THE DIET OF AUGSBURG.
The Turks, who had advanced victoriously as far as Vienna, met with so
determined a resistance at the hands of the brave hero PHILIP of the
Palatinate, that they were obliged to retreat. Thus the danger which
threatened the Emperor from the East was lessened. He had resumed
peaceful relations with King FRANCIS of France, and was also reconciled
to the Pope, and had been crowned by him. He now had abundant
opportunity to attend to the religious difficulties, and, as he hoped,
to bring them to a happy conclusion. It is very true that Pope Clemens
would hear nothing of it, when he informed him that it would be
necessary to hold a general council, and that he intended to summon a
Diet on this account. Clemens, in his reply, declared, that religious
difficulties must be brought before the Bishop of Rome, and that he in
every case had a right to convene a General Council. He demanded power
of arms to suppress the dissatisfaction reigning in Germany, and said:
"There is no other way for you but to restore peace by your arms." Of
course Charles would not agree to this. He insisted upon a Diet, and
said: "We must hear both sides, and then pronounce sentence, not
according to our tyrannical pleasure, but according to the law and
doctrine given us by God."
On the 21st of January, 1530, the necessary imperial documents were
dispatched from Bologna to Germany, fixing the meeting of the Diet for
the 8th of April, in Augsburg. Besides deliberating concerning
assistance against the Turks, they would also consider "what might be
done and resolved in reference to the errors and schism in our holy
faith and the Christian religion." The imperial proclamation was couched
in very mild terms, yet the Evangelical party entertained unfounded
fears that the Emperor would now assume a more hostile attitude. The
Landgrave Philip of Hesse even considered it dangerous to attend the
Diet. We are already acquainted with this man, who was not at all
disinclined to divide the Gordian knot with the sword. But the Elector
John was of a different opinion, and besides this, consulted his
Theologians in this important matter. They expressed themselves most
decidedly against an armed resistance. Luther gave his opinion to the
Elector as early as the 6th of March. Melanchthon added a preface. On
the 14th of March an electoral decree was sent to Luther, Jonas,
Bugenhagen, and Melanchthon, which called upon them to prepare a list of
the principal points of difference in matters of Faith, and the customs
of the Church, so that it might be known how far they might go at the
approaching Diet. They selected the 17 so called articles of Torgau,
which were formerly called the articles of Schwabach, and had been
prepared by Luther. They constitute the basis of the Augsburg
Confession. On March 21, the Theologians were commanded to meet the
Elector in Torgau. Here in Torgau, these Theologians assembled in the
parsonage, and presented this matter to God, with prayers and sighs.
On one occasion, Melanchthon arose, sad and weary, having been called
out by a messenger. When he had dismissed the messenger, he retired to
his room. Here he found the wives and children of the Pastor, and his
two chaplains. Some of these children were being suckled, whilst others
were being examined in the Catechism and Prayer. When Master Philip saw
this, he stood still for a little while, looking on and listening with
great surprise as the little children are praying with stammering
tongues, and he thinks of the words of the Psalmist: "Out of the mouths
of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise." He is especially
moved by beholding the wife of one of the chaplains suckling one child,
and at the same time cutting turnips for her husband's dinner, whilst
another child is repeating its prayers to her. When Philip saw this, he
exclaimed: "Oh! what a holy and God-pleasing work!" He goes in again to
the Theologians, joyous and comforted. Dr. Luther asked him how he came
to enter so pleasantly, after having gone out in such sadness. Then
Melanchthon replied: "My clear Sirs, let us not be so faint-hearted, for
I have just now seen those who shall fight for us, who protect us, and
who are and shall remain invincible in all violence." Dr. Luther
inquired who these mighty heroes were? Philip replied: "The wives and
little children of our Pastor and his chaplains, whose prayer is now
heard, and which God will not leave unanswered, even as our faithful God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has not despised this their prayer
up to the present time." This filled the Theologians with great joy, so
that they remained firmly in the truth, and bore witness of the same.
And the result proved that faith and prayer will always gain the
victory. The Elector was pleased with these articles, and commissioned
Melanchthon to arrange them in a proper manner, and also to write an
introduction to them.
On the third of April, the Elector, accompanied by a numerous retinue,
and the Theologians, commenced his journey. They proceeded very slowly,
by way of Eisenberg, Weimar, and Coburg. Here they rested several days,
for Melanchthon was already preparing the articles which were to be
delivered at Augsburg. But Luther, who was particularly hated by their
opponents, was left behind in Coburg, where he took up his quarters in
the castle, having for his companion a very worthy man, VEIT DIETRICH,
of Nuremberg. April 21st or 22d, the Elector resumes his journey, and
Agricola has taken Luther's place. In Nuremberg they halted but a single
day. Melanchthon made use of these moments to report the latest news to
Luther, and thus concludes: "Christ preserve you, pray for us all!" On
the 2d of May, the Elector and his retinue arrived in Augsburg. None of
the princes had yet arrived. As they were obliged to wait some time for
the coming of the Emperor, Melanchthon, who was at all times fond of
correcting his productions, had ample time to improve the Confession. On
the 4th of May, he wrote to Luther concerning this matter, and says: "I
have given the introduction to our Confession a more elegant turn than
it had as I wrote it in Coburg. But I will shortly bring it to you, or,
if the Elector will not permit this, send it you." He was already able
to send the Confession to Luther on the 11th of May; but he now called
it an _Apology_, because at the same time it should also be a defence of
the Evangelical faith. It was his intention to prove in this that the
doctrine of the Evangelical party did not at all depart from the
Christian Church. He writes: "We send our Apology to you, although it is
rather a Confession. For the Emperor has no time to listen to long
disputations. But I have, nevertheless, mentioned whatever I considered
to be particularly useful and appropriate. On this account I have
included nearly every article of faith, because Eck has published quite
devilish blasphemies against us. I wished to present an antidote to
this. You will judge of the entire work according to your own mind."
