the Italians. But Luther tarried and awaited the pleasure of the legate. The latter, how- ever, remained silent, even after Luther had written again in a humble spirit asking forgiveness for his exhib- ited violence, promising to remain silent if his opponents would do the same, and professing himself as willing to recant, provided he were better instructed. But al- though he made all these concessions, he received no an- swer. And after he had drawn up another declaration, appealing from *^the badly informed Pope to the better- to-be-instructed Pope," he sent it to Cajetan, and nailed a copy of it to the door of the cathedral. He then left the city on the 20th of October.
Luther's friends, fearing that he would not be per- mitted to depart from the city, provided for him a horse and an old companion at arms, and dismissed him at night through a secret gate in the city walls. Thus he
56 THE LIFE OF MARTIX LUTHER.
escaped upon a hard-riding trotter, in liis monk's coat, witliout boots or pants, spurs or sword, travelling about forty miles before he sought rest. When he dismounted at the inn at Monheim* he could hardly stand, and for weariness fell down upon the straw. In Griifenthal f he met the friendly Count Albert of Mansfeld, who laughed at Luther's feats of riding, and invited him to join his company.
On the anniversary day of the nailing of the theses to the church door, Luther returned to Wittenberg amid the rejoicings of students and citizens. In the evening he sent a message to his friend Spalatin, saying, " By God's grace I have arrived safe and sound, but uncertain how long I shall remain. For my cause is so situated that I both hope and fear. I am filled ^vith joy and peace, so that I am surprised that the trials which have befallen me should appear to many to be something great. ' '
In possession of inward joy and peace, and surrounded by the circle of his friends at Wittenberg, Luther could now continue the conflict against the papacy. Soon there arrived a letter from the cardinal, Cajetan, prefer- ring charges against Luther, and demanding his surrender or expulsion from Wittenberg. But the Elector Frederick did not accede to this demand. He carefully protected Luther, and insisted upon it that the controversy should be settled in Germany. Privately he felt a warm interest in Luther's cause, but desired that he should desist from further provocation.
Yet Luther did not refrain from new measures and continued declarations. He publislied a report of his
* Augsburg and Monheim are in Bavaria, t Griifenthal is in the Thuringian Forest.
LUTHER AND THE PAPAL AMBASSADORS. 67
interviews with Cajetan, and added a farther justification of his procedure, in which he more positively than ever before attacked the papacy. The doctrine of the divine right of the papacy and of its necessary existence as an essential part of the Church of Christ, he de- clared to be ''the foolishness of silly people, who in op- position to Christ's own words, that ' the kingdom of God eometli not with observation,' would bind the church of Christ to time and place ; and who would dare question the Christian standing of any one not disposed to submit to the Pope's domination."
Shortly thereafter Luther appealed, in a formal and solemn proclamation, to a universal council of the Chris- tian Church. By this act he forever severed his relations to the papacy. Daily he expected to receive the ban of ex- communication from Rome. He made all necessary prep- arations, in order, as he wrote to Spalatin, that he might be ready, on the arrival of the ban, to go out like Abraham, not knowing whither, but certain that God is everywhere. In one of his sermons he said to the congregation : "I am now a very uncertain preacher, as you have already experienced, and have often gone off without bidding you farewell. If that should happen again, you may take my present words as a farewell greeting, in case 1 should not return." He was prepared each moment for flight and exile. He felt also that he must withdraw for the Elector's sake, in order that no suspicion should at- tach itself to the latter because of any supposed adherence to Luther's teachings upon indulgences and the papal authoritv. He also thousrht if he remained at Witten- berg, that he could not speak and write as freely as he would desire, whereas if he departed he could freely de- liver himself and offer his life unto Christ. He was filled with courage for the conflict and with the spirit of action.
58 THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
'Far more extensive issues are being born of my pen," writes Luther ; " I do not know whence these thoughts come ; in mj opinion this movement has not yet fairly begun, instead of soon ending, as the noble lords at Rome vainly imagine." '^ The more they rage and meditate upon the use of force, the less do I fear, and the more freely will I attack the E-oman serpents. I am prepared for the worst that may happen and await the counsel of God." '^ This I know, indeed ; that I would be treated as the dearest and most agreeable person, did I but speak one word : revoco ; that is, I recall. But I will not make myself a heretic by the recall of that opinion by which I became a Christian. . I would rather die, be burnt, exiled, and accursed."
But the danger from Eome did not threaten as speedily as was anticipated or feared. The project there enter- tained, of bringing the rebellious monk back to a state of obedience, had not been given up ; but the time had not yet come for extreme measures.
Karl von Miltitz, a Saxon nobleman and chamberlain of the Pope, was now sent as an ambassador to Germany, with special instructions to the Elector of Saxony. In the person of the latter the papal chair recognized the secret protector of the dangerous monk. The mission of Miltitz was to deprive Luther of his patron's support, and then to lead him away to Rome.
To this end the papal ambassador appeared before the Elector, presenting him with a distinguished emblem of gracious favor, the golden rose. This was '' a very precious and mysterious present,- ' which the Pope was accustomed annually to bestow upon that eminent Chris- tian prince who had rendered good service to the apos- tolic authority, the Pope at Rome. Miltitz was commis- eioned to present tliis golden rose to the Elector of
LUTHER AKD THE PAPAL AMBASSADORS. 59
Saxony, to the intent tliat the divine fragrance of this flower should penetrate the heart of Frederick, so that he might receive the requests of the ambassador with a pious regard, and be disposed with glowing ardor to carry out the sacred wishes of the Pope. At least this much was expected in Rome from the fragrance of the golden rose. Irreverent wits remarked, that if the rose had arrived sooner in Wittenberg its perfume would have been more agreeable ; for it had lost its fragrance on the long and wearisome journey !
Miltitz was empowered to demand the following, as expressed in a special communication : the Elector should support Miltitz in the measures to be taken against Luther, the child of Satan and the son of perdition, because of his heretical preaching in the lands of Frederick. Messages of similar import were addressed to Spalatin, the magistrate of Wittenberg, and to many others. It is said that Miltitz was armed with more than seventy such papal communications.
At the close of December Miltitz* arrived in Alten- burg. Well acquainted as he was with the condition of affairs in Germany, he had informed himself on the way, among the cultured as well as among the common people, in regard to the popular opinion of the man against whom he had been sent. He soon found that out of every five
* Miltitz had made an appointment to meet Tetzel at Alten- burg, in Saxony, to reprimand him for his excesses. But the latter, fearing the popular wrath, did not dare to undertake the journey. After Miltitz had concluded his conference with Luther, he went to Leipsic, and meeting Tetzel he administered so severe a reproof that he sickened and died of chagrin in a Dominican cloister, July 4th, 1519. Luther wrote Tetzel a comforting letter during his sickness — an evidence of the nobility of soul and large- heartedness of the great Reformer.
CO THE LIFE OF MARTINS' LUTHER.
persons, scarce two or three had remained loyal to Eome. It is possible that because of this discovery he changed his method of procedure, for he confessed that he would not have dared to take Luther away w^ith him to Eome, not even if he had had an army of 25,000 men.
In Altenburg Miltitz met Luther in the first week of the new year, 1519. He addressed Luther amid tears and Vv-ith many words, exhorting him to recant, and showing all possible friendship and affection. He hoped in this way to persuade Luther. But Luther did not trust him. This apparent good-will seemed to him hypocriti- cal ; the greeting, a Judas's kiss ; the lamentations, croc- odile'^S tears ! Yet he promised to make concessions so far as his conscience would permit him to do, but certain- ly nothing more. They mutually agreed, furthermore, *Hhat both parties should be forbidden to write and to teach upon the questions at issue." Besides this, Miltitz proposed to write to the Pope, requesting him to appoint a learned bishop to act as arbitrator, having in mind the Archbishop of Treves (Trier). The joint meeting was to be held hereafter in the city of Coblentz.
Thus far the negotiations seem to have taken a favor- able turn. Luther, likewise, addressed a meek epistle to the Pope. He also published an address to the German people, in which he seeks to refute the slanders of those who had endeavored to prejudice him and his cause by misrepresenting his teachings about intercession, purga- tory, indulgences, the commands of the Holy Church, good works, and the Eoman Cliurch ; he aims to show, that in no wise does lie depart from the faith of all Christendom ; that in order to maintain peace he is willing to make sacrifices ; and he also professes his be- lief in certain Eoman Catholic teachings which he after- ward publicly rejected.
LUTHER AKD THE PAPAL AMBASSADORS. 61
Miltitz seems to have been satisfied with these declara- tions of Luther, though it could not jet be known how they would be regarded by the Papal authorities. Fur- ther negotiations to induce Luther to go to Coblentz were unsuccessful, for he would not venture to undergo the risk upon an uncertainty, and hence declined. He pleasantly remarked that he had not so much time to spare to take so long a promenade ! Besides, the Archbishop of Treves had received no mandate from Eome to hold the proposed conference meeting.
In the meanwhile the Emperor Maximilian * had died, and the Elector of Saxony had become Imperial Yicar, an event which exercised a favorable influence upon Luther' s cause. The papal authorities were obliged, now more than ever, to take the Elector into account in all their plans, for his position in Germany exercised a de- termining influence. The successor of Maximilian was his nineteen-year-old nephew, Eang X!harles f of Spain. He was no friend to German life and institutions, Luther and his cause experienced this on more than one occasion.
* Maximilian I. was of the House of Hapsburg, born in 1459, and died in 1519. He became Emperor of Germany in 1493.
t Charles I. of Spain, better known as Charles V., Emperor of Germany, was bom in 1500, and died in 1558. He was chosen Emperor in 1519, and retired into a convent in 1556, his brother Ferdinand succeeding him as Emperor of Germany.
CHAPTEK YI.
THE DISPUTATION AT LEIPSIC.
"Whilst Miltit^ continued his attempts at reconciliation and prepared tlie way for a meeting between Lutlier and the Archbishop of Treves, Luther felt himself obliged to get ready for a public debate with Dr. Eck."^ The latter iiad been carrying on an epistolary war with one of Luther's colleagues, Dr. Karlstadt. This was now to be ended by a public disputation at Leipsic. To this end Dr. Eck published a number of theses which he proposed to defend against Karlstadt. But in these theses Luther was attacked, rather than his colleague, especially in re- gard to the supremacy of the Pope in the early centuries of the Christian Church. On this point Karlstadt had neither written nor spoken. Hence it was evident that Eck's theses were directed against Luther, who felt him- self obliged once more to enter the arena of conflict. Since he had been attacked by Eck he demanded the right to take part in the debate. His friends endeavored to dissuade him from this step, but he soon convinced them that he must go himself and defend his cause, saying: '^Even should I perish, the world will not go to destruction on that account. By the grace of God the "VVittenbergers [meaning his adherents] have so far pro- gressed that they do not need me."
* John Mayr von Eck was born in Eck, Swabia, in 1486, and died in Ingolstadt, in Bavaria, in 1543. The latter part of his life was devoted to effect a reunion of the conflicting parties.
THE DISPUTATION AT LEIPSIC. 63
The disputation was appointed for the 27th of June, 1519. Duke George of Saxony came from Dresden to Leipsic and ordered the largest hall in his palace, the Pleissenburg, to be used for that purpose, and handsomely decorated. Dr. Eck arrived in time ; the Wittenbergers, on Friday, June 24th. ^ ^ The latter entered by the Grim- ma gate," thus writes an eye-witness, ^'escorted by 200 of their students, armed with spears and halberds. Dr. Karlstadt rode first, followed by Luther and Melanchthon in an open wagon. After they had entered the Grimma gate and had reached the doors of St. Paul's church cemetery. Dr. Karlstadt' s wagon broke down, and the doctor was thrown into the mud. Dr. Martinus and his companion, Philippus, rode by and continued their course. The people that saw it remarked: *^ Luther will triumph, but Karlstadt will be defeated. ' '
The day before the appointed time, it was agreed upon that Karlstadt and Eck should open the debate. On the 27th of June the disputation was inaugurated with great secular and religious festivities, beginning with an address of welcome in Latin, continuing with a mass in St. Thom- as's church, and concluding with a musical concert. A large number of theologians, as well as educated and un- educated laymen, had assembled to attend the proceed- ings. During four days Eck and Karlstadt contended about theological questions of the free-will of man and his relation to the operations of divine grace, Eck had the advantage over Karlstadt, both in dialectic ability and in power of memory. The members of the Uni- versity of Leipsic supported Eck and exalted him in every possible way. But Luther and his Wittenberg as- sociates they regarded at a distance. Between the stu- dents of the two universities violent contentions arose upon the questions at issue.
