[628b] Luth. Serm. Dom. 26, post Trin.
[628c] Luth. in Serm. conviv.
[628d] Bucer de regn. Christ. 1, i. c, 4.
[628e] See Milner’s Letters to Sturges, 3d. Ed. p. 170, 171, &c. a work that contains a great deal of very curious matter on these subjects, and on most of the great points at issue between the catholics and their opponents.
[629a] Calv. 1. vi. de scand. quoted by Milner, as before.
[629b] Erasm. Ep. 1. vi. 4.—It appears by the mode of expression here used, that notwithstanding all the unfavourable and unchristian-like effects of their ministry, they actually did, like some modern, labourers in the same vineyard, boldly arrogate to themselves the exclusive name of evangelical ministers, or propagators of the genuine and pure gospel.
[630] Erasm ad. Frat. Infer. Germ, quoted by Milner, as before, p. 172.
[632] Mosheim, iii, 313.
[634] See Milner, as before: 182.—Carlostadius was Luther’s first disciple of any considerable note: and he co-operated with, and supported him with great firmness and ability. But having ventured to alter the mass, during Luther’s absence in the year 1521, and to deny the real presence, the latter commenced a furious war against him and his followers, and condemned them in terms of the utmost rancor and bitterness. Melancthon too (misnamed the mild) now calls him “a brutal ignorant man, void of piety and humanity, one more a Jew than a christian.”—a rare specimen of mildness and meekness!
[636a] See Milner as before, 188.—It is not said how Henry brooked all this; but it was well for Luther that he was not within his reach. The most curious circumstance is that “Luther, in giving an account of his book, reproaches himself with having been too mild in it towards the king, saying that he did so at the request of his friends, in hopes that his sweetness would gain Henry.”—If such was Luther’s sweetness, what could his sourness, or his bitterness be?