Melanchthon and the Elector, who added a letter to the Confession,
inquired of Luther what ought to be done, in case the Emperor should
prohibit the Evangelical party from preaching. Luther returned
Melanchthon's manuscript to the Elector, with these words: "I have read
Mr. Philip's Apology. I like it well enough. I know of nothing to
improve or alter in it, besides that would not be suitable, for I cannot
walk so meekly and so silently. May Christ our Lord grant that this may
produce much and great fruit, even as we hope and pray. Amen." In reply
to the question concerning preaching, he declared his opinion, that
"they ought to yield to the Emperor, if previous humble remonstrance has
been made, because the city is his." As the Emperor still delayed,
Melanchthon again took the file in hand, in order to give greater
perfection to the Confession of Faith. 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.
The conduct of the Landgrave Philip, of Hesse, grieved him exceedingly;
for he was very anxious to bring about a union between the Lutherans and
the Swiss. For this purpose, he had previously brought about the
Conference at Marburg, without, however, accomplishing his purpose in
the doctrine of the Lord's Supper. He still entertained thoughts of a
union. On this account, Melanchthon wrote to Luther, May 22: "I entreat
you most earnestly to write to the Landgrave, and to exhort him, that he
should not burden his conscience by defending any false doctrine." In
addition to this, Melanchthon and Brenz also addressed a letter to the
Landgrave, and justified themselves for not being able to unite with the
Zwinglians. The Landgrave replied in very temperate language, insisting
upon treating the Zwinglians as brethren, without, however, being able
to shake the opinions of the two theologians. The Catholics knew very
well that such divisions had arisen in the Evangelical camp. It will
always remain a subject of regret that no union could be brought about.
Melanchthon and Brenz declared: "We have such articles, of which, by the
grace of God, we are certain, and are able to suffer for them with a
good conscience, which is indeed a source of great comfort in every
danger; but we cannot be certain of the Zwinglian doctrine, as it is
called, for we have no clear word of God for it."
Relying upon the word of God, they could indeed calmly await coming
events. At last the Emperor, who had delayed so long, arrived in
Augsburg. He made his public entrance on the 15th of June. Not Cajetan,
but the smoother Campegius, accompanied the Emperor, as the Pope's
legate. We may well suppose that this public entrance was very
magnificent. The following day was the festival of Corpus Christi. As
the evangelical princes could not conscientiously take a part in this
festival, which celebrated a doctrine which they rejected most
decidedly, they took no part in the procession. They declared to the
Emperor, who insisted upon their attendance: "They could not
conscientiously before God, comply with this demand, because this
procession was made a species of worship." The princes at first
expressed themselves in the most decided manner, against the Emperor's
demand that the preaching should be stopped. The Margrave George even
said, before the Emperor: "Rather than deny my God and his Gospel, I
would kneel down here before your Imperial Majesty, and have my head cut
off." The Emperor replied, in his defective German, "Not head off, not
head off." However, as the Emperor had prohibited preaching to both
parties, and had reserved the right to appoint preachers for himself,
the Lutherans could not complain any longer, especially as their
theologians advised peaceful measures. The day preceding the opening of
the Diet, Melanchthon wrote to his friend Camerarius, that the
Confession would be more moderate than the ungodliness of their enemies
deserved. He had only insisted upon the principal matters, and restored
spiritual jurisdiction entirely to the bishops. That many, indeed, were
dissatisfied with this; but that he would be willing to accept even more
stringent conditions, if peace might be attained by these means. He
continues: "After Mercurinus is dead, there is no one of any consequence
at Court, who is inclined to peace. He had gained over a Spanish
secretary, who promised well, and had already spoken to the Emperor and
Campegius; but all lies in the hands of God. Pray to Christ that he may
grant peace. Not only are we forbidden to preach, but our adversaries
also. However, the Emperor, by his imperial power, will appoint a
preacher who shall only read the mere text of the gospel and Epistle. In
this you may observe the wonderful wisdom of the courtiers." Concerning
the prospects of the Diet, Luther thus strikingly expresses himself
towards Agricola: "Truly, you are not merely to contend with men in
Augsburg, but with the gates of Hell." And again: "The Lord Jesus, who
has sent you all thither to be his witnesses and servants, and for whose
sake you expose your necks, be with you, and testify unto you by his
Spirit, that you may know with certainty, and may not doubt, that you
are his witnesses. This faith will strengthen and comfort you, for you
are the ambassadors of a great King. These are true words. Amen." Such
courageous faith should have filled all the Lutherans, and Melanchthon
in particular.
