The Protestants: being a continuation of the Reformation in Germany from 1525 to 1532.

Front matter

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

-FRONTISPIECE

THE PROTESTANTS:

Chapter I

Character of John, Elector of Saxony, - - 20 Influence of the connection of Church and State, 22 Origin of the Lutheran Church, 22

Effects of John's measures, - - - - - 23

Civil war prevented by the troubled state of Europe, 24 Religious zeal and worldly ambition of the Catholic princes, - - - - - - -25

Difficulties between the Emperor and the Pope, 25

Character of the German Diet, 26

Decision of the Diet of Spire favorable to the Protestants, „ - - - - - - -28

Quarrel of the Emperor and Pope, 29

The Protestants improve the advantages gained at Spire, - - - - - --30

Visitation of the Reformed churches, - - 30

Mischievous principles involved in the proceeding, 32 Difference of principle in supporting education and

religion by the state, 34

Ignorance of the clergy and people, - - - 35 Questions, - 36

Vlll CONTENTS.

CHAPTER II. Motives of the Emperor for wishing to suppress the

Reformation, 37

His mercenary religious zeal, - - - - 38

Mercenary spirit of hereditary rulers, - - 39 Second Diet of Spire — its unjust and oppressive decree, ------- 41

Origin of the term Protestants, 42 The Emperor imprisons their deputies, - - - 44 Controversy between the German and Swiss Reformers, in regard to the Eucharist, 45 Questions, - - - - - --48

CHAPTER III. Prevailing desire for a General Council, - - 49

Motives of the Reformers for desiring a Council, 50

Motives of the princes, ecclesiastics and people, 50

The Pope opposed to a general Council, 50

Views of the Emperor, ----- 51

Excitement among the people, 52

The Emperor's feelings softened, - - - 53

Characters composing the Diet of Augsburg, - 53

Divines who accompanied each party, - - 55

Mean artifices of the Papists, - 56 Emptiness of worldly grandeur, - - - - n 57

Happiness derived from the state of mind, - 58

Papal arrogance, - - - - - 59

Popish craft, - - - - -- - 61

CONTENTS. IX

Protestant firmness, ------ 62

Christian boldness, ------ 64

Another plot defeated, 65

Catholic and Protestant preaching — difference in

spirituality, ------ 66

Compromise in regard to preaching, - - - 67

Devotional habits of the Emperor, - - - 69

Shameful conduct of the Catholics, - - - 69

Piety of the Elector of Saxony, 70 Questions, .------70

CHAPTER IV. Opening of the Diet of Augsburg, 72

Unfairness of the Popish party, - - - - 73

Presentation of the Protestant Confession, - 75

Reading of the Confession refused, - - - 76

The Protestants demand a hearing, 76 The Emperor consents to give them a hearing ; but

not in full diet, ------ 77

Reading of the Confession, 78

Good impressions produced by the reading, - - 79

Mercenary character of Romanism, 82

Good impressions of the Bishop of Augsburg, - 83

Raillery well answered, - - - - - 85

Chapter V

The Confession of Augsburg, - 86 Faith may be exercised in regard to things not understood, ------- 87

X CONTENTS.

Original Sin — Doctrine of the Reformers, - 88

Adam placed in circumstances as favorable for trial

as any of his race could be, 89

The existence of the social relations necessarily involves mankind in the consequences of each other's conduct, - 90

Connection of Adam's sin with the character and

condition of his posterity, 90

Native Depravity, ------ 91

Objections — how answered, - - - - 94

Views of the Papists, - 95

Practical influence of the doctrine of Original Sin, 95 The blessings of Redemption exceed the injuries of

the fall, 97

Humbleness of mind needful in contemplating this

The great doctrine of the Reformation, -. . 99 Why we cannot receive the benefits of Christ's

death without faith, ..... 100

Influence of the doctrine, in promoting holiness cf

heart and purity of life, .... 101

A tried foundation, 103

Other foundations fail, . . . . .103

Means of grace, ....... 104

The Holy Spirit not given independently of truth

communicated to the mind, . . . 104 The Church — different views of Protestants and Papists, 106

