The Conservative Reformation and Its Theology - Saint Mary ...

"I have read the Apology (Confession,) of Philip, from beginning to end; it
pleases me exceedingly well, and I know of nothing by which I could
better it, or change it, nor would I be fitted to do it, for I cannot move so
moderately and gently. May Christ our Lord help, that it may bring forth
much and great fruit, as we hope and pray. Amen." 159
These words of admiration for Melanchthon's great gifts, came from
Luther's inmost heart. Less than six months before he had written to
Jonas: 160 "All the Jeromes, Hillarys, and Macariuses together, are not
worthy to unloose the thong of Philip's sandal. What have the whole of
them together done which can be compared with one year of Philip's
teaching, or to his one book of Common Places?" Had Luther been at
Augsburg, he would have allowed the work of finishing "the form of the
Confession" to be given to no other hands than Melanchthon's. "I prefer,"
he says, "Melanchthon's books to my own, and would rather have them
circulated than mine. I was born to battle with conspirators and devils,
therefore my books are more vehement and warlike. It is my work to tear
up the stumps and dead roots, to cut away the thorns, to fill up the marshes.
I am the rough forester and pioneer. But Melanchthon moves gently and
calmly along, with his rich gifts from God's own hand, building and
planting, sowing and watering." 161
2. Between June 8th and 25th, we have Melanchthon's declaration,
cited in our former extracts, as to Luther's approval of the Confession in
the form it took after the discussion.
3. June 3d. Luther to Melanchthon: "I yesterday re-read your
Apology entire, with care (diligenter,) and it pleases me exceedingly." 162
4. July 6th, to Hausman: 163 he speaks lovingly of "our Confession
which our Philip hath prepared."
159 Luther's Briefe, De Wette, 1213, Walch xvi, 785. In Latin: Coelestinus i, 40, Buddeus 93. In French: (Le Cop's)
Chytraeus, p. 29.
160 Buddeus, No. 100.
161 Pref. to Melanchthon on Colossians.
162 In Latin: De Wette, No. 1243. Buddeus, No. 137. German: Walch xvi, 1082.
163 De Wette, No. 1245.