The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-03-16
Voice Of the People


TO the Editor of The Times Dispatch:
Sir; My good brother. y. L.. Grouse
statement made by me in an extern
porancous sermon. and quoted in part
IN the Times Dispatch, TO the effect
that Martin Luther prosecuted the
Raptists. Let me very sincerely as
sure my Lutheran friend that | did
not intend 10 give onensc. and IL was
not in my mind 20 reflect upon the
Lutherans Of this state and country"
cherish some OF them as among my
dearest friends: They arc not held re
spousihle for tho contradictions in the
character Of their founder Thcy would
not. ! am sure. prosecute Eaptists to-
DAY. il they had the power
May | also express my appreciation
OF the oNerpow crinG greatness OF mind
and marvellous many -sidcdness OF Mar
dcrstool his people. who held their
hearts in his hands. and who stands
out as ono of the fow gigantic figures
OF history? He was the best bcncfac-
tor of his nation. giving 10 them Ian
and the Bible
wonld not Judge him harshiy for his
/ ardent advocacy OF the truth as he un-
derstGod IT,, but y sec seems ms, to- me ne
says: "Melanchthon often roproved
Luther OF his .vehemence and spoke
alphabetically for it," In his funeral
Grafton over his distinguished leader,
he quoted Erasmus: God has given to
this last time on account of the great
ness of the disease. a sharp physician"
Professor Fisher. OF Yale. in his
History OF the Rcformation. speaks
OF the "intolerant' course of Luther
| towards those Professionals who denied
his doctrine OF consubstautistion. Ger
tain of his opponents held that the
Lords supper had Innemonic signi-
Gcancc. that il MAS a symbol OF the
atoning death Of Christ and token or
pledge of its continual efficacy In this
particular they held The views Of VIZ
says Luther was intoleraht towards
them.
The peasants Of Germany went t., to to
tify. but they held certain views which
are founded upon scripture. Luther
urged that these MISC uided enthusia ST S
gied." "lIc called upon the. Christian
! authorities with all the more urgency
and yehemenc Gs 10 use yi,, me sW See
life Of I.uthcr.r by Julius kostltn,
I professor Of the University of Halle
| WittcnbcrR.
1t gives mo no satisfaction to prove
that Martin Luther prosecuted. II
! Erievcs me 10 think that he was not
aways Go.ss a r. ms fsths But
his anathemas against The lows SHOW
| conclusiveiy that he had not attained
! 10 the state of freedom OF conscience.
them are strong even for sixteenth :
century standards. "If had power
! over them WOuju aSSclnDie. tneii iI,ce'
| prominent men and demand that theS
| prove that we Christians do not wor
} shin tho one God. under the penalty or
! having their tongues torn out through
i the backs OF their nccks.' See Won d Den
/ .Iudcn und Ihrcn l.uegcn. NNNll. 2oI,
! lie advised that their houses be torn
! down, that their books be taken from
! them. that their public worship be IN
| terrlictcd that their synagogues pc
burned, and was sorry that he co naa
I not destroy them with hell fire. see
| The Jewish Encyclopedia Volume
/ VIII. page 2l4.
! Ills intolerance appeared most cica!
/ ~ not i'm his attitude toward Cathoiic
] doctrine and Worship, but in his deal :
nss with other ovangeliGals, %ho I'd dis .,
| agreed with him. or walked dinerenI
maths. AS time passed he grew more
| impatient OF dissent more lnslslent
upon complete agreement. century
! Magazine October, 1911.
Fearing tho excuses Of the Anabap.
| lists and other radicals, Luther mtgns
| become as intolerant as any paptst
! See McGiherts Martin Luther and HIS
/ Work.
Conservative and intolerant, he in
| troduced regime Of religious blgotry
| for a long time narrow bIishting to in
ieilectuaf and spiritual growth. Our
1 ideals OF liberty were not his.
1.-THE prosecuting spirit tn1 Germany