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The Reformation Collection: Melanchthon

An introduction to primary sources at L. Tom Perry Special Collections

Selected Special Collections Holdings

Phillipp Melanchthon, 1497-1560

Adversus furiosum Pariensium theologastrorum decretum pro Luthero (Against the furious decree of the Parisian theologasters). Wittenberg: Melchior Lotter, 1521.

In 1521, the faculty of the Sorbonne issued a unanimous censure of Luther’s ideas, which they titled  Determinatio super doctrina Lutheriana. Melanchthon immediately responded with this pamphlet, Adversus furiosum Pariensium. This edition reprints the original Parisian decree as well as Melanchthon's work.

  • Call number: Vault Collection 922.4 L97pd 1521

Loci praecipvi theologici. Leipzig: Valentin Babst, 1550.

Also known as the Loci communes or Loci theologici, Melanchthon first published this work in 1521, though he undertook several revisions over the following years. The text is a summary and exposition of reformation ideas and doctrines. Luther regarded the Loci communes so highly that he said the work deserved a place in scriptural canon.

  • Call number: Vault Collection 284.101 M48L 1550

(Augsburg Confession). Die Augspurgische Confession aus dem Rechten original welches Keyser Carolo dem V. auss dem Reichstage zu Augsburg Anno 1530. Frankfurt: Johann Eichorn, 1572.

This summary of Lutheran beliefs and practices was prepared by Melanchthon and other theologians (in both Latin and German) to present to Emperor Charles V in 1530 at the Diet of Augsburg. The Confession is still used in the Lutheran Church today as a public statement of faith.

  • Call number: Vault Collection Quarto 284.107 L97a 1572

HBLL Databases

HBLL Print Resources

Melanchthon on Christian Doctrine: Loci communes 1555. Translated and edited by Clyde L. Manschreck. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1982.

  • HBLL Stacks BR 336 .L62 M3 1982

Online Resources