HE DIES.
A cloud of the noblest champions and witnesses of God had already
departed to that place where we rest after the battle, and where the
confessor receives the reward of grace. Melanchthon had long before this
desired to lay aside his arms, and to celebrate a Sabbath, in which he
might sing the new song to him that sitteth upon the throne, with his
friends Luther, Cruciger, Veit Dietrich, Sturm, Bucer, Bugenhagen, and
all the company of the saints made perfect. He had also expressed this
longing towards the eternal home in many of his letters. The most
ancient account, that of the University, says in regard to this: "When
he had now become worn out, and weary of this life, he prepared himself
for death for several years; even as he wrote concerning himself, that
he was tired of this life, and was therefore directing his thoughts to
another world, and towards his beloved Lord Jesus Christ. That he had
done as much as he could in this life, and would leave the rest with
God. He comforted himself with the reflection that he had always meant
well, and his conscience did not accuse him on this account. And with
this clear conscience, he trusted to go "into the presence of his Lord
Jesus, with God's help, no matter what an ungrateful world might say
about it." Whenever his opponents attacked him at this time, he would
say: "Let them write until they are satisfied, and do whatever they
please, I shall not trouble them much longer. But I, with God's help,
will continue to teach diligently, and present a simple exposition of
truth to the young, as long as I live, and will pray God to grant me a
joyful departure." To this mental weariness, bodily infirmities were
added. He began to experience great difficulty in writing letters, which
he had done with much ease formerly; and his eyes, too, grew weaker.
On the 30th of March, 1560, he departed for Leipzig, in order to examine
the stipendiaries of the Elector. After he had finished his labors, he
left Leipzig on the 4th of April. His journey affected him very
unfavorably, for the air was inclement and cold, and they were riding
against a cutting north wind. He said, even while in the carriage, "that
he had not felt the coldness so much during the whole winter, as he did
now." He was able to sleep very little during the night from the 7th to
the 8th of April; towards morning he was affected with fever,
accompanied by a cough and shortness of breath, and his eyes appeared so
sunken, that his friends were terrified. But notwithstanding all this,
he roused himself from his couch to attend to his duties, but found
himself so much exhausted by his efforts, that he was repeatedly obliged
to totter to his couch, to refresh himself. During this day, he yet
wrote a short letter to Moller, and apologized for its brevity on
account of the severe pain he was suffering. His son-in-law, Doctor
Peucer, thought that the affection of the stone, with which his
father-in-law had suffered severely before, was again making its
appearance, and had a bath and warm poultices prepared for him.
After wishing him good night, the invalid said: "If it is the will of
God that I shall die, I am heartily willing to die, and I only pray God
to grant me a joyful dismission." He felt that death was approaching;
and as he was fond of reading and interpreting the stars, he observed
intimations of his death in the planets. He rose shortly before 8
o'clock, in order to deliver his usual lecture. His friends, Esrom
(Ruediger) and Sturm, in vain endeavored to dissuade him from doing so.
He said, "I will lecture for a half hour, and then use a bath." But when
he was about to set his foot upon a little stool which he used when he
washed his hands, he became so weak that he was not able to lift up the
other foot, so that he almost fell back. Upon this he said, "I shall go
out like a lamp." He went to the lecture-room, accompanied by his two
friends; but it was not yet 8 o'clock, and but few students were
present. He then remarked: "What is the use of our being here?" On the
way back to his house, he said to his companions: "If I could reach
Koenigsberg, I might become better." When he reached the house, he felt
somewhat better, and his friends did not venture to give notice that the
lecture would be omitted. Esrom departed, in order to seal the letter in
which he had communicated Melanchthon's illness to Camerarius.
At 9 o'clock, he again went out to deliver his lecture. It only lasted a
quarter of an hour. He spoke of the _ransom_ of Christ, which he offered
as Mediator, not silver and gold, but his precious blood, by which he
fulfilled the law, and satisfied justice. He spoke with his usual
animation. Upon his return home, he took a bath. He took but very little
food, and then slept soundly for three hours. At supper, he spoke
distinctly, but feebly. On the following night the fever returned, and
Peucer found that he had been mistaken as to his disease.
On the 9th and 10th of April, Melanchthon was lively and cheerful; and
at a meeting of the faculty, spoke very earnestly against the parties
among the students. In the afternoon, he corrected several funeral
orations in honor of Duke Philip, of Pomerania, who died on the 24th of
February, and said: "I am now only engaged upon funeral matters. This
worthy Prince of Pomerania was also named Philip. Perhaps I shall be the
next Philip, from the common herd, who shall follow this pious prince."
On the same day he delivered a very animated lecture upon Christ's
prayer (John xvii.), and also made preparations to read a meditation
suitable to the festival of Good Friday, in the morning at 6 o'clock
(April 12th). It was based upon the 53d chapter of the Prophet Isaiah.
In this he remarks: "Our diligence and valor is also needed." He had
indeed spent a bad night, but this did not deter him. When he was told
that in the evening they had seen clouds resembling bound rods, he spoke
very earnestly of the judgments of God. "The people," he said, "are
becoming secure, and care for no warnings; and whenever this is the
case, punishment is not far off. May God Almighty be gracious unto us,
whom we heartily pray to remember mercy in the midst of his wrath." The
following night he enjoyed good rest, and slept very quietly. He awoke
whilst he was singing an old hymn, which, when a boy, he had frequently
sung in Church: "With desire have I desired to eat this passover with
you before I suffer." He wrote an Easter Meditation on the great
Sabbath, the day before Easter, and carried it to the printing-office
himself. He then went to church, confessed his sins, received
absolution, and together with others, in true faith received the body
and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ with thanksgiving and fervent prayer.
In the afternoon at 2 o'clock, he went to look after his manuscript in
the printing-office. This was his last walk in the street.
