At 9 o"clock, he again went out to deliver his lecture. It only lasted a quarter of an hour. He spoke of the _ransom_ of Christ, which he offered as Mediator, not silver and gold, but his precious blood, by which he fulfilled the law, and satisfied justice. He spoke with his usual animation. Upon his return home, he took a bath. He took but very little food, and then slept soundly for three hours. At supper, he spoke distinctly, but feebly. On the following night the fever returned, and Peucer found that he had been mistaken as to his disease.
On the 9th and 10th of April, Melanchthon was lively and cheerful; and at a meeting of the faculty, spoke very earnestly against the parties among the students. In the afternoon, he corrected several funeral orations in honor of Duke Philip, of Pomerania, who died on the 24th of February, and said: "I am now only engaged upon funeral matters. This worthy Prince of Pomerania was also named Philip. Perhaps I shall be the next Philip, from the common herd, who shall follow this pious prince."
On the same day he delivered a very animated lecture upon Christ"s prayer (John xvii.), and also made preparations to read a meditation suitable to the festival of Good Friday, in the morning at 6 o"clock (April 12th). It was based upon the 53d chapter of the Prophet Isaiah.
In this he remarks: "Our diligence and valor is also needed." He had indeed spent a bad night, but this did not deter him. When he was told that in the evening they had seen clouds resembling bound rods, he spoke very earnestly of the judgments of G.o.d. "The people," he said, "are becoming secure, and care for no warnings; and whenever this is the case, punishment is not far off. May G.o.d Almighty be gracious unto us, whom we heartily pray to remember mercy in the midst of his wrath." The following night he enjoyed good rest, and slept very quietly. He awoke whilst he was singing an old hymn, which, when a boy, he had frequently sung in Church: "With desire have I desired to eat this pa.s.sover with you before I suffer." He wrote an Easter Meditation on the great Sabbath, the day before Easter, and carried it to the printing-office himself. He then went to church, confessed his sins, received absolution, and together with others, in true faith received the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ with thanksgiving and fervent prayer.
In the afternoon at 2 o"clock, he went to look after his ma.n.u.script in the printing-office. This was his last walk in the street.
At 4 o"clock in the afternoon, his dear friend Camerarius, of Leipzig, who had been informed of his friend"s precarious condition, through Peucer, entered the house, and found his friend Melanchthon upon the lowest step of the stairway that led to his study, resting his head upon his hand. He arose and welcomed him, and they continued to converse for some time. At 5 o"clock, he expressed a wish to go to bed, for a severe chill had come upon him. He did not eat anything. He could not sleep during the night after Easter; the heat of the fever was rapidly consuming his strength; but notwithstanding all this, he could not be persuaded to omit his customary annual Easter Meditation. He had already put on his coat to go out. But the good man was so feeble that he was barely able to stand. Some one had informed the students that the Master would not lecture, upon which they all departed. When his son Philip came in to inform his father that there were no auditors there, his father replied, in a tone of displeasure, "So you have told them to go away." But when his son apologized, he said, in a milder tone, "To whom shall I lecture, if there is no one present?" He then took off his coat.
He proceeded to write several letters, while Camerarius remained with him, and the rest went to church. The excellent and pious prince Joachim, of Anhalt, who had heard of his illness, sent him a moor-hen, and several partridges. He partook of some of these, and also of some Hungarian plums. He also drank some Rhenish wine, and remarked that he liked it. He also conversed very pleasantly with his friends.
When he arose from the table, he went up into his room and rested for a while upon his couch. He had also commenced writing a letter to Prussia, which he now continued, without however finishing it. He was not able to write any more; he rested, and thought of his deceased friend, Dr.
Pommer.[27] He said, "Doctor Pommer, that good, and now sainted man, died of nothing but old age;" and continued: "no one ought to wish to live so long that his age and feebleness would render him altogether useless to men."
