The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-10-31

Paul l.. MenzsI will preach in the morn
ing on the Importance OF the work OF the
great Reformers of $50 years ago, and IN
the evening on the great event that TOOK
place eighty years ago, az the thltd JUDI
lee OF the Reformation, when the Luther
an and Reformed churches OF most OF
the German States Joined HANDS and
formed tho union known under the name
OF German Eyeneelical church.
IlS ORIGIN.
The name OF Reformation" Is usually
given 10 the religious revolution OF the
Sixteenth century, which divided the
Western Church into the two sections
known as Protestant and Roman Catho-
lie. This movement was not an Isolated
event but Was closely connected with me
intellectual and social changes when
marked the transition from the Middle
Ages 10 the modern era OF CIVILIZATION.
1t was also long In preparation.
rhe dissatisfaction with the hierarchy
which disclosed itself I'm the rise OF sects
like the Waldenses and within the Church
in the reforming councils of the Fifteenth
Century held at Pisa Constance and ba-
sci; the rise OF radical reforms, forerun.
ners Of Professionalism, as Wickilne ana
others; the spiritual doctrine OF the Mys-
tics political opposition TO the Roman
See dating from the old contests or tho
empire with the Pope, and especially tne
influence OF the revival or learning IN
promoting general culeure. In Fastening
the downfall OF scholastic theology and
IN nroducing a diligent study OF the Bible
and Of Christian antiquity-tnese are an
tecedents OF Professionalism which deserve
ITS PRINCIPLES.
Under the last head the work or Eras-
mus Is very important. Professionalism, as
a religious system, had two main princi-
pies viz, the exclusive authority or the
Bible as the rule OF faith. as opposed 10
the normative authority OF the Pope or
the Church as a principle that involves
the right or private judgment ana the
doctrine Of Justification by faith alone.
in contradistinction to salvation by works
or human merit. Professionalism claimed
for the individual direct access 10 tho
blessings Of tho Gospel without the medi-
atorial Intervention Of the Church or
priesthood. In opposition 10 the doctrine
OF a particular PRIESTHOOD II asserted the
universal priesthood OF Christian believ-
ers. -
DEPORTATION IN GERMANY.
In Germany the movement or the Re-
formation began In 1917 by the posting OF
theses OF Martin Luther. an August
inian monk and professor IN the Univer-
sity OF Wittenberg. who attacked the sale
Of lndulgences. which In the hands OF
Fetzel and others was a source OF fagrant
abuses. Universal strife was kindied In
consequence. Luther was excommunicat-
ed by Pope Leo X. In 1920. but he public
" burned the pspal bull with the Book
OF Canon law, which was almost equally
obnoxious 10 him.
By preaching and by numerous pub
iIcations with the aid OF Melancthon and
other coadiutOrs he gained numerous
supporters among all classes. Political
opposition 10 the incroachments or Rome
seconded his efforts. At the Diet Of Worms
In 1921. however. he was put under the
ban OF the empire Among his varied la
bOrs which contributed 10 build up his
cause one OF the most important was his
translation OF the Scriptures. His adher-
ents were too powerful TO be suppressed.
At the Diet Of Spier In 1923, when ma
ioritv declared against the Reformation,
the Protest which gave rise 20 the name
OF "Protestants.' was signed by the Elec-
tor OF SaxOny. the MarRrave Of Braden-
burg, the Duke OF Observation-Disclosures
the Iandgrave OF Hesse the Prince OF
Anhait together with fourteen cities, In
GLIDING Nuremberg. Strashurg and Con-
S'"TTSIHIE AUGSBURG CONFESSION.
At the Diet Of Augsburg In 1880, in the
presence Of Charles V, the Protestants
decree was passed condemning thetr cause
Tbe menance involved In the decree led 60
the formation OF the Protestant Smalcai-
dIc League. The execution Of the Augs-
burg decree by Charles V. was long pre-
vented by political complications which
Afterwards proved helpful 10 Protestant.
Especially was this true Of the rfvalshlp
OF Charles I. and Francis l. Al length.
in 1916, after the death OF Luther, the
Smalcaldic war broke out, which resulted
disastrousy for the porty OF reform, but
their cause was restored after Maurice.
Duke OF Saxony. turned against the en-
peror.
The peace Of Augsburg IN 1858. was a
virtual acknowledgment Of defeat on the
part OF the emperor. and secured 20 Pro-
testantlsm a legal recognition after the
terrible thirty-years' war in the Seven
tecnth century: the treaty OF Westphalla,
n6fs) once more established the legal priv
ileges OF Protef tantisn as one OF the re-
ligi0ns OF the German empire. The maj
result was that Northern Germany was
mostly Protestant. while Southern Cerfna-
ny. efter the Catholic reaction ana the ~
hors OF theJesuits became predominantiy
Roman Catholic