The Life of Philip MelanchthonLedderhose, Karl Friedrich
History
The Life of Philip Melanchthon
Ledderhose, Karl Friedrich
Melanchthon, Philipp, 1497-1560
He wrote to Luther on the 22d of
May: "I daily alter many things in the Apology. I have taken out the
article 'On vows,' because it was by far too short and meagre, and have
put a fuller one in its place. I am now arranging the article on the
'Power of the Keys.'" He prepared the Latin, as well as the German text.
When the document was completed, it was also communicated to the
ambassadors of the free cities. These were so well pleased with it, that
the resolution that it should be signed in the name of all the
Evangelical States was passed at once. However, the Theologians of the
various States met together to discuss the different articles of the
Confession. They particularly discussed the little word "_really_," in
Article 10, which treats of the Sacrament of the body and blood of
Christ. For this was opposed by some in the most determined manner.
While they were thus deliberating, the emperor was still delaying his
coming, and they were thus kept in the greatest suspense. It was
reported that the notorious Cajetan was accompanying the Emperor as the
legate of the Pope. Melanchthon says of him: "He is a foolish and
insolent man, with whom you cannot do anything." But this report, as so
many others circulated at this time, was not corroborated. The Elector
had sent JOHN VON DOLTZIG to the imperial court, who returned with the
order that all preaching in Augsburg should be stopped. We already know
what Luther thought of this. Melanchthon entertained the same opinion.
But the Elector, and his chancellor BRUeCK, were unwilling to obey this
prohibition, and protested against it. At last, the Emperor decided that
no preacher, no matter who he might be, should be permitted to preach in
Augsburg, without being appointed to do so by the Emperor himself. When
the Lutherans in Augsburg were likewise deliberating what they should
do, if they should be forbidden to eat meat on certain days, if
spiritual jurisdiction should be demanded again, and they should desire
to re-establish convents, and the like, Melanchthon delivered his
written opinion to the Elector. He was in favor of yielding, but opposed
the re-establishment of convents.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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