Lasko, John a (2), one of the most distinguished of tlie Polish reformers, was born at Warsaw in the early part of 1499, of one of the noblest famihes of Poland, which, during the 16th century especially, furnished many men illustrious in the Church, in the council, and the camp. We know little of John a Lasko's early edu- cation, but it was jirobably conducted under the super- vision of his uncle (see the preceding article), who would naturally intend him lor the priesthood. While he was yet a youtli, the (ierman Reformation commenced, and evidently attracted a large share of his attention. The archbishoji, however, was its strenuous opponent, and young Lasko, at the University of Cracow, where Lu- ther's writings were publicly bought and sold, may have contented himself with accepting the current religious sentiments of his countrymen, which by no means ac- corded with the highest standards of Roman Catliolic orthodoxy. At the age of twenty-five he set fortli on his travels. It was his ]iurpose to visit the courts and universities of other lands. Passing by Wittenberg, with its Luther and Melancthon, he directed his course
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to Louvalii, where he seems to have been repelled by the ignorance and bigotry of the priesthood, and thence passed to Ziirich, where he met and conferred with Zwingle, and was by him influenced to take a decided stand f(jr tlie reformatory movement. From Zurich lie went to Paris, where he was honorably received, and en- tered into a correspondence with the sister of the king, the fiimous Margaret of Navarre, already favorably dis- posed to the cause of reform. Thence he directed his course to Basle, attracted thither by the fame of Eras- mus, who extended to him a cordial welcome, and did not disdain to accept his hospitable gifts. Tlie veteran scholar admired and praised his young friend, and Lasko seems to have reciprocated his confidence and affection. Both occupied the same dwelling, and for some month* the expense of the household was met from Lasko's purse. Perhaps the fact that at this very jimcture the break between Luther and Erasmus took place may not have been without its effect in repelling Lasko from too close association with the German reformer. In Octo- ber, 1525, Lasko was recalled to Poland, doubtless with a view to be engaged in state employ, or as an ambassa- dor to France or Spain. However this may be, he prob- ably passed through Italy previous to his return, and there formed some acquaintanceships, not without influ- ence in later years. Not long after his return he fell in with the writings of Melancthon, with whom he subse- quently corresponded, and we may reasonably conclude that by his counsel, or with his sanction, Polish youth ■were sent abroad to complete their studies at Witten- berg. A marked change by this time is manifest in his views and feelings. Erasmus, in his correspondence, was not slow to note this. It was due partly, no doubt, to a better knowledge of the German reformers, and parth', also, to the ripening of his own Christian expe- rience. We hear him declaring that he owed every- thing to the mercy of God. No foresight of his own, no world - wisdom, could have saved him from ruin. There was more of Luther than of Er; imus in such soul- humbling confessions. The <leath of his uncle, the arch- bishop (1531), who was resolutely opposed to the cause of reform, removed a certain measure of restraint which had checked young Lasko's freedom of action, if not specula- tion. No outward manifestation of any radical change of sentiment had hitherto been apparent. He was suc- cessively nominated canon of Gnesen, custos of Plock, and dean of Gnesen and Lencicz. In accepting these dignities he still cherished the hope inspired by Eras- mus that reform might take place within the Church itself, and to this end he was induced, in a cautious manner, to present the Polish monarch with suggestions as to the necessity of measures directed to that object (Krasinski's Ref. in Poland, i, 248). In 153G he received the royal nomination of bishop of Cujavia, and the most inviting prospects of ecclesiastical promotion opened be- fore him. But already his hope that the Church of Komc would reform herself had died out. He opened his heart to the king, and freely confessed the views and convictions which forbade his acceptance of the prof- fered promotion, ^\'ith the royal permission, and pro- vided witli commendatory letters, he chose temporarily to withdraw from his native land. He directed his course to the Netherlands. At Antwerp he was sought out and his acquaintance cultivated by the most respect- able citizens. Tiic royal letters alone would have open- ed all doors to him. liut his (inal decision to withdraw entirely from the Itomau CalhoHc Church was hastened in or iM'l'ore 1540. In that year lie married a woman of hmnble rank, with<put dowry, whom he met at Lou- vain (Krasinski says Mayence), and thus made his breach with Ixome irreparable. Instead of returning to his na- tive land, he sought a retired residence at Emdeti, in Friesland. Count Enno, who was anxious to secure a reformation of the (Jhurcli in his principality, proposed to Lasko the charge of the matter as suiierintendent. His death sus[)ended the negotiation, but his sister Anna, who succeeded him, renewed the proposal. After much