19 - Preface to the Book on the Soul

Summary

Greetings from Philip Melanchthon to the most illustrious Hieronymus Baumgartnerus, son of Hieronymus Baumgartnerus who excels by his wisdom and virtue

The divine voice has prophesied both that in this languid and deranged dotage of the world there would be greater commotions of humankind than there had been before, and that nevertheless the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, who was crucified for us and resurrected, would gather to Himself the eternal Church even among the ruins of empires. In this hope He wants us to cherish the study of doctrine, and He promised a home for the Church. Strengthened by this divine prophecy, let us prepare our minds to bear wisely the most saddening lacerations of realms and the frequent panic commotions, and let us hope nevertheless that the Church will not perish. Let us cherish the study of doctrine, encouraged by this consolation, and let us serve public society, each in his place. This consideration keeps old men in government so that they do not, in such violent storms, throw away the oars, so to speak. It must also rouse the younger to study more eagerly the doctrine necessary for the Church and for public life, because the divine word promises us that these labours will not be without effect. Therefore Paul says: ‘in the Lord your labour is not in vain’ [1 Corinthians 15:58]. That is, God will attend to preserving the Church and some abodes for you, and that your labours in teaching, ruling and studying be prosperous and beneficial for yourselves and for others.