Publisher's Synopsis
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. 1859 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IV. THE UNION OF PROTESTANT CHRISTIANS OF ALL COUNTRIES ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY: ITS DESTRUCTION, CAUSED BY THE "UBIQUITARIAN" LUTHE Ranism Of The So-called Formula Concordia o/1577. The resolutions, which had been adopted at the Erfurt Conference of 1569, against the proposals of the Elector Palatine, were the first sure forebodings of the fundamental ecclesiastical revolution, which was to befall German Protestantism within the next ten years. It is true, that Protestantism, even until the death of Melanchthon (1560), had been convulsed by struggles, which often might have led to the formation of parties, opposed to each other by exclusive dogmatic and ecclesiastical differences. The inner development and progress of Protestantism, however, had hitherto entirely overcome those differences. It seemed just at this time as if the dogmatic dissensions of former years had given way to a godly peace, in which all the professors of evangelical Protestantism stretched out a brother's hand to each other, acknowledging themselves to be one congregation in the Lord. The cordial intercourse which the Reformers themselves had to so great an extent with one another, appeared to avert for ever the danger of an ecclesiastical rupture. Calvin showed his great respect and reverence for Luther (whom he called primarius Ghristiservus--the chief servant of Christ) at every opportunity. He himself repeatedly received from Luther the most unequivocal proofs of sincerest love and veneration. (") Melanchthon had most confidential correspondence with Calvin, and Calvin rejoiced to be able to testify before the whole world his perfect agreement with Melanchthon. (a) Compare Calvins's Letters. In the same manner, Melanchthon and John...