At 4 o'clock in the afternoon, his dear friend Camerarius, of Leipzig,
who had been informed of his friend's precarious condition, through
Peucer, entered the house, and found his friend Melanchthon upon the
lowest step of the stairway that led to his study, resting his head upon
his hand. He arose and welcomed him, and they continued to converse for
some time. At 5 o'clock, he expressed a wish to go to bed, for a severe
chill had come upon him. He did not eat anything. He could not sleep
during the night after Easter; the heat of the fever was rapidly
consuming his strength; but notwithstanding all this, he could not be
persuaded to omit his customary annual Easter Meditation. He had already
put on his coat to go out. But the good man was so feeble that he was
barely able to stand. Some one had informed the students that the Master
would not lecture, upon which they all departed. When his son Philip
came in to inform his father that there were no auditors there, his
father replied, in a tone of displeasure, "So you have told them to go
away." But when his son apologized, he said, in a milder tone, "To whom
shall I lecture, if there is no one present?" He then took off his coat.
He proceeded to write several letters, while Camerarius remained with
him, and the rest went to church. The excellent and pious prince
Joachim, of Anhalt, who had heard of his illness, sent him a moor-hen,
and several partridges. He partook of some of these, and also of some
Hungarian plums. He also drank some Rhenish wine, and remarked that he
liked it. He also conversed very pleasantly with his friends.
When he arose from the table, he went up into his room and rested for a
while upon his couch. He had also commenced writing a letter to Prussia,
which he now continued, without however finishing it. He was not able to
write any more; he rested, and thought of his deceased friend, Dr.
Pommer.[27] He said, "Doctor Pommer, that good, and now sainted man,
died of nothing but old age;" and continued: "no one ought to wish to
live so long that his age and feebleness would render him altogether
useless to men."
On one of the following days, he prayed to God in a very fervent manner,
in the hearing of many persons, that he would graciously remove him from
this life, if he was not to serve the Church and Christian youth any
longer." And God heard this prayer, which he repeated several times.
During the night he slept tolerably well. When he arose, therefore, he
continued to write. However, his friends persuaded him not to lecture on
this day, (Easter Monday.) Before going to table, he said: "If it is
God's will, I am willing to die. I have a desire to depart, and to be
with Christ." He then spoke of the original Greek word in the New
Testament, which does not properly signify to _depart_, but "to journey
or prepare for a journey." He also recollected a remark made by the
worthy and pious Dr. Milichius: "It might be that a person would be very
anxious to leave this life; but at the same time, no man could earnestly
think of death, without shuddering." Melanchthon coincided with this,
and said: "The great misery and troubles of life are not able to give a
man joy in the hour of death. Something more is needful before a man can
feel this." He retired to his bed, and rested for about three hours.
When he had risen at one time, and Camerarius and Peucer were again
placing him upon his couch, he began to sink under their hands. But they
restored him by rubbing him. He spent a very restless night; his cough
was quite troublesome, and he slept little. This was the fifth attack of
the fever. He remarked that at Weimar, Doctor Sturtz had applied a
cardiac of corals, which relieved him, and that he had thought of the
word of the prophet in his sleep: "I shall not die, but live, and
declare the works of the Lord." He requested them to apply corals in the
present instance, and they did so.
In the morning of the 16th of April, at 4 o'clock, he was heard praying
very earnestly. After his prayer he completed the letter to Prussia. On
this day Camerarius wished to go home, intending to return at a more
convenient time. All entertained hopes that the fever would leave him
after the seventh attack. As Melanchthon had not eaten anything the day
before, a meal was prepared earlier than usual, in order that he and his
friend might eat together. Before going down, they sat on a bench
surrounded by some other friends. And now Melanchthon quite unexpectedly
said to Camerarius, as if giving him his blessing: "My dear Dr. Joachim,
we have been joined in the bonds of friendship about forty years, and we
have loved each other with a sincere and disinterested affection. We
have been teachers of youth and faithful colleagues, each in his proper
place, and I hope to God that our labors have not been useless, but have
done much good. If it is God's will that I must die, we will perpetuate
our unalterable friendship in the world to come." They then both sat
down to table. Melanchthon then turned to Camerarius's son-in-law,
ESROM, whose wife had died a year and a half before, and said: "I to-day
dreamed of your wife, as if I had seen her die." He said of this pious
and virtuous woman, that he heard her remark: "I know that God will not
forsake me." "I can never forget that word," he said. When something was
said of the hurtful doctrine of doubt, he said to Esrom: "Your sainted
wife did not speak so." He also referred again to the hymn, which he
sung in his sleep three days ago, and said that it sounded so sweetly.
He ate and drank very little, and grew weaker and weaker. He expressed a
wish to retire to his room, and tried to go to sleep. Camerarius felt
very anxious in regard to him, and determined not to depart that day.
The sick man fell asleep, lying upon his back, with his eyes half-open.
He was the very picture of a corpse. His friends were filled with fear,
and tears filled their eyes as they gazed upon him. The servants wept
and cried aloud, as if their master were already dead. But it had not
come to this yet; and when he turned upon his side in his sleep, his
countenance assumed a more natural appearance, and he slept soundly. He
awoke after three hours, and said that he had slept exceedingly well.
Cheerfulness and animation seemed to return. During this day, a Danish
Theologian, on his way to his own country, entered his room. Melanchthon
was very much pleased with the visit of this gentleman, and gave him
several books, which had been printed at Wittenberg, in order that he
might present them to the King of Denmark. The invalid requested him to
apologize for him to the king, because he had not written; that he was
prevented by illness; however, God willing, he hoped to write soon, and
faithfully and humbly to thank his majesty for all his gracious favors.
He also prayed that the king and his entire kingdom might continue to
enjoy happiness and prosperity.
He was so refreshed by his sleep, that he wrote letters, walked through
his room and the house, and was more cheerful and animated than during
the whole time of his illness. All began to entertain a hope of his
recovery. At the supper-table, he was very cheerful. When the
conversation turned upon those men who had brought discord into the
Church, and still continued to foment it, he was greatly moved, and with
unusual passion remarked: "They are knaves, and will remain knaves, and
God will yet make it manifest that they are knaves." He remained at
table until about 8 o'clock. It was the last meal he ever received in
the lower part of his house. His sleep was refreshing. In his sleep his
spirit was impressed with the words of the Apostle Paul, "If God be for
us, who can be against us?"
