CHAPTER II.

A REFORMATION ESTABLISHED UNDER THE REIGN OF LIBERTY.

(1524 to 1527.)

Frederick, Duke of Holstein—His Call to the Throne—His Leaning to Evangelical doctrine—His Impartiality towards Rome and the Reformation—Promulgation of religious Liberty—The New Testament in Danish—The Translator’s Preface—Uneasiness of the Clergy—The King’s Son in Germany—His Adhesion to the Reformation—Growing Decision of the King—A Sermon of Tausen—Tausen at Viborg—Continuance in his Work—The Reformation at Copenhagen—Determination of the Bishops to Persecute—Imprisonment of Tausen—His preaching through the Air Hole—His Liberation by the King—Reformation at Malmoe—The Eloquent Tondebinder—The Gospel embraced by the whole Town of Malmoe—Translation of Luther’s Hymns into Danish—Increasing Progress in all Parts of the Country—The Bishops’ Invitation to Eck and Cochlæus—Their Refusal to go to Denmark—The King’s Discourse to the Bishops—Complete religious Liberty—Vain Efforts of the Bishops—Royal Ordinance—Apparent Submission of the Clergy 140