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diff --git a/40971-0.txt b/40971-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..78304df --- /dev/null +++ b/40971-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,21246 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Great Reformation, Volume IV, by +J. H. Merle D'Aubigné + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: History of the Great Reformation, Volume IV + +Author: J. H. Merle D'Aubigné + +Release Date: October 8, 2012 [EBook #40971] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF GREAT REFORMATION, VOL IV *** + + + + +Produced by Colin Bell, Julia Neufeld and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive) + + + + + + +[Illustration: J. H. MERLE D'AUBIGNÉ] + +[Illustration: MARTIN LUTHER BEFORE THE DIET AT WORMS + +NEW YORK + +R CARTER 58 CANAL STREET.] + + + + + HISTORY + OF THE + GREAT REFORMATION + OF THE + SIXTEENTH CENTURY + IN + GERMANY, SWITZERLAND, &c. + + BY J. H. MERLE D'AUBIGNE, + PRESIDENT OF THE THEOLOGICAL SCHOOL OF GENEVA, AND MEMBER OF + THE "SOCIETE EVANGELIQUE." + + ASSISTED IN THE PREPARATION OF THE ENGLISH ORIGINAL + + BY H. WHITE, + B.A. TRIN. COLL. CAMBRIDGE, M.A. AND PH. DR. HEIDELBERG. + + VOL. IV. + + NEW YORK: + ROBERT CARTER, 58 CANAL STREET; + AND PITTSBURG, 56 MARKET STREET. + + 1846. + + + + +PREFACE. + + +When a foreigner visits certain countries, as England, Scotland, or +America, he is sometimes presented with the rights of citizenship. +Such has been the privilege of the "History of the Reformation of the +Sixteenth Century." From 150,000 to 200,000 copies are in circulation, +in the English language, in the countries I have just mentioned; while +in France the number hardly exceeds 4000. This is a real +adoption,--naturalizing this Work in the countries that have received +it with so much favour. + +I accept this honour. Accordingly, while the former Volumes of my +History were originally published in France; now that, after a lapse +of five years, I think of issuing a continuation of it, I do so in +Great Britain. + +This is not the only change in the mode of publication. I did not +think it right to leave to translators, as in the cases of the former +Volumes, the task of expressing my ideas in English. The best +translations are always faulty; and the Author alone can have the +certainty of conveying his idea, his whole idea, and nothing but his +idea. Without overlooking the merit that the several existing +translations may possess, even the best of them is not free from +inaccuracies, more or less important. Of these I have given specimens +in the Preface to the New Translation of the former Volumes by Dr. +WHITE, which has been revised by me, and which will shortly be +published by Messrs. OLIVER and BOYD. These inaccuracies, no doubt +most involuntary, contributed in giving rise to a very severe contest +that took place in America, on the subject of this Work, between the +Episcopalians and the Baptists on the one hand, and the Presbyterians +on the other,--a contest that I hope is now terminated, but in which +(as a New York correspondent informed me) one of the most beneficial +and powerful Christian Societies of the United States had been on the +brink of dissolution. + +With such facts before me, I could no longer hesitate. It became +necessary for me to publish, myself, in English; and this I +accordingly do. But although that language is familiar to me, I was +desirous of securing, to a certain extent, the co-operation of an +English literary gentleman. Dr. HENRY WHITE, a Graduate of Cambridge, +and Member of a Continental University, has had the great kindness to +visit Switzerland for this purpose, although such a step exposed him +to much inconvenience, and to pass with me at Geneva the time +necessary for this labour. I could not have had a more enlightened +coadjutor; and I here express my obligations to him for his very able +assistance. + +I therefore publish in English this Continuation of the History of the +Reformation. I do not think that, as I publish, myself, in this +language, any one will have the power, or will entertain the idea, of +attempting another publication. It would be a very bad speculation on +the part of any bookseller; for where is the reader that would not +prefer the original text, as published by the Author himself, to a +translation made by a stranger? + +But there is a higher question--a question of morality. Of all +property that a man can possess, there is none so essentially his own +as the labours of his mind. Man acquires the fruits of his fields by +the sweat of his servants and of his beasts of burden; and the produce +of his manufactures by the labour of his workmen and the movement of +his machines; but it is by his own toils, by the exercise of his most +exalted faculties, that he creates the productions of his mind. +Accordingly, in putting this History under the protection of the laws, +I place it at the same time under a no less secure safeguard,--that of +justice. I know that it is written in the consciences on the other +side of the Channel and of the Atlantic: _Ye shall have one manner of +law, as well for the stranger as for one of your own country: for I am +the Lord your God._[1] To English honour I confide this Work. + + [1] Levit. xxiv. 22. + + * * * * * + +The first two Books of this Volume contain the most important epochs +of the Reformation--the Protest of Spire, and the Confession of +Augsburg. The last two describe the establishment of the Reform in +most of the Swiss cantons, and the instructive and deplorable events +that are connected with the catastrophe of Cappel. + +It was my desire to narrate also the beginnings of the English +Reformation; but my Volume is filled, and I am compelled to defer this +subject to the next. It is true I might have omitted some matters here +treated of, but I had strong reasons for doing the contrary. The +Reformation in Great Britain is not very important before the period +described in this volume; the order of time compelled me, therefore, +to remain on the Continent; for whatever may be the historian's +desire, he cannot change dates and the order that God has assigned to +the events of the world. Besides, before turning more especially +towards England, Scotland, France, and other countries, I determined +on bringing the Reformation of Germany and German Switzerland to the +decisive epochs of 1530 and 1531. The History of the Reformation, +properly so called, is then, in my opinion, almost complete in those +countries. The work of Faith has there attained its apogee: that of +conferences, of interims, of diplomacy begins. I do not, however, +entirely abandon Germany and German Switzerland, but henceforward they +will occupy me less: the movement of the sixteenth century has there +made its effort. I said, from the very first: It is the History of the +Reformation and not of Protestantism that I am relating. + +It is not, however, without some portion of fear that I approach the +History of the Reformation in England; it is perhaps more difficult +than elsewhere. I have received communications from some of the most +respectable men of the different ecclesiastical parties, who, each +feeling convinced that their own point of view is the true one, desire +me to present the history in this light. I hope to execute my task +with impartiality and truth. But I thought it would be advantageous to +study for some time longer the principles and the facts. I am at +present occupied in this task, and shall consecrate to it, with God's +assistance, the first part of my next Volume. + +Should it be thought that I might have described the Reformation in +Switzerland with greater brevity, I beg my readers will call to mind +that, independently of the intrinsic importance of this history, +Switzerland is the Author's birthplace. + +I had at first thought of making arrangements for the present +publication with the English and Scotch booksellers who had translated +the former portions. Relations that I had maintained with some of +these publishers, and which had gained my esteem for them, induced me +to adopt this course. They were consequently informed by letter of my +purpose, and several months later I had an interview with some of them +at Glasgow. I told them of my intentions, and desired to know theirs. +They replied, that they could not communicate them immediately, since +they would first have to come to an arrangement with their colleagues, +in order to make me a proposal in common. It would appear that they +did not succeed. However that may be, and although I allowed a +sufficient period of time to elapse, I received no communication from +the associated publishers. But at the same time, one of the first +houses in Great Britain, Messrs. OLIVER and BOYD of Edinburgh, who +were introduced to me by my highly respected friend Dr. CHALMERS, made +me a suitable and precise offer. I could wait no longer; and on the +very eve of my departure from London for the Continent, after a +sojourn of three months in Scotland and in England, I made +arrangements with them, which have since been definitively settled, +and the Work is now their property. + +The French laws are positive to protect literary property in France, +even if it belongs to a foreigner. I am less familiar with the English +laws; but I will not do England the injustice of believing that its +legislation is surpassed by that of France in justice and in morality. + + J. H. MERLE D'AUBIGNE. + + EAUX-VIVES, GENEVA, _January 1846_. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + + BOOK XIII.--PAGE 11. + + THE PROTEST AND THE CONFERENCE. + + 1526-1529. + + Twofold Movement of Reform--Reform, the Work of God--First Diet + of Spire--Palladium of Reform--Proceedings of the Diet--Report of + the Commissioners--The Papacy described--Destruction of Jerusalem-- + Instructions of Seville--Change of Policy--The Holy League--Religious + Liberty proposed--Crisis of the Reformation--Italian War--Emperor's + Manifesto--Italian Campaign--March on Rome--Revolt of the Troops--Papal + Army--The Assault--The Sack--German Humours--Violence of the + Spaniards--Profitable Calm--Constitution of the Church--Philip of + Hesse--The Monk of Marburg--Lambert's Paradoxes--Friar Boniface-- + Disputation at Homburg--Triumph of the Gospel in Hesse--Constitution + of the Church--Synods--Two Elements in the Church--Luther on the + Ministry--Organization of the Church--Evils of State Interference-- + Luther's Letter to the Elector--German Mass--Melancthon's Instructions-- + Disaffection--Visitation of the Reformed Churches--Important Results-- + The Reformation Advances--Elizabeth of Brandenburg--A Pious Princess-- + Edict of Ofen--Persecutions--Winckler and Carpenter--Persecutions-- + Keyser--Alarm in Germany--Pack's Forgery--League of the Reformed + Princes--Advice of the Reformers--Luther's pacific Counsel--Surprise + of the Papist Princes--Pack's Scheme not improbable--Vigour of the + Reformation--Alliance between Charles and Clement--Omens--Hostility of + the Papists--Arbitrary Proposition of Charles--The Schism completed-- + The Protest--Principles of the Protest--The Supremacy of the Gospel-- + Union of Truth and Charity--Ferdinand rejects the Protest--Joy of the + Protestants--Exultation of the Papists--Peter Muterstatt--Christian + Unity a Reality--Escape of Grynæus--Melancthon's Dejection--The + Princes, the true Reformers--Germany and Reform--Union necessary to + Reform--Difficulty of Union--A Lutheran Warning--Proposed Conference at + Marburg--Melancthon and Zwingle--Zwingle's Departure--Rumours in + Zurich--Hoc est Corpus Meum--The Discussion--Figures--Scripture + explained by Scripture--The Spiritual Eating--Zwingle's Old Song-- + Agitation in the Conference--Metaphor--Christ's Humanity Finite-- + Testimony of Augustin--Luther's Violence--End of the Conference--The + Landgrave mediates--Their Last Meeting--Zwingle's Emotion--Sectarian + Spirit of the Germans--Brotherhood Rejected--Christian Charity + Prevails--The Real Presence--Luther's Dejection--State of Political + Affairs--Luther's Battle Sermon. + + + BOOK XIV.--PAGE 113. + + THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. + + 1530. + + Two Striking Lessons--Charles V.--The German Envoys--Boldness of + the Envoys--The Landgrave's Present--The Envoys under Arrest--Their + Release and Departure--Meeting of Charles and Clement--Gattinara's + Proposition--Clement's Objection--War Imminent--Luther's + Objections--The Saviour is Coming--Charles's Conciliatory Language--The + Emperor's Motives--The Coronation--Alarm of the Protestants--Luther + advocates Passive Resistance--Brüch's Noble Advice--Spiritual + Armour--Luther remains at Coburg--Charles at Innspruck--Two + Parties at Court--Sentiments of Gattinara--The King of + Denmark--Piety of the Elector--Wiles of the Romanists--Augsburg--The + Gospel Preached--The Emperor's Message--The Sermons + Prohibited--Firmness of the Elector--The Elector's Reply--Preparation + of the Confession--The Church, the Judge--The Landgrave's + Catholic Spirit--Augsburg--Violence of the Imperialists--Charles at + Munich--Charles and the Princes--The Procession--Enters Augsburg--The + Benediction--Charles and the Landgrave--The Margrave of + Brandenburg--The Emperor's Silence--Failure of the Interview--Agitation + of Charles--Refusal of the Princes--Procession of Corpus + Christi--Exasperation of Charles--The Sermons prohibited--A Compromise + proposed--A Compromise--Curiosity of the Citizens--The + New Preachers--The Medley of Popery--Luther Encourages the + Princes--Veni Spiritus--Mass of the Holy Ghost--The Sermon--Opening + the Diet--The Elector's Prayer--Insidious Plan of the Romanists--Valdez + and Melancthon--Evangelical Firmness Prevails--Zeal of the Elector-- + The Signing of the Confession--Luther's Anxiety--Luther's + Texts--Luther to Melancthon--The Palatine Chapel--Recollections + and Contrast--The Confession--Prologue--The Confession--Justification-- + Free Will and Works--Faith--Luther on the Confession--Abuses--Church and + State--Duty of the Bishops--Epilogue--Remarks on the Confession--Church + and State Distinct--Remarks--Moderate Tone of the Confession--Defects--A + New Baptism--Effect on the Romanists--Luther demands Religious Liberty-- + Luther's Dominant Idea--Song of Triumph--An Ingenuous Confession--Hopes + of the Protestants--Failure of the Popish Intrigues--The + Emperor's Council--Luther opposes Concession--Infatuation of + the Papists--Scheme of the Romish Doctors--Melancthon's Explanation-- + Refutation--Charles's Dissatisfaction--Interview with the Princes--The + Swiss at Augsburg--Zwingle's Confession--Afflicting Divisions--The + Elector's Faith--The Lion's Skin--The Refutation--Imperial + Commands--Melancthon's Prescience--Policy of Charles--Stormy + Meeting--Resolutions of the Consistory--The Prayers of the Saints--Two + Miracles--The Emperor's Menace--The Mask--Omens--Tumult + in Augsburg--Philip of Hesse--Temptation--Union Resisted--The + Landgrave--Protestant Firmness--Philip of Hesse--Flight + from Augsburg--Alarm in Augsburg--Metamorphoses--Unusual Moderation-- + Peace, Peace--The Mixed Commission--The Three Points--Romish + Dissimulation--The Main Question--Church Government--Danger + of Concession--Pretended Concord--Luther's Letters--The + Word above the Church--Melancthon's Blindness--Papist Infatuation--A + New Commission--The Landgrave's Firmness--The Two Phantoms--Concessions-- + Rome and Christianity--Irritation--The Gordian Knot--The Council + Granted--Alarm in Rome--Menaces--Altercations--Fresh Negotiations-- + Protestantism Resists--Luther's Exhortation--The Elector of Saxony--The + Recess of Augsburg--Irritating Language--Apology of the Confession-- + Intimidation--Final Interview--Messages of Peace--Exasperation of the + Papists--Restoration of Popery--Tumult in the Church--Union of the + Churches--The Pope and the Emperor--Close of the Diet--Attack of + Geneva--Joy of the Evangelicals--Establishment of Protestantism. + + + BOOK XV.--PAGE 265. + + SWITZERLAND--CONQUESTS. + + 1526-1530. + + Three Periods of Reform--Two Movements in the Church--The Two + Movements--Aggressive Spirit--The Schoolmaster--Farel's New + Baptism--Farel's Studies--The Door is Opened--Opposition--Lausanne-- + Picture of the Clergy--Farel at Lausanne--Farel and the + Monk--Opposition to the Gospel--The Converted Monk--Christian + Unity--State-Religion--A Resolution of Berne--Almanack of Heretics-- + Haller--Zwingle's Exhortation--Anabaptists at Berne--Victory + of the Gospel--Papist Provocations--Proposed Disputation--Objections + of the Forest Cantons--Important Question--Unequal Contest--A + Christian Band--The Cordeliers' Church--Opening of the Conference-- + Christ the Sole Head--Remarkable Conversion--St. Vincent's Day--A + Strange Argument--Papist Bitterness--Necessity of Reform--Zwingle's + Sermon--Charity--Edict of Reform--The Reformation Reproached--The + Reform Accepted--Faith and Charity--First Evangelical + Communion--Faith shown by Works--Head of Beatus--Threatening + Storm--Revolt--Christ in Danger--A Revolt--Energy + of Berne--Victory--Political Advantages--Romish Relics--Nuns of + St. Catherine--Contests--Spread of Reform--A Popish Miracle--Obstacles + in Basle--Zeal of the Citizens--Witticisms of Erasmus--Half + Measures--The Petition--Commotion in Basle--Half Measures Rejected-- + Reformed Propositions--A Night of Terror--The Idols Broken--The + Hour of Madness--The Reform Legalized--Erasmus in Basle--Objections-- + Principles of the Reformation--Farel's Commission--Farel + at Lausanne--Farel at Morat--Neufchâtel--Farel's Labours--Farel's + Preaching--Popery in Neufchâtel--Resistance of the Monks--The + Hospital Chapel--Civil Power Invoked--Guillemette de Vugy--The + Feast of Assumption--The Mass Interrupted--Farel's Danger--Ill + Treatment of Farel--Apostles and Reformers Compared--Farel + in the Cathedral--The Idols Destroyed--Interposition of the Governor-- + Reflections--Plans of the Romanists--The Governor's Difficulties-- + Preliminaries--Hatred and Division--Proposed Delay--The Romanist + Protest--The Voting--Majority for Reform--Protestantism Perpetual--The + Image of St. John--A Miracle--Popery and the Gospel--Reaction + Preparing--Failure of the Plot--Farel's Labours--De Bely at + Fontaine--The Pastor Marcourt--Disgraceful Expedient--The Reform + Established--Remarks. + + + BOOK XVI.--PAGE 361. + + SWITZERLAND--CATASTROPHE. + + 1528-1531. + + Christian Warfare--Zwingle--Persecutions--Austrian Alliance--Animosity-- + Christian Exhortation--Keyser's Martyrdom--Zwingle and + War--Zwingle's Error--Zwingle's Advice--War of Religion--Zwingle + joins the Army--War--The Landamman Æbli--Bernese Interposition--Swiss + Cordiality--The Zurich Camp--A Conference--Peace + Restored--Austrian Treaty Torn--Zwingle's Hymn--Nuns of St. + Catherine--Conquests of Reform--The Priest of Zurzack--The Reform + in Glaris--Italian Bailiwicks--The Monk of Como--The Monk + of Locarno--Letter to the German Church--The Monks of Wettingen--Abbé + of St. Gaul--Kiliankouffi--Soleure--A New Miracle--Popery + Triumphs--The Grisons Invaded--Forebodings to Berne--Mutual + Errors--Failure of the Diet--Political Reformation--Activity + of Zurich--Diet Arau--Blockade of the Waldsleddtes--Indignation--France + Conciliates--Diet at Bremgarten--The Five Cantons Inflexible--Zurich-- + Zwingle's False Position--The Great Council--Zwingle + at Bremgarten--The Apparition--Zwingle's Agony--Frightful + Omens--The Comet--Zwingle's Tranquillity--New Mediations--Deceitful + Calm--Fatal Inactivity--Zurich Forewarned--Manifesto + of the Cantons--The Abbot Wolfgang--Infatuation of Zurich--The + War Begins--A Fearful Night--The War--Army of Zurich--Zwingle's + Departure--Anna Zwingle--Army of Zurich--Battle of Cappel--The + March--Ambuscade--The Banner in Danger--The Banner + Saved--Terrible Slaughter--Slaughter of the Pastors--Zwingle's Last + Moments--Barbarity of the Victors--The Furnace of Trial--Distress--Zwingle + is Dead--Funeral Oration--Army of Zurich--Another Reverse--Inactivity + of the Bernese--Joy of the Romanists--End of the + War--Death of Œcolampadius--Conclusion. + + + + +HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION. + + + + +BOOK XIII. + +THE PROTEST AND THE CONFERENCE. 1526-1529. + + +I. We have witnessed the commencement, the struggles, the reverses, +and the progress of the Reformation; but the conflicts that we have +hitherto described have been but partial; we are entering upon a new +period,--that of general battles. Spire (1529) and Augsburg (1530) are +two names that shine forth with more immortal glory than Marathon, +Pavia, or Marengo. Forces that up to the present time were separate, +are now uniting into one energetic band; and the power of God is +working in these brilliant actions, which open a new era in the +history of nations, and communicate an irresistible impulse to +mankind. The passage from the middle ages to modern times has arrived. + +A great protest is about to be accomplished; and although there have +been protestants in the Church from the very beginning of +Christianity, since liberty and truth could not be maintained here +below, save by protesting continually against despotism and error, +Protestantism is about to take a new step. It is about to become a +body, and thus attack with greater energy that "mystery of iniquity" +which for ages has taken a bodily shape at Rome, in the very temple of +God.[2] + + [2] 2 Thess. ii. + +[Sidenote: TWOFOLD MOVEMENT OF REFORM.] + +But although we have to treat of protests, it must not however be +imagined that the Reformation is a negative work. In every sphere in +which anything great is evolved, whether in nature or society, there +is a principle of life at work,--a seed that God fertilizes. The +Reformation, when it appeared in the sixteenth century, did not, it is +true, perform a new work, for a reformation is not a formation; but it +turned its face toward the beginnings of Christianity, thither were +its steps directed; it seized upon them with adoration, and embraced +them with affection. Yet it was not satisfied with this return to +primitive times. Laden with its precious burden, it again crossed the +interval of ages, and brought back to fallen and lifeless Christendom +the sacred fire that was destined to restore it to light and life. In +this twofold movement consisted its action and its strength. +Afterwards, no doubt, it rejected superannuated forms, and combated +error; but this was, so to speak, only the least of its works, and its +third movement. Even the protest of which we have to speak had for its +end and aim the re-establishment of truth and of life, and was +essentially a positive act. + +[Sidenote: REFORM THE WORK OF GOD.] + +This powerful and rapid twofold action of reform, by which the +apostolic times were re-established at the opening of modern history, +proceeded not from man. A reformation is not arbitrarily made, as +charters and revolutions are in some countries. A real reformation, +prepared during many ages, is the work of the Spirit of God. Before +the appointed hour, the greatest geniuses and even the most faithful +of God's servants cannot produce it; but when the reforming time is +come, when it is God's pleasure to intervene in the affairs of the +world, the divine life must clear a passage, and it is able to create +of itself the humble instruments by which this life is communicated to +the human race. Then, if men are silent, the very stones will cry +out.[3] + + [3] Luke xix. 40. + +It is to the protest of Spire (1529) that we are now about to turn our +eyes; but the way to this protest was prepared by years of peace, and +followed by attempts at concord that we shall have also to describe. +Nevertheless the formal establishment of Protestantism remains the +great fact that prevails in the history of the Reformation from 1526 +to 1529. + + * * * * * + +The Duke of Brunswick had brought into Germany the threatening message +of Charles the Fifth. The Emperor was about to repair from Spain to +Rome to come to an understanding with the Pope, and from thence to +pass into Germany to constrain the heretics. The last summons was to +be addressed to them by the Diet of Spire, 1526.[4] The decisive hour +for the Reformation was about to strike. + + [4] See Vol. III. book x. chap. xiv. The Diet of Spire, held in 1526, + must not be confounded with that of 1529, at which the protest took + place. + +On the 25th June, 1526, the diet opened. In the instructions, dated at +Seville, 23d March, the Emperor ordered that the Church customs should +be maintained entire, and called upon the diet to punish those who +refused to carry out the edict of Worms,[5] Ferdinand himself was at +Spire, and his presence rendered these orders more formidable. Never +had the hostility which the Romish partisans entertained against the +evangelical princes, appeared in so striking a manner. "The +Pharisees," said Spalatin, "pursue Jesus Christ with violent +hatred."[6] + + [5] Sleidan, Hist Ref. book vi. + + [6] Christum pharisæis vehementer fuisse invisum.--(Seckend. ii. p. + 46.) + +[Sidenote: PALLADIUM OF REFORM.] + +Never also had the evangelical princes showed so much hope. Instead of +presenting themselves frightened and trembling, like guilty men, they +were seen advancing, surrounded by the ministers of the Word, with +uplifted heads and cheerful looks. Their first step was to ask for a +place of worship. The Bishop of Spire, count-palatine of the Rhine, +having indignantly refused this strange request,[7] the princes +complained of it as of an injustice, and ordered their ministers to +preach daily in the halls of their palaces. An immense crowd from the +city and the country, which amounted to many thousands, immediately +filled them.[8] In vain on the feast days did Ferdinand, the +ultra-montane princes, and the bishops assist in the pomps of the +Roman worship in the beautiful cathedral of Spire; the unadorned Word +of God, preached in the Protestant vestibules, engrossed the hearers, +and the Mass was celebrated in an empty church.[9] + + [7] Fortiter interdixit.--(Cochlœs, p. 138.) + + [8] Ingens concursus plebis et rusticorum.--(Cochlœus.) Multis + millibus hominum accurrentibus.--(Seckend. ii. p. 48.) + + [9] Populum a sacris avertebant.--(Cochlœus, p. 138.) + +It was not only the ministers, but the knights and the grooms, "mere +idiots," who, unable to control their zeal, everywhere extolled the +Word of the Lord.[10] All the followers of the evangelical princes +wore these letters braided on their right sleeves: V. D. M. I. Æ., +that is to say, "The word of the Lord endureth for ever."[11] The same +inscription might be read on the escutcheons of the princes, suspended +over their hotels. The Word of God--such from this moment was the +palladium of the Reform. + + [10] Ministri eorum, equites et stabularii, idiotæ, petulanter + jactabant verbum Domini.--(Cochlœus, p. 138.) + + [11] Verbum Domini Manet in Æternum.--(Ibid.) + +This was not all. The Protestants knew that the mere worship was not +sufficient: the Landgrave had therefore called upon the Elector to +abolish certain "court customs" which dishonoured the Gospel. These +two princes had consequently drawn up an order of living which forbade +drunkenness, debauchery, and other vicious customs prevalent during a +diet.[12] + + [12] Adversus inveteratos illos et impios usus nitendum esse.--(Seck. + ii. p. 46.) + +[Sidenote: FIRMNESS OF THE REFORMERS.] + +Perhaps the Protestant princes sometimes put forward their dissent +beyond what prudence would have required. Not only they did not go to +Mass, and did not observe the prescribed fasts, but still further, on +the meagre days, their attendants were seen publicly bearing dishes of +meat and game, destined for their masters' tables, and crossing, says +Cochlœus, in the presence of the whole auditory, the halls in which +the worship was celebrating. "It was," says this writer, "with the +intent of attracting the Catholics by the savour of the meats and of +the wines."[13] + + [13] Ut complures allicerentur ad eorum sectam, in ferculis + portabantur carnes coctae in diebus jejunii, aperte in conspec + nitotius auditorii.--(Cochlœus, p. 138.) + +The Elector in effect had a numerous court: seven hundred persons +formed his retinue. One day he gave a banquet at which twenty-six +princes with their gentlemen and councillors were present. They +continued playing until a very late hour--ten at night. Everything in +Duke John announced the most powerful prince of the empire. The +youthful Landgrave of Hesse, full of zeal and knowledge, and in the +strength of a first Christian love, made a still deeper impression on +those who approached him. He would frequently dispute with the +bishops, and thanks to his acquaintance with the Holy Scriptures, he +easily stopped their mouths.[14] + + [14] Annales Spalatini. + +This firmness in the friends of the Reformation produced fruits that +surpassed their expectation. It was no longer possible to be deceived: +the spirit that was manifested in these men was the spirit of the +Bible. Everywhere the sceptre was falling from the hands of Rome. "The +leaven of Luther," said a zealous Papist, "sets all the people of +Germany in a ferment, and foreign nations themselves are agitated by +formidable movements."[15] + + [15] Germaniae populi Lutherico fermento inescati, et in externis + quoque nationibus, gravissimi erant motus.--(Cochlœus, p. 138.) + +It was immediately seen how great is the strength of deep convictions. +The states that were well disposed towards the Reform, but which had +not ventured to give their adhesion publicly, became emboldened. The +neutral states, which demanded the repose of the empire, formed the +resolution of opposing the edict of Worms, the execution of which +would have spread trouble through all Germany, and the Papist states +lost their boldness. The bow of the mighty was broken.[16] + + [16] 1 Samuel ii. 4. + +[Sidenote: PROCEEDINGS OF THE DIET.] + +Ferdinand did not think proper, at so critical a moment, to +communicate to the diet the severe instructions he had received from +Seville.[17] He substituted a proposition of a nature to satisfy both +parties. + + [17] Some historians appear to think that these instructions were + communicated in reality at the very opening of the diet. Ranke shows + that this was not the case; but adds, that he sees no reason why the + commissaries should have thought themselves authorized to make any + other proposition. The motives that I have assigned appear to me the + true ones. I shall state below why the commissaries returned + afterwards to the imperial instructions. + +The laymen immediately recovered the influence of which the clergy had +dispossessed them. The ecclesiastics resisted a proposal in the +college of princes that the diet should occupy itself with church +abuses, but their exertions were unavailing. Undoubtedly a +non-political assembly would have been preferable to the diet, but it +was already something that religious matters were no longer to be +regulated solely by the priests. + +The deputies from the cities having received communication of this +resolution, called for the abolition of every usage contrary to the +faith in Jesus Christ. In vain did the bishops exclaim that, instead +of abolishing pretended abuses, they would do much better to burn all +the books with which Germany had been inundated during the last eight +years. "You desire," was the reply, "to bury all wisdom and +knowledge."[18] The request of the cities was agreed to,[19] and the +diet was divided into committees for the abolition of abuses. + + [18] Omnes libros esse comburendos. Sed rejectum est quia sic omnis + doctrina et eruditio theologica interitura esset.--(Seckend. ii. p. + 45.) + + [19] Civitatum suffragia multum valuerunt.--(Ibid.) + +Then was manifested the profound disgust inspired by the priests of +Rome. "The clergy," said the deputy from Frankfort, "make a jest of +the public good, and look after their own interests only." "The +laymen," said the deputy from Duke George, "have the salvation of +Christendom much more at heart than the clergy." + +[Sidenote: THE PAPACY DESCRIBED.] + +The commissions made their report: people were astonished at it. Never +had men spoken out so freely against the pope and the bishops. The +commission of the princes, in which the ecclesiastics and the laymen +were in equal numbers, proposed a fusion of Popery and Reform. "The +Priests would do better to marry," said they, "than to keep women of +ill-fame in their houses; every man should be at liberty to +communicate under one or both forms; German and Latin may be equally +employed in the Lord's Supper and in Baptism; as for the other +sacraments, let them be preserved, but let them be administered +gratuitously. Finally, let the Word of God be preached according to +the interpretation of the Church (this was the demand of Rome), but +always explaining Scripture by Scripture" (this was the great +principle of the Reformation). Thus the first step was taken towards a +national union. Still a few more efforts, and the whole German race +would be walking in the direction of the Gospel. + +The evangelical Christians, at the sight of this glorious prospect, +redoubled their exertions. "Stand fast in the doctrine," said the +Elector of Saxony to his councillors.[20] At the same time hawkers in +every part of the city were selling Christian pamphlets, short and +easy to read, written in Latin and in German, and ornamented with +engravings, in which the errors of Rome were vigorously attacked.[21] +One of these books was entitled, _The Papacy with its Members painted +and described by Doctor Luther_. In it figured the pope, the cardinal, +and then all the religious orders, exceeding sixty, each with their +costumes and description in verse. Under the picture of one of these +orders were the following lines: + + Greedy priests, see, roll in gold + Forgetful of the humble Jesu: + +under another: + + We forbid you to behold + The Bible, lest it should mislead you![22] + +and under a third: + + We can fast and pray the harder + With an overflowing larder.[23] + + [20] Elector Saxoniæ conciliarios suos exhortatus est, in doctrina + evangelica firmi.--(Seckend. ii. p. 48.) + + [21] Circumferebantur item libri Lutherani venales per totam + civitatem.--(Cochlœus, p. 138.) + + [22] Dass die Schrift sie nicht verführe, + Durft ihr keinen nich studir.--(L. Opp. xix. p. 536.) + + [23] Doch war ihr küch nimmer leer.--(Ibid.) + +"Not one of these orders," said Luther to the reader, "thinks either +of faith or charity. This one wears the tonsure, the other a hood; +this a cloak, that a robe. One is white, another black, a third gray, +and a fourth blue. Here is one holding a looking-glass, there one with +a pair of scissors. Each has his playthings......Ah! these are the +palmer worms, the locusts, the canker-worms, and the caterpillars +which, as Joel saith, have eaten up all the earth."[24] + + [24] L. Opp. xix. p. 535. Joel i. 4. + +[Sidenote: THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM.] + +But if Luther employed the scourges of sarcasm, he also blew the +trumpet of the prophets; and this he did in a work entitled _The +Destruction of Jerusalem_. Shedding tears like Jeremiah, he denounced +to the German people a ruin like that of the Holy City, if like it +they rejected the Gospel.[25] "God has imparted to us all his +treasures," exclaimed he; "he became man, he has served us,[26] he +died for us, he has risen again, and he has so opened the gates of +heaven, that all may enter......The hour of grace is come......The +glad tidings are proclaimed......But where is the city, where is the +prince that has received them? They insult the Gospel: they draw the +sword, and daringly seize God by the beard.[27]......But wait......He +will turn round; with one blow will he break their jaws, and all +Germany will be but one wide ruin." + + [25] Libelli, parvuli quidem mole, sed virulentia perquam grandes, + sermo Lutheri Teuthonicus de destructione Jerusalem.--(Cochlœus, p. + 138.) + + [26] Wird Mensch, dienet uns, stirbt fur uns.--(Luth. Opp. xiv. (L.) + p. 226.) + + [27] Greiffen Gott zu frech in den Bart.--(Ibid.) Deo nimis ferociter + barbam vallicant.--(Cochlœus.) + +These works had a very great sale.[28] It was not only the peasants +and townspeople who read them, but nobles also and princes. Leaving +the priests alone at the foot of the altar, they threw themselves into +the arms of the new Gospel.[29] The necessity of a reform of abuses +was proclaimed on the 1st of August by a general committee. + + [28] Perquam plurima vendebantur exemplaria.--(Cochlœus, p. 139.) + + [29] Non solum plebs et rustica turba, verum etiam plerique optimatum + et nobilium trahebantur in favorem novi Evangelii, atque in odium + antiquæ religionis.--(Cochlœus, p. 160.) + +[Sidenote: THE INSTRUCTIONS OF SEVILLE.] + +Then Rome, which had appeared to slumber, awoke. Fanatical priests, +monks, ecclesiastical princes, all beset Ferdinand. Cunning, bribery, +nothing was spared. Did not Ferdinand possess the instructions of +Seville? To refuse their publication was to effect the ruin of the +Church and of the empire. Let the voice of Charles oppose its powerful +_veto_ to the dizziness that is hurrying Germany along, said they, and +Germany will be saved! Ferdinand made up his mind, and at length, on +the 3d August, published the decree, drawn up more than four months +previously in favour of the edict of Worms.[30] + + [30] Sleidan, Hist. de la Ref. liv. vi. p. 229. + +The persecution was about to begin; the reformers would be thrown into +dungeons, and the sword drawn on the banks of the Guadalquivir would +pierce at last the bosom of Reform. + +The effect of the imperial ordinance was immense. The breaking of an +axle-tree does not more violently check the velocity of a railway +train. The Elector and the Landgrave announced that they were about to +quit the diet, and ordered their attendants to prepare for their +departure. At the same time the deputies from the cities drew towards +these two princes, and the Reformation appeared on the brink of +entering immediately upon a contest with the Pope and Charles the +Fifth. + +But it was not yet prepared for a general struggle. It was necessary +for the tree to send out its roots deeper, before the Almighty +unchained the stormy winds against it. A spirit of blindness, similar +to that which in former times was sent out upon Saul and Herod,[31] +then seized upon the great enemy of the Gospel; and thus was it that +Divine Providence saved the reform in its cradle. + + [31] 1 Sam. xvi. 14-23; Matt. ii. + +[Sidenote: CHANGE OF POLICY.] + +The first movement of trouble was over. The friends of the Gospel +began to consider the date of the imperial instructions, and to weigh +the new political combinations which seemed to announce to the world +the most unlooked-for events. "When the Emperor wrote these letters," +said the cities of Upper Germany, "he was on good terms with the Pope, +but now everything is changed. It is even asserted that he had told +Margaret, his deputy in the Low Countries, to proceed _gently_ with +respect to the Gospel. Let us send him a deputation." That was not +necessary. Charles had not waited until now to form a different +resolution. The course of public affairs, taking a sudden turn, had +rushed into an entirely new path. Years of peace were about to be +granted to the Reform. + +[Sidenote: RELIGIOUS LIBERTY PROPOSED.] + +Clement VII., whom Charles was about to visit, according to the +instructions of Seville, in order to receive in Rome itself and from +his sacred hands the imperial crown, and in return to give up to the +pontiff the Gospel and the Reformation,--Clement VII, seized with a +strange infatuation, had suddenly turned against this powerful +monarch. The Emperor, unwilling to favour his ambition in every point, +had opposed his claims on the states of the Duke of Ferrara. Clement +immediately became exasperated, and cried out that Charles wished to +enslave the peninsula, but that the time was come for re-establishing +the independence of Italy. This great idea of Italian independence, +entertained at that period by a few literary men, had not, as now, +penetrated the mass of the nation. Clement therefore hastened to have +recourse to political combinations. The Pope, the Venetians, and the +King of France, who had scarcely recovered his liberty, formed a _holy +league_, of which the King of England was by a bull proclaimed the +preserver and protector.[32] In June 1526, the Emperor caused the most +favourable propositions to be presented to the Pope; but these +advances were ineffectual, and the Duke of Sessa, Charles's +ambassador at Rome, returning on horseback from his last audience, +placed a court-fool behind him, who, by a thousand monkey tricks, gave +the Roman people to understand how they laughed at the projects of the +Pope. The latter responded to these bravadoes by a brief, in which he +threatened the Emperor with excommunication, and without loss of time +pushed his troops into Lombardy, whilst Milan, Florence, and Piedmont +declared for the Holy League. Thus was Europe preparing to be avenged +for the triumph of Pavia. + + [32] Sleidan, Hist. de la Ref. liv. vi.; Bullar. Mag. roman. x. + +Charles did not hesitate. He wheeled to the right as quickly as the +Pope had done to the left, and turned abruptly towards the evangelical +princes. "Let us suspend the Edict of Worms," wrote he to his brother; +"let us bring back Luther's partisans by mildness, and by a good +council cause the evangelical truth to triumph." At the same time he +demanded that the Elector, the Landgrave, and their allies should +march with him against the Turks--or against Italy, for the common +good of Christendom. + +Ferdinand hesitated. To gain the friendship of the Lutherans was to +forfeit that of the other princes. The latter were already beginning +to utter violent threats.[33] The Protestants themselves were not very +eager to grasp the Emperor's hand. "It is God, God himself, who will +save his churches."[34] + + [33] Ferdinandus, ut audio, graviter minatur.--(Corp. Ref. i. p. 801.) + + [34] Imperator pollicetur......sed nemo his promissis movetur. Spero + Deum defensurum esse suas Ecclesias.--(Ibid.) + +What was to be done? The edict of Worms could neither be repealed nor +carried into execution. + +[Sidenote: CRISIS OF THE REFORMATION.] + +This strange situation led of necessity to the desired solution: +religious liberty. The first idea of this occurred to the deputies of +the cities. "In one place," said they, "the ancient ceremonies have +been preserved; in another they have been abolished; and both think +they are right. Let us allow each one to do as he thinks fit, until a +council shall re-establish the desired unity by the Word of God." This +idea gained favour, and the _recess_ of the diet, dated the 27th +August, decreed that a universal, or at least a national free council +should be convoked within a year, that they should request the Emperor +to return speedily to Germany, and that, until then, each state should +behave in its own territory in a manner so as to be able to render an +account to God and to the Emperor.[35] + + [35] Unusquisque in sua ditione ita se gereret ut rationem Deo et + imperatori reddere posset.--(Seckend. ii. p. 41.) + +Thus they escaped from their difficulty by a middle course; and this +time it was really the true one. Each one maintained his rights, while +recognising another's. The diet of 1526 forms an important epoch in +history: an ancient power, that of the middle ages, is shaken; a new +power, that of modern times, is advancing; religious liberty boldly +takes its stand in front of Romish despotism; a lay spirit prevails +over the sacerdotal spirit. In this single step there is a complete +victory: the cause of the Reform is won. + +Yet it was little suspected. Luther, on the morrow of the day on which +the _recess_ was published, wrote to a friend: "The diet is sitting at +Spire in the German fashion. They drink and gamble, and there is +nothing done except that."[36] "Le congrès danse et ne marche +pas,"[37] has been said in our days. It is because great things are +often transacted under an appearance of frivolity, and because God +accomplishes his designs unknown even to those whom he employs as his +instruments. In this diet a gravity and love of liberty of conscience +were manifested, which are the fruits of Christianity, and which in +the sixteenth century had its earliest, if not its most energetic +development among the German nations. + + [36] Potatur et luditur, præterea nihil.--(L. Epp. iii. p. 126.) + + [37] The congress dances but does not move forward. + +Yet Ferdinand still hesitated. Mahomet himself came to the aid of the +Gospel. Louis, king of Hungary and Bohemia, drowned at Mohacz on the +29th August, 1526, as he was fleeing from before Soliman II., had +bequeathed the crown of these two kingdoms to Ferdinand. But the Duke +of Bavaria, the Waywode of Transylvania, and, above all, the terrible +Soliman, contested it against him. This was sufficient to occupy +Charles's brother: he left Luther, and hastened to dispute the two +thrones. + + +[Sidenote: ITALIAN WAR.] + +II. The Emperor immediately reaped the fruits of his new policy. No +longer having his hands tied by Germany, he turned them against Rome. +The Reformation had been exalted and the Papacy was to be abased. The +blows aimed at its pitiless enemy were about to open a new career to +the evangelical work. + +Ferdinand, who was detained by his Hungarian affairs, gave the charge +of the Italian expedition to Freundsberg, that old general who had +patted Luther in a friendly manner on the shoulder as the reformer was +about to appear before the diet of Worms.[38] This veteran, observed a +contemporary,[39] who "bore in his chivalrous heart God's holy Gospel, +well fortified and flanked by a strong wall," pledged his wife's +jewels, sent recruiting parties into all the towns of Upper Germany, +and owing to the magic idea of a war against the Pope, soon witnessed +crowds of soldiers flocking to his standard. "Announce," Charles had +said to his brother,--"announce that the army is to march against the +Turks; every one will know what Turks are meant." + + [38] See Vol. II. book vii. chap. viii. + + [39] Haug mars chalk, surnamed Zeller. + +Thus the mighty Charles, instead of marching with the Pope against the +Reform, as he had threatened at Seville, marches with the Reform +against the Pope. A few days had sufficed to produce this change of +direction: there are few such in history in which the hand of God is +more plainly manifested. Charles immediately assumed all the airs of a +reformer. On the 17th September, he addressed a manifesto to the +Pope,[40] in which he reproaches him for behaving not like the father +of the faithful, but like an insolent and haughty man;[41] and +declares his astonishment that, being Christ's vicar, he should dare +to shed blood to acquire earthly possessions, "which," added he, "is +quite contrary to the evangelical doctrine."[42] Luther could not have +spoken better. "Let your holiness," continued Charles the Fifth, +"return the sword of St. Peter into the scabbard, and convoke a holy +and universal council." But the sword was much more to the pontiff's +taste than the council. Is not the Papacy, according to the Romish +doctors, the source of the two powers? Can it not depose kings, and +consequently fight against them?[43] Charles prepared to requite "eye +for eye, and tooth for tooth."[44] + + [40] Caroli Imperat. Rescriptum ad Clementis Septimi + criminationes.--(Goldasti, Constitut. Imperiales, i. p. 479.) + + [41] Non jam pastoris seu communis patris laudem, sed superbi et + insolentis nomen.--(Ibid. p. 487.) + + [42] Cum id ab evangelica doctrina, prorsus alienum videtur.--(Ibid. + p. 489.) + + [43] Utriusque potestatis apicem Papa tenet--(Turrecremata de + Potestate Papali.) + + [44] Exod. xxi. 24. + +[Sidenote: ITALIAN CAMPAIGN.] + +Now began that terrible campaign during which the storm burst on Rome +and on the Papacy that had been destined to fall on Germany and the +Gospel. By the violence of the blows inflicted on the pontifical city, +we may judge of the severity of those that would have dashed in pieces +the reformed churches. While we retrace so many scenes of horror, we +have constant need of calling to mind that the chastisement of the +seven-hilled city had been predicted by the Divine Scriptures.[45] + + [45] Revel. xviii. We should not, however, restrict this prediction to + the incomplete sack of 1527, and from which the city soon recovered. + +[Sidenote: MARCH ON ROME.] + +In the month of November, Freundsberg, at the head of fifteen thousand +men, was at the foot of the Alps. The old general, avoiding the +military roads, that were well guarded by the enemy, flung himself +into a narrow path, over frightful precipices, that a few blows of the +mattock would have rendered impassable. The soldiers are forbidden to +look behind them; nevertheless their heads turn, their feet slip, and +horse and foot fall from time to time down the abyss. In the most +difficult passes, the most sure-footed of the infantry lower their +long pikes to the right and left of their aged chief, by way of +barrier, and Freundsberg advances, clinging to the lansquenet in +front, and pushed on by the one behind. In three days the Alps are +crossed, and on the 19th November the army reaches the territory of +Brescia. + +The Constable of Bourbon, who since the death of Pescara was +commander-in-chief of the imperial army, had just taken possession of +the duchy of Milan. The Emperor having promised him this conquest for +a recompense, Bourbon was compelled to remain there some time to +consolidate his power. At length, on the 12th February, he and his +Spanish troops joined the army of Freundsberg, which was becoming +impatient at his delays. The Constable had many men, but no money: he +resolved therefore to follow the advice of the Duke of Ferrara, that +inveterate enemy of the princes of the Church, and proceed straight to +Rome.[46] The whole army received this news with a shout of joy. The +Spaniards were filled with a desire of avenging Charles the Fifth, and +the Germans were overflowing with hatred against the Pope: all exulted +in the hope of receiving their pay and of having their labours richly +recompensed at last by the treasures of Christendom that Rome had been +accumulating for ages. Their shouts re-echoed beyond the Alps. Every +man in Germany thought that the last hour of the Papacy had now come, +and prepared to contemplate its fall. "The Emperor's forces are +triumphing in Italy," wrote Luther; "the Pope is visited from every +quarter. His destruction draweth nigh; his hour and his end are +come."[47] + + [46] Guicciardini, History of the Wars in Italy, book xviii. p. 698. + + [47] Papa ubique visitatur, ut destruatur; venit enim finis et hora + ejus.--(Luther to Haussmann, 10th January, 1527. Epp. iii. p. 156.) + +[Sidenote: REVOLT OF THE TROOPS.] + +A few slight advantages gained by the papal soldiers in the kingdom of +Naples, led to the conclusion of a truce that was to be ratified by +the Pope and by the Emperor. At this news a frightful tumult broke out +in the Constable's army. The Spanish troops revolted, compelled him to +flee, and pillaged his tent. Then approaching the lansquenets, they +began to shout as loudly as they could, the only German words they +knew: _Lance!_ _lance!_ _money!_ _money!_[48] These words found an +echo in the bosoms of the Imperialists; they were moved in their turn, +and also began to cry with all their might: _Lance!_ _lance!_ _money!_ +_money!_ Freundsberg beat to muster, and having drawn up the soldiers +around him and his principal officers, calmly demanded if he had ever +deserted them. All was useless. The old affection which the +lansquenets bore to their leader seemed extinct. One chord alone +vibrated in their hearts: they must have pay and war. Accordingly, +lowering their lances, they presented them, as if they would slay +their officers, and again began to shout, "Lance! lance! money! +money!"--Freundsberg, whom no army however large had ever frightened! +Freundsberg, who was accustomed to say, "the more enemies, the greater +the honour," seeing these lansquenets, at whose head he had grown +gray, aiming their murderous steel against him, lost all power of +utterance, and fell senseless upon a drum, as if struck with a +thunderbolt.[49] The strength of the veteran general was broken for +ever. But the sight of their dying captain produced on the lansquenets +an effect that no speech could have made. All the lances were +upraised, and the agitated soldiers retired with downcast eyes. Four +days later, Freundsberg recovered his speech. "Forward," said he to +the Constable; "God himself will bring us to the mark." Forward! +forward! repeated the lansquenets. Bourbon had no other alternative: +besides, neither Charles nor Clement would listen to any propositions +of peace. Freundsberg was carried to Ferrara, and afterwards to his +castle of Mindelheim, where he died after an illness of eighteen +months; and on the 18th April, Bourbon took the highroad to Rome, +which so many formidable armies coming from the north had already +trodden. + + [48] Lanz, lanz, gelt, gelt. + + [49] Cum vero hastas ducibus obverterent indignatione et ægritudine + animi oppressus, Fronsbergius subito in deliquium incidit, ita ut in + tympano quod adstabat desidere cogeretur, nullumque verbum proloqui + amplius posset.--(Seckend. ii. p. 79.) + +[Sidenote: THE ASSAULT.] + +Whilst the storm descending from the Alps was approaching the eternal +city, the Pope lost his presence of mind, sent away his troops, and +kept only his body-guard. More than thirty thousand Romans, it is +true, capable of bearing arms, paraded their bravery in the streets, +dragging their long-swords after them, quarrelling and fighting; but +these citizens, eager in the pursuit of gain, had little thought of +defending the Pope, and desired on the contrary that the magnificent +Charles would come and settle in Rome, hoping to derive great profit +from his stay. + +On the evening of the 5th May Bourbon arrived under the walls of the +capital; and he would have begun the assault at that very moment if he +had had ladders. On the morning of the 6th the army, concealed by a +thick fog which hid their movements,[50] was put in motion, the +Spaniards marching to their station above the gate of the Holy Ghost, +and the Germans below.[51] The Constable, wishing to encourage his +soldiers, seized a scaling-ladder, mounted the wall, and called on +them to follow him. At this moment a ball struck him: he fell, and +expired an hour after. Such was the end of this unhappy man, a traitor +to his king and to his country, and suspected even by his new friends. + + [50] Guicciardini, vol. ii. p. 721. + + [51] Since the new wall built by Urban VIII. on the top of the + Janiculum, the gates of the Holy Ghost and of Seltimiana have become + useless. + +His death, far from checking, served only to excite the army. Claudius +Seidenstucker, grasping his long sword, first cleared the wall; he was +followed by Michael Hartmann, and these two reformed Germans exclaimed +that God himself marched before them in the clouds. The gates were +opened, the army poured in, the suburbs were taken, and the Pope, +surrounded by thirteen cardinals, fled to the Castle of St. Angelo. +The Imperialists, at whose head was now the Prince of Orange, offered +him peace on condition of his paying three hundred thousand crowns. +But Clement, who thought that the Holy League was on the point of +delivering him, and who fancied he already saw their leading horsemen, +rejected every proposition. After four hours' repose, the attack was +renewed, and by an hour after sunset the army was master of all the +city. It remained under arms and in good order until midnight, the +Spaniards in the Piazza Navona, and the Germans in the Campofiore. At +last, seeing no demonstrations either of war or of peace, the soldiers +disbanded and ran to pillage. + +[Sidenote: THE SACK.] + +Then began the famous "Sack of Rome." The Papacy had for centuries put +Christendom in the press. Prebends, annates, jubilees, pilgrimages, +ecclesiastical graces,--she had made money of them all. These greedy +troops, that for months had lived in wretchedness, determined to make +her disgorge. No one was spared, the imperial not more than the +ultramontane party, the Ghibellines not more than the Guelfs. +Churches, palaces, convents, private houses, basilics, banks, +tombs--every thing was pillaged, even to the golden ring that the +corpse of Julius II. still wore on its finger. The Spaniards displayed +the greatest skill; they scented out and discovered treasures in the +most mysterious hiding-places; but the Neapolitans were still more +outrageous.[52] "On every side were heard," says Guicciardini, "the +piteous shrieks of the Roman women and of the nuns whom the soldiers +dragged away by companies to satiate their lust."[53] + + [52] Jovius Vita Pompeii Colonnæ, p. 191; Ranke, Deutsche Gesch. ii. + p. 398. + + [53] Guicciardini, ii. p. 724. + +[Sidenote: GERMAN HUMOURS.] + +At first the Germans found a certain pleasure in making the Papists +feel the weight of their swords. But ere long, happy at finding food +and drink, they were more pacific than their allies. It was upon those +things which the Romans called "holy" that the anger of the Lutherans +was especially discharged. They took away the chalices, the pyxes, the +silver remonstrances, and clothed their servants and camp-boys with +the sacerdotal garments.[54] The Campofiore was changed into an +immense gambling-house. The soldiers brought thither golden vessels +and bags full of crowns, staked them upon one throw of the dice, and +after losing them, they went in search of others. A certain Simon +Baptista, who had foretold the sack of the city, had been thrown into +prison by the Pope; the Germans liberated him, and made him drink with +them. But, like Jeremiah, he prophesied against all. "Rob, plunder," +cried he to his liberators; "you shall however give back all; the +money of the soldiers and the gold of the priests will follow the same +road." + + [54] Sacras vestes profanis induebant lixis.--(Cochlœus, p. 156.) + +Nothing pleased the Germans more than to mock the papal court. "Many +prelates," says Guicciardini, "were paraded on asses through all the +city of Rome."[55] After this procession, the bishops paid their +ransom; but they fell into the hands of the Spaniards, who made them +pay it a second time.[56] + + [55] Wars of Italy, ii. p. 723. + + [56] Eundem civem seu curialem haud raro, nunc ab Hispanis, nunc a + Germanis ære mutuato redimi.--(Cochlœus, p. 156.) + +One day a lansquenet named Guillaume de Sainte Celle, robes, and +placed the triple crown upon his head; others, adorning themselves +with the red hats and long robes of the cardinals, surrounded him; and +all going in procession upon asses through the streets of the city, +arrived at last before the castle of Saint Angelo, where Clement VII. +had retired. Here the soldier-cardinals alighted, and lifting up the +front of their robes, kissed the feet of the pretended pontiff. The +latter drank to the health of Clement VII., the cardinals kneeling did +the same, and exclaimed that henceforward they would be pious popes +and good cardinals, who would have a care not to excite wars, as all +their predecessors had done. They then formed a conclave, and the Pope +having announced to his consistory that it was his intention to resign +the Papacy, all hands were immediately raised for the election, and +they cried out "Luther is Pope! Luther is Pope!"[57] Never had pontiff +been proclaimed with such perfect unanimity. Such were the humours of +the Germans. + + [57] Milites itaque levasse manum ac exclamasse: Lutherus Papa! + Lutherus Papa!--(Cochlœus, p. 156.) + +[Sidenote: VIOLENCE OF THE SPANIARDS.] + +The Spaniards did not let them off so easily. Clement VII. had called +them "Moors," and had published a plenary, indulgence for whoever +should kill any of them. Nothing, therefore, could restrain their +fury. These faithful Catholics put the prelates to death in the midst +of horrible tortures, destined to extort their treasures from them: +they spared neither rank, sex, nor age. It was not until after the +sack had lasted ten days, and a booty of ten million golden crowns had +been collected, and from five to eight thousand victims had perished, +that quiet began to be in some degree restored. + +Thus did the pontifical city expire in the midst of a long and cruel +pillage, and that splendour with which Rome from the beginning of the +sixteenth century had filled the world faded in a few hours. Nothing +could preserve this haughty city from chastisement, not even the +prayers of its enemies. "I would not have Rome burnt," Luther had +exclaimed; "it would be a monstrous deed."[58] The fears of Melancthon +were still keener: "I tremble for the libraries," said he, "we know +how hateful books are to Mars."[59] But in despite of these wishes of +the reformers, the city of Leo X. fell under the judgment of God. + + [58] Romam nollem exustam, magnum enim portentum esset.--(Epp. iii. p. + 221.) + + [59] Metuo bibliothecis.--(Corp. Ref. i. p. 869.) + +Clement VII., besieged in the castle of Saint Angelo, and fearful that +the enemy would blow his asylum into the air with their mines, at last +capitulated. He renounced every alliance against Charles the Fifth, +and bound himself to remain a prisoner until he had paid the army four +hundred thousand ducats. The evangelical Christians gazed with +astonishment on this judgment of the Lord. "Such," said they, "is the +empire of Jesus Christ, that the Emperor, pursuing Luther on account +of the Pope, is constrained to ruin the Pope instead of Luther. All +things minister unto the Lord, and turn against his adversaries."[60] + + [60] Ut Cæsar pro Papa Lutherum persequens, pro Luthero papam cogatur + vastare.--(L. Epp. iii. p. 188.) + + +[Sidenote: PROFITABLE CALM.] + +III. And in truth the Reform needed some years of repose that it might +increase and gain strength; and it could not enjoy peace, unless its +great enemies were at war with each other. The madness of Clement VII. +was as it were the _lightning-conductor_ of the Reformation, and the +ruin of Rome built up the Gospel. It was not only a few months' gain; +from 1526 to 1529 there was a calm in Germany by which the Reformation +profited to organize and extend itself. A constitution was now to be +given to the renovated Church. + +The papal yoke having been broken, the ecclesiastical order required +to be reestablished. It was impossible to restore their ancient +jurisdiction to the bishops; for these continental prelates maintained +that they were, in an especial manner, the Pope's servants. A new +state of things was therefore called for, under pain of seeing the +Church fall into anarchy. Provision was made for it. It was then that +the evangelic nations separated definitely from that despotic dominion +which had for ages kept all the West in bondage. + +Already on two occasions the diet had wished to make the reform of the +Church a national work; the Emperor, the Pope, and a few princes were +opposed to it; the Diet of Spire had therefore resigned to each state +the task that it could not accomplish itself. + +But what constitution were they about to substitute for the papal +hierarchy? + +They could, while suppressing the Pope, preserve the Episcopal order: +it was the form most approximate to that which was on the point of +being destroyed. + +They might, on the contrary, reconstruct the ecclesiastical order, by +having recourse to the sovereignty of God's Word, and by +re-establishing the rights of the christian people. This form was the +most remote from the Roman hierarchy. Between these two extremes there +were several middle courses. + +[Sidenote: PHILIP OF HESSE.] + +The latter plan was Zwingle's; but the reformer of Zurich had not +fully carried it out. He had not called upon the christian people to +exercise the sovereignty, and had stopped at the council of two +hundred as representing the Church.[61] + + [61] _Supra_, Vol. III. b. xi. ch. x. + +The step before which Zwingle had hesitated might be taken, and it was +so. A prince did not shrink from what had alarmed even republics. +Evangelical Germany, at the moment in which she began to try her hand +on ecclesiastical constitutions, began with that which trenched the +deepest on the papal monarchy. + +It was not, however, from Germany that such a system could proceed. If +the aristocratic England was destined to cling to the episcopal form, +the docile Germany was destined the rather to stop in a governmental +medium. The democratic extreme issued from Switzerland and France. One +of Calvin's predecessors then hoisted that flag which the powerful arm +of the Genevese Reformer was to lift again in after-years and plant in +France, Switzerland, Holland, Scotland, and even in England, whence it +was a century later to cross the Atlantic and summon North America to +take its rank among the nations. + +None of the evangelical princes was so enterprising as Philip of +Hesse, who has been compared to Philip of Macedon in subtlety, and to +his son Alexander in courage. Philip comprehended that religion was at +length acquiring its due importance; and far from opposing the great +development that was agitating the people, he put himself in harmony +with the new ideas. + +The morning-star had risen for Hesse almost at the same time as for +Saxony. In 1517, when Luther was preaching in Wittemberg the +gratuitous remission of sins, men and women were seen in Marburg +repairing secretly to one of the ditches of the city, and there, near +a solitary loophole, listening to the words that issued from within, +and that preached doctrines of consolation through the bars. It was +the voice of the Franciscan, James Limburg, who having declared that, +for fifteen centuries, the priests had falsified the Gospel of Christ, +had been thrown into this gloomy dungeon. These mysterious assemblies +lasted a fortnight. On a sudden the voice ceased; these lonely +meetings had been discovered, and the Franciscan, torn from his cell, +had been hurried away across the Lahnberg towards some unknown spot. +Not far from the Ziegenberg, some weeping citizens of Marburg came up +with him, and hastily snatching aside the canvass that covered his +car, they asked him, "Whither are you going?" "Where God wills," +calmly replied the friar.[62] There was no more talk of him, and it is +not known what became of him. These disappearances are usual in the +Papacy. + + [62] Rommel, Phil. von Hesse, i. p. 128. + +Scarcely had Philip prevailed in the Diet of Spire, when he resolved +on devoting himself to the Reformation of his hereditary states. + +[Sidenote: Lambert's Paradoxes.] + +His resolute character made him incline towards the Swiss reform: it +was not therefore one of the moderates that he required. He had formed +a connexion at Spire with James Sturm, the deputy from Strasburg, who +spoke to him of Francis Lambert of Avignon, who was then at Strasburg. +Of a pleasing exterior and decided character, Lambert added to the +fire of the South the perseverance of the North. He was the first in +France to throw off the cowl, and he had never since then ceased to +call for a radical reform in the Church. "Formerly," said he, "when I +was a hypocrite, I lived in abundance; now I consume frugally my daily +bread with my small family;[63] but I had rather be poor in Christ's +kingdom, than possess abundance of gold in the dissolute dwellings of +the Pope." The Landgrave saw that Lambert was such a man as he +required, and invited him to his court. + + [63] Nunc cum familiola mea panem manduco et potum capio in + mensura.--(Lamberti Commentarii de Sacro Conjugio.) + +Lambert, desiring to prepare the reform of Hesse, drew up one hundred +and fifty-eight theses, which he entitled "paradoxes," and posted +them, according to the custom of the times, on the church doors. + +Friends and enemies immediately crowded round them. Some Roman +catholics would have torn them down, but the reformed townspeople +kept watch, and holding a synod in the public square, discussed, +developed, proved these propositions, and ridiculed the anger of the +Papists. + +[Sidenote: FRIAR BONIFACE.] + +A young priest, Boniface Dornemann, full of self-conceit, whom the +bishop, on the day of his consecration, had extolled above Paul for +his learning, and above the Virgin for his chastity, finding himself +too short to reach Lambert's placard, had borrowed a stool, and +surrounded by a numerous audience, had begun to read the propositions +aloud.[64] + + [64] Cum statura homines hujusmodi esset ut inter Pygmæos internosci + difficulter posset, scabellum sibi dari postulabat, eoque conscenso, + cœpit, &c.--(Othon. Melandri Jocorum Cent.) + +"All that is deformed, ought to be reformed. The Word of God alone +teaches us what ought to be so, and all reform that is effected +otherwise is vain."[65] + + [65] Vana est omnis Reformatio quæ alioqui fit.--(Paradoxa Lamberti: + Sculteti Annal.) + +This was the first thesis. "Hem!" said the young priest, "I shall not +attack that." He continued. + +"It belongs to the Church to judge on matters of faith. Now the Church +is the congregation of those who are united by the same spirit, the +same faith, the same God, the same Mediator, the same Word, by which +alone they are governed, and in which alone they have life."[66] + + [66] Ecclesia est congregatio eorum quos unit idem + spiritus.--(Paradoxa Lamberti: Sculteti Annal.) + +"I cannot attack that proposition," said the priest.[67] He continued +reading from his stool. + + [67] Hanc equidem haud impugnaverim. Illam ne quidem + attigerim.--(Othon. Mel. Joc. Cent.) + +"The Word is the true key. The kingdom of heaven is open to him who +believes the Word, and shut against him who believes it not. Whoever, +therefore, truly possesses the Word of God, has the power of the keys. +All other keys, all the decrees of the councils and popes, and all the +rules of the monks, are valueless." + +Friar Boniface shook his head and continued. + +[Sidenote: DISPUTATION AT HOMBURG.] + +"Since the priesthood of the Law has been abolished, Christ is the +only immortal and eternal priest, and he does not, like men, need a +successor. Neither the Bishop of Rome nor any other person in the +world is his representative here below. But all Christians, since the +commencement of the Church, have been and are participators in his +priesthood." + +This proposition smelt of heresy. Dornemann, however, was not +discouraged; and whether it was from weakness of mind, or from the +dawning of light, at each proposition that did not too much shock his +prejudices, he failed not to repeat: "Certainly, I shall not attack +that one!" The people listened in astonishment, when one of +them,--whether he was a fanatical Romanist, a fanatical Reformer, or a +mischievous wag, I cannot tell--tired of these continual repetitions, +exclaimed: "Get down, you knave, who cannot find a word to impugn." +Then rudely pulling the stool from under him, he threw the unfortunate +clerk flat in the mud.[68] + + [68] Apagesis, nebulo! qui quod impugnes infirmesque invenire haud + possis! hisque dictis scabellum ei mox subtrahit, ut miser ille + præceps in lutum ageretur.--(Oth. Mel. Joc. Cent.) + +On the 21st October, at seven in the morning, the gates of the +principal church of Homburg were thrown open, and the prelates, +abbots, priests, counts, knights, and deputies of the towns, entered +in succession, and in the midst of them was Philip, in his quality of +first member of the Church. + +After Lambert had explained and proved his theses, he added: "Let him +stand forth who has anything to say against them." There was at first +a profound silence; but at length Nicholas Ferber, superior of the +Franciscans of Marburg, who in 1524, applying to Rome's favourite +argument, had entreated the Landgrave to employ the sword against the +heretics, began to speak with drooping head, and downcast eyes; but as +he invoked Augustin, Peter Lombard, and other doctors to his +assistance, the Landgrave observed to him: "Do not put forward the +wavering opinions of men, but the Word of God, which alone fortifies +and strengthens our hearts." The Franciscan sat down in confusion, +saying: "This is not the place for replying." The disputation, +however, recommenced, and Lambert, showing all the fire of the South, +so astonished his adversary, that the superior, alarmed at what he +called "thunders of blasphemy and lightnings of impiety,"[69] sat down +again, observing a second time, "This is not the place for replying." + + [69] Fulgura impietatum, tonitrua blasphemiarum. + +[Sidenote: TRIUMPH OF THE GOSPEL IN HESSE.] + +In vain did the Chancellor Feige declare to him that each man had the +right of maintaining his opinion with full liberty; in vain did the +Landgrave himself exclaim that the Church was sighing after truth: +silence had become Rome's refuge. "I will defend the doctrine of +purgatory," a priest had said prior to the discussion; "I will attack +the paradoxes under the sixth head (on the true priesthood)," had said +another;[70] and a third had exclaimed, "I will overthrow those under +the tenth head (on images);" but now they were all dumb. + + [70] Erant enim prius qui dicerent: Ego asseram purgatorium; alius, + Ego impugnabo paradoxa tituli sexti, etc.--(Lamberti Epistola ad + Colon.) + +Upon this Lambert, clasping his hands, exclaimed with Zacharias: +_Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed +his people_. + +After three days of discussion, which had been a continual triumph for +the evangelical doctrine, men were selected and commissioned to +constitute the churches of Hesse in accordance with the Word of God. +They were more than three days occupied in the task, and then their +new constitution was published in the name of the synod. + +The first ecclesiastical constitution produced by the Reformation +should have a place in history, so much the more as it was then set +forward as a model for the new Churches of Christendom.[71] + + [71] This constitution will be found in Schminke, Monumenta Hassiaca, + vol. ii. p. 588: "Pro Hassiæ Ecclesiis, et si deinde nonnullæ _aliæ_ + ad idem _nostro exemplo_ provocarentur." + +[Sidenote: CONSTITUTION OF THE CHURCH.] + +The autonomy or self-government of the Church is its fundamental +principle: it is from the Church, from its representatives assembled +in the name of the Lord, that this legislation emanates; there is no +mention in the prologue either of state or of Landgrave.[72] Philip, +content with having broken for himself and for his people the yoke of +a foreign priest, had no desire to put himself in his place, and was +satisfied with an external superintendence, necessary for the +maintenance of order. + + [72] Synodus _in nomine Domini congregata_.--(Ibid.) + +A second distinctive feature in this constitution is its simplicity +both of government and worship. The assembly conjures all future +synods not to load the Churches with a multitude of ordinances, +"seeing that where orders abound, disorder superabounds." They would +not even continue the organs in the churches, because, said they, "men +should understand what they hear."[73] The more the human mind has +been bent in one direction, the more violent is the reaction in the +contrary direction when it is unbent. The Church passed at that time +from the extreme of symbols to that of simplicity. These are the +principal features of this constitution:-- + + [73] Ne homines non intelligant.--(Ibid. cap. 3.) + +"The Church can only be taught and governed by the Word of its +Sovereign Pastor. Whoever has recourse to any other word shall be +deposed and excommunicated.[74] + + [74] Non admittimus verbum aliud quam ipsius pastoris + nostri.--(Schminke, Monumenta Hassiaca, cap. 2.) + +"Every pious man, learned in the Word of God, whatever be his +condition, may be elected bishop if he desire it, for he is called +inwardly of God.[75] + + [75] Si quis pius, in verbo sancto et exercitatus, docere petit verbum + sanctum, non repellatur, a Deo enim interne mittitur.--(Ibid. cap. + 23.) + +"Let no one believe that by a bishop we understand anything else than +a simple minister of the Word of God.[76] + + [76] Ne quis putet, nos hic per episcopos, alios intelligere, quam + ministros Dei verbi.--(Ibid.) + +"The ministers are servants, and consequently they ought not to be +lords, princes, or governors. + +[Sidenote: CONSTITUTION OF THE CHURCH--BISHOPS.] + +"Let the faithful assemble and choose their bishops and deacons. Each +church should elect its own pastor.[77] + + [77] Eligat quævis ecclesia episcopum suum.--(Ibid. cap. 23.) + +"Let those who are elected bishops be consecrated to their office by +the imposition of the hands of three bishops; and as for the deacons, +if there are no ministers present, let them receive the laying on of +hands from the elders of the Church.[78] + + [78] Manus imponant duo ex senioribus, nisi alii episcopi + intersint.--(Ibid. cap. 21.) + +"If a bishop causes any scandal to the Church by his effeminacy, or by +the splendour of his garments, or by the levity of his conduct, and +if, on being warned, he persists, let him be deposed by the +Church.[79] + + [79] Deponat ecclesia episcopum suum, quod ad eam spectet judicare de + voce pastorum.--(Ibid. cap. 23.) + +"Let each church place its bishop in a condition to live with his +family, and to be hospitable, as St. Paul enjoins; but let the bishops +exact nothing for their casual duties.[80] + + [80] Alat quævis ecclesia episcopum suum sicque illi administret ut + cum sua familia vivere possit.--(Schminke, Monumenta Hassiaca, cap. + 23.) + +"On every Sunday let there be in some suitable place an assembly of +all the men who are in the number of the saints, to regulate with the +bishop, according to God's Word, all the affairs of the Church, and to +excommunicate whoever gives occasion of scandal to the Church; for the +Church of Christ has never existed without exercising the power of +excommunication.[81] + + [81] Fiat conventus fidelium in congruo loco, ad quem quotquot ex + viris in sanctorum numero habentur......Christi ecclesiam nunquam + fuisse sine excommunicatione.--(Ibid. cap. 15.) + +"As a weekly assembly is necessary for the direction of the particular +churches, so a general synod should be held annually for the direction +of all the churches in the country.[82] + + [82] Ut semel pro toto Hessia celebretur synodus apud Marpurgum tertia + dominica post pascha.--(Ibid. cap. 18.) + +[Sidenote: TWO ELEMENTS IN THE CHURCH.] + +"All the pastors are its natural members; but each church shall +further elect from its body a man full of the Spirit and of faith, to +whom it shall intrust powers for all that is in the jurisdiction of +the synod.[83] + + [83] Universi episcopi......Quælibet ecclesia congregetur et eligat ex + se ipsa unum plenum fide et Spiritu Dei.--(Ibid.) + +"Three visiters shall be elected yearly, with commission to go through +all the churches, to examine those who have been elected bishops, to +confirm those who have been approved of, and to provide for the +execution of the decrees of the synod." + +It will no doubt be found that this first evangelical constitution +went in some points to the extreme of ecclesiastical democracy; but +certain institutions had crept in that were capable of increase and of +changing its nature. Six superintendents for life were afterwards +substituted for these annual visiters (who, according to the primitive +institution, might be simple members of the church); and, as has been +remarked,[84] the encroachments, whether of these superintendents or +of the state, gradually paralyzed the activity and independence of the +churches of Hesse. This constitution fared as did that of the Abbé +Sièyes, in the year 8, which, being destined to be republican, served +through the influence of Napoleon Bonaparte to establish the despotism +of the Empire. + + [84] Rettig, Die Freie Kirche. + +It was not the less a remarkable work. Romish doctors have reproached +the Reformation for making the Church a too interior institution.[85] +In effect, the Reformation and Popery recognise two elements in the +Church,--the one exterior, the other interior; but while Popery gives +precedence to the former, the Reformation assigns it to the latter. If +however it be a reproach against the Reformation for having an inward +Church only, and for not creating an external one, the remarkable +constitution of which we have just exhibited a few features, will save +us the trouble of reply. The exterior ecclesiastical order, which then +sprung from the very heart of the Reformation, is far more perfect +than that of Popery. + + [85] This is the opinion set forth in the _Symbolik_ of Dr. Möhler, + the most celebrated defender of the Romish doctrine among our + contemporaries. + +[Sidenote: LUTHER ON THE MINISTRY.] + +One great question presented itself: Will these principles be adopted +by all the Churches of the Reformation? + +Everything seemed to indicate as much. The most pious men thought at +that time that the ecclesiastical power proceeded from the members of +the Church. By withdrawing from the hierarchical extreme, they flung +themselves into a democratical one. Luther himself had professed this +doctrine as early as 1523. The Calixtins of Bohemia, on seeing the +bishops of their country refuse them ministers, had gone so far as to +take the first vagabond priest. "If you have no other means of +procuring pastors," wrote Luther to them, "rather do without them, and +let each head of a family read the Gospel in his own house, and +baptise his children, sighing after the sacrament of the altar as the +Jews at Babylon did for Jerusalem.[86] The consecration of the Pope +creates priests--not of God, but of the devil, ordained solely to +trample Jesus Christ under foot, to bring his sacrifice to naught, and +to sell imaginary holocausts to the world in his name.[87] Men become +ministers only by election and calling, and that ought to be effected +in the following manner:-- + +"First, seek God by prayer;[88] then being assembled together with all +those whose hearts God has touched, choose in the Lord's name him or +them whom you shall have acknowledged to be fitted for this ministry. +After that, let the chief men among you lay their hands on them, and +recommend them to the people and to the Church."[89] + + [86] Tutius enim et salubrius esset, quemlibet patrem-familias suæ + domui legere Evangelium.--(L. Opp. lat. ii. p. 363.) + + [87] Per ordines papisticos non sacerdotes Dei sed sacerdotes Satanæ, + tantum ut Christum conculcent.--(Ibid. p. 364.) + + [88] Orationibus tum privatis tum publicis.--(Ibid. p. 370.) + + [89] Eligite quem et quos volueritis. Tum impositis super eos manibus, + sint hoc ipso vestri episcopi, vestri ministri, seu pastores.--(L. + Opp. lat. ii. p. 370.) + +[Sidenote: ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH.] + +Luther, in thus calling upon the people alone to nominate their +pastors, submitted to the necessities of the times. It was requisite +to constitute the ministry; but the ministry having no existence, it +could not then have the legitimate part that belongs to it in the +choice of God's ministers. + +But another necessity, proceeding in like manner from the state of +affairs, was to incline Luther to deviate from the principles he had +laid down. + +The German Reformation can hardly be said to have begun with the lower +classes, as in Switzerland and France; and Luther could scarcely find +anywhere that christian people, which should have played so great a +part in his new constitution. Ignorant men, conceited townspeople, who +would not even maintain their ministers--these were the members of the +Church. Now what could be done with such elements? + +But if the people were indifferent, the princes were not so. They +stood in the foremost rank of the battle, and sat on the first bench +in the council. The democratic organization was therefore compelled to +give way to an organization conformable to the civil government. The +Church is composed of Christians, and they are taken wherever they are +found--high or low. It was particularly in high stations that Luther +found them. He admitted the princes as representatives of the people; +and henceforward the influence of the state became one of the +principal elements in the constitution of the evangelical Church. + +In the mind of the Reformer, this guardianship of the princes was only +to be provisional. The faithful being then in minority, they had need +of a guardian; but the era of the Church's majority might arrive, and +with it would come its emancipation. + +[Sidenote: LUTHER'S LETTER TO THE ELECTOR.] + +We may admit that this recourse to the civil power was at that time +necessary, but we cannot deny that it was also a source of +difficulties. We will point out only one. When Protestantism became an +affair of governments and nations, it ceased to be universal. The new +spirit was capable of creating a new earth. But instead of opening new +roads, and of purposing the regeneration of all Christendom, and the +conversion of the whole world, the Protestants sought to settle +themselves as comfortably as possible in a few German duchies. This +timidity, which has been called prudence, did immense injury to the +Reformation. + +The organizing power being once discovered, the Reformers thought of +organization, and Luther applied to the task; for although he was in +an especial manner an assailant and Calvin an organizer, these two +qualities, as necessary to the reformers of the Church as to the +founders of empires, were not wanting in either of these great +servants of God. + +It was necessary to compose a new ministry, for most of the priests +who had quitted the Papacy were content to receive the watchword of +Reform without having personally experienced the sanctifying virtue of +the Truth. There was even one parish in which the priest preached the +Gospel in his principal church, and sang mass in its succursal.[90] +But something more was wanting: a Christian people had to be created. +"Alas!" said Luther of some of the adherents of the Reform, "they have +abandoned their Romish doctrines and rites, and they scoff at +ours."[91] + + [90] In æde parochiali evangelico more docebat, in filiali missi + fiabat.--(Seck. p. 102.) + + [91] Sic enim sua papistica neglexerunt, et nostra contemnunt.--(L. + Epp. iii. p. 224.) + +[Sidenote: GERMAN MASS.] + +Luther did not shrink from before this double necessity; and he made +provision for it. Understanding that a general visitation of the +churches was necessary, he addressed the Elector on this subject, on +the 22d October 1526. "Your highness, in your quality of guardian of +youth, and of all those who know not how to take care of themselves," +said he, "should compel the inhabitants, who desire neither pastors +nor schools, to receive these means of grace, as they are compelled to +work on the roads, on bridges, and such like services.[92] The papal +order being abolished, it is your duty to regulate these things; no +other person cares about them, no other can, and no other ought to do +so. Commission, therefore, four persons to visit all the country; let +two of them inquire into the tithes and church property; and let two +take charge of the doctrine, schools, churches, and pastors." We +naturally ask, on reading these words, if the church which was formed +in the first century, without the support of princes, could not in the +sixteenth be reformed without them? + + [92] Als oberster vormund der Jugend und aller die es bedurfen, sall + sie mit Gewalt dazu halten.--(L. Epp. iii. p. 136.) + +Luther was not content with soliciting in writing the intervention of +the prince. He was indignant at seeing the courtiers, who in the time +of the Elector Frederick had shown themselves the inveterate enemies +of the Reformation, rushing now, "sporting, laughing, skipping," as he +said, on the spoils of the Church. Accordingly, at the end of this +year, the Elector having come to Wittemberg, the Reformer repaired +immediately to the palace, made his complaint to the prince-electoral, +whom he met at the gate, then without caring about those who stopped +him, made his way by force into his father's bedchamber, and +addressing this prince, who was surprised at so unexpected a visit, +begged him to remedy the evils of the Church. The visitation of the +churches was resolved upon, and Melancthon was commissioned to draw up +the necessary instructions. + +In 1526, Luther had published his "German Mass," by which he signified +the order of church service in general. "The real evangelical +assemblies," he said, "do not take place publicly, pellmell, admitting +people of every sort;[93] but they are formed of serious Christians, +who confess the Gospel by their words and by their lives,[94] and in +the midst of whom we may reprove and excommunicate, according to the +rule of Christ Jesus.[95] I cannot institute such assemblies, for I +have no one to place in them;[96] but if the thing becomes possible, I +shall not be wanting in this duty." + + [93] Non publice, sive promiscue et admissa omnis generis plebe.--(De + Missa Germ.) + + [94] Qui nomina sua in catalogum referrent, adds he.--(Ibid.) + + [95] Excommunicari qui Christiano more se non gererent.--(De Missa + Germ.) + + [96] Neque enim habeo qui sint idonei.--(Ibid.) + +[Sidenote: MELANCTHON'S INSTRUCTIONS.] + +It was also with a conviction that he must give the Church, not the +best form of worship imaginable, but the best possible, that +Melancthon laboured at his Instructions. + +The German Reformation at that time tacked about, as it were. If +Lambert in Hesse had gone to the extreme of a democratical system, +Melancthon in Saxony was approximating the contrary extreme of +traditional principles. A conservative principle was substituted for a +reforming one. Melancthon wrote to one of the inspectors:[97] "All the +old ceremonies that you can preserve, pray do so.[98] Do not innovate +much, for every innovation is injurious to the people."[99] + + [97] Dr. Dewette thinks this letter is Luther's (L. Epp. iii. p. 352). + It appears clear to me, as also to Dr. Bretschneider, that it is + Melancthon's. Luther never went so far in the way of concession. + + [98] Observo quantum ex veteribus cæremoniis retineri potest, + retineas.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 990.) + + [99] Omnis novitas nocet in vulgo.--(Ibid.) + +They retained, therefore, the Latin liturgy, a few German hymns being +mingled with it;[100] the communion in one kind for those only who +scrupled from habit to take it in both; a confession made to the +priest without being in any way obligatory; many saints' days, the +sacred vestments,[101] and other rites, "in which," said Melancthon, +"there is no harm, whatever Zwingle may say."[102] And at the same +time they set forth with reserve the doctrines of the Reformation. + + [100] Non aboleas eam totam (the Latin mass): satis est alicubi + miscere Germanicas cantationes.--(Ibid.) + + [101] Ut retineantur vestes usitatæ in sacris.--(Corp. Ref. ad Jonam, + 20th December 1527.) + + [102] Vel si Zwinglius ipse prædicaturus sit.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. + 910.) + +It is but right to confess the dominion of facts and circumstances +upon these ecclesiastical organizations; but there is a dominion which +rises higher still--that of the Word of God. + +Perhaps what Melancthon did was all that could be effected at that +time: but it was necessary for the work to be one day resumed and +re-established on its primitive plan, and this was Calvin's glory. + +[Sidenote: DISAFFECTION.] + +A cry of astonishment was heard both from the camp of Rome and from +that of the Reformation. "Our cause is betrayed," exclaimed some of +the evangelical Christians: "the liberty is taken away that Jesus +Christ had given us."[103] + + [103] Alii dicerent prodi causam.--(Camer. Vita Melancthon, p. 107.) + +On their part the Ultramontanists triumphed in Melancthon's +moderation: they called it a retractation, and took advantage of it to +insult the Reform. Cochlœus published a "horrible" engraving, as he +styles it himself, in which, from beneath the same hood was seen +issuing a seven-headed monster representing Luther. Each of these +heads had different features, and all, uttering together the most +frightful and contradictory words, kept disputing, tearing, and +devouring each other.[104] + + [104] Monstrosus ille Germaniæ partus, Lutherus septiceps.--(Cochlœus, + p. 169.) + +The astonished Elector resolved to communicate Melancthon's paper to +Luther. But never did the Reformer's respect for his friend show +itself in a more striking manner. He only made one or two unimportant +additions to this plan, and sent it back accompanied with the highest +eulogiums. The Romanists said that the tiger caught in a net was +licking the hands that clipped his talons. But it was not so. Luther +knew that the aim of Melancthon's labours was to strengthen the very +soul of the Reformation in all the churches of Saxony. That was +sufficient for him. He thought besides, that in every thing there must +be a transition; and being justly convinced that his friend was more +than himself a man of transition, he frankly accepted his views. + +The general visitation began. Luther in Saxony, Spalatin in the +districts of Altenburg and Zwickau, Melancthon in Thuringia, and +Thuring in Franconia, with ecclesiastical deputies and several lay +colleagues, commenced the work in October and November 1528. + +[Sidenote: IMPORTANT RESULTS.] + +They purified the clergy by dismissing every priest of scandalous +life;[105] they assigned a portion of the church property to the +maintenance of public worship, and they placed the remainder beyond +the reach of plunder; they continued the suppression of the convents; +they established everywhere unity of instruction; and "Luther's +greater and smaller catechisms," which appeared in 1529, contributed +more perhaps than any other writings to propagate throughout the new +churches the ancient faith of the Apostles; they commissioned the +pastors of the great towns, under the title of superintendents, to +watch over the churches and the schools; they maintained the abolition +of celibacy; and the ministers of the Word, become husbands and +fathers, formed the germ of a third estate, whence in after-years were +diffused in all ranks of society learning, activity, and light. This +is one of the truest causes of the intellectual and moral superiority +that indisputably distinguishes the evangelical nations. + + [105] Viginti fere rudes et inepti, multique concubinarii et potatores + deprehensi sunt.--(Seckend. p. 102.) + +The organization of the churches in Saxony, notwithstanding its +imperfections, produced for that time at least the most important +results. This was because the Word of God prevailed; and because, +wherever this Word exercises its power, secondary errors and abuses +are paralyzed. The very discretion that was employed proceeded in +reality from a good principle. The reformers, unlike the enthusiasts, +did not utterly reject an institution because it was corrupted. They +did not say, for example: "The sacraments are disfigured, let us do +without them! the ministry is corrupt, let us reject it!"--but they +rejected the abuse, and restored the use. This prudence is the mark of +a work of God; and if Luther sometimes permitted the chaff to remain +along with the wheat, Calvin appeared later, and more thoroughly +purged the Christian threshing-floor. + +[Sidenote: THE REFORMATION ADVANCES.] + +The organization which was at that time accomplishing in Saxony, +exerted a strong reaction on all the German empire, and the doctrine +of the Gospel advanced with gigantic strides. The design of God in +turning aside from the reformed states of Germany, the thunderbolt +that he caused to fall upon the seven-hilled city, was clearly +manifest. Never were years more usefully employed; and it was not only +to framing a constitution that the Reformation devoted itself, it was +also to extend its doctrine. + +The duchies of Luneburg and Brunswick, many of the most important +imperial cities, as Nuremberg, Augsburg, Ulm, Strasburg, Gottingen, +Gosslar, Nordhausen, Lubeck, Bremen, and Hamburg, removed the tapers +from the chapels, and substituted in their place the brighter torch of +the Word of God. + +In vain did the frightened canons allege the authority of the Church. +"The authority of the Church," replied Kempe and Zechenhagen, the +reformer of Hamburg, "cannot be acknowledged unless the Church herself +obeys her pastor Jesus Christ."[106] Pomeranus visited many places to +put a finishing hand to the Reform. + + [106] Evangelici auctoritatem Ecclesiæ non aliter agnoscendam esse + contendebant quam si vocem pastoris Christi sequeretur.--(Seckend. i. + p. 245.) + +In Franconia, the Margrave George of Brandenburg, having reformed +Anspach and Bayreuth, wrote to his ancient protector, Ferdinand of +Austria, who had knit his brows on hearing of his reforming +proceedings: "I have done this by God's order; for he commands princes +to take care not only of the bodies of their subjects, but also of +their souls."[107] + + [107] Non modo quoad corpus, sed etiam quoad animam.--(Seckend. ii. p. + 121.) + +In East Friesland, on new-year's day, 1527, a Dominican named Resius, +having put on his hood,[108] ascended the pulpit at Noorden, and +declared himself ready to maintain certain theses according to the +tenor of the Gospel. Having silenced the Abbot of Noorden by the +soundness of his arguments, Resius took off his cowl, laid it on the +pulpit, and was received in the nave by the acclamations of the +faithful. Ere long the whole of Friesland laid aside the uniform of +Popery, as Resius had done. + + [108] Resius, cucullum indutus, suggestum ascendit.--(Scultet. Ann. p. + 93.) + +[Sidenote: A PIOUS PRINCESS.] + +At Berlin, Elizabeth, electress of Brandenburg, having read Luther's +works, felt a desire to receive the Lord's supper in conformity with +Christ's institution: a minister secretly administered it at the +festival of Easter, 1528; but one of her children informed the +Elector. Joachim was greatly exasperated, and ordered his wife to keep +her room for several days;[109] it was even said that he intended to +shut her up.[110] This princess, being deprived of all religious +support, and mistrusting the perfidious manœuvres of the Romish +priests, resolved to escape by flight; and she claimed the assistance +of her brother, Christian II. of Denmark, who was then residing at +Torgau. Taking advantage of a dark night, she quitted the castle in a +peasant's dress, and got into a rude country-waggon that was waiting +for her at the gate of the city. Elizabeth urged on the driver, when, +in a bad road, the wain broke down. The electress, hastily unfastening +a handkerchief she wore round her head, flung it to the man, who +employed it in repairing the damage, and ere long Elizabeth arrived at +Torgau. "If I should expose you to any risk," said she to her uncle, +the Elector of Saxony, "I am ready to go wherever Providence may guide +me." But John assigned her a residence in the castle of Lichtenberg, +on the Elbe, near Wittemberg. Without taking upon us to approve of +Elizabeth's flight, let us acknowledge the good that God's Providence +drew from it. This amiable lady, who lived at Lichtenberg, in the +study of His word, seldom appearing at court, frequently going to hear +Luther's sermons, and exercising a salutary influence over her +children, who sometimes had permission to see her, was the first of +those pious princesses whom the house of Brandenburg has counted, and +even still counts, among its members. + + [109] Aliquot diebus a marito in cubiculo detenta fuisse.--(Seckend. + ii. p. 122.) + + [110] Marehio statuerat eam immurare.--(L. Epp. ad Lenkium, iii. p. + 296.) + +At the same time, Holstein, Sleswick, and Silesia decided in favour of +the Reformation: and Hungary, as well as Bohemia, saw the number of +its adherents increase. + +[Sidenote: EDICT OF OFEN.] + +In every place, instead of a hierarchy seeking its righteousness in +the works of man, its glory in external pomp, its strength in a +material power, the Church of the Apostles reappeared, humble as in +primitive times, and like the ancient Christians, looking for its +righteousness, its glory, and its power solely in the blood of Christ +and in the Word of God.[111] + + [111] Revelation xii. 11. + + +IV. All these triumphs of the Gospel could not pass unperceived; there +was a powerful reaction, and until political circumstances should +permit a grand attack upon the Reformation on the very soil where it +was established, and of persecuting it by means of diets, and if +necessary by armies, they began to persecute in detail in the Romish +countries with tortures and the scaffold. + +On the 20th August, 1527, King Ferdinand, by the Edict of Ofen in +Hungary, published a tariff of crimes and penalties, in which he +threatened death by the sword, by fire, or by water,[112] against +whoever should say that Mary was a woman like other women; or partake +of the sacrament in an heretical manner; or consecrate the bread and +wine, not being a Romish priest; and further, in the second case, the +house in which the sacrament should have been administered was to be +confiscated or rased to the ground. + + [112] Die sollen mit den Feuer Schwerdt oder Wasser gestraft + werden.--(Ferd. Mandat. L. Opp. xix. p. 596.) + +Such was not the legislation of Luther. Link having asked him if it +were lawful for the magistrate to put the false prophets to death, +meaning the Sacramentarians, whose doctrines Luther attacked with so +much force,[113] the Reformer replied: "I am slow whenever life is +concerned, even if the offender is exceedingly guilty.[114] I can by +no means admit that the false teachers should be put to death;[115] it +is sufficient to remove them." For ages the Romish Church has bathed +in blood. Luther was the first to profess the great principles of +humanity and religious liberty. + + [113] Contra hostes sacramentarios strenue nobiscum certare.--(Epp. to + Lenk, July 14, 1528.) + + [114] Ego ad judicium sanguinis tardus sum, etiam ubi meritum + abundat.--(Ibid.) + + [115] Nullo modo possum admittere falsos doctores occidi.--(Epp. to + Lenk, July 14, 1528.) + +[Sidenote: PERSECUTIONS--WINKLER AND CARPENTER.] + +They sometimes had recourse to more expeditious proceedings than the +scaffold itself. George Winkler, pastor of Halle, having been summoned +before Archbishop Albert in the spring of 1527, for having +administered the sacrament in both kinds, had been acquitted. As this +minister was returning home along an unfrequented road in the midst of +the woods, he was suddenly attacked by a number of horsemen, who +murdered him, and immediately fled through the thickets without taking +anything from his person.[116] "The world," exclaimed Luther, "is a +cavern of assassins under the command of the devil; an inn, whose +landlord is a brigand, and which bears this sign, _Lies and Murder_; +and none are more readily murdered therein than those who proclaim +Jesus Christ." + + [116] Mox enim ut interfecerunt, aufugerunt per avia loca, nihil prædæ + aut pecuniæ capientes.--(Cochl. p. 152.) + +At Munich George Carpenter was led to the scaffold for having denied +that the baptism of water is able by its own virtue to save a man. +"When you are thrown into the fire," said some of his brethren, "give +us a sign by which we may know that you persevere in the faith."--"As +long as I can open my mouth, I will confess the name of the Lord +Jesus."[117] The executioner stretched him on a ladder, tied a small +bag of gunpowder round his neck, and then flung him into the flames. +Carpenter immediately cried out, "Jesus! Jesus!" and the executioner +having turned him again and again with his hooks, the martyr several +times repeated the word Jesus, and expired. + + [117] Dum os aperire licebit, servatoris nostri nomen profiteri + nunquam intermittam.--(Scultet. ii. p. 110.) + +[Sidenote: PERSECUTIONS--KEYSER.] + +At Landsberg nine persons were consigned to the flames, and at Munich +twenty-nine were thrown into the water. At Scherding, Leonard Keyser, +a friend and disciple of Luther, having been condemned by the bishop, +had his head shaved, and being dressed in a smock-frock, was placed on +horseback. As the executioners were cursing and swearing, because they +could not disentangle the ropes with which he was to be bound, he +said to them mildly: "Dear friends, your bonds are not necessary; my +Lord Christ has already bound me." When he drew near the stake, Keyser +looked at the crowd and exclaimed: "Behold the harvest! O Master, send +forth thy labourers!" He then ascended the scaffold and said: "O Jesu, +save me! I am thine." These were his last words.[118] "Who am I, a +wordy preacher," exclaimed Luther, when he received the news of his +death, "in comparison with this great doer?"[119] + + [118] Incenso jam igne, clara voce proclamavit: _Tuus sum Jesu! Salva + me!_--(Seckend. ii. p. 85.) + + [119] Tam impar verbosus prædicator, illi tam potenti verbi + operator.--(L. Epp. iii. p. 1214.) + +Thus, the Reformation manifested by such striking works the truth that +it had come to re-establish; namely, that faith is not, as Rome +maintains, an historical, vain, dead knowledge,[120] but a lively +faith, the work of the Holy Ghost, the channel by which Christ fills +the heart with new desires and with new affections, the true worship +of the living God. + + [120] Si quis dixerit fidem non esse veram fidem, licet non fit viva, + aut eum qui fidem sine charitate habet, non esse christianum, anathema + sit.--(Conc. Frid. Sess. 6, p. 28.) + +These martyrdoms filled Germany with horror, and gloomy forebodings +descended from the thrones among the ranks of the people. Around the +domestic hearth, in the long winter evenings, the conversation wholly +turned on prisons, tortures, scaffolds, and martyrs; and the slightest +noise alarmed the old men, women, and children. These narratives +gained strength from mouth to mouth; the rumour of a universal +conspiracy against the Gospel spread through all the Empire. Its +adversaries, taking advantage of this terror, announced with a +mysterious air that they must look during this year (1528) for some +decisive measure against the Reform.[121] One scoundrel resolved to +profit by this state of mind to satisfy his avarice. + + [121] Nescio quid mirari quod hoc anno contra reformationem + expectandum sit.--(Seckend. ii. p. 101.) + +[Sidenote: PACK'S FORGERY.] + +No blows are more terrible to a cause than those which it inflicts +upon itself. The Reformation, seized with a dizziness, was on the +verge of self-destruction. There is a spirit of error that conspires +against the cause of truth, beguiling by subtlety;[122] the +Reformation was about to experience its attacks, and to stagger under +the most formidable assault,--perturbation of thought, and +estrangement from the ways of wisdom and of truth. + + [122] 2 Corinthians xi. 3. + +Otho of Pack, vice-chancellor to Duke George of Saxony, was a crafty +and dissipated man,[123] who took advantage of his office, and had +recourse to all sorts of practices to procure money. The Duke having +on one occasion sent him to the Diet of Nuremberg as his +representative, the Bishop of Merseburg confided to him his +contribution towards the imperial government. The Bishop having been +afterwards called upon for this money, Pack declared that he had paid +it to a citizen of Nuremberg, whose seal and signature he produced. +This paper was a forgery; Pack himself was the author of it.[124] This +wretch, however, put an impudent face on the matter, and as he was not +convicted, he preserved the confidence of his master. Erelong an +opportunity presented itself of exercising his criminal talent on a +larger scale. + + [123] Homo erat versutus, et præterea prodigus, quo vitio ad alia + inductus est.--(Seckend. ii. p. 94.) + + [124] It is still to be seen in the records at Dresden. + +No one entertained greater suspicions with regard to the Papists than +the Landgrave of Hesse. Young, susceptible, and restless, he was +always on the alert. In the month of February 1528, Pack happening to +be at Cassel to assist Philip in some difficult business, the +Landgrave imparted to him his fears. If any one could have had any +knowledge of the designs of the Papists, it must have been the +vice-chancellor, one of the greatest enemies to the Reform. The crafty +Pack heaved a sigh, bent down his eyes, and was silent. Philip +immediately became uneasy, entreated him, and promised to do nothing +that would injure the Duke. Then, Pack as if he had allowed an +important secret to be torn from him with regret, confessed that a +league against the Lutherans had been concluded at Breslau on the +Wednesday following _Jubilate_ Sunday, 12th May 1527; and engaged to +procure the original of this act for the Landgrave, who offered him +for this service a remuneration of ten thousand florins. This was the +greatest transaction that this wretched man had ever undertaken; but +it tended to nothing less than the utter overthrow of the Empire. + +The Landgrave was amazed: he restrained himself, however, wishing to +see the act with his own eyes before informing his allies. He +therefore repaired to Dresden. "I cannot," said Pack, "furnish you +with the original: the Duke always carries it about his person to read +it to other princes whom he hopes to gain over. Recently at Leipsic, +he showed it to Duke Henry of Brunswick. But here is a copy made by +his highness's order." The Landgrave took the document, which bore all +the marks of the most perfect authenticity. It was crossed by a cord +of black silk, and fastened at both ends by the seal of the ducal +chancery.[125] Above was an impression from the ring Duke George +always wore on his finger, with the three quarterings that Philip had +so often seen; at the top, the coronet, and at the bottom, the two +lions. He has no more doubts as to its authenticity. But how can we +describe his indignation as he read this guilty document? King +Ferdinand, the Electors of Mentz and of Brandenburg, Duke George of +Saxony, the Dukes of Bavaria, the Bishops of Salzburg, Wurtzburg, and +Bamberg, have entered into a coalition to call upon the Elector of +Saxony to deliver up the arch-heretic Luther, with all the apostate +priests, monks, and nuns, and to re-establish the ancient worship. If +he make default, his states are to be invaded, and this prince and his +descendants are to be for ever dispossessed. The same measure was next +to be applied to the Landgrave, only ("it was your father-in-law, Duke +George," said Pack to Philip, "who got this clause inserted") his +states shall be restored to him in consideration of his youth, if he +becomes fully reconciled to the Holy Church. The document stated +moreover the contingents of men and money to be provided by the +confederates, and the share they were to have in the spoils of these +two heretical princes.[126] + + [125] Cui filum sericum circumligatum, et sigillum cancellariæ + impressum erat.--(Seck. ii. p. 94.) + + [126] Hortleber, De Bello Germanico, ii. p. 579. + +Many circumstances tended to confirm the authenticity of this paper. +Ferdinand, Joachim of Brandenburg, and George of Saxony, had in fact +met at Breslau on the day indicated, and an evangelical prince, the +Margrave George, had seen Joachim leave Ferdinand's apartments, +holding in his hand a large parchment to which several seals were +attached. The agitated Landgrave caused a copy to be taken of this +document, promised secrecy for a time, paid Pack four thousand +florins, and engaged to make up the sum agreed upon, if he would +procure him the original. And then, wishing to prevent the storm, he +hastened to Weimar to inform the Elector of this unprecedented +conspiracy. + +"I have seen," said he to John and his son, "nay more--I have had in +my hands, a duplicate of this horrible treaty. Signatures, +seals--nothing was wanting.[127] Here is a copy, and I bind myself to +place the original before your eyes. The most frightful danger +threatens us--ourselves, our faithful subjects, and the Word of God." + + [127] Nam is affirmabat se archetypon vidisse, commemorabat + σφρἁγιδας.--(Corp. Ref. i. p. 986.) + +[Sidenote: ADVICE OF THE REFORMERS.] + +The Elector had no reason to doubt the account the Landgrave had just +given him: he was stunned, confounded, and overpowered. The promptest +measures alone could avert such unheard of disasters: everything must +be risked to extricate them from certain destruction. The impetuous +Philip breathed fire and flames;[128] his plan of defence was already +prepared. He presented it, and in the first moment of consternation he +carried the consent of his ally, as it were by assault. On the 9th +March 1528, the two princes agreed to employ all their forces to +defend themselves, and even to take the offensive, and to sacrifice +life, honour, rank, subjects, and states, to preserve the Word of God. +The Dukes of Prussia, Mecklenburg, Luneburg, and Pomerania, the Kings +of Denmark and Poland, and the Margrave of Brandenburg, were to be +invited to enter into this alliance. Six hundred thousand florins were +destined for the expenses of the war; and to procure them, they would +raise loans, pledge their cities, and sell the offerings in the +churches.[129] They had already begun to raise a powerful army.[130] +The Landgrave set out in person for Nuremberg and Anspach. The alarm +was general in those countries; the commotion was felt throughout all +Germany,[131] and even beyond it. John Zapolya, King of Hungary, at +that time a refugee at Cracow, promised a hundred thousand florins to +raise an army, and twenty thousand florins a month for its +maintenance. Thus a spirit of error was misleading the princes; if it +should carry away the Reformers also, the destruction of the +Reformation was not far distant. + + [128] Mirabiliter incensus erat.--(Corp. Ref. i. p. 986.) + + [129] Venditisque templorum donariis.--(Seck. ii. p. 95.) + + [130] Magno studio validum comparaverunt ambo exercitum.--(Cochl. p. + 171.) + + [131] Non leviter commotos esse nostrorum animos.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. + 986.) + +But God was watching over them. Supported on the rock of the Word, +Melancthon and Luther replied: "It is written, Thou shalt not tempt +the Lord thy God." As soon as these two men whom the danger threatened +(for it was they who were to be delivered up to the papal power) saw +the youthful Landgrave drawing the sword, and the aged Elector himself +putting his hand on the hilt, they uttered a cry, and this cry, which +was heard in heaven, saved the Reform. + +Luther, Pomeranus, and Melancthon immediately forwarded the following +advice to the Elector: "Above all things, let not the attack proceed +from our side, and let no blood be shed through our fault. Let us wait +for the enemy, and seek after peace. Send an ambassador to the Emperor +to make him acquainted with this hateful plot." + +[Sidenote: LUTHER'S PACIFIC COUNSEL.] + +Thus it was that the faith of the children of God, which is so +despised by politicians, conducted them aright, at the very moment +when the diplomatists were going astray. The Elector and his son +declared to the Landgrave that they would not assume the offensive. +Philip was in amazement. "Are not the preparations of the Papists +worthy an attack?" asked he.[132] "What! we will threaten war, and yet +not make it! We will inflame the hatred of our antagonists, and leave +them time to prepare their forces! No, no; forward! It is thus we +shall secure the means of an honourable peace."----"If the Landgrave +desires to begin the war," replied the Reformer, "the Elector is not +obliged to observe the treaty; for we must obey God rather than men. +God and the right are above every alliance. Let us beware of painting +the devil on our doors, and inviting him as godfather.[133] But if the +Landgrave is attacked, the Elector ought to go to his assistance; for +it is God's will that we preserve our faith." This advice which the +Reformers gave, cost them dear. Never did man, condemned to the +torture, endure a punishment like theirs. The fears excited by the +Landgrave were succeeded by the terrors inspired by the Papist +princes. This cruel trial left them in great distress. "I am worn away +with sorrow," cried Melancthon; "and this anguish puts me to the most +horrible torture.[134] The issue," added he, "will be found on our +knees before God."[135] + + [132] Landgravius præparamenta adversariorum pro agressione + habebat.--(Seck. ii. p. 95.) + + [133] Man darf den Teufel nicht über die Thür malen, noch ihn zu + gevattern bitten.--(L. Epp. iii. p. 321.) + + [134] Curæ vehementer cruciarunt.--(Corp. Ref. i. p. 988.) + + [135] Εν γοηνασι θεου.--(Ibid. p. 988.) + +The Elector, drawn in different directions by the theologians and the +politicians, at last took a middle course: he resolved to assemble an +army, "but only," said he, "to obtain peace." Philip of Hesse at +length gave way, and forthwith sent copies of the famous treaty to +Duke George, to the Dukes of Bavaria, and to the Emperor's +representatives, calling upon them to renounce such cruel designs. "I +would rather have a limb cut off," said he to his father-in-law, "than +know you to be a member of such an alliance." + +[Sidenote: SURPRISE OF THE PAPIST PRINCES.] + +The surprise of the German courts, when they read this document, is +beyond description. Duke George immediately replied to the Landgrave +that he had allowed himself to be deceived by unmeaning absurdities; +that he who pretended to have seen the original of this act was an +infamous liar, and an incorrigible scoundrel; and that he called upon +the Landgrave to give up his authority, or else it might well be +thought that he was himself the inventor of this impudent fabrication. +King Ferdinand, the Elector of Brandenburg, and all the pretended +conspirators made similar replies. + +Philip of Hesse saw that he had been deceived;[136] his confusion was +only exceeded by his anger. He had therefore himself justified the +accusations of his adversaries who called him a hot-headed young man, +and had compromised to the highest degree the cause of the Reformation +and that of his people. He said afterwards, "If that had not happened, +it would no more happen now. Nothing that I have done in all my life +has caused me greater vexation." + + [136] Wir fühlten dass wir betrogen waren.--(Hortleber, iv. p. 567.) + +Pack fled in alarm to the Landgrave, who caused him to be arrested; +and envoys from the several princes whom this scoundrel had +compromised met at Cassel, and proceeded to examine him. He maintained +that the original act of the alliance had really existed in the +Dresden archives. In the following year the Landgrave banished him +from Hesse, showing by this action that he did not fear him. Pack was +afterwards discovered in Belgium; and at the demand of Duke George, +who had never shown any pity towards him, he was seized, tortured, and +finally beheaded. + +The Landgrave was unwilling to have taken up arms to no purpose. The +archbishop-elector of Mentz was compelled, on the 11th June, 1528, to +renounce in the camp of Herzkirchen all spiritual jurisdiction in +Saxony and Hesse.[137] This was no small advantage. + + [137] Kopp. Hess. Gerichts.--Verf. i. p. 107. + +[Sidenote: PACK'S SCHEME NOT IMPROBABLE.] + +Scarcely had the arms been laid aside, before Luther took up his pen, +and began a war of another kind. "Impious princes may deny this +alliance as long as they please," wrote he to Link; "I am very certain +that it is not a chimera. These insatiable leeches will take no repose +until they see the whole of Germany flowing with blood."[138] This +idea of Luther's was the one generally entertained. "The document +presented to the Landgrave may be," it was said, "Pack's invention; +but all this fabric of lies is founded on some truth. If the alliance +has not been concluded, it has been conceived."[139] + + [138] Sanguisugæ insatiabiles quiescere nolunt, nisi Germaniam + sanguine madere sentiant. 14th June, 1528. + + [139] Non enim prorsus confictares.--(Corp. Ref. i. p. 988.) + +Melancholy were the results of this affair. It inspired division in +the bosom of the Reformation, and fanned the hatred between the two +parties.[140] The sparks from the piles of Keyser, Winckler, +Carpenter, and so many other martyrs, added strength to the fire that +was already threatening to set the empire in flames. It was under such +critical circumstances, and with such menacing dispositions, that the +famous Diet of Spire was opened in March 1529. The Empire and the +Papacy were in reality preparing to annihilate the Reformation, +although in a manner different from what Pack had pretended. It was +still to be learnt whether there would be found in the revived Church +more vital strength than there had been in so many sects that Rome had +easily crushed. Happily the faith had increased, and the constitution +given to the Church had imparted greater power to its adherents. All +were resolved on defending a doctrine so pure, and a church government +so superior to that of Popery. During three years of tranquillity, the +Gospel tree had struck its roots deep; and if the storm should burst, +it would now be able to brave it. + + [140] Hæc minæ apud inimicos odia auxerint.--(Corp. Ref. i. p. 985.) + + +[Sidenote: ALLIANCE BETWEEN CHARLES AND CLEMENT.] + +V. The sack of Rome, by exasperating the adherents of the Papacy, had +given arms to all the enemies of Charles V. The French army under +Lautrec had forced the imperial army, enervated by the delights of a +new Capua, to hide itself within the walls of Naples. Doria, at the +head of his Genoese galleys, had destroyed the Spanish fleet, and all +the imperial power seemed drawing to an end in Italy. But Doria +suddenly declared for the Emperor; pestilence carried off Lautrec and +half of his troops; and Charles, suffering only from alarm, had again +grasped the power with a firm resolution to unite henceforward closely +with the Pontiff, whose humiliation had nearly cost him so dear. On +his side Clement VII., hearing the Italians reproach him for his +illegitimate birth, and even refuse him the title of Pope, said aloud, +that he would rather be the Emperor's groom than the sport of his +people. On the 29th June, 1528, a peace between the heads of the +Empire and of the Church was concluded at Barcelona, based on the +destruction of heresy; and in November a diet was convoked to meet at +Spire on the 21st February, 1529. Charles was resolved to endeavour at +first to destroy the Reform by a federal vote; but if this vote did +not suffice, to employ his whole power against it. The road being thus +traced out, they were about to commence operations. + +Germany felt the seriousness of the position. Mournful omens filled +every mind. About the middle of January, a great light had suddenly +dispersed the darkness of the night.[141] "What that forebodes," +exclaimed Luther, "God only knows!" At the beginning of April there +was a rumour of an earthquake that had engulfed castles, cities, and +whole districts in Carinthia and Istria, and split the tower of St. +Mark at Venice into four parts. "If that is true," said the Reformer, +"these prodigies are the forerunners of the day of Jesus Christ."[142] +The astrologers declared that the aspect of the quartiles of Saturn +and Jupiter, and the general position of the stars, was ominous.[143] +The waters of the Elbe rolled thick and stormy, and stones fell from +the roofs of churches. "All these things," exclaimed the terrified +Melancthon, "excite me deeply."[144] + + [141] An aurora borealis. "Magnum chasma, quo nox tota + illuminabatur."--(L. Epp. iii. p. 420.) + + [142] Si vera sunt, diem Christi præcurrunt hæc monstra.--(Ibid. p. + 438.) + + [143] Adspectum τετραγὁνων Saturni et Jovis.--(Corp. + Ref. i. p. 1075.) + + [144] Ego non leviter commoveor his rebus.--(Ibid. p. 1076.) + +[Sidenote: OMENS.] + +The letters of convocation issued by the imperial government agreed +but too well with these prodigies. The Emperor, writing from Toledo to +the Elector, accused him of sedition and revolt. Alarming whispers +passed from mouth to mouth that were sufficient to cause the fall of +the weak. Duke Henry of Mecklenburg and the Elector-palatine hastily +returned to the side of Popery. + +Never had the sacerdotal party appeared in the diet in such numbers, +or so powerful and decided.[145] On the 5th March, Ferdinand, the +president of the diet, after him the Dukes of Bavaria, and lastly the +ecclesiastical Electors of Mentz and Treves, had entered the gates of +Spire surrounded by a numerous armed escort.[146] On the 13th March, +the Elector of Saxony arrived, attended only by Melancthon and +Agricola. But Philip of Hesse, faithful to his character, entered the +city on the 18th March to the sound of trumpets, and with two hundred +horsemen. + + [145] Nunquam fuit tanta frequentia ullis conciliis ἁρχιερἑων + quanta in his est.--(Corp. Ref. p. 1039.) + + [146] Mogantinum et Trevirensem cum comitatu armato.--(Seckend. ii. p. + 129.) + +The divergence of men's minds soon became manifest. A Papist did not +meet an Evangelical in the street without casting angry glances upon +him, and secretly threatening him with perfidious machinations.[147] +The Elector-palatine passed the Saxons without appearing to know +them;[148] and although John of Saxony was the most important of the +electors, none of the chiefs of the opposite party visited him. +Grouped around their tables, the Roman-catholic princes seemed +absorbed in games of hazard.[149] + + [147] Vultu significant quantum nos oderint, et quid + machinentur.--(Corp. Ref. i. p. 1040.) + + [148] Pfalz kennt kein Sachsen mehr.--(Epp. Alberti Mansfeld.) + + [149] Adversæ partes proceres alea tempus perdere.--(L. Epp. iii. p. + 438.) + +[Sidenote: HOSTILITY OF THE PAPISTS.] + +But erelong they gave positive marks of their hostile disposition. The +Elector and the Landgrave were prohibited from having the Gospel +preached in their mansions. It was even asserted at this early period +that John was about to be turned out of Spire, and deprived of his +electorate.[150] "We are the execration and the sweepings of the +world," said Melancthon; "but Christ will look down on his poor +people, and will preserve them."[151] In truth God was with the +witnesses to his Word. The people of Spire thirsted for the Gospel, +and the Elector wrote to his son on Palm Sunday: "About eight thousand +persons were present to-day in my chapel at morning and evening +worship." + + [150] Alii exclusum Spiræ, alii ademtum electoratum.--(Ibid.) + + [151] Sed Christus respiciet et salvabit populum pauperem.--(Corp. + Ref. i. p. 1040.) + +The Roman party now quickened their proceedings: their plan was simple +but energetic. It was necessary to put down the religious liberty that +had existed for more than three years, and for that purpose they must +abrogate the decree of 1526, and revive that of 1521. + +On the 15th March the imperial commissaries announced to the diet that +the last resolution of Spire, which left each state free to act in +conformity with the inspirations of its conscience, having given rise +to great disorders, the Emperor had annulled it by virtue of his +supreme power. This arbitrary act, and which had no precedent in the +Empire, as well as the despotic tone with which it was accompanied, +filled the evangelical Christians with indignation and alarm. +"Christ," exclaimed Sturm, "has again fallen into the hands of +Caiaphas and Pilate."[152] + + [152] Christus est denuo in manibus Caiaphi et Pilati.--(Jung + Beyträge, p. 4.) + +[Sidenote: RESOLUTIONS OF THE DIET.] + +A commission was charged to examine the imperial proposition. The +Archbishop of Salzburg, Faber, and Eck, that is to say, the most +violent enemies of the Reformation, were among its members. "The Turks +are better than the Lutherans," said Faber, "for the Turks observe +fast-days and the Lutherans violate them.[153] If we must choose +between the Holy Scriptures of God and the old errors of the Church, +we should reject the former."[154] "Every day in full assembly Faber +casts some new stone against the Gospellers," says Melancthon.[155] +"Oh, what an Iliad I should have to compose," added he, "if I were to +report all these blasphemies!" + + [153] Vociferatus est Turcos Lutheranis meliores esse.--(Corp. Ref. p. + 1041.) + + [154] Malle abjicere scripturam quam veteres errores Ecclesiæ.--(Ibid. + p. 1046.) + + [155] Faber lapidat nos quotidie pro concione.--(Ibid.) + +The priests called for the execution of the Edict of Worms, 1521, and +the evangelical members of the commission, among whom were the Elector +of Saxony and Sturm, demanded on the contrary the maintenance of the +Edict of Spire, 1526. The latter thus remained within the bounds of +legality, whilst their adversaries were driven to _coups d'état_. In +fact, a new order of things having been legally established in the +Empire, no one could infringe it; and if the diet presumed to destroy +by force what had been constitutionally established three years +before, the evangelical states had the right of opposing it. The +majority of the commission felt that the re-establishment of the +ancient order of things would be a revolution no less complete than +the Reformation itself. How could they subject anew to Rome and to her +clergy those nations in whose bosom the Word of God had been so richly +spread abroad? For this reason, equally rejecting the demands of the +priests and of the Evangelicals, the majority came to a resolution on +the 24th March that every religious innovation should continue to be +interdicted in the places where the Edict of Worms had been carried +out; and that in those where the people had deviated from it, and +where they could not conform to it without danger of revolt, they +should at least effect no new reform, they should touch upon no +controverted point, they should not oppose the celebration of the +Mass, they should permit no Roman catholic to embrace Lutheranism,[156] +they should not decline the Episcopal jurisdiction, and should tolerate +no Anabaptists or Sacramentarians. The status-quo and no proselytism--such +were the essentials of this resolution. + + [156] Nec catholicos a libero religionis exercitio impediri debere, + neque cuiquam ex his licere Lutheranismum amplecti.--(Seckend. ii. p. + 127.) + +[Sidenote: THE REFORMATION IN DANGER.] + +The majority no longer voted as in 1526: the wind had turned against +the Gospel. Accordingly this proposition, after having been delayed a +few days by the festival of Easter, was laid before the diet on the +6th April, and passed on the 7th.[157] + + [157] Sleidan, i. p. 261. + +If it became a law, the Reformation could neither be extended into +those places where as yet it was unknown, nor be established on solid +foundations in those where it already existed. The re-establishment of +the Romish hierarchy, stipulated in the proposition, would infallibly +bring back the ancient abuses; and the least deviation from so +vexatious an ordinance would easily furnish the Romanists with a +pretext for completing the destruction of a work already so violently +shaken. + +The Elector, the Landgrave, the Margrave of Brandenburg, the Prince of +Anhalt, and the Chancellor of Luneburg on one side, and the deputies +for the cities on the other, consulted together. An entirely new order +of things was to proceed from this council. If they had been animated +by selfishness, they would perhaps have accepted this decree. In fact +they were left free, in appearance at least, to profess their faith: +ought they to demand more? could they do so? Were they bound to +constitute themselves the champions of liberty of conscience in all +the world? Never, perhaps, had there been a more critical situation; +but these noble-minded men came victorious out of the trial. What! +should they legalize by anticipation the scaffold and the torture! +Should they oppose the Holy Ghost in its work of converting souls to +Christ! Should they forget their Master's command: "_Go ye into all +the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature_?" If one of the +states of the empire desired some day to follow their example and be +reformed, should they take away its power of doing so? Having +themselves entered the kingdom of heaven, should they shut the door +after them? No! rather endure everything, sacrifice everything, even +their states, their crowns, and their lives! + +[Sidenote: DECISION OF THE PRINCES.] + +"Let us reject this decree," said the princes. "In matters of +conscience the majority has no power."--"It is to the decree of 1526," +added the cities, "that we are indebted for the peace that the empire +enjoys: to abolish it would be to fill Germany with troubles and +divisions. The diet is incompetent to do more than preserve religious +liberty until a council meets." Such in fact is the grand attribute of +the state, and if in our days the protestant powers should seek to +influence the Romish governments, they should strive solely to obtain +for the subjects of the latter that religious liberty which the Pope +confiscates to his own advantage wherever he reigns alone, and by +which he profits greatly in every evangelical state. Some of the +deputies proposed refusing all assistance against the Turks, hoping +thus to force the Emperor to interfere in this question of religion. +But Sturm called upon them not to mingle political matters with the +salvation of souls. They resolved therefore to reject the proposition, +but without holding out any threats. It was this noble resolution that +gained for modern times liberty of thought and independence of faith. + +Ferdinand and the priests, who were no less resolute, determined +however on vanquishing what they called a daring obstinacy; and they +commenced with the weaker states. They began to frighten and divide +the cities, which had hitherto pursued a common course. On the 12th +April they were summoned before the diet: in vain did they allege the +absence of some of their number, and ask for delay. It was refused, +and the call was hurried on. Twenty-one free cities accepted the +proposition of the diet, and fourteen rejected it. It was a bold act +on the part of the latter, and was accomplished in the midst of the +most painful sufferings. "This is the first trial," said Pfarrer, +second deputy of Strasburg; "now will come the second: we must either +deny the Word of God or--be burnt."[158] + + [158] Das wort Gottes zu wiederrufen oder aber brennen.--(Jung + Beyträge, p. 37.) + +[Sidenote: VIOLENCE OF FERDINAND.] + +A violent proceeding of Ferdinand immediately commenced the series of +humiliations that were reserved for the evangelical cities. A deputy +of Strasburg should, in conformity with the decree of Worms, have been +a member of the imperial government from the commencement of April. He +was declared excluded from his rights, until the Mass should be +re-established in Strasburg. All the cities united in protesting +against this arbitrary act. + +At the same time, the Elector-palatine and King Ferdinand himself +begged the princes to accept the decree, assuring them that the +Emperor would be exceedingly pleased with them. "We will obey the +Emperor," replied they calmly, "in everything that may contribute to +maintain peace and the honour of God." + +It was time to put an end to this struggle. On the 18th April it was +decreed that the evangelical states should not be heard again; and +Ferdinand prepared to inflict the decisive blow on the morrow. + +When the day came, the king appeared in the diet, surrounded by the +other commissaries of the Empire, and by several bishops. He thanked +the Roman catholics for their fidelity, and declared that the +resolution having been definitively agreed to, it was about to be +drawn up in the form of an imperial decree. He then announced to the +Elector and his friends, that nothing more remained to them than to +submit to the majority. + +[Sidenote: THE SCHISM COMPLETED.] + +The evangelical princes, who had not expected so positive a +declaration, were excited at this summons, and passed, according to +custom, into an adjoining chamber to deliberate. But Ferdinand was not +in a humour to wait for their answer. He rose, and all the imperial +commissaries with him. Vain were all endeavours to stop him. "I have +received an order from his imperial majesty," replied he; "I have +executed it. All is over." + +Thus Charles's brother notifies an order to the christian princes, and +then he retires without caring even if there was any reply to make. To +no purpose they sent a deputation entreating the King to return. "It +is a settled affair," repeated Ferdinand; "submission is all that +remains."[159] This refusal completed the schism: it separated Rome +from the Gospel. Perhaps more justice on the part of the Empire and of +the Papacy might have prevented the rupture that since then has +divided the Western Church. + + [159] Die artikel weren beschlossen.--(Jung Beytr. p. 90.) + + +VI. If the imperial party displayed such contempt, it was not without +a cause. They felt that weakness was on the side of the Reformation, +and strength on the side of Charles and of the Pope. But the weak have +also their strength; and this the evangelical princes were aware of. +As Ferdinand paid no attention to their reclamations, it remained for +them to pay none to his absence, to appeal from the report of the diet +to the Word of God, and from the Emperor Charles to Jesus Christ, the +King of kings and Lord of lords. + +They resolved upon this step. A declaration was drawn up to that +effect, and this was the famous _Protest_ that henceforward gave the +name of _Protestant_ to the renovated Church. The Elector and his +allies having returned to the common hall of the diet, thus addressed +the assembled states:--[160] + + [160] There are two copies of this act; one of them is brief, and the + other, which is longer, was transmitted in writing to the imperial + commissaries. It is from the latter we extract the passages in the + text. They will both be found in Jung Beyträge, p. 91-105. See also + Müller's _Historie der Protestation_, p. 52. + +[Sidenote: THE PROTEST.] + + "Dear Lords, Cousins, Uncles, and Friends! Having repaired + to this diet on the convocation of his majesty, and for the + common good of the Empire and of Christendom, we have heard + and learnt that the decisions of the last diet concerning + our holy Christian Faith are to be repealed, and that it is + proposed to substitute for them restrictive and onerous + resolutions. + + "King Ferdinand and the other imperial commissaries, by + affixing their seals to the last _Recess_ of Spire, had + promised, however, in the name of the Emperor, to carry out + sincerely and inviolably all that it contained, and to + permit nothing that was contrary to it. In like manner, + also, you and we, electors, princes, prelates, lords, and + deputies of the Empire, bound ourselves to maintain always + and with all our might all the articles of this decree. + + "We cannot therefore consent to its repeal. + + "Firstly, because we believe that his imperial majesty, as + well as you and we, are called to maintain firmly what has + been unanimously and solemnly resolved. + + "Secondly, because it concerns the glory of God and the + salvation of our souls, and that in such matters we ought to + have regard, above all, to the commandment of God, who is + King of kings and Lord of lords; each of us rendering him + account for himself, without caring the least in the world + about majority or minority.[161] + + "We form no judgment on that which concerns you, most dear + lords; and we are content to pray God daily that he will + bring us all to unity of faith, in truth, charity, and + holiness through Jesus Christ, our Throne of Grace and our + only Mediator. + + "But in what concerns us, adhesion to your resolution (and + let every honest man be judge!) would be acting against our + conscience, condemning a doctrine that we maintain to be + christian, and pronouncing that it ought to be abolished in + our states, if we could do so without trouble. + + "This would be to deny our Lord Jesus Christ, to reject his + holy Word, and thus give him just reason to deny us in turn + before his Father, as he has threatened. + + "What! we ratify this edict! We assert that when Almighty + God calls a man to His knowledge, this man cannot however + receive the knowledge of God! Oh! of what deadly backsliding + should we not thus become the accomplices, not only among + our own subjects, but also among yours! + + "For this reason we reject the yoke that is imposed on us. + And although it is universally known that in our states the + holy sacrament of the body and blood of our Lord is + becomingly administered, we cannot adhere to what the edict + proposes against the Sacramentarians, seeing that the + imperial edict did not speak of them, that they have not + been heard, and that we cannot resolve upon such important + points before the next council. + + "Moreover"--and this is the essential part of the + protest--"the new edict declaring the ministers shall preach + the Gospel, explaining it according to the writings accepted + by the holy Christian Church; we think that, for this + regulation to have any value, we should first agree on what + is meant by this true and holy Church. Now, seeing that + there is great diversity of opinion in this respect; that + there is no sure doctrine but such as is conformable to the + Word of God; that the Lord forbids the teaching of any other + doctrine; that each text of the Holy Scriptures ought to be + explained by other and clearer texts; that this holy book + is, in all things necessary for the Christian, easy of + understanding, and calculated to scatter the darkness: we + are resolved, with the grace of God, to maintain the pure + and exclusive preaching of his only Word, such as it is + contained in the biblical books of the Old and New + Testament, without adding anything thereto that may be + contrary to it.[162] This Word is the only truth; it is the + sure rule of all doctrine and of all life, and can never + fail or deceive us. He who builds on this foundation shall + stand against all the powers of hell, whilst all the human + vanities that are set up against it shall fall before the + face of God. + +[Sidenote: PRINCIPLES OF THE PROTEST.] + + "For these reasons, most dear Lords, Uncles, Cousins, and + Friends, we earnestly entreat you to weigh carefully our + grievances and our motives. If you do not yield to our + request, we PROTEST by these presents, before God, our only + Creator, Preserver, Redeemer, and Saviour, and who will one + day be our Judge, as well as before all men and all + creatures, that we, for us and for our people, neither + consent nor adhere in any manner whatsoever to the proposed + decree, in any thing that is contrary to God, to his holy + Word, to our right conscience, to the salvation of our + souls, and to the last decree of Spire. + + "At the same time we are in expectation that his imperial + majesty will behave towards us like a christian prince who + loves God above all things; and we declare ourselves ready + to pay unto him, as well as unto you, gracious lords, all + the affection and obedience that are our just and legitimate + duty." + + [161] Ein jeglicher fur sich selbt vor Gott stehen.--(Jung Beyträge, + p. 96.) + + [162] Allein Gottes wort, lauter und rein, und nichts das dawieder + ist.--(Jung Beyträge, p. 101.) + +Thus, in presence of the diet, spoke out those courageous men whom +Christendom will henceforward denominate THE PROTESTANTS. + +They had barely finished when they announced their intention of +quitting Spire on the morrow.[163] + + [163] Also zu verritten urlaub genommen.--(Jung Beyträge, p. 52.) + +This protest and declaration produced a deep impression. The diet was +rudely interrupted and broken into two hostile parties,--thus +preluding war. The majority became the prey of the liveliest fears. As +for the Protestants relying, _jure humano_, upon the Edict of Spire, +and _jure divino_, upon the Bible, they were full of courage and +firmness. + +[Sidenote: THE SUPREMACY OF THE GOSPEL.] + +The principles contained in this celebrated protest of the 19th April +1529, constitute the very essence of Protestantism. Now this protest +opposes two abuses of man in matters of faith: the first is the +intrusion of the civil magistrate, and the second is the arbitrary +authority of the Church. Instead of these two abuses, Protestantism +sets up above the magistrate the power of conscience; and above the +visible Church the authority of the Word of God. It declines, in the +first place, the civil power in divine things, and says with the +Prophets and Apostles: _We must obey God rather than man._ In presence +of the crown of Charles the Fifth, it uplifts the crown of Jesus +Christ. But it goes farther: it lays down the principle, that all +human teaching should be subordinate to the oracles of God. Even the +primitive Church, by recognising the writings of the Apostles, had +performed an act of submission to this supreme authority, and not an +act of authority, as Rome maintains; and the establishment of a +tribunal charged with the interpretation of the Bible, had terminated +only in slavishly subjecting man to man in that which should be the +most unfettered--conscience and faith. In this celebrated act of Spire +no doctor appears, and the Word of God reigns alone. Never has man +exalted himself like the Pope; never have men kept in the back-ground +like the Reformers. + +A Romish historian maintains that the word _Protestant_ signifies +_enemy of the Emperor and of the Pope_.[164] If by this it is meant +that Protestantism, in matters of faith, rejects the intervention both +of the Empire and of the Papacy, it is well. Even this explanation, +however, does not exhaust the meaning of the word, for Protestantism +rejected the authority of man solely to place Jesus Christ on the +throne of the Church, and his Word in the pulpit. There has never been +anything more positive, and at the same time more aggressive, than the +position of the Protestants at Spire. By maintaining that their faith +is alone capable of saving the world, they defended with intrepid +courage the rights of Christian Proselytism. We cannot abandon this +Proselytism without deserting the Protestant principle. + + [164] Perduelles in Pontificem ac Cæsarem.--(Pallavicini, C. T. I. p. + 217.) + +[Sidenote: FERDINAND REJECTS THE PROTEST.] + +The Protestants of Spire were not content to exalt the truth; they +defended charity. Faber and the other Papal partizans had endeavoured +to separate the princes, who in general walked with Luther, from the +cities that ranged themselves rather on the side of Zwingle. +Œcolampadius had immediately written to Melancthon, and enlightened +him on the doctrines of the Zurich Reformer. He had indignantly +rejected the idea that Christ was banished into a corner of heaven, +and had energetically declared that, according to the Swiss +Christians, Christ was in every place upholding all things by the +Word of his power.[165] "With the visible symbols," he added, "we give +and we receive the invisible grace, like all the faithful."[166] + + [165] Ubique ut et portet omnia verbo vertutis suæ.--(Hospin. Hist. + Sacr. ii. p. 112.) + + [166] Χἁριν γἁρ τἡν δὁρατον μετἁ των + συμβὁλων ὁρἁτων.--(Ibid.) + +These declarations were not useless. There were at Spire two men who +from different motives opposed the efforts of Faber, and seconded +those of Œcolampadius. The Landgrave, ever revolving projects of +alliance in his mind, felt clearly that if the Christians of Saxony +and of Hesse allowed the condemnation of the Churches of Switzerland +and of Upper Germany, they would by that very means deprive themselves +of powerful auxiliaries.[167] Melancthon, who was far from desiring, +as the Landgrave, a diplomatic alliance, for fear that it would hasten +on a war, defended the great principles of justice, and exclaimed: "To +what just reproaches should we not be exposed, were we to recognise in +our adversaries the right of condemning a doctrine without having +heard those who defend it!" The union of all evangelical Christians is +therefore a principle of primitive Protestantism. + + [167] Omni studio laborabat ut illos uniret--(Seck. ii. p. 127.) + +As Ferdinand had not heard the protest of the 19th April, a deputation +of the evangelical states went the next day to present it to him. The +brother of Charles the Fifth received it at first, but immediately +after desired to return it. Then was witnessed a strange scene--the +king refusing to keep the protest, and the deputies to take it back. +At last the latter, from respect, received it from Ferdinand's hands; +but they laid it boldly upon a table, and directly quitted the hall. + +[Sidenote: JOY OF THE PROTESTANTS.] + +The king and the imperial commissaries remained in presence of this +formidable writing. It was there--before their eyes--a significant +monument of the courage and faith of the Protestants. Irritated +against this silent but mighty witness, which accused his tyranny, and +left him the responsibility of all the evils that were about to burst +upon the Empire, the brother of Charles the Fifth called some of his +councillors, and ordered them instantly to carry back this important +document to the Protestants. + +All this was unavailing; the protest had been enregistered in the +annals of the world, and nothing could erase it. Liberty of thought +and of conscience had been conquered for ages to come. Thus all +evangelical Germany, foreseeing these things, was moved at this +courageous act, and adopted it as the expression of its will and of +its faith. Men in every quarter beheld in it not a political event, +but a christian action, and the youthful electoral prince, John +Frederick, in this respect the organ of his age, cried to the +Protestants of Spire: "May the Almighty, who has given you grace to +confess energetically, freely, and fearlessly, preserve you in that +christian firmness until the day of eternity!"[168] + + [168] In eo mansuros esse, nec passuros ut ulla hominum machinatione + ab ea sententia divellerentur.--(Seckend. ii. p. 121.) + +While the christians were filled with joy, their enemies were +frightened at their own work. The very day on which Ferdinand had +declined to receive the protest, Tuesday, 20th April, at one in the +afternoon, Henry of Brunswick and Philip of Baden presented themselves +as mediators, announcing, however, that they were acting solely of +their own authority. They proposed that there should be no more +mention of the decree of Worms, and that the first decree of Spire +should be maintained, but with a few modifications; that the two +parties, while remaining free until the next council, should oppose +every new sect, and tolerate no doctrine contrary to the sacrament of +the Lord's body.[169] + + [169] Vergleich artikel.--(Jung Beyträge, p. 55.) + +[Sidenote: EXULTATION OF THE PAPISTS.] + +On Wednesday, 21st April, the evangelical states did not appear +adverse to these propositions; and even those who had embraced the +doctrine of Zwingle declared boldly that such a proposal would not +compromise their existence. "Only let us call to mind," said they, +"that in such difficult matters we must act, not with the sword, but +with the sure Word of God.[170] For, as Saint Paul says: _What is not +of faith is_ _sin_. If therefore we constrain Christians to do what +they believe unjust, instead of leading them by God's Word to +acknowledge what is good, we force them to sin, and we incur a +terrible responsibility." + + [170] In diesen Schweren Sachen, nichts mit Gewalt noch Schwerdt, + sondern mit Gottes gewissem wort.--(Ibid p. 59.) This document is from + the pen of Sturm. + +The fanatics of the Roman party trembled as they saw the victory +nearly escaping from them; for they rejected all compromise, and +desired purely and simply the re-establishment of the Papacy. Their +zeal overcame everything, and the negotiations were broken off. + +On Thursday, 22d April, the diet assembled at seven in the morning, +and the _Recess_ was read precisely as it had been drawn up before, +without even mentioning the attempt at conciliation which had just +failed. + +Faber triumphed. Proud of having the ear of kings, he tossed himself +furiously about, and one would have said, to see him, relates an +eye-witness, that he was a Cyclops forging in his cavern the monstrous +chains with which he was about to bind the Reform and the +Reformers.[171] The Papist princes, carried away by the tumult, gave +the spur, says Melancthon, and flung themselves headlong into a path +filled with dangers.[172] Nothing was left for the evangelical +Christians but to fall on their knees and cry to the Lord. "All that +remains for us to do," repeated Melancthon, "is to call upon the Son +of God."[173] + + [171] Cyclops ille nunc ferocem se fecit.--(Corp. Ref. i. p. 1062.) + + [172] Ut ingrediantur lubricum isti iter, impingendo stimulis + calces.--(Ibid.) + + [173] De quo reliquum est ut invocemus Filium Dei--(Ibid.) + +The last sitting of the diet took place on the 24th April. The princes +renewed their protest, in which fourteen free and imperial cities +joined: and they next thought of giving their appeal a legal form. + +[Sidenote: CHRISTIAN UNITY A REALITY.] + +On Sunday, 25th April, two notaries, Leonard Stetner of Freysingen and +Pangrace Saltzmann of Bamberg, were seated before a small table in a +narrow chamber on the ground-floor of a house situated in St. John's +Lane, near the church of the same name in Spire, and around them were +the chancellors of the princes and of the evangelical cities, assisted +by several witnesses.[174] + + [174] Unten in einem Kleinen Stüblein.--(Jung Beyträge, p. 78. + Instramentum Appellationis.) + +This little house belonged to an humble pastor, Peter Muterstatt, +deacon of St. John's, who, taking the place of the Elector or of the +Landgrave, had offered a domicile for the important act that was +preparing. His name shall in consequence be transmitted to posterity. +The document having been definitively drawn up, one of the notaries +began reading it. "Since there is a natural communion between all +men," said the Protestants, "and since even persons condemned to death +are permitted to unite and appeal against their condemnation; how much +more are we, who are members of the same spiritual body, the Church of +the Son of God, children of the same heavenly Father, and consequently +brothers in the Spirit,[175] authorized to unite when our salvation +and eternal condemnation are concerned." + + [175] Membra unius corporis spiritualis Jesu Christi et filii unius + patris cœlestis, ideoque fratres spirituales.--(Seckend. ii. p. 130.) + +After reviewing all that had passed in the diet, and after +intercalating in their appeal the principal documents that had +reference to it, the Protestants ended by saying: "We therefore appeal +for ourselves, for our subjects, and for all who receive or who shall +hereafter receive the Word of God, from all past, present, or future +vexatious measures, to his Imperial Majesty, and to a free and +universal assembly of holy Christendom." This document filled twelve +sheets of parchment; the signatures and seals were affixed to the +thirteenth. + +[Sidenote: ESCAPE OF GRYNÆUS.] + +Thus in the obscure dwelling of the chaplain of St. John's was made +the first confession of the true Christian union. In presence of the +holy mechanical unity of the Pope, these confessors of Jesus raised +the banner of the living unity of Christ; and, as in the days of our +Saviour, if there were many synagogues in Israel, there was at least +but one single temple. The Christians of Electoral Saxony, of +Luneburg, of Anhalt, of Hesse and the Margravate, of Strasburg, +Nuremberg, Ulm, Constance, Lindau, Memmingen, Kempten, Nordlingen, +Heilbron, Reutlingen, Isny, Saint Gall, Weissenburg, and Windsheim, +clasped each other's hands on the 25th April, near the church of St. +John, in the face of threatening persecutions. Among them might be +found those who, like Zwingle, acknowledged in the Lord's Supper the +entirely spiritual presence of Jesus Christ, as well as those who, +like Luther, admitted his corporeal presence. There existed not at +that time in the evangelical body any sects, hatred, or schism; +christian unity was a reality. That upper chamber in which, during the +early days of Christianity, the apostles with the women and the +brethren "continued with one accord in prayer and supplication,"[176] +and that lower chamber where, in the first days of the Reformation, +the renewed disciples of Jesus Christ presented themselves to the Pope +and the Emperor, to the world and to the scaffold, as forming but one +body, are the two cradles of the Church; and it is in this its hour of +weakness and humiliation that it shines forth with the brightest +glory. + + [176] Acts i. 14. + +[Sidenote: MELANCTHON'S DEJECTION.] + +After this appeal each one returned silently to his dwelling. Several +tokens excited alarm for the safety of the Protestants. A short time +previously Melancthon hastily conducted through the streets of Spire +towards the Rhine his friend Simon Grynæus, pressing him to cross the +river. The latter was astonished at such precipitation.[177] "An old +man of grave and solemn appearance, but who is unknown to me," said +Melancthon, "appeared before me and said: In a minute officers of +justice will be sent by Ferdinand to arrest Grynæus." As he was +intimate with Faber, and had been scandalized at one of his sermons, +Grynæus had gone to him, and begged him no longer to make war against +the truth. Faber had dissembled his anger, but immediately after +repaired to the king, from whom he had obtained an order against the +importunate professor of Heidelberg.[178] Melancthon doubted not that +God had saved his friend by sending one of His holy angels to forewarn +him. Motionless on the banks of the Rhine he waited until the waters +of that stream had rescued Grynæus from his persecutors. "At last," +cried Melancthon, as he saw him on the opposite side, "he is torn from +the cruel teeth of those who drink innocent blood."[179] When he +returned to his house, Melancthon was informed that the officers in +search of Grynæus had ransacked it from top to bottom.[180] + + [177] Miranti quæ esset tantæ festinationis causa.--(Camerarius Vita. + Mel. p. 113.) + + [178] Faber qui valde offenderetur orationi tali, dissimulare tamen + omnia.--(Ibid.) + + [179] Ereptus quasi e faucibus eorum qui sitiunt sanguinem + innocentium.--(Mel. ad Camer. 23d April, Corp. Ref. i. p. 1062.) + + [180] Affluit armata quædam manus ad comprehendum Grynæum + missa.--(Camer. Vit. Mel. p. 113.) + +Nothing could detain the Protestants longer in Spire. Accordingly, on +the morning after their appeal (Monday, 26th April), the Elector, the +Landgrave, and the Dukes of Luneburg, quitted the city, reached Worms, +and then returned by Hesse into their own states. The appeal of Spire +was published by the Landgrave on the 5th, and by the Elector on the +13th May. + +Melancthon had returned to Wittemberg on the 6th May, persuaded that +the two parties were about to draw the sword. His friends were alarmed +at seeing him agitated, exhausted, and like one dead.[181] "It is a +great event that has just taken place at Spire," said he. "It is big +with dangers, not only to the Empire, but also to Religion +itself.[182] All the pains of hell oppress me."[183] + + [181] Ita fuit perturbatus ut primis diebus pene extinctus + sit.--(Corp. Ref. i. p. 1067) + + [182] Non enim tantum imperium, sed religio etiam + periclitantur.--(Ibid.) + + [183] Omnes dolores inferni oppresserant me.--(Ibid, and p. 1069.) + +[Sidenote: THE PRINCES, THE TRUE REFORMERS.] + +It was Melancthon's greatest affliction, that all these evils were +attributed to him, as indeed he ascribed them himself. "One single +thing has injured us," said he; "our not having approved, as was +required of us, the edict against the Zwinglians." Luther did not +take this gloomy view of affairs; but he was far from comprehending +the force of the protest. "The diet," said he, "has come to an end +almost without results, except that those who scourge Jesus Christ +have not been able to satisfy their fury."[184] + + [184] Christo mastiges et Psycho-tyranni suum furorem non potuerunt + explere.--(L. Epp. Linco, 6th May 1529.) + +Posterity has not ratified this decision, and, on the contrary, dating +from this epoch the definitive formation of Protestantism, it has +hailed in the Protest of Spire one of the greatest movements recorded +in history. + +Let us see to whom the chief glory of this act belongs. The part taken +by the princes, and especially by the Elector of Saxony, in the German +Reformation, must strike every impartial observer. These are the true +Reformers--the true Martyrs. The Holy Ghost, that bloweth where it +listeth, had inspired them with the courage of the ancient confessors +of the Church; and the God of Election was glorified in them. A little +later perhaps this great part played by the princes might have +produced deplorable consequences: there is no grace of God that man +may not pervert. But nothing should prevent us from rendering honour +to whom honour is due, and from adoring the work of the eternal Spirit +in these eminent men who, under God, were in the sixteenth century the +saviours of Christendom. + +The Reformation had taken a bodily form. It was Luther alone who had +said No at the Diet of Worms: but Churches and ministers, princes and +people, said No at the Diet of Spire. + +In no country had superstition, scholasticism, hierarchy, and popery, +been so powerful as among the Germanic nations. These simple and +candid people had humbly bent their neck to the yoke that came from +the banks of the Tiber. But, there was in them a depth, a life, a need +of interior liberty, which, sanctified by the Word of God, might +render them the most energetic organs of christian truth. It was from +them that was destined to emanate the reaction against that material, +external, and legal system, which had taken the place of Christianity; +it was they who were called to shatter in pieces the skeleton which +had been substituted for the spirit and the life, and restore to the +heart of Christendom, ossified by the hierarchy, the generous beatings +of which it had been deprived for so many ages. The Universal Church +will never forget the debt it owes to the Princes of Spire and to +Luther. + + +[Sidenote: GERMANY AND REFORM.] + +VII. The protest of Spire had still further increased the indignation +of the Papal adherents; and Charles the Fifth, according to the oath +he had made at Barcelona, set about preparing "a suitable antidote for +the pestilential disease with which the Germans were attacked, and to +avenge in a striking manner the insult offered to Jesus Christ."[185] +The Pope, on his part, endeavoured to combine all the other princes of +Christendom in this crusade; and the peace of Cambray, concluded on +the 5th August, tended to the accomplishment of his cruel designs. It +left the Emperor's hands free against the heretics. After having +entered their protest at Spire, it was necessary for the Evangelicals +to think of maintaining it. + + [185] Illatamque Christo injuriam pro viribus ulciscentur.--(Dumont, + Corp. Univ. Diplomatique, iv. p. 1, 5.) + +The Protestant states that had already laid the foundations of an +evangelical alliance at Spire, had agreed to send deputies to Rothach; +but the Elector, staggered by the representations of Luther, who was +continually saying to him, "It is by keeping yourselves tranquil and +in quietness that you will be saved,"[186] ordered his deputies to +listen to the propositions of his allies, but to decide upon nothing. +They adjourned to a new conference, which never took place. Luther +triumphed; for human alliances failed. "Christ the Lord will know how +to deliver us without the Landgrave, and even against the Landgrave," +said he to his friends.[187] + + [186] Isaiah xxx. 15. L. Epp. iii. p. 454. + + [187] Unser Her. Christus, &c.--(Ibid.) This confidence of Luther + shocks a Lutheran historian--Plank, ii. p. 454. + +[Sidenote: DIFFICULTY OF UNION.] + +Philip of Hesse, who was vexed at Luther's obstinacy, was convinced +that it arose from a dispute about words. "They will hear no mention +of alliances because of the Zwinglians," said he; "well then, let us +put an end to the contradictions that separate them from Luther." + +The union of all the disciples of the Word of God seemed in fact a +necessary condition to the success of the Reform. How could the +Protestants resist the power of Rome and of the Empire, if they were +divided? The Landgrave no doubt wished to unite their minds, that he +might afterwards be able to unite their arms; but the cause of Christ +was not to triumph by the sword. If they should succeed in uniting +their hearts and prayers, the Reform would then find such strength in +the faith of its children, that Philip's spearmen would no longer be +necessary. + +Unfortunately this union of minds, that was now to be sought after +above all things, was a very difficult task. Luther in 1519 had at +first appeared not only to reform, but entirely renovate the doctrine +of the Lord's Supper, as the Swiss did somewhat later. "I go to the +sacrament of the Lord's Supper," he had said, "and I there receive a +sign from God that Christ's righteousness and passion justify me; such +is the use of the Sacrament."[188] This discourse, which had gone +through several impressions in the cities of Upper Germany, had +prepared men's minds for the doctrine of Zwingle. Accordingly Luther, +astonished at the reputation he had gained, published this solemn +declaration in 1527: "I protest before God and before the whole world +that I have never walked with the Sacramentarians." + + [188] In the writing entitled, _Dass diese Worte noch feste + Stehen_.--(L. Opp. xix.) + +[Sidenote: A LUTHERAN WARNING.] + +Luther in fact was never Zwinglian as regards the Communion. Far from +that, in 1519, he still believed in Transubstantiation. Why then +should he speak of a sign? It was for this reason. While, according to +Zwingle, the bread and wine are signs of the body and blood of Christ, +according to Luther, the very body and blood of Jesus Christ are +signs of God's grace. These opinions are widely different from one +another. + +Erelong this disagreement declared itself. In 1527 Zwingle in his +_Friendly Exposition_[189] repeated Luther's opinion with mildness and +respect. Unfortunately the pamphlet of the Saxon Reformer "against the +enthusiasts" was then issuing from the press, and in it Luther +expressed his indignation that his adversaries should dare to speak of +christian unity and peace. "Well!" exclaimed he, "since they thus +insult all reason, I will give them a Lutheran warning.[190] Cursed be +this concord! cursed be this charity! down, down with it, to the +bottomless pit of hell! If I should murder your father, your mother, +your wife, your child, and then, wishing to murder you, I should say +to you, Let us be at peace, my dear friend! what answer would you +make?--It is thus that the enthusiasts who murder Jesus Christ my +Lord, God the Father, and Christendom my mother, wish to murder me +also; and then they say, Let us be friends!" + + [189] _Amica exegesis_, id est, Expositio Eucharistæ negotii ad M. + Lutherum.--(Zw. Opp.) + + [190] Eine Lutherische Warnung.--(L. Opp. xix. p. 391. Wider die + Schwärmgeister.) + +Zwingle wrote two replies "to the excellent Martin Luther," in a cold +tone and with a haughty calmness more difficult to pardon than the +invectives of the Saxon doctor. "We ought to esteem you a vessel of +honour, and we do so with joy," said he, "notwithstanding your +faults." Pamphlet followed pamphlet, Luther always writing with the +same impetuosity, and Zwingle with the same coolness and irony. + +[Sidenote: PROPOSED CONFERENCE AT MARBURG.] + +Such were the doctors whom the Landgrave undertook to reconcile. +Already, during the sitting of the Diet of Spire, Philip of Hesse, who +was afflicted at hearing the Papists continually repeating, "You boast +of your attachment to the pure Word of God, and yet you are +nevertheless disunited,"[191] had made overtures to Zwingle in +writing. He now went farther, and invited the theologians of the +different parties to meet at Marburg. These invitations met with +various receptions. Zwingle, whose heart was large and fraternal, +answered the Landgrave's call; but Luther, who discovered leagues and +battles behind this pretended concord, rejected it. + + [191] Inter nos ipsos de religionis doctrina non consentire.--(Zw. + Epp. ii. p. 287.) + +It seemed, however, that great difficulties would detain Zwingle. To +travel from Zurich to Marburg, it was necessary to pass through the +territories of the Emperor and of other enemies to the Reformation; +the Landgrave himself did not conceal the dangers of the journey;[192] +but in order to obviate these difficulties, he promised an escort from +Strasburg to Hesse, and for the rest "the protection of God."[193] +These precautions were not of a nature to reassure the Zurichers. + + [192] Viam Francofurdi capias, quam autem hac periculosiorem esse + putamus.--(Ibid. p. 312.) + + [193] Juvante Deo tuti.--(Zw. Epp. ii. p. 329.) + +Reasons of another kind detained Luther and Melancthon. "It is not +right," said they, "that the Landgrave has so much to do with the +Zwinglians. Their error is of such a nature that people of acute minds +are easily tainted by it. Reason loves what it understands, +particularly when learned men clothe their ideas in a scriptural +dress." + +Melancthon did not stop here, but put forth the very extraordinary +notion of selecting Papists as judges of the discussion. "If there +were no impartial judges," said he, "the Zwinglians would have a good +chance of boasting of victory."[194] Thus, according to Melancthon, +Papists would be impartial judges when the real presence was the +subject of discussion! He went still farther. "Let the Elector," he +wrote on the 14th May to the Prince Electoral, "refuse to permit our +journey to Marburg, so that we may allege this excuse." The Elector +would not lend himself to so disgraceful a proceeding; and the +Reformers of Wittemberg found themselves compelled to accede to the +request of Philip of Hesse. But they did so with these words: "If the +Swiss do not yield to us, all your trouble will be lost;" and they +wrote to the theologians among their friends who were convoked by the +Prince: "Stay away if you can; your absence will be very useful to +us."[195] + + [194] Papistische als unparteische.--(Corp. Ref. i. p. 1066.) + + [195] Si potes, noli adesse.--(L. Epp. iii. p. 501.) + +[Sidenote: ZWINGLE'S DEPARTURE.] + +Zwingle, on the contrary, who would have gone to the end of the world, +made every exertion to obtain from the magistrates of Zurich +permission to visit Marburg. "I am convinced," said he to the secret +council, "that if we doctors meet face to face, the splendour of truth +will illuminate our eyes."[196] But the council that had only just +signed the first religious peace,[197] and who feared to see war burst +out afresh, positively refused to allow the departure of the Reformer. + + [196] Ut veritatis splendor oculos nostros feriat.--(Zw. Epp. ii. p. + 321.) + + [197] See below, Book xvi. chap. ii. anno 1529. + +Upon this Zwingle decided for himself. He felt that his presence was +necessary for the maintenance of peace in Zurich; but it was the +welfare of all Christendom that summoned him to Marburg. Accordingly, +raising his eyes towards heaven, he resolved to depart, exclaiming, "O +God! Thou hast never abandoned us; Thou wilt perform thy will for +thine own glory."[198] During the night of the 31st August, Zwingle, +who was unwilling to wait for the Landgrave's safe-conduct, prepared +for his journey. Rodolph Collin, the Greek professor, was alone to +accompany him. The Reformer wrote to the Smaller and to the Great +Council: "If I leave without informing you, it is not because I +despise your authority, most wise lords; but because, knowing the love +you bear towards me, I foresee that your anxiety will oppose my +going." + + [198] Dei nunquam fallentis, qui nos nunquam deseruit, gratiam + reputavi.--(Zw. Epp. ii. p. 356.) + +[Sidenote: RUMOURS IN ZURICH.] + +As he was writing these words, a fourth message arrived from the +Landgrave, more pressing still than the preceding ones. The Reformer +sent the prince's letter to the burgomaster with his own; he then +quitted his house privily by night,[199] concealing his departure both +from his friends, whose importunity he feared, and from his enemies, +whose snares he had good cause to dread. He did not even tell his wife +where he was going, lest it should distress her. He and Collin then +mounted two horses that had been hired for the purpose,[200] and rode +off rapidly in the direction of Basle. + + [199] Sabbati die, mane ante lucem, 1 Septembris.--(Ibid.) + + [200] Equis conductoriis.--(Zw. Epp. ii. p. 361.) + +During the day the rumour of Zwingle's absence spread through Zurich, +and his enemies were elated. "He has fled the country," said they; "he +has run away with a pack of scoundrels!" "As he was crossing the river +at Bruck," said others, "the boat upset and he was drowned." "The +devil," affirmed many with a malicious smile, "appeared to him bodily +and carried him off."[201]--"There was no end to their stories," says +Bullinger. But the council immediately resolved on acceding to the +wish of the Reformer. On the very day of his departure they appointed +one of the councillors, Ulric Funck, to accompany him to Marburg, who +forthwith set out with a domestic and one arquebusier. Strasburg and +Basle in like manner sent statesmen in company with their theologians, +under the idea that this conference would doubtless have also a +political object. + + [201] Der Tufel vere by imm gesin.--(Bulling. ii. p. 224.) + +Zwingle arrived safe and sound at Basle,[202] and embarked on the +river on the 6th September with Œcolampadius and several +merchants.[203] In thirteen hours they reached Strasburg, where the +two Reformers lodged in the house of Matthew Zell, the cathedral +preacher. Catherine, the pastor's wife, prepared the dishes in the +kitchen, waited at table, according to the ancient German +manners,[204] and then sitting down near Zwingle, listened +attentively, and spoke with so much piety and knowledge, that the +latter soon ranked her above many doctors. + + [202] Integer et sanus Basiliam pervenit.--(Zw. Epp. ii. p. 361.) + + [203] Aliquos mercatorum fide dignos, comites.--(Ibid.) + + [204] Ich bin 14 Tag magd und Köchin gewesen.--(Fussl. Beytr. v. p. + 313.) See her remarkable correspondence with the superintendent + Rabus.--(Ibid. p. 191-354.) + +[Sidenote: THE REFORMERS AT MARBURG.] + +Zwingle, after discussing with the Strasburg magistrates the means of +resisting the Romish league, and the organization to be given to the +christian confederacy,[205] quitted Strasburg; and he and his friends, +conducted along by-roads, through forests, over mountains and valleys, +by secret but sure paths, at last arrived at Marburg, escorted by +forty Hessian cavaliers.[206] + + [205] De jure præsidendi conciliis civitatum christianarum.--(Ibid. v. + p. 364.) See book xvi. of this History. + + [206] Per devia et sylvas, montes et valles, tutissimos et + occultos.--(Ibid. p. 368.) + +Luther, on his side, accompanied by Melancthon, Cruciger, and Jonas, +had stopped on the Hessian frontier, declaring that nothing should +induce him to cross it until he had a safe-conduct from the Landgrave. +This document being obtained, Luther arrived at Alsfeld, where the +scholars, kneeling under the Reformer's windows, chanted their pious +hymns. He entered Marburg on the 30th September, a day after the +arrival of the Swiss. Both parties went to inns; but they had scarcely +alighted, before the Landgrave invited them to come and lodge in the +castle, thinking by this means to bring the opposing parties closer +together. Philip entertained them in a manner truly royal.[207] "Ah!" +said the pious Jonas, as he wandered through the halls of the palace, +"it is not in honour of the Muses, but in honour of God and of his +Christ, that we are so munificently treated in these forests of +Hesse!" After dinner, on the first day, Œcolampadius, Hedio, and +Bucer, desirous of entering into the prince's views, went and saluted +Luther. The latter conversed affectionately with Œcolampadius in the +castle-court; but Bucer, with whom he had once been very intimate, and +who was now on Zwingle's side, having approached him, Luther said to +him, smiling, and making a sign with his hand: "As for you, you are a +good-for-nothing fellow and a knave!"[208] + + [207] Excepit in arce hospitio et mensa regali.--(Corp. Ref. i. p. + 1096.) + + [208] Subridens aliquantulum respondit: _tu es nequam et + nebulo_.--(Sculteti Annal. ad 1529.) + +[Sidenote: PRELIMINARY DISCUSSIONS.] + +The unhappy Carlstadt, who had begun all this dispute, was at that +time in Friesland, preaching the spiritual presence of Christ, and +living in such destitution that he had been forced to sell his Hebrew +Bible to procure bread. The trial had crushed his pride, and he wrote +to the Landgrave: "We are but one body, one house, one people, one +sacerdotal race; we live and die by one and the same Saviour.[209] For +this reason, I, poor and in exile, humbly pray your highness, by the +blood of Jesus Christ, to allow me to be present at this disputation." + + [209] State Papers of Cassel. + +But how bring Luther and Carlstadt face to face? and yet how repel the +unhappy man? The Landgrave, to extricate himself from this difficulty, +referred him to the Saxon Reformer. Carlstadt did not appear. + +Philip of Hesse desired that, previously to the public conference, the +theologians should have a private interview. It was however considered +dangerous, says a contemporary, for Zwingle and Luther, who were both +naturally violent, to contend with one another at the very beginning; +and as Œcolampadius and Melancthon were the mildest, they were +apportioned to the roughest.[210] On Friday the 1st October, after +divine service, Luther and Œcolampadius were conducted into one +chamber, and Zwingle and Melancthon into another. The combatants were +then left to struggle two and two. + + [210] Abgetheilt zu den rühren.--(Bull. ii. p. 225.) + +[Sidenote: MELANCTHON AND ZWINGLE.] + +The principal contest took place in the room of Zwingle and +Melancthon. "It is affirmed," said Melancthon to Zwingle, "that some +among you speak of God after the manner of the Jews, as if Christ was +not essentially God." "I think on the Holy Trinity," replied Zwingle, +"with the Council of Nice and the Athanasian creed." "Councils! +creeds! What does that mean?" asked Melancthon. "Have you not +continually repeated that you recognise no other authority than that +of Scripture?" "We have never rejected the councils," replied the +Swiss Reformer, "when they are based on the authority of the Word of +God.[211] The four first councils are truly sacred as regards +doctrine, and none of the faithful have ever rejected them." This +important declaration, handed down to us by Œcolampadius, +characterizes the Reformed theology.[212] + + [211] Ubi unquam concilia rejicimus, verbi divini auctoritati + suffulta?--(Zw. Opp. iv. p. 191.) + + [212] The word _Reformed_ is used to distinguish the doctrine and the + church of Zwingle and Calvin from those of Luther. + +"But you teach," resumed Melancthon, "like Thomas Munster, that the +Holy Ghost acts quite alone, independently of the sacraments and of +the Word of God." "The Holy Ghost," replied Zwingle, "works in us +justification by the Word, but by the Word preached and understood, by +the soul and the marrow of the Word, by the mind and will of God +clothed in human language."[213] + + [213] Mens et medulla verbi, mens et voluntas Dei amicta tamen humanis + verbis.--(Zw. Epp. iv. p. 173.) + +"At least," continued Melancthon, "you deny original sin, and make sin +to consist only in actual and external works, like the Pelagians, the +philosophers, and the Papists." + +This was the principal difficulty. "Since man naturally loves +himself," replied Zwingle, "instead of loving God; in that there is a +crime, a sin that condemns him."[214] He had more than once before +expressed the same opinion;[215] and yet Melancthon exulted on hearing +him: "Our adversaries," said he afterwards, "have given way on all +these points!" + + [214] Malum, peccatum.--(Ibid. p. 172.) + + [215] De peccato originali ad Urb. Rhegium.--(Ibid. iii. p. 632.) + +Luther had pursued the same method with Œcolampadius as Melancthon +with Zwingle. The discussion had in particular turned on baptism. +Luther complained that they would not acknowledge that by this simple +sign a man became a member of the Church. "It is true," said +Œcolampadius, "that we require faith--either an actual or a future +faith. Why should we deny it? Who is a Christian, if it be not he who +believes in Christ? However, I should be unwilling to deny that the +water of baptism is in a certain sense a water of regeneration; for by +it he whom the Church knew not becomes its child."[216] + + [216] Atque adeo ipse non negarim, aquam baptismi esse aquam + regenerantem: fit enim puer ecclesiæ, qui dudum ab ecclesia non + agnoscebatur.--(Zw. Opp. iv. p. 193.) + +These four theologians were in the very heat of their discussions, +when domestics came to inform them that the prince's dinner was on the +table. They immediately rose, and Zwingle and Melancthon meeting +Luther and Œcolampadius, who were also quitting their chamber, the +latter approached Zwingle, and whispered mournfully in his ear: "I +have fallen a second time into the hands of Dr. Eck."[217] In the +language of the Reformers nothing stronger could be said. + + [217] Lutherum Œcolampadem ita excepit, ut ad me veniens clam + queratur, se denuo in Eccium incidisse.--(Zw. Epp. ii. p. 369.) + +It does not appear that the conference between Luther and Œcolampadius +was resumed after dinner. Luther's manner held out little hope; but +Melancthon and Zwingle returned to the discussion, and the Zurich +doctor finding the Wittemberg professor escape him like an eel, as he +said, and take "like Proteus a thousand different forms," seized a pen +in order to fix his antagonist. Zwingle committed to writing whatever +Melancthon dictated, and then wrote his reply, giving it to the other +to read.[218] In this manner they spent six hours, three in the +morning and three in the afternoon.[219] They prepared for the general +conference. + + [218] At Melancthon, cum nimis lubricus esset et Protei in morem se in + omnia transformaret, me compulit, ut sumpto calamo manu + armarem.--(Ibid.) + + [219] Istud colloquium sex in horas traximus.--(Ibid. 370.) + +Zwingle requested that it should be an open one; Luther opposed this. +It was resolved that the princes, nobles, deputies, and theologians +should be admitted; but a great crowd of citizens, and even many +scholars and gentlemen, who had come from Frankfort, from the Rhine +districts, from Strasburg, from Basle and other Swiss towns, were +excluded. Brenz speaks of fifty or sixty hearers; Zwingle of +twenty-four only.[220] + + [220] Quinquaginta aut sexaginta colloquio præsentes.--(Zw. Opp. iv. + p. 201.) Pauci arbitrii ad summum quatuor et viginti.--(Epp. ii. p. + 370.) + +[Sidenote: OPENING OF THE CONFERENCE.] + +On a gentle elevation, watered by the Lahn, is situated an old castle, +overlooking the city of Marburg; in the distance is seen the beautiful +valley of the Lahn, and beyond, the mountain-tops rising one above +another, until they are lost in the horizon. It was beneath the vaults +and Gothic arches of an ancient hall in this castle, called the +Knights' Hall, that the conference was to take place. + +On Saturday morning (2d October) the Landgrave took his seat in the +hall, surrounded by his court, but so plainly dressed that no one +would have taken him for a prince. He wished to avoid the appearance +of playing the part of a Constantine in the affairs of the Church. +Before him was a table which Luther, Zwingle, Melancthon, and +Œcolampadius approached. Luther, taking a piece of chalk, bent over +the velvet cloth which covered it, and steadily wrote four words in +large characters. All eyes followed the movement of his hand, and soon +they read HOC EST CORPUS MEUM.[221] Luther wished to have this +declaration continually before him, that it might strengthen his +faith, and be a sign to his adversaries. + + [221] This is my body.--(Zw. Opp. iv. p. 175.) + +Behind these four theologians were seated their friends,--Hedio, +Sturm, Funck, Frey, Eberard, Than, Jonas, Cruigerc, and others +besides. Jonas cast an inquiring glance upon the Swiss: "Zwingle," +said he, "has a certain rusticity and arrogance;[222] if he is well +versed in letters, it is in spite of Minerva and of the Muses. In +Œcolampadius there is a natural goodness and admirable meekness. Hedio +seems to have as much liberality as kindness; but I find in Bucer the +cunning of a fox, that knows how to give himself an air of sense and +prudence." Men of moderate sentiments often meet with worse treatment +than those of the extreme parties. + + [222] In Zwinglio agreste quiddam est et arrogantulum.--(Corp. Ref. i. + p. 1097.) + +[Sidenote: ADDRESS OF CORDUE.] + +Other sentiments animated those who contemplated this assembly from a +distance. The great men who had led the people in their footsteps on +the plains of Saxony, on the banks of the Rhine, and in the lofty +valleys of Switzerland, were there met face to face: the Chiefs of +Christendom, separated from Rome, were come together to see if they +could remain one. Accordingly, from all parts of Germany, prayers and +anxious looks were directed towards Marburg. "Illustrious princes of +the Word,"[223] cried the evangelical Church through the mouth of the +poet Cordus, "penetrating Luther, mild Œcolampadius, magnanimous +Zwingle, pious Snepf, eloquent Melancthon, courageous Bucer, candid +Hedio, excellent Osiander, valiant Brenz, amiable Jonas, fiery Craton, +Mænus, whose soul is stronger than his body, great Dionysius, and you +Myconius--all you whom Prince Philip, that illustrious hero, has +summoned, ministers and bishops, whom the christian cities have sent +to terminate the schism, and to show us the way of truth; the +suppliant Church falls weeping at your feet, and begs you by the +bowels of Jesus Christ to bring this matter to a happy issue, so that +the world may acknowledge in your resolution the work of the Holy +Ghost himself."[224] + + [223] Insignes verbi proceres.--(Bull. ii. p. 236.) + + [224] Et cupido supplex vobis Ecclesia voto Vestros cadit flens ad + pedes.--(Bull. ii p. 236.) + +The Landgrave's chancellor, John Feige, having reminded them in the +prince's name that the object of this colloquy was the re-establishment +of union, "I protest," said Luther, "that I differ from my adversaries +with regard to the doctrine of the Lord's Supper, and that I shall +always differ from them. Christ has said, _This is my body_. Let them +show me that a body is not a body. I reject reason, common sense, +carnal arguments, and mathematical proofs. God is above +mathematics.[225] We have the Word of God; we must adore it and +perform it!" + + [225] Deum esse supra mathematicam.--(Zw. Opp. iv. p. 175.) + +[Sidenote: THE DISCUSSION--FIGURES.] + +"It cannot be denied," said Œcolampadius, "that there are figures of +speech in the Word of God; as _John is Elias, the rock was Christ, I +am the vine_. The expression _This is my body_, is a figure of the +same kind." Luther granted that there were figures in the Bible, but +he denied that this last expression was figurative. + +All the various parties, however, of which the Christian Church is +composed see a figure in these words. In fact, the Romanists declare +that _This is my body_ signifies not only "my body," but also "my +blood," "my soul," and even "my Divinity," and "Christ wholly.[226]" +These words, therefore, according to Rome, are a synecdoche, a figure +by which a part is taken for the whole. And, as regards the Lutherans, +the figure is still more evident.[227] Whether it be synecdoche, +metaphor, or metonymy, there is still a figure. In order to prove it, +Œcolampadius employed this syllogism:-- + + [226] If any one denies that the body and blood of our Saviour Jesus + Christ, with his soul and his divinity, and consequently the whole + Jesus Christ (totum Christum), is contained in the sacrament of the + Eucharist, let him be anathema.--(Council of Trent, Sess. 13.) + + [227] Tota Christi persona.--(Form. concord. viii.) + +"What Christ rejected in the sixth chapter of St. John, he could not +admit in the words of the Eucharist. + +"Now Christ, who said to the people of Capernaum, _The flesh profiteth +nothing_, rejected by those very words the oral manducation of his +body. + +"Therefore he did not establish it at the institution of his Supper." + +LUTHER.--"I deny the minor (the second of these propositions); Christ +has not rejected all oral manducation, but only a material +manducation, like that of the flesh of oxen or of swine."[228] + + [228] Qualis est carnis bovillæ aut suillæ.--(Scult. p. 217.) + +ŒCOLAMPADIUS.--"There is danger in attributing too much to mere +matter." + +[Sidenote: SCRIPTURE EXPLAINED BY SCRIPTURE.] + +LUTHER.--"Every thing that God commands becomes spirit and life. If it +is by the Lord's order that we lift up a straw, in that very action we +perform a spiritual work. We must pay attention to him who speaks, and +not to what he says. God speaks: Men, worms, listen!--God commands: +let the world obey! and let us all together fall down and humbly kiss +the Word."[229] + + [229] Quum præcipit quid, pareat mundus; et omnes osculemur + verbum.--(Zw. Opp. iv. p. 176.) + +ŒCOLAMPADIUS.--"But since we have the spiritual eating, what need of +the bodily one?" + +LUTHER.--"I do not ask what need we have of it; but I see it written, +_Eat, this is my body_. We must therefore believe and do. We must +do--we must do![230]--If God should order me to eat dung, I would do +it, with the assurance that it would be salutary."[231] + + [230] _Man mus es thun_ sæpe inculcabat.--(Ibid.) + + [231] Si juberet fimum comedere, facerem.--(Ibid.) + +At this point Zwingle interfered in the discussion. "We must explain +Scripture by Scripture," said he. "We cannot admit two kinds of +corporeal manducation, as if Jesus had spoken of eating, and the +Capernaites of tearing in pieces, for the same word is employed in +both cases. Jesus says that to eat his flesh corporeally profiteth +nothing (John vi. 63); whence it would result that he had given us in +the Supper a thing that would be useless to us.--Besides there are +certain words that seem to me rather childish,--the dung, for +instance. The oracles of the demons were obscure, not so are those of +Jesus Christ." + +LUTHER.--"When Christ says the flesh profiteth nothing, he speaks not +of his own flesh, but of ours." + + * * * * * + +ZWINGLE.--"The soul is fed with the Spirit and not with the flesh." + +LUTHER.--"It is with the mouth that we eat the body; the soul does not +eat it."[232] + + [232] Anima non edit ipsum (corpus) corporaliter.--(Zw. Epp. ii. p. + 370.) + +ZWINGLE.--"Christ's body is therefore a corporeal nourishment, and not +a spiritual." + +LUTHER.--"You are captious." + +ZWINGLE.--"Not so; but you utter contradictory things." + +LUTHER.--"If God should present me wild apples, I should eat them +spiritually. In the Eucharist, the mouth receives the body of Christ, +and the soul believes in his words." + +[Sidenote: THE SPIRITUAL EATING.] + +Zwingle then quoted a great number of passages from the Holy +Scripture, in which the sign is described by the very thing signified; +and thence concluded that, considering our Lord's declaration in St. +John, _The flesh profiteth nothing_, we must explain the words of the +Eucharist in a similar manner. + +Many hearers were struck by these arguments. Among the Marburg +professors sat the Frenchman Lambert; his tall and spare frame was +violently agitated. He had been at first of Luther's opinion,[233] and +was then hesitating between the two Reformers. As he went to the +conference, he said: "I desire to be a sheet of blank paper, on which +the finger of God may write his truth." Ere long he exclaimed, after +hearing Zwingle and Œcolampadius: "Yes! the Spirit, that is what +vivifies!"[234] When this conversion was known, the Wittembergers, +shrugging their shoulders, said, "Gallic fickleness!" "What!" replied +Lambert, "was St. Paul fickle because he was converted from +Pharisaism? And have we ourselves been fickle in abandoning the lost +sects of Popery?" + + [233] See his Commentary on St. Luke (xxii. 19, 20.) + + [234] He added, that the body of Christ was in the Eucharist neither + mathematically or commensurably, nor really (neque mathematice seu + commensurative, neque re ipsa).--(Epist. Lamb. de Marb. col.) + +Luther was, however, by no means shaken. "_This is my body_," repeated +he, pointing with his finger to the words written before him. "_This +is my body._ The devil himself shall not drive me from that. To seek +to understand it, is to fall away from the faith."[235] + + [235] Si interrogo, excido a fide.--(Zw. Epp. ii. p. 177.) + +"But, doctor," said Zwingle, "St. John explains how Christ's body is +eaten, and you will be obliged at last to leave off singing always the +same song." + +[Sidenote: AGITATION IN THE CONFERENCE.] + +"You make use of unmannerly expressions," replied Luther[236]. The +Wittembergers themselves called Zwingle's argument "his old +song."[237] Zwingle continued without being disconcerted: "I ask you, +doctor, whether Christ in the sixth chapter of St. John did not wish +to reply to the question that had been put to him?" + + [236] Invidiose loqueris.--(Bull. ii. p. 228.) + + [237] Veterem suam cantilenam.--(Zw. Opp. iv. p. 221.) + +LUTHER.--"Mr. Zwingle, you wish to stop my mouth by the arrogancy of +your language. That passage has nothing to do here." + +ZWINGLE, hastily.--"Pardon me, doctor, that passage breaks your neck." + +LUTHER.--"Do not boast so much! You are in Hesse, and not in +Switzerland. In this country we do not break people's necks." + +Then turning towards his friends, Luther complained bitterly of +Zwingle; as if the latter had really wished to break his neck. "He +makes use of soldier-like and blood-stained words," said he.[238] +Luther forgot that he had employed a similar expression in speaking of +Carlstadt.[239] + + [238] Verbum istud, tanquam castrense et cruentum.--(Hospin. p. 131.) + + [239] Vol. III. Book ix. + +ZWINGLE resumed: "In Switzerland also there is strict justice, and we +break no man's neck without trial. That expression signifies merely +that your cause is lost and hopeless." + +Great agitation prevailed in the Knights' Hall. The roughness of the +Swiss and the obstinacy of the Saxon had come into collision. The +Landgrave, fearing to behold the failure of his project of +conciliation, nodded assent to Zwingle's explanation. "Doctor," said +he to Luther, "you should not be offended at such common expressions." +It was in vain: the agitated sea could not again be calmed. The prince +therefore arose, and they all repaired to the banqueting hall. After +dinner they resumed their tasks. + +"I believe," said Luther, "that Christ's body is in heaven, but I also +believe that it is in the sacrament. It concerns me little whether +that be against nature, provided that it is not against faith.[240] +Christ is substantially in the sacrament, such as he was born of the +Virgin." + + [240] Non curo quod sit contra naturam, modo non contra fidem.--(Zw. + Opp. iv. p. 178.) + +[Sidenote: METAPHOR.] + +ŒCOLAMPADIUS, quoting a passage from St. Paul: "We know not Jesus +Christ after the flesh."[241] + + [241] 2 Cor. v. 16. + +LUTHER.--"After the flesh means, in this passage, after our carnal +affections."[242] + + [242] Pro carnalibus affectibus.--(Zw. Opp. iv. p. 202.) + +ŒCOLAMPADIUS.--"You will not allow that there is a metaphor in these +words, _This is my body_, and yet you admit a synecdoche." + +LUTHER.--"Metaphor permits the existence of a sign only; but it is not +so with synecdoche. If a man says he wishes to drink a bottle, we +understand that he means the beer in the bottle. Christ's body is in +the bread, as a sword in the scabbard,[243] or as the Holy Ghost in +the dove." + + [243] Corpus est in pane sicut gladius in vagina.--(Ibid.) + +The discussion was proceeding in this manner, when Osiander, pastor of +Nuremberg, Stephen Agricola, pastor of Augsburg, and Brenz, pastor of +Halle in Swabia, author of the famous Syngramma, entered the hall. +These also had been invited by the Landgrave. But Brenz, to whom +Luther had written that he should take care not to appear, had no +doubt by his indecision retarded his own departure as well as that of +his friends. Places were assigned them near Luther and Melancthon. +"Listen, and speak if necessary," they were told. They took but little +advantage of this permission. "All of us, except Luther," said +Melancthon, "were silent personages."[244] + + [244] Fuimus κὡφα πρὁσωπα.--(Corp. Ref. i. p. 1098.) + +The struggle continued. + +When Zwingle saw that exegesis was not sufficient for Luther, he added +dogmatical theology to it, and, subsidiarily, natural philosophy. + +[Sidenote: CHRIST'S HUMANITY FINITE.] + +"I oppose you," said he, "with this article of our faith: _Ascendit in +cælum_--he ascended into heaven. If Christ is in heaven as regards his +body, how can he be in the bread? The Word of God teaches us that he +was like his brethren in all things (Heb. ii. 17). He therefore +cannot be in several places at once." + +LUTHER.--"Were I desirous of reasoning thus, I would undertake to +prove that Jesus Christ had a wife; that he had black eyes,[245] and +lived in our good country of Germany.[246] I care little about +mathematics." + + [245] Quod uxorem et nigros oculos habuisset.--(Scultet. p. 225.) + + [246] In Germania diuturnum contubernium egisse.--(Zw. Opp. iv. p. + 202.) + +"There is no question of mathematics here," said Zwingle, "but of St. +Paul, who writes to the Philippians, μορφἡν δοὑλου λαβὡν." +[247] + + [247] Having taken the form of a servant.--(Phil. ii. 7.) + +LUTHER, interrupting him.--"Read it to us in Latin or in German, not +in Greek." + +ZWINGLE (in Latin).--"Pardon me: for twelve years past I have made use +of the Greek Testament only." Then continuing to read the passage, he +concluded from it that Christ's humanity is of a finite nature like +our own. + +LUTHER, pointing to the words written before him.--"Most dear sirs, +since my Lord Jesus Christ says, _Hoc est corpus meum_, I believe that +his body is really there." + +Here the scene grew animated. Zwingle started from his chair, sprung +towards Luther, and striking the table before him, said to him:[248] + + [248] Ibi Zwinglius illico prosiliens.--(Scultet. p. 225.) + +"You maintain then, doctor, that Christ's body is locally in the Eucharist; +for you say Christ's body is really _there_--_there_--_there_," repeated +Zwingle. "_There_ is an adverb of place.[249] Christ's body is then of +such a nature as to exist in a place. If it is in a place, it is in +heaven, whence it follows that it is not in the bread." + + [249] Da, da, da. _Ibi_ est adverbium loci.--(Scultet. p. 225.) + +LUTHER.--"I repeat that I have nothing to do with mathematical proofs. +As soon as the words of consecration are pronounced over the bread, +the body is there, however wicked be the priest who pronounces them." + +[Sidenote: PRESENCE OF CHRIST'S BODY.] + +ZWINGLE.--"You are thus re-establishing Popery.[250]" + + [250] Damit richtend ir das papstum uf.--(Zw. Opp. iii. p. 57.) + +LUTHER.--"This is not done through the priest's merits, but because of +Christ's ordinance. I will not, when Christ's body is in question, +hear speak of a particular place. I absolutely will not." + +ZWINGLE.--"Must every thing, then, exist precisely as you will it?" + +The Landgrave perceived that the discussion was growing hot; and as +the repast was waiting, he broke off the contest.[251] + + [251] Cœna instabat et diremit certamen.--(Ibid. iv. p. 179.) + +The next day was Sunday, the 3d October. The conference was continued, +perhaps because of an epidemic (the Sweating Sickness) that had just +broken out at Marburg, and did not allow of the conference being +prolonged. Luther, returning to the discussion of the previous +evening, said: + +"Christ's body is in the sacrament, but it is not there as in a +place." + +ZWINGLE.--"Then it is not there at all." + +LUTHER.--"Sophists say that a body may very well be in several places +at once. The universe is a body, and yet we cannot assert that it is +in a particular place." + +ZWINGLE.--"Ah! you speak of sophists, doctor: really you are, after +all, obliged to return to the onions and flesh-pots of Egypt.[252] As +for what you say, that the universe is in no particular place, I beg +all intelligent men to weigh this proof." Then Zwingle, who, whatever +Luther said, had more than one arrow in his quiver, after having +established his proposition by exegesis and philosophy, resolved on +confirming it by the testimony of the Fathers of the Church. + + [252] Ad cæpas at ollas Ægyptiacas.--(Zw. Opp. ii. part 3, p. 57.) + +[Sidenote: TESTIMONY OF AUGUSTIN.] + +"Listen," said he, "to what Fulgentius, bishop of Ruspa, in Numidia, +said, in the fifth century, to Trasamond, king of the Vandals: 'The +Son of God took the attributes of true humanity, and did not lose +those of true Divinity. Born in time, according to his mother, he +lives in eternity according to the Divinity that he holds from the +Father: coming from man, he is man, and consequently in a place; +proceeding from the Father, he is God, and consequently present in +every place. According to his human nature, he was absent from heaven +while he was upon earth, and he quitted the earth when he ascended +into heaven; but, according to his Divine nature, he remained in +heaven when he came down thence, and he did not abandon the earth when +he returned thither.'"[253] + + [253] Secundum humanam substantiam, absens cœlo, cum esset in terra, + et derelinquens terram cum ascendisset in cœlum.--(Fulgentius to King + Trasamond, lib. ii.) + +But Luther still replied: "It is written, _This is my body_." Zwingle, +becoming impatient, said, "All that is idle wrangling. An obstinate +disputant might also maintain this expression of our Saviour to his +mother, _Behold thy son_, pointing to St. John. Vain would be all +explanation; he would not cease to cry, No, no! He said, _Ecce filius +tuus_, Behold thy son, behold thy son! Listen to a new testimony; it +is from the great Augustin: 'Let us not think,' says he, 'that Christ, +according to his human form, is present in every place; let us beware, +in our endeavour to establish his Divinity, of taking away his truth +from his body. Christ is now every where present like God; and yet, in +consequence of his real body, he is in a definite part of +heaven.'"[254] + + [254] In loco aliquo cœli propter veri corporis modum.--(Aug. Ep. p. + 57.) + +"St. Augustin," replied Luther, "is not here speaking of the +Eucharist. Christ's body is not in the Eucharist as in a place." + +Œcolampadius saw that he might take advantage of this assertion of +Luther's. "The body of Christ," said he, "is not locally in the +Eucharist, therefore no real body is there; for every one knows that +the essence of a body is its existence in a place." + +Here finished the morning's discussion. + +[Sidenote: LUTHER'S VIOLENCE.] + +Œcolampadius, upon reflection, felt convinced that Luther's assertion +might be looked upon as an approximation. "I remember," said he after +dinner, "that the doctor conceded this morning that Christ's body was +not in the sacrament as in a place. Let us therefore inquire amicably +what is the nature of Christ's bodily presence." + +"You will not make me take a step further," exclaimed Luther, who saw +where they wished to drag him; "you have Fulgentius and Augustin on +your side, but all the other Fathers are on ours." + +Œcolampadius, who seemed to the Wittembergers to be vexatiously +precise,[255] then said, "Name these doctors. We will take upon +ourselves to prove that they are of our opinion." + + [255] Quem omnes sperassemus mitiorem, interdum videbatur paulo + morosior, sed citra contumeliam.--(Zw. Opp. iv. p. 201.) + +"We will not name them to you,"[256] said Luther. "It was in his +youth," added he, "that Augustin wrote what you have quoted; and, +besides, he is an obscure author." Then, retreating to the ground +which he had resolved never to quit, he was no longer content to point +his finger at the inscription, _Hoc est corpus meum_, but seized the +velvet cover on which the words were written, pulled it off the table, +held it up in front of Zwingle and Œcolampadius, and placing it before +their eyes,[257] "See!" said he, "see! This is our text; you have not +yet driven us from it, as you had boasted, and we care for no other +proofs." + + [256] Non nominabimus illos.--(Scultet. p. 228.) + + [257] Da hub Luther die Sammaten deck auf, und Zeigt ihm den Spruch, + den er mit kreyden hett für sich geschrieben.--(Osiander; Niederer's + Nachrichten, ii. p. 114.) + +"If this be the case," said Œcolampadius, "we had better leave off the +discussion. But I will first declare, that, if we quote the Fathers, +it is only to free our doctrine from the reproach of novelty, and not +to support our cause by their authority." No better definition can be +given of the legitimate use of the Doctors of the Church. + +[Sidenote: END OF THE CONFERENCE.] + +There was no reason, in fact, for prolonging the conference. "As +Luther was of an intractable and imperious disposition," says even his +great apologist Seckendorf, "he did not cease from calling upon the +Swiss to submit simply to his opinion."[258] + + [258] Lutherus vero ut erat fero et imperioso ingenio.--(Seck. p. + 136.) + +The Chancellor, alarmed at this termination of the colloquy, exhorted +the theologians to come to an understanding. "I know but one means for +that," said Luther; "and this it is: Let our adversaries believe as we +do." "We cannot," replied the Swiss. "Well then," replied Luther, "I +abandon you to God's judgment, and pray that he will enlighten you." +"We will do the same," added Œcolampadius. + +While these words were passing, Zwingle was silent, motionless, and +deeply moved; and the liveliness of his affections, of which he had +given more than one proof during the conference, was then manifested +in a very different manner. He burst into tears in the presence of +all. + +The conference was ended. It had been in reality more tranquil than +the documents seem to show, or perhaps the chroniclers appreciated +such matters differently from ourselves. "With the exception of a few +sallies, all had passed off quietly, in a courteous manner, and with +very great gentleness," says an eye-witness.[259] "During the colloquy +no other words than these were heard: 'Sir, and very dear friend, your +charity,' or other similar expressions. Not a word of schism or of +heresy. It might have been said that Luther and Zwingle were brothers, +and not adversaries."[260] This is the testimony of Brenz. But these +flowers concealed an abyss, and Jonas, also an eye-witness, styles the +conference "a very sharp contest."[261] + + [259] Omnia humanissime et summa cum mansuetudine + transigebantur.--(Zw. Opp. iv. p. 201.) + + [260] Amicissime Domine, Vestra charitas, et id genus......Dixisses + Lutherum et Zwinglium non adversarios.--(Zw. Opp. iv. p. 201.) + + [261] Acerrimo certamine.--(Corp. Ref. i. p. 1096.) + +[Sidenote: THE LANDGRAVE MEDIATES.] + +The contagion that had suddenly broken out in Marburg was creating +frightful ravages, and filled everybody with alarm.[262] Each one was +anxious to leave the city. "Sirs," remarked the Landgrave, "you +cannot separate thus." And desirous of giving the doctors an +opportunity of meeting one another with minds unoccupied by +theological debates, he invited them all to his table. This was Sunday +night. + + [262] Nisi _Sudor Anglicus_ subito Marburgum invasisset et terrore + omnium animos percutisset.--(Hospin. p. 131.) + +Philip of Hesse had all along shown the most constant attention, and +each one imagined him to be on his side. "I would rather place my +trust in the simple words of Christ, than in the subtle thoughts of +man," was a remark he made, according to Jonas;[263] but Zwingle +affirmed that this prince thought now as he did, although with regard +to certain persons he dissembled his opinions. Luther, sensible of the +weakness of his defence as to the declarations of the Fathers, +transmitted a note to Philip, in which several passages were pointed +out from Hilary, Chrysostom, Cyprian, Irenæus, and Ambrose, which he +thought were in his favour. + + [263] Dicitur palam proclamasse.--(Corp. Ref. p. 1097.) + +The time of departure drew near, and nothing had been done. The +Landgrave toiled earnestly at the union, as Luther wrote to his +wife.[264] He invited the theologians one after another into his +closet;[265] he pressed, entreated, warned, exhorted, and conjured +them. "Think," said he, "of the salvation of the christian republic, +and remove all discord from its bosom."[266] Never had general at the +head of an army taken such pains to win a battle. + + [264] Da arbeit der Landgraf heftig.--(L. Epp. iii. p. 512.) + + [265] Unumquemque nostrum seorsim absque arbitris.--(Zw. Opp. iv. p. + 203.) + + [266] Compellans, rogans, monens, exhortans, postulans ut Reipublicæ + Christianæ rationem haberemus, et discordiam e medio + tolleremus.--(Ibid.) + +[Sidenote: ZWINGLE'S EMOTION.] + +A final general meeting took place and undoubtedly the Church has +seldom witnessed one of greater solemnity. Luther and Zwingle, Saxony +and Switzerland, met for the last time. The Sweating Sickness was +carrying off men around them by thousands;[267] Charles the Fifth and +the Pope were uniting in Italy; Ferdinand and the Roman-catholic +princes were preparing to tear in pieces the Protest of Spire; the +thunder-cloud became more threatening every day; union alone seemed +capable of saving the Protestants, and the hour of departure was about +to strike--an hour that would separate them perhaps for ever. + + [267] Multa perierunt millia.--(Hospin. p. 131.) + +"Let us confess our union in all things in which we agree," said +Zwingle; "and as for the rest, let us remember that we are brothers. +There will never be peace between the Churches if, while we maintain +the grand doctrine of salvation by faith, we cannot differ on +secondary points."[268] Such is, in fact, the true principle of +christian union. The sixteenth century was still too deeply sunk in +scholasticism to understand this: let us hope that the nineteenth +century will comprehend it better. + + [268] Quod nulla unquam Ecclesiarum pax constituta sit, si non in + multis aliis dissentiendi a se facultatem faciant.--(Scultet. p. 207.) + +"Yes, yes!" exclaimed the Landgrave; "you agree! Give then a testimony +of your unity, and recognise one another as brothers."--"There is no +one upon earth with whom I more desire to be united, than with you," +said Zwingle, approaching the Wittemberg doctors.[269] Œcolampadius, +Bucer, and Hedio said the same. + + [269] Es werendt keine lüth uff Erden.--(Bull. ii. p. 225.) + +"Acknowledge them! acknowledge them as brothers!" continued the +Landgrave.[270] Their hearts were moved; they were on the eve of +unity: Zwingle, bursting into tears, in the presence of the Prince, +the courtiers, and divines (it is Luther himself who records +this),[271] approaches Luther, and holds out his hand. The two +families of the Reformation were about to be united: long quarrels +were about to be stifled in their cradle; but Luther rejects the hand +that is offered him: "You have a different spirit from ours," said he. +These words communicate to the Swiss, as it were, an electrical shock. +Their hearts sunk each time Luther repeated them, and he did so +frequently. It is he himself who is our informant. + + [270] Idque Princeps valde urgebat.--(L. Epp. iii. p. 513.) + + [271] Swinglius palam lacrymans coram Langravio et omnibus.--(Hospin. + p. 136.) + +[Sidenote: SECTARIAN SPIRIT OF THE GERMAN.] + +A brief consultation took place among the Wittemberg doctors. Luther, +Melancthon, Agricola, Brenz, Jonas, and Osiander, conferred together. +Convinced that their peculiar doctrine on the Eucharist was essential +to salvation, they considered all those who rejected it as without the +pale of the faith. "What folly!"[272] said Melancthon, who afterwards +almost coincided with Zwingle's sentiments: "they condemn us, and yet +they desire we should consider them as our brothers!" "What +versatility!" added Brenz: "they accused us but lately of worshipping +a bread-god, and they now ask for communion with us!"[273] Then, +turning towards Zwingle and his friends, the Wittembergers said: "You +do not belong to the communion of the Christian Church: we cannot +acknowledge you as brethren!"[274] + + [272] Vide eorum stultitiam!--(Corp. Ref. i. p. 1108.) + + [273] Nos tanquam adoratores panifici Dei traduxerant.--(Zw. Opp. iv. + p. 203.) + + [274] Eos a communione Ecclesiæ Christianæ alienos esse.--(Ibid.) + +The Swiss were far from partaking of this sectarian spirit. "We +think," said Bucer, "that your doctrine strikes at the glory of Jesus +Christ, who now reigns at the right hand of the Father. But seeing +that in all things you acknowledge your dependence on the Lord, we +look at your conscience, which compels you to receive the doctrine you +profess, and we do not doubt that you belong to Christ." + +"And we," said Luther--"we declare to you once more that our +conscience opposes our receiving you as brethren."--"If such is the +case," replied Bucer, "it would be folly to ask it." + +"I am exceedingly astonished that you wish to consider me as your +brother," pursued Luther. "It shows clearly that you do not attach +much importance to your own doctrine." + +[Sidenote: BROTHERHOOD REJECTED.] + +"Take your choice," said Bucer, proposing a dilemma to the Reformer: +"either you should not acknowledge as brethren those who differ from +you in any point--and if so, you will not find a single brother in +your own ranks[275]--or else you will receive some of those who +differ from you, and then you ought to receive us." + + [275] Nemo alteri vel inter ipsos frater erit.--(Zw. Opp. iv. p. 194.) + +The Swiss had exhausted their solicitations. "We are conscious," said +they, "of having acted as if in the presence of God. Posterity will be +our witness."[276] They were on the point of retiring: Luther remained +like a rock, to the Landgrave's great indignation.[277] The Hessian +divines, Kraft, Lambert, Snepf, Lonicer, and Melander, united their +exertions to those of the Prince. + + [276] Id testabitur posteritas.--(Ibid.) + + [277] Principi illud durum videbatur.--(Ibid. p. 203.) + +Luther was staggered, and conferred anew with his colleagues. "Let us +beware," said he to his friends, "of wiping our noses too roughly, +lest blood should come."[278] + + [278] Ne nimis mungendo, sanguinem eliceremus.--(L. Epp. in his letter + written to Gerbellius on the same day--Monday.) + +Then turning to Zwingle and Œcolampadius, they said: "We acknowledge +you as friends; we do not consider you as brothers and members of +Christ's Church.[279] But we do not exclude you from that universal +charity which we owe even to our enemies."[280] + + [279] Agnoscere quidem velimus tanquam amicos, sed non tanquam + fratres.--(Zw. Opp. iv. p. 203.) + + [280] Charitate quæ etiam hosti debetur.--(Ibid. p. 190.) + +The hearts of Zwingle, Œcolampadius, and Bucer, were ready to +burst,[281] for this concession was almost a new insult. Nevertheless +they resolved to accept what was offered them. "Let us carefully avoid +all harsh and violent words and writings," said they; "and let each +one defend himself without railing."[282] + + [281] Indignissime affecti sunt.--(Ibid.) + + [282] Quisque suam sententiam doceat absque invectivis.--(L. Epp. iii. + p. 514.) + +Luther then advanced towards the Swiss, and said: "We consent, and I +offer you the hand of peace and charity." The Swiss rushed in great +emotion towards the Wittembergers, and all shook hands.[283] Luther +himself was softened: christian charity resumed her rights in his +heart. "Assuredly," said he, "a great portion of the scandal is taken +away by the suppression of our fierce debates; we could not have hoped +for so much. May Christ's hand remove the last obstacle that separates +us.[284] There is now a friendly concord between us, and if we +persevere in prayer, brotherhood will come." + + [283] Dedimus tamen manus pacis et caritatis.--(Ibid. p. 513.) + + [284] Utinam et ille reliquus scrupulus per Christum tandem + tollatur,--in his letter written to Gerbellius after leaving this + meeting. + +[Sidenote: LUTHER'S REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE.] + +It was desirable to confirm this important result by a report. "We +must let the christian world know," said the Landgrave, "that, except +the manner of the presence of the body and blood in the Eucharist, you +are agreed in all the articles of faith."[285] This was resolved on; +but who should be charged with drawing up the paper? All eyes were +turned upon Luther. The Swiss themselves appealed to his impartiality. + + [285] Ut orbi Christiano notum fieret eos in omnibus fidei capitibus + consentire.--(Hospin. p. 127.) + +Luther retired to his closet, lost in thought, uneasy, and finding the +task very difficult. "On the one hand," said he, "I should like to +spare their weakness;[286] but, on the other, I would not in the least +degree strike at the holy doctrine of Christ." He did not know how to +set about it, and his anguish increased. He got free at last. "I will +draw up the articles," said he, "in the most accurate manner. Do I not +know that whatever I write, they will never sign them?"[287] Erelong +fifteen articles were committed to paper, and Luther, holding them in +his hand, repaired to the theologians of the two parties. + + [286] Het gern ihrer Schwachheit verschont.--(Niederer Nachr. ii. p. + 120.) + + [287] Doch zuletz sprach er Ich will die artikel aufaller pesste + stellen, sy werdens doch nicht annemen.--(Ibid.) + +[Sidenote: UNITY OF DOCTRINE.] + +These articles are of importance. The two doctrines that were evolved +in Switzerland and in Saxony, independently of each other, were +brought together and compared. If they were of man, there would be +found in them a servile uniformity, or a remarkable opposition. This +was not the case. A great unity was found between the German and the +Swiss Reformations, for they both proceeded from the same Divine +teaching; and a diversity on secondary points, for it was by man's +instrumentality that God had effected them. + +Luther took his paper, and reading the first article, said: + +"First, we believe that there is one sole, true, and natural God, +Creator of heaven and earth and of all creatures; and that this same +God, one in essence and in nature, is threefold in person, that is to +say, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, as was declared in the Nicene +Council, and as all the Christian Church professes." + +To this the Swiss gave their assent. + +They were agreed also on the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ; on +his death and resurrection, on original sin, justification by faith, +the operation of the Holy Ghost and of the Word of God, baptism, good +works, confession, civil order, and tradition. + +Thus far all were united. The Wittembergers could not recover from +their astonishment.[288] The two parties had rejected, on the one +hand, the errors of the Papists, who make religion little more than an +outward form; and, on the other, those of the Enthusiasts, who speak +exclusively of internal feelings; and they were found drawn up under +the same banners between these two camps. But the moment was come that +would separate them. Luther had kept till the last the article on the +Eucharist. + + [288] Quod mirari non satis potuimus.--(Brentius, Zw. Opp. iv. p. + 203.) + +The Reformer resumed: + +"We all believe with regard to the Lord's Supper, that it ought to be +celebrated in both kinds, according to the primitive institution; that +the Mass is not a work by which a Christian obtains pardon for another +man, whether dead or alive; that the sacrament of the altar is the +sacrament of the very body and very blood of Jesus Christ; and that +the spiritual manducation of this body and blood is specially +necessary to every true Christian."[289] + + [289] Quod spiritualis manducatio hujus corporis et sanguinis + unicuique Christiano præcipue necessaria sit.--(Scultet. p. 232.) + +[Sidenote: UNITY AMONG DIVERSITY.] + +It was now the turn of the Swiss to be astonished. Luther continued: + +"In like manner, as to the use of the sacrament, we are agreed that, +like the Word, it was ordained of Almighty God, in order that weak +consciences might be excited by the Holy Ghost to faith and charity." + +The joy of the Swiss was redoubled. Luther continued: "And although at +present we are not agreed on the question whether the real body and +blood of Christ are corporeally present in the bread and wine, yet +both the interested parties shall cherish more and more a truly +christian charity for one another, so far as conscience permits; and +we will all earnestly implore the Lord to condescend by his Spirit to +confirm us in the sound doctrine."[290] + + [290] Osiander (a Lutheran) employs the accusative, "in _den_ rechten + Verstand," which would indicate a movement towards an object that we + do not possess: Bullinger and Scultet (both Reformed divines) have the + dative. + +The Swiss obtained what they had asked: unity in diversity. It was +immediately resolved to hold a solemn meeting for the signature of the +articles. + +They were read over again. Œcolampadius, Zwingle, Bucer, and Hedio, +signed them first on one copy; while Luther, Melancthon, Jonas, +Osiander, Brentz, and Agricola, wrote their names on the other; both +parties then signed the copy of their adversaries, and this important +document was sent to the press.[291] + + [291] Bullinger and others indicate the 3d October as the day on which + the articles were signed; Osiander, an eye-witness, and whose + narrative is very exact, says it was the 4th, which agrees with all + the other data. + +[Sidenote: REMARKS.] + +Thus the Reformation had made a sensible step at Marburg. The opinion +of Zwingle on the spiritual presence, and of Luther on the bodily +presence, are both found in christian antiquity; but both the extreme +doctrines have been always rejected: that of the Rationalists, on the +one hand, who behold in the Eucharist nothing but a simple +commemoration; and of the Papists, on the other, who adore in it a +transubstantiation. These are both errors; while the doctrines of +Luther and Zwingle, and the medium taken by Calvin, already maintained +by some of the Fathers, were considered in ancient times as different +views of the same truth. If Luther had yielded, it might have been +feared that the Church would fall into the extreme of Rationalism; if +Zwingle, that it would rush into the extreme of Popery. It is a +salutary thing for the Church that these different views should be +entertained; but it is a pernicious thing for individuals to attach +themselves to one of them, in such a manner as to anathematize the +others. "There is only this little stumbling-block," wrote Melancthon, +"that embarrasses the Church of our Lord."[292] All,--Romanists and +Evangelicals, Saxons and Swiss, admitted the presence, and even the +real presence of Christ; but here was the essential point of +separation: Is this presence effected by the faith of the communicant, +or by the _opus operatum_ of the priest? The germs of Popery, +Sacerdotalism, Puseyism, are inevitably contained in this latter +thesis. If it is maintained that a wicked priest (as has been said) +operates this real presence of Christ by three words, we enter the +Church of the Pope. Luther appeared sometimes to admit this doctrine, +but he has often spoken in a more spiritual manner; and taking this +great man in his best moments, we behold no more than an essential +unity and a secondary diversity in the two parties of the Reformation. +Undoubtedly the Lord has left his Church outward seals of his grace; +but he has not attached salvation to these signs. The essential point +is the connexion of the faithful with the Word, with the Holy Ghost, +with the Head of the Church. This is the great truth which the Reform +proclaims, and which Lutheranism itself recognises. After the Marburg +conference, the controversy became more moderate. + + [292] Hic unus in Ecclesia hæret scrupulus.--(Corp. Ref. i. p. 1106.) + +There was another advantage. The evangelical divines at Marburg marked +with one accord their separation from the Papacy. Zwingle was not +without fear (unfounded, no doubt) with regard to Luther: these fears +were dispersed. "Now that we are agreed," said he, "the Papists will +no longer hope that Luther will ever be one of them."[293] The Marburg +articles are the first bulwark erected in common by the Reformers +against Rome. + + [293] Pontifici non ultra possunt sperare Lutherum suum fore.--(Zw. + Opp. ii. p. 370.) + +It was not, then, in vain that, after the protest of Spire, Philip of +Hesse endeavoured, at Marburg, to bring together the friends of the +Gospel. But, if the religious object was partially attained, the +political object almost entirely failed. They could not arrive at a +confederation of Switzerland and Germany. Nevertheless, Philip of +Hesse and Zwingle, with a view to this, had numerous secret +conversations, which made the Saxons uneasy, as they were not less +opposed to Zwingle's politics than to his theology. "When you have +reformed the peasant's cap," said Jonas to him, "you will also claim +to reform the sable hat of princes." + +The Landgrave, having collected all the doctors at his table on the +last day, they shook hands in a friendly manner,[294] and each one +thought of leaving the town. + + [294] Die Händ einander früntlich gebotten.--(Bull. ii. p. 236.) + +[Sidenote: LUTHER'S DEJECTION.] + +On Tuesday the 5th October, the Landgrave quitted Marburg early, and +in the afternoon of the same day Luther departed, accompanied by his +colleagues; but he did not go forth as a conqueror. A spirit of +dejection and alarm had taken possession of his mind.[295] He writhed +in the dust, like a worm, according to his own expression. He fancied +he should never see his wife and children again, and cried out that +he, "the consoler of so many tortured souls, was now without any +consolation!"[296] + + [295] Ego vix et ægre domum reversus sum.--(L. Epp. iii. p. 520.) + + [296] Sic me vexante Angelo Satanæ, ut desperarim me vivum et salvum + visurum meos.--(Ibid.) + +[Sidenote: STATE OF POLITICAL AFFAIRS.] + +This state might partly arise from Luther's want of brotherly feeling; +but it had other causes also. Soliman had come to fulfil a promise +made to King Ferdinand. The latter having demanded, in 1528, the +surrender of Belgrade, the Sultan had haughtily replied, that he +would bring the keys himself to Vienna. In fact, the Grand Turk, +crossing the frontiers of Germany, had invaded countries "on which the +hoofs of the Mussulman war-horses had never trod," and eight days +before the conference at Marburg, he had covered with his innumerable +tents the plain and the fertile hills in the midst of which rise the +walls of Vienna. The struggle had begun under ground, the two parties +having dug deep galleries beneath the ramparts. Three different times +the Turkish mines were sprung; the walls were thrown down;[297] "the +balls flew through the air like a flight of small birds," says a +Turkish historian; "and there was a horrible banquet, at which the +genii of death joyously drained their glasses."[298] + + [297] Ipsam urbem in tribus locis, suffoso solo et pulvere supposito + disjicit et patefecit.--(L. Epp. iii. p. 518.) + + [298] Dschelalsade, quoted by Ranke. + +Luther did not keep in the background. He had already written against +the Turks, and now he published a _Battle Sermon_. "Mahomet," said he, +"exalts Christ as being without sin; but he denies that he was the +true God; therefore he is his enemy. Alas! to this hour the world is +such that it seems everywhere to rain disciples of Mahomet. Two men +ought to oppose the Turks: the first is Christian, that is to say, +Prayer; the second is Charles, that is to say, The sword." And in +another place, "I know my dear Germans well, fat and well-fed swine; +as soon as the danger is removed, they think only of eating and +sleeping. Wretched man! if thou dost not take up arms the Turk will +come; he will carry thee away into his Turkey; he will there sell thee +like a dog; and thou shalt serve him night and day, under the rod and +the cudgel, for a glass of water and a morsel of bread. Think on this; +be converted, and implore the Lord not to give thee the Turk for thy +schoolmaster."[299] + + [299] Heer predigt wider die Türken.--(L. Opp. (W.) xx. p. 2691.) + +[Sidenote: VARIETY OF CHARACTER.] + +The two arms pointed out by Luther were, in reality, vigorously +employed; and Soliman, perceiving at last that he was not the "soul of +the universe," as his poets had styled him, but that there was a +strength in the world superior to his own, raised the siege of Vienna +on the 16th October; and "the shadow of God over the two worlds," as +he called himself, "disappeared and vanished in the Bosphorus." + +But Luther imagined that, when retiring from before the walls of +Vienna, "the Turk, or at least his god, who is the devil," had rushed +upon him; and that it was this enemy of Christ and of Christ's +servants that he was destined to combat and vanquish in his frightful +agony.[300] There is an immediate reaction of the violated law upon +him who violates it. Now Luther had transgressed the royal law, which +is charity, and he suffered the penalty. At last he re-entered +Wittemberg, and flung himself into the arms of his friends, "tormented +by the angel of death."[301] + + [300] Forte ipsum Turcam partim in isto agone cogor ferre et vincere, + saltem ejus Deum, diabolum.--(L. Epp. iii. p. 520.) + + [301] Angelus Satanæ, vel quisquis est diabolus mortis ita me + fatigat.--(L. Epp. iii. p. 515.) + +Without, however, overlooking the essential qualities of a Reformer +that Luther manifested at Marburg, there are in God's work, as in a +drama, different parts. What various characters we see among the +Apostles and among the Reformers! It has been said that the same +characters and the same parts were assigned to St. Peter and to +Luther, at the time of the Formation and of the Reformation of the +Church.[302] They were both in fact men of the initiative, who start +forward quite alone, but around whom an army soon collects at the +sight of the standard which they wave. + + [302] Dr. Vinet. + +But there was perhaps in the Reformer a characteristic that was not +found to the same degree in the Apostle; this is firmness. + +[Sidenote: EXASPERATION OF THE PAPISTS.] + +As for Zwingle, he quitted Marburg in alarm at Luther's intolerance. +"Lutheranism," wrote he to the Landgrave, "will lie as heavy upon us +as Popery."[303] He reached Zurich on the 19th October. "The truth," +said he to his friends, "has prevailed so manifestly, that if ever +any one has been defeated before all the world, it is Luther, although +he constantly exclaimed that he was invincible."[304] On his side, +Luther spoke in a similar strain. "It is through fear of their +fellow-citizens," added he, "that the Swiss, although vanquished, are +unwilling to retract."[305] + + [303] Das Lutherthum werde so schwer, als das Papsthum.--(Zw. Epp. p. + 374.) + + [304] Lutherus impudens et contumax aperte est victus.--(Zw. Epp. p. + 370.) + + [305] Metuebant plebem suam ad quam non licuisset reverti.--(Zw. Opp. + ii. p. 19.) + +If it should be asked on which side the victory really was, perhaps we +ought to say that Luther assumed the air of a conqueror, but Zwingle +was so in reality. The conference propagated through all Germany the +doctrine of the Swiss, which had been little known there till that +time, and it was adopted by an immense number of persons. Among these +were Laffards, first rector of St. Martin's School at Brunswick, +Dionysius Melander, Justus Lening, Hartmann, Ibach, and many more. The +Landgrave himself, a short time before his death, declared that this +conference had induced him to renounce the oral manducation of +Christ.[306] + + [306] Rommels Anmerkungen, p. 227-229. + +Still the dominant principle at this celebrated epoch was unity. The +adversaries are the best judges. The Roman-catholics were exasperated +that the Lutherans and Zwinglians had agreed on all the essential +points of faith. "They have a fellow-feeling against the Catholic +Church," said they, "as Herod and Pilate against Jesus Christ." The +enthusiastic sects said the same,[307] and the extreme hierarchial as +well as the extreme radical party deprecated equally the unity of +Marburg. + + [307] Pontificiis et catabaptistis multum displicuit consensus + Marpurgi.--(Scultet. p. 208.) + +[Sidenote: THREATENING PROSPECTS.] + +Erelong a greater agitation eclipsed all these rumours, and events +which threatened the whole evangelical body, proclaimed its great and +intimate union with new force. The Emperor, it was everywhere said, +exasperated by the Protest of Spire, has landed at Genoa with the pomp +of a conqueror. After having sworn at Barcelona to reduce the +heretics under the power of the Pope, he is going to visit this +pontiff, humbly to bend the knee before him; and he will rise up only +to cross the Alps and accomplish his terrible designs. "The Emperor +Charles," said Luther, a few days after the landing of this prince, +"has determined to show himself more cruel against us than the Turk +himself, and he has already uttered the most horrible threats. Behold +the hour of Christ's agony and weakness. Let us pray for all those who +will soon have to endure captivity and death."[308] + + [308] Carolus Caesar multo atrocius minatur et sævire statuit in nos, + quam Turca.--(L. Epp. iii. p. 324.) + +Such was the news that then agitated all Germany. The grand question +was, whether the Protest of Spire could be maintained against the +power of the Emperor and of the Pope. This was seen in the year 1530. + + + + +BOOK XIV. + +THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. 1530. + + +I. The Reformation was accomplished in the name of a spiritual +principle. It had proclaimed for its teacher the Word of God; for +salvation, Faith; for king, Jesus Christ; for arms, the Holy Ghost; +and had by these very means rejected all worldly elements. Rome had +been established by _the law of a carnal commandment_; the +Reformation, by _the power of an endless life_.[309] + + [309] Hebrews vii. 16. + +If there is any doctrine that distinguishes Christianity from every +other religion, it is its spirituality. A heavenly life brought down +to man--such is its work; thus the opposition of the spirit of the +Gospel to the spirit of the world was the great fact which signalized +the entrance of Christianity among the nations. But what its Founder +had separated, had soon come together again; the Church had fallen +into the arms of the world; and this criminal Union had reduced it to +the deplorable condition in which it was found at the era of the +Reformation. + +Thus one of the greatest tasks of the sixteenth century was to restore +the spiritual element to its rights. The Gospel of the Reformers had +nothing to do with the world and with politics. While the Roman +hierarchy had become a matter of diplomacy and a court intrigue, the +Reformation was destined to exercise no other influence over princes +and people than that which proceeds from the Gospel of peace. + +[Sidenote: TWO STRIKING LESSONS.] + +If the Reformation, having attained a certain point, became untrue to +its nature, began to parley and temporize with the world, and ceased +thus to follow up the spiritual principle that it had so loudly +proclaimed, it was faithless to God and to itself. + +Henceforward its decline was at hand. + +It is impossible for a society to prosper if it be unfaithful to the +principles it lays down. Having abandoned what constituted its life, +it can find naught but death. + +It was God's will that this great truth should be inscribed on the +very threshold of the temple He was then raising in the world; and a +striking contrast was to make this truth stand gloriously forth. + +One portion of the Reform was to seek the alliance of the world, and +in this alliance find a destruction full of desolation. + +Another portion, looking up to God, was haughtily to reject the arm of +the flesh, and by this very act of faith secure a noble victory. + +If three centuries have gone astray, it is because they were unable to +comprehend so holy and solemn a lesson. + + * * * * * + +It was in the beginning of September 1529 that Charles V., the victor +by battles or by treaties over the Pope and the King of France, had +landed at Genoa. The shouts of the Spaniards had saluted him as he +quitted the Iberian peninsula; but the dejected eyes, the bended +heads, the silent lips of the Italians given over to his hands, alone +welcomed him to the foot of the Apennines. Everything led to the +belief that Charles would indemnify himself on them for the apparent +generosity with which he had treated the Pope. + +[Sidenote: CHARLES THE FIFTH.] + +They were deceived. Instead of those barbarous chiefs of the Goths and +Huns, or of those proud and fierce emperors, who more than once had +crossed the Alps and rushed upon Italy, sword in hand and with cries +of vengeance, the Italians saw among them a young and graceful prince, +with pale features, a delicate frame, and weak voice, of winning +manners, having more the air of a courtier than a warrior, +scrupulously performing all the duties of the Romish religion, and +leading in his train no terrible cohorts of German barbarians, but a +brilliant retinue of Spanish grandees, who complacently paraded the +pride of their race and the splendour of their nation. This prince, +the victor of Europe, spoke only of peace and amnesty; and even the +Duke of Ferrara, who of all the Italian princes had most cause of +fear, having at Modena placed the keys of the city in his hands, heard +from his friendly lips the most unexpected encouragements. + +Whence did this strange conduct proceed? Charles, had shown plainly +enough, at the time of the captivity of Francis I., that generosity +towards his enemies was not his dominant virtue. It was not long +before this mystery was explained. + +Almost at the same time with Charles there arrived in Italy, by way of +Lyons and Genoa, three German burgesses, whose whole equipage +consisted of six horses.[310] These were John Ehinger, burgomaster of +Memmingen, who carried his head high, scattered money around him, and +did not pride himself on great sobriety; Michael Caden, syndic of +Nuremberg, a worthy, pious, and brave man, but detested by the Count +of Nassau, the most influential of Charles's ministers; and, lastly, +Alexis Frauentraut, secretary to the Margrave of Brandenburg, who, +having married a nun, was in very bad esteem among the Roman-catholics. +Such were the three men whom the Protestant princes, assembled at +Nuremberg, commissioned to bear to the Emperor the famous Protest of +Spire. They had purposely chosen these deputies from a middle station, +under the impression that they would incur less danger.[311] To carry +such a message to Charles V. was, to say the truth, a mission which +few persons cared to execute. Accordingly a pension had been secured +to the widows of these envoys in case of misfortune. + + [310] Legatis attribuerunt equos sex.--(Seckend. ii. p. 134.) + + [311] Ut essent tutiores.--(Ibid. p. 133.) + +[Sidenote: BOLDNESS OF THE ENVOYS.] + +Charles was on his way from Genoa to Bologna, and staying at Piacenza, +when the three Protestant deputies overtook him. These plain Germans +presented a singular contrast in the midst of that Spanish pomp and +Romish fervour by which the young prince was surrounded. Cardinal +Gattinara, the Emperor's chancellor, who sincerely desired a reform of +the Church, procured them an audience of Charles V. for the 22d of +September; but they were recommended to be sparing in their words, for +there was nothing the Emperor so much disliked as a Protestant sermon. + +The deputies were not checked by these insinuations and after having +handed the protest to Charles, Frauentraut began to speak: "It is to +the Supreme Judge that each one of us must render an account," said +he, "and not to creatures who turn at every wind. It is better to fall +into the most cruel necessity, than to incur the anger of God. Our +nation will obey no decrees that are based on any other foundation +than the Holy Scriptures."[312] + + [312] Neque suarum esse virium aut officii, ut eos ad impossibilia et + noxia adigant--(Seckend. ii. p. 134.) + +Such was the proud tone held by these German citizens to the Emperor +of the West. Charles said not a word--it would have been paying them +too much honour; but he charged one of his secretaries to announce an +answer at some future time. + +There was no hurry to send back these petty ambassadors. In vain did +they renew their solicitations daily. Gattinara treated them with +kindness, but Nassau sent them away with bitter words. A workman, the +armourer to the court, having to visit Augsburg to purchase arms, +begged the Count of Nassau to despatch the Protestant deputies. "You +may tell them," replied the minister of Charles V., "that we will +terminate their business in order that you may have travelling +companions." But the armourer having found other company, they were +compelled to wait.[313] + + [313] Hortleben, von den Ursachen des deutschen Kriegs, p. 50. + +[Sidenote: THE LANDGRAVE'S PRESENT.] + +These envoys endeavoured at least to make a good use of their time. +"Take this book," said the Landgrave to Caden at the very moment of +departure, giving him a French work bound in velvet, and richly +ornamented, "and deliver it to the Emperor."[314] It was a summary of +the Christian Faith which the Landgrave had received from Francis +Lambert, and which had probably been written by that doctor. Caden +sought an opportunity of presenting this treatise; and did so one day, +therefore, as Charles was going publickly to Mass. The Emperor took +the book, and passed it immediately to a Spanish bishop. The Spaniard +began to read it,[315] and lighted upon that passage of Scripture in +which Christ enjoins his apostles _not to exercise lordship_.[316] The +author took advantage of it to maintain that the minister, charged +with spiritual matters, should not interfere with those which are +temporal. The Papist prelate bit his lips, and Charles, who perceived +it, having asked, "Well, what is the matter?" the bishop in confusion +had recourse to a falsehood.[317] "This treatise," replied he, "takes +the sword from the christian magistrate, and grants it only to nations +that are strangers to the faith." Immediately there was a great +uproar: the Spaniards above all were beside themselves. + + [314] Libellum elegantur ornatum.--(Scultet. p. 253.) + + [315] Cum obiter legisset--(Ibid.) + + [316] Luke xxii. 26. + + [317] Falso et maligne relatum esset--(Seckend. ii. p. 133.) + +"The wretches that have endeavoured to mislead so young a prince," +said they, "deserve to be hung on the first tree by the wayside!" +Charles swore, in fact, that the bearer should suffer the penalty of +his audacity. + +At length, on the 12th October, Alexander Schweiss, imperial +secretary, transmitted the Emperor's reply to the deputies. It said +that the minority ought to submit to the decrees passed in diet, and +that if the Duke of Saxony and his allies refused, means would not be +wanting to compel them.[318] + + [318] Sibi non defore media quibus ad id compellerentur.--(Seckend. ii + p. 133.) + +[Sidenote: THE ENVOYS UNDER ARREST.] + +Ehinger and Caden thereupon read aloud the appeal to the Emperor drawn +up at Spire, whilst Frauentraut, who had renounced his quality of +deputy and assumed that of a notary,[319] took notes of what was +passing. When the reading was finished, the deputies advanced towards +Schweiss and presented the appeal. The imperial secretary rejected the +document with amazement; the deputies insisted; Schweiss continued +firm. They then laid the appeal on the table. Schweiss was staggered; +he took the paper, and carried it to the Emperor. + + [319] Tabellionis sive notarii officium.--(Ibid.) + +After dinner, just as one of the deputies (Caden) had gone out, a +tumult in the hotel announced some catastrophe. It was the imperial +secretary who returned duly accompanied. "The Emperor is exceedingly +irritated against you on account of this appeal," said he to the +Protestants; "and he forbids you, under pain of confiscation and +death, to leave your hotel, to write to Germany, or to send any +message whatsoever."[320] Thus Charles put ambassadors under arrest, +as he would the officers of his guard, desirous in this manner of +publishing his contempt, and of frightening the princes. + + [320] Sub capitis pœna, ne pedem a diversario moveant.--(Seckend. ii. + p. 133.) + +Caden's servant slipped in alarm out of the hotel, and ran to his +master. The latter, still considering himself free, wrote a hasty +account of the whole business to the senate of Nuremberg, sent off his +letters by express, and returned to share in the arrest of his +colleagues.[321] + + [321] A famulo certior factus, rem omnem senatui aperuit--(Ibid.) + +[Sidenote: MEETING OF CHARLES AND CLEMENT.] + +On the 23d of October, the Emperor left Piacenza, carrying the three +Germans with him. But on the 30th he released Ehinger and Frauentraut, +who, mounting their horses in the middle of the night, rushed at full +speed along a route thronged with soldiers and robbers. "As for you," +said Granvelle to Caden, "you will stay under pain of death. The +Emperor expects that the book you presented to him will be given up to +the Pope."[322] Perhaps Charles thought it pleasant to show the Roman +Pontiff this prohibition issued against the ministers of God to mingle +in the government of nations. But Caden, profiting by the confusion of +the court, secretly procured a horse, and fled to Ferrara, thence to +Venice, from which place he returned to Nuremberg.[323] + + [322] Ut idem scriptum exhibeat quoque Pontifici.--(Scultet. p. 254.) + + [323] Silentio conscendit equum.--(Ibid.) + +The more Charles appeared irritated against Germany, the greater +moderation he showed towards the Italians: heavy pecuniary +contributions were all that he required. It was beyond the Alps, in +the centre of Christendom, by means of these very religious +controversies, that he desired to establish his power. He pressed on, +and required only two things: behind him,--peace; with him,--money. + +On the 5th of November he entered Bologna. Everything was striking +about him: the crowd of nobles, the splendour of the equipages, the +haughtiness of the Spanish troops, the four thousand ducats that were +scattered by handfuls among the people;[324] but above all, the +majesty and magnificence of the young Emperor. The two chiefs of +Romish Christendom were about to meet. The Pope quitted his palace +with all his court; and Charles, at the head of an army which would +have conquered the whole of Italy in a few days, affecting the +humility of a child, fell on his knees, and kissed the Pontiff's feet. + + [324] In vulgus sparsum aurum quatuor millia ducatorum.--(L. Epp. iii. + p. 565.) + +The Emperor and the Pope resided at Bologna in two adjoining palaces, +separated by a single wall, through which a doorway had been made, of +which each had a key; and the young and politic Emperor was often seen +to visit the old and crafty Pontiff, carrying papers in his hand. + +Clement obtained Sforza's pardon, who appeared before the Emperor sick +and leaning on a staff. Venice also was forgiven: a million of crowns +arranged these two matters. But Charles could not obtain from the Pope +the pardon of Florence. This illustrious city was sacrificed to the +Medici, "considering," it was said, "that it is impossible for +Christ's vicar to demand anything that is unjust." + +[Sidenote: GATTINARA'S PROPOSITION.] + +The most important affair was the Reformation. Some represented to the +Emperor that, victor over all his enemies, he should carry matters +with a high hand, and constrain the Protestants by force of arms.[325] +Charles was more moderate; he preferred weakening the Protestants by +the Papists, and then the Papists by the Protestants, and by this +means raising his power above them both. + + [325] Armis cogandos.--(Seckend. ii. p. 112; Maimbourg, ii. p. 194.) + +A wiser course was nevertheless proposed in a solemn conference. "The +Church is torn in pieces," said Chancellor Gattinara. "You (Charles) +are the head of the empire: you (the Pope) are the head of the Church. +It is your duty to provide by common accord against unprecedented +wants. Assemble the pious men of all nations, and let a free council +deduce from the Word of God a scheme of doctrine such as may be +received by every people."[326] + + [326] Oratio _de Congressu Bononiensi_, in _Melancthonis Orationum_, + iv. p. 87, and Cælestinus Hist. Concil. 1830, Augustæ, i. p. 10. + Respectable authors, Walsh, Muller, and Beausobre, incorrectly quote + at full length the speeches delivered at this conference. They are + amplifications; but to deny that they have some historical foundation + would be flying to the opposite extreme. + +A thunderbolt would not have so greatly startled Clement VII. The +offspring of an illegitimate union, and having obtained the Papacy by +means far from honourable, and squandered the treasures of the Church +in an unjust war, this Pontiff had a thousand personal motives for +dreading an assembly of Christendom. "Large congregations," replied +he, "serve only to introduce popular opinions. It is not with the +decrees of councils, but with the edge of the sword, that we should +decide controversies."[327] + + [327] Non concilii decretis, sed armis controversias + dirimendas--(Scultet. p. 248; Maimbourg the Jesuit, ii. p. 177.) + +[Sidenote: WAR IMMINENT--LUTHER'S OBJECTIONS.] + +As Gattinara still persisted: "What!" said the Pope, angrily +interrupting him, "you dare to contradict me, and to excite your +master against me!" Charles rose up; all the assembly preserved the +profoundest silence, and the prince having resumed his seat, seconded +his chancellor's request. Clement was satisfied with saying that he +would reflect upon it. He then began to work upon the young Emperor +in their private conferences, and Charles promised at last to +constrain the heretics by violence, while the Pope should summon all +other princes to his aid.[328] "To overcome Germany by force, and then +erase it from the surface of the earth, is the sole object of the +Italians," they wrote from Venice to the Elector.[329] + + [328] Pontifex, ut cæteri Christiani principes, ipsos pro viribus + juvent.--(Guicciardini, xix. p. 908.) + + [329] Ut Germania vi et armis opprimatur, funditus deleatur et + eradicetur.--(Cælestin. i. p. 42.) + +Such was the sinister news which, by spreading alarm among the +Protestants, should also have united them. Unfortunately a contrary +movement was then taking place. Luther and some of his friends had +revised the Marburg articles in a sense exclusively Lutheran, and the +ministers of the Elector of Saxony had presented them to the +conference at Schwabach. The Reformed deputies from Ulm and Strasburg +had immediately withdrawn, and the conference was broken up. + +But new conferences had erelong become necessary. The express that +Caden had forwarded from Piacenza had reached Nuremberg. Every one in +Germany understood that the arrest of the princes' deputies was a +declaration of war. The Elector was staggered, and ordered his +chancellor to consult the theologians of Wittemberg. + +"We cannot on our conscience," replied Luther on the 18th November, +"approve of the proposed alliance. We would rather die ten times than +see our Gospel cause one drop of blood to be shed.[330] Our part is to +be like lambs of the slaughter. The cross of Christ must be borne. Let +your highness be without fear. We shall do more by our prayers than +all our enemies by their boastings. Only let not your hands be stained +with the blood of your brethren! If the Emperor requires us to be +given up to his tribunals, we are ready to appear. You cannot defend +our faith: each one should believe at his own risk and peril."[331] + + [330] Lieber zehn mal todt seyn.--(Epp. iii. p. 526.) + + [331] Auf sein eigen Fahr glauben.--(Ibid. p. 527.) + +[Sidenote: THE SAVIOUR IS COMING!] + +On the 29th November an evangelical congress was opened at Smalkald, +and an unexpected event rendered this meeting still more important. +Ehinger, Caden, and Frauentraut, who had escaped from the grasp of +Charles V., appeared before them.[332] The Landgrave had no further +doubts of the success of his plan. + + [332] Advenerant et gesta referebant.--(Seckend. ii. p. 140; Sleidan. + i. p. 235.) + +He was deceived. No agreement between contrary doctrines, no alliance +between politics and religion--were Luther's two principles, and they +still prevailed. It was agreed that those who felt disposed to sign +the articles of Schwabach, and those only, should meet at Nuremberg on +the 6th of January. + +[Sidenote: CHARLES' CONCILIATORY LANGUAGE.] + +The horizon became hourly more threatening. The Papists of Germany +wrote one to another these few but significant words: "The Saviour is +coming."[333] "Alas!" exclaimed Luther, "what a pitiless saviour! He +will devour them all, as well as us." In effect, two Italian bishops, +authorized by Charles V., demanded in the Pope's name all the gold and +silver from the churches, and a third part of the ecclesiastical +revenues: a proceeding which caused an immense sensation. "Let the +Pope go to the devil," replied a canon of Paderborn, a little too +freely.[334] "Yes, yes!" archly replied Luther, "this is your saviour +that is coming!" The people already began to talk of frightful omens. +It was not only the living who were agitated: a child still in its +mother's womb had uttered horrible shrieks.[335] "All is +accomplished," said Luther; "the Turk has reached the highest degree +of his power, the glory of the Papacy is declining, and the world is +splitting on every side."[336] The Reformer, dreading lest the end of +the world should arrive before he had translated all the Bible, +published the prophesies of Daniel separately,--"a work," said he, +"for these latter times." "Historians relate," added he, "that +Alexander the Great always placed Homer under his pillow: the prophet +Daniel is worthy not only that kings and princes should wear him under +their heads, but in their hearts; for he will teach them that the +government of nations proceeds from the power of God. We are balanced +in the hand of the Lord, as a ship upon the sea, or a cloud in the +sky."[337] + + [333] Invicem scriptillant, dicentes: Salvator venit.--(L. Epp. iii. + p. 540.) + + [334] Dat de Duwel dem Bawst int Lieff fare.--(Ibid.) + + [335] Infans in utero, audiente tota familia, bis vociferatus + est.--(Ibid.) + + [336] Dedication of Daniel to John Frederick.--(L. Epp. iii. p. 555.) + + [337] Schwebt in seiner Macht, wie ein Schiff auf dem Meer, ja wie + eine Wolke unter dem Himmel.--(L. Epp. iii. p. 555.) + +Yet the frightful phantom that Philip of Hesse had not ceased to point +out to his allies, and whose threatening jaws seemed already opening, +suddenly vanished, and they discovered in its place the graceful image +of the most amiable of princes. + +On the 21st January, Charles had summoned all the states of the empire +to Augsburg, and had endeavoured to employ the most conciliatory +language. "Let us put an end to all discord," he said, "let us +renounce our antipathies, let us offer to our Saviour the sacrifice of +all our errors, let us make it our business to comprehend and weigh +with meekness the opinions of others. Let us annihilate all that has +been said or done on both sides contrary to right, and let us seek +after christian truth. Let us all fight under one and the same leader, +Jesus Christ, and let us strive thus to meet in one communion, one +church, and one unity."[338] + + [338] Wie wir alle unter einem Christo seyn und + streiten.--(Forstenmanns, Urkundenbuch, i. p. 1.) + +[Sidenote: THE EMPEROR'S MOTIVES.] + +What language! How was it that this prince, who had hitherto spoken +only of the sword, should now speak only of peace? It will be said +that the wise Gattinara had had a share in it; that the act of +convocation was drawn up under the impression of the terror caused by +the Turkish invasion; that the Emperor already saw with how little +eagerness the Roman Catholics of Germany seconded his views; that he +wished to intimidate the Pope; that this language, so full of +graciousness, was but a mask which Charles employed to deceive his +enemies; that he wished to manage religion in true imperial fashion, +like Theodosius and Constantine, and seek first to unite both parties +by the influence of his wisdom and of his favours, reserving to +himself, if kindness should fail, to employ force afterwards. It is +possible that each of these motives may have exercised a certain +influence on Charles, but the latter appears to us nearer the truth, +and more conformable to the character of this prince. + +If Charles, however, gave way to inclinations of mildness, the +fanatical Ferdinand was at hand to bring him back. "I will continue +negotiating without coming to any conclusion," wrote he to his +brother; "and should I even be reduced to that, do not fear; pretexts +will not be wanting to chastise these rebels, and you will find men +enough, who will be happy to aid you in your revenge."[339] + + [339] Bucholz Geschichte Ferdinands, iii. p. 432. + + +II. Charles, like Charlemagne in former times and Napoleon in latter +days, desired to be crowned by the Pope, and had at first thought of +visiting Rome for that purpose; but Ferdinand's pressing letters +compelled him to choose Bologna.[340] He appointed the 22d February +for receiving the iron crown as King of Lombardy, and resolved to +assume the golden crown as Emperor of the Romans on the 24th of the +same month--his birthday and the anniversary of the battle of Pavia, +and which he thought was always fortunate to him.[341] + + [340] Sopravennero lettere di Germania che lo sollicittavano à + transferirsi in quella provincia.--(Guicciardini, L. xx.) + + [341] Natali suo quem semper felicem habuit.--(Seckend. ii. p. 150.) + +[Sidenote: THE CORONATION.] + +The offices of honour that belonged to the Electors of the Empire were +given to strangers: in the coronation of the Emperor of Germany all +was Spanish or Italian. The sceptre was carried by the Marquis of +Montferrat, the sword by the Duke of Urbino, and the golden crown by +the Duke of Savoy. One single German prince of little importance, the +Count-palatine Philip, was present: he carried the orb. After these +lords came the Emperor himself between two cardinals; then the +members of his council. All this procession defiled across a +magnificent temporary bridge erected between the palace and the +church. At the very moment the Emperor drew near the church of San +Petronio, where the coronation was to take place, the scaffolding +cracked behind him and gave way, so that many of his train were +wounded, and the multitude fled in alarm. Charles calmly turned back +and smiled, not doubting that his lucky star had saved him. + +At length Charles V. arrived in front of the throne on which Clement +VII. was seated. But before being made Emperor, it was necessary that +he should be promoted to the sacred orders. The Pope presented to him +the surplice and the amice to make him a canon of St. Peter's and of +St. John Lateranus, and immediately the canons of these two churches +stripped him of his royal ornaments, and robed him with these sacred +garments. The Pope went to the altar and began Mass; and the new canon +drew near to wait upon him. After the offertory, the imperial deacon +presented the water to the pontiff. He then knelt down between two +cardinals, and communicated from the Pope's hand. The Emperor now +returned near his throne, where the princes robed him with the +imperial mantle brought from Constantinople, all sparkling with +diamonds, and Charles humbly bent the knee before Clement VII. + +The pontiff, having anointed him with oil and given him the sceptre, +presented him with a naked sword, saying: "Make use of it in defence +of the Church against the enemies of the faith!" Next taking the +golden orb, studded with jewels, which the Count-palatine held, he +said: "Govern the world with piety and firmness!" Last came the Duke +of Savoy, who carried the golden crown enriched with diamonds. The +Prince bent down, and Clement put the diadem on his head, saying: +"Charles, Emperor invincible, receive this crown which we place on +your head, as a sign to all the earth of the authority that is +conferred upon you." + +The Emperor then kissed the white cross embroidered on the Pope's red +slipper and exclaimed: "I swear ever to employ all my strength to +defend the Pontifical dignity, and the Church of Rome."[342] + + [342] Omnibus viribus, ingenio, et facultatibus suis Pontificiæ + dignitatis et Romanæ Ecclesiæ perpetuum fore defensorem.--(Cœlestin. + Hist. Comit. Aug. 16.) + +The two princes now took their seats under the same canopy, but on +thrones of unequal height, the Emperor's being half a foot lower than +the pontiff's, and the cardinal deacon proclaimed to the people "The +invincible Emperor, Defender of the Faith." For the next half-hour +nothing was heard but the noise of musketry, trumpets, drums, and +fifes, all the bells of the city, and the shouts of the multitude. +Thus was proclaimed anew the close union of politics with religion. +The mighty Emperor, transformed to a Roman deacon, and humbly serving +mass, like a canon of St. Peter's, had typified and declared the +indissoluble union of the Romish Church with the State. This is one of +the essential doctrines of Popery, and one of the most striking +characteristics that distinguish it from the Evangelical and Christian +Church. + +Nevertheless, during all this ceremony the Pope seemed ill at ease, +and sighed as soon as men's eyes ceased to be turned on him. +Accordingly, the French ambassador wrote to his court that these four +months which the Emperor and Pope had spent together at Bologna, would +bear fruit of which the King of France would assuredly have no cause +to complain.[343] + + [343] Letter to M. L'Admiral, 25th February.--(Legrand, Histoire du + Divorce, iii. p. 386.) + +[Sidenote: ALARM OF THE PROTESTANTS.] + +Scarcely had Charles V. risen from before the altar of San Petronio, +than he turned his face towards Germany, and appeared on the Alps as +the anointed of the Papacy. The letter of convocation, so indulgent +and benign, seemed forgotten: all things were made new since the +Pope's blessings: there was but one thought in the imperial caravan, +the necessity of rigorous measures; and the legate Campeggio ceased +not to insinuate irritating words into Charles's ear. "At the first +rumour of the storm that threatens them," said Granvelle, "we shall +see the Protestants flying on every side, like timid doves upon which +the Alpine eagle pounces."[344] + + [344] Tanquam columbæ, adveniente aquila, dispergentur.--(Rommel + Anmerkungen, p. 236.) + +Great indeed was the alarm throughout the Empire; already even the +affrighted people, apprehensive of the greatest disasters, repeated +everywhere that Luther and Melancthon were dead. "Alas!" said +Melancthon, consumed by sorrow, when he heard these reports, "the +rumour is but too true, for I die daily."[345] But Luther, on the +contrary, boldly raising the eye of faith towards heaven, exclaimed: +"Our enemies triumph, but erelong to perish." In truth the councils of +the Elector displayed an unheard-of boldness. "Let us collect our +troops," said they; "let us march on the Tyrol, and close the passage +of the Alps against the Emperor."[346] Philip of Hesse uttered a cry +of joy when he heard of this. The sword of Charles has aroused his +indolent allies at last. Immediately fresh courtiers from Ferdinand +were sent to hasten the arrival of Charles, and all Germany was in +expectation. + + [345] Ego famam de qua scribis intelligo nimis veram esse, morior enim + quotidie.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 122.) + + [346] Cum copiis quas habitant per Tyrolensem ditionem incedenti + occurrere et Alpium transitum impedire.--(Seckend. ii. p. 150.) + +Before carrying out this gigantic design, the Elector desired to +consult Luther once more. The Emperor in the midst of the Electors was +only the first among his equals; and independent princes were allowed +to resist another prince, even if he were of higher rank than +themselves. But Luther, dreading above all things the intervention of +the secular arm in church affairs, was led to reply on the 6th March +in this extraordinary manner: "Our princes' subjects are also the +Emperor's subjects, and even more so than princes are. To protect by +arms the Emperor's subjects against the Emperor, would be as if the +Burgomaster of Torgau wished to protect by force his citizens against +the Elector." + +[Sidenote: BRUCK'S NOBLE ADVICE.] + +"What must be done then?--Attend," replied Luther. "If the Emperor +desires to march against us, let no prince undertake our defence. God +is faithful: he will not abandon us." All preparations for war were +immediately suspended, the Landgrave received a polite refusal, and +the confederation was dissolved. It was the will of God that his cause +should appear before the Emperor without league and without soldiers, +having faith alone for its shield. + +Never perhaps has such boldness been witnessed in feeble and unarmed +men; but never, although under an appearance of blindness, was there +so much wisdom and understanding. + +The question next discussed in the Elector's council was, whether he +should go to the diet. The majority of the councillors opposed it. "Is +it not risking everything," said they, "to go and shut oneself up +within the walls of a city with a powerful enemy?" Bruck and the +Prince-electoral were of a different opinion. Duty in their eyes was a +better councillor than fear. "What!" said they, "would the Emperor +insist so much on the presence of the princes at Augsburg only to draw +them into a snare? We cannot impute such perfidy to him." The +Landgrave on the contrary seconded the opinion of the majority. +"Remember Piacenza," said he. "Some unforeseen circumstance may lead +the Emperor to take all his enemies in one cast of the net." + +The Chancellor stood firm. "Let the princes only comport themselves +with courage," said he, "and God's cause is saved." The decision was +in favour of the nobler plan. + +[Sidenote: SPIRITUAL ARMOUR.] + +This diet was to be a lay council, or at the very least a national +convention.[347] The Protestants foresaw that a few unimportant +concessions would be made to them at first, and then that they would +be required to sacrifice their faith. It was therefore necessary to +settle what were the essential articles of christian truth, in order +to know whether, by what means, and how far they might come to an +understanding with their adversaries. The Elector accordingly had +letters sent on the 14th March to the four principal theologians of +Wittemberg, setting them this task, all other business being laid +aside.[348] Thus, instead of collecting soldiers, this prince drew up +articles: they were the best armament. + + [347] Cum hæc comitia pro concilio aut conventu nationali haberi + videantur.--(Seckend. ii. p. 17.--Letter to the Elector, Corp. Ref. + ii. p. 26.) + + [348] Different projects will be found in _Forstenmanns Urkundenbuch_, + i. p. 63-108, and in the Corp. Ref. iv. p. 973, sqq. Those that were + presented were doubtless the _Articuli non concedendi, Articles not to + be conceded_. They treat of the communion in both kinds, of celibacy, + the mass, orders, the pope, convents, confession, distinction of + meats, and of the sacraments.--(Corp. Ref. iv. p. 981.) + +Luther, Jonas, and Melancthon (Pomeranus remaining at Wittemberg), +arrived at Torgau in Easter week, asking leave to deliver their +articles in person to Charles the Fifth.[349] "God forbid!" replied +the Elector, "I also desire to confess my Lord." + + [349] Mirantibus hominibus.--(Seck. ii. p. 153.) + +John having then confided to Melancthon the definitive drawing up of +the confession, and ordered general prayers to be offered up, began +his journey on the 3d April, with one hundred and sixty horsemen, clad +in rich scarlet cloaks embroidered with gold. + +Every man was aware of the dangers that threatened the Elector, and +hence many in his escort marched with downcast eyes and sinking +hearts. But Luther, full of faith, revived the courage of his friends, +by composing and singing with his fine voice that beautiful hymn, +since become so famous: _Eine vaste Burg ist unser Gott_. Our God is a +strong tower.[350] Never did soul that knew its own weakness, but +which, looking to God, despises every fear, find such noble accents. + + [350] We have attempted a very feeble translation of the second + stanza. + + With our own strength we nought can do, + Destruction yawns on every side: + He fights for us, our champion true, + Elect of God to be our guide. + What is his name? The Anointed One, + The God of armies he; + Of earth and heaven the Lord alone-- + With him, on field of battle won, + Abideth victory. + +[Sidenote: LUTHER REMAINS AT COBURG.] + +This hymn was sung during the diet, not only at Augsburg, but in all +the churches of Saxony, and its energetic strains were often seen to +revive and inspirit the most dejected minds.[351] + + [351] Qui tristem etiam et abjectum animum erigere et exhilarare, et + velut ενθουσιἁζειν possent.--(Scult. p. 270.) + +On Easter-eve the troop reached Coburg, and on the 23d April the +Elector resumed his journey; but at the very moment of departure +Luther received an order to remain. "Some one has said, Hold your +tongue, you have a harsh voice," wrote he to one of his friends.[352] +He submitted however without hesitation, setting an example of that +passive obedience which he advocated so boldly. The Elector feared +that Luther's presence would still further exasperate his adversaries, +and drive Charles to extreme measures: the city of Augsburg had also +written to him to that effect. But at the same time John was anxious +to keep the Reformer within reach, that he might be able to consult +him. He was therefore left at Coburg, in the castle overlooking the +town and the river Itz, in the upper story on the south side. It was +from this place he wrote those numerous letters dated from the _region +of birds_; and it was there that for many months he had to maintain +with his old enemy of the Wartburg, Satan, a struggle full of darkness +and of anguish. + + [352] Sed erat qui diceret: Tace tu, habes malam vocem.--(L. Epp. iv. + p. 2.) + +[Sidenote: CHARLES AT INNSPRUCK.] + +On the 2d May the Elector reached Augsburg; it had been expected that +he would stay away, and, to the great astonishment of all, he was the +first at the rendezvous.[353] He immediately sent Dolzig, marshal of +the court, to meet the Emperor and to compliment him. On the 12th May, +Philip of Hesse, who had at last resolved on not separating himself +from his ally, arrived with an escort of one hundred and ninety +horsemen; and almost at the same time the Emperor entered Innspruck, +in the Tyrol, accompanied by his brother, the queens of Hungary and +Bohemia, the ambassadors of France, England, and Portugal, Campeggio +the papal legate, and other cardinals, with many princes and nobles +of Germany, Spain, and Italy. + + [353] Omnibus sepositis aliis rebus.--(L. Epp. iii. p. 564.) + +How bring back the heretics to obedience to the Church? Such was the +great topic of conversation in this brilliant court among nobles and +priests, ladies and soldiers, councillors and ambassadors. They, or +Charles at least, were not for making them ascend the scaffold, but +they wished to act in such a manner that, untrue to their faith, they +should bend the knee to the Pope. Charles stopped at Innspruck to +study the situation of Germany, and ensure the success of his schemes. + +Scarcely was his arrival known when a crowd of people, high and low, +flocked round him on every side, and more than 270,000 crowns, +previously raised in Italy, served to make the Germans understand the +justice of Rome's cause. "All these heretics," was the cry, "will fall +to the ground and crawl to the feet of the Pope."[354] + + [354] Zum kreutz kriechen werden.--(Mathesius Pred. p. 91.) The + allusion is to the cross embroidered on the Pope's slipper. + +Charles did not think so. He was, on the contrary, astonished to see +what power the Reformation had gained. He momentarily even entertained +the idea of leaving Augsburg alone, and of going straight to Cologne, +and there proclaiming his brother King of the Romans.[355] Thus, +religious interests would have given way to dynastic interests, at +least so ran the report. But Charles the Fifth did not stop at this +idea. The question of the Reformation was there before him, increasing +hourly in strength, and it could not be eluded. + + [355] Iter Coloniam versus decrevisse.--(Epp. Zw. May 13.) + +[Sidenote: SENTIMENTS OF GATTINARA.] + +Two parties divided the imperial court. The one, numerous and active, +called upon the Emperor to revive simply the edict of Worms, and, +without hearing the Protestants, condemn their cause.[356] The legate +was at the head of this party. "Do not hesitate," said he to Charles; +"confiscate their property, establish the inquisition, and punish +these obstinate heretics with fire and sword."[357] The Spaniards, +who strongly seconded these exhortations, gave way to their accustomed +debauchery, so that many of them were arrested for seduction.[358] +This was a sad specimen of the faith that they wished to impose on +Germany. Rome has always thought lightly of morality. + + [356] Alii censent Cæsarem debere, edicto proposito, sine ulla + cogitatione damnare causam nostrum.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 57.) + + [357] _Instructio data Cæsari_ dal Reverendissimo Campeggio.--(Ranke, + iii. p. 288.) + + [358] Sich die Spanier zu Inspruck unfläthig gehalten.--(Corp. Ref. + ii. p. 56.) + +Gattinara, although sick, had painfully followed in Charles's train to +neutralize the influence of the legate. A determined adversary of the +Roman policy, he thought that the Protestants might render important +services to Christendom. "There is nothing I desire so much," said he, +"as to see the Elector of Saxony and his allies persevere courageously +in the profession of the Gospel, and call for a free religious +council. If they allow themselves to be checked by promises or +threats, I hesitate myself, I stagger, and I doubt of the means of +salvation."[359] The enlightened and honest members of the Papal +Church (and of whom there is always a small number) necessarily +sympathize with the Reformation. + + [359] Semper vacillaturum de vera et certa salutis adipiscendæ + ratione.--(Seck. ii. p. 57.) + +Charles V., exposed to these contrary influences, desired to restore +Germany to religious unity by his personal intervention: for a moment +he thought himself on the eve of success. + +[Sidenote: PIETY OF THE ELECTOR.] + +Amongst the persons who crowded to Innspruck was the unfortunate +Christian, king of Denmark, Charles's brother-in-law. In vain had he +proposed to his subjects undertaking a pilgrimage to Rome in expiation +of the cruelties of which he was accused: his people had expelled him. +Having repaired to Saxony, to his uncle the Elector, he had there +heard Luther, and had embraced the evangelical doctrines, as far at +least as external profession goes. This poor dethroned king could not +resist the eloquence of the powerful ruler of two worlds, and +Christian, won over by Charles the Fifth, publicly placed himself +again under the sceptre of the Roman hierarchy. All the papal party +uttered a shout of triumph. Nothing equals their credulity, and the +importance they attach to such valueless accessions. "I cannot +describe the emotion with which this news has filled me," wrote +Clement VII. to Charles, his hand trembling with joy; "the brightness +of your Majesty's virtues begins at last to scatter the darkness: this +example will lead to numberless conversions." + +Things were in this state, when Duke George of Saxony, Duke William of +Bavaria, and the Elector Joachim of Brandenburg, the three German +princes who were the greatest enemies of the Reformation, hastily +arrived at Innspruck. + +The tranquillity of the Elector, whom they had seen at Augsburg, had +alarmed them, for they knew not the source whence John derived his +courage; they imagined that he was revolving in his mind some +perfidious design. "It is not without reason," said they to Charles, +"that the Elector John has repaired the first to Augsburg, and that he +appeared there with a considerable train: he wishes to seize your +person. Act then with energy, and allow us to offer your Majesty a +guard of six thousand horse."[360] Conference upon conference +immediately took place. The Protestants were affrighted. "They are +holding a diet at Innspruck," said Melancthon, "on the best means of +having our heads."[361] But Gattinara prevailed on Charles to preserve +his neutrality. + + [360] Ut mascule ageret, sex mille equitum, præsidium ei + offerentes.--(Seck. ii. p. 156.) + + [361] Ibi habentur de nostris cervicibus comitia.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. + 45.) + +While all was thus agitated in the Tyrol, the Evangelical Christians, +instead of mustering in arms, as they were accused, sent up their +prayers to heaven, and the Protestant princes were preparing to render +an account of their faith. + +[Sidenote: WILES OF THE ROMANISTS.] + +The Elector of Saxony held the first rank among them. Sincere, +upright, and pure from his youth, early disgusted with the brilliant +tourneys in which he had at first taken part, John of Saxony had +joyfully hailed the day of the Reformation, and the Gospel light had +gradually penetrated his serious and reflective mind. His great +pleasure was to have the Holy Scriptures read to him during the latter +hours of the day. It is true that, having arrived at an advanced age, +the pious Elector sometimes fell asleep, but he soon awoke with a +start, and repeated the last passage aloud. Although moderate and a +friend of peace, he yet possessed an energy that was powerfully +aroused by the great interests of the faith. There is no prince in the +sixteenth century, and none perhaps since the primitive times of the +Church, who has done so much as John of Saxony for the cause of the +Gospel. Accordingly it was against him that the first efforts of the +Papists were directed. + +In order to gain him over, they wished to put in operation very +different tactics from those which had been previously employed. At +Spire the Evangelicals had met with angry looks in every quarter; at +Augsburg, on the contrary, the Papists gave them a hearty welcome; +they represented as very trifling the distance that separated the two +parties, and in their private conversations uttered the mildest +language, "seeking thus to make the credulous Protestants take the +bait," says an historian.[362] The latter yielded with simplicity to +these skilful manœuvres. + + [362] Seckendorf. + +Charles the Fifth was convinced that the simple Germans would not be +able to resist his star. "The King of Denmark has been converted," +said his courtiers to him, "why should not the Elector follow his +example? Let us draw him into the imperial atmosphere." John was +immediately invited to come and converse familiarly with the Emperor +at Innspruck, with an assurance that he might reckon on Charles's +particular favour. + +[Sidenote: AUGSBURG.] + +The Prince-electoral, John Frederick, who on seeing the advances of +the Papists had at first exclaimed: "We conduct our affairs with such +awkwardness, that it is quite pitiable!" allowed himself to be caught +by this stratagem. "The Papist princes," said he to his father, "exert +every means of blackening our characters. Go to Innspruck in order to +put a stop to these underhand practices; or if you are unwilling, +send me in your place." + +This time the prudent Elector moderated his son's precipitancy, and +replied to Charles's ministers, that it was not proper to treat of the +affairs of the diet in any other place than that which the Emperor had +himself appointed, and he begged, in consequence, that his majesty +would hasten his arrival. This was the first check that Charles met +with. + + +III. Meantime Augsburg was filling more and more every day. Princes, +bishops, deputies, gentlemen, cavaliers, soldiers in rich uniforms, +entered by every gate, and thronged the streets, the public places, +inns, churches, and palaces. All that was most magnificent in Germany +was there about to be collected. The critical circumstances in which +the empire and Christendom were placed, the presence of Charles V. and +his kindly manners, the love of novelty, of grand shows, and of lively +emotions, tore the Germans from their homes. All those who had great +interests to discuss, without reckoning a crowd of idlers, flocked +from the various provinces of the empire, and hastily made their way +towards this illustrious city.[363] + + [363] Omnes alliciebat.--(Cochlœus, p. 191.) + +[Sidenote: THE GOSPEL PREACHED.] + +In the midst of this crowd the Elector and the Landgrave were resolved +to confess Jesus Christ, and to take advantage of this convocation in +order to convert the empire. Scarcely had John arrived when he ordered +one of his theologians to preach daily with open doors in the church +of the Dominicans.[364] On Sunday the 8th May, the same was done in +the church of St. Catherine; on the 13th, Philip of Hesse opened the +gates of the cathedral, and his chaplain Snepff there preached the +Word of Salvation; and on the following Sunday (May 15) this prince +ordered Cellarius, minister of Augsburg and a follower of Zwingle, to +preach in the same temple. Somewhat later the Landgrave firmly settled +himself in the church of St. Ulric, and the Elector in that of St. +Catherine. These were the two positions taken up by these illustrious +princes. Every day the Gospel was preached in these places before an +immense and attentive crowd.[365] + + [364] Rogantibus Augustanis publice in templum Dominicorum.--(Seck. + Lat. p. 193.) + + [365] Täglig in den kirchen, unverstört; dazu kommt sehr viel + Volks.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 53.) + +The partisans of Rome were amazed. They expected to see criminals +endeavouring to dissemble their faults, and they met with confessors +of Christ with uplifted heads and words of power. Desirous of +counterbalancing these preachings, the Bishop of Augsburg ordered his +suffragan and his chaplain to ascend the pulpit. But the Romish +priests understood better how to say Mass than to preach the Gospel. +"They shout, they bawl," said some. "They are stupid fellows," added +all their hearers, shrugging their shoulders.[366] + + [366] Clamant et vociferantur. Audires homines stupidissimos atque + etiam sensu communi carentes.--(Ibid. p. 86.) + +The Romanists, ashamed of their own priests, began to grow angry,[367] +and unable to hold their ground by preaching, they had recourse to the +secular arm. "The priests are setting wondrous machines at work to +gain Cæsar's mind," said Melancthon.[368] They succeeded, and Charles +made known his displeasure at the hardihood of the princes. The +friends of the Pope then drew near the Protestants and whispered into +their ears "that the Emperor, victor over the King of France and the +Roman Pontiff, would appear in Germany to crush all the +Gospellers."[369] The anxious Elector demanded the advice of his +theologians. + + [367] Urebat hoc pontifices.--(Scultet. p. 271.) + + [368] Ὁι αρχιερεἱς miris machinis oppugnant.--(Corp. Ref. + ii. p. 70.) + + [369] Evangelicos omnes obtriturum.--(Scultet. p. 269.) + +Before the answer was ready, Charles's orders arrived, carried by two +of his most influential ministers, the Counts of Nassau and of Nuenar. +A more skilful choice could not have been made. These two nobles, +although devoted to Charles, were favourable to the Gospel, which they +professed not long after. The Elector was therefore fully disposed to +listen to their counsel. + +[Sidenote: THE EMPEROR'S MESSAGE.] + +On the 24th May, the two Counts delivered their letters to John of +Saxony, and declared to him that the Emperor was exceedingly grieved +that religious controversies should disturb the good understanding +that had for so many years united the houses of Saxony and +Austria;[370] that he was astonished at seeing the Elector oppose an +edict (that of Worms) which had been unanimously passed by all the +states of the Empire; that the alliances he had made tended to tear +asunder the unity of Germany, and might inundate it with blood. They +required at last that the Elector would immediately put a stop to the +evangelical preachings, and added, in a confidential tone, that they +trembled at the thought of the immediate and deplorable consequences +that would certainly follow the Elector's refusal. "This," said they, +"is only the expression of our own personal sentiments." It was a +diplomatic manœuvre, the Emperor having enjoined them to give +utterance to a few threats, but that solely on their own account.[371] + + [370] These instructions may be found in Cœlestin, i. p. 50, and + Forstemann Urk. i. p. 220. + + [371] Quidquid duri Electori denuntiabant suo veluti nomine et injussi + dicebant.--(Seck. ii. p. 156.) + +The Elector was greatly agitated. "If his majesty forbids the +preaching of the Gospel," exclaimed he, "I shall immediately return +home."[372] He waited however for the advice of his theologians. + + [372] Den nächsten heim zu reiten.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 88.) + +Luther's answer was ready first. "The Emperor is our master," said he; +"the town and all that is in it belong to him. If your Highness should +give orders at Torgau for this to be done, and for that to be left +undone, the people ought not to resist. I should prefer endeavouring +to change his majesty's decision by humble and respectful +solicitations; but if he persists, might makes right; we have but done +our duty."[373] Thus spoke the man who has often been represented as a +rebel. + + [373] L. Epp. iv. p. 18. + +[Sidenote: FIRMNESS OF THE ELECTOR.] + +Melancthon and the others were nearly of the same opinion; only they +insisted more on the necessity of representing to the Emperor "that +they did not speak of controversy in their sermons, but were content +simply to teach the doctrine of Christ the Saviour.[374] Let us +beware, above all," continued they, "of abandoning the place. Let your +highness with an intrepid heart confess in presence of his majesty by +what wonderful ways you have attained to a right understanding of the +truth,[375] and do not allow yourself to be alarmed at these +thunder-claps that fall from the lips of our enemies." To confess the +truth, such was the object to which, according to the Reformers, +everything else should be subordinate. + + [374] Nullas materias disputabiles a nobis doceri.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. + 72.) + + [375] Quo modo plane inenarrabili atque mirifico.--(Ibid. p. 74.) + +Will the Elector yield to this first demand of Charles, and thus +begin, even before the Emperor's arrival, that list of sacrifices, the +end of which cannot be foreseen? + +No one in Augsburg was firmer than John. In vain did the Reformers +represent that they were in the Emperor's city, and only +strangers:[376] the Elector shook his head. Melancthon in despair +wrote to Luther: "Alas! how untractable is our old man!"[377] +Nevertheless he again returned to the charge. Fortunately there was an +intrepid man at the Elector's right hand, the chancellor Bruck, who +feeling convinced that policy, honour, and above all, duty, bound the +friends of the Reformation to resist the menaces of Charles, said to +the Elector: "The Emperor's demand is but a worthy beginning to bring +about the definitive abolition of the Gospel.[378] If we yield at +present, they will crush us by and by. Let us therefore humbly beg his +majesty to permit the continuance of the sermons." Thus, at that time, +a statesman stood in the foremost rank of the confessors of Jesus +Christ. This is one of the characteristic features of this great age, +and it must not be forgotten, if we would understand its history +aright. + + [376] In cujus urbe jam sumus hospites.--(Ibid. p. 46.) + + [377] Sed noster senex difficilis est.--(Ibid.) + + [378] Ein fügsamer Anfang der Niderbrengung des Evangelii.--(Ibid. p. + 76.) + +[Sidenote: THE ELECTOR'S REPLY.] + +On the 31st May, the Elector sent his answer in writing to Charles's +ministers. "It is not true," it bore, "that the Edict of Worms was +approved of by the six Electors. How could the Elector, my brother, +and myself, by approving it, have opposed the everlasting word of +Almighty God? Accordingly, succeeding diets have declared this edict +impossible to be executed. As for the relations of friendship that I +have formed, their only aim is to protect me against acts of violence. +Let my accusers lay before the eyes of his majesty the alliances they +have made; I am ready to produce mine, and the Emperor shall decide +between us.--Finally, As to the demand to suspend our preachings, +nothing is proclaimed in them but the glorious truth of God, and never +was it so necessary to us. We cannot therefore do without it!"[379] + + [379] Quo carere non possit.--(Seck. p. 156; Muller, Hist. Prot. p. + 506.) + +This reply must necessarily hasten the arrival of Charles; and it was +urgent they should be prepared to receive him. To explain what they +believe, and then be silent, was the whole plan of the Protestant +campaign. A confession was therefore necessary. One man, of small +stature, frail, timid, and in great alarm, was commissioned to prepare +this instrument of war. Philip Melancthon worked at it night and day: +he weighed every expression, softened it down, changed it, and then +frequently returned to his first idea. He was wasting away his +strength; his friends trembled lest he should die over his task; and +Luther enjoined him, as early as the 12th of May, under pain of +anathema, to take measures for the preservation of "his little body," +and not "to commit suicide for the love of God."[380] "God is as +usefully served by repose," added he, "and indeed man never serves him +better than by keeping himself tranquil. It is for this reason God +willed that the Sabbath should be so strictly observed."[381] + + [380] Ut sub anathemate cogam te in regulas servandi corpusculi + tui.--(L. Epp. iv. p. 16.) + + [381] Ideo enim Sabbatum voluit tam rigide præ cæteris + servari.--(Ibid.) + +[Sidenote: PREPARATION OF THE CONFESSION.] + +Notwithstanding these solicitations, Melancthon's application +augmented, and he set about an exposition of the christian faith, at +once mild, moderate, and as little removed as possible from the +doctrine of the Latin Church. At Coburg he had already put his hand to +the task, and traced out in the first part the doctrines of the faith, +according to the articles of Schwabach; and in the second, the abuses +of the Church, according to the articles of Torgau, making altogether +quite a new work. At Augsburg he gave a more correct and elegant form +to this confession.[382] + + [382] More rhetorically. Feci aliquande ρητορικὡτερον quam + Coburgæ scripseram.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 40.) + +The Apology, as it was then called, was completed on the 11th May; and +the Elector sent it to Luther, begging him to mark what ought to be +changed. "I have said what I thought most useful," added Melancthon, +who feared that his friend would find the confession too weak; "for +Eck ceases not to circulate against us the most diabolical calumnies, +and I have endeavoured to oppose an antidote to his poisons."[383] + + [383] Quia Eckius addidit διαβολικωτἁτασ διαβοιἁς + contra nos.--(Corp. Ref. p. 45.) + +Luther replied to the Elector on the 15th May: "I have read Magister +Philip's Apology; I like it well enough, I have no corrections to +make. Besides, that would hardly suit me, for I cannot walk so meekly +and so silently. May Christ our Lord grant that this work may produce +much and great fruit." + +Each day, however, the Elector's councillors and theologians, in +concert with Melancthon, improved the confession, and endeavoured to +render it such that the charmed diet should, in its own despite, hear +it to the very end.[384] + + [384] In Apologia quotidie multa mutamus.--(Ibid. p. 60.) + +[Sidenote: LUTHER'S SINAI.] + +While the struggle was thus preparing at Augsburg, Luther at Coburg, +on the summit of the hill, "on his Sinai," as he called it, raised his +hands like Moses towards heaven.[385] He was the real general of the +spiritual war that was then waging; his letters ceased not to bear to +the combatants the directions which they needed, and numerous +pamphlets issuing from his stronghold, like discharges of musketry, +spread confusion in the enemy's camp. + + [385] Mathesius Predigten, p. 92. + +The place where he had been left was, by its solitude, favourable to +study and to meditation.[386] "I shall make a Zion of this Sinai," +said he on the 22d April, "and I shall build here three tabernacles; +one to the Psalms, one to the Prophets, and one----to Esop!" This last +word is a startling one. The association belongs neither to the +language nor the spirit of the Apostles. It is true that Esop was not +to be his principal study: the fables were soon laid aside, and truth +alone engaged Luther. "I shall weep, I shall pray, I shall never be +silent," wrote he, "until I know that my cry has been heard in +heaven."[387] + + [386] Longe amænissimus et studiis commodissimus.--(L. Epp. iv. p. 2.) + + [387] Orabo igitur et plorabo, non quieturus donec, &c.--(L. Epp. iv. + p. 2.) + +Besides, by way of relaxation, he had something better than Esop; he +had those domestic joys whose precious treasures the Reformation had +opened to the ministers of the Word. It was at this time he wrote that +charming letter to his infant son, in which he describes a delightful +garden where children dressed in gold are sporting about, picking up +apples, pears, cherries, and plums; they sing, dance, and enjoy +themselves, and ride pretty little horses, with golden bridles and +silver saddles.[388] + + [388] This letter, which is a masterpiece of its kind, may be found in + Luther's Epp. iv. p. 41, and also in Riddle's "Luther and his Times," + p. 268. + +[Sidenote: LUTHER'S MERRIMENT.] + +But the Reformer was soon drawn away from these pleasing images. About +this time he learnt that his father had gently fallen asleep in the +faith which is in Jesus Christ. "Alas!" exclaimed he, shedding tears +of filial love, "it is by the sweat of his brow that he made me what I +am."[389] Other trials assailed him; and to bodily pains were added +the phantoms of his imagination. One night in particular he saw three +torches pass rapidly before his eyes, and at the same moment he heard +claps of thunder in his head, which he ascribed to the devil. His +servant ran in at the moment he fainted, and after having restored +him to animation, read to him the Epistle to the Galatians. Luther, +who had fallen asleep, said as he awoke: "Come, and despite of the +devil let us sing the Psalm, _Out of the depths have I cried unto +thee, O Lord_." They both sang the hymn. While Luther was thus +tormented by these internal noises, he translated the prophet +Jeremiah, and yet he often deplored his idleness. + + [389] Per ejus sudores aluit et finxit qualis sum.--(Epp. iv. p. 33.) + +He soon devoted himself to other studies, and poured out the floods of +his irony on the mundane practices of courts. He saw Venice, the Pope, +and the King of France, giving their hands to Charles V. to crush the +Gospel. Then, alone in his chamber in the old castle, he burst into +irresistible laughter. "Mr. _Par-ma-foy_, (it was thus he designated +Francis I.), _Innomine-Domini_ (the Pope), and the Republic of Venice, +pledge their goods and their bodies to the Emperor......_Sanctissimum +fœdus_. A most holy alliance truly! This league between these four +powers belongs to the chapter _Non-credimus_, Venice, the Pope, and +France become _imperialists_!......But these are three persons in one +substance, filled with unspeakable hatred against the Emperor. Mr. +_Par-ma-foy_ cannot forget his defeat at Pavia; Mr. _In-nomine-Domini_ +is, 1st, an Italian, which is already too much; 2d, a Florentine, +which is worse; 3d, a bastard--that is to say, a child of the devil; +4th, he will never forget the disgrace of the sack of Rome. As for the +Venetians, they are Venetians: that is quite enough; and they have +good reason to avenge themselves on the posterity of Maximilian. All +this belongs to the chapter _Firmiter-credimus_. But God will help the +pious Charles, who is a sheep among wolves. Amen."[390] The former +monk of Erfurth had a surer political foresight than many diplomatists +of his age. + + [390] To Gasp. of Teutleben, 19th June.--(L. Epp. iv. p. 37.) + +[Sidenote: CONDITION OF SAXONY.] + +Impatient at seeing the diet put off from day to day, Luther formed +his resolution, and ended by convoking it even at Coburg. "We are +already in full assembly," wrote he on the 28th April and the 9th May. +"You might here see kings, dukes, and other grandees, deliberating on +the affairs of their kingdom, and with indefatigable voice publishing +their dogmas and decrees in the air. They dwell not in those caverns +which you decorate with the name of palaces; the heavens are their +canopy; the leafy trees form a floor of a thousand colours, and their +walls are the ends of the earth. They have a horror of all the +unmeaning luxury of silk and gold; they ask neither coursers nor +armour, and have all the same clothing and the same colour. I have +neither seen nor heard their emperor; but if I can understand them, +they have determined this year to make a pitiless war upon----the most +excellent fruits of the earth.--Ah! my dear friends," said he to his +messmates,[391] to whom he was writing, "these are the sophists, the +Papists, who are assembled before me in a heap, to make me hear their +sermons and their cries."--These two letters, dated from the "_empire +of ravens and crows_," finish in the following mournful strain, which +shows us the Reformer descending into himself after this play of his +imagination: "Enough of jesting!--jesting which is, however, sometimes +necessary to dispel the gloomy thoughts that prey upon me."[392] + + [391] An seine Tischgesellen.--(L. Epp. iv. p. 7.) + + [392] Sed serio et necessario joco qui mihi irruentes cogitationes + repelleret.--(L. Epp. iv. p. 14.) + +[Sidenote: TRAVAIL OF THE GOSPEL.] + +Luther soon returned to real life, and thrilled with joy at beholding +the fruits that the Reformation was already bearing, and which were +for him a more powerful "apology" than even the confession of +Melancthon. "Is there in the whole world a single country to be +compared to your highness's states," wrote he to the Elector, "and +which possesses preachers of so pure a doctrine, or pastors so fitted +to bring about the reign of peace? Where do we see, as in Saxony, boys +and girls well instructed in the Holy Scriptures and in the Catechism, +increasing in wisdom and in stature, praying, believing, talking of +God and of Christ better than has been done hitherto by all the +universities, convents, and chapters of Christendom?"[393] "My dear +Duke John, says the Lord to you, I commend this paradise to thee, the +most beautiful that exists in the world, that thou mayst be its +gardener." And then he added: "Alas! the madness of the Papist princes +changes this paradise of God into a dirty slough, and corrupting the +youth, peoples every day with real devils their states, their tables, +and their palaces." + + [393] Eswächst jetz daher die zart Jugend von Knäblin un + Maidlin.--(Ibid. p. 21.) + +Luther, not content with encouraging his prince, desired also to +frighten his adversaries. It was with this intent that he wrote at +that time an address to the members of the clergy assembled at +Augsburg. A crowd of thoughts, like lansquenets armed cap-a-pié, +"rushed in to fatigue and bewilder him;"[394] and in fact there is no +want of barbed words in the discourse he addresses to the bishops. "In +short," said he to them in conclusion, "we know and you know that we +have the Word of God, and that you have it not. O Pope! if I live I +shall be a pestilence to thee; and if I die, I shall be thy +death!"[395] + + [394] Ut plurimos Lansknecktos, prorsus vi repellere cogar, qui + insalutati non cessant obstrepere.--(L. Epp. iv. p. 10.) + + [395] Pestis eram vivus, moriens ero mors tua, Papa.--(L. Opp. xx. p. + 164.) + +Thus was Luther present at Augsburg, although invisible; and he +effected more by his words and by his prayers than Agricola, Brenz, or +Melancthon. These were the days of travail for the Gospel truth. It +was about to appear in the world with a might that was destined to +eclipse all that had been done since the time of St. Paul; but Luther +only announced and manifested the things that God was effecting: he +did not execute them himself. He was, as regards the events of the +Church, what Socrates was to philosophy: "I imitate my mother (she was +a midwife)," this philosopher was in the habit of saying; "she does +not travail herself, but she aids others." Luther--and he never ceased +repeating it--has created nothing; but he has brought to light the +precious seed, hidden for ages in the bosom of the Church. The man of +God is not he who seeks to form his age according to his own peculiar +ideas, but he who, distinctly perceiving God's truth, such as it is +found in his Word, and as it is hidden in his Church, brings it to +his contemporaries with courage and decision. + +[Sidenote: HUMAN HOPES FAIL.] + +Never had these qualities been more necessary, for matters were taking +an alarming aspect. On the 4th June died Chancellor Gattinara, who was +to Charles the Fifth "what Ulpian was to Alexander Severus," says +Melancthon, and with him all the human hopes of the Protestants +vanished. "It is God," Luther had said, "who has raised up for us a +Naaman in the court of the King of Syria." In truth Gattinara alone +resisted the Pope. When Charles brought to him the objections of Rome: +"Remember," said the Chancellor, "that you are master!" Henceforward +every thing seemed to take a new direction. The Pope required that +Charles should be satisfied with being his "lictor," as Luther says, +to carry out his judgments against the heretics.[396] Eck, whose name +(according to Melancthon) was no bad imitation of the cry of Luther's +crows, heaped one upon another[397] a multitude of pretended heretical +propositions, extracted from the Reformer's writings. There were _four +hundred and four_, and yet he made excuse that, being taken unawares, +he was forced to restrict himself to so small a number, and he called +loudly for a disputation with the Lutherans. They retorted on these +propositions by a number of ironical and biting theses on "wine, +Venus, and baths, against John Eck;" and the poor Doctor became the +laughing-stock of everybody. + + [396] Tantum lictorem suum in hæreticos.--(Epp. iv. p. 10.) + + [397] Magnum acervum conclusionum congessit.--(Corp. Ref. p. 39.) + +[Sidenote: THE CHURCH, THE JUDGE.] + +But others went to work more skilfully than he. Cochlœus, who became +chaplain to Duke George of Saxony in 1527, begged an interview with +Melancthon, "for," added he, "I cannot converse with your married +ministers."[398] Melancthon, who was looked upon with an evil eye at +Augsburg, and who had complained of being more solitary there than +Luther in his castle,[399] was touched by this courtesy, and was still +more fully penetrated with the idea that things should be ordered in +the mildest manner possible. + + [398] Cum uxoratis presbyteris tuis privatim colloqui non + intendimus.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 82.) + + [399] Nos non minus sumus monachi quam vos in illa arce + vestra.--(Ibid. p. 146.) + +The Romish priests and laymen made a great uproar, because on fast +days meat was usually eaten at the Elector's court. Melancthon advised +his prince to restrain the liberty of his attendants in this respect. +"This disorder," said he, "far from leading the simple-minded to the +Gospel, scandalizes them." He added, in his ill-humour: "A fine +holiness truly, to make it a matter of conscience to fast, and yet to +be night and day given up to wine and folly!"[400] The Elector did not +yield to Melancthon's advice; it would have been a mark of weakness of +which his adversaries would have known how to take advantage. + + [400] Und dennoch Tag und Nacht voll und toll seyn.--(Ibid. p. 79.) + +On the 31st May, the Saxon confession was at length communicated to +the other Protestant states, who required that it should be presented +in common in the name of them all.[401] But at the same time they +desired to make their reservations with regard to the influence of the +state. "It is to a council that we appeal," said Melancthon; "we will +not receive the Emperor as our judge; the ecclesiastical constitutions +themselves forbid him to pronounce in spiritual matters.[402] Moses +declares that it is not the civil magistrate who decides, but the sons +of Levi. St. Paul also says (1 Cor. xiv.), '_let the others judge_,' +which cannot be understood except of an entire christian assembly; and +the Saviour himself gives us this commandment: '_Tell it unto the +Church_.' We pledge, therefore, our obedience to the Emperor in all +civil matters; but as for the Word of God, it is liberty that we +demand." + + [401] In gemein in aller Fürsten und Stadte Nämen.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. + 88.) + + [402] Die _constitutiones canonicæ_ den Kaysern verbieten zu richten + und sprechen in geistlichen sachen.--(Ibid. p. 66.) + +[Sidenote: THE LANDGRAVE'S CATHOLIC SPIRIT.] + +All were agreed on this point; but the dissent came from another +quarter. The Lutherans feared to compromise their cause if they went +hand in hand with the Zwinglians. "This is Lutheran madness," replied +Bucer: "it will perish of its own weight."[403] But, far from +allowing this madness "to perish," the reformed augmented the disunion +by exaggerated complaints. "In Saxony they are beginning to sing Latin +hymns again," said they; "the sacred vestments are resumed, and +oblations are called for anew.[404] We would rather be led to +slaughter, than be Christians after that fashion." + + [403] De Lutheranis furoribus......sua ipsi mole ruent.--(Zw. Epp. ii. + p. 432.) + + [404] Hinc Latinæ resumuntur cantiones, repetuntur sanctæ + vestes.--(Zw. Epp. ii. p. 457.) + +The afflicted Landgrave, says Bucer, was "between the hammer and the +anvil;" and his allies caused him more uneasiness than his +enemies.[405] He applied to Rhegius, to Brenz, to Melancthon, +declaring that it was his most earnest wish to see concord prevail +among all the Evangelical doctors. "If these fatal doctrines are not +opposed," replied Melancthon, "there will be rents in the Church that +will last to the end of the world. Do not the Zwinglians boast of +their full coffers, of having soldiers prepared, and of foreign +nations disposed to aid them? Do they not talk of sharing among them +the rights and the property of the bishops, and of proclaiming +liberty......Good God! shall we not think of posterity, which, if we +do not repress these guilty seditions, will be at once without throne +and without altar?"[406]--"No, no! we are one," replied this generous +prince, who was so much in advance of his age; "we all confess the +same Christ, we all profess that we must eat Jesus Christ, by faith, +in the Eucharist. Let us unite." All was unavailing. The time in which +true catholicity was to replace this sectarian spirit, of which Rome +is the most perfect expression, had not yet arrived. + + [405] Cattus inter sacrum et saxum stat, et de sociis magis quam + hostibus solicitus est.--(Ibid.) + + [406] Keine Kirche und kein Regiment.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 95.) + + + +[Sidenote: AUGSBURG.] + +IV. In proportion as the Emperor drew near Augsburg, the anxieties of +the Protestants continued increasing. The burghers of this imperial +city expected to see it become the theatre of strange events. +Accordingly they said that if the Elector, the Landgrave, and other +friends of the Reformation were not in the midst of them, they would +all desert it.[407] "A great destruction threatens us," was repeated +on every side.[408] A haughty expression of Charles above all +disquieted the Protestants. "What do these Electors want with me?" he +had said impatiently; "I shall do what I please!"[409] Thus arbitrary +rule was the imperial law destined to prevail in the diet. + + [407] Wo Sachsen, Hessen, und andere Lutherische nit hie + wären.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 89.) + + [408] Minatur nobis Satan grande exitium.--(Ibid. p. 92.) + + [409] Er wolte es machen, wie es Ihm eben wäre.--(Ibid. p. 88.) + +To this agitation of men's minds was added the agitation of the +streets, or rather one led to the other. Masons and locksmiths were at +work in all the public places and crossings, laboriously fastening +barriers and chains to the walls, that might be closed or stretched at +the first cry of alarm.[410] At the same time about eight hundred foot +and horse soldiers were seen patrolling the streets, dressed in velvet +and silk,[411] whom the magistrates had enrolled in order to receive +the Emperor with magnificence. + + [410] Neu aufgerichte Ketten und Stöck.