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

of fortitude and courage. Such were the principles and conduct of this
extraordinary man, when the enormous abuses arising from the sale of
indulgences attracted his notice, and involved him in that memorable
controversy with the Church of Rome, for which he seems to have been
trained and adapted by his temper, studies, occupation, and habits of life."
This is the language of William Coxe, in his History of the House of
Austria. 38
Cox.
Dr. Cox, (of London,) after characterizing the Reformation, says:
"Amongst the instruments of this remarkable change, the name of Martin
Luther stands pre-eminent. He was not indeed the first or the only
advocate of this righteous cause, but he was, in many respects, the greatest.
Luther possessed a vigorous and fearless soul. He was qualified to take the
lead, and to head opposition in a servile age. His mind was incessantly
active; his ardor in the pursuit of knowledge and in the propagation of what
he knew, inextinguishable; and in the holy war which he undertook,
having buckled on the armor, he was impatient for the conflict and assured
of the victory. Never scarcely did the hand of God form a fitter instrument
to do a greater work." 39
D’Aubigné.
The writings of D'Aubigné, contain some just and beautiful tributes
to the character of Luther. "Luther proved, through divine grace, the living
influence of Christianity, as no preceding Doctor, perhaps, had ever felt it
before. The Reformation sprang living from his own heart, where God
himself had placed it." 40 "Some advised the Evangelical princes to meet
Charles, sword in hand. But this was mere worldly counsel, and the great
Reformer Luther, whom so many are pleased to represent as a man of
violent temper, succeeded in silencing these rash counsellors." 41 “If
38 Hist. of House of Austria, from the Foundation of the Monarchy by Rudolph of Hapsburg, to the Death of
Leopold the Second, 1218 to 1792, 3d ed., in 3 vols., London, Bohn, 1847, vol. i., p. 383.
39 The Life of Philip Melanchthon, comprising an Account of the most Important Transactions of the Reformation,
by F. A. Cox, D. D., LL. D., 1st American from 2d London ed., Boston, 1835. 0 for a Life of Melanchthon worthy
of its theme!
40 D'Aubigné's Voice of the Church.
41 Do. Confession of the Name of Christ.