The Life of Philip MelanchthonLedderhose, Karl Friedrich
History
The Life of Philip Melanchthon
Ledderhose, Karl Friedrich
Melanchthon, Philipp, 1497-1560
However, this plan, entertained by another individual also, was soon to
be realized. The Landgrave PHILIP of Hesse saw what incalculable
mischief would follow a division of the Germans and the Swiss. He
regarded the matter from a political point of view, because a party,
divided in itself, could not accomplish that which it might do when
united. But he also appreciated the religious aspect of the question. It
was soon discovered to which side he leaned in this dispute. Be this as
it may, the Landgrave considered it advisable to arrange a conference at
Marburg between the Germans and the Swiss. Although the doctrine of the
Lord's Supper was the principal point of difference, there were yet
besides this a number of other differences. Although Melanchthon had
suggested the idea of such a conference to Oecolampadius, he now
dissuaded from it, when the Landgrave wished such an one to take place.
With Luther he believed that the conference would not be productive of
good.
But finally both parties consented. The day after Michaelmas, the
Wittenbergians, Luther, Melanchthon and Jonas, arrived in Marburg, after
Zwingli, Oecolampadius, Bucer and Hedio, had already arrived. Andrew
Osiander, of Nuremberg, Brenz of Hall, and Stephen Agricola of Augsburg,
arrived after this. Jonas cannot sufficiently extol the gracious,
friendly, even princely reception, they met with. Although it had at
first been arranged that they should lodge in the city, the Landgrave
now received them into his palace. Jonas remarks: "This has been done in
these forests, not only in honor of learning, but of the true God and
Christ, whom we preach. Would to God that everything might be decided
to the honor of Christ!"
Melanchthon reported the proceedings of the conference to the Elector
John of Saxony, and likewise to Duke Henry of Saxony. We follow his
narrative, which gives us a clear view of this important meeting. At
first, Luther conversed with Oecolampadius alone, and Melanchthon with
Zwingli. It was stated that Zwingli was accused of teaching that
Original Sin was not sin, and that Baptism did not secure to children
forgiveness of Original Sin. That he declared concerning the Lord's
Supper, that the body and blood of Christ are not truly in the
sacrament. He is also said to teach that the Holy Ghost is not given
through the Word and Sacrament, but without the word and sacrament.
Further, it is asserted, that some do not teach correctly of the
Divinity of Christ, and also spoke awkwardly of Justification before
God. That they did not insist enough upon the doctrine of Faith. Zwingli
hereupon declared that he always believed, and did still believe, that
Christ is true God and man. That it is not his fault if others have
taught improperly. They disputed a long time concerning original sin,
and the means by which the Holy Ghost is communicated. Zwingli yielded
this point.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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