--(Ibid. p. 66.) + + [411] Mit sammet und seide auf's kostlichst ausgestrichen.--(Ibid.) + +Matters were in this state, and it was about the middle of May, when a +number of Spanish quartermasters arrived, full of arrogance, and who +looked with contemptuous eyes on these wretched burghers, entered +their houses, conducted themselves with violence, and even rudely tore +down the arms of some of the princes.[412] The magistrates having +delegated councillors to treat with them, the Spaniards made an +insolent reply. "Alas!" said the citizens, "if the servants are so, +what will their master be?" The ministers of Charles were grieved at +their impertinence, and sent a German quartermaster who employed the +forms of German politeness to make them forget this Spanish +haughtiness. + + [412] Den jungen Fürsten zu neubourg ihre wappen abgerissen.--(Corp. + Ref. ii. p. 55.) + +[Sidenote: CHARLES AT MUNICH.] + +That did not last long, and they soon felt more serious alarm. The +Council of Augsburg were asked what was the meaning of these chains +and soldiers, and they were ordered, in the Emperor's name, to take +down the one and disband the other. The magistrates of the city +answered, in alarm, "For more than ten years past we have intended +putting up these chains;[413] and as for the soldiers, our object is +simply to pay due honour to his majesty." After many parleys it was +agreed to dismiss the troops, and that the imperial commanders should +select afresh a thousand men, who should make oath to the Emperor, but +be paid by the city of Augsburg. + + [413] Vor zehn Jahren in Sinn gehalt.--(Ibid. p. 66.) + +The imperial quartermasters then resumed all their impertinence; and +no longer giving themselves the trouble of entering the houses, and +the shops, they tore down the signboards of the Augsburg citizens, and +wrote in their place how many men and horses they would be required to +lodge.[414] + + [414] Gehen nicht mehr in die Haüser und schrieben an die + Thür.--(Ibid. p. 89.) + +Such were the preludes to the work of conciliation that Charles V. had +announced, and that he was so slow in beginning. Accordingly his +delay, attributed by some to the crowds of people who surrounded him +with their acclamations; by others, to the solicitations of the +priests, who opposed his entry into Augsburg until he had imposed +silence on the ministers; and by others, finally, to the lessons the +Pope had given him in the arts of policy and stratagem,[415] still +more estranged the Elector and his allies. + + [415] Cæsarem instructum arte pontificum quærere causas moræ.--(L. + Epp. iv. p. 31.) + +[Sidenote: CHARLES AND THE PRINCES.] + +At last Charles, having quitted Innspruck two days after Gattinara's +death, arrived at Munich on the 10th June. His reception was +magnificent. At the distance of two miles from the town a temporary +fortress, soldiers' huts, cannon, horsemen, an assault, repeated +explosions, flames, shouts, whirlwinds of smoke, and a terrible +clashing of arms, all of which was very agreeable to the Emperor;[416] +in the city, theatres raised in the open air, the _Jewess Esther_, +the _Persian Cambyses_, and other pieces not less famous, the whole +combined with splendid fireworks, formed the reception given by the +adherents of the Pope to him whom they styled their Saviour. + + [416] Das hat Kais. Maj. wohl gefallen.--(Forstemann, Urkunden. i p. + 246.) + +Charles was not far distant from Augsburg. As early as the 11th June, +every day and every hour, members of the imperial household, +carriages, waggons, and baggage entered this city, to the sound of the +clacking whip and of the horn;[417] and the burghers in amazement +gazed with dejected eyes on all this insolent train, that fell upon +their city like a flight of locusts.[418] + + [417] Alle stund die Wagen, der Tross und viel gesinds nact einander + harein.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 90.) + + [418] Finden aber wenig Frenden feuer.--(Ibid.) + +At five o'clock in the morning of the 15th June,[419] the Elector, the +princes, and their councillors, assembled at the town-hall, and +erelong arrived the imperial commissaries, having an order for them to +go out and meet Charles. At three in the afternoon the princes and +deputies quitted the city, and, having reached a little bridge across +the river Lech, they there halted and waited for the Emperor. The eyes +of every member of the brilliant assemblage, thus stopping on the +smiling banks of an alpine torrent, were directed along the road to +Munich. At length, after waiting two or three hours, clouds of dust +and a loud noise announced the Emperor. Two thousand of the imperial +guard marched first; then Charles having come to within fifty paces of +the river, the Electors and princes alighted. Their sons, who had +advanced beyond the bridge, perceiving the Emperor preparing to do the +same, ran to him and begged him to remain on horseback;[420] but +Charles dismounted without hesitating,[421] and approaching the +princes with an amiable smile, shook hands with them cordially. Albert +of Mentz, in his quality of arch-chancellor of the empire, now +welcomed the Emperor, and the Count-palatine Frederick replied in +behalf of Charles. + + [419] Zu morgens, um fünf Uhr.--(F. Urkunden. i. p. 263.) + + [420] Ab Electorum filiis qui procurrerant rogatus.--(Seck. ii. p. + 101.) + + [421] Mox ab equis descenderunt.--(Cochlœus.) + +[Sidenote: THE PROCESSION.] + +While this was passing, three individuals remained apart on a little +elevation;[422] these were the Roman Legate, proudly seated on a mule, +glittering with purple, and accompanied by two other cardinals, the +Archbishop of Salzburg and the Bishop of Trent. The Nuncio, beholding +all these great personages on the road, raised his hands, and gave +them his blessing. Immediately the Emperor, the King, and the princes +who submitted to the Pope, fell on their knees; the Spaniards, +Italians, Netherlanders, and Germans in their train, imitated their +movements, casting however a side glance on the Protestants, who, in +the midst of this humbly prostrate crowd, alone remained +standing.[423] Charles did not appear to notice this, but he doubtless +understood what it meant. The Elector of Brandenburg then delivered a +Latin speech to the legate. He had been selected because he spoke this +language better than the princes of the Church; and accordingly, +Charles, when praising his eloquence, slily put in a word about the +negligence of the prelates.[424] The Emperor now prepared to remount +his horse, when the prince-electoral of Saxony, and the young princes +of Luneburg, Mecklenburg, Brandenburg, and Anhalt rushed towards him +to aid him in getting into his saddle: one held the bridle, another +the stirrup, and all were charmed at the magnificent appearance of +their powerful sovereign.[425] The procession began to move on. + + [422] Auf ein ort geruckt.--(F. Urkunden. i. p. 256.) + + [423] Primum constantiæ specimen.--(Seck. ii. p. 101.) + + [424] Prelatorum autem negligentiam accusaret.--(Ibid.) + + [425] Conscendentem juniores principes adjuverunt.--(Ibid. and F. + Urkunden. i. p. 258.) + +First came two companies of lansquenets, commanded by Simon Seitz, a +citizen of Augsburg, who had made the campaign of Italy, and was +returning home laden with gold.[426] Next advanced the households of +the six electors, composed of princes, counts, councillors, gentlemen, +and soldiers; the household of the Dukes of Bavaria had slipped into +their ranks, and the four hundred and fifty horsemen that composed it +marched five abreast, covered with bright cuirasses, wearing red +doublets, while over their heads floated handsome many-coloured +plumes.--Bavaria was already in this age the main support of Rome in +Germany. + + [426] Bekleit von gold.--(F. Urkunden. i. p. 258.) + +Immediately after came the households of the Emperor and of his +brother, in striking contrast with this warlike show. They were +composed of Turkish, Polish, Arabian, and other led horses; then +followed a multitude of young pages, clad in yellow or red velvet, +with Spanish, Bohemian, and Austrian nobles in robes of silk and +velvet;[427] among these the Bohemians had the most martial air, and +skilfully rode their superb and prancing coursers. Last the +trumpeters, drummers, heralds, grooms, footmen, and the legate's +cross-bearers, announced the approach of the princes. + + [427] Viel sammete unde seiden Röcke.--(L. Opp. xx. p. 201.) + +In fact these powerful lords, whose contentions had so often filled +Germany with confusion and war, now advanced riding peacefully side by +side. After the princes appeared the electors; and the Elector of +Saxony, according to custom, carried the naked and glittering imperial +sword immediately before the Emperor.[428] + + [428] Noster princeps de more prætulit ensem.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. + 118.) + +Last came the Prince, on whom all eyes were fixed.[429] Thirty years +of age, of distinguished port and pleasing features, robed in golden +garments that glittered all over with precious stones,[430] wearing a +small Spanish hat on the crown of his head,[431] mounted on a +beautiful Polish hackney of the most brilliant whiteness, riding +beneath a rich canopy of red, white, and green damask borne by six +senators of Augsburg, and casting around him looks in which gentleness +was mingled with gravity, Charles excited the liveliest enthusiasm, +and every one exclaimed that he was the handsomest man in the empire, +as well as the mightiest prince in the world. + + [429] Omnium oculos in se convertit.--(Seck. ii. p. 160.) + + [430] Totus gemmis coruscabat.--(Ibid.) + + [431] Ein kilen Spanisch Hütlein.--(F. Urkunden, i. p. 260.) + +[Sidenote: ENTERS AUGSBURG.] + +He had at first desired to place his brother and the legate at his +side; but the Elector of Mentz, followed by two hundred guards arrayed +in silk, had claimed the Emperor's right hand; and the Elector of +Cologne, with a hundred well-armed followers, had taken his station on +the left. King Ferdinand and the legate were compelled to take their +places behind them, followed by the cardinals, ambassadors, and +prelates, among whom was remarked the haughty Bishop of Osma, the +Emperor's confessor. The imperial cavalry and the troops of Augsburg +closed the procession. + +Never, according to the historians, had anything so magnificent been +seen in the Empire;[432] but they advanced slowly, and it was between +eight and nine o'clock in the evening before they reached the gates of +Augsburg.[433] Here they met the burgomaster and councillors, who +prostrated themselves before Charles, and at the same time the cannon +from the ramparts, the bells from all the steeples in full peal, the +noise of trumpets and kettle-drums, and the joyful acclamations of the +people re-echoed with loud din. Stadion, bishop of Augsburg, and his +clergy robed in white, struck up the _Advenisti desirabilis_; and six +canons, advancing with a magnificent canopy, prepared to conduct the +Emperor to the cathedral, when Charles's horse, startled at this +unusual sight, suddenly reared,[434] so that the Emperor with +difficulty mastered him. At length Charles entered the basilick, which +was ornamented with garlands and flowers, and suddenly illuminated by +a thousand torches. + + [432] Antea in imperio non erat visa.--(Seck. ii. p. 160.) + + [433] Ingressus est in urbem intra octavam et nonam.--(Ibid. p. 114.) + + [434] Da entsetzt sich K. M. Hengst für solchem Himel.--(F. Urkunden. + i. p. 261.) + +[Sidenote: THE BENEDICTION.] + +The Emperor went up to the altar, and falling on his knees, raised his +hands towards heaven.[435] During the _Te Deum_, the Protestants +observed with anxiety that Charles kept conversing in a low tone with +the Archbishop of Mentz; that he bent his ear to the legate who +approached to speak to him, and nodded in a friendly manner to Duke +George. All this appeared to them of evil omen; but at the moment when +the priests sang the _Te ergo quæsimus_, Charles, breaking off his +conversations, suddenly rose, and one of the acolytes running to him +with a gold-embroidered cushion, the Emperor put it aside, and knelt +on the bare stones of the church. All the assembly knelt with him; the +Elector and the Landgrave alone remained standing. Duke George, +astonished at such boldness, threw a threatening glance at his cousin. +The Margrave of Brandenburg, carried away by the crowd, had fallen on +his knees; but having seen his two allies standing, he hastily rose up +again. + + [435] Ihr hand aufgehebt.--(Ibid.) + +The Cardinal-archbishop of Salzburg then proceeded to pronounce the +benediction; but Campeggio, impatient at having as yet taken no part +in the ceremony, hastened to the altar, and rudely thrusting the +archbishop aside, said sharply to him:[436] "this office belongs to +me, and not to you." The other gave way, the Emperor bent down, and +the Landgrave, with difficulty concealing a smile, hid himself behind +a candelabrum. The bells now rang out anew, the procession recommenced +its march, and the princes conducted the Emperor to the Palatinate +(the name given to the bishop's palace), which had been prepared for +him. The crowd now dispersed: it was after ten at night. + + [436] Cardinalem legatus castigatum abegit.--(Seck. ii. p. 161.) + +The hour was come in which the partisans of the Papacy flattered +themselves with the prospect of rendering the Protestants untrue to +their faith. The arrival of the Emperor, the procession of the holy +sacrament that was preparing, the late hour,--all had been calculated +beforehand; "the nocturns of treason were about to begin," said +Spalatin. + +[Sidenote: CHARLES AND THE LANDGRAVE.] + +A few minutes of general conversation took place in the Emperor's +apartments; the princes of the Romish party were then allowed to +retire; but Charles had given a sign to the Elector of Saxony, to the +Landgrave of Hesse, to George of Brandenburg, to the Prince of Anhalt, +and to the Duke of Luneburg to follow him into his private +chamber.[437] His brother Ferdinand, who was to serve as interpreter, +alone went in with them. Charles thought that so long as the +Protestant princes were observed, they would not yield; but that in a +private and friendly interview, he might obtain all he desired of +them. + + [437] Ad conclave suum.--(Corp. Ref. p. 106 and 114.) + +"His majesty requests you to discontinue the preachings," said +Ferdinand. On hearing these words the two old princes (the Elector and +the Margrave) turned pale and did not speak;[438] there was a long +silence. + + [438] Die beede alte Fürsten zum höchsten entsetz.--(Ibid.) + +At last the Landgrave said: "We entreat your majesty to withdraw your +request, for our ministers preach only the pure Word of God, as did +the ancient doctors of the Church, St. Augustin, St. Hilary, and so +many others. It will be easy for your majesty to convince yourself of +it. We cannot deprive ourselves of the food of the Word of God, and +deny his Gospel."[439] + + [439] Se non posse cibo verbi Dei carere, nec sana conscientia + Evangelium negare.--(Corp. Ref. p. 115.) + +[Sidenote: THE EMPEROR'S SILENCE.] + +Ferdinand, resuming the conversation in French[440] (for it was in +this language that he conversed with his brother), informed the +Emperor of the Landgrave's answer. Nothing was more displeasing to +Charles than these citations of Hilary and Augustin; the colour +mounted to his cheeks, and he was nearly getting angry.[441] "His +Majesty," said Ferdinand in a more positive tone, "cannot desist from +his demand."--"Your conscience," quickly replied the Landgrave, "has +no right to command ours."[442] As Ferdinand still persisted, the +Margrave, who had been silent until then, could contain himself no +longer; and without caring for interpreters, stretched out his neck +towards Charles, exclaiming in deep emotion: "Rather than allow the +Word of the Lord to be taken from me, rather than deny my God, I would +kneel before your Majesty and have my head cut off!" As he uttered +these simple and magnanimous words, says a contemporary,[443] the +prince accompanied them with a significant gesture, and let his hands +fall on his neck like the headsman's axe. The excitement of the +princes was at its height: had it been necessary, they would all four +have instantly walked to the scaffold. Charles was moved by it: +surprised and agitated, he hastily cried out in his bad German, making +a show of checking the Landgrave: "Dear prince, not the head! not the +head!" But he had scarcely uttered these few words, when he checked +himself. + + [440] In Französischer Sprache.--(Ibid. p. 107.) + + [441] Sich darob etwas angeröt und erhitzt.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 115.) + + [442] K. M. gewissen sey aber kein Herr und meyster uber ihr + gewissen.--(Ibid. p. 115.) + + [443] Ut simpliciter, ita magnanimiter, says Brenz.--(Ibid.) + +These were the only words that Charles pronounced before the princes +during all the diet. His ignorance of the German language, and +sometimes also the etiquette of the Escurial, compelled him to speak +only by the mouth of his brother or of the Count-palatine. As he was +in the habit of consecrating four hours daily to divine worship, the +people said: "He talks more with God than with men." This habitual +silence was not favourable to his plans. They required activity and +eloquence; but instead of that the Germans saw in the dumb countenance +of their youthful Emperor, a mere puppet, nodding his head and winking +his eyes. Charles sometimes felt very keenly the faults of this +position: "To be able to speak German," said he, "I would willingly +sacrifice any other language, even were it Spanish or French, and more +than that, one of my states."[444] + + [444] Es wäre Spanisch oder Französisch und dazu eines Landes +minder.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 114.) + +[Sidenote: FAILURE OF THE INTERVIEW.] + +Ferdinand saw that it was useless to insist on the cessation of these +meetings; but he had another arrow in his quiver. The next day was the +festival of _Corpus Christi_, and by a custom that had never as yet +been infringed, all the princes and deputies present at the diet were +expected to take part in the procession. What! would the Protestants +refuse this act of courtesy at the very opening of a diet to which +each one came in a conciliatory spirit? Have they not declared that +the body and blood of Christ are really in the Host? Do they not +boast of their opposition to Zwingle, and can they stand aloof, +without being tainted with heresy? Now, if they share in the pomp that +surrounds "the Lord's body;" if they mingle with that crowd of clergy, +glittering in luxury and swelling with pride, who carry about the God +whom they have created; if they are present when the people bow down; +will they not irrevocably compromise their faith? The machine is well +prepared; its movements cannot fail; there is no more doubt! The craft +of the Italians is about to triumph over the simplicity of these +German boors! + +Ferdinand therefore resumes, and making a weapon of the very refusal +that he has just met with: "Since the Emperor," said he, "cannot +obtain from you the suspension of your assemblies, he begs at least +that you will accompany him to-morrow, according to custom, in the +procession of the Holy Sacrament. Do so, if not from regard to him, at +least for the honour of Almighty God."[445] + + [445] Et saltem in honorem Dei illud facerent--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. + 116.) + +The princes were still more irritated and alarmed. "Christ," said +they, "did not institute his sacrament to be worshipped." Charles +perseveres in his demand, and the Protestants in their refusal.[446] +Upon this the Emperor declares that he cannot accept their excuse, +that he will give them time for reflection, and that they must be +prepared to reply early on the morrow. + + [446] Persistit Cæsar in postulatione, persisterunt illi in + recusatione.--(Ibid. 115.) + +[Sidenote: AGITATION OF CHARLES.] + +They separated in the greatest agitation. The Prince-electoral, who +had waited for his father in the first hall along with other lords, +sought, at the moment the princes issued from the Emperor's chamber, +to read on their countenance what had taken place. Judging from the +emotion depicted on their features that the struggle had been severe, +he thought that his father was incurring the greatest dangers, and +accordingly, grasping him by the hand, he dragged him to the staircase +of the palace, exclaiming in affright, as if Charles's satellites +were already at his heels, "Come, come quickly!" + +Charles, who had expected no such resistance, was in truth confounded, +and the legate endeavoured to exasperate him still more.[447] +Agitated, filled with anger and vexation, and uttering the most +terrible threats,[448] the young Emperor paced hastily to and fro the +halls of his palace; and unable to wait till the morrow for the +answer, he sent in the middle of the night to demand the Elector's +final decision. "At present we require sleep," replied the latter; +"to-morrow we will let you know our determination."[449] As for the +Landgrave, he could not rest any more than Charles. Scarcely had he +returned home, when he sent his chancellor to the Nuremberg deputies, +and had them awoke to make them acquainted with what had taken +place.[450] + + [447] A sævitia Legati Romanensium captivi.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 116.) + + [448] Hinc secutæ sunt gravissimæ minæ, jactatæ sævissimæ Cæsaris + indignationes.--(Ibid.) + + [449] Quiete sibi opus esse dicens, responsum in diem alterum + distulit--(Seck. ii. p. 162.) + + [450] Hat nächten uns aufwecken lassen.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 106.) + +At the same time Charles's demand was laid before the theologians, and +Spalatin, taking the pen, drew up their opinion during the night. "The +sacrament," it bore, "was not instituted to be worshipped, as the Jews +worshipped the brazen image.[451] We are here to confess the truth, +and not for the confirmation of abuses. Let us therefore stay away!" +This opinion strengthened the Evangelical princes in their +determination; and the day of the 16th June began. + + [451] Wie die Juden die Schlange haben angebethet.--(Ibid. p. 111.) + +The Elector of Saxony feeling indisposed during the night, +commissioned his son to represent him; and at seven o'clock the +princes and councillors repaired on horseback to the Emperor's +palace.[452] + + [452] Heute zu sieben Uhren sind gemeldete Fürsten.--(Corp. Ref. iii. + p. 107.) + +[Sidenote: PROCESSION OF CORPUS CHRISTI.] + +The Margrave of Brandenburg was their spokesman. "You know," said he +to Charles, "how, at the risk of our lives, my ancestors and myself +have supported your august house. But, in the things of God, the +commands of God himself oblige me to put aside all commandment of man. +We are told that death awaits those who shall persevere in the sound +doctrine: I am ready to suffer it." He then presented the declaration +of the Evangelical princes to the Emperor. "We will not countenance by +our presence," said they, "these impious human traditions, which are +opposed to the Word of God. We declare, on the contrary, without +hesitation, and with one accord, that we must expel them from the +Church, lest those of its members that are still sound should be +infected by this deadly poison."[453] "If you will not accompany his +majesty for the love of God," said Ferdinand, "do so at least for love +of the Emperor, and as vassals of the Empire.[454] His majesty +commands you." "An act of worship is in question," replied the +princes, "our conscience forbids it." Then Ferdinand and Charles +having conversed together in a low tone: "His majesty desires to see," +said the king, "whether you will obey him or not."[455] At the same +time the Emperor and his brother quitted the room; but the princes, +instead of following him, as Charles had hoped, returned full of joy +to their palaces. + + [453] Cælestin. i. p. 82. + + [454] Ut vassalli et principes imperii.--(Cochlœus, p. 192.) + + [455] Sie wolle sehen, ob sie I. M. gehorchsam leisten oder + nicht.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 108.) + +[Sidenote: EXASPERATION OF CHARLES.] + +The procession did not begin till noon. Immediately behind the canopy +under which the Elector of Mentz carried the Host, came the Emperor +alone, with a devout air, bearing a taper in his hand, his head bare +and shorn like a priest's, although the noon-day sun darted on him its +most ardent rays.[456] By exposing himself to these fatigues, Charles +desired to profess aloud his faith in what constitutes the essence of +Roman-catholicism. In proportion as the spirit and the life had +escaped from the primitive Churches, they had striven to replace them +by forms, shows, and ceremonies. The essential cause of the Romish +worship is found in that decline of charity and faith which catholic +Christians of the first ages have often deplored; and the history of +Rome is summed up in this expression of St. Paul, _Having a form of +godliness, but denying the power thereof_.[457] But as the power was +then beginning to revive in the Church, the form began also to +decline. Barely a hundred citizens of Augsburg had joined in the +procession of the 16th June. It was no longer the pomp of former +times: the christian people had learned anew to love and to believe. + + [456] Clericaliter, detonso capillo.--(Zw. Epp. ii. p. 471.) Nudo + capite sub meridíani solis ardoribus.--(Pallavicini, i. p. 228.) + + [457] 2 Timothy iii. 5. + +Charles, however, under an air of devotion concealed a wounded heart. +The legate was less able to command himself, and said aloud that this +obstinacy of the princes would be the cause of great mischief to the +Pope.[458] When the procession was over (it had lasted an hour), +Charles could no longer master his extreme irritation; and he had +scarcely returned to his palace, when he declared that he would give +the Protestant princes a safe-conduct, and that on the very next day +these obstinate and rebellious men should quit Augsburg;[459] the diet +would then take such resolutions as were required for the safety of +the Church and of the Empire. It was no doubt the legate who had given +Charles this idea, whose execution would infallibly have led to a +religious war. But some of the princes of the Roman party, desirous of +preserving peace, succeeded, though not without difficulty, in getting +the Emperor to withdraw his threatening order.[460] + + [458] Sarpi, Council of Trent, i. p. 99. + + [459] Ut mox altera die, cum salvo-conductu, Lutherani abirent + domum.--(Cochl. p. 193.) + + [460] Pacis et concordiæ avidi, supplicarunt ejus majestati ut sedata + ira.--(Ibid.) + + +[Sidenote: THE SERMONS PROHIBITED.] + +V. Charles, being defeated on the subject of the procession, resolved +to take his revenge on the assemblies, for nothing galled him like +these sermons. The crowd ceased not to fill the vast church of the +Franciscans, where a Zwinglian minister of lively and penetrating +eloquence was preaching on the Book of Joshua.[461] He placed the +kings of Canaan and the children of Israel before them: his +congregation heard them speak and saw them act, and every one +recognized in Canaan the Emperor and the Ultra-montane princes, and in +the people of God the adherents of the Reformation. In consequence, +the faithful quitted the church enthusiastic in their faith, and +filled with the desire of seeing the abominations of the idolaters +fall to the ground. On the 16th June, the Protestants deliberated on +Charles's demand, and it was rejected by the majority. "It is only a +scarecrow," said they; "the Papists only desire to see if the nail +shakes in the wall, and if they can start the hare from the thicket." + + [461] Maximus populi concursus amplissima æde.--(Ibid.) + +The next morning (17th June) before breakfast, the princes replied to +the Emperor. "To forbid our ministers to preach purely the holy Gospel +would be rebellion against God, who wills that his Word be not bound. +Poor sinners that we are, we have need of this Divine Word to surmount +our troubles.[462] Moreover, his majesty has declared, that in this +diet each doctrine should be examined with impartiality. Now, to order +us henceforward to suspend the sermons, would be to condemn ours +beforehand." + + [462] Nec se illo animæ nutrimento carere.--(Cœlestinus Hist. Comit. + i. p. 88; Forst. Urkunden. i. p. 283.) + +[Sidenote: A COMPROMISE PROPOSED.] + +Charles immediately convoked the other temporal and spiritual princes, +who arrived at mid-day at the Palatine palace, and remained sitting +until the evening;[463] the discussion was exceedingly animated. "This +very morning," said some of the speakers, "the Protestant princes, as +they quitted the Emperor, had sermons delivered in public."[464] +Exasperated at this new affront, Charles with difficulty contained +himself. Some of the princes, however, having entreated him to accept +their mediation, he consented to it; but the Protestants were +immovable. Did these heretics, whom they imagined to reduce so easily, +appear in Augsburg only to humiliate Charles? The honour of the chief +of the Empire must be saved at any cost. "Let us ourselves renounce +our preachers," said the princes; "the Protestants will not then +persist in keeping theirs!" + + [463] Cæsar a meridie.--(Seck. p. 165.) Den gangen Tag.--(Corp. Ref. + ii. p. 113.) + + [464] Eo ipso die conciones continuatæ.--(Seckend. p. 165.) + +The commission proposed accordingly that the Emperor should set aside +both Papist and Lutheran preachers, and should nominate a few +chaplains, with authority to announce the pure Word of God, without +attacking either of the two parties.[465] "They shall be neutral men," +said they to the Protestants; "neither Faber nor his partisans shall +be admitted."--"But they will condemn our doctrine."--"By no means. +The preacher shall do nothing but read the text of the Gospels, +Epistles, and a general confession of sins."[466] The evangelical +states required time to reflect upon it. + + [465] Cæsare omnes tam papistarum quam evangelicorum + conciones.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 116.) + + [466] Qui tantum recitent Evangelium et epistolam + γραμματικὡς.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 119.) + +"We must accept it," said Melancthon; "for if our obstinacy should +lead the Emperor to refuse hearing our confession, the evil would be +greater still." + +"We are called to Augsburg," said Agricola, "to give an account of our +doctrine, and not to preach."[467] + + [467] Non sumus parochi Augustanorum, added he.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. + 119.) + +"There is no little disorder in the city," remarked Spalatin. "The +Sacramentarians and Enthusiasts preach here as well as we: we must get +out of this confusion." + +"What do the Papists propose?" said other theologians; "to read the +Gospels and Epistles without explanation. But is not that a victory? +What! we protest against the interpretations of the Church; and lo! +priests who are to read the Word of God without their notes and +commentaries, that is to say, transforming themselves into Protestant +ministers!" "O! admirable wisdom of the courtiers!" exclaimed +Melancthon, smiling.[468] + + [468] Vide miram sapientiam Aulicorum.--(Ibid.) + +[Sidenote: CURIOSITY OF THE CITIZENS.] + +To these motives were added the opinions of the lawyers. As the +Emperor ought to be considered the rightful magistrate of an imperial +city, so long as he made it his residence, all jurisdiction in +Augsburg really belonged to him. + +"Well, then," said the Protestant princes, "we agree to silence our +preachers, in the hope that we shall hear nothing offensive to our +consciences. If it were otherwise, we should feel ourselves +constrained to repel so serious an insult.[469] Besides," added the +Elector, as he withdrew, "we hope that if at anytime we desire to hear +one of our chaplains in our own palace, we shall be free to do +so."[470] + + [469] Ut de remediis propulsandæ injuriæ cogitent.--(Seck. ii. p. +105.) + + [470] Ob je einer einen Prediger in seiner Herberg fur sich predigen +liess.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 113.) + +They hastened to the Emperor, who desired nothing better than to come +to an understanding with the Protestants on this subject, and who +ratified everything. + +This was Saturday. An imperial herald was immediately sent out, who, +parading the streets of the city at seven in the evening to the sound +of trumpets,[471] cried with all his might: "O yes, O yes![472] Thus +ordains his imperial majesty, our most gracious lord: no preacher +whatever shall preach in Augsburg except such as his majesty shall +have nominated; and that under penalty of incurring the displeasure +and punishment of his majesty." + + [471] Per tubicines et heraldum.--(Sturmius, Zw. Epp. p. 466.) + + [472] Hört, Hört.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 124.) + +[Sidenote: The New Preachers.] + +A thousand different remarks were exchanged in the houses of the +citizens of Augsburg. "We are very impatient," said they, "to see the +preachers appointed by the Emperor, and who will preach (O! +unprecedented wonder!) neither against the evangelical doctrine nor +against the doctrine of the Pope!"[473] "We must expect," added +another, "to behold some Tragelaph or some chimera with the head of a +lion, a goat's body, and a dragon's tail."[474] The Spaniards appeared +well satisfied, with this agreement, for many of them had never heard +a single sermon in their lives; it was not the custom in Spain; but +Zwingle's friends were filled with indignation and alarm.[475] + + [473] Omnes hunc avidissime expectant.--(Ibid. p. 116.) + + [474] Chimæram aut Tragelaphum aliquem expectamus.--(Ibid.) The + _Tragelaph_ is a fabulous animal partaking of the nature of a goat and + a stag. Representations of it were common on drinking-bowls and + goblets among the ancient Greeks. + + [475] Multos deterreat--(Sturm to Zwingle, Epp. p. 466.) + +At length Sunday the 19th of June began; every one hastened to the +churches, and the faithful who filled them, with eyes fixed on the +priest and with attentive ears,[476] prepared to listen to what these +new and strange preachers would say.[477] It was generally believed +that their task would be to make an evangelico-papistical discourse, +and they were very impatient to hear this marvel. But + + "The mountain in labour, gave birth to a mouse!" + + [476] Arrectis auribus.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 116.) + + [477] Quid novi novus concionator allaturus sit.--(Ibid. p. 117.) + +The preacher first read the commonprayer; he then added the Gospel of +the day, finished with a general confession of sins, and dismissed his +congregation. People looked at one another in surprise: "Verily," said +they, "here is a preacher that is neither Gospeller nor Papist, but +strictly textual."[478] At last all burst into laughter; "and truly," +adds Brenz, "there was reason enough."[479] In some churches, however, +the chaplains, after reading the Gospel, added a few puerile words +void of Christianity and of consolation, and in no way founded on the +holy Scripture.[480] + + [478] Sic habes concionatorem neque evangelicum neque papisticum, sed + nudum textualem.--(Ibid.) + + [479] Rident omnes, et certe res valde ridicula est.--(Ibid.) + + [480] Paucula quædam, eaque puerilia et inepta, nec Christiane, abaque + fundamento verbi Divini et consolatione.--(Seck. ii. p. 165.) + +[Sidenote: THE MEDLEY OF POPERY.] + +After the so-called sermon, they proceeded to the Mass. That in the +Cathedral was particularly noisy. The Emperor was not present, for he +was accustomed to sleep until nine or ten o'clock,[481] and a late +Mass was performed for him; but Ferdinand and many of the princes were +present. The pealing notes of the organ, the resounding voices of the +choir--all were set to work, and a numerous and motley crowd, rushing +in at all the doors, filled the aisles of the temple. One might have +said that every nation in the world had agreed to meet in the +cathedral of Augsburg. Here were Frenchmen, there Spaniards, Moors in +one place, Moriscos in another, on one side Italians, on the other +Turks, and even, says Brenz, those who are called Stratiots.[482] This +crowd was no bad representation of the medley of Popery. + + [481] Dormire solet usque ad nonam aut decimam.--(Corp. Ref. ii p. + 117.) + + [482] Ibi videas hic Gallos, hic Hispanos, hic Ethiopes, illic etiam + Ethiopissas, hic Italos, illic etiams Turcas, aut quos vocant + Stratiotas.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 117.) + +[Sidenote: LUTHER ENCOURAGES THE PRINCES.] + +One priest alone, a fervent Romanist, dared to offer an apology for +the Mass in the Church of the Holy Cross. Charles, wishing to maintain +his authority, had him thrown into the Grey Friars' prison, whence +they contrived to let him escape. As for the Evangelical pastors of +Augsburg, almost all left the city to bear the Gospel elsewhere. The +Protestant princes were anxious to secure for their churches the +assistance of such distinguished men. Discouragement and alarm +followed close upon this step, and even the firmest were moved. The +Elector was inconsolable at the privation imposed upon him by the +Emperor. "Our Lord God," said he, heaving a deep sigh, "has received +an order to be silent at the Diet of Augsburg."[483] From that time +forward Luther lost the good opinion he had previously entertained of +Charles, and foreboded the stormiest future. "See what will be the end +of all this," said he. "The Emperor, who has ordered the Elector to +renounce the assemblies, will afterwards command him to renounce the +doctrine; the diet will enter upon its paroxysm, and nothing will +remain for us but to rely upon the arm of the Lord." Then giving way +to all his indignation, he added: "The Papists, abandoned to devils, +are transported with rage; and to live, they must drink blood.[484] +They wish to give themselves an air of justice, by giving us one of +obstinacy. It is not with men that you have to deal at Augsburg, but +with the very gates of hell." Melancthon himself saw all his hopes +vanish. "All, except the Emperor," said he, "hate us with the most +violent hatred. The danger is great, very great.[485]......Pray to +Christ that he may save us!" But Luther, however full of sorrow he +might be, far from being cast down, raised his head and endeavoured to +reanimate the courage of his brethren. "Be assured and doubt not," +wrote he to them, "that you are the confessors of Jesus Christ, and +the ambassadors of the Great King."[486] + + [483] Hac ratione, Deo ejusque verbo silentium est impositum.--(Seck. + ii.p. 165.) + + [484] Ut nisi sanguinem biberint, vivere non possint.--(Seck. ii. p. + 165.) + + [485] Magnum omnino periculum est.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 118.) + + [486] Ea fides vivificabit et consolabitur vos, quia Magni Regis estis + legati.--(L. Epp. iv. p. 59.) + +They had need of these thoughts, for their adversaries, elated by this +first success, neglected nothing that might destroy the Protestants, +and taking another step forward, proposed forcing them to be present +at the Romish ceremonies.[487] "The Elector of Saxony," said the +legate to Charles, "ought in virtue of his office of Grand-marshal of +the Empire to carry the sword before you in all the ceremonies of the +diet. Order him therefore to perform his duty at the Mass of the Holy +Ghost, which is to open the sittings." The Emperor did so immediately, +and the Elector, uneasy at this message, called together his +theologians. If he refused, his dignity would be taken away; and if he +obeyed, he would trample his faith under foot, thought he, and would +do dishonour to the Gospel. + + [487] Sarpi, Hist. Council of Trent, book i. p. 99. + +[Sidenote: MASS OF THE HOLY GHOST.] + +But the Lutheran Divines removed the scruples of their prince. "It is +for a ceremony of the Empire," said they, "as Grand-Marshal, and not +as a Christian, that you are summoned; the Word of God itself, in the +history of Naaman, authorizes you to comply with this invitation."[488] +The friends of Zwingle did not think so; their walk was more decided +than that of Wittemberg. "The martyrs allowed themselves to be put to +death," said they, "rather than burn a grain of incense before the +idols." Even some of the Protestants hearing that the _Veni Spiritus_ +was to be sung, said, wagging their heads: "We are very much afraid +that the chariot of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, having been +taken away by the Papists, the Holy Ghost, despite their Mass, will +never reach Augsburg."[489] Neither these fears nor these objections +were listened to. + + [488] 2 Kings v. 18. Exemplo Naamanis.--(Seck. ii. p. 167; Sarpi, p. + 99.) + + [489] Ne ablato Spiritus vehiculo, quod est verbum Dei, Spiritus + Sanctus ad Augustam præ pedum imbecillitate pervenire non + possit.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 116.) + +[Sidenote: THE SERMON.] + +On Monday the 20th June, the Emperor and his brother, with the +electors and princes of the Empire, having entered the cathedral, took +their seats on the right side of the choir; on the left were placed +the legate, the archbishops, and bishops; in the middle were the +ambassadors. Without the choir, in a gallery that overlooked it, were +ranged the Landgrave and other Protestants, who preferred being at a +distance from the Host.[490] The Elector, bearing the sword, remained +upright near the altar at the moment of the adoration. The acolytes, +having closed the gates of the choir immediately after,[491] Vincent +Pompinello, archbishop of Salerno, preached the sermon. He commenced +with the Turks and their ravages, and then, by an unexpected turn, +began suddenly to exalt the Turks even above the Germans. "The Turks," +said he, "have but one prince whom they obey; but the Germans have +many who obey no one. The Turks live under one sole law, one only +custom, one only religion; but among the Germans, there are some who +are always wishing for new laws, new customs, new religions. They tear +the seamless coat of Christ; they abolish by devilish inspirations the +sacred doctrines established by unanimous consent, and substitute for +them, alas! buffoonery and obscenity.[492] Magnanimous Emperor, +powerful King!" said he, turning towards Charles and his brother, +"sharpen your swords, wield them against these perfidious disturbers +of religion, and thus bring them back into the fold of the +Church.[493] There is no peace for Germany so long as the sword shall +not have entirely eradicated this heresy.[494] O St. Peter and St. +Paul! I call upon you; upon you, St. Peter, in order that you may open +the stony hearts of these princes with your keys; and upon you, St. +Paul, that if they show themselves too rebellious, you may come with +your sword, and cut in pieces this unexampled hardness!" + + [490] Abstinendo ab adoratione hostiæ.--(Seck. ii. p. 119.) + + [491] Erant enim chori fores clausæ, nec quisquam orationi + interfuit.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 120.) + + [492] Diabolica persuasione eliminant, et ad scurrilia ac impudica + quæque deducunt.--(Pallavicini, Hist. Trid. C. i. p. 23.) + + [493] Exacuant gladios quos in perversos illos perturbatores.--(Corp. + Ref. ii. p. 120.) + + [494] Nisi eradicata funditus per gladium hæresi illa.--(Corp. Ref. + ii. p. 120.) + +This discourse, intermingled with panegyrics of Aristides, +Themistocles, Scipio, Cato, the Curtii and Scævola, being concluded, +the Emperor and princes arose to make their offerings. Pappenheim +returned the sword to the Elector, who had intrusted it to him; and +the Grand-marshal, as well as the Margrave, went to the offertory, but +with a smile, as it is reported.[495] This fact is but little in +harmony with the character of these princes. + + [495] Protestantes etiam ad offerendum munuscula in altari, ut moris + erat, accessisse, sed cum risu.--(Spalat. Seck. ii. p. 167.) + +[Sidenote: OPENING OF THE DIET.] + +At length they quitted the cathedral. No one, except the friends of +the nuncio, was pleased with the sermon. Even the Archbishop of Mentz +was offended at it. "What does he mean," exclaimed he, "by calling on +St. Paul to cut the Germans with his sword?" Nothing but a few +inarticulate sounds had been heard in the nave; the Protestants +eagerly questioned those of their party who had been present in the +choir. "The more these priests inflame people's minds, and the more +they urge their princes to bloody wars," said Brenz at that time, "the +more we must hinder ours from giving way to violence."[496] Thus +spoke a minister of the Gospel of peace after the sermon of the priest +of Rome. + + [496] Ut nostros principes ab importuna violentia retineamus.--(Corp. + Ref. ii. p. 120.) + +After the mass of the Holy Ghost, the Emperor entered his +carriage,[497] and having reached the town-hall, where the sittings of +the diet were to take place, he took his seat on a throne covered with +cloth of gold, while his brother placed himself on a bench in front of +him; then all around them were ranged the Electors, forty-two +sovereign princes, the deputies from the cities, the bishops, and +ambassadors, forming, indeed, that illustrious assembly which Luther, +six weeks before, had imagined he saw sitting in the air.[498] + + [497] Imperator cum omnibus in curiam vectus est.--(Sturm to Zw. Epp. + ii. p. 430.) + + [498] Ex volucrum monedularumque regno.--(L. Epp. iv. p. 13.) + +The Count-palatine read the imperial proposition. It referred to two +points; the war against the Turks, and the religious controversy. +"Sacrificing my private injuries and interests to the common good," +said the Emperor, "I have quitted my hereditary kingdoms to pass, not +without great danger, into Italy, and from thence to Germany. I have +heard with sorrow of the divisions that have broken out here, and +which, striking not only at the imperial majesty, but still more, at +the commandments of Almighty God, must engender pillage, +conflagration, war, and death."[499] At one o'clock the Emperor, +accompanied by all the princes, returned to his palace. + + [499] Nicht anders dann zu Raub, Brandt, und Krieg.--(F. Urkunden. i. + p. 307.) + +On the same day the Elector gathered around him all his +co-religionists, whom the Emperor's speech had greatly excited, and +exhorted them not to be turned aside by any threats from a cause which +was that of God himself.[500] All seemed penetrated with this +expression of Scripture: "Speak the word, and it shall not stand; for +God is with us."[501] + + [500] Cohortatus est ad intrepidam causæ Dei assentionem.--(Seck. ii. + p. 108.) + + [501] Isaiah viii. 10. + +[Sidenote: THE ELECTOR'S PRAYER.] + +The Elector had a heavy burden to bear. Not only had he to walk at the +head of the princes, but he had further to defend himself against the +enervating influence of Melancthon. It is not an abstraction of the +state which this prince presents to our notice throughout the whole of +this affair: it is the most noble individuality. Early on Tuesday +morning, feeling the necessity of that invisible strength which, +according to a beautiful figure in the holy Scriptures, causes us to +ride upon the high places of the earth; and seeing, as was usual, his +domestics, his councillors, and his son assembled around him, John +begged them affectionately to withdraw.[502] He knew that it was only +by kneeling humbly before God that he could stand with courage before +Charles. Alone in his chamber, he opened and read the Psalms, then +falling on his knees, he offered up the most fervent prayer to +God;[503] next, wishing to confirm himself in the immovable fidelity +that he had just vowed to the Lord, he went to his desk, and there +committed his resolutions to writing. Dolzig and Melancthon afterwards +saw these lines, and were filled with admiration as they read +them.[504] + + [502] Mane remotis omnibus consiliariis et ministris.--(Seck. ii. p. + 169.) + + [503] Precibus ardentissimis a Deo successum negotii + petiisset.--(Ibid.) + + [504] Quæ cum admiratione legisse dicuntur.--(Seck. ii. p. 169.) + +Being thus tempered anew in heavenly thoughts, John took up the +imperial proposition, and meditated over it; then, having called in +his son and the chancellor Bruck, and Melancthon shortly after, they +all agreed that the deliberations of the diet ought to commence with +the affairs of religion; and his allies, who were consulted, concurred +in this advice. + +[Sidenote: VALDEZ AND MELANCTHON.] + +The legate had conceived a plan diametrically opposed to this. He +desired to stifle the religious question, and for this end required +that the princes should examine it in a secret committee.[505] The +Evangelical Christians entertained no doubt that if the truth was +proclaimed in the great council of the nation, it would gain the +victory; but the more they desired a public confession, the more it +was dreaded by the Pope's friends. The latter wished to take their +adversaries by silence, without confession, without discussion, as a +city is taken by famine without fighting and without a storm: to gag +the Reformation, and thus reduce it to powerlessness and death, were +their tactics. To have silenced the preachers was not enough: the +princes must be silenced also. They wished to shut up the Reformation +as in a dungeon, and there leave it to die, thinking they would thus +get rid of it more surely than by leading it to the scaffold. + + [505] Si acturi sunt secreto et inter sese, nulla publica disputatione + vel audientia.--(L. Epp. iv. p. 43.) + +This plan was well conceived: it now remained to be put in execution, +and for that purpose it was necessary to persuade the Protestants that +such a method would be the surest for them. The person selected for +this intrigue was Alphonso Valdez, secretary to Charles V., a Spanish +gentleman, a worthy individual, and who afterwards showed a leaning +towards the Reformation. Policy often makes use of good men for the +most perfidious designs. It was decided that Valdez should address the +most timid of the Protestants--Melancthon. + +On the 16th or 17th of June, immediately after the arrival of Charles, +Valdez begged Melancthon to call on him. "The Spaniards," said he, +"imagine that the Lutherans teach impious doctrines on the Holy +Trinity, on Jesus Christ, on the blessed Mother of God.[506] +Accordingly, they think they do a more meritorious work in killing a +Lutheran than in slaying a Turk." + + [506] Hispanis persuasum esse Lutheranos impie de Sanctissima + Trinitate.--(Ex relatione Spalati in Seck. ii. 165.) + +"I know it," replied Melancthon, "and I have not yet been able to +succeed in making your fellow-countrymen abandon that idea." + +"But what, pray, do the Lutherans desire?" + +"The Lutheran question is not so complicated and so unseemly as his +majesty fancies. We do not attack the Catholic Church, as is commonly +believed;[507] and the whole controversy is reducible to these three +points. The two kinds in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, the +marriage of pastors, and the abolition of private masses. If we could +agree on these articles, it would be easy to come to an understanding +on the others." + + [507] Non adeo per eos Ecclesiam Catholicam oppugnari, quam vulgo + putaretur.--(Ibid. 100.) + +"Well, I will report this to his majesty." + +Charles V. was charmed at this communication. "Go," said he to Valdez, +"and impart these things to the legate, and ask Master Philip to +transmit to you in writing a short exposition of what they believe and +what they deny." + +Valdez hastened to Campeggio. "What you relate pleases me tolerably," +said the latter. "As for the two kinds in the sacrament, and the +marriage of priests, there will be means of accommodation;[508] but we +cannot consent to the abolition of private masses." This would have +been in fact cutting off one of the greatest revenues of the Church. + + [508] Mit beider Gestalt sacraments oder des Plaffen und Mönch + Ehe--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 123.) + +On Saturday, June 18, Valdez saw Melancthon again. "The Emperor begs +of you a moderate and concise exposition," said he, "and he is +persuaded that it will be more advantageous to treat of this matter +briefly and privately,[509] avoiding all public hearing and all prolix +discussion, which would only engender anger and division."--"Well," +said Melancthon, "I will reflect upon it." + + [509] Die Sache in einer Enge und Stille vorzu nehmen.--(Ibid.) + +Melancthon was almost won over: a secret conference agreed better with +his disposition. Had he not often repeated that peace should be sought +after above all things? Thus everything induced the legate to hope +that a public struggle would be avoided, and that he might be content, +as it were, to send mutes against the Reform, and strangle it in a +dungeon.[510] + + [510] Cœlestin, Hist. Comit. August. p. 193. Intelligo hoc τους + αρχιερεας moliri, ut omnino nihil agatur de negotiis + ecclesiasticis.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 57.) + +[Sidenote: EVANGELICAL FIRMNESS PREVAILS.] + +Fortunately the Chancellor and the Elector Frederick did not think +fit to entertain the propositions with which Charles had commissioned +the worthy Valdez. The resolution of these lay members of the Church +saved it from the false step its doctors were about to take; and the +wiles of the Italians failed against Evangelical firmness. Melancthon +was only permitted to lay the Confession before the Spaniard, that he +might look into it, and in despite of the moderation employed in it, +Valdez exclaimed: "These words are too bitter, and your adversaries +will never put up with them!"[511] Thus finished the legate's +manœuvre. + + [511] Ac plane putarit πικρὁτερον esse quam ut ferre possent + adversarii.--(Ibid. p. 140.) + + +VI. Charles, compelled to resign himself to a public sitting, ordered +on Wednesday, 22d June, that the Elector and his allies should have +their Confession ready for the ensuing Friday. The Roman party were +also invited to present a confession of faith; but they excused +themselves, saying that they were satisfied with the Edict of Worms. + +The Emperor's order took the Protestants by surprise, for the +negotiations between Valdez and Melancthon had prevented the latter +from putting the finishing stroke to the Confession. It was not copied +out fair; and the conclusions, as well as the exordium, were not +definitively drawn up. In consequence of this, the Protestants begged +the Archbishop of Mentz to obtain for them the delay of a day; but +their petition was refused.[512] They therefore laboured incessantly, +even during the night, to correct and transcribe the Confession. + + [512] Dasselbige abgeschlagen.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 127.) + +On Thursday, 23d June, all the Protestant princes, deputies, +councillors, and theologians met early at the Elector's. The +Confession was read in German, and all gave their adhesion to it, +except the Landgrave and the Strasburgers, who required a change in +the article on the sacrament.[513] The princes rejected their demand. + + [513] Argentinenses ambierunt aliquid ut excepto articulo sacramenti + susciperentur.--(Ibid. p. 155.) + +[Sidenote: THE SIGNING OF THE CONFESSION.] + +The Elector of Saxony was already preparing to sign, when Melancthon +stopped him: he feared giving too political a colouring to this +religious business. In his idea it was the Church that should appear, +and not the State. "It is for the theologians and ministers to propose +these things," said he;[514] "let us reserve for other matters the +authority of the mighty ones of the earth."--"God forbid that you +should exclude me," replied the Elector; "I am resolved to do what is +right without troubling myself about my crown. I desire to confess the +Lord. My electoral hat and my ermine are not so precious to me as the +cross of Jesus Christ. I shall leave on earth these marks of my +greatness; but my Master's cross will accompany me to heaven." + + [514] Non principum nomine edi sed decentium qui theologi + vocantur.--(Camer. p. 120.) + +How resist such Christian language! Melancthon gave way. + +The Elector then approached, signed, and handed the pen to the +Landgrave, who at first made some objections; however the enemy was at +the door; was this the time for disunion? At last he signed, but with +a declaration that the doctrine of the Eucharist did not please +him.[515] + + [515] Landgravius subscribit nobiscum, sed tamen dicit sibi, de + sacramento, a nostris non satisfieri.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 155.) + +[Sidenote: COURAGE OF THE PRINCES.] + +The Margrave and Luneburg having joyfully subscribed their names, +Anhalt took the pen in his turn, and said, "I have tilted more than +once to please others; now, if the honour of my Lord Jesus Christ +requires it, I am ready to saddle my horse, to leave my goods and my +life behind, and to rush into eternity, towards an everlasting crown." +Then, having signed, this youthful prince said, turning to the +theologians: "Rather renounce my subjects and my states, rather quit +the country of my fathers staff in hand, rather gain my bread by +cleaning the shoes of the foreigner, than receive any other doctrine +than that which is contained in this Confession." Nuremberg and +Reutlingen alone of the cities subscribed their signatures;[516] and +all resolved on demanding of the Emperor that the Confession should be +read publicly.[517] + + [516] Confessioni tantum subscripserunt Nuremberga et + Reutlingen.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 155.) + + [517] Decretum est ut publicæ recitandæ concessio ab Imperatore + peteretur.--(Seck. ii. p. 169.) + +The courage of the princes surprised every one. Rome had crushed the +members of the Church, and had reduced them to a herd of slaves, whom +she dragged silent and humiliated behind her: the Reformation +enfranchised them, and with their rights it restored to them their +duties. The priest no longer enjoyed the monopoly of religion; each +head of a family again became priest in his own house, and all the +members of the Church of God were thenceforward called to the rank of +confessors. The laymen are nothing, or almost nothing, in the sect of +Rome, but they are the essential portion of the Church of Jesus +Christ. Wherever the priestly spirit is established, the Church dies; +wherever laymen, as these Augsburg princes, understand their duty and +their immediate dependence on Christ, the Church lives. + +The Evangelical theologians were moved, by the devotedness of the +princes. "When I consider their firmness in the confession of the +Gospel," said Brenz, "the colour mounts to my cheeks. What a disgrace +that we, who are only beggars beside them, are so afraid of confessing +Christ!"[518] Brenz was then thinking of certain towns, particularly +of Halle, of which he was pastor, but no doubt also of the +theologians. + + [518] Rubore suffundor non mediocri, quod nos, præ illis mendici, + &c.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 125.) + +[Sidenote: MELANCTHON'S WEAKNESS.] + +The latter, in truth, without being deficient in devotedness, were +sometimes wanting in courage. Melancthon was in constant agitation; he +ran to and fro, slipping in everywhere (says Cochlœus in his +Philippics), penetrating not only the houses and mansions of private +persons, but also insinuating himself into the palaces of cardinals +and princes, nay, even into the court of the Emperor; and, whether at +table or in conversation, he spared no means of persuading every +person, that nothing was more easy than to restore peace between the +two parties.[519] + + [519] Cursitabat hinc inde, perreptans ac penetrans.--(Cochl. Phil. 4. + in Apol.) + +One day he was with the Archbishop of Salzburg, who in a long +discourse gave an eloquent description of the troubles produced, as he +said, by the Reformation, and ended with a peroration "written in +blood," says Melancthon.[520] Philip in agony had ventured during the +conversation to slip in the word Conscience. "Conscience!" hastily +interrupted the archbishop, "Conscience!--What does that mean? I tell +you plainly that the Emperor will not allow confusion to be thus +brought upon the Empire."--"Had I been in Melancthon's place," said +Luther, "I should have immediately replied to the archbishop: And our +Emperor, ours, will not tolerate such blasphemy."--"Alas!" said +Melancthon, "they are all as full of assurance as if there was no +God."[521] + + [520] Addebat Epilogum plane sanguine scriptum.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. + 126.) + + [521] Securi sunt quasi nullus sit Deus.--(Ibid, p. 156.) + +Another day Melancthon was with Campeggio, and conjured him to +persevere in the moderate sentiments he appeared to entertain. And at +another time, as it would seem, he was with the Emperor himself.[522] +"Alas!" said the alarmed Zwinglians, "after having qualified one half +of the Gospel, Melancthon is sacrificing the other."[523] + + [522] Melancthon a Cæsare, Salisburgensi et Campegio vocatus + est.--(Zwi. Epp. ii. p. 473.) + + [523] Ut cum mitigarit tam multa, cedat et reliqua.---(Ibid.) + +[Sidenote: THE CONFESSION IN DANGER.] + +The wiles of the Ultramontanists were added to Philip's dejection, in +order to arrest the courageous proceedings of the princes. Friday, +24th June, was the day fixed for reading the Confession, but measures +were taken to prevent it. The sitting of the diet did not begin till +three in the afternoon; the legate was then announced; Charles went to +meet him as far as the top of the grand staircase, and Campeggio, +taking his seat in front of the Emperor, in King Ferdinand's place, +delivered a harangue in Ciceronian style. "Never," said he, "has St. +Peter's bark been so violently tossed by so many waves, whirlwinds, +and abysses.[524] The Holy Father has learnt these things with pain, +and desires to drag the Church from these frightful gulfs. For the +love of Jesus Christ, for the safety of your country and for your own, +O mighty Prince! get rid of these errors, deliver Germany, and save +Christendom!" + + [524] Ne que unquam tam variis sectarum turbinibus navicula Petri + fluctuaverit.--(Seck. ii. p. 169.) + +After a temperate reply from Albert of Mentz, the legate quitted the +townhall, and the Evangelical princes stood up; but a fresh obstacle +had been provided. Deputies from Austria, Carinthia, and Carniola, +first received a hearing.[525] + + [525] Oratio valde lugubris et miserabilis contra Turcas.--(Corp. Ref. + ii. p. 154.) + +Much time had thus elapsed. The Evangelical princes, however, rose up +again, and the Chancellor Bruck said: "It is pretended that new +doctrines not based on Scripture, that heresies and schisms are spread +among the people by us. Considering that such accusations compromise +not only our good name, but also the safety of our souls,[526] we beg +his majesty would have the goodness to hear what are the doctrines we +profess." + + [526] Verum etiam ad animæ dispendium aut salutem æternam.--(Seck. ii. + p. 189.) + +The Emperor, no doubt by arrangement with the legate, made reply that +it was too late; besides, that this reading would be useless; and that +the princes should be satisfied with putting in their Confession in +writing. Thus the mine, so skilfully prepared, worked admirably; the +Confession, once handed to the Emperor, would be thrown aside, and the +Reformation would be forced to retire, without the Papists having even +condescended to hear it, without defence and overwhelmed with +contumely. + +[Sidenote: THE PROTESTANTS ARE FIRM.] + +The Protestant princes, uneasy, and agitated, insisted. "Our honour is +at stake," said they; "our souls are endangered.[527] We are accused +publicly; publicly we ought to answer." Charles was shaken; Ferdinand +leant towards him, and whispered a few words in his ear:[528] the +Emperor refused a second time. + + [527] Ihre Seele, Ehre und Glimpf belanget.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 128.) + + [528] Viderant enim eum subinde aliquid illi in aurem + insusurrare.--(Seck. ii. p. 169.) + +Upon this the Elector and princes, in still greater alarm, said for +the third time with emotion and earnestness:[529] "For the love of +God, let us read our Confession! No person is insulted in it." Thus +were seen, on the one hand, a few faithful men, desiring with loud +cries to confess their faith; and on the other, the great Emperor of +the West, surrounded by a crowd of cardinals, prelates, and princes, +endeavouring to stifle the manifestation of the truth.[530] It was a +serious, violent, and decisive struggle, in which the holiest +interests were discussed! + + [529] Zum dritten mal heftig angehalten.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 128.) + + [530] Circumsistebant Cæsarem magno numero cardinales et prælati + ecclesiastici.--(Seck. ii. p. 169.) + +At last Charles appeared to yield: "His majesty grants your request," +was the reply to the princes; "but as it is now too late, he begs you +to transmit him your written Confession, and to-morrow, at two +o'clock, the diet will be prepared to hear it read at the Palatine +Palace." + +The princes were struck with these words, which, seeming to grant them +everything, in reality granted nothing. In the first place, it was not +in a public sitting at the town-hall, but privately in his own palace, +that the Emperor was willing to hear them;[531] then they had no doubt +that if the Confession left their hands it was all over with the +public reading. They therefore remained firm. "The work has been done +in great haste," said they, and it was the truth; "pray leave it with +us to-night, that we may revise it." The Emperor was obliged to yield, +and the Protestants returned to their hotels full of joy; while the +legate and his friends, perceiving that the Confession was inevitable, +saw the morrow approach with anxiety continually increasing. + + [531] Non quidem publice in prætorio, sed privatim in palatio + suo.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 124.) + +[Sidenote: MELANCTHON'S DESPONDENCE.] + +Among those who prepared to confess the Evangelical truth, was one, +however, whose heart was filled with sadness:--it was Melancthon. +Placed between two fires, he saw the Reformed, and many even of his +own friends, reproach his weakness; while the opposite party detested +what they called his hypocrisy. His friend Camerarius, who visited +Augsburg about this time, often found him plunged in thought, uttering +deep sighs, and shedding bitter tears.[532] Brenz, moved with +compassion, coming to the unhappy Philip, would sit down by his side +and weep with him;[533] and Jonas, endeavouring to console him in +another manner, exhorted him to take the Book of Psalms, and cry to +God with all his heart, making use of David's words rather than of his +own. + + [532] Non modo suspirantem sed profundentem lacrymas + conspexi.--(Camer. p. 121.) + + [533] Brentius assidebat hæc scribenti, una lacrymans.--(Corp. Ref. + ii. p. 126.) + +One day intelligence arrived which formed a general topic of +conversation in Augsburg, and which, spreading terror among the +partisans of the Pope, gave a momentary relief to Melancthon. It was +said that a mule in Rome had given birth to a colt with crane's feet. +"This prodigy," said Melancthon thoughtfully, "announces that Rome is +near its end;"[534] perhaps because the crane is a bird of passage, +and that the Pope's mule thus gave signs of departure. Melancthon had +immediately written to Luther, who replied that he was exceedingly +rejoiced that God had given the Pope so striking a sign of his +approaching fall.[535] It is good to call to memory these puerilities +of the age of the Reformers, that we may better understand the high +range of these men of God in matters of faith. + + [534] Romæ quædam mula peperit, et partus habuit pedes gruis. Vides + significari exitium Romæ per schismata.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 126.) + + [535] Gaudeo Papæ signum datum in mula puerpera, ut citius + pereat.--(L. Epp. iv. p. 4.) + +[Sidenote: LUTHER'S PRAYER.] + +These idle Roman stories did not long console Melancthon. On the eve +of the 25th June, he was present in imagination at the reading of that +Confession which he had drawn up, which was about to be proclaimed +before the world, and in which one word too many or too few might +decide on the approbation or the hatred of the princes, on the safety +or ruin of the Reformation and of the Empire. He could bear up no +longer, and the feeble Atlas, crushed under the burden of the world +upon his shoulders, gave utterance to a cry of anguish. "All my time +here is spent in tears and mourning," wrote he to Vitus Diedrich, +Luther's secretary in the castle of Coburg;[536] and on the morrow he +wrote to Luther himself: "My dwelling is in perpetual tears.[537] My +consternation is indescribable.[538] O my father! I do not wish my +words to exaggerate my sorrows; but, without your consolations, it is +impossible for me to enjoy here the least peace." + + [536] Hic consumitur omne mihi tempus in lacrymis et luctu.--(Corp. + Ref. ii. p. 126.) + + [537] Versamur hic in miserrimis curis et plane perpetuis + lacrymis.--(Ibid. p. 140.) + + [538] Mira consternatio animorum nostrorum.--(Ibid.) + +Nothing in fact presented so strong a contrast to the distrust and +desolations of Melancthon, as the faith, calmness, and exultation of +Luther. It was of advantage to him that he was not then in the midst +of the Augsburg vortex, and to be able from his stronghold to set his +foot with tranquillity upon the rock of God's promises. He was +sensible himself of the value of this peaceful hermitage, as he called +it.[539] "I cannot sufficiently admire," said Vitus Diedrich, "the +firmness, cheerfulness, and faith of this man, so astonishing in such +cruel times." + + [539] Ex eremo tacita.--(L. Epp. iv. p. 51.) It is thus he dates his + letter. + +[Sidenote: LUTHER'S ANXIETY.] + +Luther, besides his constant reading of the Word of God,[540] did not +pass a day without devoting three hours at least to prayer, and they +were hours selected from those the most favourable to study.[541] One +day, as Diedrich approached the Reformer's chamber, he heard his +voice,[542] and remained motionless, holding his breath, a few steps +from the door. Luther was praying, and his prayer (said the secretary) +was full of adoration, fear, and hope, as when one speaks to a friend +or to a father.[543] "I know that thou art our Father and our God," +said the Reformer, alone in his chamber, "and that thou wilt scatter +the persecutors of thy children, for thou art thyself endangered with +us. All this matter is thine, and it is only by thy constraint that we +have put our hands to it. Defend us then, O Father!" The secretary, +motionless as a statue, in the long gallery of the castle, lost not +one of the words that the clear and resounding voice of Luther bore to +his ears.[544] The Reformer was earnest with God, and called upon him +with so much unction to accomplish his promises, that Diedrich felt +his heart glow within him.[545] "Oh!" exclaimed he, as he retired, +"How could not these prayers but prevail in the desperate struggle at +Augsburg!" + + [540] Assidue autem illa diligentiore verbi Dei tractatione + alit.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 159.) + + [541] Nullus abit dies, quin ut minimum tres horas easque studiis + optimas in orationibus ponat.--(Ibid.) + + [542] Semel mihi contigit ut orantem eum audirem.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. + 159.) + + [543] Tanta spe et fide ut cum patre et amico colloqui + sentiat.--(Ibid.) + + [544] Tum orantem clara voce, procul stans, audivi.--(Ibid.) + + [545] Ardebat mihi quoque animus singulari quodam impetu.--(Corp. Ref. + ii. p. 159.) + +Luther might also have allowed himself to be overcome with fear, for +he was left in complete ignorance of what was taking place in the +diet. A Wittemberg messenger, who should have brought him forests of +letters (according to his own expression), having presented himself: +"Do you bring any letters?" asked Luther. "No!" "How are those +gentlemen?" "Well!" Luther, grieved at such silence, returned and shut +himself up in his chamber. + +[Sidenote: LUTHER'S TEXTS.] + +Erelong there appeared a courier on horseback carrying despatches from +the Elector to Torgau. "Do you bring me any letters?" asked Luther. +"No!" "How are those gentlemen?" continued he, fearfully. "Well!" +"This is strange," thought the Reformer. A waggon having left Coburg +laden with flour (for they were almost in want of provisions at +Augsburg), Luther impatiently awaited the return of the waggoner; but +he returned empty. Luther then began to revolve the gloomiest thoughts +in his mind, not doubting that they were concealing some misfortune +from him.[546] At last another individual, Jobst Nymptzen, having +arrived from Augsburg, Luther rushed anew towards him, with his usual +question. "Do you bring me any letters?" He waited trembling for the +reply. "No!" "And how then are those gentlemen?" "Well!" The Reformer +withdrew, a prey to anger and to fear. + + [546] Hic cœpi cogitare tristia, suspirans, vos aliquid mali me celare + velle.--(L. Epp. iv. p. 60.) + +Then Luther opened his Bible, and to console himself for the silence +of men, he conversed with God. There were some passages of Scripture +in particular that he read continually. We point them out below.[547] +He did more; he wrote with his own hand many declarations of Scripture +over the doors and windows, and on the walls of the castle. In one +place were these words from the 118th Psalm: _I shall not die, but +live, and declare the works of the Lord_. In another, those of the +12th chapter of Proverbs: _The way of the wicked seduceth them_; and +over his bed, these words from the 4th Psalm: _I will both lay me down +in peace and sleep; for thou, O Lord, only makest me dwell in safety_. +Never perhaps did man so environ himself with the promises of the +Lord, or so dwell in the atmosphere of his Word and live by his +breath, as Luther at Coburg. + + [547] 2 Tim. iii. 12; Philip. ii. 12, 13; John x. 17, 18; Matth. xvi. + 18; Psalm xlvi. 1, 2; 1 John iv. 4; Psalm lv. 23; xxvii. 14; John xvi. + 33; Luke xvii. 5; Psalm xxxii. 11; cxlv. 18, 19; xci. 14, 15; Sirach. + ii. 11; 1 Maccab. ii. 61; Matth. vi. 31; 1 Peter v. 6, 7; Matth. x. + 28; Rom. iv. and vi.; Heb. v. and xi.; 1 Sam. iv. 18; xxxi. 4-8; ii. + 30; 2 Tim. ii. 17, 18, 19; i. 12; Eph. iii. 20, 21. Among these + passages will be observed two verses taken from the Apocrypha, but + whose equivalents might easily be found in the Word of God. + +[Sidenote: LUTHER TO MELANCTHON.] + +At length letters came. "If the times in which we live were not +opposed to it, I should have imagined some revenge," wrote Luther to +Jonas; "but prayer checked my anger, and anger checked my +prayer.[548] I am delighted at that tranquil mind which God gives our +prince. As for Melancthon, it is his philosophy that tortures him, and +nothing else. For our cause is in the very hands of Him who can say +with unutterable pride: _No one shall pluck it out of my hands_. I +would not have it in our hands, and it would not be desirable that it +were so.[549] I have had many things in my hands, and I have lost them +all; but whatever I have been able to place in God's, I still +possess." + + [548] Sed orandi tempus non sinebat irasci, et ira non sinebat + orare.--(L. Epp. iv. p. 46.) + + [549] Nec vellem, nec consultum esset, in nostra manu esse.--(L. Epp. + iv. p. 46.) + +On learning that Melancthon's anguish still continued, Luther wrote to +him: and these are words that should be preserved. "Grace and peace in +Christ! in Christ, I say, and not in the world, Amen. I hate with +exceeding hatred those extreme cares which consume you. If the cause +is unjust, abandon it; if the cause is just, why should we belie the +promises of Him who commands us to sleep without fear? Can the devil +do more than kill us? Christ will not be wanting to the work of +justice and of truth. He lives; he reigns; what fear, then, can we +have? God is powerful to upraise his cause if it is overthrown, to +make it proceed if it remains motionless, and if we are not worthy of +it, he will do it by others. + +"I have received your Apology,[550] and I cannot understand what you +mean, when you ask what we must concede to the Papists. We have +already conceded too much. Night and day I meditate on this affair, +turning it over and over, perusing all Scripture, and the certainty of +the truth of our doctrine continually increases in my mind. With the +help of God, I will not permit a single letter of all that we have +said to be torn from us. + + [550] The Confession revised and corrected. + +[Sidenote: THE PALATINE CHAPEL.] + +"The issue of this affair torments you, because you cannot understand +it. But if you could, I would not have the least share in it. God has +put it in a 'common place,' that you will not find either in your +rhetoric or in your philosophy: that place is called Faith.[551] It is +that in which subsist all things that we can neither understand nor +see. Whoever wishes to touch them, as you do, will have tears for his +sole reward. + + [551] Deus posuit eam in _locum_ quendam _communem_, quem in tua + rhetorica non habes nec in philosophia tua; is vocatur _fides_.--(L. + Epp. iv. p. 53.) + +"If Christ is not with us, where is he in the whole universe? If we +are not the Church, where, I pray, is the Church? Is it the Dukes of +Bavaria, is it Ferdinand, is it the Pope, is it the Turk, who is the +Church? If we have not the Word of God, who is it that possesses it? + +"Only we must have faith, lest the cause of faith should be found to +be without faith.[552] + + [552] Tantum est opus fide, ne causa fidei sit sine fide.--(Ibid. p. + 61.) + +"If we fall, Christ falls with us, that is to say, the Master of the +world. I would rather fall with Christ, than remain standing with +Cæsar." + +Thus wrote Luther. The faith which animated him flowed from him like +torrents of living water. He was indefatigable; in a single day he +wrote to Melancthon, Spalatin, Brenz, Agricola, and John Frederick, +and they were letters full of life. He was not alone in praying, +speaking, and believing. At the same moment, the Evangelical +Christians exhorted one another everywhere to prayer.[553] Such was +the arsenal in which the weapons were forged that the confessors of +Christ wielded before the Diet of Augsburg. + + [553] Wittembergæ scribunt, tam diligenter ibi Ecclesiam orare.--(L. + Epp. iv. p. 69.) + + +[Sidenote: RECOLLECTIONS AND CONTRAST.] + +VII. At length the 25th June arrived. This was destined to be the +greatest day of the Reformation, and one of the most glorious in the +history of Christianity and of mankind. + +As the chapel of the Palatine Palace, where the Emperor had resolved +to hear the Confession, could contain only about two hundred +persons,[554] before three o'clock a great crowd was to be seen +surrounding the building and thronging the court, hoping by this means +to catch a few words; and many having gained entrance to the chapel, +all were turned out except those who were not, at the least, +councillors to the princes. + + [554] Capiebat forsan ducentos.--(Jonas, Corp. Ref. ii. p. 157.) + +Charles took his seat on the throne. The Electors or their +representatives were on his right and left hand; after them the other +princes and states of the Empire. The legate had refused to appear in +this solemnity, lest he should seem by his presence to authorize the +reading of the Confession.[555] + + [555] Sarpi, Hist. Council. Trent. i. p. 101. + +Then stood up John Elector of Saxony, with his son John Frederick, +Phillip Landgrave of Hesse, the Margrave George of Brandenburg, +Wolfgang Prince of Anhalt, Ernest Duke of Brunswick-Luneburg, and his +brother Francis, and last of all the deputies of Nuremberg and +Reutlingen. Their air was animated and their features radiant with +joy.[556] The apologies of the early Christians, of Tertullian and +Justin Martyr, hardly reached in writing the sovereigns to whom they +were addressed. But now, to hear the new apology of resuscitated +Christianity, behold that puissant Emperor, whose sceptre, stretching +far beyond the columns of Hercules, reaches the utmost limits of the +world, his brother the King of the Romans, with electors, princes, +prelates, deputies, ambassadors, all of whom desire to destroy the +Gospel, but who are constrained by an invisible power to listen, and, +by that very listening, to honour the Confession! + + [556] Læto et alacri animo et vultu.--(Scultet. i. p. 273.) + +One thought was involuntarily present in the minds of the +spectators,--the recollection of the Diet of Worms.[557] Only nine +years before, a poor monk stood alone for this same cause in a hall of +the town-house at Worms, in presence of the Empire. And now in his +stead, behold the foremost of the Electors, behold princes and cities! +What a victory is declared by this simple fact! No doubt Charles +himself cannot escape from this recollection. + + [557] Ante decennium in conventu Wormatensi.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 153.) + +[Sidenote: THE CONFESSION--PROLOGUE.] + +The Emperor, seeing the Protestants stand up, motioned them to sit +down; and then the two chancellors of the Elector, Bruck and Bayer, +advanced to the middle of the chapel, and stood before the throne, +holding in their hands, the former the Latin, and the other the German +copy of the Confession. The Emperor required the Latin copy to be +read.[558] "We are Germans," said the Elector of Saxony, "and on +German soil; I hope therefore your majesty will allow us to speak +German." If the Confession had been read in Latin, a language unknown +to most of the princes, the general effect would have been lost. This +was another means of shutting the mouth of the Gospel. The Emperor +complied with the Elector's demand. + + [558] Cæsar Latinum prelegi volebat.--(Seck. ii. p. 170.) + +Bayer then began to read the Evangelical Confession, slowly, +seriously, distinctly, with a clear, strong, and sonorous voice, which +re-echoed under the arched roof of the chapel, and carried even to the +outside this great testimony paid to the truth.[559] + + [559] Qui clare, distincte, tarde et voce adeo grandi et sonora eam +pronunciavit.--(Scultet. p. 276.) + +"Most serene, most mighty, and invincible Emperor and most gracious +Lord," said he, "we who appear in your presence, declare ourselves +ready to confer amicably with you on the fittest means of restoring +one sole, true, and same faith, since it is for one sole and same +Christ that we fight.[560] And in case that these religious +dissensions cannot be settled amicably, we then offer to your majesty +to explain our cause in a general, free, and christian council."[561] + + [560] Ad unam veram concordem religionem, sicut omnes sub uno Christo + sumus et militamus.--(Confessio, Præfatio. Urkunden. i. p. 474.) + + [561] Causam dicturos in tali generali, libero, et Christiano + concilio.--(Ibid. p. 479.) + +[Sidenote: THE CONFESSION--JUSTIFICATION.] + +This prologue being ended, Bayer confessed the Holy Trinity, +conformably with the Nicene Council,[562] original and hereditary sin, +"which bringeth eternal death to all who are not regenerated,"[563] +and the incarnation of the Son, "very God and very man."[564] + + [562] Et tamen tres sunt personæ ejusdem essentiæ.--(Ibid. p. 682.) + + [563] Vitium originis, afferens æternam mortem his qui non + renascuntur.--(Confessio, Præfatio. Urkunden. i. p. 483.) + + [564] Unus Christus, vere Deus, et vere homo.--(Ibid.) + +"We teach moreover," continued he, "that we cannot be justified before +God by our own strength, our merits, and our works; but that we are +justified by Christ through grace, through the means of faith,[565] +when we believe that our sins are forgiven in virtue of Christ, who by +his death has made satisfaction for our sins: this faith is the +righteousness that God imputes to the sinner. + + [565] Quod homines non possint justificari coram Deo, propriis + viribus, meritis, aut operibus, sed gratis, propter Christum, per + fidem.--(Ibid. p. 484.) + +"But we teach, at the same time, that this faith ought to bear good +fruits, and that we must do all the good works commanded by God, for +the love of God, and not by their means to gain the grace of God." + +The Protestants next declared their faith in the Christian Church, +"which is," said they, "the assembly of all true believers and all the +saints,"[566] in the midst of whom there are, nevertheless, in this +life, many false Christians, hypocrites even, and manifest sinners; +and they added, "that it was sufficient for the real unity of the +Church that they were agreed on the doctrine of the Gospel and the +administration of the sacraments, without the rites and ceremonies +instituted by men being everywhere the same."[567]--They proclaimed +the necessity of baptism, and declared "that the body and blood of +Christ are really present and administered in the Lord's Supper to +those who partake of it."[568] + + [566] Congregatio sanctorum et vere credentium.--(Ibid. p. 487.) + + [567] Ad veram unitatem Ecclesiæ, satis est consentire de doctrina + Evangelii et administratione sacra mentorum, nec necesse est, + &c.--(Ibid. p. 486.) + + [568] Quod corpus et sanguis Christi, vere adsint et distribuantur + vescentibus in cœna Domini.--(F. Urkund. i. p. 488.) + +[Sidenote: THE CONFESSION--FAITH.] + +The Chancellor then successively confessed the faith of the +Evangelical Christians, touching confession, penance, the nature of +the sacraments, the government of the Church, ecclesiastical +ordinances, political government, and the last judgment. "As regards +Free-will," continued he, "we confess that man's will has a certain +liberty of accomplishing civil justice, and of loving the things that +reason comprehends; that man can do the good that is within the sphere +of nature--plough his fields, eat, drink, have a friend, put on a +coat, build a house, take a wife, feed cattle, exercise a calling; as +also he can, of his own movement, do evil, kneel before an idol, and +commit murder. But we maintain that without the Holy Ghost he cannot +do what is righteous in the sight of God." + +Then, returning to the grand doctrine of the Reformation, and +recalling to mind that the doctors of the Pope "have never ceased +impelling the faithful to puerile and useless works, as the custom of +chaplets, invocations of saints, monastic vows, processions, fasts, +feast-days, brotherhoods," the Protestants added, that as for +themselves, while urging the practice of truly Christian works, of +which little had been said before their time,[569] "they taught that +man is justified by faith alone; not by that faith which is a simple +knowledge of the history, and which wicked men and even devils +possess, but by a faith which believes not only the history, but also +the effect of the history;[570] which believes that through Christ we +obtain grace; which sees that in Christ we have a merciful Father; +which knows this God; which calls upon him; in a word, which is not +without God, as the heathen are." + + [569] De quibus rebus olim parum docebant concionatores; tantum + puerilia et non necessaria opera urgebant.--(F. Urkund. i. p. 495.) + + [570] Non tantum historiæ notitiam, sed fidem quæ credit non tantum + historiam, sed etiam effectum historiæ.--(F. Urkund. i. p. 498.) + +"Such," said Bayer, "is a summary of the doctrine professed in our +Churches, by which it may be seen that this doctrine is by no means +opposed to Scripture, to the universal Church, nor even to the Romish +Church, such as the doctors describe it to us;[571] and since it is +so, to reject us as heretics is an offence against unity and charity." + + [571] Nihil inesse quod discrepat a Scripturis vel ab Ecclesia + Catholica, vel ab Ecclesia Romana, quatenus ex Scriptoribus nota + est.--(Ibid. p. 501.) + +[Sidenote: LUTHER ON THE CONFESSION.] + +Here terminated the first part of the Confession, the aim of which was +to explain the Evangelical doctrine. The Chancellor read with so +distinct a voice, that the crowd which was unable to enter the hall, +and which filled the court and all the approaches of the episcopal +palace, did not lose a word.[572] This reading produced the most +marvellous effect on the princes who thronged the chapel. Jonas +watched every change in their countenances,[573] and there beheld +interest, astonishment, and even approbation depicted by turns. "The +adversaries imagine they have done a wonderful thing, by forbidding +the preaching of the Gospel," wrote Luther to the Elector; "and they +do not see, poor creatures! that by the reading of the Confession in +the presence of the diet, there has been more preaching than in the +sermons of ten preachers. Exquisite subtlety! admirable expedient! +Master Agricola and the other ministers are reduced to silence; but in +their place appear the Elector of Saxony, and the other princes and +lords, who preach before his imperial majesty, and the members of the +whole Empire, freely, to their beard, and before their noses. Yes, +Christ is in the diet, and he does not keep silence: _the word of God +cannot be bound_. They forbid it in the pulpit, and are forced to hear +it in the palace; poor ministers cannot announce it, and great princes +proclaim it; the servants are forbidden to listen to it, and their +masters are compelled to hear it; they will have nothing to do with it +during the whole course of the diet, and they are forced to submit to +hear more in one day than is heard ordinarily in a whole +year......When all else is silent, the very stones cry out, as says +our Lord Jesus Christ."[574] + + [572] Verum etiam in area inferiori et vicinis locis exaudiri + potuerit.--(Scultet. p. 274.) + + [573] Jonas scribit vidisse se vultus omnium de quo mihi spondet + narrationem coram.--(L. Epp. iv. p. 71.) + + [574] L. Epp. iv. p. 82. + +[Sidenote: THE CONFESSION--ABUSES.] + +That part of the Confession destined to point out errors and abuses +still remained. Bayer continued: he explained and demonstrated the +doctrine of the two kinds; he attacked the compulsory celibacy of +priests, maintained that the Lord's Supper had been changed into a +regular fair, in which it was merely a question of buying and selling, +and that it had been re-established in its primitive purity by the +Reformation, and was celebrated in the Evangelical churches with +entirely new devotion and gravity. He declared that the Sacrament was +administered to no one who had not first made confession of his +faults, and he quoted this expression of Chrysostom: "Confess thyself +to God the Lord, thy real Judge; tell thy sin, not with the tongue, +but in thy conscience and in thy heart." + +Bayer next came to the precepts on the distinction of meats and other +Roman usages. "Celebrate such a festival," said he; "repeat such a +prayer, or keep such a fast; be dressed in such a manner, and so many +other ordinances of men--this is what is now styled a spiritual and +christian life; while the good works prescribed by God, as those of a +father of a family who toils to support his wife, his sons, and his +daughters--of a mother who brings children into the world, and takes +care of them--of a prince or of a magistrate who governs his subjects, +are looked upon as secular things, and of an imperfect nature." As for +monastic vows in particular, he represented that, as the Pope could +give a dispensation from them, those vows ought therefore to be +abolished. + +The last article of the Confession treated of the authority of the +bishops: powerful princes crowned with the episcopal mitre were there; +the Archbishops of Mentz, Cologne, Salzburg, and Bremen; the Bishops +of Bamberg, Wurzburg, Eichstadt, Worms, Spire, Strasburg, Augsburg, +Constance, Coire, Passau, Liege, Trent, Brixen, and of Lebus and +Ratzburg, fixed their eyes on the humble confessor. He fearlessly +continued, and energetically protesting against that confusion of +Church and State which had characterized the Middle Ages, he called +for the distinction and independence of the two societies. + +[Sidenote: THE CONFESSION--DUTY OF THE BISHOPS.] + +"Many," said he, "have unskilfully confounded the episcopal and the +temporal power; and from this confusion have resulted great wars, +revolts, and seditions.[575] It is for this reason, and to reassure +men's consciences, that we find ourselves constrained to establish the +difference which exists between the power of the Church and the power +of the sword.[576] + + [575] Nonnulli incommode commiscuerunt potestatem ecclesiasticam et + potestatem gladii; et ex hac confusione, &c.--(Urkunden. Confes. Augs. + i. p. 539.) + + [576] Coacti sunt ostendere discrimen ecclesiasticæ potestatis et + potestatis gladii.--(Ibid.) + +"We therefore teach that the power of the keys or of the bishops is, +conformably with the Word of the Lord, a commandment emanating from +God, to preach the Gospel, to remit or retain sins, and to administer +the Sacraments. This power has reference only to eternal goods, is +exercised only by the minister of the Word, and does not trouble +itself with political administration. The political administration, on +the other hand, is busied with everything else but the Gospel. The +magistrate protects, not souls, but bodies and temporal possessions. +He defends them against all attacks from without, and, by making use +of the sword and of punishment, compels men to observe civil justice +and peace.[577] + + [577] Politica administratio versatur enim circa alias res quam + Evangelium; magistratus defendit non mentes sed corpora----et coercet + homines gladio.--(Urkund. Confess. Aug. i. p. 541.) + +"For this reason we must take particular care not to mingle the power +of the Church with the power of the State.[578] The power of the +Church ought never to invade an office that is foreign to it; for +Christ himself said: _My kingdom is not of this world_. And again: +_Who made me a judge over you?_ St. Paul said to the Philippians: _Our +citizenship is in heaven_.[579] And to the Corinthians: _The weapons +of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God_. + + [578] Non igitur commiscendæ sunt potestates ecclesiasticæ et + civilis.--(Ibid.) + + [579] Greek, πολιτευμα.--(Philip. iii. 20. Scott and Henry Comment.) + +"It is thus that we distinguish the two governments and the two +powers, and that we honour both as the most excellent gifts that God +has given here on earth. + +[Sidenote: THE CONFESSION--EPILOGUE.] + +"The duty of the bishops is therefore to preach the Gospel, to +forgive sins, to exclude from the Christian Church all who rebel +against the Lord, but without human power, and solely by the Word of +God.[580] If the bishops act thus, the churches ought to be obedient +to them according to this declaration of Christ: _Whoever heareth you, +heareth me_. + + [580] Excludere a communione Ecclesiæ, sine vi humana sed + verbo.--(Urkund. Confes. Augs. i. p. 544.) + +"But if the bishops teach anything that is contrary to the Gospel, +then the churches have an order from God which forbids them to obey +(Matt. vii. 15; Galatians i. 8; 2 Cor. xiii. 8, 10). And St. Augustin +himself, in his letter against Pertilian, writes: 'We must not obey +the catholic bishops, if they go astray, and teach anything contrary +to the canonical Scriptures of God.'"[581] + + [581] Nec catholicis episcopis consentiendum est, sicuti forte + falluntur, aut contra canonicas Dei scripturas aliquid + sentiunt--(Urkund. Confes. Augs. i. p. 544.) + +After some remarks on the ordinances and traditions of the Church, +Bayer came to the epilogue of the Confession. + +"It is not from hatred that we have spoken," added he, "nor to insult +any one; but we have explained the doctrines that we maintain to be +essential, in order that it may be understood that we admit of neither +dogma nor ceremony which is contrary to the Holy Scriptures, and to +the usage of the universal Church." + +Bayer then ceased to read. He had spoken for two hours: the silence +and serious attention of the assembly were not once disturbed.[582] + + [582] Mit grosser Stille und Ernst.--(Brüch's Apologie, p. 59.) + +This Confession of Augsburg will ever remain one of the masterpieces +of the human mind enlightened by the Spirit of God. + +[Sidenote: REMARKS ON THE CONFESSION.] + +The language that had been adopted, while it was perfectly natural, +was the result of a profound study of character. These princes, these +warriors, these politicians who were sitting in the Palatine Palace, +entirely ignorant as they were of divinity, easily understood the +Protestant doctrine; for it was not explained to them in the style of +the schools, but in that of everyday life, and with a simplicity and +clearness that rendered all misunderstanding impossible. + +At the same time the power of argumentation was so much the more +remarkable, as it was the more concealed. At one time Melancthon (for +it was really he who spoke through the mouth of Bayer) was content to +quote a single passage of Scripture or of the Fathers in favour of the +doctrine he maintained; and at another he proved his thesis so much +the more strongly, that he appeared only to be declaring it. With a +single stroke he pointed out the sad consequences that would follow +the rejection of the faith he professed, or with one word showed its +importance for the prosperity of the Church; so that while listening +to him, the most violent enemies were obliged to acknowledge to +themselves that there was really something to say in favour of the new +sect. + +To this force of reasoning the Apology added a prudence no less +remarkable. Melancthon, while declining with firmness the errors +attributed to his party, did not even appear to feel the injustice of +these erroneous imputations; and while pointing out those of Popery, +he did not say expressly they were those of his adversaries; thus +carefully avoiding every thing that might irritate their minds. In +this he showed himself wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove. + +But the most admirable thing of all is the fidelity with which the +Confession explains the doctrines most essential to salvation. Rome is +accustomed to represent the Reformers as the creators of the +Protestant doctrines; but it is not in the sixteenth century that we +must look for the days of that creation. A bright track of light, of +which Wickliffe and Augustin mark the most salient points, carries us +back to the Apostolic age: it was then that shone in all their +brilliancy the creative days of Evangelical truth. Yet it is true (and +if this is what Rome means, we fully concur in the idea) never since +the time of St. Paul had the Christian doctrine appeared with so much +beauty, depth, and life, as in the days of the Reformation. + +[Sidenote: REMARKS.] + +Among all these doctrines, that of the Church, which had been so long +disfigured, appeared at this time in all its native purity. With what +wisdom, in particular, the confessors of Augsburg protest against that +confusion of religion and politics which since the deplorable epoch of +Constantine, had changed the kingdom of God into an earthly and carnal +institution! Undoubtedly what the Confession stigmatizes with the +greatest energy is the intrusion of the Church into the affairs of the +State, but can it be thought that it was to approve the intrusion of +the State in Church affairs? The evil of the Middle Ages was the +having enslaved the State to the Church, and the confessors of +Augsburg rose like one man to combat it. The evil of the three +centuries which have passed away since then, is to have subjected the +Church to the State; and we may believe that Luther and Melancthon +would have found against this disorder thunders no less powerful. What +they attack in a general sense, is the confusion of the two societies; +what they demand, is their independence, I do not say their +separation. If the Augsburg confessors were unwilling that things from +above should monopolize those of the earth, they would have been still +less willing for things of earth to oppress those from heaven. + +There is a particular application of this principle, which the +Confession points out. It wills the bishops should reprimand those who +obey wickedness, "but without human power, and solely by the Word of +God." It therefore rejects the use of the sword in the chastisement of +heretics. This we see is a primitive principle, fundamental and +essential to the Reformation, as the contrary doctrine is a primitive +principle, fundamental and essential to the Papacy. If among +Protestants we find some writing, or even some example opposed to +this, it is but an isolated fact, which cannot invalidate the official +principles of the Reform--it is one of those exceptions which always +serve to confirm the rule. + +[Sidenote: MODERATE TONE OF THE CONFESSION.] + +Finally, the Augsburg Confession does not usurp the rights of the Word +of God; it desires to be its handmaid and not its rival; it does not +found, it does not regulate the faith, but simply professes it. "Our +churches teach," it says; and it will be remembered that Luther +considered it only as a sermon preached by princes and kings. Had it +desired more, as has since been maintained, by that very circumstance +it would have been nullified. + +Was, however, the Confession able to follow in all things the exact +path of truth? We may be permitted to doubt it. + +It professes not to separate from the teaching of the Catholic Church, +and even from that of the Romish Church--by which is no doubt +signified the ancient Roman Church--and rejects the popish +particularism which, for about eight centuries, imprisoned men's +consciences. The Confession, however, seems overlaid with +superstitious fears when there is any question of deviating from the +views entertained by some of the Fathers of the Church, of breaking +the toils of the hierarchy, and of acting, as regards Rome, without +blameable forbearance. This, at least, is what its author, Melancthon, +professes. "We do not put forward any dogma," said he, "which is not +founded on the Gospel or on the teaching of the Catholic Church; we +are prepared to concede everything that is necessary for the episcopal +dignity;[583] and, provided that the bishops do not condemn the +Gospel, we preserve all the rites that appear indifferent to us. In a +word, there is no burden that we reject, if we can bear it without +guilt."[584] + + [583] Concessuros omnia quæ ad dignitatem Episcoporum stabiliendam + pertinent.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 431.) + + [584] Nullum detractavimus onus, quod sine scelere suspici + posset.--(Ibid.) + +Many will think, no doubt, that a little more independence would have +been proper in this matter, and that it would have been better to have +passed over the ages that have followed the times of the apostles, and +have frankly put in practice the grand principle which the Reformation +had proclaimed: "There is for articles of faith no other foundation +than the Word of God."[585] + + [585] _Solum verbum Dei condit articulos fidei._ + +[Sidenote: DEFECTS OF THE CONFESSION.] + +Melancthon's moderation has been admired; and, in truth, while +pointing out the abuses of Rome, he was silent on what is most +revolting in them, on their disgraceful origin, their scandalous +consequences, and is content to show that they are in contradiction to +the Scripture. But he does more; he is silent on the divine right of +the Pope, on the number of the sacraments, and on other points +besides. His great business is to justify the renovated, and not to +attack the deformed, Church. "Peace! peace!" was his cry. But if, +instead of all this circumspection, the Reformation had advanced with +courage, had wholly unveiled the Word of God, and had made an +energetic appeal to the sympathies of reform then spread in men's +hearts, would it not have taken a stronger and more honourable +position, and would it not have secured more extensive conquests? + +The interest that Charles the Fifth showed in listening to the +Confession seems doubtful. According to some, he endeavoured to +understand that foreign language;[586] according to others, he fell +asleep.[587] It is easy to reconcile these contradictory testimonies. + + [586] Satis attentus erat Cæsar. (Jonas in Corp. Ref. ii. p. 184.) + + [587] Cum nostra confessio legeretur, obdormivit. (Brentius in Corp. + Ref. ii. p. 245.) + +When the reading was finished, Chancellor Brück, with the two copies +in his hand, advanced towards the Emperor's secretary and presented +them to him. Charles the Fifth, who was wide awake at this moment, +himself took the two Confessions, handed the German copy, considered +as official, to the elector of Mentz, and kept the Latin one for +himself.[588] He then made reply to the Elector of Saxony and to his +allies that he had graciously heard their confession;[589] but as this +affair was one of extreme importance, he required time to deliberate +upon it. + + [588] The Latin copy, deposited in the archives of the imperial house, + should be found at Brussels; and the German copy, sent afterwards to + the Council of Trent, ought to be in the Vatican. + + [589] Gnedichlich vernohmen. (F. Urkunden, ii. p. 3.) + +[Sidenote: THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION.] + +The joy with which the Protestants were filled shone in their +eyes.[590] God had been with them; and they saw that the striking act +which had so recently been accomplished, imposed on them the +obligation of confessing the truth with immovable perseverance. "I +thrill with joy," wrote Luther, "that my life was cast in an epoch in +which Christ is publicly exalted by such illustrious confessors and in +so glorious an assembly."[591] The whole Evangelical Church, excited +and renovated by this public confession of its representatives, was +then more intimately united to its divine Chief, and baptized with a +new baptism. "Since the apostolic age," said they (these are the words +of a contemporary), "there has never been a greater work or a more +magnificent confession."[592] + + [590] Cum incredibili protestantium gaudio. (Seck. ii. p. 170.) + + [591] Mihi vehementer placet vixisse in hanc horam. (L. Epp. iv. p. + 71.) + + [592] Grösser und höher Werk. (Mathesius, Hist. p. 93-98.) + +The Emperor, having descended from his throne, approached the +Protestant princes, and begged them in a low tone not to publish the +Confession;[593] they acceded to his request, and every one withdrew. + + [593] In still angeredet und gebethen. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 143.) + + +[Sidenote: LUTHER DEMANDS RELIGIOUS LIBERTY.] + +VIII. The Romanists had expected nothing like this. Instead of a +hateful controversy, they had heard a striking confession of Jesus +Christ; the most hostile minds were consequently disarmed. "We would +not for a great deal," was the remark on every side, "have missed +being present at this reading."[594] The effect was so prompt, that +for an instant the cause was thought to be definitively gained. The +bishops themselves imposed silence on the sophisms and clamours of the +Fabers and the Ecks.[595] "All that the Lutherans have said is true," +exclaimed the Bishop of Augsburg; "we cannot deny it."[596]--"Well, +doctor," said the Duke of Bavaria to Eck, in a reproachful tone, "you +had given me a very different idea of this doctrine and of this +affair."[597] This was the general cry; accordingly the sophists, as +they called them, were embarrassed. "But, after all," said the Duke of +Bavaria to them, "can you refute by sound reasons the Confession made +by the Elector and his allies?"--"With the writings of the Apostles +and Prophets--no!" replied Eck; "but with those of the Fathers and of +the Councils--yes!"[598] "I understand," quickly replied the Duke; "I +understand. The Lutherans, according to you, are in scripture; and we +are outside." + + [594] Brücks Geschichte der Handl. in den Sachen des Glaubens zu + Augsbourg. (Förstemann Archiv. p. 50.) + + [595] Multi episcopi ad pacem sunt inclinati. (L. Epp. iv. p. 70.) + + [596] Illa quæ recitata sunt, vera sunt, sunt pura veritas; non + possumus inficiari. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 154.) + + [597] So hab man Im vor nicht gesagt. (Mathes. Hist. p. 99.) + + [598] Mit Propheten und Aposteln schriften----nicht. (Ibid.) + +The Archbishop Hermann, elector of Cologne, the Count-palatine +Frederick, Duke Erick of Brunswick-Luneburg, Duke Henry of +Mecklenburg, and the Dukes of Pomerania, were gained over to the +truth; and Hermann sought erelong to establish it in his electorate. + +The impression produced in other countries by the Confession was +perhaps still greater. Charles sent copies to all the courts; it was +translated into French, Italian,[599] and even into Spanish and +Portuguese; it circulated through all Europe, and thus accomplished +what Luther had said: "Our Confession will penetrate into every court, +and the sound thereof will go through the whole earth."[600] It +destroyed the prejudices that had been entertained, gave Europe a +sounder idea of the Reformation, and prepared the most distant +countries to receive the seeds of the Gospel. + + [599] Cæsar sibi fecit nostram confessionem reddi Italica et Gallica + lingua. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 155.) The French translation will be found + in _Förstemann's Urkunden_, i. p. 357.--_Articles principaulx de la + foy._ + + [600] Perrumpet in omnes aulas Principum et Regum. (L. Epp. iv. p. + 96.) + +[Sidenote: LUTHER'S DOMINANT IDEA.] + +Then Luther's voice began to be heard again. He saw that it was a +decisive moment, and that he ought now to give the impulse that would +gain religious liberty. He boldly demanded this liberty of the +Roman-catholic princes of the diet;[601] and at the same time +endeavoured to make his friends quit Augsburg. Jesus Christ had been +boldly confessed. Instead of that long series of quarrels and +discussions which was about to become connected with this courageous +act, Luther would have wished for a striking rupture, even should he +seal with his blood the testimony rendered to the Gospel. The stake, +in his idea, would have been the real catastrophe of this tragedy. "I +absolve you from this diet, in the name of the Lord,"[602] wrote he to +his friends. "Now home, return home, again I say home! Would to God +that I were the sacrifice offered to this new council, as John Huss at +Constance!"[603] + + [601] Epistle to the Elector of Mentz. (Ibid. p. 74.) + + [602] Igitur absolvo vos in nomine Domini ab isto conventu. (L. Epp. + iv. p. 96.) + + [603] Vellem ego sacrificium esse hujus novissimi concilii, sicut + Johannes Huss Constantiæ. (Ibid. p. 110.) + +But Luther did not expect so glorious a conclusion: he compared the +diet to a drama. First, there had been the exposition, then the +prologue, afterwards the action, and now he waited for the tragic +catastrophe, according to some, but which, in his opinion, would be +merely comic.[604] Everything, he thought, would be sacrificed to +political peace, and dogmas would be set aside. This proceeding, +which, even in our own days, would be in the eyes of the world the +height of wisdom, was in Luther's eyes the height of folly. + + [604] Sed catastrophen illi tragicam, nos comicam expectamus. (Ibid. + p. 85.) + +[Sidenote: SONG OF TRIUMPH.] + +It was the intervention of Charles which especially alarmed him. To +withdraw the Church from all secular influence, and the governments +from all clerical influence, was then one of the dominant ideas of the +great Reformer. "You see," wrote he to Melancthon, "that they oppose +to our cause the same argument as at Worms, to wit, still and for ever +the judgment of the Emperor. Thus Satan is always harping on the same +string, and that emaciated strength[605] of the civil power is the +only one which this myriad-wiled spirit is able to find against Jesus +Christ." But Luther took courage, and boldly raised his head. "Christ +is coming," continued he; "he is coming, sitting at the right +hand......Of whom? not of the Emperor, or we should long ago have been +lost, but of God himself: let us fear nothing. Christ is the King of +kings and the Lord of lords. If he loses this title at Augsburg, he +must also lose it in all the earth, and in all the heavens." + + [605] Sic Satan chorda semper oberrat eadem, et mille-artifex ille non + habet contra Christum, nisi unum illud elumbe robur. (Ibid. p. 100.) + +Thus a song of triumph was, on the part of the Confessors of Augsburg, +the first movement that followed this courageous act, unique doubtless +in the annals of the Church. Some of their adversaries at first shared +in their triumph, and the others were silent; but a powerful reaction +took place erelong. + +On the following morning, Charles having risen in ill-humour and tired +for want of sleep, the first of his ministers who appeared in the +imperial apartments was the Count-palatine, as wearied and embarrassed +as his master. "We must yield something," said he to Charles; "and I +would remind your majesty that the Emperor Maximilian was willing to +grant the two kinds in the Eucharist, the marriage of priests, and +liberty with respect to the fasts." Charles the Fifth eagerly seized +at this proposition as a means of safety. But Granvelle and Campeggio +soon arrived, who induced him to withdraw it. + +[Sidenote: AN INGENUOUS CONFESSION.] + +Rome, bewildered for a moment by the blow that had struck her, rose up +again with energy. "I stay with the mother," exclaimed the Bishop of +Wartzburg, meaning by it the Church of Rome; "the mother, the mother!" +"My lord," wittily replied Brenz, "pray, do not, for the mother, +forget either the Father or the Son!"--"Well! I grant it," replied the +Archbishop of Salzburg to one of his friends, "I also should desire +the communion in both kinds, the marriage of priests, the reformation +of the Mass, liberty as regards food and other traditions......But +that it should be a monk, a poor monk, who presumes to reform us all, +is what we cannot tolerate."[606]--"I should have no objection," said +another bishop, "for the Divine worship to be celebrated everywhere +as it is at Wittemberg; but we can never consent that this new +doctrine should issue from such a corner."[607] And Melancthon +insisting with the Archbishop of Salzburg on the necessity of a reform +of the clergy: "Well! and how can you wish to reform us?" said the +latter abruptly: "we priests have always been good for nothing." This +is one of the most ingenuous confessions that the Reformation has torn +from the priests. Every day fanatical monks and doctors, brimful of +sophisms, were seen arriving at Augsburg, who endeavoured to inflame +the hatred of the Emperor and of the princes.[608] "If we formerly had +friends," said Melancthon on the morrow of the Confession, "now we +possess them no longer. We are here alone, abandoned by all, and +contending against measureless dangers."[609] + + [606] Sed quod unus monachus debeat nos reformare omnes. (Corp. Ref. + ii. p. 155.) + + [607] Aus dem Loch und Winckel. (L. Opp. xx. p. 307.) + + [608] Quotidie confluunt huc sophistæ ac monachi. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. + 141.) + + [609] Nos hic soli ac deserti. (Ibid.) + +[Sidenote: FAILURE OF THE POPISH INTRIGUES.] + +Charles, impelled by these contrary parties, affected a great +indifference. But without permitting it to be seen, he endeavoured, +meanwhile, to examine this affair thoroughly. "Let there not be a word +wanting," he had said to his secretary, when requiring from him a +French translation of the Confession. "He does not allow anything to +be observed," whispered the Protestants one to another, convinced that +Charles was gained; "for if it were known, he would lose his Spanish +states: let us maintain the most profound secresy." But the Emperor's +courtiers, who perceived these strange hopes, smiled and shook their +heads. "If you have money," said Schepper, one of the secretaries of +state, to Jonas and Melancthon, "it will be easy for you to buy from +the Italians whatever religion you please;[610] but if your purse is +empty, your cause is lost." Then assuming a more serious tone: "It is +impossible," said he, "for the Emperor, surrounded as he is by +bishops and cardinals, to approve of any other religion than that of +the Pope." + + [610] Nos, si pecuniam haberemus, facile religionem quam vellemus + emturos ab Italis. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 156.) + +This was soon evident. On the day after the confession (Sunday, 26th +June), before the breakfast hour,[611] all the deputations from the +imperial cities were collected in the Emperor's antechamber. Charles, +desirous of bringing back the states of the Empire to unity, began +with the weakest. "Some of the cities," said the count palatine, "have +not adhered to the last Diet of Spire: the Emperor calls upon them to +submit to it." + + [611] Heute vor dem morgenessen. (Ibid. p. 143.) + +Strasburg, Nuremberg, Constance, Ulm, Reutlingen, Heilbronn, +Memmingen, Lindau, Kempten, Windsheim, Isny, and Weissemburg, which +were thus summoned to renounce the famous protest, found the moment +curiously chosen. They asked for time. + +The position was complicated; discord had been thrown in the midst of +the cities, and intrigue was labouring daily to increase it.[612] It +was not only between the Popish and the Evangelical cities that +disagreement existed; but also between the Zwinglian and the Lutheran +cities, and even among the latter, those which had not adhered to the +Confession of Augsburg manifested great ill-humour towards the +deputies of Reutlingen and Nuremberg. This proceeding of Charles the +Fifth was therefore skilfully calculated; for it was based on the old +axiom, _Divide et impera_. + + [612] Es sind unter uns Städten, viel practica und Selt Sames wesens. + (Corp. Ref. ii p. 151.) + +But the enthusiasm of faith overcame all these stratagems, and on the +next day (27th June), the deputies from the cities transmitted a reply +to the Emperor, in which they declared that they could not adhere to +the _Recess_ of Spire "without disobeying God, and without +compromising the salvation of their souls."[613] + + [613] Ohne Verletzung der gewissen gegen Gott. (F. Urkunden. ii. P. + 6.) + +[Sidenote: THE EMPEROR'S COUNCIL.] + +Charles, who desired to observe a just medium, more from policy than +from equity, wavered between so many contrary convictions. Desirous +nevertheless of essaying his mediating influence, he convoked the +states faithful to Rome on Sunday, 26th June, shortly after his +conference with the cities. + +All the princes were present: even the Pope's legate and the most +influential Roman divines appeared at this council, to the great +scandal of the Protestants. "What reply should be made to the +Confession?" was the question set by Charles the Fifth to the senate +that surrounded him.[614] + + [614] Adversarii nostri jam deliberant quid velint respondere. (Corp. + Ref. ii. 26th June.) + +Three different opinions were proposed. "Let us beware," said the men +of the Papacy, "of discussing our adversaries' reasons, and let us be +content with executing the Edict of Worms against the Lutherans, and +with constraining them by arms."[615]--"Let us submit the Confession +to the examination of impartial judges," said the men of the Empire, +"and refer the final decision to the Emperor. Is not even the reading +of the Confession an appeal of the Protestants to the imperial power?" +Others, in the last place (and these were the men of tradition and of +ecclesiastical doctrine), were desirous of commissioning certain +doctors to compose a refutation, which should be read to the +Protestants and ratified by Charles. + + [615] Rem agendam esse vi, non audiendam causam. (Ibid. p. 154.) + +[Sidenote: VIOLENT DISCUSSIONS.] + +The debate was very animated: the mild and the violent, the politic +and the fanatical, took a decided course in the assembly. George of +Saxony and Joachim of Brandenburg showed themselves the most +inveterate, and surpassed in this respect even the ecclesiastical +princes.[616] "A certain clown, whom you know well, is pushing them +all from behind,"[617] wrote Melancthon to Luther; "and certain +hypocritical theologians hold the torch and lead the whole band." This +clown was doubtless Duke George. Even the Princes of Bavaria, whom the +Confession had staggered at first, immediately rallied around the +chiefs of the Roman party. The Elector of Mentz, the Bishop of +Augsburg, the Duke of Brunswick, showed themselves the least +unfavourable to the Evangelical cause. "I can by no means advise his +majesty to employ force," said Albert. "If his majesty should +constrain their consciences, and should afterwards quit the Empire, +the first victims sacrificed would be the priests; and who knows +whether, in the midst of these discords, the Turks would not suddenly +fall upon us?" But this somewhat interested wisdom of the archbishop +did not find many supporters, and the men of war immediately plunged +into the discussion with their harsh voices. "If there is any fighting +against the Lutherans," said Count Felix of Werdenburg, "I +gratuitously offer my sword, and I swear never to return it to its +scabbard until it has overthrown the stronghold of Luther." This +nobleman died suddenly a few days after, from the consequences of his +intemperance. Then the moderate men again interfered: "The Lutherans +attack no one article of the faith," said the Bishop of Augsburg; "let +us come to an arrangement with them; and to obtain peace, let us +concede to them the sacrament in both kinds and the marriage of +priests. I would even yield more, if it were necessary." Upon this +great cries arose: "He is a Lutheran," they exclaimed, "and you will +see that he is fully prepared to sacrifice even the private +masses!"--"The masses! we must not even think of it," remarked some +with an ironical smile; "Rome will never give them up, for it is they +which maintain her cardinals and her courtiers, with their luxury and +their kitchens."[618] The Archbishop of Salzburg and the Elector of +Brandenburg replied with great violence to the motion of the Bishop of +Augsburg. "The Lutherans," said they abruptly, "have laid before us a +Confession written with black ink on white paper. Well! If I were +Emperor, I would answer them with _red ink_."[619]--"Sirs," quickly +replied the Bishop of Augsburg, "take care then that the red letters +do not fly in your faces!" The Elector of Mentz was compelled to +interfere and calm the speakers. + + [616] Hi sunt duces, et quidem acerrimi alterius partis. (Ibid.) + + [617] Omnes unus gubernat rusticus. (Corp. Ref. 26th June p. 176.) + + [618] Cardinel, Churstusanen, Pracht und Küchen. (Brück Apol. p. 63.) + + [619] Wir wokten antvorten mit einer Schrift mit Rubricken + geschrieben. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 147.) + +[Sidenote: A REFUTATION PROPOSED.] + +The Emperor, desirous of playing the character of an umpire, would +have wished the Roman party at least to have placed in his hands an +accusation against the Reform: but all was now altered; the majority, +becoming daily more compact since the Diet of Spire, no longer sided +with Charles. Full of the sentiment of its own strength, it refused to +assume the title of a party, and to take the Emperor as a judge. "What +are you saying," cried they, "of diversity between the members of the +Empire? There is but one legitimate party. It is not a question of +deciding between two opinions whose rights are equal, but of crushing +rebels, and of aiding those who have remained faithful to the +constitution of the Empire." + +This haughty language enlightened Charles: he found they had +outstripped him, and that, abandoning his lofty position of arbiter, +he must submit merely to be the executer of the orders of the +majority. It was this majority which henceforward commanded in +Augsburg. They excluded the imperial councillors who advocated more +equitable views, and the Archbishop of Mentz himself ceased for a time +to appear in the diet.[620] + + [620] Non venit in senatum. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 175.) + +The majority ordered that a refutation of the Evangelical doctrine +should be immediately drawn up by Romish theologians. If they had +selected for this purpose moderate men like the Bishop of Augsburg, +the Reformation would still have had some chance of success with the +great principles of Christianity; but it was to the enemies of the +Reform, to the old champions of Rome and of Aristotle, exasperated by +so many defeats, that they resolved to intrust this task. + +[Sidenote: ITS AUTHORS.] + +They were numerous at Augsburg, and were not held in great esteem. +"The princes," said Jonas, "have brought their learned men with them, +and some even their _unlearned_ and their fools."[621] Provost Faber +and Doctor Eck led the troop; behind them was drawn up a cohort of +monks, and above all of Dominicans, tools of the Inquisition, and +impatient to recompense themselves for the opprobrium they had so long +endured. There was the provincial of the Dominicans, Paul Hugo, their +vicar, John Bourkard, one of their priors, Conrad Koelein, who had +written against Luther's marriage; with a large body of Carthusians, +Augustines, Franciscans, and vicars of several bishops. Such were the +men who, to the number of twenty, were commissioned to refute +Melancthon. + + [621] Quidam etiam suos ineruditos et ineptos. + +One might beforehand have augured of the work by the workmen. Each one +understood that it was a question, not of refuting the Confession, but +of branding it. Campeggio, who doubtless suggested this ill-omened +list to Charles, was well aware that these doctors were incapable of +measuring themselves with Melancthon; but their names formed the most +decided standard of Popery, and announced to the world clearly and +immediately what the diet proposed to do. This was the essential +point. Rome would not leave Christendom even hope. + +It was, however, requisite to know whether the diet, and the Emperor +who was its organ, had the right of pronouncing in this purely +religious matter. Charles put the question both to the Evangelicals +and to the Romanists.[622] + + [622] See the document extracted from the archives of Bavaria in F. + Urkunden. ii. p. 9. + +"Your highness," said Luther, who was consulted by the Elector, "may +reply with all assurance: Yes, if the Emperor wish it, let him be +judge! I will bear everything on his part; but let him decide nothing +contrary to the Word of God. Your highness cannot put the Emperor +above God himself.[623] Does not the first commandment say, _Thou +shalt have no other Gods before me_!" + + [623] Konnen den Kaiser nicht uber Gott setzen. (L. Epp. iv. p. 83.) + +[Sidenote: ROME AND THE CIVIL POWER.] + +The reply of the Papal adherents was quite as positive in a contrary +sense. "We think," said they, "that his majesty, in accord with the +electors, princes, and states of the Empire, has the right to proceed +in this affair, as Roman Emperor, guardian, advocate, and sovereign +protector of the Church and of our most holy faith."[624] Thus, in the +first days of the Reformation, the Evangelical Church frankly ranged +itself under the throne of Jesus Christ, and the Roman Church under +the sceptre of kings. Enlightened men, even among Protestants, have +misunderstood this double nature of Protestantism and Popery. + + [624] Romischen Kaiser, Vogt, Advocaten und Obristen Beschirmer der + kirken. (F. Urkunden. ii. p. 10.) + +The philosophy of Aristotle and the hierarchy of Rome, thanks to this +alliance with the civil power, were at length about to see the day of +their long-expected triumph arrive. So long as the schoolmen had been +left to the force of their syllogisms and of their abuse, they had +been defeated; but now Charles the Fifth and the diet held out their +hands to them; the reasonings of Faber, Eck, and Wimpina were about to +be countersigned by the German chancellor, and confirmed by the great +seals of the Empire. Who could resist them? The Romish error has never +had any strength except by its union with the secular arm; and its +victories in the Old and in the New World are owing, even in our days, +to state patronage.[625] + + [625] Tahiti for instance. + +[Sidenote: PERILS OF THE CONFESSORS.] + +These things did not escape the piercing eye of Luther. He saw at once +the weakness of the argument of the Papist doctors and the power of +Charles's arm. "You are waiting for your adversaries' answer," wrote +he to his friends in Augsburg; "it is already written, and here it is: +The Fathers, the Fathers, the Fathers; the Church, the Church, the +Church; usage, custom; but of the Scriptures----nothing!"[626]--"Then +the Emperor, supported by the testimony of these arbiters, will +pronounce against you;[627] and then will you hear boastings from all +sides that wilt ascend up to heaven, and threats that will descend +even to hell." + + [626] Patres, Patres, Patres; Ecclesia, Ecclesia; usus, consuetudo, + præterea e Scriptura nihil. (L. Epp. iv. p. 96.) + + [627] Pronuntiabit Cæsar contra vos. (Ibid.) + +Thus changed the situation of the Reform. Charles was obliged to +acknowledge his weakness; and, to save the appearance of his power, he +took a decisive part with the enemies of Luther. The Emperor's +impartiality disappeared: the state turned against the Gospel, and +there remained for it no other saviour than God. + +At first many gave way to extreme dejection: above all, Melancthon, +who had a nearer view of the cabals of the adversaries, exhausted +moreover by long vigils, fell almost into despair.[628] "In the +presence of these formidable evils," cried he, "I see no more +hope."[629] And then, however, he added--"Except the help of God." + + [628] Quadam tristitia et quasi desesperatione vexatur. (Corp. Ref. + ii. p. 163.) + + [629] Quid nobis sit sperandum in tantis odiis inimicorum. (Ibid. p. + 146.) + +The legate immediately set all his batteries to work. Already had +Charles several times sent for the Elector and the Landgrave, and had +used every exertion to detach them from the Evangelical +Confession.[630] Melancthon, uneasy at these secret conferences, +reduced the Confession to its _minimum_, and entreated the Elector to +demand only the two kinds in the Eucharist and the marriage of +priests. "To interdict the former of these points," said he, "would be +to alienate a great number of Christians from the communion; and to +interdict the second would be depriving the Church of all the pastors +capable of edifying it. Will they destroy religion and kindle civil +war, rather than apply to these purely ecclesiastical constitutions a +mitigation that is neither contrary to sound morals nor to +faith?"[631] The Protestant princes begged Melancthon to go himself +and make these proposals to the legate.[632] + + [630] Legati Norinberg ad Senatum. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 161.) + + [631] Melancthon ad Duc. Sax. Elect. (Ibid. p. 162.) + + [632] Principes nostri miserunt nos ad R. D. V. (Ibid. p. 171.) + +[Sidenote: THE EMPEROR'S SISTER.] + +Melancthon agreed: he began to flatter himself with success; and, in +truth, there were, even among the Papists, individuals who were +favourable to the Reformation. There had recently arrived at Augsburg, +from beyond the Alps, certain propositions tolerably Lutheran;[633] +and one of the Emperor's confessors boldly professed the doctrine of +justification by faith, cursing "those asses of Germans, who cease +not," said he, "from braying against this truth."[634] One of +Charles's chaplains approved even the whole of the Confession. There +was something farther still; Charles the Fifth having consulted the +grandees of Spain, who were famous for their orthodoxy: "If the +opinions of the Protestants are contrary to the articles of the +faith," they had replied, "let your majesty employ all his power to +destroy this faction; but if it is a question merely of certain +changes in human ordinances and external usages, let all violence be +avoided."[635] "Admirable reply!" exclaimed Melancthon, who persuaded +himself that the Romish doctrine was at the bottom in accordance with +the Gospel. + + [633] Pervenerunt ad nos propositiones quædam Italicæ satis Lutheranæ. + (Ibid. p. 163.) + + [634] Istis Germanis asinis, nobis in hac parte obgannientibus. + (Ibid.) + + [635] Hispanici proceres præclare et sapienter responderunt Cæsari. + (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 179.) + +The Reformation found defenders in even still higher stations. Mary, +sister of Charles the Fifth, and widow of King Louis of Hungary, +arriving at Augsburg three days after the reading of the Confession, +with her sister-in-law the Queen of Bohemia, Ferdinand's wife, +assiduously studied the Holy Scriptures; she carried them with her in +the hunting parties, in which she found little pleasure, and had +discovered therein the jewel of the Reform,--the doctrine of +gratuitous salvation. This pious princess made her chaplain read +evangelical sermons to her, and often endeavoured, although with +prudence, to appease her brother Charles with regard to the +Protestants.[636] + + [636] Ἡ ἁδελφἡ ἁυτοκρατορος studet nobis placare + fratrem. (Ibid. p. 178.) + +[Sidenote: VACILLATION OF MELANCTHON.] + +Melancthon, encouraged by these demonstrations, and at the same time +alarmed by the threats of war that the adversaries did not cease from +uttering, thought it his duty to purchase peace at any cost, and +resolved in consequence to descend in his propositions as low as +possible. He therefore demanded an interview with the legate in a +letter whose authenticity has been unreasonably doubted.[637] At the +decisive moment the heart of the Reform champion fails--his head +turns--he staggers--he falls; and in his fall he runs the risk of +dragging with him the cause which martyrs have already watered with +their blood. + + [637] See the Corp. Ref. ii. p. 168 + +Thus speaks the representative of the Reformation to the +representative of the Papacy:-- + +"There is no doctrine in which we differ from the Roman Church;[638] +we venerate the universal authority of the Roman Pontiff, and we are +ready to obey him, provided he does not reject us, and that of his +clemency, which he is accustomed to show towards all nations, he will +kindly pardon or approve certain little things that it is no longer +possible for us to change......Now then, will you reject those who +appear as suppliants before you? Will you pursue them with fire and +sword?......Alas! nothing draws upon us in Germany so much hatred, as +the unshaken firmness with which we maintain the doctrines of the +Roman Church.[639] But with the aid of God, we will remain faithful, +even unto death, to Christ and to the Roman Church, although you +should reject us."[640] + + [638] Dogma nullum habemus diversum ab Ecclesia Romana. (Ibid. p. + 170.) + + [639] Quam quia Ecclesiæ Romanæ dogmata summa constantia defendimus. + (Ibid.) + + [640] Vel si recusabitis nos in gratiam recipere. (Ibid.) + +[Sidenote: LUTHER OPPOSES CONCESSION.] + +Thus did Melancthon humble himself. God permitted this fall, that +future ages might clearly see how low the Reform was willing to +descend in order to maintain unity, and that no one might doubt that +the schism had come from Rome; but also assuredly that they might +learn how great in every important work is the weakness of the +noblest instruments. + +Fortunately there was then another man who upheld the honour of the +Reformation. At this very time Luther wrote to Melancthon: "There can +be no concord between Christ and Belial. As far as regards me, I will +not yield a hair's breadth.[641] Sooner than yield, I should prefer +suffering everything, even the most terrible evils. Concede so much +the less, as your adversaries require the more. God will not aid us +until we are abandoned by all."[642] And fearing some weakness on the +part of his friends, Luther added: "If it were not tempting God, you +would long ago have seen me at your side!"[643] + + [641] At certe pro mea persona, ne pilum quidem cedam. (L. Epp. iv. p. + 88.) + + [642] Neque enim juvabimur ni deserti prius simus. (Ibid. p. 91.) + + [643] Certe jamdudum coram vidissetis me. (Ibid. p. 98.) + +Never, in fact, had Luther's presence been so necessary, for the +legate had consented to an interview, and Melancthon was about to pay +court to Campeggio.[644] + + [644] Ego multos prehensare soleo et Campegium etiam. (Corp. Ref. ii. + p. 193.) + +The 8th July was the day appointed by the legate. His letter inspired +Philip with the most sanguine hopes. "The cardinal assures me that he +will accede the usage of the two kinds, and the marriage of priests," +said he; "I am eager to visit him!"[645] + + [645] Propero enim ad Campegium. (Ibid. p. 174.) + +[Sidenote: SCHEME OF THE ROMISH DOCTORS.] + +This visit might decide the destiny of the Church. If the legate +accepted Philip's _ultimatum_, the Evangelical countries would be +replaced under the power of the Romish bishops, and all would have +been over with the Reformation; but it was saved through the pride and +blindness of Rome. The Papists, believing it on the brink of the +abyss, thought that a last blow would settle it, and resolved, like +Luther, to concede nothing, "not even a hair's breadth." The legate, +however, even while refusing, assumed an air of kindness, and of +yielding to foreign influence. "I might have the power of making +certain concessions, but it would not be prudent to use it without the +consent of the German princes;[646] their will must be done; one of +them in particular conjures the Emperor to prevent us from yielding +the least thing. I can grant nothing." The Roman prince, with the most +amiable smile, then did all he could to gain the chief of the +Protestant teachers. Melancthon retired filled with shame at the +advances he had made, but still deceived by Campeggio. "No doubt," +said he, "Eck and Cochlœus have been beforehand with me at the +legate's."[647] Luther entertained a different opinion. "I do not +trust to any of these Italians," said he; "they are scoundrels. When +an Italian is good, he is very good; but then he is a black swan." + + [646] Se nihil posse decernere, nisi de voluntate principum Germaniæ. + (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 174.) + + [647] Forte ad legatum veniebant Eccius et Cochlœus. (Ibid. p. 175) + +It was truly the Italians who were concerned. Shortly after the 12th +of July arrived the Pope's instructions. He had received the +confession by express[648] and sixteen days had sufficed for the +transmission, the deliberation, and the return. Clement would hear no +mention either of discussions or of council. Charles was to march +straight to the mark, to send an army into Germany, and stifle the +Reformation by force. At Augsburg, however, it was thought best not to +go so quickly to work, and recourse was had to other means. + + [648] Nostra Confessio ad Romam per veredarios missa est. (Corp. Ref. + ii. pp. 186, 219.) + +[Sidenote: MELANCTHON'S EXPLANATION.] + +"Be quiet; we have them," said the Romish doctors. Sensible of the +reproach that had been made against them, of having misrepresented the +Reformation, they accused the Protestants themselves as being the +cause. "These it is," they said, "who, to give themselves an air of +being in accord with us, now dissemble their heresy; but we will now +catch them in their own nets. If they confess to not having inserted +in their Confession all that they reject, it will be proved that they +are trifling with us. If, on the contrary, they pretend to have said +everything, they will by that very circumstance be compelled to admit +all that they have not condemned." The Protestant princes were +therefore called together, and they were asked if the Reformation was +confined to the doctrines indicated in the Apology, or if there was +something more.[649] + + [649] An plura velimus Cæsari præponere controversa quam fecerimus. + (Ibid. p. 188.) + +The snare was skilfully laid. The Papacy had not even been mentioned +in Melancthon's paper; other errors besides had been omitted, and +Luther himself complained of it aloud. "Satan sees clearly," said he, +"that your Apology has passed lightly over the articles of purgatory, +the worship of saints, and, above all, of the Pope and of Antichrist." +The princes requested to confer with their allies of the towns; and +all the Protestants assembled to deliberate on this momentous +incident. + +They, looked for Melancthon's explanation, who did not decline the +responsibility of the affair. Easily dejected through his own anxiety, +he became bold whenever he was directly attacked. "All the essential +doctrines," said he, "have been set forth in the Confession, and every +error and abuse that is opposed to them has been pointed out. But was +it necessary to plunge into all those questions so full of contention +and animosity, that are discussed in our universities? Was it +necessary to ask if all Christians are priests, if the primacy of the +Pope is of right divine, if there can be indulgences, if every good +work is a deadly sin, if there are more than seven sacraments, if they +may be administered by a layman, if divine election has any foundation +in our own merits, if sacerdotal consecration impresses an indelible +character, if auricular confession is necessary to salvation?......No, +no! all these things are in the province of the schools, and by no +means essential to faith."[650] + + [650] Melancthonis Judicium. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 182.) + +[Sidenote: THE REFUTATION.] + +It cannot be denied that in the questions thus pointed out by +Melancthon there were important points. However that may be, the +Evangelical committee were soon agreed, and on the morrow they gave +an answer to Charles's ministers, drawn up with as much frankness as +firmness, in which they said "that the Protestants, desirous of +arriving at a cordial understanding, had not wished to complicate +their situation, and had proposed not to specify all the errors that +had been introduced into the Church, but to confess all the doctrines +that were essential to salvation; that if, nevertheless, the adverse +party felt itself urged to maintain certain abuses, or to put forward +any point not mentioned in the Confession, the Protestants declared +themselves ready to reply in conformity with the Word of God."[651] +The tone of this answer showed pretty clearly that the Evangelical +Christians did not fear to follow their adversaries wherever the +latter should call them. Accordingly the Roman party said no more on +this business. + + [651] Aus Gottes Wort, weiter bericht zu thun. (F. Urkundenbuch, ii. + p. 19.) + + +IX. The commission charged to refute the Confession met twice a +day,[652] and each of the theologians who composed it added to it his +refutation and his hatred. + + [652] Bis die convenire dicuntur. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 472.) + +On the 13th July the work was finished. "Eck with his band,"[653] said +Melancthon, "transmitted it to the Emperor." Great was the +astonishment of this prince and of his ministers at seeing a work of +two hundred and eighty pages filled with abuse.[654] "Bad workmen lose +much wood," said Luther, "and impious writers soil much paper." This +was not all: to the Refutation were subjoined eight appendices on the +heresies that Melancthon had dissembled (as they said), and wherein +they exposed the contradictions and "the horrible sects" to which +Lutheranism had given birth. Lastly, not confining themselves to this +official answer, the Romish theologians, who saw the sun of power +shining upon them, filled Augsburg with insolent and abusive +pamphlets. + + [653] Eccius cum sua commanipulatione. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 193.) + + [654] Longum et plenum conviciis scriptum. (Ibid.) + +[Sidenote: CHARLES'S DISSATISFACTION.] + +There was but one opinion on the Papist Refutation; it was found +confused, violent, thirsting for blood.[655] Charles the Fifth had too +much good taste not to perceive the difference that existed between +this coarse work and the noble dignity of Melancthon's Confession. He +rolled, handled, crushed, and so damaged the 280 pages of his doctors, +that when he returned them two days after, says Spalatin, there were +not more than twelve entire. Charles would have been ashamed to have +such a pamphlet read in the diet, and he required, in consequence, +that it should be drawn up anew, shorter and more moderate.[656] That +was not easy, "for the adversaries, confused and stupified," says +Brenz, "by the noble simplicity of the Evangelical Confession, neither +knew where to begin nor where to end; they accordingly took nearly +three weeks to do their work over again."[657] + + [655] Adeo confusa, incondita, violenta, sanguinolenta et crudelis ut + puduerint (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 198.) + + [656] Hodie auctoribus ipsis Sophistis, a Cæsare rursus esse redditam + ut emendetur et civilius componatur. (Ibid.) + + [657] Nostra confessione ita stupidos, attonitos, et confusos. (Ibid.) + +Charles and his ministers had great doubts of its success; leaving, +therefore, the theologians for a moment, they imagined another +manœuvre. "Let us take each of the Protestant princes separately," +said they: "isolated, they will not resist." Accordingly, on the 15th +July, the Margrave of Brandenburg was visited by his two cousins, the +Electors of Mentz and of Brandenburg, and by his two brothers the +Margraves Frederick and John Albert. "Abandon this, new faith," said +they to him, "and return to that which existed a century ago. If you +do so, there are no favours that you may not expect from the Emperor; +if not, dread his anger."[658] + + [658] Corp. Ref. ii. p. 206; F. Urkund. ii. p. 93. + +[Sidenote: THE SWISS AT AUGSBURG] + +Shortly after, the Duke Frederick of Bavaria, the Count of Nassau, De +Rogendorf, and Truchses were announced to the Elector on the part of +Charles. "You have solicited the Emperor," said they, "to confirm the +marriage of your son with the Princess of Juliers, and to invest you +with the electoral dignity; but his majesty declares, that if you do +not renounce the heresy of Luther, of which you are the principal +abettor, he cannot accede to your demand." At the same time the Duke +of Bavaria, employing the most urgent solicitations, accompanied with +the most animated gestures[659] and the most sinister threats,[660] +called upon the Elector to abandon his faith. "It is asserted," added +Charles's envoys, "that you have made an alliance with the Swiss. The +Emperor cannot believe it; and he orders you to let him know the +truth." + + [659] Mit reden und Gebehrden prächtig erzeigt. (Ibid. p. 207.) + + [660] Minas diras promissis ingentibus adjiciens. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. + 484.) + +The Swiss! it was the same thing as rebellion. This alliance was the +phantom incessantly invoked at Augsburg to alarm Charles the Fifth. +And in reality deputies or at least friends of the Swiss, had already +appeared in that city, and thus rendered the position still more +serious. + +[Sidenote: ZWINGLE'S CONFESSION.] + +Bucer had arrived two days before the reading of the Confession, and +Capito on the day subsequent to it.[661] There was even a report that +Zwingle would join them.[662] But for a long time all in Augsburg, +except the Strasburg deputation, were ignorant of the presence of +these doctors.[663] It was only twenty-one days after their arrival +that Melancthon learnt it positively,[664] so great was the mystery in +which the Zwinglians were forced to enshroud themselves. This was not +without reason: a conference with Melancthon having been requested by +them: "Let them write," replied he; "I should compromise our cause by +an interview with them." Bucer and Capito in their retreat, which was +like a prison to them, had taken advantage of their leisure to draw up +the _Tetrapolitan Confession_, or the confessions of the four cities. +The deputies of Strasburg, Constance, Nemmingen, and Lindau, presented +it to the Emperor.[665] These cities purged themselves from the +reproach of war and revolt that had been continually objected against +them. They declared that their only motive was Christ's glory, and +professed the truth "freely, boldly, but without insolence and without +scurrility."[666] + + [661] Venimus huc, ego pridie solemnitatis Divi Johannis, Capito die + dominica sequente. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 472.) + + [662] Rumor apud nos est, et te cum tuis Helvetiis comitia + advolatarum. (Ibid. pp. 431, 467.) + + [663] Ita latent ut non quibuslibet sui copiam faciant. (Corp. Ref. p. + 196.) + + [664] Capito et Bucarus adsunt. Id hodie certo comperi. (Ibid.) + + [665] Cinglianæ civitates propriam Confessionem obtulerunt Cæsari. + (Corp. Ref. p. 187.) This Confession will be found in _Niemeyer_, + Collectio Confessionum, p. 740. + + [666] Ingenue ac fortiter; citra procaciam tamen et sannas, id fateri + et dicere quod res est. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 485.) + +Zwingle about the same time caused a private confession to be +communicated to Charles,[667] which excited a general uproar. "Does he +not dare to say," exclaimed the Romanists, "that the _mitred and +withered race_ (by which he means the bishops) is in the Church what +hump-backs and the scrofula are in the body?"[668]--"Does he not +insinuate," said the Lutherans; "that we are beginning to look back +after the onions and garlic of Egypt?"--"One might say with great +truth that he had lost his senses," exclaimed Melancthon.[669] "All +ceremonies, according to him, ought to be abolished; all the bishops +ought to be suppressed. In a word, all is perfectly _Helvetic_, that +is to say, supremely barbarous." + + [667] See Niemeyer Coll. Conf. p. 16. + + [668] Pedatum et mitratum genus Episcoporum, id esset in Ecclesia, + quod gibbi et strumata in corpore. (Ibid.) Zwingle compares the + bishops to the dry and fruitless props that support the vines. + + [669] Dicas simpliciter mente captum esse. (Corp. Ref. p. 193.) + +One man formed an exception to this concert of reproaches, and this +was Luther. "Zwingle pleases me tolerably," wrote he to Jonas, "as +well as Bucer."[670] By Bucer, he meant no doubt the Tetrapolitan +Confession: this expression should be noted. + + [670] Zwinglius mihi sane placet, et Bucerus. (L. Epp. iv. p. 110.) + +[Sidenote: AFFLICTING DIVISIONS.] + +Thus three confessions laid at the feet of Charles the Fifth, attested +the divisions that were rending Protestantism. In vain did Bucer and +Capito endeavour to come to an understanding with Melancthon, and +write to him: "We will meet where you will, and when you will; we will +bring Sturm alone with us, and if you desire it, we will not even +bring him."[671] All was unavailing. It is not enough for a Christian +to confess Christ; one disciple should confess another disciple, even +if the latter lies under the shame of the world; but they did not then +comprehend this duty. "Schism is in the schism," said the Romanists, +and the Emperor flattered himself with an easy victory. "Return to the +Church," was the cry from every side, "which means," interrupted the +Strasburgers, "let us put the bit in your mouths, that we may lead you +as we please."[672] + + [671] Veniemus quo et quando tu voles. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 208.) + + [672] Una tamen omnium vox: _Revertimini ad Ecclesiam_. (Zw. Epp. ii. + p. 484.) + +All these things deeply afflicted the Elector, who was besides still +under the burden of Charles's demands and threats. The Emperor had not +once spoken to him,[673] and it was everywhere said that his cousin +George of Saxony would be proclaimed Elector in his stead. + + [673] Colloquium ejus nondum frui potuisse. (Seck. ii. p. 154.) + +On the 28th July, there was a great festival at the court. Charles, +robed in his imperial garments, whose value was said to exceed 200,000 +gold ducats, and displaying an air of majesty which impressed respect +and fear,[674] conferred on many princes the investiture of their +dignities; the Elector alone was excluded from these favours. Erelong +he was made to understand more plainly what was reserved for him, and +it was insinuated, that if he did not submit, the Emperor would expel +him from his states, and inflict upon him the severest punishment.[675] + + [674] Apparuit Cæsar majestate......insignitus vestibus suis + imperialibus (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 242.) + + [675] Müller, Gesch. der Protestation, p. 715. + +[Sidenote: THE ELECTOR'S FAITH.] + +The Elector turned pale, for he doubted not that such would certainly +be the termination. How with his small territory could he resist that +powerful monarch who had just vanquished France and Italy, and now saw +Germany at his feet? And besides, if he could do it, had he the right? +Frightful nightmares pursued John in his dreams. He beheld himself +stretched beneath an immense mountain under which he struggled +painfully, while his cousin George of Saxony stood on the summit and +seemed to brave him. + +John at length came forth from this furnace. "I must either renounce +God or the world," said he. "Well! my choice is not doubtful. It is +God who made me Elector,--me, who was not worthy of it. I fling myself +into his arms, and let him do with me what shall seem good to him." +Thus the Elector by faith stopped the mouths of lions and subdued +kingdoms.[676] + + [676] Hebrews xi. 33, 34. + +All evangelical Christendom had taken part in the struggle of John the +Persevering. It was seen that if he should now fall, all would fall +with him; and they endeavoured to support him. "Fear not," cried the +Christians of Magdeburg, "for your highness is under Christ's +banner."[677] "Italy is in expectation," wrote they from Venice; "if +for Christ's glory you must die, fear nothing."[678] But it was from a +higher source that John's courage was derived. "I beheld Satan as +lightning fall from heaven," said his Master.[679] The Elector, in +like manner, beheld in his dreams George fall from the top of the +mountain, and lie dashed in pieces at his feet. + + [677] Unter dem Heerpannyr Jesu Christi. (Ibid. p. 134.) + + [678] Etiamsi more subeunda tibi foret ob Christi gloriam. (Corp. Ref. + ii. 228. L. P. Roselli.) + + [679] Luke x. 18. + +[Sidenote: THE EMPEROR'S FAITH.] + +Once resolved to lose everything, John, free, happy, and tranquil, +assembled his theologians. These generous men desired to save their +master. "Gracious lord," said Spalatin, "recollect that the Word of +God, being the sword of the Spirit, must be upheld, not by the secular +power, but by the hand of the Almighty."[680]--"Yes!" said all the +doctors, "we do not wish that, to save us, you should risk your +children, your subjects, your states, your crown......We will rather +give ourselves into the hands of the enemy, and conjure him to be +satisfied with our blood."[681] John, touched by this language, +refused, however, their solicitations, and firmly repeated these +words, which had become his device: "I also desire to confess my +Saviour." + + [680] Gottes Wort keines wegs durch weltlich Schwert. (F. Urkund. ii. + p. 82.) + + [681] Sie wollen ihnen an ihrem Blüte genügen lassen. (Ibid. p. 90.) + +It was on the 20th July that he replied to the pressing arguments by +which Charles had endeavoured to shake him. He proved to the Emperor +that, being his brother's legitimate heir, he could not refuse him the +investiture, which, besides, the Diet of Worms had secured to him. He +added, that he did not blindly believe what his doctors said, but +that, having recognised the Word of God to be the foundation of their +teaching, he confessed anew, and without any hesitation, all the +articles of the Apology. "I therefore entreat your majesty," continued +he, "to permit me and mine to render an account to God alone of what +concerns the salvation of our souls."[682] The Margrave of Brandenburg +made the same reply. Thus failed this skilful manœuvre, by which the +Romanists had hoped to break the strength of the Reformation. + + [682] Forstemann's Urkundenbuch, pp. 80-92, 113-119. + +[Sidenote: THE REFUTATION.] + +Six weeks had elapsed since the Confession, and yet no reply. "The +Papists, from the moment they heard the Apology," it was said, +"suddenly lost their voice."[683] At length the Romish theologians +handed their revised and corrected performance to the Emperor, and +persuaded this prince to present it in his own name. The mantle of the +state seemed to them admirably adapted to the movements of Rome. +"These sycophants," said Melancthon, "have desired to clothe +themselves with the lion's skin, to appear to us so much the more +terrible."[684] All the states of the Empire were convoked for the +next day but one. + + [683] Papistas obmutuisse ad ipsorum Confessionem. (Colch. p. 195.) + + [684] Voluerunt sycophantæ theologi λεοντἡν illam sibi circumdare, + ut essent nobis formidabiliores. (Corp. Ref. p. 252.) + +On Wednesday, 3d August, at two o'clock in the afternoon, the Emperor, +sitting on his throne in the chapel of the Palatinate Palace, +surrounded by his brother, and the electors, princes, and deputies, +the Elector of Saxony and his allies were introduced, and the +Count-palatine, who was called "Charles's mouthpiece," said to them: +"His majesty having handed your Confession to several doctors of +different nations, illustrious by their knowledge, their morals, and +their impartiality, has read their reply with the greatest care, and +submits it to you as his own, ordaining that all the members and +subjects of the Holy Empire should accept it with unanimous +accord."[685] + + [685] Velut suam suaque publica auctoritate roboratam, ab omnibus + unanimi consensu acceptandam. (Urkundenbuch, ii. p. 144.) + +Alexander Schweiss then took the papers and read the refutation. The +Roman party approved some articles of the Confession, condemned +others, and in certain less salient passages, it distinguished between +what must be rejected and what accepted. + +It gave way on an important point; the _opus operatum_. The +Protestants having said in their 13th Article that faith was necessary +in the Sacrament, the Romish party assented to it; thus abandoning an +error which the Papacy had so earnestly defended against Luther in +that very city of Augsburg, by the mouth of Cajetan. + +Moreover, they recognised as truly Christian the Evangelical doctrine +on the Trinity, on Christ, on baptism, on eternal punishment, and on +the origin of evil. + +But on all the other points, Charles, his princes, and his +theologians, declared themselves immovable. They maintained that men +are born with the fear of God, that good works are meritorious, and +that they justify in union with faith. They upheld the Seven +Sacraments, the Mass, transubstantiation, the withdrawal of the cup, +the celibacy of priests, the invocation of saints, and they denied +that the Church was an assembly of the saints. + +This Refutation was skilful in some respects, and, above all, in what +concerned the doctrine of works and of faith. But on other points, in +particular on the withdrawal of the cup and the celibacy of priests, +its arguments were lamentably weak, and contrary to the well known +facts of history. + +While the Protestants had taken their stand on the Scriptures, their +adversaries supported the divine origin of the hierarchy, and laid +down absolute submission to its laws. Thus, the essential character, +which still distinguishes Rome from the Reformation, stood prominently +forth in this first combat. + +Among the auditors who filled the chapel of the Palatinate Palace, +concealed in the midst of the deputies of Nuremberg, was Joachim +Camerarius, who, while Schweiss was reading, leant over his tablets +and carefully noted down all he could collect. At the same time others +of the Protestants, speaking to one another, were indignant, and even +laughed, as one of their opponents assures us.[686] "Really," said +they with one consent, "the whole of this Refutation is worthy of Eck, +Faber, and Cochlœus!" + + [686] Multi e Lutheranis inepte cachinnabantur. (Cochlœus, p. 895.) + +As for Charles, little pleased with these theological dissertations, +he slept during the reading;[687] but he awoke when Schweiss had +finished, and his awakening was that of a lion. + + [687] Imperator iterum obdormivit. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 245.) + +[Sidenote: IMPERIAL COMMANDS.] + +The Count-palatine then declared that his majesty found the articles +of this Refutation orthodox, catholic, and conformable to the Gospel; +that he therefore required the Protestants to abandon their +Confession, now refuted, and to adhere to all the articles that had +just been set forth;[688] that, if they refused, the Emperor would +remember his office, and would know how to show himself the advocate +and defender of the Roman Church. + + [688] Petiit Cæsar ut omnes in illos articulos consentiant. (Corp. + Ref. ii. p. 345.) + +This language was clear enough: the adversaries imagined they had +refuted the Protestants by commanding the latter to consider +themselves beaten. Violence--arms--war--were all contained in these +cruel words of Charles's minister.[689] The princes represented that, +as the Refutation adopted some of their articles and rejected others, +it required a careful examination, and they consequently begged a copy +should be given them. + + [689] Orationis summa atrox. (Corp. Ref. p. 253.) + +The Romish party had a long conference on this demand: night was at +hand; the Count-palatine replied that, considering the late hour and +the importance of this affair, the Emperor would make known his +pleasure somewhat later. The diet separated, and Charles the Fifth, +exasperated at the audacity of the Evangelical princes, says Cochlœus, +returned in ill-humour to his apartments.[690] + + [690] Cæsar non æquo animo ferebat eorum contumaciam. (Cochl. p. 195.) + +The Protestants, on the contrary, withdrew full of peace; the reading +of the Refutation having given them as much confidence as that of the +Confession itself.[691] They saw in their adversaries a strong +attachment to the hierarchy, but a great ignorance of the Gospel--a +characteristic feature of the Romish party; and this thought +encouraged them. "Certainly," said they, "the Church cannot be where +there is no knowledge of Christ."[692] + + [691] Facti sunt erectiore animo. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 259.) + + [692] Ecclesiam ibi non esse, ubi ignoratur Christus. + +[Sidenote: POLICY OF CHARLES.] + +Melancthon alone was still alarmed; he walked by sight and not by +faith, and, remembering the legate's smiles, he had another interview +with him, as early as the 4th August, still demanding the cup for the +laity, and lawful wives for the priests. "Then," said he, "our pastors +will place themselves again under the government of bishops, and we +shall be able to prevent those innumerable sects with which posterity +is threatened."[693] Melancthon's glance into the future is +remarkable: it does not, however, mean that he, like many others, +preferred a dead unity to a living diversity. + + [693] Quod nisi fiet, quid in tot sectis ad posteros futurum sit. + (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 148.) + +Campeggio, now certain of triumphing by the sword, disdainfully handed +this paper to Cochlœus, who hastened to refute it. It is hard to say +whether Melancthon or Campeggio was the most infatuated. God did not +permit an arrangement that would have enslaved his Church. + +Charles passed the whole of the 4th and the morning of the 5th August +in consultation with the Ultramontane party. "It will never be by +discussion that we shall come to an understanding," said some; "and if +the Protestants do not submit voluntarily, it only remains for us to +compel them." They nevertheless decided, on account of the Refutation, +to adopt a middle course. During the whole of the diet, Charles +pursued a skilful policy. At first he refused everything, hoping to +lead away the princes by violence; then he conceded a few unimportant +points, under the impression that the Protestants having lost all +hope, would esteem so much the more the little he yielded to them. +This was what he did again under the present circumstances. In the +afternoon of the 5th, the Count-palatine announced that the Emperor +would give them a copy of the Refutation, but on these conditions; +namely, that the Protestants should not reply, that they should +speedily agree with the Emperor, and that they would not print or +communicate to any one the Refutation that should be confided to +them.[694] + + [694] F. Urkund. ii. p. 179; Corp. Ref. ii. p. 256; Brück, Apol. p. + 72. + +This communication excited murmurs among the Protestants. "These +conditions," said they all, "are inadmissible."--"The Papists present +us with their paper," added the Chancellor Brück, "as the fox offered +a thin broth to his gossip the stork." + + The savoury broth upon a plate by Reynard was served up, + But Mistress Stork, with her long beak, she could not get a sup.[695] + + [695] Gluck wie der Fuchs brauchet, da er den Storch zu gast lud. + (Brück, Apol. p. 74.) + +[Sidenote: STORMY MEETING.] + +"If the Refutation," continued he, "should come to be known without +our participation (and how can we prevent it?), we shall be charged +with it as a crime. Let us beware of accepting so perfidious an +offer.[696] We already possess in the notes of Camerarius several +articles of this paper, and if we omit any point, no one will have the +right to reproach us with it." + + [696] Quando exemplum per alios in vulgus exire poterat. (Corp. Ref. + ii. p. 76.) + +On the next day (6th August) the Protestants declared to the diet that +they preferred declining the copy thus offered to them, and appealed +to God and to his Majesty.[697] They thus rejected all that the +Emperor proposed to them, even what he considered as a favour. + + [697] Das Sie es Gott and Kays. Maj. beschlen mussten. (Urkund. ii. p. + 181.) + +Agitation, anger, and affright, were manifested on every branch of +that august assembly.[698] This reply of the Evangelicals was war--was +rebellion. George of Saxony, the Princes of Bavaria, all the violent +adherents of Rome, trembled with indignation; there was a sudden, an +impetuous movement, an explosion of murmurs and of hatred; and it +might have been feared that the two parties would have come to blows +in the very presence of the Emperor, if Archbishop Albert, the Elector +of Brandenburg, and the Dukes of Brunswick, Pomerania, and +Mecklenburg, rushing between them, had not conjured the Protestants to +put an end to this deplorable combat, and not drive the Emperor to +extremities.[699] The diet separated, their hearts filled with +emotion, apprehension, and trouble. + + [698] Und darob wie man Spüren mag, ein Entzet zen gehabt. (Ibid.) + + [699] Hi accedunt ad nostros principes et jubent omittere hoc + certamen, ne Cæsar vehementius commoveatur. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 254.) + +[Sidenote: RESOLUTIONS OF THE CONSISTORY.] + +Never had the diet proposed such fatal alternatives. The hopes of +agreement, set forth in the edict of convocation, had only been a +deceitful lure: now the mask was thrown aside; submission or the +sword--such was the dilemma offered to the Reformation. All announced +that the day of tentatives was passed, and that they were beginning +one of violence. + +In truth, on the 6th July, the Pope had assembled the consistory of +cardinals in his palace at Rome, and had made known to them the +Protestant ultimatum; namely, the cup for the laity, the marriage of +priests, the omission of the invocation of saints in the sacrifice of +the Mass, the use of ecclesiastical property already secularized, and +for the rest, the convocation of a council. "These concessions," said +the cardinals, "are opposed to the religion, the discipline, and the +laws of the Church.[700] We reject them, and vote our thanks to the +Emperor for the zeal which he employs in bringing back the deserters." +The Pope having thus decided, every attempt at conciliation became +useless. + + [700] Oppositas religioni, disciplinæ, legibusque Ecclesiæ. (Pallav. + i. p. 234.) + +Campeggio, on his side, redoubled in zeal. He spoke as if in his +person the Pope himself were present at Augsburg.[701] "Let the +Emperor and the right-thinking princes form a league," said he to +Charles; "and if these rebels, equally insensible to threats and +promises, obstinately persist in their diabolical course, then let his +Majesty seize fire and sword, let him take possession of all the +property of the heretics, and utterly eradicate these venomous +plants.[702] Then let him appoint holy inquisitors, who shall go on +the track of the remnants of Reform, and proceed against them, as in +Spain against the Moors. Let him put the university of Wittemberg +under ban, burn the heretical books, and send back the fugitive monks +to their convents. But this plan must be executed with courage." + + [701] Als were der Papst selbst gegenwärtiggewest. (Brück, Apol. 62.) + + [702] Se alcuni......perseverassero in questa diabolica via quella S. + M. potrà mettere la mano al ferro e al foco et _radicitus extirpare_ + questa venenata pianta. (Instructio data Cæsari a reverendissimo + Campeggi in dieta Augustana, 1530.) + +[Sidenote: TWO MIRACLES.] + +Thus the jurisprudence of Rome consisted, according to a prophecy +uttered against the city which _is seated on seven hills_, in adorning +itself with pearls that it had stolen, and in becoming drunk with the +blood of the saints.[703] + + [703] Revelation xvii. and xviii. + +While Charles was thus urged on with blind fury by the diet and the +Pope, the Protestant princes, restrained by a mute indignation, did +not open their mouths,[704] and hence they seemed to betray a weakness +of which the Emperor was eager to profit. But there was also strength +concealed under this weakness. "It only remains for us," exclaimed +Melancthon, "to embrace our Saviour's knees." In this they laboured +earnestly. Melancthon begged for Luther's prayers; Brenz for those of +his own church: a general cry of distress and of faith ran through +Evangelical Germany. "You shall have sheep," said Brenz, "if you will +send us sheep: you know what I mean."[705] The sheep that were to be +offered in sacrifice were the prayers of the saints. + + [704] Tacita indignatio. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 254.) + + [705] Habebitis oves, si oves ad nos mittatis: intelligitis quæ volo. + (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 246.) + +[Sidenote: THE EMPEROR'S MENACE.] + +The Church was not wanting to itself. "Assembled every day," wrote +certain cities to the Electors, "we beg for you strength, grace, and +victory,--victory full of joy." But the man of prayer and faith was +especially Luther. A calm and sublime courage, in which firmness +shines at the side of joy--a courage that rises and exults in +proportion as the danger increases--is what Luther's letters at this +time present in every line. The most poetical images are pale beside +those energetic expressions which issue in a boiling torrent from the +Reformer's soul. "I have recently witnessed two miracles," wrote he on +the 5th August to Chancellor Brück; "this is the first. As I was at my +window, I saw the stars, and the sky, and that vast and magnificent +firmament in which the Lord has placed them. I could nowhere discover +the columns on which the Master has supported this immense vault, and +yet the heavens did not fall...... + +"And here is the second. I beheld thick clouds hanging above us like a +vast sea. I could neither perceive ground on which they reposed, nor +cords by which they were suspended; and yet they did not fall upon us, +but saluted us rapidly and fled away. + +"God," continued he, "will choose the manner, the time, and the place +suitable for deliverance, and he will not linger. What the men of +blood have begun, they have not yet finished......Our rainbow is +faint......their clouds are threatening......the enemy comes against +us with frightful machines......But at last it will be seen to whom +belonged the ballistæ, and from what hands the javelins are +launched.[706] It is no matter if Luther perishes: if Christ is +conqueror, Luther is conqueror also."[707] + + [706] In fine videbitur cujus toni......(L. Epp. iv. p. 130.) + + [707] Vincat Christus modo, nihil refert si pereat Lutherus, quia + victore Christo victor erit. (Ibid. p. 139.) + +Never had the Roman party, who did not know what was the victory of +faith, imagined themselves more certain of success. + +The doctors having refuted the Confession, the Protestants ought, they +imagined, to declare themselves convinced, and all would then be +restored to its ancient footing: such was the Emperor's plan of +campaign. He therefore urges and calls upon the Protestants; but +instead of submitting, they announce a refutation of the Refutation. +Upon this Charles looked at his sword, and all the princes who +surrounded him did the same. + +[Sidenote: THE MASK.] + +John of Saxony understood what that meant, but he remained firm. "The +straight line," said he (the axiom was familiar to him), "is the +shortest road." It is this indomitable firmness that has secured for +him in history the name of John the Persevering. He was not alone: all +those Protestant princes who had grown up in the midst of courts, and +who were habituated to pay an humble obedience to the Emperor, found +at that time in their faith a noble independence that confounded +Charles the Fifth. + +With the design of gaining the Marquis of Brandenburg, they opened to +him the possibility of according him some possessions in Silesia on +which he had claims. "If Christ is Christ," replied he, "the doctrine +that I have confessed is truth."--"But do you know," quickly replied +his cousin the Elector Joachim, "what is your stake?"--"Certainly," +replied the Margrave, "it is said I shall be expelled from this +country. Well! may God protect me!" One day Prince Wolfgang of Anhalt +met Doctor Eck. "Doctor," said he, "you are exciting to war, but you +will find those who will not be behindhand with you. I have broken +many a lance for my friends in my time. My Lord Jesus Christ is +assuredly worthy that I should do as much for him." + +At the sight of this resolution, each one asked himself whether +Charles, instead of curing the disease, was not augmenting it. +Reflections, criticisms, jests, passed between the citizens; and the +good sense of the people manifested in its own fashion what they +thought of the folly of their chief. We will adduce one instance. + +It is said that one day, as the Emperor was at table with many +Roman-catholic princes, he was informed that some comedians begged +permission (according to custom) to amuse their lordships. First +appeared an old man wearing a mask, and dressed in a doctor's robe, +who advanced with difficulty carrying a bundle of sticks in his arms, +some straight and some crooked. He approached the wide fireplace of +the Gothic hall, threw down his load in disorder, and immediately +withdrew.[708] Charles and the courtiers read on his back the +inscription--JOHN REUCHLIN. Then appeared another mask with an +intelligent look, who made every exertion to pair the straight and +the crooked pieces;[709] but finding his labours useless, he shook his +head, turned to the door, and disappeared. They read--ERASMUS OF +ROTTERDAM. Almost immediately after advanced a monk with bright eye +and decided gait, carrying a brasier of lighted coals.[710] He put the +wood in order, set fire to it, blew and stirred it up, so that the +flame rose bright and sparkling into the air. He then retired, and on +his back were the words--MARTIN LUTHER. + + [708] Persona larva contecta, habitu doctorali portabat struem + lignorum. (T. L. Fabricius, opp. omnia, ii. p. 131.) + + [709] Hic conabatur curva rectis exæquare lignis. (T. L. Fabricius, + opp. omnia, p. ii. 231.) + + [710] In azula ferens ignem et prunas. (Ibid.) + +Next approached a magnificent personage, covered with all the imperial +insignia, who, seeing the fire so bright, drew his sword, and +endeavoured by violent thrusts to extinguish it; but the more he +struck, the fiercer burnt the flames, so that at last he quitted the +place in indignation. His name, as it would seem, was not made known +to the spectators, but all divined it. The general attention was soon +attracted by a new character. A man, wearing a surplice and a mantle +of red velvet, with an alb of white wool that reached to his heels, +and having a stole around his neck, whose ends were ornamented with +pearls, advanced majestically. Beholding the flames that already +filled the hearth, he clapped his hands in terror, and looking around +him sought to find something to extinguish them. He sees two vessels +at the very extremity of the hall, one filled with water, and the +other with oil. He rushes to them, seizes unwittingly on that +containing the oil, and throws it on the fire.[711] The flames then +spread with such violence that the mask fled in alarm, raising his +hands to heaven; on his back was read the name of LEO X. + + [711] Currens in amphoram oleo plenam. (T. L. Fabricius, opp. omnia, + ii. p. 232.) + +The mystery was finished; but instead of claiming their remuneration, +the pretended actors had disappeared. No one asked the moral of this +drama. + +[Sidenote: OMENS.] + +The lesson, however, proved useless; and the majority of the diet, +assuming at the same time the part assigned to the Emperor and the +Pope, began to prepare the means necessary for extinguishing the fire +kindled by Luther. They negotiated in Italy with the Duke of Mantua, +who engaged to send a few regiments of light cavalry across the +Alps;[712] and in England with Henry VIII., who had not forgotten +Luther's reply, and who promised Charles, through his ambassador, an +immense subsidy to destroy the heretics.[713] + + [712] Che tentano col Duca di Mantona d' avere il modo di condurre + 1000 cavalli leggieri d' Italia in caso si facesse guerra in + Germanica. (Nic. Tiefolo Relat.) + + [713] Cui (Cæsari) ingentem vim pecuniæ in hoc sacrum bellum contra + hæreticos Anglus promisisse fertur. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 484.) + +At the same time frightful prodigies announced the gloomy future which +threatened the Reform. At Spire fearful spectres, having the shape of +monks, with angry eyes and hasty steps, had appeared during the night. +"What do you want?" they had been asked.--"We are going," they +replied, "to the Diet of Augsburg!" The circumstance had been +carefully investigated, and was found perfectly trustworthy.[714] "The +interpretation is not difficult," exclaimed Melancthon: "Evil spirits +are coming to Augsburg to counteract our exertions, and to destroy +peace. They forebode horrible troubles to us."[715] No one doubted +this. "Everything is advancing towards war," said Erasmus.[716] "The +diet will not terminate," wrote Brenz, "except by the destruction of +all Germany."[717] "There will be a slaughter of the saints," +exclaimed Bucer, "which will be such that the massacres of Diocletian +will scarcely come up to it."[718] War and blood!--this was the +general cry. + + [714] Res et diligenter inquisita et explorata maximeque + αξιὁπιστος. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 259.) + + [715] Monachorum Spirensium φἁσμα plane significat horribilem + tumultum. (Ibid. p. 260.) + + [716] Vides rem plane tendere ad bellum. (Corp. Ref. Aug. 12, p. 268.) + + [717] Comitia non finientur nisi totius Germaniæ malo et exitio. + (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 216.) + + [718] Laniena sanctorum qualis vix Diocletiani tempore fuit. (Buc. Ep. + Aug. 14, 1530.) + +[Sidenote: TUMULT IN AUGSBURG.] + +Suddenly, on the night of Saturday, 6th August, a great disturbance +broke out in the city of Augsburg.[719] There was running to and fro +in the streets; messengers from the Emperor were galloping in every +direction; the senate was called together and received an order to +allow no one to pass the gates of the city.[720] At the same time all +were afoot in the imperial barracks; the soldiers got ready their +arms; the regiments were drawn up, and at daybreak (about three +o'clock on Sunday morning) the Emperor's troops, in opposition to the +custom constantly followed in the diet, relieved the soldiers of the +city and took possession of the gates. At the same time it was learnt +that these gates would not be opened, and that Charles had given +orders to keep a strict watch upon the Elector and his allies.[721] A +terrible awakening for those who still flattered themselves with +seeing the religious debates conclude peacefully! Are not these +unheard-of measures the commencement of wars and the signal of a +frightful massacre? + + [719] Tumultum magnum fuisse in civitate. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 277.) + + [720] Facto autem intempesta nocte Cæsar senatui mandavit, ne quenquam + per portas urbis suæ emittant. (Ibid. p. 277.) + + [721] Daff man auf den Churfurst zu Sachsen aufschen haben soll. + (Brück, Apol. p. 80.) + + +[Sidenote: TEMPTATION.] + +X. Trouble and anger prevailed in the imperial palace, and it was the +Landgrave who had caused them. Firm as a rock in the midst of the +tempest with which he was surrounded, Philip of Hesse had never bent +his head to the blast. One day, in a public assembly, addressing the +bishops, he had said to them, "My lords, give peace to the Empire; we +beg it of you. If you will not do so, and if I must fall, be sure that +I will drag one or two of you with me." They saw it was necessary to +employ milder means with him, and the Emperor endeavoured to gain him +by showing a favourable disposition with respect to the county of +Katzenellenbogen, about which he was at variance with the country of +Nassau, and to Wurtemberg, which he claimed for his cousin Ulric. On +his side Duke George of Saxony, his father-in-law, had assured him +that he would make him his heir if he would submit to the Pope. "They +carried him to an exceeding high mountain, whence they showed him all +the kingdoms of the world and the glory thereof,"[722] says a +chronicler, but the Landgrave resisted the temptation. + + [722] Auf den hohen berg gefuhrt. (Lanze's Chronik.) + +One day he heard that the Emperor had manifested a desire to speak to +him. He leapt instantly on his horse and appeared before Charles.[723] +The latter, who had with him his secretary Schweiss and the Bishop of +Constance, represented that he had four complaints against him; +namely, of having violated the Edict of Worms, of despising the Mass, +of having, during his absence, excited all kinds of revolt, and, +finally, of having transmitted to him a book in which his sovereign +rights were attacked. The Landgrave justified himself; and the Emperor +said that he accepted his replies, except with regard to the faith, +and begged him to show himself in that respect entirely submissive to +his majesty. "What would you say," added Charles, in a winning tone, +"if I elevated you to the regal dignity?[724] But, if you show +yourself rebellious to my orders, then I shall behave as becomes a +Roman Emperor." + + [723] Von ihr selbst gen Hof geritten. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 165.) + + [724] Quin et in regem te evehendum curabimus. (Rommel, Philip der Gr. + i. p. 268.) + +These words exasperated the Landgrave, but they did not move him. "I +am in the flower of my age," replied he, "and I do not pretend to +despise the joys of life and the favour of the great; but to the +deceitful goods of this world I shall always prefer the ineffable +grace of my God." Charles was stupified; he could not understand +Philip. + +From this time the Landgrave had redoubled his exertions to unite the +adherents of Reform. The Zwinglian cities felt that, whatever was the +issue of the diet, they would be the first victims, unless the Saxons +should give them their hand. But this there was some difficulty in +obtaining. + +[Sidenote: UNION RESISTED.] + +"It does not appear to me useful to the public weal, or safe for the +conscience," wrote Melancthon to Bucer, "to load our princes with all +the hatred your doctrine inspires."[725] The Strasburgers replied, +that the real cause of the Papists' hatred was not so much the +doctrine of the Eucharist as that of justification by faith. "All we, +who desire to belong to Christ," said they, "are one, and we have +nothing to expect but death."[726] + + [725] Nostros principes onerare invidia vestri dogmatis. (Corp. Ref. + ii. p. 221.) + + [726] Arctissime quoque inter nos conjuncti essemus, quotquot Christi + esse volumus. (Ibid. p. 236.) + +This was true; but another motive besides checked Melancthon. If all +the Protestants united, they would feel their strength, and war would +be inevitable. Therefore, then, no union! + +The Landgrave, threatened by the Emperor, rejected by the theologians, +began to ask himself what he did at Augsburg. The cup was full. +Charles's refusal to communicate the Romish Refutation, except on +inadmissible conditions, made it run over. Philip of Hesse saw but one +course to take--to quit the city. + +Scarcely had the Emperor made known the conditions which he placed on +the communication of the reply, than on Friday evening, 5th August, +the Landgrave, going alone to the Count-palatine, Charles's minister, +had begged for an immediate audience with his majesty. Charles, who +did not care about it, pretended to be busy, and had put off Philip +until the following Sunday.[727] But the latter answered that he could +not wait; that his wife, who was dangerously ill, entreated him to +return to Hesse without delay; and that, being one of the youngest +princes, the meanest in understanding, and useless to Charles, he +humbly begged his majesty would permit him to leave on the morrow. The +Emperor refused. + + [727] Cum imperator dilationem respondendi astu quodam accepisset. + (Corp. Ref. ii. pp. 254, 276.) + +[Sidenote: THE EMPEROR'S UNEASINESS.] + +We may well understand the storms this refusal excited in Philip's +mind: but he knew how to contain himself; never had he appeared more +tranquil; during the whole of Saturday (6th August), he seemed +occupied only with a magnificent tourney in honour of the Emperor and +of his brother Ferdinand.[728] He prepared for it publicly; his +servants went to and fro, but under that din of horses and of armour, +Philip concealed very different designs. "The Landgrave conducts +himself with very great moderation," wrote Melancthon to Luther, the +same day.[729] "He told me openly that, to preserve peace, he would +submit to conditions still harder than those which the Emperor imposes +on us, and whatever he could accept without dishonouring the Gospel, +he would do so." + + [728] Ad ludos equestres in honorem Cæsari instituendos publice sese + apparavit. (Seck. ii. p. 172.) + + [729] Landgravius valde moderate se gerit. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 254.) + +Yet Charles was not at ease. The Landgrave's demand pursued him; all +the Protestants might do the same, and even quit Augsburg +unexpectedly. The clue, that he had hitherto so skilfully held in his +hands, was perhaps about to be broken: it was better to be violent +than ridiculous. The Emperor therefore resolved on striking a decisive +blow. The Elector, the princes, the deputies, are still in Augsburg: +he must at every risk prevent them from leaving it. Such were the +heavy thoughts that on the night of the 6th August, while the +Protestants were calmly sleeping,[730] banished repose from Charles's +eyes; and which made him hastily arouse the councillors of Augsburg, +and send his messengers and soldiers through the streets of the city. + + [730] Ego vero somno sopitus dulciter quiescebam. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. + 273.) + +The Protestant princes were still slumbering, when they received, on +the part of the Emperor, the unexpected order to repair immediately to +the Hall of the Chapter.[731] + + [731] Mane facto Cæsar......convocavit nostros principes. (Ibid, p. + 277; Bruck, Apol. p. 79.) + +[Sidenote: PROTESTANT FIRMNESS.] + +It was eight o'clock when they arrived. They found there the electors +of Brandenburg and Mentz, the Dukes of Saxony, Brunswick, and +Mecklenburg, the Bishops of Salzburg, Spire, and Strasburg, George +Truchses, the Margrave of Baden's representative, Count Martin of +(OE)lting, the Abbot of Weingarten, and the Provost of Bamberg. These +were the commissioners nominated by Charles to terminate this great +affair. + +It was the most decided among them, Joachim of Brandenburg, who began +to speak. "You know," said he to the Protestants, "with what mildness +the Emperor has endeavoured to re-establish unity. If some abuses have +crept into the Christian Church, he is ready to correct them, in +conjunction with the Pope. But how contrary to the Gospel are the +sentiments you have adopted! Abandon then your errors, do not any +longer remain separate from the Church, and sign the Refutation +without delay.[732] If you refuse, then through your fault how many +souls will be lost, how much blood shed, what countries laid waste, +what trouble in all the Empire! And you," said he, turning towards the +Elector, "your electorate, your life, all will be torn from you, and +certain ruin will fall upon your subjects, and even upon their wives +and children." + + [732] Ut sententiæ quam in refutatione audivissent subscribant. (Corp. + Ref. ii. p. 277.) + +The Elector remained motionless. At any time this language would have +been alarming: it was still more so now that the city was almost in a +state of siege. "We now understand," said the Protestants to one +another, "why the imperial guards occupy the gates of the city."[733] +It was evident, indeed, that the Emperor intended violence.[734] + + [733] Intelligis nunc cur portæ munitæ fuerunt. (Ibid.) + + [734] Quia volebat Cæsar nostros violentia ad suam sententiam cogere. + (Ibid.) + +[Sidenote: PHILIP OF HESSE.] + +The Protestants are unanimous: surrounded with soldiers, at the very +gates of the prison, and beneath the thousand swords of Charles, they +will remain firm. All these threats will not make them take one step +backwards.[735] It was important for them, however, to consider their +reply. They begged for a few minutes' delay, and retired. + + [735] Sed hæ minæ nostros nihil commoverunt: perstant in sententia, + nec vel tantillum recedunt. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 277.) + +To submit voluntarily, or to be reduced by force, such was the dilemma +Charles proposed to the Evangelical Christians. + +At the moment when each was anxious about the issue of this struggle, +in which the destinies of Christianity were contending, an alarming +rumour suddenly raised the agitation of all minds to its height. + +The Landgrave, in the midst of his preparations for the tournament, +meditated the most serious resolution. Excluded by Charles from every +important deliberation, irritated at the treatment the Protestants had +undergone during this diet,[736] convinced that they had no more +chance of peace,[737] not doubting that their liberty was greatly +endangered in Augsburg, and feeling unable to conceal under the +appearance of moderation the indignation with which his soul was +filled, being besides of a quick, prompt, and resolute character, +Philip had decided on quitting the city and repairing to his states, +in order to act freely, and to serve as a support to the Reform. + + [736] Commotus indignitate actionum. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 260.) + + [737] Spem pacis abjecisse. (Ibid.) + +But what mystery was required! If the Landgrave was taken in the act, +no doubt he would be put under arrest. This daring step might +therefore become the signal of those extreme measures from which he +longed to escape. + +[Sidenote: FLIGHT FROM AUGSBURG.] + +It was Saturday, the 6th August, the day for which Philip had +requested the Emperor's leave of absence. He waits until the +commencement of the night, and then, about eight o'clock, disguised in +a foreign dress, without bidding farewell to any of his friends,[738] +and taking every imaginable precaution,[739] he makes for the gates of +the city, about the time when they are usually closed. Five or six +cavaliers followed him singly, and at a little distance.[740] In so +critical a moment will not these men-at-arms attract attention? Philip +traverses the streets without danger, approaches the gate,[741] passes +with a careless air through the midst of the guard, between the +scattered soldiers; no one moves, all remain idly seated, as if +nothing extraordinary was going on. Philip has passed without being +recognised.[742] His five or six horsemen come through in like manner. +Behold them all at last in the open country. The little troop +immediately spur their horses, and flee with headlong speed far from +the walls of the imperial city. + + [738] Clam omnibus abit. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 260.) + + [739] Multa cum cautela. (Seck. ii. p. 172.) + + [740] Clam cum paucis equitibus. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 277; Mit 5 oder 6 + pferden. Ibid. p. 263.) + + [741] Seckendorf, and M. de Rommel no doubt after him, say that the + Landgrave went out through a secret gate (porta urbis secretiori, + Seck. ii. p. 172; Rommel i. p. 270.) I prefer the contemporary + evidence, particularly that of Brenz, which says: Vesperi priusquam + portæ urbis clauderentur, urbe elapsus est. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 277.) + The chief magistrate of Augsburg, who alone had the keys of the + wicket, would never have dared to favour the departure of the + Landgrave. + + [742] Ubi erat ille ignotus. (Corp. Ref. p. 261.) + +Yet Philip has taken his measures so well, that no one as yet suspects +his departure. When during the night Charles occupies the gates with +his own guards, he thinks the Landgrave still in the city.[743] When +the Protestants were assembled at eight in the morning in the +Chapter-hall, the princes of both parties were a little astonished at +the absence of Philip of Hesse. They are accustomed, however, to see +him keep aloof; he is in a pet, no doubt. No one imagines he is +between twelve and fifteen leagues from Augsburg. + + [743] Existimabat enim Cæsar adhuc præsto adesse. (Ibid.) + +[Sidenote: ALARM IN AUGSBURG.] + +After the termination of the conference, and as each one was returning +towards his hotel, the Elector of Brandenburg and his friends on the +one hand, elated at the speech they had delivered, the Elector of +Saxony and his allies on the other, resolved to sacrifice everything, +inquiries were made at the Landgrave's lodgings as to the reason of +his absence; they closely question Salz, Nuszbicker, Mayer, and +Schnepf. At last the Hessian councillors can no longer keep the +secret. "The Landgrave," said they, "has returned to Hesse." + +This news circulated immediately through all the city, and shook it +like the explosion of a mine. Charles especially, who found himself +mocked, and frustrated in his expectations--Charles, who had not the +least suspicion,[744] trembled, and was enraged.[745] The Protestants, +whom the Landgrave had not admitted to his secret,[746] are as much +astonished as the Roman-catholics themselves, and fear that this +inconsiderate departure may be the immediate signal for a terrible +persecution. There was only Luther, who, the moment he heard of +Philip's proceeding, highly approved of it, and exclaimed: "Of a truth +all these delays and indignities are enough to fatigue more than one +Landgrave."[747] + + [744] Cæsare nihil suspicante. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 277.) + + [745] Imperator re insperata commotus. (Seck. ii. p. 172.) + + [746] Unwissend des Churfursten von Sachsenund unserer. (Corp. Ref. + ii. p. 263.) + + [747] Es möchte wohl _ista mora et indignitas_ nocheinen Landgraven + müde machen. (L. Epp. iv. p. 134.) + +The Chancellor of Hesse gave the Elector of Saxony a letter that his +master had left for him. Philip spoke in this ostensible document of +his wife's health; but he had charged his ministers to inform the +Elector in private of the real causes of his departure. He announced, +moreover, that he had given orders to his ministers to assist the +Protestants in all things, and exhort his allies to permit themselves +in no manner to be turned aside from the Word of God.[748] "As for +me," said he, "I shall fight for the Word of God, at the risk of my +goods, my states, my subjects, and my life." + + [748] Ut nullo modo a verbo Dei abstrahi aut terreri se patiatur. + (Seck. ii. p. 172.) + +[Sidenote: METAMORPHOSIS.] + +The effect of the Landgrave's departure was instantaneous: a real +revolution was then effected in the diet. The Elector of Mentz and the +bishops of Franconia, Philip's near neighbours, imagined they already +saw him on their frontiers at the head of a powerful army, and they +replied to the Archbishop of Salzburg, who expressed astonishment at +their alarm: "Ah! if you were in our place you would do the same." +Ferdinand, knowing the intimate relations of Philip with the Duke of +Wurtemberg, trembled for the estates of this prince, at that time +usurped by Austria; and Charles the Fifth, undeceived with regard to +those princes whom he had believed so timid, and whom he had treated +with so much arrogance, had no doubt that this sudden fit of Philip's +had been maturely deliberated in the common council of the +Protestants. All saw a declaration of war in the Landgrave's sudden +departure. They called to mind that at the moment when they thought +the least about it, they might see him appear at the head of his +soldiers, on the frontiers of his enemies, and no one was ready; no +one even wished to be ready! A thunderbolt had fallen in the midst of +the diet. They repeated the news to one another, with troubled eyes +and affrighted looks. All was confusion in Augsburg; and couriers bore +afar, in every direction, astonishment and consternation. + +This alarm immediately converted the enemies of the Reform. The +violence of Charles and of the princes was broken in this memorable +night as if by enchantment; and the furious wolves were suddenly +transformed into meek and docile lambs.[749] + + [749] Sed hanc violentiam abitus Landgravii interrupit. (Corp. Ref. p. + 277.) + +[Sidenote: UNUSUAL MODERATION.] + +It was still Sunday morning: Charles the Fifth immediately convoked +the diet for the afternoon.[750] "The Landgrave has quitted Augsburg," +said Count Frederick from the Emperor; "his majesty flatters himself +that even the friends of that prince were ignorant of his departure. +It was without the Emperor's knowledge, and even in defiance of his +express prohibition, that Philip of Hesse has left, thus failing in +all his duties. He has wished to put the diet out of joint.[751] But +the Emperor conjures you not to permit yourselves to be led astray by +him, and to contribute rather to the happy issue of this national +assembly. His majesty's gratitude will thus be secured to you." + + [750] Nam cum paucis post horis resciscunt Landgravium elapsum, + convocant iterum nostros. (Ibid.) + + [751] Zertrennung dieses Reichstags zu verursachen. (Corp. Ref. p. + 264.) + +The Protestants replied, that the departure of the Landgrave had taken +place without their knowledge; that they had heard of it with pain, +and that they would have dissuaded him. Nevertheless they did not +doubt that this prince had solid reasons for such a step; besides he +had left his councillors with full powers, and that, as for them, they +were ready to do everything to conclude the diet in a becoming manner. +Then, confident in their rights, and decided to resist Charles's +arbitrary acts, they continued: "It is pretended that the gates were +closed on our account. We beg your majesty to revoke this order, and +to prevent any similar orders being given for the future." + +Never was Charles the Fifth less at ease: he had just spoken as a +father, and they remind him that a few hours back he had acted like a +tyrant. Some subterfuge was requisite. "It is not on your account," +replied the Count-palatine, "that the Emperor's soldiers occupy the +gates......Beware of believing those who tell you so......Yesterday +there was a quarrel between two soldiers,[752] and a mob was +collected......This is why the Emperor took that step. Besides, such +things shall not be done again without the Elector of Saxony, in his +quality of marshal of the Empire, being first informed of them." An +order was given immediately to reopen the gates. + + [752] Es habe ein Trabant mit einem andern ein Unwill gehabt. (Corp. + Ref. ii. p. 265.) + +[Sidenote: PEACE! PEACE!] + +No exertions were now spared by the Roman party to convince the +Protestants of their good-will: there was an unaccustomed mildness in +the language of the Count-palatine and in the looks of Charles.[753] +The princes of the Papal party, once so terrible, were similarly +transformed. They had been hastily forced to speak out; if they +desired war, they must begin it instantly. + + [753] Nullo alio tempore mitius et benignius quam tunc cum + protestantibus egerit. (Seck. ii. p. 172.) + +But they shrunk back at this frightful prospect. How, with the +enthusiasm that animated the Protestants, take up arms against them! +Were not the abuses of the Church everywhere acknowledged, and could +the Roman princes be sure of their own subjects? Besides, what would +be the issue of a war but the increase of the Emperor's power? The +Roman-catholic states, and the Duke of Bavaria in particular, would +have been glad to see Charles at war with the Protestants, in the hope +that he would thus consume his strength; but it was, on the contrary, +with their own soldiers that the Emperor designed attacking the +heretics. Henceforth they rejected the instrumentality of arms as +eagerly as they had at first desired it. + +Everything had thus changed in Augsburg: the Romish party was +paralyzed, disheartened, and even broken up. The sword already drawn +was hastily thrust back into the sheath. Peace! peace! was the cry of +all. + + +XI. The diet now entered upon its third phasis, and as the time of +tentatives had been followed by that of menaces; now that of +arrangements was to succeed the period of menaces. New and more +formidable dangers were then to be encountered by the Reform. Rome, +seeing the sword torn from its hands, had seized the net, and enlacing +her adversaries with "cords of humanity and bands of love," was +endeavouring to drag them gently into the abyss. + +[Sidenote: THE MIXED COMMISSION.] + +At eight o'clock in the morning of the 16th August, a mixed commission +was framed, which counted on each side two princes, two lawyers, and +three theologians. In the Romish party, there were Duke Henry of +Brunswick, the Bishop of Augsburg, the Chancellors of Baden and +Cologne, with Eck, Cochlœus, and Wimpina; on the part of the +Protestants, were the Margrave George of Brandenburg, the Prince +Electoral of Saxony, the Chancellors Brück and Heller, with +Melancthon, Brenz, and Schnepf.[754] + + [754] P. Urkundenbuch, ii. p. 219. + +They agreed to take as basis the Confession of the Evangelical states, +and they began to read it article by article. The Romish theologians +displayed an unexpected condescension. Out of twenty-one dogmatical +articles, there were only six or seven to which they made any +objection. Original Sin stopped them some time: at length they came to +an understanding; the Protestants admitted that Baptism removed the +guilt of the sin, and the Papists agreed that it did not wash away +concupiscence. As for the Church, they granted that it contained +sanctified men and sinners; they coincided also on confession. The +Protestants rejected especially as impossible the enumeration of all +the sins prescribed by Rome. Doctor Eck yielded this point.[755] + + [755] Die Sünd die man nicht wisse, die durff man nicht beichten. (F. + Urkunden, ii. p. 228.) + +There remained three doctrines only on which they differed. + +The first was that of Penance. The Romish doctors taught that it +contained three parts: contrition, confession, and satisfaction. The +Protestants rejected the latter, and the Romanists clearly perceiving +that with satisfaction would fall indulgences, purgatory, with other +of their doctrines and profits, vigorously maintained it. "We agree," +said they, "that the penance imposed by the priest does not procure +remission of the guilt of sin: but we maintain that it is necessary to +obtain remission of the penalty." + +[Sidenote: ROMISH DISSIMULATION.] + +The second controverted point was the Invocation of Saints; and the +third, and principal one, was Justification by Faith. It was of the +greatest importance for the Romanists to maintain the meritorious +influence of works: all their system, in reality, was based on that. +Eck therefore haughtily declared war on the assertion that faith alone +justifies. "That word _sole_," said he, "we cannot tolerate. It +generates scandals, and renders men brutal and impious. Let us send +back the _sole_ to the cobbler."[756] + + [756] Man soll die _Sole_ ein weil zum Schuster Schicken. (Urkund. ii. + p. 225.) This wretched pun of Eck's requires no comment. + +But the Protestants would not listen to such reasoning; and even when +they put the question to each other, Shall we maintain that faith +alone justifies us gratuitously? "Undoubtedly, undoubtedly," exclaimed +one of them with exaggeration, "_gratuitously and uselessly_."[757] +They even adduced strange authorities: "Plato," said they, "declares +that it is not by external works, but by virtue that God is adored; +and every one knows these verses of Cato's: + + "Si deus est animus, nobis ut carmina dicunt, + Hic tibi precipue pura sit mente colendus."[758] + + [757] Omnino, omnino, addendum etiam _frustra_. (Scultet. p. 289.) + + [758] If God is a spirit, as the poets teach, he should be worshipped + with a pure mind. + +"Certainly," resumed the Romish theologians; "it is only of works +performed with grace that we speak; but we say that in such works +there is something meritorious." The Protestants declared they could +not grant it. + +They had approximated however beyond all hope. The Roman theologians, +clearly understanding their position, had purposed to appear agreed +rather than be so in reality. Every one knew, for instance, that the +Protestants rejected transubstantiation: but the Article of the +Confession on this point, being able to be taken in the Romish sense, +the Papists had admitted it. Their triumph was only deferred. The +general expressions that were used in all the controverted points, +would permit somewhat later a Romish interpretation to be given to the +Confession; ecclesiastical authority would declare this the only true +one; and Rome, thanks to a few moments of dissimulation, would thus +reascend the throne. Have we not seen in our own days the Thirty-nine +Articles of the Anglican Church interpreted in accordance with the +Council of Trent? There are causes in which falsehood is never +awanting. This plot was as skilfully executed, as it was profoundly +conceived. + +The Commissioners were on the best terms with one another, and concord +seemed restored. One single uneasiness disturbed that happy moment: +the idea of the Landgrave: "Ignorant that we are almost agreed," said +they, "this young mad-brain is doubtless already assembling his army; +we must bring him back, and make him a witness of our cordial union." +On the morning of the 13th, one of the members of the Commission (Duke +Henry of Brunswick), accompanied by a councillor of the Emperor, set +out to discharge this difficult mission.[759] Duke George of Saxony +supplied his place as arbitrator. + + [759] Brunswigus coactus est abire πρὁς τὁν μακἑδονα quem + timent contrahere exercitum. (Scultet. p. 299.) + +They now passed from the first part of the Confession to the second: +from doctrines to abuses. Here the Romish theologians could not yield +so easily, for if they aἑppeared to agree with the Protestants, it was +all over with the honour and power of the hierarchy. It was +accordingly for this period of the combat that they had reserved their +cunning and their strength. + +They began by approaching the Protestants as near as they could, for +the more they granted, the more they might draw the Reform to them and +stifle it. "We think," said they, "that with the permission of his +holiness, and the approbation of his majesty, we shall be able to +permit, until the next council, the communion in both kinds, wherever +it is practised already; only, your ministers should preach at Easter, +that that is not of Divine institution, and that Christ is wholly in +each kind.[760] + + [760] Vorschläge des Anschlusses der Sieben des Gegentheils. (Urk. ii. + p. 251.) + +[Sidenote: THE MAIN QUESTION.] + +"Moreover," continued they, "as for the married priests, desirous of +sparing the poor women whom they have seduced, of providing for the +maintenance of their innocent children, and of preventing every kind +of scandal, we will tolerate them until the next council, and we shall +then see if it will not be right to decree that married men may be +admitted to holy orders, as was the case in the primitive Church for +many centuries.[761] + + [761] Wie von alters in der ersten Kirche etliche Hundert Jahre, in + Gebrauch gewesen. (Urk. ii. p. 254.) + +"Finally, we acknowledge that the sacrifice of the Mass is a mystery, +a representation, a sacrifice of commemoration, a memorial of the +sufferings and death of Christ, accomplished on the cross."[762] + + [762] Zu Errinnerung und Gedächtniss. (Ibid. p. 253.) + +This was yielding much: but the turn of the Protestants was come; for +if Rome appeared to give, it was only to take in return. + +The grand question was the Church, its maintenance and government: who +should provide for it? They could see only two means: princes or +bishops. If they feared the bishops, they must decide for the princes: +if they feared the princes, they must decide for the bishops. They +were at that time too distant from the normal state to discover a +third solution, and to perceive that the Church ought to be maintained +by the Church itself--by the christian people. "Secular princes in the +long-run will be defaulters to the government of the Church," said the +Saxon divines in the opinion they presented on the 18th August; "they +are not fit to execute it, and besides it would cost them too +dear:[763] the bishops, on the contrary, have property destined to +provide for this charge." + + [763] Ist Ihmen auch nicht möglich. Dazu Kostet es zu viel. (Urk. ii. + p. 247.) + +Thus the presumed incapacity of the state, and the fear they +entertained of its indifference, threw the Protestants into the arms +of the hierarchy. + +[Sidenote: CHURCH GOVERNMENT.] + +They proposed therefore to restore to the bishops their jurisdiction, +the maintenance of discipline, and the superintendence of the priests, +provided they did not persecute the Evangelical doctrine, and did not +oppress the pastors with impious vows and burdens. "We may not," added +they, "without strong reasons rend that order by which the bishops are +over the priests, and which existed in the Church from the beginning. +It is dangerous before the Lord to change the order of governments." +Their argument is not founded upon the Bible, as may be seen, but upon +ecclesiastical discipline. + +The Protestant divines went even farther, and, taking a last step that +seemed decisive, they consented to acknowledge the Pope as being (but +of human right) supreme bishop of Christendom. "Although the Pope is +Anti-christ, we may be under his government, as the Jews were under +Pharaoh, and in later days under Caiaphas." We must confess these two +comparisons were not flattering to the Pope. "Only," added the +doctors, "let the sound doctrine be fully accorded to us." + +The chancellor Brück alone appears to have been conscious of the +truth: he wrote on the margin with a firm hand: "We cannot acknowledge +the Pope, because we say he is Antichrist, and because he claims the +primacy of right divine."[764] + + [764] Cum dicimus eum Antichristum. (Urk. p. 247.) + +Finally, the Protestant theologians consented to agree with Rome as +regards indifferent ceremonies, fasts, and forms of worship; and the +Elector engaged to put under sequestration the ecclesiastical property +already secularized, until the decision of the next council. + +[Sidenote: PRETENDED CONCORD.] + +Never was the conservative spirit of Lutheranism more clearly +manifested. "We have promised our adversaries to concede to them +certain points of church government, that may be granted without +wounding the conscience," wrote Melancthon.[765] But he began to be +very doubtful whether ecclesiastical concessions would not drag with +them doctrinal concessions also. The reform was drifting +away......still a few more fathoms, and it was lost. Already disunion, +trouble, and affright began to spread among its ranks. Melancthon has +become more childish than a child, said one of his friends;[766] and +yet he was so excited, that the Chancellor of Lunenburg having made +some objections to these unprecedented concessions, the little Master +of Arts proudly raised his head, and said with a sharp and harsh tone +of voice: "He who dares assert that the means indicated are not +christian is a liar and a scoundrel."[767] On which the Chancellor +immediately repaid him in his own coin. These expressions cannot, +however, detract from Melancthon's reputation for mildness. After so +many useless efforts, he was exhausted, irritated, and his words cut +the deeper, as they were the less expected from him. He was not the +only one demoralized. Brenz appeared clumsy, rude, and uncivil; +Chancellor Keller had misled the pious Margrave of Brandenburg, and +transformed the courage of this prince into pusillanimity: no other +human support remained to the Elector than his chancellor Brück. And +even this firm man began to grow alarmed at his isolation. + + [765] Nos politica quædam concessuros quæ sine offensione conscientiæ. + (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 302.) + + [766] Philippus ist kindischer denn ein kind warden. (Baumgartner, + Ibid. p. 363.) + + [767] Der lüge als ein Bösewichst. (Ibid. p. 364.) + +[Sidenote: LUTHER'S LETTERS.] + +But he was not alone: the most earnest protests were received from +without. "If it is true that you are making such concessions," said +their affrighted friends to the Saxon divines, "christian liberty is +at an end.[768] What is your pretended concord? a thick cloud that you +raise in the air to eclipse the sun that was beginning to illumine the +Church.[769] Never will the christian people accept conditions so +opposed to the Word of God; and your only gain will be furnishing the +enemies of the Gospel with a specious pretext to butcher those who +remain faithful to it." Among the laymen these convictions were +general. "Better die with Jesus Christ," said all Augsburg,[770] "than +gain the favour of the whole world without him!" + + [768] Actum est de christiana libertate. (Baumgartner, Corp. Ref. ii. + p. 295.) + + [769] Quid ea concordia aliud esset quam natæ jam et divulgatæ luci + obducere nubem. (Ibid. p. 296.) + + [770] Die gange Stadt sagt. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 297.) + +No one felt so much alarm as Luther at the moment when he saw the +glorious edifice that God had raised by his hands on the point of +falling to ruin in those of Melancthon. The day on which this news +arrived, he wrote five letters,--to the Elector, to Melancthon, to +Spalatin, to Jonas, and to Brenz, all equally filled with courage and +with faith. + +"I learn," said he, "that you have begun a marvellous work, namely, to +put Luther and the Pope in harmony; but the Pope is unwilling, and +Luther begs to be excused.[771] And if, in despite of them, you +succeed in this affair, then after your example I will bring together +Christ and Belial. + + [771] Sed Papa nolet et Lutherus deprecatur. (L. Epp. iv. p. 144.) + +"The world I know is full of wranglers who obscure the doctrine of +justification by faith, and of fanatics who persecute it. Do not be +astonished at it, but continue to defend it with courage, for it is +the heel of the seed of the woman that shall bruise the head of the +serpent.[772] + + [772] Nam hic est ille unicus calcaneus seminis antiquo serpenti + adversantis. (Ibid. p. 151.) + +"Beware also of the jurisdiction of the bishops, for fear we should +have soon to recommence a more terrible struggle than the first. They +will take our concessions widely, very widely, always more widely, and +will give us theirs narrowly, very narrowly, and always more +narrowly.[773] All these negotiations are impossible, unless the Pope +should renounce his Papacy. + + [773] Ipsi enim nostras concessiones large, largius, largissime, suas + vero, stricte, strictius, strictissime. (Ibid. p. 145.) + +"A pretty motive indeed our adversaries assign! They cannot, say they, +restrain their subjects, if we do not publish everywhere that they +have the truth for them: as if God only taught his Word, in order that +our enemies might at pleasure tyrannize over their people. + +[Sidenote: THE WORD ABOVE THE CHURCH.] + +"They cry out that we condemn all the Church. No, we do not condemn +it; but as for them, they condemn all the Word of God, and the Word of +God is more than the Church."[774] + + [774] Sed ab ipsis totum verbum Dei _quod plus quam ecclesia est_ + damnari. (L. Epp. iv. p. 145.) + +This important declaration of the Reformers decides the controversy +between the Evangelical Christians and the Papacy: unfortunately we +have often seen Protestants return, on this fundamental point, to the +error of Rome, and set the visible Church above the Word of God. + +"I write to you now," continues Luther, "to believe with all of us +(and that through obedience to Jesus Christ), that Campeggio is a +famous demon.[775] I cannot tell how violently these conditions +agitate me which you propose. The plan of Campeggio and the Pope has +been to try us first by threats, and then, if they do not succeed, by +stratagems; you have triumphed over the first attack, and sustained +the terrible coming of Cæsar: now, then, for the second. Act with +courage, and do not yield to the adversaries except what can be proved +with evidence from the very Word of God. + + [775] Quod Campeggius est unus magnus et insignis diabolus. (Ibid. p. + 147.) + +"But if, which Christ forbid! you do not put forward all the Gospel; +if, on the contrary, you shut up that glorious eagle in a sack; +Luther--doubt it not!--Luther will come and gloriously deliver the +eagle.[776] As certainly as Christ lives, that shall be done!" + + [776] Veniet, ne dubita, veniet Lutterus, hanc aquilam liberaturus + magnifice. (L. Epp. iv. p. 155.) + +[Sidenote: PAPIST INFATUATION.] + +Thus spoke Luther, but in vain: everything in Augsburg was tending +towards approaching ruin; Melancthon had a bandage over his eyes that +nothing could tear off. He no longer listened to Luther, and cared not +for popularity. "It does not become us," said he, "to be moved by the +clamours of the vulgar:[777] we must think of peace and of posterity. +If we repeal the episcopal jurisdiction, what will be the consequence +to our descendants? The secular powers care nothing about the +interests of religion.[778] Besides too much dissimilarity in the +Churches is injurious to peace: we must unite with the bishops, lest +the infamy of schism should overwhelm us for ever."[779] + + [777] Sed nos nihil decet vulgi clamoribus moveri. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. + 303.) + + [778] Profani jurisdictionem ecclesiasticam et similia negotia + religionem non curent. (Corp. Ref. ii.) + + [779] Ne schismatis infamia perpetuo laboremus. (Ibid.) + +They too readily listened to Melancthon, and they vigorously laboured +to bind to the Papacy by the bonds of the hierarchy the Church that +God had wonderfully emancipated. Protestantism rushed blindfold into +the nets of its enemies. Already serious voices announced the return +of the Lutherans into the bosom of the Romish Church. "They are +preparing their defection, and are passing over to the Papists," said +Zwingle.[780] The politic Charles the Fifth so acted that no haughty +word should compromise the victory; but the Roman clergy could not +master themselves: their pride, their insolence increased every day. +"One would never believe," said Melancthon, "the airs of triumph which +the Papists give themselves." There was good reason! the agreement was +on the verge of conclusion: yet one or two steps.......and then, woe +to Reform! + + [780] Lutherani defectionem parant ad Papistas. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 461.) + +Who could prevent this desolating ruin? It was Luther who pronounced +the name towards which all eyes should be turned: "Christ lives," said +he, "and he by whom the violence of our enemies has been conquered +will give us strength to surmount their wiles." This was in truth the +only resource, and it did not fail the Reform. + +[Sidenote: A NEW COMMISSION.] + +If the Roman hierarchy had been willing, under certain admissible +conditions, to receive the Protestants who were ready to capitulate, +it was all over with them. When once it held them in its arms, it +would have stifled them; but God blinded the Papacy, and thus saved +his Church. "No concessions," had declared the Romish senate; and +Campeggio, elated with his victory, repeated, "No concessions!" He +moved heaven and earth to inflame the Catholic zeal of Charles in this +decisive moment. From the Emperor he passed to the princes. "Celibacy, +confession, the withdrawal of the cup, private masses!" exclaimed he: +"all these are obligatory: we must have all." This was saying to the +Evangelical Christians, as the Samnites to the ancient Romans: "Here +are the Caudine Forks: pass through them!" + +The Protestants saw the yoke, and shuddered. God revived the courage +of the confessors in their weakened hearts. They raised their heads, +and rejected this humiliating capitulation. The commission was +immediately dissolved. + +This was a great deliverance; but soon appeared a fresh danger. The +Evangelical Christians should have immediately quitted Augsburg; but, +said one of them,[781] "Satan, disguised as an angel of light, blinded +the eyes of their understanding." They remained. + + [781] Baumgartner to Spengler. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 363.) + +All was not yet lost for Rome, and the spirit of falsehood and of +cunning might again renew its attacks. + +It was believed at court that this disagreeable termination of the +commission was to be ascribed to some wrong-headed individuals, and +particularly to Duke George. They therefore resolved to name another, +composed of six members only: on the one side, Eck, with the +chancellors of Cologne and Baden; on the other, Melancthon, with the +chancellors Brück and Heller. The Protestants consented, and all was +begun anew. + +[Sidenote: THE LANDGRAVE'S FIRMNESS.] + +The alarm then increased among the most decided followers of the +Reformation. "If we expose ourselves unceasingly to new dangers, must +we not succumb at last?"[782] The deputies of Nuremberg in particular +declared that their city would never place itself again under the +detested yoke of the bishops. "It is the advice of the undecided +Erasmus that Melancthon follows," said they. "Say rather of +Ahithophel" (2 Sam. xv.), replied others. "However it may be," added +they; "if the Pope had bought Melancthon, the latter could have done +nothing better to secure the victory for him."[783] + + [782] Fremunt et alii socii ac indignatur regnum Episcoporum restitui. + (Ibid. p. 328.) + + [783] Si conductus quanta ipse voluisset pecunia a Papa esset. (Corp. + Ref. ii. p. 333.) + +The Landgrave was especially indignant at this cowardice. +"Melancthon," wrote he to Zwingle, "walks backwards like a crab."[784] +From Friedwald, whither he had repaired after his flight from +Augsburg, Philip of Hesse endeavoured to check the fall of +Protestantism. "When we begin to yield, we always yield more," wrote +he to his ministers at Augsburg. "Declare therefore to my allies that +I reject these perfidious conciliations. If we are Christians, what we +should pursue is, not our own advantage, but the consolation of so +many weary and afflicted consciences, for whom there is no salvation +if we take away the Word of God. The bishops are not real bishops, for +they speak not according to the Holy Scriptures. If we acknowledge +them, what would happen? They would remove our ministers, oppress the +Gospel, re-establish ancient abuses, and the last state would be worse +than the first. If the Papists will permit the free preaching of the +pure Gospel, let us come to an understanding with them; for the truth +will be the strongest, and will root out all the rest. But if +not!--No. This is the moment, not to yield, but to remain firm even to +the death. Baffle these fearful combinations of Melancthon, and tell, +from me, the deputies of the cities to be men, and not women.[785] Let +us fear nothing: God is with us." + + [784] Retro it, ut cancer. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 506.) + + [785] Das sie nicht weyber seyen sondern männer. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. + 327.) + +[Sidenote: THE TWO PHANTOMS.] + +Melancthon and his friends, thus attacked, sought to justify +themselves: on the one hand, they maintained, that if they preserved +the doctrine it would finally overthrow the hierarchy. But then why +restore it? Was it not more than doubtful whether a doctrine so +enfeebled would still retain strength sufficient to shake the Papacy? +On the other hand, Melancthon and his friends pointed out two +phantoms before which they shrunk in affright. The first was _war_: it +was, in their opinion, imminent. "It is not only," said they, +"numberless temporal evils that it will bring with it,--the +devastation of Germany, murder, violation, sacrilege, rapine; but it +will produce spiritual evils more frightful still, and will inevitably +bring on the perturbation of all religion."[786] The second phantom +was the supremacy of the state. Melancthon and his friends foresaw the +dependence to which the princes would reduce the Church, the +increasing secularization of its institutions and of its instruments, +the spiritual death that would result, and they shrunk back with +terror from the frightful prospect. "Good men do not think that the +court should regulate the ministry of the Church,"[787] said Brenz. +"Have you not yourselves experienced," added he ironically, "with what +wisdom and mildness these boors ('tis thus I denominate the officials +and prefects of the princes) treat the ministers of the Church, and +the Church itself. Rather die seven times!"--"I see," exclaimed +Melancthon, "what a Church we shall have if the ecclesiastical +government is abolished. I discover in the future a tyranny far more +intolerable than that which has existed to this day."[788] Then, bowed +down by the accusations that poured upon him from every side, the +unhappy Philip exclaimed: "If it is I who have aroused this tempest, I +pray his majesty to throw me, like Jonas, into the sea, and to drag me +out only to give me up to torture and to the stake."[789] + + [786] Confusio et perturbatio religionum. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 382.) + + [787] Ut aula ministerium in ecclesia ordinet bonis non videtur + consultum. (Ibid. p. 362.) + + [788] Video postea multo intolerabiliorem futuram tyrannidem quam + unquam antea fuisse. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 334.) + + [789] Si mea causa hæc tempestas coacta est, me statim velut Jonam in + mare ejiciat. (Ibid. p. 382.) + +[Sidenote: ROME AND CHRISTIANITY.] + +The Romish episcopacy once recognised, all seemed easy. In the +Commission of Six, they conceded the cup to the laity, marriage to the +pastors, and the article of prayer to saints appeared of little +importance. But they stopped at three doctrines which the Evangelicals +could not yield. The first was the necessity of human satisfaction for +the remission of the penalties of sin; the second, the idea of +something meritorious in every good work; the third, the utility of +private masses. "Ah!" quickly replied Campeggio to Charles the Fifth, +"I would rather be cut in pieces than concede anything about +Masses."[790] + + [790] Er wollte sich ehe auf Stücker Zureissen lassen. (L. Opp. xx. p. + 328.) + +"What!" replied the politicians, "when you agree on all the great +doctrines of salvation, will you for ever rend the unity of the Church +for three such trivial articles? Let the theologians make a last +effort, and we shall see the two parties unite, and Rome embrace +Wittemberg." + +[Sidenote: IRRITATION.] + +It was not so: under these three points was concealed a whole system. +On the Roman side, they entertained the idea that certain works gain +the Divine favour, independently of the disposition of him who +performs them, and by virtue of the will of the Church. On the +Evangelical side, on the contrary, they felt a conviction that these +external ordinances were mere human traditions, and that the only +thing which procured man the Divine favour was the work that God +accomplished by Christ on the cross; while the only thing that put him +in possession of this favour was the work of regeneration that Christ +accomplishes by his Spirit in the heart of the sinner. The Romanists, +by maintaining their three articles, said: "the Church saves," which +is the essential doctrine of Rome; the Evangelicals, by rejecting +them, said: "Jesus Christ alone saves," which is Christianity itself. +This is the great antithesis which then existed, and which still +separates the two Churches. With these three points, which placed +souls under her dependence, Rome justly expected to recover +everything; and she showed by her perseverance that she understood her +position. But the Evangelicals were not disposed to abandon theirs. +The Christian principle was maintained against the ecclesiastical +principle which aspired to swallow it up: Jesus Christ stood firm in +presence of the Church, and it was seen that henceforward all +conferences were superfluous. + +Time pressed: for two months and a half Charles the Fifth had been +labouring in Augsburg, and his pride suffered because four or five +theologians checked the triumphal progress of the conqueror of Pavia. +"What!" said they to him, "a few days sufficed to overthrow the King +of France and the Pope, and you cannot succeed with these Gospellers!" +They determined on breaking off the conferences. Eck, irritated +because neither stratagem nor terror had been effectual, could not +master himself in the presence of the Protestants. "Ah!" exclaimed he, +at the moment of separation, "why did not the Emperor, when he entered +Germany, make a general inquest about the Lutherans? He would then +have heard arrogant answers, witnessed monsters of heresy, and his +zeal suddenly taking fire, would have led him to destroy all this +faction.[791] But now Brück's mild language and Melancthon's +concessions prevent him from getting so angry as the cause requires." +Eck said these words with a smile; but they expressed all his +thoughts. The colloquy terminated on the 30th of August. + + [791] Hæc inflammassent Imperatorem ad totam hanc factionem delendam. + (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 335.) + +The Romish states made their report to the Emperor. They were face to +face, three steps only from each other, without either side being able +to approach nearer, even by a hair's breadth. + +[Sidenote: THE GORDIAN KNOT.] + +Thus, then, Melancthon had failed; and his enormous concessions were +found useless. From a false love of peace, he had set his heart on an +impossibility. Melancthon was at the bottom a really Christian soul. +God preserved him from his great weakness, and broke the clue that was +about to lead him to destruction. Nothing could have been more +fortunate for the Reformation than Melancthon's failure; but nothing +could, at the same time, have been more fortunate for himself: his +friends saw that though he was willing to yield much, he could not go +so far as to yield Christ himself, and his defeat justified him in the +eyes of the Protestants. + +The Elector of Saxony and the Margrave of Brandenburg sent to beg +Charles's leave to depart. The latter refused at first rather rudely, +but at last he began to conjure the princes not to create by their +departure new obstacles to the arrangements they soon hoped to be able +to conclude.[792] We shall see of what nature these arrangements were. + + [792] Antwort des Kaisers, &c. (Urkund. ii. p. 313.) + +They appeared to redouble their exertions. If they now let the clue +slip, it is lost for ever: they laboured accordingly to reunite the +two ends. There were conferences in the gardens, conferences at the +churches, at St. George's, at St. Maurice's, between the Duke of +Brunswick and John Frederick the Elector's son, the Chancellors of +Baden and of Saxony, the Chancellor of Liege and Melancthon; but all +these attempts were unavailing. It was to other means they were going +to have recourse. + +Charles the Fifth had resolved to take the affair in hand, and to cut +the Gordian knot, which neither doctor nor princes could untie. +Irritated at seeing his advances spurned and his authority +compromised, he thought that the moment was come for drawing the +sword. On the 4th September the members of the Roman party, who were +still endeavouring to gain over the Protestants, whispered these +frightful intentions in Melancthon's ears. "We scarcely dare mention +it," said they: "the sword is already in the Emperor's hands, and +certain people exasperate him more and more. He is not easily enraged, +but once angry it is impossible to quiet him."[793] + + [793] Nescio an ausim dicere, jam ferrum in manu Cæsaris esse. (Corp. + Ref. ii. p. 342.) + +[Sidenote: ALARM IN ROME.] + +Charles had reason to appear exacting and terrible. He had at length +obtained from Rome an unexpected concession--a council. Clement VII. +had laid the Emperor's request before a Congregation: "How will men +who reject the ancient councils submit to a new one?" they had +replied. Clement himself had no wish for such an assembly. His birth +and his conduct made him equally dread it.[794] However, his promises +at the Castle of St. Angelo and at Bologna rendered it impossible for +him to give a decided refusal. He answered, therefore, that "the +remedy would be worse than the disease;[795] but that if the Emperor, +who was so good a Catholic, judged a council absolutely necessary, he +would consent to it, under the express condition, however, that the +Protestants should submit in the meanwhile to the doctrines and rites +of the Church." Then as the place of meeting he appointed Rome! + + [794] In eam (concilii celebrationem) Pontificis animus haud + propendebatur. (Pallavicini. i. p. 251.) + + [795] Al contrario, remedio e piu pericoloso e per partorir maggiori + mali. (Lettere de Principe, ii. p. 197.) + +Scarcely had the news of this concession spread abroad, than the fear +of a Reformation froze the Papal court. The public charges of the +Papacy, which were altogether venal, immediately fell, says a +cardinal, and were offered at the lowest price,[796] without even +being able to find purchasers.[797] The Papacy was compromised; the +merchandise was in great danger; and the _price current_ immediately +declined on the Roman exchange. + + [796] Evulgatus concilii rumor......publica Roma munera......jam in + vilissimum pretium decidissent. (Pallav. i. p. 251.) + + [797] Che non se non trovano danari. (Lett. di Prin. iii. p. 5.) + +On Wednesday, 7th September, at two in the afternoon, the Protestant +princes and deputies having been introduced into the chamber of +Charles the Fifth, the Count-palatine said to them, "that the Emperor, +considering their small number, had not expected they would uphold new +sects against the ancient usages of the Universal Church; that, +nevertheless, being desirous of appearing to the last full of +kindness, he would require of his Holiness the convocation of a +council; but that in the meanwhile they should return immediately into +the bosom of the Catholic Church, and restore everything to its +ancient footing."[798] + + [798] Interim restitui debere omnia Papistis. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 355. + See also _Erklärung des Kaisers Karl_, v. Urkunden, ii. p. 391.) + +[Sidenote: MENACES.] + +The Protestants replied on the morrow, the 8th September, that they +had not stirred up new sects contrary to the Holy Scriptures;[799] +that, quite the reverse, if they had not agreed with their +adversaries, it was because they had desired to remain faithful to the +Word of God; that by convoking in Germany a general, free, and +christian council, it would only be doing what preceding diets had +promised; but that nothing should compel them to re-establish in their +churches an order of things opposed to the commandments of God. + + [799] Nit neue, Secten wieder die heilige Schrifft. (Brück. Apol. p. + 136.) + +It was eight in the evening when, after a long deliberation, the +Protestants were again called in. "His majesty," said George Truchses +to them, "is equally astonished both that the Catholic members of the +commissions have accorded so much, and that the Protestant members +have refused everything. What is your party in the presence of his +imperial majesty, of his Papal holiness, of the electors, princes, +estates of the Empire, and other kings, rulers, and potentates of +Christendom? It is but just that the minority should yield to the +majority. Do you desire the means of conciliation to be protracted, or +do you persist in your answer? Speak frankly; for if you persist, the +Emperor will immediately see to the defence of the Church. To-morrow +at one o'clock you will bring your final decision." + +Never had such threatening words issued from Charles's mouth. It was +evident he wished to subdue the Protestants by terror; but this end +was not attained. They replied the next day but one--a day more having +been accorded them--that new attempts at conciliation would only +fatigue the Emperor and the diet; that they only required regulations +to maintain political peace until the assembling of the council.[800] +"Enough," replied the redoubtable Emperor; "I will reflect upon it; +but in the mean time let no one quit Augsburg." + + [800] Urkunden. ii. p. 410; Brück, Apol. p. 139. + +[Sidenote: ALTERCATIONS.] + +Charles the Fifth was embarrassed in a labyrinth from which he knew +not how to escape. The state had resolved to interfere with the +Church, and saw itself compelled to have immediate recourse to its +_ultima ratio_--the sword. Charles did not desire war, and yet how +could he now avoid it? If he did not execute his threats, his dignity +was compromised, and his authority rendered contemptible. He sought an +outlet on one side or the other, but could find none. It therefore +only remained for him to close his eyes, and rush forward without +knowing what might happen. These thoughts disturbed him: these cares +preyed upon him; he was utterly confounded. + +It was now that the Elector sent to beg Charles would not be offended +if he left Augsburg. "Let him await my answer," abruptly replied the +Emperor; and the Elector having rejoined that he would send his +ministers to explain his motives to his majesty: "Not so many +speeches," resumed Charles, with irritation; "let the Elector say +whether he will stay or not!"[801] + + [801] Kurtz mit Solchen worten ob er erwarten wolte oder nicht? + (Brück, Apol. p. 143.) + +[Sidenote: PROTESTANTISM RESISTS.] + +A rumour of the altercation between these two powerful princes having +spread abroad, the alarm became universal; it was thought war would +break out immediately, and there was a great cry in all Augsburg.[802] +It was evening: men were running to and fro; they rushed into the +hotels of the princes and of the Protestant deputies, and addressed +them with the severest reproaches. "His imperial majesty," said they, +"is about to have recourse to the most energetic measures!" They even +declared that hostilities had begun: it was whispered that the +commander of Horneck (Walter of Kronberg), elected by the Emperor +grand-master of the Teutonic order, was about to enter Prussia with an +army, and dispossess Duke Albert, converted by Luther.[803] Two nights +successively the same tumult was repeated. They shouted, they +quarrelled, they fought, particularly in and before the mansions of +the princes: the war was nearly commencing in Augsburg. + + [802] Ein beschwerlich Geschrey zu Augsbourgden selben abend + ausgebrochen. (Ibid. p. 145.) + + [803] Man würde ein Kriegs-volk in Preussen Schicken. (Brück, Apol. p. + 143.) + +At that crisis (12th September), John Frederick, prince-electoral of +Saxony, quitted the city. + +On the same day, or on the morrow, Jerome Wehe, chancellor of Baden, +and Count Truchses on the one side; Chancellor Brück and Melancthon on +the other, met at six in the morning in the church of St. +Maurice.[804] + + [804] Ibid. p. 155-160. + +Charles, notwithstanding his threats, could not decide on employing +force. He could no doubt by a single word to his Spanish bands or to +his German lansquenets have seized on these inflexible men, and +treated them like Moors. But how could Charles, a Netherlander, a +Spaniard, who had been absent ten years from the Empire, dare, without +raising all Germany, offer violence to the favourites of the nation? +Would not the Roman-catholic princes themselves see in this act an +infringement of their privileges? War was unseasonable. "Lutheranism +is extending already from the Baltic to the Alps," wrote Erasmus to +the legate: "You have but one thing to do: tolerate it."[805] + + [805] A mare Baltico ad Helvetios. (Erasm. Epp. xiv. p. 1.) + +The negotiation begun in the Church of St. Maurice was continued +between the Margrave of Brandenburg and Count Truchses. The Roman +party only sought to save appearances, and did not hesitate, besides, +to sacrifice everything. It asked merely for a few theatrical +decorations--that the Mass should be celebrated in the sacerdotal +garment, with chanting, reading, ceremonies, and its two canons.[806] +All the rest was referred to the next council, and the Protestants, +till then, should conduct themselves so as to render account to God, +to the council, and to his majesty. + + [806] Ingewöhnlichen Kleidungen mit Gesang und Lesen. (Urk. ii. p. + 418.) The canon was a frame of card-board placed on the altar before + the priest, and which contained the Apostles' Creed with various + prayers. + +[Sidenote: LUTHER'S EXHORTATION.] + +But on the side of the Protestants the wind had also changed. Now they +will no longer have peace with Rome: the scales had at last fallen +from their eyes, and they discovered with affright the abyss into +which they had so nearly plunged. Jonas, Spalatin, and even Melancthon +were agreed. "We have hitherto obeyed the commandment of St. Paul, _Be +at peace with all men_," said they; "now we must obey this commandment +of Christ, _Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is +hypocrisy_. On the side of our adversaries is nothing but cunning and +perfidy, and their only aim is to stifle our doctrine, which is truth +itself.[807] They hope to save the abominable articles of Purgatory, +Indulgences, and the Papacy, because we have passed them by in +silence.[808] Let us beware of betraying Christ and his Word in order +to please antichrist and the devil."[809] + + [807] Estel List gefährliche Tücke, &c. (Jonas. Urkund. ii. p. 423.) + + [808] Die gräuliche artikel. (Spalat. Ibid. p. 428.) De Primatu Papæ, + de Purgatorio, de Indulgentiis. (Melancthon, Cord. Ref. ii. p. 374.) + + [809] Dem Teufel und antichrist zu gefallen. (Urk. ii. p. 431.) + +Luther at the same time redoubled his entreaties to withdraw his +friends from Augsburg. "Return, return," cried he to them; "return, +even if it must be so, cursed by the Pope and the Emperor.[810] You +have confessed Jesus Christ, offered peace, obeyed Charles, supported +insults, and endured blasphemies. I will canonize you, I, as faithful +members of Jesus Christ. You have done enough, and more than enough: +now it is for the Lord to act, and he will act! They have our +Confession, they have the Gospel; let them receive it, if they will; +and if they will not, let them go----. If a war should come, let it +come! We have prayed enough; and we have discussed enough. The Lord is +preparing our adversaries as the victim for the sacrifice; he will +destroy their magnificence, and deliver his people. Yes! he will +preserve us even from Babylon, and from her burning walls." + + [810] Vel maledicti a Papa et Cæsare. (L. Epp. iv. p. 162-171.) + + +[Sidenote: THE ELECTOR OF SAXONY.] + +XII. Thus Luther gave the signal of departure. They replied to the +Reformer's appeal, and all prepared to quit Augsburg on Saturday, 17th +September. At ten at night Duke Ernest of Luneburg assembled the +deputies of Nuremberg and the ministers of the Landgrave in his hotel, +and announced to them that the Elector was determined to leave the +next morning, without informing any one, and that he would accompany +him. "Keep the secret," said he to them, "and know that, if peace +cannot be preserved, it will be a trifling matter for me to lose, +combating with you, all that God has given me."[811] + + [811] Alles das, so Ihm Gots geben hätt, dorob zu vertieren ein + geringes wäre. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 379.) + +The Elector's preparations betrayed his intentions. In the middle of +the night Duke Henry of Brunswick arrived hastily at his hotel, +beseeching him to wait,[812] and, towards morning, Counts Truchses and +Mansfeldt announced that, on the morrow between seven and eight, the +Emperor would give him his _congé_. + + [812] In der selben Nacht. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 379.) + +On Monday, 19th September, the Elector purposing to leave Augsburg +immediately after his audience with Charles, breakfasted at seven +o'clock, then sent off his baggage and his cooks,[813] and ordered his +officers to be ready at ten o'clock. At the moment when John quitted +the hotel to wait upon the Emperor, all the members of his household +were drawn up on each side booted and spurred;[814] but, having been +introduced to Charles, he was requested to wait two, four, or six days +longer. + + [813] Præmissis fere omnibus impedimentis una cum cocis. (Corp. Ref. + ii. p. 385.) + + [814] Gestiefelt und gespornt. (Ibid. p. 380.) + +[Sidenote: THE RECESS OF AUGSBURG.] + +As soon as the Elector was alone with his allies, his indignation +burst forth, and he even became violent. "This new delay will end in +nothing,"[815] he said; "I am resolved to set out, happen what may. It +seems to me, from the manner in which things are arranged, that I have +now completely the air of a prisoner." The Margrave of Brandenburg +begged him to be calm. "I shall go," the Elector still replied. At +last he yielded, and having appeared again before Charles the Fifth, +he said, "I will wait until Friday next; and, if nothing is done by +that time, I shall leave forthwith." + + [815] Etwas darob schwermütig und hitzig erzeight. (Ibid. p. 380.) + +Great was the anxiety of the Protestants during these four days of +expectation. Most of them doubted not that, by acceding to Charles's +prayers, they had delivered themselves into the hands of their +enemies. "The Emperor is deliberating whether he ought to hang us or +let us live," wrote Brenz.[816] Fresh negotiations of Truchses were +without success.[817] + + [816] Adhuc deliberat Cæsar pendendum ne nobis sit, an diutius + vivendum. (Corp. Ref. ii.) + + [817] Urkunden. ii. p. 455-472. + +All that now remained for the Emperor was to draw up, in common with +the Romish states, the _recess_ of the diet. This was done; and, that +the Protestants might not complain of its having been prepared without +their knowledge, he assembled them in his palace on Thursday, 22d +September, the day previous to that fixed for the Elector's departure, +and had his project read to them by the Count-palatine. This project +was insult and war. The Emperor granted to the Elector, the five +princes, and the six cities,[818] a delay of six months, until the +15th April next year, to come to an arrangement with the Church, the +Pope, the Emperor, and all the princes and monarchs of Christendom. +This was clearly announcing to them that the Romanists were very +willing to delay until the usual period for bringing armies into the +field. + + [818] Nuremberg and Rentlingen, to which were added the cities of + Kempten, Heilbrunn, Windsheim, and Weissemberg. (Corp Ref. ii. p. + 474-478.) + +[Sidenote: IRRITATING LANGUAGE.] + +Nor was this all: this delay was granted only on the express condition +that the Protestants should immediately join the Emperor in reducing +the Anabaptists, and all those who opposed the holy sacrament, by +which were meant the Zwinglian cities. He wished by this means to tie +the hands of the Protestants, and prevent the two families of the +Reform from uniting during the winter. + +Finally, the Protestants were forbidden to make any innovations, to +print or sell anything on the objects of faith, or to draw any one +whatever to their _sect_, "since the Confession had been soundly +refuted by the Holy Scriptures." Thus they officially proclaimed the +Reform a _sect_, and a sect contrary to the Word of God. + +Nothing was more calculated to displease the friends of the Gospel, +who remained in Charles's presence astonished, alarmed, and +indignant.[819] This had been foreseen; and, at the moment when the +Protestants were about to enter the Emperor's chamber, Truchses and +Wehe, making signs to them, mysteriously slipped a paper into their +hands, containing a promise that, if, on the 15th April, the +Protestants required a prolongation of the delay, their request would +certainly be granted.[820] But Brück, to whom the paper was given, was +not deceived. "A subtle ambuscade," said he; "a masterpiece of +knavery! God will save his own, and will not permit them to fall into +the snare."[821] This trick, in fact, served only still more to +increase the courage of the Protestants. + + [819] Protestantes vehementer hoc decreto minime expectato territi + (Seck. ii. p. 200.) + + [820] Brück, Apologie, p. 182. + + [821] Betrüge, meisterstuck, aber Gott errettet die sernen. (Ibid.) + +[Sidenote: INTIMIDATION.] + +Brück, without discussing the _recess_ in a political point of view, +confined himself to what was principally at stake, the Word of God. +"We maintain," said he, "that our Confession is so based on the holy +Word of God, that it is impossible to refute it. We consider it as the +very truth of God, and we hope by it to stand one day before the +judgment-seat of the Lord." He then announced that the Protestants had +refuted the Refutation of the Romish theologians, and holding in his +hand the famous Apology of the Confession of Augsburg written by +Melancthon, he stepped forward, and offered it to Charles the Fifth. +The Count-palatine took it, and the Emperor was already stretching out +his hand, when Ferdinand having whispered a few words, he motioned the +Count, who immediately returned the Apology to Doctor Brück.[822] This +paper and the "Commonplaces," are the masterpieces of the Reformer. +The embarrassed Emperor told the Protestants to come again at eight +the next morning. + + [822] Auf König Ferdinandus wincke wieder geben. (Apologie, p. 184.) + +Charles the Fifth, resolving to employ every means to get his decree +accepted, began by entreaties; and scarcely was the Margrave of +Brandenburg seated to take his evening repast, when Truchses and Wehe, +appearing before him, used every kind of discourse and argument, but +without success.[823] + + [823] Nach essen allerley Rede Disputation und Persuasion furgewendt. + (Urk. ii. p. 601.) + +The next day (Friday, 23d September), the Evangelical princes and the +deputies of the cities, assembling at five in the morning in the +Margrave's hotel, the _recess_ was there read anew in the presence of +Truchses and Wehe, and Chancellor Brück detailed seven reasons for its +rejection. "I undertake," said Wehe, "to translate the _recess_ into +German in such a manner that you can accept it. As for the word +_sect_, in particular, it is the clerk who placed it there by +mistake."[824] The mediators retired in haste to communicate to +Charles the complaints of the Protestants. + + [824] Sondern vom Schreiber gesetzt, der dis nicht geacht. (Urk. ii. + p. 606.) + +[Sidenote: FINAL INTERVIEW.] + +Charles and his ministers gave up every idea of reconciliation, and +hoped for nothing except through fear. The Protestants having arrived +at eight o'clock at the imperial palace, they were made to wait an +hour; the Elector of Brandenburg then said to them in Charles's name: +"His majesty is astonished beyond measure that you still maintain your +doctrine to be based on the holy Scriptures. If you said the truth, +his majesty's ancestors, so many kings and emperors, and even the +ancestors of the Elector of Saxony, would have been heretics! There is +no Gospel, there is no Scripture, that imposes on us the obligation +of seizing by violence the goods of another, and of saying afterwards +that we cannot conscientiously restore them. It is for this reason," +added Joachim, after these words, which he had accompanied with a +sardonic smile, "I am commissioned to inform you, that if you refuse +the _recess_, all the Germanic states will place their lives and their +property at the Emperor's disposal, and his majesty himself will +employ the resources of all his kingdoms to complete this affair +before leaving the Empire." + +"We do not accept it," replied the Protestants firmly,--"His majesty +also has a conscience," then resumed the Elector of Brandenburg, in a +harsh tone; "and if you do not submit, he will concert with the Pope +and the other potentates on the best means of extirpating this sect +and its new errors." But in vain did they add threat to threat: the +Protestants remained calm, respectful, and unshaken. "Our enemies, +destitute of all confidence in God!" said they, "would shake like a +reed in presence of the Emperor's anger, and they imagine that we +should tremble in like manner; but we have called unto God, and he +will keep us faithful to his truth." + +The Protestants then prepared to take their final leave of the +Emperor. This prince, whose patience had been put to a severe trial, +approached to shake hands according to custom: and beginning with the +Elector of Saxony, he said to him in a low voice: "Uncle, uncle! I +should never have expected this of you." The Elector was deeply +affected: his eyes filled with tears: but, firm and resolute, he bent +his head and quitted Charles without reply. It was now two in the +afternoon. + +[Sidenote: MESSAGES OF PEACE.] + +While the Protestants were returning to their hotels, calm and happy, +the Romish princes returned to theirs, confused and dispirited, uneasy +and divided. They doubted not that the _congé_ that had just been +given the Protestants would be regarded by them as a declaration of +war, and that on quitting Augsburg, they would rush to arms. This +thought terrified them. Accordingly, the Elector of Saxony had hardly +reached his palace, when he saw Dr. Ruhel, councillor of the Elector +of Mentz, hastening towards him, commissioned by his master to deliver +this message: "Although my brother the Elector (Joachim of +Brandenburg) has declared that all the states of the Empire are ready +to support the Emperor against you, know that both myself and the +ministers of the Elector-palatine and of the Elector of Treves +immediately declared to his majesty that we do not adhere to this +declaration, seeing that we think very favourably of you.[825] I +intended saying this to the Emperor in your presence, but you left so +precipitately, that I was unable." + + [825] Wüssten auch nicht anders denn wohl und gut. (Urk. p. 210.) + +Thus spoke the primate of the German Church, and even the choice of +his messenger was significant: Dr. Ruhel was Luther's brother-in-law. +John begged him to thank his master. + +As this envoy retired, there arrived one of the gentlemen of Duke +Henry of Brunswick, a zealous Romanist. He was at first refused +admittance on account of the departure, but returned hastily, just as +Brück's carriage was leaving the court-yard of the hotel. Approaching +the carriage-door, he said: "The Duke informs the Elector that he will +endeavour to put things in a better train, and will come this winter +to kill a wild boar with him."[826] Shortly after, the terrible +Ferdinand himself declared that he would seek every means of +preventing an outbreak.[827] All these manifestations of the +affrighted Roman-catholics showed on which side was the real strength. + + [826] Ein Sawe fahen helfen. (Ibid. 211.) + + [827] Corp. Ref. ii. p. 397. + +At three o'clock in the afternoon the Elector of Saxony, accompanied +by the Dukes of Luneburg and the Princes of Anhalt, quitted the walls +of Augsburg. "God be praised," said Luther, "that our dear prince is +at last out of hell."[828] + + [828] Ein mal aus de Hölle los ist. (L. Epp. iv. p. 175.) + +[Sidenote: RESTORATION OF POPERY.] + +As he saw these intrepid princes thus escaping from his hands, Charles +the Fifth gave way to a violence that was not usual with him.[829] +"They want to teach me a new faith," cried he: "but it is not with +the doctrine that we shall finish this matter: we must draw the sword, +and we shall then see who is the strongest."[830] There was a concert +of indignation around him. They were astonished at the audacity of +Brück, who had dared call the Romanists--heretics![831] But nothing +irritated them so much as the spirit of proselytism which in those +glorious days characterized Evangelical Germany; and the anger of the +Papists was particularly directed against the Chancellor of Luneburg, +"who," said they, "had sent more than a hundred ministers into +different places to preach the new doctrine, and who had even publicly +boasted of it."[832]--"Our adversaries thirst for our blood," wrote, +as they heard these complaints, the deputies of Nuremberg, who +remained almost alone at Augsburg. + + [829] Der Kaiser ist fast hitzig im Handel. (Corp. Ref. ii. 591.) + + [830] Es gehören die Fauste dar zu. (Ibid. p. 592; Urkund. ii. p. + 710.) + + [831] Fur ketzer angezogen. (Ibid.) + + [832] Bis in die Hundert Prediger in andere Lande Schiken helfen + daselbst die neue Lehre zu predigen. (Urkund. ii. p. 646.) + +On the 4th October, Charles the Fifth wrote to the Pope; for it was +from Rome that the new crusade was to set out. "The negotiations are +broken off; our adversaries are more obstinate than ever; and I am +resolved to employ my strength and my person in combating them. For +this reason I beg your holiness will demand the support of all +christian princes." + +[Sidenote: TUMULT IN THE CHURCH.] + +The enterprise began in Augsburg itself. The day on which he wrote to +the Pope, Charles, in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast it +was, re-established the Cordeliers in that city, and a monk ascending +the pulpit said: "All those who preach that Jesus Christ alone has +made satisfaction for our sins, and that God saves us without regard +to our works, are thorough scoundrels. There are, on the contrary, two +roads to salvation: the common road, namely, the observance of the +commandments; and the perfect road, namely, the ecclesiastical state." +Scarcely was the sermon finished ere they began to remove the benches +placed in the church for the Evangelical preaching, breaking them +violently (for they were fixed with chains), and throwing them one +upon another. Within these consecrated walls two monks, in particular, +armed with hammers and pincers, tossed their arms, and shouted like +men possessed. "From this frightful uproar," exclaimed some, "one +would say they were pulling down a house."[833] It was in truth the +house of God that they wished to begin destroying. + + [833] Ein alt Haus abbrechen. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 400.) + +After the tumult was appeased, they sang Mass; then a Spaniard +desiring to recommence breaking the benches, and being prevented by +one of the citizens, they began to hurl chairs at each other; one of +the monks, leaving the choir, ran up to them and was soon dragged into +the fray; at length the captain of police arrived with his men, who +distributed their well-directed blows on every side. Thus recommenced +in Germany the restoration of Roman-catholicism: popular violence has +often been one of its most powerful allies. + +On the 13th October the _recess_ was read to all the Romish states, +and on the same day they concluded a Roman league.[834] + + [834] Ratschlag, &c. (Urkund. ii. 737-740.) + +Two cities had signed the Confession, and two others had assented to +it; the Imperialists hoped, however, that these powerless +municipalities, affrighted at the imperial authority, would withdraw +from the Protestant union. But on the 17th October, instead of two or +four cities, sixteen imperial cities, among which were the most +important in Germany, declared it was impossible to grant any support +against the Turks, so long as public peace was not secured in Germany +itself.[835] + + [835] Wo sie nicht einen gemeinen Friedensversichert. (Corp. Ref. ii. + pp. 411, 416.) + +[Sidenote: UNION OF THE CHURCHES.] + +An event more formidable to Charles had just taken place. The unity of +the Reformation had prevailed. "We are one in the fundamental articles +of faith," had said the Zwinglian cities, "and in particular +(notwithstanding some disputes about words among our theologians), we +are _one_ in the doctrine of the communion in the body and blood of +our Lord. Receive us." The Saxon deputies immediately gave their +hands. Nothing unites the children of God so much as the violence of +their adversaries. "Let us unite," said all, "for the consolation of +our brethren and the terror of our enemies."[836] + + [836] Diesem Theil desto mehr Freude und Trost und dem gegentheil + Erschrecken. (Urkund. ii. p. 728.) + +In vain did Charles, who was intent on keeping up the division among +the Protestants, convoke the deputies of the Zwinglian cities; in +vain, desiring to render them odious, had he accused them of fastening +a consecrated wafer to a wall and firing bullets at it;[837] in vain +did he overwhelm them with fierce threats;--all his efforts were +useless. At length the Evangelical party was one. + + [837] An eine Wand geheftet und dazu geschossen. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. + 423.) + +The alarm increased among the Roman party, who resolved on fresh +concessions. "The Protestants call for public peace," said they: "well +then, let us draw up articles of peace." But, on the 29th October, the +Protestants refused these offers, because the Emperor enjoined peace +to all the world, without binding himself. "An Emperor has the right +to command peace to his subjects," haughtily answered Charles; "but it +has never been heard that he commanded it to himself."[838] + + [838] These negotiations will be found in Forstermann's Urkunden, pp. + 750-793. + +Nothing remained but to draw the sword; and for that Charles made +every preparation. On the 25th October, he wrote to the cardinals at +Rome: "We inform you that we shall spare neither kingdoms nor +lordships; and that we shall venture even our soul and our body to +complete things so necessary." + +[Sidenote: CLOSE OF THE DIET.] + +Scarcely had Charles's letter been received, before his major-domo, +Pedro de la Cueva, arrived in Rome by express. "The season is now too +far advanced to attack the Lutherans immediately," said he to the +Pope; "but prepare everything for this enterprise. His majesty thinks +it his duty to prefer before all things the accomplishment of your +designs." Thus Clement and the Emperor were also united, and both +sides began to concentrate their forces. + +On the evening of the 11th November, the _recess_ was read to the +Protestant deputies, and on the 12th they rejected it, declaring that +they did not acknowledge the Emperor's power to command in matters of +faith.[839] The deputies of Hesse and of Saxony departed immediately +after, and on the 19th November the _recess_ was solemnly read in the +presence of Charles the Fifth, and of the princes and deputies who +were still in Augsburg. This report was more hostile than the project +communicated to the Protestants. It bore, among other things (this is +only a sample of the urbanity of this official doctrine), that "to +deny free-will was the error not of a man, but of a brute."--"We beg +his majesty," said the Elector Joachim, after it was read, "not to +leave Germany, until by his cares one sole and same faith be +re-established in all the Empire." + + [839] Urkunden, ii. p. 823; Corp. Ref. ii. p. 437. + +The Emperor replied, that he would not go farther than his states of +the Low Countries. They desired deeds should follow close upon words. +It was then nearly seven in the evening; a few torches, lighted here +and there by the ushers, and casting a pale light, alone illuminated +this assembly: they separated without seeing each other; and thus +ended, as it were by stealth, that diet so pompously announced to the +christian world. + +On the 22d November, the _recess_ was made public, and two days after +Charles the Fifth set out for Cologne. The ruler of two worlds had +seen all his power baffled by a few Christians; and he who had entered +the imperial city in triumph, now quitted it gloomy, silent, and +dispirited. The mightiest power of the earth was broken against the +power of God. + +[Sidenote: ATTACK ON GENEVA.] + +But the Emperor's ministers and officers, excited by the Pope, +displayed so much the more energy. The states of the Empire were bound +to furnish Charles for three years, 40,000 foot, 8000 horse, and a +considerable sum of money;[840] the Margrave Henry of Zenete, the +Count of Nassau, and other nobles, made considerable levies on the +side of the Rhine; a captain going through the Black Forest called its +rude inhabitants to his standard, and there enrolled six companies of +lansquenets; King Ferdinand had written to all the knights of the +Tyrol and of Wurtemberg to gird on their cuirasses and to seize their +swords; Joachim of Talheim collected the Spanish bands in the Low +Countries, and ordered them towards the Rhine; Peter Scher solicited +from the Duke of Lorraine the aid of his arms; and another chief +hastily moved the Spanish army of Florence in the direction of the +Alps. There was every reason to fear that the Germans, even the +Roman-catholics, would take Luther's part; and hence principally +foreign troops were levied.[841] Nothing but war was talked of in +Augsburg. + + [840] 40,000 zu Fuss und 8000 zu Ross. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 399.) + + [841] Legati Norinb. ad Senatum, 11th October. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. + 402); Legati Sax. ad Electorem, 10th October. (Urkund. ii. p. 711.) + +[Sidenote: JOY OF THE EVANGELICALS.] + +On a sudden a strange rumour was heard.[842] The signal is given, said +every one. A free city, lying on the confines of the Germanic and +Roman world,--a city at war with its bishop, in alliance with the +Protestants, and which passes for reformed even before really being +so, has been suddenly attacked. A courier from Strasburg brings this +news to Augsburg, and it circulates throughout the town with the +rapidity of lightning. Three days after Michaelmas, some armed men, +sent by the Duke of Savoy, pillaged the suburbs of Geneva, and +threatened to take possession of the city, and put all to the edge of +the sword. Every one in Augsburg was amazed. "Ho!" exclaimed Charles +the Fifth, in French, "the Duke of Savoy has begun too soon."[843] It +was reported that Magaret, governor of the Low Countries, the Pope, +the Dukes of Lorraine and Guelders, and even the King of France, were +directing their troops against Geneva. It was there that the army of +Rome intended fixing its _point d'appui_. The avalanche was gathering +on the first slopes of the Alps, whence it would rush over all +Switzerland, and then roll into Germany, burying the Gospel and the +Reformation under its huge mass.[844] + + [842] Shortly before the close of the diet. + + [843] Hatt der Kayser unter andern in Franzosisch geredet. (Ibid. p. + 421.) + + [844] Geneva expugnata, bellum etiam urbibus Germaniæ Superioris + inferretur. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 402.) + +Never had this sacred cause appeared to be in such great danger, and +never in reality had it gained so noble a triumph. The _coup de main_ +attempted on those hills, where six years later Calvin was to take his +station, and plant the standard of Augsburg and of Nazareth, having +failed, all fears were dispelled, and the victory of the confessors of +Christ, for an instant obscured, shone forth anew in all its +splendour. + +While the Emperor Charles, surrounded by a numerous train of princes, +was approaching the banks of the Rhine sad and dispirited, the +Evangelical Christians were returning in triumph to their homes. +Luther was the herald of the victory gained at Augsburg by Faith. +"Though our enemies should have around them, beside them, with them, +not only that puissant Roman Emperor, Charles, but still more the +Emperor of the Turks and his Mahomet," said he, "they could not +intimidate, they could not frighten me. It is I who in the strength of +God am resolved to frighten and overthrow them. They shall yield to +me--they shall fall! and I shall remain upright and firm. My life +shall be their headsman, and my death their hell![845]......God blinds +them and hardens their hearts; he is driving them towards the Red Sea: +all the horses of Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen, cannot +escape their inevitable destiny. Let them go then, let them perish, +since they will it so![846] As for us, the Lord is with us." + + [845] Mein leben soll ihr Henker seyn. (L. Opp. xx. p. 304.) + + [846] Vadant igitur et pereant, quomodo sic volunt. (L. Epp. iv. p. + 167.) + +[Sidenote: ESTABLISHMENT OF PROTESTANTISM.] + +Thus the Diet of Augsburg, destined to crush the Reformation, was what +strengthened it for ever. It has been usual to consider the peace of +Augsburg (1555) as the period when the Reform was definitively +established. That is the date of legal Protestantism; Evangelical +Christianity has another--the autumn of 1530. In 1555 was the victory +of the sword and of diplomacy; in 1530 was that of the Word of God and +of Faith; and this latter victory is in our eyes the truest and the +firmest. The evangelical history of the Reformation in Germany is +nearly finished at the epoch we have reached, and the diplomatic +history of legal Protestantism begins. Whatever may be done now, +whatever may be said, the Church of the first ages has reappeared; and +it has reappeared strong enough to show that it will live. There will +still be conferences and discussions; there will still be leagues and +combats; there will even be deplorable defeats; but all that is a +secondary movement. The great movement is accomplished: the cause of +Faith is won by Faith. The effort has been made: the Evangelical +doctrine has taken root in the world, and neither the storms of men, +nor the powers of hell, will ever be able to tear it up. + + + + +BOOK XV. + +SWITZERLAND--CONQUESTS. 1526-1530. + + +I. The divisions which the Reformation disclosed within its bosom, on +its appearance before the Diet of Augsburg, humbled it and compromised +its existence; but we must not forget that the cause of these +divisions was one of the conditions of the existence of the +regenerated Church. No doubt it would have been desirable for Germany +and Switzerland to have agreed; but it was of still greater importance +that Germany and Switzerland should have each its original Reform. If +the Swiss Reformation had been only a feeble copy of the German, there +would have been uniformity, but no duration. The tree, transplanted +into Switzerland, without having taken deep root, would soon have been +torn up by the vigorous hand that was erelong about to seize upon it. +The regeneration of Christianity in these mountains proceeded from +forces peculiar to the Helvetic Church, and received an organization +in conformity with the ecclesiastical and political condition of that +country. By this very originality it communicated a particular energy +to the principles of the Reformation, of much greater consequence to +the common cause than a servile uniformity. The strength of an army +arises in great measure from its being composed of soldiers of +different arms. + +[Sidenote: THREE PERIODS OF REFORM.] + +The military and political influence of Switzerland was declining. The +new developments of the European nations, subsequent to the sixteenth +century, were about to banish to their native mountains those proud +Helvetians, who for so long a period had placed their two-handed +swords in the balance in which the destinies of nations were weighed. +The Reformation communicated a new influence in exchange for that +which was departing. Switzerland, where the Gospel appeared in its +simplest and purest form, was destined to give in these new times to +many nations of the two worlds a more salutary and glorious impulse +than that which had hitherto proceeded from its halberds and its +arquebuses. + + * * * * * + +The history of the Swiss Reformation is divided into three periods, in +which the light of the Gospel is seen spreading successively over +three different zones. From 1519 to 1526 Zurich was the centre of the +Reformation, which was then entirely German, and was propagated in the +eastern and northern parts of the Confederation. Between 1526 and 1532 +the movement was communicated from Berne: it is at once German and +French, and extended to the centre of Switzerland from the gorges of +the Jura to the deepest valleys of the Alps. In 1532 Geneva became the +focus of the light; and the Reformation, which was here essentially +French, was established on the shores of the Leman lake, and gained +strength in every quarter. It is of the second of these periods--that +of Berne--of which we are now to treat. + +[Sidenote: TWO MOVEMENTS IN THE CHURCH.] + +Although the Swiss Reformation is not yet essentially French, still +the most active part in it is taken by Frenchmen. Switzerland +_Romande_[847] is yoked to the chariot of Reform, and communicates to +it an accelerated motion. In the period we are about to treat of, +there is a mixture of races, of forces, and of characters, from which +proceeds a greater commotion. In no part of the christian world will +the resistance be so stubborn; but nowhere will the assailants display +so much courage. This petty country of Switzerland Romande, enclosed +within the colossal arms of the Jura and the Alps, was for centuries +one of the strongest fortresses of the Papacy. It is about to be +carried by storm; it is going to turn its arms against its ancient +masters; and from these few hillocks, scattered at the foot of the +highest mountains in Europe, will proceed the reiterated shocks that +will overthrow, even in the most distant countries, the sanctuaries of +Rome, their images and their altars. + + [847] The French part of Switzerland, comprising the cantons of + Geneva, Vaud, Neuchatel, and part of those of Friburg, Berne, and + Valais. + +[Sidenote: AGGRESSIVE SPIRIT.] + +There are two movements in the Church: one is effected inwardly, and +its object is its preservation; the other is effected outwardly, and +the object aimed at is its propagation. There is thus a doctrinal +Church and a missionary Church. These two movements ought never to be +separated, and whenever they are disunited, it is because the spirit +of man, and not the spirit of God prevails. In the apostolic ages +these two tendencies were evolved at the same time and with equal +power. In the second and third centuries the external tendency +prevailed; after the Council of Nice (325) the doctrinal movement +resumed the superiority; at the epoch of the irruption of the northern +tribes the missionary spirit revived; but erelong came the times of +the hierarchy and of the schoolmen, in which all doctrinal powers +warred within the Church to found therein despotic government and an +impure doctrine--the Papacy. The revival of Christianity in the +sixteenth century, which emanated from God, was destined to renovate +these two doctrines, but by purifying them. Then indeed the spirit of +God acted at once externally and internally. In the days of the +Reformation there were tranquil and internal developments; but there +was also a more powerful and aggressive action. Men of God had for +ages studied the Word, and had peacefully explained its salutary +lessons. Such had been the work of Vesalia, Goch, Groot, Radewin, +Ruybrook, Tauler, Thomas à Kempis, and John Wessel; now, something +more was required. The power of action was to be united with the power +of thought. The Papacy had been allowed all necessary time for laying +aside its errors; for ages men had been in expectation; it had been +warned, it had been entreated; all had been unavailing. Popery being +unwilling to reform itself, it became necessary for men of God to take +its accomplishment upon themselves. The calm and moderate influence of +the precursors of the Reform was succeeded by the heroic and holy +revolutionary work of the Reformers; and the revolution they effected +consisted in overthrowing the usurping power to re-establish the +legitimate authority. "To everything there is a season," says the +Preacher, "and a time to every purpose under heaven: a time to plant, +and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to break down, +and a time to build up."[848] Of all Reformers, those who carried the +aggressive spirit to its highest degree were the men who came from +France, and more especially Farel, whose labours we have now to +consider. + + [848] Eccles. iii. 1, 2, 3. + +Never were such mighty effects accomplished by so puny a force. In the +government of God we pass in an instant from the greatest to the least +of things. We now quit the haughty Charles V. and all that court of +princes over which he presides, to follow the steps of a schoolmaster; +and we leave the palaces of Augsburg to take our seats in the lowly +cottages of Switzerland. + +The Rhone, after issuing near St. Gothard from the mountains of the +Furka, from beneath an immense sea of eternal ice, rolls its noisy +waters through a rugged valley separating the two great chains of the +Alps; then issuing from the gorge of St. Maurice, it wanders through a +more smiling and fertile country. The sublime Dent du Midi on the +south, the proud Dent de Morcles on the north, picturesquely situated +opposite each other, point out from afar to the traveller's eye the +beginning of this latter basin. On the tops of these mountains are +vast glaciers and threatening peaks, near which the shepherds in the +midst of summer lead their numerous flocks to pasture; while in the +plain, the flowers and fruits of southern climes grow luxuriantly, and +the laurel blooms beside the most exquisite grapes. + +[Sidenote: THE SCHOOLMASTER.] + +At the opening of one of the lateral valleys that lead into the +Northern Alps, on the banks of the Grande Eau that falls in thunder +from the glaciers of the Diablerets, is situated the small town of +Aigle, one of the most southern in Switzerland. For about fifty years +it had belonged to Berne, with the four parishes (_mandemens_) which +are under its jurisdiction, namely, Aigle, Bex, Ollon, and the chalets +scattered in the lofty valleys of the Ormonds. It is in this country +that the second epoch of the Swiss Reformation was destined to begin. + +In the winter of 1526-1527, a foreign schoolmaster, named Ursinus, +arrived in this humble district. He was a man of middle stature, with +red beard and quick eyes, and who, to a voice of thunder (says Beza), +united the feelings of a hero: his modest lessons were intermingled +with new and strange doctrines. The benefices being abandoned by their +titularies to ignorant curates, the people, who were naturally of rude +and turbulent habits, had remained without any cultivation. Thus did +this stranger, who was no other than Farel, meet with new obstacles at +every step. + +Whilst Lefevre and most of his friends had quitted Strasburg to +re-enter France, after the deliverance of Francis I., Farel had turned +his steps towards Switzerland; and on the very first day of his +journey, he received a lesson that he frequently recalled to mind. + +He was on foot, accompanied by a single friend. Night had closed +around them, the rain fell in torrents, and the travellers, in despair +of finding their road, had sat down midway, drenched with rain.[849] +"Ah!" said Farel, "God, by showing me my helplessness in these little +things, has willed to teach me what I am in the greatest, without +Jesus Christ!" At last Farel, springing up, plunged into the marshes, +waded through the waters, crossed vineyards, fields, hills, forests, +and valleys, and at length reached his destination, covered with mud +and soaked to the skin. + + [849] Gravabat nox, opprimebat pluvia......coegit viæ difficultas in + media sedere via sub pluvia. (Farel to Capito and Bucer; Neuchatel, + MS.) + +[Sidenote: FAREL'S STUDIES.] + +In this night of desolation, Farel had received a new baptism. His +natural energy had been quelled; he became, for some time at least, +wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove; and, as not unfrequently +happens to men of such disposition, he at first overstepped his aim. +Believing that he was following the example of the Apostles, he +sought, in the words of Œcolampadius, "to circumvent by pious frauds +the old serpent that was hissing around him."[850] He represented +himself to be a schoolmaster, and waited until a door should be opened +to him to appear as a Reformer.[851] + +[850] Piis artibus et apostolicis versatiis ad circumveniendum illum +opus est. Œcol. to Farel, 27th December, 1526. Neuchatel MS.)] + +[851] Ubi ostium patuerit, tunc adversariis liberius obsistetur. +(Ibid.) + +Scarcely had Magister Ursinus quitted the schoolroom and his primers, +than, taking refuge in his modest chamber, he became absorbed in the +Greek and Hebrew Scriptures, and the most learned treatises of the +theologians. The struggle between Luther and Zwingle was commencing. +To which of these two chiefs should the French Reform attach itself? +Luther had been known in France for a much longer time than Zwingle; +yet Farel decided in favour of the latter. Mysticism had characterized +the Germanic nations during the Middle Ages, and scholasticism those +of Roman descent. The French were in closer relation with the +dialectician Zwingle than with the mystic Luther; or rather, they were +the mediators between the two great tendencies of the Middle Ages; +and, while giving to the christian thought that correct form which +seems to be the province of southern nations, they became the +instruments of God to spread through the Church the fulness of life +and of the Spirit of Christ. + +[Sidenote: THE DOOR IS OPENED.] + +It was in this little chamber at Aigle that Farel read the first +publication addressed to the German by the Swiss Reformer.[852] "With +what learning," cries he, "does Zwingle scatter the darkness! with +what holy ingenuity he gains over the wise, and what captivating +meekness he unites with a forcible erudition! Oh, that by the grace of +God this work may win over Luther, so that the Church of Christ, +trembling from such violent shocks, may at length find peace!"[853] + + [852] Pia et amica ad Lutheri sermonem apologia. (Opp. vol. ii. t. 2, + p. 1.) + + [853] Ut Christi succussa undique Ecclesia, pacis non nihil sentiat. + (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 26.) + +The schoolmaster Ursinus, excited by so noble an example, gradually +set about instructing the parents as well as the children. He at first +attacked the doctrine of purgatory, and next the invocation of Saints. +"As for the Pope, he is nothing," said he, "or almost nothing, in +these parts;[854] and as for the priests, provided they annoy the +people with all that nonsense, which Erasmus knows so well how to turn +into ridicule, that is enough for them." + + [854] Papa aut nullus aut modicus hic est. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 36.) + +Ursinus had been some months at Aigle: a door was opened to him; a +flock had been collected there, and he believed the looked for moment +had arrived. + +Accordingly, one day the prudent schoolmaster disappears. "I am +William Farel," said he, "minister of the Word of God." The terror of +the priests and magistrates was great, when they saw in the midst of +them that very man whose name had already become so formidable. The +schoolmaster quitted his humble study; he ascended the pulpit, and +openly preached Jesus Christ to the astonished multitude. The work of +Ursinus was over: Farel was himself again.[855] It was then about the +month of March or April, 1527, and in that beautiful valley, whose +slopes were brightening in the warm rays of the sun, all was +fermenting at the same time, the flowers, the vineyards, and the +hearts of this sensible but rude people. + + [855] The name of Ursinus was doubtless taken from the bear (ursa), + which was on the shield of Berne. Ursinus meant Bernese. + +Yet the rocks that the torrent meets as it issues from the Diablerets, +and against which it dashes at every step as it falls from eternal +snows, are more trifling obstacles than the prejudice and hatred that +were shown erelong in this populous valley to the Word of God. + +[Sidenote: OPPOSITION.] + +The Council of Berne, by a license of the 9th of March, had +commissioned Farel to explain the Holy Scriptures to the people of +Aigle and its neighbourhood. But the arm of the civil magistrate, by +thus mingling in religious affairs, served only to increase the +irritation of men's minds. The rich and lazy incumbents, the poor and +ignorant curates, were the first to cry out. "_If_ this man," said +they one to another, "continues preaching, it is all over with our +benefices and our Church."[856] + + [856] J. J. Hottinger, H. K. G., iii. p. 364. + +In the midst of this agitation, the bailiff of Aigle and the governor +of the four mandemens, Jacques de Roverea, instead of supporting the +minister of their excellencies of Berne, eagerly embraced the cause of +the priests. "The Emperor," said they, "is about to declare war +against all innovators. A great army will shortly arrive from Spain to +assist the Archduke Ferdinand."[857] Farel stood firm. Upon this the +bailiff and Roverea, exasperated by such boldness, interdicted the +heretic from every kind of instruction, whether as minister or +schoolmaster. But Berne caused to be posted on the doors of all the +churches in the four mandemens a new decree, dated the 3d of July, in +which their excellencies, manifesting great displeasure at this +interdiction "of the very learned Farel from the propagation of the +Divine Word,[858] ordered all the officers of the state to allow him +to preach publicly the doctrines of the Lord." + + [857] Ferdinando adventurum esse ingentem ex Hispania exercitum. + (Zwinglius, Epp. ii. p. 64; dated 11 May, 1527.) + + [858] Inhibita verbi divini propagatio. (Choupard MS.) + +[Sidenote: LAUSANNE.] + +This new proclamation was the signal of revolt. On the 25th July great +crowds assembled at Aigle, at Bex, at Ollon, and in the Ormonds, +crying out, "No more submission to Berne! down with Farel!" From words +they soon proceeded to actions. At Aigle the insurgents, headed by the +fiery syndic, tore down the edict, and prepared to fall upon the +Reformed. These, uniting with promptitude, surrounded Farel, resolved +to defend him. The two parties met face to face, and blood was near +flowing. The firm countenance of the friends of the Gospel checked +the partisans of the priests, who dispersed, and Farel, quitting Aigle +for a few days, carried his views farther. + +In the middle of the beautiful valley of the Leman, on hills which +overlook the lake, stands Lausanne, the city of the bishop and of the +Virgin, placed under the patronage of the Dukes of Savoy. A host of +pilgrims, assembling from all the surrounding places, knelt devoutly +before the image of Our Lady, and made costly purchases at the great +fair of indulgences that was held in its precincts. Lausanne, +extending its episcopal crosier from its lofty towers, pretended to +keep the whole country at the feet of the Pope. But the eyes of many +began to be opened, thanks to the dissolute life of the canons and +priests. The ministers of the Virgin were seen in public playing at +games of chance, which they seasoned with mockery and blasphemy. They +fought in the churches; disguised as soldiers, they descended by night +from the cathedral hill, and roaming through the streets, sword in +hand and in liquor, surprised, wounded, and sometimes even killed the +worthy citizens; they debauched married women, seduced young girls, +changed their residences into houses of ill-fame, and heartlessly +turned out their young children to beg their bread.[859] Nowhere, +perhaps, was better exemplified the description of the clergy given us +by one of the most venerable prelates of the sixteenth century: +"Instead of training up youth by their learning and holiness of life, +the priests train birds and dogs; instead of books, they have +children; they sit with topers in the taverns, and give way to +drunkenness."[860] + + [859] Histoire de la Reformation Suisse by Ruchat, i. p. 35. + + [860] Pro _libros_ sibi _liberos_ comparant, pro studio concubinas + amant. (Tritheim Just. Vitæ Sacerdotalis, p. 765.) The play upon + _libros_ and _liberos_ (books and children) cannot be conveyed in + English. + +[Sidenote: FAREL AT LAUSANNE.] + +Among the theologians in the court of the bishop Sebastian of +Montfaucon, was Natalis Galeotto, a man of elevated rank and great +urbanity, fond of the society of scholars, and himself a man of +learning,[861] but nevertheless very zealous about fasts and all the +ordinances of the Church. Farel thought that, if this man could be +gained over to the Gospel, Lausanne, "slumbering at the foot of its +steeples," would perhaps awaken, and all the country with it. He +therefore addressed himself to him. "Alas! alas!" said Farel, +"religion is no longer but an empty mockery, since people, who think +only of their appetites, are the kings of the Church. Christian +people, instead of celebrating in the sacrament the death of the Lord, +live as if they commemorated Mercury, the god of fraud. Instead of +imitating the love of Christ, they emulate the lewdness of Venus; and +when they do evil, they fear more the presence of a wretched swineherd +than of God Almighty."[862] + + [861] Urbanus, doctus, magnus, consuetudine doctorum obligatus. (Farel + to Galeotto, Neuchatel MS.) + + [862] Pluris faciunt miserrimi subulci aspectum quam omnipotentis Dei. + (Farel to Galeotto, Neuchatel MS.) + +But Galeotto made no reply, and Farel persevered, "Knock; cry out with +all your might," wrote he in a second letter; "redouble your attacks +upon our Lord."[863] Still there was no answer. Farel returned to the +charge a third time, and Natalis, fearing to reply in person, +commissioned his secretary, who forwarded a letter to Farel full of +insulting language.[864] For a season Lausanne was inaccessible. + + [863] Pulsare, vociferari perge, nec prius cessa quam, &c. (Ibid.) + + [864] Næniis totas implevit et conviciis. (Ibid.) + +After having thus contended with a priest, Farel was destined to +struggle with a monk. The two arms of the hierarchy by which the +Middle Ages were governed had been chivalry and monachism. The latter +still remained for the service of the Papacy, although falling into +decay. "Alas!" exclaimed a celebrated Carthusian, "what an obstinate +devil would fear to do, a reprobate and arrogant monk will commit +without hesitation."[865] + + [865] Quod agere veretur obstinatus diabolus, intrepide agit reprobus + et contumax monachus. (Jacob von Juterbock; de Negligentia + Prelatorum.) + +[Sidenote: FAREL AND THE MONK.] + +A mendicant friar, who dared not oppose the reformer in a direct +manner at Aigle, ventured into the village of Noville, situated on the +low grounds deposited by the Rhone as it falls into the lake of +Geneva. The friar, ascending the pulpit, exclaimed, "It is the devil +himself who preaches by the mouth of the minister, and all those who +listen to him will be damned." Then, taking courage, he slunk along +the bank of the Rhone, and arrived at Aigle with a meek and humble +look, not to appear there against Farel, whose powerful eloquence +terribly alarmed him, but to beg in behalf of his convent a few +barrels of the most exquisite wine in all Switzerland. He had not +advanced many steps into the town before he met the minister. At this +sight he trembled in every limb. "Why did you preach in such a manner +at Noville?" demanded Farel. The monk, fearful that the dispute would +attract public attention, and yet desirous of replying to the point, +whispered in his ear, "I have heard say, that you are a heretic and +misleader of the people." "Prove it," said Farel. Then the monk "began +to storm," says Farel,[866] and, hastening down the street, +endeavoured to shake off his disagreeable companion, "turning now this +way, now that, like a troubled conscience."[867] A few citizens +beginning to collect around them, Farel said to them, pointing to the +monk, "You see this fine father; he has said from the pulpit that I +preach nothing but lies." Then the monk, blushing and stammering, +began to speak of the offerings of the faithful (the precious wine of +Yvorne, for which he had come begging), and accused Farel of opposing +them. The crowd had now increased in number, and Farel, who only +sought an opportunity of proclaiming the true worship of God, +exclaimed, with a loud voice, "It is no man's business to ordain any +other way of serving God than that which He has commanded. We must +keep his commandments without turning either to the right hand or to +the left.[868] Let us worship God alone in spirit and in truth, +offering to him a broken and a contrite heart." + + [866] Commença de se tempester; in the narrative he gives of this + adventure to the nuns of Vevay. (Neuchatel MS.) + + [867] Tournant maintenant de ça, maintenant de là, comme fait la + conscience mal assurée. (Ibid.) + + [868] Il n'appartient à personne vivante d'ordonner autre manière de + faire service à Dieu, que celle qu'il a commandée. Nous devons garder + ses commandemens, sans tirer ni à la dextre, ni à la senestre. + (Neuchatel MS.) + +The eyes of all the spectators were fixed on the two actors in this +scene, the monk with his wallet, and the reformer with his glistening +eye. Confounded by Farel's daring to speak of any other worship than +that which the holy Roman Church prescribed, the friar was out of his +senses; he trembled, and was agitated, becoming pale and red by turns. +At last, taking his cap off his head, from under his hood, he flung it +on the ground, trampling it under foot, and crying: "I am amazed that +the earth does not gape and swallow us up!"[869]......Farel wished to +reply, but in vain. The friar with downcast eyes kept stamping on his +cap, "bawling out like one out of his wits:" and his cries resounding +through the streets of Aigle, drowned the voice of the reformer. At +length one of the spectators, who stood beside him, plucked him by the +sleeve, and said, "listen to the minister, as he is listening to you." +The affrighted monk, believing himself already half-dead, started +violently and cried out: "Oh, thou excommunicate! layest thou thy hand +upon me?" + + [869] Hors de sens, trembloit, s'agitoit, palissoit, et rougissoit + tour à tour. Enfin tirant son bonnet de sa tête, hors da chaperon, il + le rua à terre, jettant et mettant son pied sus, en s'écriant: "Je + suis esbahi comme la terre ne nous abyme!" (Ibid.) + +The little town was in an uproar; the friar at once furious and +trembling, Farel following up his attack with vigour, and the people +in confusion and amazement. At length the magistrate appeared, ordered +the monk and Farel to follow him, and shut them up, "one in one tower +and one in another."[870] + + [870] L'un en une tour, et l'autre en l'autre. (Neuchatel MS.) + +On the Saturday morning Farel was liberated from his prison, and +conducted to the castle before the officers of justice, where the monk +was already present. The minister began to address them: "My lords, +to whom our Saviour enjoins obedience without any exception, this +friar has said that the doctrine which I preach is against God. Let +him make good his words, or, if he cannot, permit your people to be +edified." The violence of the monk was over. The tribunal before which +he was standing, the courage of his adversary, the power of the +movement which he could not resist, the weakness of his cause--all +alarmed him, and he was now ready to make matters up. "Then the friar +fell upon his knees, saying: My lords, I entreat forgiveness of you +and of God. Next turning to Farel: And also, Magister, what I preached +against you was grounded on false reports. I have found you to be a +good man, and your doctrine good, and I am prepared to recall my +words."[871] + + [871] Lors le frère se jeta à genoux, disant: Messeigneurs, je demande + merci à Dieu et à vous......Et aussi, Magister, ce que j'ai prêché + contre vous a été par de faux rapports, &c. (Neuchatel MS.) + +Farel was touched by this appeal, and said: "My friend, do not ask +forgiveness of me, for I am a poor sinner like other men, putting my +trust not in my own righteousness, but in the death of Jesus."[872] + + [872] Je suis pauvre pécheur comme les autres, ayant ma fiance, non en + ma justice, mais à la mort de Jesus. (Ibid.) + +One of the lords of Berne coming up at this time, the friar, who +already imagined himself on the brink of martyrdom, began to wring his +hands, and to turn now towards the Bernese councillors, now towards +the tribunal, and then to Farel, crying, "Pardon, pardon!"--"Ask +pardon of our Saviour," replied Farel. The lord of Berne added: "Come +to-morrow and hear the minister's sermon; if he appears to you to +preach the truth, you shall confess it openly before all; if not, you +will declare your opinion: this promise in my hand." The monk held out +his hand, and the judges retired. "Then the friar went away, and I +have not seen him since, and no promises or oaths were able to make +him stay."[873] Thus the Reformation advanced in Switzerland Romande. + + [873] Puis quand le frère fut parti, depuis ne l'ai vu, et nulles + promesses ni sermens ne l'ont pu faire demeurer. (Ibid.) + +[Sidenote: OPPOSITION TO THE GOSPEL.] + +But violent storms threatened to destroy the work that was hardly +begun. Romish agents from the Valais and from Savoy had crossed the +Rhone at St. Maurice, and were exciting the people to energetic +resistance. Tumultuous assemblages took place, in which dangerous +projects were discussed; the proclamations of the government were torn +down from the church-doors; troops of citizens paraded the city; the +drum beat in the streets to excite the populace against the reformer: +everywhere prevailed riot and sedition. Thus on the 16th February, +Farel ascended the pulpit for the first time after a short absence, +some Papist bands collected round the gate of the church, raised their +hands in tumult, uttered savage cries, and compelled the minister to +break off in his sermon. + +[Sidenote: THE CONVERTED MONK.] + +The council of Berne thereupon decreed that the parishioners of the +four mandemens should assemble. Those of Bex declared for the Reform; +Aigle followed their example, but with indecision; and in the +mountains above Ollon, the peasants not daring to maltreat Farel, set +their wives at him, who rushed upon him with their fulling-clubs. But +it was especially the parish of the Ormonds which, calm and proud at +the foot of its glaciers, signalized itself by its resistance. A +companion of Farel's labourers, named Claude (probably Claude de +Glontinis), when preaching there one day with great animation, was +suddenly interrupted by the ringing of the bells, whose noise was such +that one might have said all hell was busy pulling them. "In fact," +says another herald of the Gospel, Jacques Comralis, who chanced to be +present, "it was Satan himself, who, breathing his anger into some of +his agents, filled the ears of the auditors with all this +uproar."[874] At another time, some zealous Reformers having thrown +down the altars of Baal, according to the language of the times, the +evil spirit began to blow with violence in all the chalets scattered +over the sides of the mountains; the shepherds issued precipitously +like avalanches, and fell upon the Church and the Reformers. "Let us +only find these sacrilegious wretches," cried the furious Ormondines; +"we will hang them,--we will cut off their heads,--we will burn +them,--we will throw their ashes into the Great Water."[875] Thus were +these mountaineers agitated, like the wind that roars in their lofty +valleys with a fury unknown to the inhabitants of the plains. + + [874] Sed Sathan per ejus servos, voluit aures auditorum ejus sono + cymbali implere. (Neuchatel MS.) + + [875] Quo invento suspenderetur primum, deinde dignus comburi, + alterius capitis obtruncatione, novissime in aquis mergeretur. + (Neuchatel MS.) + +Other difficulties overwhelmed Farel. His fellow-labourers were not +all of them blameless. One Christopher Ballista, formerly a monk of +Paris, had written to Zwingle: "I am but a Gaul, a barbarian,[876] but +you will find me a man pure as snow, without any guile, of open heart, +through whose windows all the world may see."[877] Zwingle sent +Ballista to Farel, who was loudly calling for labourers in Christ's +vineyard. The fine language of the Parisian at first charmed the +multitude; but it was soon found necessary to beware of these priests +and monks disgusted with Popery. "Brought up in the slothfulness of +the cloister, gluttonous and lazy," says Farel, "Ballista could not +conform to the abstemiousness and rude labours of the Evangelists, and +soon began to regret his monk's hood. When he perceived the people +beginning to distrust him, he became like a furious monster, vomiting +waggon-loads of threats."[878] Thus ended his labours. + + [876] Me quantumvis Gallum et barbarum. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 205.) + + [877] Absque ullo fuco, niveum, et aperti fenestratique pectoris. + (Ibid.) + + [878] Quam beatus hic venter incanduit! quot minarum plaustra! Solent + tales belluæ, &c. (Neuchatel MS.) + +[Sidenote: STATE--RELIGION.] + +Notwithstanding all these trials, Farel was not discouraged. The +greater the difficulties, the more his energy increased. "Let us +scatter the seed everywhere," said he, "and let civilized France, +provoked to jealousy by this barbarous nation, embrace piety at last. +Let there not be in Christ's body either fingers, or hands, or feet, +or eyes, or ears, or arms, existing separately and working each for +itself, but let there be only one heart that nothing can divide. Let +not variety in secondary things divide into many separate members that +vital principle which is one and simple.[879] Alas! the pastures of +the Church are trodden under foot, and its waters are troubled! Let us +set our minds to concord and peace. When the Lord shall have opened +heaven, there will not be so many disputes about bread and water.[880] +A fervent charity--that is the powerful battering-ram with which we +shall beat down those proud walls, those material elements, with which +men would confine us."[881] + + [879] Ne in digitos, manus, pedes, oculos, nares, aures, brachia, cor + quod unum est discindatur, et quæ in rebus est varietas, principium + non faciat multiplex. (Ibid.) + + [880] An allusion to the controversies on anabaptism and the real + presence. Non tanta erit super aqua et pane contentio, nec super + gramine, solutaque obsidione. (Neuchatel MS.) The sense of these + latter words is obscure. + + [881] Charitas fortissimus aries. (Farel to Bucer, 10th May, 1529.) + +Thus wrote the most impetuous of the Reformers. These words of Farel, +preserved for three centuries in the city where he died, disclose to +us more clearly the intimate nature of the great Revolution of the +sixteenth century, than all the venturesome assertions of its Popish +interpreters. Christian unity thus from these earliest moments found a +zealous apostle. The nineteenth century is called to resume the work +which the sixteenth century was unable to accomplish. + + +[Sidenote: IRRESOLUTION OF BERNE.] + +II. Of all the Swiss cantons, Berne appeared the least disposed to the +Reformation. A military state may be zealous for religion, but it will +be for an external and a disciplined religion; it requires an +ecclesiastical organization that it can see, and touch, and manage at +its will. It fears the innovations and the free movements of the Word +of God: it loves the form and not the life. Napoleon, by restoring +religion in France in the _Concordat_, has given us a memorable +example of this truth. Such, also, was the case with Berne. Its +government, besides, was absorbed by political interests, and although +it had little regard for the Pope, it cared still less to see a +Reformer put himself, as Zwingle did, at the head of public affairs. +As for the people, feasting on the "butter of their kine and milk of +their sheep, with fat of lambs,"[882] they remained closely shut up +within the narrow circle of their material wants. Religious questions +were not to the taste either of the rulers or of their fellow-citizens. + + [882] Deut. xxxii. 14. + +The Bernese government, being without experience in religious matters, +had proposed to check the movement of the Reform by its edict of 1523. +As soon as it discovered its mistake, it moved towards the cantons +that adhered to the ancient faith; and while that portion of the +people whence the Great Council was recruited, listened to the voice +of the Reformers, most of the patrician families, who composed the +Smaller Council, believing their power, their interests, and their +honor menaced, attached themselves to the old order of things. From +this opposition of the two councils there arose a general uneasiness, +but no violent shocks. Sudden movements, repeated starts, announced +from time to time that incongruous matters were fermenting in the +nation; it was like an indistinct earthquake, which raises the whole +surface without causing any rents: then anon all returns to apparent +tranquillity.[883] Berne, which was always decided in its politics, +turned in religious matters at one time to the right, and at another +to the left; and declared that it would be neither Popish nor +Reformed. To gain time was, for the new faith, to gain everything. + + [883] Hundeshagen, Conflikte der Bernischen Kirche, p. 19. + +[Sidenote: ALMANACK OF HERETICS.] + +What was done to turn aside Berne from the Reformation, was the very +cause of precipitating it into the new way. The haughtiness with which +the five primitive cantons arrogated the guardianship of their +confederates, the secret conferences to which Berne was not even +invited, and the threat of addressing the people in a direct manner, +deeply offended the Bernese oligarchs. Thomas Murner, a Carmelite of +Lucerne, one of those rude men who act upon the populace, but who +inspire disgust in elevated minds, made the cup run over. Furious +against the Zurich calendar, in which the names of the saints had been +purposely omitted, he published in opposition to it the "Almanack of +Heretics and Church-robbers," a tract filled with lampoons and +invectives, in which the portraits of the Reformers and of their +adherents, among whom were many of the most considerable men of Berne, +were coupled with the most brutal inscriptions.[884] Zurich and Berne +in conjunction demanded satisfaction, and from this time the union of +these two states daily became closer. + + [884] Quum nudus-tertius _Murneri_ Calendarium legissem, partim + ridendo hominis stultissimam impudentiam. (Œcolamp. to Zwingle, Febr. + 1527, Epp. ii. p. 26.) + +This change was soon perceived at Berne. The elections of 1527 placed +a considerable number of friends of the Reform in the Great Council; +and this body, forthwith resuming its right to nominate the members of +the Smaller Council, which had been usurped for twenty years by the +Bannerets and the Sixteen, removed from the government the most +decided partisans of the Roman hierarchy, and among others Gaspard de +Mulinen and Sebastian de Stein,[885] and filled the vacancies with +members of the Evangelical majority. The union of Church and State, +which had hitherto checked the progress of the Reform in Switzerland, +was now about to accelerate its movements. + + [885] Mullinen e Senatoria dignitate protrusus est. Lapides quoque. + (Haller to Zwingle, April 25, 1527. Ibid. p. 49.) + +[Sidenote: ANABAPTISTS IN BERNE.] + +The Reformer Haller was not alone in Berne. Kolb had quitted the +Carthusian monastery at Nuremberg, in which he had been compelled to +take refuge, and had appeared before his compatriots, demanding no +other stipend than the liberty of preaching Jesus Christ. Already +bending under the weight of years, his head crowned with hoary locks, +Kolb, young in heart, full of fire, and of indomitable courage, +presented boldly before the chiefs of the nation that Gospel which +had saved him. Haller, on the contrary, although only thirty-five +years old, moved with a measured step, spoke with gravity, and +proclaimed the new doctrines with unusual circumspection. The old man +had taken the young man's part, and the youth that of the graybeard. + +Zwingle, whose eye nothing escaped, saw that a favourable hour for +Berne was coming, and immediately gave the signal. "The dove +commissioned to examine the state of the waters is returning with an +olive-branch into the ark," wrote he to Haller; "come forth now, thou +second Noah, and take possession of the land. Enforce, be earnest, and +fix deeply in the hearts of men the hooks and grapnels of the Word of +God, so that they can never again be rid of them."