History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century, Volume 2 — John Shaqi
History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century, Volume 2Merle d'Aubigné, J. H. (Jean Henri)
History
History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century, Volume 2
Merle d'Aubigné, J. H. (Jean Henri)
Reformation
Mosellanus, by order of the duke, mounted a pulpit, to remind the
theologians of the manner in which the discussion was to be carried
on. "If you begin to quarrel," said the orator to them, "what
difference will there be between a theological disputant and a
swaggering duellist? What is victory here but just to recall a brother
from his error?... Each, it would seem, should be more desirous to be
conquered than to conquer."[73]
[73] Seckend., p. 209.
[Sidenote: PORTRAITS OF LUTHER, CARLSTADT, ECK.]
At the conclusion of the address, sacred music echoed along the aisles
of the Pleissenberg, the whole assembly knelt down, and the ancient
hymn of invocation to the Holy Spirit, "Veni, Sancte Spiritus," was
sung. Solemn hour in the annals of the Reformation! The invocation was
thrice repeated; and, while the solemn chant was pealing, the
defenders of the ancient, and the champions of the new doctrines, the
men of the Church of the middle ages, and those desirous of
re-establishing the Church of the apostles, mingling together without
distinction, in lowly attitude bent their faces to the ground. The
ancient tie of one single communion still united all these different
minds, and the same prayer still proceeded from all these lips as if a
single heart had dictated it.
These were the last moments of external lifeless unity for which a new
spiritual living unity was about to be substituted. The Holy Spirit
was invoked in behalf of the Church, and the Holy Spirit was about to
answer by a revival of Christendom.
When the hymn and prayer were finished, the assembly rose up. The
discussion should have now commenced; but, as the hour of noon had
arrived, there was an adjournment of two hours.
The leading personages who proposed to attend the debate, having dined
with the duke, returned with him after dinner to the castle hall,
which was filled with spectators. Meetings of this description were
the public assemblies in which the representatives of the age
discussed questions of general and engrossing interest. The orators
were soon at their post. That a better idea may be formed of them, we
will give their portraits as drawn by one of the most impartial
witnesses of the debate.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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