History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century Volume II Part 18

[282] Venisse eum barbatum, bullatum, nummatum ... Ridebo et ego bullam sive ampullam. (L. Ep. i, p. 488.)

On the third of October he was made acquainted with the papal letter.

"At length," says he, "this Roman bull has arrived. I despise it, and defy it as impious, false, and in all respects worthy of Eck. It is Christ himself who is condemned. It gives no reasons; it merely cites me, not to be heard, but simply to sing a palinode. I will treat it as spurious, though I have no doubt it is genuine. O, if Charles V were a man, and would, for the love of Christ, attack these demons![283] I rejoice in having to endure some hardships for the best of causes. I already feel more liberty in my heart; for at length I know that the pope is Antichrist, and that his see is that of Satan himself."

[283] Utinam Carolus vir esset, et pro Christo hos Satanas aggrederetur. (Ibid, p. 494.)

It was not in Saxony merely that the thunders of Rome had produced alarm. A quiet family of Swabia, a neutral family, saw its peace suddenly broken up. Bilibald Pirckheimer, of Nuremberg, one of the most distinguished men of his age, having early lost his beloved wife Crescentia, was united in the closest affection with his two young sisters, Charitas, abbess of St. Clair, and Clara, a nun of the same convent. These two pious females served G.o.d in solitude, and divided their time between study, the care of the poor, and preparation for eternity. Bilibald, who was a statesman, relaxed from public affairs by maintaining a correspondence with them. They were learned, read Latin, and studied the Fathers; but their favourite volume was the Holy Scriptures. They had never had any other teacher than their brother. The letters of Charitas are written in a delicate and amiable spirit. Tenderly attached to Bilibald she took alarm at the least danger which threatened him. Pirckheimer, to dissipate the fears of this timid spirit, wrote a dialogue between Charitas and Veritas, (Charity and Truth), in which Veritas tries to strengthen Charitas.[284] Nothing can be more touching, or better fitted to solace a tender and agonised heart.

[284] Pirckheimeri Op. Francof.

[Sidenote: LUTHER ON THE BULL].

What must have been the terror of Charitas when the rumour spread that in the papal bull Bilibald's name was posted up beside that of Luther, on the doors of cathedrals? In fact, Eck, pushed on by blind fury, had a.s.sociated with Luther six of the most distinguished men of Germany, viz., Carlstadt, Feldkirchen, and Egra.n.u.s, (who gave themselves very little concern about it,) and Adelman, Pirckheimer, and his friend Spengler, whose public functions made them particularly alive to the insult. There was great agitation in the Convent of St. Clair. How shall the disgrace of Bilibald be borne? Nothing affects relatives more deeply than such trials. In vain did the city of Nuremberg, the Bishop of Bamberg, and even the dukes of Bavaria interfere in behalf of Spengler and Pirckheimer; these n.o.ble-minded men were obliged to humble themselves before Dr. Eck, who made them feel all the importance of a Roman protonotary, and obliged them to write a letter to the pope, declaring that they adhered to the doctrines of Luther only in so far as they were conformable to Christian faith. At the same time Adelman, with whom Eck had once had a scuffle on rising up from table after a discussion on the great question which then occupied all minds, was required to appear before the bishop of Augsburg and purge himself on oath of all partic.i.p.ation in the Lutheran heresy. Still, however, anger and revenge had proved bad counsellors to Eck. The names of Bilibald and his friends damaged the bull. The character of these eminent men and their extensive connections increased the general irritation.

Luther at first pretended to doubt the authenticity of the bull. "I learn," says he in the first work which he published after it, "that Eck has brought from Rome a new bull, which resembles him so much, is so stuffed with falsehood and error, that it might well be named _Doctor Eck_. He gives out that it is the work of the pope, whereas it is only a work of lies." After explaining his reasons for doubting its genuineness, Luther thus concludes, "I must with my own eyes see the lead, the seal, the tape, the conclusion, the signature of the bull--every part of it, in short, or I will not estimate all this clamour at the weight of a straw."[285]

[285] Oder nicht ein Haarbreit geben ... L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 323.

But no man doubted, not even Luther himself, that the bull was the pope's. Germany waited to see what the Reformer would do. Would he stand firm? All eyes were fixed on Wittemberg. Luther did not keep his contemporaries long in suspense. On the 4th of November, 1520, he replied with a discharge of thunder, by publishing his treatise '_Against the Bull of Antichrist_.'

"What errors, what impostures," said he, "have crept in among the poor people under the cloak of the Church, and the pretended infallibility of the pope! how many souls have thus been lost! how much blood shed!

what murders committed! what kingdoms ruined!"

[Sidenote: EFFECTS OF THE BULL.]

