[169] This refers, doubtless, to the Edict which was published the following year in France. It contained most rigorous clauses against heretics.
[170] Ulric Chelius, a distinguished physician, the friend of Bucer.
[171] See notes 2, pp. 129, 150. The Protestant princes of Germany, irritated by the persecutions directed against their brethren of the Reformed Churches of France, threatened the rupture of all friendly relations with the reigning sovereign, Francis I.
[172] Sec p. 125, note 2. These deputies had at first been most graciously received by the King of England. They held frequent conferences with his counsellors, at the house of Thomas Cromwell, regarding the object of their mission—the foundation of a defensive alliance between the German princes and the English monarch. Henry appeared favourable to the project. This was, however, but a political ruse; for, after having amused the deputies with fair words and pretended negotiations, he allowed them to depart.—See Seckendorf, lib. iii. sect. 19, parag. 73; and Burnet.
[173] The Act of the Six Articles, called the Bill of Blood, promulgated the 28th April 1539. See Burnet, Hist. Ref. vol. i. pp. 256-260.
[174] William du Bellay, Lord of Langey, and Viceroy of Piedmont, then occupied by Francis I.
[175] Anne de Montmorency. He had been promoted to the office of Constable in 1538, for his able defence of Provence against the Imperialists.
[176] The Memoirs of Du Bellay furnish no information in regard to the discussions which are treated of in the close of this letter, and of which the Waldenses of Piedmont were the subject. William du Bellay was governor of Piedmont, which had recently been subjugated by Francis I., and did honour to himself by the generous protection which he extended to the Waldensian Churches.
[177] This word, as also several others, is effaced in the original.
[178] That meeting took place at Arnstadt, a town of the Thuringi. See Sleidan, lib. xii. p. 347.