On one of the following days, he prayed to G.o.d in a very fervent manner, in the hearing of many persons, that he would graciously remove him from this life, if he was not to serve the Church and Christian youth any longer." And G.o.d heard this prayer, which he repeated several times.
During the night he slept tolerably well. When he arose, therefore, he continued to write. However, his friends persuaded him not to lecture on this day, (Easter Monday.) Before going to table, he said: "If it is G.o.d"s will, I am willing to die. I have a desire to depart, and to be with Christ." He then spoke of the original Greek word in the New Testament, which does not properly signify to _depart_, but "to journey or prepare for a journey." He also recollected a remark made by the worthy and pious Dr. Milichius: "It might be that a person would be very anxious to leave this life; but at the same time, no man could earnestly think of death, without shuddering." Melanchthon coincided with this, and said: "The great misery and troubles of life are not able to give a man joy in the hour of death. Something more is needful before a man can feel this." He retired to his bed, and rested for about three hours.
When he had risen at one time, and Camerarius and Peucer were again placing him upon his couch, he began to sink under their hands. But they restored him by rubbing him. He spent a very restless night; his cough was quite troublesome, and he slept little. This was the fifth attack of the fever. He remarked that at Weimar, Doctor Sturtz had applied a cardiac of corals, which relieved him, and that he had thought of the word of the prophet in his sleep: "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord." He requested them to apply corals in the present instance, and they did so.
In the morning of the 16th of April, at 4 o"clock, he was heard praying very earnestly. After his prayer he completed the letter to Prussia. On this day Camerarius wished to go home, intending to return at a more convenient time. All entertained hopes that the fever would leave him after the seventh attack. As Melanchthon had not eaten anything the day before, a meal was prepared earlier than usual, in order that he and his friend might eat together. Before going down, they sat on a bench surrounded by some other friends. And now Melanchthon quite unexpectedly said to Camerarius, as if giving him his blessing: "My dear Dr. Joachim, we have been joined in the bonds of friendship about forty years, and we have loved each other with a sincere and disinterested affection. We have been teachers of youth and faithful colleagues, each in his proper place, and I hope to G.o.d that our labors have not been useless, but have done much good. If it is G.o.d"s will that I must die, we will perpetuate our unalterable friendship in the world to come." They then both sat down to table. Melanchthon then turned to Camerarius"s son-in-law, ESROM, whose wife had died a year and a half before, and said: "I to-day dreamed of your wife, as if I had seen her die." He said of this pious and virtuous woman, that he heard her remark: "I know that G.o.d will not forsake me." "I can never forget that word," he said. When something was said of the hurtful doctrine of doubt, he said to Esrom: "Your sainted wife did not speak so." He also referred again to the hymn, which he sung in his sleep three days ago, and said that it sounded so sweetly.
He ate and drank very little, and grew weaker and weaker. He expressed a wish to retire to his room, and tried to go to sleep. Camerarius felt very anxious in regard to him, and determined not to depart that day.
The sick man fell asleep, lying upon his back, with his eyes half-open.
He was the very picture of a corpse. His friends were filled with fear, and tears filled their eyes as they gazed upon him. The servants wept and cried aloud, as if their master were already dead. But it had not come to this yet; and when he turned upon his side in his sleep, his countenance a.s.sumed a more natural appearance, and he slept soundly. He awoke after three hours, and said that he had slept exceedingly well.
Cheerfulness and animation seemed to return. During this day, a Danish Theologian, on his way to his own country, entered his room. Melanchthon was very much pleased with the visit of this gentleman, and gave him several books, which had been printed at Wittenberg, in order that he might present them to the King of Denmark. The invalid requested him to apologize for him to the king, because he had not written; that he was prevented by illness; however, G.o.d willing, he hoped to write soon, and faithfully and humbly to thank his majesty for all his gracious favors.
He also prayed that the king and his entire kingdom might continue to enjoy happiness and prosperity.
