his talents were held in a degree of estimation, and possessed an extent of influence, which have seldom been equalled in the annals of pulpit eloquence. Perhaps it scarcely ever before fell to the lot of any individual, at so early an age, to have diffused religious impression through so extensive a circle of hearers." He was just about to enter the connubial state with an amiable young lady of pious and respectable connections. The church was looking forward with delightful prospects of his success; and thousands were ready to say, "This is the man whom God delighteth to honor. But ah! God's thoughts are not as our thoughts; nor his ways, as our ways. Behold, he taketh away; who can hinder him? who will say unto him, 'What doest thou?" He 2. Learn God's power and independency. more; Wickliffe is no more; Luther is no more;— can carry on his cause without us. Paul is no but his gospel survives! His cause flourishes! The patriarchs, the prophets, the apostles, the reformers Spencer left his residence in the Park, in good health, | amiable, conciliating, and engaging. As a preacher, about 11 o'clock in the forenoon (August 5) and walked down to the beach, where he met with a gentleman of the name of Brookfield, who had been bathing, and was then dressing, with whom he entered into conversation, and asked if the place was a good one for bathing. On being answered in the affirmative, Mr. S. began to undress. When he walked into the water he was met by a person of the name of Potter, one of the workmen of the Herculaneum pottery, who directed him in what manner he should come into the water, but had no knowledge of him. Mr. Spencer observed it was very cold; when Potter said, he would feel warmer when he had been in awhile. When Mr. Spencer was about breast-high, he plunged over head, and then made an attempt to swim in a parallel line with the shore; and after he had gone about two yards in this direction, he recovered his feet, and again said, "Oh! it is very cold!" Soon after this by the strength of an eddy current, produced by a projecting rock, he was swept out of his depth. Potter himself, who is an expert swimmer, found himself floating in the same direction, and with some difficulty recovered the shore, when he looked about for Mr. Spencer, and saw the top of his head floating above the surface of the water. Potter knew not whether he was amusing himself, or drowning. He however, cried out to him, but receiving no answer, immediately plunged in again, and swam to the rock to render him assistance, which he found impossible, Mr. Spencer having then sunk in seven feet water; and Potter with some trouble got up the side of the rock, and communicated the intelligence to Mr. Smith, the resident agent of the potteries, who immediately ordered out two boats which were directly manned and brought to the spot, where every exertion was used by Potter, as well as by those in the boats, to find the body. At length they succeeded in drawing it up, after it had been in the water about fifty minutes. It was instantly conveyed to the shore, where, by the judicious arrangements of Mr. Smith, there were several physicians and surgeons in attendance, who used every possible method that could be devised to restore animation, but without effect."* Such was the melancholy end of this excellent young minister at the age of twenty years and a half. Lovely youth! little didst thou think, the day before, when expatiating on the glories of heaven, that thou shouldst so soon be there! Little didst thou think, that thine immortal spirit should take its flight from the briny deep to the celestial world! Little didst thou think, that, in a few days, the dear object of thy affections should have to weep, in the anguish of her soul, in hearing the melancholy tidings of thy death! Ah! and little did we imagine, that on thy tomb this inscription should be written "Here are the remains of one who bid fair to be eminent and useful in the church, but who was suddenly swallowed up by the mighty waves!" Well, "it is the Lord; let him do what seemeth him good. He gave, and he hath taken away: blessed be the name of the Lord."+ where are they? they have finished their work, and are gone to rest. But the truth died not with them; the glory is not departed. Other instruments have succeeded. The ark is not lost; the word of the Lord has free course, and will finally who raised up our young friend, and made him triumph over all. Let us not, then, despair. He useful for a season, can easily supply his place. Besides, he is taken away from the evil to come. Popularity might have become a snare, or some evil might have befallen him. Let us be satisfied that he has done his work, though at an early period. Infinite Wisdom saw fit to transplant this flower to a happier soil; and, who can tell? his very death may prove the conversion of many! We must submit. He doth all things well. 3. Learn the uncertainty of every thing here. Ah! little did his mother think, when he hung upon her breast, or when she dandled him on her knee, that this would be his melancholy end. And how little do we know of futurity? Let us not then "boast of to-morrow, for we cannot tell what a day suddenly meet us, are we ready to die? Do we may bring forth."