1
Copyright © 2024. Light of the World Publications Company Ltd.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever without express written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Please refer all pertinent questions to the publisher.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system - except by a reviewer or researcher who may quote brief passages to be printed in magazines, journals or periodicals.
ISBN: 224-2-85933-777-1
Cataloguing in Publication Data
Edited by: Light of the World Publications Company Ltd.
Reproduced in Turin, Italy
Published by: Light of the World Publications Company Ltd P.O. Box 144, Piazza Statuto, Turin, Italy
“Lux Lucet in Tenebris”
The Light Shines in the Darkness
Light of the World Publication Company Limited
P.O. Box 144 Piazza Statuto, Turin, Italy
Email: newnessoflife70@gmail.com
O F T H E
REFORMATION
OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY
BY J. H. MERLE D'AUBIGNÉ.
Volume First.
EDINBURGH:
PUBLISHED BY OLIVER & BOYD
MDCCCXLVI
This page has been left intentionally blank
This edition has been reproduced by Light of the World Publication Company. This book intends to enlighten on the real controversies at stake, as reflected in unabated strife and multiple moral dilemmas. The account and illustrations are specially designed and incorporated to edify the reader on pertinent developments in the historical, scientific, philosophical, educational, religio-political, socio-economic, legal and spiritual spheres. Moreover, clear and undisputed patterns and correlations may be discerned wherein may be perceived the networking, interworking and overlapping of antithetical, yet harmonious schools of thought.
Earth’s long trajectory of coercion, conflict and compromise has prepared the platform for the emergence of a New Age. Burning questions attend the advent of this anticipated new era, accompanied by its superstructures, systems of governance, rights-based regimes and ideals of freedom and happiness. Chequered in base deception, strategic repression and objectives of new world order, this e-book connects the dots between modern realities, spiritual mysteries and divine revelation. It traces the chronological progress from national catastrophe to global dominance, the destruction of an old system and the forging of a new; succinctly illuminating on love, human nature and even supernatural intervention.
Time and again, remarkable events have moulded the course of life and history, while even prefiguring the future. Living in times of great turbulence and uncertainty, the future has been but dimly comprehended. Thankfully, this work enables a panoramic vision of both past and future, highlighting critical moments of time which have unfolded in fulfilment to prophecy.
Although birthed in unpromising conditions, afflicted in gruelling crucibles, several individuals have resolved, persevered in virtue and sealed their faith, leaving an ineffaceable mark. Their contributions have shaped modernity and paved the road for a marvellous culmination and imminent change. Therefore, this literature serves as both inspiration and practical tool for a penetrative and profound understanding behind social issues, religion and politics. Each chapter narrates on both the world and the human condition, enshrouded in darkness, embattled in keen clashes, and impelled by sinister, hidden agendas and ulterior motives. Here, these are unashamedly exposed to plain view. Nevertheless, every page radiates with resplendent rays of courage, deliverance and hope.
Ultimately, it is our fervent desire that every reader experience, grow to love and accept truth. In a world permeated with lies, ambiguity and manipulation, truth will forever stand as the quintessential longing in the soul. Truth engenders life, beauty, wisdom and grace; resulting in renewed purpose, vigour and a genuine, yet personal transformation in perspective and life.
History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century Table of Contents
DETAILED TABLE OF CONTENTS IN THIS VOLUME .......................................... 4
Book 2—The Youth, Conversion, and Early Labours of Luther 1483-1517 .............. 93
Book 3—The Indulgences and the Theses 1517—May 1518 ................................... 164
2
History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century
Book 4—Luther before the Legate. May - December 1518 ...................................... 239
3
History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century DETAILED TABLE OF CONTENTS IN THIS VOLUME
BOOK I. STATE OF MATTERS BEFORE THE REFORMATION.
CHAPTER I.
Christianity—Formation of the Papacy—Unity of the Church—The Decretals—
Hildebrand—Corruption of Doctrine
CHAPTER II.
Grace
and
Works—Pelagianism—Penances—Indulgences—Supererogation—
Purgatory—Taxation—Jubilee,
CHAPTER III.
Relics—Easter Merriment—Corruption of the Clergy—A Priest's Family—
Education—Ignorance,
CHAPTER IV.
Christianity Imperishable—Opposition to Rome—Frederick the Wise—His Character—His Anticipation
CHAPTER V.
The
Empire—National
Character—Switzerland—Italy—Spain—Portugal—
France—Netherlands—England—Scotland—The
North—Russia—Poland—
Bohemia—Hungary,
CHAPTER VI.
State of Theology—Witnesses for the Truth—The Vaudois—Wickliffe——Huss—
Savonarola—John Wessel—Prolés,
CHAPTER VII.
Literature—Dante—Printing—Reuchlin—His Struggle with the Dominicans, CHAPTER VIII.
Erasmus—His Genius—His 'Praise of Folly'—His Greek Testament—His Influence—
His Failings,
CHAPTER IX.
The Nobles—Hütten—'Letters of some Obscure Men'—Seckingen—Cronberg—Hans Sachs—General Fermentation,
4
History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century BOOK II. YOUTH, CONVERSION, AND FIRST LABOURS, OF LUTHER.
CHAPTER I.