At last, on the 20th of June, the Diet was opened by the celebration of
Mass, by the Archbishop of Mentz. The Papal orator, Pimpinelli, made the
address. Afterwards they proceeded to the town-hall, where the Imperial
demands were proclaimed, first against the Turks, then in matters of
religion. In reference to the last point, the Emperor expressed his
regret that the previous Imperial resolutions had not been carried out.
Nevertheless, the States should express their sentiments in matters of
religion in Latin and German declarations. Melanchthon, filled with
excessive alarm, believed this important matter might be brought to a
favorable conclusion by private efforts. It was not a good plan;
however, he adopted it. Among the retainers of the Emperor was a
secretary named ALPHONSUS WALDESIUS. This Spaniard seems to have been a
shrewd man. He entered into communication with Melanchthon, and revealed
his views of the Lutherans as they were regarded in Spain. It was
thought there that they did not believe in a God, or the Holy Trinity,
or Christ, or Mary; so that the people of Spain thought they could not
serve God better than by killing a Lutheran. Melanchthon replied
somewhat to the following effect: "The Lutheran cause is not so tedious
and awkward as it may have been represented to his Imperial Majesty; and
that the principal difficulty was concerning the articles, of the two
forms in the Sacrament, of priests and monks, marriage and the mass;
because the Lutherans considered solitary masses sinful. If these
articles should be conceded, he believed that ways and means might be
found to settle all the rest." Soon after he was informed by the
Imperial secretary that the Emperor was pleased to hear this, and had
commanded that he should make a very brief statement of the Lutheran
articles, and deliver it to him. The Emperor also believed that it would
be most advisable to settle the matter quietly; for public trials and
quarrelsome disputations were only productive of ill-will, and not of
unity.
Melanchthon expressed himself ready to reflect upon this subject; but
neither the Elector nor Chancellor Brueck would permit the matter to be
disposed of in this way. He was merely permitted to show the Confession,
which, as Melanchthon wrote to Camerarius, the Secretary Waldesius found
"entirely too bitter for the opponents to endure it."
As they could not and would not take the by-way of silence, the Emperor
suddenly, on the 22d of June, appointed Friday, June 24th, for the
delivery of the Evangelical Confession. This short time greatly
perplexed the Lutherans, because Melanchthon still wished to make
further corrections, and the Introduction also was wanting. In order
that this might be in the proper form, Chancellor Brueck assisted him.
The Theologians, (there were twelve present,) assembled to deliberate.
Nine princes and cities signed the German copy of the Confession; and
because they had no further time to spare, they took Melanchthon's
manuscript as the Latin copy. The 24th of June arrived, but it being too
late, the reading of the Confession could only take place on the
following day, Saturday, June 25, 1530.
This day, which has become one of the most important in the History of
the Evangelical Church, came at last. Spalatin says: "One of the
greatest deeds ever accomplished in the world has been done this day."
The Emperor and his brother Ferdinand, Princes and States of the Empire,
and distinguished Ecclesiastics, were there assembled, to listen to the
reading of the Confession of Faith. The Saxon Chancellor read the German
Confession so loudly and distinctly, that it was not only heard in the
hall, but also in the court, where a great multitude was assembled. It
contained two parts, the first including all the doctrines of Faith, the
other the disputed articles. On account of our limited space, we shall
but briefly touch upon the different articles, as every one, especially
every Lutheran, should be most intimately acquainted with the Confession
of his Church. We have more need of it at this time than formerly, for
the ancient errors arise with renewed vigor, and may easily shake one
who is uncertain in his belief.
_First_--1. Stands the Confession of the Holy Trinity, of God the
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 2. How we become pious and righteous before
God. 3. How all men are born with Original Sin. 4. What Original Sin is.
5. How we attain God's Grace. 6. How preaching is necessary towards
Justification. 7. How Faith must produce good fruits and works. 8. What
the general Christian Church is. 9. That the Sacraments are efficacious,
even when administered by wicked priests. 10. Of Baptism, against the
Anabaptists. 11. Of the Holy Sacrament of the true body and blood of
Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar. 12. Of Repentance. 13. That the
Sacraments are such consoling tokens, with which we are assured and may
be certain that God, for Christ's sake, will be gracious, kind and
merciful to us, and do us good in time and eternity. 14. Of the Teachers
of the Church. 15. Of Ceremonies, that those are to be observed for the
sake of peace, which can be observed without sin, but they are not to be
observed in order to attain salvation. 16. Of human laws and order. 17.