[886]--"Your bears," +wrote he to Thomas ab Hofen, "have again put forth their claws. Please +God that they do not draw them back until they have torn everything in +pieces that opposes Jesus Christ." + + [886] Aculeos ac hamos, sic in mortalium pectora dimitte, ut etiam si + velint, non possint. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 10.) + +[Sidenote: VICTORY OF THE GOSPEL.] + +Haller and his friends were on the point of replying to this appeal, +when their situation became complicated. Some Anabaptists, who formed +everywhere the extreme party, arriving in Berne in 1527, led away the +people from the Evangelical preachers "on account of the presence of +idols."[887] Haller had a useless conference with them. "To what +dangers is not Christianity exposed," cried he, "wherever these furies +have crept in!"[888] There has never been any revival in the Church, +without the hierarchical or radical sects immediately endeavouring to +disturb it. Haller, although alarmed, still maintained his unalterable +meekness. "The magistrates are desirous of banishing them," said he; +"but it is our duty to drive out their errors, and not their persons. +Let us employ no other weapons than the sword of the Spirit."[889] It +was not from Popery that the Reformers had learnt these principles. A +public disputation took place. Six Anabaptists declared themselves +convinced, and two others were sent out of the country. + + [887] Ne plebem dehortentur ab auditione concionum nostrarum ob + idolorum præsentiam. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 49.) + + [888] Consideravimus omnes periculum urbis nostræ et totius + Christianismi, ubi illæ furiæ irrepserint. (Ibid. p. 50.) + + [889] Nostrum est, omnio gladio spiritus refellere. (Ibid.) + +The decisive moment was drawing near. The two great powers of the age, +the Gospel and the Papacy, were stirring with equal energy; the +Bernese councils were to speak out. They saw on the one hand the five +primitive cantons taking daily a more threatening attitude, and +announcing that the Austrian would soon reappear in Helvetia, to +reduce it once more into subjection to Rome; and on the other they +beheld the Gospel every day gaining ground in the Confederation. Which +was destined to prevail in Switzerland--the lances of Austria or the +Word of God? In the uncertainty in which the councils were placed, +they resolved to side with the majority. Where could they discover a +firm footing, if not there? _Vox populi, vox Dei._ "No one," said +they, "can make any change of his own private authority: the consent +of all is necessary."[890] + + [890] Ut privata auctoritate nemo quippiam immutare præsumat (Haller + to Vadian.) + +The government of Berne had to decide between two mandates, both +emanating from its authority: that of 1523, in favour of the free +preaching of the Gospel, and that of 1526, in favour "of the +sacraments, the saints, the mother of God, and the ornaments of the +churches." State messengers set out and traversed every parish: the +people gave their votes against every law contrary to liberty, and the +councils, supported by the nation, decreed that "the Word of God +should be preached publicly and freely, even if it should be in +opposition to the statutes and doctrines of men." Such was the victory +of the Gospel and of the people over the oligarchy and the priests. + +[Sidenote: PAPIST PROVOCATIONS.] + +Contentions immediately arose throughout the canton, and every parish +became a battle-field. The peasants began to dispute with the priests +and monks, in reliance on the Holy Scriptures. "If the mandate of our +lords," said many, "accords to our pastors the liberty of preaching, +why should it not grant the flock the liberty of acting?"--"Peace, +peace!" cried the councils, alarmed at their own boldness. But the +flocks resolutely declared that they would send away the Mass, and +keep their pastors and the Bible.[891] Upon this the Papal partisans +grew violent. "Heretics, rascals, wantons," said the banneret +Kuttler[892] to the good people of Emmenthal; and these peasants +obliged him to make an apology. The bailiff of Trachselwald was more +cunning. Seeing the inhabitants of Rudersweil listening with eagerness +to the Word of God, which a pious minister was preaching to them, he +came with fifers and trumpeters, and interrupted the sermon, inviting +the village girls by words and by lively tunes to quit the church for +the dance. + + [891] Incolas vallis Emmenthal Senatum adiisse, _missam_que _missam + fecisse_. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 104.) + + [892] Pueros, hereticos, et homines lascivos. (Ibid. p. 106.) + +These singular provocations did not check the Reform. Six of the city +companies (the shoe-makers, weavers, merchants, bakers, stone-masons, +and carpenters) abolished in the churches and convents of their +district all masses, anniversaries, advowsons, and prebends. Three +others (the tanners, smiths, and tailors) prepared to imitate +them;[893] the seven remaining companies were undecided, except the +butchers, who were enthusiasts for the Pope. Thus the majority of the +citizens had embraced the Gospel. Many parishes throughout the canton +had done the same; and the avoyer d'Erlach, the great adversary of the +Reformation, could no longer keep the torrent within bounds. + + [893] Haller to Zwingle, 4th November, 1527. (Epp. ii. p. 105.) + +[Sidenote: PROPOSED DISPUTATION.] + +Yet the attempt was made: the bailiffs were ordered to note the +irregularities and dissolute lives of the monks and nuns; all women of +loose morals were even turned out of the cloisters.[894] But it was +not against these abuses alone that the Reformation was levelled; it +was against the institutions themselves, and against Popery on which +they were founded. The people must therefore decide.--"The Bernese +clergy," said they, "must be convoked, as at Zurich, and let the two +doctrines be discussed in a solemn conference. We will proceed +afterwards in conformity with the result." + + [894] J. J. Hottinger, H. Kirchen, viii. p. 394. + +On the Sunday following the festival of Saint Martin (11th November), +the council and citizens unanimously resolved that a public +disputation should take place at the beginning of the succeeding year. +"The glory of God and his Word," said they, "will at length appear!" +Bernese and strangers, priests and laymen, all were invited by letter +or by printed notice to come and discuss the controverted points, but +by Scripture alone, without the glosses of the ancients, and +renouncing all subtleties and abusive language.[895] Who knows, said +they, if all the members of the ancient Swiss confederation may not be +thus brought to unity of faith? + + [895] Solam sacram Scripturam, absque veterum glossematis. (Haller to + Zwingle, 19th November 1527. Epp. ii. p. 113.) + +Thus, within the walls of Berne, the struggle was about to take place +that would decide the fate of Switzerland; for the example of the +Bernese must necessarily lead with it a great part of the +Confederation. + +[Sidenote: IMPORTANT QUESTION.] + +The Five Cantons, alarmed at this intelligence, met at Lucerne, when +they were joined by Fribourg, Soleure and Glaris. There was nothing +either in the letter or in the spirit of the federal compact to +obstruct religious liberty. "Every state," said Zurich, "is free to +choose the doctrine that it desires to profess." The Waldstettes,[896] +on the contrary, wished to deprive the cantons of this independence, +and to subject them to the federal majority and to the Pope. They +protested, therefore, in the name of the confederation against the +proposed discussion. "Your ministers," wrote they to Berne, "dazzled +and confounded at Baden by the brightness of truth, would desire by +this new discussion to hide their shame; but we entreat you to desist +from a plan so contrary to our ancient alliances."--"It is not we who +have infringed them," replied Berne; "it is much rather your haughty +missive that has destroyed them. We will not abandon the Word of our +Lord Jesus Christ." Upon this the Roman cantons decided to refuse all +safe-conduct to those who should proceed to Berne. This was giving +token of sinister intentions. + + [896] The inhabitants of the primitive democratic cantons, Schwytz, + Uri, Underwald, and Lucerne, to which Zug may be added. + +The four bishops of Lausanne, Constance, Basle, and Sion, being +invited to the conference under pain of forfeiting all their +privileges in the canton of Berne, replied that, since it was to be a +disputation according to the Scriptures, they had nothing to do with +it. Thus did these priests forget the words of one of the most +illustrious Roman doctors of the fifteenth century: "In heavenly +things man should be independent of his fellows, and trust in God +alone."[897] + + [897] John Goch, Dialogus de quatuor erroribus, p. 237. + +The Romanist doctors followed the example of the bishops. Eck, Murner, +Cochlœus, and many others said everywhere: "We have received the +letter of this leper, of this accursed heretic Zwingle.[898] They want +to take the Bible for their judge; but has the Bible a voice against +those who do it violence? We will not go to Berne; we will not crawl +into that obscure corner of the world; we will not go and combat in +that gloomy cavern, in that school of heretics. Let these villains +come out into the open air, and contend with us on level ground, if +they have the Bible on their side, as they say." The Emperor ordered +the discussion to be adjourned; but on the very day of its opening, +the council of Berne replied, that as every one was already assembled, +delay was impossible. + + [898] Epistolam leprosi, damnati, hæretici Zwinglii accepi. (Eck to G. + A. Zell, Zw. Epp. ii. p. 126.) + +[Sidenote: UNEQUAL CONTEST.] + +Then, in despite of the doctors and bishops, the Helvetic Church +assembled to decide upon its doctrines. Had it a right to do so? +No;--not if priests and bishops were appointed, as Rome pretends, to +form a mystic bond between the Church and our Lord; Yes--if they were +established, as the Bible declares, only to satisfy that law of order +by virtue of which all society should have a directing power. The +opinions of the Swiss Reformers in this respect were not doubtful. The +grace which creates the minister comes from the Lord, thought they; +but the Church examines this grace, acknowledges it, proclaims it by +the elders, and in every act in which faith is concerned, it can +always appeal from the minister to the Word of God. _Try the +spirits--prove all things_, it says to the faithful. The Church is the +judge of controversies;[899] and it is this duty, in which it should +never be found wanting, that it was now about to fulfil in the +disputation at Berne. + + [899] _Judex controversiarum_--1 John iv. 1; 1 Thess. v. 21. + +The contest seemed unequal. On one side appeared the Roman hierarchy, +a giant which had increased in strength during many centuries; and on +the other, there was at first but one weak and timid man, the modest +Berthold Haller. "I cannot wield the sword of the Word," said he in +alarm to his friends. "If you do not stretch out your hands to me, all +is over." He then threw himself trembling at the feet of the Lord, and +soon arose enlightened and exclaiming, "Faith in the Saviour gives me +courage, and scatters all my fears."[900] + + [900] Fides in Dominum me animat, ut nihil verear. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. + 123.) + +Yet he could not remain alone: all his looks were turned towards +Zwingle: "It was I who took the bath at Baden," wrote Œcolampadius to +Haller, "and now it is Zwingle who should lead off the bear-dance in +Berne."[901]--"We are between the hammer and the anvil," wrote Haller +to Zwingle; "we hold the wolf by the ears, and know not how to let him +go.[902] The houses of De Watteville, Noll, Tremp, and Berthold are +open to you. Come, then, and command the battle in person." + + [901] An allusion to the dispute at Baden, a celebrated bathing-place, + and to the arms of Berne. (Ibid. p. 118.) + + [902] Lupum auribus tenemus. (Zurich MS.) + +[Sidenote: A CHRISTIAN BAND.] + +Zwingle did not hesitate. He demanded permission of the Council of +Zurich to visit Berne, in order to show there "that his teaching was +full of the fear of God, and not blasphemous; mighty to spread concord +through Switzerland, and not to cause troubles and dissension."[903] +At the very time that Haller received news of Zwingle's coming, +Œcolampadius wrote to him: "I am ready, if it be necessary, to +sacrifice my life. Let us inaugurate the new year by embracing one +another to the glory of Jesus Christ." Other doctors wrote to the same +effect. "These, then," cried Haller with emotion, "these are the +auxiliaries that the Lord sends to my infirmity, to aid me in fighting +this rude battle!" + + [903] Neque ad perturbationem nostræ almæ Helvetiæ. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. + 120.) + +It was necessary to proceed with circumspection, for the violence of +the oligarchs and of the Five Cantons was well known.[904] The doctors +of Glaris, Schaffhausen, St. Gall, Constance, Ulm, Lindau and +Augsburg, assembled at Zurich, to proceed under the same escort as +Zwingle, Pellican, Collin, Megander, Grossman, the commander Schmidt, +Bullinger, and a great number of the rural clergy, selected to +accompany the reformer. "When all this game traverses the country," +said the pensioners, "we will go a-hunting, and see if we cannot kill +some, or at least catch them and put them into a cage." + + [904] Oligarchæ in angulis obmurmurent. (Ibid. p. 123.) + +Three hundred chosen men, selected from the companies of Zurich and +from the parishes within its precincts, donned their breastplates and +shouldered their arquebuses; but in order not to give the journey of +these doctors the appearance of a military expedition, they took +neither colours, fife, nor drum; and the trumpeter of the city, a +civil officer, rode alone at the head of the company. + +[Sidenote: OPENING OF THE CONFERENCE.] + +On Tuesday the 2d of January they set out. Never had Zwingle appeared +more cheerful. "Glory be to the Lord," said he, "my courage increases +every day."[905] The burgomaster Roust, the town-clerk of Mangoldt, +with Funck and Jaëkli, both masters of arts, and all four delegated by +the council, were on horseback near him. They reached Berne on the 4th +of January, having had only one or two unimportant alarms. + + [905] Crescit, Domino gloria, mihi animus in hac pugna. (Zw. Epp. + Vadiano.) + +The Cordeliers' Church was to serve as the place of conference. +Tillmann, the city architect, had made arrangements according to a +plan furnished by Zwingle.[906] A large platform had been erected on +which were placed two tables, and around them sat the champions of the +two parties. On the evangelical side were remarked, besides Haller, +Zwingle, and Œcolampadius, many distinguished men of the Reformed +Church, strangers to Switzerland, as Bucer, Capito, and Ambrose +Blarer. On the side of the papacy, Dr. Treger of Friburg, who enjoyed +a high reputation, appeared to keep up the fire of the combat. As for +the rest, whether through fear or contempt, the most famous Roman +doctors were absent. + + [906] Tillmannus urbis architectus locum juxta tuam deformationem + operabit. (Ibid. ii p. 123.) + +The first act was to publish the regulations of the conference. "No +proof shall be proposed that is not drawn from the Holy Scriptures, +and no explanation shall be given of those scriptures, that does not +come from Scripture itself, explaining obscure texts by such as are +clear." After this, one of the secretaries, rising to call over the +roll, shouted with a loud voice that re-echoed through the +church,--The Bishop of Constance! No one replied. He did the same for +the bishops of Zion, Basle, and Lausanne. Neither of these prelates +was present at this meeting, either in person or by deputy. The Word +of God being destined to reign alone, the Roman hierarchy did not +appear. These two powers cannot walk together. There were present +about three hundred and fifty Swiss and German ecclesiastics. + +[Sidenote: CHRIST, THE SOLE HEAD.] + +On Tuesday, 7th January, 1528, the burgomaster Vadianus, of St. Gall, +one of the presidents, opened the disputation. After him the aged Kolb +stood up, and said: "God is at this moment agitating the whole world, +let us, therefore, humble ourselves before him," and he pronounced +with fervour a confession of sins. + +When this was done, the first thesis was read. It was thus drawn up. +"The Holy Christian Church, of which Christ is the sole head, is born +of the Word of God, abideth in it, and listeneth not to the voice of a +stranger." + +ALEXIS GRAT, a Dominican monk,--"The word _sole_ is not in Scripture. +Christ has left a vicar here below." + +HALLER.--"The vicar that Christ left is the Holy Ghost." + +TREGER.--"See then to what a pass things have come these last ten +years. This man calls himself a Lutheran, that a Zwinglian; a third, a +Carlstadtian; a fourth an Œcolampadist; a fifth, an Anabaptist......" + +BUCER.--"Whosoever preacheth Jesus as the only Saviour, we recognize +as our brother. Neither Luther, nor Zwingle, nor Œcolampadius, desires +the faithful to bear his name. Besides, you should not boast so much +of a mere external unity. When antichrist gained the upperhand +throughout the world, in the East by Mahomet, in the West by the Pope, +he was able to keep the people in unity of error. God permits +divisions, in order that those who belong to him may learn to look not +to men, but to the testimony of the Word, and to the assurance of the +Holy Ghost in their hearts. Thus then, dearly beloved brethren, to the +Scriptures, the Scriptures![907] O Church of Berne, hold fast to the +teaching of Him who said, _Come unto me_, and not, _Come unto my +vicar_!" + + [907] Darum fromme Christen! Zur Schrift, zur Schrift! (Acta Zw. ii. + p. 92.) + +The disputation then turned successively on Tradition, the Merits of +Christ, Transubstantiation, the Mass, Prayer to the Saints, Purgatory, +Images, Celibacy, and the Disorders of the Clergy. Rome found numerous +defenders, and among others, Murer, priest of Rapperswyl, who had +said: "If they wish to burn the two ministers of Berne, I will +undertake to carry them both to the stake." + +[Sidenote: REMARKABLE CONVERSION.] + +On Sunday, the 19th of January the day on which the doctrine of the +Mass was attacked, Zwingle, desirous of acting on the people also, +went into the pulpit, and reciting the Apostles' Creed, made a pause +after these words: "He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right +hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge +the quick and the dead." "These three articles," said he, "are in +contradiction to the Mass." All his hearers redoubled their attention; +and a priest, clothed in his sacerdotal vestments; who was preparing +to celebrate the holy sacrifice in one of the chapels, stopped in +astonishment at Zwingle's words. Erect before the consecrated altar on +which lay the chalice and the body of the Saviour, with eyes fixed +upon the reformer, whose words electrified the people, a prey to the +most violent struggles, and beaten down by the weight of truth, the +agitated priest resolved to sacrifice every thing for it. In the +presence of the whole assembly, he stripped off his priestly +ornaments, and throwing them on the altar, he exclaimed: "Unless the +Mass reposes on a more solid foundation, I can celebrate it no +longer!" The noise of this conversion, effected at the very foot of +the altar, immediately spread through the city,[908] and it was +regarded as an important omen. So long as the Mass remains, Rome has +gained everything: as soon as the Mass falls, Rome has lost all. The +Mass is the creative principle of the whole system of Popery. + + [908] Das lachet menklich und ward durch die gantzen Stadt kundt. + (Bulling, i. p. 436.) In this and other quotations, we preserve the + orthography of the times. + +[Sidenote: ST. VINCENT'S DAY.] + +Three days later, on the 22d January, was the feast of St. Vincent, +the patron of the city. The disputation that had been carried on +during Sunday was suspended on that day. The canons asked the council +what they were to do. "Such of you," replied the council, "as receive +the doctrine of the theses ought not to say Mass; the others may +perform divine worship as usual."[909] Every preparation was +accordingly made for the solemnity. On St. Vincent's eve the bells +from every steeple announced the festival to the inhabitants of Berne. +On the morrow the sacristans lit up the tapers; incense filled the +temple, but no one appeared. No priests to say Mass, no faithful to +hear it! Already there was a vast chasm in the Roman sanctuary, a deep +silence, as on the field of battle, where none but the dead are lying. + + [909] Bullinger says, on the contrary, that the council positively + forbade the Mass. But Bullinger, who is a very animated writer, is not + always exact in diplomatic matters. The council would not have come to + such a resolution before the close of the discussion. Other + contemporary historians and official documents leave no room for doubt + on this point. Stettler, in his Chronicle, pars ii. p. 6, ad annum + 1528, details these proceedings as in the text. + +In the evening it was the custom for the canons to chaunt vespers with +great pomp. The organist was at his post, but no one else appeared. +The poor man left thus alone, beholding with sorrow the fall of that +worship by which he gained his bread, gave utterance to his grief by +playing a mourning-hymn instead of the majestic _Magnificat_: "Oh, +wretched Judas, what hast thou done, that thou hast thus betrayed our +Lord?" After this sad farewell, he rose and went out. Almost +immediately, some men, excited by the passions of the moment, fell +upon his beloved organ, an accomplice in their eyes of so many +superstitious rites, and their violent hands broke it to pieces. No +more Mass, no more organ, no more anthems! A new Supper and new hymns +shall succeed the rites of Popery. + +On the next day there was the same silence. Suddenly, however, a band +of men with loud voices and hasty steps was heard. It was the +Butchers' Company that, at this moment so fatal to Rome, desired to +support it. They advanced, carrying small fir-trees and green +branches, for the decoration of their chapel. In the midst of them was +a foreign priest, behind whom walked a few poor scholars. The priest +officiated; the sweet voices of the scholars supplied the place of the +mute organ, and the butchers retired proud of their victory. + +[Sidenote: PAPIST BITTERNESS.] + +The discussion was drawing to a close: the combatants had dealt +vigorous blows. Burgauer, pastor of St. Gall, had maintained the real +presence in the Host; but on the 19th January he declared himself +convinced by the reasonings of Zwingle, Œcolampadius, and Bucer; and +Matthias, minister of Saengen, had done the same. + +A conference in Latin afterwards took place between Farel and a +Parisian doctor. The latter advanced a strange argument. "Christians," +said he, "are enjoined to obey the devil;[910] for it is said, _Submit +unto thine adversary_ (Matt. v. 25); now, our adversary is the devil. +How much more, then, should we submit to the Church!" Loud bursts of +laughter greeted this remarkable syllogism. A discussion with the +Anabaptists terminated the conference. + + [910] Nos tenemur obedire diabolo. (J. J. Hottinger, iii. p. 405.) + +The two councils decreed that the Mass should be abolished, and that +every one might remove from the churches the ornaments he had placed +there. + +Immediately twenty-five altars and a great number of images were +destroyed in the cathedral, yet without disorder or bloodshed; and the +children began to sing in the streets (as Luther informs us):[911]-- + + By the Word at length we're saved + From a God in a mortar brayed. + + [911] Pueri in plateis cantant: se esse a Deo pisto liberatos. (L. + Epp. iii. p. 290.) + +[Sidenote: NECESSITY OF REFORM.] + +The hearts of the adherents of the Papacy were filled with bitterness +as they heard the objects of their adoration fall one after another. +"Should any man," said John Schneider, "take away the altar of the +Butchers' Company, I will take away his life." Peter Thorman compared +the cathedral stripped of its ornaments to a stable. "When the good +folks of the Oberland come to market," added he, "they will be happy +to put up their cattle in it." And John Zehender, member of the Great +Council, to show the little value he set on such a place of worship, +entered it riding on an ass, insulting and cursing the Reform. A +Bernese, who chanced to be there, having said to him, "It is by God's +will that these images have been pulled down,"--"Say rather by the +devil's," replied Zehender; "when have you ever been with God so as to +learn his will?" He was fined twenty livres, and expelled from the +council.[912] "What times! what manners!" exclaimed many; "what +culpable neglect! How easy would it have been to prevent so great a +misfortune! Oh! if our bishops had only been willing to occupy +themselves more with learning and a little less with their +mistresses!"[913] + + [912] History of Berne, by Tillier, iii. p. 257. + + [913] Si studiorum quam scortorum nostri episcopi amantiores essent. + (Ruchat, i. p. 576. Letter of J. de Munster, priest at Soleure.) + +This Reform was necessary. When Christianity in the fourth century had +seen the favour of princes succeed to persecution, a crowd of heathens +rushing into the church had brought with them the images, pomps, +statues, and demigods of Paganism, and a likeness of the mysteries of +Greece and Asia, and above all of Egypt, had banished the Word of +Jesus Christ from the Christian oratories. This Word returning in the +sixteenth century, a purification must necessarily take place; but it +could not be done without grievous rents. + +[Sidenote: ZWINGLE'S SERMON.] + +The departure of the strangers was drawing near. On the 28th January, +the day after that on which the images and altars had been thrown +down, while their piled fragments still encumbered here and there the +porches and the aisles of the cathedral, Zwingle crossing these +eloquent ruins, once more ascended the pulpit in the midst of an +immense crowd. In great emotion, directing his eyes by turns on these +fragments and on the people, he said: "Victory has declared for the +truth, but perseverance alone can complete the triumph. Christ +persevered even until death. _Ferendo vincitur fortuna._ Cornelius +Scipio, after the disaster at Cannæ, having learnt that the generals +surviving the slaughter meditated quitting Italy, entered the +senate-house, although not yet of senatorial age, drew his sword, and +constrained the affrighted chiefs to swear that they would not abandon +Rome. Citizens of Berne, to you I address the same demand: do not +abandon Jesus Christ." + +We may easily imagine the effect produced on the people by such words, +pronounced with Zwingle's energetic eloquence. + +Then, turning towards the fragments that lay near him: "Behold," said +he, "behold these idols! Behold them conquered, mute, and shattered +before us! These corpses must be dragged to the shambles, and the gold +you have spent upon these foolish images must henceforward be devoted +to comforting in their misery the living images of God. Feeble souls, +ye shed tears over these sad idols; do ye not see that they break, do +ye not hear that they crack like any other wood, or like any other +stone? Look! here is one deprived of its head......(Zwingle pointed to +the image, and all the people fixed their eyes upon it); here is +another maimed of its arms.[914] If this ill usage had done any harm +to the saints that are in heaven, and if they had the power ascribed +to them, would you have been able, I pray, to cut off their arms and +their heads?" + + [914] Hie lüt einer, dem ist's houpt ab, dem andern ein arm, &c. (Zw. + Opp. ii. p. 228.) + +"Now then," said the powerful orator in conclusion, "stand fast in the +liberty wherewith Christ has made you free, and be not entangled again +with the yoke of bondage (Gal. v. 1). Fear not! That God who has +enlightened you, will enlighten your confederates also, and +Switzerland, regenerated by the Holy Ghost, shall flourish in +righteousness and peace." + +[Sidenote: ZWINGLE TRIUMPHANT.] + +The words of Zwingle were not lost. The mercy of God called forth that +of man. Some persons condemned to die for sedition, were pardoned, and +all the exiles were recalled. "Should we not have done so," said the +council, "had a great prince visited us? Shall we not much more do so, +now that the King of kings and the Redeemer of our souls has made his +entry among us, bearing an everlasting amnesty?"[915] + + [915] Da der König aller Könige......(Haller, by Kirchhofer, p. 439.) + +The Romish cantons, exasperated at the result of the discussion, +sought to harass the return of the doctors. On arriving before +Bremgarten, they found the gates closed. The bailiff Schutz, who had +accompanied them with two hundred men-at-arms, placed two halberdiers +before Zwingle's horse, two behind him, and one on each side; then +putting himself at the Reformer's left hand, while the burgomaster +Roust stationed himself on the right, he ordered the escort to +proceed, lance in rest.[916] The avoyers of the town being +intimidated, came to a parley; the gates were opened; the escort +traversed Bremgarten amidst an immense crowd, and on the 1st February +reached Zurich without accident, which Zwingle re-entered, says +Luther, like a conqueror.[917] + + [916] Mit iren Spyessen für den hauffen. (Bull. chr. i. p. 439.) + + [917] Zwingel triumphator et imperator gloriosus. (L. Epp. iii. p. + 290.) + +The Roman-catholic party did not dissemble the check they had +received. "Our cause is falling," said the friends of Rome.[918] "Oh! +that we had had men skilled in the Bible! The impetuosity of Zwingle +supported our adversaries; his ardour was never relaxed. That brute +has more knowledge than was imagined.[919] Alas! alas! the greater +party has vanquished the better."[920] + + [918] Ruunt res nostræ. (Letter of the priest J. de Muller, an + eye-witness of the discussion. Rachat. i. p. 575.) + + [919] Doctior tamen hæc bellua est quam putabam. (Ibid.) + + [920] Vicitque pars major meliorem. (Ibid.) + +The Council of Berne, desirous of separating from the Pope, relied +upon the people. On the 30th January, messengers going from house to +house convoked the citizens; and on the 2d February, the burgesses and +inhabitants, masters and servants, uniting in the cathedral, and +forming but one family, with hands upraised to heaven, swore to defend +the two councils in all they should undertake for the good of the +State or of the Church. + +[Sidenote: EDICT OF REFORM.] + +On the 7th February 1528, the council published a general edict of +Reform, and "threw for ever from the necks of the Bernese the yoke of +the four bishops, who," said they, "know well how to shear their +sheep, but not how to feed them."[921] + + [921] Bull. Chron. i. p. 466. + +At the same time the Reformed doctrines were spreading among the +people. In every quarter might be heard earnest and keen dialogues, +written in rhyme by Manuel, in which the pale and expiring Mass, +stretched on her deathbed, was loudly calling for all her physicians, +and finding their advice useless, at last dictating with a broken +voice her last will and testament, which the people received with loud +bursts of laughter. + +The Reformation generally, and that of Berne in particular, has been +reproached as being brought about by political motives. But, on the +contrary, Berne, which of all the Helvetic states was the greatest +favourite of the court of Rome--which had in its canton neither a +bishop to dismiss nor a powerful clergy to humiliate--Berne, whose +most influential families, the Weingartens, Manuels, Mays, were +reluctant to sacrifice the pay and the service of the foreigner, and +all whose traditions were conservative, ought to have opposed the +movement. The Word of God was the power that overcame this political +tendency.[922] + + [922] Hundeshagen, conflicte der Bernerkirche, p. 22. + +[Sidenote: THE REFORM ACCEPTED.] + +At Berne, as elsewhere, it was neither a learned, nor a democratic, +nor a sectarian spirit that gave birth to the Reformation. Undoubtedly +the men of letters, the liberals, the sectarian enthusiasts, rushed +into the great struggle of the sixteenth century; but the duration of +the Reform would not have been long had it received its life from +them. The primitive strength of Christianity, reviving after ages of +long and complete prostration, was the creative principle of the +Reformation; and it was erelong seen to separate distinctly from the +false allies that had presented themselves, to reject an incredulous +learning by elevating the study of the classics, to check all +demagogic anarchy by upholding the principles of true liberty, and to +repudiate the enthusiastic sects by consecrating the rights of the +Word and of the christian people. + +But while we maintain that the Reformation was at Berne, as elsewhere, +a truly christian work, we are far from saying that it was not useful +to the canton in a political sense. All the European states that have +embraced the Reformation have been elevated, while those which have +combated it have been lowered. + + +III. It now became a question of propagating throughout all the canton +the reform accomplished in the city. On the 17th February, the council +invited the rural parishes to assemble on the following Sunday to +receive and deliberate upon a communication. The whole Church, +according to the ancient usage of Christendom, was about to decide for +itself on its dearest interests. + +The assemblies were crowded; all conditions and ages were present. +Beside the hoary and the trembling head of the aged man might be seen +the sparkling eye of the youthful shepherd. The messengers of the +council first read the edict of the Reformation. They next proclaimed +that those who accepted it should remain, and that those who rejected +it should withdraw. + +Almost all the assembled parishioners remained in their places. An +immense majority of the people chose the Bible. In some few parishes +this decision was accompanied with energetic demonstrations. At +Arberg, Zofingen, Brugg, Arau, and Buren, the images were burnt. "At +Stauffberg," it was said, "idols were seen carrying idols, and +throwing one another into the flames."[923] + + [923] Da tregt ein Götz den andern in das fhüwr. (Bull. Chron. ii. p. + 1.) A man whose business it was to shear the flocks, and who had been + nicknamed Götz-scherer (idol-shearer), had made himself very + distinguished among those who carried the images to the fire. Such was + the origin of this popular legend, and it is the key to many others. + +[Sidenote: FAITH AND CHARITY.] + +The images and the Mass had disappeared from this vast canton. "A +great cry resounded far and wide," writes Bullinger.[924] In one day +Rome had fallen throughout the country, without treachery, violence, +or seduction, by the strength of truth alone. In some places, however, +in the Hasli, at Frutigen, Unterseen, and Grindelwald, the malcontents +were heard to say: "If they abolish the Mass, they should also abolish +tithes." The Roman form of worship was preserved in the Upper +Simmenthal, a proof that there was no compulsion on the part of the +state. + + [924] Das wyt und breit ein gross geschrey und wunder gepar. (Bull. + Chron. ii. p. 1.) + +The wishes of the canton being thus manifested, Berne completed the +Reformation. All excesses in gambling, drinking, and dancing, and all +unbecoming dress, were forbidden by proclamation. The houses of +ill-fame were destroyed, and their wretched inhabitants expelled from +the city.[925] A consistory was appointed to watch over the public +morals. + + [925] J. J. Hottinger, iii. p. 414. + +Seven days after the edict, the poor were received into the Dominican +cloister, and a little later the convent of the Island was changed +into an hospital; the princely monastery of Königsfield was also +devoted to the same useful purpose. Charity followed everywhere in the +steps of faith. "We will show," said the council, "that we do not use +the property of the convents to our own advantage;" and they kept +their word. The poor were clothed with the priests' garments; the +orphans were decorated with the ornaments of the Church. So strict +were they in these distributions, that the state was forced to borrow +money to pay the annuities of the monks and nuns; and for eight days +there was not a crown in the public treasury.[926] Thus it was that +the State, as it has been continually repeated, grew rich with the +spoils of the Church! At the same time they invited from Zurich the +ministers Hoffmeister, Megander, and Rhellican, to spread throughout +the canton the knowledge of the classics and of the Holy Scriptures. + + [926] Hoc unum tibi dico secretissime. (Haller to Zwingle, 21st + January, 1530.) + +[Sidenote: FIRST EVANGELICAL COMMUNION.] + +At Easter the Lord's Supper was celebrated for the first time +according to the Evangelical rites. The two councils and all the +people, with few exceptions, partook of it. Strangers were struck with +the solemnity of this first communion. The citizens of Berne and their +wives, dressed in decent garments, which recalled the ancient Swiss +simplicity, approached Christ's table with gravity and fervour;[927] +the heads of the state showed the same holy devotion as the people, +and piously received the bread from the hands of Berthold Haller. Each +one felt that the Lord was among them. Thus Hoffmeister, charmed at +this solemn service, exclaimed: "How can the adversaries of the Word +refuse to embrace the truth at last, seeing that God himself renders +it so striking a testimony!"[928] + + [927] Relucet enim in illorum vestitu et habitu nescio quid veteris + illius Helvetiæ simplicitatis. (Hoffmeister to Zwingle. Zw. Epp. ii. + p. 167.) + + [928] Ea res magnam spem mihi injecit de illis lucrandis qui hactenus + fuerunt male morigeri verbo. (Ibid.) + +Yet everything was not changed. The friends of the Gospel witnessed +with pain the sons of the chief families of the republic parading the +streets in costly garments, inhabiting sumptuous houses in the city, +dwelling in magnificent mansions in the country--true seignorial +abodes, following the chase with hound and horn, sitting down to +luxurious banquets, conversing in licentious language, or talking with +enthusiasm of foreign wars and of the French party. "Ah!" said that +pious people, "could we but see old Switzerland revive with its old +virtues!" + +[Sidenote: HEAD OF BEATUS.] + +There was soon a powerful reaction. The annual renewal of the +magistrature being about to take place, the councillor Butschelbach, a +violent adversary of the Gospel, was ejected for adultery; four other +senators and twenty members of the Great Council were also replaced by +friends of the Reformation and of public morality. Emboldened by this +victory, the Evangelical Bernese proposed in the diet that every +Swiss should renounce foreign service. At these words the warriors of +Lucerne started under their weighty armour, and replied with a haughty +smile: "When you have returned to the ancient faith we will listen to +your homilies." All the members of the government, assembled at Berne +in sovereign council, resolved to set the example, and solemnly +abjured the pay of foreign princes. Thus the Reformation showed its +faith by its works. + +Another struggle took place. Above the lake of Thunn rises a chain of +steep rocks, in the midst of which is situated a deep cavern, where, +if we may believe tradition, the pious Breton, Beatus, came in ancient +times to devote himself to all the austerities of an ascetic life; but +especially to the conversion of the surrounding district that was +still heathen. It was affirmed that the head of this saint, who had +died in Gaul, was preserved in this cavern; and hence it was visited +by pilgrims from every quarter. The pious citizens of Zug, Schwytz, +Uri, and Argovia, groaned, as they thought that the holy head of the +apostle of Switzerland would hereafter remain in a land of heretics. +The abbot of the celebrated convent of Muri in Argovia and some of his +friends set out, as in ancient times the Argonauts went in quest of +the Golden Fleece. They arrived in the humble guise of poor pilgrims, +and entered the cavern; one skilfully took away the head, another +placed it mysteriously in his hood, and they disappeared. The head of +a dead man!--and this was all that Rome saved from the shipwreck. But +even this conquest was more than doubtful. The Bernese, who had gained +information of this procession, sent three deputies on the 18th May, +who, according to their report, found this famous head, and caused it +to be decently interred before their eyes in the cemetery belonging to +the convent of Interlaken. This contest about a skull characterizes +the Church that had just given way in Berne before the vivifying +breath of the Gospel. _Let the dead bury their dead._ + +[Sidenote: THREATENING STORM.] + +The Reformation had triumphed in Berne; but a storm was gathering +unperceived in the mountains, which threatened to overthrow it. The +State in union with the Church recalled its ancient renown. Seeing +itself attacked by arms, it took up arms in its turn, and acted with +that decision which had formerly saved Rome in similar dangers. + +A secret discontent was fermenting among the people of the valleys and +mountains. Some were still attached to the ancient faith; others had +only quitted the Mass because they thought they would be exempted from +tithes. Ancient ties of neighbourhood, a common origin, and similarity +of manners had united the inhabitants of the Obwald (Unterwalden) to +those of the Hasli and of the Bernese Oberland, which were separated +only by Mount Brunig and the high pass of the Yoke. A rumour had been +set afloat that the government of Berne had profaned the spot where +the precious remains of Beatus, the apostle of these mountains, were +preserved, and indignation immediately filled these pastoral people, +who adhere firmer than others to the customs and superstitions of +their forefathers. + +But while some were excited by attachment to Rome, others were aroused +by a desire for liberty. The subjects of the monastery of Interlaken, +oppressed by the monkish rule, began to cry out, "We desire to become +our own masters, and no longer pay rent or tithes." The provost of the +convent in affright ceded all his rights to Berne for the sum of one +hundred thousand florins;[929] and a bailiff, accompanied by several +councillors, went and took possession of the monastery. A report was +soon spread that they were about to transfer all the property of the +convent to Berne; and on the 21st of April bands of men from +Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Ringelberg, Brienz, and other places, +crossed the lake, or issued from their lofty valleys, and taking +forcible possession of the cloister, swore to go even to Berne in +quest of the goods which the citizens had dared to take from them. + + [929] Totum regnum suum tradiderunt in manus magistrates nostri + (Haller to Zwingle, 31st March.) + +[Sidenote: REVOLT.] + +They were quieted for a time; but in the beginning of June, the +people, at the instigation of Unterwalden, again arose in all the +Hasli. The Landsgemeinde[930] having been convoked, it decided by a +majority of forty voices for the re-establishment of the Mass. The +pastor Jaëkli was immediately expelled; a few men crossed the Brunig, +and brought back some priests from Unterwalden, to the sound of fifes +and trumpets. They were seen from afar descending the mountain, and +shouts, both loud and long, replied to them from the bottom of the +valley. At last they arrived:--all embraced one another, and the +people celebrated the Mass anew with great demonstrations of joy. At +the same time, the people of Frutigen and of the fertile valley of +Adelboden assailed the castellan Reuter, carried off his flocks, and +established a Roman-catholic priest in the place of their pastor. At +Aeschi even the women took up arms, drove out the pastor from the +church, and brought back the images in triumph. The revolt spread from +hamlet to hamlet and from valley to valley, and again took possession +of Interlaken. All the malcontents assembled there on the 22d October, +and swore, with hands upraised to heaven, boldly to defend their +rights and liberty. + + [930] The assembly of all the people. + +[Sidenote: CHRIST IN DANGER.] + +Never, perhaps, had the republic been in greater danger. All the kings +of Europe, and almost all the cantons of Switzerland, were opposed to +the Gospel. The report of an army from Austria, destined to interpose +in favour of the Pope, spread through the Reformed cantons.[931] +Seditious meetings took place every day,[932] and the people refused +to pay their magistrates either quit-rent, service, tithes, or even +obedience, unless they shut their eyes to the designs of the +Roman-catholics. The council became confused. Amazed and confounded, +exposed to the mistrust of some and to the insults of others, they +had the cowardice to separate under the pretext of getting in the +vintage, and folding their arms, in the presence of this great danger, +waited until a Messiah should descend from heaven (says a reformer) to +save the republic.[933] The ministers pointed out the danger, +forewarned and conjured them; but each one turned a deaf ear. "Christ +languishes in Berne," said Haller, "and appears nigh perishing."[934] +The people were all in commotion; they assembled, made speeches, +murmured, and shed tears! Everywhere--in all their tumultuous +meetings--might be heard this complaint of Manuel on Papists and the +Papacy:[935] + + With rage our foes their hateful threats denounce, + Because, O Lord, we love Thee best of all; + Because at sight of Thee the idols fall; + And war and bloodshed, shuddering, we renounce. + + [931] Audisti nimirum quam se apparent _Austriaci_ ad bellum, adversus + quos ignoratur. Suspicantur quidam in Helvetios. (Œcol. to Zw. Epp. + ii. p. 161.) + + [932] Seditiosorum concursus sunt quotidiani. (Zw. Epp. ii p. 227.) + + [933] Nunc, nunc suum Messiam advenisse sperantes. (Ibid.) + + [934] Ita languet Christus apud nos. (Ibid.) + + [935] Dass wir hand d'Gotzen geworfen hin. (Hymn and Prayer.) + +Berne was like a troubled sea, and Haller, who listened to the roaring +of the waves, wrote in the deepest anguish: "Wisdom has forsaken the +wise, counsel has departed from the councillors, and energy from the +chiefs and from the people! The number of the seditious augments every +day. Alas! what can the Bear, oppressed with sleep, oppose to so many +and to such sturdy hunters?[936] If Christ withdraw himself, we shall +all perish." + + [936] Quid hæc inter tot et tantos venatores robustos. (Zw. Epp. ii. + p. 223.) + +[Sidenote: ENERGY OF BERNE.] + +These fears were on the point of being realized. The smaller cantons +claimed to have the power of interfering in matters of faith without +infringing the federal compact. While six hundred men of Uri kept +themselves ready to depart, eight hundred men of Unterwalden, bearing +pine-branches in their hats, symbols of the old faith, with haughty +heads and gloomy and angry looks, crossed the Brunig under the ancient +banner of the country, which was borne by Gaspard de Flue, a very +unworthy grandson of the great Nicholas.[937] This was the first +violation of the national peace for many years. Uniting at Hasli with +the men of Brienz, this little army crossed the lake, passed under the +cascades of Geisbach, and arrived at Unterseen, thirteen hundred +strong, and ready to march on Berne to re-establish the Pope, the +Idols, and the Mass in that rebellious city. In Switzerland, as in +Germany, the Reformation at its outset met with a peasant war. At the +first success, new combatants would arrive and pour through the passes +of the Brunig upon the unfaithful republic. The army was only six +leagues from Berne, and already the sons of Unterwalden were proudly +brandishing their swords on the banks of the lake of Thunn. + + [937] A celebrated hermit who prevented a civil war in Switzerland in + 1481. + +Thus were the federal alliances trodden under foot by those very +persons who aspired to the name of conservatives. Berne had a right to +repel this criminal attack by force. Suddenly calling to mind her +ancient virtues, the city roused herself, and vowed to perish rather +than tolerate the intervention of Unterwalden, the restoration of the +Mass, and the fiery violence of the peasants.[938] There was at that +moment in the hearts of the Bernese one of those inspirations that +come from above, and which save nations as well as individuals. "Let +the strength of the city of Berne," exclaimed the Avoyer d'Erlach, "be +in God alone, and in the loyalty of its people." All the council and +the whole body of the citizens replied by noisy acclamations. The +great banner was hastily brought forth, the townspeople ran to arms, +the companies assembled, and the troops of the republic marched out +with the valiant avoyer at their head. + + [938] Quam missam reducem aut violentiam villanorum pati. (Haller to + Zwingle, 26th October.) + +[Sidenote: VICTORY.] + +Scarcely had the Bernese government acted thus energetically, before +it saw the confidence of its friends increase, and the courage of its +adversaries diminish. God never abandons a people who are true to +themselves. Many of the Oberlanders became intimidated, and deserted +the ranks of the revolt. At the same time deputies from Basle and +Lucerne represented to Unterwalden that it was trampling the ancient +alliances under foot. The rebels, disheartened by the firmness of the +republic, abandoned Unterseen, and retired to the convent of +Interlaken. And soon after, when they beheld the decision of their +adversaries, distressed besides by the cold rains that fell +incessantly, and fearing that the snow, by covering the mountains, +would prevent their return to their homes, the men of Unterwalden +evacuated Interlaken during the night. The Bernese, to the number of +five thousand men, entered it immediately, and summoned the +inhabitants of the Hasli and of the bailiwick of Interlaken to +assemble on the 4th November in the plain that surrounds the +convent.[939] The day being arrived, the Bernese army drew up in order +of battle, and then formed a circle within which D'Erlach ordered the +peasants to enter. Hardly had he placed the rebels on the left and the +loyal citizens on the right, before the muskets and artillery fired a +general discharge, whose report re-echoing among the mountains, filled +the insurgents with terror, who thought it the signal of their death. +But the avoyer only intended to show they were in the power of the +republic. D'Erlach, who addressed them immediately after this strange +exordium, had not finished his speech, before they all fell on their +knees, and, confessing their crime, begged for pardon. The republic +was satisfied: the rebellion was over. The banners of the district +were carried to Berne, and the Eagle of Interlaken, in union with the +Wild-goat of Hasli, hung for a time beneath the Bear, as a trophy of +this victory. Four of the chiefs were put to death, and an amnesty was +granted to the remainder of the rebels. "The Bernese," said Zwingle, +"as Alexander of Macedon in times of old, have cut the Gordian knot +with courage and with glory."[940] Thus thought the Reformer of +Zurich; but experience was one day to teach him, that to cut such +knots is required a different sword from that of Alexander and of +D'Erlach. However that may be, peace was restored, and in the valleys +of the Hasli no other noise was heard than the sublime tumult borne +afar by the Reichenbach and all the surrounding torrents, as they pour +from the mountain-tops their multitudinous and foaming waters. + + [939] Tradition says that it was on the spot where the hotel of + Interlaken now stands. + + [940] Bernenses pro sua dignitate nodum hunc, quemadmodum Alexander + Macedo, Gordium dissectari. (Zw. Epp. ii. p 243.) + +[Sidenote: POLITICAL ADVANTAGES.] + +While we repudiate on behalf of the Church the swords of the Helvetic +bands, it would be unwise not to acknowledge the political advantages +of this victory. The nobles had imagined that the Reformation of the +Church would endanger the very existence of the State. They now had a +proof to the contrary: they saw that when a nation receives the +Gospel, its strength is doubled. The generous confidence with which, +in the hour of danger, they had placed some of the adversaries of the +Reformation at the head of affairs and of the army, produced the +happiest results. All were now convinced that the Reformation would +not trample old recollections under foot: prejudices were removed, +hatred was appeased, the Gospel gradually rallied all hearts around +it, and the ancient and remarkable saying was verified, which was so +often repeated by the friends and enemies of that powerful +republic--"God is become a citizen of Berne." + + +IV. The reformation of Berne was decisive for several cantons. The +same wind that had blown from on high with so much power on the +country of De Watteville and Haller, threw down "the idols" in a great +part of Switzerland. In many places the people were indignant at +seeing the Reformation checked by the timid prudence of diplomatists; +but when diplomacy was put to flight at Berne, the torrent so long +restrained poured violently onwards. + +[Sidenote: ROMISH RELICS.] + +Vadianus, burgomaster of St. Gall, who presided at the Bernese +disputation, had scarcely returned home, when the citizens, with the +authority of the magistrates, removed the images from the church of +St. Magnus, carried to the mint a hand of the patron saint in silver, +with other articles of plate, and distributed among the poor the money +they received in exchange; thus, like Mary, pouring their precious +ointment on the head of Christ.[941] The people of St. Gall, being +curious to unveil the ancient mysteries, laid their hands on the abbey +itself, on the shrines and crosses which had so long been presented to +their adoration; but instead of saintly relics, they found, to their +great surprise, nothing but some resin, a few pieces of money, several +paltry wooden images, some old rags, a skull, a large tooth, and a +snail's shell! Rome, instead of that noble fall which marks the ends +of great characters, sunk in the midst of stupid superstitions, +shameful frauds, and the ironical laughter of a whole nation. + + [941] War gemünzet und den Armen ausgetheilt. (J. J. Hottinger, iii. + p. 415. St. Matthew xxvi. 7.) + +Such discoveries unfortunately excited the passions of the multitude. +One evening some evil disposed persons, wishing to alarm the poor nuns +of St. Catherine, who had obstinately resisted the Reform, surrounded +the convent with loud cries. In vain did the nuns barricade the doors; +the walls were soon scaled, and the good wine, meat, confectionaries, +and all the far from ascetic delicacies of the cloister became the +prey of these rude jesters. Another persecution awaited them: Doctor +Schappeler having been appointed their catechist, they were +recommended to lay aside their monastic dress, and to attend his +heretical sermons "clothed like all the world," said the sister +Wiborath. Some of them embraced the Reform, but thirty others +preferred exile.[942] On the 5th February 1528, a numerous synod +framed the constitution of the church of St. Gall. + + [942] Arx. Gesch. St. Gall, ii. p. 529. J. J. Hottinger, p. 416. + Müller; Hottinger, ii. p. 91. + +[Sidenote: CONTESTS.] + +The struggle was more violent at Glaris. The seeds of the Gospel +truth, which Zwingle had scattered there, had prospered but little. +The men in power anxiously rejected every innovation, and the people +loved better "to leap and dance, and work miracles, _glass in hand_," +as an old chronicle says, "than to busy themselves about the Gospel." +The Landsgemeinde having pronounced, on the 15th May 1528, in favour +of the Mass by a majority of thirty-three voices, the two parties were +marked out with greater distinctness: the images were broken at Matt, +at Elm, at Bettschwanden, and as each man remained aloof in his own +house and village, there was no longer in the canton either council of +state or tribunal of justice. At Schwanden, the minister Peter +Rumelin, having invited the Roman-catholics to a disputation with him +in the church, the latter, instead of discussing, marched in +procession to the sound of drums round the place of worship in which +the Reformed were assembled, and then rushing into the pastor's house, +which was situated in the middle of the city, destroyed the stoves and +the windows: the irritated Reformed took their revenge and broke the +images. On the 15th April 1529, an agreement was concluded, by virtue +of which every man was free to choose between the Mass and the Sermon. + +[Sidenote: SPREAD OF REFORM.] + +At Wesen, where Schwytz exercised sovereignty conjointly with Glaris, +the deputies of the former canton threatened the people. Upon this the +young men took the images out of the churches, carried them to an open +place near the banks of the picturesque lake of Wallenstadt, above +which soar the mountains of the Ammon and of the Seven Electors, and +cried: "Look! this road (that by the lake) leads to Coire and to Rome; +that (to the south) to Glaris; this other (to the west) to Schwytz; +and the fourth (by the Ammon) to St. Gall. Take which you please! But +if you do not move off, you shall be burnt!" After waiting a few +moments, these young people flung the motionless images into the fire, +and the Schwytz deputies, eye-witnesses of this execution, withdrew +in consternation, and filled the whole canton with projects of +vengeance that were but too soon realized. + +In the canton of Appenzell, where a conference had been opened, there +suddenly appeared a band of Roman-catholics, armed with whips and +clubs, and crying out: "Where are these preachers? we are resolved to +put them out of the village!" These strange doctors wounded the +ministers and dispersed the assembly with their whips. Out of the +eight parishes of the canton, six embraced the Reform, and Appenzell +became finally divided into little sections, the one Romanist and the +other Reformed. + +In the Grisons religious liberty was proclaimed; the parishes had the +election of their pastors, several castles were rased to the ground to +render all return to arbitrary government impossible, and the +affrighted bishop went and hid in the Tyrol his anger and his desire +for vengeance. "The Grisons," said Zwingle, "advance daily. It is a +nation that by its courage reminds us of the ancient Tuscans, and by +its candour of the ancient Swiss."[943] + + [943] Gens animo veteres Tuscos referens, candore veteres Helvetios. + (Zw. Epp.) + +[Sidenote: OBSTACLES IN BASLE.] + +Schaffhausen, after having long "halted between two opinions," at the +summons of Zurich and of Berne removed the images from its churches +without tumult or disorder. At the same time the Reformation invaded +Thurgovia, the valley of the Rhine, and other bailiwicks subordinate +to these cantons. In vain did the Roman-catholic cantons, that were in +the majority, protest against it. "When temporal affairs are +concerned," replied Zurich and Berne, "we will not oppose a plurality +of votes; but the Word of God cannot be subjected to the suffrages of +men." All the districts that lie along the banks of the Thur, of the +Lake of Constance, and of the Upper Rhine, embraced the Gospel. The +inhabitants of Mammeren, near the place where the Rhine issues from +the lake, flung their images into the water. But the statue of St. +Blaise, after remaining some time upright, and contemplating the +ungrateful spot whence it was banished, swam across the lake to +Catahorn, situated on the opposite shore, if we may believe the +account of a monk named Lang.[944] Even while running away Popery +worked its miracles. + + [944] J. J. Hottinger, iii. p. 426. + +Thus were the popular superstitions overthrown in Switzerland, and +sometimes not without violence. Every great development in human +affairs brings with it an energetic opposition to that which has +existed. It necessarily contains an aggressive element, which ought to +act freely, and by that means open the new path. In the times of the +Reformation the doctors attacked the Pope, and the people the images. +The movement almost always exceeded a just moderation. In order that +human nature may take one step in advance, its pioneers must take +many. Every superfluous step should be condemned, and yet we must +acknowledge their necessity. Let us not forget this in the history of +the Reformation, and especially in that of Switzerland. + +Zurich was reformed; Berne had just become so: Basle still remained, +before the great cities of the Confederation were gained over to the +Evangelical faith. The reformation of this learned city was the most +important consequence resulting from that of the warlike Berne. + +[Sidenote: ZEAL OF THE CITIZENS.] + +For six years the Gospel had been preached in Basle. The meek and +pious Œcolampadius was always waiting for happier times. "The +darkness," said he, "is about to retire before the rays of +truth."[945] But his expectation was vain. A triple aristocracy--the +superior clergy, the nobles, and the university--checked the free +expansion of christian convictions. It was the middle classes who were +destined to effect the triumph of the Reformation in Basle.[946] +Unhappily the popular wave invades nothing without tossing up some +foul scum. + + [945] Sperabam enim tenebras veritatis radio cessuras tandem. (Zw. + Epp. ii. p. 136.) + + [946] Major pars civitatis quæ toto corde dolet tantis nos dissidiis + laborare. (Ibid. p. 36.) + +It is true that the Gospel had many friends in the councils: but being +men of a middle party, they tacked backwards and forwards like +Erasmus, instead of sailing straight to the port. They ordered "the +pure preaching of the Word of God;" but stipulated at the same time +that it should be "without Lutheranism." The aged and pious bishop +Utenheim, who was living in retirement at Bruntrut, tottered daily +into the church, supported by two domestics, to celebrate Mass with a +broken voice. Gundelsheim, an enemy of the Reformation, succeeded him +erelong; and on the 23d September, followed by many exiles and with a +train of forty horses, he made his triumphal entry into Basle, +proposing to restore everything to its ancient footing. This made +Œcolampadius write in alarm to Zwingle: "Our cause hangs upon a +thread." + +But in the citizens the Reform found a compensation for the disdain of +the great, and for the terrors inspired by the new bishop. They +organized repasts for fifty and a hundred guests each; Œcolampadius +and his colleagues took their seats at these tables with the people, +where energetic acclamations and reiterated cheers greeted the work of +the Reformation. In a short time even the council appeared to incline +to the side of the Gospel. Twenty feast-days were retrenched, and the +priests were permitted to refuse celebrating the Mass. "It is all over +with Rome," was now the cry. But Œcolampadius, shaking his head, +replied; "I am afraid that, by wishing to sit on the two stools, Basle +will at last fall to the ground."[947] + + [947] Vereorque ne dum semper utraque sella sedere velit, utraque + extrudatur aliquando. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 157.) + +[Sidenote: WITTICISM OF ERASMUS.] + +This was at the period of his return from his discussion at Berne. He +arrived in time to close the eyes of his pious mother; and then the +reformer found himself alone, succumbing under the weight of public +and domestic cares; for his house was like an inn for all fugitive +Christians. "I shall marry a Monica,"[948] he had often said, "or else +I shall remain a bachelor." He thought he had now discovered the +"christian sister" he was in search of. This was Wilibrandis, daughter +of one of the Emperor Maximilian's knights, and widow of a master of +arts named Keller,--a woman already proved by many trials. He married +her, saying: "I look to the ordinances of God, and not to the scowling +faces of men." This did not prevent the sly Erasmus from exclaiming: +"Luther's affair is called a tragedy, but I maintain it is a comedy, +for each act of the drama ends in a wedding." This witticism has been +often repeated. For a long time it was the fashion to account for the +Reformation by the desire of the princes for the church-property, and +of the priests for marriage. This vulgar method is now stigmatized by +the best Roman controversialists as "a proof of a singularly narrow +mind.--The Reformation originated," add they, "in a true and +christian, although unenlightened zeal."[949] + + [948] The name of St. Augustin's mother. + + [949] See Möhler's _Symbolik_, both in the preface and in the body of + the work. This is one of the most important writings produced by Rome + since the time of Bossuet. + +The return of Œcolampadius had still more important consequences for +Basle than it had for himself. The discussion at Berne caused a great +sensation there. "Berne, the powerful Berne, is reforming!" was passed +from mouth to mouth. "How, then!" said the people one to another, "the +fierce bear has come out of his den......he is groping about for the +rays of the sun......and Basle, the city of learning--Basle, the +adopted city of Erasmus and of Œcolampadius, remaining in darkness!" + +[Sidenote: HALF-MEASURES.] + +On Good Friday (10th April, 1528), without the knowledge of the +council and Œcolampadius, five workmen of the Spinners' Company +entered the church of St. Martin, which was that of the reformer, and +where the Mass was already abolished, and carried away all the +"idols." On Easter Monday, after the evening sermon, thirty-four +citizens removed all the images from the church of the Augustines. + +This was going too far. Were they desirous, then, of drawing Basle and +its councils from that just medium in which they had till this moment +so wisely halted? The council met hastily on Tuesday morning, and sent +the five men to prison; but, on the intercession of the burghers, they +were released, and the images suppressed in five other churches. These +half-measures sufficed for a time. + +On a sudden the flame burst out anew with greater violence. Sermons +were preached at St. Martin's and St. Leonard's against the +abominations of the cathedral; and at the cathedral the Reformers were +called "heretics, knaves, and profligates."[950] The Papists +celebrated mass upon mass. The burgomaster Meyer, a friend of the +Reform, had with him the majority of the people; the burgomaster +Meltinger, an intrepid leader of the partisans of Rome, prevailed in +the councils: a collision became inevitable. "The fatal hour +approaches," says Œcolampadius, "terrible for the enemies of +God."[951] + + [950] Ketzer, schelmen, und büben. (Bulling, ii. p. 36.) + + [951] Maturatur fatalis hora et tremenda hostibus Dei. (Zw. Epp. ii. + p. 213.) + +[Sidenote: COMMOTION IN BASLE.] + +On Wednesday the 23d December, two days before Christmas, three +hundred citizens from all the companies, pious and worthy men, +assembled in the hall of the Gardeners' Company, and there drew up a +petition to the senate. During this time the friends of Popery, who +resided for the most part in Little Basle and the suburb of St. Paul, +took up arms, brandishing their swords and lances against the Reformed +citizens at the very moment that these were bearing their petition to +the council, and endeavoured, although ineffectually, to bar their +road. Meltinger haughtily refused to receive the petition, and charged +the burghers, on the faith of their civic oath, to return to their +homes. The burgomaster Meyer, however, took the address, and the +senate ordered it to be read. + +"Honoured, wise, and gracious Lords," it ran, "we, your dutiful +fellow-citizens of the companies, address you as well-beloved fathers, +whom we are ready to obey at the cost of our goods and of our lives. +Take God's glory to heart; restore peace to the city; and oblige all +the Pope's preachers to discuss freely with the ministers. If the Mass +be true, we desire to have it in our churches; but if it is an +abomination before God, why, through love for the priests, should we +draw down His terrible anger upon ourselves and upon our children?" + +Thus spoke the citizens of Basle. There was nothing revolutionary +either in their language or in their proceedings. They desired what +was right with decision, but also with calmness. All might still +proceed with order and decorum. But here begins a new period: the +vessel of Reform is about to enter the port, but not until it has +passed through violent storms. + + +V. It was the bishop's partisans who first departed from the legal +course. Filled with terror on learning that mediators were expected +from Zurich and Berne, they ran into the city, crying that an Austrian +army was coming to their aid, and collected stones in their houses. +The Reformed did the same. The disturbance increased hourly, and in +the night of the 25th December the Papists met under arms: priests +with arquebuse in hand were numbered among their ranks. + +Scarcely had the Reformed learnt this, when some of them running +hastily from house to house, knocked at the doors and awoke their +friends, who, starting out of bed, seized their muskets and repaired +to the Gardeners' Hall, the rendezvous of their party. They soon +amounted to three thousand. + +[Sidenote: HALF-MEASURES REJECTED.] + +Both parties passed the night under arms. At every moment a civil war, +and what is worse, "a war of hearths," might break out. It was at last +agreed that each party should nominate delegates to treat with the +senate on this matter. The Reformed chose thirty men of +respectability, courage, faith, and experience, who took up their +quarters at the Gardeners' Hall. The partisans of the ancient faith +chose also a commission, but less numerous and less respectable: their +station was at the Fishmongers' Hall. The council was constantly +sitting. All the gates of the city, except two, were closed; strong +guards were posted in every quarter. Deputies from Lucerne, Uri, +Schaffhausen, Zug, Schwytz, Mulhausen, and Strasburg, arrived +successively. The agitation and tumult increased from hour to hour. + +It was necessary to put an end to so violent a crisis. The senate, +faithful to its ideas of half-measures, decreed that the priest should +continue to celebrate the Mass; but that all, priests and ministers, +should preach the Word of God, and for this purpose should meet once +a-week to confer upon the holy Scriptures. They then called the +Lutherans together in the Franciscan church, and the Papists in that +belonging to the Dominicans. The senate first repaired to the former +church, where they found two thousand five hundred citizens assembled. +The secretary had hardly read the ordinance before a great agitation +arose. "That shall not be," cried one of the people.[952] "We will not +put up with the Mass, not even with a single one!" cried another; and +all repeated, "No Mass,--no Mass,--we will die sooner!"[953] + + [952] Quidam e plebe clamitabat: Hoc non fiet! (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 255.) + + [953] Nos plane ea non feremus, aut moriemur omnes. (Ibid.) + +The senate having next visited the Dominican church, all the +Romanists, to the number of six hundred, among whom were many foreign +servants, cried out: "We are ready to sacrifice our lives for the +Mass. We swear it, we swear it!" repeated they with uplifted hands. +"If they reject the Mass--to arms! to arms!"[954] + + [954] At altera pars minitabat prælia si missam rejicerent (Ibid.) + +The senate withdrew more embarrassed than ever. + +[Sidenote: REFORMED PROPOSITIONS.] + +The two parties were again assembled three days after. Œcolampadius +was in the pulpit. "Be meek and tractable," said he; and he preached +with such unction that many were ready to burst into tears.[955] The +assembly offered up prayers, and then decreed that it would accept a +new ordinance, by virtue of which, fifteen days after Pentecost, there +should be a public disputation, in which no arguments should be +employed but such as were drawn from the Word of God: after this a +general vote should take place upon the Mass, that the majority should +decide the question, and that in the meanwhile the Mass should be +celebrated in three churches only; it being however understood, that +nothing should be taught there that was in opposition to the Holy +Scriptures. + + [955] Ut nemo non commoveretur et profecto fere mihi lacrymas + excussisset. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 255.) + +The Romanist minority rejected these propositions: "Basle," said they, +"is not like Berne and Zurich. Its revenues are derived in great +measure from countries opposed to the Reformation!" The priests having +refused to resort to the weekly conferences, they were suspended; and +during a fortnight there was neither sermon nor mass at the cathedral, +or in the churches of St. Ulric, St. Peter, and St. Theodore. + +Those who remained faithful to Rome resolved upon an intrepid defence. +Meltinger placed Sebastian Muller in the pulpit at St. Peter's, from +which he had been interdicted, and this hot-headed priest vented such +abusive sarcasms against the Reform, that several of the Evangelicals, +who were listening to the sermon, were insulted and nearly torn in +pieces. + +[Sidenote: A NIGHT OF TERROR.] + +It was necessary to arouse Basle from this nightmare, and strike a +decisive blow. "Let us remember our liberty," said the reformed +citizens, "and what we owe to the glory of Christ, to public justice, +and to our posterity."[956] They then demanded that the enemies of the +Reformation, friends and relations of the priests, who were the cause +of all these delays and of all these troubles, should no longer sit +in the councils until peace was re-established. This was the 8th +February. The council notified that they would return an answer on the +morrow. + + [956] Cogitans quid gloriæ Christi, quid justitiæ publicæ, quidque + posteritati suæ deberet. (Œcol. Zurich MS.) + +At six o'clock in the evening, twelve hundred citizens were assembled +in the corn-market. They began to fear that the delay required by the +senate concealed some evil design. "We must have a reply this very +night," they said. The senate was convoked in great haste. + +From that period affairs assumed a more threatening attitude in Basle. +Strong guards were posted by the burghers in the halls of the +different guilds; armed men patrolled the city, and bivouacked in the +public places, to anticipate the machinations of their adversaries;[957] +the chains were stretched across the streets; torches were lighted, +and resinous trees, whose flickering light scattered the darkness, +were placed at intervals through the town; six pieces of artillery +were planted before the town hall; and the gates of the city, as well +as the arsenal and the ramparts, were occupied. Basle was in a state +of siege. + + [957] Ne quid forte ab adversariis insidiarum strueretur. (Ibid.) + +There was no longer any hope for the Romish party. The burgomaster, +Meltinger, an intrepid soldier and one of the heroes of Marignan, +where he had led eight hundred men into battle, lost courage. In the +darkness he gained the banks of the Rhine with his son-in-law, the +councillor Eglof d'Offenburg, embarked unnoticed in a small boat, and +rapidly descended the stream amid the fogs of the night.[958] Other +members of the council escaped in a similar manner. + + [958] Clam conscensa navicula fuga, nescio senatu, elapsus est. (Œcol. + Zurich MS.) + +[Sidenote: THE IDOLS BROKEN.] + +This gave rise to new alarms. "Let us beware of their secret +manœuvres," said the people. "Perhaps they are going to fetch the +Austrians, with whom they have so often threatened us!" The affrighted +citizens collected arms from every quarter, and at break of day they +had two thousand men on foot. The beams of the rising sun fell on +this resolute but calm assembly. + +It was midday. The senate had come to no decision: the impatience of +the burghers could be restrained no longer. Forty men were detached to +visit the posts. As this patrol was passing the cathedral, they +entered it, and one of the citizens, urged by curiosity, opened a +closet with his halberd, in which some images had been hidden. One of +them fell out, and was broken into a thousand pieces against the stone +pavement.[959] The sight of these fragments powerfully moved the +spectators, who began throwing down one after another all the images +that were concealed in this place. None of them offered any +resistance: heads, feet, and hands--all were heaped in confusion +before the halberdiers. "I am much surprised," said Erasmus, "that +they preformed no miracle to save themselves; formerly the saints +worked frequent prodigies for much smaller offences!"[960] Some +priests ran to the spot, and the patrol withdrew. + + [959] Cum halpardis quasi per ludum aperirent armarium idolorum, + unumque idolum educerent. (Ibid.) + + [960] Erasm. Opp. p. 291. + +A rumour, however, having spread that a disturbance had taken place in +this church, three hundred men came to the support of the forty. +"Why," said they, "should we spare the idols that light up the flames +of discord?" The priests in alarm had closed the gates of the +sanctuary, drawn the bolts, raised barricades, and prepared everything +for maintaining a siege. But the townspeople, whose patience had been +exhausted by the delays of the council, dash against one of the doors +of the church: it yields to their blows, and they rush into the +cathedral. The hour of madness has arrived. These men are no longer to +be recognized, as they brandish their swords, rattle their pikes, and +utter formidable cries: are they Goths, or are they fervent +worshippers of God, animated by the zeal which in times of yore +inflamed the prophets and the kings of Israel? However that might be, +these proceedings were disorderly, since public authority alone can +interfere in public reforms. Images, altars, pictures--all were thrown +down and destroyed. The priests who had fled into the vestry, and +there concealed themselves, trembled in every limb at the terrible +noise made by the fall of their holy decorations. The work of +destruction was completed without one of them venturing to save the +objects of his worship, or to make the slightest remonstrance. The +people next piled up the fragments in the squares and set fire to +them; and during the chilly night the armed burghers stood round and +warmed themselves at the crackling flame.[961] + + [961] Lignis imaginum usi sunt vigiles, pro arcendo frigore nocturno. + (Zurich MS.) + +The senate collected in amazement, and desired to interpose their +authority and appease the tumult; but they might as well have striven +to command the winds. The enthusiastic citizens replied to their +magistrates in these haughty words: "What you have not been able to +effect in three years, we will complete in one hour."[962] + + [962] De quo vos per triennium deliberastis, nihil efficientes, nos + intra horam omnem absolvemus. (Œcol. Capitoni, Basle MS.) + +In truth the anger of the people was no longer confined to the +cathedral. They respected all kinds of private property;[963] but they +attacked the churches of St. Peter, St. Ulric, St. Alban, and of the +Dominicans; and in all these temples "the idols" fell under the blows +of these good citizens of Basle, whom an extraordinary zeal inflamed. +Already they were making preparations to cross the bridge and enter +Little Basle, which was devoted to the cause of Popery, when the +alarmed inhabitants begged to be allowed to remove the images +themselves, and with heavy hearts they hastily carried them into the +upper chambers of the church, whence they hoped to be able after a +time to restore them to their old position. + + [963] Nulli enim vel obolum abstulerunt. (Ib.) + +[Sidenote: THE REFORM LEGALIZED.] + +They did not stop at these energetic demonstrations; the most excited +talked of going to the town-hall, and of constraining the senate to +accede to the wishes of the people; but the good sense of the majority +treated these brawlers as they deserved, and checked their guilty +thoughts. + +The senators now perceived the necessity of giving a legal character +to this popular movement, and of thus changing a tumultuous revolution +into a durable reformation.[964] Democracy and the Gospel were thus +established simultaneously in Basle. The senate, after an hour's +deliberation, granted that in future the burghers should participate +in the election of the two councils; that from this day the Mass and +images should be abolished throughout all the canton, and that in +every deliberation which concerned the glory of God or the good of the +state the opinion of the guilds should be taken. The people, delighted +at having obtained these conditions, which secured their political and +religious liberty, returned joyful to their houses. It was now the +close of day.[965] + + [964] Cedendum plebi. (Œcol. Capitoni, Basle MS.) + + [965] His conditionibus plebs læta domum rediit, sub ipsum noctis + crepusculum. (Ibid. Zurich MS.) + +[Sidenote: OBJECTIONS.] + +On the morrow, Ash-Wednesday, it was intended to distribute the ruins +of the altars and other ornaments of the Church among the poor, to +serve them for firewood. But these unhappy creatures, in their +eagerness for the fragments, having begun to dispute about them, they +constructed great piles in the cathedral close and set fire to them. +"The idols," said some wags, "are really keeping their Ash-Wednesday +to-day!" The friends of Popery, turning away their horror-stricken +eyes from this sacrilegious sight, says Œcolampadius, shed tears of +blood. "Thus severely did they treat the idols," continues the +reformer, "and the Mass died of grief in consequence."[966] On the +following Sunday hymns in German were sung at every church; and on the +18th February a general amnesty was published. Everything was changed +in Basle. The last had become first, and the first last. While +Œcolampadius, who a few years before had entered the city as a +stranger, without resources and without power, found himself raised to +the first station in the Church, Erasmus, disturbed in the quiet study +whence during so long a period he had issued his absolute commands to +the world of letters, saw himself compelled to descend into the arena. +But this king of the schools had no desire to lay down his sceptre +before the sovereign people. For a long time he used to turn aside his +head when he met his friend Œcolampadius. Besides he feared by +remaining at Basle to compromise himself with his protectors. "The +torrent," said he, "which was hidden underground has burst forth with +violence, and committed frightful ravages.[967] My life is in danger: +Œcolampadius possesses all the churches. People are continually +bawling in my ears; I am besieged with letters, caricatures, and +pamphlets. It is all over: I am resolved to leave Basle. Only shall I +or shall I not depart by stealth? The one is more becoming, the other +more secure." + + [966] Ita sævitum est in idola, ac missa præ dolore expiravit. (Œcol. + Cap. Zurich MS.) + + [967] Basilica torrens quidem, qui sub terra labebatur, subito + erumpens, &c. (Er. Epp. ad Pirkheimer July, 1539.) + +Wishing as much as possible to make his honour and his prudence agree, +Erasmus desired the boatman with whom he was to descend the Rhine to +depart from an unfrequented spot. This was opposed by the senate, and +the timid philosopher was compelled to enter the boat as it lay near +the great bridge, at that time covered with a crowd of people. He +floated down the river, sadly bade adieu to the city he had so much +loved, and retired to Friburg in Brisgau with several other learned +men. + +New professors were invited to fill the vacant chairs in the +university, and in particular Oswald Myconius, Phrygio, Sebastian +Munster, and Simon Grynæus. At the same time was published an +ecclesiastical order and a confession of faith, one of the most +precious documents of this epoch. + +[Sidenote: PRINCIPLES OF THE REFORMATION.] + +Thus had a great transformation been effected without the loss of a +single drop of blood. Popery had fallen in Basle in despite of the +secular and spiritual power. "The wedge of the Lord," says +Œcolampadius, "has split this hard knot."[968] + + [968] Malo nodo suus cuneus obvenit. (Œcol. Capit.) + +We cannot, however, help acknowledging that the Basle Reformation may +afford ground for some objections. Luther had opposed himself to the +power of the many. "When the people prick up their ears, do not +whistle too loud. It is better to suffer at the hand of one tyrant, +that is to say, of a king, than of a thousand tyrants, that is to say, +of the people." On this account the German Reformer has been +reproached for acknowledging no other policy than servilism. + +Perhaps when the Swiss Reformation is canvassed, a contrary objection +will be made against it, and the Reform at Basle, in particular, will +be looked upon as a revolution. + +The Reformation must of necessity bear the stamp of the country in +which it was accomplished: it will be monarchical in Germany, +republican in Switzerland. Nevertheless, in religion as in politics, +there is a great difference between reformation and revolution. + +In neither of these spheres does Christianity desire either despotism, +servitude, stagnation, retrogression, or death. But while looking for +progress, it seeks to accomplish it by reformation and not by +revolution. + +Reformation works by the power of the Word, of doctrine, cultivation +and truth; while revolution, or rather revolt, operates by the power +of riot, of the sword, and of the club. + +Christianity proceeds by the inner man, and charters themselves, if +they stand alone, cannot satisfy it. No doubt constitutions are one of +the blessings of our age; but it is not sufficient for these +securities to be committed to parchment; they must be written in the +heart, and guaranteed by the manners of the people. + +Such were the principles of the Swiss Reformers, such were those of +the Reform at Basle, and by these it is distinguished from a +revolution. + +[Sidenote: FAREL'S COMMISSION.] + +There were, it is true, some excesses. Never perhaps has a +reformation been accomplished among men without some mixture of +revolution. But it was doctrines, however, that were in question at +Basle: these doctrines had acted powerfully on the moral convictions +and on the lives of the people; the movement had taken place within +before it showed itself without. But more than this: the Reformation +was not satisfied with taking away; it gave more than it took; and, +far from confining itself to the work of destruction, it scattered +rich blessings over all the people.[969] + + [969] Hagenbach, Vorlesungen, ii. pp. 125, 200. + + +VI. The recoil of the discussion at Berne had overthrown Popery in a +considerable part of German Switzerland. It was also felt in many of +the churches of French Switzerland, lying at the foot of the Jura, or +scattered amid the pine forests of its elevated valleys, and which up +to this time had shown the most absolute devotion to the Roman +pontiff. + +Farel, seeing the Gospel established in the places where the Rhone +mingles its sandy waters with the crystal Leman, turned his eyes to +another quarter. He was supported by Berne. This state, which +possessed jointly with Friburg the bailiwicks of Morat, Orbe, and +Granson, and which had alliances with Lausanne, Avenches, Payerne, +Neuchatel, and Geneva, saw that both its interest and its duty alike +called it to have the Gospel preached to its allies and subjects. +Farel was empowered to carry it among them, always with reserve of the +consent of the respective governments. + +One day, therefore, journeying towards Morat, Farel arrived and +preached the Gospel at the foot of those towers and battlements that +had been attacked at three different periods by the armies of Conrad +the Salic, Rodolph of Hapsburg, and Charles the Bold. Erelong the +friends of the Reform amounted to a great number. A general vote +having nevertheless declared in favour of the Pope, Farel proceeded to +Lausanne. + +[Sidenote: FAREL AT MORAT.] + +He was at first driven away by the bishop and the clergy, but soon +reappeared provided with a letter from the lords of Berne. "We send +him to you," said their excellencies to the authorities of the city, +"to defend his own cause and ours. Allow him to preach the Word of +God, and beware that you touch not a hair of his head." + +There was great confusion in the councils. Placed between Berne and +the bishop, what could they do? The Council of Twenty four, finding +the matter very serious, convoked the Council of Sixty; and this body, +excusing itself, they convoked the Council of Two Hundred, on the 14th +November 1529. But these in their turn referred the business to the +smaller council. No one would have anything to do with it. The +inhabitants of Lausanne, it is true, complained loudly of the holy +members of their chapters, whose lives (they said) were one long orgy; +but when their eyes turned on the austere countenance of Reform, they +were still more terrified. Besides, how deprive Lausanne of her +bishop, her court, and her dignitaries? What! no more pilgrims in the +churches,--no more suitors in the ecclesiastical courts,--no more +purchasers in the markets, or boon companions in the taverns! The +widowed and desolate Lausanne would no longer behold the noisy throng +of people, that were at once her wealth and her glory!--Better far a +disorder that enriches, than a Reform that impoverishes! Farel was +compelled to depart a second time. + +He returned to Morat, and soon the Word gained over the hearts of the +people. On feast-days, the roads from Payerne and Avenches were +covered with merry bands, who laughingly said to one another, "Let us +go to Morat and hear the preachers!" and exhorted each other slily, as +they went along the road, "not to fall into the nets of the heretics." +But at night, all was changed. Grasped by the strong hand of truth, +these very people returned,--some in deep thought, others discussing +with animation the doctrines they had heard. The fire was sparkling +throughout all this district, and spreading in every direction its +long rays of light. This was enough for Farel: he required new +conquests. + +[Sidenote: NEUCHATEL.] + +At a short distance from Morat lay one of the strongholds of +Popery--the Earldom of Neuchatel. Joan of Hochberg, who had inherited +this principality from her ancestors, had married, in 1504, Louis of +Orleans, Duke of Longueville. This French nobleman having supported +the King of France in 1512, in a war against the Swiss, the cantons +had taken possession of Neuchatel, but had restored it to his widow in +1529. + +Few countries could have presented greater difficulties to the daring +reformer. The princess of Longueville, residing in France in the suite +of Francis I., a woman of courtly habits, vain, extravagant, always in +debt, and thinking of Neuchatel only as a farm that should bring her +in a large revenue, was devoted to the Pope and Popery. Twelve canons +with several priests and chaplains formed a powerful clergy, at whose +head was the provost Oliver of Hochberg, natural brother to the +princess. Auxiliaries full of zeal flanked this main army. On the one +side there was the abbey of the Premonstrantes of Fontaine-André, +three quarters of a league beyond the town, the monks of which, after +having in the twelfth century cleared the ground with their own +hands,[970] had gradually become powerful lords; and, on the other +side, the Benedictines of the Island of St. John, whose abbot, having +been deposed by the Bernese, had taken refuge, burning with hatred and +vengeance, in his priory at Corcelles. + + [970] Propriis manibus. (Hist. of Neuchatel, by F. de Chambrier, p. + 13.) + +[Sidenote: FAREL'S LABOURS.] + +The people of Neuchatel had a great respect for ancient rights, and it +was easy to take advantage of this state of feeling, considering the +general ignorance, to maintain the innovations of Popery. The canons +improved the opportunity. For the instructions of the Gospel they +substituted pomps and shows. The church, situated on a steep rock, was +filled with altars, chapels, and images of saints; and religion, +descending from this sanctuary, ran up and down the streets, and was +travestied in dramas and mysteries, mingled with indulgences, +miracles, and debauchery.[971] + + [971] Mémoires sur l'Eglise collegiale de Neuchatel, p. 240. + +The soldiers of Neuchatel, however, who had made the campaign of 1529 +with the Bernese army, brought back to their homes the liveliest +enthusiasm for the Evangelical cause. It was at this period that a +frail boat, quitting the southern bank of the lake, on the side +opposite Morat, and carrying a Frenchman of mean appearance, steered +towards the Neuchatel shore. Farel, for it was he, had learnt that the +village of Serrière, situated at the gates of Neuchatel, depended in +spiritualities on the evangelical city of Bienne, and that Emer +Beynon, the priest of the place, "had some liking for the Gospel." The +plan of his campaign was immediately drawn up. He appeared before +parson Emer, who received him with joy; but what could be done? for +Farel had been interdicted from preaching in any church whatever in +the earldom. The poor priest thought to reconcile everything by +permitting Farel to mount on a stone in the cemetery, and thus preach +to the people, turning his back upon the church.[972] + + [972] M. de Perrot, ex-pastor of Serrière, and author of a work + entitled "L'Eglise et la Réformation," has shown me the stone on which + Farel stood. + +A great disturbance arose in Neuchatel. On one side the government, +the canons, and the priests, cried "Heresy!" but, on the other, "some +inhabitants of Neuchatel, to whom God had given a knowledge of the +truth,"[973] flocked to Serrière. In a short time these last could not +contain themselves: "Come," said they to Farel, "and preach to us in +the town." + + [973] "Aucuns de Neuchatel, auxquels Dieu avaient donné connoissance + de la vérité," &c. (Choupart MS.) + +[Sidenote: FAREL'S PREACHING.] + +This was at the beginning of December. They entered by the gate of the +castle, and leaving the church on the hill to the left, they passed in +front of the canons' houses, and descended through the narrow streets +inhabited by the citizens. On reaching the market-cross, Farel +ascended a platform and addressed the crowd, which gathered together +from all the neighbourhood,--weavers, vine-dressers, husbandmen, a +worthy race, possessing more feeling than imagination. The preacher's +exterior was grave, his discourse energetic, his voice like thunder: +his eyes, his features, his gestures, all showed him a man of +intrepidity. The citizens, accustomed to run about the streets after +the mountebanks, were touched by his powerful language. "Farel +preached a sermon of such great efficacy," says a manuscript, "that he +gained over much people."[974] + + [974] Quoted in the Choupart MS. + +Some monks, however, with shaven crowns,[975] glided among his +hearers, seeking to excite them against the heretical minister. "Let +us beat out his brains," said some. "Duck him, duck him!" cried +others, advancing to throw Farel into a fountain, which may still be +seen near the spot where he preached. But the reformer stood firm. + + [975] Rasorum remoramenta. (Farellus Molano, Neuchatel MS.) + +[Sidenote: POPERY IN NEUCHATEL.] + +This first preaching was succeeded by others. To this Gospel +missionary every place was a church; every stone, every bench, every +platform was a pulpit. Already the cutting winds and the snows of +December should have kept the Neuchatelans around their firesides; +"the canons made a vigorous defence;"[976] and in every quarter "the +shorn crowns" were in agitation, supplicating, menacing, howling, and +threatening,--but all was useless. No sooner did this man of small +stature rise up in any place, with his pale yet sunburnt complexion, +with red and unkempt beard, with sparkling eye and expressive mouth, +than the monks' labour was lost: the people collected around, for it +was the Word of God that fell from his lips.[977] All eyes were fixed +on him: with open mouth and attentive ears they hung upon his +words.[978] And scarcely does he begin to speak, when--Oh! wonderful +work of God! he himself exclaims--this multitude believes as if it had +but one soul. + + [976] Contra tyrannica præcepta. (Far. Mol. Neuchatel MS.) + + [977] Ad verbum festinarent. (Ibid.) + + [978] Avide audientes. (Ibid.) + +The Word of God carried the town, as it were, at the first assault; +and throwing down the devices Rome had taken ages to compose, +established itself in triumph on the ruins of human traditions. Farel +saw in imagination Jesus Christ himself walking in spirit through the +midst of this crowd, opening the eyes of the blind, softening the hard +heart, and working miracles,[979]......so that scarcely had he +returned to his humble residence before he wrote to his friends with a +heart full of emotion: "Render thanks with me to the Father of +mercies, in that he has shown his favour to those bowed down by a +weighty tyranny;" and falling on his knees, he worshipped God.[980] + + [979] Quid Christus in suis egerit. (Ibid.) + + [980] Gratias ergo, Fratres, mecum agite Patri misericordiarum, quod + sit propitius gravi pressis tirannide. (Ibid.) + +But during this time what were the adherents of the Pope doing in +Neuchatel? + +The canons, members of the General Audiences, of which they formed the +first estate, treated both priests and laymen with intolerable +haughtiness. Laying the burden of their offices on poor curates, they +publicly kept dissolute women, clothed them sumptuously, endowed their +children by public acts, fought in the church, haunted the streets by +night, or went into a foreign country to enjoy in secret the produce +of their avarice and of their intrigues. Some poor lepers placed in a +house near the city were maintained by the produce of certain +offerings. The rich canons, in the midst of their banquets, dared take +away the bread of charity from these unhappy wretches. + +[Sidenote: RESISTANCE OF THE MONKS.] + +The abbey of Fontaine-André was at a little distance from the town. +Now the canons of Neuchatel and the monks of Fontaine were at open +war. These hostile powers, encamped on their two hills, disputed each +other's property, wrested away each other's privileges, launched at +one another the coarsest insults, and even came to blows. "Debaucher +of women!" said the canons to the abbot of Fontaine-André, who +returned the compliment in the same coin. It is the Reformation which, +through faith, has re-established the moral law in Christendom,--a law +that Popery had trodden under foot. + +For a long time these conventual wars had disturbed the country. On a +sudden they cease. A strange event is passing in Neuchatel,--the Word +of God is preached there. The canons, seized with affright in the +midst of their disorders, look down from their lofty dwellings on this +new movement. The report reaches Fontaine-André. The monks and priests +suspend their orgies and their quarrels. The heathen sensualism that +had invaded the Church is put to the rout; Christian spiritualism has +reappeared. + +Immediately the monks and canons, so long at war, embrace and unite +against the Reformer. "We must save religion," said they, meaning +their tithes, banquets, scandals, and privileges. Not one of them +could oppose a doctrine to the doctrine preached by Farel: to insult +him was their sole weapon. At Corcelles, however, they went farther. +As the minister was proclaiming the Gospel near the priory, the monks +fell upon him; in the midst of them was the prior Rodolph de Benoit, +storming, exciting, and striving to augment the tempest. He even had a +dagger in his hand, according to one writer.[981] Farel escaped with +difficulty. + + [981] Rosselet in Annotat. Farel Leben von Kirchofer. + +[Sidenote: FAREL'S LABOURS.] + +This was not enough. Popery, as it always does, had recourse to the +civil power. The canons, the abbot, and the prior, solicited the +governor George de Rive at the same time. Farel stood firm. "The glory +of Jesus Christ," said he, "and the lively affection his sheep bear to +his Word, constrain me to endure sufferings greater than tongue can +describe."[982] Erelong, however, he was compelled to yield. Farel +again crossed the lake; but this passage was very different from the +former. The fire was kindled!--On the 22d December he was at Morat; +and shortly after at Aigle. + + [982] At levia facit omnia Christus, added he. Farel to Dumoulin, 15th + December. (Neuchatel MS.) + +He was recalled hence. On the 7th January, religion was put to the +vote at Morat, and the majority was in favour of the Gospel. But the +Romish minority, supported by Friburg, immediately undertook to +recover its ancient position by insults and bad treatment. "Farel! +Farel!" cried the reformed party.[983] + + [983] Choupart MS. (Chambrier, Hist. de Neuchatel, p. 293.) + +A few days after this, Farel, accompanied by a Bernese messenger, +scaled that magnificent amphitheatre of mountains above Vevay, whence +the eye plunges into the waters of the Leman; and soon he crossed the +estates of Count John of Gruyère, who was in the habit of saying, "We +must burn this French Luther!"[984] Scarcely had Farel reached the +heights of St. Martin de Vaud,[985] when he saw the vicar of the place +with two priests running to meet him. "Heretic! devil!" cried they. +But the knight, through fear of Berne, remained behind his walls, and +Farel passed on. + + [984] Missive of Berne to the Count of Gruyère, 5th and 16th January + 1530. + + [985] To the left of the modern road from Vevay to Friburg. + +[Sidenote: FAREL IN NEUCHATEL.] + +The Reformer, not allowing himself to be stopped by the necessity of +defending himself in Morat, or by the inclemency of the season, +immediately carried the Gospel to those beautiful hills that soar +between the smiling waters of lakes Morat and Neuchatel into the +villages of the Vully. This manœuvre was crowned with the most +complete success. On the 15th February four deputies from the Vully +came to Morat to demand permission to embrace the Reform, which was +immediately granted to them. "Let our ministers preach the Gospel," +said their excellencies of Berne to the Friburgers, "and we will let +your priests play their monkey tricks. We desire to force no +man."[986] The Reform restored freedom of will to the Christian +people. It was about this time that Farel wrote his beautiful letter +"To all lords, people, and pastors," which we have so often +quoted.[987] + + [986] Missive of Berne, Choupart MS. + + [987] A tous seigneurs, peuples, et pasteurs. See above, Vol. III. + book xii. + +The indefatigable reformer now went forward to new conquests. A chain +of rocks separates the Juran valley of Erguel, already evangelized by +Farel, from the country of the ancient Rauraci, and a passage cut +through the rock serves as a communication between the two districts. +It was the end of April when Farel, passing through the +_Pierre-Pertuis_,[988] descended to the village of Tavannes, and +entered the church just as the priest was saying Mass. Farel went into +the pulpit: the astonished priest stopped,--the minister filled his +hearers with emotion, and seemed to them an angel come down from +heaven. Immediately the images and the altars fell, and "the poor +priest who was chanting the Mass could not finish it."[989] To put +down Popery had required less time than the priest had spent at the +altar. + + [988] Petra Pertusa. + + [989] Donc le pauvre prêtre qui chantoit sa messe ne la peut pas + achever. (Old MS. quoted in the Choupart MS.) + +A great part of the bishopric of Basle was in a few weeks gained over +to the Reformation. + +During this time the Gospel was fermenting in Neuchatel. The young men +who had marched with Berne to deliver Geneva from the attacks of +Savoy, recounted in their jovial meetings the exploits of the +campaign, and related how the soldiers of Berne, feeling cold, had +taken the images from the Dominican church at Geneva, saying: "Idols +of wood are of no use but to make a fire with in winter." + +[Sidenote: THE HOSPITAL CHAPEL.] + +Farel re-appeared in Neuchatel.[990] Being master of the lower part of +the town, he raised his eyes to the lofty rocks on which soared the +cathedral and the castle. The best plan, thought he, is to bring these +proud priests down to us. One morning his young friends spread +themselves in the streets, and posted up large placards bearing these +words: "_All_ _those who say Mass are robbers, murderers, and +seducers of the people_."[991] Great was the uproar in Neuchatel. The +canons summoned their people, called together their clerks, and +marching at the head of a large troop, armed with swords and clubs, +descended into the town, tore down the sacrilegious placards, and +cited Farel before the tribunal as a slanderer, demanding ten thousand +crowns damages. + + [990] Farellus suo more magna fortitudine jam jam agit. Megander to + Zwingle, 6th Aug. 1530. + + [991] De Chambrier, Hist. de Neuchatel, i. p. 293 + +The two parties appeared in court, and this was all that Farel +desired. "I confess the fact," said he, "but I am justified in what I +have done. Where are there to be found more horrible murderers, than +these seducers who sell paradise, and thus nullify the merits of our +Lord Jesus Christ? I will prove my assertion by the Gospel." And he +prepared to open it, when the canons, flushed with anger, cried out: +"The common law of Neuchatel, and not the Gospel, is in question here! +Where are the witnesses?" But Farel, always returning to that fearful +assertion, proved by the Word of God that the canons were really +guilty of murder and robbery. To plead such a cause was to ruin +Popery. The court of Neuchatel, that had never heard a similar case, +resolved according to ancient custom to lay it before the Council of +Besançon,[992] which not daring to pronounce the first estate of the +General Audiences guilty of murder and robbery, referred the matter to +the Emperor and to a general council. Bad causes gain nothing by +making a disturbance. + + [992] Prendre les _entraives_. + +[Sidenote: CIVIL POWER INVOKED.] + +At every step they wished to drive him back, Farel made one in +advance. The streets and the houses were still his temple. One day +when the people of Neuchatel were around him, "Why," cried they, +"should not the Word of God be proclaimed in a church?" They then +hurried Farel along with them, opened the doors of the Hospital +Chapel, set the minister in the pulpit, and a numerous crowd stood +silent before him. "In like manner as Jesus Christ, appearing in a +state of poverty and humility, was born in a stable at Bethlehem," +said the Reformer; "so this hospital, this abode of the sick and of +the poor, is to-day become his birthplace in the town of Neuchatel." +Then feeling ill at ease in the presence of the painted and carved +figures that decorated the chapel, he laid his hands on these objects +of idolatry, removed them, and broke them in pieces.[993] + + [993] Choupart MS. + +Popery, which anger had blinded, now took a step that it undoubtedly +had a right to take, but which destroyed it: it had recourse to the +secular arm, and the governor sent a deputation to the Bernese +council, praying the removal of Farel and his companions. + +But almost at the same time deputies from the townspeople arrived at +Berne. "Did not these hands bear arms at Interlaken and at Bremgarten +to support your Reformation? and will you abandon us in ours?" + +Berne hesitated. A public calamity was at that time filling the whole +city with mourning. One of the most illustrious citizens of the +republic, the Banneret of Weingarten, attacked by the plague, was +expiring amid the tears of his sons and of his fellow-citizens. Being +informed of the arrival of the Neuchatelans, he rallied his waning +strength: "Go," said he, "and beg the senate in my name to ask for a +general assembly of the people of Neuchatel for Sunday next."[994] +This message of the dying banneret decided the council. + + [994] Wingarterus iste infectus peste apud senatum nostrum, pia + legatione. (Megander to Zwingle.) + +The deputies from Berne arrived in Neuchatel on the 7th August. Farel +thought that during the debates he had time to make a new conquest, +and quitted the city. His zeal can be compared only to St. Paul's. His +body was small and feeble, but his activity was wholly apostolic: +danger and bad treatment wasted him every day, but he had within him a +divine power that rendered him victorious. + + +[Sidenote: THE FEAST OF ASSUMPTION.] + +VII. At the distance of a league from Neuchatel, beyond the mountain, +extends the Val de Ruz, and near its entrance, in a precipitous +situation, where roars an impetuous torrent surrounded by steep crags, +stands the town of Valangin. An old castle, built on a rock, raises +its vast walls into the air, overlooking the humble dwellings of the +townspeople, and extending its jurisdiction over five valleys of these +lofty and severe mountains at that time covered with forests of pine, +but now peopled by the most active industry.[995] + + [995] Here are situated Chaux de Fonds, Locle, &c. + +In this castle dwelt Guillemette de Vergy, dowager-countess of +Valangin, strongly attached to the Romish religion and full of respect +for the memory of her husband. A hundred priests had chanted high mass +at the count's burial; many penitent young women had been married, and +large alms distributed; the curate of Locle had been sent to +Jerusalem, and Guillemette herself had made a pilgrimage for the +repose for the soul of her departed lord. + +Sometimes, however, the Countess of Gruyère and other ladies would +come and visit the widow of Vergy, who assembled in the castle a +number of young lords. The fife and tambourine re-echoed under its +vaulted roofs, chattering groups collected in the immense embrasures +of its Gothic windows, and merry dances followed hard upon a long +silence and gloomy devotion.[996] There was but one sentiment that +never left Guillemette--this was her hatred against the Reformation. + + [996] Chambrier, Hist. de Neuchatel, p. 276. + +[Sidenote: THE MASS INTERRUPTED.] + +Guillemette and the priests had in fact reason to tremble. The 15th +August was a great Romish festival--Our Lady of August, or the +Assumption. All the faithful of the Val de Ruz were preparing to keep +it. This was the very day Farel selected. Animated by the fire and +courage of Elijah, he set out for Valangin, and a young man, his +fellow-countryman, and, as it would appear, a distant relation, +Anthony Boyve, an ardent Christian and a man of decided character, +went along with him.[997] The two missionaries climbed the mountain, +plunged into the pine forest, and then descending again into the +valley, they traversed Valangin, where the vicinity of the castle did +not give them much encouragement to pause, and arrived at a village, +probably Boudevilliers, proposing to preach the Gospel there.[998] + + [997] Annals of Boyve and a family MS.--This family has since given + several pastors to the church of Neuchatel. + + [998] There are two original manuscripts (both quoted in the Choupart + MS.) which give an account of this transaction. One says that Farel + preached at Valangin, the other indicates a village near Valangin. + Ruchat has adopted the former version; I think the latter preferable. + The second MS. appears to me older and more correct than the first. + +Already on all sides the people were thronging to the church; Farel +and his companion entered also with a small number of the inhabitants +who had heard him at Neuchatel. The reformer immediately ascended the +pulpit, and the priest prepared to celebrate the Mass. The combat +begins. While the voice of Farel is preaching Jesus Christ and his +promises, the voices of the priests and of the choir are chanting the +missal. The solemn moment approaches: the ineffable transubstantiation +is about to take place: the priest pronounces the sacred words over +the elements. At this instant the people hesitate no longer; ancient +habits, an irresistible influence, draw them towards the altar; the +preacher is deserted; the kneeling crowd has recovered its old +worship; Rome is triumphant.......Suddenly a young man springs from +the crowd,--traverses the choir,--rushes to the altar,--snatches the +host from the hands of the priest, and cries, as he turns towards the +people: "This is not the God whom you should worship. He is above,--in +heaven,--in the majesty of the Father, and not, as you believe, in the +hands of a priest."[999] This man was Anthony Boyve. + + [999] Choupart MS. + +[Sidenote: FAREL'S DANGER.] + +Such a daring act at first produced the desired effect. The Mass was +interrupted, the chantings ceased, and the crowd, as if struck by a +supernatural intervention, remained silent and noiseless. Farel, who +was still in the pulpit, immediately took advantage of this calm, and +proclaimed that Christ "whom the heaven must receive until the times +of restitution of all things."[1000] Then the priests and choristers +with their adherents rushed to the towers, ran up into the belfry, +and sounded the tocsin. + + [1000] Acts iii. 21. + +These means succeeded: a crowd was collected, and if Farel had not +retired, his death and Boyve's would have been inevitable. "But God," +says the chronicle, "delivered them." They crossed the interval that +separates Boudevilliers from Valangin, and drew near the steep gorges +of the torrent of the Seyon. But how traverse that town, which the +tocsin had already alarmed? + +Leaving Chaumont and its dark forests to the left, these two heralds +of the Gospel took a narrow path that wound beneath the castle: they +were stealing cautiously along, when suddenly a shower of stones +assailed them, and at the same time a score of individuals,--priests, +men, and women,--armed with clubs, fell furiously upon them. "The +priests had not the gout either in their feet or arms," says a +chronicler; "the ministers were so beaten that they nearly lost their +lives."[1001] + + [1001] Les prêtres n'avoient pas la goutte aux pieds et aux bras, et + ils les battirent tellement que peu s'en fallut qu'ils ne perdissent + la vie. (Choupart MS.) + +Madame de Vergy, who descended to the terrace, far from moderating the +anger of the priests, cried out: "Drown them!--drown them! throw them +into the Seyon--these Lutheran dogs, who have despised the +Host!"[1002] In fact, the priests were beginning to drag the two +heretics towards the bridge. Never was Farel nearer death. + + [1002] A l'eau! à l'eau! jettez les dans le Seyon ces chiens de + Luthériens qui ont méprisé le bon Dieu! (Choupart MS.) + +[Sidenote: ILL-TREATMENT OF FAREL.] + +On a sudden, from behind the last rock that hides Valangin in the +direction of the mountain, there appeared "certain good persons of the +Val de Ruz coming from Neuchatel"[1003] and descending into the +valley. "What are you doing?" asked they of the priests, with the +intention no doubt of saving Farel; "put them rather in a place of +safety, that they may answer for their proceedings? Would you deprive +yourselves of the only means in your power of discovering those +infected by the poison of heresy?" + + [1003] Choupart MS. + +The priests left off at these words, and conducted the prisoners to +the castle. As they were passing before a little chapel, containing an +image of the Virgin, "Kneel down," said they to Farel and Boyve, +showing them the statue; "prostrate yourselves before Our Lady!" Farel +began to admonish them; "Worship one God alone in spirit and in +truth," said he to them, "and not dumb images without life or power." +But they, continues the chronicle, "greatly vexed at his words and his +firmness, inflicted on him so many blows, that he was covered with +blood, which even spirted on the walls of the chapel. For a long time +after the traces of it might still be seen."[1004] + + [1004] Choupart MS. Mais eux rudement fachés de ses propos et + constance, lui donnèrent tant de coups, qu'ils le mirent tout en sang, + jusques là que son sang jailissoit sur les murailles de la chapelle. + On en voyoit long temps après encore les marques. + +They resumed their march--they entered the town--they climbed the +steep road that led to the esplanade where Guillemette de Vergy and +her attendants waited for the "Lutherans;" so that, continues the +chronicle, "from beating them thus continually, they conducted them +all covered with filth and blood to the prisons, and let them down +almost lifeless into the dungeon (_croton_) of the castle of +Valangin." Thus had Paul at Lystra been stoned by the Jews, drawn out +of the city, and left for dead.[1005] The Apostles and the Reformers +preached the same doctrine and suffered the same treatment. + + [1005] Acts xiv. 19. + +[Sidenote: FAREL AT NEUCHATEL.] + +It may perhaps be said, that Farel and Boyve were too violent in their +attack; but the Church of the Middle Ages, which had fallen back into +the legal spirit of Judaism, and into all the corruptions that flow +from it, needed an energetic opposition to lead it again to the +principle of grace. Augustin and St. Paul reappeared in the Church of +the sixteenth century; and when we read of Boyve rushing in great +emotion on those who were about to worship the bread of the Mass, may +we not recall to mind the action of St Paul, rending his clothes, and +running in among the people, who were desirous of worshipping "men of +like passions with themselves?"[1006] + + [1006] Acts xiv. 14. + +Farel and Boyve, thrust into the dungeons of the castle, could, like +Paul and Silas in the prison at Philippi, "sing praises unto God." +Messire de Bellegarde, ever ready to persecute the Gospel, was +preparing for them a cruel end, when some townsmen of Neuchatel +arrived to claim them. Madame de Valangin dared not refuse, and at the +demand of the Bernese even instituted an inquiry, "to put a good face +on the matter," says a manuscript. "Nevertheless that priest who had +beaten Farel most, never after failed to eat daily at the lady's +table, by way of recompense."[1007] But this was of little +consequence: the seed of truth had been sown in the Val de Ruz. + + [1007] Choupart MS. + +At Neuchatel the Bernese supported the Evangelical citizens. The +governor, whose resources were exhausted, sent ambassadors to the +princess, "begging her to cross the mountains, to appease her people, +who were in terrible trouble in consequence of this Lutheran +religion."[1008] + + [1008] Letter from the Governor to the Princess. + +Meantime the ferment increased. The townspeople prayed the canons to +give up the Mass: they refused; whereupon the citizens presented them +their reasons in writing, and begged them to discuss the question with +Farel. Still the same refusal!--"But, for goodness' sake, speak either +for or against!" It was all of no use! + +[Sidenote: FAREL IN THE CATHEDRAL.] + +On Sunday, the 23d of October, Farel, who had returned to Neuchatel, +was preaching at the hospital. He knew that the magistrates of the +city had deliberated on the expediency of consecrating the cathedral +itself to the Evangelical worship. "What then," said he, "will you not +pay as much honour to the Gospel as the other party does to the +Mass?......And if this superstitious act is celebrated in the high +church, shall not the Gospel be proclaimed there also?" At these words +all his hearers arose. "To the church!" cried they; "to the church!" +Impetuous men are desirous of putting their heads to work, to +accomplish what the prudence of the burgesses had proposed.[1009] They +leave the hospital, and take Farel with them. They climb the steep +street of the castle: in vain would the canons and their frightened +followers stop the crowd: they force a passage. Convinced that they +are advancing for God's glory, nothing can check them. Insults and +shouts assail them from every side, but in the name of the Truth they +are defending, they proceed: they open the gates of the Church of our +Lady; they enter, and here a fresh struggle begins. The canons and +their friends assembled around the pulpit endeavour to stop Farel; but +all is useless. They have not to deal with a band of rioters. God has +pronounced in his Word, and the magistrates themselves have passed a +definitive resolution. The townspeople advance, therefore, against the +sacerdotal coterie; they form a close battalion, in the centre of +which they place the reformer. They succeed in making their way +through the opposing crowd, and at last place the minister in the +pulpit without any harm befalling him.[1010] + + [1009] This is the conclusion I draw from various papers, and in + particular from the report of the meeting held at Neuchatel by the + Bernese deputies, in which the heads of the burgesses declare, _that + it appeared to them a very good matter to take down the altars_, &c. + Hitherto only one phasis of this action has been seen,--the popular + movement; and the other, namely, the legal resolution of the + magistrates of the city, seems to have been overlooked. + + [1010] Choupart MS. + +Immediately all is calm within the church and without; even the +adversaries are silent, and Farel delivers "one of the most effective +sermons he had hitherto preached." Their eyes are opened; their +emotion increases; their hearts are melted; the most obstinate appear +converted; and from every part of the old church these cries resound: +"We will follow the Evangelical religion, both we and our children, +and in it will we live and die."[1011] + + [1011] Ibid. + +[Sidenote: THE IDOLS DESTROYED.] + +Suddenly a whirlwind, as it were, sweeps over this multitude, and +stirs it up like a vast sea. Farel's hearers desire to imitate the +pious King Josiah.[1012] "If we take away these idols from before our +eyes, will it not be aiding us," said they, "in taking them from our +own hearts? Once these idols broken, how many souls among our +fellow-citizens, now disturbed and hesitating, will be decided by this +striking manifestation of the truth! We must save them as it were by +fire."[1013] + + [1012] 2 Chron. xxxiv. 7. + + [1013] Choupart MS. + +This latter motive decides them, and then begins a scene that fills +the Romanists with horror, and which must, according to them, bring +down the terrible judgment of God on the city. + +The very spot where this takes place would seem to add to its +solemnity. To the north the castle-walls rise above the pointed crags +of the gloomy but picturesque valley of the Seyon, and the mountain in +front of the castle presents to the eye little more than bare rocks, +vines, and black firs. But to the south, beneath the terrace on which +this tumultuous scene is passing, extend the wide and tranquil waters +of the lake with its fertile and picturesque shores; and in the +distance the continuous summits of the higher Alps with their dazzling +snows, their immense glaciers, and gigantic peaks, lie before the +enraptured eye. + +On this platform the people of Neuchatel were in commotion, paying +little attention to these noble scenes of nature. The governor, whose +castle adjoined the church, was compelled to remain an idle spectator +of the excesses that he could not prevent; he was content to leave us +a description of them. "These daring fellows," says he, "seize +mattocks, hatchets, and hammers, and thus march against the images of +the saints." They advance--they strike the statues and the +altars--they dash them to pieces. The figures carved in the fourteenth +century by the "imagers" of Count Louis are not spared; and scarcely +do the statues of the counts themselves, which were mistaken for +idols, escape destruction. The townspeople collect all these fragments +of an idolatrous worship; they carry them out of the church, and throw +them from the top of the rock. The paintings meet with no better +treatment. "It is the devil," thought they with the early Christians, +"who taught the world this art of statues, images, and all sorts of +likenesses."[1014] They tear out the eyes in the pictures of the +saints, and cut off their noses. The crucifix itself is thrown down, +for this wooden figure usurps the homage that Jesus Christ claims in +the heart. One image, the most venerated of all, still remains: it is +our Lady of Mercy, which Mary of Savoy had presented to the collegiate +church; but Our Lady herself is not spared. A hand more daring than +the rest strikes it, as, in the fourth century, the colossal statue of +Serapis was struck.[1015] "They have even bored out the eyes of Our +Lady of Mercy, which the departed lady your mother had caused to be +made," wrote the governor to the Duchess of Longueville. + + [1014] Diabolum sæculo intulisse artifices statuarum et imaginum et + omnis generis simulacrorum. (Tertullian, de idolatria, cap. 3.) + + [1015] Socrates v. 16. + +The Reformed went still further: they seized the patens in which lay +the _corpus Domini_, and flung them from the top of the rock into the +torrent; after which, being desirous of showing that the consecrated +wafers are mere bread, and not God himself, they distributed them one +to another and ate them......At this sight the canons and chaplains +could no longer remain quiet. A cry of horror was heard; they ran up +with their adherents, and opposed force to force. At length began the +struggle that had been so much dreaded. + +[Sidenote: REFLECTIONS.] + +The provost Oliver of Hochberg, the canons Simon of Neuchatel and +Pontus of Soleilant, all three members of the privy council, had +repaired hastily to the castle, as well as the other councillors of +the princess. Until this moment they had remained silent spectators of +the scene; but when they saw the two parties were coming to blows, +they ordered all "the supporters of the Evangelical doctrine" to +appear before the governor. This was like trying to chain the winds. +Besides, why should the Reformers stop? They were not acting without +legitimate authority.[1016] "Tell the governor," replied the +townspeople haughtily, "that in the concerns of God and of our souls +he has no command over us."[1017] + + [1016] "Par les quatre du dit Neuchatel," by the Four (the municipal + authorities) of the said Neuchatel, remarks the priest Besancenet. See + also the _recess_ of the council held at Neuchatel by MM. of Berne, + 4th November 1530. + + [1017] The Governor's letter to the Princess. + +George de Rive then discovered that his authority failed against a +power superior to his own. He must yield, and save at least some +remnants. He hastened therefore to remove the images that still +remained, and to shut them up in secret chambers. The citizens of +Neuchatel allowed him to execute this measure. "Save your gods," +thought they, "preserve them under strong bars, lest perchance a +robber should deprive you of the objects of your adoration."[1018] By +degrees the tumult died away, the popular torrent returned within its +channel, and a little after, in commemoration of this great day, they +inscribed these words on a pillar of the church:-- + + L'AN 1530, LE 28 OCTOBRE, FUT OTEE ET ABATTUE L'IDOLATRIE + DE CEANT PAR LES BOURGEOIS.[1019] + + [1018] Cur vos sub validissimis clavibus, ingentibusque sub claustris + conservatis, ne forte fur aliquis irreptat? (Arnobius contra gentes, + vi. p. 257.) + + [1019] On the 23d of October 1530, idolatry was overthrown and removed + from the church by the citizens. + +[Sidenote: PLANS OF THE ROMANISTS.] + +An immense revolution had been effected. Doubtless it would have been +better if the images had been taken away and the Gospel substituted in +their place with calmness, as at Zurich; but we must take into +consideration the difficulties that so profound and contested a change +brings with it, and make allowance for the inexperience and excesses +inseparable from a first explosion. He who should see in this +revolution its excesses only, would betray a singularly narrow mind. +It is the Gospel that triumphed on the esplanade of the castle. It was +no longer a few pictures or legends that were to speak to the +imagination of the Neuchatelans: the revelation of Christ and of the +Apostles, as it had been preserved in the Holy Scriptures, was +restored to them. In place of the mysteries, symbols, and miracles of +Popery, the Reformation brought them sublime tenets, powerful +doctrines, holy and eternal truths. Instead of a Mass, void of God, +and filled with human puerilities, it restored to them the Supper of +our Lord Jesus Christ, his invisible yet real and mighty presence, his +promises giving peace to the soul, and his Spirit, which changes the +heart, and is a sure pledge of a glorious resurrection. All is gain in +such an exchange. + + +VIII. The governor and his trusty friends had not, however, lost all +hope. "It is only a minority," said they at the castle, "which has +taken part in the destruction of the images; the majority of the +nation still obeys the ancient doctrine." M. de Rive had yet to learn +that if, in a popular movement, only the minority appears, it is in +some cases because the majority, being of the same mind with it, +prefers leaving the action to others. However that may be, the +governor, thinking himself upon sure ground, resolved to put the +preservation of the Mass to the vote. If the majority were doubtful, +the combined influence of the government and clergy would make it +incline to the side of Rome. The friends of the Reformation perceiving +this trick, and feeling the necessity of securing the integrity of the +votes, demanded the presence of Bernese commissioners. This was at +first refused. But Neuchatel, divided into two hostile parties, might +at any time see her streets run blood: De Rive therefore called Berne +to his aid. + +[Sidenote: THE GOVERNOR'S DIFFICULTIES.] + +Anthony Noll and Sulpice Archer, both members of the council, with +Jacques Tribolet, bailiff of the Isle of St. John, all three devoted +to the Reform, made their entry into Neuchatel on the 4th +November,--an eventful day for the principality, and one which would +decide on its reformation. The deputies proceeded to the castle, and +there spoke with haughtiness.[1020] "Their excellencies of Berne," +said they to the governor, "are much astonished that you should oppose +the true and pure Word of God. Desist immediately, or else your state +and lordship may suffer for it."[1021] + + [1020] Trois ambassadeurs qui me tinrent assez gros et rudes propos. + (The Governor to the Princess.) + + [1021] Ibid. + +George de Rive was amazed; he had thought to summon helpers, and he +had found masters. He made, however, an attempt to escape from the +strait in which he was caught. The Roman-catholic cantons of Lucerne, +Friburg, and Soleure, were also allies of the state. The governor +insinuated to the Bernese deputies, that he might well claim their +intervention. At these words the deputies indignantly arose, and +declared to M. de Rive, that if he did so, he might be the cause of +his sovereign's losing Neuchatel. The governor saw the impossibility +of escaping from the net into which he had fallen. There remained no +alternative but submission, and to watch the current of events which +it was impossible for him to direct. + +It was not thus with the canons and the nobles. Not considering +themselves beaten, they surrounded the Bernese; and mingling, as they +always do in similar cases, religion and politics, endeavoured to +shake them. "Do you not see," said they, "that unless we support the +spiritual power, we shall compromise the civil power? The surest +bulwark of the throne is the altar! These men, whose defenders you +have become, are but a handful of mischief-makers: the majority are +for the Mass!"--"Turn which way you like," replied one of the stubborn +Bernese, "even though the majority should be on your side, still you +must go that way; never will our lordships abandon the defenders of +the Evangelical faith."[1022] + + [1022] Chambrier, Hist. de Neuchatel, p. 296. (The governor's letter. + Quand bien _le plus_ sera des votres, si passerez vous par là, &c.) + +[Sidenote: HATRED AND DIVISION.] + +The people assembled at the castle for the definitive vote. The +destiny of Neuchatel was about to be decided. On one hand were crowded +around the governor the privy council, the canons, and the most +zealous of the Romanists; on the other were to be seen the four +aldermen, the town-council, and a great number of the citizens, +gravely ascending the steep avenue leading to the government-house, +and drawing up in front of their adversaries. On both sides there was +the same attachment to the faith they had embraced, the same decision; +but around the canons were many anxious minds, troubled hearts, and +downcast eyes, while the friends of the Reform advanced with uplifted +heads, firm looks, and hearts full of hope. + +George de Rive, wishing to gain over their minds, began to address +them. He described the violence with which the Reformed had broken the +images, and thrown down the altars; "And yet," continued he, "who +founded this church? It was the princess's predecessors, and not the +citizens. For which reason, I demand that all those who have violently +infringed our sovereign's authority, be obliged to restore what they +have taken away, so that the holy Mass, and the canonical hours may be +celebrated anew."[1023] + + [1023] Choupart MS.; Reces du MM. de Berne. + +Upon this the _prudhommes_ of Neuchatel advanced. They were not a +troop of young and giddy persons, as the Papists had pretended; they +were grave citizens, whose liberties were guaranteed, and who had +weighed what they had to say. "By the illumination of the Holy Ghost," +replied they, "and by the holy doctrines of the Gospel, which are +taught us in the pure Word of God, we will show that the Mass is an +abuse, without any utility, and which conduces much more to the +damnation than to the salvation of souls. And we are ready to prove +that by taking away the altars, we have done nothing that was not +right and acceptable to God."[1024] + + [1024] (Ibid.) + +[Sidenote: PROPOSED DELAY.] + +Thus the two parties met face to face with "great hatred and +division," says the Bernese report. The arbitrators consulted +together. The governor persisted, feeling that this movement would +decide the future. A few votes would suffice for the triumph of Rome, +and he reckoned on gaining them by his assurance. "You should +understand," said he, "that the majority of this town, men and women, +adhere firmly to the ancient faith. The others are hot-headed young +soldiers, vain of their persons, and puffed up with the new +doctrine."[1025]--"Well!" replied the Bernese deputies, "to prevent +all mischief, let us settle this difference by the plurality of +suffrages, in accordance with the treaty of peace made at Bremgarten +between the cantons." + + [1025] Devez entendre que la pluspart de cette ville, hommes et + femmes, tiennent fermement à l'ancienne foi. Les autres sont jeunes + gens de guerre, forts de leurs personnes, remplis de la nouvelle + doctrine, ayants le feu à la tête. (Choupart MS.) + +[Sidenote: THE ROMANIST PROTEST.] + +This was what the Reformed desired. "The vote! the vote!" cried they +according to the expression consecrated to such cases.[1026] But the +lord of Prangins and the priests, who had desired it when they were +alone, shrunk back in the presence of Berne. "We ask for time," said +they. If the Reformed allowed themselves to be cheated by these +dilatory measures, it was all over. When once the Bernese had quitted +Neuchatel, the governor and the clergy would easily have the +upperhand. They therefore remained firm. "No, no!" said they, +"now!--no delay!--not a day! not an hour!" But the governor, in the +face of a proceeding that would decide the legal fall of Popery, +trembled, and obstinately opposed the cries of the people. The +magistrates were already indignant, the burghers murmured, and the +most violent looked at their swords. "They were resolved to compel us, +sword in hand," wrote the governor to the princess. A fresh storm was +gathering over Neuchatel. Yet a few more minutes' resistance, and it +would burst forth upon the church, the town, and the castle, +destroying not only statues, images, and altars, but "there would have +remained dead men," said the lord of Rive.[1027] He gave way in +trouble and affright. + + [1026] _Le plus_, the majority. + + [1027] The Governor's letter to the Princess. + +At the news of this concession, the partisans of Rome saw all their +danger. They confer, they concert their measures, and in an instant +their resolution is taken: they are resolved to fight.[1028] "My +lord," said they, turning to M. de Rive, and touching the hilt of +their swords, "all of us who adhere to the holy Sacrament are resolved +to die martyrs for our holy faith."[1029] This demonstration did not +escape the notice of the young soldiers who had returned from the +Genevese war. One minute more and the swords would have been drawn, +and the platform changed into a battlefield. + + [1028] Ibid. + + [1029] Ibid. + +Monseigneur de Prangins, more wily than orthodox, shuddered at the +thought. "I cannot suffer it," said he to the most violent of his +party; "such an enterprise would forfeit my mistress's state and +lordship."[1030]--"I consent," said he to the Bernese, "to take the +votes, with reserve nevertheless of the sovereignty, rights, and +lordship of Madame."--"And we," replied the townspeople, "with the +reserve of our liberties and privileges." + + [1030] Ibid. + +The Romanists, seeing the political power they had invoked now failing +them, felt that all was lost. They will save their honour at least in +this great shipwreck; they will subscribe their names, that posterity +may know who had remained faithful to Rome. These proud supporters of +the hierarchy advance towards the governor; tears course down their +rough cheeks, betraying thus their stifled anger. They write their +signatures as witnesses at the foot of the solemn testament that +Popery is now drawing up in Neuchatel, in the presence of the Bernese +deputies. They then added, with tears in their eyes, "that the names +and surnames of the good and of the perverse had been written in +perpetual memory, and declared that they were still good and faithful +burghers of Madame, and would do her service unto death."[1031] + + [1031] Alors iceux dirent en pleurant que les noms et les surnoms. des + bons et des pervers fussent écrits en perpétuelle mémoire, et qu'ils + protestoient être bons et fidèles bourgeois de Madame, et lui faire + service jusqu' à la mort. + +[Sidenote: MAJORITY FOR REFORM.] + +The reformed townspeople were convinced that it was only by frankly +bearing testimony to their religious convictions that they could +discharge their debt before God, their sovereign, and their +fellow-citizens. So that the Catholics had scarcely protested their +fidelity towards their lady, when, turning towards the governor, the +Reformed cried out: "We say the same in every other thing in which it +shall please our Mistress to command us, save and except the +Evangelical faith, in which we will live and die."[1032] + + [1032] Governor's letter. Nous disons le semblable en toute autre + chose où il plaira à Madame nous commander, sauf et reserve icelle foi + évangelique, dans laquelle nous voulons vivre et mourir. + +Everything was then prepared for taking the votes. The church of our +lady was opened, and the two parties advanced between the shattered +altars, torn pictures, mutilated statues, and all those ruins of +Popery, which clearly foretold to its partisans the last and +irrevocable defeat it was about to undergo. The three Lords of Berne +took their station beside the governor as arbitrators of the +proceedings and presidents of the assembly, and the voting began. + +George de Rive, notwithstanding the despondency of his friends, was +not altogether without hope. All the partisans of the ancient worship +in Neuchatel had been forewarned; and but a few days previously the +Reformed themselves, by refusing the voting, had acknowledged the +numerical superiority of their adversaries. But the friends of the +Gospel in Neuchatel had a courage and a hope that seemed to repose on +a firmer basis. Were they not the victorious party, and could they be +vanquished in the midst of their triumph? + +[Sidenote: PROTESTANTISM PERPETUAL.] + +The two parties, however, moved forward, confounded one with the +other, and each man gave his vote in silence. They counted each other: +the result appeared uncertain; fear froze each party by turns. At +length the majority seemed to declare itself;--they took out the +votes,--the result was proclaimed. A majority of eighteen voices gave +the victory to the Reformation, and the last blow to the Papacy! + +The Bernese lords immediately hastened to profit by this advantage. +"Live henceforth," said they, "in good understanding with one another; +let the Mass be no longer celebrated; let no injury be done to the +priests; and pay to your Lady, or to whomsoever they may be justly +due, all tithes, quit-rent, cense, and revenues." These different +points were proclaimed by the assembly, and a report was immediately +drawn up, to which the deputies, the governors, and the magistrates of +the city of Neuchatel affixed their respective seals.[1033] + + [1033] Reces de MM. de Berne, MS. Et que l'on paie à Madame ou à qui + il sera dû justement dîmes, cens, rentes et revenus. + +[Sidenote: THE IMAGE OF ST. JOHN.] + +Farel did not appear in all this business: one might have said that +the reformer was not at Neuchatel: the citizens appealed only to the +Word of God; and the governor himself, in his long report to the +princess, does not once mention him. It was the Apostles of our Lord, +St. Peter, St. John, St. Paul, and St. James, who by their divine +writings re-established the true foundations of the Church in the +midst of the people of Neuchatel. The Word of God was the law of the +prudhommes of Neuchatel. In vain will the Roman Church say, "But these +very Scriptures,--it is I who give them to you; you cannot therefore +believe in them without believing in me." It is not from the Church of +Rome that the Protestant Church receives the Bible. Protestantism has +always existed in the Church. It has existed alone in every place +where men have been engaged in the study of the Holy Scriptures, of +their divine origin, of their interpretation, and in their +dissemination. The Protestantism of the sixteenth century received the +Bible from the Protestantism of every age. When Rome speaks of the +hierarchy, she is on her own ground: as soon as she speaks of the +Scriptures, she is on ours. If Farel had been put forward in +Neuchatel, he would not perhaps have been able to stand against the +Pope; but the Word of Christ alone was concerned, and Rome must fall +before Jesus. + +Thus terminated, by a mutual contract, that day at first so +threatening. If the Reformed had sacrificed any of their convictions +to a false peace, disorder would have been perpetuated in Neuchatel. A +bold manifestation of the truth and the inevitable shocks that +accompanied it, far from destroying society, preserved it. This +manifestation is the wind that lifts the vessel from the rocks and +brings it into the harbour. + +The Lord of Prangins felt that, between fellow-citizens, "it is better +to touch one another, even if it be by collision, than to avoid each +other continually." The free explanation that had taken place had +rendered the opposition of the two parties less irritating. "I give my +promise," said the governor, "to undertake nothing against the vote of +this day, for I am myself a witness that it has been honest, upright, +without danger, and without coercion."[1034] + + [1034] Ungefährlich, ungezwringen, aufrecht und redlich. (Berne to the + Governor, 17th Dec. 1530.) + +It was necessary to dispose of the spoils of the vanquished party: the +governor opened the castle to them. Thither were transported the +relics, the ornaments of the altars, the church papers, and even the +organ; and the Mass, expelled from the city, was there mournfully +chanted every day. + +All the ornaments, however, did not take this road. Some days after, +as two citizens, named Fauche and Sauge, were going out together to +their vineyards, they passed a little chapel, in which the latter had +set up a wooden figure of St. John. He said to his companion, "There +is an image I shall heat my stove with to-morrow." And, in fact, as he +returned, he carried away the saint and laid it down in front of his +house. + +[Sidenote: A MIRACLE.] + +The next morning he took the image and put it on the fire. Immediately +a horrible explosion spread dismay through this humbly family. The +trembling Fauche doubts not that it is a miracle of the saint, and +hastens to return to the Mass. In vain does his neighbour Sauge +protest to him upon oath that, during the night, he had made a hole in +the statue, filled it with gunpowder, and closed it up again. Fauche +will listen to nothing, and resolves to flee from the vengeance of the +saints. He went and settled with his family at Morteau in Franche +Comté.[1035] Such are the miracles upon which the divinity of Rome +reposes! + + [1035] Boyve Annals, MS. + +By degrees everything became settled: some of the canons, as Jacques +Baillod, William de Pury, and Benedict Chambrier, embraced the +Reformation. Others were recommended by the governor to the priory of +Motiers, in the Val de Travers; and, in the middle of November, at the +time when the winds begin to rage among the mountains, several canons, +surrounded by a few singing-boys,--sad relics of the ancient, +powerful, rich, voluptuous, and haughty chapter of Neuchatel, +painfully climbed up the gorges of the Jura, and went to conceal in +these lofty and picturesque valleys the disgrace of a defeat, which +their long disorders and their insupportable tyranny had but too +justly provoked. + +[Sidenote: POPERY AND THE GOSPEL.] + +During this time the new worship was organized. In room of the +high-altar were substituted two marble tables to receive the bread and +wine; and the Word of God was preached from a pulpit stripped of every +ornament. The pre-eminence of the Word, which characterizes the +Evangelical worship, replaced in the church of Neuchatel the +preeminence of the sacrament, which characterizes Popery. Towards the +end of the second century, Rome, that ancient metropolis of all +religions, after having welcomed the Christian worship in its +primitive purity, had gradually transformed it into mysteries; a magic +power had been ascribed to certain forms; and the reign of the +sacrifice offered by the priest had succeeded to the reign of the Word +of God. The preaching of Farel had restored the Word to the rights +which belong to it; and those vaulted roofs, which the piety of Count +Ulric II. had, on his return from Jerusalem, dedicated to the worship +of the Virgin, served at last, after four centuries, to nourish the +faithful, as in the time of the Apostles, "in the words of faith and +of good doctrine."[1036] + + [1036] 1 Tim. iv. 6. + + +IX. The convention, drawn up under the mediation of Berne, stipulated +that "the change should take place only in the city and parish of +Neuchatel." Must the rest of the country remain in darkness? This was +not Farel's wish, and the zeal of the citizens, in its first fervour, +effectually seconded him. They visited the surrounding villages, +exhorting some, combating others. Those who were compelled to labour +with their hands during the day went thither at night. "Now, I am +informed," writes the governor to the princess, "that they are working +at a reformation night and day." + +George de Rive, in alarm, convoked the magistrates of all the +districts in the earldom. These good folks believed that their +consciences, as well as their places, depended upon Madame de +Longueville. Affrighted at the thought of freely receiving a new +conviction from the Word of God, they were quite ready to accept it +from the countess as they would a new impost. A sad helotism, in which +religion springs from the soil, instead of descending from heaven! "We +desire to live and die under the protection of our lady," said the +magistrates to the Lord of Rive, "without changing the ancient faith, +_until it be so ordered by her_."[1037] Rome, even after her fall, +could not receive a deeper insult. + + [1037] Choupart MS. Nous voulons vivre et mourir sous la protection de + Madame, sans changer l'ancienne foi, _jusqu' à ce que par elle en soit + ordonné_. + +[Sidenote: FAILURE OF THE PLOT.] + +These assurances of fidelity and the absence of the Bernese restored +De Rive's confidence, and he secretly prepared a reaction among the +nobles and the lower classes. There is in every historical +catastrophe, in the fall of great establishments, and in the spectacle +of their ruins, something which excites and improves the mind. This +was what happened at the period in question. Some were more zealous +for Popery after its fall than in its day of power. The priests +gliding into the houses said Mass to a few friends mysteriously called +together around a temporary altar. If a child was born, the priest +noiselessly arrived, breathed on the infant, made the sign of the +cross on its forehead and breast, and baptized it according to the +Roman ritual.[1038] Thus they were rebuilding in secret what had been +overthrown in the light of day. At length a counter-revolution was +agreed upon; and Christmas day was selected for the restoration of +Roman-catholicism. While the Christians' songs of joy should be rising +to heaven, the partisans of Rome were to rush into the church, expel +the heretical assembly, overthrow the pulpit and the holy table, +restore the images, and celebrate the Mass in triumph. Such was the +plan of the Neuchatelan vespers.[1039] + + [1038] Berne to Neuchatel, 17th December. + + [1039] Berne to the Governor, 23d December. + +The plot got wind. Deputies from Berne arrived at Neuchatel on the +very eve of the festival. "You must see to this," said they to the +governor: "if the Reformed are attacked, we, their co-burghers, will +protect them with all our power." The conspirators laid down their +arms, and the Christmas hymns were not disturbed. + +This signal deliverance augmented the devotion and zeal of the friends +of the Gospel. Already Emer Beynon of Serrière, where Farel had one +day landed from a small boat, ascending the pulpit, had said to his +parishioners: "If I have been a good priest, I desire by the grace of +God to be a still better pastor." It was necessary for these words to +be heard from every pulpit. Farel recommenced a career of labours, +fatigues, and struggles, which the actions of the apostles and +missionaries alone can equal. + +[Sidenote: FAREL'S LABOURS.] + +Towards the end of the year 1530, he crossed the mountain in the +middle of winter, entered the church of Valangin, went into the +pulpit, and began to preach at the very moment that Guillemette de +Vergy was coming to Mass. She endeavoured to shut the reformer's +mouth, but in vain, and the aged and noble dowager retired +precipitately, saying: "I do not think this is according to the old +Gospels; if there are any new ones that encourage this, I am quite +amazed."[1040] The people of Valangin embraced the Gospel. The +affrighted lieutenant ran to Neuchatel, thence to Berne, and on the +11th February 1521 laid his complaint before the council; but all was +useless. "Why," said their excellencies of Berne to him, "why should +you disturb the water of the river? let it flow freely on." + + [1040] Chambrier, Hist. de Neuchatel et Valangin, p. 299. Je ne crois + pas que ce soit selon les vieux évangiles; s'il y en a de nouveaux qui + fassent cela faire, j'en suis esbahie. + +Farel immediately turned to the parishes on the slopes between the +lake and Mount Jura. At Corcelles a fanatic crowd, well armed and led +on by the curate of Neuchatel, rushed into the church where the +minister was preaching, and he did not escape without a wound. At +Bevay, the abbot John of Livron and his monks collected a numerous +body of friends, surrounded the church, and having thus completed the +blockade, entered the building, dragged the minister from the pulpit, +and drove him out with blows and insults. Each time he reappeared, +they pursued him as far as Auvernier with stones and gunshots. + +[Sidenote: THE PASTOR MARCOURT.] + +While Farel was thus preaching in the plain, he sent one of his +brethren into the valley; it was John de Bély, a man of good family +from Crest in Dauphiny. Beyond Valangin, at a little distance from +Fontaine, on the left side of the road to Cernier, was a stone that +remains to this day. It was here in the open air, as if in a +magnificent temple, that this herald of the Gospel began to proclaim +salvation by grace.[1041] Before him stretched the declivity of +Chaumont, dotted with the pretty villages of Fenin, Villars, Sole, and +Savagnier, and beyond, where the mountains fell away, might be seen +the distant and picturesque chain of the Alps. The most zealous of +his hearers entreated him to enter the church. He did so; but suddenly +the priest and his curate "arrived with great noise." They proceeded +to the pulpit, dragged Bély down; and then turning to the women and +young persons of the place, "excited them to beat him and drive him +away."[1042] + + [1041] It does not appear that Bély could have stood and preached on + this stone, as is generally said, unless what now remains is but a + fragment of the original. + + [1042] MS. AA. in the Choupart MS. + +John de Bély returned to Neuchatel, hooted and bruised, like his +friend after the affair at Valangin; but these evangelists followed +the traces of the Apostle Paul, whom neither whips nor scourges could +arrest.[1043] De Bély often returned to Fontaine. The Mass was +abolished erelong in this village; Bély was its pastor for +twenty-seven years; his descendants have more than once exercised the +ministry there, and now they form the most numerous family of +agriculturists in the place. + + [1043] 2 Cor. xi. 24, 25. + +Farel, after evangelizing the shores of the lake to the south of +Neuchatel, had gone to the north and preached at St. Blaise. The +populace, stirred up by the priests and the lieutenant, had fallen +upon him, and Farel escaped from their hands, severely beaten, +spitting blood, and scarcely recognisable. His friends had thrown him +hurriedly into a boat, and conveyed him to Morat, where his wounds +detained him for some time.[1044] + + [1044] De Perrot: L'Eglise et la Réformation, ii. p. 233. + +At the report of this violence the reformed Neuchatelans felt their +blood boil. If the lieutenant, the priest, and his flock have bruised +the body of Christ's servant, which is truly the altar of the living +God, why should they spare dead idols? Immediately they rush to St. +Blaise, throw down the images, and do the same at the abbey of +Fontaine-André,--a sanctuary of the ancient worship. + +[Sidenote: DISGRACEFUL EXPEDIENT.] + +The images still existed at Valangin, but their last hour was about to +strike. A Frenchman, Anthony Marcourt, had been nominated pastor of +Neuchatel. Treading in Farel's footsteps, he repaired with a few of +the citizens to Valangin on the 14th June, a great holiday in that +town.[1045] Scarcely had they arrived when a numerous crowd pressed +around the minister, listening to his words. The canons, who were on +the watch in their houses, and Madame de Vergy and M. de Bellegarde +from their towers, sought how they could make a diversion against this +heretical preaching? They could not employ force because of Berne. +They had recourse to a brutal expedient, worthy of the darkest days of +Popery, and which, by insulting the minister, might divert (they +imagined) the attention of the people, and change it into shouts and +laughter. A canon,[1046] assisted by the countess's coachman, went to +the stables and took thence two animals, which they led to the spot +where Marcourt was preaching. We will throw a veil over this scene: it +is one of those disgraceful subjects which the pen of history refuses +to transcribe.[1047] But never did punishment follow closer upon +crime. The conscience of the hearers was aroused at the sight of this +infamous spectacle. The torrent, that such a proceeding was intended +to check, rushed out of its channel. The indignant people, undertaking +the defence of that religion which their opponents had wished to +insult, entered the church like an avenging wave; the ancient windows +were broken, the shields of the lords were demolished, the relics +scattered about, the books torn, the images thrown down, and the altar +overturned. But this was not enough: the popular wave, after sweeping +out the church, flowed back again, and dashed against the canons' +houses. Their inhabitants fled in consternation into the forests, and +everything was destroyed in their dwellings. + + [1045] This incident is generally attributed to Farel, but Choupart, + following an older manuscript, says, _le ministre de Neuchatel_, by + which title he always means Marcourt, and never Farel. + + [1046] Some historians say "the coachman of the countess;" but + Choupart, on three different occasions, writes _a canon_. The latter + is no doubt more revolting; but there is nothing incredible in it. + + [1047] De equo admissario loquitur qui equam init. + +[Sidenote: THE REFORM ESTABLISHED.] + +Guillemette de Vergy and M. de Bellegarde, agitated and trembling +behind their battlements, repenting, but too late, of their monstrous +expedient, are the only ones who have not yet suffered the popular +vengeance. Their restless eyes watch the motions of the indignant +townspeople. The work is completed! the last house is sacked! The +burghers consult together.--O horror!--they turn towards the +castle,--they ascend the hill,--they draw near. Is then the abode of +the noble counts of Arberg about to be laid waste? But no!--"We come," +said the delegates standing near the gate of the castle, "we are come +to demand justice for the outrage committed against religion and its +minister." They are permitted to enter, and the trembling countess +orders the poor wretches to be punished who had acted solely by her +orders. But at the same time she sends deputies to Berne, complaining +of the "great insults that had been offered her."[1048] Berne declared +that the Reformed should pay for the damage; but that the countess +should grant them the free exercise of their worship. Jacques Veluzat, +a native of Champagne, was the first pastor of Valangin. A little +later we shall see new struggles at the foot of Mount Jura. + + [1048] Curate of Bezancenet's chronicle. Des grands vitupères qu'on + lui avait faits. + +Thus was the Reformation established at Valangin, as it had been at +Neuchatel: the two capitals of these mountains were gained to the +Gospel. Erelong it received a legal sanction. Francis, Marquis of +Rothelin, son of the Duchess of Longueville, arrived in the +principality in March, 1581, with the intention of playing on this +small theatre the part of a Francis I. But he soon found out that +there are revolutions which an irresistible hand has accomplished, and +that must be submitted to. Rothelin excluded from the estates of the +earldom the canons who had hitherto formed the first power, and +replaced them by four bannerets and four burgesses. Then, availing +himself of the principle that all abandoned property falls to the +state, he laid his hands upon their rich heritage, and proclaimed +freedom of conscience throughout all the country. All the necessary +forms having been observed with Madame, the politic M. de Rive became +reformed also. Such was the support Rome received from the State, to +which she had looked for her deliverance. + +[Sidenote: GATHERING TEMPEST.] + +A great energy characterized the Reformation of French Switzerland; +and this is shown by the events we have just witnessed. Men have +attributed to Farel this distinctive feature of his work; but no man +has ever created his own times; it is always, on the contrary, the +times that create the man. The greater the epoch, the less do +individualities prevail in it. All the good contained in the events we +have just related came from that Almighty Spirit, of which the +strongest men are but weak instruments. All the evil proceeded from +the character of the people; and, indeed, it was almost always Popery +that began these scenes of violence: Farel submitted to the influence +of his time, rather than the time received his. A great man may be the +personification and the type of the epoch for which God destines him: +he is never its creator. + +But it is time to quit the Jura and its beautiful valleys, brightened +by the vernal sun, to direct our step towards the Alps of German +Switzerland, along which thick clouds and horrible tempests are +beginning to gather. The free and courageous people, who dwell below +the eternal glaciers, or on the smiling banks of the lakes, daily +assume a fiercer aspect, and the collision threatens to be sudden, +violent, and terrible. We have just been witnessing a glorious +conquest: a dreadful catastrophe awaits us. + + + + +BOOK XVI. + +SWITZERLAND--CATASTROPHE. 1528-1531. + + +I. It was the will of God that at the very gates of his revived Church +there should be two great examples to serve as lessons for future +generations. Luther and the German Reformation, declining the aid of +the temporal power, rejecting the force of arms, and looking for +victory only in the confession of the truth, were destined to see +their faith crowned with the most brilliant success; while Zwingle and +the Swiss Reformation, stretching out their hands to the mighty ones +of the earth, and grasping the sword, were fated to witness a +horrible, cruel, and bloody catastrophe fall upon the Word of God--a +catastrophe which threatened to engulf the Evangelical cause in the +most furious whirlpool. God is a jealous God, and gives not his glory +to another; he claims to perform his own work himself, and to attain +his ends sets other springs in motion than those of a skilful +diplomacy. + +We are far from forgetting that we are called upon to relate facts and +not to discuss theories; but there is a principle which the history we +are narrating sets forth in capital letters: it is that professed in +the Gospel, where it says: THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE ARE NOT CARNAL, +BUT MIGHTY THROUGH GOD! In maintaining this truth we do not place +ourselves on the ground of any particular school, but on that of +universal conscience and of the Word of God. + +[Sidenote: ZWINGLE.] + +Of all carnal support that religion can invoke, there is none more +injurious to it than arms and diplomacy. The latter throws it into +tortuous ways; the former hurries it into paths of bloodshed; and +Religion, from whose brow has been torn the double wreath of truth and +meekness, presents but a degraded and humiliated countenance that no +person can, that no person desires to recognise. + +It was the very extension of the Reform in Switzerland that exposed it +to the dangers under which it sunk. So long as it was concentrated at +Zurich, it continued a religious matter; but when it had gained Berne, +Basle, Schaffhausen, St. Gall, Glaris, Appenzell, and numerous +bailiwicks, it formed inter-cantonal relations; and--here was the +error and misfortune--while the connexion should have taken place +between church and church, it was formed between state and state. + +As soon as spiritual and political matters became mingled together, +the latter took the upperhand. Zwingle erelong thought it his duty to +examine not only doctrinal, but also federal questions; and the +illustrious reformer might be seen, unconscious of the snares beneath +his feet, precipitating himself into a course strewn with rocks, at +the end of which a cruel death awaited him. + +The primitive Swiss cantons had resigned the right of forming new +alliances without the consent of all; but Zurich and Berne had +reserved the power. Zwingle thought himself therefore quite at liberty +to promote an alliance with the Evangelical states. Constance was the +first city that gave her adhesion. But this Christian co-burghery, +which might become the germ of a new confederation, immediately raised +up numerous adversaries against Zwingle, even among the partisans of +the Reformation. + +There was yet time: Zwingle might withdraw from public affairs, to +occupy himself entirely with those of the Gospel. But no one in Zurich +had, like him, that application to labour, that correct, keen, and +sure eye, so necessary for politicians. If he retired, the vessel of +the state would be left without a pilot. Besides, he was convinced +that political acts alone could save the Reform. He resolved, +therefore, to be at one and the same time the man of the State and of +the Church. The registers prove that in his latter years he took part +in the most important deliberations; and he was commissioned by the +council of his canton to write letters, compose proclamations, and +draw up opinions. Already, before the dispute with Berne, looking upon +war as possible, he had traced out a very detailed plan of defence, +the manuscript of which is still in existence.[1049] In 1528 he did +still more; he showed in a remarkable paper, how the republic should +act with regard to the Empire, France, and other European states, and +with respect to the several cantons and bailiwicks. Then, as if he had +grown grey at the head of the Helvetic troops (and it is but just to +remark that he had long lived among soldiers), he explained the +advantages there would be in surprising the enemy; and he described +even the nature of the arms, and the manner of employing them. In +truth, an important revolution was then taking place in the art of +war. The pastor of Zurich is at once the head of the state and general +of the army: this double--this triple part of the reformer was the +ruin of the Reformation and of himself. Undoubtedly we must make +allowances for the men of this age, who, being accustomed to see Rome +wield two swords for so many centuries, did not understand that they +must take up one and leave the other. We must admire the strength of +that superior genius, which, while pursuing a political course, in +which the greatest minds would have been absorbed, ceased not however +to display an indefatigable activity as pastor, preacher, divine, and +author. We must acknowledge that the republican education of Zwingle +had taught him to confound his country with his religion, and that +there was in this great man enough to fill up many lives. We must +appreciate that indomitable courage which, relying upon justice, +feared not, at a time when Zurich had but one or two weak cities for +allies, to confront the redoubtable forces of the Empire and of the +Confederation; but we should also see in the great and terrible lesson +that God gave him, a precept for all times and for every nation; and +finally, understand what is so often forgotten, "that the kingdom of +Christ is not of this world." + + [1049] Escher et Hottinger, Archives, ii. p. 263. + +[Sidenote: PERSECUTIONS.] + +The Roman-catholic cantons, on hearing of the new alliances of the +Reformed, felt a violent indignation. William of Diesbach, deputy from +Berne at the diet, was forced to submit to the keenest reproaches. The +sitting, for some time interrupted, was resumed immediately after his +departure. "They may try to patch up the old faith," said the Bernese, +as he withdrew, "it cannot, however, last any longer."[1050] In truth, +they patched away with all their might, but with a sharp and envenomed +needle that drew blood. Joseph Am Berg of Schwytz and Jacques Stocker +of Zug, bailiffs of Thurgovia, treated with cruelty all who were +attached to the Gospel. They enforced against them fines, +imprisonment, torture, the scourge, confiscation, and banishment; they +cut out the ministers' tongues, beheaded them, or condemned them to be +burnt.[1051] At the same time they took away the Bibles and all the +evangelical books; and if any poor Lutherans, fleeing from Austria, +crossed the Rhine and that low valley where its calm waters flow +between the Alps of the Tyrol and of Appenzell,--if these poor +creatures, tracked by the lansquenets, came to seek a refuge in +Switzerland, they were cruelly given up to their persecutors. + + [1050] Mögen sie blätzen am alten Glauben. (Hottinger, Zwingli, p. +389.) + + [1051] Die Zungen geschlitzt, mit dem Schwerdt richten und verbrännt. + (Bull. ii. p. 31.) + +[Sidenote: AUSTRIAN ALLIANCE.] + +The heavier lay the hands of the bailiff on Thurgovia and the +Rhienthal, the greater conquests did the Gospel make. The Bishop of +Constance wrote to the Five Cantons, that if they did not act with +firmness, all the country would embrace the Reform. In consequence of +this, the cantons convoked at Frauenfeld all the prelates, nobles, +judges, and persons of note in the district; and a second meeting +taking place six days after (6th December 1528) at Weinfeld, deputies +from Berne and Zurich entreated the assembly to consider the honour of +God above all things, and in no respect to care for the threats of the +world.[1052] A great agitation followed upon this discourse. At last a +majority called for the preaching of the Word of God: the people came +to the same decision; and the Rheinthal, as well as Bremgarten, +followed this example. + + [1052] Die Eer Gottes, uwer Seelen Heil. (Bulling. Chron. ii. p. 28.) + +What was to be done? The flood had become hourly encroaching. Must +then the Forest Cantons open their valleys to it at last? Religious +antipathies put an end to national antipathies; and these proud +mountaineers, directing their looks beyond the Rhine, thought of +invoking the succour of Austria, which they had vanquished at +Morgarten and at Sempach.[1053] The fanatical German party that had +crushed the revolted Swabian peasants was all-powerful on the +frontiers. Letters were exchanged; messengers passed to and fro across +the river; at last they took advantage of a wedding in high rank that +was to take place at Feldkirch in Swabia, six leagues from Appenzell. +On the 16th February 1529, the marriage party, forming a brilliant +cavalcade, in the midst of which the deputies of the Five Cantons were +concealed, made their entry into Feldkirch, and Am Berg had an +immediate interview with the Austrian governor. "The power of the +enemies of our ancient faith has so increased," said the Swiss, "that +the friends of the Church can resist them no longer. We therefore turn +our eyes to that illustrious prince who has saved in Germany the faith +of our fathers." + + [1053] Ibid. p. 48. + +This alliance was so very unnatural, that the Austrians had some +difficulty in believing it to be sincere. "Take hostages," said the +Waldstettes, "write the articles of the treaty with your own hands; +command, and we will obey!"--"Very good!" replied the Austrians; "in +two months you find us again at Waldshut, and we will let you know our +conditions." + +[Sidenote: ANIMOSITY.] + +A rumour of these negotiations being spread abroad excited great +dissatisfaction, even in the partisans of Rome. In no place did it +burst out with greater force than in the council of Zug. The opposing +parties were violently agitated; they stamped their feet, they started +from their seats, and were nearly coming to blows; but hatred +prevailed over patriotism. The Waldstette deputies appeared at +Waldshut; they suspended the arms of their cantons by the side of +those of the oppressors of Switzerland; they decorated their hats with +peacocks' feathers (the badge of Austria), and laughed, drank, and +chattered with the Imperialists. This strange alliance was at last +concluded.[1054] "Whoever shall form new sects among the people," it +ran, "shall be punished with death; and, if need be, with the help of +Austria. This power, in case of emergency, shall send into Switzerland +six thousand foot soldiers, and four hundred horse, with all requisite +artillery. If necessary, the reformed cantons shall be blockaded, and +all provisions intercepted." To the Romish cantons, then, belongs the +initiative of this measure so much decried. Finally, Austria +guaranteed to the Waldstettes the possession, not only of the common +bailiwicks, but of all the _conquests_ that might be made on the left +bank of the Rhine. + + [1054] Bullinger gives the treaty at full length. (Chron. ii. p. + 49-59.) + +Dejection and consternation immediately pervaded all Switzerland. The +national complaint, which Bullinger has preserved, was sung in every +direction:-- + + Wail, Helvetians, wail, + For the peacock's plume of pride + To the forest-cantons' savage bull + In friendship is allied. + +[Sidenote: CHRISTIAN EXHORTATION.] + +All the cantons not included in this alliance, with the exception of +Friburg, assembled in diet at Zurich, and resolved to send a +deputation to their mountain confederates, with a view to +reconciliation. The deputation, admitted at Schwytz in the presence of +the people, was able to execute its mission without tumult. At Zug +there was a cry of "No sermon! no sermon!" At Altorf the answer was: +"Would to God that your new faith was buried for ever!" At Lucerne +they received this haughty reply: "We shall know how to defend +ourselves, our children, and our children's children, from the poison +of your rebellious priests." It was at Unterwalden that the +deputation met with the worst reception. "We declare our alliance at +an end," said they. "It is we,--it is the other Waldstettes who are +the real Swiss. We graciously admitted you into our confederation, and +now you claim to become our masters!--The Emperor, Austria, France, +Savoy, and Valais will assist us!" The deputies retired in +astonishment, shuddering as they passed before the house of the +secretary of state, where they saw the arms of Zurich, Berne, Basle, +and Strasburg hanging from a lofty gibbet. + +The deputation had scarcely returned to Zurich and made their report, +when men's minds were inflamed. Zwingle proposed to grant no peace to +Unterwalden, if it would not renounce foreign service, the alliance +with Austria, and the government of the common bailiwicks. "No! no!" +said Berne, that had just stifled a civil war in its own canton, "let +us not be so hasty. When the rays of the sun shine forth, each one +wishes to set out; but as soon as it begins to rain, every man loses +heart! The Word of God enjoins peace. It is not with pikes and lances +that faith is made to enter the heart. For this reason, in the name of +our Lord's sufferings, we entreat you to moderate your anger." + +This christian exhortation would have succeeded, if the fearful news +that reached Zurich, on the very day when the Bernese delivered their +moderate speech, had not rendered it unavailing. + +[Sidenote: KEYSER'S MARTYRDOM.] + +On Saturday the 22d May, Jacques Keyser, a pastor and father of a +family in the neighbourhood of the Greiffensee, after coasting the +fertile shores of this little lake, crossed the rich pastures of the +bailiwick of Gruningen, passed near the Teutonic house of Bubikon and +the convent of Ruti, and reached that simple and wild district bathed +by the upper part of Lake Zurich. Making his way to Oberkirk, a parish +in the Gaster district, between the two lakes of Zurich and +Wallenstadt, of which he had been nominated pastor, and where he was +to preach on the morrow, he crossed on foot the lengthened and rounded +flanks of the Buchberg, fronting the picturesque heights of the +Ammon. He was confidently advancing into those woods which for many +weeks he had often traversed without obstruction, when he was suddenly +seized by six men, posted there to surprise him, and carried off to +Schwytz. "The bailiffs," said they to the magistrates, "have ordered +all innovating ministers to be brought before the tribunals: here is +one that we bring you." Although Zurich and Glaris interposed; +although the government of Gaster, where Keyser had been taken, did +not then belong to Schwytz; the Landsgemeinde desired a victim, and on +the 29th May they condemned the minister to be burnt alive. On being +informed of his sentence, Keyser burst into tears.[1055] But when the +hour of execution arrived, he walked cheerfully to death, freely +confessed his faith, and gave thanks to the Lord even with his latest +breath. "Go and tell them at Zurich how he thanks us!" said one of the +Schwytz magistrates, with a sarcastic smile, to the Zurich deputies. +Thus had a fresh martyr fallen under the hands of that formidable +power that is "drunk with the blood of the saints."[1056] + + [1055] Weinet häfftig. (Bull. ii. p. 149.) + + [1056] Rev. xvii. 6. + +The cup was full. The flames of Keyser's pile became the signal of +war. Exasperated Zurich uttered a cry that resounded through all the +confederation. Zwingle above all called for energetic measures. +Everywhere,--in the streets, in the councils, and even in the +pulpits,--he surpassed in daring even the most valiant captains. He +spoke at Zurich,--he wrote to Berne. "Let us be firm, and fear not to +take up arms," said he. "This peace, which some desire so much, is not +peace, but war: while the war that we call for is not war but +peace.[1057] We thirst for no man's blood, but we will clip the wings +of the oligarchy.[1058] If we shun it, the truth of the Gospel and the +ministers' lives will never be secure among us." + + [1057] Bellum cui nos instamus, pax est, non bellum. (Vita Zwinglii + per O. Myconium.) + + [1058] Oligarchiæ nervi succidantur. (Ibid.) + +[Sidenote: ZWINGLE'S ERROR.] + +Thus spoke Zwingle. In every part of Europe he beheld the mighty ones +of the earth aiding one another to stifle the reviving animation of +the Church; and he thought that without some decisive and energetic +movement, Christianity, overwhelmed by so many blows, would soon fall +back into its ancient slavery. Luther under similar circumstances +arrested the swords ready to be crossed, and demanded that the Word of +God alone should appear on the field of battle. Zwingle thought not +thus. In his opinion war was not revolt, for Switzerland had no +master. "Undoubtedly," said he, "we must trust in God alone; but when +He gives us a just cause, we must also know how to defend it, and, +like Joshua and Gideon, shed blood in behalf of our country and our +God." + +If we adopt the principles of justice which govern the rulers of +nations, the advice of Zwingle was judicious and irreproachable. It +was the duty of the Swiss magistrates to defend the oppressed against +the oppressor. But is not such language, which might have been +suitable in the mouth of a magistrate, blamable in a minister of +Christ? Perhaps Zwingle forgot his quality of pastor, and considered +himself only as a citizen, consulted by his fellow-citizens; perhaps +he wished to defend Switzerland, and not the Church, by his counsels; +but it is a question if he ought ever to have forgotten the Church and +his ministry. We think we may go even further; and while granting all +that may be urged in favour of the contrary supposition, we may deny +that the secular power ought ever to interfere with the sword to +protect the faith. + +[Sidenote: ZWINGLE AND WAR.] + +To accomplish his designs, the reformer needed even in Zurich the +greatest unity. But there were many men in that city devoted to +interests and superstitions which were opposed to him. "How long," had +he exclaimed in the pulpit on the 1st December 1528, "will you support +in the council these unbelievers, these impious men, who oppose the +Word of God?"[1059] They had decided upon purging the council, as +required by the reformer; they had examined the citizens individually; +and then had excluded all the hostile members. + + [1059] Den rath reinigen. (Füssli Beyträge, iv. p. 91.) + + +II. On Saturday the 15th June 1529, seven days after Keyser's +martyrdom, all Zurich was in agitation. The moment was come when +Unterwalden should send a governor to the common bailiwicks; and the +images, having been burnt in those districts, Unterwalden had sworn to +take a signal revenge.[1060] Thus the consternation had become +general. "Keyser's pile," thought they, "will be rekindled in all our +villages." Many of the inhabitants flocked to Zurich, and on their +alarmed and agitated features, one might, in imagination, have seen +reflected the flames that had just consumed the martyr. + + [1060] Den götzen brand, an inen mitt der Hand zu rächen. (Bull. + Chron. ii. p. 193.) + +[Sidenote: WAR OF RELIGION.] + +These unhappy people found a powerful advocate in Zwingle. The +reformer imagined that he had at last attained the object that he +never ceased to pursue--the free preaching of the Gospel in +Switzerland. To inflict a final blow would, in his idea, suffice to +bring this enterprise to a favourable issue. "Greedy pensioners," said +Zwingle to the Zurichers, "profit by the ignorance of the mountaineers +to stir up these simple souls against the friends of the Gospel. Let +us therefore be severe upon these haughty chiefs. The mildness of the +lamb would only serve to render the wolf more ferocious.[1061] Let us +propose to the Five Cantons to allow the free preaching of the Word of +the Lord, to renounce their wicked alliances, and to punish the +abettors of foreign service. As for the Mass, idols, rites, and +superstitions, let no one be forced to abandon them. It is for the +Word of God alone to scatter with its powerful breath all this idle +dust.[1062] Be firm, noble lords, and in despite of certain black +horses, as black at Zurich as they are at Lucerne,[1063] but whose +malice will never succeed in overturning the chariot of Reform, we +shall clear this difficult pass, and arrive at the unity of +Switzerland and at unity of faith." Thus Zwingle, while calling for +force against political abuses, asked only liberty for the Gospel; but +he desired a prompt intervention, in order that this liberty might be +secured to it. Œcolampadius thought the same: "It is not a time for +delay," said he, "it is not a time for parsimony and pusillanimity! So +long as the venom shall not be utterly removed from this adder in our +bosoms we shall be exposed to the greatest dangers."[1064] + + [1061] Lupus lenitate agni, magis magisque vorax fit. (Zwing. Epp. ii. + p. 296.) + + [1062] Dei verbum enim hos pulveres omnes facile flatu suo disperget. + (Ibid.) + + [1063] The Pensioners.--Exceptis aliquot nigris equis. (Zwing. Epp. + ii. 298.) + + [1064] Venenum a domestico illo colubro. (Ibid.) + +The council of Zurich, led away by the reformer, promised the +bailiwicks to support religious liberty among them; and scarcely had +they learnt that Anthony ab Acker of the Unterwalden was proceeding to +Baden with an army, than they ordered five hundred men to set out for +Bremgarten with four pieces of artillery. This was the 5th June, and +on the same evening the standard of Zurich waved over the convent of +Mouri. + +[Sidenote: WAR.] + +The war of religion had begun. The horn of the Waldstettes re-echoed +afar in the mountains: men were arming in every direction, and +messengers were sent off in haste to invoke the assistance of the +Valais and of Austria. Three days later (Tuesday the 8th June), six +hundred Zurichers, under the command of Jacques Werdmüller, set out +for Rapperschwyl and the district of Gaster; and, on the morrow, four +thousand men repaired to Cappel, under the command of the valiant +Captain George Berguer, to whom Conrad Schmidt, pastor of Kussnacht, +had been appointed chaplain. "We do not wish you to go to the war," +said Burgomaster Roust to Zwingle; "for the Pope, the Archduke +Ferdinand, the Romish cantons, the bishops, the abbots, and the +prelates hate you mortally. Stay with the council: we have need of +you."--"No!" replied Zwingle, who was unwilling to confide so +important an enterprise to any one; "when my brethren expose their +lives I will not remain quietly at home by my fireside. Besides, the +army also requires a watchful eye, that looks continually around it." +Then, taking down his glittering halberd, which he had carried (as +they say) at Marignan, and placing it on his shoulder, the reformer +mounted his horse and set out with the army.[1065] The walls, towers, +and battlements were covered with a crowd of old men, children, and +women, among whom was Anna, Zwingle's wife. + + [1065] Soudern sass auf ein Ross, und führte eine hubsche Helparten + aufden Achseln. (Füssli Beytr. iv. p. 103.) + +Zurich had called for the aid of Berne; but that city, whose +inhabitants showed little disposition for a religious war, and which +besides was not pleased at seeing the increasing influence of Zurich, +replied, "Since Zurich has begun the war without us, let her finish it +in like manner." The Evangelical states were disunited at the very +moment of struggle. + +The Romish cantons did not act thus. It was Zug that issued the first +summons; and the men of Uri, of Schwytz, and of Unterwalden had +immediately begun the march. On the 8th June, the great banner floated +before the townhouse of Lucerne, and on the next day the army set out +to the sound of the antique horns that Lucerne pretended to have +received from the Emperor Charlemagne. + +On the 10th June, the Zurichers, who were posted at Cappel, sent a +herald at daybreak to Zug, who was commissioned, according to custom, +to denounce to the Five Cantons the rupture of the alliance. +Immediately Zug was filled with cries and alarm. This canton, the +smallest in Switzerland, not having yet received all the confederate +contingents, was not in a condition to defend itself. The people ran +to and fro, sent off messengers, and hastily prepared for battle; the +warriors fitted on their armour, the women shed tears, and the +children shrieked. + +[Sidenote: THE LANDAMMAN AEBLI.] + +Already the first division of the Zurich army, amounting to two +thousand men, under the command of William Thöming, and stationed +near the frontier below Cappel, was preparing to march, when they +observed, in the direction of Baar, a horseman, pressing the flanks of +his steed, and galloping up as fast as the mountain which he had to +ascend would permit. It was Aebli, landamman of Glaris. "The Five +Cantons are prepared," said he, as he arrived, "but I have prevailed +upon them to halt, if you will do the same. For this reason I entreat +my lords and the people of Zurich, for the love of God and the safety +of the Confederation, to suspend their march at the present moment." +As he said these words, the brave Helvetian shed tears.[1066] "In a +few hours," continued he, "I shall be back again. I hope, with God's +grace, to obtain an honourable peace, and to prevent our cottages from +being filled with widows and orphans." + + [1066] Das redt er mitt weynenden Ougen. (Bull. ii. p. 169.) + +Aebli was known to be an honourable man, friendly to the Gospel, and +opposed to foreign service: his words, therefore, moved the Zurich +captains, who resolved to halt. Zwingle alone, motionless and uneasy, +beheld in his friend's intervention the machinations of the adversary. +Austria, occupied in repelling the Turks, and unable to succour the +Five Cantons, had exhorted them to peace. This, in Zwingle's opinion, +was the cause of the propositions brought to them by the landamman of +Glaris. So at the moment Aebli turned round to return to Zug,[1067] +Zwingle approaching him said with earnestness, "Gossip landamman, you +will render to God an account of all this. Our adversaries are caught +in a sack: this is why they give you sweet words. By and by they will +fall upon us unawares, and there will be none to deliver us." +Prophetic words, whose fulfilment went beyond all foresight! "Dear +gossip!" replied the landamman, "I have confidence in God that all +will go well. Let each one do his best." And he departed. + + [1067] Alls nun der Amman wiederumm zu den 5 orten ryten wollt. (Bull. + Chron. ii. p. 170.) Zwingle was godfather to one of Aebli's children. + +[Sidenote: BERNESE INTERPOSITION.] + +Then, instead of advancing upon Zug, the army began to erect tents +along the edge of the forest and the brink of the torrent a few paces +from the sentinels of the Five Cantons; while Zwingle, seated in his +tent, silent, and in deep thought, anticipated some distressing news +from hour to hour. + +He had not long to wait. It was the deputies of the Zurich Council who +came to give reality to his fears. Berne, maintaining the character +that it had so often filled as representative of the federal policy, +declared that if Zurich or the cantons would not make peace, they +should know how to compel them; this state at the same time convoked a +diet at Arau, and sent five thousand men into the field, under the +command of Sebastian Diesbach. Zwingle was struck with consternation. + +Aebli's message, supported by that of Berne, was sent back by the +council to the army; for, according to the principles of the time, +"wherever the banner waves, there is Zurich." "Let us not be +staggered," cried the reformer, ever decided and firm; "our destiny +depends upon our courage; to-day they beg and entreat, and in a month, +when we have laid down our arms, they will crush us. Let us stand firm +in God. Before all things, let us be just: peace will come after +that." But Zwingle, transformed to a statesman, began to lose the +influence which he had gained as a servant of God. Many could not +understand him, and asked if what they had heard was really the +language of a minister of the Lord. "Ah!" said one of his friends, who +perhaps knew him best, Oswald Myconius, "Zwingle certainly was an +intrepid man in the midst of danger; but he always had a horror of +blood, even of his most deadly enemies. The freedom of his country, +the virtues of our forefathers, and, above all, the glory of Christ, +were the sole end of his designs.[1068]--I speak the truth, as if in +the presence of God," adds he. + + [1068] Libertas patriæ, virtutes avitæ, et imprimis gloria Christi. + (Osw. Myc. De vita Zw.) + +[Sidenote: SWISS CORDIALITY.] + +While Zurich was sending deputies to Arau, the two armies received +reinforcements. The men of Thurgovia and St. Gall joined their banners +to that of Zurich; the Valaisans and the men of St. Gothard united +with the Romanist cantons. The advanced posts were in sight of each +other at Thunn, Leematt, and Goldesbrunnen, on the delightful slopes +of the Albis. + +Never, perhaps, did Swiss cordiality shine forth brighter with its +ancient lustre. The soldiers called to one another in a friendly +manner, shook hands, styled themselves confederates and brothers. "We +shall not fight," said they. "A storm is passing over our heads, but +we will pray to God, and he will preserve us from every harm." +Scarcity afflicted the army of the Five Cantons, while abundance +reigned in the camp of Zurich.[1069] Some young famishing Waldstettes +one day passed the outposts: the Zurichers made them prisoners, led +them to the camp, and then sent them back laden with provisions, with +still greater good-nature than was shown by Henry IV. at the siege of +Paris. At another time, some warriors of the Five Cantons, having +placed a bucket filled with milk on the frontier line, cried out to +the Zurichers that they had no bread. The latter came down +immediately, and cut their bread into the enemies' milk: then the +soldiers of the two parties began with jokes to eat out of the same +dish--some on this side, some on that. The Zurichers were delighted +that, notwithstanding the prohibition of their priests, the +Waldstettes ate with heretics. When one of the troop took a morsel +that was on the side of his adversaries, these sportively struck him +with their spoons, and said to him: "Do not cross the frontier!" Thus +did these good Helvetians make war upon one another; and hence it was +that the Burgomaster Sturm of Strasburg, one of the mediators, +exclaimed: "You Confederates are a singular people! When you are +disunited, you live still in harmony with one another, and your +ancient friendship never slumbers."[1070] + + [1069] A measure of corn was sold for a florin, and one of wine for a + half-batz, about three halfpence. (Bull. Chron. ii. p. 182.) + + [1070] Wenn ihr schon uneins sind, so sind ir eins. (Bull. Chron. ii. + p. 183.) + +[Sidenote: A CONFERENCE.] + +The most perfect order reigned in the camp of Zurich. Every day +Zwingle, the commander Schmidt, Zink abbot of Cappel, or some other +minister, preached among the soldiers. No oath or dispute was heard; +every disorderly woman was turned out of the camp; prayers were +offered up before and after every meal; and each man obeyed his +chiefs. There were no dice, no cards, no games calculated to excite +quarrels; but psalms, hymns, national songs, bodily exercise, +wrestling, or pitching the stone, were the military recreations of the +Zurichers.[1071] The spirit that animated the reformer had passed into +the army. + + [1071] Sondern sang, sprang, wurf, und Stiess die Steine. (Füssli + Beyt. iv. p. 108.) + +The assembly at Arau, transported to Steinhausen in the neighbourhood +of the two camps, decreed that each army should hear the complaints of +the opposite party. The reception of the deputies of the Five Cantons +by the Zurichers was tolerably calm; it was not so in the other camp. + +On the 15th June, fifty Zurichers, surrounded by a crowd of peasants, +proceeded on horseback to the Waldstettes. The sound of the trumpet, +the roll of the drum, and repeated salvos of artillery announced their +arrival. Nearly twelve thousand men of the smaller cantons, in good +order, with uplifted heads and arrogant looks, were under arms. Escher +of Zurich spoke first, and many persons from the rural districts +enumerated their grievances after him, which the Waldstettes thought +exaggerated. "When have we ever refused you the federal right?" asked +they. "Yes, yes!" replied Funk, Zwingle's friend; "we know how you +exercise it. That pastor (Keyser) appealed to it, and you referred +him--to the executioner!" "Funk, you would have done better to have +held your tongue," said one of his friends. But the words had slipped +out; a dreadful tumult suddenly arose; all the army of the Waldstettes +was in agitation; the most prudent begged the Zurichers to retire +promptly, and protected their departure. + +[Sidenote: PEACE RESTORED.] + +At length the treaty was concluded on the 26th June 1529. Zwingle did +not obtain all he desired. Instead of the free preaching of the Word +of God, the treaty stipulated only liberty of conscience; it declared +that the common bailiwicks should pronounce for or against the Reform +by a majority of votes. Without decreeing the abolition of foreign +pensions, it was recommended to the Romish cantons to renounce the +alliance formed with Austria; the Five Cantons were to pay the +expenses of the war, Murner to retract his insulting words, and an +indemnity was secured to Keyser's family.[1072] + + [1072] Supra, p. 753. The treaty is given entire in Bullinger, ii. p. + 185, and Ruchat, ii. + +An incontrovertible success had just crowned the warlike demonstration +of Zurich. The Five Cantons felt it. Gloomy, irritated, silently +champing the bit that had been placed in their mouths, their chiefs +could not decide upon giving up the deed of their alliance with +Austria. Zurich immediately recalled her troops, the mediators +redoubled their solicitations, and the Bernese exclaimed: "If you do +not deliver up this document, we will ourselves go in procession and +tear it from your archives." At last it was brought to Cappel on the +26th June, two hours after midnight. All the army was drawn out at +eleven in the forenoon, and they began to read the treaty. The +Zurichers looked with astonishment at its breadth and excessive +length, and the nine seals which had been affixed, one of which was in +gold. But scarcely had a few words been read, when Aebli, snatching +the parchment, cried out: "Enough, enough!"--"Read it, read it!" said +the Zurichers; "we desire to learn their treason!" But the Bailiff of +Glaris replied boldly: "I would rather be cut in a thousand pieces +than permit it." Then dashing his knife into the parchment, he cut it +in pieces in the presence of Zwingle and the soldiers,[1073] and threw +the fragments to the secretary to commit them to the flames. "This +paper was not Swiss," says Bullinger with sublime simplicity. + + [1073] Tabellæ fœderis a prætore Pagi Glaronensis gladio concisæ et + deletæ, id quod ipse vidi. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 310.) + +[Sidenote: ZWINGLE'S HYMN.] + +The banners were immediately struck. The men of Unterwalden retired in +anger; those of Schwytz swore they would for ever preserve their +ancient faith; while the troops of Zurich returned in triumph to their +homes. But the most opposite thoughts agitated Zwingle's mind. "I +hope," said he, doing violence to his feelings, "that we bring back an +honourable peace to our dwellings. It was not to shed blood that we +set out.[1074] God has once again shown the great ones of the earth +that they can do nothing against us." But when he gave way to his +natural disposition, a very different order of thoughts took +possession of his mind. He was seen walking apart in deep dejection, +and anticipating the most gloomy future. In vain did the people +surround him with joyful shouts. "This peace," said he, "which you +consider a triumph, you will soon repent of, striking your breasts." +It was at this time that, venting his sorrow, he composed, as he was +descending the Albis, a celebrated hymn often repeated to the sound of +music in the fields of Switzerland, among the burghers of the +Confederate cities, and even in the palaces of kings. The hymns of +Luther and of Zwingle play the same part in the German and Swiss +Reformation as the Psalms in that of France. + + Do thou direct thy chariot, Lord, + And guide it at thy will; + Without thy aid our strength is vain, + And useless all our skill. + Look down upon thy saints brought low, + And prostrate laid beneath the foe. + + Beloved Pastor, who hast saved + Our souls from death and sin, + Uplift thy voice, awake thy sheep + That slumbering lie within + Thy fold, and curb with thy right hand + The rage of Satan's furious band. + + Send down thy peace, and banish strife, + Let bitterness depart; + Revive the spirit of the past + In every Switzer's heart; + Then shall thy Church for ever sing + The praises of her heavenly King. + + [1074] Cum non cædem factum profecti sumus. (Ibid.) + +[Sidenote: NUNS OF ST. CATHERINE.] + +An edict, published in the name of the Confederates, ordered the +revival everywhere of the old friendship and brotherly concord; but +decrees are powerless to work such miracles. + +This treaty of peace was nevertheless favourable to the Reform. No +doubt it met with a violent opposition in some places. The nuns of the +vale of St. Catherine in Thurgovia, deserted by their priests and +excited by some noblemen beyond the Rhine, who styled them in their +letters, "Chivalrous women of the house of God," sang Mass themselves, +and appointed one of their number preacher to the convent. Certain +deputies from the Protestant cantons having had an interview with +them, the abbess and three of the nuns secretly crossed the river by +night, carrying with them the papers of the monastery and the +ornaments of the church. But such isolated resistance as this was +unavailing. Already in 1529 Zwingle was able to hold a synod in +Thurgovia, which organized the church there, and decreed that the +property of the convents should be consecrated to the instruction of +pious young men in sacred learning. Thus concord and peace seemed at +last to be re-established in the Confederation. + + +[Sidenote: CONQUESTS OF REFORM.] + +III. When, however, the conqueror abandons himself to his triumph, in +that very confidence he often finds destruction. Zurich and Zwingle +were to exemplify this mournful lesson of history. Taking advantage of +the national peace, they redoubled their exertions for the triumph of +the Gospel. This was a legitimate zeal, but it was not always wisely +directed. To attain the unity of Switzerland by unity of faith was the +object of the Zurichers; but they forgot that, by desiring to force a +unity, it is broken to pieces, and that freedom is the only medium in +which contrary elements can be dissolved, and a salutary union +established. While Rome aims at unity by anathemas, imprisonment, and +the stake, christian truth demands unity through liberty. And let us +not fear that unity, expanding each individuality beyond measure, will +produce by this means an infinite multiplicity. While we urge every +mind to attach itself to the Word of God, we give it up to a power +capable of restoring its diverging opinions to a wholesome unity. + +Zwingle at first signalized his victory by legitimate conquests. He +advanced with courage. "His eye and his arm were everywhere." "A few +wretched mischief-makers," says Salat, a Romanist chronicler, +"penetrating into the Five Cantons, troubled men's souls, distributed +their frippery, scattered everywhere little poems, little tracts, +little testaments, and ceased not from saying that the people ought +not to believe the priests."[1075] This was not all; while the Reform +was destined to be confined around the lake of the Waldstettes to a +few fruitless efforts, it made brilliant conquests among the +cantons,--the allies and subjects of Switzerland; and all the blows +there inflicted on the Papacy re-echoed among the lofty valleys of the +primitive cantons, and filled them with affright. Nowhere had Popery +shown itself more determined than in the Swiss mountains. A mixture of +Romish despotism and Helvetian roughness existed there. Rome was +resolved to conquer, and yet she beheld her most important positions +successively wrested from her. + + [1075] Die sectischen haltend vil elends Hüdel volk gefunden, &c. + (Salat, Chron.) + +In fact, on the 29th September 1529, the citizens of Schaffhausen +removed the "great God" (_le bon Dieu_) from the cathedral, to the +deep regret of a small number of devotees, whom the Roman worship +still counted in this city; then they abolished the Mass, and +stretched out their hands to Zurich and to Berne. + +[Sidenote: THE PRIEST OF ZURZACK.] + +At Zurzack, near the confluence of the Rhine and the Aar, at the +moment when the priest of the place, a man devoted to the ancient +worship, was preaching with zeal, a person named Tüfel (devil), +raising his head, said to him: "Sir, you are heaping insults on good +men, and you are loading the Pope and the saints of the Roman calendar +with honour; pray, where do we find that in the Holy Scriptures?" This +question, put in a serious tone of voice, raised a sly smile on many +faces, and the people with their eyes fixed on the pulpit awaited the +reply. The curate in astonishment and at his wit's end, answered with +a trembling voice: "Devil is thy name; thou actest like the devil, and +thou art the devil! For this reason I will have nothing to do with +thee." Then hastily leaving the pulpit, he ran away as if Satan +himself had been behind him. Immediately the images were torn down, +and the Mass abolished. The Roman-catholics sought to console +themselves by repeating everywhere: "At Zurzack it was the devil who +introduced the Reformation."[1076] + + [1076] That der Tüffel den ersten Angriff. + +[Sidenote: REFORM IN GLARIS.] + +The priests and warriors of the Forest Cantons beheld the overthrow of +the Romish faith in countries that lay nearer to them. In the canton +of Glaris, whence by the steep passes of the Klaus and the +Pragel,[1077] the Reform might suddenly fall upon Uri and Schwytz, two +men met face to face. At Mollis, Fridolin Brunner, questioning himself +every day by what means he could advance the cause of Christ,[1078] +attacked the abuses of the Church with the energy of his friend +Zwingle,[1079] and endeavoured to spread among the people, who were +passionately fond of war, the peace and charity of the Gospel. At +Glaris, on the contrary, Valentine Tschudi studied with all the +circumspection of his friend Erasmus to preserve a just medium between +Rome and the Reform. And although,--thanks to the preaching of +Fridolin!--the doctrines of purgatory, indulgences, meritorious works, +and intercession of the saints, were looked at by the Glaronais as +mere follies and fables,[1080] they still believed with Tschudi that +the body and blood of Christ were substantially in the bread of the +Lord's Supper. + + [1077] This is the road by which the army of Suwaroff escaped in 1799. + + [1078] Nam cotidie cogitare soleo quanam re Christianum adjuvem + profectum. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 13.) + + [1079] Audeo ego intrepide omnem ecclesiæ abusum et omnia humana + precepta in enunciatione verbi Dei damnare. (Ibid.) + + [1080] Nugas esse et fabulas. (Zw. Epp. ii.) + +[Sidenote: ITALIAN BAILIWICKS.] + +At the same time a movement in opposition to the Reform was taking +place in that high and savage valley, where the Linth, roaring at the +foot of vast rocks with jagged crests--enormous citadels which seemed +built in the air,--bathes the villages of Schwanden and Ruti with its +waters. The Roman-catholics, alarmed at the progress of the Gospel, +and wishing to save these mountains at least, had scattered with +liberal hands the money they derived from their foreign pensions; and +from that time violent hatred had been seen to divide old friends, and +men who appeared to have been won over to the Gospel basely sought for +a pretext to conceal a disgraceful flight.[1081] "Peter[1082] and I," +wrote Rasdorfer, pastor of Ruti, in despair, "are labouring in the +vineyard, but, alas! the grapes we gather are not employed for the +sacrifice, and the very birds do not eat them. We fish, but after +having toiled all night, we find that we have only caught +leeches.[1083] Alas! we are casting pearls before dogs, and roses +before swine!" This spirit of revolt against the Gospel soon descended +from these valleys with the noisy waters of the Linth as far as Glaris +and Mollis. "The council, as if it had been composed only of silly +women, shifted its sails every day," said Rasdorfer;[1084] "one day it +will have the cowl, on the next it will not."[1085] Glaris, like a +leaf carried along by one of its torrents, and which the waves and +eddies drive in different directions, wavered, wheeled about, and was +nearly being swallowed up. + + [1081] Jam ære convicti palinodiam canunt. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 292.) + + [1082] Pierre Rumelin; pastor of Schwanden. + + [1083] Tota enim nocte piscantes, sanguisugas, aspendios cepimus. (Zw. + Epp. ii. p. 13.) Rasdorfer evidently alludes to what Pliny says of a + kind of vine termed _Aspendios_: E diverso aspendios, damnata aris. + Ferunt eam nec ab alite ulla attingi. (Hist. Nat. lib. xiv. cap. xviii + § 22.) + + [1084] Vertit vela indies senatus noster muliercularum more. (Ibid.) + + [1085] Vult jam cucullum, post non vult. (Ibid.) That is, at one time + it recognises, at another rejects, the Abbot of Saint Gall. + +But this crisis came to an end: the Gospel suddenly regained strength, +and on Easter Monday 1530, a general assembly of the people "put the +Mass and the altars to the vote." A powerful party that relied upon +the Five Cantons vainly opposed the Reform. It was proclaimed, and its +vanquished and disconcerted enemies were forced to content themselves, +says Bullinger, with mysteriously concealing a few idols, which they +reserved for better days. + +In the meanwhile, the Reform advanced in the exterior _Rhodes_ of +Appenzell,[1086] and in the district of Sargans. But what most +exasperated the cantons that remained faithful to the Romish +doctrines, was to see it pass the Alps and appear in Italy, in those +beautiful districts round Lake Maggiore, where, near the embouchure of +the Maggia, within the walls of Locarno, in the midst of laurels, +pomegranates, and cypresses, flourished the noble families of Orelli, +Muralto, Magoria, and Duni, and where floated since 1512 the sovereign +standard of the cantons. "What!" said the Waldstettes, "is it not +enough that Zurich and Zwingle infest Switzerland! They have the +impudence to carry their pretended Reform even into Italy,--even into +the country of the Pope!" + + [1086] See Benedict Noll's letter to Zwingle, Epp. ii. p. 635. + +[Sidenote: THE MONK OF COMO.] + +Great irregularities prevailed there among the clergy: "Whoever wishes +to be damned must become a priest," was a common saying.[1087] But the +Gospel succeeded in making its way even into that district. A monk of +Como, Egidio à Porta, who had taken the cowl in 1511, against the +wishes of his family,[1088] struggled for years in the Augustine +convent, and nowhere found peace for his soul. Motionless, environed, +as it appeared to him, with profound night, he cried aloud: "Lord, +what wilt thou that I should do?" Erelong the monk of Como thought he +heard these words in his heart: "Go to Ulric Zwingle and he will tell +thee." He rose trembling with emotion. "It is you," wrote he to +Zwingle immediately, "but no! it is not you, it is God who, through +you, will deliver me from the nets of the hunters." "Translate the New +Testament into Italian," replied Zwingle; "I will undertake to get it +printed at Zurich." This is what Reform did for Italy more than three +centuries ago. + + [1087] St. Chorles Barromeo, Archbishop of Milan, suppressed somewhat + later several convents in this district: "Monialium non dicam + collegia, sed amantium contubernia," said he. (Die evangel Gem. in + Locarno von F. Meyer, i. p. 109.) + + [1088] Subduxi memet a parentum patrocinio, cucullumque nigrum ex + animo suscepi. (Zw. Epp. i. p. 448.) + +Egidio therefore remained. He commenced translating the Gospel; but at +one time he had to beg for the convent, at another to repeat his +"hours," and then to accompany one of the fathers on his +journeys.[1089] Everything that surrounded him increased his distress. +He saw his country reduced to the greatest misery by desolating +wars,--men formerly rich, holding out their hands for alms,--crowds of +women driven by want to the most shameful degradation. He imagined +that a great political deliverance could alone bring about the +religious independence of his fellow-countrymen. + + [1089] Confratres nonnulli viri certe et pietate et eruditione + nequaquam contemptibiles. (Zw. Epp. i. p. 533.) + +[Sidenote: THE MONK OF LOCARNO.] + +On a sudden he thought that this happy hour was arrived. He perceived +a band of Lutheran lansquenets descending the Alps. Their serried +phalanxes, their threatening looks were directed towards the banks of +the Tiber. At their head marched Freundsberg, wearing a chain of gold +around his neck, and saying: "If I reach Rome I will make use of it to +hang the Pope." "God wills to save us," wrote Egidio to Zwingle: +"write to the constable;[1090] entreat him to deliver the people over +whom he rules,--to take from the shaven crowns, whose God is their +belly, the wealth which renders them so proud,--and to distribute it +among the people who are dying of hunger. Then let each one preach +without fear the pure Word of the Lord.--The strength of Antichrist +is near its fall!" + + [1090] Bourbon, who commanded in Italy on behalf of the Emperor. + (Supra, book xii.) + +Thus, about the end of 1526, Egidio already dreamt of the Reformation +of Italy. From that time his letters cease: the monk disappeared. +There can be no doubt that the arm of Rome was able to reach him, and +that, like so many others, he was plunged into the gloomy dungeon of +some convent. + +[Sidenote: LETTER TO THE GERMAN CHURCH.] + +In the spring of 1530, a new epoch commenced for the Italian +bailiwicks. Zurich appointed Jacques Werdmüller bailiff of Locarno; he +was a grave man, respected by all, and who even in 1524 had kissed the +feet of the Pope; he had since then been won over to the Gospel, and +had sat down at the feet of the Saviour.[1091] "Go," said Zurich, "and +bear yourself like a Christian, and in all that concerns the Word of +God conform to the ordinances." Werdmüller met with nothing but +darkness in every quarter. Yet, in the midst of this gloom, a feeble +glimmering seemed to issue from a convent situated on the delightful +shores of Lake Maggiore. Among the Carmelites at Locarno was a monk +named Fontana, skilled in the Holy Scriptures, and animated with the +same spirit that had enlightened the monk of Como. The doctrine of +salvation, "without money and without price," which God proclaims in +the Gospel, filled him with love and joy. "As long as I live," said +he, "will I preach upon the Epistles of St. Paul;"[1092] for it was +particularly in these Epistles that he had found the truth. Two monks, +of whose names we are ignorant, shared his sentiments. Fontana wrote a +letter "to all the Church of Christ in Germany," which was forwarded +to Zwingle. We may imagine we hear that man of Macedonia, who appeared +in a vision to Paul in the night, calling him to Europe, and saying, +"Come over and help us."[1093]--"O, trusty and well-beloved of Christ +Jesus," cried the monk of Locarno to Germany, "remember Lazarus, the +beggar, in the Gospel,--remember that humble Canaanitish woman, +longing for the crumbs that fell from the Lord's table! hungry as +David, I have recourse to the show-bread placed upon the altar. A poor +traveller devoured by thirst, I rush to the springs of living +water.[1094] Plunged in darkness, bathed in tears, we cry to you who +know the mysteries of God to send us by the hands of the munificent J. +Werdmüller all the writings of the divine Zwingle, of the famous +Luther, of the skilful Melancthon, of the mild Œcolampadius, of the +ingenious Pomeranus, of the learned Lambert, of the elegant Brenz, of +the penetrating Bucer, of the studious Leo, of the vigilant Hütten, +and of the other illustrious doctors, if there are any more. Excellent +princes, pivots of the Church, our holy mother, make haste to deliver +from the slavery of Babylon a city of Lombardy that has not yet known +the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are but three who have combined +together to fight on behalf of the truth;[1095] but it was beneath the +blows of a small body of men, chosen by God, and not by the thousands +of Gideon, that Midian fell. Who knows if from a small spark God may +not cause a great conflagration?" + + [1091] Luke x. 39. + + [1092] Se dum vivat satis de Epistolis Pauli concionaturum esse. (Zw. + Epp. ii. p. 497.) + + [1093] Acts xvi. 9. + + [1094] Debilis et infirmus apud piscinam, salutem mei et patriæ toto + mentis affectu citissime expecto. (Hottinger, sæcul. 16, pars 2, p. + 619.) + + [1095] Confederati conjunctique in expeditionem veritatis tres tantum + numero sumus. (Hottinger saecul. 16, pars 2, p. 630.) + +Thus three men on the banks of the Maggia hoped at that time to reform +Italy. They uttered a call to which, for three centuries, the +Evangelical world has not replied. Zurich, however, in these days of +its strength and of its faith, displayed a holy boldness, and dared +extend her heretical arms beyond the Alps. Hence, Uri, Schwytz, +Unterwalden, and all the Romanists of Switzerland gave vent to loud +and terrible threats, swearing to arrest even in Zurich itself the +course of these presumptuous invasions. + +[Sidenote: THE MONKS OF WETTINGEN.] + +But the Zurichers did not confine themselves to this: they gave the +Confederates more serious cause of fear by waging incessant war +against the convents,--those centres of Ultramontane fanaticism. The +extensive monastery of Wettingen, around which roll the waters of the +Limmat, and which, by its proximity to Zurich, was exposed more than +any other to the breath of Reform, was in violent commotion. On the +23d August 1529, a great change took place; the ice was broken and the +downfall complete. The monks ceased to sing Mass; they cut off each +other's beards, not without shedding a few tears; they laid down their +frocks and their hoods, and clothed themselves in becoming secular +dresses.[1096] Then, in astonishment at this metamorphosis, they +listened devoutly to the sermon which Sebastian Benli of Zurich came +and preached to them, and erelong employed themselves in propagating +the Gospel, and in singing psalms in German. Thus Wettingen fell into +the current of that river which seemed to be everywhere reviving the +Confederation. The cloister, ceasing to be a house for gaming, +gluttony, and drunkenness, was changed into a school. Two monks alone +in all the monastery remained faithful to the cowl. + + [1096] Bekleitend sich in erbare gemeine Landskleyder. (Bull. Chron. + ii. p. 221.) + +The commander of Mulinen, without troubling himself about the threats +of the Romish cantons, earnestly pressed the commandery of St. John at +Hitzkirch towards the Reformation. The question was put to the vote, +and the majority declared in favour of the Word of God. "Ah!" said the +commander, "I have been long pushing behind the chariot."[1097] On the +4th September the commandery was reformed. It was the same with that +of Wadenswyl, with the convent of Pfeffers, and others besides. Even +at Mury the majority declared for the Gospel; but the minority +prevailed through the support of the Five Cantons.[1098] A new +triumph, and one of greater value, was destined to indemnify the +Reform, and to raise the indignation of the Waldstettes to the +highest pitch. + + [1097] Diu me in hoc curru promovendo laborasse, priusquam tam longe + processit. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 334.) + + [1098] Das das minder müst das meer sin. (Bull. ii. p. 241.) + +[Sidenote: ABBEY OF ST. GALL.] + +The Abbot of St. Gall, by his wealth, by the number of his subjects, +and the influence which he exercised in Switzerland, was one of the +most formidable adversaries of the Gospel. In 1529, therefore, at the +moment when the army of Zurich took the field against the Five +Cantons, the Abbot Francis of Geisberg, in alarm and at the brink of +death, caused himself to be hastily removed into the strong castle of +Rohrschach, not thinking himself secure except within its walls. Four +days after this, the illustrious Vadianus, burgomaster of St. Gall, +entered the convent, and announced the intention of the people to +resume the use of their cathedral-church, and to remove the images. +The monks were astonished at such audacity, and having in vain +protested and cried for help, put their most precious effects in a +place of safety, and fled to Einsideln. + +Among these was Kilian Kouffi, head-steward of the abbey, a cunning +and active monk, and, like Zwingle, a native of the Tockenburg. +Knowing how important it was to find a successor to the abbot, before +the news of his death was bruited abroad, he came to an understanding +with those who waited on the prelate; and the latter dying on Tuesday +in Holy Week, the meals were carried as usual into his chamber, and +with downcast eyes and low voice the attendants made every inquiry +about his health. While this farce was going on round the dead body, +the monks who had assembled at Einsideln repaired in all haste to +Rapperswyl, in the territory of St. Gall, and there elected Kilian, +who had so skilfully managed the affair. The new abbot went +immediately to Rohrschach, and on Good Friday he there proclaimed his +own election and the death of his predecessor. Zurich and Glaris +declared they would not recognise him, unless he could prove by the +Holy Scriptures that a monkish life was in conformity with the Gospel. +"We are ready to protect the house of God," said they; "and it is for +this reason we require that it be consecrated anew to the Lord. But +we do not forget that it is our duty also to protect the people. It is +in the bosom of a free people that the free Church of Christ should +raise its head." At the same time the ministers of St. Gall published +forty-two theses, in which they asserted that convents were not +"houses of God, but houses of the devil."[1099] The abbot, supported +by Lucerne and Schwytz, which with Zurich and Glaris exercised +sovereign power in St. Gall, replied that he would not dispute about +rights which he held from kings and emperors. The two natives of the +Tockenburg, Zwingle and Kilian, were thus struggling around St. +Gall,--the one claiming the people for the abbey, and the other the +abbey for the people. The army of Zurich having approached Wyl, Kilian +seized upon the treasures and muniments of the convent, and fled +precipitately beyond the Rhine. Then when peace was concluded, the +crafty monk clothed himself in a secular dress, and crept mysteriously +as far as Einsideln, whence on a sudden he made all Switzerland +re-echo with his cries. Zurich replied only by publishing in +conjunction with Glaris a constitution, by which a governor, +"confirmed in the evangelical faith," should preside over the +district, with a council of twelve members, while the election of +pastors was left to the parishes.[1100] Not long afterwards, the +abbot, expelled and a fugitive, while crossing a river near Bregentz, +fell from his horse, got entangled in his frock, and was drowned. Of +the two combatants from the Tockenburg, it was Zwingle who gained the +victory. + + [1099] Thesis 8. (Bull. ii. p. 115.) + + [1100] Die Pfarer soll den Gmeinden irs gfallens zu erkiessen + Zugestelt syn. (Bull. ii. p. 268.) + +[Sidenote: SOLEURE.] + +The convent was put up to sale, and was purchased by the town of St. +Gall, "with the exception," says Bullinger, "of a detached building, +called _Hell_, where the monks were left who had not embraced the +Reform."[1101] The time having arrived when the governor sent by +Zurich was to give place to one from Lucerne, the people of St. Gall +called upon the latter to swear to their constitution. "A governor has +never been known," replied he, "to make an oath to peasants; it is the +peasants who should make an oath to the governor!" Upon this he +retired: the Zurich governor remained, and the indignation of the Five +Cantons against Zurich, which so daringly assisted the people of St. +Gall in recovering their liberties, rose to the highest paroxysm of +anger. + + [1101] Alein was ein gebuw die _Hell_ genampt, das liess man den + Munchen blyten. (Ibid. p. 271.) + +A few victories, however, consoled in some degree the partisans of +Rome. Soleure was for a long time one of the most contested battle +fields. The citizens and the learned were in favour of Reform: the +patricians and canons for Popery. Philip Grotz of Zug was preaching +the Gospel there, and the council having desired to compel him to say +Mass, one hundred Reformed appeared in the hall of assembly on the +13th September 1529, and with energy called for liberty of conscience. +Zurich and Berne having supported this demand, it was granted to them. + +[Sidenote: A NEW MIRACLE.] + +Upon this the most fanatical of the Roman-catholics, exasperated at +the concession, closed the gates of the city, pointed the guns, and +made a show of expelling the friends of the Reform. The council +prepared to punish these agitators, when the Reformed, willing to set +an example of christian moderation, declared they would forgive +them.[1102] The Great Council then published throughout the canton +that the dominion of conscience belonging to God alone, and faith +being the free gift of His grace, each one might follow the religion +which he thought best. Thirty-four parishes declared for the +Reformation, and only two for the Mass. Almost all the rural districts +were in favour of the Gospel; but the majority of the city sided with +the Pope.[1103] Haller, whom the Reformed of Soleure had sent for, +arrived, and it was a day of triumph for them. It was in the middle +of winter: "To-day," ironically observed one of the Evangelical +Christians, "our patron saint (St. Ours) will sweat!" And in +truth---oh! wonderful!--drops of moisture fell from the holy image. It +was simply a little holy water that had frozen and then thawed. But +the Romanists would listen to no raillery on so illustrious a prodigy, +reminding us of the blood of St. Januarius at Naples. All the city +resounded with piteous cries,--the bells were tolled,--a general +procession moved through the streets,--and high mass was sung in +honour of the heavenly prince who had shown in so marvellous a manner +the pangs he felt for his dearly beloved. "It is the fat minister of +Berne (Haller) who is the cause of the saint's alarm," said the devout +old women. One of them declared that she would thrust a knife into his +body; and certain Roman-catholics threatened to go to the Cordeliers' +church and murder the pastors who preached there. Upon this the +Reformed rushed to that church and called for a public discussion: two +hundred of their adversaries posted themselves at the same time in the +church of St. Ours and refused the discussion. Neither of the two +parties was willing to be the first to abandon the camp in which it +was entrenched. The senate wishing to clear the two churches thus +transformed into citadels, announced that at Martinmas, _i. e._ nine +months later, a public discussion should take place. But as the +Reformed found the delay too long, both parties remained for a whole +week more under arms. Commerce was interrupted,--the public offices +were closed--messengers ran to and fro,--arrangements were +proposed;--but the people were so stiffnecked,[1104] that no one would +give way. The city was in a state of siege. At last all were agreed +about the discussion, and the ministers committed four theses to +writing, which the canons immediately attempted to refute. + + [1102] Ruchat, ii. p. 139. + + [1103] Major pars agri abolita superstitione a parte nostra stat. + Major et potior pars urbis a papistis. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 489.) + + [1104] Tam duræ cervicis populus est. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 489.) + +[Sidenote: POPERY TRIUMPHS.] + +Nevertheless they judged it a still better plan to elude them. Nothing +alarmed the Romanists so much as discussion. "What need have we of +any?" said they. "Do not the writings of the two parties declare their +sentiments?" The conference was, therefore, put off until the +following year. Many of the Reformed, indignant at these delays, +imprudently quitted the city; and the councils, charmed at this +result, which they were far from expecting, hastily declared that the +people should be free in the canton, but that in the city no one +should attack the Mass. From that time the Reformed were compelled +every Sunday to leave Soleure and repair to the village of Zuchsweil +to hear the Word of God. Thus Popery, defeated in so many places, +triumphed in Soleure. + +Zurich and the other reformed cantons attentively watched these +successes of their adversaries, and lent a fearful ear to the threats +of the Roman-catholics, who ceased not from announcing the +intervention of the Emperor; when on a sudden a report was heard that +nine hundred Spaniards had entered the Grisons; that they were led by +the Chatelain of Musso, recently invested with the title of marquis by +Charles the Fifth; that the chatelain's brother-in-law, Didier d'Embs, +was also marching against the Swiss at the head of three thousand +imperial lansquenets; and that the Emperor himself was ready to +support them with all his forces. The Grisons uttered a cry of alarm. +The Waldstettes remained motionless; but all the reformed cantons +assembled their troops, and eleven thousand men began their +march.[1105] The Emperor and the Duke of Milan having soon after +decreed that they would not support the chatelain, this adventurer +beheld his castle rased to the ground, and was compelled to retire to +the banks of the Sesia, giving guarantees of future tranquillity; +while the Swiss soldiers returned to their homes, fired with +indignation against the Five Cantons, who by their inactivity had +infringed the federal alliance.[1106] "Our prompt and energetic +resistance," said they, "has undoubtedly baffled their perfidious +designs; but the reaction is only adjourned. Although the parchment +of the Austrian alliance has been torn in pieces, the alliance itself +still exists. The truth has freed us, but soon the imperial +lansquenets will come and try to place us again under the yoke of +slavery." + + [1105] Bull. Chron. ii. p. 357. + + [1106] Ward ein grosser Unwilt wieder sie. (Ibid. p. 461.) + +[Sidenote: THE MINISTERS' ADDRESS.] + +Thus in consequence of so many violent shocks, the two parties that +divided Switzerland had attained the highest degree of irritation. The +gulf that separated them widened daily. The clouds--the forerunners of +the tempest--drove swiftly along the mountains, and gathered +threateningly above the valleys. Under these circumstances Zwingle and +his friends thought it their duty to raise their voices, and if +possible to avert the storm. Thus Nicholas de Flue had in former days +thrown himself between the hostile parties. + +[Sidenote: AUTONOMY OF THE CHURCH.] + +On the 5th September 1530, the principal ministers of Zurich, Berne, +Basle, and Strasburg,--Œcolampadius, Capito, Megander, Leo Juda, and +Myconius,--were assembled at Zurich in Zwingle's house. Desirous of +taking a solemn step with the Five Cantons, they drew up an address +that was presented to the Confederates at the meeting of the Diet at +Baden. However unfavourable the deputies were, as a body, to these +heretical ministers, they nevertheless listened to this epistle, but +not without signs of impatience and weariness.[1107] "You are aware, +gracious lords, that concord increases the power of states, and that +discord overthrows them.[1108] You are yourselves a proof of the first +of these truths. Setting out from a small beginning, you have, by a +good understanding one with another, arrived at a great end. May God +condescend to prevent you also from giving a striking proof of the +second! Whence comes disunion, if not from selfishness? and how can we +destroy this fatal passion, except by receiving from God the love of +the common weal? For this reason we conjure you to allow the Word of +God to be freely preached among you, as did your pious ancestors. +When has there ever existed a government, even among the heathens, +which saw not that the hand of God alone upholds a nation? Do not two +drops of quicksilver unite so soon as you remove that which separates +them? Away then with that which separates you from our cities, that +is, the absence of the Word of God; and immediately the Almighty God +will unite us, as our fathers were united. Then placed in your +mountains, as in the centre of Christendom, you will be an example to +it, its protection and its refuge; and after having passed through +this vale of tears, being the terror of the wicked and the consolation +of the faithful, you will at last be established in eternal +happiness." + + [1107] Lecta est epistola nostra in comitiis Badensibus. (Œcol. to + Bucer. 28th December 1530.) + + [1108] Wie mit einhalligkeit kleine Ding gross werdend. (Zw. Opp. ii. + p. 78.) + +Thus frankly did these men of God address their brothers, the +Waldstettes. But their voice was not attended to. "The ministers' +sermon is rather long,"[1109] said some of the deputies yawning and +stretching their arms, while others pretended to see in it fresh cause +of complaint against the cities. + + [1109] Libellum supplicem ad quinque pagos breviorum vellent. (Zw. + Epp. ii. p. 511.) Fastidiunt tam sancta. (Œcol.) + +This proceeding of the ministers was useless: the Waldstettes rejected +the Word of God, which they had been entreated to admit; they rejected +the hands that were extended towards them in the name of Jesus Christ. +They called for the Pope and not for the Gospel. All hope of +reconciliation appeared lost. + +Some persons, however, had at that time a glimpse of what might have +saved Switzerland and the Reformation,--the _autonomy_ (self-government) +of the Church, and its independence of political interests. Had they +been wise enough to decline the secular power to secure the triumph of +the Gospel, it is probable that harmony might have been gradually +established in the Helvetic cantons, and that the Gospel would have +conquered by its Divine strength. The power of the Word of God +presented chances of success that were not afforded by pikes and +muskets. The energy of faith, the influence of charity, would have +proved a securer protection to Christians against the burning piles +of Waldstettes than diplomatists and men-at-arms. None of the +Reformers understood this so clearly as Œcolampadius. His handsome +countenance, the serenity of his features, the mild expression of his +eyes, his long and venerable beard, the spirituality of his +expression, a certain dignity that inspired confidence and respect, +gave him rather the air of an apostle than of a reformer. It was the +power of the inner word that he particularly extolled; perhaps he even +went too far in spiritualism. But, however that may be, if any man +could have saved Reform from the misfortunes that were about to befall +it--that man was he. In separating from the Papacy, he desired not to +set up the magistrate in its stead. "The magistrate who should take +away from the churches the authority that belongs to them," wrote he +to Zwingle, "would be more intolerable than Antichrist himself (_i. +e._ the Pope)."[1110]--"The hand of the magistrate strikes with the +sword, but the hand of Christ heals. Christ has not said,--If thy +brother will not hear thee, tell it to the magistrate, but--_tell it +to the Church_. The functions of the State are distinct from those of +the Church. The State is free to do many things which the purity of +the Gospel condemns."[1111] Œcolampadius saw how important it was that +his convictions should prevail among the Reformed. This man, so mild +and so spiritual, feared not to stand forth boldly in defence of +doctrines then so novel. He expounded them before a synod assembly, +and next developed them before the senate of Basle.[1112] It is a +strange circumstance that these ideas, for a moment at least, were +acceptable to Zwingle;[1113] but they displeased an assembly of the +brethren to whom he communicated them; the politic Bucer above all +feared that this independence of the Church would in some measure +check the exercise of the civil power.[1114] The exertions of +Œcolampadius to constitute the Church, were not, however, entirely +unsuccessful. In February 1531, a diet of four reformed cantons +(Basle, Zurich, Berne, and St. Galls) was held at Basle, in which it +was agreed, that whenever any difficulty should arise with regard to +doctrine or worship, an assembly of divines and laymen should be +convoked, which should examine what the Word of God said on the +matter.[1115] This resolution, by giving greater unity to the +renovated Church, gave it also fresh strength. + + [1110] Intolerabilior enim Antichristo ipso magistratus, qui Ecclesiis + auctoritatem suam adimit. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 510.) + + [1111] Ipsorum functio alia est et ecclesiastica, multaque ferre et + facere potest quæ puritas evangelica non agnoscit. (Ibid.) + + [1112] Orationis meæ quam, fratrum nomine, coram senatu habui. (Ibid.) + + [1113] Ut mihi magis ac magis arridet. (Ibid. p. 518.) + + [1114] Ut non impediat alicubi magistratum Christianum. (Bucer to Zw. + p. 836.) + + [1115] J. J. Hottinger, iii. p. 554. + + +[Sidenote: CHRISTIAN STATE.] + +IV. But it was too late to tread in this path, which would have +prevented so many disasters. The Reformation had already entered with +all her sails set upon the stormy ocean of politics, and terrible +misfortunes were gathering over her. The impulse communicated to the +Reform came from another than Œcolampadius. Zwingle's proud and +piercing eyes,--his harsh features,--his bold step,--all proclaimed in +him a resolute mind and the man of action. Nurtured in the exploits of +the heroes of antiquity, he threw himself, to save Reform, in the +footsteps of Demosthenes and Cato, rather than in those of St. John +and St. Paul. His prompt and penetrating looks were turned to the +right and to the left,--to the cabinets of kings and the councils of +the people, whilst they should have been directed solely to God. We +have already seen, that as early as 1527, Zwingle, observing how all +the powers were rising against the Reformation, had conceived the plan +of a _co-burghery_ or Christian State,[1116] which should unite all +the friends of the Word of God in one holy and powerful league. This +was so much the easier, as Zwingle's reformation had won over +Strasburg, Augsburg, Ulm, Reutlingen, Lindau, Memmingen, and other +towns of Upper Germany. Constance in December 1527, Berne in June +1528, St. Gall in November of the same year, Bienne in 1529, Mulhausen +in February, Basle in March, Schaffhausen in September, and Strasburg +in December, entered into this alliance. This political phase of +Zwingle's character is in the eyes of some persons his highest claim +to glory: we do not hesitate to acknowledge it as his greatest fault. +The Reformer, deserting the paths of the Apostles, allowed himself to +be led astray by the perverse example of Popery. The primitive Church +never opposed their persecutors but by the dispositions of the Gospel +of peace. Faith was the only sword by which it vanquished the mighty +ones of the earth. Zwingle felt clearly that by entering into the ways +of worldly politicians, he was leaving those of a minister of Christ: +he therefore sought to justify himself. "No doubt, it is not by human +strength," said he, "it is by the strength of God alone that the Word +of the Lord should be upheld. But God often makes use of men as +instruments to succour men. Let us therefore unite, and from the +sources of the Rhine to Strasburg let us form but one people and one +alliance."[1117] + + [1116] Civitas Christiana. + + [1117] Dass von oben hinab hie dises Rhyns, bis gen Strasbourg ein + Volk und Bundniss würde. (Zw. Opp. ii. p. 28.) + +[Sidenote: ZWINGLE'S DOUBLE PART.] + +Zwingle played two parts at once--he was a reformer and a magistrate. +But these are two characters that ought not more to be united than +those of a minister and of a soldier. We will not blame the soldiers, +we will not blame the magistrates; in forming leagues and drawing the +sword, they act according to their point of view, although it is not +the same as ours; but we will decidedly blame the christian minister, +who becomes a diplomatist or a general. + +In October 1529, as we have already observed, Zwingle repaired to +Marburg, whither he had been invited by Philip of Hesse; and while +neither of them had been able to come to an understanding with Luther, +the Landgrave and the Swiss Reformer, animated by the same bold and +enterprising spirit, soon agreed together. + +[Sidenote: ZWINGLE AND LUTHER.] + +The two reformers differed not less in their political than in their +religious system. Luther, brought up in the cloister and in monastic +submission, was imbued in youth with the writings of the fathers of +the Church; Zwingle, on the other hand, reared in the midst of Swiss +liberty, had, during those early years which decide the course of all +the others, imbibed the history of the ancient republics. Thus, while +Luther was in favour of a passive obedience, Zwingle demanded that the +tyrants should be opposed. + +These two men were the faithful representatives of their respective +nations. In the north of Germany, the princes and nobility were the +essential part of the nation, and the people--strangers to all +political liberty--had only to obey. Thus, at the epoch of the +Reformation, they were contented to follow the voice of their doctors +and chiefs. In Switzerland, in the south of Germany, and on the Rhine, +on the contrary, many cities, after long and violent struggles, had +won their civil liberty; and hence we see in almost every place the +people taking a decided part in the Reform of the Church. There was +good in this; but evil was close at hand. The Reformers, themselves +men of the people, who dared not act upon princes, might be tempted to +hurry away the people. It was easier for the Reformation to unite with +republics than with kings. This facility nearly proved its ruin. The +Gospel was thus to learn that its alliance is in heaven. + +[Sidenote: UNION OF THE STATES.] + +There was, however, one prince with whom the reformed party of the +free states desired to be in union: this was Philip of Hesse. It was +he who in great measure prompted Zwingle's warlike projects. Zwingle +desired to make him some return, and to introduce his new friend into +the evangelical league. But Berne, watchful to avert anything that +might irritate the Emperor and its ancient confederates, rejected this +proposal, and thus excited a lively discontent in the "Christian +City."--"What!" cried they, "do the Bernese refuse an alliance that +would be honourable for us, acceptable to Jesus Christ, and terrible +to our adversaries?"[1118]--"The Bear," said the high-spirited +Zwingle, "is jealous of the Lion (Zurich); but there will be an end to +all these artifices, and victory will remain with the bold." It would +appear, indeed, according to a letter in cipher, that the Bernese at +last sided with Zwingle, requiring only that this alliance with a +prince of the Empire should not be made public.[1119] + + [1118] Ipsis et nobis honestius, ob religionis et caritatis causam, + Christo gratius, ob conjunctas vires utilius, hostibusque terribilius. + (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 481.) + + [1119] Tantum recusaverunt aperte agere. (Ibid. p. 487.) The cipher 3 + appears to indicate the Bernese. + +Still Œcolampadius had not given way, and his meekness contended, +although modestly, with the boldness of his impetuous friend. He was +convinced that faith was destined to triumph only by the cordial union +of all believers. A valuable relief came to reanimate his exertions. +The deputies of the Christian co-burghery, being assembled at Basle in +1530, the envoys from Strasburg endeavoured to reconcile Luther and +Zwingle. Œcolampadius wrote to Zwingle on the subject, begging him to +hasten to Basle,[1120] and not show himself too unyielding. "To say +that the body and blood of Christ are really in the Lord's Supper, may +appear to many too hard an expression," said he, "but is it not +softened, when it is added--spiritually and not bodily?"[1121] + + [1120] Si potes, mox advola. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 547.) + + [1121] Christi corpus et sanguinem adesse vero in cœna fortasse + cuipiam durius sonat, sed mitigatur dum adjungitur animo non corpore. + (Ibid.) + +[Sidenote: ZWINGLE'S POLITICS.] + +Zwingle was immovable. "It is to flatter Luther that you hold such +language, and not to defend the truth.[1122] _Edere est +credere._"[1123] Nevertheless there were men present at the meeting, +who were resolved upon energetic measures. Brotherly love was on the +eve of triumphing: peace was to be obtained by union. The Elector of +Saxony himself proposed a concord of all Evangelical Christians: the +Landgrave invited the Swiss cities to accede to it. A report spread +that Luther and Zwingle were about to make the same confession of +faith. Zwingle, calling to mind the early professions of the Saxon +Reformer, said one day at table before many witnesses, that Luther +would not think so erroneously about the Eucharist, if he were not +misled by Melancthon.[1124] The union of the whole Reform seemed about +to be concluded: it would have vanquished by its own weapons. But +Luther soon showed that Zwingle was mistaken in his expectation. He +required a written engagement by which Zwingle and Œcolampadius should +adhere to his sentiments, and the negotiations were broken off in +consequence. Concord having failed, there remained nothing but war. +Œcolampadius must be silent, and Zwingle must act. + + [1122] Hæc omnia fieri pro Luthero neque pro veritate propugnandi + causa. (Ibid. p. 550.) + + [1123] To eat is to believe. (Ibid.) + + [1124] Memini dudum Tiguri te dicentem cum convivio me exciperes, + Lutherum non adeo perperam de Eucharistia sentire, nisi quod + Melancthon ex alio eum cogeret. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 562.) + +[Sidenote: HIS FORESIGHT.] + +And in truth from that hour Zwingle advanced more and more along that +fatal path into which he was led by his character, his patriotism, and +his early habits. Stunned by so many violent shocks, attacked by his +enemies and by his brethren, he staggered and his head grew dizzy. +From this period the reformer almost entirely disappears, and we see +in his place the politician, the great citizen, who, beholding a +formidable coalition preparing its chains for every nation, stands up +energetically against it. The Emperor had just formed a close alliance +with the Pope. If his deadly schemes were not opposed, it would be all +over, in Zwingle's opinion, with the Reformation, with religious and +political liberty, and even with the Confederation itself. "The +Emperor," said he, "is stirring up friend against friend, enemy +against enemy: and then he endeavours to raise out of this confusion +the glory of the Papacy, and above all his own power. He excites the +Chatelain of Musso against the Grisons--Duke George of Saxony against +Duke John--the Bishop of Constance against the city--the Duke of Savoy +against Berne--the Five Cantons against Zurich--and the Bishops of the +Rhine against the Landgrave; then, when the confusion shall have +become general, he will fall upon Germany, will offer himself as a +mediator, and ensnare princes and cities by fine speeches, until he +has them all under his feet. Alas! what discord, what disasters, under +the pretence of re-establishing the Empire and restoring +religion!"[1125] Zwingle went farther. The reformer of a small town in +Switzerland, rising to the most astonishing political conceptions, +called for a European alliance against such fatal designs. The son of +a peasant of the Tockenburg held up his head against the heir of so +many crowns. "That man must either be a traitor or a coward," wrote he +to a senator of Constance, "who is content to stretch and yawn, when +he ought to be collecting men and arms on every side, to show the +Emperor that in vain he strives to re-establish the Romish faith, to +enslave the free cities, and to subdue the Helvetians.[1126] He showed +us only six months ago how he would proceed. To-day he will take one +city in hand, to-morrow another; and so, step by step, until they are +all reduced. Then their arms will be taken away, their treasures, +their machines of war, and all their power......Arouse Lindau, and all +your neighbours; if they do not awake, public liberty will perish +under the pretext of religion. We must place no confidence in the +friendship of tyrants. Demosthenes teaches us that there is nothing so +hateful in their eyes as την των πολεων ελευθεριαν.[1127] +The Emperor with one hand offers us bread, but in the other he conceals a +stone."[1128] And a few months later Zwingle wrote to his friends in +Constance: "Be bold; fear not the schemes of Charles. The razor will +cut him who is sharpening it."[1129] + + [1125] Quæ dissidia, quas turbas, quæ mala, quas clades! (Zw. Epp. ii. + p. 429.) + + [1126] Romanam fidem restituere, urbes liberas capere, Helvetios in + ordinem cogere. (Ibid. March 1530.) + + [1127] "The freedom of cities." These words are in Greek in the + original. + + [1128] Cæsar altera manu panem ostentat, altera lapidem celat. (Zw. + Epp. March 1530.) + + [1129] Incidet in cotem aliquando novacula. (Ibid. p. 544.) + +[Sidenote: ADVOCATES RESISTANCE.] + +Away, then, with delay! Should they wait until Charles the Fifth +claimed the ancient castle of Hapsburg? The Papacy and the Empire, it +was said at Zurich, are so confounded together,[1130] that one cannot +exist or perish without the other. Whoever rejects Popery should +reject the Empire, and whoever rejects the Emperor should reject the +Pope. + + [1130] Bapst und Keyserthumen habend sich dermassen in einandern + geflickt. (Bull. ii. p. 343.) + +It appears that Zwingle's thoughts even went beyond a simple +resistance. When once the Gospel had ceased to be his principal study, +there was nothing that could arrest him. "A single individual," said +he, "must not take it into his head to dethrone a tyrant; this would +be a revolt, and the kingdom of God commands peace, righteousness, and +joy. But if a whole people with common accord, or if the majority at +least, rejects him, without committing any excess, it is God himself +who acts."[1131] Charles V. was at that time a tyrant in Zwingle's +eyes; and the reformer hoped that Europe, awakening at length from its +long slumber, would be the hand of God to hurl him from his throne. + + [1131] So ist es mit Gott. (Zw. Opp.) + +[Sidenote: EMBASSY TO VENICE.] + +Never since the time of Demosthenes and of the two Catos had the world +seen a more energetic resistance to the power of its oppressors. +Zwingle in a political point of view is one of the greatest characters +of modern times: we must pay him this honour, which is, perhaps, for a +minister of God, the greatest reproach. Everything was prepared in his +mind to bring about a revolution that would have changed the history +of Europe. He knew what he desired to substitute in place of the power +he wished to overthrow. He had already cast his eyes upon the prince +who was to wear the imperial crown instead of Charles. It was his +friend the Landgrave. "Most gracious prince," he wrote on the 2d +November 1529, "I write to you as a child to a father; it is because I +hope that God has chosen you for great events......I dare think, but I +dare not speak of them[1132]......However, we must bell the cat at +last.[1133]......All that I can do with my feeble means to manifest +the truth, to save the Universal Church, to augment your power and the +power of those who love God--with God's help, I will do." Thus was +this great man led astray. It is the will of God that there be spots +even in those who shine brightest in the eyes of the world, and that +only one upon earth shall say--"Which of you convinceth me of sin?" We +are now viewing the faults of the Reformation: they arise from the +union of religion with politics. I could not take upon myself to pass +them by; the recollection of the errors of our predecessors is perhaps +the most useful legacy they have bequeathed to us. + + [1132] Spero Deum te ad magnas res......quasquidem cogitare sed non + dicere licet. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 666.) + + [1133] Sed fieri non potest quin tintinnabulum aliquando feli + adnectatur. (Zw. Epp. ii.) + +It appears already that at Marburg Zwingle and the Landgrave had drawn +out the first sketch of a general alliance Against Charles V. The +Landgrave had undertaken to bring over the princes, Zwingle the free +cities of Southern Germany and Switzerland. He went still further, and +formed a plan of gaining over to this league the republics of +Italy--the powerful Venice at least--that she might detain the Emperor +beyond the Alps, and prevent him from leading all his forces into +Germany. Zwingle, who had earnestly pleaded against all foreign +alliances, and proclaimed on so many occasions that the only ally of +the Swiss should be the arm of the Almighty, began now to look around +for what he had condemned, and thus prepared the way for the terrible +judgment that was about to strike his family, his country, and his +Church. + +He had hardly returned from Marburg, and had made no official +communication to the great council, when he obtained from the senate +the nomination of an ambassador to Venice. Great men, after their +first success, easily imagine that they can do everything. It was not +a statesman who was charged with this mission, but one of Zwingle's +friends, who had accompanied him into Germany, to the court of the +future chief of the Empire--the Greek professor, Rodolph Collin, a +bold and skilful man, and who knew Italian. Thus the Reform stretched +its hands to the Doge and the Procurator of St. Marc. The Bible was +not enough for it--it must have the _Golden Book_: never did a greater +humiliation befall God's work. The opinion which Protestants then +entertained of Venice may, however, partly excuse Zwingle. There was +in that city more independence of the Pope, more freedom of thought, +than in all the rest of Italy. Luther himself about this time wrote to +Gabriel Zwilling, pastor at Torgau: "With what joy do I learn what you +write to me concerning the Venetians. God be praised and glorified, +for that they have received his Word!"[1134] + + [1134] Lætus audio de Venetis quæ scribis, quod verbum Dei receperint, + Deo gratia ac gloria. (7th March 1528. L. Epp. iii. p. 289.) + +[Sidenote: PROJECTED ALLIANCE.] + +Collin was admitted, on the 26th December, to an audience with the +Doge and senate, who looked with an air of astonishment at this +schoolmaster, this strange ambassador, without attendants, and without +parade. They could not even understand his credentials, in so singular +a style were they drawn up, and Collin was forced to explain their +meaning. "I am come to you," said he, "in the name of the council of +Zurich and of the cities of the Christian co-burghery--free cities +like Venice, and to which common interests should unite you. The power +of the Emperor is formidable to the Republics; he is aiming at a +universal monarchy in Europe; if he succeeds, all the free states will +perish. We must therefore check him."[1135] The Doge replied that the +Republic had just concluded an alliance with the Emperor, and betrayed +the distrust that so mysterious a mission excited in the Venetian +senate. But afterwards, in a private conference,[1136] the Doge, +wishing to preserve a retreat on both sides, added, that Venice +gratefully received the message from Zurich, and that a Venetian +regiment, armed and paid by the Republic itself, should be always +ready to support the Evangelical Swiss. The chancellor, covered with +his purple robe, attended Collin to the door, and, at the very gates +of the ducal palace, confirmed the promise of support. The moment the +Reformation passed the magnificent porticos of St. Marc it was seized +with giddiness; it could but stagger onwards to the abyss. They +dismissed poor Collin by placing in his hands a present of twenty +crowns. The rumour of these negotiations soon spread abroad, and the +less suspicious, Capito for example, shook their heads, and could see +in this pretended agreement nothing but the accustomed perfidy of +Venice.[1137] + + [1135] Formidandam rebus-publicis potentiam Cæsaris, quæ omnino ad + Europæ monarchiam vergit (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 445.) + + [1136] Postea privatim alia respondisse. (Ibid.) + + [1137] Perfidiam adversus Cæsarem, fidem videri volunt. (Capito, Zw. + Epp. ii. p. 445.) + +This was not enough. The cause of the Reform was fated to drink the +cup of degradation to the very dregs. Zwingle, seeing that his +adversaries in the Empire increased daily in numbers and in power, +gradually lost his ancient aversion for France; and, although there +was now a greater obstacle than before between him and Francis +I.,--the blood of his brethren shed by that monarch,--he showed +himself favourably disposed to a union that he had once so forcibly +condemned. + +Lambert Maigret, a French general, who appears to have had some +leaning to the Gospel--which is a slight excuse for Zwingle--entered +into correspondence with the reformer, giving him to understand that +the secret designs of Charles V. called for an alliance between the +King of France and the Swiss Republics. "Apply yourself," said this +diplomatist to him in 1530, "to a work so agreeable to our Creator, +and which, by God's grace, will be very easy to your Mightiness."[1138] +Zwingle was at first astonished at these overtures. "The King of +France," thought he, "cannot know which way to turn."[1139] Twice he +took no heed of this prayer; but the envoy of Francis I. insisted +that the reformer should communicate to him a plan of alliance. At the +third attempt of the ambassador, the simple child of the Tockenburg +mountains could no longer resist his advances. If Charles V. must +fall, it cannot be without French assistance; and why should not the +Reformation contract an alliance with Francis I., the object of which +would be to establish a power in the Empire that should in its turn +oblige the King to tolerate the Reform in his own dominions? +Everything seemed to meet the wishes of Zwingle; the fall of the +tyrant was at hand, and he would drag the Pope along with him. He +communicated the general's overtures to the secret council, and Collin +set out, commissioned to bear the required project to the French +ambassador.[1140] "In ancient times," it ran, "no kings or people ever +resisted the Roman Empire with such firmness as those of France and +Switzerland. Let us not degenerate from the virtues of our ancestors. +His most Christian Majesty--all whose wishes are, that the purity of +the Gospel may remain undefiled[1141]--engages therefore to conclude +an alliance with the Christian co-burghery that shall be in accordance +with the Divine law, and that shall be submitted to the censure of the +evangelical theologians of Switzerland." Then followed an outline of +the different articles of the treaty. + + [1138] Operi Creatori nostro acceptissimo, Dominationi tuæ facillimo, + media gratia Dei. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 413.) + + [1139] Regem admodum desesperare et inopem concilii esse, ut nesciat + quo se vertat (Ibid. p. 414.) + + [1140] Bis negavi, at tertio misi, non sine conscientia Probulatarum. + (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 422.) + + [1141] Nihil enim æqui esse in votis Christianissimi Regis, atque ut + Evangelii puritas illibata permaneat. (Ibid. p. 417.) + +[Sidenote: APPROACHING RUIN.] + +Lanzerant, another of the king's envoys, replied the same day (27th +February) to this astonishing project of alliance about to be +concluded between the reformed Swiss and the persecutor of the French +Reformed, _under reserve of the censure of the theologians_......This +was not what France desired: it was Lombardy, and not the Gospel that +the king wanted. For that purpose, he needed the support of all the +Swiss. But an alliance which ranged the Roman-catholic cantons against +him, would not suit him. Being satisfied, therefore, for the present +with knowing the sentiments of Zurich, the French envoys began to +look coolly upon the Reformer's scheme. "The matters you have +submitted to us are admirably drawn up," said Lanzerant to the Swiss +commissioner, "but I can scarcely understand them, no doubt because of +the weakness of my mind......We must not put any seed into the ground, +unless the soil be properly prepared for it." + +Thus, the Reform acquired nothing but shame from these propositions. +Since it had forgotten these precepts of the Word of God: "Be ye not +unequally yoked together with unbelievers!"[1142] how could it fail to +meet with striking reverses? Already Zwingle's friends began to +abandon him. The Landgrave, who had pushed him into this diplomatic +career, drew towards Luther, and sought to check the Swiss Reformer, +particularly after this saying of Erasmus had sounded in the ears of +the great: "They ask us to open our gates, crying aloud--the Gospel! +the Gospel!......Raise the cloak, and under its mysterious folds you +will find--democracy." + + [1142] 2 Cor. vi. 13. + +[Sidenote: LANDERS.] + +While the Reform, by its culpable proceedings, was calling down the +chastisement of Heaven, the Five Cantons, that were to be the +instruments of its punishment, accelerated with all their might those +fatal days of anger and of vengeance. They were irritated at the +progress of the Gospel throughout the Confederation, while the peace +they had signed became every day more irksome to them. "We shall have +no repose," said they, "until we have broken these bonds and regained +our former liberty."[1143] A general diet was convoked at Baden for +the 8th January, 1531. The Five Cantons then declared that if justice +was not done to their grievances, particularly with respect to the +abbey of St. Gall, they would no more appear in diet. "Confederates of +Glaris, Schaffhausen, Friburg, Soleure, and Appenzell," cried they, +"aid us in making our ancient alliances respected, or we will +ourselves contrive the means of checking this guilty violence; and +may the Holy Trinity assist us in this work!"[1144] + + [1143] Nitt ruwen biss sy der banden ledig. (Bull. ii. p. 394.) + + [1144] Darzu helfe uns die helig dryfaltikeit (Bull. ii. p. 330.) + +[Sidenote: VIOLENCE.] + +But they did not confine themselves to threats. The treaty of peace +had expressly forbidden all insulting language--"for fear," it is +said, "that by insults and calumnies, discord should again be excited, +and greater troubles than the former should arise." Thus was concealed +in the treaty itself the spark whence the conflagration was to +proceed. In fact, to restrain the rude tongues of the Waldstettes was +impossible. Two Zurichers, the aged prior Ravensbühler, and the +pensioner Gaspard Gödli, who had been compelled to renounce, the one +his convent, and the other his pension, especially aroused the anger +of the people against their native city. They used to say everywhere +in these valleys, and with impunity, that the Zurichers were heretics; +that there was not one of them who did not indulge in unnatural sins, +and who was not a robber at the very least;[1145]--that Zwingle was a +thief, a murderer, and an arch-heretic; and that, on one occasion at +Paris (where he had never been,) he had committed a horrible offence, +in which Leo Juda had been his pander.[1146] "I shall have no rest," +said a pensioner, "until I have thrust my sword up to the hilt in the +heart of this impious wretch." Old commanders of troops, who were +feared by all on account of their unruly character; the satellites who +followed in their train; insolent young people, sons of the first +persons in the state, who thought everything was lawful against +miserable preachers, and their stupid flocks; priests inflamed with +hatred, and treading in the footsteps of these old captains and giddy +young men, who seemed to take the pulpit of a church for the bench of +a pot-house: all poured torrents of insults on the Reform and its +adherents. "The townspeople," exclaimed with one accord these drunken +soldiers and these fanatic priests, "are heretics, soul-stealers, +conscience-slayers, and Zwingle--that horrible man, who commits +infamous sins--is the _Lutheran God_."[1147] + + [1145] Es were kein Zurycher er hatte chuy und merchen gehygt. (Bull. + p. 336.) + + [1146] Alls der zu Parys ein Esel gehygt; und habe imm Leo Jud + denselben geliept (Bull. ii. p. 336.) + + [1147] Der lutherischen Gott. (Bull. ii. p. 337.) + +They went still further. Passing from words to deeds, the Five Cantons +persecuted the poor people among them who loved the Word of God, flung +them into prison, imposed fines upon them, brutally tormented them, +and mercilessly expelled them from their country. The people of +Schwytz did even worse. Not fearing to announce their sinister +designs, they appeared at a Landsgemeinde wearing pine-branches in +their hats, in sign of war, and no one opposed them. "The Abbot of St. +Gall," said they, "is a prince of the Empire, and holds his +investiture from the Emperor. Do they imagine that Charles V. will not +avenge him?"--"Have not these heretics," said others, "dared to form a +_Christian Fraternity_, as if old Switzerland was a heathen country?" +Secret councils were continually held in one place or another.[1148] +New alliances were sought with the Valais, the Pope, and the +Emperor[1149]--blamable alliances, no doubt, but such as they might at +least justify by the proverb: "Birds of a feather go together;" which +Zurich and Venice could not say. + + [1148] Radt schlagtend und tagentend heymlich v. c. (Bull. ii. p. + 336.) + + [1149] Nüwe fründschaften, by den Walliseren, dem Bapst, und den + Keysserischen, (Bull, ii.) + +[Sidenote: FOREBODINGS OF BERKS.] + +The Valaisans at first refused their support: they preferred remaining +neuter; but on a sudden their fanaticism was inflamed. A sheet of +paper was found on an altar--such at least was the report circulated +in their valleys,--in which Zurich and Berne were accused of preaching +that to commit an offence against nature is a smaller crime than to +hear Mass![1150] Who had placed this mysterious paper on the altar? +Came it from man? Did it fall from heaven?......They knew not; but +however that might be, it was copied, circulated, and read everywhere; +and the effects of this fable, invented by some villain, says +Zwingle,[1151] was such that Valais immediately granted the support it +had at first refused! The Waldstettes, proud of their strength, then +closed their ranks; their fierce eyes menaced the heretical cantons; +and the winds bore from their mountains to their neighbours of the +towns a formidable clang of arms. + + [1150] Ut si quis rem obscænam cum jumento sive bove habeat, minus + peccare quam si missam inaudiat (Zw. Epp. p. 610.) + + [1151] Perfidorum ac sceleratorum hominum commentum. (Zw. Epp.) + +At the sight of these alarming manifestations the evangelical cities +were in commotion. They first assembled at Basle in February 1531, +then at Zurich in March. "What is to be done?" said the deputies from +Zurich, after setting forth their grievances; "how can we punish these +infamous calumnies, and force these threatening arms to fall?"--"We +understand," replied Berne "that you would have recourse to violence; +but think of these secret and formidable alliances that are forming +with the Pope, the Emperor, the King of France, with so many princes, +in a word with all the priests' party, to accelerate our ruin;--think +on the innocence of so many pious souls in the Five Cantons, who +deplore these perfidious machinations;--think how easy it is to begin +a war, but that no one can tell when it will end."[1152] Sad +foreboding! which a catastrophe, beyond all human foresight, +accomplished but too soon. "Let us therefore send a deputation to the +Five Cantons," continued Berne; "let us call upon them to punish these +infamous calumnies in accordance with the treaty; and if they refuse, +let us break off all intercourse with them."--"What will be the use of +this mission?" asked Basle. "Do we not know the brutality of this +people? And is it not to be feared that the rough treatment to which +our deputies will be exposed, may make the matter worse? Let us rather +convoke a general diet." Schaffhausen and St. Gall having concurred in +this opinion, Berne summoned a diet at Baden for the 10th April, at +which deputies from all the cantons were assembled. + + [1152] Aber sin end und ussgang möchte nieman bald wüssen. (Bull. ii. + p. 346.) + +[Sidenote: MUTUAL ERRORS.] + +Many of the principal men among the Waldstettes disapproved of the +violence of the retired soldiers and of the monks. They saw that these +continually repeated insults would injure their cause. "The insults of +which you complain," said they to the diet, "afflict us no less than +you. We shall know how to punish them, and we have already done so. +But there are violent men on both sides. The other day a man of Basle +having met on the highroad a person who was coming from Berne, and +having learnt that he was going to Lucerne:--'To go from Berne to +Lucerne,' exclaimed he, 'is passing from a father to an arrant +knave!'" The mediating cantons invited the two parties to banish every +cause of discord. + +But the war of the Chatelain of Musso having then broken out, Zwingle +and Zurich, who saw in it the first act of a vast conspiracy, destined +to stifle the Reform in every place, called their allies together. "We +must waver no longer," said Zwingle; "the rupture of the alliance on +the part of the Five Cantons, and the unheard of insults with which +they load us, impose upon us the obligation of marching against our +enemies,[1153] before the Emperor, who is still detained by the Turks, +shall have expelled the Landgrave, seized upon Strasburg, and +subjugated even ourselves." All the blood of the ancient Swiss seemed +to boil in this man's veins; and while Uri, Schwytz, and Unterwalden +basely kissed the hand of Austria, this Zuricher--the greatest +Helvetian of the age--faithful to the memory of old Switzerland, but +not so to still holier traditions, followed in the glorious steps of +Stauffacher and Winkelried. + + [1153] Sy gwaltig ze überziehen. (Bull. ii. p. 366.) + +[Sidenote: FAILURE OF THE DIET.] + +The warlike tone of Zurich alarmed its confederates. Basle proposed a +summons, and then, in case of refusal, the rupture of the alliance. +Schaffhausen and St. Gall were frightened even at this step: "The +mountaineers, so proud, indomitable, and exasperated," said they, +"will accept with joy the dissolution of the Confederation, and then +shall we be more advanced?" Such was the posture of affairs, when, to +the great astonishment of all, deputies from Uri and Schywtz made +their appearance. They were coldly received; the cup of honour was not +offered to them; and they had to walk, according to their own account, +in the midst of the insulting cries of the people. They unsuccessfully +endeavoured to excuse their conduct. "We have long been waiting," was +the cold reply of the diet, "to see your actions and your words +agree."[1154] The men of Schwytz and of Uri returned in sadness to +their homes; and the assembly broke up, full of sorrow and distress. + + [1154] Und wortt und werk mit einandern gangen werind. (Bull. ii. p. + 367.) + +[Sidenote: ACTIVITY OF ZURICH.] + +Zwingle beheld with pain the deputies of the evangelical towns +separating without having come to any decision. He no longer desired +only a reformation of the Church; he wished for a transformation in +the Confederacy; and it was this latter reform that he now was +preaching from the pulpit, according to what we learn from +Bullinger.[1155] He was not the only person who desired it. For a long +time the inhabitants of the most populous and powerful towns of +Switzerland had complained that the Waldstettes, whose contingent of +men and money was much below theirs, had an equal share in the +deliberations of the diet and in the fruits of their victories. This +had been the cause of division after the Burgundian War. The Five +Cantons, by means of their adherents, had the majority. Now Zwingle +thought that the reins of Switzerland should be placed in the hands of +the great cities, and, above all, in those of the powerful cantons of +Berne and Zurich. New times, in his opinion, called for new forms. It +was not sufficient to dismiss from every public office the pensioners +of foreign princes, and substitute pious men in their place; the +federal compact must be remodelled, and settled upon a more equitable +basis. A national constituent assembly would doubtless have responded +to his wishes. These discourses, which were rather those of a tribune +of the people than of a minister of Jesus Christ, hastened on the +terrible catastrophe. + + [1155] Trang gar häfftig uff eine gemeine Reformation gemeiner + Eydgenoschaft. (Bull. ii. p. 368.) + +And indeed the animated words of the patriot reformer passed from the +church where they had been delivered into the councils and the halls +of the guilds, into the streets and the fields. The burning words that +fell from the lips of this man kindled the hearts of his +fellow-citizens. The electric spark, escaping with noise and +commotion, was felt even in the most distant cottage. The ancient +traditions of wisdom and prudence seemed forgotten. Public opinion +declared itself energetically. On the 29th and 30th April, a number of +horsemen rode hastily out of Zurich; they were envoys from the +council, commissioned to remind all the allied cities of the +encroachment of the Five Cantons, and to call for a prompt and +definitive decision. Reaching their several destinations, the +messengers recapitulated the grievances.[1156] "Take care," said they +in conclusion; "great dangers are impending over all of us. The +Emperor and King Ferdinand are making vast preparations; they are +about to enter Switzerland with large sums of money, and with a +numerous army." + + [1156] They are to be found in Bullinger, ii. p. 368-376. + +[Sidenote: DIET OF ARAU.] + +Zurich joined actions to words. This state, being resolved to make +every exertion to establish the free preaching of the Gospel in those +bailiwicks where it shared the sovereignty with the Roman-catholic +cantons, desired to interfere by force wherever negotiations could not +prevail. The federal rights, it must be confessed, were trampled under +foot at St. Gall, in Thurgovia, in the Rheinthal; and Zurich +substituted arbitrary decisions in their place, that excited the +indignation of the Waldstettes to the highest degree. Thus the number +of enemies to the Reform kept increasing; the tone of the Five Cantons +became daily more threatening, and the inhabitants of the canton of +Zurich, whom their business called into the mountains, were loaded +with insults, and sometimes badly treated. These violent proceedings +excited in turn the anger of the reformed cantons. Zwingle traversed +Thurgovia, St. Gall, and the Tockenburg, everywhere organizing synods, +taking part in their proceedings, and preaching before excited and +enthusiastic crowds. In all parts he met with confidence and respect. +At St. Gall an immense crowd assembled under his windows, and a +concert of voices and instruments expressed to the reformer the public +gratitude in harmonious songs. "Let us not abandon ourselves," he +repeated continually, "and all will go well." It was resolved that a +meeting should be held at Arau on the 12th May, to deliberate on a +posture of affairs that daily became more critical. This meeting was +to be the beginning of sorrows. + + +V. Zwingle's scheme with regard to the establishment of a new +Helvetian constitution did not prevail in the diet of Arau. Perhaps it +was thought better to see the result of the crisis. Perhaps a more +Christian, a more federal view--the hope of procuring the unity of +Switzerland by unity of faith--occupied men's minds more than the +pre-eminence of the cities. In truth, if a certain number of cantons +remained with the Pope, the unity of the Confederation was destroyed, +it might be for ever. But if all the Confederation was brought over to +the same faith, the ancient Helvetic unity would be established on the +strongest and surest foundation. Now was the time for acting--or +never; and there must be no fear of employing a violent remedy to +restore the whole body to health. + +[Sidenote: CONTRARY OPINIONS.] + +Nevertheless, the allies shrunk back at the thought of restoring +religious liberty or political unity by means of arms; and to escape +from the difficulties in which the Confederation was placed, they +sought a middle course between war and peace. "There is no doubt," +said the deputies from Berne, "that the behaviour of the cantons with +regard to the Word of God fully authorizes an armed intervention; but +the dangers that threaten us on the side of Italy and the Empire--the +danger of arousing the lion from his slumber--the general want and +misery that afflict our people--the rich harvests that will soon cover +our fields, and that the war would infallibly destroy--the great +number of pious men among the Waldstettes, and whose innocent blood +would flow along with that of the guilty:--all these motives enjoin us +to leave the sword in the scabbard. Let us rather close our markets +against the Five Cantons; let us refuse them corn, salt, wine, steel, +and iron; we shall thus impart authority to the friends of peace among +them, and innocent blood will be spared."[1157] The meeting separated +forthwith to carry this intermediate proposition to the different +Evangelical cantons, and on the 15th May again assembled at Zurich. + + [1157] Und dadurch unshuldiez Blüt erspart wurde. (Bull. ii. p. 383.) + +Convinced that the means apparently the most violent were nevertheless +both the surest and the most humane, Zurich resisted the Bernese +proposition with all its might. "By accepting this proposition," said +they, "we sacrifice the advantages that we now possess, and we give +the Five Cantons time to arm themselves, and to fall upon us first. +Let us take care that the Emperor does not then attack us on one side, +while our ancient confederates attack us on the other; a just war is +not in opposition to the Word of God; but this is contrary to +it--taking the bread from the mouths of the innocent as well as the +guilty; straitening by hunger the sick, the aged, pregnant women, +children, and all who are deeply afflicted by the injustice of the +Waldstettes.[1158] We should beware of exciting by this means the +anger of the poor, and transforming into enemies many who at the +present time are our friends and our brothers!" + + [1158] Kranke alte shwangere wyber, kinder und sunst betrubte. (Bull. + ii. p. 384.) + +[Sidenote: FAULTS OF THE REFORMATION.] + +We must acknowledge that this language, which was Zwingle's, contained +much truth. But the other cantons, and Berne in particular, were +immoveable. "When we have once shed the blood of our brothers," said +they, "we shall never be able to restore life to those who have lost +it; while, from the moment the Waldstettes have given us +satisfaction, we shall be able to put an end to all these severe +measures. We are resolved not to begin the war." There were no means +of running counter to such a declaration. The Zurichers consented to +refuse supplies to the Waldstettes; but it was with hearts full of +anguish, as if they had foreseen all that this deplorable measure +would cost them.[1159] It was agreed that the severe step that was now +about to be taken should not be suspended except by common consent, +and that, as it would create great exasperation, each one should hold +himself prepared to repel the attacks of the enemy. Zurich and Berne +were commissioned to notify this determination to the Five Cantons; +and Zurich, discharging its task with promptitude, immediately +forwarded an order to every bailiwick to suspend all communication +with the Waldstettes, commanding them at the same time to abstain from +ill-usage and hostile language. Thus the Reformation, becoming +imprudently mixed up with political combinations, marched from fault +to fault; it pretended to preach the Gospel to the poor, and was now +about to refuse them bread! + + [1159] Schmerzlich und kummersachlich. (Bull. ii. p. 386.) + +[Sidenote: ZWINGLE'S SERMON.] + +On the Sunday following--it was Whitsunday--the resolution was +published from the pulpits. Zwingle walked towards his, where an +immense crowd was waiting for him. The piercing eye of this great man +easily discovered the dangers of the measure in a political point of +view, and his christian heart deeply felt all its cruelty. His soul +was overburdened, his eyes downcast. If at this moment the true +character of a minister of the Gospel had awoke within him; if Zwingle +with his powerful voice had called on the people to humiliation before +God, to forgiveness of trespasses, and to prayer; safety might yet +have dawned on "broken-hearted" Switzerland. But it was not so. More +and more the Christian disappears in the Reformer, and the citizen +alone remains; but in that character he soars far above all, and his +policy is undoubtedly the most skilful. He sees clearly that every +delay may ruin Zurich; and after having made his way through the +people, and closed the book of the Prince of Peace, he hesitates not +to attack the resolution which he has just communicated to the people, +and on the very festival of the Holy Ghost to preach war. "He who +fears not to call his adversary a criminal," says he in his usual +forcible language, "must be ready to follow the word with a +blow.[1160] If he does not strike, he will lie stricken. Men of +Zurich! you deny food to the Five Cantons, as to evil-doers: well! let +the blow follow the threat, rather than reduce poor innocent creatures +to starvation. If, by not taking the offensive, you appear to believe +that there is not sufficient reason for punishing the Waldstettes, and +yet you refuse them food and drink, you will force them by this line +of conduct to take up arms, to raise their hands, and to inflict +punishment upon you. This is the fate that awaits you." + + [1160] Das er wortt und faust mitt einander gan lasse. (Bull. ii. p. + 388.) + +These words of the eloquent reformer moved the whole assembly. +Zwingle's politic mind already so influenced and misled all the people +that there were few souls christian enough to feel how strange it was +that on the very day when they were celebrating the outpouring of the +Spirit of peace and love upon the Christian Church, the mouth of a +minister of God should utter a provocation to war. They looked at this +sermon only in a political point of view: "It is a seditious +discourse; it is an excitement to civil war!" said some. "No," replied +others, "it is the language that the safety of the state requires!" +All Zurich was agitated. "Zurich has too much fire," said Berne. +"Berne has too much cunning," replied Zurich.[1161] Zwingle's gloomy +prophecy was too soon to be fulfilled! + + [1161] It was Zwingle who characterized the two cities:-- + + Bern: klage Zurich wäre zu hitzig: + Zurich: Bern wäre zu witzig.--(Stettler.) + +[Sidenote: BLOCKADE OF THE WALDSTETTES.] + +No sooner had the reformed cantons communicated to the Waldstettes +this pitiless decree than they hastened its execution; and Zurich +showed the greatest strictness respecting it. Not only the markets of +Zurich and of Berne, but also those of the free bailiwicks, those of +St. Gall, of the Tockenburg, of the district of Sargans and of the +valley of the Rhine, a country partly under the sovereignty of the +Waldstettes, were shut against the Five Cantons. A formidable power +had suddenly encompassed with barrenness, famine, and death, the noble +founders of Helvetian liberty. Uri, Schwytz, Unterwalden, Zug, and +Lucerne, were, as it seemed, in the midst of a vast desert. Their own +subjects, thought they at least, the communes that have taken the oath +of allegiance to them, would range themselves on their side! But no; +Bremgarten, and even Mellingen, refused all succour. Their last hope +was in Wesen and the Gastal. Neither Berne nor Zurich have anything to +do there; Schwytz and Glaris alone rule over them; but the power of +their enemies has penetrated everywhere. A majority of thirteen votes +had declared in favour of Zurich at the Landsgemeinde of Glaris; and +Glaris closed the gates of Wesen and of the Gastal against Schwytz. In +vain did Berne itself cry out: "How can you compel subjects to refuse +supplies to their lords?" In vain did Schwytz raise its voice in +indignation; Zurich immediately sent to Wesen----gunpowder and +bullets. It is upon Zurich, therefore, that falls all the odium of a +measure which that city had at first so earnestly combated. At Arau, +at Bremgarten, at Mellingen, in the free bailiwicks, were several +carriages laden with provisions for the Waldstettes. They were +stopped, unloaded, and upset: with them were barricades erected on the +roads leading to Lucerne, Schwytz, and Zug. Already a year of dearth +had made provisions scarce in the Five Cantons;--already had a +frightful epidemic, the _Sweating Sickness_, scattered everywhere +despondency and death: but now the hand of man was joined to the hand +of God; the evil increased, and the poor inhabitants of these +mountains beheld unheard-of calamities approach with hasty steps. No +more bread for their children--no more wine to revive their exhausted +strength--no more salt for their flocks and herds! Everything failed +them that man requires for subsistence.[1162] One could not see such +things, and be a man, without a broken heart. In the confederate +cities, and out of Switzerland, numerous voices were raised against +this implacable measure. What good can result from it? Did not St. +Paul write to the Romans: "If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he +thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire +on his head?"[1163] And when the magistrates wished to convince +certain refractory communes of the utility of the measure: "We desire +no religious war," cried they. "If the Waldstettes will not believe in +God, let them stick to the devil!" + + [1162] Deshalb sy bald grossen mangel erlittend an allem dem das der + Mensh geläben soll. (Bull. ii. p. 396.) + + [1163] Bull. ii. p. 396.--Romans xii. 20. + +[Sidenote: INDIGNATION.] + +[Sidenote: BLOCKADE.] + +But it was especially in the Five Cantons that earnest complaints were +heard. The most pacific individuals, and even the secret partisans of +the Reform, seeing famine invade their habitations, felt the deepest +indignation. The enemies of Zurich skilfully took advantage of this +disposition; they fostered these murmurs; and soon the cry of anger +and distress re-echoed from all the mountains. In vain did Berne +represent to the Waldstettes that it is more cruel to refuse men the +nourishment of the soul than to cut off that of the body. "God," +replied these mountaineers in their despair, "God causes the fruits of +the earth to grow freely for all men!"[1164] They were not content +with groaning in their cottages, and venting their indignation in +councils; they filled all Switzerland with complaints and +menaces.[1165] "They wish to employ famine to tear us from our ancient +faith; they wish to deprive our wives and our children of bread, that +they may take from us the liberty we derive from our forefathers. When +did such things ever take place in the bosom of the Confederation? Did +we not see, in the last war, the Confederates with arms in their +hands, and who were ready to draw the sword, eating together from the +same dish? They tear in pieces old friendships--they trample our +ancient manners underfoot--they violate treaties--they break +alliances......We invoke the charters of our ancestor. Help! +help!......Wise men of our people, give us your advice, and all you +who know how to handle the sling and the sword, come and maintain with +us the sacred possessions, for which our fathers, delivered from the +yoke of the stranger, united their arms and their hearts." + + [1164] Hartmann von Hallwyll to Albert of Mulinen, 7th August. + + [1165] Klagtend sich allent halben wyt und breit. (Bull. ii. p. 397.) + + +At the same time the Five Cantons sent into Alsace, Brisgau, and +Swabia to obtain salt, wine, and bread; but the administration of the +cities was implacable; the orders were everywhere given and everywhere +strictly executed. Zurich and the other allied cantons intercepted all +communication, and sent back to Germany the supplies that had been +forwarded to their brethren. These Five Cantons were like a vast +fortress, all the issues from which are closely guarded by watchful +sentinels. The afflicted Waldstettes, on beholding themselves alone +with famine between their lakes and their mountains, had recourse to +the observances of their worship. All sports, dances, and every kind +of amusement were interdicted;[1166] prayers were directed to be +offered up; and long processions covered the roads of Einsideln and +other resorts of pilgrims. They assumed the belt, and staff, and arms +of the brotherhood to which they each belonged; each man carried a +chaplet in his hands, and repeated paternosters; the mountains and the +valleys re-echoed with their plaintive hymns. But the Waldstettes did +still more: they grasped their swords--they sharpened the points of +their halberds--they brandished their weapons in the direction of +Zurich and of Berne, and exclaimed with rage: "They block up their +roads, but we will open them with our right arms!"[1167] No one +replied to this cry of despair; but there is a just Judge in heaven +to whom vengeance belongs, and who will soon reply in a terrible +manner, by punishing those misguided persons, who, forgetful of +Christian mercy, and making an impious mixture of political and +religious matters, pretend to secure the triumph of the Gospel by +famine and by armed men. + + [1166] Stelltent ab spielen, Tanzen.--Tschudi der Capeller krieg, + 1531. This MS. is attributed to Egidius Tschudi, who must have written + it in 1533, in favour of Five Cantons, and was printed in the + "Helvetia," vol. ii. p. 165. + + [1167] Trowtend auch die Straassen uff zu thun mit gwalt. (Bull, ii. + p. 397.) + +[Sidenote: FRANCE CONCILIATES.] + +Some attempts, however, were made to arrange matters; but these very +efforts proved a great humiliation for Switzerland and for the Reform. +It was not the ministers of the Gospel, it was France--more than once +an occasion of discord to Switzerland--that offered to restore peace. +Every proceeding calculated to increase its influence among the +cantons was of service to its policy. On the 14th May, Maigret and +Dangertin (the latter of whom had received the Gospel truth, and +consequently did not dare return to France),[1168] after some +allusions to the spirit which Zurich had shown in this affair--a +spirit little in accordance with the Gospel--said to the council: "The +king our master has sent you two gentlemen to consult on the means of +preserving concord among you. If war and tumult invade Switzerland, +all the society of the Helvetians will be destroyed,[1169] and +whichever party is the conqueror, he will be as much ruined as the +other." Zurich having replied that if the Five Cantons would allow the +free preaching of the Word of God, the reconciliation would be easy, +the French secretly sounded the Waldstettes, whose answer was: "We +will never permit the preaching of the Word of God, as the people of +Zurich understand it."[1170] + + [1168] Ep. Rugeri ad Bulling., 12th November 1560. + + [1169] Universa societas _Helvetiorum_ dilabetur, si tumultus et + bellum inter eam eruperit. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 604.) + + [1170] Responderunt verbi Dei predicationem non laturos, quomodo nos + intelligamus. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 607.) + +[Sidenote: THE FIVE CANTONS INFLEXIBLE.] + +These more or less interested exertions of the foreigners having +failed, a general diet became the only chance of safety that remained +for Switzerland. One was accordingly convoked at Bremgarten. It was +opened in presence of deputies from France, from the Duke of Milan, +from the Countess of Neuchatel, from the Grisons, Valais, Thurgovia, +and the district of Sargans; and met on five different occasions,--on +the 14th and 20th June, on the 9th July, and the 10th and 23d August. +The chronicler Bullinger, who was pastor of Bremgarten, delivered an +oration at the opening, in which he earnestly exhorted the +Confederates to union and peace. + +A gleam of hope for a moment cheered Switzerland. The blockade had +become less strict; friendship and good neighbourhood had prevailed in +many places over the decrees of the state. Unusual roads had been +opened across the wildest mountains to convey supplies to the +Waldstettes. Provisions were concealed in bales of merchandise; and +while Lucerne imprisoned and tortured its own citizens, who were found +with the books of the Zurichers,[1171] Berne punished but slightly the +peasants who had been discovered bearing food for Unterwalden and +Lucerne; and Glaris shut its eyes on the frequent violation of its +orders. The voice of charity, that had been momentarily stifled, +pleaded with fresh energy the cause of their confederates before the +reformed cantons. + + [1171] Bull. ii. p. 30. + +But the Five Cantons were inflexible. "We will not listen to any +proposition before the raising of the blockade," said they. "We will +not raise it," replied Berne and Zurich, "before the Gospel is allowed +to be freely preached, not only in the common bailiwicks, but also in +the Five Cantons." This was undoubtedly going too far, even according +to the natural law and the principles of the Confederation. The +councils of Zurich might consider it their duty to have recourse to +war for maintaining liberty of conscience in the common bailiwicks; +but it was unjust--it was a usurpation, to constrain the Five Cantons +in a matter that concerned their own territory. Nevertheless the +mediators succeeded, not without much trouble, in drawing up a plan of +conciliation that seemed to harmonize with the wishes of both parties. +The conference was broken up, and this project was hastily transmitted +to the different states for their ratification. + +[Sidenote: ZURICH.] + +The diet met again a few days after; but the Five Cantons persisted in +their demand, without yielding in any one point. In vain did Zurich +and Berne represent to them, that, by persecuting the Reformed, the +cantons violated the treaty of peace; in vain did the mediators +exhaust their strength in warnings and entreaties. The parties +appeared at one time to approximate, and then on a sudden they were +more distant and more irritated than ever. The Waldstettes at last +brake up the third conference by declaring, that far from opposing the +Evangelical truth, they would maintain it, as it had been taught by +the Redeemer, by his holy Apostles, by the Four Doctors, and by their +holy mother, the Church--a declaration that seemed a bitter irony to +the deputies from Zurich and Berne. Nevertheless Berne, turning +towards Zurich as they were separating, observed: "Beware of too much +violence, even should they attack you!" + +This exhortation was unnecessary. The strength of Zurich had passed +away. The first appearance of the Reformation and of the Reformers had +been greeted with joy. The people, who groaned under a twofold +slavery, believed they saw the dawn of liberty. But their minds, +abandoned for ages to superstition and ignorance, being unable +immediately to realize the hopes they had conceived, a spirit of +discontent soon spread among the masses. The change by which Zwingle, +ceasing to be a man of the Gospel, became the man of the State, took +away from the people the enthusiasm necessary to resist the terrible +attacks they would have to sustain. The enemies of the Reform had a +fair chance against it, so soon as its friends abandoned the position +that gave them strength. Besides, Christians could not have recourse +to famine and to war to secure the triumph of the Gospel, without +their consciences becoming troubled. The Zurichers "_walked not in the +Spirit, but in the flesh; now, the works of the flesh are hatred, +variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions_."[1172] The danger +without was increasing, while within, hope, agreement, and courage +were far from being augmented: men saw on the contrary the gradual +disappearance of that harmony and lively faith which had been the +strength of the Reform. The Reformation had grasped the sword, and +that very sword pierced its heart. + + [1172] Galatians, v. 19, 20. + +Occasions of discord were multiplied in Zurich. By the advice of +Zwingle, the number of nobles was diminished in the two councils, +because of their opposition to the Gospel; and this measure spread +discontent among the most honourable families of the canton. The +millers and bakers were placed under certain regulations, which the +dearth rendered necessary, and a great part of the townspeople +attributed this proceeding to the sermons of the Reformer, and became +irritated against him. Rodolph Lavater, bailiff of Kibourg, was +appointed captain-general, and the officers who were of longer +standing than he were offended. Many who had been formerly the most +distinguished by their zeal for the Reform, now openly opposed the +cause they had supported. The ardour with which the ministers of peace +demanded war, spread in every quarter a smothered dissatisfaction, and +many persons gave vent to their indignation. This unnatural confusion +of Church and State which had corrupted Christianity after the age of +Constantine, was hurrying on the ruin of the Reformation. The majority +of the Great Council, ever ready to adopt important and salutary +resolutions, was abolished. The old magistrates, who were still at the +head of affairs, allowed themselves to be carried away by feelings of +jealousy against men whose non-official influence prevailed over +theirs. All those who hated the doctrine of the Gospel, whether from +love of the world or from love to the Pope, boldly raised their heads +in Zurich. The partisans of the monks, the friends of foreign service, +the malcontents of every class, coalesced in pointing out Zwingle as +the author of all the sufferings of the people. + +[Sidenote: ZWINGLE'S FALSE POSITION.] + +Zwingle was heart-broken. He saw that Zurich and the Reformation were +hastening to their ruin, and he could not check them. How could he do +so, since, without suspecting it, he had been the principal accomplice +in these disasters? What was to be done? Shall the pilot remain in +the ship which he is no longer permitted to save? There was but one +means of safety for Zurich and for Zwingle. He should have retired +from the political stage, and fallen back on that _kingdom which is +not of this world_; he should, like Moses, have kept his hands and his +heart night and day raised towards heaven, and energetically preached +repentance, faith, and peace. But religious and political matters were +united in the mind of this great man by such old and dear ties, that +it was impossible for him to distinguish their line of separation. +This confusion had become his dominant idea; the Christian and the +citizen were for him one and the same character; and hence it +resulted, that all resources of the state--even cannons and +arquebuses--were to be placed at the service of the Truth. When one +peculiar idea thus seizes upon a man, we see a false conscience formed +within him, which approves of many things condemned by the Word of +God. + +This was now Zwingle's condition. War appeared to him legitimate and +desirable; and if that was refused, he had only to withdraw from +public life: he was for everything or nothing. He therefore, on the +26th July, appeared before the Great Council, with dimmed eyes and +disconsolate heart: "It is now eleven years," said he, "since I have +been preaching the Gospel among you, and that I have warned you +faithfully and paternally of the woes that are hanging over you; but +no attention is paid to my words; the friends of foreign alliances, +the enemies of the Gospel, are elected to the council, and while you +refuse to follow my advice, I am made responsible for every +misfortune. I cannot accept such a position, and I ask for my +dismissal." The reformer retired bathed in tears. + +[Sidenote: THE GREAT COUNCIL.] + +The council shuddered as they heard these words. All the old feelings +of respect which they had so long entertained for Zwingle were +revived; to lose him now was to ruin Zurich. The burgomaster and the +other magistrates received orders to persuade him to recall his fatal +resolution. The conference took place on the same day; Zwingle asked +time for consideration. For three days and three nights he sought the +road that he should follow. Seeing the dark storm that was collecting +from all quarters, he considered whether he ought to quit Zurich and +seek refuge on the lofty hills of the Tockenburg, where he had been +reared, when his country and his Church were on the point of being +assailed and beaten down by their enemies, like corn by the hailstorm. +He groaned and cried to the Lord. He would have put away the cup of +bitterness that was presented to his soul, but could not gather up the +resolution. At length the sacrifice was accomplished, and the victim +was placed shuddering upon the altar. Three days after the first +conference, Zwingle reappeared in the council: "I will stay with you," +said he, "and I will labour for the public safety--until death!" + +[Sidenote: ZWINGLE AT BREMGARTEN.] + +From this moment he displayed new zeal. On the one hand, he +endeavoured to revive harmony and courage in Zurich; on the other, he +set about arousing and exciting the allied cities to increase and +concentrate all the forces of the Reformation. Faithful to the +political character he imagined he had received from God +himself--persuaded that it was in the doubts and want of energy of the +Bernese that he must look for the cause of all the evil, the Reformer +repaired to Bremgarten with Collin and Steiner, during the fourth +conference of the diet, although he incurred great danger in the +attempt. He arrived secretly by night, and having entered the house of +his friend and disciple, Bullinger, he invited the deputies of Berne +(J. J. de Watteville and Jur Hag) to meet him there with the greatest +secrecy, and prayed them in the most solemn tone earnestly to reflect +upon the dangers of the Reform. "I fear," said he, "that in +consequence of our unbelief, this business will not succeed. By +refusing supplies to the Five Cantons, we have begun a work that will +be fatal to us. What is to be done? Withdraw the prohibition? The +cantons will then be more insolent and haughty than ever. Enforce it? +They will take the offensive, and if their attack succeed, you will +behold our fields red with the blood of the believers, the doctrine +of truth cast down, the Church of Christ laid waste, all social +relations overthrown, our adversaries more hardened and irritated +against the Gospel, and crowds of priests and monks again fill our +rural districts, streets, and temples......And yet," added Zwingle, +after a few instants of emotion and silence, "that also will have an +end." The Bernese were filled with agitation by the solemn voice of +the reformer. "We see," replied they, "all that is to be feared for +our common cause, and we will employ every care to prevent such great +disasters."--"I who write these things was present and heard them," +adds Bullinger.[1173] + + [1173] These words are in Latin: Hæc ipse, qui hæc scribo, ab illis + audivi, præsens colloquio. (Bull. ii. p. 49.) + +[Sidenote: THE APPARITION.] + +It was feared that if the presence of Zwingle at Bremgarten became +known to the deputies of the Five Cantons, they would not restrain +their violence. During this nocturnal conference three of the town +councillors were stationed as sentinels in front of Bullinger's house. +Before daybreak, the reformer and his two friends, accompanied by +Bullinger and the three councillors, passed through the deserted +streets leading to the gate on the road to Zurich. Three different +times Zwingle took leave of Bullinger, who was erelong to be his +successor. His mind was filled with a presentiment of his approaching +death; he could not tear himself from that young friend whose face he +was never to see again; he blessed him amidst floods of tears. "O my +dear Henry!" said he, "may God protect you! Be faithful to our Lord +Jesus Christ, and to his Church!" At length they separated; but at +that very moment, says Bullinger, a mysterious personage, clad in a +robe as white as snow, suddenly appeared, and after frightening the +soldiers who guarded the gate, plunged suddenly into the water, and +vanished. Bullinger, Zwingle, and their friends did not perceive it; +Bullinger himself sought for it all around, but to no purpose;[1174] +still the sentinels persisted in the reality of this frightful +apparition. Bullinger in great agitation returned in darkness and in +silence to his house. His mind involuntarily compared the departure of +Zwingle and the white phantom; and he shuddered at the frightful omen +which the thought of this spectre impressed upon his mind. + + [1174] Ein menschen in ein schneeweissen Kleid. (Bull. ii. p. 49.) + +[Sidenote: FRIGHTFUL OMENS.] + +Sufferings of another kind pursued Zwingle to Zurich. He had thought +that by consenting to remain at the head of affairs, he would recover +all his ancient influence. But he was deceived: the people desired to +see him there, and yet they would not follow him. The Zurichers daily +became more and more indisposed towards the war which they had at +first demanded, and identified themselves with the passive system of +Berne. Zwingle remained for some time stupefied and motionless before +this inert mass, which his most vigorous exertions could not move. But +soon discovering in every quarter of the horizon the prophetic signs, +precursors of the storm about to burst upon the ship of which he was +the pilot, he uttered cries of anguish, and showed the signal of +distress. "I see," exclaimed he one day to the people from the pulpit, +whither he had gone to give utterance to his gloomy forebodings,--"I +see that the most faithful warnings cannot save you: you will not +punish the pensioners of the foreigner......They have too firm a +support among us! A chain is prepared--behold it entire--it unrolls +link after link,--soon they will bind me to it, and more than one +pious Zuricher with me......It is against me they are enraged! I am +ready; I submit to the Lord's will. But these people shall never be my +masters......As for thee, O Zurich, they will give thee thy reward; +they will strike thee on the head. Thou willest it. Thou refusest to +punish them; well! it is they who will punish thee.[1175] But God will +not the less preserve his Word, and their haughtiness shall come to an +end." Such was Zwingle's cry of agony; but the immobility of death +alone replied. The hearts of the Zurichers were so hardened that the +sharpest arrows of the reformer could not pierce them, and they fell +at his feet blunted and useless. + + [1175] Straafen willt sy nitt, des werden sy dich straafen. (Bull. ii. + p. 52.) + +But events were pressing on, and justified all his fears. The Five +Cantons had rejected every proposition that had been made to them. +"Why do you talk of punishing a few wrongs?" they had replied to the +mediators; "it is a question of quite another kind. Do you not require +that we should receive back among us the heretics whom we have +banished, and tolerate no other priests than those who preach +conformably to the Word of God? We know what that means. No--no--we +will not abandon the religion of our fathers; and if we must see our +wives and our children deprived of food, our hands will know how to +conquer what is refused to us: to that we pledge our bodies--our +goods--our lives." It was with this threatening language that the +deputies quitted the Diet of Bremgarten. They had proudly shaken the +folds of their mantles, war had fallen from them. + +The terror was general, and the alarmed citizens beheld everywhere +frightful portents, terrific signs, apparently foreboding the most +horrible events. It was not only the white phantom that had appeared +at Bremgarten at Zwingle's side: the most fearful omens, passing from +mouth to mouth, filled the people with the most gloomy presentiments. +The history of these phenomena, however strange it may appear, +characterizes the period of which we write. + +On the 26th July, a widow chancing to be alone before her house in the +village of Castelenschloss, suddenly beheld a frightful +spectacle--blood springing from the earth all around her![1176] She +rushed in alarm into the cottage......but, oh horrible! blood is +flowing everywhere--from the wainscot and from the stones;[1177]--it +falls in a stream from a basin on a shelf, and even the child's cradle +overflows with it. The woman imagines that the invisible hand of an +assassin has been at work, and rushes in distraction out of doors, +crying murder! murder![1178] The villagers and the monks of a +neighbouring convent assemble at the cry--they succeed in partly +effacing the bloody stains; but a little later in the day, the other +inhabitants of the house, sitting down in terror to eat their evening +meal under the projecting eaves, suddenly discover blood bubbling up +in a pond--blood flowing from the loft--blood covering all the walls +of the house. Blood--blood--everywhere blood! The bailiff of +Schenkenberg and the pastor of Dalheim arrive--inquire into the +matter--and immediately report it to the lords of Berne and to +Zwingle. + + [1176] Ante et post eam purus sanguis ita acriter ex dura terra + effluxit, ut ex vena incisa. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 627.) + + [1177] Sed etiam sanguis ex terra, lignis, et lapidibus effluxit. (Zw. + Epp. ii. p. 627.) + + [1178] Ut eadem excurreret cædem clamitans. (Zw. Ep. ii. p. 627.) + +[Sidenote: THE COMET.] + +Scarcely had this horrible recital--the particulars of which are +faithfully preserved in Latin and in German--filled all minds with the +idea of a horrible butchery, than in the western quarter of the +heavens there appeared a frightful comet,[1179] whose immense train of +a pale yellow colour turned towards the south. At the time of its +setting, this apparition shone in the sky like the fire of a +furnace.[1180] One night--on the 15th August as it would +appear[1181]--Zwingle and George Mühler, formerly abbot of Wettingen, +being together in the cemetery of the cathedral, both fixed their eyes +upon this terrific meteor. "This ominous globe," said Zwingle, "is +come to light the path that leads to my grave. It will be at the cost +of my life and of many good men with me. Although I am rather +shortsighted, I foresee great calamities in the future.