Chapter II

A REFORMATION ESTABLISHED UNDER THE REIGN OF LIBERTY.

(1524 to 1527.)

Frederick, Duke of Holstein—His Call to the Throne—His Leaning to Evangelical doctrine—His Impartiality towards Rome and the Reformation—Promulgation of religious Liberty—The New Testament in Danish—The Translator’s Preface—Uneasiness of the Clergy—The King’s Son in Germany—His Adhesion to the Reformation—Growing Decision of the King—A Sermon of Tausen—Tausen at Viborg—Continuance in his Work—The Reformation at Copenhagen—Determination of the Bishops to Persecute—Imprisonment of Tausen—His preaching through the Air Hole—His Liberation by the King—Reformation at Malmoe—The Eloquent Tondebinder—The Gospel embraced by the whole Town of Malmoe—Translation of Luther’s Hymns into Danish—Increasing Progress in all Parts of the Country—The Bishops’ Invitation to Eck and Cochlæus—Their Refusal to go to Denmark—The King’s Discourse to the Bishops—Complete religious Liberty—Vain Efforts of the Bishops—Royal Ordinance—Apparent Submission of the Clergy 140

CHAPTER III.

TRIUMPH OF THE REFORMATION UNDER THE REIGN OF FREDERICK I. THE PEACEFUL.

(1527 to 1533.)

Struggles and Controversies—Tausen’s Writings—A New Bishop—Various Reforms—Tausen’s Zeal—Diet of Copenhagen—The Bishops and the Ministers—Increased Number of Sermons by the Ministers—Silence of the Bishops—Tausen and his Colleagues—Their Confession of Faith—The Articles—Surprise of the Prelates—Accusations of the Bishops—Reply of the Evangelicals—Their Demand of a public Discussion—Refusal of the Bishops—Presentation of a Memorial to the King by the Ministers—No Answer to it—Triumph of the Evangelical Cause—Disorders—Frederick’s political Position strengthened—Intrigues of the ex-King—Invasion of Norway by Christian II.—A short Struggle—Christian taken Prisoner—His Demand for a Safe-conduct—His Letter to Frederick—Treated as a Prisoner of State—Sentenced to Imprisonment for Life—Confined in a walled-up Keep—Forsaken—Luther’s Intercession for him—Death of Frederick—His Four Sons 166

CHAPTER IV.

INTERREGNUM. CIVIL AND FOREIGN WAR.

(1533.)

Reviving Hope of the Bishops—Their Efforts—Their Intrigues—Restriction of religious Freedom—Their Purpose to elect the King’s fourth Son—Adjournment of the Election—Tausen sentenced to Death—Rising of the Townsmen—Rescue of Tausen—The Bishops threatened—Banishment of Tausen—Brigitta Gjoë—Persecution of Evangelicals—Polemics—Popular Writings—Attack of Lübeck on Denmark—Rapid Progress of the Invaders—A Diet in Jutland—Long Debates—Election of Christian III. in spite of the Bishops 194

CHAPTER V.

CHRISTIAN III. PROCLAIMED KING—TRIUMPH OF THE REFORMATION IN DENMARK, NORWAY, AND ICELAND.

(1533 to 1550.)

Vigorous Prosecution of the War by the new King—The Enemy driven from the Provinces—Siege of Copenhagen—Extreme Sufferings of the besieged Town—Entry of Christian into his Capital—His Determination to crush the temporal Power of the Bishops—Arrest of the Bishops—General Council of the Nation—Bill of Indictment against the Bishops—Their Deprivation—Their Liberation—The King’s Invitation to Pomeranus—Reorganization of the Church by Pomeranus—New Constitution of the Church—The Reformation in Norway—In the main a Work of the Government—The Reformation in Iceland—The two Bishops of Iceland—Oddur’s Translation of the New Testament—An Evangelical Bishop—His Death—Popish Reaction—Triumph of the Gospel 211

CHAPTER VI.

THE EARLIEST REFORMERS OF SWEDEN.

(1516 to 1523.)

