Medieval spirituality and the development of Protestant sectarianism: a seventeenth century case study

Among the early Protestant students of late medieval spirituality, the Strassburg Schwenckfelder Daniel Sudermann (1550-1631) was most significant. Eighty-six medieval manuscripts, many of which are significant collections of 14th century German mystics were preserved by him. In addition he published editions of Tauler, Suso, Ruysbroeck and others. The greater majority of his more than 2000 poems were based on late medieval spiritual texts. The article lists the manuscripts in his possession and discusses his use of medieval texts. In spite of his use of medieval mystics, no direct influence of them on his thought is to be ascertained. He shaped the earlier texts to fit his own theological system.