That Christ will come at the last day, to judge the quick and the dead,
to give everlasting life and joy to believers, and to condemn the devil
and the wicked. 18. Of Free Will, that we have a free will to be pious
outwardly, but not before God. 19. That sin comes from the perverted
will of the devil and wicked men. 20. Of Faith and Good Works, that this
is true Faith, that we are heartily assured of every good, Grace and
help from God, for Christ's sake, and that Faith without Works, such as
God has commanded, is dead. And 21. Of the Adoration of Saints, that we
should expect all good from God, as the saints did, and that we should
imitate their faith and love, but call upon God alone.
Then, in the _second_ part, follow the disputed articles: first, 22. Of
the two kinds in Sacrament, why we distribute them to all. 23. Of mass,
how it is observed among us, and why we have rejected secret masses. 24.
Of priests, and the marriage of monks and nuns. 25. Of cloister vows.
26. Of difference of meats. 27. Of confession. 28. Of the power of the
Bishops, and the difference between the spiritual and temporal sword.
These twenty-eight articles are discussed in a clear, simple,
scriptural, and peaceful manner. No ingenuous mind could withhold its
approbation from them. It is impossible to say what impression they made
upon the Emperor. It is well known that he was not very well acquainted
with the German language. Besides this, he no doubt had previously also
decided upon the course he would take. When the two copies were being
handed to his secretary, he graciously took them into his own hands. He
gave the German copy to the Archbishop of Mentz, and kept the Latin one
for himself, and caused it to be translated into Italian and French for
himself. He intimated to the Lutherans, that he would consider the
matter further, but expected that they would not print the Confession.
However, their opponents soon circulated defective copies, so that the
Lutherans were forced to publish the correct Confession.
Luther was regularly informed of the progress of events. He indeed was
deeply interested, and secretly, by the help of God's hand, ruled the
Diet. As Moses prayed, and had his sinking arms supported during the
battle between the Israelites and their enemies, so Luther prayed in his
castle of Coburg. He who sitteth in the heavens alone knows what
influence he exerted. It would have been well for Melanchthon had he
possessed such strong faith, and such a mighty spirit of prayer. But he
looked too much to men, their power and their craftiness. And for this
he was rewarded by complaints and sighs, but he did not conceal his
sorrows from his paternal friend in Coburg. Through this, Luther opened
the depth and power of his faith, and permitted the flame to spread even
to Augsburg, that Melanchthon's heart might be encouraged. His precious
letters should be read at length in the history of his own life; here we
can only communicate extracts. June 26th, he wrote: "I heartily hate
your great care, which, as you write, weakens you. That it increases so
greatly in your heart, is not owing to the greatness of our cause, but
is the fault of our great unbelief. Why do you thus unceasingly trouble
yourself? If our cause is wrong, let us recant; but if it is right, why
do we make God a liar in such great promises, because he bids us be of
good cheer and satisfied? You are troubled thus by your philosophy, and
not by your theology. The same also greatly vexes your friend Joachim;
just as if you could accomplish anything by your useless cares. What
more can the devil do than to kill us?" On the same day, Melanchthon
sent a dejected letter to Coburg: "We are here constantly in the
greatest trouble, and shed tears continually, which has been aggravated
by still greater distress to-day, when we read M. Veit's letters, in
which he informs us that you are so highly displeased with us that you
would not even read our letters. My dear father, I do not wish to
increase my sorrow by many words, but would only ask you to consider
where and in what great danger we now are, having no other comfort but
your own encouragement. The sophists and monks are running daily, and
making every effort to excite the Emperor against us." He prays that
Luther would read and answer his letters. On the following day already,
June 27th, another letter from the afflicted one followed this. He says:
"At no time have we stood in greater need of your advice and
encouragement than at this time, as we have followed you, as our head,
in the most dangerous cause up to the present time. Therefore, I also
pray, for the sake of the honor of the Gospel, that you would take our
part. Christ permitted himself to be awakened in the vessel when it was
in danger. Now, truly, we are in still greater danger here, in which
nothing worse could happen to us all than if you should forsake us." He
also said: "I have written to you before, that you should inform me, if
necessary, how much we may yield to our adversaries." On the 29th of
June an answer arrived from Coburg, in which, among other things, we
read this: "I have received your Apology, and I am wondering what you
mean, that you desire to know what and how much we may yield to the
Papists? According to my opinion, too much is already conceded to them
in the Apology. If they will not accept this, I do not know what I could
yield further, unless I see their arguments and clearer Scripture than I
have seen hitherto." He expressed himself most decidedly against being
called "head," by Philip: "I wish to have no name, wish not to command,
and do not wish to be called Author. You are troubled about the
beginning and end of this matter, because you cannot understand it. But
I say so much: If you could understand it, I should not like to have
anything to do with the matter, much less would I be a head or beginner.
