Christian Cyclopedia

(Philip the Magnanimous; 1504–67). Son-in-law of George* the Bearded; father-in-law of Maurice* of Saxony; b. Marburg, Ger.; landgrave of Hesse 1509–67; declared of age 1518; met M. Luther at the Diet of Worms 1521; successfully opposed F. v. Sickingen* and the knights'* revolt; helped suppress rebellious peasants (see Peasants' War); introd. reforms; founded the U. of Marburg 1527 (1st Prot. U.). For his part in union maneuvers after the 1529 Diet of Speyer see Luther, Controversies of, g; Lutheran Confessions, A 2. Signed the AC but felt the art. on the Lord's Supper should have been milder. Helped form Schmalkaldic* League 1531. Entered bigamous marriage 1540 with private consent of M. Luther and P. Melanchthon, who did not have full knowledge of the facts; scandal resulted; for further results see Schmalkaldic War. After his defeat at Mühlberg 1547 (see also John Frederick), Philip was imprisoned; approved the Interim*; released 1552 after the Convention of Passau.* Engaged in further unsuccessful efforts to unite Prots. See also Goths Covenant; Pack, Otto von.