ERASMUS

Desiderius, a Dutch scholar, one of the greatest of the Renai ance and Reformation period, born at Rotter dam in 1467, died in 1536. His original name was Gerard, but this he changed according to a fashion of the time. After the death of his parents, whom he lost in his fourteenth year, his guardians compelled him to enter a monastery; and at the age of seventeen he a umed the monastic habit. The Bishop of Cambrai delivered him from this constraint. In 1492 he travelled to Paris to perfect himself in theology and literature. He became the instructor of several rich English men (from one of whom—Lord Mount joy—he received a pension for life), and accompanied them to Hngland in 1497, where he was graciously received by the king. Returning soon after to the Continent, he took his doctor’s degree, was relieved from his monastic vows by dispensation from the Pope, and published several of his works. In 1510 he returned to England, wrote his Praise of Folly while residing with Sir Thomas More, and was appointed Lady Margaret profe or of divinity and Greek lecturer at Cambridge. In 1514 he returned to the Continent and lived chiefly at Basel, where he died. To extensive learning Hrasmus joined a refined taste and a delicate wit, and rendered great and lasting service to the cause of reviving scholarship. Although Hrasmus took no direct part in the Reformation, and was reproached by Luther for lukewarmne , he attacked the disorders of monasticism and superstition, and everywhere promoted the cause of truth. A humanist rather than a reformer or a theologian, he waged war upon ignorance and superstition. He edited various cla ics, the first edition of the Greek Testament from MSS. (with Latin translation), ., but his best-known books are the Encomium Morie (Praise of Folly) and his Colloquies. His letters are very valuable in reference to the history of that period.—BIBLIOGRAPHY: S. Knight, Life of Erasmus; C. Butler, Life of Erasmus; BE. F. H. Capey, Life of Hrasmus; P. S. Allen, Lhe Age of Hrasmus.