Emphasis Preaching Journal

The figure of Martin Luther looms so large in secular and sacred history that we are apt to forget some of the people who played important roles in making the work of the reformer possible. One outstanding ally of Luther was Frederick II, the Elector of Saxony. A devout man, Frederick had been educated in an Augustinian monastery and had made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He had founded the University of Wittenberg and had invited Luther to teach there upon the advice of George Spalatin, Frederick's secretary and chaplain. The university flourished along with Luther's growing fame.