* Let us ask, if death should know that it is dangerous to procrastinate? Do we consider "that there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge in the grave, whither we are go ing."t O let us seek the favor of him, then, who alone can forgive our sins, and whose Spirit can prepare us for the world above: then, should our departure be sudden, it will all be well; we shall have an abundant entrance into the everlasting_kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Let us anticipate a better world; let us rejoice in the hope of glory! Yes, Spencer! we hope to see thee again, and thy spiritual children too, whom God hath graciously given thee. There we hope to join thee in celebrating the praises of the Most High; there, beyond the reach of danger, we shall mingle our joys for ever; there we shall go no more out; there, the waves of trouble shall never beat upon us again, for there, it is said, "shall be no more sea."+ cer were conveyed from the Park to Newington chapel for interment." See Memoirs page 248, &c. * Eccl. ix 10. + Prov. xxvii. 1. Rev. xxi. 1. THE END. PREFACE. is true, indeed, the coloring may be a little too high and glowing, yet the picture is almost sure to be truer to nature when the artist has drawn from life. It is likely to possess a certain character and expression which a mere copy will seldom exhibit. The tout ensemble will be far better preserved. But in the present case, the picture cannot be taken from life; the great original cannot sit to the artist! Though necessitated however to be in some degree a copyist, this misfortune is in part remedied by the well-drawn portrait of a very intimate friend and a learned man; the Latin life of Melancthon, by Jo NOTHING is more gratifying than to invite others | perceive the importance of personal knowledge? It to participate our honorable pleasures, especially those of a mental and moral description. The lives of great and good men if related with impartiality, cannot fail of being at once entertaining and instructive. Invited to watch their progress and observe their character, we may learn the most valuable lessons. We are allowed to detect, in order to shun, their errors; to trace, in order to imitate their virtues;-to follow them into their retirements;-to become their associates and friends. From the forum of public debate and of unremitted exertion, we accompany them to the fire-side, and the closet. Divested of the insignia of office, the pomp of autho-achim Camerarius. rity and the glory of popular applause, we see them in the undress of friendship and private life. We sit with them in the domestic circle, and hear them converse and see them act at home. Human nature is developed; we gain comprehensive views of men and things. I have long cherished a reverence mingled with affection for the interesting subject of these Memoirs. I have been accustomed to trace his exertions as a scholar and a Reformer with admiration. In both respects he was a light in a dark place; and though it is the province of an impartial biograEvery reader must be aware that it is not an ob- pher in furnishing a detailed view of his life and scure or insignificant character which claims his labors in connection with other eminent men of his attention in the following pages. As the intimate remarkable age, to notice errors of judgment and friend and distinguished coadjutor of Martin Lu-inbecilities of mind which are indeed incident to ther, his name is already familiar and must be dear every human character, the reader will be presentto every enlightened Protestant; for who can be ed with the view of as much excellence, associated uninterested in the lives of those illustrious heroes with as little defect as is to be expected in the prewho first led on to the great conflict, in which the sent world. It is sufficient for him to have rescued liberties of mankind, the rights of conscience, the from the concealment of a dead language the rich independence of nations were contested, and by materials which he has incorporated into the folwhose struggles they were secured? lowing pages, and to raise from the long interment of three centuries, the character and the glory of one of the brightest ornaments of religion and literature. In detailing the life of the celebrated MELANCTHON, I am deeply conscious of one disadvantage. Thoroughly to understand a character and to render the narrative of his life complete, who does not Hackney, 1817. The Reformation-Luther-Birth of Melancthon-His educationEarly proficiency-Residence at Pforzheim, Heidelberg and Tubingen-Takes his degree-Obtains an early and remarkable celebrity-Honored by Erasmus and Bishop Latimer-Edits Naucleras-Renders assistance to Capnio in his contention with the monks His public lectures and literary zeal-His removal to a Greek Professorship in the University of Wittemberg-Commencement of his friendship with Luther. 1497 to 1518. THE Commencement of the sixteenth century was one of the most momentous periods in the annals of time. It was distinguished by the release of Christianity from those fetters of darkness in which she had been bound for ages, and her triumphant assertion of that glorious liberty in which she now walks abroad through the earth. This great event cannot be too highly appreciated, especially as we are daily participating the blessings which result from it. But unfortunately, the admiration of mankind is commonly withheld from Christian achievements and lavished upon military heroes. We overlook the misery they inflict, and the wide spreading desolation that marks their course. But were it even possible to separate these images of horror from the consideration of their successes, surely the bloodless victories of truth are nobler in themselves, and accomplished by the exertion of mental and moral energies