the sentiments of Martin Luther with regard to religion. See LUTHER.

Lutheranism has undergone some alterations since the time of its founder—Luther rejected the epistle of St James, as inconsistent with the doctrine of St Paul, in relation to justification; he also set aside the Apocalypse: both which are now received as canonical in the Lutheran church.

Luther reduced the number of sacraments to two, viz. baptism, and the eucharist: but he believed the impanation, or confubstantiation, that is, that the matter of the bread and wine remain with the body and blood of Christ; and it is in this article that the main difference between the Lutheran and English churches consists.

Luther maintained the mass to be no sacrifice; exploded the adoration of the host, auricular confession, meritorious works, indulgences, purgatory, the worship of images, &c. which had been introduced in the corrupt times of the Romish church. He also opposed the doctrine of free-will, maintained predestination, and asserted our justification to be solely by the imputation of the merits and satisfaction of Christ. He also opposed the fastings in the Romish church, monastical vows, the celibate of the clergy, &c.