64 THE LIFE OF MARTIJf LUTHER.
On the 4th of July the debate began between Luther and Eck. A contemporary and eve-witness has preserved the following sketch of the contending parties : " Martin Luther is of medium stature, meagre in body, and so ex- hausted by his cares and studies that one can almost count every bone in his frame. He is as yet in the strength of manhood. His voice is cleai and distinct ; his learning and knowledge of the Scriptures are wonderful, so that he has full command.
*^ He understands Greek and Hebrew well enough to judge of different interpretations of the Scriptures. Nor is he lacking in material for his discourses, for he has pos- session of an extraordinary amount of facts and words. In social life and intercourse he is polite and friendly ; there is nothing gloomy or proud about him ; and he has the disposition to accommodate himself to different per- sons and varying circumstances. In society he is cheer- ful and witty. He is always lively, joyful, and positive, and has a pleasing countenance, no matter how hard his opponents threaten him ; so much so that one is obliged to believe that the man cannot bear so heavy a burden witliout the help of the gods. By many he is reproached with being intemperate in his attacks and biting in his criticisms, more so indeed than is becoming to a theologian, and to one who is presenting something new in divine things. In the case of Karlstadt all these characteristics are very much reduced in degree ; he is smaller in stat- ure, his face is dark and sunburnt, his voice hollow and disagreeable. Eck, on the contrary, is tall, well-built, and robust, has a full round voice proceeding from a large chest, well-endowed either for an actor or a town-crier. His features are such that he would sooner be taken for a butcher or a soldier than for a theologian. His mem- ory is excellent, and if his understanding ^vere likewise,
THE DISPUTATIOiq- AT LEIPSIC. 65
he would be regarded as a perfect work of nature. But lie is lacking in quick perceptive faculties and in acute- ness of judgment. His aim is to adduce a large amount of stuff, to mystify liis hearers, and to produce the im- lu-ession of great superiority. To this must be added his incredible audacity, for as soon as he observes that he has been caught in the net of his opponent, he seeks to turn the discussion into another channel. And then he pos- sesses great vivacity in speaking and shouting, and freedom in gesticulating with the arms and the whole body."
The debate had reached its climax when Luther re- ferred to the theses of Huss, condemned by the Coun- cil of Constance, in 1415, and in bad repute all over Germany. Eck endeavored to throw the suspicion of sympathy with the Bohemian heresy upon Luther, in discussing the question, whether the supremacy of the Pope was based upon divine or human right. But Luther guarded himself well, and yet maintained that among the articles of Huss there were many that were Christian and evangelical, such as these : that there is but one universal Christian Church ; and that the belief in the supremacy of the Eoman Catholic Church is not necessary to salvation. Whilst Luther was thus quoting the theses of Huss,* Duke George cried out with a loud voice, audible to all, ^' May the deuce take that !" shaking his head and planting his arms at his sides. At another time, when Luther declared that the Pope derives his authority not by divine but by human right, Duke George again exclaimed, '^ The Pope ^> Pope, whether
* Duke George of Saxony remained all his life-time one of the bitterest opponents of Luther and the Reformation. He perse- cuted and punished his own subjects for espousing the new doc- trines. At his death, in 1539, his brother Henry succeeded him and formally introduced Protestantism.
66 THE LIFE OF MARTIlf LUTHBR.
by human or by divine right." The debate upon the chief question, the supremacy of the Pope, was continued for live days, but without any result. Further disputa- tions concerning purgatory, indulgence, and repentance were of minor importance ; likewise the closing debate between Eck and Karlstadt. On the 15th of July the disputation was closed. Eck claimed the victory. He departed with a display of triumph, extolled by his friends, and rewarded with favor and honors by Duke George of Saxony. Luther left for home in ill-humor. He thus expresses himself about the Leipsic disputation : *^ Eck-and his friends did not seek truth, but fame. No wonder, then, that the debate had a bad beginning and worse ending."
But in truth this disputation was very helpful to the dissemination of Reformation thoughts. Everywhere the questions at issue were discussed. ' ' Luther's teachings, ' ' wTites a contemporary, ' ^ have aroused so much strife, dis- sension, and disturbance among the people, that there is scarce a country or a city, a village or a family, that hag not been divided and agitated even unto blows. ' '
CHAPTER YTI.
OONOERNING THE BAN OF EXCOMMTuNICATION.
Another interval of time liad elapsed. Luther had once more returned to "Wittenberg and zealously devoted himself to his work in the professor's chair as well as in the pulpit, where he clearly and impressively proclaimed the new truths. In his writings, too, he was not idle. And herein a new controversy developed itself.
As yet the Pope had passed no public sentence of condemnation upon Luther, although he had often called him a heretic deserving his anathema. The universities of Cologne and Louvain, as well as the Bishop of Meissen, now brought their complaints against Luther before the Pope. The former maintained that Luther's writings should be destroyed by fire, and he himseK forced to recant. The latter called attention to a passage in one of Luther's pamphlets, in which he contended that the Church should again grant the cup (the wine) to the laity in the Lord's Supper. For, why should the priest be entitled to more than the layman ? Christ knows of no such difference. In his profound study of the Scriptures this conviction had grown upon him, and in this point of doctrine he found himself in accord with Huss and his followers. He was now stigmatized as a fellow-heretic with Huss ; but he was not much troubled about it. He replied to these accusations as follows : " All that I have thus far taught, I have learned from
68 THE LIFE OF 3IARTI>q- LUTHER.
Jolin Huss * — but without knowing it. John Staupitz lias done the same. In short, we are all Hussites, \vith- out being aware of it. The Apostle Paul and Augustine were also Hussites ! For fear and trembling, 1 do not know what to think of the impending judgments of God upon men, who, for more than one hundred years, have condemned the clearest evangelical truth, and have suffered no one to declare it." And at another time he wrote to Spalatin : '^ Do not imagine that Christ's cause upon earth can be furthered in sweet peace. The word of holiness can never be proclaimed without unrest and danger ; it is a word of eternal majesty, and accom- plishes great tilings and w^onderful, among the high and the great. It kilJs, as says the prophet, the fat and the strong in Israel (Ezekiel xxxiv. 16). In this matter peace must be given up or else the word of God denied. The war is the Lord's, w^ho came not to bring peace into the world. If thou dost rightly estimate the Gospel, then do not believe that its cause can be conducted without tumult, offence, and disturbance. The word of God is a sword ; it is war, overthrow, vexation, poison. It will meet the children of Ephraim, as Amos (v. 19) says, like a bear in the way and a lion in the woods." And con- cerning himself Luther says : ''I cannot deny that I am more violent than I ought to be ; they know that, and for that very reason ouglit not to have excited the dug ! How hard it is to temper the heat and restrain
* John Huss, the Bohemian Reformer, was born in 1373, and burned at the stake July Cth, 1415. On his way to the place of execution he uttered this memorable prophecy : " You are to-day roasting a lean goose (the meaning of his name) ; but after a hun- dred years you will hear the song of a swan, arising from my ashes, whom you will not be able to roast." Hence the swan ia often found in pictures of Lutlier.
CON-CERN^IlfG THE BAN" OF EXCOMMUNICATIOIT. 69
the pen, tlion knowest from personal experience. This is the reason why I have always been unwilling publicly to proclaim my cause. And the more I am disposed not to do so, the more I am compelled against my will ; and this happens because of the severest accusations wJiich are heaped upon God's word and myself. And so shameful has this been, that even if my pen and my impetuosity had not carried me away, a heart of stone would have been moved to take up arms ; how much the more I that am impetuous by nature, and possess not a very dull pen !"
Luther soon had ample opportunity to set his pen in motion. The entire Dominican order exerted its in- fluence against Luther. Eck hastened to Rome to work against him. The Bishop of Brandenberg in a moment of excitement is said to have remarked that he would not place his head to rest until he had thrown Martin Luther into the fire ! Duke George of Saxony, shocked at Luther's agreement with the Hussites, preferred charges against him before his own ruler, the Elector of Saxony. In short, mighty enemies appeared from all quarters, bent upon his destruction.
As yet the Elector protected him. And from many other parties did Luther receive active support. His writings were scattered broadcast, in hundreds of copies, all over the land, gaining for him many friends and adherents. Many who had formerly been at enmity with Rome now united their cause and fortunes with his own. But the most renowned among the learned of his times, Erasmus and Reuchlin, prudently kept in the back- ground. On the other hand, Ulrich von Hutten, a German knight, espoused Luther's cause with bolder courage and a powerful activity. Daring and spirited, he wielded a vigorous pen, and was prepared to serve
70 THK LIFE OF MAnTI^" LUTIIEK,
the Gospel with his sword. He glowed with ardor for the honor and greatness of Germany, and hated the Italian spirit. From early yonth he was an enemy to monkery, and by his boldness he inflicted many a blow upon the papacy. Among the circle of his friends and equals he secured numerous supporters for Luther's cause. At first he regarded the advent of the Augustinian as a pitiable, monkish quarrel ; but soon he w\as better informed. After many wanderings and manifold ex- periences he found at last an energetic and powerful friend in the person of Franz von Sickingen, experi- enced in war and informed as to political questions. Ulrich von liutten now united his fortunes with the latter in order to make common cause a£:ainst the ob- scurantists and the Eoman hierarchy. Landstuhl and Ebernburg were the names of the strong castles of Franz von Sickingen, which could afford a safe protection to the oppressed. As such they were now offered to the bold monk who had attacked the papacy with so keen weapons. Should the ban of excommunication arrive, and should Luther no longer be safe in Wittenberg, then Sickingen' s burg would afford an excellent place of refuge. And another knight, Sylvester von Schauen- burg, wrote to him : ** Should the Elector and others in authority demand of you to recede, do not let that trouble you ; nor do you take refuge among the Bohe- mians ; for I and hundreds of the nobility will protect you from danger."
Such messages must have been highly welcome to Luther. " Schauenburg and Sickingen," * said he, "have
* Schauenburg was a native and inhabitant of Ilolstein. Sick- ingen was one of the last of the German knights who maintained the right of private warfare. He was noted for his valor and generosity. He died in 1523, of a wound received in defending
CONCERNIIsTG THE BAl^ OF EXCOMMUN-ICATIOK. 71
delivered me from the fear of men. I shall now have to encounter the wrath of demons." He wished that the Pope be informed that he, Luther, would now jB.nd pro- tection from the shafts of his lightnings in the heart of Germany ; and that, thus protected, he would attack the Romanists in a manner far different from that in which he had been able to attack them in his official position. ' ^ My opponents shall know," wrote Luther, 'Hhat what I have not yet said against them has been owing, not to my leniency, nor to their merit or tyranny, but to the name and fame of the Elector and the common interests of the University of Wittenberg. As far as I am con- cerned, the die is cast ! Rome's favor and wrath are contemned ! I will never become reconciled to them, nor hold fellowship with them. Let them condemn and burn my books !"
But Luther's adherents, and especially TJlrich von Hutten,* said, ^' What have we to do with the Romans and with their bishop ? Have we not archbishops and bishops in Germany ? As if we were obliged to kiss the feet of the Pope ! Let Germany return, and it will return, to its own bishops and shepherds !"
'' The time for silence is passed, and the time for speaking is come. " Thus Luther begins his pamphlet, ^' To the Christian JS'obles of the German Kation : About
his castle Landstuhl, near Kaiserslautern, in the Palatinate. His other stronghold, Ebernburg, is now a picturesque ruin on the Rhine.
* Hutten was born near Fulda in 1488, and died in Switzerland in 1523. He was placed in a cloister to become a monk, but ran away and led a short, wandering, and tempestuous career. His intense national spirit, his bitter enmity against Rome, and his caustic satires upon the immoral and superstitious clergy, aided the cause of the Reformation.
72 THE LIFE OF MARTIX LUTHER.
the Reformation of Christendom." He now appeals to tlie laity, in the hojDe that God will use them to deliver His Church, since the clergy have become altogether indif- ferent. Xot through wantonness or temerity does he presume to address the Emperor and Christian nobles of the German nation ; but the need and the grievances which afilict all classes in Christendom, and especially in Germany, compel him to cry out and to ask whether God would grant the Spirit to some one to extend the help- ing hand to miserable humanity.