He was so refreshed by his sleep, that he wrote letters, walked through his room and the house, and was more cheerful and animated than during the whole time of his illness. All began to entertain a hope of his recovery. At the supper-table, he was very cheerful. When the conversation turned upon those men who had brought discord into the Church, and still continued to foment it, he was greatly moved, and with unusual pa.s.sion remarked: "They are knaves, and will remain knaves, and G.o.d will yet make it manifest that they are knaves." He remained at table until about 8 o"clock. It was the last meal he ever received in the lower part of his house. His sleep was refreshing. In his sleep his spirit was impressed with the words of the Apostle Paul, "If G.o.d be for us, who can be against us?"
On the following day, April 17th, he sealed the letter to Prussia, wrote something upon some small pamphlets, and sent them to his friends, and a few of them to the Duke. When he felt some fatigue, and the fever was about attacking him again, Camerarius came to bid him farewell. Philip said: "The Son of G.o.d, who sitteth at the right hand of his heavenly Father, and giveth gifts to men, preserve you and yours, and all of us.
Give my warmest regards to your dear wife!" This was the last interview of these affectionate friends. Camerarius mounted his horse before Melanchthon"s door, and went to Leipzig to attend to some important matters, intending to return afterwards. Prince Joachim, of Anhalt, on the same day sent one of his attendants to inquire in regard to the good man"s health. Melanchthon conversed with him in a very friendly manner, and expressed his affection towards the prince in such moving blessings and wishes for his welfare, that every eye was filled with tears.
Several letters also arrived from Switzerland, which spoke of the prospects of a General Council, which the Pope intended to convene. He said: "It is far better for me to die, than to be obliged to attend this Council." For every one could easily imagine what shameful dissensions would arise there, even on the side of the Protestants. At 8 o"clock, the fever made its appearance for the sixth time. To some one standing at his bedside, he remarked: "I was to-night thinking of the foolish dispute that some pretend, that Christ was not afraid of death. But he understood what it is to die, far better than we do, or can do.
Therefore he no doubt was more afraid of death than we are." He also said, "How does the will of the Lord Jesus Christ agree with the will of his Heavenly Father, when he was afraid of death!" But he did not give any further intimation of his views in regard to this. He again spoke of Esrom"s wife: "What a fine young woman your beloved wife was! She had a strong const.i.tution, too; and yet she died very easily, and had a disease very much like mine. For she had pains in her left side, and I have them too. But the great weakness of my body is owing to other causes, which I do not understand." And shortly before retiring, he said: "If this is not death, it is indeed a very severe scourge." A large map hung near his bed, which he regarded very attentively. He turned round, and with a smile remarked: "Virdungus once foretold to me, by astrology, that I would be shipwrecked upon the ocean, and now I am not far from it." He had reference to the painted ocean upon the map.
When the heat of the fever came upon him, and he was about to uncover his extremities, a feeling of modesty led him to say to those who were surrounding his bed: "What are you standing here for? Can"t you go home?" This frightened many so much that they retired, and fewer persons were present during that day. At 2 o"clock, the fever left him; it had not been as severe as before. He rose, and took some food, but his stomach would not retain it. He again retired, and slept until 5 o"clock. He was lying all night in his chamber, his slumbers being very slight and restless. His friends feared that the returning fever would consume his remaining strength. Philip himself said, "The end is not far distant;" and prayed, "O Lord, make an end!"
On the 18th of April he rose early in the morning at 4 o"clock, and was conveyed down into his study. He requested them to remove the sofa, which felt uncomfortable, and to put up his travelling-bed. When he was taken down, he said: "This is called a travelling-bed; suppose I should be obliged to travel in it?" While the physicians became convinced, from a number of signs, that he would not recover, he felt it himself, and said, "he was perfectly satisfied, if it was G.o.d"s will." At 8 o"clock, pastor Paul Eber, and several other persons, entered the room, and approached the death-bed. Melanchthon frequently repeated that he had subjected his own will to the will of G.o.d, and that life and death were altogether in his hands. He would be perfectly satisfied with whatever he should do; and he also remarked, "by the blessing of G.o.d I have no particular anxieties now; for although my daughter"s children, whom I tenderly love, are now pa.s.sing before my eyes, I comfort myself with the thought that they are in the hands of pious and G.o.dly parents, whom I love also. They will be solicitous for their welfare, and carefully train them, as I have done hitherto, and G.o.d will also add his blessing.