God has set it in a place which you can neither reach by your rhetoric
nor by your philosophy. That place is called Faith, in which are all
things that we cannot see or understand. Whoever wishes to make these
things visible, open, and comprehensible, as you do, will get sorrow and
weeping for his pains, even as you have against our will." As he was
closing the letter, he reflected that Melanchthon might think he had
received little in reply to his question, what and how much should be
conceded to their opponents. On this account he added this: "You have
not asked sufficiently, and have not clearly stated what you think they
will ask of us. I am ready, as I have always written to you, to yield up
everything to them, if they will only leave the Gospel free. But
whatever opposes the Gospel I cannot allow. What other answer can I
give?" From such an apostolical faith, several other letters flowed to
the friends in Augsburg, and particularly to Melanchthon, who truly
needed such a mode of address more and more.
After the Confession had been presented to the Emperor, different
opinions were held by their enemies as to the course that must now be
pursued. Faber, Campegius, and others of like stamp who endeavored to
influence the Emperor, insisted upon the execution of the Edict of
Worms. Others wished the Confession to be examined by impartial men,
whilst others again demanded a written refutation of the Confession. The
last opinion prevailed. But at the same time it was also declared that
the Emperor should decide in this matter, in default of which the whole
should be postponed until the calling of a General Council. In regard to
this latter point, Luther wrote to Melanchthon on the 9th of July: "You
see that our cause is now in the same position as it was with me in
Worms, namely, that they require us to accept the Emperor as Judge. Thus
does the devil ever fiddle upon one string, and the old conjurer has
nothing he can oppose to Christ but this single helpless weapon."
Notwithstanding all these exhortations, Melanchthon was still anxiously
engaged in finding a middle path. Thus he considered it advisable to
write to Cardinal Campegius, in order to lead to thoughts of peace. He
did not reflect that this man, although of a smooth exterior, was
nevertheless a viper, swollen with venom. The crafty Roman endeavored to
instil the most odious thoughts into the mind of the Emperor. This evil,
he remarked, could be cured. The Emperor should unite himself with the
well-meaning princes, and change the sentiments of the others by
promises or threats. But what is to be done if they remain obstinate? We
have the right to destroy these poisonous plants with fire and sword.
If we have gained the mastery over them, we can appoint holy
inquisitors, the University of Wittenberg can be excommunicated, the
books of the heretics can be burned, and the like. It was needful to
strike a decisive blow in the beginning.
With such a man, Melanchthon, of course without knowing his true
character, entered into negotiations. After an humble letter, Campegius
sent for the writer. Let us hear Veit Winsheim, Melanchthon's friend and
eulogist, relate the particulars of the interview: "The day after, when
the whole company was assembled, Philip was summoned, who enters with a
firm mind. He saw himself surrounded by a circle of serpents and devils,
and like the prophet Jonah, shaken alone in the belly of the whale.
Campegius is importunate, and flourishes the terrible lightnings of his
highly enraged and cruel Jupiter, the others vehemently threaten the
poor and small flock of the helpless sheep of Christ with the power and
force of so many kingdoms. It was enough to terrify even a strong and
courageous man. But when Philip was asked whether they would yield, he
replied: "We cannot yield nor forsake the truth. But we pray for God's
and Christ's sake that our adversaries will not think hardly of us, and
will dispute with us, as they are able, _i. e._, will yield that to us
which we cannot forsake with a good conscience." When Campegius heard
this, he shrieked: "I cannot, I cannot, because the key does not err."
To this thundering, although Philip stood, as it were, in the midst of
lions, wolves, and bears, who could have torn him in pieces without
punishment, yet having a great and glorious spirit in a little body, he
now boldly replied: "We commend our cause to the Lord God. If God be for
us, who can be against us? And finally, come what will, we must abide
by our fortune or misfortune."
Melanchthon had frequent interviews with the cardinal after this,
especially, as the Protestant princes believed, that they might
accomplish some good in this way. It is true, some have maintained, that
Melanchthon was willing to agree to a base accommodation; but this
cannot be proved. However, this much is certain, that all mediations
were ineffectual. How true is Luther's word in a letter to Melanchthon,
on the 13th of July: "I should think, dear master Philip, that you have
by this time sufficiently learned by your own experience, that Christ
and Belial cannot be united by any means whatever, and that no unity in
religion is to be thought of."
