Talked About Savanarola

TALKED ABOUT SAVANAROLA

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Prof. Trueblood Lectures on the Great Reformer

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HIS ADDRESS SUNDAY

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It Was Given at the Methodist Church - Told of Savanarola's Work

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Prof. Thomas C. Trueblood spoke at the Methodist church Sunday morning. He took for his subject Florence Jerome Savonarola, the celebrated preacher and religious reformer.

Prof. Trueblood said that looking backward toward the thirteenth century, the early Christian fathers held many strange views on religious and political questions. The nobility and even the clergy, although they were supposed to represent the highest and truest in life, were often a means of corruption. Savonarola rose up, an indomitable man of power, and helped to bring about the reformation and pave the way for Martin Luther.

Although Savonarola was at first misunderstood, was awkward and far from eloquent, yet his great force of character won for him immortal fame. In one of his famous orations he pointed to the advent of the French under Charles the Eighth. This prediction was fulfilled and when the French conqueror marched into Florence, Savonarola was sent to receive him.

Through Savonarola's influence Charles the Eighth was compelled to leave Florence and Savonarola himself was placed in charge of state affairs until the government was on a firm basis. The new republic of Florence, under his guidance, was to be the model of a Christian commonwealth, of which God Himself was the chief ruler. All the haunts of debauchery were for a time suppressed.

While everything was prospering a conspiracy was set on foot by the Medici to get Savonarola out of the way. An order to appear before the Pope was sent him, but it was ignored. He was excommunicated, but he still continued to preach. The enraged party of the Medici began to recover ground and Savonarola was finally tried and condemned by his own people.

The effect of his great life, his efforts for mankind, are seen in the reformation. The address was one of the most interesting and instructive that has been delivered in this city in some time. It was much appreciated by the audience.