Expositions of the Psalms: Enarratio Psalmi 38, De sarcienda ecclesiae concordia; Enarratio Psalmi 14, Qui est de puritate tabernaculi sive ecclesiae christianae (review)

This volume is the third and final work of Erasmus's expositions of the psalms in the Collected Works of Erasmus (CWE). It displays the same care, accuracy, and elegance scholars have come to expect of all volumes in CWE. Like volumes 63 and 64, this one follows the chronological order in which Erasmus published these works (unlike the Leclerc [LB] and Amsterdam [ASD] editions of Erasmus's Opera Omnia, which follow the Psalms sequentially). Dominic Baker-Smith provides a thoughtful introduction to the three psalms, referring readers to his (excellent) introduction in volume 63 to understand "the full range and the implications of Erasmus' engagement with the Psalms" (p. xi); Carolinne White and Emily Kearns give insightful introductions to their respective pieces.

Of singular importance in Erasmus's expositions of these psalms is the access they give to the author's spiritual yearnings and theological developments; to the effects of the demands and attacks continually made on him; and to the changes in his outlook on the tumultuous world of Reformation Europe in the five years before his death in July 1536, when he still harbored hope for a theological accommodation with groups at odds with the Roman Church. As the editor puts it, "These three works represent his final thoughts on the great crisis facing western Christendom, but they are thoughts which have to be understood within a particular phase of the response to the Reformation" (p. xii). Erasmus still placed hope in a council; short of that, in an assembly of right-minded men who, in good faith, might reach a compromise acceptable to all interested parties.

The free flow of ideas in Erasmus's enarrationes brings us to the heart of his biblical-humanist spirituality. Expounding Psalm 38, published in 1532, he pours out his inner life and anguish in meditative instruction for readers. He interprets the words of the psalm as a metaphor of the Christian who, although chastised publicly, refrains from lashing back at accusers and detractors, learns to control his responses so that they be productive of Christian community, and—in respect to this moment of the Church's crises—finds the patience to listen with an open heart to the other's teachings. Aware of how intense theological disputes tend to flare up instantly, Erasmus pleads for restraint, prayerful reflection, and irenic and charitable responses.

Erasmus's enarratio of Psalm 84, commonly known as "On Mending the Peace of the Church" (De sarcienda ecclesiae concordia), published in 1533, responds to requests from friends to draw up proposals for bringing about church unity at a time "so fertile in schisms" (p. 135). Erasmus urges readers to stay united:"if we seek real peace of mind, let us remain in the tabernacle of the Lord of hosts and stay in the unity of the Catholic church …' (p. 171); he begs God that "we may lay aside our differences of opinion and feeling, and, be in agreement in the same mind and the same opinion …" (p. 197). In conclusion, Erasmus offers proposals for mending the Church, pleading that differences in practices, teachings, views, and traditions be allowed until a council pass final judgment.

Erasmus's exposition of Psalm 14, On the Purity of the Tabernacle or of the Christian Church, published in January 1536 and dedicated to a customs officer at Boppard am Rhein, sees in its Christological interpretation a statement on Christian piety that does not reject all external forms of worship but ensures that such practices are "restored from superstition to piety" and that the "mind [be] made pure through faith and innocence and prepared by love to treat everyone well...