incalculably more important. On this principle the Reformation from Popery merits particular attention. Whether we consider, on the one hand, the violent and deeprooted prejudices which were at that period universally prevalent, artfully cherished, and powerfully defended, the great and immediate danger resulting from the slightest attempt at religious innovation, and the deplorable errors which reigned by long usurpation and prescriptive authority over the minds of men;-or, on the other, the seemingly accidental causes from which the Reformation originated, the inconsiderable source from which it flowed, the slow but irresistible progress it made, and the beneficial revolution it effected in the sentiments of mankind, it is impossible not to perceive reasons for astonishment and joy. No one ought to be accused of credulity for calling it a miracle; a moral miracle it undoubtedly was. The miracles which accompanied the first propagation of Christianity and secured its establishment were, it is true, a more direct appeal to the senses, but the same mighty power that established religion in the earth, evidently interposed in this case to rescue it from perishing. by which means he became fitted to act the part he Luther possessed a vigorous and fearless mind. It was, however, happy for Luther that he did not stand alone, but was provided with an associate in his principal labors, adapted in a remarkable degree to supply his deficiencies, to correct his errors, and to regulate his impetuosity of character. Independently of the interest which must necessarily be felt in any one who was the intimate friend and coadjutor of Luther, who was with him in all his struggles and helped him through them, MELANCTHON claims a distinguished notice on his own account. In tracing the history of his life, it will be obvious that although inferior in courage he equalled Luther in ardent piety, and excelled him both in personal virtues and literary attainments. PHILIP MELANCTHON was born in Saxony, at the small but pleasant town of Bretten, in the lower Palatinate of the Rhine, on the sixteenth day of February, in the year one thousand four hundred and ninety-seven. The following inscription in his father's house records the event: DEI PIETATE NATUS EST IN Amongst the instruments of this remarkable change the name of Martin Luther stands pre-eminent. He was not indeed the first or the only advocate of this righteous cause, but he was in many respects the greatest. Others had inveighed against Popery, exposed the errors of that pernicious system with ingenuity and boldness, and even bled for the sacred cause of God and truth. Waldus, Wickliffe, Huss, and Jerome of Prague, are imperishable names; but in vain did they struggle against the torrent of corruption that deluged the earth. They The house which belonged to his parents, concould oppose, in their respective times and stations, but a momentary resistance, and were swept away. Their efforts indeed produced some effects, but they taining this inscription and his picture, remained were evanescent, for "darkness covered the earth, standing in the market place till modern times. and gross darkness the people." Isaiah 60:2. But During the thirty years war many of the literati when Luther appeared, a variety of circumstances and inhabitants of Heidelberg took refuge within co-operated to produce a result which human skill the walls of Bretten, but in 1632 it was taken by the conid neither foresee nor prevent. An attentive Imperialists. In the year 1784 it contained, excluobserver cannot fail to notice the very gradual man-sive of the public buildings, two hundred and sixtyner in which truth was discovered to his own mind, two dwelling houses, and upwards of two thousand inhabitants; but in 1789, it was taken, plundered, | very advanced period of life, a faithful preacher of and almost exterminated by the French; and what their desolating rapacity spared, was at length destroyed under the orders of the Imperial General Ogilvi, by which act of indiscretion, however, he lost the favor of his master. The mother of Melancthon was the daughter of John Reuter, a very respectable man, and for many years mayor of the town. Her name was Barbara, and she is represented as a truly estimable woman. His father, George Schwartzerd, the German family name, was a native of Heidelberg, but settled at Bretten in consequence of his marriage. He filled the office of engineer or commissary of the artillery, under the Palatinate princes Philip and Rupert. Distinguished not only by integrity, prudence, fidelity, and many other virtues, but by his remarkable ingenuity in the invention of all kinds of instruments, adapted either to the purposes of war, or the fashionable tournaments of the age, he attracted the attention of Maximilian, son of the Emperor Frederic, and became well known to many of the most powerful princes. He died in the year 1508, in consequence of having swallowed some water from a poisoned well about four years before, when engaged in the service of his country. He is described not only as a man of the strictest morals and of undissembled piety, but so grave in his manners, as scarcely to admit even of a joke in the ordinary intercourse of life. His wife continued in a state of widowhood twelve years, when, upon the marriage of her son Philip, which gave her some offence, she again entered into the conjugal state, with a respectable inhabitant of Bretten. The early studies of Melancthon were chiefly committed to the management of his maternal