Luther—His Parentage—The Paternal Roof—Strict Discipline—School—The Shunammite—His Studies—University,
CHAPTER II.
Scholasticism and the Classics—Luther's Piety—His Discovery of a Bible—His Sickness—The Thunderstorm—His Entrance into a Convent, CHAPTER III.
His Father's Anger—Servile Employments—His Studies—The Bible—Hebrew and Greek—His Agony during Mass—Faints,
CHAPTER IV.
Staupitz—His Piety—His Visitation—His Conversation—Presents Luther with a Bible—The Old Monk—Luther's Consecration—His Call to Wittemberg, CHAPTER V.
The University of Wittemberg—Luther's First Employment—Biblical Lectures—
Preaching at Wittemberg—The Old Chapel,
CHAPTER VI.
Luther's Journey to Rome—A Convent on the Po—Luther's Behaviour at Rome—
Corruption of the Romish Clergy—Prevailing Immorality—Pilate's Staircase, CHAPTER VII.
Doctor's Degree—Carlstadt—Luther's Oath—First Views of Reformation—The Schoolmen—Spalatin,
CHAPTER VIII.
'Popular
Declamations'—Moral
Purity
of
Luther—Mysticism—Spenlein—
Justification by Faith—Necessity of Works,
CHAPTER IX.
First Theses—Visit to the Convents—Dresden—Erfurt—Tornator Peace and the Cross—Labours—The Plague,
CHAPTER X.
Luther and the Elector—Duke George—Luther at Court—Dinner Emser's Supper, 5
History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century CHAPTER XI.
Theses—Human Nature—Rationalism—Eck—Urban Regius—Luther's Modesty, BOOK III. THE INDULGENCES AND THESES.
CHAPTER I.
Cortège—Tezel—His Discourse—Sale of Indulgences—Public Penance—Letter of Indulgence—Feasting and Debauchery,
CHAPTER II.
The Soul in the Burying—Ground—Shoemaker of Hagenau—Myconius—
Stratagem—Miner of Schneeberg,
CHAPTER III.
Leo X—His Necessities—Albert—His Character—Franciscans and Dominicans, CHAPTER IV.
Tezel Approaches—Luther in the Confessional—Tezel's Rage—Luther's Discourse—
The Elector's Dream,
CHAPTER V.
Luther's Theses—Letter to Albert—Dissemination of the Theses, CHAPTER VI.
Reuchlin—Erasmus—Flek—Bibra—The
Emperor—The
Pope—Myconius—The
Monks—Adelman—An Old Priest—Bishop of Brandenburg—Luther's Moving Principle,
CHAPTER VII.
Tezel's Attack—Luther's Reply—Luther and Spalatin—Study of Scripture—Scheurl and Luther—Luther pleads for the People—A new Suit, CHAPTER VIII.
Disputation at Frankfort—Tezel's Theses—Knipstrow—Luther's Theses burnt—
Tezel's Theses burnt
CHAPTER IX.
Prierio—His Dialogue—Luther's Reply—Hochstraten—Eck—'The Obelisks'—'The Asterisks,'
6
History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century CHAPTER X.
Popular Writings—Lord's Prayer—Sermon on Repentance, CHAPTER XI.
Apprehensions of Luther's Friends—Journey to Heidelberg—Bibra—The Palatinate Castle—The Paradoxes—Bucer—Brentz—Snepf—The Old Professor, BOOK IV. LUTHER BEFORE THE LEGATE.
CHAPTER I.
'Solutions'—Leo X—Luther to the Bishop—To the Pope—To the Vicar—General—
Rovere to the Elector—Discourse on Excommunication, CHAPTER II.
Diet of Augsburg—The Emperor to the Pope—Luther cited to Rome—Luther's Peace—Intercession of the University—Papal Brief—The Pope to the Elector, 266
CHAPTER III.
Schwarzerd—His Wife—Philip Melancthon—His Genius—His Studies—Call to Wittemberg—Leipsic—Parallel between Luther and Melancthon—Education, CHAPTER IV.
Luther and Staupitz—Order to Appear—Luther's Departure for Augsburg—
Weimar—Nuremberg
CHAPTER V.
Arrival
at
Augsburg—De
Vio—Serra—Longa—Safe—Conduct—Luther
to
Melancthon,
CHAPTER VI.
First Appearance—Conditions of Rome—Propositions to Retract—Luther's Reply—
Impressions on both Sides—Arrival of Staupitz,
CHAPTER VII.
Communication to the Legate—Second Appearance—Luther's Declaration—The Legate's Reply—The Legate's Volubility—Luther's Request, CHAPTER VIII.
Third Appearance—Treasury of Indulgences—Humble Request—Legate's Rage—
Luther Retires,
7
History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century CHAPTER IX.
De Vio and Staupitz—Staupitz and Luther—Luther and Spalatin Communion—
Departure of Staupitz and Link—Luther to Cajetan—Luther's Departure—Appeal to the Pope,
CHAPTER X.
Luther's Flight—Luther's Wish—The Legate to the Elector—The Elector to the Legate—Prosperity of the University
CHAPTER XI.
Thoughts of Departure—Adieus to the Church—Critical Moment—Luther's Courage—Discontentment at Rome—Papal Bull—Appeal to a Council, 8
History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century Book 1—State of Europe before the Reformation