While this was transpiring, the Catholic theologians were busily engaged
with the task laid upon them by the Emperor, in refuting the Confession
of the Protestants. He had recommended moderation to them, when the
first draught had exhibited too great a violence. The Catholic
theologians who were preparing the refutation, were Eck, Faber, Wimpina,
Cochlaeus, and others. The last one composed it. What good thing could be
expected of these men? Melanchthon therefore remarks, in a letter to
Camerarius: "I hear that their refutation is finished, and will make its
appearance in two or three days. It is said that the Emperor will order
all things to remain as they were, until these disputes shall be
examined in a Council. This is to be the end of the deliberations. And
if this decree is not tempered, you may easily conceive what troubles
will be the consequence." At last, after having awaited it for a long
time, the princes and electors were summoned, on the 3d of August, to
hear the _Confutation_ of the Augsburg Confession. This document follows
the same order as the Confession. It first treats of doctrines in 21
articles, and afterwards of abuses, in 7 articles. Although it
acknowledged many things in doctrine, as agreeing with the Catholic
church, it did not depart in the slightest degree from Roman principles,
and strictly adhered to the abuses. In the article on Original Sin, it
did not acknowledge the prevailing corruption; and in the article of
Good Works, it maintained that the good works which are performed by the
help of Divine grace, are meritorious. It also refuses to allow that
faith alone justifies. In the article on Repentance, it insists upon
satisfaction which man is to pay, whilst the Confession excludes all
human satisfaction. The Confutation likewise finds fault with the
Lutherans, because they deny that we can by our works earn forgiveness
of sins, and also because they reject the adoration of the saints. It is
not willing to grant the cup to the laity, and defends this position
with the most absurd reasons. It adheres to the celibacy of the priests
and monks, and maintains the mass, with all its antiscriptural
characteristics. In short, it will not cast aside any abuses. The
Emperor really regarded this untenable production as a refutation of the
Confession of the Protestants; and gave these to understand that it was
his will that they should compromise matters with the other Christian
states, and should not separate themselves from the general Christian
church. If this should not take place, which the Emperor did not expect,
he should act as it became him, as the guardian and protector of the
Holy Christian church, and as a true Christian Emperor. Melanchthon
speaks of this in a letter to Luther, August 6th: "This was the sum and
substance of it, which, although it seemed very harsh, yet, as the
Confutation was executed in a very childish manner, our friends became
quite cheerful after it was read; for this Confutation is the paragon of
all the childish and foolish writings of Faber. In speaking of the two
kinds, he referred to the history of the sons of Eli, that they would
ask the priests for a piece of bread, and proved from this that laymen
should only receive the bread. The mass has been defended by
particularly bald and lame tricks." The Princes requested a copy of the
Confutation after it had been read, but could not obtain it. Even if the
Emperor had now been inclined to act severely, a quarrel arose in the
midst of the Catholic camp, because they could not agree among
themselves in regard to the steps that should now be taken.
At last, the views of the more moderate prevailed, that a delegation
should be appointed by both sides, in order to effect a compromise. On
the 6th of August, several Catholic princes and bishops assembled to
agree upon the points of convention. On the following day, the Elector
JOACHIM, of Brandenburg, informed the Lutherans that they should drop
their erroneous views, and no longer separate themselves from the
Catholic Church. Even if there were some abuses, they might be done away
with by the assistance of the Pope. And now ensued answers and replies
in great number. The Lutherans would not entertain the yielding
propositions of Melanchthon, who believed that unity in doctrine might
be secured, and only wished to insist upon the two kinds--marriage of
the priests, and the Evangelical mass. The Evangelical states declared
that they did not intend to retreat from the word of God, although they
were inclined to maintain peace and harmony. Philip, the Landgrave of
Hesse, was not at all satisfied with this course of things. He was
opposed to yielding in the slightest degree, and said to his
counsellors, in a letter dated August 24th: "If the Papists wish to
remain sitting in their devil's roses, and will not permit the pure
preaching of the truth of the gospel, nor freedom of marriage, nor the
Sacraments according to Christ's institution, why then you shall not
yield one hair's-breadth. Much less still are we to allow the
jurisdiction of the bishops, because they do not permit the gospel to be
preached nor practised in their dominions." And because he hated the
yielding of Melanchthon, he added: "Stop the game of that subtle
philosopher, Philip!"
Such were the sentiments of the Landgrave, and therefore he could no
longer contain himself in Augsburg, but suddenly and unexpectedly to
all, left the city August 6. This excited great attention; however, the
proposed plan to bring about an accommodation by means of a committee of
fourteen persons, including the Evangelical Theologians Melanchthon,
Brenz, and Schnepf, and the Catholics Eck, Wimpina, and Cochlaeus, was
not prevented by it. They met together from the 16th of August until the
21st. On motion of Chancellor VEHUS of Baden, the Augsburg Confession
was examined, article after article. They agreed in many articles, but
in Justification Eck would not admit that we are justified by faith
alone, for that would make rude, wicked, and impious men. Love justifies
more than Faith. Because he did not like the word _sola_, which means
"alone," he perpetrated the wretched witticism: "Let us for the present
send the soles to the cobbler." However, he found Melanchthon a man who
stood immovable in the main point. Whenever the two Theologians grew
somewhat passionate, the princes present entreated them to maintain
peace.
Although they agreed in many points of doctrine, there were others, such
as Justification, Repentance, &c., in which they could not agree; and
when they came to the abuses, their opponents would not allow the two
kinds, the marriage of priests and the mass. There were in all 14 points
on which they could not unite. On August 22, Melanchthon wrote to
Luther: "Yesterday we finished the Conference, or rather dispute, before
the Commissioners." After having referred to the opposition to
Justification, satisfaction, the merit of good works, and the two kinds
in the Sacrament, he thus concludes: "I do not know where this will end;
for, although peace is also necessary to our enemies, yet it seems to me
that some do not consider what great danger there will be, if this
matter ends in war. We proposed very reasonable conditions; we have
given authority and jurisdiction to the Bishops, and have promised that
we would re-establish the usual ceremonies. I do not know what we shall
accomplish by it. Pray to Christ to preserve us."