Various Influences—The Brothers Olaf and Lawrence—Their early Studies—Their Application to Theology—Olaf at Wittenberg—His Intimacy with Luther—His Return to Sweden—The two Brothers and Bishop Mathias—Present at the Massacre of Stockholm—Mathias one of the Victims—Lawrence Anderson Successor of Mathias—He is favorable to the Reformation—Olaf and Lawrence at their Father’s Funeral—Their Refusal of the Services of the Monks—Violent Opposition—Their Death demanded by Bishop Brask 231

CHAPTER VII.

THE REFORMERS SUPPORTED BY THE LIBERATOR OF SWEDEN.

(1519 to 1524.)

Gustavus Vasa Prisoner in Denmark—His Escape from Confinement—His Struggle for the Independence of Sweden—His Flight from Place to Place—News of the Massacre of Stockholm—Concealment in the Mountains—Farm Labor—Recognition of Him—Betrayal—Pursued like a wild Beast—His Attempt to rouse the People—Unsuccessful Efforts—A Rising at last—Speedy Triumph—Gustavus nominated King—His Leaning to Reform—His Welcome to the Reformers—Anderson Chancellor of the Kingdom—Olaf Preacher at Stockholm—Partisans and Adversaries—Conspiracies of the Bishops—Bishop Brask—Citation of Olaf and Lawrence before the Chapter—Their Attitude—Anathema 244

CHAPTER VIII.

STRUGGLES.

(1524 to 1527.)

The ‘Illuminated’ at Stockholm—Their Expulsion—Olaf’s Marriage—His Excommunication by Bishop Brask—His Defence undertaken by the King—Revenues of the Clergy diminished by the King—Ostentation of Archbishop Magnus—Feast of St. Erick—The Clergy humbled by the King—Fears of the Bishops—Public Disputation proposed by Magnus—Accepted by the King—Olaf and Galle—Regrets of the Catholics—Tempers heated on both sides—A Pretender—The Bishops’ Support of Him—Declaration of the King—His Resolution to complete his Task—Convocation of the States of the Kingdom—A royal Banquet—Humiliation of the Bishops 265

CHAPTER IX.

VICTORY.

(1527.)

An Episcopal Conspiracy—The Diet of 1527—Complaints of the King—Exactions of the Clergy—Audacity of Bishop Brask—The King’s Abdication—Triumph of the Bishops—Excitement of the People—A Disputation before the Diet ordered—The King entreated to resume the Sceptre—His long Resistance—His final Consent—Political Reforms—Religious Reforms—Compact of Westeraas—Disarming of the Romish Hierarchy—Suppression of the armed Revolt—Coronation of Gustavus I. 283

CHAPTER X.

‘CESAROPAPIE.’

(1528 to 1546.)

Assembly of Orebro—Authority of the Scriptures—Education of Pastors—Ecclesiastical Rites—Concessions—Obstacles—Discontent—Progress—Lawrence Petersen—His Nomination as Archbishop of Upsala—Marriage of the King—Marriage of the Archbishop—Hostility of the Monks—Olaf’s Desire for a complete Reformation—The King’s Desire to put it off—Coolness between the King and the Reformer—Complaints of Olaf—Irritation of the King—The Mock Suns of 1539—A Storm raging against Olaf—Brought to Trial with Anderson—Both condemned to Death—A Ransom accepted by the King—Resignation and Reinstatement of Olaf—The King Head of the Church—Luther’s Counsels—Church Order half Episcopalian and half Presbyterian—Severity of Gustavus—Excuses—Refusal of Gustavus to join the League of Smalcalde 298

CHAPTER XI.

THE SONS OF GUSTAVUS VASA.

(1560 to 1593.)

The King’s Farewell to the People—His Illness—His Death—Erick the new King of Sweden—Debates on the Lord’s Supper—Controversies—Madness of King Erick—Massacres—Death of Burrey—Deposition of Erick—His harsh Captivity—Catholicism favored by King John—Catholicism in the ascendent—Arrival of Jesuits—Their Profession of Evangelical Doctrines—Their Attempt to convert the King—Fratricide—Death of the ex-King Erick—Conversion of John III. to Popery—Sudden Change of the King—His Death—The Assembly of Upsala in 1593—Adoption of the Confession of Augsburg 322

BOOK XIII.

HUNGARY, POLAND, BOHEMIA, THE NETHERLANDS.

CHAPTER I.

THE FIRST REFORMERS AND THE FIRST PERSECUTORS IN HUNGARY.

(1518 to 1526.)