Unworthiness of other communicants no ground for

withdrawing from the table of the Lord, . 107

CONTENTS. XI

Baptism and ihe Lord's Supper, . . . 107

Transubstantiation and Consubstantiation, . .108 Confession, ....... 109

Absolution-different views of Papists and Lutherans, 110 Repentance — difference between the views of Papists and Protestants, .... Ill

Sacraments — difference of Popish and Protestant

The Ministry — human institutions, . . . 113

Prejudices — how far they may be innocently gratified, .... T ... 114

Civil Government — views of the Reformers, Anabaptists, and certain errorists of the present

day 115

The second coming of Christ— the Judgment— final salvation of the righteous — eternal punishment of the wicked — free will, . . . .118

The Rosary — Popish corruptions — distinction between civil and ecclesiastical power, . .121 Questions, ....... 123

CHAPTER VI. Reception of the Confession — the Refutation, &c. 12-5

Papal Hypocrisy, 127

The Refutation, . .129

A Copy refused, . . . . . .132

A Mediation proposed, 133

Accession to the Protestant cause, . . . 134

Xll CONTENTS.

Conferences appointed, . . . . . 135 Failure of the Conferences, . . . . .136 Luther's employments, . . . .137

Luther's Address to the clergy of the Diet, . .138 The Papists teach men to fly from Christ as the

minister of vengeance, .... 140 Effect of Luther's address, . . . . .141 Luther's correspondence, ..... 143 State of Religion in Saxony, .... 144

Luther's Faith, 145

Popish artifices — trying situation of the Protestants, 150 Melancthon's anxiety — Luther's confidence, . 151

Luther's devotional habits, .... 153 Beautiful illustration, . , . . . . .154 Questions, . . . . . . • 156

CHAPTER VII.- Conclusion of the Diet, . . . . . 157

The Emperor's decision, 157

The answer of the Protestants, . . . .159

Decree of the Diet, 160

Answer or Apology of the Protestants, . .163

Harsh reply of the Emperor, . . . ' . 164 Bold reply of the Elector of Saxony, . . . 166 The Elector of Saxony takes leave — his advice to

the Senate of Nuremberg, .... 169 Difference between the Reformed and Lutheran

Churches, 171

CONTENTS. Xlll

Other Confessions, 172

CHAPTER VIII. Luther's warning, ...... 174

League of Smalkald, . . . . » • \ . 179

Good efforts resulting from differences of sentiment

among the Protestants, .... 181

Difference of sentiment among the early Chrsitians, 182 True ground of Christian union. .... 182

How Christians should treat their brethren who differ with them, 182

Difference between truth and the philosophy of

truth, 183

Protestant measures of defence, . . . 185

Constitution of the German Confederacy — right of

resisting the decree of the Diet, . . . 187 Pacification of Nuremberg, .... 188 Views, feelings, and proceedings of the Pope s . 190

His measures to defeat the project of a council,

while he appeared to favor it, . . . 191 Questions, 193

CHAPTER IX. Death of Zuinglius, CEcolampadius, and the Elector it

XIV CONTENTS.

Character of the Elector of Saxony, . . . 195

Illness of Luther, 200

Cruelty of the Duke of Lorraine, .... 201 Influence of Popery and Protestantism contrasted, 202 Questions 203

PREFACE,

It is now seven years since the series of volumes was commenced, of which this is the fourteenth. The author would acknowledge the good hand of God upon him, in enabling him thus far to prosecute so arduous an undertaking ; and he cannot but express the hope that the attention of parents and teachers will be more directly called to the rich and inexhaustible fund of valuable information which is contained in the history of the church. It is especially desirable that the young should, at this time, be acquainted with ecclesiastical history, to guard them

XVI PREFACE.

against the numerous forms in which old exploded errors are revived and palmed upon the inquiring mind as v new discoveries. To bring this valuable information into a popular form, accompanied with practical observations, suited to the young and to the common reader in distinction from the student, is the object of these volumes. That they may be, in some humble degree, useful in advancing the cause of evangelical doctrine and piety, is the sincere desire and prayer of the author.

Boston, May, 1839.

PERSONS INTRODUCED IN THE FOL- LOWING CONVERSATIONS.

The Mother ;

Samuel ; an intelligent and pious youth

of sixteen.

Elizabeth ; an intelligent and pious girl

of fourteen.