But I feel for the common calamities, and am greatly troubled because a cavilling and perverse world acts so wilfully, and troubles the Holy Christian Church so shamefully. However, let them do whatever they please, through the goodness of G.o.d our doctrine is correct and clear for all that." He then said to some persons present, "You are young, and have received sufficient talents through the goodness of G.o.d; but see to it that you use them aright. May Almighty G.o.d preserve you, and give you strength and wisdom, that you may be of service to him and his Church."
When, on the same day, he saw one of his granddaughters, Peucer"s eldest child, pa.s.sing before his bed, he called her to him, and said: "Dear daughter, I have loved you most affectionately: see that you reverence your parents, and always obey them, and fear G.o.d, who will never forsake you. May G.o.d Almighty protect you, and give you his blessing. Amen!"
He also spoke in the same friendly manner to the other children, who were younger, and exhorted them to pray and to be pious. To his daughter he said: "Dear daughter, G.o.d has given you a pious husband.
Love, honor, and obey him. And raise your children in the fear of G.o.d, and G.o.d will be with you, and will not forsake you." He spoke like one who was taking leave.
Camerarius was written to on the following day, and informed that he must make haste, if he wished to find his Philip alive. But it was impossible for him to arrive before the death of his friend. At 8 o"clock on the 18th of April he had some food prepared for himself, and partook of a little broth, and a few slices of lemon. Soon after he asked his son-in-law, "What hopes he entertained in regard to him, and that he should not hide anything from him." Peucer replied: "G.o.d is your life, and the length of the days of your life. But as you request me to tell the whole truth, there is indeed very little hope, as far as I am able to judge from natural causes, for you are very weak, and your weakness is increasing every moment." Upon this he said: "Yes, I feel my weakness, and understand what it imports very well. I have commended the whole matter to G.o.d, whom I pray to deal mercifully with me!"
He had before commenced his will, which opened with a short declaration of all the articles of his doctrine and faith. He now ordered them to look for it, in order that he might finish it. But it could not be found, and it was supposed some one had stolen it. At 2 o"clock he seated himself at his desk, to write another. We will insert a part of what he wrote: "In the year 1560, on the eighteenth day of April, I have written this will in my sickness, briefly in reference to the humble possessions which G.o.d has bestowed upon me. I have twice before written the confession of my faith, and grat.i.tude to G.o.d and our Lord Jesus Christ, but this has been lost. But I wish my answer to the Bavarian articles to be looked upon as my confession against the Papists, Anabaptists, the followers of Flacius, and others like them."
He then expressed his wishes in regard to the division of his property among his heirs; but his weakness prevented him from concluding it, which he intended to do on the following day, but it was never done. He was in full possession of all his mental faculties, and remained so to the end. As he felt no pain in his head at all, some supposed that he would die very painfully. He also conversed with his son-in-law in regard to the affairs of the University, what subjects should be taught there, and also pointed out his successor. At three o"clock, he expressed a wish to retire to his room again. He slept soundly until six. In the meantime, letters had arrived from Frankfort, in which his friends informed him how terribly the pious were being persecuted in France. He said: "Well, I am weak, and do not feel well; but all my sickness does not pain me as much as the great misery of the holy Christian Church, which arises from the unnecessary separation, wickedness, and wilfulness, of those who have departed from us without cause; and these mad people are not able to stop, but must still go on and make this misery worse than it is; for they do not spare any one.