"The Romanists," says Luther, "have with great adroitness built a triple wall about themselves, so that no one lias been able to reform them, and because of which all Christendom has fearfully' degenerated. Iq the first place, whenever they have been threatened by the secu- lar power, they have resisted and said. The secular power has no right over the spiritual power ; but, on the con- trary, the latter has control over the former. And when the Holy Scripture was brought to bear upon them, they contended that the Pope alone should interpret it. And, in the third place, when they are threatened with a council, they pretend that no one but the Pope can call a council. Thus have they secretly stolen three of our rods, that they may go unpunished ; and having fortified themselves with this triple wall, they have carried on their knavery and wickedness in security."
These three walls Luther now proposes to overturn and demolish. He declares the difference between the spirit- ual and secular orders to be fictitious and hypocritical ; he maintains that all Christians belong to the spiritual order, and that there is no difference between them other than that of the respective ofiices which different members have wherewith to serve one another, according to 1 Peter u. 9 and Rev. iii. 10. The secular power is not superior to
CONCERNING THE BAN OF EXCOMMUNICATION. 73
the spiritual power. The former is entitled to rule free and unhindered upon its own territory. No Pope or bishop herein can interfere ; no priest is exempt from its control. The second wall is even weaker and more un- safe, for they pretend to be masters of Scripture, when during their whole lives they have learned nothing from it. Christ has said of all Christians that they should be taught of God. So that even an obscure man, if he be a true Christian, may have the right understanding of the Bible. And, on the other hand, the Pope, if he be not a true Christian, will not be taught of God. If the Pope were always and alone right, then we ought to pray, ''I believe in the Pope of Rome." The Chris- tian Church would thus, as it were, be concentrated into one person, which would be nothing else than satanic and infernal error. The third wall, however, falls with the first two ; for where the Pope acts contrary to the Scriptures, we are in duty bound to stand by the word of God and to admonish Him according to Christ's command : *^ If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault, between thee and him alone" (Matt, xviii. 15). But if he is to be accused before the church, then the church must be convened in a council, which should be a free Christian council, bound by no vow to the Pope, nor by any so-called canonical law, but subject only to God's word in the Holy Scriptures.
Luther then considers in detail the several points upon which the council is to act, and concerning Avhicli a reformation must be insisted upon. He calls the Pope the antichrist. He contrasts his self -exaltation, his worldly pride, the idolatry practised with him, with the life and person of Christ, who went about in poverty, and offered himself a sacrifice on the cross. He considers at length the tyranny exercised by the Roman court over
74 THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
the local state clinrclies, and especially over those of Germany, in frequent extortions. The churches of each country should be permitted to regulate their own affairs at home. Then he protests against the haughty and insolent behavior of the Pope towards the German Emperor, in presuming to control the latter, obliging him to hold his stirrup and kiss his foot ! In his spiritual office, in preaching, in dispensing the word of divine grace, the Pope is indeed superior to the Emperor ; but in all other things the Emperor is superior. Luther demands, furthermore, the abolition of the state of celi- bacy for the clergy ; restriction of the system of monas- ticism, of festivals and holidays, as well as of pil- grimages ; organization of charitable work, and the erection of schools for hoys and girls. He is deeply dis- tressed when he regards the condition of the youth, who, in the very centre of Christendom, are languishing in ignorance and going to destruction in sin. And after touching upon many other questions, such as the extor- tionate charges and usurious interest in the loaning of money, he concludes: ^'I am well aware that I have sung in too lofty a strain, and have said many things in vain, attacking other things also too sharply. But what shall I do ? I am at least obliged to express my opinion. If I were able I would also do that which I claim should be done. I would rather have the world angry at me than have God angry. They can deprive me of nothing more than my life. I have often offered peace to my op- ponents, but God has obliged me to open my mouth wider and give them enough to do to speak and to write, to bark and to cry. There is one more song that I can sing ; if they are itching for it they shall hear it, and in the loudest strains." And his closing words are: ''God give us all a Christian understanding, and
CONCERlTIi^^a THE BAIST OF EXCOMMUKICATION. 75
especially to the Christian nobles of the German nation a right spiritual courage, to do the very best for our poor Church. Amen."
In the course of a few weeks, in the month of August, 1520, four thousand copies of this " war-trumpet " were circulated, and Luther was obliged to publish a new edi- tion. Besides this, he also wrote a series of pamphlets for instruction and consolation. He wielded a ready pen. ^' I have surely a rapid hand and a quick memory," says Luther, ' ' so that what I write flows freely of its own account, and not as if 1 had to produce it ; and yet I am not able to get over the ground.' '
As to the new song he wished to sing of Rome, he no doubt referred to his treatise about '' The Babylonian Cap- tivity of the Church." In this he speaks, with clearness and deep religious fervor, of the meaning of the Sacra- ments. But he opposes the so-called sacraments of confir- mation, marriage, ordination, and supreme unction. At the close he says : ^ ' I hear that the papal anathemas are ready to be hurled against me to compel me to recant. If this be so, then I wish that this little book be consid- ered a part of my future recantation, in order that they may not vainly complain about their inflated tyranny. And in a little while I will issue a recantation, by the help of Christ, the like of which the Roman court has hitherto neither seen nor heard, and therewith I shall prove my obedience, in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ. Amen !"
CHAPTER VIII.
LUTHER BURNS THE PAPAL BULL OF EXCOMMUNICATION.
"What had long been anticipated now came to pass. Eck arrived in Germany with tlie papal bull of excom- nmnication. On the 21st of September, 1520, he pub- lished it in Meissen. It was also proclaimed elsewhere. In the beginning of October it was published in Witten- berg.
The papal bull begins as follows : * 'Arise, O Lord, and judge thy cause ! Remember the reproach which the foolish cast against Thee all day long ! St. Peter, St. Paul, the congregation of saints, and the whole church are called upon to arise. The foxes would lay waste the Anneyard of the Lord ; a wild boar has entered therein ; a savage beast would pasture there." Then forty-one of Luther's theses are considered and condemned as hereti- cal, lie himself is called upon to recant within sixty days. If he and his followers refuse, they will be treated as stiif -necked heretics. His writings are to be burned, so that liis remembrance shall be totally blotted out of the congregation of Christian believers. All intercourse with him and his adherents is forbidden. Every one is commanded to seize Martin Luther and to deliver him to the Pope in Rome. There he shall be dealt with accord- ing to law. Without doubt the punishment intimated refers to death at the stake, for the papal bull expressly condemns the declaration of Luther : to burn heretics is against the w^ill of the Holy Spirit.
BURN"IKG THE PAPAL BULL OF EXCOMMUNICATIOlS". 77
Luther himself received the papal interdict with great calmness of soul. What next wonld happen he did not know ; he intrusted it to Him whose throne is in the heavens, and who had foreseen this event, its beginning and ending, from all eternity. He had but little hope in the good- will of the Emperor. *' Would that Charles were a man, ' ' he cried out, ' ' and that he would contend for Christ and against Satan." He called to mind the Biblical saying, ^' Put not your trust in princes" (Ps. cxlvi. 3). ^' They are but men, and cannot help you. If the Gospel were of such a nature that it could be dif- fused and supported by the great men of this world, then God would not have intrusted it to fishermen."
Eck, however, was badly received, with his bull, in Germany. In Leipsic the citizens posted w^arnings against him on every street-corner. To save himself from personal violence he was obliged to take refuge in the monastery of St. Paul's church. The students sang satirical songs for his benefit. He did not meet with better treatment in Erfurt, where the students, arms in hand, made an attack upon him, seized the printed copies of the bull, and threw them into the river Gera. Miltitz was nevertheless encouraged to resume his attempts at reconciliation between the Pope and Luther. And not- withstanding the bull of excommunication, he did not doubt that the conflict could be allayed. By the ad- vice of the Elector, Luther agreed to make another effort, and directed a letter to Pope Leo, inclosing a new treatise, upon the Liberty of the Christian, compre- hending the substance of Christian life. And thus does Luther declare himself : '^ A Christian is a free man over all things, and subject to no man. 'No external things can make him pious and free, but the lioly Gospel only, and a strong, pure faith in God and Jesus Christ.
78 THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
Through this a Christian is exalted above all things, and made his own master. Nothing can injure his salvation ; everything must be subject to him and to his salvation. Who can perfectly conceive the honor and the supreme elevation of a Christian ? Through his kingdom he con- trols all earthly things ; through his priesthood he con- trols God, for God does what he asks and wills."
But, on the other hand, a Christian is also a ministering servant in all things and subject to every one. For he has still another will in his flesh that would lead him captive in sin. Hence he dare not be idle. He must labor with himself to expel his evil desires and to sub- due his own body. Nor dare we despise the weakness or the weak faith of our neighbor, but must serve him in all things to his improvement. Thus the Christian, who is a free man, becomes a ministering servant in all things and subject to every one. And at the close he says : ^' A Christian does not live unto himself, but in Christ and in his neighbor : in Christ through faith, in his neighbor through love. Through faith he rises above himself into God ; from God he returns again among his own through love, and yet always remains in God and in divine love."
This treatise is one of the finest that came from Luther's pen. It stands on a level with and is equal to the other two famous Reformation treatises, *' To the Christian Nobles of the German Nation" and *' The Babylonian Captivity of the Church." It is a glorious testimony showing that, in spite of the Pope's anathema, his soul was resting confidently in God. And hence he could write to the Pope : '' From tliis treatise his Holiness might perceive how he (Luther) would rather be engaged, and much more profitably indeed, were he not hindered by impious papal flatterers."
BURNING THE PAPAL BULL OF EXCOMMUIflCATION. 79
In the papal bull he found his teachings misrepresent- ed. Hence he wrote another treatise entitled, '* Against the Bulls of the Antichrist." Again he appealed to a council of the Church, as he had done two years before this, but from a different standpoint, and with a conscious certainty of the justice of his cause.
In the meanwhile the judgment of the papal bull was executed upon Luther's writings, in the city of Cologne and in the presence of the Emperor. In Lou vain and Mayence they were also publicly burned.
Luther hesitated no longer. On the 10th of November, 1520, he publicly announced that the bull of excommuni- cation and the papal books of canonical law would be burned on the following morning at nine o'clock. At the appointed time, students, masters, and doctors were assembled at the designated place, at the Elster Gate, near the Augustinian monastery. A Master, i.e. an ad- vanced student, prepared the place, piled on the fagots, and applied the fire. Then Luther cast the Eoman decretals, together with the papal bull, into the flames, exclaiming, ^^ Because thou hast offended the Holy One of the Lord, be thou consumed with everlasting^ fire."
This being accomplished, Luther returned with his friends to the city. Several hundred students remained at the fire feeding the flames with papal writings. Others paraded the streets, deriding Eck and the papal bull.
On the following day, after the opening lecture at tlie university, Luther earnestly addressed his hearers, warn- ing them to beware of papal laws and statutes. To burn the Pope's decretals was mere child's play. Ear more important and necessary would it be to burn the Pope, i.e. the Eoman authority, with all its teachings and abominations. '^If ye do not," said he, *'with all your heart, resist the blasphemous government of the
80 THE LIFE OF MARTIX LUTHER.
Pope, je cannot be saved. For the Pope's dominion is so contrary to Christ's kingdom and to the Christian hfe, that it wonld be safer and better to live in an unin- habited desert than to dwell in an anti-Christian empire. To Stanpitz, who had retired to Salzburg, he wrote that in burning the Pope's bull he at first feared and trembled. But now he rejoiced as at no other act of his life. Luther, by these proceedings, had formally severed his ecclesias- tical relations with the Church of Pome. To complete this act also externally, he now released himself from the obligations of monastic laws.
But by his bold actions he had let loose a storm which raged over all Germany — a storm which could not be quieted imtil the Judgment Day. Thus were the ruling spirits excited on both sides of the question. Germany was divided into two hostile camps, that fought each other most violently, with pictures and in writings, with biting satire and in sober earnestness. In the Ger- man nation, complains a contemporary, there prevailed such controversy, disturbance, and disorder that no king- dom, no city, no village, and no house was free from this quarrel, but all w^ere divided, the one against the other. Everywhere excitement and bitter feeling ! Here and there wonderful, horrible stories were reported about wars and insurrections ! Ulrich von Ilutten had really pur- posed to resort to arms to assist the Gospel with the sword, and to drive the Romanists from the land. But Lutlier restrained him, saying, " AVe must not contend for the Gospel with brute force and murder. Through the Word the world has l)een overcome ; through the Word tlie Church has been preserved ; through the Word the Church will be purified and restored."
