On the Life and Missions of Jacobus Andreae for the Reformation of the Lutheran Church, Part I

Period II.

UNDER DUKE CHRISTOPHORUS.

The second period of Jacobus’s life, lived during the reign of Christophorus, teaches how great the benevolence with which Christophorus received Jacobus was. Prince Christophorus, who, having been accused of felony by the Emperor, was summoned to Montebeligardo Montbéliard due to his father’s dispute with King Ferdinand, was staying at Calva Calw, awaiting whatever event might occur. His father’s death was imminent, as was a great upheaval of affairs, in which Jacobus could not fail to participate as a witness, destined to play his part; he, having delivered the final sermon for Ulricus in the castle of Tübingen, was ordered to be present in the neighboring chamber so that if he were called to the Prince, he would be ready. He was present at that very time when Christophorus, about to enter into his father’s inheritance, hurried from Calva to Tübingen. He received Jacobus—who had merited so well regarding his father and so egregiously regarding the entire sacred cause of the fatherland—most kindly and showed him every benevolence. Therefore, Jacobus was opportunely present at that very moment when Christophorus was taking up the reins of government and considering how the form of religion that his father had left behind was to be preserved. As the Prince considered this, he believed that suitable professors of sacred letters ought to be sought out, as he was not at all pleased with the old form of transmitting religion.