Further on he ironically says, "I know very well how to distinguish between art and malice, and set very little value on a malice which has no art. To burn books is so easy a matter that even children can do it; how much more the Holy Father and his doctors.[286] It would become them to show greater ability than is requisite merely to burn books.... Besides, let them destroy my works! I desire nothing more; for all I wished was to guide men to the Bible, that they might thereafter lay aside all my writings.[287] Good G.o.d! if we had the knowledge of Scripture, what need would there be for my writings?... I am free by the grace of G.o.d, and bulls neither solace nor frighten me.

My strength and consolation are where neither men nor devils can a.s.sail them."

[286] So ist Bucher verbrennen so leicht, da.s.s es auch Kinder konnen, schweig denn der heilige Vater Pabst... (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 324.)

[287] ... In Biblien zu fuhren da.s.s man derselben Verstand erlangte, und denn meine Buchlein verschwinden liess. (Ibid.)

Luther's tenth proposition, condemned by the pope, was in the following terms: "No man's sins are pardoned, if, when the priest absolves him, he does not believe that they are pardoned." The pope in condemning it denied that faith was necessary in the Sacrament. "They maintain," exclaims Luther, "that we ought not to believe that our sins are pardoned when we are absolved by the priest. What then are we to do? Listen now, O! Christians, to a new arrival from Rome.

Condemnation is p.r.o.nounced against this article of faith which we profess when we say 'I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, and the forgiveness of sins.' Did I know that the pope had really given this bull at Rome," (he did not doubt it,) "and that it was not the invention of the arch-liar, Eck, I would cry aloud to all Christians that they ought to hold the pope as the true Antichrist spoken of in Scripture. And if he would not desist from proscribing the faith of the Church, ... then let the temporal sword resist him even sooner than the Turk!... For the Turks allow belief, but the pope forbids it."

While Luther was speaking thus forcibly, his perils were increasing.

The scheme of his enemies was to drive him out of Wittemberg. If Luther and Wittemberg are separated, both will be destroyed. A single stroke would thus disenc.u.mber Rome of both the heretical doctor and the heretical university. Duke George, the bishop of Merseburg, and the theologians of Leipsic were labouring underhand at this work.[288]

Luther on being apprised of it said, "I leave this affair in the hands of G.o.d."[289] These proceedings were not without result: Adrian, professor of Hebrew at Wittemberg, suddenly turned against the doctor.

It required great firmness in the faith to withstand the shock given by the Roman bull. There are characters which follow the truth only a certain distance, and such was Adrian. Frightened at the condemnation he quitted Wittemberg, and repaired to Leipsic to be near Dr. Eck.

[288] Ut Wittemberga pellerer. (L. Ep. i, p. 519.)

[289] Id quod in manum Dei refero. (Ibid. p. 520.)

[Sidenote: THE DOCTORS OF LOUVAIN AND REGENT MARGARET.]

The bull began to be executed. The voice of the pontiff of Christendom was not an empty sound. Long had fire and sword taught subjection to it. f.a.ggot piles were prepared at his bidding, and everything indicated that a dreadful catastrophe was to put an end to the audacious revolt of the Augustin monk. In October, 1520, all the copies of Luther's works in the shops of the booksellers at Ingolstadt were seized, and put under seal. The Archbishop-Elector of Mentz, moderate as he was, had to banish Ulric of Hutten from his court, and imprison his printer. The papal nuncios having laid siege to the young Emperor, Charles declared that he would protect the ancient religion;[290] and in some of his hereditary possessions scaffolds were erected, on which the writings of the heretic were reduced to ashes. Princes of the Church and magistrates were present at these _auto-da-fe_. Alcander was quite elated with his success. "The pope,"

said he, in imitation of Prierio, "may dethrone kings! He may, if he chooses, say to the emperor, Thou art only a tanner! He knows well how to bring one or two miserable grammarians to their senses. We will dispose, moreover, of Duke Frederick also." To hear the proud nuncio, one would have said that the pile of Mentz which consumed Luther's books was "le commencement de la fin" (_the beginning of the end_.) These flames, it was said at Rome, will carry terror into every quarter. Such, in truth, was the effect on many superst.i.tious and timid spirits; but even in the hereditary states of Charles, where alone it was ventured to execute the bull, the people, and even the grandees, often answered these pontifical demonstrations with derision, or expressions of indignation. "Luther," said the doctors of Louvain, on presenting themselves before Margaret, Regent of the Netherlands, "Luther is subverting the Christian faith." "Who is this Luther?" asked the Princess. "An ignorant monk." "Well, then," replied she, "do you, who are learned, and in such numbers, write against him.

The world will credit a mult.i.tude of learned men sooner than an isolated, ignorant monk." The doctors of Louvain preferred an easier method. They caused a vast pile to be erected at their own expense.

The place of execution was covered with spectators, and students and burghers were seen hastening through the crowd, their arms filled with large volumes, which they threw into the flames. Their zeal edified the monks and doctors; but the trick was afterwards discovered.

