John Frederick, Elector of Saxony

Johann Friedrich I, Elector of Saxony (30 June 1503 - 3 March 1554), called John the Magnanimous, was head of the Protestant Confederation of Germany (the Schmalkaldic League), "Champion of the Reformation". He was the son of John the Steadfast of Saxony and born in Torgau, Germany.

Early Years

He received his education from George Spalatin, whom he highly esteemed during his whole life. His knowledge of history was comprehensive, and his library, which extended over all sciences, was one of the largest in Germany.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He came early into personal relations with Martin Luther, beginning to correspond with him in the days when the bull of excommunication was hurled against the Reformer, and showing himself even then a convinced adherent of the Gospel. With vivid interest he observed the development of the reformatory movement. He eagerly read Luther's writings, urged the printing of the first complete (Wittenberg) edition of his works, and in the latter years of his life promoted the compilation of the Jena edition.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

His father introduced him into the political and diplomatic affairs of the time, and he conducted the first negotiations of a treaty with Hesse in Kreuzburg and Friedewald. He took an active part in the disturbances caused by the Pack affair (see John the Steadfast), and Luther was grateful to him for his exertions, in spite of his youth, for the maintenance of peace.

Related Topics:
Hesse - John the Steadfast

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

During the second diet of Speyer (1529) he temporarily assumed the reins of government in place of his father. The intrigues of Archduke Ferdinand induced him after the diet to draw up a federal statute for the Evangelical estates, which shows that he was more decidedly convinced of the right and duty of defense than his father. He accompanied the latter to the Diet of Augsburg in 1530, signed with him the Augsburg Confession and was active in the proceedings. His attitude did not remain unnoticed, and won him the emperor's dislike.

Related Topics:
Diet of Speyer - 1529 - Archduke Ferdinand - Diet of Augsburg - 1530 - Augsburg Confession

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~