Author Bio: Charles V, King of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor, ruled from 1516 to 1556 and was apart of several monarchal or noble families in Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, etc. As Holy Roman Emperor, he had a strong Catholic bias and a significant amount of power throughout the European countries. He was Holy Roman Emperor during the time period when several German princes left the Church and he promoted the Council of Trent and the Counter-Reformation.
Context: Having grown old and disillusioned, Charles V decides to step down from the throne and, feeling that his son has matured enough, passes on the Spanish throne to Philip. He had previously tried to enforce compromise agreements between Catholics and Protestants, but when discussions broke down he tried a more militant approach. Unable to dislodge Protestant Much of his disillusionment stemmed from his failure to quell the Protestant Reformation and its leaders (especially in Germany). As Holy Roman Emperor, he made it his goal to protect the Catholic faith. It is important to note, though, that despite this disillusionment, Charles V is secure in his abdication and cites his failing health and inability to fulfill his responsibilities as Emperor as his reason for abdication.
Summary: Charles V states that when he inherited his title and throne from his grandfather, Maximilian, he had no desire to rule many kingdoms, but instead to protect Catholicism within the kingdom (essentially the spiritual well-being of the countries). However, in cases like Germany and the Protestant Reformation, he failed to do so or do enough. He laments the fact that he could not spread the Christian religion further, for all his zeal and passion for the cause. Charles V primarily blames the "heresies" of Martin Luther and other such innovators of Germany, whose messages eventually led to conflict. He says that he had been considering abdicating for some time, but that the immaturity of his son and the incapacity of his mother previously prevented him from doing so. Now, believing his son Philip to be an able ruler, he states that he will return to Spain to live out the remainder of his life. He advises his son to respect and take the advice of his uncle, who will succeed Charles V as Holy Roman Emperor (Philip would become the new king of Spain). Finally, Charles V states that he is at peace with his victories and defeats as he did all he could and left it to God to deem him victorious or not. In conclusion, Charles V advises watchfulness so as to prevent the spread of the Protestant sects into other countries.
Key Quotation: "I have carried out what God has permitted, since the outcome of our efforts depends upon the will of God. We human beings act according to our powers, our strength, our spirit, and God awards the victory and permits defeat. I have ever done as I was able, and God has aided me. I return to Him boundless thanks for having succored me in my greatest trials and in all my dangers."
I think you did a great job explaining the context and the author bio, I feel like I could really understand his position on the Reformation. I think the quote you chose is a good one. I believe that it is important to note that this specific piece of work is also called "The Wretched Condition of the Christian State." This shows obvious discontent with the spread of Protestantism and his disapproval towards it. Also, when I read this essay it reminded me of a diary entry almost with the way he uses I and addresses the readers; he's essentially personally explaining reasons for his abdication as well as his evaluating religion in Europe.
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