Christian Cyclopedia

Surveys made under authorization of Luth. princes in Ger. in the 1520s to organize the chs. and est. schools; inaugurated by John* the Constant in Ernestine Saxony because ch. life needed reform, clergy needed orientation, the Peasants* War and Zwickau* Prophets had caused confusion, and related matters needed attention; visitations began 1526 (WA 26, 178) and continued several yrs.; M. Luther,* P. Melanchthon,* and others prepared Articles* of Visitation by June 1527 (WA 26, 176 and 180). Needs were analyzed and recommendations for structures and procedures made. On later visits, progress was checked and further recommendations made. Result: organization of the Landeskirche (regional ch.) and est. of schools. The pattern was followed by other princes in other regions of Ger.