Luther was not satisfied with these compromises, and among other things
replied thus: "Summa Summarum, I do not like it at all that you are
endeavoring to treat of Unity of doctrine, because this is entirely
impossible, unless the Pope is willing to abolish the entire papacy. It
would have been sufficient for us to have shown the reasons of our
faith, and to have demanded peace. But how can we hope to convert them
to the truth?" And concluded thus: "Why do we not perceive that all they
are attempting is mere deception and fraud? For you are not able to say
that their acts are prompted by the Holy Ghost; for they have neither
Repentance, Faith, nor the fear of God. But may the Lord, who began this
matter, finish his work in you; to him I heartily commend you."
On the 24th of August, a sub-committee met, in which only Melanchthon
and Eck were to meet each other. But upon this occasion Melanchthon took
a bolder and more decided stand, and wrote to Luther on the following
day: "Our mildness only makes these proud fellows more stubborn. I
cannot tell you how they triumph. If I were attending to these matters
on my account, and not in the name of the prince, I would by no means
endure this insolence. But now I must endure all, because of the common
danger of princes and subjects. The spirits of our friends are at times
depressed, and again unseasonably brave. However, I trust we shall do
nothing against the Gospel." He also sent two other letters, in which he
spoke of the mass, which the Papists demanded. Luther replied that they
could not consent, and says in his letter of August 28, "Would to God
that I might soon see you again, whether you had departed secretly or
publicly. You have even done more than enough. And now it is time for
the Lord to act in the matter, and he will do it. Be of good cheer, and
trust in him." And further on: "You have confessed Christ; you have
offered peace; you have been obedient to the Emperor; you have patiently
borne much contempt; have been overwhelmed with shame and abuse; and
have not returned evil for evil. Summa, you have managed this holy work
in a proper manner, as it became saints. Rejoice in the Lord, and be
joyous, ye righteous. You have been sad and afflicted long enough in
this world; look up, and lift up your heads; I promise heaven to you, as
faithful members of Christ. What greater honor do you desire? Is it so
small a matter to serve the Lord Jesus faithfully, and to have proved
yourselves faithful members of Christ? Far be it from us, that the Grace
of Christ should be so lightly esteemed by you. I await your return with
great anxiety, so that I may wipe away your sweat after this."
All these efforts, as might have been foreseen, did not effect peace,
so that the committee adjourned August 30, and Melanchthon wrote to
Luther September 1: "Three days ago we brought our Conference to a
conclusion. We would not accept the proposed terms of Union on the
subjects of the one kind in the Sacrament, of the Canon of Private
Masses, and also of the Celibacy of the Priesthood. Now the matter has
again been laid before the Emperor, and I do not know what will be done.
Let us only pray God that he may influence the heart of the Emperor to
maintain peace, which we need so much, and not we alone, but all
Germany. You cannot believe how the Nurembergers and others hate me on
account of the restoration of Jurisdiction to the Bishops. In this
manner do our friends merely contend for power, and not for the Gospel.
A certain friend wrote: If the Pope had bribed me with never so much
money, I could not have invented a better plan to restore the papal
supremacy than the one we have taken appears to the people. Yet I have
not, up to this time, dropped or given up a single article of doctrine."
Although Melanchthon did really not give up a single doctrinal point, he
was yet justly to be blamed for wishing to restore jurisdiction to the
Bishops. How soon would they have suppressed the true doctrine! Jerome
Baumgaertner, otherwise a friend of Melanchthon, expresses himself very
strongly in regard to him: "Philippus has become more childish than a
child;" and calls upon Spengler: "You will do your part, and write to
Dr. Martin Luther, that he, as the one by whom God first again revealed
his word to the world, should put a stop to Philip's course, and should
warn the pious princes, and especially his own sovereign, against him,
and exhort them to be steadfast. For no man has done more harm to the
Gospel during this Diet, up to the present day, than Philip." This
judgment is indeed too severe; and Baumgaertner, at a later period,
himself repented of having formed so severe a judgment. It is true,
also, that Melanchthon did not only defend Episcopal jurisdiction during
the Diet of Augsburg, but has also expressed his approbation of it in a
number of places. He did this for the sake of order in the Church.
September 7.--The Emperor summoned the Evangelical States to appear
before him. His answer, given by the Elector of the Palatinate,
Frederick, was an ungracious one. He had heard with displeasure that
they disagreed with others in the principal articles. He would speak
with the Pope in regard to a General Council, yet on the condition that
they would, in the mean time, adhere to the Catholic Church. But the
Protestants now behaved like true Protestants, by declaring that they
would abide by the word of God. The more moderate Catholics, at the head
of whom were the Baron of Truchsess, and Vehus, the Chancellor of Baden,
once more made efforts to bring about an accommodation, but without
success. There were thirteen articles on which they could not unite.
