The Life of Philip MelanchthonLedderhose, Karl Friedrich
History
The Life of Philip Melanchthon
Ledderhose, Karl Friedrich
Melanchthon, Philipp, 1497-1560
As the King of England still intended to enter into a league with the
Protestants, and had therefore sent his ambassador, CHRISTOPHER MOUAT,
to the Convention at Smalkald, Melanchthon again addressed a letter to
him. In his letter, dated April 1st, he most earnestly urges the King,
that, as he had already reformed some abuses in the Church, he should
also abolish all remaining Roman ungodliness. At the same time, Louis
von Baumbach and Francis Burckard, vice-chancellor of the Electorate of
Saxony, departed from Frankfort to England. These messengers were
received by the King in a very friendly manner, but they could not
induce Henry to reform the Church according to the principles of the
Gospel. When Henry demanded again that Melanchthon should be sent over,
it was not done, for they saw very well that the King was not serious in
this matter. He had also received Melanchthon's letter in a very
ungracious manner. Henry was an obstinate man, who pretended to be a
Theologian himself. How ridiculous this his boasted learning was, is
apparent, for instance, in the argument he advances for the necessity of
good works. He argued, because evil works merit everlasting wrath, it
follows that good works merit everlasting bliss. At the request of the
Elector and the Landgrave, Melanchthon also addressed a letter to King
Francis of France, in order to explain the character of the League of
Smalkald to him. This was brought about, not for bad ends, but simply to
defend the Gospel. He thus concludes this letter: "It is much to be
desired that the greatest monarchs will prevent a suppression of the
truth by unjust means." At last the Convention of the Princes at
Frankfort adjourned. On the 19th of April they agreed on a truce of
fifteen months, and also a religious discussion, to be held in
Nuremberg, August 1st. "We thank God," Melanchthon writes from Saalfeld
April 23d, "that no one is permitted to begin war, and that the peace of
Nuremberg has again been established and renewed. But this was only
gained by great exertions."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account