[1182] The +Truth and the Church will mourn; but Christ will never abandon us." It +was not only at Zurich that this flaming star spread consternation. +Vadianus being one night on an eminence in the neighbourhood of St. +Gall, surrounded by his friends and disciples, after having explained +to them the names of the stars and the miracles of the Creator, +stopped before this comet, which denounced the anger of God; and the +famous Theophrastus declared that it foreboded not only great +bloodshed, but most especially the death of learned and illustrious +men. This mysterious phenomenon prolonged its frightful visitation +until the 3d September. + + [1179] Ein gar eschrocklicher comet. (Bull. ii. p 46.) It was Halley's + comet, that returns about every 76 years. It appeared last in 1835. + + [1180] Wie ein fhuwr in einer ess. (Ibid.) Perhaps Bullinger alludes + in this way to the phenomenon remarked by Appian, astronomer to + Charles V., who observed this comet at Ingoldstadt, and who says that + the tail disappeared as the nucleus approached the horizon. In 1456, + its appearance had already excited great terror. + + [1181] Cometam jam tribus noctibus viderunt apud nos alii, ego una + tantum, puto 15 Augusti. (Zw. Epp. p. 634.) + + [1182] Ego cæculus non unam calamitatem expecto. (Ibid. p. 626.) + +When once the noise of these omens was spread abroad, men could no +longer contain themselves. Their imaginations were excited; they +heaped fright upon fright: each place had its terrors. Two banners +waving in the clouds had been seen on the mountain of the Brunig; at +Zug a buckler had appeared in the heavens; on the banks of the Reuss, +reiterated explosions were heard during the night; on the lake of the +Four Cantons, ships carrying aërial combatants cruised about in every +direction. War--war;--blood--blood!--these were the general cries. + +[Sidenote: NEW MEDIATIONS.] + +In the midst of all this agitation, Zwingle alone seemed tranquil. He +rejected none of these presentiments, but he contemplated them with +calmness. "A heart that fears God," said he, "cares not for the +threats of the world. To forward the designs of God, whatever may +happen,--this is his task. A carrier who has a long road to go must +make up his mind to wear his waggon and his gear during the journey. +If he carry his merchandise to the appointed spot, that is enough for +him. We are the waggon and the gear of God. There is not one of the +articles that is not worn, twisted, or broken; but our great Driver +will not the less accomplish by our means his vast designs. Is it not +to those who fall upon the field of battle that the noblest crown +belongs? Take courage, then, in the midst of all these dangers, +through which the cause of Jesus Christ must pass. Be of good cheer! +although we should never here below see its triumphs with our own +eyes. The Judge of the combat beholds us, and it is he who confers the +crown. Others will enjoy upon earth the fruits of our labours; while +we, already in heaven, shall enjoy an eternal reward."[1183] + + [1183] Zw. Opp. Comment. in Jeremiam. This work was composed the very + year of Zwingle's death. + +Thus spoke Zwingle, as he advanced calmly towards the threatening +noise of the tempest, which, by its repeated flashes and sudden +explosions, foreboded death. + + +VI. The Five Cantons, assembled in diet at Lucerne, appeared full of +determination, and war was decided upon. "We will call upon the cities +to respect our alliances," said they, "and if they refuse, we will +enter the common bailiwicks by force to procure provisions, and we +will unite our banners in Zug to attack the enemy." The Waldstettes +were not alone. The Nuncio, being solicited by his Lucerne friends, +had required that auxiliary troops, paid by the Pope, should be put in +motion towards Switzerland, and he announced their near arrival. + +[Sidenote: DECEITFUL CALM.] + +These resolutions carried terror into Switzerland; the mediating +cantons met again at Arau, and drew up a plan that should leave the +religious question just as it had been settled by the treaty of 1529. +Deputies immediately bore these propositions to the different +councils. Lucerne haughtily rejected them. "Tell those who sent you," +was the reply, "that we do not acknowledge them as our schoolmasters. +We would rather die than yield the least thing to the prejudice of our +faith." The mediators returned to Arau, trembling and discouraged. +This useless attempt increased the disagreement among the Reformed, +and gave the Waldstettes still greater confidence. Zurich, so decided +for the reception of the Gospel, now became daily more irresolute! The +members of the council distrusted each other; the people felt no +interest in this war; and Zwingle, notwithstanding his unshaken faith +in the justice of his cause, had no hope for the struggle that was +about to take place. Berne, on its side, did not cease to entreat +Zurich to avoid precipitation. "Do not let us expose ourselves to the +reproach of too much haste, as in 1529," was the general remark in +Zurich. "We have sure friends in the midst of the Waldstettes; let us +wait until they announce to us, as they have promised, some real +danger." + +It was soon believed that these temporizers were right. In fact the +alarming news ceased. That constant rumour of war, which incessantly +came from the Waldstettes, discontinued. There were no more alarms--no +more fears! Deceitful omen! Over the mountains and valleys of +Switzerland hangs that gloomy and mysterious silence, the forerunner +of the tempest. + +[Sidenote: ZURICH FOREWARNED.] + +Whilst they were sleeping at Zurich, the Waldstettes were preparing to +conquer their rights by force of arms. The chiefs, closely united to +each other by common interests and dangers, found a powerful support +in the indignation of the people. In a diet of the Five Cantons, held +at Brunnen on the banks of the Lake of Lucerne, opposite Grutli, the +alliances of the Confederation were read; and the deputies, having +been summoned to declare by their votes whether they thought the war +just and lawful, all hands were raised with a shudder. Immediately the +Waldstettes had prepared their attack with the profoundest mystery. +All the passes had been guarded--all communication between Zurich and +the Five Cantons had been rendered impossible. The friends upon whom +the Zurichers had reckoned on the banks of the Lakes Lucerne and Zug, +and who had promised them intelligence, were like prisoners in their +mountains. The terrible avalanche was about to slip from the icy +summits of the mountain, and to roll into the valleys, even to the +gates of Zurich, overthrowing everything in its passage, without the +least forewarning of its fall. The mediators had returned discouraged +to their cantons. A spirit of imprudence and of error--sad forerunner +of the fall of republics as well as of kings--had spread over the +whole city of Zurich. The council had at first given the order to call +out the militia; then, deceived by the silence of the Waldstettes, it +had imprudently revoked the decree, and Lavater, the commander of the +army, had retired in discontent to Rybourg, and indignantly thrown far +from him that sword which they had commanded him to leave in the +scabbard. Thus the winds were about to be unchained from the +mountains; the waters of the great deep, aroused by a terrible +earthquake, were about to open; and yet the vessel of the state, sadly +abandoned, sported up and down with indifference over the frightful +gulf,--its yards struck, its sails loose and motionless--without +compass or crew--without pilot, watch, or helm. + +Whatever were the exertions of the Waldstettes, they could not +entirely stifle the rumour of war, which from chalet to chalet called +all their citizens to arms. God permits a cry of alarm--a single one, +it is true--to resound in the ears of the people of Zurich. On the 4th +October, a little boy, who knew not what he was doing, succeeded in +crossing the frontier of Zug, and presented himself with two loaves at +the gate of the reformed monastery of Cappel, situated in the farthest +limits of the canton of Zurich. He was led to the abbot, to whom the +child gave the loaves without saying a word. The superior, with whom +there chanced to be at this time a councillor from Zurich, Henry +Peyer, sent by his government, turned pale at the sight. "If the Five +Cantons intend entering by force of arms into the free bailiwicks," +had said these two Zurichers to one of their friends in Zug, "you will +send your son to us with one loaf; but you will give him two if they +are marching at once upon the bailiwicks and upon Zurich." The abbot +and the councillor wrote with all speed to Zurich. "Be upon your +guard! take up arms," said they; but no credit was attached to this +information. The council were at that time occupied in taking measures +to prevent the supplies that had arrived from Alsace from entering the +cantons. Zwingle himself, who had never ceased to announce war, did +not believe it. "These pensioners are really clever fellows," said +the reformer. "Their preparations may be after all nothing but a +French manœuvre."[1184] + + [1184] Dise ire Rustung mochte woll eine französische prattik sein. + (Bull. ii. p. 86.) + +He was deceived--they were a reality. Four days were to accomplish the +ruin of Zurich. Let us retrace in succession the history of these +disastrous moments. + +On Sunday, 8th October, a messenger appeared at Zurich, and demanded, +in the name of the Five Cantons, letters of perpetual alliance.[1185] +The majority saw in this step nothing but a trick; but Zwingle began +to discern the thunderbolt in the black cloud that was drawing near. +He was in the pulpit: it was the last time he was destined to appear +in it; and as if he had seen a formidable spectre of Rome rise +frightfully above the Alps, calling upon him and upon his people to +abandon the faith:--"No, no!" cried he, "never will I deny my +Redeemer!" + + [1185] Die ewige Bünd abgefordert. (J. J. Hottinger, iii. p. 577.) + According to Bullinger, this did not take place until Monday. + +At the same moment a messenger arrived in haste from Mulinen, +commander of the Knights-hospitallers of St. John at Hitzkylch. "On +Friday, 6th October," said he to the councils of Zurich, "the people +of Lucerne planted their banner in the Great Square.[1186] Two men +that I sent to Lucerne have been thrown into prison. To-morrow +morning, Monday, 9th October, the Five Cantons will enter the +bailiwicks. Already the country-people, frightened and fugitive, are +running to us in crowds."--"It is an idle story," said the +councils.[1187] Nevertheless they recalled the commander-in-chief +Lavater, who sent off a trusty man, nephew of James Winckler, with +orders to repair to Cappel, and if possible as far as Zug, to +reconnoitre the arrangements of the cantons. + + [1186] Ire paner in den Brunnen gesteckt. (Bull. ii. p. 86.) + + [1187] Ein gepöch und prögerey und unt darauff setzend. (Ibid.) + +[Sidenote: MANIFESTO OF THE CANTONS.] + +The Waldstettes were in reality assembling round the banner of +Lucerne. The people of this canton; the men of Schwytz, Uri, Zug, and +Unterwalden; refugees from Zurich and Berne, with a few Italians, +formed the main body of the army, which had been raised to invade the +free bailiwicks. Two manifestoes were published--one addressed to the +cantons, the other to foreign princes and nations. + +The Five Cantons energetically set forth the attacks made upon the +treaties, the discord sown throughout the Confederation, and finally +the refusal to sell them provisions--a refusal whose only aim was +(according to them) to excite the people against the magistrates, and +to establish the Reform by force. "It is not true," added they, +"that--as they cease not to cry out--we oppose the preaching of the +truth and the reading of the Bible. As obedient members of the Church, +we desire to receive all that our holy mother receives. But we reject +all the books and the innovations of Zwingle and his companions."[1188] + + [1188] Als wir vertruwen Gott und der Wel antwurt zu geben. (Bull. ii. + p. 101.) + +Hardly had the messengers charged with these manifestoes departed +before the first division of the army began to march, and arrived in +the evening in the free bailiwicks. The soldiers having entered the +deserted churches, and having seen the images of the saints removed +and the altars broken, their anger was kindled; they spread like a +torrent over the whole country, pillaged everything they met with, and +were particularly enraged against the houses of the pastors, where +they destroyed the furniture with oaths and maledictions. At the same +time the division that was to form the main army marched upon Zug, +thence to move upon Zurich. + +[Sidenote: INFATUATION OF ZURICH.] + +Cappel, at three leagues from Zurich, and about a league from Zug, was +the first place they would reach in the Zurich territory, after +crossing the frontier of the Five Cantons. Near the Albis, between two +hills of similar height, the Granges on the north, and the Ifelsberg +on the south, in the midst of delightful pastures, stood the ancient +and wealthy convent of the Cistertians, in whose church were the tombs +of many ancient and noble families of these districts. The Abbot +Wolfgang Joner, a just and pious man, a great friend of the arts and +letters, and a distinguished preacher, had reformed his convent in +1527. Full of compassion, rich in good works, particularly towards the +poor of the canton of Zug and the free bailiwicks, he was held in +great honour throughout the whole country.[1189] He predicted what +would be the termination of the war; yet as soon as danger approached, +he spared no labour to serve his country. + + [1189] That armen lüten vil guts......und by aller Erbarkeit in + grossern ansähen. (Bull. iii. p. 151.) + +It was on Sunday night that the abbot received positive intelligence +of the preparations at Zug. He paced up and down his cell with hasty +steps; sleep fled from his eyes; he drew near his lamp, and addressing +his intimate friend, Peter Simmler, who succeeded him, and who was +then residing at Kylchberg, a village on the borders of the lake, and +about a league from the town, he hastily wrote these words: "The great +anxiety and trouble which agitate me prevent me from busying myself +with the management of the house, and induce me to write to you all +that is preparing. The time is come......the scourge of God +appears.[1190]......After many journeys and inquiries, we have learnt +that the Five Cantons will march to-day (Monday) to seize upon +Hitzkylch, while the main army assembles its banners at Baar, between +Zug and Cappel. Those from the valley of the Adige and the Italians +will arrive to-day or to-morrow." This letter, through some unforeseen +circumstance, did not reach Zurich till the evening. + + [1190] Die Zyt ist hie, das die rüt gottes sich wil erzeigen. (Bull. + p. 87.) + +Meanwhile the messenger whom Lavater had sent--the nephew of J. +Winckler--creeping on his belly, gliding unperceived past the +sentinels, and clinging to the shrubs that overhung the precipices, +had succeeded in making his way where no road had been cleared. On +arriving near Zug, he had discovered with alarm the banner and the +militia hastening from all sides at beat of drum: then traversing +again these unknown passes, he had returned to Zurich with this +information.[1191] + + [1191] Naben den Wachten, durch umwag und gestrupp. (Bull. iii. p. + 87.) + +It was high time that the bandage should fall from the eyes of the +Zurichers; but the delusion was to endure to the last. The council +which was called together met in small number. "The Five Cantons," +said they, "are making a little noise to frighten us, and to make us +raise the blockade."[1192] The council, however, decided on sending +Colonel Rodolph Dumysen and Ulric Funk to Cappel, to see what was +going on; and each one, tranquillized by this unmeaning step, retired +to rest. + + [1192] Sy machtend alein ein geprög. (Ibid. p. 103.) + +They did not slumber long. Every hour brought fresh messengers of +alarm to Zurich. "The banners of four cantons are assembled at Zug," +said they. "They are only waiting for Uri. The people of the free +bailiwicks are flocking to Cappel, and demanding arms......Help! +help!" + +Before the break of day the council was again assembled, and it +ordered the convocation of the Two Hundred. An old man, whose hair had +grown gray on the battle-field and in the council of the state--the +banneret John Schweizer--raising his head enfeebled by age, and +darting the last beam, as it were, from his eyes, exclaimed, "Now--at +this very moment, in God's name, send an advanced guard to Cappel, and +let the army, promptly collecting round the banner, follow it +immediately." He said no more; but the charm was not yet broken. "The +peasants of the free bailiwicks," said some, "we know to be hasty, and +easily carried away. They make the matter greater than it really is. +The wisest plan is to wait for the report of the councillors." In +Zurich there was no longer either arm to defend or head to advise. + +[Sidenote: THE WAR BEGINS.] + +It was seven in the morning, and the assembly was still sitting, when +Rodolph Gwerb, pastor of Rifferschwyl, near Cappel, arrived in haste. +"The people of the lordship of Knonau," said he, "are crowding round +the convent, and loudly calling for chiefs and for aid. The enemy is +approaching. Will our lords of Zurich (say they) abandon themselves, +and us with them? Do they wish to give us up to slaughter?" The +pastor, who had witnessed these mournful scenes, spoke with animation. +The councillors, whose infatuation was to be prolonged to the end, +were offended at his message. "They want to make us act imprudently," +replied they, turning in their arm-chairs. + +They had scarcely ceased speaking before a new messenger appears, +wearing on his features the marks of the greatest terror: it was +Schwyzer, landlord of the "Beech Tree" on Mount Albis. "My lords +Dumysen and Funck," said he, "have sent me to you with all speed to +announce to the council that the Five Cantons have seized upon +Hytzkilch, and that they are now collecting all their troops at Baar. +My lords remain in the bailiwicks to aid the frightened inhabitants." + +This time the most confident turned pale. Terror, so long restrained, +passed like a flash of lightning through every heart.[1193] Hytzkilch +was in the power of the enemy, and the war was begun. + + [1193] Dieser Bottschaft erschrack menklich büel. (Bull. iii. p. 104.) + +[Sidenote: A FEARFUL NIGHT.] + +It was resolved to expedite to Cappel a flying camp of six hundred men +with six guns; but the command was intrusted to George Goldli, whose +brother was in the army of the Five Cantons, and he was enjoined to +keep on the defensive. Goldli and his troops had just left the city, +when the captain-general Lavater, summoning into the hall of the +Smaller Council the old banneret Schweizer, William Toning, captain of +the arquebusiers, J. Dennikon, captain of the artillery, Zwingle, and +some others, said to them, "Let us deliberate promptly on the means of +saving the canton and the city. Let the tocsin immediately call out +all the citizens." The captain-general feared that the councils would +shrink at this proceeding, and he wished to raise the Landsturm by the +simple advice of the army and of Zwingle. "We cannot take it upon +ourselves," said they, "the two councils are still sitting; let us lay +this proposition before them." They hasten towards the place of +meeting; but, fatal mischance! there were only a few members of the +Smaller Council on the benches. "The consent of the Two Hundred is +necessary," said they. Again a new delay, and the enemy is on the +march. Two hours after noon the Great Council met again, but only to +make long and useless speeches.[1194] At length the resolution was +taken, and at seven in the evening the tocsin began to sound in all +the country districts. Treason united with this dilatoriness, and +persons who pretended to be envoys from Zurich stopped the Landsturm +in many places, as being contrary to the opinion of the council. A +great number of citizens went to sleep again. + + [1194] Ward so vil und lang darim gerad schlagt. (Bull. iii. p. 104.) + +It was a fearful night. The thick darkness--a violent storm--the +alarm-bell ringing from every steeple--the people running to arms--the +noise of swords and guns--the sound of trumpets and of drums, combined +with the roaring of the tempest, the distrust, discontent, and even +treason, which spread affliction in every quarter--the sobs of women +and of children--the cries which accompanied many a heartrending +adieu--an earthquake which occurred about nine o'clock at night, as if +nature herself had shuddered at the blood that was about to be spilt, +and which violently shook the mountains and valleys:[1195] all +increased the terrors of this fatal night,--a night to be followed by +a still more fatal day. + + [1195] Ein startrer Erdbidem, der das Land, auch Berg und Thal + gwaltiglich ershütt. (Tschudi; Helvetia, ii. p. 186.) + +[Sidenote: THE WAR.] + +While these events were transpiring, the Zurichers encamped on the +heights of Cappel to the number of about one thousand men, fixed their +eyes on Zug and upon the lake, attentively watching every movement. On +a sudden, a little before night, they perceived a few barks filled +with soldiers coming from the side of Arth, and rowing across the lake +towards Zug. Their number increases--one boat follows another--soon +they distinctly hear the bellowing of the bull (the horn) of +Uri,[1196] and they discern the banner. The barks draw near Zug; they +are moored to the shore, which is lined with an immense crowd. The +warriors of Uri and the arquebusiers of the Adige spring up and leap +on shore, where they are received with acclamations, and take up their +quarters for the night: behold the enemies assembled! The council are +informed with all speed. + + [1196] Vil schiffen uff Zag faren, und hort man luyen den Uri Stier. + (Bull. iii. p. 109.) + +The agitation was still greater at Zurich than at Cappel: the +confusion was increased by uncertainty. The enemy attacking them on +different sides at once, they knew not where to carry assistance. Two +hours after midnight five hundred men with four guns quitted the city +for Bremgarten, and three or four hundred men with five guns for +Wadenshwyl. They turned to the right and to the left, while the enemy +was in front. + +Alarmed at its own weakness, the council resolved to apply without +delay to the cities of the christian co-burghery. "As this revolt," +wrote they, "has no other origin than the Word of God, we entreat you +once--twice--thrice, as loudly, as seriously, as firmly, and as +earnestly, as our ancient alliances and our christian co-burghery +permit and command us to do--to set forth without delay with all your +forces. Haste! haste! haste! Act as promptly as possible[1197]--the +danger is yours as well as ours." Thus spake Zurich; but it was +already too late. + + [1197] Ylentz, ylentz, ylentz, uffs aller schnellist. (Bull. iii. p. + 110.) + +At break of day the banner was raised before the town-house; instead +of flaunting proudly in the wind, it hung drooping down the staff--a +sad omen that filled many minds with fear. Lavater took up his station +under the standard; but a long period elapsed before a few hundred +soldiers could be got together.[1198] In the square and in all the +city disorder and confusion prevailed. The troops, fatigued by a hasty +march or by long waiting, were faint and discouraged. + + [1198] Sammlet sich doch das volck gmachsam. (Ibid. p. 112.) + +[Sidenote: ZWINGLE'S DEPARTURE.] + +At ten o'clock, only 700 men were under arms. The selfish, the +lukewarm, the friends of Rome and of the foreign pensioners, had +remained at home. A few old men who had more courage than +strength--several members of the two councils who were devoted to the +holy cause of God's Word--many ministers of the Church who desired to +live and die with the Reform--the boldest of the townspeople and a +certain number of peasants, especially those from the neighbourhood of +the city--such were the defenders who, wanting that moral force so +necessary for victory, incompletely armed, without uniform, crowded in +disorder around the banner of Zurich. + +The army should have numbered at least 4000 men; they waited still; +the usual oath had not been administered; and yet courier after +courier arrived, breathless and in disorder, announcing the terrible +danger that threatened Zurich. All this disorderly crowd is +agitated--they no longer wait for the commands of their chiefs, and +many without taking the oath rush through the gates. About 200 men +thus set out in confusion. All those who remained prepared to depart. + +Then was Zwingle seen to issue from a house before which a caparisoned +horse was stamping impatiently; it was his own. His look was firm, but +dimmed by sorrow. He parted from his wife, his children, and his +numerous friends, without deceiving himself, and with a bruised +heart.[1199] He observed the thick waterspout, which, driven by a +terrible wind, advanced whirling towards him. Alas! he had himself +called up this hurricane by quitting the atmosphere of the Gospel of +peace, and throwing himself into the midst of political passions. He +was convinced that he would be the first victim. Fifteen days before +the attack of the Waldstettes, he had said from the pulpit: "I know +what is the meaning of all this:--it is all about me. All this comes +to pass--in order that I may die."[1200] The council, according to an +ancient custom, had called upon him to accompany the army as its +chaplain. Zwingle did not hesitate. He prepared himself without +surprise and without anger,--with the calmness of a Christian who +placed himself confidently in the hands of his God. If the cause of +Reform was doomed to perish, he was ready to perish with it. +Surrounded by his weeping wife and friends--by his children who clung +to his garments to detain him, he quitted that house where he had +tasted so much happiness. At the moment that his hand was upon his +horse, just as he was about to mount, the animal violently started +back several paces, and when he was at last in the saddle, it refused +for a time to move, rearing and prancing backwards, like that horse +which the greatest captain of modern times had mounted as he was about +to cross the Niemen. Many in Zurich at that time thought with the +soldier of the Grand Army when he saw Napoleon on the ground: "It is a +bad omen! a Roman would go back!"[1201] Zwingle having at last +mastered his horse, gave the reins, applied the spur, started forward, +and disappeared. + + [1199] Anna Rheinhard par G. Meyr of Knonau. (Bull. iii. p. 33.) + + [1200] Ut ego tollar fiunt omnia. (De vita et obitu Zwinglii, + Myconius.) + + [1201] Ségur: Hist. de Napoléon et de la Grande Armée, i. p. 142. + +[Sidenote: THE SCENE OF WAR.] + +At eleven o'clock the flag was struck, and all who remained in the +square--about 500 men--began their march along with it. The greater +part were torn with difficulty from the arms of their families, and +walked sad and silent, as if they were going to the scaffold instead +of battle. There was no order--no plan; the men were isolated and +scattered, some running before, some after the colours, their extreme +confusion presenting a fearful appearance;[1202] so much so, that +those who remained behind--the women, the children, and the old men, +filled with gloomy forebodings, beat their breasts as they saw them +pass, and many years after, the remembrance of this day of tumult and +mourning drew this groan from Oswald Myconius: "Whenever I recall it +to mind, it is as if a sword pierced my heart." Zwingle, armed +according to the usage of the chaplains of the Confederation, rode +mournfully behind this distracted multitude. Myconius, when he saw +him, was nigh fainting.[1203] Zwingle disappeared, and Oswald remained +behind to weep. + + [1202] Nullus ordo, nulla consilia, nullæ mentes, tanta animorum + dissonantia, tam horrenda facies ante et post signa sparsim currentium + hominum. (De vita et ob. Zwinglii.) + + [1203] Quem ut vidi repentino dolore cordis vix consistebam. (Ibid.) + +He did not shed tears alone; in all quarters were heard lamentations, +and every house was changed into a house of prayer.[1204] In the midst +of this universal sorrow, one woman remained silent; her only cry was +a bitter heart, her only language the mild and suppliant eye of +faith:--this was Anna, Zwingle's wife. She had seen her husband +depart--her son, her brother, a great number of intimate friends and +near relations, whose approaching death she foreboded. But her soul, +strong as that of her husband, offered to God the sacrifice of her +holiest affections. Gradually the defenders of Zurich precipitate +their march, and the tumult dies away in the distance. + + [1204] Manebamus non certe sine jugibus suspiriis, non sine precibus, + ad Deum. (Ibid.) + + +[Sidenote: THE ENEMY AT ZUG.] + +VII. This night, which was so stormy in Zurich, had not been calmer at +Cappel. They had received the most alarming reports one after another. +It was necessary to take up a position that would allow the troops +assembled round the convent to resist the enemy's attack until the +arrival of the reinforcements that were expected from the city. They +cast their eyes on a small hill, which lying to the north towards +Zurich, and traversed by the highroad, presented an uneven but +sufficiently extensive surface. A deep ditch that surrounded it on +three sides defended the approaches; but a small bridge, that was the +only issue on the side of Zurich, rendered a precipitate retreat very +dangerous. On the south-west was a wood of beech-trees; on the south, +in the direction of Zug, was the highroad and a marshy valley. "Lead +us to the Granges," cried all the soldiers. They were conducted +thither. The artillery was stationed near some ruins. The line of +battle was drawn up on the side of the monastery and of Zug, and +sentinels were placed at the foot of the slope. + +Meantime, the signal is given at Zug and Baar: the drums beat: the +soldiers of the Five Cantons take up their arms. A universal feeling +of joy animates them. The churches are opened, the bells ring, and the +serried ranks of the cantons enter the cathedral of St. Oswald; Mass +is celebrated; the Host is offered up for the sins of the people, and +all the army begin their march at nine o'clock, with banners flying. +The avoyer John Golder commands the contingent of Lucerne; the +landamman Jacques Troguer, that of Uri; the landamman Rychmut, a +mortal enemy of the Reformation, that of Schwytz; the landamman +Zellger, that of Unterwalden; and Oswald Dooss that of Zug. Eight +thousand men march in order of battle: all the picked men of the Five +Cantons are there. Fresh and active after a quiet night, and having +only one short league to cross before reaching the enemy, these +haughty Waldstettes advance with a firm and regular step under the +command of their chiefs. + +[Sidenote: ARMY OF ZURICH.] + +On reaching the common meadow of Zug, they halt to take the oath: +every hand is upraised to heaven, and all swear to avenge themselves. +They were about to resume their march, when some aged men made signs +to them to stop. "Comrades," they said, "we have long offended God. +Our blasphemies, our oaths, our wars, our revenge, our pride, our +drunkenness, our adulteries, the gold of the stranger to whom our +hands have been extended, and all the disorders in which we have +indulged, have so provoked his anger, that if he should punish us +to-day, we should only receive the desert of our crimes." The emotion +of the chiefs had passed into the ranks. All the army bend the knee in +the midst of the plain; deep silence prevails, and every soldier, with +bended head, crosses himself devoutly, and repeats in a low voice +five paters, as many aves, and the credo. One might have said that +they were for a time in the midst of a vast and stilly desert. +Suddenly the noise of an immense crowd is again heard. The army rises +up. "Soldiers," said the captains, "you know the cause of this war. +Bear your wives and your children continually before your eyes." + +Then the chief usher (_grand sautier_) of Lucerne, wearing the colours +of the canton, approaches the chiefs of the army: they place in his +hands the declaration of war, dated on that very day, and sealed with +the arms of Zug. He then sets off on horseback, preceded by a +trumpeter, to carry this paper to the commander of the Zurichers. + +It was eleven in the morning. The Zurichers soon discovered the +enemy's army, and cast a sorrowful glance on the small force they were +able to oppose to it. Every minute the danger increased. All bent +their knees, their eyes were raised to heaven, and every Zuricher +uttered a cry from the bottom of his heart, praying for deliverance +from God. As soon as the prayer was ended, they got ready for battle. +There were at that time about twelve hundred men under arms. + +[Sidenote: BATTLE OF CAPPEL.] + +At noon the trumpet of the Five Cantons sounded not far from the +advanced posts. Goldli, having collected the members of the two +councils who happened to be with the army, as well as the commissioned +and non-commissioned officers, and having ranged them in a circle, +ordered the secretary Rheinhard to read the declaration of which the +Sautier of Lucerne was the bearer. After the reading, Goldli opened a +council of war. "We are few in number, and the forces of our +adversaries are great," said Landolt, bailiff of Marpac, "but I will +here await the enemy in the name of God." "Wait!" cried the captain of +the halberdiers, Rodolph Zigler; "impossible! let us rather take +advantage of the ditch that cuts the road to effect our retreat, and +let us everywhere raise a levée _en masse_." This was in truth the +only means of safety. But Rudi Gallmann, considering every step +backwards as an act of cowardice, cried out, stamping his feet +forcibly on the earth, and casting a fiery glance around him, +"Here--here shall be my grave!"[1205]--"It is now too late to retire +with honour," said other officers. "This day is in the hands of God. +Let us suffer whatever he lays upon us." It was put to the vote. + + [1205] Da, da mus min Rilchhof sin. (Bull. ii. p. 118.) + +The members of the council had scarcely raised their hands in token of +assent, when a great noise was heard around them. "The captain! the +captain!" cried a soldier from the outposts who arrived in haste. +"Silence, silence!" replied the ushers, driving him back; "they are +holding a council!"--"It is no longer time to hold a council," replied +the soldier. "Conduct me immediately to the captain."......"Our +sentinels are falling back," cried he with an agitated voice, as he +arrived before Goldli. "The enemy is there--they are advancing through +the forest with all their forces and with great tumult." He had not +ceased speaking, before the sentinels, who were in truth retiring on +all sides, ran up, and the army of the Five Cantons was soon seen +climbing the slope of Ifelsberg in face of the Granges, and pointing +their guns. The leaders of the Waldstettes were examining the +position, and seeking to discover by what means their army could reach +that of Zurich. The Zurichers were asking themselves the same +question. The nature of the ground prevented the Waldstettes from +passing below the convent, but they could arrive by another quarter. +Ulric Brüder, under bailiff of Husen in the canton of Zurich, fixed +his anxious look on the beech-wood. "It is thence that the enemy will +fall upon us!" "Axes--axes!" immediately cried several voices; "let us +cut down the trees!"[1206] Goldli, the abbot, and several others, were +opposed to this: "If we stop up the wood, by throwing down the trees, +we shall ourselves be unable to work our guns in that direction," said +they.--"Well! at least let us place some arquebusiers in that +quarter."--"We are already so small a number," replied the captain, +"that it will be imprudent to divide the forces." Neither wisdom nor +courage were to save Zurich. They once more invoked the help of God, +and waited in expectation. + + [1206] Ettliche schrüwend nach Achsen das man das Wäldi verhallte. + (Bull. iii. p. 118.) + +At one o'clock the Five Cantons fired the first gun: the ball passing +over the convent, fell below the Granges; a second passed over the +line of battle; a third struck a hedge close to the ruins. The +Zurichers, seeing the battle was begun, replied with courage; but the +slowness and awkwardness with which the artillery was served in those +days prevented any great loss being inflicted on either side. When the +enemy perceived this, they ordered their advanced guard to descend +from Ifelsberg and to reach the Granges through the meadow; and soon +the whole army of the Cantons advanced in this direction, but with +difficulty and over bad roads. Some arquebusiers of Zurich came and +announced the disorder of the Cantons. "Brave Zurichers," cried Rudi +Gallmann, "if we attack them now, it is all over with them." At these +words some of the soldiers prepared to enter the wood on the left, to +fall upon the disheartened Waldstettes. But Goldli perceiving this +movement, cried out: "Where are you going?--do you not know that we +have agreed not to separate?" He then ordered the skirmishers to be +recalled, so that the wood remained entirely open to the enemy. They +were satisfied with discharging a few random shots from time to time +to prevent the Cantons from establishing themselves there. The firing +of the artillery continued until three o'clock, and announced far and +wide, even to Bremgarten and Zurich, that the battle had begun. + +[Sidenote: THE MARCH.] + +In the meanwhile the great banner of Zurich and all those who +surrounded it, among whom was Zwingle, came advancing in disorder +towards the Albis. For a year past the gaiety of the reformer had +entirely disappeared: he was grave, melancholy, easily moved, having a +weight on his heart that seemed to crush it. Often would he throw +himself weeping at the feet of his Master, and seek in prayer the +strength of which he stood in need. No one had ever observed in him +any irritation; on the contrary, he had received with mildness the +counsels that had been offered, and had remained tenderly attached to +men whose convictions were not the same as his own. He was now +advancing mournfully along the road to Cappel; and John Maaler of +Winterthour, who was riding a few paces behind him, heard his groans +and sighs, intermingled with fervent prayers. If any one spoke to him, +he was found firm and strong in the peace that proceeds from faith; +but he did not conceal his conviction that he should never see his +family or church again. Thus advanced the forces of Zurich. Awful +march! resembling rather a funeral procession then an army going to +battle. + +As they approached they saw express after express gallopping along the +road from Cappel, begging the Zurichers to hasten to the defence of +their brothers.[1207] + + [1207] Dan ein Manung uff die ander, von Cappel kamm. (Bull. iii. p. + 113.) + +At Adliswil, having passed the bridge under which flow the impetuous +waters of the Sihl, and traversed the village through the midst of +women, children, and old men, who, standing before their cottages, +looked with sadness on this disorderly troop, they began to ascend the +Albis. They were about half way from Cappel when the first cannon-shot +was heard. They stop, they listen: a second, a third succeeds......There +is no longer any doubt. The glory, the very existence of the republic +are endangered, and they are not present to defend it! The blood +curdles in their veins. On a sudden they arouse, and each one begins +to run to the support of his brothers. But the road over the Albis was +much steeper than it is in our days. The badly harnessed artillery +could not ascend it; the old men, the citizens, little habituated to +marching, and covered with weighty armour, advanced with difficulty: +and yet they formed the greater portion of the troops. They were seen +stopping one after another, panting and exhausted, along the sides of +the road near the thickets and ravines of the Albis, leaning against +a beech or an ash tree, and looking with dispirited eyes to the +summit of the mountain covered with thick pines. + +They resume their march, however; the horsemen and the most intrepid +of the foot-soldiers hasten onwards, and having reached the "Beech +Tree," on the top of the mountain, halt to take council. + +What a prospect then extended before their eyes! Zurich, the lake and +its smiling shores--those orchards, those fertile fields, those +vine-clad hills, almost the whole of the canton. Alas! soon, perhaps, +to be devastated by the Forest-bands. + +Scarcely had these noble-minded men begun to deliberate, when fresh +messengers from Cappel appear before them and exclaim, "Hasten +forwards!" At these words many of the Zurichers prepared to gallop +towards the enemy.[1208] Toning, the captain of the arquebusiers, +stopt them. "My good friends," cried he to them, "against such great +forces what can we do alone? Let us wait here until our people are +assembled, and then let us fall upon the enemy with the whole +army."--"Yes, if we had an army," bitterly replied the captain-general, +who, in despair of saving the republic, thought only of dying with +glory; "but we have only a banner and no soldiers."--"How can we stay +calmly upon these heights," said Zwingle, "while we hear the shots +that are fired at our fellow-citizens? In the name of God I will march +towards our warriors, prepared to die in order to save them."[1209]--"And +I too," added the aged banneret Schweizer. "As for you," continued he, +turning with a contemptuous look towards Toning, "wait till you are a +little recovered."--"I am quite as much refreshed as you," replied +Toning, the colour mantling on his face, "and you shall soon see +whether I cannot fight." All hastened their steps towards the field of +battle. + + [1208] Uff rossen häftig ylttend zum augriff. (Bull. iii. p. 113.) + + [1209] Ich will Kacht, in den namen Gotts, zu den biderben luten und + willig mitt und under inen sterben. (Ibid. p. 123.) + +The descent is rapid; they plunge into the woods, pass through the +village of Husen, and at length arrive near the Granges. It was three +o'clock when the banner crossed the narrow bridge that led thither; +and there were so few soldiers round it that every one trembled as he +beheld this venerated standard thus exposed to the attacks of so +formidable an enemy. The army of the Cantons was at that moment +deploying before the eyes of the new-comers. Zwingle gazed upon this +terrible spectacle. Behold, then, these phalanxes of soldiers!--a few +minutes more, and the labours of eleven years will be destroyed +perhaps for ever!...... + +A citizen of Zurich, one Leonard Bourkhard, who was ill-disposed +towards the reformer, said to him in a harsh tone, "Well, Master +Ulric, what do you say about this business? Are the radishes salt +enough?......who will eat them now?"[1210] "I," replied Zwingle, "and +many a brave man who is here in the hands of God; for we are his in +life and in death."--"And I too--I will help eat them," resumed +Bourkhard immediately, ashamed of his brutality,--"I will risk my life +for them." And he did so, and many others with him, adds the +chronicle. + + [1210] Sind die Rüben gesaltzen! wer will sie ausessen. (J. J. Hott. + iii. p. 383.) + +It was four o'clock; the sun was sinking rapidly; the Waldstettes did +not advance, and the Zurichers began to think that the attack would be +put off till the morrow. In fact, the chiefs of the Five Cantons +seeing the great banner of Zurich arrive, the night near at hand, and +the impossibility of crossing under the fire of the Zurichers the +marsh and the ditch that separated the combatants, were looking for a +place in which their troops might pass the night. "If, at this moment, +any mediators had appeared," says Bullinger, "their proposals would +have been accepted." + +[Sidenote: BATTLE OF CAPPEL.] + +The soldiers, observing the hesitation of their chiefs, began to +murmur loudly. "The big ones abandon us," said one. "The captains fear +to bite the fox's tail," said another. "Not to attack them," cried +they all, "is to ruin our cause." During this time a daring man was +preparing the skilful manœuvre that was to decide the fate of the day. +A warrior of Uri, John Jauch, formerly bailiff of Sargans, a good +marksman and experienced soldier, having taken a few men with him, +moved towards the right of the army of the Five Cantons, crept into +the midst of the clump of beech-trees that, by forming a semicircle to +the east, unite the hill of Ifelsberg to that of the Granges,[1211] +found the wood empty, arrived to within a few paces of the Zurichers, +and there, hidden behind the trees, remarked unperceived the smallness +of their numbers, and their want of caution. Then, stealthily +retiring, he went to the chiefs at the very moment the discontent was +on the point of bursting out. "Now is the time to attack the enemy," +cried he. "Dear gossip," replied Troquer, captain-in-chief of Uri, +"you do not mean to say that we should set to work at so late an hour; +besides, the men are preparing their quarters, and everybody knows +what it cost our fathers at Naples and Marignan for having commenced +the attack a little before night. And then it is Innocents' day, and +our ancestors have never given battle on a feast-day."[1212]--"Don't +think about the Innocents of the calendar," replied Jauch, "but let us +rather remember the innocents that we have left in our cottages." +Gaspard Goldli of Zurich, brother of the commander of the Granges, +added his entreaties to those of the warrior of Uri. "We must either +beat the Zurichers to-night," said he, "or be beaten by them +to-morrow. Take your choice." + + [1211] This wood no longer connects the two hills. The present pastor + of Cappel told me that when first he went into that district the wood + was much more extensive than it is at present. + + [1212] An einem solchen Tag Blut ze vergiessen. (Tschudi, Helv. ii. p. + 189.) + +[Sidenote: AMBUSCADE.] + +All was unavailing; the chiefs were inflexible, and the army prepared +to take up its quarters. Then the warrior of Uri, understanding like +his fellow-countryman Tell that great evils require great remedies, +drew his sword and cried: "Let all true confederates follow +me."[1213] Then hastily leaping to his saddle, he spurred his horse +into the forest;[1214] and immediately arquebusiers, soldiers from the +Adige, and many other warriors of the Five Cantons, especially from +Unterwalden--in all about 300 men, rushed into the wood after him. At +this sight Jauch no longer doubts of the victory of the Waldstettes. +He dismounts and falls upon his knees, "for," says Tschudi, "he was a +man who feared God." All his followers do the same, and together +invoke the aid of God, of his holy mother, and of all the heavenly +host, They then advance; but soon the warrior of Uri, wishing to +expose no one but himself, halts his troops, and glides from tree to +tree to the verge of the wood. Observing that the enemy was as +incautious as ever, he rejoins his arquebusiers, leads them stealthily +forward, and posts them silently behind the trees of the forest,[1215] +enjoining them to take their aim so as not to miss their men. During +this time the chiefs of the Five Cantons, foreseeing that this rash +man was about to bring on the action, decided against their will, and +collected their soldiers around the banners. + + [1213] Welche redlicher Eidgnossen wärt sind, die louffind uns nach. + (Bull. iii. p. 125.) + + [1214] Sass ylends wiederum uff sin Ross. (Tschudi, Helv. ii. p. 191.) + + [1215] Zertheilt die Hagken hinter die Bäum im Wald in grosser Stille + (Tschudi, Helv. ii. p. 191.) + + +VIII. The Zurichers, fearing that the enemy would seize upon the road +that led to their capital, were then directing part of their troops +and their guns to a low hill by which it was commanded. At the very +moment that the invisible arquebusiers stationed among the beech trees +were taking their aim, this detachment passed near the little wood. +The deepest silence prevails in this solitude: each one posted there +picks out the man he desires to bring down, and Jauch exclaims: "In +the name of the Holy Trinity--of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy +Ghost--of the Holy Mother of God, and of all the heavenly host--fire!" +At the word the deadly balls issue from the wood, and a murderous +carnage in the ranks of Zurich follows this terrible discharge. The +battle, which had begun four hours ago, and which had never appeared +to be a serious attack, now underwent an unforeseen change. The sword +was not again to be returned to the scabbard until it had been bathed +in torrents of blood. Those of the Zurichers who had not fallen at +this first discharge, lie flat on the ground, so that the balls pass +over their heads; but they soon spring up, saying: "Shall we allow +ourselves to be butchered? No! let us rather attack the enemy!" +Lavater seizes a lance, and rushing into the foremost rank exclaims: +"Soldiers, uphold the honour of God and of our lords, and behave like +brave men!" Zwingle, silent and collected, like nature before the +bursting of the tempest, was there also halberd in hand. "Master +Ulric," said Bernard Sprungli, "speak to the people and encourage +them." "Warriors!" said Zwingle, "fear nothing. If we are this day to +be defeated, still our cause is good. Commend yourselves to God!" + +The Zurichers quickly turn the artillery they were dragging to another +quarter, and point it against the wood; but their bullets, instead of +striking the enemy, only reach the top of the trees, and tear off a +few branches that fall upon the skirmishers.[1216] + + [1216] Denn das die Aest auf sie fielent (Tschudi, p. 182.) + +Rychmuth, the landamman of Schwytz, came up at a gallop to recall the +volunteers; but seeing the battle begun, he ordered the whole army to +advance. Immediately the five banners moved forward. + +[Sidenote: BATTLE OF CAPPEL.] + +But already Jauch's skirmishers, rushing from among the trees, had +fallen impetuously upon the Zurichers, charging with their long and +pointed halberds. "Heretics! sacrilegists!" cried they, "we have you +at last!"--"Man-sellers, idolaters, impious Papists!" replied the +Zurichers, "is it really you?" At first a shower of stones fell from +both parties and wounded several; immediately they come to close +quarters. The resistance of the Zurichers was terrible.[1217] Each +struck with the sword or with the halberd: at last the soldiers of the +Five Cantons were driven back in disorder. The Zurichers advanced, but +in so doing lost the advantages of their position, and got entangled +in the marsh. Some Roman-catholic historians pretend that this flight +of their troops was a stratagem to draw the Zurichers into the +snare.[1218] + + [1217] Der angriff war hart und währt der Wiederstand ein gute Wyl. + (Tschudi, p. 192.) + + [1218] Catholici autem, positis insidiis, retrocesserunt, fugam + simulantes. (Cochlœus, Acta Luth. p. 214.) + +In the mean time the army of the Five Cantons hasten through the wood. +Burning with courage and with anger, they eagerly quicken their steps; +from the midst of the beech-trees there resounded a confused and +savage noise--a frightful murmur; the ground shook; one might have +said that the forest was uttering a horrible roar, or that witches +were holding their nocturnal revels.[1219] In vain do the bravest of +the Zurichers offer an intrepid resistance: the Waldstettes have the +advantage in every quarter. "They are surrounding us," cried some. +"Our men are fleeing," said others. A man from the canton of Zug +mingling with the Zurichers, and pretending to be of their party, +exclaims: "Fly, fly, brave Zurichers, you are betrayed!" Thus +everything is against Zurich. Even the hand of Him who is the disposer +of battles, turns against this people. Thus was it also in times of +old that God frequently chastised his own people of Israel by the +Assyrian sword. A panic terror seizes upon the bravest, and the +disorder spreads everywhere with frightful rapidity. + + [1219] Der Boden erzittert; und nit anders war, denn als ob der Wald + lut bruelete. (Tschudi, p. 123.) + +[Sidenote: THE BANNER IN DANGER.] + +In the meanwhile the aged Schweizer had raised the great banner with a +firm hand, and all the picked men of Zurich were drawn up around it; +but soon their ranks were thinned. John Kammli, charged with the +defence of the standard, having observed the small number of +combatants that remained upon the field of battle, said to the +banneret: "Let us lower the banner, my lord, and save it, for our +people are flying shamefully:"--"Warriors, remain firm," replied the +aged banneret, whom no danger had ever shaken. The disorder +augmented--the number of fugitives increased every minute; the old man +stood fast, amazed and immoveable as an aged oak beaten by a frightful +hurricane. He received unflinchingly the blows that fell upon him, and +alone resisted the terrible storm. Kammli seized him by the arm: "My +lord," said he again, "lower the banner, or else we shall lose it: +there is no more glory to be reaped here!" The banneret, who was +already mortally wounded, exclaimed: "Alas! must the city of Zurich be +so punished!" Then, dragged off by Kammli, who held him by the arm, he +retreated as far as the ditch. The weight of years, and the wounds +with which he was covered, did not permit him to cross it. He fell in +the mire at the bottom, still holding the glorious standard, whose +folds dropped on the other bank. + +The enemy ran up with loud shouts, being attracted by the colours of +Zurich, as the bull by the gladiator's flag. Kammli seeing this, +unhesitatingly leaps to the bottom of the ditch, and lays hold of the +stiff and dying hands of his chief, in order to preserve the precious +ensign, which they tightly grasped. But it is in vain; the hands of +the aged Schweizer will not loose the standard. "My lord banneret!" +cried this faithful servant, "it is no longer in your power to defend +it." The hands of the banneret, already stiffened in death, still +refuse; upon which Kammli violently tears away the sacred standard, +leaps upon the other bank, and rushes with his treasure far from the +steps of the enemy. The last Zurichers at this moment reach the ditch, +they fall one after another upon the expiring banneret, and thus +hasten his death. + +[Sidenote: THE BANNER SAVED.] + +Kammli, however, having received a wound from a gunshot, his march was +retarded, and soon the Waldstettes surround him with their swords. The +Zuricher, holding the banner in one hand, and his sword in the other, +defends himself bravely. One of the Waldstettes catches hold of the +staff--another seizes the flag itself and tears it. Kammli with one +blow of his sword cuts down the former, and striking around him, calls +out: "To the rescue, brave Zurichers! save the honour and the banner +of our lords." The assailants increase in number, and the warrior is +about to fall, when Adam Næff of Wollenwyd rushes up sword in hand, +and the head of the Waldstette who had torn the colours rolls upon the +plain, and his blood gushes out upon the flag of Zurich. Dumysen, +member of the Smaller Council, supports Næff with his halberd, and +both deal such lusty blows, that they succeed in disengaging the +standard-bearer. He, although dangerously wounded, springs forward, +holding the blood-stained folds of the banner in one hand, which he +carries off hastily, dragging the staff behind him. With fierce look +and fiery eye, he thus passes sword in hand through the midst of +friends and enemies: he crosses plains, woods, and marshes, everywhere +leaving traces of his blood, which flows from numerous wounds. Two of +his enemies, one from Schwytz, the other from Zug--were particularly +eager in his pursuit. "Heretic! villain!" cried they, "surrender and +give us the banner."--"You shall have my life first," replied the +Zuricher. Then the two hostile soldiers, who were embarrassed by their +cuirasses, stopped a moment to take them off. Kammli took advantage of +this to get in advance: he ran; Huber, Dumysen, and Dantzler of +Naenikon were at his side. They all four thus arrived near Husen, +half-way up the Albis. They had still to climb the steepest part of +the mountain. Huber falls covered with wounds. Dumysen, the +colonel-general, who had fought as a private soldier, almost reaches +the church of Husen, and there he falls lifeless: and two of his sons, +in the flower of youth, soon lie stretched on the battle-field that +has drunk their father's blood. Kammli takes a few steps further; but +halts erelong, exhausted and panting, near a hedge that he would have +to clear, and discovers his two enemies, and other Waldstettes running +from all sides, like birds of prey, towards the wavering standard of +Zurich. The strength of Kammli sinks rapidly, his eyes grow dim, +thick darkness surrounds him: a hand of lead fastens him to the +ground. Then, mustering all his expiring strength, he flings the +standard on the other side of the hedge, exclaiming: "Is there any +brave Zuricher near me? Let him preserve the banner and the honour of +our lords! As for me, I can do no more!" Then casting a last look to +heaven, he adds: "May God be my helper!" He fell exhausted by this +last effort. Dantzler, who came up, flung away his sword, sprung over +the hedge, seized the banner, and cried, "With the aid of God, I will +carry it off." He then rapidly climbed the Albis, and at last placed +the ancient standard of Zurich in safety. God, on whom these warriors +fixed all their hopes, had heard their prayers, but the noblest blood +of the republic had been spilt. + +The enemy were victorious at all points. The soldiers of the Five +Cantons, and particularly those of Unterwalden, long hardened in the +wars of the Milanese, showed themselves more merciless towards their +confederates than they had ever been towards foreigners. At the +beginning of the battle, Goldli had taken flight, and soon after he +quitted Zurich for ever. Lavater, the captain-general, after having +fought valiantly, had fallen into the ditch. He was dragged out by a +soldier, and had escaped. + +[Sidenote: TERRIBLE SLAUGHTER.] + +The most distinguished men of Zurich fell one after another under the +blows of the Waldstettes.[1220] Rudi Gallmann found the glorious tomb +he had wished for, and his two brothers stretched beside him left +their father's house desolate. Toning, captain of the arquebusiers, +died for his country as he had foretold. All the pride of the +population of Zurich, seven members of the Smaller Council, nineteen +members of the Two Hundred, sixty-five citizens of the town, four +hundred and seventeen from the rural districts: the father in the +midst of his children,--the brother surrounded by his brothers,--lay +on the field. + + [1220] Optimi et docti viri, quos necessitas traxerat in commune + periculum patriæ et ecclesiæ veritatisque defensandæ, quam et suo + sanguine redemerunt. (Pell. Vit. MS. p. 6.) + +Gerold Meyer of Knonau, son of Anna Zwingle; at that time twenty-two +years of age, and already a member of the council of Two Hundred,--a +husband and a father,--had rushed into the foremost ranks with all the +impetuosity of youth. "Surrender, and your life shall be spared," +cried some of the warriors of the Five Cantons, who desired to save +him. "It is better for me to die with honour than to yield with +disgrace," replied the son of Anna, and immediately struck by a mortal +blow, he fell and expired not far from the castle of his ancestors. + +The ministers were those who paid proportionally the greatest tribute +on this bloody day. The sword that was at work on the heights of +Cappel thirsted for their blood: twenty-five of them fell beneath its +stroke. The Waldstettes trembled with rage when they discovered one of +these heretical preachers, and sacrificed him with enthusiasm, as a +chosen victim, to the Virgin and the saints. There has, perhaps, never +been any battle in which so many men of the Word of God have bitten +the dust. Almost everywhere the pastors had marched at the head of +their flocks. One might have said that Cappel was an assembly of +christian churches rather than an army of Swiss companies. The Abbot +Joner, receiving a mortal wound near the ditch, expired in sight of +his own monastery. The people of Zug, in pursuit of the enemy, uttered +a cry of anguish as they passed his body, remembering all the good he +had done them.[1221] Schmidt of Kuprach, stationed on the field of +battle in the midst of his parishioners, fell surrounded by forty of +their bodies,[1222] Geroldseck, John Haller, and many other pastors, +at the head of their flocks, suddenly met in a terrible and unforeseen +manner the Lord whom they had preached. + + [1221] Es klagtend inn insonders die Züger. (Bull. iii. p. 151.) + + [1222] Uff der Walstett warder funden, under und by sinen Kussnachern. + (Ibid. p. 147.) + +[Sidenote: ZWINGLE'S LAST MOMENTS.] + +But the death of one individual far surpassed all others. Zwingle was +at the post of danger, the helmet on his head, the sword hanging at +his side, the battle-axe in his hand.[1223] Scarcely had the action +begun, when, stooping to console a dying man, says J. J. Hottinger, a +stone hurled by the vigorous arm of a Waldstette struck him on the +head and closed his lips. Yet Zwingle arose, when two other blows +which struck him successively on the leg,[1224] threw him down again. +Twice more he stands up; but a fourth time he receives a thrust from a +lance, he staggers, and sinking beneath so many wounds, falls on his +knees. Does not the darkness that is spreading around him announce a +still thicker darkness that is about to cover the Church? Zwingle +turns away from such sad thoughts; once more he uplifts that head +which had been so bold, and gazing with calm eye upon the trickling +blood, exclaims: "What evil is this? They can indeed kill the body, +but they cannot kill the soul!"[1225] These were his last words. + + [1223] The chaplains of the Swiss troops still wear a sword. Zwingle + did not make use of his arms. + + [1224] Hatt auch in den Schenklen yween Stiche. (Tschudi, Helv. ii. p. + 194.) + + [1225] In genua prolapsum dixisse: "Ecquid hoc infortunii? Age! corpus + quidem occidere possunt, animam non possunt" (Osw. Myconius, Vit. Zw.) + +He had scarcely uttered them ere he fell backwards. There under a tree +(Zwingle's Pear-tree) in a meadow, he remained lying on his back, with +clasped hands and eyes upturned to heaven.[1226] + + [1226] Was er nach lebend, lag an dem Ruggen und hat seine beide händ + zamen gethan, wie die betenden, sach mit synem angen obsich in hymel. + (B. iii. p. 136.) + +[Sidenote: THE FURNACE OF TRIAL.] + +While the bravest were pursuing the scattered soldiers of Zurich, the +stragglers of the Five Cantons had pounced like hungry ravens on the +field of battle. Torch in hand, these wretches prowled among the dead, +casting looks of irritation around them, and lighting up the features +of their expiring victims by the dull glimmering of these funereal +torches. They turned over the bodies of the wounded and the dead; +they tortured and they stripped them.[1227] If they found any who were +still sensible, they cried out, "Call upon the saints and confess to +our priests!" If the Zurichers, faithful to their creed, rejected +these cruel invitations, these men, who were as cowardly as they were +fanatical, pierced them with their lances, or dashed out their brains +with the butt-ends of their arquebuses. The Roman-catholic historian, +Salat of Lucerne, makes a boast of this. "They were left to die like +infidel dogs, or were slain with the sword, or the spear, that they +might go so much the quicker to the devil, with whose help they had +fought so desperately."[1228] If any of the soldiers of the Five +Cantons had recognised a Zuricher against whom they had any grudge, +with dry eyes, disdainful mouth, and features changed by anger, they +drew near the unhappy creature, writhing in the agonies of death, and +said: "Well! has your heretical faith preserved you? Ah ha! it was +pretty clearly seen to-day who had the true faith......To-day we have +dragged your Gospel in the mud, and you too, even you are covered with +your own blood. God, the Virgin, and the saints have punished you." +Scarcely had they uttered these words before they plunged their swords +into their enemy's bosom. "Mass or death!" was their watchword. + + [1227] Ein gross plünderen, ein ersuchen und usgiessen der todten und + der wunden. (Bull. iii. p. 135.) + + [1228] Damit sie desto eher zum Teufel, damit sie mit allen vieren + fechtend, geführt würdend. (Salat.) + +[Sidenote: ZWINGLE'S LAST MOMENTS.] + +Thus triumphed the Waldstettes; but the pious Zurichers who expired on +the field of battle called to mind that they had for God one who has +said: "_If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; +for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?_"--"_Though he slay +me, yet will I trust in him._" It is in the furnace of trial that the +God of the Gospel conceals the pure gold of his most precious +blessings. This punishment was necessary to turn aside the Church of +Zurich from the "broad ways" of the world, and lead it back to the +"narrow ways" of the Spirit and the life. In a political history, a +defeat like that of Cappel would be styled a great misfortune; but in +a history of the Church of Jesus Christ, such a blow, inflicted by the +hand of the Father himself, ought rather to be called a great +blessing. + +Meanwhile Zwingle lay extended under the tree, near the road by which +the mass of the people was passing. The shouts of the victors, the +groans of the dying, those flickering torches borne from corpse to +corpse, Zurich humbled, the cause of Reform lost,--all cried aloud to +him that God punishes his servants when they have recourse to the arm +of man. If the German Reformer had been able to approach Zwingle at +this solemn moment, and pronounce these oft-repeated words: +"Christians fight not with sword and arquebus, but with sufferings and +the cross,"[1229] Zwingle would have stretched out his dying hand, and +said, "Amen!" + + [1229] Christen sind nicht die für sich selbst mit dem Schwerdt oder + Büchsen streiten, sondern mit dem Kreuz und Leyden. (Luth. Opp.) + +[Sidenote: DAY AFTER THE BATTLE.] + +Two of the soldiers who were prowling over the field of battle, having +come near the reformer without recognising him, "Do you wish for a +priest to confess yourself?" asked they. Zwingle, without speaking +(for he had not strength), made signs in the negative. "If you cannot +speak," replied the soldiers, "at least think in thy heart of the +Mother of God, and call upon the saints!" Zwingle again shook his +head, and kept his eyes still fixed on heaven.[1230] Upon this the +irritated soldiers began to curse him. "No doubt," said they, "you are +one of the heretics of the city!" One of them, being curious to know +who it was, stooped down and turned Zwingle's head in the direction of +a fire that had been lighted near the spot.[1231] The soldier +immediately let him fall to the ground. "I think," said he, surprised +and amazed, "I think it is Zwingle!" At this moment Captain Fockinger +of Unterwalden, a veteran and a pensioner, drew near: he had heard the +last words of the soldier. "Zwingle!" exclaimed he; "that vile +heretic Zwingle! that rascal, that traitor!" Then raising his sword, +so long sold to the stranger, he struck the dying Christian on the +throat, exclaiming in a violent passion, "Die, obstinate heretic!" +Yielding under this last blow, the reformer gave up the ghost: he was +doomed to perish by the sword of a mercenary. "Precious in the sight +of the Lord is the death of his saints." The soldiers ran to other +victims. All did not show the same barbarity. The night was cold; a +thick hoar-frost covered the fields and the bodies of the dying. The +Protestant historian, Bullinger, informs us that some Waldstettes +gently raised the wounded in their arms, bound up their wounds, and +carried them to the fires lighted on the field of battle. "Ah!" cried +they, "why have the Swiss thus slaughtered one another!" + + [1230] Und sach uber sich in Hymel. (Bull. iii. p. 136.) + + [1231] Veyn Fuwr besach. (Tschudi, Helv. ii. p. 194.) + +The main body of the army had remained on the field of battle near the +standards. The soldiers conversed around the fires, interrupted from +time to time by the cries of the dying. During this time the chiefs +assembled in the convent sent messengers to carry the news of their +signal victory to the confederate cantons, and to the Roman-catholic +powers of Germany. + +[Sidenote: BARBAROUS OUTRAGE.] + +At length the day appeared. The Waldstettes spread over the field of +battle, running here and there, stopping, contemplating, struck with +surprise at the sight of their most formidable enemies stretched +lifeless on the plain; but sometimes also shedding tears as they gazed +on corpses which reminded them of old and sacred ties of friendship. +At length they reached the pear-tree under which Zwingle lay dead, and +an immense crowd collected around it. His countenance still beamed +with expression and with life. "He has the look," said Bartholomew +Stocker of Zug, who had loved him, "he has the look of a living rather +than of a dead man.[1232] Such he was when he kindled the people by +the fire of his eloquence." All eyes were fixed upon the corpse. John +Schönbrunner, formerly canon of Zurich, who had retired to Zug at the +epoch of the Reformation, could not restrain his tears; "Whatever may +have been thy creed," said he, "I know, Zwingle, that thou hast been a +loyal confederate! May thy soul rest with God!" + + [1232] Nicht einem Todten sondern einem Lebenden gleich. (Zwingli fur + dass Volk von J. J. Hottinger.) + +But the pensioners of the foreigner, on whom Zwingle had never ceased +to make war, required that the body of the heretic should be +dismembered, and a portion sent to each of the Five Cantons. "Peace be +to the dead! and God alone be their Judge!" exclaimed the avoyer +Golder and the landamman Thoss of Zug. Cries of fury answered their +appeal, and compelled them to retire. Immediately the drums beat to +muster; the dead body was tried, and it was decreed that it should be +quartered for treason against the Confederation, and then burnt for +heresy. The executioner of Lucerne carried out the sentence. Flames +consumed Zwingle's disjointed members; the ashes of swine were mingled +with his: and a lawless multitude rushing upon his remains, flung them +to the four winds of heaven.[1233] + + [1233] Tschudi Helvet. ii. p. 195. "Cadaver Zwinglii......in quatuor + partes secatur, in ignem conjicitur, in cinerem resolvitur." (Myc. de + Vit. Zw.) + +[Sidenote: CONSTERNATION OF ZURICH.] + +Zwingle was dead. A great light had been extinguished in the Church of +God. Mighty by the Word as were the other reformers, he had been more +so than they in action; but this very power had been his weakness, and +he had fallen under the weight of his own strength. Zwingle was not +forty-eight years old when he died. If the might of God always +accompanied the might of man, what would he not have done for the +Reformation in Switzerland, and even in the Empire! But he had wielded +an arm that God had forbidden; the helmet had covered his head, and he +had grasped the halberd. His more devoted friends were themselves +astonished, and exclaimed: "we know not what to say!......a bishop in +arms!"[1234] The bolt had furrowed the cloud, the blow had reached +the reformer, and his body was no more than a handful of dust in the +palm of a soldier. + + [1234] Ego nihil certe apud me possum statuere, maxime de Episcopo in + armis. (Zuickius Ecolampadio, 8th November 1531, Zurich MS.) + + +[Sidenote: VIOLENCE OF THE POPULACE.] + +IX. Frightful darkness hung over Zurich during the night that followed +the afflicting day of Cappel. It was seven in the evening when the +first news of the disaster arrived......Vague but alarming reports +spread at first with the rapidity of lightning. It was known that a +terrible blow had been inflicted, but not of what kind; but soon a few +wounded men, who arrived from the field of battle, cleared up the +frightful mystery. "Then," said Bullinger, whom we shall allow to +speak, "there arose suddenly a loud and horrible cry of lamentation +and tears, bewailing and groaning." The consternation was so much the +greater that no one had expected this disaster. "There is not enough +for a breakfast," had said some haughty worldly men; "With one blow we +shall be masters of the _Five Chalets_," had said another; and an old +soldier added with disdainful sneer, "We shall soon have scattered +these five dunghills." The christian portion, convinced that Zurich +was fighting in a good cause, had not doubted that victory would be on +the side of truth......Thus their first stupefaction was succeeded by +a violent outburst of rage. With blind fury the mob accused all their +chiefs, and loaded with insults even those who had defended their +country at the price of their blood. An immense crowd--agitated, pale, +and bewildered, filled all the streets of the city. They meet, they +question and reply; they question again, and the answer cannot be +heard, for the shouts of the people interrupted or drowned the voice +of the speakers. The councillors who had remained in Zurich, repaired +in haste to the town-hall. The people, who had already assembled there +in crowds, looked on with threatening eyes. Accusations of treason +burst from every mouth, and the patricians were pointed out to the +general indignation. They must have victims. "Before going to fight +against the enemy on the frontiers," said the mob, "we should defend +ourselves against those who are within our walls." Sorrow and fear +excited the minds of all. That savage instinct of the populace, which +in great calamities leads them, like a wild beast, to thirst for +blood, was violently aroused. + +A hand from the midst of the crowd points out the council-hall, and a +harsh and piercing voice exclaims: "Let us chop off the heads of some +of the men who sit in these halls, and let their blood ascend to +heaven, to beg for mercy in behalf of those whom they have slain." + +But this fury is nothing in comparison with that which breaks out +against the ministers, against Zwingle, and all those Christians who +were the cause (say they) of the ruin of the country. Fortunately the +sword of the Waldstettes had withdrawn them from the rage of their +fellow-citizens; nevertheless, there still remained some who could pay +for the others. Leo Juda, whom Zwingle's death was about to raise to +the head of religious affairs, had scarcely recovered from a serious +illness; it is on him they rush. They threaten, they pursue him; a few +worthy citizens carry him off and hide him in their houses. The rage +of these madmen is not appeased: they continue shouting that atonement +must be made for the slaughter at Cappel, by a still more frightful +slaughter within the very walls of the city. But God placed a curb in +the mouths of these infuriate beasts of prey, and subdued them. + +On a sudden, grief succeeded to rage, and sobs choked the utterance of +the most furious. All those whose relatives had marched to Cappel, +imagine that they are among the number of the victims. Old men, women, +and children, go forth in the darkness by the glimmering light of +torches, with haggard eyes and hurried steps; and as soon as some +wounded man arrives, they question him with trembling voice about +those whom they are seeking. To some they reply: "I saw him fall close +by my side.--He was surrounded by so many enemies," they say to +others, "that there was no chance of safety for him."[1235] At these +words the distracted family drop their torches, and fill the air with +shrieks and groans. + + [1235] Dermassen umbgäben mit Tygenden, dass kein Hoffnung der rettung + uberig. (Bull. iv. p. 163). + +[Sidenote: ZWINGLE IS DEAD.] + +Anna Zwingle had heard from her house the repeated discharges of +artillery. As wife and mother, she had passed in expectation many long +hours of anguish, offering fervent prayers to heaven. At length the +most terrible accounts, one after another, burst upon her. + +In the midst of those whose cries of despair re-echoed along the road +to Cappel, was Oswald Myconius, who inquired with anxiety what had +become of his friend. Soon he hears one of the unfortunates who had +escaped from the massacre, relating to those around him that Zwingle +had fallen![1236].....Zwingle is no more! Zwingle is dead! The cry is +repeated: it runs through Zurich with the rapidity of lightning, and +at length reaches the unhappy widow. Anna falls on her knees. But the +loss of her husband is not enough: God has inflicted other blows. +Messengers following each other at short intervals announce to her the +death of her son Gerold of Knonau, of her brother the bailiff of +Reinhardt, of her son-in-law Antony Wirz, of John Lustchi the husband +of her dear sister, as well as of all her most intimate friends. This +woman remains alone--alone with her God; alone with her young +children, who, as they see her tears, weep also, and throw themselves +disconsolate into their mother's arms. + + [1236] Ut igitur mane videram exeuntem, ita sub noctem audio nuntium, + pugnatum quidem acriter, tamen infeliciter, et Zwinglium nobis + periisse. (Myc. Vit. Zw.) + +[Sidenote: FUNERAL ORATION.] + +On a sudden the alarm-bell rings. The council, distracted by the most +contrary opinions, has at last resolved to summon all the citizens +towards the Albis. But the sound of the tocsin re-echoing through the +darkness, the lamentable stories of the wounded, and the distressful +groans of bereaved families, still further increased the tumult. A +numerous and disorderly troop of citizens rushed along the road to +Cappel. Among them is the Valaisan, Thomas Plater. Here he meets with +a man that has but one hand,[1237]--there with others who supported +their wounded and bleeding heads with both hands;--further still is a +soldier whose bowels protrude from his body. In front of these unhappy +creatures peasants are walking with lighted torches, for the night is +very dark. Plater wishes to return; but he cannot, for sentinels +placed on the bridge over the Sihl allow persons to quit Zurich, but +permit no one to reenter. + + [1237] Ettlich kamen, hatten nur eine hand. (Libensbeschreibung + Plateri, p. 297.) + +On the morrow the news of the disgraceful treatment of Zwingle's +corpse aroused all the anger of Zurich; and his friends, uplifting +their tear-bedimmed eyes, exclaimed, "These men may fall upon his +body; they may kindle their piles, and brand his innocent +life......but he lives--this invincible hero lives in eternity, and +leaves behind him an immortal monument of glory that no flames can +destroy.[1238] God, for whose honour he has labored, even at the price +of his blood, will make his memory eternal." "And I," adds Leo Juda, +"I, upon whom he has heaped so many blessings, will endeavour, after +so many others, to defend his renown and to extol his virtues." Thus +Zurich consecrated to Zwingle a funeral oration of tears and sighs, of +gratitude and cries of anguish. Never was there a funeral speech more +eloquent! + + [1238] Vivit adhunc, et æternum vivit fortissimus heros. (Leonis Judæ + exhort. ad Chr. Sect. Enchiridio Psalm. Zwinglii præmissa.) + +[Sidenote: ARMY OF ZURICH.] + +Zurich rallied her forces. John Steiner had collected on the Albis +some scattered fragments of the army for the defence of the pass: they +bivouacked around their fires on the summit of the mountain, and all +were in disorder. Plater, benumbed with cold (it is himself who gives +us the account), had drawn off his boots to warm his feet at the +watch-fire. On a sudden an alarm is given, the troop is hastily drawn +up, and, while Plater is getting ready, a trumpeter, who had escaped +from the battle, seizes his halberd. Plater takes it back, and +stations himself in the ranks; before him stands the trumpeter, +without hat or shoes, and armed with a long pole. Such is the army of +Zurich. + +The chief captain Lavater rejoined the army at daybreak. Gradually +the allies came up; 1200 Grisons, under the orders of the +captain-general Frey of Zurich, 1500 Thurgovians, 600 Tockenburgers, +and other auxiliaries besides, soon formed an army of 12,000 men. All, +even children, ran to arms. The council gave orders that these young +folks[1239] should be sent back to share in the domestic duties with +the women. + + [1239] Jungen fasels, young brood. (Bull. Chr. iii. p. 176.) + +Another reverse erelong augmented the desolation of the Reformed +party. While the troops of Berne, Zurich, Basle, and Bienne, amounting +to 24,000 men, were assembling at Bremgarten, the Five Cantons +intrenched themselves at Baar, near Zug. But Zwingle was wanting to +the Reformed army, and he would have been the only man capable of +inspiring them with courage. A gust of wind having thrown down a few +fir-trees in the forest where the Zurichers were encamped, and caused +the death of some of their soldiers, they failed not to see in this +the signal for fresh reverses. + +[Sidenote: INACTIVITY OF THE BERNESE.] + +Nevertheless, Frey called loudly for battle; but the Bernese +commandant Diesbach refused. Upon this the Zurich captain set off in +the night of the 23d October at the head of 4000 men of Zurich, +Schaffhausen, Basle, and St. Gall; and, while the Bernese were +sleeping quietly, he turned the Waldstettes, drove their outposts +beyond the Sihl, and took his station on the heights that overlook the +Goubel. His imprudent soldiers, believing victory to be certain, +proudly waved their banners, and then sunk into a heavy sleep. The +Waldstettes had observed all. On the 24th October, at two in the +morning, by a bright moonlight, they quitted their camp in profound +silence, leaving their fires burning, and wearing their white shirts +over their dresses that they might recognise one another in the +obscurity. Their watch-word was "Mary, the mother of God." They glided +stealthily into a pine forest, near which the Reformed troops were +encamped. The men stationed at the advanced guard of the Zurichers +having perceived the enemy, ran up to the fires to arouse their +friends, but they had scarcely reached the third fire before the +Waldstettes appeared, uttering a frightful shout.[1240] +"Har......Har......Har......Har!......Where are these impious +heretics?......Har......Har......Har......Har?" The army of the cities +at first made a vigorous resistance, and many of the white-shirts fell +covered with blood; but this did not continue long. The bravest, with +the valiant Frey at their head, having bitten the dust, the rout +became general, and 800 men were left on the field of battle. + + [1240] Mit einem grossen grusamen geschrey. (Bull. iii. p. 201.) + +In the midst of these afflictions the Bernese remained stubborn and +motionless. Francis Kolb, who, notwithstanding his advanced age, had +accompanied the Bernese contingent as chaplain, reproached in a sermon +the negligence and cowardice of his party. "Your ancestors," said he, +"would have swam across the Rhine, and you--this little stream stops +you! They went to battle for a word, and you even the Gospel cannot +move. For us it only remains to commit our cause to God." Many voices +were raised against the imprudent old man, but others took up his +defence; and the captain, Jacques May, being as indignant as the aged +chaplain at the delays of his fellow-citizens, drew his sword, and +thrusting it into the folds of the Bernese banner, pricked the bear +that was represented on it, and cried out in the presence of the whole +army, "You knave, will you not show your claws?"[1241] But the bear +remained motionless. + + [1241] Bëtz, Bëtz, willt dan nicht kretzen! (Bull. iii. p. 215.) + +[Sidenote: JOY OF THE ROMANISTS.] + +The whole of the Reformation was compromised. Scarcely had Ferdinand +received intelligence of the death of the arch-heretic Zwingle, and of +the defeat at Cappel, than with an exclamation of joy, he forwarded +these good news to his brother the Emperor Charles the Fifth. "This is +the first of the victories destined to restore the faith," he had +written. After the defeat at the Goubel, he wrote again, saying that +if the Emperor were not so near at hand, he would not hesitate, +however weak he might be, to rush forward in person, sword in hand, +to terminate so righteous an enterprise. "Remember," said he, "that +you are the first prince in Christendom, and that you will never have +a better opportunity of covering yourself with glory. Assist the +cantons with your troops; the German sects will perish, when they are +no longer supported by heretical Switzerland."[1242]--"The more I +reflect," replied Charles, "the more I am pleased with your advice. +The imperial dignity with which I am invested, the protection that I +owe to Christendom and to public order, in a word, the safety of the +house of Austria,--everything appeals to me!" + + [1242] Quo se perdo deslar i camino para remediar las quiebras de + nuestra fé y ser Va. Md. Senor de Allemana. (Ferdinand to Charles V. + 11th November 1531.) + +Already about two thousand Italian soldiers, sent by the Pope and +commanded by the Genoese De l'Isola, had unfolded their seven +standards, and united near Zug with the army of the Five Cantons. +Auxiliary troops, diplomatic negotiations, and even missionaries to +convert the heretics, were not spared. The Bishop of Veroli arrived in +Switzerland in order to bring back the Lutherans to the Roman faith by +means of his friends and of his money.[1243] The Roman politicians +hailed the victory at Cappel as the signal of the restoration of the +Papal authority, not only in Switzerland, but throughout the whole of +Christendom.[1244] At last this presumptuous Reformation was about to +be repressed. Instead of the great deliverance of which Zwingle had +dreamt, the imperial eagle let loose by the Papacy was about to pounce +on all Europe, and strangle it in its talons. The cause of liberty had +perished on the Albis. + + [1243] Con proposita di rimóver Lutheriani dalla loro mala opinione, + con mezzo di alcuni suoi amici e con denari. (Report of Basadonna, + Archbishop of Venice.) + + [1244] Ranke, Deutshe Geschichte, iii. p. 867. + +[Sidenote: END OF THE WAR.] + +But the hopes of the Papists were vain: the cause of the Gospel, +although humbled at this moment, was destined finally to gain a +glorious victory. A cloud may hide the sun for a time: but the cloud +passes and the sun reappears. Jesus Christ is always the same, and the +gates of hell, which triumphed on the field of Cappel, cannot prevail +against his Church. + +Nevertheless everything seemed advancing towards a grand catastrophe. +The Tockenburgers made peace and retired. The Thurgovians followed +them; and next the people of Gaster. The evangelical army was thus +gradually disbanded. The severity of the season was joined to these +dissensions. Continual storms of wind and rain drove the soldiers to +their homes. + +Upon this the Five Cantons with the undisciplined bands of the Italian +general Isola threw themselves on the left bank of the lake of Zurich. +The alarm bell was rung on every side; the peasants retired in crowds +into the city, with their weeping wives, their frightened children, +and their cattle that filled the air with sullen lowings. A report too +was circulated that the enemy intended laying siege to Zurich. The +country-people in alarm declared that if the city refused to treat, +they would treat on their own account. + +[Sidenote: RESTORATION OF POPERY.] + +The peace party prevailed in the council; deputies were elected to +negotiate. "Above all things, preserve the Gospel, and then our +honour, as far as may be possible!" Such were their instructions. On +the 16th November, the deputies from Zurich arrived in a meadow +situated near the frontier, on the banks of the Sihl, in which the +representatives of the Five Cantons awaited them. They proceeded to +the deliberations. "In the name of the most honourable, holy, and +divine Trinity," began the treaty, "Firstly, we the people of Zurich +bind ourselves and agree to leave our trusty and well-beloved +confederates of the Five Cantons, their well-beloved co-burghers of +the Valais, and all their adherents lay and ecclesiastic, in their +true and indubitable Christian faith,[1245] renouncing all evil +intention, tricks, and stratagems. And, on our side, we of the Five +Cantons agree to leave our confederates of Zurich and their allies in +possession of their faith."[1246] At the same time, Rapperswyl, +Gaster, Wesen, Bremgarten, Mellingen, and the common bailiwicks, were +abandoned to the Five Cantons. + + [1245] By ihren wahren ungez wyfflten christenlichen glauben. + (Tschudi, p. 247.) + + [1246] By ihren Glauben. (Tschudi, p. 247.) + +Zurich had preserved its faith; and that was all. The treaty having +been read and approved of, the plenipotentiaries got off their horses, +fell upon their knees, and called upon the name of God.[1247] Then the +new captain-general of the Zurichers, Escher, a hasty and eloquent old +man, rising up, said as he turned towards the Waldstettes: "God be +praised that I can again call you my well-beloved confederates!" and +approaching them, he shook hands successively with Golder, Hug, +Troger, Rychmut, Marquart, Zellger, and Toss, the terrible victors at +Cappel. All eyes were filled with tears.[1248] Each took with +trembling hand the bottle suspended at his side, and offered a draught +to one of the chiefs of the opposite party. Shortly after a similar +treaty was concluded with Berne. + + [1247] Knuwet mencklich wider und bättet. (Bull. iii, p. 253.) + + [1248] Und luffend ihnen allen die Angen über. (Tschudi, p. 245.) + + +X. The restoration of Popery immediately commenced in Switzerland, and +Rome showed herself everywhere proud, exacting, and ambitious. + +After the battle of Cappel, the Romish minority at Glaris had resumed +the upperhand. It marched with Schwytz against Wesen and the district +of the Gaster. On the eve of the invasion, at midnight, twelve +deputies came and threw themselves at the feet of the Schwytzer +chiefs, who were satisfied with confiscating the national banners of +these two districts, with suppressing their tribunals, annulling their +ancient liberties, and condemning some to banishment, and others to +pay a heavy fine. Next the mass, the altars, and images were +everywhere re-established, and exist until the present day.[1249] Such +was the pardon of Schwytz! + + [1249] Es würdent mäss, altär und götren vieder uff gericht. (Bull. + iii.) + +It was especially on Bremgarten, Mellingen, and the free bailiwicks +that the Cantons proposed to inflict a terrible vengeance. Berne +having recalled its army, Mutschli, the avoyer of Bremgarten, followed +Diesbach as far as Arau. In vain did the former remind the Bernese +that it was only according to the orders of Berne and Zurich that +Bremgarten had blockaded the Five Cantons. "Bend to circumstances," +replied the general. On this the wretched Mutschli, turning away from +the pitiless Bernese, exclaimed, "The prophet Jeremiah has well +said,--_Cursed be he that trusteth in man!_" The Swiss and Italian +bands entered furiously into these flourishing districts, brandishing +their weapons, inflicting heavy fines on all the inhabitants, +compelling the Gospel ministers to flee, and restoring everywhere at +the point of the sword, mass, idols, and altars. + +On the other side of the lake the misfortune was still greater. On the +18th November, while the Reformed of Repperschwyl were sleeping +peacefully in reliance on the treaties, an army from Schwytz silently +passed the wooden bridge nearly 2000 feet long which crosses the lake, +and was admitted into the city by the Romish party. On a sudden the +Reformed awoke at the loud pealing of the bells, and the tumultuous +voices of the Catholics: the greater part quitted the city. One of +them, however, by name Michael Wohlgemuth, barricaded his house, +placed arquebuses at every window, and repelled the attack. The +exasperated enemy brought up some heavy pieces of artillery, besieged +this extemporaneous citadel in regular form, and Wohlgemuth was soon +taken and put to death in the midst of horrible tortures. + +[Sidenote: ŒCOLAMPADIUS.] + +Nowhere had the struggle been more violent than at Soleure: the two +parties were drawn up in battle-array on each side of the Aar, and the +Romanists had already discharged one ball against the opposite bank, +another was about to follow, when the avoyer Wenge, throwing himself +on the mouth of the cannon, cried out earnestly: "Fellow-citizens, let +there be no bloodshed, or else let me be your first victim!" The +astonished multitude dropped their arms; but seventy Evangelical +families were obliged to emigrate, and Soleure returned under the +Papal yoke. + +The deserted cells of St. Gall, Muri, Einsideln, Wettingen, Rheinau, +St. Catherine, Hermetshwyll and Guadenthall witnessed the triumphant +return of Benedictines, Franciscans, Dominicans, and all the Romish +militia; priests and monks, intoxicated with their victory, overran +country and town, and prepared for new conquests. + +The wind of adversity was blowing with fury: the Evangelical Churches +fell one after another, like the pines in the forest whose fall before +the battle of the Goubel had raised such gloomy presentiments. The +Five Cantons, full of gratitude to the Virgin, made a solemn +pilgrimage to her temple at Einsideln. The chaplains celebrated anew +their mysteries in this desolated sanctuary; the abbot, who had no +monks, sent a number of youths into Swabia to be trained up in the +rules of the order, and this famous chapel, which Zwingle's voice had +converted into a sanctuary for the Word, became for Switzerland, what +it has remained until this day, the centre of the power and of the +intrigues of the Papacy. + +But this was not enough. At the very time that these flourishing +churches were falling to the ground, the Reform witnessed the +extinction of its brightest lights. A blow from a stone had slain the +energetic Zwingle on the field of battle, and the rebound reached the +pacific Œcolampadius at Basle, in the midst of a life that was wholly +evangelical. The death of his friend, the severe judgments with which +they pursued his memory, the terror that had suddenly taken the place +of the hopes he had entertained of the future--all these sorrows rent +the heart of Œcolampadius, and soon his head and his life inclined +sadly to the tomb. "Alas!" cried he, "that Zwingle, whom I have so +long regarded as my right arm, has fallen under the blows of cruel +enemies!"[1250] He recovered, however, sufficient energy to defend the +memory of his brother. "It was not," said he, "on the heads of the +most guilty that the wrath of Pilate and the tower of Siloam fell. The +judgment began in the house of God; our presumption has been punished; +let our trust be placed now on the Lord alone, and this will be an +inestimable gain." Œcolampadius declined the call of Zurich to take +the place of Zwingle. "My post is here," said he, as he looked at +Basle. + + [1250] Zwinglium nostrum, quem pro manu altera nunc multo tempore + habui. (Zurich MS.) + +He was not destined to hold it long. Illness fell upon him in addition +to so many afflictions; the plague was in the city; a violent +inflammation attacked him,[1251] and erelong a tranquil scene +succeeded the tumult of Cappel. A peaceful death calmed the agitated +hearts of the faithful, and replaced by sweet, tranquil, and heavenly +emotions, the terror and distress with which a terrible disaster had +filled them. + + [1251] Ater carbunculus quovis carbunculo in domo Dei splendidiorem + perdidit. (J. J. Hottinger, iii. p. 634.) + +On hearing of the danger of Œcolampadius, all the city was plunged +into mourning; a crowd of men of every age and of every rank rushed to +his house. "Rejoice," said the reformer with a meek look, "I am going +to a place of everlasting joy." He then commemorated the death of our +Lord with his wife, his relations, and domestics, who shed floods of +tears. "This supper," said the dying man, "is a sign of my real faith +in Jesus Christ my Redeemer." + +On the morrow he sent for his colleagues: "My brethren," said he, "the +Lord is there; he calls me away. Oh! my brethren, what a black cloud +is appearing on the horizon--what a tempest is approaching! Be +steadfast: the Lord will preserve his own." He then held out his hand, +and all these faithful ministers, clasped it with veneration. + +[Sidenote: DEATH OF ŒCOLAMPADIUS.] + +On the 23d November, he called his children around him, the eldest of +whom was barely three years old. "Eusebius, Irene, Alethea," said he +to them, as he took their little hands, "love God who is your Father." +Their mother having promised for them, the children retired with the +blessing of the dying servant of God. The night that followed this +scene was his last. All the pastors were around his bed: "What is the +news?" asked Œcolampadius of a friend who came in. "Nothing," was the +reply. "Well," said the faithful disciple of Jesus, "I will tell you +something new." His friends awaited in astonishment. "In a short time +I shall be with the Lord Jesus." One of his friends now asking him if +he was incommoded by the light, he replied, putting his hand on his +heart: "There is light enough here." The day began to break; he +repeated in a feeble voice the 51st Psalm: _Have mercy upon me, O +Lord, according to thy loving kindness_. Then remaining silent, as if +he wished to recover strength, he said, "Lord Jesus, help me!" The ten +pastors fell on their knees around his bed with uplifted hands; at +this moment the sun rose, and darted his earliest rays on a scene of +sorrow so great and so afflicting with which the Church of God was +again stricken.[1252] + + [1252] De Joannis Œcolampadis obitu, per Simonem Gryneum. (Epp. Œcol. + et Zwinglii, libri iv.) + +The death of this servant of the Lord was like his life, full of light +and peace. Œcolampadius was in an especial degree the Christian +spiritualist and biblical divine. The importance he attached to the +study of the books of the Old Testament imprinted one of its most +essential characters on the reformed theology.[1253] Considered as a +man of action, his moderation and meekness placed him in the second +rank. Had he been able to exert more of this peaceful spirit over +Zwingle, great misfortunes perhaps might have been avoided. But like +all men of meek disposition, his peaceful character yielded too much +to the energetic will of the minister of Zurich; and he thus +renounced, in part at least, the legitimate influence that he might +have exercised over the reformer of Switzerland and of the Church. + + [1253] See his Commentaries on Isaiah (1525), 1st chapter; on Ezekiel + (1527); Haggai, Zachariah, Malachi (1527); Daniel (1530); and the + commentaries published after his death, with interpretations on + Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, and the 1st and + 2d chapters of Micah. + +[Sidenote: HENRY BULLINGER.] + +Zwingle and Œcolampadius had fallen. There was a great void and great +sorrow in the Church of Christ. Dissensions disappeared before these +two tombs, and nothing could be seen but tears. Luther himself was +moved. On receiving the news of these two deaths, he called to mind +the days he had passed with Zwingle and Œcolampadius at Marburg; and +the blow inflicted on him by their sudden decease was such, that many +years after he said to Bullinger: "Their death filled me with such +intense sorrow, that I was near dying myself."[1254] + + [1254] De cujus morte dolorem concepi......ita ut eorum casus me pene + exanimaverit. (L. Epp. v. p. 112.) + +The youthful Henry Bullinger, threatened with the scaffold, had been +compelled to flee from Bremgarten, his native town, with his aged +father, his colleagues, and sixty of the principal inhabitants, who +abandoned their houses to the pillage of the Waldstettes.[1255] Three +days after this, he was preaching in the cathedral of Zurich: "No! +Zwingle is not dead!" exclaimed Myconius; "or, like the phœnix, he has +risen again from his ashes." Bullinger was unanimously chosen to +succeed the great reformer. He adopted Zwingle's orphan children, +Wilhelm, Regula, and Ulric, and endeavoured to supply the place of +their father. This young man, scarcely twenty-eight years of age, and +who presided forty years with wisdom and blessing over this church, +was everywhere greeted as the apostle of Switzerland.[1256] + + [1255] Ne a quinque pagis aut obtruncarer aut comburerem. (Bull. ad + Myc. November 1531.) + + [1256] Haller ad Bulling. 1536. + +[Sidenote: CONTRITION OF ZURICH.] + +Yet as the sea roars long after the violent tempest has subsided, so +the people of Zurich were still in commotion. Many were agitated from +on high. They came to themselves; they acknowledged their error; the +weapons of their warfare had been carnal; they were now of a contrite +and humble spirit; they arose and went to their Father and confessed +their sin. In those days there was a great mourning in Zurich. Some, +however, stood up with pride, protested by the mouth of their +ministers against the work of the diplomatists, and boldly stigmatized +the shameful compact. "If the shepherds sleep, the dogs must bark," +exclaimed Leo Juda in the cathedral of Zurich. "My duty is to give +warning of the evil they are about to do to my Master's house."[1257] + + [1257] Ich mus bellen. (Bull. iii. p. 321.) + +Nothing could equal the sorrow of this city, except the exultation of +the Waldstettes. The noise of drums and fifes, the firing of guns, the +ringing of bells, had long resounded on the banks of their lakes, and +even to their highest valleys. Now the noise was less, but the effect +greater. The Five Cantons, in close alliance with Friburg and Soleure, +formed a perpetual league for the defence of the ancient christian +faith with the Bishop of Sion and the tithings of the Valais; and +henceforward carried their measures in the federal affairs with +boldness. But a deep conviction was formed at that period in the +hearts of the Swiss Reformed. "Faith comes from God," said they; "its +fortune does not depend on the life or death of a man. Let our +adversaries boast of our ruin, we will boast only in the Cross."[1258] +"God reigns," wrote Berne to Zurich, "and he will not permit the bark +to founder." This conviction was of more avail than the victory of +Cappel. + + [1258] Gloriantibus adversariis ruinam, nos in cruce gloriemur. (Ad + Œcolamp. 29th November 1531. Zurich MS.) + +[Sidenote: CONCLUSION.] + +Thus the Reformation, that had deviated from the right path, was +driven back by the very violence of the blow into its primitive +course, having no other power than the Word of God. An inconceivable +infatuation had taken possession of the friends of the Bible. They had +forgotten that our warfare is not carnal; and they had appealed to +arms and to battle. But God reigns: he punishes the churches and the +people who turn aside from his ways. We have thus taken a few stones, +and piled them as a monument on the battle-field of Cappel, in order +to remind the Church of the great lesson which this terrible +catastrophe teaches. As we bid farewell to this sad scene, we inscribe +on these monumental stones, on the one side, these words from God's +Book: "_Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will +remember the name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and +fallen: but we are risen and stand upright._" And on the other, this +declaration of the Head of the Church: "_My kingdom is not of this +world._" If, from the ashes of the martyrs at Cappel, a voice could be +heard, it would be these very words of the Bible that these noble +confessors would address, after three centuries, to the Christians of +our days. That the Church has no other king than Jesus Christ; that +she ought not to meddle with the policy of the world, derive from it +her inspiration, and call for its swords, its prisons, its treasures; +that she will conquer by the spiritual powers which God has deposited +in her bosom, and, above all, by the reign of her adorable Head; that +she must not expect upon earth thrones and mortal triumphs; but that +her march is like that of her King, from the manger to the cross, and +from the cross to the crown:--such is the lesson to be read on the +blood-stained page that has crept into our simple and evangelical +narrative.[1259] + + [1259] Zwingle's _Pear Tree_ having perished, a large rock has been + placed over the spot where this illustrious reformer died; and on it + are engraved suitable inscriptions, different, however, from those in + the text. + +But if God teaches his people great lessons, he also gives them great +deliverances. The bolt had fallen from heaven. The Reformation seemed +to be no more than a lifeless body cumbering the ground, and whose +dissevered limbs were about to be reduced to ashes. But God raises up +the dead. New and more glorious destinies were awaiting the Gospel of +Jesus Christ at the foot of the Alps. At the south-western extremity +of Switzerland, in a great valley which the white giant of the +mountains points out from afar; on the banks of the Leman lake, at the +spot where the Rhone, clear and blue as the sky above it, rolls its +majestic waters; on a small hill that the foot of Cæsar had once trod, +and on which the steps of another conqueror, of a Gaul, of a +Picardine[1260] were destined ere long to leave their ineffaceable and +glorious traces, stood an ancient city, as yet covered with the dense +shadows of Popery; but which God was about to raise to be a beacon to +the Church, and a bulwark to Christendom. + + [1260] John Calvin of Noyon. + +END OF THE FOURTH VOLUME. + + + + + VALUABLE BOOKS + PUBLISHED BY + R. CARTER, 58 CANAL STREET, N.Y., + AND + 56 MARKET STREET, PITTSBURG. + + +HORNE'S INTRODUCTION. + +An Introduction to the Critical Study and Knowledge of the Holy +Scriptures. By Thomas Hartwell Horne, B.D. New Edition, corrected and +enlarged. 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He + displays a happy tact, in developing, in the most pleasing + manner, the circumstances of a scriptural incident or + character, and of deriving from it practical + lessons."--_Presbyterian._ + + +McCRIE ON ESTHER. + +Lectures on the Book of Esther. By the Rev. Thomas McCrie, D.D., +author of "Life of John Knox," &c. + + +A TREATISE ON PRAYER; + +Designed to assist in the devout discharge of that duty. By the Rev. +Edward Bickersteth. + + +MICHAEL KEMP, + +The Happy Farmer's Lad. A Tale of Rustic Life, illustrative of the +Scriptural Blessings and Temporal Advantages of Early Piety. By Anne +Woodrooffe. Second Edition. + + "Thoroughly and intensely have we read this book, 'because,' + as Talbot said of Boswell's Life of Johnson, 'we couldn't + help it.' We were struck with the ingenuous disposition and + firm principles of Michael, and we wished to see how they + would bear him through trying scenes. So much for the + interest which the story excites; the other merits of the + book are not inferior."--_Baptist Advocate._ + + +COMFORT IN AFFLICTION. + +A Series of Meditations. By the Rev. James Buchanan, one of the +Ministers of the High Church, Edinburgh. From the ninth Edinb. +Edition. + + +LIGHTS & SHADOWS OF SCOTTISH LIFE. + +By Professor Wilson. 18mo. + + +MEMOIR OF MARY LUNDIE DUNCAN. + +Second American Edition. 18mo. + + +PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS. + +On the Second Advent. By the Rev. Hugh White, A.M. 18mo. + + +PERSUASIVES TO EARLY PIETY. + +By the Rev. J. G. Pike. + + +DODDRIDGE'S RISE AND PROGRESS. + +Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul. Illustrated in a Course of +Serious and Practical Addresses, suited to persons of every character +and circumstance, with a Devout Meditation or Prayer subjoined to each +chapter. By Philip Doddridge, D.D. + + +THE COTTAGE FIRESIDE; + +Or, the Parish Schoolmaster. By the Rev. 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In + recommending such a book we are conscious of doing a service + to the cause of piety, by promoting the + spiritual-mindedness, and consistent, symmetrical conduct of + every Christian who prayerfully peruses it."--_Baptist + Advocate._ + + +WORKS OF REV. HENRY SCOUGAL. + +Containing the Life of God in the Soul, &c. + + +DEW OF ISRAEL, + +And the Lily of God; or, a Glimpse of the Kingdom of Grace. By F. W. +Krummacher, D.D. Second American, from the second London Edition. + + +CHRISTIAN FRAGMENTS; + +Or, Remarks on the Nature, Precepts, and Comforts of Religion. By John +Burns, M.D., F.R.S., Regius Professor of Surgery in the University of +Glasgow, &c. &c. + + "The different pieces constitute so many distinct, though + sometimes brief, disquisitions upon scriptural topics, and + are designed to promote the spiritual-mindedness of the + reader. They were written under the pressure of deep + affliction, and in view of an approaching judgment. They + display sound thought, evangelical sentiment, correct + doctrine, and an elevated tone of Christian + feeling."--_Advocate._ + + +CHRISTIAN FATHER AT HOME; + +Or, a Manual of Parental Instruction. By W. C. Brownlee, D.D. + + +A GLIMPSE INTO THE WORLD TO COME, + +In a Waking Dream. By the late George B. Phillips. With Extracts, +illustrative of his Spiritual Progress; and a Brief Memoir, by Mrs. +Duncan, author of "Memoir of Mrs. Mary Lundie Duncan," &c. + + "This is altogether an extraordinary production. The small + portion of it which gives it its title, is a strain of + fervent pious imaginings, based however upon the oracles of + God. One cannot easily read it without gaining a more deep + and solid impression of the other world." + + +INFANT PIETY. + +A Book for Little Children. By Baptist W. Noel, M.A. + + "In this volume one of the finest spirits in the established + church of England gives us a simple record of the pious + lives and happy deaths of several little children on both + sides of the Atlantic. The work is well adapted to + accomplish the benevolent design of its author, by leading + little children to remember their Creator."--_Albany Evening + Journal._ + + +A MEMOIR OF JOHN HUSS. + +Translated from the German. + + "To many who are familiar with the life of Martin Luther, + that of John Huss, who preceded him, and prepared the German + mind for his more extended labours, is comparatively little + known. The true character of Romanism is displayed in the + treatment of each, but some of the darkest shades are seen + in the case of Huss."--_Baptist Advocate._ + + +HELEN OF THE GLEN. + +A Tale of the Scottish Covenanters. By Robert Pollok, A.M. + + +THE PERSECUTED FAMILY. + +By Pollok. + + +RALPH GEMMELL. + +By Pollok. + + +JESSY ALLAN, + +The Lame Girl. By Grace Kennedy, author of "Anna Ross," &c. + + "It is an affecting tale, and strikingly illustrates the + power of religion, and its full adequacy to human wants in + every emergency."--_Christian Mirror._ + + +SINNER'S FRIEND. + +From the eighty-seventh London Edition, completing upwards of half a +million. + +[☞ _This little Work has been translated into_ SIXTEEN _different +languages._ + + "It is designed by its direct appeals, to arrest the + attention of the most careless reader, and to pour into his + ear some word of truth before he can become fatigued with + reading."--_Presbyterian._ + + "It is fitted to be an admirable auxiliary to ministers in + the discharge of their duty."--_Albany Daily Advertiser._ + + +DECAPOLIS; + +Or, the Individual Obligations of Christians to save Souls from Death. +An Essay. By David Everard Ford. Fifth American, from the sixth London +Edition. + + "This book is an exhortation to Christians, and Christian + ministers, to exercise greater faithfulness in saving souls + from eternal death. We have read it with much pleasure, and + we hope with some profit. The book is most beautifully got + up; and we could wish that it might be read and pondered by + every one who indulges a hope that he is a Christian."--_N. + Y. Evangelist._ + + +SHORTER CATECHISM. + +Anecdotes Illustrative of the Shorter Catechism. By John Whitecross. +New Edition. + + "This will relieve the catechism of a difficulty which many + have felt in respect to it--that it is too abstract to be + comprehended by the mind of a child; here every truth is + seen in its practical relations, and becomes associated in + the mind with some interesting fact which is fitted at once + to make it plain to the understanding, to lodge it in the + memory, and to impress it upon the heart."--_Daily + Advertiser._ + + +MEMOIR OF JOHN D. LOCKWOOD. + +Being Reminiscences of a Son by his Father. + + "A gifted mind and cultivated powers, hallowed and + controlled by a sweet and trustful piety; the simplicity of + childhood mingled with the seriousness and discretion of + mature age,--we are sure no one could watch his brief + career, terminating in a death, though sudden, not + unprepared for, without deep interest. We have read it with + unmingled pleasure and profit."--_N. Y. Evangelist._ + + +PERFECT PEACE. + +Letters Memorial of John Warren Howell, Esq., of Bath, M. R. C. S. By +the Rev. David Pitcairn. With an Introduction by the Rev. John +Stevenson, author of "Christ on the Cross," "The Lord our Shepherd", +&c. + + +PROFESSION IS NOT PRINCIPLE; + +Or the Name of Christian is not Christianity. By Grace Kennedy, author +of "Jessy Allan," "Anna Ross," &c. + + +GOSPEL PROMISES. + +Being a Short View of the Great and Precious Promises of the Gospel. +By the Rev. Joseph Alleine, author of "An Alarm to the Unconverted," +&c. + + +LIFE IN EARNEST. + +Six Lectures on Christian Activity and Ardour. By the Rev. James +Hamilton, author of "Harp on the Willows," &c. + + +MY GRANDMAMMA GILBERT. + +By Old Humphrey. + + +MY GRANDFATHER GREGORY. + +By Old Humphrey. + + +MEMOIR OF HANNAH SINCLAIR. + +By the late Rev. Legh Richmond. From the nineteenth London Edition. + + +TRUE HAPPINESS; + +Or, the Excellence and Power of Early Religion. By J. G. Pike, author +of "Persuasives to Early Piety," &c. Second Edition. + + +CHARLIE SEYMOUR; + +Or, the Good Aunt and the Bad Aunt. By Miss Catharine Sinclair, author +of "Modern Accomplishments," &c. Third Edition. + + +LIVE WHILE YOU LIVE. + +By the Rev. Thomas Griffith, A.M., Minister of Ram's Episcopal Church, +Homerton. + + +CROOK IN THE LOT; + +Or, a Display of the Sovereignty and Wisdom of God in the Afflictions +of Men, and the Christian's Deportment under them. By the Rev. Thomas +Boston. + + +A TRIBUTE OF PARENTAL AFFECTION. + +To the Memory of my beloved and only Daughter, Hannah Jerram, with a +Short Account of the last Illness and Death of her elder Brother, +Charles Stranger Jerram. By the Rev. Charles Jerram, A.M., Vicar of +Cobham, Surrey. From the fifth London Edition. + + +THE LORD'S SUPPER. + +Bickersteth's Treatise on the Lord's Supper. With an Introduction, +Notes, and an Essay. By G. T. Bedell, D.D. Fifth Edition. + + +COMMUNICANT'S COMPANION. + +By the Rev. Matthew Henry. With an Introductory Essay, by the Rev. +John Brown of Edinburgh. + + +BAXTER'S CALL. + +Now or Never, &c. With an Introductory Essay, by Dr. Chalmers. + + +RELIGION AND ETERNAL LIFE; + +Or, Irreligion and Eternal Death. By J. G. Pike. + + +THE FARMER'S DAUGHTER. + +A Tale. By Mrs. Cameron. + + +LIFE OF REV. JOHN NEWTON. + +Written by himself, and continued to his Death. By the Rev. Rich. +Cecil. + + +THE HARP ON THE WILLOWS. + +Remembering Zion, Farewell to Egypt, The Church in the House, The Dew +of Hermon, and the Destination of the Jews. By the Rev. Jas. Hamilton, +of London. From the forty-fifth London Edition. + + +SABBATH MUSINGS. + +By Caroline Fry. + + +HERVEY'S MEDITATIONS AND CONTEMPLATIONS. + +New Edition. + + +THE HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION IN EUROPE. + +With a Chronology. + + +MY SCHOOL-BOY DAYS. + + +SORROWING, YET REJOICING. + +Or a Narrative of Successive Bereavements in a Clergyman's Family. + + +DIVINE ORIGIN OF CHRISTIANITY. + +By J. G. Pike, author of "True Happiness." &c., &c. + + +A WORLD WITHOUT SOULS. + +By J. W. Cunningham, A.M., Vicar of Harrow. + + +THE WORLD'S RELIGION. + +As contrasted with genuine Christianity, by Lady Colquhoun. + + +ADVICE TO A YOUNG CHRISTIAN, + +On the importance of aiming at an elevated standard of piety. By a +Village Pastor, with an Introduction by Rev. Dr. Alexander, of +Princeton, N. J. + + +CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE. + +By the Author of "Christian Retirement." + +WORKS BY THE REV. JOHN A. CLARK, D.D. + +_Late Rector of St. Andrew's Church, Philadelphia._ + + "His works are all characterized by good thoughts expressed + in a graceful and appropriate manner, by great seriousness + and unction, and an earnest desire to promote the spiritual + interests of his fellow-men."--_Daily Advertiser._ + + +A WALK ABOUT ZION. + +Revised and Enlarged. Fifth Edition. 12mo. Two steel Engravings. + + +THE PASTOR'S TESTIMONY. + +Revised and Corrected. Fifth Edition. 12mo. Two steel Engravings. + + +THE YOUNG DISCIPLE; + +Or, a Memoir of Anzonetta R. Peters. Fourth Edition. 12mo. + + +GATHERED FRAGMENTS. + +Fourth Edition. 12 mo. Two steel Engravings. + +CONTAINING.--The M'Ellen Family.--The Paralytic.--The Withered Branch +Revived.--The Baptism.--Little Ann.--The Meeting of the +Travellers.--Mary Maywood.--A Family in Eternity.--One whose Record is +on High, &c. &c. + + +GLEANINGS BY THE WAY. + +Or, Travels in the Country. 1 vol. 12mo. + + +AWAKE, THOU SLEEPER! + +A Series of Awakening Discourses. 12mo. + + "Few American clergymen have contributed more by their + efforts from the pulpit and through the press, to promote + the cause of evangelical truth and piety, than the lamented + author of this volume. Happily, though dead, he yet speaks + in a tone of impressive and earnest admonition; and the + present volume particularly, is a witness to the fidelity + and zeal with which he discharged his ministerial duties. + The subjects of which it treats are of the deepest moment; + and the manner in which he treats them is worthy of the + tenderness and fidelity of an ambassador of Christ. The work + is admirably adapted to promote a revival of religion." + + +COMPLETE WORKS OF BISHOP BUTLER. + +Containing Analogy of Natural and Revealed Religion, Dissertations, +Sermons, Correspondence with Dr. Clarke, &c. &c. To which is prefixed +an Account of the Character and Writings of the Author. By Dr. +Halifax, Bishop of Gloucester. 1 vol. 8vo. Splendid Edition, on pica +type and fine paper. + + +BUTLER'S ANALOGY. Large type. 8vo. + + +BUTLER'S SERMONS. 8vo. + + +BAXTER'S SAINTS' REST. Large type. + + +DICK ON ACTS. + +Lectures on the Acts of the Apostles. By the late John Dick, D.D., +Professor of Theology of the United Secession Church, Glasgow, author +of "Lectures on Theology," &c. From second Glasgow Edition. 8vo. + + "The style of the author is peculiarly adapted to a work of + this description. It is uncommonly perspicuous, terse, + nervous and calm. His ideas are the production of a + highly-cultivated mind, originally endowed with strong + common sense. In many respects he has the characteristics of + Andrew Fuller, with more of the polish of the + school."--_Baptist Advocate._ + + +MEMOIR OF MRS. ISABELLA GRAHAM. + + +JAY'S MORNING EXERCISES + +For the Closet, for Every Day in the Year. New Edition. 12mo. + + +JAY'S EVENING EXERCISES + +For the Closet, for Every Day in the Year. New Edition. 12mo. Uniform +with the Morning Exercises. + + +DAVID'S PSALMS. 48mo. gilt. + +Do. do. With Brown's Notes. 18mo. + + +THE INQUIRER DIRECTED + +To an Experimental and Practical View of the Work of the Holy Spirit, +By Rev. Octavius Winslow. 1 vol. 12mo. + + +CHRIST OUR LAW. + +By Miss Caroline Fry. Author of "The Listener," "Christ our Example," +&c. 1 vol. 12mo. Second Edition. + + +LIFE, WALK AND TRIUMPH OF FAITH. + +By the Rev. W. Romaine, A.M. 12mo. New Edition. Muslin. + + +KEY TO THE SHORTER CATECHISM, + +Containing Catechetical Exercises, a Paraphrase, and a new Series of +Proofs on each Question. New Edition. 18mo. + + +SORROWING YET REJOICING. 32mo. gilt edge. + + +CONTEST AND ARMOUR. + +By Dr. Abercrombie. 32mo. extra cloth. gilt edge. + + +GIFT FOR MOURNERS. + +By Flavel and Cecil. 32mo. extra cloth. gilt edge. + + +CECIL'S REMAINS. + +Remains of the Rev. Richard Cecil, M.A. To which is prefixed a View of +his Character. By Joseph Pratt, B.D., F.A.S. From the eleventh London +Edition. 1 vol. 12mo. + + +ALLEINE'S LIFE AND LETTERS. 12mo. + + +HERVEY'S MEDITATIONS. 2 vols. 18mo. + + +MEMOIR OF DR. NISBET. + +By Dr. Miller, of Princeton. 12mo. + + +HILL AND VALLEY. By Miss Sinclair. 12mo. + + +SIR ROLAND ASHTON; A Tale of the Times. + +By Lady CATHERINE LONG. 2 vols. 12mo. + + +CHRIST ON THE CROSS. + +By Stevenson. 1 vol. 12mo. + + + * * * * * + + +Transcriber's note: + +Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). + +Small capital text has been replaced with all capitals. + +Variations in spelling, punctuation and hyphenation have been retained +except in obvious cases of typographical error. + +Page 26 - The transcriber has changed "nullumpue" to "nullumque". + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Great Reformation, +Volume IV, by J. H. 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Merle D'Aubign. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; +} + +p { + margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; +} + +.hanging {margin-left: 2em; text-indent: -2em;} + +hr { + margin: 3em auto 3em auto; + height: 0px; + border-width: 1px 0 0 0; + border-style: solid; + border-color: #dcdcdc; + width: 500px; + clear: both; +} + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + color: #999; +} /* page numbers */ + + .blockquot { + margin-left: 5%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + + .sidenote { + width: 20%; + padding-bottom: .5em; + padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; + padding-right: .5em; + margin-left: 1em; + float: right; + clear: right; + margin-top: 1em; + font-size: smaller; + color: black; + background: #eeeeee; + border: dashed 1px; +} + + .center {text-align: center;} + + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .u {text-decoration: underline;} + + .caption {font-weight: bold;} + + .gap { margin-top: 1em; } + +/* Images */ + .figcenter { + margin: auto; + text-align: center; +} + + .bord img { + padding: 1px; + border: 1px solid black; +} + +p.caption { + margin-top: 0; + font-size: 70%; + text-align: left; +} + +/* Transcriber Notes */ +div.tn { + background-color: #EEE; + border: dashed 1px; + color: #000; + margin-left: 20%; + margin-right: 20%; + margin-top: 5em; + margin-bottom: 5em; + padding: 1em; +} + +ul.corrections { + list-style-type: circle; +} + +/* Footnotes */ +div.fn { + background-color: #EEE; + border: dashed 1px; + color: #000; + margin-left: 20%; + margin-right: 20%; + margin-top: 5em; + margin-bottom: 5em; + padding: 1em; +} + + .footnote { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + font-size: 0.9em; +} + + .footnote .label { + position: absolute; + right: 84%; + text-align: right; +} + + .fnanchor { + vertical-align: super; + font-size: .8em; + text-decoration: none; +} + +/* Poetry */ + .poem { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + text-align: left; +} + + .poem br { display: none; } + + .poem .stanza { margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em; } + + .poem span.i0 { + display: block; + margin-left: 0em; + padding-left: 3em; + text-indent: -3em; +} + .poem span.i1 { + display: block; + margin-left: 1em; + padding-left: 3em; + text-indent: -3em; +} + .poem span.i2 { + display: block; + margin-left: 2em; + padding-left: 3em; + text-indent: -3em; +} + + .signature { + text-align: right; + margin-right: 5%; +} + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Great Reformation, Volume IV, by +J. H. Merle D'Aubign + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: History of the Great Reformation, Volume IV + +Author: J. H. Merle D'Aubign + +Release Date: October 8, 2012 [EBook #40971] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF GREAT REFORMATION, VOL IV *** + + + + +Produced by Colin Bell, Julia Neufeld and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive) + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 356px;"><br /><br /> +<img src="images/image1.jpg" width="356" height="600" alt="J. H. MERLE D'AUBIGN" title="J. H. MERLE D'AUBIGN" /> +<span class="caption">J. H. MERLE D'AUBIGN</span> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 351px;"><br /><br /> +<img src="images/image2.jpg" width="351" height="600" alt="MARTIN LUTHER" title="MARTIN LUTHER" /> +<span class="caption">MARTIN LUTHER BEFORE THE DIET AT WORMS<br /><br /> +NEW YORK<br /> +R CARTER 58 CANAL STREET.</span> +</div> + + + + +<h1><br /><br /> +HISTORY<br /><br /> +<small>OF THE</small><br /><br /> +GREAT REFORMATION<br /><br /> +<small>OF THE</small><br /><br /> +SIXTEENTH CENTURY<br /><br /> +<small>IN</small><br /><br /> +GERMANY, SWITZERLAND, &c.</h1> + +<h2><br /><br />BY J. H. MERLE D'AUBIGNE,</h2> +<p class="center"><small> +PRESIDENT OF THE THEOLOGICAL SCHOOL OF GENEVA, AND MEMBER OF<br /> +THE "SOCIETE EVANGELIQUE."<br /> +<br /><br /> +ASSISTED IN THE PREPARATION OF THE ENGLISH ORIGINAL</small><br /> +<br /> +<big>BY H. WHITE,</big><br /> +B.A. TRIN. COLL. CAMBRIDGE, M.A. AND PH. DR. HEIDELBERG.<br /> +<br /><br /> +<big>VOL. IV.<br /> +<br /> +NEW YORK:<br /> +ROBERT CARTER, 58 CANAL STREET;<br /> +AND PITTSBURG, 56 MARKET STREET.</big><br /><br /> +<br /> +1846.<br /> +</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>PREFACE.</h2> + + +<p>When a foreigner visits certain countries, as England, Scotland, or +America, he is sometimes presented with the rights of citizenship. Such +has been the privilege of the "History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth +Century." From 150,000 to 200,000 copies are in circulation, in the English +language, in the countries I have just mentioned; while in France +the number hardly exceeds 4000. This is a real adoption,—naturalizing +this Work in the countries that have received it with so much favour.</p> + +<p>I accept this honour. Accordingly, while the former Volumes of my +History were originally published in France; now that, after a lapse of five +years, I think of issuing a continuation of it, I do so in Great Britain.</p> + +<p>This is not the only change in the mode of publication. I did not think +it right to leave to translators, as in the cases of the former Volumes, the +task of expressing my ideas in English. The best translations are always +faulty; and the Author alone can have the certainty of conveying his idea, +his whole idea, and nothing but his idea. Without overlooking the merit +that the several existing translations may possess, even the best of them is +not free from inaccuracies, more or less important. Of these I have given +specimens in the Preface to the New Translation of the former Volumes by +Dr. <span class="smcap">White</span>, which has been revised by me, and which will shortly be published +by Messrs. <span class="smcap">Oliver</span> and <span class="smcap">Boyd</span>. These inaccuracies, no doubt most +involuntary, contributed in giving rise to a very severe contest that took +place in America, on the subject of this Work, between the Episcopalians +and the Baptists on the one hand, and the Presbyterians on the other,—a +contest that I hope is now terminated, but in which (as a New York correspondent +informed me) one of the most beneficial and powerful Christian +Societies of the United States had been on the brink of dissolution.</p> + +<p>With such facts before me, I could no longer hesitate. It became necessary +for me to publish, myself, in English; and this I accordingly do. +But although that language is familiar to me, I was desirous of securing, +to a certain extent, the co-operation of an English literary gentleman. +Dr. <span class="smcap">Henry White</span>, a Graduate of Cambridge, and Member of a Continental +University, has had the great kindness to visit Switzerland for this +purpose, although such a step exposed him to much inconvenience, and to +pass with me at Geneva the time necessary for this labour. I could not +have had a more enlightened coadjutor; and I here express my obligations +to him for his very able assistance.</p> + +<p>I therefore publish in English this Continuation of the History of the +Reformation. I do not think that, as I publish, myself, in this language, +any one will have the power, or will entertain the idea, of attempting +another publication. It would be a very bad speculation on the part of +any bookseller; for where is the reader that would not prefer the original<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[iv]</a></span> +text, as published by the Author himself, to a translation made by a +stranger?</p> + +<p>But there is a higher question—a question of morality. Of all property +that a man can possess, there is none so essentially his own as the labours +of his mind. Man acquires the fruits of his fields by the sweat of his servants +and of his beasts of burden; and the produce of his manufactures +by the labour of his workmen and the movement of his machines; but it +is by his own toils, by the exercise of his most exalted faculties, that he +creates the productions of his mind. Accordingly, in putting this History +under the protection of the laws, I place it at the same time under a no +less secure safeguard,—that of justice. I know that it is written in the +consciences on the other side of the Channel and of the Atlantic: <i>Ye shall +have one manner of law, as well for the stranger as for one of your own +country: for I am the Lord your God.</i><a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> To English honour I confide this +Work.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>The first two Books of this Volume contain the most important epochs +of the Reformation—the Protest of Spire, and the Confession of Augsburg. +The last two describe the establishment of the Reform in most of the Swiss +cantons, and the instructive and deplorable events that are connected with +the catastrophe of Cappel.</p> + +<p>It was my desire to narrate also the beginnings of the English Reformation; +but my Volume is filled, and I am compelled to defer this subject to +the next. It is true I might have omitted some matters here treated of, +but I had strong reasons for doing the contrary. The Reformation in +Great Britain is not very important before the period described in this +volume; the order of time compelled me, therefore, to remain on the Continent; +for whatever may be the historian's desire, he cannot change dates +and the order that God has assigned to the events of the world. Besides, +before turning more especially towards England, Scotland, France, and +other countries, I determined on bringing the Reformation of Germany and +German Switzerland to the decisive epochs of 1530 and 1531. The History +of the Reformation, properly so called, is then, in my opinion, almost +complete in those countries. The work of Faith has there attained its +apogee: that of conferences, of interims, of diplomacy begins. I do not, +however, entirely abandon Germany and German Switzerland, but henceforward +they will occupy me less: the movement of the sixteenth century +has there made its effort. I said, from the very first: It is the History of +the Reformation and not of Protestantism that I am relating.</p> + +<p>It is not, however, without some portion of fear that I approach the History +of the Reformation in England; it is perhaps more difficult than elsewhere. +I have received communications from some of the most respectable +men of the different ecclesiastical parties, who, each feeling convinced that +their own point of view is the true one, desire me to present the history +in this light. I hope to execute my task with impartiality and truth. But +I thought it would be advantageous to study for some time longer the principles +and the facts. I am at present occupied in this task, and shall consecrate +to it, with God's assistance, the first part of my next Volume.</p> + +<p>Should it be thought that I might have described the Reformation in +Switzerland with greater brevity, I beg my readers will call to mind that, +independently of the intrinsic importance of this history, Switzerland is +the Author's birthplace.</p> + +<p>I had at first thought of making arrangements for the present publication +with the English and Scotch booksellers who had translated the former +portions. Relations that I had maintained with some of these publishers,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[v]</a></span> +and which had gained my esteem for them, induced me to adopt this course. +They were consequently informed by letter of my purpose, and several +months later I had an interview with some of them at Glasgow. I told +them of my intentions, and desired to know theirs. They replied, that +they could not communicate them immediately, since they would first have +to come to an arrangement with their colleagues, in order to make me a +proposal in common. It would appear that they did not succeed. However +that may be, and although I allowed a sufficient period of time to +elapse, I received no communication from the associated publishers. But +at the same time, one of the first houses in Great Britain, Messrs. <span class="smcap">Oliver</span> +and <span class="smcap">Boyd</span> of Edinburgh, who were introduced to me by my highly respected +friend Dr. <span class="smcap">Chalmers</span>, made me a suitable and precise offer. I +could wait no longer; and on the very eve of my departure from London +for the Continent, after a sojourn of three months in Scotland and in +England, I made arrangements with them, which have since been definitively +settled, and the Work is now their property.</p> + +<p>The French laws are positive to protect literary property in France, even +if it belongs to a foreigner. I am less familiar with the English laws; but +I will not do England the injustice of believing that its legislation is surpassed +by that of France in justice and in morality.</p> + +<p class="signature"> +J. H. MERLE D'AUBIGNE. +</p> +<p> +<span class="smcap">Eaux-Vives, Geneva</span>, <i>January 1846</i>.<br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi"> </a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii"> </a></span></p> +<h2>CONTENTS.</h2> + + +<h4> +BOOK XIII.—<span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_11">Page 11.</a></span></h4> + +<p class="center">THE PROTEST AND THE CONFERENCE.<br /> +<br /> +1526-1529.</p> + +<p class="hanging"> +Twofold Movement of Reform—Reform, the Work of God—First Diet +of Spire—Palladium of Reform—Proceedings of the Diet—Report of +the Commissioners—The Papacy described—Destruction of Jerusalem—Instructions +of Seville—Change of Policy—The Holy League—Religious +Liberty proposed—Crisis of the Reformation—Italian War—Emperor's +Manifesto—Italian Campaign—March on Rome—Revolt +of the Troops—Papal Army—The Assault—The Sack—German Humours—Violence +of the Spaniards—Profitable Calm—Constitution of +the Church—Philip of Hesse—The Monk of Marburg—Lambert's +Paradoxes—Friar Boniface—Disputation at Homburg—Triumph of the +Gospel in Hesse—Constitution of the Church—Synods—Two Elements +in the Church—Luther on the Ministry—Organization of the Church—Evils +of State Interference—Luther's Letter to the Elector—German +Mass—Melancthon's Instructions—Disaffection—Visitation of the +Reformed Churches—Important Results—The Reformation Advances—Elizabeth +of Brandenburg—A Pious Princess—Edict of Ofen—Persecutions—Winckler +and Carpenter—Persecutions—Keyser—Alarm in +Germany—Pack's Forgery—League of the Reformed Princes—Advice +of the Reformers—Luther's pacific Counsel—Surprise of the Papist +Princes—Pack's Scheme not improbable—Vigour of the Reformation—Alliance +between Charles and Clement—Omens—Hostility of +the Papists—Arbitrary Proposition of Charles—The Schism completed—The +Protest—Principles of the Protest—The Supremacy of the Gospel—Union +of Truth and Charity—Ferdinand rejects the Protest—Joy +of the Protestants—Exultation of the Papists—Peter Muterstatt—Christian +Unity a Reality—Escape of Grynus—Melancthon's Dejection—The +Princes, the true Reformers—Germany and Reform—Union +necessary to Reform—Difficulty of Union—A Lutheran Warning—Proposed +Conference at Marburg—Melancthon and Zwingle—Zwingle's +Departure—Rumours in Zurich—Hoc est Corpus Meum—The +Discussion—Figures—Scripture explained by Scripture—The Spiritual +Eating—Zwingle's Old Song—Agitation in the Conference—Metaphor—Christ's +of the Conference—The Landgrave mediates—Their Last +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[viii]</a></span>Meeting—Zwingle's Emotion—Sectarian Spirit of the Germans—Brotherhood +Rejected—Christian Charity Prevails—The Real Presence—Luther's +Dejection—State of Political Affairs—Luther's Battle Sermon. +</p> + + +<h4>BOOK XIV.—<span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_113">Page 113.</a></span></h4> + +<p class="center">THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION.<br /> +<br /> +1530.</p> + +<p class="hanging"> +Two Striking Lessons—Charles V.—The German Envoys—Boldness of +the Envoys—The Landgrave's Present—The Envoys under Arrest—Their +Release and Departure—Meeting of Charles and Clement—Gattinara's +Proposition—Clement's Objection—War Imminent—Luther's +Objections—The Saviour is Coming—Charles's Conciliatory Language—The +Emperor's Motives—The Coronation—Alarm of the Protestants—Luther +advocates Passive Resistance—Brch's Noble Advice—Spiritual +Armour—Luther remains at Coburg—Charles at Innspruck—Two +Parties at Court—Sentiments of Gattinara—The King of +Denmark—Piety of the Elector—Wiles of the Romanists—Augsburg—The +Gospel Preached—The Emperor's Message—The Sermons +Prohibited—Firmness of the Elector—The Elector's Reply—Preparation +of the Confession—The Church, the Judge—The Landgrave's +Catholic Spirit—Augsburg—Violence of the Imperialists—Charles at +Munich—Charles and the Princes—The Procession—Enters Augsburg—The +Benediction—Charles and the Landgrave—The Margrave of +Brandenburg—The Emperor's Silence—Failure of the Interview—Agitation +of Charles—Refusal of the Princes—Procession of Corpus +Christi—Exasperation of Charles—The Sermons prohibited—A Compromise +proposed—A Compromise—Curiosity of the Citizens—The +New Preachers—The Medley of Popery—Luther Encourages the +Princes—Veni Spiritus—Mass of the Holy Ghost—The Sermon—Opening +the Diet—The Elector's Prayer—Insidious Plan of the Romanists—Valdez +and Melancthon—Evangelical Firmness Prevails—Zeal +of the Elector—The Signing of the Confession—Luther's Anxiety—Luther's +Texts—Luther to Melancthon—The Palatine Chapel—Recollections +and Contrast—The Confession—Prologue—The Confession—Justification—Free +Will and Works—Faith—Luther on the +Confession—Abuses—Church and State—Duty of the Bishops—Epilogue—Remarks +on the Confession—Church and State Distinct—Remarks—Moderate +Tone of the Confession—Defects—A New +Baptism—Effect on the Romanists—Luther demands Religious Liberty—Luther's +Dominant Idea—Song of Triumph—An Ingenuous Confession—Hopes +of the Protestants—Failure of the Popish Intrigues—The +Emperor's Council—Luther opposes Concession—Infatuation of +the Papists—Scheme of the Romish Doctors—Melancthon's Explanation—Refutation—Charles's +Dissatisfaction—Interview with the Princes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">[ix]</a></span>—The +Swiss at Augsburg—Zwingle's Confession—Afflicting Divisions—The +Elector's Faith—The Lion's Skin—The Refutation—Imperial +Commands—Melancthon's Prescience—Policy of Charles—Stormy +Meeting—Resolutions of the Consistory—The Prayers of the Saints—Two +Miracles—The Emperor's Menace—The Mask—Omens—Tumult +in Augsburg—Philip of Hesse—Temptation—Union Resisted—The +Landgrave—Protestant Firmness—Philip of Hesse—Flight +from Augsburg—Alarm in Augsburg—Metamorphoses—Unusual Moderation—Peace, +Peace—The Mixed Commission—The Three Points—Romish +Dissimulation—The Main Question—Church Government—Danger +of Concession—Pretended Concord—Luther's Letters—The +Word above the Church—Melancthon's Blindness—Papist Infatuation—A +New Commission—The Landgrave's Firmness—The Two Phantoms—Concessions—Rome +and Christianity—Irritation—The Gordian +Knot—The Council Granted—Alarm in Rome—Menaces—Altercations—Fresh +Negotiations—Protestantism Resists—Luther's Exhortation—The +Elector of Saxony—The Recess of Augsburg—Irritating +Language—Apology of the Confession—Intimidation—Final Interview—Messages +of Peace—Exasperation of the Papists—Restoration of +Popery—Tumult in the Church—Union of the Churches—The Pope +and the Emperor—Close of the Diet—Attack of Geneva—Joy of the +Evangelicals—Establishment of Protestantism. +</p> + +<h4>BOOK XV.—<span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_265b">Page 265.</a></span></h4> + +<p class="center">SWITZERLAND—CONQUESTS.<br /> +<br /> +1526-1530.</p> + +<p class="hanging"> +Three Periods of Reform—Two Movements in the Church—The Two +Movements—Aggressive Spirit—The Schoolmaster—Farel's New +Baptism—Farel's Studies—The Door is Opened—Opposition—Lausanne—Picture +of the Clergy—Farel at Lausanne—Farel and the +Monk—Opposition to the Gospel—The Converted Monk—Christian +Unity—State-Religion—A Resolution of Berne—Almanack of Heretics—Haller—Zwingle's +Exhortation—Anabaptists at Berne—Victory +of the Gospel—Papist Provocations—Proposed Disputation—Objections +of the Forest Cantons—Important Question—Unequal Contest—A +Christian Band—The Cordeliers' Church—Opening of the Conference—Christ +the Sole Head—Remarkable Conversion—St. Vincent's Day—A +Strange Argument—Papist Bitterness—Necessity of Reform—Zwingle's +Sermon—Charity—Edict of Reform—The Reformation Reproached—The +Reform Accepted—Faith and Charity—First Evangelical +Communion—Faith shown by Works—Head of Beatus—Threatening +Storm—Revolt—Christ in Danger—A Revolt—Energy +of Berne—Victory—Political Advantages—Romish Relics—Nuns of +St. Catherine—Contests—Spread of Reform—A Popish Miracle—Obstacles +in Basle—Zeal of the Citizens—Witticisms of Erasmus—Half +Measures—The Petition—Commotion in Basle—Half Measures Rejected—<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">[x]</a></span>Reformed +Propositions—A Night of Terror—The Idols Broken—The +Hour of Madness—The Reform Legalized—Erasmus in Basle—Objections—Principles +of the Reformation—Farel's Commission—Farel +at Lausanne—Farel at Morat—Neufchtel—Farel's Labours—Farel's +Preaching—Popery in Neufchtel—Resistance of the Monks—The +Hospital Chapel—Civil Power Invoked—Guillemette de Vugy—The +Feast of Assumption—The Mass Interrupted—Farel's Danger—Ill +Treatment of Farel—Apostles and Reformers Compared—Farel +in the Cathedral—The Idols Destroyed—Interposition of the Governor—Reflections—Plans +of the Romanists—The Governor's Difficulties—Preliminaries—Hatred +and Division—Proposed Delay—The Romanist +Protest—The Voting—Majority for Reform—Protestantism Perpetual—The +Image of St. John—A Miracle—Popery and the Gospel—Reaction +Preparing—Failure of the Plot—Farel's Labours—De Bely at +Fontaine—The Pastor Marcourt—Disgraceful Expedient—The Reform +Established—Remarks.</p> + +<h4>BOOK XVI.—<span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_361">Page 361.</a></span></h4> + +<p class="center">SWITZERLAND—CATASTROPHE.<br /> +<br /> +1528-1531.</p> + +<p class="hanging"> +Christian Warfare—Zwingle—Persecutions—Austrian Alliance—Animosity—Christian +Exhortation—Keyser's Martyrdom—Zwingle and +War—Zwingle's Error—Zwingle's Advice—War of Religion—Zwingle +joins the Army—War—The Landamman bli—Bernese Interposition—Swiss +Cordiality—The Zurich Camp—A Conference—Peace +Restored—Austrian Treaty Torn—Zwingle's Hymn—Nuns of St. +Catherine—Conquests of Reform—The Priest of Zurzack—The Reform +in Glaris—Italian Bailiwicks—The Monk of Como—The Monk +of Locarno—Letter to the German Church—The Monks of Wettingen—Abb +of St. Gaul—Kiliankouffi—Soleure—A New Miracle—Popery +Triumphs—The Grisons Invaded—Forebodings to Berne—Mutual +Errors—Failure of the Diet—Political Reformation—Activity +of Zurich—Diet Arau—Blockade of the Waldsleddtes—Indignation—France +Conciliates—Diet at Bremgarten—The Five Cantons Inflexible—Zurich—Zwingle's +False Position—The Great Council—Zwingle +at Bremgarten—The Apparition—Zwingle's Agony—Frightful +Omens—The Comet—Zwingle's Tranquillity—New Mediations—Deceitful +Calm—Fatal Inactivity—Zurich Forewarned—Manifesto +of the Cantons—The Abbot Wolfgang—Infatuation of Zurich—The +War Begins—A Fearful Night—The War—Army of Zurich—Zwingle's +Departure—Anna Zwingle—Army of Zurich—Battle of Cappel—The +March—Ambuscade—The Banner in Danger—The Banner +Saved—Terrible Slaughter—Slaughter of the Pastors—Zwingle's Last +Moments—Barbarity of the Victors—The Furnace of Trial—Distress—Zwingle +is Dead—Funeral Oration—Army of Zurich—Another Reverse—Inactivity +of the Bernese—Joy of the Romanists—End of the +War—Death of Œcolampadius—Conclusion. +</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p> +<h2>HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION.</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>BOOK XIII.</h2> + +<h3>THE PROTEST AND THE CONFERENCE. 1526-1529.</h3> + + +<p>I. We have witnessed the commencement, the struggles, +the reverses, and the progress of the Reformation; but the +conflicts that we have hitherto described have been but partial; +we are entering upon a new period,—that of general +battles. Spire (1529) and Augsburg (1530) are two names +that shine forth with more immortal glory than Marathon, +Pavia, or Marengo. Forces that up to the present time were +separate, are now uniting into one energetic band; and the +power of God is working in these brilliant actions, which +open a new era in the history of nations, and communicate +an irresistible impulse to mankind. The passage from the +middle ages to modern times has arrived.</p> + +<p>A great protest is about to be accomplished; and although +there have been protestants in the Church from the very beginning +of Christianity, since liberty and truth could not be +maintained here below, save by protesting continually against +despotism and error, Protestantism is about to take a new step. +It is about to become a body, and thus attack with greater energy +that "mystery of iniquity" which for ages has taken a +bodily shape at Rome, in the very temple of God.<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span></p> +<div class="sidenote">TWOFOLD MOVEMENT OF REFORM.</div> + +<p>But although we have to treat of protests, it must not however +be imagined that the Reformation is a negative work. +In every sphere in which anything great is evolved, whether +in nature or society, there is a principle of life at work,—a +seed that God fertilizes. The Reformation, when it appeared +in the sixteenth century, did not, it is true, perform a new +work, for a reformation is not a formation; but it turned its +face toward the beginnings of Christianity, thither were its +steps directed; it seized upon them with adoration, and embraced +them with affection. Yet it was not satisfied with this +return to primitive times. Laden with its precious burden, it +again crossed the interval of ages, and brought back to fallen +and lifeless Christendom the sacred fire that was destined to +restore it to light and life. In this twofold movement consisted +its action and its strength. Afterwards, no doubt, it rejected +superannuated forms, and combated error; but this was, +so to speak, only the least of its works, and its third movement. +Even the protest of which we have to speak had for its end +and aim the re-establishment of truth and of life, and was essentially +a positive act.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">REFORM THE WORK OF GOD.</div> + +<p>This powerful and rapid twofold action of reform, by which +the apostolic times were re-established at the opening of modern +history, proceeded not from man. A reformation is not +arbitrarily made, as charters and revolutions are in some countries. +A real reformation, prepared during many ages, is the +work of the Spirit of God. Before the appointed hour, the +greatest geniuses and even the most faithful of God's servants +cannot produce it; but when the reforming time is come, +when it is God's pleasure to intervene in the affairs of the +world, the divine life must clear a passage, and it is able to +create of itself the humble instruments by which this life is +communicated to the human race. Then, if men are silent, +the very stones will cry out.<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a></p> + +<p>It is to the protest of Spire (1529) that we are now about +to turn our eyes; but the way to this protest was prepared by +years of peace, and followed by attempts at concord that we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> +shall have also to describe. Nevertheless the formal establishment +of Protestantism remains the great fact that prevails in +the history of the Reformation from 1526 to 1529.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>The Duke of Brunswick had brought into Germany the +threatening message of Charles the Fifth. The Emperor was +about to repair from Spain to Rome to come to an understanding +with the Pope, and from thence to pass into Germany +to constrain the heretics. The last summons was to be addressed +to them by the Diet of Spire, 1526.<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> The decisive +hour for the Reformation was about to strike.</p> + +<p>On the 25th June, 1526, the diet opened. In the instructions, +dated at Seville, 23d March, the Emperor ordered that +the Church customs should be maintained entire, and called +upon the diet to punish those who refused to carry out the +edict of Worms,<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> Ferdinand himself was at Spire, and his +presence rendered these orders more formidable. Never had +the hostility which the Romish partisans entertained against +the evangelical princes, appeared in so striking a manner. +"The Pharisees," said Spalatin, "pursue Jesus Christ with +violent hatred."<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">PALLADIUM OF REFORM.</div> + +<p>Never also had the evangelical princes showed so much +hope. Instead of presenting themselves frightened and trembling, +like guilty men, they were seen advancing, surrounded +by the ministers of the Word, with uplifted heads and cheerful +looks. Their first step was to ask for a place of worship. +The Bishop of Spire, count-palatine of the Rhine, having indignantly +refused this strange request,<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> the princes complained +of it as of an injustice, and ordered their ministers to +preach daily in the halls of their palaces. An immense crowd +from the city and the country, which amounted to many thousands,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span> +immediately filled them.<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> In vain on the feast days did +Ferdinand, the ultra-montane princes, and the bishops assist +in the pomps of the Roman worship in the beautiful cathedral +of Spire; the unadorned Word of God, preached in the +Protestant vestibules, engrossed the hearers, and the Mass was +celebrated in an empty church.<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a></p> + +<p>It was not only the ministers, but the knights and the +grooms, "mere idiots," who, unable to control their zeal, everywhere +extolled the Word of the Lord.<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> All the followers of +the evangelical princes wore these letters braided on their right +sleeves: V. D. M. I. ., that is to say, "The word of the +Lord endureth for ever."<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a> The same inscription might be +read on the escutcheons of the princes, suspended over their +hotels. The Word of God—such from this moment was the +palladium of the Reform.</p> + +<p>This was not all. The Protestants knew that the mere +worship was not sufficient: the Landgrave had therefore called +upon the Elector to abolish certain "court customs" which dishonoured +the Gospel. These two princes had consequently +drawn up an order of living which forbade drunkenness, debauchery, +and other vicious customs prevalent during a diet.<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">FIRMNESS OF THE REFORMERS.</div> + +<p>Perhaps the Protestant princes sometimes put forward their +dissent beyond what prudence would have required. Not +only they did not go to Mass, and did not observe the prescribed +fasts, but still further, on the meagre days, their attendants +were seen publicly bearing dishes of meat and game, +destined for their masters' tables, and crossing, says Cochlœus, +in the presence of the whole auditory, the halls in which the +worship was celebrating. "It was," says this writer, "with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span> +the intent of attracting the Catholics by the savour of the meats +and of the wines."<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a></p> + +<p>The Elector in effect had a numerous court: seven hundred +persons formed his retinue. One day he gave a banquet +at which twenty-six princes with their gentlemen and councillors +were present. They continued playing until a very +late hour—ten at night. Everything in Duke John announced +the most powerful prince of the empire. The youthful +Landgrave of Hesse, full of zeal and knowledge, and in +the strength of a first Christian love, made a still deeper impression +on those who approached him. He would frequently +dispute with the bishops, and thanks to his acquaintance with +the Holy Scriptures, he easily stopped their mouths.<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a></p> + +<p>This firmness in the friends of the Reformation produced +fruits that surpassed their expectation. It was no longer possible +to be deceived: the spirit that was manifested in these +men was the spirit of the Bible. Everywhere the sceptre was +falling from the hands of Rome. "The leaven of Luther," +said a zealous Papist, "sets all the people of Germany in a +ferment, and foreign nations themselves are agitated by formidable +movements."<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a></p> + +<p>It was immediately seen how great is the strength of deep +convictions. The states that were well disposed towards the +Reform, but which had not ventured to give their adhesion +publicly, became emboldened. The neutral states, which demanded +the repose of the empire, formed the resolution of opposing +the edict of Worms, the execution of which would +have spread trouble through all Germany, and the Papist +states lost their boldness. The bow of the mighty was broken.<a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">PROCEEDINGS OF THE DIET.</div> + +<p>Ferdinand did not think proper, at so critical a moment, to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span> +communicate to the diet the severe instructions he had received +from Seville.<a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a> He substituted a proposition of a nature +to satisfy both parties.</p> + +<p>The laymen immediately recovered the influence of which +the clergy had dispossessed them. The ecclesiastics resisted +a proposal in the college of princes that the diet should occupy +itself with church abuses, but their exertions were unavailing. +Undoubtedly a non-political assembly would have been preferable +to the diet, but it was already something that religious +matters were no longer to be regulated solely by the priests.</p> + +<p>The deputies from the cities having received communication +of this resolution, called for the abolition of every +usage contrary to the faith in Jesus Christ. In vain did the +bishops exclaim that, instead of abolishing pretended abuses, +they would do much better to burn all the books with which +Germany had been inundated during the last eight years. +"You desire," was the reply, "to bury all wisdom and knowledge."<a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a> +The request of the cities was agreed to,<a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> and the +diet was divided into committees for the abolition of abuses.</p> + +<p>Then was manifested the profound disgust inspired by the +priests of Rome. "The clergy," said the deputy from +Frankfort, "make a jest of the public good, and look after +their own interests only." "The laymen," said the deputy +from Duke George, "have the salvation of Christendom much +more at heart than the clergy."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE PAPACY DESCRIBED.</div> + +<p>The commissions made their report: people were astonished +at it. Never had men spoken out so freely against the pope +and the bishops. The commission of the princes, in which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> +the ecclesiastics and the laymen were in equal numbers, proposed +a fusion of Popery and Reform. "The Priests would +do better to marry," said they, "than to keep women of ill-fame +in their houses; every man should be at liberty to +communicate under one or both forms; German and Latin +may be equally employed in the Lord's Supper and in +Baptism; as for the other sacraments, let them be preserved, +but let them be administered gratuitously. Finally, let the +Word of God be preached according to the interpretation of +the Church (this was the demand of Rome), but always explaining +Scripture by Scripture" (this was the great principle +of the Reformation). Thus the first step was taken towards +a national union. Still a few more efforts, and the whole +German race would be walking in the direction of the Gospel.</p> + +<p>The evangelical Christians, at the sight of this glorious +prospect, redoubled their exertions. "Stand fast in the doctrine," +said the Elector of Saxony to his councillors.<a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> At the +same time hawkers in every part of the city were selling +Christian pamphlets, short and easy to read, written in Latin +and in German, and ornamented with engravings, in which +the errors of Rome were vigorously attacked.<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a> One of +these books was entitled, <i>The Papacy with its Members painted +and described by Doctor Luther</i>. In it figured the pope, the cardinal, +and then all the religious orders, exceeding sixty, each +with their costumes and description in verse. Under the picture +of one of these orders were the following lines:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Greedy priests, see, roll in gold<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Forgetful of the humble Jesu:<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>under another:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">We forbid you to behold<br /></span> +<span class="i1">The Bible, lest it should mislead you!<a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a><br /></span> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></div></div> + +<p>and under a third:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">We can fast and pray the harder<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With an overflowing larder.<a name="FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>"Not one of these orders," said Luther to the reader, "thinks +either of faith or charity. This one wears the tonsure, the +other a hood; this a cloak, that a robe. One is white, +another black, a third gray, and a fourth blue. Here is one +holding a looking-glass, there one with a pair of scissors. +Each has his playthings......Ah! these are the palmer worms, +the locusts, the canker-worms, and the caterpillars which, as +Joel saith, have eaten up all the earth."<a name="FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM.</div> + +<p>But if Luther employed the scourges of sarcasm, he also +blew the trumpet of the prophets; and this he did in a work +entitled <i>The Destruction of Jerusalem</i>. Shedding tears like +Jeremiah, he denounced to the German people a ruin like that +of the Holy City, if like it they rejected the Gospel.<a name="FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a> "God +has imparted to us all his treasures," exclaimed he; "he became +man, he has served us,<a name="FNanchor_26_26" id="FNanchor_26_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a> he died for us, he has risen +again, and he has so opened the gates of heaven, that all may +enter......The hour of grace is come......The glad tidings +are proclaimed......But where is the city, where is the +prince that has received them? They insult the Gospel: +they draw the sword, and daringly seize God by the beard.<a name="FNanchor_27_27" id="FNanchor_27_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a>......But +wait......He will turn round; with one blow will +he break their jaws, and all Germany will be but one wide +ruin."</p> + +<p>These works had a very great sale.<a name="FNanchor_28_28" id="FNanchor_28_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a> It was not only the +peasants and townspeople who read them, but nobles also<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> +and princes. Leaving the priests alone at the foot of the altar, +they threw themselves into the arms of the new Gospel.<a name="FNanchor_29_29" id="FNanchor_29_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a> +The necessity of a reform of abuses was proclaimed on the 1st +of August by a general committee.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE INSTRUCTIONS OF SEVILLE.</div> + +<p>Then Rome, which had appeared to slumber, awoke. +Fanatical priests, monks, ecclesiastical princes, all beset Ferdinand. +Cunning, bribery, nothing was spared. Did not Ferdinand +possess the instructions of Seville? To refuse their +publication was to effect the ruin of the Church and of the +empire. Let the voice of Charles oppose its powerful <i>veto</i> to +the dizziness that is hurrying Germany along, said they, and +Germany will be saved! Ferdinand made up his mind, and +at length, on the 3d August, published the decree, drawn up +more than four months previously in favour of the edict of +Worms.<a name="FNanchor_30_30" id="FNanchor_30_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a></p> + +<p>The persecution was about to begin; the reformers would +be thrown into dungeons, and the sword drawn on the banks +of the Guadalquivir would pierce at last the bosom of Reform.</p> + +<p>The effect of the imperial ordinance was immense. The +breaking of an axle-tree does not more violently check the +velocity of a railway train. The Elector and the Landgrave +announced that they were about to quit the diet, and ordered +their attendants to prepare for their departure. At the same +time the deputies from the cities drew towards these two +princes, and the Reformation appeared on the brink of entering +immediately upon a contest with the Pope and Charles +the Fifth.</p> + +<p>But it was not yet prepared for a general struggle. It was +necessary for the tree to send out its roots deeper, before the +Almighty unchained the stormy winds against it. A spirit +of blindness, similar to that which in former times was sent +out upon Saul and Herod,<a name="FNanchor_31_31" id="FNanchor_31_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a> then seized upon the great enemy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> +of the Gospel; and thus was it that Divine Providence +saved the reform in its cradle.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CHANGE OF POLICY.</div> + +<p>The first movement of trouble was over. The friends of +the Gospel began to consider the date of the imperial instructions, +and to weigh the new political combinations which +seemed to announce to the world the most unlooked-for events. +"When the Emperor wrote these letters," said the cities of +Upper Germany, "he was on good terms with the Pope, but +now everything is changed. It is even asserted that he had +told Margaret, his deputy in the Low Countries, to proceed +<i>gently</i> with respect to the Gospel. Let us send him a deputation." +That was not necessary. Charles had not waited +until now to form a different resolution. The course of public +affairs, taking a sudden turn, had rushed into an entirely +new path. Years of peace were about to be granted to the +Reform.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">RELIGIOUS LIBERTY PROPOSED.</div> + +<p>Clement VII., whom Charles was about to visit, according +to the instructions of Seville, in order to receive in Rome +itself and from his sacred hands the imperial crown, and in return +to give up to the pontiff the Gospel and the Reformation,—Clement +VII, seized with a strange infatuation, had +suddenly turned against this powerful monarch. The Emperor, +unwilling to favour his ambition in every point, had +opposed his claims on the states of the Duke of Ferrara. +Clement immediately became exasperated, and cried out that +Charles wished to enslave the peninsula, but that the time +was come for re-establishing the independence of Italy. This +great idea of Italian independence, entertained at that period +by a few literary men, had not, as now, penetrated the mass +of the nation. Clement therefore hastened to have recourse +to political combinations. The Pope, the Venetians, and the +King of France, who had scarcely recovered his liberty, formed +a <i>holy league</i>, of which the King of England was by a bull +proclaimed the preserver and protector.<a name="FNanchor_32_32" id="FNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a> In June 1526, the +Emperor caused the most favourable propositions to be presented +to the Pope; but these advances were ineffectual, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span> +the Duke of Sessa, Charles's ambassador at Rome, returning on +horseback from his last audience, placed a court-fool behind +him, who, by a thousand monkey tricks, gave the Roman people +to understand how they laughed at the projects of the Pope. +The latter responded to these bravadoes by a brief, in which he +threatened the Emperor with excommunication, and without +loss of time pushed his troops into Lombardy, whilst Milan, +Florence, and Piedmont declared for the Holy League. Thus +was Europe preparing to be avenged for the triumph of +Pavia.</p> + +<p>Charles did not hesitate. He wheeled to the right as +quickly as the Pope had done to the left, and turned abruptly +towards the evangelical princes. "Let us suspend the Edict +of Worms," wrote he to his brother; "let us bring back Luther's +partisans by mildness, and by a good council cause +the evangelical truth to triumph." At the same time he demanded +that the Elector, the Landgrave, and their allies +should march with him against the Turks—or against Italy, +for the common good of Christendom.</p> + +<p>Ferdinand hesitated. To gain the friendship of the Lutherans +was to forfeit that of the other princes. The latter +were already beginning to utter violent threats.<a name="FNanchor_33_33" id="FNanchor_33_33"></a><a href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a> The Protestants +themselves were not very eager to grasp the Emperor's +hand. "It is God, God himself, who will save his churches."<a name="FNanchor_34_34" id="FNanchor_34_34"></a><a href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a></p> + +<p>What was to be done? The edict of Worms could neither +be repealed nor carried into execution.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CRISIS OF THE REFORMATION.</div> + +<p>This strange situation led of necessity to the desired solution: +religious liberty. The first idea of this occurred to the +deputies of the cities. "In one place," said they, "the ancient +ceremonies have been preserved; in another they have been +abolished; and both think they are right. Let us allow each +one to do as he thinks fit, until a council shall re-establish the +desired unity by the Word of God." This idea gained favour, +and the <i>recess</i> of the diet, dated the 27th August, decreed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> +that a universal, or at least a national free council should be +convoked within a year, that they should request the Emperor +to return speedily to Germany, and that, until then, each state +should behave in its own territory in a manner so as to be +able to render an account to God and to the Emperor.<a name="FNanchor_35_35" id="FNanchor_35_35"></a><a href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a></p> + +<p>Thus they escaped from their difficulty by a middle course; +and this time it was really the true one. Each one maintained +his rights, while recognising another's. The diet of +1526 forms an important epoch in history: an ancient power, +that of the middle ages, is shaken; a new power, that of modern +times, is advancing; religious liberty boldly takes its +stand in front of Romish despotism; a lay spirit prevails over +the sacerdotal spirit. In this single step there is a complete +victory: the cause of the Reform is won.</p> + +<p>Yet it was little suspected. Luther, on the morrow of the +day on which the <i>recess</i> was published, wrote to a friend: +"The diet is sitting at Spire in the German fashion. They +drink and gamble, and there is nothing done except that."<a name="FNanchor_36_36" id="FNanchor_36_36"></a><a href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a> +"Le congrs danse et ne marche pas,"<a name="FNanchor_37_37" id="FNanchor_37_37"></a><a href="#Footnote_37_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a> has been said in our +days. It is because great things are often transacted under +an appearance of frivolity, and because God accomplishes his +designs unknown even to those whom he employs as his instruments. +In this diet a gravity and love of liberty of conscience +were manifested, which are the fruits of Christianity, +and which in the sixteenth century had its earliest, if not its +most energetic development among the German nations.</p> + +<p>Yet Ferdinand still hesitated. Mahomet himself came +to the aid of the Gospel. Louis, king of Hungary and Bohemia, +drowned at Mohacz on the 29th August, 1526, as he +was fleeing from before Soliman II., had bequeathed the crown +of these two kingdoms to Ferdinand. But the Duke of +Bavaria, the Waywode of Transylvania, and, above all, the +terrible Soliman, contested it against him. This was sufficient<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span> +to occupy Charles's brother: he left Luther, and hastened +to dispute the two thrones.</p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="sidenote">ITALIAN WAR.</div> + +<p>II. The Emperor immediately reaped the fruits of his new +policy. No longer having his hands tied by Germany, he +turned them against Rome. The Reformation had been exalted +and the Papacy was to be abased. The blows aimed at +its pitiless enemy were about to open a new career to the +evangelical work.</p> + +<p>Ferdinand, who was detained by his Hungarian affairs, +gave the charge of the Italian expedition to Freundsberg, +that old general who had patted Luther in a friendly manner +on the shoulder as the reformer was about to appear before +the diet of Worms.<a name="FNanchor_38_38" id="FNanchor_38_38"></a><a href="#Footnote_38_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a> This veteran, observed a contemporary,<a name="FNanchor_39_39" id="FNanchor_39_39"></a><a href="#Footnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a> +who "bore in his chivalrous heart God's holy Gospel, +well fortified and flanked by a strong wall," pledged his +wife's jewels, sent recruiting parties into all the towns of +Upper Germany, and owing to the magic idea of a war +against the Pope, soon witnessed crowds of soldiers flocking +to his standard. "Announce," Charles had said to his brother,—"announce +that the army is to march against the Turks; +every one will know what Turks are meant."</p> + +<p>Thus the mighty Charles, instead of marching with the +Pope against the Reform, as he had threatened at Seville, +marches with the Reform against the Pope. A few days +had sufficed to produce this change of direction: there are +few such in history in which the hand of God is more +plainly manifested. Charles immediately assumed all the +airs of a reformer. On the 17th September, he addressed a +manifesto to the Pope,<a name="FNanchor_40_40" id="FNanchor_40_40"></a><a href="#Footnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a> in which he reproaches him for +behaving not like the father of the faithful, but like an insolent +and haughty man;<a name="FNanchor_41_41" id="FNanchor_41_41"></a><a href="#Footnote_41_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a> and declares his astonishment that,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span> +being Christ's vicar, he should dare to shed blood to acquire +earthly possessions, "which," added he, "is quite contrary to +the evangelical doctrine."<a name="FNanchor_42_42" id="FNanchor_42_42"></a><a href="#Footnote_42_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a> Luther could not have spoken +better. "Let your holiness," continued Charles the Fifth, +"return the sword of St. Peter into the scabbard, and convoke +a holy and universal council." But the sword was much +more to the pontiff's taste than the council. Is not the +Papacy, according to the Romish doctors, the source of the +two powers? Can it not depose kings, and consequently +fight against them?<a name="FNanchor_43_43" id="FNanchor_43_43"></a><a href="#Footnote_43_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a> Charles prepared to requite "eye for +eye, and tooth for tooth."<a name="FNanchor_44_44" id="FNanchor_44_44"></a><a href="#Footnote_44_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">ITALIAN CAMPAIGN.</div> + +<p>Now began that terrible campaign during which the storm +burst on Rome and on the Papacy that had been destined to +fall on Germany and the Gospel. By the violence of the +blows inflicted on the pontifical city, we may judge of the +severity of those that would have dashed in pieces the reformed +churches. While we retrace so many scenes of horror, +we have constant need of calling to mind that the chastisement +of the seven-hilled city had been predicted by the Divine +Scriptures.<a name="FNanchor_45_45" id="FNanchor_45_45"></a><a href="#Footnote_45_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">MARCH ON ROME.</div> + +<p>In the month of November, Freundsberg, at the head of +fifteen thousand men, was at the foot of the Alps. The old +general, avoiding the military roads, that were well guarded +by the enemy, flung himself into a narrow path, over frightful +precipices, that a few blows of the mattock would have +rendered impassable. The soldiers are forbidden to look behind +them; nevertheless their heads turn, their feet slip, and +horse and foot fall from time to time down the abyss. In the +most difficult passes, the most sure-footed of the infantry lower +their long pikes to the right and left of their aged chief, by +way of barrier, and Freundsberg advances, clinging to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> +lansquenet in front, and pushed on by the one behind. In +three days the Alps are crossed, and on the 19th November +the army reaches the territory of Brescia.</p> + +<p>The Constable of Bourbon, who since the death of Pescara +was commander-in-chief of the imperial army, had just taken +possession of the duchy of Milan. The Emperor having promised +him this conquest for a recompense, Bourbon was compelled +to remain there some time to consolidate his power. +At length, on the 12th February, he and his Spanish troops +joined the army of Freundsberg, which was becoming impatient +at his delays. The Constable had many men, but no +money: he resolved therefore to follow the advice of the +Duke of Ferrara, that inveterate enemy of the princes of the +Church, and proceed straight to Rome.<a name="FNanchor_46_46" id="FNanchor_46_46"></a><a href="#Footnote_46_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a> The whole army +received this news with a shout of joy. The Spaniards were +filled with a desire of avenging Charles the Fifth, and the +Germans were overflowing with hatred against the Pope: all +exulted in the hope of receiving their pay and of having their +labours richly recompensed at last by the treasures of Christendom +that Rome had been accumulating for ages. Their +shouts re-echoed beyond the Alps. Every man in Germany +thought that the last hour of the Papacy had now come, and +prepared to contemplate its fall. "The Emperor's forces are +triumphing in Italy," wrote Luther; "the Pope is visited from +every quarter. His destruction draweth nigh; his hour and +his end are come."<a name="FNanchor_47_47" id="FNanchor_47_47"></a><a href="#Footnote_47_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">REVOLT OF THE TROOPS.</div> + +<p>A few slight advantages gained by the papal soldiers in the +kingdom of Naples, led to the conclusion of a truce that was +to be ratified by the Pope and by the Emperor. At this +news a frightful tumult broke out in the Constable's army. +The Spanish troops revolted, compelled him to flee, and pillaged +his tent. Then approaching the lansquenets, they began +to shout as loudly as they could, the only German words<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> +they knew: <i>Lance!</i> <i>lance!</i> <i>money!</i> <i>money!</i><a name="FNanchor_48_48" id="FNanchor_48_48"></a><a href="#Footnote_48_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a> These words +found an echo in the bosoms of the Imperialists; they were +moved in their turn, and also began to cry with all their +might: <i>Lance!</i> <i>lance!</i> <i>money!</i> <i>money!</i> Freundsberg beat to +muster, and having drawn up the soldiers around him and +his principal officers, calmly demanded if he had ever deserted +them. All was useless. The old affection which the lansquenets +bore to their leader seemed extinct. One chord alone +vibrated in their hearts: they must have pay and war. Accordingly, +lowering their lances, they presented them, as if +they would slay their officers, and again began to shout, +"Lance! lance! money! money!"—Freundsberg, whom no +army however large had ever frightened! Freundsberg, who +was accustomed to say, "the more enemies, the greater the +honour," seeing these lansquenets, at whose head he had +grown gray, aiming their murderous steel against him, lost +all power of utterance, and fell senseless upon a drum, as if +struck with a thunderbolt.<a name="FNanchor_49_49" id="FNanchor_49_49"></a><a href="#Footnote_49_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a> The strength of the veteran general +was broken for ever. But the sight of their dying captain +produced on the lansquenets an effect that no speech could +have made. All the lances were upraised, and the agitated +soldiers retired with downcast eyes. Four days later, Freundsberg +recovered his speech. "Forward," said he to the Constable; +"God himself will bring us to the mark." Forward! +forward! repeated the lansquenets. Bourbon had no other alternative: +besides, neither Charles nor Clement would listen +to any propositions of peace. Freundsberg was carried to +Ferrara, and afterwards to his castle of Mindelheim, where he +died after an illness of eighteen months; and on the 18th +April, Bourbon took the highroad to Rome, which so many +formidable armies coming from the north had already trodden.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE ASSAULT.</div> + +<p>Whilst the storm descending from the Alps was approaching<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span> +the eternal city, the Pope lost his presence of mind, sent +away his troops, and kept only his body-guard. More than +thirty thousand Romans, it is true, capable of bearing arms, +paraded their bravery in the streets, dragging their long-swords +after them, quarrelling and fighting; but these citizens, eager +in the pursuit of gain, had little thought of defending the +Pope, and desired on the contrary that the magnificent Charles +would come and settle in Rome, hoping to derive great profit +from his stay.</p> + +<p>On the evening of the 5th May Bourbon arrived under the +walls of the capital; and he would have begun the assault +at that very moment if he had had ladders. On the morning +of the 6th the army, concealed by a thick fog which hid +their movements,<a name="FNanchor_50_50" id="FNanchor_50_50"></a><a href="#Footnote_50_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a> was put in motion, the Spaniards marching +to their station above the gate of the Holy Ghost, and +the Germans below.<a name="FNanchor_51_51" id="FNanchor_51_51"></a><a href="#Footnote_51_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a> The Constable, wishing to encourage +his soldiers, seized a scaling-ladder, mounted the wall, and +called on them to follow him. At this moment a ball struck +him: he fell, and expired an hour after. Such was the end +of this unhappy man, a traitor to his king and to his country, +and suspected even by his new friends.</p> + +<p>His death, far from checking, served only to excite the +army. Claudius Seidenstucker, grasping his long sword, first +cleared the wall; he was followed by Michael Hartmann, +and these two reformed Germans exclaimed that God himself +marched before them in the clouds. The gates were opened, +the army poured in, the suburbs were taken, and the Pope, +surrounded by thirteen cardinals, fled to the Castle of St. Angelo. +The Imperialists, at whose head was now the Prince +of Orange, offered him peace on condition of his paying +three hundred thousand crowns. But Clement, who thought +that the Holy League was on the point of delivering him, +and who fancied he already saw their leading horsemen, rejected +every proposition. After four hours' repose, the attack<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span> +was renewed, and by an hour after sunset the army was master +of all the city. It remained under arms and in good order +until midnight, the Spaniards in the Piazza Navona, and +the Germans in the Campofiore. At last, seeing no demonstrations +either of war or of peace, the soldiers disbanded and +ran to pillage.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE SACK.</div> + +<p>Then began the famous "Sack of Rome." The Papacy +had for centuries put Christendom in the press. Prebends, +annates, jubilees, pilgrimages, ecclesiastical graces,—she had +made money of them all. These greedy troops, that for +months had lived in wretchedness, determined to make her +disgorge. No one was spared, the imperial not more than +the ultramontane party, the Ghibellines not more than the +Guelfs. Churches, palaces, convents, private houses, basilics, +banks, tombs—every thing was pillaged, even to the golden +ring that the corpse of Julius II. still wore on its finger. +The Spaniards displayed the greatest skill; they scented out +and discovered treasures in the most mysterious hiding-places; +but the Neapolitans were still more outrageous.<a name="FNanchor_52_52" id="FNanchor_52_52"></a><a href="#Footnote_52_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a> "On every +side were heard," says Guicciardini, "the piteous shrieks of +the Roman women and of the nuns whom the soldiers dragged +away by companies to satiate their lust."<a name="FNanchor_53_53" id="FNanchor_53_53"></a><a href="#Footnote_53_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">GERMAN HUMOURS.</div> + +<p>At first the Germans found a certain pleasure in making +the Papists feel the weight of their swords. But ere long, +happy at finding food and drink, they were more pacific +than their allies. It was upon those things which the Romans +called "holy" that the anger of the Lutherans was especially +discharged. They took away the chalices, the pyxes, +the silver remonstrances, and clothed their servants and camp-boys +with the sacerdotal garments.<a name="FNanchor_54_54" id="FNanchor_54_54"></a><a href="#Footnote_54_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a> The Campofiore was +changed into an immense gambling-house. The soldiers +brought thither golden vessels and bags full of crowns, staked +them upon one throw of the dice, and after losing them, they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span> +went in search of others. A certain Simon Baptista, who had +foretold the sack of the city, had been thrown into prison by +the Pope; the Germans liberated him, and made him drink +with them. But, like Jeremiah, he prophesied against all. +"Rob, plunder," cried he to his liberators; "you shall however +give back all; the money of the soldiers and the gold of +the priests will follow the same road."</p> + +<p>Nothing pleased the Germans more than to mock the papal +court. "Many prelates," says Guicciardini, "were paraded +on asses through all the city of Rome."<a name="FNanchor_55_55" id="FNanchor_55_55"></a><a href="#Footnote_55_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a> After this procession, +the bishops paid their ransom; but they fell into the +hands of the Spaniards, who made them pay it a second +time.<a name="FNanchor_56_56" id="FNanchor_56_56"></a><a href="#Footnote_56_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a></p> + +<p>One day a lansquenet named Guillaume de Sainte Celle, +put on the Pope's robes, and placed the triple crown upon his +head; others, adorning themselves with the red hats and long +robes of the cardinals, surrounded him; and all going in procession +upon asses through the streets of the city, arrived at +last before the castle of Saint Angelo, where Clement VII. +had retired. Here the soldier-cardinals alighted, and lifting +up the front of their robes, kissed the feet of the pretended +pontiff. The latter drank to the health of Clement VII., +the cardinals kneeling did the same, and exclaimed that +henceforward they would be pious popes and good cardinals, +who would have a care not to excite wars, as all their predecessors +had done. They then formed a conclave, and the +Pope having announced to his consistory that it was his intention +to resign the Papacy, all hands were immediately raised +for the election, and they cried out "Luther is Pope! Luther +is Pope!"<a name="FNanchor_57_57" id="FNanchor_57_57"></a><a href="#Footnote_57_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a> Never had pontiff been proclaimed with such +perfect unanimity. Such were the humours of the Germans.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">VIOLENCE OF THE SPANIARDS.</div> + +<p>The Spaniards did not let them off so easily. Clement<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span> +VII. had called them "Moors," and had published a plenary, +indulgence for whoever should kill any of them. Nothing, +therefore, could restrain their fury. These faithful Catholics +put the prelates to death in the midst of horrible tortures, destined +to extort their treasures from them: they spared neither +rank, sex, nor age. It was not until after the sack had lasted +ten days, and a booty of ten million golden crowns had been +collected, and from five to eight thousand victims had perished, +that quiet began to be in some degree restored.</p> + +<p>Thus did the pontifical city expire in the midst of a long +and cruel pillage, and that splendour with which Rome from +the beginning of the sixteenth century had filled the world +faded in a few hours. Nothing could preserve this haughty +city from chastisement, not even the prayers of its enemies. +"I would not have Rome burnt," Luther had exclaimed; +"it would be a monstrous deed."<a name="FNanchor_58_58" id="FNanchor_58_58"></a><a href="#Footnote_58_58" class="fnanchor">[58]</a> The fears of Melancthon +were still keener: "I tremble for the libraries," said he, "we +know how hateful books are to Mars."<a name="FNanchor_59_59" id="FNanchor_59_59"></a><a href="#Footnote_59_59" class="fnanchor">[59]</a> But in despite of +these wishes of the reformers, the city of Leo X. fell under +the judgment of God.</p> + +<p>Clement VII., besieged in the castle of Saint Angelo, and +fearful that the enemy would blow his asylum into the air +with their mines, at last capitulated. He renounced every +alliance against Charles the Fifth, and bound himself to remain +a prisoner until he had paid the army four hundred +thousand ducats. The evangelical Christians gazed with astonishment +on this judgment of the Lord. "Such," said +they, "is the empire of Jesus Christ, that the Emperor, pursuing +Luther on account of the Pope, is constrained to ruin the +Pope instead of Luther. All things minister unto the Lord, +and turn against his adversaries."<a name="FNanchor_60_60" id="FNanchor_60_60"></a><a href="#Footnote_60_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span></p> +<div class="sidenote">PROFITABLE CALM.</div> + +<p>III. And in truth the Reform needed some years of repose +that it might increase and gain strength; and it could not +enjoy peace, unless its great enemies were at war with each +other. The madness of Clement VII. was as it were the +<i>lightning-conductor</i> of the Reformation, and the ruin of Rome +built up the Gospel. It was not only a few months' gain; +from 1526 to 1529 there was a calm in Germany by which +the Reformation profited to organize and extend itself. A +constitution was now to be given to the renovated Church.</p> + +<p>The papal yoke having been broken, the ecclesiastical order +required to be reestablished. It was impossible to restore +their ancient jurisdiction to the bishops; for these continental +prelates maintained that they were, in an especial manner, +the Pope's servants. A new state of things was therefore +called for, under pain of seeing the Church fall into anarchy. +Provision was made for it. It was then that the evangelic +nations separated definitely from that despotic dominion +which had for ages kept all the West in bondage.</p> + +<p>Already on two occasions the diet had wished to make the +reform of the Church a national work; the Emperor, the Pope, +and a few princes were opposed to it; the Diet of Spire had +therefore resigned to each state the task that it could not accomplish +itself.</p> + +<p>But what constitution were they about to substitute for the +papal hierarchy?</p> + +<p>They could, while suppressing the Pope, preserve the +Episcopal order: it was the form most approximate to that +which was on the point of being destroyed.</p> + +<p>They might, on the contrary, reconstruct the ecclesiastical +order, by having recourse to the sovereignty of God's Word, +and by re-establishing the rights of the christian people. +This form was the most remote from the Roman hierarchy. +Between these two extremes there were several middle courses.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PHILIP OF HESSE.</div> + +<p>The latter plan was Zwingle's; but the reformer of Zurich +had not fully carried it out. He had not called upon +the christian people to exercise the sovereignty, and had stopped<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span> +at the council of two hundred as representing the +Church.<a name="FNanchor_61_61" id="FNanchor_61_61"></a><a href="#Footnote_61_61" class="fnanchor">[61]</a></p> + +<p>The step before which Zwingle had hesitated might be +taken, and it was so. A prince did not shrink from what had +alarmed even republics. Evangelical Germany, at the moment +in which she began to try her hand on ecclesiastical +constitutions, began with that which trenched the deepest on +the papal monarchy.</p> + +<p>It was not, however, from Germany that such a system +could proceed. If the aristocratic England was destined to +cling to the episcopal form, the docile Germany was destined +the rather to stop in a governmental medium. The democratic +extreme issued from Switzerland and France. One +of Calvin's predecessors then hoisted that flag which the powerful +arm of the Genevese Reformer was to lift again in after-years +and plant in France, Switzerland, Holland, Scotland, +and even in England, whence it was a century later to cross +the Atlantic and summon North America to take its rank +among the nations.</p> + +<p>None of the evangelical princes was so enterprising as +Philip of Hesse, who has been compared to Philip of Macedon +in subtlety, and to his son Alexander in courage. +Philip comprehended that religion was at length acquiring +its due importance; and far from opposing the great development +that was agitating the people, he put himself in harmony +with the new ideas.</p> + +<p>The morning-star had risen for Hesse almost at the same +time as for Saxony. In 1517, when Luther was preaching in +Wittemberg the gratuitous remission of sins, men and women +were seen in Marburg repairing secretly to one of the ditches +of the city, and there, near a solitary loophole, listening to the +words that issued from within, and that preached doctrines +of consolation through the bars. It was the voice of the +Franciscan, James Limburg, who having declared that, for +fifteen centuries, the priests had falsified the Gospel of Christ, +had been thrown into this gloomy dungeon. These mysterious<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span> +assemblies lasted a fortnight. On a sudden the voice +ceased; these lonely meetings had been discovered, and the +Franciscan, torn from his cell, had been hurried away across +the Lahnberg towards some unknown spot. Not far from the +Ziegenberg, some weeping citizens of Marburg came up with +him, and hastily snatching aside the canvass that covered his +car, they asked him, "Whither are you going?" "Where +God wills," calmly replied the friar.<a name="FNanchor_62_62" id="FNanchor_62_62"></a><a href="#Footnote_62_62" class="fnanchor">[62]</a> There was no more +talk of him, and it is not known what became of him. These +disappearances are usual in the Papacy.</p> + +<p>Scarcely had Philip prevailed in the Diet of Spire, when +he resolved on devoting himself to the Reformation of his +hereditary states.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Lambert's Paradoxes.</div> + +<p>His resolute character made him incline towards the Swiss +reform: it was not therefore one of the moderates that he required. +He had formed a connexion at Spire with James +Sturm, the deputy from Strasburg, who spoke to him of Francis +Lambert of Avignon, who was then at Strasburg. Of +a pleasing exterior and decided character, Lambert added to +the fire of the South the perseverance of the North. He was +the first in France to throw off the cowl, and he had never +since then ceased to call for a radical reform in the Church. +"Formerly," said he, "when I was a hypocrite, I lived in +abundance; now I consume frugally my daily bread with +my small family;<a name="FNanchor_63_63" id="FNanchor_63_63"></a><a href="#Footnote_63_63" class="fnanchor">[63]</a> but I had rather be poor in Christ's kingdom, +than possess abundance of gold in the dissolute dwellings +of the Pope." The Landgrave saw that Lambert was +such a man as he required, and invited him to his court.</p> + +<p>Lambert, desiring to prepare the reform of Hesse, drew +up one hundred and fifty-eight theses, which he entitled "paradoxes," +and posted them, according to the custom of the +times, on the church doors.</p> + +<p>Friends and enemies immediately crowded round them. +Some Roman catholics would have torn them down, but the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> +reformed townspeople kept watch, and holding a synod in the +public square, discussed, developed, proved these propositions, +and ridiculed the anger of the Papists.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FRIAR BONIFACE.</div> + +<p>A young priest, Boniface Dornemann, full of self-conceit, +whom the bishop, on the day of his consecration, had extolled +above Paul for his learning, and above the Virgin for his +chastity, finding himself too short to reach Lambert's placard, +had borrowed a stool, and surrounded by a numerous audience, +had begun to read the propositions aloud.<a name="FNanchor_64_64" id="FNanchor_64_64"></a><a href="#Footnote_64_64" class="fnanchor">[64]</a></p> + +<p>"All that is deformed, ought to be reformed. The Word +of God alone teaches us what ought to be so, and all reform +that is effected otherwise is vain."<a name="FNanchor_65_65" id="FNanchor_65_65"></a><a href="#Footnote_65_65" class="fnanchor">[65]</a></p> + +<p>This was the first thesis. "Hem!" said the young priest, +"I shall not attack that." He continued.</p> + +<p>"It belongs to the Church to judge on matters of faith. +Now the Church is the congregation of those who are united +by the same spirit, the same faith, the same God, the same +Mediator, the same Word, by which alone they are governed, +and in which alone they have life."<a name="FNanchor_66_66" id="FNanchor_66_66"></a><a href="#Footnote_66_66" class="fnanchor">[66]</a></p> + +<p>"I cannot attack that proposition," said the priest.<a name="FNanchor_67_67" id="FNanchor_67_67"></a><a href="#Footnote_67_67" class="fnanchor">[67]</a> He +continued reading from his stool.</p> + +<p>"The Word is the true key. The kingdom of heaven is +open to him who believes the Word, and shut against him +who believes it not. Whoever, therefore, truly possesses the +Word of God, has the power of the keys. All other keys, +all the decrees of the councils and popes, and all the rules of +the monks, are valueless."</p> + +<p>Friar Boniface shook his head and continued.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">DISPUTATION AT HOMBURG.</div> + +<p>"Since the priesthood of the Law has been abolished,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> +Christ is the only immortal and eternal priest, and he does +not, like men, need a successor. Neither the Bishop of Rome +nor any other person in the world is his representative here +below. But all Christians, since the commencement of the +Church, have been and are participators in his priesthood."</p> + +<p>This proposition smelt of heresy. Dornemann, however, +was not discouraged; and whether it was from weakness of +mind, or from the dawning of light, at each proposition that +did not too much shock his prejudices, he failed not to repeat: +"Certainly, I shall not attack that one!" The people listened +in astonishment, when one of them,—whether he was a +fanatical Romanist, a fanatical Reformer, or a mischievous +wag, I cannot tell—tired of these continual repetitions, exclaimed: +"Get down, you knave, who cannot find a word to +impugn." Then rudely pulling the stool from under him, he +threw the unfortunate clerk flat in the mud.<a name="FNanchor_68_68" id="FNanchor_68_68"></a><a href="#Footnote_68_68" class="fnanchor">[68]</a></p> + +<p>On the 21st October, at seven in the morning, the gates of +the principal church of Homburg were thrown open, and the +prelates, abbots, priests, counts, knights, and deputies of the +towns, entered in succession, and in the midst of them was +Philip, in his quality of first member of the Church.</p> + +<p>After Lambert had explained and proved his theses, he added: +"Let him stand forth who has anything to say against +them." There was at first a profound silence; but at length +Nicholas Ferber, superior of the Franciscans of Marburg, who +in 1524, applying to Rome's favourite argument, had entreated +the Landgrave to employ the sword against the heretics, began +to speak with drooping head, and downcast eyes; but as +he invoked Augustin, Peter Lombard, and other doctors to his +assistance, the Landgrave observed to him: "Do not put forward +the wavering opinions of men, but the Word of God, +which alone fortifies and strengthens our hearts." The Franciscan +sat down in confusion, saying: "This is not the place +for replying." The disputation, however, recommenced, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span> +Lambert, showing all the fire of the South, so astonished his +adversary, that the superior, alarmed at what he called "thunders +of blasphemy and lightnings of impiety,"<a name="FNanchor_69_69" id="FNanchor_69_69"></a><a href="#Footnote_69_69" class="fnanchor">[69]</a> sat down +again, observing a second time, "This is not the place for replying."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">TRIUMPH OF THE GOSPEL IN HESSE.</div> + +<p>In vain did the Chancellor Feige declare to him that each +man had the right of maintaining his opinion with full liberty; +in vain did the Landgrave himself exclaim that the +Church was sighing after truth: silence had become Rome's +refuge. "I will defend the doctrine of purgatory," a priest +had said prior to the discussion; "I will attack the paradoxes +under the sixth head (on the true priesthood)," had said another;<a name="FNanchor_70_70" id="FNanchor_70_70"></a><a href="#Footnote_70_70" class="fnanchor">[70]</a> +and a third had exclaimed, "I will overthrow those +under the tenth head (on images);" but now they were all +dumb.</p> + +<p>Upon this Lambert, clasping his hands, exclaimed with Zacharias: +<i>Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited +and redeemed his people</i>.</p> + +<p>After three days of discussion, which had been a continual +triumph for the evangelical doctrine, men were selected and +commissioned to constitute the churches of Hesse in accordance +with the Word of God. They were more than three +days occupied in the task, and then their new constitution was +published in the name of the synod.</p> + +<p>The first ecclesiastical constitution produced by the Reformation +should have a place in history, so much the more as it +was then set forward as a model for the new Churches of +Christendom.<a name="FNanchor_71_71" id="FNanchor_71_71"></a><a href="#Footnote_71_71" class="fnanchor">[71]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">CONSTITUTION OF THE CHURCH.</div> + +<p>The autonomy or self-government of the Church is its fundamental +principle: it is from the Church, from its representatives +assembled in the name of the Lord, that this legislation<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> +emanates; there is no mention in the prologue either of state +or of Landgrave.<a name="FNanchor_72_72" id="FNanchor_72_72"></a><a href="#Footnote_72_72" class="fnanchor">[72]</a> Philip, content with having broken for +himself and for his people the yoke of a foreign priest, had +no desire to put himself in his place, and was satisfied with +an external superintendence, necessary for the maintenance +of order.</p> + +<p>A second distinctive feature in this constitution is its simplicity +both of government and worship. The assembly +conjures all future synods not to load the Churches with a +multitude of ordinances, "seeing that where orders abound, +disorder superabounds." They would not even continue +the organs in the churches, because, said they, "men should +understand what they hear."<a name="FNanchor_73_73" id="FNanchor_73_73"></a><a href="#Footnote_73_73" class="fnanchor">[73]</a> The more the human mind +has been bent in one direction, the more violent is the reaction +in the contrary direction when it is unbent. The Church +passed at that time from the extreme of symbols to that of +simplicity. These are the principal features of this constitution:—</p> + +<p>"The Church can only be taught and governed by the +Word of its Sovereign Pastor. Whoever has recourse to any +other word shall be deposed and excommunicated.<a name="FNanchor_74_74" id="FNanchor_74_74"></a><a href="#Footnote_74_74" class="fnanchor">[74]</a></p> + +<p>"Every pious man, learned in the Word of God, whatever +be his condition, may be elected bishop if he desire it, for +he is called inwardly of God.<a name="FNanchor_75_75" id="FNanchor_75_75"></a><a href="#Footnote_75_75" class="fnanchor">[75]</a></p> + +<p>"Let no one believe that by a bishop we understand anything +else than a simple minister of the Word of God.<a name="FNanchor_76_76" id="FNanchor_76_76"></a><a href="#Footnote_76_76" class="fnanchor">[76]</a></p> + +<p>"The ministers are servants, and consequently they ought +not to be lords, princes, or governors.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CONSTITUTION OF THE CHURCH—BISHOPS.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span>"Let the faithful assemble and choose their bishops and +deacons. Each church should elect its own pastor.<a name="FNanchor_77_77" id="FNanchor_77_77"></a><a href="#Footnote_77_77" class="fnanchor">[77]</a></p> + +<p>"Let those who are elected bishops be consecrated to their +office by the imposition of the hands of three bishops; and as +for the deacons, if there are no ministers present, let them receive +the laying on of hands from the elders of the Church.<a name="FNanchor_78_78" id="FNanchor_78_78"></a><a href="#Footnote_78_78" class="fnanchor">[78]</a></p> + +<p>"If a bishop causes any scandal to the Church by his effeminacy, +or by the splendour of his garments, or by the levity +of his conduct, and if, on being warned, he persists, let him be +deposed by the Church.<a name="FNanchor_79_79" id="FNanchor_79_79"></a><a href="#Footnote_79_79" class="fnanchor">[79]</a></p> + +<p>"Let each church place its bishop in a condition to live +with his family, and to be hospitable, as St. Paul enjoins; but +let the bishops exact nothing for their casual duties.<a name="FNanchor_80_80" id="FNanchor_80_80"></a><a href="#Footnote_80_80" class="fnanchor">[80]</a></p> + +<p>"On every Sunday let there be in some suitable place an assembly +of all the men who are in the number of the saints, to +regulate with the bishop, according to God's Word, all the +affairs of the Church, and to excommunicate whoever gives +occasion of scandal to the Church; for the Church of Christ +has never existed without exercising the power of excommunication.<a name="FNanchor_81_81" id="FNanchor_81_81"></a><a href="#Footnote_81_81" class="fnanchor">[81]</a></p> + +<p>"As a weekly assembly is necessary for the direction of +the particular churches, so a general synod should be held annually +for the direction of all the churches in the country.<a name="FNanchor_82_82" id="FNanchor_82_82"></a><a href="#Footnote_82_82" class="fnanchor">[82]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">TWO ELEMENTS IN THE CHURCH.</div> + +<p>"All the pastors are its natural members; but each church +shall further elect from its body a man full of the Spirit and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span> +of faith, to whom it shall intrust powers for all that is in the +jurisdiction of the synod.<a name="FNanchor_83_83" id="FNanchor_83_83"></a><a href="#Footnote_83_83" class="fnanchor">[83]</a></p> + +<p>"Three visiters shall be elected yearly, with commission to +go through all the churches, to examine those who have been +elected bishops, to confirm those who have been approved of, +and to provide for the execution of the decrees of the synod."</p> + +<p>It will no doubt be found that this first evangelical constitution +went in some points to the extreme of ecclesiastical democracy; +but certain institutions had crept in that were +capable of increase and of changing its nature. Six superintendents +for life were afterwards substituted for these annual +visiters (who, according to the primitive institution, might be +simple members of the church); and, as has been remarked,<a name="FNanchor_84_84" id="FNanchor_84_84"></a><a href="#Footnote_84_84" class="fnanchor">[84]</a> +the encroachments, whether of these superintendents or of +the state, gradually paralyzed the activity and independence +of the churches of Hesse. This constitution fared as did +that of the Abb Siyes, in the year 8, which, being destined +to be republican, served through the influence of Napoleon +Bonaparte to establish the despotism of the Empire.</p> + +<p>It was not the less a remarkable work. Romish doctors +have reproached the Reformation for making the Church a +too interior institution.<a name="FNanchor_85_85" id="FNanchor_85_85"></a><a href="#Footnote_85_85" class="fnanchor">[85]</a> In effect, the Reformation and Popery +recognise two elements in the Church,—the one exterior, +the other interior; but while Popery gives precedence to the +former, the Reformation assigns it to the latter. If however +it be a reproach against the Reformation for having an inward +Church only, and for not creating an external one, the +remarkable constitution of which we have just exhibited a few +features, will save us the trouble of reply. The exterior ecclesiastical +order, which then sprung from the very heart of +the Reformation, is far more perfect than that of Popery.</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span></p> +<div class="sidenote">LUTHER ON THE MINISTRY.</div> + +<p>One great question presented itself: Will these principles +be adopted by all the Churches of the Reformation?</p> + +<p>Everything seemed to indicate as much. The most pious +men thought at that time that the ecclesiastical power proceeded +from the members of the Church. By withdrawing +from the hierarchical extreme, they flung themselves into a +democratical one. Luther himself had professed this doctrine +as early as 1523. The Calixtins of Bohemia, on seeing the +bishops of their country refuse them ministers, had gone so far +as to take the first vagabond priest. "If you have no other +means of procuring pastors," wrote Luther to them, "rather +do without them, and let each head of a family read the +Gospel in his own house, and baptise his children, sighing after +the sacrament of the altar as the Jews at Babylon did for +Jerusalem.<a name="FNanchor_86_86" id="FNanchor_86_86"></a><a href="#Footnote_86_86" class="fnanchor">[86]</a> The consecration of the Pope creates priests—not +of God, but of the devil, ordained solely to trample Jesus +Christ under foot, to bring his sacrifice to naught, and to sell +imaginary holocausts to the world in his name.<a name="FNanchor_87_87" id="FNanchor_87_87"></a><a href="#Footnote_87_87" class="fnanchor">[87]</a> Men become +ministers only by election and calling, and that ought +to be effected in the following manner:—</p> + +<p>"First, seek God by prayer;<a name="FNanchor_88_88" id="FNanchor_88_88"></a><a href="#Footnote_88_88" class="fnanchor">[88]</a> then being assembled together +with all those whose hearts God has touched, choose in the +Lord's name him or them whom you shall have acknowledged +to be fitted for this ministry. After that, let the chief +men among you lay their hands on them, and recommend +them to the people and to the Church."<a name="FNanchor_89_89" id="FNanchor_89_89"></a><a href="#Footnote_89_89" class="fnanchor">[89]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH.</div> + +<p>Luther, in thus calling upon the people alone to nominate +their pastors, submitted to the necessities of the times. It was +requisite to constitute the ministry; but the ministry having<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> +no existence, it could not then have the legitimate part that +belongs to it in the choice of God's ministers.</p> + +<p>But another necessity, proceeding in like manner from the +state of affairs, was to incline Luther to deviate from the principles +he had laid down.</p> + +<p>The German Reformation can hardly be said to have begun +with the lower classes, as in Switzerland and France; +and Luther could scarcely find anywhere that christian people, +which should have played so great a part in his new constitution. +Ignorant men, conceited townspeople, who would +not even maintain their ministers—these were the members +of the Church. Now what could be done with such elements?</p> + +<p>But if the people were indifferent, the princes were not so. +They stood in the foremost rank of the battle, and sat on the +first bench in the council. The democratic organization was +therefore compelled to give way to an organization conformable +to the civil government. The Church is composed of +Christians, and they are taken wherever they are found—high +or low. It was particularly in high stations that Luther +found them. He admitted the princes as representatives of the +people; and henceforward the influence of the state became +one of the principal elements in the constitution of the evangelical +Church.</p> + +<p>In the mind of the Reformer, this guardianship of the +princes was only to be provisional. The faithful being then +in minority, they had need of a guardian; but the era of the +Church's majority might arrive, and with it would come its +emancipation.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LUTHER'S LETTER TO THE ELECTOR.</div> + +<p>We may admit that this recourse to the civil power was at +that time necessary, but we cannot deny that it was also a +source of difficulties. We will point out only one. When +Protestantism became an affair of governments and nations, it +ceased to be universal. The new spirit was capable of creating +a new earth. But instead of opening new roads, and of +purposing the regeneration of all Christendom, and the conversion +of the whole world, the Protestants sought to settle +themselves as comfortably as possible in a few German duchies.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> +This timidity, which has been called prudence, did immense +injury to the Reformation.</p> + +<p>The organizing power being once discovered, the Reformers +thought of organization, and Luther applied to the task; +for although he was in an especial manner an assailant and +Calvin an organizer, these two qualities, as necessary to the +reformers of the Church as to the founders of empires, were +not wanting in either of these great servants of God.</p> + +<p>It was necessary to compose a new ministry, for most of +the priests who had quitted the Papacy were content to receive +the watchword of Reform without having personally +experienced the sanctifying virtue of the Truth. There was +even one parish in which the priest preached the Gospel +in his principal church, and sang mass in its succursal.<a name="FNanchor_90_90" id="FNanchor_90_90"></a><a href="#Footnote_90_90" class="fnanchor">[90]</a> +But something more was wanting: a Christian people had to +be created. "Alas!" said Luther of some of the adherents of +the Reform, "they have abandoned their Romish doctrines +and rites, and they scoff at ours."<a name="FNanchor_91_91" id="FNanchor_91_91"></a><a href="#Footnote_91_91" class="fnanchor">[91]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">GERMAN MASS.</div> + +<p>Luther did not shrink from before this double necessity; +and he made provision for it. Understanding that a general +visitation of the churches was necessary, he addressed the Elector +on this subject, on the 22d October 1526. "Your highness, +in your quality of guardian of youth, and of all those +who know not how to take care of themselves," said he, +"should compel the inhabitants, who desire neither pastors +nor schools, to receive these means of grace, as they are compelled +to work on the roads, on bridges, and such like services.<a name="FNanchor_92_92" id="FNanchor_92_92"></a><a href="#Footnote_92_92" class="fnanchor">[92]</a> +The papal order being abolished, it is your duty to +regulate these things; no other person cares about them, no +other can, and no other ought to do so. Commission, therefore, +four persons to visit all the country; let two of them inquire<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> +into the tithes and church property; and let two take +charge of the doctrine, schools, churches, and pastors." We +naturally ask, on reading these words, if the church which was +formed in the first century, without the support of princes, +could not in the sixteenth be reformed without them?</p> + +<p>Luther was not content with soliciting in writing the intervention +of the prince. He was indignant at seeing the courtiers, +who in the time of the Elector Frederick had shown +themselves the inveterate enemies of the Reformation, rushing +now, "sporting, laughing, skipping," as he said, on the +spoils of the Church. Accordingly, at the end of this year, +the Elector having come to Wittemberg, the Reformer repaired +immediately to the palace, made his complaint to the +prince-electoral, whom he met at the gate, then without caring +about those who stopped him, made his way by force into +his father's bedchamber, and addressing this prince, who was +surprised at so unexpected a visit, begged him to remedy the +evils of the Church. The visitation of the churches was resolved +upon, and Melancthon was commissioned to draw up +the necessary instructions.</p> + +<p>In 1526, Luther had published his "German Mass," by +which he signified the order of church service in general. +"The real evangelical assemblies," he said, "do not take +place publicly, pellmell, admitting people of every sort;<a name="FNanchor_93_93" id="FNanchor_93_93"></a><a href="#Footnote_93_93" class="fnanchor">[93]</a> +but they are formed of serious Christians, who confess the +Gospel by their words and by their lives,<a name="FNanchor_94_94" id="FNanchor_94_94"></a><a href="#Footnote_94_94" class="fnanchor">[94]</a> and in the midst +of whom we may reprove and excommunicate, according to +the rule of Christ Jesus.<a name="FNanchor_95_95" id="FNanchor_95_95"></a><a href="#Footnote_95_95" class="fnanchor">[95]</a> I cannot institute such assemblies, +for I have no one to place in them;<a name="FNanchor_96_96" id="FNanchor_96_96"></a><a href="#Footnote_96_96" class="fnanchor">[96]</a> but if the thing becomes +possible, I shall not be wanting in this duty."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">MELANCTHON'S INSTRUCTIONS.</div> + +<p>It was also with a conviction that he must give the Church,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> +not the best form of worship imaginable, but the best possible, +that Melancthon laboured at his Instructions.</p> + +<p>The German Reformation at that time tacked about, as it +were. If Lambert in Hesse had gone to the extreme of a +democratical system, Melancthon in Saxony was approximating +the contrary extreme of traditional principles. A conservative +principle was substituted for a reforming one. Melancthon +wrote to one of the inspectors:<a name="FNanchor_97_97" id="FNanchor_97_97"></a><a href="#Footnote_97_97" class="fnanchor">[97]</a> "All the old ceremonies +that you can preserve, pray do so.<a name="FNanchor_98_98" id="FNanchor_98_98"></a><a href="#Footnote_98_98" class="fnanchor">[98]</a> Do not innovate +much, for every innovation is injurious to the people."<a name="FNanchor_99_99" id="FNanchor_99_99"></a><a href="#Footnote_99_99" class="fnanchor">[99]</a></p> + +<p>They retained, therefore, the Latin liturgy, a few German +hymns being mingled with it;<a name="FNanchor_100_100" id="FNanchor_100_100"></a><a href="#Footnote_100_100" class="fnanchor">[100]</a> the communion in one kind +for those only who scrupled from habit to take it in both; +a confession made to the priest without being in any way +obligatory; many saints' days, the sacred vestments,<a name="FNanchor_101_101" id="FNanchor_101_101"></a><a href="#Footnote_101_101" class="fnanchor">[101]</a> and +other rites, "in which," said Melancthon, "there is no harm, +whatever Zwingle may say."<a name="FNanchor_102_102" id="FNanchor_102_102"></a><a href="#Footnote_102_102" class="fnanchor">[102]</a> And at the same time they +set forth with reserve the doctrines of the Reformation.</p> + +<p>It is but right to confess the dominion of facts and circumstances +upon these ecclesiastical organizations; but there is a +dominion which rises higher still—that of the Word of God.</p> + +<p>Perhaps what Melancthon did was all that could be effected +at that time: but it was necessary for the work to be one day +resumed and re-established on its primitive plan, and this was +Calvin's glory.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">DISAFFECTION.</div> + +<p>A cry of astonishment was heard both from the camp of +Rome and from that of the Reformation. "Our cause is betrayed,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span> +exclaimed some of the evangelical Christians: "the +liberty is taken away that Jesus Christ had given us."<a name="FNanchor_103_103" id="FNanchor_103_103"></a><a href="#Footnote_103_103" class="fnanchor">[103]</a></p> + +<p>On their part the Ultramontanists triumphed in Melancthon's +moderation: they called it a retractation, and took advantage +of it to insult the Reform. Cochlœus published a +"horrible" engraving, as he styles it himself, in which, from +beneath the same hood was seen issuing a seven-headed monster +representing Luther. Each of these heads had different +features, and all, uttering together the most frightful and +contradictory words, kept disputing, tearing, and devouring +each other.<a name="FNanchor_104_104" id="FNanchor_104_104"></a><a href="#Footnote_104_104" class="fnanchor">[104]</a></p> + +<p>The astonished Elector resolved to communicate Melancthon's +paper to Luther. But never did the Reformer's respect +for his friend show itself in a more striking manner. He +only made one or two unimportant additions to this plan, and +sent it back accompanied with the highest eulogiums. The +Romanists said that the tiger caught in a net was licking the +hands that clipped his talons. But it was not so. Luther +knew that the aim of Melancthon's labours was to strengthen +the very soul of the Reformation in all the churches of Saxony. +That was sufficient for him. He thought besides, that in +every thing there must be a transition; and being justly convinced +that his friend was more than himself a man of transition, +he frankly accepted his views.</p> + +<p>The general visitation began. Luther in Saxony, Spalatin +in the districts of Altenburg and Zwickau, Melancthon in +Thuringia, and Thuring in Franconia, with ecclesiastical deputies +and several lay colleagues, commenced the work in +October and November 1528.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">IMPORTANT RESULTS.</div> + +<p>They purified the clergy by dismissing every priest of scandalous +life;<a name="FNanchor_105_105" id="FNanchor_105_105"></a><a href="#Footnote_105_105" class="fnanchor">[105]</a> they assigned a portion of the church property +to the maintenance of public worship, and they placed the remainder<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span> +beyond the reach of plunder; they continued the +suppression of the convents; they established everywhere +unity of instruction; and "Luther's greater and smaller catechisms," +which appeared in 1529, contributed more perhaps +than any other writings to propagate throughout the new +churches the ancient faith of the Apostles; they commissioned +the pastors of the great towns, under the title of superintendents, +to watch over the churches and the schools; they +maintained the abolition of celibacy; and the ministers of +the Word, become husbands and fathers, formed the germ of +a third estate, whence in after-years were diffused in all ranks +of society learning, activity, and light. This is one of the +truest causes of the intellectual and moral superiority that indisputably +distinguishes the evangelical nations.</p> + +<p>The organization of the churches in Saxony, notwithstanding +its imperfections, produced for that time at least the most +important results. This was because the Word of God prevailed; +and because, wherever this Word exercises its power, +secondary errors and abuses are paralyzed. The very discretion +that was employed proceeded in reality from a good principle. +The reformers, unlike the enthusiasts, did not utterly +reject an institution because it was corrupted. They did not +say, for example: "The sacraments are disfigured, let us do +without them! the ministry is corrupt, let us reject it!"—but +they rejected the abuse, and restored the use. This prudence +is the mark of a work of God; and if Luther sometimes permitted +the chaff to remain along with the wheat, Calvin appeared +later, and more thoroughly purged the Christian +threshing-floor.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE REFORMATION ADVANCES.</div> + +<p>The organization which was at that time accomplishing +in Saxony, exerted a strong reaction on all the German empire, +and the doctrine of the Gospel advanced with gigantic +strides. The design of God in turning aside from the reformed +states of Germany, the thunderbolt that he caused to fall +upon the seven-hilled city, was clearly manifest. Never were +years more usefully employed; and it was not only to framing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span> +a constitution that the Reformation devoted itself, it was +also to extend its doctrine.</p> + +<p>The duchies of Luneburg and Brunswick, many of the +most important imperial cities, as Nuremberg, Augsburg, +Ulm, Strasburg, Gottingen, Gosslar, Nordhausen, Lubeck, +Bremen, and Hamburg, removed the tapers from the chapels, +and substituted in their place the brighter torch of the Word +of God.</p> + +<p>In vain did the frightened canons allege the authority of +the Church. "The authority of the Church," replied Kempe +and Zechenhagen, the reformer of Hamburg, "cannot be acknowledged +unless the Church herself obeys her pastor Jesus +Christ."<a name="FNanchor_106_106" id="FNanchor_106_106"></a><a href="#Footnote_106_106" class="fnanchor">[106]</a> Pomeranus visited many places to put a finishing +hand to the Reform.</p> + +<p>In Franconia, the Margrave George of Brandenburg, having +reformed Anspach and Bayreuth, wrote to his ancient +protector, Ferdinand of Austria, who had knit his brows on +hearing of his reforming proceedings: "I have done this by +God's order; for he commands princes to take care not only +of the bodies of their subjects, but also of their souls."<a name="FNanchor_107_107" id="FNanchor_107_107"></a><a href="#Footnote_107_107" class="fnanchor">[107]</a></p> + +<p>In East Friesland, on new-year's day, 1527, a Dominican +named Resius, having put on his hood,<a name="FNanchor_108_108" id="FNanchor_108_108"></a><a href="#Footnote_108_108" class="fnanchor">[108]</a> ascended the pulpit +at Noorden, and declared himself ready to maintain certain +theses according to the tenor of the Gospel. Having silenced +the Abbot of Noorden by the soundness of his arguments, +Resius took off his cowl, laid it on the pulpit, and was received +in the nave by the acclamations of the faithful. Ere +long the whole of Friesland laid aside the uniform of Popery, +as Resius had done.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A PIOUS PRINCESS.</div> + +<p>At Berlin, Elizabeth, electress of Brandenburg, having read +Luther's works, felt a desire to receive the Lord's supper in +conformity with Christ's institution: a minister secretly administered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> +it at the festival of Easter, 1528; but one of her children +informed the Elector. Joachim was greatly exasperated, +and ordered his wife to keep her room for several days;<a name="FNanchor_109_109" id="FNanchor_109_109"></a><a href="#Footnote_109_109" class="fnanchor">[109]</a> it +was even said that he intended to shut her up.<a name="FNanchor_110_110" id="FNanchor_110_110"></a><a href="#Footnote_110_110" class="fnanchor">[110]</a> This princess, +being deprived of all religious support, and mistrusting +the perfidious manœuvres of the Romish priests, resolved to +escape by flight; and she claimed the assistance of her brother, +Christian II. of Denmark, who was then residing at Torgau. +Taking advantage of a dark night, she quitted the castle in a +peasant's dress, and got into a rude country-waggon that was +waiting for her at the gate of the city. Elizabeth urged on +the driver, when, in a bad road, the wain broke down. The +electress, hastily unfastening a handkerchief she wore round +her head, flung it to the man, who employed it in repairing +the damage, and ere long Elizabeth arrived at Torgau. "If +I should expose you to any risk," said she to her uncle, the +Elector of Saxony, "I am ready to go wherever Providence +may guide me." But John assigned her a residence in the +castle of Lichtenberg, on the Elbe, near Wittemberg. Without +taking upon us to approve of Elizabeth's flight, let us acknowledge +the good that God's Providence drew from it. +This amiable lady, who lived at Lichtenberg, in the study of +His word, seldom appearing at court, frequently going to hear +Luther's sermons, and exercising a salutary influence over her +children, who sometimes had permission to see her, was the +first of those pious princesses whom the house of Brandenburg +has counted, and even still counts, among its members.</p> + +<p>At the same time, Holstein, Sleswick, and Silesia decided +in favour of the Reformation: and Hungary, as well as Bohemia, +saw the number of its adherents increase.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">EDICT OF OFEN.</div> + +<p>In every place, instead of a hierarchy seeking its righteousness +in the works of man, its glory in external pomp, its +strength in a material power, the Church of the Apostles reappeared, +humble as in primitive times, and like the ancient<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> +Christians, looking for its righteousness, its glory, and its power +solely in the blood of Christ and in the Word of God.<a name="FNanchor_111_111" id="FNanchor_111_111"></a><a href="#Footnote_111_111" class="fnanchor">[111]</a></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p>IV. All these triumphs of the Gospel could not pass unperceived; +there was a powerful reaction, and until political circumstances +should permit a grand attack upon the Reformation +on the very soil where it was established, and of persecuting +it by means of diets, and if necessary by armies, they +began to persecute in detail in the Romish countries with +tortures and the scaffold.</p> + +<p>On the 20th August, 1527, King Ferdinand, by the Edict +of Ofen in Hungary, published a tariff of crimes and penalties, +in which he threatened death by the sword, by fire, or by +water,<a name="FNanchor_112_112" id="FNanchor_112_112"></a><a href="#Footnote_112_112" class="fnanchor">[112]</a> against whoever should say that Mary was a woman +like other women; or partake of the sacrament in an heretical +manner; or consecrate the bread and wine, not being a Romish +priest; and further, in the second case, the house in which +the sacrament should have been administered was to be confiscated +or rased to the ground.</p> + +<p>Such was not the legislation of Luther. Link having +asked him if it were lawful for the magistrate to put the false +prophets to death, meaning the Sacramentarians, whose doctrines +Luther attacked with so much force,<a name="FNanchor_113_113" id="FNanchor_113_113"></a><a href="#Footnote_113_113" class="fnanchor">[113]</a> the Reformer +replied: "I am slow whenever life is concerned, even if the +offender is exceedingly guilty.<a name="FNanchor_114_114" id="FNanchor_114_114"></a><a href="#Footnote_114_114" class="fnanchor">[114]</a> I can by no means admit +that the false teachers should be put to death;<a name="FNanchor_115_115" id="FNanchor_115_115"></a><a href="#Footnote_115_115" class="fnanchor">[115]</a> it is sufficient +to remove them." For ages the Romish Church has +bathed in blood. Luther was the first to profess the great +principles of humanity and religious liberty.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span></p><div class="sidenote">PERSECUTIONS—WINKLER AND CARPENTER.</div> + +<p>They sometimes had recourse to more expeditious proceedings +than the scaffold itself. George Winkler, pastor of Halle, +having been summoned before Archbishop Albert in the +spring of 1527, for having administered the sacrament in both +kinds, had been acquitted. As this minister was returning +home along an unfrequented road in the midst of the woods, +he was suddenly attacked by a number of horsemen, who +murdered him, and immediately fled through the thickets +without taking anything from his person.<a name="FNanchor_116_116" id="FNanchor_116_116"></a><a href="#Footnote_116_116" class="fnanchor">[116]</a> "The world," +exclaimed Luther, "is a cavern of assassins under the command +of the devil; an inn, whose landlord is a brigand, and +which bears this sign, <i>Lies and Murder</i>; and none are more +readily murdered therein than those who proclaim Jesus +Christ."</p> + +<p>At Munich George Carpenter was led to the scaffold for having +denied that the baptism of water is able by its own virtue +to save a man. "When you are thrown into the fire," +said some of his brethren, "give us a sign by which we +may know that you persevere in the faith."—"As long as +I can open my mouth, I will confess the name of the Lord +Jesus."<a name="FNanchor_117_117" id="FNanchor_117_117"></a><a href="#Footnote_117_117" class="fnanchor">[117]</a> The executioner stretched him on a ladder, tied a +small bag of gunpowder round his neck, and then flung him +into the flames. Carpenter immediately cried out, "Jesus! +Jesus!" and the executioner having turned him again and +again with his hooks, the martyr several times repeated the +word Jesus, and expired.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PERSECUTIONS—KEYSER.</div> + +<p>At Landsberg nine persons were consigned to the flames, +and at Munich twenty-nine were thrown into the water. At +Scherding, Leonard Keyser, a friend and disciple of Luther, +having been condemned by the bishop, had his head shaved, +and being dressed in a smock-frock, was placed on horseback. +As the executioners were cursing and swearing, because they +could not disentangle the ropes with which he was to be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span> +bound, he said to them mildly: "Dear friends, your bonds +are not necessary; my Lord Christ has already bound me." +When he drew near the stake, Keyser looked at the crowd +and exclaimed: "Behold the harvest! O Master, send forth +thy labourers!" He then ascended the scaffold and said: "O +Jesu, save me! I am thine." These were his last words.<a name="FNanchor_118_118" id="FNanchor_118_118"></a><a href="#Footnote_118_118" class="fnanchor">[118]</a> +"Who am I, a wordy preacher," exclaimed Luther, when he +received the news of his death, "in comparison with this great +doer?"<a name="FNanchor_119_119" id="FNanchor_119_119"></a><a href="#Footnote_119_119" class="fnanchor">[119]</a></p> + +<p>Thus, the Reformation manifested by such striking works +the truth that it had come to re-establish; namely, that faith +is not, as Rome maintains, an historical, vain, dead knowledge,<a name="FNanchor_120_120" id="FNanchor_120_120"></a><a href="#Footnote_120_120" class="fnanchor">[120]</a> +but a lively faith, the work of the Holy Ghost, the channel +by which Christ fills the heart with new desires and with new +affections, the true worship of the living God.</p> + +<p>These martyrdoms filled Germany with horror, and gloomy +forebodings descended from the thrones among the ranks of +the people. Around the domestic hearth, in the long winter +evenings, the conversation wholly turned on prisons, tortures, +scaffolds, and martyrs; and the slightest noise alarmed the +old men, women, and children. These narratives gained +strength from mouth to mouth; the rumour of a universal +conspiracy against the Gospel spread through all the Empire. +Its adversaries, taking advantage of this terror, announced +with a mysterious air that they must look during this year +(1528) for some decisive measure against the Reform.<a name="FNanchor_121_121" id="FNanchor_121_121"></a><a href="#Footnote_121_121" class="fnanchor">[121]</a> One +scoundrel resolved to profit by this state of mind to satisfy his +avarice.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PACK'S FORGERY.</div> + +<p>No blows are more terrible to a cause than those which it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> +inflicts upon itself. The Reformation, seized with a dizziness, +was on the verge of self-destruction. There is a spirit of +error that conspires against the cause of truth, beguiling by +subtlety;<a name="FNanchor_122_122" id="FNanchor_122_122"></a><a href="#Footnote_122_122" class="fnanchor">[122]</a> the Reformation was about to experience its attacks, +and to stagger under the most formidable assault,—perturbation +of thought, and estrangement from the ways of wisdom +and of truth.</p> + +<p>Otho of Pack, vice-chancellor to Duke George of Saxony, +was a crafty and dissipated man,<a name="FNanchor_123_123" id="FNanchor_123_123"></a><a href="#Footnote_123_123" class="fnanchor">[123]</a> who took advantage of his +office, and had recourse to all sorts of practices to procure +money. The Duke having on one occasion sent him to the +Diet of Nuremberg as his representative, the Bishop of Merseburg +confided to him his contribution towards the imperial +government. The Bishop having been afterwards called upon +for this money, Pack declared that he had paid it to a citizen +of Nuremberg, whose seal and signature he produced. +This paper was a forgery; Pack himself was the author of +it.<a name="FNanchor_124_124" id="FNanchor_124_124"></a><a href="#Footnote_124_124" class="fnanchor">[124]</a> This wretch, however, put an impudent face on the +matter, and as he was not convicted, he preserved the confidence +of his master. Erelong an opportunity presented itself +of exercising his criminal talent on a larger scale.</p> + +<p>No one entertained greater suspicions with regard to the +Papists than the Landgrave of Hesse. Young, susceptible, +and restless, he was always on the alert. In the month of +February 1528, Pack happening to be at Cassel to assist +Philip in some difficult business, the Landgrave imparted to +him his fears. If any one could have had any knowledge +of the designs of the Papists, it must have been the vice-chancellor, +one of the greatest enemies to the Reform. The +crafty Pack heaved a sigh, bent down his eyes, and was silent. +Philip immediately became uneasy, entreated him, and promised +to do nothing that would injure the Duke. Then, Pack +as if he had allowed an important secret to be torn from him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span> +with regret, confessed that a league against the Lutherans had +been concluded at Breslau on the Wednesday following <i>Jubilate</i> +Sunday, 12th May 1527; and engaged to procure the +original of this act for the Landgrave, who offered him for +this service a remuneration of ten thousand florins. This +was the greatest transaction that this wretched man had ever +undertaken; but it tended to nothing less than the utter overthrow +of the Empire.</p> + +<p>The Landgrave was amazed: he restrained himself, however, +wishing to see the act with his own eyes before informing +his allies. He therefore repaired to Dresden. "I cannot," +said Pack, "furnish you with the original: the Duke +always carries it about his person to read it to other princes +whom he hopes to gain over. Recently at Leipsic, he showed +it to Duke Henry of Brunswick. But here is a copy made +by his highness's order." The Landgrave took the document, +which bore all the marks of the most perfect authenticity. +It was crossed by a cord of black silk, and fastened at both +ends by the seal of the ducal chancery.<a name="FNanchor_125_125" id="FNanchor_125_125"></a><a href="#Footnote_125_125" class="fnanchor">[125]</a> Above was an impression +from the ring Duke George always wore on his finger, +with the three quarterings that Philip had so often seen; +at the top, the coronet, and at the bottom, the two lions. He +has no more doubts as to its authenticity. But how can we +describe his indignation as he read this guilty document? +King Ferdinand, the Electors of Mentz and of Brandenburg, +Duke George of Saxony, the Dukes of Bavaria, the Bishops +of Salzburg, Wurtzburg, and Bamberg, have entered into a +coalition to call upon the Elector of Saxony to deliver up the +arch-heretic Luther, with all the apostate priests, monks, and +nuns, and to re-establish the ancient worship. If he make +default, his states are to be invaded, and this prince and his +descendants are to be for ever dispossessed. The same measure +was next to be applied to the Landgrave, only ("it was +your father-in-law, Duke George," said Pack to Philip, "who +got this clause inserted") his states shall be restored to him in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span> +consideration of his youth, if he becomes fully reconciled to +the Holy Church. The document stated moreover the contingents +of men and money to be provided by the confederates, +and the share they were to have in the spoils of these two +heretical princes.<a name="FNanchor_126_126" id="FNanchor_126_126"></a><a href="#Footnote_126_126" class="fnanchor">[126]</a></p> + +<p>Many circumstances tended to confirm the authenticity of +this paper. Ferdinand, Joachim of Brandenburg, and George +of Saxony, had in fact met at Breslau on the day indicated, +and an evangelical prince, the Margrave George, had seen +Joachim leave Ferdinand's apartments, holding in his hand +a large parchment to which several seals were attached. The +agitated Landgrave caused a copy to be taken of this document, +promised secrecy for a time, paid Pack four thousand +florins, and engaged to make up the sum agreed upon, if he +would procure him the original. And then, wishing to prevent +the storm, he hastened to Weimar to inform the Elector +of this unprecedented conspiracy.</p> + +<p>"I have seen," said he to John and his son, "nay more—I +have had in my hands, a duplicate of this horrible treaty. +Signatures, seals—nothing was wanting.<a name="FNanchor_127_127" id="FNanchor_127_127"></a><a href="#Footnote_127_127" class="fnanchor">[127]</a> Here is a copy, +and I bind myself to place the original before your eyes. +The most frightful danger threatens us—ourselves, our faithful +subjects, and the Word of God."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ADVICE OF THE REFORMERS.</div> + +<p>The Elector had no reason to doubt the account the Landgrave +had just given him: he was stunned, confounded, and +overpowered. The promptest measures alone could avert +such unheard of disasters: everything must be risked to extricate +them from certain destruction. The impetuous Philip +breathed fire and flames;<a name="FNanchor_128_128" id="FNanchor_128_128"></a><a href="#Footnote_128_128" class="fnanchor">[128]</a> his plan of defence was already +prepared. He presented it, and in the first moment of consternation +he carried the consent of his ally, as it were by assault. +On the 9th March 1528, the two princes agreed to +employ all their forces to defend themselves, and even to take<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span> +the offensive, and to sacrifice life, honour, rank, subjects, and +states, to preserve the Word of God. The Dukes of Prussia, +Mecklenburg, Luneburg, and Pomerania, the Kings of Denmark +and Poland, and the Margrave of Brandenburg, were +to be invited to enter into this alliance. Six hundred thousand +florins were destined for the expenses of the war; and to procure +them, they would raise loans, pledge their cities, and sell +the offerings in the churches.<a name="FNanchor_129_129" id="FNanchor_129_129"></a><a href="#Footnote_129_129" class="fnanchor">[129]</a> They had already begun to +raise a powerful army.<a name="FNanchor_130_130" id="FNanchor_130_130"></a><a href="#Footnote_130_130" class="fnanchor">[130]</a> The Landgrave set out in person +for Nuremberg and Anspach. The alarm was general in +those countries; the commotion was felt throughout all Germany,<a name="FNanchor_131_131" id="FNanchor_131_131"></a><a href="#Footnote_131_131" class="fnanchor">[131]</a> +and even beyond it. John Zapolya, King of Hungary, +at that time a refugee at Cracow, promised a hundred +thousand florins to raise an army, and twenty thousand florins +a month for its maintenance. Thus a spirit of error was +misleading the princes; if it should carry away the Reformers +also, the destruction of the Reformation was not far distant.</p> + +<p>But God was watching over them. Supported on the rock +of the Word, Melancthon and Luther replied: "It is written, +Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." As soon as these +two men whom the danger threatened (for it was they who +were to be delivered up to the papal power) saw the youthful +Landgrave drawing the sword, and the aged Elector himself +putting his hand on the hilt, they uttered a cry, and this cry, +which was heard in heaven, saved the Reform.</p> + +<p>Luther, Pomeranus, and Melancthon immediately forwarded +the following advice to the Elector: "Above all things, let +not the attack proceed from our side, and let no blood be shed +through our fault. Let us wait for the enemy, and seek after +peace. Send an ambassador to the Emperor to make him +acquainted with this hateful plot."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LUTHER'S PACIFIC COUNSEL.</div> + +<p>Thus it was that the faith of the children of God, which is +so despised by politicians, conducted them aright, at the very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> +moment when the diplomatists were going astray. The Elector +and his son declared to the Landgrave that they would +not assume the offensive. Philip was in amazement. "Are +not the preparations of the Papists worthy an attack?" asked +he.<a name="FNanchor_132_132" id="FNanchor_132_132"></a><a href="#Footnote_132_132" class="fnanchor">[132]</a> "What! we will threaten war, and yet not make it! +We will inflame the hatred of our antagonists, and leave them +time to prepare their forces! No, no; forward! It is thus +we shall secure the means of an honourable peace."——"If +the Landgrave desires to begin the war," replied the Reformer, +"the Elector is not obliged to observe the treaty; for we must +obey God rather than men. God and the right are above +every alliance. Let us beware of painting the devil on our +doors, and inviting him as godfather.<a name="FNanchor_133_133" id="FNanchor_133_133"></a><a href="#Footnote_133_133" class="fnanchor">[133]</a> But if the Landgrave +is attacked, the Elector ought to go to his assistance; for it is +God's will that we preserve our faith." This advice which +the Reformers gave, cost them dear. Never did man, condemned +to the torture, endure a punishment like theirs. The +fears excited by the Landgrave were succeeded by the terrors +inspired by the Papist princes. This cruel trial left them in +great distress. "I am worn away with sorrow," cried Melancthon; +"and this anguish puts me to the most horrible +torture.<a name="FNanchor_134_134" id="FNanchor_134_134"></a><a href="#Footnote_134_134" class="fnanchor">[134]</a> The issue," added he, "will be found on our knees +before God."<a name="FNanchor_135_135" id="FNanchor_135_135"></a><a href="#Footnote_135_135" class="fnanchor">[135]</a></p> + +<p>The Elector, drawn in different directions by the theologians +and the politicians, at last took a middle course: he +resolved to assemble an army, "but only," said he, "to obtain +peace." Philip of Hesse at length gave way, and forthwith +sent copies of the famous treaty to Duke George, to the +Dukes of Bavaria, and to the Emperor's representatives, calling +upon them to renounce such cruel designs. "I would +rather have a limb cut off," said he to his father-in-law, "than +know you to be a member of such an alliance."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">SURPRISE OF THE PAPIST PRINCES.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span>The surprise of the German courts, when they read this +document, is beyond description. Duke George immediately +replied to the Landgrave that he had allowed himself to be +deceived by unmeaning absurdities; that he who pretended +to have seen the original of this act was an infamous liar, and +an incorrigible scoundrel; and that he called upon the Landgrave +to give up his authority, or else it might well be thought +that he was himself the inventor of this impudent fabrication. +King Ferdinand, the Elector of Brandenburg, and all the +pretended conspirators made similar replies.</p> + +<p>Philip of Hesse saw that he had been deceived;<a name="FNanchor_136_136" id="FNanchor_136_136"></a><a href="#Footnote_136_136" class="fnanchor">[136]</a> his confusion +was only exceeded by his anger. He had therefore +himself justified the accusations of his adversaries who called +him a hot-headed young man, and had compromised to the +highest degree the cause of the Reformation and that of his +people. He said afterwards, "If that had not happened, it +would no more happen now. Nothing that I have done in +all my life has caused me greater vexation."</p> + +<p>Pack fled in alarm to the Landgrave, who caused him to +be arrested; and envoys from the several princes whom this +scoundrel had compromised met at Cassel, and proceeded to +examine him. He maintained that the original act of the alliance +had really existed in the Dresden archives. In the +following year the Landgrave banished him from Hesse, +showing by this action that he did not fear him. Pack was +afterwards discovered in Belgium; and at the demand of +Duke George, who had never shown any pity towards him, +he was seized, tortured, and finally beheaded.</p> + +<p>The Landgrave was unwilling to have taken up arms to no +purpose. The archbishop-elector of Mentz was compelled, on +the 11th June, 1528, to renounce in the camp of Herzkirchen +all spiritual jurisdiction in Saxony and Hesse.<a name="FNanchor_137_137" id="FNanchor_137_137"></a><a href="#Footnote_137_137" class="fnanchor">[137]</a> This was no +small advantage.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PACK'S SCHEME NOT IMPROBABLE.</div> + +<p>Scarcely had the arms been laid aside, before Luther took +up his pen, and began a war of another kind. "Impious<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span> +princes may deny this alliance as long as they please," wrote +he to Link; "I am very certain that it is not a chimera. +These insatiable leeches will take no repose until they see +the whole of Germany flowing with blood."<a name="FNanchor_138_138" id="FNanchor_138_138"></a><a href="#Footnote_138_138" class="fnanchor">[138]</a> This idea of +Luther's was the one generally entertained. "The document +presented to the Landgrave may be," it was said, +"Pack's invention; but all this fabric of lies is founded on +some truth. If the alliance has not been concluded, it has +been conceived."<a name="FNanchor_139_139" id="FNanchor_139_139"></a><a href="#Footnote_139_139" class="fnanchor">[139]</a></p> + +<p>Melancholy were the results of this affair. It inspired division +in the bosom of the Reformation, and fanned the hatred +between the two parties.<a name="FNanchor_140_140" id="FNanchor_140_140"></a><a href="#Footnote_140_140" class="fnanchor">[140]</a> The sparks from the piles of +Keyser, Winckler, Carpenter, and so many other martyrs, +added strength to the fire that was already threatening to set +the empire in flames. It was under such critical circumstances, +and with such menacing dispositions, that the famous +Diet of Spire was opened in March 1529. The Empire and +the Papacy were in reality preparing to annihilate the Reformation, +although in a manner different from what Pack +had pretended. It was still to be learnt whether there would +be found in the revived Church more vital strength than +there had been in so many sects that Rome had easily +crushed. Happily the faith had increased, and the constitution +given to the Church had imparted greater power to its +adherents. All were resolved on defending a doctrine so +pure, and a church government so superior to that of Popery. +During three years of tranquillity, the Gospel tree had struck +its roots deep; and if the storm should burst, it would now +be able to brave it.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="sidenote">ALLIANCE BETWEEN CHARLES AND CLEMENT.</div> + +<p>V. The sack of Rome, by exasperating the adherents of +the Papacy, had given arms to all the enemies of Charles V. +The French army under Lautrec had forced the imperial<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span> +army, enervated by the delights of a new Capua, to hide itself +within the walls of Naples. Doria, at the head of his +Genoese galleys, had destroyed the Spanish fleet, and all the +imperial power seemed drawing to an end in Italy. But +Doria suddenly declared for the Emperor; pestilence carried +off Lautrec and half of his troops; and Charles, suffering +only from alarm, had again grasped the power with a firm +resolution to unite henceforward closely with the Pontiff, +whose humiliation had nearly cost him so dear. On his side +Clement VII., hearing the Italians reproach him for his illegitimate +birth, and even refuse him the title of Pope, said +aloud, that he would rather be the Emperor's groom than the +sport of his people. On the 29th June, 1528, a peace between +the heads of the Empire and of the Church was concluded +at Barcelona, based on the destruction of heresy; and +in November a diet was convoked to meet at Spire on +the 21st February, 1529. Charles was resolved to endeavour +at first to destroy the Reform by a federal vote; but if this vote +did not suffice, to employ his whole power against it. The +road being thus traced out, they were about to commence +operations.</p> + +<p>Germany felt the seriousness of the position. Mournful +omens filled every mind. About the middle of January, a +great light had suddenly dispersed the darkness of the night.<a name="FNanchor_141_141" id="FNanchor_141_141"></a><a href="#Footnote_141_141" class="fnanchor">[141]</a> +"What that forebodes," exclaimed Luther, "God only +knows!" At the beginning of April there was a rumour of +an earthquake that had engulfed castles, cities, and whole +districts in Carinthia and Istria, and split the tower of St. +Mark at Venice into four parts. "If that is true," said the +Reformer, "these prodigies are the forerunners of the day of +Jesus Christ."<a name="FNanchor_142_142" id="FNanchor_142_142"></a><a href="#Footnote_142_142" class="fnanchor">[142]</a> The astrologers declared that the aspect of +the quartiles of Saturn and Jupiter, and the general position +of the stars, was ominous.<a name="FNanchor_143_143" id="FNanchor_143_143"></a><a href="#Footnote_143_143" class="fnanchor">[143]</a> The waters of the Elbe rolled<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span> +thick and stormy, and stones fell from the roofs of churches. +"All these things," exclaimed the terrified Melancthon, "excite +me deeply."<a name="FNanchor_144_144" id="FNanchor_144_144"></a><a href="#Footnote_144_144" class="fnanchor">[144]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">OMENS.</div> + +<p>The letters of convocation issued by the imperial government +agreed but too well with these prodigies. The Emperor, +writing from Toledo to the Elector, accused him of sedition +and revolt. Alarming whispers passed from mouth to +mouth that were sufficient to cause the fall of the weak. +Duke Henry of Mecklenburg and the Elector-palatine hastily +returned to the side of Popery.</p> + +<p>Never had the sacerdotal party appeared in the diet in +such numbers, or so powerful and decided.<a name="FNanchor_145_145" id="FNanchor_145_145"></a><a href="#Footnote_145_145" class="fnanchor">[145]</a> On the 5th +March, Ferdinand, the president of the diet, after him the +Dukes of Bavaria, and lastly the ecclesiastical Electors of +Mentz and Treves, had entered the gates of Spire surrounded +by a numerous armed escort.<a name="FNanchor_146_146" id="FNanchor_146_146"></a><a href="#Footnote_146_146" class="fnanchor">[146]</a> On the 13th March, the +Elector of Saxony arrived, attended only by Melancthon and +Agricola. But Philip of Hesse, faithful to his character, entered +the city on the 18th March to the sound of trumpets, +and with two hundred horsemen.</p> + +<p>The divergence of men's minds soon became manifest. A +Papist did not meet an Evangelical in the street without casting +angry glances upon him, and secretly threatening him +with perfidious machinations.<a name="FNanchor_147_147" id="FNanchor_147_147"></a><a href="#Footnote_147_147" class="fnanchor">[147]</a> The Elector-palatine passed +the Saxons without appearing to know them;<a name="FNanchor_148_148" id="FNanchor_148_148"></a><a href="#Footnote_148_148" class="fnanchor">[148]</a> and although +John of Saxony was the most important of the electors, none +of the chiefs of the opposite party visited him. Grouped +around their tables, the Roman-catholic princes seemed absorbed +in games of hazard.<a name="FNanchor_149_149" id="FNanchor_149_149"></a><a href="#Footnote_149_149" class="fnanchor">[149]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">HOSTILITY OF THE PAPISTS.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>But erelong they gave positive marks of their hostile disposition. +The Elector and the Landgrave were prohibited +from having the Gospel preached in their mansions. It +was even asserted at this early period that John was about +to be turned out of Spire, and deprived of his electorate.<a name="FNanchor_150_150" id="FNanchor_150_150"></a><a href="#Footnote_150_150" class="fnanchor">[150]</a> +"We are the execration and the sweepings of the world," +said Melancthon; "but Christ will look down on his poor +people, and will preserve them."<a name="FNanchor_151_151" id="FNanchor_151_151"></a><a href="#Footnote_151_151" class="fnanchor">[151]</a> In truth God was with +the witnesses to his Word. The people of Spire thirsted for +the Gospel, and the Elector wrote to his son on Palm Sunday: +"About eight thousand persons were present to-day in my +chapel at morning and evening worship."</p> + +<p>The Roman party now quickened their proceedings: their +plan was simple but energetic. It was necessary to put down +the religious liberty that had existed for more than three +years, and for that purpose they must abrogate the decree of +1526, and revive that of 1521.</p> + +<p>On the 15th March the imperial commissaries announced +to the diet that the last resolution of Spire, which left each +state free to act in conformity with the inspirations of its +conscience, having given rise to great disorders, the Emperor +had annulled it by virtue of his supreme power. This arbitrary +act, and which had no precedent in the Empire, as +well as the despotic tone with which it was accompanied, filled +the evangelical Christians with indignation and alarm. +"Christ," exclaimed Sturm, "has again fallen into the hands +of Caiaphas and Pilate."<a name="FNanchor_152_152" id="FNanchor_152_152"></a><a href="#Footnote_152_152" class="fnanchor">[152]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">RESOLUTIONS OF THE DIET.</div> + +<p>A commission was charged to examine the imperial proposition. +The Archbishop of Salzburg, Faber, and Eck, that is +to say, the most violent enemies of the Reformation, were +among its members. "The Turks are better than the Lutherans," +said Faber, "for the Turks observe fast-days and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> +Lutherans violate them.<a name="FNanchor_153_153" id="FNanchor_153_153"></a><a href="#Footnote_153_153" class="fnanchor">[153]</a> If we must choose between the +Holy Scriptures of God and the old errors of the Church, +we should reject the former."<a name="FNanchor_154_154" id="FNanchor_154_154"></a><a href="#Footnote_154_154" class="fnanchor">[154]</a> "Every day in full assembly +Faber casts some new stone against the Gospellers," says Melancthon.<a name="FNanchor_155_155" id="FNanchor_155_155"></a><a href="#Footnote_155_155" class="fnanchor">[155]</a> +"Oh, what an Iliad I should have to compose," +added he, "if I were to report all these blasphemies!"</p> + +<p>The priests called for the execution of the Edict of Worms, +1521, and the evangelical members of the commission, among +whom were the Elector of Saxony and Sturm, demanded on +the contrary the maintenance of the Edict of Spire, 1526. +The latter thus remained within the bounds of legality, whilst +their adversaries were driven to <i>coups d'tat</i>. In fact, a new +order of things having been legally established in the Empire, +no one could infringe it; and if the diet presumed to +destroy by force what had been constitutionally established +three years before, the evangelical states had the right of opposing +it. The majority of the commission felt that the re-establishment +of the ancient order of things would be a revolution +no less complete than the Reformation itself. How could +they subject anew to Rome and to her clergy those nations +in whose bosom the Word of God had been so richly spread +abroad? For this reason, equally rejecting the demands of +the priests and of the Evangelicals, the majority came to a +resolution on the 24th March that every religious innovation +should continue to be interdicted in the places where the +Edict of Worms had been carried out; and that in those +where the people had deviated from it, and where they could +not conform to it without danger of revolt, they should at least +effect no new reform, they should touch upon no controverted +point, they should not oppose the celebration of the Mass, +they should permit no Roman catholic to embrace Lutheranism,<a name="FNanchor_156_156" id="FNanchor_156_156"></a><a href="#Footnote_156_156" class="fnanchor">[156]</a> +they should not decline the Episcopal jurisdiction, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span> +should tolerate no Anabaptists or Sacramentarians. The status-quo +and no proselytism—such were the essentials of this +resolution.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE REFORMATION IN DANGER.</div> + +<p>The majority no longer voted as in 1526: the wind had +turned against the Gospel. Accordingly this proposition, after +having been delayed a few days by the festival of Easter, +was laid before the diet on the 6th April, and passed on the +7th.<a name="FNanchor_157_157" id="FNanchor_157_157"></a><a href="#Footnote_157_157" class="fnanchor">[157]</a></p> + +<p>If it became a law, the Reformation could neither be extended +into those places where as yet it was unknown, nor be +established on solid foundations in those where it already existed. +The re-establishment of the Romish hierarchy, stipulated +in the proposition, would infallibly bring back the ancient +abuses; and the least deviation from so vexatious an ordinance +would easily furnish the Romanists with a pretext +for completing the destruction of a work already so violently +shaken.</p> + +<p>The Elector, the Landgrave, the Margrave of Brandenburg, +the Prince of Anhalt, and the Chancellor of Luneburg +on one side, and the deputies for the cities on the other, consulted +together. An entirely new order of things was to proceed +from this council. If they had been animated by selfishness, +they would perhaps have accepted this decree. In fact +they were left free, in appearance at least, to profess their +faith: ought they to demand more? could they do so? Were +they bound to constitute themselves the champions of liberty +of conscience in all the world? Never, perhaps, had there +been a more critical situation; but these noble-minded men +came victorious out of the trial. What! should they legalize +by anticipation the scaffold and the torture! Should they +oppose the Holy Ghost in its work of converting souls to +Christ! Should they forget their Master's command: "<i>Go +ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature</i>?" +If one of the states of the empire desired some day to follow +their example and be reformed, should they take away its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> +power of doing so? Having themselves entered the kingdom +of heaven, should they shut the door after them? No! rather +endure everything, sacrifice everything, even their states, their +crowns, and their lives!</p> + +<div class="sidenote">DECISION OF THE PRINCES.</div> + +<p>"Let us reject this decree," said the princes. "In matters +of conscience the majority has no power."—"It is to the decree +of 1526," added the cities, "that we are indebted for the +peace that the empire enjoys: to abolish it would be to fill +Germany with troubles and divisions. The diet is incompetent +to do more than preserve religious liberty until a council +meets." Such in fact is the grand attribute of the state, and +if in our days the protestant powers should seek to influence +the Romish governments, they should strive solely to obtain +for the subjects of the latter that religious liberty which the +Pope confiscates to his own advantage wherever he reigns +alone, and by which he profits greatly in every evangelical +state. Some of the deputies proposed refusing all assistance +against the Turks, hoping thus to force the Emperor to interfere +in this question of religion. But Sturm called upon them +not to mingle political matters with the salvation of souls. +They resolved therefore to reject the proposition, but without +holding out any threats. It was this noble resolution that +gained for modern times liberty of thought and independence +of faith.</p> + +<p>Ferdinand and the priests, who were no less resolute, determined +however on vanquishing what they called a daring +obstinacy; and they commenced with the weaker states. +They began to frighten and divide the cities, which had hitherto +pursued a common course. On the 12th April they were +summoned before the diet: in vain did they allege the absence +of some of their number, and ask for delay. It was refused, +and the call was hurried on. Twenty-one free cities accepted +the proposition of the diet, and fourteen rejected it. It +was a bold act on the part of the latter, and was accomplished +in the midst of the most painful sufferings. "This is the first +trial," said Pfarrer, second deputy of Strasburg; "now will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span> +come the second: we must either deny the Word of God or—be +burnt."<a name="FNanchor_158_158" id="FNanchor_158_158"></a><a href="#Footnote_158_158" class="fnanchor">[158]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">VIOLENCE OF FERDINAND.</div> + +<p>A violent proceeding of Ferdinand immediately commenced +the series of humiliations that were reserved for the evangelical +cities. A deputy of Strasburg should, in conformity with +the decree of Worms, have been a member of the imperial +government from the commencement of April. He was declared +excluded from his rights, until the Mass should be re-established +in Strasburg. All the cities united in protesting +against this arbitrary act.</p> + +<p>At the same time, the Elector-palatine and King Ferdinand +himself begged the princes to accept the decree, assuring +them that the Emperor would be exceedingly pleased with +them. "We will obey the Emperor," replied they calmly, +"in everything that may contribute to maintain peace and +the honour of God."</p> + +<p>It was time to put an end to this struggle. On the 18th +April it was decreed that the evangelical states should not be +heard again; and Ferdinand prepared to inflict the decisive +blow on the morrow.</p> + +<p>When the day came, the king appeared in the diet, surrounded +by the other commissaries of the Empire, and by +several bishops. He thanked the Roman catholics for their +fidelity, and declared that the resolution having been definitively +agreed to, it was about to be drawn up in the form of an +imperial decree. He then announced to the Elector and his +friends, that nothing more remained to them than to submit +to the majority.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE SCHISM COMPLETED.</div> + +<p>The evangelical princes, who had not expected so positive +a declaration, were excited at this summons, and passed, according +to custom, into an adjoining chamber to deliberate. +But Ferdinand was not in a humour to wait for their answer. +He rose, and all the imperial commissaries with him. +Vain were all endeavours to stop him. "I have received an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span> +order from his imperial majesty," replied he; "I have executed +it. All is over."</p> + +<p>Thus Charles's brother notifies an order to the christian +princes, and then he retires without caring even if there was +any reply to make. To no purpose they sent a deputation entreating +the King to return. "It is a settled affair," repeated +Ferdinand; "submission is all that remains."<a name="FNanchor_159_159" id="FNanchor_159_159"></a><a href="#Footnote_159_159" class="fnanchor">[159]</a> This refusal +completed the schism: it separated Rome from the Gospel. +Perhaps more justice on the part of the Empire and of the Papacy +might have prevented the rupture that since then has +divided the Western Church.</p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p>VI. If the imperial party displayed such contempt, it was +not without a cause. They felt that weakness was on the +side of the Reformation, and strength on the side of Charles +and of the Pope. But the weak have also their strength; +and this the evangelical princes were aware of. As Ferdinand +paid no attention to their reclamations, it remained for +them to pay none to his absence, to appeal from the report +of the diet to the Word of God, and from the Emperor +Charles to Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of +lords.</p> + +<p>They resolved upon this step. A declaration was drawn +up to that effect, and this was the famous <i>Protest</i> that henceforward +gave the name of <i>Protestant</i> to the renovated Church. +The Elector and his allies having returned to the common +hall of the diet, thus addressed the assembled states:—<a name="FNanchor_160_160" id="FNanchor_160_160"></a><a href="#Footnote_160_160" class="fnanchor">[160]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE PROTEST.</div> + +<blockquote><p>"Dear Lords, Cousins, Uncles, and Friends! Having repaired +to this diet on the convocation of his majesty, and for +the common good of the Empire and of Christendom, we +have heard and learnt that the decisions of the last diet concerning<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> +our holy Christian Faith are to be repealed, and that +it is proposed to substitute for them restrictive and onerous +resolutions.</p> + +<p>"King Ferdinand and the other imperial commissaries, by +affixing their seals to the last <i>Recess</i> of Spire, had promised, +however, in the name of the Emperor, to carry out sincerely +and inviolably all that it contained, and to permit nothing +that was contrary to it. In like manner, also, you and we, +electors, princes, prelates, lords, and deputies of the Empire, +bound ourselves to maintain always and with all our might +all the articles of this decree.</p> + +<p>"We cannot therefore consent to its repeal.</p> + +<p>"Firstly, because we believe that his imperial majesty, as +well as you and we, are called to maintain firmly what has +been unanimously and solemnly resolved.</p> + +<p>"Secondly, because it concerns the glory of God and the +salvation of our souls, and that in such matters we ought to +have regard, above all, to the commandment of God, who +is King of kings and Lord of lords; each of us rendering him +account for himself, without caring the least in the world +about majority or minority.<a name="FNanchor_161_161" id="FNanchor_161_161"></a><a href="#Footnote_161_161" class="fnanchor">[161]</a></p> + +<p>"We form no judgment on that which concerns you, most +dear lords; and we are content to pray God daily that he +will bring us all to unity of faith, in truth, charity, and +holiness through Jesus Christ, our Throne of Grace and our +only Mediator.</p> + +<p>"But in what concerns us, adhesion to your resolution (and +let every honest man be judge!) would be acting against our +conscience, condemning a doctrine that we maintain to be +christian, and pronouncing that it ought to be abolished in our +states, if we could do so without trouble.</p> + +<p>"This would be to deny our Lord Jesus Christ, to reject +his holy Word, and thus give him just reason to deny +us in turn before his Father, as he has threatened.</p> + +<p>"What! we ratify this edict! We assert that when Almighty +God calls a man to His knowledge, this man cannot<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span> +however receive the knowledge of God! Oh! of what deadly +backsliding should we not thus become the accomplices, not +only among our own subjects, but also among yours!</p> + +<p>"For this reason we reject the yoke that is imposed on us. +And although it is universally known that in our states the +holy sacrament of the body and blood of our Lord is becomingly +administered, we cannot adhere to what the edict proposes +against the Sacramentarians, seeing that the imperial +edict did not speak of them, that they have not been heard, +and that we cannot resolve upon such important points before +the next council.</p> + +<p>"Moreover"—and this is the essential part of the protest—"the +new edict declaring the ministers shall preach the Gospel, +explaining it according to the writings accepted by the +holy Christian Church; we think that, for this regulation to +have any value, we should first agree on what is meant by +this true and holy Church. Now, seeing that there is great +diversity of opinion in this respect; that there is no sure doctrine +but such as is conformable to the Word of God; that +the Lord forbids the teaching of any other doctrine; that each +text of the Holy Scriptures ought to be explained by other +and clearer texts; that this holy book is, in all things necessary +for the Christian, easy of understanding, and calculated +to scatter the darkness: we are resolved, with the grace of +God, to maintain the pure and exclusive preaching of his only +Word, such as it is contained in the biblical books of the Old +and New Testament, without adding anything thereto that +may be contrary to it.<a name="FNanchor_162_162" id="FNanchor_162_162"></a><a href="#Footnote_162_162" class="fnanchor">[162]</a> This Word is the only truth; it is +the sure rule of all doctrine and of all life, and can never fail +or deceive us. He who builds on this foundation shall stand +against all the powers of hell, whilst all the human vanities +that are set up against it shall fall before the face of God.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PRINCIPLES OF THE PROTEST.</div> + +<p>"For these reasons, most dear Lords, Uncles, Cousins, and +Friends, we earnestly entreat you to weigh carefully our +grievances and our motives. If you do not yield to our request,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span> +we <span class="smcap">Protest</span> by these presents, before God, our only +Creator, Preserver, Redeemer, and Saviour, and who will +one day be our Judge, as well as before all men and all creatures, +that we, for us and for our people, neither consent nor +adhere in any manner whatsoever to the proposed decree, in +any thing that is contrary to God, to his holy Word, to our +right conscience, to the salvation of our souls, and to the last +decree of Spire.</p> + +<p>"At the same time we are in expectation that his imperial +majesty will behave towards us like a christian prince who +loves God above all things; and we declare ourselves ready +to pay unto him, as well as unto you, gracious lords, all the +affection and obedience that are our just and legitimate duty."</p></blockquote> + +<p>Thus, in presence of the diet, spoke out those courageous +men whom Christendom will henceforward denominate <span class="smcap">The +Protestants</span>.</p> + +<p>They had barely finished when they announced their intention +of quitting Spire on the morrow.<a name="FNanchor_163_163" id="FNanchor_163_163"></a><a href="#Footnote_163_163" class="fnanchor">[163]</a></p> + +<p>This protest and declaration produced a deep impression. +The diet was rudely interrupted and broken into two hostile +parties,—thus preluding war. The majority became the prey +of the liveliest fears. As for the Protestants relying, <i>jure +humano</i>, upon the Edict of Spire, and <i>jure divino</i>, upon the Bible, +they were full of courage and firmness.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE SUPREMACY OF THE GOSPEL.</div> + +<p>The principles contained in this celebrated protest of the +19th April 1529, constitute the very essence of Protestantism. +Now this protest opposes two abuses of man in matters of +faith: the first is the intrusion of the civil magistrate, and the +second is the arbitrary authority of the Church. Instead of +these two abuses, Protestantism sets up above the magistrate +the power of conscience; and above the visible Church the +authority of the Word of God. It declines, in the first place, +the civil power in divine things, and says with the Prophets +and Apostles: <i>We must obey God rather than man.</i> In presence +of the crown of Charles the Fifth, it uplifts the crown of +Jesus Christ. But it goes farther: it lays down the principle,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span> +that all human teaching should be subordinate to the oracles +of God. Even the primitive Church, by recognising +the writings of the Apostles, had performed an act of submission +to this supreme authority, and not an act of authority, +as Rome maintains; and the establishment of a tribunal +charged with the interpretation of the Bible, had terminated +only in slavishly subjecting man to man in that which should +be the most unfettered—conscience and faith. In this celebrated +act of Spire no doctor appears, and the Word of God +reigns alone. Never has man exalted himself like the Pope; +never have men kept in the back-ground like the Reformers.</p> + +<p>A Romish historian maintains that the word <i>Protestant</i> signifies +<i>enemy of the Emperor and of the Pope</i>.<a name="FNanchor_164_164" id="FNanchor_164_164"></a><a href="#Footnote_164_164" class="fnanchor">[164]</a> If by this it is +meant that Protestantism, in matters of faith, rejects the intervention +both of the Empire and of the Papacy, it is well. +Even this explanation, however, does not exhaust the meaning +of the word, for Protestantism rejected the authority of +man solely to place Jesus Christ on the throne of the Church, +and his Word in the pulpit. There has never been anything +more positive, and at the same time more aggressive, +than the position of the Protestants at Spire. By maintaining +that their faith is alone capable of saving the world, they defended +with intrepid courage the rights of Christian Proselytism. +We cannot abandon this Proselytism without deserting +the Protestant principle.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FERDINAND REJECTS THE PROTEST.</div> + +<p>The Protestants of Spire were not content to exalt the truth; +they defended charity. Faber and the other Papal partizans +had endeavoured to separate the princes, who in general +walked with Luther, from the cities that ranged themselves +rather on the side of Zwingle. Œcolampadius had immediately +written to Melancthon, and enlightened him on the +doctrines of the Zurich Reformer. He had indignantly rejected +the idea that Christ was banished into a corner of +heaven, and had energetically declared that, according to the +Swiss Christians, Christ was in every place upholding all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> +things by the Word of his power.<a name="FNanchor_165_165" id="FNanchor_165_165"></a><a href="#Footnote_165_165" class="fnanchor">[165]</a> "With the visible symbols," +he added, "we give and we receive the invisible grace, +like all the faithful."<a name="FNanchor_166_166" id="FNanchor_166_166"></a><a href="#Footnote_166_166" class="fnanchor">[166]</a></p> + +<p>These declarations were not useless. There were at Spire +two men who from different motives opposed the efforts of +Faber, and seconded those of Œcolampadius. The Landgrave, +ever revolving projects of alliance in his mind, felt +clearly that if the Christians of Saxony and of Hesse allowed +the condemnation of the Churches of Switzerland and of +Upper Germany, they would by that very means deprive +themselves of powerful auxiliaries.<a name="FNanchor_167_167" id="FNanchor_167_167"></a><a href="#Footnote_167_167" class="fnanchor">[167]</a> Melancthon, who was +far from desiring, as the Landgrave, a diplomatic alliance, +for fear that it would hasten on a war, defended the great principles +of justice, and exclaimed: "To what just reproaches +should we not be exposed, were we to recognise in our adversaries +the right of condemning a doctrine without having +heard those who defend it!" The union of all evangelical +Christians is therefore a principle of primitive Protestantism.</p> + +<p>As Ferdinand had not heard the protest of the 19th April, +a deputation of the evangelical states went the next day to +present it to him. The brother of Charles the Fifth received +it at first, but immediately after desired to return it. Then +was witnessed a strange scene—the king refusing to keep the +protest, and the deputies to take it back. At last the latter, +from respect, received it from Ferdinand's hands; but they +laid it boldly upon a table, and directly quitted the hall.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">JOY OF THE PROTESTANTS.</div> + +<p>The king and the imperial commissaries remained in presence +of this formidable writing. It was there—before their +eyes—a significant monument of the courage and faith of +the Protestants. Irritated against this silent but mighty witness, +which accused his tyranny, and left him the responsibility +of all the evils that were about to burst upon the Empire, +the brother of Charles the Fifth called some of his councillors,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> +and ordered them instantly to carry back this important +document to the Protestants.</p> + +<p>All this was unavailing; the protest had been enregistered +in the annals of the world, and nothing could erase it. Liberty +of thought and of conscience had been conquered for ages +to come. Thus all evangelical Germany, foreseeing these +things, was moved at this courageous act, and adopted it as +the expression of its will and of its faith. Men in every +quarter beheld in it not a political event, but a christian action, +and the youthful electoral prince, John Frederick, in this respect +the organ of his age, cried to the Protestants of Spire: +"May the Almighty, who has given you grace to confess energetically, +freely, and fearlessly, preserve you in that christian +firmness until the day of eternity!"<a name="FNanchor_168_168" id="FNanchor_168_168"></a><a href="#Footnote_168_168" class="fnanchor">[168]</a></p> + +<p>While the christians were filled with joy, their enemies +were frightened at their own work. The very day on which +Ferdinand had declined to receive the protest, Tuesday, 20th +April, at one in the afternoon, Henry of Brunswick and +Philip of Baden presented themselves as mediators, announcing, +however, that they were acting solely of their own authority. +They proposed that there should be no more mention +of the decree of Worms, and that the first decree of Spire +should be maintained, but with a few modifications; that the +two parties, while remaining free until the next council, +should oppose every new sect, and tolerate no doctrine contrary +to the sacrament of the Lord's body.<a name="FNanchor_169_169" id="FNanchor_169_169"></a><a href="#Footnote_169_169" class="fnanchor">[169]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">EXULTATION OF THE PAPISTS.</div> + +<p>On Wednesday, 21st April, the evangelical states did not +appear adverse to these propositions; and even those who had +embraced the doctrine of Zwingle declared boldly that such +a proposal would not compromise their existence. "Only +let us call to mind," said they, "that in such difficult matters +we must act, not with the sword, but with the sure Word +of God.<a name="FNanchor_170_170" id="FNanchor_170_170"></a><a href="#Footnote_170_170" class="fnanchor">[170]</a> For, as Saint Paul says: <i>What is not of faith is</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span> +<i>sin</i>. If therefore we constrain Christians to do what they +believe unjust, instead of leading them by God's Word +to acknowledge what is good, we force them to sin, and we +incur a terrible responsibility."</p> + +<p>The fanatics of the Roman party trembled as they saw +the victory nearly escaping from them; for they rejected all +compromise, and desired purely and simply the re-establishment +of the Papacy. Their zeal overcame everything, and +the negotiations were broken off.</p> + +<p>On Thursday, 22d April, the diet assembled at seven in +the morning, and the <i>Recess</i> was read precisely as it had +been drawn up before, without even mentioning the attempt +at conciliation which had just failed.</p> + +<p>Faber triumphed. Proud of having the ear of kings, he +tossed himself furiously about, and one would have said, to +see him, relates an eye-witness, that he was a Cyclops forging +in his cavern the monstrous chains with which he was about +to bind the Reform and the Reformers.<a name="FNanchor_171_171" id="FNanchor_171_171"></a><a href="#Footnote_171_171" class="fnanchor">[171]</a> The Papist princes, +carried away by the tumult, gave the spur, says Melancthon, +and flung themselves headlong into a path filled with dangers.<a name="FNanchor_172_172" id="FNanchor_172_172"></a><a href="#Footnote_172_172" class="fnanchor">[172]</a> +Nothing was left for the evangelical Christians but +to fall on their knees and cry to the Lord. "All that remains +for us to do," repeated Melancthon, "is to call upon the Son +of God."<a name="FNanchor_173_173" id="FNanchor_173_173"></a><a href="#Footnote_173_173" class="fnanchor">[173]</a></p> + +<p>The last sitting of the diet took place on the 24th April. +The princes renewed their protest, in which fourteen free +and imperial cities joined: and they next thought of giving +their appeal a legal form.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CHRISTIAN UNITY A REALITY.</div> + +<p>On Sunday, 25th April, two notaries, Leonard Stetner of +Freysingen and Pangrace Saltzmann of Bamberg, were seated +before a small table in a narrow chamber on the ground-floor +of a house situated in St. John's Lane, near the church<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> +of the same name in Spire, and around them were the chancellors +of the princes and of the evangelical cities, assisted by +several witnesses.<a name="FNanchor_174_174" id="FNanchor_174_174"></a><a href="#Footnote_174_174" class="fnanchor">[174]</a></p> + +<p>This little house belonged to an humble pastor, Peter Muterstatt, +deacon of St. John's, who, taking the place of the +Elector or of the Landgrave, had offered a domicile for the +important act that was preparing. His name shall in consequence +be transmitted to posterity. The document having +been definitively drawn up, one of the notaries began reading +it. "Since there is a natural communion between all men," +said the Protestants, "and since even persons condemned to +death are permitted to unite and appeal against their condemnation; +how much more are we, who are members of the +same spiritual body, the Church of the Son of God, children +of the same heavenly Father, and consequently brothers in +the Spirit,<a name="FNanchor_175_175" id="FNanchor_175_175"></a><a href="#Footnote_175_175" class="fnanchor">[175]</a> authorized to unite when our salvation and eternal +condemnation are concerned."</p> + +<p>After reviewing all that had passed in the diet, and after intercalating +in their appeal the principal documents that had +reference to it, the Protestants ended by saying: "We therefore +appeal for ourselves, for our subjects, and for all who +receive or who shall hereafter receive the Word of God, from +all past, present, or future vexatious measures, to his Imperial +Majesty, and to a free and universal assembly of holy Christendom." +This document filled twelve sheets of parchment; +the signatures and seals were affixed to the thirteenth.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ESCAPE OF GRYNUS.</div> + +<p>Thus in the obscure dwelling of the chaplain of St. John's +was made the first confession of the true Christian union. In +presence of the holy mechanical unity of the Pope, these confessors +of Jesus raised the banner of the living unity of Christ; +and, as in the days of our Saviour, if there were many synagogues +in Israel, there was at least but one single temple. +The Christians of Electoral Saxony, of Luneburg, of Anhalt,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> +of Hesse and the Margravate, of Strasburg, Nuremberg, +Ulm, Constance, Lindau, Memmingen, Kempten, Nordlingen, +Heilbron, Reutlingen, Isny, Saint Gall, Weissenburg, +and Windsheim, clasped each other's hands on the 25th +April, near the church of St. John, in the face of threatening +persecutions. Among them might be found those who, like +Zwingle, acknowledged in the Lord's Supper the entirely +spiritual presence of Jesus Christ, as well as those who, like +Luther, admitted his corporeal presence. There existed not +at that time in the evangelical body any sects, hatred, or +schism; christian unity was a reality. That upper chamber +in which, during the early days of Christianity, the apostles +with the women and the brethren "continued with one accord +in prayer and supplication,"<a name="FNanchor_176_176" id="FNanchor_176_176"></a><a href="#Footnote_176_176" class="fnanchor">[176]</a> and that lower chamber +where, in the first days of the Reformation, the renewed disciples +of Jesus Christ presented themselves to the Pope and +the Emperor, to the world and to the scaffold, as forming +but one body, are the two cradles of the Church; and it is in +this its hour of weakness and humiliation that it shines forth +with the brightest glory.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">MELANCTHON'S DEJECTION.</div> + +<p>After this appeal each one returned silently to his dwelling. +Several tokens excited alarm for the safety of the Protestants. +A short time previously Melancthon hastily conducted through +the streets of Spire towards the Rhine his friend Simon +Grynus, pressing him to cross the river. The latter was +astonished at such precipitation.<a name="FNanchor_177_177" id="FNanchor_177_177"></a><a href="#Footnote_177_177" class="fnanchor">[177]</a> "An old man of grave +and solemn appearance, but who is unknown to me," said +Melancthon, "appeared before me and said: In a minute +officers of justice will be sent by Ferdinand to arrest Grynus." +As he was intimate with Faber, and had been scandalized +at one of his sermons, Grynus had gone to him, +and begged him no longer to make war against the truth. +Faber had dissembled his anger, but immediately after repaired +to the king, from whom he had obtained an order<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span> +against the importunate professor of Heidelberg.<a name="FNanchor_178_178" id="FNanchor_178_178"></a><a href="#Footnote_178_178" class="fnanchor">[178]</a> Melancthon +doubted not that God had saved his friend by sending one +of His holy angels to forewarn him. Motionless on the banks +of the Rhine he waited until the waters of that stream had +rescued Grynus from his persecutors. "At last," cried Melancthon, +as he saw him on the opposite side, "he is torn +from the cruel teeth of those who drink innocent blood."<a name="FNanchor_179_179" id="FNanchor_179_179"></a><a href="#Footnote_179_179" class="fnanchor">[179]</a> +When he returned to his house, Melancthon was informed +that the officers in search of Grynus had ransacked it from +top to bottom.<a name="FNanchor_180_180" id="FNanchor_180_180"></a><a href="#Footnote_180_180" class="fnanchor">[180]</a></p> + +<p>Nothing could detain the Protestants longer in Spire. Accordingly, +on the morning after their appeal (Monday, 26th +April), the Elector, the Landgrave, and the Dukes of Luneburg, +quitted the city, reached Worms, and then returned by +Hesse into their own states. The appeal of Spire was published +by the Landgrave on the 5th, and by the Elector on +the 13th May.</p> + +<p>Melancthon had returned to Wittemberg on the 6th May, +persuaded that the two parties were about to draw the sword. +His friends were alarmed at seeing him agitated, exhausted, +and like one dead.<a name="FNanchor_181_181" id="FNanchor_181_181"></a><a href="#Footnote_181_181" class="fnanchor">[181]</a> "It is a great event that has just taken +place at Spire," said he. "It is big with dangers, not only to +the Empire, but also to Religion itself.<a name="FNanchor_182_182" id="FNanchor_182_182"></a><a href="#Footnote_182_182" class="fnanchor">[182]</a> All the pains of hell +oppress me."<a name="FNanchor_183_183" id="FNanchor_183_183"></a><a href="#Footnote_183_183" class="fnanchor">[183]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE PRINCES, THE TRUE REFORMERS.</div> + +<p>It was Melancthon's greatest affliction, that all these evils +were attributed to him, as indeed he ascribed them himself. +"One single thing has injured us," said he; "our not having +approved, as was required of us, the edict against the Zwinglians."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span> +Luther did not take this gloomy view of affairs; +but he was far from comprehending the force of the protest. +"The diet," said he, "has come to an end almost without +results, except that those who scourge Jesus Christ have not +been able to satisfy their fury."<a name="FNanchor_184_184" id="FNanchor_184_184"></a><a href="#Footnote_184_184" class="fnanchor">[184]</a></p> + +<p>Posterity has not ratified this decision, and, on the contrary, +dating from this epoch the definitive formation of Protestantism, +it has hailed in the Protest of Spire one of the +greatest movements recorded in history.</p> + +<p>Let us see to whom the chief glory of this act belongs. +The part taken by the princes, and especially by the Elector +of Saxony, in the German Reformation, must strike every +impartial observer. These are the true Reformers—the true +Martyrs. The Holy Ghost, that bloweth where it listeth, had +inspired them with the courage of the ancient confessors of +the Church; and the God of Election was glorified in +them. A little later perhaps this great part played by the +princes might have produced deplorable consequences: there +is no grace of God that man may not pervert. But nothing +should prevent us from rendering honour to whom honour is +due, and from adoring the work of the eternal Spirit in these +eminent men who, under God, were in the sixteenth century +the saviours of Christendom.</p> + +<p>The Reformation had taken a bodily form. It was Luther +alone who had said No at the Diet of Worms: but +Churches and ministers, princes and people, said No at the +Diet of Spire.</p> + +<p>In no country had superstition, scholasticism, hierarchy, +and popery, been so powerful as among the Germanic nations. +These simple and candid people had humbly bent +their neck to the yoke that came from the banks of the Tiber. +But, there was in them a depth, a life, a need of interior +liberty, which, sanctified by the Word of God, might render +them the most energetic organs of christian truth. It +was from them that was destined to emanate the reaction<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span> +against that material, external, and legal system, which had +taken the place of Christianity; it was they who were called +to shatter in pieces the skeleton which had been substituted for +the spirit and the life, and restore to the heart of Christendom, +ossified by the hierarchy, the generous beatings of which it +had been deprived for so many ages. The Universal Church +will never forget the debt it owes to the Princes of Spire and +to Luther.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<div class="sidenote">GERMANY AND REFORM.</div> + +<p>VII. The protest of Spire had still further increased the indignation +of the Papal adherents; and Charles the Fifth, according +to the oath he had made at Barcelona, set about +preparing "a suitable antidote for the pestilential disease with +which the Germans were attacked, and to avenge in a striking +manner the insult offered to Jesus Christ."<a name="FNanchor_185_185" id="FNanchor_185_185"></a><a href="#Footnote_185_185" class="fnanchor">[185]</a> The Pope, +on his part, endeavoured to combine all the other princes of +Christendom in this crusade; and the peace of Cambray, concluded +on the 5th August, tended to the accomplishment of +his cruel designs. It left the Emperor's hands free against +the heretics. After having entered their protest at Spire, it +was necessary for the Evangelicals to think of maintaining it.</p> + +<p>The Protestant states that had already laid the foundations +of an evangelical alliance at Spire, had agreed to send +deputies to Rothach; but the Elector, staggered by the representations +of Luther, who was continually saying to him, +"It is by keeping yourselves tranquil and in quietness that +you will be saved,"<a name="FNanchor_186_186" id="FNanchor_186_186"></a><a href="#Footnote_186_186" class="fnanchor">[186]</a> ordered his deputies to listen to the propositions +of his allies, but to decide upon nothing. They adjourned +to a new conference, which never took place. Luther +triumphed; for human alliances failed. "Christ the +Lord will know how to deliver us without the Landgrave, +and even against the Landgrave," said he to his friends.<a name="FNanchor_187_187" id="FNanchor_187_187"></a><a href="#Footnote_187_187" class="fnanchor">[187]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span></p><div class="sidenote">DIFFICULTY OF UNION.</div> + +<p>Philip of Hesse, who was vexed at Luther's obstinacy, was +convinced that it arose from a dispute about words. "They +will hear no mention of alliances because of the Zwinglians," +said he; "well then, let us put an end to the contradictions +that separate them from Luther."</p> + +<p>The union of all the disciples of the Word of God seemed +in fact a necessary condition to the success of the Reform. +How could the Protestants resist the power of Rome and of +the Empire, if they were divided? The Landgrave no doubt +wished to unite their minds, that he might afterwards be able +to unite their arms; but the cause of Christ was not to triumph +by the sword. If they should succeed in uniting their +hearts and prayers, the Reform would then find such strength +in the faith of its children, that Philip's spearmen would no +longer be necessary.</p> + +<p>Unfortunately this union of minds, that was now to be +sought after above all things, was a very difficult task. Luther +in 1519 had at first appeared not only to reform, but entirely +renovate the doctrine of the Lord's Supper, as the Swiss +did somewhat later. "I go to the sacrament of the Lord's +Supper," he had said, "and I there receive a sign from God +that Christ's righteousness and passion justify me; such is the +use of the Sacrament."<a name="FNanchor_188_188" id="FNanchor_188_188"></a><a href="#Footnote_188_188" class="fnanchor">[188]</a> This discourse, which had gone +through several impressions in the cities of Upper Germany, +had prepared men's minds for the doctrine of Zwingle. Accordingly +Luther, astonished at the reputation he had gained, +published this solemn declaration in 1527: "I protest before +God and before the whole world that I have never walked +with the Sacramentarians."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A LUTHERAN WARNING.</div> + +<p>Luther in fact was never Zwinglian as regards the Communion. +Far from that, in 1519, he still believed in Transubstantiation. +Why then should he speak of a sign? It +was for this reason. While, according to Zwingle, the bread +and wine are signs of the body and blood of Christ, according +to Luther, the very body and blood of Jesus Christ are signs<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span> +of God's grace. These opinions are widely different from +one another.</p> + +<p>Erelong this disagreement declared itself. In 1527 Zwingle +in his <i>Friendly Exposition</i><a name="FNanchor_189_189" id="FNanchor_189_189"></a><a href="#Footnote_189_189" class="fnanchor">[189]</a> repeated Luther's opinion +with mildness and respect. Unfortunately the pamphlet of +the Saxon Reformer "against the enthusiasts" was then issuing +from the press, and in it Luther expressed his indignation +that his adversaries should dare to speak of christian unity +and peace. "Well!" exclaimed he, "since they thus insult +all reason, I will give them a Lutheran warning.<a name="FNanchor_190_190" id="FNanchor_190_190"></a><a href="#Footnote_190_190" class="fnanchor">[190]</a> Cursed +be this concord! cursed be this charity! down, down with it, +to the bottomless pit of hell! If I should murder your father, +your mother, your wife, your child, and then, wishing to murder +you, I should say to you, Let us be at peace, my dear +friend! what answer would you make?—It is thus that the +enthusiasts who murder Jesus Christ my Lord, God the Father, +and Christendom my mother, wish to murder me also; +and then they say, Let us be friends!"</p> + +<p>Zwingle wrote two replies "to the excellent Martin Luther," +in a cold tone and with a haughty calmness more difficult to +pardon than the invectives of the Saxon doctor. "We ought +to esteem you a vessel of honour, and we do so with joy," said +he, "notwithstanding your faults." Pamphlet followed pamphlet, +Luther always writing with the same impetuosity, and +Zwingle with the same coolness and irony.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PROPOSED CONFERENCE AT MARBURG.</div> + +<p>Such were the doctors whom the Landgrave undertook to +reconcile. Already, during the sitting of the Diet of Spire, +Philip of Hesse, who was afflicted at hearing the Papists +continually repeating, "You boast of your attachment to the +pure Word of God, and yet you are nevertheless disunited,"<a name="FNanchor_191_191" id="FNanchor_191_191"></a><a href="#Footnote_191_191" class="fnanchor">[191]</a> +had made overtures to Zwingle in writing. He now went<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> +farther, and invited the theologians of the different parties to +meet at Marburg. These invitations met with various receptions. +Zwingle, whose heart was large and fraternal, answered +the Landgrave's call; but Luther, who discovered +leagues and battles behind this pretended concord, rejected it.</p> + +<p>It seemed, however, that great difficulties would detain +Zwingle. To travel from Zurich to Marburg, it was necessary +to pass through the territories of the Emperor and of +other enemies to the Reformation; the Landgrave himself did +not conceal the dangers of the journey;<a name="FNanchor_192_192" id="FNanchor_192_192"></a><a href="#Footnote_192_192" class="fnanchor">[192]</a> but in order to obviate +these difficulties, he promised an escort from Strasburg to +Hesse, and for the rest "the protection of God."<a name="FNanchor_193_193" id="FNanchor_193_193"></a><a href="#Footnote_193_193" class="fnanchor">[193]</a> These +precautions were not of a nature to reassure the Zurichers.</p> + +<p>Reasons of another kind detained Luther and Melancthon. +"It is not right," said they, "that the Landgrave has so much +to do with the Zwinglians. Their error is of such a nature +that people of acute minds are easily tainted by it. Reason +loves what it understands, particularly when learned men +clothe their ideas in a scriptural dress."</p> + +<p>Melancthon did not stop here, but put forth the very extraordinary +notion of selecting Papists as judges of the discussion. +"If there were no impartial judges," said he, "the Zwinglians +would have a good chance of boasting of victory."<a name="FNanchor_194_194" id="FNanchor_194_194"></a><a href="#Footnote_194_194" class="fnanchor">[194]</a> Thus, +according to Melancthon, Papists would be impartial judges +when the real presence was the subject of discussion! He +went still farther. "Let the Elector," he wrote on the 14th +May to the Prince Electoral, "refuse to permit our journey +to Marburg, so that we may allege this excuse." The Elector +would not lend himself to so disgraceful a proceeding; +and the Reformers of Wittemberg found themselves compelled +to accede to the request of Philip of Hesse. But they did +so with these words: "If the Swiss do not yield to us, all +your trouble will be lost;" and they wrote to the theologians<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> +among their friends who were convoked by the Prince: +"Stay away if you can; your absence will be very useful to +us."<a name="FNanchor_195_195" id="FNanchor_195_195"></a><a href="#Footnote_195_195" class="fnanchor">[195]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">ZWINGLE'S DEPARTURE.</div> + +<p>Zwingle, on the contrary, who would have gone to the end +of the world, made every exertion to obtain from the magistrates +of Zurich permission to visit Marburg. "I am convinced," +said he to the secret council, "that if we doctors +meet face to face, the splendour of truth will illuminate our +eyes."<a name="FNanchor_196_196" id="FNanchor_196_196"></a><a href="#Footnote_196_196" class="fnanchor">[196]</a> But the council that had only just signed the first +religious peace,<a name="FNanchor_197_197" id="FNanchor_197_197"></a><a href="#Footnote_197_197" class="fnanchor">[197]</a> and who feared to see war burst out afresh, +positively refused to allow the departure of the Reformer.</p> + +<p>Upon this Zwingle decided for himself. He felt that his +presence was necessary for the maintenance of peace in +Zurich; but it was the welfare of all Christendom that +summoned him to Marburg. Accordingly, raising his eyes +towards heaven, he resolved to depart, exclaiming, "O God! +Thou hast never abandoned us; Thou wilt perform thy will +for thine own glory."<a name="FNanchor_198_198" id="FNanchor_198_198"></a><a href="#Footnote_198_198" class="fnanchor">[198]</a> During the night of the 31st August, +Zwingle, who was unwilling to wait for the Landgrave's safe-conduct, +prepared for his journey. Rodolph Collin, the Greek +professor, was alone to accompany him. The Reformer +wrote to the Smaller and to the Great Council: "If I leave +without informing you, it is not because I despise your authority, +most wise lords; but because, knowing the love you +bear towards me, I foresee that your anxiety will oppose my +going."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">RUMOURS IN ZURICH.</div> + +<p>As he was writing these words, a fourth message arrived +from the Landgrave, more pressing still than the preceding +ones. The Reformer sent the prince's letter to the +burgomaster with his own; he then quitted his house privily +by night,<a name="FNanchor_199_199" id="FNanchor_199_199"></a><a href="#Footnote_199_199" class="fnanchor">[199]</a> concealing his departure both from his friends,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span> +whose importunity he feared, and from his enemies, whose +snares he had good cause to dread. He did not even tell his +wife where he was going, lest it should distress her. He +and Collin then mounted two horses that had been hired for +the purpose,<a name="FNanchor_200_200" id="FNanchor_200_200"></a><a href="#Footnote_200_200" class="fnanchor">[200]</a> and rode off rapidly in the direction of Basle.</p> + +<p>During the day the rumour of Zwingle's absence spread +through Zurich, and his enemies were elated. "He has fled +the country," said they; "he has run away with a pack of +scoundrels!" "As he was crossing the river at Bruck," said +others, "the boat upset and he was drowned." "The devil," +affirmed many with a malicious smile, "appeared to him +bodily and carried him off."<a name="FNanchor_201_201" id="FNanchor_201_201"></a><a href="#Footnote_201_201" class="fnanchor">[201]</a>—"There was no end to their +stories," says Bullinger. But the council immediately resolved +on acceding to the wish of the Reformer. On the very +day of his departure they appointed one of the councillors, +Ulric Funck, to accompany him to Marburg, who forthwith +set out with a domestic and one arquebusier. Strasburg and +Basle in like manner sent statesmen in company with their +theologians, under the idea that this conference would doubtless +have also a political object.</p> + +<p>Zwingle arrived safe and sound at Basle,<a name="FNanchor_202_202" id="FNanchor_202_202"></a><a href="#Footnote_202_202" class="fnanchor">[202]</a> and embarked +on the river on the 6th September with Œcolampadius and +several merchants.<a name="FNanchor_203_203" id="FNanchor_203_203"></a><a href="#Footnote_203_203" class="fnanchor">[203]</a> In thirteen hours they reached Strasburg, +where the two Reformers lodged in the house of Matthew +Zell, the cathedral preacher. Catherine, the pastor's wife, prepared +the dishes in the kitchen, waited at table, according to +the ancient German manners,<a name="FNanchor_204_204" id="FNanchor_204_204"></a><a href="#Footnote_204_204" class="fnanchor">[204]</a> and then sitting down near +Zwingle, listened attentively, and spoke with so much piety +and knowledge, that the latter soon ranked her above many +doctors.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE REFORMERS AT MARBURG.</div> + +<p>Zwingle, after discussing with the Strasburg magistrates<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span> +the means of resisting the Romish league, and the organization +to be given to the christian confederacy,<a name="FNanchor_205_205" id="FNanchor_205_205"></a><a href="#Footnote_205_205" class="fnanchor">[205]</a> quitted Strasburg; +and he and his friends, conducted along by-roads, +through forests, over mountains and valleys, by secret but +sure paths, at last arrived at Marburg, escorted by forty Hessian +cavaliers.<a name="FNanchor_206_206" id="FNanchor_206_206"></a><a href="#Footnote_206_206" class="fnanchor">[206]</a></p> + +<p>Luther, on his side, accompanied by Melancthon, Cruciger, +and Jonas, had stopped on the Hessian frontier, declaring that +nothing should induce him to cross it until he had a safe-conduct +from the Landgrave. This document being obtained, +Luther arrived at Alsfeld, where the scholars, kneeling under +the Reformer's windows, chanted their pious hymns. He entered +Marburg on the 30th September, a day after the arrival +of the Swiss. Both parties went to inns; but they had scarcely +alighted, before the Landgrave invited them to come and +lodge in the castle, thinking by this means to bring the opposing +parties closer together. Philip entertained them in a +manner truly royal.<a name="FNanchor_207_207" id="FNanchor_207_207"></a><a href="#Footnote_207_207" class="fnanchor">[207]</a> "Ah!" said the pious Jonas, as he +wandered through the halls of the palace, "it is not in honour +of the Muses, but in honour of God and of his Christ, that we +are so munificently treated in these forests of Hesse!" After +dinner, on the first day, Œcolampadius, Hedio, and Bucer, +desirous of entering into the prince's views, went and saluted +Luther. The latter conversed affectionately with Œcolampadius +in the castle-court; but Bucer, with whom he had once +been very intimate, and who was now on Zwingle's side, +having approached him, Luther said to him, smiling, and +making a sign with his hand: "As for you, you are a good-for-nothing +fellow and a knave!"<a name="FNanchor_208_208" id="FNanchor_208_208"></a><a href="#Footnote_208_208" class="fnanchor">[208]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">PRELIMINARY DISCUSSIONS.