Peter ; a boy of twelve, of an ardent, impetuous disposition.

Caroline ; a sprightly and inquisitive girl of eight.

THE PROTESTANTS.

Chapter I

Character of John Elector of Saxony — He openly espouses the Reformation — His proceedings excite the jealousy of the Catholic princes, who begin to unite for opposing the Reformation by force — Alliance of the Elector of Saxony and the Landgrave of Hesse — Diet of Spires, favorable termination of— Visitation of the churches.

Elizabeth. Mother, the evenings are long, again ; I think we might resume our conversations on the History of the churches?

Mother. Yes, my daughter. I am glad you have reminded me of them ; for I was at a loss to determine how to spend this evening in a pleasant and profitable manner, with my dear children. Do you remember the incident, which closed our last conversation 7 2

20 CHARACTER OF JOHN.

Elizabeth. Yes, mother. It was the death of the good Frederic, Elector of Saxony.^ I shall always remember him with great interest, as one of the best of princes.

Mother. Samuel, do you remember the time when Frederic died ?

Samuel. He died the fifth of May, 1525.

Mother. Well, that shall fix the date of our present conversation. We will begin there. Can you tell me, Elizabeth, who succeeded him ?

Elizabeth. Yes, mother ; it was his brother John.

Mother. Samuel, can you tell me any thing about the character of John, the new Elector of Saxony ?

Samuel. Yes mother, he was a very different man from his brother Frederic. As Frederic seems to have been raised up to protect the Reformation in its infancy, so John appears to have been raised up to establish it and give it a form and character. Frederic was cautious and prudent ;

*See " Anabaptist," p. 221.

ELECTOR OF SAXONY. 21

and as he always entertained the hope of effecting a reformation in the Catholic church, he endeavored to prevent any formal separation from it. On the other hand, John was fully satisfied of the truth of Luther's doctrines; and foreseeing that they must be sacrificed, unless the papal yoke was thrown off entirely, he renounced at once the authority of the Pope, and organized and established a church in his dominions, distinct from the church of Rome, and independent of it.

Elizabeth. Mother, was he not wrong in taking this on himself. You have often told us that the state has nothing to do with the church.

Mother. 1 suppose he acted according to the light he had. People had been so long accustomed to seeing religion supported by the state, that the idea seems not to have occurred to the early reformers that it could be supported in any other way. And, perhaps it was necessary, under the peculiar circumstances of the times, that it

22 LUTHERAN CHURCH.

should be supported in this manner, for a while. Yet, the subsequent history of the church in Germany shows the fearful consequences of attempting to join together what God has separated. Christ says, " My kingdom is not of this world ;" and every attempt to make it a worldly kingdom, and to support it with "carnal weapons," has proved like the embrace of a scorpion. However, John caused regulations to be drawn up by Luther and Melancthon, for the constitution and government of the church, and the form and mode of public worship ; which were published in the year 1 527. He also placed pious and competent pastors over all the churches, and removed such as were unfit for the sacred office. This was the foundation of the Lutheran Church.

Elizabeth. I think that was a great advance in the cause of the Reformation ; for it was in vain for them any longer to hope for any reform in the church of Rome.

SPIRIT OF POPERY. 23

Mother. Yes, that system had become so corrupt in all its parts that reformation was hopeless. The example of John was soon followed by the other German princes and states, which favored the reformation.

Peter. How did the Catholics like that, Mother ?

Mother. The prudence of the Elector Frederic had kept the German princes in a good degree united. Bat, when it was seen that John was determined to separate the churches of his territory entirely from the church of Rome, it created a great division among them : and those who were before wavering, now became settled and determined, some on one side and some on the other. And those princes who adhered strongly to Popery, began to consult together about attacking the Lutheran party by force.

Peter. That is just like Popery, mother. The Catholics are always for carrying things by force.

2*

24 FORCED RELIGION.

Mother. Yes, my son. But it is very foolish to think of convincing men of the truth by force of arms.

Samuel If they were really zealous for religion, I think they were very much mistaken ; for no service which is not from the heart, can be acceptable to God ; and if men are forced to profess what they do not believe, it will not make them any better, even if it is the truth.

