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
But, during this solemn chant, the feelings of the audience no longer
were what they had been during the _Veni Spiritus_. The presentiments
which several persons had expressed seemed to be actually realised.
The blows struck by the champions of the two systems had made a large
wound in the papacy.
CHAP. VI.
Interest felt by the Laity--Luther's Opinion--Admissions and
Boastings of Dr. Eck--Effects of the
Discussion--Poliander--Cellarius--The Young Prince of
Anhalt--The Students of Leipsic--Cruciger--Calling of
Melancthon--Emancipation of Luther.
[Sidenote: INTEREST FELT BY THE LAITY.]
These theological discussions, to which the worldly-minded of the
present day would not devote a few short moments, had been attended
and listened to with eagerness, during twenty days--laymen, knights,
and princes, taking a deep interest in them to the last. Duke Barnim,
and Duke George, seemed particularly attentive, whereas some of the
theologians of Leipsic, friends of Dr. Eck, slept, as an eye-witness
expresses it, "quite soundly." It was even necessary to awake them on
the adjournments, that they might not lose their dinner.
Luther was the first to quit Leipsic, and next Carlstadt. Eck remained
several days after they were gone.
No formal decision was given on the points discussed.[122] Every one
spoke as he thought. "There was at Leipsic," says Luther, "loss of
time, and no investigation of truth. During the two years in which we
have been examining the doctrines of our opponents, we have counted
all their bones. Eck, on the contrary, has hardly skimmed the
surface;[123] but he cried more in one hour than we did in two long
years."
[122] "Ad exitum certaminis, uti solet, nulla prodiit decisio."
(Pallavicini, i, 65.) As usual no decision was given on the conclusion
of the debate.
[123] "Totam istam conclusionum cohortem multo acrius et validius
nostri Wittembergenses . . . oppugnaverunt et ita examinaverunt ut
ossa eorum numerare licuerit, quas Eccius vix in facie eutis leviter
perstriuxit." (L. Ep. i, 291.) This whole host of conclusions our
Wittembergers boldly and vigorously assailed, and so exposed that all
their bones might have been counted, whereas Eck scarcely pierced
their skin.
[Sidenote: ECK'S ACCOUNT OF THE DISCUSSION.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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