</div> + +<p>The unhappy Carlstadt, who had begun all this dispute, +was at that time in Friesland, preaching the spiritual presence<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> +of Christ, and living in such destitution that he had been forced +to sell his Hebrew Bible to procure bread. The trial had +crushed his pride, and he wrote to the Landgrave: "We are +but one body, one house, one people, one sacerdotal race; we +live and die by one and the same Saviour.<a name="FNanchor_209_209" id="FNanchor_209_209"></a><a href="#Footnote_209_209" class="fnanchor">[209]</a> For this reason, +I, poor and in exile, humbly pray your highness, by the blood +of Jesus Christ, to allow me to be present at this disputation."</p> + +<p>But how bring Luther and Carlstadt face to face? and yet +how repel the unhappy man? The Landgrave, to extricate +himself from this difficulty, referred him to the Saxon Reformer. +Carlstadt did not appear.</p> + +<p>Philip of Hesse desired that, previously to the public conference, +the theologians should have a private interview. It +was however considered dangerous, says a contemporary, for +Zwingle and Luther, who were both naturally violent, to contend +with one another at the very beginning; and as Œcolampadius +and Melancthon were the mildest, they were apportioned +to the roughest.<a name="FNanchor_210_210" id="FNanchor_210_210"></a><a href="#Footnote_210_210" class="fnanchor">[210]</a> On Friday the 1st October, after +divine service, Luther and Œcolampadius were conducted +into one chamber, and Zwingle and Melancthon into another. +The combatants were then left to struggle two and two.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">MELANCTHON AND ZWINGLE.</div> + +<p>The principal contest took place in the room of Zwingle +and Melancthon. "It is affirmed," said Melancthon to Zwingle, +"that some among you speak of God after the manner +of the Jews, as if Christ was not essentially God." "I think +on the Holy Trinity," replied Zwingle, "with the Council of +Nice and the Athanasian creed." "Councils! creeds! What +does that mean?" asked Melancthon. "Have you not continually +repeated that you recognise no other authority than +that of Scripture?" "We have never rejected the councils," +replied the Swiss Reformer, "when they are based on the +authority of the Word of God.<a name="FNanchor_211_211" id="FNanchor_211_211"></a><a href="#Footnote_211_211" class="fnanchor">[211]</a> The four first councils are +truly sacred as regards doctrine, and none of the faithful have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span> +ever rejected them." This important declaration, handed +down to us by Œcolampadius, characterizes the Reformed +theology.<a name="FNanchor_212_212" id="FNanchor_212_212"></a><a href="#Footnote_212_212" class="fnanchor">[212]</a></p> + +<p>"But you teach," resumed Melancthon, "like Thomas +Munster, that the Holy Ghost acts quite alone, independently +of the sacraments and of the Word of God." "The +Holy Ghost," replied Zwingle, "works in us justification by +the Word, but by the Word preached and understood, by +the soul and the marrow of the Word, by the mind and will +of God clothed in human language."<a name="FNanchor_213_213" id="FNanchor_213_213"></a><a href="#Footnote_213_213" class="fnanchor">[213]</a></p> + +<p>"At least," continued Melancthon, "you deny original sin, +and make sin to consist only in actual and external works, like +the Pelagians, the philosophers, and the Papists."</p> + +<p>This was the principal difficulty. "Since man naturally +loves himself," replied Zwingle, "instead of loving God; in +that there is a crime, a sin that condemns him."<a name="FNanchor_214_214" id="FNanchor_214_214"></a><a href="#Footnote_214_214" class="fnanchor">[214]</a> He had +more than once before expressed the same opinion;<a name="FNanchor_215_215" id="FNanchor_215_215"></a><a href="#Footnote_215_215" class="fnanchor">[215]</a> and yet +Melancthon exulted on hearing him: "Our adversaries," said +he afterwards, "have given way on all these points!"</p> + +<p>Luther had pursued the same method with Œcolampadius +as Melancthon with Zwingle. The discussion had in particular +turned on baptism. Luther complained that they +would not acknowledge that by this simple sign a man became +a member of the Church. "It is true," said Œcolampadius, +"that we require faith—either an actual or a future +faith. Why should we deny it? Who is a Christian, +if it be not he who believes in Christ? However, I should +be unwilling to deny that the water of baptism is in a certain +sense a water of regeneration; for by it he whom the +Church knew not becomes its child."<a name="FNanchor_216_216" id="FNanchor_216_216"></a><a href="#Footnote_216_216" class="fnanchor">[216]</a></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span></p> +<p>These four theologians were in the very heat of their +discussions, when domestics came to inform them that the +prince's dinner was on the table. They immediately rose, +and Zwingle and Melancthon meeting Luther and Œcolampadius, +who were also quitting their chamber, the latter +approached Zwingle, and whispered mournfully in his ear: +"I have fallen a second time into the hands of Dr. Eck."<a name="FNanchor_217_217" id="FNanchor_217_217"></a><a href="#Footnote_217_217" class="fnanchor">[217]</a> +In the language of the Reformers nothing stronger could be +said.</p> + +<p>It does not appear that the conference between Luther and +Œcolampadius was resumed after dinner. Luther's manner +held out little hope; but Melancthon and Zwingle returned +to the discussion, and the Zurich doctor finding the Wittemberg +professor escape him like an eel, as he said, and +take "like Proteus a thousand different forms," seized a pen +in order to fix his antagonist. Zwingle committed to writing +whatever Melancthon dictated, and then wrote his reply, giving +it to the other to read.<a name="FNanchor_218_218" id="FNanchor_218_218"></a><a href="#Footnote_218_218" class="fnanchor">[218]</a> In this manner they spent six +hours, three in the morning and three in the afternoon.<a name="FNanchor_219_219" id="FNanchor_219_219"></a><a href="#Footnote_219_219" class="fnanchor">[219]</a> +They prepared for the general conference.</p> + +<p>Zwingle requested that it should be an open one; Luther +opposed this. It was resolved that the princes, nobles, deputies, +and theologians should be admitted; but a great crowd +of citizens, and even many scholars and gentlemen, who had +come from Frankfort, from the Rhine districts, from Strasburg, +from Basle and other Swiss towns, were excluded. +Brenz speaks of fifty or sixty hearers; Zwingle of twenty-four +only.<a name="FNanchor_220_220" id="FNanchor_220_220"></a><a href="#Footnote_220_220" class="fnanchor">[220]</a></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span></p> +<div class="sidenote">OPENING OF THE CONFERENCE.</div> + +<p>On a gentle elevation, watered by the Lahn, is situated an +old castle, overlooking the city of Marburg; in the distance is +seen the beautiful valley of the Lahn, and beyond, the mountain-tops +rising one above another, until they are lost in the +horizon. It was beneath the vaults and Gothic arches of an +ancient hall in this castle, called the Knights' Hall, that the +conference was to take place.</p> + +<p>On Saturday morning (2d October) the Landgrave took his +seat in the hall, surrounded by his court, but so plainly +dressed that no one would have taken him for a prince. +He wished to avoid the appearance of playing the part of a +Constantine in the affairs of the Church. Before him was a +table which Luther, Zwingle, Melancthon, and Œcolampadius +approached. Luther, taking a piece of chalk, bent over +the velvet cloth which covered it, and steadily wrote four +words in large characters. All eyes followed the movement +of his hand, and soon they read <span class="smcap">Hoc est Corpus Meum</span>.<a name="FNanchor_221_221" id="FNanchor_221_221"></a><a href="#Footnote_221_221" class="fnanchor">[221]</a> +Luther wished to have this declaration continually before him, +that it might strengthen his faith, and be a sign to his adversaries.</p> + +<p>Behind these four theologians were seated their friends,—Hedio, +Sturm, Funck, Frey, Eberard, Than, Jonas, Cruigerc, +and others besides. Jonas cast an inquiring glance upon the +Swiss: "Zwingle," said he, "has a certain rusticity and arrogance;<a name="FNanchor_222_222" id="FNanchor_222_222"></a><a href="#Footnote_222_222" class="fnanchor">[222]</a> +if he is well versed in letters, it is in spite of Minerva +and of the Muses. In Œcolampadius there is a natural +goodness and admirable meekness. Hedio seems to have as +much liberality as kindness; but I find in Bucer the cunning +of a fox, that knows how to give himself an air of sense and +prudence." Men of moderate sentiments often meet with +worse treatment than those of the extreme parties.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ADDRESS OF CORDUE.</div> + +<p>Other sentiments animated those who contemplated this +assembly from a distance. The great men who had led the +people in their footsteps on the plains of Saxony, on the banks<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span> +of the Rhine, and in the lofty valleys of Switzerland, were +there met face to face: the Chiefs of Christendom, separated +from Rome, were come together to see if they could remain +one. Accordingly, from all parts of Germany, prayers and +anxious looks were directed towards Marburg. "Illustrious +princes of the Word,"<a name="FNanchor_223_223" id="FNanchor_223_223"></a><a href="#Footnote_223_223" class="fnanchor">[223]</a> cried the evangelical Church through +the mouth of the poet Cordus, "penetrating Luther, mild +Œcolampadius, magnanimous Zwingle, pious Snepf, eloquent +Melancthon, courageous Bucer, candid Hedio, excellent Osiander, +valiant Brenz, amiable Jonas, fiery Craton, Mnus, +whose soul is stronger than his body, great Dionysius, and +you Myconius—all you whom Prince Philip, that illustrious +hero, has summoned, ministers and bishops, whom the christian +cities have sent to terminate the schism, and to show us +the way of truth; the suppliant Church falls weeping at your +feet, and begs you by the bowels of Jesus Christ to bring this +matter to a happy issue, so that the world may acknowledge +in your resolution the work of the Holy Ghost himself."<a name="FNanchor_224_224" id="FNanchor_224_224"></a><a href="#Footnote_224_224" class="fnanchor">[224]</a></p> + +<p>The Landgrave's chancellor, John Feige, having reminded +them in the prince's name that the object of this colloquy +was the re-establishment of union, "I protest," said +Luther, "that I differ from my adversaries with regard to +the doctrine of the Lord's Supper, and that I shall always differ +from them. Christ has said, <i>This is my body</i>. Let them +show me that a body is not a body. I reject reason, common +sense, carnal arguments, and mathematical proofs. God +is above mathematics.<a name="FNanchor_225_225" id="FNanchor_225_225"></a><a href="#Footnote_225_225" class="fnanchor">[225]</a> We have the Word of God; we +must adore it and perform it!"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE DISCUSSION—FIGURES.</div> + +<p>"It cannot be denied," said Œcolampadius, "that there are +figures of speech in the Word of God; as <i>John is Elias, the +rock was Christ, I am the vine</i>. The expression <i>This is my +body</i>, is a figure of the same kind." Luther granted that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span> +there were figures in the Bible, but he denied that this last +expression was figurative.</p> + +<p>All the various parties, however, of which the Christian +Church is composed see a figure in these words. In fact, the +Romanists declare that <i>This is my body</i> signifies not only "my +body," but also "my blood," "my soul," and even "my Divinity," +and "Christ wholly.<a name="FNanchor_226_226" id="FNanchor_226_226"></a><a href="#Footnote_226_226" class="fnanchor">[226]</a>" These words, therefore, according +to Rome, are a synecdoche, a figure by which a part +is taken for the whole. And, as regards the Lutherans, the +figure is still more evident.<a name="FNanchor_227_227" id="FNanchor_227_227"></a><a href="#Footnote_227_227" class="fnanchor">[227]</a> Whether it be synecdoche, metaphor, +or metonymy, there is still a figure. In order to prove +it, Œcolampadius employed this syllogism:—</p> + +<p>"What Christ rejected in the sixth chapter of St. John, +he could not admit in the words of the Eucharist.</p> + +<p>"Now Christ, who said to the people of Capernaum, <i>The +flesh profiteth nothing</i>, rejected by those very words the oral +manducation of his body.</p> + +<p>"Therefore he did not establish it at the institution of his +Supper."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Luther.</span>—"I deny the minor (the second of these propositions); +Christ has not rejected all oral manducation, but only +a material manducation, like that of the flesh of oxen or of +swine."<a name="FNanchor_228_228" id="FNanchor_228_228"></a><a href="#Footnote_228_228" class="fnanchor">[228]</a></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Œcolampadius.</span>—"There is danger in attributing too much +to mere matter."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">SCRIPTURE EXPLAINED BY SCRIPTURE.</div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Luther.</span>—"Every thing that God commands becomes +spirit and life. If it is by the Lord's order that we lift up a +straw, in that very action we perform a spiritual work. We +must pay attention to him who speaks, and not to what he +says. God speaks: Men, worms, listen!—God commands:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> +let the world obey! and let us all together fall down and +humbly kiss the Word."<a name="FNanchor_229_229" id="FNanchor_229_229"></a><a href="#Footnote_229_229" class="fnanchor">[229]</a></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Œcolampadius.</span>—"But since we have the spiritual eating, +what need of the bodily one?"</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Luther.</span>—"I do not ask what need we have of it; but I +see it written, <i>Eat, this is my body</i>. We must therefore believe +and do. We must do—we must do!<a name="FNanchor_230_230" id="FNanchor_230_230"></a><a href="#Footnote_230_230" class="fnanchor">[230]</a>—If God should +order me to eat dung, I would do it, with the assurance that +it would be salutary."<a name="FNanchor_231_231" id="FNanchor_231_231"></a><a href="#Footnote_231_231" class="fnanchor">[231]</a></p> + +<p>At this point Zwingle interfered in the discussion. "We +must explain Scripture by Scripture," said he. "We cannot +admit two kinds of corporeal manducation, as if Jesus had +spoken of eating, and the Capernaites of tearing in pieces, for +the same word is employed in both cases. Jesus says that to +eat his flesh corporeally profiteth nothing (John vi. 63); +whence it would result that he had given us in the Supper +a thing that would be useless to us.—Besides there are certain +words that seem to me rather childish,—the dung, for +instance. The oracles of the demons were obscure, not so are +those of Jesus Christ."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Luther.</span>—"When Christ says the flesh profiteth nothing, +he speaks not of his own flesh, but of ours."</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zwingle.</span>—"The soul is fed with the Spirit and not with +the flesh."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Luther.</span>—"It is with the mouth that we eat the body; the +soul does not eat it."<a name="FNanchor_232_232" id="FNanchor_232_232"></a><a href="#Footnote_232_232" class="fnanchor">[232]</a></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zwingle.</span>—"Christ's body is therefore a corporeal nourishment, +and not a spiritual."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Luther.</span>—"You are captious."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zwingle.</span>—"Not so; but you utter contradictory things."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Luther.</span>—"If God should present me wild apples, I should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> +eat them spiritually. In the Eucharist, the mouth receives +the body of Christ, and the soul believes in his words."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE SPIRITUAL EATING.</div> + +<p>Zwingle then quoted a great number of passages from the +Holy Scripture, in which the sign is described by the very +thing signified; and thence concluded that, considering our +Lord's declaration in St. John, <i>The flesh profiteth nothing</i>, we +must explain the words of the Eucharist in a similar manner.</p> + +<p>Many hearers were struck by these arguments. Among +the Marburg professors sat the Frenchman Lambert; his tall +and spare frame was violently agitated. He had been at first +of Luther's opinion,<a name="FNanchor_233_233" id="FNanchor_233_233"></a><a href="#Footnote_233_233" class="fnanchor">[233]</a> and was then hesitating between the +two Reformers. As he went to the conference, he said: "I +desire to be a sheet of blank paper, on which the finger of +God may write his truth." Ere long he exclaimed, after hearing +Zwingle and Œcolampadius: "Yes! the Spirit, that is +what vivifies!"<a name="FNanchor_234_234" id="FNanchor_234_234"></a><a href="#Footnote_234_234" class="fnanchor">[234]</a> When this conversion was known, the +Wittembergers, shrugging their shoulders, said, "Gallic fickleness!" +"What!" replied Lambert, "was St. Paul fickle +because he was converted from Pharisaism? And have we +ourselves been fickle in abandoning the lost sects of Popery?"</p> + +<p>Luther was, however, by no means shaken. "<i>This is +my body</i>," repeated he, pointing with his finger to the words +written before him. "<i>This is my body.</i> The devil himself +shall not drive me from that. To seek to understand it, is to +fall away from the faith."<a name="FNanchor_235_235" id="FNanchor_235_235"></a><a href="#Footnote_235_235" class="fnanchor">[235]</a></p> + +<p>"But, doctor," said Zwingle, "St. John explains how +Christ's body is eaten, and you will be obliged at last to leave +off singing always the same song."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">AGITATION IN THE CONFERENCE.</div> + +<p>"You make use of unmannerly expressions," replied Luther<a name="FNanchor_236_236" id="FNanchor_236_236"></a><a href="#Footnote_236_236" class="fnanchor">[236]</a>. +The Wittembergers themselves called Zwingle's argument +"his old song."<a name="FNanchor_237_237" id="FNanchor_237_237"></a><a href="#Footnote_237_237" class="fnanchor">[237]</a> Zwingle continued without being<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> +disconcerted: "I ask you, doctor, whether Christ in the sixth +chapter of St. John did not wish to reply to the question that +had been put to him?"</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Luther.</span>—"Mr. Zwingle, you wish to stop my mouth by +the arrogancy of your language. That passage has nothing +to do here."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zwingle</span>, hastily.—"Pardon me, doctor, that passage breaks +your neck."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Luther.</span>—"Do not boast so much! You are in Hesse, and +not in Switzerland. In this country we do not break people's +necks."</p> + +<p>Then turning towards his friends, Luther complained bitterly +of Zwingle; as if the latter had really wished to break +his neck. "He makes use of soldier-like and blood-stained +words," said he.<a name="FNanchor_238_238" id="FNanchor_238_238"></a><a href="#Footnote_238_238" class="fnanchor">[238]</a> Luther forgot that he had employed a similar +expression in speaking of Carlstadt.<a name="FNanchor_239_239" id="FNanchor_239_239"></a><a href="#Footnote_239_239" class="fnanchor">[239]</a></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zwingle</span> resumed: "In Switzerland also there is strict +justice, and we break no man's neck without trial. That expression +signifies merely that your cause is lost and hopeless."</p> + +<p>Great agitation prevailed in the Knights' Hall. The +roughness of the Swiss and the obstinacy of the Saxon had +come into collision. The Landgrave, fearing to behold the +failure of his project of conciliation, nodded assent to Zwingle's +explanation. "Doctor," said he to Luther, "you should not +be offended at such common expressions." It was in vain: +the agitated sea could not again be calmed. The prince +therefore arose, and they all repaired to the banqueting hall. +After dinner they resumed their tasks.</p> + +<p>"I believe," said Luther, "that Christ's body is in heaven, +but I also believe that it is in the sacrament. It concerns me +little whether that be against nature, provided that it is not +against faith.<a name="FNanchor_240_240" id="FNanchor_240_240"></a><a href="#Footnote_240_240" class="fnanchor">[240]</a> Christ is substantially in the sacrament, such +as he was born of the Virgin."</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span></p> +<div class="sidenote">METAPHOR.</div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Œcolampadius</span>, quoting a passage from St. Paul: "We +know not Jesus Christ after the flesh."<a name="FNanchor_241_241" id="FNanchor_241_241"></a><a href="#Footnote_241_241" class="fnanchor">[241]</a></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Luther.</span>—"After the flesh means, in this passage, after +our carnal affections."<a name="FNanchor_242_242" id="FNanchor_242_242"></a><a href="#Footnote_242_242" class="fnanchor">[242]</a></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Œcolampadius.</span>—"You will not allow that there is a metaphor +in these words, <i>This is my body</i>, and yet you admit a synecdoche."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Luther.</span>—"Metaphor permits the existence of a sign only; +but it is not so with synecdoche. If a man says he wishes to +drink a bottle, we understand that he means the beer in the +bottle. Christ's body is in the bread, as a sword in the scabbard,<a name="FNanchor_243_243" id="FNanchor_243_243"></a><a href="#Footnote_243_243" class="fnanchor">[243]</a> +or as the Holy Ghost in the dove."</p> + +<p>The discussion was proceeding in this manner, when Osiander, +pastor of Nuremberg, Stephen Agricola, pastor of Augsburg, +and Brenz, pastor of Halle in Swabia, author of the +famous Syngramma, entered the hall. These also had been +invited by the Landgrave. But Brenz, to whom Luther had +written that he should take care not to appear, had no doubt +by his indecision retarded his own departure as well as that +of his friends. Places were assigned them near Luther and +Melancthon. "Listen, and speak if necessary," they were +told. They took but little advantage of this permission. "All +of us, except Luther," said Melancthon, "were silent personages."<a name="FNanchor_244_244" id="FNanchor_244_244"></a><a href="#Footnote_244_244" class="fnanchor">[244]</a></p> + +<p>The struggle continued.</p> + +<p>When Zwingle saw that exegesis was not sufficient for Luther, +he added dogmatical theology to it, and, subsidiarily, +natural philosophy.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CHRIST'S HUMANITY FINITE.</div> + +<p>"I oppose you," said he, "with this article of our faith: <i>Ascendit +in clum</i>—he ascended into heaven. If Christ is in +heaven as regards his body, how can he be in the bread? +The Word of God teaches us that he was like his brethren<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span> +in all things (Heb. ii. 17). He therefore cannot be in several +places at once."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Luther.</span>—"Were I desirous of reasoning thus, I would undertake +to prove that Jesus Christ had a wife; that he had +black eyes,<a name="FNanchor_245_245" id="FNanchor_245_245"></a><a href="#Footnote_245_245" class="fnanchor">[245]</a> and lived in our good country of Germany.<a name="FNanchor_246_246" id="FNanchor_246_246"></a><a href="#Footnote_246_246" class="fnanchor">[246]</a> I +care little about mathematics."</p> + +<p>"There is no question of mathematics here," said Zwingle, +"but of St. Paul, who writes to the Philippians, μορφἡν δοὑλου λαβὡν."<a name="FNanchor_247_247" id="FNanchor_247_247"></a><a href="#Footnote_247_247" class="fnanchor">[247]</a></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Luther</span>, interrupting him.—"Read it to us in Latin or in +German, not in Greek."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zwingle</span> (in Latin).—"Pardon me: for twelve years past +I have made use of the Greek Testament only." Then continuing +to read the passage, he concluded from it that Christ's +humanity is of a finite nature like our own.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Luther</span>, pointing to the words written before him.—"Most +dear sirs, since my Lord Jesus Christ says, <i>Hoc est corpus +meum</i>, I believe that his body is really there."</p> + +<p>Here the scene grew animated. Zwingle started from his +chair, sprung towards Luther, and striking the table before +him, said to him:<a name="FNanchor_248_248" id="FNanchor_248_248"></a><a href="#Footnote_248_248" class="fnanchor">[248]</a></p> + +<p>"You maintain then, doctor, that Christ's body is locally in +the Eucharist; for you say Christ's body is really <i>there</i>—<i>there</i>—<i>there</i>," +repeated Zwingle. "<i>There</i> is an adverb of place.<a name="FNanchor_249_249" id="FNanchor_249_249"></a><a href="#Footnote_249_249" class="fnanchor">[249]</a> +Christ's body is then of such a nature as to exist in a place. +If it is in a place, it is in heaven, whence it follows that it is +not in the bread."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Luther.</span>—"I repeat that I have nothing to do with mathematical +proofs. As soon as the words of consecration are pronounced +over the bread, the body is there, however wicked +be the priest who pronounces them."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PRESENCE OF CHRIST'S BODY.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span><span class="smcap">Zwingle.</span>—"You are thus re-establishing Popery.<a name="FNanchor_250_250" id="FNanchor_250_250"></a><a href="#Footnote_250_250" class="fnanchor">[250]</a>"</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Luther.</span>—"This is not done through the priest's merits, +but because of Christ's ordinance. I will not, when Christ's +body is in question, hear speak of a particular place. I absolutely +will not."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zwingle.</span>—"Must every thing, then, exist precisely as you +will it?"</p> + +<p>The Landgrave perceived that the discussion was growing +hot; and as the repast was waiting, he broke off the contest.<a name="FNanchor_251_251" id="FNanchor_251_251"></a><a href="#Footnote_251_251" class="fnanchor">[251]</a></p> + +<p>The next day was Sunday, the 3d October. The conference +was continued, perhaps because of an epidemic (the +Sweating Sickness) that had just broken out at Marburg, and +did not allow of the conference being prolonged. Luther, returning +to the discussion of the previous evening, said:</p> + +<p>"Christ's body is in the sacrament, but it is not there as in +a place."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zwingle.</span>—"Then it is not there at all."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Luther.</span>—"Sophists say that a body may very well be in +several places at once. The universe is a body, and yet we +cannot assert that it is in a particular place."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Zwingle.</span>—"Ah! you speak of sophists, doctor: really +you are, after all, obliged to return to the onions and flesh-pots +of Egypt.<a name="FNanchor_252_252" id="FNanchor_252_252"></a><a href="#Footnote_252_252" class="fnanchor">[252]</a> As for what you say, that the universe is in +no particular place, I beg all intelligent men to weigh this +proof." Then Zwingle, who, whatever Luther said, had +more than one arrow in his quiver, after having established +his proposition by exegesis and philosophy, resolved on confirming +it by the testimony of the Fathers of the Church.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">TESTIMONY OF AUGUSTIN.</div> + +<p>"Listen," said he, "to what Fulgentius, bishop of Ruspa, +in Numidia, said, in the fifth century, to Trasamond, king of +the Vandals: 'The Son of God took the attributes of true humanity, +and did not lose those of true Divinity. Born in time, +according to his mother, he lives in eternity according to the +Divinity that he holds from the Father: coming from man,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span> +he is man, and consequently in a place; proceeding from the +Father, he is God, and consequently present in every place. +According to his human nature, he was absent from heaven +while he was upon earth, and he quitted the earth when he +ascended into heaven; but, according to his Divine nature, +he remained in heaven when he came down thence, and he +did not abandon the earth when he returned thither.'"<a name="FNanchor_253_253" id="FNanchor_253_253"></a><a href="#Footnote_253_253" class="fnanchor">[253]</a></p> + +<p>But Luther still replied: "It is written, <i>This is my body</i>." +Zwingle, becoming impatient, said, "All that is idle wrangling. +An obstinate disputant might also maintain this expression +of our Saviour to his mother, <i>Behold thy son</i>, pointing to +St. John. Vain would be all explanation; he would not cease +to cry, No, no! He said, <i>Ecce filius tuus</i>, Behold thy son, behold +thy son! Listen to a new testimony; it is from the +great Augustin: 'Let us not think,' says he, 'that Christ, according +to his human form, is present in every place; let us +beware, in our endeavour to establish his Divinity, of taking +away his truth from his body. Christ is now every where +present like God; and yet, in consequence of his real body, +he is in a definite part of heaven.'"<a name="FNanchor_254_254" id="FNanchor_254_254"></a><a href="#Footnote_254_254" class="fnanchor">[254]</a></p> + +<p>"St. Augustin," replied Luther, "is not here speaking +of the Eucharist. Christ's body is not in the Eucharist as +in a place."</p> + +<p>Œcolampadius saw that he might take advantage of this +assertion of Luther's. "The body of Christ," said he, "is not +locally in the Eucharist, therefore no real body is there; for +every one knows that the essence of a body is its existence in +a place."</p> + +<p>Here finished the morning's discussion.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LUTHER'S VIOLENCE.</div> + +<p>Œcolampadius, upon reflection, felt convinced that Luther's +assertion might be looked upon as an approximation. "I remember," +said he after dinner, "that the doctor conceded this +morning that Christ's body was not in the sacrament as in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> +a place. Let us therefore inquire amicably what is the nature +of Christ's bodily presence."</p> + +<p>"You will not make me take a step further," exclaimed +Luther, who saw where they wished to drag him; "you +have Fulgentius and Augustin on your side, but all the other +Fathers are on ours."</p> + +<p>Œcolampadius, who seemed to the Wittembergers to be +vexatiously precise,<a name="FNanchor_255_255" id="FNanchor_255_255"></a><a href="#Footnote_255_255" class="fnanchor">[255]</a> then said, "Name these doctors. We +will take upon ourselves to prove that they are of our opinion."</p> + +<p>"We will not name them to you,"<a name="FNanchor_256_256" id="FNanchor_256_256"></a><a href="#Footnote_256_256" class="fnanchor">[256]</a> said Luther. "It +was in his youth," added he, "that Augustin wrote what +you have quoted; and, besides, he is an obscure author." +Then, retreating to the ground which he had resolved never +to quit, he was no longer content to point his finger at the +inscription, <i>Hoc est corpus meum</i>, but seized the velvet cover +on which the words were written, pulled it off the table, held +it up in front of Zwingle and Œcolampadius, and placing it +before their eyes,<a name="FNanchor_257_257" id="FNanchor_257_257"></a><a href="#Footnote_257_257" class="fnanchor">[257]</a> "See!" said he, "see! This is our text; +you have not yet driven us from it, as you had boasted, and +we care for no other proofs."</p> + +<p>"If this be the case," said Œcolampadius, "we had better +leave off the discussion. But I will first declare, that, if we +quote the Fathers, it is only to free our doctrine from the +reproach of novelty, and not to support our cause by their authority." +No better definition can be given of the legitimate +use of the Doctors of the Church.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">END OF THE CONFERENCE.</div> + +<p>There was no reason, in fact, for prolonging the conference. +"As Luther was of an intractable and imperious disposition," +says even his great apologist Seckendorf, "he did<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> +not cease from calling upon the Swiss to submit simply to his +opinion."<a name="FNanchor_258_258" id="FNanchor_258_258"></a><a href="#Footnote_258_258" class="fnanchor">[258]</a></p> + +<p>The Chancellor, alarmed at this termination of the colloquy, +exhorted the theologians to come to an understanding. +"I know but one means for that," said Luther; "and this it +is: Let our adversaries believe as we do." "We cannot," replied +the Swiss. "Well then," replied Luther, "I abandon +you to God's judgment, and pray that he will enlighten you." +"We will do the same," added Œcolampadius.</p> + +<p>While these words were passing, Zwingle was silent, +motionless, and deeply moved; and the liveliness of his affections, +of which he had given more than one proof during +the conference, was then manifested in a very different manner. +He burst into tears in the presence of all.</p> + +<p>The conference was ended. It had been in reality more +tranquil than the documents seem to show, or perhaps the +chroniclers appreciated such matters differently from ourselves. +"With the exception of a few sallies, all had passed +off quietly, in a courteous manner, and with very great gentleness," +says an eye-witness.<a name="FNanchor_259_259" id="FNanchor_259_259"></a><a href="#Footnote_259_259" class="fnanchor">[259]</a> "During the colloquy no +other words than these were heard: 'Sir, and very dear +friend, your charity,' or other similar expressions. Not a +word of schism or of heresy. It might have been said that +Luther and Zwingle were brothers, and not adversaries."<a name="FNanchor_260_260" id="FNanchor_260_260"></a><a href="#Footnote_260_260" class="fnanchor">[260]</a> +This is the testimony of Brenz. But these flowers concealed +an abyss, and Jonas, also an eye-witness, styles the conference +"a very sharp contest."<a name="FNanchor_261_261" id="FNanchor_261_261"></a><a href="#Footnote_261_261" class="fnanchor">[261]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE LANDGRAVE MEDIATES.</div> + +<p>The contagion that had suddenly broken out in Marburg +was creating frightful ravages, and filled everybody with +alarm.<a name="FNanchor_262_262" id="FNanchor_262_262"></a><a href="#Footnote_262_262" class="fnanchor">[262]</a> Each one was anxious to leave the city. "Sirs,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span> +remarked the Landgrave, "you cannot separate thus." And +desirous of giving the doctors an opportunity of meeting one +another with minds unoccupied by theological debates, he invited +them all to his table. This was Sunday night.</p> + +<p>Philip of Hesse had all along shown the most constant attention, +and each one imagined him to be on his side. "I +would rather place my trust in the simple words of Christ, +than in the subtle thoughts of man," was a remark he made, +according to Jonas;<a name="FNanchor_263_263" id="FNanchor_263_263"></a><a href="#Footnote_263_263" class="fnanchor">[263]</a> but Zwingle affirmed that this prince +thought now as he did, although with regard to certain persons +he dissembled his opinions. Luther, sensible of the +weakness of his defence as to the declarations of the Fathers, +transmitted a note to Philip, in which several passages were +pointed out from Hilary, Chrysostom, Cyprian, Irenus, and +Ambrose, which he thought were in his favour.</p> + +<p>The time of departure drew near, and nothing had been +done. The Landgrave toiled earnestly at the union, as Luther +wrote to his wife.<a name="FNanchor_264_264" id="FNanchor_264_264"></a><a href="#Footnote_264_264" class="fnanchor">[264]</a> He invited the theologians one after +another into his closet;<a name="FNanchor_265_265" id="FNanchor_265_265"></a><a href="#Footnote_265_265" class="fnanchor">[265]</a> he pressed, entreated, warned, exhorted, +and conjured them. "Think," said he, "of the salvation +of the christian republic, and remove all discord from +its bosom."<a name="FNanchor_266_266" id="FNanchor_266_266"></a><a href="#Footnote_266_266" class="fnanchor">[266]</a> Never had general at the head of an army +taken such pains to win a battle.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ZWINGLE'S EMOTION.</div> + +<p>A final general meeting took place and undoubtedly the +Church has seldom witnessed one of greater solemnity. Luther +and Zwingle, Saxony and Switzerland, met for the last +time. The Sweating Sickness was carrying off men around +them by thousands;<a name="FNanchor_267_267" id="FNanchor_267_267"></a><a href="#Footnote_267_267" class="fnanchor">[267]</a> Charles the Fifth and the Pope were +uniting in Italy; Ferdinand and the Roman-catholic princes +were preparing to tear in pieces the Protest of Spire; the +thunder-cloud became more threatening every day; union<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> +alone seemed capable of saving the Protestants, and the hour +of departure was about to strike—an hour that would separate +them perhaps for ever.</p> + +<p>"Let us confess our union in all things in which we agree," +said Zwingle; "and as for the rest, let us remember that we +are brothers. There will never be peace between the +Churches if, while we maintain the grand doctrine of salvation +by faith, we cannot differ on secondary points."<a name="FNanchor_268_268" id="FNanchor_268_268"></a><a href="#Footnote_268_268" class="fnanchor">[268]</a> Such +is, in fact, the true principle of christian union. The sixteenth +century was still too deeply sunk in scholasticism to understand +this: let us hope that the nineteenth century will comprehend +it better.</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes!" exclaimed the Landgrave; "you agree! Give +then a testimony of your unity, and recognise one another as +brothers."—"There is no one upon earth with whom I more +desire to be united, than with you," said Zwingle, approaching +the Wittemberg doctors.<a name="FNanchor_269_269" id="FNanchor_269_269"></a><a href="#Footnote_269_269" class="fnanchor">[269]</a> Œcolampadius, Bucer, and +Hedio said the same.</p> + +<p>"Acknowledge them! acknowledge them as brothers!" +continued the Landgrave.<a name="FNanchor_270_270" id="FNanchor_270_270"></a><a href="#Footnote_270_270" class="fnanchor">[270]</a> Their hearts were moved; they +were on the eve of unity: Zwingle, bursting into tears, in the +presence of the Prince, the courtiers, and divines (it is Luther +himself who records this),<a name="FNanchor_271_271" id="FNanchor_271_271"></a><a href="#Footnote_271_271" class="fnanchor">[271]</a> approaches Luther, and holds +out his hand. The two families of the Reformation were +about to be united: long quarrels were about to be stifled in +their cradle; but Luther rejects the hand that is offered him: +"You have a different spirit from ours," said he. These +words communicate to the Swiss, as it were, an electrical +shock. Their hearts sunk each time Luther repeated them, +and he did so frequently. It is he himself who is our informant.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span></p><div class="sidenote">SECTARIAN SPIRIT OF THE GERMAN.</div> + +<p>A brief consultation took place among the Wittemberg doctors. +Luther, Melancthon, Agricola, Brenz, Jonas, and Osiander, +conferred together. Convinced that their peculiar doctrine +on the Eucharist was essential to salvation, they considered +all those who rejected it as without the pale of the faith. +"What folly!"<a name="FNanchor_272_272" id="FNanchor_272_272"></a><a href="#Footnote_272_272" class="fnanchor">[272]</a> said Melancthon, who afterwards almost coincided +with Zwingle's sentiments: "they condemn us, and yet +they desire we should consider them as our brothers!" "What +versatility!" added Brenz: "they accused us but lately of +worshipping a bread-god, and they now ask for communion +with us!"<a name="FNanchor_273_273" id="FNanchor_273_273"></a><a href="#Footnote_273_273" class="fnanchor">[273]</a> Then, turning towards Zwingle and his friends, +the Wittembergers said: "You do not belong to the communion +of the Christian Church: we cannot acknowledge +you as brethren!"<a name="FNanchor_274_274" id="FNanchor_274_274"></a><a href="#Footnote_274_274" class="fnanchor">[274]</a></p> + +<p>The Swiss were far from partaking of this sectarian spirit. +"We think," said Bucer, "that your doctrine strikes at the +glory of Jesus Christ, who now reigns at the right hand of +the Father. But seeing that in all things you acknowledge +your dependence on the Lord, we look at your conscience, +which compels you to receive the doctrine you profess, and +we do not doubt that you belong to Christ."</p> + +<p>"And we," said Luther—"we declare to you once more +that our conscience opposes our receiving you as brethren."—"If +such is the case," replied Bucer, "it would be folly to +ask it."</p> + +<p>"I am exceedingly astonished that you wish to consider me +as your brother," pursued Luther. "It shows clearly that +you do not attach much importance to your own doctrine."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">BROTHERHOOD REJECTED.</div> + +<p>"Take your choice," said Bucer, proposing a dilemma to +the Reformer: "either you should not acknowledge as brethren +those who differ from you in any point—and if so, you +will not find a single brother in your own ranks<a name="FNanchor_275_275" id="FNanchor_275_275"></a><a href="#Footnote_275_275" class="fnanchor">[275]</a>—or else<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span> +you will receive some of those who differ from you, and then +you ought to receive us."</p> + +<p>The Swiss had exhausted their solicitations. "We are +conscious," said they, "of having acted as if in the presence +of God. Posterity will be our witness."<a name="FNanchor_276_276" id="FNanchor_276_276"></a><a href="#Footnote_276_276" class="fnanchor">[276]</a> They were on +the point of retiring: Luther remained like a rock, to the +Landgrave's great indignation.<a name="FNanchor_277_277" id="FNanchor_277_277"></a><a href="#Footnote_277_277" class="fnanchor">[277]</a> The Hessian divines, +Kraft, Lambert, Snepf, Lonicer, and Melander, united their +exertions to those of the Prince.</p> + +<p>Luther was staggered, and conferred anew with his colleagues. +"Let us beware," said he to his friends, "of wiping +our noses too roughly, lest blood should come."<a name="FNanchor_278_278" id="FNanchor_278_278"></a><a href="#Footnote_278_278" class="fnanchor">[278]</a></p> + +<p>Then turning to Zwingle and Œcolampadius, they said: +"We acknowledge you as friends; we do not consider you +as brothers and members of Christ's Church.<a name="FNanchor_279_279" id="FNanchor_279_279"></a><a href="#Footnote_279_279" class="fnanchor">[279]</a> But we do +not exclude you from that universal charity which we owe +even to our enemies."<a name="FNanchor_280_280" id="FNanchor_280_280"></a><a href="#Footnote_280_280" class="fnanchor">[280]</a></p> + +<p>The hearts of Zwingle, Œcolampadius, and Bucer, were +ready to burst,<a name="FNanchor_281_281" id="FNanchor_281_281"></a><a href="#Footnote_281_281" class="fnanchor">[281]</a> for this concession was almost a new insult. +Nevertheless they resolved to accept what was offered them. +"Let us carefully avoid all harsh and violent words and +writings," said they; "and let each one defend himself without +railing."<a name="FNanchor_282_282" id="FNanchor_282_282"></a><a href="#Footnote_282_282" class="fnanchor">[282]</a></p> + +<p>Luther then advanced towards the Swiss, and said: "We +consent, and I offer you the hand of peace and charity." +The Swiss rushed in great emotion towards the Wittembergers, +and all shook hands.<a name="FNanchor_283_283" id="FNanchor_283_283"></a><a href="#Footnote_283_283" class="fnanchor">[283]</a> Luther himself was softened:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span> +christian charity resumed her rights in his heart. "Assuredly," +said he, "a great portion of the scandal is taken away +by the suppression of our fierce debates; we could not have +hoped for so much. May Christ's hand remove the last obstacle +that separates us.<a name="FNanchor_284_284" id="FNanchor_284_284"></a><a href="#Footnote_284_284" class="fnanchor">[284]</a> There is now a friendly concord between +us, and if we persevere in prayer, brotherhood will +come."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LUTHER'S REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE.</div> + +<p>It was desirable to confirm this important result by a report. +"We must let the christian world know," said the +Landgrave, "that, except the manner of the presence of the +body and blood in the Eucharist, you are agreed in all the +articles of faith."<a name="FNanchor_285_285" id="FNanchor_285_285"></a><a href="#Footnote_285_285" class="fnanchor">[285]</a> This was resolved on; but who should +be charged with drawing up the paper? All eyes were +turned upon Luther. The Swiss themselves appealed to his +impartiality.</p> + +<p>Luther retired to his closet, lost in thought, uneasy, and +finding the task very difficult. "On the one hand," said he, +"I should like to spare their weakness;<a name="FNanchor_286_286" id="FNanchor_286_286"></a><a href="#Footnote_286_286" class="fnanchor">[286]</a> but, on the other, I +would not in the least degree strike at the holy doctrine of +Christ." He did not know how to set about it, and his anguish +increased. He got free at last. "I will draw up the +articles," said he, "in the most accurate manner. Do I not +know that whatever I write, they will never sign them?"<a name="FNanchor_287_287" id="FNanchor_287_287"></a><a href="#Footnote_287_287" class="fnanchor">[287]</a> +Erelong fifteen articles were committed to paper, and Luther, +holding them in his hand, repaired to the theologians of the +two parties.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">UNITY OF DOCTRINE.</div> + +<p>These articles are of importance. The two doctrines that +were evolved in Switzerland and in Saxony, independently +of each other, were brought together and compared. If they +were of man, there would be found in them a servile uniformity, +or a remarkable opposition. This was not the case.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span> +A great unity was found between the German and the Swiss +Reformations, for they both proceeded from the same Divine +teaching; and a diversity on secondary points, for it was by +man's instrumentality that God had effected them.</p> + +<p>Luther took his paper, and reading the first article, said:</p> + +<p>"First, we believe that there is one sole, true, and natural +God, Creator of heaven and earth and of all creatures; and +that this same God, one in essence and in nature, is threefold +in person, that is to say, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, as was +declared in the Nicene Council, and as all the Christian +Church professes."</p> + +<p>To this the Swiss gave their assent.</p> + +<p>They were agreed also on the divinity and humanity of +Jesus Christ; on his death and resurrection, on original sin, +justification by faith, the operation of the Holy Ghost and of +the Word of God, baptism, good works, confession, civil order, +and tradition.</p> + +<p>Thus far all were united. The Wittembergers could not +recover from their astonishment.<a name="FNanchor_288_288" id="FNanchor_288_288"></a><a href="#Footnote_288_288" class="fnanchor">[288]</a> The two parties had rejected, +on the one hand, the errors of the Papists, who make religion +little more than an outward form; and, on the other, +those of the Enthusiasts, who speak exclusively of internal +feelings; and they were found drawn up under the same +banners between these two camps. But the moment was +come that would separate them. Luther had kept till the +last the article on the Eucharist.</p> + +<p>The Reformer resumed:</p> + +<p>"We all believe with regard to the Lord's Supper, that +it ought to be celebrated in both kinds, according to the +primitive institution; that the Mass is not a work by which a +Christian obtains pardon for another man, whether dead or +alive; that the sacrament of the altar is the sacrament of the +very body and very blood of Jesus Christ; and that the spiritual +manducation of this body and blood is specially necessary +to every true Christian."<a name="FNanchor_289_289" id="FNanchor_289_289"></a><a href="#Footnote_289_289" class="fnanchor">[289]</a></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span></p> +<div class="sidenote">UNITY AMONG DIVERSITY.</div> + +<p>It was now the turn of the Swiss to be astonished. Luther +continued:</p> + +<p>"In like manner, as to the use of the sacrament, we are +agreed that, like the Word, it was ordained of Almighty +God, in order that weak consciences might be excited by +the Holy Ghost to faith and charity."</p> + +<p>The joy of the Swiss was redoubled. Luther continued: +"And although at present we are not agreed on the question +whether the real body and blood of Christ are corporeally +present in the bread and wine, yet both the interested +parties shall cherish more and more a truly christian charity +for one another, so far as conscience permits; and we will all +earnestly implore the Lord to condescend by his Spirit to confirm +us in the sound doctrine."<a name="FNanchor_290_290" id="FNanchor_290_290"></a><a href="#Footnote_290_290" class="fnanchor">[290]</a></p> + +<p>The Swiss obtained what they had asked: unity in diversity. +It was immediately resolved to hold a solemn meeting +for the signature of the articles.</p> + +<p>They were read over again. Œcolampadius, Zwingle, +Bucer, and Hedio, signed them first on one copy; while +Luther, Melancthon, Jonas, Osiander, Brentz, and Agricola, +wrote their names on the other; both parties then signed the +copy of their adversaries, and this important document was +sent to the press.<a name="FNanchor_291_291" id="FNanchor_291_291"></a><a href="#Footnote_291_291" class="fnanchor">[291]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">REMARKS.</div> + +<p>Thus the Reformation had made a sensible step at Marburg. +The opinion of Zwingle on the spiritual presence, +and of Luther on the bodily presence, are both found in +christian antiquity; but both the extreme doctrines have been +always rejected: that of the Rationalists, on the one hand, +who behold in the Eucharist nothing but a simple commemoration; +and of the Papists, on the other, who adore in it a +transubstantiation. These are both errors; while the doctrines<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span> +of Luther and Zwingle, and the medium taken by +Calvin, already maintained by some of the Fathers, were considered +in ancient times as different views of the same truth. +If Luther had yielded, it might have been feared that the +Church would fall into the extreme of Rationalism; if +Zwingle, that it would rush into the extreme of Popery. It +is a salutary thing for the Church that these different views +should be entertained; but it is a pernicious thing for individuals +to attach themselves to one of them, in such a manner +as to anathematize the others. "There is only this little +stumbling-block," wrote Melancthon, "that embarrasses the +Church of our Lord."<a name="FNanchor_292_292" id="FNanchor_292_292"></a><a href="#Footnote_292_292" class="fnanchor">[292]</a> All,—Romanists and Evangelicals, +Saxons and Swiss, admitted the presence, and even the real +presence of Christ; but here was the essential point of separation: +Is this presence effected by the faith of the communicant, +or by the <i>opus operatum</i> of the priest? The germs of +Popery, Sacerdotalism, Puseyism, are inevitably contained in +this latter thesis. If it is maintained that a wicked priest +(as has been said) operates this real presence of Christ by +three words, we enter the Church of the Pope. Luther appeared +sometimes to admit this doctrine, but he has often spoken +in a more spiritual manner; and taking this great man +in his best moments, we behold no more than an essential +unity and a secondary diversity in the two parties of the Reformation. +Undoubtedly the Lord has left his Church outward +seals of his grace; but he has not attached salvation +to these signs. The essential point is the connexion of the +faithful with the Word, with the Holy Ghost, with the Head +of the Church. This is the great truth which the Reform +proclaims, and which Lutheranism itself recognises. After +the Marburg conference, the controversy became more moderate.</p> + +<p>There was another advantage. The evangelical divines +at Marburg marked with one accord their separation from +the Papacy. Zwingle was not without fear (unfounded, no +doubt) with regard to Luther: these fears were dispersed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span> +"Now that we are agreed," said he, "the Papists will no +longer hope that Luther will ever be one of them."<a name="FNanchor_293_293" id="FNanchor_293_293"></a><a href="#Footnote_293_293" class="fnanchor">[293]</a> The +Marburg articles are the first bulwark erected in common +by the Reformers against Rome.</p> + +<p>It was not, then, in vain that, after the protest of Spire, +Philip of Hesse endeavoured, at Marburg, to bring together +the friends of the Gospel. But, if the religious object was +partially attained, the political object almost entirely failed. +They could not arrive at a confederation of Switzerland and +Germany. Nevertheless, Philip of Hesse and Zwingle, with +a view to this, had numerous secret conversations, which +made the Saxons uneasy, as they were not less opposed to +Zwingle's politics than to his theology. "When you have +reformed the peasant's cap," said Jonas to him, "you will also +claim to reform the sable hat of princes."</p> + +<p>The Landgrave, having collected all the doctors at his table +on the last day, they shook hands in a friendly manner,<a name="FNanchor_294_294" id="FNanchor_294_294"></a><a href="#Footnote_294_294" class="fnanchor">[294]</a> +and each one thought of leaving the town.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LUTHER'S DEJECTION.</div> + +<p>On Tuesday the 5th October, the Landgrave quitted Marburg +early, and in the afternoon of the same day Luther departed, +accompanied by his colleagues; but he did not go +forth as a conqueror. A spirit of dejection and alarm had +taken possession of his mind.<a name="FNanchor_295_295" id="FNanchor_295_295"></a><a href="#Footnote_295_295" class="fnanchor">[295]</a> He writhed in the dust, like +a worm, according to his own expression. He fancied he +should never see his wife and children again, and cried out +that he, "the consoler of so many tortured souls, was now +without any consolation!"<a name="FNanchor_296_296" id="FNanchor_296_296"></a><a href="#Footnote_296_296" class="fnanchor">[296]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">STATE OF POLITICAL AFFAIRS.</div> + +<p>This state might partly arise from Luther's want of brotherly +feeling; but it had other causes also. Soliman had +come to fulfil a promise made to King Ferdinand. The latter +having demanded, in 1528, the surrender of Belgrade, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> +Sultan had haughtily replied, that he would bring the keys +himself to Vienna. In fact, the Grand Turk, crossing the +frontiers of Germany, had invaded countries "on which the +hoofs of the Mussulman war-horses had never trod," and +eight days before the conference at Marburg, he had covered +with his innumerable tents the plain and the fertile hills in +the midst of which rise the walls of Vienna. The struggle +had begun under ground, the two parties having dug deep +galleries beneath the ramparts. Three different times the +Turkish mines were sprung; the walls were thrown down;<a name="FNanchor_297_297" id="FNanchor_297_297"></a><a href="#Footnote_297_297" class="fnanchor">[297]</a> +"the balls flew through the air like a flight of small birds," +says a Turkish historian; "and there was a horrible banquet, +at which the genii of death joyously drained their glasses."<a name="FNanchor_298_298" id="FNanchor_298_298"></a><a href="#Footnote_298_298" class="fnanchor">[298]</a></p> + +<p>Luther did not keep in the background. He had already +written against the Turks, and now he published a <i>Battle Sermon</i>. +"Mahomet," said he, "exalts Christ as being without +sin; but he denies that he was the true God; therefore he is +his enemy. Alas! to this hour the world is such that it seems +everywhere to rain disciples of Mahomet. Two men ought to +oppose the Turks: the first is Christian, that is to say, Prayer; +the second is Charles, that is to say, The sword." And in another +place, "I know my dear Germans well, fat and well-fed +swine; as soon as the danger is removed, they think only of +eating and sleeping. Wretched man! if thou dost not take up +arms the Turk will come; he will carry thee away into his +Turkey; he will there sell thee like a dog; and thou shalt +serve him night and day, under the rod and the cudgel, for +a glass of water and a morsel of bread. Think on this; be +converted, and implore the Lord not to give thee the Turk +for thy schoolmaster."<a name="FNanchor_299_299" id="FNanchor_299_299"></a><a href="#Footnote_299_299" class="fnanchor">[299]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">VARIETY OF CHARACTER.</div> + +<p>The two arms pointed out by Luther were, in reality, vigorously +employed; and Soliman, perceiving at last that he +was not the "soul of the universe," as his poets had styled him,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span> +but that there was a strength in the world superior to his +own, raised the siege of Vienna on the 16th October; and +"the shadow of God over the two worlds," as he called himself, +"disappeared and vanished in the Bosphorus."</p> + +<p>But Luther imagined that, when retiring from before the +walls of Vienna, "the Turk, or at least his god, who is the +devil," had rushed upon him; and that it was this enemy +of Christ and of Christ's servants that he was destined to +combat and vanquish in his frightful agony.<a name="FNanchor_300_300" id="FNanchor_300_300"></a><a href="#Footnote_300_300" class="fnanchor">[300]</a> There is an +immediate reaction of the violated law upon him who violates +it. Now Luther had transgressed the royal law, which +is charity, and he suffered the penalty. At last he re-entered +Wittemberg, and flung himself into the arms of his +friends, "tormented by the angel of death."<a name="FNanchor_301_301" id="FNanchor_301_301"></a><a href="#Footnote_301_301" class="fnanchor">[301]</a></p> + +<p>Without, however, overlooking the essential qualities of a +Reformer that Luther manifested at Marburg, there are in +God's work, as in a drama, different parts. What various +characters we see among the Apostles and among the Reformers! +It has been said that the same characters and the +same parts were assigned to St. Peter and to Luther, at the +time of the Formation and of the Reformation of the Church.<a name="FNanchor_302_302" id="FNanchor_302_302"></a><a href="#Footnote_302_302" class="fnanchor">[302]</a> +They were both in fact men of the initiative, who start forward +quite alone, but around whom an army soon collects at +the sight of the standard which they wave.</p> + +<p>But there was perhaps in the Reformer a characteristic that +was not found to the same degree in the Apostle; this is firmness.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">EXASPERATION OF THE PAPISTS.</div> + +<p>As for Zwingle, he quitted Marburg in alarm at Luther's +intolerance. "Lutheranism," wrote he to the Landgrave, +"will lie as heavy upon us as Popery."<a name="FNanchor_303_303" id="FNanchor_303_303"></a><a href="#Footnote_303_303" class="fnanchor">[303]</a> He reached Zurich +on the 19th October. "The truth," said he to his friends, "has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span> +prevailed so manifestly, that if ever any one has been defeated +before all the world, it is Luther, although he constantly exclaimed +that he was invincible."<a name="FNanchor_304_304" id="FNanchor_304_304"></a><a href="#Footnote_304_304" class="fnanchor">[304]</a> On his side, Luther spoke +in a similar strain. "It is through fear of their fellow-citizens," +added he, "that the Swiss, although vanquished, are +unwilling to retract."<a name="FNanchor_305_305" id="FNanchor_305_305"></a><a href="#Footnote_305_305" class="fnanchor">[305]</a></p> + +<p>If it should be asked on which side the victory really was, +perhaps we ought to say that Luther assumed the air of a +conqueror, but Zwingle was so in reality. The conference +propagated through all Germany the doctrine of the Swiss, +which had been little known there till that time, and it was +adopted by an immense number of persons. Among these +were Laffards, first rector of St. Martin's School at Brunswick, +Dionysius Melander, Justus Lening, Hartmann, Ibach, and +many more. The Landgrave himself, a short time before his +death, declared that this conference had induced him to renounce +the oral manducation of Christ.<a name="FNanchor_306_306" id="FNanchor_306_306"></a><a href="#Footnote_306_306" class="fnanchor">[306]</a></p> + +<p>Still the dominant principle at this celebrated epoch was +unity. The adversaries are the best judges. The Roman-catholics +were exasperated that the Lutherans and Zwinglians +had agreed on all the essential points of faith. "They +have a fellow-feeling against the Catholic Church," said they, +"as Herod and Pilate against Jesus Christ." The enthusiastic +sects said the same,<a name="FNanchor_307_307" id="FNanchor_307_307"></a><a href="#Footnote_307_307" class="fnanchor">[307]</a> and the extreme hierarchial as +well as the extreme radical party deprecated equally the +unity of Marburg.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THREATENING PROSPECTS.</div> + +<p>Erelong a greater agitation eclipsed all these rumours, +and events which threatened the whole evangelical body, +proclaimed its great and intimate union with new force. +The Emperor, it was everywhere said, exasperated by the +Protest of Spire, has landed at Genoa with the pomp of a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span> +conqueror. After having sworn at Barcelona to reduce the +heretics under the power of the Pope, he is going to visit this +pontiff, humbly to bend the knee before him; and he will +rise up only to cross the Alps and accomplish his terrible designs. +"The Emperor Charles," said Luther, a few days after +the landing of this prince, "has determined to show himself +more cruel against us than the Turk himself, and he has +already uttered the most horrible threats. Behold the hour +of Christ's agony and weakness. Let us pray for all those +who will soon have to endure captivity and death."<a name="FNanchor_308_308" id="FNanchor_308_308"></a><a href="#Footnote_308_308" class="fnanchor">[308]</a></p> + +<p>Such was the news that then agitated all Germany. The +grand question was, whether the Protest of Spire could be +maintained against the power of the Emperor and of the +Pope. This was seen in the year 1530.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK XIV.</h2> + +<h3>THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. 1530.</h3> + + +<p>I. The Reformation was accomplished in the name of a +spiritual principle. It had proclaimed for its teacher the +Word of God; for salvation, Faith; for king, Jesus Christ; +for arms, the Holy Ghost; and had by these very means rejected +all worldly elements. Rome had been established by +<i>the law of a carnal commandment</i>; the Reformation, by <i>the +power of an endless life</i>.<a name="FNanchor_309_309" id="FNanchor_309_309"></a><a href="#Footnote_309_309" class="fnanchor">[309]</a></p> + +<p>If there is any doctrine that distinguishes Christianity from +every other religion, it is its spirituality. A heavenly life +brought down to man—such is its work; thus the opposition +of the spirit of the Gospel to the spirit of the world was the +great fact which signalized the entrance of Christianity +among the nations. But what its Founder had separated, +had soon come together again; the Church had fallen into +the arms of the world; and this criminal Union had reduced +it to the deplorable condition in which it was found at the era +of the Reformation.</p> + +<p>Thus one of the greatest tasks of the sixteenth century +was to restore the spiritual element to its rights. The Gospel +of the Reformers had nothing to do with the world and with +politics. While the Roman hierarchy had become a matter +of diplomacy and a court intrigue, the Reformation was destined +to exercise no other influence over princes and people +than that which proceeds from the Gospel of peace.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">TWO STRIKING LESSONS.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span>If the Reformation, having attained a certain point, became +untrue to its nature, began to parley and temporize with the +world, and ceased thus to follow up the spiritual principle +that it had so loudly proclaimed, it was faithless to God and +to itself.</p> + +<p>Henceforward its decline was at hand.</p> + +<p>It is impossible for a society to prosper if it be unfaithful to +the principles it lays down. Having abandoned what constituted +its life, it can find naught but death.</p> + +<p>It was God's will that this great truth should be inscribed +on the very threshold of the temple He was then raising in +the world; and a striking contrast was to make this truth +stand gloriously forth.</p> + +<p>One portion of the Reform was to seek the alliance of the +world, and in this alliance find a destruction full of desolation.</p> + +<p>Another portion, looking up to God, was haughtily to reject +the arm of the flesh, and by this very act of faith secure +a noble victory.</p> + +<p>If three centuries have gone astray, it is because they were +unable to comprehend so holy and solemn a lesson.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>It was in the beginning of September 1529 that Charles V., +the victor by battles or by treaties over the Pope and the King +of France, had landed at Genoa. The shouts of the Spaniards +had saluted him as he quitted the Iberian peninsula; but +the dejected eyes, the bended heads, the silent lips of the Italians +given over to his hands, alone welcomed him to the foot +of the Apennines. Everything led to the belief that Charles +would indemnify himself on them for the apparent generosity +with which he had treated the Pope.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CHARLES THE FIFTH.</div> + +<p>They were deceived. Instead of those barbarous chiefs of +the Goths and Huns, or of those proud and fierce emperors, +who more than once had crossed the Alps and rushed upon +Italy, sword in hand and with cries of vengeance, the Italians +saw among them a young and graceful prince, with pale +features, a delicate frame, and weak voice, of winning manners, +having more the air of a courtier than a warrior, scrupulously<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span> +performing all the duties of the Romish religion, and +leading in his train no terrible cohorts of German barbarians, +but a brilliant retinue of Spanish grandees, who complacently +paraded the pride of their race and the splendour of their +nation. This prince, the victor of Europe, spoke only of +peace and amnesty; and even the Duke of Ferrara, who of +all the Italian princes had most cause of fear, having at Modena +placed the keys of the city in his hands, heard from his +friendly lips the most unexpected encouragements.</p> + +<p>Whence did this strange conduct proceed? Charles, had +shown plainly enough, at the time of the captivity of Francis +I., that generosity towards his enemies was not his dominant +virtue. It was not long before this mystery was explained.</p> + +<p>Almost at the same time with Charles there arrived in Italy, +by way of Lyons and Genoa, three German burgesses, whose +whole equipage consisted of six horses.<a name="FNanchor_310_310" id="FNanchor_310_310"></a><a href="#Footnote_310_310" class="fnanchor">[310]</a> These were John +Ehinger, burgomaster of Memmingen, who carried his head +high, scattered money around him, and did not pride himself +on great sobriety; Michael Caden, syndic of Nuremberg, +a worthy, pious, and brave man, but detested by the Count of +Nassau, the most influential of Charles's ministers; and, +lastly, Alexis Frauentraut, secretary to the Margrave of Brandenburg, +who, having married a nun, was in very bad esteem +among the Roman-catholics. Such were the three men whom +the Protestant princes, assembled at Nuremberg, commissioned +to bear to the Emperor the famous Protest of Spire. They +had purposely chosen these deputies from a middle station, under +the impression that they would incur less danger.<a name="FNanchor_311_311" id="FNanchor_311_311"></a><a href="#Footnote_311_311" class="fnanchor">[311]</a> To +carry such a message to Charles V. was, to say the truth, a +mission which few persons cared to execute. Accordingly a +pension had been secured to the widows of these envoys in +case of misfortune.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">BOLDNESS OF THE ENVOYS.</div> + +<p>Charles was on his way from Genoa to Bologna, and staying +at Piacenza, when the three Protestant deputies overtook<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span> +him. These plain Germans presented a singular contrast in +the midst of that Spanish pomp and Romish fervour by which +the young prince was surrounded. Cardinal Gattinara, the +Emperor's chancellor, who sincerely desired a reform of the +Church, procured them an audience of Charles V. for the 22d +of September; but they were recommended to be sparing in +their words, for there was nothing the Emperor so much +disliked as a Protestant sermon.</p> + +<p>The deputies were not checked by these insinuations +and after having handed the protest to Charles, Frauentraut +began to speak: "It is to the Supreme Judge that each one +of us must render an account," said he, "and not to creatures +who turn at every wind. It is better to fall into the most cruel +necessity, than to incur the anger of God. Our nation will +obey no decrees that are based on any other foundation than +the Holy Scriptures."<a name="FNanchor_312_312" id="FNanchor_312_312"></a><a href="#Footnote_312_312" class="fnanchor">[312]</a></p> + +<p>Such was the proud tone held by these German citizens to +the Emperor of the West. Charles said not a word—it +would have been paying them too much honour; but he +charged one of his secretaries to announce an answer at some +future time.</p> + +<p>There was no hurry to send back these petty ambassadors. +In vain did they renew their solicitations daily. Gattinara +treated them with kindness, but Nassau sent them away with +bitter words. A workman, the armourer to the court, having +to visit Augsburg to purchase arms, begged the Count of Nassau +to despatch the Protestant deputies. "You may tell +them," replied the minister of Charles V., "that we will +terminate their business in order that you may have travelling +companions." But the armourer having found other company, +they were compelled to wait.<a name="FNanchor_313_313" id="FNanchor_313_313"></a><a href="#Footnote_313_313" class="fnanchor">[313]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE LANDGRAVE'S PRESENT.</div> + +<p>These envoys endeavoured at least to make a good use of +their time. "Take this book," said the Landgrave to Caden +at the very moment of departure, giving him a French work<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span> +bound in velvet, and richly ornamented, "and deliver it to the +Emperor."<a name="FNanchor_314_314" id="FNanchor_314_314"></a><a href="#Footnote_314_314" class="fnanchor">[314]</a> It was a summary of the Christian Faith which +the Landgrave had received from Francis Lambert, and +which had probably been written by that doctor. Caden +sought an opportunity of presenting this treatise; and did so +one day, therefore, as Charles was going publickly to Mass. +The Emperor took the book, and passed it immediately to +a Spanish bishop. The Spaniard began to read it,<a name="FNanchor_315_315" id="FNanchor_315_315"></a><a href="#Footnote_315_315" class="fnanchor">[315]</a> and lighted +upon that passage of Scripture in which Christ enjoins +his apostles <i>not to exercise lordship</i>.<a name="FNanchor_316_316" id="FNanchor_316_316"></a><a href="#Footnote_316_316" class="fnanchor">[316]</a> The author took advantage +of it to maintain that the minister, charged with spiritual +matters, should not interfere with those which are temporal. +The Papist prelate bit his lips, and Charles, who perceived +it, having asked, "Well, what is the matter?" the bishop in +confusion had recourse to a falsehood.<a name="FNanchor_317_317" id="FNanchor_317_317"></a><a href="#Footnote_317_317" class="fnanchor">[317]</a> "This treatise," replied +he, "takes the sword from the christian magistrate, and +grants it only to nations that are strangers to the faith." Immediately +there was a great uproar: the Spaniards above all +were beside themselves.</p> + +<p>"The wretches that have endeavoured to mislead so young +a prince," said they, "deserve to be hung on the first tree by +the wayside!" Charles swore, in fact, that the bearer should +suffer the penalty of his audacity.</p> + +<p>At length, on the 12th October, Alexander Schweiss, imperial +secretary, transmitted the Emperor's reply to the deputies. +It said that the minority ought to submit to the decrees +passed in diet, and that if the Duke of Saxony and his allies +refused, means would not be wanting to compel them.<a name="FNanchor_318_318" id="FNanchor_318_318"></a><a href="#Footnote_318_318" class="fnanchor">[318]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE ENVOYS UNDER ARREST.</div> + +<p>Ehinger and Caden thereupon read aloud the appeal to +the Emperor drawn up at Spire, whilst Frauentraut, who had +renounced his quality of deputy and assumed that of a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> +notary,<a name="FNanchor_319_319" id="FNanchor_319_319"></a><a href="#Footnote_319_319" class="fnanchor">[319]</a> took notes of what was passing. When the reading +was finished, the deputies advanced towards Schweiss and +presented the appeal. The imperial secretary rejected the +document with amazement; the deputies insisted; Schweiss +continued firm. They then laid the appeal on the table. +Schweiss was staggered; he took the paper, and carried it +to the Emperor.</p> + +<p>After dinner, just as one of the deputies (Caden) had gone +out, a tumult in the hotel announced some catastrophe. It +was the imperial secretary who returned duly accompanied. +"The Emperor is exceedingly irritated against you on account +of this appeal," said he to the Protestants; "and he +forbids you, under pain of confiscation and death, to leave +your hotel, to write to Germany, or to send any message +whatsoever."<a name="FNanchor_320_320" id="FNanchor_320_320"></a><a href="#Footnote_320_320" class="fnanchor">[320]</a> Thus Charles put ambassadors under arrest, +as he would the officers of his guard, desirous in this manner +of publishing his contempt, and of frightening the princes.</p> + +<p>Caden's servant slipped in alarm out of the hotel, and ran +to his master. The latter, still considering himself free, wrote +a hasty account of the whole business to the senate of Nuremberg, +sent off his letters by express, and returned to share +in the arrest of his colleagues.<a name="FNanchor_321_321" id="FNanchor_321_321"></a><a href="#Footnote_321_321" class="fnanchor">[321]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">MEETING OF CHARLES AND CLEMENT.</div> + +<p>On the 23d of October, the Emperor left Piacenza, carrying +the three Germans with him. But on the 30th he released +Ehinger and Frauentraut, who, mounting their horses +in the middle of the night, rushed at full speed along a +route thronged with soldiers and robbers. "As for you," said +Granvelle to Caden, "you will stay under pain of death. +The Emperor expects that the book you presented to him +will be given up to the Pope."<a name="FNanchor_322_322" id="FNanchor_322_322"></a><a href="#Footnote_322_322" class="fnanchor">[322]</a> Perhaps Charles thought it +pleasant to show the Roman Pontiff this prohibition issued +against the ministers of God to mingle in the government of +nations. But Caden, profiting by the confusion of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span> +court, secretly procured a horse, and fled to Ferrara, thence to +Venice, from which place he returned to Nuremberg.<a name="FNanchor_323_323" id="FNanchor_323_323"></a><a href="#Footnote_323_323" class="fnanchor">[323]</a></p> + +<p>The more Charles appeared irritated against Germany, the +greater moderation he showed towards the Italians: heavy +pecuniary contributions were all that he required. It was beyond +the Alps, in the centre of Christendom, by means of +these very religious controversies, that he desired to establish +his power. He pressed on, and required only two things: +behind him,—peace; with him,—money.</p> + +<p>On the 5th of November he entered Bologna. Everything +was striking about him: the crowd of nobles, the splendour +of the equipages, the haughtiness of the Spanish troops, the +four thousand ducats that were scattered by handfuls among +the people;<a name="FNanchor_324_324" id="FNanchor_324_324"></a><a href="#Footnote_324_324" class="fnanchor">[324]</a> but above all, the majesty and magnificence of +the young Emperor. The two chiefs of Romish Christendom +were about to meet. The Pope quitted his palace with all his +court; and Charles, at the head of an army which would +have conquered the whole of Italy in a few days, affecting +the humility of a child, fell on his knees, and kissed the +Pontiff's feet.</p> + +<p>The Emperor and the Pope resided at Bologna in two adjoining +palaces, separated by a single wall, through which a +doorway had been made, of which each had a key; and the +young and politic Emperor was often seen to visit the old +and crafty Pontiff, carrying papers in his hand.</p> + +<p>Clement obtained Sforza's pardon, who appeared before the +Emperor sick and leaning on a staff. Venice also was forgiven: +a million of crowns arranged these two matters. +But Charles could not obtain from the Pope the pardon of +Florence. This illustrious city was sacrificed to the Medici, +"considering," it was said, "that it is impossible for Christ's +vicar to demand anything that is unjust."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">GATTINARA'S PROPOSITION.</div> + +<p>The most important affair was the Reformation. Some represented +to the Emperor that, victor over all his enemies, he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span> +should carry matters with a high hand, and constrain the +Protestants by force of arms.<a name="FNanchor_325_325" id="FNanchor_325_325"></a><a href="#Footnote_325_325" class="fnanchor">[325]</a> Charles was more moderate; +he preferred weakening the Protestants by the Papists, and +then the Papists by the Protestants, and by this means raising +his power above them both.</p> + +<p>A wiser course was nevertheless proposed in a solemn +conference. "The Church is torn in pieces," said Chancellor +Gattinara. "You (Charles) are the head of the empire: +you (the Pope) are the head of the Church. It is your duty +to provide by common accord against unprecedented wants. +Assemble the pious men of all nations, and let a free council +deduce from the Word of God a scheme of doctrine such as +may be received by every people."<a name="FNanchor_326_326" id="FNanchor_326_326"></a><a href="#Footnote_326_326" class="fnanchor">[326]</a></p> + +<p>A thunderbolt would not have so greatly startled Clement +VII. The offspring of an illegitimate union, and having obtained +the Papacy by means far from honourable, and squandered +the treasures of the Church in an unjust war, this Pontiff +had a thousand personal motives for dreading an assembly +of Christendom. "Large congregations," replied he, +"serve only to introduce popular opinions. It is not with the +decrees of councils, but with the edge of the sword, that we +should decide controversies."<a name="FNanchor_327_327" id="FNanchor_327_327"></a><a href="#Footnote_327_327" class="fnanchor">[327]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">WAR IMMINENT—LUTHER'S OBJECTIONS.</div> + +<p>As Gattinara still persisted: "What!" said the Pope, angrily +interrupting him, "you dare to contradict me, and to excite +your master against me!" Charles rose up; all the assembly +preserved the profoundest silence, and the prince +having resumed his seat, seconded his chancellor's request. +Clement was satisfied with saying that he would reflect upon +it. He then began to work upon the young Emperor in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span> +their private conferences, and Charles promised at last to +constrain the heretics by violence, while the Pope should +summon all other princes to his aid.<a name="FNanchor_328_328" id="FNanchor_328_328"></a><a href="#Footnote_328_328" class="fnanchor">[328]</a> "To overcome Germany +by force, and then erase it from the surface of the +earth, is the sole object of the Italians," they wrote from +Venice to the Elector.<a name="FNanchor_329_329" id="FNanchor_329_329"></a><a href="#Footnote_329_329" class="fnanchor">[329]</a></p> + +<p>Such was the sinister news which, by spreading alarm +among the Protestants, should also have united them. Unfortunately +a contrary movement was then taking place. +Luther and some of his friends had revised the Marburg articles +in a sense exclusively Lutheran, and the ministers of +the Elector of Saxony had presented them to the conference +at Schwabach. The Reformed deputies from Ulm and Strasburg +had immediately withdrawn, and the conference was +broken up.</p> + +<p>But new conferences had erelong become necessary. The +express that Caden had forwarded from Piacenza had reached +Nuremberg. Every one in Germany understood that the +arrest of the princes' deputies was a declaration of war. The +Elector was staggered, and ordered his chancellor to consult +the theologians of Wittemberg.</p> + +<p>"We cannot on our conscience," replied Luther on the +18th November, "approve of the proposed alliance. We +would rather die ten times than see our Gospel cause one +drop of blood to be shed.<a name="FNanchor_330_330" id="FNanchor_330_330"></a><a href="#Footnote_330_330" class="fnanchor">[330]</a> Our part is to be like lambs of +the slaughter. The cross of Christ must be borne. Let +your highness be without fear. We shall do more by our +prayers than all our enemies by their boastings. Only let +not your hands be stained with the blood of your brethren! +If the Emperor requires us to be given up to his tribunals, +we are ready to appear. You cannot defend our faith: +each one should believe at his own risk and peril."<a name="FNanchor_331_331" id="FNanchor_331_331"></a><a href="#Footnote_331_331" class="fnanchor">[331]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span></p><div class="sidenote">THE SAVIOUR IS COMING!</div> + +<p>On the 29th November an evangelical congress was opened +at Smalkald, and an unexpected event rendered this +meeting still more important. Ehinger, Caden, and Frauentraut, +who had escaped from the grasp of Charles V., appeared +before them.<a name="FNanchor_332_332" id="FNanchor_332_332"></a><a href="#Footnote_332_332" class="fnanchor">[332]</a> The Landgrave had no further doubts of +the success of his plan.</p> + +<p>He was deceived. No agreement between contrary doctrines, +no alliance between politics and religion—were Luther's +two principles, and they still prevailed. It was agreed +that those who felt disposed to sign the articles of Schwabach, +and those only, should meet at Nuremberg on the 6th +of January.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CHARLES' CONCILIATORY LANGUAGE.</div> + +<p>The horizon became hourly more threatening. The Papists +of Germany wrote one to another these few but significant +words: "The Saviour is coming."<a name="FNanchor_333_333" id="FNanchor_333_333"></a><a href="#Footnote_333_333" class="fnanchor">[333]</a> "Alas!" exclaimed +Luther, "what a pitiless saviour! He will devour +them all, as well as us." In effect, two Italian bishops, authorized +by Charles V., demanded in the Pope's name all the +gold and silver from the churches, and a third part of the +ecclesiastical revenues: a proceeding which caused an immense +sensation. "Let the Pope go to the devil," replied a +canon of Paderborn, a little too freely.<a name="FNanchor_334_334" id="FNanchor_334_334"></a><a href="#Footnote_334_334" class="fnanchor">[334]</a> "Yes, yes!" archly +replied Luther, "this is your saviour that is coming!" The +people already began to talk of frightful omens. It was not +only the living who were agitated: a child still in its mother's +womb had uttered horrible shrieks.<a name="FNanchor_335_335" id="FNanchor_335_335"></a><a href="#Footnote_335_335" class="fnanchor">[335]</a> "All is accomplished," +said Luther; "the Turk has reached the highest degree +of his power, the glory of the Papacy is declining, and +the world is splitting on every side."<a name="FNanchor_336_336" id="FNanchor_336_336"></a><a href="#Footnote_336_336" class="fnanchor">[336]</a> The Reformer, dreading +lest the end of the world should arrive before he had +translated all the Bible, published the prophesies of Daniel +separately,—"a work," said he, "for these latter times."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> +"Historians relate," added he, "that Alexander the Great always +placed Homer under his pillow: the prophet Daniel is +worthy not only that kings and princes should wear him under +their heads, but in their hearts; for he will teach them +that the government of nations proceeds from the power of +God. We are balanced in the hand of the Lord, as a ship +upon the sea, or a cloud in the sky."<a name="FNanchor_337_337" id="FNanchor_337_337"></a><a href="#Footnote_337_337" class="fnanchor">[337]</a></p> + +<p>Yet the frightful phantom that Philip of Hesse had not +ceased to point out to his allies, and whose threatening jaws +seemed already opening, suddenly vanished, and they discovered +in its place the graceful image of the most amiable of +princes.</p> + +<p>On the 21st January, Charles had summoned all the states +of the empire to Augsburg, and had endeavoured to employ +the most conciliatory language. "Let us put an end to all +discord," he said, "let us renounce our antipathies, let us offer +to our Saviour the sacrifice of all our errors, let us make it +our business to comprehend and weigh with meekness the +opinions of others. Let us annihilate all that has been said +or done on both sides contrary to right, and let us seek after +christian truth. Let us all fight under one and the same +leader, Jesus Christ, and let us strive thus to meet in one communion, +one church, and one unity."<a name="FNanchor_338_338" id="FNanchor_338_338"></a><a href="#Footnote_338_338" class="fnanchor">[338]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE EMPEROR'S MOTIVES.</div> + +<p>What language! How was it that this prince, who had +hitherto spoken only of the sword, should now speak only of +peace? It will be said that the wise Gattinara had had a +share in it; that the act of convocation was drawn up under +the impression of the terror caused by the Turkish invasion; +that the Emperor already saw with how little eagerness the +Roman Catholics of Germany seconded his views; that he +wished to intimidate the Pope; that this language, so full of +graciousness, was but a mask which Charles employed to deceive +his enemies; that he wished to manage religion in true<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> +imperial fashion, like Theodosius and Constantine, and seek +first to unite both parties by the influence of his wisdom +and of his favours, reserving to himself, if kindness should +fail, to employ force afterwards. It is possible that each of +these motives may have exercised a certain influence on +Charles, but the latter appears to us nearer the truth, and +more conformable to the character of this prince.</p> + +<p>If Charles, however, gave way to inclinations of mildness, +the fanatical Ferdinand was at hand to bring him back. "I +will continue negotiating without coming to any conclusion," +wrote he to his brother; "and should I even be reduced to +that, do not fear; pretexts will not be wanting to chastise +these rebels, and you will find men enough, who will be +happy to aid you in your revenge."<a name="FNanchor_339_339" id="FNanchor_339_339"></a><a href="#Footnote_339_339" class="fnanchor">[339]</a></p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p>II. Charles, like Charlemagne in former times and Napoleon +in latter days, desired to be crowned by the Pope, and +had at first thought of visiting Rome for that purpose; but +Ferdinand's pressing letters compelled him to choose Bologna.<a name="FNanchor_340_340" id="FNanchor_340_340"></a><a href="#Footnote_340_340" class="fnanchor">[340]</a> +He appointed the 22d February for receiving the iron +crown as King of Lombardy, and resolved to assume the +golden crown as Emperor of the Romans on the 24th of the +same month—his birthday and the anniversary of the battle +of Pavia, and which he thought was always fortunate to +him.<a name="FNanchor_341_341" id="FNanchor_341_341"></a><a href="#Footnote_341_341" class="fnanchor">[341]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE CORONATION.</div> + +<p>The offices of honour that belonged to the Electors of the +Empire were given to strangers: in the coronation of the +Emperor of Germany all was Spanish or Italian. The sceptre +was carried by the Marquis of Montferrat, the sword by +the Duke of Urbino, and the golden crown by the Duke of +Savoy. One single German prince of little importance, the +Count-palatine Philip, was present: he carried the orb. After +these lords came the Emperor himself between two cardinals;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span> +then the members of his council. All this procession +defiled across a magnificent temporary bridge erected between +the palace and the church. At the very moment the Emperor +drew near the church of San Petronio, where the coronation +was to take place, the scaffolding cracked behind him +and gave way, so that many of his train were wounded, and +the multitude fled in alarm. Charles calmly turned back +and smiled, not doubting that his lucky star had saved him.</p> + +<p>At length Charles V. arrived in front of the throne on +which Clement VII. was seated. But before being made +Emperor, it was necessary that he should be promoted to the +sacred orders. The Pope presented to him the surplice and +the amice to make him a canon of St. Peter's and of St. John +Lateranus, and immediately the canons of these two churches +stripped him of his royal ornaments, and robed him with +these sacred garments. The Pope went to the altar and +began Mass; and the new canon drew near to wait upon him. +After the offertory, the imperial deacon presented the water +to the pontiff. He then knelt down between two cardinals, +and communicated from the Pope's hand. The Emperor +now returned near his throne, where the princes robed him +with the imperial mantle brought from Constantinople, all +sparkling with diamonds, and Charles humbly bent the knee +before Clement VII.</p> + +<p>The pontiff, having anointed him with oil and given him +the sceptre, presented him with a naked sword, saying: +"Make use of it in defence of the Church against the enemies +of the faith!" Next taking the golden orb, studded with +jewels, which the Count-palatine held, he said: "Govern the +world with piety and firmness!" Last came the Duke of +Savoy, who carried the golden crown enriched with diamonds. +The Prince bent down, and Clement put the diadem +on his head, saying: "Charles, Emperor invincible, receive +this crown which we place on your head, as a sign to all +the earth of the authority that is conferred upon you."</p> + +<p>The Emperor then kissed the white cross embroidered on +the Pope's red slipper and exclaimed: "I swear ever to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span> +employ all my strength to defend the Pontifical dignity, and +the Church of Rome."<a name="FNanchor_342_342" id="FNanchor_342_342"></a><a href="#Footnote_342_342" class="fnanchor">[342]</a></p> + +<p>The two princes now took their seats under the same canopy, +but on thrones of unequal height, the Emperor's being +half a foot lower than the pontiff's, and the cardinal deacon +proclaimed to the people "The invincible Emperor, Defender +of the Faith." For the next half-hour nothing was heard +but the noise of musketry, trumpets, drums, and fifes, all the +bells of the city, and the shouts of the multitude. Thus was +proclaimed anew the close union of politics with religion. +The mighty Emperor, transformed to a Roman deacon, and +humbly serving mass, like a canon of St. Peter's, had typified +and declared the indissoluble union of the Romish Church +with the State. This is one of the essential doctrines of Popery, +and one of the most striking characteristics that distinguish +it from the Evangelical and Christian Church.</p> + +<p>Nevertheless, during all this ceremony the Pope seemed ill +at ease, and sighed as soon as men's eyes ceased to be turned on +him. Accordingly, the French ambassador wrote to his court +that these four months which the Emperor and Pope had spent +together at Bologna, would bear fruit of which the King of +France would assuredly have no cause to complain.<a name="FNanchor_343_343" id="FNanchor_343_343"></a><a href="#Footnote_343_343" class="fnanchor">[343]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">ALARM OF THE PROTESTANTS.</div> + +<p>Scarcely had Charles V. risen from before the altar of San +Petronio, than he turned his face towards Germany, and +appeared on the Alps as the anointed of the Papacy. The +letter of convocation, so indulgent and benign, seemed forgotten: +all things were made new since the Pope's blessings: +there was but one thought in the imperial caravan, the necessity +of rigorous measures; and the legate Campeggio ceased +not to insinuate irritating words into Charles's ear. "At the +first rumour of the storm that threatens them," said Granvelle,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span> +"we shall see the Protestants flying on every side, like timid +doves upon which the Alpine eagle pounces."<a name="FNanchor_344_344" id="FNanchor_344_344"></a><a href="#Footnote_344_344" class="fnanchor">[344]</a></p> + +<p>Great indeed was the alarm throughout the Empire; already +even the affrighted people, apprehensive of the greatest +disasters, repeated everywhere that Luther and Melancthon +were dead. "Alas!" said Melancthon, consumed by sorrow, +when he heard these reports, "the rumour is but too true, for +I die daily."<a name="FNanchor_345_345" id="FNanchor_345_345"></a><a href="#Footnote_345_345" class="fnanchor">[345]</a> But Luther, on the contrary, boldly raising +the eye of faith towards heaven, exclaimed: "Our enemies +triumph, but erelong to perish." In truth the councils of the +Elector displayed an unheard-of boldness. "Let us collect our +troops," said they; "let us march on the Tyrol, and close the +passage of the Alps against the Emperor."<a name="FNanchor_346_346" id="FNanchor_346_346"></a><a href="#Footnote_346_346" class="fnanchor">[346]</a> Philip of Hesse +uttered a cry of joy when he heard of this. The sword of +Charles has aroused his indolent allies at last. Immediately +fresh courtiers from Ferdinand were sent to hasten the arrival +of Charles, and all Germany was in expectation.</p> + +<p>Before carrying out this gigantic design, the Elector desired +to consult Luther once more. The Emperor in the +midst of the Electors was only the first among his equals; +and independent princes were allowed to resist another prince, +even if he were of higher rank than themselves. But Luther, +dreading above all things the intervention of the secular +arm in church affairs, was led to reply on the 6th March +in this extraordinary manner: "Our princes' subjects are also +the Emperor's subjects, and even more so than princes are. +To protect by arms the Emperor's subjects against the Emperor, +would be as if the Burgomaster of Torgau wished to +protect by force his citizens against the Elector."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">BRUCK'S NOBLE ADVICE.</div> + +<p>"What must be done then?—Attend," replied Luther. "If +the Emperor desires to march against us, let no prince undertake<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span> +our defence. God is faithful: he will not abandon +us." All preparations for war were immediately suspended, +the Landgrave received a polite refusal, and the confederation +was dissolved. It was the will of God that his cause should +appear before the Emperor without league and without soldiers, +having faith alone for its shield.</p> + +<p>Never perhaps has such boldness been witnessed in feeble +and unarmed men; but never, although under an appearance +of blindness, was there so much wisdom and understanding.</p> + +<p>The question next discussed in the Elector's council was, +whether he should go to the diet. The majority of the councillors +opposed it. "Is it not risking everything," said they, +"to go and shut oneself up within the walls of a city with a +powerful enemy?" Bruck and the Prince-electoral were of +a different opinion. Duty in their eyes was a better councillor +than fear. "What!" said they, "would the Emperor +insist so much on the presence of the princes at Augsburg +only to draw them into a snare? We cannot impute such +perfidy to him." The Landgrave on the contrary seconded +the opinion of the majority. "Remember Piacenza," said +he. "Some unforeseen circumstance may lead the Emperor +to take all his enemies in one cast of the net."</p> + +<p>The Chancellor stood firm. "Let the princes only comport +themselves with courage," said he, "and God's cause +is saved." The decision was in favour of the nobler plan.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">SPIRITUAL ARMOUR.</div> + +<p>This diet was to be a lay council, or at the very least a national +convention.<a name="FNanchor_347_347" id="FNanchor_347_347"></a><a href="#Footnote_347_347" class="fnanchor">[347]</a> The Protestants foresaw that a few unimportant +concessions would be made to them at first, and +then that they would be required to sacrifice their faith. It +was therefore necessary to settle what were the essential +articles of christian truth, in order to know whether, by what +means, and how far they might come to an understanding +with their adversaries. The Elector accordingly had letters +sent on the 14th March to the four principal theologians of +Wittemberg, setting them this task, all other business being<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> +laid aside.<a name="FNanchor_348_348" id="FNanchor_348_348"></a><a href="#Footnote_348_348" class="fnanchor">[348]</a> Thus, instead of collecting soldiers, this prince +drew up articles: they were the best armament.</p> + +<p>Luther, Jonas, and Melancthon (Pomeranus remaining at +Wittemberg), arrived at Torgau in Easter week, asking leave +to deliver their articles in person to Charles the Fifth.<a name="FNanchor_349_349" id="FNanchor_349_349"></a><a href="#Footnote_349_349" class="fnanchor">[349]</a> +"God forbid!" replied the Elector, "I also desire to confess +my Lord."</p> + +<p>John having then confided to Melancthon the definitive +drawing up of the confession, and ordered general prayers +to be offered up, began his journey on the 3d April, with +one hundred and sixty horsemen, clad in rich scarlet cloaks +embroidered with gold.</p> + +<p>Every man was aware of the dangers that threatened the +Elector, and hence many in his escort marched with downcast +eyes and sinking hearts. But Luther, full of faith, revived +the courage of his friends, by composing and singing +with his fine voice that beautiful hymn, since become so famous: +<i>Eine vaste Burg ist unser Gott</i>. Our God is a strong +tower.<a name="FNanchor_350_350" id="FNanchor_350_350"></a><a href="#Footnote_350_350" class="fnanchor">[350]</a> Never did soul that knew its own weakness, but +which, looking to God, despises every fear, find such noble +accents.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">With our own strength we nought can do,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Destruction yawns on every side:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He fights for us, our champion true,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Elect of God to be our guide.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What is his name? The Anointed One,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">The God of armies he;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of earth and heaven the Lord alone—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With him, on field of battle won,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Abideth victory.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="sidenote">LUTHER REMAINS AT COBURG.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span>This hymn was sung during the diet, not only at Augsburg, +but in all the churches of Saxony, and its energetic +strains were often seen to revive and inspirit the most dejected +minds.<a name="FNanchor_351_351" id="FNanchor_351_351"></a><a href="#Footnote_351_351" class="fnanchor">[351]</a></p> + +<p>On Easter-eve the troop reached Coburg, and on the 23d +April the Elector resumed his journey; but at the very moment +of departure Luther received an order to remain. +"Some one has said, Hold your tongue, you have a harsh +voice," wrote he to one of his friends.<a name="FNanchor_352_352" id="FNanchor_352_352"></a><a href="#Footnote_352_352" class="fnanchor">[352]</a> He submitted however +without hesitation, setting an example of that passive +obedience which he advocated so boldly. The Elector feared +that Luther's presence would still further exasperate his adversaries, +and drive Charles to extreme measures: the city +of Augsburg had also written to him to that effect. But at +the same time John was anxious to keep the Reformer within +reach, that he might be able to consult him. He was therefore +left at Coburg, in the castle overlooking the town and +the river Itz, in the upper story on the south side. It was +from this place he wrote those numerous letters dated from +the <i>region of birds</i>; and it was there that for many months he +had to maintain with his old enemy of the Wartburg, Satan, +a struggle full of darkness and of anguish.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CHARLES AT INNSPRUCK.</div> + +<p>On the 2d May the Elector reached Augsburg; it had +been expected that he would stay away, and, to the great astonishment +of all, he was the first at the rendezvous.<a name="FNanchor_353_353" id="FNanchor_353_353"></a><a href="#Footnote_353_353" class="fnanchor">[353]</a> He +immediately sent Dolzig, marshal of the court, to meet the +Emperor and to compliment him. On the 12th May, Philip +of Hesse, who had at last resolved on not separating himself +from his ally, arrived with an escort of one hundred and +ninety horsemen; and almost at the same time the Emperor +entered Innspruck, in the Tyrol, accompanied by his brother, +the queens of Hungary and Bohemia, the ambassadors of +France, England, and Portugal, Campeggio the papal legate,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span> +and other cardinals, with many princes and nobles of Germany, +Spain, and Italy.</p> + +<p>How bring back the heretics to obedience to the Church? +Such was the great topic of conversation in this brilliant court +among nobles and priests, ladies and soldiers, councillors +and ambassadors. They, or Charles at least, were not for +making them ascend the scaffold, but they wished to act in +such a manner that, untrue to their faith, they should bend +the knee to the Pope. Charles stopped at Innspruck to study +the situation of Germany, and ensure the success of his +schemes.</p> + +<p>Scarcely was his arrival known when a crowd of people, +high and low, flocked round him on every side, and more +than 270,000 crowns, previously raised in Italy, served to +make the Germans understand the justice of Rome's cause. +"All these heretics," was the cry, "will fall to the ground +and crawl to the feet of the Pope."<a name="FNanchor_354_354" id="FNanchor_354_354"></a><a href="#Footnote_354_354" class="fnanchor">[354]</a></p> + +<p>Charles did not think so. He was, on the contrary, astonished +to see what power the Reformation had gained. He +momentarily even entertained the idea of leaving Augsburg +alone, and of going straight to Cologne, and there proclaiming +his brother King of the Romans.<a name="FNanchor_355_355" id="FNanchor_355_355"></a><a href="#Footnote_355_355" class="fnanchor">[355]</a> Thus, religious interests +would have given way to dynastic interests, at least +so ran the report. But Charles the Fifth did not stop at this +idea. The question of the Reformation was there before him, +increasing hourly in strength, and it could not be eluded.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">SENTIMENTS OF GATTINARA.</div> + +<p>Two parties divided the imperial court. The one, numerous +and active, called upon the Emperor to revive simply +the edict of Worms, and, without hearing the Protestants, +condemn their cause.<a name="FNanchor_356_356" id="FNanchor_356_356"></a><a href="#Footnote_356_356" class="fnanchor">[356]</a> The legate was at the head of this +party. "Do not hesitate," said he to Charles; "confiscate +their property, establish the inquisition, and punish these obstinate<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span> +heretics with fire and sword."<a name="FNanchor_357_357" id="FNanchor_357_357"></a><a href="#Footnote_357_357" class="fnanchor">[357]</a> The Spaniards, who +strongly seconded these exhortations, gave way to their accustomed +debauchery, so that many of them were arrested +for seduction.<a name="FNanchor_358_358" id="FNanchor_358_358"></a><a href="#Footnote_358_358" class="fnanchor">[358]</a> This was a sad specimen of the faith that +they wished to impose on Germany. Rome has always +thought lightly of morality.</p> + +<p>Gattinara, although sick, had painfully followed in Charles's +train to neutralize the influence of the legate. A determined +adversary of the Roman policy, he thought that the Protestants +might render important services to Christendom. +"There is nothing I desire so much," said he, "as to see the +Elector of Saxony and his allies persevere courageously in +the profession of the Gospel, and call for a free religious council. +If they allow themselves to be checked by promises or +threats, I hesitate myself, I stagger, and I doubt of the means +of salvation."<a name="FNanchor_359_359" id="FNanchor_359_359"></a><a href="#Footnote_359_359" class="fnanchor">[359]</a> The enlightened and honest members of +the Papal Church (and of whom there is always a small +number) necessarily sympathize with the Reformation.</p> + +<p>Charles V., exposed to these contrary influences, desired to +restore Germany to religious unity by his personal intervention: +for a moment he thought himself on the eve of success.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PIETY OF THE ELECTOR.</div> + +<p>Amongst the persons who crowded to Innspruck was the +unfortunate Christian, king of Denmark, Charles's brother-in-law. +In vain had he proposed to his subjects undertaking +a pilgrimage to Rome in expiation of the cruelties of which +he was accused: his people had expelled him. Having repaired +to Saxony, to his uncle the Elector, he had there +heard Luther, and had embraced the evangelical doctrines, +as far at least as external profession goes. This poor dethroned +king could not resist the eloquence of the powerful ruler +of two worlds, and Christian, won over by Charles the Fifth,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span> +publicly placed himself again under the sceptre of the Roman +hierarchy. All the papal party uttered a shout of triumph. +Nothing equals their credulity, and the importance they +attach to such valueless accessions. "I cannot describe the +emotion with which this news has filled me," wrote Clement +VII. to Charles, his hand trembling with joy; "the brightness +of your Majesty's virtues begins at last to scatter the darkness: +this example will lead to numberless conversions."</p> + +<p>Things were in this state, when Duke George of Saxony, +Duke William of Bavaria, and the Elector Joachim of +Brandenburg, the three German princes who were the greatest +enemies of the Reformation, hastily arrived at Innspruck.</p> + +<p>The tranquillity of the Elector, whom they had seen at +Augsburg, had alarmed them, for they knew not the source +whence John derived his courage; they imagined that he was +revolving in his mind some perfidious design. "It is not +without reason," said they to Charles, "that the Elector John +has repaired the first to Augsburg, and that he appeared +there with a considerable train: he wishes to seize your person. +Act then with energy, and allow us to offer your Majesty +a guard of six thousand horse."<a name="FNanchor_360_360" id="FNanchor_360_360"></a><a href="#Footnote_360_360" class="fnanchor">[360]</a> Conference upon conference +immediately took place. The Protestants were affrighted. +"They are holding a diet at Innspruck," said Melancthon, +"on the best means of having our heads."<a name="FNanchor_361_361" id="FNanchor_361_361"></a><a href="#Footnote_361_361" class="fnanchor">[361]</a> But +Gattinara prevailed on Charles to preserve his neutrality.</p> + +<p>While all was thus agitated in the Tyrol, the Evangelical +Christians, instead of mustering in arms, as they were accused, +sent up their prayers to heaven, and the Protestant princes +were preparing to render an account of their faith.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">WILES OF THE ROMANISTS.</div> + +<p>The Elector of Saxony held the first rank among them. +Sincere, upright, and pure from his youth, early disgusted with +the brilliant tourneys in which he had at first taken part, John +of Saxony had joyfully hailed the day of the Reformation, +and the Gospel light had gradually penetrated his serious and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span> +reflective mind. His great pleasure was to have the Holy +Scriptures read to him during the latter hours of the day. It +is true that, having arrived at an advanced age, the pious +Elector sometimes fell asleep, but he soon awoke with a start, +and repeated the last passage aloud. Although moderate and +a friend of peace, he yet possessed an energy that was powerfully +aroused by the great interests of the faith. There is no +prince in the sixteenth century, and none perhaps since the +primitive times of the Church, who has done so much as John +of Saxony for the cause of the Gospel. Accordingly it was +against him that the first efforts of the Papists were directed.</p> + +<p>In order to gain him over, they wished to put in operation +very different tactics from those which had been previously +employed. At Spire the Evangelicals had met with angry +looks in every quarter; at Augsburg, on the contrary, the +Papists gave them a hearty welcome; they represented as +very trifling the distance that separated the two parties, and +in their private conversations uttered the mildest language, +"seeking thus to make the credulous Protestants take the bait," +says an historian.<a name="FNanchor_362_362" id="FNanchor_362_362"></a><a href="#Footnote_362_362" class="fnanchor">[362]</a> The latter yielded with simplicity to +these skilful manœuvres.</p> + +<p>Charles the Fifth was convinced that the simple Germans +would not be able to resist his star. "The King of Denmark +has been converted," said his courtiers to him, "why should +not the Elector follow his example? Let us draw him into +the imperial atmosphere." John was immediately invited to +come and converse familiarly with the Emperor at Innspruck, +with an assurance that he might reckon on Charles's particular +favour.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">AUGSBURG.</div> + +<p>The Prince-electoral, John Frederick, who on seeing the +advances of the Papists had at first exclaimed: "We conduct +our affairs with such awkwardness, that it is quite pitiable!" +allowed himself to be caught by this stratagem. "The +Papist princes," said he to his father, "exert every means of +blackening our characters. Go to Innspruck in order to put<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span> +a stop to these underhand practices; or if you are unwilling, +send me in your place."</p> + +<p>This time the prudent Elector moderated his son's precipitancy, +and replied to Charles's ministers, that it was not proper +to treat of the affairs of the diet in any other place than +that which the Emperor had himself appointed, and he begged, +in consequence, that his majesty would hasten his arrival. +This was the first check that Charles met with.</p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p>III. Meantime Augsburg was filling more and more every +day. Princes, bishops, deputies, gentlemen, cavaliers, soldiers +in rich uniforms, entered by every gate, and thronged the +streets, the public places, inns, churches, and palaces. All +that was most magnificent in Germany was there about to +be collected. The critical circumstances in which the empire +and Christendom were placed, the presence of Charles +V. and his kindly manners, the love of novelty, of grand +shows, and of lively emotions, tore the Germans from their +homes. All those who had great interests to discuss, without +reckoning a crowd of idlers, flocked from the various provinces +of the empire, and hastily made their way towards this illustrious +city.<a name="FNanchor_363_363" id="FNanchor_363_363"></a><a href="#Footnote_363_363" class="fnanchor">[363]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE GOSPEL PREACHED.</div> + +<p>In the midst of this crowd the Elector and the Landgrave +were resolved to confess Jesus Christ, and to take advantage +of this convocation in order to convert the empire. Scarcely +had John arrived when he ordered one of his theologians to +preach daily with open doors in the church of the Dominicans.<a name="FNanchor_364_364" id="FNanchor_364_364"></a><a href="#Footnote_364_364" class="fnanchor">[364]</a> +On Sunday the 8th May, the same was done in the +church of St. Catherine; on the 13th, Philip of Hesse opened +the gates of the cathedral, and his chaplain Snepff there +preached the Word of Salvation; and on the following Sunday +(May 15) this prince ordered Cellarius, minister of Augsburg +and a follower of Zwingle, to preach in the same temple. +Somewhat later the Landgrave firmly settled himself<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span> +in the church of St. Ulric, and the Elector in that of St. +Catherine. These were the two positions taken up by these +illustrious princes. Every day the Gospel was preached in +these places before an immense and attentive crowd.<a name="FNanchor_365_365" id="FNanchor_365_365"></a><a href="#Footnote_365_365" class="fnanchor">[365]</a></p> + +<p>The partisans of Rome were amazed. They expected to +see criminals endeavouring to dissemble their faults, and they +met with confessors of Christ with uplifted heads and words +of power. Desirous of counterbalancing these preachings, +the Bishop of Augsburg ordered his suffragan and his chaplain +to ascend the pulpit. But the Romish priests understood +better how to say Mass than to preach the Gospel. "They +shout, they bawl," said some. "They are stupid fellows," +added all their hearers, shrugging their shoulders.<a name="FNanchor_366_366" id="FNanchor_366_366"></a><a href="#Footnote_366_366" class="fnanchor">[366]</a></p> + +<p>The Romanists, ashamed of their own priests, began to +grow angry,<a name="FNanchor_367_367" id="FNanchor_367_367"></a><a href="#Footnote_367_367" class="fnanchor">[367]</a> and unable to hold their ground by preaching, +they had recourse to the secular arm. "The priests are setting +wondrous machines at work to gain Csar's mind," +said Melancthon.<a name="FNanchor_368_368" id="FNanchor_368_368"></a><a href="#Footnote_368_368" class="fnanchor">[368]</a> They succeeded, and Charles made known +his displeasure at the hardihood of the princes. The friends +of the Pope then drew near the Protestants and whispered +into their ears "that the Emperor, victor over the King of +France and the Roman Pontiff, would appear in Germany to +crush all the Gospellers."<a name="FNanchor_369_369" id="FNanchor_369_369"></a><a href="#Footnote_369_369" class="fnanchor">[369]</a> The anxious Elector demanded +the advice of his theologians.</p> + +<p>Before the answer was ready, Charles's orders arrived, carried +by two of his most influential ministers, the Counts of +Nassau and of Nuenar. A more skilful choice could not have +been made. These two nobles, although devoted to Charles, +were favourable to the Gospel, which they professed not long +after. The Elector was therefore fully disposed to listen to +their counsel.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE EMPEROR'S MESSAGE.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span>On the 24th May, the two Counts delivered their letters +to John of Saxony, and declared to him that the Emperor +was exceedingly grieved that religious controversies should +disturb the good understanding that had for so many years +united the houses of Saxony and Austria;<a name="FNanchor_370_370" id="FNanchor_370_370"></a><a href="#Footnote_370_370" class="fnanchor">[370]</a> that he was astonished +at seeing the Elector oppose an edict (that of Worms) +which had been unanimously passed by all the states of the +Empire; that the alliances he had made tended to tear asunder +the unity of Germany, and might inundate it with blood. +They required at last that the Elector would immediately put +a stop to the evangelical preachings, and added, in a confidential +tone, that they trembled at the thought of the immediate +and deplorable consequences that would certainly follow +the Elector's refusal. "This," said they, "is only the expression +of our own personal sentiments." It was a diplomatic +manœuvre, the Emperor having enjoined them to give +utterance to a few threats, but that solely on their own account.<a name="FNanchor_371_371" id="FNanchor_371_371"></a><a href="#Footnote_371_371" class="fnanchor">[371]</a></p> + +<p>The Elector was greatly agitated. "If his majesty forbids +the preaching of the Gospel," exclaimed he, "I shall immediately +return home."<a name="FNanchor_372_372" id="FNanchor_372_372"></a><a href="#Footnote_372_372" class="fnanchor">[372]</a> He waited however for the advice of +his theologians.</p> + +<p>Luther's answer was ready first. "The Emperor is our master," +said he; "the town and all that is in it belong to him. +If your Highness should give orders at Torgau for this to be +done, and for that to be left undone, the people ought not to +resist. I should prefer endeavouring to change his majesty's +decision by humble and respectful solicitations; but if he persists, +might makes right; we have but done our duty."<a name="FNanchor_373_373" id="FNanchor_373_373"></a><a href="#Footnote_373_373" class="fnanchor">[373]</a> +Thus spoke the man who has often been represented as a +rebel.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FIRMNESS OF THE ELECTOR.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span>Melancthon and the others were nearly of the same opinion; +only they insisted more on the necessity of representing +to the Emperor "that they did not speak of controversy in +their sermons, but were content simply to teach the doctrine +of Christ the Saviour.<a name="FNanchor_374_374" id="FNanchor_374_374"></a><a href="#Footnote_374_374" class="fnanchor">[374]</a> Let us beware, above all," continued +they, "of abandoning the place. Let your highness with an +intrepid heart confess in presence of his majesty by what wonderful +ways you have attained to a right understanding of the +truth,<a name="FNanchor_375_375" id="FNanchor_375_375"></a><a href="#Footnote_375_375" class="fnanchor">[375]</a> and do not allow yourself to be alarmed at these thunder-claps +that fall from the lips of our enemies." To confess +the truth, such was the object to which, according to the Reformers, +everything else should be subordinate.</p> + +<p>Will the Elector yield to this first demand of Charles, and +thus begin, even before the Emperor's arrival, that list of sacrifices, +the end of which cannot be foreseen?</p> + +<p>No one in Augsburg was firmer than John. In vain did +the Reformers represent that they were in the Emperor's city, +and only strangers:<a name="FNanchor_376_376" id="FNanchor_376_376"></a><a href="#Footnote_376_376" class="fnanchor">[376]</a> the Elector shook his head. Melancthon +in despair wrote to Luther: "Alas! how untractable is our +old man!"<a name="FNanchor_377_377" id="FNanchor_377_377"></a><a href="#Footnote_377_377" class="fnanchor">[377]</a> Nevertheless he again returned to the charge. +Fortunately there was an intrepid man at the Elector's right +hand, the chancellor Bruck, who feeling convinced that policy, +honour, and above all, duty, bound the friends of the Reformation +to resist the menaces of Charles, said to the Elector: +"The Emperor's demand is but a worthy beginning to bring +about the definitive abolition of the Gospel.<a name="FNanchor_378_378" id="FNanchor_378_378"></a><a href="#Footnote_378_378" class="fnanchor">[378]</a> If we yield at +present, they will crush us by and by. Let us therefore humbly +beg his majesty to permit the continuance of the sermons." +Thus, at that time, a statesman stood in the foremost rank of +the confessors of Jesus Christ. This is one of the characteristic +features of this great age, and it must not be forgotten, if +we would understand its history aright.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE ELECTOR'S REPLY.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span>On the 31st May, the Elector sent his answer in writing to +Charles's ministers. "It is not true," it bore, "that the Edict +of Worms was approved of by the six Electors. How could +the Elector, my brother, and myself, by approving it, have opposed +the everlasting word of Almighty God? Accordingly, +succeeding diets have declared this edict impossible to be executed. +As for the relations of friendship that I have formed, +their only aim is to protect me against acts of violence. Let +my accusers lay before the eyes of his majesty the alliances +they have made; I am ready to produce mine, and the Emperor +shall decide between us.—Finally, As to the demand +to suspend our preachings, nothing is proclaimed in them but +the glorious truth of God, and never was it so necessary to us. +We cannot therefore do without it!"<a name="FNanchor_379_379" id="FNanchor_379_379"></a><a href="#Footnote_379_379" class="fnanchor">[379]</a></p> + +<p>This reply must necessarily hasten the arrival of Charles; +and it was urgent they should be prepared to receive him. +To explain what they believe, and then be silent, was the +whole plan of the Protestant campaign. A confession was +therefore necessary. One man, of small stature, frail, timid, +and in great alarm, was commissioned to prepare this instrument +of war. Philip Melancthon worked at it night and +day: he weighed every expression, softened it down, changed +it, and then frequently returned to his first idea. He was +wasting away his strength; his friends trembled lest he should +die over his task; and Luther enjoined him, as early as the +12th of May, under pain of anathema, to take measures for +the preservation of "his little body," and not "to commit suicide +for the love of God."<a name="FNanchor_380_380" id="FNanchor_380_380"></a><a href="#Footnote_380_380" class="fnanchor">[380]</a> "God is as usefully served by +repose," added he, "and indeed man never serves him better +than by keeping himself tranquil. It is for this reason God +willed that the Sabbath should be so strictly observed."<a name="FNanchor_381_381" id="FNanchor_381_381"></a><a href="#Footnote_381_381" class="fnanchor">[381]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">PREPARATION OF THE CONFESSION.</div> + +<p>Notwithstanding these solicitations, Melancthon's application +augmented, and he set about an exposition of the christian<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span> +faith, at once mild, moderate, and as little removed as +possible from the doctrine of the Latin Church. At Coburg +he had already put his hand to the task, and traced out in +the first part the doctrines of the faith, according to the articles +of Schwabach; and in the second, the abuses of the +Church, according to the articles of Torgau, making altogether +quite a new work. At Augsburg he gave a more +correct and elegant form to this confession.<a name="FNanchor_382_382" id="FNanchor_382_382"></a><a href="#Footnote_382_382" class="fnanchor">[382]</a></p> + +<p>The Apology, as it was then called, was completed on the +11th May; and the Elector sent it to Luther, begging him +to mark what ought to be changed. "I have said what I +thought most useful," added Melancthon, who feared that his +friend would find the confession too weak; "for Eck ceases +not to circulate against us the most diabolical calumnies, and +I have endeavoured to oppose an antidote to his poisons."<a name="FNanchor_383_383" id="FNanchor_383_383"></a><a href="#Footnote_383_383" class="fnanchor">[383]</a></p> + +<p>Luther replied to the Elector on the 15th May: "I have +read Magister Philip's Apology; I like it well enough, I have +no corrections to make. Besides, that would hardly suit me, +for I cannot walk so meekly and so silently. May Christ +our Lord grant that this work may produce much and great +fruit."</p> + +<p>Each day, however, the Elector's councillors and theologians, +in concert with Melancthon, improved the confession, +and endeavoured to render it such that the charmed diet +should, in its own despite, hear it to the very end.<a name="FNanchor_384_384" id="FNanchor_384_384"></a><a href="#Footnote_384_384" class="fnanchor">[384]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">LUTHER'S SINAI.</div> + +<p>While the struggle was thus preparing at Augsburg, Luther +at Coburg, on the summit of the hill, "on his Sinai," as +he called it, raised his hands like Moses towards heaven.<a name="FNanchor_385_385" id="FNanchor_385_385"></a><a href="#Footnote_385_385" class="fnanchor">[385]</a> +He was the real general of the spiritual war that was then +waging; his letters ceased not to bear to the combatants the +directions which they needed, and numerous pamphlets issuing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span> +from his stronghold, like discharges of musketry, spread +confusion in the enemy's camp.</p> + +<p>The place where he had been left was, by its solitude, +favourable to study and to meditation.<a name="FNanchor_386_386" id="FNanchor_386_386"></a><a href="#Footnote_386_386" class="fnanchor">[386]</a> "I shall make a +Zion of this Sinai," said he on the 22d April, "and I shall +build here three tabernacles; one to the Psalms, one to the +Prophets, and one——to Esop!" This last word is a +startling one. The association belongs neither to the language +nor the spirit of the Apostles. It is true that Esop +was not to be his principal study: the fables were soon laid +aside, and truth alone engaged Luther. "I shall weep, I +shall pray, I shall never be silent," wrote he, "until I know +that my cry has been heard in heaven."<a name="FNanchor_387_387" id="FNanchor_387_387"></a><a href="#Footnote_387_387" class="fnanchor">[387]</a></p> + +<p>Besides, by way of relaxation, he had something better +than Esop; he had those domestic joys whose precious treasures +the Reformation had opened to the ministers of the Word. +It was at this time he wrote that charming letter to his infant +son, in which he describes a delightful garden where children +dressed in gold are sporting about, picking up apples, pears, +cherries, and plums; they sing, dance, and enjoy themselves, +and ride pretty little horses, with golden bridles and silver +saddles.<a name="FNanchor_388_388" id="FNanchor_388_388"></a><a href="#Footnote_388_388" class="fnanchor">[388]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">LUTHER'S MERRIMENT.</div> + +<p>But the Reformer was soon drawn away from these pleasing +images. About this time he learnt that his father had +gently fallen asleep in the faith which is in Jesus Christ. +"Alas!" exclaimed he, shedding tears of filial love, "it is by +the sweat of his brow that he made me what I am."<a name="FNanchor_389_389" id="FNanchor_389_389"></a><a href="#Footnote_389_389" class="fnanchor">[389]</a> Other +trials assailed him; and to bodily pains were added the phantoms +of his imagination. One night in particular he saw three +torches pass rapidly before his eyes, and at the same moment +he heard claps of thunder in his head, which he ascribed to the +devil. His servant ran in at the moment he fainted, and after<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span> +having restored him to animation, read to him the Epistle to +the Galatians. Luther, who had fallen asleep, said as he +awoke: "Come, and despite of the devil let us sing the Psalm, +<i>Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord</i>." They +both sang the hymn. While Luther was thus tormented by +these internal noises, he translated the prophet Jeremiah, and +yet he often deplored his idleness.</p> + +<p>He soon devoted himself to other studies, and poured out +the floods of his irony on the mundane practices of courts. +He saw Venice, the Pope, and the King of France, giving +their hands to Charles V. to crush the Gospel. Then, alone +in his chamber in the old castle, he burst into irresistible +laughter. "Mr. <i>Par-ma-foy</i>, (it was thus he designated Francis +I.), <i>Innomine-Domini</i> (the Pope), and the Republic of Venice, +pledge their goods and their bodies to the Emperor......<i>Sanctissimum +fœdus</i>. A most holy alliance truly! This league +between these four powers belongs to the chapter <i>Non-credimus</i>, +Venice, the Pope, and France become <i>imperialists</i>!......But +these are three persons in one substance, filled with unspeakable +hatred against the Emperor. Mr. <i>Par-ma-foy</i> cannot +forget his defeat at Pavia; Mr. <i>In-nomine-Domini</i> is, 1st, +an Italian, which is already too much; 2d, a Florentine, +which is worse; 3d, a bastard—that is to say, a child of the +devil; 4th, he will never forget the disgrace of the sack of +Rome. As for the Venetians, they are Venetians: that is quite +enough; and they have good reason to avenge themselves +on the posterity of Maximilian. All this belongs to the chapter +<i>Firmiter-credimus</i>. But God will help the pious Charles, +who is a sheep among wolves. Amen."<a name="FNanchor_390_390" id="FNanchor_390_390"></a><a href="#Footnote_390_390" class="fnanchor">[390]</a> The former monk +of Erfurth had a surer political foresight than many diplomatists +of his age.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CONDITION OF SAXONY.</div> + +<p>Impatient at seeing the diet put off from day to day, Luther +formed his resolution, and ended by convoking it even at Coburg. +"We are already in full assembly," wrote he on the +28th April and the 9th May. "You might here see kings, +dukes, and other grandees, deliberating on the affairs of their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span> +kingdom, and with indefatigable voice publishing their dogmas +and decrees in the air. They dwell not in those caverns +which you decorate with the name of palaces; the heavens are +their canopy; the leafy trees form a floor of a thousand colours, +and their walls are the ends of the earth. They have a +horror of all the unmeaning luxury of silk and gold; they +ask neither coursers nor armour, and have all the same clothing +and the same colour. I have neither seen nor heard their +emperor; but if I can understand them, they have determined +this year to make a pitiless war upon——the most excellent +fruits of the earth.—Ah! my dear friends," said he to his +messmates,<a name="FNanchor_391_391" id="FNanchor_391_391"></a><a href="#Footnote_391_391" class="fnanchor">[391]</a> to whom he was writing, "these are the sophists, +the Papists, who are assembled before me in a heap, to make +me hear their sermons and their cries."—These two letters, +dated from the "<i>empire of ravens and crows</i>," finish in the following +mournful strain, which shows us the Reformer descending +into himself after this play of his imagination: +"Enough of jesting!—jesting which is, however, sometimes +necessary to dispel the gloomy thoughts that prey upon me."<a name="FNanchor_392_392" id="FNanchor_392_392"></a><a href="#Footnote_392_392" class="fnanchor">[392]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">TRAVAIL OF THE GOSPEL.</div> + +<p>Luther soon returned to real life, and thrilled with joy at +beholding the fruits that the Reformation was already bearing, +and which were for him a more powerful "apology" +than even the confession of Melancthon. "Is there in the +whole world a single country to be compared to your highness's +states," wrote he to the Elector, "and which possesses +preachers of so pure a doctrine, or pastors so fitted to bring +about the reign of peace? Where do we see, as in Saxony, +boys and girls well instructed in the Holy Scriptures and in +the Catechism, increasing in wisdom and in stature, praying, +believing, talking of God and of Christ better than has been +done hitherto by all the universities, convents, and chapters +of Christendom?"<a name="FNanchor_393_393" id="FNanchor_393_393"></a><a href="#Footnote_393_393" class="fnanchor">[393]</a> "My dear Duke John, says the Lord to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span> +you, I commend this paradise to thee, the most beautiful that +exists in the world, that thou mayst be its gardener." And +then he added: "Alas! the madness of the Papist princes +changes this paradise of God into a dirty slough, and corrupting +the youth, peoples every day with real devils their states, +their tables, and their palaces."</p> + +<p>Luther, not content with encouraging his prince, desired +also to frighten his adversaries. It was with this intent that +he wrote at that time an address to the members of the +clergy assembled at Augsburg. A crowd of thoughts, like +lansquenets armed cap-a-pi, "rushed in to fatigue and bewilder +him;"<a name="FNanchor_394_394" id="FNanchor_394_394"></a><a href="#Footnote_394_394" class="fnanchor">[394]</a> and in fact there is no want of barbed words +in the discourse he addresses to the bishops. "In short," +said he to them in conclusion, "we know and you know that +we have the Word of God, and that you have it not. O +Pope! if I live I shall be a pestilence to thee; and if I die, +I shall be thy death!"<a name="FNanchor_395_395" id="FNanchor_395_395"></a><a href="#Footnote_395_395" class="fnanchor">[395]</a></p> + +<p>Thus was Luther present at Augsburg, although invisible; +and he effected more by his words and by his prayers than +Agricola, Brenz, or Melancthon. These were the days of +travail for the Gospel truth. It was about to appear in the +world with a might that was destined to eclipse all that had +been done since the time of St. Paul; but Luther only announced +and manifested the things that God was effecting: +he did not execute them himself. He was, as regards the +events of the Church, what Socrates was to philosophy: "I +imitate my mother (she was a midwife)," this philosopher was +in the habit of saying; "she does not travail herself, but she +aids others." Luther—and he never ceased repeating it—has +created nothing; but he has brought to light the precious +seed, hidden for ages in the bosom of the Church. The +man of God is not he who seeks to form his age according to +his own peculiar ideas, but he who, distinctly perceiving +God's truth, such as it is found in his Word, and as it is hidden<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span> +in his Church, brings it to his contemporaries with courage +and decision.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">HUMAN HOPES FAIL.</div> + +<p>Never had these qualities been more necessary, for matters +were taking an alarming aspect. On the 4th June died +Chancellor Gattinara, who was to Charles the Fifth "what +Ulpian was to Alexander Severus," says Melancthon, and +with him all the human hopes of the Protestants vanished. +"It is God," Luther had said, "who has raised up for us a +Naaman in the court of the King of Syria." In truth Gattinara +alone resisted the Pope. When Charles brought to +him the objections of Rome: "Remember," said the Chancellor, +"that you are master!" Henceforward every thing +seemed to take a new direction. The Pope required that +Charles should be satisfied with being his "lictor," as Luther +says, to carry out his judgments against the heretics.<a name="FNanchor_396_396" id="FNanchor_396_396"></a><a href="#Footnote_396_396" class="fnanchor">[396]</a> Eck, +whose name (according to Melancthon) was no bad imitation +of the cry of Luther's crows, heaped one upon another<a name="FNanchor_397_397" id="FNanchor_397_397"></a><a href="#Footnote_397_397" class="fnanchor">[397]</a> a +multitude of pretended heretical propositions, extracted from +the Reformer's writings. There were <i>four hundred and four</i>, +and yet he made excuse that, being taken unawares, he +was forced to restrict himself to so small a number, and he +called loudly for a disputation with the Lutherans. They retorted +on these propositions by a number of ironical and +biting theses on "wine, Venus, and baths, against John Eck;" +and the poor Doctor became the laughing-stock of everybody.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE CHURCH, THE JUDGE.</div> + +<p>But others went to work more skilfully than he. Cochlœus, +who became chaplain to Duke George of Saxony in 1527, +begged an interview with Melancthon, "for," added he, "I +cannot converse with your married ministers."<a name="FNanchor_398_398" id="FNanchor_398_398"></a><a href="#Footnote_398_398" class="fnanchor">[398]</a> Melancthon, +who was looked upon with an evil eye at Augsburg, and who +had complained of being more solitary there than Luther in +his castle,<a name="FNanchor_399_399" id="FNanchor_399_399"></a><a href="#Footnote_399_399" class="fnanchor">[399]</a> was touched by this courtesy, and was still more<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> +fully penetrated with the idea that things should be ordered in +the mildest manner possible.</p> + +<p>The Romish priests and laymen made a great uproar, because +on fast days meat was usually eaten at the Elector's +court. Melancthon advised his prince to restrain the liberty +of his attendants in this respect. "This disorder," said he, +"far from leading the simple-minded to the Gospel, scandalizes +them." He added, in his ill-humour: "A fine holiness +truly, to make it a matter of conscience to fast, and yet to +be night and day given up to wine and folly!"<a name="FNanchor_400_400" id="FNanchor_400_400"></a><a href="#Footnote_400_400" class="fnanchor">[400]</a> The Elector +did not yield to Melancthon's advice; it would have been +a mark of weakness of which his adversaries would have +known how to take advantage.</p> + +<p>On the 31st May, the Saxon confession was at length communicated +to the other Protestant states, who required that it +should be presented in common in the name of them all.<a name="FNanchor_401_401" id="FNanchor_401_401"></a><a href="#Footnote_401_401" class="fnanchor">[401]</a> +But at the same time they desired to make their reservations +with regard to the influence of the state. "It is to a council +that we appeal," said Melancthon; "we will not receive the +Emperor as our judge; the ecclesiastical constitutions themselves +forbid him to pronounce in spiritual matters.<a name="FNanchor_402_402" id="FNanchor_402_402"></a><a href="#Footnote_402_402" class="fnanchor">[402]</a> Moses +declares that it is not the civil magistrate who decides, but the +sons of Levi. St. Paul also says (1 Cor. xiv.), '<i>let the others +judge</i>,' which cannot be understood except of an entire christian +assembly; and the Saviour himself gives us this commandment: +'<i>Tell it unto the Church</i>.' We pledge, therefore, +our obedience to the Emperor in all civil matters; but as for +the Word of God, it is liberty that we demand."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE LANDGRAVE'S CATHOLIC SPIRIT.</div> + +<p>All were agreed on this point; but the dissent came from +another quarter. The Lutherans feared to compromise their +cause if they went hand in hand with the Zwinglians. +"This is Lutheran madness," replied Bucer: "it will perish<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span> +of its own weight."<a name="FNanchor_403_403" id="FNanchor_403_403"></a><a href="#Footnote_403_403" class="fnanchor">[403]</a> But, far from allowing this madness +"to perish," the reformed augmented the disunion by exaggerated +complaints. "In Saxony they are beginning to sing +Latin hymns again," said they; "the sacred vestments are resumed, +and oblations are called for anew.<a name="FNanchor_404_404" id="FNanchor_404_404"></a><a href="#Footnote_404_404" class="fnanchor">[404]</a> We would rather +be led to slaughter, than be Christians after that fashion."</p> + +<p>The afflicted Landgrave, says Bucer, was "between the +hammer and the anvil;" and his allies caused him more uneasiness +than his enemies.<a name="FNanchor_405_405" id="FNanchor_405_405"></a><a href="#Footnote_405_405" class="fnanchor">[405]</a> He applied to Rhegius, to Brenz, +to Melancthon, declaring that it was his most earnest wish +to see concord prevail among all the Evangelical doctors. "If +these fatal doctrines are not opposed," replied Melancthon, +"there will be rents in the Church that will last to the end +of the world. Do not the Zwinglians boast of their full coffers, +of having soldiers prepared, and of foreign nations disposed +to aid them? Do they not talk of sharing among them +the rights and the property of the bishops, and of proclaiming +liberty......Good God! shall we not think of posterity, +which, if we do not repress these guilty seditions, will +be at once without throne and without altar?"<a name="FNanchor_406_406" id="FNanchor_406_406"></a><a href="#Footnote_406_406" class="fnanchor">[406]</a>—"No, no! +we are one," replied this generous prince, who was so much +in advance of his age; "we all confess the same Christ, we +all profess that we must eat Jesus Christ, by faith, in the Eucharist. +Let us unite." All was unavailing. The time in +which true catholicity was to replace this sectarian spirit, of +which Rome is the most perfect expression, had not yet arrived.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="sidenote">AUGSBURG.</div> + +<p>IV. In proportion as the Emperor drew near Augsburg, +the anxieties of the Protestants continued increasing. The +burghers of this imperial city expected to see it become the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span> +theatre of strange events. Accordingly they said that if the +Elector, the Landgrave, and other friends of the Reformation +were not in the midst of them, they would all desert it.<a name="FNanchor_407_407" id="FNanchor_407_407"></a><a href="#Footnote_407_407" class="fnanchor">[407]</a> "A +great destruction threatens us," was repeated on every side.<a name="FNanchor_408_408" id="FNanchor_408_408"></a><a href="#Footnote_408_408" class="fnanchor">[408]</a> +A haughty expression of Charles above all disquieted the Protestants. +"What do these Electors want with me?" he had +said impatiently; "I shall do what I please!"<a name="FNanchor_409_409" id="FNanchor_409_409"></a><a href="#Footnote_409_409" class="fnanchor">[409]</a> Thus arbitrary +rule was the imperial law destined to prevail in the diet.</p> + +<p>To this agitation of men's minds was added the agitation +of the streets, or rather one led to the other. Masons and +locksmiths were at work in all the public places and crossings, +laboriously fastening barriers and chains to the walls, +that might be closed or stretched at the first cry of alarm.<a name="FNanchor_410_410" id="FNanchor_410_410"></a><a href="#Footnote_410_410" class="fnanchor">[410]</a> +At the same time about eight hundred foot and horse soldiers +were seen patrolling the streets, dressed in velvet and silk,<a name="FNanchor_411_411" id="FNanchor_411_411"></a><a href="#Footnote_411_411" class="fnanchor">[411]</a> +whom the magistrates had enrolled in order to receive the +Emperor with magnificence.</p> + +<p>Matters were in this state, and it was about the middle of +May, when a number of Spanish quartermasters arrived, full +of arrogance, and who looked with contemptuous eyes on +these wretched burghers, entered their houses, conducted +themselves with violence, and even rudely tore down the +arms of some of the princes.<a name="FNanchor_412_412" id="FNanchor_412_412"></a><a href="#Footnote_412_412" class="fnanchor">[412]</a> The magistrates having delegated +councillors to treat with them, the Spaniards made an +insolent reply. "Alas!" said the citizens, "if the servants +are so, what will their master be?" The ministers of Charles +were grieved at their impertinence, and sent a German quartermaster +who employed the forms of German politeness to +make them forget this Spanish haughtiness.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CHARLES AT MUNICH.</div> + +<p>That did not last long, and they soon felt more serious<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span> +alarm. The Council of Augsburg were asked what was the +meaning of these chains and soldiers, and they were ordered, +in the Emperor's name, to take down the one and disband +the other. The magistrates of the city answered, in alarm, +"For more than ten years past we have intended putting up +these chains;<a name="FNanchor_413_413" id="FNanchor_413_413"></a><a href="#Footnote_413_413" class="fnanchor">[413]</a> and as for the soldiers, our object is simply to +pay due honour to his majesty." After many parleys it was +agreed to dismiss the troops, and that the imperial commanders +should select afresh a thousand men, who should make +oath to the Emperor, but be paid by the city of Augsburg.</p> + +<p>The imperial quartermasters then resumed all their impertinence; +and no longer giving themselves the trouble of entering +the houses, and the shops, they tore down the signboards +of the Augsburg citizens, and wrote in their place how +many men and horses they would be required to lodge.<a name="FNanchor_414_414" id="FNanchor_414_414"></a><a href="#Footnote_414_414" class="fnanchor">[414]</a></p> + +<p>Such were the preludes to the work of conciliation that +Charles V. had announced, and that he was so slow in beginning. +Accordingly his delay, attributed by some to the +crowds of people who surrounded him with their acclamations; +by others, to the solicitations of the priests, who opposed +his entry into Augsburg until he had imposed silence on the +ministers; and by others, finally, to the lessons the Pope had +given him in the arts of policy and stratagem,<a name="FNanchor_415_415" id="FNanchor_415_415"></a><a href="#Footnote_415_415" class="fnanchor">[415]</a> still more estranged +the Elector and his allies.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CHARLES AND THE PRINCES.</div> + +<p>At last Charles, having quitted Innspruck two days after +Gattinara's death, arrived at Munich on the 10th June. His +reception was magnificent. At the distance of two miles +from the town a temporary fortress, soldiers' huts, cannon, +horsemen, an assault, repeated explosions, flames, shouts, +whirlwinds of smoke, and a terrible clashing of arms, all of +which was very agreeable to the Emperor;<a name="FNanchor_416_416" id="FNanchor_416_416"></a><a href="#Footnote_416_416" class="fnanchor">[416]</a> in the city, theatres<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span> +raised in the open air, the <i>Jewess Esther</i>, the <i>Persian +Cambyses</i>, and other pieces not less famous, the whole combined +with splendid fireworks, formed the reception given by the +adherents of the Pope to him whom they styled their Saviour.</p> + +<p>Charles was not far distant from Augsburg. As early as +the 11th June, every day and every hour, members of the imperial +household, carriages, waggons, and baggage entered this +city, to the sound of the clacking whip and of the horn;<a name="FNanchor_417_417" id="FNanchor_417_417"></a><a href="#Footnote_417_417" class="fnanchor">[417]</a> and +the burghers in amazement gazed with dejected eyes on all +this insolent train, that fell upon their city like a flight of +locusts.<a name="FNanchor_418_418" id="FNanchor_418_418"></a><a href="#Footnote_418_418" class="fnanchor">[418]</a></p> + +<p>At five o'clock in the morning of the 15th June,<a name="FNanchor_419_419" id="FNanchor_419_419"></a><a href="#Footnote_419_419" class="fnanchor">[419]</a> the +Elector, the princes, and their councillors, assembled at the +town-hall, and erelong arrived the imperial commissaries, +having an order for them to go out and meet Charles. At +three in the afternoon the princes and deputies quitted the +city, and, having reached a little bridge across the river Lech, +they there halted and waited for the Emperor. The eyes of +every member of the brilliant assemblage, thus stopping on +the smiling banks of an alpine torrent, were directed along +the road to Munich. At length, after waiting two or three +hours, clouds of dust and a loud noise announced the Emperor. +Two thousand of the imperial guard marched first; +then Charles having come to within fifty paces of the river, +the Electors and princes alighted. Their sons, who had advanced +beyond the bridge, perceiving the Emperor preparing +to do the same, ran to him and begged him to remain on +horseback;<a name="FNanchor_420_420" id="FNanchor_420_420"></a><a href="#Footnote_420_420" class="fnanchor">[420]</a> but Charles dismounted without hesitating,<a name="FNanchor_421_421" id="FNanchor_421_421"></a><a href="#Footnote_421_421" class="fnanchor">[421]</a> and +approaching the princes with an amiable smile, shook hands +with them cordially. Albert of Mentz, in his quality of arch-chancellor +of the empire, now welcomed the Emperor, and +the Count-palatine Frederick replied in behalf of Charles.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span></p><div class="sidenote">THE PROCESSION.</div> + +<p>While this was passing, three individuals remained apart +on a little elevation;<a name="FNanchor_422_422" id="FNanchor_422_422"></a><a href="#Footnote_422_422" class="fnanchor">[422]</a> these were the Roman Legate, proudly +seated on a mule, glittering with purple, and accompanied by +two other cardinals, the Archbishop of Salzburg and the Bishop +of Trent. The Nuncio, beholding all these great personages +on the road, raised his hands, and gave them his blessing. +Immediately the Emperor, the King, and the princes who submitted +to the Pope, fell on their knees; the Spaniards, Italians, +Netherlanders, and Germans in their train, imitated their +movements, casting however a side glance on the Protestants, +who, in the midst of this humbly prostrate crowd, alone remained +standing.<a name="FNanchor_423_423" id="FNanchor_423_423"></a><a href="#Footnote_423_423" class="fnanchor">[423]</a> Charles did not appear to notice this, but +he doubtless understood what it meant. The Elector of +Brandenburg then delivered a Latin speech to the legate. +He had been selected because he spoke this language better +than the princes of the Church; and accordingly, Charles, +when praising his eloquence, slily put in a word about the +negligence of the prelates.<a name="FNanchor_424_424" id="FNanchor_424_424"></a><a href="#Footnote_424_424" class="fnanchor">[424]</a> The Emperor now prepared to +remount his horse, when the prince-electoral of Saxony, and +the young princes of Luneburg, Mecklenburg, Brandenburg, +and Anhalt rushed towards him to aid him in getting into his +saddle: one held the bridle, another the stirrup, and all were +charmed at the magnificent appearance of their powerful sovereign.<a name="FNanchor_425_425" id="FNanchor_425_425"></a><a href="#Footnote_425_425" class="fnanchor">[425]</a> +The procession began to move on.</p> + +<p>First came two companies of lansquenets, commanded by +Simon Seitz, a citizen of Augsburg, who had made the +campaign of Italy, and was returning home laden with gold.<a name="FNanchor_426_426" id="FNanchor_426_426"></a><a href="#Footnote_426_426" class="fnanchor">[426]</a> +Next advanced the households of the six electors, composed +of princes, counts, councillors, gentlemen, and soldiers; the +household of the Dukes of Bavaria had slipped into their +ranks, and the four hundred and fifty horsemen that composed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span> +it marched five abreast, covered with bright cuirasses, wearing +red doublets, while over their heads floated handsome +many-coloured plumes.—Bavaria was already in this age the +main support of Rome in Germany.</p> + +<p>Immediately after came the households of the Emperor and +of his brother, in striking contrast with this warlike show. +They were composed of Turkish, Polish, Arabian, and other +led horses; then followed a multitude of young pages, clad +in yellow or red velvet, with Spanish, Bohemian, and Austrian +nobles in robes of silk and velvet;<a name="FNanchor_427_427" id="FNanchor_427_427"></a><a href="#Footnote_427_427" class="fnanchor">[427]</a> among these the +Bohemians had the most martial air, and skilfully rode their +superb and prancing coursers. Last the trumpeters, drummers, +heralds, grooms, footmen, and the legate's cross-bearers, +announced the approach of the princes.</p> + +<p>In fact these powerful lords, whose contentions had so often +filled Germany with confusion and war, now advanced riding +peacefully side by side. After the princes appeared the electors; +and the Elector of Saxony, according to custom, carried +the naked and glittering imperial sword immediately before +the Emperor.<a name="FNanchor_428_428" id="FNanchor_428_428"></a><a href="#Footnote_428_428" class="fnanchor">[428]</a></p> + +<p>Last came the Prince, on whom all eyes were fixed.<a name="FNanchor_429_429" id="FNanchor_429_429"></a><a href="#Footnote_429_429" class="fnanchor">[429]</a> +Thirty years of age, of distinguished port and pleasing features, +robed in golden garments that glittered all over with +precious stones,<a name="FNanchor_430_430" id="FNanchor_430_430"></a><a href="#Footnote_430_430" class="fnanchor">[430]</a> wearing a small Spanish hat on the crown +of his head,<a name="FNanchor_431_431" id="FNanchor_431_431"></a><a href="#Footnote_431_431" class="fnanchor">[431]</a> mounted on a beautiful Polish hackney of the +most brilliant whiteness, riding beneath a rich canopy of red, +white, and green damask borne by six senators of Augsburg, +and casting around him looks in which gentleness was mingled +with gravity, Charles excited the liveliest enthusiasm, and +every one exclaimed that he was the handsomest man in the +empire, as well as the mightiest prince in the world.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ENTERS AUGSBURG.</div> + +<p>He had at first desired to place his brother and the legate<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span> +at his side; but the Elector of Mentz, followed by two hundred +guards arrayed in silk, had claimed the Emperor's right +hand; and the Elector of Cologne, with a hundred well-armed +followers, had taken his station on the left. King Ferdinand +and the legate were compelled to take their places behind +them, followed by the cardinals, ambassadors, and prelates, +among whom was remarked the haughty Bishop of Osma, +the Emperor's confessor. The imperial cavalry and the +troops of Augsburg closed the procession.</p> + +<p>Never, according to the historians, had anything so magnificent +been seen in the Empire;<a name="FNanchor_432_432" id="FNanchor_432_432"></a><a href="#Footnote_432_432" class="fnanchor">[432]</a> but they advanced slowly, +and it was between eight and nine o'clock in the evening before +they reached the gates of Augsburg.<a name="FNanchor_433_433" id="FNanchor_433_433"></a><a href="#Footnote_433_433" class="fnanchor">[433]</a> Here they met +the burgomaster and councillors, who prostrated themselves +before Charles, and at the same time the cannon from the +ramparts, the bells from all the steeples in full peal, the noise +of trumpets and kettle-drums, and the joyful acclamations of +the people re-echoed with loud din. Stadion, bishop of Augsburg, +and his clergy robed in white, struck up the <i>Advenisti +desirabilis</i>; and six canons, advancing with a magnificent canopy, +prepared to conduct the Emperor to the cathedral, when +Charles's horse, startled at this unusual sight, suddenly reared,<a name="FNanchor_434_434" id="FNanchor_434_434"></a><a href="#Footnote_434_434" class="fnanchor">[434]</a> +so that the Emperor with difficulty mastered him. At length +Charles entered the basilick, which was ornamented +with garlands and flowers, and suddenly illuminated by a +thousand torches.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE BENEDICTION.</div> + +<p>The Emperor went up to the altar, and falling on his +knees, raised his hands towards heaven.<a name="FNanchor_435_435" id="FNanchor_435_435"></a><a href="#Footnote_435_435" class="fnanchor">[435]</a> During the <i>Te +Deum</i>, the Protestants observed with anxiety that Charles +kept conversing in a low tone with the Archbishop of +Mentz; that he bent his ear to the legate who approached to +speak to him, and nodded in a friendly manner to Duke<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span> +George. All this appeared to them of evil omen; but at the +moment when the priests sang the <i>Te ergo qusimus</i>, Charles, +breaking off his conversations, suddenly rose, and one of the +acolytes running to him with a gold-embroidered cushion, the +Emperor put it aside, and knelt on the bare stones of the +church. All the assembly knelt with him; the Elector and +the Landgrave alone remained standing. Duke George, astonished +at such boldness, threw a threatening glance at his +cousin. The Margrave of Brandenburg, carried away by the +crowd, had fallen on his knees; but having seen his two allies +standing, he hastily rose up again.</p> + +<p>The Cardinal-archbishop of Salzburg then proceeded to +pronounce the benediction; but Campeggio, impatient at +having as yet taken no part in the ceremony, hastened to the +altar, and rudely thrusting the archbishop aside, said sharply +to him:<a name="FNanchor_436_436" id="FNanchor_436_436"></a><a href="#Footnote_436_436" class="fnanchor">[436]</a> "this office belongs to me, and not to you." The +other gave way, the Emperor bent down, and the Landgrave, +with difficulty concealing a smile, hid himself behind a candelabrum. +The bells now rang out anew, the procession +recommenced its march, and the princes conducted the Emperor +to the Palatinate (the name given to the bishop's palace), +which had been prepared for him. The crowd now +dispersed: it was after ten at night.</p> + +<p>The hour was come in which the partisans of the Papacy +flattered themselves with the prospect of rendering the Protestants +untrue to their faith. The arrival of the Emperor, +the procession of the holy sacrament that was preparing, the +late hour,—all had been calculated beforehand; "the nocturns +of treason were about to begin," said Spalatin.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CHARLES AND THE LANDGRAVE.</div> + +<p>A few minutes of general conversation took place in the +Emperor's apartments; the princes of the Romish party were +then allowed to retire; but Charles had given a sign to the +Elector of Saxony, to the Landgrave of Hesse, to George of +Brandenburg, to the Prince of Anhalt, and to the Duke of +Luneburg to follow him into his private chamber.<a name="FNanchor_437_437" id="FNanchor_437_437"></a><a href="#Footnote_437_437" class="fnanchor">[437]</a> His<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span> +brother Ferdinand, who was to serve as interpreter, alone +went in with them. Charles thought that so long as the +Protestant princes were observed, they would not yield; but +that in a private and friendly interview, he might obtain +all he desired of them.</p> + +<p>"His majesty requests you to discontinue the preachings," +said Ferdinand. On hearing these words the two old princes +(the Elector and the Margrave) turned pale and did not +speak;<a name="FNanchor_438_438" id="FNanchor_438_438"></a><a href="#Footnote_438_438" class="fnanchor">[438]</a> there was a long silence.</p> + +<p>At last the Landgrave said: "We entreat your majesty to +withdraw your request, for our ministers preach only the +pure Word of God, as did the ancient doctors of the Church, +St. Augustin, St. Hilary, and so many others. It will be easy +for your majesty to convince yourself of it. We cannot deprive +ourselves of the food of the Word of God, and deny his +Gospel."<a name="FNanchor_439_439" id="FNanchor_439_439"></a><a href="#Footnote_439_439" class="fnanchor">[439]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE EMPEROR'S SILENCE.</div> + +<p>Ferdinand, resuming the conversation in French<a name="FNanchor_440_440" id="FNanchor_440_440"></a><a href="#Footnote_440_440" class="fnanchor">[440]</a> (for it +was in this language that he conversed with his brother), informed +the Emperor of the Landgrave's answer. Nothing +was more displeasing to Charles than these citations of Hilary +and Augustin; the colour mounted to his cheeks, and he +was nearly getting angry.<a name="FNanchor_441_441" id="FNanchor_441_441"></a><a href="#Footnote_441_441" class="fnanchor">[441]</a> "His Majesty," said Ferdinand +in a more positive tone, "cannot desist from his demand."—"Your +conscience," quickly replied the Landgrave, "has +no right to command ours."<a name="FNanchor_442_442" id="FNanchor_442_442"></a><a href="#Footnote_442_442" class="fnanchor">[442]</a> As Ferdinand still persisted, +the Margrave, who had been silent until then, could contain +himself no longer; and without caring for interpreters, +stretched out his neck towards Charles, exclaiming in deep +emotion: "Rather than allow the Word of the Lord to be +taken from me, rather than deny my God, I would kneel before +your Majesty and have my head cut off!" As he uttered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span> +these simple and magnanimous words, says a contemporary,<a name="FNanchor_443_443" id="FNanchor_443_443"></a><a href="#Footnote_443_443" class="fnanchor">[443]</a> +the prince accompanied them with a significant gesture, +and let his hands fall on his neck like the headsman's axe. +The excitement of the princes was at its height: had it been +necessary, they would all four have instantly walked to the +scaffold. Charles was moved by it: surprised and agitated, +he hastily cried out in his bad German, making a show of +checking the Landgrave: "Dear prince, not the head! not +the head!" But he had scarcely uttered these few words, +when he checked himself.</p> + +<p>These were the only words that Charles pronounced before +the princes during all the diet. His ignorance of the German +language, and sometimes also the etiquette of the Escurial, +compelled him to speak only by the mouth of his +brother or of the Count-palatine. As he was in the habit +of consecrating four hours daily to divine worship, the people +said: "He talks more with God than with men." This habitual +silence was not favourable to his plans. They required +activity and eloquence; but instead of that the Germans +saw in the dumb countenance of their youthful Emperor, a +mere puppet, nodding his head and winking his eyes. +Charles sometimes felt very keenly the faults of this position: +"To be able to speak German," said he, "I would willingly +sacrifice any other language, even were it Spanish or French, +and more than that, one of my states."<a name="FNanchor_444_444" id="FNanchor_444_444"></a><a href="#Footnote_444_444" class="fnanchor">[444]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">FAILURE OF THE INTERVIEW.</div> + +<p>Ferdinand saw that it was useless to insist on the cessation +of these meetings; but he had another arrow in his quiver. +The next day was the festival of <i>Corpus Christi</i>, and by a +custom that had never as yet been infringed, all the princes +and deputies present at the diet were expected to take part in +the procession. What! would the Protestants refuse this act +of courtesy at the very opening of a diet to which each one +came in a conciliatory spirit? Have they not declared that +the body and blood of Christ are really in the Host? Do they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span> +not boast of their opposition to Zwingle, and can they stand +aloof, without being tainted with heresy? Now, if they share +in the pomp that surrounds "the Lord's body;" if they mingle +with that crowd of clergy, glittering in luxury and swelling +with pride, who carry about the God whom they have +created; if they are present when the people bow down; +will they not irrevocably compromise their faith? The machine +is well prepared; its movements cannot fail; there +is no more doubt! The craft of the Italians is about to triumph +over the simplicity of these German boors!</p> + +<p>Ferdinand therefore resumes, and making a weapon of the +very refusal that he has just met with: "Since the Emperor," +said he, "cannot obtain from you the suspension of your +assemblies, he begs at least that you will accompany him +to-morrow, according to custom, in the procession of the +Holy Sacrament. Do so, if not from regard to him, at least +for the honour of Almighty God."<a name="FNanchor_445_445" id="FNanchor_445_445"></a><a href="#Footnote_445_445" class="fnanchor">[445]</a></p> + +<p>The princes were still more irritated and alarmed. +"Christ," said they, "did not institute his sacrament to be +worshipped." Charles perseveres in his demand, and the +Protestants in their refusal.<a name="FNanchor_446_446" id="FNanchor_446_446"></a><a href="#Footnote_446_446" class="fnanchor">[446]</a> Upon this the Emperor declares +that he cannot accept their excuse, that he will give +them time for reflection, and that they must be prepared to +reply early on the morrow.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">AGITATION OF CHARLES.</div> + +<p>They separated in the greatest agitation. The Prince-electoral, +who had waited for his father in the first hall +along with other lords, sought, at the moment the princes +issued from the Emperor's chamber, to read on their countenance +what had taken place. Judging from the emotion +depicted on their features that the struggle had been severe, +he thought that his father was incurring the greatest dangers, +and accordingly, grasping him by the hand, he dragged him +to the staircase of the palace, exclaiming in affright, as if<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span> +Charles's satellites were already at his heels, "Come, come +quickly!"</p> + +<p>Charles, who had expected no such resistance, was in truth +confounded, and the legate endeavoured to exasperate him still +more.<a name="FNanchor_447_447" id="FNanchor_447_447"></a><a href="#Footnote_447_447" class="fnanchor">[447]</a> Agitated, filled with anger and vexation, and uttering +the most terrible threats,<a name="FNanchor_448_448" id="FNanchor_448_448"></a><a href="#Footnote_448_448" class="fnanchor">[448]</a> the young Emperor paced hastily +to and fro the halls of his palace; and unable to wait till +the morrow for the answer, he sent in the middle of the night +to demand the Elector's final decision. "At present we require +sleep," replied the latter; "to-morrow we will let you +know our determination."<a name="FNanchor_449_449" id="FNanchor_449_449"></a><a href="#Footnote_449_449" class="fnanchor">[449]</a> As for the Landgrave, he could +not rest any more than Charles. Scarcely had he returned +home, when he sent his chancellor to the Nuremberg deputies, +and had them awoke to make them acquainted with what +had taken place.<a name="FNanchor_450_450" id="FNanchor_450_450"></a><a href="#Footnote_450_450" class="fnanchor">[450]</a></p> + +<p>At the same time Charles's demand was laid before the +theologians, and Spalatin, taking the pen, drew up their opinion +during the night. "The sacrament," it bore, "was not +instituted to be worshipped, as the Jews worshipped the brazen +image.<a name="FNanchor_451_451" id="FNanchor_451_451"></a><a href="#Footnote_451_451" class="fnanchor">[451]</a> We are here to confess the truth, and not for +the confirmation of abuses. Let us therefore stay away!" +This opinion strengthened the Evangelical princes in their +determination; and the day of the 16th June began.</p> + +<p>The Elector of Saxony feeling indisposed during the night, +commissioned his son to represent him; and at seven o'clock +the princes and councillors repaired on horseback to the Emperor's +palace.<a name="FNanchor_452_452" id="FNanchor_452_452"></a><a href="#Footnote_452_452" class="fnanchor">[452]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">PROCESSION OF CORPUS CHRISTI.</div> + +<p>The Margrave of Brandenburg was their spokesman. +"You know," said he to Charles, "how, at the risk of our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> +lives, my ancestors and myself have supported your august +house. But, in the things of God, the commands of God +himself oblige me to put aside all commandment of man. +We are told that death awaits those who shall persevere in +the sound doctrine: I am ready to suffer it." He then presented +the declaration of the Evangelical princes to the +Emperor. "We will not countenance by our presence," said +they, "these impious human traditions, which are opposed to +the Word of God. We declare, on the contrary, without +hesitation, and with one accord, that we must expel them +from the Church, lest those of its members that are still +sound should be infected by this deadly poison."<a name="FNanchor_453_453" id="FNanchor_453_453"></a><a href="#Footnote_453_453" class="fnanchor">[453]</a> "If you +will not accompany his majesty for the love of God," said +Ferdinand, "do so at least for love of the Emperor, and as +vassals of the Empire.<a name="FNanchor_454_454" id="FNanchor_454_454"></a><a href="#Footnote_454_454" class="fnanchor">[454]</a> His majesty commands you." "An +act of worship is in question," replied the princes, "our conscience +forbids it." Then Ferdinand and Charles having conversed +together in a low tone: "His majesty desires to see," +said the king, "whether you will obey him or not."<a name="FNanchor_455_455" id="FNanchor_455_455"></a><a href="#Footnote_455_455" class="fnanchor">[455]</a> At +the same time the Emperor and his brother quitted the room; +but the princes, instead of following him, as Charles had +hoped, returned full of joy to their palaces.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">EXASPERATION OF CHARLES.</div> + +<p>The procession did not begin till noon. Immediately behind +the canopy under which the Elector of Mentz carried +the Host, came the Emperor alone, with a devout air, bearing +a taper in his hand, his head bare and shorn like a priest's, +although the noon-day sun darted on him its most ardent +rays.<a name="FNanchor_456_456" id="FNanchor_456_456"></a><a href="#Footnote_456_456" class="fnanchor">[456]</a> By exposing himself to these fatigues, Charles desired +to profess aloud his faith in what constitutes the essence of +Roman-catholicism. In proportion as the spirit and the life +had escaped from the primitive Churches, they had striven to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> +replace them by forms, shows, and ceremonies. The essential +cause of the Romish worship is found in that decline of charity +and faith which catholic Christians of the first ages have +often deplored; and the history of Rome is summed up in +this expression of St. Paul, <i>Having a form of godliness, but denying +the power thereof</i>.<a name="FNanchor_457_457" id="FNanchor_457_457"></a><a href="#Footnote_457_457" class="fnanchor">[457]</a> But as the power was then beginning +to revive in the Church, the form began also to decline. +Barely a hundred citizens of Augsburg had joined in the procession +of the 16th June. It was no longer the pomp of former +times: the christian people had learned anew to love and +to believe.</p> + +<p>Charles, however, under an air of devotion concealed a +wounded heart. The legate was less able to command himself, +and said aloud that this obstinacy of the princes would +be the cause of great mischief to the Pope.<a name="FNanchor_458_458" id="FNanchor_458_458"></a><a href="#Footnote_458_458" class="fnanchor">[458]</a> When the +procession was over (it had lasted an hour), Charles could no +longer master his extreme irritation; and he had scarcely +returned to his palace, when he declared that he would give +the Protestant princes a safe-conduct, and that on the very +next day these obstinate and rebellious men should quit +Augsburg;<a name="FNanchor_459_459" id="FNanchor_459_459"></a><a href="#Footnote_459_459" class="fnanchor">[459]</a> the diet would then take such resolutions as +were required for the safety of the Church and of the Empire. +It was no doubt the legate who had given Charles this idea, +whose execution would infallibly have led to a religious war. +But some of the princes of the Roman party, desirous of preserving +peace, succeeded, though not without difficulty, in +getting the Emperor to withdraw his threatening order.<a name="FNanchor_460_460" id="FNanchor_460_460"></a><a href="#Footnote_460_460" class="fnanchor">[460]</a></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="sidenote">THE SERMONS PROHIBITED.</div> + +<p>V. Charles, being defeated on the subject of the procession, +resolved to take his revenge on the assemblies, for nothing +galled him like these sermons. The crowd ceased not to +fill the vast church of the Franciscans, where a Zwinglian<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span> +minister of lively and penetrating eloquence was preaching +on the Book of Joshua.<a name="FNanchor_461_461" id="FNanchor_461_461"></a><a href="#Footnote_461_461" class="fnanchor">[461]</a> He placed the kings of Canaan +and the children of Israel before them: his congregation +heard them speak and saw them act, and every one recognized +in Canaan the Emperor and the Ultra-montane princes, +and in the people of God the adherents of the Reformation. +In consequence, the faithful quitted the church enthusiastic +in their faith, and filled with the desire of seeing the abominations +of the idolaters fall to the ground. On the 16th June, +the Protestants deliberated on Charles's demand, and it was +rejected by the majority. "It is only a scarecrow," said +they; "the Papists only desire to see if the nail shakes in the +wall, and if they can start the hare from the thicket."</p> + +<p>The next morning (17th June) before breakfast, the princes +replied to the Emperor. "To forbid our ministers to preach +purely the holy Gospel would be rebellion against God, who +wills that his Word be not bound. Poor sinners that we are, +we have need of this Divine Word to surmount our troubles.<a name="FNanchor_462_462" id="FNanchor_462_462"></a><a href="#Footnote_462_462" class="fnanchor">[462]</a> +Moreover, his majesty has declared, that in this diet each doctrine +should be examined with impartiality. Now, to order +us henceforward to suspend the sermons, would be to condemn +ours beforehand."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A COMPROMISE PROPOSED.</div> + +<p>Charles immediately convoked the other temporal and +spiritual princes, who arrived at mid-day at the Palatine palace, +and remained sitting until the evening;<a name="FNanchor_463_463" id="FNanchor_463_463"></a><a href="#Footnote_463_463" class="fnanchor">[463]</a> the discussion +was exceedingly animated. "This very morning," said some +of the speakers, "the Protestant princes, as they quitted the +Emperor, had sermons delivered in public."<a name="FNanchor_464_464" id="FNanchor_464_464"></a><a href="#Footnote_464_464" class="fnanchor">[464]</a> Exasperated +at this new affront, Charles with difficulty contained himself. +Some of the princes, however, having entreated him to accept +their mediation, he consented to it; but the Protestants<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span> +were immovable. Did these heretics, whom they imagined +to reduce so easily, appear in Augsburg only to humiliate +Charles? The honour of the chief of the Empire must be +saved at any cost. "Let us ourselves renounce our preachers," +said the princes; "the Protestants will not then persist +in keeping theirs!"</p> + +<p>The commission proposed accordingly that the Emperor +should set aside both Papist and Lutheran preachers, and +should nominate a few chaplains, with authority to announce +the pure Word of God, without attacking either of the two +parties.<a name="FNanchor_465_465" id="FNanchor_465_465"></a><a href="#Footnote_465_465" class="fnanchor">[465]</a> "They shall be neutral men," said they to the Protestants; +"neither Faber nor his partisans shall be admitted."—"But +they will condemn our doctrine."—"By no means. +The preacher shall do nothing but read the text of the Gospels, +Epistles, and a general confession of sins."<a name="FNanchor_466_466" id="FNanchor_466_466"></a><a href="#Footnote_466_466" class="fnanchor">[466]</a> The evangelical +states required time to reflect upon it.</p> + +<p>"We must accept it," said Melancthon; "for if our obstinacy +should lead the Emperor to refuse hearing our confession, +the evil would be greater still."</p> + +<p>"We are called to Augsburg," said Agricola, "to give +an account of our doctrine, and not to preach."<a name="FNanchor_467_467" id="FNanchor_467_467"></a><a href="#Footnote_467_467" class="fnanchor">[467]</a></p> + +<p>"There is no little disorder in the city," remarked Spalatin. +"The Sacramentarians and Enthusiasts preach here as well +as we: we must get out of this confusion."</p> + +<p>"What do the Papists propose?" said other theologians; +"to read the Gospels and Epistles without explanation. But +is not that a victory? What! we protest against the interpretations +of the Church; and lo! priests who are to read the +Word of God without their notes and commentaries, that is to +say, transforming themselves into Protestant ministers!" "O! +admirable wisdom of the courtiers!" exclaimed Melancthon, +smiling.<a name="FNanchor_468_468" id="FNanchor_468_468"></a><a href="#Footnote_468_468" class="fnanchor">[468]</a></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span></p> +<div class="sidenote">CURIOSITY OF THE CITIZENS.</div> + +<p>To these motives were added the opinions of the lawyers. +As the Emperor ought to be considered the rightful magistrate +of an imperial city, so long as he made it his residence, +all jurisdiction in Augsburg really belonged to him.</p> + +<p>"Well, then," said the Protestant princes, "we agree to silence +our preachers, in the hope that we shall hear nothing +offensive to our consciences. If it were otherwise, we should +feel ourselves constrained to repel so serious an insult.<a name="FNanchor_469_469" id="FNanchor_469_469"></a><a href="#Footnote_469_469" class="fnanchor">[469]</a> Besides," +added the Elector, as he withdrew, "we hope that if +at anytime we desire to hear one of our chaplains in our +own palace, we shall be free to do so."<a name="FNanchor_470_470" id="FNanchor_470_470"></a><a href="#Footnote_470_470" class="fnanchor">[470]</a></p> + +<p>They hastened to the Emperor, who desired nothing better +than to come to an understanding with the Protestants on this +subject, and who ratified everything.</p> + +<p>This was Saturday. An imperial herald was immediately +sent out, who, parading the streets of the city at seven in the +evening to the sound of trumpets,<a name="FNanchor_471_471" id="FNanchor_471_471"></a><a href="#Footnote_471_471" class="fnanchor">[471]</a> cried with all his might: +"O yes, O yes!<a name="FNanchor_472_472" id="FNanchor_472_472"></a><a href="#Footnote_472_472" class="fnanchor">[472]</a> Thus ordains his imperial majesty, our +most gracious lord: no preacher whatever shall preach in +Augsburg except such as his majesty shall have nominated; +and that under penalty of incurring the displeasure and punishment +of his majesty."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">The New Preachers.</div> + +<p>A thousand different remarks were exchanged in the houses +of the citizens of Augsburg. "We are very impatient," said +they, "to see the preachers appointed by the Emperor, and +who will preach (O! unprecedented wonder!) neither against +the evangelical doctrine nor against the doctrine of the Pope!"<a name="FNanchor_473_473" id="FNanchor_473_473"></a><a href="#Footnote_473_473" class="fnanchor">[473]</a> +"We must expect," added another, "to behold some Tragelaph +or some chimera with the head of a lion, a goat's body, +and a dragon's tail."<a name="FNanchor_474_474" id="FNanchor_474_474"></a><a href="#Footnote_474_474" class="fnanchor">[474]</a> The Spaniards appeared well satisfied,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span> +with this agreement, for many of them had never heard a single +sermon in their lives; it was not the custom in Spain; +but Zwingle's friends were filled with indignation and alarm.<a name="FNanchor_475_475" id="FNanchor_475_475"></a><a href="#Footnote_475_475" class="fnanchor">[475]</a></p> + +<p>At length Sunday the 19th of June began; every one hastened +to the churches, and the faithful who filled them, with +eyes fixed on the priest and with attentive ears,<a name="FNanchor_476_476" id="FNanchor_476_476"></a><a href="#Footnote_476_476" class="fnanchor">[476]</a> prepared +to listen to what these new and strange preachers would +say.<a name="FNanchor_477_477" id="FNanchor_477_477"></a><a href="#Footnote_477_477" class="fnanchor">[477]</a> It was generally believed that their task would be to +make an evangelico-papistical discourse, and they were very +impatient to hear this marvel. But</p> + +<p class="center"> +"The mountain in labour, gave birth to a mouse!"<br /> +</p> + +<p>The preacher first read the commonprayer; he then added +the Gospel of the day, finished with a general confession of +sins, and dismissed his congregation. People looked at one +another in surprise: "Verily," said they, "here is a preacher +that is neither Gospeller nor Papist, but strictly textual."<a name="FNanchor_478_478" id="FNanchor_478_478"></a><a href="#Footnote_478_478" class="fnanchor">[478]</a> At +last all burst into laughter; "and truly," adds Brenz, "there +was reason enough."<a name="FNanchor_479_479" id="FNanchor_479_479"></a><a href="#Footnote_479_479" class="fnanchor">[479]</a> In some churches, however, the chaplains, +after reading the Gospel, added a few puerile words +void of Christianity and of consolation, and in no way founded +on the holy Scripture.<a name="FNanchor_480_480" id="FNanchor_480_480"></a><a href="#Footnote_480_480" class="fnanchor">[480]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE MEDLEY OF POPERY.</div> + +<p>After the so-called sermon, they proceeded to the Mass. +That in the Cathedral was particularly noisy. The Emperor +was not present, for he was accustomed to sleep until nine +or ten o'clock,<a name="FNanchor_481_481" id="FNanchor_481_481"></a><a href="#Footnote_481_481" class="fnanchor">[481]</a> and a late Mass was performed for him; but +Ferdinand and many of the princes were present. The pealing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span> +notes of the organ, the resounding voices of the choir—all +were set to work, and a numerous and motley crowd, rushing +in at all the doors, filled the aisles of the temple. One +might have said that every nation in the world had agreed to +meet in the cathedral of Augsburg. Here were Frenchmen, +there Spaniards, Moors in one place, Moriscos in another, on +one side Italians, on the other Turks, and even, says Brenz, +those who are called Stratiots.<a name="FNanchor_482_482" id="FNanchor_482_482"></a><a href="#Footnote_482_482" class="fnanchor">[482]</a> This crowd was no bad representation +of the medley of Popery.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LUTHER ENCOURAGES THE PRINCES.</div> + +<p>One priest alone, a fervent Romanist, dared to offer an apology +for the Mass in the Church of the Holy Cross. Charles, +wishing to maintain his authority, had him thrown into the +Grey Friars' prison, whence they contrived to let him escape. +As for the Evangelical pastors of Augsburg, almost all left +the city to bear the Gospel elsewhere. The Protestant +princes were anxious to secure for their churches the assistance +of such distinguished men. Discouragement and alarm +followed close upon this step, and even the firmest were moved. +The Elector was inconsolable at the privation imposed +upon him by the Emperor. "Our Lord God," said he, +heaving a deep sigh, "has received an order to be silent at +the Diet of Augsburg."<a name="FNanchor_483_483" id="FNanchor_483_483"></a><a href="#Footnote_483_483" class="fnanchor">[483]</a> From that time forward Luther +lost the good opinion he had previously entertained of +Charles, and foreboded the stormiest future. "See what will +be the end of all this," said he. "The Emperor, who has +ordered the Elector to renounce the assemblies, will afterwards +command him to renounce the doctrine; the diet will +enter upon its paroxysm, and nothing will remain for us but +to rely upon the arm of the Lord." Then giving way to all +his indignation, he added: "The Papists, abandoned to devils, +are transported with rage; and to live, they must drink<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span> +blood.<a name="FNanchor_484_484" id="FNanchor_484_484"></a><a href="#Footnote_484_484" class="fnanchor">[484]</a> They wish to give themselves an air of justice, by +giving us one of obstinacy. It is not with men that you +have to deal at Augsburg, but with the very gates of hell." +Melancthon himself saw all his hopes vanish. "All, except +the Emperor," said he, "hate us with the most violent hatred. +The danger is great, very great.<a name="FNanchor_485_485" id="FNanchor_485_485"></a><a href="#Footnote_485_485" class="fnanchor">[485]</a>......Pray to Christ that +he may save us!" But Luther, however full of sorrow he +might be, far from being cast down, raised his head and endeavoured +to reanimate the courage of his brethren. "Be +assured and doubt not," wrote he to them, "that you are the +confessors of Jesus Christ, and the ambassadors of the Great +King."<a name="FNanchor_486_486" id="FNanchor_486_486"></a><a href="#Footnote_486_486" class="fnanchor">[486]</a></p> + +<p>They had need of these thoughts, for their adversaries, elated +by this first success, neglected nothing that might destroy +the Protestants, and taking another step forward, proposed +forcing them to be present at the Romish ceremonies.<a name="FNanchor_487_487" id="FNanchor_487_487"></a><a href="#Footnote_487_487" class="fnanchor">[487]</a> +"The Elector of Saxony," said the legate to Charles, "ought +in virtue of his office of Grand-marshal of the Empire to +carry the sword before you in all the ceremonies of the diet. +Order him therefore to perform his duty at the Mass of the +Holy Ghost, which is to open the sittings." The Emperor +did so immediately, and the Elector, uneasy at this message, +called together his theologians. If he refused, his dignity +would be taken away; and if he obeyed, he would trample +his faith under foot, thought he, and would do dishonour to +the Gospel.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">MASS OF THE HOLY GHOST.</div> + +<p>But the Lutheran Divines removed the scruples of their +prince. "It is for a ceremony of the Empire," said they, +"as Grand-Marshal, and not as a Christian, that you are summoned; +the Word of God itself, in the history of Naaman, +authorizes you to comply with this invitation."<a name="FNanchor_488_488" id="FNanchor_488_488"></a><a href="#Footnote_488_488" class="fnanchor">[488]</a> The friends +of Zwingle did not think so; their walk was more decided +than that of Wittemberg. "The martyrs allowed themselves +to be put to death," said they, "rather than burn a grain of +incense before the idols." Even some of the Protestants hearing +that the <i>Veni Spiritus</i> was to be sung, said, wagging their +heads: "We are very much afraid that the chariot of the +Spirit, which is the Word of God, having been taken away +by the Papists, the Holy Ghost, despite their Mass, will +never reach Augsburg."<a name="FNanchor_489_489" id="FNanchor_489_489"></a><a href="#Footnote_489_489" class="fnanchor">[489]</a> Neither these fears nor these objections +were listened to.</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span></p> +<div class="sidenote">THE SERMON.</div> + +<p>On Monday the 20th June, the Emperor and his brother, +with the electors and princes of the Empire, having entered +the cathedral, took their seats on the right side of the choir; +on the left were placed the legate, the archbishops, and bishops; +in the middle were the ambassadors. Without the +choir, in a gallery that overlooked it, were ranged the Landgrave +and other Protestants, who preferred being at a distance +from the Host.<a name="FNanchor_490_490" id="FNanchor_490_490"></a><a href="#Footnote_490_490" class="fnanchor">[490]</a> The Elector, bearing the sword, remained +upright near the altar at the moment of the adoration. +The acolytes, having closed the gates of the choir immediately +after,<a name="FNanchor_491_491" id="FNanchor_491_491"></a><a href="#Footnote_491_491" class="fnanchor">[491]</a> Vincent Pompinello, archbishop of Salerno, preached +the sermon. He commenced with the Turks and their ravages, +and then, by an unexpected turn, began suddenly to exalt +the Turks even above the Germans. "The Turks," said he, +"have but one prince whom they obey; but the Germans +have many who obey no one. The Turks live under one +sole law, one only custom, one only religion; but among the +Germans, there are some who are always wishing for new +laws, new customs, new religions. They tear the seamless +coat of Christ; they abolish by devilish inspirations the sacred +doctrines established by unanimous consent, and substitute<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span> +for them, alas! buffoonery and obscenity.<a name="FNanchor_492_492" id="FNanchor_492_492"></a><a href="#Footnote_492_492" class="fnanchor">[492]</a> Magnanimous +Emperor, powerful King!" said he, turning towards +Charles and his brother, "sharpen your swords, wield them +against these perfidious disturbers of religion, and thus bring +them back into the fold of the Church.<a name="FNanchor_493_493" id="FNanchor_493_493"></a><a href="#Footnote_493_493" class="fnanchor">[493]</a> There is no peace +for Germany so long as the sword shall not have entirely +eradicated this heresy.<a name="FNanchor_494_494" id="FNanchor_494_494"></a><a href="#Footnote_494_494" class="fnanchor">[494]</a> O St. Peter and St. Paul! I call +upon you; upon you, St. Peter, in order that you may open +the stony hearts of these princes with your keys; and upon +you, St. Paul, that if they show themselves too rebellious, +you may come with your sword, and cut in pieces this unexampled +hardness!"</p> + +<p>This discourse, intermingled with panegyrics of Aristides, +Themistocles, Scipio, Cato, the Curtii and Scvola, being concluded, +the Emperor and princes arose to make their offerings. +Pappenheim returned the sword to the Elector, who had intrusted +it to him; and the Grand-marshal, as well as the +Margrave, went to the offertory, but with a smile, as it is reported.<a name="FNanchor_495_495" id="FNanchor_495_495"></a><a href="#Footnote_495_495" class="fnanchor">[495]</a> +This fact is but little in harmony with the character +of these princes.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">OPENING OF THE DIET.</div> + +<p>At length they quitted the cathedral. No one, except the +friends of the nuncio, was pleased with the sermon. Even +the Archbishop of Mentz was offended at it. "What does +he mean," exclaimed he, "by calling on St. Paul to cut the +Germans with his sword?" Nothing but a few inarticulate +sounds had been heard in the nave; the Protestants eagerly +questioned those of their party who had been present in the +choir. "The more these priests inflame people's minds, and +the more they urge their princes to bloody wars," said Brenz +at that time, "the more we must hinder ours from giving way<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span> +to violence."<a name="FNanchor_496_496" id="FNanchor_496_496"></a><a href="#Footnote_496_496" class="fnanchor">[496]</a> Thus spoke a minister of the Gospel of peace +after the sermon of the priest of Rome.</p> + +<p>After the mass of the Holy Ghost, the Emperor entered his +carriage,<a name="FNanchor_497_497" id="FNanchor_497_497"></a><a href="#Footnote_497_497" class="fnanchor">[497]</a> and having reached the town-hall, where the sittings +of the diet were to take place, he took his seat on a +throne covered with cloth of gold, while his brother placed +himself on a bench in front of him; then all around them +were ranged the Electors, forty-two sovereign princes, the +deputies from the cities, the bishops, and ambassadors, forming, +indeed, that illustrious assembly which Luther, six weeks +before, had imagined he saw sitting in the air.<a name="FNanchor_498_498" id="FNanchor_498_498"></a><a href="#Footnote_498_498" class="fnanchor">[498]</a></p> + +<p>The Count-palatine read the imperial proposition. It referred +to two points; the war against the Turks, and the +religious controversy. "Sacrificing my private injuries and +interests to the common good," said the Emperor, "I have +quitted my hereditary kingdoms to pass, not without great +danger, into Italy, and from thence to Germany. I have +heard with sorrow of the divisions that have broken out here, +and which, striking not only at the imperial majesty, but still +more, at the commandments of Almighty God, must engender +pillage, conflagration, war, and death."<a name="FNanchor_499_499" id="FNanchor_499_499"></a><a href="#Footnote_499_499" class="fnanchor">[499]</a> At one o'clock the +Emperor, accompanied by all the princes, returned to his palace.</p> + +<p>On the same day the Elector gathered around him all his +co-religionists, whom the Emperor's speech had greatly excited, +and exhorted them not to be turned aside by any threats +from a cause which was that of God himself.<a name="FNanchor_500_500" id="FNanchor_500_500"></a><a href="#Footnote_500_500" class="fnanchor">[500]</a> All seemed +penetrated with this expression of Scripture: "Speak the +word, and it shall not stand; for God is with us."<a name="FNanchor_501_501" id="FNanchor_501_501"></a><a href="#Footnote_501_501" class="fnanchor">[501]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span></p><div class="sidenote">THE ELECTOR'S PRAYER.</div> + +<p>The Elector had a heavy burden to bear. Not only had +he to walk at the head of the princes, but he had further to +defend himself against the enervating influence of Melancthon. +It is not an abstraction of the state which this prince +presents to our notice throughout the whole of this affair: +it is the most noble individuality. Early on Tuesday morning, +feeling the necessity of that invisible strength which, according +to a beautiful figure in the holy Scriptures, causes us +to ride upon the high places of the earth; and seeing, as was +usual, his domestics, his councillors, and his son assembled +around him, John begged them affectionately to withdraw.<a name="FNanchor_502_502" id="FNanchor_502_502"></a><a href="#Footnote_502_502" class="fnanchor">[502]</a> +He knew that it was only by kneeling humbly before God +that he could stand with courage before Charles. Alone in +his chamber, he opened and read the Psalms, then falling +on his knees, he offered up the most fervent prayer to God;<a name="FNanchor_503_503" id="FNanchor_503_503"></a><a href="#Footnote_503_503" class="fnanchor">[503]</a> +next, wishing to confirm himself in the immovable fidelity +that he had just vowed to the Lord, he went to his desk, and +there committed his resolutions to writing. Dolzig and Melancthon +afterwards saw these lines, and were filled with admiration +as they read them.<a name="FNanchor_504_504" id="FNanchor_504_504"></a><a href="#Footnote_504_504" class="fnanchor">[504]</a></p> + +<p>Being thus tempered anew in heavenly thoughts, John +took up the imperial proposition, and meditated over it; then, +having called in his son and the chancellor Bruck, and Melancthon +shortly after, they all agreed that the deliberations +of the diet ought to commence with the affairs of religion; +and his allies, who were consulted, concurred in this advice.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">VALDEZ AND MELANCTHON.</div> + +<p>The legate had conceived a plan diametrically opposed to +this. He desired to stifle the religious question, and for this +end required that the princes should examine it in a secret +committee.<a name="FNanchor_505_505" id="FNanchor_505_505"></a><a href="#Footnote_505_505" class="fnanchor">[505]</a> The Evangelical Christians entertained no +doubt that if the truth was proclaimed in the great council of +the nation, it would gain the victory; but the more they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span> +desired a public confession, the more it was dreaded by the +Pope's friends. The latter wished to take their adversaries +by silence, without confession, without discussion, as a city is +taken by famine without fighting and without a storm: to +gag the Reformation, and thus reduce it to powerlessness and +death, were their tactics. To have silenced the preachers was +not enough: the princes must be silenced also. They wished +to shut up the Reformation as in a dungeon, and there leave +it to die, thinking they would thus get rid of it more surely +than by leading it to the scaffold.</p> + +<p>This plan was well conceived: it now remained to be put +in execution, and for that purpose it was necessary to persuade +the Protestants that such a method would be the surest for +them. The person selected for this intrigue was Alphonso +Valdez, secretary to Charles V., a Spanish gentleman, a worthy +individual, and who afterwards showed a leaning towards +the Reformation. Policy often makes use of good men for +the most perfidious designs. It was decided that Valdez should +address the most timid of the Protestants—Melancthon.</p> + +<p>On the 16th or 17th of June, immediately after the arrival +of Charles, Valdez begged Melancthon to call on him. "The +Spaniards," said he, "imagine that the Lutherans teach impious +doctrines on the Holy Trinity, on Jesus Christ, on the +blessed Mother of God.<a name="FNanchor_506_506" id="FNanchor_506_506"></a><a href="#Footnote_506_506" class="fnanchor">[506]</a> Accordingly, they think they do a +more meritorious work in killing a Lutheran than in slaying +a Turk."</p> + +<p>"I know it," replied Melancthon, "and I have not yet been +able to succeed in making your fellow-countrymen abandon +that idea."</p> + +<p>"But what, pray, do the Lutherans desire?"</p> + +<p>"The Lutheran question is not so complicated and so unseemly +as his majesty fancies. We do not attack the Catholic +Church, as is commonly believed;<a name="FNanchor_507_507" id="FNanchor_507_507"></a><a href="#Footnote_507_507" class="fnanchor">[507]</a> and the whole controversy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span> +is reducible to these three points. The two kinds in +the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, the marriage of pastors, +and the abolition of private masses. If we could agree on +these articles, it would be easy to come to an understanding +on the others."</p> + +<p>"Well, I will report this to his majesty."</p> + +<p>Charles V. was charmed at this communication. "Go," +said he to Valdez, "and impart these things to the legate, +and ask Master Philip to transmit to you in writing a short +exposition of what they believe and what they deny."</p> + +<p>Valdez hastened to Campeggio. "What you relate pleases +me tolerably," said the latter. "As for the two kinds in the +sacrament, and the marriage of priests, there will be means of +accommodation;<a name="FNanchor_508_508" id="FNanchor_508_508"></a><a href="#Footnote_508_508" class="fnanchor">[508]</a> but we cannot consent to the abolition of +private masses." This would have been in fact cutting off +one of the greatest revenues of the Church.</p> + +<p>On Saturday, June 18, Valdez saw Melancthon again. +"The Emperor begs of you a moderate and concise exposition," +said he, "and he is persuaded that it will be more advantageous +to treat of this matter briefly and privately,<a name="FNanchor_509_509" id="FNanchor_509_509"></a><a href="#Footnote_509_509" class="fnanchor">[509]</a> +avoiding all public hearing and all prolix discussion, which +would only engender anger and division."—"Well," said Melancthon, +"I will reflect upon it."</p> + +<p>Melancthon was almost won over: a secret conference +agreed better with his disposition. Had he not often repeated +that peace should be sought after above all things? Thus +everything induced the legate to hope that a public struggle +would be avoided, and that he might be content, as it were, to +send mutes against the Reform, and strangle it in a dungeon.<a name="FNanchor_510_510" id="FNanchor_510_510"></a><a href="#Footnote_510_510" class="fnanchor">[510]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">EVANGELICAL FIRMNESS PREVAILS.</div> + +<p>Fortunately the Chancellor and the Elector Frederick did<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span> +not think fit to entertain the propositions with which Charles +had commissioned the worthy Valdez. The resolution of these +lay members of the Church saved it from the false step its +doctors were about to take; and the wiles of the Italians failed +against Evangelical firmness. Melancthon was only permitted +to lay the Confession before the Spaniard, that he might +look into it, and in despite of the moderation employed in it, +Valdez exclaimed: "These words are too bitter, and your +adversaries will never put up with them!"<a name="FNanchor_511_511" id="FNanchor_511_511"></a><a href="#Footnote_511_511" class="fnanchor">[511]</a> Thus finished +the legate's manœuvre.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p>VI. Charles, compelled to resign himself to a public sitting, +ordered on Wednesday, 22d June, that the Elector and his +allies should have their Confession ready for the ensuing Friday. +The Roman party were also invited to present a confession +of faith; but they excused themselves, saying that they +were satisfied with the Edict of Worms.</p> + +<p>The Emperor's order took the Protestants by surprise, for +the negotiations between Valdez and Melancthon had prevented +the latter from putting the finishing stroke to the Confession. +It was not copied out fair; and the conclusions, as +well as the exordium, were not definitively drawn up. In consequence +of this, the Protestants begged the Archbishop of +Mentz to obtain for them the delay of a day; but their petition +was refused.<a name="FNanchor_512_512" id="FNanchor_512_512"></a><a href="#Footnote_512_512" class="fnanchor">[512]</a> They therefore laboured incessantly, even during +the night, to correct and transcribe the Confession.</p> + +<p>On Thursday, 23d June, all the Protestant princes, deputies, +councillors, and theologians met early at the Elector's. The +Confession was read in German, and all gave their adhesion +to it, except the Landgrave and the Strasburgers, who required +a change in the article on the sacrament.<a name="FNanchor_513_513" id="FNanchor_513_513"></a><a href="#Footnote_513_513" class="fnanchor">[513]</a> The princes rejected +their demand.</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span></p> +<div class="sidenote">THE SIGNING OF THE CONFESSION.</div> + +<p>The Elector of Saxony was already preparing to sign, +when Melancthon stopped him: he feared giving too political +a colouring to this religious business. In his idea it was +the Church that should appear, and not the State. "It is for +the theologians and ministers to propose these things," said +he;<a name="FNanchor_514_514" id="FNanchor_514_514"></a><a href="#Footnote_514_514" class="fnanchor">[514]</a> "let us reserve for other matters the authority of the +mighty ones of the earth."—"God forbid that you should exclude +me," replied the Elector; "I am resolved to do what is +right without troubling myself about my crown. I desire to +confess the Lord. My electoral hat and my ermine are not so +precious to me as the cross of Jesus Christ. I shall leave on +earth these marks of my greatness; but my Master's cross will +accompany me to heaven."</p> + +<p>How resist such Christian language! Melancthon gave +way.</p> + +<p>The Elector then approached, signed, and handed the pen +to the Landgrave, who at first made some objections; however +the enemy was at the door; was this the time for disunion? +At last he signed, but with a declaration that the +doctrine of the Eucharist did not please him.<a name="FNanchor_515_515" id="FNanchor_515_515"></a><a href="#Footnote_515_515" class="fnanchor">[515]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">COURAGE OF THE PRINCES.</div> + +<p>The Margrave and Luneburg having joyfully subscribed +their names, Anhalt took the pen in his turn, and said, "I +have tilted more than once to please others; now, if the honour +of my Lord Jesus Christ requires it, I am ready to saddle +my horse, to leave my goods and my life behind, and to rush +into eternity, towards an everlasting crown." Then, having +signed, this youthful prince said, turning to the theologians: +"Rather renounce my subjects and my states, rather quit the +country of my fathers staff in hand, rather gain my bread by +cleaning the shoes of the foreigner, than receive any other doctrine +than that which is contained in this Confession." Nuremberg +and Reutlingen alone of the cities subscribed their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span> +signatures;<a name="FNanchor_516_516" id="FNanchor_516_516"></a><a href="#Footnote_516_516" class="fnanchor">[516]</a> and all resolved on demanding of the Emperor +that the Confession should be read publicly.<a name="FNanchor_517_517" id="FNanchor_517_517"></a><a href="#Footnote_517_517" class="fnanchor">[517]</a></p> + +<p>The courage of the princes surprised every one. Rome +had crushed the members of the Church, and had reduced +them to a herd of slaves, whom she dragged silent and humiliated +behind her: the Reformation enfranchised them, and +with their rights it restored to them their duties. The priest +no longer enjoyed the monopoly of religion; each head of +a family again became priest in his own house, and all the +members of the Church of God were thenceforward called to +the rank of confessors. The laymen are nothing, or almost +nothing, in the sect of Rome, but they are the essential portion +of the Church of Jesus Christ. Wherever the priestly +spirit is established, the Church dies; wherever laymen, as +these Augsburg princes, understand their duty and their immediate +dependence on Christ, the Church lives.</p> + +<p>The Evangelical theologians were moved, by the devotedness +of the princes. "When I consider their firmness in the +confession of the Gospel," said Brenz, "the colour mounts to +my cheeks. What a disgrace that we, who are only beggars +beside them, are so afraid of confessing Christ!"<a name="FNanchor_518_518" id="FNanchor_518_518"></a><a href="#Footnote_518_518" class="fnanchor">[518]</a> Brenz +was then thinking of certain towns, particularly of Halle, of +which he was pastor, but no doubt also of the theologians.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">MELANCTHON'S WEAKNESS.</div> + +<p>The latter, in truth, without being deficient in devotedness, +were sometimes wanting in courage. Melancthon was in +constant agitation; he ran to and fro, slipping in everywhere +(says Cochl[eo]us in his Philippics), penetrating not only the +houses and mansions of private persons, but also insinuating +himself into the palaces of cardinals and princes, nay, even +into the court of the Emperor; and, whether at table or in +conversation, he spared no means of persuading every person,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span> +that nothing was more easy than to restore peace between +the two parties.<a name="FNanchor_519_519" id="FNanchor_519_519"></a><a href="#Footnote_519_519" class="fnanchor">[519]</a></p> + +<p>One day he was with the Archbishop of Salzburg, who in +a long discourse gave an eloquent description of the troubles +produced, as he said, by the Reformation, and ended with a +peroration "written in blood," says Melancthon.<a name="FNanchor_520_520" id="FNanchor_520_520"></a><a href="#Footnote_520_520" class="fnanchor">[520]</a> Philip in +agony had ventured during the conversation to slip in the +word Conscience. "Conscience!" hastily interrupted the +archbishop, "Conscience!—What does that mean? I tell +you plainly that the Emperor will not allow confusion to be +thus brought upon the Empire."—"Had I been in Melancthon's +place," said Luther, "I should have immediately replied +to the archbishop: And our Emperor, ours, will not tolerate +such blasphemy."—"Alas!" said Melancthon, "they are +all as full of assurance as if there was no God."<a name="FNanchor_521_521" id="FNanchor_521_521"></a><a href="#Footnote_521_521" class="fnanchor">[521]</a></p> + +<p>Another day Melancthon was with Campeggio, and conjured +him to persevere in the moderate sentiments he appeared +to entertain. And at another time, as it would seem, +he was with the Emperor himself.<a name="FNanchor_522_522" id="FNanchor_522_522"></a><a href="#Footnote_522_522" class="fnanchor">[522]</a> "Alas!" said the alarmed +Zwinglians, "after having qualified one half of the Gospel, +Melancthon is sacrificing the other."<a name="FNanchor_523_523" id="FNanchor_523_523"></a><a href="#Footnote_523_523" class="fnanchor">[523]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE CONFESSION IN DANGER.</div> + +<p>The wiles of the Ultramontanists were added to Philip's +dejection, in order to arrest the courageous proceedings of the +princes. Friday, 24th June, was the day fixed for reading the +Confession, but measures were taken to prevent it. The sitting +of the diet did not begin till three in the afternoon; the +legate was then announced; Charles went to meet him as +far as the top of the grand staircase, and Campeggio, taking +his seat in front of the Emperor, in King Ferdinand's place, +delivered a harangue in Ciceronian style. "Never," said he, +"has St. Peter's bark been so violently tossed by so many<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span> +waves, whirlwinds, and abysses.<a name="FNanchor_524_524" id="FNanchor_524_524"></a><a href="#Footnote_524_524" class="fnanchor">[524]</a> The Holy Father has +learnt these things with pain, and desires to drag the Church +from these frightful gulfs. For the love of Jesus Christ, for +the safety of your country and for your own, O mighty +Prince! get rid of these errors, deliver Germany, and save +Christendom!"</p> + +<p>After a temperate reply from Albert of Mentz, the legate +quitted the townhall, and the Evangelical princes stood up; +but a fresh obstacle had been provided. Deputies from Austria, +Carinthia, and Carniola, first received a hearing.<a name="FNanchor_525_525" id="FNanchor_525_525"></a><a href="#Footnote_525_525" class="fnanchor">[525]</a></p> + +<p>Much time had thus elapsed. The Evangelical princes, +however, rose up again, and the Chancellor Bruck said: "It +is pretended that new doctrines not based on Scripture, that +heresies and schisms are spread among the people by us. +Considering that such accusations compromise not only our +good name, but also the safety of our souls,<a name="FNanchor_526_526" id="FNanchor_526_526"></a><a href="#Footnote_526_526" class="fnanchor">[526]</a> we beg his +majesty would have the goodness to hear what are the doctrines +we profess."</p> + +<p>The Emperor, no doubt by arrangement with the legate, +made reply that it was too late; besides, that this reading +would be useless; and that the princes should be satisfied +with putting in their Confession in writing. Thus the mine, +so skilfully prepared, worked admirably; the Confession, once +handed to the Emperor, would be thrown aside, and the +Reformation would be forced to retire, without the Papists +having even condescended to hear it, without defence and +overwhelmed with contumely.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE PROTESTANTS ARE FIRM.</div> + +<p>The Protestant princes, uneasy, and agitated, insisted. +"Our honour is at stake," said they; "our souls are endangered.<a name="FNanchor_527_527" id="FNanchor_527_527"></a><a href="#Footnote_527_527" class="fnanchor">[527]</a> +We are accused publicly; publicly we ought to answer."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span> +Charles was shaken; Ferdinand leant towards him, +and whispered a few words in his ear:<a name="FNanchor_528_528" id="FNanchor_528_528"></a><a href="#Footnote_528_528" class="fnanchor">[528]</a> the Emperor refused +a second time.</p> + +<p>Upon this the Elector and princes, in still greater alarm, +said for the third time with emotion and earnestness:<a name="FNanchor_529_529" id="FNanchor_529_529"></a><a href="#Footnote_529_529" class="fnanchor">[529]</a> "For +the love of God, let us read our Confession! No person +is insulted in it." Thus were seen, on the one hand, a few +faithful men, desiring with loud cries to confess their faith; +and on the other, the great Emperor of the West, surrounded +by a crowd of cardinals, prelates, and princes, endeavouring +to stifle the manifestation of the truth.<a name="FNanchor_530_530" id="FNanchor_530_530"></a><a href="#Footnote_530_530" class="fnanchor">[530]</a> It was a serious, +violent, and decisive struggle, in which the holiest interests +were discussed!</p> + +<p>At last Charles appeared to yield: "His majesty grants +your request," was the reply to the princes; "but as it is +now too late, he begs you to transmit him your written Confession, +and to-morrow, at two o'clock, the diet will be prepared +to hear it read at the Palatine Palace."</p> + +<p>The princes were struck with these words, which, seeming +to grant them everything, in reality granted nothing. In the +first place, it was not in a public sitting at the town-hall, but +privately in his own palace, that the Emperor was willing +to hear them;<a name="FNanchor_531_531" id="FNanchor_531_531"></a><a href="#Footnote_531_531" class="fnanchor">[531]</a> then they had no doubt that if the Confession +left their hands it was all over with the public reading. +They therefore remained firm. "The work has been done +in great haste," said they, and it was the truth; "pray leave +it with us to-night, that we may revise it." The Emperor +was obliged to yield, and the Protestants returned to their +hotels full of joy; while the legate and his friends, perceiving +that the Confession was inevitable, saw the morrow approach +with anxiety continually increasing.</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span></p> +<div class="sidenote">MELANCTHON'S DESPONDENCE.</div> + +<p>Among those who prepared to confess the Evangelical +truth, was one, however, whose heart was filled with sadness:—it +was Melancthon. Placed between two fires, he saw the +Reformed, and many even of his own friends, reproach his +weakness; while the opposite party detested what they called +his hypocrisy. His friend Camerarius, who visited Augsburg +about this time, often found him plunged in thought, uttering +deep sighs, and shedding bitter tears.<a name="FNanchor_532_532" id="FNanchor_532_532"></a><a href="#Footnote_532_532" class="fnanchor">[532]</a> Brenz, moved with +compassion, coming to the unhappy Philip, would sit down +by his side and weep with him;<a name="FNanchor_533_533" id="FNanchor_533_533"></a><a href="#Footnote_533_533" class="fnanchor">[533]</a> and Jonas, endeavouring to +console him in another manner, exhorted him to take the +Book of Psalms, and cry to God with all his heart, making +use of David's words rather than of his own.</p> + +<p>One day intelligence arrived which formed a general topic +of conversation in Augsburg, and which, spreading terror +among the partisans of the Pope, gave a momentary relief to +Melancthon. It was said that a mule in Rome had given +birth to a colt with crane's feet. "This prodigy," said Melancthon +thoughtfully, "announces that Rome is near its +end;"<a name="FNanchor_534_534" id="FNanchor_534_534"></a><a href="#Footnote_534_534" class="fnanchor">[534]</a> perhaps because the crane is a bird of passage, and +that the Pope's mule thus gave signs of departure. Melancthon +had immediately written to Luther, who replied that he +was exceedingly rejoiced that God had given the Pope so +striking a sign of his approaching fall.<a name="FNanchor_535_535" id="FNanchor_535_535"></a><a href="#Footnote_535_535" class="fnanchor">[535]</a> It is good to call to +memory these puerilities of the age of the Reformers, that +we may better understand the high range of these men of +God in matters of faith.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LUTHER'S PRAYER.</div> + +<p>These idle Roman stories did not long console Melancthon. +On the eve of the 25th June, he was present in imagination +at the reading of that Confession which he had drawn up, +which was about to be proclaimed before the world, and in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span> +which one word too many or too few might decide on the +approbation or the hatred of the princes, on the safety or +ruin of the Reformation and of the Empire. He could bear +up no longer, and the feeble Atlas, crushed under the burden +of the world upon his shoulders, gave utterance to a +cry of anguish. "All my time here is spent in tears and +mourning," wrote he to Vitus Diedrich, Luther's secretary +in the castle of Coburg;<a name="FNanchor_536_536" id="FNanchor_536_536"></a><a href="#Footnote_536_536" class="fnanchor">[536]</a> and on the morrow he wrote to +Luther himself: "My dwelling is in perpetual tears.<a name="FNanchor_537_537" id="FNanchor_537_537"></a><a href="#Footnote_537_537" class="fnanchor">[537]</a> My +consternation is indescribable.<a name="FNanchor_538_538" id="FNanchor_538_538"></a><a href="#Footnote_538_538" class="fnanchor">[538]</a> O my father! I do not wish +my words to exaggerate my sorrows; but, without your consolations, +it is impossible for me to enjoy here the least +peace."</p> + +<p>Nothing in fact presented so strong a contrast to the distrust +and desolations of Melancthon, as the faith, calmness, and +exultation of Luther. It was of advantage to him that +he was not then in the midst of the Augsburg vortex, and to +be able from his stronghold to set his foot with tranquillity +upon the rock of God's promises. He was sensible himself +of the value of this peaceful hermitage, as he called it.<a name="FNanchor_539_539" id="FNanchor_539_539"></a><a href="#Footnote_539_539" class="fnanchor">[539]</a> "I +cannot sufficiently admire," said Vitus Diedrich, "the firmness, +cheerfulness, and faith of this man, so astonishing +in such cruel times."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LUTHER'S ANXIETY.</div> + +<p>Luther, besides his constant reading of the Word of God,<a name="FNanchor_540_540" id="FNanchor_540_540"></a><a href="#Footnote_540_540" class="fnanchor">[540]</a> +did not pass a day without devoting three hours at least +to prayer, and they were hours selected from those the +most favourable to study.<a name="FNanchor_541_541" id="FNanchor_541_541"></a><a href="#Footnote_541_541" class="fnanchor">[541]</a> One day, as Diedrich approached<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> +the Reformer's chamber, he heard his voice,<a name="FNanchor_542_542" id="FNanchor_542_542"></a><a href="#Footnote_542_542" class="fnanchor">[542]</a> and remained +motionless, holding his breath, a few steps from the +door. Luther was praying, and his prayer (said the secretary) +was full of adoration, fear, and hope, as when one speaks +to a friend or to a father.<a name="FNanchor_543_543" id="FNanchor_543_543"></a><a href="#Footnote_543_543" class="fnanchor">[543]</a> "I know that thou art our Father +and our God," said the Reformer, alone in his chamber, "and +that thou wilt scatter the persecutors of thy children, for +thou art thyself endangered with us. All this matter is +thine, and it is only by thy constraint that we have put our +hands to it. Defend us then, O Father!" The secretary, motionless +as a statue, in the long gallery of the castle, lost not +one of the words that the clear and resounding voice of Luther +bore to his ears.<a name="FNanchor_544_544" id="FNanchor_544_544"></a><a href="#Footnote_544_544" class="fnanchor">[544]</a> The Reformer was earnest with God, +and called upon him with so much unction to accomplish his +promises, that Diedrich felt his heart glow within him.<a name="FNanchor_545_545" id="FNanchor_545_545"></a><a href="#Footnote_545_545" class="fnanchor">[545]</a> +"Oh!" exclaimed he, as he retired, "How could not these +prayers but prevail in the desperate struggle at Augsburg!"</p> + +<p>Luther might also have allowed himself to be overcome +with fear, for he was left in complete ignorance of what was +taking place in the diet. A Wittemberg messenger, who +should have brought him forests of letters (according to his +own expression), having presented himself: "Do you bring +any letters?" asked Luther. "No!" "How are those gentlemen?" +"Well!" Luther, grieved at such silence, returned +and shut himself up in his chamber.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LUTHER'S TEXTS.</div> + +<p>Erelong there appeared a courier on horseback carrying +despatches from the Elector to Torgau. "Do you bring me +any letters?" asked Luther. "No!" "How are those gentlemen?" +continued he, fearfully. "Well!" "This is strange," +thought the Reformer. A waggon having left Coburg laden +with flour (for they were almost in want of provisions at +Augsburg), Luther impatiently awaited the return of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span> +waggoner; but he returned empty. Luther then began to +revolve the gloomiest thoughts in his mind, not doubting that +they were concealing some misfortune from him.<a name="FNanchor_546_546" id="FNanchor_546_546"></a><a href="#Footnote_546_546" class="fnanchor">[546]</a> At last +another individual, Jobst Nymptzen, having arrived from +Augsburg, Luther rushed anew towards him, with his usual +question. "Do you bring me any letters?" He waited +trembling for the reply. "No!" "And how then are those +gentlemen?" "Well!" The Reformer withdrew, a prey to +anger and to fear.</p> + +<p>Then Luther opened his Bible, and to console himself for +the silence of men, he conversed with God. There were +some passages of Scripture in particular that he read continually. +We point them out below.<a name="FNanchor_547_547" id="FNanchor_547_547"></a><a href="#Footnote_547_547" class="fnanchor">[547]</a> He did more; he wrote +with his own hand many declarations of Scripture over the +doors and windows, and on the walls of the castle. In one +place were these words from the 118th Psalm: <i>I shall not die, +but live, and declare the works of the Lord</i>. In another, those +of the 12th chapter of Proverbs: <i>The way of the wicked seduceth +them</i>; and over his bed, these words from the 4th +Psalm: <i>I will both lay me down in peace and sleep; for thou, O +Lord, only makest me dwell in safety</i>. Never perhaps did man +so environ himself with the promises of the Lord, or so dwell +in the atmosphere of his Word and live by his breath, as +Luther at Coburg.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LUTHER TO MELANCTHON.</div> + +<p>At length letters came. "If the times in which we live +were not opposed to it, I should have imagined some revenge," +wrote Luther to Jonas; "but prayer checked my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span> +anger, and anger checked my prayer.<a name="FNanchor_548_548" id="FNanchor_548_548"></a><a href="#Footnote_548_548" class="fnanchor">[548]</a> I am delighted at +that tranquil mind which God gives our prince. As for +Melancthon, it is his philosophy that tortures him, and nothing +else. For our cause is in the very hands of Him who +can say with unutterable pride: <i>No one shall pluck it out of +my hands</i>. I would not have it in our hands, and it would +not be desirable that it were so.<a name="FNanchor_549_549" id="FNanchor_549_549"></a><a href="#Footnote_549_549" class="fnanchor">[549]</a> I have had many things +in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have +been able to place in God's, I still possess."</p> + +<p>On learning that Melancthon's anguish still continued, +Luther wrote to him: and these are words that should be preserved. +"Grace and peace in Christ! in Christ, I say, and +not in the world, Amen. I hate with exceeding hatred those +extreme cares which consume you. If the cause is unjust, +abandon it; if the cause is just, why should we belie the +promises of Him who commands us to sleep without fear? +Can the devil do more than kill us? Christ will not be +wanting to the work of justice and of truth. He lives; he +reigns; what fear, then, can we have? God is powerful to +upraise his cause if it is overthrown, to make it proceed if it +remains motionless, and if we are not worthy of it, he will +do it by others.</p> + +<p>"I have received your Apology,<a name="FNanchor_550_550" id="FNanchor_550_550"></a><a href="#Footnote_550_550" class="fnanchor">[550]</a> and I cannot understand +what you mean, when you ask what we must concede to the +Papists. We have already conceded too much. Night and +day I meditate on this affair, turning it over and over, perusing +all Scripture, and the certainty of the truth of our doctrine +continually increases in my mind. With the help of +God, I will not permit a single letter of all that we have said +to be torn from us.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE PALATINE CHAPEL.</div> + +<p>"The issue of this affair torments you, because you cannot +understand it. But if you could, I would not have the least<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span> +share in it. God has put it in a 'common place,' that you will +not find either in your rhetoric or in your philosophy: that +place is called Faith.<a name="FNanchor_551_551" id="FNanchor_551_551"></a><a href="#Footnote_551_551" class="fnanchor">[551]</a> It is that in which subsist all things +that we can neither understand nor see. Whoever wishes to +touch them, as you do, will have tears for his sole reward.</p> + +<p>"If Christ is not with us, where is he in the whole universe? +If we are not the Church, where, I pray, is the +Church? Is it the Dukes of Bavaria, is it Ferdinand, is it the +Pope, is it the Turk, who is the Church? If we have not +the Word of God, who is it that possesses it?</p> + +<p>"Only we must have faith, lest the cause of faith should be +found to be without faith.<a name="FNanchor_552_552" id="FNanchor_552_552"></a><a href="#Footnote_552_552" class="fnanchor">[552]</a></p> + +<p>"If we fall, Christ falls with us, that is to say, the Master +of the world. I would rather fall with Christ, than remain +standing with Csar."</p> + +<p>Thus wrote Luther. The faith which animated him flowed +from him like torrents of living water. He was indefatigable; +in a single day he wrote to Melancthon, Spalatin, Brenz, +Agricola, and John Frederick, and they were letters full of +life. He was not alone in praying, speaking, and believing. +At the same moment, the Evangelical Christians exhorted +one another everywhere to prayer.<a name="FNanchor_553_553" id="FNanchor_553_553"></a><a href="#Footnote_553_553" class="fnanchor">[553]</a> Such was the arsenal in +which the weapons were forged that the confessors of Christ +wielded before the Diet of Augsburg.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="sidenote">RECOLLECTIONS AND CONTRAST.</div> + +<p>VII. At length the 25th June arrived. This was destined +to be the greatest day of the Reformation, and one of the most +glorious in the history of Christianity and of mankind.</p> + +<p>As the chapel of the Palatine Palace, where the Emperor +had resolved to hear the Confession, could contain only about +two hundred persons,<a name="FNanchor_554_554" id="FNanchor_554_554"></a><a href="#Footnote_554_554" class="fnanchor">[554]</a> before three o'clock a great crowd was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span> +to be seen surrounding the building and thronging the court, +hoping by this means to catch a few words; and many having +gained entrance to the chapel, all were turned out except +those who were not, at the least, councillors to the princes.</p> + +<p>Charles took his seat on the throne. The Electors or their +representatives were on his right and left hand; after them +the other princes and states of the Empire. The legate had +refused to appear in this solemnity, lest he should seem by +his presence to authorize the reading of the Confession.<a name="FNanchor_555_555" id="FNanchor_555_555"></a><a href="#Footnote_555_555" class="fnanchor">[555]</a></p> + +<p>Then stood up John Elector of Saxony, with his son John +Frederick, Phillip Landgrave of Hesse, the Margrave George +of Brandenburg, Wolfgang Prince of Anhalt, Ernest Duke +of Brunswick-Luneburg, and his brother Francis, and last +of all the deputies of Nuremberg and Reutlingen. Their +air was animated and their features radiant with joy.<a name="FNanchor_556_556" id="FNanchor_556_556"></a><a href="#Footnote_556_556" class="fnanchor">[556]</a> The +apologies of the early Christians, of Tertullian and Justin +Martyr, hardly reached in writing the sovereigns to whom +they were addressed. But now, to hear the new apology of +resuscitated Christianity, behold that puissant Emperor, whose +sceptre, stretching far beyond the columns of Hercules, reaches +the utmost limits of the world, his brother the King of the +Romans, with electors, princes, prelates, deputies, ambassadors, +all of whom desire to destroy the Gospel, but who are +constrained by an invisible power to listen, and, by that very +listening, to honour the Confession!</p> + +<p>One thought was involuntarily present in the minds of the +spectators,—the recollection of the Diet of Worms.<a name="FNanchor_557_557" id="FNanchor_557_557"></a><a href="#Footnote_557_557" class="fnanchor">[557]</a> Only +nine years before, a poor monk stood alone for this same +cause in a hall of the town-house at Worms, in presence of +the Empire. And now in his stead, behold the foremost of +the Electors, behold princes and cities! What a victory is +declared by this simple fact! No doubt Charles himself cannot +escape from this recollection.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE CONFESSION—PROLOGUE.</div> + +<p>The Emperor, seeing the Protestants stand up, motioned<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span> +them to sit down; and then the two chancellors of the +Elector, Bruck and Bayer, advanced to the middle of the +chapel, and stood before the throne, holding in their hands, +the former the Latin, and the other the German copy of the +Confession. The Emperor required the Latin copy to be +read.<a name="FNanchor_558_558" id="FNanchor_558_558"></a><a href="#Footnote_558_558" class="fnanchor">[558]</a> "We are Germans," said the Elector of Saxony, "and +on German soil; I hope therefore your majesty will allow us +to speak German." If the Confession had been read in +Latin, a language unknown to most of the princes, the general +effect would have been lost. This was another means of +shutting the mouth of the Gospel. The Emperor complied +with the Elector's demand.</p> + +<p>Bayer then began to read the Evangelical Confession, +slowly, seriously, distinctly, with a clear, strong, and sonorous +voice, which re-echoed under the arched roof of the chapel, +and carried even to the outside this great testimony paid to +the truth.<a name="FNanchor_559_559" id="FNanchor_559_559"></a><a href="#Footnote_559_559" class="fnanchor">[559]</a></p> + +<p>"Most serene, most mighty, and invincible Emperor and +most gracious Lord," said he, "we who appear in your presence, +declare ourselves ready to confer amicably with you +on the fittest means of restoring one sole, true, and same faith, +since it is for one sole and same Christ that we fight.<a name="FNanchor_560_560" id="FNanchor_560_560"></a><a href="#Footnote_560_560" class="fnanchor">[560]</a> And +in case that these religious dissensions cannot be settled amicably, +we then offer to your majesty to explain our cause in +a general, free, and christian council."<a name="FNanchor_561_561" id="FNanchor_561_561"></a><a href="#Footnote_561_561" class="fnanchor">[561]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE CONFESSION—JUSTIFICATION.</div> + +<p>This prologue being ended, Bayer confessed the Holy Trinity, +conformably with the Nicene Council,<a name="FNanchor_562_562" id="FNanchor_562_562"></a><a href="#Footnote_562_562" class="fnanchor">[562]</a> original and hereditary +sin, "which bringeth eternal death to all who are not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span> +regenerated,"<a name="FNanchor_563_563" id="FNanchor_563_563"></a><a href="#Footnote_563_563" class="fnanchor">[563]</a> and the incarnation of the Son, "very God +and very man."<a name="FNanchor_564_564" id="FNanchor_564_564"></a><a href="#Footnote_564_564" class="fnanchor">[564]</a></p> + +<p>"We teach moreover," continued he, "that we cannot be +justified before God by our own strength, our merits, and our +works; but that we are justified by Christ through grace, +through the means of faith,<a name="FNanchor_565_565" id="FNanchor_565_565"></a><a href="#Footnote_565_565" class="fnanchor">[565]</a> when we believe that our sins +are forgiven in virtue of Christ, who by his death has made +satisfaction for our sins: this faith is the righteousness that +God imputes to the sinner.</p> + +<p>"But we teach, at the same time, that this faith ought to +bear good fruits, and that we must do all the good works commanded +by God, for the love of God, and not by their means +to gain the grace of God."</p> + +<p>The Protestants next declared their faith in the Christian +Church, "which is," said they, "the assembly of all true believers +and all the saints,"<a name="FNanchor_566_566" id="FNanchor_566_566"></a><a href="#Footnote_566_566" class="fnanchor">[566]</a> in the midst of whom there are, +nevertheless, in this life, many false Christians, hypocrites +even, and manifest sinners; and they added, "that it was +sufficient for the real unity of the Church that they were +agreed on the doctrine of the Gospel and the administration +of the sacraments, without the rites and ceremonies instituted +by men being everywhere the same."<a name="FNanchor_567_567" id="FNanchor_567_567"></a><a href="#Footnote_567_567" class="fnanchor">[567]</a>—They proclaimed the +necessity of baptism, and declared "that the body and blood +of Christ are really present and administered in the Lord's +Supper to those who partake of it."<a name="FNanchor_568_568" id="FNanchor_568_568"></a><a href="#Footnote_568_568" class="fnanchor">[568]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE CONFESSION—FAITH.</div> + +<p>The Chancellor then successively confessed the faith of the +Evangelical Christians, touching confession, penance, the nature +of the sacraments, the government of the Church, ecclesiastical<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span> +ordinances, political government, and the last judgment. +"As regards Free-will," continued he, "we confess +that man's will has a certain liberty of accomplishing civil +justice, and of loving the things that reason comprehends; +that man can do the good that is within the sphere of nature—plough +his fields, eat, drink, have a friend, put on a coat, +build a house, take a wife, feed cattle, exercise a calling; as +also he can, of his own movement, do evil, kneel before an +idol, and commit murder. But we maintain that without the +Holy Ghost he cannot do what is righteous in the sight of God."</p> + +<p>Then, returning to the grand doctrine of the Reformation, +and recalling to mind that the doctors of the Pope "have never +ceased impelling the faithful to puerile and useless works, +as the custom of chaplets, invocations of saints, monastic +vows, processions, fasts, feast-days, brotherhoods," the Protestants +added, that as for themselves, while urging the practice +of truly Christian works, of which little had been said before +their time,<a name="FNanchor_569_569" id="FNanchor_569_569"></a><a href="#Footnote_569_569" class="fnanchor">[569]</a> "they taught that man is justified by faith +alone; not by that faith which is a simple knowledge of +the history, and which wicked men and even devils possess, +but by a faith which believes not only the history, but +also the effect of the history;<a name="FNanchor_570_570" id="FNanchor_570_570"></a><a href="#Footnote_570_570" class="fnanchor">[570]</a> which believes that through +Christ we obtain grace; which sees that in Christ we have +a merciful Father; which knows this God; which calls upon +him; in a word, which is not without God, as the heathen are."</p> + +<p>"Such," said Bayer, "is a summary of the doctrine professed +in our Churches, by which it may be seen that this doctrine +is by no means opposed to Scripture, to the universal Church, +nor even to the Romish Church, such as the doctors describe +it to us;<a name="FNanchor_571_571" id="FNanchor_571_571"></a><a href="#Footnote_571_571" class="fnanchor">[571]</a> and since it is so, to reject us as heretics is +an offence against unity and charity."</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span></p> +<div class="sidenote">LUTHER ON THE CONFESSION.</div> + +<p>Here terminated the first part of the Confession, the aim +of which was to explain the Evangelical doctrine. The +Chancellor read with so distinct a voice, that the crowd which +was unable to enter the hall, and which filled the court and +all the approaches of the episcopal palace, did not lose a +word.<a name="FNanchor_572_572" id="FNanchor_572_572"></a><a href="#Footnote_572_572" class="fnanchor">[572]</a> This reading produced the most marvellous effect +on the princes who thronged the chapel. Jonas watched every +change in their countenances,<a name="FNanchor_573_573" id="FNanchor_573_573"></a><a href="#Footnote_573_573" class="fnanchor">[573]</a> and there beheld interest, astonishment, +and even approbation depicted by turns. "The +adversaries imagine they have done a wonderful thing, by +forbidding the preaching of the Gospel," wrote Luther to the +Elector; "and they do not see, poor creatures! that by the +reading of the Confession in the presence of the diet, there has +been more preaching than in the sermons of ten preachers. +Exquisite subtlety! admirable expedient! Master Agricola +and the other ministers are reduced to silence; but in their +place appear the Elector of Saxony, and the other princes and +lords, who preach before his imperial majesty, and the members +of the whole Empire, freely, to their beard, and before +their noses. Yes, Christ is in the diet, and he does not keep +silence: <i>the word of God cannot be bound</i>. They forbid it in +the pulpit, and are forced to hear it in the palace; poor ministers +cannot announce it, and great princes proclaim it; the servants +are forbidden to listen to it, and their masters are compelled +to hear it; they will have nothing to do with it during the +whole course of the diet, and they are forced to submit to hear +more in one day than is heard ordinarily in a whole year......When +all else is silent, the very stones cry out, as says our +Lord Jesus Christ."<a name="FNanchor_574_574" id="FNanchor_574_574"></a><a href="#Footnote_574_574" class="fnanchor">[574]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE CONFESSION—ABUSES.</div> + +<p>That part of the Confession destined to point out errors and +abuses still remained. Bayer continued: he explained and +demonstrated the doctrine of the two kinds; he attacked the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span> +compulsory celibacy of priests, maintained that the Lord's +Supper had been changed into a regular fair, in which it was +merely a question of buying and selling, and that it had been +re-established in its primitive purity by the Reformation, and +was celebrated in the Evangelical churches with entirely new +devotion and gravity. He declared that the Sacrament was +administered to no one who had not first made confession of +his faults, and he quoted this expression of Chrysostom: "Confess +thyself to God the Lord, thy real Judge; tell thy sin, not +with the tongue, but in thy conscience and in thy heart."</p> + +<p>Bayer next came to the precepts on the distinction of meats +and other Roman usages. "Celebrate such a festival," said +he; "repeat such a prayer, or keep such a fast; be dressed in +such a manner, and so many other ordinances of men—this +is what is now styled a spiritual and christian life; while the +good works prescribed by God, as those of a father of a family +who toils to support his wife, his sons, and his daughters—of +a mother who brings children into the world, and takes care +of them—of a prince or of a magistrate who governs his subjects, +are looked upon as secular things, and of an imperfect +nature." As for monastic vows in particular, he represented +that, as the Pope could give a dispensation from them, those +vows ought therefore to be abolished.</p> + +<p>The last article of the Confession treated of the authority +of the bishops: powerful princes crowned with the episcopal +mitre were there; the Archbishops of Mentz, Cologne, Salzburg, +and Bremen; the Bishops of Bamberg, Wurzburg, +Eichstadt, Worms, Spire, Strasburg, Augsburg, Constance, +Coire, Passau, Liege, Trent, Brixen, and of Lebus and Ratzburg, +fixed their eyes on the humble confessor. He fearlessly +continued, and energetically protesting against that confusion +of Church and State which had characterized the Middle +Ages, he called for the distinction and independence of the +two societies.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE CONFESSION—DUTY OF THE BISHOPS.</div> + +<p>"Many," said he, "have unskilfully confounded the episcopal +and the temporal power; and from this confusion have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span> +resulted great wars, revolts, and seditions.<a name="FNanchor_575_575" id="FNanchor_575_575"></a><a href="#Footnote_575_575" class="fnanchor">[575]</a> It is for this reason, +and to reassure men's consciences, that we find ourselves +constrained to establish the difference which exists between +the power of the Church and the power of the sword.<a name="FNanchor_576_576" id="FNanchor_576_576"></a><a href="#Footnote_576_576" class="fnanchor">[576]</a></p> + +<p>"We therefore teach that the power of the keys or of the +bishops is, conformably with the Word of the Lord, a commandment +emanating from God, to preach the Gospel, to remit +or retain sins, and to administer the Sacraments. This +power has reference only to eternal goods, is exercised only +by the minister of the Word, and does not trouble itself with +political administration. The political administration, on the +other hand, is busied with everything else but the Gospel. +The magistrate protects, not souls, but bodies and temporal +possessions. He defends them against all attacks from without, +and, by making use of the sword and of punishment, compels +men to observe civil justice and peace.<a name="FNanchor_577_577" id="FNanchor_577_577"></a><a href="#Footnote_577_577" class="fnanchor">[577]</a></p> + +<p>"For this reason we must take particular care not to mingle +the power of the Church with the power of the State.<a name="FNanchor_578_578" id="FNanchor_578_578"></a><a href="#Footnote_578_578" class="fnanchor">[578]</a> The +power of the Church ought never to invade an office that is +foreign to it; for Christ himself said: <i>My kingdom is not of +this world</i>. And again: <i>Who made me a judge over you?</i> St. +Paul said to the Philippians: <i>Our citizenship is in heaven</i>.<a name="FNanchor_579_579" id="FNanchor_579_579"></a><a href="#Footnote_579_579" class="fnanchor">[579]</a> +And to the Corinthians: <i>The weapons of our warfare are not +carnal, but mighty through God</i>.</p> + +<p>"It is thus that we distinguish the two governments and the +two powers, and that we honour both as the most excellent +gifts that God has given here on earth.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE CONFESSION—EPILOGUE.</div> + +<p>"The duty of the bishops is therefore to preach the Gospel,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span> +to forgive sins, to exclude from the Christian Church all who +rebel against the Lord, but without human power, and solely +by the Word of God.<a name="FNanchor_580_580" id="FNanchor_580_580"></a><a href="#Footnote_580_580" class="fnanchor">[580]</a> If the bishops act thus, the churches +ought to be obedient to them according to this declaration of +Christ: <i>Whoever heareth you, heareth me</i>.</p> + +<p>"But if the bishops teach anything that is contrary to the +Gospel, then the churches have an order from God which forbids +them to obey (Matt. vii. 15; Galatians i. 8; 2 Cor. xiii. +8, 10). And St. Augustin himself, in his letter against Pertilian, +writes: 'We must not obey the catholic bishops, if they +go astray, and teach anything contrary to the canonical Scriptures +of God.'"<a name="FNanchor_581_581" id="FNanchor_581_581"></a><a href="#Footnote_581_581" class="fnanchor">[581]</a></p> + +<p>After some remarks on the ordinances and traditions of the +Church, Bayer came to the epilogue of the Confession.</p> + +<p>"It is not from hatred that we have spoken," added he, +"nor to insult any one; but we have explained the doctrines +that we maintain to be essential, in order that it may be understood +that we admit of neither dogma nor ceremony which +is contrary to the Holy Scriptures, and to the usage of the +universal Church."</p> + +<p>Bayer then ceased to read. He had spoken for two hours: +the silence and serious attention of the assembly were not +once disturbed.<a name="FNanchor_582_582" id="FNanchor_582_582"></a><a href="#Footnote_582_582" class="fnanchor">[582]</a></p> + +<p>This Confession of Augsburg will ever remain one of the +masterpieces of the human mind enlightened by the Spirit +of God.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">REMARKS ON THE CONFESSION.</div> + +<p>The language that had been adopted, while it was perfectly +natural, was the result of a profound study of character. +These princes, these warriors, these politicians who were sitting +in the Palatine Palace, entirely ignorant as they were of +divinity, easily understood the Protestant doctrine; for it was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span> +not explained to them in the style of the schools, but in that of +everyday life, and with a simplicity and clearness that rendered +all misunderstanding impossible.</p> + +<p>At the same time the power of argumentation was so much +the more remarkable, as it was the more concealed. At one +time Melancthon (for it was really he who spoke through the +mouth of Bayer) was content to quote a single passage of +Scripture or of the Fathers in favour of the doctrine he maintained; +and at another he proved his thesis so much the more +strongly, that he appeared only to be declaring it. With a +single stroke he pointed out the sad consequences that would +follow the rejection of the faith he professed, or with one word +showed its importance for the prosperity of the Church; so +that while listening to him, the most violent enemies were +obliged to acknowledge to themselves that there was really +something to say in favour of the new sect.</p> + +<p>To this force of reasoning the Apology added a prudence +no less remarkable. Melancthon, while declining with firmness +the errors attributed to his party, did not even appear to +feel the injustice of these erroneous imputations; and while +pointing out those of Popery, he did not say expressly they +were those of his adversaries; thus carefully avoiding every +thing that might irritate their minds. In this he showed himself +wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove.</p> + +<p>But the most admirable thing of all is the fidelity with +which the Confession explains the doctrines most essential to +salvation. Rome is accustomed to represent the Reformers as +the creators of the Protestant doctrines; but it is not in the +sixteenth century that we must look for the days of that creation. +A bright track of light, of which Wickliffe and Augustin +mark the most salient points, carries us back to the +Apostolic age: it was then that shone in all their brilliancy +the creative days of Evangelical truth. Yet it is true (and +if this is what Rome means, we fully concur in the idea) never +since the time of St. Paul had the Christian doctrine appeared +with so much beauty, depth, and life, as in the days of the +Reformation.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">REMARKS.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span>Among all these doctrines, that of the Church, which had +been so long disfigured, appeared at this time in all its native +purity. With what wisdom, in particular, the confessors of +Augsburg protest against that confusion of religion and politics +which since the deplorable epoch of Constantine, had +changed the kingdom of God into an earthly and carnal institution! +Undoubtedly what the Confession stigmatizes with +the greatest energy is the intrusion of the Church into the affairs +of the State, but can it be thought that it was to approve +the intrusion of the State in Church affairs? The evil +of the Middle Ages was the having enslaved the State to the +Church, and the confessors of Augsburg rose like one man +to combat it. The evil of the three centuries which have +passed away since then, is to have subjected the Church to the +State; and we may believe that Luther and Melancthon +would have found against this disorder thunders no less powerful. +What they attack in a general sense, is the confusion +of the two societies; what they demand, is their independence, +I do not say their separation. If the Augsburg confessors +were unwilling that things from above should monopolize +those of the earth, they would have been still less willing for +things of earth to oppress those from heaven.</p> + +<p>There is a particular application of this principle, which +the Confession points out. It wills the bishops should reprimand +those who obey wickedness, "but without human +power, and solely by the Word of God." It therefore rejects +the use of the sword in the chastisement of heretics. This +we see is a primitive principle, fundamental and essential to +the Reformation, as the contrary doctrine is a primitive principle, +fundamental and essential to the Papacy. If among +Protestants we find some writing, or even some example opposed +to this, it is but an isolated fact, which cannot invalidate +the official principles of the Reform—it is one of those exceptions +which always serve to confirm the rule.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">MODERATE TONE OF THE CONFESSION.</div> + +<p>Finally, the Augsburg Confession does not usurp the rights +of the Word of God; it desires to be its handmaid and not its +rival; it does not found, it does not regulate the faith, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span> +simply professes it. "Our churches teach," it says; and it +will be remembered that Luther considered it only as a sermon +preached by princes and kings. Had it desired more, as +has since been maintained, by that very circumstance it +would have been nullified.</p> + +<p>Was, however, the Confession able to follow in all things +the exact path of truth? We may be permitted to doubt it.</p> + +<p>It professes not to separate from the teaching of the Catholic +Church, and even from that of the Romish Church—by +which is no doubt signified the ancient Roman Church—and +rejects the popish particularism which, for about eight +centuries, imprisoned men's consciences. The Confession, +however, seems overlaid with superstitious fears when there +is any question of deviating from the views entertained by +some of the Fathers of the Church, of breaking the toils of +the hierarchy, and of acting, as regards Rome, without blameable +forbearance. This, at least, is what its author, Melancthon, +professes. "We do not put forward any dogma," said +he, "which is not founded on the Gospel or on the teaching +of the Catholic Church; we are prepared to concede everything +that is necessary for the episcopal dignity;<a name="FNanchor_583_583" id="FNanchor_583_583"></a><a href="#Footnote_583_583" class="fnanchor">[583]</a> and, provided +that the bishops do not condemn the Gospel, we preserve +all the rites that appear indifferent to us. In a word, there is +no burden that we reject, if we can bear it without guilt."<a name="FNanchor_584_584" id="FNanchor_584_584"></a><a href="#Footnote_584_584" class="fnanchor">[584]</a></p> + +<p>Many will think, no doubt, that a little more independence +would have been proper in this matter, and that it would +have been better to have passed over the ages that have followed +the times of the apostles, and have frankly put in practice +the grand principle which the Reformation had proclaimed: +"There is for articles of faith no other foundation than +the Word of God."<a name="FNanchor_585_585" id="FNanchor_585_585"></a><a href="#Footnote_585_585" class="fnanchor">[585]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">DEFECTS OF THE CONFESSION.</div> + +<p>Melancthon's moderation has been admired; and, in truth, +while pointing out the abuses of Rome, he was silent on +what is most revolting in them, on their disgraceful origin,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span> +their scandalous consequences, and is content to show that +they are in contradiction to the Scripture. But he does +more; he is silent on the divine right of the Pope, on the +number of the sacraments, and on other points besides. His +great business is to justify the renovated, and not to attack +the deformed, Church. "Peace! peace!" was his cry. But +if, instead of all this circumspection, the Reformation had +advanced with courage, had wholly unveiled the Word of +God, and had made an energetic appeal to the sympathies of +reform then spread in men's hearts, would it not have taken +a stronger and more honourable position, and would it not +have secured more extensive conquests?</p> + +<p>The interest that Charles the Fifth showed in listening to +the Confession seems doubtful. According to some, he endeavoured +to understand that foreign language;<a name="FNanchor_586_586" id="FNanchor_586_586"></a><a href="#Footnote_586_586" class="fnanchor">[586]</a> according +to others, he fell asleep.<a name="FNanchor_587_587" id="FNanchor_587_587"></a><a href="#Footnote_587_587" class="fnanchor">[587]</a> It is easy to reconcile these contradictory +testimonies.</p> + +<p>When the reading was finished, Chancellor Brck, with +the two copies in his hand, advanced towards the Emperor's +secretary and presented them to him. Charles the Fifth, +who was wide awake at this moment, himself took the two +Confessions, handed the German copy, considered as official, +to the elector of Mentz, and kept the Latin one for himself.<a name="FNanchor_588_588" id="FNanchor_588_588"></a><a href="#Footnote_588_588" class="fnanchor">[588]</a> +He then made reply to the Elector of Saxony and to his allies +that he had graciously heard their confession;<a name="FNanchor_589_589" id="FNanchor_589_589"></a><a href="#Footnote_589_589" class="fnanchor">[589]</a> but as this +affair was one of extreme importance, he required time to +deliberate upon it.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION.</div> + +<p>The joy with which the Protestants were filled shone +in their eyes.<a name="FNanchor_590_590" id="FNanchor_590_590"></a><a href="#Footnote_590_590" class="fnanchor">[590]</a> God had been with them; and they saw<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span> +that the striking act which had so recently been accomplished, +imposed on them the obligation of confessing the +truth with immovable perseverance. "I thrill with joy," +wrote Luther, "that my life was cast in an epoch in which +Christ is publicly exalted by such illustrious confessors and +in so glorious an assembly."<a name="FNanchor_591_591" id="FNanchor_591_591"></a><a href="#Footnote_591_591" class="fnanchor">[591]</a> The whole Evangelical +Church, excited and renovated by this public confession of its +representatives, was then more intimately united to its divine +Chief, and baptized with a new baptism. "Since the apostolic +age," said they (these are the words of a contemporary), +"there has never been a greater work or a more magnificent +confession."<a name="FNanchor_592_592" id="FNanchor_592_592"></a><a href="#Footnote_592_592" class="fnanchor">[592]</a></p> + +<p>The Emperor, having descended from his throne, approached +the Protestant princes, and begged them in a low +tone not to publish the Confession;<a name="FNanchor_593_593" id="FNanchor_593_593"></a><a href="#Footnote_593_593" class="fnanchor">[593]</a> they acceded to his request, +and every one withdrew.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="sidenote">LUTHER DEMANDS RELIGIOUS LIBERTY.</div> + +<p>VIII. The Romanists had expected nothing like this. Instead +of a hateful controversy, they had heard a striking confession +of Jesus Christ; the most hostile minds were consequently +disarmed. "We would not for a great deal," was +the remark on every side, "have missed being present at +this reading."<a name="FNanchor_594_594" id="FNanchor_594_594"></a><a href="#Footnote_594_594" class="fnanchor">[594]</a> The effect was so prompt, that for an instant +the cause was thought to be definitively gained. The +bishops themselves imposed silence on the sophisms and clamours +of the Fabers and the Ecks.<a name="FNanchor_595_595" id="FNanchor_595_595"></a><a href="#Footnote_595_595" class="fnanchor">[595]</a> "All that the Lutherans +have said is true," exclaimed the Bishop of Augsburg; "we +cannot deny it."<a name="FNanchor_596_596" id="FNanchor_596_596"></a><a href="#Footnote_596_596" class="fnanchor">[596]</a>—"Well, doctor," said the Duke of Bavaria +to Eck, in a reproachful tone, "you had given me a very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span> +different idea of this doctrine and of this affair."<a name="FNanchor_597_597" id="FNanchor_597_597"></a><a href="#Footnote_597_597" class="fnanchor">[597]</a> This was +the general cry; accordingly the sophists, as they called +them, were embarrassed. "But, after all," said the Duke of +Bavaria to them, "can you refute by sound reasons the +Confession made by the Elector and his allies?"—"With +the writings of the Apostles and Prophets—no!" replied +Eck; "but with those of the Fathers and of the Councils—yes!"<a name="FNanchor_598_598" id="FNanchor_598_598"></a><a href="#Footnote_598_598" class="fnanchor">[598]</a> +"I understand," quickly replied the Duke; "I +understand. The Lutherans, according to you, are in scripture; +and we are outside."</p> + +<p>The Archbishop Hermann, elector of Cologne, the Count-palatine +Frederick, Duke Erick of Brunswick-Luneburg, +Duke Henry of Mecklenburg, and the Dukes of Pomerania, +were gained over to the truth; and Hermann sought erelong +to establish it in his electorate.</p> + +<p>The impression produced in other countries by the Confession +was perhaps still greater. Charles sent copies to all the +courts; it was translated into French, Italian,<a name="FNanchor_599_599" id="FNanchor_599_599"></a><a href="#Footnote_599_599" class="fnanchor">[599]</a> and even into +Spanish and Portuguese; it circulated through all Europe, +and thus accomplished what Luther had said: "Our Confession +will penetrate into every court, and the sound thereof +will go through the whole earth."<a name="FNanchor_600_600" id="FNanchor_600_600"></a><a href="#Footnote_600_600" class="fnanchor">[600]</a> It destroyed the prejudices +that had been entertained, gave Europe a sounder idea +of the Reformation, and prepared the most distant countries +to receive the seeds of the Gospel.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LUTHER'S DOMINANT IDEA.</div> + +<p>Then Luther's voice began to be heard again. He saw +that it was a decisive moment, and that he ought now to give +the impulse that would gain religious liberty. He boldly +demanded this liberty of the Roman-catholic princes of the +diet;<a name="FNanchor_601_601" id="FNanchor_601_601"></a><a href="#Footnote_601_601" class="fnanchor">[601]</a> and at the same time endeavoured to make his friends +quit Augsburg. Jesus Christ had been boldly confessed. Instead<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span> +of that long series of quarrels and discussions which +was about to become connected with this courageous act, +Luther would have wished for a striking rupture, even should +he seal with his blood the testimony rendered to the Gospel. +The stake, in his idea, would have been the real catastrophe +of this tragedy. "I absolve you from this diet, in the name +of the Lord,"<a name="FNanchor_602_602" id="FNanchor_602_602"></a><a href="#Footnote_602_602" class="fnanchor">[602]</a> wrote he to his friends. "Now home, return +home, again I say home! Would to God that I were the +sacrifice offered to this new council, as John Huss at Constance!"<a name="FNanchor_603_603" id="FNanchor_603_603"></a><a href="#Footnote_603_603" class="fnanchor">[603]</a></p> + +<p>But Luther did not expect so glorious a conclusion: he +compared the diet to a drama. First, there had been the +exposition, then the prologue, afterwards the action, and now +he waited for the tragic catastrophe, according to some, but +which, in his opinion, would be merely comic.<a name="FNanchor_604_604" id="FNanchor_604_604"></a><a href="#Footnote_604_604" class="fnanchor">[604]</a> Everything, +he thought, would be sacrificed to political peace, and dogmas +would be set aside. This proceeding, which, even in our +own days, would be in the eyes of the world the height of +wisdom, was in Luther's eyes the height of folly.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">SONG OF TRIUMPH.</div> + +<p>It was the intervention of Charles which especially alarmed +him. To withdraw the Church from all secular influence, +and the governments from all clerical influence, was then +one of the dominant ideas of the great Reformer. "You +see," wrote he to Melancthon, "that they oppose to our cause +the same argument as at Worms, to wit, still and for ever +the judgment of the Emperor. Thus Satan is always harping +on the same string, and that emaciated strength<a name="FNanchor_605_605" id="FNanchor_605_605"></a><a href="#Footnote_605_605" class="fnanchor">[605]</a> of the +civil power is the only one which this myriad-wiled spirit is +able to find against Jesus Christ." But Luther took courage,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span> +and boldly raised his head. "Christ is coming," continued +he; "he is coming, sitting at the right hand......Of whom? +not of the Emperor, or we should long ago have been lost, +but of God himself: let us fear nothing. Christ is the King +of kings and the Lord of lords. If he loses this title at Augsburg, +he must also lose it in all the earth, and in all the +heavens."</p> + +<p>Thus a song of triumph was, on the part of the Confessors +of Augsburg, the first movement that followed this courageous +act, unique doubtless in the annals of the Church. Some +of their adversaries at first shared in their triumph, and the +others were silent; but a powerful reaction took place erelong.</p> + +<p>On the following morning, Charles having risen in ill-humour +and tired for want of sleep, the first of his ministers +who appeared in the imperial apartments was the Count-palatine, +as wearied and embarrassed as his master. "We +must yield something," said he to Charles; "and I would +remind your majesty that the Emperor Maximilian was willing +to grant the two kinds in the Eucharist, the marriage of +priests, and liberty with respect to the fasts." Charles the +Fifth eagerly seized at this proposition as a means of safety. +But Granvelle and Campeggio soon arrived, who induced him +to withdraw it.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">AN INGENUOUS CONFESSION.</div> + +<p>Rome, bewildered for a moment by the blow that had +struck her, rose up again with energy. "I stay with the +mother," exclaimed the Bishop of Wartzburg, meaning by it +the Church of Rome; "the mother, the mother!" "My +lord," wittily replied Brenz, "pray, do not, for the mother, +forget either the Father or the Son!"—"Well! I grant it," +replied the Archbishop of Salzburg to one of his friends, "I +also should desire the communion in both kinds, the marriage +of priests, the reformation of the Mass, liberty as regards +food and other traditions......But that it should be a monk, +a poor monk, who presumes to reform us all, is what we cannot +tolerate."<a name="FNanchor_606_606" id="FNanchor_606_606"></a><a href="#Footnote_606_606" class="fnanchor">[606]</a>—"I should have no objection," said another<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span> +bishop, "for the Divine worship to be celebrated everywhere +as it is at Wittemberg; but we can never consent that +this new doctrine should issue from such a corner."<a name="FNanchor_607_607" id="FNanchor_607_607"></a><a href="#Footnote_607_607" class="fnanchor">[607]</a> And +Melancthon insisting with the Archbishop of Salzburg on the +necessity of a reform of the clergy: "Well! and how can +you wish to reform us?" said the latter abruptly: "we +priests have always been good for nothing." This is one of +the most ingenuous confessions that the Reformation has +torn from the priests. Every day fanatical monks and doctors, +brimful of sophisms, were seen arriving at Augsburg, +who endeavoured to inflame the hatred of the Emperor and +of the princes.<a name="FNanchor_608_608" id="FNanchor_608_608"></a><a href="#Footnote_608_608" class="fnanchor">[608]</a> "If we formerly had friends," said Melancthon +on the morrow of the Confession, "now we possess +them no longer. We are here alone, abandoned by all, and +contending against measureless dangers."<a name="FNanchor_609_609" id="FNanchor_609_609"></a><a href="#Footnote_609_609" class="fnanchor">[609]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">FAILURE OF THE POPISH INTRIGUES.</div> + +<p>Charles, impelled by these contrary parties, affected a +great indifference. But without permitting it to be seen, he +endeavoured, meanwhile, to examine this affair thoroughly. +"Let there not be a word wanting," he had said to his secretary, +when requiring from him a French translation of the +Confession. "He does not allow anything to be observed," +whispered the Protestants one to another, convinced that +Charles was gained; "for if it were known, he would lose his +Spanish states: let us maintain the most profound secresy." +But the Emperor's courtiers, who perceived these strange +hopes, smiled and shook their heads. "If you have money," +said Schepper, one of the secretaries of state, to Jonas and +Melancthon, "it will be easy for you to buy from the Italians +whatever religion you please;<a name="FNanchor_610_610" id="FNanchor_610_610"></a><a href="#Footnote_610_610" class="fnanchor">[610]</a> but if your purse is empty, +your cause is lost." Then assuming a more serious tone: +"It is impossible," said he, "for the Emperor, surrounded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span> +as he is by bishops and cardinals, to approve of any other +religion than that of the Pope."</p> + +<p>This was soon evident. On the day after the confession +(Sunday, 26th June), before the breakfast hour,<a name="FNanchor_611_611" id="FNanchor_611_611"></a><a href="#Footnote_611_611" class="fnanchor">[611]</a> all the deputations +from the imperial cities were collected in the Emperor's +antechamber. Charles, desirous of bringing back the +states of the Empire to unity, began with the weakest. "Some +of the cities," said the count palatine, "have not adhered to +the last Diet of Spire: the Emperor calls upon them to submit +to it."</p> + +<p>Strasburg, Nuremberg, Constance, Ulm, Reutlingen, Heilbronn, +Memmingen, Lindau, Kempten, Windsheim, Isny, and +Weissemburg, which were thus summoned to renounce the +famous protest, found the moment curiously chosen. They +asked for time.</p> + +<p>The position was complicated; discord had been thrown in +the midst of the cities, and intrigue was labouring daily to increase +it.<a name="FNanchor_612_612" id="FNanchor_612_612"></a><a href="#Footnote_612_612" class="fnanchor">[612]</a> It was not only between the Popish and the +Evangelical cities that disagreement existed; but also between +the Zwinglian and the Lutheran cities, and even among +the latter, those which had not adhered to the Confession of +Augsburg manifested great ill-humour towards the deputies of +Reutlingen and Nuremberg. This proceeding of Charles the +Fifth was therefore skilfully calculated; for it was based on +the old axiom, <i>Divide et impera</i>.</p> + +<p>But the enthusiasm of faith overcame all these stratagems, +and on the next day (27th June), the deputies from the cities +transmitted a reply to the Emperor, in which they declared +that they could not adhere to the <i>Recess</i> of Spire "without +disobeying God, and without compromising the salvation of +their souls."<a name="FNanchor_613_613" id="FNanchor_613_613"></a><a href="#Footnote_613_613" class="fnanchor">[613]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE EMPEROR'S COUNCIL.</div> + +<p>Charles, who desired to observe a just medium, more from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span> +policy than from equity, wavered between so many contrary +convictions. Desirous nevertheless of essaying his mediating +influence, he convoked the states faithful to Rome on Sunday, +26th June, shortly after his conference with the cities.</p> + +<p>All the princes were present: even the Pope's legate and +the most influential Roman divines appeared at this council, +to the great scandal of the Protestants. "What reply should +be made to the Confession?" was the question set by Charles +the Fifth to the senate that surrounded him.<a name="FNanchor_614_614" id="FNanchor_614_614"></a><a href="#Footnote_614_614" class="fnanchor">[614]</a></p> + +<p>Three different opinions were proposed. "Let us beware," +said the men of the Papacy, "of discussing our adversaries' +reasons, and let us be content with executing the Edict of +Worms against the Lutherans, and with constraining them +by arms."<a name="FNanchor_615_615" id="FNanchor_615_615"></a><a href="#Footnote_615_615" class="fnanchor">[615]</a>—"Let us submit the Confession to the examination +of impartial judges," said the men of the Empire, "and +refer the final decision to the Emperor. Is not even the +reading of the Confession an appeal of the Protestants to the +imperial power?" Others, in the last place (and these were +the men of tradition and of ecclesiastical doctrine), were +desirous of commissioning certain doctors to compose a refutation, +which should be read to the Protestants and ratified +by Charles.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">VIOLENT DISCUSSIONS.</div> + +<p>The debate was very animated: the mild and the violent, +the politic and the fanatical, took a decided course in the +assembly. George of Saxony and Joachim of Brandenburg +showed themselves the most inveterate, and surpassed in this +respect even the ecclesiastical princes.<a name="FNanchor_616_616" id="FNanchor_616_616"></a><a href="#Footnote_616_616" class="fnanchor">[616]</a> "A certain clown, +whom you know well, is pushing them all from behind,"<a name="FNanchor_617_617" id="FNanchor_617_617"></a><a href="#Footnote_617_617" class="fnanchor">[617]</a> +wrote Melancthon to Luther; "and certain hypocritical +theologians hold the torch and lead the whole band." This +clown was doubtless Duke George. Even the Princes of +Bavaria, whom the Confession had staggered at first, immediately<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span> +rallied around the chiefs of the Roman party. The +Elector of Mentz, the Bishop of Augsburg, the Duke of Brunswick, +showed themselves the least unfavourable to the Evangelical +cause. "I can by no means advise his majesty to +employ force," said Albert. "If his majesty should constrain +their consciences, and should afterwards quit the Empire, +the first victims sacrificed would be the priests; and who +knows whether, in the midst of these discords, the Turks would +not suddenly fall upon us?" But this somewhat interested +wisdom of the archbishop did not find many supporters, and +the men of war immediately plunged into the discussion with +their harsh voices. "If there is any fighting against the +Lutherans," said Count Felix of Werdenburg, "I gratuitously +offer my sword, and I swear never to return it to its +scabbard until it has overthrown the stronghold of Luther." +This nobleman died suddenly a few days after, from the consequences +of his intemperance. Then the moderate men +again interfered: "The Lutherans attack no one article of +the faith," said the Bishop of Augsburg; "let us come to an +arrangement with them; and to obtain peace, let us concede +to them the sacrament in both kinds and the marriage of +priests. I would even yield more, if it were necessary." +Upon this great cries arose: "He is a Lutheran," they +exclaimed, "and you will see that he is fully prepared to +sacrifice even the private masses!"—"The masses! we +must not even think of it," remarked some with an ironical +smile; "Rome will never give them up, for it is they which +maintain her cardinals and her courtiers, with their luxury +and their kitchens."<a name="FNanchor_618_618" id="FNanchor_618_618"></a><a href="#Footnote_618_618" class="fnanchor">[618]</a> The Archbishop of Salzburg and the +Elector of Brandenburg replied with great violence to the +motion of the Bishop of Augsburg. "The Lutherans," said +they abruptly, "have laid before us a Confession written with +black ink on white paper. Well! If I were Emperor, I +would answer them with <i>red ink</i>."<a name="FNanchor_619_619" id="FNanchor_619_619"></a><a href="#Footnote_619_619" class="fnanchor">[619]</a>—"Sirs," quickly replied<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span> +the Bishop of Augsburg, "take care then that the red letters +do not fly in your faces!" The Elector of Mentz was compelled +to interfere and calm the speakers.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A REFUTATION PROPOSED.</div> + +<p>The Emperor, desirous of playing the character of an +umpire, would have wished the Roman party at least to have +placed in his hands an accusation against the Reform: but all +was now altered; the majority, becoming daily more compact +since the Diet of Spire, no longer sided with Charles. Full +of the sentiment of its own strength, it refused to assume the +title of a party, and to take the Emperor as a judge. "What +are you saying," cried they, "of diversity between the members +of the Empire? There is but one legitimate party. It +is not a question of deciding between two opinions whose +rights are equal, but of crushing rebels, and of aiding those +who have remained faithful to the constitution of the Empire."</p> + +<p>This haughty language enlightened Charles: he found +they had outstripped him, and that, abandoning his lofty position +of arbiter, he must submit merely to be the executer of +the orders of the majority. It was this majority which henceforward +commanded in Augsburg. They excluded the imperial +councillors who advocated more equitable views, and +the Archbishop of Mentz himself ceased for a time to appear +in the diet.<a name="FNanchor_620_620" id="FNanchor_620_620"></a><a href="#Footnote_620_620" class="fnanchor">[620]</a></p> + +<p>The majority ordered that a refutation of the Evangelical +doctrine should be immediately drawn up by Romish theologians. +If they had selected for this purpose moderate men +like the Bishop of Augsburg, the Reformation would still have +had some chance of success with the great principles of Christianity; +but it was to the enemies of the Reform, to the old +champions of Rome and of Aristotle, exasperated by so many +defeats, that they resolved to intrust this task.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ITS AUTHORS.</div> + +<p>They were numerous at Augsburg, and were not held in +great esteem. "The princes," said Jonas, "have brought +their learned men with them, and some even their <i>unlearned</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span> +and their fools."<a name="FNanchor_621_621" id="FNanchor_621_621"></a><a href="#Footnote_621_621" class="fnanchor">[621]</a> Provost Faber and Doctor Eck led the +troop; behind them was drawn up a cohort of monks, and +above all of Dominicans, tools of the Inquisition, and impatient +to recompense themselves for the opprobrium they had +so long endured. There was the provincial of the Dominicans, +Paul Hugo, their vicar, John Bourkard, one of their +priors, Conrad Koelein, who had written against Luther's +marriage; with a large body of Carthusians, Augustines, +Franciscans, and vicars of several bishops. Such were the +men who, to the number of twenty, were commissioned to +refute Melancthon.</p> + +<p>One might beforehand have augured of the work by the +workmen. Each one understood that it was a question, not +of refuting the Confession, but of branding it. Campeggio, +who doubtless suggested this ill-omened list to Charles, was +well aware that these doctors were incapable of measuring +themselves with Melancthon; but their names formed the +most decided standard of Popery, and announced to the world +clearly and immediately what the diet proposed to do. This +was the essential point. Rome would not leave Christendom +even hope.</p> + +<p>It was, however, requisite to know whether the diet, and +the Emperor who was its organ, had the right of pronouncing +in this purely religious matter. Charles put the question +both to the Evangelicals and to the Romanists.<a name="FNanchor_622_622" id="FNanchor_622_622"></a><a href="#Footnote_622_622" class="fnanchor">[622]</a></p> + +<p>"Your highness," said Luther, who was consulted by the +Elector, "may reply with all assurance: Yes, if the Emperor +wish it, let him be judge! I will bear everything on his +part; but let him decide nothing contrary to the Word of +God. Your highness cannot put the Emperor above God himself.<a name="FNanchor_623_623" id="FNanchor_623_623"></a><a href="#Footnote_623_623" class="fnanchor">[623]</a> +Does not the first commandment say, <i>Thou shalt have +no other Gods before me</i>!"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ROME AND THE CIVIL POWER.</div> + +<p>The reply of the Papal adherents was quite as positive in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span> +a contrary sense. "We think," said they, "that his majesty, +in accord with the electors, princes, and states of the +Empire, has the right to proceed in this affair, as Roman Emperor, +guardian, advocate, and sovereign protector of the +Church and of our most holy faith."<a name="FNanchor_624_624" id="FNanchor_624_624"></a><a href="#Footnote_624_624" class="fnanchor">[624]</a> Thus, in the first +days of the Reformation, the Evangelical Church frankly +ranged itself under the throne of Jesus Christ, and the Roman +Church under the sceptre of kings. Enlightened men, even +among Protestants, have misunderstood this double nature of +Protestantism and Popery.</p> + +<p>The philosophy of Aristotle and the hierarchy of Rome, +thanks to this alliance with the civil power, were at length +about to see the day of their long-expected triumph arrive. +So long as the schoolmen had been left to the force of their +syllogisms and of their abuse, they had been defeated; but +now Charles the Fifth and the diet held out their hands to +them; the reasonings of Faber, Eck, and Wimpina were +about to be countersigned by the German chancellor, and +confirmed by the great seals of the Empire. Who could resist +them? The Romish error has never had any strength +except by its union with the secular arm; and its victories +in the Old and in the New World are owing, even in our +days, to state patronage.<a name="FNanchor_625_625" id="FNanchor_625_625"></a><a href="#Footnote_625_625" class="fnanchor">[625]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">PERILS OF THE CONFESSORS.</div> + +<p>These things did not escape the piercing eye of Luther. +He saw at once the weakness of the argument of the Papist +doctors and the power of Charles's arm. "You are waiting +for your adversaries' answer," wrote he to his friends in +Augsburg; "it is already written, and here it is: The +Fathers, the Fathers, the Fathers; the Church, the Church, +the Church; usage, custom; but of the Scriptures——nothing!"<a name="FNanchor_626_626" id="FNanchor_626_626"></a><a href="#Footnote_626_626" class="fnanchor">[626]</a>—"Then +the Emperor, supported by the testimony<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span> +of these arbiters, will pronounce against you;<a name="FNanchor_627_627" id="FNanchor_627_627"></a><a href="#Footnote_627_627" class="fnanchor">[627]</a> and then will +you hear boastings from all sides that wilt ascend up to heaven, +and threats that will descend even to hell."</p> + +<p>Thus changed the situation of the Reform. Charles was +obliged to acknowledge his weakness; and, to save the appearance +of his power, he took a decisive part with the enemies +of Luther. The Emperor's impartiality disappeared: the +state turned against the Gospel, and there remained for it no +other saviour than God.</p> + +<p>At first many gave way to extreme dejection: above all, +Melancthon, who had a nearer view of the cabals of the adversaries, +exhausted moreover by long vigils, fell almost into +despair.<a name="FNanchor_628_628" id="FNanchor_628_628"></a><a href="#Footnote_628_628" class="fnanchor">[628]</a> "In the presence of these formidable evils," cried +he, "I see no more hope."<a name="FNanchor_629_629" id="FNanchor_629_629"></a><a href="#Footnote_629_629" class="fnanchor">[629]</a> And then, however, he added—"Except +the help of God."</p> + +<p>The legate immediately set all his batteries to work. Already +had Charles several times sent for the Elector and the +Landgrave, and had used every exertion to detach them from +the Evangelical Confession.<a name="FNanchor_630_630" id="FNanchor_630_630"></a><a href="#Footnote_630_630" class="fnanchor">[630]</a> Melancthon, uneasy at these +secret conferences, reduced the Confession to its <i>minimum</i>, +and entreated the Elector to demand only the two kinds in the +Eucharist and the marriage of priests. "To interdict the +former of these points," said he, "would be to alienate a +great number of Christians from the communion; and to interdict +the second would be depriving the Church of all the +pastors capable of edifying it. Will they destroy religion +and kindle civil war, rather than apply to these purely +ecclesiastical constitutions a mitigation that is neither contrary +to sound morals nor to faith?"<a name="FNanchor_631_631" id="FNanchor_631_631"></a><a href="#Footnote_631_631" class="fnanchor">[631]</a> The Protestant princes +begged Melancthon to go himself and make these proposals to +the legate.<a name="FNanchor_632_632" id="FNanchor_632_632"></a><a href="#Footnote_632_632" class="fnanchor">[632]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span></p><div class="sidenote">THE EMPEROR'S SISTER.</div> + +<p>Melancthon agreed: he began to flatter himself with success; +and, in truth, there were, even among the Papists, individuals +who were favourable to the Reformation. There +had recently arrived at Augsburg, from beyond the Alps, +certain propositions tolerably Lutheran;<a name="FNanchor_633_633" id="FNanchor_633_633"></a><a href="#Footnote_633_633" class="fnanchor">[633]</a> and one of the Emperor's +confessors boldly professed the doctrine of justification +by faith, cursing "those asses of Germans, who cease not," +said he, "from braying against this truth."<a name="FNanchor_634_634" id="FNanchor_634_634"></a><a href="#Footnote_634_634" class="fnanchor">[634]</a> One of +Charles's chaplains approved even the whole of the Confession. +There was something farther still; Charles the Fifth +having consulted the grandees of Spain, who were famous for +their orthodoxy: "If the opinions of the Protestants are contrary +to the articles of the faith," they had replied, "let your +majesty employ all his power to destroy this faction; but if +it is a question merely of certain changes in human ordinances +and external usages, let all violence be avoided."<a name="FNanchor_635_635" id="FNanchor_635_635"></a><a href="#Footnote_635_635" class="fnanchor">[635]</a> +"Admirable reply!" exclaimed Melancthon, who persuaded +himself that the Romish doctrine was at the bottom in accordance +with the Gospel.</p> + +<p>The Reformation found defenders in even still higher stations. +Mary, sister of Charles the Fifth, and widow of King +Louis of Hungary, arriving at Augsburg three days after the +reading of the Confession, with her sister-in-law the Queen +of Bohemia, Ferdinand's wife, assiduously studied the Holy +Scriptures; she carried them with her in the hunting parties, +in which she found little pleasure, and had discovered therein +the jewel of the Reform,—the doctrine of gratuitous salvation. +This pious princess made her chaplain read evangelical sermons +to her, and often endeavoured, although with prudence, +to appease her brother Charles with regard to the Protestants.<a name="FNanchor_636_636" id="FNanchor_636_636"></a><a href="#Footnote_636_636" class="fnanchor">[636]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">VACILLATION OF MELANCTHON.</div> + +<p>Melancthon, encouraged by these demonstrations, and at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span> +the same time alarmed by the threats of war that the adversaries +did not cease from uttering, thought it his duty to +purchase peace at any cost, and resolved in consequence to +descend in his propositions as low as possible. He therefore +demanded an interview with the legate in a letter whose +authenticity has been unreasonably doubted.<a name="FNanchor_637_637" id="FNanchor_637_637"></a><a href="#Footnote_637_637" class="fnanchor">[637]</a> At the decisive +moment the heart of the Reform champion fails—his +head turns—he staggers—he falls; and in his fall he runs +the risk of dragging with him the cause which martyrs have +already watered with their blood.</p> + +<p>Thus speaks the representative of the Reformation to the +representative of the Papacy:—</p> + +<p>"There is no doctrine in which we differ from the Roman +Church;<a name="FNanchor_638_638" id="FNanchor_638_638"></a><a href="#Footnote_638_638" class="fnanchor">[638]</a> we venerate the universal authority of the Roman +Pontiff, and we are ready to obey him, provided he does not +reject us, and that of his clemency, which he is accustomed +to show towards all nations, he will kindly pardon or approve +certain little things that it is no longer possible for us to +change......Now then, will you reject those who appear +as suppliants before you? Will you pursue them with fire +and sword?......Alas! nothing draws upon us in Germany +so much hatred, as the unshaken firmness with which +we maintain the doctrines of the Roman Church.<a name="FNanchor_639_639" id="FNanchor_639_639"></a><a href="#Footnote_639_639" class="fnanchor">[639]</a> But with +the aid of God, we will remain faithful, even unto death, to +Christ and to the Roman Church, although you should reject +us."<a name="FNanchor_640_640" id="FNanchor_640_640"></a><a href="#Footnote_640_640" class="fnanchor">[640]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">LUTHER OPPOSES CONCESSION.</div> + +<p>Thus did Melancthon humble himself. God permitted +this fall, that future ages might clearly see how low the Reform +was willing to descend in order to maintain unity, and +that no one might doubt that the schism had come from +Rome; but also assuredly that they might learn how great<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span> +in every important work is the weakness of the noblest instruments.</p> + +<p>Fortunately there was then another man who upheld the +honour of the Reformation. At this very time Luther wrote +to Melancthon: "There can be no concord between Christ +and Belial. As far as regards me, I will not yield a hair's +breadth.<a name="FNanchor_641_641" id="FNanchor_641_641"></a><a href="#Footnote_641_641" class="fnanchor">[641]</a> Sooner than yield, I should prefer suffering everything, +even the most terrible evils. Concede so much the +less, as your adversaries require the more. God will not aid +us until we are abandoned by all."<a name="FNanchor_642_642" id="FNanchor_642_642"></a><a href="#Footnote_642_642" class="fnanchor">[642]</a> And fearing some +weakness on the part of his friends, Luther added: "If it +were not tempting God, you would long ago have seen me at +your side!"<a name="FNanchor_643_643" id="FNanchor_643_643"></a><a href="#Footnote_643_643" class="fnanchor">[643]</a></p> + +<p>Never, in fact, had Luther's presence been so necessary, +for the legate had consented to an interview, and Melancthon +was about to pay court to Campeggio.<a name="FNanchor_644_644" id="FNanchor_644_644"></a><a href="#Footnote_644_644" class="fnanchor">[644]</a></p> + +<p>The 8th July was the day appointed by the legate. His +letter inspired Philip with the most sanguine hopes. "The +cardinal assures me that he will accede the usage of the two +kinds, and the marriage of priests," said he; "I am eager +to visit him!"<a name="FNanchor_645_645" id="FNanchor_645_645"></a><a href="#Footnote_645_645" class="fnanchor">[645]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">SCHEME OF THE ROMISH DOCTORS.</div> + +<p>This visit might decide the destiny of the Church. If the +legate accepted Philip's <i>ultimatum</i>, the Evangelical countries +would be replaced under the power of the Romish bishops, +and all would have been over with the Reformation; but it +was saved through the pride and blindness of Rome. The +Papists, believing it on the brink of the abyss, thought that +a last blow would settle it, and resolved, like Luther, to concede +nothing, "not even a hair's breadth." The legate, +however, even while refusing, assumed an air of kindness,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span> +and of yielding to foreign influence. "I might have the +power of making certain concessions, but it would not be +prudent to use it without the consent of the German princes;<a name="FNanchor_646_646" id="FNanchor_646_646"></a><a href="#Footnote_646_646" class="fnanchor">[646]</a> +their will must be done; one of them in particular conjures +the Emperor to prevent us from yielding the least thing. +I can grant nothing." The Roman prince, with the most +amiable smile, then did all he could to gain the chief of the +Protestant teachers. Melancthon retired filled with shame +at the advances he had made, but still deceived by Campeggio. +"No doubt," said he, "Eck and Cochlœus have been beforehand +with me at the legate's."<a name="FNanchor_647_647" id="FNanchor_647_647"></a><a href="#Footnote_647_647" class="fnanchor">[647]</a> Luther entertained a different +opinion. "I do not trust to any of these Italians," said he; +"they are scoundrels. When an Italian is good, he is very +good; but then he is a black swan."</p> + +<p>It was truly the Italians who were concerned. Shortly +after the 12th of July arrived the Pope's instructions. He +had received the confession by express<a name="FNanchor_648_648" id="FNanchor_648_648"></a><a href="#Footnote_648_648" class="fnanchor">[648]</a> and sixteen days +had sufficed for the transmission, the deliberation, and the +return. Clement would hear no mention either of discussions +or of council. Charles was to march straight to the mark, +to send an army into Germany, and stifle the Reformation by +force. At Augsburg, however, it was thought best not to go +so quickly to work, and recourse was had to other means.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">MELANCTHON'S EXPLANATION.</div> + +<p>"Be quiet; we have them," said the Romish doctors. +Sensible of the reproach that had been made against them, of +having misrepresented the Reformation, they accused the +Protestants themselves as being the cause. "These it is," +they said, "who, to give themselves an air of being in accord +with us, now dissemble their heresy; but we will now catch +them in their own nets. If they confess to not having inserted +in their Confession all that they reject, it will be proved +that they are trifling with us. If, on the contrary, they pretend<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span> +to have said everything, they will by that very circumstance +be compelled to admit all that they have not condemned." +The Protestant princes were therefore called together, +and they were asked if the Reformation was confined +to the doctrines indicated in the Apology, or if there was +something more.<a name="FNanchor_649_649" id="FNanchor_649_649"></a><a href="#Footnote_649_649" class="fnanchor">[649]</a></p> + +<p>The snare was skilfully laid. The Papacy had not even +been mentioned in Melancthon's paper; other errors besides +had been omitted, and Luther himself complained of it aloud. +"Satan sees clearly," said he, "that your Apology has passed +lightly over the articles of purgatory, the worship of saints, +and, above all, of the Pope and of Antichrist." The princes +requested to confer with their allies of the towns; and all the +Protestants assembled to deliberate on this momentous incident.</p> + +<p>They, looked for Melancthon's explanation, who did not decline +the responsibility of the affair. Easily dejected through +his own anxiety, he became bold whenever he was directly +attacked. "All the essential doctrines," said he, "have +been set forth in the Confession, and every error and abuse +that is opposed to them has been pointed out. But was it +necessary to plunge into all those questions so full of contention +and animosity, that are discussed in our universities? +Was it necessary to ask if all Christians are priests, if the primacy +of the Pope is of right divine, if there can be indulgences, +if every good work is a deadly sin, if there are more +than seven sacraments, if they may be administered by a +layman, if divine election has any foundation in our own +merits, if sacerdotal consecration impresses an indelible character, +if auricular confession is necessary to salvation?......No, +no! all these things are in the province of the schools, +and by no means essential to faith."<a name="FNanchor_650_650" id="FNanchor_650_650"></a><a href="#Footnote_650_650" class="fnanchor">[650]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE REFUTATION.</div> + +<p>It cannot be denied that in the questions thus pointed out +by Melancthon there were important points. However that +may be, the Evangelical committee were soon agreed, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span> +on the morrow they gave an answer to Charles's ministers, +drawn up with as much frankness as firmness, in which they +said "that the Protestants, desirous of arriving at a cordial +understanding, had not wished to complicate their situation, +and had proposed not to specify all the errors that had been +introduced into the Church, but to confess all the doctrines +that were essential to salvation; that if, nevertheless, the +adverse party felt itself urged to maintain certain abuses, or +to put forward any point not mentioned in the Confession, the +Protestants declared themselves ready to reply in conformity +with the Word of God."<a name="FNanchor_651_651" id="FNanchor_651_651"></a><a href="#Footnote_651_651" class="fnanchor">[651]</a> The tone of this answer showed +pretty clearly that the Evangelical Christians did not fear +to follow their adversaries wherever the latter should call +them. Accordingly the Roman party said no more on this +business.</p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p>IX. The commission charged to refute the Confession +met twice a day,<a name="FNanchor_652_652" id="FNanchor_652_652"></a><a href="#Footnote_652_652" class="fnanchor">[652]</a> and each of the theologians who composed +it added to it his refutation and his hatred.</p> + +<p>On the 13th July the work was finished. "Eck with his +band,"<a name="FNanchor_653_653" id="FNanchor_653_653"></a><a href="#Footnote_653_653" class="fnanchor">[653]</a> said Melancthon, "transmitted it to the Emperor." +Great was the astonishment of this prince and of his ministers +at seeing a work of two hundred and eighty pages filled with +abuse.<a name="FNanchor_654_654" id="FNanchor_654_654"></a><a href="#Footnote_654_654" class="fnanchor">[654]</a> "Bad workmen lose much wood," said Luther, +"and impious writers soil much paper." This was not all: to +the Refutation were subjoined eight appendices on the heresies +that Melancthon had dissembled (as they said), and wherein +they exposed the contradictions and "the horrible sects" to +which Lutheranism had given birth. Lastly, not confining +themselves to this official answer, the Romish theologians, +who saw the sun of power shining upon them, filled Augsburg +with insolent and abusive pamphlets.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span></p><div class="sidenote">CHARLES'S DISSATISFACTION.</div> + +<p>There was but one opinion on the Papist Refutation; it was +found confused, violent, thirsting for blood.<a name="FNanchor_655_655" id="FNanchor_655_655"></a><a href="#Footnote_655_655" class="fnanchor">[655]</a> Charles the +Fifth had too much good taste not to perceive the difference +that existed between this coarse work and the noble dignity +of Melancthon's Confession. He rolled, handled, crushed, +and so damaged the 280 pages of his doctors, that when he +returned them two days after, says Spalatin, there were not +more than twelve entire. Charles would have been ashamed +to have such a pamphlet read in the diet, and he required, in +consequence, that it should be drawn up anew, shorter and +more moderate.<a name="FNanchor_656_656" id="FNanchor_656_656"></a><a href="#Footnote_656_656" class="fnanchor">[656]</a> That was not easy, "for the adversaries, +confused and stupified," says Brenz, "by the noble simplicity +of the Evangelical Confession, neither knew where to +begin nor where to end; they accordingly took nearly three +weeks to do their work over again."<a name="FNanchor_657_657" id="FNanchor_657_657"></a><a href="#Footnote_657_657" class="fnanchor">[657]</a></p> + +<p>Charles and his ministers had great doubts of its success; +leaving, therefore, the theologians for a moment, they imagined +another manœuvre. "Let us take each of the +Protestant princes separately," said they: "isolated, they will +not resist." Accordingly, on the 15th July, the Margrave +of Brandenburg was visited by his two cousins, the Electors +of Mentz and of Brandenburg, and by his two brothers the +Margraves Frederick and John Albert. "Abandon this, +new faith," said they to him, "and return to that which existed +a century ago. If you do so, there are no favours +that you may not expect from the Emperor; if not, dread his +anger."<a name="FNanchor_658_658" id="FNanchor_658_658"></a><a href="#Footnote_658_658" class="fnanchor">[658]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE SWISS AT AUGSBURG</div> + +<p>Shortly after, the Duke Frederick of Bavaria, the Count +of Nassau, De Rogendorf, and Truchses were announced to +the Elector on the part of Charles. "You have solicited the +Emperor," said they, "to confirm the marriage of your son<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span> +with the Princess of Juliers, and to invest you with the +electoral dignity; but his majesty declares, that if you do not +renounce the heresy of Luther, of which you are the principal +abettor, he cannot accede to your demand." At the +same time the Duke of Bavaria, employing the most urgent +solicitations, accompanied with the most animated gestures<a name="FNanchor_659_659" id="FNanchor_659_659"></a><a href="#Footnote_659_659" class="fnanchor">[659]</a> +and the most sinister threats,<a name="FNanchor_660_660" id="FNanchor_660_660"></a><a href="#Footnote_660_660" class="fnanchor">[660]</a> called upon the Elector to +abandon his faith. "It is asserted," added Charles's envoys, +"that you have made an alliance with the Swiss. The Emperor +cannot believe it; and he orders you to let him know +the truth."</p> + +<p>The Swiss! it was the same thing as rebellion. This alliance +was the phantom incessantly invoked at Augsburg to +alarm Charles the Fifth. And in reality deputies or at least +friends of the Swiss, had already appeared in that city, and +thus rendered the position still more serious.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ZWINGLE'S CONFESSION.</div> + +<p>Bucer had arrived two days before the reading of the Confession, +and Capito on the day subsequent to it.<a name="FNanchor_661_661" id="FNanchor_661_661"></a><a href="#Footnote_661_661" class="fnanchor">[661]</a> There was +even a report that Zwingle would join them.<a name="FNanchor_662_662" id="FNanchor_662_662"></a><a href="#Footnote_662_662" class="fnanchor">[662]</a> But for a long +time all in Augsburg, except the Strasburg deputation, were +ignorant of the presence of these doctors.<a name="FNanchor_663_663" id="FNanchor_663_663"></a><a href="#Footnote_663_663" class="fnanchor">[663]</a> It was only +twenty-one days after their arrival that Melancthon learnt it +positively,<a name="FNanchor_664_664" id="FNanchor_664_664"></a><a href="#Footnote_664_664" class="fnanchor">[664]</a> so great was the mystery in which the Zwinglians +were forced to enshroud themselves. This was not without +reason: a conference with Melancthon having been requested +by them: "Let them write," replied he; "I should +compromise our cause by an interview with them."</p> + +<p> +Bucer and Capito in their retreat, which was like a prison +to them, had taken advantage of their leisure to draw up the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span> +<i>Tetrapolitan Confession</i>, or the confessions of the four cities. +The deputies of Strasburg, Constance, Nemmingen, and Lindau, +presented it to the Emperor.<a name="FNanchor_665_665" id="FNanchor_665_665"></a><a href="#Footnote_665_665" class="fnanchor">[665]</a> These cities purged +themselves from the reproach of war and revolt that had been +continually objected against them. They declared that their +only motive was Christ's glory, and professed the truth +"freely, boldly, but without insolence and without scurrility."<a name="FNanchor_666_666" id="FNanchor_666_666"></a><a href="#Footnote_666_666" class="fnanchor">[666]</a></p> + +<p>Zwingle about the same time caused a private confession +to be communicated to Charles,<a name="FNanchor_667_667" id="FNanchor_667_667"></a><a href="#Footnote_667_667" class="fnanchor">[667]</a> which excited a general +uproar. "Does he not dare to say," exclaimed the Romanists, +"that the <i>mitred and withered race</i> (by which he means the +bishops) is in the Church what hump-backs and the scrofula +are in the body?"<a name="FNanchor_668_668" id="FNanchor_668_668"></a><a href="#Footnote_668_668" class="fnanchor">[668]</a>—"Does he not insinuate," said the Lutherans; +"that we are beginning to look back after the +onions and garlic of Egypt?"—"One might say with great +truth that he had lost his senses," exclaimed Melancthon.<a name="FNanchor_669_669" id="FNanchor_669_669"></a><a href="#Footnote_669_669" class="fnanchor">[669]</a> +"All ceremonies, according to him, ought to be abolished; +all the bishops ought to be suppressed. In a word, all is perfectly +<i>Helvetic</i>, that is to say, supremely barbarous."</p> + +<p>One man formed an exception to this concert of reproaches, +and this was Luther. "Zwingle pleases me tolerably," +wrote he to Jonas, "as well as Bucer."<a name="FNanchor_670_670" id="FNanchor_670_670"></a><a href="#Footnote_670_670" class="fnanchor">[670]</a> By Bucer, he meant +no doubt the Tetrapolitan Confession: this expression should +be noted.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">AFFLICTING DIVISIONS.</div> + +<p>Thus three confessions laid at the feet of Charles the Fifth, +attested the divisions that were rending Protestantism. In<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span> +vain did Bucer and Capito endeavour to come to an understanding +with Melancthon, and write to him: "We will meet +where you will, and when you will; we will bring Sturm +alone with us, and if you desire it, we will not even bring +him."<a name="FNanchor_671_671" id="FNanchor_671_671"></a><a href="#Footnote_671_671" class="fnanchor">[671]</a> All was unavailing. It is not enough for a Christian +to confess Christ; one disciple should confess another +disciple, even if the latter lies under the shame of the world; +but they did not then comprehend this duty. "Schism is in +the schism," said the Romanists, and the Emperor flattered +himself with an easy victory. "Return to the Church," was +the cry from every side, "which means," interrupted the +Strasburgers, "let us put the bit in your mouths, that we may +lead you as we please."<a name="FNanchor_672_672" id="FNanchor_672_672"></a><a href="#Footnote_672_672" class="fnanchor">[672]</a></p> + +<p>All these things deeply afflicted the Elector, who was besides +still under the burden of Charles's demands and threats. +The Emperor had not once spoken to him,<a name="FNanchor_673_673" id="FNanchor_673_673"></a><a href="#Footnote_673_673" class="fnanchor">[673]</a> and it was everywhere +said that his cousin George of Saxony would be proclaimed +Elector in his stead.</p> + +<p>On the 28th July, there was a great festival at the court. +Charles, robed in his imperial garments, whose value was +said to exceed 200,000 gold ducats, and displaying an air of +majesty which impressed respect and fear,<a name="FNanchor_674_674" id="FNanchor_674_674"></a><a href="#Footnote_674_674" class="fnanchor">[674]</a> conferred on +many princes the investiture of their dignities; the Elector +alone was excluded from these favours. Erelong he was +made to understand more plainly what was reserved for him, +and it was insinuated, that if he did not submit, the Emperor +would expel him from his states, and inflict upon him the +severest punishment.<a name="FNanchor_675_675" id="FNanchor_675_675"></a><a href="#Footnote_675_675" class="fnanchor">[675]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE ELECTOR'S FAITH.</div> + +<p>The Elector turned pale, for he doubted not that such +would certainly be the termination. How with his small<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span> +territory could he resist that powerful monarch who had just +vanquished France and Italy, and now saw Germany at his +feet? And besides, if he could do it, had he the right? +Frightful nightmares pursued John in his dreams. He beheld +himself stretched beneath an immense mountain under which +he struggled painfully, while his cousin George of Saxony +stood on the summit and seemed to brave him.</p> + +<p>John at length came forth from this furnace. "I must +either renounce God or the world," said he. "Well! my +choice is not doubtful. It is God who made me Elector,—me, +who was not worthy of it. I fling myself into his arms, +and let him do with me what shall seem good to him." Thus +the Elector by faith stopped the mouths of lions and subdued +kingdoms.<a name="FNanchor_676_676" id="FNanchor_676_676"></a><a href="#Footnote_676_676" class="fnanchor">[676]</a></p> + +<p>All evangelical Christendom had taken part in the struggle +of John the Persevering. It was seen that if he should +now fall, all would fall with him; and they endeavoured to +support him. "Fear not," cried the Christians of Magdeburg, +"for your highness is under Christ's banner."<a name="FNanchor_677_677" id="FNanchor_677_677"></a><a href="#Footnote_677_677" class="fnanchor">[677]</a> "Italy +is in expectation," wrote they from Venice; "if for Christ's +glory you must die, fear nothing."<a name="FNanchor_678_678" id="FNanchor_678_678"></a><a href="#Footnote_678_678" class="fnanchor">[678]</a> But it was from a +higher source that John's courage was derived. "I beheld +Satan as lightning fall from heaven," said his Master.<a name="FNanchor_679_679" id="FNanchor_679_679"></a><a href="#Footnote_679_679" class="fnanchor">[679]</a> +The Elector, in like manner, beheld in his dreams George +fall from the top of the mountain, and lie dashed in pieces +at his feet.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE EMPEROR'S FAITH.