Mother. That is the point, my son. The church of Rome knows nothing of heart religion ; hence the reason why they are so zealous for outward forms.

Peter. Did they make war upon the Lutherans at this time, mother ?

Mother. No ; they were prevented from doing so, by the troubled state of Europe ; which was involved in continual wars, in consequence of the ambition of Charles V. King of Spain and Emperor of Germany, Francis I. King of France, and Henry VIII. King of England; all of whom professed to be very zealous for the Catholic

THE EMPEROR AND POPE. 25

religion. But a thirst for power was the leading motive with them, while they made use of religion as a cloak for their ambitious projects. Solyman, the Grand Turk, was also invading the empire ; and at this time, the emperor was employed in a violent contest with the Pope. For, although he acknowledged him as the head of the church, and the Vicegerent of Christ on earth ; yet, when the Pope opposed his schemes of aggrandizement, he did not scruple to make war upon him, and even to take him prisoner, and give up the holy city to plunder. All these things w T ere, however, exceedingly favorable to the reformation ; for while the emperor was thus employed, he had no time to attend to his own dominions: and all that was necessary for the spread of the new opinions was, that they should be let alone. Thus we see how God overrules the bad passions and evil designs of men to accomplish his own purposes. But, when the leading men among the Lutherans saw the designs of the Papists, they began to consult among themselves for their own safety : and on the fourth of May, 1526, the Elector of Saxony and the Landgrave of Hesse met at Torgou, and formed an alliance for mutual defence. And, on the twenty-fifth of June, in the same year, the Diet of the Empire was held at Spire.

Caroline. I don't understand these words, mother — Elector and Landgrave.

Mother. There were certain princes, in the German Empire, who elected or chose the Emperors. These princes were called Electors. Landgrave was a title given to the princes of Hesse Hamburg.

Caroline. What was a Diet ) mother?

Elizabeth. O, I remember about the Diet of Worms, that condemned Luther. It was an assembly of the princes and great men of the nation, for making laws, like our Congress.

Samuel. It was not much like our Congress, neither; for it was composed of men entitled to sit in it by their birth, and by the offices they held. But Congress is composed of men chosen by the people on purpose for making laws. Besides, the Diet was not so independent as Congress, being very much under the influence of the Emperor ; and their power was much greater than that of Congress, which is limited by the constitution.

Mother. That is true, my son ; and yet, the Diet was a great check on the power of the Emperor. Caroline, can you find Spire on your map ?

Caroline. O yes, mother, I have found it already. Here it is, on the river Rhine, not far from Heidelberg.

Mother. Well; the Diet assembled at that place; and Ferdinand, the Emperor's brother, presided.

Peter. Now, I suppose we shall hear of war, mother. I remember how the Reformers were treated at the Diet of Worms. ^

Mother. The Emperor sent word to the Diet — that all contentions on religious sub-

* See " The Dawn/ 7 &c. p. 204.

28 COMPLETE TOLERATION.

jects must cease, and the Edict of Worms be put in force against Luther and his followers. But the princes declared that it was not in their power to carry this edict into effect, nor to pass any definite decisions on the subject, till a general council, properly assembled, should have examined and judged the case. This decision was made after long discussions ; and it was unanimously resolved to present a petition to the Emperor, urging him to call a free council without delay ; and that, till the council was called, every prince should be at liberty to manage the religious concerns of his own territory as he saw fit, under a sense of his accountability to the Emperor and to God.

Samuel That was a great victory for the Reformers, mother.

Mother. Yes ; nothing could have been more favorable to the Reformation. The Emperor was now so much occupied with other affairs, and especially with his dispute with the Pope, that he suffered things

COMPLETE TOLERATION. 29

to remain in this condition for several years ; and within the dominions of the princes who favored the Reformation, this edict amounted to complete toleration. The Emperor's own conduct, also, contributed not a little to bring the authority of the Pope into disrepute. During the quarrel between the Emperor and the pontiff, Clement published an angry brief against Charles, to which the latter, made a long reply, in which he charged him with ingratitude, deceit, and ambition, and appealed from him to a general council. He also wrote to the college of cardinals,^ requiring them, in case the Pope refused, to call a general council.f All this was done in a style of severity little inferior to that of Luther. The professors of the reformed religion therefore improved this opportunity, to great advantage, for strengthening their cause. All those who had before rejected the authority of the Pope,

* See Great Apostacy 5 pp. 102—104. f lb. pp. 44, 45, 69.