On the following day, April 17th, he sealed the letter to Prussia, wrote
something upon some small pamphlets, and sent them to his friends, and
a few of them to the Duke. When he felt some fatigue, and the fever was
about attacking him again, Camerarius came to bid him farewell. Philip
said: "The Son of God, who sitteth at the right hand of his heavenly
Father, and giveth gifts to men, preserve you and yours, and all of us.
Give my warmest regards to your dear wife!" This was the last interview
of these affectionate friends. Camerarius mounted his horse before
Melanchthon's door, and went to Leipzig to attend to some important
matters, intending to return afterwards. Prince Joachim, of Anhalt, on
the same day sent one of his attendants to inquire in regard to the good
man's health. Melanchthon conversed with him in a very friendly manner,
and expressed his affection towards the prince in such moving blessings
and wishes for his welfare, that every eye was filled with tears.
Several letters also arrived from Switzerland, which spoke of the
prospects of a General Council, which the Pope intended to convene. He
said: "It is far better for me to die, than to be obliged to attend this
Council." For every one could easily imagine what shameful dissensions
would arise there, even on the side of the Protestants. At 8 o'clock,
the fever made its appearance for the sixth time. To some one standing
at his bedside, he remarked: "I was to-night thinking of the foolish
dispute that some pretend, that Christ was not afraid of death. But he
understood what it is to die, far better than we do, or can do.
Therefore he no doubt was more afraid of death than we are." He also
said, "How does the will of the Lord Jesus Christ agree with the will of
his Heavenly Father, when he was afraid of death!" But he did not give
any further intimation of his views in regard to this. He again spoke of
Esrom's wife: "What a fine young woman your beloved wife was! She had a
strong constitution, too; and yet she died very easily, and had a
disease very much like mine. For she had pains in her left side, and I
have them too. But the great weakness of my body is owing to other
causes, which I do not understand." And shortly before retiring, he
said: "If this is not death, it is indeed a very severe scourge." A
large map hung near his bed, which he regarded very attentively. He
turned round, and with a smile remarked: "Virdungus once foretold to me,
by astrology, that I would be shipwrecked upon the ocean, and now I am
not far from it." He had reference to the painted ocean upon the map.
When the heat of the fever came upon him, and he was about to uncover
his extremities, a feeling of modesty led him to say to those who were
surrounding his bed: "What are you standing here for? Can't you go
home?" This frightened many so much that they retired, and fewer persons
were present during that day. At 2 o'clock, the fever left him; it had
not been as severe as before. He rose, and took some food, but his
stomach would not retain it. He again retired, and slept until 5
o'clock. He was lying all night in his chamber, his slumbers being very
slight and restless. His friends feared that the returning fever would
consume his remaining strength. Philip himself said, "The end is not far
distant;" and prayed, "O Lord, make an end!"
On the 18th of April he rose early in the morning at 4 o'clock, and was
conveyed down into his study. He requested them to remove the sofa,
which felt uncomfortable, and to put up his travelling-bed. When he was
taken down, he said: "This is called a travelling-bed; suppose I should
be obliged to travel in it?" While the physicians became convinced, from
a number of signs, that he would not recover, he felt it himself, and
said, "he was perfectly satisfied, if it was God's will." At 8 o'clock,
pastor Paul Eber, and several other persons, entered the room, and
approached the death-bed. Melanchthon frequently repeated that he had
subjected his own will to the will of God, and that life and death were
altogether in his hands. He would be perfectly satisfied with whatever
he should do; and he also remarked, "by the blessing of God I have no
particular anxieties now; for although my daughter's children, whom I
tenderly love, are now passing before my eyes, I comfort myself with the
thought that they are in the hands of pious and godly parents, whom I
love also. They will be solicitous for their welfare, and carefully
train them, as I have done hitherto, and God will also add his blessing.
But I feel for the common calamities, and am greatly troubled because a
cavilling and perverse world acts so wilfully, and troubles the Holy
Christian Church so shamefully. However, let them do whatever they
please, through the goodness of God our doctrine is correct and clear
for all that." He then said to some persons present, "You are young, and
have received sufficient talents through the goodness of God; but see to
it that you use them aright. May Almighty God preserve you, and give you
strength and wisdom, that you may be of service to him and his Church."
When, on the same day, he saw one of his granddaughters, Peucer's eldest
child, passing before his bed, he called her to him, and said: "Dear
daughter, I have loved you most affectionately: see that you reverence
your parents, and always obey them, and fear God, who will never forsake
you. May God Almighty protect you, and give you his blessing. Amen!"
He also spoke in the same friendly manner to the other children, who
were younger, and exhorted them to pray and to be pious. To his
daughter he said: "Dear daughter, God has given you a pious husband.
Love, honor, and obey him. And raise your children in the fear of God,
and God will be with you, and will not forsake you." He spoke like one
who was taking leave.
Camerarius was written to on the following day, and informed that he
must make haste, if he wished to find his Philip alive. But it was
impossible for him to arrive before the death of his friend. At 8
o'clock on the 18th of April he had some food prepared for himself, and
partook of a little broth, and a few slices of lemon. Soon after he
asked his son-in-law, "What hopes he entertained in regard to him, and
that he should not hide anything from him." Peucer replied: "God is your
life, and the length of the days of your life. But as you request me to
tell the whole truth, there is indeed very little hope, as far as I am
able to judge from natural causes, for you are very weak, and your
weakness is increasing every moment." Upon this he said: "Yes, I feel my
weakness, and understand what it imports very well. I have commended the
whole matter to God, whom I pray to deal mercifully with me!"
He had before commenced his will, which opened with a short declaration
of all the articles of his doctrine and faith. He now ordered them to
look for it, in order that he might finish it. But it could not be
found, and it was supposed some one had stolen it. At 2 o'clock he
seated himself at his desk, to write another. We will insert a part of
what he wrote: "In the year 1560, on the eighteenth day of April, I have
written this will in my sickness, briefly in reference to the humble
possessions which God has bestowed upon me. I have twice before written
the confession of my faith, and gratitude to God and our Lord Jesus
Christ, but this has been lost. But I wish my answer to the Bavarian
articles to be looked upon as my confession against the Papists,
Anabaptists, the followers of Flacius, and others like them."
