for according to the Greek adage, καλῶς τρέχεσιν, áλλa έKTòç óðỡ They run well, but then they do not keep in the course.' I dare affirm, that sometimes the fathers have given interpretations of scripture, suggested perhaps in a state of high religious feeling, and which might not be erroneous, but which to us inferior men and in a less glowing state of mind, have not seemed to accord with the literal sense. There is a secret manna and food of the soul, to which Paul alludes, when he speaks of spiritually discerning it, which is more easily felt than described.

"But who does not perceive how often the scriptures have been misapplied in the different controversies that have been agitated at various periods, of which innumerable examples might be adduced, so that it has frequently happened, especially of late, that their exposition has been at complete variance with the original text. As to the scholastic method of interpretation it is any thing but simple, a very Proteus, transforming the sense of scripture into allegories, tropes, figures, and diverting the truth from its literal, grammatical, or historical meaning, into I know not what wretched and polluted channels."

After touching upon the various points of difference, he concludes by saying, “Eckius himself shall be witness if I have not avoided

those invidious reflections, which had I been so inclined, might have been indulged." In writing to his friends, he uniformly breathes the same admirable spirit. If," says he, " you perceive any thing of an antichristian nature in what I send, let me beg you to perform the duty of a genuine friend, admonish me instantly, reprove, yea, lash me as you please. He is, believe me, the dearest of all my friends, who is most honest and downright in his remarks, for you know, as it is not my disposition to dissemble, so I always look upon flattering friends as they deserve. But as genuine Christian affection neither flatters nor admits of flattery, so you will acquire the character of a friend with me, by being a faithful adviser. Eckius rages against us in the most coarse and violent manner, either from a natural impetuosity of disposition or because he considers himself aggrieved, and my purpose is not to inflict, but to compensate for any supposed injury. He is undoubtedly very severe; but I have replied only in a small publication, and with as much moderation as possible, for God is my witness, that I do not cherish the slightest animosity. I might have said more, perhaps, without transgressing the bounds of propriety, but I chose to refrain in order to write not what my adversary deserved, but what was worthy of our own character and cause. After our departure

from Leipsic, Eckius certainly reviled Luther in the most outrageous manner." (s)

Such was the temper of this amiable controversialist, who so well understood the wide difference between opprobrious epithets and solid arguments, and who it is obvious on every occasion sought truth rather than victory. He abhorred the field of strife, and hated Discord as an unnatural and ferocious demon. He valued peace as it ought to be valued, above gold and silver-above honours and empires. He was more anxious to do good than to shine, to carry the olive branch than to wield the sword, to be regarded, or-for such was the temper of the times-to be despised, as an humble peacemaker, than to be blazoned forth as a polemical hero!

Still let it be recollected, and in this sentiment Melancthon would have concurred, that we ought not so much to lament that controversies have arisen, as that they have been conducted in an anti-christian spirit. Nothing, it is readily admitted, can be more detrimental to the interests of genuine religion than intemperate and ill-humoured debatings, but on the other hand-open, fair, and candid discussion is calculated to promote good will, to pacify resentments, to smooth the wrinkled

(8) MELANCTH. Ep. II. ad Joan. Langium.

brow of bigotry, to dissipate doubts, to clear up difficulties, and to elucidate truth. Melancthon may be exhibited as a bright example to all controversial writers of the spirit in which their arguments should be conducted-or rather, let them be induced to imitate a greater than he, who, "WHEN HE WAS REVILED, REVILED NOT, AGAIN!"

Melancthon's marriage-His domestic character-His exemplary virtues-His boundless liberality-Ac count of his favourite servant John-Epitaph on his tombstone-Candour of Melancthon-His Meekness-Sympathy-Interesting Letter written to a Friend, who had sustained a painful family bereavement His Piety-Sincerity-Wit-Memory Temperance Modesty - Humility - Parental conduct His value for Time-Marriage and Settlement of his two Daughters-Character of his Sons-in-Law, George Sabinus and Caspar Peucer→→ Notice of Thurzo, Bishop of Breslaw.

Although from the peculiarity of circumstances which surrounded Melancthon, and the important period in which he lived, we are naturally anxious to trace his public career, and follow him through the principle scenes of an active life, yet in order to accomplish the legitimate purposes of biography, it will be proper