30 VISITATION OF

employed this interval in regulating their religious affairs, and establishing the reformed churches more fully; and many who had been before restrained by fear, now banished the old superstitions from their territories ; while those who were still attached to the Papal interests made no attempts to molest those who had embraced the new principles.

Elizabeth. I suppose Luther did not remain inactive at such a time.

Motfier. No ; he and his associates, especially those who resided with him at Wittemberg, by their writings, preaching, and admonitions, gave courage to the irresolute, and imparted light and animation to all. And, during this time, the Elector of Saxony caused a visitation of the churches, throughout his dominions. His territories were divided into four districts, and different sets of visiters appointed for each, consisting of one or two clergymen and three or more lawyers. These visiters had written instructions, which were drawn

THE CHURCHES. 31

up by Melancthon and two or three lawyers. Luther was the visiter for Saxony prope r and Melancthon for Misnia.

PeCer. What was this done for, mother?

Mother. When any improvement or reformation is attempted, it is necessary first to know the condition of the thing to he improved, or the society to be reformed. These visiters were directed to take account of the state of all the parishes, monasteries, schools, and cathedrals ; and to examine into the character and conduct of all the clergy, monks, and school teachers ; with power to remove improper men, supply vacancies, and regulate the salaries of all. They were also to appoint superintendents, to examine all young ministers, and to watch over the clergy within certain limits ; and if they found any unfaithful, to admonish them, a;id if they did not reform, to report them to the civil authorities.

Elizabeth. I am sure, mother, that was a very good measure, which could not fail to improve the condition of the churches. 3

32 VISITATION OF

Mother. If we admit the right Df the state to regulate the affairs of the ciurch, perhaps no better measure could hare been devised ; and so long as a pious prirce was at the head of the state, the iniuence would no doubt be salutary. Perhaps this was so ordered of Providence as tie best thing that the circumstances of the times would allow. Yet, there are prnciples involved in this proceeding which must not for a moment be admitted by us.

Samuel. Yes, mother, I see several mischievous principles here, which I think can never be admitted t>y congregationalists of New-England. The first is, the imposing of preachers upon the people without their consent. Whether this right is claimed by the state, cr by ecclesiastical bodies, it seems to me to be entirely at variance with the spirit of Christian liberty.

Mother. Yes ; and it opens a wide door for the introduction of bad men, by a system of favoritism and corruption. Human nature, in its best state, is not fit to

THE CHURCHES. 33

be tasted with power which is capable of beinj so easily perverted to selfish ends.

Sanuel. But there is another principle invoved in this proceeding, which I think will not be admitted among us. These superintendents were nothing less than bis fops, under another name. It was admittng the principle that there are different grades in the office of the Christian minstry ; for which. I can find no authority in tie Bible.

Mother. Yes : but after all, it was a grea improvement upon the old system. In addition to what has already been mentioned, the visiters were also to see that schols were set up, in all the parishes, and prodded with competent teachers; to fix the salaries of the teachers, and make rules and regulations for the schools.

Eizabeth. That was certainly a good thine, mother. You will allow that the government ought to support schools.

Mother. Yes; it is the duty of every government to provide for the education of

34 RELIGIOUS LIBERTY.

the people: for that is essential to the welfare of the state.

Elizabeth. But is not religion likewise essential to the welfare of the state? Why then should it not be supported by the government ?

Mother. Religion is indeed essentia.! to the welfare of the state ; and it is no dcxubt the duty of the government to be guided in all its acts by religious principle : and to suppress all practices "which tend to con -up t the public morals, and destroy the fouridations of society. But religion is a metter between a man and his God, which cannot be controlled by human authority ; nor can it be interfered with, consistently with that freedom of conscience which is the birthright of every man. Besides this, it does not need the support of the civil authority. It is spiritual. Its moving principle is the operation of Divine power on the human heart ; and this is sufficient of itself to ensure its support. All it asks of the state is simple protection. But, with regard to

PREVAILING IGNORANCE. 35

education, the principle is different. The state may support schools for the education ex the young, without interfering with any nan's conscience: and they may even ompel the attendance of children, on the p-inciple of protecting the state from the dingers of ignorance.