He then expressed his wishes in regard to the division of his property
among his heirs; but his weakness prevented him from concluding it,
which he intended to do on the following day, but it was never done. He
was in full possession of all his mental faculties, and remained so to
the end. As he felt no pain in his head at all, some supposed that he
would die very painfully. He also conversed with his son-in-law in
regard to the affairs of the University, what subjects should be taught
there, and also pointed out his successor. At three o'clock, he
expressed a wish to retire to his room again. He slept soundly until
six. In the meantime, letters had arrived from Frankfort, in which his
friends informed him how terribly the pious were being persecuted in
France. He said: "Well, I am weak, and do not feel well; but all my
sickness does not pain me as much as the great misery of the holy
Christian Church, which arises from the unnecessary separation,
wickedness, and wilfulness, of those who have departed from us without
cause; and these mad people are not able to stop, but must still go on
and make this misery worse than it is; for they do not spare any one.
But you will see that God will punish this wantonness, and we shall be
punished along with them. However, our punishment shall be that which a
father inflicts. But they shall be compelled to suffer severer
punishment. I deeply commiserate the poor people who are so wretchedly
deceived." He continued to utter his complaints thus for a long time,
and it affected him very much. His friends also read other letters to
him, of more cheering character. Thus the conversation was turned into
a different channel, he thought of several friends and acquaintances,
and even uttered a few words in jest. His friends conversed with him
until about eight o'clock, and entertained the best hopes in regard to
his condition. Before retiring to rest, he ate a few preserved cherries,
and drank a little wine, to strengthen himself for sleep.
It was his last night, for the _19th of April_ was the day of his death.
His sleep was very much disturbed. At two o'clock at night, he rose in
the bed, and said to the physician who was present, that he had slept
very little. He had again thought of the word of Paul, "If God be for
us, who can be against us?" He thought of the misery and troubles of the
Church with great sorrow; and his complaints were finally changed into
fervent prayers for the whole Christian Church. He spoke with his
son-in-law until about three o'clock, and was then led into his study.
After walking up and down for some time, he laid himself upon his
travelling-bed, and fell asleep, breathing very easily. When he awoke
about 6 o'clock, he requested his son-in-law to cut off his hair. This
was done. He had three clean linen shirts brought to him, which he put
on, one over the other, as he had been in the habit of doing for years,
in order to keep his body warm. He also placed a clean night-cap upon
his head, for he was in the habit of always wearing one at home; and he
remarked that he had learned this of the celebrated Dr. Reuchlin. In
this manner he adorned himself for his departure. Soon after, the
minister of Torgau, together with his chaplain, Fisher, and the
physician Kentman, of Torgau, came to pay a visit to the sick man. He
conversed with these friends for about half an hour. He said that he did
not feel particularly troubled on account of himself, but that he
deeply felt the sad condition of the Church; for men were exciting
wanton and useless controversies, dividing the Church, and darkening the
truth of the pure doctrine by violence. But that he also had the
consolation to know, that by the grace of God, the true doctrine is
rightly explained in our churches; and thus concluded: "If I die, I
shall escape coming misfortunes, and shall be torn away from this
unhappy, sophistical, and strange year of nature."
He began to pray with tears, and to commend the Church to the Son of
God, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. When the three friends were
about to depart, he invited them to dinner. They accepted the
invitation; but one of them received word that his daughter was taken
ill. They then came to bid him farewell; and the invalid exhorted them
to pray for the churches and schools, and said: "I know very well that
you do so. The Almighty God be with you!" This was at 7 o'clock, and he
was exceedingly weak.
In the meantime his pastor, several deacons, professors, and other
persons came in. Eight o'clock was the hour when the fever was expected;
his strength decreased perceptibly, and at last he fainted. His friends
restored him, and he slept quietly for a little while. When he awoke, he
began to repeat his customary prayer. He spoke with a very feeble voice,
yet every word could be heard. He prayed: "O Almighty, Eternal, living
and true God, Creator of heaven, and earth, and men, together with thy
co-eternal Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who was crucified for us and
raised from the dead, and thy living, pure, and true holy Spirit; thou
wise, good, faithful, gracious and just God; thou voluntary, pure, and
faithful Saviour, who givest life and law, thou hast said: 'I have no
pleasure in the death of the sinner, but rather that he should return
unto me and live;' and who hast also said, 'Call upon me in the day of
trouble, and I will deliver thee.' I confess myself a poor sinner before
thee, who is burdened with many sins; for I have offended against thy
holy commandments in many ways, and I mourn from my heart that I have
offended thee, and pray thee, for the sake of thy dear Son, our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ, who was nailed to the cross for our sakes, and was
raised again from the dead, that thou wouldst have mercy upon me,
forgive me my sins, and justify me by and for the sake of the Lord Jesus
Christ, who is thy eternal word and image, whom thou didst deliver as a
sacrifice, mediator, Redeemer, and Saviour, led by thy wonderful and
indescribable counsels, and inscrutable wisdom and mercy. And I also
pray thee to sanctify me by thy holy, living, pure, and true Spirit, so
that I may truly acknowledge, and firmly believe, obey, thank, fear, and
invoke thee, behold thy gracious countenance with joy throughout all
eternity, and for ever serve thee, the Almighty, true God, Creator of
heaven and earth, and men, the everlasting Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and also Jesus Christ, thy dear Son, thine eternal word and
image, and thy Holy Spirit, the true, pure, and living Comforter. In
thee have I hoped, O Lord: let me never be confounded: in thy
righteousness deliver me. Make me righteous, and bring me unto eternal
life; thou hast redeemed me, O thou God of faithfulness and truth. Keep
and rule our churches and government, and this school. Bestow a salutary
peace and government upon them. Rule and protect our princes and
government; gather and preserve an everlasting Christian Church unto
thyself in these lands. Sanctify and unite it by thy Holy Spirit, that
it may be one in thee, in the true knowledge and worship of thy dear
Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, by and through him, thy eternal Son, our
Lord Jesus Christ, who for our sakes was nailed to the cross, and raised
again from the dead. Almighty, eternal Son of God, thou faithful Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ, who art the eternal word and image of the
eternal Father, our Mediator and Saviour, crucified for us and raised
again, I give thee most hearty thanks that thou didst assume our human
nature, and art ordained my Redeemer, that in the flesh thou didst
suffer, and arise from the dead, and now intercedest for me, I beseech
thee regard and have mercy upon me, for I am lonely and poor; increase
the light of faith in me, by thy Holy Spirit, bear with me in my
weakness, rule, protect, and sanctify me; in thee, O Lord, have I hoped;
let me never be confounded. Almighty, Holy Spirit, true, pure, and
living Comforter, illuminate, rule, and sanctify me, strengthen faith in
my heart and in my soul, give me true consolation, preserve and rule me,
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, that
I may behold the beauty of the Lord, and may be and remain for ever a
holy temple of the Lord, and praise God for ever with a joyful spirit in
that eternal heavenly Church and Congregation."
