[169] See the edition of 1561, reprinted in 1829, p. 14-44, the several chapters:--De tribus personis;--De divinitate Filii;--De duabus naturis in Christo;--Testimonia quod Filius sit persona;--Testimonia refutantia Arianos;--De discernendis proprietatibus humanæ et divinæ naturæ Christi;--De Spiritu Sancto, &c. &c. [170] Hoc est Christum cognoscere, beneficia ejus cognoscere. Ibid. The publication of this body of theology was of inestimable value to the cause of truth. Calumnies were refuted; prejudices swept away. In the churches, palaces, and universities, Melancthon's genius found admirers, who esteemed the graces of his character. Even those who knew not the author were attracted to his creed by his book. The roughness and occasional violence of Luther's language had often repelled many. But here was a man who explained those mighty truths whose sudden explosion had shaken the world, with great elegance of style, exquisite taste, admirable perspicuity, and perfect order. The work was sought after and read with avidity, and studied with ardour. Such gentleness and moderation won all hearts. Such nobility and force commanded their respect; and the superior classes of society, hitherto undecided, were gained over by a wisdom that made use of such beautiful language. On the other hand, the adversaries of truth, whom Luther's terrible blows had not yet humbled, remained for a time silent and disconcerted at the appearance of Melancthon's treatise. They saw that there was another man as worthy of their hatred as Luther himself. "Alas!" exclaimed they, "unhappy Germany! to what extremity wilt thou be brought by this new birth!"[171] [171] Heu! infelicem hoc novo partu Germaniam! Cochlœus. Between the years 1521 and 1595 the _Common-places_ passed through sixty-seven editions, without including translations. Next to the Bible, this is the book that has possibly contributed most to the establishment of the evangelical doctrine. CHAPTER X. Opposition--Henry VIII.--Wolsey--The Queen--Fisher--Thomas More--Luther's Books burnt--Henry's Attack on Luther--Presented to the Pope--Its Effect on Luther--Energy and Violence--Luther's Reply--Answer by the Bishop of Rochester--Reply of Thomas More--Henry's Proceedings. While the "grammarian" Melancthon was contributing by these gentle strains a powerful support to Luther, men of authority, enemies to the reformer, were turning violently against him. He had escaped from the Wartburg and reappeared on the stage of the world; and at this news the rage of his former adversaries was revived. [Sidenote: HENRY THE EIGHTH--WOLSEY.]