First Gleams—Louis II.—Mary of Hungary—Beginning of the Reformation—The first Preachers—Their Wish to see Luther—Threatenings of Persecution—Intolerance of the Catholic Clergy—Louis II. and Frederick the Wise—The Gospel at Hermannstadt—Noteworthy Progress—Severe Ordinance against the Reform—First Act the burning of the Books—Flight of Grynæus—New Efforts—An Execution at Buda—Another Storm 342

CHAPTER II.

SOLYMAN’S GREAT VICTORY.

(1526.)

Solyman’s Army—Hungary entirely unprepared—Vain Attempts to raise an Army—The small Troop of King Louis—Battle of Mohacz—Death of Louis II.—Sorrow of the Queen—Consolation offered by Luther—A Hymn of Resignation—Two Kings of Hungary—Martyrs at Liebethen—Edict of Persecution 356

CHAPTER III.

DEVAY AND HIS FELLOW-WORKERS.

(1527 to 1538.)

Mathias Biro Devay—Student at Wittenberg—Various Lords Protectors of Reform—Slackening of Persecution—Reform at Hermannstadt—Solyman’s Refusal to oppress the Protestants—Confession of Augsburg welcomed by Hungarians—Devay’s Return to Hungary—His Pastorate at Buda—His Fellow-workers—Devay cast into Prison—His Appearance before the Bishop of Vienna—His Defence and Acquittal—Imprisoned again—Asylum offered Him by Count Nadasdy—Controversies with Szegedy—Devay at Wittenberg—Melanchthon’s Letter to Nadasdy—Devay at Basel—The Printing-press and Schools—Stephen Szantai—His Enemies the Bishops—Conference appointed by Ferdinand—Embarrassment of the Arbitrators—Embarrassment of Ferdinand—Efforts of the Bishops—Banishment of Szantai 366

CHAPTER IV.

PROGRESS OF EVANGELIZATION AND OF THE SWISS REFORMATION IN HUNGARY.

(1538 to 1545.)

The Doctrines of Zwinglius in Hungary—Occasion of Trouble to some Minds—Political Divisions—Fresh Invasion of the Turks—Dispersion of Evangelical Divines—Abatement of Moslem Violence—Renewed Courage of the Christians—Progress of the Reformation—Devay in Switzerland—His Adoption of Calvin’s Doctrines—Luther’s Grief—Martin de Kalmance—Hostility excited against him—Persecution instigated by the Priests—Ordinances of Ferdinand—Courage of the Christians of Leutschau—Stephen Szegedin—His Knowledge and Eloquence—His Writings—His Acceptance of Calvin’s Doctrines—Hated by the Papists—His Banishment 388

CHAPTER V.

THE GOSPEL IN HUNGARY UNDER TURKISH RULE.

(1545 to 1548.)

Rome the Persecutor—Islamism tolerant—Council of Trent—The Union of Christians in Hungary—Confessions of Faith—Szegedin in the South of Hungary—His second Banishment—Emeric Eszeky—The Gospel at Tolna—Refusal of the Turks to persecute—Spread of the Gospel—Rule of the Turks favorable to the Gospel—The Faith embraced in the whole of Transylvania 406

CHAPTER VI.

BOHEMIA, MORAVIA, AND POLAND.

(1518 to 1521.)

The United Brethren—Relations with Luther—Luther’s Goodwill—Discussions on the Lord’s Supper—The Calixtines—Poland evangelized by the Bohemians—First Successes—Luther’s Reformation in Poland—Jacob Knade at Dantzic—The Gospel well received—Religious Liberty—A Revolution at Dantzic—Reorganization of the Church—Appeal of the Catholics to the King—Harshness of Sigismund—Final Triumph of the Gospel—The Gospel at Cracow—Embraced by many eminent Persons—Words of Luther—Attempted Reformation in Russia 417

CHAPTER VII.

THE POLISH REFORMER.

(1524 to 1527.)

John Alasco—At Zurich—His Intercourse with Zwinglius—His Stay at Basel—His Intimacy with Erasmus—Study of Holy Scripture—His Diligence and Progress—Spiritual Enjoyments of his Life at Basel—Praised by Erasmus—Alasco compelled to leave Basel—His Travels—Return to Poland—His Life at Court—His Weakness—Suspected of Heresy—An Investigation—Alasco’s Renunciation of Reform—His Fall—Honors—Awakening of Conscience—His better Knowledge of the Truth—Liberty—New Honors—Alasco’s Refusal of Them—His Departure from Poland—On his Way to the Netherlands 433

CHAPTER VIII.