The time allotted for recantation had expired. On the
UUKNING THE PAPAL BULL OF EXCOMMUA^IC ATION". 81
3d of January, 1521, Pope Leo issued another bull against Luther and his adherents. But the papal authority had been so completely weakened that the anathema and in- terdict were received in Germany with shouts of laughter.
CHAPTER IX.
LUTHER IJEFOKE THE EMPEROR AT WORMS.
It was on the 16tli of April, 1521, at 10 o'clock In the morning, that the watchman upon the tower of the cathe- dra] at Worms on the- Rhine signalled the approach of a strange cavalcade. At the head rode the herald, with the insignia of the imperial eagle upon his breast. In an open wagon followed Dr. Martin Luther, in his monk's attire, with three companions, surrounded by a great array of stately riders, who had joined him on the way or had gone out from the city to meet him. Thousands had hurriedly gathered from all sides to view the proces- sion as it entered the city, to behold the daring Augus- tinian monk who would appear before the Emperor and the Imperial Diet. Young and old, high and low, crowd- ed to see him. Mothers lifted their infants high into the air. A great multitude of people surged about the wagon and the accompanying horsemen. And thus they pro- ceeded together to the mansion of the Knights of St. John, where Luther secured lodgment. xVs he descended from the wagon he remarked, " God will be with me. ' '
Not for a moment had Luther ever been in doubt what he would do if summoned to appear before the Emperor. '' When I am called," said he, '* I will ride there sick if I cannot go well ; for I dare not doubt that the Lord calls if the Emperor desires me to do this.
LUTHER BEFORE THE EMPEROR AT WORMS. 83
And should they employ force, as seems likely — since they have not called me to afford better information — we must intrust ourselves to the hand of God. He that preserved His three servants in the fiery furnace of the King of Babylon still lives and reigns. If He will not preserve me, little does it matter, especially when w^e think of Christ, who, with so great ignominy, to the offence of all and the destruction of many, was put to death. But in this case, no reference is to be had to any one's danger, nor to any one's welfare, but solely to the cause of the Gospel, that it be not exposed to the scorn of the godless ; in order that our enemies be not given good cause to defame us, as if we dared not confess what we taught or w^ere afraid to shed our blood on its behalf. May Christ, out of mercy, save us from such reproach, and save them from such glorying."
Luther received the summons of the Emperor at the hands of the imperial herald, Caspar Sturm, of Op>pen- heim, on the 26th of March, 1521. He was to appear before the Emperor at Worms within twenty-one days, and a safe-conduct was assured him. The city council of Wittenberg provided w^agon and horses for the jour- ney. On the 2d of April, Tuesday after Easter, Luther departed for Worms, accompanied to the suburbs by his friends and colleagues and several hundred students. Li bidding them farewell he admonished them, as his scholars, to hold fast to the pure doctrine of the Gospel. He took leave of his friend Melanchthon in the following words : ^'Should I not return again, and should my enemies murder me, then I adjure thee, my dear brother, do not cease to teach, nor to adhere to, the truth of the Divine Word. Labor at the same time for me during my absence. Thou canst do it better than I. Hence there is not much lost if I am gone, so that
84 THE LIFB OF MARTIN LUTHER.
thou dost remain ! In thee our Lord God will yet have a learned warrior."
After he had taken a touching farewell of his friends, who believed that they had seen him for the last time on earth, he continued his journey by way of Leipsic, ]S"aumburg, Weimar, Erfurt, Gotha, and Eisenach. In the last named cities he preached. The people of Erfurt had prepared a festive and glorious reception ; they went out of the city to meet him, and received him with great enthusiasm.
At Eisenacli, Luther's beloved city, he became very sick.. Blood-letting was resorted to, and the burgo- master gave him some '^ noble water" (^' edel Was- serlein") to drink. On the following day he continued his journey, but all the way to Frankfort he felt very much indisposed, more so than he had ever felt before. Whenever he approached a city or town the people flocked to see the wonderful man who had been so bold as to oppose the Pope and all the world besides ! To those, however, who warned liim that he would speedily be burned in Worms, as Huss had been in Constance, he replied : ^^And even though they should kindle a fire as high as heaven between Wittenberg and Worms, yet would I go and appear in the name of the Lord ; yea, I will confess Christ in the very mouth of Behemoth !"
As he was nearing the city of Worms, his friend Spalatin, who was in the company of the Elector, sent him a message warning him not to enter the city and to incur so great danger. Luther replied to him: **To Worms was I called, and to Worms must I go. And were there as many devils there as tiles upon the roofs, yet would I enter into that city." Sickingen invited him to come to Castle Ebernburg, there to secure his life, and to treat with the Emperor's confessor. Luther declined
LUTHER BEFORE THE EMPEROR AT WORMS. 85
the invitation, saying: ^^Not to Ebernburg, but to "Worms have I been summoned. If the imperial con- fessor have aught to say to me, let him seek me there." Moreover, he was obliged to hasten to reach AVorms in time before his safe-conduct had expired.
On the same day that he arrived in Worms he was visited by a large number of the nobility, clergy, and laity, until late at night. The Landgrave of Hesse also called to see him, and in departing said, ^^If your cause is a just one, Doctor, then may God assist you."
The Papists, on the other hand, sought to persuade his Imperial Majesty to seize Luther and to put him to death. They adduced the examj^le of John Huss, and said, ^^ To a heretic one is under no obligation, either to grant a safe-conduct or to keep it." But the Emperor Charles replied, '^Whatever promise has been made must be fulfilled."
Early on the following morning the imperial marshal notified Luther to appear at four o'clock in the afternoon, in the presence of the Emperor, the Elector, and other nobles of the empire, to hear why he had been ordered to appear.
At the appointed time Luther was sent for. Before going he sought comfort and strength in earnest prayer to God. Then, with cheerful countenance, he fol- lowed the imperial marshal, by secret passage-ways, to the assembly room of the episcopal palace, where the Emperor lodged. The main street was impassable on account of the great multitude of people that desired to see him. Many had ascended to the roofs of the houses, and vast throngs could with difficulty be kept from the palace.
As Luther was passing to the assembly room of the diet, a noted commander, George von Frundsberg, touched
86 THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
him on the shoulder and said, "My dear monk, thou art now about taking a step, the like of which neither I nor many a commander on the hardest fought battle-field has ever taken. If thou art right and sure of thy cause, proceed in God's name, and be of good cheer ; God will not forsake thee. ' '
After w^aiting for two hours, Luther was led into the presence of the Imperial Diet. Here a glorious and magnificent assemblage confronted him. In the centre of the large hall the youthful Emperor, Charles V., was enthroned under a purple canopy. Beside him was seated his brother Ferdinand ; behind him there stood a glittering array of the nobles of the imperial court. To the riglit and to the left of the throne, extending along the walls, were seated two hundred princes and nobles of the realm, ordered according to rank.
When Luther entered the hall a universal murmur of excitement was heard. Order being restored, the im- perial marshal, in the name of the Emperor, reminded Luther that he must confine his answers to the pro- j^ounded questions.
An official representative of the Archbishop of Treves then addressed him as follows: ''Martin Luther, his sacred and invincible Majesty, with the advice and coun- sel of the nobility of the Roman Empire, has summoned you to appear before his Majesty's throne, to demand an answer to these two questions : First, do you acknowl- edge these books [heaped up on a bench at his side] to be yours or not ? And secondly, do you recant, or do you adhere to and maintain, the contents of the same ?"
Luther answered in a low voice, and as if he were frightened, that the books were his, l)ut whether he should be prepared to defend or retract all alike would be a question of faith, of his soid's salvation, and of God's
LUTHEK BEFORE THE EMPEROR AT >V0RM8. 87
Word, wliicli is the most precious treasure in heaven and on earth. In such a case he must not speak thoughtlessly. He therefore most humbly entreated his Imperial Majesty to grant him a respite for further consideration.
This was granted him until the next day, although with the rebuke that he had already had sufficient time for reflection.
On Thursday, the 18th of April, Luther was again ordered to appear before the diet, but was obliged to wait amid a dense throng until six o'clock in the evening, be- fore he was called into the presence of the Emperor. The same official that had addressed him on the previous day now demanded that he should give a final answer to the question whether he would defend all his books or withdraw some of them. Luther replied in a lengthy and well-considered address, modest in character and with great Christian joy and firmness. It could readily be seen that his books were not all alike. In some he had written about faith and good works, and in so simple and Christian a manner that even his opponents must confess that they were useful and innocent, and worthy to be read by Christian people. Such books he could not re- call. The second kind were directed against the papacy and the papists, who were destroying all Christians, in body and soul, with their evil doctrine and example ; who had enslaved, burdened, and tortured the Christian con- science, and devoured the possessions of the German lands by incredible tyranny. If he were to retract these writings he would but strengthen this tyranny and make of himself a cloak of infamy to cover up all unchristian living and teaching. The third kind of books was of such as were written against individual persons who desired to defend Roman tyranny and destroy the gracious teach- ings of God. And these also he could not recall without
88 THE LIFE ©F MAKTIX LUTHEK.
approving of the despotic papal rule. Citing the words of Christ in his defence, " If 1 have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil " (John 18 : 23), he asked for counter testimony from the evangelical and prophetical writings. If thus convinced, he would very readily and willingly re- cant all his alleged errors. He would then be the first one to cast his writings into the flames.
Luther spoke in both German and Latin. After he had finished, the princes held a short consultation. Then the imperial representative reproached him for having spoken disrespectfully, and for not having an- swered^ the proposed questions. He repelled Luther's demand for counter-evidence, and maintained that his heresies had been condemned by the Church and by its general councils. What was now demanded of him was a plain and straightforward answer, whether he would or would not recant.
Thereupon Luther replied : '' Since your Imperial Majesty have desired a direct answer, I shall give such an one as shall have neither horns nor teeth, viz., except 1 be convinced with clear and undoubted evidence of Holy Scripture — for I believe neither in the Pope nor in councils alone, since it is evident they have often erred and contradicted themselves — and as my conscience is bound by God's Word, I cannot and will not recant, because it is neither safe nor advisable to act contrary to conscience. Here I stand ; I cannot do otherwise ; God help me ! Amen !"
At about eight o'clock in the evening the diet ad- journed. Darkness had set in, and the hall was dimly lighted by torches. The assembly broke up with a feel- ing of excitement, which increased when Luther was led away amid the hissing of the Spaniards. It was generally believed that he would now be held as pris-
LUTHER BEFOHE THE EMPEROR AT WORMS. 89
oner. Whilst lie Avas standing in the midst of the throncr, Duke Erich of Brunswick sent him a silver tankard of Eimbeck beer, with the message that he should drink and be refreshed. Luther enjoyed it right w^ell, and said, " As Duke Erich has remembered me, so may our Lord Jesus Christ remember him in his last hour." Luther was now happy at heart. As soon as he returned to his lodging-place, he lifted up both hands and cried out, " I have done it ; I have done it !" And continuing, he remarked : ^' If I had a thousand heads, I w^ould lose them all rather than to recant."
The Elector was astonished at Luther's course. In the evening he said to Spalatin : ' ' Well indeed has our father. Dr. Martin Luther, spoken in the presence of the Emperor and all the princes, both in Latin and Ger- man ; but he is too bold for me." The Emperor himself seems to have been very slightly impressed by the Augustinian monk. When, however, he spoke those memorable words, ^'Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise," the Emperor was touched, and remarked, '' The monk speaks without fear and with great courage. " The day before he said, '' This monk will never make a heretic of me. ' '
The Emperor Charles possessed a very inadequate un- derstanding of German affairs ; his knowledge of the German language was imperfect. He was a Spaniard at heart, and by his early education firmly attached to the doctrines of the Church. The new teachings of Luther, and the movement emanating therefrom, he viewed exclusively from a political standpoint.