</div> + +<p>Once resolved to lose everything, John, free, happy, and +tranquil, assembled his theologians. These generous men desired +to save their master. "Gracious lord," said Spalatin, +"recollect that the Word of God, being the sword of the +Spirit, must be upheld, not by the secular power, but by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span> +hand of the Almighty."<a name="FNanchor_680_680" id="FNanchor_680_680"></a><a href="#Footnote_680_680" class="fnanchor">[680]</a>—"Yes!" said all the doctors, +"we do not wish that, to save us, you should risk your +children, your subjects, your states, your crown......We +will rather give ourselves into the hands of the enemy, and +conjure him to be satisfied with our blood."<a name="FNanchor_681_681" id="FNanchor_681_681"></a><a href="#Footnote_681_681" class="fnanchor">[681]</a> John, touched +by this language, refused, however, their solicitations, and +firmly repeated these words, which had become his device: +"I also desire to confess my Saviour."</p> + +<p>It was on the 20th July that he replied to the pressing arguments +by which Charles had endeavoured to shake him. +He proved to the Emperor that, being his brother's legitimate +heir, he could not refuse him the investiture, which, +besides, the Diet of Worms had secured to him. He added, +that he did not blindly believe what his doctors said, but that, +having recognised the Word of God to be the foundation of +their teaching, he confessed anew, and without any hesitation, +all the articles of the Apology. "I therefore entreat +your majesty," continued he, "to permit me and mine to render +an account to God alone of what concerns the salvation of +our souls."<a name="FNanchor_682_682" id="FNanchor_682_682"></a><a href="#Footnote_682_682" class="fnanchor">[682]</a> The Margrave of Brandenburg made the +same reply. Thus failed this skilful manœuvre, by which +the Romanists had hoped to break the strength of the Reformation.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE REFUTATION.</div> + +<p>Six weeks had elapsed since the Confession, and yet no +reply. "The Papists, from the moment they heard the +Apology," it was said, "suddenly lost their voice."<a name="FNanchor_683_683" id="FNanchor_683_683"></a><a href="#Footnote_683_683" class="fnanchor">[683]</a> At +length the Romish theologians handed their revised and corrected +performance to the Emperor, and persuaded this prince +to present it in his own name. The mantle of the state +seemed to them admirably adapted to the movements of +Rome. "These sycophants," said Melancthon, "have desired<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span> +to clothe themselves with the lion's skin, to appear to us +so much the more terrible."<a name="FNanchor_684_684" id="FNanchor_684_684"></a><a href="#Footnote_684_684" class="fnanchor">[684]</a> All the states of the Empire +were convoked for the next day but one.</p> + +<p>On Wednesday, 3d August, at two o'clock in the afternoon, +the Emperor, sitting on his throne in the chapel of the Palatinate +Palace, surrounded by his brother, and the electors, +princes, and deputies, the Elector of Saxony and his allies +were introduced, and the Count-palatine, who was called +"Charles's mouthpiece," said to them: "His majesty having +handed your Confession to several doctors of different nations, +illustrious by their knowledge, their morals, and their +impartiality, has read their reply with the greatest care, and +submits it to you as his own, ordaining that all the members +and subjects of the Holy Empire should accept it with unanimous +accord."<a name="FNanchor_685_685" id="FNanchor_685_685"></a><a href="#Footnote_685_685" class="fnanchor">[685]</a></p> + +<p>Alexander Schweiss then took the papers and read the +refutation. The Roman party approved some articles of the +Confession, condemned others, and in certain less salient +passages, it distinguished between what must be rejected and +what accepted.</p> + +<p>It gave way on an important point; the <i>opus operatum</i>. +The Protestants having said in their 13th Article that faith +was necessary in the Sacrament, the Romish party assented +to it; thus abandoning an error which the Papacy had so +earnestly defended against Luther in that very city of Augsburg, +by the mouth of Cajetan.</p> + +<p>Moreover, they recognised as truly Christian the Evangelical +doctrine on the Trinity, on Christ, on baptism, on eternal +punishment, and on the origin of evil.</p> + +<p>But on all the other points, Charles, his princes, and his +theologians, declared themselves immovable. They maintained +that men are born with the fear of God, that good<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span> +works are meritorious, and that they justify in union with +faith. They upheld the Seven Sacraments, the Mass, transubstantiation, +the withdrawal of the cup, the celibacy of +priests, the invocation of saints, and they denied that the +Church was an assembly of the saints.</p> + +<p>This Refutation was skilful in some respects, and, above +all, in what concerned the doctrine of works and of faith. But +on other points, in particular on the withdrawal of the cup +and the celibacy of priests, its arguments were lamentably +weak, and contrary to the well known facts of history.</p> + +<p>While the Protestants had taken their stand on the Scriptures, +their adversaries supported the divine origin of the +hierarchy, and laid down absolute submission to its laws. +Thus, the essential character, which still distinguishes Rome +from the Reformation, stood prominently forth in this first +combat.</p> + +<p>Among the auditors who filled the chapel of the Palatinate +Palace, concealed in the midst of the deputies of Nuremberg, +was Joachim Camerarius, who, while Schweiss was reading, +leant over his tablets and carefully noted down all he could +collect. At the same time others of the Protestants, speaking +to one another, were indignant, and even laughed, as one of +their opponents assures us.<a name="FNanchor_686_686" id="FNanchor_686_686"></a><a href="#Footnote_686_686" class="fnanchor">[686]</a> "Really," said they with one +consent, "the whole of this Refutation is worthy of Eck, Faber, +and Cochlœus!"</p> + +<p>As for Charles, little pleased with these theological dissertations, +he slept during the reading;<a name="FNanchor_687_687" id="FNanchor_687_687"></a><a href="#Footnote_687_687" class="fnanchor">[687]</a> but he awoke when +Schweiss had finished, and his awakening was that of a lion.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">IMPERIAL COMMANDS.</div> + +<p>The Count-palatine then declared that his majesty found +the articles of this Refutation orthodox, catholic, and conformable +to the Gospel; that he therefore required the Protestants +to abandon their Confession, now refuted, and to adhere to all +the articles that had just been set forth;<a name="FNanchor_688_688" id="FNanchor_688_688"></a><a href="#Footnote_688_688" class="fnanchor">[688]</a> that, if they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span> +refused, the Emperor would remember his office, and would +know how to show himself the advocate and defender of the +Roman Church.</p> + +<p>This language was clear enough: the adversaries imagined +they had refuted the Protestants by commanding the latter to +consider themselves beaten. Violence—arms—war—were +all contained in these cruel words of Charles's minister.<a name="FNanchor_689_689" id="FNanchor_689_689"></a><a href="#Footnote_689_689" class="fnanchor">[689]</a> The +princes represented that, as the Refutation adopted some of +their articles and rejected others, it required a careful examination, +and they consequently begged a copy should be given +them.</p> + +<p>The Romish party had a long conference on this demand: +night was at hand; the Count-palatine replied that, considering +the late hour and the importance of this affair, the Emperor +would make known his pleasure somewhat later. The +diet separated, and Charles the Fifth, exasperated at the audacity +of the Evangelical princes, says Cochlœus, returned in +ill-humour to his apartments.<a name="FNanchor_690_690" id="FNanchor_690_690"></a><a href="#Footnote_690_690" class="fnanchor">[690]</a></p> + +<p>The Protestants, on the contrary, withdrew full of peace; +the reading of the Refutation having given them as much +confidence as that of the Confession itself.<a name="FNanchor_691_691" id="FNanchor_691_691"></a><a href="#Footnote_691_691" class="fnanchor">[691]</a> They saw in +their adversaries a strong attachment to the hierarchy, but a +great ignorance of the Gospel—a characteristic feature of the +Romish party; and this thought encouraged them. "Certainly," +said they, "the Church cannot be where there is no +knowledge of Christ."<a name="FNanchor_692_692" id="FNanchor_692_692"></a><a href="#Footnote_692_692" class="fnanchor">[692]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">POLICY OF CHARLES.</div> + +<p>Melancthon alone was still alarmed; he walked by sight +and not by faith, and, remembering the legate's smiles, he +had another interview with him, as early as the 4th August, +still demanding the cup for the laity, and lawful wives for +the priests. "Then," said he, "our pastors will place themselves +again under the government of bishops, and we shall<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span> +be able to prevent those innumerable sects with which posterity +is threatened."<a name="FNanchor_693_693" id="FNanchor_693_693"></a><a href="#Footnote_693_693" class="fnanchor">[693]</a> Melancthon's glance into the future +is remarkable: it does not, however, mean that he, like many +others, preferred a dead unity to a living diversity.</p> + +<p>Campeggio, now certain of triumphing by the sword, disdainfully +handed this paper to Cochlœus, who hastened to refute +it. It is hard to say whether Melancthon or Campeggio +was the most infatuated. God did not permit an arrangement +that would have enslaved his Church.</p> + +<p>Charles passed the whole of the 4th and the morning of +the 5th August in consultation with the Ultramontane party. +"It will never be by discussion that we shall come to an +understanding," said some; "and if the Protestants do not +submit voluntarily, it only remains for us to compel them." +They nevertheless decided, on account of the Refutation, to +adopt a middle course. During the whole of the diet, +Charles pursued a skilful policy. At first he refused everything, +hoping to lead away the princes by violence; then +he conceded a few unimportant points, under the impression +that the Protestants having lost all hope, would esteem so +much the more the little he yielded to them. This was what +he did again under the present circumstances. In the afternoon +of the 5th, the Count-palatine announced that the Emperor +would give them a copy of the Refutation, but on these conditions; +namely, that the Protestants should not reply, that +they should speedily agree with the Emperor, and that they +would not print or communicate to any one the Refutation +that should be confided to them.<a name="FNanchor_694_694" id="FNanchor_694_694"></a><a href="#Footnote_694_694" class="fnanchor">[694]</a></p> + +<p>This communication excited murmurs among the Protestants. +"These conditions," said they all, "are inadmissible."—"The +Papists present us with their paper," added the +Chancellor Brck, "as the fox offered a thin broth to his +gossip the stork."</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span> +<span class="i0">The savoury broth upon a plate by Reynard was served up,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But Mistress Stork, with her long beak, she could not get a sup.<a name="FNanchor_695_695" id="FNanchor_695_695"></a><a href="#Footnote_695_695" class="fnanchor">[695]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="sidenote">STORMY MEETING.</div> + +<p>"If the Refutation," continued he, "should come to be known +without our participation (and how can we prevent it?), we +shall be charged with it as a crime. Let us beware of accepting +so perfidious an offer.<a name="FNanchor_696_696" id="FNanchor_696_696"></a><a href="#Footnote_696_696" class="fnanchor">[696]</a> We already possess in the notes +of Camerarius several articles of this paper, and if we omit +any point, no one will have the right to reproach us with it."</p> + +<p>On the next day (6th August) the Protestants declared to +the diet that they preferred declining the copy thus offered to +them, and appealed to God and to his Majesty.<a name="FNanchor_697_697" id="FNanchor_697_697"></a><a href="#Footnote_697_697" class="fnanchor">[697]</a> They thus +rejected all that the Emperor proposed to them, even what he +considered as a favour.</p> + +<p>Agitation, anger, and affright, were manifested on every +branch of that august assembly.<a name="FNanchor_698_698" id="FNanchor_698_698"></a><a href="#Footnote_698_698" class="fnanchor">[698]</a> This reply of the Evangelicals +was war—was rebellion. George of Saxony, the +Princes of Bavaria, all the violent adherents of Rome, trembled +with indignation; there was a sudden, an impetuous +movement, an explosion of murmurs and of hatred; and it +might have been feared that the two parties would have +come to blows in the very presence of the Emperor, if Archbishop +Albert, the Elector of Brandenburg, and the Dukes +of Brunswick, Pomerania, and Mecklenburg, rushing between +them, had not conjured the Protestants to put an end to this +deplorable combat, and not drive the Emperor to extremities.<a name="FNanchor_699_699" id="FNanchor_699_699"></a><a href="#Footnote_699_699" class="fnanchor">[699]</a> +The diet separated, their hearts filled with emotion, apprehension, +and trouble.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">RESOLUTIONS OF THE CONSISTORY.</div> + +<p>Never had the diet proposed such fatal alternatives. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span> +hopes of agreement, set forth in the edict of convocation, had +only been a deceitful lure: now the mask was thrown aside; +submission or the sword—such was the dilemma offered to +the Reformation. All announced that the day of tentatives +was passed, and that they were beginning one of violence.</p> + +<p>In truth, on the 6th July, the Pope had assembled the consistory +of cardinals in his palace at Rome, and had made +known to them the Protestant ultimatum; namely, the cup +for the laity, the marriage of priests, the omission of the invocation +of saints in the sacrifice of the Mass, the use of ecclesiastical +property already secularized, and for the rest, the convocation +of a council. "These concessions," said the cardinals, +"are opposed to the religion, the discipline, and the +laws of the Church.<a name="FNanchor_700_700" id="FNanchor_700_700"></a><a href="#Footnote_700_700" class="fnanchor">[700]</a> We reject them, and vote our thanks to +the Emperor for the zeal which he employs in bringing back +the deserters." The Pope having thus decided, every attempt +at conciliation became useless.</p> + +<p>Campeggio, on his side, redoubled in zeal. He spoke as +if in his person the Pope himself were present at Augsburg.<a name="FNanchor_701_701" id="FNanchor_701_701"></a><a href="#Footnote_701_701" class="fnanchor">[701]</a> +"Let the Emperor and the right-thinking princes form a +league," said he to Charles; "and if these rebels, equally +insensible to threats and promises, obstinately persist in their +diabolical course, then let his Majesty seize fire and sword, +let him take possession of all the property of the heretics, and +utterly eradicate these venomous plants.<a name="FNanchor_702_702" id="FNanchor_702_702"></a><a href="#Footnote_702_702" class="fnanchor">[702]</a> Then let him +appoint holy inquisitors, who shall go on the track of the +remnants of Reform, and proceed against them, as in Spain +against the Moors. Let him put the university of Wittemberg +under ban, burn the heretical books, and send back the +fugitive monks to their convents. But this plan must be +executed with courage."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span></p><div class="sidenote">TWO MIRACLES.</div> + +<p>Thus the jurisprudence of Rome consisted, according to a +prophecy uttered against the city which <i>is seated on seven +hills</i>, in adorning itself with pearls that it had stolen, and in +becoming drunk with the blood of the saints.<a name="FNanchor_703_703" id="FNanchor_703_703"></a><a href="#Footnote_703_703" class="fnanchor">[703]</a></p> + +<p>While Charles was thus urged on with blind fury by the +diet and the Pope, the Protestant princes, restrained by a +mute indignation, did not open their mouths,<a name="FNanchor_704_704" id="FNanchor_704_704"></a><a href="#Footnote_704_704" class="fnanchor">[704]</a> and hence they +seemed to betray a weakness of which the Emperor was +eager to profit. But there was also strength concealed under +this weakness. "It only remains for us," exclaimed Melancthon, +"to embrace our Saviour's knees." In this they +laboured earnestly. Melancthon begged for Luther's prayers; +Brenz for those of his own church: a general cry of +distress and of faith ran through Evangelical Germany. +"You shall have sheep," said Brenz, "if you will send us +sheep: you know what I mean."<a name="FNanchor_705_705" id="FNanchor_705_705"></a><a href="#Footnote_705_705" class="fnanchor">[705]</a> The sheep that were to +be offered in sacrifice were the prayers of the saints.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE EMPEROR'S MENACE.</div> + +<p>The Church was not wanting to itself. "Assembled every +day," wrote certain cities to the Electors, "we beg for you +strength, grace, and victory,—victory full of joy." But +the man of prayer and faith was especially Luther. A +calm and sublime courage, in which firmness shines at the +side of joy—a courage that rises and exults in proportion +as the danger increases—is what Luther's letters at this time +present in every line. The most poetical images are pale +beside those energetic expressions which issue in a boiling +torrent from the Reformer's soul. "I have recently witnessed +two miracles," wrote he on the 5th August to Chancellor +Brck; "this is the first. As I was at my window, I +saw the stars, and the sky, and that vast and magnificent +firmament in which the Lord has placed them. I could +nowhere discover the columns on which the Master has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span> +supported this immense vault, and yet the heavens did not +fall......</p> + +<p>"And here is the second. I beheld thick clouds hanging +above us like a vast sea. I could neither perceive ground on +which they reposed, nor cords by which they were suspended; +and yet they did not fall upon us, but saluted us rapidly and +fled away.</p> + +<p>"God," continued he, "will choose the manner, the time, +and the place suitable for deliverance, and he will not linger. +What the men of blood have begun, they have not yet +finished......Our rainbow is faint......their clouds are +threatening......the enemy comes against us with frightful +machines......But at last it will be seen to whom belonged +the ballist, and from what hands the javelins are launched.<a name="FNanchor_706_706" id="FNanchor_706_706"></a><a href="#Footnote_706_706" class="fnanchor">[706]</a> +It is no matter if Luther perishes: if Christ is conqueror, +Luther is conqueror also."<a name="FNanchor_707_707" id="FNanchor_707_707"></a><a href="#Footnote_707_707" class="fnanchor">[707]</a></p> + +<p>Never had the Roman party, who did not know what was +the victory of faith, imagined themselves more certain of +success.</p> + +<p>The doctors having refuted the Confession, the Protestants +ought, they imagined, to declare themselves convinced, and +all would then be restored to its ancient footing: such was +the Emperor's plan of campaign. He therefore urges and +calls upon the Protestants; but instead of submitting, they +announce a refutation of the Refutation. Upon this Charles +looked at his sword, and all the princes who surrounded him +did the same.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE MASK.</div> + +<p>John of Saxony understood what that meant, but he remained +firm. "The straight line," said he (the axiom was +familiar to him), "is the shortest road." It is this indomitable +firmness that has secured for him in history the name +of John the Persevering. He was not alone: all those Protestant +princes who had grown up in the midst of courts, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span> +who were habituated to pay an humble obedience to the +Emperor, found at that time in their faith a noble independence +that confounded Charles the Fifth.</p> + +<p>With the design of gaining the Marquis of Brandenburg, +they opened to him the possibility of according him some +possessions in Silesia on which he had claims. "If Christ +is Christ," replied he, "the doctrine that I have confessed +is truth."—"But do you know," quickly replied his cousin +the Elector Joachim, "what is your stake?"—"Certainly," +replied the Margrave, "it is said I shall be expelled from +this country. Well! may God protect me!" One day +Prince Wolfgang of Anhalt met Doctor Eck. "Doctor," +said he, "you are exciting to war, but you will find those +who will not be behindhand with you. I have broken many +a lance for my friends in my time. My Lord Jesus Christ +is assuredly worthy that I should do as much for him."</p> + +<p>At the sight of this resolution, each one asked himself +whether Charles, instead of curing the disease, was not augmenting +it. Reflections, criticisms, jests, passed between the +citizens; and the good sense of the people manifested in its +own fashion what they thought of the folly of their chief. +We will adduce one instance.</p> + +<p>It is said that one day, as the Emperor was at table with +many Roman-catholic princes, he was informed that some +comedians begged permission (according to custom) to amuse +their lordships. First appeared an old man wearing a mask, +and dressed in a doctor's robe, who advanced with difficulty +carrying a bundle of sticks in his arms, some straight and +some crooked. He approached the wide fireplace of the +Gothic hall, threw down his load in disorder, and immediately +withdrew.<a name="FNanchor_708_708" id="FNanchor_708_708"></a><a href="#Footnote_708_708" class="fnanchor">[708]</a> Charles and the courtiers read on his back the +inscription—<span class="smcap">John Reuchlin</span>. Then appeared another mask +with an intelligent look, who made every exertion to pair the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span> +straight and the crooked pieces;<a name="FNanchor_709_709" id="FNanchor_709_709"></a><a href="#Footnote_709_709" class="fnanchor">[709]</a> but finding his labours +useless, he shook his head, turned to the door, and disappeared. +They read—<span class="smcap">Erasmus of Rotterdam</span>. Almost immediately +after advanced a monk with bright eye and decided gait, carrying +a brasier of lighted coals.<a name="FNanchor_710_710" id="FNanchor_710_710"></a><a href="#Footnote_710_710" class="fnanchor">[710]</a> He put the wood in order, +set fire to it, blew and stirred it up, so that the flame rose +bright and sparkling into the air. He then retired, and on +his back were the words—<span class="smcap">Martin Luther</span>.</p> + +<p>Next approached a magnificent personage, covered with +all the imperial insignia, who, seeing the fire so bright, drew +his sword, and endeavoured by violent thrusts to extinguish +it; but the more he struck, the fiercer burnt the flames, so +that at last he quitted the place in indignation. His name, as +it would seem, was not made known to the spectators, but all +divined it. The general attention was soon attracted by a new +character. A man, wearing a surplice and a mantle of red +velvet, with an alb of white wool that reached to his heels, +and having a stole around his neck, whose ends were ornamented +with pearls, advanced majestically. Beholding the +flames that already filled the hearth, he clapped his hands in +terror, and looking around him sought to find something to +extinguish them. He sees two vessels at the very extremity +of the hall, one filled with water, and the other with oil. He +rushes to them, seizes unwittingly on that containing the oil, +and throws it on the fire.<a name="FNanchor_711_711" id="FNanchor_711_711"></a><a href="#Footnote_711_711" class="fnanchor">[711]</a> The flames then spread with +such violence that the mask fled in alarm, raising his hands +to heaven; on his back was read the name of <span class="smcap">Leo X.</span></p> + +<p>The mystery was finished; but instead of claiming their +remuneration, the pretended actors had disappeared. No one +asked the moral of this drama.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">OMENS.</div> + +<p>The lesson, however, proved useless; and the majority +of the diet, assuming at the same time the part assigned to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span> +the Emperor and the Pope, began to prepare the means necessary +for extinguishing the fire kindled by Luther. They negotiated +in Italy with the Duke of Mantua, who engaged to +send a few regiments of light cavalry across the Alps;<a name="FNanchor_712_712" id="FNanchor_712_712"></a><a href="#Footnote_712_712" class="fnanchor">[712]</a> and +in England with Henry VIII., who had not forgotten Luther's +reply, and who promised Charles, through his ambassador, +an immense subsidy to destroy the heretics.<a name="FNanchor_713_713" id="FNanchor_713_713"></a><a href="#Footnote_713_713" class="fnanchor">[713]</a></p> + +<p>At the same time frightful prodigies announced the gloomy +future which threatened the Reform. At Spire fearful spectres, +having the shape of monks, with angry eyes and hasty +steps, had appeared during the night. "What do you want?" +they had been asked.—"We are going," they replied, "to +the Diet of Augsburg!" The circumstance had been carefully +investigated, and was found perfectly trustworthy.<a name="FNanchor_714_714" id="FNanchor_714_714"></a><a href="#Footnote_714_714" class="fnanchor">[714]</a> +"The interpretation is not difficult," exclaimed Melancthon: +"Evil spirits are coming to Augsburg to counteract our exertions, +and to destroy peace. They forebode horrible troubles +to us."<a name="FNanchor_715_715" id="FNanchor_715_715"></a><a href="#Footnote_715_715" class="fnanchor">[715]</a> No one doubted this. "Everything is advancing +towards war," said Erasmus.<a name="FNanchor_716_716" id="FNanchor_716_716"></a><a href="#Footnote_716_716" class="fnanchor">[716]</a> "The diet will not terminate," +wrote Brenz, "except by the destruction of all Germany."<a name="FNanchor_717_717" id="FNanchor_717_717"></a><a href="#Footnote_717_717" class="fnanchor">[717]</a> +"There will be a slaughter of the saints," exclaimed +Bucer, "which will be such that the massacres of +Diocletian will scarcely come up to it."<a name="FNanchor_718_718" id="FNanchor_718_718"></a><a href="#Footnote_718_718" class="fnanchor">[718]</a> War and blood!—this +was the general cry.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">TUMULT IN AUGSBURG.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span>Suddenly, on the night of Saturday, 6th August, a great +disturbance broke out in the city of Augsburg.<a name="FNanchor_719_719" id="FNanchor_719_719"></a><a href="#Footnote_719_719" class="fnanchor">[719]</a> There was +running to and fro in the streets; messengers from the Emperor +were galloping in every direction; the senate was called +together and received an order to allow no one to pass the +gates of the city.<a name="FNanchor_720_720" id="FNanchor_720_720"></a><a href="#Footnote_720_720" class="fnanchor">[720]</a> At the same time all were afoot in the +imperial barracks; the soldiers got ready their arms; the +regiments were drawn up, and at daybreak (about three +o'clock on Sunday morning) the Emperor's troops, in opposition +to the custom constantly followed in the diet, relieved +the soldiers of the city and took possession of the gates. At +the same time it was learnt that these gates would not be +opened, and that Charles had given orders to keep a strict +watch upon the Elector and his allies.<a name="FNanchor_721_721" id="FNanchor_721_721"></a><a href="#Footnote_721_721" class="fnanchor">[721]</a> A terrible awakening +for those who still flattered themselves with seeing the +religious debates conclude peacefully! Are not these unheard-of +measures the commencement of wars and the signal +of a frightful massacre?</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="sidenote">TEMPTATION.</div> + +<p>X. Trouble and anger prevailed in the imperial palace, +and it was the Landgrave who had caused them. Firm as +a rock in the midst of the tempest with which he was surrounded, +Philip of Hesse had never bent his head to the +blast. One day, in a public assembly, addressing the bishops, +he had said to them, "My lords, give peace to the Empire; +we beg it of you. If you will not do so, and if I must +fall, be sure that I will drag one or two of you with me." +They saw it was necessary to employ milder means with +him, and the Emperor endeavoured to gain him by showing a +favourable disposition with respect to the county of Katzenellenbogen, +about which he was at variance with the country +of Nassau, and to Wurtemberg, which he claimed for his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span> +cousin Ulric. On his side Duke George of Saxony, his +father-in-law, had assured him that he would make him his +heir if he would submit to the Pope. "They carried him +to an exceeding high mountain, whence they showed him all +the kingdoms of the world and the glory thereof,"<a name="FNanchor_722_722" id="FNanchor_722_722"></a><a href="#Footnote_722_722" class="fnanchor">[722]</a> says a +chronicler, but the Landgrave resisted the temptation.</p> + +<p>One day he heard that the Emperor had manifested a desire +to speak to him. He leapt instantly on his horse and +appeared before Charles.<a name="FNanchor_723_723" id="FNanchor_723_723"></a><a href="#Footnote_723_723" class="fnanchor">[723]</a> The latter, who had with him his +secretary Schweiss and the Bishop of Constance, represented +that he had four complaints against him; namely, of having +violated the Edict of Worms, of despising the Mass, of having, +during his absence, excited all kinds of revolt, and, +finally, of having transmitted to him a book in which his +sovereign rights were attacked. The Landgrave justified +himself; and the Emperor said that he accepted his replies, +except with regard to the faith, and begged him to show himself +in that respect entirely submissive to his majesty. +"What would you say," added Charles, in a winning tone, +"if I elevated you to the regal dignity?<a name="FNanchor_724_724" id="FNanchor_724_724"></a><a href="#Footnote_724_724" class="fnanchor">[724]</a> But, if you show +yourself rebellious to my orders, then I shall behave as becomes +a Roman Emperor."</p> + +<p>These words exasperated the Landgrave, but they did not +move him. "I am in the flower of my age," replied he, +"and I do not pretend to despise the joys of life and the +favour of the great; but to the deceitful goods of this world I +shall always prefer the ineffable grace of my God." Charles +was stupified; he could not understand Philip.</p> + +<p>From this time the Landgrave had redoubled his exertions +to unite the adherents of Reform. The Zwinglian cities felt +that, whatever was the issue of the diet, they would be the +first victims, unless the Saxons should give them their hand. +But this there was some difficulty in obtaining.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">UNION RESISTED.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span>"It does not appear to me useful to the public weal, or +safe for the conscience," wrote Melancthon to Bucer, "to +load our princes with all the hatred your doctrine inspires."<a name="FNanchor_725_725" id="FNanchor_725_725"></a><a href="#Footnote_725_725" class="fnanchor">[725]</a> +The Strasburgers replied, that the real cause of the Papists' +hatred was not so much the doctrine of the Eucharist as that +of justification by faith. "All we, who desire to belong to +Christ," said they, "are one, and we have nothing to expect +but death."<a name="FNanchor_726_726" id="FNanchor_726_726"></a><a href="#Footnote_726_726" class="fnanchor">[726]</a></p> + +<p>This was true; but another motive besides checked Melancthon. +If all the Protestants united, they would feel their +strength, and war would be inevitable. Therefore, then, no +union!</p> + +<p>The Landgrave, threatened by the Emperor, rejected by +the theologians, began to ask himself what he did at Augsburg. +The cup was full. Charles's refusal to communicate +the Romish Refutation, except on inadmissible conditions, +made it run over. Philip of Hesse saw but one course to +take—to quit the city.</p> + +<p>Scarcely had the Emperor made known the conditions which +he placed on the communication of the reply, than on Friday +evening, 5th August, the Landgrave, going alone to the +Count-palatine, Charles's minister, had begged for an immediate +audience with his majesty. Charles, who did not care +about it, pretended to be busy, and had put off Philip until +the following Sunday.<a name="FNanchor_727_727" id="FNanchor_727_727"></a><a href="#Footnote_727_727" class="fnanchor">[727]</a> But the latter answered that he could +not wait; that his wife, who was dangerously ill, entreated +him to return to Hesse without delay; and that, being one of +the youngest princes, the meanest in understanding, and useless +to Charles, he humbly begged his majesty would permit +him to leave on the morrow. The Emperor refused.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE EMPEROR'S UNEASINESS.</div> + +<p>We may well understand the storms this refusal excited<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span> +in Philip's mind: but he knew how to contain himself; +never had he appeared more tranquil; during the whole of +Saturday (6th August), he seemed occupied only with a +magnificent tourney in honour of the Emperor and of his +brother Ferdinand.<a name="FNanchor_728_728" id="FNanchor_728_728"></a><a href="#Footnote_728_728" class="fnanchor">[728]</a> He prepared for it publicly; his servants +went to and fro, but under that din of horses and of +armour, Philip concealed very different designs. "The +Landgrave conducts himself with very great moderation," +wrote Melancthon to Luther, the same day.<a name="FNanchor_729_729" id="FNanchor_729_729"></a><a href="#Footnote_729_729" class="fnanchor">[729]</a> "He told me +openly that, to preserve peace, he would submit to conditions +still harder than those which the Emperor imposes on us, and +whatever he could accept without dishonouring the Gospel, +he would do so."</p> + +<p>Yet Charles was not at ease. The Landgrave's demand +pursued him; all the Protestants might do the same, and +even quit Augsburg unexpectedly. The clue, that he had +hitherto so skilfully held in his hands, was perhaps about +to be broken: it was better to be violent than ridiculous. +The Emperor therefore resolved on striking a decisive blow. +The Elector, the princes, the deputies, are still in Augsburg: +he must at every risk prevent them from leaving it. Such +were the heavy thoughts that on the night of the 6th August, +while the Protestants were calmly sleeping,<a name="FNanchor_730_730" id="FNanchor_730_730"></a><a href="#Footnote_730_730" class="fnanchor">[730]</a> banished repose +from Charles's eyes; and which made him hastily +arouse the councillors of Augsburg, and send his messengers +and soldiers through the streets of the city.</p> + +<p>The Protestant princes were still slumbering, when they +received, on the part of the Emperor, the unexpected order +to repair immediately to the Hall of the Chapter.<a name="FNanchor_731_731" id="FNanchor_731_731"></a><a href="#Footnote_731_731" class="fnanchor">[731]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">PROTESTANT FIRMNESS.</div> + +<p>It was eight o'clock when they arrived. They found there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span> +the electors of Brandenburg and Mentz, the Dukes of Saxony, +Brunswick, and Mecklenburg, the Bishops of Salzburg, +Spire, and Strasburg, George Truchses, the Margrave of +Baden's representative, Count Martin of (OE)lting, the Abbot +of Weingarten, and the Provost of Bamberg. These were +the commissioners nominated by Charles to terminate this +great affair.</p> + +<p>It was the most decided among them, Joachim of Brandenburg, +who began to speak. "You know," said he to +the Protestants, "with what mildness the Emperor has endeavoured +to re-establish unity. If some abuses have crept +into the Christian Church, he is ready to correct them, in +conjunction with the Pope. But how contrary to the Gospel +are the sentiments you have adopted! Abandon then +your errors, do not any longer remain separate from the +Church, and sign the Refutation without delay.<a name="FNanchor_732_732" id="FNanchor_732_732"></a><a href="#Footnote_732_732" class="fnanchor">[732]</a> If you +refuse, then through your fault how many souls will be lost, +how much blood shed, what countries laid waste, what +trouble in all the Empire! And you," said he, turning towards +the Elector, "your electorate, your life, all will be torn +from you, and certain ruin will fall upon your subjects, and +even upon their wives and children."</p> + +<p>The Elector remained motionless. At any time this language +would have been alarming: it was still more so now +that the city was almost in a state of siege. "We now understand," +said the Protestants to one another, "why the imperial +guards occupy the gates of the city."<a name="FNanchor_733_733" id="FNanchor_733_733"></a><a href="#Footnote_733_733" class="fnanchor">[733]</a> It was evident, +indeed, that the Emperor intended violence.<a name="FNanchor_734_734" id="FNanchor_734_734"></a><a href="#Footnote_734_734" class="fnanchor">[734]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">PHILIP OF HESSE.</div> + +<p>The Protestants are unanimous: surrounded with soldiers, +at the very gates of the prison, and beneath the thousand +swords of Charles, they will remain firm. All these threats<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span> +will not make them take one step backwards.<a name="FNanchor_735_735" id="FNanchor_735_735"></a><a href="#Footnote_735_735" class="fnanchor">[735]</a> It was important +for them, however, to consider their reply. They begged +for a few minutes' delay, and retired.</p> + +<p>To submit voluntarily, or to be reduced by force, such was +the dilemma Charles proposed to the Evangelical Christians.</p> + +<p>At the moment when each was anxious about the issue of +this struggle, in which the destinies of Christianity were contending, +an alarming rumour suddenly raised the agitation +of all minds to its height.</p> + +<p>The Landgrave, in the midst of his preparations for the +tournament, meditated the most serious resolution. Excluded +by Charles from every important deliberation, irritated at the +treatment the Protestants had undergone during this diet,<a name="FNanchor_736_736" id="FNanchor_736_736"></a><a href="#Footnote_736_736" class="fnanchor">[736]</a> +convinced that they had no more chance of peace,<a name="FNanchor_737_737" id="FNanchor_737_737"></a><a href="#Footnote_737_737" class="fnanchor">[737]</a> not doubting +that their liberty was greatly endangered in Augsburg, +and feeling unable to conceal under the appearance of moderation +the indignation with which his soul was filled, being +besides of a quick, prompt, and resolute character, Philip +had decided on quitting the city and repairing to his states, in +order to act freely, and to serve as a support to the Reform.</p> + +<p>But what mystery was required! If the Landgrave was +taken in the act, no doubt he would be put under arrest. This +daring step might therefore become the signal of those extreme +measures from which he longed to escape.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FLIGHT FROM AUGSBURG.</div> + +<p>It was Saturday, the 6th August, the day for which Philip +had requested the Emperor's leave of absence. He waits +until the commencement of the night, and then, about eight +o'clock, disguised in a foreign dress, without bidding farewell +to any of his friends,<a name="FNanchor_738_738" id="FNanchor_738_738"></a><a href="#Footnote_738_738" class="fnanchor">[738]</a> and taking every imaginable precaution,<a name="FNanchor_739_739" id="FNanchor_739_739"></a><a href="#Footnote_739_739" class="fnanchor">[739]</a> +he makes for the gates of the city, about the time +when they are usually closed. Five or six cavaliers followed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span> +him singly, and at a little distance.<a name="FNanchor_740_740" id="FNanchor_740_740"></a><a href="#Footnote_740_740" class="fnanchor">[740]</a> In so critical a moment +will not these men-at-arms attract attention? Philip traverses +the streets without danger, approaches the gate,<a name="FNanchor_741_741" id="FNanchor_741_741"></a><a href="#Footnote_741_741" class="fnanchor">[741]</a> passes with +a careless air through the midst of the guard, between the +scattered soldiers; no one moves, all remain idly seated, as +if nothing extraordinary was going on. Philip has passed +without being recognised.<a name="FNanchor_742_742" id="FNanchor_742_742"></a><a href="#Footnote_742_742" class="fnanchor">[742]</a> His five or six horsemen come +through in like manner. Behold them all at last in the open +country. The little troop immediately spur their horses, and +flee with headlong speed far from the walls of the imperial +city.</p> + +<p>Yet Philip has taken his measures so well, that no one as +yet suspects his departure. When during the night Charles +occupies the gates with his own guards, he thinks the Landgrave +still in the city.<a name="FNanchor_743_743" id="FNanchor_743_743"></a><a href="#Footnote_743_743" class="fnanchor">[743]</a> When the Protestants were assembled +at eight in the morning in the Chapter-hall, the princes +of both parties were a little astonished at the absence of Philip +of Hesse. They are accustomed, however, to see him keep +aloof; he is in a pet, no doubt. No one imagines he is between +twelve and fifteen leagues from Augsburg.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ALARM IN AUGSBURG.</div> + +<p>After the termination of the conference, and as each one was +returning towards his hotel, the Elector of Brandenburg +and his friends on the one hand, elated at the speech they +had delivered, the Elector of Saxony and his allies on the +other, resolved to sacrifice everything, inquiries were made +at the Landgrave's lodgings as to the reason of his absence; +they closely question Salz, Nuszbicker, Mayer, and Schnepf.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span> +At last the Hessian councillors can no longer keep the secret. +"The Landgrave," said they, "has returned to +Hesse."</p> + +<p>This news circulated immediately through all the city, +and shook it like the explosion of a mine. Charles especially, +who found himself mocked, and frustrated in his expectations—Charles, +who had not the least suspicion,<a name="FNanchor_744_744" id="FNanchor_744_744"></a><a href="#Footnote_744_744" class="fnanchor">[744]</a> trembled, +and was enraged.<a name="FNanchor_745_745" id="FNanchor_745_745"></a><a href="#Footnote_745_745" class="fnanchor">[745]</a> The Protestants, whom the Landgrave +had not admitted to his secret,<a name="FNanchor_746_746" id="FNanchor_746_746"></a><a href="#Footnote_746_746" class="fnanchor">[746]</a> are as much astonished +as the Roman-catholics themselves, and fear that this +inconsiderate departure may be the immediate signal for a +terrible persecution. There was only Luther, who, the moment +he heard of Philip's proceeding, highly approved of it, +and exclaimed: "Of a truth all these delays and indignities +are enough to fatigue more than one Landgrave."<a name="FNanchor_747_747" id="FNanchor_747_747"></a><a href="#Footnote_747_747" class="fnanchor">[747]</a></p> + +<p>The Chancellor of Hesse gave the Elector of Saxony a +letter that his master had left for him. Philip spoke in this +ostensible document of his wife's health; but he had charged +his ministers to inform the Elector in private of the real +causes of his departure. He announced, moreover, that he +had given orders to his ministers to assist the Protestants in +all things, and exhort his allies to permit themselves in no +manner to be turned aside from the Word of God.<a name="FNanchor_748_748" id="FNanchor_748_748"></a><a href="#Footnote_748_748" class="fnanchor">[748]</a> "As +for me," said he, "I shall fight for the Word of God, at the +risk of my goods, my states, my subjects, and my life."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">METAMORPHOSIS.</div> + +<p>The effect of the Landgrave's departure was instantaneous: +a real revolution was then effected in the diet. The Elector +of Mentz and the bishops of Franconia, Philip's near neighbours, +imagined they already saw him on their frontiers at the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span> +head of a powerful army, and they replied to the Archbishop +of Salzburg, who expressed astonishment at their +alarm: "Ah! if you were in our place you would do the +same." Ferdinand, knowing the intimate relations of Philip +with the Duke of Wurtemberg, trembled for the estates of +this prince, at that time usurped by Austria; and Charles +the Fifth, undeceived with regard to those princes whom he +had believed so timid, and whom he had treated with so much +arrogance, had no doubt that this sudden fit of Philip's had +been maturely deliberated in the common council of the +Protestants. All saw a declaration of war in the Landgrave's +sudden departure. They called to mind that at the moment +when they thought the least about it, they might see him +appear at the head of his soldiers, on the frontiers of his +enemies, and no one was ready; no one even wished to be +ready! A thunderbolt had fallen in the midst of the diet. +They repeated the news to one another, with troubled eyes +and affrighted looks. All was confusion in Augsburg; and +couriers bore afar, in every direction, astonishment and +consternation.</p> + +<p>This alarm immediately converted the enemies of the Reform. +The violence of Charles and of the princes was broken +in this memorable night as if by enchantment; and the furious +wolves were suddenly transformed into meek and docile +lambs.<a name="FNanchor_749_749" id="FNanchor_749_749"></a><a href="#Footnote_749_749" class="fnanchor">[749]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">UNUSUAL MODERATION.</div> + +<p>It was still Sunday morning: Charles the Fifth immediately +convoked the diet for the afternoon.<a name="FNanchor_750_750" id="FNanchor_750_750"></a><a href="#Footnote_750_750" class="fnanchor">[750]</a> "The Landgrave +has quitted Augsburg," said Count Frederick from the +Emperor; "his majesty flatters himself that even the friends +of that prince were ignorant of his departure. It was without +the Emperor's knowledge, and even in defiance of his +express prohibition, that Philip of Hesse has left, thus failing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span> +in all his duties. He has wished to put the diet out of joint.<a name="FNanchor_751_751" id="FNanchor_751_751"></a><a href="#Footnote_751_751" class="fnanchor">[751]</a> +But the Emperor conjures you not to permit yourselves to be +led astray by him, and to contribute rather to the happy issue +of this national assembly. His majesty's gratitude will thus +be secured to you."</p> + +<p>The Protestants replied, that the departure of the Landgrave +had taken place without their knowledge; that they +had heard of it with pain, and that they would have dissuaded +him. Nevertheless they did not doubt that this prince +had solid reasons for such a step; besides he had left his +councillors with full powers, and that, as for them, they were +ready to do everything to conclude the diet in a becoming +manner. Then, confident in their rights, and decided to resist +Charles's arbitrary acts, they continued: "It is pretended +that the gates were closed on our account. We beg your +majesty to revoke this order, and to prevent any similar orders +being given for the future."</p> + +<p>Never was Charles the Fifth less at ease: he had just +spoken as a father, and they remind him that a few hours +back he had acted like a tyrant. Some subterfuge was requisite. +"It is not on your account," replied the Count-palatine, +"that the Emperor's soldiers occupy the gates......Beware +of believing those who tell you so......Yesterday +there was a quarrel between two soldiers,<a name="FNanchor_752_752" id="FNanchor_752_752"></a><a href="#Footnote_752_752" class="fnanchor">[752]</a> and a mob was +collected......This is why the Emperor took that step. +Besides, such things shall not be done again without the Elector +of Saxony, in his quality of marshal of the Empire, being +first informed of them." An order was given immediately +to reopen the gates.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PEACE! PEACE!</div> + +<p>No exertions were now spared by the Roman party to convince +the Protestants of their good-will: there was an unaccustomed +mildness in the language of the Count-palatine and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span> +in the looks of Charles.<a name="FNanchor_753_753" id="FNanchor_753_753"></a><a href="#Footnote_753_753" class="fnanchor">[753]</a> The princes of the Papal party, +once so terrible, were similarly transformed. They had +been hastily forced to speak out; if they desired war, they +must begin it instantly.</p> + +<p>But they shrunk back at this frightful prospect. How, +with the enthusiasm that animated the Protestants, take up +arms against them! Were not the abuses of the Church +everywhere acknowledged, and could the Roman princes be +sure of their own subjects? Besides, what would be the +issue of a war but the increase of the Emperor's power? +The Roman-catholic states, and the Duke of Bavaria in particular, +would have been glad to see Charles at war with the +Protestants, in the hope that he would thus consume his +strength; but it was, on the contrary, with their own soldiers +that the Emperor designed attacking the heretics. Henceforth +they rejected the instrumentality of arms as eagerly as +they had at first desired it.</p> + +<p>Everything had thus changed in Augsburg: the Romish +party was paralyzed, disheartened, and even broken up. The +sword already drawn was hastily thrust back into the sheath. +Peace! peace! was the cry of all.</p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p>XI. The diet now entered upon its third phasis, and as the +time of tentatives had been followed by that of menaces; +now that of arrangements was to succeed the period of menaces. +New and more formidable dangers were then to be +encountered by the Reform. Rome, seeing the sword torn +from its hands, had seized the net, and enlacing her adversaries +with "cords of humanity and bands of love," was +endeavouring to drag them gently into the abyss.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE MIXED COMMISSION.</div> + +<p>At eight o'clock in the morning of the 16th August, a +mixed commission was framed, which counted on each side +two princes, two lawyers, and three theologians. In the +Romish party, there were Duke Henry of Brunswick, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span> +Bishop of Augsburg, the Chancellors of Baden and Cologne, +with Eck, Cochlœus, and Wimpina; on the part of the Protestants, +were the Margrave George of Brandenburg, the +Prince Electoral of Saxony, the Chancellors Brck and Heller, +with Melancthon, Brenz, and Schnepf.<a name="FNanchor_754_754" id="FNanchor_754_754"></a><a href="#Footnote_754_754" class="fnanchor">[754]</a></p> + +<p>They agreed to take as basis the Confession of the Evangelical +states, and they began to read it article by article. +The Romish theologians displayed an unexpected condescension. +Out of twenty-one dogmatical articles, there were +only six or seven to which they made any objection. Original +Sin stopped them some time: at length they came to an +understanding; the Protestants admitted that Baptism removed +the guilt of the sin, and the Papists agreed that it did +not wash away concupiscence. As for the Church, they +granted that it contained sanctified men and sinners; they +coincided also on confession. The Protestants rejected especially +as impossible the enumeration of all the sins prescribed +by Rome. Doctor Eck yielded this point.<a name="FNanchor_755_755" id="FNanchor_755_755"></a><a href="#Footnote_755_755" class="fnanchor">[755]</a></p> + +<p>There remained three doctrines only on which they differed.</p> + +<p>The first was that of Penance. The Romish doctors taught +that it contained three parts: contrition, confession, and satisfaction. +The Protestants rejected the latter, and the Romanists +clearly perceiving that with satisfaction would fall indulgences, +purgatory, with other of their doctrines and profits, +vigorously maintained it. "We agree," said they, "that the +penance imposed by the priest does not procure remission of +the guilt of sin: but we maintain that it is necessary to obtain +remission of the penalty."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ROMISH DISSIMULATION.</div> + +<p>The second controverted point was the Invocation of Saints; +and the third, and principal one, was Justification by Faith. +It was of the greatest importance for the Romanists to maintain +the meritorious influence of works: all their system, in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span> +reality, was based on that. Eck therefore haughtily declared +war on the assertion that faith alone justifies. "That word +<i>sole</i>," said he, "we cannot tolerate. It generates scandals, +and renders men brutal and impious. Let us send back the +<i>sole</i> to the cobbler."<a name="FNanchor_756_756" id="FNanchor_756_756"></a><a href="#Footnote_756_756" class="fnanchor">[756]</a></p> + +<p>But the Protestants would not listen to such reasoning; and +even when they put the question to each other, Shall we maintain +that faith alone justifies us gratuitously? "Undoubtedly, +undoubtedly," exclaimed one of them with exaggeration, +"<i>gratuitously and uselessly</i>."<a name="FNanchor_757_757" id="FNanchor_757_757"></a><a href="#Footnote_757_757" class="fnanchor">[757]</a> They even adduced strange +authorities: "Plato," said they, "declares that it is not by +external works, but by virtue that God is adored; and every +one knows these verses of Cato's:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Si deus est animus, nobis ut carmina dicunt,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hic tibi precipue pura sit mente colendus."<a name="FNanchor_758_758" id="FNanchor_758_758"></a><a href="#Footnote_758_758" class="fnanchor">[758]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>"Certainly," resumed the Romish theologians; "it is only +of works performed with grace that we speak; but we say that +in such works there is something meritorious." The Protestants +declared they could not grant it.</p> + +<p>They had approximated however beyond all hope. The +Roman theologians, clearly understanding their position, had +purposed to appear agreed rather than be so in reality. Every +one knew, for instance, that the Protestants rejected transubstantiation: +but the Article of the Confession on this point, +being able to be taken in the Romish sense, the Papists had +admitted it. Their triumph was only deferred. The general +expressions that were used in all the controverted points, +would permit somewhat later a Romish interpretation to be +given to the Confession; ecclesiastical authority would declare +this the only true one; and Rome, thanks to a few moments of +dissimulation, would thus reascend the throne. Have we not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span> +seen in our own days the Thirty-nine Articles of the Anglican +Church interpreted in accordance with the Council of +Trent? There are causes in which falsehood is never awanting. +This plot was as skilfully executed, as it was profoundly +conceived.</p> + +<p>The Commissioners were on the best terms with one +another, and concord seemed restored. One single uneasiness +disturbed that happy moment: the idea of the Landgrave: +"Ignorant that we are almost agreed," said they, "this young +mad-brain is doubtless already assembling his army; we must +bring him back, and make him a witness of our cordial +union." On the morning of the 13th, one of the members of +the Commission (Duke Henry of Brunswick), accompanied by +a councillor of the Emperor, set out to discharge this difficult +mission.<a name="FNanchor_759_759" id="FNanchor_759_759"></a><a href="#Footnote_759_759" class="fnanchor">[759]</a> Duke George of Saxony supplied his place as arbitrator.</p> + +<p>They now passed from the first part of the Confession to the +second: from doctrines to abuses. Here the Romish theologians +could not yield so easily, for if they appeared to +agree with the Protestants, it was all over with the honour +and power of the hierarchy. It was accordingly for this +period of the combat that they had reserved their cunning +and their strength.</p> + +<p>They began by approaching the Protestants as near as +they could, for the more they granted, the more they might +draw the Reform to them and stifle it. "We think," said +they, "that with the permission of his holiness, and the approbation +of his majesty, we shall be able to permit, until +the next council, the communion in both kinds, wherever it is +practised already; only, your ministers should preach at +Easter, that that is not of Divine institution, and that Christ +is wholly in each kind.<a name="FNanchor_760_760" id="FNanchor_760_760"></a><a href="#Footnote_760_760" class="fnanchor">[760]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE MAIN QUESTION.</div> + +<p>"Moreover," continued they, "as for the married priests,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span> +desirous of sparing the poor women whom they have seduced, +of providing for the maintenance of their innocent children, +and of preventing every kind of scandal, we will tolerate +them until the next council, and we shall then see if it will +not be right to decree that married men may be admitted to +holy orders, as was the case in the primitive Church for +many centuries.<a name="FNanchor_761_761" id="FNanchor_761_761"></a><a href="#Footnote_761_761" class="fnanchor">[761]</a></p> + +<p>"Finally, we acknowledge that the sacrifice of the Mass +is a mystery, a representation, a sacrifice of commemoration, +a memorial of the sufferings and death of Christ, accomplished +on the cross."<a name="FNanchor_762_762" id="FNanchor_762_762"></a><a href="#Footnote_762_762" class="fnanchor">[762]</a></p> + +<p>This was yielding much: but the turn of the Protestants +was come; for if Rome appeared to give, it was only to +take in return.</p> + +<p>The grand question was the Church, its maintenance and +government: who should provide for it? They could see +only two means: princes or bishops. If they feared the +bishops, they must decide for the princes: if they feared the +princes, they must decide for the bishops. They were at +that time too distant from the normal state to discover a third +solution, and to perceive that the Church ought to be maintained +by the Church itself—by the christian people. +"Secular princes in the long-run will be defaulters to the +government of the Church," said the Saxon divines in the +opinion they presented on the 18th August; "they are not +fit to execute it, and besides it would cost them too dear:<a name="FNanchor_763_763" id="FNanchor_763_763"></a><a href="#Footnote_763_763" class="fnanchor">[763]</a> +the bishops, on the contrary, have property destined to provide +for this charge."</p> + +<p>Thus the presumed incapacity of the state, and the fear +they entertained of its indifference, threw the Protestants into +the arms of the hierarchy.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CHURCH GOVERNMENT.</div> + +<p>They proposed therefore to restore to the bishops their jurisdiction,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span> +the maintenance of discipline, and the superintendence +of the priests, provided they did not persecute the Evangelical +doctrine, and did not oppress the pastors with impious +vows and burdens. "We may not," added they, "without +strong reasons rend that order by which the bishops are over +the priests, and which existed in the Church from the beginning. +It is dangerous before the Lord to change the order of +governments." Their argument is not founded upon the Bible, +as may be seen, but upon ecclesiastical discipline.</p> + +<p>The Protestant divines went even farther, and, taking a +last step that seemed decisive, they consented to acknowledge +the Pope as being (but of human right) supreme bishop of +Christendom. "Although the Pope is Anti-christ, we may +be under his government, as the Jews were under Pharaoh, +and in later days under Caiaphas." We must confess these +two comparisons were not flattering to the Pope. "Only," +added the doctors, "let the sound doctrine be fully accorded +to us."</p> + +<p>The chancellor Brck alone appears to have been conscious +of the truth: he wrote on the margin with a firm hand: +"We cannot acknowledge the Pope, because we say he is +Antichrist, and because he claims the primacy of right +divine."<a name="FNanchor_764_764" id="FNanchor_764_764"></a><a href="#Footnote_764_764" class="fnanchor">[764]</a></p> + +<p>Finally, the Protestant theologians consented to agree with +Rome as regards indifferent ceremonies, fasts, and forms of +worship; and the Elector engaged to put under sequestration +the ecclesiastical property already secularized, until the decision +of the next council.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PRETENDED CONCORD.</div> + +<p>Never was the conservative spirit of Lutheranism more +clearly manifested. "We have promised our adversaries to +concede to them certain points of church government, that +may be granted without wounding the conscience," wrote +Melancthon.<a name="FNanchor_765_765" id="FNanchor_765_765"></a><a href="#Footnote_765_765" class="fnanchor">[765]</a> But he began to be very doubtful whether +ecclesiastical concessions would not drag with them doctrinal<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span> +concessions also. The reform was drifting away......still +a few more fathoms, and it was lost. Already disunion, +trouble, and affright began to spread among its ranks. Melancthon +has become more childish than a child, said one of +his friends;<a name="FNanchor_766_766" id="FNanchor_766_766"></a><a href="#Footnote_766_766" class="fnanchor">[766]</a> and yet he was so excited, that the Chancellor +of Lunenburg having made some objections to these +unprecedented concessions, the little Master of Arts proudly +raised his head, and said with a sharp and harsh tone of +voice: "He who dares assert that the means indicated are +not christian is a liar and a scoundrel."<a name="FNanchor_767_767" id="FNanchor_767_767"></a><a href="#Footnote_767_767" class="fnanchor">[767]</a> On which the +Chancellor immediately repaid him in his own coin. These +expressions cannot, however, detract from Melancthon's reputation +for mildness. After so many useless efforts, he was +exhausted, irritated, and his words cut the deeper, as they +were the less expected from him. He was not the only one +demoralized. Brenz appeared clumsy, rude, and uncivil; +Chancellor Keller had misled the pious Margrave of Brandenburg, +and transformed the courage of this prince into +pusillanimity: no other human support remained to the +Elector than his chancellor Brck. And even this firm man +began to grow alarmed at his isolation.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LUTHER'S LETTERS.</div> + +<p>But he was not alone: the most earnest protests were received +from without. "If it is true that you are making +such concessions," said their affrighted friends to the Saxon +divines, "christian liberty is at an end.<a name="FNanchor_768_768" id="FNanchor_768_768"></a><a href="#Footnote_768_768" class="fnanchor">[768]</a> What is your +pretended concord? a thick cloud that you raise in the air +to eclipse the sun that was beginning to illumine the Church.<a name="FNanchor_769_769" id="FNanchor_769_769"></a><a href="#Footnote_769_769" class="fnanchor">[769]</a> +Never will the christian people accept conditions so opposed +to the Word of God; and your only gain will be furnishing +the enemies of the Gospel with a specious pretext to butcher +those who remain faithful to it." Among the laymen these<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span> +convictions were general. "Better die with Jesus Christ," +said all Augsburg,<a name="FNanchor_770_770" id="FNanchor_770_770"></a><a href="#Footnote_770_770" class="fnanchor">[770]</a> "than gain the favour of the whole world +without him!"</p> + +<p>No one felt so much alarm as Luther at the moment when +he saw the glorious edifice that God had raised by his hands +on the point of falling to ruin in those of Melancthon. The +day on which this news arrived, he wrote five letters,—to +the Elector, to Melancthon, to Spalatin, to Jonas, and to Brenz, +all equally filled with courage and with faith.</p> + +<p>"I learn," said he, "that you have begun a marvellous +work, namely, to put Luther and the Pope in harmony; but +the Pope is unwilling, and Luther begs to be excused.<a name="FNanchor_771_771" id="FNanchor_771_771"></a><a href="#Footnote_771_771" class="fnanchor">[771]</a> And +if, in despite of them, you succeed in this affair, then after +your example I will bring together Christ and Belial.</p> + +<p>"The world I know is full of wranglers who obscure the +doctrine of justification by faith, and of fanatics who persecute +it. Do not be astonished at it, but continue to defend it +with courage, for it is the heel of the seed of the woman that +shall bruise the head of the serpent.<a name="FNanchor_772_772" id="FNanchor_772_772"></a><a href="#Footnote_772_772" class="fnanchor">[772]</a></p> + +<p>"Beware also of the jurisdiction of the bishops, for fear we +should have soon to recommence a more terrible struggle than +the first. They will take our concessions widely, very widely, +always more widely, and will give us theirs narrowly, very +narrowly, and always more narrowly.<a name="FNanchor_773_773" id="FNanchor_773_773"></a><a href="#Footnote_773_773" class="fnanchor">[773]</a> All these negotiations +are impossible, unless the Pope should renounce his +Papacy.</p> + +<p>"A pretty motive indeed our adversaries assign! They +cannot, say they, restrain their subjects, if we do not publish +everywhere that they have the truth for them: as if God only +taught his Word, in order that our enemies might at pleasure +tyrannize over their people.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE WORD ABOVE THE CHURCH.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span>"They cry out that we condemn all the Church. No, +we do not condemn it; but as for them, they condemn all +the Word of God, and the Word of God is more than the +Church."<a name="FNanchor_774_774" id="FNanchor_774_774"></a><a href="#Footnote_774_774" class="fnanchor">[774]</a></p> + +<p>This important declaration of the Reformers decides the +controversy between the Evangelical Christians and the Papacy: +unfortunately we have often seen Protestants return, +on this fundamental point, to the error of Rome, and set the +visible Church above the Word of God.</p> + +<p>"I write to you now," continues Luther, "to believe with +all of us (and that through obedience to Jesus Christ), that +Campeggio is a famous demon.<a name="FNanchor_775_775" id="FNanchor_775_775"></a><a href="#Footnote_775_775" class="fnanchor">[775]</a> I cannot tell how violently +these conditions agitate me which you propose. The plan of +Campeggio and the Pope has been to try us first by threats, +and then, if they do not succeed, by stratagems; you have +triumphed over the first attack, and sustained the terrible +coming of Csar: now, then, for the second. Act with +courage, and do not yield to the adversaries except what can +be proved with evidence from the very Word of God.</p> + +<p>"But if, which Christ forbid! you do not put forward all +the Gospel; if, on the contrary, you shut up that glorious +eagle in a sack; Luther—doubt it not!—Luther will come +and gloriously deliver the eagle.<a name="FNanchor_776_776" id="FNanchor_776_776"></a><a href="#Footnote_776_776" class="fnanchor">[776]</a> As certainly as Christ +lives, that shall be done!"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PAPIST INFATUATION.</div> + +<p>Thus spoke Luther, but in vain: everything in Augsburg +was tending towards approaching ruin; Melancthon +had a bandage over his eyes that nothing could tear off. He +no longer listened to Luther, and cared not for popularity. +"It does not become us," said he, "to be moved by the +clamours of the vulgar:<a name="FNanchor_777_777" id="FNanchor_777_777"></a><a href="#Footnote_777_777" class="fnanchor">[777]</a> we must think of peace and of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span> +posterity. If we repeal the episcopal jurisdiction, what will +be the consequence to our descendants? The secular powers +care nothing about the interests of religion.<a name="FNanchor_778_778" id="FNanchor_778_778"></a><a href="#Footnote_778_778" class="fnanchor">[778]</a> Besides too +much dissimilarity in the Churches is injurious to peace: we +must unite with the bishops, lest the infamy of schism should +overwhelm us for ever."<a name="FNanchor_779_779" id="FNanchor_779_779"></a><a href="#Footnote_779_779" class="fnanchor">[779]</a></p> + +<p>They too readily listened to Melancthon, and they vigorously +laboured to bind to the Papacy by the bonds of the +hierarchy the Church that God had wonderfully emancipated. +Protestantism rushed blindfold into the nets of its enemies. +Already serious voices announced the return of the Lutherans +into the bosom of the Romish Church. "They are +preparing their defection, and are passing over to the Papists," +said Zwingle.<a name="FNanchor_780_780" id="FNanchor_780_780"></a><a href="#Footnote_780_780" class="fnanchor">[780]</a> The politic Charles the Fifth so +acted that no haughty word should compromise the victory; +but the Roman clergy could not master themselves: their +pride, their insolence increased every day. "One would never +believe," said Melancthon, "the airs of triumph which the +Papists give themselves." There was good reason! the +agreement was on the verge of conclusion: yet one or two +steps.......and then, woe to Reform!</p> + +<p>Who could prevent this desolating ruin? It was Luther +who pronounced the name towards which all eyes should be +turned: "Christ lives," said he, "and he by whom the +violence of our enemies has been conquered will give us +strength to surmount their wiles." This was in truth the +only resource, and it did not fail the Reform.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A NEW COMMISSION.</div> + +<p>If the Roman hierarchy had been willing, under certain +admissible conditions, to receive the Protestants who were +ready to capitulate, it was all over with them. When once +it held them in its arms, it would have stifled them; but God +blinded the Papacy, and thus saved his Church. "No concessions," +had declared the Romish senate; and Campeggio,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span> +elated with his victory, repeated, "No concessions!" +He moved heaven and earth to inflame the Catholic zeal of +Charles in this decisive moment. From the Emperor he +passed to the princes. "Celibacy, confession, the withdrawal +of the cup, private masses!" exclaimed he: "all these +are obligatory: we must have all." This was saying to the +Evangelical Christians, as the Samnites to the ancient Romans: +"Here are the Caudine Forks: pass through them!"</p> + +<p>The Protestants saw the yoke, and shuddered. God revived +the courage of the confessors in their weakened hearts. +They raised their heads, and rejected this humiliating capitulation. +The commission was immediately dissolved.</p> + +<p>This was a great deliverance; but soon appeared a fresh +danger. The Evangelical Christians should have immediately +quitted Augsburg; but, said one of them,<a name="FNanchor_781_781" id="FNanchor_781_781"></a><a href="#Footnote_781_781" class="fnanchor">[781]</a> "Satan, +disguised as an angel of light, blinded the eyes of their understanding." +They remained.</p> + +<p>All was not yet lost for Rome, and the spirit of falsehood +and of cunning might again renew its attacks.</p> + +<p>It was believed at court that this disagreeable termination +of the commission was to be ascribed to some wrong-headed +individuals, and particularly to Duke George. They therefore +resolved to name another, composed of six members only: on +the one side, Eck, with the chancellors of Cologne and Baden; +on the other, Melancthon, with the chancellors Brck and +Heller. The Protestants consented, and all was begun +anew.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE LANDGRAVE'S FIRMNESS.</div> + +<p>The alarm then increased among the most decided followers +of the Reformation. "If we expose ourselves unceasingly +to new dangers, must we not succumb at last?"<a name="FNanchor_782_782" id="FNanchor_782_782"></a><a href="#Footnote_782_782" class="fnanchor">[782]</a> The +deputies of Nuremberg in particular declared that their city +would never place itself again under the detested yoke of the +bishops. "It is the advice of the undecided Erasmus that +Melancthon follows," said they. "Say rather of Ahithophel"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span> +(2 Sam. xv.), replied others. "However it may be," added +they; "if the Pope had bought Melancthon, the latter could +have done nothing better to secure the victory for him."<a name="FNanchor_783_783" id="FNanchor_783_783"></a><a href="#Footnote_783_783" class="fnanchor">[783]</a></p> + +<p>The Landgrave was especially indignant at this cowardice. +"Melancthon," wrote he to Zwingle, "walks backwards like +a crab."<a name="FNanchor_784_784" id="FNanchor_784_784"></a><a href="#Footnote_784_784" class="fnanchor">[784]</a> From Friedwald, whither he had repaired after +his flight from Augsburg, Philip of Hesse endeavoured to +check the fall of Protestantism. "When we begin to yield, we +always yield more," wrote he to his ministers at Augsburg. +"Declare therefore to my allies that I reject these perfidious +conciliations. If we are Christians, what we should pursue +is, not our own advantage, but the consolation of so many +weary and afflicted consciences, for whom there is no salvation +if we take away the Word of God. The bishops are not +real bishops, for they speak not according to the Holy Scriptures. +If we acknowledge them, what would happen? They +would remove our ministers, oppress the Gospel, re-establish +ancient abuses, and the last state would be worse than the +first. If the Papists will permit the free preaching of the pure +Gospel, let us come to an understanding with them; for the +truth will be the strongest, and will root out all the rest. But +if not!—No. This is the moment, not to yield, but to remain +firm even to the death. Baffle these fearful combinations of +Melancthon, and tell, from me, the deputies of the cities to be +men, and not women.<a name="FNanchor_785_785" id="FNanchor_785_785"></a><a href="#Footnote_785_785" class="fnanchor">[785]</a> Let us fear nothing: God is with +us."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE TWO PHANTOMS.</div> + +<p>Melancthon and his friends, thus attacked, sought to justify +themselves: on the one hand, they maintained, that if +they preserved the doctrine it would finally overthrow the +hierarchy. But then why restore it? Was it not more than +doubtful whether a doctrine so enfeebled would still retain +strength sufficient to shake the Papacy? On the other hand,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span> +Melancthon and his friends pointed out two phantoms before +which they shrunk in affright. The first was <i>war</i>: it was, +in their opinion, imminent. "It is not only," said they, +"numberless temporal evils that it will bring with it,—the +devastation of Germany, murder, violation, sacrilege, rapine; +but it will produce spiritual evils more frightful still, and +will inevitably bring on the perturbation of all religion."<a name="FNanchor_786_786" id="FNanchor_786_786"></a><a href="#Footnote_786_786" class="fnanchor">[786]</a> +The second phantom was the supremacy of the state. Melancthon +and his friends foresaw the dependence to which +the princes would reduce the Church, the increasing secularization +of its institutions and of its instruments, the spiritual +death that would result, and they shrunk back with terror +from the frightful prospect. "Good men do not think that +the court should regulate the ministry of the Church,"<a name="FNanchor_787_787" id="FNanchor_787_787"></a><a href="#Footnote_787_787" class="fnanchor">[787]</a> said +Brenz. "Have you not yourselves experienced," added he +ironically, "with what wisdom and mildness these boors ('tis +thus I denominate the officials and prefects of the princes) +treat the ministers of the Church, and the Church itself. +Rather die seven times!"—"I see," exclaimed Melancthon, +"what a Church we shall have if the ecclesiastical government +is abolished. I discover in the future a tyranny far more +intolerable than that which has existed to this day."<a name="FNanchor_788_788" id="FNanchor_788_788"></a><a href="#Footnote_788_788" class="fnanchor">[788]</a> Then, +bowed down by the accusations that poured upon him from +every side, the unhappy Philip exclaimed: "If it is I who +have aroused this tempest, I pray his majesty to throw me, +like Jonas, into the sea, and to drag me out only to give me +up to torture and to the stake."<a name="FNanchor_789_789" id="FNanchor_789_789"></a><a href="#Footnote_789_789" class="fnanchor">[789]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">ROME AND CHRISTIANITY.</div> + +<p>The Romish episcopacy once recognised, all seemed easy. +In the Commission of Six, they conceded the cup to the laity, +marriage to the pastors, and the article of prayer to saints<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span> +appeared of little importance. But they stopped at three +doctrines which the Evangelicals could not yield. The first +was the necessity of human satisfaction for the remission of +the penalties of sin; the second, the idea of something meritorious +in every good work; the third, the utility of private +masses. "Ah!" quickly replied Campeggio to Charles the +Fifth, "I would rather be cut in pieces than concede anything +about Masses."<a name="FNanchor_790_790" id="FNanchor_790_790"></a><a href="#Footnote_790_790" class="fnanchor">[790]</a></p> + +<p>"What!" replied the politicians, "when you agree on all +the great doctrines of salvation, will you for ever rend the +unity of the Church for three such trivial articles? Let +the theologians make a last effort, and we shall see the two +parties unite, and Rome embrace Wittemberg."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">IRRITATION.</div> + +<p>It was not so: under these three points was concealed a +whole system. On the Roman side, they entertained the +idea that certain works gain the Divine favour, independently +of the disposition of him who performs them, and by virtue +of the will of the Church. On the Evangelical side, on the +contrary, they felt a conviction that these external ordinances +were mere human traditions, and that the only thing which +procured man the Divine favour was the work that God accomplished +by Christ on the cross; while the only thing that +put him in possession of this favour was the work of regeneration +that Christ accomplishes by his Spirit in the heart +of the sinner. The Romanists, by maintaining their three +articles, said: "the Church saves," which is the essential +doctrine of Rome; the Evangelicals, by rejecting them, said: +"Jesus Christ alone saves," which is Christianity itself. This +is the great antithesis which then existed, and which still +separates the two Churches. With these three points, which +placed souls under her dependence, Rome justly expected +to recover everything; and she showed by her perseverance +that she understood her position. But the Evangelicals were +not disposed to abandon theirs. The Christian principle +was maintained against the ecclesiastical principle which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span> +aspired to swallow it up: Jesus Christ stood firm in presence +of the Church, and it was seen that henceforward all +conferences were superfluous.</p> + +<p>Time pressed: for two months and a half Charles the Fifth +had been labouring in Augsburg, and his pride suffered because +four or five theologians checked the triumphal progress +of the conqueror of Pavia. "What!" said they to him, "a +few days sufficed to overthrow the King of France and the +Pope, and you cannot succeed with these Gospellers!" They +determined on breaking off the conferences. Eck, irritated +because neither stratagem nor terror had been effectual, could +not master himself in the presence of the Protestants. +"Ah!" exclaimed he, at the moment of separation, "why +did not the Emperor, when he entered Germany, make a +general inquest about the Lutherans? He would then have +heard arrogant answers, witnessed monsters of heresy, and +his zeal suddenly taking fire, would have led him to destroy +all this faction.<a name="FNanchor_791_791" id="FNanchor_791_791"></a><a href="#Footnote_791_791" class="fnanchor">[791]</a> But now Brck's mild language and Melancthon's +concessions prevent him from getting so angry as +the cause requires." Eck said these words with a smile; +but they expressed all his thoughts. The colloquy terminated +on the 30th of August.</p> + +<p>The Romish states made their report to the Emperor. They +were face to face, three steps only from each other, without +either side being able to approach nearer, even by a hair's +breadth.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE GORDIAN KNOT.</div> + +<p>Thus, then, Melancthon had failed; and his enormous +concessions were found useless. From a false love of peace, +he had set his heart on an impossibility. Melancthon was +at the bottom a really Christian soul. God preserved him +from his great weakness, and broke the clue that was about +to lead him to destruction. Nothing could have been more +fortunate for the Reformation than Melancthon's failure; but +nothing could, at the same time, have been more fortunate for +himself: his friends saw that though he was willing to yield<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span> +much, he could not go so far as to yield Christ himself, and +his defeat justified him in the eyes of the Protestants.</p> + +<p>The Elector of Saxony and the Margrave of Brandenburg +sent to beg Charles's leave to depart. The latter refused at +first rather rudely, but at last he began to conjure the princes +not to create by their departure new obstacles to the arrangements +they soon hoped to be able to conclude.<a name="FNanchor_792_792" id="FNanchor_792_792"></a><a href="#Footnote_792_792" class="fnanchor">[792]</a> We shall +see of what nature these arrangements were.</p> + +<p>They appeared to redouble their exertions. If they now +let the clue slip, it is lost for ever: they laboured accordingly +to reunite the two ends. There were conferences in the gardens, +conferences at the churches, at St. George's, at St. +Maurice's, between the Duke of Brunswick and John Frederick +the Elector's son, the Chancellors of Baden and of Saxony, +the Chancellor of Liege and Melancthon; but all these attempts +were unavailing. It was to other means they were going to +have recourse.</p> + +<p>Charles the Fifth had resolved to take the affair in hand, and +to cut the Gordian knot, which neither doctor nor princes could +untie. Irritated at seeing his advances spurned and his +authority compromised, he thought that the moment was +come for drawing the sword. On the 4th September the +members of the Roman party, who were still endeavouring to +gain over the Protestants, whispered these frightful intentions +in Melancthon's ears. "We scarcely dare mention it," said +they: "the sword is already in the Emperor's hands, and +certain people exasperate him more and more. He is not +easily enraged, but once angry it is impossible to quiet +him."<a name="FNanchor_793_793" id="FNanchor_793_793"></a><a href="#Footnote_793_793" class="fnanchor">[793]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">ALARM IN ROME.</div> + +<p>Charles had reason to appear exacting and terrible. He +had at length obtained from Rome an unexpected concession—a +council. Clement VII. had laid the Emperor's request +before a Congregation: "How will men who reject the ancient +councils submit to a new one?" they had replied. Clement<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span> +himself had no wish for such an assembly. His birth +and his conduct made him equally dread it.<a name="FNanchor_794_794" id="FNanchor_794_794"></a><a href="#Footnote_794_794" class="fnanchor">[794]</a> However, his +promises at the Castle of St. Angelo and at Bologna rendered +it impossible for him to give a decided refusal. He answered, +therefore, that "the remedy would be worse than the disease;<a name="FNanchor_795_795" id="FNanchor_795_795"></a><a href="#Footnote_795_795" class="fnanchor">[795]</a> +but that if the Emperor, who was so good a Catholic, judged a +council absolutely necessary, he would consent to it, under +the express condition, however, that the Protestants should submit +in the meanwhile to the doctrines and rites of the Church." +Then as the place of meeting he appointed Rome!</p> + +<p>Scarcely had the news of this concession spread abroad, +than the fear of a Reformation froze the Papal court. The +public charges of the Papacy, which were altogether venal, +immediately fell, says a cardinal, and were offered at the +lowest price,<a name="FNanchor_796_796" id="FNanchor_796_796"></a><a href="#Footnote_796_796" class="fnanchor">[796]</a> without even being able to find purchasers.<a name="FNanchor_797_797" id="FNanchor_797_797"></a><a href="#Footnote_797_797" class="fnanchor">[797]</a> +The Papacy was compromised; the merchandise was in +great danger; and the <i>price current</i> immediately declined +on the Roman exchange.</p> + +<p>On Wednesday, 7th September, at two in the afternoon, +the Protestant princes and deputies having been introduced +into the chamber of Charles the Fifth, the Count-palatine +said to them, "that the Emperor, considering their small +number, had not expected they would uphold new sects +against the ancient usages of the Universal Church; that, +nevertheless, being desirous of appearing to the last full of +kindness, he would require of his Holiness the convocation +of a council; but that in the meanwhile they should return +immediately into the bosom of the Catholic Church, and restore +everything to its ancient footing."<a name="FNanchor_798_798" id="FNanchor_798_798"></a><a href="#Footnote_798_798" class="fnanchor">[798]</a></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span></p> +<div class="sidenote">MENACES.</div> + +<p>The Protestants replied on the morrow, the 8th September, +that they had not stirred up new sects contrary to the Holy +Scriptures;<a name="FNanchor_799_799" id="FNanchor_799_799"></a><a href="#Footnote_799_799" class="fnanchor">[799]</a> that, quite the reverse, if they had not agreed +with their adversaries, it was because they had desired to +remain faithful to the Word of God; that by convoking +in Germany a general, free, and christian council, it would +only be doing what preceding diets had promised; but that +nothing should compel them to re-establish in their churches +an order of things opposed to the commandments of God.</p> + +<p>It was eight in the evening when, after a long deliberation, +the Protestants were again called in. "His majesty," said +George Truchses to them, "is equally astonished both that +the Catholic members of the commissions have accorded so +much, and that the Protestant members have refused everything. +What is your party in the presence of his imperial +majesty, of his Papal holiness, of the electors, princes, estates +of the Empire, and other kings, rulers, and potentates of +Christendom? It is but just that the minority should yield +to the majority. Do you desire the means of conciliation to +be protracted, or do you persist in your answer? Speak +frankly; for if you persist, the Emperor will immediately +see to the defence of the Church. To-morrow at one o'clock +you will bring your final decision."</p> + +<p>Never had such threatening words issued from Charles's +mouth. It was evident he wished to subdue the Protestants +by terror; but this end was not attained. They replied the +next day but one—a day more having been accorded them—that +new attempts at conciliation would only fatigue the Emperor +and the diet; that they only required regulations to +maintain political peace until the assembling of the council.<a name="FNanchor_800_800" id="FNanchor_800_800"></a><a href="#Footnote_800_800" class="fnanchor">[800]</a> +"Enough," replied the redoubtable Emperor; "I will reflect +upon it; but in the mean time let no one quit Augsburg."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ALTERCATIONS.</div> + +<p>Charles the Fifth was embarrassed in a labyrinth from +which he knew not how to escape. The state had resolved<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span> +to interfere with the Church, and saw itself compelled to have +immediate recourse to its <i>ultima ratio</i>—the sword. Charles +did not desire war, and yet how could he now avoid it? If +he did not execute his threats, his dignity was compromised, +and his authority rendered contemptible. He sought an outlet +on one side or the other, but could find none. It therefore +only remained for him to close his eyes, and rush forward +without knowing what might happen. These thoughts disturbed +him: these cares preyed upon him; he was utterly +confounded.</p> + +<p>It was now that the Elector sent to beg Charles would not +be offended if he left Augsburg. "Let him await my +answer," abruptly replied the Emperor; and the Elector +having rejoined that he would send his ministers to explain +his motives to his majesty: "Not so many speeches," resumed +Charles, with irritation; "let the Elector say whether +he will stay or not!"<a name="FNanchor_801_801" id="FNanchor_801_801"></a><a href="#Footnote_801_801" class="fnanchor">[801]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">PROTESTANTISM RESISTS.</div> + +<p>A rumour of the altercation between these two powerful +princes having spread abroad, the alarm became universal; it +was thought war would break out immediately, and there was +a great cry in all Augsburg.<a name="FNanchor_802_802" id="FNanchor_802_802"></a><a href="#Footnote_802_802" class="fnanchor">[802]</a> It was evening: men were +running to and fro; they rushed into the hotels of the princes +and of the Protestant deputies, and addressed them with the +severest reproaches. "His imperial majesty," said they, +"is about to have recourse to the most energetic measures!" +They even declared that hostilities had begun: it was whispered +that the commander of Horneck (Walter of Kronberg), +elected by the Emperor grand-master of the Teutonic order, +was about to enter Prussia with an army, and dispossess +Duke Albert, converted by Luther.<a name="FNanchor_803_803" id="FNanchor_803_803"></a><a href="#Footnote_803_803" class="fnanchor">[803]</a> Two nights successively +the same tumult was repeated. They shouted, they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span> +quarrelled, they fought, particularly in and before the mansions +of the princes: the war was nearly commencing in +Augsburg.</p> + +<p>At that crisis (12th September), John Frederick, prince-electoral +of Saxony, quitted the city.</p> + +<p>On the same day, or on the morrow, Jerome Wehe, chancellor +of Baden, and Count Truchses on the one side; Chancellor +Brck and Melancthon on the other, met at six in the +morning in the church of St. Maurice.<a name="FNanchor_804_804" id="FNanchor_804_804"></a><a href="#Footnote_804_804" class="fnanchor">[804]</a></p> + +<p>Charles, notwithstanding his threats, could not decide on +employing force. He could no doubt by a single word to his +Spanish bands or to his German lansquenets have seized on +these inflexible men, and treated them like Moors. But how +could Charles, a Netherlander, a Spaniard, who had been +absent ten years from the Empire, dare, without raising all +Germany, offer violence to the favourites of the nation? +Would not the Roman-catholic princes themselves see in this +act an infringement of their privileges? War was unseasonable. +"Lutheranism is extending already from the Baltic to +the Alps," wrote Erasmus to the legate: "You have but one +thing to do: tolerate it."<a name="FNanchor_805_805" id="FNanchor_805_805"></a><a href="#Footnote_805_805" class="fnanchor">[805]</a></p> + +<p>The negotiation begun in the Church of St. Maurice was +continued between the Margrave of Brandenburg and Count +Truchses. The Roman party only sought to save appearances, +and did not hesitate, besides, to sacrifice everything. +It asked merely for a few theatrical decorations—that the +Mass should be celebrated in the sacerdotal garment, with +chanting, reading, ceremonies, and its two canons.<a name="FNanchor_806_806" id="FNanchor_806_806"></a><a href="#Footnote_806_806" class="fnanchor">[806]</a> All the +rest was referred to the next council, and the Protestants, till +then, should conduct themselves so as to render account to +God, to the council, and to his majesty.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span></p><div class="sidenote">LUTHER'S EXHORTATION.</div> + +<p>But on the side of the Protestants the wind had also +changed. Now they will no longer have peace with Rome: +the scales had at last fallen from their eyes, and they discovered +with affright the abyss into which they had so nearly +plunged. Jonas, Spalatin, and even Melancthon were agreed. +"We have hitherto obeyed the commandment of St. Paul, +<i>Be at peace with all men</i>," said they; "now we must obey +this commandment of Christ, <i>Beware ye of the leaven of the +Pharisees, which is hypocrisy</i>. On the side of our adversaries +is nothing but cunning and perfidy, and their only aim is to +stifle our doctrine, which is truth itself.<a name="FNanchor_807_807" id="FNanchor_807_807"></a><a href="#Footnote_807_807" class="fnanchor">[807]</a> They hope to save +the abominable articles of Purgatory, Indulgences, and the +Papacy, because we have passed them by in silence.<a name="FNanchor_808_808" id="FNanchor_808_808"></a><a href="#Footnote_808_808" class="fnanchor">[808]</a> Let +us beware of betraying Christ and his Word in order to please +antichrist and the devil."<a name="FNanchor_809_809" id="FNanchor_809_809"></a><a href="#Footnote_809_809" class="fnanchor">[809]</a></p> + +<p>Luther at the same time redoubled his entreaties to withdraw +his friends from Augsburg. "Return, return," cried +he to them; "return, even if it must be so, cursed by the +Pope and the Emperor.<a name="FNanchor_810_810" id="FNanchor_810_810"></a><a href="#Footnote_810_810" class="fnanchor">[810]</a> You have confessed Jesus Christ, +offered peace, obeyed Charles, supported insults, and endured +blasphemies. I will canonize you, I, as faithful members +of Jesus Christ. You have done enough, and more than +enough: now it is for the Lord to act, and he will act! +They have our Confession, they have the Gospel; let them +receive it, if they will; and if they will not, let them go——. +If a war should come, let it come! We have prayed +enough; and we have discussed enough. The Lord is preparing +our adversaries as the victim for the sacrifice; he +will destroy their magnificence, and deliver his people. Yes! +he will preserve us even from Babylon, and from her burning +walls."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="sidenote">THE ELECTOR OF SAXONY.</div> + +<p>XII. Thus Luther gave the signal of departure. They<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span> +replied to the Reformer's appeal, and all prepared to quit +Augsburg on Saturday, 17th September. At ten at night +Duke Ernest of Luneburg assembled the deputies of Nuremberg +and the ministers of the Landgrave in his hotel, and +announced to them that the Elector was determined to leave +the next morning, without informing any one, and that he +would accompany him. "Keep the secret," said he to them, +"and know that, if peace cannot be preserved, it will be a +trifling matter for me to lose, combating with you, all that +God has given me."<a name="FNanchor_811_811" id="FNanchor_811_811"></a><a href="#Footnote_811_811" class="fnanchor">[811]</a></p> + +<p>The Elector's preparations betrayed his intentions. In +the middle of the night Duke Henry of Brunswick arrived +hastily at his hotel, beseeching him to wait,<a name="FNanchor_812_812" id="FNanchor_812_812"></a><a href="#Footnote_812_812" class="fnanchor">[812]</a> and, towards +morning, Counts Truchses and Mansfeldt announced that, +on the morrow between seven and eight, the Emperor would +give him his <i>cong</i>.</p> + +<p>On Monday, 19th September, the Elector purposing to leave +Augsburg immediately after his audience with Charles, +breakfasted at seven o'clock, then sent off his baggage and +his cooks,<a name="FNanchor_813_813" id="FNanchor_813_813"></a><a href="#Footnote_813_813" class="fnanchor">[813]</a> and ordered his officers to be ready at ten o'clock. +At the moment when John quitted the hotel to wait upon the +Emperor, all the members of his household were drawn up +on each side booted and spurred;<a name="FNanchor_814_814" id="FNanchor_814_814"></a><a href="#Footnote_814_814" class="fnanchor">[814]</a> but, having been introduced +to Charles, he was requested to wait two, four, or six +days longer.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE RECESS OF AUGSBURG.</div> + +<p>As soon as the Elector was alone with his allies, his indignation +burst forth, and he even became violent. "This +new delay will end in nothing,"<a name="FNanchor_815_815" id="FNanchor_815_815"></a><a href="#Footnote_815_815" class="fnanchor">[815]</a> he said; "I am resolved +to set out, happen what may. It seems to me, from the manner +in which things are arranged, that I have now completely<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span> +the air of a prisoner." The Margrave of Brandenburg +begged him to be calm. "I shall go," the Elector still replied. +At last he yielded, and having appeared again before +Charles the Fifth, he said, "I will wait until Friday next; +and, if nothing is done by that time, I shall leave forthwith."</p> + +<p>Great was the anxiety of the Protestants during these four +days of expectation. Most of them doubted not that, by acceding +to Charles's prayers, they had delivered themselves +into the hands of their enemies. "The Emperor is deliberating +whether he ought to hang us or let us live," wrote +Brenz.<a name="FNanchor_816_816" id="FNanchor_816_816"></a><a href="#Footnote_816_816" class="fnanchor">[816]</a> Fresh negotiations of Truchses were without success.<a name="FNanchor_817_817" id="FNanchor_817_817"></a><a href="#Footnote_817_817" class="fnanchor">[817]</a></p> + +<p>All that now remained for the Emperor was to draw up, +in common with the Romish states, the <i>recess</i> of the diet. +This was done; and, that the Protestants might not complain +of its having been prepared without their knowledge, he assembled +them in his palace on Thursday, 22d September, the +day previous to that fixed for the Elector's departure, and had +his project read to them by the Count-palatine. This project +was insult and war. The Emperor granted to the +Elector, the five princes, and the six cities,<a name="FNanchor_818_818" id="FNanchor_818_818"></a><a href="#Footnote_818_818" class="fnanchor">[818]</a> a delay of six +months, until the 15th April next year, to come to an arrangement +with the Church, the Pope, the Emperor, and all +the princes and monarchs of Christendom. This was clearly +announcing to them that the Romanists were very willing to +delay until the usual period for bringing armies into the +field.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">IRRITATING LANGUAGE.</div> + +<p>Nor was this all: this delay was granted only on the express +condition that the Protestants should immediately join the +Emperor in reducing the Anabaptists, and all those who +opposed the holy sacrament, by which were meant the Zwinglian<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span> +cities. He wished by this means to tie the hands of +the Protestants, and prevent the two families of the Reform +from uniting during the winter.</p> + +<p>Finally, the Protestants were forbidden to make any innovations, +to print or sell anything on the objects of faith, or to +draw any one whatever to their <i>sect</i>, "since the Confession +had been soundly refuted by the Holy Scriptures." Thus +they officially proclaimed the Reform a <i>sect</i>, and a sect contrary +to the Word of God.</p> + +<p>Nothing was more calculated to displease the friends of +the Gospel, who remained in Charles's presence astonished, +alarmed, and indignant.<a name="FNanchor_819_819" id="FNanchor_819_819"></a><a href="#Footnote_819_819" class="fnanchor">[819]</a> This had been foreseen; and, at +the moment when the Protestants were about to enter the +Emperor's chamber, Truchses and Wehe, making signs to +them, mysteriously slipped a paper into their hands, containing +a promise that, if, on the 15th April, the Protestants +required a prolongation of the delay, their request would certainly +be granted.<a name="FNanchor_820_820" id="FNanchor_820_820"></a><a href="#Footnote_820_820" class="fnanchor">[820]</a> But Brck, to whom the paper was +given, was not deceived. "A subtle ambuscade," said he; +"a masterpiece of knavery! God will save his own, and +will not permit them to fall into the snare."<a name="FNanchor_821_821" id="FNanchor_821_821"></a><a href="#Footnote_821_821" class="fnanchor">[821]</a> This trick, in +fact, served only still more to increase the courage of the +Protestants.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">INTIMIDATION.</div> + +<p>Brck, without discussing the <i>recess</i> in a political point of +view, confined himself to what was principally at stake, the +Word of God. "We maintain," said he, "that our Confession +is so based on the holy Word of God, that it is impossible +to refute it. We consider it as the very truth of God, +and we hope by it to stand one day before the judgment-seat +of the Lord." He then announced that the Protestants had +refuted the Refutation of the Romish theologians, and holding +in his hand the famous Apology of the Confession of Augsburg +written by Melancthon, he stepped forward, and offered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span> +it to Charles the Fifth. The Count-palatine took it, and the +Emperor was already stretching out his hand, when Ferdinand +having whispered a few words, he motioned the Count, +who immediately returned the Apology to Doctor Brck.<a name="FNanchor_822_822" id="FNanchor_822_822"></a><a href="#Footnote_822_822" class="fnanchor">[822]</a> +This paper and the "Commonplaces," are the masterpieces +of the Reformer. The embarrassed Emperor told the Protestants +to come again at eight the next morning.</p> + +<p>Charles the Fifth, resolving to employ every means to get +his decree accepted, began by entreaties; and scarcely was +the Margrave of Brandenburg seated to take his evening repast, +when Truchses and Wehe, appearing before him, used +every kind of discourse and argument, but without success.<a name="FNanchor_823_823" id="FNanchor_823_823"></a><a href="#Footnote_823_823" class="fnanchor">[823]</a></p> + +<p>The next day (Friday, 23d September), the Evangelical +princes and the deputies of the cities, assembling at five in +the morning in the Margrave's hotel, the <i>recess</i> was there +read anew in the presence of Truchses and Wehe, and Chancellor +Brck detailed seven reasons for its rejection. "I +undertake," said Wehe, "to translate the <i>recess</i> into German +in such a manner that you can accept it. As for the word +<i>sect</i>, in particular, it is the clerk who placed it there by mistake."<a name="FNanchor_824_824" id="FNanchor_824_824"></a><a href="#Footnote_824_824" class="fnanchor">[824]</a> +The mediators retired in haste to communicate to +Charles the complaints of the Protestants.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FINAL INTERVIEW.</div> + +<p>Charles and his ministers gave up every idea of reconciliation, +and hoped for nothing except through fear. The +Protestants having arrived at eight o'clock at the imperial +palace, they were made to wait an hour; the Elector of +Brandenburg then said to them in Charles's name: "His +majesty is astonished beyond measure that you still maintain +your doctrine to be based on the holy Scriptures. If you said +the truth, his majesty's ancestors, so many kings and emperors, +and even the ancestors of the Elector of Saxony, would +have been heretics! There is no Gospel, there is no Scripture,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span> +that imposes on us the obligation of seizing by violence +the goods of another, and of saying afterwards that we cannot +conscientiously restore them. It is for this reason," added +Joachim, after these words, which he had accompanied with +a sardonic smile, "I am commissioned to inform you, that +if you refuse the <i>recess</i>, all the Germanic states will place their +lives and their property at the Emperor's disposal, and his +majesty himself will employ the resources of all his kingdoms +to complete this affair before leaving the Empire."</p> + +<p>"We do not accept it," replied the Protestants firmly,—"His +majesty also has a conscience," then resumed the +Elector of Brandenburg, in a harsh tone; "and if you do not +submit, he will concert with the Pope and the other potentates +on the best means of extirpating this sect and its new errors." +But in vain did they add threat to threat: the Protestants +remained calm, respectful, and unshaken. "Our enemies, +destitute of all confidence in God!" said they, "would +shake like a reed in presence of the Emperor's anger, and +they imagine that we should tremble in like manner; but we +have called unto God, and he will keep us faithful to his truth."</p> + +<p>The Protestants then prepared to take their final leave of +the Emperor. This prince, whose patience had been put to a +severe trial, approached to shake hands according to custom: +and beginning with the Elector of Saxony, he said to him in +a low voice: "Uncle, uncle! I should never have expected +this of you." The Elector was deeply affected: his eyes filled +with tears: but, firm and resolute, he bent his head and +quitted Charles without reply. It was now two in the afternoon.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">MESSAGES OF PEACE.</div> + +<p>While the Protestants were returning to their hotels, calm +and happy, the Romish princes returned to theirs, confused +and dispirited, uneasy and divided. They doubted not that +the <i>cong</i> that had just been given the Protestants would be +regarded by them as a declaration of war, and that on quitting +Augsburg, they would rush to arms. This thought terrified +them. Accordingly, the Elector of Saxony had hardly +reached his palace, when he saw Dr. Ruhel, councillor of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span> +the Elector of Mentz, hastening towards him, commissioned by +his master to deliver this message: "Although my brother +the Elector (Joachim of Brandenburg) has declared that all +the states of the Empire are ready to support the Emperor +against you, know that both myself and the ministers of +the Elector-palatine and of the Elector of Treves immediately +declared to his majesty that we do not adhere to this declaration, +seeing that we think very favourably of you.<a name="FNanchor_825_825" id="FNanchor_825_825"></a><a href="#Footnote_825_825" class="fnanchor">[825]</a> I intended +saying this to the Emperor in your presence, but you left so +precipitately, that I was unable."</p> + +<p>Thus spoke the primate of the German Church, and even +the choice of his messenger was significant: Dr. Ruhel was +Luther's brother-in-law. John begged him to thank his master.</p> + +<p>As this envoy retired, there arrived one of the gentlemen +of Duke Henry of Brunswick, a zealous Romanist. He was +at first refused admittance on account of the departure, but +returned hastily, just as Brck's carriage was leaving the +court-yard of the hotel. Approaching the carriage-door, he +said: "The Duke informs the Elector that he will endeavour +to put things in a better train, and will come this winter to +kill a wild boar with him."<a name="FNanchor_826_826" id="FNanchor_826_826"></a><a href="#Footnote_826_826" class="fnanchor">[826]</a> Shortly after, the terrible +Ferdinand himself declared that he would seek every means +of preventing an outbreak.<a name="FNanchor_827_827" id="FNanchor_827_827"></a><a href="#Footnote_827_827" class="fnanchor">[827]</a> All these manifestations of the +affrighted Roman-catholics showed on which side was the +real strength.</p> + +<p>At three o'clock in the afternoon the Elector of Saxony, +accompanied by the Dukes of Luneburg and the Princes of +Anhalt, quitted the walls of Augsburg. "God be praised," +said Luther, "that our dear prince is at last out of hell."<a name="FNanchor_828_828" id="FNanchor_828_828"></a><a href="#Footnote_828_828" class="fnanchor">[828]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">RESTORATION OF POPERY.</div> + +<p>As he saw these intrepid princes thus escaping from his +hands, Charles the Fifth gave way to a violence that was not +usual with him.<a name="FNanchor_829_829" id="FNanchor_829_829"></a><a href="#Footnote_829_829" class="fnanchor">[829]</a> "They want to teach me a new faith,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span> +cried he: "but it is not with the doctrine that we shall finish +this matter: we must draw the sword, and we shall then see +who is the strongest."<a name="FNanchor_830_830" id="FNanchor_830_830"></a><a href="#Footnote_830_830" class="fnanchor">[830]</a> There was a concert of indignation +around him. They were astonished at the audacity of Brck, +who had dared call the Romanists—heretics!<a name="FNanchor_831_831" id="FNanchor_831_831"></a><a href="#Footnote_831_831" class="fnanchor">[831]</a> But nothing +irritated them so much as the spirit of proselytism which in +those glorious days characterized Evangelical Germany; +and the anger of the Papists was particularly directed against +the Chancellor of Luneburg, "who," said they, "had sent +more than a hundred ministers into different places to preach +the new doctrine, and who had even publicly boasted of +it."<a name="FNanchor_832_832" id="FNanchor_832_832"></a><a href="#Footnote_832_832" class="fnanchor">[832]</a>—"Our adversaries thirst for our blood," wrote, as they +heard these complaints, the deputies of Nuremberg, who remained +almost alone at Augsburg.</p> + +<p>On the 4th October, Charles the Fifth wrote to the Pope; +for it was from Rome that the new crusade was to set out. +"The negotiations are broken off; our adversaries are more +obstinate than ever; and I am resolved to employ my strength +and my person in combating them. For this reason I beg +your holiness will demand the support of all christian +princes."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">TUMULT IN THE CHURCH.</div> + +<p>The enterprise began in Augsburg itself. The day on +which he wrote to the Pope, Charles, in honor of St. Francis +of Assisi, whose feast it was, re-established the Cordeliers in +that city, and a monk ascending the pulpit said: "All those +who preach that Jesus Christ alone has made satisfaction for +our sins, and that God saves us without regard to our works, +are thorough scoundrels. There are, on the contrary, two +roads to salvation: the common road, namely, the observance +of the commandments; and the perfect road, namely, the +ecclesiastical state." Scarcely was the sermon finished ere +they began to remove the benches placed in the church for +the Evangelical preaching, breaking them violently (for they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span> +were fixed with chains), and throwing them one upon another. +Within these consecrated walls two monks, in particular, +armed with hammers and pincers, tossed their arms, and +shouted like men possessed. "From this frightful uproar," +exclaimed some, "one would say they were pulling down a +house."<a name="FNanchor_833_833" id="FNanchor_833_833"></a><a href="#Footnote_833_833" class="fnanchor">[833]</a> It was in truth the house of God that they wished +to begin destroying.</p> + +<p>After the tumult was appeased, they sang Mass; then a +Spaniard desiring to recommence breaking the benches, and +being prevented by one of the citizens, they began to hurl +chairs at each other; one of the monks, leaving the choir, +ran up to them and was soon dragged into the fray; at length +the captain of police arrived with his men, who distributed +their well-directed blows on every side. Thus recommenced +in Germany the restoration of Roman-catholicism: popular +violence has often been one of its most powerful allies.</p> + +<p>On the 13th October the <i>recess</i> was read to all the Romish +states, and on the same day they concluded a Roman league.<a name="FNanchor_834_834" id="FNanchor_834_834"></a><a href="#Footnote_834_834" class="fnanchor">[834]</a></p> + +<p>Two cities had signed the Confession, and two others had +assented to it; the Imperialists hoped, however, that these +powerless municipalities, affrighted at the imperial authority, +would withdraw from the Protestant union. But on the 17th +October, instead of two or four cities, sixteen imperial cities, +among which were the most important in Germany, declared +it was impossible to grant any support against the Turks, so +long as public peace was not secured in Germany itself.<a name="FNanchor_835_835" id="FNanchor_835_835"></a><a href="#Footnote_835_835" class="fnanchor">[835]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">UNION OF THE CHURCHES.</div> + +<p>An event more formidable to Charles had just taken place. +The unity of the Reformation had prevailed. "We are one +in the fundamental articles of faith," had said the Zwinglian +cities, "and in particular (notwithstanding some disputes +about words among our theologians), we are <i>one</i> in the doctrine +of the communion in the body and blood of our Lord. +Receive us." The Saxon deputies immediately gave their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span> +hands. Nothing unites the children of God so much as the +violence of their adversaries. "Let us unite," said all, "for +the consolation of our brethren and the terror of our enemies."<a name="FNanchor_836_836" id="FNanchor_836_836"></a><a href="#Footnote_836_836" class="fnanchor">[836]</a></p> + +<p>In vain did Charles, who was intent on keeping up the division +among the Protestants, convoke the deputies of the Zwinglian +cities; in vain, desiring to render them odious, had he +accused them of fastening a consecrated wafer to a wall and +firing bullets at it;<a name="FNanchor_837_837" id="FNanchor_837_837"></a><a href="#Footnote_837_837" class="fnanchor">[837]</a> in vain did he overwhelm them with +fierce threats;—all his efforts were useless. At length the +Evangelical party was one.</p> + +<p>The alarm increased among the Roman party, who resolved +on fresh concessions. "The Protestants call for public +peace," said they: "well then, let us draw up articles of +peace." But, on the 29th October, the Protestants refused +these offers, because the Emperor enjoined peace to all the +world, without binding himself. "An Emperor has the right +to command peace to his subjects," haughtily answered +Charles; "but it has never been heard that he commanded it +to himself."<a name="FNanchor_838_838" id="FNanchor_838_838"></a><a href="#Footnote_838_838" class="fnanchor">[838]</a></p> + +<p>Nothing remained but to draw the sword; and for that +Charles made every preparation. On the 25th October, he +wrote to the cardinals at Rome: "We inform you that we +shall spare neither kingdoms nor lordships; and that we shall +venture even our soul and our body to complete things so +necessary."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CLOSE OF THE DIET.</div> + +<p>Scarcely had Charles's letter been received, before his +major-domo, Pedro de la Cueva, arrived in Rome by express. +"The season is now too far advanced to attack the Lutherans +immediately," said he to the Pope; "but prepare everything +for this enterprise. His majesty thinks it his duty to prefer +before all things the accomplishment of your designs."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span> +Thus Clement and the Emperor were also united, and both +sides began to concentrate their forces.</p> + +<p>On the evening of the 11th November, the <i>recess</i> was read +to the Protestant deputies, and on the 12th they rejected it, +declaring that they did not acknowledge the Emperor's power +to command in matters of faith.<a name="FNanchor_839_839" id="FNanchor_839_839"></a><a href="#Footnote_839_839" class="fnanchor">[839]</a> The deputies of Hesse and +of Saxony departed immediately after, and on the 19th November +the <i>recess</i> was solemnly read in the presence of +Charles the Fifth, and of the princes and deputies who were +still in Augsburg. This report was more hostile than the +project communicated to the Protestants. It bore, among other +things (this is only a sample of the urbanity of this official +doctrine), that "to deny free-will was the error not of a man, +but of a brute."—"We beg his majesty," said the Elector +Joachim, after it was read, "not to leave Germany, until by +his cares one sole and same faith be re-established in all the +Empire."</p> + +<p>The Emperor replied, that he would not go farther than his +states of the Low Countries. They desired deeds should follow +close upon words. It was then nearly seven in the evening; +a few torches, lighted here and there by the ushers, and +casting a pale light, alone illuminated this assembly: they +separated without seeing each other; and thus ended, as it +were by stealth, that diet so pompously announced to the +christian world.</p> + +<p>On the 22d November, the <i>recess</i> was made public, and +two days after Charles the Fifth set out for Cologne. The +ruler of two worlds had seen all his power baffled by a few +Christians; and he who had entered the imperial city in +triumph, now quitted it gloomy, silent, and dispirited. The +mightiest power of the earth was broken against the power of +God.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ATTACK ON GENEVA.</div> + +<p>But the Emperor's ministers and officers, excited by the +Pope, displayed so much the more energy. The states of +the Empire were bound to furnish Charles for three years,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span> +40,000 foot, 8000 horse, and a considerable sum of money;<a name="FNanchor_840_840" id="FNanchor_840_840"></a><a href="#Footnote_840_840" class="fnanchor">[840]</a> +the Margrave Henry of Zenete, the Count of Nassau, and +other nobles, made considerable levies on the side of the +Rhine; a captain going through the Black Forest called its +rude inhabitants to his standard, and there enrolled six companies +of lansquenets; King Ferdinand had written to all the +knights of the Tyrol and of Wurtemberg to gird on their +cuirasses and to seize their swords; Joachim of Talheim collected +the Spanish bands in the Low Countries, and ordered +them towards the Rhine; Peter Scher solicited from the +Duke of Lorraine the aid of his arms; and another chief +hastily moved the Spanish army of Florence in the direction +of the Alps. There was every reason to fear that the +Germans, even the Roman-catholics, would take Luther's +part; and hence principally foreign troops were levied.<a name="FNanchor_841_841" id="FNanchor_841_841"></a><a href="#Footnote_841_841" class="fnanchor">[841]</a> +Nothing but war was talked of in Augsburg.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">JOY OF THE EVANGELICALS.</div> + +<p>On a sudden a strange rumour was heard.<a name="FNanchor_842_842" id="FNanchor_842_842"></a><a href="#Footnote_842_842" class="fnanchor">[842]</a> The signal +is given, said every one. A free city, lying on the confines +of the Germanic and Roman world,—a city at war with its +bishop, in alliance with the Protestants, and which passes +for reformed even before really being so, has been suddenly +attacked. A courier from Strasburg brings this news to +Augsburg, and it circulates throughout the town with the +rapidity of lightning. Three days after Michaelmas, some +armed men, sent by the Duke of Savoy, pillaged the suburbs +of Geneva, and threatened to take possession of the city, and +put all to the edge of the sword. Every one in Augsburg +was amazed. "Ho!" exclaimed Charles the Fifth, in +French, "the Duke of Savoy has begun too soon."<a name="FNanchor_843_843" id="FNanchor_843_843"></a><a href="#Footnote_843_843" class="fnanchor">[843]</a> It +was reported that Magaret, governor of the Low Countries, +the Pope, the Dukes of Lorraine and Guelders, and even the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span> +King of France, were directing their troops against Geneva. +It was there that the army of Rome intended fixing its <i>point +d'appui</i>. The avalanche was gathering on the first slopes +of the Alps, whence it would rush over all Switzerland, and +then roll into Germany, burying the Gospel and the Reformation +under its huge mass.<a name="FNanchor_844_844" id="FNanchor_844_844"></a><a href="#Footnote_844_844" class="fnanchor">[844]</a></p> + +<p>Never had this sacred cause appeared to be in such great +danger, and never in reality had it gained so noble a triumph. +The <i>coup de main</i> attempted on those hills, where six years +later Calvin was to take his station, and plant the standard +of Augsburg and of Nazareth, having failed, all fears were +dispelled, and the victory of the confessors of Christ, for an +instant obscured, shone forth anew in all its splendour.</p> + +<p>While the Emperor Charles, surrounded by a numerous train +of princes, was approaching the banks of the Rhine sad and +dispirited, the Evangelical Christians were returning in triumph +to their homes. Luther was the herald of the victory +gained at Augsburg by Faith. "Though our enemies should +have around them, beside them, with them, not only that puissant +Roman Emperor, Charles, but still more the Emperor +of the Turks and his Mahomet," said he, "they could not +intimidate, they could not frighten me. It is I who in the +strength of God am resolved to frighten and overthrow them. +They shall yield to me—they shall fall! and I shall remain +upright and firm. My life shall be their headsman, and my +death their hell!<a name="FNanchor_845_845" id="FNanchor_845_845"></a><a href="#Footnote_845_845" class="fnanchor">[845]</a>......God blinds them and hardens their +hearts; he is driving them towards the Red Sea: all the horses +of Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen, cannot escape their +inevitable destiny. Let them go then, let them perish, since +they will it so!<a name="FNanchor_846_846" id="FNanchor_846_846"></a><a href="#Footnote_846_846" class="fnanchor">[846]</a> As for us, the Lord is with us."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ESTABLISHMENT OF PROTESTANTISM.</div> + +<p>Thus the Diet of Augsburg, destined to crush the Reformation, +was what strengthened it for ever. It has been usual<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span> +to consider the peace of Augsburg (1555) as the period when +the Reform was definitively established. That is the date of +legal Protestantism; Evangelical Christianity has another—the +autumn of 1530. In 1555 was the victory of the sword +and of diplomacy; in 1530 was that of the Word of God and +of Faith; and this latter victory is in our eyes the truest and +the firmest. The evangelical history of the Reformation in +Germany is nearly finished at the epoch we have reached, +and the diplomatic history of legal Protestantism begins. +Whatever may be done now, whatever may be said, the +Church of the first ages has reappeared; and it has reappeared +strong enough to show that it will live. There will still +be conferences and discussions; there will still be leagues +and combats; there will even be deplorable defeats; but all +that is a secondary movement. The great movement is +accomplished: the cause of Faith is won by Faith. The +effort has been made: the Evangelical doctrine has taken root +in the world, and neither the storms of men, nor the powers +of hell, will ever be able to tear it up.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265b" id="Page_265b">[265]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK XV.</h2> + +<h3>SWITZERLAND—CONQUESTS. 1526-1530.</h3> + + +<p>I. The divisions which the Reformation disclosed within +its bosom, on its appearance before the Diet of Augsburg, +humbled it and compromised its existence; but we must +not forget that the cause of these divisions was one of the +conditions of the existence of the regenerated Church. No +doubt it would have been desirable for Germany and Switzerland +to have agreed; but it was of still greater importance +that Germany and Switzerland should have each its +original Reform. If the Swiss Reformation had been only a +feeble copy of the German, there would have been uniformity, +but no duration. The tree, transplanted into Switzerland, +without having taken deep root, would soon have been torn +up by the vigorous hand that was erelong about to seize upon +it. The regeneration of Christianity in these mountains proceeded +from forces peculiar to the Helvetic Church, and +received an organization in conformity with the ecclesiastical +and political condition of that country. By this very originality +it communicated a particular energy to the principles +of the Reformation, of much greater consequence to the +common cause than a servile uniformity. The strength +of an army arises in great measure from its being composed +of soldiers of different arms.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THREE PERIODS OF REFORM.</div> + +<p>The military and political influence of Switzerland was +declining. The new developments of the European nations, +subsequent to the sixteenth century, were about to banish to +their native mountains those proud Helvetians, who for so long +a period had placed their two-handed swords in the balance +in which the destinies of nations were weighed. The +Reformation communicated a new influence in exchange<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266b" id="Page_266b">[266]</a></span> +for that which was departing. Switzerland, where the Gospel +appeared in its simplest and purest form, was destined +to give in these new times to many nations of the two worlds +a more salutary and glorious impulse than that which had +hitherto proceeded from its halberds and its arquebuses.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>The history of the Swiss Reformation is divided into three +periods, in which the light of the Gospel is seen spreading +successively over three different zones. From 1519 to +1526 Zurich was the centre of the Reformation, which was +then entirely German, and was propagated in the eastern and +northern parts of the Confederation. Between 1526 and +1532 the movement was communicated from Berne: it is at +once German and French, and extended to the centre of +Switzerland from the gorges of the Jura to the deepest valleys +of the Alps. In 1532 Geneva became the focus of the +light; and the Reformation, which was here essentially +French, was established on the shores of the Leman lake, +and gained strength in every quarter. It is of the second of +these periods—that of Berne—of which we are now to treat.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">TWO MOVEMENTS IN THE CHURCH.</div> + +<p>Although the Swiss Reformation is not yet essentially +French, still the most active part in it is taken by Frenchmen. +Switzerland <i>Romande</i><a name="FNanchor_847_847" id="FNanchor_847_847"></a><a href="#Footnote_847_847" class="fnanchor">[847]</a> is yoked to the chariot of +Reform, and communicates to it an accelerated motion. In +the period we are about to treat of, there is a mixture of +races, of forces, and of characters, from which proceeds a +greater commotion. In no part of the christian world will +the resistance be so stubborn; but nowhere will the assailants +display so much courage. This petty country of Switzerland +Romande, enclosed within the colossal arms of the +Jura and the Alps, was for centuries one of the strongest fortresses +of the Papacy. It is about to be carried by storm; +it is going to turn its arms against its ancient masters; and +from these few hillocks, scattered at the foot of the highest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267b" id="Page_267b">[267]</a></span> +mountains in Europe, will proceed the reiterated shocks +that will overthrow, even in the most distant countries, the +sanctuaries of Rome, their images and their altars.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">AGGRESSIVE SPIRIT.</div> + +<p>There are two movements in the Church: one is effected +inwardly, and its object is its preservation; the other is +effected outwardly, and the object aimed at is its propagation. +There is thus a doctrinal Church and a missionary +Church. These two movements ought never to be separated, +and whenever they are disunited, it is because the spirit of +man, and not the spirit of God prevails. In the apostolic +ages these two tendencies were evolved at the same time and +with equal power. In the second and third centuries the +external tendency prevailed; after the Council of Nice (325) +the doctrinal movement resumed the superiority; at the epoch +of the irruption of the northern tribes the missionary spirit +revived; but erelong came the times of the hierarchy and +of the schoolmen, in which all doctrinal powers warred within +the Church to found therein despotic government and an +impure doctrine—the Papacy. The revival of Christianity +in the sixteenth century, which emanated from God, was +destined to renovate these two doctrines, but by purifying +them. Then indeed the spirit of God acted at once externally +and internally. In the days of the Reformation there were +tranquil and internal developments; but there was also a more +powerful and aggressive action. Men of God had for ages +studied the Word, and had peacefully explained its salutary +lessons. Such had been the work of Vesalia, Goch, Groot, +Radewin, Ruybrook, Tauler, Thomas Kempis, and John +Wessel; now, something more was required. The power of +action was to be united with the power of thought. The +Papacy had been allowed all necessary time for laying aside +its errors; for ages men had been in expectation; it had +been warned, it had been entreated; all had been unavailing. +Popery being unwilling to reform itself, it became +necessary for men of God to take its accomplishment upon +themselves. The calm and moderate influence of the precursors +of the Reform was succeeded by the heroic and holy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268b" id="Page_268b">[268]</a></span> +revolutionary work of the Reformers; and the revolution +they effected consisted in overthrowing the usurping power +to re-establish the legitimate authority. "To everything +there is a season," says the Preacher, "and a time to every +purpose under heaven: a time to plant, and a time to pluck +up that which is planted; a time to break down, and a time +to build up."<a name="FNanchor_848_848" id="FNanchor_848_848"></a><a href="#Footnote_848_848" class="fnanchor">[848]</a> Of all Reformers, those who carried the aggressive +spirit to its highest degree were the men who came +from France, and more especially Farel, whose labours we +have now to consider.</p> + +<p>Never were such mighty effects accomplished by so puny +a force. In the government of God we pass in an instant +from the greatest to the least of things. We now quit the +haughty Charles V. and all that court of princes over which +he presides, to follow the steps of a schoolmaster; and we +leave the palaces of Augsburg to take our seats in the lowly +cottages of Switzerland.</p> + +<p>The Rhone, after issuing near St. Gothard from the mountains +of the Furka, from beneath an immense sea of eternal +ice, rolls its noisy waters through a rugged valley separating +the two great chains of the Alps; then issuing from the +gorge of St. Maurice, it wanders through a more smiling and +fertile country. The sublime Dent du Midi on the south, the +proud Dent de Morcles on the north, picturesquely situated +opposite each other, point out from afar to the traveller's eye +the beginning of this latter basin. On the tops of these mountains +are vast glaciers and threatening peaks, near which +the shepherds in the midst of summer lead their numerous +flocks to pasture; while in the plain, the flowers and fruits of +southern climes grow luxuriantly, and the laurel blooms beside +the most exquisite grapes.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE SCHOOLMASTER.</div> + +<p>At the opening of one of the lateral valleys that lead into +the Northern Alps, on the banks of the Grande Eau that +falls in thunder from the glaciers of the Diablerets, is situated +the small town of Aigle, one of the most southern in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269b" id="Page_269b">[269]</a></span> +Switzerland. For about fifty years it had belonged to +Berne, with the four parishes (<i>mandemens</i>) which are under +its jurisdiction, namely, Aigle, Bex, Ollon, and the chalets +scattered in the lofty valleys of the Ormonds. It is in this +country that the second epoch of the Swiss Reformation was +destined to begin.</p> + +<p>In the winter of 1526-1527, a foreign schoolmaster, named +Ursinus, arrived in this humble district. He was a man of +middle stature, with red beard and quick eyes, and who, to +a voice of thunder (says Beza), united the feelings of a hero: +his modest lessons were intermingled with new and strange +doctrines. The benefices being abandoned by their titularies +to ignorant curates, the people, who were naturally of rude +and turbulent habits, had remained without any cultivation. +Thus did this stranger, who was no other than Farel, meet +with new obstacles at every step.</p> + +<p>Whilst Lefevre and most of his friends had quitted Strasburg +to re-enter France, after the deliverance of Francis I., +Farel had turned his steps towards Switzerland; and on the +very first day of his journey, he received a lesson that he +frequently recalled to mind.</p> + +<p>He was on foot, accompanied by a single friend. Night +had closed around them, the rain fell in torrents, and the +travellers, in despair of finding their road, had sat down +midway, drenched with rain.<a name="FNanchor_849_849" id="FNanchor_849_849"></a><a href="#Footnote_849_849" class="fnanchor">[849]</a> "Ah!" said Farel, "God, +by showing me my helplessness in these little things, has +willed to teach me what I am in the greatest, without Jesus +Christ!" At last Farel, springing up, plunged into the +marshes, waded through the waters, crossed vineyards, fields, +hills, forests, and valleys, and at length reached his destination, +covered with mud and soaked to the skin.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FAREL'S STUDIES.</div> + +<p>In this night of desolation, Farel had received a new baptism. +His natural energy had been quelled; he became,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270b" id="Page_270b">[270]</a></span> +for some time at least, wise as a serpent and harmless as a +dove; and, as not unfrequently happens to men of such disposition, +he at first overstepped his aim. Believing that he +was following the example of the Apostles, he sought, in the +words of Œcolampadius, "to circumvent by pious frauds the +old serpent that was hissing around him."<a name="FNanchor_850_850" id="FNanchor_850_850"></a><a href="#Footnote_850_850" class="fnanchor">[850]</a> He represented +himself to be a schoolmaster, and waited until a door should +be opened to him to appear as a Reformer.<a name="FNanchor_851_851" id="FNanchor_851_851"></a><a href="#Footnote_851_851" class="fnanchor">[851]</a></p> + +<p>Scarcely had Magister Ursinus quitted the schoolroom and +his primers, than, taking refuge in his modest chamber, +he became absorbed in the Greek and Hebrew Scriptures, +and the most learned treatises of the theologians. The struggle +between Luther and Zwingle was commencing. To +which of these two chiefs should the French Reform attach +itself? Luther had been known in France for a much +longer time than Zwingle; yet Farel decided in favour of +the latter. Mysticism had characterized the Germanic nations +during the Middle Ages, and scholasticism those of Roman +descent. The French were in closer relation with +the dialectician Zwingle than with the mystic Luther; or +rather, they were the mediators between the two great tendencies +of the Middle Ages; and, while giving to the christian +thought that correct form which seems to be the province +of southern nations, they became the instruments of God to +spread through the Church the fulness of life and of the Spirit +of Christ.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE DOOR IS OPENED.</div> + +<p>It was in this little chamber at Aigle that Farel read the +first publication addressed to the German by the Swiss +Reformer.<a name="FNanchor_852_852" id="FNanchor_852_852"></a><a href="#Footnote_852_852" class="fnanchor">[852]</a> "With what learning," cries he, "does Zwingle +scatter the darkness! with what holy ingenuity he gains over +the wise, and what captivating meekness he unites with a forcible +erudition! Oh, that by the grace of God this work may<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271b" id="Page_271b">[271]</a></span> +win over Luther, so that the Church of Christ, trembling +from such violent shocks, may at length find peace!"<a name="FNanchor_853_853" id="FNanchor_853_853"></a><a href="#Footnote_853_853" class="fnanchor">[853]</a></p> + +<p>The schoolmaster Ursinus, excited by so noble an example, +gradually set about instructing the parents as well as the +children. He at first attacked the doctrine of purgatory, +and next the invocation of Saints. "As for the Pope, he is +nothing," said he, "or almost nothing, in these parts;<a name="FNanchor_854_854" id="FNanchor_854_854"></a><a href="#Footnote_854_854" class="fnanchor">[854]</a> and +as for the priests, provided they annoy the people with all +that nonsense, which Erasmus knows so well how to turn into +ridicule, that is enough for them."</p> + +<p>Ursinus had been some months at Aigle: a door was +opened to him; a flock had been collected there, and he +believed the looked for moment had arrived.</p> + +<p>Accordingly, one day the prudent schoolmaster disappears. +"I am William Farel," said he, "minister of the Word of +God." The terror of the priests and magistrates was great, +when they saw in the midst of them that very man whose +name had already become so formidable. The schoolmaster +quitted his humble study; he ascended the pulpit, and openly +preached Jesus Christ to the astonished multitude. The work +of Ursinus was over: Farel was himself again.<a name="FNanchor_855_855" id="FNanchor_855_855"></a><a href="#Footnote_855_855" class="fnanchor">[855]</a> It was +then about the month of March or April, 1527, and in that +beautiful valley, whose slopes were brightening in the warm +rays of the sun, all was fermenting at the same time, the flowers, +the vineyards, and the hearts of this sensible but rude people.</p> + +<p>Yet the rocks that the torrent meets as it issues from the +Diablerets, and against which it dashes at every step as it +falls from eternal snows, are more trifling obstacles than the +prejudice and hatred that were shown erelong in this populous +valley to the Word of God.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">OPPOSITION.</div> + +<p>The Council of Berne, by a license of the 9th of March,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272b" id="Page_272b">[272]</a></span> +had commissioned Farel to explain the Holy Scriptures to the +people of Aigle and its neighbourhood. But the arm of the +civil magistrate, by thus mingling in religious affairs, served +only to increase the irritation of men's minds. The rich +and lazy incumbents, the poor and ignorant curates, were the +first to cry out. "<i>If</i> this man," said they one to another, "continues +preaching, it is all over with our benefices and our +Church."<a name="FNanchor_856_856" id="FNanchor_856_856"></a><a href="#Footnote_856_856" class="fnanchor">[856]</a></p> + +<p>In the midst of this agitation, the bailiff of Aigle and the +governor of the four mandemens, Jacques de Roverea, instead +of supporting the minister of their excellencies of Berne, +eagerly embraced the cause of the priests. "The Emperor," +said they, "is about to declare war against all innovators. +A great army will shortly arrive from Spain to assist the +Archduke Ferdinand."<a name="FNanchor_857_857" id="FNanchor_857_857"></a><a href="#Footnote_857_857" class="fnanchor">[857]</a> Farel stood firm. Upon this the +bailiff and Roverea, exasperated by such boldness, interdicted +the heretic from every kind of instruction, whether as minister +or schoolmaster. But Berne caused to be posted on the +doors of all the churches in the four mandemens a new +decree, dated the 3d of July, in which their excellencies, manifesting +great displeasure at this interdiction "of the very +learned Farel from the propagation of the Divine Word,<a name="FNanchor_858_858" id="FNanchor_858_858"></a><a href="#Footnote_858_858" class="fnanchor">[858]</a> ordered +all the officers of the state to allow him to preach publicly +the doctrines of the Lord."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LAUSANNE.</div> + +<p>This new proclamation was the signal of revolt. On the +25th July great crowds assembled at Aigle, at Bex, at Ollon, +and in the Ormonds, crying out, "No more submission to +Berne! down with Farel!" From words they soon proceeded +to actions. At Aigle the insurgents, headed by the fiery +syndic, tore down the edict, and prepared to fall upon the Reformed. +These, uniting with promptitude, surrounded Farel, +resolved to defend him. The two parties met face to +face, and blood was near flowing. The firm countenance<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273b" id="Page_273b">[273]</a></span> +of the friends of the Gospel checked the partisans of the +priests, who dispersed, and Farel, quitting Aigle for a few +days, carried his views farther.</p> + +<p>In the middle of the beautiful valley of the Leman, on +hills which overlook the lake, stands Lausanne, the city of the +bishop and of the Virgin, placed under the patronage of the +Dukes of Savoy. A host of pilgrims, assembling from all the +surrounding places, knelt devoutly before the image of Our +Lady, and made costly purchases at the great fair of indulgences +that was held in its precincts. Lausanne, extending +its episcopal crosier from its lofty towers, pretended to keep +the whole country at the feet of the Pope. But the eyes of +many began to be opened, thanks to the dissolute life of the +canons and priests. The ministers of the Virgin were seen +in public playing at games of chance, which they seasoned +with mockery and blasphemy. They fought in the churches; +disguised as soldiers, they descended by night from the cathedral +hill, and roaming through the streets, sword in hand +and in liquor, surprised, wounded, and sometimes even killed +the worthy citizens; they debauched married women, seduced +young girls, changed their residences into houses of ill-fame, +and heartlessly turned out their young children to beg +their bread.<a name="FNanchor_859_859" id="FNanchor_859_859"></a><a href="#Footnote_859_859" class="fnanchor">[859]</a> Nowhere, perhaps, was better exemplified +the description of the clergy given us by one of the most +venerable prelates of the sixteenth century: "Instead of training +up youth by their learning and holiness of life, the priests +train birds and dogs; instead of books, they have children; +they sit with topers in the taverns, and give way to drunkenness."<a name="FNanchor_860_860" id="FNanchor_860_860"></a><a href="#Footnote_860_860" class="fnanchor">[860]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">FAREL AT LAUSANNE.</div> + +<p>Among the theologians in the court of the bishop Sebastian +of Montfaucon, was Natalis Galeotto, a man of elevated rank +and great urbanity, fond of the society of scholars, and himself<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274b" id="Page_274b">[274]</a></span> +a man of learning,<a name="FNanchor_861_861" id="FNanchor_861_861"></a><a href="#Footnote_861_861" class="fnanchor">[861]</a> but nevertheless very zealous about +fasts and all the ordinances of the Church. Farel thought +that, if this man could be gained over to the Gospel, Lausanne, +"slumbering at the foot of its steeples," would perhaps +awaken, and all the country with it. He therefore +addressed himself to him. "Alas! alas!" said Farel, "religion +is no longer but an empty mockery, since people, who +think only of their appetites, are the kings of the Church. +Christian people, instead of celebrating in the sacrament the +death of the Lord, live as if they commemorated Mercury, +the god of fraud. Instead of imitating the love of Christ, they +emulate the lewdness of Venus; and when they do evil, they +fear more the presence of a wretched swineherd than of God +Almighty."<a name="FNanchor_862_862" id="FNanchor_862_862"></a><a href="#Footnote_862_862" class="fnanchor">[862]</a></p> + +<p>But Galeotto made no reply, and Farel persevered, +"Knock; cry out with all your might," wrote he in a second +letter; "redouble your attacks upon our Lord."<a name="FNanchor_863_863" id="FNanchor_863_863"></a><a href="#Footnote_863_863" class="fnanchor">[863]</a> Still there +was no answer. Farel returned to the charge a third time, +and Natalis, fearing to reply in person, commissioned his +secretary, who forwarded a letter to Farel full of insulting +language.<a name="FNanchor_864_864" id="FNanchor_864_864"></a><a href="#Footnote_864_864" class="fnanchor">[864]</a> For a season Lausanne was inaccessible.</p> + +<p>After having thus contended with a priest, Farel was +destined to struggle with a monk. The two arms of the +hierarchy by which the Middle Ages were governed had +been chivalry and monachism. The latter still remained for +the service of the Papacy, although falling into decay. +"Alas!" exclaimed a celebrated Carthusian, "what an +obstinate devil would fear to do, a reprobate and arrogant +monk will commit without hesitation."<a name="FNanchor_865_865" id="FNanchor_865_865"></a><a href="#Footnote_865_865" class="fnanchor">[865]</a></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275b" id="Page_275b">[275]</a></span></p> +<div class="sidenote">FAREL AND THE MONK.</div> + +<p>A mendicant friar, who dared not oppose the reformer in a +direct manner at Aigle, ventured into the village of Noville, +situated on the low grounds deposited by the Rhone as it +falls into the lake of Geneva. The friar, ascending the pulpit, +exclaimed, "It is the devil himself who preaches by the +mouth of the minister, and all those who listen to him will +be damned." Then, taking courage, he slunk along the bank +of the Rhone, and arrived at Aigle with a meek and humble +look, not to appear there against Farel, whose powerful eloquence +terribly alarmed him, but to beg in behalf of his +convent a few barrels of the most exquisite wine in all Switzerland. +He had not advanced many steps into the town before +he met the minister. At this sight he trembled in every limb. +"Why did you preach in such a manner at Noville?" demanded +Farel. The monk, fearful that the dispute would +attract public attention, and yet desirous of replying to the +point, whispered in his ear, "I have heard say, that you are +a heretic and misleader of the people." "Prove it," said +Farel. Then the monk "began to storm," says Farel,<a name="FNanchor_866_866" id="FNanchor_866_866"></a><a href="#Footnote_866_866" class="fnanchor">[866]</a> and, +hastening down the street, endeavoured to shake off his disagreeable +companion, "turning now this way, now that, like +a troubled conscience."<a name="FNanchor_867_867" id="FNanchor_867_867"></a><a href="#Footnote_867_867" class="fnanchor">[867]</a> A few citizens beginning to collect +around them, Farel said to them, pointing to the monk, +"You see this fine father; he has said from the pulpit that I +preach nothing but lies." Then the monk, blushing and +stammering, began to speak of the offerings of the faithful +(the precious wine of Yvorne, for which he had come begging), +and accused Farel of opposing them. The crowd had now +increased in number, and Farel, who only sought an opportunity +of proclaiming the true worship of God, exclaimed, +with a loud voice, "It is no man's business to ordain any +other way of serving God than that which He has commanded. +We must keep his commandments without turning<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span> +either to the right hand or to the left.<a name="FNanchor_868_868" id="FNanchor_868_868"></a><a href="#Footnote_868_868" class="fnanchor">[868]</a> Let us worship God +alone in spirit and in truth, offering to him a broken and a +contrite heart."</p> + +<p>The eyes of all the spectators were fixed on the two actors +in this scene, the monk with his wallet, and the reformer +with his glistening eye. Confounded by Farel's daring to +speak of any other worship than that which the holy Roman +Church prescribed, the friar was out of his senses; he trembled, +and was agitated, becoming pale and red by turns. At +last, taking his cap off his head, from under his hood, he +flung it on the ground, trampling it under foot, and crying: +"I am amazed that the earth does not gape and swallow us +up!"<a name="FNanchor_869_869" id="FNanchor_869_869"></a><a href="#Footnote_869_869" class="fnanchor">[869]</a>......Farel wished to reply, but in vain. The +friar with downcast eyes kept stamping on his cap, "bawling +out like one out of his wits:" and his cries resounding through +the streets of Aigle, drowned the voice of the reformer. At +length one of the spectators, who stood beside him, plucked +him by the sleeve, and said, "listen to the minister, as he is +listening to you." The affrighted monk, believing himself +already half-dead, started violently and cried out: "Oh, thou +excommunicate! layest thou thy hand upon me?"</p> + +<p>The little town was in an uproar; the friar at once furious +and trembling, Farel following up his attack with vigour, and +the people in confusion and amazement. At length the magistrate +appeared, ordered the monk and Farel to follow him, +and shut them up, "one in one tower and one in another."<a name="FNanchor_870_870" id="FNanchor_870_870"></a><a href="#Footnote_870_870" class="fnanchor">[870]</a></p> + +<p>On the Saturday morning Farel was liberated from his +prison, and conducted to the castle before the officers of justice, +where the monk was already present. The minister<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span> +began to address them: "My lords, to whom our Saviour +enjoins obedience without any exception, this friar has said +that the doctrine which I preach is against God. Let him +make good his words, or, if he cannot, permit your people to +be edified." The violence of the monk was over. The +tribunal before which he was standing, the courage of his +adversary, the power of the movement which he could not +resist, the weakness of his cause—all alarmed him, and he +was now ready to make matters up. "Then the friar fell +upon his knees, saying: My lords, I entreat forgiveness of +you and of God. Next turning to Farel: And also, Magister, +what I preached against you was grounded on false reports. +I have found you to be a good man, and your doctrine +good, and I am prepared to recall my words."<a name="FNanchor_871_871" id="FNanchor_871_871"></a><a href="#Footnote_871_871" class="fnanchor">[871]</a></p> + +<p>Farel was touched by this appeal, and said: "My friend, +do not ask forgiveness of me, for I am a poor sinner like +other men, putting my trust not in my own righteousness, but +in the death of Jesus."<a name="FNanchor_872_872" id="FNanchor_872_872"></a><a href="#Footnote_872_872" class="fnanchor">[872]</a></p> + +<p>One of the lords of Berne coming up at this time, the friar, +who already imagined himself on the brink of martyrdom, +began to wring his hands, and to turn now towards the Bernese +councillors, now towards the tribunal, and then to Farel, +crying, "Pardon, pardon!"—"Ask pardon of our Saviour," +replied Farel. The lord of Berne added: "Come to-morrow +and hear the minister's sermon; if he appears to you to +preach the truth, you shall confess it openly before all; if +not, you will declare your opinion: this promise in my hand." +The monk held out his hand, and the judges retired. "Then +the friar went away, and I have not seen him since, and no +promises or oaths were able to make him stay."<a name="FNanchor_873_873" id="FNanchor_873_873"></a><a href="#Footnote_873_873" class="fnanchor">[873]</a> Thus the +Reformation advanced in Switzerland Romande.</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span></p> +<div class="sidenote">OPPOSITION TO THE GOSPEL.</div> + +<p>But violent storms threatened to destroy the work that was +hardly begun. Romish agents from the Valais and from +Savoy had crossed the Rhone at St. Maurice, and were exciting +the people to energetic resistance. Tumultuous assemblages +took place, in which dangerous projects were discussed; +the proclamations of the government were torn down +from the church-doors; troops of citizens paraded the city; +the drum beat in the streets to excite the populace against the +reformer: everywhere prevailed riot and sedition. Thus on +the 16th February, Farel ascended the pulpit for the first time +after a short absence, some Papist bands collected round the +gate of the church, raised their hands in tumult, uttered +savage cries, and compelled the minister to break off in his +sermon.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE CONVERTED MONK.</div> + +<p>The council of Berne thereupon decreed that the parishioners +of the four mandemens should assemble. Those of Bex +declared for the Reform; Aigle followed their example, but +with indecision; and in the mountains above Ollon, the peasants +not daring to maltreat Farel, set their wives at him, who +rushed upon him with their fulling-clubs. But it was especially +the parish of the Ormonds which, calm and proud at +the foot of its glaciers, signalized itself by its resistance. A +companion of Farel's labourers, named Claude (probably +Claude de Glontinis), when preaching there one day with +great animation, was suddenly interrupted by the ringing of +the bells, whose noise was such that one might have said all +hell was busy pulling them. "In fact," says another herald +of the Gospel, Jacques Comralis, who chanced to be present, +"it was Satan himself, who, breathing his anger into some of +his agents, filled the ears of the auditors with all this uproar."<a name="FNanchor_874_874" id="FNanchor_874_874"></a><a href="#Footnote_874_874" class="fnanchor">[874]</a> +At another time, some zealous Reformers having +thrown down the altars of Baal, according to the language of +the times, the evil spirit began to blow with violence in all +the chalets scattered over the sides of the mountains; the +shepherds issued precipitously like avalanches, and fell upon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span> +the Church and the Reformers. "Let us only find these +sacrilegious wretches," cried the furious Ormondines; "we +will hang them,—we will cut off their heads,—we will burn +them,—we will throw their ashes into the Great Water."<a name="FNanchor_875_875" id="FNanchor_875_875"></a><a href="#Footnote_875_875" class="fnanchor">[875]</a> +Thus were these mountaineers agitated, like the wind that +roars in their lofty valleys with a fury unknown to the inhabitants +of the plains.</p> + +<p>Other difficulties overwhelmed Farel. His fellow-labourers +were not all of them blameless. One Christopher Ballista, +formerly a monk of Paris, had written to Zwingle: "I am +but a Gaul, a barbarian,<a name="FNanchor_876_876" id="FNanchor_876_876"></a><a href="#Footnote_876_876" class="fnanchor">[876]</a> but you will find me a man pure +as snow, without any guile, of open heart, through whose +windows all the world may see."<a name="FNanchor_877_877" id="FNanchor_877_877"></a><a href="#Footnote_877_877" class="fnanchor">[877]</a> Zwingle sent Ballista +to Farel, who was loudly calling for labourers in Christ's +vineyard. The fine language of the Parisian at first charmed +the multitude; but it was soon found necessary to beware +of these priests and monks disgusted with Popery. "Brought +up in the slothfulness of the cloister, gluttonous and lazy," +says Farel, "Ballista could not conform to the abstemiousness +and rude labours of the Evangelists, and soon began to +regret his monk's hood. When he perceived the people +beginning to distrust him, he became like a furious monster, +vomiting waggon-loads of threats."<a name="FNanchor_878_878" id="FNanchor_878_878"></a><a href="#Footnote_878_878" class="fnanchor">[878]</a> Thus ended his labours.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">STATE—RELIGION.</div> + +<p>Notwithstanding all these trials, Farel was not discouraged. +The greater the difficulties, the more his energy increased. +"Let us scatter the seed everywhere," said he, "and let +civilized France, provoked to jealousy by this barbarous +nation, embrace piety at last. Let there not be in Christ's +body either fingers, or hands, or feet, or eyes, or ears, or arms,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span> +existing separately and working each for itself, but let there +be only one heart that nothing can divide. Let not variety +in secondary things divide into many separate members that +vital principle which is one and simple.<a name="FNanchor_879_879" id="FNanchor_879_879"></a><a href="#Footnote_879_879" class="fnanchor">[879]</a> Alas! the pastures +of the Church are trodden under foot, and its waters are +troubled! Let us set our minds to concord and peace. +When the Lord shall have opened heaven, there will not be +so many disputes about bread and water.<a name="FNanchor_880_880" id="FNanchor_880_880"></a><a href="#Footnote_880_880" class="fnanchor">[880]</a> A fervent charity—that +is the powerful battering-ram with which we shall +beat down those proud walls, those material elements, with +which men would confine us."<a name="FNanchor_881_881" id="FNanchor_881_881"></a><a href="#Footnote_881_881" class="fnanchor">[881]</a></p> + +<p>Thus wrote the most impetuous of the Reformers. These +words of Farel, preserved for three centuries in the city +where he died, disclose to us more clearly the intimate nature +of the great Revolution of the sixteenth century, than all the +venturesome assertions of its Popish interpreters. Christian +unity thus from these earliest moments found a zealous apostle. +The nineteenth century is called to resume the work +which the sixteenth century was unable to accomplish.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="sidenote">IRRESOLUTION OF BERNE.</div> + +<p>II. Of all the Swiss cantons, Berne appeared the least disposed +to the Reformation. A military state may be zealous +for religion, but it will be for an external and a disciplined +religion; it requires an ecclesiastical organization that it can +see, and touch, and manage at its will. It fears the innovations +and the free movements of the Word of God: it loves +the form and not the life. Napoleon, by restoring religion in +France in the <i>Concordat</i>, has given us a memorable example +of this truth. Such, also, was the case with Berne. Its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span> +government, besides, was absorbed by political interests, and +although it had little regard for the Pope, it cared still less to +see a Reformer put himself, as Zwingle did, at the head of +public affairs. As for the people, feasting on the "butter of +their kine and milk of their sheep, with fat of lambs,"<a name="FNanchor_882_882" id="FNanchor_882_882"></a><a href="#Footnote_882_882" class="fnanchor">[882]</a> they +remained closely shut up within the narrow circle of their +material wants. Religious questions were not to the taste +either of the rulers or of their fellow-citizens.</p> + +<p>The Bernese government, being without experience in +religious matters, had proposed to check the movement of the +Reform by its edict of 1523. As soon as it discovered its +mistake, it moved towards the cantons that adhered to the +ancient faith; and while that portion of the people whence +the Great Council was recruited, listened to the voice of +the Reformers, most of the patrician families, who composed +the Smaller Council, believing their power, their interests, +and their honor menaced, attached themselves to the old +order of things. From this opposition of the two councils +there arose a general uneasiness, but no violent shocks. Sudden +movements, repeated starts, announced from time to time +that incongruous matters were fermenting in the nation; it +was like an indistinct earthquake, which raises the whole +surface without causing any rents: then anon all returns to +apparent tranquillity.<a name="FNanchor_883_883" id="FNanchor_883_883"></a><a href="#Footnote_883_883" class="fnanchor">[883]</a> Berne, which was always decided +in its politics, turned in religious matters at one time to the +right, and at another to the left; and declared that it would +be neither Popish nor Reformed. To gain time was, for the +new faith, to gain everything.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ALMANACK OF HERETICS.</div> + +<p>What was done to turn aside Berne from the Reformation, +was the very cause of precipitating it into the new way. +The haughtiness with which the five primitive cantons arrogated +the guardianship of their confederates, the secret conferences +to which Berne was not even invited, and the threat +of addressing the people in a direct manner, deeply offended<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span> +the Bernese oligarchs. Thomas Murner, a Carmelite of Lucerne, +one of those rude men who act upon the populace, but +who inspire disgust in elevated minds, made the cup run over. +Furious against the Zurich calendar, in which the names of +the saints had been purposely omitted, he published in opposition +to it the "Almanack of Heretics and Church-robbers," +a tract filled with lampoons and invectives, in which the +portraits of the Reformers and of their adherents, among +whom were many of the most considerable men of Berne, +were coupled with the most brutal inscriptions.<a name="FNanchor_884_884" id="FNanchor_884_884"></a><a href="#Footnote_884_884" class="fnanchor">[884]</a> Zurich +and Berne in conjunction demanded satisfaction, and from +this time the union of these two states daily became closer.</p> + +<p>This change was soon perceived at Berne. The elections +of 1527 placed a considerable number of friends of the Reform +in the Great Council; and this body, forthwith resuming +its right to nominate the members of the Smaller Council, +which had been usurped for twenty years by the Bannerets +and the Sixteen, removed from the government the most +decided partisans of the Roman hierarchy, and among others +Gaspard de Mulinen and Sebastian de Stein,<a name="FNanchor_885_885" id="FNanchor_885_885"></a><a href="#Footnote_885_885" class="fnanchor">[885]</a> and filled the +vacancies with members of the Evangelical majority. The +union of Church and State, which had hitherto checked +the progress of the Reform in Switzerland, was now about to +accelerate its movements.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ANABAPTISTS IN BERNE.</div> + +<p>The Reformer Haller was not alone in Berne. Kolb had +quitted the Carthusian monastery at Nuremberg, in which +he had been compelled to take refuge, and had appeared +before his compatriots, demanding no other stipend than the +liberty of preaching Jesus Christ. Already bending under +the weight of years, his head crowned with hoary locks, +Kolb, young in heart, full of fire, and of indomitable courage, +presented boldly before the chiefs of the nation that Gospel<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span> +which had saved him. Haller, on the contrary, although only +thirty-five years old, moved with a measured step, spoke +with gravity, and proclaimed the new doctrines with unusual +circumspection. The old man had taken the young man's +part, and the youth that of the graybeard.</p> + +<p>Zwingle, whose eye nothing escaped, saw that a favourable +hour for Berne was coming, and immediately gave the +signal. "The dove commissioned to examine the state of +the waters is returning with an olive-branch into the ark," +wrote he to Haller; "come forth now, thou second Noah, +and take possession of the land. Enforce, be earnest, and +fix deeply in the hearts of men the hooks and grapnels of the +Word of God, so that they can never again be rid of +them."<a name="FNanchor_886_886" id="FNanchor_886_886"></a><a href="#Footnote_886_886" class="fnanchor">[886]</a>—"Your bears," wrote he to Thomas ab Hofen, +"have again put forth their claws. Please God that they do +not draw them back until they have torn everything in +pieces that opposes Jesus Christ."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">VICTORY OF THE GOSPEL.</div> + +<p>Haller and his friends were on the point of replying to this +appeal, when their situation became complicated. Some +Anabaptists, who formed everywhere the extreme party, arriving +in Berne in 1527, led away the people from the Evangelical +preachers "on account of the presence of idols."<a name="FNanchor_887_887" id="FNanchor_887_887"></a><a href="#Footnote_887_887" class="fnanchor">[887]</a> +Haller had a useless conference with them. "To what +dangers is not Christianity exposed," cried he, "wherever +these furies have crept in!"<a name="FNanchor_888_888" id="FNanchor_888_888"></a><a href="#Footnote_888_888" class="fnanchor">[888]</a> There has never been any revival +in the Church, without the hierarchical or radical sects +immediately endeavouring to disturb it. Haller, although +alarmed, still maintained his unalterable meekness. "The +magistrates are desirous of banishing them," said he; "but +it is our duty to drive out their errors, and not their persons. +Let us employ no other weapons than the sword of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span> +Spirit."<a name="FNanchor_889_889" id="FNanchor_889_889"></a><a href="#Footnote_889_889" class="fnanchor">[889]</a> It was not from Popery that the Reformers had +learnt these principles. A public disputation took place. +Six Anabaptists declared themselves convinced, and two +others were sent out of the country.</p> + +<p>The decisive moment was drawing near. The two +great powers of the age, the Gospel and the Papacy, were stirring +with equal energy; the Bernese councils were to speak +out. They saw on the one hand the five primitive cantons +taking daily a more threatening attitude, and announcing +that the Austrian would soon reappear in Helvetia, to reduce +it once more into subjection to Rome; and on the other they +beheld the Gospel every day gaining ground in the Confederation. +Which was destined to prevail in Switzerland—the +lances of Austria or the Word of God? In the uncertainty +in which the councils were placed, they resolved to side +with the majority. Where could they discover a firm footing, +if not there? <i>Vox populi, vox Dei.</i> "No one," said they, +"can make any change of his own private authority: the +consent of all is necessary."<a name="FNanchor_890_890" id="FNanchor_890_890"></a><a href="#Footnote_890_890" class="fnanchor">[890]</a></p> + +<p>The government of Berne had to decide between two mandates, +both emanating from its authority: that of 1523, in +favour of the free preaching of the Gospel, and that of 1526, +in favour "of the sacraments, the saints, the mother of God, +and the ornaments of the churches." State messengers set +out and traversed every parish: the people gave their votes +against every law contrary to liberty, and the councils, supported +by the nation, decreed that "the Word of God should +be preached publicly and freely, even if it should be in opposition +to the statutes and doctrines of men." Such was the +victory of the Gospel and of the people over the oligarchy and +the priests.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PAPIST PROVOCATIONS.</div> + +<p>Contentions immediately arose throughout the canton, and +every parish became a battle-field. The peasants began to +dispute with the priests and monks, in reliance on the Holy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span> +Scriptures. "If the mandate of our lords," said many, +"accords to our pastors the liberty of preaching, why should +it not grant the flock the liberty of acting?"—"Peace, +peace!" cried the councils, alarmed at their own boldness. +But the flocks resolutely declared that they would send away +the Mass, and keep their pastors and the Bible.<a name="FNanchor_891_891" id="FNanchor_891_891"></a><a href="#Footnote_891_891" class="fnanchor">[891]</a> Upon this +the Papal partisans grew violent. "Heretics, rascals, wantons," +said the banneret Kuttler<a name="FNanchor_892_892" id="FNanchor_892_892"></a><a href="#Footnote_892_892" class="fnanchor">[892]</a> to the good people of Emmenthal; +and these peasants obliged him to make an apology. +The bailiff of Trachselwald was more cunning. Seeing the +inhabitants of Rudersweil listening with eagerness to the +Word of God, which a pious minister was preaching to them, +he came with fifers and trumpeters, and interrupted the +sermon, inviting the village girls by words and by lively +tunes to quit the church for the dance.</p> + +<p>These singular provocations did not check the Reform. +Six of the city companies (the shoe-makers, weavers, merchants, +bakers, stone-masons, and carpenters) abolished in the +churches and convents of their district all masses, anniversaries, +advowsons, and prebends. Three others (the tanners, +smiths, and tailors) prepared to imitate them;<a name="FNanchor_893_893" id="FNanchor_893_893"></a><a href="#Footnote_893_893" class="fnanchor">[893]</a> the seven +remaining companies were undecided, except the butchers, +who were enthusiasts for the Pope. Thus the majority of the +citizens had embraced the Gospel. Many parishes throughout +the canton had done the same; and the avoyer d'Erlach, +the great adversary of the Reformation, could no longer keep +the torrent within bounds.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PROPOSED DISPUTATION.</div> + +<p>Yet the attempt was made: the bailiffs were ordered to note +the irregularities and dissolute lives of the monks and nuns; +all women of loose morals were even turned out of the +cloisters.<a name="FNanchor_894_894" id="FNanchor_894_894"></a><a href="#Footnote_894_894" class="fnanchor">[894]</a> But it was not against these abuses alone that the +Reformation was levelled; it was against the institutions<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span> +themselves, and against Popery on which they were founded. +The people must therefore decide.—"The Bernese clergy," +said they, "must be convoked, as at Zurich, and let the two +doctrines be discussed in a solemn conference. We will +proceed afterwards in conformity with the result."</p> + +<p>On the Sunday following the festival of Saint Martin +(11th November), the council and citizens unanimously resolved +that a public disputation should take place at the beginning +of the succeeding year. "The glory of God and his +Word," said they, "will at length appear!" Bernese and +strangers, priests and laymen, all were invited by letter or by +printed notice to come and discuss the controverted points, +but by Scripture alone, without the glosses of the ancients, +and renouncing all subtleties and abusive language.<a name="FNanchor_895_895" id="FNanchor_895_895"></a><a href="#Footnote_895_895" class="fnanchor">[895]</a> Who +knows, said they, if all the members of the ancient Swiss +confederation may not be thus brought to unity of faith?</p> + +<p>Thus, within the walls of Berne, the struggle was about +to take place that would decide the fate of Switzerland; for +the example of the Bernese must necessarily lead with it a +great part of the Confederation.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">IMPORTANT QUESTION.</div> + +<p>The Five Cantons, alarmed at this intelligence, met at +Lucerne, when they were joined by Fribourg, Soleure and +Glaris. There was nothing either in the letter or in the spirit +of the federal compact to obstruct religious liberty. "Every +state," said Zurich, "is free to choose the doctrine that it +desires to profess." The Waldstettes,<a name="FNanchor_896_896" id="FNanchor_896_896"></a><a href="#Footnote_896_896" class="fnanchor">[896]</a> on the contrary, +wished to deprive the cantons of this independence, and to +subject them to the federal majority and to the Pope. They +protested, therefore, in the name of the confederation against +the proposed discussion. "Your ministers," wrote they to +Berne, "dazzled and confounded at Baden by the brightness +of truth, would desire by this new discussion to hide their +shame; but we entreat you to desist from a plan so contrary<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span> +to our ancient alliances."—"It is not we who have infringed +them," replied Berne; "it is much rather your haughty +missive that has destroyed them. We will not abandon the +Word of our Lord Jesus Christ." Upon this the Roman cantons +decided to refuse all safe-conduct to those who should +proceed to Berne. This was giving token of sinister intentions.</p> + +<p>The four bishops of Lausanne, Constance, Basle, and Sion, +being invited to the conference under pain of forfeiting all +their privileges in the canton of Berne, replied that, since it +was to be a disputation according to the Scriptures, they had +nothing to do with it. Thus did these priests forget the +words of one of the most illustrious Roman doctors of the +fifteenth century: "In heavenly things man should be independent +of his fellows, and trust in God alone."<a name="FNanchor_897_897" id="FNanchor_897_897"></a><a href="#Footnote_897_897" class="fnanchor">[897]</a></p> + +<p>The Romanist doctors followed the example of the bishops. +Eck, Murner, Cochlœus, and many others said everywhere: +"We have received the letter of this leper, of this accursed +heretic Zwingle.<a name="FNanchor_898_898" id="FNanchor_898_898"></a><a href="#Footnote_898_898" class="fnanchor">[898]</a> They want to take the Bible for their +judge; but has the Bible a voice against those who do it +violence? We will not go to Berne; we will not crawl +into that obscure corner of the world; we will not go and +combat in that gloomy cavern, in that school of heretics. Let +these villains come out into the open air, and contend with +us on level ground, if they have the Bible on their side, as +they say." The Emperor ordered the discussion to be adjourned; +but on the very day of its opening, the council of +Berne replied, that as every one was already assembled, +delay was impossible.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">UNEQUAL CONTEST.</div> + +<p>Then, in despite of the doctors and bishops, the Helvetic +Church assembled to decide upon its doctrines. Had it a +right to do so? No;—not if priests and bishops were appointed, +as Rome pretends, to form a mystic bond between the +Church and our Lord; Yes—if they were established, as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span> +the Bible declares, only to satisfy that law of order by virtue +of which all society should have a directing power. The +opinions of the Swiss Reformers in this respect were not +doubtful. The grace which creates the minister comes from +the Lord, thought they; but the Church examines this grace, +acknowledges it, proclaims it by the elders, and in every act +in which faith is concerned, it can always appeal from the +minister to the Word of God. <i>Try the spirits—prove all +things</i>, it says to the faithful. The Church is the judge of +controversies;<a name="FNanchor_899_899" id="FNanchor_899_899"></a><a href="#Footnote_899_899" class="fnanchor">[899]</a> and it is this duty, in which it should never +be found wanting, that it was now about to fulfil in the disputation +at Berne.</p> + +<p>The contest seemed unequal. On one side appeared the +Roman hierarchy, a giant which had increased in strength +during many centuries; and on the other, there was at first +but one weak and timid man, the modest Berthold Haller. "I +cannot wield the sword of the Word," said he in alarm to his +friends. "If you do not stretch out your hands to me, all is +over." He then threw himself trembling at the feet of the +Lord, and soon arose enlightened and exclaiming, "Faith in +the Saviour gives me courage, and scatters all my fears."<a name="FNanchor_900_900" id="FNanchor_900_900"></a><a href="#Footnote_900_900" class="fnanchor">[900]</a></p> + +<p>Yet he could not remain alone: all his looks were turned +towards Zwingle: "It was I who took the bath at Baden," wrote +Œcolampadius to Haller, "and now it is Zwingle who should +lead off the bear-dance in Berne."<a name="FNanchor_901_901" id="FNanchor_901_901"></a><a href="#Footnote_901_901" class="fnanchor">[901]</a>—"We are between the +hammer and the anvil," wrote Haller to Zwingle; "we hold +the wolf by the ears, and know not how to let him go.<a name="FNanchor_902_902" id="FNanchor_902_902"></a><a href="#Footnote_902_902" class="fnanchor">[902]</a> +The houses of De Watteville, Noll, Tremp, and Berthold are +open to you. Come, then, and command the battle in person."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A CHRISTIAN BAND.</div> + +<p>Zwingle did not hesitate. He demanded permission of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span> +Council of Zurich to visit Berne, in order to show there "that +his teaching was full of the fear of God, and not blasphemous; +mighty to spread concord through Switzerland, and +not to cause troubles and dissension."<a name="FNanchor_903_903" id="FNanchor_903_903"></a><a href="#Footnote_903_903" class="fnanchor">[903]</a> At the very time +that Haller received news of Zwingle's coming, Œcolampadius +wrote to him: "I am ready, if it be necessary, to sacrifice +my life. Let us inaugurate the new year by embracing +one another to the glory of Jesus Christ." Other doctors +wrote to the same effect. "These, then," cried Haller with +emotion, "these are the auxiliaries that the Lord sends to my +infirmity, to aid me in fighting this rude battle!"</p> + +<p>It was necessary to proceed with circumspection, for the +violence of the oligarchs and of the Five Cantons was well +known.<a name="FNanchor_904_904" id="FNanchor_904_904"></a><a href="#Footnote_904_904" class="fnanchor">[904]</a> The doctors of Glaris, Schaffhausen, St. Gall, +Constance, Ulm, Lindau and Augsburg, assembled at Zurich, +to proceed under the same escort as Zwingle, Pellican, Collin, +Megander, Grossman, the commander Schmidt, Bullinger, +and a great number of the rural clergy, selected to accompany +the reformer. "When all this game traverses the +country," said the pensioners, "we will go a-hunting, and +see if we cannot kill some, or at least catch them and put +them into a cage."</p> + +<p>Three hundred chosen men, selected from the companies +of Zurich and from the parishes within its precincts, donned +their breastplates and shouldered their arquebuses; but in +order not to give the journey of these doctors the appearance +of a military expedition, they took neither colours, fife, nor +drum; and the trumpeter of the city, a civil officer, rode +alone at the head of the company.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">OPENING OF THE CONFERENCE.</div> + +<p>On Tuesday the 2d of January they set out. Never had +Zwingle appeared more cheerful. "Glory be to the Lord," +said he, "my courage increases every day."<a name="FNanchor_905_905" id="FNanchor_905_905"></a><a href="#Footnote_905_905" class="fnanchor">[905]</a> The burgomaster<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span> +Roust, the town-clerk of Mangoldt, with Funck and +Jakli, both masters of arts, and all four delegated by the +council, were on horseback near him. They reached Berne +on the 4th of January, having had only one or two unimportant +alarms.</p> + +<p>The Cordeliers' Church was to serve as the place of conference. +Tillmann, the city architect, had made arrangements +according to a plan furnished by Zwingle.<a name="FNanchor_906_906" id="FNanchor_906_906"></a><a href="#Footnote_906_906" class="fnanchor">[906]</a> A large +platform had been erected on which were placed two tables, +and around them sat the champions of the two parties. +On the evangelical side were remarked, besides Haller, +Zwingle, and Œcolampadius, many distinguished men of the +Reformed Church, strangers to Switzerland, as Bucer, Capito, +and Ambrose Blarer. On the side of the papacy, Dr. +Treger of Friburg, who enjoyed a high reputation, appeared +to keep up the fire of the combat. As for the rest, whether +through fear or contempt, the most famous Roman doctors +were absent.</p> + +<p>The first act was to publish the regulations of the conference. +"No proof shall be proposed that is not drawn +from the Holy Scriptures, and no explanation shall be given +of those scriptures, that does not come from Scripture itself, +explaining obscure texts by such as are clear." After this, +one of the secretaries, rising to call over the roll, shouted +with a loud voice that re-echoed through the church,—The +Bishop of Constance! No one replied. He did the same for +the bishops of Zion, Basle, and Lausanne. Neither of these +prelates was present at this meeting, either in person or by +deputy. The Word of God being destined to reign alone, +the Roman hierarchy did not appear. These two powers +cannot walk together. There were present about three hundred +and fifty Swiss and German ecclesiastics.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CHRIST, THE SOLE HEAD.</div> + +<p>On Tuesday, 7th January, 1528, the burgomaster Vadianus, +of St. Gall, one of the presidents, opened the disputation. +After him the aged Kolb stood up, and said: "God is at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span> +this moment agitating the whole world, let us, therefore, +humble ourselves before him," and he pronounced with fervour +a confession of sins.</p> + +<p>When this was done, the first thesis was read. It was +thus drawn up. "The Holy Christian Church, of which +Christ is the sole head, is born of the Word of God, abideth +in it, and listeneth not to the voice of a stranger."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alexis Grat</span>, a Dominican monk,—"The word <i>sole</i> is +not in Scripture. Christ has left a vicar here below."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Haller.</span>—"The vicar that Christ left is the Holy Ghost."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Treger.</span>—"See then to what a pass things have come +these last ten years. This man calls himself a Lutheran, +that a Zwinglian; a third, a Carlstadtian; a fourth an Œcolampadist; +a fifth, an Anabaptist......"</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bucer.</span>—"Whosoever preacheth Jesus as the only Saviour, +we recognize as our brother. Neither Luther, nor +Zwingle, nor Œcolampadius, desires the faithful to bear his +name. Besides, you should not boast so much of a mere +external unity. When antichrist gained the upperhand +throughout the world, in the East by Mahomet, in the West +by the Pope, he was able to keep the people in unity of error. +God permits divisions, in order that those who belong to him +may learn to look not to men, but to the testimony of the +Word, and to the assurance of the Holy Ghost in their hearts. +Thus then, dearly beloved brethren, to the Scriptures, the +Scriptures!<a name="FNanchor_907_907" id="FNanchor_907_907"></a><a href="#Footnote_907_907" class="fnanchor">[907]</a> O Church of Berne, hold fast to the teaching +of Him who said, <i>Come unto me</i>, and not, <i>Come unto my vicar</i>!"</p> + +<p>The disputation then turned successively on Tradition, +the Merits of Christ, Transubstantiation, the Mass, Prayer to +the Saints, Purgatory, Images, Celibacy, and the Disorders of +the Clergy. Rome found numerous defenders, and among +others, Murer, priest of Rapperswyl, who had said: "If +they wish to burn the two ministers of Berne, I will undertake +to carry them both to the stake."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">REMARKABLE CONVERSION.</div> + +<p>On Sunday, the 19th of January the day on which the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span> +doctrine of the Mass was attacked, Zwingle, desirous of acting +on the people also, went into the pulpit, and reciting the +Apostles' Creed, made a pause after these words: "He +ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the +Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the +quick and the dead." "These three articles," said he, "are +in contradiction to the Mass." All his hearers redoubled +their attention; and a priest, clothed in his sacerdotal vestments; +who was preparing to celebrate the holy sacrifice in +one of the chapels, stopped in astonishment at Zwingle's +words. Erect before the consecrated altar on which lay +the chalice and the body of the Saviour, with eyes fixed upon +the reformer, whose words electrified the people, a prey to +the most violent struggles, and beaten down by the weight +of truth, the agitated priest resolved to sacrifice every thing +for it. In the presence of the whole assembly, he stripped +off his priestly ornaments, and throwing them on the altar, he +exclaimed: "Unless the Mass reposes on a more solid foundation, +I can celebrate it no longer!" The noise of this conversion, +effected at the very foot of the altar, immediately +spread through the city,<a name="FNanchor_908_908" id="FNanchor_908_908"></a><a href="#Footnote_908_908" class="fnanchor">[908]</a> and it was regarded as an important +omen. So long as the Mass remains, Rome has gained +everything: as soon as the Mass falls, Rome has lost all. +The Mass is the creative principle of the whole system of +Popery.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ST. VINCENT'S DAY.</div> + +<p>Three days later, on the 22d January, was the feast of St. +Vincent, the patron of the city. The disputation that had +been carried on during Sunday was suspended on that day. +The canons asked the council what they were to do. "Such +of you," replied the council, "as receive the doctrine of the +theses ought not to say Mass; the others may perform +divine worship as usual."<a name="FNanchor_909_909" id="FNanchor_909_909"></a><a href="#Footnote_909_909" class="fnanchor">[909]</a> Every preparation was accordingly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span> +made for the solemnity. On St. Vincent's eve the +bells from every steeple announced the festival to the inhabitants +of Berne. On the morrow the sacristans lit up the +tapers; incense filled the temple, but no one appeared. No +priests to say Mass, no faithful to hear it! Already there +was a vast chasm in the Roman sanctuary, a deep silence, +as on the field of battle, where none but the dead are +lying.</p> + +<p>In the evening it was the custom for the canons to chaunt +vespers with great pomp. The organist was at his post, but +no one else appeared. The poor man left thus alone, beholding +with sorrow the fall of that worship by which he +gained his bread, gave utterance to his grief by playing a +mourning-hymn instead of the majestic <i>Magnificat</i>: "Oh, +wretched Judas, what hast thou done, that thou hast thus +betrayed our Lord?" After this sad farewell, he rose and +went out. Almost immediately, some men, excited by the +passions of the moment, fell upon his beloved organ, an +accomplice in their eyes of so many superstitious rites, and +their violent hands broke it to pieces. No more Mass, no +more organ, no more anthems! A new Supper and new +hymns shall succeed the rites of Popery.</p> + +<p>On the next day there was the same silence. Suddenly, +however, a band of men with loud voices and hasty steps was +heard. It was the Butchers' Company that, at this moment +so fatal to Rome, desired to support it. They advanced, +carrying small fir-trees and green branches, for the decoration +of their chapel. In the midst of them was a foreign priest, +behind whom walked a few poor scholars. The priest officiated; +the sweet voices of the scholars supplied the place of +the mute organ, and the butchers retired proud of their victory.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PAPIST BITTERNESS.</div> + +<p>The discussion was drawing to a close: the combatants had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span> +dealt vigorous blows. Burgauer, pastor of St. Gall, had +maintained the real presence in the Host; but on the 19th +January he declared himself convinced by the reasonings of +Zwingle, Œcolampadius, and Bucer; and Matthias, minister +of Saengen, had done the same.</p> + +<p>A conference in Latin afterwards took place between Farel +and a Parisian doctor. The latter advanced a strange argument. +"Christians," said he, "are enjoined to obey the +devil;<a name="FNanchor_910_910" id="FNanchor_910_910"></a><a href="#Footnote_910_910" class="fnanchor">[910]</a> for it is said, <i>Submit unto thine adversary</i> (Matt. v. +25); now, our adversary is the devil. How much more, +then, should we submit to the Church!" Loud bursts of +laughter greeted this remarkable syllogism. A discussion +with the Anabaptists terminated the conference.</p> + +<p>The two councils decreed that the Mass should be abolished, +and that every one might remove from the churches the ornaments +he had placed there.</p> + +<p>Immediately twenty-five altars and a great number of +images were destroyed in the cathedral, yet without disorder +or bloodshed; and the children began to sing in the streets +(as Luther informs us):<a name="FNanchor_911_911" id="FNanchor_911_911"></a><a href="#Footnote_911_911" class="fnanchor">[911]</a>—</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">By the Word at length we're saved<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From a God in a mortar brayed.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="sidenote">NECESSITY OF REFORM.</div> + +<p>The hearts of the adherents of the Papacy were filled with +bitterness as they heard the objects of their adoration fall one +after another. "Should any man," said John Schneider, +"take away the altar of the Butchers' Company, I will take +away his life." Peter Thorman compared the cathedral +stripped of its ornaments to a stable. "When the good folks +of the Oberland come to market," added he, "they will be +happy to put up their cattle in it." And John Zehender, +member of the Great Council, to show the little value he set +on such a place of worship, entered it riding on an ass, insulting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span> +and cursing the Reform. A Bernese, who chanced +to be there, having said to him, "It is by God's will that +these images have been pulled down,"—"Say rather by the +devil's," replied Zehender; "when have you ever been with +God so as to learn his will?" He was fined twenty livres, +and expelled from the council.<a name="FNanchor_912_912" id="FNanchor_912_912"></a><a href="#Footnote_912_912" class="fnanchor">[912]</a> "What times! what manners!" +exclaimed many; "what culpable neglect! How +easy would it have been to prevent so great a misfortune! +Oh! if our bishops had only been willing to occupy themselves +more with learning and a little less with their mistresses!"<a name="FNanchor_913_913" id="FNanchor_913_913"></a><a href="#Footnote_913_913" class="fnanchor">[913]</a></p> + +<p>This Reform was necessary. When Christianity in the +fourth century had seen the favour of princes succeed to persecution, +a crowd of heathens rushing into the church had +brought with them the images, pomps, statues, and demigods +of Paganism, and a likeness of the mysteries of Greece and +Asia, and above all of Egypt, had banished the Word of +Jesus Christ from the Christian oratories. This Word returning +in the sixteenth century, a purification must necessarily +take place; but it could not be done without grievous +rents.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ZWINGLE'S SERMON.</div> + +<p>The departure of the strangers was drawing near. On +the 28th January, the day after that on which the images +and altars had been thrown down, while their piled fragments +still encumbered here and there the porches and the aisles of +the cathedral, Zwingle crossing these eloquent ruins, once +more ascended the pulpit in the midst of an immense crowd. +In great emotion, directing his eyes by turns on these fragments +and on the people, he said: "Victory has declared for +the truth, but perseverance alone can complete the triumph. +Christ persevered even until death. <i>Ferendo vincitur fortuna.</i> +Cornelius Scipio, after the disaster at Cann, having learnt +that the generals surviving the slaughter meditated quitting +Italy, entered the senate-house, although not yet of senatorial<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span> +age, drew his sword, and constrained the affrighted chiefs to +swear that they would not abandon Rome. Citizens of Berne, +to you I address the same demand: do not abandon Jesus +Christ."</p> + +<p>We may easily imagine the effect produced on the people +by such words, pronounced with Zwingle's energetic eloquence.</p> + +<p>Then, turning towards the fragments that lay near him: +"Behold," said he, "behold these idols! Behold them conquered, +mute, and shattered before us! These corpses must +be dragged to the shambles, and the gold you have spent +upon these foolish images must henceforward be devoted to +comforting in their misery the living images of God. Feeble +souls, ye shed tears over these sad idols; do ye not see that +they break, do ye not hear that they crack like any other +wood, or like any other stone? Look! here is one deprived +of its head......(Zwingle pointed to the image, and all the people +fixed their eyes upon it); here is another maimed of its +arms.<a name="FNanchor_914_914" id="FNanchor_914_914"></a><a href="#Footnote_914_914" class="fnanchor">[914]</a> If this ill usage had done any harm to the saints that +are in heaven, and if they had the power ascribed to them, +would you have been able, I pray, to cut off their arms and +their heads?"</p> + +<p>"Now then," said the powerful orator in conclusion, "stand +fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made you free, and +be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage (Gal. v. 1). +Fear not! That God who has enlightened you, will enlighten +your confederates also, and Switzerland, regenerated +by the Holy Ghost, shall flourish in righteousness and peace."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ZWINGLE TRIUMPHANT.</div> + +<p>The words of Zwingle were not lost. The mercy of God +called forth that of man. Some persons condemned to die +for sedition, were pardoned, and all the exiles were recalled. +"Should we not have done so," said the council, "had a +great prince visited us? Shall we not much more do so, +now that the King of kings and the Redeemer of our souls<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[297]</a></span> +has made his entry among us, bearing an everlasting amnesty?"<a name="FNanchor_915_915" id="FNanchor_915_915"></a><a href="#Footnote_915_915" class="fnanchor">[915]</a></p> + +<p>The Romish cantons, exasperated at the result of the discussion, +sought to harass the return of the doctors. On +arriving before Bremgarten, they found the gates closed. +The bailiff Schutz, who had accompanied them with two +hundred men-at-arms, placed two halberdiers before Zwingle's +horse, two behind him, and one on each side; then +putting himself at the Reformer's left hand, while the burgomaster +Roust stationed himself on the right, he ordered the +escort to proceed, lance in rest.<a name="FNanchor_916_916" id="FNanchor_916_916"></a><a href="#Footnote_916_916" class="fnanchor">[916]</a> The avoyers of the town +being intimidated, came to a parley; the gates were opened; +the escort traversed Bremgarten amidst an immense crowd, +and on the 1st February reached Zurich without accident, +which Zwingle re-entered, says Luther, like a conqueror.<a name="FNanchor_917_917" id="FNanchor_917_917"></a><a href="#Footnote_917_917" class="fnanchor">[917]</a></p> + +<p>The Roman-catholic party did not dissemble the check +they had received. "Our cause is falling," said the friends +of Rome.<a name="FNanchor_918_918" id="FNanchor_918_918"></a><a href="#Footnote_918_918" class="fnanchor">[918]</a> "Oh! that we had had men skilled in the Bible! +The impetuosity of Zwingle supported our adversaries; his +ardour was never relaxed. That brute has more knowledge +than was imagined.<a name="FNanchor_919_919" id="FNanchor_919_919"></a><a href="#Footnote_919_919" class="fnanchor">[919]</a> Alas! alas! the greater party has vanquished +the better."<a name="FNanchor_920_920" id="FNanchor_920_920"></a><a href="#Footnote_920_920" class="fnanchor">[920]</a></p> + +<p>The Council of Berne, desirous of separating from the +Pope, relied upon the people. On the 30th January, messengers +going from house to house convoked the citizens; +and on the 2d February, the burgesses and inhabitants, +masters and servants, uniting in the cathedral, and forming +but one family, with hands upraised to heaven, swore to defend +the two councils in all they should undertake for the +good of the State or of the Church.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">EDICT OF REFORM.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[298]</a></span>On the 7th February 1528, the council published a general +edict of Reform, and "threw for ever from the necks of the +Bernese the yoke of the four bishops, who," said they, "know +well how to shear their sheep, but not how to feed them."<a name="FNanchor_921_921" id="FNanchor_921_921"></a><a href="#Footnote_921_921" class="fnanchor">[921]</a></p> + +<p>At the same time the Reformed doctrines were spreading +among the people. In every quarter might be heard earnest +and keen dialogues, written in rhyme by Manuel, in which +the pale and expiring Mass, stretched on her deathbed, was +loudly calling for all her physicians, and finding their advice +useless, at last dictating with a broken voice her last will +and testament, which the people received with loud bursts of +laughter.</p> + +<p>The Reformation generally, and that of Berne in particular, +has been reproached as being brought about by political +motives. But, on the contrary, Berne, which of all the +Helvetic states was the greatest favourite of the court of +Rome—which had in its canton neither a bishop to dismiss nor +a powerful clergy to humiliate—Berne, whose most influential +families, the Weingartens, Manuels, Mays, were reluctant +to sacrifice the pay and the service of the foreigner, and +all whose traditions were conservative, ought to have opposed +the movement. The Word of God was the power that overcame +this political tendency.<a name="FNanchor_922_922" id="FNanchor_922_922"></a><a href="#Footnote_922_922" class="fnanchor">[922]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE REFORM ACCEPTED.</div> + +<p>At Berne, as elsewhere, it was neither a learned, nor a +democratic, nor a sectarian spirit that gave birth to the Reformation. +Undoubtedly the men of letters, the liberals, the +sectarian enthusiasts, rushed into the great struggle of the +sixteenth century; but the duration of the Reform would not +have been long had it received its life from them. The +primitive strength of Christianity, reviving after ages of +long and complete prostration, was the creative principle of +the Reformation; and it was erelong seen to separate distinctly +from the false allies that had presented themselves, to +reject an incredulous learning by elevating the study of the +classics, to check all demagogic anarchy by upholding the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[299]</a></span> +principles of true liberty, and to repudiate the enthusiastic +sects by consecrating the rights of the Word and of the +christian people.</p> + +<p>But while we maintain that the Reformation was at Berne, +as elsewhere, a truly christian work, we are far from saying +that it was not useful to the canton in a political sense. All +the European states that have embraced the Reformation +have been elevated, while those which have combated it have +been lowered.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p>III. It now became a question of propagating throughout +all the canton the reform accomplished in the city. On the +17th February, the council invited the rural parishes to +assemble on the following Sunday to receive and deliberate +upon a communication. The whole Church, according to the +ancient usage of Christendom, was about to decide for itself +on its dearest interests.</p> + +<p>The assemblies were crowded; all conditions and ages +were present. Beside the hoary and the trembling head of +the aged man might be seen the sparkling eye of the youthful +shepherd. The messengers of the council first read the +edict of the Reformation. They next proclaimed that those +who accepted it should remain, and that those who rejected +it should withdraw.</p> + +<p>Almost all the assembled parishioners remained in their +places. An immense majority of the people chose the Bible. +In some few parishes this decision was accompanied with +energetic demonstrations. At Arberg, Zofingen, Brugg, +Arau, and Buren, the images were burnt. "At Stauffberg," +it was said, "idols were seen carrying idols, and throwing +one another into the flames."<a name="FNanchor_923_923" id="FNanchor_923_923"></a><a href="#Footnote_923_923" class="fnanchor">[923]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">FAITH AND CHARITY.</div> + +<p>The images and the Mass had disappeared from this vast<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[300]</a></span> +canton. "A great cry resounded far and wide," writes Bullinger.<a name="FNanchor_924_924" id="FNanchor_924_924"></a><a href="#Footnote_924_924" class="fnanchor">[924]</a> +In one day Rome had fallen throughout the country, +without treachery, violence, or seduction, by the strength +of truth alone. In some places, however, in the Hasli, at +Frutigen, Unterseen, and Grindelwald, the malcontents were +heard to say: "If they abolish the Mass, they should also +abolish tithes." The Roman form of worship was preserved +in the Upper Simmenthal, a proof that there was no compulsion +on the part of the state.</p> + +<p>The wishes of the canton being thus manifested, Berne +completed the Reformation. All excesses in gambling, drinking, +and dancing, and all unbecoming dress, were forbidden +by proclamation. The houses of ill-fame were destroyed, +and their wretched inhabitants expelled from the city.<a name="FNanchor_925_925" id="FNanchor_925_925"></a><a href="#Footnote_925_925" class="fnanchor">[925]</a> A +consistory was appointed to watch over the public morals.</p> + +<p>Seven days after the edict, the poor were received into the +Dominican cloister, and a little later the convent of the +Island was changed into an hospital; the princely monastery +of Knigsfield was also devoted to the same useful purpose. +Charity followed everywhere in the steps of faith. "We will +show," said the council, "that we do not use the property of +the convents to our own advantage;" and they kept their +word. The poor were clothed with the priests' garments; +the orphans were decorated with the ornaments of the +Church. So strict were they in these distributions, that the +state was forced to borrow money to pay the annuities of the +monks and nuns; and for eight days there was not a crown +in the public treasury.<a name="FNanchor_926_926" id="FNanchor_926_926"></a><a href="#Footnote_926_926" class="fnanchor">[926]</a> Thus it was that the State, as it +has been continually repeated, grew rich with the spoils of +the Church! At the same time they invited from Zurich the +ministers Hoffmeister, Megander, and Rhellican, to spread<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[301]</a></span> +throughout the canton the knowledge of the classics and of +the Holy Scriptures.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FIRST EVANGELICAL COMMUNION.</div> + +<p>At Easter the Lord's Supper was celebrated for the first +time according to the Evangelical rites. The two councils +and all the people, with few exceptions, partook of it. +Strangers were struck with the solemnity of this first communion. +The citizens of Berne and their wives, dressed in +decent garments, which recalled the ancient Swiss simplicity, +approached Christ's table with gravity and fervour;<a name="FNanchor_927_927" id="FNanchor_927_927"></a><a href="#Footnote_927_927" class="fnanchor">[927]</a> the +heads of the state showed the same holy devotion as the people, +and piously received the bread from the hands of Berthold +Haller. Each one felt that the Lord was among them. +Thus Hoffmeister, charmed at this solemn service, exclaimed: +"How can the adversaries of the Word refuse to embrace +the truth at last, seeing that God himself renders it so striking +a testimony!"<a name="FNanchor_928_928" id="FNanchor_928_928"></a><a href="#Footnote_928_928" class="fnanchor">[928]</a></p> + +<p>Yet everything was not changed. The friends of the Gospel +witnessed with pain the sons of the chief families of the +republic parading the streets in costly garments, inhabiting +sumptuous houses in the city, dwelling in magnificent mansions +in the country—true seignorial abodes, following the +chase with hound and horn, sitting down to luxurious banquets, +conversing in licentious language, or talking with +enthusiasm of foreign wars and of the French party. "Ah!" +said that pious people, "could we but see old Switzerland +revive with its old virtues!"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">HEAD OF BEATUS.</div> + +<p>There was soon a powerful reaction. The annual renewal +of the magistrature being about to take place, the councillor +Butschelbach, a violent adversary of the Gospel, was ejected +for adultery; four other senators and twenty members of +the Great Council were also replaced by friends of the Reformation +and of public morality. Emboldened by this victory,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[302]</a></span> +the Evangelical Bernese proposed in the diet that every +Swiss should renounce foreign service. At these words the +warriors of Lucerne started under their weighty armour, and +replied with a haughty smile: "When you have returned +to the ancient faith we will listen to your homilies." All the +members of the government, assembled at Berne in sovereign +council, resolved to set the example, and solemnly abjured +the pay of foreign princes. Thus the Reformation showed +its faith by its works.</p> + +<p>Another struggle took place. Above the lake of Thunn +rises a chain of steep rocks, in the midst of which is situated +a deep cavern, where, if we may believe tradition, the pious +Breton, Beatus, came in ancient times to devote himself to +all the austerities of an ascetic life; but especially to the +conversion of the surrounding district that was still heathen. +It was affirmed that the head of this saint, who had died in +Gaul, was preserved in this cavern; and hence it was visited +by pilgrims from every quarter. The pious citizens of Zug, +Schwytz, Uri, and Argovia, groaned, as they thought that the +holy head of the apostle of Switzerland would hereafter +remain in a land of heretics. The abbot of the celebrated +convent of Muri in Argovia and some of his friends set out, +as in ancient times the Argonauts went in quest of the +Golden Fleece. They arrived in the humble guise of poor +pilgrims, and entered the cavern; one skilfully took away +the head, another placed it mysteriously in his hood, and they +disappeared. The head of a dead man!—and this was all +that Rome saved from the shipwreck. But even this conquest +was more than doubtful. The Bernese, who had gained +information of this procession, sent three deputies on the 18th +May, who, according to their report, found this famous head, +and caused it to be decently interred before their eyes in the +cemetery belonging to the convent of Interlaken. This contest +about a skull characterizes the Church that had just +given way in Berne before the vivifying breath of the Gospel. +<i>Let the dead bury their dead.</i></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THREATENING STORM.</div> + +<p>The Reformation had triumphed in Berne; but a storm<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[303]</a></span> +was gathering unperceived in the mountains, which threatened +to overthrow it. The State in union with the Church recalled +its ancient renown. Seeing itself attacked by arms, it took +up arms in its turn, and acted with that decision which had +formerly saved Rome in similar dangers.</p> + +<p>A secret discontent was fermenting among the people +of the valleys and mountains. Some were still attached to +the ancient faith; others had only quitted the Mass because +they thought they would be exempted from tithes. Ancient +ties of neighbourhood, a common origin, and similarity of +manners had united the inhabitants of the Obwald (Unterwalden) +to those of the Hasli and of the Bernese Oberland, which +were separated only by Mount Brunig and the high pass of +the Yoke. A rumour had been set afloat that the government +of Berne had profaned the spot where the precious remains +of Beatus, the apostle of these mountains, were preserved, +and indignation immediately filled these pastoral people, +who adhere firmer than others to the customs and superstitions +of their forefathers.</p> + +<p>But while some were excited by attachment to Rome, +others were aroused by a desire for liberty. The subjects of +the monastery of Interlaken, oppressed by the monkish rule, +began to cry out, "We desire to become our own masters, +and no longer pay rent or tithes." The provost of the convent +in affright ceded all his rights to Berne for the sum of +one hundred thousand florins;<a name="FNanchor_929_929" id="FNanchor_929_929"></a><a href="#Footnote_929_929" class="fnanchor">[929]</a> and a bailiff, accompanied +by several councillors, went and took possession of the monastery. +A report was soon spread that they were about to +transfer all the property of the convent to Berne; and on +the 21st of April bands of men from Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, +Ringelberg, Brienz, and other places, crossed the +lake, or issued from their lofty valleys, and taking forcible +possession of the cloister, swore to go even to Berne in quest +of the goods which the citizens had dared to take from them.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">REVOLT.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[304]</a></span>They were quieted for a time; but in the beginning of +June, the people, at the instigation of Unterwalden, again +arose in all the Hasli. The Landsgemeinde<a name="FNanchor_930_930" id="FNanchor_930_930"></a><a href="#Footnote_930_930" class="fnanchor">[930]</a> having been +convoked, it decided by a majority of forty voices for the +re-establishment of the Mass. The pastor Jakli was immediately +expelled; a few men crossed the Brunig, and brought +back some priests from Unterwalden, to the sound of fifes +and trumpets. They were seen from afar descending the +mountain, and shouts, both loud and long, replied to them +from the bottom of the valley. At last they arrived:—all +embraced one another, and the people celebrated the Mass +anew with great demonstrations of joy. At the same time, the +people of Frutigen and of the fertile valley of Adelboden +assailed the castellan Reuter, carried off his flocks, and established +a Roman-catholic priest in the place of their pastor. +At Aeschi even the women took up arms, drove out the +pastor from the church, and brought back the images in +triumph. The revolt spread from hamlet to hamlet and from +valley to valley, and again took possession of Interlaken. All +the malcontents assembled there on the 22d October, and +swore, with hands upraised to heaven, boldly to defend their +rights and liberty.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CHRIST IN DANGER.</div> + +<p>Never, perhaps, had the republic been in greater danger. +All the kings of Europe, and almost all the cantons of +Switzerland, were opposed to the Gospel. The report of an +army from Austria, destined to interpose in favour of the +Pope, spread through the Reformed cantons.<a name="FNanchor_931_931" id="FNanchor_931_931"></a><a href="#Footnote_931_931" class="fnanchor">[931]</a> Seditious +meetings took place every day,<a name="FNanchor_932_932" id="FNanchor_932_932"></a><a href="#Footnote_932_932" class="fnanchor">[932]</a> and the people refused to +pay their magistrates either quit-rent, service, tithes, or +even obedience, unless they shut their eyes to the designs of +the Roman-catholics. The council became confused. Amazed +and confounded, exposed to the mistrust of some and to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[305]</a></span> +insults of others, they had the cowardice to separate under +the pretext of getting in the vintage, and folding their arms, +in the presence of this great danger, waited until a Messiah +should descend from heaven (says a reformer) to save the +republic.<a name="FNanchor_933_933" id="FNanchor_933_933"></a><a href="#Footnote_933_933" class="fnanchor">[933]</a> The ministers pointed out the danger, forewarned +and conjured them; but each one turned a deaf +ear. "Christ languishes in Berne," said Haller, "and appears +nigh perishing."<a name="FNanchor_934_934" id="FNanchor_934_934"></a><a href="#Footnote_934_934" class="fnanchor">[934]</a> The people were all in commotion; +they assembled, made speeches, murmured, and shed tears! +Everywhere—in all their tumultuous meetings—might be +heard this complaint of Manuel on Papists and the Papacy:<a name="FNanchor_935_935" id="FNanchor_935_935"></a><a href="#Footnote_935_935" class="fnanchor">[935]</a></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">With rage our foes their hateful threats denounce,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Because, O Lord, we love Thee best of all;<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Because at sight of Thee the idols fall;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And war and bloodshed, shuddering, we renounce.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Berne was like a troubled sea, and Haller, who listened +to the roaring of the waves, wrote in the deepest anguish: +"Wisdom has forsaken the wise, counsel has departed from +the councillors, and energy from the chiefs and from the +people! The number of the seditious augments every day. +Alas! what can the Bear, oppressed with sleep, oppose to so +many and to such sturdy hunters?<a name="FNanchor_936_936" id="FNanchor_936_936"></a><a href="#Footnote_936_936" class="fnanchor">[936]</a> If Christ withdraw himself, +we shall all perish."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ENERGY OF BERNE.</div> + +<p>These fears were on the point of being realized. The +smaller cantons claimed to have the power of interfering in +matters of faith without infringing the federal compact. While +six hundred men of Uri kept themselves ready to depart, +eight hundred men of Unterwalden, bearing pine-branches in +their hats, symbols of the old faith, with haughty heads and +gloomy and angry looks, crossed the Brunig under the +ancient banner of the country, which was borne by Gaspard<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[306]</a></span> +de Flue, a very unworthy grandson of the great Nicholas.<a name="FNanchor_937_937" id="FNanchor_937_937"></a><a href="#Footnote_937_937" class="fnanchor">[937]</a> +This was the first violation of the national peace for many +years. Uniting at Hasli with the men of Brienz, this little +army crossed the lake, passed under the cascades of Geisbach, +and arrived at Unterseen, thirteen hundred strong, and +ready to march on Berne to re-establish the Pope, the Idols, +and the Mass in that rebellious city. In Switzerland, as in +Germany, the Reformation at its outset met with a peasant +war. At the first success, new combatants would arrive and +pour through the passes of the Brunig upon the unfaithful +republic. The army was only six leagues from Berne, and +already the sons of Unterwalden were proudly brandishing +their swords on the banks of the lake of Thunn.</p> + +<p>Thus were the federal alliances trodden under foot by those +very persons who aspired to the name of conservatives. Berne +had a right to repel this criminal attack by force. Suddenly +calling to mind her ancient virtues, the city roused herself, +and vowed to perish rather than tolerate the intervention of +Unterwalden, the restoration of the Mass, and the fiery +violence of the peasants.<a name="FNanchor_938_938" id="FNanchor_938_938"></a><a href="#Footnote_938_938" class="fnanchor">[938]</a> There was at that moment in the +hearts of the Bernese one of those inspirations that come from +above, and which save nations as well as individuals. "Let +the strength of the city of Berne," exclaimed the Avoyer d'Erlach, +"be in God alone, and in the loyalty of its people." +All the council and the whole body of the citizens replied by +noisy acclamations. The great banner was hastily brought +forth, the townspeople ran to arms, the companies assembled, +and the troops of the republic marched out with the valiant +avoyer at their head.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">VICTORY.</div> + +<p>Scarcely had the Bernese government acted thus energetically, +before it saw the confidence of its friends increase, and +the courage of its adversaries diminish. God never abandons<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[307]</a></span> +a people who are true to themselves. Many of the Oberlanders +became intimidated, and deserted the ranks of the +revolt. At the same time deputies from Basle and Lucerne +represented to Unterwalden that it was trampling the ancient +alliances under foot. The rebels, disheartened by the firmness +of the republic, abandoned Unterseen, and retired to the +convent of Interlaken. And soon after, when they beheld +the decision of their adversaries, distressed besides by the +cold rains that fell incessantly, and fearing that the snow, by +covering the mountains, would prevent their return to their +homes, the men of Unterwalden evacuated Interlaken during +the night. The Bernese, to the number of five thousand men, +entered it immediately, and summoned the inhabitants of the +Hasli and of the bailiwick of Interlaken to assemble on the +4th November in the plain that surrounds the convent.<a name="FNanchor_939_939" id="FNanchor_939_939"></a><a href="#Footnote_939_939" class="fnanchor">[939]</a> The +day being arrived, the Bernese army drew up in order of +battle, and then formed a circle within which D'Erlach +ordered the peasants to enter. Hardly had he placed the +rebels on the left and the loyal citizens on the right, before +the muskets and artillery fired a general discharge, whose +report re-echoing among the mountains, filled the insurgents +with terror, who thought it the signal of their death. But +the avoyer only intended to show they were in the power of +the republic. D'Erlach, who addressed them immediately +after this strange exordium, had not finished his speech, before +they all fell on their knees, and, confessing their crime, begged +for pardon. The republic was satisfied: the rebellion +was over. The banners of the district were carried to Berne, +and the Eagle of Interlaken, in union with the Wild-goat of +Hasli, hung for a time beneath the Bear, as a trophy of this +victory. Four of the chiefs were put to death, and an amnesty +was granted to the remainder of the rebels. "The +Bernese," said Zwingle, "as Alexander of Macedon in times +of old, have cut the Gordian knot with courage and with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[308]</a></span> +glory."<a name="FNanchor_940_940" id="FNanchor_940_940"></a><a href="#Footnote_940_940" class="fnanchor">[940]</a> Thus thought the Reformer of Zurich; but experience +was one day to teach him, that to cut such knots is +required a different sword from that of Alexander and of +D'Erlach. However that may be, peace was restored, and +in the valleys of the Hasli no other noise was heard than the +sublime tumult borne afar by the Reichenbach and all the +surrounding torrents, as they pour from the mountain-tops +their multitudinous and foaming waters.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">POLITICAL ADVANTAGES.</div> + +<p>While we repudiate on behalf of the Church the swords of +the Helvetic bands, it would be unwise not to acknowledge +the political advantages of this victory. The nobles had +imagined that the Reformation of the Church would endanger +the very existence of the State. They now had a proof to +the contrary: they saw that when a nation receives the Gospel, +its strength is doubled. The generous confidence with +which, in the hour of danger, they had placed some of the +adversaries of the Reformation at the head of affairs and of +the army, produced the happiest results. All were now convinced +that the Reformation would not trample old recollections +under foot: prejudices were removed, hatred was +appeased, the Gospel gradually rallied all hearts around it, +and the ancient and remarkable saying was verified, which +was so often repeated by the friends and enemies of that +powerful republic—"God is become a citizen of Berne."</p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p>IV. The reformation of Berne was decisive for several +cantons. The same wind that had blown from on high with +so much power on the country of De Watteville and Haller, +threw down "the idols" in a great part of Switzerland. In +many places the people were indignant at seeing the Reformation +checked by the timid prudence of diplomatists; but +when diplomacy was put to flight at Berne, the torrent so +long restrained poured violently onwards.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ROMISH RELICS.</div> + +<p>Vadianus, burgomaster of St. Gall, who presided at the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[309]</a></span> +Bernese disputation, had scarcely returned home, when the +citizens, with the authority of the magistrates, removed the +images from the church of St. Magnus, carried to the mint +a hand of the patron saint in silver, with other articles of +plate, and distributed among the poor the money they received +in exchange; thus, like Mary, pouring their precious +ointment on the head of Christ.<a name="FNanchor_941_941" id="FNanchor_941_941"></a><a href="#Footnote_941_941" class="fnanchor">[941]</a> The people of St. Gall, +being curious to unveil the ancient mysteries, laid their +hands on the abbey itself, on the shrines and crosses which +had so long been presented to their adoration; but instead +of saintly relics, they found, to their great surprise, nothing +but some resin, a few pieces of money, several paltry wooden +images, some old rags, a skull, a large tooth, and a snail's +shell! Rome, instead of that noble fall which marks the +ends of great characters, sunk in the midst of stupid superstitions, +shameful frauds, and the ironical laughter of a whole +nation.</p> + +<p>Such discoveries unfortunately excited the passions of the +multitude. One evening some evil disposed persons, wishing +to alarm the poor nuns of St. Catherine, who had obstinately +resisted the Reform, surrounded the convent with loud cries. +In vain did the nuns barricade the doors; the walls were soon +scaled, and the good wine, meat, confectionaries, and all the +far from ascetic delicacies of the cloister became the prey of +these rude jesters. Another persecution awaited them: +Doctor Schappeler having been appointed their catechist, they +were recommended to lay aside their monastic dress, and to +attend his heretical sermons "clothed like all the world," said +the sister Wiborath. Some of them embraced the Reform, +but thirty others preferred exile.<a name="FNanchor_942_942" id="FNanchor_942_942"></a><a href="#Footnote_942_942" class="fnanchor">[942]</a> On the 5th February +1528, a numerous synod framed the constitution of the church +of St. Gall.</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[310]</a></span></p> +<div class="sidenote">CONTESTS.</div> + +<p>The struggle was more violent at Glaris. The seeds of +the Gospel truth, which Zwingle had scattered there, had +prospered but little. The men in power anxiously rejected +every innovation, and the people loved better "to leap and +dance, and work miracles, <i>glass in hand</i>," as an old chronicle +says, "than to busy themselves about the Gospel." The +Landsgemeinde having pronounced, on the 15th May 1528, +in favour of the Mass by a majority of thirty-three voices, the +two parties were marked out with greater distinctness: the +images were broken at Matt, at Elm, at Bettschwanden, and +as each man remained aloof in his own house and village, +there was no longer in the canton either council of state or +tribunal of justice. At Schwanden, the minister Peter +Rumelin, having invited the Roman-catholics to a disputation +with him in the church, the latter, instead of discussing, +marched in procession to the sound of drums round the place +of worship in which the Reformed were assembled, and then +rushing into the pastor's house, which was situated in the +middle of the city, destroyed the stoves and the windows: +the irritated Reformed took their revenge and broke the +images. On the 15th April 1529, an agreement was concluded, +by virtue of which every man was free to choose +between the Mass and the Sermon.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">SPREAD OF REFORM.</div> + +<p>At Wesen, where Schwytz exercised sovereignty conjointly +with Glaris, the deputies of the former canton threatened the +people. Upon this the young men took the images out of the +churches, carried them to an open place near the banks of +the picturesque lake of Wallenstadt, above which soar the +mountains of the Ammon and of the Seven Electors, and +cried: "Look! this road (that by the lake) leads to Coire +and to Rome; that (to the south) to Glaris; this other (to +the west) to Schwytz; and the fourth (by the Ammon) to St. +Gall. Take which you please! But if you do not move off, +you shall be burnt!" After waiting a few moments, these +young people flung the motionless images into the fire, and +the Schwytz deputies, eye-witnesses of this execution, withdrew<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[311]</a></span> +in consternation, and filled the whole canton with projects +of vengeance that were but too soon realized.</p> + +<p>In the canton of Appenzell, where a conference had been +opened, there suddenly appeared a band of Roman-catholics, +armed with whips and clubs, and crying out: "Where are +these preachers? we are resolved to put them out of the +village!" These strange doctors wounded the ministers and +dispersed the assembly with their whips. Out of the eight +parishes of the canton, six embraced the Reform, and Appenzell +became finally divided into little sections, the one Romanist +and the other Reformed.</p> + +<p>In the Grisons religious liberty was proclaimed; the +parishes had the election of their pastors, several castles +were rased to the ground to render all return to arbitrary +government impossible, and the affrighted bishop went and +hid in the Tyrol his anger and his desire for vengeance. +"The Grisons," said Zwingle, "advance daily. It is a +nation that by its courage reminds us of the ancient Tuscans, +and by its candour of the ancient Swiss."<a name="FNanchor_943_943" id="FNanchor_943_943"></a><a href="#Footnote_943_943" class="fnanchor">[943]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">OBSTACLES IN BASLE.</div> + +<p>Schaffhausen, after having long "halted between two +opinions," at the summons of Zurich and of Berne removed +the images from its churches without tumult or disorder. +At the same time the Reformation invaded Thurgovia, the +valley of the Rhine, and other bailiwicks subordinate to these +cantons. In vain did the Roman-catholic cantons, that +were in the majority, protest against it. "When temporal +affairs are concerned," replied Zurich and Berne, "we +will not oppose a plurality of votes; but the Word of God +cannot be subjected to the suffrages of men." All the districts +that lie along the banks of the Thur, of the Lake of +Constance, and of the Upper Rhine, embraced the Gospel. +The inhabitants of Mammeren, near the place where the +Rhine issues from the lake, flung their images into the water. +But the statue of St. Blaise, after remaining some time upright,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[312]</a></span> +and contemplating the ungrateful spot whence it was +banished, swam across the lake to Catahorn, situated on the +opposite shore, if we may believe the account of a monk +named Lang.<a name="FNanchor_944_944" id="FNanchor_944_944"></a><a href="#Footnote_944_944" class="fnanchor">[944]</a> Even while running away Popery worked +its miracles.</p> + +<p>Thus were the popular superstitions overthrown in Switzerland, +and sometimes not without violence. Every great +development in human affairs brings with it an energetic +opposition to that which has existed. It necessarily contains +an aggressive element, which ought to act freely, and +by that means open the new path. In the times of the Reformation +the doctors attacked the Pope, and the people the +images. The movement almost always exceeded a just +moderation. In order that human nature may take one step +in advance, its pioneers must take many. Every superfluous +step should be condemned, and yet we must acknowledge +their necessity. Let us not forget this in the history of +the Reformation, and especially in that of Switzerland.</p> + +<p>Zurich was reformed; Berne had just become so: Basle +still remained, before the great cities of the Confederation were +gained over to the Evangelical faith. The reformation of +this learned city was the most important consequence resulting +from that of the warlike Berne.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ZEAL OF THE CITIZENS.</div> + +<p>For six years the Gospel had been preached in Basle. +The meek and pious Œcolampadius was always waiting for +happier times. "The darkness," said he, "is about to retire +before the rays of truth."<a name="FNanchor_945_945" id="FNanchor_945_945"></a><a href="#Footnote_945_945" class="fnanchor">[945]</a> But his expectation was vain. +A triple aristocracy—the superior clergy, the nobles, and the +university—checked the free expansion of christian convictions. +It was the middle classes who were destined to effect +the triumph of the Reformation in Basle.<a name="FNanchor_946_946" id="FNanchor_946_946"></a><a href="#Footnote_946_946" class="fnanchor">[946]</a> Unhappily the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[313]</a></span> +popular wave invades nothing without tossing up some foul +scum.</p> + +<p>It is true that the Gospel had many friends in the councils: +but being men of a middle party, they tacked backwards +and forwards like Erasmus, instead of sailing straight +to the port. They ordered "the pure preaching of the +Word of God;" but stipulated at the same time that it should +be "without Lutheranism." The aged and pious bishop +Utenheim, who was living in retirement at Bruntrut, tottered +daily into the church, supported by two domestics, to celebrate +Mass with a broken voice. Gundelsheim, an enemy +of the Reformation, succeeded him erelong; and on the 23d +September, followed by many exiles and with a train of forty +horses, he made his triumphal entry into Basle, proposing to +restore everything to its ancient footing. This made Œcolampadius +write in alarm to Zwingle: "Our cause hangs +upon a thread."</p> + +<p>But in the citizens the Reform found a compensation for +the disdain of the great, and for the terrors inspired by the +new bishop. They organized repasts for fifty and a hundred +guests each; Œcolampadius and his colleagues took +their seats at these tables with the people, where energetic +acclamations and reiterated cheers greeted the work of the +Reformation. In a short time even the council appeared to +incline to the side of the Gospel. Twenty feast-days were +retrenched, and the priests were permitted to refuse celebrating +the Mass. "It is all over with Rome," was now +the cry. But Œcolampadius, shaking his head, replied; "I +am afraid that, by wishing to sit on the two stools, Basle +will at last fall to the ground."<a name="FNanchor_947_947" id="FNanchor_947_947"></a><a href="#Footnote_947_947" class="fnanchor">[947]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">WITTICISM OF ERASMUS.</div> + +<p>This was at the period of his return from his discussion +at Berne. He arrived in time to close the eyes of his pious +mother; and then the reformer found himself alone, succumbing +under the weight of public and domestic cares; for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[314]</a></span> +his house was like an inn for all fugitive Christians. "I +shall marry a Monica,"<a name="FNanchor_948_948" id="FNanchor_948_948"></a><a href="#Footnote_948_948" class="fnanchor">[948]</a> he had often said, "or else I shall +remain a bachelor." He thought he had now discovered the +"christian sister" he was in search of. This was Wilibrandis, +daughter of one of the Emperor Maximilian's knights, +and widow of a master of arts named Keller,—a woman +already proved by many trials. He married her, saying: +"I look to the ordinances of God, and not to the scowling +faces of men." This did not prevent the sly Erasmus from +exclaiming: "Luther's affair is called a tragedy, but I maintain +it is a comedy, for each act of the drama ends in a +wedding." This witticism has been often repeated. For +a long time it was the fashion to account for the Reformation +by the desire of the princes for the church-property, +and of the priests for marriage. This vulgar method is +now stigmatized by the best Roman controversialists as "a +proof of a singularly narrow mind.—The Reformation originated," +add they, "in a true and christian, although unenlightened +zeal."<a name="FNanchor_949_949" id="FNanchor_949_949"></a><a href="#Footnote_949_949" class="fnanchor">[949]</a></p> + +<p>The return of Œcolampadius had still more important consequences +for Basle than it had for himself. The discussion +at Berne caused a great sensation there. "Berne, the powerful +Berne, is reforming!" was passed from mouth to mouth. +"How, then!" said the people one to another, "the fierce +bear has come out of his den......he is groping about +for the rays of the sun......and Basle, the city of learning—Basle, +the adopted city of Erasmus and of Œcolampadius, +remaining in darkness!"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">HALF-MEASURES.</div> + +<p>On Good Friday (10th April, 1528), without the knowledge +of the council and Œcolampadius, five workmen of the +Spinners' Company entered the church of St. Martin, which +was that of the reformer, and where the Mass was already<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[315]</a></span> +abolished, and carried away all the "idols." On Easter +Monday, after the evening sermon, thirty-four citizens removed +all the images from the church of the Augustines.</p> + +<p>This was going too far. Were they desirous, then, of +drawing Basle and its councils from that just medium in +which they had till this moment so wisely halted? The +council met hastily on Tuesday morning, and sent the five +men to prison; but, on the intercession of the burghers, they +were released, and the images suppressed in five other +churches. These half-measures sufficed for a time.</p> + +<p>On a sudden the flame burst out anew with greater violence. +Sermons were preached at St. Martin's and St. +Leonard's against the abominations of the cathedral; and +at the cathedral the Reformers were called "heretics, knaves, +and profligates."<a name="FNanchor_950_950" id="FNanchor_950_950"></a><a href="#Footnote_950_950" class="fnanchor">[950]</a> The Papists celebrated mass upon mass. +The burgomaster Meyer, a friend of the Reform, had with +him the majority of the people; the burgomaster Meltinger, +an intrepid leader of the partisans of Rome, prevailed in +the councils: a collision became inevitable. "The fatal +hour approaches," says Œcolampadius, "terrible for the +enemies of God."<a name="FNanchor_951_951" id="FNanchor_951_951"></a><a href="#Footnote_951_951" class="fnanchor">[951]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">COMMOTION IN BASLE.</div> + +<p>On Wednesday the 23d December, two days before Christmas, +three hundred citizens from all the companies, pious +and worthy men, assembled in the hall of the Gardeners' +Company, and there drew up a petition to the senate. During +this time the friends of Popery, who resided for the most +part in Little Basle and the suburb of St. Paul, took up +arms, brandishing their swords and lances against the Reformed +citizens at the very moment that these were bearing +their petition to the council, and endeavoured, although ineffectually, +to bar their road. Meltinger haughtily refused to +receive the petition, and charged the burghers, on the faith +of their civic oath, to return to their homes. The burgomaster<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[316]</a></span> +Meyer, however, took the address, and the senate ordered +it to be read.</p> + +<p>"Honoured, wise, and gracious Lords," it ran, "we, your +dutiful fellow-citizens of the companies, address you as well-beloved +fathers, whom we are ready to obey at the cost of +our goods and of our lives. Take God's glory to heart; +restore peace to the city; and oblige all the Pope's preachers +to discuss freely with the ministers. If the Mass be true, we +desire to have it in our churches; but if it is an abomination +before God, why, through love for the priests, should we +draw down His terrible anger upon ourselves and upon our +children?"</p> + +<p>Thus spoke the citizens of Basle. There was nothing +revolutionary either in their language or in their proceedings. +They desired what was right with decision, but also with +calmness. All might still proceed with order and decorum. +But here begins a new period: the vessel of Reform is about +to enter the port, but not until it has passed through violent +storms.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p>V. It was the bishop's partisans who first departed from +the legal course. Filled with terror on learning that mediators +were expected from Zurich and Berne, they ran into +the city, crying that an Austrian army was coming to their +aid, and collected stones in their houses. The Reformed did +the same. The disturbance increased hourly, and in the +night of the 25th December the Papists met under arms: +priests with arquebuse in hand were numbered among their +ranks.</p> + +<p>Scarcely had the Reformed learnt this, when some of them +running hastily from house to house, knocked at the doors and +awoke their friends, who, starting out of bed, seized their +muskets and repaired to the Gardeners' Hall, the rendezvous +of their party. They soon amounted to three thousand.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">HALF-MEASURES REJECTED.</div> + +<p>Both parties passed the night under arms. At every moment +a civil war, and what is worse, "a war of hearths," +might break out. It was at last agreed that each party<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[317]</a></span> +should nominate delegates to treat with the senate on this +matter. The Reformed chose thirty men of respectability, +courage, faith, and experience, who took up their quarters at +the Gardeners' Hall. The partisans of the ancient faith +chose also a commission, but less numerous and less respectable: +their station was at the Fishmongers' Hall. The council +was constantly sitting. All the gates of the city, except +two, were closed; strong guards were posted in every quarter. +Deputies from Lucerne, Uri, Schaffhausen, Zug, +Schwytz, Mulhausen, and Strasburg, arrived successively. +The agitation and tumult increased from hour to hour.</p> + +<p>It was necessary to put an end to so violent a crisis. +The senate, faithful to its ideas of half-measures, decreed +that the priest should continue to celebrate the Mass; but +that all, priests and ministers, should preach the Word of +God, and for this purpose should meet once a-week to confer +upon the holy Scriptures. They then called the Lutherans +together in the Franciscan church, and the Papists in that +belonging to the Dominicans. The senate first repaired to +the former church, where they found two thousand five hundred +citizens assembled. The secretary had hardly read the +ordinance before a great agitation arose. "That shall not +be," cried one of the people.<a name="FNanchor_952_952" id="FNanchor_952_952"></a><a href="#Footnote_952_952" class="fnanchor">[952]</a> "We will not put up with +the Mass, not even with a single one!" cried another; and +all repeated, "No Mass,—no Mass,—we will die sooner!"<a name="FNanchor_953_953" id="FNanchor_953_953"></a><a href="#Footnote_953_953" class="fnanchor">[953]</a></p> + +<p>The senate having next visited the Dominican church, all +the Romanists, to the number of six hundred, among whom +were many foreign servants, cried out: "We are ready to +sacrifice our lives for the Mass. We swear it, we swear +it!" repeated they with uplifted hands. "If they reject the +Mass—to arms! to arms!"<a name="FNanchor_954_954" id="FNanchor_954_954"></a><a href="#Footnote_954_954" class="fnanchor">[954]</a></p> + +<p>The senate withdrew more embarrassed than ever.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">REFORMED PROPOSITIONS.</div> + +<p>The two parties were again assembled three days after.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[318]</a></span> +Œcolampadius was in the pulpit. "Be meek and tractable," +said he; and he preached with such unction that many were +ready to burst into tears.<a name="FNanchor_955_955" id="FNanchor_955_955"></a><a href="#Footnote_955_955" class="fnanchor">[955]</a> The assembly offered up prayers, +and then decreed that it would accept a new ordinance, by +virtue of which, fifteen days after Pentecost, there should be +a public disputation, in which no arguments should be employed +but such as were drawn from the Word of God: after +this a general vote should take place upon the Mass, that the +majority should decide the question, and that in the meanwhile +the Mass should be celebrated in three churches only; +it being however understood, that nothing should be taught +there that was in opposition to the Holy Scriptures.</p> + +<p>The Romanist minority rejected these propositions: +"Basle," said they, "is not like Berne and Zurich. Its +revenues are derived in great measure from countries opposed +to the Reformation!" The priests having refused to resort +to the weekly conferences, they were suspended; and during +a fortnight there was neither sermon nor mass at the cathedral, +or in the churches of St. Ulric, St. Peter, and St. Theodore.</p> + +<p>Those who remained faithful to Rome resolved upon an +intrepid defence. Meltinger placed Sebastian Muller in the +pulpit at St. Peter's, from which he had been interdicted, and +this hot-headed priest vented such abusive sarcasms against +the Reform, that several of the Evangelicals, who were listening +to the sermon, were insulted and nearly torn in pieces.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A NIGHT OF TERROR.</div> + +<p>It was necessary to arouse Basle from this nightmare, and +strike a decisive blow. "Let us remember our liberty," +said the reformed citizens, "and what we owe to the glory of +Christ, to public justice, and to our posterity."<a name="FNanchor_956_956" id="FNanchor_956_956"></a><a href="#Footnote_956_956" class="fnanchor">[956]</a> They then +demanded that the enemies of the Reformation, friends and +relations of the priests, who were the cause of all these<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[319]</a></span> +delays and of all these troubles, should no longer sit in the +councils until peace was re-established. This was the 8th +February. The council notified that they would return an +answer on the morrow.</p> + +<p>At six o'clock in the evening, twelve hundred citizens +were assembled in the corn-market. They began to fear +that the delay required by the senate concealed some evil +design. "We must have a reply this very night," they said. +The senate was convoked in great haste.</p> + +<p>From that period affairs assumed a more threatening attitude +in Basle. Strong guards were posted by the burghers +in the halls of the different guilds; armed men patrolled the +city, and bivouacked in the public places, to anticipate the +machinations of their adversaries;<a name="FNanchor_957_957" id="FNanchor_957_957"></a><a href="#Footnote_957_957" class="fnanchor">[957]</a> the chains were stretched +across the streets; torches were lighted, and resinous trees, +whose flickering light scattered the darkness, were placed at +intervals through the town; six pieces of artillery were +planted before the town hall; and the gates of the city, as +well as the arsenal and the ramparts, were occupied. Basle +was in a state of siege.</p> + +<p>There was no longer any hope for the Romish party. The +burgomaster, Meltinger, an intrepid soldier and one of the +heroes of Marignan, where he had led eight hundred men +into battle, lost courage. In the darkness he gained the banks +of the Rhine with his son-in-law, the councillor Eglof d'Offenburg, +embarked unnoticed in a small boat, and rapidly +descended the stream amid the fogs of the night.<a name="FNanchor_958_958" id="FNanchor_958_958"></a><a href="#Footnote_958_958" class="fnanchor">[958]</a> Other +members of the council escaped in a similar manner.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE IDOLS BROKEN.</div> + +<p>This gave rise to new alarms. "Let us beware of their +secret manœuvres," said the people. "Perhaps they are +going to fetch the Austrians, with whom they have so often +threatened us!" The affrighted citizens collected arms from +every quarter, and at break of day they had two thousand<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[320]</a></span> +men on foot. The beams of the rising sun fell on this resolute +but calm assembly.</p> + +<p>It was midday. The senate had come to no decision: the +impatience of the burghers could be restrained no longer. +Forty men were detached to visit the posts. As this patrol +was passing the cathedral, they entered it, and one of the citizens, +urged by curiosity, opened a closet with his halberd, in +which some images had been hidden. One of them fell out, +and was broken into a thousand pieces against the stone pavement.<a name="FNanchor_959_959" id="FNanchor_959_959"></a><a href="#Footnote_959_959" class="fnanchor">[959]</a> +The sight of these fragments powerfully moved the +spectators, who began throwing down one after another all +the images that were concealed in this place. None of them +offered any resistance: heads, feet, and hands—all were +heaped in confusion before the halberdiers. "I am much +surprised," said Erasmus, "that they preformed no miracle +to save themselves; formerly the saints worked frequent prodigies +for much smaller offences!"<a name="FNanchor_960_960" id="FNanchor_960_960"></a><a href="#Footnote_960_960" class="fnanchor">[960]</a> Some priests ran to the +spot, and the patrol withdrew.</p> + +<p>A rumour, however, having spread that a disturbance had +taken place in this church, three hundred men came to the +support of the forty. "Why," said they, "should we spare +the idols that light up the flames of discord?" The priests +in alarm had closed the gates of the sanctuary, drawn the +bolts, raised barricades, and prepared everything for maintaining +a siege. But the townspeople, whose patience had +been exhausted by the delays of the council, dash against one +of the doors of the church: it yields to their blows, and they +rush into the cathedral. The hour of madness has arrived. +These men are no longer to be recognized, as they brandish +their swords, rattle their pikes, and utter formidable cries: +are they Goths, or are they fervent worshippers of God, +animated by the zeal which in times of yore inflamed the +prophets and the kings of Israel? However that might be,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[321]</a></span> +these proceedings were disorderly, since public authority +alone can interfere in public reforms. Images, altars, pictures—all +were thrown down and destroyed. The priests +who had fled into the vestry, and there concealed themselves, +trembled in every limb at the terrible noise made by the +fall of their holy decorations. The work of destruction was +completed without one of them venturing to save the objects +of his worship, or to make the slightest remonstrance. The +people next piled up the fragments in the squares and set +fire to them; and during the chilly night the armed burghers +stood round and warmed themselves at the crackling flame.<a name="FNanchor_961_961" id="FNanchor_961_961"></a><a href="#Footnote_961_961" class="fnanchor">[961]</a></p> + +<p>The senate collected in amazement, and desired to interpose +their authority and appease the tumult; but they might +as well have striven to command the winds. The enthusiastic +citizens replied to their magistrates in these haughty +words: "What you have not been able to effect in three +years, we will complete in one hour."<a name="FNanchor_962_962" id="FNanchor_962_962"></a><a href="#Footnote_962_962" class="fnanchor">[962]</a></p> + +<p>In truth the anger of the people was no longer confined to +the cathedral. They respected all kinds of private property;<a name="FNanchor_963_963" id="FNanchor_963_963"></a><a href="#Footnote_963_963" class="fnanchor">[963]</a> +but they attacked the churches of St. Peter, St. Ulric, +St. Alban, and of the Dominicans; and in all these temples +"the idols" fell under the blows of these good citizens of +Basle, whom an extraordinary zeal inflamed. Already they +were making preparations to cross the bridge and enter Little +Basle, which was devoted to the cause of Popery, when the +alarmed inhabitants begged to be allowed to remove the +images themselves, and with heavy hearts they hastily carried +them into the upper chambers of the church, whence they +hoped to be able after a time to restore them to their old position.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE REFORM LEGALIZED.</div> + +<p>They did not stop at these energetic demonstrations; the +most excited talked of going to the town-hall, and of constraining<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[322]</a></span> +the senate to accede to the wishes of the people; but the +good sense of the majority treated these brawlers as they +deserved, and checked their guilty thoughts.</p> + +<p>The senators now perceived the necessity of giving a legal +character to this popular movement, and of thus changing a +tumultuous revolution into a durable reformation.<a name="FNanchor_964_964" id="FNanchor_964_964"></a><a href="#Footnote_964_964" class="fnanchor">[964]</a> Democracy +and the Gospel were thus established simultaneously +in Basle. The senate, after an hour's deliberation, granted +that in future the burghers should participate in the election +of the two councils; that from this day the Mass and images +should be abolished throughout all the canton, and that in +every deliberation which concerned the glory of God or the +good of the state the opinion of the guilds should be taken. +The people, delighted at having obtained these conditions, +which secured their political and religious liberty, returned +joyful to their houses. It was now the close of day.<a name="FNanchor_965_965" id="FNanchor_965_965"></a><a href="#Footnote_965_965" class="fnanchor">[965]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">OBJECTIONS.</div> + +<p>On the morrow, Ash-Wednesday, it was intended to distribute +the ruins of the altars and other ornaments of the +Church among the poor, to serve them for firewood. But +these unhappy creatures, in their eagerness for the fragments, +having begun to dispute about them, they constructed great +piles in the cathedral close and set fire to them. "The +idols," said some wags, "are really keeping their Ash-Wednesday +to-day!" The friends of Popery, turning away their +horror-stricken eyes from this sacrilegious sight, says Œcolampadius, +shed tears of blood. "Thus severely did they +treat the idols," continues the reformer, "and the Mass died +of grief in consequence."<a name="FNanchor_966_966" id="FNanchor_966_966"></a><a href="#Footnote_966_966" class="fnanchor">[966]</a> On the following Sunday hymns +in German were sung at every church; and on the 18th +February a general amnesty was published. Everything +was changed in Basle. The last had become first, and the +first last. While Œcolampadius, who a few years before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[323]</a></span> +had entered the city as a stranger, without resources and +without power, found himself raised to the first station in the +Church, Erasmus, disturbed in the quiet study whence during +so long a period he had issued his absolute commands to +the world of letters, saw himself compelled to descend into +the arena. But this king of the schools had no desire to lay +down his sceptre before the sovereign people. For a long +time he used to turn aside his head when he met his friend +Œcolampadius. Besides he feared by remaining at Basle to +compromise himself with his protectors. "The torrent," said +he, "which was hidden underground has burst forth with +violence, and committed frightful ravages.<a name="FNanchor_967_967" id="FNanchor_967_967"></a><a href="#Footnote_967_967" class="fnanchor">[967]</a> My life is in +danger: Œcolampadius possesses all the churches. People +are continually bawling in my ears; I am besieged with +letters, caricatures, and pamphlets. It is all over: I am +resolved to leave Basle. Only shall I or shall I not depart by +stealth? The one is more becoming, the other more secure."</p> + +<p>Wishing as much as possible to make his honour and his +prudence agree, Erasmus desired the boatman with whom he +was to descend the Rhine to depart from an unfrequented +spot. This was opposed by the senate, and the timid philosopher +was compelled to enter the boat as it lay near the great +bridge, at that time covered with a crowd of people. He +floated down the river, sadly bade adieu to the city he had +so much loved, and retired to Friburg in Brisgau with several +other learned men.</p> + +<p>New professors were invited to fill the vacant chairs in the +university, and in particular Oswald Myconius, Phrygio, +Sebastian Munster, and Simon Grynus. At the same time +was published an ecclesiastical order and a confession of +faith, one of the most precious documents of this epoch.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PRINCIPLES OF THE REFORMATION.</div> + +<p>Thus had a great transformation been effected without the +loss of a single drop of blood. Popery had fallen in Basle in +despite of the secular and spiritual power. "The wedge of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[324]</a></span> +the Lord," says Œcolampadius, "has split this hard +knot."<a name="FNanchor_968_968" id="FNanchor_968_968"></a><a href="#Footnote_968_968" class="fnanchor">[968]</a></p> + +<p>We cannot, however, help acknowledging that the Basle +Reformation may afford ground for some objections. Luther +had opposed himself to the power of the many. "When the +people prick up their ears, do not whistle too loud. It is +better to suffer at the hand of one tyrant, that is to say, of a +king, than of a thousand tyrants, that is to say, of the people." +On this account the German Reformer has been reproached +for acknowledging no other policy than servilism.</p> + +<p>Perhaps when the Swiss Reformation is canvassed, a contrary +objection will be made against it, and the Reform at +Basle, in particular, will be looked upon as a revolution.</p> + +<p>The Reformation must of necessity bear the stamp of the +country in which it was accomplished: it will be monarchical +in Germany, republican in Switzerland. Nevertheless, +in religion as in politics, there is a great difference between +reformation and revolution.</p> + +<p>In neither of these spheres does Christianity desire either +despotism, servitude, stagnation, retrogression, or death. But +while looking for progress, it seeks to accomplish it by reformation +and not by revolution.</p> + +<p>Reformation works by the power of the Word, of doctrine, +cultivation and truth; while revolution, or rather revolt, operates +by the power of riot, of the sword, and of the club.</p> + +<p>Christianity proceeds by the inner man, and charters themselves, +if they stand alone, cannot satisfy it. No doubt constitutions +are one of the blessings of our age; but it is not +sufficient for these securities to be committed to parchment; +they must be written in the heart, and guaranteed by the manners +of the people.</p> + +<p>Such were the principles of the Swiss Reformers, such +were those of the Reform at Basle, and by these it is distinguished +from a revolution.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FAREL'S COMMISSION.</div> + +<p>There were, it is true, some excesses. Never perhaps has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[325]</a></span> +a reformation been accomplished among men without some +mixture of revolution. But it was doctrines, however, that +were in question at Basle: these doctrines had acted powerfully +on the moral convictions and on the lives of the people; +the movement had taken place within before it showed itself +without. But more than this: the Reformation was not satisfied +with taking away; it gave more than it took; and, far +from confining itself to the work of destruction, it scattered +rich blessings over all the people.<a name="FNanchor_969_969" id="FNanchor_969_969"></a><a href="#Footnote_969_969" class="fnanchor">[969]</a></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p>VI. The recoil of the discussion at Berne had overthrown +Popery in a considerable part of German Switzerland. It +was also felt in many of the churches of French Switzerland, +lying at the foot of the Jura, or scattered amid the pine forests +of its elevated valleys, and which up to this time had shown +the most absolute devotion to the Roman pontiff.</p> + +<p>Farel, seeing the Gospel established in the places where the +Rhone mingles its sandy waters with the crystal Leman, +turned his eyes to another quarter. He was supported by +Berne. This state, which possessed jointly with Friburg the +bailiwicks of Morat, Orbe, and Granson, and which had alliances +with Lausanne, Avenches, Payerne, Neuchatel, and +Geneva, saw that both its interest and its duty alike called +it to have the Gospel preached to its allies and subjects. Farel +was empowered to carry it among them, always with +reserve of the consent of the respective governments.</p> + +<p>One day, therefore, journeying towards Morat, Farel arrived +and preached the Gospel at the foot of those towers and battlements +that had been attacked at three different periods by +the armies of Conrad the Salic, Rodolph of Hapsburg, and +Charles the Bold. Erelong the friends of the Reform amounted +to a great number. A general vote having nevertheless +declared in favour of the Pope, Farel proceeded to Lausanne.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FAREL AT MORAT.</div> + +<p>He was at first driven away by the bishop and the clergy, +but soon reappeared provided with a letter from the lords of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[326]</a></span> +Berne. "We send him to you," said their excellencies to the +authorities of the city, "to defend his own cause and ours. +Allow him to preach the Word of God, and beware that you +touch not a hair of his head."</p> + +<p>There was great confusion in the councils. Placed between +Berne and the bishop, what could they do? The +Council of Twenty four, finding the matter very serious, convoked +the Council of Sixty; and this body, excusing itself, +they convoked the Council of Two Hundred, on the 14th November +1529. But these in their turn referred the business +to the smaller council. No one would have anything to do +with it. The inhabitants of Lausanne, it is true, complained +loudly of the holy members of their chapters, whose lives +(they said) were one long orgy; but when their eyes turned +on the austere countenance of Reform, they were still more +terrified. Besides, how deprive Lausanne of her bishop, her +court, and her dignitaries? What! no more pilgrims in the +churches,—no more suitors in the ecclesiastical courts,—no +more purchasers in the markets, or boon companions in the +taverns! The widowed and desolate Lausanne would no +longer behold the noisy throng of people, that were at once her +wealth and her glory!—Better far a disorder that enriches, +than a Reform that impoverishes! Farel was compelled to +depart a second time.</p> + +<p>He returned to Morat, and soon the Word gained over +the hearts of the people. On feast-days, the roads from +Payerne and Avenches were covered with merry bands, +who laughingly said to one another, "Let us go to Morat and +hear the preachers!" and exhorted each other slily, as they +went along the road, "not to fall into the nets of the heretics." +But at night, all was changed. Grasped by the strong hand +of truth, these very people returned,—some in deep thought, +others discussing with animation the doctrines they had heard. +The fire was sparkling throughout all this district, and spreading +in every direction its long rays of light. This was enough +for Farel: he required new conquests.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">NEUCHATEL.</div> + +<p>At a short distance from Morat lay one of the strongholds<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[327]</a></span> +of Popery—the Earldom of Neuchatel. Joan of Hochberg, +who had inherited this principality from her ancestors, had +married, in 1504, Louis of Orleans, Duke of Longueville. +This French nobleman having supported the King of France +in 1512, in a war against the Swiss, the cantons had taken +possession of Neuchatel, but had restored it to his widow in +1529.</p> + +<p>Few countries could have presented greater difficulties +to the daring reformer. The princess of Longueville, residing +in France in the suite of Francis I., a woman of courtly +habits, vain, extravagant, always in debt, and thinking of +Neuchatel only as a farm that should bring her in a large +revenue, was devoted to the Pope and Popery. Twelve +canons with several priests and chaplains formed a powerful +clergy, at whose head was the provost Oliver of Hochberg, +natural brother to the princess. Auxiliaries full of zeal flanked +this main army. On the one side there was the abbey of +the Premonstrantes of Fontaine-Andr, three quarters of a +league beyond the town, the monks of which, after having +in the twelfth century cleared the ground with their own +hands,<a name="FNanchor_970_970" id="FNanchor_970_970"></a><a href="#Footnote_970_970" class="fnanchor">[970]</a> had gradually become powerful lords; and, on the +other side, the Benedictines of the Island of St. John, whose +abbot, having been deposed by the Bernese, had taken refuge, +burning with hatred and vengeance, in his priory at Corcelles.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FAREL'S LABOURS.</div> + +<p>The people of Neuchatel had a great respect for ancient +rights, and it was easy to take advantage of this state of +feeling, considering the general ignorance, to maintain the +innovations of Popery. The canons improved the opportunity. +For the instructions of the Gospel they substituted +pomps and shows. The church, situated on a steep rock, +was filled with altars, chapels, and images of saints; and religion, +descending from this sanctuary, ran up and down the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[328]</a></span> +streets, and was travestied in dramas and mysteries, mingled +with indulgences, miracles, and debauchery.<a name="FNanchor_971_971" id="FNanchor_971_971"></a><a href="#Footnote_971_971" class="fnanchor">[971]</a></p> + +<p>The soldiers of Neuchatel, however, who had made the +campaign of 1529 with the Bernese army, brought back to +their homes the liveliest enthusiasm for the Evangelical cause. +It was at this period that a frail boat, quitting the southern +bank of the lake, on the side opposite Morat, and carrying +a Frenchman of mean appearance, steered towards the Neuchatel +shore. Farel, for it was he, had learnt that the village +of Serrire, situated at the gates of Neuchatel, depended in +spiritualities on the evangelical city of Bienne, and that Emer +Beynon, the priest of the place, "had some liking for the +Gospel." The plan of his campaign was immediately drawn +up. He appeared before parson Emer, who received him +with joy; but what could be done? for Farel had been interdicted +from preaching in any church whatever in the earldom. +The poor priest thought to reconcile everything by +permitting Farel to mount on a stone in the cemetery, and +thus preach to the people, turning his back upon the church.<a name="FNanchor_972_972" id="FNanchor_972_972"></a><a href="#Footnote_972_972" class="fnanchor">[972]</a></p> + +<p>A great disturbance arose in Neuchatel. On one side the +government, the canons, and the priests, cried "Heresy!" +but, on the other, "some inhabitants of Neuchatel, to whom +God had given a knowledge of the truth,"<a name="FNanchor_973_973" id="FNanchor_973_973"></a><a href="#Footnote_973_973" class="fnanchor">[973]</a> flocked to Serrire. +In a short time these last could not contain themselves: +"Come," said they to Farel, "and preach to us in +the town."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FAREL'S PREACHING.</div> + +<p>This was at the beginning of December. They entered +by the gate of the castle, and leaving the church on the hill +to the left, they passed in front of the canons' houses, and +descended through the narrow streets inhabited by the citizens. +On reaching the market-cross, Farel ascended a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[329]</a></span> +platform and addressed the crowd, which gathered together +from all the neighbourhood,—weavers, vine-dressers, husbandmen, +a worthy race, possessing more feeling than imagination. +The preacher's exterior was grave, his discourse +energetic, his voice like thunder: his eyes, his features, his +gestures, all showed him a man of intrepidity. The citizens, +accustomed to run about the streets after the mountebanks, +were touched by his powerful language. "Farel preached +a sermon of such great efficacy," says a manuscript, "that +he gained over much people."<a name="FNanchor_974_974" id="FNanchor_974_974"></a><a href="#Footnote_974_974" class="fnanchor">[974]</a></p> + +<p>Some monks, however, with shaven crowns,<a name="FNanchor_975_975" id="FNanchor_975_975"></a><a href="#Footnote_975_975" class="fnanchor">[975]</a> glided among +his hearers, seeking to excite them against the heretical minister. +"Let us beat out his brains," said some. "Duck him, +duck him!" cried others, advancing to throw Farel into a +fountain, which may still be seen near the spot where he +preached. But the reformer stood firm.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">POPERY IN NEUCHATEL.</div> + +<p>This first preaching was succeeded by others. To this +Gospel missionary every place was a church; every stone, +every bench, every platform was a pulpit. Already the cutting +winds and the snows of December should have kept the +Neuchatelans around their firesides; "the canons made a +vigorous defence;"<a name="FNanchor_976_976" id="FNanchor_976_976"></a><a href="#Footnote_976_976" class="fnanchor">[976]</a> and in every quarter "the shorn +crowns" were in agitation, supplicating, menacing, howling, +and threatening,—but all was useless. No sooner did this +man of small stature rise up in any place, with his pale yet +sunburnt complexion, with red and unkempt beard, with +sparkling eye and expressive mouth, than the monks' labour +was lost: the people collected around, for it was the Word of +God that fell from his lips.<a name="FNanchor_977_977" id="FNanchor_977_977"></a><a href="#Footnote_977_977" class="fnanchor">[977]</a> All eyes were fixed on him: +with open mouth and attentive ears they hung upon his +words.<a name="FNanchor_978_978" id="FNanchor_978_978"></a><a href="#Footnote_978_978" class="fnanchor">[978]</a> And scarcely does he begin to speak, when—Oh!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[330]</a></span> +wonderful work of God! he himself exclaims—this multitude +believes as if it had but one soul.</p> + +<p>The Word of God carried the town, as it were, at the first +assault; and throwing down the devices Rome had taken ages +to compose, established itself in triumph on the ruins of +human traditions. Farel saw in imagination Jesus Christ +himself walking in spirit through the midst of this crowd, +opening the eyes of the blind, softening the hard heart, and +working miracles,<a name="FNanchor_979_979" id="FNanchor_979_979"></a><a href="#Footnote_979_979" class="fnanchor">[979]</a>......so that scarcely had he returned to +his humble residence before he wrote to his friends with a +heart full of emotion: "Render thanks with me to the Father +of mercies, in that he has shown his favour to those bowed +down by a weighty tyranny;" and falling on his knees, he +worshipped God.<a name="FNanchor_980_980" id="FNanchor_980_980"></a><a href="#Footnote_980_980" class="fnanchor">[980]</a></p> + +<p>But during this time what were the adherents of the Pope +doing in Neuchatel?</p> + +<p>The canons, members of the General Audiences, of which +they formed the first estate, treated both priests and laymen +with intolerable haughtiness. Laying the burden of their +offices on poor curates, they publicly kept dissolute women, +clothed them sumptuously, endowed their children by public +acts, fought in the church, haunted the streets by night, or +went into a foreign country to enjoy in secret the produce of +their avarice and of their intrigues. Some poor lepers placed +in a house near the city were maintained by the produce of +certain offerings. The rich canons, in the midst of their +banquets, dared take away the bread of charity from these +unhappy wretches.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">RESISTANCE OF THE MONKS.</div> + +<p>The abbey of Fontaine-Andr was at a little distance from +the town. Now the canons of Neuchatel and the monks of +Fontaine were at open war. These hostile powers, encamped +on their two hills, disputed each other's property, +wrested away each other's privileges, launched at one another +the coarsest insults, and even came to blows. "Debaucher<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[331]</a></span> +of women!" said the canons to the abbot of Fontaine-Andr, +who returned the compliment in the same coin. It is the +Reformation which, through faith, has re-established the moral +law in Christendom,—a law that Popery had trodden under +foot.</p> + +<p>For a long time these conventual wars had disturbed the +country. On a sudden they cease. A strange event is +passing in Neuchatel,—the Word of God is preached there. +The canons, seized with affright in the midst of their disorders, +look down from their lofty dwellings on this new movement. +The report reaches Fontaine-Andr. The monks and +priests suspend their orgies and their quarrels. The heathen +sensualism that had invaded the Church is put to the rout; +Christian spiritualism has reappeared.</p> + +<p>Immediately the monks and canons, so long at war, embrace +and unite against the Reformer. "We must save religion," +said they, meaning their tithes, banquets, scandals, +and privileges. Not one of them could oppose a doctrine to +the doctrine preached by Farel: to insult him was their sole +weapon. At Corcelles, however, they went farther. As the +minister was proclaiming the Gospel near the priory, the +monks fell upon him; in the midst of them was the prior +Rodolph de Benoit, storming, exciting, and striving to augment +the tempest. He even had a dagger in his hand, according +to one writer.<a name="FNanchor_981_981" id="FNanchor_981_981"></a><a href="#Footnote_981_981" class="fnanchor">[981]</a> Farel escaped with difficulty.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FAREL'S LABOURS.</div> + +<p>This was not enough. Popery, as it always does, had +recourse to the civil power. The canons, the abbot, and the +prior, solicited the governor George de Rive at the same time. +Farel stood firm. "The glory of Jesus Christ," said he, +"and the lively affection his sheep bear to his Word, constrain +me to endure sufferings greater than tongue can describe."<a name="FNanchor_982_982" id="FNanchor_982_982"></a><a href="#Footnote_982_982" class="fnanchor">[982]</a> +Erelong, however, he was compelled to yield. +Farel again crossed the lake; but this passage was very different<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[332]</a></span> +from the former. The fire was kindled!—On the 22d +December he was at Morat; and shortly after at Aigle.</p> + +<p>He was recalled hence. On the 7th January, religion was +put to the vote at Morat, and the majority was in favour of +the Gospel. But the Romish minority, supported by Friburg, +immediately undertook to recover its ancient position by +insults and bad treatment. "Farel! Farel!" cried the +reformed party.<a name="FNanchor_983_983" id="FNanchor_983_983"></a><a href="#Footnote_983_983" class="fnanchor">[983]</a></p> + +<p>A few days after this, Farel, accompanied by a Bernese +messenger, scaled that magnificent amphitheatre of mountains +above Vevay, whence the eye plunges into the waters +of the Leman; and soon he crossed the estates of Count John +of Gruyre, who was in the habit of saying, "We must burn +this French Luther!"<a name="FNanchor_984_984" id="FNanchor_984_984"></a><a href="#Footnote_984_984" class="fnanchor">[984]</a> Scarcely had Farel reached the +heights of St. Martin de Vaud,<a name="FNanchor_985_985" id="FNanchor_985_985"></a><a href="#Footnote_985_985" class="fnanchor">[985]</a> when he saw the vicar of the +place with two priests running to meet him. "Heretic! +devil!" cried they. But the knight, through fear of Berne, +remained behind his walls, and Farel passed on.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FAREL IN NEUCHATEL.</div> + +<p>The Reformer, not allowing himself to be stopped by the +necessity of defending himself in Morat, or by the inclemency +of the season, immediately carried the Gospel to those beautiful +hills that soar between the smiling waters of lakes Morat +and Neuchatel into the villages of the Vully. This manœuvre +was crowned with the most complete success. On +the 15th February four deputies from the Vully came to +Morat to demand permission to embrace the Reform, which +was immediately granted to them. "Let our ministers preach +the Gospel," said their excellencies of Berne to the Friburgers, +"and we will let your priests play their monkey tricks. +We desire to force no man."<a name="FNanchor_986_986" id="FNanchor_986_986"></a><a href="#Footnote_986_986" class="fnanchor">[986]</a> The Reform restored freedom +of will to the Christian people. It was about this time that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[333]</a></span> +Farel wrote his beautiful letter "To all lords, people, and +pastors," which we have so often quoted.<a name="FNanchor_987_987" id="FNanchor_987_987"></a><a href="#Footnote_987_987" class="fnanchor">[987]</a></p> + +<p>The indefatigable reformer now went forward to new conquests. +A chain of rocks separates the Juran valley of +Erguel, already evangelized by Farel, from the country of the +ancient Rauraci, and a passage cut through the rock serves +as a communication between the two districts. It was the +end of April when Farel, passing through the <i>Pierre-Pertuis</i>,<a name="FNanchor_988_988" id="FNanchor_988_988"></a><a href="#Footnote_988_988" class="fnanchor">[988]</a> +descended to the village of Tavannes, and entered the church +just as the priest was saying Mass. Farel went into the +pulpit: the astonished priest stopped,—the minister filled his +hearers with emotion, and seemed to them an angel come +down from heaven. Immediately the images and the altars +fell, and "the poor priest who was chanting the Mass could +not finish it."<a name="FNanchor_989_989" id="FNanchor_989_989"></a><a href="#Footnote_989_989" class="fnanchor">[989]</a> To put down Popery had required less time +than the priest had spent at the altar.</p> + +<p>A great part of the bishopric of Basle was in a few weeks +gained over to the Reformation.</p> + +<p>During this time the Gospel was fermenting in Neuchatel. +The young men who had marched with Berne to deliver +Geneva from the attacks of Savoy, recounted in their jovial +meetings the exploits of the campaign, and related how the +soldiers of Berne, feeling cold, had taken the images from the +Dominican church at Geneva, saying: "Idols of wood are +of no use but to make a fire with in winter."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE HOSPITAL CHAPEL.</div> + +<p>Farel re-appeared in Neuchatel.<a name="FNanchor_990_990" id="FNanchor_990_990"></a><a href="#Footnote_990_990" class="fnanchor">[990]</a> Being master of the +lower part of the town, he raised his eyes to the lofty rocks +on which soared the cathedral and the castle. The best plan, +thought he, is to bring these proud priests down to us. One +morning his young friends spread themselves in the streets, +and posted up large placards bearing these words: "<i>All</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[334]</a></span> +<i>those who say Mass are robbers, murderers, and seducers of the +people</i>."<a name="FNanchor_991_991" id="FNanchor_991_991"></a><a href="#Footnote_991_991" class="fnanchor">[991]</a> Great was the uproar in Neuchatel. The canons +summoned their people, called together their clerks, and +marching at the head of a large troop, armed with swords and +clubs, descended into the town, tore down the sacrilegious +placards, and cited Farel before the tribunal as a slanderer, +demanding ten thousand crowns damages.</p> + +<p>The two parties appeared in court, and this was all that +Farel desired. "I confess the fact," said he, "but I am +justified in what I have done. Where are there to be found +more horrible murderers, than these seducers who sell paradise, +and thus nullify the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ? +I will prove my assertion by the Gospel." And he prepared +to open it, when the canons, flushed with anger, cried out: +"The common law of Neuchatel, and not the Gospel, is in +question here! Where are the witnesses?" But Farel, +always returning to that fearful assertion, proved by the +Word of God that the canons were really guilty of murder and +robbery. To plead such a cause was to ruin Popery. The +court of Neuchatel, that had never heard a similar case, +resolved according to ancient custom to lay it before the +Council of Besanon,<a name="FNanchor_992_992" id="FNanchor_992_992"></a><a href="#Footnote_992_992" class="fnanchor">[992]</a> which not daring to pronounce the first +estate of the General Audiences guilty of murder and robbery, +referred the matter to the Emperor and to a general council. +Bad causes gain nothing by making a disturbance.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CIVIL POWER INVOKED.</div> + +<p>At every step they wished to drive him back, Farel made +one in advance. The streets and the houses were still his +temple. One day when the people of Neuchatel were around +him, "Why," cried they, "should not the Word of God be +proclaimed in a church?" They then hurried Farel along +with them, opened the doors of the Hospital Chapel, set the +minister in the pulpit, and a numerous crowd stood silent +before him. "In like manner as Jesus Christ, appearing in a +state of poverty and humility, was born in a stable at Bethlehem,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[335]</a></span> +said the Reformer; "so this hospital, this abode of +the sick and of the poor, is to-day become his birthplace in the +town of Neuchatel." Then feeling ill at ease in the presence +of the painted and carved figures that decorated the chapel, +he laid his hands on these objects of idolatry, removed them, +and broke them in pieces.<a name="FNanchor_993_993" id="FNanchor_993_993"></a><a href="#Footnote_993_993" class="fnanchor">[993]</a></p> + +<p>Popery, which anger had blinded, now took a step that it +undoubtedly had a right to take, but which destroyed it: it +had recourse to the secular arm, and the governor sent a +deputation to the Bernese council, praying the removal of +Farel and his companions.</p> + +<p>But almost at the same time deputies from the townspeople +arrived at Berne. "Did not these hands bear arms at Interlaken +and at Bremgarten to support your Reformation? and +will you abandon us in ours?"</p> + +<p>Berne hesitated. A public calamity was at that time filling +the whole city with mourning. One of the most illustrious +citizens of the republic, the Banneret of Weingarten, attacked +by the plague, was expiring amid the tears of his sons and of +his fellow-citizens. Being informed of the arrival of the +Neuchatelans, he rallied his waning strength: "Go," said he, +"and beg the senate in my name to ask for a general assembly +of the people of Neuchatel for Sunday next."<a name="FNanchor_994_994" id="FNanchor_994_994"></a><a href="#Footnote_994_994" class="fnanchor">[994]</a> This +message of the dying banneret decided the council.</p> + +<p>The deputies from Berne arrived in Neuchatel on the 7th +August. Farel thought that during the debates he had time +to make a new conquest, and quitted the city. His zeal can +be compared only to St. Paul's. His body was small and +feeble, but his activity was wholly apostolic: danger and bad +treatment wasted him every day, but he had within him a +divine power that rendered him victorious.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="sidenote">THE FEAST OF ASSUMPTION.</div> + +<p>VII. At the distance of a league from Neuchatel, beyond +the mountain, extends the Val de Ruz, and near its entrance,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[336]</a></span> +in a precipitous situation, where roars an impetuous torrent +surrounded by steep crags, stands the town of Valangin. An +old castle, built on a rock, raises its vast walls into the air, +overlooking the humble dwellings of the townspeople, and +extending its jurisdiction over five valleys of these lofty and +severe mountains at that time covered with forests of pine, +but now peopled by the most active industry.<a name="FNanchor_995_995" id="FNanchor_995_995"></a><a href="#Footnote_995_995" class="fnanchor">[995]</a></p> + +<p>In this castle dwelt Guillemette de Vergy, dowager-countess +of Valangin, strongly attached to the Romish religion and +full of respect for the memory of her husband. A hundred +priests had chanted high mass at the count's burial; many +penitent young women had been married, and large alms distributed; +the curate of Locle had been sent to Jerusalem, and +Guillemette herself had made a pilgrimage for the repose for +the soul of her departed lord.</p> + +<p>Sometimes, however, the Countess of Gruyre and other +ladies would come and visit the widow of Vergy, who assembled +in the castle a number of young lords. The fife and +tambourine re-echoed under its vaulted roofs, chattering groups +collected in the immense embrasures of its Gothic windows, +and merry dances followed hard upon a long silence and +gloomy devotion.<a name="FNanchor_996_996" id="FNanchor_996_996"></a><a href="#Footnote_996_996" class="fnanchor">[996]</a> There was but one sentiment that never +left Guillemette—this was her hatred against the Reformation.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE MASS INTERRUPTED.</div> + +<p>Guillemette and the priests had in fact reason to tremble. +The 15th August was a great Romish festival—Our Lady of +August, or the Assumption. All the faithful of the Val de +Ruz were preparing to keep it. This was the very day Farel +selected. Animated by the fire and courage of Elijah, he set +out for Valangin, and a young man, his fellow-countryman, +and, as it would appear, a distant relation, Anthony Boyve, +an ardent Christian and a man of decided character, went +along with him.<a name="FNanchor_997_997" id="FNanchor_997_997"></a><a href="#Footnote_997_997" class="fnanchor">[997]</a> The two missionaries climbed the mountain, +plunged into the pine forest, and then descending again<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[337]</a></span> +into the valley, they traversed Valangin, where the vicinity +of the castle did not give them much encouragement to pause, +and arrived at a village, probably Boudevilliers, proposing +to preach the Gospel there.<a name="FNanchor_998_998" id="FNanchor_998_998"></a><a href="#Footnote_998_998" class="fnanchor">[998]</a></p> + +<p>Already on all sides the people were thronging to the +church; Farel and his companion entered also with a small +number of the inhabitants who had heard him at Neuchatel. +The reformer immediately ascended the pulpit, and the priest +prepared to celebrate the Mass. The combat begins. While +the voice of Farel is preaching Jesus Christ and his promises, +the voices of the priests and of the choir are chanting the +missal. The solemn moment approaches: the ineffable transubstantiation +is about to take place: the priest pronounces +the sacred words over the elements. At this instant the +people hesitate no longer; ancient habits, an irresistible influence, +draw them towards the altar; the preacher is deserted; +the kneeling crowd has recovered its old worship; Rome is +triumphant.......Suddenly a young man springs from the +crowd,—traverses the choir,—rushes to the altar,—snatches +the host from the hands of the priest, and cries, as he turns +towards the people: "This is not the God whom you should +worship. He is above,—in heaven,—in the majesty of the +Father, and not, as you believe, in the hands of a priest."<a name="FNanchor_999_999" id="FNanchor_999_999"></a><a href="#Footnote_999_999" class="fnanchor">[999]</a> +This man was Anthony Boyve.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FAREL'S DANGER.</div> + +<p>Such a daring act at first produced the desired effect. The +Mass was interrupted, the chantings ceased, and the crowd, +as if struck by a supernatural intervention, remained silent +and noiseless. Farel, who was still in the pulpit, immediately +took advantage of this calm, and proclaimed that Christ +"whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution +of all things."<a name="FNanchor_1000_1000" id="FNanchor_1000_1000"></a><a href="#Footnote_1000_1000" class="fnanchor">[1000]</a> Then the priests and choristers with their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[338]</a></span> +adherents rushed to the towers, ran up into the belfry, and +sounded the tocsin.</p> + +<p>These means succeeded: a crowd was collected, and if +Farel had not retired, his death and Boyve's would have been +inevitable. "But God," says the chronicle, "delivered them." +They crossed the interval that separates Boudevilliers from +Valangin, and drew near the steep gorges of the torrent of the +Seyon. But how traverse that town, which the tocsin had +already alarmed?</p> + +<p>Leaving Chaumont and its dark forests to the left, these two +heralds of the Gospel took a narrow path that wound beneath +the castle: they were stealing cautiously along, when suddenly +a shower of stones assailed them, and at the same time +a score of individuals,—priests, men, and women,—armed +with clubs, fell furiously upon them. "The priests had not +the gout either in their feet or arms," says a chronicler; +"the ministers were so beaten that they nearly lost their +lives."<a name="FNanchor_1001_1001" id="FNanchor_1001_1001"></a><a href="#Footnote_1001_1001" class="fnanchor">[1001]</a></p> + +<p>Madame de Vergy, who descended to the terrace, far from +moderating the anger of the priests, cried out: "Drown +them!—drown them! throw them into the Seyon—these Lutheran +dogs, who have despised the Host!"<a name="FNanchor_1002_1002" id="FNanchor_1002_1002"></a><a href="#Footnote_1002_1002" class="fnanchor">[1002]</a> In fact, the priests +were beginning to drag the two heretics towards the bridge. +Never was Farel nearer death.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ILL-TREATMENT OF FAREL.</div> + +<p>On a sudden, from behind the last rock that hides Valangin +in the direction of the mountain, there appeared "certain +good persons of the Val de Ruz coming from Neuchatel"<a name="FNanchor_1003_1003" id="FNanchor_1003_1003"></a><a href="#Footnote_1003_1003" class="fnanchor">[1003]</a> +and descending into the valley. "What are you doing?" +asked they of the priests, with the intention no doubt of +saving Farel; "put them rather in a place of safety, that +they may answer for their proceedings? Would you deprive<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[339]</a></span> +yourselves of the only means in your power of discovering +those infected by the poison of heresy?"</p> + +<p>The priests left off at these words, and conducted the prisoners +to the castle. As they were passing before a little +chapel, containing an image of the Virgin, "Kneel down," +said they to Farel and Boyve, showing them the statue; +"prostrate yourselves before Our Lady!" Farel began to +admonish them; "Worship one God alone in spirit and in +truth," said he to them, "and not dumb images without life +or power." But they, continues the chronicle, "greatly +vexed at his words and his firmness, inflicted on him so many +blows, that he was covered with blood, which even spirted on +the walls of the chapel. For a long time after the traces of +it might still be seen."<a name="FNanchor_1004_1004" id="FNanchor_1004_1004"></a><a href="#Footnote_1004_1004" class="fnanchor">[1004]</a></p> + +<p>They resumed their march—they entered the town—they +climbed the steep road that led to the esplanade where Guillemette +de Vergy and her attendants waited for the "Lutherans;" +so that, continues the chronicle, "from beating them +thus continually, they conducted them all covered with filth +and blood to the prisons, and let them down almost lifeless +into the dungeon (<i>croton</i>) of the castle of Valangin." Thus +had Paul at Lystra been stoned by the Jews, drawn out of +the city, and left for dead.<a name="FNanchor_1005_1005" id="FNanchor_1005_1005"></a><a href="#Footnote_1005_1005" class="fnanchor">[1005]</a> The Apostles and the Reformers +preached the same doctrine and suffered the same treatment.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FAREL AT NEUCHATEL.</div> + +<p>It may perhaps be said, that Farel and Boyve were too violent +in their attack; but the Church of the Middle Ages, +which had fallen back into the legal spirit of Judaism, and +into all the corruptions that flow from it, needed an energetic +opposition to lead it again to the principle of grace. Augustin +and St. Paul reappeared in the Church of the sixteenth +century; and when we read of Boyve rushing in great emotion +on those who were about to worship the bread of the Mass,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[340]</a></span> +may we not recall to mind the action of St Paul, rending his +clothes, and running in among the people, who were desirous +of worshipping "men of like passions with themselves?"<a name="FNanchor_1006_1006" id="FNanchor_1006_1006"></a><a href="#Footnote_1006_1006" class="fnanchor">[1006]</a></p> + +<p>Farel and Boyve, thrust into the dungeons of the castle, +could, like Paul and Silas in the prison at Philippi, "sing +praises unto God." Messire de Bellegarde, ever ready to persecute +the Gospel, was preparing for them a cruel end, when +some townsmen of Neuchatel arrived to claim them. Madame +de Valangin dared not refuse, and at the demand of +the Bernese even instituted an inquiry, "to put a good face +on the matter," says a manuscript. "Nevertheless that priest +who had beaten Farel most, never after failed to eat daily at +the lady's table, by way of recompense."<a name="FNanchor_1007_1007" id="FNanchor_1007_1007"></a><a href="#Footnote_1007_1007" class="fnanchor">[1007]</a> But this was of +little consequence: the seed of truth had been sown in the Val +de Ruz.</p> + +<p>At Neuchatel the Bernese supported the Evangelical citizens. +The governor, whose resources were exhausted, sent +ambassadors to the princess, "begging her to cross the mountains, +to appease her people, who were in terrible trouble in +consequence of this Lutheran religion."<a name="FNanchor_1008_1008" id="FNanchor_1008_1008"></a><a href="#Footnote_1008_1008" class="fnanchor">[1008]</a></p> + +<p>Meantime the ferment increased. The townspeople prayed +the canons to give up the Mass: they refused; whereupon the +citizens presented them their reasons in writing, and begged +them to discuss the question with Farel. Still the same refusal!—"But, +for goodness' sake, speak either for or against!" +It was all of no use!</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FAREL IN THE CATHEDRAL.</div> + +<p>On Sunday, the 23d of October, Farel, who had returned +to Neuchatel, was preaching at the hospital. He knew that +the magistrates of the city had deliberated on the expediency +of consecrating the cathedral itself to the Evangelical worship. +"What then," said he, "will you not pay as much honour to +the Gospel as the other party does to the Mass?......And +if this superstitious act is celebrated in the high church, shall +not the Gospel be proclaimed there also?" At these words all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[341]</a></span> +his hearers arose. "To the church!" cried they; "to the +church!" Impetuous men are desirous of putting their heads +to work, to accomplish what the prudence of the burgesses +had proposed.<a name="FNanchor_1009_1009" id="FNanchor_1009_1009"></a><a href="#Footnote_1009_1009" class="fnanchor">[1009]</a> They leave the hospital, and take Farel with +them. They climb the steep street of the castle: in vain +would the canons and their frightened followers stop the +crowd: they force a passage. Convinced that they are advancing +for God's glory, nothing can check them. Insults +and shouts assail them from every side, but in the name of the +Truth they are defending, they proceed: they open the gates +of the Church of our Lady; they enter, and here a fresh +struggle begins. The canons and their friends assembled +around the pulpit endeavour to stop Farel; but all is useless. +They have not to deal with a band of rioters. God has pronounced +in his Word, and the magistrates themselves have +passed a definitive resolution. The townspeople advance, +therefore, against the sacerdotal coterie; they form a close battalion, +in the centre of which they place the reformer. They +succeed in making their way through the opposing crowd, and +at last place the minister in the pulpit without any harm befalling +him.<a name="FNanchor_1010_1010" id="FNanchor_1010_1010"></a><a href="#Footnote_1010_1010" class="fnanchor">[1010]</a></p> + +<p>Immediately all is calm within the church and without; +even the adversaries are silent, and Farel delivers "one of +the most effective sermons he had hitherto preached." Their +eyes are opened; their emotion increases; their hearts are +melted; the most obstinate appear converted; and from every +part of the old church these cries resound: "We will follow +the Evangelical religion, both we and our children, and in it +will we live and die."<a name="FNanchor_1011_1011" id="FNanchor_1011_1011"></a><a href="#Footnote_1011_1011" class="fnanchor">[1011]</a></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[342]</a></span></p> +<div class="sidenote">THE IDOLS DESTROYED.</div> + +<p>Suddenly a whirlwind, as it were, sweeps over this multitude, +and stirs it up like a vast sea. Farel's hearers desire +to imitate the pious King Josiah.<a name="FNanchor_1012_1012" id="FNanchor_1012_1012"></a><a href="#Footnote_1012_1012" class="fnanchor">[1012]</a> "If we take away these +idols from before our eyes, will it not be aiding us," said they, +"in taking them from our own hearts? Once these idols +broken, how many souls among our fellow-citizens, now disturbed +and hesitating, will be decided by this striking manifestation +of the truth! We must save them as it were by +fire."<a name="FNanchor_1013_1013" id="FNanchor_1013_1013"></a><a href="#Footnote_1013_1013" class="fnanchor">[1013]</a></p> + +<p>This latter motive decides them, and then begins a scene +that fills the Romanists with horror, and which must, according +to them, bring down the terrible judgment of God on the +city.</p> + +<p>The very spot where this takes place would seem to add to +its solemnity. To the north the castle-walls rise above the +pointed crags of the gloomy but picturesque valley of the +Seyon, and the mountain in front of the castle presents to the +eye little more than bare rocks, vines, and black firs. But +to the south, beneath the terrace on which this tumultuous +scene is passing, extend the wide and tranquil waters of the +lake with its fertile and picturesque shores; and in the distance +the continuous summits of the higher Alps with their +dazzling snows, their immense glaciers, and gigantic peaks, +lie before the enraptured eye.</p> + +<p>On this platform the people of Neuchatel were in commotion, +paying little attention to these noble scenes of nature. +The governor, whose castle adjoined the church, was compelled +to remain an idle spectator of the excesses that he +could not prevent; he was content to leave us a description +of them. "These daring fellows," says he, "seize mattocks, +hatchets, and hammers, and thus march against the images +of the saints." They advance—they strike the statues and +the altars—they dash them to pieces. The figures carved in +the fourteenth century by the "imagers" of Count Louis are +not spared; and scarcely do the statues of the counts themselves,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[343]</a></span> +which were mistaken for idols, escape destruction. +The townspeople collect all these fragments of an idolatrous +worship; they carry them out of the church, and throw them +from the top of the rock. The paintings meet with no better +treatment. "It is the devil," thought they with the early +Christians, "who taught the world this art of statues, images, +and all sorts of likenesses."<a name="FNanchor_1014_1014" id="FNanchor_1014_1014"></a><a href="#Footnote_1014_1014" class="fnanchor">[1014]</a> They tear out the eyes in the +pictures of the saints, and cut off their noses. The crucifix +itself is thrown down, for this wooden figure usurps the homage +that Jesus Christ claims in the heart. One image, the most +venerated of all, still remains: it is our Lady of Mercy, which +Mary of Savoy had presented to the collegiate church; but +Our Lady herself is not spared. A hand more daring than +the rest strikes it, as, in the fourth century, the colossal statue +of Serapis was struck.<a name="FNanchor_1015_1015" id="FNanchor_1015_1015"></a><a href="#Footnote_1015_1015" class="fnanchor">[1015]</a> "They have even bored out the +eyes of Our Lady of Mercy, which the departed lady your +mother had caused to be made," wrote the governor to the +Duchess of Longueville.</p> + +<p>The Reformed went still further: they seized the patens +in which lay the <i>corpus Domini</i>, and flung them from the +top of the rock into the torrent; after which, being desirous +of showing that the consecrated wafers are mere bread, and +not God himself, they distributed them one to another and ate +them......At this sight the canons and chaplains could no +longer remain quiet. A cry of horror was heard; they ran +up with their adherents, and opposed force to force. At length +began the struggle that had been so much dreaded.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">REFLECTIONS.</div> + +<p>The provost Oliver of Hochberg, the canons Simon of Neuchatel +and Pontus of Soleilant, all three members of the privy +council, had repaired hastily to the castle, as well as the other +councillors of the princess. Until this moment they had +remained silent spectators of the scene; but when they saw +the two parties were coming to blows, they ordered all "the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[344]</a></span> +supporters of the Evangelical doctrine" to appear before the +governor. This was like trying to chain the winds. Besides, +why should the Reformers stop? They were not acting +without legitimate authority.<a name="FNanchor_1016_1016" id="FNanchor_1016_1016"></a><a href="#Footnote_1016_1016" class="fnanchor">[1016]</a> "Tell the governor," replied +the townspeople haughtily, "that in the concerns of God and +of our souls he has no command over us."<a name="FNanchor_1017_1017" id="FNanchor_1017_1017"></a><a href="#Footnote_1017_1017" class="fnanchor">[1017]</a></p> + +<p>George de Rive then discovered that his authority failed +against a power superior to his own. He must yield, and +save at least some remnants. He hastened therefore to +remove the images that still remained, and to shut them up +in secret chambers. The citizens of Neuchatel allowed him +to execute this measure. "Save your gods," thought they, +"preserve them under strong bars, lest perchance a robber +should deprive you of the objects of your adoration."<a name="FNanchor_1018_1018" id="FNanchor_1018_1018"></a><a href="#Footnote_1018_1018" class="fnanchor">[1018]</a> By +degrees the tumult died away, the popular torrent returned +within its channel, and a little after, in commemoration of +this great day, they inscribed these words on a pillar of the +church:—</p> + +<p class="center"> +<small>L'AN 1530, LE 28 OCTOBRE, FUT OTEE ET ABATTUE L'IDOLATRIE<br /> +DE CEANT PAR LES BOURGEOIS.</small><a name="FNanchor_1019_1019" id="FNanchor_1019_1019"></a><a href="#Footnote_1019_1019" class="fnanchor">[1019]</a><br /> +</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PLANS OF THE ROMANISTS.</div> + +<p>An immense revolution had been effected. Doubtless it +would have been better if the images had been taken away +and the Gospel substituted in their place with calmness, as at +Zurich; but we must take into consideration the difficulties +that so profound and contested a change brings with it, and +make allowance for the inexperience and excesses inseparable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[345]</a></span> +from a first explosion. He who should see in this revolution +its excesses only, would betray a singularly narrow mind. It +is the Gospel that triumphed on the esplanade of the castle. +It was no longer a few pictures or legends that were to speak +to the imagination of the Neuchatelans: the revelation of +Christ and of the Apostles, as it had been preserved in the +Holy Scriptures, was restored to them. In place of the mysteries, +symbols, and miracles of Popery, the Reformation +brought them sublime tenets, powerful doctrines, holy and +eternal truths. Instead of a Mass, void of God, and filled +with human puerilities, it restored to them the Supper of our +Lord Jesus Christ, his invisible yet real and mighty presence, +his promises giving peace to the soul, and his Spirit, which +changes the heart, and is a sure pledge of a glorious resurrection. +All is gain in such an exchange.</p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p>VIII. The governor and his trusty friends had not, however, +lost all hope. "It is only a minority," said they at the +castle, "which has taken part in the destruction of the +images; the majority of the nation still obeys the ancient doctrine." +M. de Rive had yet to learn that if, in a popular +movement, only the minority appears, it is in some cases +because the majority, being of the same mind with it, prefers +leaving the action to others. However that may be, the +governor, thinking himself upon sure ground, resolved to put +the preservation of the Mass to the vote. If the majority were +doubtful, the combined influence of the government and clergy +would make it incline to the side of Rome. The friends of +the Reformation perceiving this trick, and feeling the necessity +of securing the integrity of the votes, demanded the presence +of Bernese commissioners. This was at first refused. +But Neuchatel, divided into two hostile parties, might at any +time see her streets run blood: De Rive therefore called +Berne to his aid.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE GOVERNOR'S DIFFICULTIES.</div> + +<p>Anthony Noll and Sulpice Archer, both members of the +council, with Jacques Tribolet, bailiff of the Isle of St. John, +all three devoted to the Reform, made their entry into Neuchatel<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[346]</a></span> +on the 4th November,—an eventful day for the principality, +and one which would decide on its reformation. The +deputies proceeded to the castle, and there spoke with haughtiness.<a name="FNanchor_1020_1020" id="FNanchor_1020_1020"></a><a href="#Footnote_1020_1020" class="fnanchor">[1020]</a> +"Their excellencies of Berne," said they to the +governor, "are much astonished that you should oppose the +true and pure Word of God. Desist immediately, or else +your state and lordship may suffer for it."<a name="FNanchor_1021_1021" id="FNanchor_1021_1021"></a><a href="#Footnote_1021_1021" class="fnanchor">[1021]</a></p> + +<p>George de Rive was amazed; he had thought to summon +helpers, and he had found masters. He made, however, an +attempt to escape from the strait in which he was caught. +The Roman-catholic cantons of Lucerne, Friburg, and Soleure, +were also allies of the state. The governor insinuated +to the Bernese deputies, that he might well claim their intervention. +At these words the deputies indignantly arose, and +declared to M. de Rive, that if he did so, he might be the +cause of his sovereign's losing Neuchatel. The governor +saw the impossibility of escaping from the net into which he +had fallen. There remained no alternative but submission, +and to watch the current of events which it was impossible +for him to direct.</p> + +<p>It was not thus with the canons and the nobles. Not considering +themselves beaten, they surrounded the Bernese; +and mingling, as they always do in similar cases, religion and +politics, endeavoured to shake them. "Do you not see," +said they, "that unless we support the spiritual power, we +shall compromise the civil power? The surest bulwark of +the throne is the altar! These men, whose defenders you +have become, are but a handful of mischief-makers: the +majority are for the Mass!"—"Turn which way you like," +replied one of the stubborn Bernese, "even though the +majority should be on your side, still you must go that way; +never will our lordships abandon the defenders of the Evangelical +faith."<a name="FNanchor_1022_1022" id="FNanchor_1022_1022"></a><a href="#Footnote_1022_1022" class="fnanchor">[1022]</a></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[347]</a></span></p> +<div class="sidenote">HATRED AND DIVISION.</div> + +<p>The people assembled at the castle for the definitive vote. +The destiny of Neuchatel was about to be decided. On one +hand were crowded around the governor the privy council, +the canons, and the most zealous of the Romanists; on the +other were to be seen the four aldermen, the town-council, +and a great number of the citizens, gravely ascending the +steep avenue leading to the government-house, and drawing +up in front of their adversaries. On both sides there was the +same attachment to the faith they had embraced, the same +decision; but around the canons were many anxious minds, +troubled hearts, and downcast eyes, while the friends of the +Reform advanced with uplifted heads, firm looks, and hearts +full of hope.</p> + +<p>George de Rive, wishing to gain over their minds, began +to address them. He described the violence with which the +Reformed had broken the images, and thrown down the altars; +"And yet," continued he, "who founded this church? It +was the princess's predecessors, and not the citizens. For +which reason, I demand that all those who have violently +infringed our sovereign's authority, be obliged to restore +what they have taken away, so that the holy Mass, and the +canonical hours may be celebrated anew."<a name="FNanchor_1023_1023" id="FNanchor_1023_1023"></a><a href="#Footnote_1023_1023" class="fnanchor">[1023]</a></p> + +<p>Upon this the <i>prudhommes</i> of Neuchatel advanced. They +were not a troop of young and giddy persons, as the Papists +had pretended; they were grave citizens, whose liberties were +guaranteed, and who had weighed what they had to say. +"By the illumination of the Holy Ghost," replied they, "and +by the holy doctrines of the Gospel, which are taught us in +the pure Word of God, we will show that the Mass is an +abuse, without any utility, and which conduces much more +to the damnation than to the salvation of souls. And we are +ready to prove that by taking away the altars, we have done +nothing that was not right and acceptable to God."