But you will see that G.o.d will punish this wantonness, and we shall be punished along with them. However, our punishment shall be that which a father inflicts. But they shall be compelled to suffer severer punishment. I deeply commiserate the poor people who are so wretchedly deceived." He continued to utter his complaints thus for a long time, and it affected him very much. His friends also read other letters to him, of more cheering character. Thus the conversation was turned into a different channel, he thought of several friends and acquaintances, and even uttered a few words in jest. His friends conversed with him until about eight o"clock, and entertained the best hopes in regard to his condition. Before retiring to rest, he ate a few preserved cherries, and drank a little wine, to strengthen himself for sleep.
It was his last night, for the _19th of April_ was the day of his death.
His sleep was very much disturbed. At two o"clock at night, he rose in the bed, and said to the physician who was present, that he had slept very little. He had again thought of the word of Paul, "If G.o.d be for us, who can be against us?" He thought of the misery and troubles of the Church with great sorrow; and his complaints were finally changed into fervent prayers for the whole Christian Church. He spoke with his son-in-law until about three o"clock, and was then led into his study.
After walking up and down for some time, he laid himself upon his travelling-bed, and fell asleep, breathing very easily. When he awoke about 6 o"clock, he requested his son-in-law to cut off his hair. This was done. He had three clean linen shirts brought to him, which he put on, one over the other, as he had been in the habit of doing for years, in order to keep his body warm. He also placed a clean night-cap upon his head, for he was in the habit of always wearing one at home; and he remarked that he had learned this of the celebrated Dr. Reuchlin. In this manner he adorned himself for his departure. Soon after, the minister of Torgau, together with his chaplain, Fisher, and the physician Kentman, of Torgau, came to pay a visit to the sick man. He conversed with these friends for about half an hour. He said that he did not feel particularly troubled on account of himself, but that he deeply felt the sad condition of the Church; for men were exciting wanton and useless controversies, dividing the Church, and darkening the truth of the pure doctrine by violence. But that he also had the consolation to know, that by the grace of G.o.d, the true doctrine is rightly explained in our churches; and thus concluded: "If I die, I shall escape coming misfortunes, and shall be torn away from this unhappy, sophistical, and strange year of nature."
He began to pray with tears, and to commend the Church to the Son of G.o.d, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. When the three friends were about to depart, he invited them to dinner. They accepted the invitation; but one of them received word that his daughter was taken ill. They then came to bid him farewell; and the invalid exhorted them to pray for the churches and schools, and said: "I know very well that you do so. The Almighty G.o.d be with you!" This was at 7 o"clock, and he was exceedingly weak.
In the meantime his pastor, several deacons, professors, and other persons came in. Eight o"clock was the hour when the fever was expected; his strength decreased perceptibly, and at last he fainted. His friends restored him, and he slept quietly for a little while. When he awoke, he began to repeat his customary prayer. He spoke with a very feeble voice, yet every word could be heard. He prayed: "O Almighty, Eternal, living and true G.o.d, Creator of heaven, and earth, and men, together with thy co-eternal Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who was crucified for us and raised from the dead, and thy living, pure, and true holy Spirit; thou wise, good, faithful, gracious and just G.o.d; thou voluntary, pure, and faithful Saviour, who givest life and law, thou hast said: "I have no pleasure in the death of the sinner, but rather that he should return unto me and live;" and who hast also said, "Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee." I confess myself a poor sinner before thee, who is burdened with many sins; for I have offended against thy holy commandments in many ways, and I mourn from my heart that I have offended thee, and pray thee, for the sake of thy dear Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who was nailed to the cross for our sakes, and was raised again from the dead, that thou wouldst have mercy upon me, forgive me my sins, and justify me by and for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is thy eternal word and image, whom thou didst deliver as a sacrifice, mediator, Redeemer, and Saviour, led by thy wonderful and indescribable counsels, and inscrutable wisdom and mercy. And I also pray thee to sanctify me by thy holy, living, pure, and true Spirit, so that I may truly acknowledge, and firmly believe, obey, thank, fear, and invoke thee, behold