[446] The sacramentary truce which was brought about in 1538, with
so much labour, between Lutheranism and the Reformed, was afterwards
broken, notwithstanding the efforts of Bucer, of Melanchthon, and
Calvin. Full of ill-humour against the memory of Zuingli, Luther
allowed no opportunity of invective to pass, in his writings,
against the doctrines of the Swiss Reformer and the Church of
Zurich, which he likened to the _heresies of Munzer and the
Anabaptists_. Desirous of maintaining peace among the Churches, the
ministers of Zurich at first abstained from all reply, in the hope
of soothing him by their silence, and avoiding direct collision with
the vehement spirit of Luther. But Luther having on many occasions
renewed his attacks, they considered it their duty to answer him in
an indirect way by publishing the works of Zuingli, with an apology
for his doctrine prefixed.--See _Hospinian, Historiæ Sacramentariæ_,
Genève, 1681, tom. ii. pp. 318, 322. Ann. 1544.
Renewal of the controversy regarding the Sacraments between the
German and Swiss Churches.
[_10th October 1544._]
What you have been advising of late, I mean, for me to go to
Zurich to admonish the brethren, I do not see what good that
would do. In the first place, I am not aware wherein they have
sinned, seeing that I have never read any either of their letters
or books which have so much enkindled the rage of Luther. Already
I fear the sort of answer they may return. They will not fail to
dwell upon the marvellous patience wherewith they have hitherto
endeavoured to smooth him down. For even Bullinger himself, when he
was complaining to me some months ago, in a letter, about Luther's
unkindness, highly commended his own forbearance and that of his
friends. Besides, if even I should come thither thoroughly well
informed as to all the particulars of the case, and that I should
be able to keep them within bounds, so as not to give rise to any
future controversy, I should still come but little speed in this
business. For at present the danger arises not so much from them
as from Luther. He must be pacified. Will this be screwed out of
the Zurichers, that they be brought meekly to entreat Luther? It
ought to have been looked to long ago that they should not stir
that filthy puddle. But who among ourselves had foresight enough
for that? Let us, therefore, make known our request unto the Lord,
who alone can apply the healing remedy to this disease. It will
certainly occasion a serious and ruinous conflagration, but let us
await the issue.
You will read what I have written to Scriffius; and you will write
to Toussain, unless you judge it advisable rather to send my
letter. Adieu, my brother; may the Lord preserve you. Salute all
friends.--Yours,