Thus he prayed. This prayer must have exhausted him very much, for he
leaned back upon his bed, and slumbered for some time. But suddenly he
opened his eyes, and said to Peucer: "I have been in the power of death,
but the Lord has graciously delivered me." He repeated this several
times, and as it could only be explained by supposing that he had passed
through some severe internal conflict, Magister JOHN STURIO said to him:
"There is now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus."
Melanchthon soon added: "Christ is made to us wisdom, righteousness,
sanctification, and redemption, in order that, as it is written, "Let
him that glorieth, glory in the Lord." He also frequently repeated the
words: "Oh Lord, have mercy upon me!" His pulse was gone, his hands and
feet became cold, his breathing short, his eyes, temples, and the pit of
his neck fell in, and his strength was failing very rapidly. It was easy
to see that the hour of his departure was near. He was asked whether he
did not wish to eat something. When he signified his willingness, they
made him a soup of Hamburg beer. He ate about three spoonsful, and
remarked: "What a very good soup this is!" He did not eat or drink
anything more after this, but requested them to raise him up, because he
wished to finish his will. But when he found that he was too weak, he
said: "Oh God, that I should be seized so unexpectedly." He laid his
hands before him, and sat for a little while, and then laid himself
down. The heat of the fever was still so strong, that he left his feet
uncovered, although they were extremely cold. He was able to turn about
in his bed without assistance. About 1 o'clock he fainted again. Being
restored by rubbing, he said, "Ah, what are you doing?" While he was
thus lying perfectly still, the Pastor thought it proper to read some
portions of the Old and New Testaments to him. He, and the two Deacons,
Froeshel and Sturio, now alternately read the 24th, 25th, and 26th
Psalms, the 53d chapter of Isaiah, the 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th
chapters of John, Romans v., and several other chapters and verses of
Paul and the prophets. When they were done and silent, the dying man
said, in a loud and distinct voice: "I perpetually bear in mind the word
of John of the Son of God, my Lord Jesus Christ: The World knew him
not;--but as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the
sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." He then continued
to pray silently; his lips were moving, but no one understood what he
was saying. Those professors, whose duty it was to lecture in the
afternoon, gave notice of the postponement of their lectures, in which
they stated the reason, and called upon the students to unite their
prayers with their own. A great excitement arose among the students and
citizens, and all were filled with sorrow. All were anxiously awaiting
the end.
Within, the dying man was lying in the struggle of death, his eyes half
open, and his body very restless. He did not speak, unless a question
was put to him, although he was fully conscious. His son-in-law asked
him whether he wished to have anything. "Nothing but heaven," he
replied, "and therefore do not ask me such questions any more."
About 3 o'clock in the afternoon, when his head had slipped from the
pillow, and he was lying in an uncomfortable position, they attempted to
raise him and alter his position, when he fainted again. He was soon
restored. "Ah, what are you doing?" he said, "why do you disturb my
sweet repose? let me rest unto the end, for it will not last very long."
As they saw that his end was approaching, several persons united in
prayer to God that he would be pleased soon to grant him a blessed
dismission. The Pastor began to pray in a very consoling manner, and all
in the room fell upon their knees, and united in prayer with him. Those
passages of Scripture which he was known to have regarded with peculiar
interest, were now repeated, such as, "Let not your heart be troubled;"
so also, John 15, 16, 17, also 10: "Whoever loves me, will keep my
commandments." "My sheep hear my voice." Also, Rom. viii., "If God be
for us, who can be against us?"
Several persons, who had not taken any food throughout the day, now
went to table, but soon returned. It was in the evening at 6 o'clock,
and the dying man was lying still, when Froeshel arose, and pronounced
the benediction upon him: "The Lord bless thee and keep thee! The Lord
make his face to shine on thee, and be gracious unto thee! The Lord lift
up his countenance on thee, and give thee peace!" Veit WINSHEIM, Doctor
of Medicine, and Professor of Greek, repeated the words of the Psalm to
him: "Into thy hands I commend my spirit; O Lord, thou hast delivered
me, thou righteous and faithful God!" He asked him whether he heard him?
The dying man replied, "_Yes!_" loud enough to be heard by all. It was
his last word upon the earth.
Froehshel now repeated the Creed, the Lord's prayer, and the words "Lord
Jesus Christ, into thy hands I commend my spirit!" he repeated several
times. When he repeated them for the third time, Melanchthon moved his
lips as if he was praying. More than twenty persons were gazing upon the
dying man. Without the slightest motion, this worthy man gently fell
asleep in the evening, at 7 o'clock, in the very same hour in which he
first beheld the light of this world, 63 years and 63 days before. In
the midst of prayer he celebrated his return home, as the old account
says, "to his beloved Lord Jesus Christ, whom he always praised with his
heart and mouth. With him he no doubt now enjoys everlasting happiness
and glory, together with all the elect. May our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Son of God, help us all to enjoy the same, and may he grant us all a
happy end, and joyous dismission, whenever it shall please him to call
us away. Amen."