These were delivered to the mediators just mentioned. The _first_ treats
of justification through grace by faith in Christ; the _second_, that
works indeed are necessary, but do not earn grace. The _third_ declares
that the enumeration of particular sins is not needful in confession;
the _fourth_, that repentance is necessary, but that our sins are not
forgiven on this account, but on account of our faith, by which we
believe the Gospel; the _fifth_, declares the ecclesiastical exercises
of penance unnecessary for the remission of punishment; and the _sixth_
declares that uniform human ordinances are not, but unity in doctrine
and sacrament are needful to constitute a true unity. The _seventh_
rejects the self-elected service of God, by which men wish to earn his
grace, and which has been established without God's command. The
_eighth_ declares monastic vows, which men consider meritorious, opposed
to the Gospel. The _ninth_ permits the observance of such rules of the
Church as may be kept without sin, but not as if they were needful to
salvation. The _tenth_ declares the invocation of saints to be a very
dangerous practice, and one greatly diminishing the glory of Christ. The
_eleventh_ declares that the denial of the cup is opposed to Scripture;
and the _twelfth_, that the prohibition of marriage to priests is also
unscriptural. The _thirteenth_ and last article maintains that the mass
is not a work with which to earn grace, but that grace is offered in the
Lord's Supper, and faith obtains it.
After all attempts to bring about an agreement had been made, the
Emperor summoned the States on the 22d of September, in order to present
to them the final decree of the Diet. He declared their positions
thoroughly refuted by the holy Gospels and other writings, but would
give time for further deliberation on the contested points until the
15th of April of the following year. During this time they should not
print or sell anything new in matters of faith, should not draw over any
one to join their sect, should not oppress those yet holding to the old
Christian faith and practice, and unite with him in opposing the
Sacramentarians and Anabaptists. He would endeavor to bring about that a
General Council would be summoned in six months. The Protestants
replied, by Chancellor Brueck, that they considered their Confession to
be founded on the word of God, and that it was divine truth, so that
they trusted to abide by it in the day of judgment. At the same time,
Brueck also presented a written defence, which the Emperor, however,
would not accept. This was the well-known _Apology_ of the Augsburg
Confession, in its rough draft. Melanchthon had been preparing it for
some time, with the assistance of several theologians. But as he only
received a copy of the Catholic Confutation towards the close of the
Diet, he laid this sketch aside, and prepared one of his ablest works,
the _Apology of the Augsburg Confession_, which has justly been enrolled
among the number of the Confessions of the Lutheran Church. He did not,
however, complete it until the following year. The Protestants prayed
for a more gracious discharge, but the Emperor adhered firmly to the
decree. On this account, the Elector of Saxony, together with
Melanchthon and the other theologians, departed from Augsburg September
23d, leaving a few counsellors to hear the general final decree of the
Diet.
When Luther heard of the departure of the Elector, he was much rejoiced,
and congratulated the prince: "I am heartily rejoiced that your
Electoral Grace has, by God's grace, escaped from the hell at Augsburg.
And although human displeasure, and its god the devil, may look sour, we
still entertain the hope that God's grace, which hath begun with us,
will remain more strongly with us in time to come." The Elector passed
through Nuremberg to Coburg, where Luther was expecting him with the
greatest anxiety. On the road to Wittenberg, the theologians stopped in
ALTENBURG, to visit Spalatin. Melanchthon, who was constantly revolving
his Apology of the Augsburg Confession in his mind, wrote even while
partaking of his meals. But Luther snatched the pen from his hand, and
said: "We can serve God, not only by labor, but also by rest; therefore,
too, has he given us the third commandment, and ordained the Sabbath."
At last they arrived in Wittenberg. How Melanchthon rejoiced! To his
friend Silberborner, who had asked him for an account of the Diet of
Augsburg, he now wrote a detailed letter, in which he expressed himself
favorably of the Emperor, _e. g._: "Without referring to other matters,
he has with great condescension heard our side in this matter of
religion, in which he had been excited against us by the many wonderful
arts of our enemies." "The remaining history of the Diet constitutes a
lengthy tragedy." He now briefly describes the course of events, and
says: "The remotest posterity will bear testimony, that our intentions
were pious and conscientious, and that we exerted ourselves honestly to
clear up the doctrine of the Catholic Church, and to promote the glory
of Christ. This truly is the reasonable service of God, with which he is
pleased above all things: To teach and practise the word of God in its
purity. Even should we be overwhelmed by unfair means, our writings will
undoubtedly transmit to posterity a picture of our opponents, who, while
they excite princes against us, under the pretext of serving the honor
of Christ, neither care for the temple of the Church, nor for the
doctrine of the Gospel, nor for the Glorification of the name of Christ.
However, the whole matter is in the hand of God. Therefore will we pray
to God that, for Christ's sake, he would put mild means in the hands of
our rulers, and that he may not suffer the pure doctrines of the Gospel
to perish."
On the 19th of November, the final general decree of the Diet was
published. It was very severe, for it condemned everything taught by the
Lutherans in opposition to the Roman Church; it confounds them with the
Anabaptists, and commands that all innovations in doctrine and practice
shall be abolished, and the former state of things re-established. The
Protestants did not sign it. Thus a division between the Catholic and
Evangelical states was fully accomplished.