<a name="FNanchor_1024_1024" id="FNanchor_1024_1024"></a><a href="#Footnote_1024_1024" class="fnanchor">[1024]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">PROPOSED DELAY.</div> + +<p>Thus the two parties met face to face with "great hatred +and division," says the Bernese report. The arbitrators consulted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[348]</a></span> +together. The governor persisted, feeling that this +movement would decide the future. A few votes would +suffice for the triumph of Rome, and he reckoned on gaining +them by his assurance. "You should understand," said he, +"that the majority of this town, men and women, adhere +firmly to the ancient faith. The others are hot-headed young +soldiers, vain of their persons, and puffed up with the new +doctrine."<a name="FNanchor_1025_1025" id="FNanchor_1025_1025"></a><a href="#Footnote_1025_1025" class="fnanchor">[1025]</a>—"Well!" replied the Bernese deputies, "to +prevent all mischief, let us settle this difference by the plurality +of suffrages, in accordance with the treaty of peace +made at Bremgarten between the cantons."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE ROMANIST PROTEST.</div> + +<p>This was what the Reformed desired. "The vote! the +vote!" cried they according to the expression consecrated to +such cases.<a name="FNanchor_1026_1026" id="FNanchor_1026_1026"></a><a href="#Footnote_1026_1026" class="fnanchor">[1026]</a> But the lord of Prangins and the priests, who +had desired it when they were alone, shrunk back in the +presence of Berne. "We ask for time," said they. If the +Reformed allowed themselves to be cheated by these dilatory +measures, it was all over. When once the Bernese had +quitted Neuchatel, the governor and the clergy would easily +have the upperhand. They therefore remained firm. "No, +no!" said they, "now!—no delay!—not a day! not an +hour!" But the governor, in the face of a proceeding that +would decide the legal fall of Popery, trembled, and obstinately +opposed the cries of the people. The magistrates +were already indignant, the burghers murmured, and the +most violent looked at their swords. "They were resolved +to compel us, sword in hand," wrote the governor to the +princess. A fresh storm was gathering over Neuchatel. Yet +a few more minutes' resistance, and it would burst forth upon +the church, the town, and the castle, destroying not only +statues, images, and altars, but "there would have remained<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[349]</a></span> +dead men," said the lord of Rive.<a name="FNanchor_1027_1027" id="FNanchor_1027_1027"></a><a href="#Footnote_1027_1027" class="fnanchor">[1027]</a> He gave way in trouble +and affright.</p> + +<p>At the news of this concession, the partisans of Rome saw +all their danger. They confer, they concert their measures, +and in an instant their resolution is taken: they are resolved +to fight.<a name="FNanchor_1028_1028" id="FNanchor_1028_1028"></a><a href="#Footnote_1028_1028" class="fnanchor">[1028]</a> "My lord," said they, turning to M. de Rive, and +touching the hilt of their swords, "all of us who adhere to +the holy Sacrament are resolved to die martyrs for our holy +faith."<a name="FNanchor_1029_1029" id="FNanchor_1029_1029"></a><a href="#Footnote_1029_1029" class="fnanchor">[1029]</a> This demonstration did not escape the notice of the +young soldiers who had returned from the Genevese war. +One minute more and the swords would have been drawn, +and the platform changed into a battlefield.</p> + +<p>Monseigneur de Prangins, more wily than orthodox, shuddered +at the thought. "I cannot suffer it," said he to the +most violent of his party; "such an enterprise would forfeit +my mistress's state and lordship."<a name="FNanchor_1030_1030" id="FNanchor_1030_1030"></a><a href="#Footnote_1030_1030" class="fnanchor">[1030]</a>—"I consent," said he to +the Bernese, "to take the votes, with reserve nevertheless of +the sovereignty, rights, and lordship of Madame."—"And +we," replied the townspeople, "with the reserve of our liberties +and privileges."</p> + +<p>The Romanists, seeing the political power they had invoked +now failing them, felt that all was lost. They will save their +honour at least in this great shipwreck; they will subscribe +their names, that posterity may know who had remained +faithful to Rome. These proud supporters of the hierarchy +advance towards the governor; tears course down their rough +cheeks, betraying thus their stifled anger. They write their +signatures as witnesses at the foot of the solemn testament +that Popery is now drawing up in Neuchatel, in the presence +of the Bernese deputies. They then added, with tears in their +eyes, "that the names and surnames of the good and of the +perverse had been written in perpetual memory, and declared +that they were still good and faithful burghers of Madame, +and would do her service unto death."<a name="FNanchor_1031_1031" id="FNanchor_1031_1031"></a><a href="#Footnote_1031_1031" class="fnanchor">[1031]</a></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[350]</a></span></p> +<div class="sidenote">MAJORITY FOR REFORM.</div> + +<p>The reformed townspeople were convinced that it was only +by frankly bearing testimony to their religious convictions +that they could discharge their debt before God, their sovereign, +and their fellow-citizens. So that the Catholics had +scarcely protested their fidelity towards their lady, when, +turning towards the governor, the Reformed cried out: "We +say the same in every other thing in which it shall please our +Mistress to command us, save and except the Evangelical +faith, in which we will live and die."<a name="FNanchor_1032_1032" id="FNanchor_1032_1032"></a><a href="#Footnote_1032_1032" class="fnanchor">[1032]</a></p> + +<p>Everything was then prepared for taking the votes. The +church of our lady was opened, and the two parties advanced +between the shattered altars, torn pictures, mutilated statues, +and all those ruins of Popery, which clearly foretold to its +partisans the last and irrevocable defeat it was about to +undergo. The three Lords of Berne took their station beside +the governor as arbitrators of the proceedings and presidents +of the assembly, and the voting began.</p> + +<p>George de Rive, notwithstanding the despondency of his +friends, was not altogether without hope. All the partisans +of the ancient worship in Neuchatel had been forewarned; +and but a few days previously the Reformed themselves, by +refusing the voting, had acknowledged the numerical superiority +of their adversaries. But the friends of the Gospel in +Neuchatel had a courage and a hope that seemed to repose +on a firmer basis. Were they not the victorious party, and +could they be vanquished in the midst of their triumph?</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PROTESTANTISM PERPETUAL.</div> + +<p>The two parties, however, moved forward, confounded one +with the other, and each man gave his vote in silence. They +counted each other: the result appeared uncertain; fear +froze each party by turns. At length the majority seemed +to declare itself;—they took out the votes,—the result was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">[351]</a></span> +proclaimed. A majority of eighteen voices gave the victory +to the Reformation, and the last blow to the Papacy!</p> + +<p>The Bernese lords immediately hastened to profit by this +advantage. "Live henceforth," said they, "in good understanding +with one another; let the Mass be no longer celebrated; +let no injury be done to the priests; and pay to your +Lady, or to whomsoever they may be justly due, all tithes, +quit-rent, cense, and revenues." These different points were +proclaimed by the assembly, and a report was immediately +drawn up, to which the deputies, the governors, and the +magistrates of the city of Neuchatel affixed their respective +seals.<a name="FNanchor_1033_1033" id="FNanchor_1033_1033"></a><a href="#Footnote_1033_1033" class="fnanchor">[1033]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE IMAGE OF ST. JOHN.</div> + +<p>Farel did not appear in all this business: one might have +said that the reformer was not at Neuchatel: the citizens +appealed only to the Word of God; and the governor himself, +in his long report to the princess, does not once mention him. +It was the Apostles of our Lord, St. Peter, St. John, St. Paul, +and St. James, who by their divine writings re-established +the true foundations of the Church in the midst of the people +of Neuchatel. The Word of God was the law of the prudhommes +of Neuchatel. In vain will the Roman Church say, +"But these very Scriptures,—it is I who give them to you; +you cannot therefore believe in them without believing in me." +It is not from the Church of Rome that the Protestant Church +receives the Bible. Protestantism has always existed in the +Church. It has existed alone in every place where men +have been engaged in the study of the Holy Scriptures, of +their divine origin, of their interpretation, and in their dissemination. +The Protestantism of the sixteenth century received +the Bible from the Protestantism of every age. When +Rome speaks of the hierarchy, she is on her own ground: as +soon as she speaks of the Scriptures, she is on ours. If Farel +had been put forward in Neuchatel, he would not perhaps<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">[352]</a></span> +have been able to stand against the Pope; but the Word of +Christ alone was concerned, and Rome must fall before Jesus.</p> + +<p>Thus terminated, by a mutual contract, that day at first so +threatening. If the Reformed had sacrificed any of their +convictions to a false peace, disorder would have been perpetuated +in Neuchatel. A bold manifestation of the truth and +the inevitable shocks that accompanied it, far from destroying +society, preserved it. This manifestation is the wind that lifts +the vessel from the rocks and brings it into the harbour.</p> + +<p>The Lord of Prangins felt that, between fellow-citizens, +"it is better to touch one another, even if it be by collision, +than to avoid each other continually." The free explanation +that had taken place had rendered the opposition of the two +parties less irritating. "I give my promise," said the governor, +"to undertake nothing against the vote of this day, for +I am myself a witness that it has been honest, upright, without +danger, and without coercion."<a name="FNanchor_1034_1034" id="FNanchor_1034_1034"></a><a href="#Footnote_1034_1034" class="fnanchor">[1034]</a></p> + +<p>It was necessary to dispose of the spoils of the vanquished +party: the governor opened the castle to them. Thither +were transported the relics, the ornaments of the altars, the +church papers, and even the organ; and the Mass, expelled +from the city, was there mournfully chanted every day.</p> + +<p>All the ornaments, however, did not take this road. Some +days after, as two citizens, named Fauche and Sauge, were +going out together to their vineyards, they passed a little +chapel, in which the latter had set up a wooden figure of St. +John. He said to his companion, "There is an image I shall +heat my stove with to-morrow." And, in fact, as he returned, +he carried away the saint and laid it down in front of his +house.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A MIRACLE.</div> + +<p>The next morning he took the image and put it on the fire. +Immediately a horrible explosion spread dismay through this +humbly family. The trembling Fauche doubts not that it is +a miracle of the saint, and hastens to return to the Mass. In<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">[353]</a></span> +vain does his neighbour Sauge protest to him upon oath that, +during the night, he had made a hole in the statue, filled it +with gunpowder, and closed it up again. Fauche will listen +to nothing, and resolves to flee from the vengeance of the +saints. He went and settled with his family at Morteau in +Franche Comt.<a name="FNanchor_1035_1035" id="FNanchor_1035_1035"></a><a href="#Footnote_1035_1035" class="fnanchor">[1035]</a> Such are the miracles upon which the +divinity of Rome reposes!</p> + +<p>By degrees everything became settled: some of the canons, +as Jacques Baillod, William de Pury, and Benedict Chambrier, +embraced the Reformation. Others were recommended +by the governor to the priory of Motiers, in the Val de +Travers; and, in the middle of November, at the time when +the winds begin to rage among the mountains, several canons, +surrounded by a few singing-boys,—sad relics of the ancient, +powerful, rich, voluptuous, and haughty chapter of Neuchatel, +painfully climbed up the gorges of the Jura, and went to conceal +in these lofty and picturesque valleys the disgrace of a +defeat, which their long disorders and their insupportable +tyranny had but too justly provoked.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">POPERY AND THE GOSPEL.</div> + +<p>During this time the new worship was organized. In room +of the high-altar were substituted two marble tables to receive +the bread and wine; and the Word of God was preached +from a pulpit stripped of every ornament. The pre-eminence +of the Word, which characterizes the Evangelical worship, +replaced in the church of Neuchatel the preeminence of the +sacrament, which characterizes Popery. Towards the end +of the second century, Rome, that ancient metropolis of all +religions, after having welcomed the Christian worship in its +primitive purity, had gradually transformed it into mysteries; +a magic power had been ascribed to certain forms; and the +reign of the sacrifice offered by the priest had succeeded to +the reign of the Word of God. The preaching of Farel had +restored the Word to the rights which belong to it; and +those vaulted roofs, which the piety of Count Ulric II. had, +on his return from Jerusalem, dedicated to the worship of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">[354]</a></span> +Virgin, served at last, after four centuries, to nourish the +faithful, as in the time of the Apostles, "in the words of faith +and of good doctrine."<a name="FNanchor_1036_1036" id="FNanchor_1036_1036"></a><a href="#Footnote_1036_1036" class="fnanchor">[1036]</a></p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p>IX. The convention, drawn up under the mediation of +Berne, stipulated that "the change should take place only in +the city and parish of Neuchatel." Must the rest of the +country remain in darkness? This was not Farel's wish, +and the zeal of the citizens, in its first fervour, effectually +seconded him. They visited the surrounding villages, exhorting +some, combating others. Those who were compelled to +labour with their hands during the day went thither at night. +"Now, I am informed," writes the governor to the princess, +"that they are working at a reformation night and day."</p> + +<p>George de Rive, in alarm, convoked the magistrates of all +the districts in the earldom. These good folks believed that +their consciences, as well as their places, depended upon +Madame de Longueville. Affrighted at the thought of freely +receiving a new conviction from the Word of God, they were +quite ready to accept it from the countess as they would a +new impost. A sad helotism, in which religion springs from +the soil, instead of descending from heaven! "We desire to +live and die under the protection of our lady," said the magistrates +to the Lord of Rive, "without changing the ancient +faith, <i>until it be so ordered by her</i>."<a name="FNanchor_1037_1037" id="FNanchor_1037_1037"></a><a href="#Footnote_1037_1037" class="fnanchor">[1037]</a> Rome, even after her +fall, could not receive a deeper insult.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FAILURE OF THE PLOT.</div> + +<p>These assurances of fidelity and the absence of the Bernese +restored De Rive's confidence, and he secretly prepared a +reaction among the nobles and the lower classes. There is +in every historical catastrophe, in the fall of great establishments, +and in the spectacle of their ruins, something which +excites and improves the mind. This was what happened at +the period in question. Some were more zealous for Popery<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">[355]</a></span> +after its fall than in its day of power. The priests gliding +into the houses said Mass to a few friends mysteriously called +together around a temporary altar. If a child was born, +the priest noiselessly arrived, breathed on the infant, made the +sign of the cross on its forehead and breast, and baptized it +according to the Roman ritual.<a name="FNanchor_1038_1038" id="FNanchor_1038_1038"></a><a href="#Footnote_1038_1038" class="fnanchor">[1038]</a> Thus they were rebuilding +in secret what had been overthrown in the light of day. At +length a counter-revolution was agreed upon; and Christmas +day was selected for the restoration of Roman-catholicism. +While the Christians' songs of joy should be rising to heaven, +the partisans of Rome were to rush into the church, expel the +heretical assembly, overthrow the pulpit and the holy table, +restore the images, and celebrate the Mass in triumph. Such +was the plan of the Neuchatelan vespers.<a name="FNanchor_1039_1039" id="FNanchor_1039_1039"></a><a href="#Footnote_1039_1039" class="fnanchor">[1039]</a></p> + +<p>The plot got wind. Deputies from Berne arrived at Neuchatel +on the very eve of the festival. "You must see to +this," said they to the governor: "if the Reformed are attacked, +we, their co-burghers, will protect them with all our power." +The conspirators laid down their arms, and the Christmas +hymns were not disturbed.</p> + +<p>This signal deliverance augmented the devotion and zeal of +the friends of the Gospel. Already Emer Beynon of Serrire, +where Farel had one day landed from a small boat, +ascending the pulpit, had said to his parishioners: "If I have +been a good priest, I desire by the grace of God to be a still +better pastor." It was necessary for these words to be heard +from every pulpit. Farel recommenced a career of labours, +fatigues, and struggles, which the actions of the apostles and +missionaries alone can equal.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FAREL'S LABOURS.</div> + +<p>Towards the end of the year 1530, he crossed the mountain +in the middle of winter, entered the church of Valangin, went +into the pulpit, and began to preach at the very moment that +Guillemette de Vergy was coming to Mass. She endeavoured +to shut the reformer's mouth, but in vain, and the aged and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">[356]</a></span> +noble dowager retired precipitately, saying: "I do not think +this is according to the old Gospels; if there are any new +ones that encourage this, I am quite amazed."<a name="FNanchor_1040_1040" id="FNanchor_1040_1040"></a><a href="#Footnote_1040_1040" class="fnanchor">[1040]</a> The people +of Valangin embraced the Gospel. The affrighted lieutenant +ran to Neuchatel, thence to Berne, and on the 11th February +1521 laid his complaint before the council; but all was +useless. "Why," said their excellencies of Berne to him, +"why should you disturb the water of the river? let it flow +freely on."</p> + +<p>Farel immediately turned to the parishes on the slopes between +the lake and Mount Jura. At Corcelles a fanatic crowd, +well armed and led on by the curate of Neuchatel, rushed +into the church where the minister was preaching, and he +did not escape without a wound. At Bevay, the abbot John +of Livron and his monks collected a numerous body of friends, +surrounded the church, and having thus completed the blockade, +entered the building, dragged the minister from the pulpit, +and drove him out with blows and insults. Each time he +reappeared, they pursued him as far as Auvernier with stones +and gunshots.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE PASTOR MARCOURT.</div> + +<p>While Farel was thus preaching in the plain, he sent one of +his brethren into the valley; it was John de Bly, a man of +good family from Crest in Dauphiny. Beyond Valangin, at +a little distance from Fontaine, on the left side of the road to +Cernier, was a stone that remains to this day. It was here in +the open air, as if in a magnificent temple, that this herald +of the Gospel began to proclaim salvation by grace.<a name="FNanchor_1041_1041" id="FNanchor_1041_1041"></a><a href="#Footnote_1041_1041" class="fnanchor">[1041]</a> Before +him stretched the declivity of Chaumont, dotted with the +pretty villages of Fenin, Villars, Sole, and Savagnier, and +beyond, where the mountains fell away, might be seen the +distant and picturesque chain of the Alps. The most zealous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">[357]</a></span> +of his hearers entreated him to enter the church. He did so; +but suddenly the priest and his curate "arrived with great +noise." They proceeded to the pulpit, dragged Bly down; +and then turning to the women and young persons of the +place, "excited them to beat him and drive him away."<a name="FNanchor_1042_1042" id="FNanchor_1042_1042"></a><a href="#Footnote_1042_1042" class="fnanchor">[1042]</a></p> + +<p>John de Bly returned to Neuchatel, hooted and bruised, +like his friend after the affair at Valangin; but these evangelists +followed the traces of the Apostle Paul, whom neither +whips nor scourges could arrest.<a name="FNanchor_1043_1043" id="FNanchor_1043_1043"></a><a href="#Footnote_1043_1043" class="fnanchor">[1043]</a> De Bly often returned +to Fontaine. The Mass was abolished erelong in this village; +Bly was its pastor for twenty-seven years; his descendants +have more than once exercised the ministry there, and now +they form the most numerous family of agriculturists in the +place.</p> + +<p>Farel, after evangelizing the shores of the lake to the south +of Neuchatel, had gone to the north and preached at St. +Blaise. The populace, stirred up by the priests and the lieutenant, +had fallen upon him, and Farel escaped from their +hands, severely beaten, spitting blood, and scarcely recognisable. +His friends had thrown him hurriedly into a boat, +and conveyed him to Morat, where his wounds detained him +for some time.<a name="FNanchor_1044_1044" id="FNanchor_1044_1044"></a><a href="#Footnote_1044_1044" class="fnanchor">[1044]</a></p> + +<p>At the report of this violence the reformed Neuchatelans +felt their blood boil. If the lieutenant, the priest, and his flock +have bruised the body of Christ's servant, which is truly the +altar of the living God, why should they spare dead idols? +Immediately they rush to St. Blaise, throw down the images, +and do the same at the abbey of Fontaine-Andr,—a sanctuary +of the ancient worship.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">DISGRACEFUL EXPEDIENT.</div> + +<p>The images still existed at Valangin, but their last hour was +about to strike. A Frenchman, Anthony Marcourt, had been +nominated pastor of Neuchatel. Treading in Farel's footsteps, +he repaired with a few of the citizens to Valangin on the +14th June, a great holiday in that town.<a name="FNanchor_1045_1045" id="FNanchor_1045_1045"></a><a href="#Footnote_1045_1045" class="fnanchor">[1045]</a> Scarcely had they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">[358]</a></span> +arrived when a numerous crowd pressed around the minister, +listening to his words. The canons, who were on the watch +in their houses, and Madame de Vergy and M. de Bellegarde +from their towers, sought how they could make a diversion +against this heretical preaching? They could not employ +force because of Berne. They had recourse to a brutal expedient, +worthy of the darkest days of Popery, and which, by +insulting the minister, might divert (they imagined) the attention +of the people, and change it into shouts and laughter. A +canon,<a name="FNanchor_1046_1046" id="FNanchor_1046_1046"></a><a href="#Footnote_1046_1046" class="fnanchor">[1046]</a> assisted by the countess's coachman, went to the +stables and took thence two animals, which they led to the +spot where Marcourt was preaching. We will throw a veil +over this scene: it is one of those disgraceful subjects which +the pen of history refuses to transcribe.<a name="FNanchor_1047_1047" id="FNanchor_1047_1047"></a><a href="#Footnote_1047_1047" class="fnanchor">[1047]</a> But never did punishment +follow closer upon crime. The conscience of the +hearers was aroused at the sight of this infamous spectacle. +The torrent, that such a proceeding was intended to check, +rushed out of its channel. The indignant people, undertaking +the defence of that religion which their opponents had wished +to insult, entered the church like an avenging wave; the +ancient windows were broken, the shields of the lords were +demolished, the relics scattered about, the books torn, the +images thrown down, and the altar overturned. But this was +not enough: the popular wave, after sweeping out the church, +flowed back again, and dashed against the canons' houses. +Their inhabitants fled in consternation into the forests, and +everything was destroyed in their dwellings.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE REFORM ESTABLISHED.</div> + +<p>Guillemette de Vergy and M. de Bellegarde, agitated and +trembling behind their battlements, repenting, but too late, of +their monstrous expedient, are the only ones who have not +yet suffered the popular vengeance. Their restless eyes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">[359]</a></span> +watch the motions of the indignant townspeople. The work +is completed! the last house is sacked! The burghers consult +together.—O horror!—they turn towards the castle,—they +ascend the hill,—they draw near. Is then the abode of +the noble counts of Arberg about to be laid waste? But no!—"We +come," said the delegates standing near the gate of the +castle, "we are come to demand justice for the outrage committed +against religion and its minister." They are permitted +to enter, and the trembling countess orders the poor +wretches to be punished who had acted solely by her orders. +But at the same time she sends deputies to Berne, complaining +of the "great insults that had been offered her."<a name="FNanchor_1048_1048" id="FNanchor_1048_1048"></a><a href="#Footnote_1048_1048" class="fnanchor">[1048]</a> Berne +declared that the Reformed should pay for the damage; but +that the countess should grant them the free exercise of their +worship. Jacques Veluzat, a native of Champagne, was the +first pastor of Valangin. A little later we shall see new +struggles at the foot of Mount Jura.</p> + +<p>Thus was the Reformation established at Valangin, as it +had been at Neuchatel: the two capitals of these mountains +were gained to the Gospel. Erelong it received a legal sanction. +Francis, Marquis of Rothelin, son of the Duchess of +Longueville, arrived in the principality in March, 1581, with +the intention of playing on this small theatre the part of a +Francis I. But he soon found out that there are revolutions +which an irresistible hand has accomplished, and that must be +submitted to. Rothelin excluded from the estates of the earldom +the canons who had hitherto formed the first power, and +replaced them by four bannerets and four burgesses. Then, +availing himself of the principle that all abandoned property +falls to the state, he laid his hands upon their rich heritage, +and proclaimed freedom of conscience throughout all the +country. All the necessary forms having been observed with +Madame, the politic M. de Rive became reformed also. Such +was the support Rome received from the State, to which she +had looked for her deliverance.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">GATHERING TEMPEST.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">[360]</a></span>A great energy characterized the Reformation of French +Switzerland; and this is shown by the events we have just +witnessed. Men have attributed to Farel this distinctive +feature of his work; but no man has ever created his own +times; it is always, on the contrary, the times that create the +man. The greater the epoch, the less do individualities prevail +in it. All the good contained in the events we have just +related came from that Almighty Spirit, of which the strongest +men are but weak instruments. All the evil proceeded from +the character of the people; and, indeed, it was almost +always Popery that began these scenes of violence: Farel +submitted to the influence of his time, rather than the time +received his. A great man may be the personification and +the type of the epoch for which God destines him: he is never +its creator.</p> + +<p>But it is time to quit the Jura and its beautiful valleys, +brightened by the vernal sun, to direct our step towards the +Alps of German Switzerland, along which thick clouds and +horrible tempests are beginning to gather. The free and +courageous people, who dwell below the eternal glaciers, or +on the smiling banks of the lakes, daily assume a fiercer +aspect, and the collision threatens to be sudden, violent, and +terrible. We have just been witnessing a glorious conquest: +a dreadful catastrophe awaits us.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">[361]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK XVI.</h2> + +<h3>SWITZERLAND—CATASTROPHE. 1528-1531.</h3> + + +<p>I. It was the will of God that at the very gates of his revived +Church there should be two great examples to serve as lessons +for future generations. Luther and the German Reformation, +declining the aid of the temporal power, rejecting the +force of arms, and looking for victory only in the confession +of the truth, were destined to see their faith crowned with +the most brilliant success; while Zwingle and the Swiss +Reformation, stretching out their hands to the mighty ones of +the earth, and grasping the sword, were fated to witness a +horrible, cruel, and bloody catastrophe fall upon the Word +of God—a catastrophe which threatened to engulf the Evangelical +cause in the most furious whirlpool. God is a jealous +God, and gives not his glory to another; he claims to +perform his own work himself, and to attain his ends sets +other springs in motion than those of a skilful diplomacy.</p> + +<p>We are far from forgetting that we are called upon to relate +facts and not to discuss theories; but there is a principle +which the history we are narrating sets forth in capital letters: +it is that professed in the Gospel, where it says: <span class="smcap">The +weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty +through God!</span> In maintaining this truth we do not place +ourselves on the ground of any particular school, but on that +of universal conscience and of the Word of God.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ZWINGLE.</div> + +<p>Of all carnal support that religion can invoke, there is none +more injurious to it than arms and diplomacy. The latter +throws it into tortuous ways; the former hurries it into paths +of bloodshed; and Religion, from whose brow has been torn +the double wreath of truth and meekness, presents but a degraded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">[362]</a></span> +and humiliated countenance that no person can, that +no person desires to recognise.</p> + +<p>It was the very extension of the Reform in Switzerland +that exposed it to the dangers under which it sunk. So long +as it was concentrated at Zurich, it continued a religious +matter; but when it had gained Berne, Basle, Schaffhausen, +St. Gall, Glaris, Appenzell, and numerous bailiwicks, it +formed inter-cantonal relations; and—here was the error +and misfortune—while the connexion should have taken place +between church and church, it was formed between state and +state.</p> + +<p>As soon as spiritual and political matters became mingled +together, the latter took the upperhand. Zwingle erelong +thought it his duty to examine not only doctrinal, but also +federal questions; and the illustrious reformer might be seen, +unconscious of the snares beneath his feet, precipitating himself +into a course strewn with rocks, at the end of which a +cruel death awaited him.</p> + +<p>The primitive Swiss cantons had resigned the right of forming +new alliances without the consent of all; but Zurich and +Berne had reserved the power. Zwingle thought himself +therefore quite at liberty to promote an alliance with the +Evangelical states. Constance was the first city that gave +her adhesion. But this Christian co-burghery, which might +become the germ of a new confederation, immediately raised +up numerous adversaries against Zwingle, even among the +partisans of the Reformation.</p> + +<p>There was yet time: Zwingle might withdraw from public +affairs, to occupy himself entirely with those of the Gospel. +But no one in Zurich had, like him, that application to labour, +that correct, keen, and sure eye, so necessary for politicians. +If he retired, the vessel of the state would be left without a +pilot. Besides, he was convinced that political acts alone +could save the Reform. He resolved, therefore, to be at one +and the same time the man of the State and of the Church. +The registers prove that in his latter years he took part in the +most important deliberations; and he was commissioned by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363">[363]</a></span> +the council of his canton to write letters, compose proclamations, +and draw up opinions. Already, before the dispute with +Berne, looking upon war as possible, he had traced out a very +detailed plan of defence, the manuscript of which is still in +existence.<a name="FNanchor_1049_1049" id="FNanchor_1049_1049"></a><a href="#Footnote_1049_1049" class="fnanchor">[1049]</a> In 1528 he did still more; he showed in a remarkable +paper, how the republic should act with regard to +the Empire, France, and other European states, and with +respect to the several cantons and bailiwicks. Then, as if +he had grown grey at the head of the Helvetic troops (and +it is but just to remark that he had long lived among soldiers), +he explained the advantages there would be in surprising the +enemy; and he described even the nature of the arms, and +the manner of employing them. In truth, an important revolution +was then taking place in the art of war. The pastor +of Zurich is at once the head of the state and general of the +army: this double—this triple part of the reformer was the +ruin of the Reformation and of himself. Undoubtedly we +must make allowances for the men of this age, who, being +accustomed to see Rome wield two swords for so many centuries, +did not understand that they must take up one and +leave the other. We must admire the strength of that superior +genius, which, while pursuing a political course, in which +the greatest minds would have been absorbed, ceased not +however to display an indefatigable activity as pastor, preacher, +divine, and author. We must acknowledge that the republican +education of Zwingle had taught him to confound his +country with his religion, and that there was in this great +man enough to fill up many lives. We must appreciate that +indomitable courage which, relying upon justice, feared not, +at a time when Zurich had but one or two weak cities for +allies, to confront the redoubtable forces of the Empire and +of the Confederation; but we should also see in the great and +terrible lesson that God gave him, a precept for all times and +for every nation; and finally, understand what is so often +forgotten, "that the kingdom of Christ is not of this world."</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364">[364]</a></span></p> +<div class="sidenote">PERSECUTIONS.</div> + +<p>The Roman-catholic cantons, on hearing of the new alliances +of the Reformed, felt a violent indignation. William +of Diesbach, deputy from Berne at the diet, was forced to +submit to the keenest reproaches. The sitting, for some time +interrupted, was resumed immediately after his departure. +"They may try to patch up the old faith," said the Bernese, +as he withdrew, "it cannot, however, last any longer."<a name="FNanchor_1050_1050" id="FNanchor_1050_1050"></a><a href="#Footnote_1050_1050" class="fnanchor">[1050]</a> In +truth, they patched away with all their might, but with a +sharp and envenomed needle that drew blood. Joseph Am +Berg of Schwytz and Jacques Stocker of Zug, bailiffs of +Thurgovia, treated with cruelty all who were attached to the +Gospel. They enforced against them fines, imprisonment, +torture, the scourge, confiscation, and banishment; they cut +out the ministers' tongues, beheaded them, or condemned them +to be burnt.<a name="FNanchor_1051_1051" id="FNanchor_1051_1051"></a><a href="#Footnote_1051_1051" class="fnanchor">[1051]</a> At the same time they took away the Bibles +and all the evangelical books; and if any poor Lutherans, +fleeing from Austria, crossed the Rhine and that low valley +where its calm waters flow between the Alps of the Tyrol and +of Appenzell,—if these poor creatures, tracked by the lansquenets, +came to seek a refuge in Switzerland, they were +cruelly given up to their persecutors.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">AUSTRIAN ALLIANCE.</div> + +<p>The heavier lay the hands of the bailiff on Thurgovia and +the Rhienthal, the greater conquests did the Gospel make. +The Bishop of Constance wrote to the Five Cantons, that if +they did not act with firmness, all the country would embrace +the Reform. In consequence of this, the cantons convoked at +Frauenfeld all the prelates, nobles, judges, and persons of note +in the district; and a second meeting taking place six days +after (6th December 1528) at Weinfeld, deputies from Berne +and Zurich entreated the assembly to consider the honour of +God above all things, and in no respect to care for the threats +of the world.<a name="FNanchor_1052_1052" id="FNanchor_1052_1052"></a><a href="#Footnote_1052_1052" class="fnanchor">[1052]</a> A great agitation followed upon this discourse. +At last a majority called for the preaching of the Word of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365">[365]</a></span> +God: the people came to the same decision; and the Rheinthal, +as well as Bremgarten, followed this example.</p> + +<p>What was to be done? The flood had become hourly +encroaching. Must then the Forest Cantons open their valleys +to it at last? Religious antipathies put an end to national +antipathies; and these proud mountaineers, directing their +looks beyond the Rhine, thought of invoking the succour of +Austria, which they had vanquished at Morgarten and at +Sempach.<a name="FNanchor_1053_1053" id="FNanchor_1053_1053"></a><a href="#Footnote_1053_1053" class="fnanchor">[1053]</a> The fanatical German party that had crushed +the revolted Swabian peasants was all-powerful on the frontiers. +Letters were exchanged; messengers passed to and +fro across the river; at last they took advantage of a wedding +in high rank that was to take place at Feldkirch in +Swabia, six leagues from Appenzell. On the 16th February +1529, the marriage party, forming a brilliant cavalcade, in +the midst of which the deputies of the Five Cantons were +concealed, made their entry into Feldkirch, and Am Berg +had an immediate interview with the Austrian governor. +"The power of the enemies of our ancient faith has so increased," +said the Swiss, "that the friends of the Church can resist +them no longer. We therefore turn our eyes to that illustrious +prince who has saved in Germany the faith of our fathers."</p> + +<p>This alliance was so very unnatural, that the Austrians had +some difficulty in believing it to be sincere. "Take hostages," +said the Waldstettes, "write the articles of the treaty +with your own hands; command, and we will obey!"—"Very +good!" replied the Austrians; "in two months you +find us again at Waldshut, and we will let you know our conditions."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ANIMOSITY.</div> + +<p>A rumour of these negotiations being spread abroad excited +great dissatisfaction, even in the partisans of Rome. In no +place did it burst out with greater force than in the council +of Zug. The opposing parties were violently agitated; they +stamped their feet, they started from their seats, and were +nearly coming to blows; but hatred prevailed over patriotism.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366">[366]</a></span> +The Waldstette deputies appeared at Waldshut; they suspended +the arms of their cantons by the side of those of the +oppressors of Switzerland; they decorated their hats with +peacocks' feathers (the badge of Austria), and laughed, drank, +and chattered with the Imperialists. This strange alliance +was at last concluded.<a name="FNanchor_1054_1054" id="FNanchor_1054_1054"></a><a href="#Footnote_1054_1054" class="fnanchor">[1054]</a> "Whoever shall form new sects +among the people," it ran, "shall be punished with death; +and, if need be, with the help of Austria. This power, in +case of emergency, shall send into Switzerland six thousand +foot soldiers, and four hundred horse, with all requisite artillery. +If necessary, the reformed cantons shall be blockaded, +and all provisions intercepted." To the Romish cantons, then, +belongs the initiative of this measure so much decried. Finally, +Austria guaranteed to the Waldstettes the possession, +not only of the common bailiwicks, but of all the <i>conquests</i> +that might be made on the left bank of the Rhine.</p> + +<p>Dejection and consternation immediately pervaded all +Switzerland. The national complaint, which Bullinger has +preserved, was sung in every direction:—</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Wail, Helvetians, wail,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">For the peacock's plume of pride<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the forest-cantons' savage bull<br /></span> +<span class="i1">In friendship is allied.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="sidenote">CHRISTIAN EXHORTATION.</div> + +<p>All the cantons not included in this alliance, with the +exception of Friburg, assembled in diet at Zurich, and +resolved to send a deputation to their mountain confederates, +with a view to reconciliation. The deputation, admitted at +Schwytz in the presence of the people, was able to execute +its mission without tumult. At Zug there was a cry of "No +sermon! no sermon!" At Altorf the answer was: "Would +to God that your new faith was buried for ever!" At Lucerne +they received this haughty reply: "We shall know +how to defend ourselves, our children, and our children's +children, from the poison of your rebellious priests." It was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367">[367]</a></span> +at Unterwalden that the deputation met with the worst reception. +"We declare our alliance at an end," said they. "It +is we,—it is the other Waldstettes who are the real Swiss. +We graciously admitted you into our confederation, and now +you claim to become our masters!—The Emperor, Austria, +France, Savoy, and Valais will assist us!" The deputies +retired in astonishment, shuddering as they passed before the +house of the secretary of state, where they saw the arms of +Zurich, Berne, Basle, and Strasburg hanging from a lofty +gibbet.</p> + +<p>The deputation had scarcely returned to Zurich and made +their report, when men's minds were inflamed. Zwingle +proposed to grant no peace to Unterwalden, if it would not +renounce foreign service, the alliance with Austria, and the +government of the common bailiwicks. "No! no!" said +Berne, that had just stifled a civil war in its own canton, "let +us not be so hasty. When the rays of the sun shine forth, +each one wishes to set out; but as soon as it begins to rain, +every man loses heart! The Word of God enjoins peace. +It is not with pikes and lances that faith is made to enter the +heart. For this reason, in the name of our Lord's sufferings, +we entreat you to moderate your anger."</p> + +<p>This christian exhortation would have succeeded, if the +fearful news that reached Zurich, on the very day when the +Bernese delivered their moderate speech, had not rendered it +unavailing.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">KEYSER'S MARTYRDOM.</div> + +<p>On Saturday the 22d May, Jacques Keyser, a pastor and +father of a family in the neighbourhood of the Greiffensee, +after coasting the fertile shores of this little lake, crossed the +rich pastures of the bailiwick of Gruningen, passed near the +Teutonic house of Bubikon and the convent of Ruti, and +reached that simple and wild district bathed by the upper +part of Lake Zurich. Making his way to Oberkirk, a parish +in the Gaster district, between the two lakes of Zurich and +Wallenstadt, of which he had been nominated pastor, and +where he was to preach on the morrow, he crossed on foot the +lengthened and rounded flanks of the Buchberg, fronting the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368">[368]</a></span> +picturesque heights of the Ammon. He was confidently +advancing into those woods which for many weeks he had +often traversed without obstruction, when he was suddenly +seized by six men, posted there to surprise him, and carried +off to Schwytz. "The bailiffs," said they to the magistrates, +"have ordered all innovating ministers to be brought before +the tribunals: here is one that we bring you." Although +Zurich and Glaris interposed; although the government of +Gaster, where Keyser had been taken, did not then belong +to Schwytz; the Landsgemeinde desired a victim, and on the +29th May they condemned the minister to be burnt alive. +On being informed of his sentence, Keyser burst into tears.<a name="FNanchor_1055_1055" id="FNanchor_1055_1055"></a><a href="#Footnote_1055_1055" class="fnanchor">[1055]</a> +But when the hour of execution arrived, he walked cheerfully +to death, freely confessed his faith, and gave thanks to +the Lord even with his latest breath. "Go and tell them at +Zurich how he thanks us!" said one of the Schwytz magistrates, +with a sarcastic smile, to the Zurich deputies. Thus +had a fresh martyr fallen under the hands of that formidable +power that is "drunk with the blood of the saints."<a name="FNanchor_1056_1056" id="FNanchor_1056_1056"></a><a href="#Footnote_1056_1056" class="fnanchor">[1056]</a></p> + +<p>The cup was full. The flames of Keyser's pile became +the signal of war. Exasperated Zurich uttered a cry that +resounded through all the confederation. Zwingle above all +called for energetic measures. Everywhere,—in the streets, +in the councils, and even in the pulpits,—he surpassed in +daring even the most valiant captains. He spoke at Zurich,—he +wrote to Berne. "Let us be firm, and fear not to take +up arms," said he. "This peace, which some desire so much, +is not peace, but war: while the war that we call for is not +war but peace.<a name="FNanchor_1057_1057" id="FNanchor_1057_1057"></a><a href="#Footnote_1057_1057" class="fnanchor">[1057]</a> We thirst for no man's blood, but we will +clip the wings of the oligarchy.<a name="FNanchor_1058_1058" id="FNanchor_1058_1058"></a><a href="#Footnote_1058_1058" class="fnanchor">[1058]</a> If we shun it, the truth +of the Gospel and the ministers' lives will never be secure +among us."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369">[369]</a></span></p><div class="sidenote">ZWINGLE'S ERROR.</div> + +<p>Thus spoke Zwingle. In every part of Europe he beheld +the mighty ones of the earth aiding one another to stifle the +reviving animation of the Church; and he thought that without +some decisive and energetic movement, Christianity, overwhelmed +by so many blows, would soon fall back into its +ancient slavery. Luther under similar circumstances arrested +the swords ready to be crossed, and demanded that the Word +of God alone should appear on the field of battle. Zwingle +thought not thus. In his opinion war was not revolt, for +Switzerland had no master. "Undoubtedly," said he, "we +must trust in God alone; but when He gives us a just cause, +we must also know how to defend it, and, like Joshua and +Gideon, shed blood in behalf of our country and our God."</p> + +<p>If we adopt the principles of justice which govern the +rulers of nations, the advice of Zwingle was judicious and +irreproachable. It was the duty of the Swiss magistrates to +defend the oppressed against the oppressor. But is not such +language, which might have been suitable in the mouth of a +magistrate, blamable in a minister of Christ? Perhaps +Zwingle forgot his quality of pastor, and considered himself +only as a citizen, consulted by his fellow-citizens; perhaps he +wished to defend Switzerland, and not the Church, by his +counsels; but it is a question if he ought ever to have forgotten +the Church and his ministry. We think we may go +even further; and while granting all that may be urged in +favour of the contrary supposition, we may deny that the +secular power ought ever to interfere with the sword to protect +the faith.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ZWINGLE AND WAR.</div> + +<p>To accomplish his designs, the reformer needed even in +Zurich the greatest unity. But there were many men in that +city devoted to interests and superstitions which were opposed +to him. "How long," had he exclaimed in the pulpit on the +1st December 1528, "will you support in the council these +unbelievers, these impious men, who oppose the Word of +God?"<a name="FNanchor_1059_1059" id="FNanchor_1059_1059"></a><a href="#Footnote_1059_1059" class="fnanchor">[1059]</a> They had decided upon purging the council, as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370">[370]</a></span> +required by the reformer; they had examined the citizens +individually; and then had excluded all the hostile members.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p>II. On Saturday the 15th June 1529, seven days after +Keyser's martyrdom, all Zurich was in agitation. The moment +was come when Unterwalden should send a governor to +the common bailiwicks; and the images, having been burnt +in those districts, Unterwalden had sworn to take a signal +revenge.<a name="FNanchor_1060_1060" id="FNanchor_1060_1060"></a><a href="#Footnote_1060_1060" class="fnanchor">[1060]</a> Thus the consternation had become general. +"Keyser's pile," thought they, "will be rekindled in all our +villages." Many of the inhabitants flocked to Zurich, and on +their alarmed and agitated features, one might, in imagination, +have seen reflected the flames that had just consumed +the martyr.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">WAR OF RELIGION.</div> + +<p>These unhappy people found a powerful advocate in Zwingle. +The reformer imagined that he had at last attained the +object that he never ceased to pursue—the free preaching of +the Gospel in Switzerland. To inflict a final blow would, in +his idea, suffice to bring this enterprise to a favourable issue. +"Greedy pensioners," said Zwingle to the Zurichers, "profit +by the ignorance of the mountaineers to stir up these simple +souls against the friends of the Gospel. Let us therefore be +severe upon these haughty chiefs. The mildness of the lamb +would only serve to render the wolf more ferocious.<a name="FNanchor_1061_1061" id="FNanchor_1061_1061"></a><a href="#Footnote_1061_1061" class="fnanchor">[1061]</a> Let +us propose to the Five Cantons to allow the free preaching of +the Word of the Lord, to renounce their wicked alliances, +and to punish the abettors of foreign service. As for the +Mass, idols, rites, and superstitions, let no one be forced to +abandon them. It is for the Word of God alone to scatter +with its powerful breath all this idle dust.<a name="FNanchor_1062_1062" id="FNanchor_1062_1062"></a><a href="#Footnote_1062_1062" class="fnanchor">[1062]</a> Be firm, noble +lords, and in despite of certain black horses, as black at Zurich<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371">[371]</a></span> +as they are at Lucerne,<a name="FNanchor_1063_1063" id="FNanchor_1063_1063"></a><a href="#Footnote_1063_1063" class="fnanchor">[1063]</a> but whose malice will never +succeed in overturning the chariot of Reform, we shall clear +this difficult pass, and arrive at the unity of Switzerland and +at unity of faith." Thus Zwingle, while calling for force +against political abuses, asked only liberty for the Gospel; +but he desired a prompt intervention, in order that this liberty +might be secured to it. Œcolampadius thought the same: +"It is not a time for delay," said he, "it is not a time for +parsimony and pusillanimity! So long as the venom shall +not be utterly removed from this adder in our bosoms we shall +be exposed to the greatest dangers."<a name="FNanchor_1064_1064" id="FNanchor_1064_1064"></a><a href="#Footnote_1064_1064" class="fnanchor">[1064]</a></p> + +<p>The council of Zurich, led away by the reformer, promised +the bailiwicks to support religious liberty among them; and +scarcely had they learnt that Anthony ab Acker of the Unterwalden +was proceeding to Baden with an army, than they +ordered five hundred men to set out for Bremgarten with four +pieces of artillery. This was the 5th June, and on the same +evening the standard of Zurich waved over the convent of +Mouri.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">WAR.</div> + +<p>The war of religion had begun. The horn of the Waldstettes +re-echoed afar in the mountains: men were arming in +every direction, and messengers were sent off in haste to +invoke the assistance of the Valais and of Austria. Three +days later (Tuesday the 8th June), six hundred Zurichers, +under the command of Jacques Werdmller, set out for Rapperschwyl +and the district of Gaster; and, on the morrow, +four thousand men repaired to Cappel, under the command +of the valiant Captain George Berguer, to whom Conrad +Schmidt, pastor of Kussnacht, had been appointed chaplain. +"We do not wish you to go to the war," said Burgomaster +Roust to Zwingle; "for the Pope, the Archduke Ferdinand, +the Romish cantons, the bishops, the abbots, and the prelates +hate you mortally. Stay with the council: we have need of +you."—"No!" replied Zwingle, who was unwilling to confide<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_372" id="Page_372">[372]</a></span> +so important an enterprise to any one; "when my brethren +expose their lives I will not remain quietly at home by +my fireside. Besides, the army also requires a watchful eye, +that looks continually around it." Then, taking down his glittering +halberd, which he had carried (as they say) at Marignan, +and placing it on his shoulder, the reformer mounted his +horse and set out with the army.<a name="FNanchor_1065_1065" id="FNanchor_1065_1065"></a><a href="#Footnote_1065_1065" class="fnanchor">[1065]</a> The walls, towers, and +battlements were covered with a crowd of old men, children, +and women, among whom was Anna, Zwingle's wife.</p> + +<p>Zurich had called for the aid of Berne; but that city, +whose inhabitants showed little disposition for a religious war, +and which besides was not pleased at seeing the increasing +influence of Zurich, replied, "Since Zurich has begun the +war without us, let her finish it in like manner." The Evangelical +states were disunited at the very moment of struggle.</p> + +<p>The Romish cantons did not act thus. It was Zug that +issued the first summons; and the men of Uri, of Schwytz, +and of Unterwalden had immediately begun the march. On +the 8th June, the great banner floated before the townhouse of +Lucerne, and on the next day the army set out to the sound +of the antique horns that Lucerne pretended to have received +from the Emperor Charlemagne.</p> + +<p>On the 10th June, the Zurichers, who were posted at Cappel, +sent a herald at daybreak to Zug, who was commissioned, +according to custom, to denounce to the Five Cantons the +rupture of the alliance. Immediately Zug was filled with +cries and alarm. This canton, the smallest in Switzerland, +not having yet received all the confederate contingents, was +not in a condition to defend itself. The people ran to and fro, +sent off messengers, and hastily prepared for battle; the warriors +fitted on their armour, the women shed tears, and the +children shrieked.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE LANDAMMAN AEBLI.</div> + +<p>Already the first division of the Zurich army, amounting to +two thousand men, under the command of William Thming,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373">[373]</a></span> +and stationed near the frontier below Cappel, was preparing +to march, when they observed, in the direction of Baar, a +horseman, pressing the flanks of his steed, and galloping +up as fast as the mountain which he had to ascend would +permit. It was Aebli, landamman of Glaris. "The Five +Cantons are prepared," said he, as he arrived, "but I have +prevailed upon them to halt, if you will do the same. For +this reason I entreat my lords and the people of Zurich, for +the love of God and the safety of the Confederation, to suspend +their march at the present moment." As he said these +words, the brave Helvetian shed tears.<a name="FNanchor_1066_1066" id="FNanchor_1066_1066"></a><a href="#Footnote_1066_1066" class="fnanchor">[1066]</a> "In a few hours," +continued he, "I shall be back again. I hope, with God's +grace, to obtain an honourable peace, and to prevent our +cottages from being filled with widows and orphans."</p> + +<p>Aebli was known to be an honourable man, friendly to the +Gospel, and opposed to foreign service: his words, therefore, +moved the Zurich captains, who resolved to halt. Zwingle +alone, motionless and uneasy, beheld in his friend's intervention +the machinations of the adversary. Austria, occupied +in repelling the Turks, and unable to succour the Five +Cantons, had exhorted them to peace. This, in Zwingle's +opinion, was the cause of the propositions brought to them +by the landamman of Glaris. So at the moment Aebli +turned round to return to Zug,<a name="FNanchor_1067_1067" id="FNanchor_1067_1067"></a><a href="#Footnote_1067_1067" class="fnanchor">[1067]</a> Zwingle approaching him +said with earnestness, "Gossip landamman, you will render +to God an account of all this. Our adversaries are caught +in a sack: this is why they give you sweet words. By and +by they will fall upon us unawares, and there will be none +to deliver us." Prophetic words, whose fulfilment went beyond +all foresight! "Dear gossip!" replied the landamman, +"I have confidence in God that all will go well. Let each +one do his best." And he departed.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">BERNESE INTERPOSITION.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374">[374]</a></span>Then, instead of advancing upon Zug, the army began to +erect tents along the edge of the forest and the brink of +the torrent a few paces from the sentinels of the Five Cantons; +while Zwingle, seated in his tent, silent, and in deep +thought, anticipated some distressing news from hour to hour.</p> + +<p>He had not long to wait. It was the deputies of the Zurich +Council who came to give reality to his fears. Berne, +maintaining the character that it had so often filled as representative +of the federal policy, declared that if Zurich or the +cantons would not make peace, they should know how to +compel them; this state at the same time convoked a diet at +Arau, and sent five thousand men into the field, under the +command of Sebastian Diesbach. Zwingle was struck with +consternation.</p> + +<p>Aebli's message, supported by that of Berne, was sent back +by the council to the army; for, according to the principles +of the time, "wherever the banner waves, there is Zurich." +"Let us not be staggered," cried the reformer, ever decided +and firm; "our destiny depends upon our courage; to-day +they beg and entreat, and in a month, when we have laid +down our arms, they will crush us. Let us stand firm in +God. Before all things, let us be just: peace will come +after that." But Zwingle, transformed to a statesman, began +to lose the influence which he had gained as a servant of +God. Many could not understand him, and asked if what +they had heard was really the language of a minister of the +Lord. "Ah!" said one of his friends, who perhaps knew +him best, Oswald Myconius, "Zwingle certainly was an intrepid +man in the midst of danger; but he always had a +horror of blood, even of his most deadly enemies. The +freedom of his country, the virtues of our forefathers, and, +above all, the glory of Christ, were the sole end of his designs.<a name="FNanchor_1068_1068" id="FNanchor_1068_1068"></a><a href="#Footnote_1068_1068" class="fnanchor">[1068]</a>—I +speak the truth, as if in the presence of God," +adds he.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">SWISS CORDIALITY.</div> + +<p>While Zurich was sending deputies to Arau, the two armies<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375">[375]</a></span> +received reinforcements. The men of Thurgovia and +St. Gall joined their banners to that of Zurich; the Valaisans +and the men of St. Gothard united with the Romanist +cantons. The advanced posts were in sight of each other at +Thunn, Leematt, and Goldesbrunnen, on the delightful slopes +of the Albis.</p> + +<p>Never, perhaps, did Swiss cordiality shine forth brighter +with its ancient lustre. The soldiers called to one another +in a friendly manner, shook hands, styled themselves confederates +and brothers. "We shall not fight," said they. "A +storm is passing over our heads, but we will pray to God, and +he will preserve us from every harm." Scarcity afflicted the +army of the Five Cantons, while abundance reigned in the +camp of Zurich.<a name="FNanchor_1069_1069" id="FNanchor_1069_1069"></a><a href="#Footnote_1069_1069" class="fnanchor">[1069]</a> Some young famishing Waldstettes one +day passed the outposts: the Zurichers made them prisoners, +led them to the camp, and then sent them back laden with +provisions, with still greater good-nature than was shown by +Henry IV. at the siege of Paris. At another time, some +warriors of the Five Cantons, having placed a bucket filled +with milk on the frontier line, cried out to the Zurichers that +they had no bread. The latter came down immediately, and +cut their bread into the enemies' milk: then the soldiers of +the two parties began with jokes to eat out of the same dish—some +on this side, some on that. The Zurichers were delighted +that, notwithstanding the prohibition of their priests, +the Waldstettes ate with heretics. When one of the troop +took a morsel that was on the side of his adversaries, these +sportively struck him with their spoons, and said to him: "Do +not cross the frontier!" Thus did these good Helvetians +make war upon one another; and hence it was that the Burgomaster +Sturm of Strasburg, one of the mediators, exclaimed: +"You Confederates are a singular people! When you are +disunited, you live still in harmony with one another, and +your ancient friendship never slumbers."<a name="FNanchor_1070_1070" id="FNanchor_1070_1070"></a><a href="#Footnote_1070_1070" class="fnanchor">[1070]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376">[376]</a></span></p><div class="sidenote">A CONFERENCE.</div> + +<p>The most perfect order reigned in the camp of Zurich. +Every day Zwingle, the commander Schmidt, Zink abbot of +Cappel, or some other minister, preached among the soldiers. +No oath or dispute was heard; every disorderly woman was +turned out of the camp; prayers were offered up before and +after every meal; and each man obeyed his chiefs. There +were no dice, no cards, no games calculated to excite quarrels; +but psalms, hymns, national songs, bodily exercise, +wrestling, or pitching the stone, were the military recreations +of the Zurichers.<a name="FNanchor_1071_1071" id="FNanchor_1071_1071"></a><a href="#Footnote_1071_1071" class="fnanchor">[1071]</a> The spirit that animated the reformer +had passed into the army.</p> + +<p>The assembly at Arau, transported to Steinhausen in the +neighbourhood of the two camps, decreed that each army +should hear the complaints of the opposite party. The +reception of the deputies of the Five Cantons by the Zurichers +was tolerably calm; it was not so in the other camp.</p> + +<p>On the 15th June, fifty Zurichers, surrounded by a crowd +of peasants, proceeded on horseback to the Waldstettes. The +sound of the trumpet, the roll of the drum, and repeated salvos +of artillery announced their arrival. Nearly twelve thousand +men of the smaller cantons, in good order, with uplifted heads +and arrogant looks, were under arms. Escher of Zurich +spoke first, and many persons from the rural districts enumerated +their grievances after him, which the Waldstettes thought +exaggerated. "When have we ever refused you the federal +right?" asked they. "Yes, yes!" replied Funk, Zwingle's +friend; "we know how you exercise it. That pastor (Keyser) +appealed to it, and you referred him—to the executioner!" +"Funk, you would have done better to have held your tongue," +said one of his friends. But the words had slipped out; a +dreadful tumult suddenly arose; all the army of the Waldstettes +was in agitation; the most prudent begged the +Zurichers to retire promptly, and protected their departure.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PEACE RESTORED.</div> + +<p>At length the treaty was concluded on the 26th June 1529.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_377" id="Page_377">[377]</a></span> +Zwingle did not obtain all he desired. Instead of the free +preaching of the Word of God, the treaty stipulated only +liberty of conscience; it declared that the common bailiwicks +should pronounce for or against the Reform by a +majority of votes. Without decreeing the abolition of foreign +pensions, it was recommended to the Romish cantons to renounce +the alliance formed with Austria; the Five Cantons +were to pay the expenses of the war, Murner to retract his +insulting words, and an indemnity was secured to Keyser's +family.<a name="FNanchor_1072_1072" id="FNanchor_1072_1072"></a><a href="#Footnote_1072_1072" class="fnanchor">[1072]</a></p> + +<p>An incontrovertible success had just crowned the warlike +demonstration of Zurich. The Five Cantons felt it. Gloomy, +irritated, silently champing the bit that had been placed in +their mouths, their chiefs could not decide upon giving up the +deed of their alliance with Austria. Zurich immediately +recalled her troops, the mediators redoubled their solicitations, +and the Bernese exclaimed: "If you do not deliver up +this document, we will ourselves go in procession and tear +it from your archives." At last it was brought to Cappel on +the 26th June, two hours after midnight. All the army was +drawn out at eleven in the forenoon, and they began to read +the treaty. The Zurichers looked with astonishment at its +breadth and excessive length, and the nine seals which had +been affixed, one of which was in gold. But scarcely had a +few words been read, when Aebli, snatching the parchment, +cried out: "Enough, enough!"—"Read it, read it!" said +the Zurichers; "we desire to learn their treason!" But the +Bailiff of Glaris replied boldly: "I would rather be cut in a +thousand pieces than permit it." Then dashing his knife +into the parchment, he cut it in pieces in the presence of +Zwingle and the soldiers,<a name="FNanchor_1073_1073" id="FNanchor_1073_1073"></a><a href="#Footnote_1073_1073" class="fnanchor">[1073]</a> and threw the fragments to the +secretary to commit them to the flames. "This paper was +not Swiss," says Bullinger with sublime simplicity.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ZWINGLE'S HYMN.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378">[378]</a></span>The banners were immediately struck. The men of +Unterwalden retired in anger; those of Schwytz swore they +would for ever preserve their ancient faith; while the troops +of Zurich returned in triumph to their homes. But the most +opposite thoughts agitated Zwingle's mind. "I hope," said +he, doing violence to his feelings, "that we bring back an +honourable peace to our dwellings. It was not to shed blood +that we set out.<a name="FNanchor_1074_1074" id="FNanchor_1074_1074"></a><a href="#Footnote_1074_1074" class="fnanchor">[1074]</a> God has once again shown the great ones +of the earth that they can do nothing against us." But when +he gave way to his natural disposition, a very different order +of thoughts took possession of his mind. He was seen walking +apart in deep dejection, and anticipating the most gloomy +future. In vain did the people surround him with joyful +shouts. "This peace," said he, "which you consider a triumph, +you will soon repent of, striking your breasts." It was +at this time that, venting his sorrow, he composed, as he was +descending the Albis, a celebrated hymn often repeated to the +sound of music in the fields of Switzerland, among the +burghers of the Confederate cities, and even in the palaces +of kings. The hymns of Luther and of Zwingle play the +same part in the German and Swiss Reformation as the +Psalms in that of France.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Do thou direct thy chariot, Lord,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">And guide it at thy will;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Without thy aid our strength is vain,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">And useless all our skill.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Look down upon thy saints brought low,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And prostrate laid beneath the foe.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Beloved Pastor, who hast saved<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Our souls from death and sin,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Uplift thy voice, awake thy sheep<br /></span> +<span class="i1">That slumbering lie within<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thy fold, and curb with thy right hand<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The rage of Satan's furious band.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Send down thy peace, and banish strife,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Let bitterness depart;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Revive the spirit of the past<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379">[379]</a></span><br /></span> +<span class="i1">In every Switzer's heart;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then shall thy Church for ever sing<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The praises of her heavenly King.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="sidenote">NUNS OF ST. CATHERINE.</div> + +<p>An edict, published in the name of the Confederates, ordered +the revival everywhere of the old friendship and brotherly +concord; but decrees are powerless to work such miracles.</p> + +<p>This treaty of peace was nevertheless favourable to the +Reform. No doubt it met with a violent opposition in some +places. The nuns of the vale of St. Catherine in Thurgovia, +deserted by their priests and excited by some noblemen +beyond the Rhine, who styled them in their letters, "Chivalrous +women of the house of God," sang Mass themselves, +and appointed one of their number preacher to the convent. +Certain deputies from the Protestant cantons having had an +interview with them, the abbess and three of the nuns secretly +crossed the river by night, carrying with them the papers of +the monastery and the ornaments of the church. But such +isolated resistance as this was unavailing. Already in 1529 +Zwingle was able to hold a synod in Thurgovia, which organized +the church there, and decreed that the property of the +convents should be consecrated to the instruction of pious +young men in sacred learning. Thus concord and peace +seemed at last to be re-established in the Confederation.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="sidenote">CONQUESTS OF REFORM.</div> + +<p>III. When, however, the conqueror abandons himself to +his triumph, in that very confidence he often finds destruction. +Zurich and Zwingle were to exemplify this mournful lesson +of history. Taking advantage of the national peace, they redoubled +their exertions for the triumph of the Gospel. This +was a legitimate zeal, but it was not always wisely directed. +To attain the unity of Switzerland by unity of faith was the +object of the Zurichers; but they forgot that, by desiring to +force a unity, it is broken to pieces, and that freedom is the +only medium in which contrary elements can be dissolved, +and a salutary union established. While Rome aims at unity +by anathemas, imprisonment, and the stake, christian truth<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_380" id="Page_380">[380]</a></span> +demands unity through liberty. And let us not fear that +unity, expanding each individuality beyond measure, will +produce by this means an infinite multiplicity. While we +urge every mind to attach itself to the Word of God, we give +it up to a power capable of restoring its diverging opinions +to a wholesome unity.</p> + +<p>Zwingle at first signalized his victory by legitimate conquests. +He advanced with courage. "His eye and his +arm were everywhere." "A few wretched mischief-makers," +says Salat, a Romanist chronicler, "penetrating into the +Five Cantons, troubled men's souls, distributed their frippery, +scattered everywhere little poems, little tracts, little testaments, +and ceased not from saying that the people ought not +to believe the priests."<a name="FNanchor_1075_1075" id="FNanchor_1075_1075"></a><a href="#Footnote_1075_1075" class="fnanchor">[1075]</a> This was not all; while the Reform +was destined to be confined around the lake of the +Waldstettes to a few fruitless efforts, it made brilliant conquests +among the cantons,—the allies and subjects of Switzerland; +and all the blows there inflicted on the Papacy re-echoed +among the lofty valleys of the primitive cantons, and +filled them with affright. Nowhere had Popery shown itself +more determined than in the Swiss mountains. A mixture +of Romish despotism and Helvetian roughness existed there. +Rome was resolved to conquer, and yet she beheld her most +important positions successively wrested from her.</p> + +<p>In fact, on the 29th September 1529, the citizens of +Schaffhausen removed the "great God" (<i>le bon Dieu</i>) from +the cathedral, to the deep regret of a small number of devotees, +whom the Roman worship still counted in this city; +then they abolished the Mass, and stretched out their hands +to Zurich and to Berne.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE PRIEST OF ZURZACK.</div> + +<p>At Zurzack, near the confluence of the Rhine and the Aar, +at the moment when the priest of the place, a man devoted to +the ancient worship, was preaching with zeal, a person named +Tfel (devil), raising his head, said to him: "Sir, you are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_381" id="Page_381">[381]</a></span> +heaping insults on good men, and you are loading the Pope +and the saints of the Roman calendar with honour; pray, +where do we find that in the Holy Scriptures?" This question, +put in a serious tone of voice, raised a sly smile on many +faces, and the people with their eyes fixed on the pulpit +awaited the reply. The curate in astonishment and at his +wit's end, answered with a trembling voice: "Devil is thy +name; thou actest like the devil, and thou art the devil! +For this reason I will have nothing to do with thee." Then +hastily leaving the pulpit, he ran away as if Satan himself +had been behind him. Immediately the images were torn +down, and the Mass abolished. The Roman-catholics sought +to console themselves by repeating everywhere: "At Zurzack +it was the devil who introduced the Reformation."<a name="FNanchor_1076_1076" id="FNanchor_1076_1076"></a><a href="#Footnote_1076_1076" class="fnanchor">[1076]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">REFORM IN GLARIS.</div> + +<p>The priests and warriors of the Forest Cantons beheld the +overthrow of the Romish faith in countries that lay nearer +to them. In the canton of Glaris, whence by the steep +passes of the Klaus and the Pragel,<a name="FNanchor_1077_1077" id="FNanchor_1077_1077"></a><a href="#Footnote_1077_1077" class="fnanchor">[1077]</a> the Reform might suddenly +fall upon Uri and Schwytz, two men met face to face. +At Mollis, Fridolin Brunner, questioning himself every day +by what means he could advance the cause of Christ,<a name="FNanchor_1078_1078" id="FNanchor_1078_1078"></a><a href="#Footnote_1078_1078" class="fnanchor">[1078]</a> attacked +the abuses of the Church with the energy of his +friend Zwingle,<a name="FNanchor_1079_1079" id="FNanchor_1079_1079"></a><a href="#Footnote_1079_1079" class="fnanchor">[1079]</a> and endeavoured to spread among the +people, who were passionately fond of war, the peace and +charity of the Gospel. At Glaris, on the contrary, Valentine +Tschudi studied with all the circumspection of his friend +Erasmus to preserve a just medium between Rome and the +Reform. And although,—thanks to the preaching of +Fridolin!—the doctrines of purgatory, indulgences, meritorious +works, and intercession of the saints, were looked at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_382" id="Page_382">[382]</a></span> +by the Glaronais as mere follies and fables,<a name="FNanchor_1080_1080" id="FNanchor_1080_1080"></a><a href="#Footnote_1080_1080" class="fnanchor">[1080]</a> they still believed +with Tschudi that the body and blood of Christ were +substantially in the bread of the Lord's Supper.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ITALIAN BAILIWICKS.</div> + +<p>At the same time a movement in opposition to the Reform +was taking place in that high and savage valley, where the +Linth, roaring at the foot of vast rocks with jagged crests—enormous +citadels which seemed built in the air,—bathes +the villages of Schwanden and Ruti with its waters. The Roman-catholics, +alarmed at the progress of the Gospel, and +wishing to save these mountains at least, had scattered with +liberal hands the money they derived from their foreign +pensions; and from that time violent hatred had been seen +to divide old friends, and men who appeared to have been won +over to the Gospel basely sought for a pretext to conceal a +disgraceful flight.<a name="FNanchor_1081_1081" id="FNanchor_1081_1081"></a><a href="#Footnote_1081_1081" class="fnanchor">[1081]</a> "Peter<a name="FNanchor_1082_1082" id="FNanchor_1082_1082"></a><a href="#Footnote_1082_1082" class="fnanchor">[1082]</a> and I," wrote Rasdorfer, pastor +of Ruti, in despair, "are labouring in the vineyard, but, +alas! the grapes we gather are not employed for the sacrifice, +and the very birds do not eat them. We fish, but after having +toiled all night, we find that we have only caught leeches.<a name="FNanchor_1083_1083" id="FNanchor_1083_1083"></a><a href="#Footnote_1083_1083" class="fnanchor">[1083]</a> +Alas! we are casting pearls before dogs, and roses before +swine!" This spirit of revolt against the Gospel soon descended +from these valleys with the noisy waters of the Linth +as far as Glaris and Mollis. "The council, as if it had been +composed only of silly women, shifted its sails every day," +said Rasdorfer;<a name="FNanchor_1084_1084" id="FNanchor_1084_1084"></a><a href="#Footnote_1084_1084" class="fnanchor">[1084]</a> "one day it will have the cowl, on the +next it will not."<a name="FNanchor_1085_1085" id="FNanchor_1085_1085"></a><a href="#Footnote_1085_1085" class="fnanchor">[1085]</a> Glaris, like a leaf carried along by one +of its torrents, and which the waves and eddies drive in different<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_383" id="Page_383">[383]</a></span> +directions, wavered, wheeled about, and was nearly +being swallowed up.</p> + +<p>But this crisis came to an end: the Gospel suddenly +regained strength, and on Easter Monday 1530, a general +assembly of the people "put the Mass and the altars to the +vote." A powerful party that relied upon the Five Cantons +vainly opposed the Reform. It was proclaimed, and its vanquished +and disconcerted enemies were forced to content +themselves, says Bullinger, with mysteriously concealing a +few idols, which they reserved for better days.</p> + +<p>In the meanwhile, the Reform advanced in the exterior +<i>Rhodes</i> of Appenzell,<a name="FNanchor_1086_1086" id="FNanchor_1086_1086"></a><a href="#Footnote_1086_1086" class="fnanchor">[1086]</a> and in the district of Sargans. But +what most exasperated the cantons that remained faithful to +the Romish doctrines, was to see it pass the Alps and appear +in Italy, in those beautiful districts round Lake Maggiore, +where, near the embouchure of the Maggia, within the walls +of Locarno, in the midst of laurels, pomegranates, and +cypresses, flourished the noble families of Orelli, Muralto, +Magoria, and Duni, and where floated since 1512 the sovereign +standard of the cantons. "What!" said the Waldstettes, +"is it not enough that Zurich and Zwingle infest +Switzerland! They have the impudence to carry their pretended +Reform even into Italy,—even into the country of the +Pope!"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE MONK OF COMO.</div> + +<p>Great irregularities prevailed there among the clergy: +"Whoever wishes to be damned must become a priest," was +a common saying.<a name="FNanchor_1087_1087" id="FNanchor_1087_1087"></a><a href="#Footnote_1087_1087" class="fnanchor">[1087]</a> But the Gospel succeeded in making +its way even into that district. A monk of Como, Egidio +Porta, who had taken the cowl in 1511, against the wishes of +his family,<a name="FNanchor_1088_1088" id="FNanchor_1088_1088"></a><a href="#Footnote_1088_1088" class="fnanchor">[1088]</a> struggled for years in the Augustine convent,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_384" id="Page_384">[384]</a></span> +and nowhere found peace for his soul. Motionless, environed, +as it appeared to him, with profound night, he cried +aloud: "Lord, what wilt thou that I should do?" Erelong +the monk of Como thought he heard these words in his heart: +"Go to Ulric Zwingle and he will tell thee." He rose +trembling with emotion. "It is you," wrote he to Zwingle +immediately, "but no! it is not you, it is God who, through +you, will deliver me from the nets of the hunters." "Translate +the New Testament into Italian," replied Zwingle; "I +will undertake to get it printed at Zurich." This is what +Reform did for Italy more than three centuries ago.</p> + +<p>Egidio therefore remained. He commenced translating +the Gospel; but at one time he had to beg for the convent, +at another to repeat his "hours," and then to accompany +one of the fathers on his journeys.<a name="FNanchor_1089_1089" id="FNanchor_1089_1089"></a><a href="#Footnote_1089_1089" class="fnanchor">[1089]</a> Everything that surrounded +him increased his distress. He saw his country reduced +to the greatest misery by desolating wars,—men formerly +rich, holding out their hands for alms,—crowds of women +driven by want to the most shameful degradation. He imagined +that a great political deliverance could alone bring +about the religious independence of his fellow-countrymen.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE MONK OF LOCARNO.</div> + +<p>On a sudden he thought that this happy hour was arrived. +He perceived a band of Lutheran lansquenets descending the +Alps. Their serried phalanxes, their threatening looks were +directed towards the banks of the Tiber. At their head +marched Freundsberg, wearing a chain of gold around his +neck, and saying: "If I reach Rome I will make use of it +to hang the Pope." "God wills to save us," wrote Egidio +to Zwingle: "write to the constable;<a name="FNanchor_1090_1090" id="FNanchor_1090_1090"></a><a href="#Footnote_1090_1090" class="fnanchor">[1090]</a> entreat him to deliver +the people over whom he rules,—to take from the shaven +crowns, whose God is their belly, the wealth which renders +them so proud,—and to distribute it among the people who +are dying of hunger. Then let each one preach without fear<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_385" id="Page_385">[385]</a></span> +the pure Word of the Lord.—The strength of Antichrist is +near its fall!"</p> + +<p>Thus, about the end of 1526, Egidio already dreamt of +the Reformation of Italy. From that time his letters cease: +the monk disappeared. There can be no doubt that the arm +of Rome was able to reach him, and that, like so many +others, he was plunged into the gloomy dungeon of some +convent.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LETTER TO THE GERMAN CHURCH.</div> + +<p>In the spring of 1530, a new epoch commenced for the +Italian bailiwicks. Zurich appointed Jacques Werdmller +bailiff of Locarno; he was a grave man, respected by all, +and who even in 1524 had kissed the feet of the Pope; he +had since then been won over to the Gospel, and had sat +down at the feet of the Saviour.<a name="FNanchor_1091_1091" id="FNanchor_1091_1091"></a><a href="#Footnote_1091_1091" class="fnanchor">[1091]</a> "Go," said Zurich, "and +bear yourself like a Christian, and in all that concerns the +Word of God conform to the ordinances." Werdmller +met with nothing but darkness in every quarter. Yet, in +the midst of this gloom, a feeble glimmering seemed to issue +from a convent situated on the delightful shores of Lake +Maggiore. Among the Carmelites at Locarno was a monk +named Fontana, skilled in the Holy Scriptures, and animated +with the same spirit that had enlightened the monk of Como. +The doctrine of salvation, "without money and without +price," which God proclaims in the Gospel, filled him with +love and joy. "As long as I live," said he, "will I preach +upon the Epistles of St. Paul;"<a name="FNanchor_1092_1092" id="FNanchor_1092_1092"></a><a href="#Footnote_1092_1092" class="fnanchor">[1092]</a> for it was particularly in +these Epistles that he had found the truth. Two monks, of +whose names we are ignorant, shared his sentiments. Fontana +wrote a letter "to all the Church of Christ in Germany," +which was forwarded to Zwingle. We may imagine +we hear that man of Macedonia, who appeared in a vision to +Paul in the night, calling him to Europe, and saying, "Come +over and help us."<a name="FNanchor_1093_1093" id="FNanchor_1093_1093"></a><a href="#Footnote_1093_1093" class="fnanchor">[1093]</a>—"O, trusty and well-beloved of Christ<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_386" id="Page_386">[386]</a></span> +Jesus," cried the monk of Locarno to Germany, "remember +Lazarus, the beggar, in the Gospel,—remember that humble +Canaanitish woman, longing for the crumbs that fell from +the Lord's table! hungry as David, I have recourse to the +show-bread placed upon the altar. A poor traveller devoured +by thirst, I rush to the springs of living water.<a name="FNanchor_1094_1094" id="FNanchor_1094_1094"></a><a href="#Footnote_1094_1094" class="fnanchor">[1094]</a> +Plunged in darkness, bathed in tears, we cry to you who +know the mysteries of God to send us by the hands of the +munificent J. Werdmller all the writings of the divine Zwingle, +of the famous Luther, of the skilful Melancthon, of the +mild Œcolampadius, of the ingenious Pomeranus, of the +learned Lambert, of the elegant Brenz, of the penetrating +Bucer, of the studious Leo, of the vigilant Htten, and of the +other illustrious doctors, if there are any more. Excellent +princes, pivots of the Church, our holy mother, make haste +to deliver from the slavery of Babylon a city of Lombardy +that has not yet known the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We +are but three who have combined together to fight on behalf +of the truth;<a name="FNanchor_1095_1095" id="FNanchor_1095_1095"></a><a href="#Footnote_1095_1095" class="fnanchor">[1095]</a> but it was beneath the blows of a small body +of men, chosen by God, and not by the thousands of Gideon, +that Midian fell. Who knows if from a small spark God may +not cause a great conflagration?"</p> + +<p>Thus three men on the banks of the Maggia hoped at that +time to reform Italy. They uttered a call to which, for three +centuries, the Evangelical world has not replied. Zurich, +however, in these days of its strength and of its faith, displayed +a holy boldness, and dared extend her heretical arms +beyond the Alps. Hence, Uri, Schwytz, Unterwalden, and +all the Romanists of Switzerland gave vent to loud and terrible +threats, swearing to arrest even in Zurich itself the +course of these presumptuous invasions.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE MONKS OF WETTINGEN.</div> + +<p>But the Zurichers did not confine themselves to this: +they gave the Confederates more serious cause of fear by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_387" id="Page_387">[387]</a></span> +waging incessant war against the convents,—those centres +of Ultramontane fanaticism. The extensive monastery of +Wettingen, around which roll the waters of the Limmat, and +which, by its proximity to Zurich, was exposed more than +any other to the breath of Reform, was in violent commotion. +On the 23d August 1529, a great change took place; +the ice was broken and the downfall complete. The monks +ceased to sing Mass; they cut off each other's beards, not +without shedding a few tears; they laid down their frocks +and their hoods, and clothed themselves in becoming secular +dresses.<a name="FNanchor_1096_1096" id="FNanchor_1096_1096"></a><a href="#Footnote_1096_1096" class="fnanchor">[1096]</a> Then, in astonishment at this metamorphosis, +they listened devoutly to the sermon which Sebastian Benli +of Zurich came and preached to them, and erelong employed +themselves in propagating the Gospel, and in singing psalms +in German. Thus Wettingen fell into the current of that +river which seemed to be everywhere reviving the Confederation. +The cloister, ceasing to be a house for gaming, +gluttony, and drunkenness, was changed into a school. Two +monks alone in all the monastery remained faithful to the +cowl.</p> + +<p>The commander of Mulinen, without troubling himself +about the threats of the Romish cantons, earnestly pressed +the commandery of St. John at Hitzkirch towards the Reformation. +The question was put to the vote, and the majority +declared in favour of the Word of God. "Ah!" +said the commander, "I have been long pushing behind the +chariot."<a name="FNanchor_1097_1097" id="FNanchor_1097_1097"></a><a href="#Footnote_1097_1097" class="fnanchor">[1097]</a> On the 4th September the commandery was reformed. +It was the same with that of Wadenswyl, with the +convent of Pfeffers, and others besides. Even at Mury the +majority declared for the Gospel; but the minority prevailed +through the support of the Five Cantons.<a name="FNanchor_1098_1098" id="FNanchor_1098_1098"></a><a href="#Footnote_1098_1098" class="fnanchor">[1098]</a> A new triumph, +and one of greater value, was destined to indemnify the Reform,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_388" id="Page_388">[388]</a></span> +and to raise the indignation of the Waldstettes to the +highest pitch.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ABBEY OF ST. GALL.</div> + +<p>The Abbot of St. Gall, by his wealth, by the number of +his subjects, and the influence which he exercised in Switzerland, +was one of the most formidable adversaries of the +Gospel. In 1529, therefore, at the moment when the army +of Zurich took the field against the Five Cantons, the Abbot +Francis of Geisberg, in alarm and at the brink of death, +caused himself to be hastily removed into the strong castle +of Rohrschach, not thinking himself secure except within its +walls. Four days after this, the illustrious Vadianus, burgomaster +of St. Gall, entered the convent, and announced the +intention of the people to resume the use of their cathedral-church, +and to remove the images. The monks were astonished +at such audacity, and having in vain protested and +cried for help, put their most precious effects in a place of +safety, and fled to Einsideln.</p> + +<p>Among these was Kilian Kouffi, head-steward of the abbey, +a cunning and active monk, and, like Zwingle, a native of +the Tockenburg. Knowing how important it was to find a +successor to the abbot, before the news of his death was +bruited abroad, he came to an understanding with those who +waited on the prelate; and the latter dying on Tuesday in +Holy Week, the meals were carried as usual into his chamber, +and with downcast eyes and low voice the attendants +made every inquiry about his health. While this farce was +going on round the dead body, the monks who had assembled +at Einsideln repaired in all haste to Rapperswyl, in the territory +of St. Gall, and there elected Kilian, who had so skilfully +managed the affair. The new abbot went immediately to +Rohrschach, and on Good Friday he there proclaimed his own +election and the death of his predecessor. Zurich and +Glaris declared they would not recognise him, unless he +could prove by the Holy Scriptures that a monkish life was +in conformity with the Gospel. "We are ready to protect +the house of God," said they; "and it is for this reason we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_389" id="Page_389">[389]</a></span> +require that it be consecrated anew to the Lord. But we do +not forget that it is our duty also to protect the people. It +is in the bosom of a free people that the free Church of Christ +should raise its head." At the same time the ministers of +St. Gall published forty-two theses, in which they asserted +that convents were not "houses of God, but houses of the +devil."<a name="FNanchor_1099_1099" id="FNanchor_1099_1099"></a><a href="#Footnote_1099_1099" class="fnanchor">[1099]</a> The abbot, supported by Lucerne and Schwytz, +which with Zurich and Glaris exercised sovereign power in +St. Gall, replied that he would not dispute about rights which +he held from kings and emperors. The two natives of the +Tockenburg, Zwingle and Kilian, were thus struggling +around St. Gall,—the one claiming the people for the abbey, +and the other the abbey for the people. The army of Zurich +having approached Wyl, Kilian seized upon the treasures +and muniments of the convent, and fled precipitately beyond +the Rhine. Then when peace was concluded, the crafty +monk clothed himself in a secular dress, and crept mysteriously +as far as Einsideln, whence on a sudden he made all +Switzerland re-echo with his cries. Zurich replied only by +publishing in conjunction with Glaris a constitution, by which +a governor, "confirmed in the evangelical faith," should preside +over the district, with a council of twelve members, +while the election of pastors was left to the parishes.<a name="FNanchor_1100_1100" id="FNanchor_1100_1100"></a><a href="#Footnote_1100_1100" class="fnanchor">[1100]</a> Not +long afterwards, the abbot, expelled and a fugitive, while +crossing a river near Bregentz, fell from his horse, got entangled +in his frock, and was drowned. Of the two combatants +from the Tockenburg, it was Zwingle who gained the +victory.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">SOLEURE.</div> + +<p>The convent was put up to sale, and was purchased by the +town of St. Gall, "with the exception," says Bullinger, "of +a detached building, called <i>Hell</i>, where the monks were left +who had not embraced the Reform."<a name="FNanchor_1101_1101" id="FNanchor_1101_1101"></a><a href="#Footnote_1101_1101" class="fnanchor">[1101]</a> The time having arrived<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_390" id="Page_390">[390]</a></span> +when the governor sent by Zurich was to give place to +one from Lucerne, the people of St. Gall called upon the +latter to swear to their constitution. "A governor has never +been known," replied he, "to make an oath to peasants; it +is the peasants who should make an oath to the governor!" +Upon this he retired: the Zurich governor remained, and +the indignation of the Five Cantons against Zurich, which +so daringly assisted the people of St. Gall in recovering their +liberties, rose to the highest paroxysm of anger.</p> + +<p>A few victories, however, consoled in some degree the +partisans of Rome. Soleure was for a long time one of the +most contested battle fields. The citizens and the learned +were in favour of Reform: the patricians and canons for +Popery. Philip Grotz of Zug was preaching the Gospel +there, and the council having desired to compel him to say +Mass, one hundred Reformed appeared in the hall of assembly +on the 13th September 1529, and with energy called for +liberty of conscience. Zurich and Berne having supported +this demand, it was granted to them.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A NEW MIRACLE.</div> + +<p>Upon this the most fanatical of the Roman-catholics, exasperated +at the concession, closed the gates of the city, pointed +the guns, and made a show of expelling the friends of the +Reform. The council prepared to punish these agitators, +when the Reformed, willing to set an example of christian +moderation, declared they would forgive them.<a name="FNanchor_1102_1102" id="FNanchor_1102_1102"></a><a href="#Footnote_1102_1102" class="fnanchor">[1102]</a> The Great +Council then published throughout the canton that the dominion +of conscience belonging to God alone, and faith being +the free gift of His grace, each one might follow the religion +which he thought best. Thirty-four parishes declared for the +Reformation, and only two for the Mass. Almost all the +rural districts were in favour of the Gospel; but the majority +of the city sided with the Pope.<a name="FNanchor_1103_1103" id="FNanchor_1103_1103"></a><a href="#Footnote_1103_1103" class="fnanchor">[1103]</a> Haller, whom the Reformed +of Soleure had sent for, arrived, and it was a day of triumph<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_391" id="Page_391">[391]</a></span> +for them. It was in the middle of winter: "To-day," +ironically observed one of the Evangelical Christians, "our +patron saint (St. Ours) will sweat!" And in truth—-oh! +wonderful!—drops of moisture fell from the holy image. +It was simply a little holy water that had frozen and then +thawed. But the Romanists would listen to no raillery on so +illustrious a prodigy, reminding us of the blood of St. Januarius +at Naples. All the city resounded with piteous cries,—the +bells were tolled,—a general procession moved through +the streets,—and high mass was sung in honour of the +heavenly prince who had shown in so marvellous a manner +the pangs he felt for his dearly beloved. "It is the fat +minister of Berne (Haller) who is the cause of the saint's +alarm," said the devout old women. One of them declared +that she would thrust a knife into his body; and certain +Roman-catholics threatened to go to the Cordeliers' church +and murder the pastors who preached there. Upon this +the Reformed rushed to that church and called for a public +discussion: two hundred of their adversaries posted themselves +at the same time in the church of St. Ours and refused +the discussion. Neither of the two parties was willing to +be the first to abandon the camp in which it was entrenched. +The senate wishing to clear the two churches thus transformed +into citadels, announced that at Martinmas, <i>i. e.</i> nine months +later, a public discussion should take place. But as the +Reformed found the delay too long, both parties remained for +a whole week more under arms. Commerce was interrupted,—the +public offices were closed—messengers ran to and fro,—arrangements +were proposed;—but the people were so +stiffnecked,<a name="FNanchor_1104_1104" id="FNanchor_1104_1104"></a><a href="#Footnote_1104_1104" class="fnanchor">[1104]</a> that no one would give way. The city was in +a state of siege. At last all were agreed about the discussion, +and the ministers committed four theses to writing, which +the canons immediately attempted to refute.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">POPERY TRIUMPHS.</div> + +<p>Nevertheless they judged it a still better plan to elude them. +Nothing alarmed the Romanists so much as discussion.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_392" id="Page_392">[392]</a></span> +"What need have we of any?" said they. "Do not the +writings of the two parties declare their sentiments?" The +conference was, therefore, put off until the following year. +Many of the Reformed, indignant at these delays, imprudently +quitted the city; and the councils, charmed at this result, +which they were far from expecting, hastily declared that +the people should be free in the canton, but that in the city +no one should attack the Mass. From that time the Reformed +were compelled every Sunday to leave Soleure and repair +to the village of Zuchsweil to hear the Word of God. Thus +Popery, defeated in so many places, triumphed in Soleure.</p> + +<p>Zurich and the other reformed cantons attentively watched +these successes of their adversaries, and lent a fearful ear +to the threats of the Roman-catholics, who ceased not from +announcing the intervention of the Emperor; when on a sudden +a report was heard that nine hundred Spaniards had entered +the Grisons; that they were led by the Chatelain of +Musso, recently invested with the title of marquis by Charles +the Fifth; that the chatelain's brother-in-law, Didier d'Embs, +was also marching against the Swiss at the head of three +thousand imperial lansquenets; and that the Emperor himself +was ready to support them with all his forces. The +Grisons uttered a cry of alarm. The Waldstettes remained +motionless; but all the reformed cantons assembled their +troops, and eleven thousand men began their march.<a name="FNanchor_1105_1105" id="FNanchor_1105_1105"></a><a href="#Footnote_1105_1105" class="fnanchor">[1105]</a> The +Emperor and the Duke of Milan having soon after decreed +that they would not support the chatelain, this adventurer +beheld his castle rased to the ground, and was compelled +to retire to the banks of the Sesia, giving guarantees of future +tranquillity; while the Swiss soldiers returned to their homes, +fired with indignation against the Five Cantons, who by their +inactivity had infringed the federal alliance.<a name="FNanchor_1106_1106" id="FNanchor_1106_1106"></a><a href="#Footnote_1106_1106" class="fnanchor">[1106]</a> "Our prompt +and energetic resistance," said they, "has undoubtedly baffled +their perfidious designs; but the reaction is only adjourned.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_393" id="Page_393">[393]</a></span> +Although the parchment of the Austrian alliance has been +torn in pieces, the alliance itself still exists. The truth has +freed us, but soon the imperial lansquenets will come and try +to place us again under the yoke of slavery."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE MINISTERS' ADDRESS.</div> + +<p>Thus in consequence of so many violent shocks, the two +parties that divided Switzerland had attained the highest +degree of irritation. The gulf that separated them widened +daily. The clouds—the forerunners of the tempest—drove +swiftly along the mountains, and gathered threateningly +above the valleys. Under these circumstances Zwingle and +his friends thought it their duty to raise their voices, and if +possible to avert the storm. Thus Nicholas de Flue had in +former days thrown himself between the hostile parties.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">AUTONOMY OF THE CHURCH.</div> + +<p>On the 5th September 1530, the principal ministers of +Zurich, Berne, Basle, and Strasburg,—Œcolampadius, Capito, +Megander, Leo Juda, and Myconius,—were assembled +at Zurich in Zwingle's house. Desirous of taking a solemn +step with the Five Cantons, they drew up an address that +was presented to the Confederates at the meeting of the Diet +at Baden. However unfavourable the deputies were, as a +body, to these heretical ministers, they nevertheless listened +to this epistle, but not without signs of impatience and +weariness.<a name="FNanchor_1107_1107" id="FNanchor_1107_1107"></a><a href="#Footnote_1107_1107" class="fnanchor">[1107]</a> "You are aware, gracious lords, that concord +increases the power of states, and that discord overthrows +them.<a name="FNanchor_1108_1108" id="FNanchor_1108_1108"></a><a href="#Footnote_1108_1108" class="fnanchor">[1108]</a> You are yourselves a proof of the first of these +truths. Setting out from a small beginning, you have, by a +good understanding one with another, arrived at a great end. +May God condescend to prevent you also from giving a striking +proof of the second! Whence comes disunion, if not +from selfishness? and how can we destroy this fatal passion, +except by receiving from God the love of the common weal? +For this reason we conjure you to allow the Word of God +to be freely preached among you, as did your pious ancestors.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_394" id="Page_394">[394]</a></span> +When has there ever existed a government, even +among the heathens, which saw not that the hand of God alone +upholds a nation? Do not two drops of quicksilver unite so +soon as you remove that which separates them? Away then +with that which separates you from our cities, that is, the +absence of the Word of God; and immediately the Almighty +God will unite us, as our fathers were united. Then placed +in your mountains, as in the centre of Christendom, you will +be an example to it, its protection and its refuge; and after +having passed through this vale of tears, being the terror of +the wicked and the consolation of the faithful, you will at last +be established in eternal happiness."</p> + +<p>Thus frankly did these men of God address their brothers, +the Waldstettes. But their voice was not attended to. "The +ministers' sermon is rather long,"<a name="FNanchor_1109_1109" id="FNanchor_1109_1109"></a><a href="#Footnote_1109_1109" class="fnanchor">[1109]</a> said some of the deputies +yawning and stretching their arms, while others pretended to +see in it fresh cause of complaint against the cities.</p> + +<p>This proceeding of the ministers was useless: the Waldstettes +rejected the Word of God, which they had been entreated +to admit; they rejected the hands that were extended +towards them in the name of Jesus Christ. They called for +the Pope and not for the Gospel. All hope of reconciliation +appeared lost.</p> + +<p>Some persons, however, had at that time a glimpse of +what might have saved Switzerland and the Reformation,—the +<i>autonomy</i> (self-government) of the Church, and its independence +of political interests. Had they been wise enough +to decline the secular power to secure the triumph of the Gospel, +it is probable that harmony might have been gradually +established in the Helvetic cantons, and that the Gospel would +have conquered by its Divine strength. The power of the +Word of God presented chances of success that were not +afforded by pikes and muskets. The energy of faith, the +influence of charity, would have proved a securer protection<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_395" id="Page_395">[395]</a></span> +to Christians against the burning piles of Waldstettes than +diplomatists and men-at-arms. None of the Reformers understood +this so clearly as Œcolampadius. His handsome +countenance, the serenity of his features, the mild expression +of his eyes, his long and venerable beard, the spirituality of +his expression, a certain dignity that inspired confidence and +respect, gave him rather the air of an apostle than of a reformer. +It was the power of the inner word that he particularly +extolled; perhaps he even went too far in spiritualism. +But, however that may be, if any man could have saved +Reform from the misfortunes that were about to befall it—that +man was he. In separating from the Papacy, he desired +not to set up the magistrate in its stead. "The magistrate +who should take away from the churches the authority that +belongs to them," wrote he to Zwingle, "would be more intolerable +than Antichrist himself (<i>i. e.</i> the Pope)."<a name="FNanchor_1110_1110" id="FNanchor_1110_1110"></a><a href="#Footnote_1110_1110" class="fnanchor">[1110]</a>—"The +hand of the magistrate strikes with the sword, but the hand +of Christ heals. Christ has not said,—If thy brother will not +hear thee, tell it to the magistrate, but—<i>tell it to the Church</i>. +The functions of the State are distinct from those of the +Church. The State is free to do many things which the purity +of the Gospel condemns."<a name="FNanchor_1111_1111" id="FNanchor_1111_1111"></a><a href="#Footnote_1111_1111" class="fnanchor">[1111]</a> Œcolampadius saw how +important it was that his convictions should prevail among +the Reformed. This man, so mild and so spiritual, feared +not to stand forth boldly in defence of doctrines then so +novel. He expounded them before a synod assembly, and +next developed them before the senate of Basle.<a name="FNanchor_1112_1112" id="FNanchor_1112_1112"></a><a href="#Footnote_1112_1112" class="fnanchor">[1112]</a> It is a +strange circumstance that these ideas, for a moment at least, +were acceptable to Zwingle;<a name="FNanchor_1113_1113" id="FNanchor_1113_1113"></a><a href="#Footnote_1113_1113" class="fnanchor">[1113]</a> but they displeased an assembly +of the brethren to whom he communicated them; the +politic Bucer above all feared that this independence of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_396" id="Page_396">[396]</a></span> +Church would in some measure check the exercise of the civil +power.<a name="FNanchor_1114_1114" id="FNanchor_1114_1114"></a><a href="#Footnote_1114_1114" class="fnanchor">[1114]</a> The exertions of Œcolampadius to constitute the +Church, were not, however, entirely unsuccessful. In +February 1531, a diet of four reformed cantons (Basle, Zurich, +Berne, and St. Galls) was held at Basle, in which it +was agreed, that whenever any difficulty should arise with +regard to doctrine or worship, an assembly of divines and laymen +should be convoked, which should examine what the +Word of God said on the matter.<a name="FNanchor_1115_1115" id="FNanchor_1115_1115"></a><a href="#Footnote_1115_1115" class="fnanchor">[1115]</a> This resolution, by giving +greater unity to the renovated Church, gave it also fresh +strength.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="sidenote">CHRISTIAN STATE.</div> + +<p>IV. But it was too late to tread in this path, which +would have prevented so many disasters. The Reformation +had already entered with all her sails set upon the stormy +ocean of politics, and terrible misfortunes were gathering over +her. The impulse communicated to the Reform came from +another than Œcolampadius. Zwingle's proud and piercing +eyes,—his harsh features,—his bold step,—all proclaimed +in him a resolute mind and the man of action. Nurtured +in the exploits of the heroes of antiquity, he threw himself, +to save Reform, in the footsteps of Demosthenes and Cato, +rather than in those of St. John and St. Paul. His prompt +and penetrating looks were turned to the right and to the +left,—to the cabinets of kings and the councils of the people, +whilst they should have been directed solely to God. We +have already seen, that as early as 1527, Zwingle, observing +how all the powers were rising against the Reformation, had +conceived the plan of a <i>co-burghery</i> or Christian State,<a name="FNanchor_1116_1116" id="FNanchor_1116_1116"></a><a href="#Footnote_1116_1116" class="fnanchor">[1116]</a> which +should unite all the friends of the Word of God in one holy +and powerful league. This was so much the easier, as +Zwingle's reformation had won over Strasburg, Augsburg, +Ulm, Reutlingen, Lindau, Memmingen, and other towns of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_397" id="Page_397">[397]</a></span> +Upper Germany. Constance in December 1527, Berne in +June 1528, St. Gall in November of the same year, Bienne +in 1529, Mulhausen in February, Basle in March, Schaffhausen +in September, and Strasburg in December, entered into +this alliance. This political phase of Zwingle's character +is in the eyes of some persons his highest claim to glory: +we do not hesitate to acknowledge it as his greatest fault. +The Reformer, deserting the paths of the Apostles, allowed +himself to be led astray by the perverse example of Popery. +The primitive Church never opposed their persecutors but +by the dispositions of the Gospel of peace. Faith was the +only sword by which it vanquished the mighty ones of the +earth. Zwingle felt clearly that by entering into the ways +of worldly politicians, he was leaving those of a minister of +Christ: he therefore sought to justify himself. "No doubt, +it is not by human strength," said he, "it is by the strength +of God alone that the Word of the Lord should be upheld. +But God often makes use of men as instruments to succour +men. Let us therefore unite, and from the sources of the +Rhine to Strasburg let us form but one people and one alliance."<a name="FNanchor_1117_1117" id="FNanchor_1117_1117"></a><a href="#Footnote_1117_1117" class="fnanchor">[1117]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">ZWINGLE'S DOUBLE PART.</div> + +<p>Zwingle played two parts at once—he was a reformer and +a magistrate. But these are two characters that ought not +more to be united than those of a minister and of a soldier. +We will not blame the soldiers, we will not blame the magistrates; +in forming leagues and drawing the sword, they +act according to their point of view, although it is not the +same as ours; but we will decidedly blame the christian minister, +who becomes a diplomatist or a general.</p> + +<p>In October 1529, as we have already observed, Zwingle +repaired to Marburg, whither he had been invited by Philip +of Hesse; and while neither of them had been able to come +to an understanding with Luther, the Landgrave and the +Swiss Reformer, animated by the same bold and enterprising +spirit, soon agreed together.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ZWINGLE AND LUTHER.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_398" id="Page_398">[398]</a></span>The two reformers differed not less in their political than +in their religious system. Luther, brought up in the cloister +and in monastic submission, was imbued in youth with the +writings of the fathers of the Church; Zwingle, on the +other hand, reared in the midst of Swiss liberty, had, during +those early years which decide the course of all the others, +imbibed the history of the ancient republics. Thus, while +Luther was in favour of a passive obedience, Zwingle demanded +that the tyrants should be opposed.</p> + +<p>These two men were the faithful representatives of their +respective nations. In the north of Germany, the princes +and nobility were the essential part of the nation, and the +people—strangers to all political liberty—had only to obey. +Thus, at the epoch of the Reformation, they were contented +to follow the voice of their doctors and chiefs. In Switzerland, +in the south of Germany, and on the Rhine, on the +contrary, many cities, after long and violent struggles, had +won their civil liberty; and hence we see in almost every +place the people taking a decided part in the Reform of the +Church. There was good in this; but evil was close at +hand. The Reformers, themselves men of the people, who +dared not act upon princes, might be tempted to hurry away +the people. It was easier for the Reformation to unite with +republics than with kings. This facility nearly proved its +ruin. The Gospel was thus to learn that its alliance is in +heaven.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">UNION OF THE STATES.</div> + +<p>There was, however, one prince with whom the reformed +party of the free states desired to be in union: this was Philip +of Hesse. It was he who in great measure prompted Zwingle's +warlike projects. Zwingle desired to make him some +return, and to introduce his new friend into the evangelical +league. But Berne, watchful to avert anything that might +irritate the Emperor and its ancient confederates, rejected +this proposal, and thus excited a lively discontent in the +"Christian City."—"What!" cried they, "do the Bernese +refuse an alliance that would be honourable for us, acceptable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_399" id="Page_399">[399]</a></span> +to Jesus Christ, and terrible to our adversaries?"<a name="FNanchor_1118_1118" id="FNanchor_1118_1118"></a><a href="#Footnote_1118_1118" class="fnanchor">[1118]</a>—"The +Bear," said the high-spirited Zwingle, "is jealous of +the Lion (Zurich); but there will be an end to all these artifices, +and victory will remain with the bold." It would +appear, indeed, according to a letter in cipher, that the Bernese +at last sided with Zwingle, requiring only that this alliance +with a prince of the Empire should not be made public.<a name="FNanchor_1119_1119" id="FNanchor_1119_1119"></a><a href="#Footnote_1119_1119" class="fnanchor">[1119]</a></p> + +<p>Still Œcolampadius had not given way, and his meekness +contended, although modestly, with the boldness of his impetuous +friend. He was convinced that faith was destined +to triumph only by the cordial union of all believers. A valuable +relief came to reanimate his exertions. The deputies of +the Christian co-burghery, being assembled at Basle in 1530, +the envoys from Strasburg endeavoured to reconcile Luther +and Zwingle. Œcolampadius wrote to Zwingle on the subject, +begging him to hasten to Basle,<a name="FNanchor_1120_1120" id="FNanchor_1120_1120"></a><a href="#Footnote_1120_1120" class="fnanchor">[1120]</a> and not show himself +too unyielding. "To say that the body and blood of Christ +are really in the Lord's Supper, may appear to many too +hard an expression," said he, "but is it not softened, when it +is added—spiritually and not bodily?"<a name="FNanchor_1121_1121" id="FNanchor_1121_1121"></a><a href="#Footnote_1121_1121" class="fnanchor">[1121]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">ZWINGLE'S POLITICS.</div> + +<p>Zwingle was immovable. "It is to flatter Luther that +you hold such language, and not to defend the truth.<a name="FNanchor_1122_1122" id="FNanchor_1122_1122"></a><a href="#Footnote_1122_1122" class="fnanchor">[1122]</a> +<i>Edere est credere.</i>"<a name="FNanchor_1123_1123" id="FNanchor_1123_1123"></a><a href="#Footnote_1123_1123" class="fnanchor">[1123]</a> Nevertheless there were men present +at the meeting, who were resolved upon energetic measures. +Brotherly love was on the eve of triumphing: peace was to be +obtained by union. The Elector of Saxony himself proposed +a concord of all Evangelical Christians: the Landgrave invited<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_400" id="Page_400">[400]</a></span> +the Swiss cities to accede to it. A report spread that +Luther and Zwingle were about to make the same confession +of faith. Zwingle, calling to mind the early professions of the +Saxon Reformer, said one day at table before many witnesses, +that Luther would not think so erroneously about the Eucharist, +if he were not misled by Melancthon.<a name="FNanchor_1124_1124" id="FNanchor_1124_1124"></a><a href="#Footnote_1124_1124" class="fnanchor">[1124]</a> The union +of the whole Reform seemed about to be concluded: it would +have vanquished by its own weapons. But Luther soon +showed that Zwingle was mistaken in his expectation. He +required a written engagement by which Zwingle and Œcolampadius +should adhere to his sentiments, and the negotiations +were broken off in consequence. Concord having failed, +there remained nothing but war. Œcolampadius must be +silent, and Zwingle must act.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">HIS FORESIGHT.</div> + +<p>And in truth from that hour Zwingle advanced more and +more along that fatal path into which he was led by his character, +his patriotism, and his early habits. Stunned by so +many violent shocks, attacked by his enemies and by his brethren, +he staggered and his head grew dizzy. From this +period the reformer almost entirely disappears, and we see in +his place the politician, the great citizen, who, beholding a +formidable coalition preparing its chains for every nation, +stands up energetically against it. The Emperor had just +formed a close alliance with the Pope. If his deadly schemes +were not opposed, it would be all over, in Zwingle's opinion, +with the Reformation, with religious and political liberty, and +even with the Confederation itself. "The Emperor," said he, +"is stirring up friend against friend, enemy against enemy: +and then he endeavours to raise out of this confusion the glory +of the Papacy, and above all his own power. He excites the +Chatelain of Musso against the Grisons—Duke George of Saxony +against Duke John—the Bishop of Constance against +the city—the Duke of Savoy against Berne—the Five Cantons +against Zurich—and the Bishops of the Rhine against<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_401" id="Page_401">[401]</a></span> +the Landgrave; then, when the confusion shall have become +general, he will fall upon Germany, will offer himself as a +mediator, and ensnare princes and cities by fine speeches, +until he has them all under his feet. Alas! what discord, +what disasters, under the pretence of re-establishing the Empire +and restoring religion!"<a name="FNanchor_1125_1125" id="FNanchor_1125_1125"></a><a href="#Footnote_1125_1125" class="fnanchor">[1125]</a> Zwingle went farther. The +reformer of a small town in Switzerland, rising to the most +astonishing political conceptions, called for a European alliance +against such fatal designs. The son of a peasant of the +Tockenburg held up his head against the heir of so many +crowns. "That man must either be a traitor or a coward," +wrote he to a senator of Constance, "who is content to +stretch and yawn, when he ought to be collecting men and +arms on every side, to show the Emperor that in vain he +strives to re-establish the Romish faith, to enslave the free +cities, and to subdue the Helvetians.<a name="FNanchor_1126_1126" id="FNanchor_1126_1126"></a><a href="#Footnote_1126_1126" class="fnanchor">[1126]</a> He showed us only +six months ago how he would proceed. To-day he will take +one city in hand, to-morrow another; and so, step by step, +until they are all reduced. Then their arms will be taken +away, their treasures, their machines of war, and all their +power......Arouse Lindau, and all your neighbours; if they +do not awake, public liberty will perish under the pretext of +religion. We must place no confidence in the friendship of +tyrants. Demosthenes teaches us that there is nothing so +hateful in their eyes as την των πολεων ελευθεριαν.<a name="FNanchor_1127_1127" id="FNanchor_1127_1127"></a><a href="#Footnote_1127_1127" class="fnanchor">[1127]</a> The Emperor +with one hand offers us bread, but in the other he conceals +a stone."<a name="FNanchor_1128_1128" id="FNanchor_1128_1128"></a><a href="#Footnote_1128_1128" class="fnanchor">[1128]</a> And a few months later Zwingle wrote to +his friends in Constance: "Be bold; fear not the schemes +of Charles. The razor will cut him who is sharpening it."<a name="FNanchor_1129_1129" id="FNanchor_1129_1129"></a><a href="#Footnote_1129_1129" class="fnanchor">[1129]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_402" id="Page_402">[402]</a></span></p><div class="sidenote">ADVOCATES RESISTANCE.</div> + +<p>Away, then, with delay! Should they wait until Charles the +Fifth claimed the ancient castle of Hapsburg? The Papacy +and the Empire, it was said at Zurich, are so confounded +together,<a name="FNanchor_1130_1130" id="FNanchor_1130_1130"></a><a href="#Footnote_1130_1130" class="fnanchor">[1130]</a> that one cannot exist or perish without the other. +Whoever rejects Popery should reject the Empire, and whoever +rejects the Emperor should reject the Pope.</p> + +<p>It appears that Zwingle's thoughts even went beyond a simple +resistance. When once the Gospel had ceased to be his +principal study, there was nothing that could arrest him. +"A single individual," said he, "must not take it into his head +to dethrone a tyrant; this would be a revolt, and the kingdom +of God commands peace, righteousness, and joy. But if a +whole people with common accord, or if the majority at least, +rejects him, without committing any excess, it is God himself +who acts."<a name="FNanchor_1131_1131" id="FNanchor_1131_1131"></a><a href="#Footnote_1131_1131" class="fnanchor">[1131]</a> Charles V. was at that time a tyrant in Zwingle's +eyes; and the reformer hoped that Europe, awakening at +length from its long slumber, would be the hand of God to +hurl him from his throne.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">EMBASSY TO VENICE.</div> + +<p>Never since the time of Demosthenes and of the two Catos +had the world seen a more energetic resistance to the power +of its oppressors. Zwingle in a political point of view is one +of the greatest characters of modern times: we must pay +him this honour, which is, perhaps, for a minister of God, the +greatest reproach. Everything was prepared in his mind to +bring about a revolution that would have changed the history +of Europe. He knew what he desired to substitute in place +of the power he wished to overthrow. He had already cast +his eyes upon the prince who was to wear the imperial crown +instead of Charles. It was his friend the Landgrave. "Most +gracious prince," he wrote on the 2d November 1529, "I +write to you as a child to a father; it is because I hope that +God has chosen you for great events......I dare think, but +I dare not speak of them<a name="FNanchor_1132_1132" id="FNanchor_1132_1132"></a><a href="#Footnote_1132_1132" class="fnanchor">[1132]</a>......However, we must bell<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_403" id="Page_403">[403]</a></span> +the cat at last.<a name="FNanchor_1133_1133" id="FNanchor_1133_1133"></a><a href="#Footnote_1133_1133" class="fnanchor">[1133]</a>......All that I can do with my feeble +means to manifest the truth, to save the Universal Church, +to augment your power and the power of those who love +God—with God's help, I will do." Thus was this great man +led astray. It is the will of God that there be spots even in +those who shine brightest in the eyes of the world, and that +only one upon earth shall say—"Which of you convinceth +me of sin?" We are now viewing the faults of the Reformation: +they arise from the union of religion with politics. +I could not take upon myself to pass them by; the recollection +of the errors of our predecessors is perhaps the most useful +legacy they have bequeathed to us.</p> + +<p>It appears already that at Marburg Zwingle and the Landgrave +had drawn out the first sketch of a general alliance +Against Charles V. The Landgrave had undertaken to bring +over the princes, Zwingle the free cities of Southern Germany +and Switzerland. He went still further, and formed +a plan of gaining over to this league the republics of Italy—the +powerful Venice at least—that she might detain the +Emperor beyond the Alps, and prevent him from leading +all his forces into Germany. Zwingle, who had earnestly +pleaded against all foreign alliances, and proclaimed on so +many occasions that the only ally of the Swiss should be the +arm of the Almighty, began now to look around for what he +had condemned, and thus prepared the way for the terrible +judgment that was about to strike his family, his country, +and his Church.</p> + +<p>He had hardly returned from Marburg, and had made no +official communication to the great council, when he obtained +from the senate the nomination of an ambassador to +Venice. Great men, after their first success, easily imagine +that they can do everything. It was not a statesman who +was charged with this mission, but one of Zwingle's friends, +who had accompanied him into Germany, to the court of the +future chief of the Empire—the Greek professor, Rodolph<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_404" id="Page_404">[404]</a></span> +Collin, a bold and skilful man, and who knew Italian. Thus +the Reform stretched its hands to the Doge and the Procurator +of St. Marc. The Bible was not enough for it—it must have +the <i>Golden Book</i>: never did a greater humiliation befall +God's work. The opinion which Protestants then entertained +of Venice may, however, partly excuse Zwingle. +There was in that city more independence of the Pope, more +freedom of thought, than in all the rest of Italy. Luther +himself about this time wrote to Gabriel Zwilling, pastor +at Torgau: "With what joy do I learn what you write to me +concerning the Venetians. God be praised and glorified, for +that they have received his Word!"<a name="FNanchor_1134_1134" id="FNanchor_1134_1134"></a><a href="#Footnote_1134_1134" class="fnanchor">[1134]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">PROJECTED ALLIANCE.</div> + +<p>Collin was admitted, on the 26th December, to an audience +with the Doge and senate, who looked with an air of +astonishment at this schoolmaster, this strange ambassador, +without attendants, and without parade. They could not +even understand his credentials, in so singular a style were +they drawn up, and Collin was forced to explain their meaning. +"I am come to you," said he, "in the name of the +council of Zurich and of the cities of the Christian co-burghery—free +cities like Venice, and to which common interests +should unite you. The power of the Emperor is formidable +to the Republics; he is aiming at a universal monarchy in +Europe; if he succeeds, all the free states will perish. We +must therefore check him."<a name="FNanchor_1135_1135" id="FNanchor_1135_1135"></a><a href="#Footnote_1135_1135" class="fnanchor">[1135]</a> The Doge replied that the Republic +had just concluded an alliance with the Emperor, +and betrayed the distrust that so mysterious a mission excited +in the Venetian senate. But afterwards, in a private conference,<a name="FNanchor_1136_1136" id="FNanchor_1136_1136"></a><a href="#Footnote_1136_1136" class="fnanchor">[1136]</a> +the Doge, wishing to preserve a retreat on both sides, +added, that Venice gratefully received the message from +Zurich, and that a Venetian regiment, armed and paid by the +Republic itself, should be always ready to support the Evangelical<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_405" id="Page_405">[405]</a></span> +Swiss. The chancellor, covered with his purple +robe, attended Collin to the door, and, at the very gates of +the ducal palace, confirmed the promise of support. The +moment the Reformation passed the magnificent porticos of +St. Marc it was seized with giddiness; it could but stagger +onwards to the abyss. They dismissed poor Collin by placing +in his hands a present of twenty crowns. The rumour of +these negotiations soon spread abroad, and the less suspicious, +Capito for example, shook their heads, and could +see in this pretended agreement nothing but the accustomed +perfidy of Venice.<a name="FNanchor_1137_1137" id="FNanchor_1137_1137"></a><a href="#Footnote_1137_1137" class="fnanchor">[1137]</a></p> + +<p>This was not enough. The cause of the Reform was fated +to drink the cup of degradation to the very dregs. Zwingle, +seeing that his adversaries in the Empire increased daily in +numbers and in power, gradually lost his ancient aversion +for France; and, although there was now a greater obstacle +than before between him and Francis I.,—the blood of +his brethren shed by that monarch,—he showed himself +favourably disposed to a union that he had once so forcibly +condemned.</p> + +<p>Lambert Maigret, a French general, who appears to have +had some leaning to the Gospel—which is a slight excuse for +Zwingle—entered into correspondence with the reformer, +giving him to understand that the secret designs of Charles +V. called for an alliance between the King of France and the +Swiss Republics. "Apply yourself," said this diplomatist +to him in 1530, "to a work so agreeable to our Creator, and +which, by God's grace, will be very easy to your Mightiness."<a name="FNanchor_1138_1138" id="FNanchor_1138_1138"></a><a href="#Footnote_1138_1138" class="fnanchor">[1138]</a> +Zwingle was at first astonished at these overtures. +"The King of France," thought he, "cannot know which +way to turn."<a name="FNanchor_1139_1139" id="FNanchor_1139_1139"></a><a href="#Footnote_1139_1139" class="fnanchor">[1139]</a> Twice he took no heed of this prayer; but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_406" id="Page_406">[406]</a></span> +the envoy of Francis I. insisted that the reformer should communicate +to him a plan of alliance. At the third attempt of +the ambassador, the simple child of the Tockenburg mountains +could no longer resist his advances. If Charles V. +must fall, it cannot be without French assistance; and why +should not the Reformation contract an alliance with Francis +I., the object of which would be to establish a power in the +Empire that should in its turn oblige the King to tolerate the +Reform in his own dominions? Everything seemed to meet +the wishes of Zwingle; the fall of the tyrant was at hand, and +he would drag the Pope along with him. He communicated +the general's overtures to the secret council, and Collin set +out, commissioned to bear the required project to the French +ambassador.<a name="FNanchor_1140_1140" id="FNanchor_1140_1140"></a><a href="#Footnote_1140_1140" class="fnanchor">[1140]</a> "In ancient times," it ran, "no kings or people +ever resisted the Roman Empire with such firmness as +those of France and Switzerland. Let us not degenerate +from the virtues of our ancestors. His most Christian Majesty—all +whose wishes are, that the purity of the Gospel may +remain undefiled<a name="FNanchor_1141_1141" id="FNanchor_1141_1141"></a><a href="#Footnote_1141_1141" class="fnanchor">[1141]</a>—engages therefore to conclude an alliance +with the Christian co-burghery that shall be in accordance +with the Divine law, and that shall be submitted to the censure +of the evangelical theologians of Switzerland." Then +followed an outline of the different articles of the treaty.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">APPROACHING RUIN.</div> + +<p>Lanzerant, another of the king's envoys, replied the same +day (27th February) to this astonishing project of alliance +about to be concluded between the reformed Swiss and the +persecutor of the French Reformed, <i>under reserve of the +censure of the theologians</i>......This was not what +France desired: it was Lombardy, and not the Gospel that +the king wanted. For that purpose, he needed the support +of all the Swiss. But an alliance which ranged the Roman-catholic +cantons against him, would not suit him. Being +satisfied, therefore, for the present with knowing the sentiments<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_407" id="Page_407">[407]</a></span> +of Zurich, the French envoys began to look coolly +upon the Reformer's scheme. "The matters you have submitted +to us are admirably drawn up," said Lanzerant to the +Swiss commissioner, "but I can scarcely understand them, +no doubt because of the weakness of my mind......We +must not put any seed into the ground, unless +the soil be properly prepared for it."</p> + +<p>Thus, the Reform acquired nothing but shame from these +propositions. Since it had forgotten these precepts of the +Word of God: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with +unbelievers!"<a name="FNanchor_1142_1142" id="FNanchor_1142_1142"></a><a href="#Footnote_1142_1142" class="fnanchor">[1142]</a> how could it fail to meet with striking reverses? +Already Zwingle's friends began to abandon him. +The Landgrave, who had pushed him into this diplomatic +career, drew towards Luther, and sought to check the Swiss +Reformer, particularly after this saying of Erasmus had +sounded in the ears of the great: "They ask us to open our +gates, crying aloud—the Gospel! the Gospel!......Raise +the cloak, and under its mysterious folds you will +find—democracy."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LANDERS.</div> + +<p>While the Reform, by its culpable proceedings, was calling +down the chastisement of Heaven, the Five Cantons, +that were to be the instruments of its punishment, accelerated +with all their might those fatal days of anger and +of vengeance. They were irritated at the progress of the +Gospel throughout the Confederation, while the peace they +had signed became every day more irksome to them. "We +shall have no repose," said they, "until we have broken +these bonds and regained our former liberty."<a name="FNanchor_1143_1143" id="FNanchor_1143_1143"></a><a href="#Footnote_1143_1143" class="fnanchor">[1143]</a> A general +diet was convoked at Baden for the 8th January, 1531. The +Five Cantons then declared that if justice was not done to +their grievances, particularly with respect to the abbey of +St. Gall, they would no more appear in diet. "Confederates +of Glaris, Schaffhausen, Friburg, Soleure, and Appenzell," +cried they, "aid us in making our ancient alliances respected, +or we will ourselves contrive the means of checking this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_408" id="Page_408">[408]</a></span> +guilty violence; and may the Holy Trinity assist us in this +work!"<a name="FNanchor_1144_1144" id="FNanchor_1144_1144"></a><a href="#Footnote_1144_1144" class="fnanchor">[1144]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">VIOLENCE.</div> + +<p>But they did not confine themselves to threats. The treaty +of peace had expressly forbidden all insulting language—"for +fear," it is said, "that by insults and calumnies, discord +should again be excited, and greater troubles than the former +should arise." Thus was concealed in the treaty itself +the spark whence the conflagration was to proceed. In fact, +to restrain the rude tongues of the Waldstettes was impossible. +Two Zurichers, the aged prior Ravensbhler, and the +pensioner Gaspard Gdli, who had been compelled to renounce, +the one his convent, and the other his pension, especially +aroused the anger of the people against their native city. +They used to say everywhere in these valleys, and with impunity, +that the Zurichers were heretics; that there was not +one of them who did not indulge in unnatural sins, and who +was not a robber at the very least;<a name="FNanchor_1145_1145" id="FNanchor_1145_1145"></a><a href="#Footnote_1145_1145" class="fnanchor">[1145]</a>—that Zwingle was +a thief, a murderer, and an arch-heretic; and that, on one +occasion at Paris (where he had never been,) he had committed +a horrible offence, in which Leo Juda had been his +pander.<a name="FNanchor_1146_1146" id="FNanchor_1146_1146"></a><a href="#Footnote_1146_1146" class="fnanchor">[1146]</a> "I shall have no rest," said a pensioner, "until I +have thrust my sword up to the hilt in the heart of this impious +wretch." Old commanders of troops, who were feared by +all on account of their unruly character; the satellites who +followed in their train; insolent young people, sons of the +first persons in the state, who thought everything was lawful +against miserable preachers, and their stupid flocks; priests +inflamed with hatred, and treading in the footsteps of these old +captains and giddy young men, who seemed to take the pulpit +of a church for the bench of a pot-house: all poured torrents +of insults on the Reform and its adherents. "The townspeople," +exclaimed with one accord these drunken soldiers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_409" id="Page_409">[409]</a></span> +and these fanatic priests, "are heretics, soul-stealers, conscience-slayers, +and Zwingle—that horrible man, who commits +infamous sins—is the <i>Lutheran God</i>."<a name="FNanchor_1147_1147" id="FNanchor_1147_1147"></a><a href="#Footnote_1147_1147" class="fnanchor">[1147]</a></p> + +<p>They went still further. Passing from words to deeds, the +Five Cantons persecuted the poor people among them who +loved the Word of God, flung them into prison, imposed fines +upon them, brutally tormented them, and mercilessly expelled +them from their country. The people of Schwytz did even +worse. Not fearing to announce their sinister designs, they +appeared at a Landsgemeinde wearing pine-branches in their +hats, in sign of war, and no one opposed them. "The Abbot +of St. Gall," said they, "is a prince of the Empire, and +holds his investiture from the Emperor. Do they imagine +that Charles V. will not avenge him?"—"Have not these +heretics," said others, "dared to form a <i>Christian Fraternity</i>, +as if old Switzerland was a heathen country?" Secret councils +were continually held in one place or another.<a name="FNanchor_1148_1148" id="FNanchor_1148_1148"></a><a href="#Footnote_1148_1148" class="fnanchor">[1148]</a> New +alliances were sought with the Valais, the Pope, and the +Emperor<a name="FNanchor_1149_1149" id="FNanchor_1149_1149"></a><a href="#Footnote_1149_1149" class="fnanchor">[1149]</a>—blamable alliances, no doubt, but such as they +might at least justify by the proverb: "Birds of a feather +go together;" which Zurich and Venice could not say.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FOREBODINGS OF BERKS.</div> + +<p>The Valaisans at first refused their support: they preferred +remaining neuter; but on a sudden their fanaticism +was inflamed. A sheet of paper was found on an altar—such +at least was the report circulated in their valleys,—in +which Zurich and Berne were accused of preaching that to +commit an offence against nature is a smaller crime than to +hear Mass!<a name="FNanchor_1150_1150" id="FNanchor_1150_1150"></a><a href="#Footnote_1150_1150" class="fnanchor">[1150]</a> Who had placed this mysterious paper on the +altar? Came it from man? Did it fall from heaven?......They +knew not; but however that might be, it was +copied, circulated, and read everywhere; and the effects of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_410" id="Page_410">[410]</a></span> +this fable, invented by some villain, says Zwingle,<a name="FNanchor_1151_1151" id="FNanchor_1151_1151"></a><a href="#Footnote_1151_1151" class="fnanchor">[1151]</a> was such +that Valais immediately granted the support it had at first +refused! The Waldstettes, proud of their strength, then +closed their ranks; their fierce eyes menaced the heretical +cantons; and the winds bore from their mountains to their +neighbours of the towns a formidable clang of arms.</p> + +<p>At the sight of these alarming manifestations the evangelical +cities were in commotion. They first assembled at +Basle in February 1531, then at Zurich in March. "What +is to be done?" said the deputies from Zurich, after setting +forth their grievances; "how can we punish these infamous +calumnies, and force these threatening arms to fall?"—"We +understand," replied Berne "that you would have recourse +to violence; but think of these secret and formidable alliances +that are forming with the Pope, the Emperor, the King +of France, with so many princes, in a word with all the priests' +party, to accelerate our ruin;—think on the innocence of so +many pious souls in the Five Cantons, who deplore these perfidious +machinations;—think how easy it is to begin a war, +but that no one can tell when it will end."<a name="FNanchor_1152_1152" id="FNanchor_1152_1152"></a><a href="#Footnote_1152_1152" class="fnanchor">[1152]</a> Sad foreboding! +which a catastrophe, beyond all human foresight, accomplished +but too soon. "Let us therefore send a deputation to +the Five Cantons," continued Berne; "let us call upon them +to punish these infamous calumnies in accordance with the +treaty; and if they refuse, let us break off all intercourse +with them."—"What will be the use of this mission?" asked +Basle. "Do we not know the brutality of this people? And +is it not to be feared that the rough treatment to which our +deputies will be exposed, may make the matter worse? Let +us rather convoke a general diet." Schaffhausen and St. +Gall having concurred in this opinion, Berne summoned a +diet at Baden for the 10th April, at which deputies from all +the cantons were assembled.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">MUTUAL ERRORS.</div> + +<p>Many of the principal men among the Waldstettes disapproved<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_411" id="Page_411">[411]</a></span> +of the violence of the retired soldiers and of the monks. +They saw that these continually repeated insults would injure +their cause. "The insults of which you complain," said +they to the diet, "afflict us no less than you. We shall +know how to punish them, and we have already done so. +But there are violent men on both sides. The other day a +man of Basle having met on the highroad a person who was +coming from Berne, and having learnt that he was going to +Lucerne:—'To go from Berne to Lucerne,' exclaimed he, +'is passing from a father to an arrant knave!'" The mediating +cantons invited the two parties to banish every cause of +discord.</p> + +<p>But the war of the Chatelain of Musso having then broken +out, Zwingle and Zurich, who saw in it the first act of a +vast conspiracy, destined to stifle the Reform in every place, +called their allies together. "We must waver no longer," +said Zwingle; "the rupture of the alliance on the part of +the Five Cantons, and the unheard of insults with which +they load us, impose upon us the obligation of marching +against our enemies,<a name="FNanchor_1153_1153" id="FNanchor_1153_1153"></a><a href="#Footnote_1153_1153" class="fnanchor">[1153]</a> before the Emperor, who is still detained +by the Turks, shall have expelled the Landgrave, +seized upon Strasburg, and subjugated even ourselves." +All the blood of the ancient Swiss seemed to boil in this +man's veins; and while Uri, Schwytz, and Unterwalden +basely kissed the hand of Austria, this Zuricher—the greatest +Helvetian of the age—faithful to the memory of old +Switzerland, but not so to still holier traditions, followed in +the glorious steps of Stauffacher and Winkelried.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FAILURE OF THE DIET.</div> + +<p>The warlike tone of Zurich alarmed its confederates. +Basle proposed a summons, and then, in case of refusal, the +rupture of the alliance. Schaffhausen and St. Gall were +frightened even at this step: "The mountaineers, so proud, +indomitable, and exasperated," said they, "will accept with +joy the dissolution of the Confederation, and then shall we be +more advanced?" Such was the posture of affairs, when,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_412" id="Page_412">[412]</a></span> +to the great astonishment of all, deputies from Uri and +Schywtz made their appearance. They were coldly received; +the cup of honour was not offered to them; and they +had to walk, according to their own account, in the midst of +the insulting cries of the people. They unsuccessfully +endeavoured to excuse their conduct. "We have long been +waiting," was the cold reply of the diet, "to see your actions +and your words agree."<a name="FNanchor_1154_1154" id="FNanchor_1154_1154"></a><a href="#Footnote_1154_1154" class="fnanchor">[1154]</a> The men of Schwytz and of +Uri returned in sadness to their homes; and the assembly +broke up, full of sorrow and distress.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ACTIVITY OF ZURICH.</div> + +<p>Zwingle beheld with pain the deputies of the evangelical +towns separating without having come to any decision. He +no longer desired only a reformation of the Church; he +wished for a transformation in the Confederacy; and it was +this latter reform that he now was preaching from the pulpit, +according to what we learn from Bullinger.<a name="FNanchor_1155_1155" id="FNanchor_1155_1155"></a><a href="#Footnote_1155_1155" class="fnanchor">[1155]</a> He was not +the only person who desired it. For a long time the inhabitants +of the most populous and powerful towns of Switzerland +had complained that the Waldstettes, whose contingent +of men and money was much below theirs, had +an equal share in the deliberations of the diet and in the +fruits of their victories. This had been the cause of division +after the Burgundian War. The Five Cantons, by means +of their adherents, had the majority. Now Zwingle +thought that the reins of Switzerland should be placed in the +hands of the great cities, and, above all, in those of the +powerful cantons of Berne and Zurich. New times, in his +opinion, called for new forms. It was not sufficient to dismiss +from every public office the pensioners of foreign +princes, and substitute pious men in their place; the +federal compact must be remodelled, and settled upon a +more equitable basis. A national constituent assembly +would doubtless have responded to his wishes. These discourses,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_413" id="Page_413">[413]</a></span> +which were rather those of a tribune of the people +than of a minister of Jesus Christ, hastened on the terrible +catastrophe.</p> + +<p>And indeed the animated words of the patriot reformer +passed from the church where they had been delivered into +the councils and the halls of the guilds, into the streets and +the fields. The burning words that fell from the lips of this +man kindled the hearts of his fellow-citizens. The electric +spark, escaping with noise and commotion, was felt even +in the most distant cottage. The ancient traditions of +wisdom and prudence seemed forgotten. Public opinion declared +itself energetically. On the 29th and 30th April, +a number of horsemen rode hastily out of Zurich; they +were envoys from the council, commissioned to remind all the +allied cities of the encroachment of the Five Cantons, and +to call for a prompt and definitive decision. Reaching their +several destinations, the messengers recapitulated the grievances.<a name="FNanchor_1156_1156" id="FNanchor_1156_1156"></a><a href="#Footnote_1156_1156" class="fnanchor">[1156]</a> +"Take care," said they in conclusion; "great +dangers are impending over all of us. The Emperor and +King Ferdinand are making vast preparations; they are +about to enter Switzerland with large sums of money, and +with a numerous army."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">DIET OF ARAU.</div> + +<p>Zurich joined actions to words. This state, being resolved +to make every exertion to establish the free preaching of the +Gospel in those bailiwicks where it shared the sovereignty +with the Roman-catholic cantons, desired to interfere by force +wherever negotiations could not prevail. The federal rights, +it must be confessed, were trampled under foot at St. Gall, +in Thurgovia, in the Rheinthal; and Zurich substituted arbitrary +decisions in their place, that excited the indignation of +the Waldstettes to the highest degree. Thus the number +of enemies to the Reform kept increasing; the tone of the +Five Cantons became daily more threatening, and the inhabitants +of the canton of Zurich, whom their business called into +the mountains, were loaded with insults, and sometimes badly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_414" id="Page_414">[414]</a></span> +treated. These violent proceedings excited in turn the anger +of the reformed cantons. Zwingle traversed Thurgovia, St. +Gall, and the Tockenburg, everywhere organizing synods, +taking part in their proceedings, and preaching before excited +and enthusiastic crowds. In all parts he met with confidence +and respect. At St. Gall an immense crowd assembled under +his windows, and a concert of voices and instruments +expressed to the reformer the public gratitude in harmonious +songs. "Let us not abandon ourselves," he repeated continually, +"and all will go well." It was resolved that a +meeting should be held at Arau on the 12th May, to deliberate +on a posture of affairs that daily became more critical. +This meeting was to be the beginning of sorrows.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p>V. Zwingle's scheme with regard to the establishment of +a new Helvetian constitution did not prevail in the diet of +Arau. Perhaps it was thought better to see the result of the +crisis. Perhaps a more Christian, a more federal view—the +hope of procuring the unity of Switzerland by unity of +faith—occupied men's minds more than the pre-eminence of +the cities. In truth, if a certain number of cantons remained +with the Pope, the unity of the Confederation was destroyed, +it might be for ever. But if all the Confederation was brought +over to the same faith, the ancient Helvetic unity would be +established on the strongest and surest foundation. Now +was the time for acting—or never; and there must be no +fear of employing a violent remedy to restore the whole body +to health.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CONTRARY OPINIONS.</div> + +<p>Nevertheless, the allies shrunk back at the thought of +restoring religious liberty or political unity by means of +arms; and to escape from the difficulties in which the Confederation +was placed, they sought a middle course between +war and peace. "There is no doubt," said the deputies +from Berne, "that the behaviour of the cantons with regard +to the Word of God fully authorizes an armed intervention; +but the dangers that threaten us on the side of Italy and the +Empire—the danger of arousing the lion from his slumber—the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_415" id="Page_415">[415]</a></span> +general want and misery that afflict our people—the rich +harvests that will soon cover our fields, and that the war +would infallibly destroy—the great number of pious men +among the Waldstettes, and whose innocent blood would +flow along with that of the guilty:—all these motives enjoin +us to leave the sword in the scabbard. Let us rather close +our markets against the Five Cantons; let us refuse them +corn, salt, wine, steel, and iron; we shall thus impart authority +to the friends of peace among them, and innocent blood +will be spared."<a name="FNanchor_1157_1157" id="FNanchor_1157_1157"></a><a href="#Footnote_1157_1157" class="fnanchor">[1157]</a> The meeting separated forthwith to carry +this intermediate proposition to the different Evangelical cantons, +and on the 15th May again assembled at Zurich.</p> + +<p>Convinced that the means apparently the most violent +were nevertheless both the surest and the most humane, Zurich +resisted the Bernese proposition with all its might. +"By accepting this proposition," said they, "we sacrifice +the advantages that we now possess, and we give the Five +Cantons time to arm themselves, and to fall upon us first. +Let us take care that the Emperor does not then attack us +on one side, while our ancient confederates attack us on the +other; a just war is not in opposition to the Word of God; +but this is contrary to it—taking the bread from the mouths +of the innocent as well as the guilty; straitening by hunger +the sick, the aged, pregnant women, children, and all +who are deeply afflicted by the injustice of the Waldstettes.<a name="FNanchor_1158_1158" id="FNanchor_1158_1158"></a><a href="#Footnote_1158_1158" class="fnanchor">[1158]</a> +We should beware of exciting by this means the anger of the +poor, and transforming into enemies many who at the present +time are our friends and our brothers!"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FAULTS OF THE REFORMATION.</div> + +<p>We must acknowledge that this language, which was Zwingle's, +contained much truth. But the other cantons, and +Berne in particular, were immoveable. "When we have +once shed the blood of our brothers," said they, "we shall +never be able to restore life to those who have lost it; while, +from the moment the Waldstettes have given us satisfaction,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_416" id="Page_416">[416]</a></span> +we shall be able to put an end to all these severe measures. +We are resolved not to begin the war." There were no +means of running counter to such a declaration. The Zurichers +consented to refuse supplies to the Waldstettes; but +it was with hearts full of anguish, as if they had foreseen all +that this deplorable measure would cost them.<a name="FNanchor_1159_1159" id="FNanchor_1159_1159"></a><a href="#Footnote_1159_1159" class="fnanchor">[1159]</a> It was +agreed that the severe step that was now about to be taken +should not be suspended except by common consent, and that, +as it would create great exasperation, each one should hold +himself prepared to repel the attacks of the enemy. Zurich +and Berne were commissioned to notify this determination to +the Five Cantons; and Zurich, discharging its task with promptitude, +immediately forwarded an order to every bailiwick to +suspend all communication with the Waldstettes, commanding +them at the same time to abstain from ill-usage and hostile +language. Thus the Reformation, becoming imprudently +mixed up with political combinations, marched from fault +to fault; it pretended to preach the Gospel to the poor, and +was now about to refuse them bread!</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ZWINGLE'S SERMON.</div> + +<p>On the Sunday following—it was Whitsunday—the resolution +was published from the pulpits. Zwingle walked towards +his, where an immense crowd was waiting for him. +The piercing eye of this great man easily discovered the +dangers of the measure in a political point of view, and +his christian heart deeply felt all its cruelty. His soul was +overburdened, his eyes downcast. If at this moment the true +character of a minister of the Gospel had awoke within him; +if Zwingle with his powerful voice had called on the people +to humiliation before God, to forgiveness of trespasses, and +to prayer; safety might yet have dawned on "broken-hearted" +Switzerland. But it was not so. More and more the +Christian disappears in the Reformer, and the citizen alone +remains; but in that character he soars far above all, and his +policy is undoubtedly the most skilful. He sees clearly that +every delay may ruin Zurich; and after having made his way<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_417" id="Page_417">[417]</a></span> +through the people, and closed the book of the Prince of +Peace, he hesitates not to attack the resolution which he has +just communicated to the people, and on the very festival +of the Holy Ghost to preach war. "He who fears not to +call his adversary a criminal," says he in his usual forcible +language, "must be ready to follow the word with a blow.<a name="FNanchor_1160_1160" id="FNanchor_1160_1160"></a><a href="#Footnote_1160_1160" class="fnanchor">[1160]</a> +If he does not strike, he will lie stricken. Men of Zurich! +you deny food to the Five Cantons, as to evil-doers: well! let +the blow follow the threat, rather than reduce poor innocent +creatures to starvation. If, by not taking the offensive, you +appear to believe that there is not sufficient reason for punishing +the Waldstettes, and yet you refuse them food and drink, +you will force them by this line of conduct to take up arms, +to raise their hands, and to inflict punishment upon you. +This is the fate that awaits you."</p> + +<p>These words of the eloquent reformer moved the whole +assembly. Zwingle's politic mind already so influenced and +misled all the people that there were few souls christian enough +to feel how strange it was that on the very day when they +were celebrating the outpouring of the Spirit of peace and +love upon the Christian Church, the mouth of a minister of +God should utter a provocation to war. They looked at this +sermon only in a political point of view: "It is a seditious +discourse; it is an excitement to civil war!" said some. "No," +replied others, "it is the language that the safety of the +state requires!" All Zurich was agitated. "Zurich has too +much fire," said Berne. "Berne has too much cunning," +replied Zurich.<a name="FNanchor_1161_1161" id="FNanchor_1161_1161"></a><a href="#Footnote_1161_1161" class="fnanchor">[1161]</a> Zwingle's gloomy prophecy was too soon to +be fulfilled!</p> + +<div class="sidenote">BLOCKADE OF THE WALDSTETTES.</div> + +<p>No sooner had the reformed cantons communicated to the +Waldstettes this pitiless decree than they hastened its execution; +and Zurich showed the greatest strictness respecting +it. Not only the markets of Zurich and of Berne, but also<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_418" id="Page_418">[418]</a></span> +those of the free bailiwicks, those of St. Gall, of the Tockenburg, +of the district of Sargans and of the valley of the Rhine, +a country partly under the sovereignty of the Waldstettes, +were shut against the Five Cantons. A formidable power +had suddenly encompassed with barrenness, famine, and +death, the noble founders of Helvetian liberty. Uri, Schwytz, +Unterwalden, Zug, and Lucerne, were, as it seemed, in the +midst of a vast desert. Their own subjects, thought they at +least, the communes that have taken the oath of allegiance +to them, would range themselves on their side! But no; Bremgarten, +and even Mellingen, refused all succour. Their last +hope was in Wesen and the Gastal. Neither Berne nor Zurich +have anything to do there; Schwytz and Glaris alone +rule over them; but the power of their enemies has penetrated +everywhere. A majority of thirteen votes had declared in +favour of Zurich at the Landsgemeinde of Glaris; and Glaris +closed the gates of Wesen and of the Gastal against Schwytz. +In vain did Berne itself cry out: "How can you compel subjects +to refuse supplies to their lords?" In vain did Schwytz +raise its voice in indignation; Zurich immediately sent to Wesen——gunpowder +and bullets. It is upon Zurich, therefore, +that falls all the odium of a measure which that city had +at first so earnestly combated. At Arau, at Bremgarten, at +Mellingen, in the free bailiwicks, were several carriages +laden with provisions for the Waldstettes. They were stopped, +unloaded, and upset: with them were barricades erected on +the roads leading to Lucerne, Schwytz, and Zug. Already a +year of dearth had made provisions scarce in the Five Cantons;—already +had a frightful epidemic, the <i>Sweating Sickness</i>, +scattered everywhere despondency and death: but now +the hand of man was joined to the hand of God; the evil increased, +and the poor inhabitants of these mountains beheld +unheard-of calamities approach with hasty steps. No more +bread for their children—no more wine to revive their exhausted +strength—no more salt for their flocks and herds! +Everything failed them that man requires for subsistence.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_419" id="Page_419">[419]</a></span><a name="FNanchor_1162_1162" id="FNanchor_1162_1162"></a><a href="#Footnote_1162_1162" class="fnanchor">[1162]</a> +One could not see such things, and be a man, without a broken +heart. In the confederate cities, and out of Switzerland, numerous +voices were raised against this implacable measure. +What good can result from it? Did not St. Paul write to +the Romans: "If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, +give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire +on his head?"<a name="FNanchor_1163_1163" id="FNanchor_1163_1163"></a><a href="#Footnote_1163_1163" class="fnanchor">[1163]</a> And when the magistrates wished to convince +certain refractory communes of the utility of the measure: +"We desire no religious war," cried they. "If the +Waldstettes will not believe in God, let them stick to the +devil!"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">INDIGNATION.</div> + +<div class="sidenote">BLOCKADE.</div> + +<p>But it was especially in the Five Cantons that earnest complaints +were heard. The most pacific individuals, and even +the secret partisans of the Reform, seeing famine invade +their habitations, felt the deepest indignation. The enemies +of Zurich skilfully took advantage of this disposition; they +fostered these murmurs; and soon the cry of anger and +distress re-echoed from all the mountains. In vain did Berne +represent to the Waldstettes that it is more cruel to refuse men +the nourishment of the soul than to cut off that of the body. +"God," replied these mountaineers in their despair, "God +causes the fruits of the earth to grow freely for all men!"<a name="FNanchor_1164_1164" id="FNanchor_1164_1164"></a><a href="#Footnote_1164_1164" class="fnanchor">[1164]</a> +They were not content with groaning in their cottages, and +venting their indignation in councils; they filled all Switzerland +with complaints and menaces.<a name="FNanchor_1165_1165" id="FNanchor_1165_1165"></a><a href="#Footnote_1165_1165" class="fnanchor">[1165]</a> "They wish to employ +famine to tear us from our ancient faith; they wish to deprive +our wives and our children of bread, that they may take +from us the liberty we derive from our forefathers. When +did such things ever take place in the bosom of the Confederation? +Did we not see, in the last war, the Confederates +with arms in their hands, and who were ready to draw the +sword, eating together from the same dish? They tear in +pieces old friendships—they trample our ancient manners<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_420" id="Page_420">[420]</a></span> +underfoot—they violate treaties—they break alliances......We +invoke the charters of our ancestor. Help! help!......Wise +men of our people, give us your advice, and all you +who know how to handle the sling and the sword, come and +maintain with us the sacred possessions, for which our +fathers, delivered from the yoke of the stranger, united their +arms and their hearts."</p> + + +<p>At the same time the Five Cantons sent into Alsace, +Brisgau, and Swabia to obtain salt, wine, and bread; but the +administration of the cities was implacable; the orders were +everywhere given and everywhere strictly executed. Zurich +and the other allied cantons intercepted all communication, +and sent back to Germany the supplies that had been +forwarded to their brethren. These Five Cantons were like a +vast fortress, all the issues from which are closely guarded +by watchful sentinels. The afflicted Waldstettes, on beholding +themselves alone with famine between their lakes and +their mountains, had recourse to the observances of their worship. +All sports, dances, and every kind of amusement were +interdicted;<a name="FNanchor_1166_1166" id="FNanchor_1166_1166"></a><a href="#Footnote_1166_1166" class="fnanchor">[1166]</a> prayers were directed to be offered up; and +long processions covered the roads of Einsideln and other +resorts of pilgrims. They assumed the belt, and staff, and +arms of the brotherhood to which they each belonged; each +man carried a chaplet in his hands, and repeated paternosters; +the mountains and the valleys re-echoed with their +plaintive hymns. But the Waldstettes did still more: they +grasped their swords—they sharpened the points of their halberds—they +brandished their weapons in the direction of +Zurich and of Berne, and exclaimed with rage: "They +block up their roads, but we will open them with our right +arms!"<a name="FNanchor_1167_1167" id="FNanchor_1167_1167"></a><a href="#Footnote_1167_1167" class="fnanchor">[1167]</a> No one replied to this cry of despair; but there is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_421" id="Page_421">[421]</a></span> +a just Judge in heaven to whom vengeance belongs, and who +will soon reply in a terrible manner, by punishing those misguided +persons, who, forgetful of Christian mercy, and making +an impious mixture of political and religious matters, pretend +to secure the triumph of the Gospel by famine and by +armed men.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FRANCE CONCILIATES.</div> + +<p>Some attempts, however, were made to arrange matters; +but these very efforts proved a great humiliation for Switzerland +and for the Reform. It was not the ministers of the Gospel, +it was France—more than once an occasion of discord to +Switzerland—that offered to restore peace. Every proceeding +calculated to increase its influence among the cantons was +of service to its policy. On the 14th May, Maigret and +Dangertin (the latter of whom had received the Gospel truth, +and consequently did not dare return to France),<a name="FNanchor_1168_1168" id="FNanchor_1168_1168"></a><a href="#Footnote_1168_1168" class="fnanchor">[1168]</a> after some +allusions to the spirit which Zurich had shown in this affair—a +spirit little in accordance with the Gospel—said to the +council: "The king our master has sent you two gentlemen +to consult on the means of preserving concord among you. If +war and tumult invade Switzerland, all the society of the +Helvetians will be destroyed,<a name="FNanchor_1169_1169" id="FNanchor_1169_1169"></a><a href="#Footnote_1169_1169" class="fnanchor">[1169]</a> and whichever party is the +conqueror, he will be as much ruined as the other." Zurich +having replied that if the Five Cantons would allow the free +preaching of the Word of God, the reconciliation would be +easy, the French secretly sounded the Waldstettes, whose +answer was: "We will never permit the preaching of the +Word of God, as the people of Zurich understand it."<a name="FNanchor_1170_1170" id="FNanchor_1170_1170"></a><a href="#Footnote_1170_1170" class="fnanchor">[1170]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE FIVE CANTONS INFLEXIBLE.</div> + +<p>These more or less interested exertions of the foreigners +having failed, a general diet became the only chance of +safety that remained for Switzerland. One was accordingly +convoked at Bremgarten. It was opened in presence of +deputies from France, from the Duke of Milan, from the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_422" id="Page_422">[422]</a></span> +Countess of Neuchatel, from the Grisons, Valais, Thurgovia, +and the district of Sargans; and met on five different occasions,—on +the 14th and 20th June, on the 9th July, and the +10th and 23d August. The chronicler Bullinger, who was +pastor of Bremgarten, delivered an oration at the opening, +in which he earnestly exhorted the Confederates to union +and peace.</p> + +<p>A gleam of hope for a moment cheered Switzerland. The +blockade had become less strict; friendship and good neighbourhood +had prevailed in many places over the decrees of +the state. Unusual roads had been opened across the wildest +mountains to convey supplies to the Waldstettes. Provisions +were concealed in bales of merchandise; and while Lucerne +imprisoned and tortured its own citizens, who were found +with the books of the Zurichers,<a name="FNanchor_1171_1171" id="FNanchor_1171_1171"></a><a href="#Footnote_1171_1171" class="fnanchor">[1171]</a> Berne punished but slightly +the peasants who had been discovered bearing food for Unterwalden +and Lucerne; and Glaris shut its eyes on the frequent +violation of its orders. The voice of charity, that +had been momentarily stifled, pleaded with fresh energy the +cause of their confederates before the reformed cantons.</p> + +<p>But the Five Cantons were inflexible. "We will not +listen to any proposition before the raising of the blockade," +said they. "We will not raise it," replied Berne and Zurich, +"before the Gospel is allowed to be freely preached, +not only in the common bailiwicks, but also in the Five Cantons." +This was undoubtedly going too far, even according +to the natural law and the principles of the Confederation. +The councils of Zurich might consider it their duty to have +recourse to war for maintaining liberty of conscience in the +common bailiwicks; but it was unjust—it was a usurpation, +to constrain the Five Cantons in a matter that concerned their +own territory. Nevertheless the mediators succeeded, not +without much trouble, in drawing up a plan of conciliation +that seemed to harmonize with the wishes of both parties. +The conference was broken up, and this project was hastily +transmitted to the different states for their ratification.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ZURICH.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_423" id="Page_423">[423]</a></span>The diet met again a few days after; but the Five Cantons +persisted in their demand, without yielding in any one +point. In vain did Zurich and Berne represent to them, +that, by persecuting the Reformed, the cantons violated the +treaty of peace; in vain did the mediators exhaust their +strength in warnings and entreaties. The parties appeared at +one time to approximate, and then on a sudden they were +more distant and more irritated than ever. The Waldstettes +at last brake up the third conference by declaring, that far +from opposing the Evangelical truth, they would maintain it, +as it had been taught by the Redeemer, by his holy Apostles, +by the Four Doctors, and by their holy mother, the Church—a +declaration that seemed a bitter irony to the deputies from +Zurich and Berne. Nevertheless Berne, turning towards +Zurich as they were separating, observed: "Beware of too +much violence, even should they attack you!"</p> + +<p>This exhortation was unnecessary. The strength of Zurich +had passed away. The first appearance of the Reformation +and of the Reformers had been greeted with joy. The people, +who groaned under a twofold slavery, believed they +saw the dawn of liberty. But their minds, abandoned for ages +to superstition and ignorance, being unable immediately to +realize the hopes they had conceived, a spirit of discontent +soon spread among the masses. The change by which +Zwingle, ceasing to be a man of the Gospel, became the +man of the State, took away from the people the enthusiasm +necessary to resist the terrible attacks they would +have to sustain. The enemies of the Reform had a fair +chance against it, so soon as its friends abandoned the position +that gave them strength. Besides, Christians could not +have recourse to famine and to war to secure the triumph +of the Gospel, without their consciences becoming troubled. +The Zurichers "<i>walked not in the Spirit, but in the flesh; +now, the works of the flesh are hatred, variance, emulations, +wrath, strife, seditions</i>."<a name="FNanchor_1172_1172" id="FNanchor_1172_1172"></a><a href="#Footnote_1172_1172" class="fnanchor">[1172]</a> The danger without was increasing, +while within, hope, agreement, and courage were far<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_424" id="Page_424">[424]</a></span> +from being augmented: men saw on the contrary the gradual +disappearance of that harmony and lively faith which had been +the strength of the Reform. The Reformation had grasped +the sword, and that very sword pierced its heart.</p> + +<p>Occasions of discord were multiplied in Zurich. By the +advice of Zwingle, the number of nobles was diminished in +the two councils, because of their opposition to the Gospel; +and this measure spread discontent among the most honourable +families of the canton. The millers and bakers +were placed under certain regulations, which the dearth +rendered necessary, and a great part of the townspeople attributed +this proceeding to the sermons of the Reformer, and +became irritated against him. Rodolph Lavater, bailiff of +Kibourg, was appointed captain-general, and the officers +who were of longer standing than he were offended. Many +who had been formerly the most distinguished by their zeal +for the Reform, now openly opposed the cause they had +supported. The ardour with which the ministers of peace +demanded war, spread in every quarter a smothered dissatisfaction, +and many persons gave vent to their indignation. +This unnatural confusion of Church and State which had +corrupted Christianity after the age of Constantine, was hurrying +on the ruin of the Reformation. The majority of the +Great Council, ever ready to adopt important and salutary +resolutions, was abolished. The old magistrates, who were +still at the head of affairs, allowed themselves to be carried +away by feelings of jealousy against men whose non-official +influence prevailed over theirs. All those who hated the doctrine +of the Gospel, whether from love of the world or from +love to the Pope, boldly raised their heads in Zurich. The +partisans of the monks, the friends of foreign service, the +malcontents of every class, coalesced in pointing out Zwingle +as the author of all the sufferings of the people.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ZWINGLE'S FALSE POSITION.</div> + +<p>Zwingle was heart-broken. He saw that Zurich and the +Reformation were hastening to their ruin, and he could not +check them. How could he do so, since, without suspecting +it, he had been the principal accomplice in these disasters?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_425" id="Page_425">[425]</a></span> +What was to be done? Shall the pilot remain in the ship +which he is no longer permitted to save? There was but +one means of safety for Zurich and for Zwingle. He should +have retired from the political stage, and fallen back on +that <i>kingdom which is not of this world</i>; he should, like +Moses, have kept his hands and his heart night and day +raised towards heaven, and energetically preached repentance, +faith, and peace. But religious and political matters +were united in the mind of this great man by such old and +dear ties, that it was impossible for him to distinguish their +line of separation. This confusion had become his dominant +idea; the Christian and the citizen were for him one +and the same character; and hence it resulted, that all resources +of the state—even cannons and arquebuses—were +to be placed at the service of the Truth. When one peculiar +idea thus seizes upon a man, we see a false conscience +formed within him, which approves of many things condemned +by the Word of God.</p> + +<p>This was now Zwingle's condition. War appeared to +him legitimate and desirable; and if that was refused, he +had only to withdraw from public life: he was for everything +or nothing. He therefore, on the 26th July, appeared +before the Great Council, with dimmed eyes and disconsolate +heart: "It is now eleven years," said he, "since I have been +preaching the Gospel among you, and that I have warned +you faithfully and paternally of the woes that are hanging +over you; but no attention is paid to my words; the friends +of foreign alliances, the enemies of the Gospel, are elected +to the council, and while you refuse to follow my advice, +I am made responsible for every misfortune. I cannot accept +such a position, and I ask for my dismissal." The +reformer retired bathed in tears.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE GREAT COUNCIL.</div> + +<p>The council shuddered as they heard these words. All +the old feelings of respect which they had so long entertained +for Zwingle were revived; to lose him now was to ruin +Zurich. The burgomaster and the other magistrates received +orders to persuade him to recall his fatal resolution. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_426" id="Page_426">[426]</a></span> +conference took place on the same day; Zwingle asked time +for consideration. For three days and three nights he sought +the road that he should follow. Seeing the dark storm that +was collecting from all quarters, he considered whether he +ought to quit Zurich and seek refuge on the lofty hills of +the Tockenburg, where he had been reared, when his country +and his Church were on the point of being assailed and +beaten down by their enemies, like corn by the hailstorm. +He groaned and cried to the Lord. He would have put away +the cup of bitterness that was presented to his soul, but could +not gather up the resolution. At length the sacrifice was +accomplished, and the victim was placed shuddering upon the +altar. Three days after the first conference, Zwingle reappeared +in the council: "I will stay with you," said he, +"and I will labour for the public safety—until death!"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ZWINGLE AT BREMGARTEN.</div> + +<p>From this moment he displayed new zeal. On the one +hand, he endeavoured to revive harmony and courage in +Zurich; on the other, he set about arousing and exciting the +allied cities to increase and concentrate all the forces of the +Reformation. Faithful to the political character he imagined +he had received from God himself—persuaded that it was +in the doubts and want of energy of the Bernese that he +must look for the cause of all the evil, the Reformer repaired +to Bremgarten with Collin and Steiner, during the fourth +conference of the diet, although he incurred great danger in +the attempt. He arrived secretly by night, and having entered +the house of his friend and disciple, Bullinger, he invited +the deputies of Berne (J. J. de Watteville and Jur Hag) to +meet him there with the greatest secrecy, and prayed them +in the most solemn tone earnestly to reflect upon the dangers +of the Reform. "I fear," said he, "that in consequence of +our unbelief, this business will not succeed. By refusing supplies +to the Five Cantons, we have begun a work that will be +fatal to us. What is to be done? Withdraw the prohibition? +The cantons will then be more insolent and haughty +than ever. Enforce it? They will take the offensive, and if +their attack succeed, you will behold our fields red with the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_427" id="Page_427">[427]</a></span> +blood of the believers, the doctrine of truth cast down, the +Church of Christ laid waste, all social relations overthrown, +our adversaries more hardened and irritated against the Gospel, +and crowds of priests and monks again fill our rural districts, +streets, and temples......And yet," added Zwingle, +after a few instants of emotion and silence, "that also will +have an end." The Bernese were filled with agitation by +the solemn voice of the reformer. "We see," replied +they, "all that is to be feared for our common cause, and we +will employ every care to prevent such great disasters."—"I +who write these things was present and heard them," adds +Bullinger.<a name="FNanchor_1173_1173" id="FNanchor_1173_1173"></a><a href="#Footnote_1173_1173" class="fnanchor">[1173]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE APPARITION.</div> + +<p>It was feared that if the presence of Zwingle at Bremgarten +became known to the deputies of the Five Cantons, +they would not restrain their violence. During this nocturnal +conference three of the town councillors were stationed +as sentinels in front of Bullinger's house. Before daybreak, +the reformer and his two friends, accompanied by +Bullinger and the three councillors, passed through the deserted +streets leading to the gate on the road to Zurich. +Three different times Zwingle took leave of Bullinger, who +was erelong to be his successor. His mind was filled with +a presentiment of his approaching death; he could not tear +himself from that young friend whose face he was never to +see again; he blessed him amidst floods of tears. "O my +dear Henry!" said he, "may God protect you! Be faithful +to our Lord Jesus Christ, and to his Church!" At +length they separated; but at that very moment, says Bullinger, +a mysterious personage, clad in a robe as white +as snow, suddenly appeared, and after frightening the soldiers +who guarded the gate, plunged suddenly into the water, and +vanished. Bullinger, Zwingle, and their friends did not perceive +it; Bullinger himself sought for it all around, but to +no purpose;<a name="FNanchor_1174_1174" id="FNanchor_1174_1174"></a><a href="#Footnote_1174_1174" class="fnanchor">[1174]</a> still the sentinels persisted in the reality of this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_428" id="Page_428">[428]</a></span> +frightful apparition. Bullinger in great agitation returned in +darkness and in silence to his house. His mind involuntarily +compared the departure of Zwingle and the white phantom; +and he shuddered at the frightful omen which the +thought of this spectre impressed upon his mind.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FRIGHTFUL OMENS.</div> + +<p>Sufferings of another kind pursued Zwingle to Zurich. +He had thought that by consenting to remain at the head of +affairs, he would recover all his ancient influence. But he +was deceived: the people desired to see him there, and yet +they would not follow him. The Zurichers daily became +more and more indisposed towards the war which they had at +first demanded, and identified themselves with the passive +system of Berne. Zwingle remained for some time stupefied +and motionless before this inert mass, which his most vigorous +exertions could not move. But soon discovering in every quarter +of the horizon the prophetic signs, precursors of the storm +about to burst upon the ship of which he was the pilot, he +uttered cries of anguish, and showed the signal of distress. +"I see," exclaimed he one day to the people from the pulpit, +whither he had gone to give utterance to his gloomy forebodings,—"I +see that the most faithful warnings cannot save you: +you will not punish the pensioners of the foreigner......They +have too firm a support among us! A chain is prepared—behold +it entire—it unrolls link after link,—soon they +will bind me to it, and more than one pious Zuricher with +me......It is against me they are enraged! I am ready; +I submit to the Lord's will. But these people shall never be +my masters......As for thee, O Zurich, they will give thee +thy reward; they will strike thee on the head. Thou willest +it. Thou refusest to punish them; well! it is they who will +punish thee.<a name="FNanchor_1175_1175" id="FNanchor_1175_1175"></a><a href="#Footnote_1175_1175" class="fnanchor">[1175]</a> But God will not the less preserve his Word, +and their haughtiness shall come to an end." Such was Zwingle's +cry of agony; but the immobility of death alone replied. +The hearts of the Zurichers were so hardened that the sharpest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_429" id="Page_429">[429]</a></span> +arrows of the reformer could not pierce them, and they fell at +his feet blunted and useless.</p> + +<p>But events were pressing on, and justified all his fears. +The Five Cantons had rejected every proposition that had +been made to them. "Why do you talk of punishing a few +wrongs?" they had replied to the mediators; "it is a question +of quite another kind. Do you not require that we +should receive back among us the heretics whom we have +banished, and tolerate no other priests than those who +preach conformably to the Word of God? We know what +that means. No—no—we will not abandon the religion of +our fathers; and if we must see our wives and our children +deprived of food, our hands will know how to conquer +what is refused to us: to that we pledge our bodies—our +goods—our lives." It was with this threatening language +that the deputies quitted the Diet of Bremgarten. They had +proudly shaken the folds of their mantles, war had fallen +from them.</p> + +<p>The terror was general, and the alarmed citizens beheld +everywhere frightful portents, terrific signs, apparently foreboding +the most horrible events. It was not only the white +phantom that had appeared at Bremgarten at Zwingle's side: +the most fearful omens, passing from mouth to mouth, filled +the people with the most gloomy presentiments. The history +of these phenomena, however strange it may appear, +characterizes the period of which we write.</p> + +<p>On the 26th July, a widow chancing to be alone before +her house in the village of Castelenschloss, suddenly beheld +a frightful spectacle—blood springing from the earth all +around her!<a name="FNanchor_1176_1176" id="FNanchor_1176_1176"></a><a href="#Footnote_1176_1176" class="fnanchor">[1176]</a> She rushed in alarm into the cottage......but, +oh horrible! blood is flowing everywhere—from the +wainscot and from the stones;<a name="FNanchor_1177_1177" id="FNanchor_1177_1177"></a><a href="#Footnote_1177_1177" class="fnanchor">[1177]</a>—it falls in a stream from a +basin on a shelf, and even the child's cradle overflows with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_430" id="Page_430">[430]</a></span> +it. The woman imagines that the invisible hand of an +assassin has been at work, and rushes in distraction out of +doors, crying murder! murder!<a name="FNanchor_1178_1178" id="FNanchor_1178_1178"></a><a href="#Footnote_1178_1178" class="fnanchor">[1178]</a> The villagers and the +monks of a neighbouring convent assemble at the cry—they +succeed in partly effacing the bloody stains; but a little later +in the day, the other inhabitants of the house, sitting down +in terror to eat their evening meal under the projecting +eaves, suddenly discover blood bubbling up in a pond—blood +flowing from the loft—blood covering all the walls of the +house. Blood—blood—everywhere blood! The bailiff of +Schenkenberg and the pastor of Dalheim arrive—inquire into +the matter—and immediately report it to the lords of Berne +and to Zwingle.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE COMET.</div> + +<p>Scarcely had this horrible recital—the particulars of +which are faithfully preserved in Latin and in German—filled +all minds with the idea of a horrible butchery, than in +the western quarter of the heavens there appeared a frightful +comet,<a name="FNanchor_1179_1179" id="FNanchor_1179_1179"></a><a href="#Footnote_1179_1179" class="fnanchor">[1179]</a> whose immense train of a pale yellow colour +turned towards the south. At the time of its setting, this +apparition shone in the sky like the fire of a furnace.<a name="FNanchor_1180_1180" id="FNanchor_1180_1180"></a><a href="#Footnote_1180_1180" class="fnanchor">[1180]</a> +One night—on the 15th August as it would appear<a name="FNanchor_1181_1181" id="FNanchor_1181_1181"></a><a href="#Footnote_1181_1181" class="fnanchor">[1181]</a>—Zwingle +and George Mhler, formerly abbot of Wettingen, being +together in the cemetery of the cathedral, both fixed their +eyes upon this terrific meteor. "This ominous globe," said +Zwingle, "is come to light the path that leads to my grave. +It will be at the cost of my life and of many good men with +me. Although I am rather shortsighted, I foresee great<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_431" id="Page_431">[431]</a></span> +calamities in the future.<a name="FNanchor_1182_1182" id="FNanchor_1182_1182"></a><a href="#Footnote_1182_1182" class="fnanchor">[1182]</a> The Truth and the Church will +mourn; but Christ will never abandon us." It was not +only at Zurich that this flaming star spread consternation. +Vadianus being one night on an eminence in the neighbourhood +of St. Gall, surrounded by his friends and disciples, +after having explained to them the names of the stars and +the miracles of the Creator, stopped before this comet, which +denounced the anger of God; and the famous Theophrastus +declared that it foreboded not only great bloodshed, but +most especially the death of learned and illustrious men. +This mysterious phenomenon prolonged its frightful visitation +until the 3d September.</p> + +<p>When once the noise of these omens was spread abroad, +men could no longer contain themselves. Their imaginations +were excited; they heaped fright upon fright: each place +had its terrors. Two banners waving in the clouds had been +seen on the mountain of the Brunig; at Zug a buckler had +appeared in the heavens; on the banks of the Reuss, reiterated +explosions were heard during the night; on the lake +of the Four Cantons, ships carrying arial combatants cruised +about in every direction. War—war;—blood—blood!—these +were the general cries.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">NEW MEDIATIONS.</div> + +<p>In the midst of all this agitation, Zwingle alone seemed +tranquil. He rejected none of these presentiments, but he +contemplated them with calmness. "A heart that fears God," +said he, "cares not for the threats of the world. To forward +the designs of God, whatever may happen,—this is his task. +A carrier who has a long road to go must make up his mind +to wear his waggon and his gear during the journey. If he +carry his merchandise to the appointed spot, that is enough +for him. We are the waggon and the gear of God. There +is not one of the articles that is not worn, twisted, or broken; +but our great Driver will not the less accomplish by our means +his vast designs. Is it not to those who fall upon the field of +battle that the noblest crown belongs? Take courage, then, +in the midst of all these dangers, through which the cause<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_432" id="Page_432">[432]</a></span> +of Jesus Christ must pass. Be of good cheer! although we +should never here below see its triumphs with our own eyes. +The Judge of the combat beholds us, and it is he who confers +the crown. Others will enjoy upon earth the fruits of our +labours; while we, already in heaven, shall enjoy an eternal +reward."<a name="FNanchor_1183_1183" id="FNanchor_1183_1183"></a><a href="#Footnote_1183_1183" class="fnanchor">[1183]</a></p> + +<p>Thus spoke Zwingle, as he advanced calmly towards the +threatening noise of the tempest, which, by its repeated +flashes and sudden explosions, foreboded death.</p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p>VI. The Five Cantons, assembled in diet at Lucerne, +appeared full of determination, and war was decided upon. +"We will call upon the cities to respect our alliances," said +they, "and if they refuse, we will enter the common bailiwicks +by force to procure provisions, and we will unite our +banners in Zug to attack the enemy." The Waldstettes +were not alone. The Nuncio, being solicited by his Lucerne +friends, had required that auxiliary troops, paid by the Pope, +should be put in motion towards Switzerland, and he announced +their near arrival.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">DECEITFUL CALM.</div> + +<p>These resolutions carried terror into Switzerland; the +mediating cantons met again at Arau, and drew up a plan +that should leave the religious question just as it had been +settled by the treaty of 1529. Deputies immediately bore +these propositions to the different councils. Lucerne haughtily +rejected them. "Tell those who sent you," was the reply, +"that we do not acknowledge them as our schoolmasters. +We would rather die than yield the least thing to the prejudice +of our faith." The mediators returned to Arau, trembling +and discouraged. This useless attempt increased the +disagreement among the Reformed, and gave the Waldstettes +still greater confidence. Zurich, so decided for the +reception of the Gospel, now became daily more irresolute! +The members of the council distrusted each other; +the people felt no interest in this war; and Zwingle, notwithstanding<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_433" id="Page_433">[433]</a></span> +his unshaken faith in the justice of his cause, had no +hope for the struggle that was about to take place. Berne, +on its side, did not cease to entreat Zurich to avoid precipitation. +"Do not let us expose ourselves to the reproach of +too much haste, as in 1529," was the general remark in +Zurich. "We have sure friends in the midst of the Waldstettes; +let us wait until they announce to us, as they have +promised, some real danger."</p> + +<p>It was soon believed that these temporizers were right. +In fact the alarming news ceased. That constant rumour of +war, which incessantly came from the Waldstettes, discontinued. +There were no more alarms—no more fears! Deceitful +omen! Over the mountains and valleys of Switzerland +hangs that gloomy and mysterious silence, the forerunner of +the tempest.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ZURICH FOREWARNED.</div> + +<p>Whilst they were sleeping at Zurich, the Waldstettes +were preparing to conquer their rights by force of arms. +The chiefs, closely united to each other by common interests +and dangers, found a powerful support in the indignation of the +people. In a diet of the Five Cantons, held at Brunnen on +the banks of the Lake of Lucerne, opposite Grutli, the alliances +of the Confederation were read; and the deputies, having +been summoned to declare by their votes whether they +thought the war just and lawful, all hands were raised with +a shudder. Immediately the Waldstettes had prepared their +attack with the profoundest mystery. All the passes had been +guarded—all communication between Zurich and the Five +Cantons had been rendered impossible. The friends upon +whom the Zurichers had reckoned on the banks of the Lakes +Lucerne and Zug, and who had promised them intelligence, +were like prisoners in their mountains. The terrible avalanche +was about to slip from the icy summits of the mountain, +and to roll into the valleys, even to the gates of Zurich, +overthrowing everything in its passage, without the least forewarning +of its fall. The mediators had returned discouraged +to their cantons. A spirit of imprudence and of error—sad +forerunner of the fall of republics as well as of kings—had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_434" id="Page_434">[434]</a></span> +spread over the whole city of Zurich. The council had at +first given the order to call out the militia; then, deceived +by the silence of the Waldstettes, it had imprudently revoked +the decree, and Lavater, the commander of the army, had +retired in discontent to Rybourg, and indignantly thrown far +from him that sword which they had commanded him to +leave in the scabbard. Thus the winds were about to be +unchained from the mountains; the waters of the great deep, +aroused by a terrible earthquake, were about to open; and +yet the vessel of the state, sadly abandoned, sported up and +down with indifference over the frightful gulf,—its yards +struck, its sails loose and motionless—without compass or +crew—without pilot, watch, or helm.</p> + +<p>Whatever were the exertions of the Waldstettes, they +could not entirely stifle the rumour of war, which from +chalet to chalet called all their citizens to arms. God permits +a cry of alarm—a single one, it is true—to resound in +the ears of the people of Zurich. On the 4th October, a +little boy, who knew not what he was doing, succeeded in +crossing the frontier of Zug, and presented himself with two +loaves at the gate of the reformed monastery of Cappel, situated +in the farthest limits of the canton of Zurich. He was +led to the abbot, to whom the child gave the loaves without +saying a word. The superior, with whom there chanced +to be at this time a councillor from Zurich, Henry Peyer, +sent by his government, turned pale at the sight. "If the +Five Cantons intend entering by force of arms into the free +bailiwicks," had said these two Zurichers to one of their +friends in Zug, "you will send your son to us with one loaf; +but you will give him two if they are marching at once upon +the bailiwicks and upon Zurich." The abbot and the councillor +wrote with all speed to Zurich. "Be upon your +guard! take up arms," said they; but no credit was attached +to this information. The council were at that time occupied +in taking measures to prevent the supplies that had arrived +from Alsace from entering the cantons. Zwingle himself, +who had never ceased to announce war, did not believe<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_435" id="Page_435">[435]</a></span> +it. "These pensioners are really clever fellows," said the +reformer. "Their preparations may be after all nothing +but a French manœuvre."<a name="FNanchor_1184_1184" id="FNanchor_1184_1184"></a><a href="#Footnote_1184_1184" class="fnanchor">[1184]</a></p> + +<p>He was deceived—they were a reality. Four days were to +accomplish the ruin of Zurich. Let us retrace in succession +the history of these disastrous moments.</p> + +<p>On Sunday, 8th October, a messenger appeared at Zurich, +and demanded, in the name of the Five Cantons, letters of +perpetual alliance.<a name="FNanchor_1185_1185" id="FNanchor_1185_1185"></a><a href="#Footnote_1185_1185" class="fnanchor">[1185]</a> The majority saw in this step nothing +but a trick; but Zwingle began to discern the thunderbolt in +the black cloud that was drawing near. He was in the pulpit: +it was the last time he was destined to appear in it; and +as if he had seen a formidable spectre of Rome rise frightfully +above the Alps, calling upon him and upon his people +to abandon the faith:—"No, no!" cried he, "never will I +deny my Redeemer!"</p> + +<p>At the same moment a messenger arrived in haste from +Mulinen, commander of the Knights-hospitallers of St. John at +Hitzkylch. "On Friday, 6th October," said he to the councils +of Zurich, "the people of Lucerne planted their banner +in the Great Square.<a name="FNanchor_1186_1186" id="FNanchor_1186_1186"></a><a href="#Footnote_1186_1186" class="fnanchor">[1186]</a> Two men that I sent to Lucerne have +been thrown into prison. To-morrow morning, Monday, +9th October, the Five Cantons will enter the bailiwicks. +Already the country-people, frightened and fugitive, are running +to us in crowds."—"It is an idle story," said the councils.<a name="FNanchor_1187_1187" id="FNanchor_1187_1187"></a><a href="#Footnote_1187_1187" class="fnanchor">[1187]</a> +Nevertheless they recalled the commander-in-chief +Lavater, who sent off a trusty man, nephew of James Winckler, +with orders to repair to Cappel, and if possible as far as +Zug, to reconnoitre the arrangements of the cantons.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">MANIFESTO OF THE CANTONS.</div> + +<p>The Waldstettes were in reality assembling round the +banner of Lucerne. The people of this canton; the men<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_436" id="Page_436">[436]</a></span> +of Schwytz, Uri, Zug, and Unterwalden; refugees from +Zurich and Berne, with a few Italians, formed the main body +of the army, which had been raised to invade the free bailiwicks. +Two manifestoes were published—one addressed +to the cantons, the other to foreign princes and nations.</p> + +<p>The Five Cantons energetically set forth the attacks made +upon the treaties, the discord sown throughout the Confederation, +and finally the refusal to sell them provisions—a +refusal whose only aim was (according to them) to excite +the people against the magistrates, and to establish the Reform +by force. "It is not true," added they, "that—as they +cease not to cry out—we oppose the preaching of the truth +and the reading of the Bible. As obedient members of the +Church, we desire to receive all that our holy mother receives. +But we reject all the books and the innovations of Zwingle +and his companions."<a name="FNanchor_1188_1188" id="FNanchor_1188_1188"></a><a href="#Footnote_1188_1188" class="fnanchor">[1188]</a></p> + +<p>Hardly had the messengers charged with these manifestoes +departed before the first division of the army began to march, +and arrived in the evening in the free bailiwicks. The soldiers +having entered the deserted churches, and having seen +the images of the saints removed and the altars broken, their +anger was kindled; they spread like a torrent over the whole +country, pillaged everything they met with, and were particularly +enraged against the houses of the pastors, where +they destroyed the furniture with oaths and maledictions. +At the same time the division that was to form the main army +marched upon Zug, thence to move upon Zurich.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">INFATUATION OF ZURICH.</div> + +<p>Cappel, at three leagues from Zurich, and about a league +from Zug, was the first place they would reach in the Zurich +territory, after crossing the frontier of the Five Cantons. +Near the Albis, between two hills of similar height, the +Granges on the north, and the Ifelsberg on the south, in the +midst of delightful pastures, stood the ancient and wealthy +convent of the Cistertians, in whose church were the tombs +of many ancient and noble families of these districts. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_437" id="Page_437">[437]</a></span> +Abbot Wolfgang Joner, a just and pious man, a great friend +of the arts and letters, and a distinguished preacher, had reformed +his convent in 1527. Full of compassion, rich in +good works, particularly towards the poor of the canton of +Zug and the free bailiwicks, he was held in great honour +throughout the whole country.<a name="FNanchor_1189_1189" id="FNanchor_1189_1189"></a><a href="#Footnote_1189_1189" class="fnanchor">[1189]</a> He predicted what would +be the termination of the war; yet as soon as danger approached, +he spared no labour to serve his country.</p> + +<p>It was on Sunday night that the abbot received positive intelligence +of the preparations at Zug. He paced up and down +his cell with hasty steps; sleep fled from his eyes; he drew +near his lamp, and addressing his intimate friend, Peter Simmler, +who succeeded him, and who was then residing at Kylchberg, +a village on the borders of the lake, and about a league +from the town, he hastily wrote these words: "The great +anxiety and trouble which agitate me prevent me from busying +myself with the management of the house, and induce +me to write to you all that is preparing. The time is come......the +scourge of God appears.<a name="FNanchor_1190_1190" id="FNanchor_1190_1190"></a><a href="#Footnote_1190_1190" class="fnanchor">[1190]</a>......After many +journeys and inquiries, we have learnt that the Five Cantons +will march to-day (Monday) to seize upon Hitzkylch, while +the main army assembles its banners at Baar, between Zug +and Cappel. Those from the valley of the Adige and the +Italians will arrive to-day or to-morrow." This letter, through +some unforeseen circumstance, did not reach Zurich till the +evening.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile the messenger whom Lavater had sent—the +nephew of J. Winckler—creeping on his belly, gliding unperceived +past the sentinels, and clinging to the shrubs that +overhung the precipices, had succeeded in making his way +where no road had been cleared. On arriving near Zug, +he had discovered with alarm the banner and the militia +hastening from all sides at beat of drum: then traversing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_438" id="Page_438">[438]</a></span> +again these unknown passes, he had returned to Zurich with +this information.<a name="FNanchor_1191_1191" id="FNanchor_1191_1191"></a><a href="#Footnote_1191_1191" class="fnanchor">[1191]</a></p> + +<p>It was high time that the bandage should fall from the +eyes of the Zurichers; but the delusion was to endure to +the last. The council which was called together met in +small number. "The Five Cantons," said they, "are +making a little noise to frighten us, and to make us raise the +blockade."<a name="FNanchor_1192_1192" id="FNanchor_1192_1192"></a><a href="#Footnote_1192_1192" class="fnanchor">[1192]</a> The council, however, decided on sending +Colonel Rodolph Dumysen and Ulric Funk to Cappel, to see +what was going on; and each one, tranquillized by this +unmeaning step, retired to rest.</p> + +<p>They did not slumber long. Every hour brought fresh +messengers of alarm to Zurich. "The banners of four cantons +are assembled at Zug," said they. "They are only +waiting for Uri. The people of the free bailiwicks are +flocking to Cappel, and demanding arms......Help! +help!"</p> + +<p>Before the break of day the council was again assembled, +and it ordered the convocation of the Two Hundred. An +old man, whose hair had grown gray on the battle-field and +in the council of the state—the banneret John Schweizer—raising +his head enfeebled by age, and darting the last beam, +as it were, from his eyes, exclaimed, "Now—at this very +moment, in God's name, send an advanced guard to Cappel, +and let the army, promptly collecting round the banner, follow +it immediately." He said no more; but the charm was +not yet broken. "The peasants of the free bailiwicks," said +some, "we know to be hasty, and easily carried away. +They make the matter greater than it really is. The wisest +plan is to wait for the report of the councillors." In Zurich +there was no longer either arm to defend or head to advise.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE WAR BEGINS.</div> + +<p>It was seven in the morning, and the assembly was still +sitting, when Rodolph Gwerb, pastor of Rifferschwyl, near +Cappel, arrived in haste. "The people of the lordship of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_439" id="Page_439">[439]</a></span> +Knonau," said he, "are crowding round the convent, and +loudly calling for chiefs and for aid. The enemy is approaching. +Will our lords of Zurich (say they) abandon themselves, +and us with them? Do they wish to give us up to +slaughter?" The pastor, who had witnessed these mournful +scenes, spoke with animation. The councillors, whose infatuation +was to be prolonged to the end, were offended at his +message. "They want to make us act imprudently," replied +they, turning in their arm-chairs.</p> + +<p>They had scarcely ceased speaking before a new messenger +appears, wearing on his features the marks of the +greatest terror: it was Schwyzer, landlord of the "Beech +Tree" on Mount Albis. "My lords Dumysen and Funck," +said he, "have sent me to you with all speed to announce to +the council that the Five Cantons have seized upon Hytzkilch, +and that they are now collecting all their troops at +Baar. My lords remain in the bailiwicks to aid the frightened +inhabitants."</p> + +<p>This time the most confident turned pale. Terror, so long +restrained, passed like a flash of lightning through every +heart.<a name="FNanchor_1193_1193" id="FNanchor_1193_1193"></a><a href="#Footnote_1193_1193" class="fnanchor">[1193]</a> Hytzkilch was in the power of the enemy, and the +war was begun.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A FEARFUL NIGHT.</div> + +<p>It was resolved to expedite to Cappel a flying camp of six +hundred men with six guns; but the command was intrusted +to George Goldli, whose brother was in the army of the +Five Cantons, and he was enjoined to keep on the defensive. +Goldli and his troops had just left the city, when the captain-general +Lavater, summoning into the hall of the Smaller +Council the old banneret Schweizer, William Toning, captain +of the arquebusiers, J. Dennikon, captain of the artillery, +Zwingle, and some others, said to them, "Let us deliberate +promptly on the means of saving the canton and the city. +Let the tocsin immediately call out all the citizens." The +captain-general feared that the councils would shrink at +this proceeding, and he wished to raise the Landsturm by +the simple advice of the army and of Zwingle. "We<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_440" id="Page_440">[440]</a></span> +cannot take it upon ourselves," said they, "the two councils +are still sitting; let us lay this proposition before them." +They hasten towards the place of meeting; but, fatal mischance! +there were only a few members of the Smaller Council +on the benches. "The consent of the Two Hundred is +necessary," said they. Again a new delay, and the enemy +is on the march. Two hours after noon the Great Council +met again, but only to make long and useless speeches.<a name="FNanchor_1194_1194" id="FNanchor_1194_1194"></a><a href="#Footnote_1194_1194" class="fnanchor">[1194]</a> At +length the resolution was taken, and at seven in the evening +the tocsin began to sound in all the country districts. +Treason united with this dilatoriness, and persons who pretended +to be envoys from Zurich stopped the Landsturm in +many places, as being contrary to the opinion of the council. +A great number of citizens went to sleep again.</p> + +<p>It was a fearful night. The thick darkness—a violent +storm—the alarm-bell ringing from every steeple—the people +running to arms—the noise of swords and guns—the +sound of trumpets and of drums, combined with the roaring +of the tempest, the distrust, discontent, and even treason, which +spread affliction in every quarter—the sobs of women and +of children—the cries which accompanied many a heartrending +adieu—an earthquake which occurred about nine +o'clock at night, as if nature herself had shuddered at the +blood that was about to be spilt, and which violently shook +the mountains and valleys:<a name="FNanchor_1195_1195" id="FNanchor_1195_1195"></a><a href="#Footnote_1195_1195" class="fnanchor">[1195]</a> all increased the terrors of this +fatal night,—a night to be followed by a still more fatal day.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE WAR.</div> + +<p>While these events were transpiring, the Zurichers encamped +on the heights of Cappel to the number of about +one thousand men, fixed their eyes on Zug and upon the +lake, attentively watching every movement. On a sudden, +a little before night, they perceived a few barks filled with +soldiers coming from the side of Arth, and rowing across +the lake towards Zug. Their number increases—one boat +follows another—soon they distinctly hear the bellowing of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_441" id="Page_441">[441]</a></span> +the bull (the horn) of Uri,<a name="FNanchor_1196_1196" id="FNanchor_1196_1196"></a><a href="#Footnote_1196_1196" class="fnanchor">[1196]</a> and they discern the banner. +The barks draw near Zug; they are moored to the shore, +which is lined with an immense crowd. The warriors of +Uri and the arquebusiers of the Adige spring up and leap +on shore, where they are received with acclamations, and +take up their quarters for the night: behold the enemies +assembled! The council are informed with all speed.</p> + +<p>The agitation was still greater at Zurich than at Cappel: +the confusion was increased by uncertainty. The enemy +attacking them on different sides at once, they knew not where +to carry assistance. Two hours after midnight five hundred +men with four guns quitted the city for Bremgarten, and +three or four hundred men with five guns for Wadenshwyl. +They turned to the right and to the left, while the enemy +was in front.</p> + +<p>Alarmed at its own weakness, the council resolved to +apply without delay to the cities of the christian co-burghery. +"As this revolt," wrote they, "has no other origin than the +Word of God, we entreat you once—twice—thrice, as loudly, +as seriously, as firmly, and as earnestly, as our ancient +alliances and our christian co-burghery permit and command +us to do—to set forth without delay with all your forces. +Haste! haste! haste! Act as promptly as possible<a name="FNanchor_1197_1197" id="FNanchor_1197_1197"></a><a href="#Footnote_1197_1197" class="fnanchor">[1197]</a>—the +danger is yours as well as ours." Thus spake Zurich; +but it was already too late.</p> + +<p>At break of day the banner was raised before the town-house; +instead of flaunting proudly in the wind, it hung drooping +down the staff—a sad omen that filled many minds with +fear. Lavater took up his station under the standard; but +a long period elapsed before a few hundred soldiers could +be got together.<a name="FNanchor_1198_1198" id="FNanchor_1198_1198"></a><a href="#Footnote_1198_1198" class="fnanchor">[1198]</a> In the square and in all the city disorder +and confusion prevailed. The troops, fatigued by a hasty +march or by long waiting, were faint and discouraged.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ZWINGLE'S DEPARTURE.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_442" id="Page_442">[442]</a></span>At ten o'clock, only 700 men were under arms. The +selfish, the lukewarm, the friends of Rome and of the foreign +pensioners, had remained at home. A few old men who had +more courage than strength—several members of the two +councils who were devoted to the holy cause of God's Word—many +ministers of the Church who desired to live and die +with the Reform—the boldest of the townspeople and a certain +number of peasants, especially those from the neighbourhood +of the city—such were the defenders who, wanting that +moral force so necessary for victory, incompletely armed, +without uniform, crowded in disorder around the banner of +Zurich.</p> + +<p>The army should have numbered at least 4000 men; +they waited still; the usual oath had not been administered; +and yet courier after courier arrived, breathless and in +disorder, announcing the terrible danger that threatened Zurich. +All this disorderly crowd is agitated—they no longer +wait for the commands of their chiefs, and many without +taking the oath rush through the gates. About 200 men +thus set out in confusion. All those who remained prepared +to depart.</p> + +<p>Then was Zwingle seen to issue from a house before +which a caparisoned horse was stamping impatiently; it was +his own. His look was firm, but dimmed by sorrow. He +parted from his wife, his children, and his numerous friends, +without deceiving himself, and with a bruised heart.<a name="FNanchor_1199_1199" id="FNanchor_1199_1199"></a><a href="#Footnote_1199_1199" class="fnanchor">[1199]</a> He +observed the thick waterspout, which, driven by a terrible +wind, advanced whirling towards him. Alas! he had himself +called up this hurricane by quitting the atmosphere of the +Gospel of peace, and throwing himself into the midst of +political passions. He was convinced that he would be the +first victim. Fifteen days before the attack of the Waldstettes, +he had said from the pulpit: "I know what is the +meaning of all this:—it is all about me. All this comes to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_443" id="Page_443">[443]</a></span> +pass—in order that I may die."<a name="FNanchor_1200_1200" id="FNanchor_1200_1200"></a><a href="#Footnote_1200_1200" class="fnanchor">[1200]</a> The council, according to +an ancient custom, had called upon him to accompany the +army as its chaplain. Zwingle did not hesitate. He prepared +himself without surprise and without anger,—with +the calmness of a Christian who placed himself confidently +in the hands of his God. If the cause of Reform was +doomed to perish, he was ready to perish with it. Surrounded +by his weeping wife and friends—by his children who +clung to his garments to detain him, he quitted that house +where he had tasted so much happiness. At the moment +that his hand was upon his horse, just as he was about to +mount, the animal violently started back several paces, +and when he was at last in the saddle, it refused for a time +to move, rearing and prancing backwards, like that horse +which the greatest captain of modern times had mounted as +he was about to cross the Niemen. Many in Zurich at that +time thought with the soldier of the Grand Army when he +saw Napoleon on the ground: "It is a bad omen! a Roman +would go back!"<a name="FNanchor_1201_1201" id="FNanchor_1201_1201"></a><a href="#Footnote_1201_1201" class="fnanchor">[1201]</a> Zwingle having at last mastered his +horse, gave the reins, applied the spur, started forward, and +disappeared.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE SCENE OF WAR.</div> + +<p>At eleven o'clock the flag was struck, and all who remained +in the square—about 500 men—began their march along +with it. The greater part were torn with difficulty from +the arms of their families, and walked sad and silent, as if +they were going to the scaffold instead of battle. There was +no order—no plan; the men were isolated and scattered, +some running before, some after the colours, their extreme +confusion presenting a fearful appearance;<a name="FNanchor_1202_1202" id="FNanchor_1202_1202"></a><a href="#Footnote_1202_1202" class="fnanchor">[1202]</a> so much so, +that those who remained behind—the women, the children, +and the old men, filled with gloomy forebodings, beat their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_444" id="Page_444">[444]</a></span> +breasts as they saw them pass, and many years after, the remembrance +of this day of tumult and mourning drew this +groan from Oswald Myconius: "Whenever I recall it to +mind, it is as if a sword pierced my heart." Zwingle, armed +according to the usage of the chaplains of the Confederation, +rode mournfully behind this distracted multitude. +Myconius, when he saw him, was nigh fainting.<a name="FNanchor_1203_1203" id="FNanchor_1203_1203"></a><a href="#Footnote_1203_1203" class="fnanchor">[1203]</a> Zwingle +disappeared, and Oswald remained behind to weep.</p> + +<p>He did not shed tears alone; in all quarters were heard +lamentations, and every house was changed into a house +of prayer.<a name="FNanchor_1204_1204" id="FNanchor_1204_1204"></a><a href="#Footnote_1204_1204" class="fnanchor">[1204]</a> In the midst of this universal sorrow, one woman +remained silent; her only cry was a bitter heart, her only +language the mild and suppliant eye of faith:—this was +Anna, Zwingle's wife. She had seen her husband depart—her +son, her brother, a great number of intimate friends and +near relations, whose approaching death she foreboded. But +her soul, strong as that of her husband, offered to God the +sacrifice of her holiest affections. Gradually the defenders +of Zurich precipitate their march, and the tumult dies away +in the distance.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="sidenote">THE ENEMY AT ZUG.</div> + +<p>VII. This night, which was so stormy in Zurich, had not +been calmer at Cappel. They had received the most alarming +reports one after another. It was necessary to take up a +position that would allow the troops assembled round the +convent to resist the enemy's attack until the arrival of the +reinforcements that were expected from the city. They +cast their eyes on a small hill, which lying to the north +towards Zurich, and traversed by the highroad, presented an +uneven but sufficiently extensive surface. A deep ditch +that surrounded it on three sides defended the approaches; +but a small bridge, that was the only issue on the side of +Zurich, rendered a precipitate retreat very dangerous. On +the south-west was a wood of beech-trees; on the south, in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_445" id="Page_445">[445]</a></span> +the direction of Zug, was the highroad and a marshy valley. +"Lead us to the Granges," cried all the soldiers. They +were conducted thither. The artillery was stationed near +some ruins. The line of battle was drawn up on the side of +the monastery and of Zug, and sentinels were placed at the +foot of the slope.</p> + +<p>Meantime, the signal is given at Zug and Baar: the drums +beat: the soldiers of the Five Cantons take up their arms. +A universal feeling of joy animates them. The churches are +opened, the bells ring, and the serried ranks of the cantons +enter the cathedral of St. Oswald; Mass is celebrated; the +Host is offered up for the sins of the people, and all the army +begin their march at nine o'clock, with banners flying. The +avoyer John Golder commands the contingent of Lucerne; +the landamman Jacques Troguer, that of Uri; the landamman +Rychmut, a mortal enemy of the Reformation, that of +Schwytz; the landamman Zellger, that of Unterwalden; and +Oswald Dooss that of Zug. Eight thousand men march in +order of battle: all the picked men of the Five Cantons are +there. Fresh and active after a quiet night, and having only +one short league to cross before reaching the enemy, these +haughty Waldstettes advance with a firm and regular step +under the command of their chiefs.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ARMY OF ZURICH.</div> + +<p>On reaching the common meadow of Zug, they halt to +take the oath: every hand is upraised to heaven, and all +swear to avenge themselves. They were about to resume +their march, when some aged men made signs to them to stop. +"Comrades," they said, "we have long offended God. Our +blasphemies, our oaths, our wars, our revenge, our pride, our +drunkenness, our adulteries, the gold of the stranger to whom +our hands have been extended, and all the disorders in which +we have indulged, have so provoked his anger, that if he +should punish us to-day, we should only receive the desert of +our crimes." The emotion of the chiefs had passed into the +ranks. All the army bend the knee in the midst of the +plain; deep silence prevails, and every soldier, with bended +head, crosses himself devoutly, and repeats in a low voice<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_446" id="Page_446">[446]</a></span> +five paters, as many aves, and the credo. One might have +said that they were for a time in the midst of a vast and stilly +desert. Suddenly the noise of an immense crowd is again +heard. The army rises up. "Soldiers," said the captains, +"you know the cause of this war. Bear your wives and +your children continually before your eyes."</p> + +<p>Then the chief usher (<i>grand sautier</i>) of Lucerne, wearing +the colours of the canton, approaches the chiefs of the army: +they place in his hands the declaration of war, dated on that +very day, and sealed with the arms of Zug. He then sets +off on horseback, preceded by a trumpeter, to carry this +paper to the commander of the Zurichers.</p> + +<p>It was eleven in the morning. The Zurichers soon discovered +the enemy's army, and cast a sorrowful glance on +the small force they were able to oppose to it. Every minute +the danger increased. All bent their knees, their eyes were +raised to heaven, and every Zuricher uttered a cry from the +bottom of his heart, praying for deliverance from God. As +soon as the prayer was ended, they got ready for battle. +There were at that time about twelve hundred men under +arms.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">BATTLE OF CAPPEL.</div> + +<p>At noon the trumpet of the Five Cantons sounded not far +from the advanced posts. Goldli, having collected the members +of the two councils who happened to be with the army, +as well as the commissioned and non-commissioned officers, +and having ranged them in a circle, ordered the secretary +Rheinhard to read the declaration of which the Sautier of +Lucerne was the bearer. After the reading, Goldli opened +a council of war. "We are few in number, and the forces +of our adversaries are great," said Landolt, bailiff of Marpac, +"but I will here await the enemy in the name of God." +"Wait!" cried the captain of the halberdiers, Rodolph Zigler; +"impossible! let us rather take advantage of the ditch +that cuts the road to effect our retreat, and let us everywhere +raise a leve <i>en masse</i>." This was in truth the only means +of safety. But Rudi Gallmann, considering every step backwards +as an act of cowardice, cried out, stamping his feet<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_447" id="Page_447">[447]</a></span> +forcibly on the earth, and casting a fiery glance around him, +"Here—here shall be my grave!"<a name="FNanchor_1205_1205" id="FNanchor_1205_1205"></a><a href="#Footnote_1205_1205" class="fnanchor">[1205]</a>—"It is now too late to +retire with honour," said other officers. "This day is in the +hands of God. Let us suffer whatever he lays upon us." It +was put to the vote.</p> + +<p>The members of the council had scarcely raised their hands +in token of assent, when a great noise was heard around them. +"The captain! the captain!" cried a soldier from the outposts +who arrived in haste. "Silence, silence!" replied the +ushers, driving him back; "they are holding a council!"—"It +is no longer time to hold a council," replied the soldier. +"Conduct me immediately to the captain."......"Our sentinels +are falling back," cried he with an agitated voice, as +he arrived before Goldli. "The enemy is there—they are +advancing through the forest with all their forces and with +great tumult." He had not ceased speaking, before the sentinels, +who were in truth retiring on all sides, ran up, and +the army of the Five Cantons was soon seen climbing the +slope of Ifelsberg in face of the Granges, and pointing their +guns. The leaders of the Waldstettes were examining the +position, and seeking to discover by what means their army +could reach that of Zurich. The Zurichers were asking themselves +the same question. The nature of the ground prevented +the Waldstettes from passing below the convent, but +they could arrive by another quarter. Ulric Brder, under +bailiff of Husen in the canton of Zurich, fixed his anxious +look on the beech-wood. "It is thence that the enemy will +fall upon us!" "Axes—axes!" immediately cried several +voices; "let us cut down the trees!"<a name="FNanchor_1206_1206" id="FNanchor_1206_1206"></a><a href="#Footnote_1206_1206" class="fnanchor">[1206]</a> Goldli, the abbot, +and several others, were opposed to this: "If we stop up the +wood, by throwing down the trees, we shall ourselves be +unable to work our guns in that direction," said they.—"Well! +at least let us place some arquebusiers in that +quarter."—"We are already so small a number," replied<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_448" id="Page_448">[448]</a></span> +the captain, "that it will be imprudent to divide the forces." +Neither wisdom nor courage were to save Zurich. They +once more invoked the help of God, and waited in expectation.</p> + +<p>At one o'clock the Five Cantons fired the first gun: the +ball passing over the convent, fell below the Granges; a +second passed over the line of battle; a third struck a hedge +close to the ruins. The Zurichers, seeing the battle was begun, +replied with courage; but the slowness and awkwardness +with which the artillery was served in those days +prevented any great loss being inflicted on either side. When +the enemy perceived this, they ordered their advanced guard +to descend from Ifelsberg and to reach the Granges through +the meadow; and soon the whole army of the Cantons advanced +in this direction, but with difficulty and over bad +roads. Some arquebusiers of Zurich came and announced +the disorder of the Cantons. "Brave Zurichers," cried Rudi +Gallmann, "if we attack them now, it is all over with them." +At these words some of the soldiers prepared to enter the wood +on the left, to fall upon the disheartened Waldstettes. But +Goldli perceiving this movement, cried out: "Where are +you going?—do you not know that we have agreed not to +separate?" He then ordered the skirmishers to be recalled, +so that the wood remained entirely open to the enemy. +They were satisfied with discharging a few random shots +from time to time to prevent the Cantons from establishing +themselves there. The firing of the artillery continued +until three o'clock, and announced far and wide, even to +Bremgarten and Zurich, that the battle had begun.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE MARCH.</div> + +<p>In the meanwhile the great banner of Zurich and all those +who surrounded it, among whom was Zwingle, came advancing +in disorder towards the Albis. For a year past +the gaiety of the reformer had entirely disappeared: he was +grave, melancholy, easily moved, having a weight on his +heart that seemed to crush it. Often would he throw himself +weeping at the feet of his Master, and seek in prayer the +strength of which he stood in need. No one had ever observed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_449" id="Page_449">[449]</a></span> +in him any irritation; on the contrary, he had received +with mildness the counsels that had been offered, and had +remained tenderly attached to men whose convictions +were not the same as his own. He was now advancing mournfully +along the road to Cappel; and John Maaler of Winterthour, +who was riding a few paces behind him, heard his groans +and sighs, intermingled with fervent prayers. If any one +spoke to him, he was found firm and strong in the peace +that proceeds from faith; but he did not conceal his conviction +that he should never see his family or church again. +Thus advanced the forces of Zurich. Awful march! resembling +rather a funeral procession then an army going to +battle.</p> + +<p>As they approached they saw express after express gallopping +along the road from Cappel, begging the Zurichers +to hasten to the defence of their brothers.<a name="FNanchor_1207_1207" id="FNanchor_1207_1207"></a><a href="#Footnote_1207_1207" class="fnanchor">[1207]</a></p> + +<p>At Adliswil, having passed the bridge under which flow +the impetuous waters of the Sihl, and traversed the village +through the midst of women, children, and old men, who, +standing before their cottages, looked with sadness on this +disorderly troop, they began to ascend the Albis. They +were about half way from Cappel when the first cannon-shot +was heard. They stop, they listen: a second, a third succeeds......There +is no longer any doubt. The glory, the +very existence of the republic are endangered, and they are +not present to defend it! The blood curdles in their veins. +On a sudden they arouse, and each one begins to run to the +support of his brothers. But the road over the Albis was +much steeper than it is in our days. The badly harnessed +artillery could not ascend it; the old men, the citizens, little +habituated to marching, and covered with weighty armour, +advanced with difficulty: and yet they formed the greater +portion of the troops. They were seen stopping one after +another, panting and exhausted, along the sides of the road +near the thickets and ravines of the Albis, leaning against a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_450" id="Page_450">[450]</a></span> +beech or an ash tree, and looking with dispirited eyes to +the summit of the mountain covered with thick pines.</p> + +<p>They resume their march, however; the horsemen and +the most intrepid of the foot-soldiers hasten onwards, and +having reached the "Beech Tree," on the top of the mountain, +halt to take council.</p> + +<p>What a prospect then extended before their eyes! Zurich, +the lake and its smiling shores—those orchards, those +fertile fields, those vine-clad hills, almost the whole of the +canton. Alas! soon, perhaps, to be devastated by the Forest-bands.</p> + +<p>Scarcely had these noble-minded men begun to deliberate, +when fresh messengers from Cappel appear before them +and exclaim, "Hasten forwards!" At these words many +of the Zurichers prepared to gallop towards the enemy.<a name="FNanchor_1208_1208" id="FNanchor_1208_1208"></a><a href="#Footnote_1208_1208" class="fnanchor">[1208]</a> +Toning, the captain of the arquebusiers, stopt them. "My +good friends," cried he to them, "against such great forces +what can we do alone? Let us wait here until our people +are assembled, and then let us fall upon the enemy with the +whole army."—"Yes, if we had an army," bitterly replied +the captain-general, who, in despair of saving the republic, +thought only of dying with glory; "but we have only a +banner and no soldiers."—"How can we stay calmly upon +these heights," said Zwingle, "while we hear the shots that +are fired at our fellow-citizens? In the name of God I will +march towards our warriors, prepared to die in order to save +them."<a name="FNanchor_1209_1209" id="FNanchor_1209_1209"></a><a href="#Footnote_1209_1209" class="fnanchor">[1209]</a>—"And I too," added the aged banneret Schweizer. +"As for you," continued he, turning with a contemptuous +look towards Toning, "wait till you are a little recovered."—"I +am quite as much refreshed as you," replied Toning, +the colour mantling on his face, "and you shall soon see +whether I cannot fight." All hastened their steps towards +the field of battle.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_451" id="Page_451">[451]</a></span></p><p>The descent is rapid; they plunge into the woods, pass +through the village of Husen, and at length arrive near the +Granges. It was three o'clock when the banner crossed +the narrow bridge that led thither; and there were so few +soldiers round it that every one trembled as he beheld this +venerated standard thus exposed to the attacks of so formidable +an enemy. The army of the Cantons was at that moment +deploying before the eyes of the new-comers. Zwingle +gazed upon this terrible spectacle. Behold, then, these +phalanxes of soldiers!—a few minutes more, and the labours +of eleven years will be destroyed perhaps for ever!......</p> + +<p>A citizen of Zurich, one Leonard Bourkhard, who was +ill-disposed towards the reformer, said to him in a harsh tone, +"Well, Master Ulric, what do you say about this business? +Are the radishes salt enough?......who will eat them now?"<a name="FNanchor_1210_1210" id="FNanchor_1210_1210"></a><a href="#Footnote_1210_1210" class="fnanchor">[1210]</a> +"I," replied Zwingle, "and many a brave man who is +here in the hands of God; for we are his in life and in +death."—"And I too—I will help eat them," resumed Bourkhard +immediately, ashamed of his brutality,—"I will risk +my life for them." And he did so, and many others with +him, adds the chronicle.</p> + +<p>It was four o'clock; the sun was sinking rapidly; the +Waldstettes did not advance, and the Zurichers began to +think that the attack would be put off till the morrow. In +fact, the chiefs of the Five Cantons seeing the great banner +of Zurich arrive, the night near at hand, and the impossibility +of crossing under the fire of the Zurichers the marsh and +the ditch that separated the combatants, were looking for a +place in which their troops might pass the night. "If, at +this moment, any mediators had appeared," says Bullinger, +"their proposals would have been accepted."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">BATTLE OF CAPPEL.</div> + +<p>The soldiers, observing the hesitation of their chiefs, began +to murmur loudly. "The big ones abandon us," said one. +"The captains fear to bite the fox's tail," said another. +"Not to attack them," cried they all, "is to ruin our cause."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_452" id="Page_452">[452]</a></span> +During this time a daring man was preparing the skilful +manœuvre that was to decide the fate of the day. A warrior +of Uri, John Jauch, formerly bailiff of Sargans, a good +marksman and experienced soldier, having taken a few men +with him, moved towards the right of the army of the Five +Cantons, crept into the midst of the clump of beech-trees +that, by forming a semicircle to the east, unite the hill of +Ifelsberg to that of the Granges,<a name="FNanchor_1211_1211" id="FNanchor_1211_1211"></a><a href="#Footnote_1211_1211" class="fnanchor">[1211]</a> found the wood empty, arrived +to within a few paces of the Zurichers, and there, hidden +behind the trees, remarked unperceived the smallness +of their numbers, and their want of caution. Then, stealthily +retiring, he went to the chiefs at the very moment the discontent +was on the point of bursting out. "Now is the time +to attack the enemy," cried he. "Dear gossip," replied +Troquer, captain-in-chief of Uri, "you do not mean to say +that we should set to work at so late an hour; besides, the +men are preparing their quarters, and everybody knows +what it cost our fathers at Naples and Marignan for having +commenced the attack a little before night. And then it is +Innocents' day, and our ancestors have never given battle +on a feast-day."<a name="FNanchor_1212_1212" id="FNanchor_1212_1212"></a><a href="#Footnote_1212_1212" class="fnanchor">[1212]</a>—"Don't think about the Innocents of the +calendar," replied Jauch, "but let us rather remember the +innocents that we have left in our cottages." Gaspard Goldli +of Zurich, brother of the commander of the Granges, added +his entreaties to those of the warrior of Uri. "We must +either beat the Zurichers to-night," said he, "or be beaten +by them to-morrow. Take your choice."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">AMBUSCADE.</div> + +<p>All was unavailing; the chiefs were inflexible, and the +army prepared to take up its quarters. Then the warrior of +Uri, understanding like his fellow-countryman Tell that +great evils require great remedies, drew his sword and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_453" id="Page_453">[453]</a></span> +cried: "Let all true confederates follow me."<a name="FNanchor_1213_1213" id="FNanchor_1213_1213"></a><a href="#Footnote_1213_1213" class="fnanchor">[1213]</a> Then hastily +leaping to his saddle, he spurred his horse into the forest;<a name="FNanchor_1214_1214" id="FNanchor_1214_1214"></a><a href="#Footnote_1214_1214" class="fnanchor">[1214]</a> +and immediately arquebusiers, soldiers from the Adige, and +many other warriors of the Five Cantons, especially from +Unterwalden—in all about 300 men, rushed into the wood after +him. At this sight Jauch no longer doubts of the victory of +the Waldstettes. He dismounts and falls upon his knees, +"for," says Tschudi, "he was a man who feared God." +All his followers do the same, and together invoke the aid +of God, of his holy mother, and of all the heavenly host, +They then advance; but soon the warrior of Uri, wishing to +expose no one but himself, halts his troops, and glides from +tree to tree to the verge of the wood. Observing that the enemy +was as incautious as ever, he rejoins his arquebusiers, +leads them stealthily forward, and posts them silently behind +the trees of the forest,<a name="FNanchor_1215_1215" id="FNanchor_1215_1215"></a><a href="#Footnote_1215_1215" class="fnanchor">[1215]</a> enjoining them to take their aim so +as not to miss their men. During this time the chiefs of +the Five Cantons, foreseeing that this rash man was about to +bring on the action, decided against their will, and collected +their soldiers around the banners.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p>VIII. The Zurichers, fearing that the enemy would seize +upon the road that led to their capital, were then directing +part of their troops and their guns to a low hill by which +it was commanded. At the very moment that the invisible +arquebusiers stationed among the beech trees were taking +their aim, this detachment passed near the little wood. The +deepest silence prevails in this solitude: each one posted there +picks out the man he desires to bring down, and Jauch exclaims: +"In the name of the Holy Trinity—of God the Father, +the Son, and the Holy Ghost—of the Holy Mother of +God, and of all the heavenly host—fire!" At the word the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_454" id="Page_454">[454]</a></span> +deadly balls issue from the wood, and a murderous carnage +in the ranks of Zurich follows this terrible discharge. The +battle, which had begun four hours ago, and which had never +appeared to be a serious attack, now underwent an unforeseen +change. The sword was not again to be returned to +the scabbard until it had been bathed in torrents of blood. +Those of the Zurichers who had not fallen at this first discharge, +lie flat on the ground, so that the balls pass over their +heads; but they soon spring up, saying: "Shall we allow +ourselves to be butchered? No! let us rather attack the +enemy!" Lavater seizes a lance, and rushing into the foremost +rank exclaims: "Soldiers, uphold the honour of God +and of our lords, and behave like brave men!" Zwingle, +silent and collected, like nature before the bursting of the +tempest, was there also halberd in hand. "Master Ulric," +said Bernard Sprungli, "speak to the people and encourage +them." "Warriors!" said Zwingle, "fear nothing. If we +are this day to be defeated, still our cause is good. Commend +yourselves to God!"</p> + +<p>The Zurichers quickly turn the artillery they were dragging +to another quarter, and point it against the wood; but +their bullets, instead of striking the enemy, only reach the +top of the trees, and tear off a few branches that fall upon the +skirmishers.<a name="FNanchor_1216_1216" id="FNanchor_1216_1216"></a><a href="#Footnote_1216_1216" class="fnanchor">[1216]</a></p> + +<p>Rychmuth, the landamman of Schwytz, came up at a gallop +to recall the volunteers; but seeing the battle begun, he ordered +the whole army to advance. Immediately the five +banners moved forward.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">BATTLE OF CAPPEL.</div> + +<p>But already Jauch's skirmishers, rushing from among the +trees, had fallen impetuously upon the Zurichers, charging +with their long and pointed halberds. "Heretics! sacrilegists!" +cried they, "we have you at last!"—"Man-sellers, +idolaters, impious Papists!" replied the Zurichers, "is it really +you?" At first a shower of stones fell from both parties and +wounded several; immediately they come to close quarters.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_455" id="Page_455">[455]</a></span> +The resistance of the Zurichers was terrible.<a name="FNanchor_1217_1217" id="FNanchor_1217_1217"></a><a href="#Footnote_1217_1217" class="fnanchor">[1217]</a> Each struck +with the sword or with the halberd: at last the soldiers of the +Five Cantons were driven back in disorder. The Zurichers +advanced, but in so doing lost the advantages of their position, +and got entangled in the marsh. Some Roman-catholic +historians pretend that this flight of their troops was a stratagem +to draw the Zurichers into the snare.<a name="FNanchor_1218_1218" id="FNanchor_1218_1218"></a><a href="#Footnote_1218_1218" class="fnanchor">[1218]</a></p> + +<p>In the mean time the army of the Five Cantons hasten +through the wood. Burning with courage and with anger, +they eagerly quicken their steps; from the midst of the +beech-trees there resounded a confused and savage noise—a +frightful murmur; the ground shook; one might have said +that the forest was uttering a horrible roar, or that witches +were holding their nocturnal revels.<a name="FNanchor_1219_1219" id="FNanchor_1219_1219"></a><a href="#Footnote_1219_1219" class="fnanchor">[1219]</a> In vain do the bravest +of the Zurichers offer an intrepid resistance: the Waldstettes +have the advantage in every quarter. "They are surrounding +us," cried some. "Our men are fleeing," said +others. A man from the canton of Zug mingling with the +Zurichers, and pretending to be of their party, exclaims: +"Fly, fly, brave Zurichers, you are betrayed!" Thus everything +is against Zurich. Even the hand of Him who is +the disposer of battles, turns against this people. Thus was +it also in times of old that God frequently chastised his +own people of Israel by the Assyrian sword. A panic +terror seizes upon the bravest, and the disorder spreads +everywhere with frightful rapidity.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE BANNER IN DANGER.</div> + +<p>In the meanwhile the aged Schweizer had raised the great +banner with a firm hand, and all the picked men of Zurich +were drawn up around it; but soon their ranks were thinned. +John Kammli, charged with the defence of the standard, +having observed the small number of combatants that remained<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_456" id="Page_456">[456]</a></span> +upon the field of battle, said to the banneret: "Let +us lower the banner, my lord, and save it, for our people are +flying shamefully:"—"Warriors, remain firm," replied +the aged banneret, whom no danger had ever shaken. The +disorder augmented—the number of fugitives increased every +minute; the old man stood fast, amazed and immoveable +as an aged oak beaten by a frightful hurricane. He received +unflinchingly the blows that fell upon him, and alone +resisted the terrible storm. Kammli seized him by the arm: +"My lord," said he again, "lower the banner, or else we +shall lose it: there is no more glory to be reaped here!" +The banneret, who was already mortally wounded, exclaimed: +"Alas! must the city of Zurich be so punished!" +Then, dragged off by Kammli, who held him by the arm, +he retreated as far as the ditch. The weight of years, and +the wounds with which he was covered, did not permit him +to cross it. He fell in the mire at the bottom, still holding +the glorious standard, whose folds dropped on the other bank.</p> + +<p>The enemy ran up with loud shouts, being attracted by +the colours of Zurich, as the bull by the gladiator's flag. +Kammli seeing this, unhesitatingly leaps to the bottom of the +ditch, and lays hold of the stiff and dying hands of his chief, +in order to preserve the precious ensign, which they tightly +grasped. But it is in vain; the hands of the aged Schweizer +will not loose the standard. "My lord banneret!" cried this +faithful servant, "it is no longer in your power to defend it." +The hands of the banneret, already stiffened in death, still +refuse; upon which Kammli violently tears away the sacred +standard, leaps upon the other bank, and rushes with his +treasure far from the steps of the enemy. The last Zurichers +at this moment reach the ditch, they fall one after another +upon the expiring banneret, and thus hasten his death.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE BANNER SAVED.</div> + +<p>Kammli, however, having received a wound from a gunshot, +his march was retarded, and soon the Waldstettes surround +him with their swords. The Zuricher, holding the +banner in one hand, and his sword in the other, defends himself +bravely. One of the Waldstettes catches hold of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_457" id="Page_457">[457]</a></span> +staff—another seizes the flag itself and tears it. Kammli with +one blow of his sword cuts down the former, and striking +around him, calls out: "To the rescue, brave Zurichers! +save the honour and the banner of our lords." The assailants +increase in number, and the warrior is about to fall, when +Adam Nff of Wollenwyd rushes up sword in hand, and the +head of the Waldstette who had torn the colours rolls upon the +plain, and his blood gushes out upon the flag of Zurich. +Dumysen, member of the Smaller Council, supports Nff +with his halberd, and both deal such lusty blows, that they +succeed in disengaging the standard-bearer. He, although +dangerously wounded, springs forward, holding the blood-stained +folds of the banner in one hand, which he carries +off hastily, dragging the staff behind him. With fierce look +and fiery eye, he thus passes sword in hand through the midst +of friends and enemies: he crosses plains, woods, and +marshes, everywhere leaving traces of his blood, which flows +from numerous wounds. Two of his enemies, one from +Schwytz, the other from Zug—were particularly eager in +his pursuit. "Heretic! villain!" cried they, "surrender +and give us the banner."—"You shall have my life first," +replied the Zuricher. Then the two hostile soldiers, who +were embarrassed by their cuirasses, stopped a moment to +take them off. Kammli took advantage of this to get in +advance: he ran; Huber, Dumysen, and Dantzler of Naenikon +were at his side. They all four thus arrived near +Husen, half-way up the Albis. They had still to climb the +steepest part of the mountain. Huber falls covered with +wounds. Dumysen, the colonel-general, who had fought as a +private soldier, almost reaches the church of Husen, and there +he falls lifeless: and two of his sons, in the flower of youth, +soon lie stretched on the battle-field that has drunk their +father's blood. Kammli takes a few steps further; but halts +erelong, exhausted and panting, near a hedge that he would +have to clear, and discovers his two enemies, and other +Waldstettes running from all sides, like birds of prey, towards +the wavering standard of Zurich. The strength of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_458" id="Page_458">[458]</a></span> +Kammli sinks rapidly, his eyes grow dim, thick darkness surrounds +him: a hand of lead fastens him to the ground. +Then, mustering all his expiring strength, he flings the +standard on the other side of the hedge, exclaiming: "Is +there any brave Zuricher near me? Let him preserve the +banner and the honour of our lords! As for me, I can do no +more!" Then casting a last look to heaven, he adds: +"May God be my helper!" He fell exhausted by this last +effort. Dantzler, who came up, flung away his sword, sprung +over the hedge, seized the banner, and cried, "With the aid +of God, I will carry it off." He then rapidly climbed the +Albis, and at last placed the ancient standard of Zurich in +safety. God, on whom these warriors fixed all their hopes, +had heard their prayers, but the noblest blood of the republic +had been spilt.</p> + +<p>The enemy were victorious at all points. The soldiers +of the Five Cantons, and particularly those of Unterwalden, +long hardened in the wars of the Milanese, showed themselves +more merciless towards their confederates than they +had ever been towards foreigners. At the beginning of +the battle, Goldli had taken flight, and soon after he quitted +Zurich for ever. Lavater, the captain-general, after having +fought valiantly, had fallen into the ditch. He was dragged +out by a soldier, and had escaped.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">TERRIBLE SLAUGHTER.</div> + +<p>The most distinguished men of Zurich fell one after another +under the blows of the Waldstettes.<a name="FNanchor_1220_1220" id="FNanchor_1220_1220"></a><a href="#Footnote_1220_1220" class="fnanchor">[1220]</a> Rudi Gallmann found +the glorious tomb he had wished for, and his two brothers +stretched beside him left their father's house desolate. Toning, +captain of the arquebusiers, died for his country as he +had foretold. All the pride of the population of Zurich, +seven members of the Smaller Council, nineteen members +of the Two Hundred, sixty-five citizens of the town, four +hundred and seventeen from the rural districts: the father<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_459" id="Page_459">[459]</a></span> +in the midst of his children,—the brother surrounded by his +brothers,—lay on the field.</p> + +<p>Gerold Meyer of Knonau, son of Anna Zwingle; at that +time twenty-two years of age, and already a member of +the council of Two Hundred,—a husband and a father,—had +rushed into the foremost ranks with all the impetuosity +of youth. "Surrender, and your life shall be spared," cried +some of the warriors of the Five Cantons, who desired to save +him. "It is better for me to die with honour than to yield +with disgrace," replied the son of Anna, and immediately +struck by a mortal blow, he fell and expired not far from +the castle of his ancestors.</p> + +<p>The ministers were those who paid proportionally the +greatest tribute on this bloody day. The sword that was +at work on the heights of Cappel thirsted for their blood: +twenty-five of them fell beneath its stroke. The Waldstettes +trembled with rage when they discovered one of these +heretical preachers, and sacrificed him with enthusiasm, +as a chosen victim, to the Virgin and the saints. There +has, perhaps, never been any battle in which so many men of +the Word of God have bitten the dust. Almost everywhere +the pastors had marched at the head of their flocks. One +might have said that Cappel was an assembly of christian +churches rather than an army of Swiss companies. The +Abbot Joner, receiving a mortal wound near the ditch, +expired in sight of his own monastery. The people of Zug, +in pursuit of the enemy, uttered a cry of anguish as they +passed his body, remembering all the good he had done +them.<a name="FNanchor_1221_1221" id="FNanchor_1221_1221"></a><a href="#Footnote_1221_1221" class="fnanchor">[1221]</a> Schmidt of Kuprach, stationed on the field of battle +in the midst of his parishioners, fell surrounded by forty +of their bodies,<a name="FNanchor_1222_1222" id="FNanchor_1222_1222"></a><a href="#Footnote_1222_1222" class="fnanchor">[1222]</a> Geroldseck, John Haller, and many other +pastors, at the head of their flocks, suddenly met in a terrible +and unforeseen manner the Lord whom they had preached.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ZWINGLE'S LAST MOMENTS.</div> + +<p>But the death of one individual far surpassed all others.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_460" id="Page_460">[460]</a></span> +Zwingle was at the post of danger, the helmet on his head, +the sword hanging at his side, the battle-axe in his hand.<a name="FNanchor_1223_1223" id="FNanchor_1223_1223"></a><a href="#Footnote_1223_1223" class="fnanchor">[1223]</a> +Scarcely had the action begun, when, stooping to console a +dying man, says J. J. Hottinger, a stone hurled by the vigorous +arm of a Waldstette struck him on the head and closed +his lips. Yet Zwingle arose, when two other blows which +struck him successively on the leg,<a name="FNanchor_1224_1224" id="FNanchor_1224_1224"></a><a href="#Footnote_1224_1224" class="fnanchor">[1224]</a> threw him down again. +Twice more he stands up; but a fourth time he receives a +thrust from a lance, he staggers, and sinking beneath so +many wounds, falls on his knees. Does not the darkness +that is spreading around him announce a still thicker darkness +that is about to cover the Church? Zwingle turns +away from such sad thoughts; once more he uplifts that head +which had been so bold, and gazing with calm eye upon +the trickling blood, exclaims: "What evil is this? They +can indeed kill the body, but they cannot kill the soul!"<a name="FNanchor_1225_1225" id="FNanchor_1225_1225"></a><a href="#Footnote_1225_1225" class="fnanchor">[1225]</a> +These were his last words.</p> + +<p>He had scarcely uttered them ere he fell backwards. +There under a tree (Zwingle's Pear-tree) in a meadow, he +remained lying on his back, with clasped hands and eyes upturned +to heaven.<a name="FNanchor_1226_1226" id="FNanchor_1226_1226"></a><a href="#Footnote_1226_1226" class="fnanchor">[1226]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE FURNACE OF TRIAL.</div> + +<p>While the bravest were pursuing the scattered soldiers of +Zurich, the stragglers of the Five Cantons had pounced like +hungry ravens on the field of battle. Torch in hand, these +wretches prowled among the dead, casting looks of irritation +around them, and lighting up the features of their expiring +victims by the dull glimmering of these funereal torches. +They turned over the bodies of the wounded and the dead;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_461" id="Page_461">[461]</a></span> +they tortured and they stripped them.<a name="FNanchor_1227_1227" id="FNanchor_1227_1227"></a><a href="#Footnote_1227_1227" class="fnanchor">[1227]</a> If they found any +who were still sensible, they cried out, "Call upon the saints +and confess to our priests!" If the Zurichers, faithful to +their creed, rejected these cruel invitations, these men, who +were as cowardly as they were fanatical, pierced them with +their lances, or dashed out their brains with the butt-ends of +their arquebuses. The Roman-catholic historian, Salat of Lucerne, +makes a boast of this. "They were left to die like +infidel dogs, or were slain with the sword, or the spear, that +they might go so much the quicker to the devil, with whose +help they had fought so desperately."<a name="FNanchor_1228_1228" id="FNanchor_1228_1228"></a><a href="#Footnote_1228_1228" class="fnanchor">[1228]</a> If any of the soldiers +of the Five Cantons had recognised a Zuricher against whom +they had any grudge, with dry eyes, disdainful mouth, and +features changed by anger, they drew near the unhappy +creature, writhing in the agonies of death, and said: "Well! +has your heretical faith preserved you? Ah ha! it was +pretty clearly seen to-day who had the true faith......To-day +we have dragged your Gospel in the mud, and you +too, even you are covered with your own blood. God, the +Virgin, and the saints have punished you." Scarcely had +they uttered these words before they plunged their swords +into their enemy's bosom. "Mass or death!" was their +watchword.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ZWINGLE'S LAST MOMENTS.</div> + +<p>Thus triumphed the Waldstettes; but the pious Zurichers +who expired on the field of battle called to mind that they +had for God one who has said: "<i>If ye endure chastening, God +dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the +father chasteneth not?</i>"—"<i>Though he slay me, yet will I +trust in him.</i>" It is in the furnace of trial that the God of +the Gospel conceals the pure gold of his most precious blessings. +This punishment was necessary to turn aside the +Church of Zurich from the "broad ways" of the world, +and lead it back to the "narrow ways" of the Spirit and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_462" id="Page_462">[462]</a></span> +life. In a political history, a defeat like that of Cappel +would be styled a great misfortune; but in a history of +the Church of Jesus Christ, such a blow, inflicted by the +hand of the Father himself, ought rather to be called a great +blessing.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile Zwingle lay extended under the tree, near the +road by which the mass of the people was passing. The +shouts of the victors, the groans of the dying, those flickering +torches borne from corpse to corpse, Zurich humbled, the +cause of Reform lost,—all cried aloud to him that God +punishes his servants when they have recourse to the arm +of man. If the German Reformer had been able to approach +Zwingle at this solemn moment, and pronounce these +oft-repeated words: "Christians fight not with sword and +arquebus, but with sufferings and the cross,"<a name="FNanchor_1229_1229" id="FNanchor_1229_1229"></a><a href="#Footnote_1229_1229" class="fnanchor">[1229]</a> Zwingle +would have stretched out his dying hand, and said, "Amen!"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">DAY AFTER THE BATTLE.</div> + +<p>Two of the soldiers who were prowling over the field of +battle, having come near the reformer without recognising +him, "Do you wish for a priest to confess yourself?" +asked they. Zwingle, without speaking (for he had not +strength), made signs in the negative. "If you cannot +speak," replied the soldiers, "at least think in thy heart of +the Mother of God, and call upon the saints!" Zwingle again +shook his head, and kept his eyes still fixed on heaven.<a name="FNanchor_1230_1230" id="FNanchor_1230_1230"></a><a href="#Footnote_1230_1230" class="fnanchor">[1230]</a> +Upon this the irritated soldiers began to curse him. "No +doubt," said they, "you are one of the heretics of the +city!" One of them, being curious to know who it was, +stooped down and turned Zwingle's head in the direction of +a fire that had been lighted near the spot.<a name="FNanchor_1231_1231" id="FNanchor_1231_1231"></a><a href="#Footnote_1231_1231" class="fnanchor">[1231]</a> The soldier immediately +let him fall to the ground. "I think," said he, surprised +and amazed, "I think it is Zwingle!" At this moment +Captain Fockinger of Unterwalden, a veteran and a pensioner, +drew near: he had heard the last words of the soldier.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_463" id="Page_463">[463]</a></span> +"Zwingle!" exclaimed he; "that vile heretic Zwingle! +that rascal, that traitor!" Then raising his sword, so long +sold to the stranger, he struck the dying Christian on the +throat, exclaiming in a violent passion, "Die, obstinate +heretic!" Yielding under this last blow, the reformer gave +up the ghost: he was doomed to perish by the sword of a +mercenary. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death +of his saints." The soldiers ran to other victims. All did +not show the same barbarity. The night was cold; a +thick hoar-frost covered the fields and the bodies of the +dying. The Protestant historian, Bullinger, informs us that +some Waldstettes gently raised the wounded in their arms, +bound up their wounds, and carried them to the fires lighted +on the field of battle. "Ah!" cried they, "why have the +Swiss thus slaughtered one another!"</p> + +<p>The main body of the army had remained on the field +of battle near the standards. The soldiers conversed around +the fires, interrupted from time to time by the cries of the +dying. During this time the chiefs assembled in the convent +sent messengers to carry the news of their signal victory +to the confederate cantons, and to the Roman-catholic powers +of Germany.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">BARBAROUS OUTRAGE.</div> + +<p>At length the day appeared. The Waldstettes spread +over the field of battle, running here and there, stopping, contemplating, +struck with surprise at the sight of their most +formidable enemies stretched lifeless on the plain; but sometimes +also shedding tears as they gazed on corpses which +reminded them of old and sacred ties of friendship. At +length they reached the pear-tree under which Zwingle lay +dead, and an immense crowd collected around it. His countenance +still beamed with expression and with life. "He has +the look," said Bartholomew Stocker of Zug, who had loved +him, "he has the look of a living rather than of a dead man.<a name="FNanchor_1232_1232" id="FNanchor_1232_1232"></a><a href="#Footnote_1232_1232" class="fnanchor">[1232]</a> +Such he was when he kindled the people by the fire of his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_464" id="Page_464">[464]</a></span> +eloquence." All eyes were fixed upon the corpse. John +Schnbrunner, formerly canon of Zurich, who had retired to +Zug at the epoch of the Reformation, could not restrain his +tears; "Whatever may have been thy creed," said he, "I +know, Zwingle, that thou hast been a loyal confederate! May +thy soul rest with God!"</p> + +<p>But the pensioners of the foreigner, on whom Zwingle had +never ceased to make war, required that the body of the heretic +should be dismembered, and a portion sent to each of the Five +Cantons. "Peace be to the dead! and God alone be their +Judge!" exclaimed the avoyer Golder and the landamman +Thoss of Zug. Cries of fury answered their appeal, and compelled +them to retire. Immediately the drums beat to muster; +the dead body was tried, and it was decreed that it +should be quartered for treason against the Confederation, and +then burnt for heresy. The executioner of Lucerne carried +out the sentence. Flames consumed Zwingle's disjointed +members; the ashes of swine were mingled with his: and a +lawless multitude rushing upon his remains, flung them to the +four winds of heaven.<a name="FNanchor_1233_1233" id="FNanchor_1233_1233"></a><a href="#Footnote_1233_1233" class="fnanchor">[1233]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">CONSTERNATION OF ZURICH.</div> + +<p>Zwingle was dead. A great light had been extinguished +in the Church of God. Mighty by the Word as were the +other reformers, he had been more so than they in action; but +this very power had been his weakness, and he had fallen +under the weight of his own strength. Zwingle was not +forty-eight years old when he died. If the might of God +always accompanied the might of man, what would he not +have done for the Reformation in Switzerland, and even in the +Empire! But he had wielded an arm that God had forbidden; +the helmet had covered his head, and he had grasped the +halberd. His more devoted friends were themselves astonished, +and exclaimed: "we know not what to say!......a bishop +in arms!"<a name="FNanchor_1234_1234" id="FNanchor_1234_1234"></a><a href="#Footnote_1234_1234" class="fnanchor">[1234]</a> The bolt had furrowed the cloud, the blow had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_465" id="Page_465">[465]</a></span> +reached the reformer, and his body was no more than a handful +of dust in the palm of a soldier.</p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<div class="sidenote">VIOLENCE OF THE POPULACE.</div> + +<p>IX. Frightful darkness hung over Zurich during the night +that followed the afflicting day of Cappel. It was seven in +the evening when the first news of the disaster arrived......Vague +but alarming reports spread at first with the rapidity +of lightning. It was known that a terrible blow had been +inflicted, but not of what kind; but soon a few wounded +men, who arrived from the field of battle, cleared up the +frightful mystery. "Then," said Bullinger, whom we shall +allow to speak, "there arose suddenly a loud and horrible +cry of lamentation and tears, bewailing and groaning." The +consternation was so much the greater that no one had expected +this disaster. "There is not enough for a breakfast," +had said some haughty worldly men; "With one blow we +shall be masters of the <i>Five Chalets</i>," had said another; and +an old soldier added with disdainful sneer, "We shall soon +have scattered these five dunghills." The christian portion, +convinced that Zurich was fighting in a good cause, had not +doubted that victory would be on the side of truth......Thus +their first stupefaction was succeeded by a violent outburst +of rage. With blind fury the mob accused all their chiefs, +and loaded with insults even those who had defended their +country at the price of their blood. An immense crowd—agitated, +pale, and bewildered, filled all the streets of the city. +They meet, they question and reply; they question again, +and the answer cannot be heard, for the shouts of the people +interrupted or drowned the voice of the speakers. The +councillors who had remained in Zurich, repaired in haste to +the town-hall. The people, who had already assembled there +in crowds, looked on with threatening eyes. Accusations of +treason burst from every mouth, and the patricians were +pointed out to the general indignation. They must have +victims. "Before going to fight against the enemy on the +frontiers," said the mob, "we should defend ourselves against +those who are within our walls." Sorrow and fear excited the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_466" id="Page_466">[466]</a></span> +minds of all. That savage instinct of the populace, which in +great calamities leads them, like a wild beast, to thirst for +blood, was violently aroused.</p> + +<p>A hand from the midst of the crowd points out the council-hall, +and a harsh and piercing voice exclaims: "Let us +chop off the heads of some of the men who sit in these halls, +and let their blood ascend to heaven, to beg for mercy in +behalf of those whom they have slain."</p> + +<p>But this fury is nothing in comparison with that which +breaks out against the ministers, against Zwingle, and all +those Christians who were the cause (say they) of the ruin of +the country. Fortunately the sword of the Waldstettes had +withdrawn them from the rage of their fellow-citizens; +nevertheless, there still remained some who could pay for +the others. Leo Juda, whom Zwingle's death was about +to raise to the head of religious affairs, had scarcely recovered +from a serious illness; it is on him they rush. They +threaten, they pursue him; a few worthy citizens carry him +off and hide him in their houses. The rage of these madmen +is not appeased: they continue shouting that atonement +must be made for the slaughter at Cappel, by a still +more frightful slaughter within the very walls of the city. +But God placed a curb in the mouths of these infuriate beasts +of prey, and subdued them.</p> + +<p>On a sudden, grief succeeded to rage, and sobs choked +the utterance of the most furious. All those whose relatives +had marched to Cappel, imagine that they are among the +number of the victims. Old men, women, and children, go +forth in the darkness by the glimmering light of torches, with +haggard eyes and hurried steps; and as soon as some wounded +man arrives, they question him with trembling voice about +those whom they are seeking. To some they reply: "I saw +him fall close by my side.—He was surrounded by so many +enemies," they say to others, "that there was no chance of +safety for him."<a name="FNanchor_1235_1235" id="FNanchor_1235_1235"></a><a href="#Footnote_1235_1235" class="fnanchor">[1235]</a> At these words the distracted family +drop their torches, and fill the air with shrieks and groans.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ZWINGLE IS DEAD.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_467" id="Page_467">[467]</a></span>Anna Zwingle had heard from her house the repeated +discharges of artillery. As wife and mother, she had passed +in expectation many long hours of anguish, offering fervent +prayers to heaven. At length the most terrible accounts, +one after another, burst upon her.</p> + +<p>In the midst of those whose cries of despair re-echoed +along the road to Cappel, was Oswald Myconius, who inquired +with anxiety what had become of his friend. Soon +he hears one of the unfortunates who had escaped from the +massacre, relating to those around him that Zwingle had +fallen!<a name="FNanchor_1236_1236" id="FNanchor_1236_1236"></a><a href="#Footnote_1236_1236" class="fnanchor">[1236]</a>.....Zwingle is no more! Zwingle is dead! The +cry is repeated: it runs through Zurich with the rapidity +of lightning, and at length reaches the unhappy widow. +Anna falls on her knees. But the loss of her husband is not +enough: God has inflicted other blows. Messengers following +each other at short intervals announce to her the death +of her son Gerold of Knonau, of her brother the bailiff of +Reinhardt, of her son-in-law Antony Wirz, of John Lustchi +the husband of her dear sister, as well as of all her most +intimate friends. This woman remains alone—alone with +her God; alone with her young children, who, as they see +her tears, weep also, and throw themselves disconsolate +into their mother's arms.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FUNERAL ORATION.</div> + +<p>On a sudden the alarm-bell rings. The council, distracted +by the most contrary opinions, has at last resolved +to summon all the citizens towards the Albis. But the +sound of the tocsin re-echoing through the darkness, the lamentable +stories of the wounded, and the distressful groans +of bereaved families, still further increased the tumult. A +numerous and disorderly troop of citizens rushed along +the road to Cappel. Among them is the Valaisan, Thomas +Plater. Here he meets with a man that has but one hand,<a name="FNanchor_1237_1237" id="FNanchor_1237_1237"></a><a href="#Footnote_1237_1237" class="fnanchor">[1237]</a>—there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_468" id="Page_468">[468]</a></span> +with others who supported their wounded and bleeding +heads with both hands;—further still is a soldier whose +bowels protrude from his body. In front of these unhappy +creatures peasants are walking with lighted torches, for +the night is very dark. Plater wishes to return; but he +cannot, for sentinels placed on the bridge over the Sihl +allow persons to quit Zurich, but permit no one to reenter.</p> + +<p>On the morrow the news of the disgraceful treatment of +Zwingle's corpse aroused all the anger of Zurich; and his +friends, uplifting their tear-bedimmed eyes, exclaimed, +"These men may fall upon his body; they may kindle their +piles, and brand his innocent life......but he lives—this invincible +hero lives in eternity, and leaves behind him an immortal +monument of glory that no flames can destroy.<a name="FNanchor_1238_1238" id="FNanchor_1238_1238"></a><a href="#Footnote_1238_1238" class="fnanchor">[1238]</a> God, +for whose honour he has labored, even at the price of his +blood, will make his memory eternal." "And I," adds Leo +Juda, "I, upon whom he has heaped so many blessings, will +endeavour, after so many others, to defend his renown and to +extol his virtues." Thus Zurich consecrated to Zwingle a +funeral oration of tears and sighs, of gratitude and cries of +anguish. Never was there a funeral speech more eloquent!</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ARMY OF ZURICH.</div> + +<p>Zurich rallied her forces. John Steiner had collected on +the Albis some scattered fragments of the army for the +defence of the pass: they bivouacked around their fires on +the summit of the mountain, and all were in disorder. Plater, +benumbed with cold (it is himself who gives us the account), +had drawn off his boots to warm his feet at the watch-fire. +On a sudden an alarm is given, the troop is hastily +drawn up, and, while Plater is getting ready, a trumpeter, +who had escaped from the battle, seizes his halberd. Plater +takes it back, and stations himself in the ranks; before him +stands the trumpeter, without hat or shoes, and armed with a +long pole. Such is the army of Zurich.</p> + +<p>The chief captain Lavater rejoined the army at daybreak.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_469" id="Page_469">[469]</a></span> +Gradually the allies came up; 1200 Grisons, under the orders +of the captain-general Frey of Zurich, 1500 Thurgovians, +600 Tockenburgers, and other auxiliaries besides, soon +formed an army of 12,000 men. All, even children, ran +to arms. The council gave orders that these young folks<a name="FNanchor_1239_1239" id="FNanchor_1239_1239"></a><a href="#Footnote_1239_1239" class="fnanchor">[1239]</a> +should be sent back to share in the domestic duties with the +women.</p> + +<p>Another reverse erelong augmented the desolation of the +Reformed party. While the troops of Berne, Zurich, Basle, +and Bienne, amounting to 24,000 men, were assembling at +Bremgarten, the Five Cantons intrenched themselves at Baar, +near Zug. But Zwingle was wanting to the Reformed army, +and he would have been the only man capable of inspiring +them with courage. A gust of wind having thrown down +a few fir-trees in the forest where the Zurichers were encamped, +and caused the death of some of their soldiers, they failed +not to see in this the signal for fresh reverses.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">INACTIVITY OF THE BERNESE.</div> + +<p>Nevertheless, Frey called loudly for battle; but the Bernese +commandant Diesbach refused. Upon this the Zurich +captain set off in the night of the 23d October at the head +of 4000 men of Zurich, Schaffhausen, Basle, and St. Gall; +and, while the Bernese were sleeping quietly, he turned the +Waldstettes, drove their outposts beyond the Sihl, and took +his station on the heights that overlook the Goubel. His +imprudent soldiers, believing victory to be certain, proudly +waved their banners, and then sunk into a heavy sleep. The +Waldstettes had observed all. On the 24th October, at two +in the morning, by a bright moonlight, they quitted their camp +in profound silence, leaving their fires burning, and wearing +their white shirts over their dresses that they might recognise +one another in the obscurity. Their watch-word was +"Mary, the mother of God." They glided stealthily into +a pine forest, near which the Reformed troops were encamped. +The men stationed at the advanced guard of the +Zurichers having perceived the enemy, ran up to the fires to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_470" id="Page_470">[470]</a></span> +arouse their friends, but they had scarcely reached the third +fire before the Waldstettes appeared, uttering a frightful +shout.<a name="FNanchor_1240_1240" id="FNanchor_1240_1240"></a><a href="#Footnote_1240_1240" class="fnanchor">[1240]</a> "Har......Har......Har......Har!......Where are these +impious heretics?......Har......Har......Har......Har?" +The army of the cities at first made a vigorous resistance, +and many of the white-shirts fell covered with blood; but this +did not continue long. The bravest, with the valiant Frey +at their head, having bitten the dust, the rout became general, +and 800 men were left on the field of battle.</p> + +<p>In the midst of these afflictions the Bernese remained +stubborn and motionless. Francis Kolb, who, notwithstanding +his advanced age, had accompanied the Bernese contingent +as chaplain, reproached in a sermon the negligence and +cowardice of his party. "Your ancestors," said he, "would +have swam across the Rhine, and you—this little stream +stops you! They went to battle for a word, and you even +the Gospel cannot move. For us it only remains to commit +our cause to God." Many voices were raised against the +imprudent old man, but others took up his defence; and the +captain, Jacques May, being as indignant as the aged chaplain +at the delays of his fellow-citizens, drew his sword, and thrusting +it into the folds of the Bernese banner, pricked the bear +that was represented on it, and cried out in the presence of the +whole army, "You knave, will you not show your claws?"<a name="FNanchor_1241_1241" id="FNanchor_1241_1241"></a><a href="#Footnote_1241_1241" class="fnanchor">[1241]</a> +But the bear remained motionless.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">JOY OF THE ROMANISTS.</div> + +<p>The whole of the Reformation was compromised. Scarcely +had Ferdinand received intelligence of the death of the +arch-heretic Zwingle, and of the defeat at Cappel, than with +an exclamation of joy, he forwarded these good news to his +brother the Emperor Charles the Fifth. "This is the first +of the victories destined to restore the faith," he had written. +After the defeat at the Goubel, he wrote again, saying that +if the Emperor were not so near at hand, he would not +hesitate, however weak he might be, to rush forward in person,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_471" id="Page_471">[471]</a></span> +sword in hand, to terminate so righteous an enterprise. +"Remember," said he, "that you are the first prince in +Christendom, and that you will never have a better opportunity +of covering yourself with glory. Assist the cantons with +your troops; the German sects will perish, when they are no +longer supported by heretical Switzerland."<a name="FNanchor_1242_1242" id="FNanchor_1242_1242"></a><a href="#Footnote_1242_1242" class="fnanchor">[1242]</a>—"The more +I reflect," replied Charles, "the more I am pleased with +your advice. The imperial dignity with which I am invested, +the protection that I owe to Christendom and to public +order, in a word, the safety of the house of Austria,—everything +appeals to me!"</p> + +<p>Already about two thousand Italian soldiers, sent by the +Pope and commanded by the Genoese De l'Isola, had unfolded +their seven standards, and united near Zug with the +army of the Five Cantons. Auxiliary troops, diplomatic +negotiations, and even missionaries to convert the heretics, +were not spared. The Bishop of Veroli arrived in Switzerland +in order to bring back the Lutherans to the Roman faith +by means of his friends and of his money.<a name="FNanchor_1243_1243" id="FNanchor_1243_1243"></a><a href="#Footnote_1243_1243" class="fnanchor">[1243]</a> The Roman +politicians hailed the victory at Cappel as the signal of the +restoration of the Papal authority, not only in Switzerland, +but throughout the whole of Christendom.<a name="FNanchor_1244_1244" id="FNanchor_1244_1244"></a><a href="#Footnote_1244_1244" class="fnanchor">[1244]</a> At last this presumptuous +Reformation was about to be repressed. Instead +of the great deliverance of which Zwingle had dreamt, the +imperial eagle let loose by the Papacy was about to pounce on +all Europe, and strangle it in its talons. The cause of liberty +had perished on the Albis.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">END OF THE WAR.</div> + +<p>But the hopes of the Papists were vain: the cause of the +Gospel, although humbled at this moment, was destined finally +to gain a glorious victory. A cloud may hide the sun for a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_472" id="Page_472">[472]</a></span> +time: but the cloud passes and the sun reappears. Jesus +Christ is always the same, and the gates of hell, which triumphed +on the field of Cappel, cannot prevail against his +Church.</p> + +<p>Nevertheless everything seemed advancing towards a grand +catastrophe. The Tockenburgers made peace and retired. +The Thurgovians followed them; and next the people of +Gaster. The evangelical army was thus gradually disbanded. +The severity of the season was joined to these dissensions. +Continual storms of wind and rain drove the soldiers +to their homes.</p> + +<p>Upon this the Five Cantons with the undisciplined bands +of the Italian general Isola threw themselves on the left bank +of the lake of Zurich. The alarm bell was rung on every +side; the peasants retired in crowds into the city, with their +weeping wives, their frightened children, and their cattle that +filled the air with sullen lowings. A report too was circulated +that the enemy intended laying siege to Zurich. The +country-people in alarm declared that if the city refused to +treat, they would treat on their own account.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">RESTORATION OF POPERY.</div> + +<p>The peace party prevailed in the council; deputies were +elected to negotiate. "Above all things, preserve the Gospel, +and then our honour, as far as may be possible!" Such +were their instructions. On the 16th November, the deputies +from Zurich arrived in a meadow situated near the +frontier, on the banks of the Sihl, in which the representatives +of the Five Cantons awaited them. They proceeded to the +deliberations. "In the name of the most honourable, holy, +and divine Trinity," began the treaty, "Firstly, we the people +of Zurich bind ourselves and agree to leave our trusty +and well-beloved confederates of the Five Cantons, their well-beloved +co-burghers of the Valais, and all their adherents +lay and ecclesiastic, in their true and indubitable Christian +faith,<a name="FNanchor_1245_1245" id="FNanchor_1245_1245"></a><a href="#Footnote_1245_1245" class="fnanchor">[1245]</a> renouncing all evil intention, tricks, and stratagems.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_473" id="Page_473">[473]</a></span> +And, on our side, we of the Five Cantons agree to leave our +confederates of Zurich and their allies in possession of their +faith."<a name="FNanchor_1246_1246" id="FNanchor_1246_1246"></a><a href="#Footnote_1246_1246" class="fnanchor">[1246]</a> At the same time, Rapperswyl, Gaster, Wesen, +Bremgarten, Mellingen, and the common bailiwicks, were +abandoned to the Five Cantons.</p> + +<p>Zurich had preserved its faith; and that was all. The +treaty having been read and approved of, the plenipotentiaries +got off their horses, fell upon their knees, and called +upon the name of God.<a name="FNanchor_1247_1247" id="FNanchor_1247_1247"></a><a href="#Footnote_1247_1247" class="fnanchor">[1247]</a> Then the new captain-general of +the Zurichers, Escher, a hasty and eloquent old man, rising +up, said as he turned towards the Waldstettes: "God be +praised that I can again call you my well-beloved confederates!" +and approaching them, he shook hands successively +with Golder, Hug, Troger, Rychmut, Marquart, Zellger, and +Toss, the terrible victors at Cappel. All eyes were filled +with tears.<a name="FNanchor_1248_1248" id="FNanchor_1248_1248"></a><a href="#Footnote_1248_1248" class="fnanchor">[1248]</a> Each took with trembling hand the bottle suspended +at his side, and offered a draught to one of the chiefs +of the opposite party. Shortly after a similar treaty was concluded +with Berne.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p>X. The restoration of Popery immediately commenced in +Switzerland, and Rome showed herself everywhere proud, +exacting, and ambitious.</p> + +<p>After the battle of Cappel, the Romish minority at Glaris +had resumed the upperhand. It marched with Schwytz +against Wesen and the district of the Gaster. On the eve +of the invasion, at midnight, twelve deputies came and threw +themselves at the feet of the Schwytzer chiefs, who were +satisfied with confiscating the national banners of these two +districts, with suppressing their tribunals, annulling their +ancient liberties, and condemning some to banishment, and +others to pay a heavy fine. Next the mass, the altars, and +images were everywhere re-established, and exist until the +present day.<a name="FNanchor_1249_1249" id="FNanchor_1249_1249"></a><a href="#Footnote_1249_1249" class="fnanchor">[1249]</a> Such was the pardon of Schwytz!</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_474" id="Page_474">[474]</a></span></p> +<p>It was especially on Bremgarten, Mellingen, and the free +bailiwicks that the Cantons proposed to inflict a terrible vengeance. +Berne having recalled its army, Mutschli, the +avoyer of Bremgarten, followed Diesbach as far as Arau. In +vain did the former remind the Bernese that it was only according +to the orders of Berne and Zurich that Bremgarten +had blockaded the Five Cantons. "Bend to circumstances," +replied the general. On this the wretched Mutschli, turning +away from the pitiless Bernese, exclaimed, "The prophet +Jeremiah has well said,—<i>Cursed be he that trusteth in man!</i>" +The Swiss and Italian bands entered furiously into these +flourishing districts, brandishing their weapons, inflicting +heavy fines on all the inhabitants, compelling the Gospel +ministers to flee, and restoring everywhere at the point of the +sword, mass, idols, and altars.</p> + +<p>On the other side of the lake the misfortune was still +greater. On the 18th November, while the Reformed of +Repperschwyl were sleeping peacefully in reliance on the +treaties, an army from Schwytz silently passed the wooden +bridge nearly 2000 feet long which crosses the lake, and was +admitted into the city by the Romish party. On a sudden +the Reformed awoke at the loud pealing of the bells, and the +tumultuous voices of the Catholics: the greater part quitted +the city. One of them, however, by name Michael Wohlgemuth, +barricaded his house, placed arquebuses at every +window, and repelled the attack. The exasperated enemy +brought up some heavy pieces of artillery, besieged this extemporaneous +citadel in regular form, and Wohlgemuth was +soon taken and put to death in the midst of horrible tortures.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ŒCOLAMPADIUS.</div> + +<p>Nowhere had the struggle been more violent than at Soleure: +the two parties were drawn up in battle-array on each +side of the Aar, and the Romanists had already discharged +one ball against the opposite bank, another was about to follow, +when the avoyer Wenge, throwing himself on the mouth +of the cannon, cried out earnestly: "Fellow-citizens, let there +be no bloodshed, or else let me be your first victim!" The +astonished multitude dropped their arms; but seventy Evangelical<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_475" id="Page_475">[475]</a></span> +families were obliged to emigrate, and Soleure returned +under the Papal yoke.</p> + +<p>The deserted cells of St. Gall, Muri, Einsideln, Wettingen, +Rheinau, St. Catherine, Hermetshwyll and Guadenthall witnessed +the triumphant return of Benedictines, Franciscans, +Dominicans, and all the Romish militia; priests and monks, +intoxicated with their victory, overran country and town, and +prepared for new conquests.</p> + +<p>The wind of adversity was blowing with fury: the Evangelical +Churches fell one after another, like the pines in the +forest whose fall before the battle of the Goubel had raised +such gloomy presentiments. The Five Cantons, full of gratitude +to the Virgin, made a solemn pilgrimage to her temple +at Einsideln. The chaplains celebrated anew their mysteries +in this desolated sanctuary; the abbot, who had no monks, +sent a number of youths into Swabia to be trained up in the +rules of the order, and this famous chapel, which Zwingle's +voice had converted into a sanctuary for the Word, became +for Switzerland, what it has remained until this day, the centre +of the power and of the intrigues of the Papacy.</p> + +<p>But this was not enough. At the very time that these +flourishing churches were falling to the ground, the Reform +witnessed the extinction of its brightest lights. A blow from +a stone had slain the energetic Zwingle on the field of battle, +and the rebound reached the pacific Œcolampadius at Basle, +in the midst of a life that was wholly evangelical. The death +of his friend, the severe judgments with which they pursued +his memory, the terror that had suddenly taken the place +of the hopes he had entertained of the future—all these sorrows +rent the heart of Œcolampadius, and soon his head +and his life inclined sadly to the tomb. "Alas!" cried he, +"that Zwingle, whom I have so long regarded as my right +arm, has fallen under the blows of cruel enemies!"<a name="FNanchor_1250_1250" id="FNanchor_1250_1250"></a><a href="#Footnote_1250_1250" class="fnanchor">[1250]</a> He +recovered, however, sufficient energy to defend the memory +of his brother. "It was not," said he, "on the heads of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_476" id="Page_476">[476]</a></span> +most guilty that the wrath of Pilate and the tower of Siloam +fell. The judgment began in the house of God; our presumption +has been punished; let our trust be placed now on +the Lord alone, and this will be an inestimable gain." Œcolampadius +declined the call of Zurich to take the place of +Zwingle. "My post is here," said he, as he looked at Basle.</p> + +<p>He was not destined to hold it long. Illness fell upon +him in addition to so many afflictions; the plague was in +the city; a violent inflammation attacked him,<a name="FNanchor_1251_1251" id="FNanchor_1251_1251"></a><a href="#Footnote_1251_1251" class="fnanchor">[1251]</a> and erelong +a tranquil scene succeeded the tumult of Cappel. A peaceful +death calmed the agitated hearts of the faithful, and replaced +by sweet, tranquil, and heavenly emotions, the terror +and distress with which a terrible disaster had filled them.</p> + +<p>On hearing of the danger of Œcolampadius, all the city +was plunged into mourning; a crowd of men of every age +and of every rank rushed to his house. "Rejoice," said the +reformer with a meek look, "I am going to a place of everlasting +joy." He then commemorated the death of our Lord +with his wife, his relations, and domestics, who shed floods +of tears. "This supper," said the dying man, "is a sign of +my real faith in Jesus Christ my Redeemer."</p> + +<p>On the morrow he sent for his colleagues: "My brethren," +said he, "the Lord is there; he calls me away. Oh! my +brethren, what a black cloud is appearing on the horizon—what +a tempest is approaching! Be steadfast: the Lord will +preserve his own." He then held out his hand, and all these +faithful ministers, clasped it with veneration.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">DEATH OF ŒCOLAMPADIUS.</div> + +<p>On the 23d November, he called his children around him, +the eldest of whom was barely three years old. "Eusebius, +Irene, Alethea," said he to them, as he took their little hands, +"love God who is your Father." Their mother having promised +for them, the children retired with the blessing of the +dying servant of God. The night that followed this scene was +his last. All the pastors were around his bed: "What is the +news?" asked Œcolampadius of a friend who came in.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_477" id="Page_477">[477]</a></span> +"Nothing," was the reply. "Well," said the faithful disciple +of Jesus, "I will tell you something new." His friends +awaited in astonishment. "In a short time I shall be with +the Lord Jesus." One of his friends now asking him if he +was incommoded by the light, he replied, putting his hand on +his heart: "There is light enough here." The day began +to break; he repeated in a feeble voice the 51st Psalm: +<i>Have mercy upon me, O Lord, according to thy loving kindness</i>. +Then remaining silent, as if he wished to recover strength, +he said, "Lord Jesus, help me!" The ten pastors fell on +their knees around his bed with uplifted hands; at this moment +the sun rose, and darted his earliest rays on a scene of +sorrow so great and so afflicting with which the Church of +God was again stricken.<a name="FNanchor_1252_1252" id="FNanchor_1252_1252"></a><a href="#Footnote_1252_1252" class="fnanchor">[1252]</a></p> + +<p>The death of this servant of the Lord was like his life, +full of light and peace. Œcolampadius was in an especial +degree the Christian spiritualist and biblical divine. The +importance he attached to the study of the books of the Old +Testament imprinted one of its most essential characters on +the reformed theology.<a name="FNanchor_1253_1253" id="FNanchor_1253_1253"></a><a href="#Footnote_1253_1253" class="fnanchor">[1253]</a> Considered as a man of action, his +moderation and meekness placed him in the second rank. +Had he been able to exert more of this peaceful spirit over +Zwingle, great misfortunes perhaps might have been avoided. +But like all men of meek disposition, his peaceful character +yielded too much to the energetic will of the minister of Zurich; +and he thus renounced, in part at least, the legitimate +influence that he might have exercised over the reformer of +Switzerland and of the Church.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">HENRY BULLINGER.</div> + +<p>Zwingle and Œcolampadius had fallen. There was a +great void and great sorrow in the Church of Christ. Dissensions<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_478" id="Page_478">[478]</a></span> +disappeared before these two tombs, and nothing +could be seen but tears. Luther himself was moved. On +receiving the news of these two deaths, he called to mind +the days he had passed with Zwingle and Œcolampadius at +Marburg; and the blow inflicted on him by their sudden decease +was such, that many years after he said to Bullinger: +"Their death filled me with such intense sorrow, that I was +near dying myself."<a name="FNanchor_1254_1254" id="FNanchor_1254_1254"></a><a href="#Footnote_1254_1254" class="fnanchor">[1254]</a></p> + +<p>The youthful Henry Bullinger, threatened with the scaffold, +had been compelled to flee from Bremgarten, his native +town, with his aged father, his colleagues, and sixty of the +principal inhabitants, who abandoned their houses to the pillage +of the Waldstettes.<a name="FNanchor_1255_1255" id="FNanchor_1255_1255"></a><a href="#Footnote_1255_1255" class="fnanchor">[1255]</a> Three days after this, he was +preaching in the cathedral of Zurich: "No! Zwingle is not +dead!" exclaimed Myconius; "or, like the phœnix, he has +risen again from his ashes." Bullinger was unanimously +chosen to succeed the great reformer. He adopted Zwingle's +orphan children, Wilhelm, Regula, and Ulric, and endeavoured +to supply the place of their father. This young man, +scarcely twenty-eight years of age, and who presided forty +years with wisdom and blessing over this church, was everywhere +greeted as the apostle of Switzerland.<a name="FNanchor_1256_1256" id="FNanchor_1256_1256"></a><a href="#Footnote_1256_1256" class="fnanchor">[1256]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">CONTRITION OF ZURICH.</div> + +<p>Yet as the sea roars long after the violent tempest has +subsided, so the people of Zurich were still in commotion. +Many were agitated from on high. They came to themselves; +they acknowledged their error; the weapons of their warfare +had been carnal; they were now of a contrite and humble +spirit; they arose and went to their Father and confessed +their sin. In those days there was a great mourning in +Zurich. Some, however, stood up with pride, protested by +the mouth of their ministers against the work of the diplomatists, +and boldly stigmatized the shameful compact. "If the +shepherds sleep, the dogs must bark," exclaimed Leo Juda<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_479" id="Page_479">[479]</a></span> +in the cathedral of Zurich. "My duty is to give warning +of the evil they are about to do to my Master's house."<a name="FNanchor_1257_1257" id="FNanchor_1257_1257"></a><a href="#Footnote_1257_1257" class="fnanchor">[1257]</a></p> + +<p>Nothing could equal the sorrow of this city, except the exultation +of the Waldstettes. The noise of drums and fifes, +the firing of guns, the ringing of bells, had long resounded +on the banks of their lakes, and even to their highest valleys. +Now the noise was less, but the effect greater. The Five +Cantons, in close alliance with Friburg and Soleure, formed +a perpetual league for the defence of the ancient christian +faith with the Bishop of Sion and the tithings of the Valais; +and henceforward carried their measures in the federal affairs +with boldness. But a deep conviction was formed at that +period in the hearts of the Swiss Reformed. "Faith comes +from God," said they; "its fortune does not depend on the life +or death of a man. Let our adversaries boast of our ruin, we +will boast only in the Cross."<a name="FNanchor_1258_1258" id="FNanchor_1258_1258"></a><a href="#Footnote_1258_1258" class="fnanchor">[1258]</a> "God reigns," wrote Berne +to Zurich, "and he will not permit the bark to founder." +This conviction was of more avail than the victory of Cappel.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CONCLUSION.</div> + +<p>Thus the Reformation, that had deviated from the right +path, was driven back by the very violence of the blow into +its primitive course, having no other power than the Word of +God. An inconceivable infatuation had taken possession of +the friends of the Bible. They had forgotten that our warfare +is not carnal; and they had appealed to arms and to +battle. But God reigns: he punishes the churches and the +people who turn aside from his ways. We have thus taken +a few stones, and piled them as a monument on the battle-field +of Cappel, in order to remind the Church of the great +lesson which this terrible catastrophe teaches. As we bid +farewell to this sad scene, we inscribe on these monumental +stones, on the one side, these words from God's Book: +"<i>Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember +the name of the Lord our God. They are brought down +and fallen: but we are risen and stand upright.</i>" And on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_480" id="Page_480">[480]</a></span> +the other, this declaration of the Head of the Church: "<i>My +kingdom is not of this world.</i>" If, from the ashes of the +martyrs at Cappel, a voice could be heard, it would be these +very words of the Bible that these noble confessors would +address, after three centuries, to the Christians of our days. +That the Church has no other king than Jesus Christ; that +she ought not to meddle with the policy of the world, derive +from it her inspiration, and call for its swords, its prisons, its +treasures; that she will conquer by the spiritual powers +which God has deposited in her bosom, and, above all, by +the reign of her adorable Head; that she must not expect +upon earth thrones and mortal triumphs; but that her march +is like that of her King, from the manger to the cross, and +from the cross to the crown:—such is the lesson to be read +on the blood-stained page that has crept into our simple and +evangelical narrative.<a name="FNanchor_1259_1259" id="FNanchor_1259_1259"></a><a href="#Footnote_1259_1259" class="fnanchor"></a></p> + +<p>But if God teaches his people great lessons, he also gives +them great deliverances. The bolt had fallen from heaven. +The Reformation seemed to be no more than a lifeless body +cumbering the ground, and whose dissevered limbs were +about to be reduced to ashes. But God raises up the dead. +New and more glorious destinies were awaiting the Gospel of +Jesus Christ at the foot of the Alps. At the south-western +extremity of Switzerland, in a great valley which the white +giant of the mountains points out from afar; on the banks of +the Leman lake, at the spot where the Rhone, clear and blue +as the sky above it, rolls its majestic waters; on a small hill +that the foot of Csar had once trod, and on which the steps +of another conqueror, of a Gaul, of a Picardine<a name="FNanchor_1260_1260" id="FNanchor_1260_1260"></a><a href="#Footnote_1260_1260" class="fnanchor">[1260]</a> were destined +ere long to leave their ineffaceable and glorious traces, +stood an ancient city, as yet covered with the dense shadows +of Popery; but which God was about to raise to be a beacon +to the Church, and a bulwark to Christendom.</p> + +<h4>END OF THE FOURTH VOLUME.</h4> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h3> +VALUABLE BOOKS</h3> +<h5>PUBLISHED BY</h5> +<h3>R. 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Third American from the eighteenth +London edition.</p> + +<blockquote><p>"The great popularity of this volume appears from the large number of editions +through which it has passed in Great Britain in a short number of years, having now +reached the 17th edition, and proofs of its usefulness have not been wanting. We +can assure our readers that there are few works of the kind so deeply interesting, or +so well adapted to religious edification. We cordially recommend it."—<i>Chris. Int</i>.</p></blockquote> + + +<h4>THE MARTYR LAMB;</h4> + +<p class="hanging">Or, Christ the Representative of his People in all Ages. By F. W. +Krummacher, D.D., author of "Elijah the Tishbite," &c. Fourth +Edition.</p> + + +<h4>ELIJAH THE TISHBITE.</h4> + +<p class="center">By F. W. Krummacher.</p> + +<blockquote><p>"Our author is characterized by a glowing and imaginative style, which seems to +be the expression of a heart warmed by piety, and susceptible of the tenderest emotions. +He displays a happy tact, in developing, in the most pleasing manner, the circumstances +of a scriptural incident or character, and of deriving from it practical +lessons."—<i>Presbyterian.</i></p></blockquote> + + +<h4>McCRIE ON ESTHER.</h4> + +<p class="hanging">Lectures on the Book of Esther. By the Rev. Thomas McCrie, D.D., +author of "Life of John Knox," &c.</p> + + +<h4>A TREATISE ON PRAYER;</h4> + +<p class="hanging">>Designed to assist in the devout discharge of that duty. By the Rev. +Edward Bickersteth.</p> + + +<h4>MICHAEL KEMP,</h4> + +<p class="hanging">The Happy Farmer's Lad. A Tale of Rustic Life, illustrative of the +Scriptural Blessings and Temporal Advantages of Early Piety. By +Anne Woodrooffe. Second Edition.</p> + +<blockquote><p>"Thoroughly and intensely have we read this book, 'because,' as Talbot said of +Boswell's Life of Johnson, 'we couldn't help it.' We were struck with the ingenuous +disposition and firm principles of Michael, and we wished to see how they would +bear him through trying scenes. So much for the interest which the story excites; +the other merits of the book are not inferior."—<i>Baptist +Advocate.</i></p></blockquote> + + +<h4>COMFORT IN AFFLICTION.</h4> + +<p class="hanging">A Series of Meditations. By the Rev. James Buchanan, one of the Ministers +of the High Church, Edinburgh. From the ninth Edinb. Edition.</p> + + +<h4>LIGHTS & SHADOWS OF SCOTTISH LIFE.</h4> + +<p class="center">By Professor Wilson. 18mo.</p> + + +<h4>MEMOIR OF MARY LUNDIE DUNCAN.</h4> + +<p class="center">Second American Edition. 18mo.</p> + + +<h4>PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS.</h4> + +<p class="center">On the Second Advent. By the Rev. Hugh White, A.M. 18mo.</p> + + +<h4>PERSUASIVES TO EARLY PIETY.</h4> + +<p class="center">By the Rev. J. G. Pike.</p> + + +<h4>DODDRIDGE'S RISE AND PROGRESS.</h4> + +<p class="hanging">Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul. Illustrated in a Course of Serious +and Practical Addresses, suited to persons of every character and +circumstance, with a Devout Meditation or Prayer subjoined to each +chapter. By Philip Doddridge, D.D.</p> + + +<h4>THE COTTAGE FIRESIDE;</h4> + +<p class="hanging">Or, the Parish Schoolmaster. By the Rev. Henry Duncan, D.D.</p> + +<blockquote><p>"This is a reprint of a Scotch work, by a clergyman of high standing, who does +not now for the first time appear as an author. The narrative is constructed with +great beauty, and is designed at once to illustrate and remedy some of the principal +evils connected with domestic education. The work may very properly occupy the +attention both of parents and children; and it will be read with pleasure by all who +can relish the simple and beautiful in thought and expression."—<i>Argus.</i></p></blockquote> + + +<h4>THE CHRISTIAN CONTEMPLATED,</h4> + +<p class="hanging">In a Course of Lectures delivered in the Argyle Chapel, Bath. By Rev. +William Jay. New Edition.</p> + +<blockquote><p>"It has all the peculiar marks of Jay's mind; perspicuity of arrangement, simplicity +and occasional elegance of diction, deep-toned piety and copiousness of sentiment. +In recommending such a book we are conscious of doing a service to the +cause of piety, by promoting the spiritual-mindedness, and consistent, symmetrical +conduct of every Christian who prayerfully peruses it."—<i>Baptist Advocate.</i></p></blockquote> + + +<h4>WORKS OF REV. HENRY SCOUGAL.</h4> + +<p class="center">Containing the Life of God in the Soul, &c.</p> + + +<h4>DEW OF ISRAEL,</h4> + +<p class="hanging">And the Lily of God; or, a Glimpse of the Kingdom of Grace. By F. +W. Krummacher, D.D. Second American, from the second London +Edition.</p> + + +<h4>CHRISTIAN FRAGMENTS;</h4> + +<p class="hanging">Or, Remarks on the Nature, Precepts, and Comforts of Religion. By +John Burns, M.D., F.R.S., Regius Professor of Surgery in the University +of Glasgow, &c. &c.</p> + +<blockquote><p>"The different pieces constitute so many distinct, though sometimes brief, disquisitions +upon scriptural topics, and are designed to promote the spiritual-mindedness of +the reader. They were written under the pressure of deep affliction, and in view of +an approaching judgment. They display sound thought, evangelical sentiment, correct +doctrine, and an elevated tone of Christian feeling."—<i>Advocate.</i></p></blockquote> + + +<h4>CHRISTIAN FATHER AT HOME;</h4> + +<p class="center">Or, a Manual of Parental Instruction. By W. C. Brownlee, D.D.</p> + + +<h4>A GLIMPSE INTO<br /> +THE WORLD TO COME,</h4> + +<p class="hanging">In a Waking Dream. By the late George B. Phillips. With Extracts, +illustrative of his Spiritual Progress; and a Brief Memoir, by Mrs. +Duncan, author of "Memoir of Mrs. Mary Lundie Duncan," &c.</p> + +<blockquote><p>"This is altogether an extraordinary production. The small portion of it which +gives it its title, is a strain of fervent pious imaginings, based however upon the oracles +of God. One cannot easily read it without gaining a more deep and solid impression +of the other world."</p></blockquote> + + +<h4>INFANT PIETY.</h4> + +<p class="center">A Book for Little Children. By Baptist W. Noel, M.A.</p> + +<blockquote><p>"In this volume one of the finest spirits in the established church of England gives +us a simple record of the pious lives and happy deaths of several little children on +both sides of the Atlantic. The work is well adapted to accomplish the benevolent +design of its author, by leading little children to remember their Creator."—<i>Albany +Evening Journal.</i></p></blockquote> + + +<h4>A MEMOIR OF JOHN HUSS.</h4> + +<p class="center">Translated from the German.</p> + +<blockquote><p>"To many who are familiar with the life of Martin Luther, that of John Huss, who +preceded him, and prepared the German mind for his more extended labours, is comparatively +little known. The true character of Romanism is displayed in the treatment +of each, but some of the darkest shades are seen in the case of Huss."—<i>Baptist +Advocate.</i></p></blockquote> + + +<h4>HELEN OF THE GLEN.</h4> + +<p class="center">A Tale of the Scottish Covenanters. By Robert Pollok, A.M.</p> + + +<h4>THE PERSECUTED FAMILY.</h4> + +<p class="center">By Pollok.</p> + + +<h4>RALPH GEMMELL.</h4> + +<p class="center">By Pollok.</p> + + +<h4>JESSY ALLAN,</h4> + +<p class="center">The Lame Girl. By Grace Kennedy, author of "Anna Ross," &c.</p> + +<blockquote><p>"It is an affecting tale, and strikingly illustrates the power of religion, and its full +adequacy to human wants in every emergency."—<i>Christian Mirror.</i></p></blockquote> + + +<h4>SINNER'S FRIEND.</h4> + +<p class="center">From the eighty-seventh London Edition, completing upwards of half a +million.<br /><br /> + +☞ <i>This little Work has been translated into</i> <span class="smcap">sixteen</span> <i>different languages.