Summary

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. 1876 edition. Excerpt: ...the archbishop of Treves, Luther was commanded to quit the town within twenty-one days; the safe-conduct was to continue in force provided he abstained from preaching on the road. Luther gratefully acknowledged this kindness, and then, turning to the archbishop said, "With respect to the subject of our disputation I can give thee no better advice than that which Gamaliel gave (Acts v.), If this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. I will sooner give up body and life, trunk and limb, than surrender Gods true and holy word." The next day having breakfasted and taken leave of his friends, and blessed them, Luther set out on his return to Wittenberg. SUPPLEMENT TO CHAPTER XXXVI. Franz von Sickingen.--A Franconian knight, named Franz von Sickingen, was among the foremost of those who favoured the Reformation, as affording them an opportunity for emancipating themselves, not only from the spiritual dominion of the pope, but from the tyranny exercised by the emperor and princes of Germany. Sickingen was a great admirer of Luther, and invited him, in case 1 This condition Luther appears to have violated. of need, to his castles ia the forests and ravines of Kaiserslautern and Kreuznach, and especially to the renowned Ebernburg, where Hutten had established a printing press, whence a mass of audacious plans were circulated. This castle used to be called " the hotel of Justice." Sickingen was employed by the emperor to act against the French on the banks of the Rhine. So zealously and efficiently did he discharge this duty, that the French, although commanded by the renowned Bayard, were compelled to retire after...