thy gracious countenance with joy throughout all eternity, and for ever serve thee, the Almighty, true G.o.d, Creator of heaven and earth, and men, the everlasting Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and also Jesus Christ, thy dear Son, thine eternal word and image, and thy Holy Spirit, the true, pure, and living Comforter. In thee have I hoped, O Lord: let me never be confounded: in thy righteousness deliver me. Make me righteous, and bring me unto eternal life; thou hast redeemed me, O thou G.o.d of faithfulness and truth. Keep and rule our churches and government, and this school. Bestow a salutary peace and government upon them. Rule and protect our princes and government; gather and preserve an everlasting Christian Church unto thyself in these lands. Sanctify and unite it by thy Holy Spirit, that it may be one in thee, in the true knowledge and worship of thy dear Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, by and through him, thy eternal Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who for our sakes was nailed to the cross, and raised again from the dead. Almighty, eternal Son of G.o.d, thou faithful Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who art the eternal word and image of the eternal Father, our Mediator and Saviour, crucified for us and raised again, I give thee most hearty thanks that thou didst a.s.sume our human nature, and art ordained my Redeemer, that in the flesh thou didst suffer, and arise from the dead, and now intercedest for me, I beseech thee regard and have mercy upon me, for I am lonely and poor; increase the light of faith in me, by thy Holy Spirit, bear with me in my weakness, rule, protect, and sanctify me; in thee, O Lord, have I hoped; let me never be confounded. Almighty, Holy Spirit, true, pure, and living Comforter, illuminate, rule, and sanctify me, strengthen faith in my heart and in my soul, give me true consolation, preserve and rule me, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, that I may behold the beauty of the Lord, and may be and remain for ever a holy temple of the Lord, and praise G.o.d for ever with a joyful spirit in that eternal heavenly Church and Congregation."
Thus he prayed. This prayer must have exhausted him very much, for he leaned back upon his bed, and slumbered for some time. But suddenly he opened his eyes, and said to Peucer: "I have been in the power of death, but the Lord has graciously delivered me." He repeated this several times, and as it could only be explained by supposing that he had pa.s.sed through some severe internal conflict, Magister JOHN STURIO said to him: "There is now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus."
Melanchthon soon added: "Christ is made to us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, in order that, as it is written, "Let him that glorieth, glory in the Lord." He also frequently repeated the words: "Oh Lord, have mercy upon me!" His pulse was gone, his hands and feet became cold, his breathing short, his eyes, temples, and the pit of his neck fell in, and his strength was failing very rapidly. It was easy to see that the hour of his departure was near. He was asked whether he did not wish to eat something. When he signified his willingness, they made him a soup of Hamburg beer. He ate about three spoonsful, and remarked: "What a very good soup this is!" He did not eat or drink anything more after this, but requested them to raise him up, because he wished to finish his will. But when he found that he was too weak, he said: "Oh G.o.d, that I should be seized so unexpectedly." He laid his hands before him, and sat for a little while, and then laid himself down. The heat of the fever was still so strong, that he left his feet uncovered, although they were extremely cold. He was able to turn about in his bed without a.s.sistance. About 1 o"clock he fainted again. Being restored by rubbing, he said, "Ah, what are you doing?" While he was thus lying perfectly still, the Pastor thought it proper to read some portions of the Old and New Testaments to him. He, and the two Deacons, Froshel and Sturio, now alternately read the 24th, 25th, and 26th Psalms, the 53d chapter of Isaiah, the 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th chapters of John, Romans v., and several other chapters and verses of Paul and the prophets. When they were done and silent, the dying man said, in a loud and distinct voice: "I perpetually bear in mind the word of John of the Son of G.o.d, my Lord Jesus Christ: The World knew him not;--but as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of G.o.d, even to them that believe on his name." He then continued to pray silently; his lips were moving, but no one understood what he was saying. Those professors, whose duty it was to lecture in the afternoon, gave notice of the postponement of their lectures, in which they stated the reason, and called upon the students to unite their prayers with their own. A great excitement arose among the students and citizens, and all were filled with sorrow. All were anxiously awaiting the end.