</i></p> + +<blockquote><p>"It is designed by its direct appeals, to arrest the attention of the most careless +reader, and to pour into his ear some word of truth before he can become fatigued +with reading."—<i>Presbyterian.</i></p></blockquote> + +<blockquote><p>"It is fitted to be an admirable auxiliary to ministers in the discharge of their +duty."—<i>Albany Daily Advertiser.</i></p></blockquote> + + +<h4>DECAPOLIS;</h4> + +<p class="hanging">Or, the Individual Obligations of Christians to save Souls from Death. An +Essay. By David Everard Ford. Fifth American, from the sixth +London Edition.</p> + +<blockquote><p>"This book is an exhortation to Christians, and Christian ministers, to exercise +greater faithfulness in saving souls from eternal death. We have read it with much +pleasure, and we hope with some profit. The book is most beautifully got up; and +we could wish that it might be read and pondered by every one who indulges a hope +that he is a Christian."—<i>N. Y. Evangelist.</i></p></blockquote> + + +<h4>SHORTER CATECHISM.</h4> + +<p class="hanging">Anecdotes Illustrative of the Shorter Catechism. By John Whitecross. +New Edition.</p> + +<blockquote><p>"This will relieve the catechism of a difficulty which many have felt in respect to it—that +it is too abstract to be comprehended by the mind of a child; here every truth +is seen in its practical relations, and becomes associated in the mind with some interesting +fact which is fitted at once to make it plain to the understanding, to lodge it in +the memory, and to impress it upon the heart."—<i>Daily Advertiser.</i></p></blockquote> + + +<h4>MEMOIR OF JOHN D. LOCKWOOD.</h4> + +<p class="center">Being Reminiscences of a Son by his Father.</p> + +<blockquote><p>"A gifted mind and cultivated powers, hallowed and controlled by a sweet and +trustful piety; the simplicity of childhood mingled with the seriousness and discretion +of mature age,—we are sure no one could watch his brief career, terminating in +a death, though sudden, not unprepared for, without deep interest. We have read +it with unmingled pleasure and profit."—<i>N. Y. Evangelist.</i></p></blockquote> + + +<h4>PERFECT PEACE.</h4> + +<p class="hanging">Letters Memorial of John Warren Howell, Esq., of Bath, M. R. C. S. +By the Rev. David Pitcairn. With an Introduction by the Rev. John +Stevenson, author of "Christ on the Cross," "The Lord our Shepherd", +&c.</p> + + +<h4>PROFESSION IS NOT PRINCIPLE;</h4> + +<p class="hanging">Or the Name of Christian is not Christianity. By Grace Kennedy, author +of "Jessy Allan," "Anna Ross," &c.</p> + + +<h4>GOSPEL PROMISES.</h4> + +<p class="hanging">Being a Short View of the Great and Precious Promises of the Gospel. +By the Rev. Joseph Alleine, author of "An Alarm to the Unconverted," +&c.</p> + + +<h4>LIFE IN EARNEST.</h4> + +<p class="hanging">Six Lectures on Christian Activity and Ardour. By the Rev. James +Hamilton, author of "Harp on the Willows," &c.</p> + + +<h4>MY GRANDMAMMA GILBERT.</h4> + +<p class="center">By Old Humphrey.</p> + + +<h4>MY GRANDFATHER GREGORY.</h4> + +<p class="center">By Old Humphrey.</p> + + +<h4>MEMOIR OF HANNAH SINCLAIR.</h4> + +<p class="center">By the late Rev. Legh Richmond. From the nineteenth London Edition.</p> + + +<h4>TRUE HAPPINESS;</h4> + +<p class="hanging">Or, the Excellence and Power of Early Religion. By J. G. Pike, author +of "Persuasives to Early Piety," &c. Second Edition.</p> + + +<h4>CHARLIE SEYMOUR;</h4> + +<p class="hanging">Or, the Good Aunt and the Bad Aunt. By Miss Catharine Sinclair, author +of "Modern Accomplishments," &c. Third Edition.</p> + + +<h4>LIVE WHILE YOU LIVE.</h4> + +<p class="hanging">By the Rev. Thomas Griffith, A.M., Minister of Ram's Episcopal Church, +Homerton.</p> + + +<h4>CROOK IN THE LOT;</h4> + +<p class="hanging">Or, a Display of the Sovereignty and Wisdom of God in the Afflictions of +Men, and the Christian's Deportment under them. By the Rev. Thomas +Boston.</p> + + +<h4>A TRIBUTE OF PARENTAL AFFECTION.</h4> + +<p class="hanging">To the Memory of my beloved and only Daughter, Hannah Jerram, with +a Short Account of the last Illness and Death of her elder Brother, +Charles Stranger Jerram. By the Rev. Charles Jerram, A.M., +Vicar of Cobham, Surrey. From the fifth London Edition.</p> + + +<h4>THE LORD'S SUPPER.</h4> + +<p class="hanging">Bickersteth's Treatise on the Lord's Supper. With an Introduction, +Notes, and an Essay. By G. T. Bedell, D.D. Fifth Edition.</p> + + +<h4>COMMUNICANT'S COMPANION.</h4> + +<p class="hanging">By the Rev. Matthew Henry. With an Introductory Essay, by the Rev. +John Brown of Edinburgh.</p> + + +<h4>BAXTER'S CALL.</h4> + +<p class="center">Now or Never, &c. With an Introductory Essay, by Dr. Chalmers.</p> + + +<h4>RELIGION AND ETERNAL LIFE;</h4> + +<p class="center">Or, Irreligion and Eternal Death. By J. G. Pike.</p> + + +<h4>THE FARMER'S DAUGHTER.</h4> + +<p class="center">A Tale. By Mrs. Cameron.</p> + + +<h4>LIFE OF REV. JOHN NEWTON.</h4> + +<p class="center">Written by himself, and continued to his Death. By the Rev. Rich. Cecil.</p> + + +<h4>THE HARP ON THE WILLOWS.</h4> + +<p class="hanging">Remembering Zion, Farewell to Egypt, The Church in the House, The +Dew of Hermon, and the Destination of the Jews. By the Rev. Jas. +Hamilton, of London. From the forty-fifth London Edition.</p> + + +<h4>SABBATH MUSINGS.</h4> + +<p class="center">By Caroline Fry.</p> + + +<h4>HERVEY'S MEDITATIONS<br /> +AND CONTEMPLATIONS.</h4> + +<p class="center">New Edition.</p> + + +<h4>THE HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION<br /> +IN EUROPE.</h4> + +<p class="center">With a Chronology.</p> + + +<h4>MY SCHOOL-BOY DAYS.</h4> + + +<h4>SORROWING, YET REJOICING.</h4> + +<p class="center">Or a Narrative of Successive Bereavements in a Clergyman's Family.</p> + + +<h4>DIVINE ORIGIN OF CHRISTIANITY.</h4> + +<p class="center">By J. G. Pike, author of "True Happiness." &c., &c.</p> + + +<h4>A WORLD WITHOUT SOULS.</h4> + +<p class="center">By J. W. Cunningham, A.M., Vicar of Harrow.</p> + + +<h4>THE WORLD'S RELIGION.</h4> + +<p class="center">As contrasted with genuine Christianity, by Lady Colquhoun.</p> + + +<h4>ADVICE TO A YOUNG CHRISTIAN,</h4> + +<p class="center">On the importance of aiming at an elevated standard of piety. By a Village +Pastor, with an Introduction by Rev. Dr. Alexander, of Princeton, N. J.</p> + + +<h4>CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE.</h4> + +<p class="center">By the Author of "Christian Retirement."</p> + +<h4>WORKS BY THE REV. JOHN A. CLARK, D.D.</h4> + +<p class="center"><i>Late Rector of St. Andrew's Church, Philadelphia.</i></p> + +<blockquote><p>"His works are all characterized by good thoughts expressed in a graceful and appropriate +manner, by great seriousness and unction, and an earnest desire to promote +the spiritual interests of his fellow-men."—<i>Daily Advertiser.</i></p></blockquote> + + +<h4>A WALK ABOUT ZION.</h4> + +<p class="center">Revised and Enlarged. Fifth Edition. 12mo. Two steel Engravings.</p> + + +<h4>THE PASTOR'S TESTIMONY.</h4> + +<p class="center">Revised and Corrected. Fifth Edition. 12mo. Two steel Engravings.</p> + + +<h4>THE YOUNG DISCIPLE;</h4> + +<p class="center">Or, a Memoir of Anzonetta R. Peters. Fourth Edition. 12mo.</p> + + +<h4>GATHERED FRAGMENTS.</h4> + +<p class="center">Fourth Edition. 12 mo. Two steel Engravings.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Containing.</span>—The M'Ellen Family.—The Paralytic.—The Withered Branch Revived.—The +Baptism.—Little Ann.—The Meeting of the Travellers.—Mary Maywood.—A +Family in Eternity.—One whose Record is on High, &c. &c.</p> + + +<h4>GLEANINGS BY THE WAY.</h4> + +<p class="center">Or, Travels in the Country. 1 vol. 12mo.</p> + + +<h4>AWAKE, THOU SLEEPER!</h4> + +<p class="center">A Series of Awakening Discourses. 12mo.</p> + +<blockquote><p>"Few American clergymen have contributed more by their efforts from the pulpit +and through the press, to promote the cause of evangelical truth and piety, than the lamented +author of this volume. Happily, though dead, he yet speaks in a tone of impressive +and earnest admonition; and the present volume particularly, is a witness +to the fidelity and zeal with which he discharged his ministerial duties. The subjects +of which it treats are of the deepest moment; and the manner in which he treats +them is worthy of the tenderness and fidelity of an ambassador of Christ. The work +is admirably adapted to promote a revival of religion."</p></blockquote> + + +<h4>COMPLETE WORKS OF BISHOP BUTLER.</h4> + +<p class="hanging">Containing Analogy of Natural and Revealed Religion, Dissertations, Sermons, +Correspondence with Dr. Clarke, &c. &c. To which is prefixed +an Account of the Character and Writings of the Author. By Dr. Halifax, +Bishop of Gloucester. 1 vol. 8vo. Splendid Edition, on pica +type and fine paper.</p> + + +<h4>BUTLER'S ANALOGY. Large type. 8vo.</h4> + + +<h4>BUTLER'S SERMONS. 8vo.</h4> + + +<h4>BAXTER'S SAINTS' REST. Large type.</h4> + + +<h4>DICK ON ACTS.</h4> + +<p class="hanging">Lectures on the Acts of the Apostles. By the late John Dick, D.D., +Professor of Theology of the United Secession Church, Glasgow, author +of "Lectures on Theology," &c. From second Glasgow Edition. 8vo.</p> + +<blockquote><p>"The style of the author is peculiarly adapted to a work of this description. It +is uncommonly perspicuous, terse, nervous and calm. His ideas are the production +of a highly-cultivated mind, originally endowed with strong common sense. In +many respects he has the characteristics of Andrew Fuller, with more of the polish of +the school."—<i>Baptist Advocate.</i></p></blockquote> + + +<h4>MEMOIR OF MRS. ISABELLA GRAHAM.</h4> + + +<h4>JAY'S MORNING EXERCISES</h4> + +<p class="hanging">For the Closet, for Every Day in the Year. New Edition. 12mo.</p> + + +<h4>JAY'S EVENING EXERCISES</h4> + +<p class="hanging">For the Closet, for Every Day in the Year. New Edition. 12mo. Uniform +with the Morning Exercises.</p> + + +<h3>DAVID'S PSALMS. 48mo. gilt.</h3> + +<p class="center">Do. do. With Brown's Notes. 18mo.</p> + + +<h4>THE INQUIRER DIRECTED</h4> + +<p class="hanging">To an Experimental and Practical View of the Work of the Holy Spirit, +By Rev. Octavius Winslow. 1 vol. 12mo.</p> + + +<h4>CHRIST OUR LAW.</h4> + +<p class="hanging">By Miss Caroline Fry. Author of "The Listener," "Christ our Example," +&c. 1 vol. 12mo. Second Edition.</p> + + +<h4>LIFE, WALK AND TRIUMPH OF FAITH.</h4> + +<p class="center">By the Rev. W. Romaine, A.M. 12mo. New Edition. Muslin.</p> + + +<h4>KEY TO THE SHORTER CATECHISM,</h4> + +<p class="hanging">Containing Catechetical Exercises, a Paraphrase, and a new Series of +Proofs on each Question. New Edition. 18mo.</p> + + +<h4>SORROWING YET REJOICING. 32mo. gilt edge.</h4> + + +<h4>CONTEST AND ARMOUR.</h4> + +<p class="center">By Dr. Abercrombie. 32mo. extra cloth. gilt edge.</p> + + +<h4>GIFT FOR MOURNERS.</h4> + +<p class="center">By Flavel and Cecil. 32mo. extra cloth. gilt edge.</p> + + +<h4>CECIL'S REMAINS.</h4> + +<p class="hanging">Remains of the Rev. Richard Cecil, M.A. To which is prefixed a View +of his Character. By Joseph Pratt, B.D., F.A.S. From the eleventh +London Edition. 1 vol. 12mo.</p> + + +<h4>ALLEINE'S LIFE AND LETTERS. 12mo.</h4> + + +<h4>HERVEY'S MEDITATIONS. 2 vols. 18mo.</h4> + + +<h4>MEMOIR OF DR. NISBET.</h4> + +<p class="center">By Dr. Miller, of Princeton. 12mo.</p> + + +<h4>HILL AND VALLEY. By Miss Sinclair. 12mo.</h4> + + +<h3>SIR ROLAND ASHTON;</h3> +<h4><i>A Tale of the Times.</i></h4> + +<p class="center">By Lady <span class="smcap">Catherine Long</span>. 2 vols. 12mo.</p> + + +<h4>CHRIST ON THE CROSS.</h4> + +<p class="center">By Stevenson. 1 vol. 12mo.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>FOOTNOTES:</h2> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Levit. xxiv. 22.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> 2 Thess. ii.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> Luke xix. 40.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> See Vol. III. book x. chap. xiv. The Diet of Spire, held in 1526, must +not be confounded with that of 1529, at which the protest took place.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> Sleidan, Hist Ref. book vi.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> Christum pharisis vehementer fuisse invisum.—(Seckend. ii. p. 46.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> Fortiter interdixit.—(Cochlœs, p. 138.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> Ingens concursus plebis et rusticorum.—(Cochlœus.) Multis millibus +hominum accurrentibus.—(Seckend. ii. p. 48.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> Populum a sacris avertebant.—(Cochlœus, p. 138.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> Ministri eorum, equites et stabularii, idiot, petulanter jactabant verbum +Domini.—(Cochlœus, p. 138.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> Verbum Domini Manet in ternum.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> Adversus inveteratos illos et impios usus nitendum esse.—(Seck. ii. +p. 46.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> Ut complures allicerentur ad eorum sectam, in ferculis portabantur +carnes coctae in diebus jejunii, aperte in conspec nitotius auditorii.—(Cochlœus, +p. 138.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> Annales Spalatini.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> Germaniae populi Lutherico fermento inescati, et in externis quoque +nationibus, gravissimi erant motus.—(Cochlœus, p. 138.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> 1 Samuel ii. 4.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> Some historians appear to think that these instructions were communicated +in reality at the very opening of the diet. Ranke shows that this +was not the case; but adds, that he sees no reason why the commissaries +should have thought themselves authorized to make any other proposition. +The motives that I have assigned appear to me the true ones. I shall state +below why the commissaries returned afterwards to the imperial instructions.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> Omnes libros esse comburendos. Sed rejectum est quia sic omnis +doctrina et eruditio theologica interitura esset.—(Seckend. ii. p. 45.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> Civitatum suffragia multum valuerunt.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> Elector Saxoni conciliarios suos exhortatus est, in doctrina evangelica +firmi.—(Seckend. ii. p. 48.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> Circumferebantur item libri Lutherani venales per totam civitatem.—(Cochlœus, +p. 138.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Dass die Schrift sie nicht verfhre,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Durft ihr keinen nich studir.—(L. Opp. xix. p. 536.)<br /></span> +</div></div> +</div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> Doch war ihr kch nimmer leer.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_24_24" id="Footnote_24_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> L. Opp. xix. p. 535. Joel i. 4.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_25_25" id="Footnote_25_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> Libelli, parvuli quidem mole, sed virulentia perquam grandes, sermo +Lutheri Teuthonicus de destructione Jerusalem.—(Cochlœus, p. 138.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_26_26" id="Footnote_26_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> Wird Mensch, dienet uns, stirbt fur uns.—(Luth. Opp. xiv. (L.) p. +226.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_27_27" id="Footnote_27_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> Greiffen Gott zu frech in den Bart.—(Ibid.) Deo nimis ferociter +barbam vallicant.—(Cochlœus.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_28_28" id="Footnote_28_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> Perquam plurima vendebantur exemplaria.—(Cochlœus, p. 139.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_29_29" id="Footnote_29_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> Non solum plebs et rustica turba, verum etiam plerique optimatum et +nobilium trahebantur in favorem novi Evangelii, atque in odium antiqu +religionis.—(Cochlœus, p. 160.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_30_30" id="Footnote_30_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> Sleidan, Hist. de la Ref. liv. vi. p. 229.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_31_31" id="Footnote_31_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> 1 Sam. xvi. 14-23; Matt. ii.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_32_32" id="Footnote_32_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> Sleidan, Hist. de la Ref. liv. vi.; Bullar. Mag. roman. x.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_33_33" id="Footnote_33_33"></a><a href="#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> Ferdinandus, ut audio, graviter minatur.—(Corp. Ref. i. p. 801.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_34_34" id="Footnote_34_34"></a><a href="#FNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> Imperator pollicetur......sed nemo his promissis movetur. Spero +Deum defensurum esse suas Ecclesias.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_35_35" id="Footnote_35_35"></a><a href="#FNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> Unusquisque in sua ditione ita se gereret ut rationem Deo et imperatori +reddere posset.—(Seckend. ii. p. 41.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_36_36" id="Footnote_36_36"></a><a href="#FNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> Potatur et luditur, prterea nihil.—(L. Epp. iii. p. 126.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_37_37" id="Footnote_37_37"></a><a href="#FNanchor_37_37"><span class="label">[37]</span></a> The congress dances but does not move forward.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_38_38" id="Footnote_38_38"></a><a href="#FNanchor_38_38"><span class="label">[38]</span></a> See Vol. II. book vii. chap. viii.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_39_39" id="Footnote_39_39"></a><a href="#FNanchor_39_39"><span class="label">[39]</span></a> Haug mars chalk, surnamed Zeller.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_40_40" id="Footnote_40_40"></a><a href="#FNanchor_40_40"><span class="label">[40]</span></a> Caroli Imperat. Rescriptum ad Clementis Septimi criminationes.—(Goldasti, +Constitut. Imperiales, i. p. 479.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_41_41" id="Footnote_41_41"></a><a href="#FNanchor_41_41"><span class="label">[41]</span></a> Non jam pastoris seu communis patris laudem, sed superbi et insolentis +nomen.—(Ibid. p. 487.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_42_42" id="Footnote_42_42"></a><a href="#FNanchor_42_42"><span class="label">[42]</span></a> Cum id ab evangelica doctrina, prorsus alienum videtur.—(Ibid. p. 489.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_43_43" id="Footnote_43_43"></a><a href="#FNanchor_43_43"><span class="label">[43]</span></a> Utriusque potestatis apicem Papa tenet—(Turrecremata de Potestate +Papali.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_44_44" id="Footnote_44_44"></a><a href="#FNanchor_44_44"><span class="label">[44]</span></a> Exod. xxi. 24.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_45_45" id="Footnote_45_45"></a><a href="#FNanchor_45_45"><span class="label">[45]</span></a> Revel. xviii. We should not, however, restrict this prediction to the +incomplete sack of 1527, and from which the city soon recovered.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_46_46" id="Footnote_46_46"></a><a href="#FNanchor_46_46"><span class="label">[46]</span></a> Guicciardini, History of the Wars in Italy, book xviii. p. 698.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_47_47" id="Footnote_47_47"></a><a href="#FNanchor_47_47"><span class="label">[47]</span></a> Papa ubique visitatur, ut destruatur; venit enim finis et hora ejus.—(Luther +to Haussmann, 10th January, 1527. Epp. iii. p. 156.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_48_48" id="Footnote_48_48"></a><a href="#FNanchor_48_48"><span class="label">[48]</span></a> Lanz, lanz, gelt, gelt.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_49_49" id="Footnote_49_49"></a><a href="#FNanchor_49_49"><span class="label">[49]</span></a> Cum vero hastas ducibus obverterent indignatione et gritudine animi +oppressus, Fronsbergius subito in deliquium incidit, ita ut in tympano +quod adstabat desidere cogeretur, nullumque verbum proloqui amplius posset.—(Seckend. +ii. p. 79.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_50_50" id="Footnote_50_50"></a><a href="#FNanchor_50_50"><span class="label">[50]</span></a> Guicciardini, vol. ii. p. 721.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_51_51" id="Footnote_51_51"></a><a href="#FNanchor_51_51"><span class="label">[51]</span></a> Since the new wall built by Urban VIII. on the top of the Janiculum, +the gates of the Holy Ghost and of Seltimiana have become useless.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_52_52" id="Footnote_52_52"></a><a href="#FNanchor_52_52"><span class="label">[52]</span></a> Jovius Vita Pompeii Colonn, p. 191; Ranke, Deutsche Gesch. ii. +p. 398.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_53_53" id="Footnote_53_53"></a><a href="#FNanchor_53_53"><span class="label">[53]</span></a> Guicciardini, ii. p. 724.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_54_54" id="Footnote_54_54"></a><a href="#FNanchor_54_54"><span class="label">[54]</span></a> Sacras vestes profanis induebant lixis.—(Cochlœus, p. 156.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_55_55" id="Footnote_55_55"></a><a href="#FNanchor_55_55"><span class="label">[55]</span></a> Wars of Italy, ii. p. 723.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_56_56" id="Footnote_56_56"></a><a href="#FNanchor_56_56"><span class="label">[56]</span></a> Eundem civem seu curialem haud raro, nunc ab Hispanis, nunc a +Germanis re mutuato redimi.—(Cochlœus, p. 156.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_57_57" id="Footnote_57_57"></a><a href="#FNanchor_57_57"><span class="label">[57]</span></a> Milites itaque levasse manum ac exclamasse: Lutherus Papa! Lutherus +Papa!—(Cochlœus, p. 156.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_58_58" id="Footnote_58_58"></a><a href="#FNanchor_58_58"><span class="label">[58]</span></a> Romam nollem exustam, magnum enim portentum esset.—(Epp. iii. +p. 221.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_59_59" id="Footnote_59_59"></a><a href="#FNanchor_59_59"><span class="label">[59]</span></a> Metuo bibliothecis.—(Corp. Ref. i. p. 869.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_60_60" id="Footnote_60_60"></a><a href="#FNanchor_60_60"><span class="label">[60]</span></a> Ut Csar pro Papa Lutherum persequens, pro Luthero papam cogatur +vastare.—(L. Epp. iii. p. 188.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_61_61" id="Footnote_61_61"></a><a href="#FNanchor_61_61"><span class="label">[61]</span></a> <i>Supra</i>, Vol. III. b. xi. ch. x.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_62_62" id="Footnote_62_62"></a><a href="#FNanchor_62_62"><span class="label">[62]</span></a> Rommel, Phil. von Hesse, i. p. 128.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_63_63" id="Footnote_63_63"></a><a href="#FNanchor_63_63"><span class="label">[63]</span></a> Nunc cum familiola mea panem manduco et potum capio in mensura.—(Lamberti +Commentarii de Sacro Conjugio.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_64_64" id="Footnote_64_64"></a><a href="#FNanchor_64_64"><span class="label">[64]</span></a> Cum statura homines hujusmodi esset ut inter Pygmos internosci +difficulter posset, scabellum sibi dari postulabat, eoque conscenso, cœpit, &c.—(Othon. +Melandri Jocorum Cent.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_65_65" id="Footnote_65_65"></a><a href="#FNanchor_65_65"><span class="label">[65]</span></a> Vana est omnis Reformatio qu alioqui fit.—(Paradoxa Lamberti: +Sculteti Annal.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_66_66" id="Footnote_66_66"></a><a href="#FNanchor_66_66"><span class="label">[66]</span></a> Ecclesia est congregatio eorum quos unit idem spiritus.—(Paradoxa +Lamberti: Sculteti Annal.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_67_67" id="Footnote_67_67"></a><a href="#FNanchor_67_67"><span class="label">[67]</span></a> Hanc equidem haud impugnaverim. Illam ne quidem attigerim.—(Othon. +Mel. Joc. Cent.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_68_68" id="Footnote_68_68"></a><a href="#FNanchor_68_68"><span class="label">[68]</span></a> Apagesis, nebulo! qui quod impugnes infirmesque invenire haud possis! +hisque dictis scabellum ei mox subtrahit, ut miser ille prceps in lutum +ageretur.—(Oth. Mel. Joc. Cent.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_69_69" id="Footnote_69_69"></a><a href="#FNanchor_69_69"><span class="label">[69]</span></a> Fulgura impietatum, tonitrua blasphemiarum.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_70_70" id="Footnote_70_70"></a><a href="#FNanchor_70_70"><span class="label">[70]</span></a> Erant enim prius qui dicerent: Ego asseram purgatorium; alius, Ego +impugnabo paradoxa tituli sexti, etc.—(Lamberti Epistola ad Colon.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_71_71" id="Footnote_71_71"></a><a href="#FNanchor_71_71"><span class="label">[71]</span></a> This constitution will be found in Schminke, Monumenta Hassiaca, +vol. ii. p. 588: "Pro Hassi Ecclesiis, et si deinde nonnull <i>ali</i> ad idem +<i>nostro exemplo</i> provocarentur."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_72_72" id="Footnote_72_72"></a><a href="#FNanchor_72_72"><span class="label">[72]</span></a> Synodus <i>in nomine Domini congregata</i>.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_73_73" id="Footnote_73_73"></a><a href="#FNanchor_73_73"><span class="label">[73]</span></a> Ne homines non intelligant.—(Ibid. cap. 3.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_74_74" id="Footnote_74_74"></a><a href="#FNanchor_74_74"><span class="label">[74]</span></a> Non admittimus verbum aliud quam ipsius pastoris nostri.—(Schminke, +Monumenta Hassiaca, cap. 2.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_75_75" id="Footnote_75_75"></a><a href="#FNanchor_75_75"><span class="label">[75]</span></a> Si quis pius, in verbo sancto et exercitatus, docere petit verbum sanctum, +non repellatur, a Deo enim interne mittitur.—(Ibid. cap. 23.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_76_76" id="Footnote_76_76"></a><a href="#FNanchor_76_76"><span class="label">[76]</span></a> Ne quis putet, nos hic per episcopos, alios intelligere, quam ministros +Dei verbi.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_77_77" id="Footnote_77_77"></a><a href="#FNanchor_77_77"><span class="label">[77]</span></a> Eligat quvis ecclesia episcopum suum.—(Ibid. cap. 23.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_78_78" id="Footnote_78_78"></a><a href="#FNanchor_78_78"><span class="label">[78]</span></a> Manus imponant duo ex senioribus, nisi alii episcopi intersint.—(Ibid. +cap. 21.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_79_79" id="Footnote_79_79"></a><a href="#FNanchor_79_79"><span class="label">[79]</span></a> Deponat ecclesia episcopum suum, quod ad eam spectet judicare de +voce pastorum.—(Ibid. cap. 23.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_80_80" id="Footnote_80_80"></a><a href="#FNanchor_80_80"><span class="label">[80]</span></a> Alat quvis ecclesia episcopum suum sicque illi administret ut cum +sua familia vivere possit.—(Schminke, Monumenta Hassiaca, cap. 23.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_81_81" id="Footnote_81_81"></a><a href="#FNanchor_81_81"><span class="label">[81]</span></a> Fiat conventus fidelium in congruo loco, ad quem quotquot ex viris +in sanctorum numero habentur......Christi ecclesiam nunquam fuisse sine +excommunicatione.—(Ibid. cap. 15.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_82_82" id="Footnote_82_82"></a><a href="#FNanchor_82_82"><span class="label">[82]</span></a> Ut semel pro toto Hessia celebretur synodus apud Marpurgum tertia +dominica post pascha.—(Ibid. cap. 18.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_83_83" id="Footnote_83_83"></a><a href="#FNanchor_83_83"><span class="label">[83]</span></a> Universi episcopi......Qulibet ecclesia congregetur et eligat ex se ipsa +unum plenum fide et Spiritu Dei.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_84_84" id="Footnote_84_84"></a><a href="#FNanchor_84_84"><span class="label">[84]</span></a> Rettig, Die Freie Kirche.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_85_85" id="Footnote_85_85"></a><a href="#FNanchor_85_85"><span class="label">[85]</span></a> This is the opinion set forth in the <i>Symbolik</i> of Dr. Mhler, the most +celebrated defender of the Romish doctrine among our contemporaries.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_86_86" id="Footnote_86_86"></a><a href="#FNanchor_86_86"><span class="label">[86]</span></a> Tutius enim et salubrius esset, quemlibet patrem-familias su domui +legere Evangelium.—(L. Opp. lat. ii. p. 363.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_87_87" id="Footnote_87_87"></a><a href="#FNanchor_87_87"><span class="label">[87]</span></a> Per ordines papisticos non sacerdotes Dei sed sacerdotes Satan, tantum +ut Christum conculcent.—(Ibid. p. 364.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_88_88" id="Footnote_88_88"></a><a href="#FNanchor_88_88"><span class="label">[88]</span></a> Orationibus tum privatis tum publicis.—(Ibid. p. 370.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_89_89" id="Footnote_89_89"></a><a href="#FNanchor_89_89"><span class="label">[89]</span></a> Eligite quem et quos volueritis. Tum impositis super eos manibus, +sint hoc ipso vestri episcopi, vestri ministri, seu pastores.—(L. Opp. lat. +ii. p. 370.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_90_90" id="Footnote_90_90"></a><a href="#FNanchor_90_90"><span class="label">[90]</span></a> In de parochiali evangelico more docebat, in filiali missi fiabat.—(Seck. +p. 102.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_91_91" id="Footnote_91_91"></a><a href="#FNanchor_91_91"><span class="label">[91]</span></a> Sic enim sua papistica neglexerunt, et nostra contemnunt.—(L. Epp. +iii. p. 224.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_92_92" id="Footnote_92_92"></a><a href="#FNanchor_92_92"><span class="label">[92]</span></a> Als oberster vormund der Jugend und aller die es bedurfen, sall sie +mit Gewalt dazu halten.—(L. Epp. iii. p. 136.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_93_93" id="Footnote_93_93"></a><a href="#FNanchor_93_93"><span class="label">[93]</span></a> Non publice, sive promiscue et admissa omnis generis plebe.—(De +Missa Germ.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_94_94" id="Footnote_94_94"></a><a href="#FNanchor_94_94"><span class="label">[94]</span></a> Qui nomina sua in catalogum referrent, adds he.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_95_95" id="Footnote_95_95"></a><a href="#FNanchor_95_95"><span class="label">[95]</span></a> Excommunicari qui Christiano more se non gererent.—(De Missa +Germ.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_96_96" id="Footnote_96_96"></a><a href="#FNanchor_96_96"><span class="label">[96]</span></a> Neque enim habeo qui sint idonei.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_97_97" id="Footnote_97_97"></a><a href="#FNanchor_97_97"><span class="label">[97]</span></a> Dr. Dewette thinks this letter is Luther's (L. Epp. iii. p. 352). It appears +clear to me, as also to Dr. Bretschneider, that it is Melancthon's. +Luther never went so far in the way of concession.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_98_98" id="Footnote_98_98"></a><a href="#FNanchor_98_98"><span class="label">[98]</span></a> Observo quantum ex veteribus cremoniis retineri potest, retineas.—(Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 990.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_99_99" id="Footnote_99_99"></a><a href="#FNanchor_99_99"><span class="label">[99]</span></a> Omnis novitas nocet in vulgo.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_100_100" id="Footnote_100_100"></a><a href="#FNanchor_100_100"><span class="label">[100]</span></a> Non aboleas eam totam (the Latin mass): satis est alicubi miscere +Germanicas cantationes.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_101_101" id="Footnote_101_101"></a><a href="#FNanchor_101_101"><span class="label">[101]</span></a> Ut retineantur vestes usitat in sacris.—(Corp. Ref. ad Jonam, 20th +December 1527.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_102_102" id="Footnote_102_102"></a><a href="#FNanchor_102_102"><span class="label">[102]</span></a> Vel si Zwinglius ipse prdicaturus sit.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 910.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_103_103" id="Footnote_103_103"></a><a href="#FNanchor_103_103"><span class="label">[103]</span></a> Alii dicerent prodi causam.—(Camer. Vita Melancthon, p. 107.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_104_104" id="Footnote_104_104"></a><a href="#FNanchor_104_104"><span class="label">[104]</span></a> Monstrosus ille Germani partus, Lutherus septiceps.—(Cochlœus, +p. 169.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_105_105" id="Footnote_105_105"></a><a href="#FNanchor_105_105"><span class="label">[105]</span></a> Viginti fere rudes et inepti, multique concubinarii et potatores deprehensi +sunt.—(Seckend. p. 102.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_106_106" id="Footnote_106_106"></a><a href="#FNanchor_106_106"><span class="label">[106]</span></a> Evangelici auctoritatem Ecclesi non aliter agnoscendam esse contendebant +quam si vocem pastoris Christi sequeretur.—(Seckend. i. p. 245.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_107_107" id="Footnote_107_107"></a><a href="#FNanchor_107_107"><span class="label">[107]</span></a> Non modo quoad corpus, sed etiam quoad animam.—(Seckend. ii. +p. 121.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_108_108" id="Footnote_108_108"></a><a href="#FNanchor_108_108"><span class="label">[108]</span></a> Resius, cucullum indutus, suggestum ascendit.—(Scultet. Ann. p. 93.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_109_109" id="Footnote_109_109"></a><a href="#FNanchor_109_109"><span class="label">[109]</span></a> Aliquot diebus a marito in cubiculo detenta fuisse.—(Seckend. ii. p. +122.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_110_110" id="Footnote_110_110"></a><a href="#FNanchor_110_110"><span class="label">[110]</span></a> Marehio statuerat eam immurare.—(L. Epp. ad Lenkium, iii. p. 296.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_111_111" id="Footnote_111_111"></a><a href="#FNanchor_111_111"><span class="label">[111]</span></a> Revelation xii. 11.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_112_112" id="Footnote_112_112"></a><a href="#FNanchor_112_112"><span class="label">[112]</span></a> Die sollen mit den Feuer Schwerdt oder Wasser gestraft werden.—(Ferd. +Mandat. L. Opp. xix. p. 596.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_113_113" id="Footnote_113_113"></a><a href="#FNanchor_113_113"><span class="label">[113]</span></a> Contra hostes sacramentarios strenue nobiscum certare.—(Epp. to +Lenk, July 14, 1528.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_114_114" id="Footnote_114_114"></a><a href="#FNanchor_114_114"><span class="label">[114]</span></a> Ego ad judicium sanguinis tardus sum, etiam ubi meritum abundat.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_115_115" id="Footnote_115_115"></a><a href="#FNanchor_115_115"><span class="label">[115]</span></a> Nullo modo possum admittere falsos doctores occidi.—(Epp. to Lenk, +July 14, 1528.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_116_116" id="Footnote_116_116"></a><a href="#FNanchor_116_116"><span class="label">[116]</span></a> Mox enim ut interfecerunt, aufugerunt per avia loca, nihil prd aut +pecuni capientes.—(Cochl. p. 152.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_117_117" id="Footnote_117_117"></a><a href="#FNanchor_117_117"><span class="label">[117]</span></a> Dum os aperire licebit, servatoris nostri nomen profiteri nunquam +intermittam.—(Scultet. ii. p. 110.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_118_118" id="Footnote_118_118"></a><a href="#FNanchor_118_118"><span class="label">[118]</span></a> Incenso jam igne, clara voce proclamavit: <i>Tuus sum Jesu! Salva +me!</i>—(Seckend. ii. p. 85.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_119_119" id="Footnote_119_119"></a><a href="#FNanchor_119_119"><span class="label">[119]</span></a> Tam impar verbosus prdicator, illi tam potenti verbi operator.—(L. +Epp. iii. p. 1214.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_120_120" id="Footnote_120_120"></a><a href="#FNanchor_120_120"><span class="label">[120]</span></a> Si quis dixerit fidem non esse veram fidem, licet non fit viva, aut eum +qui fidem sine charitate habet, non esse christianum, anathema sit.—(Conc. +Frid. Sess. 6, p. 28.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_121_121" id="Footnote_121_121"></a><a href="#FNanchor_121_121"><span class="label">[121]</span></a> Nescio quid mirari quod hoc anno contra reformationem expectandum +sit.—(Seckend. ii. p. 101.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_122_122" id="Footnote_122_122"></a><a href="#FNanchor_122_122"><span class="label">[122]</span></a> 2 Corinthians xi. 3.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_123_123" id="Footnote_123_123"></a><a href="#FNanchor_123_123"><span class="label">[123]</span></a> Homo erat versutus, et prterea prodigus, quo vitio ad alia inductus est.—(Seckend. +ii. p. 94.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_124_124" id="Footnote_124_124"></a><a href="#FNanchor_124_124"><span class="label">[124]</span></a> It is still to be seen in the records at Dresden.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_125_125" id="Footnote_125_125"></a><a href="#FNanchor_125_125"><span class="label">[125]</span></a> Cui filum sericum circumligatum, et sigillum cancellari impressum +erat.—(Seck. ii. p. 94.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_126_126" id="Footnote_126_126"></a><a href="#FNanchor_126_126"><span class="label">[126]</span></a> Hortleber, De Bello Germanico, ii. p. 579.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_127_127" id="Footnote_127_127"></a><a href="#FNanchor_127_127"><span class="label">[127]</span></a> Nam is affirmabat se archetypon vidisse, commemorabat σφρἁγιδας.—(Corp. +Ref. i. p. 986.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_128_128" id="Footnote_128_128"></a><a href="#FNanchor_128_128"><span class="label">[128]</span></a> Mirabiliter incensus erat.—(Corp. Ref. i. p. 986.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_129_129" id="Footnote_129_129"></a><a href="#FNanchor_129_129"><span class="label">[129]</span></a> Venditisque templorum donariis.—(Seck. ii. p. 95.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_130_130" id="Footnote_130_130"></a><a href="#FNanchor_130_130"><span class="label">[130]</span></a> Magno studio validum comparaverunt ambo exercitum.—(Cochl. p. +171.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_131_131" id="Footnote_131_131"></a><a href="#FNanchor_131_131"><span class="label">[131]</span></a> Non leviter commotos esse nostrorum animos.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 986.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_132_132" id="Footnote_132_132"></a><a href="#FNanchor_132_132"><span class="label">[132]</span></a> Landgravius prparamenta adversariorum pro agressione habebat.—(Seck. +ii. p. 95.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_133_133" id="Footnote_133_133"></a><a href="#FNanchor_133_133"><span class="label">[133]</span></a> Man darf den Teufel nicht ber die Thr malen, noch ihn zu gevattern +bitten.—(L. Epp. iii. p. 321.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_134_134" id="Footnote_134_134"></a><a href="#FNanchor_134_134"><span class="label">[134]</span></a> Cur vehementer cruciarunt.—(Corp. Ref. i. p. 988.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_135_135" id="Footnote_135_135"></a><a href="#FNanchor_135_135"><span class="label">[135]</span></a> Εν γοηνασι θεου.—(Ibid. p. 988.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_136_136" id="Footnote_136_136"></a><a href="#FNanchor_136_136"><span class="label">[136]</span></a> Wir fhlten dass wir betrogen waren.—(Hortleber, iv. p. 567.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_137_137" id="Footnote_137_137"></a><a href="#FNanchor_137_137"><span class="label">[137]</span></a> Kopp. Hess. Gerichts.—Verf. i. p. 107.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_138_138" id="Footnote_138_138"></a><a href="#FNanchor_138_138"><span class="label">[138]</span></a> Sanguisug insatiabiles quiescere nolunt, nisi Germaniam sanguine +madere sentiant. 14th June, 1528.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_139_139" id="Footnote_139_139"></a><a href="#FNanchor_139_139"><span class="label">[139]</span></a> Non enim prorsus confictares.—(Corp. Ref. i. p. 988.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_140_140" id="Footnote_140_140"></a><a href="#FNanchor_140_140"><span class="label">[140]</span></a> Hc min apud inimicos odia auxerint.—(Corp. Ref. i. p. 985.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_141_141" id="Footnote_141_141"></a><a href="#FNanchor_141_141"><span class="label">[141]</span></a> An aurora borealis. "Magnum chasma, quo nox tota illuminabatur."—(L. +Epp. iii. p. 420.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_142_142" id="Footnote_142_142"></a><a href="#FNanchor_142_142"><span class="label">[142]</span></a> Si vera sunt, diem Christi prcurrunt hc monstra.—(Ibid. p. 438.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_143_143" id="Footnote_143_143"></a><a href="#FNanchor_143_143"><span class="label">[143]</span></a> Adspectum τετραγὁνων Saturni et Jovis.—(Corp. Ref. i. p. 1075.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_144_144" id="Footnote_144_144"></a><a href="#FNanchor_144_144"><span class="label">[144]</span></a> Ego non leviter commoveor his rebus.—(Ibid. p. 1076.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_145_145" id="Footnote_145_145"></a><a href="#FNanchor_145_145"><span class="label">[145]</span></a> Nunquam fuit tanta frequentia ullis conciliis ἁρχιερἑων quanta in his +est.—(Corp. Ref. p. 1039.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_146_146" id="Footnote_146_146"></a><a href="#FNanchor_146_146"><span class="label">[146]</span></a> Mogantinum et Trevirensem cum comitatu armato.—(Seckend. ii. p. +129.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_147_147" id="Footnote_147_147"></a><a href="#FNanchor_147_147"><span class="label">[147]</span></a> Vultu significant quantum nos oderint, et quid machinentur.—(Corp. +Ref. i. p. 1040.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_148_148" id="Footnote_148_148"></a><a href="#FNanchor_148_148"><span class="label">[148]</span></a> Pfalz kennt kein Sachsen mehr.—(Epp. Alberti Mansfeld.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_149_149" id="Footnote_149_149"></a><a href="#FNanchor_149_149"><span class="label">[149]</span></a> Advers partes proceres alea tempus perdere.—(L. Epp. iii. p. 438.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_150_150" id="Footnote_150_150"></a><a href="#FNanchor_150_150"><span class="label">[150]</span></a> Alii exclusum Spir, alii ademtum electoratum.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_151_151" id="Footnote_151_151"></a><a href="#FNanchor_151_151"><span class="label">[151]</span></a> Sed Christus respiciet et salvabit populum pauperem.—(Corp. Ref. +i. p. 1040.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_152_152" id="Footnote_152_152"></a><a href="#FNanchor_152_152"><span class="label">[152]</span></a> Christus est denuo in manibus Caiaphi et Pilati.—(Jung Beytrge, p. 4.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_153_153" id="Footnote_153_153"></a><a href="#FNanchor_153_153"><span class="label">[153]</span></a> Vociferatus est Turcos Lutheranis meliores esse.—(Corp. Ref. p. 1041.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_154_154" id="Footnote_154_154"></a><a href="#FNanchor_154_154"><span class="label">[154]</span></a> Malle abjicere scripturam quam veteres errores Ecclesi.—(Ibid. p. +1046.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_155_155" id="Footnote_155_155"></a><a href="#FNanchor_155_155"><span class="label">[155]</span></a> Faber lapidat nos quotidie pro concione.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_156_156" id="Footnote_156_156"></a><a href="#FNanchor_156_156"><span class="label">[156]</span></a> Nec catholicos a libero religionis exercitio impediri debere, neque +cuiquam ex his licere Lutheranismum amplecti.—(Seckend. ii. p. 127.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_157_157" id="Footnote_157_157"></a><a href="#FNanchor_157_157"><span class="label">[157]</span></a> Sleidan, i. p. 261.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_158_158" id="Footnote_158_158"></a><a href="#FNanchor_158_158"><span class="label">[158]</span></a> Das wort Gottes zu wiederrufen oder aber brennen.—(Jung Beytrge, +p. 37.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_159_159" id="Footnote_159_159"></a><a href="#FNanchor_159_159"><span class="label">[159]</span></a> Die artikel weren beschlossen.—(Jung Beytr. p. 90.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_160_160" id="Footnote_160_160"></a><a href="#FNanchor_160_160"><span class="label">[160]</span></a> There are two copies of this act; one of them is brief, and the other, +which is longer, was transmitted in writing to the imperial commissaries. +It is from the latter we extract the passages in the text. They will both +be found in Jung Beytrge, p. 91-105. See also Mller's <i>Historie der +Protestation</i>, p. 52.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_161_161" id="Footnote_161_161"></a><a href="#FNanchor_161_161"><span class="label">[161]</span></a> Ein jeglicher fur sich selbt vor Gott stehen.—(Jung Beytrge, p. 96.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_162_162" id="Footnote_162_162"></a><a href="#FNanchor_162_162"><span class="label">[162]</span></a> Allein Gottes wort, lauter und rein, und nichts das dawieder ist.—(Jung +Beytrge, p. 101.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_163_163" id="Footnote_163_163"></a><a href="#FNanchor_163_163"><span class="label">[163]</span></a> Also zu verritten urlaub genommen.—(Jung Beytrge, p. 52.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_164_164" id="Footnote_164_164"></a><a href="#FNanchor_164_164"><span class="label">[164]</span></a> Perduelles in Pontificem ac Csarem.—(Pallavicini, C. T. I. p. 217.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_165_165" id="Footnote_165_165"></a><a href="#FNanchor_165_165"><span class="label">[165]</span></a> Ubique ut et portet omnia verbo vertutis su.—(Hospin. Hist. Sacr. ii. +p. 112.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_166_166" id="Footnote_166_166"></a><a href="#FNanchor_166_166"><span class="label">[166]</span></a> Χἁριν γἁρ τἡν δὁρατον μετἁ των συμβὁλων ὁρἁτων.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_167_167" id="Footnote_167_167"></a><a href="#FNanchor_167_167"><span class="label">[167]</span></a> Omni studio laborabat ut illos uniret—(Seck. ii. p. 127.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_168_168" id="Footnote_168_168"></a><a href="#FNanchor_168_168"><span class="label">[168]</span></a> In eo mansuros esse, nec passuros ut ulla hominum machinatione +ab ea sententia divellerentur.—(Seckend. ii. p. 121.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_169_169" id="Footnote_169_169"></a><a href="#FNanchor_169_169"><span class="label">[169]</span></a> Vergleich artikel.—(Jung Beytrge, p. 55.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_170_170" id="Footnote_170_170"></a><a href="#FNanchor_170_170"><span class="label">[170]</span></a> In diesen Schweren Sachen, nichts mit Gewalt noch Schwerdt, sondern +mit Gottes gewissem wort.—(Ibid p. 59.) This document is from +the pen of Sturm.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_171_171" id="Footnote_171_171"></a><a href="#FNanchor_171_171"><span class="label">[171]</span></a> Cyclops ille nunc ferocem se fecit.—(Corp. Ref. i. p. 1062.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_172_172" id="Footnote_172_172"></a><a href="#FNanchor_172_172"><span class="label">[172]</span></a> Ut ingrediantur lubricum isti iter, impingendo stimulis calces.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_173_173" id="Footnote_173_173"></a><a href="#FNanchor_173_173"><span class="label">[173]</span></a> De quo reliquum est ut invocemus Filium Dei—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_174_174" id="Footnote_174_174"></a><a href="#FNanchor_174_174"><span class="label">[174]</span></a> Unten in einem Kleinen Stblein.—(Jung Beytrge, p. 78. Instramentum +Appellationis.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_175_175" id="Footnote_175_175"></a><a href="#FNanchor_175_175"><span class="label">[175]</span></a> Membra unius corporis spiritualis Jesu Christi et filii unius patris cœlestis, +ideoque fratres spirituales.—(Seckend. ii. p. 130.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_176_176" id="Footnote_176_176"></a><a href="#FNanchor_176_176"><span class="label">[176]</span></a> Acts i. 14.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_177_177" id="Footnote_177_177"></a><a href="#FNanchor_177_177"><span class="label">[177]</span></a> Miranti qu esset tant festinationis causa.—(Camerarius Vita. Mel. p. +113.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_178_178" id="Footnote_178_178"></a><a href="#FNanchor_178_178"><span class="label">[178]</span></a> Faber qui valde offenderetur orationi tali, dissimulare tamen omnia.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_179_179" id="Footnote_179_179"></a><a href="#FNanchor_179_179"><span class="label">[179]</span></a> Ereptus quasi e faucibus eorum qui sitiunt sanguinem innocentium.—(Mel. +ad Camer. 23d April, Corp. Ref. i. p. 1062.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_180_180" id="Footnote_180_180"></a><a href="#FNanchor_180_180"><span class="label">[180]</span></a> Affluit armata qudam manus ad comprehendum Grynum missa.—(Camer. +Vit. Mel. p. 113.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_181_181" id="Footnote_181_181"></a><a href="#FNanchor_181_181"><span class="label">[181]</span></a> Ita fuit perturbatus ut primis diebus pene extinctus sit.—(Corp. Ref. i. +p. 1067)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_182_182" id="Footnote_182_182"></a><a href="#FNanchor_182_182"><span class="label">[182]</span></a> Non enim tantum imperium, sed religio etiam periclitantur.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_183_183" id="Footnote_183_183"></a><a href="#FNanchor_183_183"><span class="label">[183]</span></a> Omnes dolores inferni oppresserant me.—(Ibid, and p. 1069.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_184_184" id="Footnote_184_184"></a><a href="#FNanchor_184_184"><span class="label">[184]</span></a> Christo mastiges et Psycho-tyranni suum furorem non potuerunt explere.—(L. +Epp. Linco, 6th May 1529.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_185_185" id="Footnote_185_185"></a><a href="#FNanchor_185_185"><span class="label">[185]</span></a> Illatamque Christo injuriam pro viribus ulciscentur.—(Dumont, Corp. +Univ. Diplomatique, iv. p. 1, 5.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_186_186" id="Footnote_186_186"></a><a href="#FNanchor_186_186"><span class="label">[186]</span></a> Isaiah xxx. 15. L. Epp. iii. p. 454.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_187_187" id="Footnote_187_187"></a><a href="#FNanchor_187_187"><span class="label">[187]</span></a> Unser Her. Christus, &c.—(Ibid.) This confidence of Luther shocks a +Lutheran historian—Plank, ii. p. 454.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_188_188" id="Footnote_188_188"></a><a href="#FNanchor_188_188"><span class="label">[188]</span></a> In the writing entitled, <i>Dass diese Worte noch feste Stehen</i>.—(L. Opp. +xix.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_189_189" id="Footnote_189_189"></a><a href="#FNanchor_189_189"><span class="label">[189]</span></a> <i>Amica exegesis</i>, id est, Expositio Eucharist negotii ad M. Lutherum.—(Zw. +Opp.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_190_190" id="Footnote_190_190"></a><a href="#FNanchor_190_190"><span class="label">[190]</span></a> Eine Lutherische Warnung.—(L. Opp. xix. p. 391. Wider die +Schwrmgeister.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_191_191" id="Footnote_191_191"></a><a href="#FNanchor_191_191"><span class="label">[191]</span></a> Inter nos ipsos de religionis doctrina non consentire.—(Zw. Epp. ii. p. +287.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_192_192" id="Footnote_192_192"></a><a href="#FNanchor_192_192"><span class="label">[192]</span></a> Viam Francofurdi capias, quam autem hac periculosiorem esse putamus.—(Ibid. +p. 312.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_193_193" id="Footnote_193_193"></a><a href="#FNanchor_193_193"><span class="label">[193]</span></a> Juvante Deo tuti.—(Zw. Epp. ii. p. 329.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_194_194" id="Footnote_194_194"></a><a href="#FNanchor_194_194"><span class="label">[194]</span></a> Papistische als unparteische.—(Corp. Ref. i. p. 1066.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_195_195" id="Footnote_195_195"></a><a href="#FNanchor_195_195"><span class="label">[195]</span></a> Si potes, noli adesse.—(L. Epp. iii. p. 501.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_196_196" id="Footnote_196_196"></a><a href="#FNanchor_196_196"><span class="label">[196]</span></a> Ut veritatis splendor oculos nostros feriat.—(Zw. Epp. ii. p. 321.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_197_197" id="Footnote_197_197"></a><a href="#FNanchor_197_197"><span class="label">[197]</span></a> See below, Book xvi. chap. ii. anno 1529.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_198_198" id="Footnote_198_198"></a><a href="#FNanchor_198_198"><span class="label">[198]</span></a> Dei nunquam fallentis, qui nos nunquam deseruit, gratiam reputavi.—(Zw. +Epp. ii. p. 356.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_199_199" id="Footnote_199_199"></a><a href="#FNanchor_199_199"><span class="label">[199]</span></a> Sabbati die, mane ante lucem, 1 Septembris.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_200_200" id="Footnote_200_200"></a><a href="#FNanchor_200_200"><span class="label">[200]</span></a> Equis conductoriis.—(Zw. Epp. ii. p. 361.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_201_201" id="Footnote_201_201"></a><a href="#FNanchor_201_201"><span class="label">[201]</span></a> Der Tufel vere by imm gesin.—(Bulling. ii. p. 224.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_202_202" id="Footnote_202_202"></a><a href="#FNanchor_202_202"><span class="label">[202]</span></a> Integer et sanus Basiliam pervenit.—(Zw. Epp. ii. p. 361.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_203_203" id="Footnote_203_203"></a><a href="#FNanchor_203_203"><span class="label">[203]</span></a> Aliquos mercatorum fide dignos, comites.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_204_204" id="Footnote_204_204"></a><a href="#FNanchor_204_204"><span class="label">[204]</span></a> Ich bin 14 Tag magd und Kchin gewesen.—(Fussl. Beytr. v. p. +313.) See her remarkable correspondence with the superintendent Rabus.—(Ibid. +p. 191-354.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_205_205" id="Footnote_205_205"></a><a href="#FNanchor_205_205"><span class="label">[205]</span></a> De jure prsidendi conciliis civitatum christianarum.—(Ibid. v. p. 364.) +See book xvi. of this History.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_206_206" id="Footnote_206_206"></a><a href="#FNanchor_206_206"><span class="label">[206]</span></a> Per devia et sylvas, montes et valles, tutissimos et occultos.—(Ibid. p. +368.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_207_207" id="Footnote_207_207"></a><a href="#FNanchor_207_207"><span class="label">[207]</span></a> Excepit in arce hospitio et mensa regali.—(Corp. Ref. i. p. 1096.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_208_208" id="Footnote_208_208"></a><a href="#FNanchor_208_208"><span class="label">[208]</span></a> Subridens aliquantulum respondit: <i>tu es nequam et nebulo</i>.—(Sculteti +Annal. ad 1529.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_209_209" id="Footnote_209_209"></a><a href="#FNanchor_209_209"><span class="label">[209]</span></a> State Papers of Cassel.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_210_210" id="Footnote_210_210"></a><a href="#FNanchor_210_210"><span class="label">[210]</span></a> Abgetheilt zu den rhren.—(Bull. ii. p. 225.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_211_211" id="Footnote_211_211"></a><a href="#FNanchor_211_211"><span class="label">[211]</span></a> Ubi unquam concilia rejicimus, verbi divini auctoritati suffulta?—(Zw. +Opp. iv. p. 191.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_212_212" id="Footnote_212_212"></a><a href="#FNanchor_212_212"><span class="label">[212]</span></a> The word <i>Reformed</i> is used to distinguish the doctrine and the church +of Zwingle and Calvin from those of Luther.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_213_213" id="Footnote_213_213"></a><a href="#FNanchor_213_213"><span class="label">[213]</span></a> Mens et medulla verbi, mens et voluntas Dei amicta tamen humanis +verbis.—(Zw. Epp. iv. p. 173.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_214_214" id="Footnote_214_214"></a><a href="#FNanchor_214_214"><span class="label">[214]</span></a> Malum, peccatum.—(Ibid. p. 172.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_215_215" id="Footnote_215_215"></a><a href="#FNanchor_215_215"><span class="label">[215]</span></a> De peccato originali ad Urb. Rhegium.—(Ibid. iii. p. 632.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_216_216" id="Footnote_216_216"></a><a href="#FNanchor_216_216"><span class="label">[216]</span></a> Atque adeo ipse non negarim, aquam baptismi esse aquam regenerantem: +fit enim puer ecclesi, qui dudum ab ecclesia non agnoscebatur.—(Zw. +Opp. iv. p. 193.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_217_217" id="Footnote_217_217"></a><a href="#FNanchor_217_217"><span class="label">[217]</span></a> Lutherum Œcolampadem ita excepit, ut ad me veniens clam queratur, +se denuo in Eccium incidisse.—(Zw. Epp. ii. p. 369.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_218_218" id="Footnote_218_218"></a><a href="#FNanchor_218_218"><span class="label">[218]</span></a> At Melancthon, cum nimis lubricus esset et Protei in morem se in +omnia transformaret, me compulit, ut sumpto calamo manu armarem.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_219_219" id="Footnote_219_219"></a><a href="#FNanchor_219_219"><span class="label">[219]</span></a> Istud colloquium sex in horas traximus.—(Ibid. 370.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_220_220" id="Footnote_220_220"></a><a href="#FNanchor_220_220"><span class="label">[220]</span></a> Quinquaginta aut sexaginta colloquio prsentes.—(Zw. Opp. iv. p. +201.) Pauci arbitrii ad summum quatuor et viginti.—(Epp. ii. p. 370.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_221_221" id="Footnote_221_221"></a><a href="#FNanchor_221_221"><span class="label">[221]</span></a> This is my body.—(Zw. Opp. iv. p. 175.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_222_222" id="Footnote_222_222"></a><a href="#FNanchor_222_222"><span class="label">[222]</span></a> In Zwinglio agreste quiddam est et arrogantulum.—(Corp. Ref. i. p. +1097.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_223_223" id="Footnote_223_223"></a><a href="#FNanchor_223_223"><span class="label">[223]</span></a> Insignes verbi proceres.—(Bull. ii. p. 236.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_224_224" id="Footnote_224_224"></a><a href="#FNanchor_224_224"><span class="label">[224]</span></a> Et cupido supplex vobis Ecclesia voto +Vestros cadit flens ad pedes.—(Bull. ii p. 236.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_225_225" id="Footnote_225_225"></a><a href="#FNanchor_225_225"><span class="label">[225]</span></a> Deum esse supra mathematicam.—(Zw. Opp. iv. p. 175.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_226_226" id="Footnote_226_226"></a><a href="#FNanchor_226_226"><span class="label">[226]</span></a> If any one denies that the body and blood of our Saviour Jesus Christ, +with his soul and his divinity, and consequently the whole Jesus Christ +(totum Christum), is contained in the sacrament of the Eucharist, let him +be anathema.—(Council of Trent, Sess. 13.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_227_227" id="Footnote_227_227"></a><a href="#FNanchor_227_227"><span class="label">[227]</span></a> Tota Christi persona.—(Form. concord. viii.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_228_228" id="Footnote_228_228"></a><a href="#FNanchor_228_228"><span class="label">[228]</span></a> Qualis est carnis bovill aut suill.—(Scult. p. 217.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_229_229" id="Footnote_229_229"></a><a href="#FNanchor_229_229"><span class="label">[229]</span></a> Quum prcipit quid, pareat mundus; et omnes osculemur verbum.—(Zw. +Opp. iv. p. 176.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_230_230" id="Footnote_230_230"></a><a href="#FNanchor_230_230"><span class="label">[230]</span></a> <i>Man mus es thun</i> spe inculcabat.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_231_231" id="Footnote_231_231"></a><a href="#FNanchor_231_231"><span class="label">[231]</span></a> Si juberet fimum comedere, facerem.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_232_232" id="Footnote_232_232"></a><a href="#FNanchor_232_232"><span class="label">[232]</span></a> Anima non edit ipsum (corpus) corporaliter.—(Zw. Epp. ii. p. 370.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_233_233" id="Footnote_233_233"></a><a href="#FNanchor_233_233"><span class="label">[233]</span></a> See his Commentary on St. Luke (xxii. 19, 20.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_234_234" id="Footnote_234_234"></a><a href="#FNanchor_234_234"><span class="label">[234]</span></a> He added, that the body of Christ was in the Eucharist neither mathematically +or commensurably, nor really (neque mathematice seu commensurative, +neque re ipsa).—(Epist. Lamb. de Marb. col.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_235_235" id="Footnote_235_235"></a><a href="#FNanchor_235_235"><span class="label">[235]</span></a> Si interrogo, excido a fide.—(Zw. Epp. ii. p. 177.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_236_236" id="Footnote_236_236"></a><a href="#FNanchor_236_236"><span class="label">[236]</span></a> Invidiose loqueris.—(Bull. ii. p. 228.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_237_237" id="Footnote_237_237"></a><a href="#FNanchor_237_237"><span class="label">[237]</span></a> Veterem suam cantilenam.—(Zw. Opp. iv. p. 221.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_238_238" id="Footnote_238_238"></a><a href="#FNanchor_238_238"><span class="label">[238]</span></a> Verbum istud, tanquam castrense et cruentum.—(Hospin. p. 131.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_239_239" id="Footnote_239_239"></a><a href="#FNanchor_239_239"><span class="label">[239]</span></a> Vol. III. Book ix.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_240_240" id="Footnote_240_240"></a><a href="#FNanchor_240_240"><span class="label">[240]</span></a> Non curo quod sit contra naturam, modo non contra fidem.—(Zw. +Opp. iv. p. 178.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_241_241" id="Footnote_241_241"></a><a href="#FNanchor_241_241"><span class="label">[241]</span></a> 2 Cor. v. 16.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_242_242" id="Footnote_242_242"></a><a href="#FNanchor_242_242"><span class="label">[242]</span></a> Pro carnalibus affectibus.—(Zw. Opp. iv. p. 202.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_243_243" id="Footnote_243_243"></a><a href="#FNanchor_243_243"><span class="label">[243]</span></a> Corpus est in pane sicut gladius in vagina.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_244_244" id="Footnote_244_244"></a><a href="#FNanchor_244_244"><span class="label">[244]</span></a> Fuimus κωφα πρὁσωπα.—(Corp. Ref. i. p. 1098.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_245_245" id="Footnote_245_245"></a><a href="#FNanchor_245_245"><span class="label">[245]</span></a> Quod uxorem et nigros oculos habuisset.—(Scultet. p. 225.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_246_246" id="Footnote_246_246"></a><a href="#FNanchor_246_246"><span class="label">[246]</span></a> In Germania diuturnum contubernium egisse.—(Zw. Opp. iv. p. 202.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_247_247" id="Footnote_247_247"></a><a href="#FNanchor_247_247"><span class="label">[247]</span></a> Having taken the form of a servant.—(Phil. ii. 7.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_248_248" id="Footnote_248_248"></a><a href="#FNanchor_248_248"><span class="label">[248]</span></a> Ibi Zwinglius illico prosiliens.—(Scultet. p. 225.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_249_249" id="Footnote_249_249"></a><a href="#FNanchor_249_249"><span class="label">[249]</span></a> Da, da, da. <i>Ibi</i> est adverbium loci.—(Scultet. p. 225.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_250_250" id="Footnote_250_250"></a><a href="#FNanchor_250_250"><span class="label">[250]</span></a> Damit richtend ir das papstum uf.—(Zw. Opp. iii. p. 57.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_251_251" id="Footnote_251_251"></a><a href="#FNanchor_251_251"><span class="label">[251]</span></a> Cœna instabat et diremit certamen.—(Ibid. iv. p. 179.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_252_252" id="Footnote_252_252"></a><a href="#FNanchor_252_252"><span class="label">[252]</span></a> Ad cpas at ollas gyptiacas.—(Zw. Opp. ii. part 3, p. 57.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_253_253" id="Footnote_253_253"></a><a href="#FNanchor_253_253"><span class="label">[253]</span></a> Secundum humanam substantiam, absens cœlo, cum esset in terra, et +derelinquens terram cum ascendisset in cœlum.—(Fulgentius to King Trasamond, +lib. ii.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_254_254" id="Footnote_254_254"></a><a href="#FNanchor_254_254"><span class="label">[254]</span></a> In loco aliquo cœli propter veri corporis modum.—(Aug. Ep. p. 57.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_255_255" id="Footnote_255_255"></a><a href="#FNanchor_255_255"><span class="label">[255]</span></a> Quem omnes sperassemus mitiorem, interdum videbatur paulo morosior, +sed citra contumeliam.—(Zw. Opp. iv. p. 201.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_256_256" id="Footnote_256_256"></a><a href="#FNanchor_256_256"><span class="label">[256]</span></a> Non nominabimus illos.—(Scultet. p. 228.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_257_257" id="Footnote_257_257"></a><a href="#FNanchor_257_257"><span class="label">[257]</span></a> Da hub Luther die Sammaten deck auf, und Zeigt ihm den Spruch, +den er mit kreyden hett fr sich geschrieben.—(Osiander; Niederer's +Nachrichten, ii. p. 114.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_258_258" id="Footnote_258_258"></a><a href="#FNanchor_258_258"><span class="label">[258]</span></a> Lutherus vero ut erat fero et imperioso ingenio.—(Seck. p. 136.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_259_259" id="Footnote_259_259"></a><a href="#FNanchor_259_259"><span class="label">[259]</span></a> Omnia humanissime et summa cum mansuetudine transigebantur.—(Zw. +Opp. iv. p. 201.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_260_260" id="Footnote_260_260"></a><a href="#FNanchor_260_260"><span class="label">[260]</span></a> Amicissime Domine, Vestra charitas, et id genus......Dixisses Lutherum +et Zwinglium non adversarios.—(Zw. Opp. iv. p. 201.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_261_261" id="Footnote_261_261"></a><a href="#FNanchor_261_261"><span class="label">[261]</span></a> Acerrimo certamine.—(Corp. Ref. i. p. 1096.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_262_262" id="Footnote_262_262"></a><a href="#FNanchor_262_262"><span class="label">[262]</span></a> Nisi <i>Sudor Anglicus</i> subito Marburgum invasisset et terrore omnium +animos percutisset.—(Hospin. p. 131.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_263_263" id="Footnote_263_263"></a><a href="#FNanchor_263_263"><span class="label">[263]</span></a> Dicitur palam proclamasse.—(Corp. Ref. p. 1097.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_264_264" id="Footnote_264_264"></a><a href="#FNanchor_264_264"><span class="label">[264]</span></a> Da arbeit der Landgraf heftig.—(L. Epp. iii. p. 512.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_265_265" id="Footnote_265_265"></a><a href="#FNanchor_265_265"><span class="label">[265]</span></a> Unumquemque nostrum seorsim absque arbitris.—(Zw. Opp. iv. p. +203.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_266_266" id="Footnote_266_266"></a><a href="#FNanchor_266_266"><span class="label">[266]</span></a> Compellans, rogans, monens, exhortans, postulans ut Reipublic Christian +rationem haberemus, et discordiam e medio tolleremus.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_267_267" id="Footnote_267_267"></a><a href="#FNanchor_267_267"><span class="label">[267]</span></a> Multa perierunt millia.—(Hospin. p. 131.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_268_268" id="Footnote_268_268"></a><a href="#FNanchor_268_268"><span class="label">[268]</span></a> Quod nulla unquam Ecclesiarum pax constituta sit, si non in multis +aliis dissentiendi a se facultatem faciant.—(Scultet. p. 207.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_269_269" id="Footnote_269_269"></a><a href="#FNanchor_269_269"><span class="label">[269]</span></a> Es werendt keine lth uff Erden.—(Bull. ii. p. 225.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_270_270" id="Footnote_270_270"></a><a href="#FNanchor_270_270"><span class="label">[270]</span></a> Idque Princeps valde urgebat.—(L. Epp. iii. p. 513.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_271_271" id="Footnote_271_271"></a><a href="#FNanchor_271_271"><span class="label">[271]</span></a> Swinglius palam lacrymans coram Langravio et omnibus.—(Hospin. +p. 136.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_272_272" id="Footnote_272_272"></a><a href="#FNanchor_272_272"><span class="label">[272]</span></a> Vide eorum stultitiam!—(Corp. Ref. i. p. 1108.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_273_273" id="Footnote_273_273"></a><a href="#FNanchor_273_273"><span class="label">[273]</span></a> Nos tanquam adoratores panifici Dei traduxerant.—(Zw. Opp. iv. p. +203.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_274_274" id="Footnote_274_274"></a><a href="#FNanchor_274_274"><span class="label">[274]</span></a> Eos a communione Ecclesi Christian alienos esse.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_275_275" id="Footnote_275_275"></a><a href="#FNanchor_275_275"><span class="label">[275]</span></a> Nemo alteri vel inter ipsos frater erit.—(Zw. Opp. iv. p. 194.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_276_276" id="Footnote_276_276"></a><a href="#FNanchor_276_276"><span class="label">[276]</span></a> Id testabitur posteritas.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_277_277" id="Footnote_277_277"></a><a href="#FNanchor_277_277"><span class="label">[277]</span></a> Principi illud durum videbatur.—(Ibid. p. 203.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_278_278" id="Footnote_278_278"></a><a href="#FNanchor_278_278"><span class="label">[278]</span></a> Ne nimis mungendo, sanguinem eliceremus.—(L. Epp. in his letter +written to Gerbellius on the same day—Monday.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_279_279" id="Footnote_279_279"></a><a href="#FNanchor_279_279"><span class="label">[279]</span></a> Agnoscere quidem velimus tanquam amicos, sed non tanquam fratres.—(Zw. +Opp. iv. p. 203.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_280_280" id="Footnote_280_280"></a><a href="#FNanchor_280_280"><span class="label">[280]</span></a> Charitate qu etiam hosti debetur.—(Ibid. p. 190.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_281_281" id="Footnote_281_281"></a><a href="#FNanchor_281_281"><span class="label">[281]</span></a> Indignissime affecti sunt.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_282_282" id="Footnote_282_282"></a><a href="#FNanchor_282_282"><span class="label">[282]</span></a> Quisque suam sententiam doceat absque invectivis.—(L. Epp. iii. p. +514.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_283_283" id="Footnote_283_283"></a><a href="#FNanchor_283_283"><span class="label">[283]</span></a> Dedimus tamen manus pacis et caritatis.—(Ibid. p. 513.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_284_284" id="Footnote_284_284"></a><a href="#FNanchor_284_284"><span class="label">[284]</span></a> Utinam et ille reliquus scrupulus per Christum tandem tollatur,—in +his letter written to Gerbellius after leaving this meeting.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_285_285" id="Footnote_285_285"></a><a href="#FNanchor_285_285"><span class="label">[285]</span></a> Ut orbi Christiano notum fieret eos in omnibus fidei capitibus consentire.—(Hospin. +p. 127.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_286_286" id="Footnote_286_286"></a><a href="#FNanchor_286_286"><span class="label">[286]</span></a> Het gern ihrer Schwachheit verschont.—(Niederer Nachr. ii. p. 120.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_287_287" id="Footnote_287_287"></a><a href="#FNanchor_287_287"><span class="label">[287]</span></a> Doch zuletz sprach er Ich will die artikel aufaller pesste stellen, sy werdens +doch nicht annemen.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_288_288" id="Footnote_288_288"></a><a href="#FNanchor_288_288"><span class="label">[288]</span></a> Quod mirari non satis potuimus.—(Brentius, Zw. Opp. iv. p. 203.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_289_289" id="Footnote_289_289"></a><a href="#FNanchor_289_289"><span class="label">[289]</span></a> Quod spiritualis manducatio hujus corporis et sanguinis unicuique +Christiano prcipue necessaria sit.—(Scultet. p. 232.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_290_290" id="Footnote_290_290"></a><a href="#FNanchor_290_290"><span class="label">[290]</span></a> Osiander (a Lutheran) employs the accusative, "in <i>den</i> rechten Verstand," +which would indicate a movement towards an object that we do +not possess: Bullinger and Scultet (both Reformed divines) have the dative.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_291_291" id="Footnote_291_291"></a><a href="#FNanchor_291_291"><span class="label">[291]</span></a> Bullinger and others indicate the 3d October as the day on which the +articles were signed; Osiander, an eye-witness, and whose narrative is very +exact, says it was the 4th, which agrees with all the other data.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_292_292" id="Footnote_292_292"></a><a href="#FNanchor_292_292"><span class="label">[292]</span></a> Hic unus in Ecclesia hret scrupulus.—(Corp. Ref. i. p. 1106.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_293_293" id="Footnote_293_293"></a><a href="#FNanchor_293_293"><span class="label">[293]</span></a> Pontifici non ultra possunt sperare Lutherum suum fore.—(Zw. Opp. +ii. p. 370.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_294_294" id="Footnote_294_294"></a><a href="#FNanchor_294_294"><span class="label">[294]</span></a> Die Hnd einander frntlich gebotten.—(Bull. ii. p. 236.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_295_295" id="Footnote_295_295"></a><a href="#FNanchor_295_295"><span class="label">[295]</span></a> Ego vix et gre domum reversus sum.—(L. Epp. iii. p. 520.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_296_296" id="Footnote_296_296"></a><a href="#FNanchor_296_296"><span class="label">[296]</span></a> Sic me vexante Angelo Satan, ut desperarim me vivum et salvum +visurum meos.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_297_297" id="Footnote_297_297"></a><a href="#FNanchor_297_297"><span class="label">[297]</span></a> Ipsam urbem in tribus locis, suffoso solo et pulvere supposito disjicit +et patefecit.—(L. Epp. iii. p. 518.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_298_298" id="Footnote_298_298"></a><a href="#FNanchor_298_298"><span class="label">[298]</span></a> Dschelalsade, quoted by Ranke.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_299_299" id="Footnote_299_299"></a><a href="#FNanchor_299_299"><span class="label">[299]</span></a> Heer predigt wider die Trken.—(L. Opp. (W.) xx. p. 2691.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_300_300" id="Footnote_300_300"></a><a href="#FNanchor_300_300"><span class="label">[300]</span></a> Forte ipsum Turcam partim in isto agone cogor ferre et vincere, saltem +ejus Deum, diabolum.—(L. Epp. iii. p. 520.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_301_301" id="Footnote_301_301"></a><a href="#FNanchor_301_301"><span class="label">[301]</span></a> Angelus Satan, vel quisquis est diabolus mortis ita me fatigat.—(L. +Epp. iii. p. 515.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_302_302" id="Footnote_302_302"></a><a href="#FNanchor_302_302"><span class="label">[302]</span></a> Dr. Vinet.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_303_303" id="Footnote_303_303"></a><a href="#FNanchor_303_303"><span class="label">[303]</span></a> Das Lutherthum werde so schwer, als das Papsthum.—(Zw. Epp. p. 374.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_304_304" id="Footnote_304_304"></a><a href="#FNanchor_304_304"><span class="label">[304]</span></a> Lutherus impudens et contumax aperte est victus.—(Zw. Epp. p. 370.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_305_305" id="Footnote_305_305"></a><a href="#FNanchor_305_305"><span class="label">[305]</span></a> Metuebant plebem suam ad quam non licuisset reverti.—(Zw. Opp. ii. +p. 19.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_306_306" id="Footnote_306_306"></a><a href="#FNanchor_306_306"><span class="label">[306]</span></a> Rommels Anmerkungen, p. 227-229.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_307_307" id="Footnote_307_307"></a><a href="#FNanchor_307_307"><span class="label">[307]</span></a> Pontificiis et catabaptistis multum displicuit consensus Marpurgi.—(Scultet. +p. 208.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_308_308" id="Footnote_308_308"></a><a href="#FNanchor_308_308"><span class="label">[308]</span></a> Carolus Caesar multo atrocius minatur et svire statuit in nos, quam +Turca.—(L. Epp. iii. p. 324.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_309_309" id="Footnote_309_309"></a><a href="#FNanchor_309_309"><span class="label">[309]</span></a> Hebrews vii. 16.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_310_310" id="Footnote_310_310"></a><a href="#FNanchor_310_310"><span class="label">[310]</span></a> Legatis attribuerunt equos sex.—(Seckend. ii. p. 134.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_311_311" id="Footnote_311_311"></a><a href="#FNanchor_311_311"><span class="label">[311]</span></a> Ut essent tutiores.—(Ibid. p. 133.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_312_312" id="Footnote_312_312"></a><a href="#FNanchor_312_312"><span class="label">[312]</span></a> Neque suarum esse virium aut officii, ut eos ad impossibilia et noxia +adigant—(Seckend. ii. p. 134.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_313_313" id="Footnote_313_313"></a><a href="#FNanchor_313_313"><span class="label">[313]</span></a> Hortleben, von den Ursachen des deutschen Kriegs, p. 50.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_314_314" id="Footnote_314_314"></a><a href="#FNanchor_314_314"><span class="label">[314]</span></a> Libellum elegantur ornatum.—(Scultet. p. 253.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_315_315" id="Footnote_315_315"></a><a href="#FNanchor_315_315"><span class="label">[315]</span></a> Cum obiter legisset—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_316_316" id="Footnote_316_316"></a><a href="#FNanchor_316_316"><span class="label">[316]</span></a> Luke xxii. 26.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_317_317" id="Footnote_317_317"></a><a href="#FNanchor_317_317"><span class="label">[317]</span></a> Falso et maligne relatum esset—(Seckend. ii. p. 133.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_318_318" id="Footnote_318_318"></a><a href="#FNanchor_318_318"><span class="label">[318]</span></a> Sibi non defore media quibus ad id compellerentur.—(Seckend. ii p. +133.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_319_319" id="Footnote_319_319"></a><a href="#FNanchor_319_319"><span class="label">[319]</span></a> Tabellionis sive notarii officium.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_320_320" id="Footnote_320_320"></a><a href="#FNanchor_320_320"><span class="label">[320]</span></a> Sub capitis pœna, ne pedem a diversario moveant.—(Seckend. ii. p. 133.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_321_321" id="Footnote_321_321"></a><a href="#FNanchor_321_321"><span class="label">[321]</span></a> A famulo certior factus, rem omnem senatui aperuit—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_322_322" id="Footnote_322_322"></a><a href="#FNanchor_322_322"><span class="label">[322]</span></a> Ut idem scriptum exhibeat quoque Pontifici.—(Scultet. p. 254.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_323_323" id="Footnote_323_323"></a><a href="#FNanchor_323_323"><span class="label">[323]</span></a> Silentio conscendit equum.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_324_324" id="Footnote_324_324"></a><a href="#FNanchor_324_324"><span class="label">[324]</span></a> In vulgus sparsum aurum quatuor millia ducatorum.—(L. Epp. iii. p. +565.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_325_325" id="Footnote_325_325"></a><a href="#FNanchor_325_325"><span class="label">[325]</span></a> Armis cogandos.—(Seckend. ii. p. 112; Maimbourg, ii. p. 194.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_326_326" id="Footnote_326_326"></a><a href="#FNanchor_326_326"><span class="label">[326]</span></a> Oratio <i>de Congressu Bononiensi</i>, in <i>Melancthonis Orationum</i>, iv. p. 87, +and Clestinus Hist. Concil. 1830, August, i. p. 10. Respectable authors, +Walsh, Muller, and Beausobre, incorrectly quote at full length the +speeches delivered at this conference. They are amplifications; but to deny +that they have some historical foundation would be flying to the opposite +extreme.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_327_327" id="Footnote_327_327"></a><a href="#FNanchor_327_327"><span class="label">[327]</span></a> Non concilii decretis, sed armis controversias dirimendas—(Scultet. p. +248; Maimbourg the Jesuit, ii. p. 177.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_328_328" id="Footnote_328_328"></a><a href="#FNanchor_328_328"><span class="label">[328]</span></a> Pontifex, ut cteri Christiani principes, ipsos pro viribus juvent.—(Guicciardini, +xix. p. 908.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_329_329" id="Footnote_329_329"></a><a href="#FNanchor_329_329"><span class="label">[329]</span></a> Ut Germania vi et armis opprimatur, funditus deleatur et eradicetur.—(Clestin. +i. p. 42.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_330_330" id="Footnote_330_330"></a><a href="#FNanchor_330_330"><span class="label">[330]</span></a> Lieber zehn mal todt seyn.—(Epp. iii. p. 526.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_331_331" id="Footnote_331_331"></a><a href="#FNanchor_331_331"><span class="label">[331]</span></a> Auf sein eigen Fahr glauben.—(Ibid. p. 527.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_332_332" id="Footnote_332_332"></a><a href="#FNanchor_332_332"><span class="label">[332]</span></a> Advenerant et gesta referebant.—(Seckend. ii. p. 140; Sleidan. i. p. 235.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_333_333" id="Footnote_333_333"></a><a href="#FNanchor_333_333"><span class="label">[333]</span></a> Invicem scriptillant, dicentes: Salvator venit.—(L. Epp. iii. p. 540.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_334_334" id="Footnote_334_334"></a><a href="#FNanchor_334_334"><span class="label">[334]</span></a> Dat de Duwel dem Bawst int Lieff fare.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_335_335" id="Footnote_335_335"></a><a href="#FNanchor_335_335"><span class="label">[335]</span></a> Infans in utero, audiente tota familia, bis vociferatus est.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_336_336" id="Footnote_336_336"></a><a href="#FNanchor_336_336"><span class="label">[336]</span></a> Dedication of Daniel to John Frederick.—(L. Epp. iii. p. 555.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_337_337" id="Footnote_337_337"></a><a href="#FNanchor_337_337"><span class="label">[337]</span></a> Schwebt in seiner Macht, wie ein Schiff auf dem Meer, ja wie eine +Wolke unter dem Himmel.—(L. Epp. iii. p. 555.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_338_338" id="Footnote_338_338"></a><a href="#FNanchor_338_338"><span class="label">[338]</span></a> Wie wir alle unter einem Christo seyn und streiten.—(Forstenmanns, +Urkundenbuch, i. p. 1.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_339_339" id="Footnote_339_339"></a><a href="#FNanchor_339_339"><span class="label">[339]</span></a> Bucholz Geschichte Ferdinands, iii. p. 432.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_340_340" id="Footnote_340_340"></a><a href="#FNanchor_340_340"><span class="label">[340]</span></a> Sopravennero lettere di Germania che lo sollicittavano transferirsi in +quella provincia.—(Guicciardini, L. xx.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_341_341" id="Footnote_341_341"></a><a href="#FNanchor_341_341"><span class="label">[341]</span></a> Natali suo quem semper felicem habuit.—(Seckend. ii. p. 150.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_342_342" id="Footnote_342_342"></a><a href="#FNanchor_342_342"><span class="label">[342]</span></a> Omnibus viribus, ingenio, et facultatibus suis Pontifici dignitatis et +Roman Ecclesi perpetuum fore defensorem.—(Cœlestin. Hist. Comit. +Aug. 16.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_343_343" id="Footnote_343_343"></a><a href="#FNanchor_343_343"><span class="label">[343]</span></a> Letter to M. L'Admiral, 25th February.—(Legrand, Histoire du Divorce, +iii. p. 386.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_344_344" id="Footnote_344_344"></a><a href="#FNanchor_344_344"><span class="label">[344]</span></a> Tanquam columb, adveniente aquila, dispergentur.—(Rommel Anmerkungen, +p. 236.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_345_345" id="Footnote_345_345"></a><a href="#FNanchor_345_345"><span class="label">[345]</span></a> Ego famam de qua scribis intelligo nimis veram esse, morior enim quotidie.—(Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 122.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_346_346" id="Footnote_346_346"></a><a href="#FNanchor_346_346"><span class="label">[346]</span></a> Cum copiis quas habitant per Tyrolensem ditionem incedenti occurrere +et Alpium transitum impedire.—(Seckend. ii. p. 150.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_347_347" id="Footnote_347_347"></a><a href="#FNanchor_347_347"><span class="label">[347]</span></a> Cum hc comitia pro concilio aut conventu nationali haberi videantur.—(Seckend. +ii. p. 17.—Letter to the Elector, Corp. Ref. ii. p. 26.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_348_348" id="Footnote_348_348"></a><a href="#FNanchor_348_348"><span class="label">[348]</span></a> Different projects will be found in <i>Forstenmanns Urkundenbuch</i>, i. p. +63-108, and in the Corp. Ref. iv. p. 973, sqq. Those that were presented +were doubtless the <i>Articuli non concedendi, Articles not to be conceded</i>. +They treat of the communion in both kinds, of celibacy, the mass, orders, +the pope, convents, confession, distinction of meats, and of the sacraments.—(Corp. +Ref. iv. p. 981.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_349_349" id="Footnote_349_349"></a><a href="#FNanchor_349_349"><span class="label">[349]</span></a> Mirantibus hominibus.—(Seck. ii. p. 153.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_350_350" id="Footnote_350_350"></a><a href="#FNanchor_350_350"><span class="label">[350]</span></a> We have attempted a very feeble translation of the second stanza.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_351_351" id="Footnote_351_351"></a><a href="#FNanchor_351_351"><span class="label">[351]</span></a> Qui tristem etiam et abjectum animum erigere et exhilarare, et velut +ενθουσιἁζειν possent.—(Scult. p. 270.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_352_352" id="Footnote_352_352"></a><a href="#FNanchor_352_352"><span class="label">[352]</span></a> Sed erat qui diceret: Tace tu, habes malam vocem.—(L. Epp. iv. p. 2.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_353_353" id="Footnote_353_353"></a><a href="#FNanchor_353_353"><span class="label">[353]</span></a> Omnibus sepositis aliis rebus.—(L. Epp. iii. p. 564.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_354_354" id="Footnote_354_354"></a><a href="#FNanchor_354_354"><span class="label">[354]</span></a> Zum kreutz kriechen werden.—(Mathesius Pred. p. 91.) The allusion +is to the cross embroidered on the Pope's slipper.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_355_355" id="Footnote_355_355"></a><a href="#FNanchor_355_355"><span class="label">[355]</span></a> Iter Coloniam versus decrevisse.—(Epp. Zw. May 13.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_356_356" id="Footnote_356_356"></a><a href="#FNanchor_356_356"><span class="label">[356]</span></a> Alii censent Csarem debere, edicto proposito, sine ulla cogitatione damnare +causam nostrum.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 57.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_357_357" id="Footnote_357_357"></a><a href="#FNanchor_357_357"><span class="label">[357]</span></a> <i>Instructio data Csari</i> dal Reverendissimo Campeggio.—(Ranke, iii. +p. 288.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_358_358" id="Footnote_358_358"></a><a href="#FNanchor_358_358"><span class="label">[358]</span></a> Sich die Spanier zu Inspruck unflthig gehalten.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. +56.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_359_359" id="Footnote_359_359"></a><a href="#FNanchor_359_359"><span class="label">[359]</span></a> Semper vacillaturum de vera et certa salutis adipiscend ratione.—(Seck. +ii. p. 57.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_360_360" id="Footnote_360_360"></a><a href="#FNanchor_360_360"><span class="label">[360]</span></a> Ut mascule ageret, sex mille equitum, prsidium ei offerentes.—(Seck. +ii. p. 156.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_361_361" id="Footnote_361_361"></a><a href="#FNanchor_361_361"><span class="label">[361]</span></a> Ibi habentur de nostris cervicibus comitia.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 45.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_362_362" id="Footnote_362_362"></a><a href="#FNanchor_362_362"><span class="label">[362]</span></a> Seckendorf.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_363_363" id="Footnote_363_363"></a><a href="#FNanchor_363_363"><span class="label">[363]</span></a> Omnes alliciebat.—(Cochlœus, p. 191.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_364_364" id="Footnote_364_364"></a><a href="#FNanchor_364_364"><span class="label">[364]</span></a> Rogantibus Augustanis publice in templum Dominicorum.—(Seck. +Lat. p. 193.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_365_365" id="Footnote_365_365"></a><a href="#FNanchor_365_365"><span class="label">[365]</span></a> Tglig in den kirchen, unverstrt; dazu kommt sehr viel Volks.—(Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 53.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_366_366" id="Footnote_366_366"></a><a href="#FNanchor_366_366"><span class="label">[366]</span></a> Clamant et vociferantur. Audires homines stupidissimos atque etiam +sensu communi carentes.—(Ibid. p. 86.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_367_367" id="Footnote_367_367"></a><a href="#FNanchor_367_367"><span class="label">[367]</span></a> Urebat hoc pontifices.—(Scultet. p. 271.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_368_368" id="Footnote_368_368"></a><a href="#FNanchor_368_368"><span class="label">[368]</span></a> Ὁι ἁρχιερεἱς miris machinis oppugnant.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 70.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_369_369" id="Footnote_369_369"></a><a href="#FNanchor_369_369"><span class="label">[369]</span></a> Evangelicos omnes obtriturum.—(Scultet. p. 269.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_370_370" id="Footnote_370_370"></a><a href="#FNanchor_370_370"><span class="label">[370]</span></a> These instructions may be found in Cœlestin, i. p. 50, and Forstemann +Urk. i. p. 220.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_371_371" id="Footnote_371_371"></a><a href="#FNanchor_371_371"><span class="label">[371]</span></a> Quidquid duri Electori denuntiabant suo veluti nomine et injussi +dicebant.—(Seck. ii. p. 156.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_372_372" id="Footnote_372_372"></a><a href="#FNanchor_372_372"><span class="label">[372]</span></a> Den nchsten heim zu reiten.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 88.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_373_373" id="Footnote_373_373"></a><a href="#FNanchor_373_373"><span class="label">[373]</span></a> L. Epp. iv. p. 18.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_374_374" id="Footnote_374_374"></a><a href="#FNanchor_374_374"><span class="label">[374]</span></a> Nullas materias disputabiles a nobis doceri.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 72.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_375_375" id="Footnote_375_375"></a><a href="#FNanchor_375_375"><span class="label">[375]</span></a> Quo modo plane inenarrabili atque mirifico.—(Ibid. p. 74.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_376_376" id="Footnote_376_376"></a><a href="#FNanchor_376_376"><span class="label">[376]</span></a> In cujus urbe jam sumus hospites.—(Ibid. p. 46.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_377_377" id="Footnote_377_377"></a><a href="#FNanchor_377_377"><span class="label">[377]</span></a> Sed noster senex difficilis est.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_378_378" id="Footnote_378_378"></a><a href="#FNanchor_378_378"><span class="label">[378]</span></a> Ein fgsamer Anfang der Niderbrengung des Evangelii.—(Ibid. p. 76.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_379_379" id="Footnote_379_379"></a><a href="#FNanchor_379_379"><span class="label">[379]</span></a> Quo carere non possit.—(Seck. p. 156; Muller, Hist. Prot. p. 506.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_380_380" id="Footnote_380_380"></a><a href="#FNanchor_380_380"><span class="label">[380]</span></a> Ut sub anathemate cogam te in regulas servandi corpusculi tui.—(L. +Epp. iv. p. 16.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_381_381" id="Footnote_381_381"></a><a href="#FNanchor_381_381"><span class="label">[381]</span></a> Ideo enim Sabbatum voluit tam rigide pr cteris servari.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_382_382" id="Footnote_382_382"></a><a href="#FNanchor_382_382"><span class="label">[382]</span></a> More rhetorically. Feci aliquande ρητορικὡτερον quam Coburg scripseram.—(Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 40.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_383_383" id="Footnote_383_383"></a><a href="#FNanchor_383_383"><span class="label">[383]</span></a> Quia Eckius addidit διαβολικωτἁτας διαβολὁς contra nos.—(Corp. Ref. +p. 45.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_384_384" id="Footnote_384_384"></a><a href="#FNanchor_384_384"><span class="label">[384]</span></a> In Apologia quotidie multa mutamus.—(Ibid. p. 60.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_385_385" id="Footnote_385_385"></a><a href="#FNanchor_385_385"><span class="label">[385]</span></a> Mathesius Predigten, p. 92.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_386_386" id="Footnote_386_386"></a><a href="#FNanchor_386_386"><span class="label">[386]</span></a> Longe amnissimus et studiis commodissimus.—(L. Epp. iv. p. 2.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_387_387" id="Footnote_387_387"></a><a href="#FNanchor_387_387"><span class="label">[387]</span></a> Orabo igitur et plorabo, non quieturus donec, &c.—(L. Epp. iv. p. 2.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_388_388" id="Footnote_388_388"></a><a href="#FNanchor_388_388"><span class="label">[388]</span></a> This letter, which is a masterpiece of its kind, may be found in Luther's +Epp. iv. p. 41, and also in Riddle's "Luther and his Times," p. 268.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_389_389" id="Footnote_389_389"></a><a href="#FNanchor_389_389"><span class="label">[389]</span></a> Per ejus sudores aluit et finxit qualis sum.—(Epp. iv. p. 33.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_390_390" id="Footnote_390_390"></a><a href="#FNanchor_390_390"><span class="label">[390]</span></a> To Gasp. of Teutleben, 19th June.—(L. Epp. iv. p. 37.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_391_391" id="Footnote_391_391"></a><a href="#FNanchor_391_391"><span class="label">[391]</span></a> An seine Tischgesellen.—(L. Epp. iv. p. 7.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_392_392" id="Footnote_392_392"></a><a href="#FNanchor_392_392"><span class="label">[392]</span></a> Sed serio et necessario joco qui mihi irruentes cogitationes repelleret.—(L. +Epp. iv. p. 14.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_393_393" id="Footnote_393_393"></a><a href="#FNanchor_393_393"><span class="label">[393]</span></a> Eswchst jetz daher die zart Jugend von Knblin un Maidlin.—(Ibid. +p. 21.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_394_394" id="Footnote_394_394"></a><a href="#FNanchor_394_394"><span class="label">[394]</span></a> Ut plurimos Lansknecktos, prorsus vi repellere cogar, qui insalutati +non cessant obstrepere.—(L. Epp. iv. p. 10.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_395_395" id="Footnote_395_395"></a><a href="#FNanchor_395_395"><span class="label">[395]</span></a> Pestis eram vivus, moriens ero mors tua, Papa.—(L. Opp. xx. p. 164.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_396_396" id="Footnote_396_396"></a><a href="#FNanchor_396_396"><span class="label">[396]</span></a> Tantum lictorem suum in hreticos.—(Epp. iv. p. 10.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_397_397" id="Footnote_397_397"></a><a href="#FNanchor_397_397"><span class="label">[397]</span></a> Magnum acervum conclusionum congessit.—(Corp. Ref. p. 39.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_398_398" id="Footnote_398_398"></a><a href="#FNanchor_398_398"><span class="label">[398]</span></a> Cum uxoratis presbyteris tuis privatim colloqui non intendimus.—(Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 82.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_399_399" id="Footnote_399_399"></a><a href="#FNanchor_399_399"><span class="label">[399]</span></a> Nos non minus sumus monachi quam vos in illa arce vestra.—(Ibid. +p. 146.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_400_400" id="Footnote_400_400"></a><a href="#FNanchor_400_400"><span class="label">[400]</span></a> Und dennoch Tag und Nacht voll und toll seyn.—(Ibid. p. 79.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_401_401" id="Footnote_401_401"></a><a href="#FNanchor_401_401"><span class="label">[401]</span></a> In gemein in aller Frsten und Stadte Nmen.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 88.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_402_402" id="Footnote_402_402"></a><a href="#FNanchor_402_402"><span class="label">[402]</span></a> Die <i>constitutiones canonic</i> den Kaysern verbieten zu richten und +sprechen in geistlichen sachen.—(Ibid. p. 66.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_403_403" id="Footnote_403_403"></a><a href="#FNanchor_403_403"><span class="label">[403]</span></a> De Lutheranis furoribus......sua ipsi mole ruent.—(Zw. Epp. ii. p. 432.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_404_404" id="Footnote_404_404"></a><a href="#FNanchor_404_404"><span class="label">[404]</span></a> Hinc Latin resumuntur cantiones, repetuntur sanct vestes.—(Zw. +Epp. ii. p. 457.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_405_405" id="Footnote_405_405"></a><a href="#FNanchor_405_405"><span class="label">[405]</span></a> Cattus inter sacrum et saxum stat, et de sociis magis quam hostibus +solicitus est.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_406_406" id="Footnote_406_406"></a><a href="#FNanchor_406_406"><span class="label">[406]</span></a> Keine Kirche und kein Regiment.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 95.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_407_407" id="Footnote_407_407"></a><a href="#FNanchor_407_407"><span class="label">[407]</span></a> Wo Sachsen, Hessen, und andere Lutherische nit hie wren.—(Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 89.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_408_408" id="Footnote_408_408"></a><a href="#FNanchor_408_408"><span class="label">[408]</span></a> Minatur nobis Satan grande exitium.—(Ibid. p. 92.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_409_409" id="Footnote_409_409"></a><a href="#FNanchor_409_409"><span class="label">[409]</span></a> Er wolte es machen, wie es Ihm eben wre.—(Ibid. p. 88.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_410_410" id="Footnote_410_410"></a><a href="#FNanchor_410_410"><span class="label">[410]</span></a> Neu aufgerichte Ketten und Stck.—(Ibid. p. 66.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_411_411" id="Footnote_411_411"></a><a href="#FNanchor_411_411"><span class="label">[411]</span></a> Mit sammet und seide auf's kostlichst ausgestrichen.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_412_412" id="Footnote_412_412"></a><a href="#FNanchor_412_412"><span class="label">[412]</span></a> Den jungen Frsten zu neubourg ihre wappen abgerissen.—(Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 55.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_413_413" id="Footnote_413_413"></a><a href="#FNanchor_413_413"><span class="label">[413]</span></a> Vor zehn Jahren in Sinn gehalt.—(Ibid. p. 66.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_414_414" id="Footnote_414_414"></a><a href="#FNanchor_414_414"><span class="label">[414]</span></a> Gehen nicht mehr in die Haser und schrieben an die Thr.—(Ibid. +p. 89.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_415_415" id="Footnote_415_415"></a><a href="#FNanchor_415_415"><span class="label">[415]</span></a> Csarem instructum arte pontificum qurere causas mor.—(L. Epp. +iv. p. 31.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_416_416" id="Footnote_416_416"></a><a href="#FNanchor_416_416"><span class="label">[416]</span></a> Das hat Kais. Maj. wohl gefallen.—(Forstemann, Urkunden. i p. 246.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_417_417" id="Footnote_417_417"></a><a href="#FNanchor_417_417"><span class="label">[417]</span></a> Alle stund die Wagen, der Tross und viel gesinds nact einander harein.—(Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 90.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_418_418" id="Footnote_418_418"></a><a href="#FNanchor_418_418"><span class="label">[418]</span></a> Finden aber wenig Frenden feuer.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_419_419" id="Footnote_419_419"></a><a href="#FNanchor_419_419"><span class="label">[419]</span></a> Zu morgens, um fnf Uhr.—(F. Urkunden. i. p. 263.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_420_420" id="Footnote_420_420"></a><a href="#FNanchor_420_420"><span class="label">[420]</span></a> Ab Electorum filiis qui procurrerant rogatus.—(Seck. ii. p. 101.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_421_421" id="Footnote_421_421"></a><a href="#FNanchor_421_421"><span class="label">[421]</span></a> Mox ab equis descenderunt.—(Cochlœus.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_422_422" id="Footnote_422_422"></a><a href="#FNanchor_422_422"><span class="label">[422]</span></a> Auf ein ort geruckt.—(F. Urkunden. i. p. 256.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_423_423" id="Footnote_423_423"></a><a href="#FNanchor_423_423"><span class="label">[423]</span></a> Primum constanti specimen.—(Seck. ii. p. 101.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_424_424" id="Footnote_424_424"></a><a href="#FNanchor_424_424"><span class="label">[424]</span></a> Prelatorum autem negligentiam accusaret.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_425_425" id="Footnote_425_425"></a><a href="#FNanchor_425_425"><span class="label">[425]</span></a> Conscendentem juniores principes adjuverunt.—(Ibid. and F. Urkunden. +i. p. 258.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_426_426" id="Footnote_426_426"></a><a href="#FNanchor_426_426"><span class="label">[426]</span></a> Bekleit von gold.—(F. Urkunden. i. p. 258.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_427_427" id="Footnote_427_427"></a><a href="#FNanchor_427_427"><span class="label">[427]</span></a> Viel sammete unde seiden Rcke.—(L. Opp. xx. p. 201.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_428_428" id="Footnote_428_428"></a><a href="#FNanchor_428_428"><span class="label">[428]</span></a> Noster princeps de more prtulit ensem.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 118.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_429_429" id="Footnote_429_429"></a><a href="#FNanchor_429_429"><span class="label">[429]</span></a> Omnium oculos in se convertit.—(Seck. ii. p. 160.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_430_430" id="Footnote_430_430"></a><a href="#FNanchor_430_430"><span class="label">[430]</span></a> Totus gemmis coruscabat.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_431_431" id="Footnote_431_431"></a><a href="#FNanchor_431_431"><span class="label">[431]</span></a> Ein kilen Spanisch Htlein.—(F. Urkunden, i. p. 260.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_432_432" id="Footnote_432_432"></a><a href="#FNanchor_432_432"><span class="label">[432]</span></a> Antea in imperio non erat visa.—(Seck. ii. p. 160.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_433_433" id="Footnote_433_433"></a><a href="#FNanchor_433_433"><span class="label">[433]</span></a> Ingressus est in urbem intra octavam et nonam.—(Ibid. p. 114.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_434_434" id="Footnote_434_434"></a><a href="#FNanchor_434_434"><span class="label">[434]</span></a> Da entsetzt sich K. M. Hengst fr solchem Himel.—(F. Urkunden. +i. p. 261.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_435_435" id="Footnote_435_435"></a><a href="#FNanchor_435_435"><span class="label">[435]</span></a> Ihr hand aufgehebt.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_436_436" id="Footnote_436_436"></a><a href="#FNanchor_436_436"><span class="label">[436]</span></a> Cardinalem legatus castigatum abegit.—(Seck. ii. p. 161.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_437_437" id="Footnote_437_437"></a><a href="#FNanchor_437_437"><span class="label">[437]</span></a> Ad conclave suum.—(Corp. Ref. p. 106 and 114.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_438_438" id="Footnote_438_438"></a><a href="#FNanchor_438_438"><span class="label">[438]</span></a> Die beede alte Frsten zum hchsten entsetz.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_439_439" id="Footnote_439_439"></a><a href="#FNanchor_439_439"><span class="label">[439]</span></a> Se non posse cibo verbi Dei carere, nec sana conscientia Evangelium +negare.—(Corp. Ref. p. 115.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_440_440" id="Footnote_440_440"></a><a href="#FNanchor_440_440"><span class="label">[440]</span></a> In Franzsischer Sprache.—(Ibid. p. 107.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_441_441" id="Footnote_441_441"></a><a href="#FNanchor_441_441"><span class="label">[441]</span></a> Sich darob etwas angert und erhitzt.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 115.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_442_442" id="Footnote_442_442"></a><a href="#FNanchor_442_442"><span class="label">[442]</span></a> K. M. gewissen sey aber kein Herr und meyster uber ihr gewissen.—(Ibid. +p. 115.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_443_443" id="Footnote_443_443"></a><a href="#FNanchor_443_443"><span class="label">[443]</span></a> Ut simpliciter, ita magnanimiter, says Brenz.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_444_444" id="Footnote_444_444"></a><a href="#FNanchor_444_444"><span class="label">[444]</span></a> Es wre Spanisch oder Franzsisch und dazu eines Landes minder.—(Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 114.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_445_445" id="Footnote_445_445"></a><a href="#FNanchor_445_445"><span class="label">[445]</span></a> Et saltem in honorem Dei illud facerent—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 116.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_446_446" id="Footnote_446_446"></a><a href="#FNanchor_446_446"><span class="label">[446]</span></a> Persistit Csar in postulatione, persisterunt illi in recusatione.—(Ibid. +115.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_447_447" id="Footnote_447_447"></a><a href="#FNanchor_447_447"><span class="label">[447]</span></a> A svitia Legati Romanensium captivi.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 116.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_448_448" id="Footnote_448_448"></a><a href="#FNanchor_448_448"><span class="label">[448]</span></a> Hinc secut sunt gravissim min, jactat svissim Csaris indignationes.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_449_449" id="Footnote_449_449"></a><a href="#FNanchor_449_449"><span class="label">[449]</span></a> Quiete sibi opus esse dicens, responsum in diem alterum distulit—(Seck. ii. p. 162.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_450_450" id="Footnote_450_450"></a><a href="#FNanchor_450_450"><span class="label">[450]</span></a> Hat nchten uns aufwecken lassen.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 106.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_451_451" id="Footnote_451_451"></a><a href="#FNanchor_451_451"><span class="label">[451]</span></a> Wie die Juden die Schlange haben angebethet.—(Ibid. p. 111.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_452_452" id="Footnote_452_452"></a><a href="#FNanchor_452_452"><span class="label">[452]</span></a> Heute zu sieben Uhren sind gemeldete Frsten.—(Corp. Ref. iii. +p. 107.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_453_453" id="Footnote_453_453"></a><a href="#FNanchor_453_453"><span class="label">[453]</span></a> Clestin. i. p. 82.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_454_454" id="Footnote_454_454"></a><a href="#FNanchor_454_454"><span class="label">[454]</span></a> Ut vassalli et principes imperii.—(Cochlœus, p. 192.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_455_455" id="Footnote_455_455"></a><a href="#FNanchor_455_455"><span class="label">[455]</span></a> Sie wolle sehen, ob sie I. M. gehorchsam leisten oder nicht.—(Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 108.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_456_456" id="Footnote_456_456"></a><a href="#FNanchor_456_456"><span class="label">[456]</span></a> Clericaliter, detonso capillo.—(Zw. Epp. ii. p. 471.) Nudo capite sub +meridani solis ardoribus.—(Pallavicini, i. p. 228.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_457_457" id="Footnote_457_457"></a><a href="#FNanchor_457_457"><span class="label">[457]</span></a> 2 Timothy iii. 5.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_458_458" id="Footnote_458_458"></a><a href="#FNanchor_458_458"><span class="label">[458]</span></a> Sarpi, Council of Trent, i. p. 99.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_459_459" id="Footnote_459_459"></a><a href="#FNanchor_459_459"><span class="label">[459]</span></a> Ut mox altera die, cum salvo-conductu, Lutherani abirent domum.—(Cochl. +p. 193.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_460_460" id="Footnote_460_460"></a><a href="#FNanchor_460_460"><span class="label">[460]</span></a> Pacis et concordi avidi, supplicarunt ejus majestati ut sedata ira.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_461_461" id="Footnote_461_461"></a><a href="#FNanchor_461_461"><span class="label">[461]</span></a> Maximus populi concursus amplissima de.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_462_462" id="Footnote_462_462"></a><a href="#FNanchor_462_462"><span class="label">[462]</span></a> Nec se illo anim nutrimento carere.—(Cœlestinus Hist. Comit. i. p. +88; Forst. Urkunden. i. p. 283.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_463_463" id="Footnote_463_463"></a><a href="#FNanchor_463_463"><span class="label">[463]</span></a> Csar a meridie.—(Seck. p. 165.) Den gangen Tag.—(Corp. Ref. ii. +p. 113.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_464_464" id="Footnote_464_464"></a><a href="#FNanchor_464_464"><span class="label">[464]</span></a> Eo ipso die conciones continuat.—(Seckend. p. 165.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_465_465" id="Footnote_465_465"></a><a href="#FNanchor_465_465"><span class="label">[465]</span></a> Csare omnes tam papistarum quam evangelicorum conciones.—(Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 116.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_466_466" id="Footnote_466_466"></a><a href="#FNanchor_466_466"><span class="label">[466]</span></a> Qui tantum recitent Evangelium et epistolam γραμματικὡς.—(Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 119.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_467_467" id="Footnote_467_467"></a><a href="#FNanchor_467_467"><span class="label">[467]</span></a> Non sumus parochi Augustanorum, added he.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 119.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_468_468" id="Footnote_468_468"></a><a href="#FNanchor_468_468"><span class="label">[468]</span></a> Vide miram sapientiam Aulicorum.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_469_469" id="Footnote_469_469"></a><a href="#FNanchor_469_469"><span class="label">[469]</span></a> Ut de remediis propulsand injuri cogitent.—(Seck. ii. p. 105.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_470_470" id="Footnote_470_470"></a><a href="#FNanchor_470_470"><span class="label">[470]</span></a> Ob je einer einen Prediger in seiner Herberg fur sich predigen liess.— +(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 113.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_471_471" id="Footnote_471_471"></a><a href="#FNanchor_471_471"><span class="label">[471]</span></a> Per tubicines et heraldum.—(Sturmius, Zw. Epp. p. 466.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_472_472" id="Footnote_472_472"></a><a href="#FNanchor_472_472"><span class="label">[472]</span></a> Hrt, Hrt.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 124.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_473_473" id="Footnote_473_473"></a><a href="#FNanchor_473_473"><span class="label">[473]</span></a> Omnes hunc avidissime expectant.—(Ibid. p. 116.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_474_474" id="Footnote_474_474"></a><a href="#FNanchor_474_474"><span class="label">[474]</span></a> Chimram aut Tragelaphum aliquem expectamus.—(Ibid.) The <i>Tragelaph</i> +is a fabulous animal partaking of the nature of a goat and a stag. +Representations of it were common on drinking-bowls and goblets among +the ancient Greeks.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_475_475" id="Footnote_475_475"></a><a href="#FNanchor_475_475"><span class="label">[475]</span></a> Multos deterreat—(Sturm to Zwingle, Epp. p. 466.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_476_476" id="Footnote_476_476"></a><a href="#FNanchor_476_476"><span class="label">[476]</span></a> Arrectis auribus.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 116.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_477_477" id="Footnote_477_477"></a><a href="#FNanchor_477_477"><span class="label">[477]</span></a> Quid novi novus concionator allaturus sit.—(Ibid. p. 117.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_478_478" id="Footnote_478_478"></a><a href="#FNanchor_478_478"><span class="label">[478]</span></a> Sic habes concionatorem neque evangelicum neque papisticum, sed +nudum textualem.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_479_479" id="Footnote_479_479"></a><a href="#FNanchor_479_479"><span class="label">[479]</span></a> Rident omnes, et certe res valde ridicula est.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_480_480" id="Footnote_480_480"></a><a href="#FNanchor_480_480"><span class="label">[480]</span></a> Paucula qudam, eaque puerilia et inepta, nec Christiane, abaque +fundamento verbi Divini et consolatione.—(Seck. ii. p. 165.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_481_481" id="Footnote_481_481"></a><a href="#FNanchor_481_481"><span class="label">[481]</span></a> Dormire solet usque ad nonam aut decimam.—(Corp. Ref. ii p. 117.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_482_482" id="Footnote_482_482"></a><a href="#FNanchor_482_482"><span class="label">[482]</span></a> Ibi videas hic Gallos, hic Hispanos, hic Ethiopes, illic etiam Ethiopissas, +hic Italos, illic etiams Turcas, aut quos vocant Stratiotas.—(Corp. Ref. +ii. p. 117.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_483_483" id="Footnote_483_483"></a><a href="#FNanchor_483_483"><span class="label">[483]</span></a> Hac ratione, Deo ejusque verbo silentium est impositum.—(Seck. ii.p. +165.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_484_484" id="Footnote_484_484"></a><a href="#FNanchor_484_484"><span class="label">[484]</span></a> Ut nisi sanguinem biberint, vivere non possint.—(Seck. ii. p. 165.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_485_485" id="Footnote_485_485"></a><a href="#FNanchor_485_485"><span class="label">[485]</span></a> Magnum omnino periculum est.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 118.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_486_486" id="Footnote_486_486"></a><a href="#FNanchor_486_486"><span class="label">[486]</span></a> Ea fides vivificabit et consolabitur vos, quia Magni Regis estis legati.—(L. +Epp. iv. p. 59.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_487_487" id="Footnote_487_487"></a><a href="#FNanchor_487_487"><span class="label">[487]</span></a> Sarpi, Hist. Council of Trent, book i. p. 99.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_488_488" id="Footnote_488_488"></a><a href="#FNanchor_488_488"><span class="label">[488]</span></a> 2 Kings v. 18. Exemplo Naamanis.—(Seck. ii. p. 167; Sarpi, p. 99.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_489_489" id="Footnote_489_489"></a><a href="#FNanchor_489_489"><span class="label">[489]</span></a> Ne ablato Spiritus vehiculo, quod est verbum Dei, Spiritus Sanctus ad +Augustam pr pedum imbecillitate pervenire non possit.—(Corp. Ref. ii. +p. 116.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_490_490" id="Footnote_490_490"></a><a href="#FNanchor_490_490"><span class="label">[490]</span></a> Abstinendo ab adoratione hosti.—(Seck. ii. p. 119.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_491_491" id="Footnote_491_491"></a><a href="#FNanchor_491_491"><span class="label">[491]</span></a> Erant enim chori fores claus, nec quisquam orationi interfuit.—(Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 120.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_492_492" id="Footnote_492_492"></a><a href="#FNanchor_492_492"><span class="label">[492]</span></a> Diabolica persuasione eliminant, et ad scurrilia ac impudica quque +deducunt.—(Pallavicini, Hist. Trid. C. i. p. 23.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_493_493" id="Footnote_493_493"></a><a href="#FNanchor_493_493"><span class="label">[493]</span></a> Exacuant gladios quos in perversos illos perturbatores.—(Corp. Ref. +ii. p. 120.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_494_494" id="Footnote_494_494"></a><a href="#FNanchor_494_494"><span class="label">[494]</span></a> Nisi eradicata funditus per gladium hresi illa.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 120.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_495_495" id="Footnote_495_495"></a><a href="#FNanchor_495_495"><span class="label">[495]</span></a> Protestantes etiam ad offerendum munuscula in altari, ut moris erat, +accessisse, sed cum risu.—(Spalat. Seck. ii. p. 167.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_496_496" id="Footnote_496_496"></a><a href="#FNanchor_496_496"><span class="label">[496]</span></a> Ut nostros principes ab importuna violentia retineamus.—(Corp. Ref. +ii. p. 120.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_497_497" id="Footnote_497_497"></a><a href="#FNanchor_497_497"><span class="label">[497]</span></a> Imperator cum omnibus in curiam vectus est.—(Sturm to Zw. Epp. ii. +p. 430.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_498_498" id="Footnote_498_498"></a><a href="#FNanchor_498_498"><span class="label">[498]</span></a> Ex volucrum monedularumque regno.—(L. Epp. iv. p. 13.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_499_499" id="Footnote_499_499"></a><a href="#FNanchor_499_499"><span class="label">[499]</span></a> Nicht anders dann zu Raub, Brandt, und Krieg.—(F. Urkunden. i. p. +307.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_500_500" id="Footnote_500_500"></a><a href="#FNanchor_500_500"><span class="label">[500]</span></a> Cohortatus est ad intrepidam caus Dei assentionem.—(Seck. ii. p. +108.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_501_501" id="Footnote_501_501"></a><a href="#FNanchor_501_501"><span class="label">[501]</span></a> Isaiah viii. 10.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_502_502" id="Footnote_502_502"></a><a href="#FNanchor_502_502"><span class="label">[502]</span></a> Mane remotis omnibus consiliariis et ministris.—(Seck. ii. p. 169.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_503_503" id="Footnote_503_503"></a><a href="#FNanchor_503_503"><span class="label">[503]</span></a> Precibus ardentissimis a Deo successum negotii petiisset.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_504_504" id="Footnote_504_504"></a><a href="#FNanchor_504_504"><span class="label">[504]</span></a> Qu cum admiratione legisse dicuntur.—(Seck. ii. p. 169.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_505_505" id="Footnote_505_505"></a><a href="#FNanchor_505_505"><span class="label">[505]</span></a> Si acturi sunt secreto et inter sese, nulla publica disputatione vel audientia.—(L. +Epp. iv. p. 43.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_506_506" id="Footnote_506_506"></a><a href="#FNanchor_506_506"><span class="label">[506]</span></a> Hispanis persuasum esse Lutheranos impie de Sanctissima Trinitate.—(Ex +relatione Spalati in Seck. ii. 165.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_507_507" id="Footnote_507_507"></a><a href="#FNanchor_507_507"><span class="label">[507]</span></a> Non adeo per eos Ecclesiam Catholicam oppugnari, quam vulgo putaretur.—(Ibid. +100.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_508_508" id="Footnote_508_508"></a><a href="#FNanchor_508_508"><span class="label">[508]</span></a> Mit beider Gestalt sacraments oder des Plaffen und Mnch Ehe— +(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 123.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_509_509" id="Footnote_509_509"></a><a href="#FNanchor_509_509"><span class="label">[509]</span></a> Die Sache in einer Enge und Stille vorzu nehmen.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_510_510" id="Footnote_510_510"></a><a href="#FNanchor_510_510"><span class="label">[510]</span></a> Cœlestin, Hist. Comit. August. p. 193. Intelligo hoc τους αρχιερεας + +moliri, ut omnino nihil agatur de negotiis ecclesiasticis.—(Corp. Ref. ii. +p. 57.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_511_511" id="Footnote_511_511"></a><a href="#FNanchor_511_511"><span class="label">[511]</span></a> Ac plane putarit πικρὁτερον esse quam ut ferre possent adversarii.—(Ibid. +p. 140.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_512_512" id="Footnote_512_512"></a><a href="#FNanchor_512_512"><span class="label">[512]</span></a> Dasselbige abgeschlagen.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 127.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_513_513" id="Footnote_513_513"></a><a href="#FNanchor_513_513"><span class="label">[513]</span></a> Argentinenses ambierunt aliquid ut excepto articulo sacramenti susciperentur.—(Ibid. +p. 155.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_514_514" id="Footnote_514_514"></a><a href="#FNanchor_514_514"><span class="label">[514]</span></a> Non principum nomine edi sed decentium qui theologi vocantur.—(Camer. +p. 120.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_515_515" id="Footnote_515_515"></a><a href="#FNanchor_515_515"><span class="label">[515]</span></a> Landgravius subscribit nobiscum, sed tamen dicit sibi, de sacramento, +a nostris non satisfieri.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 155.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_516_516" id="Footnote_516_516"></a><a href="#FNanchor_516_516"><span class="label">[516]</span></a> Confessioni tantum subscripserunt Nuremberga et Reutlingen.—(Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 155.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_517_517" id="Footnote_517_517"></a><a href="#FNanchor_517_517"><span class="label">[517]</span></a> Decretum est ut public recitand concessio ab Imperatore peteretur.—(Seck. +ii. p. 169.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_518_518" id="Footnote_518_518"></a><a href="#FNanchor_518_518"><span class="label">[518]</span></a> Rubore suffundor non mediocri, quod nos, pr illis mendici, &c.—(Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 125.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_519_519" id="Footnote_519_519"></a><a href="#FNanchor_519_519"><span class="label">[519]</span></a> Cursitabat hinc inde, perreptans ac penetrans.—(Cochl. Phil. 4. in Apol.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_520_520" id="Footnote_520_520"></a><a href="#FNanchor_520_520"><span class="label">[520]</span></a> Addebat Epilogum plane sanguine scriptum.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 126.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_521_521" id="Footnote_521_521"></a><a href="#FNanchor_521_521"><span class="label">[521]</span></a> Securi sunt quasi nullus sit Deus.—(Ibid, p. 156.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_522_522" id="Footnote_522_522"></a><a href="#FNanchor_522_522"><span class="label">[522]</span></a> Melancthon a Csare, Salisburgensi et Campegio vocatus est.—(Zwi. +Epp. ii. p. 473.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_523_523" id="Footnote_523_523"></a><a href="#FNanchor_523_523"><span class="label">[523]</span></a> Ut cum mitigarit tam multa, cedat et reliqua.—-(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_524_524" id="Footnote_524_524"></a><a href="#FNanchor_524_524"><span class="label">[524]</span></a> Ne que unquam tam variis sectarum turbinibus navicula Petri fluctuaverit.—(Seck. +ii. p. 169.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_525_525" id="Footnote_525_525"></a><a href="#FNanchor_525_525"><span class="label">[525]</span></a> Oratio valde lugubris et miserabilis contra Turcas.—(Corp. Ref. ii. +p. 154.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_526_526" id="Footnote_526_526"></a><a href="#FNanchor_526_526"><span class="label">[526]</span></a> Verum etiam ad anim dispendium aut salutem ternam.—(Seck. ii. +p. 189.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_527_527" id="Footnote_527_527"></a><a href="#FNanchor_527_527"><span class="label">[527]</span></a> Ihre Seele, Ehre und Glimpf belanget.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 128.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_528_528" id="Footnote_528_528"></a><a href="#FNanchor_528_528"><span class="label">[528]</span></a> Viderant enim eum subinde aliquid illi in aurem insusurrare.—(Seck. +ii. p. 169.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_529_529" id="Footnote_529_529"></a><a href="#FNanchor_529_529"><span class="label">[529]</span></a> Zum dritten mal heftig angehalten.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 128.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_530_530" id="Footnote_530_530"></a><a href="#FNanchor_530_530"><span class="label">[530]</span></a> Circumsistebant Csarem magno numero cardinales et prlati ecclesiastici.—(Seck. +ii. p. 169.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_531_531" id="Footnote_531_531"></a><a href="#FNanchor_531_531"><span class="label">[531]</span></a> Non quidem publice in prtorio, sed privatim in palatio suo.—(Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 124.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_532_532" id="Footnote_532_532"></a><a href="#FNanchor_532_532"><span class="label">[532]</span></a> Non modo suspirantem sed profundentem lacrymas conspexi.—(Camer. +p. 121.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_533_533" id="Footnote_533_533"></a><a href="#FNanchor_533_533"><span class="label">[533]</span></a> Brentius assidebat hc scribenti, una lacrymans.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 126.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_534_534" id="Footnote_534_534"></a><a href="#FNanchor_534_534"><span class="label">[534]</span></a> Rom qudam mula peperit, et partus habuit pedes gruis. Vides significari +exitium Rom per schismata.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 126.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_535_535" id="Footnote_535_535"></a><a href="#FNanchor_535_535"><span class="label">[535]</span></a> Gaudeo Pap signum datum in mula puerpera, ut citius pereat.—(L. +Epp. iv. p. 4.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_536_536" id="Footnote_536_536"></a><a href="#FNanchor_536_536"><span class="label">[536]</span></a> Hic consumitur omne mihi tempus in lacrymis et luctu.—(Corp. Ref. +ii. p. 126.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_537_537" id="Footnote_537_537"></a><a href="#FNanchor_537_537"><span class="label">[537]</span></a> Versamur hic in miserrimis curis et plane perpetuis lacrymis.—(Ibid. +p. 140.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_538_538" id="Footnote_538_538"></a><a href="#FNanchor_538_538"><span class="label">[538]</span></a> Mira consternatio animorum nostrorum.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_539_539" id="Footnote_539_539"></a><a href="#FNanchor_539_539"><span class="label">[539]</span></a> Ex eremo tacita.—(L. Epp. iv. p. 51.) It is thus he dates his letter.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_540_540" id="Footnote_540_540"></a><a href="#FNanchor_540_540"><span class="label">[540]</span></a> Assidue autem illa diligentiore verbi Dei tractatione alit.—(Corp. Ref. +ii. p. 159.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_541_541" id="Footnote_541_541"></a><a href="#FNanchor_541_541"><span class="label">[541]</span></a> Nullus abit dies, quin ut minimum tres horas easque studiis optimas in +orationibus ponat.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_542_542" id="Footnote_542_542"></a><a href="#FNanchor_542_542"><span class="label">[542]</span></a> Semel mihi contigit ut orantem eum audirem.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 159.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_543_543" id="Footnote_543_543"></a><a href="#FNanchor_543_543"><span class="label">[543]</span></a> Tanta spe et fide ut cum patre et amico colloqui sentiat.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_544_544" id="Footnote_544_544"></a><a href="#FNanchor_544_544"><span class="label">[544]</span></a> Tum orantem clara voce, procul stans, audivi.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_545_545" id="Footnote_545_545"></a><a href="#FNanchor_545_545"><span class="label">[545]</span></a> Ardebat mihi quoque animus singulari quodam impetu.—(Corp. Ref. +ii. p. 159.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_546_546" id="Footnote_546_546"></a><a href="#FNanchor_546_546"><span class="label">[546]</span></a> Hic cœpi cogitare tristia, suspirans, vos aliquid mali me celare velle.—(L. +Epp. iv. p. 60.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_547_547" id="Footnote_547_547"></a><a href="#FNanchor_547_547"><span class="label">[547]</span></a> 2 Tim. iii. 12; Philip. ii. 12, 13; John x. 17, 18; Matth. xvi. 18; +Psalm xlvi. 1, 2; 1 John iv. 4; Psalm lv. 23; xxvii. 14; John xvi. 33; +Luke xvii. 5; Psalm xxxii. 11; cxlv. 18, 19; xci. 14, 15; Sirach. ii. 11; +1 Maccab. ii. 61; Matth. vi. 31; 1 Peter v. 6, 7; Matth. x. 28; Rom. iv. +and vi.; Heb. v. and xi.; 1 Sam. iv. 18; xxxi. 4-8; ii. 30; 2 Tim. ii. 17, +18, 19; i. 12; Eph. iii. 20, 21. Among these passages will be observed +two verses taken from the Apocrypha, but whose equivalents might easily +be found in the Word of God.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_548_548" id="Footnote_548_548"></a><a href="#FNanchor_548_548"><span class="label">[548]</span></a> Sed orandi tempus non sinebat irasci, et ira non sinebat orare.—(L. +Epp. iv. p. 46.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_549_549" id="Footnote_549_549"></a><a href="#FNanchor_549_549"><span class="label">[549]</span></a> Nec vellem, nec consultum esset, in nostra manu esse.—(L. Epp. iv. +p. 46.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_550_550" id="Footnote_550_550"></a><a href="#FNanchor_550_550"><span class="label">[550]</span></a> The Confession revised and corrected.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_551_551" id="Footnote_551_551"></a><a href="#FNanchor_551_551"><span class="label">[551]</span></a> Deus posuit eam in <i>locum</i> quendam <i>communem</i>, quem in tua rhetorica +non habes nec in philosophia tua; is vocatur <i>fides</i>.—(L. Epp. iv. p. 53.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_552_552" id="Footnote_552_552"></a><a href="#FNanchor_552_552"><span class="label">[552]</span></a> Tantum est opus fide, ne causa fidei sit sine fide.—(Ibid. p. 61.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_553_553" id="Footnote_553_553"></a><a href="#FNanchor_553_553"><span class="label">[553]</span></a> Wittemberg scribunt, tam diligenter ibi Ecclesiam orare.—(L. Epp. +iv. p. 69.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_554_554" id="Footnote_554_554"></a><a href="#FNanchor_554_554"><span class="label">[554]</span></a> Capiebat forsan ducentos.—(Jonas, Corp. Ref. ii. p. 157.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_555_555" id="Footnote_555_555"></a><a href="#FNanchor_555_555"><span class="label">[555]</span></a> Sarpi, Hist. Council. Trent. i. p. 101.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_556_556" id="Footnote_556_556"></a><a href="#FNanchor_556_556"><span class="label">[556]</span></a> Lto et alacri animo et vultu.—(Scultet. i. p. 273.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_557_557" id="Footnote_557_557"></a><a href="#FNanchor_557_557"><span class="label">[557]</span></a> Ante decennium in conventu Wormatensi.—(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 153.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_558_558" id="Footnote_558_558"></a><a href="#FNanchor_558_558"><span class="label">[558]</span></a> Csar Latinum prelegi volebat.—(Seck. ii. p. 170.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_559_559" id="Footnote_559_559"></a><a href="#FNanchor_559_559"><span class="label">[559]</span></a> Qui clare, distincte, tarde et voce adeo grandi et sonora eam pronunciavit.—(Scultet. +p. 276.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_560_560" id="Footnote_560_560"></a><a href="#FNanchor_560_560"><span class="label">[560]</span></a> Ad unam veram concordem religionem, sicut omnes sub uno Christo +sumus et militamus.—(Confessio, Prfatio. Urkunden. i. p. 474.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_561_561" id="Footnote_561_561"></a><a href="#FNanchor_561_561"><span class="label">[561]</span></a> Causam dicturos in tali generali, libero, et Christiano concilio.—(Ibid. +p. 479.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_562_562" id="Footnote_562_562"></a><a href="#FNanchor_562_562"><span class="label">[562]</span></a> Et tamen tres sunt person ejusdem essenti.—(Ibid. p. 682.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_563_563" id="Footnote_563_563"></a><a href="#FNanchor_563_563"><span class="label">[563]</span></a> Vitium originis, afferens ternam mortem his qui non renascuntur.—(Confessio, +Prfatio. Urkunden. i. p. 483.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_564_564" id="Footnote_564_564"></a><a href="#FNanchor_564_564"><span class="label">[564]</span></a> Unus Christus, vere Deus, et vere homo.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_565_565" id="Footnote_565_565"></a><a href="#FNanchor_565_565"><span class="label">[565]</span></a> Quod homines non possint justificari coram Deo, propriis viribus, +meritis, aut operibus, sed gratis, propter Christum, per fidem.—(Ibid. p. 484.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_566_566" id="Footnote_566_566"></a><a href="#FNanchor_566_566"><span class="label">[566]</span></a> Congregatio sanctorum et vere credentium.—(Ibid. p. 487.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_567_567" id="Footnote_567_567"></a><a href="#FNanchor_567_567"><span class="label">[567]</span></a> Ad veram unitatem Ecclesi, satis est consentire de doctrina Evangelii +et administratione sacra mentorum, nec necesse est, &c.—(Ibid. p. 486.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_568_568" id="Footnote_568_568"></a><a href="#FNanchor_568_568"><span class="label">[568]</span></a> Quod corpus et sanguis Christi, vere adsint et distribuantur vescentibus +in cœna Domini.—(F. Urkund. i. p. 488.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_569_569" id="Footnote_569_569"></a><a href="#FNanchor_569_569"><span class="label">[569]</span></a> De quibus rebus olim parum docebant concionatores; tantum puerilia +et non necessaria opera urgebant.—(F. Urkund. i. p. 495.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_570_570" id="Footnote_570_570"></a><a href="#FNanchor_570_570"><span class="label">[570]</span></a> Non tantum histori notitiam, sed fidem qu credit non tantum historiam, +sed etiam effectum histori.—(F. Urkund. i. p. 498.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_571_571" id="Footnote_571_571"></a><a href="#FNanchor_571_571"><span class="label">[571]</span></a> Nihil inesse quod discrepat a Scripturis vel ab Ecclesia Catholica, vel +ab Ecclesia Romana, quatenus ex Scriptoribus nota est.—(Ibid. p. 501.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_572_572" id="Footnote_572_572"></a><a href="#FNanchor_572_572"><span class="label">[572]</span></a> Verum etiam in area inferiori et vicinis locis exaudiri potuerit.—(Scultet. +p. 274.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_573_573" id="Footnote_573_573"></a><a href="#FNanchor_573_573"><span class="label">[573]</span></a> Jonas scribit vidisse se vultus omnium de quo mihi spondet narrationem +coram.—(L. Epp. iv. p. 71.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_574_574" id="Footnote_574_574"></a><a href="#FNanchor_574_574"><span class="label">[574]</span></a> L. Epp. iv. p. 82.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_575_575" id="Footnote_575_575"></a><a href="#FNanchor_575_575"><span class="label">[575]</span></a> Nonnulli incommode commiscuerunt potestatem ecclesiasticam et potestatem +gladii; et ex hac confusione, &c.—(Urkunden. Confes. Augs. i. +p. 539.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_576_576" id="Footnote_576_576"></a><a href="#FNanchor_576_576"><span class="label">[576]</span></a> Coacti sunt ostendere discrimen ecclesiastic potestatis et potestatis +gladii.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_577_577" id="Footnote_577_577"></a><a href="#FNanchor_577_577"><span class="label">[577]</span></a> Politica administratio versatur enim circa alias res quam Evangelium; +magistratus defendit non mentes sed corpora——et coercet homines gladio.—(Urkund. +Confess. Aug. i. p. 541.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_578_578" id="Footnote_578_578"></a><a href="#FNanchor_578_578"><span class="label">[578]</span></a> Non igitur commiscend sunt potestates ecclesiastic et civilis.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_579_579" id="Footnote_579_579"></a><a href="#FNanchor_579_579"><span class="label">[579]</span></a> Greek, πολιτευμα +.—(Philip. iii. 20. Scott and Henry Comment.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_580_580" id="Footnote_580_580"></a><a href="#FNanchor_580_580"><span class="label">[580]</span></a> Excludere a communione Ecclesi, sine vi humana sed verbo.—(Urkund. +Confes. Augs. i. p. 544.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_581_581" id="Footnote_581_581"></a><a href="#FNanchor_581_581"><span class="label">[581]</span></a> Nec catholicis episcopis consentiendum est, sicuti forte falluntur, aut +contra canonicas Dei scripturas aliquid sentiunt—(Urkund. Confes. Augs. +i. p. 544.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_582_582" id="Footnote_582_582"></a><a href="#FNanchor_582_582"><span class="label">[582]</span></a> Mit grosser Stille und Ernst.—(Brch's Apologie, p. 59.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_583_583" id="Footnote_583_583"></a><a href="#FNanchor_583_583"><span class="label">[583]</span></a> Concessuros omnia qu ad dignitatem Episcoporum stabiliendam pertinent.—(Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 431.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_584_584" id="Footnote_584_584"></a><a href="#FNanchor_584_584"><span class="label">[584]</span></a> Nullum detractavimus onus, quod sine scelere suspici posset.—(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_585_585" id="Footnote_585_585"></a><a href="#FNanchor_585_585"><span class="label">[585]</span></a> <i>Solum verbum Dei condit articulos fidei.</i></p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_586_586" id="Footnote_586_586"></a><a href="#FNanchor_586_586"><span class="label">[586]</span></a> Satis attentus erat Csar. (Jonas in Corp. Ref. ii. p. 184.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_587_587" id="Footnote_587_587"></a><a href="#FNanchor_587_587"><span class="label">[587]</span></a> Cum nostra confessio legeretur, obdormivit. (Brentius in Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 245.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_588_588" id="Footnote_588_588"></a><a href="#FNanchor_588_588"><span class="label">[588]</span></a> The Latin copy, deposited in the archives of the imperial house, +should be found at Brussels; and the German copy, sent afterwards +to the Council of Trent, ought to be in the Vatican.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_589_589" id="Footnote_589_589"></a><a href="#FNanchor_589_589"><span class="label">[589]</span></a> Gnedichlich vernohmen. (F. Urkunden, ii. p. 3.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_590_590" id="Footnote_590_590"></a><a href="#FNanchor_590_590"><span class="label">[590]</span></a> Cum incredibili protestantium gaudio. (Seck. ii. p. 170.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_591_591" id="Footnote_591_591"></a><a href="#FNanchor_591_591"><span class="label">[591]</span></a> Mihi vehementer placet vixisse in hanc horam. (L. Epp. iv. p. 71.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_592_592" id="Footnote_592_592"></a><a href="#FNanchor_592_592"><span class="label">[592]</span></a> Grsser und hher Werk. (Mathesius, Hist. p. 93-98.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_593_593" id="Footnote_593_593"></a><a href="#FNanchor_593_593"><span class="label">[593]</span></a> In still angeredet und gebethen. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 143.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_594_594" id="Footnote_594_594"></a><a href="#FNanchor_594_594"><span class="label">[594]</span></a> Brcks Geschichte der Handl. in den Sachen des Glaubens zu +Augsbourg. (Frstemann Archiv. p. 50.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_595_595" id="Footnote_595_595"></a><a href="#FNanchor_595_595"><span class="label">[595]</span></a> Multi episcopi ad pacem sunt inclinati. (L. Epp. iv. p. 70.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_596_596" id="Footnote_596_596"></a><a href="#FNanchor_596_596"><span class="label">[596]</span></a> Illa qu recitata sunt, vera sunt, sunt pura veritas; non possumus +inficiari. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 154.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_597_597" id="Footnote_597_597"></a><a href="#FNanchor_597_597"><span class="label">[597]</span></a> So hab man Im vor nicht gesagt. (Mathes. Hist. p. 99.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_598_598" id="Footnote_598_598"></a><a href="#FNanchor_598_598"><span class="label">[598]</span></a> Mit Propheten und Aposteln schriften——nicht. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_599_599" id="Footnote_599_599"></a><a href="#FNanchor_599_599"><span class="label">[599]</span></a> Csar sibi fecit nostram confessionem reddi Italica et Gallica +lingua. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 155.) The French translation will be found +in <i>Frstemann's Urkunden</i>, i. p. 357.—<i>Articles principaulx de la foy.</i></p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_600_600" id="Footnote_600_600"></a><a href="#FNanchor_600_600"><span class="label">[600]</span></a> Perrumpet in omnes aulas Principum et Regum. (L. Epp. iv. +p. 96.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_601_601" id="Footnote_601_601"></a><a href="#FNanchor_601_601"><span class="label">[601]</span></a> Epistle to the Elector of Mentz. (Ibid. p. 74.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_602_602" id="Footnote_602_602"></a><a href="#FNanchor_602_602"><span class="label">[602]</span></a> Igitur absolvo vos in nomine Domini ab isto conventu. (L. Epp. +iv. p. 96.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_603_603" id="Footnote_603_603"></a><a href="#FNanchor_603_603"><span class="label">[603]</span></a> Vellem ego sacrificium esse hujus novissimi concilii, sicut +Johannes Huss Constanti. (Ibid. p. 110.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_604_604" id="Footnote_604_604"></a><a href="#FNanchor_604_604"><span class="label">[604]</span></a> Sed catastrophen illi tragicam, nos comicam expectamus. (Ibid. +p. 85.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_605_605" id="Footnote_605_605"></a><a href="#FNanchor_605_605"><span class="label">[605]</span></a> Sic Satan chorda semper oberrat eadem, et mille-artifex ille +non habet contra Christum, nisi unum illud elumbe robur. (Ibid. +p. 100.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_606_606" id="Footnote_606_606"></a><a href="#FNanchor_606_606"><span class="label">[606]</span></a> Sed quod unus monachus debeat nos reformare omnes. (Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 155.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_607_607" id="Footnote_607_607"></a><a href="#FNanchor_607_607"><span class="label">[607]</span></a> Aus dem Loch und Winckel. (L. Opp. xx. p. 307.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_608_608" id="Footnote_608_608"></a><a href="#FNanchor_608_608"><span class="label">[608]</span></a> Quotidie confluunt huc sophist ac monachi. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. +141.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_609_609" id="Footnote_609_609"></a><a href="#FNanchor_609_609"><span class="label">[609]</span></a> Nos hic soli ac deserti. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_610_610" id="Footnote_610_610"></a><a href="#FNanchor_610_610"><span class="label">[610]</span></a> Nos, si pecuniam haberemus, facile religionem quam vellemus +emturos ab Italis. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 156.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_611_611" id="Footnote_611_611"></a><a href="#FNanchor_611_611"><span class="label">[611]</span></a> Heute vor dem morgenessen. (Ibid. p. 143.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_612_612" id="Footnote_612_612"></a><a href="#FNanchor_612_612"><span class="label">[612]</span></a> Es sind unter uns Stdten, viel practica und Selt Sames wesens. +(Corp. Ref. ii p. 151.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_613_613" id="Footnote_613_613"></a><a href="#FNanchor_613_613"><span class="label">[613]</span></a> Ohne Verletzung der gewissen gegen Gott. (F. Urkunden. ii. +P. 6.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_614_614" id="Footnote_614_614"></a><a href="#FNanchor_614_614"><span class="label">[614]</span></a> Adversarii nostri jam deliberant quid velint respondere. (Corp. +Ref. ii. 26th June.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_615_615" id="Footnote_615_615"></a><a href="#FNanchor_615_615"><span class="label">[615]</span></a> Rem agendam esse vi, non audiendam causam. (Ibid. p. 154.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_616_616" id="Footnote_616_616"></a><a href="#FNanchor_616_616"><span class="label">[616]</span></a> Hi sunt duces, et quidem acerrimi alterius partis. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_617_617" id="Footnote_617_617"></a><a href="#FNanchor_617_617"><span class="label">[617]</span></a> Omnes unus gubernat rusticus. (Corp. Ref. 26th June p. 176.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_618_618" id="Footnote_618_618"></a><a href="#FNanchor_618_618"><span class="label">[618]</span></a> Cardinel, Churstusanen, Pracht und Kchen. (Brck Apol. p. 63.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_619_619" id="Footnote_619_619"></a><a href="#FNanchor_619_619"><span class="label">[619]</span></a> Wir wokten antvorten mit einer Schrift mit Rubricken geschrieben. +(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 147.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_620_620" id="Footnote_620_620"></a><a href="#FNanchor_620_620"><span class="label">[620]</span></a> Non venit in senatum. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 175.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_621_621" id="Footnote_621_621"></a><a href="#FNanchor_621_621"><span class="label">[621]</span></a> Quidam etiam suos ineruditos et ineptos.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_622_622" id="Footnote_622_622"></a><a href="#FNanchor_622_622"><span class="label">[622]</span></a> See the document extracted from the archives of Bavaria in F. +Urkunden. ii. p. 9.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_623_623" id="Footnote_623_623"></a><a href="#FNanchor_623_623"><span class="label">[623]</span></a> Konnen den Kaiser nicht uber Gott setzen. (L. Epp. iv. p. 83.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_624_624" id="Footnote_624_624"></a><a href="#FNanchor_624_624"><span class="label">[624]</span></a> Romischen Kaiser, Vogt, Advocaten und Obristen Beschirmer der +kirken. (F. Urkunden. ii. p. 10.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_625_625" id="Footnote_625_625"></a><a href="#FNanchor_625_625"><span class="label">[625]</span></a> Tahiti for instance.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_626_626" id="Footnote_626_626"></a><a href="#FNanchor_626_626"><span class="label">[626]</span></a> Patres, Patres, Patres; Ecclesia, Ecclesia; usus, consuetudo, prterea +e Scriptura nihil. (L. Epp. iv. p. 96.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_627_627" id="Footnote_627_627"></a><a href="#FNanchor_627_627"><span class="label">[627]</span></a> Pronuntiabit Csar contra vos. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_628_628" id="Footnote_628_628"></a><a href="#FNanchor_628_628"><span class="label">[628]</span></a> Quadam tristitia et quasi desesperatione vexatur. (Corp. Ref. ii. +p. 163.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_629_629" id="Footnote_629_629"></a><a href="#FNanchor_629_629"><span class="label">[629]</span></a> Quid nobis sit sperandum in tantis odiis inimicorum. (Ibid. p. 146.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_630_630" id="Footnote_630_630"></a><a href="#FNanchor_630_630"><span class="label">[630]</span></a> Legati Norinberg ad Senatum. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 161.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_631_631" id="Footnote_631_631"></a><a href="#FNanchor_631_631"><span class="label">[631]</span></a> Melancthon ad Duc. Sax. Elect. (Ibid. p. 162.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_632_632" id="Footnote_632_632"></a><a href="#FNanchor_632_632"><span class="label">[632]</span></a> Principes nostri miserunt nos ad R. D. V. (Ibid. p. 171.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_633_633" id="Footnote_633_633"></a><a href="#FNanchor_633_633"><span class="label">[633]</span></a> Pervenerunt ad nos propositiones qudam Italic satis Lutheran. +(Ibid. p. 163.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_634_634" id="Footnote_634_634"></a><a href="#FNanchor_634_634"><span class="label">[634]</span></a> Istis Germanis asinis, nobis in hac parte obgannientibus. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_635_635" id="Footnote_635_635"></a><a href="#FNanchor_635_635"><span class="label">[635]</span></a> Hispanici proceres prclare et sapienter responderunt Csari. +(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 179.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_636_636" id="Footnote_636_636"></a><a href="#FNanchor_636_636"><span class="label">[636]</span></a> Ἡ ἁδελφἡ ἁυτοκρατορος studet nobis placare fratrem. (Ibid. p. 178.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_637_637" id="Footnote_637_637"></a><a href="#FNanchor_637_637"><span class="label">[637]</span></a> See the Corp. Ref. ii. p. 168</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_638_638" id="Footnote_638_638"></a><a href="#FNanchor_638_638"><span class="label">[638]</span></a> Dogma nullum habemus diversum ab Ecclesia Romana. (Ibid. p. +170.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_639_639" id="Footnote_639_639"></a><a href="#FNanchor_639_639"><span class="label">[639]</span></a> Quam quia Ecclesi Roman dogmata summa constantia defendimus. +(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_640_640" id="Footnote_640_640"></a><a href="#FNanchor_640_640"><span class="label">[640]</span></a> Vel si recusabitis nos in gratiam recipere. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_641_641" id="Footnote_641_641"></a><a href="#FNanchor_641_641"><span class="label">[641]</span></a> At certe pro mea persona, ne pilum quidem cedam. (L. Epp. iv. +p. 88.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_642_642" id="Footnote_642_642"></a><a href="#FNanchor_642_642"><span class="label">[642]</span></a> Neque enim juvabimur ni deserti prius simus. (Ibid. p. 91.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_643_643" id="Footnote_643_643"></a><a href="#FNanchor_643_643"><span class="label">[643]</span></a> Certe jamdudum coram vidissetis me. (Ibid. p. 98.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_644_644" id="Footnote_644_644"></a><a href="#FNanchor_644_644"><span class="label">[644]</span></a> Ego multos prehensare soleo et Campegium etiam. (Corp. Ref. ii. +p. 193.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_645_645" id="Footnote_645_645"></a><a href="#FNanchor_645_645"><span class="label">[645]</span></a> Propero enim ad Campegium. (Ibid. p. 174.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_646_646" id="Footnote_646_646"></a><a href="#FNanchor_646_646"><span class="label">[646]</span></a> Se nihil posse decernere, nisi de voluntate principum Germani. +(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 174.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_647_647" id="Footnote_647_647"></a><a href="#FNanchor_647_647"><span class="label">[647]</span></a> Forte ad legatum veniebant Eccius et Cochlœus. (Ibid. p. 175)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_648_648" id="Footnote_648_648"></a><a href="#FNanchor_648_648"><span class="label">[648]</span></a> Nostra Confessio ad Romam per veredarios missa est. (Corp. Ref. +ii. pp. 186, 219.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_649_649" id="Footnote_649_649"></a><a href="#FNanchor_649_649"><span class="label">[649]</span></a> An plura velimus Csari prponere controversa quam fecerimus. +(Ibid. p. 188.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_650_650" id="Footnote_650_650"></a><a href="#FNanchor_650_650"><span class="label">[650]</span></a> Melancthonis Judicium. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 182.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_651_651" id="Footnote_651_651"></a><a href="#FNanchor_651_651"><span class="label">[651]</span></a> Aus Gottes Wort, weiter bericht zu thun. (F. Urkundenbuch, ii. +p. 19.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_652_652" id="Footnote_652_652"></a><a href="#FNanchor_652_652"><span class="label">[652]</span></a> Bis die convenire dicuntur. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 472.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_653_653" id="Footnote_653_653"></a><a href="#FNanchor_653_653"><span class="label">[653]</span></a> Eccius cum sua commanipulatione. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 193.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_654_654" id="Footnote_654_654"></a><a href="#FNanchor_654_654"><span class="label">[654]</span></a> Longum et plenum conviciis scriptum. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_655_655" id="Footnote_655_655"></a><a href="#FNanchor_655_655"><span class="label">[655]</span></a> Adeo confusa, incondita, violenta, sanguinolenta et crudelis ut +puduerint (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 198.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_656_656" id="Footnote_656_656"></a><a href="#FNanchor_656_656"><span class="label">[656]</span></a> Hodie auctoribus ipsis Sophistis, a Csare rursus esse redditam +ut emendetur et civilius componatur. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_657_657" id="Footnote_657_657"></a><a href="#FNanchor_657_657"><span class="label">[657]</span></a> Nostra confessione ita stupidos, attonitos, et confusos. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_658_658" id="Footnote_658_658"></a><a href="#FNanchor_658_658"><span class="label">[658]</span></a> Corp. Ref. ii. p. 206; F. Urkund. ii. p. 93.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_659_659" id="Footnote_659_659"></a><a href="#FNanchor_659_659"><span class="label">[659]</span></a> Mit reden und Gebehrden prchtig erzeigt. (Ibid. p. 207.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_660_660" id="Footnote_660_660"></a><a href="#FNanchor_660_660"><span class="label">[660]</span></a> Minas diras promissis ingentibus adjiciens. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 484.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_661_661" id="Footnote_661_661"></a><a href="#FNanchor_661_661"><span class="label">[661]</span></a> Venimus huc, ego pridie solemnitatis Divi Johannis, Capito die +dominica sequente. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 472.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_662_662" id="Footnote_662_662"></a><a href="#FNanchor_662_662"><span class="label">[662]</span></a> Rumor apud nos est, et te cum tuis Helvetiis comitia advolatarum. +(Ibid. pp. 431, 467.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_663_663" id="Footnote_663_663"></a><a href="#FNanchor_663_663"><span class="label">[663]</span></a> Ita latent ut non quibuslibet sui copiam faciant. (Corp. Ref. p. +196.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_664_664" id="Footnote_664_664"></a><a href="#FNanchor_664_664"><span class="label">[664]</span></a> Capito et Bucarus adsunt. Id hodie certo comperi. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_665_665" id="Footnote_665_665"></a><a href="#FNanchor_665_665"><span class="label">[665]</span></a> Cinglian civitates propriam Confessionem obtulerunt Csari. +(Corp. Ref. p. 187.) This Confession will be found in <i>Niemeyer</i>, Collectio +Confessionum, p. 740.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_666_666" id="Footnote_666_666"></a><a href="#FNanchor_666_666"><span class="label">[666]</span></a> Ingenue ac fortiter; citra procaciam tamen et sannas, id fateri et +dicere quod res est. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 485.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_667_667" id="Footnote_667_667"></a><a href="#FNanchor_667_667"><span class="label">[667]</span></a> See Niemeyer Coll. Conf. p. 16.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_668_668" id="Footnote_668_668"></a><a href="#FNanchor_668_668"><span class="label">[668]</span></a> Pedatum et mitratum genus Episcoporum, id esset in Ecclesia, +quod gibbi et strumata in corpore. (Ibid.) Zwingle compares the +bishops to the dry and fruitless props that support the vines.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_669_669" id="Footnote_669_669"></a><a href="#FNanchor_669_669"><span class="label">[669]</span></a> Dicas simpliciter mente captum esse. (Corp. Ref. p. 193.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_670_670" id="Footnote_670_670"></a><a href="#FNanchor_670_670"><span class="label">[670]</span></a> Zwinglius mihi sane placet, et Bucerus. (L. Epp. iv. p. 110.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_671_671" id="Footnote_671_671"></a><a href="#FNanchor_671_671"><span class="label">[671]</span></a> Veniemus quo et quando tu voles. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 208.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_672_672" id="Footnote_672_672"></a><a href="#FNanchor_672_672"><span class="label">[672]</span></a> Una tamen omnium vox: <i>Revertimini ad Ecclesiam</i>. (Zw. Epp. +ii. p. 484.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_673_673" id="Footnote_673_673"></a><a href="#FNanchor_673_673"><span class="label">[673]</span></a> Colloquium ejus nondum frui potuisse. (Seck. ii. p. 154.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_674_674" id="Footnote_674_674"></a><a href="#FNanchor_674_674"><span class="label">[674]</span></a> Apparuit Csar majestate......insignitus vestibus suis imperialibus +(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 242.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_675_675" id="Footnote_675_675"></a><a href="#FNanchor_675_675"><span class="label">[675]</span></a> Mller, Gesch. der Protestation, p. 715.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_676_676" id="Footnote_676_676"></a><a href="#FNanchor_676_676"><span class="label">[676]</span></a> Hebrews xi. 33, 34.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_677_677" id="Footnote_677_677"></a><a href="#FNanchor_677_677"><span class="label">[677]</span></a> Unter dem Heerpannyr Jesu Christi. (Ibid. p. 134.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_678_678" id="Footnote_678_678"></a><a href="#FNanchor_678_678"><span class="label">[678]</span></a> Etiamsi more subeunda tibi foret ob Christi gloriam. (Corp. Ref. +ii. 228. L. P. Roselli.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_679_679" id="Footnote_679_679"></a><a href="#FNanchor_679_679"><span class="label">[679]</span></a> Luke x. 18.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_680_680" id="Footnote_680_680"></a><a href="#FNanchor_680_680"><span class="label">[680]</span></a> Gottes Wort keines wegs durch weltlich Schwert. (F. Urkund. +ii. p. 82.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_681_681" id="Footnote_681_681"></a><a href="#FNanchor_681_681"><span class="label">[681]</span></a> Sie wollen ihnen an ihrem Blte gengen lassen. (Ibid. p. +90.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_682_682" id="Footnote_682_682"></a><a href="#FNanchor_682_682"><span class="label">[682]</span></a> Forstemann's Urkundenbuch, pp. 80-92, 113-119.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_683_683" id="Footnote_683_683"></a><a href="#FNanchor_683_683"><span class="label">[683]</span></a> Papistas obmutuisse ad ipsorum Confessionem. (Colch. p. 195.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_684_684" id="Footnote_684_684"></a><a href="#FNanchor_684_684"><span class="label">[684]</span></a> Voluerunt sycophant theologi λεοντἡν illam sibi circumdare, ut +essent nobis formidabiliores. (Corp. Ref. p. 252.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_685_685" id="Footnote_685_685"></a><a href="#FNanchor_685_685"><span class="label">[685]</span></a> Velut suam suaque publica auctoritate roboratam, ab omnibus +unanimi consensu acceptandam. (Urkundenbuch, ii. p. 144.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_686_686" id="Footnote_686_686"></a><a href="#FNanchor_686_686"><span class="label">[686]</span></a> Multi e Lutheranis inepte cachinnabantur. (Cochlœus, p. 895.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_687_687" id="Footnote_687_687"></a><a href="#FNanchor_687_687"><span class="label">[687]</span></a> Imperator iterum obdormivit. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 245.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_688_688" id="Footnote_688_688"></a><a href="#FNanchor_688_688"><span class="label">[688]</span></a> Petiit Csar ut omnes in illos articulos consentiant. (Corp. Ref. +ii. p. 345.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_689_689" id="Footnote_689_689"></a><a href="#FNanchor_689_689"><span class="label">[689]</span></a> Orationis summa atrox. (Corp. Ref. p. 253.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_690_690" id="Footnote_690_690"></a><a href="#FNanchor_690_690"><span class="label">[690]</span></a> Csar non quo animo ferebat eorum contumaciam. (Cochl. p. +195.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_691_691" id="Footnote_691_691"></a><a href="#FNanchor_691_691"><span class="label">[691]</span></a> Facti sunt erectiore animo. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 259.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_692_692" id="Footnote_692_692"></a><a href="#FNanchor_692_692"><span class="label">[692]</span></a> Ecclesiam ibi non esse, ubi ignoratur Christus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_693_693" id="Footnote_693_693"></a><a href="#FNanchor_693_693"><span class="label">[693]</span></a> Quod nisi fiet, quid in tot sectis ad posteros futurum sit. (Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 148.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_694_694" id="Footnote_694_694"></a><a href="#FNanchor_694_694"><span class="label">[694]</span></a> F. Urkund. ii. p. 179; Corp. Ref. ii. p. 256; Brck, Apol. +p. 72.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_695_695" id="Footnote_695_695"></a><a href="#FNanchor_695_695"><span class="label">[695]</span></a> Gluck wie der Fuchs brauchet, da er den Storch zu gast lud. +(Brck, Apol. p. 74.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_696_696" id="Footnote_696_696"></a><a href="#FNanchor_696_696"><span class="label">[696]</span></a> Quando exemplum per alios in vulgus exire poterat. (Corp. Ref. +ii. p. 76.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_697_697" id="Footnote_697_697"></a><a href="#FNanchor_697_697"><span class="label">[697]</span></a> Das Sie es Gott and Kays. Maj. beschlen mussten. (Urkund. ii. +p. 181.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_698_698" id="Footnote_698_698"></a><a href="#FNanchor_698_698"><span class="label">[698]</span></a> Und darob wie man Spren mag, ein Entzet zen gehabt. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_699_699" id="Footnote_699_699"></a><a href="#FNanchor_699_699"><span class="label">[699]</span></a> Hi accedunt ad nostros principes et jubent omittere hoc certamen, +ne Csar vehementius commoveatur. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 254.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_700_700" id="Footnote_700_700"></a><a href="#FNanchor_700_700"><span class="label">[700]</span></a> Oppositas religioni, disciplin, legibusque Ecclesi. (Pallav. i. +p. 234.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_701_701" id="Footnote_701_701"></a><a href="#FNanchor_701_701"><span class="label">[701]</span></a> Als were der Papst selbst gegenwrtiggewest. (Brck, Apol. 62.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_702_702" id="Footnote_702_702"></a><a href="#FNanchor_702_702"><span class="label">[702]</span></a> Se alcuni......perseverassero in questa diabolica via quella S. M. +potr mettere la mano al ferro e al foco et <i>radicitus extirpare</i> questa +venenata pianta. (Instructio data Csari a reverendissimo Campeggi +in dieta Augustana, 1530.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_703_703" id="Footnote_703_703"></a><a href="#FNanchor_703_703"><span class="label">[703]</span></a> Revelation xvii. and xviii.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_704_704" id="Footnote_704_704"></a><a href="#FNanchor_704_704"><span class="label">[704]</span></a> Tacita indignatio. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 254.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_705_705" id="Footnote_705_705"></a><a href="#FNanchor_705_705"><span class="label">[705]</span></a> Habebitis oves, si oves ad nos mittatis: intelligitis qu volo. +(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 246.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_706_706" id="Footnote_706_706"></a><a href="#FNanchor_706_706"><span class="label">[706]</span></a> In fine videbitur cujus toni......(L. Epp. iv. p. 130.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_707_707" id="Footnote_707_707"></a><a href="#FNanchor_707_707"><span class="label">[707]</span></a> Vincat Christus modo, nihil refert si pereat Lutherus, quia victore +Christo victor erit. (Ibid. p. 139.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_708_708" id="Footnote_708_708"></a><a href="#FNanchor_708_708"><span class="label">[708]</span></a> Persona larva contecta, habitu doctorali portabat struem lignorum. +(T. L. Fabricius, opp. omnia, ii. p. 131.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_709_709" id="Footnote_709_709"></a><a href="#FNanchor_709_709"><span class="label">[709]</span></a> Hic conabatur curva rectis exquare lignis. (T. L. Fabricius, opp. +omnia, p. ii. 231.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_710_710" id="Footnote_710_710"></a><a href="#FNanchor_710_710"><span class="label">[710]</span></a> In azula ferens ignem et prunas. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_711_711" id="Footnote_711_711"></a><a href="#FNanchor_711_711"><span class="label">[711]</span></a> Currens in amphoram oleo plenam. (T. L. Fabricius, opp. omnia, +ii. p. 232.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_712_712" id="Footnote_712_712"></a><a href="#FNanchor_712_712"><span class="label">[712]</span></a> Che tentano col Duca di Mantona d' avere il modo di condurre +1000 cavalli leggieri d' Italia in caso si facesse guerra in Germanica. +(Nic. Tiefolo Relat.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_713_713" id="Footnote_713_713"></a><a href="#FNanchor_713_713"><span class="label">[713]</span></a> Cui (Csari) ingentem vim pecuni in hoc sacrum bellum contra +hreticos Anglus promisisse fertur. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 484.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_714_714" id="Footnote_714_714"></a><a href="#FNanchor_714_714"><span class="label">[714]</span></a> Res et diligenter inquisita et explorata maximeque ἁξιὁπιστος. +(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 259.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_715_715" id="Footnote_715_715"></a><a href="#FNanchor_715_715"><span class="label">[715]</span></a> Monachorum Spirensium φἁσμα plane significat horribilem tumultum. +(Ibid. p. 260.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_716_716" id="Footnote_716_716"></a><a href="#FNanchor_716_716"><span class="label">[716]</span></a> Vides rem plane tendere ad bellum. (Corp. Ref. Aug. 12, p. 268.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_717_717" id="Footnote_717_717"></a><a href="#FNanchor_717_717"><span class="label">[717]</span></a> Comitia non finientur nisi totius Germani malo et exitio. (Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 216.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_718_718" id="Footnote_718_718"></a><a href="#FNanchor_718_718"><span class="label">[718]</span></a> Laniena sanctorum qualis vix Diocletiani tempore fuit. (Buc. Ep. +Aug. 14, 1530.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_719_719" id="Footnote_719_719"></a><a href="#FNanchor_719_719"><span class="label">[719]</span></a> Tumultum magnum fuisse in civitate. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 277.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_720_720" id="Footnote_720_720"></a><a href="#FNanchor_720_720"><span class="label">[720]</span></a> Facto autem intempesta nocte Csar senatui mandavit, ne quenquam +per portas urbis su emittant. (Ibid. p. 277.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_721_721" id="Footnote_721_721"></a><a href="#FNanchor_721_721"><span class="label">[721]</span></a> Daff man auf den Churfurst zu Sachsen aufschen haben soll. +(Brck, Apol. p. 80.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_722_722" id="Footnote_722_722"></a><a href="#FNanchor_722_722"><span class="label">[722]</span></a> Auf den hohen berg gefuhrt. (Lanze's Chronik.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_723_723" id="Footnote_723_723"></a><a href="#FNanchor_723_723"><span class="label">[723]</span></a> Von ihr selbst gen Hof geritten. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 165.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_724_724" id="Footnote_724_724"></a><a href="#FNanchor_724_724"><span class="label">[724]</span></a> Quin et in regem te evehendum curabimus. (Rommel, Philip der +Gr. i. p. 268.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_725_725" id="Footnote_725_725"></a><a href="#FNanchor_725_725"><span class="label">[725]</span></a> Nostros principes onerare invidia vestri dogmatis. (Corp. Ref. ii. +p. 221.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_726_726" id="Footnote_726_726"></a><a href="#FNanchor_726_726"><span class="label">[726]</span></a> Arctissime quoque inter nos conjuncti essemus, quotquot Christi +esse volumus. (Ibid. p. 236.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_727_727" id="Footnote_727_727"></a><a href="#FNanchor_727_727"><span class="label">[727]</span></a> Cum imperator dilationem respondendi astu quodam accepisset. +(Corp. Ref. ii. pp. 254, 276.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_728_728" id="Footnote_728_728"></a><a href="#FNanchor_728_728"><span class="label">[728]</span></a> Ad ludos equestres in honorem Csari instituendos publice sese +apparavit. (Seck. ii. p. 172.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_729_729" id="Footnote_729_729"></a><a href="#FNanchor_729_729"><span class="label">[729]</span></a> Landgravius valde moderate se gerit. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 254.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_730_730" id="Footnote_730_730"></a><a href="#FNanchor_730_730"><span class="label">[730]</span></a> Ego vero somno sopitus dulciter quiescebam. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. +273.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_731_731" id="Footnote_731_731"></a><a href="#FNanchor_731_731"><span class="label">[731]</span></a> Mane facto Csar......convocavit nostros principes. (Ibid, p. 277; +Bruck, Apol. p. 79.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_732_732" id="Footnote_732_732"></a><a href="#FNanchor_732_732"><span class="label">[732]</span></a> Ut sententi quam in refutatione audivissent subscribant. (Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 277.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_733_733" id="Footnote_733_733"></a><a href="#FNanchor_733_733"><span class="label">[733]</span></a> Intelligis nunc cur port munit fuerunt. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_734_734" id="Footnote_734_734"></a><a href="#FNanchor_734_734"><span class="label">[734]</span></a> Quia volebat Csar nostros violentia ad suam sententiam cogere. +(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_735_735" id="Footnote_735_735"></a><a href="#FNanchor_735_735"><span class="label">[735]</span></a> Sed h min nostros nihil commoverunt: perstant in sententia, +nec vel tantillum recedunt. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 277.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_736_736" id="Footnote_736_736"></a><a href="#FNanchor_736_736"><span class="label">[736]</span></a> Commotus indignitate actionum. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 260.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_737_737" id="Footnote_737_737"></a><a href="#FNanchor_737_737"><span class="label">[737]</span></a> Spem pacis abjecisse. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_738_738" id="Footnote_738_738"></a><a href="#FNanchor_738_738"><span class="label">[738]</span></a> Clam omnibus abit. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 260.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_739_739" id="Footnote_739_739"></a><a href="#FNanchor_739_739"><span class="label">[739]</span></a> Multa cum cautela. (Seck. ii. p. 172.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_740_740" id="Footnote_740_740"></a><a href="#FNanchor_740_740"><span class="label">[740]</span></a> Clam cum paucis equitibus. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 277; Mit 5 oder 6 +pferden. Ibid. p. 263.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_741_741" id="Footnote_741_741"></a><a href="#FNanchor_741_741"><span class="label">[741]</span></a> Seckendorf, and M. de Rommel no doubt after him, say that the +Landgrave went out through a secret gate (porta urbis secretiori, Seck. +ii. p. 172; Rommel i. p. 270.) I prefer the contemporary evidence, +particularly that of Brenz, which says: Vesperi priusquam port +urbis clauderentur, urbe elapsus est. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 277.) The +chief magistrate of Augsburg, who alone had the keys of the wicket, +would never have dared to favour the departure of the Landgrave.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_742_742" id="Footnote_742_742"></a><a href="#FNanchor_742_742"><span class="label">[742]</span></a> Ubi erat ille ignotus. (Corp. Ref. p. 261.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_743_743" id="Footnote_743_743"></a><a href="#FNanchor_743_743"><span class="label">[743]</span></a> Existimabat enim Csar adhuc prsto adesse. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_744_744" id="Footnote_744_744"></a><a href="#FNanchor_744_744"><span class="label">[744]</span></a> Csare nihil suspicante. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 277.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_745_745" id="Footnote_745_745"></a><a href="#FNanchor_745_745"><span class="label">[745]</span></a> Imperator re insperata commotus. (Seck. ii. p. 172.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_746_746" id="Footnote_746_746"></a><a href="#FNanchor_746_746"><span class="label">[746]</span></a> Unwissend des Churfursten von Sachsenund unserer. (Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 263.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_747_747" id="Footnote_747_747"></a><a href="#FNanchor_747_747"><span class="label">[747]</span></a> Es mchte wohl <i>ista mora et indignitas</i> nocheinen Landgraven +mde machen. (L. Epp. iv. p. 134.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_748_748" id="Footnote_748_748"></a><a href="#FNanchor_748_748"><span class="label">[748]</span></a> Ut nullo modo a verbo Dei abstrahi aut terreri se patiatur. (Seck. +ii. p. 172.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_749_749" id="Footnote_749_749"></a><a href="#FNanchor_749_749"><span class="label">[749]</span></a> Sed hanc violentiam abitus Landgravii interrupit. (Corp. Ref. +p. 277.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_750_750" id="Footnote_750_750"></a><a href="#FNanchor_750_750"><span class="label">[750]</span></a> Nam cum paucis post horis resciscunt Landgravium elapsum, +convocant iterum nostros. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_751_751" id="Footnote_751_751"></a><a href="#FNanchor_751_751"><span class="label">[751]</span></a> Zertrennung dieses Reichstags zu verursachen. (Corp. Ref. p. 264.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_752_752" id="Footnote_752_752"></a><a href="#FNanchor_752_752"><span class="label">[752]</span></a> Es habe ein Trabant mit einem andern ein Unwill gehabt. (Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 265.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_753_753" id="Footnote_753_753"></a><a href="#FNanchor_753_753"><span class="label">[753]</span></a> Nullo alio tempore mitius et benignius quam tunc cum protestantibus +egerit. (Seck. ii. p. 172.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_754_754" id="Footnote_754_754"></a><a href="#FNanchor_754_754"><span class="label">[754]</span></a> P. Urkundenbuch, ii. p. 219.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_755_755" id="Footnote_755_755"></a><a href="#FNanchor_755_755"><span class="label">[755]</span></a> Die Snd die man nicht wisse, die durff man nicht beichten. (F. +Urkunden, ii. p. 228.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_756_756" id="Footnote_756_756"></a><a href="#FNanchor_756_756"><span class="label">[756]</span></a> Man soll die <i>Sole</i> ein weil zum Schuster Schicken. (Urkund. ii. +p. 225.) This wretched pun of Eck's requires no comment.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_757_757" id="Footnote_757_757"></a><a href="#FNanchor_757_757"><span class="label">[757]</span></a> Omnino, omnino, addendum etiam <i>frustra</i>. (Scultet. p. 289.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_758_758" id="Footnote_758_758"></a><a href="#FNanchor_758_758"><span class="label">[758]</span></a> If God is a spirit, as the poets teach, he should be worshipped +with a pure mind.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_759_759" id="Footnote_759_759"></a><a href="#FNanchor_759_759"><span class="label">[759]</span></a> Brunswigus coactus est abire πρὁς τὁν μαακἑδονα quem timent +contrahere exercitum. (Scultet. p. 299.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_760_760" id="Footnote_760_760"></a><a href="#FNanchor_760_760"><span class="label">[760]</span></a> Vorschlge des Anschlusses der Sieben des Gegentheils. (Urk. ii. +p. 251.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_761_761" id="Footnote_761_761"></a><a href="#FNanchor_761_761"><span class="label">[761]</span></a> Wie von alters in der ersten Kirche etliche Hundert Jahre, in +Gebrauch gewesen. (Urk. ii. p. 254.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_762_762" id="Footnote_762_762"></a><a href="#FNanchor_762_762"><span class="label">[762]</span></a> Zu Errinnerung und Gedchtniss. (Ibid. p. 253.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_763_763" id="Footnote_763_763"></a><a href="#FNanchor_763_763"><span class="label">[763]</span></a> Ist Ihmen auch nicht mglich. Dazu Kostet es zu viel. (Urk. +ii. p. 247.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_764_764" id="Footnote_764_764"></a><a href="#FNanchor_764_764"><span class="label">[764]</span></a> Cum dicimus eum Antichristum. (Urk. p. 247.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_765_765" id="Footnote_765_765"></a><a href="#FNanchor_765_765"><span class="label">[765]</span></a> Nos politica qudam concessuros qu sine offensione conscienti. +(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 302.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_766_766" id="Footnote_766_766"></a><a href="#FNanchor_766_766"><span class="label">[766]</span></a> Philippus ist kindischer denn ein kind warden. (Baumgartner, +Ibid. p. 363.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_767_767" id="Footnote_767_767"></a><a href="#FNanchor_767_767"><span class="label">[767]</span></a> Der lge als ein Bsewichst. (Ibid. p. 364.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_768_768" id="Footnote_768_768"></a><a href="#FNanchor_768_768"><span class="label">[768]</span></a> Actum est de christiana libertate. (Baumgartner, Corp. Ref. ii. p. +295.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_769_769" id="Footnote_769_769"></a><a href="#FNanchor_769_769"><span class="label">[769]</span></a> Quid ea concordia aliud esset quam nat jam et divulgat luci +obducere nubem. (Ibid. p. 296.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_770_770" id="Footnote_770_770"></a><a href="#FNanchor_770_770"><span class="label">[770]</span></a> Die gange Stadt sagt. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 297.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_771_771" id="Footnote_771_771"></a><a href="#FNanchor_771_771"><span class="label">[771]</span></a> Sed Papa nolet et Lutherus deprecatur. (L. Epp. iv. p. 144.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_772_772" id="Footnote_772_772"></a><a href="#FNanchor_772_772"><span class="label">[772]</span></a> Nam hic est ille unicus calcaneus seminis antiquo serpenti adversantis. +(Ibid. p. 151.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_773_773" id="Footnote_773_773"></a><a href="#FNanchor_773_773"><span class="label">[773]</span></a> Ipsi enim nostras concessiones large, largius, largissime, suas +vero, stricte, strictius, strictissime. (Ibid. p. 145.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_774_774" id="Footnote_774_774"></a><a href="#FNanchor_774_774"><span class="label">[774]</span></a> Sed ab ipsis totum verbum Dei <i>quod plus quam ecclesia est</i> +damnari. (L. Epp. iv. p. 145.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_775_775" id="Footnote_775_775"></a><a href="#FNanchor_775_775"><span class="label">[775]</span></a> Quod Campeggius est unus magnus et insignis diabolus. (Ibid. +p. 147.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_776_776" id="Footnote_776_776"></a><a href="#FNanchor_776_776"><span class="label">[776]</span></a> Veniet, ne dubita, veniet Lutterus, hanc aquilam liberaturus +magnifice. (L. Epp. iv. p. 155.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_777_777" id="Footnote_777_777"></a><a href="#FNanchor_777_777"><span class="label">[777]</span></a> Sed nos nihil decet vulgi clamoribus moveri. (Corp. Ref. ii. +p. 303.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_778_778" id="Footnote_778_778"></a><a href="#FNanchor_778_778"><span class="label">[778]</span></a> Profani jurisdictionem ecclesiasticam et similia negotia religionem +non curent. (Corp. Ref. ii.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_779_779" id="Footnote_779_779"></a><a href="#FNanchor_779_779"><span class="label">[779]</span></a> Ne schismatis infamia perpetuo laboremus. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_780_780" id="Footnote_780_780"></a><a href="#FNanchor_780_780"><span class="label">[780]</span></a> Lutherani defectionem parant ad Papistas. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 461.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_781_781" id="Footnote_781_781"></a><a href="#FNanchor_781_781"><span class="label">[781]</span></a> Baumgartner to Spengler. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 363.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_782_782" id="Footnote_782_782"></a><a href="#FNanchor_782_782"><span class="label">[782]</span></a> Fremunt et alii socii ac indignatur regnum Episcoporum restitui. +(Ibid. p. 328.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_783_783" id="Footnote_783_783"></a><a href="#FNanchor_783_783"><span class="label">[783]</span></a> Si conductus quanta ipse voluisset pecunia a Papa esset. (Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 333.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_784_784" id="Footnote_784_784"></a><a href="#FNanchor_784_784"><span class="label">[784]</span></a> Retro it, ut cancer. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 506.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_785_785" id="Footnote_785_785"></a><a href="#FNanchor_785_785"><span class="label">[785]</span></a> Das sie nicht weyber seyen sondern mnner. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. +327.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_786_786" id="Footnote_786_786"></a><a href="#FNanchor_786_786"><span class="label">[786]</span></a> Confusio et perturbatio religionum. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 382.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_787_787" id="Footnote_787_787"></a><a href="#FNanchor_787_787"><span class="label">[787]</span></a> Ut aula ministerium in ecclesia ordinet bonis non videtur consultum. +(Ibid. p. 362.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_788_788" id="Footnote_788_788"></a><a href="#FNanchor_788_788"><span class="label">[788]</span></a> Video postea multo intolerabiliorem futuram tyrannidem quam +unquam antea fuisse. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 334.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_789_789" id="Footnote_789_789"></a><a href="#FNanchor_789_789"><span class="label">[789]</span></a> Si mea causa hc tempestas coacta est, me statim velut Jonam in +mare ejiciat. (Ibid. p. 382.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_790_790" id="Footnote_790_790"></a><a href="#FNanchor_790_790"><span class="label">[790]</span></a> Er wollte sich ehe auf Stcker Zureissen lassen. (L. Opp. xx. +p. 328.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_791_791" id="Footnote_791_791"></a><a href="#FNanchor_791_791"><span class="label">[791]</span></a> Hc inflammassent Imperatorem ad totam hanc factionem delendam. +(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 335.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_792_792" id="Footnote_792_792"></a><a href="#FNanchor_792_792"><span class="label">[792]</span></a> Antwort des Kaisers, &c. (Urkund. ii. p. 313.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_793_793" id="Footnote_793_793"></a><a href="#FNanchor_793_793"><span class="label">[793]</span></a> Nescio an ausim dicere, jam ferrum in manu Csaris esse. (Corp. +Ref. ii. p. 342.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_794_794" id="Footnote_794_794"></a><a href="#FNanchor_794_794"><span class="label">[794]</span></a> In eam (concilii celebrationem) Pontificis animus haud propendebatur. +(Pallavicini. i. p. 251.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_795_795" id="Footnote_795_795"></a><a href="#FNanchor_795_795"><span class="label">[795]</span></a> Al contrario, remedio e piu pericoloso e per partorir maggiori +mali. (Lettere de Principe, ii. p. 197.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_796_796" id="Footnote_796_796"></a><a href="#FNanchor_796_796"><span class="label">[796]</span></a> Evulgatus concilii rumor......publica Roma munera......jam in +vilissimum pretium decidissent. (Pallav. i. p. 251.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_797_797" id="Footnote_797_797"></a><a href="#FNanchor_797_797"><span class="label">[797]</span></a> Che non se non trovano danari. (Lett. di Prin. iii. p. 5.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_798_798" id="Footnote_798_798"></a><a href="#FNanchor_798_798"><span class="label">[798]</span></a> Interim restitui debere omnia Papistis. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 355. +See also <i>Erklrung des Kaisers Karl</i>, v. Urkunden, ii. p. 391.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_799_799" id="Footnote_799_799"></a><a href="#FNanchor_799_799"><span class="label">[799]</span></a> Nit neue, Secten wieder die heilige Schrifft. (Brck. Apol. +p. 136.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_800_800" id="Footnote_800_800"></a><a href="#FNanchor_800_800"><span class="label">[800]</span></a> Urkunden. ii. p. 410; Brck, Apol. p. 139.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_801_801" id="Footnote_801_801"></a><a href="#FNanchor_801_801"><span class="label">[801]</span></a> Kurtz mit Solchen worten ob er erwarten wolte oder nicht? +(Brck, Apol. p. 143.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_802_802" id="Footnote_802_802"></a><a href="#FNanchor_802_802"><span class="label">[802]</span></a> Ein beschwerlich Geschrey zu Augsbourgden selben abend ausgebrochen. +(Ibid. p. 145.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_803_803" id="Footnote_803_803"></a><a href="#FNanchor_803_803"><span class="label">[803]</span></a> Man wrde ein Kriegs-volk in Preussen Schicken. (Brck, +Apol. p. 143.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_804_804" id="Footnote_804_804"></a><a href="#FNanchor_804_804"><span class="label">[804]</span></a> Ibid. p. 155-160.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_805_805" id="Footnote_805_805"></a><a href="#FNanchor_805_805"><span class="label">[805]</span></a> A mare Baltico ad Helvetios. (Erasm. Epp. xiv. p. 1.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_806_806" id="Footnote_806_806"></a><a href="#FNanchor_806_806"><span class="label">[806]</span></a> Ingewhnlichen Kleidungen mit Gesang und Lesen. (Urk. ii. +p. 418.) The canon was a frame of card-board placed on the altar before +the priest, and which contained the Apostles' Creed with various +prayers.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_807_807" id="Footnote_807_807"></a><a href="#FNanchor_807_807"><span class="label">[807]</span></a> Estel List gefhrliche Tcke, &c. (Jonas. Urkund. ii. p. 423.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_808_808" id="Footnote_808_808"></a><a href="#FNanchor_808_808"><span class="label">[808]</span></a> Die gruliche artikel. (Spalat. Ibid. p. 428.) De Primatu Pap, +de Purgatorio, de Indulgentiis. (Melancthon, Cord. Ref. ii. p. 374.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_809_809" id="Footnote_809_809"></a><a href="#FNanchor_809_809"><span class="label">[809]</span></a> Dem Teufel und antichrist zu gefallen. (Urk. ii. p. 431.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_810_810" id="Footnote_810_810"></a><a href="#FNanchor_810_810"><span class="label">[810]</span></a> Vel maledicti a Papa et Csare. (L. Epp. iv. p. 162-171.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_811_811" id="Footnote_811_811"></a><a href="#FNanchor_811_811"><span class="label">[811]</span></a> Alles das, so Ihm Gots geben htt, dorob zu vertieren ein geringes +wre. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 379.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_812_812" id="Footnote_812_812"></a><a href="#FNanchor_812_812"><span class="label">[812]</span></a> In der selben Nacht. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 379.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_813_813" id="Footnote_813_813"></a><a href="#FNanchor_813_813"><span class="label">[813]</span></a> Prmissis fere omnibus impedimentis una cum cocis. (Corp. Ref. +ii. p. 385.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_814_814" id="Footnote_814_814"></a><a href="#FNanchor_814_814"><span class="label">[814]</span></a> Gestiefelt und gespornt. (Ibid. p. 380.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_815_815" id="Footnote_815_815"></a><a href="#FNanchor_815_815"><span class="label">[815]</span></a> Etwas darob schwermtig und hitzig erzeight. (Ibid. p. 380.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_816_816" id="Footnote_816_816"></a><a href="#FNanchor_816_816"><span class="label">[816]</span></a> Adhuc deliberat Csar pendendum ne nobis sit, an diutius vivendum. +(Corp. Ref. ii.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_817_817" id="Footnote_817_817"></a><a href="#FNanchor_817_817"><span class="label">[817]</span></a> Urkunden. ii. p. 455-472.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_818_818" id="Footnote_818_818"></a><a href="#FNanchor_818_818"><span class="label">[818]</span></a> Nuremberg and Rentlingen, to which were added the cities of +Kempten, Heilbrunn, Windsheim, and Weissemberg. (Corp Ref. ii. +p. 474-478.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_819_819" id="Footnote_819_819"></a><a href="#FNanchor_819_819"><span class="label">[819]</span></a> Protestantes vehementer hoc decreto minime expectato territi +(Seck. ii. p. 200.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_820_820" id="Footnote_820_820"></a><a href="#FNanchor_820_820"><span class="label">[820]</span></a> Brck, Apologie, p. 182.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_821_821" id="Footnote_821_821"></a><a href="#FNanchor_821_821"><span class="label">[821]</span></a> Betrge, meisterstuck, aber Gott errettet die sernen. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_822_822" id="Footnote_822_822"></a><a href="#FNanchor_822_822"><span class="label">[822]</span></a> Auf Knig Ferdinandus wincke wieder geben. (Apologie, p. 184.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_823_823" id="Footnote_823_823"></a><a href="#FNanchor_823_823"><span class="label">[823]</span></a> Nach essen allerley Rede Disputation und Persuasion furgewendt. +(Urk. ii. p. 601.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_824_824" id="Footnote_824_824"></a><a href="#FNanchor_824_824"><span class="label">[824]</span></a> Sondern vom Schreiber gesetzt, der dis nicht geacht. (Urk. ii. p. +606.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_825_825" id="Footnote_825_825"></a><a href="#FNanchor_825_825"><span class="label">[825]</span></a> Wssten auch nicht anders denn wohl und gut. (Urk. p. 210.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_826_826" id="Footnote_826_826"></a><a href="#FNanchor_826_826"><span class="label">[826]</span></a> Ein Sawe fahen helfen. (Ibid. 211.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_827_827" id="Footnote_827_827"></a><a href="#FNanchor_827_827"><span class="label">[827]</span></a> Corp. Ref. ii. p. 397.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_828_828" id="Footnote_828_828"></a><a href="#FNanchor_828_828"><span class="label">[828]</span></a> Ein mal aus de Hlle los ist. (L. Epp. iv. p. 175.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_829_829" id="Footnote_829_829"></a><a href="#FNanchor_829_829"><span class="label">[829]</span></a> Der Kaiser ist fast hitzig im Handel. (Corp. Ref. ii. 591.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_830_830" id="Footnote_830_830"></a><a href="#FNanchor_830_830"><span class="label">[830]</span></a> Es gehren die Fauste dar zu. (Ibid. p. 592; Urkund. ii. p. 710.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_831_831" id="Footnote_831_831"></a><a href="#FNanchor_831_831"><span class="label">[831]</span></a> Fur ketzer angezogen. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_832_832" id="Footnote_832_832"></a><a href="#FNanchor_832_832"><span class="label">[832]</span></a> Bis in die Hundert Prediger in andere Lande Schiken helfen +daselbst die neue Lehre zu predigen. (Urkund. ii. p. 646.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_833_833" id="Footnote_833_833"></a><a href="#FNanchor_833_833"><span class="label">[833]</span></a> Ein alt Haus abbrechen. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 400.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_834_834" id="Footnote_834_834"></a><a href="#FNanchor_834_834"><span class="label">[834]</span></a> Ratschlag, &c. (Urkund. ii. 737-740.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_835_835" id="Footnote_835_835"></a><a href="#FNanchor_835_835"><span class="label">[835]</span></a> Wo sie nicht einen gemeinen Friedensversichert. (Corp. Ref. ii. +pp. 411, 416.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_836_836" id="Footnote_836_836"></a><a href="#FNanchor_836_836"><span class="label">[836]</span></a> Diesem Theil desto mehr Freude und Trost und dem gegentheil +Erschrecken. (Urkund. ii. p. 728.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_837_837" id="Footnote_837_837"></a><a href="#FNanchor_837_837"><span class="label">[837]</span></a> An eine Wand geheftet und dazu geschossen. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. +423.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_838_838" id="Footnote_838_838"></a><a href="#FNanchor_838_838"><span class="label">[838]</span></a> These negotiations will be found in Forstermann's Urkunden, +pp. 750-793.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_839_839" id="Footnote_839_839"></a><a href="#FNanchor_839_839"><span class="label">[839]</span></a> Urkunden, ii. p. 823; Corp. Ref. ii. p. 437.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_840_840" id="Footnote_840_840"></a><a href="#FNanchor_840_840"><span class="label">[840]</span></a> 40,000 zu Fuss und 8000 zu Ross. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 399.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_841_841" id="Footnote_841_841"></a><a href="#FNanchor_841_841"><span class="label">[841]</span></a> Legati Norinb. ad Senatum, 11th October. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. +402); Legati Sax. ad Electorem, 10th October. (Urkund. ii. p. 711.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_842_842" id="Footnote_842_842"></a><a href="#FNanchor_842_842"><span class="label">[842]</span></a> Shortly before the close of the diet.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_843_843" id="Footnote_843_843"></a><a href="#FNanchor_843_843"><span class="label">[843]</span></a> Hatt der Kayser unter andern in Franzosisch geredet. (Ibid. p. +421.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_844_844" id="Footnote_844_844"></a><a href="#FNanchor_844_844"><span class="label">[844]</span></a> Geneva expugnata, bellum etiam urbibus Germani Superioris +inferretur. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 402.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_845_845" id="Footnote_845_845"></a><a href="#FNanchor_845_845"><span class="label">[845]</span></a> Mein leben soll ihr Henker seyn. (L. Opp. xx. p. 304.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_846_846" id="Footnote_846_846"></a><a href="#FNanchor_846_846"><span class="label">[846]</span></a> Vadant igitur et pereant, quomodo sic volunt. (L. Epp. iv. +p. 167.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_847_847" id="Footnote_847_847"></a><a href="#FNanchor_847_847"><span class="label">[847]</span></a> The French part of Switzerland, comprising the cantons of Geneva, +Vaud, Neuchatel, and part of those of Friburg, Berne, and Valais.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_848_848" id="Footnote_848_848"></a><a href="#FNanchor_848_848"><span class="label">[848]</span></a> Eccles. iii. 1, 2, 3.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_849_849" id="Footnote_849_849"></a><a href="#FNanchor_849_849"><span class="label">[849]</span></a> Gravabat nox, opprimebat pluvia......coegit vi difficultas +in media sedere via sub pluvia. (Farel to Capito and Bucer; Neuchatel, +MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_850_850" id="Footnote_850_850"></a><a href="#FNanchor_850_850"><span class="label">[850]</span></a> Piis artibus et apostolicis versatiis ad circumveniendum illum +opus est. (Œcol. to Farel, 27th December, 1526. Neuchatel MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_851_851" id="Footnote_851_851"></a><a href="#FNanchor_851_851"><span class="label">[851]</span></a> Ubi ostium patuerit, tunc adversariis liberius obsistetur. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_852_852" id="Footnote_852_852"></a><a href="#FNanchor_852_852"><span class="label">[852]</span></a> Pia et amica ad Lutheri sermonem apologia. (Opp. vol. ii. t. 2, +p. 1.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_853_853" id="Footnote_853_853"></a><a href="#FNanchor_853_853"><span class="label">[853]</span></a> Ut Christi succussa undique Ecclesia, pacis non nihil sentiat. (Zw. +Epp. ii. p. 26.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_854_854" id="Footnote_854_854"></a><a href="#FNanchor_854_854"><span class="label">[854]</span></a> Papa aut nullus aut modicus hic est. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 36.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_855_855" id="Footnote_855_855"></a><a href="#FNanchor_855_855"><span class="label">[855]</span></a> The name of Ursinus was doubtless taken from the bear (ursa), +which was on the shield of Berne. Ursinus meant Bernese.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_856_856" id="Footnote_856_856"></a><a href="#FNanchor_856_856"><span class="label">[856]</span></a> J. J. Hottinger, H. K. G., iii. p. 364.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_857_857" id="Footnote_857_857"></a><a href="#FNanchor_857_857"><span class="label">[857]</span></a> Ferdinando adventurum esse ingentem ex Hispania exercitum. +(Zwinglius, Epp. ii. p. 64; dated 11 May, 1527.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_858_858" id="Footnote_858_858"></a><a href="#FNanchor_858_858"><span class="label">[858]</span></a> Inhibita verbi divini propagatio. (Choupard MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_859_859" id="Footnote_859_859"></a><a href="#FNanchor_859_859"><span class="label">[859]</span></a> Histoire de la Reformation Suisse by Ruchat, i. p. 35.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_860_860" id="Footnote_860_860"></a><a href="#FNanchor_860_860"><span class="label">[860]</span></a> Pro <i>libros</i> sibi <i>liberos</i> comparant, pro studio concubinas amant. +(Tritheim Just. Vit Sacerdotalis, p. 765.) The play upon <i>libros</i> +and <i>liberos</i> (books and children) cannot be conveyed in English.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_861_861" id="Footnote_861_861"></a><a href="#FNanchor_861_861"><span class="label">[861]</span></a> Urbanus, doctus, magnus, consuetudine doctorum obligatus. +(Farel to Galeotto, Neuchatel MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_862_862" id="Footnote_862_862"></a><a href="#FNanchor_862_862"><span class="label">[862]</span></a> Pluris faciunt miserrimi subulci aspectum quam omnipotentis Dei. +(Farel to Galeotto, Neuchatel MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_863_863" id="Footnote_863_863"></a><a href="#FNanchor_863_863"><span class="label">[863]</span></a> Pulsare, vociferari perge, nec prius cessa quam, &c. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_864_864" id="Footnote_864_864"></a><a href="#FNanchor_864_864"><span class="label">[864]</span></a> Nniis totas implevit et conviciis. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_865_865" id="Footnote_865_865"></a><a href="#FNanchor_865_865"><span class="label">[865]</span></a> Quod agere veretur obstinatus diabolus, intrepide agit reprobus +et contumax monachus. (Jacob von Juterbock; de Negligentia Prelatorum.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_866_866" id="Footnote_866_866"></a><a href="#FNanchor_866_866"><span class="label">[866]</span></a> Commena de se tempester; in the narrative he gives of this +adventure to the nuns of Vevay. (Neuchatel MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_867_867" id="Footnote_867_867"></a><a href="#FNanchor_867_867"><span class="label">[867]</span></a> Tournant maintenant de a, maintenant de l, comme fait la conscience +mal assure. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_868_868" id="Footnote_868_868"></a><a href="#FNanchor_868_868"><span class="label">[868]</span></a> Il n'appartient personne vivante d'ordonner autre manire de +faire service Dieu, que celle qu'il a commande. Nous devons +garder ses commandemens, sans tirer ni la dextre, ni la senestre. +(Neuchatel MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_869_869" id="Footnote_869_869"></a><a href="#FNanchor_869_869"><span class="label">[869]</span></a> Hors de sens, trembloit, s'agitoit, palissoit, et rougissoit tour +tour. Enfin tirant son bonnet de sa tte, hors da chaperon, il le rua + terre, jettant et mettant son pied sus, en s'criant: "Je suis +esbahi comme la terre ne nous abyme!" (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_870_870" id="Footnote_870_870"></a><a href="#FNanchor_870_870"><span class="label">[870]</span></a> L'un en une tour, et l'autre en l'autre. (Neuchatel MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_871_871" id="Footnote_871_871"></a><a href="#FNanchor_871_871"><span class="label">[871]</span></a> Lors le frre se jeta genoux, disant: Messeigneurs, je demande +merci Dieu et vous......Et aussi, Magister, ce que j'ai +prch contre vous a t par de faux rapports, &c. (Neuchatel MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_872_872" id="Footnote_872_872"></a><a href="#FNanchor_872_872"><span class="label">[872]</span></a> Je suis pauvre pcheur comme les autres, ayant ma fiance, non en +ma justice, mais la mort de Jesus. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_873_873" id="Footnote_873_873"></a><a href="#FNanchor_873_873"><span class="label">[873]</span></a> Puis quand le frre fut parti, depuis ne l'ai vu, et nulles promesses +ni sermens ne l'ont pu faire demeurer. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_874_874" id="Footnote_874_874"></a><a href="#FNanchor_874_874"><span class="label">[874]</span></a> Sed Sathan per ejus servos, voluit aures auditorum ejus sono cymbali +implere. (Neuchatel MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_875_875" id="Footnote_875_875"></a><a href="#FNanchor_875_875"><span class="label">[875]</span></a> Quo invento suspenderetur primum, deinde dignus comburi, alterius +capitis obtruncatione, novissime in aquis mergeretur. (Neuchatel +MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_876_876" id="Footnote_876_876"></a><a href="#FNanchor_876_876"><span class="label">[876]</span></a> Me quantumvis Gallum et barbarum. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 205.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_877_877" id="Footnote_877_877"></a><a href="#FNanchor_877_877"><span class="label">[877]</span></a> Absque ullo fuco, niveum, et aperti fenestratique pectoris. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_878_878" id="Footnote_878_878"></a><a href="#FNanchor_878_878"><span class="label">[878]</span></a> Quam beatus hic venter incanduit! quot minarum plaustra! Solent +tales bellu, &c. (Neuchatel MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_879_879" id="Footnote_879_879"></a><a href="#FNanchor_879_879"><span class="label">[879]</span></a> Ne in digitos, manus, pedes, oculos, nares, aures, brachia, cor +quod unum est discindatur, et qu in rebus est varietas, principium +non faciat multiplex. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_880_880" id="Footnote_880_880"></a><a href="#FNanchor_880_880"><span class="label">[880]</span></a> An allusion to the controversies on anabaptism and the real presence. +Non tanta erit super aqua et pane contentio, nec super gramine, +solutaque obsidione. (Neuchatel MS.) The sense of these +latter words is obscure.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_881_881" id="Footnote_881_881"></a><a href="#FNanchor_881_881"><span class="label">[881]</span></a> Charitas fortissimus aries. (Farel to Bucer, 10th May, 1529.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_882_882" id="Footnote_882_882"></a><a href="#FNanchor_882_882"><span class="label">[882]</span></a> Deut. xxxii. 14.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_883_883" id="Footnote_883_883"></a><a href="#FNanchor_883_883"><span class="label">[883]</span></a> Hundeshagen, Conflikte der Bernischen Kirche, p. 19.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_884_884" id="Footnote_884_884"></a><a href="#FNanchor_884_884"><span class="label">[884]</span></a> Quum nudus-tertius <i>Murneri</i> Calendarium legissem, partim +ridendo hominis stultissimam impudentiam. (Œcolamp. to Zwingle, +Febr. 1527, Epp. ii. p. 26.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_885_885" id="Footnote_885_885"></a><a href="#FNanchor_885_885"><span class="label">[885]</span></a> Mullinen e Senatoria dignitate protrusus est. Lapides quoque. +(Haller to Zwingle, April 25, 1527. Ibid. p. 49.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_886_886" id="Footnote_886_886"></a><a href="#FNanchor_886_886"><span class="label">[886]</span></a> Aculeos ac hamos, sic in mortalium pectora dimitte, ut etiam si +velint, non possint. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 10.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_887_887" id="Footnote_887_887"></a><a href="#FNanchor_887_887"><span class="label">[887]</span></a> Ne plebem dehortentur ab auditione concionum nostrarum ob +idolorum prsentiam. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 49.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_888_888" id="Footnote_888_888"></a><a href="#FNanchor_888_888"><span class="label">[888]</span></a> Consideravimus omnes periculum urbis nostr et totius Christianismi, +ubi ill furi irrepserint. (Ibid. p. 50.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_889_889" id="Footnote_889_889"></a><a href="#FNanchor_889_889"><span class="label">[889]</span></a> Nostrum est, omnio gladio spiritus refellere. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_890_890" id="Footnote_890_890"></a><a href="#FNanchor_890_890"><span class="label">[890]</span></a> Ut privata auctoritate nemo quippiam immutare prsumat (Haller +to Vadian.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_891_891" id="Footnote_891_891"></a><a href="#FNanchor_891_891"><span class="label">[891]</span></a> Incolas vallis Emmenthal Senatum adiisse, <i>missam</i>que <i>missam +fecisse</i>. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 104.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_892_892" id="Footnote_892_892"></a><a href="#FNanchor_892_892"><span class="label">[892]</span></a> Pueros, hereticos, et homines lascivos. (Ibid. p. 106.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_893_893" id="Footnote_893_893"></a><a href="#FNanchor_893_893"><span class="label">[893]</span></a> Haller to Zwingle, 4th November, 1527. (Epp. ii. p. 105.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_894_894" id="Footnote_894_894"></a><a href="#FNanchor_894_894"><span class="label">[894]</span></a> J. J. Hottinger, H. Kirchen, viii. p. 394.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_895_895" id="Footnote_895_895"></a><a href="#FNanchor_895_895"><span class="label">[895]</span></a> Solam sacram Scripturam, absque veterum glossematis. (Haller +to Zwingle, 19th November 1527. Epp. ii. p. 113.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_896_896" id="Footnote_896_896"></a><a href="#FNanchor_896_896"><span class="label">[896]</span></a> The inhabitants of the primitive democratic cantons, Schwytz, +Uri, Underwald, and Lucerne, to which Zug may be added.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_897_897" id="Footnote_897_897"></a><a href="#FNanchor_897_897"><span class="label">[897]</span></a> John Goch, Dialogus de quatuor erroribus, p. 237.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_898_898" id="Footnote_898_898"></a><a href="#FNanchor_898_898"><span class="label">[898]</span></a> Epistolam leprosi, damnati, hretici Zwinglii accepi. (Eck to G. +A. Zell, Zw. Epp. ii. p. 126.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_899_899" id="Footnote_899_899"></a><a href="#FNanchor_899_899"><span class="label">[899]</span></a> <i>Judex controversiarum</i>—1 John iv. 1; 1 Thess. v. 21.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_900_900" id="Footnote_900_900"></a><a href="#FNanchor_900_900"><span class="label">[900]</span></a> Fides in Dominum me animat, ut nihil verear. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. +123.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_901_901" id="Footnote_901_901"></a><a href="#FNanchor_901_901"><span class="label">[901]</span></a> An allusion to the dispute at Baden, a celebrated bathing-place, +and to the arms of Berne. (Ibid. p. 118.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_902_902" id="Footnote_902_902"></a><a href="#FNanchor_902_902"><span class="label">[902]</span></a> Lupum auribus tenemus. (Zurich MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_903_903" id="Footnote_903_903"></a><a href="#FNanchor_903_903"><span class="label">[903]</span></a> Neque ad perturbationem nostr alm Helveti. (Zw. Epp. ii. +p. 120.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_904_904" id="Footnote_904_904"></a><a href="#FNanchor_904_904"><span class="label">[904]</span></a> Oligarch in angulis obmurmurent. (Ibid. p. 123.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_905_905" id="Footnote_905_905"></a><a href="#FNanchor_905_905"><span class="label">[905]</span></a> Crescit, Domino gloria, mihi animus in hac pugna. (Zw. Epp. +Vadiano.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_906_906" id="Footnote_906_906"></a><a href="#FNanchor_906_906"><span class="label">[906]</span></a> Tillmannus urbis architectus locum juxta tuam deformationem +operabit. (Ibid. ii p. 123.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_907_907" id="Footnote_907_907"></a><a href="#FNanchor_907_907"><span class="label">[907]</span></a> Darum fromme Christen! Zur Schrift, zur Schrift! (Acta Zw. +ii. p. 92.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_908_908" id="Footnote_908_908"></a><a href="#FNanchor_908_908"><span class="label">[908]</span></a> Das lachet menklich und ward durch die gantzen Stadt kundt. +(Bulling, i. p. 436.) In this and other quotations, we preserve the +orthography of the times.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_909_909" id="Footnote_909_909"></a><a href="#FNanchor_909_909"><span class="label">[909]</span></a> Bullinger says, on the contrary, that the council positively forbade +the Mass. But Bullinger, who is a very animated writer, is not +always exact in diplomatic matters. The council would not have +come to such a resolution before the close of the discussion. Other +contemporary historians and official documents leave no room for doubt +on this point. Stettler, in his Chronicle, pars ii. p. 6, ad annum +1528, details these proceedings as in the text.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_910_910" id="Footnote_910_910"></a><a href="#FNanchor_910_910"><span class="label">[910]</span></a> Nos tenemur obedire diabolo. (J. J. Hottinger, iii. p. 405.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_911_911" id="Footnote_911_911"></a><a href="#FNanchor_911_911"><span class="label">[911]</span></a> Pueri in plateis cantant: se esse a Deo pisto liberatos. (L. +Epp. iii. p. 290.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_912_912" id="Footnote_912_912"></a><a href="#FNanchor_912_912"><span class="label">[912]</span></a> History of Berne, by Tillier, iii. p. 257.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_913_913" id="Footnote_913_913"></a><a href="#FNanchor_913_913"><span class="label">[913]</span></a> Si studiorum quam scortorum nostri episcopi amantiores essent. +(Ruchat, i. p. 576. Letter of J. de Munster, priest at Soleure.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_914_914" id="Footnote_914_914"></a><a href="#FNanchor_914_914"><span class="label">[914]</span></a> Hie lt einer, dem ist's houpt ab, dem andern ein arm, &c. (Zw. +Opp. ii. p. 228.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_915_915" id="Footnote_915_915"></a><a href="#FNanchor_915_915"><span class="label">[915]</span></a> Da der Knig aller Knige......(Haller, by Kirchhofer, p. 439.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_916_916" id="Footnote_916_916"></a><a href="#FNanchor_916_916"><span class="label">[916]</span></a> Mit iren Spyessen fr den hauffen. (Bull. chr. i. p. 439.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_917_917" id="Footnote_917_917"></a><a href="#FNanchor_917_917"><span class="label">[917]</span></a> Zwingel triumphator et imperator gloriosus. (L. Epp. iii. p. +290.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_918_918" id="Footnote_918_918"></a><a href="#FNanchor_918_918"><span class="label">[918]</span></a> Ruunt res nostr. (Letter of the priest J. de Muller, an eye-witness +of the discussion. Rachat. i. p. 575.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_919_919" id="Footnote_919_919"></a><a href="#FNanchor_919_919"><span class="label">[919]</span></a> Doctior tamen hc bellua est quam putabam. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_920_920" id="Footnote_920_920"></a><a href="#FNanchor_920_920"><span class="label">[920]</span></a> Vicitque pars major meliorem. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_921_921" id="Footnote_921_921"></a><a href="#FNanchor_921_921"><span class="label">[921]</span></a> Bull. Chron. i. p. 466.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_922_922" id="Footnote_922_922"></a><a href="#FNanchor_922_922"><span class="label">[922]</span></a> Hundeshagen, conflicte der Bernerkirche, p. 22.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_923_923" id="Footnote_923_923"></a><a href="#FNanchor_923_923"><span class="label">[923]</span></a> Da tregt ein Gtz den andern in das fhwr. (Bull. Chron. ii. p. +1.) A man whose business it was to shear the flocks, and who had +been nicknamed Gtz-scherer (idol-shearer), had made himself very +distinguished among those who carried the images to the fire. Such +was the origin of this popular legend, and it is the key to many others.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_924_924" id="Footnote_924_924"></a><a href="#FNanchor_924_924"><span class="label">[924]</span></a> Das wyt und breit ein gross geschrey und wunder gepar. (Bull. +Chron. ii. p. 1.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_925_925" id="Footnote_925_925"></a><a href="#FNanchor_925_925"><span class="label">[925]</span></a> J. J. Hottinger, iii. p. 414.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_926_926" id="Footnote_926_926"></a><a href="#FNanchor_926_926"><span class="label">[926]</span></a> Hoc unum tibi dico secretissime. (Haller to Zwingle, 21st January, +1530.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_927_927" id="Footnote_927_927"></a><a href="#FNanchor_927_927"><span class="label">[927]</span></a> Relucet enim in illorum vestitu et habitu nescio quid veteris +illius Helveti simplicitatis. (Hoffmeister to Zwingle. Zw. Epp. +ii. p. 167.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_928_928" id="Footnote_928_928"></a><a href="#FNanchor_928_928"><span class="label">[928]</span></a> Ea res magnam spem mihi injecit de illis lucrandis qui hactenus +fuerunt male morigeri verbo. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_929_929" id="Footnote_929_929"></a><a href="#FNanchor_929_929"><span class="label">[929]</span></a> Totum regnum suum tradiderunt in manus magistrates nostri +(Haller to Zwingle, 31st March.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_930_930" id="Footnote_930_930"></a><a href="#FNanchor_930_930"><span class="label">[930]</span></a> The assembly of all the people.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_931_931" id="Footnote_931_931"></a><a href="#FNanchor_931_931"><span class="label">[931]</span></a> Audisti nimirum quam se apparent <i>Austriaci</i> ad bellum, adversus +quos ignoratur. Suspicantur quidam in Helvetios. (Œcol. to Zw. +Epp. ii. p. 161.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_932_932" id="Footnote_932_932"></a><a href="#FNanchor_932_932"><span class="label">[932]</span></a> Seditiosorum concursus sunt quotidiani. (Zw. Epp. ii p. 227.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_933_933" id="Footnote_933_933"></a><a href="#FNanchor_933_933"><span class="label">[933]</span></a> Nunc, nunc suum Messiam advenisse sperantes. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_934_934" id="Footnote_934_934"></a><a href="#FNanchor_934_934"><span class="label">[934]</span></a> Ita languet Christus apud nos. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_935_935" id="Footnote_935_935"></a><a href="#FNanchor_935_935"><span class="label">[935]</span></a> Dass wir hand d'Gotzen geworfen hin. (Hymn and Prayer.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_936_936" id="Footnote_936_936"></a><a href="#FNanchor_936_936"><span class="label">[936]</span></a> Quid hc inter tot et tantos venatores robustos. (Zw. Epp. ii. +p. 223.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_937_937" id="Footnote_937_937"></a><a href="#FNanchor_937_937"><span class="label">[937]</span></a> A celebrated hermit who prevented a civil war in Switzerland in +1481.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_938_938" id="Footnote_938_938"></a><a href="#FNanchor_938_938"><span class="label">[938]</span></a> Quam missam reducem aut violentiam villanorum pati. (Haller +to Zwingle, 26th October.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_939_939" id="Footnote_939_939"></a><a href="#FNanchor_939_939"><span class="label">[939]</span></a> Tradition says that it was on the spot where the hotel of Interlaken +now stands.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_940_940" id="Footnote_940_940"></a><a href="#FNanchor_940_940"><span class="label">[940]</span></a> Bernenses pro sua dignitate nodum hunc, quemadmodum Alexander +Macedo, Gordium dissectari. (Zw. Epp. ii. p 243.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_941_941" id="Footnote_941_941"></a><a href="#FNanchor_941_941"><span class="label">[941]</span></a> War gemnzet und den Armen ausgetheilt. (J. J. Hottinger, iii. +p. 415. St. Matthew xxvi. 7.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_942_942" id="Footnote_942_942"></a><a href="#FNanchor_942_942"><span class="label">[942]</span></a> Arx. Gesch. St. Gall, ii. p. 529. J. J. Hottinger, p. 416. Mller; +Hottinger, ii. p. 91.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_943_943" id="Footnote_943_943"></a><a href="#FNanchor_943_943"><span class="label">[943]</span></a> Gens animo veteres Tuscos referens, candore veteres Helvetios. +(Zw. Epp.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_944_944" id="Footnote_944_944"></a><a href="#FNanchor_944_944"><span class="label">[944]</span></a> J. J. Hottinger, iii. p. 426.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_945_945" id="Footnote_945_945"></a><a href="#FNanchor_945_945"><span class="label">[945]</span></a> Sperabam enim tenebras veritatis radio cessuras tandem. (Zw. +Epp. ii. p. 136.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_946_946" id="Footnote_946_946"></a><a href="#FNanchor_946_946"><span class="label">[946]</span></a> Major pars civitatis qu toto corde dolet tantis nos dissidiis laborare. +(Ibid. p. 36.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_947_947" id="Footnote_947_947"></a><a href="#FNanchor_947_947"><span class="label">[947]</span></a> Vereorque ne dum semper utraque sella sedere velit, utraque +extrudatur aliquando. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 157.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_948_948" id="Footnote_948_948"></a><a href="#FNanchor_948_948"><span class="label">[948]</span></a> The name of St. Augustin's mother.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_949_949" id="Footnote_949_949"></a><a href="#FNanchor_949_949"><span class="label">[949]</span></a> See Mhler's <i>Symbolik</i>, both in the preface and in the body +of the work. This is one of the most important writings produced +by Rome since the time of Bossuet.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_950_950" id="Footnote_950_950"></a><a href="#FNanchor_950_950"><span class="label">[950]</span></a> Ketzer, schelmen, und bben. (Bulling, ii. p. 36.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_951_951" id="Footnote_951_951"></a><a href="#FNanchor_951_951"><span class="label">[951]</span></a> Maturatur fatalis hora et tremenda hostibus Dei. (Zw. Epp. ii. +p. 213.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_952_952" id="Footnote_952_952"></a><a href="#FNanchor_952_952"><span class="label">[952]</span></a> Quidam e plebe clamitabat: Hoc non fiet! (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 255.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_953_953" id="Footnote_953_953"></a><a href="#FNanchor_953_953"><span class="label">[953]</span></a> Nos plane ea non feremus, aut moriemur omnes. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_954_954" id="Footnote_954_954"></a><a href="#FNanchor_954_954"><span class="label">[954]</span></a> At altera pars minitabat prlia si missam rejicerent (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_955_955" id="Footnote_955_955"></a><a href="#FNanchor_955_955"><span class="label">[955]</span></a> Ut nemo non commoveretur et profecto fere mihi lacrymas excussisset. +(Zw. Epp. ii. p. 255.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_956_956" id="Footnote_956_956"></a><a href="#FNanchor_956_956"><span class="label">[956]</span></a> Cogitans quid glori Christi, quid justiti public, quidque posteritati +su deberet. (Œcol. Zurich MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_957_957" id="Footnote_957_957"></a><a href="#FNanchor_957_957"><span class="label">[957]</span></a> Ne quid forte ab adversariis insidiarum strueretur. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_958_958" id="Footnote_958_958"></a><a href="#FNanchor_958_958"><span class="label">[958]</span></a> Clam conscensa navicula fuga, nescio senatu, elapsus est. (Œcol. +Zurich MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_959_959" id="Footnote_959_959"></a><a href="#FNanchor_959_959"><span class="label">[959]</span></a> Cum halpardis quasi per ludum aperirent armarium idolorum, +unumque idolum educerent. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_960_960" id="Footnote_960_960"></a><a href="#FNanchor_960_960"><span class="label">[960]</span></a> Erasm. Opp. p. 291.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_961_961" id="Footnote_961_961"></a><a href="#FNanchor_961_961"><span class="label">[961]</span></a> Lignis imaginum usi sunt vigiles, pro arcendo frigore nocturno. +(Zurich MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_962_962" id="Footnote_962_962"></a><a href="#FNanchor_962_962"><span class="label">[962]</span></a> De quo vos per triennium deliberastis, nihil efficientes, nos intra +horam omnem absolvemus. (Œcol. Capitoni, Basle MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_963_963" id="Footnote_963_963"></a><a href="#FNanchor_963_963"><span class="label">[963]</span></a> Nulli enim vel obolum abstulerunt. (Ib.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_964_964" id="Footnote_964_964"></a><a href="#FNanchor_964_964"><span class="label">[964]</span></a> Cedendum plebi. (Œcol. Capitoni, Basle MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_965_965" id="Footnote_965_965"></a><a href="#FNanchor_965_965"><span class="label">[965]</span></a> His conditionibus plebs lta domum rediit, sub ipsum noctis crepusculum. +(Ibid. Zurich MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_966_966" id="Footnote_966_966"></a><a href="#FNanchor_966_966"><span class="label">[966]</span></a> Ita svitum est in idola, ac missa pr dolore expiravit. (Œcol. +Cap. Zurich MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_967_967" id="Footnote_967_967"></a><a href="#FNanchor_967_967"><span class="label">[967]</span></a> Basilica torrens quidem, qui sub terra labebatur, subito erumpens, +&c. (Er. Epp. ad Pirkheimer July, 1539.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_968_968" id="Footnote_968_968"></a><a href="#FNanchor_968_968"><span class="label">[968]</span></a> Malo nodo suus cuneus obvenit. (Œcol. Capit.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_969_969" id="Footnote_969_969"></a><a href="#FNanchor_969_969"><span class="label">[969]</span></a> Hagenbach, Vorlesungen, ii. pp. 125, 200.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_970_970" id="Footnote_970_970"></a><a href="#FNanchor_970_970"><span class="label">[970]</span></a> Propriis manibus. (Hist. of Neuchatel, by F. de Chambrier, +p. 13.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_971_971" id="Footnote_971_971"></a><a href="#FNanchor_971_971"><span class="label">[971]</span></a> Mmoires sur l'Eglise collegiale de Neuchatel, p. 240.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_972_972" id="Footnote_972_972"></a><a href="#FNanchor_972_972"><span class="label">[972]</span></a> M. de Perrot, ex-pastor of Serrire, and author of a work entitled +"L'Eglise et la Rformation," has shown me the stone on which Farel +stood.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_973_973" id="Footnote_973_973"></a><a href="#FNanchor_973_973"><span class="label">[973]</span></a> "Aucuns de Neuchatel, auxquels Dieu avaient donn connoissance +de la vrit," &c. (Choupart MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_974_974" id="Footnote_974_974"></a><a href="#FNanchor_974_974"><span class="label">[974]</span></a> Quoted in the Choupart MS.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_975_975" id="Footnote_975_975"></a><a href="#FNanchor_975_975"><span class="label">[975]</span></a> Rasorum remoramenta. (Farellus Molano, Neuchatel MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_976_976" id="Footnote_976_976"></a><a href="#FNanchor_976_976"><span class="label">[976]</span></a> Contra tyrannica prcepta. (Far. Mol. Neuchatel MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_977_977" id="Footnote_977_977"></a><a href="#FNanchor_977_977"><span class="label">[977]</span></a> Ad verbum festinarent. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_978_978" id="Footnote_978_978"></a><a href="#FNanchor_978_978"><span class="label">[978]</span></a> Avide audientes. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_979_979" id="Footnote_979_979"></a><a href="#FNanchor_979_979"><span class="label">[979]</span></a> Quid Christus in suis egerit. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_980_980" id="Footnote_980_980"></a><a href="#FNanchor_980_980"><span class="label">[980]</span></a> Gratias ergo, Fratres, mecum agite Patri misericordiarum, quod +sit propitius gravi pressis tirannide. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_981_981" id="Footnote_981_981"></a><a href="#FNanchor_981_981"><span class="label">[981]</span></a> Rosselet in Annotat. Farel Leben von Kirchofer.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_982_982" id="Footnote_982_982"></a><a href="#FNanchor_982_982"><span class="label">[982]</span></a> At levia facit omnia Christus, added he. Farel to Dumoulin, +15th December. (Neuchatel MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_983_983" id="Footnote_983_983"></a><a href="#FNanchor_983_983"><span class="label">[983]</span></a> Choupart MS. (Chambrier, Hist. de Neuchatel, p. 293.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_984_984" id="Footnote_984_984"></a><a href="#FNanchor_984_984"><span class="label">[984]</span></a> Missive of Berne to the Count of Gruyre, 5th and 16th January +1530.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_985_985" id="Footnote_985_985"></a><a href="#FNanchor_985_985"><span class="label">[985]</span></a> To the left of the modern road from Vevay to Friburg.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_986_986" id="Footnote_986_986"></a><a href="#FNanchor_986_986"><span class="label">[986]</span></a> Missive of Berne, Choupart MS.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_987_987" id="Footnote_987_987"></a><a href="#FNanchor_987_987"><span class="label">[987]</span></a> A tous seigneurs, peuples, et pasteurs. See above, Vol. III. book xii.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_988_988" id="Footnote_988_988"></a><a href="#FNanchor_988_988"><span class="label">[988]</span></a> Petra Pertusa.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_989_989" id="Footnote_989_989"></a><a href="#FNanchor_989_989"><span class="label">[989]</span></a> Donc le pauvre prtre qui chantoit sa messe ne la peut pas +achever. (Old MS. quoted in the Choupart MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_990_990" id="Footnote_990_990"></a><a href="#FNanchor_990_990"><span class="label">[990]</span></a> Farellus suo more magna fortitudine jam jam agit. Megander to +Zwingle, 6th Aug. 1530.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_991_991" id="Footnote_991_991"></a><a href="#FNanchor_991_991"><span class="label">[991]</span></a> De Chambrier, Hist. de Neuchatel, i. p. 293</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_992_992" id="Footnote_992_992"></a><a href="#FNanchor_992_992"><span class="label">[992]</span></a> Prendre les <i>entraives</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_993_993" id="Footnote_993_993"></a><a href="#FNanchor_993_993"><span class="label">[993]</span></a> Choupart MS.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_994_994" id="Footnote_994_994"></a><a href="#FNanchor_994_994"><span class="label">[994]</span></a> Wingarterus iste infectus peste apud senatum nostrum, pia legatione. +(Megander to Zwingle.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_995_995" id="Footnote_995_995"></a><a href="#FNanchor_995_995"><span class="label">[995]</span></a> Here are situated Chaux de Fonds, Locle, &c.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_996_996" id="Footnote_996_996"></a><a href="#FNanchor_996_996"><span class="label">[996]</span></a> Chambrier, Hist. de Neuchatel, p. 276.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_997_997" id="Footnote_997_997"></a><a href="#FNanchor_997_997"><span class="label">[997]</span></a> Annals of Boyve and a family MS.—This family has since given +several pastors to the church of Neuchatel.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_998_998" id="Footnote_998_998"></a><a href="#FNanchor_998_998"><span class="label">[998]</span></a> There are two original manuscripts (both quoted in the Choupart +MS.) which give an account of this transaction. One says that Farel +preached at Valangin, the other indicates a village near Valangin. +Ruchat has adopted the former version; I think the latter preferable. +The second MS. appears to me older and more correct than the first.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_999_999" id="Footnote_999_999"></a><a href="#FNanchor_999_999"><span class="label">[999]</span></a> Choupart MS.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1000_1000" id="Footnote_1000_1000"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1000_1000"><span class="label">[1000]</span></a> Acts iii. 21.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1001_1001" id="Footnote_1001_1001"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1001_1001"><span class="label">[1001]</span></a> Les prtres n'avoient pas la goutte aux pieds et aux bras, et ils +les battirent tellement que peu s'en fallut qu'ils ne perdissent la vie. +(Choupart MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1002_1002" id="Footnote_1002_1002"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1002_1002"><span class="label">[1002]</span></a> A l'eau! l'eau! jettez les dans le Seyon ces chiens de Luthriens +qui ont mpris le bon Dieu! (Choupart MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1003_1003" id="Footnote_1003_1003"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1003_1003"><span class="label">[1003]</span></a> Choupart MS.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1004_1004" id="Footnote_1004_1004"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1004_1004"><span class="label">[1004]</span></a> Choupart MS. Mais eux rudement fachs de ses propos et constance, +lui donnrent tant de coups, qu'ils le mirent tout en sang, +jusques l que son sang jailissoit sur les murailles de la chapelle. +On en voyoit long temps aprs encore les marques.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1005_1005" id="Footnote_1005_1005"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1005_1005"><span class="label">[1005]</span></a> Acts xiv. 19.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1006_1006" id="Footnote_1006_1006"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1006_1006"><span class="label">[1006]</span></a> Acts xiv. 14.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1007_1007" id="Footnote_1007_1007"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1007_1007"><span class="label">[1007]</span></a> Choupart MS.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1008_1008" id="Footnote_1008_1008"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1008_1008"><span class="label">[1008]</span></a> Letter from the Governor to the Princess.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1009_1009" id="Footnote_1009_1009"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1009_1009"><span class="label">[1009]</span></a> This is the conclusion I draw from various papers, and in particular +from the report of the meeting held at Neuchatel by the Bernese +deputies, in which the heads of the burgesses declare, <i>that it appeared +to them a very good matter to take down the altars</i>, &c. +Hitherto only one phasis of this action has been seen,—the popular +movement; and the other, namely, the legal resolution of the magistrates +of the city, seems to have been overlooked.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1010_1010" id="Footnote_1010_1010"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1010_1010"><span class="label">[1010]</span></a> Choupart MS.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1011_1011" id="Footnote_1011_1011"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1011_1011"><span class="label">[1011]</span></a> Ibid.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1012_1012" id="Footnote_1012_1012"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1012_1012"><span class="label">[1012]</span></a> 2 Chron. xxxiv. 7.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1013_1013" id="Footnote_1013_1013"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1013_1013"><span class="label">[1013]</span></a> Choupart MS.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1014_1014" id="Footnote_1014_1014"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1014_1014"><span class="label">[1014]</span></a> Diabolum sculo intulisse artifices statuarum et imaginum et omnis +generis simulacrorum. (Tertullian, de idolatria, cap. 3.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1015_1015" id="Footnote_1015_1015"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1015_1015"><span class="label">[1015]</span></a> Socrates v. 16.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1016_1016" id="Footnote_1016_1016"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1016_1016"><span class="label">[1016]</span></a> "Par les quatre du dit Neuchatel," by the Four (the municipal +authorities) of the said Neuchatel, remarks the priest Besancenet. +See also the <i>recess</i> of the council held at Neuchatel by MM. of +Berne, 4th November 1530.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1017_1017" id="Footnote_1017_1017"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1017_1017"><span class="label">[1017]</span></a> The Governor's letter to the Princess.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1018_1018" id="Footnote_1018_1018"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1018_1018"><span class="label">[1018]</span></a> Cur vos sub validissimis clavibus, ingentibusque sub claustris conservatis, +ne forte fur aliquis irreptat? (Arnobius contra gentes, vi. +p. 257.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1019_1019" id="Footnote_1019_1019"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1019_1019"><span class="label">[1019]</span></a> On the 23d of October 1530, idolatry was overthrown and removed +from the church by the citizens.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1020_1020" id="Footnote_1020_1020"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1020_1020"><span class="label">[1020]</span></a> Trois ambassadeurs qui me tinrent assez gros et rudes propos. (The +Governor to the Princess.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1021_1021" id="Footnote_1021_1021"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1021_1021"><span class="label">[1021]</span></a> Ibid.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1022_1022" id="Footnote_1022_1022"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1022_1022"><span class="label">[1022]</span></a> Chambrier, Hist. de Neuchatel, p. 296. (The governor's letter. +Quand bien <i>le plus</i> sera des votres, si passerez vous par l, &c.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1023_1023" id="Footnote_1023_1023"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1023_1023"><span class="label">[1023]</span></a> Choupart MS.; Reces du MM. de Berne.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1024_1024" id="Footnote_1024_1024"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1024_1024"><span class="label">[1024]</span></a> (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1025_1025" id="Footnote_1025_1025"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1025_1025"><span class="label">[1025]</span></a> Devez entendre que la pluspart de cette ville, hommes et femmes, +tiennent fermement l'ancienne foi. Les autres sont jeunes gens de +guerre, forts de leurs personnes, remplis de la nouvelle doctrine, +ayants le feu la tte. (Choupart MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1026_1026" id="Footnote_1026_1026"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1026_1026"><span class="label">[1026]</span></a> <i>Le plus</i>, the majority.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1027_1027" id="Footnote_1027_1027"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1027_1027"><span class="label">[1027]</span></a> The Governor's letter to the Princess.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1028_1028" id="Footnote_1028_1028"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1028_1028"><span class="label">[1028]</span></a> Ibid.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1029_1029" id="Footnote_1029_1029"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1029_1029"><span class="label">[1029]</span></a> Ibid.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1030_1030" id="Footnote_1030_1030"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1030_1030"><span class="label">[1030]</span></a> Ibid.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1031_1031" id="Footnote_1031_1031"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1031_1031"><span class="label">[1031]</span></a> Alors iceux dirent en pleurant que les noms et les surnoms. +des bons et des pervers fussent crits en perptuelle mmoire, et qu'ils +protestoient tre bons et fidles bourgeois de Madame, et lui faire +service jusqu' la mort.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1032_1032" id="Footnote_1032_1032"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1032_1032"><span class="label">[1032]</span></a> Governor's letter. Nous disons le semblable en toute autre chose +o il plaira Madame nous commander, sauf et reserve icelle foi +vangelique, dans laquelle nous voulons vivre et mourir.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1033_1033" id="Footnote_1033_1033"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1033_1033"><span class="label">[1033]</span></a> Reces de MM. de Berne, MS. Et que l'on paie Madame ou +qui il sera d justement dmes, cens, rentes et revenus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1034_1034" id="Footnote_1034_1034"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1034_1034"><span class="label">[1034]</span></a> Ungefhrlich, ungezwringen, aufrecht und redlich. (Berne to the +Governor, 17th Dec. 1530.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1035_1035" id="Footnote_1035_1035"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1035_1035"><span class="label">[1035]</span></a> Boyve Annals, MS.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1036_1036" id="Footnote_1036_1036"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1036_1036"><span class="label">[1036]</span></a> 1 Tim. iv. 6.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1037_1037" id="Footnote_1037_1037"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1037_1037"><span class="label">[1037]</span></a> Choupart MS. Nous voulons vivre et mourir sous la protection +de Madame, sans changer l'ancienne foi, <i>jusqu' ce que par elle en +soit ordonn</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1038_1038" id="Footnote_1038_1038"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1038_1038"><span class="label">[1038]</span></a> Berne to Neuchatel, 17th December.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1039_1039" id="Footnote_1039_1039"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1039_1039"><span class="label">[1039]</span></a> Berne to the Governor, 23d December.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1040_1040" id="Footnote_1040_1040"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1040_1040"><span class="label">[1040]</span></a> Chambrier, Hist. de Neuchatel et Valangin, p. 299. Je ne crois +pas que ce soit selon les vieux vangiles; s'il y en a de nouveaux qui +fassent cela faire, j'en suis esbahie.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1041_1041" id="Footnote_1041_1041"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1041_1041"><span class="label">[1041]</span></a> It does not appear that Bly could have stood and preached on +this stone, as is generally said, unless what now remains is but a fragment +of the original.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1042_1042" id="Footnote_1042_1042"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1042_1042"><span class="label">[1042]</span></a> MS. AA. in the Choupart MS.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1043_1043" id="Footnote_1043_1043"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1043_1043"><span class="label">[1043]</span></a> 2 Cor. xi. 24, 25.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1044_1044" id="Footnote_1044_1044"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1044_1044"><span class="label">[1044]</span></a> De Perrot: L'Eglise et la Rformation, ii. p. 233.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1045_1045" id="Footnote_1045_1045"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1045_1045"><span class="label">[1045]</span></a> This incident is generally attributed to Farel, but Choupart, following +an older manuscript, says, <i>le ministre de Neuchatel</i>, by which +title he always means Marcourt, and never Farel.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1046_1046" id="Footnote_1046_1046"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1046_1046"><span class="label">[1046]</span></a> Some historians say "the coachman of the countess;" but Choupart, +on three different occasions, writes <i>a canon</i>. The latter is no +doubt more revolting; but there is nothing incredible in it.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1047_1047" id="Footnote_1047_1047"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1047_1047"><span class="label">[1047]</span></a> De equo admissario loquitur qui equam init.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1048_1048" id="Footnote_1048_1048"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1048_1048"><span class="label">[1048]</span></a> Curate of Bezancenet's chronicle. Des grands vitupres qu'on +lui avait faits.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1049_1049" id="Footnote_1049_1049"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1049_1049"><span class="label">[1049]</span></a> Escher et Hottinger, Archives, ii. p. 263.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1050_1050" id="Footnote_1050_1050"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1050_1050"><span class="label">[1050]</span></a> Mgen sie bltzen am alten Glauben. (Hottinger, Zwingli, p. 389.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1051_1051" id="Footnote_1051_1051"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1051_1051"><span class="label">[1051]</span></a> Die Zungen geschlitzt, mit dem Schwerdt richten und verbrnnt. +(Bull. ii. p. 31.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1052_1052" id="Footnote_1052_1052"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1052_1052"><span class="label">[1052]</span></a> Die Eer Gottes, uwer Seelen Heil. (Bulling. Chron. ii. p. 28.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1053_1053" id="Footnote_1053_1053"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1053_1053"><span class="label">[1053]</span></a> Ibid. p. 48.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1054_1054" id="Footnote_1054_1054"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1054_1054"><span class="label">[1054]</span></a> Bullinger gives the treaty at full length. (Chron. ii. p. 49-59.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1055_1055" id="Footnote_1055_1055"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1055_1055"><span class="label">[1055]</span></a> Weinet hfftig. (Bull. ii. p. 149.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1056_1056" id="Footnote_1056_1056"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1056_1056"><span class="label">[1056]</span></a> Rev. xvii. 6.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1057_1057" id="Footnote_1057_1057"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1057_1057"><span class="label">[1057]</span></a> Bellum cui nos instamus, pax est, non bellum. (Vita Zwinglii +per O. Myconium.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1058_1058" id="Footnote_1058_1058"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1058_1058"><span class="label">[1058]</span></a> Oligarchi nervi succidantur. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1059_1059" id="Footnote_1059_1059"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1059_1059"><span class="label">[1059]</span></a> Den rath reinigen. (Fssli Beytrge, iv. p. 91.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1060_1060" id="Footnote_1060_1060"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1060_1060"><span class="label">[1060]</span></a> Den gtzen brand, an inen mitt der Hand zu rchen. (Bull. +Chron. ii. p. 193.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1061_1061" id="Footnote_1061_1061"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1061_1061"><span class="label">[1061]</span></a> Lupus lenitate agni, magis magisque vorax fit. (Zwing. Epp. ii. +p. 296.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1062_1062" id="Footnote_1062_1062"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1062_1062"><span class="label">[1062]</span></a> Dei verbum enim hos pulveres omnes facile flatu suo disperget. +(Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1063_1063" id="Footnote_1063_1063"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1063_1063"><span class="label">[1063]</span></a> The Pensioners.—Exceptis aliquot nigris equis. (Zwing. Epp. +ii. 298.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1064_1064" id="Footnote_1064_1064"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1064_1064"><span class="label">[1064]</span></a> Venenum a domestico illo colubro. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1065_1065" id="Footnote_1065_1065"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1065_1065"><span class="label">[1065]</span></a> Soudern sass auf ein Ross, und fhrte eine hubsche Helparten +aufden Achseln. (Fssli Beytr. iv. p. 103.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1066_1066" id="Footnote_1066_1066"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1066_1066"><span class="label">[1066]</span></a> Das redt er mitt weynenden Ougen. (Bull. ii. p. 169.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1067_1067" id="Footnote_1067_1067"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1067_1067"><span class="label">[1067]</span></a> Alls nun der Amman wiederumm zu den 5 orten ryten wollt. +(Bull. Chron. ii. p. 170.) Zwingle was godfather to one of Aebli's +children.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1068_1068" id="Footnote_1068_1068"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1068_1068"><span class="label">[1068]</span></a> Libertas patri, virtutes avit, et imprimis gloria Christi. (Osw. +Myc. De vita Zw.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1069_1069" id="Footnote_1069_1069"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1069_1069"><span class="label">[1069]</span></a> A measure of corn was sold for a florin, and one of wine for a +half-batz, about three halfpence. (Bull. Chron. ii. p. 182.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1070_1070" id="Footnote_1070_1070"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1070_1070"><span class="label">[1070]</span></a> Wenn ihr schon uneins sind, so sind ir eins. (Bull. Chron. ii. p. +183.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1071_1071" id="Footnote_1071_1071"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1071_1071"><span class="label">[1071]</span></a> Sondern sang, sprang, wurf, und Stiess die Steine. (Fssli Beyt. +iv. p. 108.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1072_1072" id="Footnote_1072_1072"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1072_1072"><span class="label">[1072]</span></a> Supra, p. 753. The treaty is given entire in Bullinger, ii. p. 185, +and Ruchat, ii.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1073_1073" id="Footnote_1073_1073"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1073_1073"><span class="label">[1073]</span></a> Tabell fœderis a prtore Pagi Glaronensis gladio concis et delet, +id quod ipse vidi. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 310.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1074_1074" id="Footnote_1074_1074"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1074_1074"><span class="label">[1074]</span></a> Cum non cdem factum profecti sumus. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1075_1075" id="Footnote_1075_1075"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1075_1075"><span class="label">[1075]</span></a> Die sectischen haltend vil elends Hdel volk gefunden, &c. +(Salat, Chron.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1076_1076" id="Footnote_1076_1076"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1076_1076"><span class="label">[1076]</span></a> That der Tffel den ersten Angriff.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1077_1077" id="Footnote_1077_1077"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1077_1077"><span class="label">[1077]</span></a> This is the road by which the army of Suwaroff escaped in +1799.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1078_1078" id="Footnote_1078_1078"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1078_1078"><span class="label">[1078]</span></a> Nam cotidie cogitare soleo quanam re Christianum adjuvem profectum. +(Zw. Epp. ii. p. 13.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1079_1079" id="Footnote_1079_1079"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1079_1079"><span class="label">[1079]</span></a> Audeo ego intrepide omnem ecclesi abusum et omnia humana +precepta in enunciatione verbi Dei damnare. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1080_1080" id="Footnote_1080_1080"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1080_1080"><span class="label">[1080]</span></a> Nugas esse et fabulas. (Zw. Epp. ii.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1081_1081" id="Footnote_1081_1081"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1081_1081"><span class="label">[1081]</span></a> Jam re convicti palinodiam canunt. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 292.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1082_1082" id="Footnote_1082_1082"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1082_1082"><span class="label">[1082]</span></a> Pierre Rumelin; pastor of Schwanden.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1083_1083" id="Footnote_1083_1083"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1083_1083"><span class="label">[1083]</span></a> Tota enim nocte piscantes, sanguisugas, aspendios cepimus. (Zw. +Epp. ii. p. 13.) Rasdorfer evidently alludes to what Pliny says of a +kind of vine termed <i>Aspendios</i>: E diverso aspendios, damnata aris. +Ferunt eam nec ab alite ulla attingi. (Hist. Nat. lib. xiv. cap. xviii + 22.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1084_1084" id="Footnote_1084_1084"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1084_1084"><span class="label">[1084]</span></a> Vertit vela indies senatus noster muliercularum more. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1085_1085" id="Footnote_1085_1085"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1085_1085"><span class="label">[1085]</span></a> Vult jam cucullum, post non vult. (Ibid.) That is, at one time +it recognises, at another rejects, the Abbot of Saint Gall.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1086_1086" id="Footnote_1086_1086"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1086_1086"><span class="label">[1086]</span></a> See Benedict Noll's letter to Zwingle, Epp. ii. p. 635.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1087_1087" id="Footnote_1087_1087"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1087_1087"><span class="label">[1087]</span></a> St. Chorles Barromeo, Archbishop of Milan, suppressed somewhat +later several convents in this district: "Monialium non dicam +collegia, sed amantium contubernia," said he. (Die evangel Gem. in +Locarno von F. Meyer, i. p. 109.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1088_1088" id="Footnote_1088_1088"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1088_1088"><span class="label">[1088]</span></a> Subduxi memet a parentum patrocinio, cucullumque nigrum ex +animo suscepi. (Zw. Epp. i. p. 448.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1089_1089" id="Footnote_1089_1089"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1089_1089"><span class="label">[1089]</span></a> Confratres nonnulli viri certe et pietate et eruditione nequaquam +contemptibiles. (Zw. Epp. i. p. 533.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1090_1090" id="Footnote_1090_1090"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1090_1090"><span class="label">[1090]</span></a> Bourbon, who commanded in Italy on behalf of the Emperor. +(Supra, book xii.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1091_1091" id="Footnote_1091_1091"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1091_1091"><span class="label">[1091]</span></a> Luke x. 39.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1092_1092" id="Footnote_1092_1092"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1092_1092"><span class="label">[1092]</span></a> Se dum vivat satis de Epistolis Pauli concionaturum esse. (Zw. +Epp. ii. p. 497.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1093_1093" id="Footnote_1093_1093"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1093_1093"><span class="label">[1093]</span></a> Acts xvi. 9.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1094_1094" id="Footnote_1094_1094"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1094_1094"><span class="label">[1094]</span></a> Debilis et infirmus apud piscinam, salutem mei et patri toto mentis +affectu citissime expecto. (Hottinger, scul. 16, pars 2, p. 619.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1095_1095" id="Footnote_1095_1095"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1095_1095"><span class="label">[1095]</span></a> Confederati conjunctique in expeditionem veritatis tres tantum +numero sumus. (Hottinger saecul. 16, pars 2, p. 630.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1096_1096" id="Footnote_1096_1096"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1096_1096"><span class="label">[1096]</span></a> Bekleitend sich in erbare gemeine Landskleyder. (Bull. Chron. +ii. p. 221.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1097_1097" id="Footnote_1097_1097"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1097_1097"><span class="label">[1097]</span></a> Diu me in hoc curru promovendo laborasse, priusquam tam longe +processit. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 334.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1098_1098" id="Footnote_1098_1098"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1098_1098"><span class="label">[1098]</span></a> Das das minder mst das meer sin. (Bull. ii. p. 241.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1099_1099" id="Footnote_1099_1099"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1099_1099"><span class="label">[1099]</span></a> Thesis 8. (Bull. ii. p. 115.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1100_1100" id="Footnote_1100_1100"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1100_1100"><span class="label">[1100]</span></a> Die Pfarer soll den Gmeinden irs gfallens zu erkiessen Zugestelt +syn. (Bull. ii. p. 268.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1101_1101" id="Footnote_1101_1101"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1101_1101"><span class="label">[1101]</span></a> Alein was ein gebuw die <i>Hell</i> genampt, das liess man den +Munchen blyten. (Ibid. p. 271.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1102_1102" id="Footnote_1102_1102"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1102_1102"><span class="label">[1102]</span></a> Ruchat, ii. p. 139.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1103_1103" id="Footnote_1103_1103"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1103_1103"><span class="label">[1103]</span></a> Major pars agri abolita superstitione a parte nostra stat. +Major et potior pars urbis a papistis. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 489.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1104_1104" id="Footnote_1104_1104"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1104_1104"><span class="label">[1104]</span></a> Tam dur cervicis populus est. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 489.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1105_1105" id="Footnote_1105_1105"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1105_1105"><span class="label">[1105]</span></a> Bull. Chron. ii. p. 357.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1106_1106" id="Footnote_1106_1106"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1106_1106"><span class="label">[1106]</span></a> Ward ein grosser Unwilt wieder sie. (Ibid. p. 461.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1107_1107" id="Footnote_1107_1107"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1107_1107"><span class="label">[1107]</span></a> Lecta est epistola nostra in comitiis Badensibus. (Œcol. to Bucer. +28th December 1530.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1108_1108" id="Footnote_1108_1108"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1108_1108"><span class="label">[1108]</span></a> Wie mit einhalligkeit kleine Ding gross werdend. (Zw. Opp. +ii. p. 78.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1109_1109" id="Footnote_1109_1109"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1109_1109"><span class="label">[1109]</span></a> Libellum supplicem ad quinque pagos breviorum vellent. (Zw. Epp. +ii. p. 511.) Fastidiunt tam sancta. (Œcol.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1110_1110" id="Footnote_1110_1110"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1110_1110"><span class="label">[1110]</span></a> Intolerabilior enim Antichristo ipso magistratus, qui Ecclesiis +auctoritatem suam adimit. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 510.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1111_1111" id="Footnote_1111_1111"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1111_1111"><span class="label">[1111]</span></a> Ipsorum functio alia est et ecclesiastica, multaque ferre et facere +potest qu puritas evangelica non agnoscit. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1112_1112" id="Footnote_1112_1112"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1112_1112"><span class="label">[1112]</span></a> Orationis me quam, fratrum nomine, coram senatu habui. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1113_1113" id="Footnote_1113_1113"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1113_1113"><span class="label">[1113]</span></a> Ut mihi magis ac magis arridet. (Ibid. p. 518.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1114_1114" id="Footnote_1114_1114"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1114_1114"><span class="label">[1114]</span></a> Ut non impediat alicubi magistratum Christianum. (Bucer to +Zw. p. 836.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1115_1115" id="Footnote_1115_1115"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1115_1115"><span class="label">[1115]</span></a> J. J. Hottinger, iii. p. 554.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1116_1116" id="Footnote_1116_1116"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1116_1116"><span class="label">[1116]</span></a> Civitas Christiana.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1117_1117" id="Footnote_1117_1117"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1117_1117"><span class="label">[1117]</span></a> Dass von oben hinab hie dises Rhyns, bis gen Strasbourg ein Volk +und Bundniss wrde. (Zw. Opp. ii. p. 28.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1118_1118" id="Footnote_1118_1118"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1118_1118"><span class="label">[1118]</span></a> Ipsis et nobis honestius, ob religionis et caritatis causam, Christo +gratius, ob conjunctas vires utilius, hostibusque terribilius. (Zw. Epp. +ii. p. 481.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1119_1119" id="Footnote_1119_1119"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1119_1119"><span class="label">[1119]</span></a> Tantum recusaverunt aperte agere. (Ibid. p. 487.) The cipher 3 +appears to indicate the Bernese.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1120_1120" id="Footnote_1120_1120"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1120_1120"><span class="label">[1120]</span></a> Si potes, mox advola. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 547.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1121_1121" id="Footnote_1121_1121"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1121_1121"><span class="label">[1121]</span></a> Christi corpus et sanguinem adesse vero in cœna fortasse cuipiam +durius sonat, sed mitigatur dum adjungitur animo non corpore. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1122_1122" id="Footnote_1122_1122"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1122_1122"><span class="label">[1122]</span></a> Hc omnia fieri pro Luthero neque pro veritate propugnandi +causa. (Ibid. p. 550.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1123_1123" id="Footnote_1123_1123"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1123_1123"><span class="label">[1123]</span></a> To eat is to believe. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1124_1124" id="Footnote_1124_1124"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1124_1124"><span class="label">[1124]</span></a> Memini dudum Tiguri te dicentem cum convivio me exciperes, +Lutherum non adeo perperam de Eucharistia sentire, nisi quod Melancthon +ex alio eum cogeret. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 562.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1125_1125" id="Footnote_1125_1125"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1125_1125"><span class="label">[1125]</span></a> Qu dissidia, quas turbas, qu mala, quas clades! (Zw. Epp. ii. +p. 429.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1126_1126" id="Footnote_1126_1126"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1126_1126"><span class="label">[1126]</span></a> Romanam fidem restituere, urbes liberas capere, Helvetios in +ordinem cogere. (Ibid. March 1530.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1127_1127" id="Footnote_1127_1127"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1127_1127"><span class="label">[1127]</span></a> "The freedom of cities." These words are in Greek in the +original.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1128_1128" id="Footnote_1128_1128"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1128_1128"><span class="label">[1128]</span></a> Csar altera manu panem ostentat, altera lapidem celat. (Zw. +Epp. March 1530.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1129_1129" id="Footnote_1129_1129"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1129_1129"><span class="label">[1129]</span></a> Incidet in cotem aliquando novacula. (Ibid. p. 544.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1130_1130" id="Footnote_1130_1130"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1130_1130"><span class="label">[1130]</span></a> Bapst und Keyserthumen habend sich dermassen in einandern +geflickt. (Bull. ii. p. 343.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1131_1131" id="Footnote_1131_1131"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1131_1131"><span class="label">[1131]</span></a> So ist es mit Gott. (Zw. Opp.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1132_1132" id="Footnote_1132_1132"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1132_1132"><span class="label">[1132]</span></a> Spero Deum te ad magnas res......quasquidem cogitare sed +non dicere licet. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 666.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1133_1133" id="Footnote_1133_1133"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1133_1133"><span class="label">[1133]</span></a> Sed fieri non potest quin tintinnabulum aliquando feli adnectatur. +(Zw. Epp. ii.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1134_1134" id="Footnote_1134_1134"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1134_1134"><span class="label">[1134]</span></a> Ltus audio de Venetis qu scribis, quod verbum Dei receperint, +Deo gratia ac gloria. (7th March 1528. L. Epp. iii. p. 289.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1135_1135" id="Footnote_1135_1135"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1135_1135"><span class="label">[1135]</span></a> Formidandam rebus-publicis potentiam Csaris, qu omnino ad +Europ monarchiam vergit (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 445.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1136_1136" id="Footnote_1136_1136"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1136_1136"><span class="label">[1136]</span></a> Postea privatim alia respondisse. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1137_1137" id="Footnote_1137_1137"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1137_1137"><span class="label">[1137]</span></a> Perfidiam adversus Csarem, fidem videri volunt. (Capito, Zw. +Epp. ii. p. 445.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1138_1138" id="Footnote_1138_1138"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1138_1138"><span class="label">[1138]</span></a> Operi Creatori nostro acceptissimo, Dominationi tu facillimo, +media gratia Dei. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 413.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1139_1139" id="Footnote_1139_1139"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1139_1139"><span class="label">[1139]</span></a> Regem admodum desesperare et inopem concilii esse, ut nesciat +quo se vertat (Ibid. p. 414.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1140_1140" id="Footnote_1140_1140"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1140_1140"><span class="label">[1140]</span></a> Bis negavi, at tertio misi, non sine conscientia Probulatarum. +(Zw. Epp. ii. p. 422.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1141_1141" id="Footnote_1141_1141"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1141_1141"><span class="label">[1141]</span></a> Nihil enim qui esse in votis Christianissimi Regis, atque ut +Evangelii puritas illibata permaneat. (Ibid. p. 417.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1142_1142" id="Footnote_1142_1142"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1142_1142"><span class="label">[1142]</span></a> 2 Cor. vi. 13.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1143_1143" id="Footnote_1143_1143"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1143_1143"><span class="label">[1143]</span></a> Nitt ruwen biss sy der banden ledig. (Bull. ii. p. 394.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1144_1144" id="Footnote_1144_1144"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1144_1144"><span class="label">[1144]</span></a> Darzu helfe uns die helig dryfaltikeit (Bull. ii. p. 330.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1145_1145" id="Footnote_1145_1145"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1145_1145"><span class="label">[1145]</span></a> Es were kein Zurycher er hatte chuy und merchen gehygt. (Bull. +p. 336.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1146_1146" id="Footnote_1146_1146"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1146_1146"><span class="label">[1146]</span></a> Alls der zu Parys ein Esel gehygt; und habe imm Leo Jud +denselben geliept (Bull. ii. p. 336.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1147_1147" id="Footnote_1147_1147"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1147_1147"><span class="label">[1147]</span></a> Der lutherischen Gott. (Bull. ii. p. 337.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1148_1148" id="Footnote_1148_1148"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1148_1148"><span class="label">[1148]</span></a> Radt schlagtend und tagentend heymlich v. c. (Bull. ii. p. 336.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1149_1149" id="Footnote_1149_1149"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1149_1149"><span class="label">[1149]</span></a> Nwe frndschaften, by den Walliseren, dem Bapst, und den +Keysserischen, (Bull, ii.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1150_1150" id="Footnote_1150_1150"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1150_1150"><span class="label">[1150]</span></a> Ut si quis rem obscnam cum jumento sive bove habeat, minus +peccare quam si missam inaudiat (Zw. Epp. p. 610.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1151_1151" id="Footnote_1151_1151"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1151_1151"><span class="label">[1151]</span></a> Perfidorum ac sceleratorum hominum commentum. (Zw. Epp.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1152_1152" id="Footnote_1152_1152"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1152_1152"><span class="label">[1152]</span></a> Aber sin end und ussgang mchte nieman bald wssen. (Bull. ii. +p. 346.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1153_1153" id="Footnote_1153_1153"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1153_1153"><span class="label">[1153]</span></a> Sy gwaltig ze berziehen. (Bull. ii. p. 366.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1154_1154" id="Footnote_1154_1154"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1154_1154"><span class="label">[1154]</span></a> Und wortt und werk mit einandern gangen werind. (Bull. ii. p. +367.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1155_1155" id="Footnote_1155_1155"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1155_1155"><span class="label">[1155]</span></a> Trang gar hfftig uff eine gemeine Reformation gemeiner Eydgenoschaft. +(Bull. ii. p. 368.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1156_1156" id="Footnote_1156_1156"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1156_1156"><span class="label">[1156]</span></a> They are to be found in Bullinger, ii. p. 368-376.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1157_1157" id="Footnote_1157_1157"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1157_1157"><span class="label">[1157]</span></a> Und dadurch unshuldiez Blt erspart wurde. (Bull. ii. p. 383.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1158_1158" id="Footnote_1158_1158"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1158_1158"><span class="label">[1158]</span></a> Kranke alte shwangere wyber, kinder und sunst betrubte. (Bull. +ii. p. 384.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1159_1159" id="Footnote_1159_1159"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1159_1159"><span class="label">[1159]</span></a> Schmerzlich und kummersachlich. (Bull. ii. p. 386.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1160_1160" id="Footnote_1160_1160"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1160_1160"><span class="label">[1160]</span></a> Das er wortt und faust mitt einander gan lasse. (Bull. ii. p. 388.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1161_1161" id="Footnote_1161_1161"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1161_1161"><span class="label">[1161]</span></a> It was Zwingle who characterized the two cities:— +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Bern: klage Zurich wre zu hitzig:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Zurich: Bern wre zu witzig.—(Stettler.)<br /></span> +</div></div> +</div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1162_1162" id="Footnote_1162_1162"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1162_1162"><span class="label">[1162]</span></a> Deshalb sy bald grossen mangel erlittend an allem dem das der +Mensh gelben soll. (Bull. ii. p. 396.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1163_1163" id="Footnote_1163_1163"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1163_1163"><span class="label">[1163]</span></a> Bull. ii. p. 396.—Romans xii. 20.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1164_1164" id="Footnote_1164_1164"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1164_1164"><span class="label">[1164]</span></a> Hartmann von Hallwyll to Albert of Mulinen, 7th August.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1165_1165" id="Footnote_1165_1165"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1165_1165"><span class="label">[1165]</span></a> Klagtend sich allent halben wyt und breit. (Bull. ii. p. 397.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1166_1166" id="Footnote_1166_1166"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1166_1166"><span class="label">[1166]</span></a> Stelltent ab spielen, Tanzen.—Tschudi der Capeller krieg, 1531. +This MS. is attributed to Egidius Tschudi, who must have written it +in 1533, in favour of Five Cantons, and was printed in the "Helvetia," +vol. ii. p. 165.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1167_1167" id="Footnote_1167_1167"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1167_1167"><span class="label">[1167]</span></a> Trowtend auch die Straassen uff zu thun mit gwalt. (Bull, ii. +p. 397.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1168_1168" id="Footnote_1168_1168"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1168_1168"><span class="label">[1168]</span></a> Ep. Rugeri ad Bulling., 12th November 1560.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1169_1169" id="Footnote_1169_1169"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1169_1169"><span class="label">[1169]</span></a> Universa societas <i>Helvetiorum</i> dilabetur, si tumultus et bellum +inter eam eruperit. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 604.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1170_1170" id="Footnote_1170_1170"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1170_1170"><span class="label">[1170]</span></a> Responderunt verbi Dei predicationem non laturos, quomodo nos +intelligamus. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 607.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1171_1171" id="Footnote_1171_1171"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1171_1171"><span class="label">[1171]</span></a> Bull. ii. p. 30.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1172_1172" id="Footnote_1172_1172"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1172_1172"><span class="label">[1172]</span></a> Galatians, v. 19, 20.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1173_1173" id="Footnote_1173_1173"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1173_1173"><span class="label">[1173]</span></a> These words are in Latin: Hc ipse, qui hc scribo, ab illis +audivi, prsens colloquio. (Bull. ii. p. 49.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1174_1174" id="Footnote_1174_1174"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1174_1174"><span class="label">[1174]</span></a> Ein menschen in ein schneeweissen Kleid. (Bull. ii. p. 49.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1175_1175" id="Footnote_1175_1175"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1175_1175"><span class="label">[1175]</span></a> Straafen willt sy nitt, des werden sy dich straafen. (Bull. ii. +p. 52.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1176_1176" id="Footnote_1176_1176"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1176_1176"><span class="label">[1176]</span></a> Ante et post eam purus sanguis ita acriter ex dura terra effluxit, +ut ex vena incisa. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 627.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1177_1177" id="Footnote_1177_1177"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1177_1177"><span class="label">[1177]</span></a> Sed etiam sanguis ex terra, lignis, et lapidibus effluxit. (Zw. +Epp. ii. p. 627.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1178_1178" id="Footnote_1178_1178"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1178_1178"><span class="label">[1178]</span></a> Ut eadem excurreret cdem clamitans. (Zw. Ep. ii. p. 627.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1179_1179" id="Footnote_1179_1179"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1179_1179"><span class="label">[1179]</span></a> Ein gar eschrocklicher comet. (Bull. ii. p 46.) It was Halley's +comet, that returns about every 76 years. It appeared last +in 1835.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1180_1180" id="Footnote_1180_1180"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1180_1180"><span class="label">[1180]</span></a> Wie ein fhuwr in einer ess. (Ibid.) Perhaps Bullinger alludes +in this way to the phenomenon remarked by Appian, astronomer to +Charles V., who observed this comet at Ingoldstadt, and who says +that the tail disappeared as the nucleus approached the horizon. +In 1456, its appearance had already excited great terror.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1181_1181" id="Footnote_1181_1181"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1181_1181"><span class="label">[1181]</span></a> Cometam jam tribus noctibus viderunt apud nos alii, ego una +tantum, puto 15 Augusti. (Zw. Epp. p. 634.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1182_1182" id="Footnote_1182_1182"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1182_1182"><span class="label">[1182]</span></a> Ego cculus non unam calamitatem expecto. (Ibid. p. 626.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1183_1183" id="Footnote_1183_1183"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1183_1183"><span class="label">[1183]</span></a> Zw. Opp. Comment. in Jeremiam. This work was composed the +very year of Zwingle's death.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1184_1184" id="Footnote_1184_1184"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1184_1184"><span class="label">[1184]</span></a> Dise ire Rustung mochte woll eine franzsische prattik sein. +(Bull. ii. p. 86.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1185_1185" id="Footnote_1185_1185"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1185_1185"><span class="label">[1185]</span></a> Die ewige Bnd abgefordert. (J. J. Hottinger, iii. p. 577.) According +to Bullinger, this did not take place until Monday.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1186_1186" id="Footnote_1186_1186"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1186_1186"><span class="label">[1186]</span></a> Ire paner in den Brunnen gesteckt. (Bull. ii. p. 86.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1187_1187" id="Footnote_1187_1187"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1187_1187"><span class="label">[1187]</span></a> Ein gepch und prgerey und unt darauff setzend. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1188_1188" id="Footnote_1188_1188"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1188_1188"><span class="label">[1188]</span></a> Als wir vertruwen Gott und der Wel antwurt zu geben. (Bull. +ii. p. 101.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1189_1189" id="Footnote_1189_1189"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1189_1189"><span class="label">[1189]</span></a> That armen lten vil guts......und by aller Erbarkeit in grossern +anshen. (Bull. iii. p. 151.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1190_1190" id="Footnote_1190_1190"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1190_1190"><span class="label">[1190]</span></a> Die Zyt ist hie, das die rt gottes sich wil erzeigen. (Bull. +p. 87.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1191_1191" id="Footnote_1191_1191"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1191_1191"><span class="label">[1191]</span></a> Naben den Wachten, durch umwag und gestrupp. (Bull. iii. +p. 87.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1192_1192" id="Footnote_1192_1192"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1192_1192"><span class="label">[1192]</span></a> Sy machtend alein ein geprg. (Ibid. p. 103.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1193_1193" id="Footnote_1193_1193"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1193_1193"><span class="label">[1193]</span></a> Dieser Bottschaft erschrack menklich bel. (Bull. iii. p. 104.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1194_1194" id="Footnote_1194_1194"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1194_1194"><span class="label">[1194]</span></a> Ward so vil und lang darim gerad schlagt. (Bull. iii. p. 104.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1195_1195" id="Footnote_1195_1195"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1195_1195"><span class="label">[1195]</span></a> Ein startrer Erdbidem, der das Land, auch Berg und Thal gwaltiglich +ershtt. (Tschudi; Helvetia, ii. p. 186.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1196_1196" id="Footnote_1196_1196"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1196_1196"><span class="label">[1196]</span></a> Vil schiffen uff Zag faren, und hort man luyen den Uri Stier. +(Bull. iii. p. 109.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1197_1197" id="Footnote_1197_1197"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1197_1197"><span class="label">[1197]</span></a> Ylentz, ylentz, ylentz, uffs aller schnellist. (Bull. iii. p. 110.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1198_1198" id="Footnote_1198_1198"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1198_1198"><span class="label">[1198]</span></a> Sammlet sich doch das volck gmachsam. (Ibid. p. 112.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1199_1199" id="Footnote_1199_1199"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1199_1199"><span class="label">[1199]</span></a> Anna Rheinhard par G. Meyr of Knonau. (Bull. iii. p. 33.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1200_1200" id="Footnote_1200_1200"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1200_1200"><span class="label">[1200]</span></a> Ut ego tollar fiunt omnia. (De vita et obitu Zwinglii, Myconius.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1201_1201" id="Footnote_1201_1201"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1201_1201"><span class="label">[1201]</span></a> Sgur: Hist. de Napolon et de la Grande Arme, i. p. 142.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1202_1202" id="Footnote_1202_1202"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1202_1202"><span class="label">[1202]</span></a> Nullus ordo, nulla consilia, null mentes, tanta animorum dissonantia, +tam horrenda facies ante et post signa sparsim currentium +hominum. (De vita et ob. Zwinglii.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1203_1203" id="Footnote_1203_1203"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1203_1203"><span class="label">[1203]</span></a> Quem ut vidi repentino dolore cordis vix consistebam. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1204_1204" id="Footnote_1204_1204"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1204_1204"><span class="label">[1204]</span></a> Manebamus non certe sine jugibus suspiriis, non sine precibus, +ad Deum. (Ibid.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1205_1205" id="Footnote_1205_1205"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1205_1205"><span class="label">[1205]</span></a> Da, da mus min Rilchhof sin. (Bull. ii. p. 118.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1206_1206" id="Footnote_1206_1206"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1206_1206"><span class="label">[1206]</span></a> Ettliche schrwend nach Achsen das man das Wldi verhallte. +(Bull. iii. p. 118.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1207_1207" id="Footnote_1207_1207"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1207_1207"><span class="label">[1207]</span></a> Dan ein Manung uff die ander, von Cappel kamm. (Bull. iii. p. +113.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1208_1208" id="Footnote_1208_1208"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1208_1208"><span class="label">[1208]</span></a> Uff rossen hftig ylttend zum augriff. (Bull. iii. p. 113.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1209_1209" id="Footnote_1209_1209"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1209_1209"><span class="label">[1209]</span></a> Ich will Kacht, in den namen Gotts, zu den biderben luten und +willig mitt und under inen sterben. (Ibid. p. 123.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1210_1210" id="Footnote_1210_1210"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1210_1210"><span class="label">[1210]</span></a> Sind die Rben gesaltzen! wer will sie ausessen. (J. J. Hott. +iii. p. 383.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1211_1211" id="Footnote_1211_1211"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1211_1211"><span class="label">[1211]</span></a> This wood no longer connects the two hills. The present pastor +of Cappel told me that when first he went into that district the wood +was much more extensive than it is at present.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1212_1212" id="Footnote_1212_1212"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1212_1212"><span class="label">[1212]</span></a> An einem solchen Tag Blut ze vergiessen. (Tschudi, Helv. ii. p. +189.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1213_1213" id="Footnote_1213_1213"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1213_1213"><span class="label">[1213]</span></a> Welche redlicher Eidgnossen wrt sind, die louffind uns nach. +(Bull. iii. p. 125.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1214_1214" id="Footnote_1214_1214"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1214_1214"><span class="label">[1214]</span></a> Sass ylends wiederum uff sin Ross. (Tschudi, Helv. ii. p. 191.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1215_1215" id="Footnote_1215_1215"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1215_1215"><span class="label">[1215]</span></a> Zertheilt die Hagken hinter die Bum im Wald in grosser Stille +(Tschudi, Helv. ii. p. 191.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1216_1216" id="Footnote_1216_1216"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1216_1216"><span class="label">[1216]</span></a> Denn das die Aest auf sie fielent (Tschudi, p. 182.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1217_1217" id="Footnote_1217_1217"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1217_1217"><span class="label">[1217]</span></a> Der angriff war hart und whrt der Wiederstand ein gute Wyl. +(Tschudi, p. 192.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1218_1218" id="Footnote_1218_1218"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1218_1218"><span class="label">[1218]</span></a> Catholici autem, positis insidiis, retrocesserunt, fugam simulantes. +(Cochlœus, Acta Luth. p. 214.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1219_1219" id="Footnote_1219_1219"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1219_1219"><span class="label">[1219]</span></a> Der Boden erzittert; und nit anders war, denn als ob der Wald +lut bruelete. (Tschudi, p. 123.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1220_1220" id="Footnote_1220_1220"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1220_1220"><span class="label">[1220]</span></a> Optimi et docti viri, quos necessitas traxerat in commune periculum +patri et ecclesi veritatisque defensand, quam et suo sanguine +redemerunt. (Pell. Vit. MS. p. 6.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1221_1221" id="Footnote_1221_1221"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1221_1221"><span class="label">[1221]</span></a> Es klagtend inn insonders die Zger. (Bull. iii. p. 151.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1222_1222" id="Footnote_1222_1222"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1222_1222"><span class="label">[1222]</span></a> Uff der Walstett warder funden, under und by sinen Kussnachern. +(Ibid. p. 147.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1223_1223" id="Footnote_1223_1223"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1223_1223"><span class="label">[1223]</span></a> The chaplains of the Swiss troops still wear a sword. Zwingle +did not make use of his arms.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1224_1224" id="Footnote_1224_1224"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1224_1224"><span class="label">[1224]</span></a> Hatt auch in den Schenklen yween Stiche. (Tschudi, Helv. ii. p. +194.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1225_1225" id="Footnote_1225_1225"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1225_1225"><span class="label">[1225]</span></a> In genua prolapsum dixisse: "Ecquid hoc infortunii? Age! +corpus quidem occidere possunt, animam non possunt" (Osw. +Myconius, Vit. Zw.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1226_1226" id="Footnote_1226_1226"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1226_1226"><span class="label">[1226]</span></a> Was er nach lebend, lag an dem Ruggen und hat seine beide hnd +zamen gethan, wie die betenden, sach mit synem angen obsich in hymel. +(B. iii. p. 136.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1227_1227" id="Footnote_1227_1227"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1227_1227"><span class="label">[1227]</span></a> Ein gross plnderen, ein ersuchen und usgiessen der todten und +der wunden. (Bull. iii. p. 135.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1228_1228" id="Footnote_1228_1228"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1228_1228"><span class="label">[1228]</span></a> Damit sie desto eher zum Teufel, damit sie mit allen vieren +fechtend, gefhrt wrdend. (Salat.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1229_1229" id="Footnote_1229_1229"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1229_1229"><span class="label">[1229]</span></a> Christen sind nicht die fr sich selbst mit dem Schwerdt oder +Bchsen streiten, sondern mit dem Kreuz und Leyden. (Luth. Opp.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1230_1230" id="Footnote_1230_1230"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1230_1230"><span class="label">[1230]</span></a> Und sach uber sich in Hymel. (Bull. iii. p. 136.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1231_1231" id="Footnote_1231_1231"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1231_1231"><span class="label">[1231]</span></a> Veyn Fuwr besach. (Tschudi, Helv. ii. p. 194.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1232_1232" id="Footnote_1232_1232"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1232_1232"><span class="label">[1232]</span></a> Nicht einem Todten sondern einem Lebenden gleich. (Zwingli +fur dass Volk von J. J. Hottinger.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1233_1233" id="Footnote_1233_1233"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1233_1233"><span class="label">[1233]</span></a> Tschudi Helvet. ii. p. 195. "Cadaver Zwinglii......in quatuor +partes secatur, in ignem conjicitur, in cinerem resolvitur." (Myc. de +Vit. Zw.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1234_1234" id="Footnote_1234_1234"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1234_1234"><span class="label">[1234]</span></a> Ego nihil certe apud me possum statuere, maxime de Episcopo in +armis. (Zuickius Ecolampadio, 8th November 1531, Zurich MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1235_1235" id="Footnote_1235_1235"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1235_1235"><span class="label">[1235]</span></a> Dermassen umbgben mit Tygenden, dass kein Hoffnung der +rettung uberig. (Bull. iv. p. 163).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1236_1236" id="Footnote_1236_1236"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1236_1236"><span class="label">[1236]</span></a> Ut igitur mane videram exeuntem, ita sub noctem audio nuntium, +pugnatum quidem acriter, tamen infeliciter, et Zwinglium nobis +periisse. (Myc. Vit. Zw.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1237_1237" id="Footnote_1237_1237"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1237_1237"><span class="label">[1237]</span></a> Ettlich kamen, hatten nur eine hand. (Libensbeschreibung +Plateri, p. 297.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1238_1238" id="Footnote_1238_1238"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1238_1238"><span class="label">[1238]</span></a> Vivit adhunc, et ternum vivit fortissimus heros. (Leonis Jud +exhort. ad Chr. Sect. Enchiridio Psalm. Zwinglii prmissa.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1239_1239" id="Footnote_1239_1239"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1239_1239"><span class="label">[1239]</span></a> Jungen fasels, young brood. (Bull. Chr. iii. p. 176.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1240_1240" id="Footnote_1240_1240"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1240_1240"><span class="label">[1240]</span></a> Mit einem grossen grusamen geschrey. (Bull. iii. p. 201.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1241_1241" id="Footnote_1241_1241"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1241_1241"><span class="label">[1241]</span></a> Btz, Btz, willt dan nicht kretzen! (Bull. iii. p. 215.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1242_1242" id="Footnote_1242_1242"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1242_1242"><span class="label">[1242]</span></a> Quo se perdo deslar i camino para remediar las quiebras de +nuestra f y ser Va. Md. Senor de Allemana. (Ferdinand to Charles +V. 11th November 1531.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1243_1243" id="Footnote_1243_1243"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1243_1243"><span class="label">[1243]</span></a> Con proposita di rimver Lutheriani dalla loro mala opinione, con +mezzo di alcuni suoi amici e con denari. (Report of Basadonna, +Archbishop of Venice.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1244_1244" id="Footnote_1244_1244"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1244_1244"><span class="label">[1244]</span></a> Ranke, Deutshe Geschichte, iii. p. 867.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1245_1245" id="Footnote_1245_1245"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1245_1245"><span class="label">[1245]</span></a> By ihren wahren ungez wyfflten christenlichen glauben. (Tschudi, +p. 247.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1246_1246" id="Footnote_1246_1246"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1246_1246"><span class="label">[1246]</span></a> By ihren Glauben. (Tschudi, p. 247.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1247_1247" id="Footnote_1247_1247"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1247_1247"><span class="label">[1247]</span></a> Knuwet mencklich wider und bttet. (Bull. iii, p. 253.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1248_1248" id="Footnote_1248_1248"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1248_1248"><span class="label">[1248]</span></a> Und luffend ihnen allen die Angen ber. (Tschudi, p. 245.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1249_1249" id="Footnote_1249_1249"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1249_1249"><span class="label">[1249]</span></a> Es wrdent mss, altr und gtren vieder uff gericht. (Bull. iii.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1250_1250" id="Footnote_1250_1250"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1250_1250"><span class="label">[1250]</span></a> Zwinglium nostrum, quem pro manu altera nunc multo tempore +habui. (Zurich MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1251_1251" id="Footnote_1251_1251"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1251_1251"><span class="label">[1251]</span></a> Ater carbunculus quovis carbunculo in domo Dei splendidiorem +perdidit. (J. J. Hottinger, iii. p. 634.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1252_1252" id="Footnote_1252_1252"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1252_1252"><span class="label">[1252]</span></a> De Joannis Œcolampadis obitu, per Simonem Gryneum. (Epp. +Œcol. et Zwinglii, libri iv.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1253_1253" id="Footnote_1253_1253"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1253_1253"><span class="label">[1253]</span></a> See his Commentaries on Isaiah (1525), 1st chapter; on Ezekiel +(1527); Haggai, Zachariah, Malachi (1527); Daniel (1530); and the +commentaries published after his death, with interpretations on Jeremiah, +Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, and the 1st and +2d chapters of Micah.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1254_1254" id="Footnote_1254_1254"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1254_1254"><span class="label">[1254]</span></a> De cujus morte dolorem concepi......ita ut eorum casus me pene +exanimaverit. (L. Epp. v. p. 112.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1255_1255" id="Footnote_1255_1255"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1255_1255"><span class="label">[1255]</span></a> Ne a quinque pagis aut obtruncarer aut comburerem. (Bull. ad +Myc. November 1531.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1256_1256" id="Footnote_1256_1256"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1256_1256"><span class="label">[1256]</span></a> Haller ad Bulling. 1536.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1257_1257" id="Footnote_1257_1257"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1257_1257"><span class="label">[1257]</span></a> Ich mus bellen. (Bull. iii. p. 321.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1258_1258" id="Footnote_1258_1258"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1258_1258"><span class="label">[1258]</span></a> Gloriantibus adversariis ruinam, nos in cruce gloriemur. (Ad +Œcolamp. 29th November 1531. Zurich MS.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1259_1259" id="Footnote_1259_1259"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1259_1259"><span class="label">[1259]</span></a> Zwingle's <i>Pear Tree</i> having perished, a large rock has been +placed over the spot where this illustrious reformer died; and on it +are engraved suitable inscriptions, different, however, from those in +the text.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1260_1260" id="Footnote_1260_1260"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1260_1260"><span class="label">[1260]</span></a> John Calvin of Noyon.</p></div> + + +<div class="tn"><h3>Transcriber's notes:</h3> +<p>Variations in spelling, punctuation and hyphenation have been retained +except in obvious cases of typographical error.</p> + +<p>Page 26 - The transcriber has changed "nullumpue" to "nullumque".</p> +</div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Great Reformation, +Volume IV, by J. H. 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