This was doubtless a mere compliment.
~QUESTIONS DISCUSSED.~
Ministers.
'Above all things, let us remember that the doctors of the Word of God ought not to fight like gladiators, and defend all their opinions mordicus (tooth and nail);[668] but rather, imitating St. Augustin in his Retractations, they should be willing to give way a little to one another ... without prejudice to truth.'
Sorbonne.
'Open your eyes, Sire; the Germans desire, in opposition to your catholic intention, that we should give way to them by retrenching certain ceremonies and ordinances which the Church has hitherto observed. They wish to draw us to them, rather than be converted to us.'[669]
Ministers.
'You are mistaken: important concessions have been obtained. The Germans are of opinion that bishops must hold the chief place among the ministers of the Churches, and that a pontiff at Rome should hold the first place among the bishops. But, on the other hand, the pontifical power must have respect for consciences, consult their wants, and be ready to concede to them some relaxation.'[670]
Sorbonne.
'It must not be forgotten that the ecclesiastical hierarchy is of divine institution, and will last until the end of time; that man can neither establish nor destroy it, and that every christian must submit to it.'[671]