Instead of the writings of Luther, they had thrown into the fire the _Sermones discipuli_, _Tartaret_, and other scholastic and popish books.[291]

[290] A ministris pontificiis mature praeoccupatus, declaravit se velle vetarem fidem tutari..... Pallavicini, p. 80.

[291] Seckend. p. 289.

[Sidenote: DECISIVE STEPS BY THE REFORMER.]

The Count of Na.s.sau, Viceroy of Holland, when the Dominicans were soliciting the favour of burning the doctor's books, said to them, "Go and preach the gospel as purely as Luther, and you will have n.o.body to complain of." At a festival, attended by the leading princes of the empire, the Reformer having become the subject of conversation, the Baron of Ravenstein said, aloud, "In the s.p.a.ce of four centuries, only one Christian man has dared to lift his head, and the pope is wishing to put him to death."[292]

[292] Es ist in 400 Jahren ein christlicher mann aufgestanden, den will der Pabst todt aben (Seckend. p. 288.)

Luther, conscious of the power of his cause, remained tranquil amid the tumult which the bull had excited.[293] "Did you not urge me so keenly," said he to Spalatin, "I would be silent, well knowing that, by the power and counsel of G.o.d, this work must be accomplished."[294]

The timid man was anxious for speech, the strong man wished to be silent. It was because Luther discerned a power not visible to the eyes of his friend. "Be of good courage," continues the Reformer; "Christ began these things, and Christ will accomplish them, though I should be put to flight or put to death. Jesus Christ is present here, and more powerful is He who is in us, than he who is in the world."[295]

[293] "In bullosis illis tumultibus." (L. Ep. p. 519.) In those bull tumults.

[294] "Rem totam Deo committerem."(Ibid, 521.) I would commit the whole affair to G.o.d.

[295] "Christus ista cpit, ista perficiet, etiam me sive extincto, sive fugato." (Ibid., p. 526.)

CHAP. X.

Decisive steps by the Reformer--Luther's Appeal to a General Council--Struggle at close quarters--The Bull burned by Luther--Meaning of this bold act--Luther in the Academic Chair--Luther against the Pope--New Work by Melancthon--How Luther encourages his Friends--Progress of the Contest--Melancthon's Opinion of the timid--Luther's Work on the Bible--Doctrine of Grace--Luther's Recantation.

[Sidenote: LUTHER'S APPEAL TO A GENERAL COUNCIL.]

But duty obliged him to speak, in order to manifest the truth to the world. Rome has struck, and he will make it known how he receives the blow. The pope has put him under the ban of the Church, and he will put the pope under the ban of Christendom. Up to this hour the pope's word has been omnipotent. Luther will oppose word to word, and the world will know which is the more powerful of the two. "I am desirous," said he, "to set my conscience at rest, by making men aware of the danger to which they are exposed."[296] At the same time he prepares to renew his appeal to an universal council. An appeal from the pope to a council was a crime, and hence the mode in which Luther attempts to justify himself is a new act of hostility to papal authority.

[296] "Ut meam conscientiam redimam." (Ibid., p. 522.) That I may redeem my conscience.

On the morning of the 17th November, a notary and five witnesses, of whom Cruciger was one, met at ten o'clock, in one of the halls of the Augustin convent in which the doctor resided. There the public officer, Sarctor of Eisleben, having seated himself to draw up the minute of his protest, the Reformer, in presence of the witnesses, says, with a solemn tone:

"Considering that a general Council of the Christian Church is above the pope, especially in all that concerns the faith;

"Considering that the power of the pope is not above, but beneath Scripture, and that he has no right to worry the sheep of Christ, and throw them into the wolf's mouth:

"I, Martin Luther, Augustin, doctor of the Holy Scriptures at Wittemberg, do, by this writing, appeal for myself, and for all who shall adhere to me, from the most holy Pope Leo, to a future universal Christian Council.

"I appeal from the said Pope Leo, _first_, as an unjust, rash, tyrannical judge, who condemns me without hearing me, and without explaining the grounds of his judgment; _secondly_, as a heretic, a strayed, obdurate apostate, condemned by the Holy Scriptures, inasmuch as he ordains me to deny that Christian faith is necessary in the use of the sacraments;[297] _thirdly_, as an enemy, an antichrist, an adversary, a tyrant of the Holy Scripture,[298] who dares to oppose his own words to all the words of G.o.d; _fourthly_, as a despiser, a calumniator, a blasphemer of the holy Christian Church and a free Council, inasmuch as he pretends that a Council is nothing in itself.

[297] "Ab erroneo, indurato, per Scripturas sanctas d.a.m.nato, haeretico et apostata." (L. Op. Lat. ii, p. 50.) See also (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p.

332.) The German copy has a few paragraphs that are not in the Latin.