On the following day the Emperor announced to the assembled members of the diet that since Martin Luther was not inclined to recede a finger' s-brcadth from his errors, after the example of his predecessors, who had
90 THE LIFE OF MARTIX LUTUEK.
always been obedient to the Konian Church, he must protect the ancient faith and maintain the authority of the Pope.
He would therefore be obliged to prosecute Luther with ban and interdict, and in every other available way. Yet he would not violate his promise of safe-conduct, but permit him to return to his home.
Before Luther left Worms another attempt was made to heal the strife by a friendly interchange of opinions. Yet after two days spent in negotiations Luther sent this declaration to the Archbishop of Treves : '' Most gracious sir, I cannot recede. Let God do unto me as He will. ^ If this council or this work be of men, it will come to naught. But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it.' And thus, if my cause is not of God, it will not last more than two or three years ; but if it be of God, it cannot be overthrown.'' Then he added : *' I entreat your Grace to secure for me from his Imperial Majesty permission to return home ; for this is the tenth day of my sojourn here, and nothing has been accomplished."
Within three hours Luther received a letter of safe-con- duct, with instructions to return to Wittenberg within twenty-one days, and on the way to abstain from exciting the people either by preaching or by writing.
On the 2Gth of April Luther and the friends who had accompanied him to Worms departed for home. He rode in the same wagon in which he had come. The imperial herald, Caspar Sturm, went with him as far as Friedberg."^ Here Luther dismissed him w4th a letter to the Emperor, in which lie returns thanks for the safe-con- duct, and offers both to do and to sulfer all things for the aake of his Majesty and the empire. But one thing, how-
* Not far from Frankfort.
LUTHER BEFORE THE EMPEROR AT WORMS. 91
ev^er, lie must reserve : the right to profess the Word of God, free and untrammelled.
On the 30tli of October he reached Hersf eld, "^ where in spite of ban and interdict he was received bj the abbot with distinguished honors and very hospitably entertained. Luther writes to Spalatin about his reception as follows : ^'The abbot sent his chancellor and chamberlain to wel- come me a mile (German) from town ; he himself re- ceived me with a great retinue near his castle and escort- ed me into the city. At the gates I was greeted by the chief magistrate. In the monastery I was gloriously entertained and lodged ; the following morning at five o'clock I was urged to preach, though I declined. The next day the abbot accompanied us to the edge of the woods and through his chancellor provided for us all a farewell dinner at Berka."'^
Luther then continued on his journey to Eisenach, whence many came out to meet him. Here he preached, notwithstanding the imperial injunction. A portion of his companions now left him, to take the direct route for home.
But Luther, with two companions, visited some of his relatives near Molira. Here he lodged with his uncle Heinz, and preached on the 4th of May under a linden tree near the church. From Mohra he had intended to go through the woods to Gotlia. His relatives accompanied him as far as the Castle Altenstein ; there they bade him farewell. The wagon now disappeared into the woods along a by-road that leads up to the Rennstieg, the â– main thoroughfare. In the neighborhood of tlie ruins of a chapel, where to-day a sparkHng spring gushes forth,
* Oil the road between Frankfort and Cassel, and not far from Fulda.
92 THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
close to ^'Lntlier's beech-tree," a company of armed men suddenly burst out of tlie woods. As soon as one of Luther's companions, his brother monk, saw them, he jumped out of the wagon and fled, without a word of farewell.
The armed horsemen surrounded the wagon, com- manded the driver to halt, and seized Luther. They allowed his other companion and the driver to continue on their journey. Then, throwing a cloak about Luther, they mounted him upon a horse, and led him about the woods until night set in. It was nearly midnight when the heavy drawbridge of the Wartburg Castle, near Eisenach, was lowered, and when across it rode a weary traveller, to be received within its sheltering walls.
CHAPTER X.
luthp:r on the wartbukg.
The news of Luther's capture spread with great ra- pidity. Neither friend nor enemy knew what had be- come of him, whether lie w^ere dead or yet alive. Even the warder of the gate of the Wartburg Castle was under tlie impression that an unknown offender had been cauglit on the road and securely lodged.
^' Is he yet alive, or have they assassinated him ?" asks the famous painter Albrecht Diirer,* as he continues his daily memorandum, saying, " This I do not know ; but if dead, tlien he has suffered for the sake of Christian truth, and because he has punished the unchristian papacy that resists the freedom of Christ with its grievous burdens and human enactments. O God, if Luther be dead, who will henceforth so clearly proclaim to us the Gospel ! O God, what could he not have written during the next ten or twenty years ? O all ye pious Christian people, assist me to lament the loss of this inspired man, and to pray God that he send us another illuminated man !"
Yet even the enemies of Luther could not rejoice.
* Albrecht or Albert Diirer was bom in Nuremberg May 20th, 1471, and died there April 6th, 1528. As CDgraver and painter, he was one of the most remarkable men of his age. He embraced the doctrines of the Reformation, and in his last and grandest works, life-size figures of the apostles John and Peter, and Mark and Paul, he is said to have entreated his countrymen to stand fast in the new faith.
94 THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
!N"ow that lie was believed to be dead it was seen how greatly the people honored him, and how deep an im- pression his teachings had already produced. One of his enemies wrote to the Archbishop of Mayence (Mainz) : ** We have gotten rid of Luther, as we desired ; but the people are so much excited about it that 1 fear we shall •scarce escape with our lives, if we do not everywhere seek him wuth lanterns and call him back again."
In the meanwhile, in the month of May, the imperial edict against Luther had been proclaimed. In this he is declared to be cut off from the Church of God, as a hardened schismatic and a notorious heretic. Under penalty of punishment for high treason, and of the im- perial ban and outlawry, it was forbidden to harbor and lodge, to entertain and nourish him, or to afford him help or support, secretly or openly, in word or deed, in any way whatsoever ; but on the contrary, to seize him wherever found, and to deliver him to his Imperial Maj- esty. ** No one shall buy or sell, read or retain his books ; but they shall be blotted out of the memory of man."
In so severe and violent a manner did the Edict of Worms proceed against Luther, but without accomplish- ing anything. No one seemed to pay the least attention to it, and it was soon discovered that nothing w^ould be gained even if Luther were removed.
During this time, Luther was securely lodged in tha old burg of the Landgraves, which in his letters he called his Patmos (Rev. 1 : 9), at times his mountain and desert, also his air-castle and home of the birds. He appeared to the inmates as a new knight, under the name of Squire George. He permitted his hair and beard to ^row so that his personal appearance was changed. ^ ' You would hardly recognize me," he writes to Spalatin, ^' for I scarcely recognize myself."
LUTHER ON THE WARTBUllG. 95
Tlius the plan of the Elector Frederick, to conceal Luther for a season and to secure him against persecutions, had well succeeded. Long before its execution the Elec- tor had conceived of this idea, and at Worms he reached a final decision. Spalatin furnishes the following particu- lars of the event : ^'My gracious Lord, the Elector, was as yet somewhat faint-hearted, but he loved Martin Luther. He would not act contrary to God's Word, nor would he incur the enmity of the Emperor. And so he conceived the project of retiring Dr. Martin for a little while in hope that the controversy might quietly and peaceably be settled. Hence Luther was informed, on the evening previous to his departure from Worms, of the plan of seizing him, and expressed himself as con- tented to honor the Elector by humble obedience, although he would rather have gone straight forward without con- cealment." The commandant of the Wartburg Castle, Hans von Berlepsch, assisted by his friends Burkhard Hund von Wenkheim and Von Altenstein, admirably conducted and successfully executed the seizure and im- prisonment of Luther.
The commander of the castle faithfully provided for him. Two pages of honor were in attendance. When- ever he left the burg a trusty and discreet knight accom- panied him, and when disposed at any inn to lay aside his sword and to take up his books, to admonish him. On one occasion he joined a hunting party, but took no pleasure in the sport. " I have been on a hunt," he writes to Spalatin, ^'for the past two days, and have tasted of that bitter-sweet enjoyment of our noble lords ! We got two rabbits and a couple of poor partridges, A worthy occupation, in truth, for idle people ! I con- tinued my theological studies amid the snares and the dogs ; and as much pleasure as I derived from viewing^,
06 THE LIFE OF MARTIX LUTHER.
such sport, the more sympathy and sorrow I had in think- ing of the mysterious truth the picture concealed. For the picture teaches nothing else tlian that the devil, through his godless masters and, dogs — the bishops and theologians — secretly hunts and catches the innocent little animals — the common people. It is the picture of simple and believing souls which is thus vividly presented to my sorrowing heart. And once it happened that a poor little rabbit took refuge in the sleeve of my coat lying by the way. The dogs in their pursuit scented its hiding- place, first wounded, and then killed it. Thus the Pope and Satan rage in their efforts to ruin saved souls, without concerning themselves about my labors."
He delighted to roam about the beautiful woods sur- rounding the castle searching for strawberries. This pas- time was conducive to his health, for as late as October of that year (1521) his bodily ailments caused him so much trouble that he at one time intended to leave his asylum and visit Erfurt for medical advice. lie passed many a day in melancholy and depression of spirits. At such times he believed himself to be tormented by the Evil One. Thus he relates the following incident : "It was in the year 1521 that I was in Patmos on the Wartburg, alone in my little room, no one being permitted to come to me save two pages of honor who brought me food and drink. They had bought me a bag of hazelnuts, of which I ate from time to time, and which I locked up in a chest. One evening on retiring, 1 heard some one at the hazel- nuts, cracking one after another w^ith force against the rafters ; then the noise approached my bed, but I cared little for that. After I had fallen asleep there began sucli a tumult on the stairway, as if threescore barrels were being thrown down. I arose, went to the stairs, and cried out, ' Art thou here ? (meaning the Evil One).
LUTHER Oiq- THE WARTBURG. 97
So be it !' I then commended my soul to the Lord Jesus Christ, of whom it is said (Psahn viii. 6), ^ Thou hast put all things under His feet,' and retired to rest. For this is the best method to expel him (the devil) : despising him and calhng upon Christ. That he can- not endure." But finally, when Satan exceeded all bounds, as the legend records, Luther threw his ink- stand at him, and he never returned again ! ^
But neither sickness nor interdict could bend his will or paralyze his working powers. Not long had he been on the burg when he occupied himself with the transla- tion of the Scriptures, as well as with other writings. In a few weeks several works were ready for the press. A treatise ' ^ About Confession, and whether the Pope is entitled to command the same, " he dedicated to his particular friend and firm patron, Francisco von Sick- ingen.
Besides commenting upon selected portions of Holy Scripture intended to instruct, comfort, and edify Chris- tian people, Luther sent out many a heavy controversial article from the "Wartburg. Thus he directed a vigorous attack upon the Archbishop Albert of Mayence, brother of the Elector of Brandenburg. This Church dignitary, in need of money, had again set up the traffic with indulgences in the city of Halle, estabhshing a great shrine of relics, and inviting all to visit the same. He had collected a multitude of glorious relics, about nine thousand in number. Among these were remains of saints, a portion of the body of the patriarch Isaac, remnants of manna, pieces of Moses' burning bush, jugs
* The spot is still shown, in the Luther room of the Wartburg Castle, where the inkstand struck the wall. The plastering, how- ever, has disappeared, being dug out and carried off by vandal visitors.
98 THE LIFE OF MARTIK LUTHER.
from tlie marriage feast at Cana, some of the wine wJiicli Clirist made of water on that occasion, thorns from Jesus' martyr crown, one of the stones with which Steplien was killed, and many other glorious relics. Against all this abomination Luther wrote a treatise entitled, *' Against the Idol in Halle," and sent it to Wittenberg for 23ublication. The Elector Frederick, however, did not favor Luther's attack upon one of the foremost imperial princes, since such a stej) might pro- voke a serious conflict and endanger the peace of the Empire. Spalatin informed him of this, to which Luther replied as follows: '^ I have hardly ever read a more disagreeable letter than your last. First of all, I cannot endure to hear it, that the Elector will not permit my writing against that man of Mayence, nor anything that w^ill disturb the public peace. And yet, if I have with- stood the Pope, wherefore should I retreat before his creature?" But a little later on Luther listened to the advice of his friends, and consented that the publication of the treatise should be postponed. Then he sent a written warning to the Archbishop, admonishing him that if the traffic in indulgences were not immediately stopped he would proclaim it to the whole world. He would grant him two weeks' time for a proper answer. After that he would issue his book, ^^ Against the Idol in Halle." Luther received the desired answer, a clear evidence what a mighty power the concealed monk had already developed against the Elector and the Archbishop and Cardinal in Mayence. In his reply the Archbishop said that the cause which led to Luther's treatise was removed. He did not deny that he was a poor, sinful man. He could endure Christian admonition, and hoped to receive grace and strength of God to live according to His will. Luther put but little faith in the statements
LUTHER ON THE WAUTBURG. 99
of the Archbishop, although he desisted from publishing his treatise.
