Today our Synod commemorates Frederick the Wise, Christian Ruler. From the Treasury:High-born Prince, kind, dear brother and kinsman. Herewith I send you a book written by Dr. Martin Luther, in which you will find many wonderful things. God Almighty grant that it will turn out well, for truly things are coming to light which many people conceal; may God Almighty vouchsafe to us poor sinners that we may be improved and not made worse thereby. - from a Letter of Frederick to his brother, Duke John, 1520
The Treasury notes that upon his death bed, the Elector received the Eucharist under both kinds, "a clear confession of the evangelical faith."
"It is fine thing, to be sure, if an emperor, prince, or lord is by nature so wise and able that he can instinctively hit upon what is right, as could two men I knew, Duke Frederick of Saxony and Sir Fabian von Feilitzsch, to speak only of men no longer living. Such rulers are rare birds. It would be dangerous to make an example of them because others may not have this power by nature. In ruling it is better to stick to the written law, which carries with it greater recognition and respect and obviates the need for special gifts or charisms." Martin Luther, "A Sermon on Keeping Children in School", LW 46:239. (1530) Dr Luther obviously held Duke Frederick in high esteem.
ReplyDeleteSome historians have argued that Frederick only wanted the monasteries' wealth and did not have a conversion. If so, he certainly risked a lot for a very short temporal gain. This man risked his electoral dignity, his wealth, and his eternal soul (if the pope was right) by defending Luther.