Crowning Wisdom: Poland & Saxony

This little model replicates the Crown of Poland and Saxony. This struck me as odd considering the distinction between these two places. And to make it more complicated, there were two Saxonies in Germany, Electoral Saxony (where Dr Luther lived) and Ducal Saxony, while these are different to Old Saxony from whence hailed the Saxons who settled in England after the Romans' departure.

In 1697, there were two claimants to the Polish throne: François Louis, Prince of Conti, and Frederick Augustus I, Elector of Saxony. Those officials who possessed the crown jewels generally supported Conti, so Frederick Augustus, never lacking in initiative, made his own set, of which the picture above is a model. They were not needed in the end, for his personal strength and cunning secured him the originals. Despite being ruler of the state known for the Reformation, Augustus had converted to Roman Catholicism in order to obtain the Polish crown he so very much desired. Perhaps this is appropriate. The average Roman Catholic is taught to work hard to obtain salvation: sufficient masses, charitable deeds, prayers for the dead and burnings in purgatory will surely procure enough of God’s good favour to get one into heaven. DIY salvation, and a DIY crown. Sadly, all our efforts are useless, for only God’s undeserved kindness, which we call grace, can bring sinners to heaven. No crowns can be bought, crafted, leased, manufactured or borrowed. They are given graciously, or not at all.  

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling.
Naked, come to Thee for dress,
Helpless, look to Thee for grace.
Foul, I to the fountain fly:
Wash me, Saviour, or I die.

-Augustus Toplady, 1763