Schaff - History of the Christian Church Vol. 8 - Media Sabda Org

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their talent and learning, they are never after to go beyond it in the course
of their lives. Assuredly, whosoever shall say that Philip has added nothing
by the labor of forty years, does great wrong to him individually, and to the
whole Church.
“The only thing I said, and, if need be, a hundred times repeat, is, that in
this matter Philip can no more be torn from me than he can from his own
bowels. f970 But although fearing the thunder which threatened to burst
from violent men (those who know the boisterous blasts of Luther
understand what I mean), he did not always speak out openly as I could
have wished, there is no reason why Westphal, while pretending differently,
should indirectly charge him with having begun to incline to us only after
Luther was dead. For when more than seventeen years ago we conferred
together on this point of doctrine, at our first meeting, not a syllable
required to be changed. f971 Nor should I omit to mention Gaspar Cruciger,
who, from his excellent talents and learning, stood, next after Philip,
highest in Luther’s estimation, and far beyond all others. He so cordially
embraced what Westphal now impugns, that nothing can be imagined more
perfectly accordant than our opinions. But if there is still any doubt as to
Philip, do I not make a sufficient offer when I wait silent and confident for
his answer, assured that it will make manifest the dishonesty which has
falsely sheltered itself under the venerable name of that most excellent
man?”
Calvin urged Melanchthon repeatedly to declare openly his view on the
points in controversy. In a letter of March 5, 1555, after thanking him for
his approval of the condemnation of Servetus, he says: “About ‘the breadworship’
(peri< thav), your most intimate opinion has long
since been known to me, which you do not even dissemble in your letter.
But your too great slowness displeases me, by which the madness of those
whom you see rushing on to the destruction of the Church, is not only kept
up, but from day to day increased.” Melanchthon answered, May 12,
1555:
I have determined to reply simply and without ambiguity, and I judge that I
owe that work to God and the Church, nor at the age to which I have
arrived, do I fear either exile or other dangers.” On August 23 of the same
year, Calvin expressed his gratification with this answer and wrote: “I
entreat you to discharge, as soon as you can, the debt which you
acknowledge you owe to God and the Church.” He adds with undue