Above all other writings Luther delighted to work upon his German Church Postils, an explanation of the Gospels and Epistles for Sundays and festival days, which was the first collection of sermons .in the German language.
But the finest and ripest fruit of Luther's leisure and seclusion from the world was his translation of the 'New Testament. It is the principal work and the crown of all his Wartburg labors. He comments upon it as follows: ''I will remain herein seclusion until Easter- tide. In the meanwhile I will write the Church Postils, and intend to translate the IS'ew Testament into the German tongue, as many of my friends request. O that every city had its interpreter, and that all tongues, hands, eyes, ears , and hearts might concern and busy themselves about this one book ! I will translate the Bible, although in so doing I have assumed a task which w^ill exceed my powers. I now perceive what it is to translate, and why up to the present time it has never been undertaken by any one who has subscribed his name. But the Old Testament I will not touch, unless you (meaning the professors and friends at Wittenberg) will assist me. Indeed, if I could have a secret room at Wittenberg I would go there at once, and with your assistance translate the whole of it from the beginning. But I would have such a translation as would deserve to be read by all Christians, for I hope we would be able to present to Germany a better translation than is the Latin version. It is a great work, and worthy of our united labors, since it ought everywhere to be found and to conduce to the general welfare of the people." In two months Luther had completed the translation
100 THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
of the ]^ew Testament. ^^I translated not only St. John's Gospel," says Luther, *^but the entire New Testament, whilst I was in Patmos. And now Philip (Melanchthon) and I have begun to jiohsh it off, and with God's help it will be a line piece of work. For my fellow- Germans was I born, and them will I serve !' ' And in order that he might do this right well, he ques- tioned the mother at home, the childi-en in the streets, and the common laborer in the market. The terms of court and palace he could not use, said he. And thus he accomplished the completion of a truly popular, glorious work, which proved to be the foundation and corner-stone of his Eef ormation labors.
CHAPTEE XI.
THE TKOUBLES AT WITTENBERG.
*^ O WOULD that I were in Wittenberg !" sighed Lnther, as lie Avas seated at his study-table in his lonely room on the Wartburg. Unrest and longing drew him back to his old circle and sphere of activity at Wittenberg.
In the meanwhile his friends had quietly and faithfully continued the work. They were resigned to the necessary absence of their master when Melanchthon joyfully an- nounced to them, "Our dearest Father still lives." And Luther, in his seclusion, rejoiced to hear of the effective labors of his colleagues, through whose influence the university was visibly prospering. From all parts of Germany, Switzerland, Poland, and from other lands, young men flocked together and labored with zeal and in perfect harmony. A beginning was made to carry out in practice that for which Luther had contended in word. To bring the Church life in accord with the new doc- trines was the question of the day.
Luther himself assisted in its solution with counsel and consolation. He was painfully aware of his personal responsibility in the matter, for he acknowledged that it was he who had first lighted the fires. He also felt that he was under special obligations to the congregation at Wittenberg as its teacher and spiritual shepherd. And indeed his counsel was necessary. For a great excitement had arisen, and the strain upon the public mind was daily growing more intense. It happened on this wise.
102 THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHEK.
The lirst step to be taken in the practical reform move- ment was to abolish the system of monasticism, and to change the administration of the Lord's Supper so as to conform to the institution of Christ. To this end Karlstadt, one of Luther's colleagues, labored with great zeal. But his restless spirit was not content with the slow devolopment of things. He appeared as a liery preacher, and, notwithstanding his weak voice and un- gainly appearance, he attracted a multitude of hearers. After he had drawn around him a large number of follow- ers, he forcibly entered the castle church one day, drove out the priests that were reading mass, and began a furious destruction of pictures, statues, and altars. He also de- sired to establish a law making marriage obligatory upon the clergy, and allowing none but married men to be called to Church offices. He proposed to the Elector that private masses should be abolished on his territory. He exhorted monks and nuns to leave their cloisters. The Lord's Supper was to be celebrated according to its original institution, and moreover so that twelve com- municants at a time should receive the bread and the wine together. Melanchthon, mild and yielding in his disposition, could not withstand these stormy and violent proceedings. He wrote to Luther that he had entreated Karlstadt to moderate his zeal, but that he alone could not stem the current.
Thereupon Luther, in the attire of a knight, and ac- companied by a single servant, secretly returned to Wittenberg. For three days he lodged with his friend Amsdorf,* none but his most intimate associates knowing
* Nicholas von Amsdorf was born Dec. 3d, 1483, and died May 14th, 1565. He was one of the most energetic, and at times most violent, of Luther's adherents.
THE TROUBLES AT WITTENBERG. 103
aught of his arrivaL After he had comforted his friends and strengthened them by his coimsels for their work, he again secretly returned to the Wartburg.
The Elector was not yet willing that Luther should leave his place of refuge. I^or was his presence in Wit- tenberg absolutely necessary, although scenes of disorder had occurred, and priests and monks had been abused by students and townspeople.
In Zwickau* numerous disturbances, especially as touching infant baptism, had occurred. Three of the prime movers came to Wittenberg during the Christmas holidays in the year 1521. They w^ere curious fellows in warlike attire. Wonderful experiences did they relate : God had conversed with them ; they could foretell future events ; in short, they claimed to be prophets and apos- tles ! Melanclithon thought that they were possessed of a particular spirit, whatever be its nature, and that Luther alone could determine its true character. But Luther did not wish to return on that account, especially since it was not the desire of the Elector. He wrote to Me- lanclithon, and also to his friend Amsdorf , that the proph- ets of Zwickau should not be heard at once, but that the matter should quietly take its course. An investigation of their claims to a special calling should be held, and their spirits should be tried according to the advice of St. John (I. 4:1), whether they be of God. To Luther it looked very suspicious that they should boast of their intimate conversations with God. To the people of Wittenberg Luther wrote a letter reproving them for having
* Zwickau, a city of Saxony, about sixty miles south-west of Dres- den, has a present population of about 30,000. Thomas Munzer, one of the leaders of the Anabaptist disturbances, was pastor here in 1520. The town suffered severely during the Thirty Years' War, its population being reduced from 10,000 to less than 5000.
104 THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
introduced iTinovations in connection witli the mass, for destroying pictures, etc., all of which were matters of no great consequence, and which faith and love could tolerate.
But when Melanchthon and his friends saw that they could not stem the current alone, they continued to entreat Luther to return. He only could bring help and deliv- erance. None but he could lead the devastating stream back again into its proper course. Luther finally yielded to these entreaties, though the Elector would not listen to such a proposal. He commanded him to remain on the Wartburg, since in Wittenberg he could not afford him J>rotection. For in the event of his return to the university, Duke George of Saxony in his wrath would demand the immediate execution of the imperial edict. But Luther could no longer be detained. He was im- pelled to return to his congregation at Wittenberg and with a firm hand to lead the Eeformation movement back to its proper channel, and henceforth to guide it in his own spirit.
CHAPTER XII.
Luther's return to wittenberg.
On tlie 1st of March, 1522, Luther left his cherished refuge which had so securely protected him. From his stopping-place at Borna, near Leipsic, on the second day of his journey from the Wartburg to "Wittenberg, he in- formed the Elector, by letter, of his departure from the castle. This communication, which is a remarkable memorial of faith, reads as follows :
*' Most August and Honorable Elector and Gracious Sire !
'' The gracious letter of Your Highness reached me on Friday evening previously to my departure on the fol- lowing morning. That you wrote with the very best of intentions toward me, needs neither proof nor testimony, for I honor myself by this conviction, so far as human knowledge goes.
'' But for my part I would say, that your Lordshij) may know, or you may not know — hence be it known unto you — that I have received the Gospel not from men, but from Heaven alone, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore I would be entitled to subscribe myself a ser- vant and an evangehst, as indeed 1 propose to do hence- forth. And that I exposed myself to trial and judgment was not because I doubted the truth, but because of an abundance of humility to attract others to the same. I have done enough for you, in that I vacated my position during the past year, to obey Your Grace. For the
lOG THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
devil knows full well that I did it not for fear. He knew my heart when I arrived at Worms ; for had I known that as many devils w^ere lying in wait for me as there were tiles on the houses, I would nevertheless have joyfully leaped in among them.
*' But now Duke George is not even equivalent to a single devil ! And since the Father of unfathomable mer- cies hath made us to be lords over death and all devils — and since he hath given unto us the wealth of assurance that we may say unto him, ^ Abba, Father,' you may well judge that it would be the highest reproach unto such a Father, did we not believe that we are also lords over Duke George's wrath. As to myself, I am per- suaded, that I would enter into his city, Leipsic — par- don what may seem foolish to you — should it rain nothing but Duke Georges for nine days, and if each one of them were nine times more wrathful than this one. He seems to regard my Lord Jesus Christ as a man of straw, which reproach He, my Lord, and I can suffer for a while. But I will not conceal from you the fact that I have often prayed for and mourned over Duke George, that God might en- lighten him. I will once more weep and pray for him, and then never more. And I entreat you also to help and pray that we turn the evil away from him, that — O Lord God ! — is controlling him without respite. I would quickly slay Duke George with a single word if any good would come of it.
" 1 have written this with the intent that you may know that I am going to AVittenberg under much higher protec- tion than that of the Elector. Nor is it my purpose to ask protection of the latter. On the contrary, I am inclined to think that I can protect the Elector more and better than he can me. Indeed, if I knew that you could and would protect me I would not go to Wittenberg. No sword can
LUTHER'S EETURN TO WITTEKBERG. 107
help tills cause of mine. God alone can help, without any human co-operation. Therefore, he that has the most faith will be able to afford the most protection. And since I perceive that you are yet weak in the faith, I can- not regard you to be the man who can either protect or
save me.
<' And since you desire to know what assistance you can render at this time, and are of the opinion that you have done too httle, I answer most obediently, that you have abeady done too much, and that you ought to do nothing more. For God cannot and will not endure our worrying and striving. He will have it all left unto Him, and unto none other. Govern yourself accord- ingly.
"U you believe this, you will be safe and enjoy peace. But if you do not beheve this, then will I believe it, and must see your unbelief torment you with cares, an experience which all unbelievers righteously suffer. And now, since I do not intend to obey your commands, you are blameless before God, whether I am imprisoned or killed. But over against man you are thus to conduct yourself : as Elector you are to be obedient to the supe- rior authority, and suffer His Imperial Majesty to rule in city and country, according to the laws of the empire. You are not to "^ defend me, or to resist or to interpose any hindrance whatsoever against the power that is seek- ing to capture or to kill me. For no one is entitled to resist the powers that be save He who ordained the same ; otherwise it would be rebellion, and against God. Yet I hope you will be controlled by reason, and recognize the fact that you were born of too noble ancestry to become my jailer yourself.
<^ K you will leave the gate open and assure me of your safe-conduct, in case my enemies or their represen-
108 THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
tatives should come to fetch me, you will have rendered sufficient obedience. They cannot demand of you more than tliis, to ascertain Luther's abiding-place. And that they may know without care, or work, or danger, on your part. For Christ hath not taught me to be a Christian to the injury of others. But should they be so unreason- able as to command you to seize me, then I will declare what shall be done. I will secure you, as touching my cause, against danger to body and soul and possessions ; you may believe this, or you may not.
^' Herewith I commend you to the grace of God. As to other matters, we shall consider them when it becomes necessary. I have hurriedly finished this letter in order that you may not feel disturbed by the reports of my ar- rival ; for I must be of comfort and not of injury to every man, if I would be a time Christian. I am now treating with a different man from Duke George ; he knows me right well, and I am also tolerably acquainted with him. If you had faith you would see the glory of God ! But since you have not believed, you have as yet seen nothing. May God be loved and praised in all eternity ! Amen.