Within, the dying man was lying in the struggle of death, his eyes half open, and his body very restless. He did not speak, unless a question was put to him, although he was fully conscious. His son-in-law asked him whether he wished to have anything. "Nothing but heaven," he replied, "and therefore do not ask me such questions any more."
About 3 o"clock in the afternoon, when his head had slipped from the pillow, and he was lying in an uncomfortable position, they attempted to raise him and alter his position, when he fainted again. He was soon restored. "Ah, what are you doing?" he said, "why do you disturb my sweet repose? let me rest unto the end, for it will not last very long."
As they saw that his end was approaching, several persons united in prayer to G.o.d that he would be pleased soon to grant him a blessed dismission. The Pastor began to pray in a very consoling manner, and all in the room fell upon their knees, and united in prayer with him. Those pa.s.sages of Scripture which he was known to have regarded with peculiar interest, were now repeated, such as, "Let not your heart be troubled;"
so also, John 15, 16, 17, also 10: "Whoever loves me, will keep my commandments." "My sheep hear my voice." Also, Rom. viii., "If G.o.d be for us, who can be against us?"
Several persons, who had not taken any food throughout the day, now went to table, but soon returned. It was in the evening at 6 o"clock, and the dying man was lying still, when Froshel arose, and p.r.o.nounced the benediction upon him: "The Lord bless thee and keep thee! The Lord make his face to shine on thee, and be gracious unto thee! The Lord lift up his countenance on thee, and give thee peace!" Veit WINSHEIM, Doctor of Medicine, and Professor of Greek, repeated the words of the Psalm to him: "Into thy hands I commend my spirit; O Lord, thou hast delivered me, thou righteous and faithful G.o.d!" He asked him whether he heard him?
The dying man replied, "_Yes!_" loud enough to be heard by all. It was his last word upon the earth.
Frohshel now repeated the Creed, the Lord"s prayer, and the words "Lord Jesus Christ, into thy hands I commend my spirit!" he repeated several times. When he repeated them for the third time, Melanchthon moved his lips as if he was praying. More than twenty persons were gazing upon the dying man. Without the slightest motion, this worthy man gently fell asleep in the evening, at 7 o"clock, in the very same hour in which he first beheld the light of this world, 63 years and 63 days before. In the midst of prayer he celebrated his return home, as the old account says, "to his beloved Lord Jesus Christ, whom he always praised with his heart and mouth. With him he no doubt now enjoys everlasting happiness and glory, together with all the elect. May our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of G.o.d, help us all to enjoy the same, and may he grant us all a happy end, and joyous dismission, whenever it shall please him to call us away. Amen."
Winsheim, who delivered his funeral oration, said: "Failing gradually, he ceased to breathe almost without feeling death, and lay like one who is asleep; his face was not distorted, and his features were not changed, as is generally the case with the dead." When the beloved teacher had thus closed his eyes, the tidings of this event spread rapidly through the city. The students, greatly distressed, came to the house in great numbers. It was very easy to see how much they had loved him. The University soon informed the Elector of this sad event. The body was laid out in the study during the same evening. On the morning of the 20th of April, the artist, LUCAS KRANACH, painted his portrait.
All were anxious to behold the beloved body, and permission was given to all during that and the following day.
No one looked upon the beloved countenance, without tears. Some touched his head; others took his hand, and pressed it. Many kissed him, with many tears. The citizens brought their children to look upon him, so that they might be able to say, in future times, what kind of man he was. His body was placed in a leaden coffin, and this again in one of wood, and with other papers, the following was also placed in it: "In this coffin, PHILIP MELANCHTHON was buried, who was a professor of the Holy Scriptures, and the good arts, for 42 years. He was an excellent, learned, pleasant, sensible, sincere, pious, and holy man; patient and benevolent towards the poor, the most faithful and diligent a.s.sistant of the sainted and revered Doctor Martin Luther, in explaining and establishing the pure doctrine of the divine word, which had been darkened by the fraud of the Roman Popes, the juggling of the monks, and a great number of abuses. He also prepared the _Augsburg Confession_, which was delivered to the Emperor Charles V., in 1530, after the purification and exposition of the true doctrine had begun in 1517, and a change had also taken place in these churches. And he continued to defend the truth of the heavenly doctrine for 30 years, upon public diets, and privately, as is proved by his writings, which have been published to the world." After this follows a short account of the events of his life, from his birth to his death.
