Minority and Majority—Joy and Fear—Difference between Henry VIII. and Francis I.—Erasmians and Politicians—The Moderate Evangelicals—Effect of the Placards—The King tries to excuse himself—Protests of the decided Protestants—Opinion of the Swiss—All Hope seems lost—A reforming Pope—Papist Party in France—The Moderate Party—The two Du Bellays—What is expected of Melancthon—Two Obstacles removed—Efforts of the Mediators—What they think of Francis I.—An eloquent Appeal—Importance of France for the Reformation—Melancthon tries to gain the Bishop of Paris—The Bishop delighted—Francis I. to Melancthon—Is he sincere?—Martyrdom of Cornon and Brion—Cardinal Du Bellay departs for Rome—Hope of Reform in Italy—The diplomatic Du Bellay to Melancthon—Two Natures in France—Fresh Entreaties—The King’s Idea—Applies to the Sorbonne—Alarm of the Sorbonne—Trick of Cardinal de Tournon—Is a Mixed Congress possible? [346]
CHAPTER XVII.
WILL THE ATTEMPT TO ESTABLISH UNITY AND TRUTH SUCCEED?
(August to November 1535.)
Individuality and Catholicity—Events in Germany—Importance of the Mission to Germany—Melancthon’s Incertitude—Earnestness of the French Envoy—Opposition of his Family—Melancthon’s Self-examination—Final Assault—Melancthon consents—His Character—He goes to the Elector—Solicits Permission—The Elector refuses—Melancthon’s Sadness—-Luther agrees with him—Intervention with the Elector—Agitation in Germany—Singular Fears of the Germans—The Elector’s Arguments—The Elector prevails—Severe Letter to Melancthon—Melancthon’s Sorrow—Luther’s Apprehensions Keeping aloof from the State—The Elector to the King—Melancthon to Francis I.—He does not relinquish his Design—His Ardor—The King resumes his Project—Opposition of the Catholics—The Elector receives Du Bellay—Du Bellay before the Assembly—His Speech—Intercession in Behalf of the Evangelicals—The Two Parties come to an Understanding—The Papacy—Transubstantiation—The Mass—Images—Free Will—Purgatory—Good Works—Monasteries—Celibacy—The two Kinds—The Sorbonne and Justification—The Reform of Francis I.—Intervention in behalf of the Oppressed—Political Alliance—Francis I. plays two parts—The Communion of Saints [372]
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE GOSPEL IN THE NORTH OF ITALY.
(1519 TO 1536.)
Flames in Italy—The Bookseller of Pavia—The Books of the Reformers—Enthusiasm for Luther—Alarm of the Pope and Cardinals—Venice—Roselli to Melancthon—Many Springs of living Water—Curione—His studies and Spiritual Wants—Reads Luther and Zwingle—Departs for Germany—Is arrested and sent to the Convent of St. Benignus—The Shrine and the Bible—Curione during the Plague—The Preachers of Popery—Attack and Defence—Curione sent to Prison—Chained to the Wall—He recognizes the Room—Seeks a means of Safety—Singular Expedient—His Escape—He teaches at Pavia—Renée of France—Mecænas and Dorcas—Resurrection of Christianity—The Duchess’s Guests [406]
CHAPTER XIX.