History of the Life, Writings,

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1854. Excerpt: ... it will have to bear the punishment of its negligence, and be chastised in blood and tears. This must happen. But an enemy more formidable for the peace of Luther than Henry VIII. or Clement VII. appeared at this moment, and strove to destroy the Saxon's sway in Germany. Erasmus waged war with the doctor. CHAPTER VII. ERASMUS AND FREE-WILL. 1524. Literary glory of Erasmus.--His war with the monks.--Luther's theses.--Erasmus is jealous of the sensation caused by Luther.--Letter from Luther to him.--The philosopher's reply.--His cowardice.--His rival's indifference.--Erasmus conceives the idea of writing against Luther.--Adrian VI. applies to Erasmus.--He refuses, but continues to attack the monk secretly.--Luther breaks out.--Erasmus's versatility.--Free-will: Luther's psychological opinions.--Estimate of his system of philosophy.--Appeal to the Bible.--Erasmus discusses the principle of free-will.--His hook on the subject.--Luther's reply to it.--Erasmua refutes the Servum Arbitrium.--His Hyperaspites.--His death. There was in-the sixteenth century a man who filled the whole world with his name and his works; who reckoned popes and emperors among his courtiers; the correspondent of Henry VIII., Charles V., Francis I., and Maximilian of Austria; whom the cities of Germany received under triumphal arches;1 who had for his admirers, Sir Thomas More, Bembo, Sadoletus, Melancthon, Ulrich von Hutten, Julius II., Leo and Adrian VI.; who was addressed as the prince of literature, the star of Germany, the sun of studies, the high-priest of scholars, the vindicator of theology, without any risk of the letters 1 M. Nisard, in the Revue des Deux Mondes, has examined, under several new aspects, and with admirable sagacity, the influence of Erasmus upon hi...