The Life of Philip MelanchthonLedderhose, Karl Friedrich
History
The Life of Philip Melanchthon
Ledderhose, Karl Friedrich
Melanchthon, Philipp, 1497-1560
Yet, every one going to communion should be previously examined by the
pastor. The article "_Of true Christian Satisfaction for Sin_," shows
that Christ alone has made satisfaction for our sin. In the chapter "_Of
human Church Regulations_," the pastors are exhorted to insist upon the
principal matters in their sermons. Sundays and festival-days are to be
observed. Yea, they even suffer Apostles' and Saints' days to remain.
But on the latter they are to permit labor. But it is not their
intention hereby to establish or commend the invocations and
intercessions of the saints, for Christ _alone_ is the mediator who
intercedes for us. Matters relating to marriage are also briefly
considered. Of _free will_ it says, that we are able to perform worldly
piety and good works by our own strength, given us and preserved for
this purpose by God. This is the righteousness of the flesh. But they
also teach--"Man by his own power cannot purify his heart, and produce
divine gifts, such as true repentance from sin, a true and unfeigned
fear of God, true faith, cordial love, chastity, an absence of revenge,
true patience, earnest prayer, freedom from covetousness, &c."
_Concerning Christian Liberty_, the errors of the vulgar are set aside,
and liberty in Christ exhibited. We are also freed from the ceremonies
of the Old Testament. The _Turks_ are not forgotten, and it also
mentions how the _daily exercise in church_ is to be conducted. Would
that it were so still in our churches! _Concerning true Christian
Excommunication_, they teach that it is to be employed against those
persons who live in open vices, after they have been admonished several
times. They are not to be permitted to come to the Lord's Supper; but
they are not prevented from hearing preaching. Overseers, called
Superintendents, selected from the pastors, were appointed in particular
districts. Besides this, this instruction of the visitation devotes a
full chapter to schools.
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