Philip Melanchthon, the Protestant Preceptor of Germany, 1497-1560 - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898 edition. Excerpt: ... chapter xxv the increase of sorrows Luther and Melanchthon's Last Correspondence--Luther's Death--Melanchthon's Funeral Oration over Luther--His Letter about Luther--Alliance against the Protestants. th E year 1546 was one of the darkest and saddest of Melanchthon's life. In October and December of the previous year he and Luther had together gone to Mansfeld to settle the shameful disputes between the counts. Their success had been only partial, and the counts desired that they should continue the good offices of mediation. Melanchthon was excused from going because of ill health. Luther made ready to go, and, January 20th, invited Melanchthon to sup with him. This was the last time that Melanchthon sat at Luther's table. Three days later Luther started for Mansfeld, not to return alive. The letters which passed between the two during the next three or four weeks furnish an abiding proof of the admiration and love which each had for the other. Melanchthon's letter of February 18th, the day on which Luther died, is addressed, "To the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther, distinguished for his learning, virtue, and wisdom, Doctor of theology, Restorer of the pure doctrine of the Gospel, my most dear Father.' This was written in answer to Luther's letter of February 14th, addressed, "To Philip Melanchthon, most worthy Brother in Christ." Earlier, Luther had addressed him as " the faithful servant of God, and most dear Brother." February 19th, letters reached Wittenberg announcing Luther's death. Melanchthon at once wrote to Jonas, who had gone with Luther: "This morning we received your very sad letters, one to the illustrious Prince Elector, and the other to the Reverend Pastor of our Church, in which with great sorrow you write of the death of...