Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-12-21

yersity and there toTmeo PIOr:s ;a
to the Church OF st. TnomAs' WIN" ."
solemn mass was celebrated by the
ArchbisI,op OF Leipzig. After the service
the procession was reformed and MafS S
to the castle with Duke George OF oa as,
~ and the Duke Of Pomerania at Its
head. ,., Io+, of
saxony. Prince George Of Anhalt ano
other princes, counts, knights, oisnops'
nriests professors and other eminent men.
a guard armed with haiberds. with ban
ners flying and bands Of martial music
escorted the procession.
II was one of the most Impressive
scenes in the history OF the reformauon'
Historic Debate Begins.
After reaching the palace each Hsnl'
tary took his station according to MS
rank. The disputants were placed at
table in front of Duke George OF Saxony
who sat in state upon his throne, While
the great audience chamber was filled
with dignitaries Of the church and proini
nent laymen, who were fortunate enough
to obtain seats.
Thousands Of Leipzigens and students
surrounded the castle awaiting eagerly
for news of the progress OF the discus"
sion.
John Eek was tall, lean man With
sharp features, a shrill voice and hest
tatiorl In his speech which provoked q
play upon his name, as being like the
eek Of jackdaw. But he had all the
sraces OF finished orator ana iona
experience in the courts
Luther wore the attire Of a monk oil
the Augustinian order. With the hood
thrown back. While his knowledge OF
Scripture and canon law was thorough
was not considered in the same class a:
his opponent in the intellectual ano
oratorical tournament.
When everybody was seated the master
of ceremonies announced the manner and
rules Of the discussion and its object
which he said was the elucidation OF
truth All the assembly then knelt and
sung the ancient hymn OF invocation
"Veni Sancte Spiritus'' c'Come, Hol,
Spirit'D. which was thrice repeated.
tadt who occupied the floor for three Of
four days. frequently interrupted by
clamors OF approval or dtsapprovai from
the spectators. During the intervals be
were assisted I'm their preparations b!
Melanchthon. who. 1t was said, rs Z
mere boy in appearance, but in under.
standing, learning and talent he rs {
giant.
On the following Sunday the duke com
manded Luther to preach before him iii
his chapel, which Was considered a grea
honor.
Partisans Come to Blows.
The discussion excited the keenest par
| tisanship among the people Of Leipzig
who were divided into two hostile camps
and often came to blows. There wer'
several street riots between the student
| Of Wittenberg, who came over to sup
| port Luther, and those of Leipzig, wh'
supported Eek.
These demonstrati were not contine'
| to the students and common people. Sew
| eral learned theologians, who were stop
ping with a prominent printer named
Herbipolis, became so heated in their tall
| that their host was compelled to station
| a police officer at the head OF his tabl'
| In order to prevent his guests froA
| lighting.
came SO excited in street controvers,
that he was stricken with apoplexy ant
died instantly.
Although the Duke Of Saxony was a
partisan of Eek. he tried to be tmpartta
and frequently invited Eek. Luther
Carlsbad and other Of the debaters t.
meet at his table
Luther spoke for Ave days with great
earnestness and ability. He failed tt
impress Duke George and the nobility
Eek prepared q report Of the proceed
inGs and carried it to Rome In person
when, at the request OF the archbishop
he made a demand for q formal bull Of
accommodation against Luther. which
was issued on the 9th Of October fol
| lowing, and included six Of his mos
prominent sympathizers. cutting then
| off from the church forever
| orders were given that all persons who
| had copies of Luther's books in their
possession must bring them on a certain
day to the public square in Leipzig. where
they werc burned. Similar fires con'
sumed similar fuel in every town snu
| city Of Christendom.
| At Wittenberg a printed handful was