THE POLISH REFORMER IN THE NETHERLANDS AND IN FRIESLAND.

(1537 to 1546.)

Alasco’s Marriage—Trials and Consolations—Religious Condition of Friesland—Alasco in Poland—His Return to Friesland—His Relations with Hardenberg—Seeking after Separation from Rome—Alasco Superintendent of Friesland—Prudence and Zeal—Accusations—Threats—Hatred of the Monks—A Letter of Alasco—God or the World—The Reformer’s Victory—Patience and Success—Various Sects—A false Christ Unmasked—Government of the Church—Doctrine—Oppositions—New Strength—Tribulations—A hidden Protector—Viglius of Zuychem—His elevated Position—Secret Report on his Tendencies—His real Sentiments—Contrast 455

CHAPTER IX.

BEGINNING OF REFORMATION IN THE NETHERLANDS.

(1518 to 1524.)

Freedom and Wealth—Ambition of Charles V.—Precursors of the Reformation—The Reformation at Antwerp—At Louvain—Erasmus attacked—Violent Proceedings of the Monks—Persecuting Edict—Arrest of Jacob Spreng—His Recantation—His Grief and Repentance—The Inquisition—Cornelius Grapheus, an Erasmian—His Imprisonment—Useless Abjuration—Henry of Zutphen, Evangelist—His Stay at Wittenberg—His Preaching at Antwerp—-His Arrest—His Rescue by the People—His Fate in Holstein—Demolition of the Convent of the Augustines—Numerous Adhesions to Reform—The Heavenly Spouse—Faith and Courage—Conventicles—A Martyr—Tolerance of some of the Bishops—One of the ‘Illuminated’—Luther’s Counsels 480

CHAPTER X.

OUTWORKS.

(1525 to 1528.)

Charles V.—His Policy in the Netherlands—Charles of Egmont’s Letter to the Pope—The Pope’s Answer—Jan van Bakker—His Faith—His Breach with Rome—His Imprisonment—His Trial—Refusal to recant—Condemnation—Martyrdom—A Legend—Fruitless Attempt at Outward Reformation—New Edict of Persecution—The Humanist Gnapheus—The Widow Wendelmutha—Attempt to make her give Way—Her Condemnation—Execution—The Renewed Gospel 506

CHAPTER XI.

THE VICTIMS OF CHARLES V.

(1529 to 1535.)

Compassion of Charles V.—Rage of Charles of Egmont—Executions Multiplied—Martyrdom of William of Zwoll—Victims of Charles V.—Death of Margaret of Austria—Mary of Hungary, Governess of the Netherlands—Her false Position—Cornelius Crocus—John Sartorius—Controversies—Some Books of Sartorius—New Edict of Persecution—A courageous Town—A Family of Martyrs—Crimes and Horrors—Sorrow and Distress—The Enthusiasts—Cruel Fanaticism—Unhealthy Fermentation—‘Illuminated’ Prophets—The Tailor Bockhold—Excesses and Follies—Illuminism the Offspring of Persecution—The Netherlands breaking off from Lutheranism to embrace Calvinism 524

CHAPTER XII.

LOUVAIN.

(1537 to 1544.)

Peter Bruly at Ghent—The Evangelists—Antoinette and Gudule—Pastor Jan van Ousberghen—The Faithful—An innocent Walk—Conventicles—Boldness of the Sculptor Beyaerts—Epidemic at Louvain—Arrests—Arrests by Night—Twenty-three Prisoners—The Examinations—The Wise confounded by simple Women—Paul de Roovere—Insulted—Terrified—His Recantation—New Victims—Great Display of Force—Executions—Antoinette van Roesmals—Buried alive—Giles Tielmans—His simple Faith—His unbounded Charity—His evangelical Zeal—Trouble and Terror among the Faithful—Imprisonment of Giles Tielmans—The Evangelist Ousberghen—His Arrest—Trial—Fears—Condemnation—A great Light—Execution of Ousberghen—Execution of Giles Tielmans 546