Elizabeth. Well, mother, what did the •visiters find the condition of the people to te?

Mother. They found both the clergy

anc the people very ignorant. Luther was

so impressed with the subject, that, on his

return, he sat down to write his catechisms

for their use. Similar visitations were also

instituted by other Lutheran princes. We

have now held a long conversation, and

we will leave the subject till to-morrow

evening. In the meantime, I shall expect

Sanuel and Elizabeth to study the portion

<ji history next in order, so that they will

be able to answer any questions that I

shall ask them. 3#

QUESTIONS.

What was the last event mentioned in the previous volume 1 At what time did the Elector Frederic die ? Wh: was his successor 1 What was the character of John? What course did he pursue, in regard to the Reformation? What effect had his proceedings on the Catholic princes ? What did the disposition of the Catholics to resort to forct lead to, on the part of the Reformers ? What was the result of the Diet of Spire, in 1526 1 What effect had this on the Reformation ? Why were the Reformers permitted ;o enjoy this tranquility? How did they improve it ? What: measure was set on foot by the Elector John, for the improvement of the churches and schools ?

Chapter II

Motives of the Emperor for wishing to suppress the Reformation — Second Diet of Spire — Origin of the term Protestants.

Samuel. From the quarrel between the Emperor and the Pope, mentioned last evening, I was expecting the Emperor would favor the Reformation; but I am very much disappointed to find him foremost among its opposers. How can you account for this, mother?

Mother. I have already remarked that Charles V. cared very little about religion. His motives were supremely selfish ; and his grand object was to exalt himself.

Samuel. Still, I should think even such motives would lead him to oppose the Pope, who exalted himself above all kings and Emperors.

Mother. But Charles would rather receive his authority nominally from the

38 MERCENARY MOTIVES

Pope than not to have any; and this he could well afford to do. since he had the Pope in his own power, having taken him prisoner, and made him dependent on himself. But the German princes were becoming so independent that his authority over them was in danger of being little more than nominal, and he saw that the success of the Reformation, by uniting those princes more closely together, would greatly weaken his own authority. During the three year's tranquility, enjoyed by the Reformers, under the resolutions of the last Diet at Spire, their cause had gained much ground. Most of the princes who had embraced Luther's opinions, had not only established that form of worship which he approved, but entirely suppressed the rites of the Romish church. Many of the free cities had imitated their example. Almost one half of Germany had openly revolted from the Pope ; and his authority was greatly weakened in the other states, by the secret progress of the

OF THE EMPEROR. 39

doctrines of the Reformation. The Emperor was ambitious of obtaining absolute authority in Germany; and he now saw a favorable opportunity to employ a zeal for the established religion as a cloak for his designs. Such is the opinion of Dr. Robertson, who wrote his history; though perhaps, we shall find some things which appear more favorable in his conduct hereafter. It is certain, however, that he could have taken no more effectual method to weaken the power of the German princes, than by embroiling them in a war with one another, on account of religion.

Elizabeth. I think he must have been a base, unprincipled man. I thought it was the duty of rulers to seek the good of the people.

Mother. But we are not to look for moral principle among hereditary princes and great warriors. It may sometimes be found among them ; but it is not common, Such men are generally ready to sacrifice every thing to their own ambition : and the good of the people over whom they are placed is rarely taken into the account. Instead of regarding themselves as appointed to fill a higher office for the benefit of the people, they seem to take it for granted that the people are their inheritance, and that they have a right to dispose of them as they please, for their own gratification. If you will read the histories of the reigning monarchs of those times, you will be thoroughly disgusted with royalty: and I think, too, you will be sick of all ambition for political greatness. To be elevated to a high station is no evidence of true greatness ; for may of the vilest characters have been raised to the highest dignities in the church and state.

Peter. Well, mother, what did the Emperor do ')

Mother. As soon as a prospect opened for coming to an accommodation with the Pope, he appointed another Diet to be held at Spire, on the fifteenth of March, 1529, to take into consideration the state of religion. Samuel, can you tell what was the decision of this Diet ?