* * * * *
Winsheim, who delivered his funeral oration, said: "Failing gradually,
he ceased to breathe almost without feeling death, and lay like one who
is asleep; his face was not distorted, and his features were not
changed, as is generally the case with the dead." When the beloved
teacher had thus closed his eyes, the tidings of this event spread
rapidly through the city. The students, greatly distressed, came to the
house in great numbers. It was very easy to see how much they had loved
him. The University soon informed the Elector of this sad event. The
body was laid out in the study during the same evening. On the morning
of the 20th of April, the artist, LUCAS KRANACH, painted his portrait.
All were anxious to behold the beloved body, and permission was given to
all during that and the following day.
No one looked upon the beloved countenance, without tears. Some touched
his head; others took his hand, and pressed it. Many kissed him, with
many tears. The citizens brought their children to look upon him, so
that they might be able to say, in future times, what kind of man he
was. His body was placed in a leaden coffin, and this again in one of
wood, and with other papers, the following was also placed in it: "In
this coffin, PHILIP MELANCHTHON was buried, who was a professor of the
Holy Scriptures, and the good arts, for 42 years. He was an excellent,
learned, pleasant, sensible, sincere, pious, and holy man; patient and
benevolent towards the poor, the most faithful and diligent assistant of
the sainted and revered Doctor Martin Luther, in explaining and
establishing the pure doctrine of the divine word, which had been
darkened by the fraud of the Roman Popes, the juggling of the monks, and
a great number of abuses. He also prepared the _Augsburg Confession_,
which was delivered to the Emperor Charles V., in 1530, after the
purification and exposition of the true doctrine had begun in 1517, and
a change had also taken place in these churches. And he continued to
defend the truth of the heavenly doctrine for 30 years, upon public
diets, and privately, as is proved by his writings, which have been
published to the world." After this follows a short account of the
events of his life, from his birth to his death.
The funeral took place on the 21st of April. Joachim Camerarius, and DR.
MORCH, of Leipzig, arrived at nine o'clock in the morning. His great
grief would not suffer him to look upon the body of his beloved friend
once more. The procession set out in the afternoon. The students came
first, and were followed by the body, borne by the professors of
philosophy, who were dressed in long black funeral robes. After them
came the relatives, the other professors, the city council, strange
noblemen and others, students and citizens. The coffin was first taken
to the parish church, where it was set down before the altar, on the
very spot where Melanchthon had been in the habit of kneeling when
priests were ordained. A psalm and several other hymns, were sung here.
The Pastor, Paul Eber, then mounted the pulpit, and preached the funeral
sermon, from the words in 1 Thess. iv. From the parish Church, the
procession moved towards the Electoral Church. There the body was
deposited by the side of Luther's grave. Veit Winsheim mounted a pulpit
which had been erected near it, and delivered an excellent and moving
Latin address. He closed it in the following words: "He has left us, and
all his, the churches of these dominions, and the University, in a
painful state of anxiety. At the very time when we are tossed about by
the ocean-storms, we have lost our pilot, at the very time when we need
him most, and could spare him less than ever before. But it is not
difficult to understand what God means by taking such men from the
world, in order that they may not see the coming distresses. I do not
wish to be a prophet of misfortunes; but let us cultivate repentance and
patience, so that we may either escape from the wrath of God, or that we
may be able to bear his paternal chastisement, if it be necessary. For
the death of such men should incite us to piety, to repentance, and more
fervent prayer; and also to preserve the inheritance left us by these
two men, Luther and Melanchthon; namely, the pure doctrines of truth,
with the greatest prudence, diligence, and fidelity. For this is not the
time for security and sleep, but for watchfulness. We have all seen what
came to pass after Luther's death; let every one reflect for himself,
what things are to be expected now." After this, the body was deposited
in its resting-place, by the side of Luther. The whole community
assisted at these funeral solemnities. There was such a concourse of
persons of every condition and age, that Wittenberg had never seen one
to exceed it. All were deeply moved, and many tears were shed.[28]
A small plate of metal, in the floor, still marks Melanchthon's
resting-place, while another on the wall presents his portrait, and
eulogizes the great and ever to be remembered reformer and teacher, not
only of Germany, but of entire evangelical Christendom.
The Wittenberg account closes with the following prayer, with which we,
too, shall end our narrative:
"And we hereby earnestly and heartily beseech God, that he will be
pleased to gather and preserve an everlasting Christian Church among us,
and in these lands, and the entire human race, through his dear Son, our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; and that he will also preserve us against
factions and schisms, and grant us courage and strength to oppose them
confidently and successfully. And as human strength and wisdom are too
weak to accomplish this, we beseech the Eternal Son of God, that he
would abundantly pour out his Holy Spirit by his word, in our hearts and
those of all believers, so that we may obtain knowledge and wisdom, and
be ruled and guided in all things, in order that his holy Divine name
may be praised and glorified by us and the whole Christian Church, here
in this world, and forever in the world to come. Amen."
THE END.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] This learned scholar, known to the learned by the name of CAPNIO,
was a native of Pforzheim, and successively a teacher of languages at
Basle and at Orleans. He was the restorer of letters in Germany, and the
author of several treatises on Philosophy.
[2] He wrote a humorous piece in the form of a comedy, which he
dedicated to Reuchlin, to show the sense he entertained of his truly
parental kindness, and engaged his schoolfellows to perform it in his
presence. It was upon this occasion that he gave him the name of
Melanchthon.
[3] His proficiency in the Greek was so remarkable, that even at this
early age he composed RUDIMENTS of the language, which were afterwards
published.
[4] Erasmus also wrote to Oecolampadius, "Of Melanchthon I have already
the highest opinion, and cherish the most magnificent hopes: so much so,
that I am persuaded Christ designs this youth to excel us all: _he will
totally eclipse Erasmus!_" In a letter to Julius Pflug, he says: "He not
only excels in learning and eloquence, but by a certain fatality is a
_general favorite_. Honest and candid men are fond of him, _and even his
adversaries cannot hate him_!"
