A.D. 1518-1500.]
Italian Writers.
417
talent, presents something like a reflex of Luther's theology, without any of Luther's power. The Loci Communes of Melancthon are frequently referred to as a vehicle in the conveyance of Prot<:;stant ideas into Italy ; but the calm and balanced j udgment of that learned theologian would have less charms for such a man as Valliculi, supposing he had read Melancthon's work, than the burning words of his brother Martin. Probably y,e are correct when we recognize this Italian treatise as a fair type of the popular theology which was making its way in the Papal States, where Bishop Sylvestro Benedetto was born, to whom the treatise is dedicated. As a specimen of the popular reformed theology of Italy, we may notice il Sommario de la Sancta Scriptura, etc., in two parts. A prologue explains the nature of the work, stating that, in the first place, it is intended to teach how every one ought to believe, and what he ought to hope for ; that we are children and heirs of the kingdom of God; that we are justified without our own merits, and should not place any confidence in them ; and that we are not to neglect good works, but know how to perform them, hoping for salvation not from them, but solely from the grace and mercy of God through Christ. The author then states that, in the second place, he designs to inculcate what is practical ; not that subjects should be disobedient to their princes, nor that monks should leave their monasteries, but that they should know their errors and learn to correct them ; for it avails more before God to be a humble publican than a holy hypocrite. The doctrine as to justification bears a Lutheran stamp ; but it is clear that whilst so far the popular theology is reformed, there is no condemnation EE