** Given at Borna, on Ash Wednesday, a.d. 1522. *' Your Grace's '^ obedient servant,
' ' Martin Luther. ' '
The course of Luther's journey led him tlirough Jena. Here, at the '^ Inn of the Black Bear," lie met two Swiss students who were on their way to the University of TVit-
*The repetition of the titles " Your Grace," etc., -which occur very frequently throughout the letter, is omitted in the above translation. They add nothing to the meaning, but serve to mod- erate the boldness of the spirit in which the epistle is written.
Luther's return to wittenberg. 109
tenberg. One of tliem, Jolm Kessler ^ of St. Gall, wlio afterward figured as a reformer in his native country, has preserved a very pleasing account of their meeting with Luther. His narrative has come down to us, and begins as follows : ^ ' While on our journey to "Witten- berg, for the purpose of studying the Holy Scriptures, we arrived at Jena, in Thuringia. "We sought about town for an inn where we could lodge for the night, but we were everywhere refused ; for it was Shrove Tuesday (Fastnacht, carnival night), when not much attention is paid to strangers and pilgrims. "We were about leaving the city to seek lodgings in a neighboring village, when we were met at the gates by an honorable gentleman, who addressed us in a friendly manner and desired to know whither we were bound at so late an hour of the day."
After the two students had informed him of their dilemma he showed them the Inn of the Black Bear, where they obtained lodgment for the night.
Then Kessler continues the story : ^ ' In the waiting- room of the inn we found a man seated alone at a table poring over a little book that lay open before him. He greeted us kindly, and asked. us to be seated at his table [on account of their travel-stained clothing they had seated themselves to one side, on a bench near the
* John Jacob Kessler was born at St. Gall in Switzerland in the year 1502. He prepared himself for the priesthood at Basel, and continued his studies at Wittenberg. On his return to his native city he renounced his intentions to become a priest, but as a lay- man rendered good service to the cause of the Reformation. He finally consented to be ordained, at the age of forty, as Protestant minister, and thereafter took a prominent part in developing the interests of church and school in his canton. He died in 1574, aged seventy-two years.
110 THE LIFE OF MARTIl*- LUTHER.
door]. Then lie offered us drink, wliicli we could not well refuse. After tlius perceiving liis friendliness and cordiality, we joined Iiim at his table and ordered some wine, that we might offer to him in return. We took him to be a knight, who, according to the custom of the country, was clad in pants and doublet, w^ithout armor, "with a little red leather cap on his head, a short sword at his side, his right hand resting on the hilt, the left hand grasping the manuscript. His eyes were black and deep-set, lightening and sparkling hke the stars, so that one could hardly look at them for any length of time.
'' Soon he began to ask us where we were born, but answered the question himself by saying, ^ You are natives of Switzerland, and of what part ? '
'' We answered, ' Of St. Gall.'
*' Then he remarked, ' If you intend to go to Witten- berg you will find excellent fellow-countrymen there — Jerome Schurf and his brother Doctor Augustine Schurf.'
* ^ ^ We have letters of introduction to these gentle- men,' said we ; and then asked him, 'Sir, can you tell us whether Martin Luther is again at Wittenberg, or if not there where he may be ? '
'^ 'I have been reliably informed,' was the stranger's answer, ' that Luther is not in Wittenberg at the present time, but he will soon be there. Philip Melanchthon is there, and teaches the Greek language, and there are others that teach Hebrew. Confidentially, I would advise you to study both Greek and Hebrew, for they are both necessary to understand the Scriptures.' "
The two students declared that they would not rest content until they had seen and heard the man who had attacked priestcraft and the mass. ''' We, too, have been preparing for the ministerial office, at the wish of
LUTHER'S RETURN TO WITTENBERO. Ill
our parents, and we should Hke very much to know all about these things. '
'' ' Where have you studied ? ' asked the stranger.
'"In Basel,' we rephed.
" ' Well, what is the outlook in Basel ? ' continued he. ' Is Erasmus still there, and how fares it with him ? '^
^^ ' As far as we know, matters are progressing right well in Basel,' we answered. 'Erasmus is still there, but what he is doing is unknown to every one, for he is very quiet and uncommunicative.'
'' ' But what think they of that man Luther in Switzer- land ? '
^'^ There are, as elsewhere, various opmions enter- tained concerning him. Some cannot find words enough to praise him, and to thank God that He revealed His truth through him and uncovered error. Others condemn him as an insufferable heretic -especially the clergy.' '^'Methinks these are the priests,' remarked the
stranger."
Soon the strange knight became very intimate with the two students. His learned conversation, especially his acquaintance with the Schurf brothers, with Melanch- thon and Erasmus, were both surprising and wonderful to them. And their astonishment was still further in- creased when one of them opened the book that lay upon the table and found it to be a Hebrew Psalter. He replaced it, and the stranger took it up.
' a would willingly lose one of my fingers," said one of the students, ^'i^f I could understand that language." " You may readily acquire it," replied the unknown one, " if you will apply yourself with diligence. I, too, desire to make progress with it, and daily exercise my- self in it."
The day had now fairly ended, and thick darkness had
112 THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
set in. The proprietor of the inn had entered the room and approaclied tlie table at which Luther and the two Swiss students were seated. When he observed their ardent desire to learn of the whereabouts of Luther, he remarked, ^' My dear fellows, had you been here two days ago you would have seen him, for he was seated at this table and in this very place," pointing with his finger to the seat. *'We were chagrined at this," continues Kessler in his narrative, ^* and were angry with ourselves that we had dallied by the way ; we blamed the muddy and rough roads that impeded our progress, and then said, ' Nevertheless, we rejoice that we ape in the same house and at the same table where he was. ' At this the host laughed and walked away. ' '
''After a little while the innkeeper called me out of the room," continues Kessler. '' I was frightened and bethought myself of what I had done or was suspected of. But the host said to me, ' Since you so ardently desire to see and hear Luther, know then that it is he that is sitting w^ith you at table.' I was inclined to think that he was imposing upon me, and so I said, ' You would like, no doubt, to fool me, and to satisfy my desires with a coun- terfeit of Luther.' But he assured me that he was speaking the truth, yet entreated me to act as if I were not aware of it. I returned to the waiting-room, but could not refrain from whispering into the ear of my companion, ' Tlie host tells me that this man is Luther.' But he would not believe it, and replied, ' You have misunderstood him ; perhaps he said it was Hutten. And now since his apparel reminded me more of Hutten than of Luther — for Luther was a monk — I was per- suaded to believe that the innkeeper said, ' It is Ilutten,' for the first syllables of the two names, Luther and Hutten, resemble each other.' "
LUTHER'S RETURN TO WITTENBERG. 113
In tlie meanwhile two merchants entered the inn, and after they had laid aside their wrappings, one of them placed an unbound book upon the table. The unknown knight asked them for the name and nature of the book. ''It is Dr. Luther's Explanation of the Gospels and Epistles, recently printed and published ; have you not yet seen it?" remarked one of the traders. ''I shall soon receive a copy of the work," replied the stranger. Just then the host approached and in^dted them all to supper. ' ' But we requested him, ' ' says Kessler, ' ' to allow us to eat by ourselves, evidently not feeling able to pay for a full meal. ' My dear fellows, ' said the innkeeper, ' I will provide for you according to your means ; come and be seated.' When the stranger heard these re- marks, he added, ' Come and eat ; I will settle the bill with our host. '
'' Whilst at table his conversation was so friendly and blessed that we paid more attention to his words than to our victuals. He spoke of the impending imperial diet at [Nuremberg, but did not think much would come of it, since the noble lords would rather spend their time upon expensive tournaments, sleighing parties, and idle display, than hear the Word of God. 'But I hope,' said he, 'that the pure truth and God's Word will bring more fruit among our children and posterity than it does among their parents, in whom error is so deeply rooted that it cannot be removed.'
"The merchants also expressed their opinion, the older one of the two saying, 'I am a simple-minded, straightforward layman, and do not imderstand much about these quarrels. But as the thing appears to me, Luther is either an angel out of heaven or a devil out of hell. I would willingly spend ten florins here, for his sake, if I could confess unto him, persuaded, as I am.
114: THE LIFE OF MAllTIX LUTHER.
that he could and would well enlighten my con- science. '
''In the meanwhile the host drew near to us and quietly whispered, * Do not be concerned about the payment of the meal ; Martinus (meaning Luther) has arranged for that. ' At this we were much rejoiced, not because of the money, nor because of the enjoyment of the meal, but because this man had treated us as his guests. After the supper the merchants left the inn to attend to their horses, leaving us alone with the unknown one in the waiting-room. We thanked him for the ev^ening meal, and gave him to understand that we took Inm to be Ulrich von Hutten.
*^ ^I am not the man,' he replied; and to the inn- keeper, who at that moment entered the room, he re- marked, ' I have been created a nobleman this evening, for these Swiss students take me to be Ulrich von Hutten.'
'^ 'You are not he,' replied the host, 'but you are Martin Luther.' At this he laughed in high glee, say- ing, ' These take me to be Hutten ; you regard me as Luther ; soon I shall be called JMartinus Marcolf us. '
'^ Thereupon he invited us to drink with him a friendly and parting blessing. And as I was about taking a glass of beer he proifered me a glass of wine, saying, ' You are unaccustomed to beer, drink the wine.'
** Then he arose, and throwing his tabard over his shoul- ders he took leave of us, grasping us by the hand and saying, ' When you reach AVittenberg present my greet- ing to Doctor Jerome Schurf. '
'''We shall willingly do so,' we replied, 'but fi-om whom shall we say does the greeting come ?' Whereupon he concluded :
" ' Tell hiin pimply this : He that cometh, sends his
Luther's rktukn to wittekberq. 115
greeting. ' "With tliis final word he parted from us and retired to rest. "
The merchants, returning to the room, resumed their social intercourse, and continued their inquiries concern- ing the unknown guest. The innkeeper still held him to be Luther, and the merchants at length were persuad- ed to believe him ; but they were worried about their awkward remarks in his presence. They concluded to arise betimes, and to beg his pardon ; and this they did.
They found him in the stable early in the morning, presented their apology, and received the following reply : ' ^ You said last evening that you were willing to spend ten florins on Luther's account to be permitted to confess to him ; if you should ever confess to him, then you will see and know whether or not I am Martin Luther." With this he mounted his horse and rode toward Wittenberg.
'^ Upon our arrival in Wittenberg we presented oiir let- ters of introduction to Dr. Jerome Schurf . And when we entered the reception room we beheld Martin Luther, the same man whom we had seen in the inn at Jena. And in his company were Philip Melanchthon," Justus Jonas, !Nichola,s Amsdorf , and Doctor Augustine Schurf, recount- ing to him the events which had transpired in Witten- berg during his absence from the university. Luther
* Philip Melanchthon has been aptly termed the second leader of the Protestant Reformation. He was born at Bretten, in Baden, in 1497, and died at Wittenberg in 1560. His family name was Schwarzerd (black earth), but his uncle, the famous Reuchlin, translated it into Greek, and hence Melanchthon, He was pre- eminently the scholar and theologian as Luther was the hero and the advocate of the Reform movement. Modest, gentle, and peace- ful, he supplemented Luther's fiery zeal and determined will. To the end of his life his fervent prayer was for the unity of Chris- tian believers.
116 THE LIFE OF MARTIN" LUTHER.
greeted us, and, smiling, pointed at Philip Melanchtlion and said : ' This is he of whom I spake nnto jou. ' Tlie latter then conversed with us, inquiring about many things, upon which we informed him to the best of our knowledge. And thus we passed the day with these men, to our great delight. "
CHAPTER XIII.
THE PROGRESS OF THE REFORMATION.
After Lntlier returned to Wittenberg tlie excitement soon subsided, and order was restored. With a firm and steady hand he laid hold upon the control of affairs. He again made his residence in the monastery, and exchanged his knight's attire for the monk's cowl, which he did not finally lay aside until two years thereafter. For eight days in succession he preached against the disturbers of the peace with marked power and great success. He ex- horted all to maintain love and concord, and that believ- ing Christians should treat one another, as Cod had treated them, in love, which love they enjoyed by faith. He pointed out the difference between things necessary and things permissible, and instructed his hearers upon the administration of the Lord's Supper and upon Con- fession. And thus in a short time the storm was al- layed.