The funeral took place on the 21st of April. Joachim Camerarius, and DR.
MORCH, of Leipzig, arrived at nine o"clock in the morning. His great grief would not suffer him to look upon the body of his beloved friend once more. The procession set out in the afternoon. The students came first, and were followed by the body, borne by the professors of philosophy, who were dressed in long black funeral robes. After them came the relatives, the other professors, the city council, strange n.o.blemen and others, students and citizens. The coffin was first taken to the parish church, where it was set down before the altar, on the very spot where Melanchthon had been in the habit of kneeling when priests were ordained. A psalm and several other hymns, were sung here.
The Pastor, Paul Eber, then mounted the pulpit, and preached the funeral sermon, from the words in 1 Thess. iv. From the parish Church, the procession moved towards the Electoral Church. There the body was deposited by the side of Luther"s grave. Veit Winsheim mounted a pulpit which had been erected near it, and delivered an excellent and moving Latin address. He closed it in the following words: "He has left us, and all his, the churches of these dominions, and the University, in a painful state of anxiety. At the very time when we are tossed about by the ocean-storms, we have lost our pilot, at the very time when we need him most, and could spare him less than ever before. But it is not difficult to understand what G.o.d means by taking such men from the world, in order that they may not see the coming distresses. I do not wish to be a prophet of misfortunes; but let us cultivate repentance and patience, so that we may either escape from the wrath of G.o.d, or that we may be able to bear his paternal chastis.e.m.e.nt, if it be necessary. For the death of such men should incite us to piety, to repentance, and more fervent prayer; and also to preserve the inheritance left us by these two men, Luther and Melanchthon; namely, the pure doctrines of truth, with the greatest prudence, diligence, and fidelity. For this is not the time for security and sleep, but for watchfulness. We have all seen what came to pa.s.s after Luther"s death; let every one reflect for himself, what things are to be expected now." After this, the body was deposited in its resting-place, by the side of Luther. The whole community a.s.sisted at these funeral solemnities. There was such a concourse of persons of every condition and age, that Wittenberg had never seen one to exceed it. All were deeply moved, and many tears were shed.[28]
A small plate of metal, in the floor, still marks Melanchthon"s resting-place, while another on the wall presents his portrait, and eulogizes the great and ever to be remembered reformer and teacher, not only of Germany, but of entire evangelical Christendom.
The Wittenberg account closes with the following prayer, with which we, too, shall end our narrative:
"And we hereby earnestly and heartily beseech G.o.d, that he will be pleased to gather and preserve an everlasting Christian Church among us, and in these lands, and the entire human race, through his dear Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; and that he will also preserve us against factions and schisms, and grant us courage and strength to oppose them confidently and successfully. And as human strength and wisdom are too weak to accomplish this, we beseech the Eternal Son of G.o.d, that he would abundantly pour out his Holy Spirit by his word, in our hearts and those of all believers, so that we may obtain knowledge and wisdom, and be ruled and guided in all things, in order that his holy Divine name may be praised and glorified by us and the whole Christian Church, here in this world, and forever in the world to come. Amen."
THE END.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] This learned scholar, known to the learned by the name of CAPNIO, was a native of Pforzheim, and successively a teacher of languages at Basle and at Orleans. He was the restorer of letters in Germany, and the author of several treatises on Philosophy.
[2] He wrote a humorous piece in the form of a comedy, which he dedicated to Reuchlin, to show the sense he entertained of his truly parental kindness, and engaged his schoolfellows to perform it in his presence. It was upon this occasion that he gave him the name of Melanchthon.