[5] It may be mentioned here, that John Agricola, of Eisleben, who was
engaged on the Lutheran side, afterwards became an opponent of the
Reformation; and John Poliander, the amanuensis of Eck, attached himself
to Luther at the close of the disputation, and afterwards preached the
Gospel in Prussia.--_Seckendorf. Hist. Luther_, Book I., page 230.
[6] This term applied to the faculty of Theology at Paris. The College
of the University in which they assembled was called the house of the
Sorbonne, which was first erected and endowed in the year 1250, by a
wealthy favorite of St. Louis, whose name was Robert de Sorbonne. This
Theological faculty enjoyed the highest repute at that time.
[7] Karlstadt was heard to say, that "he wished to be as great a man and
as much thought of as Luther;" for which he was properly reproved by
Melanchthon, who reminded him, "that such language could only proceed
from a spirit of emulation, envy, and pride."--_Seckendorf._
[8] Luther's principal assistants in this work were Philip Melanchthon,
Caspar Cruciger, Justus Jonas, John Bugenhagen, or Pomeranus, and
Matthew Aurogallus;--the corrector of the press was George
Rorarius.--_Seckendorf._
We are also told in Adams, that Bugenhagen constantly kept the
anniversary of the day on which this work was finished, with a select
party of friends at his own house. This social meeting was called "The
festival of the translation of the Scriptures."
[9] Henry von Zuetphen preached the gospel in Ditmars, a county of
Holstein. He was seized by the enraged priests, and after having been
beaten and stabbed, and covered with more than twenty wounds, was cast
into the fire. He suffered martyrdom with most heroic calmness. Luther
published the history of this martyr.--_Seckendorf._
[10] Melanchthon addressed the following apologetic letter to
Camerarius: "As some unfounded reports will probably reach you,
respecting the marriage of Luther, I think it proper to inform you of
the true state of the case, and to give my opinion. On the 13th of June,
Luther, to our great surprise, and without saying a word to his friends,
married Catharine de Bora, and only invited Pomeranus, Lucca the
painter, and Apellus the lawyer, to supper in the evening, celebrating
the espousals in the customary manner. Some perhaps may be astonished
that he should have married at this unfavorable juncture of public
affairs, so deeply afflictive to every good man, and thus appear to be
unaffected and careless about the distressing events which have occurred
amongst us; even though his own reputation suffers at a moment when
Germany most requires his talents and influence. This, however, is my
view of the subject: Luther is a man who has nothing of the unsocial
misanthropist about him; but you know his habits, and I need say no more
on this head. Surely it is no wonderful thing that his great and
benevolent soul should be influenced by the gentle affections,
especially as there is nothing reprehensible or criminal in it. He is in
fact by nature fitted for the married state; and it is pronounced
honorable in the sacred Scriptures. I saw that his change of situation
produced some degree of perturbation and gloom of mind, and I have done
my utmost to cheer him; for I cannot condemn him as having committed a
fault, or fallen into sin, though I grant God has recorded many sins
which some of his ancient saints committed, in order that we might be
stimulated to repose our confidence, not in men, however dignified and
distinguished, but in his word alone. I have in possession the most
decisive evidences of his piety and love to God, so that the malicious
reproaches heaped upon Luther are nothing else than the inventions of
scurrilous sycophants, who want employment for a slanderous tongue, &c.
&c.--_Mel. Epistles. Cox._
[11] In Germany, the higher schools, intended to give immediate
preparation for the universities, are termed gymnasia.--_Brande._
[12] Melanchthon discloses a secret to Camerarius: "I am applied to from
Bohemia to desert the Reformed cause, and promised any remuneration from
King Ferdinand. Indeed, my defection is publicly reported as a fact,
because in the little book written for the Reformed Churches, I have
shown an increased degree of moderation; and yet you perceive I have
really inserted nothing different from what Luther constantly affirms.
But because I have employed no asperity of language, these very acute
men judge that I necessarily differ from Luther.--_Mel. Epist. Cox._
[13] The first who thus acquired the honorable appellation of
_Protestants_, were John, Elector of Saxony, George, Elector of
Brandenburg, Ernest and Francis, Dukes of Luneburg, Philip, Landgrave of
Hesse, and Wolfgang, Prince of Anhalt. They were seconded by thirteen or
fourteen imperial cities.
[14] During a conversation at this time, his mother mentioned the manner
in which she was accustomed to attend to her devotions, and the form she
generally used, which was free from the prevailing superstitions. "But
what," said she, "am I to believe amidst so many different opinions of
the present day?" "Go on," replied Melanchthon, "believe and pray as you
now do, and have done before, and do not disturb yourself about the
disputes and controversies of the time."--_Adam. in Cox._
[15] The election of Ferdinand as King of Rome, was regarded as an
artful proceeding of his brother, the Emperor, for the purpose of
rendering the imperial crown hereditary in his family, and consequently,
subversive of the liberties of the empire.--_Cox._
[16] Maimbourg relates, that Queen Margaret of Navarre, sister of
Francis I., united with other illustrious females attached to the Court,
who cherished sentiments favorable to the Reformation, to request that
he might be invited for the purpose of consultation on existing disputes
in religion. The Queen frequently spoke of him to her brother as a man
of exalted piety, profound learning, and singular eloquence.--_Cox._
[17] Some Parisians, who had imbibed the principles of Protestantism,
indiscreetly posted up hand-bills in several of the public places, and
on the gates of the Louvre, containing reflections on the doctrines,
rites, and clergy of the Church of Rome. The king, being highly incensed
at these proceedings, issued a general order against heretics, and
appointed a solemn procession. The holy host was carried through the
city, the king walked with his feet bare, and his head uncovered,
attended by the queen, the princes of the blood, and all his courtiers.