He did not spend much time upon the prophets of Zwickau. He allowed them to present their cause, and then said that nothing which they had offered was founded upon the Holy Scriptures, and that their views w^ere but the pernicious suggestions of a deceitful spirit and the imagination of inquisitive dispositions. '' I have also detected them in obvious falsehoods," writes Luther. '' And when they endeavored to evade my statements with miserably smooth words, I commanded them to substantiate their teachings with miracles, of which they
1J8 THK LlFii OF MAKTIX LLTHKR.
boasted even against Scripture. Tliej refused to do so, but threatened tliat I would jet be obliged to believe them. Thereupon I charged their god not to perform any miracles against the Avill of my God, and thus we separated. " On the same day they left AVittenberg, and afterward sent a letter to Luther full of reviling and im})recation.
After j)eace and order had been restored in Wittenberg, upon invitation of John,* brother of the Elector Frederick, Luther proclaimed his doctrines in Zwickau, Borna, Erfurt, and Weimar. He resumed the delivery of his university lectures, and also devoted himself to literary labors and controversial writings. lie entered upon a severe conflict with Henry YIIL, King of England, who in reply to Luther's treatise about the Babylonian Cap- tivity had written a book entitled '' Defence and Ad- ministration of the Seven Sacraments against Martin Luther.'' For this he received from the Pope the hon- orary title of " Defender of the Faith."
In the course of the year (1522) there appeared Luther's German version of the Xew Testament. It had been finished on the Wartburg, revised with the aid of Melanchthon and issued from the ])Yess on the 21st of Septeml)er. Thousands eagerly called for it, in spite of the high selling price, one and a half florins, f In no
* John the Constant was born in 1468, and died in 15o3. He was the personal friend and ardent supporter of Luther aud the lleformation. lie succeeded his brother Frederick as Elector of Saxony, in the year 1025.
f The florin was originally a silver coin of Florence, llrst coined there in the twelfth century. The name was adcrpted in different European countries and applied to gold and silver coins varying in value, the single florin being worth from about 25 to 50 cents. Estimating the purchasing power of money then at double what It is now, a copy of Luther's Testament woidd have cost $1.50.
THE PBOGKESS OF THE REFORMATION. 119
otlier way was the gospel so generally diffused and the cause strengthened as through the Holy Scriptures, which could now be read by all classes of the people. The Roman Catholic Church recognized the danger, and immediately prohibited its circulation.
One of the most violent enemies of Luther writes as follows : ^' In a marvellous manner did the printers mul- tiply the copies of Luther's New Testament, so that cob- I biers and women, and every layman acquainted with German letters, most eagerly read it as the source of truth, and by frequent reading impressed it upon their memory. Many indeed presumed to obtain so much knowledge within a few weeks that they ventured to dispute about the faith and the Gospel with masters and doctors of sacred Theology ; for Luther has long taught them that even Christian women are priests, and indeed that every one that is baptized is as much a priest as Pope, bishop, and presbyter. The great mass of Luther- ans give themselves a great deal more trouble to learn the Scriptures thus translated than do the Catholic people, who let the priests and monks attend to that. "
Li the same year portions of the Old Testament, sucli as the five books of Moses, were finished and issued in parts. Additional portions were published in 1524. But the work of translating the prophets delayed the issue of the whole Bible for several years.
Leo X. was dead, and a new Pope, Adrian YI.,* had
* Pope Adriaa VI. was born in 1459, became Pope in 1522, and died in 1523. He is said to have been the son of an obscure me- chanic of Utrecht, named Boeijens, The simplicity of his court, his attempted ecclesiastical reforms, and his humble acknowledg- ment of errors in the Church gave great offence to the clergy. In one of his published works he held that a Pope might err even in matters of faith. . . ., v
120 THE LIFE OF MARTIiN" LUTHER.
ascended tlie papal tlirone. Earnest and severe in dis- position, lie sought most empliatically to crush Luther's heresy, which, in spite of ban and edict, was making con- tinual progress. Nor did he hesitate to attack Luther's personal cliaracter, and to heaj? abuse uj^on him. Luther was not disturbed at this ; he was accustomed to call Adrian ^' the jackass !' ' At the meeting of the Imperial diet in Nuremberg (1522) Adrian met with no favor. He was plainly told that the numerous abuses of the papal court and of the Roman clergy, by means of which the German people were insufferably burdened, were the main causes wlij^ the Pope's decrees and Emperor's edicts against Luther could not be enforced. At the same time a free council of the universal Christian Church was de- manded.
The Pope now addressed a violent communication to the Elector, abounding in serious threats. '' Did I but know of a Avay," writes Luther, ^' how to deliver the Elec- tor out of all this difficulty, without reproach to the Gospel, I would not spare my life. One year ago I anticipated losing my life for the cause, and I thought that this might be the way of deliverance for him. But now, since we are not able to fathom and comprehend God's plans, we shall rest in safety when we say : Thy will be done. And I doubt not that the Elector will escape unharmed so long as he does not openly confess and approve of my cause. But God alone knows why he must bear my shame, Tliis much, however, is certain, that it will do liim no harm ; on the contrary, it will be his greatest blessing." The next Lnperial Diet, held in 153^, like- wise refused to proceed against Luther, as demanded by the new Pope, Clement YIL, a counterpart of Leo X. But the Elector entertained the hope that all would yet peacefully unite upon Luther's doctrine.
THE PROGRESS OF THE REPORilATIOiT. 121
The influence of Lntlier's activity was everywhere felt. Many noblemen and a number of cities espoused his cause, and called Lutheran pastors. Among the former was Albert, Earl of Mansfeld. Among the latter, Magde- burg, Frankfort, Nuremberg, Ulm, Strasburg, Breslau, and Bremen. In Saxony Zwickau, Altenburg, and Eis- enach headed the list. But the first country that, as a whole, accepted the evangelical teachings was Prussia, the land of the Teutonic Knights.* Albert of Branden- burg, the grand-master of the order, brother of the Elec- tor of Brandenburg, corresponded with Luther, and also, through oral communication with him, became well grounded in the evangelical doctrines. He, together with two bishops, George von Polenz and Erhard von Queiss, accepted Luther's doctrine. The dominion of the order was converted into a civil government, and its grand- master became Duke of Pi'iissia.
Thus there was erected in tho north-eastern ]3art of Germany a firm bulwark of Protestantism. But at the same time there arose violent and bloody persecutions of the Lutherans. The Emperor was not favorably disposed. Li the Netherlands cruel punishments were inflicted, and elsewhere the zealots of Romanism were also active. The greater the number of adherents secured by the new doctrines, the sharper were the issues drawn and the more determined the oj^position. Many that in the beginning
* The Teutonic Knights were a religious and military order which originated during the crusades. It acquired extensive landed possessions in the north-eastern part of Germany in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, and reached its greatest pros- perity in the fifteenth century, when its territory extended from the River Oder to the Gulf of Finland. Internal dissensions, a spirit of luxury, and warfare with the Kings of Poland completed its downfall in the sixteenth century.
122 THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
favored Lutlier's teachings, afterward withdrew their support, so firmly were they attached to old forms and nsages. Thus, for example, Luther's old friend and spiritual adviser, John von Staupitz, retired to Salzburg. To him there was nothing at stake in the Reforma- tion movement of so much importance that the peace and the unity of the Church should be endangered. This alienation and retirement of his paternal friend painfully affected Luther. But with equanimity he endured the attack of Erasmus,* who in the beginning had apparently supported him. He regarded him as a man possessed of a sui^erficial, worldly mind, and blind to the highest truths of salvation.
But Luther was now less concerned about contro- versy than he was about the work of planting and building. His chief aim was to have the "Word of God proclaimed in the congregations, so that the latter might be built up with faith and prayer, petition and thanksgiving. In this sense he proceeded to reform the order of service, excluding all unchristian additions. To make good this loss he endeavored to secure real German church chorals. He besought his friends to transpose the Psalms for tliis pur|)ose, he himself setting the example. In the year 1524 there appeared in Wit- tenberg the first German hymn-book, consisting of eight hymns, among them the one beginning, ^^Now, rejoice, ye Christian j^eople." In the preface he remarlvs : ^' 1 am
* Erasmus was born in Rotterdam L4G7, and died in Basel 1536. He was the foremost linguist of his times, and indirectly aided the Reformation as a scholar rather tlian as a thinker. He pursued a middle course, agreeable to neither party — in favor of reforming the vices of the clergy, but opposed to doctrinal changes or re- forms. He was timid in disposition and compromising in char- acter. «^
THE PROGRESS OF THE REFORMATION". 123
not of tlie opinion tliat all tlie arts should be suppressed by the Gospel, and should perish, as several high ecclesi- astics maintain ; but I would rather that all the arts, especially music, should be enlisted in the service of Him who has created them and bestowed them upon us." And he was forced to view with deep regret the arts and sciences endangered by those intemperate fa- natics, who, in their false zeal, would have destroyed all the external decoration of the churches.
He also greatly emphasized the need of the correct train- ing and the proper instruction of the young. He published a treatise in 1524, entitled, '' To the Councillors of all the cities in Germany, to establish and maintain Chris- tian Schools. " And thus there went out from him an influence which has had the most powerful, glorious, and far-reaching effect. Luther was not only the re- newer of the religious life of the German people, but he was also the father and creator of its common schools, that gigantic tree whose branches have spread over all Gei-many — and it may fairly be said over all Prot- estantism— scattering blessings over all classes of so- ciety, to the glory of God and the welfare of mankind.
CHAPTER XIY.
PAKK CLOUDS.
But a new clanger threatened tlie cause of tlie Eefor- mation. It did not proceed from its ontward foes, nor even from the imperial or papal powers, but from its own adherents. '^All mj enemies heretofore," writes Luther, '' as hard as some have pressed me, have not hurt me as much as have some of our own people."
But above all others did Karlstadt's* behavior occasion him care and sorrow. Upon Luther's return from the "VYartburg, Karlstadt openly maintained peace and order, but secretly favored the fanatics of Zwickau. The parish of Orlamiinde, a dependency of Wittenberg, be- coming vacant, Karlstadt took possession in his own name and right, and began to introduce reforms. Pictures and crucifixes were removed from the church and destroyed. He taught his own views, and carried out his own practices relative to the Lord's Supper, and endeavored to enforce many Old Testament teachings. Thus, he
* Andrew Rudolph Bodensteia was born in Karlstadt, Frauconia, and, according to the custom of the times, he added the birthplace to his name, and was known by the former. He was somewhat older than Luther. He studied at AYittenberg, secured his academical degrees, and obtained a professorship in the same institution. After his expulsion from Germany he lived for a while at Strasburg and Zurich, and was subsequently ai> pointcd professor in the University of Basel, which position he held until his death in 1541.
DARK CLOUDS. 125
forbade tlie paying and taking of interest on money loaned, and even went so far as to recommend tlie intro- duction of tlie system of polygamy as practised by the ancient Hebrews.
Spiritually related to Karlstadt was Thomas Miinzer.* In the year 1523, about Easter-tide, he had managed to secure the parish of Allstedt. His <5bject was to set up a kingdom of saints on earth, with external power and pomp. He proposed to destroy the godless and the tyrannical, appeahng to the Word of the Old Testament, in which the chosen people of God were obliged to extirpate the heathen inhabitants of the promised land, to destroy their altars and burn their idols. And, like Karlstadt, he also preached communism. "Whoever among the princes or nobles would not consent to this arrangement should be decapitated or hanged. His principal associate was the former monk, Pfeiffer of Miihlhausen. Mlinzer accused Luther of a free-and- easy, carnal life. The latter retorted, ' ' Let them alone to preach what they will ; if any be led astray, it happens as in war, where there is conflict and battle, some will be wounded and fall." Antichrist must be destroyed without the sword. Christ contends with the Spirit. So thought Luther. But when he heard that Miinzer and his followers intended to use force, he desired the authorities to intervene and to say, ^^ Desist from the use of force ; the power is ours ; otherwise, leave the country."
At the request of the Elector, Luther undertook a journey, in the year 1524, to Weimar, Jena, and
* Thomas Miinzer was born in 1490, at Stolberg, in the Harz Mountains. In early youth he developed an adventurous disposi- tion, which clung to him until death.
126 THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
Orlamiinde.'* At Weimar lie wrote and sent a commu- nication to tlie council and congregation at Miililliausen, warning them against Thomas Miinzer. In Jena, where he airain Iodised at the Inn of the Black Bear, he de- livered a sermon directed