grandfather Reuter, which is to be attributed to his father's numerous engagements. The choice could not have been better made, for his grandfather was unquestionably well qualified for such an important superintendence, and, at the same time, affectionately solicitous about his youthful charge. It must be understood, that he acted in concert with his mother, and by her advice. Melancthon was at first placed with his younger brother George, at a public school in his native town; but in consequence of a loathsome disease, at that time prevalent in Germany, having found its way into the school, he was soon removed, and put under private tuition. Although native genius may have frequently surmounted the greatest disadvantages, it has in too many instances, been injured by an improper or defective education. Like the body that has been cramped in its growth, but which, notwithstanding, evinces its original strength of constitution by the very deformities into which it shoots, so the vigorous mind, checked or misguided at an early period of life, is prone to neglect the useful and pursue the trifling, to cherish unseemly prejudices and to take an erroneous course. Melancthon remarked of Luther, that, "If he had been fortunate enough to have met with suitable teachers, his great capacity would have enabled him to go through all the sciences. Nor is it improbable that the milder studies of a sound philosophy, and a careful habit of elaborate composition, might have been useful in moderating the vehemence of his natural temper." Op. Pref. Tom. II. Considering the age in which he lived, and the state of depression which literature in general suffered, Melancthon seems to have fallen into very good hands; and though his natural capacity was the basis of all his future eminence, much is doubtless to be attributed to the guides of his early studies. His preceptor in the Latin language was John Hungarus; a man of great merit, and, at a the word of God at Pforzheim. He was charmed with the rapid proficiency of his pupil, who, like other youths of superior talent, was fond of showing his dexterity by discussing with boys much older than himself the rules of grammar, or the elements of language which they had been taught. In these little contests he was usually victorious; but whilst he never failed to impress others with a sense of his superiority, his excellent spirit and temper compelled them to mingle esteem with admiration. At this time he had a stammering, or rather perhaps, a hesitating mode of pronunciation, which, though never very unpleasant, and probably the effect of modest timidity, and not of any natural impediment in the organs of speech, was so effectually cured by time and care, that afterwards it became scarcely, if at all perceptible. The academy at Pforzheim, under the immediate superintendence of George Simlerus, was highly celebrated. Simlerus was distinguished by his classical learning. He afterwards became a lawyer, of considerable eminence, and a lecturer on jurisprudence at Tubingen. At Pforzheim, Melancthon was introduced to the study of the Greek language, which he prosecuted with great diligence and proportionate success. His brother George and his uncle John were his school-fellows, and they all lodged together at the house of a relation, who was sister to John Reuchlin. This elegant scholar, known to the learned by the name of CAPNIO, was a native of Pforzheim, and successively a teacher of languages at Basil and at Orleans. His mind naturally vigorous and industriously cultivated, became a storehouse of various erudition. He was the restorer of letters in Germany, and the author of several treatises on philosophy.* Reuchlin, or Capnio, took particular notice of the three lads who were inmates at his sister's and frequently questioned them about their pursuits at school. The genius of Philip could not remain long undetected by so diligent an inquirer and so zealous a friend to literature. His prompt and accurate replies, indicating the rare combination of a studious habit with an extraordinary talent, instantly won his affections, and led him, in some degree, to prognosticate his future proficiency. testify his regard and to encourge him in the prosecution of his literary studies, Capnio presented Philip with several books; among the rest, an en Το Some have *It scarcely deserves the name of Philosophy; perhaps it should rather be called mysticism, compounded as it was of the Platonic, Pythagorean and Cabalistic doctrines. He wrote treatises entitled, "De Verbo Mirifico," and "De Arte Cabalistica." supposed him to have been the principal author of Epistolæ Obsculorum Virorum;" a work replete with the most pungent satire against the persecutors of Reuchlin, in the controversy about the restoration of Greek and Hebrew learning. Others have believed the ingenious Ulrich de Hutton, of Franconia, to have been the original writer, but that Reuchlin rendered him essential assistance in the work. In fact, it was the joint production of several literary men, of whom these two were the principal. Hutton was probably the chief writer. Erasmus allows this performance to be witty, but severely condemns it as anonymous and defamatory, and Leo consigned it to the flames: "But after all," says Jortin, "these Epistles of the Obscure, may be considered as a piece of harmless mirth, levelled against men who were not only egregious boobies, but, which was infinitely worse, shameless calumniators and blood-thirsty persecutors." JORTIN'S Life of Erasmus, Vol. 1, p. 93. |