[_Lat. orig. autogr._--_Archives of Zurich._ Vol. i. Gest. vi. p. 287.]
[70] Bucer and Capito were at this time engaged in very active
negotiations to bring about a union between the Reformed Churches of
Switzerland and those of Germany. Luther did not oppose himself to
this accommodation, and had written, Dec. 1, 1537, to the Reformed
districts of Switzerland, a letter full of the spirit of tolerance
and conciliation, in which we remark the following passage:--"They
can easily advise with Bucer also and Capito on all these matters,
provided we can lay aside all that is offensive, and in like-minded
agreement give room for the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit,
that we may go forward in pious and brotherly concord. Assuredly,
in so far as we are concerned, and especially as regards myself,
casting aside whatever may be occasion of offence, I shall embrace
you in faith, good will, and with love."--_Hospinian Historia
Saeramentaria_, tom. ii. p. 276. In another letter to Capito of
the same year, 6th Dec. 1537, he thus expresses himself:--"I write
these things that you may know that our heart is upright and sincere
in the hope of agreement; may the Lord himself complete the work.
Amen."--D. M. Luther's _Briefe_, edit. De Wette, tom. v. p. 70.
In a letter to Bullinger, written 4th March 1538, at length he
renders an evidently deep-felt homage to the memory of Zuingli and
Œcolampadius. "I can freely declare that, after having seen and
heard Zuingli at Marbourg, I have considered and esteemed him as a
most excellent man, as also Œcolampadius; so that their calamity
has well-nigh disheartened me," &c. These sentiments of true
generosity seemed almost to open up an era of reconciliation and of
peace between the Churches.