PART TWO

Philip Melancthon, to the Students in The University of Wittenburg, on the death of Luther,  

On our assembling to hear the Epistle of Paul to the Romans, at nine o'clock in the forenoon, Dr. Philip Melancthon publicly recited to us the following address; saying at the same time, that he was induced to do so by the suggestion of some learned professors, and that we being in possession of the true state of things, might be prepared to reject any incorrect statements which he foresaw would be in circulation after Luther's death.

Most Noble Youths,

We have undertaken as you know, to deliver a critical exposition of the Epistle to the Romans, wherein is contained the true doctrine of the Son of God, which our Heavenly Father has in peculiar mercy, laid open to us, at this time, through our revered Father and Preceptor, Dr. Martin Luther. But now alas! so deep a shade of sorrow is cast over these writings, which but augment my grief, that I know not whether I shall be able hereafter to pursue the study of them in our college. I am anxious however, at the request of my friends of the University, and that you may have a right understanding of the circumstances of Luther's death, to communicate to you the following particulars, in order that you may not even entertain, much less circulate, reports which, as is so often the case, will probably now be current in society. On the 17th of February, our Master and Teacher, a little before supper, was attacked by his usual complaint to which I remember he had occasionally been subject.  After supper a recurrence of the disorder took place, under the influence of which lie requested pemission to withdraw into an adjoining room, where he lay for nearly two hours, until his sufferings increased.  Doctor Jonas sleeping in the same room with him, Doctor Martin called him hastily, requesting him to rise and give orders that Ambrosius, the servant who attended on the children, should make his private apartment warm: and having retired into it, Albert, the illustrious Count of Mansfield, with his Countess, and many others, entered, the names of whom for brevity's sake, we omit. At length when he found that the close of his life was approaching, before four o'clock on the following day, the 18th of February, he commended himself to God in the following prayer:-

(Following given in German)

"My heavenly Father, eternal and merciful God ! Thou has revealed unto me Thy dear Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, whom I have learned -- whom I have proclaimed to be my Lord -- whom I love and whom I honour, as my precious Saviour and Redeemer, -- whom the ungodly persecute, dishonour, and blaspheme; take Thou my soul unto Thyself.'' Three times he expressed these words.

(Following in Latin)

"Into Thy hands I commit my spirit, Thou hast redeemed me,  God of Truth !"

(Following in German)

"And God so loved the world," &C.

Amid these prayers occasionally repeated, be was called to the one eternal assembly and to everlasting bliss, in which he is now enjoying the presence of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, with that of all the Prophets and Apostles.  Alas, for the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof! Our Elijah is no more, he who guided and governed the Church in this decrepitude of the world.  Human sagacity could not have discovered the doctrines of the Remission of Sins, and of Faith in the Son of God; but He has been pleased to reveal them to us through the medium of this, His servant, whom also we see that God has taken unto himself.  Let us therefore cherish his memory with that of the peculiar doctrine which he delivered to us, and let us be the more humbled in our spirits when we contemplate the great calamities and the mighty revolutions which will probably follow this event.

I beseech Thee,  Son of God! Thou who wast crucified for us, and art now the risen Emmanuel, that Thou wilt govern, preserve, and defend Thy Church.  Amen.