Ritter, Erasmus

Ritter, Erasmus, a Bavarian, the Reformer of Schaffhausen, lived in the middle of the 16th century. He was at first opposed to the Reformation, and, being possessed of oratorical talents, was invited to Schaffhausen in 1522 to confront Seb. Hofmeister (q.v.); but being led to study the Scriptures in the progress of his work, he was converted, and at once entered on the work of strengthening the evangelical cause. He displayed great prudence and moderation, but nevertheless his Zwinglian principles involved him in angry disputes with Burgauer (1528 sq.), the successor of Hofmeister, in consequence of which it was found advisable to dismiss both the controversialists. Ritter went to Berne, where new troubles awaited him. The condition of his later life is not known. He married in 1529 the sister of the abbot of All-Saints in Schaffhausen, and was long in steady correspondence with Zwinlgli. See Herzog, Real-Encyklop. s.v.