Six Lutherans were publicly condemned by the parliament to be burnt; a
decree which was executed with the most shocking barbarity before the
procession was finished, and others were sought after with the most
eager diligence.--_Sleid. Dupin. Belcar. in Cox._
[18] Milichius was a physician, to whom he was particularly attached on
account of his professional skill, devoted friendship, and literary
taste. He was a native of Freiburg, and for a series of years led a
useful and eminent course of public life at Wittenberg.--_Cam. Life of
Mel. in Cox._
[19] Those who wish to know more of this strange event, which has so
often been used as an argument against the Wittenberg Reformers, will
find a complete and excellent examination of it in Dr. John Bachman's
"Defence of Luther and the Reformation against the charges of John
Bellinger, M. D., and others." Page 153.
[20] Melanchthon wrote an enigma upon the names of these persons,
playing upon the German words Pflug (plow), Eck (harrow), Groper
(digging), &c. As this could not retain its meaning in a translation, we
have omitted it from the text.--T.
[21] Eck, during the heat of disputation, made use of some puzzling
sophism, at which Melanchthon paused to revolve the statement in his
mind, and at length replied: "I will give you an answer to-morrow."
"Oh," said his antagonist, "there is no merit or honor in that, if you
cannot answer me immediately." To which he replied in these memorable
words: "My good Doctor, I am not seeking my own glory in this business,
but truth; I say then, God willing, you shall have an answer
to-morrow."--(_Adam. Lives of Germ. Theolog. Cox._)
[22] Melanchthon's disinterestedness is evident from a letter written in
former years by Luther to the Elector. He mentions Melanchthon's
hesitation to accept an increase of his salary to the amount of an
hundred florins, and his wish to continue his Greek lectures without any
remuneration, so that the ordinary stipend might be devoted to augment
the revenue of the University. "But," says Luther, "he has sustained the
greatest share of academical labor for upwards of twenty years past, and
surely he has the greatest right to enjoy in quiet some of the profits.
He has been a kind of general servant to the whole institution, and
well merits the bounty of your highness. The whole Christian world
is his debtor, and, blessed be God, the Popish fraternity are more
afraid of him and his scholars, than all the learned besides put
together."--_Seckendorf. Cox._
[23] Agricola was liberally rewarded by the Emperor and by Ferdinand;
and Sidonius obtained the Bishopric of Merseburg. This furnished
occasion for a common joke upon them, "that they only defended the
Popish chrism and oil as necessary to salvation, that they might come
off the better greased themselves."--_Sleidan, in Cox._
[24] Their house was crowded with a constant succession of comers and
goers, of every age, sex, and condition; some pressing in to receive,
and others departing well-stored from this ample repository of kindness
and bounty. It formed a part of their domestic regulations, never to
refuse an applicant.... Camerarius has stated, that on several occasions
when his pecuniary resources have been exhausted, he would contrive to
supply the necessitous by privately taking cups, or other vessels
appropriated to domestic use, to a trader to sell, even at a very low
rate. He received many presents of gold and silver coin. These he would
often give to the first person who, from avarice or curiosity, might be
induced to ask for them, simply from a disposition to oblige.
[25] Anna was handsome, accomplished, and of a very literary turn.
Luther, in one of his letters, calls her "the elegant daughter of
Philip."--_Cox._
[26] He always estimated _time_ as a most precious possession. It is
said of him, that when he made an appointment, he expected not only the
day or the hour, but the _minute_ to be fixed, that time might not be
squandered away in the vacuity or idleness of suspense.--_Cox._
[27] John Bugenhagen, Pomeranus, or Pommer, was one of the most
remarkable men of the age, and may be justly ranked with Luther and
Melanchthon, with whom he cherished a long and close friendship, and to
whom he was in many respects little inferior. Originally he was a
schoolmaster at Treptow in Pomerania; and when he first saw the
"Babylonish Captivity" by Luther, exclaimed, "The author of this book is
the most pestilent heretic that ever infested the Church of Christ." But
after examining it more seriously, and with an inquisitive mind, it
produced so entire a change of sentiment, that he said, "The whole world
is blind, and this man alone sees the truth." When he was chosen to be
minister of the great Church at Wittenberg, he not only did not aim at
this elevation, but was almost dragged by force out of his obscurity to
possess it, and assiduously devoted himself to the duties of this
eminent station during thirty-six years. He expired in peace, at the
advanced age of seventy-three."--_Cox._
[28] His well-known friend and pupil, John Matthesius, wrote an epitaph
in verse, which the author says he proposes to lay upon the godly man's
grave as a lovely flower. Despairing of being able to give it to the
reader in a good translation, we have omitted it in the text, and
propose to give it as well as we can in simple prose: "A honey-flower,
sprung from _black earth_ (alluding to the name Melanchthon, or
Schwartzerd), worthy of the crown of honor and praise, withered by the
intense heat, lies at rest here. Many grateful little bees sipped and
made honey from it, for the comfort and instruction of Christendom; and
therefore many churches and schools are filled with sorrow. This little
flower has satisfied many insects and wild birds with its perfume and
precious nectar. God has done much good by it in the Church, school,
house, and government, and now all its labors and dangers are at an end.
Neither caterpillars, bees, horse-flies, wasps, nor nettles, burdock,
thistle, or cockle, could destroy this sweet little flower; and it
continued to praise God, and to instruct men at all hours. Many a spider
crept over it, many poisonous reptiles pierced it; but yet it lives, and
slumbers in this shrine, and its work will never be forgotten. God now
wipes away its tears, and refreshes it with the dew of heaven. Its
little leaves give out a pleasant perfume, and in a short time it will
live again. When the bones and skin of faithful teachers shall blossom
like the green herb, then its faith, patience, and industry, will
receive praise, thanksgiving, and honor. Whosoever, therefore, performs
a pilgrimage to this shrine, let him drop a longing tear, and sigh with
us from the depths of his heart, for God is pleased with a grateful
heart and mouth. Lord Christ, come and show thy glory, which is prepared
for this little flower. Help thy church in all her distresses, by thy
intercessions, and bloody wounds. Preserve all thy little bees, and the
leaves of this little flower, in thine own cypress shrine, for they are
the witnesses of thy name. Thy word, and the writings of good men, avail
against murder and the poison of Satan, teach, comfort, refresh, and
warn every one; but an evil book is the cause of all misery."