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

Brewster. Buddeus.
In a similar strain proceeds the language of the Rev. James Brewster,
who, in speaking of Luther's character as a musician and composer,
mentions that "the great Handel acknowledged that he had derived
singular advantage from studying the compositions of the great Saxon
Reformer." 29 Buddeus gives us a particular account of the principal
writings Brewster. of Luther, and points out his great services in all
Buddeus. the departments of theology and practical Christianity. Among
the foremost of these, he places his revival of catechising and his invaluable
contributions to it; he points out how much he did for moral theology, and
the great obligations under which he laid the Church, by his translation of
the Bible. We will give his estimate of Luther in the department of
Polemic Theology: "Here, beyond controversy, the highest praise is due to
our sainted Luther, who first, when all was lost, all in despair, lifted up the
standard of better hopes. Nor could one better fitted for sustaining the
cause of truth have been found. Acuteness of judgment and fertility of
thought were both his; these gave to him arguments of might,
overwhelming eloquence which swept everything before it like a torrent.
His was an intrepid soul, which neither power, danger nor threats could
turn from the right. The truth indeed fought for him; but no less did he
fight for the truth, so that no mortal could have done more to defend it, and
place it beyond the reach of its foes. You are forced everywhere to confess
the accurate disputer, the exquisite Theologian, the earnest defender of the
truth. His own writings leave no room for doubt that he argued from
profound conviction of the truth, and that he was wholly free from the
crime of men who employ a line of defence, not because they regard it as
true, but because it suits their purpose. The abundance of arguments well
adapted to their purpose, the copiousness and power of his language, alike
arrest the attention. He so demonstrates the truth, as to leave the errorist no
subterfuge; such is the firmness of his grasp, that he seizes the assent of the
reader, hurries him, forces him to his conclusion. He asks no favors, makes
no effort to propitiate; he compels by the weight of proof, triumphs by
29 Edinburgh Encyclopedia, vol. xii., Philadelphia, 1832, art. LUTHER.