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Table Talk. It was one of his sayings—‘Optimi ad vulgus hi concionatores, qui pueriliter, populariter, et simplissime docent.’ See a beautiful anecdote characteristic of this great reformer, advising Bucer on this subject. Scott’s Continuation of Milner, vol. i. 216, 217. Adams, in his Life of Luther, has inserted some homely rhymes which he composed for the common people. And ‘for these beggarly ballads’ (says a shrewd writer) ‘Luther may receive a greater reward at the last day, than for whole shelves of learned folios. Vanity will make a man speak and write learnedly; but only piety can prevail upon a good scholar to simplify his speech for the sake of the vulgar. Such a preacher, though his worth may be overlooked by the undiscerning now, will one day have a name above every name, whether it be philosopher, poet, orator, or whatever else is most revered among mankind.’ Rev. R. Robinson’s Notes on Claude’s Essay—a work, not devoid of information or interest; but painfully distinguished by an unchristian, vituperative [i.e. abusively critical] spirit.